Cornerstone Herald Nov/Dec 2018 by Cornerstone Herald

HERALD

Nov / Dec 2018 NOV/DEC 2018

FEATUR E ARTICLE

Nebuchadnezzar’s Testimony DR. BRIAN BAILEY

What Astonishes & What Transforms PASTOR YANG TUCK YOONG

Women of Worship TRACEY CHIA

A PUBLICATION OF CORNERSTONE COMMUNITY CHURCH • NOV/DEC 2018 • MCI (P) 036/02/2018

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His Second Touch EDITOR’S NOTE

“And he looked up and said, ‘I see men like trees, walking.’” (Mark 8:24) When I see the trees and beautiful garden around, I’m reminded of the first garden God created. I imagine Eden to be bright and beautiful, pure and pristine, ordered and filled. We can only imagine the potential God saw in Eden, Adam and Eve, their children and children’s children, stewarding the garden. “Then God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” And God said, “See, I have given you every herb that yields seed which is on the face of all the earth, and every tree whose fruit yields seed; to you it shall be for food. Also, to every beast of the earth, to every bird of the air, and to everything that creeps on the earth, in which there is life, I have given every green herb for food”; and it was so. Then God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good.” (Gen 1:28-31) Everything God made, and His eyes set on was very good! And with everything that God does, it’s a pattern to show forth His wisdom, power and majesty. God created for six days and on the seventh He rested. God was showing Adam and Eve when they subdue creation and accomplish their work, multiplying and filling the earth with image bearers as He had created, they’ll also enter a rest. In God’s heart, the garden was an ongoing project. Eden was primed for growth and increase, and the greater works was with Adam and Eve, an expansion was in the works. As Adam and Eve worked and kept the garden, as they were fruitful and multiplied, Eden would grow beyond and Adam and Eve’s rule would increase. But when they walked in disobedience and sinned, God “sent him out of the garden of Eden to till the ground from which he was taken and drove out the man; and He placed cherubim at the east of the garden of Eden, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to guard the way to the tree of life.” (Gen 3:23-24). And so, God couldn’t allow their disobedience to affect all eternity. But God never changed His mind and His plan remains as from the beginning, His redemption plan for mankind. When Adam and Eve fell in sin, they came under a curse for they knew God and He came to them in the cool of the day, and they had fellowship with God. The blind man was not blind from birth, he could see before he was scarred blind for he knew what a

tree looked like. When Jesus touched the blind man a second time and made him look up, he could see as clearly as Jesus did, “And he was restored and saw everyone clearly.” (Mark 8:25) Jesus gave the blind man a glimpse of possibility, a glimpse of hope of how much better life could be with this second touch. When the man’s blindness was healed, and he was made whole, it’s no more just a possibility, it’s reality. His future and his life were given back to him with this second touch. Maybe you don’t feel you can live for God and accomplish what God is calling you to do, you’re just not that good. You’ve your weaknesses, faults and it’s not humanly possible. What you need is something more than yourself, your scars and regrets in life, you need another touch of God’s hand. Just as Jesus took the blind man by the hand and led him away from the crowd to restore him, Jesus wants to take you by the hand, lead you away from the crowd of voices and make you look up! He wants to restore you! What’s your story? Your story may not be on these pages or written in ink, but you’ve a story and you’re living your story right now. The Word of God always encounters and challenges us, and God’s design is for His works in you to be established.

Pastor Daphne Yang

IN THE HOUSE

Herald Team

Pastor Daphne Yang Celine Foo Emma Lim

Family Camp

Solemn Assemblies

Holy Mandate: Men@Work

WOW! Conference: Women of Worship

Training & Equipping

Feast of Tabernacles

Cornerstone Internship Programme

Contributors

Alicia Chua Catherine Sam Christine Teo Dr. Brian Bailey Daphne Lee Emma Lim Elijah Chan Gary Leo Jeremy Tay Pastor Kevin Graves Isabel Tan Immanuel Roszini Natty Ng Nicolette Chen Tracey Chia Wendy Tan Pastor Yang Tuck Yoong Pastor Kevin Koh Zoie Tan Teo Lay See Ong Xian Ting Karen Lee Bob Chen Samantha Chen

Leaders’ Summit

Raising Up Leaders

Email us at mail @ cscc.org.sg

GENERATIONS 30

FOPx

Harvest Event: FJOMO

COMMUNITY BUZZ 38

Share Food, Share Life

INTERNATIONAL MINISTRIES 14

Cornerstone Global Network Summit

Come Undone

Cornerstone Miri

‘Bendith’ from Wales

LIVING TESTIMONIES 16 / HOLY MANDATE: MEN@WORK

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My God Heals!

Forgive & Forget

The Charis Chronicles

17 / WOW! CONFERENCE: WOMEN OF WORSHIP

INTERVIEW 43

Let’s Read! 20 / FEAST OF TABERNACLES

FEATURE ARTICLE

Nebuchadnezzar’s Testimony

The Silent Treatment

What Astonishes & What Transforms

24 / CORNERSTONE INTERNSHIP PROGRAMME

32 / BCW TESTIMONY: COME UNDONE

36 / LEADERS’ SUMMIT

10 / FAMILY CAMP

34 / FJOMO

FEATURE ARTICLE

Nebuchadnezzar’s Testimony by DR . BR I A N BA I L E Y

A brief resume of Nebuchadnezzar’s proclamation about an experience through which God led him. King Nebuchadnezzar had been given a dream about a tree. In his dream, the tree was cut down by command of the holy watchers, yet the stump remained with its roots in the earth. The tree represented King Nebuchadnezzar whose heart was to be changed from a man’s into a beast’s for seven years. Daniel interpreted the dream for the king. He warned him to break off his sins by acting righteously and his iniquities by showing mercy to the poor. But at the end of twelve months, while walking in the palace, Nebuchadnezzar boasted of the greatness of Babylon which he attributed to being built by his own might, power, and the honour of his majesty. While these words were still in the king’s mouth, a voice from heaven warned him that his kingdom had departed from him. In the same hour he was driven out, and he became a beast. However, at the end of seven years he was restored to his kingdom. By this time, he gave honour to God, who rules in the affairs of men and is able to abase those that walk in pride. Chapter 4 begins with, “Nebuchadnezzar the king, unto all the people, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth; Peace be multiplied unto you. I thought it good to shew the signs and wonders that the high God hath wrought toward me. How great are his signs! And how mighty are his wonders! His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and his dominion is from generation to generation,”. This personal testimony of God’s dealings was written by the king himself.

In this introduction, Nebuchadnezzar acknowledged the sovereignty and the omnipotence of God. And Isaiah declared that God brings in each generation, one after the other. God not only has a plan for each individual life, He has a plan for each generation (Isaiah 41:4). It is important to understand the generation in which we are birthed. We have the privilege of being birthed into the last generation of the Church Age and this generation will see revival. This generation will see the glory of God coming to the Church. And by His grace, this generation will see the Second Coming of Christ. History shows us that each generation has had a particular message.

Martin Luther’s message for his generation was “Salvation by Faith.” John Wesley’s message for his generation was “Holiness.” A.T. Pearson’s message was “Divine Healing.” Our generation is birthed in a very special time period, and the emphasis now is the “Feasts of the Lord.”

Then the Lord said to us that he was going to remove the leaders of some governments. That happened during 1974–75. About thirty heads of governments were changed! The heads of government changed in the United States, Great Britain, France, Germany and other nations. They were changed by special events that only God could have brought about. The Lord said, “I am going to turn My Church, and I am going to reveal sin in high places in My Church.” We are witnesses to the fulfilment of that word. Previously, such things probably would have been covered up and hidden, but God is allowing sin to be exposed. We are living in a generation that is prophetically governed by the Day of Atonement. This is, in God’s plan, a time for emphasis on holiness. There are seasons ordained for certain truths to be revealed and emphasised. For example, during the time of the Charismatic Movement, the baptism of the Holy Ghost was emphasised. Holiness is now being stressed. God is seeking for righteous character, and this is the spiritual direction now as never before. God is revealing the hearts of people, and everything must be right. Why is this so? Because we live in a different generation. We cannot live as those in previous generations. God desires us to live in present truth.

In 1973, my wife and I stood on the Mount of Olives, and the Lord met us there. It was just before the war between Israel and the Arabs. The Lord spoke to us and explained that He first begins to affect change in the physical world, and He then moves in the spiritual realm. He showed us that evil in high places would now be revealed. Shortly after, several major international, national and personal scandals were revealed. Much had been hidden, but a new generation was coming in.

What is present truth? 7

We know that our only hope is found in Zechariah 4:6, “Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts.” 8

Present truth for our day and generation means circumcision of heart, motives, uprightness, sincerity and truth. All deceit is an abomination to God! As He says in the Book of Acts, “He winked at it for a time, but now he commandeth everyone to repent.” God is allowing all deceitfulness to be revealed. We live in a generation in which cleansing is the main emphasis of God’s Spirit. The purpose for this cleansing is that we may become prepared vessels to be filled and to convey His glory. For what purpose do we have a cup? Its usefulness is not appreciated while it is on the shelf. Its purpose is realized when that cup is filled and utilized. God is cleansing His Church that it might be filled with His glory.

We learn from Nebuchadnezzar, who was the head of the image, that God deals with leaders in such a way that shows them exactly who is in command. God speaks, but are we receiving the message? Nebuchadnezzar could not learn his lesson from the vision. He had to learn it experientially, and this is usually the same with us. In verse 4, we find Nebuchadnezzar expressing his woes, “I Nebuchadnezzar was at rest in my house, and flourishing in my palace: I saw a dream which made me afraid, and the thoughts upon my bed and the visions of my head troubled me. Therefore, I made a decree to bring in all the wise men of Babylon before me, that they might make known unto me the interpretation of the dream. Then came in the magicians, the astrologers, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers; and I told the dream before them; but they did not make known unto me the interpretation thereof.”

It is interesting that the last person to come into the king’s presence was Daniel. This reminds us not to go to our peers with our problems. It often happens that they say, “Yes, I have the same problem.” Then you work out mutually acceptable solutions, and consequently you both sink. It is much better to go to someone who has had experience and carries the anointing and the spirit of counsel. Daniel was God’s man for this particular problem, and eventually he arrived. Verse 8: “But at the last Daniel came in before me whose name was Belteshazzar, according to the name of my god, and in whom is the spirit of the holy gods.” Nebuchadnezzar was a man of great mixture. Even though he recognised God, he continued a mixture of worship to other gods. He recognised God, but he also recognised his own gods. Let us be careful, though we may not recognise another god, that we do not lean on the arm of the flesh. We know that our only hope is found in Zechariah 4:6: “Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts.”

FAMILY CAMP

COME UP HIGHER by C H R I ST I N E T EO

Year after after, the annual Cornerstone Family Camp remains a bright spot on the church calendar, as a special time for the community to come away for a time of rest in the Lord and fellowship with one another.

On 11 June, a thousand happy campers gathered at Hotel Equatorial in the beautiful city of Melaka to sit at the feet of the Father and receive a fresh Word from His heart.

