“When you change your baby’s diaper, forgive your boss’s temper, tolerate your spouse’s moodiness, you display traces of saintliness.” Max Lucado
W I T H
G O D
W I T H
O N E
A N O T H E R
The Newsletter of Covenant Evangelical Free Church
Sounding a Global Call to Discipleship
July – September 2013 ISSUE NUMBER 13 MICA (P) 133/10/2012
14
page
Seven thousand delegates representing 61 countries gathered at Christ Commission Fellowship’s new headquarters in Pasig City, Metro Manila, from May 22 – 25, 2013, for the inaugural Global Discipleship Congress. Adrian Lim and Pastor Ann Chan report. eport lR
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Ps Patrick Chiow
Contents Sounding a Global Call to Discipleship 1 “Donkeys On Which The Master Rides On” 5 Willing Vessels in the Potter’s Hand 7 Beyond Altitudes. Beyond the Physical. Beyond Me. 10 Reaching Out to Our Parents 12 Saturday Night Fever 13 Close Up
Serving the God of the Unexpected RECENT & upcoming events
14 16
God At Work
In Silence and Solitude I Seek Thee
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1 • CONNECT JULY – SEPTEMBER 2013
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CLOCKWISE FROM RIGHT: Pastor Ann Chan acknowledging the GDC Committee from CEFC and CCF; Rev Edmund Chan; Dr Robert Coleman; Rev Edmund Chan and Pastor Ann Chan with Pastor JP Masakayan and Mrs Roochie Masakayan; David Chong leading in worship; Dr Ravi Zacharias; CEFC and CCF’s worship team at the grand finale
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he Global Discipleship Congress (GDC 2013) was a resounding success on many counts. One of the participants, a mega-church senior pastor, appreciatively said that this was indeed a “top world-class Congress” in the Philippines. Gathering over 7000 delegates from 61 nations, GDC 2013 is a strategic launch of a global vision to establish 20,000 intentional disciple-making churches in 50 gateway cities, discipling ONE MILLION disciples by 2020. It is a global vision to serve as a steady compass for the Global Alliance of Intentional Disciple-Making Churches (IDMC Global Alliance) which our Leadership Mentor, Rev Edmund Chan (Pastor Ed), has founded to serve the Body of Christ at large. The significance of GDC 2013 is captured in the words of Pastor Ed, to whom the vision of GDC 2013 was given: “Never before in the history of the Church has there been a story of two local churches, in two countries, with two distinct cultures serving together as one to host a global conference for the Body of Christ on the theme of Discipleship in the Local Church… and do so with such mutual love, joy and esteem for each other! A moving sight was the thunderous standing-ovation from the delegates as the volunteers were called forward and acknowledged. About 1600 volunteers were mobilised!” Christ Commission Fellowship (CCF), a mega-church in the Philippines led by senior pastor Rev. Dr. Peter Tan-Chi, with over 30 satellite churches totaling over 30,000 members, was chosen as the conference venue for the first-ever GDC – and for good reasons. Pastor Ed’s close friendship with Pastor Peter sees both men sharing the same heartbeat for discipleship – resulting in a collaboration
CONNECT JULY – SEPTEMBER 2013 • 2
that is of divine appointment. The project was jointly organised by both churches and headed by CEFC’s Pastor Ann Chan and CCF’s Pastor JP Masakayan.
GOD-Things Happen to Those Who Wait on the Lord The road to GDC was not one for the faint-hearted. For one, CCF’s new 10,000-seater had experienced construction delays. By April, just a month before GDC, the building remained nowhere near completion. “The ‘whys’ were not as important as the disaster of contractual obligations we had looming before us,” said Pastor JP, who was roped in unexpectedly by Pastor Peter to bring the building project up to speed, after experienced contractors say the building could not be completed in time. Yet “God made it happen”, says the grateful Pastor JP, “I believe that God allowed a one-year delay to allow us to get on our knees and acknowledge we need him.” Many earnest prayers (and roundthe-clock supervision by CCF pastors) later, Pastor JP’s 40-day journey of faith reached a significant milestone on Day 41 when CCF members gathered, with much relief, at the new sanctuary on May 12, 2013 for their inaugural Sunday service – two weeks shy of GDC – while
hammering and drilling in other parts of the building continued well into GDC’s opening day. But by faith, the building was ready! As Pastor JP exclaims, “What the most competent would call impossible to be finished by the most incompetent is clearly not of this world. That it (the sanctuary) would be done in 41 days in time for the first worship service is nothing short of a miracle. More significantly, that on Day 52 was GDC, makes it clearly a God-thing. God-things happen to those who wait on The Lord!” Besides the miracle of the building, the servant hearts of the leaders, committee and volunteers were nothing short of another “God-thing”. Pastor Ann recounts, “GDC 2013 has shown us what world-class leaders and partners we have the honour of serving alongside with. The CCF team has been nothing short of amazing for their maturity and excellence. The spirit of servanthood was evident on all levels. This is a true mark of discipleship!”
The Discipleship Model And the pursuit of discipleship is what led many to travel from afar to attend GDC. “I’m passionate about this Congress and believe this Congress will launch a discipleship movement. We do a lot of
“
GDC 2013 has shown us what worldclass leaders and partners we have the honour of serving alongside with.”
talking about discipleship but there is little about actual multiplying of disciples,” explains Pastor George Buremoh, from Campus Crusade for Christ’s “Global Church Movement” in West Africa. The Congress is backed by solid disciple-making practitioners like Pastor Peter Tan Chi himself, whose D-12 model would see ordinary church members transformed and multiplying. One such example is Pastor Danilo (Danny) O. Urquico. Danny was a Shabu (drug) abuser and womaniser. At his worse, he held his wife and children at gunpoint so he could elope with his mistress. However, his
wife, Dawn, a member of CCF, had been praying unceasingly with her discipleship group for her husband’s salvation. By God’s intervention, a serious crime turned Danny to God and eventually back to his wife’s embrace. A year after his conversion, Danny was leading his own D-12 group! Today, Pastor Danny of CCF Taytay, a satellite church of CCF, represents many in CCF that live out the discipleship model the church is known for. Besides witnessing real-life disciplesturned-disciplers, GDC delegates also
benefited from the lineup of outstanding speakers including Dr. Robert Coleman, Dr. Ravi Zacharias, Dr. Bill Lawrence, Pastor Randy Pope, Dr. Luis Bush, and of course the co-hosts of GDC, Pastor Peter Tan-Chi and Pastor Ed. To have gathered such a line-up of international speakers within such a relatively short time is itself a miracle!
