GOODNEWS - LCOR - APRIL 2019

THE GOODNEWS

APRIL 2019

SPREADING THE AROMA OF CHRIST

The Parable of the Prodigal Son

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“Christian Faith In The Business World”

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Father God’s Nurturing Heart

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Restorative Practice

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Ukulele Ministry

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Confirmation & Baptism

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Heart of Worship

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The CASE for CHRIST

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World Day of Prayer

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Out of my Comfort Zone

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Fire Hearts

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By Faith

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Celebration of Hope

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Appreciating our Loved ones

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LUTHERAN CHURCH OF OUR REDEEMER 30 Duke’s Road, Singapore 268912. Tel: 6466-4500. Email: lcor@lutheran.org.sg 1

THE PARABLE OF THE PRODIGAL SON

By Rev Lim Kim Hock

For this season of Lent, we are directed to meditate on a parable - a story, a drama. The purpose is to see ourselves in the story. If someone were to tell you in your face that you are foolish, narrow-minded or stubborn, you will not like it.

However, when we watch a movie or drama and see a character so much like us, then we understand how we sometimes behave in the same way.

In this story, we see 3 main characters, I will call them the desperate son, the gracious father and the reluctant brother.

The Desperate Son The younger son is desperate to get away from the confines of the home and to go out into the world. He wanted to enjoy his life - to do what he always wanted without being told what he cannot do. He wanted to be free - free from parental control and from what other people may say. Normally, we would expect him to just pack his bag, inform his family and go. However, he did something unheard of. He asked his father for his share of the inheritance knowing that this would incur the anger of his father.

After he got his share of the money, he left for a distant country and squandered his wealth. Over time he faced hardship and became desperate for food. He had to feed pigs, something unthinkable for a Jew. He was literally starving and even thinking of eating the pigs’ swill.

It was then that he realized how pitiful and desperate he had become. For the first time he really wanted to go home just to get out of the hopeless situation. He began to think of his father’s possible reaction to his plight. Would his father reject him? Would he be willing to forgive him after all that he had done? He desperately yearns for forgiveness. It would be enough if his father would take him as one of the laborer’s.

The Gracious Father In this story we see the father who was grief stricken, when the son asked for his share of the inheritance. It was as though the son wished his father dead. In spite

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of his anguish, he gave what the son wanted. The gracious father bore all the pain and shame by himself.

After his younger son left, the father grieved over losing his son. Yet as much as he longed for his son, he could only wait patiently for his return. He was always on the lookout wanting to be the first person to meet the son. He did that because the culture of the day demanded that the villagers would chase and kill the son if he ever returns to the village. The father must run ahead and protect his son from being killed.

Yes, that was what he did when the prodigal son returned. The gracious father ran ahead and embraced his son. He restored the son by giving him a robe, a ring and a pair of sandals, assuring that he is a son and not a servant. He loved his son! He has forgiven his son. And to show that he really meant all that, he threw a banquet to celebrate, leaving no doubt that this son was so dear to him.

The Reluctant Brother While this was going on, the brother returned from his work in the fields. Imagine his surprise when he approached the house. He asked, “what’s all that noise?”

When told that his “good-for-nothing” brother had returned, he was unhappy. He did not join in the celebration to show his displeasure. He could not understand why they were celebrating. What was there to celebrate? He despised his brother for being a rascal bringing so much shame and grief to the family.

The father had to persuade the reluctant brother. This brother complained that he had been slaving all these years and he had never been disobedient. Yet he had never received even a young goat to celebrate with his friends but this undeserving rascal of a brother had all the attention! It was so unfair!

This brother was blinded with anger and refused to see why his father was so happy when the prodigal son returned.

Conclusion Who do we see ourselves in the story?

If we identify with the younger brother, can we see how much we are loved? All our sins have been forgiven when Jesus died on the cross. We are new, fully restored to God’s favour. Our guilt is past. We do not need to dwell on our past misdeeds!

Do we understand the pain and grief that God (our Father) bore on our behalf? If we do, we will understand how God rejoices over every sinner who repents and believes in Jesus.

If we are like the older brother who compare ourselves and complain about others, then we miss out the joy of seeing sinners returning to God.

PA S T O R’ S M E S S AG E

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IN CONVERSATION WITH MR. PHILIP NG:

“CHRISTIAN FAITH IN THE BUSINESS WORLD”

By Oey Bie Lan @ Lanny Widjaja

Biblical Graduate School of Theology Alumni Students Network invited Mr. Philip Ng, CEO of Far East Organization (FEO) to have a conversation on “Christian Faith in the Business World” on 28 July 2018 at Zion Bishan Bible-Presbyterian Church. Reverend Dr. David Wong of the church conducted the interview during the conversation.

FEO has been operating as a Christian enterprise since 2015. It seeks to be a community of love and a workplace of grace doing business guided by the eternal truths of Jesus Christ. FEO is the winner of 11 FIABCI World Prix d’Excellence awards, the highest honour in international real estate.

FEO does business guided by the eternal truths of Jesus Christ Many people have asked Mr. Ng which comes first for him – being a Christian or a businessman?

Mr. Ng replied that a Christian should preach Christ everywhere he goes. By the grace of God, He will provide the resources, strength and ability for us to be obedient. The Lord has to rule his heart and lead him. Mr. Ng shares the Word of God at corporate meetings and annual events in his organization. He stressed that as a Christian businessman, he cannot keep his faith to himself.

