Reach Community Church Central: 2/177 Beavers Road Northcote VIC 3070 Tel: (03) 9481 6889 Senior Pastor: Victor Soo
West: 2/17 Linmax Court Point Cook VIC 3030 Pastor: Ajibade A. Aibinu
Email: info@reachcc.org
Website: reachcc.org
CHURCH SERVICE Celebration Service
Sunday
l 10:00am - 11:30am
Fellowship Lunch
Sunday
l 11:30am - 12:30pm
REACH Kids
Sunday
l 10:30am - 11:30am
PRAYER MEETING
Monthly Ministry & Prayer Intercessory Prayer
1st Friday of the Month l 7.30pm - 9.30pm
Tuesday l 7.30pm - 9.30pm
via Zoom, please contact our office for further information.
BIBLE STUDY Young Adults
University & Youth Groups Family
Wednesday l 7.30pm - 9.30pm Friday l 7.30pm - 9.30pm Monday l 8pm - 10pm
Friday l 7.30pm - 9.30pm
OTHER ACTIVITIES
MOPS (Mothers of Pre-schoolers)
Men’s Breakfast
Every 2nd & 4th Friday l 10am - 12pm
Quarterly
Praise Dance
Thursday l 10am - 12pm
Table Tennis
Thursday l 10am - 12pm
Ukulele for beginners
Thursday l 1pm - 2pm
Welcome to the 26th issue of REACH. This is an issue full of reasons for our hope. By the grace of God, you can turn your mourning into dancing, and rejoice in all circumstances. The sweet suffering is not an oxymoron, but a reality when we understand that we are broken but treasured.
Reach Message
Turning your mourning into dancing Reach Testimony
Rejoice in all circumstances Reach Character
Practise Determination Reach Insight
The sweet suffering Reach Reflection
Broken but treasured Reach Song
Broken Vessels Reach Book Review
Why Gender Matters Reach Recipe
Snowflake crisp
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WELCOME
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Reach Message
Turning your mourning into dancing
By Pastor Victor Soo
Reach / Autumn 2022
Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. It is a fallacy that upon becoming Christians, our troubles and worries shall go away the very moment we commit ourselves to be a believer. It is imperative when we share the Gospel with non-believers, the fundamental principles that Jesus loves us, died for our sins, can forgive us, grant us an abundant and eternal life, as well as help us through our trials in life be emphasised. Jesus never stated He shall grant us a bed of roses and four meals a day as we laze around the pool upon our salvation. Upon the confession that Jesus is Saviour, we need to believe He is also Lord… meaning He is simply that and we are to trust Him as being Divine. Many merely wish Jesus to be their Saviour: when I call you or need you, come immediately and rescue me. Most are hesitant to have Him as Lord: when He calls, follow Him and He shall guide you to where you need to go. It is said, Jesus needs to be Lord of all or not at all! Hosea 13:4 Yet I am the Lord your God ever since the land of Egypt, and you shall know no God but Me; for there is no savior besides Me. Luke 2:11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. Anyone reading through the Bible shall quickly recognise mankind’s challenge, with the daily grind since the Fall of Adam and Eve. That disobedience released the sin into humanity, and pain and suffering are the consequences. The Good News being that as we trust in God and His Faithfulness, we witness good overcomes evil. We need to trust Him even when we face adversity despite walking in obedience unto Him. Remember, God did not promise a life of only sunshine and smiles. Some blessings to encourage us as we experience life’s pain and griefs: 1. Jesus shall be with us unto the end of the world This should be a relief that when we are at the lowest depth of our struggles or facing the biggest mountain of our life, we are not alone. He is always there, so leave your challenges with Him. Be patient and be focused as He shall deliver at the appointed time for God is never late. Matthew 28:19-20 “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.
