A Covenant with Our Eyes
Oji Press Pte Ltd
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent and praiseworthy — think about such things.” (Philippians 4:8, NIV)
The internet has changed our lives rather drastically nowadays. Think about these: privacy is for public display; personal matters are at the mercies of total strangers to view and critique; everybody seems to have a right to vote on anything juicy and controversial; curiosity into the lives of celebrities has generated such followings that it is often in full display of inquisitive viewers, and at the mercies of those who pass and forward to their friends. The list goes on and on. While internet has been a wonderful tool for information and communication, it has also been a platform where human depravity at its worse is in full manifestation. One of the attractions of the internet platform is the anonymity it provides for the users. It provides a space where ideas and opinions of any sort can be expressed without showing a face. It takes away fear of exposure and embarrassment, so it attracts posting with such nature. This platform is worse than rumors. While rumors and gossips generally spread within a community, anything posted on the internet has the potential to be magnified at a global scale.
April 2008
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Christians are not spared from the onslaught of this powerful tool. How do we use this powerful tool responsibly? Paul, in his exhortation to the Philippians, encourages us to live out our Christian lives by setting our minds on things which are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy. Paul employed the indefinite adjective “whatever” to emphasize the breadth of these qualities. Paul’s readers might be facing persecution by
the society around them, and the natural tendency was for them to reject anything outside the church. If that is the case, then Paul was reminding the Philippians that the world may be evil and hostile, but, as that great hymn “This Is My Father’s World” reminds us “Oh, let me never forget that, though the wrong seems oft so strong, God is the ruler yet.” He wants to us search for it wherever it may be. He is asking us to seek truth, kindness and beauty based on God’s unfailing Word. He wants us to fill our minds with such virtues that the internet trash will not taint our hearts. As we are exposed to the vices and virtues of the internet, we need not, neither could we, be cut off from the pervasive nature of this tool, but to get the most out of it, we need to “make a covenant with our eyes.” As the eyes feed the mind, we need to be committed to screen all the information in the internet based on the “good practices” Paul gave us. They are not a list of dos and don’ts, but are value-based guidelines; not judgmental or legalistic, but biblical principles which inject a fresh breeze in a culture overpowered by fleshly desires and indulgences of unprecedented scope and depth. “A covenant with our eyes” is not to blind us; it is to make choices with eyes wide opened, based on God’s truth. Neither is it censorship with no respect or space for creativity and thinking outside the box, but it is creativity and thinking which reflect the glory of God. Make a covenant with your eyes today! In Christ,
Dr Albert Ting, Principal Singapore Bible College
Article
Wise
And Rev Dr Samuel Goh A seven-year-old Australian aboriginal girl was sexually abused. To protect her, she was put under the care of a white family. The foster family treated her well. They ensured that she went to school. Her foster father even took a year off in order to personally supervise her. Nine months later, two social workers came to assess her situation. They convinced the authorities that the girl had to be returned to her own community. Their argument was that to let this indigenous child live with a white family was another stolen generation. The child was moved back to her own community, only to be raped by nine men.1
Otherwise against loving the poor. Neither would Jesus. Nevertheless, he says,“The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me” (Matthew 26:11). In normal circumstances helping the poor is correct, but not at the moment. Jesus is now approaching Calvary. Such a moment calls for preparations for his death, and this is exactly what the woman is doing, as Jesus says, “When she poured this perfume on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial” (Matthew 26:12). When correct thinking (no matter how biblical and noble) is applied in the wrong context, it becomes a bad idea.
>> The Old Testament on Being Wise >> The Other Side of Correct Thinking Australians met the story with outrage, and rightly so. However, we may want to view the issue from the perspective of the social workers. They operated on a value system which demanded that the aboriginal girl be returned to her own community. It would be “politically incorrect” to let her live with the white family as that was tantamount to stealing her from her community. Little did they realize that their “political correctness” would have such a devastating outcome for the girl. If anything, the moral of the story should be this: knowing correct thinking is not enough; one should also know how to apply correct thinking correctly. As the story illustrates, when correct thinking is applied blindly, it will do more harm than good.
