Trinitarian Magazine Issue 1/2009

People p Features Happenings pp g

Issue 1/2009

Enter into

Abundant Living!

Live the Blessed Life Real Life Miracles

Missions Special! www.trinity.net

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Trinitarian magazine is a quality Christian publication with articles relevant to life in a contemporary society.

Published quarterly by Trinity Christian Centre, it has a readership of over 16,000, and reaches the churches in Singapore, the entire congregation of Trinity Christian Centre, and visitors the church.

It is also available online at www.trinity.net Our special package rates will help stretch your advertising dollar.

Don’t miss it!

For advertising rates, contact Veronica Teo at 6468 4444 or email admin@trinity.org.sg The Trinitarian magazine has an excellent editorial environment that captures readers’ attention. The contents are credible and readers trust the magazine, and that’s important to advertisers!

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Trinity Christian Centre Celebration Services

Contents

Trinity@Adam 21 Adam Road ENGLISH SERVICES Adult Services, Nursery & DiscoveryLand* Sat 5pm Sun 8.30am & 11am

THE BLESSED LIFE

Pre-teens Services (age 10-12) Sat 5pm Sun 8.30am IGNYTE Services (age 13-19) Sat 5pm Sun 11am CHINESE SERVICES Sun 8.30am & 11am FILIPINO SERVICE Sun 11am

Trinity@Paya Lebar 247 Paya Lebar Road ENGLISH SERVICES Adult Services, Nursery & DiscoveryLand* Sat 5pm Sun 8.30am & 11.30am Pre-teens Services (age 10-12) Sat 5pm Sun 11.30am

42 Features 10 Abundant Living Enter in!

IGNYTE Services (age 13-19) Sat 5pm Sun 11.30am

28 God’s Prosperity

CHINESE SERVICES Sun 8.30am** & 11.30am

42 The Blessed Life

FILIPINO SERVICE Sun 11.30am INDONESIAN SERVICE Sun 11.30am THAI SERVICE Sun 6.30pm * Nursery (birth to age 4) & DiscoveryLand (age 4 -12) ** With Cantonese interpretation through earphones.

Information is correct at time of printing, and is subject to change.

Radio Ministry Thought for the Day BE107 - Mon to Fri 7.40am & 10.30pm (repeat broadcast)

TRINITY CHRISTIAN CENTRE Tel: 6468 4444 • Fax: 6467 6005 Email: admin@trinity.org.sg Website: www.trinity.net Trinity@Adam 21 Adam Road Trinity@Paya Lebar 247 Paya Lebar Road

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Enjoy it

Live it

c i g e t Stra sts Thru bold rd with g forwa in t v u o o m b a Trinity is nd out at s. We fi th e v ts o s m ru new gic th ve strate 009. these fi in 2 e c la p will take

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58

68

Snapshots

Missions Report: Miracles in Missions

People

58 Trinity’s Strategic Thrusts Bold new moves

108 Morning Prayer

68 Global Missions 92 Local Missions

18 Abundant Lives We are living it!

36 God is Good!

Even in bad times

A fresh start

126 Young Adults Retreat Cruising along

Buzz

52 I am the Blessed Man! A Real Life Miracle

112 Christmas Party Island-wide

114 Real Life Miracles Now in a book!

118 M513 DiscoveryLand camp

120 IGNYTE Camps Life-changing!

124 Infinity Campus camp

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We see our worship services, prayer meetings and carecells as places where people hunger for the presence of God and where God delights to inhabit and dwell. In a vibrant atmosphere of worship, prayer and discipleship, we see people encountering God and the manifestation of signs, wonders and miracles.

Vibrant Atmosphere We see Trinity Christian Centre as a church living together in covenantal relationships; where carecells, ministries, families and individuals are flowing in corporate unity to fulfill God’s purpose and plan for the church for that hour.

Incredible Unity We see a people consumed with a vision to touch the world for Jesus Christ and to see His glory displayed throughout the world. We see a church with a passionate heartbeat to fulfill God’s global agenda through sending men and women of faith to equip and empower churches and the body of Christ.

Passionate Heartbeat We see the church as a place for the empowerment and development of Spirit-filled leaders who will be strategically positioned and deployed within the Body of Christ. Every Trinitarian a leader with a ministry.

Adviser Wang Look Fung Chief Editor Pastor Janice Chng Editor Tan Rou’en Editorial Support Lorraine Chee Veronica Teo Contributing Writers Rev Dominic Yeo Rev Jeffrey Wong Charmaine Tan Contributing Photographers Esther Ng IGNYTE Photography Team Koh Chai Ling Advertising Sales & Admin Veronica Teo Janica Chan For ad sales enquiries, Tel: 6468 4444 Email: admin@trinity.org.sg Mailing Address Singapore Post Centre Post Office PO Box 616 Singapore 914021 Website www.trinity.net Email admin@trinity.org.sg ISSUE 1/2009

Strategic Leadership

Company registration number 197802911H MICA (P) 034/03/2009 Printed in Singapore by Print & Print Pte Ltd License number L005/01/2009

O U R C O R E VA L U E S

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The Trinitarian is published triannually

by Trinity Christian Centre.

Passionate Honour

Audacious Fervour

Passion to love and honour God

Boldness and zeal to believe and ask largely for the impossible

Relentless Belief

Contagious Faith

Unwavering belief in people and their God-given destiny

Authentic and infectious faith that reaches out to the lost

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Opinions and views expressed do not necessarily constitute the official stand of the church.

We’ve got Mail!

I am currently serving an eight-year prison sentence. My whole LETTER world came crashing down when I was sentenced in 2004. My wife decided to end our marriage. My eldest daughter went into depression, which caused her to fail three out of four subjects in primary school. I could not sleep and my heart was in turmoil. I was even flirting with the thought of suicide. The gods that I worshipped seemed to have abandoned me. All this changed when another inmate passed me a magazine called Trinitarian.

As I read the magazine, I came across an article where Pastor Dominic recounted how his daughter was failing in her studies and how the situation n turned around. That simple statement got my attention. Thereafter, I spent morning after morning, night after night studying the Bible.

Today, I have given my life to the Lord, and God has been good. My daughter is now the top student in her school and my wife did not leave me in the end. To top things off, I was even given a two-hour open visit with my wife and children.

Thank you for your article, which started me on my journey with God. I know that He who began a good work in me will carry it to completion.

A reader from Tanah Merah Prison My wife and I read the Turbulent Times issue from cover to cover, all the way till 2am in the morning! We felt very encouraged by the testimonies, which spurred us on to believe God and trust Him despite the bleak market outlook. It boosted our confidence and, as we exercised our faith, we saw God demonstrating His faithfulness and providing for our family!

David Cheong, real estate agent

I was especially encouraged by the article on how Pastor Dominic was mentored when he was a young believer – The power of mentorship!

‘See a Potential, Develop the Potential’ indeed!

The magazine is very nicely done and highly informative, and I appreciate that I am able to read past sermons at leisure.

Terence Chiem, certified financial planner

I would like to congratulate the people in charge of the Trinitarian magazine on a job well done! The layout and writing are totally professional, and the articles are always God-inspired and God-centered. I have been blessed and learnt from the experiences of Trinitarians. I was especially blessed by the article ‘Financial Wisdom for Troubled Times’ by Pastor Jeffrey Wong. The article made me realise the biblical grounding for tithing and it jolted me into action! I want to apply the four steps so that I will prosper, God’s way.

Sim King Huei, sales manager I read each copy of the magazine not just once, but a few times.

I find the testimonies very engaging and the articles help me in my daily walk with God. Ng Eng Siong, civil servant

I look forward to reading and receiving each issue! There was once I brought the Trinitarian to school. Out of curiosity, my friend borrowed it to see what was inside. It became a conversation starter and I took the opportunity to share with her about God. Jerlyn Koh, student

Win!

COOL TEE FROM FUNKY B

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This will be a year of entering into Abundant Living and experiencing the Life of God, declared Rev Dominic Yeo in his annual Watchnight Service message.

I want to share with you where I feel God is leading us with regards to a prophetic word for the year 2009. Scripture tells us that Jesus has come to give us life, and life more abundantly.

But in these times, it is hard for us to get a grip on what this abundant life is all about. We wonder, how do we live our lives in times of turbulence? How should the Trinitarian life look like in turbulent times?

As I was preparing for this Watchnight Service, the Lord spoke to me about reading Luke chapter 10. I said, “Yes! I got my Watchnight message!” and excitedly opened my Bible to Luke chapter 10. God said, “Read verse 25.” But when my eye fell upon verse 25, I got a little depressed, because verse 25 right up to verse 37 is the story of the Good Samaritan, which I had preached not too long ago at Watchnight Service. I said to the Lord, “Lord, You always take me back to the same old Scripture! It’s stressful trying to get revelation, you know.”

Then the Lord said to me, “Son, just read slowly.”

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ENTER INTO

Abundant Living

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So I started reading verse 25 and it went like this: “On

Abundant Living. God wants us to enter into Abundant

one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus.

Living, where we will experience the life of God.

“Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” (Notice this is a question of life.) Jesus asked him,

God then led me through 2 Kings chapters 4, 5 and 6,

“What is written in the law? How do you read it?” He

and began to paint for me a snapshot of what Abundant

answered: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart

Living looked like. He showed me six facets of Abundant

and with all your soul and with all your strength and

Living through the incidents that took place in the

with all your mind, and love your neighbour as yourself.”

ministry of Elisha. Now Elisha was very different from his

Jesus replied, “You have answered correctly. Do this and

predecessor, Elijah. While Elijah was a confrontational

you will live.”

prophet who was always in warfare mode, Elisha was different. Elijah confronted the false prophets and the

When I read that last verse, suddenly it seemed as if

idolatrous nation, and there were always big miracles

the whole world came to a standstill. It was as if I was

and breakthroughs, whereas Elisha taught the people to

transfixed in a time vacuum with God where time

prophesy and ministered to them in the practical areas

ceased. The last phrase resonated in my spirit: Do this

of life – and it is out of practical living that you and I will

and you will live! This was a promise of abundant life.

begin to manifest the abundant grace of God.

God is promising us life in these turbulent times!

Every episode in 2 Kings chapters 4 to 6 points back to the concept of life and abundant living. There is the recurring theme of life. Journey with me now through these six episodes to see what Abundant Living

In the year 2009, you and I will be y stepping into Abundant Living.

looks like, and grasp the six facets of Abundant Living in store for you this year:

Prosperity vs Survival In 2 Kings 4:1, we see the widow of

2 Kings 4:1-7

a prophet who was in despair because the creditors were coming after her. The Bible doesn’t tell us who the husband was, but when you study and do some research, you will find that this was, in all probability,

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In the year 2009, you and I will be stepping into Abundant

one of Obadiah’s prophets who had died. If you read

Living. 2008 was a year of new beginnings, and the

1 Kings 18, you will discover that Obadiah was helping a

new beginnings of God will give rise and give birth to

company of prophets who were hidden in two caves.

This woman was not experiencing life. She was barely surviving. Her situation is very much like our scenario

Posterity vs Barrenness 2 Kings 4:8-37

today. Like her, some of us have the creditors knocking

After meeting the widow with

on our doors. What was worse, her creditor was

financial woes, Elisha now meets a woman who is

coming to take her sons as his slaves. This is, in modern

well-to-do. The issue with this woman is that she was

terms, repossession. The ‘repo’ man is right now in hot

contented with life. There are individuals that are

business! So, there was the issue of creditors hounding,

coursing through life’s highway without understanding

the ‘repo-man’ coming, and the loss of a breadwinner.

that God wants them to enter into abundant living,

Besides the death of her husband, she was going

which has to do with significance.

through what I would call an ‘economic death’. An ‘economic death’ could be due to physical death like

This woman had no son; she was childless. She was

in her case, or, in our case today, due to retrenchment.

well-to-do but had no posterity. This woman was not

When the breadwinner is retrenched, the whole family

in survival mode, but in stable mode. Yet in this stable

goes into survival mode. It is no longer abundant living.

mode, there was a ‘generational shortchange’. She was content, or perhaps resigned, to go through life

There are two modes of living in our world. There

without a legacy, without posterity. She was content

is survival mode, and there is the abundant living

to be barren. In the Old Testament, if you did not have

mode. The widow was in survival mode; she was

children, you live as cursed. You may be well-to-do, but

disorientated, discouraged and desperate, but by the

you live with this curse of barrenness.

end of the account, she had moved from survival mode There was no fruitfulness in her life. The sad thing is

into the abundant living mode. Friends, if you are living in survival mode today, if you are struggling, see your pastors. God is about to take you into abundant living mode. I want you to know, this will not be a year of economic debt; it will be a year of experiencing God’s life and prosperity.

This will not be a year of economic debt; it will be a year of experiencing God’s life and prosperity.

that she had accepted this shortchange throughout her life, until Elisha came to her and said, “Next year, you will hold a son in your arms” (verse 16). But the woman said, “No, my lord, don’t mislead your servant”. In other words, “Don’t set my hopes so high; I keep hoping for a kid but cannot have one, so don’t say any more of your prophetic words.” She was stable, but was prepared to be shortchanged in her life. But what is abundant living all about? It is about generational posterity.

The abundant living that God calls us into is a life of God’s abundant prosperity and generational posterity. God will give you sons and daughters. For

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those of us yet to be married, God will give us spiritual sons and daughters like never before. We are going to see a huge influx of men and women coming to know Him. The Island-Wide Christmas Party was just the beginning.

We saw over 300 salvations, but there will be many more. There is going to be generational posterity for all of us; some will be in the form of natural sons and daughters, but others will be spiritual sons and daughters that God is going to give us. So get ready for a huge increase. I believe we will not have only 800 youths; sometime this year, we are going to see about 1200 young people in the church. In the adult service, God has begun to challenge me to believe for another thousand people that are going to be added. God said, “It’s going to happen. You just have to step into generational posterity.”

In the first story, there was a death of the breadwinner and as a result, the family experienced economic death, and then they experienced new life. In the second story,

drought, which means no vegetation. So the man took

this woman was stable, and then God gave her a son. If

this wild vine, went back, put it into the stew, hoping

you read on, you will discover that the son died, but by

they would have some vegetable soup. But as soon as

the grace of God, Elisha, God’s representative, brought

they put it into the stew, there was death in the pot. The

about the posterity when the son was resurrected back

food was poisoned by the wild vine. Elisha took flour,

to life. Notice the theme of life again.

threw it in, and said, ‘Serve it to the people to eat.’ The poison was gone.

Provision vs Famine We now come to this third story

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You and I may be experiencing some famines of life

2 Kings 4:38-41

which take a toll on us, but abundant living is about

where Elisha returns to a place called Gilgal. There was

the provision of God in our lives. But that is not all. It

a famine in that region. Elisha said, “Put on the large pot

is also about life. There was death in the pot but now,

and cook some stew for these men.” Immediately, one

they could drink it and survive. Again, the theme of life

of them went out into the fields to gather herbs and

comes through. God wants us to understand that He is

found a wild vine (verse 39). Remember, famine means

the God of life.

The prosperity of God, the posterity of God and the plenteous supply of God is going to be poured into your life.

Plenteous Supply vs Scarcity Now in the next episode, there

2 Kings 4:42-44

what the economists say. It is important to listen to the report of God. The report of God is, get ready for abundant living! The prosperity of God, the posterity

was no more famine. The first harvest came forth,

of God and the plenteous supply of God is going to be

but it was inadequate. How could 20 loaves of barley

poured into your life.

bread feed 100 people? There was a lack, a sense of scarcity. Yet Elisha declared life. He said to his servant, “Give it to the people, let them eat. For this is what the Lord says: ’They will eat and have some left over.’”

Physical Wholeness vs Sickness 2 Kings 5

This is a foreshadow of how Jesus fed the 5000 and

Chapter 5 begins with the story

the 4000.

of Naaman, a great general. He was the commander of the army of the king of Aram, but he had leprosy, which

Even though there may be a famine in the land,

symbolises death. In accordance to the word of God by

there can be plenteous and overflowing supply.

Elisha, Naaman drenched himself in the River Jordan

God is about to cause it to happen, regardless of

and experienced the healing of God.

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So, Abundant Living looks like this: • Prosperity vs survival • Posterity vs barrenness • Provision vs famine • Plenteous Supply vs scarcity • Physical Wholeness vs sickness • Productive Restoration vs loss

Here, we see the wholeness of God. I believe we are

Do this and you will live

going to see the miracles of God in 2009. We are going to see incredible miracles of the regenerative healing

All these episodes in 2 Kings give us scenarios of death

power of God at work.

– economic death, physical death, spiritual death – all kinds of death. But in all of it, God moved abundant

Productive Restoration vs Loss In chapter 6, we find this theme of

2 Kings 6:1-7

living into every one of those situations.

The question is, how do we move from death to life?

Now that we know what Abundant Living looks like,

life repeated. Chapter 6 begins with the story of the

how do we enter into it? God has promised us life in

axe-head. The guy was doing his work when the axe-

these turbulent times, but what is the key that opens

head fell into the water. The axe-head is a tool of labour.

the door to Abundant Living?

It represents one’s livelihood – once again, the word

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‘life’. Elisha caused the axe-head to float, restoring the

Remember Luke 10:25 – “Do this and you will live” –

man’s livelihood and causing him to be productive and

that’s the key to Abundant Living! What does ‘this’

effective in his work again. Where there is loss, abundant

refer to? To enter into abundant living, there are two

living is about restoration.

things we need to do: To love God with all of our hearts,

soul, might and mind, and to love our neighbour.

Here’s the catch: You cannot expect to enter into Abundant Living if you do not love God with all your heart, soul, might and mind.

You will not

Here’s the catch: You cannot expect to enter into Abundant Living if you do not love God with all your heart, soul, might and mind.

need to honour God. Honour Him by being early. Honour Him through our life. Honour Him through our worship.

That’s how we love God. It is an important key for you to enter into Abundant Living – “Do this and you will live.”

What does loving your neighbour mean? It means, very simply, to care and connect. That’s what we have been doing. Some visitors to Trinity have observed this and asked, “Why is everyone in the church parroting this phrase ‘Care and Connect’?” That’s an important phrase, because Care and Connect is all about loving our neighbour.

receive it until

Are you ready to enter into Abundant Living? Lift your

you also learn to love your neighbour as yourself. That’s

hands to heaven and pray for the next few minutes.

why as a church, we want to position ourselves to care

Express your love to God.

for Trinitarians as well as for our oikos that are going

Talk to God heart to heart.

through difficult times. We want to love them. We want

Apologise for your tardiness.

to make available our Benevolent Fund for individuals

Renew your love for Him. Draw

who are going through the famine, so that they can at

close to Him. Then, ask God to

least get a glimpse of abundant living, and then come

help you love your neighbour,

into the kingdom of God and join you in abundant

to care for them and bring them

living.

into the kingdom of God.

What does loving God mean? Consider with me what that means, in very practical ways: it means honouring God, it means coming early to church. It’s amazing that

Rev Dominic Yeo is the Senior Pastor of Trinity Christian

we would line up early for Watchnight Service but we

Centre.

don’t line ourselves up for regular worship services. In fact, we come late. We have extended grace by serving communion for the latecomers. I deliberately do this

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because we want you to understand grace. I have deliberately chosen to have communion served to the latecomers. That’s God’s way of honouring us. But we

This sermon can be heard online at www.trinity.net/sermons.htm

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prosperity vs survival In the midst of the downturn, Jass Andrew felt the leading of God to become a real estate agent. He experienced divine favour and became debt-free.

God reminded me that ‘Isaac sowed in famine and he prospered!’

One of my family’s goals for 2008 was to get out of debt. During one of my Time Alone With God sessions, I felt led to take on the challenge of going into the property business, in addition to my health and wellness business. For more than fifteen years, I had avoided the property industry. Furthermore, going in at a time when the market was heading for a downturn did not seem logical. Most whom I have known in the property business were telling me it was going to be difficult and that the timing was bad. But I trusted in God’s timing for me and prayed for Him to help me clear my debts. My wife and cell affirmed this decision to enter into the property business.