“Before we can begin to see the cross as something done for us, we have to see it as something done by us.” John Stott 3 • CONNECT JULY – SEPTEMBER 2013
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CLOCKWISE FROM RIGHT: Pastor Ann Chan acknowledging the GDC Committee from CEFC and CCF; Rev Edmund Chan; Dr Robert Coleman; Rev Edmund Chan and Pastor Ann Chan with Pastor JP Masakayan and Mrs Roochie Masakayan; David Chong leading in worship; Dr Ravi Zacharias; CEFC and CCF’s worship team at the grand finale
T
he Global Discipleship Congress (GDC 2013) was a resounding success on many counts. One of the participants, a mega-church senior pastor, appreciatively said that this was indeed a “top world-class Congress” in the Philippines. Gathering over 7000 delegates from 61 nations, GDC 2013 is a strategic launch of a global vision to establish 20,000 intentional disciple-making churches in 50 gateway cities, discipling ONE MILLION disciples by 2020. It is a global vision to serve as a steady compass for the Global Alliance of Intentional Disciple-Making Churches (IDMC Global Alliance) which our Leadership Mentor, Rev Edmund Chan (Pastor Ed), has founded to serve the Body of Christ at large. The significance of GDC 2013 is captured in the words of Pastor Ed, to whom the vision of GDC 2013 was given: “Never before in the history of the Church has there been a story of two local churches, in two countries, with two distinct cultures serving together as one to host a global conference for the Body of Christ on the theme of Discipleship in the Local Church… and do so with such mutual love, joy and esteem for each other! A moving sight was the thunderous standing-ovation from the delegates as the volunteers were called forward and acknowledged. About 1600 volunteers were mobilised!” Christ Commission Fellowship (CCF), a mega-church in the Philippines led by senior pastor Rev. Dr. Peter Tan-Chi, with over 30 satellite churches totaling over 30,000 members, was chosen as the conference venue for the first-ever GDC – and for good reasons. Pastor Ed’s close friendship with Pastor Peter sees both men sharing the same heartbeat for discipleship – resulting in a collaboration
CONNECT JULY – SEPTEMBER 2013 • 2
that is of divine appointment. The project was jointly organised by both churches and headed by CEFC’s Pastor Ann Chan and CCF’s Pastor JP Masakayan.
GOD-Things Happen to Those Who Wait on the Lord The road to GDC was not one for the faint-hearted. For one, CCF’s new 10,000-seater had experienced construction delays. By April, just a month before GDC, the building remained nowhere near completion. “The ‘whys’ were not as important as the disaster of contractual obligations we had looming before us,” said Pastor JP, who was roped in unexpectedly by Pastor Peter to bring the building project up to speed, after experienced contractors say the building could not be completed in time. Yet “God made it happen”, says the grateful Pastor JP, “I believe that God allowed a one-year delay to allow us to get on our knees and acknowledge we need him.” Many earnest prayers (and roundthe-clock supervision by CCF pastors) later, Pastor JP’s 40-day journey of faith reached a significant milestone on Day 41 when CCF members gathered, with much relief, at the new sanctuary on May 12, 2013 for their inaugural Sunday service – two weeks shy of GDC – while
hammering and drilling in other parts of the building continued well into GDC’s opening day. But by faith, the building was ready! As Pastor JP exclaims, “What the most competent would call impossible to be finished by the most incompetent is clearly not of this world. That it (the sanctuary) would be done in 41 days in time for the first worship service is nothing short of a miracle. More significantly, that on Day 52 was GDC, makes it clearly a God-thing. God-things happen to those who wait on The Lord!” Besides the miracle of the building, the servant hearts of the leaders, committee and volunteers were nothing short of another “God-thing”. Pastor Ann recounts, “GDC 2013 has shown us what world-class leaders and partners we have the honour of serving alongside with. The CCF team has been nothing short of amazing for their maturity and excellence. The spirit of servanthood was evident on all levels. This is a true mark of discipleship!”
The Discipleship Model And the pursuit of discipleship is what led many to travel from afar to attend GDC. “I’m passionate about this Congress and believe this Congress will launch a discipleship movement. We do a lot of
“
GDC 2013 has shown us what worldclass leaders and partners we have the honour of serving alongside with.”
talking about discipleship but there is little about actual multiplying of disciples,” explains Pastor George Buremoh, from Campus Crusade for Christ’s “Global Church Movement” in West Africa. The Congress is backed by solid disciple-making practitioners like Pastor Peter Tan Chi himself, whose D-12 model would see ordinary church members transformed and multiplying. One such example is Pastor Danilo (Danny) O. Urquico. Danny was a Shabu (drug) abuser and womaniser. At his worse, he held his wife and children at gunpoint so he could elope with his mistress. However, his
wife, Dawn, a member of CCF, had been praying unceasingly with her discipleship group for her husband’s salvation. By God’s intervention, a serious crime turned Danny to God and eventually back to his wife’s embrace. A year after his conversion, Danny was leading his own D-12 group! Today, Pastor Danny of CCF Taytay, a satellite church of CCF, represents many in CCF that live out the discipleship model the church is known for. Besides witnessing real-life disciplesturned-disciplers, GDC delegates also
benefited from the lineup of outstanding speakers including Dr. Robert Coleman, Dr. Ravi Zacharias, Dr. Bill Lawrence, Pastor Randy Pope, Dr. Luis Bush, and of course the co-hosts of GDC, Pastor Peter Tan-Chi and Pastor Ed. To have gathered such a line-up of international speakers within such a relatively short time is itself a miracle!
“Before we can begin to see the cross as something done for us, we have to see it as something done by us.” John Stott 3 • CONNECT JULY – SEPTEMBER 2013
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As an unexpected bonus, we also heard from Maria Lourdes P. A. Sereno the Chief Justice of the Philippines and Benigno S. Aquino III, the President of the Philippines, as they shared their faith and aspirations respectively with the appreciative delegates. At GDC, there was a wonderful time praying for these distinguished country leaders.
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Joshua Daniel Discipulo
The newly built sanctuary
Back To The Ancient Paths At the close of GDC, Pastor Ed reminded all that for the knowledge gained, it is not wisdom till it is applied. He then emphasised the need for all disciples to return to “the ancient paths” (Jer 6:16). Indeed, many present heeded this call to a radical discipleship to Jesus. Youth Pastor Joey Asher Tan from Singapore’s Grace Assembly of God highlighted three takeaways: to decide on what’s major and minor in his leadership; to be intentional about supervision; and to brainstorm, structure, implement and follow-through an effective plan for training disciple-makers in his church. Another delegate, Jane, who also bought all of Pastor Ed’s books at the resource centre, plus a newly-published book by Pastor Tony Yeo – just for her DG, says: “I am learning a lot. Pastor Edmund Chan’s opening message about the ‘mandate and the mission’ got me aligned to God and His purpose. I would go back and share with my members that what’s important is that their walk and their choices are always aligned to God.”
ers in discipleFriends and partn h mund Chan wit Ed v Re g: kin ma i Dr Peter Tan-Ch
CONNECT JULY – SEPTEMBER 2013 • 4
Jingle Bradford, wife of Pastor Jonathan Bradford at CCF Eastwood, says: “We’ve been very focused on evangelism and discipleship has been neglected.” Jingle says her application was to focus on building the character of her disciples and would return home to schedule one-on-one time with them for more intimate sharing and accountability. In the closing anthem, as the 7000 international delegates stood and sang wholeheartedly “With One Voice”, we caught a glimpse of what Dr. Robert Coleman passionately proclaimed – of “people gathered around the throne and praising Him forever; and Jesus Christ is proclaimed LORD OF ALL!”
What’s After GDC 2013? The people gathered. The call to return the Church to its disciple-making roots has been made. What is next? Pastor Ed explains, “Until the Lord clearly leads us towards another GDC, Pastor Ann and I will be engaged in regional, national or city-wide IDMC Conferences, leadership consultations and equipping leaders. And Covenant EFC will arise to serve the Body of Christ at large. GDC 2013 is just the beginning. You can play a vital part by praying for us and influencing others to the call of discipleship. We need a discipled church to have a transformed world!” In the next issue of CONNECT, we shall hear from our Leadership Mentor on how Covenant EFC can be a part of the global vision of the IDMC Global Alliance!
