CONNECT Issue 08 (Jan 2012)

“What comes to our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.”

A. W. Tozer

W I T H

G O D

W I T H

O N E

A N O T H E R

The Newsletter of Covenant Evangelical Free Church JANUARY 2012 ISSUE NUMBER 8

“ ‘Scuse Me! Have You Been On The ChristMRT Ride?”

MICA 214/07/2010

Elder Tan Lian Seng shares about his life

Ruth Fong Li Ling found herself on the ride of her life as she attended the ChristMRT RIDE musical. Her greatest joy? Seeing her parents receive Christ!

10

page

Contents christmas 2011

“‘Scuse Me! Have You Been On The ChristMRT Ride?”

1

Giving Honour Where Honour Is Due 4 “Whose Shoes Are You Filling?”

6

Early Rains Of Revival

7

M.A.D – Making A Difference

9

Close Up

The ChristMRT Ride— all aboard!

A Life Pledged To God

10

RECENT & upcoming events

12

God At Work

The Power Of Prayer

12

1 • CONNECT JANUARY 2012

Christmas 2011

RIGHT Prof Freddy Boey giving the message OPPOSITE PAGE CLOCKWISE FROM TOP Volunteers serving cheerfully; Adelene Wee— our host; actors hamming it up; a song and dance

I

“

’m finding it hard to get off this MRT ride. The ChristMRT Ride, that is. The cast’s rendition of Money, Money, Money, Dancing Queen and Don’t Stop Believing have their way of sneakily popping up in my head!”

Over the course of the Christmas weekend (22–24 December), the cast and crew of The ChristMRT Ride staged four runs of Covenant EFC’s latest home-grown musical. Laughter filled the halls as the actors sang, danced and dazzled 4,100 people, among whom 1,850 were guests.

The number of guests who attended the musical is our highest to date.

Outreach Pillar Pastor, Edmund Wong, observed that our productions during harvest seasons (Easter and Christmas) are having greater impact on our guests as they keep getting bigger and better.

“Bigger in terms of the masses of guests who attend it, which is a testament to Covenanters developing higher Invitational Quotients (IQ). And better in terms of the quality of it—all our guests,

CONNECT JANUARY 2012 • 2

without exception, have commented on how funny and entertaining it was.”

The ChristMRT Ride features the journey of Uncle Wong, Queenie and Raja on—where else?—the MRT. As instructed by an angel, who claimed that on it, they would find answers to their questions on the meaning, direction and purpose in life. Along the way they visit episodes from their past, and find out the truth about the people dear to them. It’s a journey of self-discovery and revelation, and at the end of it they come to a point of reckoning.

Travelling with the unlikely trio, the audience’s eyes were opened to what could possibly be their own realities.

Money woes in an unstable financial climate, true love that never seems to knock at our doors, past failures that haunt us endlessly, broken relationships, a gambling addiction—issues we face in this age that are real and stark, lurking under the comedy.

It is amazing that this story, conceived months before December, would run into the first MRT saga our nation encountered since the train system’s first operations more than 20 years ago.

Danesh Daryanani, playwright for The ChristMRT Ride, shares, “God’s hand was in this right at the beginning. Not in my

“

For all the favour God bestowed on us, I can confidently say: “God showed up on this ChristMRT ride!”

wildest imagination would I have known that the MRT would be such a topical issue. The MRT was in the headlines for the two weeks leading up to The ChristMRT Ride production. It seemed like we turned it around in two weeks based on current affairs!” Credit goes to the cast too, Danesh says, as they did a great job delivering lines that made reference to the current going-ons.

Indeed, there are no coincidences with God. As Danesh and other members of the cast poured their efforts to make the script as relevant and comical to the local audience, God was clearly the one who directed them to a story that would eventually connect with the audience’s hearts. Guest Joel Ee, who attended the Christmas Eve matinee at the Woodlands Centre, reveals what he identified with—the issue of being at the crossroads in life and having a future

that is not certain and cast in stone.

After being entertained by the cast, the audience was treated to Professor Freddy Boey’s message of Christmas— the surprise of Emmanuel, God with us, the reason that we can be changed on our lives’ journeys. Amidst the telling of jokes, stories and personal experiences, Prof Boey brought home the gospel message in a relevant, eloquent and authentic way. Even I felt like receiving Christ all over again!

But The ChristMRT Ride was not brought to us solely by the cast, crew and guest speaker. The entire ChristMRT experience was made complete by the tireless dedication of the lay leaders and volunteers who contributed to the preand post-musical activities. I remember seeing the same faces serving joyfully at both the Bukit Panjang and Woodlands Centres, making sure everything was in place so that guests felt welcomed

and looked after. Pastor Edmund Wong exclaims of the lay team and volunteers, “This is the first time that the planning team comprised lay leaders, and I am so proud to see them in action. They came with a heart to serve and gave their 110%, though each of them already had a full plate of things in life to deal with. Watching the volunteers partner them completed the icing on the cake.

They are the reason behind why major events in Covenant have developed a notable reputation and become such a blessing. True to Covenant’s ethos, they demonstrated once more that the spirit of volunteerism as evident at the IDMC Conference was not a fluke.”

I am delighted to report that through the joint efforts of everyone involved, God moved the hearts of 122 people to pray to receive Christ, 175 to rededicate their

lives to Him and 56 to indicate their interest to learn more about Him! What delights me even more is that my own parents were amongst those who received Christ!

