Captain Catherine Smith looks at how to cope with change and challenge
STUDY PASSAGE HEBREWS CHAPTER 11
‘IN this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes,’ wrote Benjamin Franklin. How gloomy! As Christians who live in a constantly changing world, we can celebrate a greater conviction. Hebrews chapter 11 gives us a team of people to demonstrate how to face change and challenge through faith.
Abel (v4) discerned a right way even before direction was given. His testimony lives on today.
Enoch (vv5 and 6) pleased God by looking for and walking well with him, even in a terrible society.
We find faith as we seek Jesus. We see such conviction expressed by King David when he says to his son: ‘And you, my son Solomon, acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind… If you seek him, he will be found by you’ (1 Chronicles 28:9 all quotations from New International Version).
Noah (v7) acted in ‘holy fear’ and was prepared, in spite of those who mocked him.
Abraham obeyed (vv8–12; 17–19). He went to an unknown earthly destination inspired by his heavenly home. He trusted God to make the impossible possible. He was willing to sacrifice his most precious gift because he knew God’s faithfulness.
Isaac, Jacob and Joseph (vv 20–22) prophesied to a future generation. We need to pass on God’s gifts to the next generation to demonstrate our commitment to God’s continuing plan.
Jacob (v21) worshipped God. As we position ourselves in his presence, we are assured by the one who is ‘the Beginning and the End’ (Revelation 22:13).
The parents of Moses (v23) took a great risk in the face of danger. ‘Perfect love drives out fear’ (1 John 4:18).
Moses (vv24–29) himself persevered through many uncertain challenges because he saw the invisible things of God as though they were visible. Asking God for a picture of his certain truths can give us the assurance we need to face uncertain days ahead.
A boy was listening to the story of the Israelites crossing the Red Sea. ‘Hallelujah!’ he shouted. The teacher was irritated by the disturbance: ‘What is it?’
‘Wow!’ said the boy. ‘God is amazing. He pushed back the sea to let the people through.’
‘Don’t be silly,’ said the teacher. ‘All that can be explained by science. The water was much more like a puddle than an ocean.’ The teacher continued telling how the Egyptians were swallowed up as they pursued the Israelites. Again, the boy shouted out, ‘Hallelujah!’
‘What is it now?’ asked the exasperated teacher. ‘Praise God! He managed to swallow up a whole army in a puddle!’
Our certainty comes from our perspective and confidence in the living God.
Rahab (v31) is mentioned for her obedience. Most only knew her as a pagan prostitute. God is not discriminative in who he uses. In this team, there are men and women of every background. Rahab was not trusted by anyone, and without doubt found it hard to trust others. But she discovered that she could trust God’s certain leadings.
Can we say we have trust, hope, confidence, belief and certainty when redundancy is threatened and finances are challenged; when our children are mixing with unhelpful influences; when people doubt us and disgrace us? Can we keep going when the pain feels too much and the anxiety is overbearing?
Our team of witnesses encourage us to say we can be certain, and picture Jesus who ‘is the same yesterday and today and forever’ (Hebrews 13:8).
As we face change and uncertainty in our communities, churches, families and workplaces, take direction from Hebrews 12:1–3: ‘Since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.’
When facing areas of uncertainty, take one or two of the characters mentioned in our study passage and, using the principles they learnt, pray and push on through your own circumstances.
Take hold of the promises of God which are ‘Yes’ and ‘Amen’ (2 Corinthians 1:20). And finally, look to Jesus himself.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Announcements
1. Prayer Ministry
Date: 25 Mar 2011 Time: 8:15pm Venue: Fred & Alice Home
Please come and intercede for others and our Church.
2. Flag Day
Date: 26 Mar 2011 (Saturday), street collection, need your full support
3. Youth Fellowship
Date: 27 Mar 2011. Time: 7:30pm Venue: Corps Worship Hall. All youth please are welcome.
4. Good Friday Service
Date: 22 Apr 2011. Time: 8:00pm Venue: Corps Worship Hall.
Jesus said: "Do this in remembrance of me!"
Date: 25 Mar 2011 Time: 8:15pm Venue: Fred & Alice Home
Please come and intercede for others and our Church.
2. Flag Day
Date: 26 Mar 2011 (Saturday), street collection, need your full support
3. Youth Fellowship
Date: 27 Mar 2011. Time: 7:30pm Venue: Corps Worship Hall. All youth please are welcome.
4. Good Friday Service
Date: 22 Apr 2011. Time: 8:00pm Venue: Corps Worship Hall.
Jesus said: "Do this in remembrance of me!"
Prayer Request
1. Pray for General Gowans (R) undergo surgery for a broken hip bone.
2. Pray for Japan and Christ Church on earthquake victim and restoration effort.
3. Pray for Brother Chew Pong Hoe (Ah Boy) for his health.
3. Pray for Sarawak Election.
4. Pray for Flag Day, Volunteers and Collection
2. Pray for Japan and Christ Church on earthquake victim and restoration effort.
3. Pray for Brother Chew Pong Hoe (Ah Boy) for his health.
3. Pray for Sarawak Election.
4. Pray for Flag Day, Volunteers and Collection
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Friday, March 4, 2011
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Winning the World
Colonel David Guy concludes his four-part series on The Temptations Of Jesus
AS a boy I learnt the old directory passage that asked, ‘Is it honourable to fight as a Salvation Army soldier?’, and also the answer, ‘It is highly honourable to fight as a Salvation Army soldier because The Salvation Army is at war with the world, the flesh and the Devil.’
Had the writers of that last phrase taken note of the order of our Lord’s temptations in Matthew 4:1–11 they might have said ‘the flesh, the world and the Devil’. In those verses we have first the temptation to turn stones into bread and satisfy the legitimate need of the body in an illegitimate way; then the temptation to impress and dazzle and win applause; and thirdly, the temptation in which the Devil demands first place as the price of success.
Luke alters the order by placing the offer of the kingdoms of the world second and the suggestion about jumping off the Temple pinnacle last (4:1–13). Some scholars argue that Luke’s order is the more logical; it is after a man or woman has gained top place that they are tempted to ‘shine’. Others point out that human beings are tempted to show off so that they have a better chance to gain top place.
I love Luke’s Gospel, but in these reflections I follow Matthew’s order – partly because it seems to me that the offer of the kingdoms of the world represents a natural climax to these temptations, and partly because in this ultimate test Satan throws off all disguise.
When suggesting that stones be turned into bread, the Devil poses as the voice of friendly concern. When Jesus counters this by quoting from Deuteronomy 8:3, Satan frames the second temptation in a specious framework of apparent piety. Paul declares that Satan ‘masquerades as an angel of light’ (2 Corinthians 11:14 all quotations from New International Version) by quoting Scripture to suit his own purpose.
But when Jesus quotes Scripture back (Matthew 4:7) Satan appears to throw away religion and make a direct onslaught, with no attempt to justify it from sacred writings. No longer trying to conceal his identity, the tempter talks directly about what ‘I will give you… if you will bow down and worship me’ (4:9). ‘Never mind the Lord your God,’ he seems to almost snarl, ‘I am the one you need to do business with. I can give you power to make the world a better place – for that is what you are dreaming of doing – because I am the one who really runs things in human society. Give first place to me and political power and military might will all be yours.’
This was, perhaps, the greatest temptation because it makes such an overwhelming appeal to human nature. Each temptation was linked with the mission of Jesus, to bring in the Kingdom of God on earth – and this third test was directed towards that very desire, to change the world for the better.
History is studded with examples of gifted men and women who – inspired at the start of their careers by high ideals and humanitarian concern – yielded to this very temptation. And they ended up corrupted or confused, abandoning their earlier ideals and principles. This has happened at top military and political levels, in municipal and business life and even in organised religion. It seems to work, but fails in the end.
You cannot bring in God’s Kingdom using the Devil’s methods. The way that Jesus followed – long, seeming to end in failure but concluding in resurrection – is, in reality, the only way.
Satan made a tactical mistake in throwing off his disguise. Jesus makes a suitably robust reply: ‘Away from me, Satan!’ (Matthew 4:10), and quotes again from Deuteronomy (see 6:13): ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’
And the Devil did as he was told! He cleared off – for a while (Luke 4:13). Having won that great initial victory, Jesus could begin the great saving work that only he could do.
What of you and me, who do not know God as intimately as his only begotten Son did? Can the command to worship and serve God mean anything to us?
I think it can, for in Jesus we see the Father that otherwise we might only doubt or fear (see John 14:9). This makes obedience to the command in Deuteronomy a glorious possibility.
• Colonel Guy worships at Bromley Corps in retirement
AS a boy I learnt the old directory passage that asked, ‘Is it honourable to fight as a Salvation Army soldier?’, and also the answer, ‘It is highly honourable to fight as a Salvation Army soldier because The Salvation Army is at war with the world, the flesh and the Devil.’
Had the writers of that last phrase taken note of the order of our Lord’s temptations in Matthew 4:1–11 they might have said ‘the flesh, the world and the Devil’. In those verses we have first the temptation to turn stones into bread and satisfy the legitimate need of the body in an illegitimate way; then the temptation to impress and dazzle and win applause; and thirdly, the temptation in which the Devil demands first place as the price of success.
Luke alters the order by placing the offer of the kingdoms of the world second and the suggestion about jumping off the Temple pinnacle last (4:1–13). Some scholars argue that Luke’s order is the more logical; it is after a man or woman has gained top place that they are tempted to ‘shine’. Others point out that human beings are tempted to show off so that they have a better chance to gain top place.
I love Luke’s Gospel, but in these reflections I follow Matthew’s order – partly because it seems to me that the offer of the kingdoms of the world represents a natural climax to these temptations, and partly because in this ultimate test Satan throws off all disguise.
When suggesting that stones be turned into bread, the Devil poses as the voice of friendly concern. When Jesus counters this by quoting from Deuteronomy 8:3, Satan frames the second temptation in a specious framework of apparent piety. Paul declares that Satan ‘masquerades as an angel of light’ (2 Corinthians 11:14 all quotations from New International Version) by quoting Scripture to suit his own purpose.
But when Jesus quotes Scripture back (Matthew 4:7) Satan appears to throw away religion and make a direct onslaught, with no attempt to justify it from sacred writings. No longer trying to conceal his identity, the tempter talks directly about what ‘I will give you… if you will bow down and worship me’ (4:9). ‘Never mind the Lord your God,’ he seems to almost snarl, ‘I am the one you need to do business with. I can give you power to make the world a better place – for that is what you are dreaming of doing – because I am the one who really runs things in human society. Give first place to me and political power and military might will all be yours.’
This was, perhaps, the greatest temptation because it makes such an overwhelming appeal to human nature. Each temptation was linked with the mission of Jesus, to bring in the Kingdom of God on earth – and this third test was directed towards that very desire, to change the world for the better.
History is studded with examples of gifted men and women who – inspired at the start of their careers by high ideals and humanitarian concern – yielded to this very temptation. And they ended up corrupted or confused, abandoning their earlier ideals and principles. This has happened at top military and political levels, in municipal and business life and even in organised religion. It seems to work, but fails in the end.
You cannot bring in God’s Kingdom using the Devil’s methods. The way that Jesus followed – long, seeming to end in failure but concluding in resurrection – is, in reality, the only way.
Satan made a tactical mistake in throwing off his disguise. Jesus makes a suitably robust reply: ‘Away from me, Satan!’ (Matthew 4:10), and quotes again from Deuteronomy (see 6:13): ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’
And the Devil did as he was told! He cleared off – for a while (Luke 4:13). Having won that great initial victory, Jesus could begin the great saving work that only he could do.
What of you and me, who do not know God as intimately as his only begotten Son did? Can the command to worship and serve God mean anything to us?
I think it can, for in Jesus we see the Father that otherwise we might only doubt or fear (see John 14:9). This makes obedience to the command in Deuteronomy a glorious possibility.
• Colonel Guy worships at Bromley Corps in retirement
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Announcements
1. World Day of Prayer
Date: 4 March 2011 Time: 8:00pm Venue: Wesley Methodist Church.