According to the Old Testament, one of the goals of wisdom is to know how to apply correct thinking. In fact, this is the biblical definition of being wise. Consider the following wisdom sayings: “Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you will be like him yourself” (Proverbs 26:4) and “Answer a fool according to his folly, or he will be wise in his own eyes” (Proverbs 26:5). Both are wise sayings, but they state the opposite. Which one, then, is correct? Which one to follow? The question here is not whether they are correct (both are correct); rather when they are correct.2 A wise person knows when and in what situation to answer a fool and when not to answer a fool. It is such discernment that distinguishes him from the fool.
>> Jesus: The Ultimate Wise >> Misapplication of Correct Thinking Historically, godly people have been prone to misapplying correct thinking. The book of Job addresses this issue through Job’s conversation with his friends. Job’s friends subscribe to the theology of retribution which says: the godly will be blessed, the wicked will be punished. This is correct thinking. Their application, however, is problematic. When they see Job groaning in pain, they contend that it must be a punishment from God; Job must have sinned (Job 4:7-8; 5:17). Being “theologically correct,” Job’s friends rebuke Job and demand repentance. In reality, this is the very kind of application that the author of Job seeks to critique. He intends to tell the reader that this is a misapplication of the theology of retribution. Job’s suffering has nothing to do with sin, a fact testified even by God (Job 1:8). Our correct thinking, no matter how biblical it is, can be misapplied. When Jesus’ disciples see a woman pouring some expensive perfume on Jesus’ head, they apply their correct thinking this way: “Why this waste? This perfume could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor” (Matthew 26:8). No believer would argue
The New Testament portrays Jesus as the embodiment of such wisdom. This is evident in the portrayal of Jesus’ attitude toward death. Jesus knows that his mission is to die for us. Some people may expect a person like him to be gung-ho about death. However, when Jesus learns that the Jews are waiting to kill him, he avoids them (John 7:1). When his brothers question this move, Jesus explains, “The right time for me has not yet come” (John 7:6). Jesus knows how and when to die, an ability which fits the description of the wise in the Old Testament wisdom books. In fact, Paul describes Jesus as someone “in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Colossians 2:2-3). For Paul, Christ is the ultimate wise, and those who want to be wise should imitate him.
1
“Queensland officials ‘failed to report gang-rape,” Straits Times, December 12, 2007, 21.
2
P. Enns, Inspiration and Incarnation (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2005), 76; cf. J.P. Fokkelman, Reading Biblical Poetry (Louisville / London: Westminster John Knox, 2001), 176.
“Providing Holistic Help
forHurting People”
F
or Such A Time As This
Our world is changing at an unprecedented pace. Industrialisation, globalisation and modern technology, whilst bringing their manifold advantages, have also caused enormous and adverse impact on the personal and social lives of individuals and families. A great area of concern is the decay of moral-spiritual values and the breakdown of marriages and families. Divorce rates have been on the rise annually. It has more than tripled since two decades ago with some 2,608 divorces in 1986 to 7061 in 20061. The effects of divorce (otherwise severe marital strains or dysfunctional parenting) on children/teens are evidenced in the numerous delinquent activities of smoking and drinking, bullying and joining gangs, permissive sexual behaviours, emotional disorders (such as anxiety and depression) and self-destructive behaviours (such as self-mutilation and anorexia). There are many youths-at-risk. Other kinds of social problems are also prevalent in our society. These include gaming and gambling, cyber and sex addiction, drugs and drinking, family violence and abuse. Suicidal cases have increased significantly (almost doubled) since 1996 to the present figure of 419 in 20062. There is also a growing need to care for the disabled, those with learning difficulties as well as for the elderly. In the light of the above, the need to establish a School of Counselling in SBC is both pertinent and urgent. We seek to cater for and cope with the increasing demand for many more people to be trained in this field. Our goal is to educate and equip men and women with the compassion and competence needed to meet the societal needs and problems of our day.
