Prayer Request

1. Pray for the Youth School Holiday Programme from 29 November 2010 until 31 December 2010. Pray for the youth, volunteers, sponsor and resources.

2. Pray for Self Denial Appeal 2010 - partner in mission: Western India, Latvia, East & West Kenya. Prayer for our church member in this faith giving month.

3. Pray for the church sport outing on 6th November 2010.

4. Pray for Christmas caroling practice, brass band, timbrel group and Christmas bells

5. Pray for Christmas Celebration with state government on 19 Dec 2010.

6. Pray for all other ministry that we are planning. Pray for God guidance and leadership to lead us. SAFE, Community Service, Youth & Children Program, Banana Leaf, Cell Group, etc

7. Pray for those who are sick, need financial blessing, etc issues.

Announcements

1. Self Denial Appeal 2010
Coming 7 Nov 2010 is the altar service. Bro and Sister are encourage to pray and give to mission to help the needy. 2 Conrinthians 9:7 "Each man should give what he decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under complusion for God loves a cheerful giver"

2. Cell Group/Prayer Ministry
There won't be any cell group or prayer group on coming Friday 29 Oct 2010.

3. Corps Sport and Outing
Date: 6 Nov 2010, Time: 7:30am, Venue: Teluk Bahang National Park. Please confirm your attendance with Sister Jasinta.

4. Christmas Carol Practice
Please see Bro Tan / Sis Carmen / Bro Steven for more information, we encourage all to join as away to the share good news through caroling during Christmas season.

TESTING TIMES

A journey through cancer

Major Rosemary Dawson describes how she survived her battle with serious illness

GILL. Sandra. Ian. Pamela. Me. During the past twelve months all five of us, at the same corps, have undergone some kind of cancer surgery or treatment. It has certainly been one of the most testing times of my life, but the support we have received from each other through the highs and lows of this shared experience has brought encouragement, strength and positivity. My own faith has grown stronger because of it.

I take particular inspiration from one of our group and her continual battle against the disease. Despite enduring all kinds of debilitating treatments, her attitude remains: ‘Bring it on! Throw everything you’ve got at me! I’m going to get through this.’ It helped put my own illness into perspective.

Being told that you have cancer arouses different reactions. Some people are completely dazed. Some are emotional. Some are angry. Most are inwardly fearful. The reality is, life is never going to be the same again.

Cancer directly affects one in three people, but you never expect it to happen to you. When it does, it seems like a bad dream from which you hope you’re soon going to wake up.

Surgery usually happens fairly quickly after diagnosis, allowing little time to come to terms with it. Trying to soften the news for your family, assuring them that the prognosis is good and the treatment effective – and convince yourself at the same time – is difficult.

I managed (just) not to go down the ‘Why should this happen to me?’ road. Instead I tried hard to look at it from the ‘Why not me?’ angle.

Jesus never promised that his followers would escape testing times. He tells us plainly: ‘Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows.’ But here are the words that make the difference: ‘Take courage, I have overcome the world’ (John 16:33 The Living Bible).

Another verse also came to mind: ‘No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; he’ll never let you be pushed past your limit; he’ll always be there to help you come through it’ (1 Corinthians 10:13 The Message).

I simply do not know how people can get through cancer without faith in a loving God or the support of Christian friends. I certainly couldn’t have. In the beginning I felt too numb and dazed to utter many words of prayer, but can testify to feeling as if I were lifted on a cushion of supportive prayers said by many others on my behalf. I was continually humbled by the assurances of friends, colleagues and people I hardly knew at the corps, that they prayed for me every day. The flood of encouraging cards and emails, the unexpected kindnesses of neighbours, were at times overwhelming.

Being positive about diagnosis and treatment definitely helps. So does a sense of humour. But trying to be positive all the time is hard work! There are days when you just want to curl up in a corner on your own and have a good howl. That’s not being defeatist or selfish; it’s a natural release from tension, and nothing to be ashamed of. I think it’s also important to take time to deal with the ‘what ifs’ and consequences surrounding your situation. Being in denial about cancer will not benefit the healing process.

Then there were practical issues – a holiday to be cancelled and what to do about work and corps commitments. Apart from a few weeks in the beginning, I was able to continue my work for the Publishing Department at THQ and found that tapping away on a computer gave me much-needed focus and purpose. I owe my colleagues huge thanks for pretending not to notice when lack of concentration – commonly known as ‘chemo brain’ – affected my work from time to time!