All are welcome to joined. Adult Cell Group will be joining this programme.
2. Prayer Ministry
Date: 11 Mar 2011 Time: 8:15pm Venue: Corps Community Hall
Please let us hav your prater requests.
3. Flag Day
Date: 5 & 26 Mar 2011 (2 sataurday of street collection). 21 til 25 March will be going to Butterworth School to distribute Flag Day tins, volunteers needed.
4. Bananna Leaf Ministry
Date: 12 Mar 2011. Time: 11:00am Venue: Community Hall. Volunteers needed. Please contact Bro Tan.
5. Hallelujah Singers Concert
Date: 19 Mar 2011. Time: 8:00pm Venue: St. Georges Church. All are welcome.
Date: 4 March 2011 Time: 8:00pm Venue: Wesley Methodist Church.
All are welcome to joined. Adult Cell Group will be joining this programme.
2. Prayer Ministry
Date: 11 Mar 2011 Time: 8:15pm Venue: Corps Community Hall
Please let us hav your prater requests.
3. Flag Day
Date: 5 & 26 Mar 2011 (2 sataurday of street collection). 21 til 25 March will be going to Butterworth School to distribute Flag Day tins, volunteers needed.
4. Bananna Leaf Ministry
Date: 12 Mar 2011. Time: 11:00am Venue: Community Hall. Volunteers needed. Please contact Bro Tan.
5. Hallelujah Singers Concert
Date: 19 Mar 2011. Time: 8:00pm Venue: St. Georges Church. All are welcome.
Prayer Request
1. Pray for Jonathan Lim on his final exam
2. Pray for Christchurch, New Zealand on recent earthquake.
3. Pray for polictical situation in Libya.
3. Pray for Susan on her exam in 2 weeks time.
4. Pray for Flag Day, Volunteers and Collection
2. Pray for Christchurch, New Zealand on recent earthquake.
3. Pray for polictical situation in Libya.
3. Pray for Susan on her exam in 2 weeks time.
4. Pray for Flag Day, Volunteers and Collection
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Friday, February 25, 2011
CNY Reunion Dinner Feb 2011
CNY Reunion Dinner was recently held on Feb 2011. Corps members, families and friends came together and have steamboat dinner. Each family brought some food to share. There were games and CNY sharing session by Capt Tan regarding "Fong Shui" and Christianity.
Click here for more picture
Click here for more picture
Monday, February 21, 2011
Announcements
1. Prayer Ministry
Date: 25 Feb 2011 Time: 8:15pm Venue: Corps Worship Hall
2. Corps Sport & Outing
Date: 26 Feb 2011 Time: 8:00am Venue: Jubilee Hall. Breakfast on Dutch.
3. Ladies Fellowship
Date: 26 Feb 2011 Time: 4:30pm Venue: Corps. Sharing in cooking.
4. Flag Day
Date: 5 & 26 Mar 2011 (2 sataurday of street collection). 21 til 25 March will be going to Butterworth School to distribute Flag Day tins, volunteers needed.
5. Bananna Leaf Ministry
Date: 12 Mar 2011. Time: 11:00am Venue: Community Hall. Volunteers needed. Please contact Bro Tan.
6. World Day of Prayer
Date: 4 March 2011 Time: 8:00pm Venue: Wesley Methodist Church. All are welcome to joined.
Date: 25 Feb 2011 Time: 8:15pm Venue: Corps Worship Hall
2. Corps Sport & Outing
Date: 26 Feb 2011 Time: 8:00am Venue: Jubilee Hall. Breakfast on Dutch.
3. Ladies Fellowship
Date: 26 Feb 2011 Time: 4:30pm Venue: Corps. Sharing in cooking.
4. Flag Day
Date: 5 & 26 Mar 2011 (2 sataurday of street collection). 21 til 25 March will be going to Butterworth School to distribute Flag Day tins, volunteers needed.
5. Bananna Leaf Ministry
Date: 12 Mar 2011. Time: 11:00am Venue: Community Hall. Volunteers needed. Please contact Bro Tan.
6. World Day of Prayer
Date: 4 March 2011 Time: 8:00pm Venue: Wesley Methodist Church. All are welcome to joined.
Prayer Request
1. Pray for Jonathan Lim on his final exam
2. Pray for Banana Leaf ministry
3. Pray for Corps Youth Ministry
4. Pray for Flag Day, Volunteers and Collection
2. Pray for Banana Leaf ministry
3. Pray for Corps Youth Ministry
4. Pray for Flag Day, Volunteers and Collection
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Pastoral Letter - CHOICES
Dear Fellow Salvationists,
This is my penultimate Pastoral Letter and it is sent to you together with my esteem in Christ and my constant prayers for you. Commissioner Helen Clifton joins me in thanking you for your many and faithful prayers for us. We are richer in grace because of your prayers.
The theme of my Letter is 'Choices'.
As I compile this message to you the 2011 High Council has recently concluded its sacred business of choosing, by election, my successor. Gathered at Sunbury Court near London, the 109 officer-members of the High Council (57 women and 52 men) have chosen Commissioner Linda Bond to be the 19th General of The Salvation Army. She will take office on 2 April 2011. We surround her with our love in Christ and our prayers.
I know you will intercede for her constantly, as you have for me. God bless the General-Elect! She has been chosen in an atmosphere of prayerfulness and of waiting upon God. Yes, she has been chosen by human election, but we believe she has also been called by God to serve faithfully and to lead us all into a future that will be victorious for the cause of Christ and the Kingdom of God.
Now this prompts me to say that we who follow Jesus have all been called and chosen to be his instruments. The Bible tells us so. We have been chosen by a loving Saviour. In John 15:19 (I am using the Contemporary English Version - CEV - in this Letter) Jesus tells his disciples: 'You don't belong to the world. I have chosen you to leave the world behind.' Being chosen by Christ, because first we have chosen to follow him as our Saviour, means that the world no longer has any hold on us.
No longer do we take heed of the worldly voices that surround us so constantly. This is because we have chosen to listen to the Lord. He speaks, and we are helped and guided. Sometimes, however, we seem to be so busy that the voice of the Lord gets crowded out. I think of Martha and Mary in Bethany. Martha was active and busy, doing the many things that indeed needed to be done, but Mary took time to sit at the feet of Jesus and listen to him speaking. 'Mary has chosen what is best,' said Jesus (Luke 10:42).
What is your habit in choosing how to use your time? Are you constantly busy? Does it seem as though the things you need to do never come to an end? I urge you not to crowd out your personal time with the Lord. Take time to slow down and to sit at his feet like Mary did, to listen, and to take in what he has for you. In doing so, you will grow to be like him more and more.
In Psalm 65:4 David prays to the Lord and says: 'You bless your chosen ones, and you invite them to live near you.' Here again we see the clear connection between being chosen by God and being close to him.
I pray that you will grow nearer and nearer to the One who has chosen you to be his own. May you sense his love surrounding and filling you. May others grow aware that you are close to him, making them want that closeness too.
I pray also that the peace of Christ will fill you day by day, moment by moment.
I pray that the whole Army will experience a fresh infilling of heavenly grace. I know you will seek that for yourself, and I rely on you to ask Almighty God to grant the same in glorious abundance to the General-Elect.
God be with you each one.
Sincerely in him,
Shaw Clifton
General
This is my penultimate Pastoral Letter and it is sent to you together with my esteem in Christ and my constant prayers for you. Commissioner Helen Clifton joins me in thanking you for your many and faithful prayers for us. We are richer in grace because of your prayers.
The theme of my Letter is 'Choices'.
As I compile this message to you the 2011 High Council has recently concluded its sacred business of choosing, by election, my successor. Gathered at Sunbury Court near London, the 109 officer-members of the High Council (57 women and 52 men) have chosen Commissioner Linda Bond to be the 19th General of The Salvation Army. She will take office on 2 April 2011. We surround her with our love in Christ and our prayers.
I know you will intercede for her constantly, as you have for me. God bless the General-Elect! She has been chosen in an atmosphere of prayerfulness and of waiting upon God. Yes, she has been chosen by human election, but we believe she has also been called by God to serve faithfully and to lead us all into a future that will be victorious for the cause of Christ and the Kingdom of God.
Now this prompts me to say that we who follow Jesus have all been called and chosen to be his instruments. The Bible tells us so. We have been chosen by a loving Saviour. In John 15:19 (I am using the Contemporary English Version - CEV - in this Letter) Jesus tells his disciples: 'You don't belong to the world. I have chosen you to leave the world behind.' Being chosen by Christ, because first we have chosen to follow him as our Saviour, means that the world no longer has any hold on us.
No longer do we take heed of the worldly voices that surround us so constantly. This is because we have chosen to listen to the Lord. He speaks, and we are helped and guided. Sometimes, however, we seem to be so busy that the voice of the Lord gets crowded out. I think of Martha and Mary in Bethany. Martha was active and busy, doing the many things that indeed needed to be done, but Mary took time to sit at the feet of Jesus and listen to him speaking. 'Mary has chosen what is best,' said Jesus (Luke 10:42).
What is your habit in choosing how to use your time? Are you constantly busy? Does it seem as though the things you need to do never come to an end? I urge you not to crowd out your personal time with the Lord. Take time to slow down and to sit at his feet like Mary did, to listen, and to take in what he has for you. In doing so, you will grow to be like him more and more.
In Psalm 65:4 David prays to the Lord and says: 'You bless your chosen ones, and you invite them to live near you.' Here again we see the clear connection between being chosen by God and being close to him.
I pray that you will grow nearer and nearer to the One who has chosen you to be his own. May you sense his love surrounding and filling you. May others grow aware that you are close to him, making them want that closeness too.
I pray also that the peace of Christ will fill you day by day, moment by moment.
I pray that the whole Army will experience a fresh infilling of heavenly grace. I know you will seek that for yourself, and I rely on you to ask Almighty God to grant the same in glorious abundance to the General-Elect.
God be with you each one.
Sincerely in him,
Shaw Clifton
General
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Prayer Requests
1. Pray for Chinese New Year Reunion Dinner on 11 Feb 2011
2. Pray for our Corps 2011 programmes and ministries.
3. Pray for the High Council and election of new General.
4. Pray for Senioe Citizen's gathering on 12 Feb 2011
5. Pray for Cheryl for job opportunity
6. Pray for Youth Ministry starting on 13 Feb 2011
2. Pray for our Corps 2011 programmes and ministries.
3. Pray for the High Council and election of new General.
4. Pray for Senioe Citizen's gathering on 12 Feb 2011
5. Pray for Cheryl for job opportunity
6. Pray for Youth Ministry starting on 13 Feb 2011
Announcements
1. Chinese New Year Reunion Dinner
Date: 11 Feb 2011 Time: 7:30pm Venue: Corps Community Hall Food: Pot Bless Steamboat. (Bring enough to share and bring your friends).
2. Senior Citizen's Breakfast
Date: 12 Feb 2011 Time: 8:00am Venue: Macalister Road
Senior are most welcome to join us. Please give your name to Capt Brenda Tan. Volunteer as always welcome.
3. Ang Bao Sunday
Date: 13 Feb 2011, there will be 2 offering on that Sunday. Ang Bao offering collected will be giving to Candidates Fund.
4. Open House
Date: 13 Feb 2011 Time: After Church Venue: Bro Chin Kheng home. All are welcome to joined.
Please inform Bro Chin Kheng of your attendance. Thank you.
5. World Day of Prayer
Date: 4 March 2011 Time: 8:00pm Venue: Wesley Methodist Church. All are welcome to joined.
Date: 11 Feb 2011 Time: 7:30pm Venue: Corps Community Hall Food: Pot Bless Steamboat. (Bring enough to share and bring your friends).
2. Senior Citizen's Breakfast
Date: 12 Feb 2011 Time: 8:00am Venue: Macalister Road
Senior are most welcome to join us. Please give your name to Capt Brenda Tan. Volunteer as always welcome.
3. Ang Bao Sunday
Date: 13 Feb 2011, there will be 2 offering on that Sunday. Ang Bao offering collected will be giving to Candidates Fund.