F
or Such A People Like Us
F
or Such A School As Ours
As the struggles and problems listed above continue to increase and spread throughout the region, the need to start a School of Counselling becomes both urgent and pertinent. The school will offer both a Graduate Diploma and a Master of Arts’ degree in counselling3. What are some distinctives of SBC School of Counselling that mark it worthy for your consideration? 1. It is distinctively Christian and value-driven. Though exposed to many theories and techniques of counselling, courses taught will emphasize the application of these within strong biblical and theological principles (frameworks). 2. It is holistic and integrated. Every problem seen and solution sought will be examined from a somato-psycho-spiritual angle (body-soul-spirit perspective). We learn to care for all areas of a person’s life. 3. It is clinically credible and acceptable. Students need to fulfill 120 hours of direct client-contact counselling plus 30 hours of supervision. These more than meet the clinical standards of the accrediting body. 4. It is solid and substantial, yet affordable. The courses will provide you not only with substantial content (balance of biblical and psychological, theoretical and clinical) but also at an affordable cost. 5. It is multi-cultural and context-relevant. We resolve to apply relevantly the sound psychological and scriptural principles to people of diverse cultures in our changing world. 6. It is taught by lecturers who are caring and competent. Besides our full-time lecturers who hold Masters and Doctoral degrees, we have many adjunct and guest lecturers who are eminently qualified both in terms of degrees and clinical experience.
The MA in Pastoral Counselling (MAPC) was started in 2001 for the above purpose. It has since graduated 44 people with another 14 to be graduated in May 2008. It has currently over 40 full-time and part-time students. They come from all over the world, though mainly Asia.
Dr Maureen Niehart, our guest lecturer, Deputy Head of Psychological Studies with NIE. Dr Niehart is also a member of the Advisory Council for the School of Counselling.
First two batches of students and graduates, together with adjunct lecturers.
We are looking for men and women who have a heart for people, who have burden for those in need and are hurting. We are looking for those who sensed a call to minister to such people, who are filled with compassion, and who find that their personality and passion suits a helping profession or ministry.
7. It is personally therapeutic and “environmentally friendly!” It would be difficult to graduate from the course without any deep and significant changes in your life. What more, learning will be fun and friendly! For further information or an application package, please contact the Registrar at reg@sbc.edu.sg or visit our website at www.sbc.edu.sg.
We want to thank the Tan Chin Tan Chin Tuan Tuan Foundation for partnering us Birth Centennial in the setting up of the School of Counselling. The Foundation’s valuable financial contribution will help to kick start the School of Counselling commencing July 2008. T A N C H I N T U A N F O U N DA T I O N
1
Singapore Department of Statistics, Statistics on Marriages & Divorces, 2006.
2
Registry of Births & Deaths, 2006.
3
It is strongly supported and substantially funded by the Tan Chin Tuan Foundation.
Principal’sOffice > INVESTMENT COMMITTEE To maximize returns from the various Trust Funds that SBC has, the Board of Sponsors has set up an Investment Committee comprising Mr Daniel Chan (chairman); Mr Timothy Teo (member) and Mr William Toh (member). The Investment Committee reports to the Finance Committee. These gentlemen bring with them a wealth of investment experience in the financial sector. We thank God that they have agreed to come forward and serve despite their busy schedules. A very warm welcome to Mr Daniel Chan, Mr Timothy Teo and Mr William Toh to the SBC family! Mr Daniel Chan Mr Chan is the CEO and Chief Investment Officer of Lion Capital Management Ltd (“Lion Capital”), one of the largest asset management firms in Singapore and a member of the OCBC group of companies. Prior to joining the Great Eastern Group, he was the Managing Director and Chief Investment Officer of UOB Asset Management Ltd (“UOBAM”) from 1982 to 2004. With more than 28 years of investment experience, Mr Chan is a veteran in the Singapore fund management industry. Mr Chan sits on the board of the Financial Industry Dispute Resolution Centre Ltd in Singapore, and on the Investment Committee of Nanyang Technological University Endowment Fund. He is currently the Treasurer and Finance Chairman of the National Council of Churches in Singapore, Chairman of the Investment Panel of the Methodist Church in Singapore and Chairman of the Investment Committee of the Methodist School Foundation. He previously served as Chairman of the Investment Management Association of Singapore from 2000 to 2004. Mr Chan graduated from the National University of Singapore with a Degree in Business Administration. He worships at Wesley Methodist Church where he is also a member of the Local Church Executive Committee.
