Goodnews LCOR 150919 - Lutheran Church Of Our Redeemer by Sherlin Roshni

THE GOODNEWS

SEPTEMBER 2019

SPREADING THE AROMA OF CHRIST

Spreading the Aroma of Christ

Joy

Volunteering Experience at New Hope Community Service

Joy in the Midst of Sufferings

Worship Ministry Retreat

Upcoming Church Camp

Celebration of Hope in the Year of Harvest

LUTHERAN CHURCH OF OUR REDEEMER 30 Dukeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Road, Singapore 268912. Tel: 6466-4500. Email: lcor@lutheran.org.sg 1

SPREADING THE AROMA OF CHRIST By Rev Nick Singh

A Pastor was driving through the countryside with his family. The windows were open to take in the fresh air. As they passed through an area where there was an aroma of barbeque, the Pastor asked his family what that smell was. Immediately, the children shouted: “It’s not me!” The children obviously thought that their father was referring to the smell of fart. Our theme for this year is “Spreading the Aroma of Jesus.” In 2 Corinthians 2:14, God, through us , spreads in every place the fragrance or the aroma that comes from knowing Him. It is the fragrance of knowing God. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, we have come to know God. Our Lord Jesus Christ said that knowing God is eternal life. The Holy Spirit gives us the knowledge of God. Paul prays in Ephesians 1:17, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory may give us the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of God. Through the Word of God, the Holy Spirit reveals the Father and Son to us. What knowledge of God is fragrant ? The message of God’s forgiveness of all our sins through the death and resurrection of Jesus on the cross for us is a sweet, sweet fragrance and aroma for all people. God’s forgiveness, mercy and grace is indeed the most important message to us all. That God forgives our sins and does not condemn us to eternal hell is the most fragrant message. Our Lord Jesus is the sacrifice for our sins. That sacrifice - that giving of Himself for our sins on the cross - is also a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God, according to Ephesians 5:2. Paul saw believers as incense, giving forth the fragrance of Jesus Christ and His forgiveness in their lives and labours. To God, believers are the very fragrance of Jesus Christ. To other believers, we are the fragrance of life. The more we know God, the more fragrance there is in our lives. Let us know God through His Word, which God has given to us. Let us read the Word of God regularly and hear the Word of God on Sundays in church. Through our Baptism, we have been given the Holy Spirit who enables us to spread the aroma of Christ where God has placed us. God has placed us in families, work, society and the nation to spread the aroma of Jesus. Martin Luther said that God allows us to live in order that we may lead other people to believe in Jesus Christ for their salvation. That is our mission on earth. We are to live fragrant, aromatic lives of love and kindness so that people may be attracted to Jesus Christ when we speak of Jesus’ love for them. It is indeed the noblest and the greatest

The GOODNEWS | September 2019

2 CORINTHIANS 5:16

For we are to GOD the fragrance of CHRIST work and the most important service that we can perform for God on earth, by bringing people to the knowledge of God by the Holy Gospel. May the aroma of Jesus be spread by God through us everywhere! That will be pleasing to God as the sacrifices in the Old Testament were pleasing aromas to God. May our homes, our working places, our neighbourhoods, and our nation of Singapore be filled with the sweet fragrance of the Good News of God’s forgiveness! And the people will say, that’s Christ’s fragrance! Amen.