After the first run of The ChristMRT Ride at the Bukit Panjang Centre, I overheard someone declare, “World-class! Better than those shown at the Esplanade!” I don’t suppose the cast and crew dare proclaim that of themselves, but for all the favour God bestowed on us, I can confidently say: “God showed up on this ChristMRT ride!”

“Find the door of your heart, you will discover it is the door of the Kingdom of God.” John Chrysostom

3 • CONNECT JANUARY 2012

Christmas 2011

RIGHT Prof Freddy Boey giving the message OPPOSITE PAGE CLOCKWISE FROM TOP Volunteers serving cheerfully; Adelene Wee— our host; actors hamming it up; a song and dance

I

“

’m finding it hard to get off this MRT ride. The ChristMRT Ride, that is. The cast’s rendition of Money, Money, Money, Dancing Queen and Don’t Stop Believing have their way of sneakily popping up in my head!”

Over the course of the Christmas weekend (22–24 December), the cast and crew of The ChristMRT Ride staged four runs of Covenant EFC’s latest home-grown musical. Laughter filled the halls as the actors sang, danced and dazzled 4,100 people, among whom 1,850 were guests.

The number of guests who attended the musical is our highest to date.

Outreach Pillar Pastor, Edmund Wong, observed that our productions during harvest seasons (Easter and Christmas) are having greater impact on our guests as they keep getting bigger and better.

“Bigger in terms of the masses of guests who attend it, which is a testament to Covenanters developing higher Invitational Quotients (IQ). And better in terms of the quality of it—all our guests,

CONNECT JANUARY 2012 • 2

without exception, have commented on how funny and entertaining it was.”

The ChristMRT Ride features the journey of Uncle Wong, Queenie and Raja on—where else?—the MRT. As instructed by an angel, who claimed that on it, they would find answers to their questions on the meaning, direction and purpose in life. Along the way they visit episodes from their past, and find out the truth about the people dear to them. It’s a journey of self-discovery and revelation, and at the end of it they come to a point of reckoning.

Travelling with the unlikely trio, the audience’s eyes were opened to what could possibly be their own realities.

Money woes in an unstable financial climate, true love that never seems to knock at our doors, past failures that haunt us endlessly, broken relationships, a gambling addiction—issues we face in this age that are real and stark, lurking under the comedy.

It is amazing that this story, conceived months before December, would run into the first MRT saga our nation encountered since the train system’s first operations more than 20 years ago.

Danesh Daryanani, playwright for The ChristMRT Ride, shares, “God’s hand was in this right at the beginning. Not in my

“

For all the favour God bestowed on us, I can confidently say: “God showed up on this ChristMRT ride!”

wildest imagination would I have known that the MRT would be such a topical issue. The MRT was in the headlines for the two weeks leading up to The ChristMRT Ride production. It seemed like we turned it around in two weeks based on current affairs!” Credit goes to the cast too, Danesh says, as they did a great job delivering lines that made reference to the current going-ons.

Indeed, there are no coincidences with God. As Danesh and other members of the cast poured their efforts to make the script as relevant and comical to the local audience, God was clearly the one who directed them to a story that would eventually connect with the audience’s hearts. Guest Joel Ee, who attended the Christmas Eve matinee at the Woodlands Centre, reveals what he identified with—the issue of being at the crossroads in life and having a future

that is not certain and cast in stone.

After being entertained by the cast, the audience was treated to Professor Freddy Boey’s message of Christmas— the surprise of Emmanuel, God with us, the reason that we can be changed on our lives’ journeys. Amidst the telling of jokes, stories and personal experiences, Prof Boey brought home the gospel message in a relevant, eloquent and authentic way. Even I felt like receiving Christ all over again!

But The ChristMRT Ride was not brought to us solely by the cast, crew and guest speaker. The entire ChristMRT experience was made complete by the tireless dedication of the lay leaders and volunteers who contributed to the preand post-musical activities. I remember seeing the same faces serving joyfully at both the Bukit Panjang and Woodlands Centres, making sure everything was in place so that guests felt welcomed

and looked after. Pastor Edmund Wong exclaims of the lay team and volunteers, “This is the first time that the planning team comprised lay leaders, and I am so proud to see them in action. They came with a heart to serve and gave their 110%, though each of them already had a full plate of things in life to deal with. Watching the volunteers partner them completed the icing on the cake.

They are the reason behind why major events in Covenant have developed a notable reputation and become such a blessing. True to Covenant’s ethos, they demonstrated once more that the spirit of volunteerism as evident at the IDMC Conference was not a fluke.”

I am delighted to report that through the joint efforts of everyone involved, God moved the hearts of 122 people to pray to receive Christ, 175 to rededicate their

lives to Him and 56 to indicate their interest to learn more about Him! What delights me even more is that my own parents were amongst those who received Christ!

After the first run of The ChristMRT Ride at the Bukit Panjang Centre, I overheard someone declare, “World-class! Better than those shown at the Esplanade!” I don’t suppose the cast and crew dare proclaim that of themselves, but for all the favour God bestowed on us, I can confidently say: “God showed up on this ChristMRT ride!”

“Find the door of your heart, you will discover it is the door of the Kingdom of God.” John Chrysostom

3 • CONNECT JANUARY 2012

Celebrating 25 Years of Leadership

25 years of leadership and shared ministry

Giving Honour Where Honour Is Due Fake facial hair was the hottest fashion accessory at Orchard Hotel on 2 January 2012. At the celebratory dinner honouring Rev Edmund Chan’s and his partner-in-ministry, Ps Ann Chan’s 25 years of leadership in Covenant, Sandra Chi was there to join in the fun and heartfelt tributes.