Mr Timothy Teo Mr Teo served as Director in charge of foreign exchange, money market, gold and commodities management in Government of Singapore Investment Corp (GIC), from 1998 to 2007. During this period, he was a member of The Singapore Foreign Exchange Market Committee. He served on the board of Singapore Land Authority (Chairman-Investment Committee and Member-Audit Committee) from 2001 to 2006. Prior to this, he was Director of Nuri Holdings (S) Pte Ltd, Singapore as consultant for risk management in Jakarta and Los Angeles from 1994 to 1998. Mr. Teo had worked for JP Morgan for 20 years in various locations in Global Markets at senior management level. Between 1980 and 1993, he was based in Hong Kong, Taipei and New York. Mr Teo is an independent Director of Ultro Technologies Pte. Ltd. A Board member and Treasurer of St Luke’s Hospital, Chairman of the Investment Committee of St Luke’s Hospital. He is the Chairman of Bartley Christian Church Ltd where he worships. Mr. Teo holds a Masters Degree in Business Administration from Macquarie University.
Mr William Toh Mr William Toh is a partner at New Harbour Capital Partners Limited. Mr Toh is a founding director of Moris Rasik, the largest microfinance program in Timor Leste; an independent director of ST Asset Management Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Temasek Holdings, and a member of the Investment Panel of the Methodist Church in Singapore. He has also served as Deputy Executive Director of TOUCH Community Services. His investment experience includes stints at the Government of Singapore Investment Corporation, Lehman Brothers, Asia Life Assurance and the CIMB-GK Group. Mr Toh attended the University of Tasmania, Australia on a Colombo Plan scholarship and graduated with a first class honours degree in Mathematical Economics. He is a member of Barker Road Methodist Church.
CollegeEvents From the desk of the Director of Development During the past twenty months, I have had the opportunity of speaking to many of our supporters either over the telephone or in person, thanking you for your generosity and sacrificial giving to SBC. These are very special moments for me as I am ministered to by the reasons of your giving. I am greatly encouraged and my faith is strengthened in a loving and generous God. Recently, I met an alumna who was a missionary in East Asia for over fifteen years. She visited SBC and I thanked her for her substantial donation to the rebuilding of Block 5 Hall of Residence. She said, “It is not my money, it is God’s money.” This lady believes in her heart that all that she has belongs to a loving Heavenly Father and she is only a steward and needs to exercise good stewardship. She knows what it means to store up treasures in heaven (Matt.6:20). The meeting with her ministered to me greatly. I want to pay a special tribute to one of our SOTC faculty member, Dr Mary Go. She taught in SBC for twenty-four years. During her days in SBC, she published twelve books in the area of Christian education. She extended scholarship and financial assistance to many needy students. She remembered her former students who were serving abroad in various countries; she wrote to encourage them and sent food packages to comfort them when they were homesick. One alumna in Africa shared how much she was comforted when she received a package of dried pork floss from Dr Go in the post. Just the night before, she was dreaming of home and could even smell the fragrance of dried pork floss in her dream! I am greatly touched by Dr Mary Go’s love for SBC. She helped to raise funds for SBC even when her health was deteriorating, and she donated generously to the needs of the college on a regular basis. With her quiet demeanor, she has enriched the SBC community with her dedication to her call as a theological educator, her love for SBC, her care for the children of God, and her faithfulness to her Maker. She knows what it means to be a child of God. She gave and gave of herself, her love and her life to the kingdom of God. Thank you, Dr Go. We are thankful that the Lord is faithful and will continue to rally His people to support the ministry of SBC in training faithful servants of Jesus Christ for the fulfillment of the Great Commission. Thanks be to God! Ian Chng Director of Development
Congratulations Our SOTE lecturer Rev Samuel Goh passed his Ph.D. dissertation oral defense on 14 March, and was conferred his Ph.D. by Queen’s University of Belfast, UK. Congratulations, Dr Goh!
Condolences We extend our deepest sympathy to our Dean of Students, Dr and Mrs Paul Liu, and the family. Mrs Liu's mother passed away on 22 February at Taiwan. We also extend our deepest sympathy to the family of our alumni Orville Lim (SOCM/MCM/1996) and Ngulh Khaw Suan (SOTE/MAIS/2005). Orville was called home with the Lord on 7 March, Khaw Suan was on 3 Feb.