GDC at a glance Attendance
7,000
A very warm welcome by the CCF ushers!
delegates
1,600 volunteers two hundred
LGUs* 120VIPs
Breakdown of Delegates
61
countries represented
Top four countries by attendance 1. Singapore – 726 2. Hong Kong – 150 3. Malaysia – 147 4. China – 100 Total meals served: 50,000 Number of catering volunteers: 200 Cases of bottled water opened: 800 Number of signage drawn up: 200 *LGU: Local Ground Units (traffic marshals, police, security)
“Donkeys On Which The Master Rides On!” That aptly describes the 1,600 humble servants from Covenant EFC and Christ’s Commission Fellowship (CCF) who gave selflessly to serve at GDC 2013. By Adrian Lim
L
ike rivers gushing down dry valleys, streams of blue descended the aisles of the 10,000-seater sanctuary as CCF’s Pastor JP honoured the1,600 volunteers who served tirelessly throughout the four-day congress. “I call them the ‘Marthas’ of this world,” says Pastor JP. “If we were to pay them (volunteers), we will go bankrupt!” jokes Senior Pastor Dr Peter Tan-Chi, who cheekily asked the volunteers if they were willing to do this every Sunday. Words of thanks also poured out as pastors and leaders addressed the tired but fulfilled volunteers at a postcongress thanksgiving luncheon. Pastor Ricky Sarthou, executive Pastor of CCF, likens the volunteers to
believers in Nehemiah, where fervent followers of different creed and cultures came together to build the wall. One such follower is Joshua Daniel Discipulo, who served not just as worship leader under the glaring stage lights, but also donned blue to serve in the chaos of the Command Centre. While Josh had not intended to serve in both areas, he took on dual roles without complaining. According to Josh, leading 7,000 people was overwhelming. “I had always wanted to experience what a worship of different tribes and tongues would be like. This is but a snapshot of what it would be like,” says a grateful Josh. Jennifer Ho was one of the 100-strong Covenant EFC team
It’s not about ability, but simply about availability.” CEFC pastors an on-site and se d staff rving
5 • CONNECT JULY – SEPTEMBER 2013
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As an unexpected bonus, we also heard from Maria Lourdes P. A. Sereno the Chief Justice of the Philippines and Benigno S. Aquino III, the President of the Philippines, as they shared their faith and aspirations respectively with the appreciative delegates. At GDC, there was a wonderful time praying for these distinguished country leaders.
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Joshua Daniel Discipulo
The newly built sanctuary
Back To The Ancient Paths At the close of GDC, Pastor Ed reminded all that for the knowledge gained, it is not wisdom till it is applied. He then emphasised the need for all disciples to return to “the ancient paths” (Jer 6:16). Indeed, many present heeded this call to a radical discipleship to Jesus. Youth Pastor Joey Asher Tan from Singapore’s Grace Assembly of God highlighted three takeaways: to decide on what’s major and minor in his leadership; to be intentional about supervision; and to brainstorm, structure, implement and follow-through an effective plan for training disciple-makers in his church. Another delegate, Jane, who also bought all of Pastor Ed’s books at the resource centre, plus a newly-published book by Pastor Tony Yeo – just for her DG, says: “I am learning a lot. Pastor Edmund Chan’s opening message about the ‘mandate and the mission’ got me aligned to God and His purpose. I would go back and share with my members that what’s important is that their walk and their choices are always aligned to God.”
ers in discipleFriends and partn h mund Chan wit Ed v Re g: kin ma i Dr Peter Tan-Ch
CONNECT JULY – SEPTEMBER 2013 • 4
Jingle Bradford, wife of Pastor Jonathan Bradford at CCF Eastwood, says: “We’ve been very focused on evangelism and discipleship has been neglected.” Jingle says her application was to focus on building the character of her disciples and would return home to schedule one-on-one time with them for more intimate sharing and accountability. In the closing anthem, as the 7000 international delegates stood and sang wholeheartedly “With One Voice”, we caught a glimpse of what Dr. Robert Coleman passionately proclaimed – of “people gathered around the throne and praising Him forever; and Jesus Christ is proclaimed LORD OF ALL!”
What’s After GDC 2013? The people gathered. The call to return the Church to its disciple-making roots has been made. What is next? Pastor Ed explains, “Until the Lord clearly leads us towards another GDC, Pastor Ann and I will be engaged in regional, national or city-wide IDMC Conferences, leadership consultations and equipping leaders. And Covenant EFC will arise to serve the Body of Christ at large. GDC 2013 is just the beginning. You can play a vital part by praying for us and influencing others to the call of discipleship. We need a discipled church to have a transformed world!” In the next issue of CONNECT, we shall hear from our Leadership Mentor on how Covenant EFC can be a part of the global vision of the IDMC Global Alliance!
GDC at a glance Attendance
7,000
A very warm welcome by the CCF ushers!
delegates
1,600 volunteers two hundred
LGUs* 120VIPs
Breakdown of Delegates
61
countries represented
Top four countries by attendance 1. Singapore – 726 2. Hong Kong – 150 3. Malaysia – 147 4. China – 100 Total meals served: 50,000 Number of catering volunteers: 200 Cases of bottled water opened: 800 Number of signage drawn up: 200 *LGU: Local Ground Units (traffic marshals, police, security)
“Donkeys On Which The Master Rides On!” That aptly describes the 1,600 humble servants from Covenant EFC and Christ’s Commission Fellowship (CCF) who gave selflessly to serve at GDC 2013. By Adrian Lim
L
ike rivers gushing down dry valleys, streams of blue descended the aisles of the 10,000-seater sanctuary as CCF’s Pastor JP honoured the1,600 volunteers who served tirelessly throughout the four-day congress. “I call them the ‘Marthas’ of this world,” says Pastor JP. “If we were to pay them (volunteers), we will go bankrupt!” jokes Senior Pastor Dr Peter Tan-Chi, who cheekily asked the volunteers if they were willing to do this every Sunday. Words of thanks also poured out as pastors and leaders addressed the tired but fulfilled volunteers at a postcongress thanksgiving luncheon. Pastor Ricky Sarthou, executive Pastor of CCF, likens the volunteers to
believers in Nehemiah, where fervent followers of different creed and cultures came together to build the wall. One such follower is Joshua Daniel Discipulo, who served not just as worship leader under the glaring stage lights, but also donned blue to serve in the chaos of the Command Centre. While Josh had not intended to serve in both areas, he took on dual roles without complaining. According to Josh, leading 7,000 people was overwhelming. “I had always wanted to experience what a worship of different tribes and tongues would be like. This is but a snapshot of what it would be like,” says a grateful Josh. Jennifer Ho was one of the 100-strong Covenant EFC team
It’s not about ability, but simply about availability.” CEFC pastors an on-site and se d staff rving
5 • CONNECT JULY – SEPTEMBER 2013
Pastors’ Installation
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Consecration of the three new pastors
CLOCKWISE FROM RIGHT: Honouring the volunteers; Volunteers hard at work; Some of CEFC staff and volunteers who flew to Manila to serve; All smiles with their ever helpful signboards; The foyer at CCF; Youth Pastor Marty Ocaya serving as a traffic marshall
Willing Vessels in the Potter’s Hand comprising of staff and volunteers who took time off work in Singapore to serve at the Congress. She recounts, “Serving alongside CCF-ers was such a joy. The vibrancy and love for one another was so strongly felt as we worshipped the same God together. Being at GDC was definitely one of the highlights for me in 2013!” For both Josh and Jennifer, there is no sacrifice, but an opportunity to see God work in the church. “This was a humbling experience because this is the first GDC,” said Josh. “Things almost don’t go as planned, but God saw us through! As I serve, I see God moving and I become part of the miracle!” exclaims Josh. Pastor JP sums up the whole volunteering experience well. “God shows those who willingly serve Him that He continues to choose the less noble – those the world would discount as unable – to do the impossible, if only to stress that it was only Him and Him alone who accomplish all things. Truly, it’s not about ability, but simply about availability.” CONNECT JULY – SEPTEMBER 2013 • 6
On 21 April 2013, Adrian Chan, Andy Lew and Katherine Chan were installed as pastors at a special installation service. Chan Sue Ming finds out more about their journeys in life and ministry. The resource centre
PASTOR Adrian Chan Director of Family Life Ministries, Head of Men-in-Covenant and District Mentor for BPJ Lights. Pastor Adrian’s journey into full-time Christian ministry began in 2008, when he took a year off from his job as a polytechnic director to spend more time with his younger son who has special needs. He enjoyed the time with his two children, but wondered what to do when they were both at school. His wife, Doreen wisely suggested he attend ETC classes, not as an intern, but a student. Before the year was up, our two Senior Pastors – Pastor Tony Yeo and Pastor Tan Kay Kiong – asked if he would consider working full-time in Covenant EFC. God spoke to him about coming on board and to Doreen about releasing her husband to serve full-time in church. He joined Covenant EFC on 1 January 2009 as a ministry staff working
with the men’s ministry and concurrently managing the church administration teams. Our Woodlands Centre had just been set up, and the operational needs of the church doubled. Today he heads the Family Life Ministries, Men-in-Covenant and serves as District Mentor for BPJ Lights. “My life is like shattered glass,” shares Pastor Adrian, “but when given to the Sun, it can still reflect His glorious light.” His greatest joy in ministry is to see God’s mighty hand at work in the lives of His people in their various seasons. “I walk away from ministry situations amazed at how the hand of God works,” he shares. “That’s also why I delight in welcoming worshippers into the sanctuary each Sunday. God is graciously ready to bless and meet us where we are when our hearts are open to Him.”
