methodist message Vol 116 No 7 • Jul 2014
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ISSN 0129-6868 MCI (P) 199/01/2014
The Methodist Church in Singapore
message.methodist.org.sg
Aldersgate Reflections Diving deep into discipleship
Methodist Welfare Services Chaplain: Only one thing is necessary
Youth With A Mission What would Jesus do in Geylang?
pages 6-7
page 9
pages 12-13
FATHERS You can turn the tide The article is a compilation of input from an interview with Mr Jason Wong, his article “Influencing Generations, Impacting Nations” in the Oct/Nov 2013 issue of Impact magazine, and materials and information gathered at the Elijah7000 launch on May 31, 2014.
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n 2 Kings 2:9, just before the prophet Elijah was taken up to heaven, his personal attendant, companion and heir-apparent, Elisha, asked to “inherit a double portion of [Elijah’s] spirit”. Similarly, every child hopes to “inherit” a “double portion” of love, encouragement, affirmation and wisdom from those they admire the most. Children need heroes, and good role models. If not, they will look towards the world for heroes to worship. The child whom Mr Jason Wong encountered some years ago certainly had received a “double portion” – a double portion of violence and abuse from his father, which left him lying in hospital. Jason came across this case during his days with Child Protection Services when he was senior director with the Ministry of Social and Family Development. Prior to that, he had already seen first-hand the impact of fatherlessness when he started work in the former Changi Prison.
Jason explained: “I saw fatherlessness on the faces and in the lives of many of the inmates. Instead of the hearts of their fathers turned towards them as the Lord instructed in Malachi 4:5-6, their fathers had either turned away from them or turned against them. “From prisons, I moved on to work with abused children and at-risk youths. For six years, I saw the pain caused to children and families, caused by fatherlessness. I often wondered why a First World country like Singapore can have such brokenness. Why is that the richer we get, the poorer we become? Continuation of cover story – p15
COMING UP
Jesus calls for us to be as one, brought to complete unity.
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one
John 17:20-23
alling all Methodist youth: Fusion 2014 is right around the corner! Bring your friends and join us in a time of awesome praise and worship to the audience of One – God. Come and hear God’s word for the Methodist youth of Singapore, together as One! Since its inception in 2003, Fusion has been a much-anticipated event amongst our youth in our Methodist churches. We’ve seen lives saved, lives rededicated, and lives rejuvenated for serving our Lord Jesus Christ! Fusion is a coming together of youth in Methodist churches and schools for a time of worship – to praise God’s greatness, celebrate His goodness, listen to His Word and be challenged for action. In John 17:20-23, Jesus calls for us to be as one, brought to complete unity. That is our prayer for all the youth of our Methodist schools and churches. This year, we are very privileged to have Mr Joseph Chean, National Director of Youth With A Mission (YWAM) Singapore, to speak on what it means to be One in Christ. See you at Fusion 2014! n Organised by Truthmin (Trinity Annual Conference Youth Ministries). For more information, visit www.truthmin.com, email events@truthmin.com or call 6769-5415.
Listen to the three lectures online and view the Photo Gallery at aldersgate.methodist.org.sg
methodist message
The official monthly publication of The Methodist Church in Singapore. Published material does not necessarily reflect the official view of The Methodist Church. All Scripture quoted is based on the New International Version, unless otherwise stated. Our address
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Editorial Board Adviser and Publisher Bishop Dr Wee Boon Hup, Chairman, Council on Communications Editor Ms Christina Stanley Assistant Editor Ms Grace Toh Sub-editor Ms Tan-Ngooi Chiu Ai Editorial Executive Ms Chia Hui Jun
Have something to say or share? Email us at newmm@methodist.org.sg and if appropriate, your contribution could be published.
BISHOP’S MESSAGE
Have we lost our way in worship? Bishop Dr Wee Boon Hup was elected Bishop of The Methodist Church in Singapore in 2012. He has been a Methodist pastor for 29 years.
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here is so much to read along the information superhighway that sometimes we miss some good articles. I came across one titled “Are We Headed For A Crash? Reflections on the Current State of Evangelical Worship” by Jamie Brown. (http://worthilymagnify. com/2014/05/19/crash) The article resonates with some concerns I have had for some time. I know I am not alone in this. Let me share some of my thoughts. My main bone of contention is not the spirit of worship. I write as one who, for the majority of my pastoral ministry, has avidly worked to organise worship not just to connect with people but also for them to experience the presence of the living God. Contemporary worship has contributed much to achieving this goal. Where I believe Christian worship today has lost its way has been the methods employed. It has taken the shape of modern concerts and entertainment. The focus is so much on what happens on “stage” (no longer is it called the altar). To enhance this, in many churches I have been to, the lights over the worshippers are dimmed, if not switched off entirely. Spotlights are on the music team, the worship leader and the backup singers (that last term is in itself pop concert jargon). In some churches, the lights are kept off even when the preacher is on. It does not help that the voice of the worship leaders and singers over the microphone (not to mention the sound from the band) drowns that of the worshippers. I suspect that if the lights were switched on, we would find that only the first few rows would actually be singing. In some churches, the worshippers are encouraged to come to the
The term that Brown used to describe this phenomenon is “performancism” – “The worship leader as the performer. The congregation as the audience. The sanctuary as the concert hall.” floor nearer the stage to participate in the worship (à la rock concerts). The term that Brown used to describe this phenomenon is “performancism” – “The worship leader as the performer. The congregation as the audience. The sanctuary as the concert hall.” This is in direct contrast to what many of us often hear about worship as being a performance to the audience of One. Søren Kierkegaard, the Danish philosopher who first introduced this perspective, was writing in the context of listening to a sermon: God is the audience, the preacher is the prompter (who played a necessary role in stage performances of that time to assist the actors to remember their lines), the listeners (worshippers) are the actors. In the context of worship, we can say that the worship leader and the team are the ones prompting the worshippers to act before God, the only One in our audience. Many today believe, as I do, that Kierkegaard’s way is an important remedy to the current malaise in worship. While he was addressing the philosophical
perspective that would be helpful, here are some practical suggestions. First, take the singing team (choirs included) and musicians off the “stage.” Position them, with the worship leader if possible, on the same level as the congregation. Let the altar return, and on it place symbols and other aids to our worship (electronic media included) that can help us to prompt worshippers to focus on the presence of God. When the preacher’s turn comes, keep him or her to the side of the altar. (Read http://holysoup. com/2014/05/28/confessions-of-aworship-wars-mercenary about a worship band that leads from behind a curtain.) Secondly, keep the lights on all the time. We are the actors performing before the Almighty God, so we need to be able to see and be aware of one another, so that we all do our part in concert. Finally, lower the volume of the band and worship team. Encourage the worship leader as often as possible not to sing into the microphone, so that the congregation can hear themselves singing. Simple adjustments as these suggestions are, they would not work if the right mind-set is not in place. By that, I mean believing worship to be our sincere attempts to please God in praising Him and Him alone. n
METHODIST MESSAGE • JUL 2014
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TELL ME, PASTOR
Baptism The Rev George R. Martzen is a United Methodist clergy and missionary under the General Board of Global Ministries. Currently assigned to the Chinese Annual Conference in Singapore, he is a pastoral staff of Paya Lebar Chinese Methodist Church.
