Permai Snapshot
Issue 33 March 2020
Reflection amid coronavirus outbreak Pastor’s Twitter Ever
since the new coronavirus outbreak in Wuhan, China in late 2019, the virus has infected nearly 80,000 people. Although the majority of patients infected are Chinese nationals, it has spread to all parts of the world including Malaysia. So far, 22 people in our country have been tested positive with the virus. Moreover, more than 2,000 deaths, which include healthcare workers, have been reported across the globe. In view of this epidemic, people are inevitably led to ponder upon the reason behind persistent tribulations, whilst some Christians cite the approach of Christ’s second coming. Indeed, Jesus did prophesy that the world would face a wave of upsetting disasters prior to his return. Nevertheless, we need to analyse this disaster from some other words that Jesus said.
Jesus once said that there is suffering in the world, but He has overcome this world and that there is peace in Him (John 16:33). In fact, even before the days of Christ’s second coming, the world was already full of suffering.
By: Rev. Pung Oa Siong
Looking at the Old Testament, God told the Israelites that some food was unclean and that his people should not eat it. The source of the new coronavirus that is generally known today is bats, one of the unclean animals listed in the Bible (Lev. 11:18). Apparently, human beings have violated the laws of God's creation and did not live according to the laws which He had revealed, which consequently led to this disaster. Human beings have failed to obey God's commands by eating unclean birds. This has seriously undermined God's law. As a result, they must bear the consequences. On the other hand, it is typically seen in the history of the Old Testament that the Israelites repeatedly turned against God’s commands, sinned and suffered the consequences. However, God's grace would always resurface to once again manifest His love as well as faithfulness to His chosen people - the Israelites. Similarly, human beings of today have violated God’s law of creation and eaten the bird prohibited by God. This has led to a disastrous epidemic and the consequences of rebellion. Yet, because
because of God’s great love and grace, he has revealed to mankind ways to prevent and treat this disease through medical knowledge. This incident has once again revealed to us that God's law must not be violated. If we violate God's law, we will have to bear serious consequences. On the other hand, God is love. When mankind turns away from Him, He will always prepare a salvation plan. What God wants is that human beings must be faithful to His Word, repent, turn and pray to Him, so that His grace and love will save lives of many. In the face of the new coronavirus outbreak, Christians shall lead the world to God to seek His mercy and forgiveness. Meanwhile, they shall also pass on the grace and love of God, and enable the world to experience what Jesus said to Paul:
“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." (2 Cor. 12: 9a).
Experience God’s Grace Grace Through Through Garage Garage Sales Sales
Serving by Grace On
the first Sunday of 2020, the basement of PCMC was crowded and people bustled about Garage Sales 2.0. The purpose of having Garage Sales was to raise funds for Church Relocation Plan, everyone in the church had given their full support and participated in this fund raising activity in different ways. It was a blessing for the church to experience how God worked in us throughout the entire process. The response for Garage Sales 2.0 was just as good as the previous one. We began to sell items even before the Garage Sales officially started. On the day of Garage Sales, the “business” was overwhelming, many didn’t manage to grab all they wanted before the sales ended; the “supply” of items was unceasing, as a result the working committee decided to hold an extra day of Garage Sales on January 12, 2020. By faith, the Lord will prepare, our Lord provides abundantly above all that we ask and think. He prepared for us the contributors as well as the buyers despite our “unreasonable” terms and conditions. We have no guarantee for items sold, we accept only cash, we don’t give credit
By: Ng Siew Yen
term, we don’t provide refund nor exchange, everything sold were on the basis of “what you see is what you get”. We requested the congregation to contribute only "useful" items, and preferably "treasure" that they don't need at home. (There was a lovely couple who came to me separately and offered to “give away” their spouse, as they thought their other half was a treasure but not usable at home…. I am sure this happened due to the misleading words…) I was so amazed to see all kinds of "treasure" being sent to church. We received a very wide variety of items from food to household goods, electrical items, even a painting from a well-known local artist. We also received more than 2000 pieces of brand-new clothing. At the end of two-day Garage Sales, we still have uncountable balance of these clothing, we believed the contribution was definitely more than 2000 pieces. (This is liken to the story of “five loaves and two fishes” in the Bible). Not only enthusiastically bringing their “treasures” to the church, the congregation also enthusiastically purchased useful items from the Garage Sales. In fact, besides raising fund for Church’s Relocation Plan, God had also blessed us by giving us the opportunity to buy a lot of valuable items at very affordable prices. Behind the scene of Garage Sales, there was a dedicated team who worked extremely hard to make the Garage Sales a success. God called and sent His dedicated children to form a working committee. Most members of the working committee were actually engaged with many other ministries, yet they still made time and effort for all the tasks assigned to them. Since everyone was so occupied with other meetings and activities, we had our meetings over lunch, which was even better with less stress and more laughter. We were fortunate that we had the advice from the committee of Garage Sales 1.0, that made our planning and organising much easier. Knowing that we should ensure sufficient manpower, we then invited more people to assist. The spirit of unity made the preparation process smooth and easy, all worked wholeheartedly and willingly just to make sure all assignments were completed accordingly. We served together with one heart, helped each other and gave advice to each other. Although occasionally we “complained” each other