N

“

o person was ever honoured for what he received. Honour has been the reward for what he gave.” (Calvin Coolidge, 30th President of the United States) It was a night filled with fun and laughter but also touching and sincere tributes to a man of God whom the term “a mentor to pastors” seems to have been coined for.

Five hundred people, comprising Ps Edmund’s family, city leaders, friends and mentorees from around the world and of course, members from the Covenant family, came to celebrate this occasion at Orchard Hotel.

After Rev Tony Yeo’s opening prayer, the celebration was divided into three meaningful segments, based on Ps

CONNECT JANUARY 2012 • 4

Edmund’s mentoring with different spheres of people from his early years till present day. Slapping on fake moustaches and alluding to a headfull of hair, or lack thereof, the present Senior Pastors’ Office (SPO) team kicked off with a funny yet authentic segment on how Ps Edmund has impacted, and also pushed them to grow, in their individual leadership. This was followed by Elder Lim Hua Min, one of our founding elders, who shared insights into Ps Edmund’s initial call into the pastoral ministry. Ps Edmund’s leadership thinking, which focuses on being principle- and value-centred, was apparent right from the beginning.

The next highlight was to hear a tribute from Ps Philip Lyn. Drolly terming himself a ‘toilet-mentoree’, Ps Philip

proceeded to explain that Ps Edmund had only agreed to his request of mentoring after a detour to the rest room to pray about the decision. Also belonging to that unique category of ‘toilet-mentoree’ was Ps Chew Weng Chee. The tribute by Ps Philip littered with similar puns had the ballroom flushed with laughter. Amidst the comfortable humour was a real sense of the depth in which Ps Edmund’s life and wisdom had influenced these men to grow deeper and to grow larger in their common disciple-making vision.

Up next was a rowdy mob of Ps Edmund ‘wannabes’. Led by the alwaysirrepressible Ps Matthew Lo, they joked, impersonated and acted their way through an “Edmund Chan Wannabe Reality TV Show” with the requisite fake moustaches in place. Although some found it hard to breathe with the synthetic hair tickling their noses, they valiantly beat-boxed and danced through a hilarious tribute rap. This mentoring group, a mix of pastors and leaders from Covenant and different churches, with the rapport, youth and vibrancy of the next generation, was hard to miss and added a high-energy note to the evening It is impossible to honour Ps Edmund without mention of his faithful partner-inministry, Ps Ann. Her mentoring group of female pastors and leaders from various Singapore churches paid a witty but lovely tribute to Ps Ann, affirming her leadership and her influence in their lives.

It was clear that Ps Ann had impacted them deeply in all arenas, from inner-life and marriage-life to leadership-life.

Towards the end when Ps Edmund finally spoke, in typically humble fashion, he honoured those who had been serving in full-time ministry for more than 25 years. In his gentle yet powerful way, Ps Edmund distilled for us the essence of

Ps Kay Kiong and Ps Tony presenting commemorative gifts to Ps Edmund & Ps Ann

Youth leading in bilingual worship at the Family Missions Evening

Ps Edmund and Ps Ann with their two lovely girls, Amanda and Belicia

“

In his gentle yet powerful way, Ps Edmund distilled for us the essence of the evening as we focused our eyes back upon God and His kingdom purposes.”

“The Edmund Cha n Wannabe Reality TV Show!”

the evening as we focused our eyes back upon God and His kingdom purposes.

Though the short time of celebration had been filled with tributes, speeches and commemorative gifts to honour Ps Edmund, yet it felt like we had barely scraped the surface where uncovering the impact of this servant of God was concerned. Ps Edmund has had a tremendous 25 years of ministry, and at the end of the dinner, we did the best thing we could do for him—we prayed.

May God continue to use this humble servant-leader for His kingdom and may we keep praying for him in his new role as Covenant’s Leadership Mentor!

5 • CONNECT JANUARY 2012

Celebrating 25 Years of Leadership

25 years of leadership and shared ministry

Giving Honour Where Honour Is Due Fake facial hair was the hottest fashion accessory at Orchard Hotel on 2 January 2012. At the celebratory dinner honouring Rev Edmund Chan’s and his partner-in-ministry, Ps Ann Chan’s 25 years of leadership in Covenant, Sandra Chi was there to join in the fun and heartfelt tributes.

N

“

o person was ever honoured for what he received. Honour has been the reward for what he gave.” (Calvin Coolidge, 30th President of the United States) It was a night filled with fun and laughter but also touching and sincere tributes to a man of God whom the term “a mentor to pastors” seems to have been coined for.

Five hundred people, comprising Ps Edmund’s family, city leaders, friends and mentorees from around the world and of course, members from the Covenant family, came to celebrate this occasion at Orchard Hotel.

After Rev Tony Yeo’s opening prayer, the celebration was divided into three meaningful segments, based on Ps

CONNECT JANUARY 2012 • 4

Edmund’s mentoring with different spheres of people from his early years till present day. Slapping on fake moustaches and alluding to a headfull of hair, or lack thereof, the present Senior Pastors’ Office (SPO) team kicked off with a funny yet authentic segment on how Ps Edmund has impacted, and also pushed them to grow, in their individual leadership. This was followed by Elder Lim Hua Min, one of our founding elders, who shared insights into Ps Edmund’s initial call into the pastoral ministry. Ps Edmund’s leadership thinking, which focuses on being principle- and value-centred, was apparent right from the beginning.