4. Open House
Date: 13 Feb 2011 Time: After Church Venue: Bro Chin Kheng home. All are welcome to joined.
Please inform Bro Chin Kheng of your attendance. Thank you.
5. World Day of Prayer
Date: 4 March 2011 Time: 8:00pm Venue: Wesley Methodist Church. All are welcome to joined.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Children are the shape of the Kingdom
The first in a two-part feature adapted from a keynote address given at Soul Pursuit by the Territorial Commander and Commissioner Betty Matear
AS a territory we know that our strategic mission objective is to make disciples – save souls, grow saints and serve suffering humanity. This is in line with the Great Commission. And we must ensure that we are not guilty of the Great Omission when it comes to children and young people.
Our mission objective is set firmly to all ages. Children are hugely significant in our mission. If we don’t reach them when they are young, it is likely they will live without Christ. We take seriously the capacity of children to have an authentic Christian experience. Having children within the corps strengthens its mission. We reach into people’s homes and lives because we have a connection with their children. When we share with parents the junior soldier’s promise regarding ‘a life that is clean in thought, word and deed’ they are glad to have someone who shares the agenda they have. We want the best for their children as they do. This is clear and transparent.
The time we have is critical and urgent. Gabriela Mistral writes: ‘We are guilty of many errors and many faults but our worst crime is abandoning the children, neglecting the fountain of life. Many of the things we need can wait. The child cannot. Right now is the time his bones are being formed, his blood is being made and his senses are being developed. To him we cannot answer “Tomorrow”. His name is “Today”.’
Most adults came to faith in childhood. The key message is to ‘aim lower and think smaller’ – target children and recognise the part they have to play in the Great Commission.
We bring children to meetings, put them through Army activities but, for some, religion and faith are external experiences. It is always the work of the Holy Spirit to touch their heart and soul. Our soul pursuit is to pass on faith and salvation to the next generation.
In today’s society, among young and old, there is a depleting reservoir of Christian knowledge. Where do children learn their values? The contemporary world is dominated by individualism, consumerism and so many moral complexities. Children are turned into consumers and performers, exposed to sexualised advertising and pressurised to succeed. Childhood is brief and can be an anxious and difficult time. Children and young people are troubled by such things as income inequality, competition in school, unprincipled advertising and family break-up. What burdens to be carried! Childhood events shape lives for better or worse; we know that – it has shaped ours. Since so many of us found our faith as children we do not need convincing that this is time critical – Kingdom critical.
We are called to provide stepping stones to faith and to demonstrate God’s love and care. It is a good start to provide a place, activity and relationship that is safe, secure, caring, relaxed and friendly. A healthy community is one in which children thrive.
We live in an age of mistrust, where media reporting and legislation make many people wary of engaging with children. Indeed, our actions as adults can have a profound impact on children’s wellbeing. Childhood is multilayered and it is a foundation on which the future of our Army and the Church rests.
Children’s spirituality can be nurtured around the most valuable resource: people committed to their best development. The key to our mission among young people is adults who listen, see and reflect back the questions, the fears, the hopes – giving a faith context to apply biblical truth and make it relevant.
Childhood is different in 2011. Education is different. When we were at school we barely had calculators let alone computers; we learnt our times tables, which had nothing to do with spreadsheets; we read and wrote English – not ‘text speak’. The whole framework in which children now live and learn is different. We have to nurture them from what they are towards what they can become. Our mission is to move them to where God wants them to be.
Children are channels of truth. We might think we are the teachers but often they teach us. Faith tells us that unless we possess certain traits children possess we won’t be able to enter God’s Kingdom. Jesus affirmed their position in the Kingdom. ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to such as these’ (Matthew 19:14 New International Version).
Children are a gift and responsibility with intrinsic worth and represent a primary mission field. With more than 350 Scripture references, children represent the true nature and shape of the Kingdom.
TSA UK
AS a territory we know that our strategic mission objective is to make disciples – save souls, grow saints and serve suffering humanity. This is in line with the Great Commission. And we must ensure that we are not guilty of the Great Omission when it comes to children and young people.
Our mission objective is set firmly to all ages. Children are hugely significant in our mission. If we don’t reach them when they are young, it is likely they will live without Christ. We take seriously the capacity of children to have an authentic Christian experience. Having children within the corps strengthens its mission. We reach into people’s homes and lives because we have a connection with their children. When we share with parents the junior soldier’s promise regarding ‘a life that is clean in thought, word and deed’ they are glad to have someone who shares the agenda they have. We want the best for their children as they do. This is clear and transparent.
The time we have is critical and urgent. Gabriela Mistral writes: ‘We are guilty of many errors and many faults but our worst crime is abandoning the children, neglecting the fountain of life. Many of the things we need can wait. The child cannot. Right now is the time his bones are being formed, his blood is being made and his senses are being developed. To him we cannot answer “Tomorrow”. His name is “Today”.’
Most adults came to faith in childhood. The key message is to ‘aim lower and think smaller’ – target children and recognise the part they have to play in the Great Commission.
We bring children to meetings, put them through Army activities but, for some, religion and faith are external experiences. It is always the work of the Holy Spirit to touch their heart and soul. Our soul pursuit is to pass on faith and salvation to the next generation.
In today’s society, among young and old, there is a depleting reservoir of Christian knowledge. Where do children learn their values? The contemporary world is dominated by individualism, consumerism and so many moral complexities. Children are turned into consumers and performers, exposed to sexualised advertising and pressurised to succeed. Childhood is brief and can be an anxious and difficult time. Children and young people are troubled by such things as income inequality, competition in school, unprincipled advertising and family break-up. What burdens to be carried! Childhood events shape lives for better or worse; we know that – it has shaped ours. Since so many of us found our faith as children we do not need convincing that this is time critical – Kingdom critical.
We are called to provide stepping stones to faith and to demonstrate God’s love and care. It is a good start to provide a place, activity and relationship that is safe, secure, caring, relaxed and friendly. A healthy community is one in which children thrive.
We live in an age of mistrust, where media reporting and legislation make many people wary of engaging with children. Indeed, our actions as adults can have a profound impact on children’s wellbeing. Childhood is multilayered and it is a foundation on which the future of our Army and the Church rests.
Children’s spirituality can be nurtured around the most valuable resource: people committed to their best development. The key to our mission among young people is adults who listen, see and reflect back the questions, the fears, the hopes – giving a faith context to apply biblical truth and make it relevant.
Childhood is different in 2011. Education is different. When we were at school we barely had calculators let alone computers; we learnt our times tables, which had nothing to do with spreadsheets; we read and wrote English – not ‘text speak’. The whole framework in which children now live and learn is different. We have to nurture them from what they are towards what they can become. Our mission is to move them to where God wants them to be.
Children are channels of truth. We might think we are the teachers but often they teach us. Faith tells us that unless we possess certain traits children possess we won’t be able to enter God’s Kingdom. Jesus affirmed their position in the Kingdom. ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to such as these’ (Matthew 19:14 New International Version).
Children are a gift and responsibility with intrinsic worth and represent a primary mission field. With more than 350 Scripture references, children represent the true nature and shape of the Kingdom.
TSA UK
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Announcements
1. Cell Group / Prayer Ministry
Date: 4 & 11 Feb 2011, both Cell Group and Prayer Ministry will be cancelled
2. Senior Citizen's Breakfast
Date: 12 Feb 2011 Time: 8:00am Venue: Macalister Road
Senior are most welcome to join us. Please give your name to Capt Brenda Tan. Volunteer as always welcome.
3. Chinese New Year Reunion Dinner
Date: 11 Feb 2011 Time: 7:30pm Venue: Corps Community Hall
Food: Pot Bless Steamboat. (Bring enough to share and bring your friends). Please also share your stoves and pots with Corps. Please inform Mrs Tan on food and stoves. The Corps will provide Chinese herbal soup and vegetables for the steamboat.
4. World Day of Prayer
Date: 4 March 2011 Time: 8:00pm Venue: Wesley Methodist Church. All are welcome to joined.
Date: 4 & 11 Feb 2011, both Cell Group and Prayer Ministry will be cancelled
2. Senior Citizen's Breakfast
Date: 12 Feb 2011 Time: 8:00am Venue: Macalister Road
Senior are most welcome to join us. Please give your name to Capt Brenda Tan. Volunteer as always welcome.
3. Chinese New Year Reunion Dinner
Date: 11 Feb 2011 Time: 7:30pm Venue: Corps Community Hall
Food: Pot Bless Steamboat. (Bring enough to share and bring your friends). Please also share your stoves and pots with Corps. Please inform Mrs Tan on food and stoves. The Corps will provide Chinese herbal soup and vegetables for the steamboat.
4. World Day of Prayer
Date: 4 March 2011 Time: 8:00pm Venue: Wesley Methodist Church. All are welcome to joined.
Prayer Request
1. Pray for those brother and sister that having health problem.
2. Pray for Chinese New Year Reunion Dinner on 11 Feb 2011
3. Pray for our Corps 2011 programmes and ministries.
4. Pray for the High Council and election of new General.
5. Pray for Senioe Citizen's gathering on 12 Feb 2011
6. Pray for Youth Ministry starting on 13 Feb 2011
2. Pray for Chinese New Year Reunion Dinner on 11 Feb 2011
3. Pray for our Corps 2011 programmes and ministries.
4. Pray for the High Council and election of new General.
5. Pray for Senioe Citizen's gathering on 12 Feb 2011
6. Pray for Youth Ministry starting on 13 Feb 2011
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Watch Night Service 31 December 2010
Watch Night Service 31 December 2010
The yearly watch night service was held on 31 December 2010 started of with banana leaf dinner at 7:30pm followed by a sharing session by Colonel Gillian Downer. Thereafter a simple game session and movie screening session before the actual short service conducted by Capt Tan.
Click here for more photos
The yearly watch night service was held on 31 December 2010 started of with banana leaf dinner at 7:30pm followed by a sharing session by Colonel Gillian Downer. Thereafter a simple game session and movie screening session before the actual short service conducted by Capt Tan.
Click here for more photos
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Youth Holiday Programme 2010
The Penang Youth Holiday Programme was held during the year end school break of 2010.
Participants was taken through a series of activites prepared by Capt Tan and the volunteers - team building, sports, environment protection, sex education, first aid, etc.
The youth's enjoy themselves and we hope they learned some good value lessons from this programme.
We want to thank those who have prayed, sponsor, help during the period. This has been a fruitful programme and we plan to have the children school programme in year 2011.
Click here for more
Participants was taken through a series of activites prepared by Capt Tan and the volunteers - team building, sports, environment protection, sex education, first aid, etc.
The youth's enjoy themselves and we hope they learned some good value lessons from this programme.
We want to thank those who have prayed, sponsor, help during the period. This has been a fruitful programme and we plan to have the children school programme in year 2011.
Click here for more
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Sunday School Visit 15 December 2010
Sunday School Visit 15 December 2010
Our sunday school children's and teacher's made a trip to visit Mount Miriam Cancer Hospital on 15 December 2010. The children sang christmas carols and present some gift to the patient. In return the center present gift to the children.
Click here for more photos
Our sunday school children's and teacher's made a trip to visit Mount Miriam Cancer Hospital on 15 December 2010. The children sang christmas carols and present some gift to the patient. In return the center present gift to the children.
Click here for more photos
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Announcements
1. Corps Sport Outing
Date: 20 Jan 2011 Time: 7:30am Venue: Bukit Jambul Hiking Leader: Bro Kim Aun & Sis Jacinta.
2. Prayer Ministry
Date: 21 Jan 2011 Time: 8:15pm Venue: Captain's Tan quarters Leader: Lieut Fiona
3. Senior Citizen's Breakfast
Date: 12 Feb 2011 Time: 8:00am Venue: Macalister Road
Senior are most welcome to join us. Please give your name to Mrs Tan. Volunteer as always welcome.
4. Chinese New Year Reunion Dinner
Date: 11 Feb 2011 Time: 7:30pm Venue: Corps Community Hall
Food: Pot Bless Steamboat. (Bring enough to share and bring your friends). Please also share your stoves and pots with Corps. Please inform Mrs Tan on food and stoves. The Corps will provide Chinese herbal soup and vegetables for the steamboat.