being aloof on the job and mess up the work, but all would end up with laughter. We had much joy despite the tiredness. Thanks to Sunday School’s support, we were allowed to use the Sunday School classroom’s table to set up our “stores”. One of the committee members also generously loaned the racks and hangers for us to display all the goods and clothing. After sorting and setting up, the Garage Sales was comparable to a small departmental store. Actually, most committee members of Garage Sales 2.0 had no experience in organising such an event. We were rather trembling at the assignment, yet by faith, we set a goal to raise twenty thousand ringgit. It was merely a joke among us and to encourage and challenge each other. Unexpectedly, the total fund raised from Garage Sales 2.0 exceeded twenty thousand! Looking back, beginning from preparation until the garage sales ended, we kept seeing God’s grace, it was all of God’s mercy and guidance. It was not just about serving God, it is best described as a journey of experiencing God. All glory to the Lord!
Learn to Build FAITH
In God
Sharing & Thanksgiving
By: Ting Choo Yuen
And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to Him must believe that God exists and that He rewards those who sincerely seek Him. Hebrews 11:6
A
year had passed, I reflected on things that happened in the past 12 months. There were quite a number of events that moved at an unprecedented pace. Through the experience, I have learned a few important lessons on building faith in God.
1. God grows our faith by testing us Hebrews 11:6 And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to Him must believe that God exists and that He rewards those who sincerely seek Him. A life of faith is pleasing to God. Do you realise that some of the obstacles in our lives are there to grow our faith and our character? Last year, I applied for additional research funding to support my supplementary research work. I prayed and waited for almost seven months. When I found out that I failed four out of five grant applications, I
lost my hope in the funding agencies. Instead, I put my hope in God. I trusted that He will supply my need at the right timing. In August last year, I was surprised to receive a grant from a non-government agency which I least expected.
2. Memorise God’s promises on Faith Faith determines what God can do in our lives.
“Then… According to your faith let it be done to you”; Matthew 9:29
Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. Mark 11:24
3. Pray to Him of your needs
“… You do not have, because you do not ask God.” James 4:2
Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. Matthew 7:7 If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.” Matthew 21:22 4. God leads us one step at a time. We need to trust His timing God tested the faith and the obedience of the Israelites. He put them in a situation whereby they had to depend fully on Him. For human, the more mature we are, the less we depend on our parents. But it is the opposite for spiritual growth, the more mature we are, the more we depend on God.
Then the Lord said to Moses: “I will rain down bread from heaven for you. The people are to go out each day and gather enough for that day. In this way I will test them and see whether they will follow my instructions.” Exodus 16:4 Waiting seasons often feel endless but waiting on God to answer a prayer can be part of His plan to build our faith and to grow our character. At His right timing, God can do anything instantly. We learn to trust Him that our fragile existence is secure in His hands.
This is what the Lord says: “In the time of my favor I will answer you…” Isaiah 49:8 “…in its time I will do this swiftly.” Isaiah 60:22 “My times are in your hands…” Psalm 31: 15
5. Remain grateful and continue to trust God even if He says no to our requests When King David fasted and prayed for Bathsheba’s infant, the child died (2 Samuel 12: 16-18). Though his prayers were not answered, he did not turn away from God. He surrendered to God’s will. In the New Testament, Paul pleaded three times to God to remove a thorn from him, but God said, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness...” (2 Corinthians 12:9). Paul did not become bitter but chose to delight in weaknesses. These two examples showed that our faith-filled prayer requests do not supersede God’s sovereign will. Our obedience and accepting a ‘no’ response from God are a deeper level of worship and submission to Him. Reference: https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/when-godsays-no
“Live to Worship” Equipping Course 2019 by Youth Ministry
Youth Journey
Compiled By: Ocean Chan
IT
was by the grace of God that the newlystarted Youth Ministry had successfully organised the worship equipping course entitled “Live to Worship” for all the youth coming from three CG groups, namely Junior Youth CG, Tertiary Youth CG and Career Youth CG. This is the first in-house worship training course and it was held on the 1st, 8th and 14th December 2019. Comprising different theme talks focusing on “the act of service” by three guest speakers, music workshops as well as group discussions, this course had blessed more than 41 young participants from the church. Let’s see what they have learned!