With preparations underway back home for the historic June 12th Trump-Kim summit, signifying Singapore’s coming into her calling as the Antioch of Asia, the camp was a timely invitation to Cornerstone to come up higher into God’s call. Pastor Martin Steel opened the camp with a powerful call to re-alignment in His original mandate for us. Expounding on Genesis 9, Pastor Martin invited us to develop the potential within this world, to increase numerically, to finish the redemption work started by God, and to take responsibility for this world. The next morning, Dr. Sam Matthews brought us back to a focus on our personal intimacy with God. He shared his testimony of his frustrations, so many years ago, of not being able to reach a realm of intimacy with God that is clearly displayed in the pages of the Bible – one that brought him to a place of moment-by-moment awareness of God’s presence and voice. He peppered the air with prophecy, such 10

as “You will hear Him more clearly than before” and “You will now have the mind of Christ more than ever before,” to which we could only say, “yes and amen.” Later that morning, Pastor Martin expounded on Acts 17 to remind us that every area of our lives and of this world is spiritual and that the barrier between the secular and spiritual is simply faulty perspective. Next, Pastor Nicky Raiborde invited us to be lion-chasers like Benaiah, in a study of 2 Samuel 23. In the afternoon, Steve Carpenter conducted a workshop on God’s timing and shared his prophetic revelations of God’s plans in this season, while Jennifer Heng conducted a workshop on building a culture of life. That evening, a powerful time of encountering God awaited the campers. From Pastor Sam’s opening prayer, members of the congregation could

“YOU WILL HEAR HIM MORE CLEARLY THAN BEFORE”

sense the presence of angels in the hall. Pastor Sam shared more deeply about his encounter with the Holy Spirit and invited us to live totally controlled by the Holy Spirit. As he experienced God putting him on as a glove and allowing the Holy Spirit to live through him, he was given the mandate to teach the Body of Christ to live a life of complete possession by the Holy Spirit, just as Mr. Rees Howells lived. With angels at the altar beckoning, many came forward to say yes to the invitation to live in total submission to the Holy Spirit. On Wednesday, Pastor Martin delivered an encouraging word from Ezekiel 29 to remind us to press on with faith during the season of waiting between sowing and reaping, which may cause us to feel a sense of lack and discouragement. Another session with Pastor Sam followed; this time, he challenged us to be in a constant state of arousal to call upon the name of the Lord, and to examine the areas of our lives, even in prayer and worship, which are not fully surrendered to His Lordship. In the final session of the day, Pastor Nicky taught us to go beyond pursuing the heart of God, to pursuing His hand as well in an exposition of 2 Kings 6-7. That evening, we were treated to the Greatest Infinity Show! The staff and volunteers of the childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ministry led the children in dance performances and the night was filled with fun and laughter as members of the audience were randomly selected to participate in games. Our pastors and staff also entertained the crowd with jokes, games and most importantly â&#x20AC;&#x201C; dancing. On the final morning, Pastor Yang addressed the church on fatherhood. He shared about his call to be a father and invited the church, too, to come up higher and into the fullness of maturity and fatherhood. Beyond being a time of coming together with family, this church camp undoubtedly marks the start of a fresh season of giving the Holy Spirit total submission and pursuing the upward call to fatherhood and birthing revival in Singapore.

GO BEYOND PURSUING THE HEART OF GOD... 11

40-DAY PRAYER & FASTING

Solemn Assemblies From 1 July to 9 August, churches from all over Singapore united for a time of prayer and fasting over 40 days, helmed by the Love Singapore movement, to contend for the fulfilment of our nation’s destiny. The late Billy Graham, on his visit to Singapore in 1978, reiterated that Singapore’s call as the “Antioch of Asia“, the city from which missionaries are sent, and this year marks 40 years since the word was refreshed, a significant time in our history.

With different churches taking turns to host the meetings, Christians came together to seek repentance for personal, corporate, and national sins, as well as to pray for the salvation of unbelievers in Singapore. As Cornerstone led the first wave of meetings in the Central Zone, many of our church members and staff stood together to contend for revival in our nation and caught a glimpse of His heart for Singapore in this hour.

Compiled by E M M A L I M

JEREMY TAY

ELIJAH CHAN

I am in awe of and humbled by the fact that the Lord would choose us and call us to be the “Antioch of the East”. This prophetic word decreed forty years ago was re-activated when Lou Engle prophesied that Singapore is entering into a review. The destiny of nations hangs in the balance, and the responsibility is ours to bear, each and every believer’s.

For 40 days, Singapore churches comprising thousands of believers participated in the Solemn Assemblies Prayer and Fasting movement. It was an honour to see Cornerstone anchoring Week one of the 40-day Solemn Assemblies for the Central Zone.

With this weighing heavily on my heart, the Solemn Assemblies is undoubtedly one of the most significant times of prayer I have engaged in. All throughout the meetings, the presence of God was evident and the anticipation, palpable. There was a groundswell of hunger and passion as we sought the Lord to move on behalf of the nation, and you had to be there to experience the momentum that was building. I would not forget the night we prayed against abortion. Fathers stood up to pray that they would lead with love. A son spoke about how he was almost aborted, if not for the courage of his mother. The meeting ended on a crescendo as the entire auditorium took a stand and raised our voice in unison declaring that abortion would not proceed on our watch!

There was a growing momentum and unity in spirit as prayers and prophetic declarations were released over the destiny of Singapore over the seven days. Friday’s prayer meeting on the 6th of July was very special as we prayed for the issue of abortion. This is a sensitive topic as abortion provokes volatile feelings on both sides of the debate, which is carried on with heated emotion and sometimes even militancy. During one meeting, there was such a spirit of love and repentance as we came together to ask God for mercy for our nation. Pastor Daphne quoted 1 Kings 3:16 when Solomon judged wisely and we began praying for women everywhere to have a sacrificial and unconditional love for their children. We prayed for Solomons to rise up to render justice so that all would know that the Lord is just and merciful. Jennifer Heng ended the prayer meeting with a resounding cry “You shall not pass!” , inspired from the film The Lord of the Rings. The whole church was united in one heart as we declared to the principality of death that we are taking a stand on this issue. I believe that something shifted in the atmosphere that night because a corporate body was united to pray in faith on issues that are on the Lord’s heart.

NICOLETTE CHEN It was very heartening to see the church gather to stand for our precious home, Singapore. Most importantly, this isn’t solely about Cornerstone. I saw people from other congregations present during the prayer meeting raising their hands in worship. Likewise, Cornerstone encouraged her members to attend meetings held at other churches for the remaining weeks. This encapsulates what honour and unity in the Body looks like in practice. The time of gathering for worship and prayer throughout the one week was so graced by the delightful presence of God. It was a time of meeting with Him, and encountering and agreeing with His heart as one people. For some, it was their first time praying at the pulpit. This was a step of obedience and boldness to release what they felt was in the heart of God. With that step, together with the power of corporate agreement, there are movements in the heavenlies and bowls in heaven get filled. During this time of solemn assembly, His people are to approach Him as one with a broken and contrite spirit, to pray, seek His face, and turn from their wicked ways. As we get aligned to Him and His ways during this time of prayer and fasting, may we forsake our own fleshly ways and walk into the destiny written in the books in heaven for our nation.

NATTY NG Psalm 122:1 says: “I was glad when they said to me, ‘Let us go into the house of the Lord’”. People from all over the central region streamed into the house of God over the seven days our church hosted the prayer. We were gathered in unprecedented unity to respond to His initial call for the Church at large to 40 days of prayer and fasting. I believe God responded to this step of obedience by manifesting His tangible presence, His ear tilted towards us in attentiveness. Encouraged by His presence, more people gathered, and faith was built up in the hearts of the people. Our prayers felt more on point as the days passed. It was like a beautiful duet being sung when God’s people moved in harmony with Him. We can be certain that our heart’s cry for Singapore to fulfill her Antioch Call, to change her abortion laws, as well as salvation of the LGBT community will reach God’s throne. God will surely respond to His people again in revival. There are city-wide promises that await a city-wide church to fulfill. May the Spirit of God awake the sleeping giant of the Singaporean Bride to fulfill His call and end-time purposes. May we all play a part.

INTERNATIONAL MINISTRIES

Cornerstone Global Network Summit 2018 by ZOI E TA N Pastors and leaders from the Cornerstone Global Network gathered for a time of sharing and hearing the Word as one! This year has been the best year yet for our 2018 Cornerstone Global Network Summit – an annual event where our Cornerstone Global Network pastors fly in from all over the world for a time of receiving and refreshing. Our theme for the year is Our Tribal Anointing, with 80 participants from 17 countries represented. There was such a beautiful spirit of camaraderie through the entire summit. Momentum built up right from the start at the first luncheon venue, overlooking the Marina Bay Golf Course in Singapore. It was like the meeting of old friends as the pastors mingled with each other, cracking comfortable jokes and catching up over meals. We thank the Lord for a smooth transition as we travelled from Singapore into Johor Bahru where the summit took place! Pastor Yang Tuck Yoong opened with a great Word on climbing the mountain of the Lord, calling the network pastors to come out and come up higher. Our network pastors also took a few minutes each to present updates of their churches and ministries in the nations. It was such an encouraging time to hear about what God has been doing in our churches globally! Workshops conducted by Pastor Dian Botha & Pastor Kevin Koh also greatly equipped the pastors to operate in the gifts of the Spirit and the practice of excellence in all they were to do. Pastor Lip built upon Pastor Yang’s message by sharing on the importance of relationships and honouring the people God brings to us. Pastor Daphne reiterated on the call to discipleship. 14

Of course, apart from receiving the Word, we also took time out for recreation. We arranged for a time of laser tag and the participants went wild trying to be the best laser tag player – who knew pastors would enjoy playing laser tag this much! Our best shooter this year happened to be none other than our Burmese pastor, Pastor Saw Thiha! Pastor Aloysius Ntege from Uganda reflected upon his time at the summit and remarked, “The organising has been very good – from the food to accommodation, the programme was well spaced out. When Pastor Yang preached about our tribal anointing and the roots of Cornerstone Community Church Singapore, I found it really powerful.” He enthused that he wants to study the Tribe of Judah, the tribe that Cornerstone belongs to, and impart it to his church back in Uganda so that they may carry the same DNA. Pastor Savuth from Cambodia commented: “There was a very strong presence of the Holy Spirit. My favourite message was Pastor Yang’s message of Cornerstone being the dominant church in the nations and being a forward moving church. I really enjoyed Pastor Kevin’s teaching on excellence.” On the last day, we presented each CGN minister with a card and certificate. With big smiles on their faces, they were all appreciative. All in all, we give thanks to the Lord for the many lives that have been refreshed, touched and rejuvenated at the summit. We look forward to having the pastors back again next year and hearing what the Lord has done in their churches post-CGN Summit!

Men@Work by I M M A N U E L RO SZ I N I HOLY MANDATE

The men of Cornerstone gathered a second time this year for the Holy Mandate series, and returning guest speaker Jason Wong spoke about how godly men have the ability to impact not just the family and home, but also the marketplace. Jason started off the evening by proclaiming to the men in attendance that regardless of their occupation, the work of men, first and foremost, is to serve God. Touching on the seven mountains (or spheres) of society, Jason stressed that only when men have impacted these spheres will they be able to impact the marketplace as a whole, which in turn impacts the nation. By making a difference outside of the comfort zones of church and family, Jason pointed out that the kingdom of God wants to be present here on earth, and that God wants every one of these spheres to align to His kingdom values and principles. Recalling his time in charge of the prison service, Jason wanted, at that time, to align the prison system to the way God wanted it, hence birthing the Yellow Ribbon Project and Dads For Life campaigns.

He spoke of five key lessons, with the first lesson called Men At Home Before Men At Work. Here Jason spoke of how there is an order to God’s creation, while at the same time he challenged the men in attendance to make Jesus Lord of the house, and not just a

“ The men of the house of all ages were recharged and inspired to make a difference in their spheres of influence, and to be salt and light for the Lord!”

guest. As fathers, Jason drove home the point that the men have the ability to impact nations and generations. But before they can do that, they need to ask themselves if they are spending time with God, because only when they have gotten their time spent with God in order will they be able to get their lives in order.

Lesson two focused on defining success God’s way, where Jason spoke of the importance of how success is all about doing God’s will. But he also shared that with success, comes many temptations, saying “whatever you bow down to on the way to the top will control you when you reach the top.”

