Christmas 2009

Photo Album for Christmas Carolling 2009



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Photo Album for Christmas Day 2009



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Photo Album for Christmas PCH Open House 2009



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Welcome Capt Tan & Brenda

We want to take this opportunity to welcome Capt Tan and Brenda as our new TSA Officer for Penang Corps. They have served in Bintulu with Chinese speaking congregation. They have accepted the new appointment to serve in TSA Penang with English members.



We also want to welcom Major Kamala as TSA Officer for Penang Children's Home.

We pray that God will continue use them for the TSA work here in Penang.

Once again we welcome them and we want to work together for the TSA.

Major Francis - Farewell Group Picture

We want to say thank you to Major Francis and Major Mary who have been with us for the past 6 years in TSA Penang. They have served as TSA Officer for Penang Corps and PCH.

We pray that God will continue to help and strengthen them as they take up their new appointment in Kuching. We enjoy their 6 years ministry here in Penang and left with mix feelings. Kuching will be Major Mary hometown and this will be their first time serving in Kuching in their 25 years of service as TSA Officer.

Prayer Request

1. Please pray for Brother Chew Pong Hoe (Ah Boy), who is going through an operation. May God grant him a fast recovery process and continue good health.

2. Pray for our Local Officers and those who want to serve the Lord in coming years.

3. Pray also for the prayer group, that this group will continue to start meeting again in early 2010 to study God's word and pray earnestly for all the prayer request that we have continue to pray since 2008/2009 and coming new ones.

Announcements

Watch Night Service:

We are will be having a Pot Blessed Dinner to celebrate Year 2009 and welcoming Year 2010 on 31 December 2009, 8:00pm.

You are welcome to contribute your dishes to share with brother and sister in Christ.

Kindly bring your family and friends along. All are invited for this dinner.

Follow by that, we will be having a short Watch Night Service around 11:30pm.


Sunday School:

We will be resuming activities on first Sunday, January 2010. Please pray for our children and teachers who have put in their hard-works to teach the young ones about God's word.


Serving Team:

Those who have God calling to serve in the church programme, please contact Capt Tan and Capt Brenda. We also thank those who involved actively serving in the passed years.

The King

The King - when he came an acclamation
Rang out from a heav'nly choir.
The angels above
Sang of mercy and love
Goodwill to all people on earth.
His mother she saw
Past the manger and straw,
The pain and the passion of birth,
The Light of the World - her son, Redeemer -
Who'd burn up with holy fire.

The King he announced with power, with passion,
The rule he would usher in.
The blind they will see
And the captive go free
To live in his Kingdom of grace.
For all who believe
Will his pardon receive
And find by his mercy: a place,
A seat by his throne, a home, a mansion,
An end to the reign of sin.

The King in his crown of thorns was beaten,
Then nailed to a cruel tree.
Abandoned, alone
And so far from his throne
He took what the demons could hurl.
And there, crucified,
Lion-hearted he died -
The Lamb for the sin of the world.
A tomb for a womb, the prophets' whispers
Would birth a dawn victory.

The King, when he comes again, will conquer.
His river of grace will flow.
The last will be first
And the dead they will burst
To life at the sound of his voice.
And round by his throne
The King gathers his own -
His children, his bride. Oh rejoice!
The King, when he comes, will reign in triumph,
As prophets said long ago.

Nigel Bovey

War Cry 19 December 2009 - TSA UK

Twelve Days of Carol - Nice Version

From 1558 until 1829, Roman Catholics in England were not permitted to practice their faith openly. Someone during that era wrote this carol as a catechism song for young Catholics. It has two levels of meaning: the surface meaning plus a hidden meaning known only to members of their church. Each element in the carol has a code word for a religious reality which the children could remember.

-The partridge in a pear tree was Jesus Christ.

-Two turtle doves were the Old and New Testaments.

-Three French hens stood for faith, hope and love.

-The four calling birds were the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke & John.

-The five golden rings recalled the Torah or Law, the first five books of the Old Testament.

-The six geese a-laying stood for the six days of creation.

-Seven swans a-swimming represented the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit--Prophesy, Serving, Teaching, Exhortation, Contribution, Leadership, and Mercy.

-The eight maids a-milking were the eight beatitudes.

-Nine ladies dancing were the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit--Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self Control.

-The ten lords a-leaping were the ten commandments.

-The eleven pipers piping stood for the eleven faithful disciples.

-The twelve drummers drumming symbolized the twelve points of belief in the Apostles' Creed.

So there is your history for today. This knowledge was shared with me and I found it interesting and enlightening and now I know how that strange song became a Christmas Carol...so pass it on if you wish.'

Christmas Message 2009 from the General

All My Heart Rejoices

WHAT a night! The night our Saviour was born! A night to rejoice with all our hearts!

Sweet angel voices, sounding far and near, announced his birth: Christ is born! It was as though the entire sky announced this matchless message. Joy filled the air. Joy-bells still ring to hail his coming.

If we listen carefully, our ear attuned, we can still hear the holy baby’s first cry from the manger in Bethlehem. It is as though from birth he has been calling us, entreating, pleading with us to flee from the snares and dangers that await our souls. ‘Come to me,’ he says. ‘Leave all that grieves and burdens you. I can offer freedom. I can give you all you need.’

So let us accept his divine invitation, you and I together. Let us do so without delay. He invites us all. He calls to the lowly and the great alike. We cannot impress him with our education or our income, so whoever we are we approach him together with awe and wonder as equals. He invites us to commit ourselves to him. He wants us to return the love he offers us all. The Christmas star, high and bright in the sky, is a hope-filled sign of divine love.

Coming to the newborn Christ-child is a signal that we have come to our senses. We come to him, deciding to live in obedience to him, and finding our hope of Heaven in him. He offers us the matchless prospect of living with him for ever. Who else promises matchless joy both now and in all eternity?

For all these reasons my heart rejoices. Christ is born!

By General Shaw Cliftonwith acknowledgements to Paulus Gerhardt (1607-76)and 'The Song Book of The Salvation Army', No 73

Announcements

1. We congratulate and wecolme Lt. Anthony, Wai Chun and Kevin Meredith on their Commissioning on 28 Nov. Lts. Anthony & Wai Chun will be appointed to bintulu corps and will take a corps appointments in Australia.

2. We thank Pastor Sam Santhanam and Jenny who spoke last Sunday and led the meeting respectively.

3. The General has announced the appointment of Lt. Colonel Gillian Downer as the Territorial Commander and Territorial President of Women's Ministries of this territory upon the retirement from active service of Colonels Keith and Beryl Burridge at the end of June 2010.

The appointment is effective from 1st July 2010 and Lt Colonel Downer will be promoted to the rank of Colonel as she take up the new responsibilities as Territorial Commander.

Lt. Colonel Downer Gillian Downer has a real love for Asia and is no stranger to this territory having served firstly as General Secretary and then as Chief Secretary up until mid 2007.

4. Major Francis and Mary Ng with Caleb and Angelynn will leave for Kuching on 9 Dec at 6:25pm.

5. Major Kamala will arrive on 9 Dec at 11pm on AK6505 from Kuching. Captains Tan & Brenda will arrive on the 10 Dec at 6:10pm on MH 1158.

6. December 13 will be the welcome meeting for Captains Tan & Brenda and Lt Col Bob will conducr the installation. Major Kamala will be welcomed in the meeting too.

7. Pray for the christmas program and celebration in the month of December. First caroling will commence on the 12 December, next Sunday.