The calendar quickly filled with hospital visits, blood tests, treatments and scans. I came to appreciate why my appointment was never on time: the consultant was giving someone else the same degree of attention he had given me. I have nothing but admiration for those whose job it is to impart bad news, and its consequences, every day.

The surgery was the easy bit. After that comes the treatment.

Chemotherapy is individually prescribed according to the kind of cancer and the degree of its aggressiveness. Six very toxic drugs were administered through a drip, designed – as my surgeon put it – ‘to zap out’ any cancer cells left behind. Unfortunately drugs cannot discriminate between cancer cells and healthy cells – hence the unpleasant side-effects of sickness, nausea, mouth ulcers, loss of taste, hair falling out and exhaustion.

Having to avoid infection meant not being able to see my young grandchildren on a regular basis for a few months, which was hard. However, their matter-of-fact acceptance of the ‘nasty medicine’ that made my hair, eyebrows and eyelashes fall out, their interest in my wig, and excitement when they saw my new hair finally growing, helped me deal with it too. I felt very self-conscious the first time I wore the wig to the Army, but am grateful for those who went out of their way to say how nice and natural it looked – even if I didn’t altogether believe them!

Repeatedly recounting your treatment to family and friends can in itself become a negative experience. It’s nice to talk about other normal, cheerful things too! As a television advert for cancer research so aptly puts it: ‘Today was a good day. Today wasn’t all about cancer.’

Although appreciating the thought behind it, I found visitors – even family – very tiring as the effect of treatments increased and my energy levels decreased. I hope they understood when I asked them not to come for a while.

Life steadily became more difficult after the third chemo session. I was scheduled for eight, but after number six I caught an infection that led to two short stays in hospital. I was diagnosed with chronic fatigue – my body’s way of saying it had had enough – and the last two chemos were cancelled, which was a huge relief. I could hardly climb the stairs or lift the iron at that point, so radiotherapy was postponed a while to allow me to regain some strength. This also had an unexpected bonus: my husband had to learn how to iron!

It was a truly joyful moment after the last radiotherapy treatment on Easter Monday, when I ceremoniously tore up my hospital appointments list and emptied out the hated bottle of mouthwash. But the end of treatment does not immediately signify the return to full strength and health; it is just the beginning of recovery, which can take anything up to two years.

I feel that this needs to be better understood. People getting over cancer should not be expected or pressurised to resume commitments until they themselves feel able to do so. Doing too much too soon can have a detrimental effect.

Six months on, I still cannot manage too many prolonged periods of exertion and need frequent sit-downs during shopping trips. I am having to learn to live with the frustration of not always being able to do as much as I want to do when I want to do it.

The hospital appointments have finished, the cancer is gone, but there is no guarantee it will not return.

Cancer has changed many of my priorities. Things that once seemed so important now appear trivial, and I value each day as a gift from God. I leave others to judge whether or not it has made me a better person.

I share the testimony of John Newton:
Through many dangers, toils and snares
I have already come;
’Tis grace has brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home.
(SASB 308)

• Major Dawson, who lives in retirement in Norwich, continues to work for the Editorial Unit at THQ

Made to be healthy in body and soul

To mark Ministry of Healing Sunday (17 October) Major Dean Pallant reflects on the first nine chapters of the Bible

THIS is a Bible study, so please open your Bible! I suggest you read the first nine chapters of Genesis before going any further. While I appreciate that Bible studies and sermons usually focus on a few verses, let’s take time this week to study a bigger portion of Scripture.

Genesis chapters 1 to 9 provide an introduction to the big themes of the Bible. The purpose of Scripture is made clear in these opening chapters – God made us, loves us and calls us into a close, conversational relationship. Listening, learning and leaning on God are the ways people of every generation can live healthy lives.

In the first few pages of Scripture God reveals three key messages: first, God created a perfect world. Second, people sinned and messed it up. Third, God keeps trying to fix the mess. These three key themes remain central throughout Scripture. God’s work of healing the world – a work we can join – is captured in just three words: creation, fall, redemption.

CREATION
The first two chapters of the Bible paint a picture of the beautiful world created by God. They also include two accounts of the Creation.

It is a pity we often get trapped in arguments about creation and evolution when reading these verses. Put those debates aside for now and enjoy the beauty and loving character of God and his creation that shines through these verses. God intended for us to enjoy a beautiful, integrated and wholesome world.

Our Trinitarian God – Father, Son and Spirit – said: ‘Now we will make humans, and they will be like us’ (1:26 Contemporary English Version). God intended for us to enjoy deep relationships with each other, with God and with our body and soul. We were created for integrated relationships. We were not made to be autonomous individuals living self-sufficient lives. Our God is a relational God, and we were created to be relational people.

