Trinitarian Magazine Issue 1/2011

People Features Happenings

Issue 1/2011

Breakthrough into Fulfillment!

Crave God’s Word TAWG Threats and Truths Real Life Miracle www.trinity.net

plus

Missions Special!

2011

Missions

Convention

Come and hear what God is doing in our nation and around the world!

Guest Speakers Rev. Dr Ron Maddux serves as regional director of Northern Asia and gives leadership to Assemblies of God World Missions (AGWM) missionaries and ministries in the region. He carries the heart of God for missions; through his ministry, he has helped in disaster relief efforts, community development, school construction and refurbishing, and health and clean water projects.

Rev. David Grant and his wife Beth serve as directors of Project Rescue, a ministry to the millions of young women enslaved in sexual slavery. While their ministry has been primarily focused on the land of India, their heart to share their faith and see sex trafficking victims rescued and restored has carried them to over thirty countries around the world.

MISSIONS NIGHT

Wed, Mar 23, 8pm Trinity@Paya Lebar Visit our ‘Cultural Village’ (7-8pm) Experience cultural performances and sample food Be dressed in a national costume Hear of our missions impact in the nations!

MISSIONS CONVENTION

Trinity@Adam Sat, Mar 26, 5pm • Sun, Mar 27, 8.30 & 11am Trinity@Paya Lebar Sat, Mar 26, 5pm • Sun, Mar 27, 10am

Trinity Christian Centre CELEBRATION SERVICES

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FEATURES Breakthrough into Fulfillment!

The Watchnight Message

Trinity@Adam 21 Adam Road

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ENGLISH SERVICES Adult Services, Nursery & DiscoveryLand* Sat 5pm Sun 8.30am & 11am

Crave God’s Word Till you just gotta have it!

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Threats and Truths About spending TAWG

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Pre-teens Services (ages 10-12) Sat 5pm Sun 8.30am

Satan’s Conference Too busy for God?

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IGNYTE Services (ages 13-19) Sat 5pm Sun 11am

Crossword Fun On intimacy with God

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Did You Forget the Lyrics?

On intimacy with God

CHINESE SERVICES Sun 8.30am & 11am

Trinity@Paya Lebar 247 Paya Lebar Road ENGLISH SERVICES Adult Services, Nursery & DiscoveryLand* Sat 5pm Sun 10am Pre-teens Services (ages 10-12) Sat 5pm Sun 10am IGNYTE Services (ages 13-19) Sat 5pm Sun 10am CHINESE SERVICES Sat 5pm Sun 10am** FILIPINO SERVICE Sun 10am INDONESIAN SERVICE Sun 10am THAI SERVICE Sun 6.30pm * Nursery (birth to age 4) & DiscoveryLand (ages 4 -12) ** With Cantonese interpretation through earphones.

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

BREAKTHROUGH INTO FULFILLMENT!

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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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MY FATHER’S PROVIDENCE

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PEOPLE Stepping Out, Breaking Through

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Into God’s fulfillment

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SNAPSHOTS Ushering in the New Year At Watchnight Service

My Father’s Providence

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A real life miracle

Celebrating the Crossover Watchnight’s unforgettable moments

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Camp Explosion DiscoveryLand leadership camp

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MISSIONS REPORT Missions Director’s Message

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Missions Report 2010

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Missions at a Glance

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Community Development

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Church Development

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Definytion An IGNYTE defining event

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New Day, New Season Campus District Gathering

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Fruity Christmas DiscoveryLand Christmas special

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The Good News!

Sharing it

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He Came To Love Our Christmas Cantata

100

Family Christmas Presents and presence

102

Family Communion Timeless significance

104

Seasons of Prayer Praying up a storm

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Raffles House opens New childcare center

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CRAVE GOD’S WORD

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MISSIONS REPORT

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TAWG THREATS AND TRUTHS 5

V I S I O N

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

O U R

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 fulfil 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 fulfil God’s global agenda through sending men and women of faith to equip and empower churches and the body of Christ.

Passionate

Heartbeat

Editor Tan Rou’en Editorial Team Chia Ban Seng Ivan Koh Kevin Kwang Carol Lim Diana Lim Contributing Writers Pastor Dominic Yeo Katrina Baker Rita Chee Anita Chia

Sharon Lim Moo Yubin Quek Yan Ying Jonathan Tan Vince Yip

Susan Koh Michelle Leong Cal-Lin Neubronner

Contributing Photographers Pastor Darick Yeo Roger Soh Shelly Goh Joshua Tay Jesmond Ho Sam Yeo Jonathan Ho DiscoveryLand team Jonathan Siow IGNYTE photography team Contributing Designers Faith Koh Airik Ng Editorial Support Sarah Lau Veronica Teo Woo May Yin

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.

Advertising Sales & Admin Sarah Lau For ad sales enquiries, Tel: 6307 7718 Email: admin@trinity.org.sg

Strategic

Email admin@trinity.org.sg

Leadership

Mailing Address Singapore Post Centre Post Office PO Box 616 Singapore 914021

ISSUE 1/2011 The Trinitarian is published quarterly

by Trinity Christian Centre.

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

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Chief Editor Pastor Janice Chng

Company registration number 197802911H MICA (P) 102/03/2011

Passionate Honour

Audacious Fervour

Passion to love and honour God

Boldness and zeal to believe and ask largely for the impossible

Printed in Singapore by Image Printers Pte Ltd License number L007/09/2010

Relentless Belief

Contagious Faith

Unwavering belief in people and their God-given destiny

Authentic and infectious faith that reaches out to the lost

All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without express written permission is prohibited. Opinions, views and advertisements do not necessarily constitute the official stand of the church.

2010: Blessed to be a Blessing 8

2011:Breakthrough into Fulfillment

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Ushering in the New Year

40 years marks a generation, a season. Having celebrated 40 years of God’s faithfulness in 2010, at the turn of the calendar year, Trinitarians literally crossed over into the next 40 years – the season of fulfillment for Trinity. Chia Ban Seng reminisces the sights, sounds and significance of the Watchnight Service on December 31.

It was around 9pm. The choir, musicians and singers

spontaneously stood to glorify Jesus in one accord,

had taken their positions across the stage. I reckoned

filled with an awe of God’s presence. Soon the Sanctuary

Pastor Gary was about to rally the nearly 3,000-strong

pulsated with ’Be lifted higher, higher, higher, Jesus You

congregation to rise to our feet and worship Jesus with

be lifted higher’.

an upbeat song.

There were more moments to remember that night.

I was wrong. A beautiful surprise awaited us.

There was young Sarah who testified of her miraculous The lights dimmed across the Sanctuary. A quintet of

piggy bank that multiplied her modest deposits to

violinists and a cellist walked up the stage and into the

fulfill her audacious faith promise, with $23.80 to spare!

spotlight. Ah, a special item for Jesus before worship,

There was Eleanor who felt divine hands miraculously

I thought.

removing her gall bladder stones as she cried out to Jesus in desperation after organic plants and TCM failed her.

I was partially right. I deciphered the sequence, but not

Don’t these testimonies seem like modern day versions

the plan and its magnificence.

of the boy who offered his five loaves and two fish, and the woman who pressed in through the crowd to touch

The violinists broke the anticipatory silence with several

Jesus? Yes, Jesus provides and heals.

brisk notes in unison. The cellist followed on seamlessly to complete the melody of that verse and reveal the

Jesus also heals broken hearts and transforms lives.

song. Hosanna. Two violinists repeated the verse, and

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soon a harmony of strings filled our senses with ’Hosanna

Just ask our youths from IGNYTE. Their simple mime

in the highest’. The male singers added a heart-stirring

tugged at many heartstrings. Each youth took turns to

rhythm with hand drums. The build-up in atmosphere

stand center stage holding a flash card with large hand-

climaxed as the singers and choir joined in. Trinitarians

written words on each side. With a simple flip of the card

and a smile, each youth told a personal story of a life changed. Truly, in so many ways Jesus has been good to them, like the

God’s foreknowledge He provides for

chorus of the song ’You

our needs as we focus on the needs of

Have Been Good’.

others. A season of Positioning where we become shepherds in the desert

God is not done with

where God shapes us. A season with

Trinitarians. Hardly. His heart is to lead us on just as He

the Promise of Possession where we break out of Egypt

had led Moses from potential to fulfillment.

and break into the desert carrying the hope of breaking through into God’s promises in the future. In my own

Drawing our attention to three periods of Moses’ life

words, it will be a season of heart transformation and

– living under worldly influences in Egypt, yielding to

being broken, so as to make us ready for God’s highest

God’s shaping in the desert of Midian, and fulfilling God’s

calling for our lives.

calling as Israel’s deliverer and leader, Pastor Dominic sensed God’s call to Trinitarians, beginning in 2011, to

After Pastor Dominic’s message, Apostle Naomi led us

step into a season of fulfillment.

in a prayer of declaration and a prophetic act to align ourselves to the prophetic word preached.

It would be a season of 4 “P”s. A season of Preparation where we leave behind worldly ambition and self-

2011, here we come! Trinitarians stepping into a season

centeredness, and instead embrace humility and a heart

of Preparation, Providence, Positioning and Promise of

to serve others. A season of Providence where out of

possession! Amen.

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Celebrating the Reflections of Watchnight Service and its unforgettable moments.

Prophetic Word

Atmosphere

I was very touched by Pastor Dom’s message. Through

What a beautiful way to start the Watchnight with the

his sharing, I know that God has always been with us and

inspirational melody ’Hosanna’ by our talented violinists.

wants to bring fulfillment to the potential He has placed

It invited the congregation to soak in the presence of

in us. He has shared powerful pointers that are both

God as the awesome worship experience extended

relevant and inspiring. I have learnt that as I let go and

to many different meaningful songs, not forgetting

let God take charge of my life, God can

a Chinese number ‘Deeper in love’.

do mighty things, and I will experience

My husband and I individually and

a breakthrough in my life so that

collectively declared our love to

people around me will be blessed.

Jesus, remembering and thanking

Alan Tan, property officer

Him for who He is and all He’s done in our lives.

It was a great opportunity to hear from

Anna Lau, tutor

our Senior Pastor on God’s direction for the church.

The atmosphere was fantastic.

Low Lum Soon, retiree

There was a strong sense of being part of a family and a Trinitarian.

The message by our Senior Pastor

My wife and I enjoyed ourselves.

was really powerful. It spoke into

Andry Lie, food service planner

my business and personal life as well.

Jamuna Kumari Dilipkumar,

I was really touched by God’s

IT professional

presence during worship.

It was a good time of

Through Pastor Dominic’s

rejoicing in the Lord.

message, I learnt the need

Hannah Lee, student

to serve others.

Joel Loh, student

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Crossover Live testimonies I particularly remember the testimony of the healing of the man with fourth stage cancer. It gave me much hope that our great God is able to work in the most impossible of situations.

Teo Lak Tin, education officer I felt encouraged by the different amazing testimonies shared by Trinitarians. It was a showcase of God’s amazing love.

Jasmine Ong, channel incentives supervisor The testimonies shared during Watchnight encouraged me tremendously, and strengthened my

Wouldn't miss it for the world

conviction that God is faithful.

This church is my home! I’ve been

Dickson Yew, self-employed

here since I was a kid. If I were ending

Cardboard testimonies

the year elsewhere, I would feel like there was something missing.

Kinnon Chan, student

The youth segment was really cool!

Charity Chong, student

Watchnight was special for my family because we came together to celebrate God’s goodness and faithfulness in

It was great to see youths involved in ways

the past one year, and step into the one

that are simple but creative. I believe it was

ahead with the prophetic word for the

a breakthrough for each participant and

church. We were truly blessed.

I hope my son, who is also in IGNYTE, will

Rachel Chew, occupational therapist

one day participate in a similar manner.

Robin Ngo, IT consultant The ‘cardboard testimonies’ were very touching and awe-inspiring. These powerful silent messages, a sincere sharing deep down in their hearts, showed us how God lovingly reshaped their lives.

Pan Ching Chang, tutor 13

Trinitarians crossed over into the New Year, stepped into a new season and attest to His fulfillment in their lives. Here, three Trinitarians testify of that foretaste of fulfillment.

Stepping Out, Breaking Through 12 Baskets Leftover Last year, during Vision Faith

always enough

Promise weekend, I pledged a

money in my savings box for me

sum of money that was more

to fulfill my pledge.

than my weekly allowance. Every Sunday night, I would put my

At the end of the year, my

allowance into my savings box

mother checked my savings

and every Saturday, I would take

box and was very surprised

the pledged sum of money out to

that there was still money left

fulfill my Faith Promise the next

inside. Logically, there should

day at the Pre-Teens Service.

be nothing left long ago given that my weekly pledge

My parents would

was more than the weekly

always ask whether I had

allowance I received. Yet that

enough money for my

day, my mother counted

Faith Promise because

that there was still $23.80

they knew I had pledged

left in the box. We could not

more than I had received.

understand how it happened

They were wondering

but clearly God had performed a

with puzzlement how

miracle. All glory to God!

I could fulfill my pledge.

Amazingly, there was

Sarah Chua, student 15

Provider and

As a Real Estate Agent, my monthly

‘Justifying Reasons’ got longer and longer.

income is irregular and

As we all know, when we get into a ‘wrestling

at times rather uncertain. During

match’ with God, the outcome and the

the Missions Faith Promise weekend this year,

winner is quite obvious. I decided to obey

God challenged me to commit to Him the

and commit the entire amount of my next

entire commission from my next deal closed.

commission receivable to Missions, believing

At that point in time, I had no clue which deal

in faith that God will provide and meet all the

I would close and therefore had no idea how

needs of my family.

much that amount would be.

Within a week after the Missions Weekend, I was hesitant at first, because my son was

God’s provision came to pass in a very

only four months old then, which meant

amazing way. He blessed my deals such that

there were additional expenses to be

even flats that were challenging to sell were

incurred over and above my budget for real

sold within that very week.

estate advertising, household expenses, car

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expenses and more. As I rationalized and

I recall one of the most challenging

wrestled within myself, the list of so called

transactions which I had to broker that week.

‘Possible’ God

The apartment for

gained from these

sale was typically

three deals was

warm throughout

more than ten times the amount I had pledged

the day and night, messy

at Missions Weekend. Also, my

and it also had a huge altar in the middle of the living room. In addition, the time frame given to sell it was also

current monthly income is easily three times more of that before Missions Weekend.

tight. However, as it happened, during this particular viewing in the evening, the seemingly rare evening

As I continue to serve God in His house and avail myself

breeze came through and cooled down the entire

to be a blessing to others around me, I can testify that

apartment. The same evening the buyer immediately

He has never short-changed me or my family. The God in

made an offer for the apartment and the offer was

whom I worship has always provided for my needs. God

accepted by the seller.

can and will provide in all situations, even those which are seemingly impossible. He is our Provider and the

God’s provision and blessing prevailed further and with

God of the Impossible!