Date: 20 Jan 2011 Time: 7:30am Venue: Bukit Jambul Hiking Leader: Bro Kim Aun & Sis Jacinta.
2. Prayer Ministry
Date: 21 Jan 2011 Time: 8:15pm Venue: Captain's Tan quarters Leader: Lieut Fiona
3. Senior Citizen's Breakfast
Date: 12 Feb 2011 Time: 8:00am Venue: Macalister Road
Senior are most welcome to join us. Please give your name to Mrs Tan. Volunteer as always welcome.
4. Chinese New Year Reunion Dinner
Date: 11 Feb 2011 Time: 7:30pm Venue: Corps Community Hall
Food: Pot Bless Steamboat. (Bring enough to share and bring your friends). Please also share your stoves and pots with Corps. Please inform Mrs Tan on food and stoves. The Corps will provide Chinese herbal soup and vegetables for the steamboat.
Prayer Request
1. Pray for Bro Tong Meng for God healing to be with him
2. Pray for Robin Lee of his safety and life in National Service.
3. Pray for our Corps 2011 programmes and ministries.
4. Pray for the High Council and election of new General.
5. Pray for flood victims around the world.
2. Pray for Robin Lee of his safety and life in National Service.
3. Pray for our Corps 2011 programmes and ministries.
4. Pray for the High Council and election of new General.
5. Pray for flood victims around the world.
Saturday, January 15, 2011
The Origins of Chinese New Year
年俗的由来 (The Origins of Chinese New Year)
陈月海上尉 (Captain Tan Guat Hai)
过年是中国文化最富有传统性和民族性的节庆，也是具有强调亲族联系、调节人际关系、整合社群、促进经济和弘扬家庭伦理的功能。
Chinese New Year is the predominant annual festival that celebrates the heritage and ethnicity of the Chinese culture. Functionally, it also serves to emphasize family and interpersonal relationships, facilitate social cohesion, and promote economic and ethical moral values.
年的原意为“谷熟”，过年与农家收成有着密切的关系，是为了庆祝五谷丰收（大有年），也是中国人庆祝新年的根源。“有年”就是谷熟有收成，“大有年”指大丰收之意。 自古以来中国就是一个农业国家，汉族最初在中原地区发展，冬天气候严寒，户外工作几乎是不可能的。因此就在寒冷的冬季里举行庆祝丰收及答谢神祖的活动。农家在秋夏耕耘与秋季收成后，就过休闲的生活，于是就有了种种的庆祝仪式。
The word ‘nian’ (year), in its original context, means ‘’the grains are ripe”. Crossing the “nian” was closely correlated with the peasants’ harvest, meaning celebrating the harvest of five grains (rice, two kinds of millet, wheat and beans), which is the root of new year celebration for the Chinese. Since ancient times, China has been an agricultural country. The Han race started its development in the central region (south of Yellow River). Since the winter climate there is severe, outdoor work was almost impossible. Hence the Hans used the time to celebrate their abundant harvest and to express gratitude to their ancestor gods. After the peasants had labored from spring to summer and harvested in the autumn, they chose to lead a leisurely life in winter with various celebration ceremonies.
到了汉代初期（公元前二百零二年），由于社会条件成熟以及历法的改订，正月为岁首成为定下来的制度，年俗就逐渐的定型了。经过历年及朝代的洗礼，庆祝的仪式、文化、习俗也逐渐的丰富起来。
At the beginning of the Han Dynasty (A.D.202), as society became more affluent and following the revision of the calendar system, the Lunar first month became the official month to begin a new year. The culture of New Year was gradually set in place. Over the years, with the change of dynasties, the celebration ceremonies, culture and traditions gradually became richer.
明朝及清朝前期随着中国人下南洋、谋生、结婚及最后定居，也将其文化发扬光大，年俗也随着本土的文化而改变，就有了属于我们自己南洋本土文化及习俗的农历新年。捞鱼生就是南洋本土文化的最佳例子，有「風生水起」及「越撈越旺」的意頭。新加坡的华族同胞拿桔子跟亲友拜年，再彼此交换、彼此祝福，也是一个富有意义的举动，彼此祝贺“吉祥如意”、“大吉大利”之意。
During the Ming dynasty, as well as at the beginning of the Qing Dynasty, the Chinese began to migrate to South East Asia to work, marry and settle down, propagating the Chinese culture there. The New Year tradition also evolved with the infusion of local culture, and over time the Nanyang (South Asian) Chinese cultivated their own version of the Lunar New Year that is rich in local culture and traditions. One of the best examples is the eating of “yusheng”, which has the meaning of ushering in prosperity and blessings of wealth (as we toss the yusheng). During the Lunar new year, Singaporean Chinese greet one another with mandarin oranges, with the exchange of oranges symbolizing an exchange of blessings. This is a meaningful gesture of wishing one another good luck, happiness and fortune.
新马两地的本土年俗文化承载了华人五千年文化历史背景，也融入许多的本土习俗，也随着时代的变迁，新年的习俗也逐渐有被淡化的危机。虽然如此本地的新年习俗基本上依然还被保留起来，如大扫除、放鞭炮、派红包（古称压岁钱）、年夜饭（团圆饭）、祭祖、送礼、拜年等。
The Singaporean and Malaysian local Chinese New Year custom have inherited five thousand years of China culture and historical background, mingled with a variety of local customs. Over the years, the Chinese New Year custom has faced the danger of losing its rich traditions. Even so, our local new year custom is still fundamentally being preserved, and traditional activities such as spring cleaning, the lighting of firecrackers, handing out red packets, family reunion dinner, ancestral worship, gifts, visitation etc. are still being practiced today.
从年俗的根源和基督徒庆祝新年并没有冲突，与我们的信仰是没有背道而驰的，只是华人在农历新年期间经常与其他神明扯上关系及膜拜，只要我们不混淆什么是文化，什么是习俗和信仰，而不陷入宗教膜拜和迷信里，那过年就不会影响我们的信仰。在大年初一，华族同胞都会在家祭祖或到庙里膜拜，而我们基督徒也可以在同一天上教堂敬拜上帝，然后在自家举行追思先祖礼拜，接着一起吃团圆饭，是一个更好不过的基督徒具体的见证。
The origin of the Chinese New Year does not conflict with Christian faith and practice. The only caution is the tendency of the Chinese often mixing it with the worshiping of other gods. As long as we do not confuse culture or custom with religious beliefs, and do not get trapped blindly into religious worship and superstition, our faith will not be influenced by the New Year celebration. On the first day of the Lunar New Year, it is a tradition to worship our ancestors either at home or in the temple. As Christians, it will be a powerful Christian testimony if we can likewise take this day to worship God, and thereafter remember our loved ones (through memorial services), followed by having family reunion meals.
农历新年强调的是亲族联系、调节人际关系、整合社群、促进经济和弘扬家庭伦理，而我们更应该透过这个节庆，见证，也与他人分享神的爱，而能荣神益人。
The Chinese New Year emphasizes bonding with family and relatives, as well as interpersonal relationships, social cohesion, and the promotion of economic and ethical/moral values. It behooves us to use this festival opportunistically to share God’s love with others, thereby glorifying God and edifying men.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Monday, January 10, 2011
Announcements
1. Prayer Ministry
Date: 14 Jan 2011 Time: 8:15pm Venue: Community Hall Leader: Captain Tan
2. Senior Citizen's Breakfast
Date: 12 Feb 2011 Time: 8:00am Venue: Macalister Road
Senior are most welcome to join us. Please give your name to Mrs Tan. Volunteer as always welcome.
Date: 14 Jan 2011 Time: 8:15pm Venue: Community Hall Leader: Captain Tan
2. Senior Citizen's Breakfast
Date: 12 Feb 2011 Time: 8:00am Venue: Macalister Road
Senior are most welcome to join us. Please give your name to Mrs Tan. Volunteer as always welcome.
Prayer Request
1. Pray for Bro Mok Tong Meng, Khai Ling, Lt Fiona, Choon Eng, Mrs Tan mum and other who are sick or those recovery from surgery.
2. Pray for Robin Lee of his safety and life in National Service.
3. Pray for our Corps 2011 programmes and ministries.
4. Pray for the High Council and election of new General.
2. Pray for Robin Lee of his safety and life in National Service.
3. Pray for our Corps 2011 programmes and ministries.
4. Pray for the High Council and election of new General.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Glowing in Holiness
Fellowship of Believers - Act 2:42-47
The Salvation Army's International Mission Statement says, "The Salvation Army an international movement is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. It message is based on the Bible. It's ministry is motivated by love for God. It's mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and meet human needs in his name without discrimination."
The church is a community of people separated from the world. We still live in this world, but we are not of it. Jesus prayed, My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the truth: your word is truth. (John 17 15-17). The values of God's Kingdom become our accepted values. Once we lived under the domination of sin and evil, but when we become Christians we are under Christ in Christ. We are to be a holy people.
The power of the world can be very threatening and we need the grace of God to enable us to live holy lives. The support and encouragement of fellow believers is vital. Community is not an option. We should embrace community, support the community of the church we belong to without attendance, participation, tithes and offerings.
We read in Acts of the Apostles that the Christians devoted themselves on the apostles' teaching, and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer (Act 2:42). So when we meet in church on Sunday or in the homes of fellow Christians during the week we are following an old tradition. We are to be a learning community of people.
A church without a teaching ministry cannot survive and be a vibrant church. We all need food to stay alive, and to do so spiritually we need spiritual food. All Scripture in God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work, 2 Timothy 3: 16-17. We need to be taught to be usable and useful in the community we are in and the world in which we dwell.
We are to be a united community of people. In Acts of the Apostles, we read that Christian believers meet in Upper Room - they were together, united in pray. We read that the church was unified (Acts 2:44) magnified (Acts 2:47) and multiplied (Acts 2:47).. praising God and enjoying the favour of the all the people. The Lord added to their number daily those who are being saved.
The unity in spirit within the church expresses itself in our willingness to share with others; in giving and receiving. They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching, and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer (Act 2:42). The early church had no church buildings. They met for fellowship in the houses of the people, by the riverside, or anywhere they could find a place.
Church revivals always begin with a group of individuals concerned enough to really pray. They are passionate enough about soul saving. They are willing to spend time and agonise in prayer. A praying church will result in a revived church. A church comes alive and meets challenges. Prayer is the life of the church. A church without serious effort to pray is a lifeless church. It can still carry on with activities, but is dead and does not bring glory to God. Hear the words of the Lord: Call upon me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know (Jeremiah 33:3). Let us be a holy, praying community of people.
Commissioner Lim Ah Ang (retired) - (Singapore, Malaysia, Myanmar.)
The Salvation Army's International Mission Statement says, "The Salvation Army an international movement is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. It message is based on the Bible. It's ministry is motivated by love for God. It's mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and meet human needs in his name without discrimination."
The church is a community of people separated from the world. We still live in this world, but we are not of it. Jesus prayed, My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the truth: your word is truth. (John 17 15-17). The values of God's Kingdom become our accepted values. Once we lived under the domination of sin and evil, but when we become Christians we are under Christ in Christ. We are to be a holy people.
The power of the world can be very threatening and we need the grace of God to enable us to live holy lives. The support and encouragement of fellow believers is vital. Community is not an option. We should embrace community, support the community of the church we belong to without attendance, participation, tithes and offerings.
We read in Acts of the Apostles that the Christians devoted themselves on the apostles' teaching, and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer (Act 2:42). So when we meet in church on Sunday or in the homes of fellow Christians during the week we are following an old tradition. We are to be a learning community of people.
A church without a teaching ministry cannot survive and be a vibrant church. We all need food to stay alive, and to do so spiritually we need spiritual food. All Scripture in God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work, 2 Timothy 3: 16-17. We need to be taught to be usable and useful in the community we are in and the world in which we dwell.
We are to be a united community of people. In Acts of the Apostles, we read that Christian believers meet in Upper Room - they were together, united in pray. We read that the church was unified (Acts 2:44) magnified (Acts 2:47) and multiplied (Acts 2:47).. praising God and enjoying the favour of the all the people. The Lord added to their number daily those who are being saved.