How is Methodist baptism different from other Christian denominations? Let’s first look at how Methodist and other Christian denominations are united in the Lord. Ephesians 4:4-6 says that “there is one body and one Spirit … one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all”. So if someone who was baptised in another Christian denomination joins a Methodist church, we do not re-baptise. We all agree that baptism is performed in the name of the Trinity – Father, Son and Holy Spirit – with water, and declares Jesus as Saviour and Lord. Like the Presbyterians, Lutherans and Anglicans, Roman Catholics and Orthodox Christians, Methodists view baptism as a sacrament – an outward sign of an inward act of God’s grace. We allow baptism by immersion, sprinkling, or pouring, and also baptise infants. Baptists and many independent churches, however, baptise by immersion or dipping, citing the implied meaning of baptism as dipping or covering with water. Also, they only allow youth or adult baptism, not children. Immersion, sprinkling, pouring – what’s the difference? These are different modes of baptism, and they symbolise important Christian truths. Immersion or dipping expresses the truth of dying and rising with Christ (Romans 6:4). Sprinkling of water symbolises our cleansing by the blood of Christ, in the tradition of the cleansing rituals of the Hebrew priesthood (Hebrews 10:22). Pouring of water points to the work of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:17). What’s our Church’s stand on infant baptism? Baptism is available to all regardless of age. Our Methodist Discipline states that the baptism of young children is to be retained, and John Wesley, our founder, outlined several reasons for this practice. It washes away original sin (Psalm 51:5). It replaces circumcision as an initiatory act (Colossians 2:11-12). And thirdly, baptisms in the New Testament often included the whole household. (Acts 16:15, and 33-34).
A stained glass window in the Notre Dame cathedral in Paris, France, depicting the baptism of Christ. Picture by Jorisvo/Bigstock.com
In the second of a two-part series on the topic of baptism, we address the Methodist distinctives on baptism, and infant baptism. Some denominations don’t believe in infant baptism. Why? There are several reasons for favouring believers baptism, (credobaptism) instead of child baptism (paedobaptism). First, admittedly, the New Testament doesn’t specifically mention children being baptised. Second, Baptists and other denominations assert that being able to choose personal faith in Christ is essential before baptism can be performed. New Testament passages like Acts 2:38 seem to emphasise repentance and confession as conditions to faith at baptism, which babies cannot do. While affirming personal consent, Methodists consider baptism as a sign that God’s grace is already a present reality in the child, drawing him or her to a point of full confession. What is my obligation as parent or godparent after a child is baptised? Parents should nurture their baptised children by providing a Christian home filled with prayer, Bible reading and other Christian practices and by bringing them to Sunday school and other appropriate ministries at church, so that at an appropriate time, they will be able to answer their baptismal vows affirmatively. Godparents are obliged to take on this role in the absence of the parents. At 16, baptised children can enrol as preparatory members, before confirmation. Should my child be baptised again when he or she has grown up? No, absolutely not. However, in youth confirmation, and other reaffirmations of baptism, the pastor may use water in ways that do not constitute baptism to help them to remember their baptism. n
“there is one body and one Spirit … one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all”
Ephesians 4:4-6
SAYS THE TRAC PRESIDENT
Worship God with our all The Rev Dr Gordon Wong was elected President of Trinity Annual Conference (TRAC) in 2012 for the quadrennium. He has been a Methodist pastor for 28 years, and was a lecturer at Trinity Theological College since 1995.
“With this ring I thee wed, with my body I thee worship and with all my worldly goods I thee endow.” These were the words spoken by the groom to the bride as he declared his total commitment of love to her in traditional Christian wedding services (The Book of Common Prayer, 1662).
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owadays, we don’t use the word “worship” in this way. We restrict the word to our relationship with God. Worship is something directed only to God, and not to another human being, not even to our spouse. I don’t desire to change our modern usage of the word. But I hope we will allow our “worship” of God to include the personal, passionate and intimate love embodied in the old marriage vow between human lovers. To worship God is to love God personally, passionately and intimately. To worship God is to give him our body, soul and heart.
To worship God is to love God with one’s whole heart, body, mind and soul. It is to feel, like the Psalmist (73:25-26), and declare to God:
“Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” This is the language of love and total devotion. This is strong and sweet communion with God. This is the essence of worship. But how can we love or commune in worship with someone we cannot see or touch? My nephew met his fiancée online, and their friendship deepened over seven years without their
meeting face-to-face! Some pen-pals never see each other, but they do share their feelings and very personal things as only close friends do. How is this possible? Because true friendship is much more about being understood than about being seen. It has more to do with our spiritual heart than with our physical ears. God can be our friend. God is able to communicate personal love and friendship to us if we open our heart and feelings to Him. He can be our friend, lover and Lord, even though we cannot see Him. If you’ve never enjoyed a personal, intimate relationship with God, I invite you to begin. John Wesley – who wrote of his “heart being strangely warmed” – would also invite us to begin. God desires such an intimate, personal love relationship with us. It starts by simply “talking” about yourself and your feelings. Do that with God. Talk with God through prayer. It may initially feel as if you are talking to yourself. But don’t stop. Keep talking, and soon you too might find God speaking to your heart. This is part of what worship and communion with God means. Let’s worship through loving God: body, soul, heart and mind. n
METHODIST MESSAGE • JUL 2014
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ALDERSGATE REFLECTIONS
Diving deep into discipleship Christina Stanley is Editor of the Methodist Message, and has been a member of Wesley Methodist Church since 1987.
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t was a memorable four days. Guest speaker, the Rev Dr David Lowes Watson, provided participants with many memorable “soundbites”, perhaps in keeping with today’s growing preference for short, often “acronymised” descriptives. This approach seemed to have worked well. In addition, Dr Watson’s articulate and eloquent preaching skills, interwoven with his brilliant story-telling, brought the more than 270-yearold story of John Wesley – his beliefs, what he did, and what shaped his beliefs – to life! Based on participants’ feedback – both verbal as well as in the over 250 feedback forms returned – phrases like “spiritual midwife”, “learn the craft of discipleship”, “share Gospel essentials in five minutes”, “the method of Methodism” and “God’s gospel works from small beginnings” (salt, light, leaven, seed), were key takeaways that resonated well with this year’s Aldersgate participants. Indeed, Dr Watson dived deep into the “heart” of discipleship, fleshed out its “life”, and underscored the core purpose of this event – which was to bring The Methodist Church in Singapore together – regardless of conference lines – as one body to appreciate and better understand our Wesleyan tradition. Each of the lectures were “building blocks”, as Dr Watson spoke on “Born of the Spirit”, before leading us to “Salvation & Discipleship”. On the third evening – May 24 – participants convened for the Aldersgate Service, to remember John Wesley’s “heart-warming experience” on the same day in 1738, with Dr Watson concluding his teaching with a lecture entitled “Anointed by the Spirit of the Lord” – or what do you do after your heart is warmed. At the Service, the beautiful sanctuary of Toa Payoh Methodist Church resounded with the music and choral singing of Wesley Methodist Church members, including the Sunbeam children’s choir, all under the baton of Mr Jusuf Kam, their Worship and Music Director.
