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Issue 01/2023 MCI (P) 024/07/2023

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.... "For now the LORD has made room for us, and we shall be fruitful in the land." Genesis 26:22

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Please expect the initial period at launch to be imperfect as we get systems and processes ironed out. Do continue to pray with us. On our cover page we are reminded of how Isaac in Genesis 16:22 named his well “Rehoboth” for he said “ the Lord has made room for us, and we shall be fruitful in the land.”

In late February, some of our founding SU leaders visited the new camp site.

Dear Friends, I’d like to make an update on a couple of issues on the last IG magazine.

Firstly on the restoration of our SU camping ministry. Camping is a foundational core ministry “well” that has been missing for nearly 20 years. It’s a well which SU is now re-digging for a life giving supply of water.

Unfortunately we have had some construction delays due to circumstances beyond our control. We also have numerous safety issues yet to be resolved.

Prof Lawrence Chia – pioneer Secretary General ffor or SU (currently Trustee – SU Singapore)

“In February 2023, a small group of Christians who had all been closely associated with the work of SU) and who had, in particular, been also involved with the historical CAMP ministry of SU, were able to visit the new SU Campsite in Batam.

They had already witnessed how camp sites of SU, first at Telok Paku and then at Sentosa had been greatly used for SU’s impactful camp, conference, training, workshops and other residential programs. They were also touched and thankful to see the blessings to so many when the camp site was made available to other groups and churches for their own programs.

Naturally, they like most others, felt saddened when the lease of these sites expired. Imagine their thrill and thankfulness to know that the present leadership, in praying for the need had discovered and developed a piece of land in Batam for this very purpose. Thus, with the help of SU Chairman Arnold

IMPACTING GENERATIONS - 1

CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE

hoo and a few Indonesian leaders, they were able to see for themselves this exciting development with all its promise and potential.

They were able there and then to engage in P A in thanksgiving, claiming the ord’s further provision to meet all the needs of this lovely seaside venue, and of the influence and impact of ministries through this venue. e Praise the ord for the certain blessings that this labour of love and faith, continuing commitment to CAMP AN C NF NC MINIST will bless countless from Singapore, Indonesia and beyond. e trust readers and all others will rally round the Council in prayer and devote themselves and their resources for this great work.

T

B T

ur plans for the campsite this year include egional Camps youth from several AS AN countries in the age group from 2 and we hope we can bring them and their mentors back annually by cohort. It will be like a spiritual officer training corp in which we hope will develop cross linked regional Christian leadership. e foresee that as AS AN integration deepens, barriers will drop and that we will need a much more connected regional leadership probably by ust another decade.

SU CF Scripture Union Christian Fellowships) get togethers.

Bring together young folks from different churches across Singapore, to meet others in faith, food and fun fellowship Support local Indonesian churches in camping activities.

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Provide a safe place where families, small groups g roups and churches can come and deepen relationships Most of all, we would like it to be a place where people, young and old, can come and learn to recognise the voice of od. It’s part of a ongoing discipleship.

To support this, we are planning to have Pastor Peter Tsukahira come and launch his uip discipleship program later this year.

he challenge of course is on execution, getting it right. ut it’s difficult to do that because the campsite is a means to an end for many on a spiritual ourney so please add us to your prayer list and ask for God’s covering over us.

Pray for the anointing of God to be over us, that as people enter, there will be a sense of is oliness. In Indonesian, the campsite is called Suci amp vontur he oliness dventure Camp t the time of writing, we do not have any of the basic furnishings and fittings we need.

We start with bare buildings, water and power. s servants, we do expect that the aster will provide but know that it will be through is children. It’s a long forward this issue but I’d also like to update you with what has happened with our partner ministry in Cambodia.

hank you for helping the work in Cambodia. Due to the generosity of many, the SU work there has been able to to advance. In rabaek, there is now electricity,water and toilet. he appy Feet School - his was established to reach out to the village kids with parents who cannot afford to pay tuition fees. hey are taught basic nglish, aths, hmer literature and of course engaged in Christian activities. In the class of 0 kids, the ma ority now say they trust the Lord.

Until recently, the rudimentary premises were without electricity, water and sanitation. With help from Singapore, this has all changed dramatically and the facility now has all of these

CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE

Samai 2 from Stung reng came to Phnom Penh for the first time and has been living at the dorm for a year. e was very tired from school work, waking early and riding his bicycle to University. fter attending ible classes, he has found strength and is not tired anymore.