“When I was invited to consider being a pastor, I was humbled to be given this appointment. I am looking to God to show me how to love, shepherd and teach His flock and pray with them, as this is indeed a sacred trust of souls. I have much to learn and am thankful to be in a community of experienced pastors and ministry staff.” 7 • CONNECT JULY – SEPTEMBER 2013
Pastors’ Installation
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Consecration of the three new pastors
CLOCKWISE FROM RIGHT: Honouring the volunteers; Volunteers hard at work; Some of CEFC staff and volunteers who flew to Manila to serve; All smiles with their ever helpful signboards; The foyer at CCF; Youth Pastor Marty Ocaya serving as a traffic marshall
Willing Vessels in the Potter’s Hand comprising of staff and volunteers who took time off work in Singapore to serve at the Congress. She recounts, “Serving alongside CCF-ers was such a joy. The vibrancy and love for one another was so strongly felt as we worshipped the same God together. Being at GDC was definitely one of the highlights for me in 2013!” For both Josh and Jennifer, there is no sacrifice, but an opportunity to see God work in the church. “This was a humbling experience because this is the first GDC,” said Josh. “Things almost don’t go as planned, but God saw us through! As I serve, I see God moving and I become part of the miracle!” exclaims Josh. Pastor JP sums up the whole volunteering experience well. “God shows those who willingly serve Him that He continues to choose the less noble – those the world would discount as unable – to do the impossible, if only to stress that it was only Him and Him alone who accomplish all things. Truly, it’s not about ability, but simply about availability.” CONNECT JULY – SEPTEMBER 2013 • 6
On 21 April 2013, Adrian Chan, Andy Lew and Katherine Chan were installed as pastors at a special installation service. Chan Sue Ming finds out more about their journeys in life and ministry. The resource centre
PASTOR Adrian Chan Director of Family Life Ministries, Head of Men-in-Covenant and District Mentor for BPJ Lights. Pastor Adrian’s journey into full-time Christian ministry began in 2008, when he took a year off from his job as a polytechnic director to spend more time with his younger son who has special needs. He enjoyed the time with his two children, but wondered what to do when they were both at school. His wife, Doreen wisely suggested he attend ETC classes, not as an intern, but a student. Before the year was up, our two Senior Pastors – Pastor Tony Yeo and Pastor Tan Kay Kiong – asked if he would consider working full-time in Covenant EFC. God spoke to him about coming on board and to Doreen about releasing her husband to serve full-time in church. He joined Covenant EFC on 1 January 2009 as a ministry staff working
with the men’s ministry and concurrently managing the church administration teams. Our Woodlands Centre had just been set up, and the operational needs of the church doubled. Today he heads the Family Life Ministries, Men-in-Covenant and serves as District Mentor for BPJ Lights. “My life is like shattered glass,” shares Pastor Adrian, “but when given to the Sun, it can still reflect His glorious light.” His greatest joy in ministry is to see God’s mighty hand at work in the lives of His people in their various seasons. “I walk away from ministry situations amazed at how the hand of God works,” he shares. “That’s also why I delight in welcoming worshippers into the sanctuary each Sunday. God is graciously ready to bless and meet us where we are when our hearts are open to Him.”
“When I was invited to consider being a pastor, I was humbled to be given this appointment. I am looking to God to show me how to love, shepherd and teach His flock and pray with them, as this is indeed a sacred trust of souls. I have much to learn and am thankful to be in a community of experienced pastors and ministry staff.” 7 • CONNECT JULY – SEPTEMBER 2013
Pastors’ Installation
Pastor Katherine Chan Head of WEB Ministry
Pastor ANDY LEW Southeast Asia Regional Coordinator, Missions Office and Zone Mentor, Westside District (BPJ) “I never wanted to be a pastor,” shares Andy Lew. He had his eyes set on missions, and the last thing he wanted to do was become a pastor, partly because he did not have a very good impression of pastors. That view has now thankfully changed, and he finds there is no distinct line between being a pastor or missionary for him personally. “For me to be an effective missionary, I’ve got to take on the role of a pastor and have the skills of a pastor.” He credits much of this change in perception of pastors to Pastor David Chan, who invited him to his home when he was considering joining ETC as an intern. He banished Pastor Andy’s belief that pastors were supposed to be proper and stuffy all the time when he appeared in shorts and a T-shirt during their meeting, and sat on the floor, much to Pastor Andy’s surprise. Above all, what really moved him was Pastor David’s authentic sharing. CONNECT JULY – SEPTEMBER 2013 • 8
He was accepted as a ministry intern in 2005, and appreciates the fact that pastors in Covenant do not have to conform to a mould, nor be like Pastor Ed, but are free to be who God made them to be. A Chemistry and Biology teacher back in his hometown Seattle, Washington, he left his teaching job and went to the place he had always wanted to do missions in – China. He spent three years teaching English there before coming to Singapore to pursue his theological studies. Though his missionary calling started in China, God showed Pastor Andy over the years that His heart is for all people, and thus he need not restrict himself to China. He now calls Singapore home, and is happily married with two children. He quips that one of the best things about coming to Singapore is that he met his wife here (he was the zone mentor for her CG). “I never thought I’d marry. I always thought I’d be this single maverick.”
Panda lover Pastor Katherine Chan never thought she would be a fulltime Christian worker, let alone a pastor. A Primary School teacher for 16 years, she was doing well in her career, heading the Science department in her school. Much as she enjoyed her job, she wondered if this was all she would be doing. “Where is the spiritual element?” she asked herself. As she was doing the Roots and Wings curriculum developed by Pastor Ed and Pastor Ann, she came across the famous passage where Jesus asked Peter if he loved Him; and if he did, to feed His lambs. That struck her deeply. The same passage was repeated during Women’s Breakthrough Weekend, when a call for people to consider serving God full time was given. At that point, she knew God was calling her to fulltime ministry. Pastor Kat (as she is more affectionately known) quit her job, and enrolled in ETC in 2007, without knowing where to go next. During her time in ETC, she was asked to consider joining Covenant’s staff team. “Who
“
As Pastor Kat wrestled with God, she came to understand that it was her life as a follower of Christ, that was of far greater value and importance.” am I,” she asked herself, “to be worthy to be a staff?” as she viewed Covenant’s staff team to be “spiritual giants”. After much prayer, she took that step of faith, and came aboard, serving in the young people’s ministry, a ministry she still serves in today. When Pastor Kay Kiong broached the subject about her being commissioned as a pastor in Covenant, the same thoughts of unworthiness crept into her mind. She deemed herself young in terms of ministry experience, and wondered if she could reach out to families as a single. As Pastor Kat wrestled with God, she came to understand that it was not the title, but her life as a follower of Christ, that was of far greater value and importance. She then surrendered to God’s will and purpose for her. And so 21 April 2013 marked another milestone in her spiritual journey.