UpcomingEvents
FacultyNews
> School of Church Music
Dr Albert Ting was invited to lead a Leadership Training at an East Asian country on 13 to 18 Mar. He also spoke in the revival meeting at Home of Christ, North California, USA on 20 to 24 Mar. He will speak at church retreats and give leadership training at Auckland and Wellington, New Zealand from 10 to 21 Apr.
A 25th Anniversary Special “Worship Study” Seminar in Congregational Worship, Choral Ministry in Worship, and Leading Choir Devotions
Dr Bernard Low preached in Hebron Bible-Presbyterian (B-P) Church (his home church) on 9 Mar (Chinese Service) and 23 Mar (combined Easter Service). He also did a seminar on 29 Mar for Mount Hermon B-P Church on the subject, “Is the Bible Free from Error?” From 10 to 21 Mar he traveled to Taiwan and Hong Kong to touch base with several seminaries to learn from their success and expertise in providing lay and continuing theological education. On 13 Apr, Dr Low will preach in Hebron again and also in the First Evangelical Reformed Church. On 20 and 27 Apr, he will continue his series on the Book of Revelation for the Adult Bible Class of Hebron. On 19th Feb, Dr Low also gave a talk on “Homosexual Hermeneutics” at our School of Theology, English (SOTE) chapel to students and alumni.
Speaker: Dr Terry York Associate Professor of Christian Ministry and Church Music at George W. Truett Theological Seminary and Baylor University Date : 12-16 May, 2008 (Monday—Friday) Time : 10.00am—1.00pm Venue : Singapore Bible College Lecture Theatre For Enquiry, please contact: SBC School of Church Music Tel: 6559 1520 Fax: 6559 1550 Email: music@sbc.edu.sg Website: www.sbc.edu.sg Misa Tango Singapore Bible College Chorale will collaborate with other choirs and Singapore Symphony Orchestra in presenting ‘Misa Tango’ by Luis Bacalov to be conducted by Mr Lim Yau in Esplanade Concert Hall. Date: 9 May, 2008 (Friday, 7.30pm) Please visit www.sistic.com.sg for more information or booking.
> Forthcoming DMin Module
Dr Florence Tan spoke to Sunday school teachers of Happy Church in Busan and 700 Engineering students at Mokwon University, Daejon, South Korea in March while visiting alumni. She also spoke on “Understanding Singles” at the People’s Bible Church on 30 Mar. In June, she will teach Introduction to Missions to MDiv students in Kathmandu, Nepal. Dr Violet James taught on “What and Why of Denominations” at Filippino Fellowship, Yio Chu Kang Chapel on 2 Mar. On 6, 13, and 20 Apr, she will preach at City Gate Church on the book of Philippians. On 20 Apr, she will also teach at Mount Hermon B-P Church on “Cult Mind Control.” Dr Calvin Chong was a participant in the annual Asia Theological Association board meeting held at the Garden Hotel from 14-15 February 2008. Dr Chong also arranged for Dr David Parker, Executive Director of World Evangelical Alliance's Theological Commission and editor of the Evangelical Review of Theology to address local theological educators and theologians on the topic "Global Theological Trends And Current Issues Facing the Church in Singapore and S.E. Asia." The meeting was held at SBC on 18 February 2008. A total of 32 participants from 6 different theological schools and mission organizations were present.
Date:10-13 June 2008 Topic: Elders and Leaders Lecturer: Dr Gene Getz
ኄ ̋ ӡ ̋ ࡓ ඌ ˊ Ч ᇪ
GRADUATION CEREMONY
Invitation The Board of Directors, Principal, Faculty, Staff and Graduating Class of Singapore Bible College cordially invite you to The 55th Graduation Ceremony At Nanyang Auditorium Nanyang Technological University On Sunday, 11th May 2008 at 4.00 p.m. (Please be seated by 3.50 p.m.) Speaker: The Right Reverend Albert Vun Cheong Fui Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Sabah
Theme: Privileged to Serve
Dr Clive Chin gave lectures on “Postmodernism and the Emerging Church” at our SOTE chapels to students and alumni on 22 and 29 Jan. He also preached on 28 Feb at Grace Church (SCC) on the occasion of the 28th anniversary of their English congregation. Dr Danny Goh was invited to be the camp and conference speaker at Davao Evangelical Church in the Philippines during the Easter Weekend on 19 to 23 Mar. He delivered the Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter messages as well as messages for the camp theme, entitled 3G: “3 Generations Grounded in Truth, Growing in God and Glued in Love.” From 14 to 16 Apr, he will also speak of the Christian Counselling conference in Jakarta. His messages focus on the Theological Foundations and the Praxis of Building Strong Families in the Asian Context. Dr Rick Griffith attended the WorldVenture world-wide missionary conference in Chang Mai, Thailand from 2 to 7 Mar. Also from 11 to 17 Mar, he was a plenary speaker teaching Expository Preaching at Southeast Asia Bible Seminary Pastor’s Conference in Malang, Indonesia (called SAAT in Bahasa, for Seminari Alkitab Asia Teggara). Team-teaching with him was Dr Stan Ponz, senior pastor of International Baptist Church, Honolulu, USA.