“Discipleship is a craft. This was nowhere more evident than in Wesley’s concerns for living out the Gospel in 18th century England.” – The Rev Dr David Lowes Watson
Dr Watson also conducted a “master class” on the practical “how-to”s of the Covenant Discipleship small group ministry, which is based on the early Methodist Class Meeting, at the Aldersgate SG 2014 Seminar which was held at Aldersgate Methodist Church on that May 24 morning. One hundred and twenty participants from various churches convened at this workshop-style event. They were encouraged to draw up “covenants” within a group of up to seven persons, and to meet at least once a week to build mutual support and accountability. Aldersgate SG 2014 closed on Sunday night (May 25) with a wonderful musical tribute to both contemporary and traditional Methodist hymns, led by the Methodist School of Music, with a combined choir from various local churches and an orchestra and praise band. In all, this year’s attendance was gauged to be one of the highest turnouts, with a total of more than 2,500 participants. To God be all the glory – as we pray that His word will take root, and that we will become worthy Disciples of Jesus Christ. n
LISTEN TO THE LECTURES AGAIN Listen to all three lectures online, including the Mandarin translation, and view the Photo Gallery taken at the four-day event at: aldersgate.methodist.org.sg ON THE LIVING WORD “Give us the grace to receive it, and give us the charity to let all the other words slip away.” – Dr Watson FIRST-TIMERS SHARE Iris Lew, Living Hope Methodist Church I liked the speaker’s illustration about how our spiritual life begins like how darkness surrounds a child in a mother’s womb. Before being born, the child in its mother’s womb cannot hear or see anything, and is surrounded by darkness. We can’t see or hear God unless we are born again. Jason Ng, Holy Covenant Methodist Church I encouraged my cell group to attend tonight’s lecture instead of having our usual meeting. I liked that there was more clarity between salvation and discipleship.
Timothy Toh Toa Payoh Chinese Methodist Church The message of salvation and discipleship was straightforward, and I felt that was good because we tend not to see it as important or trivialise it, or let other messages take more attention.
revival of hymns or hymn-like songs, and it’s interesting to see how youths can engage with hymns. If we use more contemporary songs, we can attract more youths to attend. We can use hymns placed in contemporary settings such as “Man of Sorrows”, or “Amazing Grace” (Chris Tomlin).
PRAISE FESTIVAL
Benita Devi Jurong Tamil Methodist Church It was good being part of the ETAC choir at this event – even though the choir was small, we praise God for the opportunity.
Michael Ong, Shawn Ong, Daryus Hoong, Charmaine Chong Praise Band – Wesley Methodist Church It was good to see the different parts of the Body of Christ coming together. It was a new experience for us, and we gelled with the choir and brass band. We also found it interesting that the programme was in English, Chinese and Tamil, especially when different parts of the same song were sung in different languages. Michael Ong I think it’s important for youths to sing hymns as well. There’s been a
Francis Yong Charis Methodist Church I liked the mix of contemporary and traditional music, as my impression was that Aldersgate was a traditional event. I hope to see a mix of younger congregation at such events. The band and the other musical instruments helped focus on worshipping. n
Photos courtesy of Daniel Lie METHODIST MESSAGE • JUL 2014
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MISSIONS
Grounding Thai youths for life-long faith David Khew is Country Coordinating Officer for Thailand with the Methodist Missions Society (MMS). He wrote this article with input from Mr Loong Aphichai Chenrungrostakun (MMS Missionary in Thailand) and the Rev Henry Yeo (Northern District Superintendent in Thailand). David worships at Grace Methodist Church, and is married with three grown-up children.
“I also reconciled with a sisterin-Christ after 10 years of misunderstanding. Only God made this possible. I thank the camp speaker and our pastors who made this camp happen.” Photos courtesy of the Methodist Missions Society
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ouths in Thailand are not that much different from youths anywhere else in the world. They are distracted by boy-girl relationships, checking out the latest trainers to buy, messaging on their phones and yearning to be recognised and acknowledged by their peers. In the rural villages of northern and northeastern Thailand, there is also family pressure to help out during harvest-time, together with the irresistible pull and bright lights of Bangkok, the capital city which they often aspire to go to seek work and to attend university. Exercising and practising their Christian faith can then be a real challenge. What could possibly gel them together, so that they are well-grounded in their faith before they leave their home villages? How can we lead them to study at the Bible seminary and attend Rangsit Methodist Church in Bangkok? Our work with youths in the two ministry areas in Thailand – the northern region where the Lahu and Akha tribes live, and the north-eastern region of Udon Thani – is vibrant and growing. One programme that we organise every year to gel them together are the youth camps, which took place recently in April. The testimonies were many. The youths affirmed their learning, and came away assured that God would not forsake or leave them. We sensed a
growing desire among the youths to follow Christ regardless of their circumstances in life. Liew, a Payakapum Methodist Church youth, said: “I felt uneasy on the first day, as we did not know each other yet. But through the activities and working together, God’s love bound us together. On the second night, I had an intimate encounter with God. I felt His presence and was very touched by His love in my life. He reminded me that He is my help and refuge. “I also reconciled with a sister-in-Christ after 10 years of misunderstanding. Only God made this possible. I thank the camp speaker and our pastors who made this camp happen.” Plam, a Rangsit Methodist Church youth, shared: “Knowing God’s love, that He is always with me and will never leave nor forsake me, has changed everything. I have surrendered my heart to Him. I have repented and started a new journey with God. I will share His love with those around me, and I want to live in His love daily.” It is our continued prayer that these youths will share their experiences with their families and friends in schools and colleges, and that they will be protected from any form of persecution as they commit their lives in service to the Lord. n
SAYS THE PRESIDENT WELFARE SERVICES
Only one thing is necessary The Rev Dr Norman Wong was appointed Chaplain of the Methodist Welfare Services in January 2014. He is a retired pastor of the Trinity Annual Conference and served in various pastoral and leadership capacities for more than 27 years. He currently worships at Barker Road Methodist Church.
“Heavenly Father, we thank You for the leaders, staff and volunteers of MWS who are serving You faithfully day in and day out. The work is often demanding and tiring. As they make time to sit quietly at Your feet – please refresh them with Your joy and renew their strength.” The Rev Dr Norman Wong, Chaplain of Methodist Welfare Services, visiting a patient of Agape Methodist Hospice (Homecare) along with a nurse to offer spiritual care sensitively.
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here is only one instance in the Bible when Jesus said, “Only one thing is necessary…” He was visiting the home of Martha and Mary. Martha was busy preparing things for Jesus and became upset that Mary was not helping her. Luke 10:40 (NASB) “But Martha was distracted with all her preparations; and she came up to Him and said, ‘Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to do all the serving alone? Then tell her to help me.’ ” (v41-42) “But the Lord answered and said to her, ‘Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things; but only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her.’ ” This phrase – “only one thing is necessary” – neatly sums up the hopes of the leadership of our Methodist Welfare Services (MWS).