8. Combined Churches Christmas Celebration 20 Dec @ Time Square, 7:00pm

9. Flowers for the week. Susan Zechariah

Epic journey inspires awe

NINETY-FIVE years ago today, on 5 December 1914, Sir Ernest Shackleton set sail on the final leg of his journey to reach Antarctica.

His team aimed to be the first to cross the continent - one and a half times as big as the United States - from one coast to the other via the South Pole. It was a remarkable project even for an era that already had more than its fair share of heroic tales.

Shackleton planned meticulously for the expedition, expecting to face a whole range of hardships. But the expedition party never set foot on Antarctica.

Their ship, Endurance, was crushed by the drifting ice, and survival became their first priority. In an amazing story of courage and heroism none of Shackleton's party died, although it was May 1917 before Sir Ernest finally arrived home in Britain.

We can be thankful that not all journeys end up like that but, whenever we travel, organisation is vital. Decisions need to be made about what is to be taken, the route mapped out and suitable resting places found.

It would be foolish to embark on a long journey without making some practical preparations.

In the Christmas story the wise men, or ‘magi' as they were known, travelled extraordinary distances in search of a new king. They started off not knowing for sure where their journey would take them.

‘After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judaea, during the time of King Herod, magi from the east came to Jerusalem' (Matthew 2:1 New International Version). This expedition would have taken planning and preparation. They saw an unusual star and set out to follow it to who knows where, for who knows how long.

When they finally arrived where the star stopped they discovered Jesus and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.

Life is often thought of as a journey. For many people, like the magi, the journey has included an encounter with Jesus. That encounter has been life-changing. It has helped them to cope with the difficulties life can bring and provided direction when they've not been sure which way to go.

Two thousand years ago the wise men followed the direction of a star to find Jesus. Today we can follow Jesus to find direction for our lives.

Salvation Army UK - War Cry 5 December 2009

Announcements

1. Pray for Cadets Anthony, Wai Chan & Kevin Meredith's commissioning on 28 November. That the Covenant Day and Ordination service will confirm their calling to serve God in The Salvation Army.

2. Pray for the following who are sitting for their SPM exams - Jih Han, Kheng Guan, Jonathan, Scott.

3. Pray for the Officers Retreat that Major Mary & Francis Ng will attend from 23-26 November, thereafter for the Cadets commissioning in Singapore on the 28-29 November. They will be back fromm Singapore on the 4 December after several days of furlough. They then will leave on the 9 December for Kuching to take up their new appointments.

Pray for Major Kamala and Captain Tan Guat Hai & Brenda as they come to PCH and Penang Corps respectively.

4. Pastor Sam Santhanam will be the speaker for next Sunday meeting. Sis Jenny will lead the meeting with Elizabeth supporting the praise and worship time.

5. Pray for the Art Class ministry which is in its 3rd week which is conducted by Bro Sam Ooi. We thank God for 4 children.

6. Pary for the children and boys from PCH who will be going back for home leave for the school break.

7. December 6 will be the last Sunday meeting for Majors Francis & Mary Ng

8. December 13 will be the welcome meeting of Captain Tan Guat Hai & Brenda and Lt Col Bob will conduct the installation. Major Kamala will be welcomed in the meeting, too.

9. Pray for the Christmas program and celebration in the month of December

Can we find God through life?

CHARLES DARWIN'S On the Origin of Species was first published 150 years ago next Tuesday (24 November). This significant anniversary falls in the same year as the 200th anniversary of Darwin's birth and is leading to a renewed interest in the scientist and his theories.

Television documentaries, books and a feature film have been released, adding more vigour to the debate between evolution and creationism. People have been challenged to think about how life began.

In May telegraph.co.uk carried a report, headlined: ‘Mystery of how life on Earth began solved by British scientists'. According to the article, scientists at Manchester University solved the mystery by studying the molecule that is thought to have existed when the planet was devoid of life billions of years ago.

The scientists claim to have discovered the mechanism that led to the first living, breathing creatures - ‘a process attributed by generations of evolutionary theorists, such as Charles Darwin, to an unexplained primordial soup,' says the article.

While the arguments about how life began are likely to continue, the more important question is not about the origin of life but its purpose.

The writers of the Book of Psalms searched for the purpose of life as well as its origins. Their writings recognise that the secrets of life are far beyond our limited understanding: ‘Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain' (Psalm 139:6 New International Version).

The closest we get to understanding life and finding God in it is to realise how he is active in every sphere of human existence. ‘My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be' (139:15, 16).

If we want to look for the purpose and meaning of life the best place to start is with the Creator. God created all life - including us - with a plan in mind. Life's meaning comes when we discover what God has in mind for us.

TSA UK War Cry 21 November 2009

2009 - October NewsLetter

The Stag at the Pool, an Aesop‟s Fable by bro. Tan Seow Hwee

One hot summer‟s day, a young stag came to a spring for a drink of water. Bending down to quench his thirst, he noticed his reflection in the clear pool and started to think, “ My horns are so very at-tractive. They are large and well shaped, unlike my legs that seem so ugly and thin." He sighed, " I wish I did not have feet like these!”

While he was lost in thought, a Lion crept up from behind, ready to spring on the unsuspecting stag. The slight rustle of the grass behind however alerted him to danger and before the Lion could pounce, the stag fled from the scene! As long as the grassy plain spread out before him, the stag could keep running. But as soon as he reached the woods, his horns became entangled with the vines and branches and he found himself stuck! “Oh, what shall I do now !" he cried, "My feet tried to save me, but these very antlers that I valued so greatly over my legs will now lead me to my death! ” Trapped in the mesh of leaves, the stag became easy prey, and before long, the hungry Lion's next meal!

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Self Denial 2009

Presentation from the Territory Commander for Self Denial 2009

Part 1 or click here


Part 2 or click here




Part 3 or click here

Prayer List

1) Pray for the Salvation Army officer change of appointmentd and taking up their new challenges in their new environment.

2) Continue to pray for the Art class that will be starting on November.

3) Continue to pray for "3 in 1" items that bring about TSA ministry in Penang.

- Thrifty Store ~ Pray that God will continue to bless this ministry, the worker's and also bring about God's love to the customer

- TSA Children Home ~ Pray for this Children ministry that God blessed.

- TSA Penang Corps ~ Pray for those lost souls that have not been coming to church for a long time. Pray that God will speak to them through the Holy Spirit and church members. Pray for those who have recently come back to worship God in the church that God will continue to speak to them, strength their faith and build their spiritual life and relationship with Him.

4) Pray for Br. Ah How as he settle down in the new home and housemate.

5) Pray for those children going to sit for SPM exam

6) Pray for the corps family - Cathy Yow, Vicent, Khoo Chong Hin for God precense upon them and help them in daily life and God will speak to them and bring them back to the church.

7) Pray for Jack, Ash and Steven who is attending school at Monford.

8) Pray for the coming Sunday speaker Bro Sam Santanam to bring God's word to us.

9) Pray for countries who are facing disasters ~ Phillipines, Indonesia, etc. May God have mercy and help them to recover and bring hope to them.

Pastoral Letter October 2009

HEAVEN

Dear Fellow Salvationists,

I send warmest greetings in Christ to my fellow believers across the globe and especially to my fellow Salvationists in the 118 lands into which God has led us.

