Trinitarian Magazine Issue 3_2008

People p Features Happenings pp g

Issue 3/2008

The

Extraordinary Special!

Living the Extraordinary Life Extraordinary Encounters Building an Extraordinary Legacy Real Life Miracles: God Built My House!

www.trinity.net

Have you heard God inviting you to you will find intimacy with Him? the place

WHERE

ARE you hearing His voice and knowing His heart for you and your family?

YOU

Will boldly step out with new authority and dominion in prayer?

e r e h W

? u o Y e r A Respond to God’s invitation

and let your faith rise to a new level!

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

Published quarterly by Trinity Christian Centre, it has a readership of over 14,000, and reaches the churches in Singapore, the entire y. congregation of Trinity Christian Centre, and 2,000 visitors of Trinity.

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

Don’t miss it!

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

Soh Liang Liang, media director

Trinity Christian Centre Celebration Services 2008 Trinity@Adam 21 Adam Road

Contents

ENGLISH SERVICES Adult Services, Nursery & DiscoveryLand* Sat 5pm Sun 10am Pre-teens Service (age 10-12) Sat 5pm IGNYTE Services (age 13-19) Sat 5pm Sun 10am CHINESE SERVICE Sun 10am FILIPINO SERVICES Sun 10am Sun 3pm

Trinity@Paya Lebar 247 Paya Lebar Road ENGLISH SERVICES Adult Services, Nursery & DiscoveryLand* Sat 5pm Sun 8.30am Sun 11.30am Pre-teens Service (age 10-12) Sat 5pm Sun 11.30am IGNYTE Service (age 13-19) Sat 5pm Sun 11.30am CHINESE SERVICES **Sun 8.30am Sun 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.

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

Radio Ministry Thought for the Day FM 107 - 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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10

27 Features 10 Expectation Key to the extraordinary life

20 Extraordinary Provision The God of more than enough

32 Go for the Double Portion!

Extraordinary abundance

46 Secrets of the Extraordinary Life Revealed!

62 New Dimensions of Glory Enter in!

42

46

68

Snapshots

Buzz

People

42 Extraordinary Legacy

16 Extraordinary Encounters!

27 God Built My House!

From vision to reality

Real Life Miracles

Glimpses of Jesus

56 One Extraordinary Journey An IGNYTEr reflects

59 06.07.08 A watershed event

38 Above and Beyond!

Finding an unexpected friend

83 Abounding Provision CCSS receives and gives

IGNYTEd

More than expected

74 Care & Connect Toolkit 10 handy tips

80 The Accidental Volunteer

52 Extraordinary Lives!

77 Needs Met!

68 Retire? Refire!

A life of legacy

84 When Someone Met My Need Our L-Team pastors share

Because we care

88 Different Nations, One Kingdom Missions Impact Trips

104 Netball Champion Trinity makes history

106 Fever Pitch Trinity’s soccer scene

86 A Trinitarian Tradition Seminars and courses

100 Game of Life What an experience!

92 A Life of Significance Prayer rally 2008

94 Breaking All Records Church camp 2008

102 Survivor Tribe Trinity

108 Raising the Standard Of Singapore’s counsellors 7

We see our worship services, prayer meetings and carecells as places where

Vibrant Atmosphere

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.

Adviser Wang Look Fung Chief Editor Pastor Janice Chng Editor Huang Rui Lin Assistant Editor Tan Rou’en Sub-Editor Corinne Lim

Incredible Unity

Passionate Heartbeat We see a people consumed with a vision to touch the world for

We see Trinity Christian Centre as a

Jesus Christ and to see His glory

church living together in covenantal

displayed throughout the world.

relationships; where carecells, ministries, families and individuals

heartbeat to fulfill God’s global agenda through sending men

fulfill God’s purpose and plan for

and women of faith to equip and empower cell churches.

We see the church as a place for the

Strategic Leadership

Contributing Writers Rev Dominic Yeo Rev Dr Naomi Dowdy Pastor Dennis Lum Rev Ong Sek Leang Dr Pat Francis Pastor Edward Lim Pastor David Chng

Chia Shuang Ai Dorothy Poon Gracia Tan Kevin See Michelle Leong Michelle Lim Tan Pei Ling

We see a church with a passionate

are flowing in corporate unity to the church for that hour.

Editorial Support Veronica Teo

empowerment and development

Contributing Photographers Daniel Tan Law Kian Yan Doris Tan Lorraine Chee Eileen Lee Lynn Koh Faith Koh Phyllis Phua Jonathan Lim Yeo Rong Rong Ken Chua Advertising Sales & Admin Janica Chan For ad sales enquiries, Tel: 6468 4444 Email: admin@trinity.org.sg

of Spirit-filled leaders who will be strategically positioned and deployed within the Body of Christ. Every

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

Trinitarian a leader with a ministry.

Website www.trinity.net

Passionate Honour Passion to love and honour God

Audacious Fervour Boldness and zeal to believe and ask largely for the impossible

Relentless Belief Unwavering belief in people and their God-given destiny

Contagious Faith Authentic and infectious faith that reaches out to the lost

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Email admin@trinity.org.sg ISSUE 3/2008 The Trinitarian is published quarterly

by Trinity Christian Centre.

Company registration number 197802911H MICA (P) 023/03/2008 Printed in Singapore by Print & Print Pte Ltd License number L001/01/2008 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!

SLEtT ar TER

I was so blessed by your article about 2008 being the Year of New Beginnings!

Even before I came across it, I had

Congratulations to Trinity for producing such an outstanding magazine! It is a good

known 2008 to be so. But reading your

magazine that has encouraged, blessed and ministered to

excitement. I am claiming for myself

me. I liked all the sections of the magazine:

this year to be one of experiencing new

article brought me to a new level of

life, dominion, authority and provision.

• The teachings of your pastors ministered to my need for

Jun E. Suministrado, Philippines

spiritual growth and application.

• The section on how God blessed Pastor Dennis Lum with the healing of his child touched my heart.

• The testimonies about the experiences of carecell

I am very proud of our magazine! I was showing a visitor around church the other day and the Trinitarian proved

members in the cells encouraged me and reminded of

very handy in helping me share our

the importance of being in a cell and serving one another.

vision and mission. I love the attractive visuals of the magazine and the

There is much more that I can write about! I look forward

encouraging testimonies. It makes a

to receiving your magazine! Thank you once again for

difference to know that real-life miracles

helping me to grow in the Lord.

are happening right here, to people

Agnes Lim, administrative officer

whom I know!

Lilin Khoo, educator and writer T Thank you for the article ““Going a Little Further”. It’s assuring and reaffirming to read that God values every little step and effort, even in our

Win!

An autographed copy of Apostle Dowdy’s latest book!

weariest moments.

Being away from home inevitably ma makes everything harder, but I’m really glad God has continued to use Trinity to inspire me.

The magazine’s really encouraging – brilliant!

Louise Loo, student

Tell us what you think off the Trinit Trinitarian i aria ian n 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

Spread the word… and shout His fame! Help us widen the impact of Trinitarian magazine! Take extra copies and place them in your office, retail space, café or doctor’s waiting room. Who knows… that testimony or article might just speak to someone at their point of need, and get them connected to God! 9

Expectation: The Key to the Extraordinary Life Want to arrive at the place of extraordinary living, success and ministry? Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the key: Go beyond the Expected, do the Exceptional, and God will do the Extraordinary in your life, says Rev Ong Sek Leang.

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EXPECTATION IS THE FIRST STEP to the extraordinary

extraordinary. If you are willing to go beyond

life and ministry that God has promised us.

what is expected and do the exceptional, God

Expectation is very important because God responds

will do the extraordinary. There is a tendency for

to our expectation. The religious spirit comes with

us to cling to statements like, “To err is human…” We

a ‘move-me-if-you-can’ attitude rather than with an

like to surround ourselves with indemnity clauses

expectation. If you come to God with this attitude,

like, “We are only human…” We just want to do

there will be a lid and a limit upon your life. If you

what is expected. If your attitude in your Christian

want to have a life that is unlimited and that taps into

life and in the church and family is merely to do

the unlimited resources of God, you must begin to

what is expected, if you are always thinking about your limitations and using the

have a spirit of expectation.

fact that ‘you are only human’ Contrary to what society and our educational system would have us believe, great exploits do not come about when we know everything.

Men and women in the corporate world as well as the church who

If you are willing to go beyond what is expected and do the exceptional, God will do the extraordinary.

as an excuse, you will always be ordinary. But if you are willing to do the exceptional, God will do the extraordinary.

In Jeremiah 32:8-20, we have an

have done the greatest exploits

account of Jeremiah buying a field

will tell you that their extraordinary

despite knowing that Jerusalem

success is often achieved by the power of their ‘gut

will fall to the enemy. This happened one year before

feel’. They may have all the facts and statistics but

the fall of Jerusalem into the hands of the enemy.

very often, the extraordinary – that which is above

When Jeremiah exclaimed in Jeremiah 32:17, “Ah

and beyond their peers – is achieved because of a

Sovereign Lord, You have made the heavens and

sense within their hearts. This sense or gut feel is

the earth by Your great power and outstretched

given by God and is birthed through expectation. If

arm. Nothing is too hard for You”, it was actually an

you are going to live an extraordinary life, you are

exclamation of shock. He was shocked that God told

going to need an expectation. This will lead you to

him to buy a field (verse 9). God had already said that

an experience of God that will give you an impetus

Jerusalem would be taken captive by the enemy. And

and power to do great exploits for Him.

yet God told him to buy a field! Jeremiah cried out to God because it was just not practical for him to invest

One reason why many Christians never arrive at the

in that piece of land! But God could see beyond the

place of extraordinary living, extraordinary success

captivity and told Jeremiah that He wanted him to

and extraordinary ministry is because we are always

buy the piece of land by faith because it was going

doing only what is expected. When you are always

to belong to him. God can see the future even before

doing just what is expected, you will not do the

the future arrives.

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This is what Christian life and ministry is all about.

natural barriers – your fears and regrets – and live

One of the keys and obvious manifestations of the

in the supernatural and the extraordinary. The

extraordinary Christian life is the dimension of the

extraordinary life is the miraculous life and if you

supernatural and the miraculous. God wants the

want this life, you need to go beyond the expected,

miraculous and supernatural to be part and parcel

do the exceptional – and you will experience the

of our lives so that we will be ‘supernaturally

extraordinary and the miraculous.

natural’, or ‘naturally supernatural’! We should be experiencing miracles all the time and everywhere.

In 2 Kings 5:1-14, we have an account of how a

Something is drastically out of alignment if prophecy

great man, Naaman, the commander of the army of

and words of knowledge can only flow in the church

the king of Aram, nearly missed the extraordinary

and not in the boardroom. We obey not only for

moment because he was only willing to do the

tomorrow, but because we have a vision based on

expected instead of the exceptional. Verse 1 tells us

what God says. Jeremiah obeyed God and bought

that “He was a great man in the sight of his master

a piece of land that was going to be confiscated for

and highly regarded, because through him the

many years. This was something that no businessman

LORD had given victory to Aram. He was a valiant

in his right mind would

soldier, but he had

do! But it was what God

leprosy.” This is a story

told Jeremiah to do, and after some time, he was convinced to obey.

Have you ever been convinced by God to do something and then thereafter, regretted your

For many people, the extraordinary life is within reach, but they miss it because they are merely willing to do the expected rather than the exceptional.

actions? This shows us

of how he was healed of leprosy by the power of God. But he almost missed his healing!

For many people, the extraordinary life – that extraordinary contract or that extraordinary touch or that

that even though God may speak to us through a

extraordinary family or ministry – is within reach,

prophetic word, we are still human. Sometimes after

but they miss it because they are merely willing to

obeying God’s word, you and I will still react humanly

do the expected rather than the exceptional.

and say, “God, what have I done?” This was where Jeremiah was when he cried out to God and had to

Naaman was told by Elisha to dip in the River Jordan

remind himself about the greatness of God.

seven times. This river was not the cleanest, neither was it politically correct since it was, of all places, in

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The extraordinary life does not remove the reality

Israel! Naaman became very angry. The expected

of our humanness but has the miraculous in it

thing for a man of his calibre – a Syrian master over

that says, “It can be done!” You can overcome the

conquered Israel – was to get angry. Not only was

he angry, but he was also controlled by the familiar – what he knew and what had been done in the past. He came to God with a fixed mindset and preconceived notions of what should be done: “’I thought that he would surely

How to be exceptional What does it mean to do the exceptional instead of the expected?

Here’s what you need to do:

come out to me and stand and call on the name of the LORD his God, wave his hand over the spot and cure me of my leprosy. Are not Abana and Pharpar, the

1

Have a brand new attitude towards God’s Word

Base your life upon the Word of God and just obey it. The Bible tells

rivers of Damascus, better than any of

us that the whole world

the waters of Israel? Couldn’t I wash in

is framed by the Word of God. The heavens and earth

them and be cleansed?’ So he turned

were created and are held together by the Word of

and went off in a rage.” (verse 11). He

God. We need to simply obey God’s Word.

was controlled by his mindset, prejudice and anger.

The servants went to Naaman and said, “My father, if the prophet had told you to do some great thing,

Very often, we are willing to be stretched

would you not have done it? How much more, then,

and do things differently out in the world

when he tells you, ‘Wash and be cleansed!’” (verse

when it comes to business and making

13). In other words, they told Naaman, “Don’t look

money. But somehow, when we come

down on what God wants to do. A lot of people get

to God, we refuse to change, and we

offended and miss the extraordinary because they

arrogantly demand that He takes us just

think that the Word of God that was preached or

as we are. If you want the extraordinary,

spoken was belittling or patronising. But far from

you must be willing to go beyond the

it! God actually wants to give you the keys to an

expected, and do the exceptional rather

extraordinary life. When the Word of God was given

than to react, get angry and refuse to do

to Naaman, the prophet actually wanted to do

it because it has never been done before.

something great for him. But this great commander,

Nothing is more pathetic than trying to

who had won great conquests and battles, was

remind God of what He has done before!

merely behaving normally and doing only what was

God can definitely remember it without

expected when he got offended!

us telling Him. Don’t do only what is expected, human and normal. If you

If we are willing to do the exceptional, God will do

want the extraordinary touch of God in

the extraordinary. The expected says. “I want to do

your life, do the exceptional instead of

what I have always done before. I don’t want to

the expected.

do it differently.” God does not want to belittle or

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patronise you. He wants to give you the keys to the

beings, something called pride? We need to

extraordinary life. But for Him to do that, we must

overcome that pride. How can we do so? 1 Peter

learn to just obey the Word of God even when it

5:5 tells us, “Young men, in the same way, be

does not sound logical or is not what we expect

submissive to those who are older. All of you

it to be.

clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because “God opposes the proud but

As a commander, Naaman surely understood

gives grace to the humble.” In this particular

authority, but he needed to understand that

verse, God has actually given us the key to

the Word of God was greater than any other

humility – it is to be submissive. The greatest

authority. To be extraordinary and be on the

manifestation of humility is the ability

cutting edge, you and I need to understand that

to obey instructions. How smart or how

God’s orders are greater than man’s. The Word of

knowledgeable you are is inconsequential.

God written on a page has no power unless it

Peter tells young men just to be submissive.

is spoken, preached, taught and carried out.

To have extraordinary

2

Overcome pride

The prophet said, “Go,

success, you must learn

wash yourself seven times

to obey instructions.

in the Jordan, and your

Clothe yourself with

flesh will be restored and

humility, be submissive

To have extraordinary success, you must learn to obey instructions.

you will be cleansed” (verse 10). Naaman had to

and do it even if you have

overcome his pride in order to go to the prophet

an issue with the way it

in Israel and then dip into the river in Israel seven

is done. If you want to

times publicly as instructed by the prophet.

have an extraordinary life and ministry, you must

Many people have a right attitude towards the

be willing to go beyond the expected to the

Word of God but they are offended by the way

exceptional. To be exceptional means that you

the instruction is given. They question why it

learn to submit as long as it is the Word of God.

cannot be done another way and feel that others

To be very honest, the issue in the church is very

are just trying to make things difficult for them.

seldom the Word of God but usually how it is delivered. If you want to experience the power,

We need to learn to do things God’s way without

you must develop the attitude of submission

any questions even if it is embarrassing or

regardless of the system of delivery. If it is indeed

offensive. When God gives an instruction, as a

God’s Word, you must have the attitude that is

pastor, I sometimes struggle in delivering the

willing to submit to it and to receive it.

message but yet I must just do it. Even though

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it is biblical, I sometimes wish that I could do

Jesus performed many miracles, but he did not

it differently. Could it be that God is dealing

do things in the same way each time. For one

with the foundational problem of sin in human

who was blind, Jesus spat on the ground and with

the mud, healed the blindness. For others, He told

arm. Suddenly, Jeremiah remembered God’s

them to go and wash. For some others, He just

revelation to him and he pressed through. You

declared it. We need to learn to be submissive

have not exercised until you have felt the strain

and follow instructions. That is the exceptional

of a contrary force. There is no exercise of faith

thing to do.

for the extraordinary until there is the battling and the overcoming of the spirit of doubt.

Elisha told Naaman to dip

The Bible tells us that Naaman went into the

seven times. Sometimes,

water and did the exceptional thing by dipping

you will do it the first

seven times. This man of honour and great

time because you have

calibre, master and conqueror, had to submit

no choice. The second time, you do it because

– not even to the words of Elisha the prophet

you are inspired. But it is not faith until you do it

but to the word of his servants. The Bible tells

seven times! There are many reasons why people

us that Naaman did the exceptional and then

come to church. Sometimes in the first five

God began to do the extraordinary: “So he went

minutes of worship, they are just warming up.

down and dipped himself in the Jordan seven

For the next 20 minutes, they worship because

times, as the man of God had told him, and his

it is the right thing to do. But the third stage is

flesh was restored and became clean like that of

when they recognise that this is the only reason

a young boy” (verse 14).

3

Exercise faith

they are alive – to worship God. Let me ask you a question: Have you done the Faith is seldom exercised with one step. You

exceptional? If you will do the exceptional, God will

cannot say that you have gone to the gym and

do the extraordinary. Or will you just say, “But I’m

have exercised just because you have just picked

only human!” Do you want to live like everybody

up a dumb bell. You have not exercised until you

else, or do you want to live like a child of God with a

have felt the strain of a contrary force. In the

cutting edge? Do you want to be the head or the tail?

same way, there is no dimension of faith until

If you want to live an extraordinary life, be willing to

you feel that you have fought and overcome the

do the exceptional. Then God will release upon your

power of doubt. This is very important. Sometimes

life His extraordinary and supernatural power!

after we pray, we make decisions at home or in the boardroom and say we have faith. But what

Rev Ong Sek Leang is the senior pastor of Metro

we are doing is really simply making decisions

Tabernacle in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and was one of

as a matter of fact. It is when we feel the doubt

Trinity’s guest speakers at Church Camp 2008.

that we need to exercise faith, like Jeremiah who

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

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

bought that piece of land and then wondered what in the world he had done. Then God spoke to him and reminded him that He had created the heavens and the earth with His outstretched

77177

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

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Extraordinary Encounters!

God is doing something extraordinary in Trinity Christian Centre! In this season of open heavens, people are encountering God in extraordinary ways, at times and in places where they least expect it.

I saw Jesus!

their ‘O’ Levels, I took the chance

When tutor Esther Koh invited her godson and ex-student Ben to church, little did she expect that Ben would have a divine vision of Jesus right there at the Guest Reception.

helped me when I was a student.

to share with them how God had As my husband and I only came to Trinity in the middle of last year, the culture of Caring & Connecting at Trinity was foreign to us. We knew that we were supposed to Care & Connect, but

Giving tuition

we didn’t know how to

is not just a job

do so. So, I asked God to

but my ministry as well.

show me.

I make time to get to know and interact with my students. Ben

I invited Ben to church for the

was my student in 2000; he was

first time for our Christmas event

15 then. Six years

“The Father’s Love”. To be honest,

later, when he graduated, he

the idea of opening my mouth

requested my husband and

to invite someone to church

I to be his godparents. Of all our

was very scary because I was

godchildren, he was the only pre-

afraid of being rejected. When he

believer, so I understood that God

said that he could not make it, I

had a purpose in his choosing

was disappointed but consoled

of us as his godparents. In other

myself with the thought that

words, my husband and I had

maybe it wasn’t the right time.

work to do!

Ben told me that he would come to church ‘one day’. I resolved

16

I had always looked for

to press on and continued to

opportunities to reach out to Ben

stay in contact with him, pray

and his sister. For example, during

for him and wait for other

opportunities to invite him.

closed his

Ben likes spending time with us

eyes, he saw

and our two children. About two

a figure of a

and a half months later, we asked

man who had

him for dinner. While we were

golden locks

picking him up, he suddenly said,

and shoulder-

“I’ll come for dinner with you all

length hair. The

and then we can all go to church

man then turned and smiled at

accepted Christ, he was nurtured

together.” I was taken by surprise

him. Ben was shocked. He quickly

by Bernard, a spiritual parent.

at how easy it was.

opened his eyes but did not see

Initially, he was hesitant to

anyone in front of him. Though

join our carecell, so Bernard

The service that day was just a

shocked, he felt a sense of peace.

met him individually to get to

‘normal’ service – there was no

He did not tell anyone what he

know him better and nurture

special event or guest speaker.

had experienced.

him. Bernard then invited him to our district event ‘Sentosa

Ben sat through the service, and when the last song “Come

The next week was the Easter

Night Out’. There, Ben met all

Holy Spirit” was sung, he began

presentation “Guilty!” and Ben

the carecell members and felt

to cry. He could not control the

came to church again. He even

very comfortable. He decided to

tears. He said, “Godma, I don’t

invited a friend along. During the

attend our carecell and has since

know why I’m tearing”. I told

worship and drama, he could not

settled in comfortably and is

him, “It’s the Holy Spirit.” I don’t

control the tears that streamed

growing in the Lord. He has even

think he really understood what

down his face. When the altar call

finished New Beginnings with

I said! After service, at the Guest

was made, Ben calmly responded

Bernard and will be attending the

Reception, the pastor asked him if

and accepted Jesus into his heart.

TENet course ‘Welcome to the Trinity Family’ next. He also plans

he was ready to accept Christ. He was not ready primarily because

I look back in awe at how

to learn how to play the guitar

his parents had given his two

wonderful God is. God knew my

for worship. Another blessing is

siblings a hard time when they

fears and simply encouraged

that Ben’s sister has also received

became Christians.

me to play my part in being

Christ. I thank God that Caring

obedient. He told me not

& Connecting is a partnership

The pastor then asked to pray

be discouraged but to have

with God. All we need is to do

a prayer of blessing. When Ben

relentless belief. After Ben

our part, and God will do His!

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My uncle saw Jesus!

When teenager David David Chong invited his uncle to witness his water baptism, it sparked off a supernatural vision and resulted in an entire family turning to Christ.