To consider
• God – the Father, Son and Spirit – made us in his image. He is a relational God. What does that mean for our relationships?

FALL
The beauty of creation is shattered in chapters 3 and 4. Adam and Eve are banished from the Garden of Eden and their first-born son Cain murders their second son Abel. It is interesting to note that God confronts Adam, Eve and Cain about their sinful actions. They all try to divert God’s attention – Adam blames Eve (3:12); Eve blames the serpent (3:13); Cain asks God: ‘Am I my brother’s keeper?’ (4:9 New International Version).

The answer, Cain, is yes! We are our brothers’ and our sisters’ keepers. We need to admit and accept our failings, and not try to shift the blame. We cannot enjoy full health when we are selfish and self-serving. Being healthy means taking care of our relationships with God and other people. The impact of the Fall on God’s creation is essentially a breakdown of relationships between people and God, people and each other and people and the wider creation (see Genesis 6:6).

To consider
• What puts pressure on relationships?
• How do you react when they go wrong?

REDEMPTION
Genesis chapters 6 to 9 record the first instance of God’s work to redeem his fallen creation. Stories similar to these are recorded in other Near Eastern ancient texts. However, the writers and editors who gave us these sacred chapters were theologians – not scientists or historians. They leave us in no doubt of their strong belief that the God of Creation, the God of Israel, is the redeemer of the world.

These chapters are not scientific explanations of how the world was created or flooded. They are much more important than that. These are confessions of faith in God, who is both Creator and Redeemer.

Ministry of Healing Sunday is an important opportunity to remember the complete health that God intends for all people.

Catherine Booth, co-founder of The Salvation Army, captured this message in a sermon she preached in Exeter in 1881: ‘It is not a scheme of salvation merely – it is a scheme of restoration. He proposes to restore me – brain, heart, soul, spirit, body, every fibre of my nature to restore me perfectly, to conform me wholly to the image of his Son.’

That is redemption! That is health! We need to be healthy in all aspects of our lives – body and soul. Modern medicine focuses on fixing our bodies. Being healthy is much more than body-health. On the other hand, some Christians focus only on soul-health and ignore our responsibilities to care for our bodies.

On Ministry of Healing Sunday we thank God for people who work to heal the body and, in particular, Christian health workers who help people discover the way to complete body-soul health.

To consider
• What damages your body-soul health? Discuss this with a friend, and be
accountable to each other as you seek to live a healthier life in Christ.

• Major Pallant is Under Secretary for Programme Resources and International Health Services Co-ordinator, IHQ

Prayer Request

1. Pray for the Youth School Holiday Programme from 29 November 2010 until 31 December 2010. Pray for the youth, volunteers, sponsor and resources.

2. Pray for Self Denial Appeal 2010 - partner in mission: Western India, Latvia, East & West Kenya. Prayer for our church member in this faith giving month.

3. Pray for the church sport outing on 6th November 2010.

4. Pray for Christmas caroling practice, brass band, timbrel group and Christmas bells

5. Pray for Christmas Celebration with state government on 19 Dec 2010.

6. Pray for all other ministry that we are planning. Pray for God guidance and leadership to lead us. SAFE, Community Service, Youth & Children Program, Banana Leaf, Cell Group, etc

7. Pray for those who are sick, need financial blessing, etc issues.

Announcements

1. Self Denial Appeal 2010
We are now entering the Self Denial month of October. The Altar Service is on 7 Nov 2010. Bro and Sister are encourage to pray and also giving to mission.

2. Corps T-Shirt
Please see Bro Tan or Bro Steven, those who interested to purchase. Dry Fit T-Shirt of RM30 each.

3. Cell Group/Prayer Ministry
There won't be any cell group or prayer group on coming Friday 29 Oct 2010.

4. Corps Sport and Outing
Date: 6 Nov 2010, Time: 7:30am, Venue: Teluk Bahang National Park. Please contact Sister Jasinta for more details.

5. Christmas Carol Practice
Please see Bro Tan / Sis Carmen / Bro Steven for more information, we encourage all to join as away to the share good news through caroling during Christmas season.

Walking in the Light of Holiness

Walking in the Light of Holiness
by Diana Winters

According to the pattern of 1 John 1:1–5, I testify to what I have heard, what I have seen, and what I have touched of the eternal life God has given me. I’m not sure I can connect all the pieces clearly yet. But I do know that at the root of it all are these words: “God is light; in him is no darkness at all.” I do understand that it is God’s express purpose, by whatever means possible, to rid us of the darkness in every part of our lives, and to walk with us forever in the blinding light of His glory.