Thank you for your fidelity to the cause of the gospel. We remember you daily in prayer. Thank you for your faithful prayers for me and for Commissioner Helen Clifton. We need these prayers. They sustain us powerfully. I request that you intercede on my behalf for ongoing wisdom in all matters touching the worldwide Army.

We are all on our way to Heaven. The theme of this 16th Pastoral Letter is Heaven.

Recently we were privileged to be with our fellow Salvationists in Zambia and Zimbabwe. In both places we witnessed Salvationists marching past in vast numbers. Each and every marcher offered the Army salute, the right index finger pointed Heavenward. How happy we were to return these salutes! It did not seem to matter that our right arms grew tired as the cohorts of Salvationists paraded, for we were comrades together, bonded deeply by sacred ties, and in exchanging salutes we signalled that we were all on our way to Heaven by the grace of God.

The people of Jesus Christ in the Army are marching to Glory. Salvation Army soldiers are said to be 'promoted to Glory' when they take their final breath. We deck our flags with white ribbon for the funeral of a Salvationist, a powerful sign that though we feel keenly the pain of loss we do not wallow in despair for we know about Heaven.

Since taking office as the General in April 2006 my father, Major Albert Clifton, has been promoted to Glory and so too have Commissioner Helen's parents, my father-in-law Bandmaster Donald Ashman and my mother-in-law Betty Ashman. We know our parents are safe in Heaven. How do we know? The answer to that question is simple: Jesus has told us so. Just turn in your Bible to John 14. See there the rock-solid promises of Jesus about the life to come.

The Lord Jesus Christ offers deep and lasting assurance. He knows the natural fears and uncertainties of the human heart when the end of life is contemplated. That is why he offers special words of emphasis and comfort: '... if it were not so, I would have told you.'

He has made ready. All things are planned and prepared. He has told us all we can take in for now. There remains only the need to trust him for our loved ones and one day for ourselves. He is trustworthy.

In Romans 6:4 we are taught that 'just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.' Paul goes on to say in verse 5 that we 'will certainly also be united with him (Christ) in his resurrection.' This is another reliable promise from God.

So let us each live in a way that testifies to our sure hope of Heaven.

As I pen these few words, I see in my imagination the Army saints who have gone on before us to Heaven. I picture them gathered from time to time and leaning over the battlements of Heaven as the Lord affords them a glimpse of what the Army is doing today. They are cheering us on!

I thank God for each of you as we travel to Glory together. Until the Lord calls us Home let us journey with a real consciousness of Heaven as our final destination. Our journey thus has profound meaning and purpose.

I commit you each to the perfect love of Christ.

Yours in Jesus,

Shaw Clifton

General

The Origin of Self Denial

The self-denial appeal expresses the spirit of the true believer in Christ. Its origin can be traced back to a gathering in 1886. Commissioner John Carlton, profoundly stirred by a special appeal for money, wrote on a slip of paper which was passed on to the Founder William Booth “By going without pudding every day for a year, I calculate I shall save 50 shillings. This I will do and will remit the amount named."

With his usual keen perception William Booth saw in this proposed act of sacrifice on the part of one officer a means by which the Army might inculcate the spirit of self sacrifice, raise money, and so be enabled to take hold of opportunities hitherto beyond its power.

William Booth read this message to the congregation, “There is an idea here," he remarked. "While we ought not to ask our people to do without pudding for a whole year, I see no reason why we should not ask them to unite in going without something everyday for a week and to give the proceeds to help on the work."

Shortly afterward the first Self Denial week was announced for the United Kingdom alone and resulted in the raising of about 5000 pounds.

In all countries in which the Army is working, every Salvationist and friend of The Salvation Army now has the opportunity to join in an annual self denial effort.
We should practise the spirit of Self Denial. Parents should teach their children the importance of denying ourselves for the benefit of others.
"Those who think that prayer is asking are only beggars. I have not seen any beggar understand the truth of Christianity."

"Every day whenever we spend time in prayer and realize His presence, we must hold these things fast in our heart. Without prayer it is impossible. Prayer is not asking for this thing or that thing, but for the Giver of blessing Himself -- that He may live in us. See how wonderful our Saviour is!"

Announcements

Pray the changes of appointments EFFECTIVE – DECEMBER 10TH 2009

Sarawak
Major Francis Ng - Superintendent Kuching Boys Home & Assistant to the Programme Secretary (East Malaysia)
Major Mary Ng - Superintendent Kuching Children’s Home

Lieutenant Anthony Yong - Commanding Officer Bintulu Corps and Social Services
Lieutenant Lee Wai Chun - Assistant Officer Bintulu Corps and Social Services

Penang
Major Kamala - Superintendent Penang Children’s Home
Captain Tan Guat Hai - Commanding Officer Penang Corps & Assistant to Youth Candidates Secretary
Captain Brenda Tan - Assistant Officer Penang Corps

Kuala Lumpur
Major Lee Kong Yee - Commanding Officer Kuala Lumpur Corps and Assistant to the Programme Secretary (WestMalaysia)
Captain Irene Chang - Assistant Officer Kuala Lumpur Corps

Melaka
Captain Chong Kho Ken - Commanding Officer Melaka, Batang Melaka Corps
Captain Yap Pei Yit - Assistant Officer Melaka, Batang Melaka Corps

Sabah
Major Leong Kok Seng - Commanding Officer Kota Kinabalu Corps

Perak
Captain Jabid Timbangan - Commanding Officer Ipoh Corps
Captain Mihing Singkui - Superintendent Ipoh Children’s Home


EFFECTIVE - THURSDAY, 7 JANUARY 2010

Singapore
Lieut.-Colonel Prema Rajan - Assistant Training Principal SFOT and Commanding Officer, Changi Corps
Major Katrina Thomas - Social Services Chaplain Singapore in addition to being Literary Secretary & Editor

Perak
Major Alice Koo - Assistant to the Superintendent Perak Home for the Aged

The Faith of a Child

Meet Logan, a small boy with an important message for us.

Just take 5 minutes to listen and watch this video clip.

Self Denial Appeal 2009

We are call to remember this year again for the people of Uganda, Kenya and India command that need our support to build happier, safer worlds for communities, and ultimately a more comfortable lives and better futures.

We have been supporting them in the last 4 years financial and we pray for your continue giving to build up the work in this territories to stop child trafficking, construct bridges and new classrooms, support basic needs of food, clothing, education, etc.

Kindly extend your loving gift on this Self Denial Appeal 2009 on 1st November (Appeal Altar Service). By doing so we helping less fortunate people and honouring God.

2009 - September NewsLetter

MY STORY BY PETER KOAY

My name is Peter Koay Tiang Yeong and I am 22 years old. I am the 2nd old-est of 4 siblings in my family and we live in Butterworth, Penang. When my youngest brother was born, my mother decided to sell him to someone at the hospital. I was 5 years old at the time, and my parents divorced a year later.

When I was in Standard 6 (aged 12), there was a worker from the Salvation Army named sister Penny who would visit me on Sun-days and spend time playing board games with me at home.

Upon her invitation, I stayed at the Boys’ Home as a guest for 3 months. After that I returned home to be with my father. However,.....

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Bro Jimmy and Ipoh Youth

We like to thank Bro Jimmy for bringing some of the youth from Ipoh to help out at the weekend service project during September 2009.

All of them have a nice time and make friends along the way with Penang Children's home.

It was a good opportunity for young youth to appreciate things around them and to be service to others as well.

We hope Bro Jimmy will plan for another trip with a bigger group next year.