God’s favor, I closed another three deals within a span of two weeks after the Missions Weekend. The commission

Ooi Tat Hwee, real estate agent

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er to No Can c n a C 4 e c g e a r! t S

My second brother-in-law, Goh was

I also had tremendous support from my

cleared of Stage 3 nose cancer in

understanding manager who allowed me

December 2007. Since then, he has

time off to accompany my sister and brother-

had quarterly routine check-ups. His quarterly

in-law during Goh’s medical appointments.

check-ups have been encouraging until early

This was especially a blessing as I had just

December 2009 when he was found to have

joined the company and had no annual

had a relapse of the nose cancer.

leave accrued to me. Meanwhile, my carecell members and friends from RGB, my area of

His ENT doctor immediately ordered an

Ministry Expressions, continued to pray for us.

MRI and CT scan. Both scans and reports

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confirmed that there was not only a

In January 2009, Goh was admitted for a

relapse of cancer in the nose but in

spine biopsy procedure. At the operating

addition, the cancer had metastasized to

theatre, the Orthopedic surgeon aborted the

his lower spine. His diagnosis was that of

biopsy because the cancer tumor was too far

Stage 4 cancer – advanced cancer. My sister,

back in the spine. Goh was discharged and

Diana, was obviously devastated but she

returned to see his ENT doctor instead. The

did not give up hope. She relied on God for

ENT specialist was also unable to perform

strength during those trying periods.

a biopsy on the recurring nose cancer

because it was located very deep inside

showed some ‘shadows’ in the left lung.

and too near the brain area.

I also mobilized my carecell and RGB

We persevered in prayer, believing for a turnaround and for a miracle.

members to pray alongside with us. For

the Radiologist-Oncologist, he declared that there was

three consecutive weeks, I also submitted

no cancer found in the blood test and biopsy reports.

prayer requests at the Saturday, 5pm pre-

At that moment, we rejoiced and praised God because

service prayer, believing in the power of

we know God had healed Goh! Filled with awe and faith,

prayer. Prayer changes things! After all,

we committed the lower spine cancer and the ‘shadows’

we serve a sovereign and faithful God.

in Goh’s left lung to God and continued to press in, in

Goh was then discharged for monitoring.

My other sister, Irene, initiated a synchronized daily prayer at 9pm and

We persevered in prayer, believing for a turnaround and for a miracle. A week later on January 27, during the review with

prayer for Goh. God knew our hearts’ cry and the urgency with which Goh needed treatment. On

On April 27, Goh did a PET scan for his whole body

January 20, 2009, Goh saw a Radiologist-

and the results showed that there was no trace of

Oncologist at National Cancer Centre.

cancer in Goh’s nose, lungs and lower spine. God’s miracle healing had taken place. From Stage 4

The doctor was caring and

cancer to no cancer! All glory to God!

detailed in analyzing Goh’s case. He confirmed yet again that Goh’s condition was Stage 4 cancer because the cancer had spread from his nose to the lower spine. He told us very frankly that there was no treatment for the spine cancer. As for the recurring nose cancer, radiotherapy and chemotherapy would not help either. The bleak prognosis not withstanding, Goh then did further cancer marker tests, a nose biopsy and a chest-tohead MRI before embarking on chemotherapy for the

Adeline Lee, proposal and order management specialist

recurring nose cancer. Disappointingly, the chest MRI

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THE WATCHNIGHT MESSAGE

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The next 40 years will be the greatest moments of God’s fulfillment in your life. Will you prepare yourself to step into this new season? By Senior Pastor Dominic Yeo

G

od has a time and season for all of

40 years was when he took the nation of Israel

us. We have recently gone through

through the wilderness into the Promised Land.

the season of being blessed to be a

blessing; but there is more to that. I believe that

There are four ‘P’s’ that define the desert of

God wants to shape us for greater blessing by

Midian experience:

entering into an experience of going through

1. Preparation

the ‘Desert of Midian.’ This is the season where God takes us on a journey from potential to fulfillment.

ration Prepa

Moses was an individual with great potential, but he was self-serving at

In the Scriptures, 40 years mark the span of a

heart. This is revealed in

generation, a season, a time of God. The idea

Acts 7:25 where Moses

of 40 marking a season is evidenced through

thought that his own people would realize that

the three periods of Moses’ life: his first 40

God was using him to rescue them, but they

years was when he was raised as a prince in

did not. Moses had assumed he was Rescuer

Egypt; his second forty was when he served

and Deliverer of the people. If I could loosely

as a shepherd in the desert of Midian; his last

rephrase the intent of Moses’ heart, it would be

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that he thought the people would look at him and say,

in-law, the priest of Midian. From being a Prince of Egypt,

‘You’re my Messiah! You’re my hero!’

where he was served by others, here in the desert Moses learnt to serve others. As a result, he went from a state

And so, when Moses saw one of his people being

of haughtiness to humility: Numbers 12:3 records that

mistreated by an Egyptian, he went to his defense by

Moses was a very humble man, more humble than anyone

killing the Egyptian – a result of his self-serving nature.

else on the face of the earth. Where did he learn such

It was not the will of God. This incurred the wrath of

humility? He learnt it in the desert.

Pharaoh; Moses hence needed to get out of Egypt, which he did, by fleeing to the Desert of Midian. This marked

When you serve others, you will experience the

the next season of his life.

Promotion of God. Before king David became king, he spent the first part of his life serving

Because of the consequences of his

others – his father and his brothers. We

self-serving nature, Moses went ahead

have an example of that in 1 Samuel,

of God’s calendar. Sometimes, we

where he went to the valley to serve his

move the ‘calendar of God’ because

brothers the barley loaf. Serving others

we are led by our need to do things

is preparation for you to serve Him.

our way and in our own time. At the heart of this is our self-serving nature.

But God was in control and He had a plan. Moses’ going to the desert was not a mere getting out of Egypt – there in the Desert of Midian, God took Egypt out of Moses’ life. The Desert is a place of preparation, a place where

When you serve others, you will experience the Promotion of God.

God purges us.

Desert Time was also a place where Moses learnt to

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In order for you to walk in greater blessing than before,

lead others, and to have a heart for people. It was the

you need to experience getting Egypt out of your

place of preparation for Moses where he later led more

heart. Stepping into greater things requires this pivotal

than two million Israelites across the desert and the Red

experience. In other words, Desert Time is Developmental

Sea. Imagine the level of leadership, organization and

Time.

logistics involved in that!

How is this so? In the desert, Moses learnt to serve others.

In order to reach your fulfillment, you must allow God to

In Exodus 3:1, Moses tended the flock of Jethro his father-

lead you through a season of Preparation.

back. Moses agreed to stay with the man, who gave his daughter Zipporah to Moses in marriage. Zipporah gave birth to a son. In essence, Moses not only stayed, but he stayed there for 40 years – this is the Providence of God. Moses had left his family in Egypt but God provided for him a family! In Egypt, Moses was nursed by his mother – his mother took care of him, and then when he was old enough, Pharaoh did. In the desert, he was fashioned and commissioned by God the Father.

The Lord looks down at us and says, If you are prepared to step into this season of preparation so that you can step into your Fulfillment, My Providence will come. In this

dence Provi

2. Providence

season of Providence of God that we are stepping into,

Understand that Providence is not

we will see families established.

provision. Rather, Providence is about God’s omniscience; it is about

Needs will also be met. Verse 23 tells us that during

the foreseeing care and guidance

the long period where Moses stayed with Reuel, the

of God; it speaks of how God provides for us out of His

king of Egypt died. This is Providence! If Moses were

all-knowing knowledge, out of a sense of care.

to go back while the king was alive, the consequences would be dire for him. In God’s Providence, God gave

In the year 2011, as we move into God’s season of time,

Moses a family. In God’s providence, God worked out

you will see His Providence in your life.

circumstances and met his needs.

When Moses left Egypt and went to the Desert of Midian,

You may have had a bad 2010, but know this: as you step

the Bible tells us he sat by a well where he met seven

into a new season of Preparation, God, in His Providence,

girls who were bullied. Exodus 2:17 says that some

will meet your needs. He will turn things around.

shepherds came along and drove them away, but Moses

3. Positioning

got up and came to their rescue and watered their flock.

The girls returned to their father Reuel, who asked why

oning Positi

In Egypt, Moses was a prince and in the Desert, he was

they had returned so early. They related to him their

a shepherd. What was his

story of being rescued. Reuel reciprocated the act of

position in fulfillment, then?

hospitality by telling his daughters to invite Moses

Deuteronomy 33:5 tells us

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Were Reuel and Jethro different

Moses was king over Jeshurun.

Moses’ fulfillment was one of kingship! In the same way, God has ordained for you to go from princehood to kingship. Moses went through a season of Preparation, experienced God’s Providence, and

God will prepare you, providentially provide for you and position you because you are faithful in serving others.

was Positioned by God.

people? Did the Bible make a mistake in the chronicling of names? Not so.

Rather, the secret to the Promise of Possession lies in the meaning of their names. In the Hebrew language, • Reuel means ‘friend of God’ • Jethro means ‘abundance’.

When Reuel met Moses, his life was transformed.

You may have messed up and seemed to have lost

Abundance came into Reuel’s (Jethro’s) life because

everything, and you wonder if you are walking in God’s

the blessings in Moses’ life overflowed to those

plan, whether you are on the right track. But just as God

whom he associated with.

saw how Moses was tending the flock of Jethro (Exodus 3:1), God will prepare you, providentially provide for

The Promise of Possession lies in the significance of these

you and position you because you are faithful in serving

names: from being a friend of God to the possession

others. When you serve others, you beget promotion, a

of abundance! You can become a Moses of your day

promotion that Positions you.

when you step into your place of Preparation where you receive the Providence of God, and then He

of miessesion Pro Poss

4. Promise of Possession

Positions you to receive the Promise of Possession –

The Promises of God’s Possession for

so that you are a blessing to the people around you.

us are firstly, salvation – salvation for your household. They are also the

Do you want to see your household become a household

Promise of miracles; you can also

of abundance? Do you want the promise of abundance,

possess the Promise of protection

that not just your household but everyone connected

for your life and the lives of your family members; you

to you to experience this abundance? Step in to God’s

can also possess the Promise of God’s provision for your

fulfillment for your life today!

household.

In Exodus 2:18, it states that the girls [whom Moses rescued and whose flocks they watered] returned to Reuel their father… However, Exodus 3:1 writes that, Moses was tending the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian…

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Rev. Dominic Yeo is the Senior Pastor of Trinity Christian Centre.

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

SMS Trinity<space>your comments to 77177 or email testimonies@trinity.org.sg This sermon can be heard online at www.trinity.net/sermons.htm

www.

trinity.net

Potential →

→→→

→ Fulfillment

EGYPT (40 years)

MIDIAN (40 years)

WILDERNESS (40 years)

Get out of Egypt Raised as a prince of Egypt; killed an Egyptian and fled to desert (Exodus 2:1-15; Acts 7:20-29)

Get Egypt out of Moses Shepherded Jethro’s flock; met God in a burning bush (Exodus 2:16-4:17; Acts 7:29-30)

Led the Israelites out of Egypt, through the wilderness and into the promised land (Exodus 4:18-40:38)

Serves self • Self-centered • Self-dependent Nursed by mother • saved from massacre, adopted by Pharaoh’s daughter

Prince of Egypt

1. Preparation Serves others • God-centered • God-dependent

2. Providence

Fashioned and commissioned by God • Family established (stayed with Jethro and married his daughter) • Needs met • God prepares the circumstances (king of Egypt dies)

3. Positioning

Shepherd of Jethro’s flock • Faithfulness in serving others begets promotion that positions – faithfulness despite his state of being – faithfulness that redefines and refires • Positioned to lead • Positioned to influence and impact others

Serves God

Empowered by the Spirit • Cloud by day, fire by night • Provision of food, water

King of Jeshurun (Deuteronomy 33:5) • Deliverer of Israelites

4. Possession

Break out of Egypt

• Genesis 15:13-14, Deuteronomy 8:1-3 – Salvation, miracles, protection and provision Break into the desert

Break through into possession

25

When sales accounts executive Su usan Koh faced not one, but two debilitating setbacks in rapid succession, she went into a downward spirral. She shares ho ow God’s providential care not onlyy sustained, but saw her through.

26

MyFather' s PROVIDENCE

Childhood, and a glimpse of God

with God

My childhood was almost picture perfect. I had a good

11 years ago.

education and loving parents. I recall how I would

I grew curious

watch cooking programs on television with my father,

to know more about God through the sharing of the

and I would point out the dishes I liked to eat. Without

Word during school assemblies and the times we sang

forgetting what his dear daughter had liked, Dad would

hymns and learnt how to pray.

always head to the market, buy the needed ingredients and whip up my desired dishes. Honestly, it’s something

I had my first real encounter with God when I was in

I really miss having. Dad was a great cook and a great

Primary Six. My dad had fallen seriously ill and had to be

father to me.

hospitalized. Mum stayed at the hospital to accompany Dad, leaving me alone at home. I was very scared and

While my parents were pre-believers, they placed me in

cried because I didn’t know what was going to happen.

a Catholic school. That was the beginning of my journey

I didn’t know why, but the idea that I should pray then

27

came to me. It was a very simple prayer, something like ‘God, if You exist, please help my dad pull through this because he’s really very ill.’

That night, I had a dream. In my dream, it was very cloudy. I saw a big hand come towards me, and that hand reached out to try to hold mine. I knew it was Jesus’ hand. The next thing I knew, I was walking on water, and fear came over me because I couldn’t swim. In panic, I grabbed hold of His hand, and He held my hand and said to me, ‘Don’t worry, walk with me; just follow me.’ When I woke up, I felt this peace in my heart. Not long after, I received a call from my mother saying that Dad was alright and could be discharged from the hospital!

I was not a Christian then and so did not know the Bible. It was only later when I read from the Bible that I knew I had the same experience as Peter. I then realized that God is really Someone who answers prayers.

This encounter with God made me want to know Him more. Despite facing objections from my parents who were not Christians, I tried to attend church whenever I could. This continued until my first year in junior college when I faced the first big trial of my life.

My first major setback My mom was diagnosed with the last stage of colon cancer. I could not comprehend why it happened.

I asked God: if He loved me, why did He allow that to happen? I hated God to the core, blamed Him for my mom’s sickness, stopped attending church and stopped praying.

28

My mom passed away three months later, but God showed me His grace by sending my close Christian friends to encourage me and bring me back to Him. I caught up on my studies in school and my grades rose from grade F to A. When the ‘A‘-Level results were released, I was blessed with good grades and managed to gain entry into a very good local business school.

Does God not know how painful it would be to me?

