Trinitarian Magazine 2_2009

People Features Happenings

Issue 2/2009

GOD is in the HOUSE! Why is Trinity Your Home Church?

I Saw Jesus!

20 Ways to 'Encourage' Your Children to go Wayward Inviting God into Your House

ww.trinity.net

1 Church 2 Centres 3-nitarians

Build a Lasting g

Vision Rally speakers: Randy Valimont is Senior Pastor of First Assembly of God in Griffin, Georgia. Pastor Valimont has served on the World Missions Board of the Assemblies of God, as Georgia District Missions Director and as an Executive Presbyter of the Georgia District Assemblies of God. He has preached in more than 40 nations of the world and been featured on numerous media platforms.

Wayne Clark and his wife Julia currently pastor First Assembly of God in San Antonio, Texas, where they have been for the past 13 years. Pastor Clark also serves as Chairman of the Board for Teen Challenge of Texas. Their ministry is marked by discipleship, strong church growth and church planting. The Clarks are extensively involved in missions work around the world.

Legacy g y Lega

Vision Month 2009

See the vision we embrace as 1 church See the opportunities our 2 centres present See the potential 3-nitarians have to build a lasting legacy Come see what God can do through you.

Vision Rally Fri, Sep 11 8pm Trinity@Paya Lebar Sat & Sun, Sep 12 & 13 Trinity@Adam Sat 5pm, Sun 8.30 & 11am Trinity@Paya Lebar Sat 5pm, Sun 8.30 & 11.30am

Adult Services – Build a Lasting Legacy Sat & Sun, Sep 19 & 20, Sep 26 & 27 Trinity@Adam Sat 5pm, Sun 8.30 & 11am Trinity@Paya Lebar Sat 5pm, Sun 8.30 & 11.30am

Trinity Christian Centre Celebration Services

Contents

Trinity@Adam 21 Adam Road ENGLISH SERVICES Adult Services, Nursery & DiscoveryLand* Sat 5pm Sun 8.30am & 11am Pre-teens Services (age 10-12) Sat 5pm Sun 8.30am IGNYTE Services (age 13-19) Sat 5pm Sun 11am CHINESE SERVICES Sun 8.30am & 11am FILIPINO SERVICE Sun 11am

Trinity@Paya Lebar 247 Paya Lebar Road ENGLISH SERVICES Adult Services, Nursery & DiscoveryLand* Sat 5pm Sun 8.30am & 11.30am Pre-teens Services (age 10-12) Sat 5pm Sun 11.30am IGNYTE Services (age 13-19) Sat 5pm Sun 11.30am CHINESE SERVICES Sun 8.30am** & 11.30am FILIPINO SERVICE Sun 11.30am INDONESIAN SERVICE Sun 11.30am THAI SERVICE Sun 6.30pm * Nursery (birth to age 4) & DiscoveryLand (age 4 -12) ** With Cantonese interpretation through earphones.

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16 Features 23 Be An Altar Dweller Meet God there!

62 20 ways to ‘Encourage’ Your Children to go Wayward Don’t do any of our tips!

66 Inviting God into Your House Establish your family altar

74 How to Talk to Your Kids About Sex Practical handles to

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

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

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

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82 Ready for Mr or Ms Right?

First be the right one

M A C P H E R S

HINT: Don’t do any of our given tips!

52

Y A P A

L

E

B

A

R

R

Snapshots 32 LIFE Charity Concert By youths, for youths

42 Care & Connect in Tough Times Meeting needs

52 Trinity@Paya Lebar

to e ‘Encourag Your Children to go

62

66

Buzz

People

92 Life Conference Inspiring, transforming, refreshing

96 Passionate Heartbeat for the Nations Missions Convention 2009

A place of His presence

54 Blessed to be a Blessing Through CCSS CareHuts

100 HOPE

Golfing for chari-tee

72 A Trinitarian Tradition

Trinitarians share

16 I Saw Jesus!

A Real Life Miracle

38 Children’s Ministry Meet DiscoveryLand’s Iconic Figures

Easter 2009

110 Escape to the Ridge The getaway breakaway

56 CCSS Charity Golf

8 Why is Trinity Your Home Church?

112 Challenging For Honours In the Agape Cup

48 Sowing Into the Vision Because God is here

64 Confessions of a Wayward Kid A let-in on the let-down

Baby Dedication

90 A Call to Prayer!

Will you answer it?

70 What is the Best Advice Your Family has Given?

Words of wisdom

108 CCSS Couples Run Couples fall head over heels

104 Changed in 90 days!

On the AlphaTrack

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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.

O U R

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

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

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

Strategic Leadership

Adviser Wang Look Fung Chief Editor Pastor Janice Chng Editor Tan Rou’en Editorial Support Veronica Teo Woo Mei Yin Jeremy Tan Lee Wei Wen Contributing Writers Rev. Les Bowling Joshua Harris Rev. Sam Kuna Corinne Lee Al Troester Quek Yan Ying Debra Evans Kevin Kwang Contributing Photographers Desmond Leong Kenneth Tan Raja Vassanthan Yeo Rong Rong Evelyn Chan Advertising Sales & Admin Veronica Teo For ad sales enquiries, Tel: 6468 4444 Email: admin@trinity.org.sg Mailing Address Singapore Post Centre Post Office PO Box 616 Singapore 914021 Website www.trinity.net Email admin@trinity.org.sg ISSUE 2/2009 The Trinitarian is published triannually

by Trinity Christian Centre.

Company registration number 197802911H MICA (P) 034/03/2009

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

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Passionate Honour

Audacious Fervour

Passion to love and honour God

Boldness and zeal to believe and ask largely for the impossible

Relentless Belief

Contagious Faith

Unwavering belief in people and their God-given destiny

Authentic and infectious faith that reaches out to the lost

Printed in Singapore by Print & Print Pte Ltd License number L005/01/2009 All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without express written permission is prohibited.

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

We’ve got Mail!

I always look forward to every new issue of the Trinitarian. I find the articles interesting, encouraging, inspiring

LETTER

and relevant. I was especially blessed when I read the Real Life Miracle “I AM THE BLESSED MAN!” It helped me look at challenges and setbacks in life with a whole new perspective. I realised that every situation in life, whether good or bad, was essential to accomplish what God has intended for me – just like how a jigsaw puzzle would form a beautiful picture when the little pieces were put together.

The article taught me to press on because “God is my shelter and anchor in the storm”.

Jeremy Tan, teacher

I always look forward to reading the Trinitarian magazine.

On the way to school a few months back, I was reading the magazine when my classmates asked me what I was looking at. When I showed it to them, their interests were stirred by the attention-grabbing titles and brilliant layout. This was the issue that featured the LIFE Charity Concert so I took the opportunity to share about it with them and invited them to the concert!

Alexandria Chu, student Last December, I read an article in the Trinitarian by Pastor Jeffrey on the subject of tithing. The article mentioned that in today’s terms, tithing means returning 10% of all our income, including our employer’s CPF contribution. My first reaction when I read that was, “Gosh...I have to tithe that too?”

By the time I finished the entire article, the Holy Spirit had convicted my heart and I was filled with peace and joy. I learnt another precious lesson that day on the principles of God’s financial prosperity.

Clarence Sim, sales manager

I would like to congratulate the editorial team for their beautiful works in creating such a quality magazine with articles and testimonies of God’s faithfulness and love. I was truly blessed by the past issues that I have read and during one of my overseas trip this year, I even gave a copy of the previous issue to a friend who visited me at my home in Melbourne. During my most recent trip back there, my friend shared how she was greatly encouraged and impacted by the testimonies and articles in our magazine and that she had even passed it on to her daughter! So keep up the good work, it is indeed a great blessing not only to Trinitarians but even to those abroad.

Alice Tan, housewife

Win!

COOL TEE FROM FUNKY B

Tell us what you think of the Trinitarian magazine! What articles would you like to see in future issues?

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

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I can feel God’s presence and the Godinspired sermons touch my heart.

Jack Cheng, director

ans We ask Trinitari made why they have me Trinity their ho ting church, expec of to get a variety ost say the m , ly g in s ri rp u responses. S nt ways. re e iff d in it e same thing, alb ers Do these answ ur spirit? resonate in yo

I went for HOPE because my friend invited me. I felt very strongly the presence of God, and also felt His love here.

Elizabeth Ong, student When I first came to Singapore I felt at home in this church because of the Filipino Ministry.

It is also here that I feel God’s presence.

Elizabeth P. Balneg, domestic worker I feel most at home here. God’s presence is tangible and it overwhelms me every time I step into this place.

Hannah Oen, student It’s here that I feel at home, at peace and am filled with God’s anointing and presence.

Derek Ong, lawyer

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The sermons are wonderful – they are positive, down -to-earth and relevant to everyday life.

Priscilla Goh, piano teacher I love the praise and worship!

Casey Chong, diagnostic radiographer

Atmosphere

The worship is very good and it helps bring me into total engagement with God. I feel the presence of God and Him speaking to me.

Alex Goh, undergraduate

Vibrant

I like the worship and sermons. God’s spirit is here!

Adrian Gerald Teo, senior executive

Vibrant atmosphere during the worship sessions and very anointed preaching. The preachers expound the fundamental truths of the gospel.

Ng Hui Kuan, assistant teacher I love coming to Trinity because it is a good, Spirit-filled church with powerful worship services.

Adeline Yeong, self-employed The teaching of God’s Word is focussed on basic and fundamental truths. It’s a place where I am nurtured to grow in God’s Word.

Jim See, hairdresser The Word of God is alive in the messages preached. At the same time, the core values of this church resonate in my heart and I experience the freedom given by the Holy Spirit. After much confirmation from God, I believe that He wants me to be here.

Christina Chia, homemaker

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Heartbeatt

Passionate

My cell members feel like a family to me.

Recently, I was looking for a job and sent out many CVs. Then, my cell member recommended me a job. My Spiritual Parent and Cell Leader also prayed for me. I got the job – all within a span of three weeks. I also feel very welcomed whenever I attend Trinity because of the warm Celebration Hosts.

Ryan Lim, admin accounts associate I like the warmth of this church. My section helped me settle down and I got to know so many people in a short period of time!

Jeanne Tan, educational therapist

It is a vibrant church, action-packed, and runs activities that truly promote God’s love. The church goes all out to minister to others and organises relevant seminars and courses.

Yong Jian Lin, accounts assistant

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When I first stepped into Trinity, I just felt a sense of belonging – that I’ve come to the right church. The worship is great and the presence of God is very powerful. The pastors went the extra mile to get to know us personally. Trinity really cares for me. This is also a good church for the family.

Sharon Ang, secretary Trinity is a vibrant church and I like the Care & Connect concept.

The vibrant atmosphere in Trinity encourages me to step out of my own comfort zone to start caring for and connecting with other fellow cell members and my oikos. I want them to feel at home here, which is how I felt when God placed me in Trinity.

Alex Khaw, senior graphic designer

The church feels like a family. I like serving in the Chinese Ministry as an usher. The people are warm and welcoming.

Chng Chee Kiong, retiree Initially, I came because Trinity was near home.

But after joining a cell, I developed a sense of belonging to the church through the encouragement and care of my cell members.

Madeline Teo, homemaker

I feel at home, welcomed, and accepted.

Joanne Neo, accounts assistant

The warmth and passion of my fellow cell members!

Tina Ho, admin executive I was not connected to any cell for a long time, but when Pastor Dominic said “you may not be a newcomer but if you have not been to the Guest Reception, you can still go.” I went, and the reception I received was very warm. That left a lasting impact on me. From then on I started attending cell, and I am growing and enjoying the fellowship of my cell members. I’ve been very blessed, inspired, motivated and moved by the sharing of God’s Word and the fellowship during cell time.

Yuri Sng, businessman

Unity

It’s here where I feel I belong.

Adin Tan, student

Incredible

I feel a great sense of belonging to Trinity and this is where I want to be. I can see myself growing in God here for a very long time to come.

Nigel Tan, national serviceman

I feel comfortable with my carecell and I’m confident that fellow brothers and sisters in the cell will encourage me in my walk of faith.

Goe Yah Leng, regional HR manager

Trinity is a place where I feel at home. I enjoy w this fellowshiping with the people in church, and I know is where I can grow in my relationship with God. Cheryl Lee, speech therapist

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Leadershipp

Strong children’s ministry, vibrant worship and good preaching.

Tan Swee Bock, civil servant

I like the toys at N3 and I enjoy the storytelling.

Daniel Tan, preschooler

Strategic trategic ategic

ere Trinity has a strong children’s ministry. My children love coming here and they enjoy the services. My daughter likes it because it’s fun, and she looks forward to it every Sunday.

Helen Ang, realtor

I like going to Trinity because it’s fun and I can worship God and learn more about Him. Lisette Tan, primary school student

My two daughters like this church very much. They would rather forgo a trip to Malaysia than miss a children’s service.

It’s something very special to them. They like the activities and have made many friends.

George Lum, engineer After my son joined IGNYTE, I witnessed a lot of changes in his attitude, and in his own spiritual growth. He began to have a deeper relationship with God on his own accord, and not because he was born into a Christian family.

Joel Tan, financial services director

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I saw changes in my family members.

Joanne Tan, homemaker

Trinity is a place where there is no excuse for one not to grow in God, with so many resources available. The AlphaTrack programme looks great too!

Pete Shuttleworth, marketing manager

I saw changes in my family and myself. I also receive a lot of wisdom from God here.

Wilson Siow, project director

I wanted to belong to a local church to grow in spiritual maturity. After six months of visiting the church, my wife and I feel that the church members are very vibrant and they have a passionate honour for God. Nehemiah Wong, deputy managing director

Through the testimonies in the Trinitarian magazine, I read about the miracles that church members are experiencing, and saw that God was so real in their lives. I loved the LIFE Charity Concert too!

Lindsay Chin, homemaker

I like the cell group and the TENet courses.

In one of the TENet courses, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Discovering Genesisâ&#x20AC;?, we were made to think deeper, and lo and behold, God began to manifest and revealed Himself! The Word became alive! God literally spoke to my heart, restoring my inner being. The course brought me to an encounter with the God of the word through the word of God. Joshua Lam, accountant The church has a strong vision and there are many opportunities to serve God. Carrie Lam, banking professional

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Dreams dashed, postgraduate student Leonard Chua realised them God’s way when He brought about productive restoration.

I had always dreamed of studying overseas but never had the chance to do so. In 1992, my plans to study abroad were shelved when right after my ‘A’ Levels, my family experienced a challenging financial situation which required everyone to tighten their belts.

reminded me that His work in my life was perfect and that He was faithful. This episode brought me to a point of surrendering all my agendas to God. In 2008, with my wife, Tricilia’s encouragement, I took the bold step to apply for the postgraduate scholarship again. Yet, I assumed that my chances were slim since I was rejected the previous time. But the unexpected good news came shortly after the mandatory interview. I was notified that my application was successful, and that I was granted a full scholarship to pursue my Masters in the US. Needless to say, I was overjoyed. At Watchnight that year, Pastor Dominic gave the prophetic word that in 2009, we would enter into abundant living. As a family, we claimed it.

But there was an even greater miracle in store. Having secured a scholarship, I still had to gain admission into the universities based on my own merit and application performance. I considered a top-ranking university which specialised and offered a comprehensive curriculum in my proposed field of study. Expectedly, the university was hugely popular, and their acceptance rates were amongst the lowest in the world. I needed to meet all academic requisites and do extremely well for my international entrance examinations. I was very concerned because I had always been only a mediocre student in school. To be outstanding in this area would indeed take a miracle. I prayed hard for “brains”.

Besides our financial difficulties, we also went through a very difficult time in many other aspects as a family. The situation caused me to search for greater meaning in life.

I was determined to restore my relationship with God and started attending my elder brother’s church periodically.

In 1996, I visited a performance put up by Trinity and decided to get rooted here as I attended the services in the following weeks and noticed the indescribable joy in the faces of the church members.

Through the years, God taught me to wait patiently on Him and to trust Him with all my heart. After completing my degree at Nanyang Technological University, I joined the civil service in 1999. In 2005, I was invited by the Ministry to apply for an overseas postgraduate scholarship. I was elated and believed that God was going to honour a long-forgotten desire.

Unfortunately, I was turned down by the interview panel. In my confusion and disappointment, God again 144

With the support of my younger brothers, Victor and Vincent, and much prayer, I moved in faith and went for it. A couple of weeks later, I received the astounding news that I had done extremely well for both international examinations. In addition, I received news that I had been accepted into my choice university’s Masters Programme.

These blew my mind.

I know, without a doubt, that it has to be God. God has given me a triple blessing: 1) to study overseas, 2) on a fully-funded scholarship, and 3) at a top-notch university.

As I recall, Pastor Dominic shared at Watchnight Service that 2009 would be the year of Abundant Living. Also, at the Prayer Meeting this year, I claimed Productive Restoration for my family. Indeed God has answered my prayers, in His perfect time.

It was a long and futile search for the unit of her dreams until administrator Joanna Ng experienced God’s prosperity and provision.

At the end of 2008, I completed the sale of my Bishan flat.

I began searching for a new place. I viewed many units at Serangoon, Ang Mo Kio, Shunfu and even Hougang, but the units did not meet my requirements or budget.

I was really tired after the futile searches and prayed that God would lead me to a unit He had ‘reserved’ just for me. I believed God for the prophetic word given at Watchnight the month before that this would be the year I would enter into abundant living. Not long after, I chanced upon a website that advertised units for sale. I looked through the advertised units and one of them caught my eyes. I fell in love almost immediately with what I saw! I thought, Dear Lord is this real? The unit is so pretty! I called the seller’s agent and arranged for a viewing.

The layout and design of the house were so different from all the 3-room flats I had viewed. In addition, it was fully renovated just three years ago. All I had to do was to give it a fresh coat of paint. The bonus point was that there was a Jacuzzi attached to the bathroom!

The seller asked for $20,000 to $30,000 cash above valuation. I told the agent frankly that I could not afford to pay that much an amount but would get back to him.

I went back to the office, prayed about it and worked out my sums. As I was praying, God showed me the figure ‘$15,000’, so I decided in my heart that would be the figure I would give the agent, and went for service.

In service, I asked the Lord if I should pay $18,000 just in case I lost out to other interested buyers. But once again, God gave me a picture of a box, where the amount $15,000 was inside it and $18,000 outside. I knew there and then that $15,000 was the amount I would tell the seller’s agent.

The seller’s agent and I had a good discussion on this matter and he said he would convey the amount to the seller. I prayed to the Lord that if this was the ‘reserved’ house that I had been praying for, then I asked that He would grant it to me. The next day, the agent called and said, “The deal is closed!” The seller had accepted the amount of $15,000. The Lord had answered my prayer almost immediately!

There are four areas I wish to thank God for: 1. He helped me sell my Bishan flat at $32,000 above valuation before the prices dipped within the following weeks 2. My furniture and fittings were sold the very next day after they were put up for sale 3. I managed to find storage for all my other items for just $80 rental per month 4. I now own the house of my desire – beautiful, affordable, located on the upper floor near the lift landing, accessible and with close proximity to various amenities and the upcoming Serangoon Mall.