He appreciates the fact that pastors in Covenant do not have to conform to a mould, nor be like Pastor Ed.” 9 • CONNECT JULY – SEPTEMBER 2013
Pastors’ Installation
Pastor Katherine Chan Head of WEB Ministry
Pastor ANDY LEW Southeast Asia Regional Coordinator, Missions Office and Zone Mentor, Westside District (BPJ) “I never wanted to be a pastor,” shares Andy Lew. He had his eyes set on missions, and the last thing he wanted to do was become a pastor, partly because he did not have a very good impression of pastors. That view has now thankfully changed, and he finds there is no distinct line between being a pastor or missionary for him personally. “For me to be an effective missionary, I’ve got to take on the role of a pastor and have the skills of a pastor.” He credits much of this change in perception of pastors to Pastor David Chan, who invited him to his home when he was considering joining ETC as an intern. He banished Pastor Andy’s belief that pastors were supposed to be proper and stuffy all the time when he appeared in shorts and a T-shirt during their meeting, and sat on the floor, much to Pastor Andy’s surprise. Above all, what really moved him was Pastor David’s authentic sharing. CONNECT JULY – SEPTEMBER 2013 • 8
He was accepted as a ministry intern in 2005, and appreciates the fact that pastors in Covenant do not have to conform to a mould, nor be like Pastor Ed, but are free to be who God made them to be. A Chemistry and Biology teacher back in his hometown Seattle, Washington, he left his teaching job and went to the place he had always wanted to do missions in – China. He spent three years teaching English there before coming to Singapore to pursue his theological studies. Though his missionary calling started in China, God showed Pastor Andy over the years that His heart is for all people, and thus he need not restrict himself to China. He now calls Singapore home, and is happily married with two children. He quips that one of the best things about coming to Singapore is that he met his wife here (he was the zone mentor for her CG). “I never thought I’d marry. I always thought I’d be this single maverick.”
Panda lover Pastor Katherine Chan never thought she would be a fulltime Christian worker, let alone a pastor. A Primary School teacher for 16 years, she was doing well in her career, heading the Science department in her school. Much as she enjoyed her job, she wondered if this was all she would be doing. “Where is the spiritual element?” she asked herself. As she was doing the Roots and Wings curriculum developed by Pastor Ed and Pastor Ann, she came across the famous passage where Jesus asked Peter if he loved Him; and if he did, to feed His lambs. That struck her deeply. The same passage was repeated during Women’s Breakthrough Weekend, when a call for people to consider serving God full time was given. At that point, she knew God was calling her to fulltime ministry. Pastor Kat (as she is more affectionately known) quit her job, and enrolled in ETC in 2007, without knowing where to go next. During her time in ETC, she was asked to consider joining Covenant’s staff team. “Who
“
As Pastor Kat wrestled with God, she came to understand that it was her life as a follower of Christ, that was of far greater value and importance.” am I,” she asked herself, “to be worthy to be a staff?” as she viewed Covenant’s staff team to be “spiritual giants”. After much prayer, she took that step of faith, and came aboard, serving in the young people’s ministry, a ministry she still serves in today. When Pastor Kay Kiong broached the subject about her being commissioned as a pastor in Covenant, the same thoughts of unworthiness crept into her mind. She deemed herself young in terms of ministry experience, and wondered if she could reach out to families as a single. As Pastor Kat wrestled with God, she came to understand that it was not the title, but her life as a follower of Christ, that was of far greater value and importance. She then surrendered to God’s will and purpose for her. And so 21 April 2013 marked another milestone in her spiritual journey.
He appreciates the fact that pastors in Covenant do not have to conform to a mould, nor be like Pastor Ed.” 9 • CONNECT JULY – SEPTEMBER 2013
CYAN FROM LEFT: The final leg to the summit; At Mesilau OPPOSITE PAGE FROM TOP: “We made it!”; At entrance of Mesilau route
Beyond Altitudes. Beyond the Physical. Beyond Me. A group of 43 young adults from Covenant Young Adult Network (C.Y.A.N.) and some of their mentors climbed Mount Kinabalu (Mt. K) in June this year. Themed “Beyond Altitudes”, this climb was more than conquering Southeast Asia’s highest mountain of 4,095m; it was a reflection of our discipleship journey in Christ. By Katie Chung.
T
he Mt. K Climb was organised by a committee of young adults, with Charlton Ng as Climb Commandant, Pastor Barney Lau as spiritual director, and ETC intern and experienced mountaineer, Billy Low, as technical advisor. The climbers started rigorous physical training for the Mt. K climb from January this year, including both personal training (e.g. in stair-climbing), and corporate trainings. Most of the climbers were scaling Mt. K for the first time. Some climbers challenged themselves to conquer Mt. K in spite of age, fitness level or physical injury. Others joined the climb to overcome their own spiritual mountain, CONNECT JULY – SEPTEMBER 2013 • 10
whether it be pride, past hurts or relationships, or even marking a new season in life. Regardless of the intent being a “spiritual journey” or simply a physical challenge, the Lord met with each of them during the ascent. Even their “official photographer”, Jonathan Lim, met with the Lord during the moments he was behind the lens. As Pastor Barney shared in Mesilau after the climb, as long as God met them, changed their hearts and shaped their lives during the climb, this was certainly a spiritual climb. Throughout the 8.5km climb from Mesilau to the base camp at Laban Rata, the climbers experienced the need for companionship, the need for unity in staying together in their six teams, and the need to help exhausted climbers with their bags or hold their hands, or even up the steps. When the climbers learnt that more than 10 others had not reached Laban Rata by nightfall, Charlton and the climbers, learnt about helplessness as they could only pray for every climber and walk by faith and not by sight. The joy that greeted those tired and cold climbers when they finally arrived was truly memorable, as it was precursory to finishing well as disciples of Christ. During the post-climb sharing session, many shared about how they were encouraged by the joyful climbers
“
Everyone was reminded that they were but pilgrims on a journey in being conformed to the image of Christ.”
in Team 3, nicknamed the “Chirpy Squad”, who sang worship songs and anchored on Bible verses during the climb. Others were also thankful for those who helped them along the way. For Ai Yap and Angeline Chua, 2 Corinthians 10:17-18 rang true as they made it “entirely by God’s grace”, and therefore could only “boast in the Lord”. Jason Bull learnt to deal with his selfishness when he dashed up to Low’s Peak on his own, only to find that there was no one else there to share his
excitement with. For Billy, training them for the climb and leading from behind was simply being His Master’s servant. Samuel Phua learnt to forego self-dependence when he had to be carried by a porter from halfway down the mountain owing to acute knee pain. Joshua Lam was reminded by the Lord to cease striving and depend solely on God. Joash Chong also shared about how “with greater ability comes greater responsibility” when he learnt to use his physical fitness to help others. In retrospect, the Mt. K climb was like an enactment of our discipleship journey. Each climber was, in a time of lack and discomfort, confronted with decisions to place other climbers before themselves. Everyone was reminded that they were but pilgrims on a journey in being conformed to the image of Christ. Every step intentionally taken in the right direction was like an incremental step of surrender to our Lord and Saviour, a chip away at the mud of our pride or spiritual mountain to reveal the (better) inner man. In the words of the Apostle Paul, “forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14, NASB). 11 • CONNECT JULY – SEPTEMBER 2013
CYAN FROM LEFT: The final leg to the summit; At Mesilau OPPOSITE PAGE FROM TOP: “We made it!”; At entrance of Mesilau route
Beyond Altitudes. Beyond the Physical. Beyond Me. A group of 43 young adults from Covenant Young Adult Network (C.Y.A.N.) and some of their mentors climbed Mount Kinabalu (Mt. K) in June this year. Themed “Beyond Altitudes”, this climb was more than conquering Southeast Asia’s highest mountain of 4,095m; it was a reflection of our discipleship journey in Christ. By Katie Chung.