The second blow I thought the worst in my life was over and told myself to do well in university so as to do my dad proud. I was very driven and worked

mum, then my dad, why not take me

hard to do well. However,

too? I was devastated, felt lost and

at the end of my first

subsequently spiraled into depression.

year in university, history

I tried all ways to make myself feel better.

repeated itself. This time,

I surrounded myself with friends and

my dad was diagnosed

hung out with them and bought myself

with the last stage of

things to pamper myself, but these gave

lung cancer. It was like

me only short-lived happiness. I realized

a death sentence to me. I numbed myself emotionally.

that after going out with friends and

I told myself that I needed to be strong for my dad. I

having fun, I still felt very empty, incomplete, upset and

deferred my studies for half a year to devote 100% of

disappointed at the end of the day.

my attention to taking care of him. I really loved my dad.

He was the most important person in my life as he had

Although my parents had not really expected me to do

always been there for me. However, four months later,

well in my studies, I had wanted to do well for them. I

I lost him. He passed away.

studied hard because I wanted to make them feel proud of me. So when my parents died, I actually lost that

My downward spiral

reason and desire to work hard. I was lost in school and

I really did not understand why this happened to me.

my grades fell sharply.

Does God not know how painful it would be to me?

Does He really care? Is there even a God? First I lost my

I didn’t even know why I should live anymore. Many

29

God pulled me out of depression and helped me get back on my feet. I regained focus on my studies and taught six sessions of tuition every week to support myself financially. By the grace of God and His strength, I caught up with my peers and graduated at

Realizing that

the same time as them,

all these were

having taken two and

possible only with

a half years to complete

God carrying me,

my studies instead of the

usual three years. Realizing that all these were possible only with God carrying me, I resolved to serve God and deepen my relationship with Him.

The providence of family In May 2010, a couple of my university friends who were from Trinity Christian Centre invited me to its services.

I enjoyed the services a lot, because I liked the vibrant atmosphere, and I also liked the thirst for knowledge times, I was close to ending my life. I stopped

about God that Trinitarians have. I realized that I could

believing in God. Life went on very painfully.

not just stay where I was — I needed to grow and I

I resumed my studies at university, but I was

needed a proper place where I could be nurtured in

a wreck inside.

my walk with God. I felt that Trinity was the right place for me. Before I came to Trinity, I did not attend church on

Medical providence

a regular basis. It was only after I started attending Trinity,

With the encouragement of my friends,

when I learnt from the pastors’ and my carecell members’

I saw a doctor. The doctor must have

sharing, that I experienced most growth. So, I started

been a Christian, because during the first

coming for services and attending carecell meetings.

consultation session, he not only provided

30

medical help but said a prayer for me. I

My carecell members were very understanding and I

guess God must have played a part as I

felt that they were very accepting. My leader took time

think it is not common for doctors to pray

to meet me earlier before church services to find out

for their patients like this. Miraculously,

how I was doing and would go to great lengths to help

within a short span of three months,

me. For example, when I was searching for a job upon

graduation, he gave me a lot of good

I realized that I though

advice and encouragement. My

I had lost my biological

my hands and

family, God had given me

walked on water

fellow carecell members also came alongside me. I realized that though I had lost my biological family, God

a spiritual family in them.

had given me a spiritual family in them.

how He held

with me in my dream. I take heart and comfort that He is the

Father to the fatherless. I might have lost what has been very precious to me, but I have gained an eternal

During my job search, I realized that I could not depend

relationship with my Heavenly Father. When times get

on my own strength to look for a job, so I prayed and

difficult, and when things seem impossible to handle,

fasted for 40 days for God to lead me to the right job.

I rely on His promise that I can do all things through Christ

In October last year, God provided me a job where I

who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13). All glory to God

experienced God’s divine favor and blessings greatly.

who is my strength, my shelter and my redeemer.

In fact, in my first month of sales, God enabled me to hit my sales target and I have since been able to support myself and repay my study loans. This was when I realised that when I submit to His plans, He would put me at a place where He knows was best for me. When I trust and have faith in Him, He would continue to provide for me.

So many times, I dropped out of His plans for me. But God has never failed me. He holds on tight to me like

hand upon your life, take this moment to 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 Savior.

In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.’

31

Crave God’s Word In God’s season of preparation for you, He wants you to develop a hunger for His Word. Here are six ways to help you develop cravings for it. By Katrina Baker My kitchen was a mess. I’d dug through every drawer and cupboard, searching for the only thing that would satisfy me…chocolate! I was in the middle of a fullblown craving. You know the feeling: that insatiable, overwhelming desire for ice cream, chips, chocolate, or pizza.

Only a few days after I’d torn my kitchen apart in search of chocolate, I came across a Bible verse that drew me up short: ‘Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk’ (1 Peter 2:2). The New American Standard Version puts it this way: ‘long for the…word’ (both emphases mine). As I thought about my desire for

32

Having ving an insatiable appetite appetit . I’d eagerly anticipate nti reading God’s Word daily, and make time for it no matter mat what mi else was going on. I couldn’t get to sleep at night if I missed it.

Some days, reading God’s Word was more mechanical than marvelous, more out of duty than desire.

Eating my veggies. Thiss is the mode in which I most E he Bible B often found myself. I’d read the because I knew it’s right, I ’s good go for me, and I was always wanted to obey God, I knew it’s i it. glad I did

Being g ‘force-fed’. In this mode, I’d ’d he hear God’s Word at ch, and would read the Bible every now and an then – but church, uall not until I felt extremely guilty about my lack of time usually with him.

Starving. These have been the dry spells, thankfully few, when I’ve gone weeks without opening my Bible except at church. I’ve let busyness, distractions, or unconfessed sin get in the way.

God’s Word, ord, I had to admit ‘craving’ aving’ or ‘longing’ ‘lo ‘ e my feelings about my m current Bible didn’t define

Do you see yourself in the above descriptions? If you’re like me,

reading. Yes, I tried to do it daily, but some days

you’ve experienced each of these stages over the course of

reading God’s Word was more mechanical than

your walk with God. But you also wish that you genuinely and

marvelous, more out of duty than desire.

consistently craved God’s Word.

Looking back over my life, I realized my desire

If my cravings for Scripture were anything like my cravings for

for God’s Word had fluctuated between the

chocolate, I would just have to have it. I wanted to wake up in

following degrees:

the morning and not be able to focus on anything else until I’d

33

spent time in God’s Word. I wanted to dig in voraciously, instead of doing a half-hearted devotional.

To discover how to develop a craving for Scripture, I looked back at the high points of my spiritual life – the times when I couldn’t get enough of God’s Word – and took note of the things I did, the habits I made, and the factors that contributed to the craving. Then I asked other women what helped them develop a craving for God’s Word. Here are six things I discovered that can help you rekindle or strengthen your desire for time in Scripture:

After my son’s birth, I experienced

1. Remember the Bible’s benefits.

a prolonged case of ‘babyy blues’. ome Although I found some solace in talking to other moms, journaling, and scheduling

‘me-time’, I found the most significant source of peace and comfort in God’s Word. I found particular reassurance

‘The fear of the Lord

in reading the Psalms – seeing how

is the beginning of

David cried out in fear, confusion, and

wisdom; all who follow

even despair, but consistently returned to

h precepts have good his

th. acknowledge God as his refuge and strength.

At other times, I’ve turned to Scripture to find direction, wisdom, and encouragement. The Bible

34

und understanding.’ sat Just as satisfying physical craving releases feel-good chemicals in our

holds all this for us, and much more! Scripture tells us

brains, satisfying a hunger for Scripture releases all kinds

God’s Word is ‘a lamp to [our] feet and a light for [our]

of spiritual benefits and blessings in our lives, such as

path’ (Psalm 119:105). Psalm 111:10 also reminds us

increased wisdom, comfort, and peace.

shelf where I keep my Bible and devotional book without feeling as though I should pull it out and dig in!

Experts say it takes 21 days to

3. Make daily Bible reading instinctual.

develop a habit. I’ve applied this principle to exercise, drinking water, and even making my bed – so why not use it with Bible reading? Decide on a reading or study plan and commit yourself

to spending time in God’s Word every day, whether you feel like it or not. One thing that helps me is to use a daily devotional aid. After following that plan for a few weeks, I find I can’t skip a day in God’s Word without feeling like I’m missing out on something.

One of the best ways to

4. Keep a spiritual journal

strengthen and maintain a desire for God’s Word is to keep a record of how Scripture has impacted your life. I kept journals throughout

2. Ask God to give you desire for His Word.

my college years. Looking back What better way to

over them reminds me of how God has worked in my life

obtain a desire for

and gives me the motivation to continue serious Bible

God’s Word than

study. Your journal doesn’t have to be a special leather-

from God himself?

bound volume; it can be a spiral notebook, or simply

Each day, ask

notes taken directly in your Bible. The point is to take

God to give you a

note of how various Scripture passages have touched

deep-rooted desire to spend time reading and studying

your heart, motivated change in your life, or given you

the Bible. Then be alert for those inner promptings and

insight into life’s circumstances. When you’ve filled up

reminders to open His Word and dive in. I find that when

a journal, notebook, or Bible, keep it as a record and

I consistently ask God to give me a desire to spend time

reminder – one you can turn to time and time again to

with Him, He always comes through. I can’t walk past the

see how powerful God’s Word truly is.

35

5. Customize your Bible study to fit your personality.

For years I struggled

reading the Bible, we all go through different life stages

with the inability

that demand a change in our Bible reading. A mother

to follow a ‘read

of three preschoolers might not be able to devote the

through the Bible

same amount of time and energy to reading God’s Word

in a year’ program.

as she will when all her children are in school. Lori, a wife

I’ve known friends

and mom from Nebraska, has been able to customize

and family members

her time in the Bible throughout her adult life to fit

who have done this year after year, and I always felt I should be able to do this too. But I always gave up by March. Finally, I realized the Bible-in-a-year plan just didn’t fit my personality. As a detail-oriented person, when I try to absorb four or five chapters of the Bible each day, I feel as though I’m going too fast. I get frustrated and give up. Now I tailor my study to my personality – more in-depth studies and careful reading of shorter passages.

My friend Kathy also has found that customizing her Bible reading to fit her personality has led to more productive, effective, and consistent times in God’s Word.

‘One of the most important things for me is variety,’ she says. ‘If I find my devotional time getting stale, I try to change it. Also, I occasionally set aside large chunks of time to really ‘dig into’ the Word by doing in-depth study

whatever circumstances she finds herself in. During

that can’t be completed in short bites of time.’

college, she carved out enough time to read through the Bible twice. In the early years of her marriage, while

6. Customize your Bible study to fit your circumstances.

36

Just as we all

working full-time as a teacher, she fit in shorter reading

have different

times whenever she had the opportunity, such as

personalities

reading some Scripture while stopped at traffic lights

that may

during her long commute. Now as a busy stay-at-home-

require different

mom, she does most of her Bible study late at night or

approaches to

when her children are in the tub.

Take a look at your roles and responsibilities.

Make sure you’re not trying to do too much (and definitely not too little!) for your circumstances. Finding the method of study

Come Build An Altar Let the excerpts of this song resonate within your spirit as you allow God to rekindle the fires of intimacy with Him.

and reading that works for where you are right now will keep you from giving up in frustration.

I came into the gathering of the people of the Lord I know there still will be times when I don’t ‘feel’

And found my way among them to His Throne

the craving for Scripture I want to have. But I also know the important thing is for each of

I needed to return unto the altar of my God

us to be aware of our desire for God’s Word

To renew again my covenant with Him…

and always to be working to increase it.

And another benefit is – satisfying our craving for Scripture will never make us fat! Now… where did I hide that chocolate?

Come build an altar unto the Lord Return to worship and hear His Word And then the fires of revival will come sweeping through your soul And we’ll touch the Holy Presence of our God

Words and music by Wendell Smith

Katrina Baker, a freelance writer, lives with her family in Pennsylvania, USA. This article was first published in Today’s Christian Woman. Used with permission.

Copyright Christianity Today International.

37

TAWG s t a e Thr Here’s how you can overcome invasions of intimacy in your Time Alone With God (TAWG).

&T

ruths

Threat 1: Too busy I get up and rush to work in the morning. At night, I sometimes bring work home, or the time is spent on my family. When and if there is finally time left for myself, I use it to read the papers, watch cable TV, surf the internet, shop online... After all these, it’s time to sleep. I will have my TAWG tomorrow.

There are so many things demanding my attention all day. God, you understand, right? man once painted the above scenario to evangelist, D.L. Truth: → AMoody.

He answered, ‘My friend, if you are too busy to read the Bible every day you are busier than the Almighty God ever intended any human being to be, and you had better let some things go, and take time to read the Bible.’ Moody also used to say, ‘I have so much to do today I have to spend twice as much time in prayer.’

→ Your time belongs to God. Make time for Him. Make use of pockets of time during the day to talk to God, for example, during your commute to work.

38

Threat 2: Too tired

Threat 4: Too lazy

The demands of work, family and life

I know God loves me and wants to spend time with me.

are draining me. I am perpetually

I know it is about relationship with Him. I just lack the

tired. I feel sleepy the moment

discipline. I feel guilty most of the time.

I open my Bible. Sometimes, I start praying at the night, only to say ‘Amen’ in the morning.

Truth:

→ Set aside your freshest time of the day to have TAWG. Choose a time that works best for you.

Truth:

→ Desire and discipline go hand-inhand. Discipline is needed to grow

your desire for God, and desire requires the discipline to keep that intimacy going. Ask God for a new desire and discipline. Physical training is of some value but spiritual training is of eternal value (1 Timothy 4:8). → Get a journal or use your Smartphone to record down your TAWG (See how you can win a

Threat 3: Too dry When I read the Bible, nothing seems to ‘speak’ to me. I don’t ‘hear’ anything from God.

Truth:

→ God desires to speak to us and lead

personalized journal at the end of this article). → Stick a reminder on your mirror to prompt yourself to have TAWG.

→ Don’t procrastinate. Start afresh today.

us everyday (John 10:27).

→ It may not be an audible voice, but you can learn to hear God’s still, small voice by a simple practice of ‘Reflection’ in your TAWG (See later portion on ‘Having Time Alone With God’). → Add variety to your TAWG through a time of worship and prayer, or vary your reading method: by book, by topic, or by story, e.g. Bible characters.

Threat 5: Too distracted My SMS alert keeps going off, or my phone keeps sounding especially during TAWG. I still have 3,546 things still undone; I am hungry; my favourite TV program is coming up soon.

Truth:

→ Have a post-it pad at hand to jot down the many to-dos that have

distracted you, and return to them only after your TAWG.

39

Threat 6: Too much

Threat 8: Too lost I don’t know what to do or where to start.

I go to church weekly,

Truth:

isn’t that enough?

Truth:

→ To ensure good physical health, we

→ Start with the book of John or any shorter book.

→ Use the 4-step TAWG method (See later

generally have three meals each day.

portion on ‘Having Time Alone With God’).

What more our need for spiritual food, the Word of God? (1 Peter 2:2)

→ We may be self-sufficient as a Christian, but God wants to be our all sufficiency. He is the Source of our life, strength, love and wisdom.