Chivorn came to Phnom Penh for the first time to study at the university. fter hearing the gospel she was baptized in pril 202 . She believes that walking with esus will lead to great life under the protection of the God.

LEFT: hrough our support, SU Cambodia has been strengthened in ministry. In Phnom Penh, every hursday, 20-2 university students come to study the ible and worship and fellowship.

oung comes from a poor family in ampong hom Province. e does not know how to study and has relied on his brothers and sisters. e came to Phnom Penh because of his sister who wanted him to study at a good university. lthough he used to attend the church at his home town, he did not believe in God until he came to Phnom Penh last year. During ible study, he understood that “ he fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” e was baptized in pril 202 .

Sokhern from Prey eng province , wanted to give up her studies when she failed her exams was depressed and disappointed. ut when she came to the Sunday service, it changed her and gave her oy. She was also unhappy about her looks but after understanding that God creates everyone uni uely, she now feels confident with herself.

part from all of this, SU Cambodia now has wheels and so can now travel to rawbaek and other ministry areas fre uently.

It used to be prohibitively expensive but with a vehicle, even weekly trips are possible.

In fact, the plans for SU Cambodia in 202 call for missional engagement in ortheast Cambodia, in bong hmum, ratie and ondulkiri. For SU Cambodia, 2022 was the year of the ig lessing hank you for helping. Let’s simply re oice in the goodness of God. Arnold Khoo, Chairman Scripture Union Singapore

RIGHT: Uncle on 2 lives at Cherng prey village nearby now knows God is Love. e now believes in Christ as the way to heaven and his only concern is when he dies his friends and neighbours will not come to attend his funeral.

ABOVE: aptism in pril 202 .

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CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE

As a result, we can hold rallies and outreaches there. The kids who participated in the rally were open to Christianity. In Februar February y this year, 130 children from the villages turned up to the rally.

LEFT: Water starts to flow.

RIGHT: Everything completed, mission accomplished.

BELOW: The day water arrived at the Trawbaek “Happy Feet School”

ABOVE: The elders (pre-believers) are now meeting for Bible engagement there every month. 5 to 15 will gather to talk about the Bible.

4 - IMPACTING GENERATIONS

ABOVE: With the centre of ministry being established at Trawbaek, we have been able to reach out to the villagers.

Going door to door, praying and sharing the gospel.

Through our support, SU Cambodia has been strengthened in ministry. In Phnom Penh, every Thursday, 20-25 university students come to study the Bible and worship and fellowship.

National Director's Message ver so daily we hear about the subtle issues faced by our youths today the longing to be loved, to belong, to be accepted. he strive to complete an education, the struggle to secure a vocation, living with the hurts of being raised in a dysfunctional family are but some of the common uandaries faced by our young. his makes the work of our outh inistry all the more compelling. he need to share the Gospel is ever so great.

We are excited, challenged and spurred on. In this feature of IG, read the testimony from a 6 year old ietnamese lad who took part in C .0 udio ible Contest 202 , ointly organized by FC sia and SU Singapore read a feature from the past by our rustee Rev Dr lfred eo, a conversation with Rev Dr mos, updates on our newly renovated office space. Other highlights include: our upcoming events SUP Camp and Camp Re levant’, our welcome feature on Rachel, our new member of staff.

ut an even greater challenge is to teach one how to cultivate a life of discipleship. It was .W ozer 1 1 6 merican pastor, author, mentor who put it, “Only a disciple can make a disciple.”

s in 1 Peter 1:16, “be holy because I am oly” we are called as a people of faith to live a life of holiness. oly living translates to living a life that is set apart, reserved for the glory of God. It is a life of focus, discipline and attention to God’s righteousness. ever easy, but worthy of a prioritized goal set before us.

In this issue, our Chairman spurs us on towards ministry restoration, an endeavour we hope will develop and mould disciples.

hank you again for your kind support as always.

Soli Deo Gloria L

IMPACTING GENERATIONS - 5

A FRESH SPACE, A RENEWED VISION AND A NEW PAGE The re-configuration of our SU Training Room has long been on our hearts.