Indeed, it was the grace of God that saw me through and I have learnt to be still and know that He is God. I ‘missed out’ on the New Beginning last year due to some challenging issues. This year, I am claiming both New Beginnings and Abundant Living for me and my family – with audacious faith!

We’re sure you, like these Trinitarians, have a story to tell. So tell us why this church is special to you.

Why have you made Trinity your home church? Send your entries to testimonies@trinity.org.sg 15

I SAW

Self-made businessman James Siow saw a vision of Jesus during a visit to Trinity. That supernatural

JESUS!

astt May, ayy, y, my my 13-year-old 13-ye 13-y 3y nephew e ew wD Dav David v Chong ng g invited in nvit v d me m to Trinity ty to witness wiittn nesss n his water wate er b baptism. p sm I surprised pti is myself ysse elf by b agreeing greeing to to go. go Before go fo attending g the baptism ap ptti tism m service, I made mad ad a decision decis de that I w would on nlyy stay long ng ge enough n h to witness w hiss baptism, a and n nd leave the th he service s e mid-way.

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encounter set in motion a chain of events which have changed his life and

It would not be my firstt time tim me in church. I h me had been tto church before, at the he invitation on o off my friends. I would go once o out of obligation and not o go o again, a ag because I felt nothing. g But this time, things were differen nt â&#x20AC;&#x201C; very v different.

family beyond recognition.

He tells

testimonies, I saw w a bright light. I sa saw w a holy person

Trinitarian

surrounded by y shining s light, stretching ou out his arm towards

exactly what

I coul uldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t see him clearly but I just knew that He was the Lord

happened.

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While the water ba bapt baptism ti cand did idates were sharing their

m , inviting me to come to him. The light was so b me bri righ ght that Jesu Je us, and nd that He wanted to help me. I was shocked. I thought perh pe hap aps I wa w s im imagining things, and brushed it aside.

That Tha Th hat at n night, niig iight g ght ht,, I h ht h had ad d th the shock of my

That night, I could not sleep. The

On Tuesday,, three days after

life. lif li life f . My fe My wif ife e Do Dore D ore reen ree en told olld me tth h at hat

next ne xt d day ay w was as a S Sunday unday, and I felt sso

attending th he service, I called

there ther th her e e wa ere wass a h high hi ig gh h cchance hance han ha hanc h an an nce nc ce ce th that hatt sshe he h e

burdened burd bu rden ened ed tto o fi find nd out outt more about

my sister Jenny.

Je y. Myy sister sist si ste er Jenny J

h d br had ha brea east astt ca ancer. Th an The e doctor doct had do d

tthis his Jesus Jes that I drove around my

had become a Christian and had

sch sche hedu h eduled ed dule her for a biopsy biopsy biop sy.. I felt

neighbourhood looking king for a church

attended Trin Trinity nity for fo over ten years.

like ike em myy wo world wor o bottomed b out. This his

I could ould a attend. nd. I called up my ffriends

I remember ber that she recently recen n shared

ba bad b ad news news came cam ca ame at a ti time when my

who h had previo evious viously iously shared Christ

during ng one fa amily gathering therin ng how

c nsstr co truction tru ucti tion on business busin iness had h run into

wit me. T with They shared e with ed w m me how

God d had hea healed aled her. For the longest

ttrouble ou ubl b e due du d ue to over-expansion over- pan ansio and

God od had been real to o th hem. m But I

time, me, Jenny h had ad suffered from a

intte in inte tternal all confl co on nfl flic ict. ct There was also lso

was desperate essperate to know m more.

serious erious sinus sinu us problem, with ith heavy

some som so om me misunderstanding m nde ders de rsta and n betwee between en m siblings. my sib ibli ibl ling ng It was ass li llike ke a tti time

bleeding from frrom her nose. nose But when It was not easy for me to even

she was prayed prrayed for at Tr Trinity, rinity, the

bomb bo m and mb nd d I ccould

consider beco becoming

sinus prob oblem blem suddenl suddenly ly stopped –

not no ot im imagine mag a e th the

a Christian. I was as

just like that! t

consequences. seq e ue enc

staunch h in my own beliefs. efs. More Moreover,

When n I called ed Jenny Jenny, y I claimed imed

I was reallyy

my late father was

that at I had a friend nd who wh had d ma man ny

traumatised. Itt was tra

devo voted to his

questions about Jesus qu esus.. I asked ed h he er,

the e lowest point

rel eligion; I loved

on behalf of my ‘friend’ nd’, whethe w her

of myy life. At this o

him so much that I h

it was true that Jesus had h hea eale ed

point, th po the vision

wanted to remain w

her. I also asked her if itt was trrue

appeared d in my

of the same religion o on

that Jesus existed. She patttie ientlly

mind again. I knew m

as him. a

answered my question ns. Fiinal ns. ally,,

tthat everything was happening for a h reason. I was sure that the Lord Jesus opening His arm towards me in my

I was really traumatised.

It was the lowest point of my life.

vision meant that He

I revealed to her that at I was as ttha at The stru uggle to

‘friend’. I wanted to find d outt more m re

be me a Christian becom

about this Jesus us. s. I gott herr to o mak ma ake

and carry the cross

an appointm tme ment for fo or me e to o me eet

weighed w d heavily heavilly

her pastor pa r.

on n me during the he next xt tw two w days. I had

Th he ne next day, ay Pa Past stor Sabr abri riina na an nd a

wanted me to come to Him. I knew knew

headaches ches and was a very restless.

sect ctio onall le lead eader Sta tanle ey met u up p with

at that mome ment nt ttha hat I had to learn rn

Yet the vi vision with the Lord was so s

me. me e. I a aske as ed tthe em man em anyy que estions estions

to surrender and allow Him to come e

vivid and strong that I made up p

ab abou bout God d. I sha shared red d abou out a heavy h

into my life.

my y mind m to o be saved by y Him.

bu den I had burd had d bee b e en n carrying ca in

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Walking with the Lord has indeed been the most amazing journey of my life.

Since the day I had seen the vision, I had been having a persistent headache. I found this odd as I rarely had headaches, and such a persistent one at that. That very afternoon, after I received Jesus, the bout of persistent headaches suddenly stopped.

Walking with the Lord has indeed been the most amazing journey of my life. I am now praying to the Lord every day for my wife, my children, my mum and my business. My wife was diagnosed with breast cancer stage 2, but I thank God for blessing her with a successful operation and giving us the strength to walk through the most difficult time of our lives. She has now recovered and is living a healthy and happy life.

The weekend after I received Christ, my younger daughter and my second son received Christ at the IGNYTE service. My elder daughter has yet to make a decision, but she regularly attends IGNYTE services with her younger brother and sister.

One month later, my mother also came to Trinity. She felt that she needed divine help for her daughter-inlaw to be healed. She accepted Christ, and feels very comfortable with the people in the Chinese service. She looks forward to church every weekend!

God has been so good to us. Our entire family goes to

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my heart: a burden to support the family and to push

church together every weekend, and we have family

myself hard to run the business. I also shared with them

devotions together â&#x20AC;&#x201C; itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s great for family bonding! I

my vision. I needed to know if what I had seen was

now understand my children better, as we have times

real, or a figment of my imagination. At that meeting,

where they share their issues and struggles at school or

I received Jesus into my heart.

with friends. As a family, we have come to that place of

Mrs Siow, Mother of James putting aside small and petty things, because we have

“Our entire fam ily goes y to church together ever fam ily weekend, and we have s devotions together – it’ g! ” great for fam ily bondin

gone through the trial of my wife’s cancer. My wife and I have learnt to appreciate each other more, and we

extremely stressed by business setbacks and challenges,

now spend more time talking and sharing what is upon

but now I bring my problems to God through prayer.

our hearts.

My personal motto is to always try and give my best.

This, together with prayer, has resulted in many of

God has also given us a group of very sincere, concerned,

these difficulties becoming opportunities. Many issues,

helpful and cheerful friends from the section of carecells

problems and potential conflicts have been resolved

at West Bay and Tessarina. They are really good and

in an amicable way – all because of a new wisdom

wonderful people. We like them a lot. During my wife’s

and favour from God. Today, my business is doing well

hospitalisation and illness, the carecell prayed for her

even in the downturn, and it is all by the grace and

and visited her in hospital. We are so grateful to them. We

goodness of God!

have never been part of such a caring group of friends. It is something we have never experienced before.

I used to believe that nothing in this world could change my beliefs, but God has literally changed everything in my

In the past I always relied on myself and would feel

world! I want to walk with the Lord for the rest of my life.

19

He was the last person we thought would receive Christ!

We had been praying for the salvation of my brother-in-law and his family. So when David’s water baptism came, we thought that this would be a rare and fitting opportunity. I guess the Holy Spirit prompted us to remind our son David to invite James and my mother-in-law.

James is the boss of an engineering construction company. Capable, self-made and successful, he has a good family and runs a big, successful company. Over the years, there have been many ups and downs in his company, but he was always able to single-handedly solve any problem that would come his way. He has never looked to anyone for help.

Steve Chong, brother-in-law of James

Furthermore, in James’s interactions with others, he would always be the one ‘calling the shots’. Among our relatives, James was the least and the last you would expect to receive Christ – he was that ‘formidable’! It was very difficult for us to imagine that a man like him would come to Christ.

For the past three years or so, my wife and I could tell that James has been quietly searching for something that was missing in his life.

Whenever he saw a temple, he would just go in to pray. It was as if he was searching for a sense of peace and a sense of purpose in life.

When I heard from my son David that James had agreed to attend his Water Baptism, we were skeptical. Still, we prayed that he would turn up. We had to tell ourselves to trust God and press on in prayer.

Lo and behold, James did turn up! My mother-inlaw came too. During the service, James just kept quiet. He simply closed his eyes; I didn’t know what was going through his mind. It was only later that we found out he had a supernatural encounter with and revelation of God. This has really been a Real Life Miracle for my wife and I. It has really built our faith in our awesome God!

20

Doreen Siow, wife of James

My whole world came crashing down My family meant the whole world to me and I was contented with life. Sometime in May last year, I went for a mammogram and was diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer. My whole world came crushing down on me. Imagine the shock and fear I felt. The thought of not being able to see my children grow up terrified me. my spirit and gave

granted were very caring

On the same day, my husband

me hope. His Word

and supportive during

James had a vision of Jesus Christ

never failed to put

this daunting period.

when he attended our nephew’s

me back on my feet.

baptism at Trinity Christian Centre.

The peace I received

He saw Jesus stretching out His

was beyond understanding and

delivering meals to my family,

arms to him inviting him to come

it gave me the courage to carry on

fetching my children from school,

into the Lord’s embrace. When

my battle with cancer.

and accompanying me to my

he got home, he told me about

They offered practical help like doing the marketing,

hospital visits. My carecell friends

this vision. We knew that God had

God opened my eyes during my

were amazing too. They made

chosen to come to our salvation

illness. I realised that I was blessed

encouraging phone calls, house

when we needed Him most.

with a loving and supportive

visits and even turned up at the

husband and three good and

hospital on the day of surgery to

The chemotherapy treatments I

obedient children who relentlessly

pray for me. God has indeed shown

went through were both physically

prayed for me every night. Many

great love and kindness to me.

and emotionally draining. At times,

wonderful family members and

I felt so hopeless that I broke down.

friends whom I had taken for

Negative thoughts haunted me, and I was inconsolable.

I cried to God for help and He

Now our entire family attends church regularly. My own sister

At times, I felt so hopeless that I broke down.

accepted Christ one month ago.

I hope my parents, my brother’s family and many more people will come to receive Christ as their

comforted me with

Saviour. I believe this is God’s

His words, lifted

purpose for me in life.

21

We were a happy family until…

I was ashamed to face my children

I had a happy family until the year 2007, when I was

I have been a heavy smoker for the past 24 years. I tried

diagnosed with thyroid. I became easily irritable,

many times to quit smoking but to no avail. I lacked the

impatient, emotional and unreasonable. These affected

perseverance and determination. I was ashamed to face

my children tremendously, especially my son.

my two children because of this.

Stressed by me, he turned into an angry child with a lot of

After I gave my life to Jesus in October 2008, the idea

hatred. He started having problems managing his anger

of quitting smoking kept coming to me. I knew God

and impulsiveness. Visits to the child psychiatrist and

was speaking to me. I decided to partner with Him to

counselling sessions did not have much improvement.

quit smoking. I made a promise to Him and my wife to

We were only told not to provoke his anger. Many friends

quit smoking when the new year began. I asked Him

hurch but advised me to bring him to church

Joanne Siow, sister-in-law of James

I was hesitant because we

for strength and determination. I

were not ready to accept

prayed for Him to

Christ yet.

walk together with me on this.

However, the testimony of my sister-in-law Doreen,

As the new year

who was diagnosed with

began, I forgot

stage 2 breast cancer,

my promise and

convinced us of how mighty God is. In October last year, my husband and I decided

Wilson Siow, Joanne’s husband & brother of James

to follow her to church and

lighted a cigarette as usual. After a few puffs, my throat felt itchy and

there, we accepted Christ.

dry, and I started to cough. I felt a sudden guilt and the impression of

Today, we attend church regularly as a family. As such, our

throwing away the cigarette kept flashing in my mind.

family bonding became closer. Through reading the Bible and joining a carecell, we are learning to walk in God’s ways.

I cried out to God. I told Him the temptation was too great for me to resist. The withdrawal symptoms were

We invited God to be the head of our household. We

too much for me. I prayed for his deliverance. He

prayed for His intervention in our son’s life. He gave us

granted my request by taking away my sense of smell.

wisdom, revelation and guidance to be godly role models

I totally couldn’t smell anything when my friends and

for our children. He gave us an overflowing abundance

colleagues smoked in front of me. A few days later,

of compassion and forgiveness for each family member.

my sense of smell came back but my urge to smoke

As such, we have learned to love, value, appreciate and

disappeared.

respect one another.

All my friends and colleagues were puzzled that I didn’t

22

Today, my son’s anger and impulsiveness are gone. I believe

experience any withdrawal symptoms this time. When

this is because of the love he feels in our family. He has

I shared with them how God had walked with me,

stopped seeing the child psychiatrist, and he does not need

they were amazed. This inspired two of my colleagues,

any counselling either. In IGNYTE, my children have learnt

who were believers but who had backslidden, to

how to respect and obey us as well as how to maintain

quit smoking too. They are now non-smokers. This is

good family relationships. We give all glory to God.

amazing! I give glory to God.

Be an Altar Dweller!

Rev. Les Bowling preached at Trinityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Night Revival Meeting about the secret to fulfilling our destinies â&#x20AC;&#x201C; to first establish the altar of God in our lives.

23

In Genesis 12:2 (NKJV), the Lord told Abraham, I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing.

National blessing, international blessing, family blessing, personal blessing…

That word ‘blessing’, though it has many different tenses and meanings, one thing for certain is it means ‘an instrument of divine favour’. In essence, this is to: I.

Be the answer to somebody’s prayer: people pray for favour and ask God to move, and all of a sudden you come into their lives; you bring the deliverance that somebody needs

II.

Be a preventer of misfortune: you move into a cursed situation, and all of a sudden, confusion and disorder start to shift; things start to get into alignment. You shall BE a blessing; you are the blessing that comes into that situation

III.

Be the blessing that you become and impart, that makes somebody else better off

IV.

Be God’s power to produce wellbeing in every area of life: it is to have a productive life; everything in your environment works with and for you

V.

Operate above one’s created design, capacities, capabilities, abilities and gifts: basically, the blessing will make you look better than what you really are. It will cause you to operate above your creative design.

The blessing is not something that just comes to you, but something you literally become.

In other words, the blessing is not something that just comes to you, but something you literally become. In Genesis 13, when Abraham and Lot’s people grew so much, there was contention and they had to split up. Lot chose the well-watered plains of Jordan and Abraham just went off and

24

got the scraps. But God spoke to Abraham saying, As far

in God to get Him to move – He already wants to do

as you can see, East, West, North and South, and wherever

more than what we realise. There are certain things that

your foot lands, it is yours. Because the blessing wasn’t

touch the heart of God like nothing else. And one thing

in the land – the blessing was on Abraham.

that we see consistently in both the Old Testament and New Testament is the importance of an altar.

Why Was Abraham Blessed?

There’s one key element that stands out about Abraham

Attributes of The Altar

that caused him to fulfill his destiny and the will of God. Without this aspect, we’ll never be able to fulfill all the

An altar in the scripture was a raised place, a raised

potential that we have, but with its existence, regardless

earthen place, or a rock; it was a place where they

of our shortcomings, a lack of wisdom or wrong decisions

would offer sacrifices. It was also:

made, we will continue to progress forward into the will, plan and purpose of God. Without it, ministry

•

is powerless and passionless. Without it, we can get intoxicated with success. Without it, we will hit situations

A place where consecration, commitments and covenants were made

•

A place where man met with God

•

A safe place. (Don’t be afraid of the altar; the

and barriers that we’ll just not be able to get past. You don’t have to be noble or mighty or wise to necessarily

altar is a safe place!)

possess it. What I’m referring to is the altar of the Lord.

Abraham knew the importance of the altar of the

•

A place where you can encounter God

•

A place where you can lay things down and pick

Lord. After the flood, the water receded, and Noah came out of the ark. Then Noah built an altar to the Lord, and took of every clean animal and of every clean bird, and

things up •

A place where you can cast all your burdens and cares on Him because He cares for you

offered burnt offerings on the altar. (Genesis 8:20) •

A place of thanksgiving

What did Noah build? An altar. Notice the reaction from

•

A place of new beginnings

Heaven: And the Lord smelled a soothing aroma. Then the

•

A place that moves God

•

A place where we give our life to the Lord, or

Lord said in His heart: “I will never again curse the ground for man’s sake, although the imagination of his heart is evil from his youth; nor will I again destroy every living thing as

where we re-give our life to God.

I have done.” (Genesis 8:21) I’m not referring so much about a physical thing, but to It’s amazing to me the power that God’s children have to

the altar as a place of consecration – where we touch

move Him. It’s not that we have to overcome a reluctance

God and He touches us.

25

What was significant about Abraham’s life was that

had always kept him on track with God, and that

whenever he arrived at a new place, he would build

was the altar. And there he called upon the Name of

an altar, and there call upon the Name of the Lord. In

the Lord. Lot took the best places; Abraham just took

Genesis 12:7-8, after the Lord appeared to Abraham and

what was left. But the Lord said to Abraham, “Arise, walk

said, to your descendants I will give this land, Abraham

in the land through its length and its width, for I give

built an altar to the Lord and called on the name of the

to you.” Then Abraham…built an altar to the Lord.

Lord. And this is consistent. There are many places that

(Genesis 13:17-18)

Abraham, where he went, built an altar to the Lord.