Like Martha, we want to work hard at serving the less fortunate in our community. But like Mary, we also want to ensure that we regularly make time to sit quietly at the feet of our Lord and give Him our undivided attention – the one thing that is necessary. It is our prayer that Christ will be at the very centre of all our service for Him. Like Martha, we care for the physical needs of our clients. Like Mary, we also care for their spiritual needs. For example, our doctors and nurses with Agape Methodist Hospice not only provide very professional medical care, but also spiritual care. I watched in awe as some of the patients, with tears in their eyes, expressed their gratitude for the prayers the medical staff offered for them. Part of my role as Chaplain is to raise a team of people committed to
praying regularly for our work. If you would like to receive a short monthly email from me which will help you pray consistently for our work, please email me at NormanWong@mws.org.sg “Heavenly Father, we thank You for the leaders, staff and volunteers of MWS who are serving You faithfully day in and day out. The work is often demanding and tiring. As they make time to sit quietly at Your feet – please refresh them with Your joy and renew their strength.” n
VOLUNTEER u to be a prayer warrior for the work of the Methodist Welfare Services. Email the Rev Dr Norman Wong at NormanWong@mws.org.sg Photo courtesy of Methodist Welfare Services
METHODIST MESSAGE • JUL 2014
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CHURCH PROFILE
Living Hope MC:
Practical outreach to make disciples The Rev Peter Koh has been a pastor since the year 2000, and was appointed as Pastor-in-Charge of Living Hope Methodist Church since 2010. He is married and has two adult children, 22 and 24 years old.
“By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.” John 15:8, ESV
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hat started as a group of Wesleyans meeting regularly for Bible study in Tampines in 1989 is now Living Hope Methodist Church (LHMC), a Disciple-Making Cell Church. Our mission at LHMC is to bear fruit for Christ in bringing hope to the community and nations. Unlike urban churches, LHMC seeks to meet the practical needs of the neighbourhood. Our activities thus need to be simple and within reach in terms of time and cost. Within the community, our outreach is to East Spring Primary School, St. Luke’s ElderCare (Changkat Centre) and Changi Prison; through praying for the sick and through Block Adoption around the church. For example, in Block Adoption, five committed cell groups have been befriending residents from blocks in the area with the distribution of flyers inviting them to movie nights, concerts, parents’ night and so forth. Through these activities – usually held on Fridays and Saturdays – several neighbours have come to recognise us and have attended our services. Mr Yeo Pee Hock, Chairman of the Local Church Executive Committee, said: “Most of us participated in the distribution of flyers. There were several residents who responded in a friendly manner. One even wished us: ‘Have a good day… and cheers!’ A gentleman whom we befriended is now attending our Sunday service and his son is in our children’s cluster, ‘Mighty Archers’. Praise the Lord!” Chief Usher Melissa Ho shares, “When the little ones came to watch the animated biblical movies, their reactions was ones of such spontaneous and
eager joy. Truly how Jesus loves these little ones – ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.’ (Mark 10:14)” Our vision is that God will be glorified through discipleship. The call is to know and to follow Christ, to bear fruit in showing His love to others. The vision of Discipleship through cells groups is seen through: a. Gathering – to bring new people in and to integrate them into the church through cell groups where there is pastoral care, nurture and mentoring. b. Grounding – to establish a sure foundation in the teaching of the Word of God. This includes discussions from sermon questions. c. Growing – to equip members within the body with ministry skills to lead and minister as “a royal priesthood” (1 Peter 2:9). d. Going – to multiply as disciples discipling disciples. Mr Peter Toi recalls when he was new to the church. “Being new then, it was through our warm and friendly cell group that we became part of the family in LHMC. The dedication of the cell members inspired us to serve. The cell meetings have deepened our knowledge of God’s Word and understanding of His will in our lives. Through the discussions in the Sunday sermon’s questions, there is the transforming power of the Word in our work and family.”
Living Hope Methodist Church (Trinity Annual Conference) 20 Tampines Street 33, S(529259) Sunday service: 9 am (English), 9 am (Mandarin, Hokkien) Contact: 6587-8810 or visit www.lhmc.org.sg
We continue our series of profiling local churches from our three Annual Conferences of The Methodist Church in Singapore. As we come to have a better understanding of each other’s history and ministry, there may be opportunity to forge crosschurch partnerships and collaborations. We are now debt-free, and we give thanks to God for His faithfulness. This has affirmed and encouraged us in our calling to bring hope to the community and nations. We thank all donors for their generous support. We look forward to our Church Dedication Service in October this year. Our challenge now is to grow the church in spiritual maturity and to achieve financial independence. Our prayer? To “bear fruit – fruit that will last”. (John 15:16) n
PRAY u for Living Hope Methodist Church u in their outreach to the community u to grow as a DiscipleMaking Cell Church u to bear lasting spiritual fruit Photo of church courtesy of Living Hope Methodist Church
SOUNDINGS
Science and wonders Dr Roland Chia is Chew Hock Hin Professor of Christian Doctrine at Trinity Theological College. He worships at the Fairfield Preaching Point in Woodlands.
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t Johns Hopkins University, neurosurgeons and biomedical engineers collaborated to create tiny, biodegradable “nanoparticles” that can transport DNA to brain cancer cells in mice. These scientists hope that one day, they will be able to load these particles with “death genes” and insert them in brain cancer patients by neurosurgery to selectively destroy tumour cells without damaging normal brain tissue. “We now have evidence,” says Jordan Green, assistant professor of biomedical engineering and neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins, “that these Trojan horses will … be able to carry genes that selectively induce death in cancer cells, while leaving healthy cells healthy.” Across the Atlantic, scientists at Cambridge University have succeeded in printing eye cells with a 3-D printer for the first time. Since many blinding eye diseases are caused by the loss of the nerve cells in the retina, the promise of this new technology is truly staggering. The advancement of science and its close cousin technology that we have witnessed in the span of just one century can be described, without exaggeration, as truly phenomenal. But it is precisely because of science’s great achievements, nestled in an increasingly secular culture, that some are led to elevate it to a status of omnicompetence that it does not deserve. The spectacular success of science should cause us to be wary of a dangerous triumphalism, bordering on idolatry, which often accompanies it. Ominous signs of this tendency were already evident in the last century. In 1941, the evolutionist scientist Conrad Waddington could declare that “Science by itself is able to provide mankind with a way of life which is … self-consistent and harmonious.”