T
he Mt. K Climb was organised by a committee of young adults, with Charlton Ng as Climb Commandant, Pastor Barney Lau as spiritual director, and ETC intern and experienced mountaineer, Billy Low, as technical advisor. The climbers started rigorous physical training for the Mt. K climb from January this year, including both personal training (e.g. in stair-climbing), and corporate trainings. Most of the climbers were scaling Mt. K for the first time. Some climbers challenged themselves to conquer Mt. K in spite of age, fitness level or physical injury. Others joined the climb to overcome their own spiritual mountain, CONNECT JULY – SEPTEMBER 2013 • 10
whether it be pride, past hurts or relationships, or even marking a new season in life. Regardless of the intent being a “spiritual journey” or simply a physical challenge, the Lord met with each of them during the ascent. Even their “official photographer”, Jonathan Lim, met with the Lord during the moments he was behind the lens. As Pastor Barney shared in Mesilau after the climb, as long as God met them, changed their hearts and shaped their lives during the climb, this was certainly a spiritual climb. Throughout the 8.5km climb from Mesilau to the base camp at Laban Rata, the climbers experienced the need for companionship, the need for unity in staying together in their six teams, and the need to help exhausted climbers with their bags or hold their hands, or even up the steps. When the climbers learnt that more than 10 others had not reached Laban Rata by nightfall, Charlton and the climbers, learnt about helplessness as they could only pray for every climber and walk by faith and not by sight. The joy that greeted those tired and cold climbers when they finally arrived was truly memorable, as it was precursory to finishing well as disciples of Christ. During the post-climb sharing session, many shared about how they were encouraged by the joyful climbers
“
Everyone was reminded that they were but pilgrims on a journey in being conformed to the image of Christ.”
in Team 3, nicknamed the “Chirpy Squad”, who sang worship songs and anchored on Bible verses during the climb. Others were also thankful for those who helped them along the way. For Ai Yap and Angeline Chua, 2 Corinthians 10:17-18 rang true as they made it “entirely by God’s grace”, and therefore could only “boast in the Lord”. Jason Bull learnt to deal with his selfishness when he dashed up to Low’s Peak on his own, only to find that there was no one else there to share his
excitement with. For Billy, training them for the climb and leading from behind was simply being His Master’s servant. Samuel Phua learnt to forego self-dependence when he had to be carried by a porter from halfway down the mountain owing to acute knee pain. Joshua Lam was reminded by the Lord to cease striving and depend solely on God. Joash Chong also shared about how “with greater ability comes greater responsibility” when he learnt to use his physical fitness to help others. In retrospect, the Mt. K climb was like an enactment of our discipleship journey. Each climber was, in a time of lack and discomfort, confronted with decisions to place other climbers before themselves. Everyone was reminded that they were but pilgrims on a journey in being conformed to the image of Christ. Every step intentionally taken in the right direction was like an incremental step of surrender to our Lord and Saviour, a chip away at the mud of our pride or spiritual mountain to reveal the (better) inner man. In the words of the Apostle Paul, “forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14, NASB). 11 • CONNECT JULY – SEPTEMBER 2013
Cantonese Ministry
Wide Angle
Reaching Out to Our Parents
Youths worshipping at Momentum service
Iris Chan shares her first-time experience bringing her parents to the CANTONESE MINISTRY Parents’ Appreciation Lunch on 8th June.
B
eing new to such an event, I did not know what to expect. Surprisingly, it was very pleasant – from the warm welcome and door gifts, to the delicious food and wellthought-out programme. I especially loved ministry staff Portia Chan’s words of welcome: “Parents, your children have brought you to celebrate Parents’ Day, a loving gift from your children. However, there is one gift they wish for all of you, but are unable to give you – the gift of eternal life, which can only be given by the Giver of Life, Jesus Christ!” Everyone stood to sing”锡晒您” (“God loves you”). The elder-folk surprised and impressed us with the song “做 光，做盐” (“Be the salt and light of the world”) accompanied by Covenanter Amy’s graceful dance. Later on, three Covenanters stood to testify about God’s goodness in their lives. Jason Zhuang honoured his parents with a heartfelt testimony about their
Saturday Night Fever ETC ministry intern April Cheah shares her heart for Momentum, the TNG ministry that serves and reaches out to youths aged 15 to 18. Enjoying the song item together
Celebrating loved ones!
“
The worship team’s heartwarming song “父母恩” (“The love and grace of parents”) encouraged the children to thank and hug their parents.”
sacrifice and love bringing him up. The worship team’s heart-warming song “父 母恩” (“The love and grace of parents”) encouraged the children to thank and hug their parents. Mdm Leong, shared how God’s hand was upon her heart surgery, turning a CONNECT JULY – SEPTEMBER 2013 • 12
2-hour procedure to only 45 minutes! Mdm Lee, who received Christ about nine months ago, was absent due to a major stroke, testified of the goodness of God through her niece Rachel. Though uneducated, Mdm Lee read the New Testament in three months, leading four
persons to Christ! Physically weak, she longs to be with Jesus in heaven but Jesus told her to stay alive to testify for Him! Filled with joy, she had Rachel wheel her to church to worship God the moment she left the rehabilitation centre! The testimonies of the two women touched my parents and I praise God for softening their hearts. Eight persons received Christ that day, including a primary-school-aged boy. I trust many more will come to know Him through the Cantonese Ministry’s follow-up and home visits.
I
t is a fact widely acknowledged that where there are many fit and energetic teenagers, one can expect some property damage. At Momentum, over the last half year, we’ve seen a broken stage light, a chair split in half and dry wall with a hole punched in it. It’s taken some sincere apologies to our long-suffering building and facilities team and some stern scolding, but those broken objects are an incredibly precious sight to me. You see, Saturday night costs the young people something, it costs us all something to give up the eve of a Sunday to focus our gaze on God. They could be out clubbing, or
“
wasting time, but instead I see these happy faces in church; it fills my heart with so much, so much joy. That’s what Momentum is – a counter-cultural alternative God-centred way to spend Saturdays for young ones aged between 15 to 18. I recall vividly how that was the age at which the pillars of my faith began to crumble. I asked questions like “What is belief?”, “How can I trust the bible?”, and “If I can’t feel God, how can he be real?” and if it weren’t for a loving community of faithful older ones and the grace of God himself, I would not have been able to finally pray “I believe, help my unbelief.”
They could be out clubbing, or wasting time, but instead I see these happy faces in church; it fills my heart with so much, so much joy.”