Genesis 20 is another place he got off track when There were only two places where he newly went, that

Abraham lied to Abimelech, king of Gerar, that Sarah

he did not first build an altar. And in both of those

was his sister. But then Abraham planted a tamarisk tree

places where he neglected to build an altar to the

in Beersheba, and there called on the name of the Lord, the

Lord, he got off track. Notice what happened:

Everlasting God. (Genesis 21:33)

Now there was a famine in the land. And Abram went

So whenever a situation would arise, or whenever he

down to Egypt to dwell there…he said to Sarai his wife,

would fail, the way he would redeem himself was to

“Indeed I know you are a woman of beautiful countenance.

build an altar there. I want to encourage you, don’t ever

Therefore it will happen, when the Egyptians see you, that

fear the altar, the place where you meet God – the altar

they will say, ‘This is his wife”; and they will kill me, but they

in a church. It is designed for you to meet with God. You

will let you live. Please say you are my sister, that it may be

can bring anything to God and put it on the altar. You

well with me for your sake, and that I may live because of

can bring anything to God and leave it there and let God

you. (Genesis 12:10-13)

deal with it.

Whenever the altar leaves our life, self and flesh takes first place.

Whenever the altar

There are three things we need to put on the altar:

leaves our life, self and flesh takes first place.

But when Abraham got off track, this was

how he got back on track: he went on his journey from the South as far as Bethel…to the place of the altar which he had made there at first. And there Abram called on the

1) Our Past

name of the Lord. (Genesis 13:3-4) The purpose of the altar is so your past can be your He got back on track by returning to the place that

26

past. Your past is to be passed. Your past is not to be the

To go forward, you cannot be forward-focused and past-possessed at the same time.

prophecy of your future. To go forward, you cannot be

you have to put it on the altar, ask angels to help you tie

forward-focused and past-possessed at the same time.

it to the altar, put bricks on the sacrifice, shoot it with

God has made a provision at the altar where we can

a gun, whatever â&#x20AC;&#x201C; leave it on the altar. Because if we

come and leave our past.

donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t fully lay it on the altar, our past will visit us in our future.

It says in Psalms 118:27, Bind the sacrifice with cords to the horns of the altar. The brazing altar had horns. There

In Christ, all things are old and passed away, and all

was a horn at each corner so when they put a sacrifice

things become new. Jesus on the cross is our altar, and

on the altar, they would tie it on. Because the sacrifice

He was tied to it. He was nailed at His feet, He was nailed

doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t feel good, it would have the tendency to want

in both hands, so that your past and my past could be

to jump up off the altar. So sometimes what you have to

imputed to Him, and there we can leave it and when a

do with your past is not just casually lay it at the altar;

death blow was delivered to Christ, a death blow was

27

delivered to our past. When somebody in those times would bring something to the altar, they knew that it was not coming back. Whatever they put on the altar was going to be consumed.

2) Our Present Our present life includes our present situations, our present season, our cares, our worries, our situations and our circumstances. I have found that God will not create a future or a ministry or a life or a world for us in which we do not need Him. One thing is for certain: even if you have a mind like Einstein, or wisdom like Solomon, or revelation like the Corinthian church, you will face situations where you will not have a clue how to handle.

Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m a connoisseur of books, which is why I like the library and bookstores.

But there are certain things that the bookstore will have no subject on, nor can we text, email,

God wants us to come to Him and surrender all, cast all our cares upon Him because He cares for us, and lay it on the altar.

or surf the internet and get enough information out of some situations. In those times, God wants us to come to Him and surrender all, cast all our cares upon Him because He cares for us, and lay it on the altar. The altar is where have to come broken, bleeding, frustrated, struggling, bow our knees to a sovereign God and empty our hearts of cares and frustrations.

28

A life without an altar is where you will pick up baggage,

was doing a youth revival and kids were hitting the altar.

collect and compound frustration, and you will be

There was this young lady who was incredibly broken

like a Velcro person: everything that comes will stick

and as she was approaching, the leader said, “Well here

to you. The computer is wonderful and efficient but

she comes again.” I said, “What do you mean?” He said,

it can neither heal nor deliver you. Let’s not let our

“In every revival, every special meeting, she has to get

computers be our altar, but let’s have an altar where we

right again.” I said, “Well isn’t that what the altar is for?” I

can call upon an omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent

said, “If she’s got to come ten thousand times, let her

God who has all power, all might, all wisdom and all

come. If she’s got to ride this altar all the way to heaven,

understanding. Give it to God at the altar, because at the

let her ride it!”

altar there is death, but on the other side of the death there is resurrection.

We need to leave our past, lay down our present, put our future on the altar and say, God, I give it all to you.

Lord I put my children on the altar. I put my spouse on the altar. I put my ministry on the altar. I put everything on the altar. Now God do with it what You will, but I surrender it to You. You can handle it God, but I can’t.

3) Our Future

Where God takes and adds into your ministry, mission, destiny and purpose, it’s going to be vitally important that the altar is strong in your lives. If you don’t have an

Proverbs 16:9 says A man’s heart plans his way, but the

altar built, success will cave you in. The altar enables us

Lord directs his steps. It’s good to have a plan because

to manage success and understand its purpose and

it gets you going but, living in uncertain times, it’s

why God brought it, and it will all be to the glory of

important that we go to a certain God because in the

God. You don’t have to sacrifice success to walk with

storm there’s a safe place. There is a shelter. And that

God, you just need to keep the altar in the middle of it

shelter is the altar of God. And there we say, Lord, I’m not

and give it to God.

sure what the future holds, but I just know this: You hold the future. We just have to put our future on the altar, and there surrender all – our ambitions, our future, our visions.

Sometimes, we need to put our self on the altar. We must yield and surrender ourselves. We need to go to

You don’t have to sacrifice success to walk with God, you just need to keep the altar in the middle of it and give it to God.

the altar again, and again, and again. Twenty years ago I

29

I believe that God is raising up a generation that is going to live at the altar of God. And I believe they will intercede, and supplicate, and wait and tarry and linger in the presence of God till they are empowered with an anointing from an omnipotent God, and go out and change the world.

Prophetic Word for Trinity Christian Centre

Laying Our Youths on the Altar I’m not going to ask you to come to the altar, because the altar’s full. We’ve laid a generation on the altar right here. I believe it’s prophetic. I believe that God is raising up a generation that is going to live at the altar of God. And I believe there they will intercede, and supplicate, and wait and tarry and linger in the presence of God till they are empowered with an anointing from an omnipotent God, and go out and change the world. So you are a generation of the altar, you are altar dwellers! You don’t dwell in the courts of the wicked, you dwell in the altar! Come on, live in the altar! Get acquainted with the altar! Stay in the altar! The Bible says in Leviticus 6:13, A fire shall always be burning on the altar; it shall never go out. A people that live at the altar are people that are a flame of fire.

30

Trinity, the Altar Church Now, come on – just start to call upon God. The altar’s right where you are. Any place where you meet with God is holy; it becomes holy ground; it becomes powerful ground; it becomes the ground of the miraculous; it becomes the ground of the turning point. Come on, this nation needs you to be in the altar. Come on, you need to live in the altar. Let’s Trinity be an altar church! Let it be a place that God builds in this nation, that people will say, I don’t know what it is about this place, I don’t even like some of the people, but one thing is for certain – God is there, and we go there to meet God and to love the Lord.

that burnt on the inside of him that just attracted me to him. He had no special wisdom, but you could tell this man knew God. One day, I asked him, “What’s the secret to have this kind of passion that you’ve got?” He told me a time and said, “Meet me at my trailer and I will show you.” I met him over there, and he said, “Come on back.”

We went into a room, and he just pulled out a chair, and said, “This is the secret of a passionate Christian life.” And there, he began to call on God. A presence came into the room that was unbelievable. I felt the activity of angels. I had never felt anything like that before. He had an altar, where he called upon the name of the Lord and it forever impacted my life, and changed

There are a lot of people in nations that need all of

me forever.

you to overcome – individually and corporately. I just feel this in my spirit that there are people in nations praying that Trinity will be the answer to their prayers. There will be hundreds of thousands of people that would pass from death to life because you are people of the altar and have obeyed God to do His Will. I feel that strong in my spirit. I feel that strong in my spirit.

Be a people of the altar, with the fragrance and the aroma of God, it’s just emanating from your life, and as people see you, they see a trophy of God’s grace. They see a life that was but is now made new. And they’ll ask you “What is the reason for your transformation?”

“I’m an altar dweller. I encounter God.”

This ministry is going to be the answer to their cry.

Rev. Les Bowling is the Founder and President of Eagle When God sends you, the blessing will have shown up.

Rock Ministries in Ohio, USA. For over twenty years,

And all of a sudden, poverty would have to give way

he has brought the life of God to the hearts of hurting

to prosperity. An empty life would have to give way to

people. He is known across America for his teaching and

a full life. A defeated life would have to give way to a

impartation of powerful life principles.

miraculous life. By the blessings of Trinity, the city shall be exalted!

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

77177

SMS Trinity<space>your comments to 77177 or

Your Heart, His Altar

email testimonies@trinity.org.sg

My life was forever changed through a man by the name of Tom Davis. He was not an educated man. He was sick

This sermon can be heard online at

and had a lot of physical problems but there was a fire

www.trinity.net/sermons.htm. Used with permission. on.

31

" I Ha v e A Lo t! "

LENT

A LOT OF TA

Trinity has laid a generation on the altar – the IGNYTErs, that is, through giving of their time and talents in staging the LIFE Charity Concert. Here’s how they are living out His purpose for their generation.

t ‘I Have A Lot!’ a s old ear Charity Concer onths-99 ye Student: LIFE audience: 9 m d; ol s ar ye 5 14-2 ast and crew: Age: ca ll-out success ree nights of se th : ce an d n en Att rs of Hokkien h, with smatte is gl En e: ag u Lang al drama t Genre: Music utes each nigh 25-27, 90 min n ns Ju t, Sa uTh es and emotio Runtime: the hopes, liv es ur pt ca t of ly lo al a wants Lot!’ viscer ounds. Leslie gr Plot: ‘I Have A ck ba r ila im life. Set duals from diss tions her lot in es qu el of three indivi ch Ra t, and rs youth issues wants your lo oduction cove girls, Qian Ying pr al ic us m e of a school, th in the context ceptance. lf-worth and ac of identity, se

You’ve heard about it, seen it and raved

RESULTS

over it. The charity concert, Trinity’s first, raised $222,475 for The Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund through individual and corporate donations, surpassing the initial targeted amount of $100,000. The Fund helps needy students pay for a meal during recess.

Grade Category

Effor t Choreography Dancing

Now, we let you in on the finer points of the concert: What went on behind the scenes? How

Acting

did the cast and crew fare? Why did donors give?

Trinitarian dishes in on the scoop to bring you

Songs

a whole lot of things you should know!

Script Costumes Sets and prop

excellent

32

s

good

average

poor

fail

Updat

Stratees on gi Thrustsc

SUMMARY OF RESU

LTS

There’s talent in the ho use. It was a phenomen al performan nce c ! You’’ve im mpresse ed us lots! Encore please !

TEACHER’S REMAR

KS

The church has shown that Singapore has ind eed a lot. It gives us ho especially during these pe e, times. If this is what the future of Singapore wi be, we will have a lot. lll Peter Khoo, organisin

g chairman The Straits Times Schoo l Pocket Money Fund ‘I Have A Lot!’ is more tha n just a musical. It carrie s a message to youths in that while the world tells us to fend for ourse lves, gratify ourselves and serve ourselves, Go d is calling us to rise up , look beyond ourselves and to serve our generat ion – because we have a lot to give!

Darick Yeo, district pasto r IGNYTE, Trinity’s Youth Ministry

KS

I’m proud that my child ren are involved. My son was a dancer and my daughter was in the make up/ wardrobe team. It was a sacrifice for them as they had to balance studies with rehearsals and other commitments. I enjoyed the Concertt ve ery r much. The youths did a great job.

Benja am min Goh, execut

ive director

South, Tri rinity@Adam

TEACHER’S REMAR

ort. n a lott of effor really put iin thss re he youth w work. Th m tea od g go y ry ve s a w e al!

Therr nal on fessio ofe eally pro e rea ’re Theyy’r miitment and passion. eir comm ows the It sho ityy!

Trinit ght in Tr formance we’ve ever cau e best perfo This is the cosstt analyst Neo, co rene N nt and IIre Ferlin Phee,, ccivvil serva ebar y Paya Le nitty@ South, Trini ne. It was en c en sce kittch of the dancers in the ki e on s a wa r hte g u da y M t and pans. The ots po have percussion using oh s air to esh h of fre e a breath the ad for th and I am gla ry hard for this project ve d ed ork w ve ha s hs t ut yo harity. t to ch ute to contribu hurch has given to her opportunityy the ch i g country manager Louisa Miew, acttin ortth, Trinity@Adam No excceeded our the youths. The Concert by n tio nta e se pre c ic ast nt A fan s who are usually put up by adult ons. Such concerts are ectatio ne! pe exp d effort. Well don t in a lot of hard work an pu ve ha y e Th ls. a on essi ofe pro e an Ma, engineer Adria e ar Westt, Trinity@Paya Leb m am. I’m tea o/visual te o was part of the audio ! Myy sson life f o l ll ful ere w s ds kid e h Th d of him. ud very prou ed self-employyed u Tay, se Marccus n ty@Paya Lebar st, Triini East 33

A LOT OF MISCELLANY

3

‘Jai Beacoup’ in the restaurant scene where Qian Ying waitresses in, means ‘I have a lot’ in French

Concert Trivia A lo lott of o yo ou uth hs… The cast and crew comprised of 114 youths and 27 an 7 adult leaders, all between the ages of 14-25 A lo lot o off swe weat at… T at Th he ca castt a d ccrrew an e sspe pent pe ntt a ttot otta all o off 3 da days y bra rain in nst s or ormi ming mi ng g iide deas, de ass, a 162 h 16 ho ou urrs in in re eh hea e rs rsal alls an nd 70 7 0 hou ours our rs de essigni ig gn niing g sset etts an nd pr prop ops

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Bus Service 24 47: 7 The Voice off Reason speaks 24/7 (i.e. alll th t e time). Also, the con once cert was staged in Trin nit i y@ @ Paya Lebar, lo loca cate t d at 247 Pa P ya Leb bar Roa oad d

Multtip ple e roless # #1: 1: LLes eslilie’ es e’ teache er, the he net etba ballll coacch, h Aunty Mae and nd the nurse we w re pla l yed by the same person (bet you figured that out by now!)

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M lt Mu ltip iple le rol o ess # #2: 2 Th he bu buss dr driver, d shwa di wash her and cle lean ner w re played we d by tthe he same perrso sa son n (b (bet et yyou ou a so al s kne ew thiss one ne))

Mu ulttip ple e role ro le es #3 # : John Jo hnny ny,, Qi Qian an Y Ying’s frie fr iend nd a att th the e re resttau aura rant nt,, iss als lso o th the e ‘m ‘mum ummy my’’ in t e ho th hosp spittal ssce cene ne

Nu Number of time mess th the word wo r ‘lot’’ is me m ntioned in tthe he e ent ntir ire e co conc n ert: t 28

Quie Qu iete t stt poi o nt in co c n nccer ert: t: whe en Abus Ab ussiiv ve Fa F th her e hitts Le Lesl slie ie e, th ther ee er wa as pi pinn-dr d op dr p sililen e ce ce

Noissiest N ie poi o nt i con in o ce ert r : la last danc da nce e sc scen ene. e. IGN GNYT YTErss in the cro rowd wd rroa oare red d in supp ppor ortt of tthe heir ir friends ds – guy ffrrie iend nds – wh w o were we re d dan anci cing n ! ng

In nssttru ume ment n s us u ed d in the ST th STOM OMP P sc scen en ne: e a d stbiin, sau du uce c r, fry ryin ing g pa pan n,, sp poo o n, n egg ggbeat be aterr, sc scoo oop, p, wood wo oden en ssti tirr rrer er and an d po pots ts

The ba The back ckst stag age e cr c ew e were al alwa w yss franticallyy adju ad just stin ing g th the e vo volu lume me o off sm smok oke. e At on ne poin nt, t the bu buss lo ooked ed lik ike e it w was as o on n fire re!!

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" I Ha v e A Lo t! "

A LOT TO SAY Reflections of the Cast and Crew When I first st hea eard da about the event, I thought, “Co C oo oool!”

Je eremy my Law w, 17 7, sets and props ps ccre rew w I’ve e neve er dan anced we welll but I’m overcoming my ins nsecuritiess tto o help needy youths. If a little bit off e ne emb mbar arra rassment can n ffeed a hun ngry stom mach, count nt me in!

Gide eon Goh,, 16, danc ncer I was el elated to be with the production team. I want to serr ve God even in the simplest of wayys.

Lisa Rena Raveendran, 15, costumes Beiing part of th he LIFE Charity Concer t is an awesome privileg ge. I

Y A LOT TO SA Reflections of

w e Cast and Cre

th

ware of a aw has made me ntt h Thiss even Th and I wililll in my school dy in he need th o bless to ppor tunities o r fo ut o k o o lo done hat God has em beccause w the to myself. ldn’t be kept hould for me sh crew o, 17, sound Eugene Teo edy youths. e goes to ne ey n on m e he t a ad l I’’m g my wallet, att, I just open t ea t to a an w I e m i t y r e v Ev E hass e. The event ve d leav nd a an pay h, s as ca c t ut u o e k a ta ho e e are kids w a ise that ther r al made me re ng in ood, someth or ffo e ffo v money n t have don’ nted. I find ran ra at I take for g hat tth i Charittyy of this ng a part o ein bei gful. eryy meaning onccer t ve Con an, 17, cast Tan ysia Ta ys Ally

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hope peo ople will find the songs performed relevant an nd in tu urn, be blesse ed. I alsso hope many youths who need Jesuss will be im mpacted d throu ugh this Concer t – because IGNYTE is a ministry

off

yo oung pe eople who do care and want to connect.

Sh hannon Lee, 23, 3, song writer If I fo orrgo g t myy part or played a wrong note, I woul uld d ruin the ambience, but I reme membered that this pro oduction was a platfforrm to sh how God’s goo oodness. So, I’ I m going to o put my fearrs aside and nd channel my time and energ gie ies into givi ving my be b st to Hiim.

Gera ald l Sim m, 18 18, band mem mbe b r ‘I Hav ve A Lo L t!’ is going to be an awes esom me eventt and it r ally dem re emonsstra trate tes how we cca an car are and co onnectt wi with h ourr fr f iends!

