Announcements

1. Corps Sport & Outing
Date: 11/04/12 (Wed). Time: 8:00am Venue: Jubilee Hall (Badminton)
Please contact Sis Jasinta for more information.

1.1. Prayer Meeting
Date: 13/04/12 (Fri). Time: 8:00pm Venue: Corps
Please submit your prayers and come to prayer.

2. Senior Citizen's Breakfast
Date: 14/04/2012 (Sat) Time: 8:00am Venue: Paya Terubong
All brothers and sisters are welcome to join.

3. Banana Leaf Ministry
Date: 14/04/2012 (Sat) Time: 11:00am Venue: Corps Community Hall
Volunteers are needed. Thank you.

4. Helping Hand Project
Date: 21/04/2012 (Sat) Time: 08:00am Venue: Youth Park
Our corps target to raise RM2000 for Education Programme for Day Care & Tuition of Children in Myammar.

5. Officer's Business Consultation Meeting
Date: 16-19/04/12 Venue: Kuching, Sarawa. Please pray for our officers and take note that Officers will be away at this time.

6. CCM Combined Ascension Meeting
Date: 17/05/12 Time: 8:00pm Venue: TSA Worship Hall
Our corps is the hosting Church, please come and support. Colonel Gillian Downer is the invited speaker for that day.

7. Malaysia Family Camp
Date: 31/05 - 03/06/12 Venue: YMCA Camp Fees: RM230 Day Camp: RM110
Being the host Corps, all brothers and sisters are encourage to join and also being a volunteer in helping in this Malaysia Family Camp.

Good Friday April 2012

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Preparation accomplished

A journey towards Easter – the first of two studies by Captain Catherine Smith

STUDY PASSAGE: LUKE 19:28–40

LENT is often thought of as a journey. In these last two weeks before Easter, allow the journey Jesus made to Jerusalem to mirror your own pilgrimage with him to a holy place.

In his journey, the preparation came from pilgrimage, prophecy and promise.

Jesus was on a pilgrimage to partake in the Passover, one of three Jewish pilgrim festivals. If they were able, people travelled with their families to Jerusalem to participate in this important feast.

Many today still keep the tradition of Passover; it is a meaningful journey through God’s story in humanity and our response to it. The significant symbolism and memories evoke a sense of God’s hand through history and, indeed, our place in it now through Jesus. Are there some simple ways you could recreate this in your family or corps?

Zechariah 9:9 exactly prophesies this moment in the journey of Jesus. Preparation had been made in the annals of history, as well as the time that Jesus was fulfilling the prophecy. This raises our faith and hope that Jesus will also fulfil his word in our lives.

On 18 March 2008 somebody from another church walked into our prayer room at Southwark. She had written a prophecy for our corps that contained these words: ‘There will be no more miscarriages. This time next year, you will be saying: “See what the Lord has done.”

She did not know I had lost two babies the year before, and that there were a number of pastoral situations creating great tension for the corps.

My son was born on 19 March 2009 and God began to impart new and fresh vision that has indeed led us to celebrate God’s hand in our history and future.

Throughout his earthly ministry Jesus emphasised God’s promises. As the disciples obeyed his instructions to find a donkey, they found the necessary provision (v32).

In our journey with Jesus we should remind ourselves of his promises, be obedient to his instructions and find that God has already made provision for his will to be accomplished.
• As you journey towards a holy place this Easter, would it help you to share in a family pilgrimage to somewhere or something special – taking time to reflect on God’s goodness to you through the years?
• Can you call to mind any word or prophecy that has been spoken over your life or corps? Can you rejoice in the way God has been working things out beyond what you could see?
• Over the next week, write one of God’s promises to you each day and think on that. Does God require any action on your part in order to see a fuller revelation of him at work?

PRAISE AUTHENTICATED
As people praised God, there was recognition and rejoicing. They recognised Jesus as someone amazing. They burst into praise for the miracles they had seen and hailed him as the coming king.

People were exuberant and loud in their praise. Some tried to quieten them, but Jesus was not prepared to do so. In a deeper sense than they realised, their words were true: the King had come, ushering in his Kingdom. The crowds, therefore, could not help but welcome him.
• As we recognise who Jesus is, do we find ourselves rejoicing?
• As we represent Jesus to our world, do people respond in the same way?

Remember, Jesus was ushering in his Kingdom – that glorious place spoken of in Revelation 21:3 and 4: ‘They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away’ (New International Version).

Does that promise not cause us to praise?
• This week, look out for Jesus all around you.
• Where will you recognise him and how will this cause you to rejoice?

The outcome of praise is to lift us to the presence of Jesus. Praise helps put all things into perspective, so that we can see with God’s viewpoint. The people in this Bible passage were caught up in the fascination of the procession of Jesus. They had a deeper journey to take into knowing his purpose.

Prayer Request

1. Pray for Corps various ministries, Malaysia Family Camp

2. Pray for Corps family: Hock Sun and Family

3. Pray for Corps family: Seow Hwee, Loo Thoe & Khye Lin

4. Pray for Corps family: Pong Hoe (Ah Boy) and It Hoe

Announcements

1.Youth Worship
Date: 01/04/12 (Sun). Tin: 7:30pm Venue Worship Hall
Worship: Soon Bee Preaching: Lt. Fiona Bible Reading: Eng Chai Offering: Soon Kean.

2. Good Friday Service
Date: 06/04/12 (Fri). Time: 8:00pm Venue: Corps Worship Hall
Please prepare your heart to join and in remembrance of our Lord.

3. Senior Citizen's Breakfast
Date: 14/04/2012 (Sat) Time: 8:00am Venue: Paya Terubong
All brothers and sisters are welcome to join.

4. Banana Leaf Ministry
Date: 14/04/2012 (Sat) Time: 11:00am Venue: Corps Community Hall
Volunteers are needed. Thank you.

5. Corps Sport and Outing (Helping Project)
Date: 21/04/2012 (Sat) Time: 08:00am Venue: Youth Park
Our corps target to raise RM2000 for Education Programme for Day Care & Tuition of Children in Myammar.

7. Officer's Business Consultation Meeting
Date: 16-19/04/12 Venue: Kuching, Sarawa. Please pray for our officers and take note that Officers will be away at this time.

8. CCM Combined Ascension Meeting
Date: 17/05/12 Time: 8:00pm Venue: TSA Worship Hall
Our corps is the hosting Church, please come and support. Colonel Gillian Downer is the invited speaker for that day.

9. Malaysia Family Camp
Date: 31/05 - 03/06/12 Venue: YMCA Camp Fees: RM230 Day Camp: RM110
Being the host Corps, all brothers and sisters are encourage to join and also being a volunteer in helping in this Malaysia Family Camp.

Banana Leaf Ministry Feb 2012

Photo - Banana Leaf Ministry Feb 2012



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Senior Citizen Breakfast Feb 2012

Photo - Senior Citizen Breakfast Feb 2012



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Prayer Request

1. Pray for Corps various ministries

2. Pray for Corps family: Francis, Maggie and Fernando Ellias

3. Pray for Corps family: Steven, Casey and Allison Foo

4. Pray for Corps family: John, Shirley, Cheryl, Robin and Michelle

Announcements

1.Youth Fellowship
Date: 25/03/12 (Sun). Tin: 7:30pm Venue Community Hall
Programme: Youth Special Person-in-charge: Captain Tan

2. Good Friday Service
Date: 06/04/12 (Fri). Time: 8:00pm Venue: Corps Worship Hall
Please prepare your heart to join and in remembrance of our Lord.

3. Senior Citizen's Breakfast
Date: 14/04/2012 (Sat) Time: 8:00am Venue: Paya Terubong
All brothers and sisters are welcome to join.

4. Banana Leaf Ministry
Date: 14/04/2012 (Sat) Time: 11:00am Venue: Corps Community Hall
Volunteers are needed. Thank you.

5. Malaysia Family Camp
Date: 31/05 - 03/06/12 Venue: YMCA Camp Fees: RM230 Day Camp: RM110
Being the host Corps, all brothers and sisters are encourage to join and also being a volunteer in helping in this Malaysia Family Camp.

Outing Air Itam Dam 2012

Photo - Outing Air Itam Dam 2012



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Covenant Sunday 2012

Photo - Covenant Sunday 2012



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Prayer Request

1. Pray for Bro Sam and family for the lost of their loving mother.

2. Pray for Corps family: Chin Kheng, Ewe Kheng, Cindy, Eng Soon, Eng Heng

4. Pray for Corps family: Sunny, Rachel, Elizabeth, Susan and John

5. Pray for Corps family: Ang Chai Thiam and Family

Announcements

1. Penang Flag Day
Special thanks to those who help up in the collections. The result will be announced at later date.

2. Youth Ministry
Date: 18/03/12 (Sun).
There will be no youth meeting. Please take note

3. CCM AGM Meeting
Date: 24/03/12 (Sat). Time: 8:00pm Venue: Methodist Church. Please pray for the new election and new leadership.