I was a newbie in the industry; I had been working for less than eight months, but God gave me a huge breakthrough. With little effort, He brought total strangers to me, even all the way from Australia, to buy properties in the depressed market. It was so clearly divine provision that my other colleague agents actually asked why I was so ‘lucky’ and what my secret was. They actually worked very, very hard but I only put in some basic effort yet God helped me gain far more than they did. I told them that my God led the clients to me and showed me favour!

In May last year, while many were saying how bad the market was, God reminded me that ‘Isaac

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These Trinitaria ns experience d

abundant liv ing as the

y heard His vo ice and responded in o bedience.

sowed in famine and he prospered!’ My wife and I kept

market would be. I also was given a triple promotion in

claiming that promise and trusted God to bring in the

my health and wellness business, and in September I

Boaz into our lives. Many times, it seemed frustrating

was second in overall sales. Also, clients who had earlier

as distractions came our way and we were having

‘left’ and gone away somehow simply came back to me.

too many other ‘fires’ to fight. We decided to take a

I really didn’t do much; God just brought the right

family holiday in June, all the way to Australia, since

and ripe clients along my path. All I had to do was

my wife wanted to celebrate our anniversary overseas

claim His word and ask of Him.

with the kids. I was very worried as we did not have enough money and we were already in debt. How were

As a result, all our debts were cleared in a short

we going to have fun when we didn’t have enough

period of time. Just the last three months was a speed-

money? Yet, God somehow took care of that when our

up to many breakthroughs, in spite of the economic

neighbours offered us free lodging in their house in

downturn. Thank God for this financial breakthrough!

Perth!

When our hope is put in the Lord, He never fails to bring us through victoriously.

In July, the huge breakthrough came. In just one month, I was able to earn a six-figure sum! More deals continued to come in – totally unlike how my colleagues said the

Jass Andrew, real estate agent and network marketer South, Trinity@Adam

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plenteous supply vs scarcity Against a bleak economic outlook, real estate agent David Tan was closing deals like never before, and achieved his highest sales ever.

It was a tough time to be a real estate agent. The markets were heading south and buying activity was slowing down.

I recall clearly the few weeks leading up to our Vision Rally in September. Somehow each year, I would always feel financially-challenged just weeks prior to pledging a Faith Promise. Due to the downturn in the market, I had lost three of my real estate deals to another agent.

I had difficulties fulfilling my final payment of last year’s Faith Promise. I was thinking to myself, ‘How much then will I give for my Building Faith Promise, given that I have not even fulfilled the previous year’s?’

I kept asking God to speak to me. When I was sitting in service during the call to write down our Faith Promises, God gave me a figure. I was totally uncomfortable with the amount. In all my previous Faith Promises, it had always been monthly payments of a few hundred dollars – amounts which I could always set aside to fulfill.

But this time, it was a five-figure sum and it was for a one-time contribution. I remember asking God, ‘How will it come about? How many deals would I have to close in order to accumulate this amount?’

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abundant liv ing

I clearly

I had enjoyed the highest-grossing month for the entire

remember

year, in terms of sales and rentals. Against a backdrop

hearing this, ‘In

of doom and gloom, here I was closing deals like

order to take

never before. There is only one reason why such a

your faith to

thing can be happening –

the next level,

and that reason is God. No

you have to

one can be sure of how the

put down the

future looks but I can be

figure.’ My faith had stagnated. I thought to myself,

sure that God will look out

‘Where will I put my faith in during these trying

for me.

times – in God or in material things?’ So, I wrote down that five-figure sum in the Faith Promise card and

I thank God for the opportunity to tell the guys in my

thought nothing further about it.

team – all of us being Christians, with a few who have backslidded – that being in the real estate industry, it is

During the first cell meeting in the month of October,

very tempting to cut corners or be greedy by asking for

I asked my cell members to pray for me. We laid down

a higher commission before delivering any results. But,

five difficult properties before God and asked Him to

if we are able to stand firm in our faith and not follow

work the deals through for me. To my amazement, the

the ways of the world or go along with the under-the-

first deal was closed that

table practices of the industry, God will definitely come

very night – right after cell meeting! Such is the promise of God that He will make things come to pass for those who place their trust in Him.

He will make things come to pass for those who place their trust in Him.

through for us. I will continue to thank God even if He does not come through for me in any of my deals, because it only means that He is blessing someone else with that deal – someone who needs it even more than me.

Today, God has enabled me to fulfill the faith promise

The weeks that followed were even more amazing.

I made in September 2008. I am truly grateful to Him

Everybody knew of the collapse of global financial-

for providing me with so much more over the past few

services firm Lehman Brothers. Everybody read about

months despite these trying times. Even while there is a

the rescue of AIG. The whole world knew that the global

famine in the land, there is indeed food in God’s house.

financial system was heading toward a meltdown. Yet,

All glory to God!

in the midst of all these financial turmoil, I was getting busier than ever. Deals were beginning to close one after another. In fact, by the beginning of November,

David Tan, senior realty advisor South, Trinity@Adam

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physical wholeness vs sickness Freddie Lim went from chain smoker to smoke-free overnight, when God set him free from his 40-year addiction and restored him to physical wholeness.

I have been smoking for the past forty years, starting from my secondary days. Each day, without fail, I would smoke around twenty to thirty sticks. Everyday, I lived in the dilemma of wanting to quit smoking but being unable to resist temptation. From young, I tried again and again to quit, but failed. I tried to quit through medication – oral medication, the nicotine patch, chewing gum, and even consulted a doctor, but all these did not work.

My marriage and family life was smooth, just that my wife and kids didn’t like my smoking. My wife would scold me the moment she smelt cigarette smoke, saying that my habit was a waste of money, it was bad for my health, and that there would be no one to care for me should I fall sick when she was no longer around. My son and daughter would say that my breath smelled.

Having failed many times, one day in February last year, I decided to ask God to help me quit smoking. Secretly, I imitated her in her prayers and prayed, ‘Lord Jesus, please help me to quit smoking from tomorrow onward! I’ve lost all confidence in my own ability to quit. Thank you, Lord Jesus.’ That day, I suddenly

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abundant liv ing

had a strong desire to quit smoking. On the same day, after I had smoked the last cigarette in my pack, I decided not to buy anymore the following day.

I felt something helping me – it must have been God’s power! It was only two days later that I realised I had not smoked a single cigarette for the past 48 hours! I discovered a strength beyond myself. The next day, my wife invited me to Trinity, and I accepted Jesus into my life as my Lord and Savior.

Since then, I have not touched a single cigarette. If not for

Secretly, I imitated her in her prayers and prayed, ‘Lord Jesus, please help me to quit smoking from tomorrow onward! I’ve lost all confidence in my own ability to quit.’

God’s help, I would not have been able to do so. I heard from my friends who quit smoking saying they experienced headaches, poor concentration and weight gain. However, I experienced no side effects at all. I was very surprised. The only thing I realised was that my appetite has increased, and I have in fact put on some weight!

I truly feel that it is God’s presence and power in my life that has helped me quit smoking. I have been cigarettefree for a year, and I feel like a new person. Now when I come back home, my children say, “There’s no more smell from your mouth, on your body or in the house. The house smells so fresh!” My wife is the happiest of them all. It is really God helping me, all the way till today. Praise the Lord! He has given me the ability to overcome!

Freddie Lim, self-employed Chinese ministry

23

me a son and that I was to name him David. His still, small voice was so clear to me.

posterity vs barrenness

Two months later, in February, I discovered I was pregnant! Our precious baby David was born on October 8. Thank God for seeing me through a smooth pregnancy

A sickness threatened Mayda Limâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s chances of ever conceiving, but God healed her and promised her a baby boy.

and delivery. For the grace He

In mid-2005, I was diagnosed with cervix pre-cancer stage 1. Due to this

Mayda Lim, regional infrastructure

sickness, I thought that I would never be able to be a mother. I had to

service manager East, Trinity@Paya Lebar

re-prioritise my life agenda, including my spiritual growth, family planning and career.

I went for Power Weekend, asking God to heal me, but I was not immediately healed. I was disappointed initially but continued to pray and trust God that He would heal me ultimately. Every six months, I had to go back for a medical check up to ensure that it did not get worse. In December 2006, I went for yet another medical check-up and was finally given a clean medical report.

The abnormalities were totally gone! I was overjoyed. I had been waiting months and months for this healing, and before this, every medical report that came back was negative. I thank God for remembering me!

Since then, my husband and I have been praying for a baby.

One day, during my Time Alone With God, God gave me a promise that He would give

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One day, during my Time Alone With God, God gave me a promise that He would give me a son and that I was to name him David.

His still, small voice was so clear to me.

pours into my life, I praise Him with thanksgiving. God keeps His promises!

abundant liv ing

provision vs famine First-time parents Sin Kok Wai and his wife were daunted by the prospect of increased expenses, but experienced Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s abundant provision in unexpected ways.

As first-time parents, we were intimidated by the list of baby items to buy. Then, the economy decided to give way. On top of our company overhead costs, we now had an extra mouth to feed.

Initially, we could only think of a few people who might have baby stuff to hand down to us: a sis-in-law who has a two-year-old, and a couple of friends with children between six months and a year old. We felt desperate and prayed for provision of baby products; in fact, we prayed for God to supply more-than-enough.

Almost immediately after, we began receiving hand-me-downs from five different friends, one sibling, and even from two others we have yet to visit. One of them was my wifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ex-colleague, whom we hardly even knew. We just met her on the street one day and she offered to pass us baby stuff!

What were the items received so far? Besides essentials like clothes and bottles, we were blessed with cot, play pen, prams, car seat, electric breast pumps, toys and more which we have yet to open to see. They are all in good working condition, and some are even new! We are literally counting our blessings.

God is so good to us. A month ago, we had to worry which pram and car seat were within our budget.

These are now all settled for us. We have received so many wonderful provisions for our baby!

God is so good to us. A month ago, we had to worry which pram and car seat were within our budget.

These are now all settled for us.

Sin Kok Wai, photographer East, Trinity@Adam

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productive restoration vs loss Retrenched and discouraged, sales manager Lau Wai Kit was in a downward spiral until he encountered God and experienced divine restoration and intervention.

My goal at work was to get a pay raise, maybe a

A month later, I prayed to the Lord asking for His

promotion, and hopefully remain safe and unscathed

guidance in finding a job. Not any job, but one that

from office politics. But I got retrenched, and life

He can use me strongly in. Almost immediately, the

spiraled downwards; I lost not only my job but my

following week, an old contact called and asked if I

money, my home and a long-term relationship. I pressed

would like to explore a sales position with his current

on, determined to prove to the world that I was tough

organisation. I had to attend several rounds of tough

and worthy. But at the end of the day, fear crippled me

interviews and was discouraged as some of the

and I started to believe that I was a failure.

interviewers were looking for someone with a strong track record in the industry. Yet, for some reason, I was still selected to go through the next round of interviews and eventually landed an interview with the top person of the firm in the region.

That night, at Trinity’s Apostolic Prophetic Night I was given a message from the Lord: “Be a light, be brave and strong, hold the sword and move forward bravely.”

I spent the next two weeks in anticipation. Finally, the HR manager called and informed me that I was selected to join the firm. Currently, I am a sales manager responsible for the key accounts of the company.

2008 was a challenging year. As a sales person in an American MNC, survival

26

One day, a colleague of my then-girlfriend (who is

meant fulfilling the sales

now my wife) invited us to attend Trinity’s Watchnight

quota and nothing else. With a

Service. As I had nothing to do, and wanted to find a

gloomy economic outlook, I watched as customers slowly

solution for my life, I decided to please my girlfriend and

reacted to the news. Not only were customers not buying

accepted the invitation. The Watchnight Service was a

but we had to cull under-performing business partners.

turning point for me. My fiancée and I started attending

As the close of the quarter drew near, I reported a sales

church and cell group, and we started praying, trusting

quota fulfillment of about 60% . This was not good news

in God and growing in Him again.

as the team had to reach the 70% sales mark. To cross

abundant liv ing

The $49,000++ order added a few more percentage points to my quota and it came up to an amazing sales quota figure of exactly 70%! the 70% mark, I would need a sales order of US$50,000.

‘20% of October’s sales commission’ plus another

However, with only one working week left and no

amount for the year. I put that figure onto the Faith

major orders on the horizon, I prayed for God’s divine

Promise card, though I had not met my sales quota and

intervention.

time was running out. I also needed the money to pay for my current home renovations.

That Friday was Vision Rally, and Pastor Dominic told us to pray in faith regarding the Building Fund. I prayed

By Monday, I had forgotten about the faith promise of

and asked God for His clear instructions. The

20% commission and was gearing up for a tough week

Holy Spirit tugged and whispered,

ahead. When I reached the office, my colleague came over and said, “Guess what! A business partner had just placed an unexpected 50K order!” Later, I realised that the order was actually $49,000++. I asked God why it was not $50,000 as I had asked of Him. One week later, as the team closed the quarter numbers, my final tally results came: The $49,000++ order added a few more percentage points to my quota and it came up to an amazing sales quota figure of exactly 70%!

Thank You Father! How can I ever out-give Him? He is a God of overwhelming abundance and timely provision!

Lau Wai Kit, sales manager South, Trinity@Adam

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Enjoy What are Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s promises regarding prosperity, and how do we step into it?

Rev Jeffrey Wong explains.

In my pre-Christian days, whenever we celebrated Chinese New Year, I joined my parents to usher in a deity commonly associated with prosperity. However year after year, we didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t prosper. Upon reflection, I realise that prosperity is not something we usher in; it is something we step into!

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1

GOD’S PROSPERITY

you… I am too fat for ice-cream”. Immediately Pastor David Chng interjected, “Pastor Jeff, that’s prosperity!” I told him, “Ah, but that’s not biblical prosperity.” What is God’s definition of prosperity?

In the Old Testament, prosperity connotes the following meanings:

• To prosper is to be successful in attaining what we are seeking for In Genesis 24, Abraham wanted to find his son Isaac a wife who had to be one of his relatives.

Abraham sent his chief servant to seek her out.

The chief servant set out on that journey. Along the way he met Rebekah, and the rest is history.

But note what the chief servant said in verse 56: “The Lord has granted success to my journey.” To prosper is to be successful in attaining what we are seeking for as we journey in life. What are you seeking for in life?

• To prosper is to be successful in the things we do In Genesis 39, Joseph found favour with Potiphar, At the Watchnight Service, Pastor Dominic declared that

a high-ranking Egyptian official and was

God wants us to enter into Abundant Living, and one of its

appointed as his personal attendant and put in

expressions is through enjoying God’s prosperity. How do we

charge of everything. What was the factor that

step into God’s prosperity during this economic downturn,

put Joseph in Potiphar’s good books? Verse 3

predicted to remain for at least the next two years?

tells us that Potiphar saw that the Lord was with Joseph and that the Lord gave Joseph success in

First, it is important for us to understand what prosperity

everything he did. To prosper is to be successful

means in the biblical context. The other day, Rev Lam Ee Lin

in the things we do. Are you successful in the

offered me a cup of ice-cream. I declined by saying, “No, thank

things you do?

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• To prosper is to experience peace and rest

• “Observe what the Lord your God requires: Walk in His ways, and keep His decrees and commands,

2 Chronicles 14 is an account of King Asa who did what

His laws and requirements, as written in the Law of

was good and right before God. Because of that the

Moses, so that you may prosper in all you do and

country was at peace for ten years. In verses 6 and 7,

wherever you go.” – 1 Kings 2:3

it is written that the Lord gave King Asa rest on every side and God prospered him. We see this concept in

• “Then you will have success if you are careful to

Lamentations 3:17 as well: ”I have been deprived of

observe the decrees and laws that the Lord gave

peace; I have forgotten what prosperity is.” You cannot

Moses for Israel.” – 1 Chronicles 22:13

separate peace and rest from prosperity. To prosper is to experience peace and rest. Are you experiencing peace and rest?

• To prosper is to acquire and possess wealth

We step into abundant living and enjoy God’s prosperity by obeying His Word that is so filled with promises to prosper us.

This needs no further explanation. In fact, wealth is what most of us associate with prosperity.

In other words, we step into abundant living and enjoy As you can see, the biblical concept of prosperity is

God’s prosperity by obeying His Word that is so filled

more than having wealth. You can have wealth without

with promises to prosper us.

experiencing peace and rest, but true biblical prosperity encompasses all these facets. God’s prosperity includes

Let us take a closer look at how we step into and

having success in whatever we do, experiencing rest

enjoy God’s prosperity. In 2 Kings 4:1-7, there are three

and peace and of course, enjoying the wealth we

principles we can glean from this passage of Scripture:

acquire along the way.

“The wife of a man from the But more importantly, true biblical prosperity is linked

company of the prophets cried

to the blessings of covenantal obedience. There are

out to Elisha, “Your servant

many Scripture verses that support this understanding:

my husband is dead, and you

• “Carefully follow the terms of this covenant, so

know that he revered the Lord.

that you may prosper in everything you do.” – Deuteronomy 29:9

But now his creditor is coming to take my two boys as his slaves.”

(2 Kings 4:1)

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The widow mentioned here was the wife of a certain

He was a drop-out from elementary school, ran a small

prophet who had died. The widow was in a state of

business but went broke, took 19 years to pay off his

desolation. It is highly possible she had no one to turn

debts; He had a law firm, but his partner ran off and

to. She was left alone to face the harsh reality of life

left him with sums unpaid; He was married but his wife

without her husband.

suffered from mental illness and paranoia; He had a son who was physically weak and died at a young age; He

She was oppressed by her debtors as her husband had

ran for political office four times, twice for the House and

died insolvent, leaving her with debts to settle. Her

twice for the Senate, and lost all four times. Ultimately,

sorrow was further intensified with the possibility of

he held office but was despised by half the country;

losing her two sons. But her adversity became God’s

the press derided him almost on a daily basis; Most

opportunity to prosper her. By the end of the episode,

audiences felt his speeches were dull and boring, and his

she had paid off all her debts and had more-than-

classic speech was met with indifference. Do you know

enough for her livelihood. In spite of her adversity, she

who this man was? He was Abraham Lincoln. He was a

enjoyed God’s prosperity!

believer who faced incredible adversity but this became God’s opportunity to prosper him – Abraham Lincoln

Some of us have experienced the loss of income or

emerged as one of the greatest presidents of all time.

investment. Others may have lost a loved one or suffered in our health. Like the widow, you may be in the place of helplessness or are under tremendous pressure, yet not being able to produce enough with the little you have.

God can take your adversity and turn it into a blessing.

I was talking to someone recently. He said that before the economic crisis, he already had to tighten his belt but now, he did not even have any belt to tighten.

Today, your loss of finances can be God’s opportunity

But like the widow, your adversity can be God’s

to provide for you. Your pain of losing your loved one

opportunity. God can take your adversity and turn

can be God’s opportunity to comfort you with His peace

it into a blessing. Joseph is an excellent example. He

and rest. Your loss of health can be God’s opportunity to

suffered the adversity of being sold into slavery, was

heal you. The widow was in dire straits: she had lost her

wrongly accused by his master’s wife and then betrayed

husband, income, was in debt and was about to lose her

and forgotten by his fellow prisoner. Despite these

two sons too. Could it get any worse? Yet her adversity

adversities, God brought him through and seated him

became God’s opportunity to prosper her. Every dark

next to Pharoah’s seat of power.

moment in our life can be a door for God to prosper us but we must be willing to open the door and permit

Let’s talk about someone from contemporary times.

God to come in. This leads us to the next point.

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widow an opportunity to confess her need before God. We confess in acknowledging our inability and insufficiency. Our confession of helplessness becomes God’s permission to help us; the key is to open the door of our needs and permit God to enter in. It is the same

Every dark moment in our life can be a door for God to prosper us but we must be willing to open the door and permit God to come in.

with prayer. God knows our needs before we ask Him, and yet we pray because our prayers are our confession to God that we are dependent on Him. Elisha asked a second question: “What do you have in your house?” Now this question was not meant to be a form of means testing to see whether the widow qualified for God’s social service scheme. God can create something from nothing, but it is His plan to start with what we have. The widow replied, “Your servant has nothing there at all except a little oil” – the phrase ‘except a little oil’ is a statement of confession of her faith. The ‘little oil’ we

Elisha replied to her, “How can

give to God is enough to

I help you? Tell me, what do

permit Him to prosper us.