F lix Ta Fe an, 19, backstage crew

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THEY GAVE OF THEIR LOT Reflections of Donors out 11,000 children going to school with When I first heard that there were Finances s of my days as a university student. pocket money, it triggered memorie meals family then, so I often had to skip were especially tight for me and my ation it. So, I felt compelled to make a don simply because we couldn’t afford dy students, Fund as I empathised with the nee towards the School Pocket Money it would e a bigger difference for them then knowing that the money would mak t to be a blessing to others. for me. God has blessed me so I wan Kam Han Wen, senior technology

specialist

the need rment meeting, Pastor Dom stressed At a Leaders’ Community Empowe impressed n. The moment he said that, God to give during this global recessio need. If give. We decided to sow into that upon me and my wife’s hearts to are doing We ! ld have given there and then Pastor Dom had said ‘now ’, we wou ght this blessed us tremendously. We thou very well in our business as God has e not would be an avenue to bless thos this doing so well… No use keeping all THANKS A LOT FOR GIVING! money to ourselves. er Hear from two of the 11,000 Benefi Samson Shadrach, business own cia

ries

When one is nearly half-a-centurys old and at one’s ‘half-time’, one feel of very much the need to live a life ity’s significance. Since Singapore is Trin es local missions field, The Straits Tim School Pocket Money Fund was like ‘missions at our doorstop’; giving g to towards it was a very natural thin of ard do. I believe I am merely a stew God’s blessings in my life by passing them on. It is more blessed to give than to receive! Also, being in the LIFE Charity Concert organising committee, I was touched by the amazing generosity of the donors.

I am so blessed to witness how we r assed our targeted pledge of urp su 0 00!

00,0 $10 ne Sng, IT professional Paulin

Skipping recess no more Pei Pei, a vivacio ious u nine-yearr old, usse ed d to skip meals at rece ess s to help he h r moth her ssav a e a little mo ore r . Her mo other holds down two o jjobs to pro ovide for her and her three siblin ngs g . But no ow with extra poccket moneyy every day, Pei Pe po Pei, who loves netball and d baske etball, do oes not have to worry abo out herr family’ fi financia al pro oblems. More im mportantly, she can now con ncentra ate bettter and cha annel her energyy into her schoolw ork.

Back to school, and d fed to oo Matthe h w Sz, 12 1 , and his family wan and dered the e streets after his ffather got retrenc n hed and d st s opped paymen nts towards their five-ro oom flat. During g that time, Mat atth thew ew, hi hiss sister and the heir two cousins wh w ho have been Mr Sz’ z s wards for eight years, drop ppe p d out off schooll.

Th he fa f mily ate t out of sttyr yrof o oam boxes, packed d with leftove er food give ve en by b friends d . They also sne eak aked ed in into to coffee shop toile lets to wa wash up Bu up. ut now, all fou our children attend school regularly ly, their scho hoo oll fees ess pai aiid fo forr under th he Mi M nistry of Education’s financial assi sisstan an nce plan pl a s. T The eS Str t ai aits t Times Schooll Po Poccket ket M Money Fund prov oviides es all four ch hilldr d en nw with h mo m ne ey for recess.

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What is your most memorable moment in the ministry?

There are many memorable moments but thi hiss on one stands out. Th T ere was this Saturday evening where my father was seriously illl and d I had ha to o sen end d hi him to the hospital. I w was with him till 4am that night. On Sunday morn ning, g, I cam me to chu h rc rch h with th hah hea eav ea vy h vy hea eart rt.

I remember sitting with a group of young children n th that mor orrning. ng. Th This five e ye year ar old boy who noticed me sitting in a corner came up and sat at b bes eside me me. He looked at me and said, ‘Can I be your friend?’ I replied ‘Sure!’ And guess what? He H gave e me a big hug! That day, I realised God had sent a little boy to minister to me.

Another memorable incident was when God started to m move in no ou ur ser ervi v ce. I saw vi w children spontaneously kneeling down before Him m in wor orsship p, wi withou ut any prompting from the worship leade er. It was an awe weso s me mom so moment. en nt.

How has the ministry developed you?

When I first started out in the ministry, all I had wass a pa asssio ion n for children. I didn’t know how to t lea ad ch hildren,, ta t lk to o ch c illdr dren e , or have the e ministry ‘know-how’. I was ver eryy mu much ch iin n my own wn w wor orld ld a and nd I adm mired the he more ‘charismatic’ teachers from a distance and d th t ou ough ghtt to t mys y el e f that a at I could ne neve v r be like them. ve Through the many minis Th in nistr str t y op o po portunitie es, s I started ed d to do o thi hings wh whic icch I thought I couldn’t – acting, dancing, teaching, me men ntoriing, dev nto vel e opin ing ng an and mi mini nister eriing to children. My greatest joy is to see God using me to lead d children in worsh hip ip, in n know win ing g Hi Him m an and to live their lives to glorify Him. Looking back, I’m amazed att ho how w I’ve v grown. ve ro o It is a very fulfilling ministry.

W att d Wh do o you hope to see in this revamp?

With Wi th h this re r vamp, we’re entering a new phase of ministry and positioning g ourselves to o m ke history ma ry in ou ur Children’s Ministry, in Singapore and in the nations beyond.

This has bee een a year of accelerated growth for us; the teachers have moved severall notche hes higher in their spiritual life and in their ministry skills. With this revamp, I have great confidence th that at w we e wi will ll e enj njoy oy a g gre reat ater er season of growth in our ministry, ourr te team and in the lives of the children.

I hope to se s e mo ore r coming forward to be part of what God is doing in this ministtry ry.

You don’t ju jusst g giv ve, e, you receive too! We have seen children sharing about Christ with the th eir friend n s an and d I be beli l eve that as we step into the revamp, more ch hildren will rise eu up p as h rv ha rves e t wa w rrrio iors rs, re eac a hing ng the heir ir gen eneration for Jesus!

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W att is yo Wh your u most me mem morab ble mo m me m nt in n th he mi min nistry ry?

I was le eadin ad din ing g th t e worshi wo o hip p at a ou ur recen nt Li Life fe C nferen Co nce Chi h ld ldre ren re n’s Tr T ack. You coulld tel elll fr from from m theirr face facess an and d th thei eirr vo ei voices es tha hatt th he Ch Childr dren n were sso “int we “iint nto o wo orshi rship” rs p . At one p por o tion n, I got the th e mu usi sici c an ns to o llow ow wer er the volume and al alll the wo orsh rship le lead eader erss to sto top p siing nging and just let th he ch chil ildren n sing to G God od. At At that mome m nt n, some meth thin ng supe perrnaturral too pe ook ov o er. Th The e ch children sang and sang. It was so beau sa uti tifu full th that at m manyy of o the e adu dultt vol o unteers and teachers present were moved to tears. Th The e Ch Chil ildr dre en tou ouched d the e he hear art of ar o God and I was touched by their heartt fo f r Go God. d.

How ha hass th the e mi min nistry develope ed you u?

Th Tho hough I hav ve only been in the he Child dre ren’ ns Mini Mi n stryy for or a abo boutt e eig ig ghtt mon nth ths, s Ih hav ve al alre read re ad ady dy gain i ed so mu in much h from it. I have learnt to og go ba b ckk to th the he he eart of worship p – to wo wors r hi rs hip p wi w th no other goal al o orr fo f cus cu us except to to ouch Go od’ d s he hear artt. ar t. I am al a so so h hum umbled, for I see wh hatt God can do wit ith those who avai aill th ai them emselves es to Him. H He en nab ables the th em and ano oin ints t them to do great exploitss. Su Such h is wh hat I sse ee ee from fr o tthe om he won nde erf rful ul Dissco covery ryLa Land n ((DL DL)) Te eac ache herss and d Pasto orss.

Whatt do yo ou ho hope pe to see pe e in this reva amp?

I believe we are going to see a new genera r ti tion of childr dren e who know God personally, love God intiimate in tely ly and walk with God od powerfully. y. I ffee eell th he go goal a of this al iss rrev evamp is nott about ev ut cchang nging ho ow w a we are alrrea e dy d doing ng thi hin ng no ngs n w; w rat atthe her, r, iitt is abo bout ut connecting bett tter and nd dd dee eep ee per wi pe per with th tthi h s si sigh g t an gh and d sound gene era rati t on and ti nd e emp mpow owerin ng th them in Ch Chri rist ri stt tthr h ou ugh the e use s of cr crea eati ati tive ve me ed diu iums m . I am ms a loo oki king ng g forward to this revamp p!

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What is your most memorable moment in the ministry?

There are too many memorable moments to choose from!

At last year’s M513 DL camp, I was very encouraged to see the children engaging with God in worship and the Word, and how they went out in faith to share with strangers about Jesus. To top it off, four came to receive Christ! What was mind-blowing was how after the camp, we heard of children who continued sharing about Christ with their friends, their friends responding to God, and how the children are nurturing these friends!

How has the ministry developed you?

Being in the ministry has allowed the discovery and development of skills that I never re ealised d I had. The entertainment arts have been a secret passion of mine but I always thought I was not goo ood enou o gh for iit. ou t So, imagine the fear and apprehension I felt when I first did drama and led praise and worship p iin n DL! Bu ut when I stepped out in faith, I have grown in the above areas and also in my interaction with chi h ld ldre en. W Wit ith h God truly all things are possible!

What do you hope to see in this revamp?

High-energy praise and worship, engaging real-life dramatisation of God’s word, children captivated through the new edutainment approach, and them applying God’s word in their everyday lives. I believe God is going to bring Children’s Min nis i tryy to greater heights and unprecedented growth!

What is yo Wh our m mo ost memorable moment in the ministry?

There ar are two; o; I witnessed a change in attitude in a six year old boy. He e used to be distracted and liked to look arou und dur urin ur ing g worship. But one day during worship I saw w him closing his eyyes, ra hi rais ising both hands and singing to God with all his heart. Th T at touched me tremendously.

The Th e other is a visit to a family carecell that changed my p rspective of children praying. Children as young as four pe ca pray! At the end of on can o e children’s cell, all the children satt together in a circle to take turns to pray. A four year sa old d prayed out loud wi w tho out anyone telling him wh w hat a to sa ay. It left a dee e p im mpression in me.

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What is your most memorable moment in the ministry?

There are several memorable moments in my years in the Children’s ministry. Seeing the children grow up to be leaders and pastors would d be one of them. There are also others whom I’ve taught who are now givin ng back to the ministry by serving in DL. It gives me joy and a sense of prid de knowing that I’ve impacted their lives. Another would be witnessing an aut u istic child (who is unable to speak) clap his hands enthusiastically and smile when n we entered into praise and worship God. He would do this every week at service.

Ho ow ha h s th the e mi mini n stry yd dev vel elop oped ed y you o ?

As teaching and lead adin ing g ha have ve a alw lway ayss co come me e ea asyy fo forr me e, th the ministry has developed other aspects off my personality, such as iin n ad dmi m nisttra rati tion..

It has also helped me to be a st strrate tegi gicc gi thinker. Serving has also develo ope ped in me a deeper prayer life.

What do yo What you u ho hope pe to o ssee ee iin n th this is rev evam amp? p?

In our curre ent n services, the atmosphere is already very vib ibrant; children literally engage with God Go d in praise, in wors rshi hip p and in the Word. Every serv se vic ice e is a time of great fun and de exc xcit item e ent, and filled d wit ith h hu hunger and expectation for God to mo m ve.

We are also me eet etin ing the needs of the more techsavvy childrren e tthr h ou ugh mul ulti timed dia.. Thr Throu ou ugh thi hiss revamp, all these willl b be in a gre reatter dim men enssion sio .

How ha Ho hass the mini nist stry ry d dev evel e op ped d yo ou u?

The ministry has d dev evel e oped ed me e as a lleade er an and d child dren n’s min nisste ter. r. T The he var ariety of role less while serving in the se servicess g gav ve me m confi fide ence in leading worship ip,, l ad le din ing g game es, teach chin ing g and ev even talki king ng to ch children n!

What do o you hope to see e in th t is rev vam a p??

Greater vibrancy and d ex e cite t me ent in n t e services, the th e truth h of G God od b bei e ng taught through multimedia, dr dram ama and d games to a ca capt ptivated audience. e. C Chi hild ldrren n invi viti ting children, a an nd manyy children coming and nd getting g ssa aved ed!!

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Caring and Connecting in the Midst of Crisis!

“As we saw the mass layoffs of employees across various sectors and the increasing pool of jobless graduates, our Leadership Team conceived this three-pronged approach – Jobs Connection, LIFE Fund and InfoTalks – to meet needs in a practical way and to fulfill the church’s role in nation-building. We thank God for the lives that have been cared for and connected through these initiatives.”

Rev. Dominic Yeo, senior pastor

I was jobless for six months…

Jobs Connection Since it was launched on

I worked for an events

March 7, Trinity’s Jobs

company. When the

Connection has connected

financial crisis hit and

Trinitarians and their loved

firms began to cut

ones with employment

back on discretionary

opportunities.

spending, I went through a difficult time

Jobs Connection taps upon Trinitarians and their friends who are business owners and HR professionals. Recruiters submit the details of their job vacancies to the church. These job vacancies

at work. It was then that I saw the advertisement for AlphaTrack. I had wanted to join the last batch but was unable to do so because of work commitments. I felt the time was ripe for me to quit my job and join AlphaTrack.

are then posted on the Jobs Connection Bulletin Boards for individuals to browse through after each weekend service. Interested applicants then apply directly to the respective companies.

After AlphaTrack, I was jobless for six months. Though I sent out countless resumes, interviews were few and far between. The pressure to get a job began to mount.

It was then that Jobs Connection started, and I decided

Besides being a blessing to the unemployed, it also provides an additional recruitment avenue for those

to give it a shot. I began applying for every job that was related to sales and marketing.

who are employers. Joel Tan, a Trinitarian and a general manager, posted four positions on Jobs Connection.

In less than two weeks, he filled two posts – that of a customer service manager and a sales and marketing manager – through Jobs Connection.

Before long, I went for the interview where I got my current job. The amazing thing was, by the end of the first interview, I was offered the job. Needless to say, I was overjoyed as I went in there without expecting much. Praise God for His providence in my life. It was

Over 400 individuals have visited Jobs Connection. We speak to two of them.

42

futile trying to look for a job by my own strength and

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In 2009, Trinity takes bold steps to bless those affected by the economic crisis in practical ways. We take a look at the

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progress of this three-pronged initiative.

How can you be involved?

• If you or your loved ones are seeking a job, you may view wisdom but when God opened this door,

I sent out more than 80 resumes…

available vacancies at www.trinity.net • If you are recruiting, please

everything just fell

submit details of your

into place. What also

“I lost my job of seven years in end 2008

amazed me was that

due to the downturn. I sent out more

Trinitarians took the

than 80 resumes and had only a couple of

trouble to reply to my

interviews. I nearly landed a job after three

applications even when

rounds of interviews, only to be told by the company at the last minute that they were

I was unsuccessful.

in the midst of a hiring freeze. It was a blow to me as I have two school-going children,

available vacancies through Jobs Connection.

one of whom is a special needs child who needs Occupational Therapy every week I’m very thankful for

and Cranial Osteopathy every fortnight.

what Trinity has done for me. Not only is this

God sent many people to pray for me: My carecell members, fellow Trinitarians and

church interested in

Christian ex-colleagues. As a family, we continued to press on and prayed for favour

the spiritual growth

and a job opening. On the other hand, I saw the free time as God’s arrangement for

of its members, it is

me to catch up with my family. My last job had required me to travel extensively, and

also interested in their

I did not have much time for my children. I was able to bond with my children and

holistic well-being.

communicate more with them during this time.

This Jobs Connection initiative echoes the

After a wait of almost six months, through Trinity’s Jobs Connection programme,

Care and Connect

I managed to land a job as a sales and marketing manager in a high-potential industry

culture of the church by

with my expected pay!

meeting the practical needs of its members.

I secured this job within two weeks of application. I am very thankful that the church took such efforts to source for hiring employers and set up this Jobs

Victor Leong,

Connection scheme within a short period of time. It has been a long six months, but

sales and marketing

God has been faithful and I give Him all the glory and praise.

manager C.H. Tan, sales and marketing manager 43

Cared for & Connected in the Midst of Crisis!

LIFE Fund It is all about meeting practical needs in a tangible way during the recession. Trinity’s LIFE Fund has provided financial assistance to needy families in our nation, as well as to retrenched Trinitarians and their loved ones.

For Trinitarians and their loves ones The LIFE Fund was a lifeline to Trinitarians and their loved ones who had lost their jobs and whose gross monthly household income did not exceed S$2500.

Tan Chew Lian, head of Trinity’s Church Operations

It was a team effort all the way. Our colleagues in

Department, shares about the preparations that

the Finance Department helped purchase the NTUC

Trinity’s administrative and pastoral team put in

vouchers, and were on standby to release the vouchers

place for the LIFE Fund.

and money to the individuals upon approval,

I was touched when

so that the disbursement

Pastor Dominic shared

of financial help would be

about what Trinity

quick. All the pastors were

would be doing to help

scheduled to conduct the

the needy during this

LIFE Fund interviews, and

economic downturn.

they worked their other

I was encouraged,

ministry appointments

excited and thrilled that my church cares and that I am here for a time such as this. At the appropriate

How can you

time, I shared with my colleagues Sheila and Pauline

If you require

about their roles in contacting the applicants. They

assistance, ap

understood the need to do it sensitively without embarrassing the applicants in any way throughout the entire application process.

44

around this roster.

pastor or brin

The preparation

be involved?

and certainly time-

proach your

consuming, but what

g your loved

pulled us through was

ones and gues Guest Lounge

process was laborious

financial

ts to the Leve

the fact that people

after service.

would be blessed.

l2

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Stratees on gi Thrustsc For the community To assist financially challenged families and individuals, a total of $100,000 from the LIFE Fund was also given to the South East Community Development Council (CDC). Of this, $30,000 was given on May 21 for the CDC’s Upsized Breakfast Programme which supports 2,053 needy students in 13 primary schools, while the remaining $70,000 was presented to Mayor Matthias Yao at the LIFE Charity Concert Gala Night on June 26.

Here’s the feature in Contact, a publication of South East Community Development Council:

Upsize My Breakfast, Please?

Often, children are powerless and depend on adults to provide for them, but when parents have difficulties making ends meet, the child’s nutrition may be compromised, leading to physical and emotional distress in this crucial stage of growth.

With the Upsized Breakfast Programme, children no longer need to go hungry when they stay back late in school. Jointly initiated by South East Community Development Council (CDC) and the Trinity Christian Centre, the Upsized Breakfast Programme provides students with an additional $1 of pocket money each day for meals in school. The programme’s one-year pilot run was officially launched

by Guest-of-Honour, Mr Lim Biow Chuan, Member of Parliament (MP) for Marine Parade GRC and Adviser to Marine Parade GRC Grassroots Organisations (GROs), at Tanjong Katong Primary School. “This is a very meaningful programme,” opined Mr Lim, “Besides taking care of the children physically so

that they can study well, it also boost their morale and lets they feel that they are not alone, that society cares for their welfare.”

Programme aims to reach out and benefit over 2000 students from low-income families.

Ten-year-old Vivi Masturah from Tanjong Katong Primary School expressed her gratitude, “When I stay back in school for extra lessons, I often have to go without lunch.