Choose to plug into the Source of life.

Threat 7: Too long Whatever I set out to do in the beginning of the year, I would fail at it and would have given up by the next week.

Truth: → Start with bite-sized

portions: five minutes a day instead of one hour; a few verses a day and reflecting on them, rather than aiming to finishing the Bible in a year.

→

1.

What is the biggest threat that is hindering intimacy in your TAWG?

It’s not how much of God’s Word you go through but how much of God’s Word goes through you.

40

Reflections: 2.

What is one goal you can make to grow your

It is much better to read and understand one

relationship and intimacy with God? What

verse, than to read three chapters in haste and not

are some practical steps you can take to

remember anything.

achieve this goal?

Having Time Alone With God

Testimonies of TAWG

1. Get Ready to hear from God

has been enriched through

Invite God’s presence and ask Him to reveal Himself and His truths to you.

My Time Alone With God journaling. Journaling helps me realize and recall with greater clarity, what God has spoken to me. I am now able

2. Read and Reflect on God’s Word

to receive deeper revelations

Read slowly. As you read, ask God: Lord, what are you saying to me today?

from God, through my TAWG

Use ‘SPACE’: S – Sins that I need to confess or avoid?

P – Promises for me to claim?

A – Attitudes for me to adopt?

C – Commands that I should obey?

E – Examples that I should follow or avoid?

amazed that God is able to speak

3. Respond to God After letting God speak to you, now talk to Him in prayer.

and journaling. I have been a Christian for many years, so I am and reveal new things to me now, even through Bible passages that I am familiar with. I remind myself to journal daily, not as a religious activity but as a lifestyle of communing with God. Douglas Yuan, director of corporate planning I realized the importance of communing daily with God through prayer and Time Alone

4. Record your conversations with God Journal what God spoke, how it has changed your perspective and practical steps in applying it in your life.

With God, and how this is integral to our journey of faith as followers of Christ. My TAWG is now more focused and frequent.

Merlvyn Heng, secondary school teacher

A bookmark containing more tips on how to experience a vibrant TAWG can be purchased at Manna@Adam and Manna@Paya Lebar.

41

Is busyness taking a toll on your relationship with God? Here is a light-hearted spin on this all-important reality.

Satan called a worldwide convention. In his opening address to his evil angels, he said, ‘We can’t keep the Christians from going to church.’

We can’t keep them from reading their Bibles and knowing the truth. We can’t even keep them from conservative values. But we can do something else. We can keep them from forming an intimate, abiding experience in Christ.

If they gain that connection with Jesus, our power over them is broken. So let them go to church,

42

let them have their conservative

voice. Entice them to play the radio

involve them in gossip and small

lifestyles, but steal their time, so

or cassette player whenever they

talk so that they leave with troubled

they can’t gain that experience in

drive, to keep the TV, the VCR, and

consciences and unsettled emotion.’

Jesus Christ. This is what I want you

their CD’s going constantly in their

to do, angels. Distract them from

homes.

gaining hold of their Savior and

‘Let them be involved in soulwinning. But crowd their lives with

maintaining that vital connection

And see to it that every store and

so many good causes that they have

throughout their day.’

restaurant in the world plays music

no time to seek power from Christ.

constantly. This will jam their minds

Soon they will be working in their

and break that union with Christ.’

own strength, sacrificing their health

‘How shall we do this?’, shouted his angels.

and family unity for the good of the ‘Fill their coffee tables with

cause.’

‘Keep them busy in the non-

magazines and newspapers. Pound

essentials of life and invent

their minds with the news 24

unnumbered schemes to occupy

hours a day. Invade their driving

their minds,’ he answered.

moments with billboards. Flood

It was quite a plan! The demons

their mailboxes with junk mail,

went eagerly to their assignments

‘Tempt them to spend, spend,

sweepstakes, mail order catalogues,

causing Christians everywhere to

spend, then, borrow, borrow,

and every kind of newsletter and

get more busy and more rushed,

borrow. Convince the wives to go

promotional offering, free products,

going here and there. Having little

to work and the husbands to work

services, and false hopes.’

time for their God or their families.

six or seven days a week, ten to

‘It will work! It will work!’

Having no time to tell others about

12 hours a day, so they can afford

‘Even in their recreation, let them

their lifestyles. Keep them from

be excessive. Have them return

spending time with their children.

from their recreation exhausted,

I guess the question is, has the devil

As their family fragments, soon, their

disquieted and unprepared for the

been successful at his scheme? You

homes will offer no escape from the

coming week. Don’t let them go out

be the judge!

pressures of work.’

in nature. Send them to amusement

the power of Jesus to change lives.

parks, sporting events, concerts ‘Over stimulate their minds so that

and movies instead. And when

they cannot hear that still small

they meet for spiritual fellowship,

Author unknown

43

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CROSSWORDfun Words associated with having Time Alone With God. 1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

Bible character

Benefits

2 This person went to a solitary place to pray very early in the morning, while it was still dark. Mark 1:35

1 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for _____________, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.

2 Timothy 3:16

3 The Lord would speak to this person face to face, as one speaks to a friend. Exodus 33:11

4 Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and _____________. Joshua 1:8

6 This person wrote many songs of worship unto the Lord.

7 This person prayed three times a day, despite the authorities’ decree to worship the king only. Daniel 6:10 9 This person sat at the feet of Jesus listening to Him, rather than getting distracted by all the preparations. Luke 10:42

5 Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your _______ will be complete. John 16:24 8 Your Word is a _____________ to my feet and a light for my path. Psalm 119:105 10 Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be _____________ to you. Matthew 7:7 45

e h t t e g r o f u o y

? s c i r Ly

Did

imac y w t n i f o s g S on

ith God.

Everything Within Me Every sunrise ond Bey eil V the

Speaks of Your unfailing love

Let the melody of my hear t

ou o Y of t g Be son ip a orsh w

So let me say how

Beyond the Veil Let the melody of my heart Be to You a song of worship

Lord I give You my hear t

Let the adoration of my heart

Glory of Your Grace e, Touch m r e w o p em

Win!

I surrender my all to the power of your grace Touch me, empower me that I may live for You Lord I give You my heart

Lord I want to know You

Submit your completed

Lord I want to know you in my heart there is a fire

puzzle and lyrics over

Each morning when I wake up,

the Level 2 Information

Lord

Counter by Sun, April 3 and stand a chance to win

Take Me Deeper

a special TAWG package which includes

There is a longing only You can fill

a custom-made journal and a $30 voucher from

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Just Let Me Say Name:

46

So let me say how much I love You With all my heart I long for You

Contact Number:

For I am caught in this passion of knowing

Email:

This

48

50 51

ons in Trinity si is M f o w ie rv ve O Message Missions Director’s

53

010 Missions Report 2 ce Missions at a Glan

54 56

lopment Community Deve itarian Works Crisis Relief Human itarian Works an m u H s si ri -c n o N

52

66 74

ent Church Developm Evangelism rganizational Leadership and O Development

49

Overview of Missions in Trinity

ity Missions in TLoricanl) (Foreign and

y Communit nt De velopme

Church t n De velopme

Crisis Relieafn Humanitari Works Leadership t n De velopme nal Organizatio nt e De velopm

Evangelism

50

Non-crisisan Humanitari Works

Passionate Heartbeat

Touching our Nation Reaching the World Trinity’s Missions Director, Rev. Jeffrey Wong shares his heart.

In the beginning of the year, I asked God to enlarge my capacity for missions and He pointed me to a familiar passage, the feeding of the five thousand.

These five thousand men plus women and children were gathered for the day to hear Jesus teach. Jesus kept teaching even when the sun sank low into the western sky. There were no street hawkers selling food around the edge of the crowd. The disciples could sense the problems that were beginning to form. They said quietly to Jesus, ‘this is a remote place and it’s already very late, send the people away so they can go to the surrounding countryside and villages and buy something to eat.’

To me that made sense, right? This was a reasonable, practical suggestion. Good thinking! But we know the story: Jesus multiplied the lunch box of a little boy who willingly surrendered his lunch box of five little barley loaves and two little fish.

New Testament scholars tell us that the mention of ‘barley loaves’ is significant here. This was food of the poor, those who could only afford cheap food. I wonder what would have happened if the lunch box belonged to one of those five thousand men? Would he have surrendered the lunch box as the little boy did?

After all, Andrew, a disciple said, ‘how far will this little lunch box go among so many?’

To enlarge our capacity, we cannot approach missions with just an intuitive mind but we must be like the little boy – ready to surrender and give our all no matter how ‘cheap’, insignificant, or little our ‘lunch box’ may seem to us. When we do that, Jesus changes the equation – He takes our ‘small lunch’ and creates enough to feed the whole world!

Lord, let me be that little boy!

To enlarge our capacity, we cannot approach missions with just an intuitive mind but we must be ready to surrender and give our all.

Trinitarians, let us arise in 2011 and be that little boy… and see the feeding of the thousands!

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Missions Report 2010 Community Development – Crisis Relief Humanitarian Works Trinity partnered with trusted local churches, reputable Missions agencies and organizations to provide timely aid such as medical supplies, food packages, temporary shelters and clothing to people affected by the Haiti earthquake, and Pakistan and China floods. Jackets were also purchased for children affected by both a tsunami and two volcanic eruptions in Indonesia. In Pakistan, Trinity gave in general aid, as well as tangibly through quilt blankets for 1,100 families.

Community Development – Non-crisis Humanitarian Works Trinitarians also embarked on six Humanitarian Missions Impact Teams (MITs). In Padang, wooden houses were built for earthquake-stricken communities. In India, borewells were completed for those in flood-affected areas, and in Sichuan, community development projects were established in response to the earthquake.

Trinity continued to sponsor 116 destitute children in Thailand and 50 in India. In 2010, we embarked on a new sponsorship of 181 destitute children from Andong Primary School in Cambodia. Sponsorship covers the cost of educational materials, school fees, food, and hygiene and medical needs.

Trinity also partnered with local churches and organizations by seeing to the completion of 12 borewells in Kurnool, India, which benefitted more than 3,000 families with clean water. Two MITs also set up six medical camps in India.

Closer to home, Trinity was privileged to host the Watoto Children’s Choir from Uganda. A total of 348 Trinitarians also volunteered in community projects through Care Community Services Society (CCSS), Trinity’s social services arm.

Church Development – Evangelism 235 Trinitarians went in 21 MITs to eight countries and witnessed 160 miraculous healings and over 3,000 decisions made for Christ. Through local MITs, Trinitarians partnered with the Indonesian, Filipino and Thai ministries to reach out to foreigners in Singapore.

Church Development – Leadership and Organizational Development Our pastors and sectional leaders conducted 43 training and consultation trips in 11 countries around the world. These churches were equipped in the areas of Cell Church Training, Church Organizational Development and Prophetic Training.

Also, the AlphaTrack program raised 22 individuals for the harvest field. Nine Trinitarians were also mentored in ministerial skills through a one-year Ministry Internship program.

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Missions at a Glance January – December 2010 An overview of the span of Trinity’s Missions outreach.

Missions Impact Teams (MIT)

Evangelistic and Humanitarian Trips

➥ GO

8 295 21 6 3,079 160

➥ GO

Countries (Cambodia, East Timor, India, Indonesia, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan and Thailand)

Trinitarians

Evangelistic MITs

Training and Consultation Trips

43

Training and Consultation Trips

11

Countries (Australia, Bulgaria, China, Colombia, Hong Kong, Japan, India, Malaysia, Poland, Taiwan and the United States)

Humanitarian MITs

Decisions

Miraculous healings

➥ GIVE

5 2 347 12

Countries assisted in Crisis Relief efforts (China, Haiti, India, Indonesia, and Pakistan) through 10 organizations

Countries assisted in non-crisis relief efforts (India and Korea) through 3 organizations Destitute children in Cambodia, India and Thailand sponsored

Ministries 53

nate Passio beat Heart

Community Development Crisis Relief Humanitarian Works

2010 A Year of Disasters Earthquakes, heat waves, floods, volcanoes, blizzards, landslides and droughts killed at least a quarter million people in 2010 – the deadliest year in more than a generation. Trinity partnered with trusted local pastors and churches, and reputable missions agencies and organizations to provide humanitarian aid to the many affected.

Haiti Disaster: earthquake Dead: more than 220,000 Injured: more than 300,000 Homeless: over 2.3 million

The help rendered Together with other aid agencies, food, clean water, basic necessities and medical supplies were distributed to affected persons. Sanitation activities were also implemented in displacement camps. Health clinics were also set up to provide medical help to the Haitians.

Figures from www.reliefweb.int

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China Disaster: earthquake Dead: more than 2,200 Injured: more than 12,000 Homeless: over 150,000 The help rendered Through reputable missions organizations, Trinity was able to help 8,296 people. Food boxes were delivered, educational supplies were provided and hygiene kits containing toothbrushes, toothpaste, soaps and towels were given out. Part of your giving also went towards house rehabilitation subsidies to affected persons.

Pakistan Disaster: flood Dead: close to 2,000 Injured: more than 2,300 Homeless: more than 20 million The help rendered In Pakistan, through reputable missions organizations, Trinity helped 1,100 affected families and continually reached out to these families with regular supplies of food parcels. During the winter months, more than 3,000 blankets were delivered. One recipient of the blankets was an old widow, who said, with tears of joy in her eyes that they would no longer have to endure cold nights.

55

nate Passio beat Heart

Community Development Non-crisis Humanitarian Works

Not tten Forgo natural disaster Long after a catastrophe passes, a , affecting can continue to take its deadly toll lly and survivors socio-economically, menta with trusted physically. In 2009, Trinity partnered utable missions local pastors and churches, and rep vide aid to the agencies and organizations to pro so in Sichuan, many affected, and continued to do is a look at Kurnool and Padang in 2010. Here Indonesia. follow-through efforts in China and

Sichuan, China Earthquake (May 2008) • 68,800 dead • 374,000 injured • 18,600 missing • 4.8 million homeless • One of the deadliest since 1976.

2009: What Trinity did

2010: What Trinity did

Trinity Christian Centre provided financial aid towards the Sichuan Quake Relief in 2008.

Ten Trinitarians engaged in community development work in the villages affected by the earthquake.

In partnership with reputable mission agencies, these funds were used in these areas: • Medical clinics • Medicine • Vegetables and meat to supplement their rice/ instant noodles provided by the government • Tents and tarpaulins as temporary shelters • Printing of Bibles • Beds • Resources for farmers to re-establish their livelihood • Piping for water supply • Counseling and care

Home Visitations and Ministry • Personal grooming for the elderly (hair, beard, nails trimming, household chores and even sanitation work) In a 40-minute walk in rain and darkness to a make-shift home made with a tent, the team ministered to an 80-year-old man living with his mentally ill son. They trimmed his hair, nails and did physiotherapy, at the same time encouraging him as he wanted to end his life.