We also like to thank Bro Jimmy for his continuous love to share with us God's word each time when he his in Penang.

Let us thank God and pray for Bro Jimmy and family for good blessing.

Query: Hell

HELL

QUERY 1. Is there a hell or not?

To answer this, I shall make it appear, first, from the confession of heathens who had only the glimmerings of nature and never saw the Bible, and, second, from the testimony of Scripture.

First, from the confession of heathens. Though they could not tell distinctly (never being acquainted with the Word) yet, by the glimmering light of nature, they had some fancies and apprehensions of this place of the damned. They had one called Pluto who was the chief person in hell. He chiefly tormented those who were most wicked. They had their Charon's boats, a fancy that there was a man with a boat who ferried over wicked persons into hell. They had their Aetna, their burning mountains which they fancied to be hell. And they fancied hell to be a continual rolling of stones upon dead bodies, along with many other fancies. And so Pluto had many footsteps of hell. He said, "If a man has no punishment after he is dead, he shall have some guilt in him to torture and torment him." All these were merely apprehensions of hell, but these I pass.

Second, as you have a testimony from heathens, so you have this truth clearly from Scripture will but name two or three texts.

So Psalm 9:1, 'be turned into hell, and all the people that forget God." So Psalm 11:6: "Upon the wicked He shall rain snares, fire and brimstone, and a horrible tempest." So Matthew 23:33: "Ye serpents, and generations of vipers, how can you escape the damnation of hell?" 2 Peter 2:4: "He cast them down to hell. They are locked up in chains of darkness to be reserved unto judgment." So Jude 6: "They are reserved in everlasting chains of darkness to the judgment of the great day." All these plainly prove that there is a hell.

QUERY 2. Why there must be a hell?

It appears by these demonstrations.

First, because of the filthy nature of sin. Sin is against an infinite God, and the offense being infinite, the punishment must be infinite also. But the punishment cannot be infinite upon earth because you stay here but a while and your bodies rot in the grave.
Therefore, of necessity, there must be a hell that must keep the bodies and souls of the wicked so that they may receive proportionable punishment to the sins they committed here upon the earth.

Second, because else the justice of God could never be satisfied for the sins of wicked men done here upon earth. And the reason is, first, because Christ would not satisfy and suffer God's wrath for wicked men; therefore, they must bear it themselves. Second, upon earth they cannot satisfy God's wrath. Why? Because sin, being an infinite offense, their punishment can be but finite, lasting for a time. Therefore, all their sufferings here cannot satisfy God's wrath due to them for their sins. Therefore, of necessity, there must be a hell to keep men to all eternity so that, by everlasting torments, Gods justice may be satisfied, which otherwise it could not be, 2 Thess. 1:6.

Third, it appears there must be a hell by those horrors and terrors of conscience that are in wicked men when they are dying. Many a man in his health will tush at hell; he will scorn the fire and scoff at the flames. Many a man, while he is in health, never thinks of hell; but he can drink one day, swear an other day, play the adulterer the third day, and sin every day, and the thoughts of hell never trouble him. But now bring this man to his sickbed and what horrors and fears seize upon his soul! Should a healthy drunkard appeal to himself when dying (as one said he would appeal from King Philip drunk to King Philip sober, who thereupon repealed his act and did the man justice), he would say this, "You who by your sinning have spent your strength and estate in drink, and do not think of hell when you are drunk, I would appeal to you, a dying man." Tell me, what would you say then? What would you then give for Christ? What would you then give for a pardon that you might not be damned? The very horrors and wounds of conscience at your dying day demonstrate that there is a time of torments to be endured by you. Else how should conscience be so terrible a vexation to the souls of men at that day were there not such a thing as hell provided for them? What made the Roman emperors to be afraid of death, and, when it thundered, to run under their beds for fear of death? Only this, that the very workings of conscience showed them something was to come after this life. The very terrors of conscience declare there is a hell, a place of torment provided for wicked men. And thus having finished these queries, the use I shall make shall be for condemnation and astonishment

Prayer List

Prayer Request List

1) Continue to pray for the successful launching of Art Class ministry program. The idea was inspire by Bro. Sam.

Those who have any art skills could also volunteer to help him.
We need helper as well to assist him. Please give him your support and contribution.

2) Pray for Mr Ang's daughter who is suspected with H1N1 infections. May God have mercy and heal her.

3) Pray for people who are not feeling well - Casey ~ migraine, Joshua ~ fever, Uncle Fred ~ stomach problems. Also pray for Major Mary health.

4) Continue to pray for "3 in 1" items that bring about TSA ministry in Penang.

- Thrifty Store ~ Pray that God will continue to bless this ministry, the worker's and also bring about God's love to the customer

- TSA Children Home ~ pray that God will send forth a Christian social worker to assist in the children care ministry. This is an urgency matter. Pray also for the children protection.

- TSA Penang Corps ~ Pray for those lost souls that have not been coming to church for a long time. Pray that God will speak to them through the Holy Spirit and church members. Pray for those who have recently come back to worship God in the church that God will continue to speak to them, strength their faith and build their spiritual life and relationship with Him.

5) Pray for ex-boys outreach program through the Directory Project.

6) Pray for the church Blog site that more contribution of good Christian article/books, life testimonies, capturing of Sunday Sermon video/audio.

7) Pray for the prayer group member's who meet fourth nightly to grow spiritually and multiply in Jesus.

8) Pray for Bro Ah How home relocation and God blessing to give him a suitable permanent place to settle down.

9) Pray for the preparation of Christmas programs ~ Caroling, etc. May God use this ministry to reach out to His people by Love through Jesus and lost souls will be saved.

10) Pray for Bro Rodel for his ministry and also permit to stay longer in Penang.

11) Pray for kids who are facing exams for PMR and SPM. May God give them the wisdom and mind to do well. And for those who have problems with studies may God install upon them good character for future growth in theirs lives.

12) Pray for Christian Home School program.

13) Pray for those families that have not been in church attendance. May the Holy Spirit speak to them the importance to worship God on Sunday.

14) Pray for all the corps in Malaysia command that God will send forth spiritual revival. Pray especially for Ipoh, KL and Melaka corps.

15) Join the Salvationist around the world to pray for human sexual trafficking issue around the world. May God help the victim's and punished those involved in these immoral and inhuman activities.

16) Pray for everyone to continue to study God's word and pray daily.

Announcements

20 Sept 2009 (Sunday)

- General Shaw Clifton is calling for prayer for the United Nations International Day of Peace

- Please welcome Brother Jimmy and some young people from Ipoh coming for weekend service project and sharing with us the word of God.

27 Sept 2009 (Sunday)

- General Shaw Clifton is calling for prayer for the victims of sex trade trafficking.

Please set sometime aside for your Sundays to pray.

Pray for TC Commissioner Keith Burridge whose father is very ill. TC and his wife have flown back to England to visit him.

Prayer Request List

Prayer Request List

1) Pray for the successful launching of Art Class ministry program. The idea was inspire by Bro. Sam.

Those who have any art skills could also volunteer to help him.
We need helper as well to assist him. Please give him your support and contribution.

2) Pray for "Soul for Salvation" for the following individual so that God will open door and speak to them. With the Holy Spirit and God grace, they will come accept Jesus as the Savior.

- Sister Alice nice ~ Ang Lay Peng
- Sister Loo Thoe's mum
- Sister Maggie's neighbor

3) Pray for the world population who has been infected with H1N1 sickness that God will show them mercy and healing be upon them and open their heart to the glory of God salvation. Pray for God protection for everyone in church from the sickness.