With the extra $1, I can buy my favourite chicken rice for lunch!”

Filling the children’s hearts and bellies, the Upsized Breakfast Programme keeps students from hunger pangs and poor nourishment, allowing them to unleash their maximum potential in life.

Donating a sizable amount of $30,000 to the Upsized Breakfast Programme, Reverend Dominic Yeo of Trinity Christian Centre shared, “We believe this is a worthwhile cause for the church to contribute to, as this programme directly benefits the students.”

The programme is a supplement to the current Breakfast Fund from the Ministry of Education (MOE), and it enables students staying in school for extra lessons or cocurricular activities to have a proper lunch in school. Working closely with all 26 Students of Tanjong Katong Primary School presenting primary schools in the potted-plants to Reverend Dominic Yeo of Trinity Christian Centre (second from left) and Guest-of-Honour, Mr Lim South East district, Biow Chuan (second from right), as gifts of appreciation. the Upsized Breakfast

This article was first published in Contact South East, Jul/Aug 2009, Issue 98. Used with permission.

45

Cared for & Connected in the Midst of Crisis!

InfoTalks Besides employment opportunities and financial assistance, Trinity also provided practical skills equipping in the areas of career management and financial management.

Presented by Trinitarians who are experts in their fields, the InfoTalks equipped Trinitarians and their guests in the areas of career management and financial management. Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what Trinitarians and their guests said about these InfoTalks.

Building Financial Resilience in Turbulent Times

by Seah Keok Choon, Associate Director of IPP Financial Advisers Attending the InfoTalks gave me the opportunity to clarify the questions I had on these issues. The speaker exhibited not only the experience and knowledge of a practitioner, but also the ability and willingness to share prudent advice.

Jane Tay, IT test analyst The speaker was well-prepared and his sharing was clear. I learnt some fundamental keys to keep myself financially healthy.

Peter Pan, teacher I attended the talk to learn more about financial planning. It was very helpful and helped me to better assess my financial situation and investment status.

Cheryl Ng, administrative officer

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Updat

Stratees on gi Thrustsc Survive and Win: Advancing Your Career in an Economic Downturn

by Andrew Wilson, Founder and Management Partner of Vaughan Govier Pte Ltd I came for the talk not really knowing what it was about, so I came pretty much without expectations and with a completely open mind. To my surprise, God spoke so powerfully to me in so many areas of my work and my attitude as an employee and I was really blown away! God was speaking right to my heart!

I was very blessed by the speaker and the talk. The message was incisive and yet powerful. I liked how he managed to anchor the key messages such that they are completely relevant to the current grim economic realities which have birthed some particularly challenging working environments, while staying true to biblical principles. The speaker also offered a number of real-life examples from his years of experience.

Most of all, I thought the talk had an affirmative undertone as it places the ownership of work on ourselves â&#x20AC;&#x201C; to do what is humanly our best and beyond that, to trust God to do the rest.

Karen Lim, teacher The InfoTalk was certainly interesting and informative, with simple but useful techniques for self-evaluation.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the friendly people from Trinity for organising this.

Tang Wee Weng, currently seeking employment The InfoTalk was interesting, relevant to the current employment climate and equipped us with additional knowledge to advance our careers.

Francis Yap, project manager

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Trinitarians are sowing into the vision so that more lives will be touched and transformed by the presence of God â&#x20AC;&#x201C; because God is here.

Sowing INTO THE

VISION 48

As project manager Bernard Quek built a lasting legacy, the Lord built his career.

month salary” flashed across my mind. I was taken aback and tried to ignore it as it meant I would need to ‘fast’ for a month. Nonetheless, I placed my trust in Him and wrote the amount down on the faith promise card.

In January this year, my letter of promotion finally

I have worked in my current

arrived – but there was no increment. I was extremely

company for seven years and have

disappointed. Then it crossed my mind that I did not ask

not been promoted despite my boss’

for an increment! When we ask of God, we need to ask

acknowledgement of my efficiency.

audaciously. I then asked God to give me an increment to

In January last year, at the close

help fulfil my faith promise.

of the celebration service, Pastor Wilson prayed that promotion would

Months passed and still

come to those who desired it – we

no sign of an increment.

only needed to claim it!

I wondered how I could

When we ask of God, we need to ask audaciously.

fulfilthe faith promise. Then in June, the management decided to award me a bonus due to my ‘exemplary work performance and increased job responsibilities’.

The sum turned out to be two and a half times the amount I had pledged!

I was relieved that I could finally fulfil my faith promise I claimed it. September approached

before Vision Month this year. This episode taught me

and it was Vision Month 2008. The

to dare to believe that God will make a way where there

theme was “Build a

seems to be no way. It also

Lasting Legacy”. I asked

taught me to be audacious

God for a figure to

to dare to ask Him for

commit to. At the same

financial breakthrough.

time, I wrestled with Him

God is a God of Promises

about my unfulfilled

and a God of Provision!

promotion.

Bernard Quek, God told me to trust Him.

project manager

The three words “one

East, Trinity@Adam

49

Despite facing a volatile job situation, events manager Jerome Lai trusted God to provide, and was rewarded with a threefold blessing.

During Vision Month last year, God challenged me to trust Him as my Provider. I had mixed feelings: on one hand, God had consistently provided for all my needs but on the other, I was apprehensive about my job situation. I asked God how I could partner with Him to “Build A Lasting Legacy” and fulfill my faith promise when I would be leaving my job soon. He told me to simply trust Him. On the spot, I penned down “Half a month of my new pay” as my faith promise.

immediately started to work on a freelance basis. It was a slow three months due to the economic climate and clients were more prudent with their advertising budgets.

no lack of food on the table, the irregular income from the freelance projects was not sustainable as I had bills to pay and other financial commitments. But God is good; in this time of my despair, He reminded me through Matthew 6:26 that He is my Provider. With these comforting words, I kept my faith and continued to pray and believe in Him while searching for a job.

Throughout these few months, I asked God for direction in my career. I prayed and decided to make a career switch. I proceeded to sign up for a part-time tourism course and planned to look for a part-time job. I prayed for God’s favour to be upon me as the course was very popular and I had to go through stringent interviews to be eligible for it.

for an interview with an events management company and was offered a full-time position!

and the fulfillment of my faith promise!

Jerome Lai, events manager North, Trinity@Paya Lebar 50

amo amount for me to sow into the G God. Although I had given to many Faith Promises my years in Trinity, I still struggled because it was never a comfortable amount.

I had always given out of my savings in the past years. But reading an article from a magazine changed my mindset on giving.

The article said that a Faith Promise is a pledge or an amount in which the individual does not have at the present but believes that God will supply in the future.

In February this year, I was accepted into the course. Two days later, I went

opportunity to upgrade my skills, a job

Spiri Spirit deposited an

throughout

I told God that I desperately needed full-time employment. Although there was

with threefold blessings: the

Last year, the Holy

Kingdom of

I officially ended my full-time employment end November 2008 and

Praise God – He has provided me

Sales manager Clarence Sim sowed into the Kingdom even though he struggled with it, and reaped glimpses of God’s faithful provision.

He has provided me with threefold blessings: the opportunity to upgrade my skills, a job and the fulfillment of my faith promise!

That reminded me of God’s word in 2 Corinthians 9:10 that He would supply seed to the sower.

Not too long after, my Sectional Leader shared about how he had always fulfilled his faith promises out of his savings but had recently decided not to do so. He ended his testimony by sharing how God had supplied a miraculous bonus

Sowing INTO THE

VISION (the seed) to meet his faith promise! The Holy Spirit

In June 2008, I was asked to transit into a Sales position

had spoken twice to me on the subject. From that day

beginning July. The company worked out a special

onwards, I adopted a different attitude of sowing with

three-part bonus for me. I did a quick calculation and

great excitement and anticipation.

was delighted to know that this three-part bonus would help meet the balance of my

In the first quarter of 2008,

faith promise. The next month,

I made a business trip

the first part of the bonus

to my corporate office

arrived and I joyfully added the

in the United States.

amount to my Faith Promise.

Because of the long flight, I was entitled to travel by

However, the markets crashed

Business Class. But since

around October and things

my wife and I recently had

spiralled downwards. By

a son and had also just

December 2008, I was just a

engaged a domestic helper,

little short of my sales target

I decided to endure the long

and was thus only entitled to

distance in Economy Class

the second part of the bonus.

because my company pays

I was quite disappointed. But

out a USD1,000 for those

when the second bonus was

who choose that class.

paid to me in January this year, the amount, along with

For the record, none of my Asia counterparts or predecessors has ever opted to ‘go coach’.

Although I’ve given all of last year’s extra bonuses and travel incentive to God, I experienced no lack.

Hence, when I checked

the other two portions, was unexpectedly just a little above what I had written on my faith promise card! I was totally elated when I received

with my Asia Finance Manager, she was not confident

the cheque and quickly handed in my faith promise

of the request being approved. Furthermore, my Vice

on the next weekend service. God is faithful and He

President of Sales, Asia was not in favour of the idea

supplies seed to the sower!

as he didn’t want to break the trend. Against all odds, I risked travelling almost 50 hours (two-ways) on

Trinity is my first church and I am absolutely glad to

Economy Class without getting compensated. But God

be in this family. Over the past nine years, I have been

is good. Through a series of events, my case went

greatly blessed through the teachings of the church. The

up to Corporate Finance at our U.S office and it was

principle of sowing and reaping, in particular, is one area

approved!

I have learnt and benefited from tremendously. Looking back, although I’ve given all of last year’s extra bonuses

The sum was credited to me in May. To be honest,

and travel incentive to God, I experienced no lack.

the first thing on my mind was to use it for my son and to cover the cost of bringing in my own domestic

I am greatly blessed, richly rewarded and absolutely

helper without going through an agency. At that

grateful to be in the family of God!

moment, God asked me to sow the seed He had supplied. I struggled but gave the first portion of my

Clarence Sim, sales manager

faith promise with peace.

West, Trinity@Adam 51

TCA College Library

Education Hub Classrooms Chapel

Summit

Manna Bookstore

Community Hub CCSS Counselling Rooms

Youth Lounge

P I E

Han’s Café

MacPherson MRT

Paya Lebar MRT

52

M

Conference Centre A C

r Look out fo g of our the openin 3000-seat very own ! auditorium

P H E R

S O N R O A D Tai Seng MRT

Y A P A

L

E

B

Trinity@Paya Lebar: A place of His presence This is the vision that God has given us, a place where He builds His Kingdom and where people meet Him. Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a closer look at Trinity@Paya Lebar, which has become a blessing to this nation and the nations beyond.

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Through Trinity’s social arm, Care Community Services Society (CCSS), lives are being turned around. Justin Lee, a former recipient of this blessing, is now paying the deed forward.

BLESSED TO BE

A Blessing To o most mos ost p pe people, eop ople, le e, JJu Justin ust stin in iiss ‘j‘just just ust an us another no otth he er yyo youth’ ou out utth h’’ ffro from ro om T Tr Trinity rin initty C Ch Christian h hri rriissttiia an Centre’s IGNYTE Ministry. But not many know that he was a charge of CareHuts, a programme run by CCSS. Justin recalls with gratitude his CareHuts days: “Before I started going to CareHuts, I used to loiter around and hang out at shopping malls after school. It would have been easy for me to mix with the wrong company and pick up bad habits such as smoking and swearing. I’m grateful to the staff for guiding me when I was at CareHuts. If not for them, I could have become a juvenile delinquent.”

Fong Min, Justin’s teacher at CareHuts, remembers him as a skinny boy who could eat a lot, would hardly do any of his homework and often try to ‘bluff ’ his way out of going to CareHuts. “He used to find all sorts of excuses not to come. When asked where he went, he would tell us that he had gone home after school. As his mother was at work, we couldn’t confirm if he was really safe at home or loitering around,” Fong Min remarks.

Justin remembers one specific incident where he got into trouble with the CareHuts teachers. It turned out to be the turning point in his life. “In Primary Five, I used to reach CareHuts late and would tell the teachers lots of lies why I could not arrive on time. The truth was that I was playing soccer after school. One day, they saw through my lie. I got a huge scolding from the teachers and was punished. From that incident, I realised they cared for me. I also learnt my lesson about telling lies.”

54

Fong Min recalls that after this incident, Justin’s behaviour improved throughout his Primary Six year. “I think we were able to win him over and he became more disciplined and focussed in his studies. Seeing him pass his PSLE was most encouraging for us,” said Fong Min. Now an ITE student, Justin goes back to CareHuts to serve as a volunteer. Towards the end of last year, Justin rallied his ITE teachers and friends to plan a Christmas party for all the CareHuts children.

He and his ITE course mates were also engaged in another project to spruce up Eunos CareHut by rearranging furniture, doing

About CCSS CCSS is a non-profit charitable organisation set up in 1996 by Trinity Christian Centre.

It is an affiliated member of the National Council of Social Services.

some repair work and painting the interior

CareHuts is a before-and-after-school care programme run by

walls. He says, with nostalgia, “I feel that

CCSS for latch-key children from disadvantaged backgrounds.

I have benefited much from CareHuts and would like to give back,” he says.

With a sense of fulfilment and pride, Fong Min says, “Seeing him come back to help us as a volunteer brings much joy

For more information on CareHuts and other programmes CCSS provides, visit www.carecom.org.sg To find out how you can partner with us to serve the community either as a volunteer or a sponsor, please contact our Community Partnership Team: John Chua at 6304 7619

and warmth to my heart and makes me

(JohnChua@carecom.org.sg), Stella Aw Yong at 6304 7617

feel that I have done something right. It

(StellaAwYong@carecom.org.sg) or Daryl Lee

encourages me to press on and continue

at 6304 7618 (DarylLee@carecom.org.sg).

this work with the children at CareHuts.”

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Dairy Farm Singapore/ Care Community Services Society Charity Golf 2009 On July 2, the Dairy Farm Singapore/ Care Community Services Society Charity Golf raised more than $248,800 for the charity, so that more lives in the community may experience the ministry of hope, help and healing.

Corinne Lim reports.

On 2 July 2009, a total of 172 golfers descended upon Laguna National Golf & Country Club for the Dairy Farm Singapore/Care Community Services Society Charity Golf event. In wonderful weather, they took flight and teed off for charity. In all, more than S$248,800 was raised for CCSS, Dairy Farmâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s adopted charity. This was S$60,000 more than the amount raised last year. This is Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s abundant provision for CCSS despite the economic downturn in the first half of 2009.

Dairy Farm staff rallied their suppliers to take up 17 flights in an enthusiastic show of support. Mr David Ho, a Trinitarian who is also a Golf Committee member and member of the CCSS Fundraising Sub-committee, extended his influence far and wide, contributing significantly to the success of

56

this event. It was a full day marked by generosity and sportsmanship. Golfers took part in Novelty Holes at holes three and fourteen that raised $2,600.

In the evening, everyone adjourned for dinner which featured amongst other things, our very own Charity Golf Idol Singing competition. Our distinguished Guest of Honour, Mr Lee Yi Shyan, Minister of State for Trade and Industry and Manpower graced us with a beautiful acapella rendition of Josh Groban’s “You Raise Me Up”, helping to raise an additional $1,140 in a sporting display of talent. Two golfers who won the top two prizes of the Idol singing competition also donated their prizes to be auctioned, raising another $2,100 for CCSS.

As part of this year’s community campaign, Dairy Farm has taken on CCCS as its

“Thank you to our distinguished guests and donors for

adopted charity. It aims to raise about

your generosity in this precarious economic climate. CCSS

$400,000 through various fundraising

remains committed to our call to bring restoration and

initiatives that include a Charity Golf

wholeness to individuals and families in need.”

Tournament and donation boxes placed

Rev. Dominic Yeo President, CCSS

at all its Cold Storage, 7-Eleven, Guardian, Market Place and Giant outlets island-wide.

57

1 Never eat together as a family.

2 Never

to ‘Encourage’ Your Children to go Wayward

HINT: Don’t do any of our given tips!

62

have family outings that occur weekly, monthly, or annually – outings that they can look forward to as a family unit.

3 Always talk

to your children, never with them. And never listen.

4 Punish your children

9 Always pick up after them,

15 Keep your home

in public, and never praise them or reinforce their positive behaviour.

and don’t encourage them to accept responsibility.

atmosphere in a state of chaos.

5 Leave the responsibility of teaching morality and spirituality to the schools and church… and the Internet.

10 Be

overprotective; don’t teach your children the meaning of the word “consequence”.

11 Discourage your children 6 Never let your children experience cold, fatigue, adventure, injury, risk, challenge, experimentation, failure, frustration, discouragement, etc.

7 Expect your children to get ‘A’s in school in all subjects.

8 Threaten your children (“If you ever try drugs or alcohol, I’ll disown you!”)

from talking about their feelings (anger, sadness, fear, etc).

12 Make your children feel that their mistakes are sins.

13

Put your children off when they ask “Why” by telling them, “Because I said so.”

14 Lead your children to believe that you are perfect and infallible.

16 Never tell them how much you love them; never discuss your feelings with them.

17 Never hug them or display affection for another in front of them.

18 Always expect the worst, and never give them the benefit of the doubt.

19 Never trust them.

20 Cover up your own mistakes and never apologise. Tell them to do what you say and not to do what you do.

Adapted from Parenting Teenagers by Rev Sam Kuna in Life Conference 2009.

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Growing up, Nick never knew what love was, so he sought it out in other places. A true story.

I am the youngest in a family of seven. I was brought up hearing about Jesus but did not have a real relationship with God. My family was not closed-knit and my siblings lived their own separate lives. We were struggling with our own lifestyles and my parents had their individual struggles too. My mother was an obsessive mahjong gambler while my dad was into alcohol. I wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t say he was an alcoholic but he did drink a lot. My parents were not bad or evil or abusive but maybe they never had or never knew love. Later on in life, I often asked myself why my parents would have so many kids yet neither had time for us nor gave us the love we desired. Whatever the case, I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t blame them for my wayward lifestyle.

I slowly drifted into my own world. My parents managed to send us through secondary school, but it was then I found comfort in cigarettes and solace in drugs by the time I was 16. No

No one paid attention to my slow, initial chapter of destruction.

one paid attention to my slow, initial chapter of destruction. Life became quite distorted from then on: from cigarettes, alcohol and

soft drugs, I moved on to heroin, the mother of all drugs. I immediately got hooked and spent whatever money I had to support my addiction. When I ran out of money, I

64

resorted to stealing and other menial crimes. At that

with my loved ones. I thank God for teaching me to

time, I knew Jesus, but I have never allowed Him into

forgive, and to seek forgiveness. I thank God for all that

my life. I guess that’s why I ended up in dire straits.

He has done for me and all He has planned for me in

Eventually, I got caught and wound up in prison.

the future.

Five times in fact. And if that is not a lesson, I was also given a total of 19 strokes of the cane – but that too

Teen Challenge Singapore is a registered Volunteer Welfare

did not deter me from going back to my old ways.