Four things I have noticed among people who walk in the light of holiness:

1. They live at ease with the paradoxes of the Christian life. From their simple lives come profound insights. They are painfully aware of their weaknesses but have no problem with self–esteem. They lean as invalids on the Word of God but stride out to lead in spiritual battle. They enter fully into the turbulent emotions of life but have calm trust for the future.

2. They are generally unaware of the qualities they have. Much like those who are fearless (which these folk typically are!), they don’t have to fight fear—they just don’t have any. It’s like when my son, Luke, at age 5, had his first skiing lesson. The instructor showed him how to position the skis in order to stop or slow down. Luke’s response was, “Why?” (stop or slow down, that is).

Much like those who are humble (which these folk typically are), they just do what needs to be done, without even thinking about it.

I watched a high–ranking Salvation Army officer at a public event recently. As he happened to walk past the corps kitchen, he saw an expanding puddle of water spreading out from under one of the sinks. He simply went to look for a mop and got to work cleaning up the water. He was just intent on doing what needed to be done.

Much like Moses. He spent time with God, and only begged for his people and to see God’s face. All God showed him was the light of His BACK, and Moses came down the mountain with no idea that his face was gleaming until the people told him so. But even then, he never said, “I’m going back up the mountain to work on my gleam.” There is no record of Moses begging God, “Oh please, oh please come and give me some more gleam for my face!” He just spent time with God. THEN he was filled with light.

3. They are the most “feet–on–the–ground” people I have ever met. They are not dreamy–eyed, “have–to–spiritualize–everything” people. They know when a song on the radio is a sign from God, and when it’s just a song on the radio.

Much like my Grandma Veta Dearin. She had a continuous, intimate conversation with Jesus, and an uncanny capacity to meet practical needs. I think it is partly because she very matter–of–factly obeyed any of God’s leadings. Sometimes, she would suddenly announce she had an appointment on the corner of Main Street and 5th Avenue at 7 p.m. It didn’t bother her that she had no idea with whom or why. Sure enough … every time … someone would show up who needed help in some way. Somehow she knew which person was the one she was there for, and who were just the passersby. She used to laugh hard (I don’t think she ever laughed softly) and say, “I can’t even SPELL sanctification! I just know my Jesus.”

4. They have their “Ifs” and “Thens” straight. They don’t stress and strain to grow fruit of the Spirit, any more than an apple tree strains to produce apples. They know that IF they put their roots down deep into God’s Word, drink from the living water Jesus promised to give them, keep their faces turned towards the light of God—THEN God will do the growing of the fruit just fine. And the pruning. (See John 15.) But they are OK with that.

Five things I have found in 1 John, and Ephesians (my companions of late):

1. Since Jesus brings eternal life, and He is with me now, it is better called ETERNAL LIVING. I am not waiting for eternal life while I try to figure out what to do in the meantime. I am living eternally now; breathing eternal air.

2. To be holy is to BECOME MY WHOLE TRUE SELF—in the company of my Creator. It is to be EMPOWERED to complete my purpose on earth. My Granddad Lyell Rader told me, “The alternative to holiness is ‘halfliness.’ Why would anyone want to live that way?” God made us to be COMPLETE in Him.

3. There is such a thing as complete JOY, and it is the power that carried Jesus Himself through the crucifixion and the horror of its anticipation. Joy, and all that is in Jesus, He gives in perfection. Perfect peace. Perfect love. Perfect hope. Perfect confidence. Perfect trust.

4. There always seems to be LIGHT when God is around. Light was His first creation, and heaven will need no sun or moon because of God’s light there. Jesus called Himself “light of the world.” He lights my life path with His Word. So if anything in my life makes me prefer to stay undiscovered in the darkness, I know it is not from God. Ephesians 5:8–10 says that I myself used to be darkness. Now I want to live as a child of the light.

5. All of this is somehow crucial to my RELATIONSHIP with all of you (my church family) and leads to relationship with the triune God Himself!
So once again (as Ephesians tells us), we see that we are all in this together, aren’t we? I cannot grow in God without you, my friends. And we will not grow together to holy maturity without God. “If we walk in the light, as Christ is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus cleanses us from all our sins.”

Diana Winters is a soldier (member) of the Salvation Army’s Oakbrook Terrace, Ill., Corps. She has been a missionary to Africa and is married to Dr. David Winters; they have four children, two adopted from Russia.

A new exodus?