With much talk on current WFH (Work From Home) arrangements, the Council decided it was time to re-look and capitalise on the use of space at our present office. An enlarged training room to accommodate more space for training, teaching and other events without having to lease external venues, has been a perpetual concern. A larger enhanced training room gives us enlarged group space, areas for lectures, studies, discussions and workshops. With some used audio equipment, projectors donated to us in the past, we have managed to assemble a modest set-up for music and work use. With this we have plans to hold more group fellowship sessions, bring youths in for worship, teaching, training in our CPCM (Certificate in Practical Children’s Ministry) and BYMT (Basic Youth Ministry Training) courses. Ideas have sprouted out to introduce new initiatives, art therapy, counselling workshops. While these aspirations have not transpired, the availability of space provides us the opportunity to dream and envision the exploration of such undertakings. Do pray with us as we commit this new space to the Lord.

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Fai th C om By Hea es rin g

ABC (Audio Bible Contest) 3.0 Jointly organized by Faith Comes By Hearing (FCBH) Asia & Scripture Union Singapore

John 1:1 tells us “In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God. “ Words convey meaning. In Matthew Henry’s commentary we read “The plainest reason why the Son of God is called the Word, seems to be, that as our words explain our minds to others, so was the Son of God sent in order to reveal his Father's mind to the world.”

What better way to study the Word than to just listen to it.

The Grand Finals ABC 3.0 was held on Saturday, 26th August 2023, via Zoom. 350 finalists aged 7 to 18 years of age gathered from seven Asian countries to be quizzed on the Book of Acts in 5 languages: Mandarin, Malay, Vietnamese, Tamil and English. Over 1,215 participants took part in ABC 3.0. This year we were especially blessed to see so many friends from Vietnam join us. We were privileged to hear the Scripture message brought to us by Ps Mark Nguyen, Executive Director of FCBH Vietnam. Thanks be to God for the Word being able to come alive in the nation of Vietnam It is our hope that we bring the ABC competition to many more indigenous nations of Asia in the years to come. What a joy for SU to partner with FCBH, Asia.

Testimony

by Nguyen Trung Tin, aged 6 b “Dear ABC organizers and teachers, my name is Nguyen Trung Tin. I am 6 years old. I knew about ABC when I was 3. I could not participate as I was not old enough. But I was faithful and determined to join in on Zoom to study the Bible with teachers and friends.

I learnt a lot about the Word of God, and experienced the power and miracles of God through my life. God healed me, answered my prayers when I prayed and I know that He loves me. Since joining ABC 3.0, I have been with my friends. Every day I join in on Zoom to study the Bible and learn with teachers and friends. I am so excited about this. I give my gratitude to God, to the ABC organizers and teachers for opening up ABC for me. May God bless the ABC team and teachers in teaching the Word of God to us.”

IMPACTING GENERATIONS - 7

Living a Righteous Life So my dad was attending a Pentecostal church,

Tell us more about yourself So we all got baptized in the Holy Spirit, Rev ev Dr Amos, where it all started from? speaking in tongues and believed in healing, “I was born into a Pentecostal family. And at the age of 11, I was born again at home. And it was close to the charismatic revival times. So every day, dad will insist that we pray with him. So we have two hours of study and before dinner, one hour with him. So it is during that time that the spirit of God impacted us at 11 years old.

My brother was 9 years old. We became holy rollers, speaking in tongues and all that. So we were in a kampong village called Kranji. That is a piece of land and there were two wooden houses.

We were not so rich. Dad was the only support.

We are seven of us and he was a soul -bread winner. I was the fifth one.

My First Encounter

One day I prayed. I said, “Lord Jesus, wake me up at six o 'clock so that I can talk to you.” We had an old grandfather's clock, but it had no alarm. So I asked the Lord to wake me up. Early in the morning, I had a big slap. I felt my jaws was all broken. I thought it was my brother, Danny because he always bullies me. But I looked around there was no one. Then I looked at the clock it was six o clock sharp. That was a humorous way of God waking me up. It was my first encounter with God....”

faith and all of that. When we were young, mom thought us Bible stories...

....“and even though we backslided we all still came back, because we had the fear of God, that thought was always there.

Thank God for parents.”

So eventually you went to the police force?

Actually I was a public health officer under Ministry of Environment. So, I took care of the roads, sweepers, night soil carriers. So, I got into trouble with them because when they made a mistake, we were supposed to charge them. So, they didn't like the word "charge". They threatened me and wanted to kill me.