Organisation providing faith and community-based programmes, and quality rehabilitation and therapy to the

I was introduced to Teen Challenge while serving my last prison term in 2003. It was a seven-and-half-year sentence and I was given the opportunity to serve the remaining six months in a halfway house. I managed

marginalised in society.

Teen Challenge Singapore is also one of the organisations Trinity supports as part of its Local Ministries expressions.

to complete my mandatory six-month programme but deep down, I knew that I was not ready for society. Sure

This is a poem Nick has written:

enough, I ended up on drugs again. I tried many ways to overcome my addiction but I failed. And I was too proud

All Messed Up and Nowhere To Go

to try Jesus. But I had to find help.

All this while I have lived my life in vain; Filled with anguish, sorrow and pain; Founding pleasure but yet no joy or peace in me; Like tossing and turning in the tumultuous sea.

And God turned my life around.

So, I came back into the Teen Challenge programme but with wrong and selfish motives.

Thankfully, the staff and Director of the centre were not easily fooled. They continued to have faith in me and believed that God would transform my life. And

I was all messed up almost all of the time; I left Jesus’ side but He never left mine; He was always there yet I turned Him away; I failed to respond, I refused to pray.

God turned my life around. Gone are the attitudes of disobedience, hatred, unforgiveness and ungodly behaviour that have led to my downfall. God has brought about a drastic transformation in me, and my family and loved ones testify to that.

I thank God for giving me countless chances to turn back to Him. I thank God for putting my life back on track. I thank God for mending the broken relationships

So when I was down and couldn’t go down no more; I wondered why and what I was living for; But Jesus said, come to me those who are weary; And rest will be given, most certainly.

To Him now, I give my all; In times of need, His name I’ll call; With Jesus, I no longer feel empty inside My worries and fears will now subside.

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inviting god into your house

Home is where the heart is, and God desires for the family to place Him in their hearts. Al Troester shares about the family altar and how to establish it.

66

A “family altar” simply means family Bible study and worship time. It is the best guarantee to have Christian children with good moral standards that do not drift through their teen years, to have a family that has a witness for Christ in the community, and to have a family that takes the church seriously and enjoys going to all the services.

It is well to remember the great command that the Lord gave to Israel.

“Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments

A. To worship God together and learn more of His 1) WHAT IS THE PURPOSE

ways. What could be a better purpose? Children

OF THE FAMILY

should learn to worship

ALTAR?

God in their early years that they might have respect for Him in the later years.

B. To honour Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Word, develop respect for it, and to live by it. In these days when we have put the Bible out of our schools, we need to put it back in our homes and teach our children from it.

C. To establish the family in the faith, personal

that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children.

Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.â&#x20AC;? (Deuteronomy 6:4-7)

convictions, and doctrine. Children and young people need convictions to stand up against their peers.

D. To pray over family problems and needs, burdens the children may have, and that they may have confidence in the God that answers prayer in the everyday things of life.

E. To pray and intercede for others. Children who can learn to pray openly at home will have no

Worship of the Lord is first of all vertical and then horizontal,

problem praying publicly in the church weekly

and begins in the home and takes in the whole family.

prayer meetings as they grow.

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A. Search out methods that will appeal to all age levels

appetites hunger for more.

2) PRACTICAL

in the family. Different

SUGGESTIONS

ages have different interests

that can read should take turns in reading as well as

and what may appeal to

in prayer. Even the little tots can say a few words in

one may not appeal to

prayer even if they cannot read. They can be taught

another.

songs in which all can take part.

THAT MAY BE OF HELP

B. Vary the methods so as to keep family time from being boring and from being a cold routine.

Interest for all should be maintained so monotony does not kill it.

C. Do not make it a time of forced listening to the Bible, of bitter participation, or unhappy endurance while you drone through whole chapters of the Bible beyond family comprehension and then drag the family through a long dry, routine prayer. If they participate in bitterness, they will abhor the family altar time.

D. Make it a delightful, happy, interesting time ďŹ lled with enthusiasm so that the whole family looks forward to it with real expectancy.

E. Do not make it so long that the children despise the time it takes. Better

68

have it short and sweet, vital and satisfying, so their F. Let all participate and become involved. Those

G. Take time for discussion, answering questions, solving problems, and for self expression. Children especially are inquisitive and want to know.

H. Do not spend time in criticising or gossiping.

There is nothing that will sour the whole thing more

than engaging in tearing something or someone

lesson and from which you may learn something

apart. Remember it is a worship time.

helpful for Christian living.

I. Let the children that are old enough conduct the family worship time some time either in whole

C. Worship together.

D. Study Bible characters. Read about the character in

or in part. Let them do it their way and express

the Bible and study his weak and strong points and

themselves. It will create interest in it for them. This

discuss how you may learn something from him or

is also a good way to develop them spiritually and in

her. You can see yourself in Bible characters and learn

self-confidence. They should be encouraged in what

many precious lessons.

they do or say and not be belittled.

J. Have the family altar when it is most convenient for all.

E. Major verses. This is a good method for variety. Take a series of verses on great promises in the Bible such as on prayer and victorious living. Memorise the verse.

F. Use pictures. This is a wonderful way to interest

A. Read Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Word together.

children. Many Bible story books have pictures in

Select a book of the Bible

them that tell a story

METHODS

appropriate for your

for the child.

THAT MAY

childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ages and have

BE USED

each family member read

aids of all kinds can be

two to three verses as you

used. Be creative and

go around the room. You

use whatever object

can read anywhere from

you may have handy

3) POSSIBLE

G. Object lessons. Visual

one to two chapters to an entire chapter each night.

to teach a Bible truth.

Let the children help choose what book of the Bible

Christ readily used object lessons such as the sheep

to read.

and goats, the rock, water in the well of Samaria, etc.

B. Bible games. This can be very interesting and add challenge to the family altar and

There is no end to object lessons.

H. Read Bible stories. They supply answers to different family needs and give a challenge to spiritual living.

I. Go through the miracles of Christ. Study the

can be very appealing

miracle as to where it was, the occasion, what

to the young folks

happened, who was involved, and then personal

and keep the family

lessons.

altar time from being

J. Listen to sermons together.

boring. Use Bible games that teach a

Copyright 2009 www.WholesomeWords.org

69

What is the your f amily has given you?

Safety First “My Gong Gong always tells me to be safe. He tells me not to be too friendly with strangers or follow people that I don’t know. He also always tells me that I cannot sit in his car without the

God Knows Best

seat belt or stand on a stool to look out

I was extremely anxious about

of the window. It can be dangerous!”

a performance because I had stage fright.

Josthan Chua, 5, preschooler

Mum assured me saying, “Leave everything in God’s hands and things will turn out okay because He knows what’s best for you.”

Claudia Yong, 14, secondary two student

Focus on Jesus When I faced difficult moments during my Polytechnic days, Sister Wai Wai, my then-Spiritual Parent, taught me to place my focus in God – and to see what the power of prayer could do.

Jane Ha, 25, programmes executive

It’s Okay to Fail My Spiritual Parent in IGNYTE, Brother Samuel, is someone who has impacted my life. He often encouraged me with this: “Whenever you face difficulties, learn and grow from it.”

Tan Jie Kai, 16, secondary four student 70

The words of our loved ones at times seemed more like admonitions than advice, but later we discovered how wise their words were. Hear from these eight

Contentment is Great Gain

Trinitarians and realise that you too

Dad always tells me, “If you’re full, don’t

can be that godly influence to your

also in life’s many choices. It taught me

children and spiritual children.

force”. It applied not just to eating, but contentment and self-control.

Esther Ng, 21, undergraduate

You Reap What You Sow The best advice I’ve gotten from my dad was not spoken; rather, he shared that advice by living it out for me to see. My dad advised me to not be lazy but to work hard for whatever I wanted.

Wong Ming Fai, 32, IT consultant

Loosen Up My elder sister used to say, “Don’t demand so much of yourself.

Take things easier.”

Wan Chi Keung, 29, engineer

Cherish Your Loved Ones “No matter how busy you are, you have got to make time for your wife and family”, mum always said.

Wan Tat Liong, 33, business development executive

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A Trinitarian Tradition Baby Dedication is an age-old tradition since biblical times where Hannah gave Samuel to the Lord, and Trinity has revived this significant tradition.

At Trinity, we see parents who were dedicated as babies, now continuing the tradition by dedicating their own children. As a baby, Titus Thevathasan was dedicated by his parents to the Lord on September 13, 1981. More than 27 years later, Titus likewise dedicated his son Levi on February 14, 2009.

Why did you and your wife choose to dedicate Levi?

The baby dedication was a time for us to come before God to recognise and accept that this little life belongs to God, but He has entrusted Levi to us. It was an immensely significant moment in our lives.

Our son Levi is Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s precious gift to us. We recognise that this blessing Titus was dedicated by his parents to the Lord on September 13, 1981

is from God and so we dedicated Levi before Him. Also, while my wife, Clarise and I have been entrusted with raising this child, we also recognise that many in the family of God are involved in this as well.

Titus dedicated his son Levi on February 14, 2009.

What are your hopes for Levi?

We have much hope for Levi, but we will be careful not to fit him into our prepared mould. Rather, we hope to encourage him to explore his giftings and discover for himself what he can be. We do however pray that Levi will grow up to be a God-fearing child, teenager and later on, a man who follows after Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s heart.

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1 What is the significance of Baby Dedication?

Baby Dedication

FAQs 2

Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it. (Proverbs 22:6) Baby dedication is an act where parents present their child for dedication, to signify their faith in Christ and the Christian way of life. It also indicates their desire for their child to be strong disciples of Jesus Christ. In doing so, parents are also acknowledging the Lordship and Authority of Jesus Christ over their child.

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If my spouse is not a Christian, can I dedicate my child?

My child is already five years old. Can I still dedicate him/her?

Yes, you can as long as you are a believer.

Yes, you can! There is no age limit for parents to dedicate their child.

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Baby Dedication

Parents’ Covenant

5

Yes, I want to dedicate my child.

How do I proceed?

What is my commitment after the Baby Dedication?

Ask for and submit an “Application for Baby Dedication” form at the Level 2 Information Counter. Your District/Zone Pastor will interview you shortly after.

Honour and live out your Baby Dedication Parents’ Covenant.

We dedicate our child to the Lord Jesus Christ and acknowledge His Lords hip and Authority over our family.

We receive our child as a heritage and reward from God. We acknowledge the awesome privilege and responsibility of raising our child in His ways.

We covenant to provid e security for our child through the unity and bond of our marriage relationshi p.

We will endeavour to cu ltivate a strong relation ship, set godly examples and im part godly values in ou r child.

We will conscientiousl y seek the mind of Christ for this child and release him/he r into God’s destiny.

In our spiritual authority as parents, we reject an y claim of the enemy over our child. We declare that Christ has paid the price with His blood, and that ou r child belongs to Him. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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SEX When it comes to talking to kids about sex, parents often worry about discussing too much too soon. But in reality, many share too little too late.

Debra Evans gives practical handles in approaching the oft-shunned topic.

Kimberly [a twenty-one-year-old mother of eight-andtwo-year-old children] learned about sex from her boyfriend. “When you’re in middle school and you run into a boy who’s 19 and cute, he can teach you about sex in a few minutes. You don’t want him to be the one who teaches your kids about sex, but if you don’t, he will.”

B. Kantrowitz and P. Wingert Newsweek, February 15, 1993 74

husband and I resolved to stay calm regardless of what our children asked. For us, the question wasn’t whether we would teach our kids about sexuality, but when and how.

And it wasn’t long before our kids began to ask tough questions: Dad, is it true that a man puts his penis in a woman’s vagina to make a baby – and did you do that to Mom? Yikes!

I can clearly recall the day our 4-year-old daughter barged in on me in the bathroom and cried out, “Mommy! What’s that?”, pointing to the sanitary pad in my hand. After a brief, what-do-I-say-now moment of panic, I took a cleansing breath, smiled and gave Joanna my best – albeit totally spontaneous – answer.

We all want our children to have a healthy, godly view of sex and sexuality. We want to be our children’s primary source of information about sex. But many of us have no clue how to talk to our children about such a sensitive, and sometimes embarrassing subject. Here are some principles that will help.

My parents were never very comfortable talking with my

Children learn about love and sex by watching their

sisters and I about sex. Mom became unusually reserved

parents’ interaction with each other. How you respond

whenever the subject came up, though she would talk

to your spouse, as well

openly about her own embarrassing dating encounters.

as other people you

For the most part, Dad was silent on the subject, apart

care about, will shape

from a few well-timed chuckles. Perhaps it was that

your child’s view of love.

awkwardness that prompted me to want to teach my children differently.

The first step in teaching kids about

Determined to create an open atmosphere in our home

sexuality is enabling

where our kids felt free to talk with us about anything, my

them to both give and

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receive love, according to Stanton Jones, Ph.D., a psychologist and provost at Wheaton College in Illinois.

“Which is more convincing?” he asks. “Distant, rigid, unemotional parents who force their children to memorise ‘God is love’ while rarely embracing them, or loving parents who share with their children the joys of God’s love while holding them and embodying that love in a vivid way?”

You are your child’s first experience with the physical side of love, whether it’s the way you stroke a new baby, tickle your 2-year-old or hug your 6-year-old. Each touch and coo communicates affection and deep love.

Even newborns recognise the voice and touch of the people who care for them. As children get older, physical contact translates to a feeling of security, which in turn translates to a sense of being loved.

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Children also learn about love by watching their parents.

reply: “Your penis and your scrotum.” Such a matter-of-

When children see Mommy and Daddy hug, kiss and

fact answer provides the information he seeks without

snuggle, they know that those gestures are expressions

implying there’s something bad about his body.

of love. As they get older, they’ll recognise that physical affection is a natural way for married people to show

Don’t worry if you still feel uneasy. There may be times

their love. And by the time they begin making their own

when an older child asks a question you don’t know

choices about sex, they’ll have an internal sense of the

how to answer. It’s OK to say, “I don’t know the answer

joy of physical intimacy within marriage.

to that, but I can find out and we can talk about it then.”

When appropriate, use this as a time to learn with your child by visiting the library or reading a book together.

It’s normal to feel uncomfortable when talking about

“Being able to present sexuality to your child

sex with your children. Yet Marianne Neifert, professor

comfortably and accurately has the fringe benefit

of paediatrics at the University of Colorado, says, “We

of enabling communication with him in the future,”

owe it to our children to educate them to function

notes Christian Parenting Today adviser William Sears,

sexually as adults.” To overcome your discomfort, start

a paediatrician and father of eight. “It conveys to your

by asking other Christian parents how they handle the

child that you’re an open, accurate and willing source of

subject. Ask your paediatrician or pastor to recommend

information, and it sets the stage for a more meaningful

resources. See if your church offers sex education

dialogue by the time your child is a teenager.”

seminars. Check Christian bookstores for books and videos to expand your own knowledge. If you’re not comfortable with using the correct terminology, practice saying the words out loud until they sound more natural to you.

Through sensitivity and honesty in everyday situations, you can teach your kids that you’re comfortable with their sexual design – and your own. If your preschooler starts naming his body parts during bath time and, pointing to

The easiest way to discuss sexuality is to begin early,

his genitals, asks, “What’s this?” give a simple, confident

answer questions freely and offer age-appropriate

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information, says Neifert. An honest explanation, no

providing brief, basic answers and then pausing to

matter how brief, is always better than none. Avoid

determine if the child wants to ask anything more. Once

putting off a response, although a specific delay – ”Let’s

a child’s curiosity is satisfied, he’ll usually go on to the

talk about that when we get home” – is preferable to

next topic. As you respond according to your child’s

“We’ll talk about it when you’re older” or “It’s not nice to

developmental stage, you’ll find that he’ll let you know

talk about such things.”

what he is and isn’t ready to hear.

In order to answer explicit questions “on the spot,”

To some degree, you can anticipate the kinds of

parents should prepare and practice. It’s hard to know

questions your children will ask. If, for example, you or

when a question about sex will come up. For instance,

someone your children know is pregnant, expect your

my friend Diane and her elementary-aged daughter

4-year-old to have some questions. If your preteen has

were coming home from a visit with a pregnant relative

friends who are starting to hit puberty, you can bet she’ll

when Diane’s daughter asked, “How did the baby get in

soon be asking questions about her own development.

Aunt Carol’s stomach?”

If you think about the questions your kids are likely to ask before they ask them, you’ll have the opportunity to

Although Diane was tempted to say, “God put the baby

rehearse your replies.

there,” she was prepared to supply a more complete answer: “Aunt Carol’s baby isn’t really growing in her stomach, but in a place near her stomach called the

Don’t wait to pass on accurate knowledge about the

uterus. God made a husband’s and a wife’s bodies to fit

beauty of sex in the context of marriage until after your

together in a special way. It’s called sexual intercourse

child has been exposed to others’ views and values. You

and it’s how God helps a man and a woman make a

should be the first one to talk to him about sex. Be on

baby. The woman’s body makes an egg and the man’s

the lookout for opportunities. A birth – whether it’s

body makes the seed, called sperm, that fertilizes the

the birth of new puppies or a new baby borne within

egg. When the woman

the family – is an excellent

becomes pregnant, the

time to talk about the value

baby grows inside her.”

of life and God’s design for procreation.

Perhaps as difficult as

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knowing what to say is

If you have older children or

knowing when to say it.

preteens, you might be surprised

If your 5-year-old asks

at their lack of questions. One

the same question as Diane’s daughter, how much

way to get them talking is to discuss popular movies or

information is necessary? Most experts suggest

the recent experiences of friends and relatives.

If your child is older and sexuality has not been

but his sisters in Christ, he’ll likely learn to treat his dates

openly discussed in your home, it’s not too late.

with care and respect.

Start afresh today. Create an open atmosphere for communication in your home. That’s your best insurance for protecting your teens against

No matter when or how you talk to your children about

destructive moral messages related to sexuality.

sexual issues, you’ll want to make one fact crystal clear:

According to Jones, this process involves “deliberately

Our sexuality is a precious gift from God and must be

exposing kids to the arguments and pressures they’ll

treated with great care. “Keeping the good of creation

be exposed to later in life, but in the safe environment

separate from sin’s distortions is no easy job,” admits

of the family, then showing how those non-Christian

Lewis B. Smedes, Ph.D., in Sex for Christians (Eerdmans).

influences are unconvincing, false and destructive.”

“We are to love what God has made and hate what sinful men and devils have unmade. The job is to cultivate a

So if you talk to your daughter ahead of time about the

clear perception for what is of God and what is of sin.”

same mistake many young women make by confusing sex with love, she’ll be less likely to confuse the two

To help your children see sex as something God wants

when she begins to form her own dating relationships.

us to use wisely, spend time with your kids studying

If your son understands that girls are not objects of lust

Scripture’s approach to sexuality. Spend time praying

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for and with your children, especially as they become more mature and face more temptations.