1 Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. EPHESIANS 5:1-2

PA S T O R’ S M E S S AG E

By Anonymous What is joy to me?? A question to ponder about, a time given to look back or reflect, what had gone wrong in my life and what is my purpose on earth? What am I doing in order to seek joy? What is the meaning of joy? I checked the dictionary and it’s written as occasional happiness beyond the usual. I had been diagnosed with Schizo-Affective Disorder by my psychiatrist in March 2005 - in short, I have SAD. When I did my self-reflection, I realised that I have been sad for most of my life, even way before getting the mental illness. The first time I felt sad was when I was 11 years old and had failed my primary school exams. I was transferred to a different class in the following year. I felt sad again, this time with added disappointment after my secondary 2 streaming exams. I ended up not being able to complete my O level in 4 years. Finally after my O level, I entered my tertiary education. I was looking forward to be in the millennium cohort to receive my diploma at my polytechnic. That did not happen… another half a year extension this time. Again, i felt the same emotions of disappointment and sadness. Nothing in the academic world has given me joy….so far. When I completed my national service and went to work, I had no mentors to guide me in both my work and social life. I was sad for I felt alone and isolated. When I was finally about to fly abroad for my further studies, I began to lose my mind and was hospitalized in a psychiatric ward. My dreams and aspirations were shattered. Life began again for me, with the fear of stigmatism and with the impact of anti-depressants. Each and every time I was in the psychiatric ward, I had fear and anxiety that aggravated and drove me into sadness. To see other patients who were much younger than myself, being the living dead in the psychiatric ward was also very heart breaking indeed. I was sad to the bones. By God’s blessings, I managed to come to Christ in Dec 2009. Life started to improve gradually and I was moving forward. Since then, I had been hospitalized on two different occasions even after receiving Christ. I still had my emotional wounds embedded in me.

The GOODNEWS | September 2019

I got married in December 2013 and had a rough start due to unreasonable demand from my parents. I ended up being separated from my wife for 2 years. I was sad. There was no happiness in my life even after marriage. Then finally, I united with my wife through Christ and we began our life together. Long story short…., I have a 2-year old daughter now. But life is always both challenging and demanding, living with my parents who are non-believers. But if you ask me the question again …is there joy? I would tell everyone that the truth is… I have found joy. There is no greater joy for me now than to serve the Lord, as His love for His children, including myself is pure. Not many, I think, have survived this far in life after having to face both mental illness and harsh situations in life. I was able to pick myself up then and am now progressing only because of Christ. I am treating every challenge in life as a stepping stone to overcome and to progress, so that I could claim it as my experience to testify God’s greatness. In years to come, I am confident that my testimony of Christ’s guidance over me in every situation of my life would be inspiring for wounded souls. It would be especially encouraging and justifiable for mentally ill patients to turn to the Lord for a fulfilling life. I am happy with what Our Heavenly Father has given me, that purpose in life in helping others to find their greatness in Christ through my daily living - which also enables me to leave my mark in this world. What more could I wish for…? Yes, I have finally found Joy in my life. HE would come forth to return the heart of HIS father to HIS children as we all can have our joy on Earth as it in Heaven.

The Joy of the Lord is my Strength NEHEMIAH 8:10

TESTIMONY

Volunteering Experience at New Hope Community Service By Tham Hoe Phong (Haofang) On 6 April 2019, a few of us from the Broken Al-

Overall, we had a very fun time interacting with

abaster cell group visited New Hope Communi-

the children. Indeed, it was an eye-opening ex-

ty Service (NHCS) to spend time with about 40

perience for some of us (and our own children

to 50 children aged between 7 and 16. NHCS

too) who had not had the chance to work with

is located on the third floor of Block 1 in Jalan

underprivileged children in our society. This

Kukoh. Nestled just off the CTE entrance op-

was an excellent opportunity for us to serve the

posite the Singapore General Hospital at Out-

community together as a cell group and I really

ram Road, Jalan Kukoh is the site of nine rental

encourage all of us to consider volunteering our

blocks, home to about 6,000 families, many of

time to serve the needy more often, for “each of

which are young couples with children. Some of

you should use whatever gift you have received

these children have parents in prison or come

to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s

from broken families.

grace in its various forms.” (1 Peter 4:10)

This volunteering activity was led by Chee Peng, who worked with a social worker friend involved in the children’s programme. Our team consisted of 10 adults and 8 children, who all chipped in to help out at the various activity stations we had set up to entertain the kids. We arrived at the centre at about 2.30 pm, and barely had time to set up the stations before the first wave of about 20 children descended upon us at around 3pm, all bursting with excitement to try their hand at making pizza or muffins, or creating interesting pieces of artwork at the art & craft station. A second group of about 25 children showed up about half an hour later. One can imagine the pandemonium that ensued as we tried to make ourselves heard above the noise of 45 active children zipping around from one station to another and talking at the same time! 6