The next highlight was to hear a tribute from Ps Philip Lyn. Drolly terming himself a ‘toilet-mentoree’, Ps Philip

proceeded to explain that Ps Edmund had only agreed to his request of mentoring after a detour to the rest room to pray about the decision. Also belonging to that unique category of ‘toilet-mentoree’ was Ps Chew Weng Chee. The tribute by Ps Philip littered with similar puns had the ballroom flushed with laughter. Amidst the comfortable humour was a real sense of the depth in which Ps Edmund’s life and wisdom had influenced these men to grow deeper and to grow larger in their common disciple-making vision.

Up next was a rowdy mob of Ps Edmund ‘wannabes’. Led by the alwaysirrepressible Ps Matthew Lo, they joked, impersonated and acted their way through an “Edmund Chan Wannabe Reality TV Show” with the requisite fake moustaches in place. Although some found it hard to breathe with the synthetic hair tickling their noses, they valiantly beat-boxed and danced through a hilarious tribute rap. This mentoring group, a mix of pastors and leaders from Covenant and different churches, with the rapport, youth and vibrancy of the next generation, was hard to miss and added a high-energy note to the evening It is impossible to honour Ps Edmund without mention of his faithful partner-inministry, Ps Ann. Her mentoring group of female pastors and leaders from various Singapore churches paid a witty but lovely tribute to Ps Ann, affirming her leadership and her influence in their lives.

It was clear that Ps Ann had impacted them deeply in all arenas, from inner-life and marriage-life to leadership-life.

Towards the end when Ps Edmund finally spoke, in typically humble fashion, he honoured those who had been serving in full-time ministry for more than 25 years. In his gentle yet powerful way, Ps Edmund distilled for us the essence of

Ps Kay Kiong and Ps Tony presenting commemorative gifts to Ps Edmund & Ps Ann

Youth leading in bilingual worship at the Family Missions Evening

Ps Edmund and Ps Ann with their two lovely girls, Amanda and Belicia

“

In his gentle yet powerful way, Ps Edmund distilled for us the essence of the evening as we focused our eyes back upon God and His kingdom purposes.”

“The Edmund Cha n Wannabe Reality TV Show!”

the evening as we focused our eyes back upon God and His kingdom purposes.

Though the short time of celebration had been filled with tributes, speeches and commemorative gifts to honour Ps Edmund, yet it felt like we had barely scraped the surface where uncovering the impact of this servant of God was concerned. Ps Edmund has had a tremendous 25 years of ministry, and at the end of the dinner, we did the best thing we could do for him—we prayed.

May God continue to use this humble servant-leader for His kingdom and may we keep praying for him in his new role as Covenant’s Leadership Mentor!

5 • CONNECT JANUARY 2012

SP’s Installation

Leaders’ Breakthrough Weekend FROM LEFT Timothy and Noah Yeo with sincere tributes; Hilda and Hazel Tan honouring their father OPPOSITE PAGE Ps Edmund praying for the new SPs as he handed over the reins of leadership

“Whose Shoes Are You Filling?”

1 January 2012 was a historic day for Covenant EFC, as it marked the day when Rev Edmund Chan passed the baton of Senior Pastor to Rev Tan Kay Kiong and Rev Tony Yeo. Cynthia Oh reports on this important event.

A

bout 700 people were witnesses to the historic event, comprising families, friends, Covenanters and city leaders. It was a beautiful service with meaningful tributes from both Rev Tan Kay Kiong and Rev Tony Yeo’s friends and family.

We discovered that Timothy had a hilarious side as he spoke about his dad, Ps Tony and the younger son, Noah, moved the entire congregation as he read out a poem as his heartfelt prayer for Ps Tony. Hilda was cute and funny in an endearing speech about Ps Kay Kiong and Hazel encouraged her dad to keep growing in faith, by way of a beautiful solo song.

Ps Edmund exhorted his successors from 2 Timothy 2:2, highlighting that it is CONNECT JANUARY 2012 • 6

faithfulness that qualifies a person to be able to teach not just content but also to impart life. He also reminded the church that we each have our own shoes to fill—the God-given human potential in us waiting to be realised.

In response, the newly installed SPs gave their addresses. Ps Tony started by stating tongue-in-cheek that he has no shoes to fill, since Ps Edmund had definitely taken his shoes with him when he stepped down. Jokes aside, he then paid tribute to Ps Edmund, thanking him for being a wise mentor and selflessly building the church not around himself but God. He also thanked his spiritual family at Bartley Christian Church where he spent 30 years of his life growing and serving. In closing, he beseeched the congregation to pray for him.

“

He also reminded the church that we each have our own shoes to fill—the Godgiven human potential in us waiting to be realised.”

Ps Kay Kiong playfully wondered whether it is possible to have “two tigers in one mountain” (a loose translation from a Chinese idiom). He then gave thanks to God for his parents’ salvation, his wife’s support and the growth of his two daughters. He paid tribute to Ps Edmund too, being grateful for how he has learnt to think and serve better under his leadership and the opportunity to

observe and learn from him closely. He also expressed his appreciation to Ps Tony, Ps Chung Kai and Elder Barney for their personal strengths and abilities.