Talking about sexuality with our children is perhaps one of the most important conversations we’ll have with them. In truth, it’s a conversation that starts early and lasts for years. Our society is laced with misinformation about the nature of sex and our roles as sexual beings.

But God’s message is clear: Sexuality is part of his creation. And that means it is good.

What Your Child Needs to Know: An Age-by-Age Guide STAGE

CHILD’S INTEREST

PARENTS’ RESPONSE

Infancy

Touch sensations; differentiating self from surroundings

Affirm through nurturing touch – cuddle, hold, caress.

Sensations associated with genitals, bodily functions

Allow child to touch his genitals; toilet train without shaming or embarrassing child.

Exploring and comparing, gender differences

Acknowledge child’s curiosity about sexuality; answer questions factually and positively; allow self-discovery; protect child’s privacy. Expect exploratory play with peers; make positive statements about being a boy or girl; help child take pride in his or her gender; discuss nudity, modesty.

Privacy issues, increased awareness of social attitudes about gender and sexuality

Help child establish physical boundaries; be prepared to answer more complex questions about sex.

Changes associated with puberty, self-esteem messages

Foster understanding of emotional and biological changes; discuss menstruation, masturbation, sexually transmitted diseases, physical boundaries with the opposite sex, the need for abstinence, the role of sex in marriage.

(birth to 2)

Toddlers (2 to 3)

Early childhood (4 to 6)

Late childhood (7 to 9)

Preadolescence (10 to 12)

Debra Evans is a writer, health educator and the mother of four. She and her family live in Texas. This article was first published in MomSense (November/December 1999). Used with permission.

Recommended Read: How & When to Tell Your Kids About Sex by Stanton L. and Brenna B. Jones (NavPress) 80

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Ready for Mr Many of us go around looking

good looks

l a c i s y h p ethnicity c i t e athl

l a u t i r i p s fruits of the spirit

godly r characte sports

l e v a tr

e l b i t a p m co terests In loves to read 82

dresses we ll

? t h g i R s M r o for that Mr or Ms Right, but Joshua Harris says to first be the right pers on.

r e e car

d e t a v i t mo plans for the furure s lover n e d l chi s w confident o h t s us tr ial/

soc l a n o i t o m s e u o r mou

hu chivalrous

mental t n e g i l l inte enjoys philosophical discussions e t s a t d goo ulture in art/c 83

Whether or not you have a biological clock, and whether or not it’s ticking, marriage will inevitably sneak up on you. Your friends’ wedding invitations will begin arriving by the dozens. Suddenly, what once seemed far off and unimaginable has become very real. At this point in your life, people who find out you’re unattached often develop that matchmaking gleam in their eyes.

Being of “marriageable age” and single is a precarious condition. Even if marriage isn’t at the forefront of your mind, it’s guaranteed to be on the minds of those around you.

Our faithfulness in small things today earns us the right to handle bigger responsibilities down the road.

If you’ve reached the same stage, maybe you’re asking the same questions I’m asking: Does the fact that I could get married mean I should make it a priority to find someone? Do I assume I’ll get married soon or act as if I never will? What am I supposed to do now?

relationships, we still have work to do. We have bad habits to get

BE THE RIGHT PERSON

rid of, good habits to develop, and

Hustle While You Wait

character to build. Let’s hustle!

My mom uses the phrase “hustle while you wait”. If one of us children stands around, picking at food while

Yes, we’ll still have a lot of questions – we

she cooks dinner, Mom will snap, like a football coach

may not know who or when we’ll marry.

to his players, “Don’t just stand there! Hustle while you

But we must not allow what we can’t know

Be productive during a lull in the action.

wait!” That means set the table,

to hinder us from acting on what we do

put away groceries, or load the

know. And what do we know? We know

dishwasher; be productive during

that we have today to move with resolute

a lull in the action.

energy toward maturity and Christlikeness, a calling of every Christian whether he

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God has entrusted us with gifts and talents, and He

or she will marry next week or ten years

expects us to guard and use them wisely. Will we give

from now. Our faithfulness in small things

Him a return on His investment in us? Even though

today earns us the right to handle bigger

we don’t know the next step regarding our romantic

responsibilities down the road.

BE THE RIGHT PERSON

Watering Camels In the Old Testament, Rebekah is a young woman who faithfully fulfilled her current obligations. We could learn a few things from revisiting the story of how she prepared for, met, and married her husband. The story begins when Abraham sends his most trusted servant to his hometown to find a wife for his son Isaac. Catherine Vos continues the story this way:

At last, after several days of travel, he reached the place where Abraham’s brother Nahor now lived. This city was called Haran.

In that dry country there was often only one well for a whole city. Every night the young girls of the city went to the well, let down their pitchers into the well and drew water. Then they carried the filled pitchers home on their heads for the family to use.

Abraham’s servant believed in God. He had come safely on his journey and had reached the city to which Abraham had sent him. He thought to himself, “How shall I be able to tell which young girl is the one God wants Isaac to have for his wife?” He kneeled down on the ground beside the well and bowed his head. He prayed, “0 Lord God of my master Abraham, help me

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this day! When the daughters of the people of the city come down to draw water, and I say to one of them, ‘Let down your pitcher, I pray you, that I may drink,’ and she shall say; ‘Drink, and I will give your camels drink also,’ let that be the one whom You have appointed as a wife for Isaac.”

Before the servant had finished praying, a girl named Rebekah came to the well. The servant thought, “Can this be the right one?” He ran to her and said, “Let me, I pray you, drink a little water out of your pitcher.”

The girl said, “Drink, my lord, and I will draw water for your camels also, till they have finished drinking.” She took the pitcher down from her head and let him drink. Then she emptied the rest of the water into the drinking trough for the camels, till all had had a drink.

The servant was very astonished to have her say and do just as he had prayed. When the camels had had enough water, he gave Rebekah a rich, gold ring which he had brought with him, and he put on her arms two beautiful gold bracelets. Then he asked her, “Whose daughter are you? Is there room in your father’s house for us to stay?”

She answered, “I am Nahor’s granddaughter. We have plenty of room for you to stay with us, and straw and food for your camels.” Nahor was Abraham’s brother.

When the servant heard this, he was so happy that he bowed his head down to the ground and worshiped, saying, “Blessed be the Lord God of my master Abraham, who has led me to the house of my master’s family.”

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Although we don’t study the story as a model of how

Someday I want to be a godly husband. I want to

every couple should meet and marry, we can learn

nurture my wife, love her, respect her, and protect her.

from Rebekah’s attitude and actions. Rebekah was

How can I train for that? I believe God has given me

able to meet God’s divine appointment for her life

a mother and sister to practice understanding and

because she was faithfully carrying out her current

honouring women. If I can’t love and serve my mother and sister today, what

obligations.

makes me think I’ll be For Rebekah, the trip to the well that particular evening was nothing special. She made that trip every night. Though her task was mundane,

If we’re wise, we’ll see our duties not as unimportant ways to bide our time, but as springboards, launching us into God’s plan and purpose for our future.

ready to love and serve a wife in the future? I have to practice now: The reverse is true for girls and their dads and brothers. Girls can view

she had a quickness to

their relationships to

her step and a ready

the men in their lives

willingness to serve others. These qualities put her in

as training sessions for loving and respecting a future

the right place at the right time with the right attitude

husband.

when God intended to match her with Isaac.

Marriage won’t

Marriage won’t transform us into new people; it will only act as a mirror, showing what we already are.

We all have our own camels to water – current

transform us into new

relationships and responsibilities we can too easily take

people; it will only act

for granted. If we’re wise, we’ll see our duties not as

as a mirror, showing

unimportant ways to bide our time, but as springboards,

what we already are.

launching us into God’s plan and purpose for our future.

We have to practice now what we want to be in the future. Let’s look at a few areas we can prepare for while

BE THE RIGHT PERSON

we’re still single.

Practice Now While we want to

For a moment, take stock of your current attitude. Are you so caught up in dreaming of marriage that you’re neglecting your present responsibilities as a son, daughter, brother, sister, or friend? We cannot ignore

Practice intimacy

avoid premature intimacy in romantic relationships,

our current responsibilities and expect to magically gain

we should practice intimacy in other committed

the strength of character and virtue that will make us

relationships starting with our families. God has given

good husbands and wives.

us families to learn the art of sharing lives.

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A close female friend of mine realised she had

We need to make sure we don’t develop patterns with

developed bad communication habits with her parents.

money that will jeopardise a marriage. We also need to

Whenever they’d try to talk to her, she would clam up

establish our own philosophy toward finances. What

and refuse to share her feelings. “It finally hit me,” she

kind of lifestyle does God want us to pursue? What is His

told me. “If I shut out the people closest to me now, I’ll

view of money and possessions? Left unanswered, these

do the same thing someday to my husband.” To reverse

issues can cause serious stress in a marriage and serious

this trend, my friend now works hard to build intimacy

regret if we waste our lives pursuing the wrong things.

and openness with her folks. Instead of retreating to her bedroom after dinner, she hangs around and talks with them. This process, which wasn’t easy at first, not only strengthens important relationships currently, it teaches her skills she’ll need one day as a wife.

What kind of lifestyle does God want us to pursue? What is His view of money and possessions?

Each of us

Practice seeking God with others

must develop a dynamic,

Practice parenthood

Children are not one of the risks of marriage;

growing, personal relationship with God. But in preparation

they are one of the rewards. While being a parent is in

for marriage, we also need to learn to seek God with

a totally different league from being a brother, I can

another person. You might start this process with your

“practice” parenthood now by investing time in my

family, then branch out to pray and study the Bible

siblings’ lives, by doing my best to direct them toward

with safe, non-romantic friends from church. Learn to

godliness, and by including them in my activities.

share with others the lessons God teaches you. Learn to pray with someone else. Be honest about your areas of

A friend of my family’s is the youngest in her family, and

weakness, and ask God for a trusted person to keep you

so she never had the opportunity to be around small

accountable in your growth in the Lord.

children. To make up for lost time, Jeanne volunteers as a mother’s helper free-of-charge for a family with

Practice financial responsibilty

Not only

seven kids. One day a week she apprentices in all their

do we need

household’s activities, including watching the children,

to learn to

cooking, doing laundry, and cleaning.

make money

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and support ourselves, we also need to learn how to

Another important part of preparing for parenthood is

manage our money responsibly. Now is the time to learn

observing good parents in action. One man told me

how to budget, save, and tithe consistently.

he tries to observe and spend time with dads whom he

wants to be like. He asks himself these questions: “How do these godly dads handle discipline? How do they teach and instruct their kids?” I have a feeling his study will payoff when he one day faces the biggest test of manhood: being a dad himself.

Preparing for marriage is a by-product of growing in maturity and Christlikeness.

Practice

Practice practical life skills

practical life skills.

Practical life

skills involve the maintenance of your house – including shopping, planning menus and cooking meals. While

remember the real reasons for our preparation.

these sorts of skills aren’t glamorous, they are an

Preparing for marriage is a by-product of growing in

important part of managing a household. We have no

maturity and Christlikeness. But while marriage is

excuse for not preparing ourselves in this area. And the

optional, developing Christlike qualities is not. Each

best preparation is actually doing it.

of us must develop love, humility, patience, forgiveness, and responsibility. These are some of the attributes of

Though I’ve improved my skills in the kitchen, I’m still

godly character!

woefully unprepared in the area of home maintenance.

I’m sure you have your own weak spots too. Let’s get to

As singles, part of good stewardship involves gaining

work strengthening them! Write down these skills, and

the skills we’ll need in marriage. But marriage is not

establish a plan to master each one.

the finish line. Statistically speaking, most of us will eventually marry. But we need to make sure we “redeem

BE THE RIGHT PERSON

the time” to glorify God, not to earn brownie points

Marriage Is Not The Finish Line!

from Him so we can demand marriage. We prepare and

Perhaps I’ve struck a chord with you. Maybe you can

for our future. Biological clocks can tick all they want;

think of a few ways to redeem your time so that you can

let’s redeem today!

develop our characters so we can become as flexible and useful for Him as possible, no matter what he plans

feel confident that you’re using your singleness for Gods glory. What might you put into practice even today?

Excerpted from I Kissed Dating Goodbye © 1997, 2003

by Joshua Harris. Used by permission of WaterBrook

We all can actively choose ways to prepare ourselves

Multnomah Publishing Group, a division of Random

for marriage, if God wills it for our future. But let’s

House, Inc.

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yer! a r P o t l l a AC

keen If you are rayer life p r u o y e v i to g on! a zest, read

In June this year, Se the church to comm and Trinity Christian commitment would in one out of 365 da Missed the chance t

kly. Print

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7

-Day Prayer Guide A prayer g guide for everyone, for ev

the guide is a practical aid for you

A Call to Pray er!

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P L E N A R Y S E S S I O N S

•

W O R K S H O P S

•

CONFERENCE Jun 18-19 Trinity@Paya Lebar

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N I G H T R E V I VA L M E E T I N G S

Life Conference 2009 lived up to its name, for the mega-event was filled with dynamism and zest even before the conference officially started: all spaces were filled on the very first weekend of registration.

What was the hype about?

Here are some fast facts and snapshots of the much-sought-after event.

Sign-ups by Track: ✓ Adult Track: 1,030 ✓ Youth Track: 296 ✓ Children’s Track: 224 Total number of registrants: 1,514

A

INSPIRED At the plenary sessions, anointed speakers Rev Dominic Yeo, Rev Les Bowling and Rev Ong Sek Leang delivered messages that were enlivening, insightful and life-changing.

It was a super conference. The plenary sessions and workshops specifically addressed the issues I am facing in the current season of my life. I have received what I need to help me walk with God through this season of my life.

Lillian Koh, relationship manager East, Trinity@Adam This is my first conference and I have been blessed by it. I have learnt a lot about God. I am making it a point to attend subsequent Life Conferences.

I strongly encourage others to do so!

Simon E, remisier West Trinity@Adam

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A

TRANSFORMED With a ‘menu’ that catered to appetites of all sorts and a buffet of relevant workshops, Life Conference registrants were fed in spirit, soul and mind.

Adult Track This is my first con Th onfe fe fer ere ren e att Tri renc rini nity and I am very ry encou ura rage g d by all the messages. Th The e tto opi pics cs a are relevant to the sea aso s n of my life and have brought abo bout ut a conviction an and confirma ati tion o off God’s Word d.

Joelyn Ong, management consultant East, Trinity@Paya Lebar I am very blessed by the many practical insights I have gleaned from the workshops attended.

Alex Loo, businessman South, Trinity@Adam I have been really blessed by the learning of Bibl blic ica al principles. The topics are relevant to my life.

Karen Tan, staff nurse North, Trinity@Adam God has reinforced His Word for my life and I have been taught practical steps I can take to live out His purpose!

Rachael Li, undergraduate Creative Ministries

Youth Track I ha have ve grown closer to God, and both the e ple ena nary ses essi sions and workshops have imp pa accted me tremendously. The wor orks ksho hop ps have given me valuable insight intto how I can better int nter eract with my peers.

Justin Marc Yeo, o se seco condary four studeent co IGNYTE, Trinity@Ad dam The workshop topics are ve ery relevant – they fit in with what I was searching for and praying about.

Christine Wu, secondary four student IGNYTE, Trinity@Paya Lebar

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Children Track God’s presence was SUPERDUPER strong ng!!

Now I know Jesuss cam a e that I may hav ve li life, and I shall live it ab abun undantly!

Kay En Ze, prima aryy fi fivve stud dent Children’s Minisstry, y, Trinity T ty@P @Pay aya a Lebar I ha h d a lo ot of ffun un.. Th T iss yyear’s Life Conference wass a wo wa wond nderful ex experience. I love the times of praise and wo ors r hip as I’ve experienced a fresh encounte er with God. Nicole Wong, primary six student Children’s Ministry, Trinity@Adam My relationship with h God was strengthened and I have become more secure, knowing that God is with me and will take care of me.

Angelica Yeo, primary six student Children’s Ministry, Trinity@Adam

Two nights of fresh h enccountters with h a po owerful Go od marke ed the Night Reviva al Me eeting gs.

I was veryy inspired, refresh hed e and ffulfilled d. I am looki king ng ffor orwa ward d to next year ar’s confere ence!

Simon Ho, seeni n or enginee eer East, Trinity@Paya y Lebar I had d a great time soa aki k ng in God’s pr pres e ence both worshipping an nd re ece c iving messages tha hat will enrich one’ e’ss li life fe.

Robe ert Tan an,, general manager North, Tri rini n ty@A @Adam

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The Parade of Nations ly!

Loud and live

h Making Faith Promises

ng extravagantly Givin ar t o captture His hea to

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Trinityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s passionate heartbeat for the nations continues to pulsate. 317 delegates from 14 nations came for the Cell Church Conference while, on Missions Convention weekend,

Missions and Impartation N

Trinitarians made Missions

ights

Powerful pre aching and impactful im mpartations

Faith Promises surpassing $9.7 million â&#x20AC;&#x201C; despite the bleak economic outlook.

Here are some snapshots of the month-long event.

Receiving Missions Postcards eminders kenss of re Tok ay,, give and go to pra

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CELL CHURCH CONFERENCE

Rave reviews from our delegates I have been greatly re-energised and motivated. All the combined and workshop sessions spoke to our situation and needs. I felt affirmed by God through the impartation.

In particular, I also feel better equipped in the ‘how to’ of cell leadership.

Elenor Nidedas, United Kingdom I have experienced the genuine warmth and vibrancy of your community. Keep it up, Trinity!

Chew Chung May, Malaysia I have been tremendously blessed by the conference and more importantly, through the spirit of excellence in which the Trinity family has conducted this lifechanging conference. I know, without a doubt, that through this, Bermuda will be changed.

Richard Scott, Bermuda Seeing the Cell Church Model in action and not just in word is a real blessing.

Brad Lewin, Australia I’ve seen, experienced and learnt many things through this conference. I’ll bring more of my leaders next year!

Jenifer H. Aguilar, Philippines I very much enjoyed the friendly environment, spiritual atmosphere and the spirit of excellence in this church, and gleaned a lot from the entire experience.

Cindy Panepinto, USA I have been refreshed and am so excited to face the challenges of applying what I have learnt back in our church.

Jeralyn Palabrica Atangue, Philippines I have been richly blessed by this conference. My mind has been transformed.

Stephen Megam Uarunamegam, Malaysia I’ll never be the same…Excellent programmes, excellent conference.

Carolyn M. Simons, Bermuda

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HUMANITARIAN MISSIONS

Your giving continues to allow Trinity to impact lives in India and Thailand.

Trinity adopts another 15 orphans Through your giving, the church is able to adopt another 15 orphans from the Home of the Champions in India. At the Home, children have a safe shelter where they are cared for, receive food and clothes and have the opportunity to go to school. The church is committed to sponsor the children until they reach 18 years old or Grade 12.

Let’s pray that:

✟

The children will experience God’s love and their emotional needs will be met

During the month of March, Trinitarians handwrote a total of 1,023 notes to our adopted children in India and Thailand. Here are excerpts from their letters to us.