And in 1960, Indian politician Pandit Nehru could say: “It is science alone that can solve the problems of hunger and poverty, of insanitation and illiteracy, of superstition and deadening custom and tradition, of vast resources running to waste, of a rich country inhabited by starving people.” More sophisticated thinkers have recognised the fallacy of this popular but inordinate confidence in science. Although science has indeed contributed greatly to human flourishing, insofar as it remains a human enterprise, it can never be anointed as humankind’s saviour. Theologians and philosophers have long exposed the myth that says that science holds the answers to the world’s problems. Observing its imperialistic tendencies, the British philosopher Mary Midley points out that from its birth, modern science “was associated with two strangely ambitious claims, infallibility and the formal unity of the whole of thought.” Both these claims are of course patently false. The diverse and often competing scientific theories suggest that science is not an infallible source of knowledge. For scientists like Peter Atkins and Richard Dawkins to claim that science is the only way to truth, and that it can, in principle, explain everything, is therefore unbelievably naïve. Such claims betray a simplistic view of reality, shaped by the narrow rationalism of the Enlightenment. The scientific imperialists of our day have failed to recognise (or perhaps
refused to acknowledge) what other scientists, philosophers and theologians are able to see so clearly: the limits of science. The theologian Thomas Torrance argues persuasively that science raises questions that it is incapable of answering. Francis Collins, the Director of the Human Genome Project, rightly observes that “Science is powerless to answer questions such as ‘Why did the universe come into being?’ ‘What is the meaning of human existence?’ ‘What happens after we die?’ ” As long as scientists refuse to acknowledge the limits of science, their search for truth will be futile. As the Harvard cell biologist and religious naturalist Ursula Goodenough has tragically admitted, “The more the universe seems comprehensible, the more it seems pointless.” Science requires a larger framework of meaning that only Christianity can supply. In fact, both science and religion have indispensable roles to play in the human quest for truth. As the late Pope John Paul II has eloquently and perceptively put it: “Science can purify religion from error; … religion can purify science from idolatry and false absolutes. Each can draw the other into a wider world, a world in which both can flourish … We need each other to be what we must be, what we are called to be.” n
“Soundings” is a series of essays that, like the waves of a sonogram, explore issues in society, culture and the church in light of the Gospel and Christian understanding. METHODIST MESSAGE • JUL 2014
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YOUTH WITH A MISSION
What Would Jesus Do… in Geylang? Joseph Chean has been the National Director of Youth With A Mission (YWAM) Singapore since 2012. He worships at Chapel of the Holy Spirit, where he had served as a Youth Pastor and Chaplain’s Assistant to St. Andrew’s Secondary School for eight years prior to joining YWAM Singapore in 1997 as a missionary. Joseph is married to Kim and has two daughters, aged 11 and nine.
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hat would Jesus do if He had a house in Geylang? That was the question God asked Youth With A Mission (YWAM) Singapore during our prayer retreat. YWAM Singapore had been living and working within Geylang for 19 years, yet we failed terribly in our attempts to embody Missions, Mercy, Evangelism, Discipleship, Transformation, and Justice in this location where God has placed us. These “church words” have weighty implications, and when woven together in our lives, Christianity looks very different in our society. We needed a conversion and we met with God. We had to unlearn our “Christianese” (Christian jargon) and learn how to “speak” the good news in a language broken people would understand. That discipleship process changed YWAM Singapore and how we shared Jesus with the poor and needy in Singapore. • We learnt to be available late into the night so that we can sit with the homeless and share their stories. • We learnt to express concepts like pain and forgiveness through ways other than words, to minister to “street ladies”, many of whom are illiterate. • We learnt not to assume the broken community understands and cherishes the basic values of life and having hope for tomorrow. Most of them don’t even know when they will eat again. • We learnt that the Church is the only expression of God to the broken world. If the Church does nothing, the broken will never see nor experience the immense love of God that is equally available to them.
Photos courtesy of Youth With A Mission Singapore
God’s heart is also for all nations and peoples outside of Singapore. YWAM Singapore sees that God is worthy of our all, and the good news of Jesus must be heard and embraced by unreached peoples. We deploy outreach teams into Asia on a regular basis. We also mentor and prepare potential missionaries for long-term placement in Asia. n Here are a few stories of God’s work through YWAM Singapore. Mr Wayne Sim (Singapore Life Church) was a fitness instructor. He was born and raised in a very committed Christian family but lived a wayward life. Like the story of the prodigal son, God the Father embraced him, restored him, and gave him a mission. Turning his commitment into action, he went to Hong Kong and pioneered a Discipleship Boot Camp for young men in China. After two years of running 12 camps in six locations in four nations, he is now a staff with YWAM Singapore. He serves as one of the leaders of the Discipleship Training School (Mercy Focus), discipling and leading people to demonstrate God’s heart for the poor and needy in Asia.
Ms Desiree Choo (Antioch Centre for the Nations) was a tax consultant with Ernst & Young. During her Discipleship Training School (DTS) stint, God gave her a vision of flowers blooming in Geylang – the transformation of women in Geylang. At that point, Desiree was due to be married in six months. She felt compelled to invite the street ladies and the homeless community to her wedding ceremony. Her YWAM Leader told her that these people would never come to her wedding unless she went to them and became their friend. For the next six months, Desiree visited the street ladies in Geylang and the homeless in the Bugis area. At her wedding, about 20 of them came. A homeless
Main Office No. 1, Geylang Lorong 23 Highpoint Social Enterprise Blk 8 Singapore 388352 Tel: 6745-9700 Email: info@ywam.org.sg Website: www.ywam.org.sg
man performed a guitar solo while the couple signed their wedding certificate. Today, Desiree is on staff with YWAM Singapore.
Youth With A Mission is a global movement of Christians from many cultures, age groups, and Christian traditions, dedicated to serving Jesus throughout the world. Also known as YWAM (pronounced “Y-wham”), we unite in a common purpose to know God and to make Him known. Started in 1960, our main focus was to get youth involved in missions. Today, we still focus on youth, and we also involve people aged eight to 80. We currently work in more than 1,100 locations in over 180 countries, with a staff of over 20,000. YWAM Singapore started operating in 1980. We are an international discipling community committed to raising a harvest force of missionaries into Asia. We have three ministry arms: GO CENTRE We mobilise, train, place and go with churches on short-term mission trips. TRAINING CENTRE – discipleship and mission preparation training courses Discipleship Training School – a five-month training that consists of three months of lectures and two months of outreach in Asia. School of Biblical Studies – a nine-month inductive Bible study that gives you a full indepth study of the Bible. School of Frontier Missions – a three-month Frontier workers preparation with a nine-month field internship.
FRONTIER MISSIONS CENTRE We prepare and place potential field missionaries into Asia. Asia Internship Program – a programme that helps potential missionaries to survive and thrive in the field. Member Care – we provide pastoral care to field missionaries.
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COVER STORY
FATHERS You can turn the tide Elijah7000 is not a programme or campaign – it is a cause to turn hearts, strengthen families and restore the nation.