Lesson three, titled The Word Become Flesh, spoke of three key components to revealing God’s kingdom on earth: Life, Light and Truth. Jason spoke of how these three components are what is most needed to make an impact in the marketplace, adding that the Word of God can impact three levels on earth: Individual, Organizational and Societal.

In the fourth lesson, titled Identity Before Destiny, Jason urged the men in attendance to always remember their identity as men of God who carry authority on earth and how to use that God-given authority effectively, going about the Father’s business as sons of God.

In the final lesson entitled Organizing For Impact, Jason spoke about how the body of Christ is not made up of just parts, but systems within those parts. It is when people from these various systems come together, and when Christians are activated together in the marketplace that problems can be solved. Before he ended, Jason urged the men to be mentors in the marketplace, especially to the younger generation whom he says are lacking mentorship in their lives. It was indeed a powerful meeting where the men of the house of all ages were recharged and inspired to make a difference in their spheres of influence, and to be salt and light for the Lord!

WOW! CONFERENCE

Women of Worship

our very first wow ! conference took place on 14th and 15th September, and saw a total of 400 women coming together for a time of being rejuvenated by the Lord! The theme for 2018 is Women of Worship and it is the first of three women’s conferences that will take us through to 2020. God willing, we desire to also take WOW! into the nations to equip women wherever they are, to know their identities as Daughters of the King, and to serve confidently in their gifts and capacities.

by T R AC E Y C H I A

This year’s guest speakers were Wayne and Libby Huirua, Worship Pastors from Equippers Church, Auckland, New Zealand, where they have been serving for 25 years. The Huiruas were also originally from the Parachute Band that led worship at the Parachute Music Festival in 1995. Biggest on their hearts was the topic of Worship, not in the sense of just music, but in lifestyle. Across the one and a half days of sessions, the message consistently returned to the issue of our hearts in an intimate relationship with God.

I WILL SING TO THE LORD AS LONG AS I LIVE. I WILL PRAISE MY GOD TO MY LAST BREATH. PSALMS 104:33 NLT In the opening session, Libby emphasised the need to develop a level of personal praise to God as a first response in all situations. “Worship is the true intimate connection with God,” she shared. Being thankful in the way we speak and behave also reveal the dialect and culture that is telling of where we are from, that is the Kingdom of Heaven. And this should permeate everything we do.

In another session, Libby returned to what value we place on worship. And that it is the personal effort in the moments and time spent with our Heavenly Father that count. We need to take our daily walk, and work, and place these totally before God as an offering, responding to what He calls us to do. This will change us from the inside out. And this is our spiritual act of worship. Pastor Daphne closed the day sessions with an emphasis on setting our eyes ahead and not on the past. No matter the past errors and time lost, God has every intention and ability to restore them. However, we need to also have the humility of heart to receive.

SO I WILL RESTORE TO YOU THE YEARS THAT THE SWARMING LOCUST HAS EATEN… JOEL 2:25 Pastor Daphne reminded us that Cornerstone Community Church has been called to be a well of healing and restoration. We are confident that God will rebuild the old waste places, for He is the Repairer of the Breach, and the Restorer of Streets to Dwell In. Isaiah 58:12 17

TOPICAL AF TERNOON WORKSHOPS Our ladies had the option of signing up for three workshops on marriage, social issues or women in the marketplace.

WHAT MEN SAY AND WOMEN HEAR BY WAYNE HUIRUA When a husband asks, “What is wrong?” the wife sometimes replies, “Nothing”, but in actual fact means to say “Everything”! And so it was with humour, that Wayne spoke on how men and women differ in their make-up, personalities and giftings. Accepting and understanding that we process differently is key, as well as knowing that these differences are valid. Love can cover a lot, but people change, navigate and grow through seasons. “Maximise your differences because you are a team. When we learn how our significant other thinks, speaks, communicates and operates best, we are arming and training ourselves to be incredible couples.” Wayne also explained how teamship in couples develops further into shared family visions that build strong families. With this, he exhorted us to be one in worship of God.

DEALING WITH SOCIAL ISSUES BY JENNIFER HENG Jennifer Heng, Director of Safe Place, shared her personal journey as a young person who searched for love in the wrong places and had two abortions. Relying on God and her loved ones, she broke free from guilt and selfpity and now carries a burden for women with unsupported pregnancies. Safe Place was born out of this vision, and is an initiative she started to empower such women and families to make life-giving choices in Singapore. Taking reference from the example of Jesus in John 4, she encouraged workshop participants to talk about the social issues they care about and gave them some ways to do so. These included being deliberate and intentional, finding the unique role that God has for each one concerning the issue, staying connected with supportive community and to always be loving, kind and humble in approach. She also emphasised the role of prayer and the need to recognise who our real enemies are – that we do not fight against flesh and blood when we stand up for social injustice.

BUT WE WILL BE STRENGTHENED AS WE ENTRENCH OURSELVES FURTHER IN GOD’S WORD & TRUTH, LIKE ROOTS GROWING DEEPER. WOMEN IN THE MARKETPLACE BY HANNAH GARCIA Hannah Garcia, mother of two, wife to Pastor Caleb Garcia and who has worked with GIC Pte Ltd for 14 years, offered a warm, personal sharing on the woman’s challenge in juggling family, work and ministry. It is easy to be lost in a performance mentality, yet find neither coherence in life nor fulfillment in our busyness. To this, Hannah offered three key points: First, we need to know our identity in Christ, as Women of God. Without this, we will place our identities in our children, husbands, achievements, job titles, ministry positions, and comparing ourselves, forgetting that we are but stewards of everything God has given us. Secondly, we need to have vision to see the potential in lives and situations, because God is able to transform people and circumstances mightily by His grace. Thirdly, we need to see the value of stretching, as mentioned in Isaiah 54:2-3. It is uncomfortable and takes us out of our comfort zones but we will be strengthened as we entrench ourselves further in God’s word and truth, like roots of a tree growing deeper. Such seasons enable us bring forth much fruit.

IN THE HOUSE

BY ELIJAH CHAN

Training & Equipping

“

We can’t prove that we are Christians just by reading the bible and belting out verses. We need to live the Word and the toughest challenge is understanding the essence of what was written centuries ago and applying it to our present times. The extenstive courses conducted by the Cornerstone T&E team not only opened up a new perspective in how I study the Word, but more importantly, inspired a thirst to dive deeper and uncover the treasures our Heavenly Father left as our inheritance. From the various teachers’ teachings and testimonies, I have come to appreciate and love the beauty of the Word. I have also learnt how to apply biblical truths to my life. The law is not just a set of obsolete instructions left behind as a piece of history, but it is the living truth. Actions speak louder than words; it is always through our actions that allow those around us to see the glory and grace of God. I have become more aware and intentional about how I present myself. It brings me the most pride in being recognised as a child of the Kingdom and that the people around me can see Jesus through me.

MARGARET CHEN

“

I attended the T&E course on supernatural healing in the first semester and I was tremendously blessed by the classes. Each speaker gave a fresh perspective of the different facets of healing. They also shared their experiences, and this made the lessons more personal and relatable. The classes were not just head knowledge, but there was an exercising of the gift of healing – either through the speakers or the participants. At the end of the class, we received prayer for the activation of the gift and a release of faith to step out to pray for others to be healed. Through the classes, I learned that it is in God’s nature to heal and that He desires to heal, no matter the circumstances. With that understanding, we are essentially partnering with God when we pray for the sick. There was a greater stirring and desire to step out in faith. A few months later, my mission team stepped out in faith and we saw healings take place! Even as we guard and steward the work God has done, He will be faithful to give the increase.

MARY LOW HUI JUAN

Each year, the Training & Equipping team runs two semesters of classes on various ministry topics. Our goals for T&E as the teaching arm of the church is to equip our people for the different seasons of their lives.

We also hope that after each class, they will be provoked to search out the scriptures for themselves. In 2018, we hit a total of 1188 registrations and this was unprecedented! In 2019, we are expecting to raise the bar and further improve on the quality of our teaching. We are not just interested in having large numbers of registrations but to also keep up the spirit of excellence and maintain high standards of delivery by our teachers and an excellent curriculum so that our students will receive the best for their spiritual growth. There are many testimonies and feedback from church members and even visitors who were blessed and impacted by our classes, and here are some that we wish to share with everyone. Little seedlings require nutrients and fertilisers to boost their growth. Likewise, T&E classes provide a conducive environment where we Cornerstonians can be watered and planted in the Lord. This semester, I attended “How to Study the Bible” because I wanted to go further in my understanding of God’s Word. The class offered us practical keys through lectures and discussions, and my takeaway is that “It is the glory of Kings to search out a matter”. This involves reshaping our thought patterns when we come across the mysteries in His word, deliberately slowing down to remain curious and seeking God’s answer in His word instead of turning to other sources for revelation. Thank you T&E team for all the hard work!

”

PRISCILLA LIU

This year, I signed up for two T&E courses - one on the Jewish feasts, and the other on bible doctrines. When I was choosing which courses to sign up for, I decided on both of these as they either covered topics that I am unfamiliar with but curious about, or which I felt were foundational in my walk with God.

”

Signing up for these courses encouraged me to be more diligent in reading God’s Word and finding out more about it. As I took time to prepare for the classes and reflected on what was taught each week, I found myself wanting to find out more and delve deeper into the various topics covered.

ALICIA CHUA 19

IN THE HOUSE

Feast of Tabernacles by A L IC I A C H UA

Blowing shofars, flying flags, waving lightsticks and joyous dancing – these are what you would have been greeted by if you had walked into the time of praise and worship at our last Feast of Tabernacles celebration. As the sound of Jewish music filled the air, the atmosphere of joy and expectation was tangible to all who were present. As with the other Jewish feasts, the Feast of Tabernacles is highly significant, not just for Jews, but for Christians as well. The Feast of Tabernacles is a reminder of God’s provision for Israel in the wilderness. However, it does not stop there. Over the course of the evening, Pastor Joel Baker shared on the different names of the Feast of Tabernacles and how each one reveals something of God’s heart for His people, as well as His plans for us. As the Feast of Ingathering, it speaks of how God has called both Jew and Gentile into His Kingdom. What a joy it is to know that we are on the threshold of the very same end-time harvest we are looking to and celebrating! As the Feast of the Presence of God, it represents God’s passion to live with us forever. It reminds us of His overwhelming love - a love that led Jesus to die on the cross for us so that we may dwell in God’s abiding presence always. As the Feast of the Gentiles, it reminds us that Israel has been praying and sacrificing for the nations all along – she stands in the gap for the nations during this feast. As the Feast of the Kingdom, it is an invitation for us to press in for more of God. It is a season in which to rejoice because God has invited us near. As the last of the seven Jewish feasts, the Feast of Tabernacles is the “Feast of all feasts”. It is the feast that brings together all the truths of all the feasts that have come before. Even as we celebrate it, we are reminded that we are still awaiting its ultimate fulfilment - the Lord’s second coming. In line with the theme for the celebration – “The Promises of God” – may we continue to look with expectancy towards the fulfilment of all the promises God has given to us in the Feast of Tabernacles.

Responses from the congregation:

KESTER LIM, GENERATIONS

JONATHAN LIM, ENGLISH CONGREGATION

The food was good and the word was timely. Pastor Joel Baker wasn’t just able to explain the scriptural significance of the feast, but he was also able to relate it to where we are as a church and encourage us to press on in Christ.

What resonated with me the most was the invitation to move forward in our relationship with God, and not to live a death-dealing stagnant Christianity. As much as the feast was a time to rejoice in His love, it was also a timely reminder for me to fan the flame in my heart for the One who gave His life for me.