4. Corps Council Meeting
Date: 25/03/12 (Sun) Time: 12:30pm Venue: Corps Worship Hall
All Corps Council members please take note,

5. Good Friday Service
Date: 06/04/12 (Fri). Time: 8:00pm Venue: Corps Worship Hall
Please prepare your heart to join and in remembrance of our Lord.

6. Senior Citizen's Breakfast
Date: 14/04/2012 (Sat) Time: 8:00am Venue: Paya Terubong
All brothers and sisters are welcome to join.

7. Banana Leaf Ministry
Date: 14/04/2012 (Sat) Time: 11:00am Venue: Corps Community Hall
Volunteers are needed. Thank you.

8. Malaysia Family Camp
Date: 31/05 - 03/06/12 Venue: YMCA Camp Fees: RM230 Day Camp: RM110
Being the host Corps, all brothers and sisters are encourage to join and also being a volunteer in helping in this Malaysia Family Camp.

World Day Of Prayer Mar 2012

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Roller Skate Mar 2012

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Major & Mrs Raelton Visit Mar 2012

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CNY Dinner Jan 2012

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Gracious Spirit, dwell with me

EXODUS 25:8

I LISTENED recently to a programme on Radio 4 that was concerned with the end of the world. Apparently there is a belief that 21 December 2012 is the date on which all that we know will come to an end.

It seems that humans have an innate desire to know the mind of God – to pin him down.

In Thailand every building, from the grandest hotel to the smallest shanty dwelling, had a spirit house on its roof or in its grounds. They come in a variety of sizes but take basically the same form and are there to house the spirits who have been displaced by the building of the hotel, office or house. The new landowner is obliged to provide a new home for the spirits that previously lived on the site.

You may think such a practice primitive, superstitious or ridiculous, but the Thai people are not the only ones who have constructed dwelling places for their gods.

Looking at the book of Exodus, chapter 25, we see the beginning of the lengthy and detailed instructions that God gave to Moses for the building of the tabernacle: ‘Let them make a sanctuary for me, and I will dwell among them’ (v8 all quotations from New International Version unless stated otherwise).

The instructions God gave were specific and elaborate. First, for the Ark of the Covenant, which would house the stone tablets; then for its cover, the mercy seat, and on through the other items of furniture to the tabernacle itself, the priests and their garments.

But why was it all necessary?

In his explanatory notes on verse 8, John Wesley wrote that the sanctuary was intended as a place of public and solemn worship, and amplifies God’s word ‘that I may dwell among them. Not by my essence, which is everywhere, but by my grace and glorious operations.’

This sanctuary was to assist the people of Israel on their journey – literally (it was portable) and spiritually, because it would focus their minds on God. There had been nothing like this before – nowhere to go to worship God, nothing visible to remind them of his presence.

God’s purpose was not to limit himself with any suggestion that he could be contained or was no longer omnipresent, but to enable his chosen people to have confidence that he was there with them as they journeyed. The people of Israel would no longer have to repeat the question, ‘Is God still with us?’, because they could ‘see’ and know.

Hebrews 11:1 states: ‘Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.’

Despite the fact that we are a people of faith, we still like to see. We look for evidence of God, we want to be reminded of his presence; it helps us, as it helped the Israelites to go forward. And would we still be on our journey if the evidence were not found?

God reveals himself. He keeps his promises. He has promised his presence – there is no need to doubt or to demand proof.

The Ark of the Covenant has long since disappeared. It may have been recovered, it may be held in a church in Ethiopia – no one knows for sure. The old covenant has been superseded by the new. Where can God be found now?

God’s eternal plan has been to live among his people. The Message paraphrases John 1:14: ‘The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighbourhood.’

God is where you are. God is where I am.

Leviticus 26:11–13 reveals the reward that the people of Israel could expect for their
obedience. God says: ‘I will put my dwelling-place among you, and I will not abhor you. I will walk among you and be your God, and you will be my people. I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt so that you would no longer be slaves to the Egyptians; I broke the bars of your yoke and enabled you to walk with heads held high.’

It’s not necessary to go to a particular place at a particular time to experience the presence of God. He lives among his people. Immanuel – God is with us!

• Major Woodhouse is corps officer at Thornton Heath

Announcements

1. Youth Worship
Date: 19/02/12 (Sun) Time: 7:30pm. Venue: Corps Worship Hall
Praise & Worship: Jihhan, Preaching: Capt Tan, Bible Reading: William, Offering: Soon Kean.

2. Study on Jesus Parabbles
Date: 19/02/12 (Sun). Time: 12:30pm Venue: Corps Worship Hall
A study on Jesus parables for cell group leaders, also open for people who are interested to study.

3. Voter Education Seminar
Date: 19/02/12 (Sun). Time: 2:00-4:30pm (register at 1:30pm)
Venue: Church of the Assumption (3 Farquhar Street, Penang)
Learn How To:
- protect the secrecy of your vote
- exercise your rights as a voter
- contribute towards a free and fair elections
- many other useful info

4. Penang Flag Day
Date: 10th & 17th March 2012 (both Saturday) Time: 7:30am Venue: TSA Children's Home
Please pray for the fund raising and also sign up as volunteer for the street collection.

5. Visit of Programme Secretary
Date: 11th - 13th March 2012
Major Raelton and Lynn Gibbs will be visiting Penang.

6. World Day of Prayer
Date: 16/03/2012 (Fri) Time: 8:00pm Venue: Trinity Methodist Church.
All are welcome.

Prayer Request

1. Pray for Corps ministries and Cell groups.

2. Pray for Penang Flag Day on 10 & 17th March 2012

3. Pray for Corps family: Blessy, Ah How, Sam Ooi & Tian Seng

4. Pray for Corps family: Chris and Shiela Lee

5. Pray for Corps family: Tong Seng, Iris and Yoke Peng.

Partners in mission

by Major Richard Welch: 2 CORINTHIANS 8:1–15

IN my present role, you would expect me to be an enthusiastic advocate of the Self-Denial Appeal. And indeed I am, for it provides the resources that enable The Salvation Army to continue to proclaim the good news about Jesus. The very survival of some territories depends on this worldwide giving.

The projects it funds strengthen and support the Army’s spiritual mission – as well as increasing our organisational capacity – especially in new and developing territories. Recent projects include new corps halls and community centres, corps cadet camps, music schools, adult evangelism training and anti-trafficking projects.

Self-denial and giving are nothing new. In fact, we have evidence in our study passage that Paul spent some ten years raising funds from the Gentile churches for missionary efforts and famine relief in support of the Judaean believers. The situation in Palestine was fuelled by overpopulation, food shortages and crippling taxation on an already unstable financial market. The appeal lasted till AD 57, when Paul – with representatives from contributing Gentile churches – took the funds to Jerusalem.

In verse 3 Paul uses the example of the Macedonian Christians, who – though poor and persecuted – overflowed in love, joy and generosity in giving to this cause: ‘They gave as much as they were able’ (New International Version). They did not concentrate on their own needs or desires, but on others. Indeed, they begged Paul for the chance to give.

Motivating Christians to give is difficult enough in good economic times, let alone when finances are stretched! Yet we see in this example, at a time of extreme hardship, that – after first giving themselves to the Lord – the Macedonian churches felt compelled to help the ongoing mission of Christ. Their response was the privilege of sharing what little they could spare with those who were struggling.

Despite today’s economic woes, we still live in one of the wealthiest countries in the world. Compared with many people in developing countries, we are blessed.

So what can we learn from Corinth’s role in this fundraising effort? Not only were they the first church to give, but also the first to have the desire to do so. Interestingly, Paul makes no direct appeal for money; his approach is to provide the Church with challenges and incentives. In so doing, he also challenges us as we consider our response to self-denial.

• He motivates us by comparing attitudes, not money. The joyful, eager and heartfelt attitude of the Macedonian churches is presented to the Corinthians, not the sum of their contribution. How does our attitude compare? Are we joyful, eager and sincere in our giving to resource Christ’s mission?
• He challenges us to be selfless. Paul did not benefit in any way from the church collection. What is our motivation for giving?
• Paul’s fellow Christians required the basic necessities of life – a worthy cause. The Self-Denial Appeal is also a worthy cause! By giving, we become partners in the worldwide mission.
• Paul points out that generous giving is an act of divine grace (v1). It is only as God enables that we are able to give. Spend time in prayer, thanking God for his providence and abundant blessings. What are we doing in response?
• Paul’s relief fund served as a visible expression of the interdependence of believers worldwide. Through self-denial, we are involved in the ongoing mission of the Army and fellow Salvationists throughout the world.
• We demonstrate the unity of the gospel (see Galatians 3:28).