Major Nigel Gotobed considers the implications of embracing the ‘new thing’ God is doing

STUDY PASSAGE: ISAIAH 43:1–19

WE hear a great deal these days about the urgent call to discover the ‘new thing’ that God is doing in the Church and in the world. I echo that clarion call. God is at work. God still has a future for the Church. I do not believe God has finished with The Salvation Army, nor do I subscribe to the sentiment that our best days are behind us.

What is clearly emerging in the Church is a renewed desire to connect in new ways to a generation that has been lost to it and to God. Far too many people have little or no comprehension of what the Church is or who it exists for.

Many corps are exercising faith and becoming risk-takers for Jesus, reaching out with new initiatives such as café church, Messy Church, cinema church and prayer bunkers. These are just some of the new things being attempted.

Some centres are rediscovering the core principles that enabled their birth and growth, while remaining firmly rooted in today’s generation with all its cultures and subcultures.

This leads me to ponder this week’s study passage and the new thing mentioned there – which some commentators call the new Exodus.

As we consider these verses we need to ask ourselves if our multifaceted God asks how his children found their way home, or does he just open his outstretched arms and say: ‘Welcome’?

Put another way, is The Salvation Army in danger of losing its spiritual DNA by embracing Emerging Church principles, or might we possibly rediscover some of those core principles that enabled our glorious Movement to experience significant growth in its early days? Revival is (still) our present need! (See SASB 760.)

Embracing Emerging Church principles includes taking risks, and implementing changes wherever and whenever they are necessary. As erstwhile Labour Prime Minister Harold Wilson once declared: ‘He who rejects change is the architect of decay.’

Israel was a nation facing constant upheaval and change, and yet God had redeemed its people and called them by name to be those who belong to him (43:1). It’s important that we also remember who we are, and who our God is. We too are important to God; he calls us to himself and gives us his name (v7). Therefore, when we pass through stormy waters and face fires of judgment, we will not be burnt nor will the flames set us ablaze (v2).

Isaiah reminds the Israelites that they need not be afraid: Yahweh was with them and would bring about a significant homecoming (vv5–7), such as had not been seen before or since – yet.

All God’s people will be gathered from all parts of the earth when Christ comes to rule in peace.

Not all God’s people are gifted evangelists, but all are called to be witnesses (v10; see also Isaiah 44:8; Matthew 28:19; Acts 1:8). We share the responsibility of being God’s witnesses. Opportunities presented on Monday mornings when colleagues ask about our weekend are God-given moments when we can speak up for the Church and witness for Christ. Through our words and through our living, others may see, and be attracted to, God. Evangelism in the workplace depends on you and me telling our story, in words and in actions.

How’s your story? Is there a new chapter waiting to be written?

In 43:14–19 Isaiah addresses this issue to the Israelites. ‘I am the Lord, your Holy One,’ he reminds them (v15); the Lord who was and is and always will be.

Theologian John Drane says that the faith of the Old Testament is ‘a dynamic living faith that always expects God to do new things’. In choosing to embrace that reality we have a greater loyalty to the future than to the past. Yes, we need to respect it and learn from it, but we cannot afford to live in it (see v18).

General John Larsson (Retired) once urged cadets not to dwell on history, but to ‘go out and make history’. Where are today’s history-makers?

The Exodus was clearly included in the former things, and the ‘new thing’ (v19) was unfolding before the Israelites’ very eyes, but many did not perceive it. Their redemption – the new Exodus – would surpass the old, for all men would be redeemed.

Perhaps we too are witnesses to a missiological reformation as we seek to embrace the new thing that is emerging among us in these days. Do you perceive it?

• Major Gotobed is Divisional Director for Evangelism, Northern

(Salvationist UK Issue Date: October 2010)

Prayer Request

1. Pray for the Youth School Holiday Programme from 29 November 2010 until 31 December 2010. Pray for the youth, volunteers, sponsor and resources.

2. Pray for PMR, SPM, A'level students who will be sitting for their exam soon.

3. Pray for Christmas caroling practice, brass band, timbrel group and Christmas bells

4. Pray for Christmas Celebration with state government on 19 Dec 2010.

5. Pray for all other ministry that we are planning. Pray for God guidance and leadership to lead us. SAFE, Community Service, Youth & Children Program, Banana Leaf, Cell Group, etc

6. Pray for those who are sick, need financial blessing, etc issues.

Announcements

1. Self Denial Appeal 2010
We are now entering the Self Denial month of October. The Altar Service is on 7 Nov 2010. Bro and Sister are encourage to pray and also giving to mission.