HANNAH CHANDAR, ENGLISH CONGREGATION

GERMAINE TOH, ENGLISH CONGREGATION

As I ponder on the spirit of this feast, I was captured by God’s immeasurable love for the nations, especially His chosen people, Israel. May our prayer be that the scales covering the eyes of the Jews shall fall off and that their lips will proclaim, “Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord!”

The theme was a personal reminder for me to continue contending for the salvation of my family members. I may not have always known this in times past, but I have come to a realisation that His hand has always been upon their lives. I can look forward in hope and expectation because Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever.

REFRESHMENTS AFTER FEAST OF TABERNACLES

DAY OF ATONEMENT

The Silent Treatment

FEATURE ARTICLE

by PA STOR K E V I N GR AV E S

I’ve watched in amazement as sheep are corralled into a channel and take their turns to be sheared. I’ve watched as they are flipped over on their sides. And I have watched as the shearer applies the denuding blade to their bellies, necks, ribs, legs, and backs and then like an egg flopped over until their whole body is stripped bare. I’ve watched as these sheep

In reality, truth is not just about content: it is about character.

did not struggle or flinch, but docile and completely at peace, submitted to the knife of their master, opening not their mouths. And I have thought about what a beautiful picture this is of Jesus, as described here by Isaiah prophesying about the crucifixion of the Son of Man. I want to be like this sheep; no, better yet, I want to be like the Lamb of God.

But silence does not come easy for me. When Jesus was questioned before Herod, who was in fact intending to free him, “He answered him nothing” (LK 23:9). Accused of ridiculous “crimes”, Jesus completely resisted the temptation to defend or justify Himself but chose rather to commit Himself into the Hands of the Judge of all the earth, knowing that He would always do the right thing. I, on the other hand, reason that it is only natural to defend myself, and righteous to stand up for “the truth”. In reality, truth is not just about content; it is about character.

I’m learning that God always gives me a choice. Jesus chose the high road, committing His way to God. When I choose to defend or justify myself, I have to accept the results of my choice. When I choose to allow God to speak for me, then I am positioning myself to trust God’s judgment, and leave the results with Him.

I’ve discovered too that sometimes I open my mouth because I am seeking sympathy. Pity loves company; but the only cake served at a pity party is bitter. And my choice to imbibe comes at a great cost. When I seek the sympathy of man, I unwittingly forfeit comfort that comes directly from the Comforter. As the axiom goes, you cannot have your cake and eat it too. It is either the sympathy offered by a friend or colleague, or it is the compassion of your Creator. My choice. Yours too.

Jesusâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; silence came at literally the most lonely and difficult juncture of His life. He had just been betrayed into enemy hands by a friend with whom he had daily walked, eaten three meals a day, and shared cold nights for more than three years. Another, perhaps His closest friend, had denied knowing Him three times in a row. The rest of His band of buddies had also rejected and abandoned Him in His greatest hour of need. He had told them time and time again that He was about to go to the cross; and yet they left Him completely alone. You did this as a man, Jesus. You were subject to all the fears and doubts and feelings of alienation and solitude just like any of us. Despite the temptation to rebuff, or to be understood, You opened not Your mouth. You became just like me, so that I could choose to drink my cup as You did and become like You.

Help me, dear Jesus, to take the high road, to commit my way completely to the Father, to set my hopes on the comfort that comes from You, Holy Spirit. Sustain me, inspire me, and impart to me greater grace, that I might learn from you, and be silent before any and all of my accusers. Amen.

MY CHOICE. YOURS TOO.

CORNERSTONE INTERNSHIP PROGRAMME

All Things Work Together For Good Participating in the Cornerstone Internship Programme (CIP) was not on my mind after I finished my School of Ministry term in Tung Ling Bible School. However, through a series of unexpected prophetic words I received, even at the CIP interview, I was soon happily settling into the programme with a tinge of excitement and fresh expectations for the season ahead. The question on my mind was, “What is God doing next?”. God’s goodness and love was revealed to me through visions and accurate Words of prophecy released by the Holy Spirit over my life. The final presbytery session was the climax for me. I was deeply blessed and impacted by the presence-filled worship sessions and the rich, soulsearching teaching sessions conducted by our pastors who have ‘walked the talk’. I was also truly privileged to come ‘up close and personal’ with some of our long-standing, inspiring pastors and be able to bond with believers of all ages. The relationships forged at CIP showed me the loving interdependence of the body of Christ. I am really grateful to be a part of this family. Besides imbibing precious nuggets of spiritual wisdom that brought maturity to my spiritual walk, God’s faithfulness throughout CIP enabled me to ‘rise’ above my intense battle with health issues and I received healing for diabeticrelated skin rashes. True to the prophetic words given in presbytery, I had ‘come out of the wilderness leaning on His arm’, resting in His unfathomable goodness. LEE LEE NEE, 53, SINGAPORE FREELANCE TRAINER/TEACHER 24

Our 30 interns from this year’s Cornerstone Internship Progamme (CIP) came from six different nations – Singapore, Cambodia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, & Sri Lanka. They were richly blessed by the teaching and impartation from our very own Cornerstone Pastors. Here, they share their testimonies with us.

I was greatly blessed by CIP 2018. It was my last semester break and I felt God was calling me to lay down these three months as a consecration before Him. I have gleaned much from the leaders of this church and have thoroughly enjoyed being part of the community. The lectures were precious, as we could interact closely with the pastors. There was such an atmosphere of encouragement, which was certainly helpful for those who did devotion and led worship for the first time during CIP. I loved the interaction opportunities we had with the foreign interns! It was encouraging and inspiring to hear their stories and find out that we even shared similar dreams for our respective nations! During my apprenticeship at Cornerstone Community Services, I was privileged to be able to apply what I had learnt in my Social Work training while I got involved in home visits, needs assessments and programme evaluations. Through my stint in CCS, I was able to see what being the salt and light in the community looked like and I desire to carry that same heart to my future workplace(s).

I chose to come for CIP as part of a preparation process before I headed out into the mission field for approximately 10 months to a year in the upcoming season of my life. CIP really helped me understand the hearts of our pastors here in Cornerstone, and thus understand the heartbeat of our spiritual household. I have been immensely blessed by the heartfelt sharing and solid teaching by our pastors and leaders. We had fellow interns from Cambodia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, & Sri Lanka - what richness of diversity in the Kingdom of God! I am truly thankful that the Lord chose this path - having gone through CIP, I would not have chosen otherwise. SERENE SEOW, 27, SINGAPORE NURSE

LOW HUI JUAN, 22, SINGAPORE UNIVERSITY STUDENT

I chose CIP because I really wanted to hear the Word of God and I wanted to learn how the Cornerstone administration runs. During CIP, I had the chance to preach in English for the first time. That was the most memorable time for me and I was so excited. Initially, I did not know what to preach about, but God showed it to me clearly. Even though I found preaching in English to be difficult, the Lord empowered me to preach to the best of my ability. I really thank God for giving me the opportunity to attend CIP and to also serve in the Myanmar Congregation. Through CIP, God changed my life and opened my spiritual eyes to see the world differently. I previously held onto bitterness, negative thinking and could not forgive others, but God gave me a new heart to be able to forgive and love others more. Throughout the internship progamme, I did not need to take any medication for the Lord took care of my health. Cornerstone Singapore has taught me about making detailed plans, advanced preparation, understanding others, punctuality, giving honour to others, teaching the Word and praise and worship vocal training. PASTOR DEBORAH AYE THANDAR, 30, MYANMAR YOUTH PASTOR

â&#x20AC;&#x153;I was able to see what being salt and the light in the community looked like and I desire to carry that same heart to my future workplace(s).â&#x20AC;? 25

FEATURE ARTICLE

What Astonishes & What Transforms by PA STOR YA NG T UC K YOONG Beware of ministries that spring up overnight. You have never heard

men and women who sing like angels, but after the razzle-

of them and suddenly, like shooting stars, they have thousands of

dazzle, they all disappear. From a distance, they amaze people,

people attending their meetings. People are attracted to the glam,

but up close, they tarnish.

to the razz-ma-tazz, to what glitters. But look at what the scripture says. Those seeds fell on stony places, where there was not much

When you enter a totally dark room with no light, and then

earth, and they immediately sprang up, why? Because there was no

light a candle, suddenly, the darkness is dispelled. Just a simple

depth.

light and darkness is overcome. What we need in the church

If you are going to be established, then it is going to take time. There are no short cuts to this. We have all witnessed the grand fireworks

today is an army of simple candles, tiny flames that will bring about the most powerful changes.

display on National Day. For 10 minutes or so, we are all enthralled

Albert Einstein once said, “Instead of being a successful man,

by the lights, the colours, the flashes, the sound of the explosions,

seek to be a man of value. The rest will come naturally.” Don’t

the smell of gunpower, mixed with the oohs and the aahs, and the exclamations of admiration and awe. Everything in that 10 minutes is designed to razzle-dazzle us, to fill us with wonder. Then, as quickly as it started, the show is over, and the night sky returns to its darkness and silence again. But if you had a chance to walk where the fireworks display emanated from, all you will find after that dramatic display of pomp and pageantry are ashes, burnt cardboard, fuses, wires, broken fireworks. 10 minutes of glory and then, ashes. How many people start off with a bang; they are charismatic preachers, lofty speakers,

What we need in the church today is an army of simple candles, tiny flames that will bring about the most powerful changes.

focus on what astonishes. Focus on what transforms. Don’t let yourself be impressed by those 10-minute firework displays that leave everyone in astonishment for 10 minutes, and then it is all soot and ashes after that. Look for something eternal, something deeper. Our call is not to amaze our audience. It is to seek transformation.

Think about it, the greatest event that ever happened on

take your time, learn to be introspective and ponder carefully

earth was when Jesus died on the Cross. It was the epic battle

how you are hotwired and journal along the way. Find out what

between heaven and hell. But you don’t see any dramatics, do

you really value. And whatever you do, don’t let the absence of

you? No fireworks, no smoke machines. No fancy stuffs. Just a

an immediate breakthrough change your revelation of God’s

man hanging on a bloody cross and a Father who was grieving

nature. Trust me, He is good, all the time.

in heaven. The only sound you heard were the screams of people in horror, the sound of an earthquake, the accusations and mocking of those that hated, and the weeping of those that loved him. There was no glamour in His Death. There was no beauty that we would desire Him. He was a man of sorrows and acquainted with our grief.

One of the key things in life is to distinguish the difference between success and victory. Oftentimes in life, we tend to focus on success rather than victory. Success is a term that’s often used in the business world. Victory is a term that’s used for combat. Which do you think is the better picture of a Church? A business or an army? Did Paul not exhort us to be

Am I against smoke machines? No. Am I against fireworks? No.

good soldiers of Jesus Christ?

Am I against psychedelic lights? No. Am I against dancers in

When Jesus died on the Cross,

bright costumes? No. But I am against

the

above-mentioned

things if they become the focus and the gospel become a side issue, so overpowered by the razzma-tazz of the entertainment. Well-known

preacher

Benson

Idahosa, said it takes about 20 years for a church to enter the

INSTEAD OF BEING A SUCCESSFUL MAN, SEEK TO BE A MAN OF VALUE.

Everyone thought He was a failure. All His disciples forsook Him.

concerned,

far

Jesus

they

were

failed.

But

what happened at the Cross? He was the Victor and overcame the power of sin and death. He didn’t look successful but He sure was victorious.

fullness of her destiny. I agree. It takes time to find out who you are.

did He look like a success?