I wanted to invite my uncle and my grandmother to witness my water baptism. But I forgot about it and my parents had to remind me. I invited my uncle just the day before the service. When I invited him, I was not thinking of anything in particular or expecting anything spectacular; I simply asked my uncle whether he wanted to come.

He came but told me that he would leave immediately

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after I shared my testimony on stage.

Somehow, he

headache. It was odd as he rarely had headaches. Three days after attending my water baptism, he

ended up staying

called my mother and asked her

through the

many questions about Jesus.

entire service

My mother had shared previously

and heard

with the family about how Jesus

each of the

had healed her of a serious sinus

water baptism

problem; he remembered this

candidates share about how God

and asked her if this was true. My

had changed their lives. During

mum answered his questions and,

this time, my uncle also saw a

at his request, arranged for him to

vision of Jesus stretching out

meet a pastor. At that meeting, he

His hand as if

accepted Christ as his Lord and

inviting my uncle

Saviour.

to come to Him. He was shocked

I am not

and thought it

sure when

was a figment

the vision

of his own

stopped,

imagination. But

but since

he kept seeing

that day, my

the vision over

uncle has

and over again.

brought his

Whenever he closed his eyes,

entire family

or whenever anyone approached

to church. My grandmother,

him, he would see that very

aunt and cousins have also

same vision of Jesus inviting

accepted Christ. They are now all

him to come to Him.

attending church regularly. God is indeed an extraordinary God and

Over the next few days, my uncle

this miracle has built up the faith

came down with a persistent

of our family!

Extraordinary Encounters!

A glimpse of Heaven Senior administrative assistant Emily Wong’s father turned down her invitations to church. But one day, following a dream about his late eldest daughter, he asked to be brought to church.

Ever since I became a Christian 20 years ago, I have been reaching out to my father, who is 87 this year. But each time I invited him to come with me to church, he would say ‘no’ and tell me not to bother him.

My eldest sister Karen succumbed to cancer and multiple organ failure and passed away three years ago. She was someone who loved and cared a lot for the family. Needless to say, we were deeply saddened by the loss.

I told my parents that Karen is now in heaven with Jesus and she is free from pain and suffering because the Bible tells us that there is no pain nor suffering in

Heaven. My

and all the carecell members.

parents just

When my father told them that

kept quiet.

he had trouble understanding

A week after

and speaking in Mandarin, Poh

Karen’s death, my seven year-old

Lian and Duncan, his spiritual

niece had a dream. My little niece

parent offered to speak to him in

was very close Karen and she

Cantonese instead. Duncan and

dreamt that Auntie Karen was

his wife Bee Ling also offered to

dressed in white and Jesus was

give a ride to my dad to and from

with Auntie Karen. When my niece

the carecell meeting every Friday.

woke up, she was crying, partly

I was touched that they went

because she missed my sister but

the distance in order to bless

these were partly also tears of joy.

my father.

She was overjoyed that God had given her a glimpse of heaven.

My father has always been a ‘tough nut to crack’. Yet, after

When my father heard about the

20 years of ceaseless praying

dream, he kept very quiet. But I

and sowing into his life, he has

could tell that my niece’s dream

finally

left a deep impression on him.

come to

One day, my father suddenly

know the

asked my second sister how to

Lord Jesus

go to church.

Christ. He now looks

I invited him to Trinity’s Chinese

forward to

Service and was so happy that he

attending carecell every Friday

accepted Christ there. My father

and is very enthusiastic about

to be connected to a Chinese

attending service. In fact, he is

carecell and on his first visit to

preparing to be water baptised!

the carecell, my father and I

God has been faithful to His

could sense the care and concern

promise that my household and

of the carecell leader, Poh Lian

I will come to serve Him!

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Extraordinary Provision, Abundant Grace The extraordinary life is one that is full of Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s abounding provision and abundant grace, says Pastor Dennis Lum.

20

AUTHOR JAMES Montgomery Boice once told

of some clothes, blankets, food and money. It is in

this story about a French lady who was taught to

this letter that we find the promise of Philippians

put Bible promises in a box when she was young.

4:19. Let’s unpack the truth found in this promise.

Whenever she felt down or discouraged, her mother would tell her to take out one of the promises, read it and let the Scripture verse encourage and

1

A Great God Paul says ‘My God’ will meet all your needs.” He

cheer her up. It was a very difficult time during

doesn’t say “The Lord” or even “Our God” but uses

the Second World War and at a time when she was

the personal pronoun “My God”. This is significant

feeling terribly discouraged, she remembered this

because it tells me that Paul was not referring to

little box with Bible promises. She searched for the

any God, but to his God – a God he has met and

box and when she found it, she began to pray, “Oh

personally experienced. He confidently declared that

Jesus, if only I could just find one verse in this box

his God would supply all their needs. Paul could be

that would cheer me up and lift my spirits!” As she

sure because he had experienced the greatness and

prayed, she tripped and fell, spilling all the verses

generosity of this God. Have you seen the greatness

out onto the floor. At that point, God spoke to her

of God? Have you tasted of His goodness? Can you,

and said, “My daughter, there is not just one promise

like Paul, testify of His generosity?

for you – all the promises of God are for you!”

•

In Exodus chapter 1, the Israelites found

That’s the truth: God’s provision is extraordinary,

themselves as slaves in captivity in the land of

and His resources of grace and riches are

Egypt, brutally oppressed by the Egyptians. They

abundant. If you grasp this amazing truth, it

were in the ‘Land of Not Enough’. But God didn’t

will assure and anchor you firmly at all times

want them to stay in this land. So He provided

in His abundant grace, enabling you to live the

them a deliverer, Moses who brought them out

extraordinary life in every circumstance.

of the Land of Not Enough into the desert.

In Philippians 4:19, Paul declares, “And my God will

•

The entire nation of Israel then spent more than

meet all your needs according to His glorious riches

40 years wandering in the desert that could be

in Christ Jesus.” The Apostle Paul was in prison when

referred to as the ‘Land of Just Enough’. Each

he wrote this letter to the church at Philippi. Paul

night, manna would fall from heaven and in

wrote this letter to the Philippians as a thank-you

the morning, the people would gather, cook or

note because the church at Philippi had blessed

roast it and eat it. They could not collect manna

Paul by sending him a package probably consisting

for tomorrow, but only enough manna for each

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day. When they didn’t have any water, God

But our God is not a God of ‘Not Enough’. Neither

caused water to flow from a rock so that they

is He the God of ‘Just Enough’. He is a God of ‘More

could quench their thirst. We are also told in

than Enough’ – a God of abundant blessings and

Deuteronomy 29 that their clothes and sandals

provision. That is the God we see in Scripture – the

did not wear out. God sustained them in this

Jehovah Jireh, the Lord our Provider, the King of

way for 40 years with food, strength and health.

kings, the God who is rich, generous and delights in

But this Land of Just Enough was not their final

blessing His people who serve Him.

destination.

•

God wanted to bring them to the ‘Land of More Than Enough’ – the Promised Land, the land of Canaan, which the Bible describes as a land that overflows with milk and honey and drinks

He is a God of ‘More than Enough’ – a God of abundant blessings and provision.

rain from heaven, a land of grain, vineyards, new wine and oil, with fields for cattle to graze (Deuteronomy 8:7). In other words, it was a land

When Jesus fed the multitude of 5000 with the five

of abounding provision and abundance. God

loaves and two fishes, It was not just enough for

wanted to bless His people and show them that

everyone but abounding because after everyone

He is not a God of ‘Just Enough’, but rather, He is

had their fill, the disciples picked up 12 basketfuls

a God of ‘More Than Enough’.

of leftovers. Doesn’t this show God’s generosity and abounding provision?

Some Christians seem to think that God has called us to live in a Land of Not Enough. This is a ‘poverty

The greatest demonstration of God’s generosity can

mentality’ that thinks we must always suffer

be found in John 3:16 – for God so loved the world

as Christians. It is the mistaken notion that our

that He generously gave His one and only Son to die

suffering somehow glorifies God.

for us so that we may be reconciled to Him. If God would not even spare His most valuable possession,

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Some believers think that they live in the Land of

His own Son and willingly gave His Son, do you

Just Enough, where God gives them just enough

think God would hold anything back? Romans

strength to get by, just enough provision to pay the

8:31-32 says it this way, “What, then, shall we say in

bills, just enough wisdom to finish the project, meet

response to this? If God is for us, who can be against

the deadline or get through each day.

us? He who did not spare His own Son, but gave

Him up for us all – how will He not also, along with Him, graciously give us all things?”

b. Our Need for Sustenance Paul knew that God would meet a second need the Philippians had – the need for sustenance.

Truly God is the God of ‘More Than Enough!’

God is the source of all provision and provides for us in every situation. I heard a testimony from

2

Great Needs

a Trinitarian who went on a Missions Impact

Besides a great God, Philippians 4:19 also speaks

Trip. She experienced the abounding provision

of great needs. Sometimes I think people misread

of God in giving her the right words to speak.

this verse as “and my God will meet all your ‘greeds’

She and a fellow team member were sharing

according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” But

the gospel with a couple. After they shared

that is not what the Bible says. The verse actually

the bridge illustration, they asked if the couple

tells us that God will meet all our needs. Paul was not

would like to receive Jesus as their Lord and

promising the church in Philippi that everyone was

Saviour. Although the woman was ready to do

going to be a millionaire, always in pristine health

so, the man declined. This team member wanted

and never facing any persecution. After all, Paul was

to say something to convince the man, but didn’t

writing to them from prison. In fact, the Philippians

know what to say. In desperation, she opened

were also facing the same persecution and hardship.

her mouth to speak and suddenly found herself

But in spite of their difficult circumstances, Paul

telling him that he wasn’t ready to receive Jesus

assures them that God is still a God of ‘more than

because of a fear within. As she said that, she

enough’ who will supply all of their needs.

was shocked – and so was the man!

What kind of needs could he be referring to?

Then she found herself continuing to describe the fear he had. At this point, the man started

a. Our Need for Salvation

affirming what she was saying. Now the team

The greatest need that man will ever have is the

member was even more anxious because she

need for salvation. God has already bountifully

didn’t know how to address his fear. Suddenly,

demonstrated His grace and generosity through

she had the thought that she should share her

the gift of salvation. Even now, He is patient with

own testimony. But even as she started to share,

us and waits for us and our loved ones to turn to

she couldn’t understand the connection since

Him. 2 Peter 3:9 tells us that “The Lord is not slow

her testimony did not address his fear at all.

in keeping His promise… He is patient… not

After she shared her testimony, both the man

wanting anyone to perish but everyone to come

and woman decided to receive Jesus Christ into

to repentance.”

their lives as their Lord and Saviour. This team

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member testified about how God had taught her

without any hope said this: “Character cannot

to trust Him and rely on the Holy Spirit to give

be developed in ease and quiet. Only through

her the right words to speak and the wisdom to

experience of trial and suffering can the soul be

know what to do.

strengthened, vision cleared, ambition inspired and success achieved.”

In the midst of His sufferings, Paul could still say, “I can do everything through Him who gives me

God promises us that His grace is sufficient for

strength.” (Philippians 4:13). Paul knew he could

us and His power is made perfect in weakness (2

emerge victorious because he had the comfort,

Corinthians 12:9). God’s grace will see us through

strength and warm fellowship of the Holy

our times of trial, and will sanctify us so that

Spirit to sustain him. God knows your need for

we can become the very perfect bride of Jesus

sustenance. Whatever those needs are – in your

Christ and emerge looking just like Him.

job, family, health or whatever situation you may be in – He is the God of ‘More Than Enough’.

d. Our Need for Significance We all have a need for significance. Right at

c. Our Need for Sanctification

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the top of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs is our

God allows trials and suffering in our lives

need for self-actualisation. But there can be no

because we all have a need for sanctification. We

significance aside from God. Significance comes

need to become more and more like Jesus Christ.

from having a purpose and destiny, and

God’s purpose for us is not to be comfortable

these can only come from God. Paul tells us in

as Christians but to be conformed to the very

Philippians 2:13 & 14: “Forgetting what is behind

likeness of His Son, Jesus Christ. God permits

and straining toward what is ahead, I press on

trials to come our way because they shape,

toward the goal to win the prize for which God

mould and help us become like Jesus.

has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 2:13 tells us that it is God who works

Paul had a calling and a destiny. He was pressing

in us to will and to act according to His good

in to embrace God’s abounding provision of

purpose. That is what sanctification is. God

purpose and destiny in his life. You are not just

is working in us so that we will ‘will and act’

another face in the crowd nor another statistic

according to His purposes. Helen Keller who

on a piece of paper. You are a child of the Most

was born blind and deaf at a time when people

High God, and you have been given a sense of

with such disabilities would be considered as

significance – a divine assignment, a task, a call,

a purpose and a destiny. It is

b. God supplies the ‘faith-full’

yours to embrace, to pursue and

This second principle is similar but

to take hold of. You have only one life, and only one God can make it significant.

3

Great Supply We have a great God. We have

great needs. But we can rejoice because we also have a great supply!

As finite beings, we can never exhaust the infinite riches of our God, nor can we drain His resources.

yet different. God supplies those who are full of faith. The Bible teaches us that without faith, it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6). It is only when we step out in faith that God will supply our needs.

For that Trinitarian on the Mission Impact Trip, she experienced God’s

Philippians 4:19 tells us about the

abounding provision of divine

great supply of God’s “glorious riches

wisdom and knowledge only as she

in Christ Jesus”. God is the creator and sustainer of

took steps of faith – by going on the mission

all things. He holds all the power in the universe

trip, by approaching the couple and sharing the

and has inexhaustible and glorious riches! As finite

gospel with them. When we step out in faith,

beings, we can never exhaust the infinite riches of

God will supply the need.

our God, nor can we drain His resources. But there are two principles we must bear in mind when we

I recently heard a testimony that beautifully

want to tap on God’s great supply.

illustrates Philippians 4:19. John and Mary had 2 young children. They had lost four family members

a. God supplies the faithful

in a very short period of time, and were going

God’s glorious riches are found only in Christ

through a season of grief. They had also just returned

Jesus. This means that we must remain in Christ

to their home country because John’s overseas work

Jesus, be obedient to His Word and be aligned

contract had ended. But they returned home during

to His purposes in order to receive this provision.

a time of recession. John was not able to find a job

Jesus tells us in John 15:7 that if we remain in Him

and was out of work for seven months. In those

and His Words remain in us, we can ask whatever

seven months, they were grieving, anxious and

we wish and it will be given to us. We must

depleting their savings by the day. They were eating

remain in Jesus Christ and if we do that, God will

carrots everyday because it was about the cheapest

supply all of our needs. When we obey the Word

vegetable they could buy. It became exceptionally

of God, God promises that He will supply, prosper

hard for Mary when their 5-year-old child asked her

and cause us to succeed (Joshua 1:8).

why they were eating carrots everyday. John was

25

depressed because he could not find work. Mary

But the abounding provision of God didn’t stop

was trying to hold the family together but it was

there. One day, someone knocked on their door.

getting really tough. There was no one she could

It was someone who lived in the vicinity, but they

turn to. One day, out of desperation, she ran out of

had never spoken to him before. He was standing

the house weeping and crying out to God, “God,

there with a huge box filled with different kinds of

don’t you care? Don’t you love me?”

vegetables. They thought he had come to sell them some vegetables but he just put the box down and

Just then, she felt this big arm reaching down to her.

walked away. Those vegetables lasted them awhile.

She felt the loving embrace of Jesus. Then she heard

When they ran out of vegetables, there was another

Him say to her, “I do love you and I do care.” Mary was

knock. It was the same man with another box of

so taken aback that God had heard and answered

vegetables. When they asked him why he was doing

her. As she went back into the house, she talked

this, he told them that God had told him to buy

to God and told him that it would be so wonderful

vegetables for them.

if they could have some fish to eat instead of just carrots. Suddenly, there was a knock on the door.

Eventually, God provided a job for John. John

As she opened the door, a neighbour whom she

and Mary went to visit this man to thank him for

didn’t know very well, stood there holding two huge

meeting their needs, and to let him know that John

fish. Her neighbour told her that she had bought

now had a job. His reply was, “I know, because God

too much fish that day and asked if she would like

has stopped telling me to buy you vegetables.”

to have some. Mary experienced the abounding provision of God and had fish for dinner that night.

Friends, we serve a God of ‘More Than Enough’.

He knows and He cares. He is a God of abounding

God’s provision didn’t stop there. Some time later,

provision who will supply all of your needs

Mary was again just talking to God and telling Him

according to His bountiful riches in Christ Jesus.

that she wished she could have a nice well-cooked meal instead of cooking simple meals with carrots day after day. Suddenly, there was another knock

Rev Dennis Lum is a Lecturer in TCA College and

on the door. This time, another neighbour, whom

serves in the Dean’s Office.

she also didn’t know very well, came with a pot of

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

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

special Nasi Kunyit, asking if they would like to have some because they had cooked too much. That evening, Mary and the family had very good Nasi Kunyit for dinner.

26

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

77177

Accountant Trina Wong tells of how she went through cancer with joy, recovered from surgery without pain, and how God provided a home for her in the most extraordinary way.

God built MyY H O U S E !

I have been in Trinity since the 1980s. I was looking

Two years ago, I was diagnosed with cancer. Upon

for a home church then, when a bus advertisement

discovering a lump in my breast, I went to see a

about Trinity caught my eye. The ad simply said,

doctor. The lump was malignant. It came as a deep

“God cares”, with the word ‘Trinity’ below it. I felt like

shock to me, as I had always thought I was a healthy

I wanted to come to this church, and I did.

person, and I was quite health-conscious too. I didn’t think I would be a candidate for ‘such things’.

Over the years, I loved the worship and learnt a

I was going through a stressful period at work, and

lot from the sermons and the pastors, while the

the illness added to my stress.

testimonies of God at work in the lives of Trinitarians never failed to amaze me. Being in Trinity has really

Thankfully, the cancer was detected at an early

anchored me in my faith.

stage. However, the treatment involved surgery,

27

chemotherapy and radiotherapy for a period of six

waking up from surgery with excruciating pain. I was

months. I cried out to the Lord, and I began to hold

afraid that the same thing would happen again with

onto His Word for comfort, hope and direction. In

this surgery. I voiced this fear to my district pastor,

doing so, I saw His power being displayed in my life.

and she prayed for me before I went in for surgery.

A few months before I was diagnosed, a friend gave

The Lord answered in a marvelous way. When I came

me with a booklet on healing. It was a small booklet

out of surgery, I woke up with no pain! I felt just

full of God’s promises about healing. At that time,

an ache, a sensation similar to the muscle ache one

I wasn’t sick yet. I didn’t realise that I would really

might feel after some strenuous exercise. I did not

need it a few months later! She just thought she

need any injections to relieve pain, and I didn’t

would bless me with a small gift. It was a timely gift.

take a single pill! The whole packet of painkillers

I can only say that the Lord knew what I would be

prescribed to me was left unused. It was amazing!

facing and what I would need. Before I knew about my illness, He had already made provision for me!

In the previous surgery some 15 years ago, I vividly remember waking up after the anesthesia had

I started to prepare myself to go through the

worn off – I felt a lot of pain, and to this day, I still

treatment by meditating on God’s Word and

remember that pain. But this time around, after the

When I started practicing, meditating on and declaring the Word of God in my life, I felt the difference.

speaking it out as a declaration of my trust in

anesthesia wore off, I felt no pain. It was as if the

Him. The Lord bore our sicknesses and diseases on

healing had already begun. I told the nurse I felt

the cross, and I discovered He bore my pain on the

okay. The nurse found it unusual. She thought

cross too.

I had a high threshold for pain – but it was really the Lord’s touch. My family and friends really could

28

I went for surgery in late 2006. Now I had gone

not believe it. They could see that it all went very

through surgery some years before, and I remember

well. The wound healed very quickly.

After the surgery came the therapy. Knowing the common side effects of chemotherapy, I dreaded the thought of going through it. The doctor had prepared me that I might have nausea, and with lowered immunity, I could get sick easily. For these reasons, some people choose not to go through it, and I too contemplated not going through it, until I met another sister who had gone through the same thing. I believe the Lord arranged for me to meet her and hear her testimony. She radiated a glow

I can only say that the Lord knew what I would be facing and what I would need. Before I knew about my illness, He had already made provision for me!

even though she was undergoing chemotherapy for late stage cancer. She testified to me about the

life, regenerating my body. Throughout this time,

power of His Word in her life. She said she spoke

I was reading and using the little book of Scriptures.

God’s word aloud to herself. I felt so encouraged and

It really displayed the power of God’s Word.

strengthened within me that I decided to go through the chemotherapy.

I went through six cycles of chemotherapy, all over a period of 18 weeks. At first, I was sad at losing

True enough, when I started practicing, meditating

my hair. After the first cycle, I shaved my head so

on and declaring the Word of God in my life, I felt the

that I would not see any more of it falling off. But

difference. Both the chemotherapy and radiotherapy

after that, I got used to the ‘cool’ feeling of being

went smoothly and were trouble-free. I just felt

bald and was no longer self-conscious about it. The

normal! I had three doctors attending to me – one

other side effects such as nausea, vomiting and low

for surgery, one for chemotherapy and one for

blood count did not occur. This testifies to me of His

radiotherapy. The chemotherapy doctor was most

amazing power at work in my body. The glow I saw

surprised at how I was responding to the therapy.

in that sister, I felt it in me too.

Each time, before they administered the chemo shots, I had to take a blood test to ascertain that

Radiotherapy followed, and once again, my

I was fit for the treatment. (If my blood count was

body took it very well. How could it be otherwise,

low, I would not be able to undergo it.) However, my

when the Word of God says that the spirit of Him

blood test results were good every time.

who raised Christ from the dead, lives in me and quickens my mortal body? (Romans 8:11) The Lord

The doctor was really surprised. He remarked, “You

restored health back to me. Thank God!

are different from my other patients! Every time you come in, you’re always smiling.” The joy of the

Build My House, and I will build yours

Lord was in me. It was like the Holy Spirit giving me

What the enemy intended for evil, God turned it

29

around for good. I saw how the Lord turned this

realise was the company, in addition to the usual

bout of illness around to bring about another of

hospitalisation and surgery policy, had also bought

His amazing works in my life.

a Critical Illness Plan which pays a lump sum upon diagnosis.

For the last couple of years, I told the Lord of my desire to have my own home. I was getting tired of

When I was going through treatment, and getting

renting and having to shift every once in a while.

the doctors to fill up the forms and all, I wasn’t

However, I did not have much spare cash to pay for

very sure whether my type of cancer was covered

the downpayment, and I was not comfortable with

by the plan. But it was. I was shocked to receive

taking a huge mortgage, as I am single and would

a lump sum of $250,000. I had only expected a

have to shoulder the mortgage alone. Moreover, I

small amount to cover my hospital bills, so this

am not a Singaporean and therefore not eligible for

lump sum amount really surprised me. With this

public housing.

amount, coupled with the money from my CPF, I could buy a $500,000 home. It was like a done deal!