Another team visited a family who has a halfparalyzed father. This family had to mortgage the house to pay for his brain tumor operation which left him paralyzed. The family was touched by the team’s love. The son shared that since the family went into financial difficulties years ago, no one has visited them. This was the first time the father smiled.

• Transportation of quilts.

Organized Outreach Events For the Elderly • Distributed gifts to bless them • The expected attendance was 60 but 120 came!

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Team’s reflections Initially, I felt inadequate to serve but through this trip, I realize that I don’t have to possess special skills or talents to serve God. I just need to be willing. I’ve witnessed God’s presence and miracles in our ministry to the community.

My faith and love for God has grown stronger. I’ve also learnt to appreciate what I have.

Faye Tian Some old folks whom we cared and connected with even remarked that attending the events was the happiest day of their lives.

Carol Wong

Padang, Indonesia Earthquake (Sep 2009) • 1,100 dead • 20,000 houses damaged • In some communities, 95% of homes and buildings were destroyed.

2009: What Trinity did

2010: What Trinity did

Team’s reflections

• Built wooden houses

A team of 14 went, ready to put their love into works to make a difference in the villagers’ lives.

After this earthquake, God opened a window of opportunity for us to enter Padang to do His work.

Through our good works, the villagers knew deep in their hearts how much we cared for them.

• Cooked meals for affected persons for three days • Facilitated children’s programs • Distributed stoves to families • Distributed school shoes to the children • Built wooden houses and tents for children and families.

Joshua Saw • Built wooden houses • Prepared and cooked meals for affected persons • Facilitated children’s programs The team hoped that through these efforts, they could partner with the local church in their outreach to the community.

I’ve never held a saw, hammer nor any nails in my life! My team members taught me the basic skills in using them. As the days went by, my apprehension turned into confidence. God empowered me for this task.

It was definitely worthwhile when I saw the joy in the faces of the families we helped. They finally have a proper house to live in. I believe that God has already planted a gospel seed in their hearts.

Teo Gek Lee 57

Community Development

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Non-crisis Humanitarian Works

Water-borne diseases. Snake bites. Lengthy walks to the nearest drinking source. These were the conditions over 3,000 families in India faced before Trinity sent teams to see to the completion of borewells. Here, villagers testify of how the borewells have met their most basic need – fresh water.

Wells of

Living Water M

2009: 2 borewells in 2 pl aces

any people who resided in this place said that this area

2010: 10 borewells in 10 places

was known to be lacking in ground water. Before your

team came, we drilled to a depth of 400 feet but the water produced was minimal as the area was known to be lacking in ground water. When you came, you prayed, and at a shallow 50 feet and there was already water! Most surprising of all, at 200 feet, water gushed out profusely like a huge fountain.

1

Talamudipi Village, Midtur Mandal

2

Mucchumarri Village, Pagidyala Mandal

known to have much ground water, and there is now abundant

3

Nehru Nagar Village, Pagidyala Mandal

water available in this place. It is truly a miracle from God.

4

Tarigopula Village, Jupadu Banglaw Mandal

A villager from Kurnool, India

5

Undavalli Village, Manopadu Mandal

6

Ulchala Village, Kurnool Mandal

7

Kampadu Village, C-Belgal Mandal

8

Lingapuram Village, Bandiatmakur Mandal

9

Paluku Doddi Village, C-Belgal Mandal

The professional drillers commented that ‘it must be your God’ because from their knowledge and experience, this area is not

P

reviously, we had to walk more than five kilometers to fetch clean drinking water, and at times we even had to

drink polluted water from nearby ponds. In fact, in those difficult times, we were looking for some divine help as it was beyond our capacity to drill a borewell. But right now, we have access to plenty of pure drinking water right at our doorstep. I do not have words to express our thanks for what you have done for us.

Thank you Trinity Christian Centre for sponsoring this borewell in our village.

A villager from Ulchala, India

58

List of Borewells Drilled - 2010

10 Budidapadu Village, Gudur Mandal.

Map of India

l District Map of Kurnoo

W

e had a severe water problem for many years now.

Many people tried to help us in many ways but

nobody could solve the issue of having clean drinking water.

As a result most of us depended on the local pools and ponds for drinking water, and would often become very sick. Our children too would fall extremely sick because of diarrhea and other water borne diseases. But you have changed our lives. The borewell that you have put here has revolutionized our health. Now we do not fall sick from the water we drink anymore. Thank you for sponsoring the borewell in our village.

A villager from Undavalli, India

I

would like to take this opportunity to thank you for providing us with a chance to have safe and clean drinking

water by the borewell. I am very old. And I cannot walk to far places to fetch water. I had to depend on other people who sometimes helped me and sometimes not. But today, I know for the few years left in me, I can have access to clean drinking water. Thank you for helping people like me.

A villager from Nehru Nagar, India 59

nate Passio beat Heart

Community Development Non-crisis Humanitarian Works

Medical Missions with Doctor Jesus In 2010, two other Medical Missions Impact Teams (MITs) went to other places in India to bring the blessing of aid and healing to locals there.

One Trip, Many Ripples In 2009, a Missions Impact Team (MIT) headed out to the slums of Delhi, India to provide medical assistance to those in need. Little did the team anticipate the ripple effect their trip made when the local government took notice of their efforts.

In 2010, in New Delhi, a team of eleven from all walks of life: a pharmacist, doctor, businessman, probation officer, lecturer, student, property agent and a retiree set up four medical camps in Delhi. The trip objectives were simple – they were to offer medical aid to the people living in the slum community.

Medical MIT to Trichy, India The team of 17 members set up four medical camps over the period of seven days. It was a partnership with a local church to conduct medical camps in three different locations and

Unknown to them, the authorities

provide lunch for the patients in two of these places. The

took notice of what the team did.

team provided basic medical screening for the people and

In 2010, they stepped in to set up

physiotherapy to some patients.

infrastructure in the area: the lanes

60

and roads where Trinity’s medical

That we serve a God of miracles was certainly proven in the

camp was set up were repaired and

trip. Team member Teo Gek Lee, a tutor testified at one of the

paved right after the team left.

night rallies: ‘It was really amazing how we spent the whole

Medical MITT to Hyyderabadd, India The team set up two medical camps and even saw to the completion of a borewell. Over seven days, the team reached out to close to 2,000 people in Hyderabad, India.

During the trip, the team also had the opportunity to minister to the children in the Home of the Champions, a home for destitute children.

Alvin Ong, a doctor on this trip shares: ‘As a medical doctor, my heart was moved to see how the needs of all the young children were met and cared for in the orphanage. Their daily meals and education were well taken care of, which was in stark contrast to many of the children we treated at the medical camps who were malnourished and lacked access to proper healthcare. I realized just how much Trinity Christian Centre has done and provided for these children at the orphanage.’

He recalls a moment where he saw a lethargic looking three-year-old girl who was running a high temperature. ‘She was upset that she could not join in the games as she was ill. We prepared a simple anti-pyretic syrup for her and her fever subsided after an hour. I realized that there is so much we can do for them.‘ The team also partnered with a local church to minister to the needs of their people. Praise God for the 13 miraculous healings and 116 decisions made to receive Jesus!

night praying for people. A stroke patient was healed and he started to talk and move his arm.’

Beyond providing medical aid, the team also partnered with local churches in their ministry, and witnessed in total ten miraculous healings and 160 decisions made for Christ. Truly, as we avail ourselves, God will do the rest.

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nate Passio beat Heart

Community Development Non-crisis Humanitarian Works

e p o H f o e Hom love Receiving a new lease of hope and en from sum up the emotions of the childr

ia, the the Home of the Champions in Ind Abundant Ch C ildCare Plus Programme and the Love Children’s Home in Thailand and Andong Primary School in Cambodia – because of Trinity’s ongoing sponsorship to a spotlight these 347 children in total. Here is me of the on two such children from the Ho Champions. Cal-Lin Neubronner and Rita Chee share about two such children from the Home of th the th Champions.

Sponsored children

2009 : 166 2010 : 347 Mar 2011 : 638 62

Sandhya

Sandhya is turning six this year. As with most

their own. Sandya’s mother fell into depression on

children her age, she would often be heard

and very soon, they had to resort

doing her alphabet drills ‘A-P-P-L-E – Apple;

to beg in order to survive.

B-A-L-L – Ball, C-A-T – Cat…’, sometimes in one breath! She is sometimes even seen teaching

The turning point came

her mother English. This bright-eyed little

when a pastor saw her and

girl also acts as the teacher’s assistant, often

told her about the Home

exceeding expectations in her role, as she

of the Champions. In June

effectively tells the class to be quiet with a

2010, Sandhya was enrolled

commanding voice. Where does this little girl

and her mum was offered a

find such strength?

cleaning job in the Home of the Champions. This decision

Her father passed on because of a brain tumor.

turned their lives around.

Her mother is HIV positive. Being scorned at for being a widow and a HIV patient, both Sandhya

Where does Sandhya find

and her mum were thrown out onto the streets,

such strength? She found it in

alienated from her relatives and isolated from

the Home of the Champions,

society. Sandhya and her mother were left on

where she met Jesus.

Pradeep

‘I want to be the Chief Minister when I grow up’.

As a last resort, their mother

Such is the aspiration of 11-year-old Pradeep.

transferred them to the

Looking out from the upper balcony, the first

Home of the Champions last

thing he said he would do as Chief Minister

June and they have since

is to house the homeless and then ensure a

taken the transition well.

clean and hygienic environment for the people.

Now, while his friends play

Always positive and diligent, this handsome boy

conventional games such h

excels in his studies and even tutors his friends.

as cricket, Pradeep uses his is time creatively inventing

His father passed away from an accident at

new toys and games. He

work before he could even remember his

made a fishing game out

father’s face. Although his mother is a tailor, the

of sticks and string, and

disability of her fingers limits the assignments

to shield himself from

she is able to take on. Struggling to care for

the scorching sun, he

Pradeep and his sister single-handedly, their

made a visor out of old

mother placed them in a government hostel

cardboard. His resolution

and school. There, frequent bullying pushed

for 2011 is for Jesus to

him to run away from school, and his studies

change his heart and

were affected.

bad habits.

Pradeep’s letter to Cal-lin

663

Community Development

nate Passio beat Heart

Non-crisis Humanitarian Works

many professions, One Mission They come from all walks of life but share one thing in common: their passion to touch the needy. Here are some Trinitarian volunteers with Care Community Services Society (CCSS), the social services arm of Trinity Christian Centre.

Volunteering at d’Klub d’Klub is a mentoring program that Your missions giving has supported Care Community

aims to provide primary school children with guidance in their studies and at the same time develop their self worth and character.

Services Society in

Volunteering at the CARElderly Seniors Activity Centre The CARElderly Seniors Activity Centre meets the needs of low-income and lonely seniors by connecting with them, helping them discover a new sense of purpose, and promoting active ageing through a slew of meaningful activities.

its administrative

As a volunteer at d’Klub,

operations, such

I give tuition and lead

I conduct medical checkups on the

that lives can

games and activities to

elderly at the Senior Activities Centre

be touched and

develop the character of

and on those who are homebound.

transformed.

the children there.

Alvin Ong, doctor

Founded by Trinity

Sharon Ho, auditor

in 1996 as an expression of its

At d’Klub, I help with

As a volunteer at the

Local Missions,

their schoolwork and

Seniors Activity Centre,

CCSS is a non-

try to connect with my

I help out in medical

profit charitable

student by talking about

home visits, monitor

organization

common interests.

the blood pressure and

affiliated with the

Wang Chang Jie,

blood glucose levels

National Council of

business manager

of the elderly and visit

Social Services.

them at their homes.

Eric Tan, manager

64

To find out how you can partner with CCSS to bless the community either as a volunteer or a sponsor, please contact the office at 6304 7604 or email ccss@carecom.org.sg

Volunteering through Corporate Communications Volunteer writers and photographers provide onsite coverage of CCSS events that are held in partnership with its corporate partners and various organizations.

Volunteering at CareHuts CareHuts are school-based student care centres that provide affordable after-school care for children from lowincome and single parent families.

During my school holidays, I go

As a volunteer involved with the

to Eunos CareHut to give tuition

corporate communications of

to the students there.

CCSS, I attend various CCSS events

Theodore Koh, student

and write event reports.

Lisa Bala, teacher

As a volunteer at Eunos CareHut, I help students in their English and

I volunteer with the corporate

Mathematics.

communications team as a

Low Lum Soon, retiree

photographer for various CCSS events.

Desmond Leong, remisier

Volunteering with the Management Committee

I volunteer my time to take

As a volunteer on the Management Committee,

photographs for CCSS at its

I lead the Program & Services sub-committee.

various events.

Albert Tay, managing director

Eileen Lee, senior project executive

65

nate Passio beat Heart

Church Development Evangelism

In 2010, Trinitarians gave of their time, treasure, talents and testimonies in 27 Missions Impact Teams (MITs) in eight countries. In all, 3,079 decisions were made to follow Jesus, and the teams also witnessed 160 cases of miraculous healings.

66

Being part of the Missions Impact Team to Taiwan from Nov 23 to 29 gave Freddie Lim a valuable opportunity to witness for himself how the gospel sets captives free. He recounts his experience.

Love Liberates On Nov 25, we went to Jilong City Prison in Taiwan to minister to the inmates. There were 12 of us in the team. For most of us, it was our first time personally interacting with prison inmates.

As we passed through the heavily guarded, greycold prison gates, we kept in mind that we were here to serve the Lord by sharing the gospel that saves and liberates, and so determined in our hearts to use every effort to communicate God’s love to every individual who would come listen to us.

During worship, our team sang two songs. It turned out that one of the songs we had chosen, a Taiwan Hokkien song called

Lastly, Pastor Albert gave an altar

‘Endless Love’, was a favorite

call, calling for everyone to receive

of the inmates. We got them

freedom by inviting Jesus Christ into

to sing along with us. As our voices rose together

their hearts as their Lord and Savior. As the Holy Spirit filled the

in worship, the inmates’ stony faces slowly

room, the inmates stood together in unison and followed Pastor

began to melt into smiles.

Albert in saying the sinner’s prayer. Some of the men even had tears rolling down their cheeks. Most of us were touched and

After worship, we presented a mime and Pastor

could not keep from shedding tears too.

Albert then shared a sermon on the parable of the prodigal son. I noticed that the inmates were all

It was in this atmosphere

listening intently, and knew that God’s Spirit was

of God’s love and warmth

moving upon their hearts. I also shared with them

that we ended our outreach

my testimony of how God helped me miraculously

program. Praise God! All

quit smoking after 40 years of smoking.

glory belongs to Him!”

67

Church Development

nate Passio beat Heart

Evangelism

AN

Earthshaking EXPERIENCE Reading about an earthquake is one thing, experiencing it first-hand is another.