The Book of Proverbs says that a man who has control over his

I think most churches make the mistake of writing their values

spirit is better than a man who can take a city. You can take a

statement or missional statement within the first 2 years of

city and look successful, but if you can’t even control your own

their beginnings. That’s not only premature and inaccurate, but

spirit, what’s the point? A pastor of 50 who can control his spirit

it gives the church a false centre and vision. Why? Because you

is better, according to my bible, than a pastor of 5,000 who

don’t have enough history. You don’t really have any idea who

can’t. One has victory but the other only looks successful. But

you are or what’s important and what’s not.

what is true success?

I remember in the 2nd year of our church, we brought in a

Contend to be victorious, not just to look successful. Because

consultant to help us craft a eleven-word mission statement.

you can fool most people most of the time, but you can’t fool

We eventually did, and it sounded really good, but after several

all the people all of the time, especially God.

years, no one paid attention to it. Why? It wasn’t who we were. It didn’t come from our experience. It was just an academic exercise. It has taken us about 20 years to come to self-discovery, of who we really are as a people, to gel as a team and build core values that describe who we are. We discovered this by not only finding out what’s important to us, but also what’s not. So,

We must live the authentic Christian life. You can always tell a successful man. But you can’t tell him much. In ancient Rome, when a victorious General returned from the Great War campaigns, they will parade him through the streets. As he is paraded before the adoring crowds, a servant whose job it was to repeat to the General, “memento mori” always

It doesn’t matter how many people we have in Cornerstone; what matters is if you are burning in your hearts for Him.

trailed him. This is Latin for “remember you will die”. The reason for this is to remind the General that although he is victorious now, and the crowds love him, one day he will face reality and he will die. It is a reminder of his mortality, to keep things in perspective, and to instill humility. No matter how successful you are and become, you must always be reminded of your mortality and weaknesses. So don’t focus on what astonishes. Focus on what transforms. There are many megachurches around. They are mega in numbers but micro in quality. My spiritual father, Dr. Brian Bailey, recounted how there

There is something called the bamboo tree. It

were 2 dominant churches in a particular city. One had

takes five years to grow. When it is planted into

200 people and the other, 3,000 in attendance. A vision

the ground, it must be watered, and the ground

was shown by the Lord and in the church of 3,000, there

has to be kept fertile. And it doesn’t break through

were 11 candlesticks, but in the church of 200, there were

the ground until the fifth year. But once it breaks

200 candlesticks. My question: which church was more

through the ground, within five weeks, it can

successful in the eyes of the Lord? It doesn’t matter how

grow to over 80 feet tall. The question we want to

many people we have in Cornerstone; what matters is if

us is, does it grow 90 feet tall in five weeks, or five

you are burning in your hearts for Him. Do you love Him

years? We all know the answer to that. It grows

with everything you have got? Are you growing in the Lord?

90 feet tall in five years. But if at any time, the

We must ensure that whilst we are growing numerically,

ground is not sufficiently watered, or fertilised,

we keep the standards high. Our worship services are not a

that bamboo tree might die in the ground. A lot

matter of gathering the faithful but drawing the presence

of people stop halfway because they don’t see

of God.

instant results. But you must not. You have got to keep on watering your dreams. Most dreams are not going to happen as quickly as we want it to happen. David waited 20 long years for the dream to happen. Joseph waited 13 long years. Moses had to wait 40 years. Every great man of God is tested by delay. By faith and patience, we inherit the promises.

You must keep moving forward, even when you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t see any results. Keep plowing. It is during those hard times that your faith is strengthened. The harder the battle, the sweeter the victory. I have discovered that what you become in the process is more important than the dream. The kind of person that you become. The character that you have built. The courage that you develop and the faith that you manifest. So once again, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be taken in by what astonishes, but by what transforms.

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t focus on what astonishes. Focus on what transforms.

FOPx

Praying Under Open Heavens

AT ST. ANDREW’S CATHEDRAL

by I SA BE L VA N E S SA TA N Youths from over a hundred churches involved in the Festival of Praise (FOPx) came together on 1st July 2018 for a special time of worship and prayer for Singapore.

Under the open skies right in the heart of the city, we gathered on the field in St. Andrew’s Cathedral to pray for the year-end conference. FOPx has always been a depiction of the unity of the body of Christ, the tearing down of walls between churches and denominations. This oneness of heart could be seen among the 2000 young people present, as they continued to worship in spite of the rain. Pastor Andrew shared that 40 years ago, Billy Graham preached to a stadium of young people, and the move of God in Singapore at that time brought forth many of our pastors, teachers, evangelists and missionaries. He mentioned that Billy Graham had also preached on the same ground that the youths were gathered on that day, and challenged us to be messengers of hope and peace for Jesus Christ in our generation. Everyone began to cry out for a move of the Spirit in their schools, youth ministries and for our nation. We 30

prayed that our hearts would be consecrated and open to His dealings, and interceded over the issues of depression and bullying prevalent among the young. We asked for a release of joy and lifted our voices in song to exalt the Name of Jesus over our city. Even though I had been a believer for many years, it was a new experience for me. I enjoyed the liberty of proclaiming God’s glory in the heart of the city and my favourite part was when we broke off into groups to pray for the nation. I found some people from other churches, and we prayed together for our country. There was no ‘my church’ or ‘your church’, but one body of Christ contending for the youths in Singapore. The freedom to worship in public is not something to be taken for granted, and we are blessed to live in a country where we have this freedom. As we sang and danced under the rain before our King, many passers-by gathered to watch, and some even entered the event premises out of curiosity. Nearing the end of the session, several groups who were having picnics also joined us and danced with the congregation. I believe that this is only a glimpse of how God can move in the nation. We are expectant to see the gifts and anointing manifest in our youths with increasing frequency, as we come together as one to answer our call to be a blessing first to our nation, then to nations worldwide.

LIVING TESTIMONIES

My God Heals! by T EO L AY SE E

IN THE YEAR 2011, I was diagnosed with Essential Thrombocythemia (ET), a rare chronic blood condition which involves the mutation of the cells in the bone marrow that causes an overproduction of blood platelets. In a healthy individual, a normal platelet count would range from 150 to 450. My blood platelet count was 890. One of the symptoms of the condition is blood clots that may form in several organs or in the arteries. This made me a high risk candidate for stroke or heart attack and the haematologist told me that there is no cure for this condition. In order to prevent blood clots, I was to told to take aspirins (for thinning of blood) for the rest of my life. After taking the aspirins for a few months, I decided to stop because I decided not to rely on medication for the rest of my life. My husband and I started to pray every day without fail, trusting God to heal me. Every six months, I would have to visit the haematologist for a blood test and review, and each time my platelet count reading would hover around the high range of 700 plus. Since my husband and I started attending Cornerstone in January 2017, we have been ministered to through the worship songs, sermons and prayers. We felt God’s presence in Cornerstone every time we came and decided to move to this church officially in September last year. I was also greatly impacted by Pastor Yang’s prayers for Cornerstone to be a cancer-free zone and responded when he asked those who were sick in the congregation to stand to be prayed for. I asked God to heal me. Following this, Pastor Deborah came over to minister to me and pray for me during one of the Cornerstone Internship Programme (CIP) sessions that I was part of in early June this year. She released a word that God is healing me and I felt the peace and relief as she prayed. On 4 July 2018, I then went for my annual health screening review, and to my surprise, my blood platelet count dropped to 393, which is in the normal range. I could not believe my eyes when I saw the report. Truly God has answered prayer and I thank Him for the miraculous healing! All glory to God! I would like to encourage those who are suffering from long-term sickness not to give up hope. We may feel discouraged at times especially when we don’t see improvements in our condition. Hang in there! Sometimes healing may take a longer time. In my case, it took seven years for me to receive the miracle of healing! Brothers and sisters in Christ, press on and keep contending for your healing through prayer! Continue to put your trust in God, for He is faithful to heal!

BCW TESTIMONY

Come Undone by C AT H E R I N E SA M

A graduate of the Bible College of Wales tells us how God changed her life while attending the School of Ministry

Having been in the corporate world for the past decade, chasing key performance indicators and revenue targets made me really exhausted and disappointed with the way my life had turned out. To make things worse, I had a mid-life crisis in a form of total burnout and ravaging symptomatic illnesses. I had allowed the heavy workload and hectic business travels to crowd my time, such that I had no time for ministry or space for God. When I prayed, it was on the run and for my own selfish needs. I knew I desperately needed to do something different but having relocated so often in my life, I did not know where I truly belonged and what I was supposed to do. When my youngest child left for university, I remembered the thought I had of attending the Bible College of Wales. In 2014, I attended the Kingdom Invasion conference where Pastor Yang shared about the redemption of the property. It was then when I felt perhaps I could take a few months off to seek His will for my life once my children

Fast forward to the start of the term â&#x20AC;&#x201C; I thought I was

had gone off to study. Over the next few years, as

sufficiently prepared to be in BCW, yet a large part of

I travelled to Singapore, I was able to follow the

me was nervous as I was uncertain if I could adapt to

development of the Bible College of Wales, from its

communal living. I have lived alone in the past 15 years

acquisition, renovation to, finally, the opening in May

in a spacious 3-bedroom apartment all by myself, and

2015. Shortly after, a friend of mine asked if I would

my first day in BCW left me shocked and horrified.

come to tour the UK with her, and I decided to visit

Never did I expect it to be such a huge challenge to

BCW as I really wanted to hear from God if this was

share my personal space with many other ladies and

truly the place where He wanted me to be. He spoke,

sacrificing every bit of privacy. I struggled and pleaded

and I enrolled into the college.

with God, reminding Him time and time again that I was too old for such an arrangement. In spite of my bitterness and complaints, God showed His grace to me through my roommates. One of them came to me and started prophesying to me about healing and restoration in my life. I listened half-heartedly as I was still sulking at the living arrangements, hoping she would leave me alone. The next day, she came to pray for me again.

The word of God dug deep into my parched and wounded heart, chiselling away the hardness that had grown through the years of discontent and lingering unforgiveness. This time round, I could not hold back my tears, and listened to what God had to say. As each day passed, I got to know my roommates better, and became more aware of their spiritual maturity, deep love and desire for Jesus. Initially, I felt ashamed about my walk with Christ when I compared myself to them, realising that I had neglected my relationship with God for far too long. God had placed me to live with younger women,

Indeed it is through Christ’s love and acceptance that I was able

many of whom were half or a third of my age, and here

to lay down my fears, and walk in His strong confidence. I have

I was, learning from them.

also found comfort in walking along Swansea Bay, and the walk has become almost a daily routine, a sanctuary where I could

With the progression of the term and with each class

cry, sing, and talk with the Lord freely. With every walk, the

and session, the Word of God dug deep into my parched

refreshing air soothed my tired body and weary soul. Coming

and wounded heart, chiselling away the hardness that

from a noisy and polluted Bangkok, this was an invigorating

had grown through years of discontent and lingering

change. The song that echoes in me goes: I’m pressed but

unforgiveness. The Lord in His mercy gently led me to

not crushed, persecuted not abandoned, struck down but not

do things that I had not done for quite some time, like

destroyed. I’m blessed beyond the curse, for His promise will

leading worship again. I stopped leading five years ago

endure, and His joy is going to be my strength! I know I will

for fear of what people would think of me, and my lack

never be the same again!

of musical theory and knowledge. By the grace of God, I was given an opportunity to lead a choir during a street

The experience in BCW has given me a solid foundation that I

evangelism – a first in my life.

wished I had when I was younger. The tools learned have been such valuable building blocks to developing an intimacy with

Another area that God spoke to me about was how

Christ. I highly recommend all believers to come to BCW to

all the hurts I had experienced would one day in turn

seek God’s will for your lives. Do be prepared to empty yourself

be used to minister to others. I used to counsel ladies

so Christ can fill you with the power of the Holy Spirit, and

who were in trying relationships, separated, or divorced

enable you to become His vessel of honour in victory.