In our troubles, God does not remove the obstacles before us immediately. Do not pray for the troubles to be eliminated but pray for the strength He has endowed you to make you an overcomer. Whenever we are in trouble, pray for God’s deliverance, or we shall never learn to personally develop character or knowledge of Him. 2 Corinthians 12:9 And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 3. Jesus has given us a Helper When under pressure, it is easy to fall back upon our carnal nature and make every attempt to out manoeuvre or escape from our distress. We think of solutions or connive them as we wish for prompt responses. Jesus died to take that burden away from you. You cannot resolve some of your woes but God can with all. It is easy to forget that God is just a prayer away. John14:16-18 And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever — the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you. David of the Bible had numerous encounters with adversities: King Saul whom he served wanted to kill him due to jealousy, his son wanted to dethrone him, his close counsellor betrayed him, family disagreements, and the Northern Kingdom of Israel did not recognise his initial kingship. The heroes of faith took their troubles to God. This is the only way, for often the obstacles we face are spiritual, and require divine assistance. God will not only help us but guide us through the quagmire, valleys and mountains, to develop spiritual muscles and stamina. Ephesians 6:12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. David faltered in his faith when being hunted as a fugitive by Saul for many years. Our enemy is constantly seeking to devour us in the same way to whittle us down, and discourage us to the point of breaking. He joined the Philistines army and marched with the enemies of Israel, hoping that he would be safe from Saul, even though God had kept him safe through all his trials.
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Reach Message
Reach / Autumn 2022
2. Jesus’ grace shall be sufficient for us
Reach / Autumn 2022
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Reach Message However, he was discharged from his service as one of the kings was concerned that he might turn against them in the heat of the battle against Israel. This was yet another great disappointment for David. He and his men returned to their camp only to find it burnt to the ground; their wives and children were taken captives by the Amalekites along with all their belongings and cattle. Everything was gone! Then his men rebelled against him and sought to kill him. How low can it get? (see 1 Samuel 29-30 for this account.) But David didn’t jettison God when he hit rock-bottom. On the contrary, his first reaction was to encourage himself through God and His Promises. Secondly, he sought for guidance through the priest, and thirdly seek God for His Will in this huge problem. 1 Samuel 30: 6-8 Now David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and his daughters. But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God. Then David said to Abiathar the priest, Ahimelech’s son, “Please bring the ephod here to me.” And Abiathar brought the ephod to David. So David inquired of the Lord, saying, “Shall I pursue this troop? Shall I overtake them?” And He answered him, “Pursue, for you shall surely overtake them and without fail recover all.” This account had a negative start but a positive finish. It ended with what God had promised as His Deliverance unto David. David was to pursue his enemies, he shall overtake them, and also recover everything. In summary, we must learn to not think of the worst when we encounter similar scenarios. Do not worry over such adverse circumstances or fight hard against it. Although everything may appear to be against you, God is in control. He shall fulfil His Purpose for you for He loves you. But He wants you to develop Christian maturity through such sagas. All negative things shall end up working for your good as you obey and follow Him as your Saviour and Lord. Philippians 3: 10-14 that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
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Reach Testimony
Rejoice in all circumstances Reach / Autumn 2022
By Timi Aibinu
The Reach Community Church annual youth camp is the biggest and most anticipated event on the youth group calendar. If you ask anyone who has been a part of it, they will tell you that it is a fantastic experience where we can make new friendships, build on old ones, and strengthen our relationship with God. Coming out of this year’s camp, which was held in mid-January, there are so many things I could thank God for, as I have seen His hand working in so many ways. God is never late First, I would like to testify of God’s provision in enabling us to run camp this year despite the COVID-19 pandemic, which has brought many unexpected changes to our lives over the last few years. After not having a camp in 2020, I was very excited to help plan and participate in our 2021 camp. However, as we were gearing up for this big event that we had spent a lot of time preparing for, it seemed like it would not be going ahead for another year.
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COVID-19 cases were going up, and the restrictions at the time did not look like they were going to ease by late September when camp is usually run. Despite this discouraging news, the planning committee decided not to cancel, but to postpone the camp till summer 2022, we had faith that God would provide us with a time where camp could happen with no drawbacks.