Anyway, mom prayed with me. Everything was okay. The workers start work at 6am in the morning. And they were supposed to finish by 2pm. But when I went to that job, they told me, these workers will finish their job by 10am.

They told me “Don't stop them. Just release them. Sign the card as 2pm.We will take the responsibility.”

But you see ...that was wrong... I said, “I will follow your structure. But you (the authorities) have to answer!”

8 - IMPACTING GENERATIONS

HEARING HIS VOICE...

“God has sent me as a light to this station and I need His stre strength ngth to be a light.

So this was the challenge. But God was molding me.” “ So one of the workers is an illegal money lender. He was caught by the police. And when questioned, he said that his overseer let him go. So from the headquarters registry of the environment, they sent a letter to check on me. But I wasn't the one. The district assistant commissioner, he is the one responsible. And senior public health officer.” Anyway, they called me up. They said this is just like a verbal warning. So all this happened when I was juggling work and retaking my O levels at the same time.

So I went to the union and asked for help. The lawyers in the union came in and audited all the log books. They found that it was a 15 year practice. They finally called me and removed their verbal warning. After this I resigned because they were unhappy. They got caught, and they started to make things difficult for me. I too was unhappy. And I thought "Where will there be a place where I can stand for truth?”

Standing for Truth

So in 1977, I joined the police force and 1979, I got married. I was sent to Coast Guard. Then I was later put on in station duties. I faced several challenges there as well but I continued to walk uprightly.......

(Watch the full conversation in our YouTube channel ) ........”We became the best coastguard station and I got a medal, best police officer.”

MIRACLE BABY

During that time my wife couldn't have a child.

Medically she could not conceive, we needed to adopt. But I went on a one year of fast. The word of God says be fruitful and multiply. In the book of Isaiah, it says God created the womb. But the doctor said the womb was chronic. Furthermore she had an immune system working against her. So I wanted to hear His voice to know if I can have a child or not. Because John 27 says my sheep hear my voice.

He didn't say my prophet or my evangelist or my pastor. He said my sheep. So I'm a sheep. I should be able to hear. So I said “ Lord, I can't hear.” So I went on a one year fast. I went to the extreme, to give the devil no space....

To be Continued...

IMPACTING GENERATIONS - 9

East West (EW) – South Asia (SA) Community Support Group (CSG) Gathering Our annual EW- SA Community Support Group gathering was held on Friday 8th Sept 2023.

Owing to costs considerations, this year’s meeting was held via Zoom. Over 71 participants from 22 National Movements participated in the session led by our Executive Director for SU Peninsular Malaysia with the assistance of Asia Pacific Field Director Dr Lim Teck Boon.

To share the Word of God with us was Chairman of SU Peninsular Malaysia Mr Jory Leong who challenged us with his message this year “What is your epitaph?”.

Seen in history is an unusual epitaph of the German Dutch Mathematician Ludolph Van Ceulan. Engraved on his tombstone is the “value of pi 3.1415926535897932384626433832795028 84197”, for which he derived. In each of our own lives, this brings us a haunting reminder; what do each of us aspire for our legacies?

In 2 Timothy 4 :7 the Apostle Paul wrote “I have fought the good fight. I have finished the course. I have kept the faith. A tall order but what would each of our legacies be?

10 - IMPACTING GENERATIONS

We can draw three key principles here. Firstly, Paul fought the good fight, he agonized over his struggles.

It was never easy but he endured. In 2 Corinthians 11:23-28 he related the dangers he encountered in life.

Author, preacher Francis Chan reminds us “The greatest fear of life is not failure but succeeding in things that do not matter.”

Our second take home is this. Paul finished the race, completed it and never gave up. In the 1968 Mexico Olympics, Tanzanian marathoner John Stephen Akhwari showed the world his ultimate display of determination by finishing his race despite his knee and shoulder injury. He finished last among the 17 competitors who completed the race (79 had started).

When interviewed later on why he continued running, he said, "My country did not send me 5,000 miles to start the race; they sent me 5,000 miles to finish the race." Our third and final principle; be faithful to God, be faithful to your calling.

What will your legacy be?

Following our message for the day, the National movements were placed in various breakout rooms for further discussions. This centered upon sharing each other’s needs and challenges and a time of prayer and intercession for one another. A short afternoon, yet it was one well spent among fellow Movement members, united in spirit serving the Lord.