The unity in spirit within the church expresses itself in our willingness to share with others; in giving and receiving. They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching, and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer (Act 2:42). The early church had no church buildings. They met for fellowship in the houses of the people, by the riverside, or anywhere they could find a place.
Church revivals always begin with a group of individuals concerned enough to really pray. They are passionate enough about soul saving. They are willing to spend time and agonise in prayer. A praying church will result in a revived church. A church comes alive and meets challenges. Prayer is the life of the church. A church without serious effort to pray is a lifeless church. It can still carry on with activities, but is dead and does not bring glory to God. Hear the words of the Lord: Call upon me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know (Jeremiah 33:3). Let us be a holy, praying community of people.
Commissioner Lim Ah Ang (retired) - (Singapore, Malaysia, Myanmar.)
Sunday, January 2, 2011
A New Year Message - Colonel Gillian Downer
Called to be Intentional - In Holiness, Prayer, Discipleship, Mission
This year I want to encourage all of us to focus upon being all that Gog has called us to be as His Salvation Army in this territory. Not just to think about, not just to believe in, but to be intentional in living out our calling and commitment. This can only happen when together we make these priorities in our personal lives, in our corps and in our centres. I believe we must be 'Intentional' if we want to move forward and allow God, through His Holy Spirit to renew and refresh us.
In the August War Cry, I identified a number of priorities which I believed God had laid on my heart as I was entrusted with the leadership of the territory. Our theme for 2011 provides us with a focus for those priorities and seeks to make them personal.
Intentional in Holiness
God has called The Salvation Army to be a holiness movement and this is key to our identity. The International Spiritual Life Commission called all Salvationists to live out the doctrine of holiness in all its dimensions: personal, relational, social and political. We are called to be like Jesus in every aspect of our lives but holiness is not automatic, we need to purposefully seek it. May we each live our lives in such a way that we honour God and shine for Jesus.
Intentional in Prayer
This year I ask that we commit ourselves to pray specifically and consistently for our territory. I believe in the power of united prayer and would like to invite you to covenant with me to pray every Monday morning whenever we are at 6:30am. As we prioritize this time of prayer, individually yet united in spirit for our Army, God will strengthen us and leads us forward in His grace and power.
Intentional in Discipleship
The territorial theme for the last 2 years has been Go and Make Disciples - NOW! and we praise God for souls won and the commitment to discipleship. The territory has just reached significant milestones in our history: 75 years in Singapore and 72 years in Malaysia and 95 years in Myanmar. We praise God for His faithfulness but in some parts of the territory we are seeing decline and not growth. We rejoice in souls saved and soldiers enrolled, but if we are to grow and have the opportunity of moving into new areas, emphasis on discipleship and great commitment to soldership needs to be continued priority.
Intentional in Mission
In defining our mission, General John Gowans (retired) very succinctly called The Salvation Army to save souls, grow saints and server humanity. If we are to be all that God has called us to be we need to ensure there are our priorities in all aspect of Salvation Army ministry. Every Salvationists has a part to play in fulfilling our mission. It will involved personal sacrifice and stepping out of our comfort zones, but with out willingness, dedication and commitment we will have the privilege of sharing in building God's Kingdom.
Every blessing,
Colonel Gillian Downer
Territorial Commander (Singapore, Malaysia, Myanmar)
This year I want to encourage all of us to focus upon being all that Gog has called us to be as His Salvation Army in this territory. Not just to think about, not just to believe in, but to be intentional in living out our calling and commitment. This can only happen when together we make these priorities in our personal lives, in our corps and in our centres. I believe we must be 'Intentional' if we want to move forward and allow God, through His Holy Spirit to renew and refresh us.
In the August War Cry, I identified a number of priorities which I believed God had laid on my heart as I was entrusted with the leadership of the territory. Our theme for 2011 provides us with a focus for those priorities and seeks to make them personal.
Intentional in Holiness
God has called The Salvation Army to be a holiness movement and this is key to our identity. The International Spiritual Life Commission called all Salvationists to live out the doctrine of holiness in all its dimensions: personal, relational, social and political. We are called to be like Jesus in every aspect of our lives but holiness is not automatic, we need to purposefully seek it. May we each live our lives in such a way that we honour God and shine for Jesus.
Intentional in Prayer
This year I ask that we commit ourselves to pray specifically and consistently for our territory. I believe in the power of united prayer and would like to invite you to covenant with me to pray every Monday morning whenever we are at 6:30am. As we prioritize this time of prayer, individually yet united in spirit for our Army, God will strengthen us and leads us forward in His grace and power.
Intentional in Discipleship
The territorial theme for the last 2 years has been Go and Make Disciples - NOW! and we praise God for souls won and the commitment to discipleship. The territory has just reached significant milestones in our history: 75 years in Singapore and 72 years in Malaysia and 95 years in Myanmar. We praise God for His faithfulness but in some parts of the territory we are seeing decline and not growth. We rejoice in souls saved and soldiers enrolled, but if we are to grow and have the opportunity of moving into new areas, emphasis on discipleship and great commitment to soldership needs to be continued priority.
Intentional in Mission
In defining our mission, General John Gowans (retired) very succinctly called The Salvation Army to save souls, grow saints and server humanity. If we are to be all that God has called us to be we need to ensure there are our priorities in all aspect of Salvation Army ministry. Every Salvationists has a part to play in fulfilling our mission. It will involved personal sacrifice and stepping out of our comfort zones, but with out willingness, dedication and commitment we will have the privilege of sharing in building God's Kingdom.
Every blessing,
Colonel Gillian Downer
Territorial Commander (Singapore, Malaysia, Myanmar)
Announcements
1. Cell Group / Prayer Ministry
Cell Group and Prayer Ministry will be resume as usual.
Adult Cell Group => Every 1st and 3rd Friday of the month
Prayer Ministry => Every 2nd and 4th Friday of the month
2. Sunday School Classes
Sunday School will resume next coming Sunday 9 Jan 2011. Kindly take note.
3. Special Thanks
Special thanks to Colonel Gillian Downer for her visit and pastoral ministry to officers and corps members.
Cell Group and Prayer Ministry will be resume as usual.
Adult Cell Group => Every 1st and 3rd Friday of the month
Prayer Ministry => Every 2nd and 4th Friday of the month
2. Sunday School Classes
Sunday School will resume next coming Sunday 9 Jan 2011. Kindly take note.
3. Special Thanks
Special thanks to Colonel Gillian Downer for her visit and pastoral ministry to officers and corps members.
Prayer Request
1. Pray for Bro Mok Tong Meng and Ah Boy, whom just have their operation.
2. Pray for Robin Lee as he leaves for National Service on 4 Jan 2011
3. Pray for our Corps 2011 programmes and ministries.
4. Pray for the High Council and election of new General.
2. Pray for Robin Lee as he leaves for National Service on 4 Jan 2011
3. Pray for our Corps 2011 programmes and ministries.
4. Pray for the High Council and election of new General.
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
People received it – didn’t they?
‘THIS is the best gift ever!’ These words will echo around the world at Christmas as love is expressed and relationships celebrated. Advent retains at its centre a gift. Indeed, it is the best gift ever because of what it makes possible.
• God breaks the silence and fulfils a prophetic promise.
• Darkness is dispelled; the Light of the World has come.
• Hope is offered; God ‘with us’ becomes a reality.
• Forgiveness bridges the gap – the great chasm between the Creator and the created is no more.
• God draws near; the Comforter has come.
God so loved that he gave, and the gift of Advent – the babe of Bethlehem – makes so much possible when the gift is received.
As I consider the gift-giving process, I focus on the receiving of the gift as being quite significant. I have been waiting since August to receive a birthday gift and – because of postal errors and a ‘return to sender’ episode – I am still waiting. Maybe it will become a Christmas gift! This personal experience has caused me to reflect on the crowds of people I encounter every day. Have they received the gift? As a matter of interest, is a gift really a gift if it remains unopened – not received?
This gift of God – the Advent of Christ, the sentiment that ‘God so loved the world’ – has universal implications. Churches around the world will light candles, read the Christmas story and celebrate Christ’s coming. Huge numbers will be present to hear the message again. The characters of the story come alive.
• Mary and Joseph are lifted as heroes of obedience.
• The Magi are commended for their perseverance, their choice of gifts and their desire to worship.
• Shepherds are named as the first to hear the good news.
In every way possible the stage is set; in every way possible Jesus comes again and God’s gift is celebrated. The question remains: have we received him?
Earlier in my officership I was given Corrie’s Christmas Memories – a book of brief readings and reflections by Corrie ten Boom. Her story comes from her experience as a wartime survivor. She watched her charming Amsterdam change with the occupation of the Nazis. She took pity on Jews and hid many of them until she was caught and became a prisoner at Ravensbrück concentration camp.
I opened the small book with anticipation and curiosity. The words that have had a lasting impact on my ministry are found at the conclusion. Corrie writes: ‘For you know: if our Lord were born a thousand times in Bethlehem and not in you, you would be lost anyhow.’
The Scriptures remind us that Jesus came. God ordained it, the prophets foretold it and John announced it. Jesus came, heralded as the Saviour of the world, good news to all people, a light to shine in the darkness, the most precious gift from Creator to created, with the hope that people would receive it – but did they?
Let me remind you of the beginning of John’s Gospel: ‘In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it’ (1:1–5 all quotations from the New International Version).
We could go back and argue over the point of when a gift is really a gift – when it is chosen, purchased and given, or when it is received and appreciated. In the context of Advent, the gift of the Saviour is not in question; the challenge remains for many to receive him into their lives.
My birthday gift may never show up, but God has. His offer of forgiveness, wholeness and hope is available and continually given to any who are willing to receive.
Matthew 1:23 says: ‘The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel – which means, “God with us”.’
May it be so this Christmas, as again we receive him into our hearts and lives. This is the best gift ever!
By Colonel Brian Peddle
• God breaks the silence and fulfils a prophetic promise.
• Darkness is dispelled; the Light of the World has come.
• Hope is offered; God ‘with us’ becomes a reality.
• Forgiveness bridges the gap – the great chasm between the Creator and the created is no more.
• God draws near; the Comforter has come.
God so loved that he gave, and the gift of Advent – the babe of Bethlehem – makes so much possible when the gift is received.
As I consider the gift-giving process, I focus on the receiving of the gift as being quite significant. I have been waiting since August to receive a birthday gift and – because of postal errors and a ‘return to sender’ episode – I am still waiting. Maybe it will become a Christmas gift! This personal experience has caused me to reflect on the crowds of people I encounter every day. Have they received the gift? As a matter of interest, is a gift really a gift if it remains unopened – not received?
This gift of God – the Advent of Christ, the sentiment that ‘God so loved the world’ – has universal implications. Churches around the world will light candles, read the Christmas story and celebrate Christ’s coming. Huge numbers will be present to hear the message again. The characters of the story come alive.
• Mary and Joseph are lifted as heroes of obedience.
• The Magi are commended for their perseverance, their choice of gifts and their desire to worship.
• Shepherds are named as the first to hear the good news.
In every way possible the stage is set; in every way possible Jesus comes again and God’s gift is celebrated. The question remains: have we received him?
Earlier in my officership I was given Corrie’s Christmas Memories – a book of brief readings and reflections by Corrie ten Boom. Her story comes from her experience as a wartime survivor. She watched her charming Amsterdam change with the occupation of the Nazis. She took pity on Jews and hid many of them until she was caught and became a prisoner at Ravensbrück concentration camp.
I opened the small book with anticipation and curiosity. The words that have had a lasting impact on my ministry are found at the conclusion. Corrie writes: ‘For you know: if our Lord were born a thousand times in Bethlehem and not in you, you would be lost anyhow.’
The Scriptures remind us that Jesus came. God ordained it, the prophets foretold it and John announced it. Jesus came, heralded as the Saviour of the world, good news to all people, a light to shine in the darkness, the most precious gift from Creator to created, with the hope that people would receive it – but did they?