Reach / Autumn 2022
Reach Testimony
Hallelujah God answered our prayers. Fast-forward to January 17th, 2022, and we were at the campsite, eager to see how God would move and ready our time there. During every moment of the camp, I saw God’s hand working in each person, fostering growth in different aspects of their lives. It was amazing to listen to testimony after testimony from the youth of how God had blessed them through worship, prayer, and the sharing of the word. I was also touched to hear stories of how God used the fun moments and our fellowship to make people feel loved and accepted as a part of our youth and God’s family. God is never wrong Unfortunately, on the second day of the camp, I took a tumble after one of our games sessions and fractured my collarbone. I would like to thank God because I could see His protection and favour over me even through that unexpected experience. After receiving first aid at the campsite, I was taken to a nearby local hospital. The doctors told me that from the x-rays, it seemed that the injury was worse than they had initially thought. I was referred to a second hospital where they were better equipped to deal with my situation. The nature of my injury meant I would not be treated as a priority patient, and I was expected to be waiting for a long time. However, when we arrived at the second hospital, I managed to jump the queue and was attended to almost immediately because my temperature was just high enough for them to treat me as priority. Miraculously, when I was rechecked by the doctor just a few minutes later, my temperature was well within the normal range, causing her to question why I had been sent to see her so quickly in the first place! After taking another look at my shoulder, the doctor told me that my injury was not as bad as the first hospital had thought, that it was just a fractured collarbone with no other complications. This was amazing news because it meant that I would not have to go through any operations or procedures.
Reach / Autumn 2022
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Reach Testimony
Rejoice in all circumstances Though these stories may seem like coincidences or mere mistakes of doctors and medical technology, I truly believe God’s hand was over me through all this, and that without His grace, things would have turned out differently for me. So, despite the pain or discomfort, I want to give God the glory for keeping and protecting me, as well as allowing me to grow my faith in Him through this experience. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Through these experiences, I am continually reminded to stay prayerful and joyful regardless of how things look on the surface. I find comfort and encouragement in knowing that God is in control and that I can remain positive because everything works together for good.
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Reach Character
Practise Determination
Practise determination
It is said that “Great people are just ordinary people with great determination”. There is no point having a good intention but unable to follow through to execute it. We now live in a “fast food” society, where everything needs to be obtained fast, right now, right here. When obstacles and oppositions are on the way, we quiver; when results are not seen It is said that “Great people are just ordinary people with great determination”. There is immediately, we quit. Perseverance and patience are no longer virtues we value highly and no point having a good intention but unable to follow through to execute it. We now live taught actively tosociety, the nextwhere generation. in a “fast food” everything needs to be obtained fast, right now, right here.
When obstacles and oppositions are on the way, we quiver; when results are not seen immediately, we quit. Perseverance and patience are no longer virtues we value highly and To achieve great things for God, we first need to be on the right track, setting goals that taught actively to the next generation.
matters eternally. American evangelist D.L. Moody once said, “Our greatest fear should not for God, we first need be on really the right track, Once setting beToofachieve failure, great but ofthings succeeding at something thattodoesn’t matter.” thegoals rightthat matters eternally. American evangelist D.L. Moody once said, “Our greatest fear should not goal is set, we must then determine to see it through
be of failure, but of succeeding at something that doesn’t really matter.” Once the right goal is set, we must then determine to see it through
Decide to set the right goals.
But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s delicacies, nor with the wine which he drank; therefore he requested of the chief of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself. (Daniel 1:8)
Endure hardship.
You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier. (2 Timothy 2:3‐4)
To press on under trials
Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. (James 1:12, ESV)
Emulate Christ in self‐discipline.
But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires. (Romans 13:14, ESV)
Refuse to be discouraged.
And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. (Galatians 6:9)
Make effort to finish the race.
Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. (1 Corinthians 9:24) I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. (2 Timothy 4:7)
Ignore distraction*.
No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. (Philippians 3:13‐14, NLT)
Not to succumb to peer pressure.
Obviously, I’m not trying to win the approval of people, but of God. If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ’s servant. (Galatians 1:10, NLT)
Achieve good character through
perseverance.
And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. (Romans 5:3‐4)
Train ourselves in the discipline of
Better to be patient than powerful; better to have self‐ control than to conquer a city. (Proverbs 16:32, NLT)
self‐control.