Much was learnt from each other, fresh ideas were fostered and renewed vigor in the work of the Lord was initiated. Thanks be to God!

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

2 Timothy 4:7

IMPACTING GENERATIONS - 11

YOUTH MINISTRY

“CareClub” Programme Scripture Union Singapore’s Children and Youth ministry teams partnered with Prison Fellowship Singapore (PFS) to do outreach to children via a “CareClub” program.

The CareClub sessions are a faith-based character development focus that aims to bless the children of incarcerated parents by giving them a conducive space to mingle, to build life values as they learn from the Bible. There are plenty of games, story-telling and role plays, song and dance, short lessons, testimonies, and small group sharing to facilitate a fun and safe environment for children, aged seven to twelve years old, to learn and grow in.

This program happens on a monthly basis where volunteers with a heart of gold serve the children by providing pickup service from their homes and dropping them off at the PFS office, where the sessions are held. During these precious one-to-one moments the children will share stories about their school life, family, and friendship happenings with the volunteers. The CareClub session runs for two hours on a Saturday morning, after which the children will have their lunch and are accompanied on their journey home by the respective volunteers.

SU would like to warmly thank PFS for the six years of great partnership in allowing us to take lead in running this social- emotional learning program to bless the children. As PFS transitions into a one-to-one mentoring approach with the children moving forward, we wish every blessing, grace and strength to be with the ministry workers of God’s kingdom!

We would also like to thank our faithful “CareClub” volunteers for availing their weekends to be serving with us. Indeed being a part of building up young lives is an immensely purposeful work. We are grateful for your partnership and touched by your consistent giving to the children. We have learnt much from you. All glory to God!

For more updates of SU youth engagements, please visit www.su.org.sg

12 - IMPACTING GENERATIONS

Upcoming Camp

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IMPACTING GENERATIONS - 13

YOUTH MINISTRY

The TheSU SUYouth YouthMinistry Ministryteam teamhad hadthe theprivilege privilegeto toshare sharethe thetheme thememessage message“Faith, “Faith, Hope, Hope,Love” Love”(1(1Corinthians Corinthians13:13) 13:13)with withsome someofofthe theyouths youthsfrom fromGood GoodNews NewsBaptist Baptist Church.

Church.ItItwas wasintrinsic intrinsicto tofoster fosteraabond bondand andconnection, connection,as asthe thegroup grouphas hasbeen been meeting meetingregularly regularlythroughout throughoutthe theyear yearfor forSU@CF. SU@CF.

GOOD GOODNEWS NEWSBAPTIST BAPTISTCHURCH CHURCHYOUTH YOUTHCAMP CAMP 99- -11 11DEC DEC2022 2022

Dorcas Dorcasbegan beganthe thefirst firstsession session on on“Faith” “Faith”where whereshe shetackled tackled the thepurpose purposeof offaith faithand andhow how ititisisimportant importantfor forus usto tohave have faith. faith.Following Followingthat, that,everyone everyone had had aa wonderful wonderful time time of of group group discussion discussion where where we we also alsospent spentsome sometime timegetting getting to toknow knowthe theyouths youthsbetter. better.

Suzanne Suzanneshared sharedthe thetopic topicof of “Hope” “Hope”for forthe thesecond secondsession session and andhow howshe shemanaged managedto tofind find hope hopeeven evenin inthe themost mosthopeless hopeless situation. situation.Then Thenthe theyouths youthswere were spilt spiltinto intotheir theirgroups groupsto toshare share their their experiences experiencesof offeeling feeling hopeless hopelessand andhow howthey theymanaged managed to tofind findhope hopein inthose thosesituations. situations.

Lastly, Lastly,Luke Lukeclosed closedthe thelast last session sessionon onthe thetopic topicof of“Love” “Love” and andhow howititisisthe thegreatest greatestof ofall all Christian Christianpursuit. pursuit.The Theyouths youths Scripture ScriptureUnion UnionChristian ChristianFellowship: Fellowship:SU@CF SU@CFisisaarecent recent initiativefrom fromthe theYouth YouthMinistry Ministryteam teamto tobring bringthe theWord WordofofGod God managed managedto toshare sharehow howthey theyfelt felt initiative back backto to loved lovedby byGod Godand andhow howthey they our ouryouths youthsby byempowering empoweringthem themto tobe beeffective effectivedisciple-makers disciple-makers should shouldrespond respondto toHis Hislove lovefor for through throughBible Biblestudy, study,prayer prayerand andfellowship. fellowship.We Weseek seekto toequip equip them. them. them themin inconducting conductingstudent-led student-ledfellowship fellowshipgroups. groups.Interested Interestedto to start startSU@CF SU@CFwith withfriends? friends?To Tofind findout outmore, more,please pleasecontact contactLuke Luke Zachary ZacharyNg Ngat atlukeng@su.org.sg lukeng@su.org.sg