with their husbands, and we studied the Word together. As these women were healed by His love and power,

I am very encouraged, and I hope you are too, by the verse

they also began to minister to others in need. I had

from Romans 8:37-39: “In all these things, we are more than

forgotten about it until I received a word of knowledge

conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded

that God would use me once again to bring healing to

that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor

others. I was reminded of His faithfulness even though

powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor

I had forsaken Him, yet He is able to bring beauty out

depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us

of ashes.

from the love of God which is Christ Jesus our Lord.” 33

GENERATIONS

FJOMO by ONG X I A N T I NG

Ever heard of FOMO - fear of missing out? What about JOMO - joy of missing out? Combining these words from the lingo that youths are accustomed to, FJOMO (pronounced fuh-jo-mo) seeks to drive home the message that missing out on the pleasures of today's latest trends and fads is okay, because true joy can only be derived from knowing and following Jesus. Marked as Generations' largest-scale evangelistic event for 2018, it was one filled with excitement and expectancy to witness God move in unexpected ways. 34

A testimony of God’s faithfulness and provision for the youth ministry’s evangelistic event. Planning commenced a few months prior to the event on 21st July 2018 and the process involved collective brainstorming within the team, sourcing for logistics, liaising with different vendors and coming up with a strong publicity approach. One memorable instance of God’s providence and goodness displayed during the team’s journey was the access to good quality cardboard just at the moment when an exhibition at the airport was being torn down. The planning team was having a night meeting there and it turned out to be a timely opportunity to obtain materials for the event’s decoration. Being troubled by budget constraints, this was an answer to prayer, and the team did not hesitate to gather the materials available and make a spontaneous trip to church to transport them back. What would have cost a few hundred dollars had been given to us for free! It brought us much assurance and comfort to know that God knew what we needed and that His hand was truly upon the event.

In addition, God provided us with the manpower for the extensive set up for the event, and many came forward to avail themselves to serve despite their busy schedules. The auditorium was transformed into a carnival-like setting with different booths. While preparation was messy and not the least bit glamorous, the availability to serve and the synergy within the team made it a beautiful mess. Physically, there was a lot of work to be done and it was tiring, but everyone’s hearts was filled with the joy of the Lord. On the actual day of the event, the excitement in the auditorium was palpable as enthused geners and their new friends visited the different

booths available. Among these were a variety of arcade machines, a calligraphy booth, a FIFA PlayStation booth, a Rules of Survivor mobile gaming space and last but not least, a plethora of food options to satisfy the appetites of the people. There were no lack of smiles and laughter as the crowd had their fair share of fun. The atmosphere then changed when Isaac Ong, finalist of The Voice, shared a message on hearing the voice of God. He gave a salvation altar call for new friends to respond and a total of 24 youths came forward to receive the Lord! To God be the Glory!

..KNOWING FULL WELL THAT IN HIS TIME, EVERYTHING WILL BE MADE BEAUTIFUL AND THESE SEEDS SOWN WILL ONE DAY BLOSSOM INTO FRUITION.”

To measure the success of the event simply in terms of numbers would not do justice to what the team experienced. It was the coming together of the body of Christ both young and old to invest in an evangelistic event in reaching out that was glorious and immeasurable. What birthed from a simple desire for a platform to allow geners to invite their friends to church morphed into an audacious step taken forward in dreaming bigger and daring greatly. More than the few hours of fun and excitement shared,

FJOMO saw faith grow, hope renewed and many seeds sown. As Galations 6:9 exhorts, “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” (NKJV). Even as we wrapped up the event, the work to trudge on as good soldiers of Christ doing Kingdom continues, knowing full well that in His time, everything will be made beautiful and these seeds sown will one day blossom into fruition. Besides, what is there to miss out when we are following Jesus!

IN THE HOUSE

Cornerstone Leaders’ Summit by DA PH N E L E E

The leaders of Cornerstone gathered to hear a vision from our pastors.

And that we did. We had an update on the church’s growth and regular service attendance, but amidst all these, we were reminded by our very own Senior Pastor not to neglect one of the most important tenets of our faith - our personal devotion time with our Lord. The world crowds around us with many responsibilities that we have to take on - ministry included. However, as Martin Luther says, “I have so much to do that I shall spend the first three hours in prayer”. This seems like a contradiction, but

“I have so much to do that I shall spend the first three hours in prayer”

Back to the basics - that seemed to be the theme for the Annual Leaders’ Summit, held on Aug 22 this year. About 300 leaders gathered at Park Avenue Convention Centre bright and early, ready to hear a vision from our pastors.

indeed, the busier we find ourselves, the more we have to pray! The more members we have, the more time we have to spend with God. Pastor Yang also touched on the tribal anointing of Cornerstone, likened to the tribe of Judah, reminding us all of our call to spiritual battle as an army. We also had the privilege to hear from Pastor Sabrina and Pastor Rachel, who are pastoring the church in Miri. They spoke about how Cornerstone Miri has been a witness and testimony in the city of Miri over the last four years, and the tribal anointing that Cornerstone carries that impacts each one of us in this house. These two firebrands ignited our passion, and sent us forth with renewed faith that our actions can indeed impact the community that we are placed in. A notable quote from Pastor Sabrina

which God reminded her of: “don’t grow big churches; instead, grow big people”. This is her approach to leading the church in Miri, which has a community that is significantly transient. Her desire is to see disciples being sent out as a blessing to the nations, carrying the fire of God. Truly, in our ministry, that should be our focus - the people, and how we can invest in their lives so they can in turn impact their spheres of influence. We had ample time to mingle and fellowship with other leaders, and there were even a few entertaining games thrown in. To me, this summarises our operating model very well - don’t neglect God, don’t neglect our people, don’t neglect to have fun in the process. We are recharged for the next year!

the potential cell leaders’ course

POTENTIAL CELL LEADERS’ COURSE

Raising Up Leaders by GA RY L EO

An interview with Sarah Thomas and Andy Su, participants of the potential cell leaders’ course. Why did you join PCL?

S: I joined PCL this year as my previous cell group had multiplied and it was time for me to step up in leadership.

A: It was not by choice but a natural order of things when my cell leader Joshua Yeow recommended me to attend PCL. Nonetheless, I have always had the desire to have my own sheep, having been so immensely blessed by my first cell leader even till today. She has been my spiritual mentor and encourager in times of distress in my business, family or personal journey with my heavenly Father. She has truly left a legacy that has impacted myself and my family over the last 25 years and inspired me to become a shepherd one day to others too. Although this takes a lot of responsibility and time, my desire is to serve and disciple others. In the measure I have received, I would also like to bless and freely give to others. Learning to be a cell leader will equip me with the right skills to move in this direction.

How have you grown through PCL?

S: I came into PCL very aware of my human weaknesses

and discomforts in being entrusted the responsibility of a leader. As someone who prefers being behind the scene, this role was something I struggled to take on. Along the way however, God truly transformed my mindset and perceptions. I have learnt that it is truly an honour to live for God and serve Him alongside my God-given community, one step at a time.

A: Through the weeks of attending the classes, I have gained greater clarity on Cornerstone’s vision and call, and how my personal calling aligns with it.

I have also grown in the prophetic, which is God’s design for every believer, and taken practical steps to use that gift. I have learnt to prepare sermons, to teach effectively and most importantly to journey with every sheep that God places in my path. This involves being able to nurture and care for others, while being an unwavering signpost to our Lord and Saviour.

is held yearly by the Cell Ministry to prepare and train new leaders to take on cells in the near future. This year’s course commenced on 14th April with a total of 36 nominated participants who came from different clusters of the main congregation. The participants consisted of new cell leaders as well as potential cell leaders who were about to lead a cell group in six to nine months. The participants came from different age groups, both young and old, and were identified by their cell leaders to have possessed leadership qualities, the willingness to serve and a love for God’s people. This year, we also had new leaders from Generations joining us. It was very refreshing and inspiring to see an intergenerational gathering of leaders being trained and equipped. There was a great sense of unity and humility in this year’s batch and we could clearly see the Lord working and bringing transformation to many lives through this course. Throughout this eight-week course, our very own pastors imparted knowledge, values and skills to the upcoming cell leaders. This year, we also had Pastor James Singh speak in one of our sessions. Topics covered during the course included the importance of vision, leading cell meetings, relationship building, communication, developing disciples, servant leadership and identifying gifts. Take a moment to read about the journey of two of our PCL graduates below. We are looking forward to preparing and raising up more leaders as we gear up for the expansion that God has promised us.

What was the most memorable part of PCL?

S: The most unforgettable part of PCL would definitely be

hearing from God clearly and receiving revelation from Him about my calling and direction . On hindsight, it was quite surreal that each participant’s experience was so personal and tangible, as I thought PCL would simply entail practical lectures about small groups and leadership. God blew my mind in the way He spoke to me about service unto Him and His idea of leading in love and with vision. Looking at how the lives of my batch mates were touched powerfully by the Lord also brought encouragement to me. I was reminded of just how unceasing the Lord is in shepherding and loving His people.

A: It was to be involved in the baptism service and to

be able to pray and walk alongside Edwin as he went through a repentance session. To see him baptised brings unspeakable joy to my heart and even as I write and reflect on this, it brings tears to my eyes. I guess that’s how our Father in heaven feels when His beloved children come back home. He has desires for every one of His own to return. 37

COMMUNITY OUTREACH

Share Food, Share Life

A gathering to bless our migrant workers for their contributions to Singapore.

by W E N DY TA N

“I BELIEVE GOD HAS SOWN THE FIRST SEEDS OF FAITH IN THE HEARTS DURING THE EVENT”

Funds raised through the purchase of tickets for “Share Food, Share Life” by church members went towards supporting the social welfare progammes of Cornerstone Community Services and the newlyopened Cornerstone Senior Centre at Ang Mo Kio. It was a privilege to be able to bless our migrant workers and to see our church members and cells coming together. May we be carriers of His presence and love to them!

On 26 August, Cornerstone “We had a wonderful time at the Community Services and Cornerstone event! Thank you so much for helping Community Church jointly organised to co-organise it as well. Great job!” Share Food, Share Life, a gathering to shared Fiona Chin, a cell member bless our migrant workers as a gesture from C22.11 who was present. “I’m of appreciation for their contributions also contending for my invited to Singapore. We received over 100 foreign guests to be connected to a guests from the Philippines, Indonesia, community of believers of similar China, Bangladesh and India, who nationality. I believe God has sown were invited and hosted by our church the first seeds of faith in their hearts members. The highlights of the during the event,” she added. afternoon included a mass dance, a Daniel Tang, one of our cell leaders terrarium-making demonstration by who leads C31.22, also invited his the pastors and guests, a testimony workers to the event. He mentioned from a migrant worker, a sumptuous that they really enjoyed themselves, buffet, and a blessing draw with especially the worker who won the attractive prizes such as a mobile top prize in the blessing draw. “I’m phone and shopping vouchers. intending to bring them to the Tamil Service in the future. Personally, I felt that the testimony segment with the guest speaker, Setti Srinivasa Rao was really wonderful! His story really helped to sow seeds in the hearts of our guests. Perhaps we could consider inviting more migrant workers, from different countries and nationalities, and also from our congregations the next time we host a similar event,” he said.

Cornerstone Senior Centre (CSC) is an integrated intergeneration wellness centre that promotes the overall well-being of seniors so that they can age-in-place. CSC offers a wide range of programmes and services catered for the seniors with the objective of strengthening their physical, emotional and mental well-being, fostering strong 3 generational bonds within the community. Located in Cheng San, Ang Mo Kio, CSC comprises Living Room, Wellness Centre, The Barn and Cornerstore. Living Room

AN INTEGRATED

wellness

centre

FOR THE YOUNG AND OLD! Email senior@cornerstoneservices.org.sg Tel 62500383 Address Blk 591A, Ang Mo Kio St 51, Singapore 561591

Living Room is an exclusive place for seniors to gather, grow and go! Seniors can interact, learn, cultivate an interest, serve or just feel at home.