For many years, besides tithing, I have been sowing

All I had to do was look for a house.

during each year’s Vision Rally towards to the church building fund. This time, I felt the Lord

Extraordinary Home

telling me to make a fresh commitment to sow

Yet I didn’t make a move to go and look for my home.

into Trinity@Paya Lebar. He said, “Build My

I was too busy getting my life back to normal after

house, and I will build yours”.

the treatment. But when property prices started to go up at an alarming pace in 2006 and 2007, my

I estimated how much my new home would cost

landlord gave me notice to move out, as she was

($500,000), and committed a percentage of that

going to rent out the place at a much higher rent.

($500) to the building fund. I committed to give this sum every month. But later, when I was diagnosed

As I went house-hunting, I was quite disheartened

with cancer, I put aside this matter of getting my

to find the prices had gone up quite a bit. What I

own place. Although I continued giving, I shelved

had originally budgeted for didn’t seem enough

my dream to get my own home. Nonetheless, even

anymore. I remember telling the Lord, “I would

though I had forgotten about it, God was faithful

be happy just to have a home. Just a one or two-

to His promise. He was working this out for me all

bedroom apartment is good enough for me.” But

this while; indeed, He who watches over us neither

when I went looking for these types of apartments,

slumbers nor sleeps.

I couldn’t find anything that I liked. So I went on to look at three-bedroom apartments. I found

30

My medical expenses were fully covered by

something I liked – but the price was much higher! I

insurance – both my own insurance policy as well

was quite disappointed; it seemed like the $500,000

as my company’s medical insurance. What I didn’t

was not enough anymore.

Around that time, in October

more than what I expected an

2007, Trinity started a preaching

executive condo to be! The place

series on Covenant. In one of

was seven years old. Though it

the sermons, Pastor Gerald Tan

was a resale flat, it was almost

preached on the covenant of

brand new, because the couple

David. When he read 2 Samuel

that owned the place rarely

7:10, the Word of God jumped

stayed there. The apartment was

out at me: “And I will appoint a

in move-in condition. All the

place for My people Israel, and

fittings were all already there; all

will plant them, that they may

I had to do was to give it a fresh

dwell in a place of their own and

coat of paint!

move no more.”

But the best was yet to be: It spoke directly to me.

Interestingly, the message also talked about how David wanted to build God’s house, but God

I felt the Lord telling me, “Build My house, and I will build yours”.

The couple was willing to let go of the place at the price I asked for, within my original budget of $500,000. Isn’t the

blessed him more in return. I felt

Lord good? The Lord is totally,

so joyful and excited! I started to

absolutely faithful to His Word.

call out to the home that fits my needs and desires

We can indeed trust in the Lord with all our heart and

to “come to me right now” and I declared that “God’s

lean not on our own understanding. In all our ways,

highest and best is being done in this matter!” Within

as we acknowledge Him, He will direct our paths!”

2 weeks, I got my home!

(Proverbs 3:5-6)

Here’s how it happened: One day, when I was flipping

I am now living in my new home! I moved in January

through the classified ads, I looked at the column on

this year, which is truly the year of new beginnings!

executive condominiums, which I would normally

I feel so blessed. God is so faithful to His Promises in

not look at. I called the agent who advertised,

His Word. I can put my absolute trust in Him. When

arranged to see the place, but had no high hopes.

I was going through the bout of illness, I couldn’t see

But when I went there, opened the door, stepped

what was ahead, and what things would be like, but

into the apartment, I just felt that this is my home!

God knows what is ahead, and

It just felt so right. There was simply a great sense

He has already gone ahead

of peace!

to make all the provision for me. My extraordinary

Initially, I had doubts about executive condos. But

experience is living proof

this executive condo turned out to be quite classy,

that God cares – indeed!

31

Go for the Double Portion!

God wants you to experience His double portion of blessing, and live in extraordinary abundance – even in times of economic crisis and uncertainty, says Rev Dr Naomi Dowdy.

FRIENDS, ARE YOU CONVINCED that God wants you to live in extraordinary abundance? The Apostle Paul declares in 2 Corinthians 9:8 that “God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” That is God’s will for you. God wants to give you a double portion. God wants you to be the head and not the tail (Deuteronomy 28:13).

Yet the fact of life is that “The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender” (Proverbs 22:7).

Therefore you must believe that God wants to erase debt, alleviate poverty and create wealth. God wants to break your poverty mentality, bring you out of lack and release you into abundance.

32

Poverty is Not the Will of God

must resist it and begin to declare that poverty is

Deuteronomy 28 reinforces to me the

not the will of God for our lives and business.

fact that poverty is a curse. We discover that out of 68 verses, 14 verses describe blessings

You Will Lack Nothing

and 54 verses describe curses. From God’s Word,

One of the keys to understanding that

we understand that the curse of the law includes

God wants you to prosper with His

spiritual death, sickness and poverty. Through

divine blessings is found in Deuteronomy 8:7-13:

the Abrahamic covenant we have the promise of blessings. Since the curse of the law is three-fold

For the LORD your God is bringing you into a

(poverty, sickness and spiritual death), it stands to

good land – a land with streams and pools of

reason that these curses must be broken.

water, with springs flowing in the valleys and hills; a land with wheat and barley, vines and fig

•

•

We know the curse of spiritual death is broken

trees, pomegranates, olive oil and honey; a land

through salvation. When we receive Jesus Christ

where bread will not be scarce and you will lack

into our hearts and come into a right relationship

nothing; a land where the rocks are iron and you

with God, the curse of spiritual death is broken.

can dig copper out of the hills.

What about sickness? Can this curse also be broken off our lives? 1 Peter 2:24 says, “He himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by His wounds you

We must begin to receive into our spirit the reality of what God wants to do.

have been healed.” What do we do

When you have eaten and are satisfied, praise the LORD your God for the good land he has given you. Be careful that you do not forget the LORD your God, failing to observe his commands, his laws and his decrees that I am giving you this day. Otherwise, when you eat and

when sickness attacks? We begin to claim our

are satisfied, when you build fine houses and settle

healing. We refuse to allow Satan to steal from us

down, and when your herds and flocks grow large

what Jesus paid a price to secure for us.

and your silver and gold increase and all you have is multiplied… (emphasis added)

•

What about the third curse of poverty? Remember, Jesus came to reverse the curse – all of it. Thus

We often read the rest of this passage without

our attitude toward poverty should be the same

seeing the obvious picture that God is painting

as it is towards spiritual death and sickness. We

for us. We must begin to receive into our spirit the

33

reality of what God wants to do. He wants to bless

When I handed the church over to Pastor Dominic

your finances. Read that verse again. It is a picture of

Yeo in 2005, we had more than 4000 members and

absolute abundance, without lack or scarcity. Think

3 properties in strategic locations – all freehold.

of it this way: We are not like the Israelites in search

When Trinity@Paya Lebar is completed, the total

of a Promised Land. We are a people who are living

value of all three properties will be approximately

in a season of promises. The land is ours to take.

$173 million. At this year’s Missions Convention, our

Now enter in and possess the land!

faith promises crossed the $9 million mark. We have moved from being nomads to being landowners!

Give Your Way out of Lack

We have made the shift from searching for the

One of the major keys to breaking out

Promised Land to possessing the Land.

of poverty is to give your way out of poverty. You may say, “But that

People often ask me how it

does not make sense.” Yes, it

happened. Very simply, we

may not make sense – but it works! No matter how hard it seems, just trust God and do it.

I have seen this principle work in amazing ways.

To receive God’s double portion and live in extraordinary abundance, you must first get a new mindset from God.

taught what God’s Word said about the principles (not just the promises) of faith and blessing. As we modeled it, people ‘stepped out of their boats’ and made faith promises

When I first came to Singapore

– not according to their bank

in 1975, Trinity was a church

balances, but according to what

with 42 members and 75 problems! The

they believed God was asking them to trust Him for.

congregation’s chief worry was their inability to

That broke the poverty mentality. People began to

pay the bills. I told them, “If you have a financial

walk in the promises of God for their lives, career and

problem, the way to get out of debt is to give. Give

business. Testimonies rolled in, and this encouraged

to God, and give to missions.” At that first Missions

others to believe God for the same thing. Now

Convention, we had faith promises amounting

giving and faith are part of our church culture, and a

to S$30,000. The church owned no property. For

hallmark of a Trinitarian.

years we rented halls, function rooms and public

34

auditoriums for our worship services. We were

God Wants to Prosper You

like nomads moving from one meeting venueto

To receive God’s double portion and live

another.

in extraordinary abundance, you must

first get a new mindset from God. You need to break

“Oh, that You would bless me and enlarge my

out of that ‘small’ mentality that says, “My work or

territory” (1 Chronicles 4:10).

business is simply about getting by or just having enough to pay the bills or send my kids to school.” You

Go ahead, pray it! Say, “God, bless my work and my

must be convinced that God wants to prosper you!

business so that I can have an influence for Your Kingdom.” To some Christians, it may sound greedy

1. God wants to prosper you so that you can

and materialistic, when in fact, the opposite is true. If

extend the Kingdom. It takes money to build

you pray, “God, give me sufficient money to survive,

and expand the Kingdom. It takes money to

enough just to get by,” you may sound humble,

win people to Christ. It takes money to make

pious and religious, but it is actually a very selfish

disciples. It takes money to pay your staff, or to

prayer because it reveals that you are only thinking

buy a bigger location for your business. With

of your own needs. God wants to supply over and

money, a business or ministry can travel, rent

above your needs so that you will have enough left

office space, buy advertising space, and the like.

over to sow into His Kingdom and to bless others.

greater influence. People like to align themselves

Prosperity in the Time of Famine

with winners. Successful businesses draw the

God’s principle is that of sowing and

2. God wants to prosper you so that you will have

attention of other people. When other people are

reaping. Galatians 6:7 says, “Do not be deceived:

attracted to you, you will begin to have a voice

God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.”

of influence. That’s why it is important for us to

When we sow a ‘seed’ offering into God’s plans, He

have successful careers and businesses – not just

will multiply it. The principle works this way. When

for survival, but for expansion and growth. You

we give to Jesus the little that we have, He blesses it.

are to increase your business and expand your

The blessing of God on that ‘little thing’ multiplies it,

influence. When you have influence, you can

until there is much left over (see Mark chapters 6 and

invoke change. Friends, God has not positioned

8). It becomes more than a double portion!

you just for subsistence living. He has positioned you to hear His voice, so that you may dare to

God’s miracle of multiplication and blessing can

see yourself as an instrument in His hand for

happen at the most unlikely times and in the most

His glory. God has positioned you for strategic

unlikely places. An illustration of that would be in

influence in your city. Let me urge you to break

Genesis 26:2-3. There was a famine in the land, and

that poverty mentality and pray the Jabez prayer:

yet “The LORD appeared to Isaac and said, “Do not

35

go down to Egypt; live in the land where I tell you to

Possess the Land

live. Stay in this land for a while, and I will be with you

God wants to position you to inherit a

and will bless you.” God told Isaac to stay in a place

double portion of blessing in the land.

of famine. Clearly that did not seem like a good plan

I am believing for Isaiah 61:7 to become a reality in

but remember, it is always better to obey God. As we

your life and business: “Instead of their shame my

read further, we discover that Isaac planted crops in

people will receive a double portion, and instead of

the land during the famine and the same year, he

disgrace they will rejoice in their inheritance; and

“reaped a hundredfold, because the Lord blessed

so they will inherit a double portion in their land, and

him” (Genesis 26:12).

everlasting joy will be theirs” (italics added).

I know a businessman who owned a company

I believe God’s plan is for you to own your own

that was doing well. Then the Lord told him to sell.

home and, if you are in business, to own shops and

He talked to his partners, but they were reluctant

businesses. Your business is part of God’s plan to

because business was so good. However, they finally

possess the land. Possess the land; take ownership

agreed to go along with the man who heard God

of it. In Singapore, the government has a wonderful

speak. They sold everything at a good price. Within

program that enables almost everyone to become

four months, the whole market came crashing

a home-owner. That is powerful in our world today.

down. They were blessed because the man heard

However, I believe that God wants you to move from

and obeyed God. I believe God protected the man

having a survival mentality of home-ownership to

because he was a faithful sower into the Kingdom.

taking the position of a landowner. Let me add that God also wants you to move towards becoming the

If you have been faithful in sowing into God’s Kingdom, God will release a double portion into your hands.

owner of many lands.

If you look at the lives of Elijah and Elisha, you will see a shift in thinking. Elisha did not just ask for Elijah’s anointing or spirit; he asked for a double portion. You can do the same thing. If you are a business person, don’t just ask for one business;

36

If you have been faithful in sowing into God’s

believe for two or more. Don’t just ask for one shop;

Kingdom, God will release a double portion into your

believe for a franchise. Then ask for the nations as

hands. You don’t have to worry whether the stock

your inheritance. You have not because you ask not.

markets are going up or down. Famine or no famine,

When you begin to believe that God wants to bless

God will prosper you.

you and move you up to another level, suddenly

nothing is impossible. No vision is too grand. No

God to bring multiplication. Be among a new breed

giant is too big.

of Kingdom men and women who will rise up to a new level of spiritual authority and anointing, break

Turning Danger into Opportunity

the poverty mentality and press in for the double

In life, we will always face danger and

begin with you. This is the time for turnaround. This

opportunity at the same time. These are times when

portion. You cannot wait for someone else. God will is the time and this is the hour to declare:

the economic outlook is confusing and uncertain, when everything looks bad, and there are signs

Get behind me Satan. I know who I am in God.

of impending economic crisis. In the Chinese

I will stay focused on my calling and not be

language, the phrase ‘crisis’ is a combination of two

distracted. I will not be intimidated by man or

words – ‘danger’ and ‘opportunity’. I love the lessons

religious systems or economic conditions, because

we can learn from these combined elements of

the principles of God’s Word do not change.

danger and opportunity. It is so clear in Scripture. A

I will go forward in what God wants me to do.

great example is when Peter attempted to walk on

I will sow and reap. I will extend God’s Kingdom.

water in the midst of the storm (Matthew 14:25-33).

I will experience His double portion and live in His abundance, for the glory of God.

Yes, there is no doubt that these are risky times.

Storms – sluggish markets, rising business costs and recession – are always looming on the horizon.

But along with the risks come divine opportunities

This article is adapted from

to expand God’s Kingdom, and be His channel

Apostle Dowdy’s latest book,

of blessing and multiplication. Though the

Moving On and Moving Up in the

circumstances may look bleak in the natural, can

Marketplace: Practical Principles

you see Jesus watching over you during these

for Reclaiming the Seven

times? When you have a clear vision of Jesus, you

Mountains of Culture.

have an awareness of His presence. You will dare to step out of the boat like Peter did.

Rev Dr Naomi Dowdy is the Resident Apostle It is time to move from your ‘survival’ mentality and

of Trinity Christian Centre.

start thinking ‘increase’. God is calling you to know

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

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

and live in extraordinary abundance. Start doing things differently. Start giving. Start believing. Ask

77177

37

! d n o y e B d n a Above Graduate From Jobless Owner! to Business I graduated from a local University in 2004 and like

a multimedia design service business. It was very real and assuring. God also revealed to me specifically the strategies and how

all my peers, I was full of

to go about doing it. Since I did

dreams and hope for the future.

not have any budget for publicity,

One by one, each of my friends got

He told me to advertise my services

accepted by different companies,

by setting up a website. There was a

started working and earning a living.

sense of peace and I acted upon the

I was the only one who was still

impression immediately.

jobless after nine months. I sent out more than 200 resumes and went

True enough, by His grace, just within

for interview after interview, but to

a few weeks, the website ended up

no avail. Being jobless was certainly

on the second page of the Yahoo!

bad for my self-esteem.

search engine. Now a website is only effective in getting the attention

For the next two years, I worked on

of Internet users if it ranks among

all kinds of freelance jobs â&#x20AC;&#x201C; from

the top 20 to 30 positions in the

teaching, video production to

search engine results. However it is

translation services â&#x20AC;&#x201C; just to pay my monthly bills. On top of my daily needs, I had a $40,000 study loan to clear. It was certainly financially challenging! I had also tried to set up a small business, hoping to earn more, but it ended up in failure as well. In my desperation I cried out to God, asking Him for a breakthrough. very difficult to have your website

38

One day, during my Time Alone

rank top among thousands of other

with God, the breakthrough came.

similar websites. Many companies

I heard God telling me to start

pay web experts to create keywords

These Trinitarians experienced God’s extraordinary abundance as they heard His voice, responded in obedience and stepped out in faith.

in their website content so that

ays!

Fulfilled in 30 D

their company website can rank high in the search engine results.

I had plans to leave my job

However, for my website, God’s

of nine years. My boss warned

hand placed it there.

me of the loss of bonuses as well as the detrimental effect

My website was then noticed by

on my upcoming performance

the public and I soon had the

appraisal. However, my wife and

first business deal. Subsequently

I resolved in our hearts that we would

we experienced many open doors,

not allow the monetary rewards to distract us from what we believe

one after another. God’s favour

God had called us to do – expand my wife’s business in the area of

is tremendous! He has provided

music education. Hence, whether the bonuses came in or whatever

above and beyond my financial

the amount was, it wasn’t that important to us.

needs.

Then God impressed upon my heart a 5-figure sum for our faith Today, not only has my $40,000

promise. I had a hard time putting that figure on the Faith

study loan been cleared, God

Promise Card! I wrestled and reasoned with God that the amount

has also blessed my wife and

would make a severe dent on our finances. I needed to save up to

I with our own home. I have

get ready for my transition out from my current job and to provide

experienced the reality of Psalm

our two young boys with a good education.

145:14-16: “The LORD upholds all those who fall and lifts up all who

However, God reminded me of His Word in Matthew 6:19-21 and 25-

are bowed down. The eyes of all

34 where the treasure that I seek should not be the amount in my

look to You, and You give them

bank account, but what God can do with the money that is released

their food at the proper time. You

back to Him as it belongs to Him. Hence, though still struggling,

open your hand and satisfy the

I wrote down the sum and prayed that He would provide me the

desires of every living thing.” I am

resources to fulfill the faith promise.

thankful to God for His abundant provision!

My bonus day came in at the end of that same month. To my surprise, despite my lowered performance appraisal, I was given

Daniel Kuan Zi Yu multimedia designer

39

a bonus amount that was more than the 5-figure sum that I had written! God had helped me fulfill my faith promise in less than 30 days and answered my prayers! Wow!!

I wanted to be able to give to God, but I am in awe of what God has done

I had some concerns about how to fulfill my faith promise.

and how He has again taught

My concerns were:

me about submission and trust.

I pray that this will enable us to

•

I did not have much savings left in my bank account.

•

I was on three months of unpaid leave, as I was joining the 28th batch of AlphaTrack.

•

During these three months without a salary, I still wanted to give my mum a monthly allowance. I am the only believer in my family and I wanted to be a good testimony to her.

But I really wanted to give to God, and because I was able to trust Him for the things that

fulfill my faith promise for the last few years, I believed that

our human minds cannot easily

I would be able to do the same this time round. So, on the

conceive and believe, like the

Faith Promise card, I simply wrote: “The difference between

salvation of unbelieving parents,

my current salary and my new salary, multiplied by 12”. I was

breakthroughs in our families and

expecting a pay rise, but I knew the percentage difference

jobs, and the reconciliation of

would probably be small. After turning in my faith promise card,

strained relationships. Praise God!

I had a thought: Since my entire increment would be given to God, why not ask Him for a BIG increase? So I prayed to God

Marcus Cheng

about it.

self-employed Three months later, a week before my AlphaTrack programme

40

ended, I received an SMS from my

expenses, including my mum’s

This unexpected large bonus

boss saying that he had changed

hospital bill due to dengue. This

I received enabled me to fulfill my

my status to that of a permanent

made me rethink my decision

Faith Promise before March 2008.

staff. (I had been a contract staff

to fulfill my Faith Promise. In

In addition, because there was a

in the same company for 7 years.)

February this year, I finally

surplus, I could go for the Church

That meant that in addition to all

decided that I would fulfill my

Camp in June. And that is not all!

the benefits of a permanent staff,

Faith Promise. I decided in my

As there is still some leftover, I am

I would have an increment and a

heart that I would use the pro-

planning to use the remainder for

variable bonus! I was scheduled

rated variable bonus due in

a Missions Impact Trip this year.

to sign the appointment letter

February, as well as my salary for

on my first day of work. By then,

the month of February, to fulfill

As I look back, God’s blessings

my bank account was already

my promise to God. (Because

are abundant and definitely

zero. My salary would only come

I was now a permanent staff,

more than just financial in

in at the end of the month.

I would be receiving a variable

nature. He has provided me with

Nonetheless, when I looked at

bonus for the first time.) I had a

three month’s leave to attend

the letter, I was surprised at

sense of peace about this.

AlphaTrack, the ability to pay for

what I saw – the pay rise was

my mum’s hospital bills, and, after

more than I had imagined it to

Two days after I made this

AlphaTrack, a permanent job that

be! Elated, I began to calculate

decision, my boss gave me a

I enjoy.

how much I would give to God.

letter concerning my variable

It turned out that the increment

bonus. Again I was extremely

Truly, I have no lack! I have

(multiplied by 12) would be the

surprised. The bonus amount

received over and above what

biggest one-time amount I would

was the largest one-time

I have given, even when I least

give so far!

amount I had ever received!

expected it. No one can give like

In fact, I was sure that the figure

He gives, and no one can love me

However, as the months

was wrong; perhaps they had

like He does! I thank God for His

passed, I still had not fulfilled

forgotten to pro-rate it. But my

blessings and unfailing love. How

my faith promise. I began

boss explained to me that he

could I ever out-give Him?

to have reservations about

appreciated my work and had

giving because I had used up

given me the highest rating,

May Khoo

my increment for some family

hence the big amount.

regional credit assistant

41

Extraordinary Legacy From Vision to Reality

1999 A Vision for the Future Trinity’s Board learns that the Shell Sports Club along Paya Lebar Road is available

January 2000 Trinity takes over the premises of Paya Lebar and renames it OnePLace

for sale through tender. At

The existing complex comprises classrooms,

approximately 3.71 acres or

badminton halls and a swimming pool. Among

161,459 square feet, it is a large

other things, the facilities are used for seminars,

piece of land. It is freehold, like our properties along Adam

district events, meetings and DEW Ministry Weekends.

Road and Lavender Street.

The church leadership senses that this would be a good investment for the future growth of the church.

SHELL SPORTS CLUB

PAYA

LEBA

A R RO

D

October 1999 Tender won – by a whisker!

After much deliberation and prayer, the Board puts in a tender of $19.1 million. Raymond Leong, who was Trinity’s board member and Treasurer at that time, recalls, “We were told that Trinity’s bid was just a whisker higher than the next highest bid. In other words, we didn’t pay any more than was necessary to win the tender. The managing agent said, ‘Surely the God you serve has given you this figure to win the bid!’”