Paul tells the Corinthians: ‘Right now you have plenty and can help those who are in need. Later, they will have plenty and can share with you when you need it. In this way, things will be equal’ (v14 New Living Translation).

We may still be wealthy materially, but in terms of church membership in the West we are in decline and under real attack from an increasingly secularist society. The territories where Salvation Army numbers are growing are those whose mission we are supporting from our abundance today. Could it be that very soon they will be supporting us from their abundance? One day the UKT may need officer reinforcement!

Let us be open to God’s will. May it also be said of us: ‘They gave as much as they were able.’

Spiritual Workshop Feb 2012

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Prayer Request

1. Pray for Scott Ooi who is going to Melbourne for his further study, Jonathan Lim going for his 1st year University level and others youth as well.

2. Pray for Penang Flag Day on 11 & 18th March 2012

3. Pray for Eng Wong, Hock Sun and Majors Kamala their save traveling.

4. Pray for Corps family: Bro Seow Hwee, Sis Loo Thoe & Khye Lin

5. Pray for Corps family: Chew Pong Hoe & It Hoe families.

Announcements

1. Youth Special Night
Date: 12/02/12 (Sun) Time: 7:30pm. Venue: Corps Worship Hall
Person-in-charge: Lt Fiona. All youth please take note.

2. Cell Group
Date: 17/02/12 (Fri). Time: 8:00pm Venue: Bro Tan Home
Please come and join us.

3. Voter Education Seminar
Date: 19/02/12 (Sun). Time: 2:00-4:30pm (register at 1:30pm)
Venue: Church of the Assumption (3 Farquhar Street, Penang)
Learn How To:
- protect the secrecy of your vote
- exercise your rights as a voter
- contribute towards a free and fair elections
- many other useful info

4. Penang Flag Day
Date: 11th & 18th March 2012 (both Satruday) Time: 7:30am Venue: TSA Children's Home
Please pray for the fund raising and also sign up as volunteer for the street collection.

5. Visit of Programme Secretary
Date: 11th - 13th March 2012
Major Raelton and Lynn Gibbs will be visiting Penang.

Prayer Request

1. Pray for Senior Citizen Programme & Banana Leaf ministry

2. Pray for Penang Flag Day on 3rd & 17th March 2012

3. Pray for Corps family: Bro Steven, Casey & Allison Foo

4. Pray for Corps family: Bro John, Shirley, Cheryl, Robin and Michelle.

Announcements

1. Youth Sport and Outing
Date: 5/02/12 (Sun) - All youth please take note. Youth sport and Outing at 7:00pm.
Please meet at the Corps.

2. Corps Sport & Outing
Date: 07/02/12 (Sat). Time: 7:30am Venue: Ayer Itam Dam
Please meet at Ayer Itam Dam. Thank you.

3. Senior Citizen's Breakfast Fellowship
Date: 11/02/12 (Sat). Time: 8am Venue: Paya Terubong
Please contact Captain Tan for more information and transportation if needed.

4. Banana Leaf Ministry
Date: 11/02/12 (Sat). Time: 11am Venue: Community Hall
Volunteers are needed and help in this ministry.

5. Penang Flag Day
Date: 3th & 13th March 2012 (both Satruday)
Please pray for the fund raising and also sign up as volunteer for the street collection.

6. Children's Bible
Anyone who has Children's Bible and wanted to bless our Junior Soldiers, please contact Captain Brenda.

Round and round!

By Captain Tan Guat Hai.

Chinese people love things round or circular for the character has the same pronunciation as the word “fate”. Our dining table is round-shaped, so are our Mooncakes during the winter solstice. We also enjoy the round-shaped dumplings. All these rounded items symbolize “reunion”, which to the Chinese means that there is no gap or separation.

There is a saying that comes from the Chinese people of old: “When the ‘moon is full’, people gather in unity – as a family circle where there is no gap.” It signifies completeness. From past history, people have already learnt this principle. For a home to be complete, it must be united. The people of old have also learnt from the full moon that a family needs to bond together and unite. Therefore, reunion meals further remind us that as a family, we should let go of all hatred and grievances, and sit together for a meal without any sense of disconnection, for the purpose of mutual acceptance and reconciliation. As we face each other around the table in this way, only then we will attain a true sense of unity.

In Exodus 12: 3-4, it is recorded: Tell the whole community of Israel that on the tenth day of this month each man is to take a lamb for his family, one for each household. If any household is too small for a whole lamb, they must share one with their nearest neighbor, having taken into account the number of people there are. You are to determine the amount of lamb needed in accordance with what each person will eat. Before facing a tremendous challenge, God wanted the Israelites to be united as a family, joining their hearts to confront the challenge ahead of them. In actual fact, it is the same for the Chinese reunion meal!

God wants us to join our hearts and face the challenges together that might arise in the coming year. Unity is strength!

It seems difficult for young people in this day and age to know how to treasure the importance of family. They always seem to feel that parents are restricting, nagging, controlling, and they would rather believe and even trust in strangers or friends, instead of parents and family members. We have to understand that not every parent is apt at expressing themselves. Usually parents mean well, but they might have used the wrong method or words, causing the children to receive the incorrect message that may have made them think their parents were interfering and meddlesome. We are unable to choose our parents, just as they cannot choose us. It is not by chance that we are brought together as a family, for it is in the providence of God. Therefore we need to have acceptance and reconciliation within our family circle to enjoy full unity before God. It is hoped that rebellious young people, after experiencing many trials and hardships, will finally wake up to the importance of their family. How much sense does it make to waste time going on a wild goose chase, before this principle is discovered?

A mother gives a great amount of her time, attention and effort into the preparation of this special traditional meal. This shows how much she values her family’s togetherness for the Chinese New Year reunion dinner!

As Chinese New Year comes round again, may our celebrations remind us that as a family - parents, brothers and sisters – we should be united and in harmony, not only with each other, but with God. It is God Who completes our circle, bringing to it full unity.

Wishing you a blessed Chinese New Year! May you each have a great reunion with your family by giving God His rightful place when you meet and every day in your lives!

Prayer Request

1. Pray for Spiritual Development Workshop on 4th Feb 2012.

2. Pray for Corps family: Major Kamla and Lieut Fiona Loh

3. Pray for Corps family: Bro Ang Chai Thiam & Family

4. Pray for Corps family: Bro Francis, Sis Maggie and Fernando

Announcements

1. Youth Fellowship
Date: 29/01/12 (Sun) - There won't be any youth fellowship this evening

2. Spiritual Development Workshop
Date: 04/02/12 (Sat). Time: 9am-5pm Venue: Worship Hall
Major Ruth Pascoe will be coming by the Corps invitation to conduct Spiritual Development Workshop. A fees of RM10.00 will be charge for the lunch.

3. Senior Citizen's Breakfast Fellowship
Date: 11/02/12 (Sat). Time: 8am Venue: Paya Terubong
Please contact Captain Tan for more information and transportation if needed.

4. Banana Leaf Ministry
Date: 11/02/12 (Sat). Time: 11am Venue: Community Hall
Volunteers are needed and help in this ministry.

5. Penang Flag Day
Date: March 2012.
Please pray for the fund raising and also sign up as volunteer for the street collection.

6. Children's Bible
Anyone who has Children's Bible and wanted to bless our Junior Soldiers, please contact Captain Brenda.

Christmas Service 2011

Christmas Service 2011



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Christmas Carolling & Visitation 2011

Photo - Christmas Carolling & Visitation 2011



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Youth Camp Dec 2011

Photo - Youth Camp Dec 2011



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Corps Group Photo 6 Nov 2011

Photo - Corps Group Photo 6 Nov 2011



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Announcement

1. Youth Worship
Date: 15/01/12 (Sun) Time: 7:30pm Venue: Corp Worship Hall
Praise & Worship: Joseph, Short Talk: Soon Bee, Games: Jihhan and Soon Bee

2. Reunion Dinner
Date: 28/01/12 (Sat) Time: 7:00pm Venue: Community Hall
Potbless steamboat, please bring some food to share with others. Captain Tan will be speaking on the topic of "Dragon".

3. Ang Bao Sunday
Date: 29/01/12 (Sun). A special collection will be forwarded to candidates fund, encourage for officership.

4. Spiritual Development Workshop
Date: 04/02/12 (Sat). Time: 9am-5pm Venue: Worship Hall
Major Ruth Pascoe will be coming by the Corps invitation to conduct Spiritual Development Workshop. A fees of RM10.00 will be charge for the lunch.