Darryl (Bass) I would like to thank the committee for organising this course. This course has given me a chance to learn a new instrument that I had been longing for although I have been serving for a long period in the praise & worship team. After attending this course, I also learned a lot about serving God and reminded me of the importance of having God in our lives as a worshipper.
Chien Chin (Cajon) Unlike my usual serving area, this time I signed up for Cajon workshop as I wanted to learn something new. The teacher was very patient in teaching and I learned from the basics. I was truly enlightened and enriched by the theme talks and it set a good reminder that, Serving God and Personal Life are never apart, we should always be renewed and be transformed, and to go after the word of God.
Bryan Lee (Drum) Through this praise and worship training I have learned many things, primarily on drums and it was very useful. I was able to learn about different techniques and when to use them. I also learned about the essence of praise & worship through the speakers and that praising God should be our primary goal not self-glorification.
Evelyn (Guitar) "Live to Worship" has given me an opportunity to learn guitar. The theme talks had reminded me to be closer to God and serve as a team. Through the workshops, I've learned some chords and different strumming patterns. I'm grateful that the youth ministry had organised this workshop for us to learn and serve God.
Ern Lin (Keyboard) I chose to learn keyboard which I never learned before although I have some interest in it and hoped that it will be of help to me in future serving. Even though some of us never learned piano before but our teacher was very kind and patient, she taught us from the basics for example interval, melody line, and etc. I also understand the importance of each different position when serving together as a team after the three topical talk that I attended.
Elaine (LCD) Besides reuniting/gathering the youth from different age groups in the church, the ‘Live to Worship’ course has also helped us to ponder upon the core meaning of serving the Lord. The LCD Controller Workshop has equipped us with better skill to serve more efficiently in our serving area. In conclusion, “Live to Worship” Equipping Course is a fantastic course.
Ben (PA) I was happy to learn that the “Live to Worship” equipping course provided training for public address system (PA system). Apart from the various musical instrument workshops, the theme talks shared by the guest speakers also helped me explore further and deeper on the actual meaning of serving God. Moreover, I also learned to deal with some technical issues which made me more confident when serving. I am truly thankful for this course.
Jean (Vocal)
Joan (Worship Leading) This course has taught me that worship leading had several aspects to it rather than just the physical action of conducting practices and leading worship. I did learn more about the spiritual aspect of worship leading as well as to journey with the worship team members into growing deeper in our relationship with God day by day. I’m glad to have the opportunity to attend such workshop to learn new things and improve myself in serving God.
Special thanks to: Guest Speakers: sis. Deborah Chow, sis. Esther Soon, sis. Cheok Ai Lee Music Section Heads: sis. Michelle Ling (Bass), bro. Eugene Lee (Cajon), bro. Leonidas Woo (Drum), bro. Isaac Kuan (Guitar), sis. Pung Ying Hui (Keyboard), sis. Esther Hii (LCD), bro. William Chan (PA), sis. Pung Jia Hui (Piano), sis. Elaine Ho (Vocal), sis. Ocean Chan (Worship Leading).
Although I have been serving for the past 5 years, I have learned several new things after attending this worship course. I have always thought the role of a vocalist is insignificant and can be ignored but this course taught me that there are some important roles that a vocalist plays in a worship team and it is not easy to be a vocalist as well. Some of the values that I obtained from this course are HAPPY- Humble, Attentive, Prayerful, Persistence and Youthful. Through this course, I have a better insight to my role as a vocalist and I will develop the traits that I should have as a vocalist.
Green Sprout Zone
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Editor: Ocean Chan ▪ Proofreader: Deborah Chow ▪ Designer: Josaphine Tiong ▪ Translator: Choo Ting Hou, Esther Hii
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