A Missions Impact Team (MIT ) to Taiwan encountered a major natural disaster which could have derailed their plans, but the team stared the calamity in the eye and experienced God’s shaking in a different manner.

Taiwan Chaoliao village, Kaohsiung County Mar 2-8, 2010

On the On he secon econd ec on nd

th he lo losstt in tth he

da d ay of ay of the eir ir ttri riip, p,

cco omm mmu un nit ityy..

tth he M MIIT ha had ad

The Th he team tea te am m

jju ust st fin nis ishe is she ed

me m em mb ber ers rs

thei th thei eir mo morn rnin ing

sha sh arre tth hei eir

devo de voti ttiio on n on

refl re flec ecti ec tio on ns. ns. s.

tth he fo fourth urrth u th floor or

68

of the of heir heir ir hot otel el

Go G od’ d’s ha hand nd

wh w hen en the hey

off pro rote tect ctio on

werre we e jo ollte t db byy pow owe errfu ful ttrrem rem emor orss.. A str tron ong ea eart rthq thq hqua hqua uakke e

was o wa on n us ev eve even en n wh he en we we wer ere in n the h mid dst st of a an n

that th at mea asu sure ed 6 6..4 .4 on on the he R Ric iicchte htter h er scca ale eh ha ad hit ad i the e

earrtthqua ea hq h qu ua ake ke. He He a ass ssu ss urred re ed d us of of Hiiss pre resenc sen se ncce e,, and d afftte err

arrea a ea. a. Fo For mo most st of th the tte eam eam am mem embe embe berss, th his is was as tthe he h e first st

the e the th ea arrtthq qu ua akke e, th he p pe eop ople le at tth he pl placce ess th ha at we we

tiime ti me th me ha a att tth hey ey fel elt tth he g grro ou u und nd n d tre rem remb mb ble e ben enea eath atth h the heir ir

v si vi sitte ed du duri ring ng str tre reet eet eva ee ev va an ng ge elism lliism sm wer ere m mo ore ore re ope pen

feet fe feet et. Bu ut even even ev en an e ea art rthq hqu hqua ua ake ke cou oulld dn not ott dete o eter et er th he e tea eam

tto o us tth han an the he d day ay bef ay efor ore. e The e gro roun und wa was in inde deed ed

fro fr om m co on nttiinu nuin ng wi witth h the eirr miisssi sion sion on to pa part rtner ne er w wiith th

sso oft ften ne ed d by Go God’ od d’’s sh sha ak kin ing ng.

memb me mber ers rs o off the he lo occal al Chaol ha h ao ollia liao ia ao Ch Chur urch h to re ea acch o ou ut to o

Ta ay Hi Hing Heng en ng, cco on nssul ultta ulta an ntt

On O n ou urr ret etur etur urnn-w wa ay to to Kao aohs oh hssiu iun ng ga air irport ir po ort r , ou ur v va an an a allm mo osstt ha h ad a an n acc ccid iden ent w wh he en n a hug uge tr truc uck ttrrav ave ellin ng at at hig gh ssp pee eed we wedg wedg dged dged ed in towa to owa ward rds ou our va van n.. Th he ere re was as n no ow wa ay we cou we oulld dh hav ave es av escca ape ped b be ecca au usse on on th he e oth ther er siid de of of th the he ro road oad ad was as a tal all diivi vid diin ng g co on ncr cre ette wa wallll. IIn n tthe he h e niiccckk off tim o ime, e, Pa asstor tor Al to Alb be errtt pra rayye ed w wiiith tth ha aut uttho u tho hority rity ri ty, ‘IIn tth he nam na me e of JJe essu uss… … ‘ and nd im mme med diiat atel ely, y, the he tru ruck ruck ck swa wayed ye y ed ou o utw wa arrds ds tto o sa safe fety fety fe ty. P Prraise aiise a se God od! Ther There Th ere is er is pow owe wer er iin nH Hiiiss nam na name me e! He He pro rote tect cted ed us du duri rin ng g the he ear arth hqu quake ake tto ak oo o..

Em E milly Po or, a arrttiiist st st

Ia am m ver ery bl bles essse ed to to see ee ho ow w Go od d ha ass put ut ou urr va arrio ou uss giffttiin gi ng gss to og ge etther her tto he o fo orrm rm a g grrea eat te eam am. T Th he p pa assssiio ass on, n, bold bo bold dn ne ess ss and d wililliling ngn ne ess ss of my my te ea am ma mate tes wa was ttrrul uly ly a ble bl bles essssiing ng to m me e. Du Durriing ng on ne e of tth he h ho osp spit ital al viissiitts, s, Go od d als lso demons de mo m on nssttrra atte ed d th ha at He He goe oes ah he ea ad of of us, s, and d th ha at ev every ery er visi vi sit iiss a diiv vin ine o on ne. e. I en enco coun oun untte erre ed h ho o ow w re eall ou urr God od is.

Phyl Ph yllliiiss N Ng ga ga am m,, rreea m all estat stat st ate co con nssul ulta ant nt I ex expe peri rie en ncce nce ed a brea brre b ea akt kth kthr hrro ou ugh h whe hen I lle ed othe otthe o herrss to Ch C hrriist hri st wiitth my my limit iim mitted ed Man anda darriin a an nd br bro ok ken en Hokki ok kki kien en!

De D esp spitte my my la an ng gu uag age lilimi limi m ta tati ati tion ons, s, I am a allso o th ha a ank nkkffu n ul fo or th the op o ppo porrttu un nit ity to o pre reac eac ach ch in in Man and da arriin a att the he Sun unda day se ervi rv viicce. e.

Thro Th rou ug gh th the p prrep re ep pa arra atttio io ion, on, n, I hav av ve e le lea arrntt allll thi hin ng gs are are ar po p ossib ssssible ible ib le witth Go God. d.

Lawr La awren wrrence w ence en ce En ng g, po polliice ce officer er Wh W hen en the he ear earth arrth a hq qu ua akke ke ha hap pp pe en ne ed d on tth he se ecco ond nd d day ay, I th ay than ank Go G od th that at th he e ttea ea e am wa am was to was toge geth geth the err at o on ne pl plac ace ace. e.. Our ur pra aye yerss drro d ow wn ne ed o ou ut al allll th the pa pan niic an and comm cco omm mot otion otio ion a io arrrou ou un nd du us. s..

Reb Reb Re be ecc cca Ch Chu hua ua, h ho ome mem mema ma ake ker

69

nate Passio beat Heart

Church Development Evangelism

Local Missions, Global Heartbeat

There are 1,846,000 foreigners in Singapore as of June 2010. 1,090,00 0

The heart of missions is to go and make disciples of all nations and sometimes, the nations come to our doorstep. Through Local Missions Impact Teams (MITs), Trinitarians can partner with the language ministries to minister to foreigners in Singapore.

of them make up about one-third of Singapore’s labour force. The majority of foreigners work as live-in domestic helpers, or in construction, shipyard and shipbuilding, manufacturing and service industries, while the rest hold skilled employment passes.

Sources: Singstat; Ministry of Manp owerr

70

Local MIT (Thai Ministry)

God’s Heart in Mine

Dates: Aug 29, Sep 5 & 10, 2010 No. of team members: 7 No. of people whom the MIT reached out to: 85 No. of salvations and re-dedicatio ns: 12

I used d to strrugg ggle e witth prray ayin ing in g fo forr otthe herrs rs, ev e en n though I reallyy want th n ed to. I allso strugg ggle le wit ith h shar sh a ing the go g spell w with a total st s rang n er er..

or even who to pray for. I just stretched out my hand towards the nearest available guy without

Butt wh Bu hen I ccam am me fa face ce to fa ce face ce wit ith h th t e Thaii people, the

touching him. But our team leader, Pastor Steven

Holy Ho ly Spi piri ritt he ri help lp pe ed d me realize th hatt the gos gos ospe pell wa pe wass th the e mo most st

pulled my hand to touch the man’s shoulder.

valuable thi va hing ng I had d th hat I coul hat coul co uld d sh shar are e wi with th tthe th hem. he m The m. he Spir Sp i it put in me m a bur urde d n fo forr ce cert r ai ain indi divi v du dual alss that I mett

I started to cry because I began to feel for the

– it felt like I hadn’’t done ne som ometh hing tha h t I was su uppossed e

person on whom I was laying hands on, and I felt

to d do o if I w wer e e to wal alkk aw away ay

overwhelmed. Somehow,

wiith w ho ou ut sh shar arin ar ing in g Je Jesu suss wi su with t the hem. m m.

I was able to pray for him with words that were not from my

Duri Du ring g ourr ttrain nin ng, Pasto or

own thoughts. God knew my

Sttev even en had ttol old us ttha old hat for hat fo or a allta tarr

doubts and limitations and was

mini mi n sttry r , we sho houl houl uld d ju just st p pra rayy ra

able to use me nevertheless.

w th all the love wi e that we ha h ve e

I am thankful for the ministry

got.. I had tho go oug ghtt tha hat I ha h dn n’t

of the Holy Spirit.

go ot mu m ch h–w wha hatt wass I goin ng to to d do? o?

I have been mentored through this trip. Now, when I see the

During a Tha haii se erv rvic ice,

Thai congregation, I am blessed by

I was hopi ping g to avoid id

their worship and service to the Lord.

praying g fo for people at

When I see them reaching out to their

the alta ar as I had never

fellow Thai pre-believers with sincere

done ne thiis be before. But

hearts, it really inspires me because I am

when I saw a peo opl pe

reminded how little I have done for God

comi co ming mi ng g ffor orwa or ward ward d tto o

for the people I meet everyday and have

a swer the an h salvati t on n cal a l, I was touched d. I walked d

taken for granted.

to the h alttar but did dn’ n t know w wh what at tto pray ay abo b ut u

Charlene Low, assistant underwriter

71

nate Passio beat Heart

Church Development Evangelism

Local MIT (Indonesian Ministry) Local MIT (Filipino Ministry) Dates: Oct, 10, 17, 24 & 31, 2010 No. of team members: 8 out to: 120 No. of people whom the MIT reached ns: 15 No. of salvations and re-dedicatio

Dates: Jul 31, Aug 15 & Oct 4, 2010 No. of team members: 11 No. people the MIT reached out to: 76 No. of salvations and re-dedicatio ns: 12

The Universal Language of Love

Challenged, Inspired, Reignited!

Duri Duri ring ng tthi hiss tr hi trip ip,, God ip God ssttir irre red re d in nm me e a se sensse of urgencyy to

I am thankfu ful for the ch chan ance ce to sh shar are ar e Ch Christ i with h th he

reac acch ou ach outt to t tthi hiss gr hi grou oup ou p of for orei e gn g wor orke kers ke rs, in par rs arti ticu ti cu ula larr

Indo In done do nesi ne sian si ans. an s. A s.

Alt llttho h ug gh itt w was as not ot e eas asyy, as y, iitt he help lped lp d me

the wome th enf nfollk. I realilize ed th hatt tth hey he ey ar are e ve very ry v vu ulnera ulne rabl ra ble bl e,

see se ee th the he ne need ed ffor or G God od d iin n th he pe p op ople le. le.

for I saw them beiing pre fo reye yed d up upon o . There is i ad des espe p rate need for laborerrs in n thiss ha harv rvest fielld, d to o le l ad tthe he llos ostt to

Th hro roug ugh h th this is ttri rip, p, m my ze eal a tto o se s rve e Go God d ha hass be been en n

a sa afe e env nvir iron o me on entt llik ike e th the e ch chur urch, where they will have ha ave

reig ignite ite ed. I a am m in inspired d by the th he pa passiion io wi w th whiich

a comm mmun unit ityy th hatt w wilililll lo l ve and d ccar are fo are ar forr th hem em..

my IInd my ndo nd onesian brothers and sisters one rss iin n Ch hri rist stt ser erve ved ved ve God, d, iin sp spit ite it te of tthe he e fac a t that the h y ha have ve e sso o fe few da days y off ys

Throug Th ugh h this tri r p, p Ih hav ave fe fellt pow ower erfulllly the siign g ifican ance ce

from workk. I am al also so o ttha ha hank ank nkfu full for fu for the fo th he oppo op pp po ort r un unit ityy to it

off 1 C Cor orin inth inth thians thi ians ia ns 1 13 3:13 – And 3:13 And no An ow thes thes esee th thre reee re re rema main ma in:: in

be cha be hallllllen e ge en ed by by o oth the th er tteam members and pa p st stor orrss or

f itth, fa h hop opee an and d lo love ve. Bu Butt the he gr grea eatte testt o off th hes esee is lov ovee.

w o se wh erv rved ed d God wit ith pa ith pass ssiion, ss ion, and nd hav ave al also also so ccom o e to om to

I no oti t ce ced d th hat a oft ften, the e co coldne ess of th hos ose wh w om o we

ap ppr p ec ecia iate te the e examp ple of selfl selfless ss ser ervi vice vi ce ssho how ho wn by wn

reacch o out ut tto o me melt melt lts ts in in the he ffac ace ac e off tthe he e lov ove e we ssho how how ho

Trin Tr Trin init itty’ y s pa past sttor o s. s

them e . Tr T ul u y, C Chr hris ist’s love e tha h t fl flow owss th hro r ug ugh ea ach one ne o us tr of tran a scen endss alll ccul ultu tu ura ral, l, lan angu guag gu age ag ea an nd em mot otio iona io nall na

I al also learnt th hat

b rrie ba ers rs. I wi will definit itel e y go g for o such a trrip aga g in!

Go od can n ta take away y

To ony n Chy h e e,, re reti tireee

my nervousnesss when wh en n I spe p ak befforre a larg ge au audi dien di ence en ce, ce and th an and hat a He can ca an use usse my y ssim impl p e te est stim imon ony y to tou tou ouch ch o oth ther th erss. I al er also so llea earnt that th at G God od can an flo ow th thro roug ugh h me me in un unex expe pect ect cted cted d way ays. s.

Desp spiite ite ha avi ving ng jjus ustt le us lear arnt ntt tthe he llan angu an g age, gu e I ffou ound ou n nd that th at I cou o ld pra ray in Bah has a a Indo done nesi sia ia ev even e tho en h ugh h in n norma orma m l si situati i ions n , I st stru rugg ru gg gle l ffor or w wor ords or ds I no ds. now w se ee th that a God ccan at an use e wha ate teve verr I off offe e err to H Him im m!

Ro osita siita C Chu hua hu a, le lect ctur ct urer ur err

72

Upcoming Missions Impact Teams (MIT) Be a blessing to the nations! Sign-up and witness for yourself the miracles of God! Jun 17-23

India (Humanitarian MIT)

Jul 5-11

India

Jul 19-25

Taiwan

Jul 21-25

Indonesia

Jul 26–Aug 1

Taiwan

Aug 2-8

Taiwan

Aug 14, 21 & 28

Local MIT (Thai Ministry)

Sep 21-26

India (Humanitarian MIT)

Oct 9, 23 & 30

Local MIT (Filipino Ministry)

Oct 25-31

India

Nov 22-28

Taiwan

Sign-up at www..trin in nit i y.net or at the Level 2 Church Informat atio io on Counter.