God can create something from nothing, but it is His plan to start with what we have.

you have in your house?” “Your servant has nothing there at

Our confession is God’s permission to prosper us. But to

all,” she said, “except a little oil.”

what extent God prospers us would depend on how we

(2 Kings 4:2)

approach God. This brings us to the third point.

I am sure Elisha was fully aware of the situation and of

Elisha said, “Go around and ask

the widow’s need, yet he asked, “How can I help you?”

all your neighbours for empty

Were I the widow, I would have retorted, “What kind of

jars. Don’t ask for just a few.

prophet are you? Don’t you know my situation?”

Then go inside and shut the

The question “How can I help you?” provided the

Pour oil into all the jars, and as

door behind you and your sons.

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each is filled, put it to one side.” She left him and afterward

God has the ability to give us the best but we must be

shut the door behind her and her sons. They brought the

empty enough to have the desire to receive it. The

jars to her and she kept pouring. (2 Kings 4:3-5)

degree of your desire to receive from God will be the measure of your capacity to receive from Him. If you

God is always ready to pour out His blessings, but we

knock on 10 doors, you will receive 10 doors’ worth of

must approach God as empty

blessing. If you knock on 100

vessels. God is always ready

doors, you will receive a 100-door

to provide, but it is man that

blessing.

determines the capacity. How much we receive from God will be determined by how empty we are.

b) Are you empty enough to expect to receive from God?

God is always ready to provide, but it is man that determines the capacity. How much we receive from God will be determined by how empty we are. a) Are you empty enough to

Elisha told the widow ‘Don’t just

desire to receive from God?

ask for a few jars’. I believe Elisha

The widow was told by Elisha to go

was telling the widow to take all

around asking all her neighbors for

the empty jars that were available

empty jars. Notice it is not some

in each household. The widow was

neighbours or only the neighbours

empty enough to expect that God

whom she got along with. Elisha

would fill them all up.

told her “…ALL of your neighbours.”

A certain fisherman would bring a ruler and a basket This widow was empty enough to desire to ask all her

each time he went fishing. The moment he caught a

neighbours for empty jars. If you were told to do the

fish, he would measure it. On one occasion, the fish he

same today, to personally knock on your neighbours’

caught was six inches long, and he threw it into the

doors and ask for empty bottles, how many doors will

basket. Not long after, he pulled in a nine-inch fish, and

you knock on? Would you do five doors, ten doors, one

he threw it into the basket as well. A little later, he felt a

floor, the whole block, two blocks, five blocks or the

violent jerk on the line and pulled in a twenty-inch fish,

whole neighborhood?

and threw the fish back in the water.

33

A little girl had been watching this fisherman all this

A husband and wife were discussing

while. When the fisherman threw the twenty-inch

about the possibility of taking a

fish back into the water, she asked him, “Why do you

holiday trip to the Holy Land. With

throw back the big fish and keep the little ones?” The

excitement the husband said to his

fisherman replied, “Because my frying pan is only ten

wife, “Wouldn’t it be fantastic to go

inches wide.”

up to Mount Sinai, to stand there and shout out the Ten Commandments?”

Are you limiting yourself because you are not empty enough to contain the bigger ‘fish’ God wants to bless

The wife looked at her husband and

you with? How empty are you in expecting God to fill

responded, “Darling, that is a great

you with His abundance?

idea but it would be better if we stayed home and just kept them.”

c) Are you empty enough to obey God’s instruction in order to receive from Him? Elisha told the widow to pour oil into all the jars. This was no ordinary instruction. How could the little oil

It is our obedience

fill up all the jars? She must have been empty enough

which unlocks His

to obey an instruction that violated all human logic; but obey she did, and received the fullness of God’s

tangible blessings

prosperity: The oil kept flowing until all the jars were

into our lives.

filled up.

To obey is to act upon what we have been told. To do what God has instructed us to do is more than merely promising that we will do it. There are two categories of people in this world: • Those who promise anything, but fail to perform • Those who promise you nothing, but perform more than their talk The only way we can show our obedience is by doing what we have been instructed to do, not by what we say we will do.

34

If we want to step into God’s prosperity, we must be empty enough to obey God’s instruction even when it does not make sense. It is our obedience which unlocks His tangible blessings into our lives.

When all the jars were full, she said to her son, “Bring me another one.” But he replied, “There is not a jar left.” Then the oil stopped flowing. She went and told the man of God, and he said, “Go, sell the oil and pay your debts. You and your sons can live on what is left.” (2 Kings 4:6-7) This widow experienced God’s abundance in no small measure. She sold the oil, settled all the debts, and had sufficient money for her own livelihood and enough to raise her two sons. How much would that amount be in today’s terms? It is certainly not a small sum! Now that’s stepping into God’s prosperity! Are you empty enough to desire, to expect and to obey? These are the keys to stepping into God’s prosperity.

Rev. Jeffrey Wong serves on the Leadership Team of Trinity Christian Centre and is Trinity’s Missions Director.

Were you blessed by this article?

Tell us about it! SMS <Trinity> space<your comments> to 77177 or email we_are_trinitarians @trinity.org.sg

77177

This sermon can be heard online at www.trinity.net/sermons.htm

Every dark moment in our life can be a door for God to prosper us but we must be willing to open the door and permit God to come in.

If you would like to open the door of your heart for Jesus to come in, say this simple prayer: “Dear God, please forgive me of all my sins.

I believe Jesus died on the cross for me and rose again on the third day.

Thank you for taking away all my sins. Please come into my life and be my Lord and Saviour. In Jesus’ name, amen.”

35

God is good... even when times are bad!

As 2009 was declared as a season of abundant living, these Trinitarians experienced the abundant blessings of God.

36

A Foretaste of Abundant Living Project manager Peter Leong and his wife Vanessa claimed the promise of abundant living, and received bonuses and an increment in the midst of the downturn.

O

n the last day of 2008, God

blessed my wife Vanessa with a bonus.

This was unusual as in all her years with this company, there was no bonus. Moreoever, she was the only one among her colleagues who received it.

That very night, at the Watchnight Service, Pastor Dominic declared that the church would enter into abundant living in 2009. My wife and I were very excited, and together as a couple, we claimed the promise of abundant living.

years, she had been receiving an

bless us with abundance. God not

increment of three to five percent â&#x20AC;&#x201C;

only provided, but with more than

and this was during the good years.

we could imagine. All glory to God!

Now, on top of the bonus initially One week later, on 8 January, I received a three-month bonus and a

received, she would be receiving a

Peter Leong, project manager

higher increment as well!

West, Trinity@Paya Lebar

five percent increment in my salary.

The company had only planned for a two to three percent bonus across the board. Then, on February 19, Vanessa received an increment letter. Her salary would be increased by eight percent! For the past seven

Watching the news daily, and hearing about how bad the economy is, we definitely believe it is God who provided the increase. It was a confirmation of the message that God wants to

37

God is good...

From Officer to Manager – All in Six Months!

John Nelson Phillips witnessed God’s awesome favour upon his wife Mary as she was promoted from officer to manager in the management team of an 800-strong company – all in a span of six months.

O

involved in the management team of the company. Things have really turned around for her.

This is what we call walking into Abundant Living! God is great and greatly to be praised! Do not look at the environment – the devil will make it look horrible. Look above the storm and the clouds, soar up high like the eagle and look up to God. Trust Him alone! He is the God of breakthroughs and abundance. Praise His Holy name!

ur family faced some storms,

John Nelson Phillips, quality assurance executive

but God was faithful even

East, Trinity@Paya Lebar

through the storms that hit our family. We clung onto the promise in Proverbs 3:5: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.”

The situation was horrible but we trusted with child-like faith.

Soon after the turn of the year, my wife Mary was called in by her CEO. He informed her that he was pleased with her work and that she would be the one of the five persons authorised to sign any purchase of assets for the company.

This is a huge company; she was selected out of more than 800 staff. This was such a honour.

She was also given a promotion.

In fact, within six months, she has

38

been promoted from officer to manager, and now she is

Caught in a Credit Crunch In the midst of a credit crunch, an unexpected early payment eased cash flow issues for businessman Christopher Quek.

Just on Friday, the fifth day of

company forward.

prayer, my partner reported that our major customer had

This has bolstered my faith

paid out 3 cheques amounting

tremendously that God sees our

to RM71,000 (SGD 29,500) in

needs and will meet those needs!

total. This amount was only to be

In the times of economic crisis,

paid in late April. However, the

God shows His favour on those

client paid up early, which is really

He loves. I am continuing to

unusual in business, and totally

believe for Abundant Living and

unexpected in these times of tight

to see His wonders performed in

cash flow.

the marketplace arena. God is our Jehovah Jireh and our Promise!

This amount sustained our business

Surrender your life to Him and He

for February, so I could heave a sigh

will meet your needs!

of relief. We were able to then focus

M

y business was facing

on our marketing efforts rather

Christopher Quek, businessman

financial difficulties in

than on cash flow, so as to build our

North, Trinity@Adam

January 2009. We needed S$30,000 to sustain the business in February.

Otherwise, the business would have gone into financial difficulty.

I sought help from the banks which were supportive, but I was not comfortable in borrowing and using credit lines.

I followed closely the sermons on Abundant Living, believing that I would move from survival to Prosperity. I committed this issue to God. Through the five days of prayer where we dedicated our new year to the Lord, I resolved to trust in God and His plans.

39

God is good..

Answering the Call to Teaching

Ex-commercial property officer Tan Chong Soo took a substantial pay cut to go into teaching, but his obedience to God’s calling was quickly rewarded.

working elsewhere. It entailed a pay-cut of more than $1000. Not many people would make a career switch after spending a long time in their job, but to me,

teaching is a calling; I believe that it is what God wants me to do.

My pay was adjusted fairly quickly to my previous

salary. Now, it’s even more than what I used to get. So,

my change in career has paid off. This increment serves as a confirmation. I like what I’m doing; I feel happier; I find it more meaningful; I feel more fulfilled, even though we have a heavy workload.

I thank God for letting me enter into abundant living.

God can provide, even when times are bad. He

provides even when I did not anticipate it. If we were to follow His call, He will bless us and we will prosper!

Tan Chong Soo, teacher West, Trinity@PayaLebar

In January this year, I received a letter from MOE on a promotion and pay increase. I expected the promotion as I had just completed my Post-graduate Diploma in Education, but the pay increase was more than I expected.

I was pleasantly surprised!

Going into teaching was a step of faith I took in early 2007, after 11 years of

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Retired and Proud of it!

Retiree Augustine Teo basks in the joy of full-time fatherhood – something which many cannot afford – and relishes its priceless rewards.

I have been retired for three years now, and have been able to spend quality time with my 12-year-old son, John. The amount of time I spent with him these past three years was more than his first nine years put together, when I was working. When I look back, I realise the Lord has supplied Provision, so that I was able to spend time with my son without needing to worry about finances.

There were times of restlessness, when I struggled with not having a job or having

watching my son mature and change into a young man. He is growing very fast and is now distinctly a business to do. I also felt a little ashamed

taller than Mummy. The time I spent with him has

to let others know that I was retired and

been most fulfilling and worth more than diamonds

was not holding a job. During that time

and pure gold.

of struggle, the Lord asked me, “What are you doing?” I told Him that I was spending

I no longer feel ashamed about not having a job. I

time taking care of John.

have begun to see all these as the Prosperity that the Lord has endowed upon me. I am retired and

Now I realise that this is restoration of

proud of it, and I am really living the Abundant Life in

relationship between father and son. The

Christ Jesus!

Lord has given quality time for John and I to work together on our physical, mental

Augustine Teo, happily retired

and spiritual wholeness. I am presently

South, Trinity@Adam

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THE BLESSED LIFE

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How do you enter into abundant living, and experience the endowment of God’s favour and prosperity?

Rev Dominic Yeo unveils the practical steps to walking

At our Watchnight Service, we declared that we are entering into a season of abundant living. Jesus says in John 10:10, “I’ve come that you might have life and

in the blessings

have life more abundantly.” The life God has for us is not

and abundance

simply abundant life; it is the more-than-abundant life! If we

of God.

need to understand the keys to

believe this to be true, then we unlocking this abundant living that God has for us.

Just the other day, I felt the Lord directing me to read Psalm 1.

The life God has for us is not simply abundant life; it is the more-thanabundant life!

As I looked at Psalm 1, it seemed like there was another voice right beside me mocking, “Ever since you declared we are entering into Abundant Living, so many things have happened and so many people have fallen sick.”

It seemed like the more I declared that we are entering into abundant living, the more things escalated. We had a record number of Trinitarians being hospitalised. The newspapers reported gloomy news, and the growth rate of the economy kept getting revised downwards! As your senior pastor, I came to a place of wondering if the things I said were out of sync. It

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was as if by proclaiming life, we were coming against the

Right there and then, I knew that I needed to declare

spirit of death.

this message and declare it with greater conviction, because God’s intent is for us to enter into abundant

I spoke to one of the board members of our church

living. I want you to listen not only with your ears, but

about this, and he said, “Pastor Dom, you’re on the right

with your spirit, so that the spirit man within you begins

track.” As soon as he said that, alarm bells rang in my

to receive the clarion call of the Spirit of God for this

head. In a flash, God took me back to 1 Kings chapter 18

season.

where Elijah stepped into a landscape of intimidation.

Jezebel, under the unction of demonic spirits, was

Allow me to share what God showed me from Psalm 1.

killing every prophet of God so that there would be no

It is a very familiar psalm. Psalm 1 is what I call a Faith

prophetic voice in the nation. The demonic forces went

Psalm. It is a psalm about how the just shall live by faith.

all out to quash the message of God for His people.

It is a psalm full of the promises of God.

Psalm 1 Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers. Not so the wicked! They are like chaff that the wind blows away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous. For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.

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a continuous overflow of God’s favour and prosperity

“Blessed is the man”

upon your life.

The Psalmist David is not asking, “Are you blessed?” He begins with a powerful definitive statement. It is an

To be blessed is also about fulfilment. It is not just about

imperative, an outright declaration. It’s a declaration

money or riches. It is about experiencing the joy of God.

from heaven straight into the reader. The voice of God that thunders forth from heaven declares us as “blessed”.

When you enter into abundant living, you enter into the fulfilment of God for your life.

This is God’s prophetic declaration into your life.

What does ‘blessed’ mean? The root word of ‘blessed’ means

“Blessed is the man”

to be endowed with favour

Everyone wants to have the favour

and prosperity. Let me give

of God, but why is it that some are

you an idea of what ‘endowed’

blessed and others are not? I believe

means. Many moons ago we used to have a ministry called Chi Alpha; it was our campus

Blessed is the man

there are three types of people: •

Those who want the blessing

•

Those who are the blessing

ministry. Whenever I preached at the campus camp, our

because it is contained in them •

Those who release the blessing

campus pastors would tell

because they have been so

the campers, “Wear your oldest

blessed, they want to bless

T-shirt for the night service,

others.

because Pastor Dom will be anointing you with oil.”

I pray that you will belong to the latter two groups. Let’s examine this

Now, when we anoint you in

blessed man. The Bible makes it clear

our adult services, we do it

that there is a godly man and there

quite distinguishably; we dab

is an ungodly man. The difference

a little oil on you and that’s about it. But at the camp,

between the two is that the ungodly man walks in the

I would have the committee bring crates of olive oil,

counsel of the wicked, stands in the way of sinners, and

and I would literally pour oil over each camper. The oil

sits in the seat of mockers, whereas the godly man does

would flow from their head down their whole body, and

not. There is a progression from ‘walking’ to ‘standing’ to

the clothing they wore would be destroyed. That’s the

‘sitting’; from ‘wicked’ to ‘sinners’ to ‘mockers’. This shows

picture of being endowed! To be endowed is to have

the intensity of one’s fall.

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• To ‘walk’ means to be accompanied by. The one who is blessed by God is one who does not allow the ‘counsel of the wicked’ – the designs, schemes, plans and purposes of the world – to accompany him. Jeremiah 29:11 tells us that God has a plan for your life. The one who walks in the plans and purposes of heaven will be blessed.

The one who allows the schemes of this world to accompany him will miss the blessing. If we allow ourselves to be accompanied by certain investment deals, by certain contracts, certain dealings, certain types of relationships, then everything results in disaster. But not so for the man of God – he does not walk in the counsel of the wicked but by the counsel of heaven.

• The word ‘stand’ here in Hebrew speaks of a posture.

It is about taking a stand. You start out by entertaining the designs and schemes of this world. Very soon, you make a stand for it. After standing for some time, you just sit with the mockers.

Blessed is the man or the woman who is

• To ‘sit’ means to inhabit, to dwell, to live.. Now, you are part of this group called ‘the mockers of God’. That’s how we fall. That’s why the Bible says this group will not be blessed.

accompanied by the counsel of heaven, who stands upon

The trilogy of expression shows us the intensity and regression of our Christian faith. When you regress, God cannot bless you. But God wants to bless you! His intent is that we will walk in His design, plans and purposes.

Blessed is the man or the woman who is accompanied by the counsel of heaven, who stands upon the word of God, and who sits and dwells in the presence of God.

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the word of God, and who sits and dwells in the presence of God.

“… But his delight is in the law of the Lord.”

to sit at the feet of Jesus. Martha came to Jesus and

The key to walking in the blessing of God is found in

is better and it shall not be taken away from her.” The

this word ‘delight’. To ‘delight’ means to desire, long,

better thing is to long for God. Then, the blessing comes.

said, “Teacher, don’t you care that she is leaving me to do all the work?” But Jesus said, “Mary has chosen what

hunger and thirst. The man who experiences heaven’s endowment and deposit is one who has a longing for

Realise this – God is the One who gives you the ability

the laws of God. The Hebrew word for ‘law’ is ‘Torah’,

to create wealth. It is not based on your own intellect or

which refers to the teaching, instructions, precepts and doctrines of God – the revelation and manifestation of who God is. This man has a hungering for the word and for God. This man who delights in God longs for more of Him. Husbands, when you first fell in love with your wife, I am sure you longed to see her everyday. You had eyes only

God gives us the ability, the strategies, the ideas and the open doors to create wealth.

ability. I am not saying you don’t have to work, but understand this fundamental: God gives us the ability, the strategies, the ideas and the open doors to create wealth. And how does that happen? It happens when we delight in His laws.

for her. You waited by the phone for a chance to call her.

Even if you had nothing in particular to talk about, you

Psalm 42:1 is about: “As the deer pants for the waters,

“And on His law, he meditates on it day and night.”

so my soul longs after you”. Longing is a deep desire, an

What do you think of when you hear the word

intense thirsting just to have the object of your desire.

‘meditation’? If you are like me, you associate it with all

When you long for the law, you will do the law. When

the kung-fu movies, where this guy goes into isolation for

you long for God, you will do what God asks you to do.

years, and then comes out with a head full of white hair.

were content to hold on to the phone and just keep quiet. You just longed for her presence. That’s what

And you will be blessed!

As a child, I was once beaten up so badly I had to be Busyness is no excuse for not longing after God. If you

warded in hospital. After that, I vowed to myself that I

are so busy that you cannot long for God, something is

would bash the daylights out of them by the time we

wrong. If you want to live in the blessing, you have to

were in Primary Six. I had my parents enrol me in judo,

turn things around and say, “I may be busy, but I need

taekwando, and other martial arts. I was even in the lion

to have a heart that longs for God.” Remember the story

dance troupe! I picked up three forms of martial arts just

of Mary and Martha? Jesus came to their home and

so that I could trash them. By age 12, I had a brown belt,

Martha was busy doing different things, but Mary chose

and at age 14, I went to Korea for my taekwando black

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belt. And true enough, when we were in Primary six, I bashed them up.