But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self‐ control, to self‐control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For he who lacks these things is short‐sighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins. (2 Peter 1:5‐9)
Ignore unhelpful opposition.
Teach the truth so that your teaching can’t be criticised. Then those who oppose us will be ashamed and have nothing bad to say about us. (Titus 2:8, NLT)
Overcome procrastination.
Farmers who wait for perfect weather never plant. If they watch every cloud, they never harvest. (Ecclesiastes 11:4, NLT)
Never be lazy.
Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. (Romans 12:11, NLT)
*Taken from IACC publication Achieving True Success
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Practise determination
Reach / Autumn 2022
Reach Character
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Reach Insight
The Sweet Suffe ring
By Lee Chyi Lam
Over two years into the COVID-19 pandemic, many of us are feeling frustrated, discouraged, and in despair. When we thought we could see a bit of light at the end of the tunnel, war broke out and flood broke in. Many Christians ask, “Why does God allow this to happen?” “How do Christians remain faithful during difficult times?” Our reaction and response to this pandemic has the potential to demonstrate the power of God in our life. It reflects our faith. I remember reading this a long time ago: The deepest level of worship is Praising God inspite of the pain Thanking God during trials Trusting Him when tempted and Loving Him when He seems so distant and far away How do we remain faithful during suffering? Suffering that we are forced to face, not as a direct result of our own action, but nonetheless directly affects our life. A well known psychologist and author, Edward De Bono, once said, “Most of the mistakes in thinking are mistakes in perception. Seeing only part of the situation. Jumping to conclusions. Misinterpretation caused by feelings.” To tackle the issue of suffering, we must reflect on our perception of the purpose of life. Is God’s purpose for our earthly life simply to achieve personal peace, wealth and worldly success? To avoid pain and suffering at all cost? Is suffering always bad for us? Whether we like it or not, suffering is inevitable in life. In the Bible, there are many references on suffering and the potential benefits or purposes of suffering when we respond in the right ways. Some of these benefits: 1. To build our character Romans 5:3-5 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
3. To humble us to depend on God 2 Cor 12:7-9 (NLT) Even though I have received such wonderful revelations from God. So to keep me from becoming proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from becoming proud. Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. 4. To help us to be sensitive to God’s Word and to obey Him Psalm 119:67 Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep Your word. Psalm 119:71 (NLT) My suffering was good for me, for it taught me to pay attention to your decrees. 5. To learn to be compassionate and sensitive to others’ needs 2 Cor 1:3-4 (NLT) All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. 6. To give us an opportunity to witness for God or to open up a new ministry Phil 1: 12-14 But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel, so that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ; and most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. 7. To help us to be fruitful In John 15, Jesus is described as the true vine, and He prunes the branch that bears fruit so that it may bear more fruit. 8. To bring glory to God When Jesus heard of Lazarus’ sickness, He told the messenger, “This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it.” (John 11:4)
Reach / Autumn 2022
2. To increase our faith 1 Peter 1:6-7 (NLT) So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold – though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.
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Reach Insight
Reach / Autumn 2022
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Reach Insight How do we reap the benefits of suffering? Once we understand the biblical view of suffering and its plentiful potential purposes, we can change our perception, mindset and attitude and respond in the right way, so that God’s purposes can be accomplished through us. Genesis 50:20 But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive. Hebrews 12:1-17 gives us the guidelines to remain faithful during challenges as those who had gone before us. 1. To run with endurance. 2. To fix our eyes on Jesus, who is our ultimate reward. 3. To heed God’s correction and discipline. He may be saying something important to us during our trials that we might not or would not easily receive if everything goes well for us. 4. To be assured of God’s love for us even during our trials. 5. Do something actively to overcome e.g. read the Bible, pray, listen to sermon. 6. To continue to pursue holiness. It is easy to rationalise bad behaviour and give in to temptation when we suffer. 7. Do not let the root of bitterness spring up. In conclusion, suffering is part of a good life. The question we should ask ourselves during suffering is, “Has it made us bitter, or have we allowed it to deepen our love for God, and our compassion for people around us?” Going through suffering will change us, our response determines if it changes us for the better or for the worse. For those who are parents, you will understand that your duty as parents is not to help your children escape suffering (which is not always possible), but to guide them to thrive and overcome suffering as it comes. In the same way, God never promises to give us everything we want, and to help us avoid suffering, but He promises that He will never leave us nor forsake us (Joshua 1:5). Our suffering can make us a better person and to bring glory to God. Why should God stop us from going through suffering if it might bring out the best of us? 2 Cor 4:16-18 Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.