He cannot keep His Saviour out of his company. It is especially incumbent on Christian leaders in a Christian enterprise to walk the talk as Christ taught. Non Christians must be able to sense that there is a difference and distinctiveness between a Christian enterprise and a non Christian one.

Mr. Ng acknowledged that it is often difficult to be a compassionate person and to make the right decisions and communicate them well at the same time. He must strike a delicate balance between showing compassion while doing what is right with grace and love in the way he conducts his business. He is determined to rely on the teaching of the Christian faith in his business undertaking.

He makes it a point to pray for the Holy Spirit’s guidance and the Lord’s protection.

FEO is a workplace of grace Mr. Ng spends one-third of his time dealing with issues relating to Human Resources. Large modern corporations have a tendency to treat staff as mere ‘digits’. As a Christian enterprise, he believes this should not be the case. Management should be ‘relational’ with the staff. We should demonstrate stewardship, grace and forgiveness in our handling.

As a Christian enterprise, the underlying ethos of FEO is truth, grace and love. It extends grace 4

The GOODNEWS | April 2019

to under-performing staff members by giving them time and help to move on to other meaningful vocations. Often, it means working with special agencies to facilitate their moving out and moving on to other places of employment.

FEO tries to prevent office politics from creeping into its environment as this is not in keeping with the gospel message. Envy usually lies at the root of office politics. To resolve this, Mr. Ng thought that it is not enough just to have a change in ‘attitude’. He emphasized that people must have a change of ‘heart’. This can be achieved through good training and by leaders walking the talk.

FEO seeks to be a community of love FEO considers staff members’ well-being and customers’ satisfaction to be important. Being a Christian enterprise, FEO does not aim to be the most profitable company. It places more emphasis on the means through which it does business and fulfills its obligations than the ends. This means holding true to the values of Jesus Christ, fulfilling its promise and serving its customers well.

FEO advocates the idea that we are stewards of God’s creation. It also seeks to give back to the community and society. Its giving initiatives are carried out in the name of Jesus Christ rather than for corporate social responsibility.

FEO has an in-house chaplain who is there to provide a listening ear, care and guidance in confidence to all staff members, Christians and non-Christians alike. The Chaplain also nurtures discipleship, spiritual nourishment and harnesses the Body of Christ at FEO to fulfil the good purposes of God and glorify His wonderful Name.

Mr. Ng has Christian discipline FEO embarks on a journey to view work as worship and service to the Lord. Mr. Ng prioritizes his time to be with the Lord so as to seek His guidance and His grace. He endeavors to speak his mind from the Word of God rather than from his own thoughts. He has morning and evening devotions, quiet time and prayer time. He attends small group bible studies and prayer meetings.

Mr. Ng does not encourage nor discourage tithing. He believes in being a cheerful giver as scriptures tell us to. He is of the opinion that tithing is good because it can bless other people, employees and communities for the glory of God. My insights I have gained some valuable insights into how a Christian business person can lead a Christian enterprise, guided by the eternal truths of Jesus Christ and operating it as a workplace of grace and a community of love.

“

A CHRISTIAN SHOULD PREACH

CHRIST

”

EVERYWHERE HE GOES . ..

COMMUNITY

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TALK BY MS DIANE LITTLETON ON

Father God’s Nurturing Heart

By Wong Manquan |

On the evening of 26 January 2019 (Saturday), the Lutheran Church of our Redeemer was honoured to have Ms Diane Littleton share on the topic of “Father God’s Nurturing Heart”. Diane is a former missionary who has travelled and taught extensively in Asia, having also worked in Malaysia with the Overseas Missionary Fellowship and Youth With A Mission.

In her talk, Diane shared that God as our Father is one of the most prevalent pictures of God in Scripture. But God has also revealed, as part of his fatherly love, that tenderness towards his people is akin to the feminine love of a mother. Because male and female are His creations and thus a reflection of some aspects of Him, He is the source of all feminine tenderness and nurturing kindness, as well as strong, masculine power and authority. When we ponder Father God’s mother-like nurturing of our lives, it deepens our understanding of the intimacy we are made to have with him.

Diane also shared that masculinity and femininity is not the domain of one gender or another. They are traits that are found in both men and women just as both are found in God. The masculine will and the feminine heart are part of wholeness in all whole men and women, but are found in differing proportions in each of us.

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26 Januar y 2019

For example, some men are very nurturing while some women are excellent in leadership positions. Diane highlighted the characteristics of false masculine and feminine identities, such as the man with no heart, woman with no heart, man with no will, and woman with no will. She explained biblical submission in marriage (and no, it is not simply the wife being a doormat), and the importance of nurturing and bonding with our children. She ended by leading a series of prayers asking the Lord for help to forgive others and to address our own weaknesses.

It is impossible to condense a two-hour long talk filled with gems of wisdom and truth into a short article here, and I would certainly not be doing justice to Diane! As her message is very relevant to all Christians (and very current in our gender confused times), I would strongly recommend the purchase of her book The Nurturing God. It is available as an e-book for just S$11.20 from https://graceworks.com.sg.

Lastly, as one of the organisers of this event, I would like to give thanks to God for the excellent turnout of around 50 attendees from various denominations. This was completely unexpected given that the talk was not publicised outside of the Lutheran churches and it was on a Saturday evening, close to Chinese New Year.

Diane’s great teaching was helped by her eloquence and humour, enabling us to walk away blessed and edified.