The GOODNEWS | September 2019

By Venette Foo When Chee Peng invited Jeremiah and I to join his cell group for a pizza/ muffin workshop at the Jalan Kukoh neighbourhood, we gladly said ‘Yes!’ as I enjoy baking! Not knowing much about the neighbourhood, we went there with no expectations. As we walked up the stairs to the centre located at Level 3 of the building, we sighted litter on the ground and there was also a strong urine stench. We found out more about the neighbourhood after Chee Peng shared the background with us. During the entire session, we were kept busy organising the logistics and ensuring that all the kids had a chance to be involved in the activities – pizza making, muffin baking, and art and craft. We did not guide them much as the children understood what needed to be done after our briefing. Some could even perform better than us - for instance, writing letters in mirror-image. As we reflected on the event that evening, we discussed the purpose of volunteering. Did it really benefit the children, as it was only a short 3 to 4 hour-long event that might not be truly impactful? Or was it for the “feel good” factor for ourselves - to make us feel that we had done our part for society? We concluded that through these activities, the words of encouragement and assurance provided to the kids matter, allowing them to build confidence and reach their goals without giving up. On that particular day, they accomplished the aim of creating a sumptuous meal for themselves and a beautiful art piece which they could bring home to admire. Individually, we may not make a big impact but hopefully the joint effort will leave an impact on their childhood and allow them to develop the courage to pursue their dreams. COMMUNITY

LCS SISTERS’ RETREAT

JOY IN THE MIDST OF SUFFERINGS By Oey Bie Lan @ Lanny Widjaja |

27 April 2019

The 22nd Annual Retreat of the Sisters’ Fellow-

Joy is independent of circumstances. It resides

ship was held on 27 April 2019 at Bedok Luther-

in our hearts and it comes out of a deep and

an Church. Pastors and members from many

intimate relationship with God (and believing

congregations of the Lutheran Church in Singa-

God).

pore supported the event.

Lucy wrote her life story titled “Joy beyond can-

The climax of the event was a message on “Joy

cer”. She wrote in the book a few essentials to

in the Midst of Sufferings” by Mrs. Lucy Lim.

help us experience joy in the midst of our suf-

Lucy delivered the message in English, with

fering: having a community, faith in the Lord and

Mrs. Eric Chan translating it into Mandarin. The

reaching out to others. In her message, Lucy

message was very touching and inspiring.

focused on three basic attributes: gratitude, at-

Lucy has been actively serving the Lord for over

titude and solitude.

40 years, in her church, as well as Vision Trust Asia, Bible Study Fellowship and Singapore Youth for Christ. A teacher at heart, her passion is to bring God’s Word to women and the next generation. Recently retired due to her cancer prognosis, she now enjoys spending time with her family, individuals, groups and women at large. Lucy was diagnosed with cancer in 2000. In March 2017 her cancer recurred (and it was at stage 4).

Currently she is going through che-

motherapy. People wondered how she could still smile after the doctor said that she had only some months to live. Lucy highlighted that joy and suffering are both characteristics of our Christian faith. Jesus said that there will be suffering in the world (John 16:33), but He told us not to worry (Matthew 6:34). Lucy differentiated joy from happiness. Happiness is a temporary satisfaction. Joy is a firm belief that God loves us and looks after us no matter what happens, and we find rested-ness. 8

The GOODNEWS | September 2019

Mrs. Lucy Lim is in the center (in grey)

Gratitude

lowing verses.

We must show gratitude to God, because Jesus has

In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prayed three

come to the world and brought us salvation. Jesus

times to the Father. “If possible, let this cup be re-

told His disciples, “Do not rejoice that the spirits sub-

moved from Me, yet not My will but Yours be done”

mit to you but rejoice that your names are written in

(Matthew 26:39-44)

heaven.” (Luke 10:20)