2. Corps T-Shirt
Please see Bro Tan or Bro Steven, those who interested to purchase. Dry Fit T-Shirt of RM30 each.

3. Prayer Ministry
Date: 22 Oct 2010, Time: 8pm Venue: Penang Children's Home.
Please share your prayer request with Major Kamala or any corps council.

4. Corps Sport and Outing
Date: 6 Nov 2010, Time: 7:30am, Venue: Teluk Bahang National Park. Please contact Sister Jasinta for more details.

5. Christmas Carol Practice
Please see Bro Tan / Sis Carmen / Bro Steven for more information, we encourage all to join as away to the share good news through caroling during Christmas season.

Obey God: Love others

When Jesus’ followers saw what was going to happen, they said, “Lord, should we strike with our swords?” And one of them struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his right ear. But Jesus answered, “No more of this! And he touched the man’s ear and healed him.”

—Luke 22:50–51

“Lord, should we strike with our swords?” was Peter’s question. But so caught up in the moment was he that Peter (most likely he was the one) couldn’t wait for his Master’s response—he took matters into his own sword–wielding hand. Peter probably thought, “The Lord allowed me to carry a sword, didn’t He? So why not use it?”

Had you been the man with the severed ear, which act would have likely convinced you that Jesus was Lord: the stings of Peter’s swift sword or Jesus’ compassionate and healing touch?

Since 9/11, sharp swords and tongues have exacerbated the tensions in today’s troubled times. “The world is in serious trouble, needing serious help,” said Commissioner R. Steven Hedgren, territorial commander, during his recent charge to the Friends of Christ session of cadets.

I believe that God is calling us to initiate His divine love—even toward people we perceive to be our enemies. For only by our love will the world know that we are Christians.

God is fully capable of defending Himself; He doesn’t need us to do that. He needs us to obey His commands.

Long before an international debate on religious tolerance captured headlines, I frequently joined forces with street evangelists and went “toe–to–toe” in spirited conversations with members of the Nation of Islam in Harlem. Many times we traded theological truths in the shadow of the 116th Street mosque.

Although our discussions were always “hot,” we never burned one another’s sacred texts in effigy. We respectfully “agreed to disagree.”

Interestingly, we always found common ground on the topic of meeting human need. We agreed that the community was hurting physically, emotionally, and spiritually. And if we were “worth our salt,” we had to address those felt needs.

A rabbi who actually taught religion at a Christian university explained to me, “Mutual respect [between believers of different faiths] is the foundation of constructive dialogue.”

During these troubled times, let us not be ashamed to stand and speak the name of Jesus—even in the face of no agreement. But may we also remember that He wants Christians to obey Him, not defend Him. “If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat, and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink, for you will heap burning coals on his head, and the Lord will reward you.” (Proverbs 25:21–22)

by Warren L. Maye (TSA USA Eastern Territory)

Why you should be more weedy

Major Tim Johnson considers the lilies

IT’S one of my jobs at home to do most of the gardening. It has to be said that – despite fine examples from my dad and grandad – I’m not a great gardener. The plants that typically do best in my garden are weeds.

Time and again, I expend energy getting rid of them, yet these horticultural adversaries pop up the moment I turn my back. I’ve spent long hours grubbing up these gardening foes, and they have earned a grudging respect from me. Why are they so resilient and so successful in their field?

I also recently learnt more about the words behind the translation of Matthew 6:28: ‘Consider the lilies of the field’ (King James Version). The Greek verb has the sense of ‘to examine closely’ – in other words, take a microscope to it, analyse what’s going on. What are these weeds doing right? And what can we do to imitate them, so that we can be as steadfast as they are?

Here are some thoughts that occurred as I was weeding.

DEEPLY AND WIDELY ROOTED
One pet hate I have inherited from my father, gardening-wise, is about bindweed. It’s a pest, both above and below ground, and a horror to get rid of. The roots are an easy-to-see white when you dig them up, but to be rid of it requires you to remove every trace of root from the soil. Bindweed also loves to lurk near tree roots and under fences – the ‘difficult-to-dig’ areas. The smallest overlooked fragment will grow and spread. It has roots that sustain it through the most difficult and destructive of times.

This summer’s project was to clear the border at the front of the house, which involved removing lots of ornamental holly, a plant with an extensive root system. After several marathon sessions of digging and pursuing roots, I finally gave up on one root that was as deep as the house foundations and was still heading downwards. Deeply rooted indeed!

It’s no surprise that Paul uses the metaphor of being deeply rooted in love (Ephesians 3:17) when he prays for the growth of his fellow Christians. With deep roots – the ability to draw strength from God through prayer and the Bible – even the ‘weediest’ of us can face the most testing of times.