The word of God takes I share this with you not to glorify my past, but because of those years of martial arts training, I had a different understanding of meditation. I was taught to empty my mind, to breathe deeply, to bring myself into a state of calm and control. Today, I repent of that, for the moment you empty your mind, you open it to the devil. Christian meditation is not about emptying your mind, but saturating it with the word of God.To ‘meditate’ also

pre-eminence until faith arises. Faith arises, and that causes action. You act upon it, and then comes

means to declare, to speak. You declare the word of God so that the word of God saturates your life. And as the word of God takes precedence in your life, you will speak it.

the manifestation.

When manifestation takes place, the blessings flow.

To ‘meditate’ in Hebrew also means to utter or mutter.

I went to the supermarket with my wife just before Chinese New Year, and man, it was a riot! You must understand one thing – I hate crowds, and it was awfully crowded! A lady wheeled her trolley over my shoe – just the very thing I hate! She said “sorry, sorry”, and

And before you know it, you would have moved from

I thought to myself, “Didn’t see ah?” Then it happened a

survival to prosperity.

second time. This time, I muttered, “Stupid lady”. Then I realised I was being negative. I remembered this sermon

This is how you move from survival to prosperity: The

and realised I shouldn’t say that! Immediately, I began

word of God takes pre-eminence until faith arises. Faith

to mutter to myself, “Love your enemies, love your

arises, and that causes action. You act upon it, and then

enemies!” I began to mutter the word of God so that

comes the manifestation. When manifestation takes

the word of God could take pre-eminence in my life.

place, the blessings flow.

I didn’t want to allow negative feelings, or the schemes,

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designs, plans and purposes of this world to accompany

The busier you are, the more you should mutter. It

me. Even in the intensity of pressure, anger, frustration

should be spoken just under your breath: “Jesus…

and exasperation, bless your enemy. As you start

Jesus…” Meditate on Jesus. Call upon Him, “Lord, Your

muttering the word of God, you will start blessing them.

word says I will be blessed and my household will be

your spirit man. We all want the blessing, but if we don’t delight in the presence of God and meditate on His Word on an ongoing basis, how can God bless us?

In John 15, Jesus said, “If you abide in Me and My word abides in you, ask anything and it shall be given you.”

How can the word ‘abide’ in you? Meditate. Then when you ask God of anything, it shall be done. That’s the blessing. That’s abundant living!

“He is like a tree planted by streams of water…”

To be ‘planted’ means to be established. Many of us are busy shuttering all over the place because we are concerned about job security. We think that in order to secure our job, we had better put the other guy down.

We allow the counsel of the wicked to accompany us.

But there is no need for such things; the Bible says you will be planted. It means that you – your career – will be blessed. Lord, You say that I am the head and not the

established by God.

tail.” Begin to speak and mutter it under your breath.

Allow God’s word to saturate you. Christian meditation is the antidote against the designs of the wicked.

Your job security is based on the establishment of God in your life.

“…He meditates on it day and night”.

Friends, your job security is not established by the works

The phrase ‘day and night’ is used here poetically,

security is based on the establishment of God in your

meaning in a continuous manner without ceasing.

life. It has to do with the endowment of heaven.

Whether or not you are busy, continually meditate on

To be ‘planted’ can also mean to be transplanted. If you

God’s word. Speak it out and let the word of God build

are in the desert, God will transplant you to another

of your own hand, nor by politicking, nor climbing the ladder, nor skill set nor core competency. Your job

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cannot make the tree yield fruits. Only God can. Only place – the place of life – where there are streams of water. Some of you have lost jobs because God wants to transplant you. If God didn’t move you, you would never have moved. He wants to transplant you and give you life. As you delight in Him and as you meditate upon the word of God, God Himself will establish you.

“…which yields its fruit in season…”

This means you will enjoy the fruits of your labour. You will have offspring, and experience posterity. Some of us labour and try to find shortcuts in our career. You try a lot of things, but you are not getting the results and the rewards that you want. Abundant Living releases fruitfulness so that you experience results and rewards

by the grace of God, when the outpouring of grace

in your life.

comes in, God calls it to be quickened. Then you taste the fruits and see results.

“…which yields its fruit in season…”

God has an appointed moment for us. These turbulent

‘Season’ denotes a concept of time. There are three

see the Joseph anointing upon our lives.

times we are living in is our appointed time to enter into abundant living. Why? Because the world needs to

concepts of time: • Chronos, the sequential moment, which has to do

When the window opens, you dive in and take that

“… and whose leaf does not wither”

which God has given to you.

This means that there is no element of the spirit of

with the daily sequencing of events; • Kairos, the God-moment. It is an opportune time.

• ‘Season’, which means an appointed time. An

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death. Despite drought, its leaves are evergreen. Despite

appointed time is not about you doing but what

harsh weather conditions, its foliage is luscious. That’s

God does. You cannot make the tree grow faster. You

life! This is the promise of God.

The life of God’s appointment

prosperity. This is the appointed time for you to bear

The blessed life is a life of God’s appointment, God’s

fruit, see results and receive His rewards.

ordination. God sets things into place, and says ‘now’.

That’s why the Bible says, today is the day of salvation.

As you read and hear the declaration of this word,

Today, you will be blessed. Today you will be healed.

learn to appropriate it. It is important for you to say, “I

Some of us may say, “Pastor Dom, don’t you know what

acknowledge it, I appropriate it, I receive it, I believe it,

we are going through?” It is not that we dismiss the

I settle it in my heart – ‘Blessed is that man and woman’,

realities. Don’t go into denial or feel shameful about it.

and I am that blessed man and woman!”

Recognise where you are now, but also recognise that God has ordained for you to step into abundant living where you will be blessed.

Recognise that God has ordained for you to step into abundant living where you will be blessed.

It is very important for us to hear God’s report for us, and to recognise the appointment of God. I want to say prophetically here that God has appointed you right now to experience a shift from where you are

Let’s pray: Father, move upon the hearts of men and women, and do a deep work right now. Lord, let there be an overflow, a continuous flow of Your appointment into our lives. Teach us to hunger after You. Teach us to long for You. Teach us to declare Your word into situations. Teach us not to be accompanied by the schemes of the enemy. Teach us to be accompanied by Your plans, Your purpose, Your voice, Your word. Teach us to put Your word as pre-eminent into our life, that we may live not in survival mode but in the abundant prosperity of heaven. Lord, today I call everyone who reads this message blessed of God. Meet them right now, and endow them with heaven’s blessings. We receive it in Jesus name, amen.

to where He will take you. There is the shift in the heavenlies where things will be moved in such a way that you will be astounded. It is not through the works

Rev Dominic Yeo is the Senior Pastor of Trinity Christian

of your hand but by the very grace of God. All you need to

Centre.

do today is to say “I receive God’s ordination for me now.”

Receive it and step into it!

Were you blessed by this article? Tell us about it!

SMS <Trinity>space<your comments> to 77177 or email we_are_trinitarians@trinity.org.sg

77177

I sense that this is the prophetic word for us to step into.

God is about to pour this into your life and cause you to stand as a testament of His endowments of favour and

This sermon can be heard online at www.trinity.net/sermons.htm

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REAL LIFE MIRACLES

i am the blessed man!

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At a time when PMETs (professionals, managers, executives and technicians) are being retrenched, Raul McDonald experienced the amazing endowment of God’s favour and prosperity. Here he shares how he stepped into the appointment and blessings of God.

THE PROMISE About a year and half ago, as I was about to step into the shower one evening, I heard an audible voice saying “GM”.

I said “GM?” “That will be your new position.”

I responded, “Lord, if this is You, then I receive it in Jesus’ name.”

A major restructuring was going to take place in my department. I was one of the five team leaders, and three of us would be promoted to General Managers. At that time, we did not know who would be promoted.

A few weeks later, when the announcements were made, I was not one of the three promoted.

Initially I was a little disappointed but then I remembered what God had said that evening in my bathroom. So I moved on in my new role and decided to leave it all in God’s hands.

I was not happy with the work hours though, as I had to do shift work every other month and all

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the weekends in that month. I told God that I wanted to

to fight for and defend my rights. I cannot take any

do so much more for him, but my crazy work schedule

credit for deferring my rights and restraining myself; all

just didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t allow for that. Still, I was encouraged by

honour and glory goes to the Lord as it was Him working

the fact that the Lord had kept the other promises He

through me that caused this surrender. However, it

had spoken into my life, albeit in His time. (Just a year

seemed that the more I yielded to the Lord, the more

before that, I had been promoted to Assistant General

the attacks came, sometimes cleverly disguised. Yet the

Manager.)

Lord always revealed what was happening, either to me or to those praying for me.

THE TRIAL In my work life and my life in general, there have always

I wondered in my heart how this could be, or why I was

been relational challenges. Working relationships in

going through it. I reasoned that I was not perfect, but

the office got worse and I sensed a lot of it stemmed

I was doing my best to live as the Lord wanted me to

from jealousy, as the others felt that I had special favour

live, so why was I going through this season? The funny

with my bosses. There were times when the attacks

thing was, I already knew the answer, but nonetheless,

were plenty, physically and

in those trying times, I

spiritually. There were times

would still wonder. The

I just wanted to jump on

Lord was always there

the desk and scream and

strengthening me, whether

defend myself. However, I

through Scriptures,

prayed and asked the Lord

through messages during

for His peace and strength,

services that I thought

and the grace to just leave

were specially spoken for

it in His hands. My leaders

me, through books I would

and cell members also

be led to read, through my

prayed for me, as did my

sectional and cell leaders,

dear mother and auntie in

and through my cell

the USA. My colleagues all knew that I was a Christian, so I should

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There were times I just wanted to jump on the desk and scream and defend myself.

members.

I remember reading the book Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Timing for Your

carry the peace and love

Life by Dutch Sheets. I was

of God to them, no matter

so blessed by how the Lord

what happened in my work environment. It was very,

ministered to me through the pages of this book. It was

very hard to do this. At times my human nature wanted

so amazing. It was like God had those words written in

advance, just for me. My resolve was strengthened;

THE FULFILLMENT

I determined that no matter what the enemy came

Long before the current economic crisis became

at me with, I would not be moved. I believe Trinity’s

evident, my company had gone through a global

sermon series “In the Eye of the Storm – Intimacy with

streamlining process, from top to bottom. That process

God” was divinely ordained for me. It was right around

was completed, but there were still discussions about

that time when

streamlining my division (the operational arm of the

the storms at work

company globally). We have two centres, one here in

had intensified. In

Singapore and the other in London. The belief among

everything – the

my colleagues was that they would be merged into one,

sermon series, the

with Singapore being the winner.

Scriptures I read, the

I believe i Trinity’s Ti i ’ sermon series “In the Eye of the Storm–Intimacy with God” was divinely ordained for me.

discussions I had

Then things got worse: The head of my centre resigned.

with others – the

I had a good relationship with him and I felt he had

recurring theme

always looked out for me. For a split second, fear crept

was that God would

into my heart as to my future within the company.

be my shelter and

However the Holy Spirit reminded me that it was He

anchor in the storm.

who was in control, so I repented for allowing fear and doubt to creep in.

One morning when I was heading to

In mid November, we were finally told of the decision,

work at 6am, I was

and it was not what anyone had anticipated: Both

just crying out

operational centers would be closed down. However

the Lord about

my department was saved and our scope would be

everything (more

increased to a global one, taking care of the entire

like complaining, actually). I suddenly heard a sweet,

world. Wow… God is truly

gentle voice saying “STOP”! Right away in my mind, I

amazing. Not only was my

felt it meant “stop the complaining”, but my feet also

department saved, but our

stopped and I felt like I could not move. I then heard,

scope was now increased!

“Bless them”, which I did. Right after saying “amen”, I

I did feel for my colleagues

could continue walking. Right after that, I sensed the

from the other departments,

Lord saying to me that “The battle is His, not mine”. So

but they were promised jobs

once and for all, I completely surrendered the situation

in other areas of the company

to God.

or the group of companies.

Wow… God is truly amazing.

Not only was my department saved, but our scope was now increased!

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So I rejoiced and gave thanks to the Lord!

On November 29, I attended the TENet course ‘Holy Spirit & I’. Pastor Peter Loy – who thinks I am stalking him as I have taken a few TENet courses where he was the instructor – was discussing about the divine works of the Holy Spirit. He encouraged the class to just pray and engage with the Holy Spirit for creativity and inspiration for whatever God wants to do through us.

Right after we prayed, thoughts and ideas started coming to me about how we could set up the structure of the new global department that I was now a part of. I immediately made some notes and early Monday morning, on December 1, I emailed them to my boss. He replied that those were the very lines along which he was thinking, and the very reasons for

Yes, this new department

some new procedures he had put in place.

would be headed by a General Manager – me! All honour

On December 2, approximately two weeks after the

and praises to the Lord God

announcement, I was at my desk very early in the

Almighty, the keeper of Promises.

morning when my boss came over and asked me to go

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with him to his boss’ office. I wondered why as this was

In this new role, I would now report directly to my boss’

unusual, and I didn’t remember getting into any trouble!

boss. My work hours will be Monday to Friday 9am-

We went in, the door was closed and I was asked to sit

5.30pm – no more shift work and weekends! In my

down. With a straight face, my boss’s boss looked at

conversations with God, I had always told Him

me and said “You are fired!” But they could not hold

I wanted to do so much more for Him. Now it was

back their laughter for very long. They told me that

possible! When I

going forward into the new structure, they had created

walked out of my

a new department, and they proceeded to tell me what

new boss’ office,

the scope and mandate of this new department would

the first words out

be. The entire team was already in place, and they just

of my mouth were,

needed someone to head it up. They asked if I knew

“Lord, now I will have

anyone who would be interested. My answer was no,

the time to be used

but I would ask around. We all then had a good laugh.

more by You!”

In my conversations with God, I had always told Him I wanted to do so much more for Him. Now it was possible!

THE JOURNEY I did not think that in the current global economic crisis where so many people have lost their jobs and life savings, that I would be blessed in this way. It was enough for me to be vindicated by the Lord, but God did not stop there. His blessings are truly overflowing and overwhelming.

God had also taken care of every detail. I could not have done a better job at picking my team members. If I had

The more we seek Him, the more of Himself He will reveal to us. Then we will be truly prepared to receive His promises!

truly prepared to receive His promises!

My prayer is that everyone who reads this will be encouraged to just trust in the Lord with all your heart – no matter how hopeless it may appear, no matter how

been given a say in the process (which I wasn’t), I would

long it may take, and no matter how hard the storms of

have picked exactly these same people! I believe this

life may hit you. God is not only a Promise Giver; He is

was not a coincidence; it was the Lord’s hand at work.

also a Promise Keeper and a Promise Fulfiller!

There were times in this long journey when I could not see through my human eyes how God’s promise to me would be fulfilled. I confess that the wait was not easy, Many times, it seemed like there was nothing to hope for, but it was through these times that the Lord has reminded me that my hope is in Him – not in the world, not in man, not even in myself.

I want to testify of the faithfulness of our God in keeping His promises. What is even more amazing to me is that ‘all’ we have to do is remain faithful to Him, wait upon Him, and seek Him and His will for our lives.

God has proven to me that this is a small price to ‘pay’ for living under His blessings!

I also learnt that we should focus not so much on the promises themselves, even though they are wonderful sources of hope through the storm. Rather, focus on God Himself and seek His face. The more we seek Him, the more of Himself He will reveal to us. Then we will be

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c i g e t a r t S s t s u r Th ith bold w d r a w t ving for o m s i ut abou o d Trinity n fi t es. We v o m usts tha r w h t ne c i g e strate v fi . e s e th in 2009 e c a l p will take

#1 “Do this and you will live!” – Trinitarians are taking seriously God’s command to love people by caring and connecting with those affected by the economic downturn.

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LIFE Fund

“I am heartened by the generosity of the Trinity Christian

Trinity’s LIFE Fund is proving to be a lifeline

Centre in pledging $100,000 towards helping our needy

for those who have been retrenched.

residents. This contribution will certainly make a difference to those in need, particularly families and individuals who

One of the expressions of Care & Connect is

need help to tide over this period of economic difficulty.”

to ‘Find a Need, Meet the Need’, and that is

Mr Matthias Yao, Mayor South East CDC

how Trinity as a church has responded to the economic downturn.

HOW can I be involved?

Trinity has designated a LIFE Fund to provide

• Trinitarians who require financial assistance for themselves may

financial assistance to Trinitarians and their

approach their pastors, or bring their loved ones and guests to

loved ones who have

the Level 2 Guest Lounge after service.

been retrenched and whose

• If you would like to contribute to the LIFE Fund, please send in

combined gross

your cheque (payable to ‘Trinity Christian Centre’ and indicate

monthly household

‘LIFE Fund’ on the back on your cheque).

income does not exceed S$2500.

“This is a practical way in which the Church can meet the financial needs of those around us during this economically challenging season,” says Pastor Dominic Yeo. “This is also a tangible way in which we love people, which is one of the keys to entering into abundant living.”

Another portion of the LIFE Fund will be disbursed through the South East Community Development Council (CDC) for the purpose of assisting the needy living in the district.

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Jobs Connection Tapping on Trinitarians who are strategically positioned in the marketplace, Trinity’s Jobs

and encouraging people to ‘hang in there’; we are providing practical help that really meets people’s needs!” she says.

Connection brings together Jenny Lee, a resident manager in

those who can provide jobs

the hospitality industry, was among

and those who need one.

those who posted her company’s job With the mass layoffs of

vacancies. She explains, “This is an

employees across various

excellent opportunity for me to find

sectors and the increasing pool

the right person and meet a need at

of jobless young graduates,

the same time. My company needs

getting a job these days can

people to fill the vacancies. For those

be tough. In such a scenario,

who are retrenched, it’s an avenue to

personal networking has become all the more important

get a job. For Trinitarians, this is a good platform for us

in securing that job. You can tap into the informal

to meet a real need, so it is a win–win situation for all! I

network of Trinitarians through Trinity’s Jobs Connection.

think it is great that the church is being very proactive, very intentional and doing something tangible to help

This job-matching scheme taps on Trinitarians who are

those in need.”

business owners and HR professionals, and galvanises them to meet the needs of fellow Trinitarians and their loved ones by providing job opportunities.

HOW can I be involved?

• If your loved ones are seeking a job, bring them to church and view available job vacancies at the Bulletin Boards

Job vacancies are posted on the Bulletin Boards every

at Level 2 after service.

weekend after each service. Product development manager Sharon Tan brought a friend to view the job

• If you are recruiting, please submit the details of your job

postings. She says, “A friend of mine was retrenched

vacancies through Jobs Connection at www.trinity.net

during Chinese New Year, and I thought that the Jobs Connection would be a good way to meet her need for a job. When she came to church, she was excited to see

InfoTalks & Clinics

a few suitable job openings. My friend commented

Trinity’s InfoTalks & Clinics bring the expertise of

that the jobs available in Jobs Connection are as

Trinitarians skilled in providing advice in the areas

plentiful as in Classified Ads!”

of financial management, re-employment guidance and emotional wholeness, to those who need it.

“Personally, I am amazed and impressed at the way

60

Trinity is responding to the economic situation and

For a person who has been retrenched, getting up on

the great initiatives it has come up with. We go

his feet again entails more than just having enough

beyond preaching about the current situation

finances to tide him through the period of joblessness.

Skilled to Serve Seah Keok Choon, an associate director leading an independent financial advisory firm He also needs help to relook at his family finances and go through a series of steps in order to secure that job and get back to financial health.

explains why he has volunteered his time and expertise to be part of Trinity’s InfoTalks & Clinics.