The desire to know with greater certainty, the longing for a safe person to speak candidly with, and the compulsion to search; these are all young desires that drive human beings to the patient love of a holy God who is drawing all men to Himself. Of course all the staff would appreciate less running, less breakages and less chaos in general, but I remember the first day I walked into that chapel on Saturday night, and saw a pair of 16-year-old eyes light up with the sudden shaft of illumination that God is real and His spirit is good. I remember that, and I thank God that I get to repeat that experience Saturday after Saturday. They can break things all they like, but I know God is breaking more things inside of them; and as the words of a very true and very good Book say “so we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4:18) Momentum service caters to 15 to 18-yearolds and we meet weekly on Saturdays, 7pm to 9pm, Woodlands Centre, Chapel. 13 • CONNECT JULY – SEPTEMBER 2013
Cantonese Ministry
Wide Angle
Reaching Out to Our Parents
Youths worshipping at Momentum service
Iris Chan shares her first-time experience bringing her parents to the CANTONESE MINISTRY Parents’ Appreciation Lunch on 8th June.
B
eing new to such an event, I did not know what to expect. Surprisingly, it was very pleasant – from the warm welcome and door gifts, to the delicious food and wellthought-out programme. I especially loved ministry staff Portia Chan’s words of welcome: “Parents, your children have brought you to celebrate Parents’ Day, a loving gift from your children. However, there is one gift they wish for all of you, but are unable to give you – the gift of eternal life, which can only be given by the Giver of Life, Jesus Christ!” Everyone stood to sing”锡晒您” (“God loves you”). The elder-folk surprised and impressed us with the song “做 光，做盐” (“Be the salt and light of the world”) accompanied by Covenanter Amy’s graceful dance. Later on, three Covenanters stood to testify about God’s goodness in their lives. Jason Zhuang honoured his parents with a heartfelt testimony about their
Saturday Night Fever ETC ministry intern April Cheah shares her heart for Momentum, the TNG ministry that serves and reaches out to youths aged 15 to 18. Enjoying the song item together
Celebrating loved ones!
“
The worship team’s heartwarming song “父母恩” (“The love and grace of parents”) encouraged the children to thank and hug their parents.”
sacrifice and love bringing him up. The worship team’s heart-warming song “父 母恩” (“The love and grace of parents”) encouraged the children to thank and hug their parents. Mdm Leong, shared how God’s hand was upon her heart surgery, turning a CONNECT JULY – SEPTEMBER 2013 • 12
2-hour procedure to only 45 minutes! Mdm Lee, who received Christ about nine months ago, was absent due to a major stroke, testified of the goodness of God through her niece Rachel. Though uneducated, Mdm Lee read the New Testament in three months, leading four
persons to Christ! Physically weak, she longs to be with Jesus in heaven but Jesus told her to stay alive to testify for Him! Filled with joy, she had Rachel wheel her to church to worship God the moment she left the rehabilitation centre! The testimonies of the two women touched my parents and I praise God for softening their hearts. Eight persons received Christ that day, including a primary-school-aged boy. I trust many more will come to know Him through the Cantonese Ministry’s follow-up and home visits.
I
t is a fact widely acknowledged that where there are many fit and energetic teenagers, one can expect some property damage. At Momentum, over the last half year, we’ve seen a broken stage light, a chair split in half and dry wall with a hole punched in it. It’s taken some sincere apologies to our long-suffering building and facilities team and some stern scolding, but those broken objects are an incredibly precious sight to me. You see, Saturday night costs the young people something, it costs us all something to give up the eve of a Sunday to focus our gaze on God. They could be out clubbing, or
“
wasting time, but instead I see these happy faces in church; it fills my heart with so much, so much joy. That’s what Momentum is – a counter-cultural alternative God-centred way to spend Saturdays for young ones aged between 15 to 18. I recall vividly how that was the age at which the pillars of my faith began to crumble. I asked questions like “What is belief?”, “How can I trust the bible?”, and “If I can’t feel God, how can he be real?” and if it weren’t for a loving community of faithful older ones and the grace of God himself, I would not have been able to finally pray “I believe, help my unbelief.”
They could be out clubbing, or wasting time, but instead I see these happy faces in church; it fills my heart with so much, so much joy.”
The desire to know with greater certainty, the longing for a safe person to speak candidly with, and the compulsion to search; these are all young desires that drive human beings to the patient love of a holy God who is drawing all men to Himself. Of course all the staff would appreciate less running, less breakages and less chaos in general, but I remember the first day I walked into that chapel on Saturday night, and saw a pair of 16-year-old eyes light up with the sudden shaft of illumination that God is real and His spirit is good. I remember that, and I thank God that I get to repeat that experience Saturday after Saturday. They can break things all they like, but I know God is breaking more things inside of them; and as the words of a very true and very good Book say “so we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4:18) Momentum service caters to 15 to 18-yearolds and we meet weekly on Saturdays, 7pm to 9pm, Woodlands Centre, Chapel. 13 • CONNECT JULY – SEPTEMBER 2013
Close Up Pastor Patrick and his family
Pastor Patrick during his mission trip to Cambodia
Serving the God of the Unexpected The journey Pastor Patrick took which led him to become the head of Covenant’s Mandarin and Cantonese ministries today was marked with the unexpected. Yvonne Cheong tells us more.
becca on With wife Re day ing dd we eir th
CONNECT JULY – SEPTEMBER 2013 • 14
W
hen Pastor Patrick first answered God’s call to full-time ministry in the small church which he had grown up in as a youth – Shalom Gospel Hall – he thought he would end up retiring as its pastor. Pastor Patrick started getting involved in the church’s youth fellowship when he was just a 16-year-old Raffles Institution student. It was during this pivotal season of his life that he discovered the love for Jesus and the consequent enthusiasm to serve his fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. Another milestone in his ministry journey was laid during one of the Campus Crusade for Christ events when the speaker challenged and prayed for Pastor Patrick as he dedicated his life to God to serve in full-time ministry . Upon graduating from university,
he spent the next 10 years working in the IT industry before responding to the call to become Shalom Gospel Hall’s fulltime pastor. He served as the church’s full-time pastor from 1999 to 2006, while concurrently studying part-time for his Masters of Divinity at Trinity Theological College. Towards the end of his sabbatical year in 2006, Pastor Patrick was invited to serve full-time with Haggai Institute – a Christian Advanced Leadership organisation which conducts training for pastors and Christian leaders globally. There he served as their faculty and regional representative in the Mandarin ministry focusing on the Chinesespeaking world. It was also at Haggai Institute where his Mandarin-speaking skills were honed. It was in that same year where Pastor Patrick also started visiting and serving in Covenant. He was amongst the 400
“
Our seniors may not be as academic in their understanding of the Bible, but they have lived a full life and are still willing to learn.”
worshippers who raised their hands to be the pioneer batch in Woodlands Centre when it was completed. Once in a prayer meeting when Pastor Tony made an altar call for those who were called to serve, Pastor Patrick once again stepped up but this time with a willingness to serve as a lay person. “Being a regular member for a while helped me see ministry work in a different light,” he said. However the Lord had also laid something more upon his heart. This was later confirmed when Pastor Tony met him for lunch and opened the way for him to serve as a full-time pastor in Covenant. Becoming head of the Mandarin and Cantonese ministries was not something that Pastor Patrick had envisioned when he entered full-time ministry, but it turned out to be a tremendous calling which he has grown to appreciate. “Our seniors may not be as academic in their understanding of the Bible, but they have lived a full life and are still willing to learn. They are ‘more practical than theory’ and many are also prayer warriors!” he enthused.