Let me remind you of the beginning of John’s Gospel: ‘In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it’ (1:1–5 all quotations from the New International Version).
We could go back and argue over the point of when a gift is really a gift – when it is chosen, purchased and given, or when it is received and appreciated. In the context of Advent, the gift of the Saviour is not in question; the challenge remains for many to receive him into their lives.
My birthday gift may never show up, but God has. His offer of forgiveness, wholeness and hope is available and continually given to any who are willing to receive.
Matthew 1:23 says: ‘The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel – which means, “God with us”.’
May it be so this Christmas, as again we receive him into our hearts and lives. This is the best gift ever!
By Colonel Brian Peddle
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Monday, December 27, 2010
Announcements
1. Christmas Carolling
We want to thank you for those who helps on carolling.
2. Christmas Day & Children's Home Open Day
Thank you to all who brought their friends and families and also help preparing the luncheon and giving generous donation.
3. Visit of Territorial Commander
Colonel Gillian Downer will be visiting Penang on 31/12/2010, she will be preaching on Convenant Sunday on 2/1/2011.
4. Watch Night Service
Date: 31/12/10 Time: 7:30pm, Venue: Penang Corps
Banana Leaf Dinner will be served at RM10 per person. There will be testimony sharing, movie, games, and follow by watch night service.
We want to thank you for those who helps on carolling.
2. Christmas Day & Children's Home Open Day
Thank you to all who brought their friends and families and also help preparing the luncheon and giving generous donation.
3. Visit of Territorial Commander
Colonel Gillian Downer will be visiting Penang on 31/12/2010, she will be preaching on Convenant Sunday on 2/1/2011.
4. Watch Night Service
Date: 31/12/10 Time: 7:30pm, Venue: Penang Corps
Banana Leaf Dinner will be served at RM10 per person. There will be testimony sharing, movie, games, and follow by watch night service.
Prayer Request
1. Pray for Bro Chew Pong Hoe (Ah Boy) who just have his operation.
2. Pray for those going for holiday.
3. Pray for our corps 2011 programme and ministry.
4. Pray for our new and old contacts from Christmas Luncheon.
2. Pray for those going for holiday.
3. Pray for our corps 2011 programme and ministry.
4. Pray for our new and old contacts from Christmas Luncheon.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
John the Baptist announced it
GALATIANS 4:4
PICTURE a rugged, dishevelled social misfit living alone on the edge of the desert. He wears simple clothes made of camel’s hair, bound by a leather belt, and eats whatever he can find. He is a man with a mission and conveys through every move, gesture and utterance that he is possessed with a determined objective. The piercing eye, the pointed finger, the passionate voice and persistent message remind all who encounter him of the prophetic figures of the past.
True to the patterns already set, God chose an unlikely agent to prepare people to hear the message of redemption.
Some may question my introduction of John the Baptist into the miracle of Advent. I agree that this strange character had nothing to do with announcing the birth of Jesus; but what John does do is to help us come to grips with the Advent miracle of Jesus coming as a child in Bethlehem – and also prompts us to connect with the deeper meaning of the message.
Luke’s Gospel records the angel’s announcement to the startled shepherds: ‘Do not be afraid I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people’ (2:10 all quotations from New International Version).
The Advent message is more than a birth announcement. It captures the essence of God’s initiative on behalf of humankind. I point your attention to our study verse, ‘When the time had fully come, God sent his Son’ (Galatians 4:4).
Without any doubt, God ordained it and the prophets foretold it. While the angels shared in the heavenly news, it would be John who announced the significance and impact of the coming of Christ.
I have no desire to add John the Baptist to the nativity scene – he would look somewhat out of place. John prepared the way for Christ and his message; Scripture records that he proclaimed the Kingdom of Heaven. He revealed the need for forgiveness and identified the Lamb of God. He marginalised his own significance and lifted Jesus, the Saviour who takes away the sins of the world. John the Baptist announced his coming (Matthew chapter 3).
The application of John’s announcement presents a twofold challenge. First, it strikes at the very core of personal preparation. It is about receiving Jesus in such a manner that the hindrances, the hesitations and the hang-ups are all discarded. Secondly, it is about sharing with others the reality of his coming.
The weight of responsibility to renew our welcome to the Lamb of God, the Saviour, automatically gets linked to the urgency of the gospel – the good news, intended for the whole world.
Many times during the next few days someone will ask: ‘Are you ready for Christmas?’ The inquiry is asking you to account for presents, cards and decorations. But take a moment to answer the question in a spiritual context. This is the basis on which John invites himself
into the Advent story; he asks the question: ‘Are you ready for his coming?’
Reflect on the poem ‘The Cross In The Manger’ by Ann Weems to find again a sense of readiness and a deep desire to share the knowledge that God sent his Son.
If there is no cross in the manger, there is no Christmas.
If the Babe doesn’t become the Adult, there is no Bethlehem star.
If there is no commitment in us, there are no wise men searching.
If we offer no cup of cold water, there is no gold, no frankincense, no myrrh.
If there is no praising God’s name, there are no angels singing.
If there is no spirit of alleluia, there are no shepherds watching.
If there is no standing up, no speaking out, no risk, there is no Herod, no flight into Egypt.
If there is no room in our inn, then ‘Merry Christmas’ mocks the Christ Child, and the Holy Family is just a holiday card, and God will loathe our feasts and festivals.
For if there is no reconciliation, we cannot call Christ ‘Prince of Peace’.
If there is no goodwill towards others, it can all be packed away in boxes for another year.
If there is no forgiveness in us, there is no cause for celebration.
If we cannot go even now unto Golgotha, there is no Christmas in us.
If Christmas is not now,
If Christ is not born into the everyday present, then what is all the noise about?
By Colonel Peddle (Chief Secretary)
PICTURE a rugged, dishevelled social misfit living alone on the edge of the desert. He wears simple clothes made of camel’s hair, bound by a leather belt, and eats whatever he can find. He is a man with a mission and conveys through every move, gesture and utterance that he is possessed with a determined objective. The piercing eye, the pointed finger, the passionate voice and persistent message remind all who encounter him of the prophetic figures of the past.
True to the patterns already set, God chose an unlikely agent to prepare people to hear the message of redemption.
Some may question my introduction of John the Baptist into the miracle of Advent. I agree that this strange character had nothing to do with announcing the birth of Jesus; but what John does do is to help us come to grips with the Advent miracle of Jesus coming as a child in Bethlehem – and also prompts us to connect with the deeper meaning of the message.
Luke’s Gospel records the angel’s announcement to the startled shepherds: ‘Do not be afraid I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people’ (2:10 all quotations from New International Version).
The Advent message is more than a birth announcement. It captures the essence of God’s initiative on behalf of humankind. I point your attention to our study verse, ‘When the time had fully come, God sent his Son’ (Galatians 4:4).
Without any doubt, God ordained it and the prophets foretold it. While the angels shared in the heavenly news, it would be John who announced the significance and impact of the coming of Christ.
I have no desire to add John the Baptist to the nativity scene – he would look somewhat out of place. John prepared the way for Christ and his message; Scripture records that he proclaimed the Kingdom of Heaven. He revealed the need for forgiveness and identified the Lamb of God. He marginalised his own significance and lifted Jesus, the Saviour who takes away the sins of the world. John the Baptist announced his coming (Matthew chapter 3).
The application of John’s announcement presents a twofold challenge. First, it strikes at the very core of personal preparation. It is about receiving Jesus in such a manner that the hindrances, the hesitations and the hang-ups are all discarded. Secondly, it is about sharing with others the reality of his coming.
The weight of responsibility to renew our welcome to the Lamb of God, the Saviour, automatically gets linked to the urgency of the gospel – the good news, intended for the whole world.
Many times during the next few days someone will ask: ‘Are you ready for Christmas?’ The inquiry is asking you to account for presents, cards and decorations. But take a moment to answer the question in a spiritual context. This is the basis on which John invites himself
into the Advent story; he asks the question: ‘Are you ready for his coming?’
Reflect on the poem ‘The Cross In The Manger’ by Ann Weems to find again a sense of readiness and a deep desire to share the knowledge that God sent his Son.
If there is no cross in the manger, there is no Christmas.
If the Babe doesn’t become the Adult, there is no Bethlehem star.
If there is no commitment in us, there are no wise men searching.
If we offer no cup of cold water, there is no gold, no frankincense, no myrrh.
If there is no praising God’s name, there are no angels singing.
If there is no spirit of alleluia, there are no shepherds watching.
If there is no standing up, no speaking out, no risk, there is no Herod, no flight into Egypt.
If there is no room in our inn, then ‘Merry Christmas’ mocks the Christ Child, and the Holy Family is just a holiday card, and God will loathe our feasts and festivals.
For if there is no reconciliation, we cannot call Christ ‘Prince of Peace’.
If there is no goodwill towards others, it can all be packed away in boxes for another year.
If there is no forgiveness in us, there is no cause for celebration.
If we cannot go even now unto Golgotha, there is no Christmas in us.
If Christmas is not now,
If Christ is not born into the everyday present, then what is all the noise about?
By Colonel Peddle (Chief Secretary)
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Ladies Fellowship 20 November 2010
Ladies Fellowship 20 November 2010
Beads making was the theme for the fellowship. Capt Brenda teaches the ladies on how assemble beads into a nice design of Angle. Everyone enjoy it include some young children who joined in.
Click here for more photos
Beads making was the theme for the fellowship. Capt Brenda teaches the ladies on how assemble beads into a nice design of Angle. Everyone enjoy it include some young children who joined in.
Click here for more photos
Lieut. Fiona Installation
Lieut Fiona Installation Service - 10 December 2010
We want to thank THQ for assigning another officer to Penang. It was a great privilege to have 4 officers in Penang.
We want to welcome Lieut Fiona into our family and pray for her ministry in Penang as she joined Major Kamala, Capt Tan, and Capt Brenda in The Salvation Army work here.
Click here for more photos (Album 1)
We want to thank THQ for assigning another officer to Penang. It was a great privilege to have 4 officers in Penang.
We want to welcome Lieut Fiona into our family and pray for her ministry in Penang as she joined Major Kamala, Capt Tan, and Capt Brenda in The Salvation Army work here.
Click here for more photos (Album 1)
Monday, December 13, 2010
Pastoral Letter - Hope
HOPE
Dear Fellow Salvationists,
I write in the Name of Jesus to greet and encourage you.
Here in London we are in the late weeks of the Autumn season, but the weather is unusually mild just now and we can venture out of doors, without the need for heavy clothing, to enjoy the falling leaves as the trees turn golden brown. The children walk and skip to school with a carpet of fallen leaves beneath their feet. As they kick happily at the gathered gold, a sudden gust of wind will propel the fallen foliage once again into the air. It is an enchanting season. In the southern hemisphere you are in Spring-time, with promise and hope bursting outward and upward from the earth to remind you of new life.
Like all Christian believers, Salvationists are a people of hope. In mentioning hope I do not mean that shallow, facile optimism that says, 'Things will probably turn out alright in the end.' Christian hope proclaims the certainty that in Christ Jesus all is well now, regardless of our outward circumstances, and that we have the gift of hope from God not only for this life but for all eternity too. In 1 Corinthians 15:19 we are reminded that we have hope in Christ not only for this earthly life. Were this untrue then we are to be pitied above all others.
Titus 3:7 describes true believers as 'heirs having the hope of eternal life'. In this promise, and in many more found in Scripture, we sense the certainty of God's provision and the sureness of His promises. He does not toy with us. He offers us the gift of hope. We are free to accept or to reject His offer. My heart is filled with praise to God for each one of you reading this who has gladly and wholeheartedly accepted the Heavenly Father's infinitely gracious offer of hope - hope for today and for all our tomorrows.
I am very aware that as I write to you there remain only a few months of my term as the General of The Salvation Army. I will hand over to another, technically at midnight at the close of Friday April 1, 2011. The theme of hope is therefore very close to my heart in these days. I am full of hope for the future of the Army. I am full of certainty that God will bless and use to His glory the person, as yet unknown, who will become the General after me.