Scriptures that speak of God’s nurturing heart include: “Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you!” (Isaiah 49:15) “As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you…” (Isaiah 66:13) “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings…”

(Matthew 23:37).

Paragraphs 2 and 3 of this article include extracts from Diane Littleton’s book The Nurturing God.

DISCIPLESHIP

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LCCS VOLUNTEER TRAINING

RESTORATIVE PRACTICE

By Elizabeth Martin |

23 February 2019

In the past few years, LCCS has been gaining recognition for its work in restorative practice (RP) and is poised for growth. Under the leadership of Bishop Terry Kee, Executive Directors Daniel Ang and currently, Justin Mui, the organisation is busy with plans to do more to help the community in Singapore. It held its Board Retreat in December 2018 to amp its growth thrusts.

The Board Retreat on 2nd and 3rd December 2018 On Saturday, 23 February 2019, LCCS held a training for volunteers. A few members from the first service of LCOR joined many others at their office in McPherson Road for the training. We found the training informative, interesting and useful.

What is Restorative Practice?

It is a way of thinking and being focused on creating a safe space for real conversations that deepen relationships and build stronger and more connected communities. Instead of an adversarial approach that eventually pinpoints the blame that leads to punishment, RP is a proactive approach that aims at managing the conflicts and restoring relationships.

Why is there a need for RP? Relationship issues are extremely common. We have relationship issues at work, in the family, in school, in church, between neighbours, etc. Some are serious enough to need external help and

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The GOODNEWS | April 2019

others are handled by the courts and the police. Invariably, cases are resolved but the hurt cycle remains and stakeholders’ lives are often negatively affected. The reason is that the offender, the victim and all the related stakeholders are not given a chance to share their emotions together and be given an opportunity to reduce negative emotions or promote positive emotions. This methodology requires trained facilitation and painstaking effort on the part of the RP practitioners.

Currently, LCCS’ efforts in RP has gained momentum and they are busy training principals, teachers in schools, prisons, community groups, etc. Last year, they hosted the international conference of RP that brought delegates from all over the world to discuss how RP was making an impact in their respective communities.

What is its relevance to our Christian faith?

Quoting Ephesians 4:31-32 “Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamour and evil speaking be put away from you, with all the malice” And “be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you”. I see many opportunities how we Christians can spread the love of God by practising RP and help people in need.

As LCCS is our outreach to the local community, let us support their work in whatever way we can.

The quality of their work has not only won endorsement but also praises from Terry O’Connell, the expert on RP, “I was ‘taken’ by the insights, passion and commitment shown by the youthful LCCS staff who have taken ‘restorative’ from a program to a ‘way of being and relating’, with relevance to all mainstream practice. The worldwide Restorative movement has so much to learn from LCCS and Singapore.

If you feel you need an ‘uplifting experience’ contact any LCCS staff and ask ‘What is restorative practice and how does it help?’ I would rate my LCCS experience as one of the more extraordinary in my long ‘restorative journey’. A little ‘gem’ operating in a dignified and respectful way in Singapore, LCCS needs to be nurtured and supported to continue it wonderful work of healing hurt and strengthening communities. “ Terry O’Connell OAM Retired Australian Director, Real Justice.

Waiting for training to begin COMMUNITY

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UKULELE MINISTRY

By Oey Bie Lan @ Lanny Widjaja |

19 Januar y 2019

Soon Hock Bee has been passionately teach-

accepted Jesus Christ as her Saviour and Lord

ing members of our church and other churches

after hearing us play the ukulele. Indeed, it was

how to play the ukulele since 2016. He started

such a rewarding experience for the Joymak-

“The Joymakers” on 4 September 2016, with a

ers!

mission to share joy and gospel with the community through our music and song.

Another lady patient at a hospital approached a member of the Joymakers to learn how to play

Key observations

the ukulele. Her face brightened up when our

Almost every Sunday, Hock Bee leads the uku-

member gave her a ukulele lyrics notes. With

lele practice and teaches us to play songs that

her permission, our member prayed for her and

follow the seasons of the Church calendar of

gave her Christian tracts.

events and festivities. The class is fun as we learned how to play pop and community songs,

During the mission trips to the Lisu tribe in Yun-

and hymns and praise in English, Mandarin,

nan, China in 2016 led by Hock Bee, we played

Hokkien, Cantonese and Malay.

the ukulele to sing the hymns and praise songs.

The Joymakers had ukulele performances at the Lutheran Church in Singapore Sisters’ Retreat in April 2017 and 2018. We also played at the Crossover Service in 2016, Reformation Service on 27 October 2018 and on Christmas Eve 2018.

We also had public performances since 2017 at All Saints Home, St. Luke’s Hospital, Sunlove Abode for Intellectually Infirmed and we joined the caroling event at Khoo Teck Puat Hospital.

Members from the Mandarin and Tamil services often join us. On 21 December 2018, we performed to the locals and tourists in front of Wisma Atria at Orchard Road to celebrate Christmas.

On 19 January 2019, the Joymakers

performed popular sing-along songs in Mandarin/Hokkien at the “Appreciating our loved ones” evangelism lunch.

The audiences enjoyed our performances.

They waved/clapped their hands and sang along with us. A lady patient at All Saints Home 10

The GOODNEWS | April 2019

Key insights The Joymakers’ mission is to do outreach and social concern ministry. We reach out to the non-believers, the disadvantaged and under privileged in the community. The ministry expresses God’s love and concerns to the society.