That help is now here. At Trinity’s InfoTalks & Clinics, professionals with a wealth of experience and expertise will provide advice free of

“During this season, many people

charge to those affected by the economic downturn.

who used to have plenty are suddenly reduced to being in want as a result of the

Angelique Khoo, a HR professional with over 20 years’ experience,

recession. I believe that we are called to

is one of those who have volunteered their professional skills.

be warriors of His hope. Yes, times may

She explains, “When the economic meltdown happened and

be difficult, but that does not mean that

companies began to retrench employees, I knew in my heart

we sit back and wait for things to be

that I needed to do something. When the church asked for people

better before we start helping others.

with HR expertise, I knew it was God’s answer to me. God has not

We need to rise up in this hour of need.

given me the HR training and experience for nothing. I believe I

I n fo Talk s i c s & C lin

can put it to good use to

This is an excellent opportunity for God

help people caught in this

to shine through us, and that’s why I

economic crisis.”

am excited about this Care & Connect initiative. I look forward to applying

She looks forward to guiding

my marketplace skills to this initiative.

people on how to write a

This crisis has shown us all that financial

good resume, reviewing their

prudence is of absolute importance, and

resumes, guiding them on

my involvement would be in guiding

interviews, advising them on

people to make good financial decisions.

their careers, connecting them with job agencies and headhunters,

This will put my financial advisory skills to

and briefing them on the Employment Act so that they are aware of

good use.

the necessary protection as workers and employees.

Personally, my calling in financial advisory “As a Trinitarian, I am really proud that the church is living up to its

has suddenly become clearer as a result

calling to Care & Connect,” she says.

of this crisis. I believe that God places us in our respective vocations for a

HOW can I be involved?

• The InfoTalks & Clinics will be held periodically on Wednesday evenings. Check www.trinity.net or the church bulletin for updates.

purpose. My role as a licensed financial adviser is to help families and individuals become good stewards of their resources and position them for long- term financial

• If you have the expertise to give talks or provide help in these areas, contact us at carecell@trinity.org.sg

security. I am willing to be God’s vessel through which people may be blessed!”

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#2 For the young, by the young – that describes Trinity’s LIFE Charity Concert, which will showcase the creative talents of its youth and raise funds for the Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund.

can do something for their generation. We have over 800 young people in our church, and they are a creative, energetic and resourceful generation. This concert is an excellent way to unleash their creative potential for a worthy cause,” he enthuses.

The Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund was started in the year 2000 by The Straits Times, and benefitted more than 9000 school-going children last year. The Fund is administered by the National Council of Social Services, which works with agencies such as the Family Service Centres (FSC), Special Schools and Children’s Homes to disburse

Come June 25-27, Trinity’s youth will present a charity

the funds.

concert that will showcase the full range of its creative talent.

HOW can I be involved?

Everyone who attends – youth, companies and families

• If you would like to be a sponsor, email

alike – will not only have a great time, but also contribute

lifecharityconcert@gmail.com. Your donation will be

to a good cause: Bringing LIFE to needy youth and children.

tax-exempt. Look out for more updates!

Trinity aims to raise S$100,000 from the concert. The funds raised from this concert will go towards The Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund, which helps children from low-income families who attend school without proper breakfast, or without pocket money.

Why The School Pocket Money Fund? ”We were moved by the plight of school children going through the school day hungry, as it usually indicates some degree of dysfunction in the family,” explains Pastor Dominic Yeo. “In such times, as more parents are jobless or financially challenged, we

Trinitarian magazine catches up with three young talents who are in the thick of the action for the LIFE Charity Concert.

Crystal Lim, secondary 3 student Role: Crew (Props) I really want to serve God and be a part of something that would impact my generation in a positive way!

I would be serving as a back stage crew. I believe it’s going to be an incredible experience!

foresee that an increasing number of children and youth will be going to school without pocket money.”

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Natalie Yeo, polytechnic student Role: Drama Coach

Pastor Darick Yeo, who oversees Trinity’s 800-strong

When I heard about it, I felt excited! I felt the need to

IGNYTE Ministry, is excited about the charity concert. “The

get involved. It would be really cool to help kids with

idea came alive when we realised that our young people

their pocket money. I had been praying that God

would confirm my purpose in life, and when I heard about it, I was like ‘Whoa! That’s everything I want to do in life!’

It is such an honour and opportunity to perform at this large-scale production. It doesn’t matter what role I play, I just want to leave a legacy. I am enjoying the rehearsals as I teach and coach the actors!

We are having fun and blessing people’s lives at the same time.

Kenneth Yeo, national serviceman Role: Actor It was through my time in the ACS (Independent) Choir that I first developed a love for the performing arts. Musical theatre was a particular area of interest. But I had not had the opportunity to serve God in this capacity, so when I heard about the charity concert, I was truly excited!

Having been active in the arts scene, I was well aware of the sheer commitment that is involved in a successful performance. Hence it was with much apprehension that I auditioned for the event as, being a full-time national serviceman, it is often difficult for me to forecast my schedule so far ahead. However, I remembered the many times that God has enabled me to attend or serve in various capacities in church, even against overwhelming odds and despite unpredictable schedules. I believe God will make a way.

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#3 Trinity’s high-energy, high-octane Children’s Ministry will move a few notches higher with a brand new concept that will be introduced in July 2009.

Watch out, parents! You might just be tempted to hang out and hang loose with your kids in DiscoveryLand instead of going for the Adult Service. That’s because the Children’s Ministry is about to unleash a totally immersive, multi-media worship experience that can be likened to High 5, the popular and energetic TV show.

new style of ministry will engage the children even better,” says manager Lim Kok Tiong and a father of two.

With this revamp, DiscoveryLand services will take on an ‘edu-tainment’ approach that combines education

“This new style of ministry is different and I believe that it

and entertainment. It is an approach that this sight and

will attract the children. Involving children in ministry is a

sound generation is already well attuned to. Bible truths

great way to teach them about serving God,” says Nancy

will be taught through music, drama and multi-media

Han, an operations manager and a mother of two.

presentations.

“I believe that teaching through drama will add DiscoveryLand teachers are excited about the new line-

excitement and pump up the action on stage. It will

up. “I am looking forward to it because change brings

make the message so clear that even the younger

opportunities for me to grow in my gifts and my faith,”

children can understand it!” says Carrie Goh, a brand

says DiscoveryLand teacher Simon Chin, a finance and

manager and a mother of three.

accreditation executive.

HOW can I be involved?

Parents had a glimpse of the new concept at last year’s

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• If you have a passion for children or would like to be

Church Camp, and give it the thumbs-up. “My son is

part of this exciting revamp, sign up at the Level 2

enjoying the service very much now, and I believe the

Information Counter today.

In the past few years, we have been fine-tuning our adult services to bring about that God encounter, and now I want to place a premium on our children’s service, to provide that total God encounter for our children.

Actually, this ‘edu-tainment’ concept was part of my dream some 20 years ago. Through the passage of time, God has put the right giftings in place, so that we are now at the juncture where we can see this happen in a big way.

As we revamp the ministry, I believe that we are going to see the restoration of the children evangelists in our midst – those who will bring their friends to church and share Jesus powerfully. God has used children evangelists to bring revival to nations – why not Singapore? I believe

A Brand New Concept: Twenty years in the making

something explosive is in the horizon.”

I am believing God for a great release of giftings among our children as well. Besides the children’s pastors and teachers, we will also be roping in some of the older children on a regular basis. This new concept will require the combining of age groups. Now, we currently have three separate age groups in our services: ages 4 to 6, 7 to 9, and 10 to 12. With the new concept, the 4- to 9-yearolds will be together. This will give the older children

Pastor Dominic Yeo shares that this brand new concept for Trinity’s Children’s Ministry is the culmination of a vision received 20 years ago.

the opportunity to be role models for the younger ones, to be leaders and to express their God-given talents – to sing, act and dance in the services. During the holidays, we will have drama, dance and singing classes to facilitate the release of these giftings in our children.

We now have an average of 900 children in our DiscoveryLand services, and I believe the revamp will create a greater vibrancy and attraction to our services.

Going forward, I believe children will be drawn into the Kingdom of God like never before. We may even see adults coming into the children’s services and getting saved there!

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#4 #5

The Leadership Carecells in Trinity have been enhanced, with the sectional leaders receiving discipleship and impartation from Pastor Dominic Yeo.

Leadership Carecells are a unique feature of Trinity’s Carecell Model, where the sectional leaders, leaders and spiritual parents receive discipleship.

This has now been enhanced, with the sectional leaders coming together once a month for a time of discipleship and impartation from the Senior Pastor, Pastor Dominic Yeo. Following that, the leaders and spiritual parents meet in various homes, where they hear the same message via a DVD and have discussions in their small groups.

Steven Say, a sectional leader and an IT manager, described the revamped Leaders Discipleship as “refreshing and re-charging”.

“I enjoyed learning from a great teacher of the Word, our Senior Pastor, and the personal impartation. There were excellent discussion questions to facilitate self-reflection as well as a personal commitment to change. The current series of topics on “Intimacy with God – At the Feet of Jesus” is very helpful.

The practical tips and ‘how-to’s have demystified intimacy with God. I thank God for the enhanced Leadership Cell!” he testifies.

Carecell leader Elaine Lai, an IT consultant, also has rave reviews of the new format.

“I have benefitted tremendously, and the small group discussions are beneficial and help the teachings to sink in, so that we do not forget. Through the discussions, I also get to glean from what the Holy Spirit has revealed to my fellow leaders, and this somehow makes the message complete,” she explains.

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TENet will be totally revamped. More than a cosmetic change, it promises to springboard from a radically different approach.

TENet, or Trinity Empowerment Network, is the training track of the church which provides course and seminars on the Bible, Life and Ministry skills.

But it will soon be radically re-oriented.

“We will re-craft the whole teaching paradigm of the

The new paradigm will focus on developing:

church,” declares Pastor Dominic Yeo. “Instead of being organisation-centric (where we teach only what the

• The Personhood of a Leader – to help

organisation needs), we will also be student-centric,

the leader understand who he is in the

where we will focus on developing leaders. The whole

light of God’s Word, his whole persona as

purpose of the training in the church is to raise leaders.

an individual in the Lord and his personal

I don’t mean necessarily cell leaders, for strategic

mastery of the Word.

leadership is one of the key components of our vision.

We believe that every Trinitarian is a leader.”

• The Perspective of a Leader – how he sees the world; a Christian understanding of

When she heard about the sea change, Amanda White,

sociological and anthropological issues that

a sectional leader and a corporate trainer herself, was

are crucial in our world today.

excited. “I am looking forward to it! I believe I need to be firmly grounded both spiritually and practically as

• The Practice of a Leader – how a leader

an individual, so that I can build effectively into the

serves; the value system and the foundation

lives of others, and help them realise the potential God

of how we serve and why we serve.

has placed in them. I believe these four dimensions of leadership development will define what I have been called to, and help me to put into practice relevant and

• The Partnership of a Leader – how a leader builds his legacy.

holistic ways of empowering others.”

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Miracles

68

IN MISSIONS New Missions Initiatives for 2009

70

Missions Report 2008 Global Missions Crisis Relief

72

Humanitarian Missions

76

Missions Impact Trips

80

Training and Consultation

85

Local Missions Care Community Services Society

92

TCA College

94

Language Ministries

100

AlphaTrack

102

Ministry Internship

104

Local Ministries Support

106

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New Missions Initiatives for 2009 T Trinityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Missions Director Rev Jeffrey Wong shares whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new for missions in Trinity.

Thank you Trinitarians for praying, giving and going to the nations. Countless lives have been impacted and transformed through both our Global Missions and Local Missions expressions.

This year, there will be greater opportunities for you to be involved. We are enhancing our current initiatives as well as introducing new ones in two main ways:

Humanitarian Missions

Missions Impact Trips

Crisis Reflef

Training and Consultation Global Ministries Support

70

1) Church Development

and organisations to see communities arise from

We will expand our training platforms beyond helping

the ashes of brokenness and poverty and move

churches with their carecells. We want to help churches

towards wholeness and sufficiency. Besides

through Leadership Development and Organisational

supporting them through giving, we will also be

Development so that they can become strong churches that

sending more Missions Impact Teams on such trips.

will impact their communities.

Trinitarians, ask God to give you a Passionate 2) Community Transformation

Heartbeat for the nations. Then step out in faith

Beyond the shores of Singapore, there are so many lives in

to bring Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s love and hope to this nation and

need of help. Through Humanitarians Missions and Crisis

beyond. God will do Miracles in Missions

Relief efforts, we seek to network with other churches

â&#x20AC;&#x201C; through you!

Benevolent Fund

Language Ministries

Local Thought for the Day

Local Ministries Support

Care Community Services Society Ministry Internship

TCA College

AlphaTrack

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Caring & Connecting in Crisis 2008 was a year of unprecedented natural disasters worldwide.

Your giving has gone toward crisis relief efforts, supporting victims of disasters around the world.

China: Sichuan Earthquake May 2008 Trinity contributed to the China Earthquake Emergency Fund through Asian Outreach, an alliance of interdependent Christian ministries committed to the ministry of the Gospel to Asians. Here is an update sent by Asian Outreach.

We are pleased to update on the projects in which some of the funds from Trinity Christian Centre have been used for the relief needs of the quake victims.

With your contribution, our teams provided these villages with: • Regular medical clinics for the villagers • Medicines • Vegetables and meat to go alongside the rice and instant noodles provided by the government, thus ensuring a more balanced and healthier diet • Tents and taupaulins as temporary shelter Our efforts to date have included: • Beds for their pre-fabricated houses built by the government • Resources to re-establish livelihoods for the farmers

72

Miracles IN MISSIONS

• Piping to re-establish water supply in villages

Myanmar: Cyclone Nargis May 2008

• Counselling and care Trinity contributed financially to victims of the cyclone Recently, we have partially sponsored

through the relief and rebuilding work of Asian Outreach.

1,000 quilts – the quilt company covered half the cost, and the

A total of 2360 families, comprising

local Chinese have covered the

8425 people, were helped with

transportation costs. Part of the

food, clothing, cooking utensils,

funds from Trinity Christian Centre

temporary housing (tarpaulins),

also went towards this. These have

mosquito nets, school materials for

been distributed to the villagers who

the children, seeds for planting etc.

lost family members in Du Jiang Yan. We were told by the local leaders there have been serious outbreaks of disease in many places, especially where all the water supplies and toilets were destroyed. However, no disease has occurred in the villages where a church is active. They are amazed and encouraged by the goodness and power of our God. Thank you once again for partnering

On behalf of the

with us to be a shining light for a

more than 10,000

time such as this!

Burmese touched by your generosity

Laura Choo-Ler, General Manager Asian Outreach Singapore

and care – Thank you deeply.

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India: Bihar Floods August 2008 Trinity contributed to the flood victims through the relief work of Discipleship Centre, a Christian organisation that works towards transforming and empowering lives of people in need.

Discipleship Centreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s relief team in Bihar focused their efforts on some 1450 families in four relief camps in the Saharsha district. Here are two of the families whose lives you have touched.

Sutaru and his family of five Sutaru, 40, had his wife, a daughter and two We are now moving from the short-term relief phase into longer-term rebuilding. To help these villagers get back to sustainable livelihoods, seed will be provided for them to continue their agriculture farm rehabilitation process.

Meanwhile, fishing boats and nets will be provided for them to fish for food.

Thank you Trinity for all your support and prayers.

sons in his family. Life has been a struggle for this poor family for many years as it survives on Sutaruâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s income from collecting honey.

When the devastating flood hit his village on 20 August 2008, it shocked the community and created widespread panic. People started running for their lives, taking with them whatever was of value from their houses.

Sutaru also started running for safety with his wife, two sons, a daughter and some valuables â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a small jar of honey and 3000 rupees. The

Francis Tsui, President Asian Outreach International

74

currents were very strong and the family was overcome by the waters. Some of the villagers

Miracles IN MISSIONS

came to rescue them but could only save

“I was in trauma from losing my daughter.

I didn’t know what to do and how to survive as I had lost everything I had. You people helped us on time.”

Sutaru, his wife and two sons. Sutaru lost his daughter.

Recalling his agony, Sutaru says, “She drowned right in front of my eyes and I couldn’t do anything. I feel so helpless. I did not find even her dead body.”

Sutaru received dry rations from Discipleship Centre. He says, “I was in trauma from losing my daughter.

I didn’t know what to do and how to survive as I had lost everything I had.

You people helped us on time.”

Vandana Murmu and her family of four Vandana Murmu, 24, lived with her one-yearold daughter and mother-in-law. Her husband had migrated out of Bihar in search of livelihood.

The flood waters started

rushing waters, carrying her baby to reach

entering Shahpur on 21

Madhepura. On the way there, the baby

August 2008. Vandana and

died in her arms. Upon seeing her baby die,

her family took shelter on

Vandana fainted. She was traumatised and

the terrace of the nearby

did not allow her daughter to be buried.

Mission School building to save their lives. She stayed there for three days but extreme weather conditions

Discipleship Centre provided support to Vandana and gave her a food grain kit. When the area became accessible, husband and wife

affected the health of her child. The

were reunited. Talking about the incident, her husband

little girl began having severe diarrhea. As the whole

said with tears in his eyes, “We lost our little daughter.

block was inundated by the rushing waters of Koshi,

In my absence, my wife had a very tough time. They had

it was difficult to seek medical help. Worried about

nothing to eat. Thank you; the things you provided met

her daughter’s health, Vandana started walking in the

my family’s needs.”

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Missions Possible Through Humanitarian Missions, your giving has made it possible for Trinity to impact lives in India, Thailand and Indonesia.

India: Giving Orphan Children a Home Because of your giving, children in Hyderabad,

When

India are being rescued from the streets and

Amruth Raj’s

given a new lease of life. At the Home of the

father died of AIDS, his mother struggled to feed him and his two sisters. The siblings dropped out of school when their mother was unable to pay their school fees.

One day, their mother brought poison and mixed it in a cool drink to give them. At the very same time, a church member visited their house and counselled them. They were informed about this home and

Champions, they receive food, clothes and

the Home of the Champions, Amruth has

education. Last Christmas, Trinity gave each

regular meals and goes to school regularly.

child a new set of clothes – something which

Amruth recently also scored an ‘A’ grade

many of them have never had. Here are some real-life stories from these children.

76

the mother enrolled them there. At

in his annual results. He is growing in a spiritual environment and wants to be a police officer.

Miracles IN MISSIONS

Hannah was a rag picker along with Koteshwari Narayana ray ayan yan ana a

her mother. Her father is mentally

err and her brother

disabled. If she and her mother picked

Satya were

rags, they would have enough for two

en orphaned when

meals a day. Sometimes, she would

they were

not have a single meal to eat. After

young. They

joining the Home, she is able to

roamed the

have three meals a day, go to

streets begging for food. After a few

school and study well. She is very

months, her brother was abducted.

happy here. She wants to become

She was brought to the Home of the

a doctor and serve God. She is

Champions home by a news reporter who

now learning the computer.

found her roaming on the roads. Recently, the reporter found her brother and brought him to the same Home. Both are now very happy and growing as children

Pranathi and Vamsi are

of God. They are also studying well.

siblings. Their father died due to excessive drinking and their mother was recently diagnosed as HIV-positive. She is on the brink of death but is very happy to see her children in the Home. She says she can die peacefully because she believes that her children are in safe hands and they can become good citizens.

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Thailand: Caring for Under-privileged d Children In 2008, Trinity sponsored 100 children in Chiang Mai, Thailand from the ChildCare Plus Programme of the Pentecostal Assemblies of God, Thailand. This sponsorship goes towards providing food and education for the children.

Last December, the pastors and admin staff of Trinity Christian Centre went the extra mile by writing personalised cards to each of the children sponsored by Trinity.

For the first time, the children celebrated Christmas and brought their families to the party, where Christmas gifts were given to each child, and food supplies to their family. There, all had the chance to know about the meaning of Christmas. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was our first Christmas!

Thank you for letting us hear about Jesus!â&#x20AC;?

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Miracles IN MISSIONS

Indonesia: A Miracle Catch Layeun village in Banda Aceh was devastated by the December 2004 tsunami. In 2007, Trinity Christian Centre partnered with a local church to build a palong – a fishing boat – for the village. Today, the palong continues to make a tangible difference in lives.

Trinity’s palong has been in operation for about a year now and has not only provided jobs for the families there but has also contributed significantly to the community.

The proceeds are channeled to the community. Part of the proceeds also go toward blessing the captain and crew during Hari Raya, as well as operation and maintenance costs of the palong. The money also funds a kindergarten, upgrading it and paying its teachers.

The captain of the palong reported that on several occasions, Trinity’s palong has had a catch double that of the other palongs surrounding it!