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“Yet, if each generation receives a double portion and a double anointing from the previous generation, the nation will be transformed in no time!” Jason, a long-time pro-fathering advocate, had founded the Dads for Life movement in 2009. On May 31, 2014, he brought these same ideals to Christian fathers with the launch of the Elijah7000 movement, for them to reach other fathers so that together, they can respond to the rising wave of attacks on God’s design for marriage and family. Elijah7000 is not a programme or campaign – it is a cause to turn hearts, strengthen families and restore the nation. As mentioned, Elisha had asked Elijah for a double portion of his spirit. God had also sent Elijah to a widow and her fatherless son to care for them (1 Kings 17). When the son died, Elijah raised him to life again – this was an assurance by God that he would send spiritual fathers and father-figures to fatherless families and to restore seemingly hopeless situations. Lastly, in 1 Kings 19 – after the Israelites had rejected God’s covenant and other prophets were put to death, Elijah took refuge in a cave, despondent and miserable. This was when God spoke to him to say that He had reserved “seven thousand in Israel – all whose knees have not bowed down to Baal…” (1 Kings 19:18). In today’s context, the 7000 can represent the remnant of this generation which has not bowed down to the idols of the age. At the launch, held at the Anglo-Chinese School (Barker Road) Lee Kong Chian Auditorium, several fathers shared their testimonies, after which Jason invited all fathers to kneel and pray for repentance and forgiveness. Dr Lim Yoon Pin, a lecturer with the National University of Singapore and a father of four, shared how he and his wife were on the verge of separation two years ago. “I failed as a father and caused the marriage to fall apart. I was on auto-pilot with the children; I was often absent, and did not engage the children meaningfully. I was just doing ‘convenient parenting’. It was only after attending a church outreach event that I got thinking about my role as a father. Without this change of heart towards God,
I would not have been able to turn my heart towards my children and wife.” Mr Tio Chong Heng, a Father Volunteer from St. Hilda’s Primary School, shared about how a few dedicated and passionate fathers can rise up to lead a father’s group, organising numerous activities to touch and impact many other fathers and their children. Jason noted that because of activities like these, a principal once quipped: “There’s now life for mums!” Mr James Lo of Church of our Saviour shared about the experiences of the father’s group in his church. This included a “Youth Unto Perfection” programme where fathers are invited to mentor church youths, especially those who are fatherless. Jason asked: “How many of us know how many are fatherless in our own church?” The world and the community we live in today is being re-defined – fathers’ affections are diverted, families are divided, children are growing up with hurts and deficits and are confused about their identities. Will you be one of the Elijah7000 who may be used by God to turn back this tide of chaos which is threatening to be a tsunami? n
FIND OUT MORE:
u Visit www.elijah7000.org u Email contact@elijah7000.org
Photos courtesy of Focus on the Family Singapore
q Mr Jason Wong invited all
fathers to kneel and pray at the launch of Elijah7000.
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HOME
Stuck in PDPA … transition in a nutshell – From start to finish Dr Andrew Goh is the honorary Editor of Impact Magazine, Singapore’s only trans-denominational magazine. He is one of the founding elders of RiverLife Church and chairs its Elders’ Board.
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n one of the most unusual contests of all time, the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions and garlic won the day. And, of course, there were fish for the taking: “We remember the fish we ate in Egypt at no cost ...” (Numbers 11:5) Surely, Moses had to admit defeat – there was no contest to speak of. What was he offering? Manna and quails on one day, and quails and manna on another. Yes, with a little ingenuity and judicious use of oil, manna could be coaxed into tasting a little more like cake. But for days, and weeks, and months? Forgotten were the hardships and conditions of slavery. In such a transition, even the Past mesmerises with a surreal glow. The Present doesn’t look good and the Future loses all its attractiveness. Let’s turn around and go back where we came from, for taste has trounced freedom. For the children of Israel, being stuck in transition was the outcome of disobedience and disbelief! They left Egypt under heroic circumstances but never made it into Canaan, the Promised Land (except for Joshua and Caleb). A Departure without an Arrival. There’s a tinge of sadness in those very words. Transition always means letting go of one thing and reaching out for another. It may be a split second for the trapeze artiste, or years for those looking for a city with solid foundations, whose architect and builder is God. No, it’s not a case of neither here nor there. Something has to be given up, so that something better can take its place. Every bridal couple believes that; otherwise, they would cleave to their parents and enjoy the comforts of a familiar home. Challenges always come with Promises. Three case studies come to mind: Once he could dream of walking. Now he was lying on a sort of stretcher. Four friends had the audacity to remove the roof of a dwelling house and let him down: to reach the Healer. And now, he was in transition, for the Healer had pronounced: “Your sins are forgiven.” What lay ahead? Once she was running around like only active children could. Now she was deathly still. Her father had sent out emissaries. To request, no, implore the itinerant Rabbi, to come and perhaps catch her just before she crossed to the other side. But it was all too late. The Rabbi had stopped to attend to a lady with a 12-year haemorrhage. Was it all over? Once they saw how powerful He was. Single-handedly, He overthrew the tables of the merchants and money-changers in the Temple’s outer precincts. But now, crucified and dead, lying in a tomb, guarded by soldiers. How bitter was hope in their mouth and soul. Could there be a new dawn? Complete the transition. Cross over to the other side. Go the whole way. When the cloud moves, pull up your tent pegs and stick close to that advancing pillar. God’s purpose for you is personal and for your entire good. Hesitate no longer. There is a land flowing with milk and honey. And the Shepherd validates Psalm 32:8 – “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.” Trust God to walk with you all the way! n Reprinted with permission from Impact magazine, Feb/Mar 2014, Vol. 38, No. 1 Photo taken at the Flying Gaona Brothers Trapeze School, California, by s_bukley/Bigstock.com
Information below was sourced from the Personal Data Protection Commission (PDPC) website, www.pdpc.gov.sg, and from their published ad in The Straits Times on June 7, 2014.
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he Personal Data Protection Act 2012 (PDPA) will come into effect on July 2, 2014 and is enforced and administered by the Personal Data Protection Commission. What is the PDPA all about? It’s a data protection law that sets the rules for governing the collection, use, disclosure and care of personal data. Who needs to comply? All organisations that ask for personal details of employees, donors, sponsors, volunteers, members and so on – including small, medium and non-profit entities – need to comply. What data does the PDPA protect? Any data that can identify the person – whether true or not – from the data collected, or from the data and other information to which the organisation is likely to have access. This data can be in electronic or nonelectronic form, and would include personal particulars, medical, financial and educational records, and so forth. What are some of the rules? There are rules on the collection, use and disclosure of data, and subsequently the retention/access, and deletion/anonymisation of data. What steps do I need to take? The immediate task is to develop a Personal Data Protection Policy, and follow up with an operational process and procedure. Appoint a data protection officer to implement and ensure compliance. Where can I go for help? Visit the PDPC website at www.pdpc.gov.sg where you’ll find plenty of useful information and tools. Or contact them at 6508-7333 or info@pdpc.gov.sg. At the same time, the General Conference will be providing a policy template for local churches to modify to their specific requirements, and is also negotiating with training providers for bulk discount classes. n METHODIST MESSAGE • JUL 2014
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UNITY IN SPIRIT & SERVICE
HYMNS & SONGS
Giving more than money Judith Mosomos is Acting Director of Worship and Church Music at the Methodist School of Music, and a member of Kampong Kapor Methodist Church.
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hat gift can we bring, what present, what token?” goes the first line of the hymn “What Gift Can We Bring” (UMH 87) by composer and hymn-writer, Jane Marshall. An apt hymn to be sung this month, as churches start to remind us of our annual pledges, and in response, we think about how much we can give. As we contemplate this, and perhaps to pledge beyond the monies we offer, remembering that offering is about more than just monies – let some of the lyrics of this hymn help us ponder the act of offering.
be enriched so that we are able to serve the Lord our God with gladness and fullness of heart.
Give thanks for the past, for those who had vision, who planted and watered so dreams could come true.
This gift we now bring, this present, this token, these words can convey it, the joy of this day!
We have been blessed by people who have gone ahead of us but left behind a vision and legacy that we enjoy today.