I believe that some of the greatest sermons are preached by the singing of hymns. Hymns move us to repentance and doing good works, building testimony and faith, comforting the weary, consoling the mourning, and inspiring us to endure to the end. The Bible verses tell us that we should praise God for His mighty deeds, greatness, love, justice, salvation, and everything that is so wonderful about Him.

“Oh come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation!” (Psalm 95:1) “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” (Colossians 3:16) “Praise the Lord . . with strings and pipe!” (Psalm 150:1-6)

COMMUNITY

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LCOR | 6

Januar y 2019

CONFIRMATION & BAPTISM

See w ha lavish t great lo ve th ed on e u s called , that w Father has e And t children o should be hat is f what God! we ar e!

on eats that went tr re on ti ma ir nf The co joyable were the most en twice every year had planned activWe . me r fo ble ra and memo e 1 John discussions on thos d an g in wl 3:1 bo as ities such ts. I nfirmation studen co e th l al th days wi as if I mation seriously, ir g nf in co m ke ta ir f to learnt in af ten jor step arn. At first, I of le a to m ol a ho a m sc ir to n f g bee was goin f Con was tion has s part o classes, thinking it A ng e . ri h d du t o ol Confirma fo G ll e a th ith played d I cover ionship w s the teacher an half to wa d d a da n a my d my relat t e n s us a r ca ar okay be tion to unde ook a ye my dad. Confirma d ents and w an s m e as a f cl tion, I t r e c a th a d S e annoye bowling er in about th o went but it digs deep ls , d ol a e ho sc n e content e ay W h nd . t Su ism is like streng way ll Catech d it changes my ther and an ’s e h t it g is o fa the Sma r t e h th n C ng u f explaini ters in you’re we had s and sis confirming that r e e e lik h e is times, so s t It o . , r ng s b ki r s of thin othe r you ionships a d by the nday school is fo .

Su e m s o ir ea d p our relat er s g wh in in n k ia y a Christ in His was reall rving Him al e c nfirmation. s li church. I ib o b t in n ew to prepare for co atio r ic g d I e s d a ir int to me ing the God has -Ezra eans a lo t m a h n w io t f a y ing o d m n Confirm a d t e s n r e e d rength e and un it has st d n knowledg a , o d or us to tended f God. hip with s n io t la e r Ern eri-Yap Zoe ome exp s e w a n er, was a s togeth n class io ie r t o a m m e ir m f eat out My Con many gr hole day e w d a a m g in e v d to rk, ha ence. W ays trie o the pa t lw a g g in o n g a s The be re. Pa sides such as st mem many mo or us. Be f d g n a in h r o ic e r y I hav mation her nd enr togeth e of C class w un toget ns fun a f o s d s a o le n h f a is e ir s when w Confirm zes ss, w make h e had ation R some quiz ation cla m g ir in f o n d o t e C d h n treat. e togethe rch a having things We we r to b e of chu ny new id a s n t m t u o t o n o g r u w t l and cream. holy, by goin . I lea to eat I have be more he Bible t o t o t le t n ic d a r e rnt a lo ingful now.

I lea relate t of m things e often irmation. r f o n m o e C f a r le h n o ib g m the example my b to do throu others, , to a we had , I read e s c a n a lw f t t s n o a e r ys be listen a nfid for in oncepunctua ttentiv to be co ion is a t t a n r m l, a e ir ly le f t n o and to joy lea I also es. Co ake it always rning. T should t s at tim n e io t w e a o t n o n s m when w e, Conf ce, prese e truly irmation experien e im t e s f a is li y trust in that w in-ae want Jesus a . n t d o -Sange do wha seriously etha t He sa ys.

-Suritha

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DISCIPLESHIP

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DAY CAMP WITH NIGEL GOH

Heart of Worship

By Ang Peng Chye |

19 March 2019

Eleven children from our Second Service Sunday School Ministry came together on 19 March 2019 to attend the Heart of Worship Camp conducted by Nigel Goh. Nigel is familiar with our children as we engaged him for worship lessons last year. As a passionate worship trainer, Nigel is particularly interested in children’s ministry. He set up his own ministry known as Anesti (meaning “risen”) and serves actively in Cairnhill Methodist Church.

At the start of the Day Camp, Nigel led the children into a time of singing and worship. Sitting together in a circle and praising God for His marvelous works, for who He is and His majestic nature.

The atmosphere in Paul’s Room was filled with an awe and the presence of God. As the music and songs gradually toned down, Nigel picked up the momentum to share about his life. Most importantly, about his life with God. Our children were especially filled with curiosity when he shared about his coming newborn baby. To all of us, it is amazing to learn that God has even led both Dora (his wife) and him to choose a special name for their coming newborn baby.

Debbie was supposed to be our invited guest. However, as most of us would have anticipated that “…the harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few…”, she too had to roll up her sleeves to lend a hand to help throughout the Day Camp. Thank God for her willingness and always being so ready to help and serve. Thank you so much, Debbie!

During the sessions, some children were shy to learn a new instrument. After some words of encouragement, some children took the courage to learn a new musical instrument. There were at least two children who have an opportunity to try a new musical instrument.

Throughout the session, the joy and laughter from our children as they learned, practiced and played really melted our hearts. Our goal for our Second Service Sunday School this year is to build up a Children’s Worship Band. We are working towards forming a Children’s Worship Band who will be able to lead the main Second Service worship time in the sanctuary on the coming Children’s Day, 6th October 2019. Do remember these children and us in your prayers. To God be the glory.