The memorable installation was beautifully concluded with the choir singing the hymn “God of Grace and God of Glory”. May God’s blessing and favour be upon our new SPs, Ps Kay Kiong and Ps Tony!

Early Rains Of Revival During a most-blessed time of experiencing servanthood from our leadership

Our first-ever combined Leaders’ Breakthrough Weekend last December gave us a glimpse of the revival that we are praying for in 2012 as Yvonne Cheong finds out.

I

t was unplanned but Godled, but as we cry out “Revive Us, Lord!”, participants had the opportunity to soak in God’s presence, receive from His Word and experience a deep resonance with the church leadership. Out of 326 leaders and their spouses who were there, a number were young leaders below 35 years old. Here are some extracts of their post-BTW reflections for a glimpse of what it meant to them.

7 • CONNECT JANUARY 2012

SP’s Installation

Leaders’ Breakthrough Weekend FROM LEFT Timothy and Noah Yeo with sincere tributes; Hilda and Hazel Tan honouring their father OPPOSITE PAGE Ps Edmund praying for the new SPs as he handed over the reins of leadership

“Whose Shoes Are You Filling?”

1 January 2012 was a historic day for Covenant EFC, as it marked the day when Rev Edmund Chan passed the baton of Senior Pastor to Rev Tan Kay Kiong and Rev Tony Yeo. Cynthia Oh reports on this important event.

A

bout 700 people were witnesses to the historic event, comprising families, friends, Covenanters and city leaders. It was a beautiful service with meaningful tributes from both Rev Tan Kay Kiong and Rev Tony Yeo’s friends and family.

We discovered that Timothy had a hilarious side as he spoke about his dad, Ps Tony and the younger son, Noah, moved the entire congregation as he read out a poem as his heartfelt prayer for Ps Tony. Hilda was cute and funny in an endearing speech about Ps Kay Kiong and Hazel encouraged her dad to keep growing in faith, by way of a beautiful solo song.

Ps Edmund exhorted his successors from 2 Timothy 2:2, highlighting that it is CONNECT JANUARY 2012 • 6

faithfulness that qualifies a person to be able to teach not just content but also to impart life. He also reminded the church that we each have our own shoes to fill—the God-given human potential in us waiting to be realised.

In response, the newly installed SPs gave their addresses. Ps Tony started by stating tongue-in-cheek that he has no shoes to fill, since Ps Edmund had definitely taken his shoes with him when he stepped down. Jokes aside, he then paid tribute to Ps Edmund, thanking him for being a wise mentor and selflessly building the church not around himself but God. He also thanked his spiritual family at Bartley Christian Church where he spent 30 years of his life growing and serving. In closing, he beseeched the congregation to pray for him.

“

He also reminded the church that we each have our own shoes to fill—the Godgiven human potential in us waiting to be realised.”

Ps Kay Kiong playfully wondered whether it is possible to have “two tigers in one mountain” (a loose translation from a Chinese idiom). He then gave thanks to God for his parents’ salvation, his wife’s support and the growth of his two daughters. He paid tribute to Ps Edmund too, being grateful for how he has learnt to think and serve better under his leadership and the opportunity to

observe and learn from him closely. He also expressed his appreciation to Ps Tony, Ps Chung Kai and Elder Barney for their personal strengths and abilities.

The memorable installation was beautifully concluded with the choir singing the hymn “God of Grace and God of Glory”. May God’s blessing and favour be upon our new SPs, Ps Kay Kiong and Ps Tony!

Early Rains Of Revival During a most-blessed time of experiencing servanthood from our leadership

Our first-ever combined Leaders’ Breakthrough Weekend last December gave us a glimpse of the revival that we are praying for in 2012 as Yvonne Cheong finds out.

I

t was unplanned but Godled, but as we cry out “Revive Us, Lord!”, participants had the opportunity to soak in God’s presence, receive from His Word and experience a deep resonance with the church leadership. Out of 326 leaders and their spouses who were there, a number were young leaders below 35 years old. Here are some extracts of their post-BTW reflections for a glimpse of what it meant to them.

7 • CONNECT JANUARY 2012

Leaders’ Breakthrough Weekend

“It was a time for me to recognise how weak and unable we are as humans and how many things are beyond our control. I entered with much baggage and worries for other people and spent some time grieving over losses. With open palms, I placed those issues and submitted them to the Lord. Listening to testimonies of how leaders in church faced various issues of their own and how they relied on God reaffirmed my faith and trust in Him. A month on, these issues are firmly rested in my

Wide Angle: M.A.D.

M.A.D.

“The feet washing was intensely emotional, an almost heart-wrenching experience. As I watched Ps Ed washing the feet of Ps Tony and Ps Kay Kiong, tears welled up my eyes and in many other people’s eyes.

The tears just came, and seemed uncontrollable. I wondered why the feet-washing of others became almost akin to a cathartic moment for many. I wondered how I could bear with my feet being washed. As my feet were being washed by Jessie, the tears just came again, and were uncontrollable. I don’t know what it feels like to wash the feet of someone else. But at that moment I understood the pained expressions I witnessed earlier.”

Making a Difference!

Community Blessings Ministry Staff Vincent Chia shares his thoughts and heart on serving the community, particularly needy families.

Katie Chung

heart and left to God to deal with.”

Charlene Chai

“One thing that really struck me was the sheer knowledge of being in the midst of what Ps Ed calls ‘the giants of the faith’ and that made me feel both inadequate and privileged.