Give thanks for the now, for study, for worship, for mission that bids us turn prayer into deed. There are countless opportunities to study God’s Word, to worship as a community, and to do missions. May we be encouraged to actively participate and in so doing, may our lives
Give thanks for tomorrow, full of surprises, for knowing whatever tomorrow may bring, the Word is our promise always, forever, we rest in God’s keeping and live in God’s love. With all the uncertainties of tomorrow, may we rely on God’s Word, His mercy and love.
The author begins the final stanza with “This gift we now bring…”, linking back to stanza one. It is no longer a question, but a declaration that the gift that we bring is a gift from God. That gift is our life – a life that gives “honour and praise” to the living God. This points us to David’s prayer of praise in 1 Chronicles: “Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name. But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand.” (1 Chronicles 29:13-14)
When grateful we come, remembering, rejoicing, this song we now offer in honour and praise! So as we sing the last stanza, let us be grateful – “remembering”, “rejoicing”, and offering our lives “in honour and praise”! n
About the author: Jane Marshall (b. 1924) is a composer and a hymn-writer. She was a contributor to the United Methodist Hymnal and her works include psalm responses, hymn text and tunes. She wrote the hymn “What Gift Can We Bring” in 1980 for the 25th Anniversary of her congregation, North Haven United Methodist Church, in Dallas, Texas. She is a distinguished member of the Fellowship of United Methodist Musicians in the United States of America. She continues to write and publish choral music. The hymn was published by Hope Publishing Company, Carol Stream, IL 60188 in 1982.
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HOME
with a new look Christina Stanley is Editor of the Methodist Message and has been a member of Wesley Methodist Church since 1987.
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oon after Trinity Annual Conference (TRAC) President the Rev Dr Gordon Wong was elected to office in November 2012, he rolled out a rally call to all 21 TRAC churches to be “On TRAC Together in Word, Worship, Welcome, Witness and Wonder”. Now this “rally call” is embodied in a brand new logo – a colourful five-point star that was selected as the winning entry in a competition that attracted 81 entries from 62 contributors. A “Thank-you gift” of $2,000 was split between Mr Edwin Poh of Faith Methodist Church and Ms Jolyn Kari Ng Li Jie of Wesley Methodist Church, as the winning entry combined elements from both their designs. Thank-you gifts of $200 each were also given to five other participants – Ms Lee Boon Gek of Yishun Christian Church (Anglican), Ms Rebecca Tan of Faith Methodist Church, Mr Wong Joon Kim of Toa Payoh Methodist
Church, Mr Berwyn Kwek of Hope Church Singapore and Mr Kwan Keng Keong. According to Edwin, his “star graphic” is meant to represent disciples growing together and shining brightly for the Lord. The five points of the star depict each of the “W”s in the Rev Dr Wong’s rally theme. The “W”s are meant to encourage members to grow in their walk of discipleship, through: Studying the Word; desiring and encouraging communion with God and Worshipping Him; receiving and sharing God’s warmth and welfare, through Welcoming all with God’s Love; being a positive Witness of God’s love and good news through accepting differing roles; and marveling at the Wonder of God through believing in His wonderful acts of physical, emotional and spiritual healing through both prayers and physicians. This new TRAC logo gives a “visual focus” to the five “W”s and TRAC churches may use it wherever and whenever it helps them promote discipleship or any one of the five “W”s in their local church. n
YOU & YOUR FAMILY
Preparing for adulthood Benny Bong has been a family and marital therapist for more than 30 years, and is a certified work-life consultant. He was the first recipient of the AWARE Hero Award in 2011 and is a member of Kampong Kapor Methodist Church.
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few months ago, I accompanied my friend to witness his son enlisting into National Service: taking the Singapore Armed Forces Pledge, having his first meal of Army food, and seeing the living conditions most enlistees will experience. I watched with interest how mothers tested the softness of the mattresses and fathers examined the weight of the new assault rifles issued to their sons. I was stunned when parents were assured that their sons would get their daily eight hours of sleep – over my first three days of enlistment, I had only eight hours of sleep! Of course, times are different and things have changed. No more is camp food likened to barbwire from the obstacle course. Officers appear more like benevolent uncles than fearsome tyrants. With all these improvements, some may wonder if our boys are getting things too easy. After all, some parents hope that enlistment will turn their boys into men. They hope their boys would be trained to be more emotionally mature and more capable of independent living. Some parents have the fantasy that after National Service, their sons would make their own beds and tidy their own rooms. Alas, when they return home, they return to their old patterns of living, of being dependent on mother’s cooking and care. How do our young mature to adulthood? Are there pivotal moments or experiences one has to go through, like being enlisted into the army or attending prom night? Whose responsibility is it to prepare our young for adulthood? Over the years, I have seen parents becoming more and more reliant on teachers and schools to bring their children to maturity. Some parents do this as they want the best for their children. So they send them to the best schools, the most competent home tutors and the latest enrichment programmes. Is the task of raising a child really so
Whilst schools do a reasonably good job of preparing a person vocationally, the task of imparting life and social skills begins and continues at home even when one has left formal schooling. complicated that parents can no longer perform any meaningful role? Then again, there are some parents who are too bogged down with the daily chores of earning a living or running a home. They may practice subcontracting the teaching of our young even before they enter formal schooling. They depend on domestic helpers, available grandparents, and childcare specialists. When all these are unavailable, I have seen parents thrust iPads into the hands of infants and toddlers. In doing all this, we miss the opportunity to experience one of life’s greatest joys: that of imparting skills and values to our young. Whilst schools do a reasonably good job of preparing a person vocationally,
the task of imparting life and social skills begins and continues at home even when one has left formal schooling. One such life skill my daughter acquired gave her the nickname “mop queen” during a school camp for 11-year-olds. The girls were tasked to keep their rooms clean and many were unfamiliar with the use of a mop. It is a pity that some of our boys and girls only pick up the life skills of housekeeping and cooking when they are studying abroad. However, I feel that social skills are of even greater importance. This is about the ability to build friendships and to end those that have become manipulative; to accept diversity and live in harmony with others; to discuss and exchange ideas, and agree and disagree with others in respectful ways; to be able to be a part of a community while not feeling that we have to lose our cherished ideas and values; to accept success humbly and not be crushed by failure. Imparting these life and social skills is a task that each parent should be responsible for so that when their children are launched into the world, be it for further studies, work or even enlistment, they are adequately prepared. If we fail to do our duty, our children are not going to turn around and say: “Why didn’t my Math or English teacher teach me this?” n Photo courtesy of Christina Stanley
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POEMS
A Creative Word Dr Oliver Seet is a member of Wesley Methodist Church and a Board Director of the Metropolitan YMCA.
Copious words from scholar, priest or saint make no indent like a word from the Master that cuts through bone and marrow into the hidden chamber of thought and feeling, and brings into being in a single day what takes a millennium in the puny mind of man. The Lord speaks into the dark and there is light, into despondency and there is joy, into poverty and there is wealth, into disease and there is restoration, into madness and there is sanity, into turbulence and there is peace. Is there anything too hard for the Lord?