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THE STORY BEHIND THE STORY !

THE

CASE FOR CHRIST

By Steven Seow |

23 March 2019

Despite watching this movie twice, I still cried.

taken more faith for me to maintain my atheism

This is a story of anger, addiction, skepticism,

than to become a Christian”.

faith, redemption, salvation, love and grace.

Eventually, Lee left the journalism industry in

This is a touching true story of Lee Strobel, an

1987, took a 60 percent pay cut to work as a

award-winning investigative journalist at the

teaching pastor at Willow Creek Community

Chicago Tribune. Since young, Lee had a frosty

Church in South Barrington, Illinois. Since then,

relationship with his father, a member of the lo-

he had written many books. I highly recommend

cal Lutheran church. When he was young, his

you to read The Case for Grace next.

father said to him, “I don’t have enough love for

This is a testimony of redemption and salvation

you to fill my little finger”.

that many of us can relate to. In Acts 2:21, it

Lee moved out of his parents’ home the mo-

says “And everyone who calls on the name of

ment he got a job. In an interview, Lee said that

the Lord will be saved”. God’s Grace works in

as an atheist, he had concluded that the best

amazing and often mysterious ways. During

way to live his life was as a hedonist. “Just pur-

the time when Lee’s resolute atheism clashed

sue pleasure, this is all you get in this world. So,

with Leslie’s growing faith, coupled with Lee’s

that was my number one goal in life”, said Lee,

drunken and violent domestic behavior, Leslie

“to bring maximum pleasure into my life. And so

prayed regularly. During one of those days, she

I lived a very immoral, and drunken, and profane,

read Ezekiel 36:26 “I will give you a new heart

and narcissistic, really self-destructive kind of a

and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from

life. That was my life.”

you your heart of stone and give you a heart of

When Lee’s wife, Leslie, became a Christian, it

flesh”.

compelled Lee to leverage his journalistic and

Eventually, Leslie’s prayer was answered. Lee

legal training to try and disapprove the claims of

became a Christian. In His time, in His way.

Christianity - over a period of one year and nine months. He interviewed 13 well respected au-

During the season of Lent, we had a special screening

thorities for historical evidence on the existence

of the movie “The Case for Christ” on Saturday 23 March

of Jesus. At the end of the journey, Lee said “I

2019, followed by a fellowship meal. About 40 people at-

came to the conclusion ultimately that based on

tended the screening. Steven Seow from the 1st Service

the avalanche of evidence that points so power-

shares his thoughts on the movie and the story that in-

fully toward the truth of Christianity, it would have

spired it. - By Siok Tambyah

ENRICHMENT

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WORLD DAY OF PRAYER

By Oey Bie Lan @ Lanny Widjaja |

2 March 2019

SLOVENIA I attended the World Day of Prayer (Chinese) on

Programme

2 March 2019 at Singapore Life Church.

This year’s worship service put the spotlight on Slovenia, with the theme of “Come - Everything

History

is Ready!” (Luke 14:15-24). The WDP National/

The World Day of Prayer (WDP) is an interna-

Regional Committees of Slovenia prepared the

tional ecumenical Christian lay women’s initia-

order of worship on these themes.

tive. It first began in the USA in 1887 for home missions, before expanding to Canada, the

Pray for Slovenia

British Isles, Netherlands, as well as to the other

Two women read out the heartfelt voices of two

western and eastern countries. The WDP is cel-

Slovenian women.

ebrated annually in over 180 countries on the first Friday of March, but the WDP (Chinese) in

I am Marjeta. My widowed mother and grand-

Singapore is held on the first Saturday of March.

mother taught me the Christian faith. At that time, our country was practicing Marxism. Religious

Through the WDP, women become more aware

people were treated as secondary citizens. After

of other countries as well as the variant cultures,

I have completed my secondary school, I could

and are encouraged to take up the burdens of

not get a scholarship. I was not able to contin-

other people. They learn to sympathize with the

ue my study. Therefore, I went to Switzerland to

problems facing the world, praying and inter-

find a job. I had a strong feeling that immigrants

ceding for them. Also, the women are further

were being looked down! After my retirement,

encouraged to recognize their talents and tap

my husband and I returned home. The church

of them for the benefit of society. The WDP aims

accept us. We decide to be Jesus’ disciples, to

to demonstrate that prayer and action are in-

serve the Lord and community, and participate

separable and that both have immeasurable

in the preparation and event of the WDP.

influence in the world.

I am Mojca. I was born in 1990’s. I got free edA Methodist missionary, Helen Loomis, started

ucation in Slovenia and managed to study at a

a bilingual WDP in Singapore in 1952. In 1958

high school. When I was 21 years old, I was in

several women from four church denomina-

love and got pregnant. However, my boyfriend

tions (Methodist, Presbyterian, Lutheran and

abandoned me. My world almost collapsed.

Anglican) conducted the WDP (Chinese) in

Luckily my family supported me and helped me

Mandarin.

to raise my baby. I graduated from school with an excellent academic result. I met my husband

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who led me to believe in the Lord. I am now working in science research. I pray to the Lord

COME EVERYTHING IS READY

that God’s Kingdom, power and glory will shine on Slovenia, so that the women can have more equal treatment.

Sermon on “Come - Everything is Ready!”