A constant feeling I got was also the unity of the church leadership and the fellowship of the saints. In all my years as a church-going Christian, I have never felt such authority and yet such gentleness in moving and shepherding God’s people forward into the future.”

Irwin See

2 “God dealt with me all over again, because my heart wasn’t right before Him. I know I don’t seek Him with all my heart and strength, largely because I doubt that He is sufficient for me. It seems too cerebral, not experiential. My prayer is that God reworks my heart, and does the ‘rewiring’ in the way that only He knows how.”

Alvin Lee

“Authenticity is a core value of CEFC and I have experienced it being lived out amongst many leaders and members. Yet, this BTW was like ‘authenticity re-defined’ as I am in awe of the transparency of those who led us.” Andrew Koh Tze Ki CONNECT JANUARY 2012 • 8

011 was the year the Community Blessings ministry officially took flight.

This ministry aims to make a difference in the lives of those in the community, blessing them with the love of God, just as God loves and blesses us.

A team of five lay members started us off with Homework Café, setting aside three hours every Sunday to help children of needy families with their school work. We hope to see lives impacted through informal mentoring relationships.

As for The Next Generation, our WEB ministry will go out every April and November to collect old newspapers and clothing, channelling proceeds from the sale of these items to education and welfare funds for the community.

To better connect with needy families, the Community Blessings ministry will be organising Chinese New Year and Christmas dinners for them every year, in partnership with grassroots organisations.

Though this has been done in Woodlands since 2008, last year’s Christmas dinner will likely be the model future events.

Staff member Paul Samuel says, “I could see on the faces of the parents a sense of pride to see their children performing for them. And for many of the children, a sense of achievement to be able to do something so visible in front of their parents. I do believe that this is

what Christmas is all about—helping to give to others something that money cannot buy.” In 2011, the first Christmas dinner for families from the newly built rental flats in Bukit Panjang was also launched.

New Life Community Services’ outreach efforts (particularly through the Steady Readers programme, To the Max and Children’s Fest) have helped our neighbours become more receptive to Covenant’s presence.

As Admiralty Citizens Consultative Committee Chairman, Mr Tonic Oh, BBM, aptly put it in one of his address to residents, “Covenant has been a good corporate citizen!”

We praise God for His favour upon us, that we may be used to bless the people around us. Keep a lookout for this year’s events and see how you, too, can be a blessing to the community!

Covenant has been a good corporate citizen!”

9 • CONNECT JANUARY 2012

Leaders’ Breakthrough Weekend

“It was a time for me to recognise how weak and unable we are as humans and how many things are beyond our control. I entered with much baggage and worries for other people and spent some time grieving over losses. With open palms, I placed those issues and submitted them to the Lord. Listening to testimonies of how leaders in church faced various issues of their own and how they relied on God reaffirmed my faith and trust in Him. A month on, these issues are firmly rested in my

Wide Angle: M.A.D.

M.A.D.

“The feet washing was intensely emotional, an almost heart-wrenching experience. As I watched Ps Ed washing the feet of Ps Tony and Ps Kay Kiong, tears welled up my eyes and in many other people’s eyes.

The tears just came, and seemed uncontrollable. I wondered why the feet-washing of others became almost akin to a cathartic moment for many. I wondered how I could bear with my feet being washed. As my feet were being washed by Jessie, the tears just came again, and were uncontrollable. I don’t know what it feels like to wash the feet of someone else. But at that moment I understood the pained expressions I witnessed earlier.”

Making a Difference!

Community Blessings Ministry Staff Vincent Chia shares his thoughts and heart on serving the community, particularly needy families.

Katie Chung

heart and left to God to deal with.”

Charlene Chai

“One thing that really struck me was the sheer knowledge of being in the midst of what Ps Ed calls ‘the giants of the faith’ and that made me feel both inadequate and privileged.

A constant feeling I got was also the unity of the church leadership and the fellowship of the saints. In all my years as a church-going Christian, I have never felt such authority and yet such gentleness in moving and shepherding God’s people forward into the future.”

Irwin See

2 “God dealt with me all over again, because my heart wasn’t right before Him. I know I don’t seek Him with all my heart and strength, largely because I doubt that He is sufficient for me. It seems too cerebral, not experiential. My prayer is that God reworks my heart, and does the ‘rewiring’ in the way that only He knows how.”

Alvin Lee

“Authenticity is a core value of CEFC and I have experienced it being lived out amongst many leaders and members. Yet, this BTW was like ‘authenticity re-defined’ as I am in awe of the transparency of those who led us.” Andrew Koh Tze Ki CONNECT JANUARY 2012 • 8

011 was the year the Community Blessings ministry officially took flight.

This ministry aims to make a difference in the lives of those in the community, blessing them with the love of God, just as God loves and blesses us.

A team of five lay members started us off with Homework Café, setting aside three hours every Sunday to help children of needy families with their school work. We hope to see lives impacted through informal mentoring relationships.

As for The Next Generation, our WEB ministry will go out every April and November to collect old newspapers and clothing, channelling proceeds from the sale of these items to education and welfare funds for the community.

To better connect with needy families, the Community Blessings ministry will be organising Chinese New Year and Christmas dinners for them every year, in partnership with grassroots organisations.

Though this has been done in Woodlands since 2008, last year’s Christmas dinner will likely be the model future events.