5. Senior Citizen's Breakfast Fellowship
Date: 11/02/12 (Sat). Time: 8am Venue: Paya Terubong
Please contact Captain Tan for more information and transportation if needed.

6. Banana Leaf Ministry
Date: 11/02/12 (Sat). Time: 11am Venue: Community Hall
Volunteers are needed and help in this ministry.

7. Penang Flag Day
Date: March 2012.
Please pray for the fund raising and also sign up as volunteer for the street collection.

Prayer Request

1. Pray for Corps ministry: Reunion dinner, Senior Breakfast & Banana Leaf programme

2. Pray for Corps family: Freddy, Alice, Ailyn, Daniel Cheong

3. Pray for Corps family: Kim Aun, Jasinta, Jonathan, Joshua Lim

4. Pray for Corps family: Choon Eng, Jenny, Scott, Chui Peeng, Chris and Sheila Lee.

Ladies Fellowship 12 Nov 2011

Photo - Ladies Fellowship 12 Nov 2011



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New SA Flag Dedication 10 Dec 2011

Photo - New SA Flag Dedication 10 Dec 2011



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Senior Citizen Breakfast 12 Nov 2011

Photo - Senior Citizen Breakfast 12 Nov 2011



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Watch Night Service 31 Dec 2011

Photo - Watch Night Service 31 Dec 2011



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Sunday School Jan 2012

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Prayer Request

1. Pray for Bro Vincent and wife, and their new born baby girl.

2. Pray for Corps family: Bro Tian Seng, Sis Blessy, Ah Heng & Wah Hee

3. Pray for Corps family: Bro Tong Seng, Sis Iris, Yoke Peng, Bro Tong Meng & Family

4. Pray for Corps family: Jack Karthigesh, Uges and Steven Chung

Announcements

1. Youth Worship
Date: 08/01/12 (Sun) Time: 7:30pm Venue: Corp Worship Hall
Praise & Worship: William, Bible Message: Bro Tan, Bible Reading: Raymond and Offering: Benjamin

2. Prayer Ministry
Date: 13/01/12 (Fri) Time: 8:15pm Venue: Corps Worship Hall
Please send us your prayer request and come join us in this ministry.

3. Reunion Dinner
Date: 28/01/12 (Sat) Time: 7:00pm Venue: Community Hall
Potbless steamboat, please bring some food to share with others. Captain Tan will be speaking on that evening.

4. Ang Bao Sunday
Date: 29/01/12 (Sun). A special collection will be forwarded to candidates fund, encourage for officership.

5. Spiritual Development Workshop
Date: 04/02/12 (Sat). Time: 9am-5pm Venue: Worship Hall
Major Ruth Pascoe will be coming by the Corps invitation to conduct Spiritual Development Workshop.

6. Senior Citizen's Breakfast Fellowship
Date: 11/02/12 (Sat). Time: 8am Venue: Paya Terubong
Please contact Captain Tan for more information and transportation if needed.

7. Banana Leaf Ministry
Date: 11/02/12 (Sat). Time: 11am Venue: Community Hall
Volunteers are needed and help in this ministry.

Prayer Request

1. Pray for Christmas Caroling and Christmas Day celebration

2. Pray for Corps family: Bro Ang Chai Thiam & Family

3. Pray for Corps family: Francis, Maggie and Fernando Elias

4. Pray for Corps family: Steven, Casey and Allison Foo

Announcements

1. Band Practice
Date: 14/12/11 (Wed) Time: 8:00pm Venue: Corp Worship Hall
We encourage all who are able to join and come for practice.

2. Christmas Caroling
Date: 17/12/11 (Wed) Time: 7:30pm Venue: Gama Supermarket
Please come and join us.

3. General Call All Salvationist to Pray
Date: Every Thursday Time: 7:30am - 8:30am Venue: At your own place or location.
General is calling all Salvationist around the world in a 24 hour prayer meeting. Pray for the Salvation Army works around the world.

4. Penang Christmas Open House
Date: 18/12/11 (Sun) Time: 7:00pm Venue: Auto City, BM
All are welcome. Dinner will be provided.

Youth Camp - 7-9 Dec 2011

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Prayer Request

1. Pray for Corps Youth Camp to be held at Cameron Highlands

2. Pray for Corps family: Lily, Dave and Daniel Clarke

3. Pray for Corps family: Chin Kheng, Ewe Kheng, Cindy, Eng Son and Eng Heng.

4. Pray for Corps family: Sunny, Rachel, Elizabeth, Susan and John

Announcements

1. Cell group and Prayer ministry
There will be no cell group and prayer ministry in the month of December.
All are encourage to participate in Christmas caroling.

2. Band Practice
Date: 07/12/11 (Wed) Time: 8:00pm Venue: Corp Worship Hall
We encourage all who are able to join and come for practice.

3. General Call All Salvationist to Pray
Date: Every Thursday Time: 7:30am - 8:30am Venue: At your own place or location.
General is calling all Salvationist around the world in a 24 hour prayer meeting. Pray for the Salvation Army works around the world.

4. Penang Christmas Open House
Date: 18/12/11 (Sun) Time: 7:00pm Venue: Auto City, BM
All are welcome. Dinner will be provided.

5. Banana Leaf Ministry
Date: 10/12/11 (Sun) Time: 11:00am Venue: Community Hall
Please pray and come to help on this ministry.

Penang Old Boys Photo

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Those who want to contribute, kindly send it to our email.

Prayer Request

1. Pray for Khye Lin, Chui Peeng, Joshua, Thomas, Ming Xian & Mehes who will be attending YMCA Bible Quiz.

2. Pray for Cheh Ho who will be sitting his SPM exam.

3. Pray for Corps family: Mrs Chin and Kok Keong

4. Pray for Corps family: Blessy, Matthew, Davi, Kesha and Yen Wong.

Announcements

1. Youth Worship
Date: 13/11/11 (Sun) Time: 7:30pm Venue: Worship Hall
Worship: Lieut Fiona; Bible Messenger: Bro Tan; Games: Joseph & Capt Tan

2. Band Practice
Date: 16/11/11 (Wed) Time: 8:00pm Venue: Corp Worship Hall
We encourage all who are able to join and come for practice.

3. Cell Group
Date: 18/11/11 (Fri) Time: 8:15pm Venue: Bro Tan's home
Let's gather together to learn and pray for the Corps and one another.

4. General Call All Salvationist to Pray
Date: Every Thursday Time: 7:30am - 8:30am Venue: At your own place or location.
General is calling all Salvationist around the world in a 24 hour prayer meeting. Pray for the Salvation Army works around the world.

5. Christmas Carolling and Band Practice
Date: 20/11/11 (Sun) Time: 12:30pm Venue: Corps Worship Hall
Please stay back for carolling practice. First half hour for singing practice and second half hour for band practice.

6. Penang Christmas Open House
Date: 18/12/11 (Sun) Time: 7:00pm Venue: Auto City, BM
All are welcome.

A good return?

Major Stuart Barker identifies the vital goal of Back To Church Sunday

STUDY PASSAGE: DEUTERONOMY 30:1–10

TO come back is to return. An obvious statement, but it points to a key word to consider on Back To Church Sunday tomorrow (25 September).

God’s call to the people of Israel to return to him and his enabling of their return to the Promised Land are recurring features in the Old Testament. In encouraging people to come back to church – to God’s ‘new Israel’ – we can benefit from reflecting on this ancient concept of returning to God.

God’s word, spoken to his people through Moses, made it clear that he always knew his people would, at various times, wander from their allegiance to him – the one true God. But it also revealed that many would return from these wanderings and that God had already planned their way back.

‘When you and your children return to the Lord your God and obey him with all your heart and with all your soul… then the Lord your God will restore your fortunes and have compassion on you and gather you again from all the nations where he scattered you. Even if you have been banished to the most distant land under the heavens, from there the Lord your God will gather you and bring you back. He will bring you to the land that belonged to your ancestors, and you will take possession of it. He will make you more prosperous and numerous than your ancestors. The Lord your God will circumcise your hearts and the hearts of your descendants, so that you may love him with all your heart and with all your soul… Then the Lord your God will make you most prosperous in all the work of your hands… The Lord will again delight in you’ (Deuteronomy 30:2–9 all quotations from New International Version unless stated otherwise).

It is abundantly clear from these verses that it is God’s deepest desire for his wandering, errant people to return to the place where they belong.

To ‘the land that belonged to your ancestors’ (v5), where he wants to bless them with his love and mercy.

To ‘have compassion on you’ and make up for the lost time of wandering; to ‘restore your fortunes’ (v3).

To grow them as a people numerically, to ‘make you more prosperous and numerous than your ancestors’ (v5).