42

Trinity@Paya Lebar has come a long way from the days when it was first conceived as a vision. Today it stands as a concrete reality that we can see, touch and enjoy – a testament to the power of God-given vision, faith and legacy.

March 2001 Architects Appointed The Board appoints an architect to plan for the development of

May 2004 Application Approved

Approved

Trinity@Paya Lebar. DP Architects

Our application for change of

are the professionals behind

zoning is approved. In fact, we are

Dubai Mall (one of the largest

told that we can have 3 separate plots

malls in the world) and, closer

– a civic and community institution,

to home, the

an education institution and a place

revitalised

of worship. It is a miracle! Our

Wisma Atria.

request for a higher plot ratio of 1.4, up from 0.8, is also approved, paving the way for us to maximise the use of the land.

July 2001 Change of Use The vision is to house Trinity Christian Centre, Care Community Services Society and TCA College within one complex. Hence we submit an application for a change

June 2004 The Incredible Favour of God

of use from ‘sports and recreation’ to ‘place of worship’

The development charges were initially

and ‘civic and community institution’. Trinitarians pray

estimated to be $4.5 million. The authorities

for divine favour upon the application process, which

adjust development charges every six

involve several rounds of dialogue and submissions.

months, according to market conditions.

By God’s perfect timing, the development charges applicable during this window of time are zero. We do not need to pay any development charges at all! It is the incredible favour of God!

43

Extraordinary Legacy From Vision to Reality

September 2004 Ground Breaking Ceremony The ground-breaking ceremony takes

December 2006

2004. Demolition works commence,

TOP granted! Trinity@Paya Lebar hosts its first event

and the Shell Sports Club building

Phase 1 of Trinity@Paya

makes away for a new building.

Lebar is near completion.

There is a sense of

Trinitarians pray for the

excitement, as the

granting of the Temporary

vision is on its way to

Occupation Permit (TOP)

becoming a reality.

for the Education Hub.

place at Paya Lebar on 5 September

It comes through, and Trinity@Paya Lebar hosts its first event on 31 December 2006: The annual Family Communion and Watchnight Service. More than 3000 people take part in the historic occasion.

August 2006 A New Look The distinctive facade of the complex is now visible from Paya Lebar Road. Its iconic design is inspired by the mountainous terrain of the Holy Land. To bring out the

January 2007

dramatic land form, Tai Lee Siang, director of

Weekend Services begin

DP Architects, and his team use slanting and vertical planes of dark stones, light stones and tinted glass.

The look is one of art and architecture, combined with an air of awe and unpredictability.

Weekend services begin at Trinity@ Paya Lebar on 6 January 2007. While the building continues to be a workin-progress, Trinitarians enjoy the spaciousness of the building, and the abundance of car park lots. A month later, Trinityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s church office and Care Community Services Society move into Trinity@Paya Lebar.

44

August 2008 Structural Works at Phase 2 are completed The structure of Phase 2 of Trinity@ Paya Lebar (the Conference Centre) is completed. Interior design works

August 2007

of the 3,000-seat sanctuary and

TCA College moves in

two 400-seat theatrettes is now

TCA College moves

underway. The TCA College Hostel,

into the Education Hub

which comprises

of Trinity@Paya Lebar.

dormitories, classrooms and creative studios, is also completed.

Coming up next...

Paya Lebar will be the hub of the East Since Trinity purchased its property on Paya Lebar Road, a few key developments have taken place on the national front: â&#x20AC;˘ The government announced plans to develop Paya Lebar into a commercial hub of the East. â&#x20AC;˘ The Circle Line was planned for, and Trinity@Paya Lebar is right on the Circle Line, located between the upcoming MacPherson and Tai Seng MRT stations.

We could not have known this when we made the purchase, but God was surely guiding us!

As Trinitarians continue to sow towards an extraordinary legacy, the vision continues to unfold and manifest before our very eyes!

45

Revealed:

Secrets of the Extraordinary LIFE

How can you have an extraordinary and abundant life, overflowing with great fruitfulness and favour, and with relationships that are whole and victorious?

Rev Dominic Yeo reveals the secrets.

46

WHAT IS the extraordinary life all about? It is the abundant life, a life that experiences the abundant favour of God. It is also about experiencing abundant success, great victories and fruitful relationships in God. If we take an honest look within, we will find that there are areas of lack in our lives, areas where we have been stricken with a sense of poverty. This is why you and I need to learn the secrets to the extraordinary, abundant life. I believe that God wants to give you success in all aspects of your life - your work, your relationships and even your spirituality.

God is the source of abundance, and His intent is for us to live in abundance. From the very beginning in the book of Genesis,

1

Receive the Lord Jesus Christ and His Word

we see that God’s intention for Adam and Eve was that they

“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and

experience the abundance and

only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish

provision of God. They experienced

but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)

no lack as long as they lived and remained in the Garden of Eden

What does eternal life have to do with abundant

and obeyed their God. But when

life? Receiving Jesus Christ and entering into eternal

sin came into the world, it stripped

life is the beginning of abundance. Abundant life is

this abundance from humanity.

about stepping into that eternal relationship with

It was only through the death of

God. As you venture in, you will experience ‘zoe’, the

Jesus Christ that God’s provision

abundant life or qualitative life here and now, and

of abundant grace and life was

then at the consummation of your faith when you

restored.

meet the Lord face-to-face, you will experience the abundance of eternity in heaven. You cannot take

A man whose life encapsulates the

eternal life and separate it from abundant life. It is a

extraordinary, abundant favour and

total package.

fruitfulness of God is Joseph. When you study his life, you will discover

If you are a pre-believer who has not yet received

that Joseph lived the abundant life

Christ, the starting point is to receive Jesus Christ.

because the tremendous favour of

But for the rest of us, it has to do with receiving the

God was upon him. Everything he

Word of Christ. We must give more than just mental

touched was successful. Whether he was in Potiphar’s

assent to John 10:10 which states, “I have come that

house or in Pharaoh’s court, he had the abundant

they may have life, and that they may have it more

grace of God in his relationships. It was Joseph who

abundantly.” Often, we may read it, hear it, and

ultimately redistributed and stewarded the food

believe it only in our heads: we don’t fully take hold

supply to everyone in that day. I believe God wants

of it.

this for us as well. When the time comes, God will ordain for you and I to be in that place of

There was this little boy who lived in the 1800s. He

authority, to steward His grace in a way that men

had never seen a circus nor been to one. So when

and women can encounter our glorious God.

he heard that a circus was coming to town, he got really excited and asked his Dad to let him go. When

How do you and I attain this abundant life? What are

his dad looked at his pleading eyes and angelic

the secrets of the abundant life?

face, he decided that even though the family wasn’t

47

well-to-do, he would find a way for his son to go to the circus.

When that great day came, the boy woke up really early, got dressed in his Sunday best and was all ready to go to the circus.

The boy’s father reached into his pocket and gave him a one dollar note, which was a lot of money in those days. The boy

read, listen and understand

When we receive the Word into our lives, the Word will impregnate us with a revelation of God’s abundance, and the revelation will give birth to the reality.

John 10:10 and then decide to receive this word. We have to go beyond just hearing the Word to receiving the Word, the same way we received Jesus Christ into our lives. You have to receive the Word, let it get into you and really believe it until it becomes a conviction

put the money safely into his

in your heart. When we receive

pocket, gave his father a kiss and

the Word into our lives, the

was off to the circus. The boy joined the long queue

Word will impregnate us with a revelation of God’s

and while he was in queue, the circus parade came

abundance, and the revelation will give birth to

by. The animal cages came by, and the boy had never

the reality.

been so close to lions, tigers and elephants before.

After the animals came the clowns, somersaulting

Jesus said, “I have come that you might have life,

and doing their number. The boy cheered excitedly

and life abundantly.” Do you believe it? Have you

and then when one of the clowns stopped in front

received it into your heart? That’s the key.

of him, the boy reached into his pocket, took out the one dollar note and gave it to the clown. Then he ran all the way home, saying that he had been to the circus. But in actuality, he had only experienced the parade and not the circus.

2

Remain in Christ and in His Word

That’s the reality for many of us who are believers.

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains

We hear about the abundant life, get excited about

in Me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from

it and say that we believe in it. We get dressed in our

Me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5)

best for church on Sunday and when the offering bag passes, we put in our dollar notes. We hear a

The extraordinary, abundant life is not just about

great sermon, get all excited about it, and then we

bearing fruit but about bearing much fruit. Much

leave and claim that we have lived the abundant

means ‘more than usual!’ Many believers live just

life. But that’s not the abundant life; we have merely

for the ‘enough’ but it is not God’s intention. God’s

experienced the parade.

intention is that you and I bear much fruit. That’s the extraordinary or abundant life. How can we bear

48

Many Christians do not experience the abundant

much fruit? The key is to remain in Christ. To ‘remain’

life because they have merely given mental assent

means to be connected; to stay, to live in, to abide

to John 10:10. The abundant life comes when we

and to remain centred in the Lord, come what

may. If you are abiding in Him, circumstances that

allowed the Word of

come your way will not shift you off-centre.

God to apprehend us.

It is so important to

It is so important to hold on to the Word of God such that the Word of God begins to hold on to you.

Charlie Wedemeyer was born into a very athletic

hold on to the Word

family and learnt to play American Football early

of God such that the

in his life. He became a great all-star player, led his

Word of God begins

College team to the State championships and later

to hold on to you. This

became the coach of the Los Gatos High School

way, when you go into

football team. But as he was coaching the team

the office and the current realities hit you, you have

towards the championship, Charlie Wedemeyer

the Word of God that remains in you. This Word of

contracted a degenerative illness known as the Lou

God that remains in you will quicken you to a life

Gehrig’s disease that impaired his entire nervous

of abundance. When the Word does not remain in

system. He became known as the speaker who

us, we lose the conviction of the Word of God that

couldn’t speak because even when he moved

will cause us to step into the place of prosperity,

his mouth, no words came forth. Yet, Charlie

blessing and favour. But Jesus said, “If you remain in

Wedemeyer coached his team to victory and they

Me and My words remain in you, ask whatever you

won the state championship that particular year.

wish, and it will be given you” (John 15:7). In other

How did that happen? Charlie Wedemeyer’s secret

words, you will have the extraordinary, abundant life!

to the extraordinary and abundant life was to remain connected to the Lord. In his autobiography, Charlie describes how he met the Lord Jesus Christ and learnt that if he remained in the Lord, never shifting off centre, he would be able to bear much fruit. Together with his wife, he continues to coach

3

Remember that God uses the pruning process to lead us to abundance

and speak publicly.

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He The great tragedy today is that believers listen to

cuts of every branch in me that bears no fruit, while

great testimonies and messages in church, and yet

every branch that does bear fruit He prunes so that it

when they walk out of the church, they somehow

will be even more fruitful. (John 15:1,2)

leave the reality of God and His Word behind. Come Monday morning, when they go into the office, they

Some people believe that when you are doing

forget that God had convicted them and had given

alright with God, everything is going to be perfect.

them a promise. When something happens, their

I’m sorry to shatter your illusion, but God’s intention

faith is shaken and they lose their Christianity. This

is for you to bear much fruit and even more fruit,

is because they have failed to remain in the Word.

and the only way for that to happen is for God to start pruning you! It is God’s intention that you

Many of us cannot even remember what was

move into the place of abundance. If God doesn’t

preached the week before because we have not

prune us, you and I will remain status quo.

49

I have a potted plant that flowers everyday and

wonder if God is even there. Friends, this is the

is full of nice orange flowers. But it wasn’t always

very process that will cause you to walk into

like that. A few weeks after I bought the plant, the

abundance.

flowers started dropping off and it looked like it was dying. I began the process of pruning just like John

Before you know it, the grace of God and the

15:2 describes and pruned it to the point where

provision of God will come through. Your roots

it was totally bald. That was a painful process for

will grow, and your shoot will start coming forth.

me because it was a sight for sore eyes and looked

Through the process of God’s grace and time, you

awful. But after a few weeks, buds started growing

will become a tree. You will no longer be one seed;

and since then, flowers have been blooming

you would have produced much seed. No believer

everyday. Now here’s a spiritual principle: God will

is spared this pruning process. Why does God

prune you, and the pruning process isn’t pretty.

prune us? He prunes us because He wants us to bear much fruit. God will prune those He loves and

In many ways, the pruning process is like the dying process.

He will discipline His children. God’s intention is for us to have abundance!

I remember being pruned quite badly when I was a Bible School student. I had no money for lunch

In many ways, the pruning process is like the dying

or dinner, and I complained to God: “Lord, what’s

process. The pruning process is about dying to self,

wrong with you? I’ve answered your call to be a

dying to your selfish ambitions and dying to sin.

minister and here I am, with no money for food.”

The analogy of a kernel of wheat dying and that of

I fasted the first day and things went fine. When

a plant being pruned is the same. John 12:24 tells

the rigours of fasting kicked in on the second day,

us that “Unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground

I started questioning God. My self-esteem and

and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies,

self-worth were being torn away. Yet today, I walk in

it produces many seeds.” Imagine yourself as a seed

abundance. The pruning process and the grace of

that suddenly gets dislodged. You feel disconnected

God have structured me for abundance.

from your community, the world around you and even from God. You feel alone, unseen, forgotten, isolated and overlooked. Sometimes you feel inundated and overwhelmed by pain and sorrow.

Then you get drenched in the rain and shiver in the cold. Just as you wonder, “What in the world is

4

Recognise that God will use others to bless you with abundance

happening?” suddenly the skin of the seed breaks

50

open, bringing on even more pain. You feel as

God will send others into your life to bring you to

though your self-worth, self-esteem and everything

the place of abundance. In 2 Kings 4, there was a

about you is being torn off. Amidst the pain, you

woman whose husband had passed away. She was

living in poverty and the creditors were coming

When you and I live the extraordinary and abundant

to take her sons. But God sent people into her life

life, our lives will be an inspiration to others. When

to bring her into His intended abundance. Elisha

Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans, a little

came on the scene and told her what to do. Her

family restaurant was completely destroyed. The

sons contributed by going around to collect the

family who owned the restaurant were immigrants

jars. Her neighbours contributed by giving up their

and didn’t have any insurance or money to rebuild

jars. So there were many who contributed to her

it. But the people around them encouraged them

abundance.

to start their restaurant again. Contributions came from different ones in the community, and the diner

You need to recognise that God uses people! Don’t

was rebuilt. It is said that in the rebuilding of the

be like the man who prayed for God to save him from

city, this little diner became a source of inspiration

the flood. The rain continued to pour down and soon,

to others that their homes and their city could be

he was sitting on the roof top praying, “God, rescue

rebuilt. As this family allowed others to help them

me. I need a miracle!” Not too

become successful, their success

long after, the coast guard came by and they invited him to climb aboard their boat. He declined politely and told them that he was waiting for God to send a miracle. Then a neighbour came by paddling a canoe and offered

was not just for themselves but

Your extraordinary and abundant life is not only for yourself, but for the sake of all who are connected to you.

to take him to safety. Again he

for the rebuilding of the city.

Today, New Orleans may not be the same as it was before Katrina struck, but the story of this little diner remains an inspiration and connection for others to experience life.

declined and said that he was waiting for God to send a miracle. He drowned in

Make no mistake about it: Your extraordinary and

the flood. When he went to heaven, he was rather

abundant life is not only for yourself, but for the

angry and demanded to see God. When he came

sake of all who are connected to you. What God

before God, he said, “God, what is the matter with

does in your life will be such a testament and an

you? I prayed and you didn’t answer.” God’s reply was,

inspiration to them, and cause them to see that they

“I did answer. I sent you the coast guard and your

too can experience such life!

neighbour but you said ‘no’”.

God will send people into your life to add abundance into your life. He will cause people to come into your life, to speak that word or do something to contribute to your abundance. Sometimes He may send the most unlikely people who may say the funniest or weirdest things, so just be open.

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

77177

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

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

This sermon can be heard online at www.trinity.net

51

I did not know what I was living for and was just living aimlessly.

I was also mean and extremely self-centered. I didn’t have any friends, much less good friends! I was lonely, confused and completely blind to my sinful behaviour.

 CHIJ Toa Payoh IGNTYE, Trinity@Adam

My aunt invited me to IGNYTE, Trinity’s youth service. What impressed me was how on fire the youths were for God. I wanted to be like them – to know God so intimately and feel His unconditional love. I wanted to have a real relationship with God – and I did!

It has been two extraordinary years. I now know and understand God’s purpose for me, and am no longer aimless like before. God has not only given me a new perspective on life, He has also changed my character and I am now a much better person.

God has brought many good friends from church into my life.

But my best friend is still God and I believe that He has much more in store for me. After all that He has done in my life, He is definitely a great and mighty God!

13-18 years o

ld

y r a n i d r o Extra Lives!

Coming to IGNYTE was a major turning point in my walk with God. I found a family that loved, encouraged and supported me. I discovered strong covenantal relationships with my fellow buzz group members.

During the Ex[PL]ode Camp at the end of 2007, I was amazed at how God touched and healed

 Deyi Secondary School IGNYTE, Trinity@Paya Lebar

52

Although I grew up in a Christian family, I never

Things changed when two of my JC friends invited me

really understood what it meant to experience

to Trinity’s Easter event two years back. I rededicated

God’s love. At best, my faith was like a seed with no

my life to Christ and joined the IGNYTE ministry. For

root and so it didn’t take much to blow me here,

the first time, I experienced a personal touch from

there and everywhere. As a result, I was a highly

God that began healing and restoring my hurts

insecure person. I found solace in worldly music

and insecurities. I also found genuine friendships

and culture, always striving to prove that I was

with people who were interested in me and not just

unique. My friendships were fun

which bands I liked. I also

but often superficial, because

communicate much better

I wasn’t brave enough to reveal

with my parents now.

how weak I felt inside.

I used to place my self-

 Raffles Junior College (Just graduated) IGNYTE, Trinity@Adam

worth in the many ear piercings I had. Now my identity rests in the nail-pierced hands of my Saviour, Jesus Christ.

Amidst a troubled generation, these cool teens from IGNYTE, Trinity’s youth ministry, are nothing short of extraordinary.

We cue you in on the phenomenal transformation that has occurred in their lives. the lives of my fellow IGNYTERS as we were

with IGNYTERs as well as other fellow believers. We

worshipping God. I fell under the power of the

prayed for our community in school and for one

Holy Spirit during the altar call and at that point, all my problems seemed like nothing compared to the greatness of my God. I

another to remain strong in the faith. Through this, God has touched lives and we have witnessed salvations and rededications. I know God has

knew then that my life

raised IGNYTE Ministry

was going to be totally

for His Purpose in My

transformed.

Generation and I believe

Empowered, I began

that we are building and

2008 seeking to live

leaving a lasting legacy in

my life for God. I was on a mission to reach the lost and started a prayer group in my school

our school. I am now driven by eternity and I thank God for igniting this fire for Him in my life!

53

God has transformed my life especially with regards to my studies.

I received Jesus Christ as my Lord and Saviour two years ago but being a very laid-back person, procrastination especially in my studies was a real problem. I was in the Normal Academic stream and constantly labelled as a slow learner.

I was able to be in an integrated programme which allowed me to proceed to the ‘O’ Levels without having to do my ‘N’ Levels. Without the pressure of preparing for the major ‘N’ Level examinations, I started



to slacken in Secondary four and my

St Hilda’s Secondary

results started spiralling downwards.

Trinity@Paya Lebar

y r a n i d r o Extra Lives!

During my first year in Junior College, I started hyperventilating and became really sick. I also suffered from migraines that affected my vision and caused numbness in my body. This usually happened at night when I was alone. My parents were very worried and took me to different doctors. I went through many scans but all the results showed that nothing was wrong. All the doctors could give me were bottles of painkillers.

54

I kept thinking that I still had time

span of three days, God really

I was only hoping to make

and seemed unfazed. When I

transformed my life. God

the grade so that I could get

received my mid-year examination

touched me deeply when He

promoted but God showed me

results, I was jolted back to reality

spoke to me through Jeremiah

that He could do exceedingly

because I had failed everything

29:11 and said, “For I know the

and abundantly, above all

except for two subjects. This was

plans I have for you, plans to

I could ever ask or think of.

compounded when my principal

prosper you and not to harm you,

I actually managed to get As

raised the bar for the final term

plans to give you a hope and a

and Bs. I give God all the glory

promotion exercise, I found myself

future.”

because He is the One who has

plunging into desperation. I could

transformed me. God has shown

not muster the determination

With the confidence that

me that if I strive to give Him my

or drive to study and I needed

God was with me and that

very best, He will certainly take

God’s help badly. I found myself

nothing was impossible, I was

care of the rest!

praying much longer each night

determined to be an overcomer.

desperately seeking a touch

I hit the books and started

from God.

making up for lost time.

My final examination results

It was at the Life Conference

were the evidence of God’s

at Trinity that I received my

never-ending love and

breakthrough. In the short

grace for me.

This went on for six months and I got



stopped. In less than a month,

really tired of it. I was also getting more

Ngee Ann Polytechnic

my migraines stopped too!

and more dependent on the painkillers,

IGNYTE, Trinity@Paya Lebar

I was amazed at the power of

going back to the doctor for more each

prayer. It really showed me how

time they ran out. I got very depressed

great and powerful God is.

and couldn’t do anything. I felt nervous, could not think properly and

I thank God for healing me and showing

eventually quit going to school. I just

me how much He loves me. He has

stayed at home all day. This went on for a

placed so many wonderful people in

whole year.

my life – my pastors, spiritual parent and carecell. They prayed for me, sent

I wasn’t a strong Christian at that time and

me many encouraging SMSes and gave

didn’t attend church regularly. When my

me very assuring and affirming hugs

aunt who is a Trinitarian came to know

whenever they saw that I was stressed.

about my situation, she asked an IGNYTE pastor

I am now continuing my studies at Ngee Ann

as well as her friends and leaders in her carecell to

Polytechnic, and look forward to meeting with God

pray for me. That was when the hyperventilation

and my carecell every weekend.

55

y r a n i d r o a r t x E e On As IGNYTE, Trinity’s youth ministry, crosses the three-year mark, an IGNYTE leader reflects on the phenomenal growth of the ministry, and her own journey to new levels of faith, passion and possibilities.

! y e n r Jou

I was, to say the lleast, a very reluctant member of the IGNYTE youth ministry. Although I had been in Trinity since I was seven, I ‘ran away’ when it came time to transit from DiscoveryLand into the youth ministry. I attended the Adult services as I did not have any friends in youth ministry then.

I refused to join them despite repeated calls by my youth

leader. During that period, my self-worth and preoccupation were pretty much based on my academic and co-curricular achievements in school. God was sidelined in my life. I was very driven, but by all the wrong things.