“Once they understand what salvation really means, they appreciate it a lot more and have learnt to express it in their own way. For example, a sister who celebrated her 80th birthday donated all her red packet gifts to the ACK Fund.” In his unassuming yet still passionate manner, Pastor Patrick also shared about the joys of being involved in what is often known as the “eleventh hour ministry”. He talked about the close community life of the senior members in BPJ – many of whom live near the church – where they would share willingly with those in need, and voluntarily go to hospitals together to visit and pray for others. Pastor Patrick is married to Rebecca and together they have three lovely daughters – Livia, Joelle and Kristen. When he proposed to his then-girlfriend in a cable car on Valentine’s Day of 1998, he did not expect they would be featured on the front page of the Straits Times! “It was a pleasant surprise and made us both feel this this was also God’s way of affirming our marriage.” Indeed, he serves the God of the unexpected.
Ps Patrick’s Favourite Things Favourite Verse
>> Philippians 3:12
Favourite Quote
>> Ministry flows out of being
Favourite Author
>> Charles Swindoll
Favourite Food
>> Wanton Mee
“There is no greater discovery than seeing God as the author of your destiny.” Ravi Zacharias
15 • CONNECT JULY – SEPTEMBER 2013
Close Up Pastor Patrick and his family
Pastor Patrick during his mission trip to Cambodia
Serving the God of the Unexpected The journey Pastor Patrick took which led him to become the head of Covenant’s Mandarin and Cantonese ministries today was marked with the unexpected. Yvonne Cheong tells us more.
becca on With wife Re day ing dd we eir th
CONNECT JULY – SEPTEMBER 2013 • 14
W
hen Pastor Patrick first answered God’s call to full-time ministry in the small church which he had grown up in as a youth – Shalom Gospel Hall – he thought he would end up retiring as its pastor. Pastor Patrick started getting involved in the church’s youth fellowship when he was just a 16-year-old Raffles Institution student. It was during this pivotal season of his life that he discovered the love for Jesus and the consequent enthusiasm to serve his fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. Another milestone in his ministry journey was laid during one of the Campus Crusade for Christ events when the speaker challenged and prayed for Pastor Patrick as he dedicated his life to God to serve in full-time ministry . Upon graduating from university,
he spent the next 10 years working in the IT industry before responding to the call to become Shalom Gospel Hall’s fulltime pastor. He served as the church’s full-time pastor from 1999 to 2006, while concurrently studying part-time for his Masters of Divinity at Trinity Theological College. Towards the end of his sabbatical year in 2006, Pastor Patrick was invited to serve full-time with Haggai Institute – a Christian Advanced Leadership organisation which conducts training for pastors and Christian leaders globally. There he served as their faculty and regional representative in the Mandarin ministry focusing on the Chinesespeaking world. It was also at Haggai Institute where his Mandarin-speaking skills were honed. It was in that same year where Pastor Patrick also started visiting and serving in Covenant. He was amongst the 400
“
Our seniors may not be as academic in their understanding of the Bible, but they have lived a full life and are still willing to learn.”
worshippers who raised their hands to be the pioneer batch in Woodlands Centre when it was completed. Once in a prayer meeting when Pastor Tony made an altar call for those who were called to serve, Pastor Patrick once again stepped up but this time with a willingness to serve as a lay person. “Being a regular member for a while helped me see ministry work in a different light,” he said. However the Lord had also laid something more upon his heart. This was later confirmed when Pastor Tony met him for lunch and opened the way for him to serve as a full-time pastor in Covenant. Becoming head of the Mandarin and Cantonese ministries was not something that Pastor Patrick had envisioned when he entered full-time ministry, but it turned out to be a tremendous calling which he has grown to appreciate. “Our seniors may not be as academic in their understanding of the Bible, but they have lived a full life and are still willing to learn. They are ‘more practical than theory’ and many are also prayer warriors!” he enthused.
“Once they understand what salvation really means, they appreciate it a lot more and have learnt to express it in their own way. For example, a sister who celebrated her 80th birthday donated all her red packet gifts to the ACK Fund.” In his unassuming yet still passionate manner, Pastor Patrick also shared about the joys of being involved in what is often known as the “eleventh hour ministry”. He talked about the close community life of the senior members in BPJ – many of whom live near the church – where they would share willingly with those in need, and voluntarily go to hospitals together to visit and pray for others. Pastor Patrick is married to Rebecca and together they have three lovely daughters – Livia, Joelle and Kristen. When he proposed to his then-girlfriend in a cable car on Valentine’s Day of 1998, he did not expect they would be featured on the front page of the Straits Times! “It was a pleasant surprise and made us both feel this this was also God’s way of affirming our marriage.” Indeed, he serves the God of the unexpected.
Ps Patrick’s Favourite Things Favourite Verse
>> Philippians 3:12
Favourite Quote
>> Ministry flows out of being
Favourite Author
>> Charles Swindoll
Favourite Food
>> Wanton Mee
“There is no greater discovery than seeing God as the author of your destiny.” Ravi Zacharias
15 • CONNECT JULY – SEPTEMBER 2013
Recent & Upcoming Events Credits
Date
Event
Venue
8–11 Aug
CYAN Breakthrough Weekend
Port Dickson
MANAGING Editor Chan Sue Ming
5–7 Sep
IDMC Conference 2013
Singapore EXPO
8 Sep
CEFC 35th Anniversary Service
Singapore EXPO
COPY editors Alythea Ho, Dennis Cheah, Samuel Chia, Silas Wee
13 Sep
CG Women’s Summit
BPJ
4 Oct
CG Men’s Summit
BPJ
God At Work
In Silence and Solitude I Seek Thee by Walter Lee
In silence and solitude I seek Thee, As I journey in the dark night of my soul. Speak Lord and I will listen, My heart yearns to be made whole. With my hands lifted up, I seek Thee. I want to love you Lord, with all of my heart, my mind, my soul. In silence and solitude I lay down to rest. I wait in stillness for Thee, And suddenly, in a whisper, a nudge, You spoke. “It is never ever about you, Yet it is all for you. Never about you being ready, Never about you being good enough for my use. It is finished. It was, it is, and it will always be, finished. Finished at the cross. I died for you. I made you whole. I do not need you to serve, but I desire you to. I do not need you to surrender your all, but I desire that you follow me, in all. CONNECT JULY – SEPTEMBER 2013 • 16
I do not need your abilities, nor your talents, but your will - surrendered. You have nothing to give that I need, I desire that you offer your life, that you may be found, Found complete in Me, and Me alone.” Lord I come, I come, I come complete in Christ. It is finished, finished at the cross. Lord I come, I come. Complete in Christ. My sins forgiven, my life redeemed.
executive EditorS Joice Toh, Adeline Koh
writers Adrian Lim, Pastor Ann Chan, Chan Sue Ming, Katie Chung, Iris Chan, April Cheah, Yvonne Cheong, Walter Lee PHOTOGRAPHERS Adrian Lim, Brian Dalby, Charlene Chai, Rev Dr Chua Chung Kai, Jonathan Lim ART DIRECTION & DESIGN Christian Subrata CONTACT US publications@cefc.org.sg our office 167 Jalan Bukit Merah Tower 5, #17-10 Singapore 150167 T. +65 6892 6811 F. +65 6892 1502 www.cefc.org.sg PRINTER Yung Shung Printrade Pte Ltd CONNECT is a quarterly newsletter of Covenant Evangelical Free Church. We welcome advertisers in CONNECT. However, advertising in our publication does not necessarily imply editorial endorsement of either the advertiser or contents of the advertisement. Unless otherwise specified, Scriptural references are from the New American Standard Bible (NASB).
Lord I come, I come, I come to surrender my life, my all. Five loaves and two fishes, May you take it, break it, use it, multiply it. I wept with tears of joy! O Lord, it is finished! Finished at the cross. Lord I come, complete in Christ. Surrendered. It is finished. In silence and solitude, I rest.
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