4) Continue to pray for "3 in 1" items that bring about TSA ministry in Penang.

- Thrifty Store ~ Pray that God will continue to bless this ministry, the worker's and also bring about God's love to the customer

- TSA Children Home ~ pray that God will send forth a Christian social worker to assist in the children care ministry

- TSA Penang Corps ~ Pray for those lost souls that have not been coming to church for a long time. Pray that God will speak to them through the Holy Spirit and church members. Pray for those who have recently come back to worship God in the church that God will continue to speak to them, strength their faith and build their spiritual life and relationship with Him.

5) Pray for the Directory Project so that everyone in the church will help to furnish the contact of people especially old TSA Penang home boys or church members that have not contacted for a long time. With that we will plan to contact them and importantly tell them that we will remember them in prayer and also keep them in touch with happenings of TSA ministry in Penang.

6) Pray for the church Blog site that more contribution of good Christian article/books, life testimonies, capturing of Sunday Sermon video/audio.

7) Pray for the prayer group member's who meet fourth nightly to grow spiritually and multiply in Jesus.

8) Pray for Bro Marcus who is coming to share God's word on 13th September 2009. Pray God will speak to us through his servant.

9) Pray for the Taiwan earthquake victims that God will comfort them and help them to remain strong in their faith with the Lord. Many have lost their love ones and most properties are destroyed. Pray for TSA officers who are working around the clock to meet the people needs.

10) Pray for Mrs. Nelligen's family. She is now saved at the side of God hand. We thank her for wonderful year that she supported TSA Penang ministry. Pray for her children to come back to know Jesus as their savior and attend church.

11) Pray for those are sick or seeking treatment among the member of the church and their family members that God will shower healing power and restore good health.

12) Pray for the 3 young boys who are attending Monfort School for them to remain faithful. Pray that they will continue to study God's Word daily and pray.

13) Pray for Sister Jenny's sister Molly who has moved into her new home. Pray that God will give her the blessing and also speak to her heart of God's grace and goodness.

14) Pray for Bro Kim Aun's family in whatever circumstances they are going through.

15) Pray for Major Francis and family that God will continue to show blessing upon them. Pray for Major Francis and Mary that God will guide them with His wisdom in their daily ministry. Pray that God will use them to minister God's word to the children, church members and the lost souls out there in Penang Island.

16) Pray for all the corps in Malaysia command that God will send forth spiritual revival. Pray especially for Ipoh, KL and Melaka corps.

17) Pray for everyone to continue to study God's word and pray daily.

2009 - August NewsLetter

Peter - by Sister Molly Lim

Way back in 1987 in Calvary Church, KL, God called me to serve Him. He had stationed me in the Salva-tion Army Melaka way back in 2003 where I worked for 3 years as a full time volunteer. Then in March 2007, He 'opened a door' and put me on the SA payroll as an Administrative Assistant until the present.

Reflecting back, I met Peter for only about 2 and half months. It all started one morning, this white haired elderly gentleman walking steadily towards the coffee shop for breakfast caught my attention. Neighbors said he usually goes out in the afternoon but that day was special. We became friends with just a small cup of my sweet red bean soup (old people's favorite). Then as God will it, I met him again and wondered why he was alone by himself even though communication was kind of difficult because he was hard of hearing; yet I felt the attraction to get to know him and his family. Daily I would walk him to my house for dinner knowing he is lonely and probably fed-up of eating outside food perhaps simple home cooked meals would taste a lot different. I also brought back SA canteen Indian cooked food for four occasions (after my Direc-tor, Freda came to know about it) as Peter loves spicy food.

Read More ...

Pastoral Letter - August 2009

FAMILY

Dear Fellow Salvationists,

You are lifted to the Throne of Grace in prayer daily. Prayer is a recurring miracle that gives us direct access to our Maker and which bonds together those who trust in Jesus as their Saviour.

In my last Pastoral Letter (Letter Fourteen) I requested your prayers for the International Conference of Leaders. Now I record my deepest thanks to you for supporting this historic gathering in prayerful intercession. In the days leading up to the conference I received many written assurances of prayers and more have reached me since the gathering ended, making intercession for the ongoing impact of the deliberations. Those present certainly experienced a deep sense of being held and sustained by the prayers of many around the globe. We had a wonderful sense of unity right from the very beginning of our time together. Please note the 'Spiritual Statement to the Army' that has recently been issued on behalf of all who attended the conference. It is my hope that this Statement will be met with a tender and sensitive response by all who read and ponder it.

The Lord granted the International Conference of Leaders a true sense of being members together of the family of God.

The theme of this Pastoral Letter is Family.

Family is God's idea. He has planned the created world in such a way that we thrive best when family life is strong, protected and promoted by those in government. Serious social research shows that children do best, for example in health and in education, when they are raised by two parents, one male and one female, who through marriage are publicly committed to one another for life.

Marriage and family are inevitably interlinked. Alternative models of family life can be found on every hand these days, some arising out of marital breakdown, others the result of a deliberate choice to bring a child into the world out of wedlock. Statistical evidence tells us that these children face an uphill struggle to do well compared with children born within the sacred bond of traditional marriage.

When family life is strong, a nation is strong. Stable families are a pre-requisite of a stable social order. Secure family life results in lower crime rates, in fewer people serving time in prison, and in improved mental and emotional health. Family lies at the very heart of a stable social order.

In turn, stable family life delivers for most of us reliable love and personal security. The reliable love of parents, experienced by the child, opens up that child to experiencing and knowing the ultimate reliable love - that of the Creator. Recently we celebrated the birth of our fifth grandchild, Amos Paul Clifton. We are thankful that he will be raised in a secure family setting, giving him the best possible start in life and an opportunity to know and sense from his earliest days parental love modelled on the love of God.

Closely interwoven with strong family life are key areas of social policy that all governments should promote and protect. We need to pray for political leaders to be raised up who will have respect for life, who will work for decent housing for all, who will promote family-friendly practices in the workplace, and who will favour families and marriage in the shaping of taxation and other fiscal policies.

Families are the bedrock of our society, the setting within which we discover the essential human qualities of love, commitment, compassion and generosity.

Let us pray therefore that every family will be modelled on God's creation plan. Let us pray that Christian families will know daily the grace of God as the key ingredient in living and growing together. We can also pray that those seeking to undermine family life will be frustrated. We can pray that marriages will flourish and succeed even in the face of much modern pressure to the contrary.

We must pray too for much divine grace to attend those who presently find their marriages and their family life under strain. May they come through the storms stronger and more deeply committed to each precious relationship.

Finally, let us give thanks for the family of the Body of Christ, the family of believers within which we can also know reliable love and spiritual intimacy.

I commit you, yet again, to the perfect love of Christ.

Yours in Jesus,

Shaw Clifton

General

2009 July NewsLetter

My reflection – 5 years in Penang - by Major Francis Ng

How do you summed up 5 years in a page? Well, let me just say that God is good all the time! And all the peo-ple say: “All the time, God is good!”

Would I have chosen to come or would we have chosen to come to Penang to serve in our present ap-pointments? I heard someone said; “when given choices to man, the percentage of happiness drops against fixed choices by circum-stances and experiences!” There is a will and resilience for man to face his fixed choice or circumstances and make the most out of it.