The wheelbarrow mind of man can never comprehend the thermonuclear might of the Creator God, that birthed a billion stars into existence with a word, who shaped order out of chaos – slinging the galaxies into place, setting the sun on course for time and seasons and the moon to wield the tides of the sea; Who can conceive of God sitting in the small world of an atom but so immense that the framework of the universe cannot contain Him; who can at once be everywhere, and to whom all portals of time and space are open?
Could such a God like this love man, the creature shaped in His own image, traitorous even in Paradise, bringing sin and death into Eden, faithless and feckless – could the Creator love man so much that He would send His own son, Jesus, into the world as sacrificial Lamb for all mankind? Can man reject such love and grace, pardon and transformation, and the eternal gift of life in His presence? John 3:16, Genesis 18:14, 1 Kings 8:27
July ATTENDING THE SINGAPORE BIBLE COLLEGE PREACHING CONFERENCE
Jul 29 – 30 (Tuesday – Wednesday), 9 am – 1 pm and 8 pm – 9.30 pm Jul 31 (Thursday), 10 am – 12 noon Singapore Bible College, 9-15 Adam Road, Blk 7 Level 4 Worship Hall
Calling all interested in preaching – and preaching well! The Singapore Bible College Preaching Conference is offering four sessions on expository preaching, Proverbs, parables and Epistles. There will also be evening exposition sessions and a combined chapel. The speaker is Dr Jeffrey Arthurs, Professor of Preaching and Communication at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. Organised by Singapore Bible College. Admission is free; register before July 18 at www.sbc.edu.sg
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For more info, contact Ms Cheng Ting Ting at 6559-1516 or deaneng@sbc.edu.sg
PARTICIPATING IN METHODIST MISSIONS SOCIETY PHOTO CONTEST #2
Until Jul 31 (Thursday)
Capture the next wave of missionaries and missions-minded people with this photo contest – themed “Youth in missions”. Go on a mission trip and you could snap the Methodist Missions Society’s (MMS) photo of the year, in addition to winning one of the three top prizes of $100 each! Photos must be taken at MMS’ ministry locations in its seven mission fields: Cambodia, East Asia, Laos, Nepal, Thailand, Timor-Leste and Vietnam. Up to three photos per entry are allowed. Specifications are laid out at www.mms.org.sg Organised by Methodist Missions Society. Entry in the contest is free.
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For more info, call 6478-4818 or email mms@methodist.org.sg
TAKING PART IN EVEN THE ROCKS CRY OUT SONG-WRITING PROJECT
Until Jul 31 (Thursday)
Even The Rocks Cry Out (ERCO) is a song-writing initiative by Truthmin (Trinity Annual Conference Youth Ministries), encouraging youths to express themselves through music and song-writing. It is open to youths between 13-25 years old from all the Methodist churches and schools in Singapore. Prizes range from $1,000 to $200 EpiCentre gift cards, and CD hampers from Integrity Media Asia. Selected entries from the previous four rounds of this annual song-writing project were recorded in a recently-released album by Truthmin, titled Offerings: You Are Worthy. The album is available at Trumpet Praise, SKS Books, all good music stores, and digitally on iTunes and HaloMedia. Organised by Truthmin. Entry is free – visit truthmin.com/equip/erco for submission details.
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For more info, contact Mr Mark Mas at 6769-5415 or mark@truthmin.com
REGISTERING FOR THE MALAYSIAN METHODIST PRAYER CONVENTION 2014
29 Aug (Friday), 7.45 am – 9.30 pm and 30 Aug (Saturday), 8 am – 6 pm Sunway Convention Centre, Malaysia 31 Aug (Celebration Service), 10.30 am – 12.30 pm Putra Stadium, Bukit Jalil, Malaysia
Join Methodists in Malaysia as they gather for a time of prayer and celebration. The Rev Dr Stephen Seamands, Professor of Christian Doctrine at Asbury Theological Seminary, will speak on seeking God, and the “person, presence and power” of the Holy Spirit. The Rev Dr Joshua Ting, General Secretary of Chinese Coordination Centre of World Evangelism, is the other plenary speaker, covering discipleship in daily life. Organised by The Methodist Church in Malaysia. Register by end July. Fee: RM60 per person
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For more info, visit http://methodistprayerconv.com or email mpc@methodistchurch.org.my
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THINK
God is good? Dr Leow Theng Huat is a lecturer of Church History and Theology at Trinity Theological College. He is married to Cheng Ping, and they have three children. The family worships at Wesley Methodist Church.
We must fall in line with God’s understanding of goodness, and not the other way around.
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hen we meet someone we have not seen in a long time, we might ask, “How have you been?” We sometimes hear the response, “I’m fine. God has been good.” By this, we often mean that things have been going well for us. Many of us give such a reply as a catchphrase, without intending to convey any deeper message. However, the phrase “God has been good” is a rather problematic one. It seems to be based on the notion that the goodness of God is in some way dependent on the way He treats us. If He causes things to go smoothly for us, He is good. Otherwise (and this converse is usually not verbalised), He might actually not be that good a God. This kind of thinking is very much in line with the “human-centred” Christianity we see so much of in Singapore today. A “human-centred” Christianity is simply one where the focus is still very much on ourselves. While we claim to worship God and to have given him our all, the most fundamental goal of our Christian faith is actually the enrichment of the self. So, our primary concerns remain things like: “How can I ensure a comfortable and successful life for myself and my loved ones? How can I find the resources to cope with the challenges which an ever-changing world presents to me? How can I make sure that my eternity is secure in heaven?” The various aspects of the Christian faith like prayer, reading the Bible, attending church worship, giving our tithes etc., are viewed as means towards answering these primary concerns. In our obsession with the self, even God ends up as a means towards an end. God is seen as valuable chiefly because of the things He is able to do for us. We see the main purpose of God’s existence as being to serve us and help us reach our goals. This subtly leads us to judge the extent of God’s goodness according to how “good” He has been to us, in terms of granting us the kind of life we desire. Some sectors of Christianity in Singapore go further and claim that they have discovered the formula for inducing this God to bless us in the precise ways we desire. So, for example, we sometimes hear the exhortation for us to give financially to the church, because God will surely return the favour many times over in terms of monetary blessings.
God, in our human-centred Christianity, has become something akin to a vending machine – just slot the right amount of the right type of Christian activities, and He will dispense precisely what you ordered. The proper Christian understanding of God is a diametrically opposite one. God is at the centre, and we unworthy creatures have been given the unimaginable privilege of standing around His throne to worship and serve Him. Moreover, God is good – full stop. By definition, God is perfect goodness, and all that He does is totally in accordance with His perfectly good nature. So, even if our health should fail, even if our career goes into a tailspin, even if the terrible things which happened to the Old Testament character Job should happen to us, God is still good. God’s goodness does not depend on Him meeting our desires. We must fall in line with God’s understanding of goodness, and not the other way around. Many of us Christians in Singapore need a “re-centring” of our faith, to shift the focus away from ourselves unto God. Perhaps a small way to start is to change the way we speak. Instead of saying “God has been good”, we can say “God is good”. This is an affirmation we make, sometimes more by faith than by sight. But it is an affirmation that, by God’s grace, might slowly nudge us away from the centre, and allow God to assume his rightful place. n
God is good – full stop. By definition, God is perfect goodness, and all that He does is totally in accordance with His perfectly good nature.