Staff member Paul Samuel says, “I could see on the faces of the parents a sense of pride to see their children performing for them. And for many of the children, a sense of achievement to be able to do something so visible in front of their parents. I do believe that this is

what Christmas is all about—helping to give to others something that money cannot buy.” In 2011, the first Christmas dinner for families from the newly built rental flats in Bukit Panjang was also launched.

New Life Community Services’ outreach efforts (particularly through the Steady Readers programme, To the Max and Children’s Fest) have helped our neighbours become more receptive to Covenant’s presence.

As Admiralty Citizens Consultative Committee Chairman, Mr Tonic Oh, BBM, aptly put it in one of his address to residents, “Covenant has been a good corporate citizen!”

We praise God for His favour upon us, that we may be used to bless the people around us. Keep a lookout for this year’s events and see how you, too, can be a blessing to the community!

Covenant has been a good corporate citizen!”

9 • CONNECT JANUARY 2012

Close Up Elder Lian Seng with his wife Laura, and children Joshua, Jiang and Ling, and daughter-in-law, Su Anne

Elder Lian Seng with his prize catch—a kingfish!

CEFC’s 20 th annivers ary thanksgivi ng dinner

A Life Pledged To God Chan Sue Ming had the honour of discovering the driving force of Covenant’s Missions Director and first honourary staff, Elder Tan Lian Seng.

I

“

’ve never been busier, and yet I’ve never been more fulfilled,” he shares about his current station in life.

One of our three founding elders, Elder Lian Seng has remained faithful in his service to God ever since he received Christ at the age of 14 through Youth for Christ.

His interest in missions started when he was a young Christian. Three Overseas Missions Fellowship (OMF) missionaries who were kicked out of China became Sunday School teachers in church (back then known as Emmanuel Evangelical Church). They were a remarkable influence in his life

CONNECT JANUARY 2012 • 10

as they shared with their Sunday School students their life and experience in the missions field and encouraged them to attend OMF prayer meetings. Through their life and ministry, a heart for missions began to grow in Elder Lian Seng’s life.

Their first pastor, Pastor Glen Whitmore, led a mission trip to the interior of Sabah. That was Elder Lian Seng’s first mission trip. “From there, the seeds for missions began to germinate,” he reflects.

The third of five children, Elder Lian Seng had to enter the work force after completing his Secondary Four education to help feed his family. His first job was in the civil service, where he worked at

“You can do a lot, but if you do not touch the lives of people, it means nothing.”

Inland Revenue Authority. At the age of 30, he started his own business and continued being a businessman until he started serving full-time in missions.

Before embarking on his ‘missions career’, he owned and operated an international hotel in picturesque Rotorua, New Zealand—a great place to work and play!

As a young Christian, he had a Godgiven vision of the three phases of his life.

The first phase, seen in his first 25 years as a Christian, was a time of learning and growing. The next 25 years (the second phase) was a time of learning and building. And now, as he enters his 50th year of walking with God, his third phase will be a time of learning and serving.

“As a young Christian,” he shares, “I was taught to do ‘minimum tithing’. But when I reached middle age, God spoke to me about tithing one-tenth of my life to serve Him in full-time ministry.”

Looking at the life span of an average human being, it is about

75 years, give and take. And so, he pledged to serve God for seven-and-ahalf years.

The first two-and-a-half years was spent in equipping and preparing himself, as he didn’t know much about the theology of missions, having been a businessman most of his life.

He thus studied at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Chicago, Illinois; then Fuller School of Missions in Pasadena, California; and finally in All Nations College in the United Kingdom. Upon his return, he wrote his Theology of Missions paper, presented it to the church board and Rev Edmund Chan. It has now become Covenant’s vision for missions.

He officially came on board as Missions Director in 2010 and is Covenant’s first honourary staff. “God has blessed me so much in so many ways. He has also blessed me finanically, and thus I’d like to honour Him,” he shares when asked why he chose to not take a salary. “Besides, I’ve learnt that I can never out-give God. He gave me more than I asked or thought of.” He also finds himself closer to God and more fulfilled in life.

Beyond deep-sea fishing (his favourite hobby), his fishing now includes ‘fishing for the souls of men’! His driving motto in life is to touch the lives of others.

“You can do a lot, but if you do not touch the lives of people, it means nothing.”

“Can we follow the Saviour far, who hath no wound or scar?”

Amy Carmichael 11 • CONNECT JANUARY 2012

Close Up Elder Lian Seng with his wife Laura, and children Joshua, Jiang and Ling, and daughter-in-law, Su Anne

Elder Lian Seng with his prize catch—a kingfish!

CEFC’s 20 th annivers ary thanksgivi ng dinner

A Life Pledged To God Chan Sue Ming had the honour of discovering the driving force of Covenant’s Missions Director and first honourary staff, Elder Tan Lian Seng.

I

“

’ve never been busier, and yet I’ve never been more fulfilled,” he shares about his current station in life.

One of our three founding elders, Elder Lian Seng has remained faithful in his service to God ever since he received Christ at the age of 14 through Youth for Christ.

His interest in missions started when he was a young Christian. Three Overseas Missions Fellowship (OMF) missionaries who were kicked out of China became Sunday School teachers in church (back then known as Emmanuel Evangelical Church). They were a remarkable influence in his life

CONNECT JANUARY 2012 • 10

as they shared with their Sunday School students their life and experience in the missions field and encouraged them to attend OMF prayer meetings. Through their life and ministry, a heart for missions began to grow in Elder Lian Seng’s life.