For enqu uir ires e , email tccmissions@trinity.org.sg Informat attio ion correct at time of print. ion

Refer to www.trinity.net and the bulletin for latest updates.

Re 73

nate Passio beat Heart

Church Development Leadership and Organizational Development

Through Training and Consultation trips, Trinity is fulfilling our God-given destiny to help churches experience a breakthrough. In 2010, our pastors and leaders continued to do so through embarking on 43 such trips to countries such as Australia, Bulgaria, China, Colombia, Hong Kong, Japan, India, Malaysia, Poland, Taiwan and the United States. Here are some testimonies of the first-fruits of their labor.

Sowing into

I am now able to share the gospel

I am able to effectively nurture

I receive encouragement and

and three of my friends accepted

new believers.

counsel from my leadership

Christ!

I used the New Beginnings* to help

carecell, making me a better carecell leader.

I only knew how to share the gospel

five new believers build their spiritual

after I attended the training where

foundations. Even though they

I have enjoyed the leadership

I learned how to use the Book of Life.

were not able to attend our carecell

carecell. I am able to fellowship with

In the past, I wanted to share the

meetings in the beginning, I was

other carecell leaders, zone leaders

gospel with others but I did not know

equipped and empowered to nurture

and pastors. During the meetings,

how to. But now, through doing care

them outside the carecell meetings.

we are able to share our challenges,

acts, care events and care witness,

They have grown spiritually and are

and get counsel and support from

I have found it much easier to reach

now coming to our carecell meetings

zone leaders which were not possible

out and win souls. Through the care

more regularly.

in the past. As a result, I am a better

acts, events and consistent prayers,

A Carecell Leader

carecell leader.

three of my friends accepted Christ.

An Associate Leader

One of them is even reaching out to her pre-believer husband!

A Spiritual Parent 74

* New Beginnings is a nurturing tool that lays the foundations for a Christian’s relationship with God, fellow Christians, the local church and his or her oikos (family and friends).

Spiritual Leadership

I benefit from my leadership

I see every member involved

no longer a monologue but

carecell.

and growing in the TCC Cell

dialogue between leaders and

Church Model and there is no

members. Therefore when it

problem when it comes to carecell

comes to multiplication, we have

multiplication.

no problem finding spiritual

Through the leadership carecell, we are able to learn from other leaders and to get to know one another better.

Now it is not only the carecell I see carecell growth and new

leader leading every Friday but

leaders raised.

everybody takes part. My carecell

We are able to see potential leaders rise up and new people coming almost every week. We are really happy that our carecell has multiplied!

An Associate Leader

has multiplied during the one year we have adopted this model. They now know how to apply God’s Word into their lives. The members find the carecell interesting. It is

parents as they are all ready. I am looking forward to more carecell multiplications.

A Carecell Leader It is good to see our members rising up to be leaders themselves.

A Zone Leader

75

nate Passio beat Heart

Church Development Leadership and Organizational Development

TCA College

Equipped Me! he opportunity

T

The Lord had also opened a way for me to do

to study the

missionary work in Papua, where I spent my time

mission and

educating the children for about eight months.

College (Theological

Throughout all those years immersing myself

Centre for Asia, as it

studying at TCA, little did I realize that God

was then known) was

was in the process of weaving the unfinished

a very special privilege

tapestry of my life. Now that I have come to

that God has provided

realize it, I can see how beautiful He has made

to equip me in the ministry. It has proven to be

my life to be, and I am excited in believing that

a training ground that propelled my life and my

He is still not yet finished with it.

Word of God at TCA

ministry forward.

Jacub Suria

After I graduated, I was presented with the opportunity to start a Bible school in Bekasi, West Java. When I first started the school, I was only armed with passion, a heart to serve, the yearning to fulfill the Great Commission and the grace of God. Now I am grateful that over my nine-year tenure there, the school had over seventy graduates who were sent to the missions field to reap the harvest.

76

Jakarta Pastoral staff, Alpha Omega Church in 1999 logy Theo in elor Bach a Graduated with

You ur giving g has enab ble ed TCA College, the e theologica al arm of Trrinity to partner witth worrld-class un niversitiies so thatt the ollege ca an offer ou utstan nding programm mes to o equip le eaders co nd minissters wo orld dwide e. Founded by Trinity y in n 1979, TCA an ollege ha as traine ed and equ uipped more tha an 1,000 stu udents Co m 30 nattions all overr the world. Here are e three off them. from

I

vision for missions. My studies with TCA

I

College has helped me tremendously in

many church planters. But, to be able to train

my five years of pastoral work in South

others, I myself needed to be trained first. The

Africa as I was ministering and training

Lord opened the door to come to Singapore

members in the Asian congregation. TCA

to be trained – and TCA College

has also equipped me with cutting edge

in Singapore was one of the

Theological and Missiological training

instruments that the Lord

which is influencing me even now as

used to train me!

praise God that TCA College was instrumental in laying a strategic foundation in my spiritual life and

n 1990, the compelling vision that the Lord gave me was to plant heaps of churches in the unreached villages and regions of India.

I knew that for this to happen, I needed to train

I strategize and preach the Gospel in my cross-cultural church-planting missions

After studying in TCA, I served

among the Northern

amongst the migrant workers

Thai people. Thank

in Singapore – and helped

You TCA College for

plant seven churches amongst

investing in me.

the Indian workers, serving with Asia Evangelistic Fellowship. In 1998, I returned to India to train

Cornelius Groenewald Strategy Coordinator [Missionary], a Christian Revival Church, South Afric in 1999 ity Divin in ters Graduated with a Mas

church planters and plant churches. In the last 12 years, we have trained 600 church planters through three training schools and have planted 71 churches. I want to thank the Lord for using TCA College to train me. Our vision for 2020 is 1,000 churches! All glory to God! Jagadeesan Kalyanakumar mbly, India Senior Pastor, Harvest Christian Asse Missions in 1994 and Bible in ters Mas with d Graduate

77

The School of Counselling launches its

Master of Arts Programmes The School of Counselling at TCA College launches two new Master of Arts Programmes in 2011: the Master of Arts in Counselling (MAC) and the Master of Arts in Marital and Family Therapy (MFT).

What are the MAC and MFT programmes?

The MAC programme is designed to prepare the graduate for the field of professional and/ or pastoral counselling, whereas the MFT is designed

News Update!

The Post-Graduate Diploma in Coun selling (Year 1) awarded by the University of Wales, UK is officially reco gnised by the Sin gapore Association for Co unselling since Oc tober 2010.

rammes are to prepare graduates for the field of marriage and family therapy. Both programmes planned as two year courses. The curriculum will be taught by the faculty at the TCA Colleges’ School of Counselling: Rev. Anita Chia, Dr Danny Goh, Mrs Esther Tzer Wong, and Rev. Sam Kuna, experts in their field of specialty.

The MA programmes are open to both full-time and part-time students. Students who successfully complete the requirements of the first year will be issued with a Post Graduate Diploma in Counselling from the University of Wales.

MAC Programme Course Length: 2 years

MFT Programme

Year 1: Post Graduate Diploma in Counselling (UoW) Year 2: Master of Arts in Counselling (TCA)

Year 2: Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy (TCA)

Year 1: 120 Credits plus 100 hours supervised practicum Academic Requirements

Membership Eligibility Upon Graduation

Curriculum synopsis

80

Year 2: 60 Credits

Year 2: 60 Credits plus 50 hours supervised practicum

Met the criteria for membership with the Singapore Association of Counselling

Met the academic and training criteria for membership with the Association for Marital & Family Therapist Singapore and the Singapore Association of Counselling

Admission ➔ Completion of 5 Pre-requisites ➔ 1st Year Curriculum: Post Graduate in Counselling Diploma from the University of Wales ➔ 2nd Year Curriculum: 2 Tracks – MA in Counselling or MA in Marriage & Family Therapy ➔ Graduation!

The ke key and unique characteristics of the SOC MA programmes are first, it is faith-

What are my career options upon graduation?

Graduates from either programme will be able to practise

integrated – students benefit from

as counsellors in faith-based organisations, institutions and

engaging discussions on spirituality,

community organisations or as private practitioners.

spiritual direction and similar issues within the counselling practice; secondly, it is skills-focused, where experienced practitionerlecturers pass on valuable insights in counselling through class

Who Should Apply?

The MAC Programme: ➔ You have the passion to counsel people with emotional and mental-health issues ➔ You want to help people navigate their developmental processes.

instruction, role play and direct supervision.

The MFT Programme: ➔ You enjoy working with families and couples in need of

– Sam Kuna, Dean, School of Counselling

counselling ➔ You wish to effect change in the community through the family.

Apply today!

Call the registrar’s office at 6304 7602 or visit ww.tca.edu.sg

81

ren 4 to 6 child y r a im r P etic mp 158 energ ngaging ca e f o s y a d d hly spirite and three ig h e n o r make fo workshops amic n. The dyn io s lo p x E p Camp ership cam d a le g in h and enric ildren lives of ch e th d te c a imp d to ve God, an r e s d n a e eir to lov a mark in th e k a m to t step ou tings. Here if g ir e th h world wit stimonies. are some te

Before coming for camp, I felt lousy and thought that I was useless, but through camp, I learnt that everyone has talent. Also, before camp, I would not jump and felt timid when worshipping, but after Pastor Peter told me not to be afraid to shout to the Lord or cry out. I can now praise the Lord with joy and not be scared to cry in the presence of God. I hope to serve in Sound in Pre-Teens.

Daniel Chew, Primary 4 I thank God for helping me to feel His presence. God brought me closer to Him and I feel touched by Him. Jonathan Lim, Primary 3 I felt God’s presence for the first time in my life.

Joseph Cheng, Primary 4

82

I learnt how to praise and worship God properly.

I thank God for creating me, giving me life and allowing me to come to church to praise Him. Benedict Tan, Primary 5 God has touched my heart and I know that He wants me to have an explosive love for Him. I remember that before I came to this camp, I ignored and had forgotten about God, but now that I have experienced the presence of God greatly, I feel closer to Him and I am ready to change my lifestyle!

Caitlyn Gn, Primary 5 I came to camp with a cough but I was healed. I’m no longer coughing!

Lydia Foong, Primary 3

ss C hil d re n h e l pe r

a y ...

I came to Camp Explosion expecting to serve the children,

ready to pour my all into their lives as God’s vessel. I was surprised by how God took all that I have offered Him and poured right back into my life manifold. I was really blessed by the sincerity of the children’s worship and their adoration for God. I left the camp tired after three consecutive days of taking care of really energetic children, but I also feel spiritually and emotionally filled by God. Thank you Children’s Ministry for organizing this amazing event!

Hannah Tan, student Creative Ministry I would like to thank God for the opportunity to serve and it was a wonderful surprise to lead one of the campers who came to Trinity for the first time to salvation!

Gregory Phua, self-employed East, Trinity@Paya Lebar I thank God for allowing me this opportunity to sow into the lives of children in my team. I look forward to how God will use this experience to transform their lives.

Kenneth Tang, investment manager North, Trinity@Adam

I learnt to love God with all my heart, mind and strength.

Also, I learnt how to do TAWG! I hope to remember God’s Word by journaling.

Joan Ng, Primary 4 I learnt about the values of a leader and the importance of teamwork through the workshops, drama, hosting and worship. I had never felt God touch me before but in the camp He did and I feel great!

Seck Li-Lyn, Primary 4 I want to thank God for teaching me how to love Him. Jane Kwok, Primary 3

I thank God for the fun games, weather, worship and food. I have learnt to be a leader, to encourage others and to have teamwork.

Zavier Leong, Primary 3 My knowledge of God and His Word grew through this camp. I can now tell my friends and relatives about Jesus, so they also can be saved.

Felicity Tay, Primary 4

83

Defying Convention, Defining Destiny DefinYtion was a defining event in the lives of over 400 IGYNTErs. Held over December 13 to 15, the event was marked by exciting programs, games, workshops and powerful God encountering services.

84

85

In DefinYtion, we were treated to really awesome workshops that will put us in good stead for the years ahead.

We learnt how to ‘Be the one’ through a workshop on BGR (Boy-Girl Relationships).

We gained new vision when our pastors showed us the issues and dangers in ‘grey areas’ through the workshop ‘Black, White or Grey – Don’t be a prey in the grey’. We thought

that was a really cool title for that topic. We also had the privilege of learning about ‘Godly ambition’ where we learnt how to transform personal ambitions into Godly goals.

God was definitely in our midst and spoke to many of us in a personal manner. One IGNYTEr mentioned how he had a difficult relationship with 86

his father for a long time and throughout the event, had felt really rejected and disappointed with all that was happening at home. However, through one morning’s devotion during DefinYtion, he heard God’s timely Word for him, encouraging him to persevere and that God was always there for him.

Another IGNYTEr testified of how he was so impacted while serving as a Group Leader in DefinYtion that he wanted to step out to serve as a full-fledged IGNYTE Leader; another wanted to start a Prayer Cell in his school. We were really inspired by the Holy Spirit to start some spiritual engines going!

DefinYtion didn’t just impact the IGNYTErs. A friend of an IGNYTEr who came was impacted by the teaching and was amazed that there were such profound truths and learning points behind every game and activity.

She said she had been to many Christian events but had never experienced one like DefinYtion. We have been spurred on in our faith and have gained a renewed passion for our God! 87

New Day, New Season The first campus district gathering was an unforgettable and dynamic one. For some it was about letting go of the past to start afresh, and for others it was simply the start of a new adventure. Most importantly, it was a call for the Joshua Generation to step into their Promised Land, to be a light in their campuses.

1 3 4

88

2

6 5

7

1 Pastor Wendy welcomes everyone with a big smile 2 ‘I will surely win this ice breaker!’

3 ‘My favorite ice-cream flavor is...’

4 ‘Here I am, Lord’ 5 Installation and dedication of Sectional Leaders 6 Installation and dedication of Carecell Leaders 7 Together for the first time 8 The campus carecell from Creative Ministry 9 Pastor Joyce leads us in prayer for our campuses 10 Letting our light shine 11 We are the next generation!

8

9

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Can Christmas be fruity without fruitcake? That was the unusual question posed to 537 children on December 18 and 19, where they gathered for DiscoveryLand’s Christmas special event. Through a multimedia presentation and sermon, children learnt that Christmas was about God’s precious gifts of salvation, peace and joy.

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Trinitarians from the Chinese Ministry and Creative Ministry collaborated in this drama.

Good-News-seekers fill the Chapel.

The drama begins.

A contestant overhears another’s high hopes of the contest.

Backstage, conflict between the contestants emerges when one schemes to outwit the other.

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A contestant sings about her troubled life.