I urge every one of you to be filled with that same hope at this time. The 109 members of the High Council will gather at Sunbury-on-Thames near London in January 2011. They will come together from every corner of the earth on January 16th for a few days under my leadership as the General's Consultative Council. Then on January 21st the formal High Council proceedings begin, with the Chief of the Staff presiding over the opening session before a President is elected. The President then guides the Council in the election of the next General.
The High Council members will travel to London filled with holy hope. They will believe that God will guide them in their task. They will be open to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. The Army world will cover them with prayer. These will be sacred days, days brimming with holy hope.
I close this Pastoral Letter by thanking you again for your fidelity to Christ and for your sanctified obedience to the divine leadings of God in your life and in your Army service.
Thank you too for your prayers for Commissioner Helen and for me. I am fully fit and well again. Commissioner Helen awaits the results of further scans to find out the full effect of recent radiotherapy. With me, she commits you all to the matchless love of Christ.
Together we say to you, with the Psalmist: 'Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord' (Psalm 31:24).
God be with you and make you a blessing to others.
Yours in Christ,
Shaw Clifton
General
Dear Fellow Salvationists,
I write in the Name of Jesus to greet and encourage you.
Here in London we are in the late weeks of the Autumn season, but the weather is unusually mild just now and we can venture out of doors, without the need for heavy clothing, to enjoy the falling leaves as the trees turn golden brown. The children walk and skip to school with a carpet of fallen leaves beneath their feet. As they kick happily at the gathered gold, a sudden gust of wind will propel the fallen foliage once again into the air. It is an enchanting season. In the southern hemisphere you are in Spring-time, with promise and hope bursting outward and upward from the earth to remind you of new life.
Like all Christian believers, Salvationists are a people of hope. In mentioning hope I do not mean that shallow, facile optimism that says, 'Things will probably turn out alright in the end.' Christian hope proclaims the certainty that in Christ Jesus all is well now, regardless of our outward circumstances, and that we have the gift of hope from God not only for this life but for all eternity too. In 1 Corinthians 15:19 we are reminded that we have hope in Christ not only for this earthly life. Were this untrue then we are to be pitied above all others.
Titus 3:7 describes true believers as 'heirs having the hope of eternal life'. In this promise, and in many more found in Scripture, we sense the certainty of God's provision and the sureness of His promises. He does not toy with us. He offers us the gift of hope. We are free to accept or to reject His offer. My heart is filled with praise to God for each one of you reading this who has gladly and wholeheartedly accepted the Heavenly Father's infinitely gracious offer of hope - hope for today and for all our tomorrows.
I am very aware that as I write to you there remain only a few months of my term as the General of The Salvation Army. I will hand over to another, technically at midnight at the close of Friday April 1, 2011. The theme of hope is therefore very close to my heart in these days. I am full of hope for the future of the Army. I am full of certainty that God will bless and use to His glory the person, as yet unknown, who will become the General after me.
I urge every one of you to be filled with that same hope at this time. The 109 members of the High Council will gather at Sunbury-on-Thames near London in January 2011. They will come together from every corner of the earth on January 16th for a few days under my leadership as the General's Consultative Council. Then on January 21st the formal High Council proceedings begin, with the Chief of the Staff presiding over the opening session before a President is elected. The President then guides the Council in the election of the next General.
The High Council members will travel to London filled with holy hope. They will believe that God will guide them in their task. They will be open to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. The Army world will cover them with prayer. These will be sacred days, days brimming with holy hope.
I close this Pastoral Letter by thanking you again for your fidelity to Christ and for your sanctified obedience to the divine leadings of God in your life and in your Army service.
Thank you too for your prayers for Commissioner Helen and for me. I am fully fit and well again. Commissioner Helen awaits the results of further scans to find out the full effect of recent radiotherapy. With me, she commits you all to the matchless love of Christ.
Together we say to you, with the Psalmist: 'Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord' (Psalm 31:24).
God be with you and make you a blessing to others.
Yours in Christ,
Shaw Clifton
General
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Announcements
1. Christmas Day Luncheon
Date: 25/12/2010 Time: 12:30pm Venue: Penang Corps
Each family are encourage to cook a dish or give in a free will offering.
2. Penang Christmas Open House
Date: 19/12/10 Time: 6:30pm-10pm, Venue: Esplanade Fort Cornwallis
All are welcome.
3. Corps Administration - Soldiership Records
All soldiers of the Corps, please give a copy of your Article of War, and a copy of your IC (both side) for Corps confidential records.
4. Banana Leaf Ministry
Date: 18/12/10 Time: 11am, Venue: Penang Corps
Volunteer needed, please see Captain Tan.
4. Corps Council Meeting
Date: 14/12/10 Time: 8:15pm, Venue: Penang Corps
Date: 25/12/2010 Time: 12:30pm Venue: Penang Corps
Each family are encourage to cook a dish or give in a free will offering.
2. Penang Christmas Open House
Date: 19/12/10 Time: 6:30pm-10pm, Venue: Esplanade Fort Cornwallis
All are welcome.
3. Corps Administration - Soldiership Records
All soldiers of the Corps, please give a copy of your Article of War, and a copy of your IC (both side) for Corps confidential records.
4. Banana Leaf Ministry
Date: 18/12/10 Time: 11am, Venue: Penang Corps
Volunteer needed, please see Captain Tan.
4. Corps Council Meeting
Date: 14/12/10 Time: 8:15pm, Venue: Penang Corps
Prayer Request
1. Pray for Banana Leaf Ministry to be held on 18/12/2010.
2. Pray for Elizabeth Zech for her safety in Nepal.
3. Pray for Lieut. Fiona on her appointment and ministry.
4. Pray Christmas Caroling. Pray for safety, health, weather.
5. Pray for Mrs. Tan's brother who is sick.
2. Pray for Elizabeth Zech for her safety in Nepal.
3. Pray for Lieut. Fiona on her appointment and ministry.
4. Pray Christmas Caroling. Pray for safety, health, weather.
5. Pray for Mrs. Tan's brother who is sick.
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Prayer Request
1. Pray for Banana Leaf Ministry to be held on 18/12/2010.
2. Pray for Elizabeth Zech for her safety in Nepal.
3. Pray for Lieut. Fiona on her appointment and ministry.
4. Pray Christmas Caroling. Pray for safety, health, weather.
2. Pray for Elizabeth Zech for her safety in Nepal.
3. Pray for Lieut. Fiona on her appointment and ministry.
4. Pray Christmas Caroling. Pray for safety, health, weather.
Announcements
1. Welcome & Installation Meeting for Lieut. Fiona
Date: 10/12/2010 (Friday) Time: 7:30pm Venue: Penang Corps
Pot Bless dinner followed by short Installation Meeting.
For pot bless dishes and gift basket Lieut Fiona on her welcoming meeting, please contact Mrs Tan.
2. Penang Christmas Open House
Date: 19/12/10 Time: 6:30pm-10pm, Venue: Esplanade Fort Cornwallis
All are welcome.
5. Corps Administration - Soldiership Records
All soldiers of the Corps, please give a copy of your Article of War, and a copy of your IC (both side) for Corps confidential records.
Date: 10/12/2010 (Friday) Time: 7:30pm Venue: Penang Corps
Pot Bless dinner followed by short Installation Meeting.
For pot bless dishes and gift basket Lieut Fiona on her welcoming meeting, please contact Mrs Tan.
2. Penang Christmas Open House
Date: 19/12/10 Time: 6:30pm-10pm, Venue: Esplanade Fort Cornwallis
All are welcome.
5. Corps Administration - Soldiership Records
All soldiers of the Corps, please give a copy of your Article of War, and a copy of your IC (both side) for Corps confidential records.
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Pray in all circumstances
Major Rachel Tickner presents the second of two studies linked to the Annual Appeal
STUDY PASSAGE: JAMES CHAPTERS 3 TO 5
WE want more preachers and teachers, but James says we should not presume to be them (3:1 and 2). Put someone on a pedestal, and it is easy to knock them off. Let someone preach and we can sit and criticise. Let someone teach and we can pick holes in their manner, deportment or knowledge. We need to ask the Lord to guide and support our teachers and preachers and protect them from all evil in order that they may serve him.
Continuing with the theme of the tongue, we learn that it is the little things in life that make a big difference – the bit that turns the animal, the rudder that steers the ship, the tongue that reveals the whole person, that cheers or corrupts others. The tongue with which we can do evil is also the instrument with which we praise God and comfort, inspire and encourage others (3:3–12).
It is easy to envy another his good fortune, but our ambition for the Kingdom may turn to ambition and honour for self or family. James reminds us of two kinds of wisdom (3:13–18). Our wisdom should be the kind that comes from Heaven, which is ‘first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere’ (v17 all quotations from New International Version).
James is so very practical; he reminds us that human nature hardly changes over the centuries. Could he have known how relevant his words were for those quarrels in our church? And he explains with delightful simplicity why ‘ask and receive’ does not always happen – we ask with the wrong motives (4:3).
That can explain so much, but to call us adulterers... (4:4). Well, we are either faithful towards God or – using an Old Testament idea – we are adulterous.
James seems to balance so many ideas: Listening and Doing, Faith and Works and Two Wisdoms. Even if 4:1–12 is entitled Submit Yourselves To God, he is saying it is a choice – the world or God – and that we should therefore submit ourselves to God.
In the UK, doting parents recognise their children as very bright and are proud of them (their teachers may not agree). However, while I was in East Africa, I found that humility is important.
Peace in our office was shattered one day by two little boys causing noisy havoc. Sponsorship forms were brought in describing one lad as a ‘very humble boy’. What joy to see the boy, the description and the love that clouds judgment!
We are not so familiar with humility as a virtue, but the teaching is clear: ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble’ (4:6) and ‘Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up’ (4:10; see also Proverbs 3:34).
It appears to be our role to be humble, and God’s gift to lift us up. So it follows that we should trust the future to the Lord: ‘If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that’ (v15).
Chapter 5 begins with a warning to rich oppressors. Is it a prophecy against our own generation? Verses 1 to 6 are surely applicable to our questionable finance trade and the sweatshops in countries distant from our own. I cannot resist a bargain, and at the time do not always think of children who are not in school or people who work in unhealthy conditions. We are so blessed by those who introduced Fairtrade, enabling us to buy ethically.
The idea of patience in suffering or perseverance is expanded in verses 7 to 12. This concludes with a biblical command not to swear by Heaven or earth but ‘Let your “Yes” be yes, and your “No” be no, or you will be condemned’ (v12).
The Book of James concludes with The Prayer of Faith (5:13–20). This is an exhortation to pray in all circumstances – happy or sad, sick or sinful. Our joining in prayer is also encouraged; verse 16 reminds us to confess our sins to each other and pray for each other.
It is difficult to believe that Elijah was human like us (v17) because we know him to be an Old Testament hero, and his prayers were incredible. Maybe it is good to acknowledge before the Lord when he has heard and answered our own prayers.
So we conclude a brief sweep of the very practical letter of James. He says what we need to hear and act upon.
Often when we read Scripture one verse leaps off the page, as the Lord says: ‘This is for you.’ Think on this verse. Write it out. Use calligraphy, WordArt or cross stitch, and let it be an encouragement for you and others who may see it in the following days and months.
• Major Tickner is Child and Family Care Services Officer at THQ
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Announcements
1. Soldiership Class
Please see Captain and Brother Tan for more information.
2. Cell Group/Prayer Ministry
Date: 12/11/10 Time: 8pm, Venue: Community Hall
Brothers and Sisters are welcome to send in your prayers request by email, sms, phone call and etc.
3. Ladies Fellowship
Date: 20 Nov 2010, Time: 8pm, Venue: Community Hall
4. Christmas Carol Practice & Band Practice
Date: 10 Nov 2010 (Wed), Time: 7:30pm and follow by Band practice at 8:30pm. Venue: Corps. We encourage all to join as away to the share good news through caroling during Christmas season.
5. Corps Administration - Soldiership Records
All soldiers of the Corps, please give a copy of your Article of War, and a copy of your IC (both side) for Corps confidential records.