14 - IMPACTING GENERATIONS

CHILDREN’S MINISTRY

SUPA CAMP 2023 28 - 30 NOVEMBER 2023 FOR 8 – 11 YEARS OLD (AS OF 2023)

Theme Key-Verse: Psalm 31:24 (ICB), “All you who put your hope in the Lord, be strong and brave.”

Learning Aim: When we journey in life, there will be hardships, controversy and persecutions.

As we grow in a loving relationship with God, we also grow in our courage to face these hurdles – to be strong and brave.

Join us at SUPA Camp 2023. Learn through games and stories and fun activities how to Be Patient, Be Strong, and Be Brave! Bring along your sleeping bags too because we are going to stay overnight together for this camp!

We will discover together with a few Bible Characters how they were strong and brave to face challenges.

Venue: Changi Beach Club (2 Andover Road Singapore 509984) Dates: 28-30 November 2023 Ages: 8 – 11 years old (as of 2023) Closing Date: 20 October 2023 (or 50 campers, whichever comes first!)

Fees: S$145 (inclusive of camp tee, camp materials, meals and transport) For further details, please reach out to MJ via email at maryjaneyong@su.org.sg

IMPACTING GENERATIONS - 15

CHILDREN’S MINISTRY

CERTIFICATE IN PRACTICAL CHILDREN’S MINISTRY (CPCM) 2024 After a year hiatus in 2023, we are ready to train passionate Children’s Ministry workers and teachers who desire to be equipped as God’s workmen (2 Timothy 2:14); to ENGAGE children with the word of God, helping them to experience God in their daily walk, and to EMPOWER them – the next generation of children in their church for God’s glory.

What to expect from the training: Onsite training @ SU Training Room at Bible House Pre-course reading (readings before class commencement) Group participations/Assignments Practicum fulfilment for full-cert participants with SU One local camp/SUPA Camp One overseas camp/4D3N One local church children’s programme Observation in video, with writeup.

You ou may register for a full certification, modular or topical. Online registration will commence in November 2023 via Scripture Union Singapore’s website.

Training will commence after CNY. Weekly Thursdays nights starting from 21st February 2024, from 7:30pm to 10pm.

For more information, please direct your enquiries via email to Rev Flora Chew at, florachew@su.org.sg or to Maryjane Yong at, maryjaneyong@su.org.sg For more updates of SU children’s ministry engagements, please visit www.su.org.sg 16 - IMPACTING GENERATIONS

CHILDREN’S MINISTRY

IMPACTING GENERATIONS - 17

A look back to the past...

60 years ago, on 19th February 19 , a guest speaker, Dr John Laird walked into ACS Auditorium, Barker Road. I was studying at ACS, playing the piano for the school chapel. Later I learned that Dr John Laird was the Scripture nion Secretary in England. He was travelling as a ship doctor from London to Australia. Mr Ralph Mitchell of Bethesda Assembly arranged for Dr Laird to speak at ACS Chapel.

Next day, Dr John Laird spoke at Scripture nion Rally held at Raffles Institution at Bras Basah Road. My girl friend, Rosie, then and I attended the S Rally. The message must have challenged me to witness for the Lord.

I brought a friend, Philip Ng Fook Wah to attend my church (Telok Ayer Methodist) Easter Camp from 16-1 April 19 held at Tanah Merah Besar. The speaker was Rev Paul Contento of OMF. Early Easter morning I witnessed to Philip of the Lord Jesus Christ. He accepted the Lord. I wrote in my diary, “My first soul.”

Philip attended Wesley Methodist Church ever since until few years ago when the Lord called him home. So he walked with the Lord for years as a good member leader of Wesley Church. He attended the Bible Class led by the late Dr Khoo Oon Teik. Later Philip led the Bible Class instead.

Little did I realize then that 60 years later, I would be involved in Scripture nion as the Chairman.