STAY CLOSE TO THE EARTH
This is another survival technique that allows weeds to thrive. Hugging the earth and spreading sideways, rather than upwards, allows harmful things to go past without causing injury.

I get into a lot of trouble with my family for mowing the lawn and taking out the daisies and buttercups. The reality is, I don’t do a lot of damage; I just nick off the open flowers. The reason there isn’t much damage is that most of the plant is flat on the ground. A plant that stays close to the earth could quite easily be called humble. (The root word means ‘earthed’).

So here’s weed lesson number two: don’t be in a hurry to grow up and be vulnerable. Go low, grow wide and stay close to God. Read Peter’s advice to the Church: ‘Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time’ (1 Peter 5:6 New International Version).

DYING TO BECOME FRUITFUL
I mentioned this Bible study in a corps home group and someone immediately said: ‘There’s the dandelion, you know; it has a beautiful flower, yet unless it dies, the seed will not grow.’ This thought echoes the words of Jesus in John 12:24.

There are times when the sweet things of life have to be put aside so that better things can happen, when we need to make a sacrifice of personal desires to allow the gospel to thrive. For example, time usually spent on hobbies invested for the Kingdom to help an event take place; when what might be family time is used to build a relationship with someone seeking Christ – the flower put aside for the seed.

A WEED AGLOW WITH GOD
A visiting preacher once made a comment on Exodus chapter 3 and the burning bush. His words were akin to: ‘The Hebrew is “Ceneh” but “bush” is really too much. “Ceneh” means weed.’

So God used a weed to accomplish his purpose and save a nation – a weed aglow with the very presence of God became a pathway to service for Moses, a holy place of commitment and decision.

The strength, the glory, were all God’s; the weed was just the vessel for his work.

It really doesn’t matter how weedy we think we are. If we are rooted in God’s love, stay humble and close to him, if we are willing to obey and be open to his will, God’s purpose will be accomplished.

• Major Johnson is the corps officer at Hemel Hempstead
(Salvationist UK Issue Date: October 2010)

Announcements

1. Self Denial Appeal 2010
We are now entering the Self Denial month of October. The Altar Service is on 7 Nov 2010. Bro and Sister are encourage to pray and also giving to mission.

2. Corps T-Shirt
Please see Captain Brenda, those who interested to purchase. Dry Fit T-Shirt of RM30 each.

3. Adult Cell Group
Date: 15 October 2010, Time: 8:00pm. Venue. Bro Tan house

4. Youth School Holiday Programme
Date: 29 Nov 2010 - 31 Dec 2010. Please register with Capt Tan those who are interested. This is also open to the public.

5. Attending Seminar and Furlough
Please be informed that Capt. Tan and Brenda will be going to Hong Kong for seminar, followed by their furlough for 3 weeks.

6. Christmas Carol Practice
Please see Bro Tan for more information, we encourage those who like to go caroling to attend the practice.

Prayer Request

1. Pray for the Youth School Holiday Programme from 29 November 2010 until 31 December 2010. Pray for the youth, volunteers, sponsor and resources.

2. Pray for PMR, SPM, A'level students who will be sitting for their exam soon.

3. Pray for Major Kamala on her cataract surgery on 12 October 2010.

4. Continued to pray for Brother Sam in Kuching.

5. Pray for all other ministry that we are planning. Pray for God guidance and leadership to lead us. SAFE, Community Service, Youth & Children Program, Banana Leaf, Cell Group, etc

6. Pray for those who are sick, need financial blessing, etc issues.

Self Denial 2010

Our 2010 Self Denial partner in mission are Kenya East/West, India West and Latvia region. Please pray for these country and ourselves as we remember our brother and sister who are in need.

Please get yourself a prayer booklet at the church or contact us to send you a copy.

We pray that God will multiple your sacrificial giving to help those needy in those part of the world.

On 7 November, we will be having a self denial service for the collection. For those who cannot made it and wish to contribute, please send us your contribution. Contact Capt Tan or Brenda for more information.

Adult Fellowship 25 Sept 2010

Praise be to God, that we have a warm and successful Adult Fellowship and get together with adult, children, friends and family. It was a wonderful evening sharing fellowship in food, catching up with friends, look at the picture to reflect of the Salvation Army work in Penang.



We thank Bro Gerard Khaw for being our speaker for the night. His testimony was a touch to many attended and focus on "The Father" of God. In his closing, he reminded all to focus their live on Jesus in any good or stormy days. He will be our God and carry us through and walk beside us as His has promise us.