Indeed, the impact the palong is making is far-reaching and not merely economic. It is a testament that God’s hand is upon His people!

The palong has also opened the door for relationships to deepen between the church and locals. Where relationships with the men folk were once superficial, since the building of the palong, the villagers have opened up to and accepted the church staff there. This allows the church staff to connect with and speak into their lives.

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Into Miracle Zone Stepping out of their comfort zone and into the ‘miracle zone’ of God’s anointing, Trinitarians made 23 Missions Impact Trips to 6 countries in 2008 and witnessed a total of 1023 people coming to know Christ.

Here are some trip highlights from Taiwan and Cambodia.

Taichung, Taiwan June 30-July 4 It was tough ministering in Mandarin but God enabled me to act, teach and conduct an entire workshop in Mandarin – for the first time! I learnt that it is not what I can do but what He can do though me.

Praise God! Cynthia Lee, property agent I was touched when a children’s ministry teacher there

The tangible presence of God led to a breakthrough.

shared that she was ministered by the testimony I

Many of the children’s teachers were at the altar

shared at a service. God also challenged me to teach

crying their hearts out. I was shocked when the

in Mandarin. Stepping into the unfamiliar caused me

entire group of children came forward to receive

to rely totally on Him. I have grown in my confidence

Jesus into their hearts. I believe many did not have

to minister to people and have learnt not to be self-

the chance to hear the gospel before.

conscious. I am willing to be ‘foolish’ for God. My faith

Rita Chee, art director

has increased!

Faith Koh, video executive

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Miracles IN MISSIONS

Taichung, Taiwan July 21-27 Prior to the trip, my prayers were weak and timid because of my personal struggles. Through this trip, God has made me a prayer warrior. I prayed in faith and in strength! He has also enabled me to love people and serve Him with all my heart. I am now bolder in sharing and praying in Mandarin. I learnt that language is never a barrier in missions.

God can use us to minister to lives!

Everdene Cai, HR executive

Miaoli, Taiwan August 11-17 We prayed for an elderly man who was partially deaf.

Two team members saw a vision of the Holy Spirit coming upon him and placing hands upon his ears.

So, one team member did the same. The man said he could hear better. He cried and we could see he was very touched by the presence of God. We did a major clean-up of the church premise, spending three hours transforming the dusty, stuffy building into a fresh, disinfected place. The pastor looked very touched by our initiative. We felt that it was symbolic of a new beginning for their ministry.

Yong Chung Hau, IT specialist

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Taipei, Taiwan August 28-September 4

During a visit to the hospital, five souls were added to the Kingdom, with three being baptised that same day. The pastor of the church shared with great

A woman who could not bend her fingers for many

excitement that this was the first time she had

months received healing at the altar. Another was

witnessed so much happening within a few hours!

healed of numbness in her hand. A woman whose toes were hurting for many months also received immediate

There was a policeman who had an accident in

healing.

his right hand, and was greatly burdened with the

Pauline Sng, consultant

resulting inability to provide for his family. The team prayed for healing.

It was awesome

He was touched

seeing Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

by God and broke

power manifested

down in tears. He

at every session.

accepted Christ and

The Spirit of God

was baptised on the

was moving

same day!

mightily and before we finished

As we shared the

praying, many of

gospel outside

them had fallen under the power of

a shopping centre, we met a

the Holy Spirit. It was an extraordinary

university graduate selling footwear.

experience to witness the miracles

After we prayed for him, he decided

and to see people coming to Christ

to rededicate his life to God and

and being delivered. Out of the 26

make Jesus the Lord of his life. When

first-time visitors at the church, 18

the team offered to make a purchase,

received Christ!

he flatly refused and claimed that

Karen Lim, executive secretary

his rededication was not a business transaction. This man was serious about God!

I was able to share my testimony in front of a large

82

audience. Through serving alongside our Trinity pastors,

The team also presented a mime and shared the

I have witnessed their walk of faith in action. I have been

gospel at a ladies cell event. Eight who came to know

mentored in ministering to people, prayer, and how to

Christ â&#x20AC;&#x201C; more than what the cell had seen in the past

conduct workshops.

three years combined!

Daniel Ng, IT professional

James Leong, civil servant

Miracles IN MISSIONS

Phnom Penh, Cambodia November 18-24 We visited our translator’s home and prayed for his mother’s injured ankle. She had been walking with the help of a crutch. She had tears in her eyes even as we were praying. I taught her how to bandage her ankle to keep it in place and to help in the repair of the injured ligaments and muscles. Another member of the trip gave his ankle guard to the lady. It was divine in that he had brought it with him on the trip even though he did not need it!

I also learnt the importance of prayer and intercession.

When my team member was sharing Christ with a crowd that had gathered around us, I felt prompted to pray for a group of youth that were there. During the sharing, two dogs came into our midst and had a minor scuffle, and the people became distracted and lost focus. But I thank God that the six teenage boys whom I was interceding for gave their lives to Jesus. The village

such a glow on her face and she looked very joyful.

pastor was surprised to hear that these six had accepted

Lin Pei Xin, auditor

Christ into their hearts! He later invited them to church.

Robin Tan, doctor

Seeing first-hand the multiple miracles throughout the trip, I have experienced a breakthrough in my faith and

We visited an 85 year-old lady who was unable to walk.

walk with God. Giving financially is not enough; we must

She received Jesus, and her daughter-in-law also followed

go and experience it for ourselves!

shortly after. After she said the sinner’s prayer, there was

Joshua Saw, sales manager

83

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Miracles THE

IN MISSIONS

Miracle

OF OPEN DOORS Trinitarian speaks to Pastor Christina Onn, our ambassador to Taiwan, on how divine favour has opened doors for Trinity’s Carecell Model in Taiwan.

Tell us, how did your Taiwan adventure begin?

Mandarin! He translated our

PCO: In late 2004, Pastor Dominic

conference for us. He knew the

went to Kaohsiung to conduct

pastors personally and invited

the Spiritual Parenting course in

those keen on the cell-based

English, and he asked me to go

church concept to come for our

with him to ‘get a feel’

very first 7 Steps Conference in

of Taiwan. In 2005,

2006. The conference was a success.

materials and even organised the

Pastor Dowdy shared

such a time as this. He saw

Eighteen churches came, of which

with me her vision of

his publishing enterprise

16 committed to our cell-based

nation transformation.

as a ministry rather than a

church model. This was the start

That same year, I

business. He is a servant of

of open doors.

was sent out to be

the Lord, a man full

an ambassador to

of integrity and well-

Taiwan. I went by faith, without contacts and without

known among the pastors and the churches.

knowing anyone.

This is amazing considering that there are already so many existing cell models in Taiwan.

Upon hearing about our vision

What happened next?

for nation transformation, he

Since that very first conference,

PCO: In 2005, the Lord sent the ‘man

wanted to partner with us to win

more doors have opened. It is as if

of peace’ into the picture – Mr Ding,

Taiwan for Jesus. It was very timely

all these churches suddenly wanted

the President of Grace Publishers. I

because, before we could attempt

to commit to Trinity’s cell-based

met him on my first trip to Taiwan.

to do anything, we first needed

church model! This is amazing

He felt that God had called him into

to translate all of Trinity’s training

considering that there are already

the Christian publishing ministry for

materials and cell resources into

so many existing cell models in

85

Taiwan. Yet somehow they found

• Protection, as I am constantly travelling to different places within Taiwan

ours successful; we had divine favour

• Good health for myself and my family

with them. Since then, we have had

• Favour with churches, their leadership and denominational heads

many requests come in, asking for

• Anointing – that the power and authority of the Lord will be upon my

training and consultation.

To serve these churches, I spend collectively six to seven months a

life as I speak His Word to individuals and churches in the nation • Wisdom and discernment in giving consultation to the churches, elders and pastors.

year in Taiwan, travelling from Taipei and back to Taipei; and to Xinzhuang

What implications do these open doors in Taiwan have for the average Trinitarian?

to Shimen to Yilang, and back to

PCO: The open doors translate into many Missions Impact Trips to Taiwan

Kaohsiung this year.

as the churches there request for a team of Trinitarians to minister to them

to Taizhong, Kaohsiung and Chiayi,

and alongside them.

On a recent trip to Taiwan, a team of Trinitarians went to visit a carecell. Their presence and testimonies encouraged the cell leader. They shared the gospel on the streets and people gave their lives to the Lord. They also helped in the children’s ministry over there and brought

It must be quite challenging to travel so much in a short time. How can Trinitarians support you in this missions endeavour?

the presence of the Lord to the children there.

The teams from Trinity serve as examples for the church in Taiwan to rise up, to

PCO: Physically it is tiring, but I am

give and to serve the Lord, even in the

charged-up spiritually when I see how

area of Missions. It encourages them

the Lord ministers to these churches,

that Trinitarians took leave, time and

and how they are bearing fruit.

I would certainly appreciate Trinitarians upholding me in prayer, especially for:

86

It encourages them that Trinitarians took leave, time and even paid for the trip with their own money – all just to minister to the Taiwanese.

Miracles IN MISSIONS

even paid for the trip with their

to manifest His glory.

own money – all just to minister

will be challenged and transformed, and you will become outward-

to the Taiwanese. Your team spirit

A Missions Impact Trip is a life-

looking. You will be a blessing and

especially encourages them!

changing experience. Going for one

encouragement to others, and yes,

will give you a ‘bigger’ heart. It will

you will be blessed to witness the

expand your vision. Your inner life

miracles of God.

For most Trinitarians considering going to Taiwan, there would be some language barriers involved.

What words of encouragement do you have for them?

PCO: I would say even if they cannot speak Mandarin, they should still go because the hand of the Lord will be upon them. Just go – God will give you the words to speak. There have been people on our Missions Impact Trips who could not speak Mandarin well, but God led them to pray for people and healing took place!

God is at work, so just surrender and let Him use you to minister to His people. God uses the ‘weak’

A Missions Impact Trip is a lifechanging experience. Going for one will give you a ‘bigger’ heart.

It will expand your vision.

87

The Miracle of Church Transformation Through Training and Consultation trips, Trinity’s Carecell Model has impacted churches in more than 30 countries worldwide. Here, some of the churches testify of their amazing transformation.

Taiwan: Unprecedented Breakthroughs!

There have been unprecedented breakthroughs in the Taiwanese churches that have adopted Trinity’s Carecell Model. Here is a snapshot of six churches that are experiencing the miracle of church transformation.

Dong Hai Bread of Life Church

Fong Sang Presbyterian Church

Last year, the church had 90 water baptism candidates

The entire spiritual atmosphere of this church has

– the highest ever in the history of the church! Since

changed. There used to be a shortage of leaders,

becoming a cell-based church, members have started

but now people are serving joyfully. They want to be

using the Book of Life in reaching out to their friends.

discipled and are eagerly reaching out to their family

The church is now growing at an exponential rate.

and friends. They have experienced breakthroughs in their Time Alone With God. The spiritual climate has

Shi Men Baptist Church

changed, bringing both spiritual growth and increase in

Previously, the church had a membership of 15, but last

church attendance.

year it had 40 candidates for water baptism. This is

88

very remarkable given that Shi Men is a very secluded

Fu Xing Tang

area in Taiwan. During Christmas, Pastor Christina Onn,

The church started off with having seven open cells,

Trinity’s ambassador to Taiwan, was invited to preach.

but they have now multiplied to 14. They did not have

There was a huge turn-out of first-time visitors, and

any sectional leaders to begin with, but four have now

many accepted the Lord.

stepped up to the plate.

Miracles IN MISSIONS

Cao Liao Presbyterian Church

After following Trinity’s Cell Church Model, we

The church is growing through cell multiplication. They

noticed that leaders who in the past wanted to

had four open cells to begin with, but last year, they

give up their responsibilities are now excited to

multiplied to nine.

serve in the church. Out of the 90 carecells, only two leaders have requested for a rest in the past

Lei Li Ling Liang Tang

one year. Even then, one of them made a remark,

This church has grown in terms of its leadership.

“I am coming back!”

Originally, the church had six leaders, but after becoming a cell-based church, they now have 12 leaders and 26

From a mere eight carecells, we have grown to

spiritual parents.

120 cells! Over the last four years, we have gone from 30 leaders to 480 leaders, from two pastors to 12 pastors who, besides serving the local congregation, are also helping 10 other churches

Colombia: Exponential Growth!

in teaching and consultation.

The church has also grown to be a blessing to the community as well. During the economic crisis in Colombia, we were able to provide homes and

From 8 cells to 120 cells!

help for up to 40

At the end of 2005, we heard Apostle Naomi

families in need.

Dowdy speaking about the need to have a paradigm shift. It awakened something

All this is

deep in my spirit. That one encounter alone

evidence of

was enough

the fruit of

to send me

Trinity’s work

packing and

and ministry of

flying from

Trinity Christian Centre in Colombia. Personally,

Columbia all

as a Pastor I have also been greatly blessed by the

the way to

mentoring of Pastor Gerald Tan and Pastor Esther

Singapore to

Milian.

attend Trinity’s Cell Church Conference. There I gained deep spiritual insights and realised that I was not alone in my struggles because many other churches faced

Pastor Isai Avendano Templo Belen Medellin, Colombia

similar issues.

89

Evangelism, Nurturing, Discipleship, Transformation! I

Japan: Deep Impact

am deeply impressed with the Cell Church Model and am determined to put into practice what I have learnt!

Pastor S. Kakitani

Our church has grown by 50%!

Churches in Japan average less than 30 members, but as a result of Trinity’s Cell Church Model, Nanki Riverside Church has grown from having less than 100 members to more than 150 today – remarkable given that Nanki is a remote region with a population of less than 20,000.

The church received a vision to organise their very own Cell Church Conference to impact the churches in the

The conference was detailed and we will put into practice

region who wanted to know the ‘secrets’ of its growth.

what we have learnt. We want our church to grow!

Pastor Dominic Yeo and a team from Singapore taught

Pastor K. Takami

at the conference. Here are some testimonies from the conference.

I have learnt that a carecell is a place where Christians are trained and equipped to reach out to their loved ones.

I think it is

Pastor H. Kishi

wonderful that carecells are to

I learnt the importance of leadership and the purpose of

multiply. My

carecells. I plan to use the Cell Church Model back in my

concept of a

church. Pastor Y. Akikawa

carecell has changed. I have

The conference changed my idea of missions; it re-aligned

learnt that

my thoughts and attitude to what God wanted to do in my

the Lord can

church. Pastor M. Tsumura

move mightily through them. Pastor Y. Goto I was reminded that God wants to reconcile people to

90

I have learnt that the cell is not just about fellowship, but

Him, and I learnt how this can happen through carecells!

about transforming lives. Pastor H. Mori

Pastor Hamasaki

Miracles IN MISSIONS

Although we kept praying, we could not find a suitable place. When Pastor Dominic came to our church again in 2005, he prophesied, “You are in the season of acquisition and possession. The Lord will surely give you the land.”

In 2006, our Intercessory Team prayed intensively for the land for three hours. The following week, we were informed about a building which we liked.

However, another company was in the process of buying the property. We believed that the building would be ours, and we kept praying. After one month,

We now have our very own church building!

that other company had some problems with the

City Vision Glory Church in Yokohama had been in search of a new church building for a good number of years when the team from Trinity prophesied and encouraged them to persevere. Senior Pastor Tetsuyuki Masuda recounts the journey towards the attainment of their goal.

up buying the building. Therefore, we were able to

legal transactions involved in the purchase and gave purchase the building.

In November 2007, we had a celebration for our new building. The purchase and the renovation works amounted to 170 million yen. We received a generous donation from Trinity for the building and are deeply thankful for it.”

“We first attended Trinity’s Cell Church Conference in 1999. Pastor Dominic came to Japan in 2001 and 2002 with Apostle Naomi Dowdy. They spoke at the Japan Assemblies of God conference. In 2002, our church started to have a partnership with Trinity Christian Centre. In 2003, Pastor Dominic came to our church, imparting faith and speaking prophetically over us.

We had been looking for a piece of land for our new church building since 2000.

91

THE

Local

Miracle

OF PROVISION A Trinitarian, in partnership with Care Community Services Society (CCSS), became the catalyst for the miracle of provision to take place in the lives of children from low-income families.

Office administrator Stella Ting’s heart went out to

by the CareHut teachers, on which the names of the

children, especially for those from low-income and single-

children were written.

parent families. Her desire was to do something tangible for 15 children at Pei Tong CareHut, a CCSS Student

At the beginning, response was slow. With the economic

Care Centre based in Pei Tong Primary School. Through

downturn and a sudden year-end surge in staff

the staff at CCSS, she found out that they needed

resignations, the funds were slow in coming in. The

someone to sponsor the children’s lunch daily.

goal of securing full-year lunch sponsorship for 15 children seemed impossible. This brought about some

Stella also wanted to help her colleagues experience

apprehension and discouragement.

afresh the joy of giving, loving and sharing, while building stronger relationships with one another. She

Stella recalls, “I began to doubt that we would reach the

saw her office Christmas tree light-up as the perfect

projected sponsorship target of 15 children. However,

opportunity to achieve these twin goals.

my hopes were kindled when the first four contributions came in – they were sponsorship for a full year’s lunch

Stella got her management’s approval to

for four children!” Stella was pleasantly surprised when

organise a fund-raising effort within the

three of her bosses in the senior management team told

regional office of 36 staff. Stella sent an

her how impressed they were with this project, the first

email to her colleagues, sharing about the

of its kind in her company. They gave generously, with

chance to partner with CCSS. There were

one even giving beyond the actual lunch sponsorship

many ways they

amount!

could go about sponsoring the

In the end, sponsorship was secured for all 15 children.

lunches of the

Looking back at her faith endeavour, Stella recounts,

15 children: They could choose to sponsor a child for one

“This experience has helped me to grow in faith and

month, three months, six months or for S$286 for a full

courage. I learnt that an ordinary person like me can

year. They could also co-sponsor a child with others.

accomplish much, as long as I have a willing heart and trust God to complete the good work that He has begun.

92

At the same time, she began putting up the Christmas

I experienced the joy of making a difference, and of

tree in the office. The Christmas tree was decorated with

partnering with God to make a ‘miracle’ happen for these

one-of-a-kind decorations – heart-shaped cards created

children!”

Miracles IN MISSIONS

Your missions giving has supported Care Community Services Society (CCSS) in its administrative operations, such that lives have experienced the miracle of provision. Founded

by Trinity in 1996 as an expression of its Local Missions, CCSS is a non-profit charitable organisation affiliated with the National Council of Social Services. Here is an overview of what CCSS offers.

For Children: CareHuts & d’Klub CareHuts are like second homes for children from low income/single parent families needing after-school care

• Workshops, talks and courses on marriage preparation (called “Getting Ready”), marriage enrichment, family life and parenting.

and supervision. Carehuts are housed within primary

• Professional counselling services

schools and provide a safe and nurturing environment

• Online counsellor Auntie Carey reaches out to

for the children while their parents are at work, ensuring

Internet users by providing a virtual listening ear

that they do not fall into bad company. Children’s

and helping hand.

workers from CCSS interact with the children, their school

• School-based counselling programmes.

teachers and families to help in their emotional, social, intellectual, physical and moral development. Under the

For Ex-Offenders: Prison CARE Services (PCS)

d’Klub programme, mentors tutor and conduct character

In partnership with the Singapore Prisons Service,

development programmes for the children.

PCS aims through its ReSettlement Project to help ex-offenders re-integrate into their families and

For Youth: Oomph!

society to start life afresh.

This programme aims to develop youths and shape the next generation of leaders through various activities

Make Their Day programme

and events that help them recognise their potential and

We are looking for sponsors and donors to reach

cultivate a strong sense of identity and purpose in life.

out to the needy and make someone’s day. Through special events and activities organised to delight

For the Elderly: CARElderly

the family in need, we restore hope, joy, love,

This provides opportunities for low-income and lonely

confidence and faith back into their lives.

senior citizens to network and to discover joy and dignity in their golden years. Activities include social events, a befriending programme, medical assistance, home visitations and a weekly meal service.

