OUR “GROUP OF FIVE”
by Arene Koh
ZOOMING IN ON THE TRUTH
By Ng Geok Chye
“Just because we can’t meet doesn’t mean we cannot evangelize.”
The course also stirred interest in other guests to find out more. One guest said he will read his Bible, another asked for help to read the Bible while others asked serious questions during the discussions. Some even committed to join a Bible study group or to keep on meeting regularly as friends.
This comment motivated us to organize the Alpha Course online during circuit breaker 2020. The response was very encouraging. We kicked off on 24 July with 156 participants, of which 59 were guests and attendance held steady throughout. We averaged 130 participants per session, 90 Frankelites and 40 guests.
As this was our first time taking the Alpha Course online, we saw how God provided resources by way of emcees who could hold the attention of participants, a good Zoom coordinator who ensured videos were screened smoothly, deft administrators who organized the breakout discussion groups and Frankelites who volunteered to be discussion group hosts. We even held the signature weekend-away on Zoom.
Many guests shared that they gained a better understanding of the Christian faith. One shared, “I’m glad that I decided to make the commitment to become a Christian and I have not looked back.” In a year of gloom and doom, it was a welcome high point as our church endeavoured to be steadfast in sharing the gospel.
To top it off, one guest who accepted Christ was baptized during Easter service in 2021.
We witnessed blessing upon blessing, during and after the course. During the course, nine prayed to receive Christ, three gave their lives to Christ as our Frankelite hosts followed up with them after the course. Truly, the gospel seed planted will yield its fruit in due time and according to God’s timing.
God has proven again the truth of His Word. “The Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes.” - Psalm 118:23 “But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.” - 2 Corinthians 4:7 Thanks be to God! 19
Five became a figure that took on greater prominence right after we emerged from the circuit breaker.
5. God John 15:5 reminds us that we will bear fruit if we remain in Christ. COVID-19 compelled us to hit pause, slow down, and as a result of it, that which used to take prominence dimmed as God became more pronounced. 2020 saw us yielding to, sometimes struggling with, but always endeavouring to keep steadfast to God. This season tested our walk with Him – and we held close to His Word and promise as we took ourselves, our work and our family through. Hebrews 12:1-2 held close to our hearts and reminded us to run this race that God has marked out for us without allowing weights to hold us down, but to keep fixing our eyes on Jesus.
We witnessed a quick dissipation of regular face-to-face meet-ups with extended family and friends because they had to be limited to a party of five. However, subconsciously, and upon reflection, my wife and I witnessed a re-focus on our “group of five”, comprising: 1. Our work and ministry in our work spheres that we have been called to lead and serve Because of the ongoing crisis, we found more opportunities to pray for and work more closely with our colleagues. We navigated through some challenging terrains to keep students and colleagues safe while we stayed on course.
And so, God’s faithful and unwavering love for us despite our failings saw the bearing of fruits in our work, our home and ourselves. By fixing our eyes on the most important area in this “Group of Five” – God, we found the other four aspects falling into place. As 2021 brings on new areas of growth and its challenges, the race is not over, but our hearts are full of joy and thanksgiving for all that He has done, for He has been, and continues to be, the “strength of (our) hearts and (our) portion forever”.
2. Our helper who has been part of the family for close to 16 years With more time spent at home, we found ourselves engaged in deeper dialogue to find out how she is doing, and kept her family in prayer as they grappled with COVID-19 in her home country. 3. Our children We had more time with our children and understood them and their needs better. There was also convergence towards more give-and-take among them. The youngest picked up painting skills and origami from the elder siblings, while as a family, we ventured into board games at home, and watched several comedy sitcoms as a family that brought much humour and laughter. 4. Ourselves My wife and I maintained the equilibrium we have committed ourselves to. Besides setting aside Friday evenings just to ourselves to unlearn and relearn about each other as we approach twenty years of blessed union, we embarked on a new workout routine daily, continued our fortnightly trips to our favourite market to stock up on fresh produce, and renewed building our home that is centred on God and His purpose for our lives. 20