To grow them spiritually in a way they had previously not experienced: ‘The Lord your God will change your heart and the hearts of all your descendants, so that you will love him with all your heart and soul’ (v6 New Living Translation).

To make them a fruitful and productive people: ‘Then the Lord your God will make you most prosperous in all the work of your hands’ (v9).

It is also clear from this passage that we must be careful not to limit the possibility of who may return, for God promised to bring back exiles from even ‘the most distant land under the heavens’ (v4).

The truths gleaned from these verses also remind us that, when we invite and encourage people to come ‘back to church’, it is not simply an exercise to complete or a box to tick.

It is an ongoing mission, in which we are God’s agents through whom he graciously reaches out to those who have drifted from his planned place for them: ‘The Lord your God will gather you and bring you back. He will bring you to the land’ (vv4 and 5).

‘The Lord will again delight in you’ (v9) carries overtones of the celebration party planned by the father when the lost son returned from his wanderings in the parable told by Jesus. It brings great delight and celebration in Heaven when those who have drifted away from their rightful place in the family return.

Though we must be cautious about assuming that all whom we want to come back to church have drifted away entirely from their relationship with God, it is clear from the Old Testament teaching on ‘return’ that the vital goal is the return of God’s people to their relationship with him.

A return into their rightful place or community is something that should naturally accompany that restored relationship.

• Major Barker is corps officer at Hull Citadel

Corps Outing - Badminton Oct 2011

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Prayer Request

1. Pray for Khye Lin, Chui Peeng, Joshua and primary school children who will be attending YMCA Bible Quiz,

2. Pray for Youth Hostel Bomba approval

3. Pray for Corps Youth Camp 8-10 Dec 2011

4. Pray for Corps family: Jihhan, Soon Teong, Ah Hong, Jack, Steven, Kok Chuan and Ash.

Announcements

1. Self Denial - 6 Nov 2011
Thank you all for your offering and giving to help the people of Kenya East & West, India West and Latvia.

2. Youth Worship
Date: 06/11/11 (Sun) Time: 7:30pm Venue: Worship Hall
Worship: Cheh Ho; Bible Reading: Raymond; Offering: Eng Chai; Bible Messenger: Bro Tan

3. Band Practice
Date: 09/11/11 (Wed) Time: 8:00pm Venue: Corp Worship Hall
We encourage all who are able to join and come for practice.

4. Prayer Ministry
Date: 11/11/11 (Fri) Time: 8:15pm Venue: Corp Worship Hall
Let's gather together to pray for the Corps and one another.

5. Senior Citizen Fellowship
Date: 12/11/11 (Sat) Time: 8:00am Venue: Abu Siti Lne
Please contact Capt Tan for more information.

6. Ladies Fellowship
Date: 12/11/11 (Sat) Time: 8:00pm Venue: Corps
Ladies please take note.

7. General Call All Salvationist to Pray
Date: Every Thursday Time: 7:30am - 8:30am Venue: At your own place or location.
General is calling all Salvationist around the world in a 24 hour prayer meeting. Pray for the Salvation Army works around the world.

8. Christmas Carolling and Band Practice
Date: 13/11/11 (Sun) Time: 12:30pm Venue: Corps Worship Hall
Please stay back for carolling practice. First half hour for singing practice and second half hour for band practice.

The source of life

A study for Harvest by Major Paul Latham

STUDY VERSE COLOSSIANS 1:16

THE values of Heaven were always to the forefront in what Jesus thought and said. He was also keenly aware of the natural world around him – foxes have holes, birds have nests. He noticed how the wheat grew in different types of soil and what happened when you planted mustard seed. He often used parables from what he saw in nature and farming because these things were familiar to the people among whom he lived.

Our world is different. We may not come into contact with nature unless we are on holiday or retired. Yet unless we stop, look and listen to that other world, we can miss important lessons that God has for us.

The wonderful richness of creation leads us to worship.

‘Through him God made all things; not one thing in all creation was made without him’ (John 1:3 Good News Bible). There’s another world out there, carrying on with its living pretty much independent of us. Think of the grace of a red squirrel, the growth of a young Scots pine or the song of a blackbird.

We can so easily miss the sense of wonder that is demonstrated in the Psalms: ‘When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; What is man… ?’ (Psalm 8:3 and 4 this and all further quotations from Authorised Version). See also Psalm 24:1, 89:11 and 1 Corinthians 10:26.

We are advised to consider the ways of the ant (Proverbs 6:6; 30:25), to observe the lilies of the field (Matthew 6:28).

Does wonder lead you to worship?

The miracle of life – the life that is in each animal or plant – is the same, but no two plants or animals are the same.

The Kingdom of Heaven is like a grain of mustard or leaven (Matthew 13:31–33). When we allow Jesus into our lives, we become alive. Through obedience to him, we grow into the individual, unique person he wants us to be.

In him is life and the life was – and still is – the light of all (John 1:4; 10:10; 11:25).
The tiny seed grows into the beautiful poppy or the useful oak tree. It is reckoned that in medieval England, the managed woodland produced 64 items that could be marketed. In spring, the grey winter world explodes into colour as daffodils and crocuses push through the dead grass.

From the day on which Jesus is received into our hearts, God can build up in us a life of his workmanship so that we radiate his presence and power in the world. As the members of the Council in Jerusalem looked at the disciples, they recognised them as men who had been with Jesus (Acts 4:13).

Reflect on the influence of godly people you know. What’s their secret?

Self-sacrifice is a principle of creation. The seed must ‘die’ to produce the new plant. The horse chestnut seed is beautiful, but unless it is planted it simply shrivels up and dies. The grain of wheat must die to produce the new crop (John 12:24).

Consider what Jesus teaches his disciples in Matthew 16:21–26. Our natural desire is to hang on to life as tightly as possible! We don’t want to do anything that might endanger our safety, health or comfort.

By contrast, following Jesus may mean finding ourselves in unsafe, unhealthy and difficult places. But there is nothing material that can compensate for the loss of eternal life (Luke 9:24). Which path will you take?

Nature demonstrates the miracle of conversion. ‘The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them; and the desert shall rejoice and blossom as the rose’ (Isaiah 35:1 Authorised Version).

In the dry bush land of northern Kenya – where severe drought is now affecting the lives of many people – The Salvation Army had a project which enabled farmers to collect the little rainwater that fell and use it to grow food crops where they had never been able to grow them before. The people found it hard to believe their eyes! They thought a miracle had taken place.

Jesus told the woman at the well that he could give her a well of water springing up to everlasting life (John 4:14).

What evidence do our lives show of the presence of Jesus?

• Major Latham lives in retirement in Forneth, Perthshire

Prayer Request

1. Pray for Khye Lin, Chui Peeng, Joshua and primary school children who will be attending YMCA Bible Quiz,

2. Pray for Kenny Khoo and family

3. Pray for Hock Sun for speedy recovery after his eye operation.

4. Pray for Corps family: Bro Tong Seng, Iris, daughter, mother and Tong Meng.

Announcements

1. Self Denial - 6 Nov 2011
Brother and sister are encourage to prepare for next Sunday Self Denial Alter Service. All fund raise will be channel to Kenya East & West, India West and Latvia.

2. Youth Special
Date: 30/10/11 (Sun) Time: 7:00pm Venue: Outing
Youth please take note.

3. Band Practice
Date: 02/11/11 (Wed) Time: 8:00pm Venue: Corp Worship Hall
We encourage all who are able to join and come for practice.

4. Cell Group
Date: 04/11/11 (Fri) Time: 8:15pm Venue: Corp Worship Hall
Let's gather together to learn and pray

5. Senior Citizen Fellowship
Date: 12/11/11 (Sat) Time: 8:00am Venue: Abu Siti Lne
Please contact Capt Tan for more information.

6. General Call All Salvationist to Pray
Date: Every Thursday Time: 7:30am - 8:30am Venue: At your own place or location.
General is calling all Salvationist around the world in a 24 hour prayer meeting. Pray for the Salvation Army works around the world.

7. Christmas Carolling and Band Practice
Date: 06/11/11 (Sun) Time: 12:30pm Venue: Corps Worship Hall
Please stay back for carolling practice. First half hour for singing practice and second half hour for band practice.

Mending broken lives

ALL training in social care will include Maslow’s hierarchy of needs theory, which begins with physical necessities and reaches its peak with ‘self-actualisation’. Only at this stage can an individual reach his or her full potential, having dealt with physical needs, relationships and self-esteem.

Many people have said: ‘I felt something was missing.’ Perhaps they had a settled home, a regular job and a loving family, but still did not feel complete.

A recent television programme followed children who were ‘reunited’ with parents they had never known. One of these children – now an adult – described the feeling of having ‘a hole’ in their life, which they hoped would be filled by meeting the missing parent.