FinancialReport Income and Expenditure Statement for the period from 01/07/2007 to 31/01/2008
Property, Plant, and Equipment Fund
General Fund
S$ Income (01/07/2007 --- 31/01/2008) Expenditure (01/07/2007 --- 31/01/2008) Surplus / (Deficit) Accumulated surplus as at 01/07/2007 Balance as at 31/01/2008
2,093,559 2,158,290 (64,731) 144,519 79,788
(Previously know as Building Fund)
Balance b/f as at 01/07/2007 Donations received (01/07/2007 --- 31/01/2008) Add: Surplus from 55th Anniversary Fundraising Music Concert Less Purchase of Equipment (01/07/2007 --- 31/01/2008) Work in progress for Nehemiah Project: Blk 5 Balance as at 31/01/2008
* This comprises Blk 5 Re-building Fund (S$2,905,430), IT Upgrading Fund (S$103,671), & others (S$910,448).
S$ 3,045,694 2,199,272 74,163 5,319,129 (160,377) (1,239,202) *3,919,550
Prayer before lesson
Library time
The
50th Anniversary of
1st SOTE classe s held in Dr Pa ulson's rented house
School Of Theology, English
While teaching through interpretation, from English to Chinese, Rev E.N. Poulson dreamed of one day providing training for those who were educated in English. 1958 was the year! The Principal, Rev Moses Yu, encouraged Rev Poulson to formally begin the English Dept of Singapore Bible College. As there was no space for additional classes in the College, the ground floor of his home was converted to classrooms and chapel. Students enrolled. Concerned and experienced faculty volunteered their services. Every morning the students were grilled with the rudiments of Bible and theology. Lunch was cooked by Mrs Poulson. Because most of the students did not receive support from their
SOTE faculty lunch
churches, the afternoons were reserved for their respective jobs. Nights were devoted to study. The early philosophy of the school was (1) to establish a Bible-based pattern of spiritual discipline that the student could build on for years to come; and (2) to equip each student to use his or her talents and spiritual gifts for the growth of the churches and outreach to the world. We thank the Lord for sustaining us these 50 years, and enabling us to train close to 1,000 alumni as pastors, missionaries and church workers. Also, our evening school programme has touched thousands of lives these years.
E 1st SO T
Pray with us for the continuing ministry of training.
om
classro
1st SOTE gradua
nds, 1962
SOTE students, early 60's
1 Parenting
23-24 May, 2008
Synopsis: “How can I be a better parent?” As a parent who loves the Lord and your children, you may have asked such a question… Whether you have children or teens, you ask the same question, "How can I be a better parent to guide my children to love the Lord, and follow His path?” This seminar is for you...the parents who recognize they need help! Come and explore parenting in a changing society, in light of unchanging principles straight from our Father's own words.
In conjun c
Our Speaker: Rev. Dr. Michael S. Lawson is senior professor and chairman of the Christian Education Department, Dallas Theological Seminary. Besides 17 years as Pastor of Christian Education, more than 22 years of international ministries in both North & South America, Europe, Middle East, and Asia, Dr. Lawson has contributed to the field of Christian education through books and articles. But he is most excited about his latest book, a theology for children, entitled "Grandpa Mike talks about God.”