Wellness Centre Wellness Centre not only offers gym facilities, exercise programmes and training, it also focuses on building mental, emotional and social wellness for the seniors and their family members.

The Barn & Cornerstore The Barn & Cornerstore aim to be a social enterprise where seniors can learn new skills and connect with the community as they volunteer, and help to generate income to fund the operations of the Cornerstone Senior Centre at the same time.

Free Membership for All Seniors till 31 Dec 2018! For more information pick up a Cornerstone Senior Centre flyer at CornerStore #01-13, Odeon Katong.

50TH ANNIVERSARY

“How did I decide to marry her?..….Because she is beautiful,” Mr. Chan Wing Cheong responded as he broke out in laughter. He is 93 this year, and has been married to Mrs. Mary Chan for the last 68 years. The couple have four sons, Paul, David, John and Andrew, whom they are currently living with. Mr. Chan shared that he found Mrs. Chan’s chattiness attractive and the two were able to hit it off. She was a school teacher and he thought this meant she could look after the children. When asked what she liked about Mr. Chan, Mrs. Chan said that he resembled her father who was a selfmade man. “He brought me to see the car he was going to buy. It was a Morris minor, and it was actually very commendable for a young man to be able to buy a car at that time,” Mrs. Chan added. “He was very proud to ride in the car and that started the ball (their relationship) rolling.” Through various seasons of their lives, the couple has been through many ups and downs since tying the knot in their 20s. This included the loss of a job, relocating to Malaysia and the United States, as well as their son’s battle with cancer.

FAMILY PORTRAIT

They testify that it is the Lord who keeps them together in the covenant of marriage and enables them to love for so many years. Taking out a little bible that she carries with her everywhere, Mrs. Chan quoted Proverbs 3:5-6 and Psalms 116:1-2 as verses that she holds onto. “I believe in our God, Jesus Christ, and from beginning till now, I am still praying for both of us,” she said. “When I find it hard, I pray and wait on the Lord for His answer.” Without God, Mr. Chan acknowledged that they would not have made it this far. It would have been too difficult. “We are both strong-willed and quick-tempered, so there was a lot of friction and this made it very difficult in our earlier years,” Mrs. Chan shared. “You love each other but we had to learn to forgive and forget.” Mr. Chan agreed that this was the key to a lasting marriage, without which it would be hard to sustain. Learning to give and take was important, while remembering the life-long commitment made towards each other.

LIVING TESTIMONIES

Growing in love and submission was also a journey for the Chans. “When I was young, everyone listened to me because I was the eldest and I made decisions for the family,” said Mrs. Chan. It was a challenge to have someone else coming into her life to lead, but she slowly saw the value of God’s model of marriage, where the husband leads in love, and the wife comes under his covering. “We had many fights, but we needed to grow to respect each other,” said Mr. Chan. The couple also makes it a practice to reconcile before the day ends, and to not let the sun go down while they are still angry, as in Ephesians 4:26. To younger couples out there, Mr. Chan’s advice for building a strong marriage is to develop the fruit of the Spirit in their lives. “You need joy in all circumstances, peace with God, yourself and others, as well as kindness.” From this place, one can then love their spouse, and forgive them with God’s grace. Mrs. Chan’s suggestion is to keep praying and trusting the Lord in all things. “Lean on Him, not upon your own understanding, and allow Him to direct your ways and responses towards each other.”

by E M M A L I M

ears, y 8 6 ell ed for Marri rs. Chan t M e Mr. & re about th nion. us mo a strong u o keys t

Mr. and Mrs. Chan have been living with their youngest son, Andrew since returning to Singapore a decade ago. They are happy to be able to spend their final days here and are grateful for the Lord’s faithfulness in their lives.

MR. AND MRS. CHAN’S SON

The Charis Chronicles by K A R E N L E E

LIVING TESTIMONIES NURSES WHO TOOK CARE OF CHARIS

Parents Samuel & Karen share about God’s goodness in the life of baby Charis “I don’t like the look of baby’s neck.” This was the first sentence from the gynaecologist when she did my three-month pre-natal scan. My husband, Samuel and I were told in a series of routine scans over the following two months that our baby may have Down Syndrome. We were asked by the gynaecologist to consider whether we wanted to abort the baby. For us, that was not an option, which was why we did not see the need to do any genetic tests. because we were sure that we would keep the baby no matter what. With the support of the church, we prayed for healing and took communion together through the season of pregnancy. Fast forward to 2nd January 2018, and Charis was born. Even though the doctors said that she would be born blue, she came out pink and wailing. However, because of her heart condition, she was whisked away to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit after I held her for a minute. She was discharged after spending five days in the hospital and we were looking forward to being able to spend more time with Charis then, before her required heart repair months later. Unexpectedly, things did not turn out the way we anticipated. On the eight day of her birth, Charis had to go for a follow-up heart scan at the hospital. While we were already aware that she had two holes in the heart, the doctors discovered that she had a narrow heart vessel that needed immediate medical attention, or it could cause her to be critically ill. By the grace of God, the surgeon immediately referred us to be directly admitted to the National University Hospital and operated on Charis the next day. Little did we know, God had also sent us the best pediatric heart surgeon in Southeast Asia. Charis was discharged after two weeks in hospital and was subsequently admitted another three times, as she could not cope with breathing difficulties at home. During the fourth admission, the doctors asked us to consider keeping her in hospital until she had grown big enough for the repair of her heart, which could take a few months. After much consideration, we decided to keep her in hospital to help her gain weight. This time, she was in the hospital for 4.5 months and during this period, she contracted a blood infection which caused

CHARIS’ FIRST SURGERY 9 JAN 2018

RECOVERING FROM BLOOD INFECTION 26 APR 2018

RECOVERING WELL!

FIRST FAMILY PHOTO

her to be critically ill for a week. To manage her condition, she had to go through her second heart operation, an open heart surgery to put a band around one of her large heart vessels to control the blood flow. And after a month of recovery, she had another open heart surgery to patch the two holes in her heart. By the grace of God, the surgery was a success. Although we initially thought she would be able to return home by mid June, Charis was catching infection after infection. After many x-rays, ultrasounds and CT scans, the doctors next found out that her feeding tube punctured her intestine, which caused a whole new problem. Because of the puncture, her body had a few pockets of fluid that contained medicine and milk fed through the tube. These fluids were the source of the infections. Instead of adopting a high-risk surgical procedure, the doctors decided to treat the infections with long term antibiotics and asked us to pray for the pockets of fluid to disappear. Even though Charis has been through so many ups and downs even before she turned one, we have so many testimonies to share from her life. After six weeks of treatment, she was finally healed of infection on 27 Jul 2018 and discharged after 4.5 months. God miraculously provided for a six-figure hospital bill. Through this time, we also had the privilege of reaching out to other couples whose children were also in hospital. The doctors and nurses loved Charis to bits, and we can only be thankful for the journey that God has brought us through so far and the people He brought to walk alongside us. Charis’ journey has just begun, but we believe God for healing and also for the fulfillment of the destiny that He has for her.

are acknowledged across cultures, professions and age groups. Reading is important because words - written and spoken - are the building blocks of life. We are the result of words we have read, heard and believed about ourselves. Thus, the words we read and hear now determine what we become in the future. Let’s Read! aims to give an insight into the reading habits of our pastors and church staff. the benefits of reading

with Pastor Kevin Koh

INTERVIEW

Let’s Read! by I SA BE L TA N

Our pastor’s thoughts on books and recommended reading. When did you realise that reading is something that is important? Growing up, I did not like to read as I found it timeconsuming. I’m an “action guy” and I like to solve problems. But soon, I realised that I was running out of ideas and I couldn’t seem to break through my limitations. That’s when I started to read and discovered that reading widens my exposure to what I don’t know and it confirms what I think I know. Either way, I get to learn something all the time. Here’s a tip for you – if you want to have a good grasp of biblical knowledge in a manner that’s easy to understand, read the books written by Dr. Brian Bailey (Zion Fellowship). His books have helped to lay a strong foundation in my spiritual walk and always pulls me closer to the Father.

How often do you read? I schedule 30-45 minutes for reading every day and this is on top of my daily bible reading time. I used the “7 Spheres of I nfluence” as a guide for the categories of books or articles to read – Family (marriage, parenting, leadership, discipleship, relationship), Business (technology, economics, stewardship, management), Government (current affairs), Religion (church growth), Education, Media (communications, general knowledge), Arts & Entertainment (what’s trending). We meet and lead people all the time. I want to be updated and well-versed with what’s going on out there in the world and be able to connect with the people I’m meeting as much as possible. It’s always good and helpful to know how people are thinking, the context of the society, and the pressures they’re facing. Jesus is always relevant to His audience.

What is your bible reading schedule like? I follow the bible reading plan using the New Living Translation (NLT) bible as I find this version presents the bible like a “storybook” which helps me stay on track in my reading plan. For study and teaching, I use the NKJV version and supplement it with the Amplified bible and Strong’s concordance. Recently I’ve been using The Passion Translation (TPT) version quite a fair bit and I find it quite good. In addition to that, as much as possible, I read one chapter of Proverbs for the “Wisdom of God” and the “words in red” found in the Gospels.

Print or eBook? Both! eBooks are convenient and they save me a lot of storage space. But if it’s a book I would like to keep, then I’ll get the hardcopy because those books are milestones in my journey with God. There are some things which cannot be replaced by digital media. I still keep my old bibles which have my handwriting and scribbles of notes and dates beside the verses, and I do go through them from time to time, giving thanks to God for seeing me through all these years.

BOOKS RECOMMENDED BY PASTOR KEVIN Classic 01

Foxe’s Books of Martyrs

Why Revival Tarries

Where do you find the time to read? Either during lunchtime (yes, I have skipped lunch to catch up on reading) and at night after I’ve spent some time with my children and sent them to bed, which will be around 10.30pm till 12 midnight.

Spiritual Growth

JOHN FOXE

The Journey of Israel DR. BRIAN BAILEY

Leadership

LEONARD RAVENHILL

Visions of Heaven & Hell JOHN BUNYAN

Leading on Empty

Leadership (3 Volumes)

WAYNE CORDEIRO

DR. BRIAN BAILEY

favourite quote

“When you have just the Word, you dry up. When you have just the Spirit, you blow up. But when you have the 43 Word and the Spirit, you’ll grow up.”

INTERNATIONAL MINISTRIES

Cornerstone Miri by E M M A L I M

A closer look at what God is doing in our Miri church that turned four this year.

beginning with a group of just eight people, Cornerstone Miri has grown exponentially over the last four years to a congregation of about 250 people. Headed by Pastor Sabrina Low and Pastor Rachel Bulan, the young church plant has gained significant influence in Miri and its neighbouring regions, even hosting several pastors’ prayer meetings as well as the Kingdom Mandate conference for pastors and leaders in 2017 and 2018. In November 2017, they also opened the Faithworks Bookstore and Café to serve as a platform to reach the community and encourage a culture of reading and growing. They have also seen salvations throught this café ministry!

PASTOR SABRINA LOW

CORNERSTONE MIRI 4TH ANNIVERSARY

PASTOR RACHEL BULAN A pastor who has been leading a church in Miri for 20 years congratulated us and told us that what Cornerstone has achieved in four years, some churches can only achieve in 40 years. It is really humbling for us to hear that from another pastor, because she was not speaking about numbers but spiritual authority.