Please, I hope you readers can un-derstand how in the Army, our lead-ers under God's grace and direction has appointed us here to serve in Penang and; we have been very blessed in living, serving and shar-ing our lives together with the peo-ple here in Penang. Of course, not without its challenges; and who in this world wouldn't have one or sev-eral in this world. And probably some of you are facing in this eco-nomic uncertainty, emotional stress, physical discomfort and other host of challenges.

Read more ...

Return to Roots

This 5 parts of the short video presentation remind us of how General William Booth call by God to start up The Salvation Army. We hope this video will inspire you as we ponder back this great man that move the world with God loves.

Today, The Salvation Army is presence in hundered over countries to continue General William Booth mission to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

Part 1 - or click here


Part 2 - or click here


Part 3 - or click here


Part 4 - or click here


Part 5 - or click here

A Spiritual Statement to All Salvationists

A Spiritual Statement to All Salvationists

The recent International Conference of Leaders, held in London, culminated in every member of the conference being invited to consider prayerfully the following Spiritual Statement.

On the final full day of the conference, a Sunday, those present signed the personal recommitment and rededication in the presence of one another, many doing so at the Mercy Seat.

A Spiritual Statement to Salvationists everywhere from the International Conference of Leaders gathered at Heathrow, London, England, 7-13 July 2009

Conference theme: 'Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and for ever' (Hebrews 13:8, New International Version)

A Spiritual Statement to the Salvationists of the world from the General, the World President of Women’s Ministries, the Chief of the Staff, all officers holding the active rank of commissioner, and the territorial and command leaders of The Salvation Army gathered in the name of Jesus Christ and by the grace of God in conference in London, England, on 7-13 July 2009.

STATEMENT

WE have gathered in the sacred name of Jesus from every corner of the world. In a spirit of humility we have given time to waiting upon God for his guidance for our own individual and personal lives and also for our sacred responsibilities as Salvation Army leaders under God. We have spent time seeking the will of God in plenary sessions together, in small groups focused upon the Scriptures, and in solitary prayer and meditation. Our subject matter has included the following large themes and topical issues for the whole Army:

- a reaffirmation of the role of the Army, of all Salvationists, and not least of Salvation Army officership, in the building of God’s Kingdom here on earth;
- the building up of God’s Kingdom through an ever-deepening commitment to Christ and personal confidence in the power of the gospel;
- working for Kingdom growth through the Army’s numerical growth and through the establishing of Army work and witness in new lands;
the Army’s God-given role in working for social relief, social justice and human rights on every continent;
- the challenges of financing the Army’s global mission at a time of global recession;
- the challenge of working in Muslim cultures today;
- understanding current societal trends in relation to postmodernism, issues of gender, the younger generation, and our relations with other Christian bodies;
- the ever-urgent need to win and disciple children and whole families for Christ;
- the constant need to prepare the future leaders of the Army on every continent.

Most importantly of all, we have prayed together with earnest and seeking hearts, asking God to reveal to us with new clarity all he is willing to accomplish through us despite our failings, both personal and organisational. We have pleaded for a renewed spirit of humility, surrender and submission to the divine will for us and for the Army.

We have pondered again before the Lord, who is the same yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews 13:8), a vision of the worldwide Salvation Army kneeling in repentance, prayer and rededication at the Mercy Seat. We have spoken together of all that this might mean for the Army, seeking new grace, new spiritual power, new divine prompting, and asking for and receiving afresh God’s mercy.

As we keep this vision before us, we give heartfelt thanks to God for his blessing upon his Army. We thank and honour him for souls redeemed, lives transformed, and a growing Army of Salvationists offering selfless service across the world. We praise God for the growing number of countries into which he is leading us. We pray for heavenly resources of wisdom and ability in order to meet the many new challenges and opportunities he is giving. We thank him for his constant provision and sustaining grace.

Also we affirm our conviction that, to be truly useful to God, the Army needs to be pure and free from sin, and that senior leaders must, by grace, be effective role models in this. We feel the urging of the Holy Spirit to examine our own hearts afresh to see if there be any wicked way within us. We want to yield again to the demands of divine love, to return to first things, to cast aside distractions unpleasing to God, and to be in a relation of entire obedience to the Father. We acknowledge our constant need of grace.

We renew our sacred vows and covenants as both soldiers and officers of the Army, thanking God from our hearts for the privilege of the calling he has placed upon us. We declare again our availability and our readiness, as senior officers, to go anywhere to do anything at any time under God and within the structures of the Army, seeking only the advancement of his Kingdom.
We acknowledge our humanity and weakness, seeking the unique strength that God provides when we are weak and he is strong. We confess our limitedness, knowing that God is all sufficient. We abandon explicitly any desire that has sprung up in our hearts to place self first.

We ask for the prayers of our fellow Salvationists to help us in this renewal of our covenants as soldiers and as officers, and in so doing we recognise our vulnerability and our personal need of divine help.

In sharing this Spiritual Statement with Salvationists everywhere, it is our hope and prayer that it will be received with humble and understanding hearts, and that by the abundant grace of God it will be used to inspire and prompt others to seek with us repentance, with renewed purity and holiness in Christ.

My Personal Recommitment and Rededication

By adding my signature to this Statement, I wish to identify personally with the spirit of repentance, humility and availability shown by my comrade Salvationist leaders gathered in conference with me in London. With renewed confidence in God, I pledge myself afresh to these shared goals of personal holiness and of seeking to do only his will in all things.

Announcements

Prayer Request:

Pray for Bro Neoh Ah How as he seek further treatment and therapy at Adventist Hospital.

Pray for Majors Francis and Mary who shall be attending Eagles Leadership at Singapore 20-26 July.

Pray for Bro Samuel Ooi outreach program ~ Art Class to be held for primary school children.

Pray for good weather, helpers, volunteer for the coming TSA Penang Flag Day Collection on 8th Aug & 5th Sept.


Event Taken Place:

11th July 1009, Cell group fellowship (pot blessed and bible sharing) held at TSA Penang Children Home. We had about 15 people who come all the way even there were heavy rain.
We thank God that make it all possible for all families safe journey home after the fellowship. Major Francis share with us "What made God smile". Bro Neoh Ah How also share with us his experiences how to trust God in all circumstances.

The SAY Fired up youth bible study was also conducted on a separate session by Carmen Ng. About 10 youth attended. Please pray for them that God will speak through his word to this young youth.

Coming up events:

Saturday 18 July 2009, Time 9:25am ~ 4:00pm
Bible conference: Life of Joseph ~ Overcoming Life's Challenges.
Venue: Trinity Methodist Church (Penang)
Speaker: Rev. Bill Crowder from Radio Bible Class

8 August & 5 September 2009 (Saturday's)
TSA Penang Flag Day collection.

Pastoral Letter - June 2009

Dear Fellow Salvationists,

This Pastoral Letter comes to you with my warmest greetings in the Lord Jesus Christ and with my prayers for each of you. The Lord is using the Army in wonderful ways. We seek to be faithful to the divine impulse to go out into the world representing Jesus Christ to all we meet. My constant prayer for you is that God will use you, just as he uses all who are faithful to him regardless of their denominational affiliation. My Fellow Salvationists, you are key players in a mighty Christian host of believers scattered across the globe. I hold you all before the Lord in prayer as I write to you. God has a part for you to play in his great plan of salvation.

The theme of this letter is Leadership.