Too often we hear of people whose lives are damaged, not only in a physical sense, but also through broken relationships with people and with God.

Zacchaeus’s life was broken. His story (see Luke 19:1–10) tells us he was wealthy and a chief tax collector. He was a man who had authority and lived luxuriously. Unfortunately, he used his position to take more tax than was necessary, and his fellow Jews saw him as a collaborator with the Roman authorities.

Because of his behaviour and attitude he was ostracised by his community. ‘All the people’ recognised him as ‘a sinner’ (v7 all quotations from New International Version). He had few meaningful relationships and a lack of emotional interaction. He would have been isolated and friendless. In addition, his choice of work would have led to him being unwelcome at the synagogue. He had no opportunity to worship and his spiritual life was empty.

Here was a man who seemed to be living with no material worries, yet the important areas of his life were unfulfilled. Jesus meets this thief, this outcast, this broken man – knows all about him, and yet accepts him. None of this prevented Jesus from interacting with Zacchaeus and meeting him in a place where he was comfortable. By acknowledging Zacchaeus, Jesus offers him acceptance and a feeling of worth. He helps Zacchaeus realise the problem and gives him the support to put things right.

The people who knew Zacchaeus did not wish to associate with him. They judged him because of his position, but did not take the time to get to know him. They were shocked that Jesus would want to spend any time with him and yet, after the briefest of meetings, Zacchaeus was transformed. He saw the problems he was causing and made restitution.

We are all surrounded by people who, seemingly, are content with life. But do we know what is actually going on in the part of their lives we do not see? Do we take the time to get to know the person in the office who is avoided by everyone? Do we offer encouragement to those who are always downhearted?

As people of God, we have a responsibility to get alongside such people and accept them. Those who have broken relationships and live in isolation need someone to show them friendship.

The story of Jesus healing the leper (Matthew 8:2–4) shows that he readily spent time with those who were isolated in – and by – society. It also shows how, after curing him, he helped to restore him to his social community; he sent him to the priest so he could be welcomed back to his faith community.

A woman recently linked up with one of our drop-in centres. Her story revealed a family breakdown many years ago. She had gone to London and became involved in the sex trade. Through the support and encouragement of staff and volunteers at the drop-in centre, the woman was able to renew contact with her family. A visit was arranged and eventually she was able to return home and be restored to her family. Contact was made with the local corps and she has maintained this connection.

Jesus came that we ‘may have life, and have it to the full’ (John 10:10). Is there something missing in your life? Perhaps you see individuals who are searching, who want to belong.

Only through Jesus can these lives be restored and fulfilled.

• Major Watchorn is Regional Manager, London Region Homelessness Services, THQ

Prayer Request

1. Pray for Bro John Lee and Sis Alice Cheong who's travelling.

2. Pray for Steven Chung and family

3. Pray for Sis Maggie and Fernando

4. Pray for Corps family: Bro Sam Ooi and Family

5. Pray for Corps family: Bro Soon Bee and Wei Lin

Announcements

1. Youth Sport and Outing
Date: 23/10/11 (Sun) Venue: Corps
Event will be cancel.

2. Band Practice
Date: 26/10/11 (Wed) Time: 8:00pm Venue: Corp Worship Hall
We encourage all who are able to join and come for practice.

3. Prayer Ministry
Date: 28/10/11 (Fri) Time: 8:15pm Venue: Corp Worship Hall
Please let us know your prayer request and join in prayer

4. Corps Sport & Outing
Date: 26/10/11 - Deepavali Time: 8:30am Venue: Jubilee Hall
Please contact Jasinta or Kim Aun for more information.

5. Self Denial - October 2011
Brother and sister are encourage to prepare to enter the month of self denial next month with prayer and saving to provide to the needy in Kenya East & West, India West and Latvia. Altar Service will be held on Sunday 6 November.

6. General Call All Salvationist to Pray
Date: Every Thursday Time: 7:30am - 8:30am Venue: At your own place or location
General is calling all Salvationist around the world in a 24 hour prayer meeting. Pray for the Salvation Army works around the world.

Prayer Request

1. Pray for Sister Maggie

2. Pray for Corps Ministries: Cell Group, Prayer Ministry, Sunday School, Community Services, Children's Ministry, Youth Ministry, Senior Fellowship, SAFE, Banana Leaf Ministry, Youth Hotel, Ability Programme.

3. Pray for Corps family: Bro Hock Sun and Family

4. Pray for Corps family: Bro Tan, Lo Thoe & Khye Lin

Announcements

1. Youth Fellowship
Date: 16/10/11 (Sun) Time: 7:30pm Venue: Corps
Worship: William Message: Jihhan Games: Capt Tan

2. Band Practice
Date: 19/10/11 (Wed) Time: 8:00pm Venue: Corp Worship Hall
We encourage all who are able to join and come for practice.

3. Cell Group
Date: 21/10/11 (Fri) Time: 8:00pm Venue: Corps Officer Quaters
Please come together for fellowship.

4. Corps Council Meeting
Date: 18/10/11 (Tue) Time: 8:00pm Venue: Corps Worship Hall
Corps Council member please take note.

5. Corps Sport & Outing
Date: 26/10/11 - Deepavali Time: 8:30am Venue: Jubilee Hall
Please contact Jasinta or Kim Aun for more information.

6. Self Denial - October 2011
Brother and sister are encourage to prepare to enter the month of self denial next month with prayer and saving to provide to the needy in Kenya East & West, India West and Latvia. Altar Service will be held on Sunday 6 November.

7. General Call All Salvationist to Pray
Date: Every Thursday Time: 7:30am - 8:30am Venue: At your own place or location
General is calling all Salvationist around the world in a 24 hour prayer meeting. Pray for the Salvation Army works around the world.

Touch me again

WE read in the New Testament that Jesus is ‘God with us’ (Matthew 1:23 all quotations from New International Version). So we may claim that the touch of the human hand of Jesus was also the touch of God.

In Mark 8:22–26 we read that when people brought a blind man to Jesus, he spat on the man’s eyes and then put his hands on him. (The same action is recorded in John 9:6, with the added detail that he spat on the ground and made some mud, putting that on the man’s eyes.)

This action would not have surprised the onlookers. Scholars tell us that first-century Jews believed there was healing power in human spittle. So do we; when you burn your finger, don’t you put it into your mouth?

However, the story in Mark chapter eight is unique in that it records a two-stage miracle. After the initial moistening, Jesus placed his hands on the man’s eyes. The man saw people, but in a distorted form, which he likened to trees walking about. Whatever the explanation, Jesus was not prepared to leave the man with imperfect vision. Unusually, he placed his hands over the man’s eyes for a second time. Then, the man saw clearly.

Many new converts speak of being given spiritual sight. We rejoice in that. But I think many of us have known a time when we realised that a ‘second touch’ was needed if we were more clearly to see the will of God – or to see others around us not as competitors, enemies or irritating distractions, but as people to be loved as individuals of infinite worth to God.

This need of a ‘second touch’ is expressed in songs 610 and 628 in the songbook: ‘Wonderful Healer, touch me again’ and ‘Another touch, I ask another still’.

In the final hours of Christ’s earthly life, all four Gospels tell us that when the gang sent by the chief priests to arrest Jesus invaded the garden of Gethsemane, the disciples tried to make a fight of it. One of them – possibly Simon Peter – drew a sword.

All four Gospels also mention that a slash of the sword severed the ear of a servant of the high priest. All four tell us that Jesus immediately stopped the fighting. Only Luke, the doctor, tells us that Jesus then touched the man who had come to help arrest him: ‘And he touched the man’s ear and healed him’ (22:51).

It is odd that the other evangelists should have left this out, especially as John even gives us the man’s name, Malchus. This leads to the speculation that he later became a Christian, and so was known in the Early Church. It is tantalising to speculate on what is meant by ‘healing’ when an ear has been cut off. How does one heal an amputation?

What we must note, however, is that Jesus was not only determined to prevent a free-for-all; he was also concerned for one of his foes who came to take him to trial and crucifixion. On this occasion the healing touch of Jesus was saying: ‘I forgive you, and your wellbeing matters to me.’

We may not be able to emulate Jesus in exercising the gift of healing, but all may follow his example in stretching out a hand of friendship or service to those who are hostile. In this we follow the example of Jesus, and sometimes – just sometimes – the hand of God may reach through our words or actions to turn ardent adversaries into eager evangelists.

For a final example we must go to the beginning of John’s vision of Christ in glory: ‘When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said: “Do not be afraid. I am… the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever!” (Revelation 1:17 and 18).

This is the same Lord who walked the lanes of Galilee. On earth he often stretched out his hand to touch those in need, imparting new health and strength, new hope and life. So, in Heaven, he does exactly that for his lonely, exiled follower.