More than 60 years ago (in 19 2), Willie Chan, father of Rev Edmund Chan, sold me the Scripture nion Daily Bread and later Daily Notes in my church. As a result in using these Daily Notes, I had been blessed much in my personal reading and understanding Bible. Some of you may comment: “Of course you are a pastor. So you have studied the Bible College.” Wait a minute When I first used the S notes to help me in understanding the Bible I was a teenager then and still in school.

I thank God for the grounding and basic learning of the Bible as a teenager with the help of S notes, before I went off to study in a Bible College. As I look back to the use of Scripture nion Daily Bread and Daily Notes, I thank God for the helpful pointers and illuminating notes to help me in my spiritual life, my walk with the Lord day by day.

Rev Dr Alfred C.H Yeo

Written by Rev Dr Yeo a decade ago W 18 - IMPACTING GENERATIONS

elco e o boa

I am an avid reader; I love to read, among my favourite fiction authors are Jeffrey Archer, Michael Connelly, Ken Follet and David Badalcci. I started working in S this January. New year, new plans, new focus, why not a new job?

For a while, I struggled with identity. Last year, I was invited by a friend to apply for a job in my ex-company.

I had been in the IT industry ever since I graduated from our local university until I left this profession to be a full-time mother in 200 . For years, my past work experience has always shaped my identity. Or so I thought. Then it dawned on me, is that what I want to do? Of course, I prayed and asked God.

“Those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.” – Proverb 11:25 I am reminded that I have a higher calling: It’s time for a new season. My daily prayers always include salvation for my family: mainly my children and my elderly parents who are now in their mid 0s.

I believe in God’s timing; that He is listening to my prayers, and it will happen. I am especially heartened when I speak with our long time Chinese Daily Bread readers; some of them are about my parents’ age

As they shared with me about how their daily uiet time with God is made even richer through the devotional notes; I feel that God is telling me that my parents time will come and that they too will get to have their own personal encounter with God. I am a relatively new Christian; I was baptised in late 2019. God moves situation and people in amazing ways. What I had always thought of as simply coincidences were in fact part of God’s plans for us. ntil I encountered it personally. That shall be part 2 of my sharing next time

a hel would lo e to hear stories from you: our dear readers of the aily Bread, on how the de otional has helped you or those among you. o all or email resour es su.org.sg to share your testimonies

IMPACTING GENERATIONS - 19

SU Singapore Retreat 2023

But those who wait on the Lord, shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31 Amidst the rustic charm of a modest black and white walk-up flat in Changi, we congregated to spend a time of worship and waiting upon the Lord. Embarking on a theme of renewal, revival and regeneration, we gathered as members of staff, council members and volunteers. volunteers Leading us in our retreat, we were privileged to have medical missionary, Dr Tan Lai Yong take time off his busy schedule to impart some insights of his work involving youths. His Scripture text pointed us to Numbers 10:29-36.

Numbers 10:29 “ Now Moses said to Hobab the son of Reuel the Midianite, Moses’ father- in-law, “We are setting out for the place of which the Lord said, ‘I will give it to you.’ Come with us, and we will treat you well; for the Lord has promised good things to Israel.” [NKJV] In this passage, Moses invites his kindred to go into the promised land. As we encourage our youths to journey with us, God guides us by His pillars (signs and wonders), His people (prophets, leaders) and His policies (ceremonial laws). Leaders need to discern in these areas of guidance; we need to draw out the relevance of the Bible as we engage with young people. Allow for super natural leading, be discerning among our youths as we reach out to them. Empower our leaders by drawing them in, be creative as we organize our activities, be high in relationships low in activity. Be vulnerable, be open to our youths; forge their trust. The Israelites going out and coming in the desert, gives an example to begin and end each day's journey and every day's work with prayer. A true servant in Christ is one who beholds God. Following the morning’s lesson, we went on to hear the experiences of three ministry workers: Kel Tay, Priscilla Low and Monica Tan. Mr Kel Tay (Corporate and Team Building Trainer) guided us through a game of ‘rules’. What happens when in your establishment the rules change? When that happens, we tend to get ruffled, irate and distressed. We find ourselves needing to take time to adapt to new ways; some do, some do not. Change is difficult but inevitable. Change for the better is always needed. Perhaps one way to change as we grow, is to further cultivate volunteering as a culture; encourage volunteers to serve. Actively recruit people; invest in their growth. Volunteers like to hang out, join in the community spirit; let volunteers feel encouraged when they serve. Next to share was Dr Priscilla Low who walked us through her work experiences with youths at risk.