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Reach Reflection By Lee Chyi Lam
This changed at the end of my primary school years. I went to a Chinese school in a small town in Malaysia for my primary education. It was a custom, upon graduation, to ask the teachers and students to write a message on our journal, as a keepsake. One of the teachers wrote two verses for me, using my Chinese name 丽琪: 丽资天生兼淑慧 琪玉明珠品更高 Translated literally, it roughly means: Born with beauty, gentleness and intelligence; A jewel (jade and pearl) with high quality. When I read this, I leapt for joy, I finally found the meaning of my name, and for some reason, it impressed on me that my name means “a beautiful pearl”. When I came to Australia, became a Christian and started to read the Bible, I came across The Parable of the Pearl of Great Price, recorded in the Gospel of Matthew: Matthew 13:45 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it. Even though there are different interpretations of this parable, as a young Christian, I was convinced of one interpretation – that Jesus Christ is the merchant, and I am the pearl of great price He found and treasured. From then on, I am aspired to live up to the value of a treasured pearl. But what does it mean to be a treasured pearl? Am I to be put in an expensive and exquisite chest, to be protected from any harm and hardship? I soon find out that this is not the case. As a Christian, even though treasured in the eyes of God, I am not immune to the trials and troubles of life. I soon find out that as much as I want to remain a treasured pearl, I am also a broken vessel. In the Bible, when David, the king of Israel, was in despair, feeling like a broken vessel, he cried out to God and received comfort from Him. Psalms 31:12, 21-22 I am forgotten like a dead man, out of mind; I am like a broken vessel…… Blessed be the LORD, for He has shown me His marvelous kindness in a strong city! For I said in my haste, “I am cut off from before Your eyes”; nevertheless You have heard the voice of my supplications when I cried out to You.
Reach / Autumn 2022
When I was a child, I often wondered what was the meaning of my name. I remember asking my parents about it, but they could not give me a satisfactory answer.
Reach / Autumn 2022
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Reach Reflection
In the same way, when troubles come, whenever I fail, God has always come to the rescue and fills me with His presence. Through the process, He moulds me and shapes me, helps me to soften my heart and to learn that His way is better than my way. Through the process, I learnt that by obedience and submission, I will be better used by Him. In the book of Jeremiah in the Bible, the prophet Jeremiah was sent to the potter’s house to watch how the potter made and remade a lump of clay into the vessel he wanted: Jeremiah 18:1-6 The word which came to Jeremiah from the LORD, saying: “Arise and go down to the potter’s house, and there I will cause you to hear My words.” Then I went down to the potter’s house, and there he was, making something at the wheel. And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter; so he made it again into another vessel, as it seemed good to the potter to make. Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying: “O house of Israel, can I not do with you as this potter?” says the LORD. “Look, as the clay is in the potter’s hand so are you in My hand, O house of Israel!” In the process of being broken and remade, how should we respond? King David responded by trusting in the Lord, and therefore received the comfort he needed even when he felt like a broken vessel. Psalms 31: 14-15 But as for me, I trust in You, O LORD; I say, “You are my God.” My times are in Your hand; deliver me from the hand of my enemies, and from those who persecute me. Corrie ten Boom, a faithful Dutch lady, who rescued many Jews during the Holocaust, said, “Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.” It is difficult to trust during difficult times. But, “You don’t have to know why God let you be hurt. The fact is, God knows – and that’s all that counts. Just trust Him to work things out for good, eventually, if not right now” (from book An Unforgettable Story, by Joni Eareckson Tada). I learnt that when I allow God to work in me, despite being a broken vessel, I am filled with the treasure of the gospel. 2 Corinthians 4:7 (NLT) We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves. This great treasure is internal, not affected by external environment. My value is internal, not affected by outward opposition. When we know who we are in God’s eyes, we do not need to look for others’ approval to prove our worth; we do not need to be confined and defined by social norms and expectations. When our strength comes from God, we will rise up to be a trend setter, for the world to see God’s power in us. Because we are treasured, despite being broken.