Rev. Tack Ng Lai Chun, Associate Pastor of Queenstown Methodist Church told the audience that Jesus does not come to the world to heal the healthy, but the sick (Luke 5:31). She shared these through Jesus’ parables.

In a parable, Jesus told those who were invited to the wedding banquet to not sit down in a place of honor, but to sit at the lowest place (Luke 14:7-11) If the host invites you to move up to higher place, then you will be honored. In the Kingdom of God, we do not exalt ourselves.

Instead, we should humble ourselves.

In another parable, Jesus told people not to invite the rich to their banquet as they will return the favor. We should instead invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, because they cannot repay you (Luke 14:12-14). Regardless of our position, we can benefit from the gospel.

The Lord will remove death, wipe away tears and save us (Isaiah 25:6-9).

Blessed is everyone who will eat bread in the kingdom of God. The Lord invites some people to His banquet (Luke 14:15-24). This is a metaphor that the Lord invites people to receive His gospel. Many people make excuses not to come as they cannot leave their wealth and family behind. Therefore, they have given up their right to the Kingdom of God. After that, the Lord invites the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame. These people are delighted to come as they do not know when their next meal would be. Thus, they become VIPs (Very Important Persons). However, there are still empty seats at the banquet and the Lord compels people to come to the banquet.

Performances We were entertained by nice performances including harmonica and piano, dance and choir.

Offering The offering is for The Singapore Leprosy Mission (TSLM). Dr George Seow shared about this organization and its mission.

Benediction Rev. John Tan of Lutheran Church gave the benediction. He acknowledged that without women’s participation, the WDP will not be successful. In the 19th Century, women had a bigger impact in the church ministry and community.

Once they have lighted the candle, it will spread to the rest of the world.

The Scripture recorded many women with their outstanding roles. Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Moses, led the women of Israel in a song of triumph after the crossing of the Red Sea (Exodus 15:20-21; Micah 6:4). Deborah, the fourth Judge, led Israel and settled disputes between the people (Judges 4-5). Timothy’s mother and grandmother taught him the Christian faith from infancy (2 Timothy 1:5; 3:14-15).

Many women were followers of Jesus. We need women’s love, comfort and encouragement.

I find the WDP very meaningful and I plan to be involved in the WDP, intending to carry out both prayer and action together.

COMMUNITY

17

Out of My Comfort Zone

By Emily Gribnau I will never forget the day that Jeremy told me we might move to Singapore. My world was shattered.

We were part of an amazing church and school, Trinity Lutheran, in Spring, Texas.

There, we

had wonderful friendships, just built a beautiful home, and all our family lived nearby. Moving was the last thing I wanted, especially to the other side of the world.

I would like to say that I responded in love and with faith to God’s plan, but I am ashamed to say it was quite the opposite. I was devastated.

Eventually, my emotions settled and I was able to look at the big picture. We knew that it was unlikely that the company would give this role to an expat so we accepted that if Jeremy was given the job then it must be part of God’s plan for us.

Several months later, we found out officially that we would be moving to Singapore. Naturally,

warm welcome we received. Persis had already

this news was met with very mixed emotions.

met Jeremy and was expecting us.

In the months leading up to this, we had done

arrived at church, Persis was so excited and so

our research and were excited by many things.

wonderful to all of us. I think everyone in church

However, breaking the news to our family and

greeted us that day; I was so impressed and

friends was heart breaking. I cannot count the

touched. God was working through this church

number of people who cried over our departure.

family to give us the comfort we needed.

When we

We were so blessed with farewell celebrations, gifts, cards, hugs, prayers, etc. But feeling the

After a few months in Singapore, I found life be-

love from our family and community in Spring,

came more difficult for me. It no longer felt like we

TX made the move even more difficult.

were on holiday and I was extremely homesick. I was craving for deeper relationships and fellow-

When we arrived in Singapore, the first few

ship like I had at home. I reached out to Persis

weeks definitely felt like we were on holiday. We

about this and we were able to start a women’s

spent so much time sight-seeing, and also just

Bible study at my house. This has been such

figuring out everyday things like grocery shop-

a blessing to me; to connect with my sisters-in-

ping and using public transport. Once we were

Christ as we search to know Him more and devel-

settled-in we came to LCOR for the first time. I

op ourselves as His servants. I have learned so

cannot tell you how overwhelmed I was by the 18

The GOODNEWS | April 2019

much about my weaknesses, God’s grace for me, and my gifts and how He has called me to serve in His kingdom.

I am sharing this experience with you from my perspective, but I want to include the favorite things from the rest of the family. Jeremy shared with me that his worry was that we would not have the family community feeling that we had at Trinity and we would not be happy. It has been an answer to our prayer that we could find that and connect through Christ at LCOR. It has been a blessing to the whole family and made our time in Singapore more meaningful and enjoyable. The girls all agreed that their favorite things from church are their Sunday School classes and the delicious food. From Singapore in general, they enjoyed making friends from many different countries and learning about their cultures and family traditions.

We are quickly approaching the end of our time in Singapore. I definitely believe that God had a purpose in bringing us here. I believe this adventure has been an amazing bonding experience for our family and a valuable growth opportunity for our marriage. I also believe that we needed to leave our comfort zone to see the need for God all around the world and be empowered to serve Him despite our discomfort.