However, when my mum connected me to a youth cell in secondary 3, the warmth of the carecell won me over and helped me settle in. I formed covenantal friendships with my peers who, up to this very day, encourage and rally behind

By Michelle Lee

me. My cell leader and spiritual parent, through their persistent follow-up and friendship, helped pry open the shell in which I hid. The pastors and leaders really impacted me; they believed in me and spoke into my life, helping me grow stronger in God. The vibrant atmosphere of faith, fellowship and purpose made it impossible for me to stay uninfected by the contagious passion everyone carried.

I began to regret not getting in on all the action earlier!

In 2006, I was challenged to serve as a leader in the lower secondary section. I was feeling awfully inadequate and inexperienced because I was still a youth. Yet, God told me that He could use me even though I was young. All it took was a willing heart, a pair of available hands and the courage to step out, and He would pour out His love and power through me, an empty vessel. As He encouraged me through

56

of growth, with the initially empty seats in Lecture Theatre 1 and Chapel filling up quickly. IGNYTE at the relentless belief of my pastors and mentors, I began to realise a greater sense of destiny and purpose in my life.

He burned a passion in my heart

both Trinity@Adam and Trinity@Paya Lebar have each come into their own, with each centre taking on a slightly different flavour and culture from the other, but yet still remaining as one family.

Personally, seeing my youths grow and becoming harvest warriors for God by bringing in their friends

for reaching my generation. It was

made it all worthwhile. It made me realise one thing:

not a sea of nameless faces that I saw every

multiplication, though initially painful, was worth it!

day in school or on the streets; every face was a lost sheep that needed Jesus.

The greatest challenge I faced was when IGNYTE multiplied into two centres at the beginning of 2007.

The news of the multiplication into two centres was received with much disappointment and apprehension as most of us were looking forward to moving over to Trinity@Paya

IGNYTE ministry has indeed

But the fruits of walking in obedience to God by multiplying into two centres became evident as IGNYTE at both centres witnessed an explosion of growth.

grown, with each young person maturing spiritually and rising up as a leader in their own way. It was especially heart-warming for me that day to see one of my youths from two years back joyfully serving as a celebration host.

I had not seen her ever since we multiplied, as she attends IGNYTE,

Lebar together. Friendships were

Trinity@Adam. Chatting with

affected as different ones had to

her made me realise how much

follow their parents to different centres. It was an

she has changed, from the aloof and indifferent

especially difficult time of transition for me as most

teenager I remember to a pleasant young

of my closer friends â&#x20AC;&#x201C; my cellmates whom I grew

woman actively serving in IGNYTE. I thank God for

up with â&#x20AC;&#x201C; were going to be at Adam. I felt uprooted,

moments like these that spur me on as a leader in

away from my friends and challenged to step out of

IGNYTE to impact the young lives in my care, so that

my comfort zone. I recall a time when my friends

they can go on to impact those around them.

from Adam came over to Paya Lebar to surprise me on my birthday. I blubbered like a baby because

When IGNYTErs from both centres came together

I missed them so much!

for our third anniversary celebration, it was an awesome sight: What was once a congregation

But the fruits of walking in obedience to God by

that filled the Chapel at Trinity@Adam now

multiplying into two centres became evident as

spread across the entire Summit! The Summit

IGNYTE at both centres witnessed an explosion

was filled to the brim with more than 720 youth.

57

Even after taking into account the first-time visitors who joined us that day, it was mind-blowing to consider how far God has brought IGNYTE ministry – an ever-growing army advancing His kingdom. The feeling of being part of a congregation this big, experiencing the literally ground-

As much as we were always

But the fruits of walking in obedience to God by multiplying into two centres became evident as IGNYTE at both centres witnessed an explosion of growth.

encouraged to envision greater growth in IGNYTE, I was amazed at the growth in attendance as it was charted on a graph.

Visually, the rapid growth was astounding. I could perceive more clearly God’s fingerprints all over IGNYTE ministry from Day One. Yet, as much as I marvelled at

shaking praise and worship time as IGNYTErs packed the altar area and spilled into

the statistics, the number was merely a reflection

the aisles, and hearing the sound of young people

of many young people whose lives have been

worshipping in one voice, was both exhilarating and

transformed by God, each with his or her own story.

epiphanic.

As IGNYTE crosses this milestone in its history, it is I had never imagined, or rather, never dared to

a consolidation of sorts: a consolidation of three

envision, an IGNYTE of this size. (Yes I need more

years of growth, a time of celebration, a rejoicing

audacious fervour!) But with this, God enlarged

over challenges overcome and victories won in the

my vision. I could hear Him say, “Get used to this

Lord. As Pastor Dominic charged IGNYTErs to be

because this can become a reality for each centre

Champions for God – to run the good race for His

every week.” The possibilities stirred an excitement

cause, with faith, without fear and with foresight

within me as I realised that the very hand of God

– it served as a poignant reminder of how far we

that has brought us thus far will bring us once again

have come as a ministry. At the same time, God was

to another level as a ministry. He has so much in

nudging us forward toward another level of faith,

store for us, if only we would dream big for Him

passion and possibilities to live out His Purpose for

because the harvest is still plentiful!

Our Generation.

Milestones of an Extraordinary Journey:

JUL 2008 JAN 2008

DO

S! UBLE

JAN 2006 Birth of IGNYTE; average attendance 330

58

JAN 2007 Multiplication into 2 centres; average attendance 482

IGNYTE, Trinity@ Paya Lebar multiplies into two services; total average attendance 555

IGNYTE, Trinity@Adam multiplies into two services; total average attendance 618, almost double that of Jan 2006

Three glo

That â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wh

It was es

rious yea

at 06.07.0

pecially a

rs.

8 refers t

pt and in

o.

genious niversar y celebratio IGNY TE M n of inistr y to ok place on 6 July 2008. M i chelle Le ong repo r ts on the w a te r s h e d e ve n t . as the an

nd thoughts t and a thousa en ev e th re minutes befo flow of the hat would the W d. in m y m o flooded ers of the vide would the view ow H ? e be t to en ev respond th ld our youths ou w ow H t? ac gether to competition re s gathered to am te g in rv se at as all the d The Summit message? But ended and fille sc de st ju t th iri Sp thick in e pray, the Holy of God was so ce en es pr e Lebar. Th t stand in awe.

Trinity@Paya uld not help bu co ne yo er ev us at w much any of atmosphere th nger about ho lo no as in our w it do t, to about At that poin what God was t ou ab ly re t pu ation, but a had done, bu a day of celebr st ju t no be ing to midst. It was go E. stone for IGNYT significant mile

The Summit doors flung wide open with our celebration hosts ready with a chorus of greetin gs. Our hosts Andy Chen and Gwen Zhou launched th em into a time of ice breakers. Within seconds the entir e hall was filled w ith the buzz of excitem ent. IGNY TErs ran around giving hu gs to friends from the other centre, whi le others reminisc ed about the past as they gazed at the exhibits of events from previous ye ars.

am

59

Pastor Gary (District Pastor of IGNYTE, Trinity@Adam) and Pastor Darick (District Pastor of IGNYTE, Trinity@ Paya Lebar) burst through the doors for the opening ceremony, running with batons in their hands. This was symbolic of IGNYTE Ministry holding onto the call of God and running the race with the same purpose for God.

am

Then the video competition began. Six shortlisted videos, created by the youths themselves based on the theme â&#x20AC;&#x153;His Purpose. My Generation.â&#x20AC;?, were screened. If you think that would have been boring, think again!

Think Glamorous. Think Oscar Awards show.

Think Grammys. Think, very very Glamorous.

We had the video completion done awards-show style! A total of 12 youths from both Adam and Paya Lebar came up in pairs to introduce each of the video entries. It showcased all hidden comedic talents that our youths had! Everyone had a blast watching the videos, and even more fun as they voted via SMS for their favourite videos. The first prize went to an ingenious video produced by Daniel Ho, who used the trailer of the movie IRON MAN and did voice-overs. That video had IGNYTErs rolling on the floor with uncontrollable laughter.

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After all the fun and games, our Senior Pastor Rev Dominic Yeo took the stage and began to share his heart for the ministry. He challenged the youths to be Champions for God, through foresight, fearlessness and faith.

As the altar call was given, 21 youths made a decision to follow Christ. Then Pastor Dominic led us in a time of communion. It was a meaningful act for the new believers and those who rededicated their lives. Significantly, for the first time in three years, IGNYTErs from both centers were partaking communion together. This powerful act declared and affirmed once again that we are one family.

Following that was a time of united prayer. First, we had Shiny (Trinity@Paya Lebar) and Jullian (Trinity@Adam) pray for the youths of our generation to rise up and fulfill the call of “His Purpose. My

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Generation.” Then Pastor Gary and Pastor Darick prayed a prayer of blessing for each other’s ministry in Adam and Paya Lebar. To top it off, Pastor Dominic sealed the prayers and blessed the entire ministry as he asked God to bring the ministry to another level.

In the days to come, 06.07.08 will be remembered as a defining moment for IGNYTE. For it was not only a day of celebration

or a milestone in the history of

IGNYTE, but a stepping stone

to an even greater and more glorious future.

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Want to enter into new dimensions of the extraordinary life, where His favour, glory and presence will be evident in your life like never before?

Dr Pat Francis shares how.

Entering New Dimensions of Glory THE FAMOUS PRIME MINISTER of England, Sir

was the same Moses who had witnessed miracle

Winston Churchill, was very popular and led

after miracle, yet now, it seemed as though he was

England into one of her greatest victories. But

in a wilderness. He needed something to move into

right after that, the people did not re-elect him

the next dimension. Yesterday’s presence is no

for another term. The reason was that although Sir

guarantee for tomorrow.

Winston Churchill was very good in planning for war and leading the people into victory, he had no

The Bible tells us that Moses asked God for

vision for establishment. He did not have the vision

something new to take him to the next level. Moses

to take England into her new season. We can learn

prayed, “Show me Your glory.” He didn’t ask God,

from this. Every time we need to go into the next

“Tell me about Your glory.” The Kingdom of God

level, we need a new revelation.

is not talk but power (1 Corinthians 4:20). Moses needed God to show him the visible evidence of

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In Exodus 33:12-18, we see Moses at the point

His glory. The Hebrew word for glory, ‘kabod’, refers

where he needed to go to a new dimension. This

to the weight of God’s splendour and manifestation,

abundance, glorious honour, wealth and Kingdom

bring the right partners on board, and ended up

influence. God’s glory speaks of His strategic

in the wilderness for forty years. Now Moses came

alliances and His unprecedented open doors

to God to ask: Who were his God-given strategic

which no one can shut. What Moses essentially said

alliances for the next level?

was, “Show me the weight of Your presence that will demonstrate that God is with me.”

I asked God the same questions: Who is to be part of my team and my leadership that will bring me

Nine Things Moses asked of God

into the next level? Who needs to be on my Board

Moses asked God for nine specific

in my business? Who are the mentors in my life for

things, and God granted him the very

this next dimension? The people who have been

things he asked for. Now I am encouraged to know

with me have done great, but in order for me to go

that I don’t have to re-invent the wheel. God is the

to the next level, I need to know whom God will

same yesterday, today and forever.

send with me.

I can ask God for those very same things and expect God to grant me the very things I ask.

I know that if I apply the Word to my life, God will do the very same things in my life.

I know that if I apply the Word to my life, God will do the very same things in my life.

You too can ask God

2

Teach me Your ways “If You are pleased with me, teach me Your ways…” (Exodus 33:13)

I can imagine Moses saying, “I know how to build a tabernacle and how to battle plagues. I even know how to part the Red Sea! I know about all that, but now I need to know Your ways for the new season.”

for these nine things!

The Church today needs to catch up. The world

1

Who are my strategic alliances?

is way ahead of us in the age of information and

Moses said to the Lord, “You have been

technology. The church needs to catch up because

telling me, ‘Lead these people,’ but You

God is not an old-fashioned God. God is creative,

have not let me know whom You will send with me…”

innovative and is always doing new things. He

(Exodus 33:12)

keeps His principles but is always using new measures. Ask God to teach you His ways so that

Moses had sent out twelve spies into the Promised

you can always be on the cutting edge. I am always

Land. Ten of them came back with a negative report

learning, growing and developing myself. I don’t

where they saw themselves as grasshoppers who

want to be in a rut. I need God to teach me His ways

were no match for the enemy. Their negative report

and give me information and revelation, so that I

paralysed over two million people. Moses didn’t

can be ahead of the game.

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3

Let me know You “…so I may know You…” (Exodus 33:13)

• Even when you end up in prison as a result of being unfairly accused, favour causes you to rise to be chief prisoner.

Why was Moses asking to know God? With all the

• When the people you help like the baker and the

time he spent with God, how could he not know

cupbearer turn their backs on you and forget you,

God? When he first met God in the burning bush,

favour will reroute them such that they will not

Moses asked God, “Who are you?” God answered,

be able to forget you and will end up serving you.

“I AM.” Then he asked God again, “What is Your

• Favour will keep that appointment with you

name?” God again said, “I AM.” That didn’t help,

and promote you in God’s timing and season and

so he asked God again, “What do I tell the people

nothing can stop it – because favour is powerful!

when they ask me who this God is?” His reply was the same: “Tell them that I AM has sent you.” God

That is why Moses asked God for continued favour.

was whoever Moses needed Him to be. When they

Favour brings strategic alliances and open doors

needed food, God was the Provider of manna. When

that no man can shut.

they needed water, God was the Healer who healed

Let me find continued favour

5

“…and continue to find favour with

“Remember that this nation is Your people.”

You.” (Exodus 33:13)

(Exodus 33:13)

the water so they could drink it.

4

Remember that everything belongs to You and I am your servant

What is favour?

God will come through for those who belong to

• Favour is when God makes people love you even

Him. When you dedicate everything – the business,

when they don’t like you.

the church, your life – to God, they no longer belong

• Favour is having open doors that no man can shut.

to you but belong to Him. This will bring you into a

• Favour is when there are twenty other candidates

new dimension of rest.

going for the same interview and they choose you.

• Favour is when you are a Jew like Esther and yet the Persian King can’t help but choose you as queen.

• Favour is when you are a Jewish exile in Babylon,

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Let Your presence always go with me The Lord replied, “My Presence will go

like Daniel, and before you know it, you become

with you, and I will give you rest.” Then Moses said to

the Chief of Staff to the king of Babylon.

Him, “If Your Presence does not go with us, do not send

• Favour is when you are a slave in Potiphar’s

us up from here…” (Exodus 33:14,15)

house like Joseph, and before you know it, you are promoted to Manager.

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My background is in medicine. I did not go to Bible

school, nor did I receive a call to be a pastor. God has

Just believe the Word, and His Presence will manifest

not led me in that usual way. Everything that I have

the power. Cry out as Moses did: “Lord, I want Your

done has simply been because the Word of God said

presence!”

it. I became a believer in the Word and just obeyed

travel the world because I thought that was what

7

everyone was supposed to do. When I learned about

pleased with me and with Your people unless you go

a trip to Hong Kong, I asked God if I should go. But

with us? (Exodus 33:16)

the Word. The Word says, ‘Go into all the nations’ and I took that literally. I took time off from work to

Let it be obvious that You are pleased with me as a servant How will anyone know that You are

God simply asked me, “Do you have the money to go?” I answered that I was working on it. “Can you get

The same thing happened when I went into the

the time off to go?” My answer was ‘Yes’. God’s reply

ministry. I didn’t go into ministry because I heard a

was, “Just believe for the money and go.” When I got

calling. I went into the ministry by default. I was just

to Hong Kong, people from different nations were

serving in church and doing whatever was needed.

all sharing their testimonies of how God had called

Whenever there was a gap that needed to be filled,

them to Hong Kong. I was embarrassed that I had nothing ‘special’ to share. I was just obeying the Word!

I just believed and I stepped out in faith to fill it. I was in the children’s ministry, youth ministry and choir – wherever there was a need. I was always chosen by

When I was in Hong Kong, I just

default.

believed the Word that said God would work signs and wonders in the name of Jesus through me. One day, I was on the streets handing out tracts. A man came by and I asked if I could speak to him about Jesus. He replied that he had

I was in the women’s ministry and my job was to carry doughnuts for the refreshments. But once, the worship leader didn’t turn up and the president asked if I could go up and just lead a few

no time to listen because he was on the way to the

songs. So I got up there and suddenly realised that

doctor. I told him that he would not have to go

I was anointed for worship. I continued carrying the

to the doctor because Jesus would heal him! After

doughnuts. One day, the speaker didn’t turn up.

I spoke to him and he accepted Jesus into his heart,

Again, the president asked me if I could just go up

I said; “In the name of Jesus, be healed!” Then I asked

and share something. So I did and all of a sudden,

the man, “How do you feel?” He said, “The pain is

miracles happened. Everyone was shocked that I

gone!” That man accepted Jesus and was healed right

was anointed to speak. Then word started getting

there in the streets of Hong Kong – not because I felt

around, and I got invitations and started travelling

anything, but because I simply believed the Word.

the world! I had no calling but suddenly, I was

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speaking, preaching, healing the sick, driving out

their lives. They are now university graduates, in

demons and meeting with all kinds of people,

ministry, and married with families.

including presidents and leaders of nations.

We had a hundred thousand dropouts in our city, I didn’t hear a call to start a church, but one day, I

so I created an alternative High School for young

was home on a Friday night and I just thought, why

people whom others had written off as stupid,

don’t we just get together to read the Word of God?

dysfunctional and challenged with all sorts of

Ten of us gathered one Friday night in my home to

learning disabilities. We are now graduating them

read the Word of God. By the end of the year, it was

and every one of them is on their way to college and

so packed that I was embarrassed by the crowds

university. They were called stupid but now they are

that were coming to my home. So I rented a church

scholars!

for these gatherings. Before I knew it, the church was packed out. I called it ‘Thank God it’s Friday’ and

When God’s presence goes with us, it will be obvious

after hundreds of people came, God started telling

that He is pleased with us!

me, “This is not just your little joke, Pat Francis, this

have 3000 people meeting in four services every

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weekend for the glory of God.

Your people from all the other people on the face of the

is your ministry!” I had no marketing strategy. God just advertised His presence and His glory. Now we

Distinguish me from the rest of the world “What else will distinguish me and

earth?” (Exodus 33:16) I had a burden for hurting young people Acts 1:8 says; “But you will receive power

and asked God to send them to me. We

when the Holy Spirit comes on you;

invaded the judicial system. When

and you will be my witnesses…”

young people committed a crime, instead of being sent to jail,

When God is with you, there will be

they would be sentenced to the

evidence. There will be a mark of

church. I became the jailor for

distinction upon your life. Moses

the glory of God! People told me it

told God that he did not want to be just average; he wanted to be

couldn’t happen, but the Word says,

distinguished from others. He wanted

“With God, all things are possible”

God’s glory to be seen in his life.

(Luke 1:37). God sent me 120 of the worst youth in the city. They didn’t come to church with Bibles. They came with guns, filled and tormented with anger. I worked with those young people every Sunday morning and God transformed

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9

Show me the manifestation of Your glory “Now show me Your glory.” (Exodus 33:18)

God wants to manifest His glory in our midst.

These are the new dimensions God wants to bring us

Because I was working with people who were

into! Yet we have not even begun to grasp the realms

needy and did not have anything to give,

that He can take us into – if only we dare to believe.

I told God that I couldn’t build the ministry on

He is going to blow our minds, and we haven’t seen

offerings alone. I asked God to help me to

anything yet! I believe that God is going to transfer the

create wealth for His Kingdom’s sake.

wealth of the world into the church and the demon of

I asked God to show me how I could bring

mammon is going to come down. God has said that

people into a new level of prosperity. God

the wealth of the sinners is stored up for the righteous

told me that He was pleased with what I asked,

(Proverbs 13:22). How is this going to happen? It will

and just like He told Moses, He would do it.

happen as we go back to God’s covenant principles, strategic alliances, and open up our womb to innovation

The Word says that there shall be no poor

and creativity.

among us (Deuteronomy 15:4, KJV). So we began a home acquisition programme so that

Do you want to go to the new dimensions? Do you dare

everybody could own a home. Then I started

go to the next level? Would you let God take you to

my own companies as an entrepreneur. I am

places where no one has gone? God is looking for the

a pastor and I am also an entrepreneur

unlikely, so that when God does something, it will be

because I operate in the king-priest anointing.

obvious that it is God who is with you. It is not about

I guess I just don’t know any better! I just

you but about the Glory. God is looking for a ‘Moses’

knew that like Joseph, I could be a prophet

who will cry out: “Show me Your Glory!”

and at the same time, an entrepreneur. Like Daniel, I could operate in Babylon. Like David, I could rise up and write poems and establish the tabernacle and, at the same time, be a

Dr Pat Francis is the Founding Pastor of Kingdom

king with both natural and supernatural gifts

Covenant Ministries in Canada and a humanitarian who

operating in me.

helps people through medical missions, orphanages, providing support to international leaders and building

We started a mortgage business and went

churches. She is also President and CEO of Elomax

from glory to glory. We started a call centre

Enterprises, and a United Nations Representative and

business with more than 100 staff and

Transformational Activist dealing with humanitarian

went from glory to glory. We have gone

issues and systemic poverty in partnership with world

into commodities – gold, diamonds, oil.

leaders.

God brought contracts that grew from the thousands into the millions and just recently

This message was preached at Trinity on 29 June 2008

crossed into the billions.

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

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Trinitarian magazine comes face to face with Trinitarians who embody Trinityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Vision, Values and Culture of Care & Connect.

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At age 86, Pastor Ng Buck Chua is Trinityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s oldest pastor and is still actively praying for the critically ill. He tells Trinitarian magazine about his passion for meeting needs, and the extraordinary miracles he has witnessed, where God revived the dying and gave them an extension of life.

Retire? Re-fire!

Pastor Ng Buck Chua is a bi-vocational pastor and

I’ll be there

part of Trinity’s old guard. You won’t catch him

Meeting a need has become his mission and his

working at a desk, but you will probably bump into

lifestyle. He explains, “I believe that if someone calls

him along the corridors of Singapore’s hospitals.

you, there must be a need – a need which only God

To say that he is a frequent visitor to the hospital

can meet.” He meets a need even when it is

is an understatement. For over 20 years, he has

inconvenient. Once, he was in the midst of a birthday

visited countless patients with critical illnesses. He

celebration which his children and grandchildren

prays for them, shares the gospel, leads them to

had organised for him, when the son of a woman

receive Christ and baptises them as they choose to

suffering from the final stages of cancer called.

follow Jesus. In his ministry, he has witnessed many miracles, including people at death’s door being restored back to health the very next day.

It all started when he officially retired from his insurance career in 1980. He had experienced God’s favour throughout his career, rising from the position of a clerk to that of Executive Regional Director. He says, “Upon retirement, I wanted to keep in touch with the developments in the industry, so I set up my own company. My intention was to sell insurance and share the gospel at the same time. But I still felt I wasn’t doing enough for God, so I shut down the company and shared the gospel ‘full-time’”.