There is a deep and true sense in which all Christians are leaders. Often we use the word 'leader' to mean a person in high position or with authority over others. This is a legitimate use of the word, but for now let me suggest that we can use it with a wider, more inclusive, meaning.

You are a leader just where God has placed you. You can influence other lives, leading people to consider the things of Christ. You can lead others into the realisation there is more to life than selfishness or the pursuit of pleasure. You can be the sanctified leader when someone suggests that you engage with them in some doubtful activity. You can lead when others do not sense someone's hurt, or another's need. You can take the lead when others stand by idly or are in confusion as to the way forward in a time of crisis.

To be a leader like this does not require a special rank or position, or any kind of formal authorisation. Each believer in Jesus is called to be a leader like this. All Christians are called to be leaders.

The very fact that we are known to be in the Army can sometimes make other people have expectations of us that mean we will often need to show initiative and leadership more than others. Our uniforms can result in expectations like this. There is a deep sense in which the wearing of Salvation Army uniform says to others that the wearer is ready to take responsibility in the unexpected moment, to take the lead in the unlikely situation.

In fact, there is a sense in which we are an Army of leaders. We each have a leadership function to carry out. Let us not minimise this or shrink from it out of shyness or fear. The Lord who calls us is able to accomplish through us everything he wills and wishes. The Holy Spirit is our guide and our helper.

Without diminishing in any way this 'leadership' role of all believers, let me also mention those who hold heavy leadership burdens in the Army because of their rank or appointment as officers. On Tuesday, 7 July 2009 London will host a gathering of the Army's most senior officers. An International Conference of Leaders like this takes place every few years. I seek your prayers for those who will gather with me. They are spiritual leaders like you, in the deep sense I have tried to outline above, but they are also leaders in the organisational sense in terms of the senior responsibilities they carry within the Army.

We shall number about 140 and will be together for seven days. Let me mention the two most important things we will do in that week: we will pray together, especially for you and your fellow Salvationists, and we will study the Scriptures together, waiting upon God for his divine direction and impulse.

We will also take a warm-hearted but hard-headed look at the state of the world, at the readiness of the Army in 118 countries to engage with the modern world, and at the need to see far into the future to discern God's way forward for his Salvation Army.

Please, please pray about this gathering. Let me give you the dates again: 7 - 13 July 2009. Perhaps you can enter these dates into your prayer diary or into your devotional schedule so that you can influence the deliberations through prayer. That would be wonderful! Perhaps you could covenant with the Lord to hold a particular participant, perhaps your own leader, before the Lord each day of the conference. What a difference you could make in that way!

God bless you in your own local leadership, both in your community and in your corps. Every soldier is a leader for God and the gospel. I pray that you will be used to lead others into faith in Jesus as their Saviour. I pray that you will be used to lead others eventually to their eternal reward when we shall see Jesus in Heaven. What a day that will be!

I commend you to the perfect love of Christ.

I pray for you daily.

Sincerely in Jesus,

Shaw Clifton

General

2009 June NewsLetter

Daniel Hor’s Story...

My name is Daniel Hor Chee Leung and I am 19 years old. I was born in Ipoh, but dur-ing my early childhood years, I lived with my parents in Johor. I have a younger brother and sister. When I was 8 years old, I started help-ing my parents at a Dim Sum shop in Johor Baru. When I was in Primary 4 (10 years old), someone from the So-cial Welfare Department came by and upon inspecting me, found cane marks along my back. My parents were reprimanded for this, and after that, my aunt from Penang brought me home to live with her. After staying with my aunt for a year, we were visited by Captain Leong and Mrs. G from the Salvation Army. After the visit, my aunt decided to place me in the Salvation Army’s Penang Children’s Home.

Read More ...

Freedom above all

Freedom above all

The mystery of the world abides in freedom: God desired freedom and freedom gave rise to tragedy in the world. Freedom is at the beginning and at the end. I might say that all my life I was engaged in hammering out a philosophy of freedom. I was moved by the basic conviction that God is truly present and operative only in freedom. Freedom alone should be recognised as possessing a sacred quality, whilst all the other things to which a sacred character has been assigned since history began ought to be made null and void. I found strength to renounce many things in life, but I have never renounced anything in the name of duty or out of obedience to precepts and prohibitions: I renounced for the sake of freedom, and, maybe, also out of compassion. Nothing could ever tie me down, and this, no doubt, has to some extent weakened my efficiency and diminished my possibilities of self-realisation. I always knew, however, that freedom gives birth to suffering, while the refusal to be free diminishes suffering. Freedom is not easy, as its enemies and slanders allege: freedom is hard; it is a heavy burden. All things in human life should born of freedom and pass through freedom and be rejected whenever they betray freedom. The true meaning and origin of the fallen condition of humanity is to be seen in the primordial rejection of freedom.

From Dream and Reality by Nicolas Berdyaev

Announcements

1. Pray for the following young people who have started the Junior Soldier’s Preparation class, Beyghan, Dennis, Jia Wei, Eng Chai, David. Ah Choong, Thomas and Raymond. They will be enrolled next Sunday 31 May.

2. Pray for Jack, Steven & Ash as they depart for Vocational training in Montfort Boys Town on 13 June 2009.

3. Pray for outreach program where an Art Class will be held for primary school children which will be conducted by Bro Samuel Ooi in June.

4. Bintulu Corps Youth Service team (24) visit to Penang 3-8 June 2009.

5. There will be an exciting children’s Holiday Program 4-6 June 9.00 am-4.30pm.

6. Youth Councils 6 June 5.00 pm-11.00pm, Sat.

7. Special Sunday meeting 7 June led by the youths with their corps officer Captain Tan Guat Hai.

2009 May NewsLetter

My Story...by Steven Ch’ng

My name is Steven Ch’ng, and I am originally from Sabah. When I was 7 or 8, my mother passed away and my father brought my elder brother, my sister and me to stay with a relative in Ipoh, while he went to Penang to work. He also placed my younger brother who was 2 or 3 at the time, in a day care in Penang. My father would visit us for 2 or 3 days each month at the time.

In Ipoh, we were placed under the care of an uncle who was taking drugs at the time. My uncle wanted us to work as panhandlers, but we refused.

... Read More

Announcements

Here are some updates:

1) Thanks to all who helped in the jumble collection for Uganda project which brought in a total of RM1,400

2) We are pleased to announce a warm gross income of RM37,000 from the TSA Children Home Open Day 2009

TSA Children Home Open Day 2009

Few photos taken from the TSA Children Home Open Day 2009

Album

2009 April NewsLetter

For this month release, we have a long list of events happening. From testimonial, good friday, new soldiers enrollment, TSA Penang Boys home open day, more.

Read more...

Announcements

2 May 2009:
Jumble collection, 2009 Helping Hand Appeal for Uganda

8~10 May 2009
Young People Worker Retreat 2009 @ Praisehaven 500 Upper Bukit Timad Road, Singapore

2 ~ 8 June 2009:
Visit of Bintulu Corps Youth Service Team to Penang Corps

5 ~ 7 June 2009:
Territorial Women's Minitry Camp @ Hotel Sri Malaysia Melaka.
RM240/pax excluding transport.

Contact Major Francis for more information.

Helping Hand Appeal for Uganda ~ 2 May 2009

We are having a jumble collection on 2 May 2009 for the helping hand appeal for Uganda.

We are looking for volunteer from all areas to help us in this project.

You may also want to donate your old usable items for this helping hand project.



Kindly contact Major Francis and Major Mary for further information.