Please see Captain and Brother Tan for more information.
2. Cell Group/Prayer Ministry
Date: 12/11/10 Time: 8pm, Venue: Community Hall
Brothers and Sisters are welcome to send in your prayers request by email, sms, phone call and etc.
3. Ladies Fellowship
Date: 20 Nov 2010, Time: 8pm, Venue: Community Hall
4. Christmas Carol Practice & Band Practice
Date: 10 Nov 2010 (Wed), Time: 7:30pm and follow by Band practice at 8:30pm. Venue: Corps. We encourage all to join as away to the share good news through caroling during Christmas season.
5. Corps Administration - Soldiership Records
All soldiers of the Corps, please give a copy of your Article of War, and a copy of your IC (both side) for Corps confidential records.
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 Major Kamala, on furlough back with family.
3. Pray for Christmas caroling practice, brass band, timbrel group and Christmas bells
4. Pray for officer's retreat that will held on 22-25 Nov 2010, at Johor Baharu, followed by Cadet's commissioning.
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.
2. Pray for Major Kamala, on furlough back with family.
3. Pray for Christmas caroling practice, brass band, timbrel group and Christmas bells
4. Pray for officer's retreat that will held on 22-25 Nov 2010, at Johor Baharu, followed by Cadet's commissioning.
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.
Friday, November 5, 2010
Food, glorious food
A Bible study for Harvest by Captain Carol Frederiksen
STUDY PASSAGE: JOHN 6:1–40
A POSTER outside a church caught my eye. The caption read: ‘Hungry? Try Church this Harvest time.’ My thoughts then turned to the words of Jesus in John 6:35: ‘I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty’ (all quotations from New International Version). What a wonderful invitation in that sentence! It conjures up images of abundance, contentment and satisfaction.
BREAD THAT CAN SATISFY
It is a shameful indictment on our world that vast numbers of the Earth’s population still go hungry every day. We are practically immune to the images of emaciated bodies and hollow, empty eyes that flash before us on television screens or call us to respond from newspaper pages.
And while the Christian might be moved to a compassionate response for the physically hungry, we ignore at our peril the spiritual hunger that also blights our society.
Into this deprivation of body, mind and spirit comes Jesus. He alone can satisfy the spiritual void in our lives. He alone can fill the emptiness. He makes no cheap promise when he claims to be the very ‘bread of life’. As he gives himself, the riches of Heaven are laid before us. Jesus offers joy beyond sorrow, hope beyond disappointment, intimate friendship beyond loneliness and life beyond death. The bread he provides fills not just for a moment, or a day, but satisfies for all eternity. The psalmist experienced this complete provision from God and declared in his testimony, ‘You brought us to a place of abundance’ (66:12).
To ponder
How does Jesus, as the Bread of Life, satisfy all my needs?
BREAD THAT IS SUFFICIENT
What is sufficient for you might not be sufficient for me, and vice versa. So, let us use this word in the sense that Jesus and his followers would have understood it. They knew how God had provided for his people in their wilderness experience. We read in Exodus 16:19 and 20 that the bread, or ‘manna’, that Moses was instructed by God to collect was sufficient only for that one day on which it was gathered. There was always enough manna for their daily needs, but each new day meant another gathering of God’s provision.
So how is the bread that Jesus offers sufficient for all our needs?
We start by recognizing that humanity has an enormous appetite for spiritual matters. Every culture has some form of religion, however loosely it might be defined. People in every age and every place have some object of worship and long for an explanation of their origins and their purpose. People in every culture have asked: ‘Who made all this?’ ‘Why am I here?’ ‘If there is a God, who is he and what is he like?’
Jesus provides answers to all these questions. His reasons for living – why to live, how to live, how to please God, how to live in harmony with God and with others – come in abundance. As we sit at his banqueting table and allow Jesus to nourish and sustain, he reveals his plan for us, gives goals for our lives and provides the power to achieve those goals. He then graciously ensures that we have life beyond this life. As the psalmist puts it, we will ‘dwell in the house of the Lord for ever’ (23:6).
We underline the fact that the offer that Jesus made of himself as the Bread of Life is not stingy or begrudging. He gives enough to everyone, and each person receives an equal portion. As we come to his feast, Jesus has more than enough to fully satisfy our hunger.
We may acknowledge – spiritually speaking – that some people are filled more quickly and more easily than others, but God graciously takes that into account. Read John 6:35 again: the invitation is given, the words of life are uttered. Jesus fulfils the eternal promise to ‘taste and see that the Lord is good’ (Psalm 34:8).
To ponder
How do I make sure that I have enough of the Bread of Life for each day?
A PRAYER FOR HARVEST
Every time we eat a meal, remind us of your presence. Every time we drink, remind us of your blessings. Every time we see a need, give us the sense of sharing. Every time we enjoy your creation, fill us with thanks and praise. Amen.
• Captain Frederiksen is the corps officer at Ipswich Bramford Road
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Reflections on Kingdom ambition
by Commissioner John Matear, Territorial Commander (UK)
IN our recent Highlands and Islands visits my wife and I found ourselves involved in many conversations with community leaders, as well as fellow travellers. Frequently the question asked was: ‘How is The Salvation Army doing these days?’ With time to talk, whether at a council reception, ecumenical event or airport departure lounge, the question needed more of an answer than: ‘Fine, thank you very much.’
I heard myself saying that The Salvation Army was not immune from the Western European picture of declining church membership but that globally the Army is bigger than it has ever been, and here in the UK we are, I believe, engaging with more people than we have done previously through increasing ‘open door’ community activities. Yet I confess to a degree of sadness at this response, for I believe God’s will for the Church is that we grow in order to increasingly reflect his glory and his purposes for creation. I affirm it is this that motivates and underpins our focus on Kingdom ambition.
I thank God for the opportunities and resources available to us. I rejoice when I hear of ‘hot spots’ of growth and mission effectiveness. I am truly grateful that we have people of vision and daring who are taking initiatives. I also salute faithful, enduring and resilient service given across the territory. In recognising that there is no ‘magic bullet’ to reverse decadal membership trends, the strategic importance of identifying new planting opportunities and resourcing them with wisdom is understood and encouraged.
Like many of you, I have also been around long enough to have witnessed trends within the Church that, with hindsight, proved to be short-lived. I rejoice that through the creativity and diversity of the Holy Spirit we have incredibly wide scope for mission engagement and evangelistic endeavour. One of the privileges of territorial leadership is that we witness corps and centres engaged in culturally and community relevant activities across the territory, motivated by a desire to faithfully reach out in God’s name.
It is as true now as it ever has been that we are not restricted in what we might do to reach people with the gospel. If it works, it’s Army – the pragmatic approach! Of course, as in every denomination, we work within the strength of structure, the wisdom of lessons learnt and the parameters of organisation and practice.
My conviction, born out of experience, is that we are united in our desire to see God’s Kingdom grow through the mission and ministry of The Salvation Army. Together with you, I rejoice that it is Christ who leads us and the Holy Spirit who continues to equip and inspire. Convinced that the gospel is the message the world needs, our mission objective is to ‘be disciples who make disciples’. I rejoice to read of increases when the Lord adds to our number those who are being saved, but I have to tell you I am hungry for more. Before the Lord in prayer I ask for wisdom to see where there may need to be a redirection of resources and, in particular, I pray for the envisioning and effective mobilisation of our greatest resource – our people.
We are a Salvation Army with a missionary calling. The world is needing us and Christ is leading us to make contact with people. By this I don’t just mean those who come through our doors, but those who, day by day, come into contact with Salvationists in work and social networks. Our mission is to our world, be it home, school, office or factory. We don’t need to be anywhere else to bring a word of hope and grace, to live a life of holiness and demonstrate God’s love. The truth is that the salt and light of discipleship is attractive and magnetic as well as countercultural.
I am convinced that God will honour such witness and mission focus when it is wholly embraced. Our mission relates primarily to life outside the Church while our equipping and resourcing for the mission is done within the fellowship as we meet and share the word of God that builds us up. Crucial to our understanding is that we will lose our sense of mission if we focus on secondary issues or become self-serving. The mission is undermined and soul-saving efforts are impoverished when time and effort are drained and deflected because of internal issues, moral lapses or the pursuit of personal agendas.
We have a mission to make disciples by connecting with people in their world, which is our world too.
Join me in praying: ‘Lord, enlarge our vision, forgive our complacency and fire us with Kingdom ambition to faithfully play our part in working for your Kingdom to come and your will to be done. Amen.’
IN our recent Highlands and Islands visits my wife and I found ourselves involved in many conversations with community leaders, as well as fellow travellers. Frequently the question asked was: ‘How is The Salvation Army doing these days?’ With time to talk, whether at a council reception, ecumenical event or airport departure lounge, the question needed more of an answer than: ‘Fine, thank you very much.’
I heard myself saying that The Salvation Army was not immune from the Western European picture of declining church membership but that globally the Army is bigger than it has ever been, and here in the UK we are, I believe, engaging with more people than we have done previously through increasing ‘open door’ community activities. Yet I confess to a degree of sadness at this response, for I believe God’s will for the Church is that we grow in order to increasingly reflect his glory and his purposes for creation. I affirm it is this that motivates and underpins our focus on Kingdom ambition.
I thank God for the opportunities and resources available to us. I rejoice when I hear of ‘hot spots’ of growth and mission effectiveness. I am truly grateful that we have people of vision and daring who are taking initiatives. I also salute faithful, enduring and resilient service given across the territory. In recognising that there is no ‘magic bullet’ to reverse decadal membership trends, the strategic importance of identifying new planting opportunities and resourcing them with wisdom is understood and encouraged.
Like many of you, I have also been around long enough to have witnessed trends within the Church that, with hindsight, proved to be short-lived. I rejoice that through the creativity and diversity of the Holy Spirit we have incredibly wide scope for mission engagement and evangelistic endeavour. One of the privileges of territorial leadership is that we witness corps and centres engaged in culturally and community relevant activities across the territory, motivated by a desire to faithfully reach out in God’s name.
It is as true now as it ever has been that we are not restricted in what we might do to reach people with the gospel. If it works, it’s Army – the pragmatic approach! Of course, as in every denomination, we work within the strength of structure, the wisdom of lessons learnt and the parameters of organisation and practice.
My conviction, born out of experience, is that we are united in our desire to see God’s Kingdom grow through the mission and ministry of The Salvation Army. Together with you, I rejoice that it is Christ who leads us and the Holy Spirit who continues to equip and inspire. Convinced that the gospel is the message the world needs, our mission objective is to ‘be disciples who make disciples’. I rejoice to read of increases when the Lord adds to our number those who are being saved, but I have to tell you I am hungry for more. Before the Lord in prayer I ask for wisdom to see where there may need to be a redirection of resources and, in particular, I pray for the envisioning and effective mobilisation of our greatest resource – our people.
We are a Salvation Army with a missionary calling. The world is needing us and Christ is leading us to make contact with people. By this I don’t just mean those who come through our doors, but those who, day by day, come into contact with Salvationists in work and social networks. Our mission is to our world, be it home, school, office or factory. We don’t need to be anywhere else to bring a word of hope and grace, to live a life of holiness and demonstrate God’s love. The truth is that the salt and light of discipleship is attractive and magnetic as well as countercultural.
I am convinced that God will honour such witness and mission focus when it is wholly embraced. Our mission relates primarily to life outside the Church while our equipping and resourcing for the mission is done within the fellowship as we meet and share the word of God that builds us up. Crucial to our understanding is that we will lose our sense of mission if we focus on secondary issues or become self-serving. The mission is undermined and soul-saving efforts are impoverished when time and effort are drained and deflected because of internal issues, moral lapses or the pursuit of personal agendas.
We have a mission to make disciples by connecting with people in their world, which is our world too.
Join me in praying: ‘Lord, enlarge our vision, forgive our complacency and fire us with Kingdom ambition to faithfully play our part in working for your Kingdom to come and your will to be done. Amen.’
Sunday, October 31, 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 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.
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.
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.
Friday, October 29, 2010
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
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
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
Monday, October 25, 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 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.
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.
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.
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