For Families: CARE Family Services (CFS) CFS reaches out to families through counselling and family life education through a variety of programmes comprising:

To find out more about how you can partner with CCSS to serve the community either as a volunteer or a sponsor, please contact the Community Partnership Team: Mr John Chua at 6304 7619 (JohnChua@carecom.org.sg) or Miss Daryl Lee at 6304 7618 (DarylLee@carecom.org.sg) 93

Local

Equipped for Transformation!

Your giving has enabled TCA College to partner with world-class universities so that the college can oďŹ&#x20AC;er outstanding programmes to equip leaders and ministers worldwide. Four international students tell us more.

Y oshi Masuda

Pai Y a Ping

Year 1 student from Yokohama, Japan

Year 1 student from Taipei, Taiwan

Tell us about yourself.

Tell us about yourself.

I come from City Vision

In Taiwan, I was serving as a teacher

Glory Church in Japan. I used

in the Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ministry, as a carecell leader

to lead the Youth Ministry in

and a worship leader, among other areas.

my home church.

Why are you in TCA College?

Why are you in TCA College?

Initially, I wanted to go to university

God has called me to serve Him in the ministry.

and specialise in Marketing, but God

I came to Bible School to be trained in the knowledge

called me to come into Bible school

of God and in ministry. I want my life to be used as

now. At the same time, he gave me a

a vessel for Him.

heart for youth and children.

What made you choose TCA College?

What made you choose TCA College?

My church has a strong relationship with Trinity

The College is accredited and validated by premier

Christian Centre through its missions expressions, so it

universities and academic associations. The global

was natural for me to choose the College affiliated with

recognition TCA College receives puts me in good

the church.

standing. Also, my church in Taiwan has links with Trinity Christian Centre.

How has coming to TCA College impacted you?

94

I have gained a strong biblical foundation through my

How has coming to TCA College impacted you?

studies thus far and I find the modules very engaging.

TCAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lecturers are experienced and they live out the

The training provided is highly relevant and there is

theology that they teach. The teachers are dedicated

a strong emphasis on practical ministry. I find myself

to the students, believing in them and constantly

constantly challenged to think more critically

encouraging them. My experience in TCA so far has

and to integrate theology with practical living.

given me a fresh and positive perspective of theology.

Miracles IN MISSIONS

Ella K hekho

Year 3 student from Nagaland, India

Andrej Bojnec

Year 1 student from Slovenia, Europe

Tell us about yourself.

Tell us about yourself.

My home is in Nagaland, North-East

My wife and I are serving in Evangelical Pentecostal

India. My home church is the Mao

Church in several different ministries.

Baptist Church and I used to teach in the Sunday School as well as

Why are you in TCA College?

serve in the choir.

I believe God is calling me to do His work back home in Slovenia. My wife

Why are you in TCA College?

and I want to be theologically trained

I want to discover and know the truth about God’s Word,

so that we can impact Slovenians to

and how it can be applied to creative forms of ministry.

live surrendered lives unto God.

I want to give back to my home church all that I am receiving now.

What made you choose TCA College?

A friend of mine, Dr Stefan Sos from Canada,

What made you choose TCA College?

who serves as an adjunct faculty of TCA College,

A friend of mine introduced me to the College. I

recommended us to study here. We also wanted

checked the website and was attracted to the unique

to experience God working through the various

programmes offered here. TCA’s School of Creative Arts

churches and in different cultural backgrounds.

offers a distinctive blend of Arts and Theology.

How has coming to TCA College impacted you?

How has coming to TCA College impacted you?

I find that the College has a conducive and

I am very thankful for the provision of the hostel. It

stimulating learning environment. The faculty

is a blessing to foreign students like us. The hostel

endeavours to express their insights in a way

has a family ‘feel’ and we get to interact with other

that is easy to understand, whilst challenging

students and faculty living there. This presents many

us to think further. I am also impressed with

opportunities for mentoring and discipleship, and

especially the library, which is continually being

I am learning so much from all these experiences.

expanded with new books and resources.

95

Local

The Miracle of Life Transformation The Indonesian, Filipino and Thai Ministries are expressions of Trinity’s Local Missions, reaching the nations right here in our midst. Here, three Trinitarians tell us how their lives have been transformed because of our Language Ministries.

My parents were saved and baptised in less than 9 months!

I came to Singapore in September 2005 and was brought to Trinity’s Indonesian Ministry by a colleague.

Initially, my wife and son and I were just contented and comfortable with where we were at, not wanting to grow.

We did not realise that we were limiting what God could do in our lives.

God led us step-by-step through a journey of faith. He ‘dropped’ into my mind the idea of applying for PR status in Singapore. Although I had only been working in Singapore for barely six months and did not have a university degree, I received my PR status. It must have been God’s grace!

Then, I felt Him telling me that my parents, who were not Christians, would come to know Him. I was amused when I first heard it because my parents went to temples regularly. In fact, just a week after God told me that, my mother visited a fortune teller! Yet, less than 9 months later, both my parents received Christ and were water baptised.

I have understood what it means to have audacious fervour, to ask from God largely and to believe that He can and will give. The Indonesian Ministry has taught us so much and we are grateful for Trinity Christian Centre.

Irsan Jie, information systems manager Indonesian Ministry

100

Miracles IN MISSIONS

Trinity equipped me to start a small business!

God healed me at Trinity!

When I first came to Singapore

worker and in the year

to work as a domestic worker,

2002 I accepted Christ into

I came not knowing what

my life at Trinity Christian

awaited me here. By Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s grace,

Centre. Prior to coming to

not only did I end up working for

Singapore, I used to have

a Christian employer, my employer diligently brought

bad stomach problems and rashes as well. These

me to church every Sunday as well.

symptoms got worse when I started working

I came to Singapore to work as a construction

The first time I visited the Filipino Ministry in Trinity Christian Centre, I felt right at home worshipping the Lord together with my fellow Filipinos. Through the carecell, I grew from being a regular church attendee to becoming a cell leader.

here. One day, my stomach got really bloated and I had great difficulty breathing. I went to a clinic and was sent me to a hospital to get an x-ray. However, the x-ray did not reveal much and the doctor said everything was normal. Yet, my symptoms persisted.

Trinity is not just concerned for my spiritual growth but for my future as well. Trinity saw the need to equip us with life skills, including the practical skills of starting a small business. I was one of the first batches of students who registered in the Agri-Business Course where I learnt the practical skills of starting a poultry business.

I went to a healing service in Trinity Christian Centre, where a pastor and many other people

With these new skills, I set

prayed for me. Two weeks after being prayed

up a poultry farm back in my hometown. The practical

for, I was completely healed, and since then the

skills training I received in Trinity have helped me

symptoms have disappeared. God healed me!

greatly in my business. I am now able to sufficiently

Medical science could do nothing for me. Only

provide for my family and relativesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; needs.

God could work a miracle in my life.

Helen Malala Lum, homemaker Filipino Ministry

Sirichai Narmviseth, construction worker Thai Ministry

101

Local

AlphaTrack is an established programme that has been training leaders since 1995.

Are you ready to change your life in 90 days?

What is the AlphaTrack Programme?

AlphaTrack trains and equips ordinary believers for strategic leadership in the church and in the marketplace. It focuses on hearing God’s voice, obeying His voice by fulfilling the Great Commission in practical ways, and renews and intensifies a person’s passion for the Lord and for the lost.

To find out, simpl You are seeking

y take this pop qu

p a pu

iz:

What is unique about this programme?

The track schedule consists of teaching and practical

i e. d sttiny in lif pose and de rp

Yes / No Y Yes / No

reaching a new boldness in

ministry and an overseas Missions Impact Trip. Through the teaching, you will learn to hear the voice of God and discover your passion and giftings. You will also

You want Y out to people.

er in your as a strategic lead You want to arise uniity. ommun orkkplace/school/c wor u stions, ove que bo ’ to aallll the aab es y ‘y d e re e er w s ns an o If you u. ou orr yyo ogramme ffo prro hee p tth AlphaTrack iiss just

Yes / No

learn how to work with and communicate with people of different personality types and acquire ministry skills in the areas of prayer and evangelism, and more.

What does this programme involve?

AlphaTrack is a 3-month full-time programme that is experiential. The programme immerses the participant in an environment of faith and worship.

re are oa ho wh d lleaders w many pastors and AlphaTrack has raised g a worldwide ng kin e now maki are d who ar effective in miniistry an Cambodia, ia,, C alia strral m Aust rom have come ffro impact. People h pines, ipp hililip Ph ia,, P dia Ind ng Kong, In on Ho Guam, H y, G Colombia, Fiji, German rs kers acke aTrrac haT ph Alp gramme. Al he prog n tth joiin o jo A tto SA US dU nd an d, UK a Thaililand t in Australia, India, ects rojjec pro onss p ssiion as miss ea rse ers ne on ove on go have g ysia and Philippines. layys u, Mala cau aca ac Ma a, M sia onesi Indo Ind T ackk haTr m , visit the Alph mme ram gra rog pro he p out tthe bo ab ore a out mo do nd fin To fi sg g.sg org ty.or ity nit k@triini ack atrrac hat ph alp ail al ma or em et, y.n nit tri w. ww n o on nkk lilin 102

Miracles IN MISSIONS

! s y a d 0 9 n i d e Ch a n g Allp ph ha aT Trrack, acck, a k, Before AlphaTrack,

Before AlphaTrack, I pursued after worldly

in tterms errms e ms I had graded myself 3 out of 10 in

wealth. I worked late and slogged to acquire

of my confidence in evangelism. I used to

more. Gradually, I began to question my

worry about how people might think about

purpose in the organisation. I decided to

me if I spoke to them about God and Jesus.

join AlphaTrack in 2008. During Track, every day was a new beginning for me. The street

God transformed me during AlphaTrack

evangelism which I was exposed to each

and now I am confident about sharing

session became meaningful to me. God used

Jesus with people. I used to be shy

the batch to bring 925 people to Christ! After

and uncomfortable in meeting people

AlphaTrack, my perception towards my work

previously but I now find every opportunity

had changed; it is now God-centered and not

to share Jesus with those I meet. Through

self-centered. God also positioned me to be a

AlphaTrack, I have also since found a new

strategic leader in my company and used me

purpose in life!

to clinch a mega deal. All glory to God!

Eleanor Chin, marketing manager

Joshua Saw, sales manager

103

Local

The Miracle of Leadership Development Trinity has rolled out a Ministry Internship (MI) programme for leaders and sectional leders. Could it be what you are looking for?

What is the Ministry Internship Programme?

y take To find out, simpl

ader rving God as a le You have been se er. or sectional lead iritual life, to grow in your sp You sense a need s. ill and ministry sk biblical worldview llt iin a one year ful illiing to takke part You are will en. to make this happ time programme i You have a fulll-tim

The Ministry Internship programme is an equipping and

this pop quiz:

e calll.

Yes / No

mentoring programme that will enable you to develop the character, disciplines and skills of a Christian Minister, so that you can minister effectively in the

Yes / No

church and in the marketplace at the level of a Zone Pastor.

Yes / No

What is unique about this programme?

Yes / No

• You will have the privilege of being taught by the Senior Pastor and various members of the

he Miniistry th bove questiions, ab e h th l ll al to ’ s’ ye ‘ d Iff you answered looking for. he thing you are just th is e m m ra og pr p hi Internsh

Leadership Team, who will share candidly on their life and ministry experiences.

• It is tailor-made for Leaders and Sectional Leaders of Trinity Christian Centre.

What does this programme involve?

As a Ministry Intern, you will enjoy the best of formal, informal and nonformal training. The programme will engage you on several levels: • You will receive personal mentoring and training.

• You will gain exposure in practical ministry.

• You will also engage in some formal biblical studies at TCA College.

In all, the Ministry Internship programme will provide an excellent foundation for your development as a minister of God. By the end of the programme, you would have grown and become more effective in every dimension – in your personhood, perspective and ministry skills.

104

Miracles IN MISSIONS

Imparted to Impact!

The MI Programme was a great opportunity for me to discover and ascertain God’s call in my life. The training and preparation process was designed to cover the necessary skills needed and also impart the heart and attitude of God’s ministers. And indeed, I have benefitted much Programme Highlights:

from being mentored by the different pastors.

Ministerial Formation

T programme also gave me the opportunity The

• Intent & integrity

t rub shoulders with like-minded individuals. to

• Understanding the call of God

It was great to know that I was not alone in

• Family, finances and relationships

discovering and pursuing God’s call in my

• Avoiding the pitfalls of leadership

life! The times of discussion, fellowship and

• How to handle temptation, stress

sharing gave me a holistic perspective of

ryy and disappointment in the ministry Ministerial perspectives

what it means to be a minister of God. Chung Kah Fei, ministerial staff

on biblical & ethical issues • Bible Knowledge

The MI programme is a rigourous yet holistic programme with a good

• Bible Doctrines

mix of theological studies and practical ministry. Through the course of

• Bible Interpretation

one year I have been exposed to the different roles and activities of a

• Euthanasia

leader. More than just the doing, I’ve caught the heart of what it means

• Homosexuality

to love and to serve God’s people.

• Abortion • Divorce and re-marriage

Through MI, not only have I been encouraged by the

• Investment vs speculation

different pastors that have come alongside to share

• Cultural vs religious practices

their hearts and their experiences, but I am spurred on to continu to pursue the call in my life.

Ministry Skills • Pastoral & Counselling skills • Preaching & Teaching skills • Leadership & Management skills

MI is a must for those who have a full-time call in their lives. One year may seem like a long time, but the experiences and moments gleaned from this one year, are things that will continue to carry me through throughout my lifetime.

• Cell Ministry skills Lorraine Chee, communications executive

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Local

The Miracle of Freedom from Addiction Through Trinity’s Local Missions Support, your giving is supporting local charities and ministries such as Teen Challenge. Here is a testimony of a life transformed through the halfway house.

My name is Gnex. At the age of 12, I started

my life away. In prison,

smoking marijuana and over time, ‘graduated’

I met up with some of

from alcohol to heroin. In 1991, at the age of

my old buddies.

13, I was apprehended by the police and was

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subsequently put in a Boy’s Home for a period of

Soon, I started attending

3 years. After being released, I worked part-time

Christian counselling

in Sound and Audio engineering. I found this

classes, classes that

environment not conducive as I was exposed

began to enhance

to the ‘sex, drugs and rock and roll’ lifestyle. It

my perspective of life

was my cavalier attitude

through the Word of

that resulted in my being

God. I also learnt to

arrested soon after for

choose my friends wisely.

drug-related offences like

I knew then that I had to

theft and shoplifting.

take control of my life.

In 1998, I became a believer, but my life

In one of these sessions,

continued to spiral downwards and took a turn

I met Brother Mark Vera

for the worse when I almost died from a heroin

from Teen Challenge.

overdose. Even after that near-death experience, I

He shared his life testimony with me. Being sensitive

continued along that road of self-destruction whilst

to the Holy Spirit, I decided to change my life for the

working in the night-life scene. In 2006, I was sent to

better. I was inducted into a Prisons programme and

prison to serve a 28 month stint for house-breaking. I

placed in Teen Challenge Dare Centre (TCDC), where I

was down in the doldrums and contemplated taking my

was to finish the last six months of my sentence. Here

life. I reflected on my past and realised that for me to get

at TCDC, I was exposed to Christian values through

my life back on track, I had to intricately examine myself.

activities such as Bible reading, counselling, chapel

I was abandoned by those whom I thought were friends;

service and sports. The staff at TCDC were always there

friends who had provided me with an avenue to waste

to support me.

Miracles IN MISSIONS

Late last year, I went on mission trips to Vietnam and

at Tung Ling Bible School, and I want to thank God

Malaysia. It was an eye opener for me. I have seen Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

for His deliverance and blessing. As I took the step of faith, the Lord also provided

ministry and seen the blessings and the good works that He has done for the people of these lands. The Lord touched me and I decided to

The Lord touched me and I decided to prepare myself for ministry.

for someone to sponsor my daily expenses and my study at Tung Ling Bible School. Praise the Lord!

I want to serve the Lord and do His good work, for I know I have a

prepare myself for

calling. Without Him, I have no

ministry. Presently, I am

direction and purpose in life.

Morning

Prayer

with God

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Refreshing. Rejuvenating. Re-aligning. That’s how Trinitarians described the five days of Morning Prayer held on February 16-20. One Trinitarian teenager tells how it has changed her perspective and impacted her relationship with her father.

Due to my timetable, I was only able to come for three mornings of prayer but was greatly impacted. I have been really blessed by the time of worship, understanding the Word, focusing on the Lord and dwelling in His presence. I found it really refreshing to start my school week not with ‘Monday blues’ but with worship songs in my head. My school week became a more pleasant one as I spent those mornings focusing on God and re-aligning myself back to Him. I attended Morning Prayer with my dad and I know that he too has been blessed by those times of seeking God. As we shared, prayed, blessed and encouraged each other, our relationship as father and daughter was built and strengthened. Thank you Trinity for the week of Morning Prayer and God bless you!

Rachel King, student

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A cell member invited her boss and his daughter to the party. The daughter was very attentive when I shared the Christmas story. We invited her for the Christmas service. She came, was touched by God and received Christ. Praise God! Chong Leong Hin aircraft technician East, Trinity@Paya Lebar

Island-wide

The Island-wide Chrismas Party was held all over Singapore from December 7 to 21. Trinitarians invited 3300 guests and a grand total of 230 guests received Christ! Here, we feature some of the highlights from these parties.

Christmas Party A gues guestt wa wass so ttou ouch ched ed b byy th the e vi vide deo o te test stim imon onyy sh she e burs bu rstt in into to ttea ears rs.. Ma Many ny g gue uest stss â&#x20AC;&#x201C; ch chil ildr dren en iinc nclu lude ded d â&#x20AC;&#x201C; we were re deep de eply ly e eng ngro ross ssed ed vie iewi wing ng tthe he ttes esti timo mony ny. A fe fell llow ow ccel elll memb me mber er ssai aid d sh she e ha had d ne neve verr se seen en h her er mum llau augh gh o orr inte in tera ract ct ttha hatt mu much ch b bef efor ore. e. S Som ome e gu gues ests ts rrem emar arke ked d th they ey ffel eltt ve very ry welc we lcom omed ed a and nd llik iked ed tthe he v vib ibra rant nt a atm tmos osph pher ere. e. G God od tou ouch ched ed o our ur gues gu ests ts,, ca call llin ing g so some me b bac ackk to ccel ell,l, h hea eali ling ng tthe hem m of p pas astt br brok oken en rela re lati tion onsh ship ipss an and d si simp mply ly m min inis iste teri ring ng tto o th thei eirr he hear arts ts..

As a ccel ell,l, w we e st step eppe ped d ou outt of our ccom omfo fort rt zzon one, e, tto o sh shar are e ab abou outt God Go d in b bot oth h En Engl glis ish h an and d Ma Mand ndar arin in.. He ccer erta tain inly ly e emp mpow ower ered ed us!! Wh us When en w we e we were re a att ou ourr we weak akes est, t, G God od ssho howe wed d Hi Hims msel elff to be tthe he mig ight htyy pi pill llar ar w we e ca can n le lean an u upo pon! n!

Mindy Mind y Ch Chee ee,, ex exte tern rnal al rrel elat atio ions ns m man anag ager er Nort No rth, h, T Tri rini nity ty@P @Pay aya a Le Leba barr 112

and relatives of cell members. The festive decor and great food helped break the ice.

During dinner, two cell members were chatting with two young men. The two members began to share more about God and the men expressed their readiness to say the sinner’s prayer! By the end of the evening, a total of five people had given their hearts to God. Soo Weng Tuck, engineer W st, Trinity@Paya Lebar We We had 21 guests who came and had a great time. Four of them gave their hearts to Jesus. We were overjoyed at their response!

Michael Wee, retiree South, Trinity@Adam

Three guests were two hours late, and by the time they arrived, the programme was over and we were having dinner. We invited them in for dinner and we played the DVD again. They were touched by the stories. We shared with them the Bridge Illustration, and when asked if they wanted to receive Christ, their answer was “Yes, why not?”