Apostle Rev Dr Naomi Dowdy, who was Trinity’s senior pastor at that time, offered him a desk in the

“I believe that if someone calls you, there must be a need – a need which only God can meet.”

Pastor Ng recalls, “He said the pain was getting unbearable, and asked if I could come and ask God to take her home without any further suffering. I didn’t want to say no to him, but I didn’t

church office. Pastor Ng declined the offer, saying,

want to disappoint my children either. So I made

“I sat in a corporate office for over 40 years; I don’t

an appointment with him for 9.30pm that night.

want to sit at a desk for another 20 years! Treat my

I didn’t tell my children about the appointment.

home as part of the church office. Whenever you

When we arrived at the restaurant, there were many

need me, call me and I will go.”

tables of diners who had arrived earlier and who

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were still waiting for their food. As we placed our

her and prayed for her, her life was miraculously

orders, I asked God to take care of the situation. To

extended by two months. She was discharged

our surprise, our dishes were served to us first, even

from hospital and was able to move around without

though we had arrived later. After we had cut the

the aid of a wheelchair or walking stick. During this

birthday cake, I quietly told my grandson to take me

time, she spent time with her family and enjoyed

back in time for my appointment.”

all her favourite food, including rojak and prawn noodles. After two months, God

When he arrived at the woman’s home, all her six adult children were there. They were prepared to stay up and keep vigil, as they thought their mother would not survive the night. But as Pastor Ng spoke with her, she suddenly sat up and talked – not at all like a dying person! She even told

took her home.

God is an opportunitycreating God. We must remain on the alert and move along with the opportunities God creates.

Time extension While Pastor Ng mostly prays for the elderly, there was once he prayed for a 12-year-old boy suffering from leukemia. Pastor Ng visited the boy when he was unconscious. While praying, he felt led to declare: “You

the children to serve him coffee.

As he and his wife were leaving, his wife’s advice

are going to get up and walk tomorrow.” True

to the children was, “Better go home and rest. Take

enough, the boy regained consciousness the

turns to look after her. Be prepared that she may ask

next morning and even wanted to get out of bed.

for breakfast tomorrow.”

That happened just before the weekend and he was able to share some happy moments with his parents

The next day, the son called to say, “It’s a miracle! My

over the weekend. But on Monday, the boy slipped

mum really asked for breakfast this morning.” A few

back into a coma.

days later, he called again to say, “My mother wants to thank you for praying for her. She is planning a

Pastor Ng recalls visiting him that Monday. “I told

birthday dinner for 80 guests, and you are invited.”

the boy, ‘Open your eyes and look at me!’ He did just

The elderly woman was able to personally select

that. I prayed for him and just as I was praying, he

the dinner menu, plan her guest list and have her

slipped away into eternity.”

celebration with her family and guests. Two weeks later, God took her home. God had relieved her

This seemingly premature death troubled Pastor

pain and extended her life so that she could spend

Ng for some time. He admits, “I questioned God.

meaningful time with her family.

I told Him, ‘This is not extension of life! Why do You resurrect a dying person, only to take him home

The same thing happened to a 93-year-old who was

again?’”

in the Intensive Care Unit and had been given only two more days to live. After Pastor Ng visited

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“Then God showed me that He wanted to give the

boy’s family more time to spend with him. It is out of love that God revives a dying person and extends their lives so that their loved ones can spend time with them before He takes them home,” says Pastor Ng. An angelic visitation While Pastor Ng ministers most often to strangers referred to him by Trinitarians and friends, needs sometimes also present themselves within the family. There was a time when his brother-in-law was hospitalised because of a heart problem. He was a prideful man who did not believe in God. The doctor had given him just three days to live and

would listen to his testimonies about

Pastor Ng told his brother-in-law’s children, “I want

what God had done, but would not comment. He

you to know that my God can help your father.”

did, however, allow Pastor Ng to pray for him.

Pastor Ng recalls, “The 72-hour period after the

“Then on one occasion, he requested to take a photo

operation was so critical that he was not allowed

with me – without our spouses and children. I knew

any visitors, not even his wife. Yet the next morning,

then that the barriers had come down. I knew that he

when I went to visit him, he was no longer in the

would one day believe in God,” says Pastor Ng.

Intensive Care Unit. He was sitting up on his bed and eating a bowl of porridge! He then remarked to me in

Some time later, his brother-in-law fell ill again. “I

Mandarin, ‘Strange! Strange!’ When I asked him what

was told that his condition was unstable, and that

was so strange? He said, ‘When I was recovering from

he was incoherent. My wife Kim Neo and I decided

my operation, a beautiful woman served me.’

to pray and ask the Holy Spirit to go ahead of us and prepare him, so that he would be fresh, alert and

“In jest, I replied, ‘All nurses are beautiful!’ But

ready to listen when we visited him. When I arrived,

he said, ‘No, I mean she was beautiful beyond

his children said that he had been asking for me

description.’ I then realised that he had received a

anxiously. As I put my hand on his forehead, tears

divine visitation. I told him, ‘God sent His angels to

ran down his cheeks, and he cried out: ‘I am the

minister to you.’”

greatest sinner. Please ask Jesus to forgive me!’”

From that time, his brother-in-law believed

Pastor Ng led him in the sinner’s prayer and baptised

that there was a God and no longer spoke against

him. In the two weeks that he was in hospital, Pastor

Christianity. For the next three and a half years, he

Ng had the opportunity to share the gospel with

observed Pastor Ng, scrutinising his character and

the man’s wife and children. Then, sensing that the

his words. Every time Pastor Ng visited him, he

man was struggling, he assured him that he would

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take care of his family. With that assurance, the

Miracle Moments

brother-in-law went home to be with the Lord.

Trinitarian magazine coaxes Pastor Ng to share some of the many miracles he has encountered.

Miracles fuel his fire At the peak of his ministry, Pastor Ng prayed for more than half a dozen patients a day. His schedule was often packed from morning till 11pm at night, traversing the island to visit various hospitals and homes. These days, his health is not as good, and so people often bring the sick to him instead. Still, he is more active than most 85-year-olds.

When asked where he gets his energy and passion from, the veteran explains, “When I see God using me in miracles, it encourages me to continue meeting needs and ministering to people. God is an opportunity-creating God. We must remain on the alert and move along

That someone is you!

“There was a time when I was warded for a heart bypass. My children had very thoug htfully put me into a tw o-bed ward.

But somehow, I just did n’t feel comfortable an d asked to be transferred to a four-b ed ward instead. I didn’t realise it then, but God had a plan for me to meet and minister to someone.

Just opposite me in the new ward was a foreig ner who had cancer. I overheard the doctor saying to him, ‘Th at’s all we can do for you.’ It sadde ned my heart. I said to him, ‘How about trying Jesus? It’s free of charge!’

After I prayed for him, he

told me the most amazi ng story. He said, ‘When I was on the plane coming to Singa pore, I had a dream. In my dream, so meone told me, ‘In Sin gapore you will meet someone wh o can help you.’ Now I know… That someone is you!’

with the opportunities God creates. God is wonderful. He will lead us because He wants people to know that He really cares.”

Ask him about ‘retirement’, and the long-time

I led both him and his

wife to receive Christ. He recovered fully, returned to his ho me country, got into a church, and was baptised. Where do ctors cannot help, God can!”

Trinitarian smiles. He leans forward and shares conspiratorially, “I just do what I see Jesus doing. You know, there are times when I feel a little ‘free’, and I would tell God, ‘Well, looks like You have nothing more for me to do. Time to take me home?’ The very next moment, before I know it, the phone would ring and the visitation requests would start pouring in!”

Pastor Ng serves on Trinity’s Pastoral Support team. To contact them, email admin@trinity.org.sg or call 6468 4444.

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No more blockage!

N to Singapore because “A couple from Bangladesh came man was due to the man needed heart surgery. The am, angioplasty, for a series of procedures – angiogr ld cost a total of and a stent operation – which wou a Trinitarian, and $30,000. The wife’s friend’s sister was him the night introduced them to me. I prayed for edure. before he was due for the first proc e with good After the angiogram, the doctor cam go through the news for him: “You don’t have to artery, which was rest of the procedures. The big more!” The man 100% blocked, is not blocked any had healed him.” acknowledged that it was God who

Trinitarian magazine gets Pastor Ng’s grandson, Aaron Ng, to tell us more about his grandfather. Like his grandfather, Aaron is meeting needs – as a CareHuts programme co-ordinator in Care Community Services Society.

that

everyone is welcome and well-fed. She sees to it that he is taken care of. They go for evening walks and do gardening together.

Grandma used to bake the

The Miracles Every time we meet up, my granddad will talk about

communion wafers for Trinity.

I’ve always remembered her doing it. She

what God has done, how God has been moving and

has since taught the younger ones how to do it. But

how things just happened. He tells me that he is

after that, she felt bored and so now she is serving

humbled by it and that God will always be faithful.

regularly as a celebration host. She is a volunteer

He has such faith to believe that something will

with CCSS as well.

happen. He says, “It’s very simple! You don’t have to do much, just ask God, and it will just happen.” In

Grandma has a fantastic memory. She is the

some cases, he admitted that he was at a loss as to

historian of the family. She knows the date and

what to do… but God was just there, and things just

time when each prayer took place! When she meets

happened.

people, she will ask, “How is your so-and-so since the last time we prayed for her?”

The Man When we talk, we are like friends. He is very candid

The Family

and open about things. He is not your traditional

One Christmas, he prayed individually for each of the

type, he is very forward-looking. We talk about

grandchildren. I will always remember that, because

politics and current affairs. It is good fun talking to

he took time to speak into our lives and pray for us.

him.

Last year, we had Communion together as a whole He may appear like the silent type, but once you

family. It was a very special occasion. He prayed for

strike up a conversation with him, he is able to

everyone of us individually, shared his life testimony

converse on a wide range of topics with great

and reminded us to stay close to God. He told us that

insight. He listens not on the surface, but with deep

he had a dream that he would be taken home soon. I

understanding. He is not the kind who tends to talk

think he was preparing the family for an eventuality.

about himself. He gives good advice.

When he was sharing, I could see that strength in His Marriage

him. He believes that no matter what happens, God

Even at their age, they are a loving couple. He teases

is in control. I am so inspired by his life, his legacy,

her. She is a very good cook, always making sure

and his love for God and people.

73

Care & Connect Toolkit:

10

Ideas & Tips!

There are three ways we can Care & Connect:

“I want my friend to experience God’s love. What can I do?”

1

Pique his interest with an enriching seminar or sermon series We have many platforms that your friend may be

We present handy tips that will help you leap across limits!

interested in. For example, there are Life Skills Seminars, TENet courses and preaching series. There is a different seminar every month, and the best of all, all it takes is one afternoon of your time. What’s more, fees for these courses and seminars have been waived, so there’s no better time to attend it than now!

Trinitarians tell us how they have met needs

2

3

Chill out and have fun together!

Christians can have fun too! We have many fellowship opportunities such as the various district events, carecell gatherings and Young Adult events. Food, fun and fellowship – all under one roof!

Relive those Olympic moments Why simply admire Bolt, Phelps and Bryant from a distance? Sweat it out with your friends as you exercise

together. Business owner James Chong relates, “My wife

Look out for this in future issues!

Watch this space!

and I started a weekly badminton session with our friends.

Sometimes, other neighbours joined us. It has become a good platform for us to get to know more people, encourage them and meet their needs.”

74

Facing hurdles in your endeavours to Care & Connect? You are not alone.

In this segment, we offer you ten tried and tested tips that will help you go further in caring and connecting with your friends!

4

7

Unleash the Chef in you!

Welcome him/her wholeheartedly

Most people won’t say ‘no’ to great

Some of our friends have never stepped into

food. As the saying goes, the way

a church in their entire life, so receive them warmly when they

to a person’s heart is through his stomach.

do come! You never know the difference a smile, handshake,

Fashion designer Brigid Pang shares, “I

introduction and an invitation for coffee makes!

couldn’t cook, but was keen to learn. I started with making jelly, and then progressed to

That somehow just

8

broke the ice. That

four friends, all of whom suddenly decided to come to carecell

very weekend, we

on their own accord. She recounts:

invited them to

“At first I thought they were

church. They came

‘terrorised’ into coming to cell, but

and got saved!”

there was such a joy on their faces,

making pizza. I prayed very hard that it would turn out well. I gave it to my neighbours and tthey enjoyed it!

Brigid and her neighbour

Whatever you do, P.U.S.H. PUSH – Pray Until Something Happens! Believe it or not, prayer works! Programme Executive

Jaena Teo shares an instance where her cell prayed regularly for

I knew they genuinely wanted to come. Praying and connecting is

Slip a Trinitarian magazine into their car or bag What better gift to give someone than this fantastic magazine with inspiring testimonies? (Of course, we had to slip that in!)

6

5

Share a testimony

worth it! God will honour us with His presence as well as His peace.”

Jaena and her cell

Find a need, meet the need!

Remember a time when someone met your need? How about passing on this wonderful

9

experience? Pay it forward and be God’s love-wrapped-in-skin!

Read the next article to find out how Trinitarians met needs, and what kinds of needs you can meet!

Share your testimony – it’s true, real and irrefutable. If you’ve run

out of testimonies, visit our website at www.trinity.net, be inspired by impactful testimonies, and forward them to your friends. You can in turn send in your testimonies to bless others too!

10

Trust God God loves your friend even more than you do. Believe that God Himself will draw your

friend to Him. Read about how various ones experienced a divine touch or visitation in the article Extraordinary Encounters!

75

ROAD TEST

Hold on a second… Do these principles really work? Or are they merely clichés? In our road test, administrator Josephine Chan shares her experience of reaching out to her sister and putting these principles to work.

My sister and I started attending Trinity together

whether she would be interested to go to Cha-Am

about eight years ago. Because of her busy work

but she was non-committal. I didn’t get a positive

schedule, she stopped coming to church after about

answer from her. I continued to pray and seek God’s

one year or so.

guidance.

When I started attending carecell about three years

One Saturday night after dinner, just one week

ago, the cell members shared with me testimonies

before registration, I felt the Holy Spirit prompting

on their families’ salvation. This spurred me on. Also,

me to ask her again. I broached the subject and

the preaching in Trinity’s services encouraged me.

asked her whether she would like to go with me.

So I made it my New Year’s resolution every year

To my amazement, her answer was “yes”! I was so

to pray for my family’s salvation and my sister’s

happy that I told her that I would sponsor part of

rededication to God. Whenever the church had an

the cost of the camp package.

evangelistic event, I would invite my sister to attend but I would always get a negative answer.

At the church camp, I was praying that she would hear from God. Throughout the first few services, I

I was disappointed, but kept on trusting Him.

invited her to respond to the altar call but she didn’t

I just did my part and continued to pray. In cell, we

want to. I asked God to touch her and renew her

encouraged one another not to give up. I really

once again. Finally, at the final night service, she

believed that God would do something. When I heard

res responded to the altar call and rededicated he her life to God. I was overjoyed!

there would be a church camp, I thought it would be a good platform

A After we returned from the church camp, I

to invite her to go

iinvited her to attend service with me. Praise

with me. When the

God, she is now back in Trinity and has also

church announced that

started attending carecell. All glory to God

registration for church

for His compassionate love and faithfulness.

camp would be open in

Amen!

March, I passed her the brochure and asked her

76

church camp administrator p se Jo hine Chan, inity@Adam) (West, Tr

Trinitarians share what needs they found, and how they met that need.

The Need for Help in Moving House

The Need for Counsel

A couple of weeks ago, my friend, who is also my ex-colleague, was

Recently, my friend shared with me

moving house. My husband and I volunteered to help her in her

about her daughter’s misbehaviour

move and offered our place as temporary storage for items that

at school. She was troubled and at a

could not be stored at her current place. She was also facing some

loss as to how to help her daughter.

personal issues, so we stood by her, simply to ‘be a friend’.

I prayed with her over the situation and gave her some advice on what

On one occasion, she asked us out for a movie on a Saturday morning.

to do. We did this a couple of times.

With the prompting of the Holy Spirit, I asked her, “Why not join us for

I also linked her daughter up with

Saturday service, and then we can go for the show after the service?”

Care Community Services Society.

G Guess what, she agreed! My

Ela ine Phua,ity@Apetda-msi) tter (East, Trin

h heart was overwhelmed.

The following week, she informed

H However, I wanted to make

me that things started to improve,

ssure that I had heard correctly.

albeit slowly, since we prayed. The

S So I asked again, “ You sure? I

good news is that her daughter is

am not forcing you right?” She

now open to seek help, and is now

said, “No, no... I’m sure.”

undergoing counselling with CCSS.

She came to Trinity, was

I invited her and both her daughters

touched by the Holy Spirit,

to church. At the end of the service,

and rededicated her life

she was hesitant to go to the altar

that same evening. She is

for prayer. But when she was at

now coming to church regularly. Because she has some reservations

the Guest Reception, she could not

about coming to carecell, my cell leader’s wife is meeting her

resist the love of Christ any further

individually to do New Beginnings. Praise God for another soul

and gave her life to Jesus!

added into the Kingdom of God! To God be the All this could not have happened if there wasn’t any Care & Connect!

glory! I know

Everyone, myself included, needs genuine friends: Friends who

the Almighty

‘bother’ to care and love us as we are. In today’s busy world, caring

God will

and connecting starts off with a conscious effort. It happens not just

continue to

by our own effort, but foremost, with the help of God. When we step

turn things

out of our own world to ‘love our neighbor as ourselves’, caring and

around in her

connecting with those around us, God will open up doors. Salvation

daughter’s

belongs to the Lord! And always, take the opportunity to turn the

life in time

conversation into something deeper.

to come.

Vanessa Yeo, sales personnel (West, Trinity@Paya Leb ar)

77

The Need for Support & Friendship

The Need for Encouragement

I have been attending Trinity since December 2004.

A colleague of mine was preparing for his

After witnessing how much I have grown in Trinity,

wedding. However In the midst of his wedding

my sister and her family also join us here.

preparation, his fiancée’s father passed away.

Both he and his fiancée were devastated with

Last year, my sister was struck

the shocking news but they decided to proceed

with an illness and was feeling

with the wedding nonetheless. When he was

down. I told my cell members

very stressed and felt down, I would sit next

about her situation, and they

to him, encouraging and reminding him of

decided to make a visit to her

the promises and the love of God.

home. During that visit, they prayed for and encouraged her.

M ary Seah, homemaker (East, Trinity@Adam)

Some mornings when we met, I would share with him from God’s Word and constantly

Yet, the cell members did

remind him that he would never walk alone as

not stop there; they visited

God was there with him. He had been searching

her two more times. She felt her

for the presence of God all these years and I

faith being built up as she received prayer, words of

could see him clinging onto the promises of

encouragement and support from the cell members.

God at this difficult moment of his life. He also

She was also very touched by all the care that she

shared with me his fiancée’s struggles in coming

received. She recovered very quickly from surgery.

to terms with the loss. I felt his helplessness

After a couple of months, she decided to serve the

and all I could do was to remember him in my

Lord because she felt she had been blessed by all

prayers daily.

the care and concern received. I invited her to serve alongside me, and she agreed. Now, she serves faithfully

In May this

as a Celebration Host with me every month. She feels

year, after theyy

very happy serving. Even though her hands and legs

got married

are weak, she says she feels a lot of strength while

and returned

serving.

from their honeymoon,

78

At the same time, my daughter connected my sister’s

he shared

daughter (her cousin) to IGNYTE. They now go for service

with me that

together. It doesn’t stop there – I also connected another

they

Joe Kong, banker

(North, Trinity@A dam)

of her daughters to Trinity. Her daughter then invited

desired to

her cousins to Trinity! They have even expressed their

urch h. I h id my join a local church. hid

desire to join a carecell. Now all of them go to church

excitement and asked him which church he had

together. Praise God for this movement of Care and

in mind. Someone had recommended him two

Connect to bring in lives into the Kingdom!

churches, one of which was Trinity. I took the

opportunity to invite him to my invitation, they were still

The Need for Comfort in the Face of Death and Bereavement

undecided if they wanted

My friend, a 22-year-old, was diagnosed ed with a brain

to attend Trinity. Sensing

tumour in 2007. She suffered from severe headaches and was very sleepy

their hesitation, I prayed and

most of the time. She went through surgery twice and had to rest at home.

committed them to God to

Knowing that she needed the healing touch from God, I prayed for her and

direct them.

invited her to church. However she kept declining my invitation as she felt

our Sunday service. Following

Jane Li, education execut (North, Trinity@P aya Lebar)

ive

inferior and her frequent headaches prevented her from going out.

Unexpectedly, he called me one day and told me that

I prayed for God to open the way and remove all barriers. God heard and

he and his wife would like

answered my prayers. My friend sent me a message saying that she would

to join me for the Sunday

come. God also provided fellow Trinitarians who offered to drive us to

service. I was so glad that they

church.

had finally made the decision.

Both came and enjoyed the

At the service she was touched by God and experienced relief from pain.

service. His wife received

About a month later, she was again hospitalised due to fits. God must

Christ and he rededicated his

have touched her and made her feel so loved for during this time, she

life. They felt so welcomed

gave her life to Christ and was baptised. As a friend, all I could do was to

in Trinity that they chose to

visit her, pray for her and buy or prepare her favourite food. Every time

make it their home church.

I sat beside her bed and prayed for her, she would experience instant

They are now connected to a

relief from pain, as could be seen from her facial expression. And no

carecell and have also signed

matter how drowsy she was from her medication, she would never fail to

up for some TENet classes.

say â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;amenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; after each prayer.

I am very grateful to God for

Although she never recovered from her illness, God certainly had a

two beautiful souls who have

purpose. As she came from a small family, they needed help during her

received the joy of salvation.

funeral, God made it possible for me to take leave from my new job to be

I am amazed by the way

there throughout the funeral. We took turns to be there so that her family

God connected me with

members could rest and see to the necessary arrangements. Although she

this wonderful couple.

was not a member of Trinity, our pastors, leaders and friends extended

I have learnt that when

their help to conduct her funeral service. Her family was touched and

we become fishers of man

amazed at how God provided for them in their time of difficulty. Her

for Christ, He will always

parents later received Christ and got baptised!

fill our nets with fishes as long as we faithfully cast

Our God is a God who provides for all, old or young, well or sick. God

our nets daily.

knows us by name and loves us all.

79

Kevin See tells how he found an unexpected friend when he volunteered with the Elderly programme of Care Community Services Society (CCSS).

THE

Accidental Volunteer “ূ֭ĭ୎࣊็‫ނ‬ટŀ ” (“How are you today, old man?”)