“For the joy set before Him He endured the cross,

Lucy shared that her worst-case scenario is surpris-

scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of

ingly her best scenario. She lives her life with the end

the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:2)

in mind. When she dies, she will have salvation and

“A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit

eternal life. Every day she thinks of the day when she

dries up the bones.” (Proverbs 17:22) Lucy’s patholo-

will be with the Lord – a time when there will be no

gist advised her to maintain joy. When we are happy,

more pain, no more tears; for this world is not our

our body will create chemicals that stop the cancer

home and we are just passing through. “In light of

from growing.

eternity, our present suffering is light and momentary.” (2 Cor 4:17)

Solitude

Whoever does not know Jesus, his suffering will be

When we are going through pain and suffering, there

forever.

will be lots going on in our minds and our hearts. Thus, we need to quiet down and re-align ourselves

Attitude

with God. The priority is for us to sit with God daily,

Our attitude on how we react when something bad

so that we can pour our hearts to Him and allow Him

happens is important. Lucy’s friends got angry with

to speak to us. We let God chart our future and give

God, when they heard about her illness. When people

us peace.

question God’s love, their attitude may lead to a cold

“The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who

war with God. Some people even leave their faith, be-

will save, He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will

cause they think that God is not powerful.

quiet you with His love, He will exult over you with loud

Lucy thought that it is alright to lament, but we should

singing!” (Zephaniah 3:17)

not let it linger or grow into disappointment with God;

“In Your presence there is fullness of joy.” (Psalm 16:11)

because this attitude will lead to a hardened heart. We

Lucy acted as the Lord’s mouthpiece, even in her suf-

should remember that God is sovereign and in control

fering. After her moving message, the retreat partic-

of all things in the world, in the church and in our life.

ipants watched performances from different congre-

“All the days ordained for me were written in our book

gations, including a dance, Cantonese and English

before one of them came to be.” (Psalm 139:16)

songs, and a ukulele item. The retreat ended with a

When Lucy discovered that her cancer had recurred,

sumptuous dinner enjoyed by all.

she resolved to face it better this time, and to journey

The offering of SGD 2,487.55 received at this year’s

together with the Lord. Her attitude is to surrender to

retreat was given to the International Lutheran Seafar-

the sovereignty of God and trust Him. Suffering devel-

ers’ Mission.

ops our character, so that we can be more Christ-like. “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance - and maturity.” (James 1:2-4) “We can be full of joy here and now even in our trials and troubles. Taken in the right spirit these very things will give us patient endurance; this in turn will develop a mature character, and a character of this sort produces a steady hope, a hope that will never disappoint us.” (Romans 5:3-5) Jesus sets the example for us, as shown by the folDISCIPLESHIP

CONTEMPORARY SERVICE

Worship Ministry Retreat By Sophia Wong |

15 June 2019

God’s divine appointment and provision are the best! It was in the church lift that I got to know from Judy Soon that her daughter Deborah was planning to come back for a week. I’m very grateful for God’s perfect timing and answer to prayers for this much-needed retreat to reinvigorate the ministry! Deborah enthusiastically agreed to the invitation to run the retreat. LCOR is the place where Deborah grew up as a worshipper and fell in love with the Lord through worship music, a place where she has a special soft spot for as well as for the team. She came with a heart to bless us in return for the many years she was blessed here. It’s encouraging to hear how God led Deborah to be where she is now, serving as the Worship Director at her church in Perth. Being away from LCOR for some years now, it was great to hear Deborah share her experience. It’s a privilege and joy to have Deborah lead us into an enriching time of retreat. The programme was not disclosed to the team beforehand except the timings of the morning tea and lunch break. And we all agreed with Deborah that sometimes, it is better to have an element of suspense. The only requirements are teachable hearts and a willingness to learn, unlearn and also relearn the things that will better equip us for service as a worship team. During the first half of the morning, Deborah led us to rethink about worship and the functionality of our role as a worship team as it relates to corporate worship. To catch glimpses of God’s work and what impacted us at the retreat, read what some of the attendees have to share. Amanda: It was a great time of bonding as a ministry. There was a good mix of spiritual and practical tips for worship leaders. I was reminded of what it means to be a worshipper daily and the importance of personal worship. Looking forward to the next worship retreat. Aretha: We, the worship team, are not leading people into the presence of God but rather we are encouraging people to engage in corporate praises, so that they themselves can experience the presence of God. We all can enter the presence of God because of Jesus’ death on the cross. Worship goes beyond praise and worship. In fact, the entire service with the Word of the Lord, preaching and partaking of the holy communion is worship - each of which plays has a part in corporate worship on Sundays. Florence: I appreciated the reminder that a worship leader is simply one who worships, and invites others to worship along with us- and that it can take place anywhere! I remember an occasion when