Their first pastor, Pastor Glen Whitmore, led a mission trip to the interior of Sabah. That was Elder Lian Seng’s first mission trip. “From there, the seeds for missions began to germinate,” he reflects.

The third of five children, Elder Lian Seng had to enter the work force after completing his Secondary Four education to help feed his family. His first job was in the civil service, where he worked at

“You can do a lot, but if you do not touch the lives of people, it means nothing.”

Inland Revenue Authority. At the age of 30, he started his own business and continued being a businessman until he started serving full-time in missions.

Before embarking on his ‘missions career’, he owned and operated an international hotel in picturesque Rotorua, New Zealand—a great place to work and play!

As a young Christian, he had a Godgiven vision of the three phases of his life.

The first phase, seen in his first 25 years as a Christian, was a time of learning and growing. The next 25 years (the second phase) was a time of learning and building. And now, as he enters his 50th year of walking with God, his third phase will be a time of learning and serving.

“As a young Christian,” he shares, “I was taught to do ‘minimum tithing’. But when I reached middle age, God spoke to me about tithing one-tenth of my life to serve Him in full-time ministry.”

Looking at the life span of an average human being, it is about

75 years, give and take. And so, he pledged to serve God for seven-and-ahalf years.

The first two-and-a-half years was spent in equipping and preparing himself, as he didn’t know much about the theology of missions, having been a businessman most of his life.

He thus studied at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Chicago, Illinois; then Fuller School of Missions in Pasadena, California; and finally in All Nations College in the United Kingdom. Upon his return, he wrote his Theology of Missions paper, presented it to the church board and Rev Edmund Chan. It has now become Covenant’s vision for missions.

He officially came on board as Missions Director in 2010 and is Covenant’s first honourary staff. “God has blessed me so much in so many ways. He has also blessed me finanically, and thus I’d like to honour Him,” he shares when asked why he chose to not take a salary. “Besides, I’ve learnt that I can never out-give God. He gave me more than I asked or thought of.” He also finds himself closer to God and more fulfilled in life.

Beyond deep-sea fishing (his favourite hobby), his fishing now includes ‘fishing for the souls of men’! His driving motto in life is to touch the lives of others.

“You can do a lot, but if you do not touch the lives of people, it means nothing.”

“Can we follow the Saviour far, who hath no wound or scar?”

Amy Carmichael 11 • CONNECT JANUARY 2012

Recent & Upcoming Events Credits

Date

Event

Venue

23 Jan

Chinese New Year Hokkien Worship Service

WDL

executive Editor Sandra Chi

3 Feb

Prayer & Praise

BPJ

MANAGING Editor Chan Sue Ming

4 Feb

Chinese New Year Hokkien Outreach

BPJ

11 Feb

Covenant Young Adults Network Workshops

WDL

12 Feb

Leaders’ Commissioning

BPJ & WDL

25 Feb

Men-in-Covenant Manhood Quest

BPJ

2 Mar

District Prayer

BPJ & WDL

4 Mar

Annual General Meeting

BPJ

9–11 Mar

Women’s Breakthrough Weekend

Thistle Hotel, JB

ART DIRECTION & DESIGN Christian Subrata

11 Mar

Board Dedication

BPJ & WDL

CONTACT US publications@cefc.org.sg

16–18 Mar

Men’s and Marriage Breakthrough Weekends

Le Grandeur Palm Resort / Thistle Hotel

25 Mar

Pastoral Installation

BPJ

God At Work

COPY editors Robin Yee, Dorothy Lim, Silas Wee, Adeline Koh

Ip Yat Sing, BPJ

The Power Of Prayer

D

uring the recent Christmas outreach, I invited two colleagues to the final show. I’ve been reaching out to one of them, John*, for a few years and have never succeeded in getting him to attend any of our outreach events, as he lives in the east and finds it far to travel to our worship centers. The other guy is a colleague whom I worked with closely, Charles*, and thought he might stand a better chance of turning up.

I prayed for them, and asked God to speak to their hearts, that they would come for the musical. Eventually, God

CONNECT JANUARY 2012 • 12

writers Ruth Fong, Sandra Chi, Cynthia Oh, Yvonne Cheong, Vincent Chia, Chan Sue Ming, Ip Yat Sing PHOTOGRAPHERS Paul Liew, Jared Wong, Cheong Yian Ling, Danesh Daryanani

our office 167 Jalan Bukit Merah Tower 5, #17-10 Singapore 150167 T. +65 6892 6811 F. +65 6892 1502 www.cefc.org.sg PRINTER Yung Shung Printrade Pte Ltd CONNECT is a bi-monthly newsletter of Covenant Evangelical Free Church. We welcome advertisers in CONNECT. However, advertising in our publication does not necessarily imply editorial endorsement of either the advertiser or contents of the advertisement. Unless otherwise specified, Scriptural references are from the New American Standard Bible (NASB).

© 2010 Covenant Evangelical Free Church

surprised me by having John agreeing to come for the show and Charles not coming! Though he did not stay to listen to the message by Prof Boey (he headed off to a countdown party, just like one of the characters in the musical!), I’m certain that God touched his heart.

This encouraged me to keep praying and never stop reaching out to others.

We may not see the immediate impact of our outreach efforts, but certainly, God is working behind the scenes to sow the seeds in the people we reach out to! *Names used are fictional to protect the privacy of the guests.

Covenant is now on Facebook!

Look out for our next issue in Apr 2012!