A few months ago, the owner of two of the biggest disco clubs in Miri, Celebrities and Cherry Berries, contacted Pastor Rachel, whom he had lost contact with for eight years, and asked if the church was open for anybody to walk in. He came for our Saturday service, and this buff guy started crying like a baby and responded to the salvation altar call. There was also a lady who had noodles for breakfast on the ground floor of our church and she would comment that she had never seen people laughing and filled with joy as they left the church service. She promised herself that she would come for the service one day. Eventually when she came, she was touched by the Lord deeply and decided to stay with us. “You have got an awesome thing going on here. I have never felt the presence of God like I have in decades of being a christian.”

This is something we have achieved through Kingdom Mandate and Miri House of Prayer, where we have been coming together with different churches to just pray with them and bless them. There is a sense of spiritual authority, sphere of righteousness which God has given CSCC Miri – this is something we are really proud of.

When God sent us to Miri, I saw with my own eyes that “a Cornerstone Church can make a difference in the nations.” What we have in our inheritance and our ethos is our DNA. This house is a powerhouse for God in Christ. Fine wheat of the Word of God and the open heavens – it’s a dynamic duo.

KINGDOM MANDATE 2018

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. John 13:43

Cornerstone Community Services offers a wide range of programmes and services to help families, children, seniors and individuals in the community. Join us to support and donate to the various causes that are close to your heart during this special season. Visit our donation booth at Level 1, The Odeon Katong on every weekend services starting from 10 November - 30 December 2018.

PRAYER TRIP TO WALES

‘Bendith’* from Wales *‘Bendith’ — Blessing in Welsh

by BOB C H E N

Bob Chen and his daughter Samantha share their insights from a recent prayer trip to Swansea. It all began with an invitation to join Pastor Caleb Garcia on a prayer trip to the BCW and Wales. He was going specifically to pray for revival in Wales and the ministry at the BCW. He encouraged us to: 01

Go with a prepared heart and mind, with no pre-conceived thoughts of how we should pray.

Partner with the Holy Spirit to raise the banner of victory in declaring His Name over the United Kingdom and the BCW

Keep fanning the flame of revival through songs of worship and praise.

Soak the ground with His presence through songs of worship & praise.

Shofar Years ago, Pastor Yang spoke of someone’s vision of an angel straining over Wales to bring revival to the land, but who was somehow being held back. In that moment, I had a strong impression that I had to blow the shofar as an act of faith and obedience, perhaps to unleash the angelic host to their mission at some point in the future. I even saw a place from England, looking across the water towards Southern Wales. So years later, I was now finally going to Wales. I brought the shofar, and blew it prophetically at Portishead, southwest of Bristol (where John and Charles Wesley did much of their ministry). We blew the shofar to herald and declare by faith the purposes of God over Wales. Subsequently we also blew the shofar in the Brecons (highest peak in South Wales), and at Ffald-y Brenin, Cilgerran, and the BCW during our prayer watches to herald the King of Kings.

Wells of I ntimacy We came to help re-dig the ancient wells in worship and prayer in the land. And while we spent time at a small spring called ‘Rehoboth’ (Gen 26:22) and the Blue Room, we sensed the tangible presence of God at the BCW. We held several of our prayer watches and meetings in the Blue Raoom, and it was easy to enter Abba Father’s Throne Room, connecting to Him with such intimacy I have not encountered anywhere else. This place had been soaked in the worship and intercession of the saints throughout the ministry of Mr. Rees Howells and his son Samuel.

Fallow Land

In other words, we continued with the pattern and practice of the Throne Room prayer meetings that have been held in church, where the focus is on extravagantly worshipping Daddy God, then interceding for what He reveals to us. I agreed to be his ‘wing man’, and I was very blessed that my daughter Samantha could join us. Through our time in Wales, we prayed at different revival sites, including the Bible College of Wales, Ffald-y Brenin and Pisgah Chapel, and joined the locals to contend for revival in Wales again. 46

It is hard to imagine the great revival that swept over Wales through a century ago. While there are many churches dotted across the land, most of them are now in a poor state. Many church buildings are defunct. Some older ones are heritage restoration projects, while others are sold off, or stand decrepit. The buildings somewhat mirror the state of the Body of Christ, in that there are few active congregations. Many Welsh churches are attended only by older people, and there is a dearth of believing young adults, youths, young families - a generational gap. In contrast, many of the young students at the BCW (mostly in their 20s-30s) came from other parts of the world, and were greatly passionate about the purposes of God in their lives. When my daughter took up the shofar and sounded it louder and clearer than I did, I gained further insight on this.

I realised that revival is not just about the younger generation rising up. It is about the elders, as many as three generations ahead prayerfully contending for the salvation of the young, calling them forth, equipping them, co-labouring with them and releasing them to fulfil their destinies. The fallow ground of Wales, once abundantly fertile, needs workers to clear the land, uproot weeds and trees, rebuild the hedge, to plough and sow the land again. Wales will be established in lavish intimate praise of the King, and in intercessory prayer.

Faithful R emnant Again, if the church in Wales is likened to coal, the great 1904-05 Welsh Revival would be coals shovelled into a steam combustion engine, fanned by the wind of the Holy Spirit to produce a raging fire. By contrast, today there seems to be only a few, scattered burning coals lying around, while others may yet be smouldering. Many congregations may be struggling to survive. However, there is great news - God has always kept a faithful remnant unto Himself, like the seven thousand who did not bow their knees to Baal during Elijah’s time. These individual lumps of coal continue to glow and burn. And while these solo lumps may be few and far between, they burn strong. We encountered several such coals faithfully contending for revival in Wales. Roy Godwin (who runs the Ffald-y Brenin prayer retreat centre) spoke boldly at a monthly revival prayer gathering about “the coming great revival in Wales”, and declared that “revival was not for Wales, but that through Wales, revival would go to the nations”. We met Dick and Gladys Funnel (an American-Guatemalan couple in their 60s) who were led by the Lord to Wales to pray. They have been faithfully contending for revival for the past 13 years and have been praying daily at a historic old church in Cilgerran, where they host groups of intercessors and visitors. We also visited Pisgah Chapel, which was restored by Cornerstone Community Church and met Paul Bangs, one of the volunteers who faithfully helps to run the revival prayer meetings twice weekly. He is another glowing coal.

We encountered others associated with the BCW over the years as students and staff. They continue to serve and pray – looking constantly to the Lord for His coming revival in Wales. They include Sharon Scott, Brian Halliwell, Jeff and Pam Roberts – mostly former students at the BCW who are yearning for the coming revival. Each is a burning coal, and the BCW itself is like a magnet; a fireplace where such coals from Wales, the United Kingdom, and overseas, are stoked and billowed by the Holy Spirit till they are hot. The fire that students, lecturers, and other visitors carry is added to these coals as they pass through the BCW and Wales.

Seasons It seemed that everywhere we passed (in gardens, parks, along motorways), we noticed a certain type of noxious bush that was sharp, thorny, and tough to remove. As it was early autumn, these nasty thorn bushes revealed themselves as blackberry bushes. Their plentiful fruit turns from red to black as they grow ripe, and are sweetest when they are plump. However, people tend to ignore them although the juicy morsels are within arm’s reach. I was reminded that “the harvest (souls, like blackberries) is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest therefore, to send out workers into His harvest field” (Matt 9:37-38). Through Cornerstone Community Church’s involvement with the BCW, Singapore has a spiritual connection with Wales. As waves from the Welsh revival once impacted our shores (their season of fruitfulness), it seems clear that in this season, Singapore is now sending waves of revival back to Wales. As the Lord leads, and we must do our part, and He will bring in His harvest. I strongly encourage you to join us for the extended Throne Room prayer watches, held on the last Friday of each month in church from 10pm to 4am. During these times, we spend time in worship and prayer, with three focuses: 1) Israel/Middle East, 2) Singapore/Cornerstone Community Church, 3) Wales/BCW. 47

PRAYER TRIP TO WALES

by SA M A N T H A C H E N

Sheep in the Mist

On the day we trekked up Pen-y-Fan (tallest peak in southern Wales) in the Brecons, we only had 50 metres of visibility in the low cloud. We noticed that the misty atmosphere seemed to shroud the sheep, making it harder for them to see clearly. My dad believed that the Lord had something he wanted to show us, as just days before, the BCW students who climbed the same peak did not encounter the mist, and were treated to amazing scenic views.

SAVE THE DATE

Revival Study Tour S WA N S E A 4–10 August 2019

I’d like to suggest a parallel between our climb that day and our experiences during the trip. Over the course of the week, we were blessed to be able to meet some extraordinary people. These are those who still follow the Lord in an increasingly anti-Christian society. Some are foreigners, who left their previous lives behind to sow into the destiny of Wales. All are watching, waiting, praying for the Lord to move, even as the churches seem to be losing their draw. Though scattered throughout the land, all are holding fast to the call and promises of God. Like the sheep, they might not be able to see each other; and yet, like the sheep, they each seem to know exactly where they are. In short, being enveloped and caught up in the plans of God, they remain steadfast, focusing on the tasks the Lord has appointed to them and trusting in His greater plan.

• Visits to The Bible College of Wales and signif icant Heritage Sites in the land of Revival.

Maybe it needed to be foggy that day to drive home the point that we are all like the sheep in the mist. Only God has sight of the bigger picture. So let’s not be discouraged; rather, let’s remain alert, with our ears pricked, so that we may hear Him clearly and be confident of where we stand in His plans. Let’s press in faithfully and do what He’s called us to, and hope that one day, when that cloud lifts, it will finally reveal the whole landscape.

Look out for registration details at the main services in December

Tour features

• Prayer times for revival in the nations.

ROOMS AVAILABLE FOR STAY

BCW RESIDENCES The BCW Residences offers accomodation for guests who wish to come on a retreat located within the compounds of the Bible College. Immerse yourself in the beautifully landscaped surroundings as you dwell and meditate in the presence of God. Established in a prime location near other historical sites, sweeping beaches and serene parks, the BCW Residences is a good base from which to explore the rest of Swansea and Wales.

Should visitors be travelling alone or in pairs, there are single, twin, or triple rooms to choose from with either shared or ensuite shower facilities. Rooms are modestly furnished with wi-fi, but do note that there are no cooking and laundry facilities available. Alternatively, we have an ensuite studio apartment for couples, fitted with a kitchenette. The second apartment is best suited for visitors travelling in bigger groups of up to six people. It comes fully equipped with a living and dining room, kitchen, two twin rooms, two single rooms, and two bathrooms.

A continental breakfast is served daily at the dining room and a lounge is open for guest use.

For bookings or further enquiries, please email us at mail@bcwales.org and we will get back to you shortly.

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11 East Coast Road #02-22 The Odeon Katong Singapore 428722 tel: (65) 6346 0262 www.faithworks.com.sg STORE HOURS Tue to Fri: 11am ~ 7pm / Sat: 10.30am ~ 7.30pm / Sun: 9.30am ~ 3pm / Closed on Mondays and Public Holidays *Terms & Conditions apply

Bible College of Wales

The School of Ministry is a 3-month course designed as an intensive programme of learning, reflection and spiritual development. Based around a core curriculum of theological and practical training for ministry and leadership, it will equip you for a greater level of service in your calling.

Course Information

2019

/ Spring

2020

/ Autumn

/ Spring

4 Mar — 24 May

2 Sep — 22 Nov

2 Mar — 22 May

Registration opens: 01 Jul 2018

Registration opens: 01 Jan 2019

Registration opens: 01 Jul 2019

Registration closes: 31 Dec 2018*

Registration closes: 31 May 2019*

Registration closes: 31 Dec 2019*

01 Feb 2019

01 Aug 2019

01 Feb 2020

*for countries where applicants require pre-approved visa on arrival