fit. e n e b r u o tion with th is celebration, we have planned a series of events for y 24 November - 7 December, 2008 July 11, 12 & 14, 2008
COUNSELLING 2 MARRIAGE Helping Couples in Times of Trouble
3 Thanksgiving Dinner
Guiding troubled couples is so difficult because divorce is becoming so easy. If not divorce, there are always alternative attractions and escape routes that can similarly lead couples to an irretrievable breakdown or else live separate lives. In this training course for pastors and leaders with the responsibility or “burden” for married couples, Drs Ben Lim (Associate Professor of Marriage & Family Therapy in Bethel Seminary, San Diego) and Danny Goh (Associate Dean of SOTE and the coordinator of the MA in Pastoral Counselling Programme) will teach biblical and sociological frameworks as well as practical skills to help assist couples over common rough spots and through serious problems in a manner that is compassionate and effective, yet within a realistic time frame.
Cheque Donation (in ringgit) – please make cheque payable to Wong Ai Kiu, Tee Meng Heng, Foo Swee Sang and mail it to our college. Bank Draft Donation (in S$) – please make draft payable to Singapore Bible College and mail it to our address. Cash Donation – please deposit the cash into our Public Bank Berhad account no. 498-58-18-127 and send us the deposit slip together with your name and address.
Meritus Mandarin, Orchard Road. 2-4 October, 2008
Pluralism and Christian Mission." Speaker: Harold A. Netland (Ph.D., Claremont Graduate School) is professor of philosophy of religion and intercultural studies at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, IL. He was born and raised in Japan and later spent nine years there as a missionary with the Evangelical Free Church of America.
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Donors in USA Check Donation – please make check payable to SBC North America Fellowship and indicate “For Singapore Bible College” on the check. Mail your check to: Singapore Bible College, North America Fellowship, 4732 EI Rancho Verde Drive, La Palma, CA 90623, USA
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This tour, which is opened to both the SBC community and also other interested Christians, will bring us to biblical sites in Jordan, Israel and Egypt. The estimated cost is S$3,900. Mandarin-speaking Christians may also join this tour and they will be led by Rev. Dr. Michael Phua. For more information, please visit our SBC website or email Dr. Low at bernard@sbc.edu.sg
4 Theological Forum "Globalization, Religious
Donors in Hong Kong Cheque Donation – please make cheque payable to Singapore Bible College – Hong Kong Alumni Association Ltd, and indicate “ For Singapore Bible College” on the cheque. Mail your cheque to 1-2/F, Fortune Garden, 15 Wing Ting Road, Ngau Chi Wan, Kowloon, Hong Kong.
>> Donors in Malaysia
Led by: Rev. Dr. Bernard Low, Systematic Theology, SOTE and Rev. Dr. Michael Phua, Old Testament, SOTC
7:30 – 10p.m.
>> >> Donors in Singapore Cheque Donation – please make cheque payable to Singapore Bible College. Cash Donation – please deposit the cash into our UOB account no. 126-300-592-4 and send us the deposit slip together with your name and address.
5 Bible Land Study Tour
29 September, 2008
Donors in Canada Check Donation – please make check payable to Partners International and indicate “For Singapore Bible College” on the check. Mail your check to: Partners International, 8500 Torbram Road, Unit 56, Brampton, Ontario L6T 5C6, Canada
WATCH OUT FOR MORE DETAILS! For more information, contact: 6559-1516 Or visit SBC website: www.sbc.edu.sg
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Donors in Other Countries Bank Draft Donation (in S$/US$) – please make draft payable to Singapore Bible College and mail to: Singapore Bible College 9-15 Adam Road Singapore 289886
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Telegraphic transfer to: United Overseas Bank Ltd, Bukit Timah Branch, 587 Bukit Timah Road, #02-16 Coronation Shopping Plaza, Singapore 269707. Bank Code 7375, Branch Code 026 A/C no. 126-300-592-4. Swift code: uovbsgsg. Tax-deductible receipts will be issued to donors in USA and Canada.
> Church Music Festival Report
OperationsDepartmentReport > Staff Movements During the month of January 2008, we bade farewell to our Mailing System Assistant, Joyce Goh, who has served the SBC community faithfully for two years and we wish her well as she embarks on her new ministry. At the same time, we extend a very warm welcome to her successor, Lydia Tsai, as well as Aw Sock Kwan, our e-Learning Coordinator in the Aw Sock Kwan Lydia Tsai School of Theology (Chinese). Both of them joined us during the months of January and February 2008 respectively. Lydia worships at Bethesda (Bedok-Tampines) Church while Sock Kwan worships at St. Andrew’s Cathedral Mandarin Congregation.