I now realize that my small Christian community in Spring, TX is not representative of the rest of the US or the world. So many people are lost and we need to open our eyes. We have been incredibly impacted by the friends we have made at LCOR and it has been amazing to hear testimonies from people of different cultures and backgrounds. We have realized, coming from Christian families, how often we take our faith for granted.

While I look forward to being at home again with my family and friends in Spring, I will say that my perspective of home is now different. Having been on the other side of the world, we were able to find our home again with our brothers and sisters in Christ at LCOR.

God is every-

where and He takes care of our needs wherever we are. He gives us the people we need to support each other on our journey.

I will always have a special place in my heart for the people at LCOR who took us in and made us part of their family. God’s blessings to you all as you continue to serve Him and impact others!

TESTIMONY

19

FIRE HEARTS

By Amanda Soon

For where two or three gather IN MY NAME, there am I with them.

MATTHEW 18:20

Fire Hearts is a young working adult cell group that desires to be on fire for God and have a heart to reach out to the lost. We meet fortnightly and thank God that our cell group has grown rapidly in the past year. It is heartening to have more young adults learning the Word of God together, supporting one another through sharing and prayer, and journeying together through the different seasons of our lives. We have started a prayer and thanksgiving journal to document the faithfulness of God in our lives and to affirm our faith through seeing the many prayers that God has answered.

We have completed two series over the last two years: Gracestoration and The Significant Man/ Woman. These series have not only enabled us to learn more about ourselves and our cell members but also taught us more about God’s love and grace. We know that His grace is sufficient to see us through when we walk through the valleys of this life. Our cell group has now embarked on a new bible study material and are currently reading By This Name by John Cross.

Being a young adult cell group, we love to have fun too! We have cell outings every quarter and these outings have given us the opportunity to interact with one another in a different setting and to gel as a cell group.

We are hoping that in the year ahead, we will be able to share the love of Christ with others and invite them to join Fire Hearts. In line with the church’s theme for 2019, we hope that we will be able to spread the aroma of Christ. All praise and thanks be to God for all that He has done and is going to do in Fire Hearts!

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The GOODNEWS | April 2019

BY FAITH

faith

By Aretha Loh

“Faith is built on the facts that are found in the bible. It is important not to walk with God based on the way you feel. You may get up in the morning feeling congested and running a fever. That does not mean you are no longer part of your parents’ family or, for that matter, a part of God’s family.”

- John R. Cross, author of By This Name.

I have sat through countless sermons about faith, but this book was biblically persuasive and sound. I don’t trust others easily and I’m sure most of us don’t. Before we decide to trust someone, we consider (i) who he is; and (ii) how reliable he is.

Throughout the course of my life, I have found that God’s promises and love over me have held true. He has been faithful, His grace has been sufficient and my obedience and submission to Him have always proven to be fruitful.

I genuinely believe that this baby and other blessings have come at a time when I have chosen to surrender my grief (over losing my dog), my worries and hopes (about conceiving and making some headway in my career) and my life to God. I am not 100% there, but there is a conscious effort to trust and obey each day.

So this is what biblical faith looks like! It is not about blindly trusting someone who claims to be all that. It is about carrying out day-to-day acts of trust and discovering that He is indeed someone who can be trusted. It is not always easy, but practice results in progress.

So take heart, seek God and know that He reveals Himself to those who seek Him.

“But without FAITH it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to GOD must BELIEVE that HE IS, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently SEEK HIM.” HEBREWS 11:6

TESTIMONY

21

CELEBRATION OF HOPE

By Jean Wong |

17-19 May 2019

THE TRACK FOR 2019 CELEBRATION OF HOPE: 2017: YEAR OF PREPARATION 2018: YEAR OF PRAYER 2019: YEAR OF PROCLAMATION

NATIONAL STADIUM

2020: YEAR OF DISCIPLESHIP

Recognizing the times and knowing what Israel

result is people drawn to God through Christ

should do were the mark of the tribe of Issachar

and the whole land touched and healed by the

(1 Chron 12:32). Likewise, for us in Singapore,

shining light of Christ (2 Chronicles 7:14; Zech-

there is a sensing that God has given a window

ariah 8:23).

of greater opportunity to the Singapore Church

Celebration of Hope is about uniting the Body

to reach out to the ready harvest, offer hope to

as a witness to Singapore.

the lost and healing to society.

It is about proclaiming the one Name – the

The Celebration of Hope is led by the National

Name of Jesus Christ – that gives the world

Council of Churches of Singapore (NCCS) and

SOLID HOPE.

Evangelical Fellowship of Singapore (EFOS)

It is about a Home Coming for many who are

with support coming from the LoveSingapore

lost and listless. Former OMF missionary Martin

network of churches. It is part of a four year

Goldsmith, said recently, people are not asking

plan, one year after our nation’s Year of Jubilee.

“Am I a sinner”, but they are asking “Is there

Closer to home, eight precious ones were

more to life?” Let’s represent Jesus rightly and

saved through the LCOR ministry in St Luke’s

offer abundant life possible only through Jesus.

Hospital in March 2019. There was also a great

Can you visualize the fruits of a great harvest?

response to the outreach event “Appreciating

Some of those saved will go cross-culturally to

our Loved Ones” on 19 January.

reach others as part of the missional church.