He will do the same for us when we look upwards, needing his hand upon us!

• Colonel Guy lives in retirement in West Wickham

Prayer Request

1. Pray for Corps Sport and Outing.

2. Pray for Corps Ministries: Cell Group, Prayer Ministry, Sunday School, Community Services, Children's Ministry, Youth Ministry, Senior Fellowship, SAFE, Banana Leaf Ministry, Youth Hotel, Ability Programme.

3. Pray for Corps family: Steven, Casey & Allison Foo

4. Pray for Corps family: John, Shirley, Cheryl, Robin and Michelle.

5. Pray for Bro Sam and Bro Neoh Ah How as well.

Announcements

1. Youth Fellowship
Date: 09/10/11 (Sun) Time: 7:30pm Venue: Corps
Worship: Joseph Message: Lt. Fiona, Bible Reading: James Offering: Yong Shen

2. Band Practice
Date: 12/10/11 (Wed) Time: 8:00pm Venue: Corp Worship Hall
We encourage all who are able to join and come for practice.

3. Prayer Ministry
Date: 14/10/11 (Fri) Time: 8:00pm Venue: Corp Worship Hall
Please come together for prayer.

4. Ipoh Open Day
Date: 15/10/11 (Sat) Venue: Ipoh
Whoever able to support, please see Capt Tan for more information.

5. Corps Council Meeting
Date: 18/10/11 (Tue) Time: 8:00pm Venue: Corps Worship Hall
Corps Council member please take note.

6. Self Denial - October 2011
Brother and sister are encourage to prepare to enter the month of self denial next month with prayer and saving to provide to the needy in Kenya East & West, India West and Latvia. Altar Service will be held on Sunday 6 November.

7. General Call All Salvationist to Pray
Date: Every Thursday Time: 7:30am - 8:30am Venue: At your own place or location
General is calling all Salvationist around the world in a 24 hour prayer meeting. Pray for the Salvation Army works around the world.

MoonCake Festival Sept 2011

Click here for more photos

Prayer Request

1. Pray for TSA works in Penang and Malaysia, as well as Family Thrift Shop

2. Pray for Bro Matthew from Myanmar and Bro Chew Pong Hoe

3. Pray for Corps family: Bro Anh Chye Thiam and Family

4. Pray for Corps family: John, Shirley, Cheryl, Robin and Michelle.

Announcements

1. Youth Fellowship
Date: 01/10/11 (Sun) Time: 7:00pm Venue: Corps
Amazing Race by Lieut. Fiona and Brother Jihhan.

2. Band Practice
Date: 05/10/11 (Wed) Time: 8:00pm Venue: Corp Worship Hall
We encourage all who are able to join and come for practice.

3. Cell Group
Date: 07/10/11 (Fri) Time: 8:00pm Venue: Bro Tan's home.
Please come together for fellowship.

4. Ipoh Open Day
Date: 15/10/11 (Sat) Venue: Ipoh
Whoever able to support, please see Capt Tan for more information.

5. Corps Council Meeting
Date: 18/10/11 (Tue) Time: 8:00pm Venue: Corps Worship Hall
Corps Council member please take note.

6. Self Denial - October 2011
Brother and sister are encourage to prepare to enter the month of self denial next month with prayer and saving to provide to the needy in Kenya East & West, India West and Latvia. Altar Service will be held on Sunday 6 November.

7. General Call All Salvationist to Pray
Date: Every Thursday Time: 7:30am - 8:30am Venue: At your own place or location
General is calling all Salvationist around the world in a 24 hour prayer meeting. Pray for the Salvation Army works around the world.

Senior Soldier Enrollment 4th Sept 2011

Click here for more photos

New Thrifty Store Truck Dedication - 4th Sept 2011

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Penang Ability Programme Lauching 4th Sept 2011

Click for more photos

Youth Hostel Opening 4th Sept 2011

Click here for more photos

Prayer Request

1. General calls to pray for sex trade trafficking victims around the world.

2. Pray for Bro Matthew from Myanmar and Bro Chew Pong Hoe

3. Pray for Corps family: Chin Kheng, Ewe Keng, Cindy, Eng Soon and Eng Heng.

4. Pray for Corps family: Sunny, Rachel, Elizabeth, Susan and John.

Announcements

1. Youth Fellowship
Date: 25 Sept Time: 7:30pm Venue: Corps

2. Band Practice
Date: 28 Sept 2011 (Wed) Time: 8:00pm Venue: Corp Worship Hall
We encourage all who are able to join and come for practice.

4. Cell Group
There won't be any cell group or prayer ministries on 5th Friday of each month.

4. General Call All Salvationist to Pray
Date: Every Thursday Time: 7:30am - 8:30am Venue: At your own place or location
General is calling all Salvationist around the world in a 24 hour prayer meeting. Pray for the Salvation Army works around the world.

5. Self Denial - October 2011
Brother and sister are encourage to prepare to enter the month of self denial next month with prayer and saving to provide to the needy in Kenya East & West, India West and Latvia. Altar Service will be held on Sunday 6 November.

Jesus touched her hand

Colonel David Guy continues his four-part series entitled Touched By God’s Hand

IN common with other Christian creeds, The Salvation Army’s Articles of Faith declare that ‘in the person of Jesus Christ the divine and human natures are united so that he is truly and properly God and truly and properly man’.

Therefore I make no apology for continuing this series of reflections on the human experience of being touched by the hand of God. The hand that touched them was human – it was later to bleed when impaled on a cross – but it was also the hand of God.

Looking for the earliest example of Jesus touching a person in need and regarding Mark as probably the earliest Gospel, I turned to his first chapter to read again how Jesus touched a leper. But then I realised that there is another example of his healing touch earlier in the same chapter. Jesus had gone to the synagogue in Capernaum and there healed a disturbed personality simply by speaking with authority (vv25 and 26). God’s power was channelled through the spoken word – not through touch, as usually understood. But after the service Jesus did what many preachers do – he went to a friend’s house for dinner.

There he found Simon Peter’s mother-in-law suffering from a very different kind of disorder. There was nothing mental or personality-based about her problem, she had a fever. In his account, Matthew says that Jesus ‘touched her hand’ (8:15 all quotations from New International Version).

Mark (1:30 and 31) also says that Jesus ‘took her hand and helped her up’. They agree that Jesus touched one who was in need – and ‘the fever left her’, although Luke describes it slightly differently (4:38 and 39).

This is not the only incident in which Jesus takes someone’s hand. He caught Peter’s hand when he was beginning to sink (Matthew 14:31). He took the hand of Jairus’ daughter when he raised her to new life (Mark 5:41 and 42). So it is no surprise that after the Resurrection and the coming of the Holy Spirit, his followers act likewise. When the lame man asked Peter and John for money, Peter caught the astonished beggar by the hand and lifted him up (Acts 3:7).

We need to note two things about these examples of physical contact. Only in the case of Simon Peter’s mother-in-law – as narrated by Mark and Matthew – do we find Jesus taking someone’s hand without speaking. As a general rule, the word always accompanies the action.

Perhaps there is a lesson here that we need to relearn in the 21st century. In recent days there has been a tremendous emphasis on showing compassion by service and, sometimes, a caution against trying to bring the gospel in at the same time.

People who talk like this have a point. A person in need who feels that a Christian is offering help only so he or she may preach a sermon or say: ‘Come to worship’, may understandably resent this. The motive should always be compassion. But if we would see the healing touch of Christ upon human personality we must not rest content with action. We may be asked: ‘Why do you care? Why are you doing this?’ Then the word may accompany – and crown – the work.

The second thing we might notice is that none of the Gospels mention any request for help from the sick woman. It comes from family members. Luke tells us that they asked Jesus to help her, but Mark and Matthew simply say they told him about her. They had seen him cast out a demon, but dealing with a purely physical ailment was something else. So they do not ask for a miracle, but bring the woman’s need to Jesus’ attention. Then he touched her and the fever left her.

We may know people who have grown up in such a secular environment.They would not think of asking God for help or spiritual health. They will not bring their own needs to Jesus. But we can bring their needs to God in prayer – as the first disciples told Jesus of the sick woman, without apparently suggesting what he should do – believing he can get through to them, touch their lives and impart new wholeness and strength.

And when those first disciples brought the plight of Peter’s mother-in-law to Jesus, as Dr Donald English writes: ‘They then became partners in his ministry.’ Incredible as it seems, we may exercise the same privilege.