The Church Music Festival 2008 held on Jan 29 – Feb 2 was attended by approximately 130 participants and SOCM alumni from various countries. The main speakers are Philip Chen (Hong Kong Baptist Theological Seminary), Joel Navarro (Calvin College, Michigan), and Glenn Stallsmith (Wycliffe Bible Translators, Philippines). Participants composed Asian songs, planned and led Asian worship service, read many Asian and global congregational and choral resources, and gained a better perspective of and learned skills to provide a more contextualized worship and music for Asian churches. The Festival culminated with the SOCM 25th Anniversary concert by the SBC Chorale and Hallelujah Singers under the leadership of Lee Chong Min. Below are some comments:
> Block 5 Hall of Residence Project We thank God for the smooth and hitherto incident-free progress of the building project. By the end of February 2008, we have finished casting the structural works for the attic level. Various architectural, mechanical and electrical works are in progress according to schedule. We are also in the process of finalizing the interior décor and selecting a contractor for the interior finishes. Please pray that we will be able to complete the building and obtain a Temporary Occupation Licence (TOL) by June this year so that it can be ready for the new student intake in July.
Dr Philip Chen
It was a pleasure to challenge the participants about contextual approaches to the Gospel, especially that music is not a universal language and it does not carry associative meanings from one culture to another. The participants were quite talented and innovative; they showed great ability and imagination when designing and leading the Asian worship service. It is remarkable how the School of Church Music still connects with its alumni, many of whom traveled great distances to attend the church music festival. God is doing and will continue to do great things through the students at SBC. (Glenn Stallsmith, speaker).
Dr Joel Navarro
Mr Glenn Stallsmith
Church Music Festival 2008 was very special indeed. Glenn Stallsmith reminded us how we deal with Asian music and the basic principles in choosing our own church music according to our own culture. He promoted local composition which will speak better to the heart of the congregation. Philip Chen gave us a broad overview of church music development to help us deal with our problem: too much western music and culture! Joel Navarro reminds us how graceful and beautiful our Asian culture is and how, through our own music style and approach, we can worship God even better. This festival opens the door for the development of Southeast Asian church music at a different level, through the collaboration of School of Church Music, professors, and Music and Worship pastors. It was so enriching, encouraging, and it was so "us"! (Alvin Jeremiah, SOCM alumnus)
Needed: Flats for Rent The College is looking to rent 3 or 4-room HDB flats to house new student families for the academic year starting July 2008. We hope to be able to start the rental in July for a period of one to two years. Please call us if you have any unit available, and could avail it to us to help us train students from neighboring countries. Please contact Rita, secretary to the Dean of Students, at Tel: 6559 1558 or e-mail: deanstu@sbc.edu.sg. Thank you.
᠉Ҭઑշ ᠉ Ҭ ஆ ஃ ઑ շ (01/07/2007 ᒰ 31/01/2008) ࠀڍᠫ̗۳
ፃᠠ S$ ஆК (01/07/2007 --- 31/01/2008) ஃѣ (01/07/2007 --- 31/01/2008) ᄝ ˀ
ግሥᄝҒ 01/07/2007 ᄝᒰ 31/01/2008
2,093,559 2,158,290 (64,731) 144,519 79,788
ἷҒՐ˞थና۳Ἰ
Ғ 01/07/2007 ግሥஆК (01/07/2007 --- 31/01/2008) ҫὉथಣ ևࣲኢ൜ᮃ˭͘ᄝ ѓὉ ٨ె᠔˼ (01/07/2007 --- 31/01/2008)
S$ 3,045,694 2,199,272 74,163 5,319,129 (160,377)
ᤉᛡ˗ᄊࡉ࣏ዛࢺሮኄ̋ऐಣᒼ
(1,239,202)
ᮩᒰ 31/01/2008
*3,919,550
ӊኄ̋ऐಣᒼ᧘थ۳ (S$2,905,430) ἻᠫሙଢӤ۳ (S$103,672) ԣХ̵ (S$910,448) Ǎ