“Celebration of Hope is not about mass evan-

Others are professionals who will be the salt

gelism, but rather, it is personal evangelism on a

and light in their areas of influence, bringing

mass scale,” said Bishop Rennis. “God is call-

greater social justice to the land.

ing us to respond with holiness as followers of

The power of the Gospel sets captives free from

Christ; with humility through prayer and with hun-

gambling, addiction and hostility in the home.

ger for precious souls.” He explained that this

Jesus fills the big empty hole in the heart of

call of God is based on the instructive spiritual

man.

pattern from Isaiah 59:20-60:3. The passage

Hear God’s heart: The Lord… is patient …

teaches us that Revival begins with Repentance

not wishing that any should perish, but that all

from deep within our hearts that leads to Res-

should reach repentance. 2 Peter 3:9

toration of our covenant relationship with God

Let’s pray for Open Heavens, speak to Open

(holiness); which in turn leads to the Radiance

Hearts and reap the Open Harvest in this Kairos

of God’s glory in and through His Church. The

Moment for the Singapore Church.

https://saltandlight.sg/news/celebration-of-hope-2019-one-name-one-church-one-place-be-a-part-of-it/

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The GOODNEWS | April 2019

I am reminded of the Song of Deborah after

Peng Chye led four members to the Andrew Initiative

the victory in Judges 5: there were those who

where they were equipped to communicate their faith nat-

offered themselves willingly, those who were

urally and effectively. We are excited to welcome assigned

indifferent, those who risked their lives and

new believers through a six lesson follow-up after the May

those who did not come “to the help of the Lord

rallies. If you would like to follow up someone, volunteer

against the mighty”.

through Hock Bee.

Our hope is in the Lord, and in His purposes we place this nation. 192 churches and organ-

The 30-Day Harvest Watch begins on 20 April and ends

isations have joined the call to Celebration of

on 19 May. We link our prayers with many churches across

Hope. Let us be those who are found on the

Singapore. As part of the vision of a praying church, it is

Lord’s side!

our privilege to commit to 24 hours of prayer for Celebration of Hope after Lent! LCOR has picked 11 am on 23 April to 11 am on 24 April. Proverbs 11:11 “By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted….” Lily has the details!

LCOR | 1 9

Januar y 2019

Appreciating our Loved ones

E VA N G E L I S M

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CALENDER OF EVENTS

AROMA APOSTLES BETRAYAL BREAD CALVARY CAVE CHRIST CROSS CROWN CRUCIFIXION

FAITH GETHSEMANE GOLGOTHA GOOD FRIDAY LAMB LAST SUPPER LENT MARY MIRACLE PRAYER

REDEMPTION RESURRECTION RISEN SALVATION SAVIOR SCARLET ROBE SON THRONE TOMB VICTORY

* Answers to word - hunt puzzle on the church notice board

14 Apr

Palm Sunday

18 Apr

Maundy Thursday,8pm

19 Apr

Good Friday,10am

20 Apr

Psalm Reading Day, 9am

21 Apr

Resurrection Sunday

23 Apr

Prayer Day for COH

27 Apr

Sisters’ Fellowship, 2.30pm

4 May

Prayer Meeting, 7.30pm

5 May

LCOR AGM

12 May

Mother’s Day

17-19 May

Celebration of Hope

25 May

LCS AGM

1 June

Prayer Meeting, 7.30 pm

5-7 Jun

Vacation Bible School

9 Jun

Pentecost

16 Jun

Father’s Day

6 Jul

Prayer Meeting, 7.30pm

7 Jul

Youth Sunday

3 Aug

Prayer Meeting, 7.30pm

CHURCH STAFF CHINESE SERVICE PASTORS Rev.Eric Chan ckchan@lutheran.org.sg Ps.Daniel Lai daniel_lai@lutheran.org.sg ENGLISH SERVICE PASTORS

WORSHIP SERVICES

Rev.Nick Singh nick_singh@lutheran.org.sg Liturgical English Service

Rev.Lim Kim Hock limkimhock@lutheran.org.sg

10:30 AM

Mandarin Service

PARISH/CHURCH WORKERS

11:15 AM

Contemporary English Service

6:00 PM

Tamil Service

Pasang N.Lama pasang@lutheran.org.sg Lily Tan lily@lutheran.org.sg

SUNDAY

9:00 AM

ADMINISTRATORS

Baptism classes are conducted on ad-hoc basis.

Please check with the Pastors for details.

Goh Siew Bian gohsiewbian@lutheran.org.sg Mok Swee Kin sweekin@lutheran.org.sg

CHURCH COUNCIL MEMBERS Dr Paul A. Tambyah [Chairman]

Rev. Nick Singh

Mr Mark Lim

Dr Danny Soon

Ms Agnes Loo [Vice Chairman]

Rev. Lim Kim Hock

Mr Lee Weng Kong

Mr Wong Song Ern

Mr Goh Wooi Boon [Secretary]

Rev. Eric Chan

Mr Phua Kok Yang Paul

Dr Colin Yeo

Mr Thomas Lu [Treasurer]

Ps Daniel Lai

Mr Ling Hua Hing

Mr Peter Pillai

GOOD NEWS TEAM contributors rev lim kim hock | swee kin | lanny widjaja | wong manquan | elizabeth martin | chee peng | ang peng chye | siok tambyah | steven seow | persis lim | emily gribnau | amanda soon | aretha loh | jean wong editors charlotte huang | chong siew lee | mcken wong | wong manquan | june yap design sherlin roshni Be the salt and light ! Please come and talk to us if you have an article you would like to share or email shrosh3@gmail.com

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The GOODNEWS | April 2019

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