New Year Eve 2009 Celebration

Picture of New Year Eve 2009 ~ Celebration
(-- delayed publication --)



Click here for more photos

Christmas 2008

Picture of Christmas 2008 ~ Celebration
(-- delayed publication --)




Click here for more photos @ Penang Corps




Click here for more photos @ TSA Boys Home

Carolling 2008

Picture of Carolling 2008 by SA Penang Corps and Boys Home
(-- delayed publication --)



Click here for more photos

Quit Time Seminar

Venue:
The Salvation Army, Penang Corps
53 Perak Road
10150, Georgetown, Penang

Date: 25th April 2009
Time: 8pm ~ 10pm

No Registration Fees!
Only need to purchase a Devotional Guide





Material's Cost:
Scripture Union Bible Bytes Vol 12 - RM4
90-Days Devotional Guide for Youths

Scripture Union Asian Reflections Yr. 4 Vol 1 - RM18
Devotional Guide for Adults (Jan-Jun)

For more information, contact:
Major Francis Ng
012 - 405 2430 / 04 - 229 0921
penang_corps @ smm.salvationarmy.org

Announcements

We look forward to you joining us as one family of God.

Immediate

Our condolences and prayer request for sister Fiona Loh & her family on the passing away of their mother 2 weeks ago.

April 2009

1) CCM Combined Good Friday Service 10 April 8.00 pm @ Wesley Methodist Church.

2) This year’s Open Day will be held on April 18 from 9am-3pm, at the Penang Children’s Home. Coupons are available for sale, and we are looking for sponsors for the stalls.

3) We will be having a Quiet Time/Devotional workshop by SUFES on April 25 at 8pm, Jimmy Wang conducting.

May 2009

There will be a jumble collection on May 2, for the 2009 Helping Hand Appeal for Uganda.

Young People Worker Retreat from May 8-10, venue PraiseHaven, Singapore.

2009 March NewsLetter

On Being a Sunday School Teacher… By Loo-Thoe Tan.

About 5 years ago, I signed up as a Sunday School teacher for the Penang Corps. I felt that I could contribute in this minis-try and that the task would not be too formidable. Was I in for a big surprise! Here is the description on the role and respon-sibility of a Sunday School teacher, that I have learned from the Bible (quotes taken from NIrV version).

Sharing God words by Brother Jimmy - Love (1 Corinthians 13)

Read More..

Announcements

Events & High-lights

• Major Francis is cur-rently away on assign-ment in Myanmar. Please continue to pray for a safe and fruitful mission for him.



• Feb 14-15: Majors Bob and Wendy Lee conducted a Bible Study with us on Val-entine’s Day, and also led the Sunday Ser-vice & sermon. Thank you, Majors !



• Feb 22: Brother Paul Ong preached on our need for God’s Holy Spirit to keep the fire burning in our hearts and grow the church. Thank you, Paul!


Commissioners David and Grace Bringans, our territorial commanders, were with us on Feb 8 and announced their upcoming (July 1) appointments as territorial leaders of the Mexico Territory. Comm. David Bringans shared with the congregation that we are not only to do good, but to obey God. Comm. Grace Bringans urged the congregation to be a blessing to others even in little ways, in line with our vision this year to “Go and Make Disciples NOW!”. We thank our leaders for their love and teachings over the years and wish them every blessing in Christ Jesus. God bless you, Comm. David & Grace Bringans

2009 February Newsletter

Jack’s Story...

At age 17 and going on 18, Jack is among the oldest boys staying at the Penang Children’s Home. Shy and soft-spoken by nature, his congenial personality has also added to his many like-able traits. In this issue, Jack shares with us his family history, his experience with God and his aspirations for the future...

Read more...

Pastoral Letter - Feb 2009

MIRACLES

Dear Fellow Salvationists,

Greetings in Christ from London!

As this is the first Pastoral Letter of the New Year, Commissioner Helen Clifton joins me in wishing you all a very happy and blessed 2009. May it be a year when God draws very near to you, and you to him.

Do you believe in miracles? I most definitely do. Miracles take place all the time, but often we miss them or fail to recognise them. Recently I held a new born child. His name was Oscar and he was perfectly formed. He felt soft, tiny, and vulnerable. He was a miracle of new life. Everyone around him grew softer in their spirits and even in their body language - another everyday miracle.

At Christmas we met in person our youngest grandchild, Lincoln, in New Zealand. He had never met us during his 16 months of life. His first smile to us was a miracle of beauty. It communicated things to us no words can convey. It touched us deep within ourselves in ways that cannot be explained - another miracle.

At the other end of life there are miracles too. When my father was promoted to Glory in 2006 we witnessed the miracle of 'dying grace' as the Lord ministered to him in his final hours. Just a week ago a good family friend and fellow Salvationist related to us the evidence of the same 'dying grace' that fell upon her dear husband at the end. Miracles of grace!

We need never wrestle with the accounts in Scripture of miracles. We need never doubt the truth of what is recorded for us about the actions of Jesus. Once we know who Jesus is, instead of doubting the miracles we ought to be positively expecting them! It is just the same today. We know who he is, and we ought to expect miracles as an everyday thing.

Every coming to faith in Jesus Christ is a miracle of grace. Transforming a rebel against God into a prayerful, loving child of God is a miracle beyond compare. Then there are the continuous miracles of growing in grace: letting go of anger and embracing peace; rejecting the temptations of the world and preferring purity; dethroning self and living for others; replacing old, worn out ambitions with the perfect will of God for our lives.

Let me share with you what General Bramwell Booth once wrote about the miracle of a changed life:

The change of nature or character, which we undoubtedly see in some of God's people, is a true miracle. Here is one of the permanent wonders of God's dealing with us. We are not only made correct in outward acts, but changed in tastes, in desire, in preference - that is, in our very nature. When we see those who have from their youth up been accustomed to do and be evil, changed to do and love what is good, we are compelled to exclaim: 'This is none other than the work of the Holy Spirit! Behold, God is here!'

Exactly so - God is here - and therefore miracles are present too.

A prayer we can all use:

'Loving Heavenly Father, you have come among us in the person of Jesus Christ, your Son. Please stay with us. Do not abandon us to the world. Reveal yourself in love among us. Graciously indwell us by your Holy Spirit. Open our eyes to see you constantly at work. Help us to recognise the miraculous amid the everyday. Father God, please go on working your miracles of grace in me, using me more and more to your glory. Let me be one of your miracles of grace, and please do not ever cease to work in me to change me more and more into all you want me to be, so that one day I will be made ready to live with you in Heaven and to hear you say, Well done! Amen.'

I commend you all to the perfect love of Christ.

God bless and keep you.

Shaw Clifton

General

February 2009

Announcements

Happy Chinese New Year to all our Chinese parishioners & visitors !

Candidate Andrew Lo leaves us after a stay of 6 months to attend SFOT in Singapore. Our thanks and praise to God for his service of faith in Penang. Take care Andrew !!!

Please pray for Major Francis as he awaits his visa approval for his upcoming Myanmar visit to assist with the reconstruction effort after the recent cyclone devastation.

January 25 : Bro. Paul Ong will be preaching at Sunday Service. Our big “thank you” for coming all the way from Melaka for this.

February 7-8 : TC Commissioners David & Grace Bringans will be visiting Penang, a very warm welcome to both of them !

February 8 : Invitation to brother Chin Kheng’s CNY open house, our favorite church tradition... :)