Words and music by Joel Houston and Jonas Myrin All these pieces Broken and scattered In mercy gathered Mended and whole Empty handed But not forsaken I’ve been set free I’ve been set free Amazing grace How sweet the sound That saved a wretch like me I once was lost But now I am found Was blind but now I see Oh I can see You now Oh I can see the love in Your eyes Laying Yourself down Raising up the broken to life You take our failure You take our weakness You set Your treasure In jars of clay So take this heart Lord I’ll be Your vessel The world to see Your life in me Amazing grace How sweet the sound That saved a wretch like me I once was lost But now I am found Was blind but now I see
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Broken Vessels (Amazing Grace)
Reach Song
Reach / Autumn 2022
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Reach Recipe Book Review
Author : Leonard Sax Reviewed by Lee Chyi Lam
Unlike other books reviewed in this column in the previous issues, this book is not written by a professed Christian! Leonard Sax is a psychologist, practicing family physician and author of multiple parenting books. Why Gender Matters is one of the most impactful and influential parenting books I have read. It is not only for parents, but for teachers and anyone who works with children. In Why Gender Matters, Sax explains the importance of recognising the intrinsic difference between boys and girls, but also to understand that not all boys are the same, and not all girls are the same. He gives many evidence that not recognising and understanding these differences can cause harm to them, “contributing to a rise in anxiety and depression among girls and disengagement among boys.” He describes many differences, for example, different expectation in friendships and teacher-student relationship, why they bully others, their response to threat and confrontation, why they choose to use drugs or alcohol. Sax backs up his statements by providing many research studies. He illustrates that by understanding the above differences, we can help boys and girls to achieve their potential in the classroom, to avoid emotional difficulties and harmful behaviour. Although there are differences between boys and girls, Sax explains that “there is plenty of variation within the sexes.” Some boys do not behave like “typical” boys and the same for some girls. He suggests very sensible advice for parents of these children, to help them to be comfortable with their own gender identity, instead of following the growing tendency “to ask whether the boy who loves ballet or the girl who likes violent combat might possibly be transgender.” The book also uses research to examine female and male homosexuality, bisexuality, gender identity and transgenderism. It truly opens my mind to the issues. Sax ends the book with the chapter The Male/Female Mistake, lamenting the loss of teaching our children how to be a lady or gentleman; and this failure has far-reaching consequences. He concludes that “a sensible, evidence-based approach to parenting a girl or a boy is to help your daughter or your son to be comfortable being a girl or a boy, respectively. But don’t pressure your daughter or your son to conform to gender stereotypes”, and “our job now is to create a society that has the courage and the wisdom to cherish and celebrate the innate differences between the sexes, while at the same time enabling equal opportunities for every child.” I highly recommend anyone who works with children – parents, teachers, Sunday school teachers, youth leaders – to read Why Gender Matters.
By Alison Lai
Reach / Autumn 2022
Snowflake Crisp
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Reach Recipe
Ingredients: Marshmallows 400g Crackers 400g Salted butter 100g Milk powder 90g Mixed nuts 120g Dried fruits 80g (You can choose your favorite nuts and dried fruit)
Method: 1. Use a non-stick pan, put on low heat on a stove. 2. Pour the butter into the pan, and stir until melted. 3. Add marshmallows to the melted butter, must be low heat throughout. 4. When the marshmallows are melted and are thoroughly integrated with the butter, turn off the heat. 5. Add milk powder to the mixture, mix well until completely integrated. 6. Add mixed nuts and dried fruit, mix well. 7. Add crackers and mix well. 8. Place the mixture in a non-stick tray, press down until firmly packed. 9. Chill in the fridge for half an hour. 10. When cool, cut into pieces, and sprinkle milk powder on top.