Being involved in this area of work she confides, is harder than being a medical doctor. In medicine, you can prescribe a pill following your diagnosis. No tablet prescribed however, can ever remove the years of hurt and bitterness in one’s life. Coming alongside youths in distress takes pain-staking commitment, discernment from the Holy Spirit and devoted prayer to God. Our final guest, Ms Monica Tan (formerly in education and mother of two) shared with us her experiences in leading children to missions in Surabaya. Having spent many years bringing children in her church on mission trips her aim was to empower children to pursue a taste of missions in their lives. The key was to cultivate a renewed sense of purpose, passion and commitment. Mission work is tiring, draining and trying. The Lord’s work has not been in vain. She now spends her time ministering to adults.

Why were we there? This was our first ever retreat, after some ten years. It being post- covid, it was an appropriate time to bring everyone together. We needed some time to soul search, to discover what made us tick. We aspired to be one in Christ to be led by God.

20 - IMPACTING GENERATIONS

modest goal was to cultivate a lifestyle of prayer build a culture of spiritual oneness build each other s strengths focus on strengths not weaknesses build ways to improve, we wanted to enew, evive, egenerate . e wanted to discuss challenges, every aspect of our work and leave no stone unturned. e were encouraged to take measured small steps, to stretch ourselves always to think out of the bo . ever be afraid to e amine, never be afraid to fail. Encouragement is brought about by making good observations. hat did we do right in the past year where did we err Every establishment is not bereft of its own problems. Even athletes have to study their techni ues to improve on each little stroke to up their game. e need to keep trying, keep e perimenting. e do not always have the answer but we can keep learning then only through the strength and grace of lmighty od will we be able to engage, e perience and empower

RE E

ur brother u i lead us on our second day on the passage of E ekiel - . E ekiel looked down and prophesied upon the bones in the valley, and they became human bodies. od would powerfully raise these bones to life. Thus says the ord od unto these bones, ou shall live verse and verse that which was immediately done was that they were moulded anew into shape. ith the divine presence of od, nothing is impossible. e can, out of stones raise up children for is work and out of dead and dry bones create a revived team of ministry workers to fight his battles and plead his cause. erse , surely I will take the stick of oseph and make them one stick and they will be one in y hand. The ord will unite us and e will bless us, if we allow im to.

IMPACTING GENERATIONS - 21

SU Resources 2023

Mini Bible timeline – [$10 for pack of 10] Time belongs to God Celebrations Sorted Want to be iin God’s family

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Bible Friends Series by Maggie Barfield Paperback each at $6, bundle at 5 for $20, Hard Cover $10 each

22 - IMPACTING GENERATIONS

SU Resources 2023

“ My thoughts”on SU

Chinese Daily Bread –

The daily titles are clear and provide an outline for the week.

It is suitable for busy people both young and old. The Scripture Scripture passage is short and detailed, making it suitable for pre-believers and those unfamiliar unfamiliar with the Bible.

Each page includes a short prayer, allowing new Christians to learn learn to pray. The author also provides encouragement at the bottom of each page.

Testimony from our Mandarin reader

IMPACTING GENERATIONS - 23

PRAYER TIMES Singapore

Pray for the churches in Singapore to have revival Youths to be zealous for the Lord Bring back our youths who have backslided

PRAY UNTIL YOU SEE A BREAKTHROUGH

Pray now is just a scan away! away!

24 - IMPACTING GENERATIONS

Leadership

Pray for SU Singapore Council members Discernment Divine Protection Strength Wisdom

Thanksgiving

Thank God for His providence.

For His guidance and protection Thank the Lord for each and every donor, supporter of SU Singapore.

SU Singapore Staff Divine protection

Wisdom and creativity to rest upon every staff ; to have the mind of Christ

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SCRIPTURE UNION SINGAPORE IMPACTING GENERATIONS StJtttt 1qsLJ

Issue 01/2023 MCI (P) 024/07/2023

REHEBOTH

.... "For now the LORD has made room for us, and we shall be fruitful in the land." Genesis 26:22

ACTS 2:42

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updates. Be among old Friends, come and f,ellowship.ove:r a1 bite.

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