619 people from all walks of life came to witness talent-hopefuls pit against one another to emerge winner, with their dreams and aspirations at stake. But more than just tears and catfight, the drama drove home the message of hope and salvation.

At this Chinese Ministry Christmas presentation, 29 first-time-visitors came and 16 responded to the Good News by giving their lives to Christ.

Sharing more about Jesus, the reason for Christmas.

People pack the altar in response to the message of hope and salvation.

Contestant number two laments to the show host about the saga backstage.

Contestant number three belts out a popular fast-paced song.

The final contestant sings about the good news of Christ.

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The musical creation brought back feelings of déjà vu, for its scale resembled that of the ‘Singing Christmas Tree’, a Trinity production hallmark of the 80’s. Staged on December 23 and 24, the Christmas Cantata was a showcase of splendor and majesty, reflecting the glory of its audience of One. 121 responded by receiving Jesus into their hearts.

The splendor of our king displayed in full magnificence. The lit-up backdrop was a mesmerizing showcase of the night of Jesus’ birth.

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Re-enacting the night where Bethlehem had no room for Joseph and Mary – our cast.

Wowing in amazement at how soundly ‘baby Jesus’ slept – the audience’s unequivocal response at this up close and personal screen encounter.

Shepherds – ordinary men with a special place in God’s heart – rejoice at the sight of baby Jesus.

Reflections Over 300 Trinitarians gave of their time and talents by signing up to be involved in the production to make it a grand one.

I’ve been in Trinity for 30 years, since 1980. I also served in the ‘Singing Christmas Tree’ back in the 80’s. The only difference is that now there are no rain drops (in one year, the crowds, which swelled to 7,000, braved the cold drizzle to catch the performance which was staged in the open). It’s so awesome to have this Christmas Cantata in our own premise; serving here brings back memories.

Patrick Koh, business owner

It was a challenge, and hence an achievement for the

Ensemble: flute

musicians to learn to play their scores within a short span

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of time – nine pieces of music in 12 weeks. I feel a sense of

It’s my first time serving in a production. I signed up

satisfaction sharing the love of God through this production.

because I wanted to invite my friends for this production,

It was a tremendous opportunity serving the Lord.

and they came on both days!

Tan Beng Wee, conductor

Toh Pei Sze, bank officer

Ensemble: conductor

Cast: shepherd cum towns folk

A closer peek at our ensemble and choir.

Trinity partnered with Centre of New Life Wind Assembly, which was comprised of talented musicians of all ages – the youngest was 8 and the oldest, 69.

Crying out to God for a Savior to deliver them from Roman oppression – the opening act of the drama.

I signed up because in carecell we talked about getting

It’s a joy to serve and to see the audience enjoying the Cantata.

involved in church. I think this is a meaningful event. It

Jeremiah Koh, student

kills two birds with one stone – knowing more people and

Cast: innkeeper, attendant cum towns folk

getting more involved at the same time. When we saw the crowd, we felt overwhelmed, in a positive sense. We were

We got to know of this performance through our conductor

very excited, and we wanted to do our utmost best for

in Temasek Polytechnic Band. We are glad to be able to

God. I hope that as we sing, our songs will minister to the

collaborate with Trinity in this performance. Though the

people and that they will be able to experience the spirit

training was tough, we feel that it was worthwhile as we

of joy and have hope this Christmas.

shared the joy of Christmas with others.

June Ong, teacher

Charlie Quek and Hordin Ang, polytechnic students

Choir: soprano 1

Ensemble: clarinet (Charlie), trumpet (Hordin)

I’m happy serving God in this production. Though it was

It is very fulfilling seeing the number of people involved

tough when I made mistakes, I trust God to see me through.

who are so willing to serve and commit their time.

Savannah Holborn, primary 4 student

Amy Lin, community partnership executive

Choir: soprano 1

Crew: costume and wardrobe 97

Wise men from the East bow to worship the King of kings.

An often-heard story with a new perspective – Pastor Dominic, our Senior Pastor shedding new light on the birth of baby Jesus.

‘This is my first time here. I like the atmosphere and I love the performance.’ A comment by first-time-visitor Li Wen Chan, enchoing the sentiments of the thousands others present.

Rejoicing

God’s message of love is for all ages. I invited my

Trinitarians and visitors alike open their hearts to the precious love of Jesus.

to God. Praise the Lord for open heavens!

neighbor’s 12-year-old son; he had previously come to church a few times but never opened his heart to the love of Christ. This time, he came and rededicated his life Desmond Choo, medical doctor For more than 20 years, we have been praying and

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My colleague Joyce repeatedly rejected my attempts to

waiting for dad to come to know Christ. This Cantata,

invite her to the Cantata, but came in the end. She was

I had the joy and privilege of walking him down the altar,

greatly blessed by the story and message shared, though

where he received Jesus into his heart. It was really a

she did not respond to the altar call. Joyce received Christ

fulfilment of our heart’s cry. We were overjoyed to the

that weekend at the Family Christmas Service!

point of being speechless.

Iris Lam, senior service coordinator

Diana Lim, corporate communications executive

The 175-member choir, with up-raised hands, lifting the name of Jesus.

They Came To Serve

The numbers of people who put their hands to the plow.

‘It’s a joy being part of the harvest’. Spiritual Parents following up with guests who opened their hearts to the love of Christ.

Choir: 175 Ensemble: 60 Props and sets: 38 Cast: 26 Video: 24 Sound and lighting: 11 Costume and Wardrobe: 10 Total:

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We sat in the Chapel where we watched the production

We came as a family. It was fantastic, especially the

on screen, and I must say it was not as exciting as seeing

transformation of the sets and the costume changes. The

the power-packed performance live in the Sanctuary.

songs and the live playing of the ensemble were wonderful.

However, when the altar call was given, the friend

The starry night effect was also very nice. I felt great.

I brought and her son responded to the altar call. The

Craig Chan, interior designer

love of God had touched them!

Tan Chian Wah, director

I particularly liked the birth scene of Jesus. I was very moved.

I’ve been in Trinity for over 20 years and this Christmas

Benny Pang, instrument designer

Cantata is definitely something new. Many years ago, there was the ‘Singing Christmas Tree’ but that was

I found it awesome. The atmosphere was fantastic.

outdoors. The Cantata’s orchestra and choir were very

Everyone was amazed that the choir could convey so well

good – I actually didn’t expect it to be this good!

the message that God loves us so much.

Rosy Goh, accountant

Abraham Moh, secondary four student

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While the world celebrated of God as they ‘There you are! Finally found you! Merry Christmas!’ – The best part of Christmas: exchanging gifts.

‘Hurry!

2,438 more inserts to go!’ – Celebration Hosts preparing the bulletin.

‘Auntie, watch your step. Let me give you a hand.’ – Arriving early to catch ‘The Good News’, Chinese Ministry’s Christmas presentation.

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‘Better prepare more seats!’ – In anticipation of a large crowd following the Christmas Cantata, Richie, the Service Coordinator, arranges for more seats.

‘Yes Hwee San, I’ll make sure your voice is clearly heard.’ – Uncle Jeff doing the audio set-up.

‘I’m early, yeah!’ – Nothing adds to the joy of Christmas than being early for Christmas Service.

ce en es pr e th in ed at br le ce s an ri ta ni ri T , ts with presen streamed into Trinity on December 25.

‘You better watch out, you better not cry…’Santa Claus’ is coming to Adam’ – Her carecell members will definitely not pout or cry.

‘Mummy, get a good seat! I want to see the stage!’ – It’s always a joy to celebrate Christmas as a family, literally.

…Glory to the newborn King!’ – Thousands of Trinitarian ‘angels’ sing to an audience of One.

‘No more room!’ – The Auditorium of Trinity@Adam was packed.

‘Uncle, mummy said this belongs to church.

Please put back!’

You’ll never walk alone….

Cos’ the Savior is born.’ – Senior Pastor Dominic Yeo sharing the Christmas message.

for Trinity, a church to b e everyone, the p lace y. on Christmas Da

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First year in Trinity: Merlvyn Heng, teacher To me, Family Communion is meaningful as a reminder of the ties that all of us in church share in the body of Christ. It was my first time attending Family Communion with my new DiscoveryLand carecell and I found it especially meaningful for us since we usually attend communion at separate services due to family, work and church commitments.

Family Communion allows the whole carecell to be united as one family to come together and thank God for the wonderful blessings He has showered upon the cell. In a way, it was also a platform to know each other better and to know how God has blessed each of our lives during the year.

It was wonderful to see so many families and carecells coming together. The excitement while queuing for our turn, the preparation of the mind and the spirit at the holding area, and the setting of the seats in closed circles made the experience unique.

It is also a time for thanksgiving as I am reminded of the ultimate gift of God and the sacrifice of Jesus, especially during Christmas when the focus of many are presents, shopping, eating and parties.

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Trinitarian discovers that whether it is one’s first or umpteenth time taking part in this tradition, the experience remains a very meaningful one.

The hallmark in the life of Trinity involves marking the closure of the year, and a dedication of the coming one to God. Originally held on the last day of each year, the event in 2010 was held over two days, December 26 and 31 to cater to the increased attendance over the years. Two Trinitarians, one in his first year in Trinity and the other who has been here for more than twenty years, reflect on what Family Communion means to them.

Twenty-seventh year here: Terence Wong, sales manager Come 2011, it will be my 27th year in Trinity Christian Centre, a year before Nora and I got married in Trinity in 1985.

Family Communion is a yearly affair that we look forward to. It is a time to reflect on the grace and provisions of our Lord Jesus Christ in our lives and also a time to listen to God on what He will do for us in the coming year.

God has always blessed us and is here to minister to us, in good times and in our down times too. We have learnt, through these years, to trust in His divine leading and remember the many promises He had given us.

When our children Chester and Chetwin were born, Family Communion became more significant as we took it as a family unit. It is always a wonderful joy to listen to each other giving thanks and praying for one another during the Family Communion – like how my boys recognize and thank God for His favor, sustenance, providence, protection and blessings over them through their tough hectic Junior College life and National Service training, even giving thanks for all their parents’ sacrifices. It never fails to bring my wife and I to tears! All these remind us to depend on God and not on ourselves.

Many times, we were also encouraged by the pastors’ prophetic prayers over our family, covering us in the safety of God’s hand. Surely, Family Communion is one strong tradition of Trinity that we will not want to miss!

In our years at Trinity Christian Centre, we are privileged to witness how God has blessed our church to grow, such that there are now two days for Family Communion. We are truly thankful to the church and pastors for providing, year after year, this memorable occasion.

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Overnight Prayer Meeting An intense 9 90 0 minutes of worship and intimacy with God was how the Overnight Prayer Meeting began. Over 600 people packed into Theatrette 2, exceeding its seating capacity of 350. As a result, more seats were packed in, filling every possible space, with projector screens even rolled up to allow for more seating area upfront.

The event was marked by the strong presence of God.

Second watch:

Breakthrough in courage A powerful time of speaking against our spiritual giants, stepping out of our comfort zones and breaking the spirit of apathy in our lives and in the church.

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First watch:

Breakthrough in intimacy A time of prayer to seek after God’s own heart and to honor God above all else.

Third watch:

Breakthrough in alignment A time of prayer to ready ourselves for the conquests that the Lord will give us and Trinity Christian Centre in the next 40 years.

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Engaged and aligned through Prayer!

Trinitarians stepped into 2011 with a season of prayer. They prayed together at the Combined Carecell Prayer Meeting on January 7 and committed to a 7-Day Prayer and Fast from January 8 to 14, where Trinitarians were equipped with a prayer guide.

Here are the reflections of business development director Matthias Chin, a Sectional Leader in North, Trinity@Paya Lebar.

As I entered 2011, I foresaw an enormous increase in workload in both the area of ministry and work. For a moment, I dreaded thinking about the year ahead and the challenges set before me. When I took time to go through the prayer guide – ‘Stepping into the next Season’, God’s Word strengthened and encouraged me to press on in faith.

As I read Revelations 2:1-7, the scripture passage for Day 1 of the prayer guide, I was reminded that no matter what I did or achieved, what mattered most was my first love for God. My prayer was that as I serve Him in ministry, work and family, my love for Him would grow deeper each day.

Another learning point that captured my attention was from Day 5 of the prayer guide.

Interestingly, it reminded me that we are called

No matter what I did or achieved, what mattered most was my first love for God.

to be human ‘beings’, not human ‘doings’. As I prepared for a hectic year ahead, I wanted to have the right mindset; to not just get my tasks done well but to also enjoy what God has given to me – family, friends and spiritual brothers and sisters in Christ.

Finally, I loved the candid words of Revelations 3:14-22 – God does not want anyone of us to be lukewarm towards Him. He desires us to open our hearts to Him and be passionate about Him. Regardless of the challenges ahead, it was assuring to know that God’s love will never leave me nor forsake me.

I now look forward to the journey ahead in 2011 and pray that my love relationship with Him will grow deeper!

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s n o i t a l u t a r Cong g n i n n i w r o f 1 C to TC .

0 1 0 2 p u C y t i n i Tr

2 p u C y it in r T r o f t u o Look

011!

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officially opened The childcare centre 4 this year, providing y ar nu Ja on s or do its m d care to children fro quality education an s to six years old. the ages of 18 month

e s u o H s e l f f a R ns! e p o r a b e @Paya L

Back in 2000, when the plans for Trinity@Paya Lebar were conceived, a childcare centre was already a part of that vision. The opening of Raffles House@Paya Lebar is a fruition of these plans and a testament to the faithfulness of God in seeing them through. Raffles House@Paya Lebar is one of four centres under Raffles House Preschool.

From the onset, God’s hand upon the center was evident.

A total of 40 children were its first batch of students, far surpassing the initial planned intake of 25 students, says Isabel Ng, director of the preschool. The center, which has two other childcares in Bukit Timah and one Franchised School in Jakarta, can take up to 150 children at any one time.

On December 29 last year, Senior Pastor Dominic Yeo was invited to dedicate the premise, its teachers and the running of the centre to the Lord. He prayed that the manifest presence of God would fill the place, and called upon every staff to have a sense of God’s presence in their lives, that they would walk in the wisdom and anointing of God to teach and minister to the children. Most of all, he also prayed for the children, that they would be young lives who would be ‘different from others’ – set apart and transformed.

Raffles House@Paya Lebar is a place of destiny, a place of beginnings, a place where every child will receive an impartation of faith. It is more than a childcare center; this is a place where God’s glory dwells. For enquiries, call 6742 8015 or email info@raffles.com.

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A musical drama

A musical drama depicting the twists and turns in the life of a seemingly ordinary man – from love, betrayal, forgiveness – to his triumph as King.

Thu, Apr 21, 8pm* Fri, Apr 22, 1oam*# & 2pm# Trinity@Paya Lebar Admiss i is freeon

* Mandarin interpretation via headsets. # Concurrent Children’s program will be available for children aged 4-12 years old at the Level 4, Summit.

Please note that there will be no Nursery for all presentations.