It started a few months ago, when I was having

This is the way I greet the old man who sits at table

dinner with my long-time buddy, Soon Ming. He told

number seven every Saturday morning. And this marks

me that he was coordinating an art and craft session

the beginning of another interesting conversation.

for the elderly which was going to take place that

Whether it’s about the absurd rise in oil prices or

Saturday. Initially, I laughed at the idea, as I was not

about Jay Chou’s muffled singing, the old man and

exactly philanthropic by nature. But my interest was

I can chat about everything under the sky – even

piqued. Soon Ming is a talented artist. Back in school,

the Singapore soccer team winning the World Cup,

he was one of the top few Art students, scoring a

which we both agree will not happen in our lifetime.

distinction in the ‘A’ Levels for his clay model of an egg-shaped car. As for me, my weekends were often

A chit-chat. Nothing unusual, some may say. After

spent lazing in bed. Waking up early on a Saturday

all, this is common between good friends. However,

morning to do volunteer work, in my opinion, would

how many people can say that they are able to chat

be a miracle that was never going to happen.

with a blind man more than thrice their age and who

80

was a total stranger to them barely a few months

But it did. I woke up early that Saturday, much to

ago? This old man lost his eyesight completely some

the astonishment of my parents. It had been tough

years ago and walks with the help of a walking stick.

fighting the part of me that was telling me to go

Ageing has left him with a receding hairline and

back to sleep. As I walked into the foyer of the

wrinkles that line his face. When I first saw him, it

building where the art and craft session was held,

never occurred to me that we would be enjoying

I was surprised to see many old people gathered

each other’s company today.

together, their hands busy making what seemed to

be photo frames made of ice cream sticks. It was my

who are still stubbornly holding onto their beliefs

first time doing volunteer work. “Aiyah, one day only

and superstitions. In contrast, he was open-minded

lah!” I thought to myself. I learnt from the seasoned

and receptive to my views, and constantly shared

volunteers that the old folks gathered here once a

his personal anecdotes with me. For a blind man,

week. It was their way of passing time and also to

his general knowledge was noteworthy and he kept

break away from their loneliness.

abreast of current affairs.

Amid the constant chatter between the volunteers

His attitude towards life is something I esteem and

and the elderly and the occasional dropping of a

hold in high regard. He was not born blind. He

packet of ice cream sticks, I spotted this old man who

gradually lost his eyesight several years ago. Anyone

was sitting in a corner with apparently nothing to

in his shoes would have been devastated. If I were in

do. He had his eyes closed, his hands together, and

his place, I probably would have lost the will to live.

was happily whistling a tune which I could hardly

But being blind did not make him a weaker person.

make out from where I was. Anyway it probably was

Instead, it made him stronger. He is now more

not the latest David Cook song which I have started

appreciative of the things and people around him.

to hum lately. Nevertheless, I was drawn to the look

A proud man, he does not seek to win our sympathy

of tranquility on his face. The person in charge of

and neither does he allow anyone to look down on

the CCSS Elderly Dept told me that this man was the

him. In just a few hours, he had already left a deep

only blind person among all the elderly. I nodded in

impression in my mind. This was why I went back to

silence as I tried to picture what life without colours

CCSS the following Saturday.

would be like, living in total darkness.

This unexpected friendship grew over the next I was curious and wanted to speak to this interesting

few months. In the old man’s own words, I have

character. I took a chair and sat down beside him. Of

effectively replaced his walking stick. He trusts me to

course he couldn’t see that I was new to this place,

take him where he wants to go and he can recognize

but he found my voice unfamiliar. We started to make

my voice even when I’m far away. He has become an

small talk, asking simple questions and sharing a little

old friend of mine (literally!). Today, I make it a point

about ourselves. It was a light-hearted conversation.

to get up early on Saturdays. It’s something we both

When we had nothing to say, we talked about the

look forward to each week, and I must say that he has

weather. However, it struck me that throughout the

influenced my life in a big way.

short and simple conversation, the generation gap was absent. So much so that I did not even realise

This blind man Mr Tan Hong Nam, and he is 65 this

that we had talked for 3 hours! At the end of it, I led

year. I am 21. Some Saturday mornings, I still feel

the man to the CCSS van that had just arrived to take

the inertia and am tempted to go back to sleep, but

the elderly folks home after the session.

recently, Mr Tan told me something that made me feel really good. He said that he had been feeling

That day, I felt different. I was impressed. I realised

much happier lately. And that he was glad to have

why I was able to click with this old blind man

met me, for I have made a difference in his life.

instantly. He was no ordinary old blind man. He was unique. I have come across many people his age

That alone makes it all worthwhile.

81

Abound ing

Provision!

When Care Community Services Society was blessed with a whooping oping

QUICK FACTS

20,000 kilograms of rice recently, it had the privilege of blessing other social service agencies and needy families with the overflowing provision.

From May to July this year, a series of skipping road shows were held to raise funds for charity. The South

10 Skips in exchange for a bowl of rice

East Skipping Challenge was organised by the South

46

East Community Development Council (CDC) as

Agencies received rice from CCSS

part of its efforts to assist the needy and bring the community together.

For every 10 skips performed by residents and volunteers, The Dairy Farm Group pledged to donate a bowl of rice to Care Community Services Society (CCSS).

Two million skips were accumulated, resulting in a whooping 20,000 kilograms of rice donated to charity!

CCSS had the privilege of being

4,000 Kilograms of rice distributed

by CCSS to its beneficiaries and households at Balam and Merpati Roads

12,351 F Families blessed by the rice d distribution in total, through a all agencies

the steward of this generous donation. It distributed the rice to other social service agencies, so as to

20,000 2

benefit their beneficiaries – lower-income families

K Kilograms of rice sponsored b by the Dairy Farm Group

in the South East District. It then distributed the rice to its own beneficiaries, as well as households in the Balam Road and Merpati Road estates.

What recipients said: “We are indeed privileged to be the recipient of your kind donation. On behalf of the beneficiaries and Management Committee, I thank you again for your generosity and we look forward to your continued support.”

Sathya Sai Social Service, Tembusu Neighbourhood Link

2,000,000 2 Number of skips accumulated through all the road shows.

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: Mr John Chua at 6304 7619 (JohnChua@carecom.org.sg), or Miss Daryl Lee at 6304 7618 (DarylLee@carecom.org.sg).

“Thanks for your hospitality and also to your staff. Keep up the good work!”

The Eurasian Association of Singapore

83

Our Leadership Team pastors share an instance where someone saw their need, and met it… and left an indelible impression on their lives.

For several years I lived a nomadic life, living in rented rooms and apartments.

I finally decided to purchase a flat – There have been many needs

provided it was in move-in condition,

in my life, and I am so grateful

within my budget and located in Toa Payoh.

to my family members and

But because of my ministry schedule, it

many Trinitarians for meeting my needs at different

was not easy for me to look for a flat. A

junctures of my life. Not too long ago, I had fallen

good friend realised my predicament. Even

quite ill, but nonetheless ministered from the pulpit.

without me asking, she looked through

As a result, I felt very weak and tired. A Trinitarian

the newspapers

who knew

everyday to check

about it brought me

Pastor Jeffrey Wong

for available apartments

some herbal ‘stuff ’ to drink for the strengthening of

that would suit

my body. I was very touched by this act, and felt loved

my personal

and appreciated. I don’t know whether it was the

preferences. She

herbal drink or the act that made me feel better, but I

even viewed them

surely felt better! It reminded me that a simple act of

on my behalf to

service or kindness we do to meet a basic need can

see if they would fit

really make a big difference. Thank you!

my expectations.

I am thankful to God for the apartment where I am living today. It was in move-in condition, priced within my budget, and located in Toa Payoh near the MRT and

Pastor Beatrice Kang

bus terminal.

A dream place called home!

All that made

possible because a friend saw a need and met the need – for which I am grateful and utterly blessed.

84

In 2003 when I had to move house, I was looking for a good and cheap carpenter to do some carpentry works. One Friday night when I was in a carecell meeting, I mentioned this need to the carecell members. The cell hosts knew of a carpenter from Johor Bahru who fit the bill. They gave me his contact, and I was able to do the carpentry works at a very affordable

Pastor Danny Leong

price, well within my budget. I am so glad that the hosts saw my need and met my need in a most tangible and helpful way!

The birth of my little girl Evanny has been a miracle. It is also a great testimony to the love and support from the Body of Christ and some dear friends. Due to some complications in the

Back in 1986, when I was a carecell member, I had many questions on the Baptism of the Holy Spirit as I came from a different Christian tradition. My cell leader saw my doubts and struggles and got hold of many books to help me with my questions. She took time to explain the different biblical texts and how I could receive this gift from

Pastor Wilson Teo

the Lord. Through her guidance and patient explanation, I eventually overcame my initial fear and received this gift of the Holy Spirit.

She met my need and it made a huge difference in my life!

last stages of pregnancy, my wife Audrey was hospitalised for a month. During that time, many people came alongside to support us.

It was a very busy December, but different ones looked after my five-year-old son Davian while I was running to camps and all. Some even offered to help with the household chores! It was amazing how God provided not just for the finances but all these little areas as well. But the blessing didn’t stop there. After Evanny was born, I was on leave to help with the confinement time.

Some precious friends provided

Pastor Gerald Tan

the confinement food for Audrey – for a whole month! These friends have showed me the power of God’s love made tangible, and blessed my heart beyond what words could ever describe.

85

Have you seen the crowds thronging Trinity’s information counters on weekends? What’s abuzz? Well, like all Singaporeans, Trinitarians enjoy getting a good deal, and the latest deal is just too good to pass up. Since July, course fees for Life Skills Seminars and TENet courses have been waived.

Not only is it now free to attend a Life Skill Seminar or TENet course, you can also register online with ease and convenience! To help those who are apprehensive about the online registration, computers have been set up at the Information Counter, where Trinity’s helpful administrative staff are on hand to assist.

A Trinitarian Tradition

Life Skills Seminars & TENet courses

Life Skills Seminars Every seminar is about a practical life skill that is relevant to our everyday lives.

These are great opportunities for you to invite your friends

Whether you are wanting to

and loved ones. Each

invite a friend, meet a need or

seminar addresses an area of

simply pick up a new skill or some

you would be meeting

practical tips, Trinity’s courses and

a need in their lives!

need, and by inviting them,

seminars present many learning

Here is a sampling of the varied seminar topics:

opportunities. And it is now easier

• Unleashing Your Creative Potential

than ever, with the fees waived,

• Anger Management

and online registration available.

• Understanding Your Child’s Learning Style • Achieving Your Financial Goals • Sharpening Your People Skills • The Power of Mentoring Relationships

86

• Good Conflict, Bad Conflict

of ministry. Whether you are a Spiritual Parent, or a

• Effective Communication with Teenagers.

Nursery and Children Ministry helper, or one who desires to encourage others and make a difference

The seminar speakers are among the best in their

through the visitation ministry, you will find the skills

field, and at these seminars, you can tap on their

courses helpful.

wealth of experience, and pick up practical tips to help you succeed at work or at home.

Marriage and the Family is something Trinity values.

Courses and seminars like ‘Raising Godly

TENet Courses

Children’ and ‘Making a Good Marriage

Trinity Empowering Network

Great through the 5 Love Languages’

(TENet) offers courses or

have been really popular with busy

seminars on the Bible,

couples and parents. There are also

Christian living, Ministry

longer courses like ‘After You Say Yes’ to

skills, and Marriage and

enrich marriages. Our highly sought after

Family topics.

‘Before You Say Yes’ prepares all couples in ‘ Trinity for a lifetime of marriage.

If you want to understand the Bible better and would like to go a little further

Children and Youth have a special place in Trinity.

in your daily Bible reading, you can get an overview

Various courses such as ’Welcome to the Trinity

from Bible courses like ‘Getting the Most out of the

Family’ and ’Spiritual Parenting’ are tailored just for

Bible’ or ‘Unlocking the Bible’. Or if you prefer to focus

them. This allows them to learn with their peers and

on one book or a specific theme or topic, courses like

enjoy the learning experience and the camaraderie.

‘Exploring Genesis’, ‘Parables of Jesus’ or ‘The Truth about God’ would be ideal for you.

TENet courses are also offered for various languages, including Mandarin, for your Mandarin-speaking

If you want to grow in your relationship with God

friends and loved ones.

and live out His truths in your life, Christian Living courses like ‘Encountering Jesus’ and ‘Victorious

With this wide spread of courses and seminars, the

Christian Living‘ will make significant input into

needs of the whole spectrum of Trinitarians and their

your walk with God. Trinity’s pastors share not only

friends are met. Isn’t it time you took advantage of

the principles, but illustrate these with their life

these learning opportunities?

experiences. You will learn to apply God’s Word, resulting in fruitfulness and abundance in every

Don't wait any longer, cut the queue and go online!

area of your life.

Trinity believes that every Trinitarian is a strategic leader in his or her sphere of influence. As such, our Ministry Skills courses equip you with skills to

Register online at www.trinity.net for a course or seminar today.

enable you to be effective and successful in your area

87

Bali INDON E

SIA

Different Nations, m o d g n i K One

ct Teams s from Missions Impa uching of liive to l a tu u m e are about th e churches in rv e s e w s a s, n om different natio ss them out fr le b d n a s n o ti ssed other na t God has ble a h w f o e c n a cent trips. the abund re o tw t h g li h we hig us with. Here, ung Taich AN TAIW

Taichung, Taiwan (July 2008) Trinity’s Children Ministry was invited to conduct

The team, with their

training to equip teachers in Taiwan to share the

limited Chinese

gospel and minister to children, and to conduct a

vocabulary, conducted

three-day Children’s Camp.

the teacher;s training as well as the first half of the camp, leading praise and worship, preaching

The team of five DiscoveryLand teachers were led

and teaching – all in Mandarin! The amazing thing

by Pastor Priscilla Leong and Pastor Victor Toh. The

was that God moved and despite the limitations

teacher’s training involved 27 participants from

in language, many of the children responded by

various churches in Taichung. These participants

receiving Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour.

then put their skills to practice at the camp, which had 150 children from 34 churches.

Then God provided a very dynamic interpreter for the second half of the camp. God broke through

It was a cross-cultural trip in more ways than one – cutting across

children were

denominational, cultural and

ministered to

language boundaries. In essence,

and transformed.

this is what Missions Impact

What also blessed

trips are all about: They take

the team and their

us out of the familiar into uncharted waters

Taiwanese counterparts

which require

was seeing the

us to walk by

synergy and

faith and to

unity of the

trust God all

team in action.

the more.

88

in such a powerful way and both teachers and

“This trip caused me to step into the unknown and totally rely upon God!” Faith Koh, multimedia executi ve d let n to let go an “I had to lear t of ou e b and mov God do the jo .” ne zo rt my comfo or ct re di t Rita Chee, ar

Team spirit and morale was high; everyone took ownership and initiative, always ready to give and contribute.

The team not only left their imprint upon the hearts of the Taiwanese, but there was a mutual touching of lives from different nations all from one Kingdom. What God deposited into the hearts of Taiwanese teachers were fresh tools and innovative ways of ministering to children – vibrant praise, worship and drama to stir children to worship God, draw near to God and experience God for themselves.

“I had not been using Mandarin for more than 20 years and was surprised that the words and ph rases just flowed. I really thank God for an ability that seemed so impo ssible to me.”

Melinda Ng, educati on advissor or d t what I coul that it was no at th ” e! ed is m al h “I re throug God could do t en ag do, but what ty , proper Cynthia Lee

“I was v ery app rehensiv in Mand e about arin. Ho praying wever G me to do o d enable so and g d ave me I prayed the wor for peop d s as le a Tan Ha t the alt w Jia, s ar!” ocial wo rker

Different Nations, m o d g n i K e On ung Taich AN TAIW

Bali INDON ES

IA

Bali, Indonesia (July 20

08)

It was a first Trinity Missions Impact Trip for at least half of this team of nine. As such, many had to allow God to move them out of their comfort zones, to be stretched, and to live out and understand first-hand the Apostle Paul’s words from Philippians 4:13 and 2 Corinthians 12:9: “I can do everything through Him who gives me strength and “My grace is sufficient for you, my power is made perfect in weakness.”

From the very first training session, the two words constantly being emphasised by Pastor Alan See, the team leader, were “Stay fluid!” This was because the preparation runway was short, and this was the first time Morning Star Indonesia in Bali was hosting a team from Trinity.

The team was a real mix in terms of age and experience, with first-year campus students on one side of the spectrum and working adults on the other. Yet the one thing that stood out for all was the unity and the sense of ‘family’ among the team.

Ministry experience on this trip was just as varied, from street evangelism in campuses, shopping malls and prayer-walking, to preaching at weekend services and prayer meetings. There were also opportunities to present puppet shows and skits to children at orphanages as well as presenting a youth evangelistic event. All of these ministry times inspired the team.

Fo For all on the team, it was not just what they had experienced on the trip, but what

heart and “Seeing their od and His passion for G ry deep work left a ve d has impression an to give inspired me me.” of e or God m udent st , n ia L Ho Li

th came away with that left a lasting impact upon them. th they “I felt that we ha d become like a family. Th e days passed all too qu ickly!”

Tan Ee Li, stud ent

South, Trinity ty@Adam

@Adam

South, Trinity

“The spirit of together ness and willingnes s to suppo rt one ano ther was so unif ying for th e team.”

Hoo Saw L an, homem aker West, Trin ity@Paya L

ebar

’s trip. this was God “I learnt that and plans, God’s agenda It was about as to avail eded to do w and all we ne s.” be His vessel ourselves to t en , stud Bernice Lee

“This has been one of the most impactful Mission tri ps that I have been on! My prayer is that God will continue to stir that desire in my heart for Missions. As I go back to m normal routine, I my pray that I will continue to carry that hunger a d desire to know Go an d more.”

E gene Ng, PR consu Eu ltant

South, Trinity@Adam S

@Adam

South, Trinity

91

how they were greatly impacted by e r a h s the th ns ree-n itaria a c m y e e h a T w . e a n c y n w i a i c t ight r h fi i a n T d g i e s eper u f Pray o e f i nders l er R a e c , n a a n c d fi i h n o g i w s g r G t o d ca n m andi fo ally h c r vin a i e l n s ake ou g of on r live thei s tru r ly sig nific ant .

The prayer rally really impacted me. There is always a ‘fear factor’ that drives us to do the things we do. The question that Pastor Dominic raised made me think about whether I am doing something out of fear or because of God. Jenny Lee, resident manager East, Trinity@Paya Lebar

The message about confidence spoke a lot to me. It’s very relevant in my workplace. The prospect of promotion motivates many of my peers but it does not motivate me. But the message caused me to realise that as long as I do my best for God, and not for man or promotion, God Himself makes me significant!

Foo Yoong Heng, teacher Ignyte, Trinity@Paya Lebar

92

The message was wonderful. It helped me evaluate where I am, and to realign myself back to God’s significance, which is so important to our Christian walk.

The prayer rally was so good, I called my friends to come for the subsequent nights!

I wanted them to recognise that they are significant! The message affirmed my confidence and significance as a child of God. I also learnt that obedience is a key to my significance.

Selina Wong, real estate agent South, Trinity@Paya Lebar

Sunny Teh, financial advisor West, Trinity@Paya Lebar

The preaching was fantastic, and flowed seamlessly from one night to the next.

The message caused me to re-evaluate what I thought was my own success, in the light of the significance God wants to release to me.

The messages were most powerful and interesting. It spoke to me and reminded me to offer my whole being to God as a living sacrifice.

Now I find myself wanting to spend more time with Him! Eleana Ng, sales co-ordinator East, Trinity@Adam

Koo I-Wei, civil servant North, Trinity@Paya Lebar

The message was very good.

The question God asked man in Genesis 3:9 “Where are you?” struck me deeply. It made me think about where I was in my walk with God. It made me hungry for more of God’s Word!

Sam Ong, taxi driver South, Trinity@Adam

The message was spot-on and addressed the very fears that I was battling with!

Chua Peck Hoon, teacher North, Trinity@Adam

What spoke to me very clearly was that as a child of God, I am significant. This truth spoke directly to my heart.

It was really what I needed because I was feeling quite inadequate. When I learnt to apply the truth, the feelings of inadequacy went away!

Yannie Yong, manager South, Trinity@Adam

Pastor Dominic’s message was a very appropriate message for a very appropriate time. God was dealing with certain areas in my life, to bring me back into alignment with His Word and will.

The prayer rally also left me wanting to go deeper into the Word!

Jonathan Chua, national serviceman Ignyte, Trinity@Paya Lebar

93

Extraordinary Camp!

Church Camp 2008 was indeed an extraordinary camp filled with extraordinary expectations, experiences and exploits.

True to its Olympic concept, the camp broke records and made history in numerous ways.

➦ Record number of campers: 1,280 ➦ Record number of venues: Four hotels! In Cha-Am: Holiday Inn Resort Regent Beach Cha-Am and Beach Garden Resort and Spa. In Bangkok: Royal Benja Hotel and Baiyoke Suites.

➦ Record sign-up time:

All packages sold within three hours on March 8 (first day of registration).

➦ Record queue:

First person queued up as early as 8.30am for registration that was due to start only at 4pm.

To get a headstart, a camper asked if she could sign up for the next church camp. If she could, she would sign up immediately – for a camp three years away!

94

“Good morning Trinitarians, I am your First Officer Mahesh.”

Trinitarians on board the JetStar flight to Bangkok went wild when they heard this greeting. First Officer Nathan Mahesan, a Trinitarian and JetStar pilot, had deliberately swopped duties with a colleague so that he could personally pilot this planeload of Trinitarians to the Church Camp. e Talk about delivering the Trinitarian Experience!

Good morning Trinitarians, welcome onboard...

95

Church Camp 2008 was based on the Olympics theme to coincide with the Beijing 2008 Olympics. This is so that when campers watch the Olympic Games, they will remember this extraordinary camp!

The fun began when Trinitarians touched down in Bangkok. Activities were planned for the three-hour journey from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Cha-Am. During the camp, there were two Extraordinary Games sessions with something for everyone â&#x20AC;&#x201C; infants, children, youth, young adults, families, and even senior adults. Lots of medals and prizes were up for grabs, and participants had an exciting time playing both the serious sports as well as the fun games.

Campers also had a free and easy slot on Day 3 to take in the sights and explore Hua Hin and the surroundingg areas,, to eat and shop at Hua Hin Market Village

Games, games, games...

All the way!

or the bustling bustllin ingg night nigh ni ht market. Many Ma campers extended their stay M or b fore o be er camp to eat ea at and and shop even more in Bangkok. before orr after

96

Spiritual Engagement Wh W hat’s at ’ss a chu church camp mp w without vibrant worship ip sse ervviiccce es? Bu es But be beingg an ext xtraordinary cam mp, Trinityy ’s ’s Church urch ur h Cam Camp 20 2008 8 had nott on ne but three concu urr rren entt en sse ervic ice es – Childre ldren, en Chin nese a and nd English service cess – to me m eet th he needs eedss of evveryy camp mpe er.