• Colonel Guy lives in retirement in West Wickham

Prayer Request

1. General calls to pray for peace

2. Pray for Steven Foo's auntie who is suffering from last stage of cancer.

3. Pray for Corps family: Choon Eng, Jenny, Chris & Sheila Lee, Scott and Chui Peng

4. Pray for Corps family: Dave, Lily and Daniel Clarke

Announcements

1. Youth Outing
There will be an outing today Date: 18 Sept Time: 6:00pm

2. Youth Night Special
Date: 21 Sept 2011 (Wed) Time: 7:00pm Venue: Corp Worship Hall
Youth who can attend please contact Capt Tan.

3. Band Practice
Date: 22 Sept 2011 (Thurs) Time: 8:15pm Venue: Corp Worship Hall
We encourage all who are able to join and come for practice.

4. Cell Group
Date: 23 Sept 2011 (Fri) Time: 8:00pm Venue: Bro Freddie and Sis Alice home.
All are welcome.

5. The Church in Community Transformation
Date: 24 Sept 2011 Time: 8:00am-5pm Venue: Wesley Community Church
Fees: RM20 Tel: 03-90582102
Plenary 1: The Church & The Community by Bishop Andrew
Plenary 2: The Church & Civil Society by Dr Dension Jayasooria
Please contact Capt Tan for more information

6. General Call All Salvationist to Pray
Date: Every Thursday Time: 7:30am - 8:30am Venue: At your own place or location
General is calling all Salvationist around the world in a 24 hour prayer meeting. Pray for the Salvation Army works around the world.

7. Self Denial - October 2011
Brother and sister are encourage to prepare to enter the month of self denial next month with prayer and saving to provide to the needy in Kenya East & West, India West and Latvia. Altar Service will be held on Sunday 6 November.

The Lord’s strong hand

The Lord’s strong hand

The second in Colonel David Guy’s four-part series entitled Touched By God’s Hand

LAST week I suggested that human beings came to believe in God, not so much because they thought about the beginnings of the Universe, but because they were aware of a Presence that called to them, sought a response and touched their inner consciousness.

We also thought about the martial types who went with Saul because God had touched their hearts. But as I look at the Old Testament I realise the phrase ‘God has touched me’ is not common.

However, a number of verses refer to ‘the hand of God’ with the clear implication that the life of the speaker has been touched by divine power.

One of the earliest references will surely resonate with many Salvationists, who testify that God has drawn near to them while listening to music.

The prophet Elisha was asked to speak some words of encouragement to Joram, King of Northern Israel, when that somewhat inconsistent monarch was in a tight corner. Elisha did not feel like it at all, but when Jehosaphat, King of Judah, also requested his help, the prophet asked for a harpist. ‘While the harpist was playing, the hand of the Lord came on Elisha’ (2 Kings 3:15 all quotations from New International Version) and he knew what advice to give.

We are not all prophets. We do not all receive divine guidance through listening to music, but many could testify to becoming aware of God while listening to the band or songsters. Other Christian fellowships have their own musical traditions. A friend recently told me that he sometimes accompanies his son to an Anglican cathedral. The son is not overtly religious but is drawn by the music – ‘The message rubs off on him.’ The touch of God is given in many ways.

The hand of God is also the bestower of divine power. Indeed, where some translations use the word ‘hand’, other versions say ‘power’. On occasions the close link between hand and power is spelt out.

Isaiah testified: ‘This is what the Lord says to me with his strong hand upon me, warning me not to follow the way of this people’ (8:11). Only when he had been reminded of the presence of God was the prophet ready to hear the call to stand alone – refusing to agree with the views and attitudes popular or accepted among his contemporaries; enduring the ridicule and even danger that such a stand could bring.

Here, feeling the touch of God’s hand is associated with being strengthened to stand out from the crowd. However, that is not the whole picture. While religious experience is personal, it is never individualistic. It may be divisive in that it can separate from the heedless throng, but it also leads into fellowship with others who have felt the same touch upon their lives.

When the 70 years of exile in Babylon ended and the Jews were free to return to Jerusalem, Ezra the priest faced the challenge in this way: ‘Because the hand of the Lord my God was on me, I took courage and gathered leaders from Israel to go up with me’ (Ezra 7:28). So the man or woman who has been touched by the hand of God will not necessarily become a hermit; the person concerned may even become a recruiting sergeant!

One more aspect of experiencing God’s touch I dare not ignore. When Job lost his children, his health and his wealth, his so-called ‘comforters’ told him it was a punishment for sin. Job denied this and at one point cried out: ‘Have pity on me, my friends, have pity, for the hand of God has struck me’ (Job 19:21).

Though the Book of Job makes clear that God did not send sufferings upon him as a punishment, he certainly allowed them as a test (see the opening chapters).

We still face the paradox that a God who loved us so much that he gave his Son for our salvation allows us to suffer – some more than others, some terribly, none altogether exempted. When we are touched in this way our faith is certainly tried, but we hold to the belief that God permits our trial with a loving purpose in mind (see Romans 8:28).

Next week we move to the New Testament and the touch of God through Jesus

• Colonel Guy lives in retirement in West Wickham

Penang Open Day 3rd Sept 2011

TSA Penang Open Day 3rd Sept 2011 Photos




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Prayer Request

1. Pray for Bro Scott for his further study and scholarship

2. Pray for Penang Banana Leaf Ministry

3. Pray for Corps family: Bro Freddie, Sis Alice, Ai Lyn and Daniel Cheong.

4. Pray for Corps family: Bro Kim Aun, Sis Jacinta, Jonathan & Joshua Lim

5. Pray for 911 events and world peace

Announcements

1. Thank you
We want to thank all who supported the Youth Hostel official opening. Also we want to thank those who bring food, setup the BBQ, cook and join in the Lantern Festival Celebration.

2. Youth Worship
Date: 11 Sept 2011 Venue: Corp Worship Hall
Worship lead by: Bro Cheh Ho Preaching: Capt Tan Bible Reading: Bro William Offering: Yong Shen. Youth please take note and there will be offering collection.

3. Band Practice
Date: 14 Sept 2011 time: 8:15pm Venue: Corp Worship Hall
We encourage all who are able to join and come for practice.

5. Prayer Ministry
Date: 16 Sept 2011 - Cancelled

6. Banana Leaf Ministry
Date: 17 Sept 2011 Time: 11:00am Venue: Community Hall
Those are free are encourage to come and help. Thank you.

7. Christian Federation Malaysia Combined Service
Date: 16 Sept 2011 Time: 10am-12noon Venue: Church of Holy Spirit

8. General Call All Salvationist to Pray
Date: Every Thursday Time: 7:30am - 8:30am Venue: At your own place or location
General is calling all Salvationist around the world in a 24 hour prayer meeting. Pray for the Salvation Army works around the world.

9. Self Denial - October 2011
Brother and sister are encourage to prepare to enter the month of self denial next month with prayer and saving to provide to the needy in Kenya East & West, India West and Latvia. Altar Serive will be held on Sunday 6 November.

Senior Citizen Breakfast 13 Aug 2011

Senior Citizen Breakfast 13 Aug 2011



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Sport Outing 13 Aug 2011 - Bowling

Sport Outing 13 Aug 2011



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Prayer Request

1. Pray for New Senior Soldier as well as Junior Soldier.

2. Pray for Youth Hostel and launching of Penang Ability Programme that officiated and launched on 4th Sept 2011.

3. Pray for Penang ministries and service opportunity

4. Pray for Lantern festival gathering on 10 Sept 2011 (change from 9 Sept).

5. Pray for Banana Leaf Ministry

Announcements

1. Penang Open Day - Thank you
We want to thank all who have participated in the Penang Open Day. Thank you for your times, efforts in many areas to help us raise fund for TSA service and programmes. May God Bless you all.

2. Youth Fellowship
Date: 4 Sept 2011 - Cancelled

3. Youth Hostel Official Opening & Launching of Penang Ability Programme
Date: 4 Sept 2011 Venue: Corps
We want to thank YB Ng Wei Aik and Colonel Gillian Downer for officiating the Youth Hostel and launching of Penang Ability Programme. We also thank Colonel for dedicating the new Family Thrift shop truck.

4. Band Practice
Date: 7 Sept 2011 time: 8:15pm Venue: Corp Worship Hall
We encourage all to join us and come for practice.

5. Lantern Festival Pot Bless BBQ (change from 9 Sept to 10 Sept)
Date: 10 Sept 2011 Time: 08:00pm Venue: Corps Compound.
Programme: Relaxing and sharing time with BBQ. Please bring along some food to share. This is volunteer.

6. Post Mortem Meeting - Penang OpenDay
Date: 11 Sept 2011 Time: 12:30pm Venue: Corps Worship Hall
All committee please take note and join us for a short post mortem meeting.

7. Christian Federation Malaysia Combined Service
Date: 16 Sept 2011 Time: 10am-12noon Venue: Church of Holy Spirit