✟

They will find a purpose and direction in life

“Mum and dad have to work hard to earn money to care for my older brother and I. Thank you for the new clothes, a place to sleep and the many other things you have sent us.”

Tongsatienkit Maijua

✟

God’s protection will be over their health and mind to study well

✟

There will be open doors for partnerships with churches and organisations.

You are a channel of blessing to these children. Besides providing financial support, you also provided tender loving care by being involved personally.

Letters from our hearts

“I like going to church and I like to sing. The eight of us in my family are very thankful for the gifts you sent me.”

Saema Seer

CRISIS RELIEF EFFORTS

Your giving continues to support victims of disasters around the world.

Thank you for lending a helping hand to the children and families affected by the Orissa Tornado. The Orissa coast was struck by a tornado on March 31 this year. It caused massive devastation and many lives were affected. Thousands of houses were partly damaged. Crops were destroyed and food securities of many households were severely threatened.

Your love gift was channelled to Discipleship Centre (DC), a Christian organisation that works towards transforming and empowering lives of people in need. DC carried out the Orissa Tornado relief work, which has made a difference to families in the Kendrapada District of Orissa.

Your financial assistance provided practical relief aid: • Ensured food security for 600 families for 20 days and helped the families to equip their kitchen 600 most affected families in the Rajakanika Block of Kendrapada district received immediate dry food rations. The food rations included rice, dhal, oil, chuda (puffed rice), potatoes, onions, salt, candles, matchboxes and sugar. The families also received cooking utensils.

• Tarpaulins as temporary shelters for 350 most-affected families.

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Held on April 10 and 11, the event was watched by over 7,380 people.

530 of them were first-timers and 220 gave their lives to Christ.

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101

When it comes to caring and connecting, age is no barrier! Trinitarians young and old prayed for, brought and met the felt needs of their families and friends.

Kudos to our DiscoveryLand Children!

Chaela Seven-year-old Chaela had always wanted to invite her best friend to DiscoveryLand (DL).

She decorated the HOPE invitation card, wrote her classmate’s name and passed

Nine-year-old

the card to her. Her classmate accepted

Eddison Kuah went beyond

her invitation and brought her parents along. She said that HOPE was fun and

inviting his

wished she could come back again.

two friends. H e

Chaela also prayed with her that her

asked his form

father would stop smoking.

teacher too. A

ll of them came!

Eddison

Gloria

Sarah

12-year-old Gloria Kok invited her

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classmates to the Easter event. While

Ten-year-old Sarah Chua invited her best friend to

only one of her friends turned up,

HOPE. Her friend’s mum saw the HOPE flyers, and

Gloria pressed on by sharing the

brought her and her sister! Both her friend and her

gospel with her two friends in school.

friend’s mother accepted Christ during the musical.

Hallelujah! Both of them received

Her friend’s mother is now attending a carecell and

Christ through Gloria, who cared

rescheduling her friend’s schedule so that she can

and dared to follow through.

attend DL with Sarah. Praise God!

Find a Need, Meeting that Need Vincent and his family have been attending Trinity@Paya Lebar since February this year but they have not responded to the gospel. He was very touched by the message shared during HOPE but, once again, did not respond to the gospel.

During cell meeting a week after Easter, a few of us continued to care and

Vincent & family

connect with him by ministering to his felt needs. We shared with him about Christ and he decided to receive Jesus into his heart that night. Praise God! Joshua Leong, teacher East, Trinity@Paya Lebar

Prayers answered, even before Easter!

During one of the weeks before Easter, the Host Pastor

Jesus had helped her before. That was how she made

asked all of us to write down the names of our oikos on

up her mind to send us the SMS, and amazingly, her

the HOPE Card. Without hesitation, I wrote the names

husband agreed to her request too.

of my parents-in-law, sister-in-law, brother-in-law and nephew. My family has been praying for my in-laws’

Both my sister-in-law and nephew started coming

salvation for more than ten years.

to Trinity a few weeks before Easter. My sister-in-law rededicated her life and my nephew prayed the Sinner’s

A week later, my husband and I received a SMS from

Prayer at the DiscoveryLand service. Their lives have

my sister-in-law who mentioned that she would like to

been transformed since then.

bring her son to our church. This was before we even started giving out our HOPE invitations. My family

My sister-in-law started praying for her husband and my

jumped with joy when we received the good news.

parents-in-laws’ salvation. As for my nephew, he is now

Truly, God answers prayers.

a ‘changed’ boy. My daughter, who attends Discovery Land services together with him, comments that she is

My sister-in-law had backslidden many years ago. Both

not used to the new ‘Quiet Brian’ who is now completely

her husband and she were very stressed with their

different from the old ‘hyperactive’ boy.

son due to his ‘slowness’ in learning. They had sought help from various avenues, including visiting different

Truly, we believe in an amazing God; nothing is too

temples and appealing to different gods. They were

difficult for Him. Things seem impossible but He can

exasperated and at their wits’ end.

always turn the obstacles into opportunities. Amen!

I believe that it was through divine revelation that my

Melina Hee, ministerial staff

sister-in-law remembered that Jesus can help, because

North, Trinity@Adam

103

ck a r T a h Alp Missio

life n for

e f i l r u o y e g n a Ch ! s y a d 0 9 in ORD!

I’ve just finished army and am waiting to enter University.

Although I accepted Christ when I was ten, my

DAY

1

I’m starting Track a week late because I fell sick during the first few days, which also happened to be when the team started bonding.

spiritual life has been stagnant. I want to live life ‘young and dangerous’. My mother is strongly

This morning when

encouraging me to join AlphaTrack to seek God’s

I first arrived, the rest of

direction for my life.

the trackers were doing their Time Alone With

Two years ago, she went for AlphaTrack and while

God. I remember sitting

listening to her, I remembered telling myself

in Classroom 6 at Trinity@

that I would never want to go through what she

Paya Lebar, staring blankly

did. I’m reluctant because I don’t want to make

at my Bible and asking

lifestyle changes. I know that being close to God

myself why I had even signed-up. During worship that

means having to make sacrifices to my ‘happening’

morning, I felt very out-of-place when I saw how intensely the

lifestyle.

others were worshipping. I remember telling God, “Oh man, You’ve got to help me out here. This is so not me.”

One week before AlphaTrack

104

I have finally taken the plunge. Today, I submitted

But the team was very welcoming and took the initiative to

my application. Somewhere

come up to me to introduce themselves and to make me feel

inside me, I know this will be

less awkward. At the end of the day, I somehow feel more at

a decision I would not regret. I am giving it a go to

ease and know that God will help me through it all. I realise

find out what God has in store for my life.

that unlike the others who have signed up to grow their

d ers who joine k c a tr r e th o f the ang Unlike most o ual life, Gan Y it ir p s ir e th grow AlphaTrack to fe. And that li , fe li l a u it ir e his sp joined to giv – and more. id d d o G t a h wa s w

spiritual life, AlphaTrack will serve as a key to kick-

approach anyone. I was very blessed to be paired with

start my spiritual engine.

a partner who was very encouraging and helped me along the way. When my partner encouraged me to

End of first week

I feel completely overwhelmed from

approach someone, I would stall for time by fumbling

the first week of proper classes.

with my things, slowly taking out the invite card we

There were many aspects of Track that leave me feeling

were intending to hand him. By the time I was ready, the

lost, or inadequate. I am most worried about street

guy would be gone – and

evangelism. I am not strong in my faith and the thought

I would be really relieved.

of approaching random strangers scares me.

After awhile, I took my

After awhile, I took my first step of faith, and told God, “Ok God I put this in Your hands.”

I also learn that as Trackers, we are to pray for those who

first step of faith, and told

respond to the altar call at the weekend services. I am

God, “Ok God I put this in

afraid that I might pray the wrong thing or my prayer

Your hands.” I approached

would not minister to the person I pray for.

a man sitting by himself and to my surprise, he was very friendly. My partner

Today is the first time we’re embarking

and I managed to share a lot

on street evangelism. I remember praying

with him and even invited

constantly, even before getting to class.

him to the upcoming Easter

I kept asking God for His wisdom to say ‘the right things’ and to be eloquent in doing so.

presentation. Although he did not receive Christ at the end of our conversation, I feel that

When we first started out, I didn’t even dare

this is my first breakthrough.

105

Today, we had a class on Prophetic Training.

I have overcome my fear of approaching people to share

The class really helped me in discerning God’s

the word, and I now find it a joy to minister to people

voice. This gave me the confidence to pray for

through prayer.

others as I knew I could rely on the Holy Spirit.

I am learning to apply this when we share Christ with strangers by asking God for a prophetic word for the person I am ministering to.

It has been an action-packed

T h i s g a ve m e t h e c o n fi d e n c e to pray for others as I k new I could rely on the Holy Spirit.

90 days. I have learnt so much over the course of the three months.

However, the two

After the last few weeks evangelising, I feel

most important

more confident approaching strangers. I find

lessons I’ve

my faith growing as I put my fears aside and

learnt, could not

take the step of faith to approach people and

have been taught

share with them about God.

by any course material: God’s faithfulness, and

The Trackers have been rostered as ‘meal-

trusting in Him. Being

servers’ during the week-long Cell Church

close to God indeed

Conference. It’s so easy for me to go online and

means that we have to

sign-up for AlphaTrack and then just turn up at

make the extra effort to

Paya Lebar, while the delegates have to travel all the way

make lifestyle changes.

from around the world to attend this Conference. I feel

But God sees the efforts

that God is showing me how privileged I am to be a

we put in and the

Trinitarian.

blessings he pours out in

The tw wo most important lessons I’vve learnt, could nott have been taught by any coursse mate eriaal: God’ss faithffulness, an nd trusting in Him.

return, we cannot fathom.

I am still fearful of approaching people but I am pressing on in spite of my fears. I am

At the beginning of AlphaTrack, I was interested to

learning how to pray powerful prayers and

know what God could do for me. But now I leave Track

more importantly, to discern God’s voice and

interested to know what I can do for God. AlphaTrack

receive a prophetic word for the person.

has been one of the best decisions I have made for my life, and my life has truly been changed in those 90 days.

I am now at Iloilo, Philippines for our Missions Impact Trip. We spend most of our time in a large squatter settlement where a new church has just been planted.

Pressing on in spite of my fears has proven to be very important because I am able to minister to different people, whether at the altar or not, through prayer.

106

AlphaTrack is a three-month, full-time missionstraining programme that equips ordinary believers for strategic leadership in the church and marketplace.

To find out more about this programme, visit the AlphaTrack link at www.trinity.net or email us at testimonies@trinity.org.sg

107

s l e e H r e v O d a e H Just ust after su sunrise unrise nrise e on o Saturday, S turda March 28, Sa 0 coup 140 couples from all parts of Singapore and all walks of life gathered at East Coast Park for CCSS’ Head Over Heels Couples Run 2009. There were young dating couples, newly-married couples and couples who been married for decades. Some came in coordinated and matching outfits while some came with their children and strollers in tow.

Despite their differences, all had these in common – to run the 8km run as a celebration of their love, and to complete it with the love of their life.

Long before the first gleam of dawn, staff and volunteers already began busily unloading goodie bags and other items at various points along the route, getting ready for the flag-off by the Guest of Honour, Yao. o..

Mayor of South East CDC Mr Matthiass Ya te e Various activities were planned en route to liken the marriage journey to a longdistance run with ‘obstacles’ and ‘distractions’ along the way – that the strength and support of one’s life partner would make the journey more enjoyable, less gruelling, and help spur one another toward the finish line. Volunteer ‘Cheer teams’ also lined the route to root for the couples to meet the end-goal. For some couples, finishing together meant carrying their partners across the finish line!

108

9 0 0 2 n u R s e l p u o C

ad a ead morning to fall he lks of life convened one Saturday ll walk 140 couples ffrom all d ed , organise rtners. Into its second year, the run pa ir the h wit – ly ral lite – els he over ty

by Care Community Services Socie (CCSS), was a celebration of the journey of a couple’s love.

Here are what some couples have to say:

Christopher

Soon Seng, who is self-employed, ran with his wife Puay

and Molly,

Ling, a bank officer. Married for eight years, they each

both managers

ran pushing a stroller with their toddler and baby. When

and married

asked how it felt running with their children in tow, Soon

for 19 years had participated in last year’s couples run

Seng said, “We underestimated the distance and didn’t

and were running again this year. “We had so much fun

know it would be so long. We were tempted to just walk

last year, we wanted to come back for more. We get

the whole way. But the atmosphere was very encouraging

to spend time together away from work and other

and supportive, and the scenery was beautiful. We

responsibilities and it definitely helps us bond and

enjoyed the fact that it was a family activity.” Puay

build our relationship” said Christopher. “After such

Ling added, “We learned not to give up and what was

a fantastic and fun run, we are going out for breakfast

important to us was not the breaking of any records

together,” said a happy Molly.

but just completing this run together.”

When interviewed, our special guests, newly-married Students Patrick and Karen met each other at a beach

celebrity couple Randall Tan and Melody Chen shared

volleyball game in Sentosa a couple of years ago and have

some personal discoveries and insights. Tongue in cheek,

been dating since. “We came across this Couples Run

Randall confessed, “The best thing about being married

while surfing the internet for runs and decided to go

is that I don’t have to drive from east to west to pick her

for it because it was something different. This race is

up and send her home anymore.” Said Melody, “Sports is

like a snapshot of life where we must both start and end

something that you can share and participate in for

the race together and it will require stamina, supporting

the other’s sake. Randall plays football and although I

one another and not leaving the other behind,” said

don’t play, I will go with him and watch. I recently took

Patrick. Karen added, “It was a good run and Patrick and

up table tennis for a show and Randall decided to go

the volunteers, who were so supportive, kept me going.”

and play table tennis with me one day instead of each of us just doing our own thing.” In answer to the question

Alfred, an engineer and his wife Sheila, who works in a

on how they were planning to spend their first wedding

hospital, dated each other for 11 years since secondary

anniversary, Randall shared that they would be renewing

school before tying the knot in 2007. “We are both runners

their vows in church on that day.

and Alfred usually runs way ahead of me but in this race, he was forced to stay with me,” said Sheila jokingly. “It was

Head Over Heels Couples Run 2009 was organised

a great opportunity for us to run a race together. This is

by CCSS in conjunction with the MCYS-initiated

probably the only race I can run with her,” added Alfred.

“We Are Married!” celebrations. The Head Over Heels

When asked if they would take part in this race again,

Couples Run targets married and soon-to-wed

they declared unanimously, “Definitely!”

couples who embrace running as a healthy lifestyle.

109

2 e p a Esc The hot morning sun shone down and the buzzing of cicadas filled the air. At the wave of a yellow flag, Trinitarians set off, leaving the pruned greenery of Hort Park for a trek into more unruly forest growth. It’s “Escape to the Ridge”, a Young Adult Event held on 1 May 2009, Labour Day.

In their various teams, participants trekked from Hort Park, past Henderson Wave to the end of Marang Trail, near VivoCity. Some participants were grouped together with their cell members, while others saw new faces in their teams. “The trek’s a good time to gather together, to bond,” said Eunice Tan from West, Trinity@Paya Lebar.

Along the way, there were stops at various stations to play games.

There were three stations. At the first station, participants got to get in touch with nature (literally) when they had to collect leaves, branches, caterpillars and various other creepy-crawlies as part of their scavenger hunt. At the second station, participants played the “Broken Telephone” game. Screams and shouts of excitement could be heard at the third station as members from opposing teams raced to be the first team to occupy five spaces in a row on the Tic-Tac-Toe template marked out on the ground in “Five in a Row!”, a game that was a combination of “Dog and Bone” and “Tic-Tac-Toe”. “The games were refreshing,” said Emily Wee from South district, Trinity@Paya Lebar. “It may seem like [just a] scavenger hunt but actually when you do it with a different group of people, it’s very fun. I’m with a new group of people and got a chance to work with them.”

It has often been said that one should aim not only to begin well, but also to finish well. And how better to finish a trek under the hot sun than with the icy sweetness of ice-cream on one’s lips? Crunchy organic apples were also up for grabs at the finishing line, to please the health-conscious.

At the close of the event, Pastor Larry highlighted that the objective of having this Young Adult event was to create a platform that would encourage unity and fellowship among young adults so that together, they could make a difference for the kingdom of God. Said Calvin Koh from West, Trinity@Adam: “It’s a bit tiring, but it’s very good to unite a lot of people [through such an event]. I think the organising committee did a good job.”

110

! e g d i the R 234 young adults fled to the Southern Ridges to catch panoramic views of the city, appreciate unique flora and fauna, and break out from the humdrum of urban life. Quek Yan Ying recounts the escapade.

111

When it comes to dedication, our footballers are in a league of their own. Kevin Kwang finds out why.

Fixture List as of 29 August 09 TCC 1 Vs Pentecost Pandas

7–0

Vs Toa Payoh Methodist Church 1 – 0 Vs Church Of The Ascension 1

2–2

Vs Aldersgate Methodist Church 3 – 7 Vs Bethesda Bedok-Tampines Church

1–0

Vs Hing Hwa Methodist Church

4–0

Vs Christ Methodist Church

4–2

Vs Faith Methodist Church

7–1

TCC 2 Vs Church Of The Ascension 2

4–2

Vs Pentecost Panthers

3–0

Vs Calvary Assembly of God

3–0

Vs Hiding Place

2–1

Vs Teen Challenge

2–6

Vs Cherith Baptist Church

2–6

Vs RiverLife Church

3–1

Vs Harvester FC

0–4

While many football fans in Singapore are eagerly waiting

this competition, winning or coming close to winning the

for the Barclays Premier League to start this August to

tournament several times previously. And this year is no

find out if Manchester United, Liverpool or Chelsea start

different, having sent in two teams to compete for the Cup.

the new season well, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s another league held locally (and no, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not the S-League) that is already in full swing.

Simply called Team Trinity 1 and 2, both sets of players

Welcome to the Agape Cup.

have been putting in the time, sweat and even money to hit tip-top physical condition for the competition.

Held once every year at Hiding Place, the Cup has been

Saturday mornings for these players are reserved for

a great platform for Christian brothers to engage in a

training, honing up on the basics of football technique

competitive game of football, and to invite their non-

as well as forging the necessary team unity to compete

Christian friends to join in too.

come match day.

But make no mistake, the Cup is no weekend stroll-in-the-

And this hard work is starting to bear fruit, with both

park-with-the-boys affair. Rather, every win is celebrated

teams hitting stride almost immediately and winning

exuberantly and every loss dissected in detail â&#x20AC;&#x201C; such is the

their first few games with minimal fuss. However, there

commitment of the teams in this tournament.

is no time to rest on our laurels, as the games come thick and fast. So keep the teams in prayer even as they

Trinity Christian Centre has always held fond memories of

continue to do battle on the football fields every Sunday.

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30

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S HFULNES T I A F ’S OF GOD 009 1979 – 2

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