Thiss cam mp wa wass ve v ryy speci pecial al ffor the Chi Child dre ren’ ns Ministtryy, wh hic ich h pilo piilo lote ted ed a ne new in initi itiati tive for or DisccovverryL y an nd. d T Thi hiss wa w s a se seam amle am less ess ffo ormat mat th thatt in nteg te egrated the he ew wor orsh ship ip and the the se serm ermon,, re essullti ting ng in a total ally par a tici ar c pa pati tive ti ve experie ienc ncce fo n nce or th t e chilidre en.

Pa arents an nd ch hilidren e resp pond ded en nthussia astica allllyy to t the th e new w in nitiative with co omme ents such h as a “A Awes esom o e children n worsh ship service” and d “The child dren re eally enjo joyed d the emsselve es!”

Even the e Ch hildre en Ministtryy hel elpe perrs were w ble bl essed. ess sed.

“I sense ed Go God’s pressence ea an nd lov ove e through h pla pl ayiin ng with ch hildre ren,” a he elp lper er com commented. An not o herr sa aid id, “ These chiildre en re eallyy far exceede ded my exp pecta ation with their extra rava agant ntt worsship and energy!””

97

T init Tr in nitarianss in th he En ngl g ish and Ch Chinese ca camp mp se serv errvvic ices e had es had ad tthe h privi he iv lege ge o of hearrin i g frrom om tw wo ggrrea e tm me en off G God od – Rev e David id Doery ry and n Re ev Ong Se Sekk Le Lean ang. Ma an an ny we were re imp pacte ted d to leave e behin nd mund nda an ne lilivi ving ngg and to liive

Anointed Speakers

exxtraord din narry liives ve es fo for Go G d.

One ccamp amper mp pe err eve evve en typed ty ou ut R v Ong ’s e Re en nti nti tire re ssermon and ciirc ci rcu rc ullatted it tto u om ma any others after th the he cca amp mp!! The e pr pre essence of God was tta anggiib bly felt duri ring ngg the worship n servviicces. All these rre essu ulltted in a vissib blle su surge in Triniitta ari ra an ns’ hu h ung nge err ffor or God, as evide ent nt in ou urr ser ser ervi vice cce e ess aft after the ch chur hur u cch h ca cam amp. p.

98

Wonderful Testimonies God granted me favour

God healed my wrist!

This year has been challenging for me at

I injured my wrist during the second day of church camp.

work. In May, my boss decided to freeze

When I went to that morning’s camp service, there was a

everyone’s leave till year end. It became

call for people who wanted prayer for healing. After the

impossible for me to take four days’

prayer, I realised that my wrist didn’t hurt anymore! I was

leave for the church camp. The thought

quite shocked, and tested my wrist. The pain was gone! As a

of discussing this with my boss brought

matter of fact, I played basketball that very afternoon!

much fear. I felt that the only way to get my leave approved was to work

My prayer for this church camp was that my mother-in-law

late, achieve the daunting high sales

would receive Christ. On the third day of camp, there was an

target and then appeal for leave. So,

altar call for people to receive Christ. She did not respond

subconsciously, I used my own strength

to the call. I felt disappointed but later when the pastor was

to make it happen. I worked late till

leading in the sinner’s prayer, I noticed that mum-in-law

almost 10pm every night, sometimes

joined in too from where she stood. She held up her hands

even past midnight, went back to the

and closed her eyes during worship, and she was singing

office on Saturdays and squeezed in a

the songs too! I believe the camp has impacted her

business trip just to shore up my sales

spiritually. I thank God for what He has done!

targets. All my own efforts wore me out.

Wong Ming Fai, IT consultant

I lost joy at work and became impatient with my loved ones. Worse of all, my Time Alone With God was compromised.

I got to the airport on time!

I began to lose sight of who my true

I signed up for the Church Camp by faith. As I am currently

Master was.

pursuing a full-time masters course, I was worried about the workload and any unexpected circumstances that might

I began to surrender my situation to

arise. True enough, I found myself swamped with work just

God, and things began getting better.

before the camp. Just when I thought that things could not

God granted me favour with my bosses

get any worse, I was told to retake my oral exams on June

and eventually my leave was approved

2 – the day I was to depart for camp! I actually considered

without me reaching my sales targets!

giving up this two-year course despite having completed

At the Church Camp, I was blessed

three-quarters of it. But God reminded me that He would

with a good four days of rest, quiet

work all things out for all those who love Him. With this

times of dwelling on God’s Word and

promise, I held on in faith. I told my cell group about my

good times of fellowship with friends.

situation. I am grateful for their unceasing prayers, care

Through this camp, my carecell has

and concern and acts of service. My spiritual parent even

grown a lot closer, and our friendship

helped carry my luggage to the airport on so as to ease

has deepened. My Time Alone with

my load! I retook my oral exams at 8.20am on June 2,

God has improved much. I have learnt

and reached the airport at 9.15am – in time for my flight

one important truth, that is, to surrender

at 10.55am! Our God is a BIG God. His unfailing love never

and enjoy the fruits of God’s work!

fails to amaze me.

Faith Chan, relationship manager

Joyce Tan, student

99

“Hear ye! Hear ye!” shouted

to help the Town Builder Brothers build a tower

the town crier as she walked

which could allow them to gain the most profits. At

down the aisle to announce

the port of Thames, visitors had to ferry balloons,

the arrival of the mayor.

symbolising things of importance to them, across the

Shortly after, the mayor in his

river. Throughout the journey, seagulls were flying

black and tall top hat made

around trying to burst the balloons, thus visitors had

his way down to the front to

to prioritise and protect the balloons they valued

give his opening speech. He

most. Periodically, loud squawks and shrieks could

cut the ribbon that draped across the entrance of

be heard from the station as participants tried their

the town, signalling the start of the Game of L.I.F.E.

best to protect the balloons while crossing from one newspaper “boat” to the next.

Soft strains of lively orchestral music played in the background, as people slowly streamed into the Town of L.I.F.E. The classrooms at Trinity@Paya Lebar had been transformed into a quaint little English town street along which different stalls beckoned for participants to try their hands at the various games.

At the “Rees & Benjamin” station, town visitors had

100

The young adults of Trinity were transported back in time to play out the Game of L.I.F.E. in an old English town.

What participants say

Chia Shuang Ai and Gracia Tan report on the experiential workshop held on May 13.

Very enriching. The sermons were the best! The topics discussed were relevant. In particular, I appreciated the topic on financial management.

To incorporate the themes of godly values of financial management and setting the right priorities, each team was assigned an occupation, which determined their income level. They were then told to attempt to maximise

Pamela Yeo, NIE student North, Trinity@Adam

their wealth at the end of the day. The teams would earn both Samaritan points, for edifying and positive behaviour, and pounds, the town’s currency.

It was very well-planned, and

There was a “St George’s School” where people could upgrade their jobs,

I could tell that the committee

and thus increase their income, as well as a gold mine where people could

had put in a lot of effort. I had

earn pounds and even a town café where teams could rest and nibble on

a lot of fun, especially during

snacks like sandwiches and cheesecakes. Some teams eagerly made their

the game where I had to cross

way from one station to the next, rushing to complete as many stations as

the ‘river’ with balloons. The

possible, while others proceeded at a more leisurely pace.

food was also nice.

Ku Shan Li, NUS student West, Trinity@Adam

Very nice and refreshing! It was nostalgic and brought back a lot of memories for me.

Desmond Teo, NUS student South, Trinity@Paya Lebar

A fun, interesting and stimulating experience! Through the simulated setting, the When the trumpet sounded, the visitors walked back to the Market Square

participants had the opportunity

where Lord Danny and Duke Jeffrey shared their insights about time

to learn and apply principles

management and financial management. Their words of wisdom provided

in financial planning and time

the visitors practical ways to manage both their finances and time.

management. There were also biblical perspectives given. All in

In the evening, all the town visitors gathered back at the town hall where

all, it was a fruitful time!

Pastor Gerald shared about our priorities in life. Both the worship and the

Jaena Teo, programme executive

Word ministered greatly to participants of the workshop.

East, Trinity@Paya Lebar

101

Outwit. Outplay. Outlast. The young adults of Trinity did all this and more, at the Survivor@Trinity event.

Dorothy Poon survived to tell the tale.

“Survivor@TCC”. Our tentbuilding skills were tested in Under The ingenuously designed games

One Roof; our marksmanship in

came with quirky names like Cast

the throwing of water bombs from

Away, World of Darkness, Under

the second storey (and catching

One Roof, Waterfall and Food

them in outstretched plastic bags)

Fiesta. True to the Survivor series,

in the Waterfall game. Finally, the

each team was given an immunity

Food Fiesta station was a variation

card, as well as the “Double

of Fear Factor, where participants

Trouble” pass, in which you could

gamely tried to finish the plate of

either double your score positively

food in front of them, all the while

or negatively.

being carried in the wheelbarrow

As the young adults gathered at

102

position. Bonus points went to

the Summit of Trinity@Paya Lebar,

We were tested in our ability

we entered an atmosphere that

to remember the placement of

mirrored the popular Survivor

matching objects hidden in boxes

Each of the Survivor teams also

reality TV series, from the posters

for Cast Away. As we entered the

had a chance to showcase their

of wild animals all around, game

World of Darkness, we had only

creativity by designing unique

marshals clad in Safari hats, right

the glow of a single lightstick to

identity flags and costumes to a

down to the ambient tribal drum

guide us as our teams searched for

theme of their choice. Prizes for

beats playing in the background.

the alphabets to form the phrase

the winning teams, Best Flag and

those willing to ingest raw eggs!

It was during this time that we

nor anything else in all creation,

experienced a paradigm shift in

will be able to separate us from the

our understanding of Romans

love of God that is in Christ Jesus

8:36-39 – “It is written: “For your

our Lord.”

sake we face death all day long; Best Costume were given out at

we are considered as sheep to be

the end of the activities.

slaughtered.” No, in all these things we are more than conquerors

As we brought back the memories of a fun-filled afternoon with our cell members

After the games, Pastor Dominic,

through him who loved us. For I

and friends, we

our tribal chef, was carried in and

am convinced that neither death

also took away the

started sharing his own personal

nor life, neither angels nor

knowledge that

experiences of initially trying to

demons, neither the

‘survive’ his Christian faith. He

present nor

conquerors, meant

spoke of how he overcame family

the future,

to thrive and not just

disapproval and the pressures

nor any

to survive the trials

of being ostracised when he

powers,

and tribulations

accepted Christ, and how he went

neither

of life!

ahead to “conquer” more souls

height

for Christ, even in typically hard

nor

grounds like National Service.

depth,

we are more than

103

M HE

AKING

Trinity’s netball team emerged tops in a recent netball tournament. Team captain Tan Pei Ling tells how the team was birthed, and how it serves as a platform to build stronger relationships while having fun through the sport.

T

and made its maiden appearance in Grace

M AKING

Cup, a netball event organised by Christian

T

OF

Christian Centre was birthed last year

HE

A netball team representing Trinity

OF

A CHAMPION

God’s faithfulness and grace to the team were evident with His blessings and favour. Though I had obtained ‘informed consent’ from all the players that the team

Sports Club. The team was chiefly made up of my colleagues and Trinitarians,

expenses would be spilt equally

and was formed just two weeks before

amongst them, I remembered going

the competition! We did not have

to the T-shirt printing shop with

any training or preparation, yet the team

much apprehension. I was mindful of the tight budget to keep to

came in second runners-up!

because most of the players in the team are students.

This year, Trinity Netball was formally

God granted me favour with the shop-owner as

formed. When I was approached to set

I negotiated a reasonable price for the team jersey.

up the team, the first question that

And shortly after I paid the deposit, I received

struck me was, “Where do

heartening news that a fellow Trinitarian had

I find the

players to form a team of fourteen?”

generously offered to sponsor the team jerseys and

After all, netball is not as popular a

all official team expenditure. Trinity Netball would

sport compared to basketball and

be fully sponsored!

soccer.” However, little did I know that God already had a plan for Trinity Netball! Through various

Trinity Netball serves as a platform to build and

publicity means like an advertisement on Facebook

foster stronger relationships while having fun

and by word of mouth, I received an enthusiastic

through this sport. Through the two and a half

response. Soon, a team took shape and we started

months of training and competing in the Grace

our first proper training at the end of May.

Cup 2008, the team bonded well. Off the court, after each weekly training and netball game, the

104

One challenge we faced initially was finding a netball

players enjoy a good time of fellowship over dinner

court for our training. Public courts were fully booked

or supper. In addition, the team participated in the

well in advance most of the time and it was tough

recent Young Adults event Survivor@Trinity, where

finding a weekday where majority of the players

unity was further fostered through fun and laughter.

could train. Then came good news: we could train on

Camaraderie was also built with Trinity’s soccer

home ground – at the Summit of Trinity@Paya Lebar!

teams. Some of the soccer players act as sparing

So we trained every week, rain or shine. With a

partners during our netball trainings, while the

fixed training ground, the attendance of players

netballers cheer on the soccer teams in their Agape

became more regular.

Cup matches.

As coach, I had to make the best use of time

creates an attitude of thanksgiving,

during each training session to sharpen

rather than overt competitiveness.

our skills and court play. I particularly was encouraged as I watched how each player

As the captain of the team, I am proud of

claimed ownership of the team, offering

every team member of Trinity Netball for

advice to one another to improve together

her dedication, as well as positive attitude

as a team. Indeed, iron sharpens iron. The

and good conduct on court. I thank God

honing of each playerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s individual skills during

for this privilege of leading this wonderful

training and matches produced results in due time.

team as I have personally reaped much joy and

We emerged champions of this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Grace Cup!

satisfaction. The responsibility of being the coach/ captain of the church netball team seemed huge

It is evident that the netball team carries a strong

in the beginning, but I thank God for bringing me

spirit of unity. There was constant encouragement

through the whole season and for showing me that

and enthusiastic cheering from the supporters and

His grace is sufficient for me.

players both on court and at the sidelines. Before each match, there will be a time of glorifying God

On behalf of Trinity Netball, I thank God for His

with songs of praises and sharing of testimonies.

faithfulness and goodness, through the strategic

Before the whistle blows for the start of the game,

leadership shown by Pastor Dominic, the incredible

the team will gather to say a short prayer to

unity of the team, and the relentless belief of our

acknowledge and thank God for His blessings of

loyal supporters who create a vibrant atmosphere at

protection and good health to enjoy the game. This

every game!

Fever Pitch How did the idea for starting a soccer team come about?

four years ago when the players wanted to play as a team again. So we got together, contacted the

Lawrence Ang, Captain of the

ex-players, brought some friends in, and the team

Veterans Team: Trinity has always

was born! Over the years, more friends have come

had a strong soccer legacy in terms

into the team and we now have a good mix of

of involvement, team build-up,

both Trinitarians and friends. The primary focus is

leadership and camaraderie. Many

on having fun and building relationships with

of the male pastors including our

Trintarians and friends alike.

Senior Pastor, Pastor Dominic, played for the Church Team in the 80’s. I myself have played on the Team since I came to Trinity in 1980. Over the

What do you think sets Trinity’s soccer teams apart?

years, many of the ‘old guard’ have taken a break due

Brian: Jesus has been and

to family commitments, while others have moved on

always will be our 12th player

to less strenuous sports.

in every game we play. God has been faithful in protecting

So why start a Veterans team? Well, invariably I meet

us from injuries. I have seen

numerous men around my age with ‘itchy feet’. They

players stand up and walk

watch and get excited about the English Premier

away uninjured from tackles that

League (EPL), kick the ball around with their kids

would otherwise have hurt them seriously. For

or play the occasional corporate game for their

example, in a recent match, we were leading against

companies. In short, they are more passionate

a very strong team. In their zeal to win the game,

about the sport and meeting fellow comrades,

some over-the-top challenges were put in. Our

than about the competitive and winning aspects

team captain was on the receiving end of a sliding

of the sport.

tackle that hit him in the knees, stud-first. I believe he would have been seriously injured as I have seen

When I took my sabbatical in 2007, and with the Care

a similar tackle break a player’s leg. However, he just

& Connect culture promoted strongly across Trinity,

walked away unscathed, with nary a scratch!

I decided to put the idea into action. We organised an inaugural friendly game against the TCC Young

Lawrence: The numerous players in the team who

Adult Team captained by Pastor Gary Chia and

are driven by passion, despite the physical pain and

Brian, and guess what. Despite the massive floods

injury! One of them has had a stent inserted in his

across Singapore and especially in the Thomson area

heart. I remember he said, “If I exercise, I will die; if

where the game was played, a drove of enthusiastic

I don’t exercise, I will also die – so I might as well play

veterans, comrades, cell-mates and friends turned up.

the game I love.” We’re going to have a tournament,

I counted 29 men for an 11-a-side game and had a

and he has put his name down for it! There are several

challenge trying to field everyone!

players who have had keyhole surgery to remove the meniscus in the knees, and yet now they’re

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Brian Lim, Vice-Captain of Team TCC: Trinity

back playing. It all goes to show their passion and

has had a soccer team for years, but they stopped

commitment. There are also many who keep playing

playing in 2002. Our current team started out about

to keep their weight down and fitness levels up.

Trinity’s sports scene is heating up with action and excitement, and reaching fever pitch. Trinity has five passionate soccer teams, who play against one another as well as in tournaments and friendly matches with other churches and organisations. Tan Rou’en catches up with two key players.

What opportunities have the team offered its players?

together or to watch live football matches. We also

Brian: Every game is an opportunity to bless and

have an annual team

impact not just our teammates, but our opponents as

retreat. As you can see,

well. At a recent game, an opponent, who happened

in many ways, we are

to be a friend of mine, kicked me in the head out

very much like a big

of frustration. His studs missed my eyes by mere

Carecell with gatherings

millimeters! Though provoked, our team responded

every week!

very calmly and steadily, and resolved the situation instead of escalating it. After the game, that very

Lawrence: Off the pitch, some of us fellowship at

opponent told me that he was impressed with our

the family level. Recently, we had a 15th anniversary

team’s conduct and that he would like to play for

celebration for another football association I used to

us if given a chance.

play in.

Every game is an opportunity to honour God. Not

What was your team’s proudest moment?

too long ago, an opponent chased one of our players

Brian: In one of the recent Agape Cup matches, we

just to kick him in the thigh! Though such situations

were trailing another church 3-0. With 15 minutes

arise from time to time, what has changed is the

to go, we staged a spectacular fight-back to take

way we dealt with them. We have learnt the value

the lead by 4-3, before eventually conceding a

of keeping our cool. It is on the pitch where being a

late equaliser to draw 4-4. Even though the result

Christian is the toughest. The mix of emotions and

knocked the other church out of the tournament, the

the sheer desire to win that goes into every game is

nature of that game brought the 2 teams closer.

the best testing ground for personal beliefs. I believe that as we continue to honour God, He will also

Lawrence: Back in the early days, the Trinity football

honour us.

team had a high level of respect from the other teams from the other

Lawrence: Trinitarians comprise one-third of the

churches. We used to

Veterans team; the other two-thirds are friends. I

beat other churches by

would say being in the team allows for various ones

big margins such as 9-0!

to Care and Connect. It also allows the core players

This team can always

to play in a different spirit. On the field, we play

look back and say that

with a Christian spirit – we play hard but clean.

we were the founding

Off the field, we try to portray Christ’s image to them

football team in Trinity.

through other platforms. The opportunity is not only

That’s our legacy!

about playing the sport, but fellowship as well.

Speaking of fellowship, how does your team bond?

This team can always look back and say that we were the founding football team in Trinity. That’s our legacy!

Interested to be part of the action? There are five teams in Trinity: Veterans, IGNYTE, Chinese Ministry, Team TCC

Brian: Outside of games, we have informal

and Team Trinity. The latter two are young adult teams.

gatherings once in a while to play football games

Email admin@trinity.org.sg to indicate your interest!

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Raising the Standard TCA Collegeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s School of Counselling is raising the standard of counselling in Singapore by equipping counsellors to be more effective, and enabling them to address community issues and needs. These postgraduate students tell us more.

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Started by TCA College’s School of

“Quitting my previous job to become a counsellor and enroll

Counselling in January 2006, the

in TCA College’s Postgraduate Diploma was a major decision

Post Graduate Diploma in Counselling

for me, but I have no regrets! The course lecturers gave of

provides established theoretical

themselves to help us with the educational process and our

frameworks and core clinical skills,

personal growth. They have made a real difference in my life.

along with a strong Christian ethos.

Thank you for giving us this great journey of discovery!”

It addresses many community issues

Margaret Chua, counsellor, Bethel Community Services

from a biblical perspective. It includes an internship programme that

“This course was very beneficial for me.

meets the standards set by local

The lecturers are very experienced and

professional bodies. Through it,

can relate with their trainees.

students gain 100 hours of clinical experience with substantive supervision, giving them valuable hands-on experience and greater confidence as counsellors.

“I highly recommend this course to anyone who has the passion and calling to Christian counselling! The course is well-designed and provides an excellent biblical

I came in with a degree in theology, but this course has opened up my understanding of people, and helped me see myself in a different light.”

Sherrilyn Vaithilingam Thanam, part-time teacher, Kaki Bukit Prison School

foundation. The trainers are well-grounded in their fields of specialisation. Having learnt a whole array of therapeutic frameworks, I am now in a

“The core clinical skills were

better position to connect

demonstrated in class and we were

with counsellees and help

given opportunities to practise on one

them achieve their goals.”

another. These role plays enhanced

Susan Lincoln, counsellor, Trinity Christian Centre

the whole learning experience.”

Shawn Lim, programme manager, Teen Challenge Singapore

“I would greatly recommend this course because the selfawareness you gain will help you to understand what your counsellees are experiencing. In particular, the module on Interested? Registration for the programme

‘The Self of the Counsellor’ gave me a deeper awareness of

commencing January 2009 has begun. Call

my own past issues, my natural tendency to project or to

Rev Anita Chia at 6304 7650 or visit our

experience transference, and how I relate to others.”

website at www.tca.edu.sg

Jennie Teo, DEW ministry worker, Trinity Christian Centre

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Only one life, soon it will pass; Only what is done for Christ will last!

Everything you do for God counts for Vi s i o n M o nt h 2 0 0 8

eternity… What will you do?

Catch God’s heart this September.

Adult Services Sep 6 & 7 • Sep 13 &14 • Sep 27 & 28 Trinity@Adam • Sat 5pm & Sun 10am Trinity@Paya Lebar • Sat 5pm, Sun 8.30 & 11.30am

Vision Rally Sep 19 Trinity@Paya Lebar • Fri 8pm Sep 20 & 21 Trinity@Adam • Sat 5pm & Sun 10am Trinity@Paya Lebar • Sat 5pm, Sun 8.30 & 11.30am Speakers:

Rev Dominic Yeo

Rev Dr Naomi Dowdy

Trinity@Adam 21 Adam Road Trinity@Paya Lebar 247 Paya Lebar Road Tel: 6468 4444 • Email: admin@trinity.org.sg • www.trinity.net