We have also Lt. Colonel Tan to share with us that we all have a choice to make in life as Bro Gerard did. He share his story of making the right choice to follow Jesus and give his life in the Salvation Army ministry together with his wife Lt. Colonel Patrica. Putting trust and faith in Jesus along the way bear fruit and joy along the life journey.



God is there to forgive those to come to Him. He will also be their God, The Father,love and care for them. God is good all the time.

Click here for more photos

Combine Cell Group 19 Sept 2010

A combine cell group was recently on 19 Sept 2010. From the oldest and youngest came to have the fellowship and share with each other in fellowship.



Also in that evening, Bro Chin Khen wife celebrated her birthday.



The event bring all closer as one family joining in fellowship with Jesus.

Click here for more photos

Announcements

1. Senior Citizen (Over 60th Club) Breakfast
Date: 9 October 2010, Time: 08:00am, Venue: Macalister Road.

2. Youth School Holiday Programme
Date: 29 Nov 2010 - 31 Dec 2010. Please register with Capt Tan those who are interested. This is also open to the public.

3. Self Denial Appeal 2010
We are now entering the Self Denial month of October. The Altar Service is on 7 Nov 2010. Bro and Sister are encourage to pray and also giving to mission.

4. Super Ten Sunday.
Date: 10/10/10(Sun), 10 minutes of 10 persons giving thanks and testimony to God.

5. Corps T-Shirt
Please see Captain Brenda, those who interested to purchase. Dry Fit T-Shirt of RM30 each.

6. Special Thanks
Special thanks to Major Darrell & Katrina Thomas for their spiritual ministry this morning.

Prayer Request

1. Pray for Senior Citizen (Over Sixties Club) Breakfast, 9 October 2010, Time 8:00am, Venue: Macalister Road.

2. Pray for the Youth School Holiday Programme from 29 November 2010 until 31 December 2010. Pray for the youth, volunteers, sponsor and resources.

3. Pray for PMR, SPM, A'level students who will be sitting for their exam soon.

4. Pray for all other ministry that we are planning. Pray for God guidance and leadership to lead us. SAFE, Community Service, Youth & Children Program, Banana Leaf, Cell Group, etc

5. Pray for those who are sick, need financial blessing, etc issues.

GRATITUTE

PASTORAL LETTER TWENTY-ONE

GRATITUDE (2)

Dear Fellow Salvationists,

Once more it is my great honour and privilege to be in touch with you through a Pastoral Letter.

Commissioner Helen Clifton joins me in sending greetings to you just where you are, thanking God for your fidelity to the gospel and for your service in his great Army of Salvation.

I am writing this Letter from my office in our home because recently I have undergone further surgery, this time for a heart bypass procedure. This took place unexpectedly six weeks ago and I thank God that I am making good progress and am able to keep up with all official matters through the kindness of the Chief of the Staff who meets me in our home regularly to discuss key matters of business and policy and also through the great help of my personal staff at International Headquarters.

Commissioner Helen Clifton is taking wonderful care of me but is also facing her own health challenges at this time. So your prayers are very, very precious to us both and to our family.

The theme of this Letter, as with Pastoral Letter 20, is gratitude. It is a theme that can never be exhausted. It is a natural theme for us at this time for we feel indebted to so many for loving support. Many of you have sent messages of prayer and encouragement. These have blessed and helped us so much.

I want to record heartfelt thanks to Almighty God for his unfailing love to us all. You will know of those times when you have experienced the loving closeness of our Heavenly Father. Sometimes he is so near to us that we can almost reach out and touch him. May you each be drawn closer and closer to God in this wonderful way.

We praise and thank God because he is able to save us from our sin and from the overarching rule of self and selfish ambition. Acts 4:12 tells us that there is no other name by which we can be saved. God the Father has given us Jesus, God the Son, to be our only Saviour. Our hearts fill up again with gratitude.

We have still further cause to be glad and grateful to God. He alone can make us holy. He alone can purify us and sanctify us through and through. In the words of the old chorus, not only is he 'able to save', but he is 'able to keep' - to keep us pure and victorious day by day from falling to temptation. Our part is to consecrate ourselves to God without reserve. He then does his part in cleansing us through and through, again and again.

In closing this Letter, I salute you and thank God for you. I commend each of you - just where you live and serve - to the infinite care of the Father, to the safe and loving hands of Jesus, and to the cleansing and enabling power of the Holy Spirit.

Yours in Sacred Service,

Shaw Clifton

General