I was stunned for a moment. All three received Jesus that night! Praise God! Bernard Lim, finance manager West, Trinity@Adam

113

Real Life Miracles Inspired by the Real Life Miracles you read about in the Trinitarian magazine? The amazing testimonies have now been compiled into a book as a collection of stories. Trinitarians tell us how they are using the book to encourage and bless their loved ones and friends, and seeing miracles happen in the process.

We gave away the booklets during the Island-wide Christmas Party, one

Now in a book!

This is a very encouraging booklet. I took 40 to bless my friends! My friends said that it is very good. It is a

of which was to my aunt. One month later, she was

blessing especially in difficult times. We have to share

diagnosed with diabetes and high blood pressure.

these miracles and pass them on â&#x20AC;&#x201C; So that people

She became very depressed. Some cell members and

can themselves have a miracle!

I visited her and she told us that she had read the entire

Grace Tan, businesswoman

book during the crisis and asked if the stories were real.

East, Trinity@Paya Lebar

It gave us a chance to share Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s love with her, and

114

both she and her husband accepted Jesus Christ as

An excellent gift! It is a good conversation piece as it

their Lord and Saviour!

allows my friends to know of great testimonies!

Carol Tan, director

Patrick Koh, chief operating officer

South, Trinity@Adam

North, Trinity@Paya Lebar

As the booklet was launched last December, it became

The testimonies are not only engaging and powerful; they

an appropriate and timely Christmas gift for me to use

show that God is a personal God who is interested in

it as. It helped break the ice to share the love of God

every aspect of our lives. He is a prayer-answering God!

and the hope He brings amidst todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s gloom and

Chua Mei Chien, doctor

uncertainty. It also warmed my heart and encouraged

West, Trinity@Paya Lebar

me to persevere in times of challenges and difficulties.

Tan Keng Teng, pharmacist

I use it during cell meetings whenever there are first-

East, Trinity@Paya Lebar

time visitors, bring the booklets to the office to share with colleagues, and distribute them to my friends and

My friend found the testimonies amazing. It helped

neighbours who are going through difficult situations. It

create an opportunity to share about Jesus.

is a good way to introduce Jesus!

Loh Eng Leong, project manager

June Chan, executive secretary

West, Trinity@Adam

North, Trinity@Adam

The book has indeed helped to increase my faith.

This has been instrumental in helping Trinitarians like

I passed the Chinese booklet to my mum.

myself feel a greater sense of belonging to the church; it

Karen Ong, customer service manager

makes me proud to be a Trinitarian knowing that there

East, Trinity@Adam

are miracles in our midst. It is also a handy tool to invite and bring others to experience God in Trinity.

It reminds me that God is good. He never sleeps and

Joanne Tan, media specialist

never slumbers!

West, Trinity@Adam

Ken Yeo, senior manager East, Trinity@Adam

I sent them out with Christmas gifts and Chinese New Year hampers. They were a perfect complement!

Evelyn Loh, homemaker South, Trinity@Adam

Real Life Miracles is available in both English and Mandarin. Pick up your free copy at the Level 2 Information Counter and bless someone with it!

115

‘M513’, inspired by the Scripture in Matthew 5:13, was the theme of last year’s DiscoveryLand Discipleship Camp, a camp for Primary 3 to 5 children. God did a powerful work, touching and convicting the children to live their lives as salt and light of the world.

I was touched by God’s presence.

The camp was great because of the powerful worship sessions!

Raphael Yee, Primary 6 I enjoyed the camp because we did exciting things at the zoo and learnt about the animals!

Amanda Kwek, Primary 6 I enjoyed tracting because it is fun and more people get to know about God. I also like the worship as it was a great opportunity for me to be with God. It was really enjoyable. The games also taught me about teamwork!

Shermaine Lim, Primary 5

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I learnt that we are the salt and the light of the world. I definitely want to attend the DiscoveryLand Discipleship Camp again next year!

Alecia Leong, Primary 4 I enjoyed the vibrant worship during camp. The whole atmosphere was very good!

Lydia Lee, Primary 6 I enjoyed tracting very much because I learnt how to share about God with people.

John Lee, Primary 4 I enjoyed the camp because of the fun activities we did at the zoo!

Caitlyn Gn, Primary 4

119

The IGNYTE Camps last Decembe r were a life-changing encounter for the youths of Trinity.

120

ing selected for pointments from not be ap dis l tia ini re we re the d At the start of last year, JC 1 examinations. I ha t I fared poorly for my tha lp he t no did It es. g Him. Promises certain school programm g and diligently servin yin pra , life my of ol ntr g God be in co lity of failures and concentrated on lettin t come to past. The rea no did o als life my in uld fulfill that I thought God wo I was going through. t see God in all of what no uld co I . me to w blo mediocrity was a huge to have a dynamic d, praying or choosing Go to did I at wh ng of committi and to live my There were no thoughts ench the passion for Him qu to ion cis de l na rso re.

It was a pe did not want to be the Time Alone With God. cell and services but I for h urc ch in d are pe ap still to talk to life the way I wanted. I rough patch and tried I was going through a t tha se sen uld co h m away. I lived a Several people in churc to satisfy and keep the d lie en ev or s lie rep the standard me, but I always gave and in church. ool, the other at home double life, one in sch re was a strong l applied to me but the cal ar alt the en wh t stayed in my sea t which had been At camp, I deliberately thin my spirit-man tha wi g rrin sti s wa d Go men. I knew can do.” It was probably tightening in my abdo me “Be open to what I g lin tel Him t fel I es veral tim that was why God could dormant for so long. Se Spirit the next few days; the to en op ain rem to because I tried my best work in me. the Race’ during the most. ‘Serve –Running the me to e ok sp d Go in ns which ing. I was like the man There were two sermo tion in which I was head ec dir the k hin ret me de for the second night service ma g God’ was the sermon . ‘Soar–Letting Go, Lettin sly les aim g nin run 7: to soar with surrender 1 Corinthians 9:26-2 er to soar, we needed ord in t tha s wa red that was sha ed love for Him, and next night. One point a genuine, wholeheart be to d ha re the t tha on me out unto God. It dawned up ring camp, especially ab d spoke a lot to me du Go . art he my in ty ori pri ll cared for and that He had to be top showing me that He sti d, un aro life my d ne romise. He tur how I was living in comp t it was alright w far I had gone, and tha loved me no matter ho go! d for never letting me to start again. Praise Go Ong Zhihe bar IGNYTE, Trinity@Paya Le 121

st of i h a lilist p wit amp ca e to cam came e. I ca for me mp for g cam ng maziin n ama was an CAL wa ICA DIICA AD i tion, a RA h convic esh ayy, frres ew wa ew ne in a n t touch me in d to o Go G r o fo , w ow kn u o Yo . s n ns o io at exxpecta o ed and fulfilled way me and mov me cam God ca B t Go 9. Bu 2 09 of 20 ar e y ye e h the th for e s rpo rp s one p pu ew ne e off my hurtts, ne o heal on r, tto eeper, ee de ntt d wen e H . s s. rds rd o wo n ten te t it rit w f o st ust a lilist us d jjus nd mp, they beyon use I thought that in cam cau b ca g down be ng i t tin i ri wr w n en e ev f o t h ht g ug o h ho everr t at I nev hat th i g. t in d of th nd hiss kind hi o tthi ch on ouch tou ot to no uld n woul wo rents was not good. It th my pare witth ionship wi ion attio ellati se my rel use us cau eca w s be urt wa ur hu is h his hi Th T ving in church; upset. It affected my ser du nd ken an sha y l ll lly rea as w I t t. o lo a ed me cted affect aff something oments I’d start having r at random mo o h rch u ch i in d ve r er s I r eneve hen wh fear, I’d have trouble b a sudden irrational d be w uld re wo ere h th the s k ks, ks ack ac t tt t a y iet n nx a k lil ke nce for me. Also, the was a really bad experie zy. Itt w izzzy diz el d eel and I’I’d ffe ng an ing thin ath b ea br es towards them lot. I bore a lot of grudg a me urt h d id d d nd a d id s ey sa he was gs the ngs hin th I stopped showing it. It t on the inside, though rt hu d an y r gr g n an l ill il s st s a w nd I wa an e. de inside t e in n th on po up me u g ng i t eati ck. g our parrentss! I got a sho p on honouring ho s k r or w a d a ad ha h e w we , p mp cam n in ca en he Th T k d about was really allke ey ta hey ng th k that. Everythin like p o h ho s ksh ks ork or w a d ed e t ct e pe p x e ex ey he er ver eve all, tthe ne In en we had altar cal he t. Wh rit. spiri my g rrin t ti s t jus s w wa d a d Go me, an nt to me vant eva elle rre they had against ess th nes errn ittte of anger or bit go let to d e d e n ne o h w e wh ossse ho or tth nd an ed ffo askke as own a elltt dow ne g.. I kn g ing alllin ca as ca wa od w ponded. Go res ly ate i ed m m mm i I d n nd an a , s, s ntt en pare s, allll eiir pa he th rness, att biittterrn a ha h alll tth go of al et go s, I cried, I prayed, I le w wa I e ere er h w wh e m t et e m t st s u od jju from allll fro Go G e fr ass free d I wa e.. And ree re feltt free r, I fe hte lig ch m mu o s so t lt fel fe I , l ll a ter it affte and a rt, an urt hu he h th n. pain nd pa ger an nge an ns of a aiins ha he cch tth off h a lisst o wiith amp w o cam me tto am h.. I ca gh ug ou im eno ankk Him ha t ’t n’t a c I n nd a , e e, e re r f e m me t ay e d way God se Go od did e God usse au ecca awayy be alll aw hem all he tthe d e ed s ss s o t to t s us jus ve h ha d l ul u o ut I co nss, bu n ons, tiio attio c ta ayy.. He pect expe ex ed wa xpecctte nexp n une an ucch a in su es in pe hop et ho ecre ec s y m my f of e on o g n ng lin li lli l fil lfi u fu at at hat, utt. han tth ha it ou re tha more mo wrriitte it orr w it o ay it er I sa he eth het wh st, w ost ed mo ee att I ne ha wh w s w o ow n k kn e H , t t, u ut ou o e d id s ns nsi i e me ws m k ow kn me! or me nce ffo ienc erie per all exp dicca ad a ed, a rrad ee de de nd s a as That w in M ae my Ma mm S m el Sa Arriie A m am da Ad @A ityy@ it i ity Trrin E, T Y TE NY IGN IG

The IGNYTE Camps last Decembe r were a life-changing encounter for the youths of Trinity.

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CAMPUS CAMP 2008

This year’s camp was, in one word, amazing. It taught me that God can meet His people anytime and anywhere He wishes to, as long as their hearts are turned to Him. I came to camp expecting a touch from God and an impartation with regards to my destiny, and God did not disappoint me!

The campus students of Trinity participated in the campus camp last December, and all were challenged to leave behind a mark – a God imprint – in their campuses and communities.

Here’s what participants say.

Daniel Tan, dentistry student National University of Singapore Through the Campus Camp, God has refreshed my mind and soul. He gave me a vision for my campus: To start a new cell group in NTU, tailor-made for the foreign students studying in Singapore, and to train them up to be leaders who will impact nations. I thank God for giving me this great vision.

Bob Zhan Chun Lei, PhD student National University of Singapore This camp was different from previous camps because the Campus Camp felt ‘grown-up’; it felt like Church Camp, and I like that. There was a good mixture of games as well as teaching. I especially love Pastor Keet Keong’s experiential workshop, because I gained the most from it. It made me reflect on how sometimes in life I strive for things that do not last, when I should be focusing on things that are eternal.

Lee Li Ting, business graduate Singapore Management University Pastor Keet Keong showed his true genius with the experiential game he created, St. Nias. In this game campers were to grab as much power, money, and fame as possible. Think: Xbox face-offs, gambling dens, and basketball showdowns. The goal of the Saints was very different from that of St. Nias town folks – they had to get as many people ‘saved’ as possible. This game depicts real life with startling accuracy. It climaxed with the reenactment of the great battle between Jesus Christ and Satan. We know who won, of course. And what better way to end then with an all-time-favourite water-bomb battle!

Esther Ng, humanities and social sciences student Nanyang Technological University Camp was a good time of being refreshed after a hectic year and gaining new purpose and direction in life! I went with a lot of expectations, and God fulfilled every single one of them.

Isabel Chan, law student National University of Singapore

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This camp taught me to have a heart for my generation.

Most of the time, we think of how to survive our various commitments in hall, family, studies, relationships, and even church. It’s a never-ending list. But survival isn’t the point; God desires for us to love this generation – something I am still learning, slowly but surely. I found my cell members really growing a lot from the camp, being blessed by it, and in turn, being a blessing to others!

Tan Kai Xin, arts and social sciences student National University of Singapore Campus Camp taught me many things. I was in the camp committee and we faced insurmountable problems in the course of planning for it. But praying and seeing God resolve all of them strengthened my faith. Camp also taught me discipline, of having the dedication to set aside time, in the midst of everything, to seek God, pray and reflect upon His word. It was also an awakening of God’s plans for my life and brought many long dormant dreams that He had once placed in my heart, back to the fore. One such dream was that my parents would come to accept Christ. Over time, this dream had died due to rejections and mindsets. Now, I pray and look for times where I can share the word of God with my parents.

The campus camp served as a good closure for me as I was entering a new phase in life. Each game played had a specific learning objective, the workshop topics were relevant and insightful, and I was impacted greatly through the services. Through the camp, I found the courage and assurance to embrace my destiny.

Lim Yu Qing, electrical and electronic engineering graduate Nanyang Technological University God assured me during camp that He has a greater purpose for me as a campus student. I didn’t do well that semester and was rather upset about it as I was on a scholarship and needed to meet some criteria to remain in it. After returning from camp, I received an email saying that I was wrongly given a lower grade due to a programming error. Praise God! My grades were adjusted upwards in the most unexpected way!

God also reminded me of His faithfulness that He will be there for me always and He has put me there to impact my community. I have made a commitment during the camp to walk in the destiny He has for me!

Anthea Low, accountancy student Singapore Management University

Jeremy Lye, engineering student National University of Singapore 125

Young Adult Year-end Retreat Danga Cruise@JB More than 200 young adults cruised on board a ferry for the Young Adults Retreat on December 13, and while out at sea, they battled their wits and guts out in the smorgasbord of activities. Charmaine Tan reports.

y greeted b y, we were a B a g n a to D e ship’s ntered th Causeway e e e th w s ss A ro r. e ac a wide pie k and a short rid every noo moored to y g Following n rr ri fe lo e p lu x e rr y and b out the fe of a white rd. mbled ab the sight ra sc s ds onboa lt u ng Ad and soun u o ts Y h g w o si ll e th hull, our fe lves with ng themse si ri ia il ith quirky m fa games. W d cranny, n a n fu f eo d a genre d for a tim n reflecte o e gathere ti w a , st re e o m m r ga points d ready fo Grin, each Excited an ers to earn reen and G th , o ss n e o n s d k o n e Grip, Go mayor or played pra names lik ember for in life. We e m u p rs u u ro p g t r ss u we migh e Goodne ominate o of choices thers to n oints at th o p d rn ie a ll e ra to , er n station of us! ers in ord at the Gri er in some heer to oth ll c o d -r o h o ig g h d the sprea ught out president, tation bro S n e re G n the d the ation. Upo Station an st h c a e r te fo to to comple promoted s of tasks e ri se would be a e n e w , iv n g o s ti a a w at st ame was Each team ned by th g of the g ig in n ss a in s g e sk b e er n of all ta up memb t told at th completio e were no on of a gro w ti t a a in h m w li r, e e Howeve leave to entailed th “Master”. must then ch group m a a e f te o e n o th r of romoti re d membe that the p te the enti eliminate e h T . te to comple o v n e o ty rs ri e jo p a t ecame th e firs via a m minated b li corner”. Th e ’ ts g c in je e e b “r hout join the ssfully wit task succe aster”.

“Grand M f e G ame o this bizarr in d te a ” t elimin er-scissors NOT to ge “rock-pap d e st e It was hard -t d tried-an using the Life! From

126

es g their own nam method to writin s , groups tried way on the voting slips n ep the eliminatio and means to ke me ss as possible. So process as painle r group believe that thei found it hard to t them go! had decided to le eking we spent time se After the games, ared his Pastor Wilson sh God in worship. had seen w as a pastor he experience of ho being any young adults the destinies of m cisions. He shared shaped by their de life eant to choose a further what it m er e Will of God rath surrendered to th the to the choices of than a life given for s we made, either world. The choice direct h, would have a God or for our fles es. bearing on our liv e r the wonderful tim Praise the Lord fo ord d living out his W spent learning an the autiful getaway on as well as the be Danga Cruise!

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es celebrat

TCA College celebrates 30 years of God’s faithfulness

30

years

UL ’S FAITHF OF GOD

NESS

significant milestone in

TCA College Conference: Developing Christ-likeness in the 21st Century (4-5 Sep)

the history of TCA College.

The College is organising a two-day conference on 4-5 September

The year 2009 marks a

2009 at our Paya Lebar road campus. The first day will focus on

This year, we celebrate 30

Christian Leadership and feature a series of seminars by renowned

years of our divine pursuit

Christian leaders from across the globe. The second day will examine

and God’s faithfulness. The

Christian Formation and participants can expect a dynamic plenary

Lord has transformed TCA

session followed by a choice of engaging workshops. Separate seminars and workshops for English and Chinese participants have been planned.

College from its beginnings as Trinity School of the Bible

Our distinguished speakers include: •

Rev Dr Naomi Dowdy (Chancellor, TCA College)

•

Rev Dr Simon Chan (Trinity Theological College)

Christian College offering

•

Elder Lee Hsiao Yuan (Strategic Executive Search)

highly-acclaimed validated

•

Rev Dr William Kay (Bangor University)

into a multi-disciplinary

and accredited degree

•

Dr Dale Savidge (North Greenville University)

•

Rev Dr John Shao (Biblical Seminary of the Philippines/General Secretary,

programmes.

Asia Theological Association) •

Rev Dr Tan Siang Yang (Fuller Theological Seminary)

The College has lined up a series of events to celebrate its 30th anniversary.

Graduation Ceremony (6 Sep) TCA College will conduct our annual graduation exercise in conjunction with our 30th anniversary celebrations.

These include a two-day conference, our annual

30th Anniversary Dinner (6 Sep)

graduation exercise and

The celebrations will culminate in an anniversary dinner

an anniversary dinner.

held on our campus. The dinner will be a time for alumni, staff, students and friends of TCA College to rejoice together for the Lord’s favour and grace. It will also be a fitting occasion for graduates to celebrate with their family and loved ones.

Do look out for more updates on our 30th anniversary celebrations. We covet your support and prayers but most importantly we hope to have you come celebrate with us!

PLENARY SESSIONS

•

WORKSHOPS

•

NIGHT REVIVAL MEETINGS

CONFERENCE Jun 18-19 Trinity@Paya Lebar

Missions Convention 2009 Come and hear what God is doing in our nation and around the world!

MISSIONS NIGHT Wed Apr 22 7.30pm Trinity@Paya Lebar Come dressed in a national costume!

IMPARTATION NIGHT Thu Apr 23 7.30pm Trinity@Paya Lebar Come receive the Word of God for your life!

Our Speakers

Bryan Jarrett is Senior Pastor of Northplace Church in Sachse, Texas.

A man of precocious wisdom, charisma and zeal, he has spoken all over the United States and in numerous foreign countries for approximately 10 years.

Pastor Bryan is passionate about spending his strength for God, and to live his life walking with Him.

David A. Cawston and his wife,

MISSIONS CONVENTION Sat & Sun Apr 25 & 26 Trinity@Adam Sat 5pm, Sun 8.30 & 11am Trinity@Paya Lebar Sat 5pm, Sun 8.30am & 11.30am

Nancy have spent the last 41 years in ministry as missionaries, Bible School teachers, pastors, and church planters.

The Cawstons are passionate about reaching people with the Gospel of Jesus Christ and currently train pastors, coach and mentor leaders and plant churches in India.