The GOODNEWS | September 2019

I was walking at the HDB void deck and heard this man singing “Give Thanks” softly as he went to open his letter box. It made me want to sing along. He was being a worship leader right there! Ginny: It was a good time of quietness before the Lord to re-evaluate and recalibrate our inner being to be in line with His will and leading. Good insights from Deborah and so wonderful to see how she has grown and matured in the Lord. Grace Willis: Jesus has opened up the way to God’s throne through His once and for all sacrifice (Hebrews 10: 19-22). And He has promised His presence to us while we gather. The song worship ministry is week by week part of this corporate worship we render to God. The order of worship on Sundays sets out the reminder weekly that God has given Himself to us already to make it possible for people to approach Him. Hence, the song worship team together with His people (the congregation) give ourselves in response to Him through our participation in songs and music to render praise and thanksgiving, through prayers and the Word of God - that’s our true and proper spiritual service of worship (Romans 12:1-2). Through Deborah’s personal sharing, she spelled out certain mis-notion and ‘unrealistic’ expectations of ourselves and the congregation. She brought our focus back to our working together as a team and gave some practical suggestions on how to progress forward as a worship team. John: One of the five learning points I took home was about not making assumptions. For me, it means that I should not assume that both positive and negative feedback are representative of our fellow worshippers (the Church). Another learning point was from Pastor Nick’s sharing, about receiving and giving. I’m reminded of the blind man receiving healing from our Lord (John 9:38) and

T-sh i

hymns, and s p i r i tua lms, l so ngs .

earts, praise G e nt h o ferv th our enti d r e th ly wi b ei n Wi erant g. ub ex

Now bri Whe the hand of the n the ng m LO mu 2 Ki R D n gs c a s 3:1 m 5

psa

ian . sic yed , u m pla im . e a ian p o n h ic u e

ith

Abraham’s sacrifice of Isaac (Genesis 22:5). Both miraculous events were about worship. Speak to o ne an n ot o So he n o r J by d ne

WORSHIP

Jonathan: I like the part about the responsibility of worship being ‘shared’ with the congregation, as the audience is really only God. From perspective of PA, I’ve learnt that we are very much a part of this team (i.e. whole congregation) and not just a background role. We can worship God with the PA mixer and projection too. Sophia: I am greatly encouraged to see God at work and hearts touched. I personally enjoyed the time of bonding and learning as a team. What did I learn? Focus on worshipping God and be a worshipper. Let go of the need to know the outcome when we lead worship. Be still and know He is God. Devote ourselves to God in His word and prayer so that we are able to worship God in spirit and in truth. During our worship session we engaged in a personal and meaningful time with God. We reflected quietly on three important questions: -

How much do we need Jesus? (John 15:1-16, Hebrews 10:1-22)

How well do we know Jesus? (John 17, 2 Peter 1:3-8)

Do we love Jesus? (John 21:15-19, Mark 8:34)

Wai Shim: Good insights and reminder of what a worshipper is. It’s not about the singers nor the musicians on stage. The congregation is also part of the worship team offering praise and worship to the Lord. God is the only ONE audience in praise and worship. Yudi: What strikes me is the reminder that actual worship is to please God in four aspects: heart, mind, mouth, and actions. When we do this right, upon leading worship, we will be able to, by God’s grace, lead people to Jesus. Remember that the audience is God, not the congregation. Zekiel: I am grateful for the impactful time of learning, worship and fellowship. For learning, Deborah gave us practical tips on leading worship that I was immediately able to put to use on that Sunday itself. I also learnt what it means to have an encounter with God and the deeper meaning behind our liturgical worship. For worship, Deborah led us in a time of personal worship where I could reflect upon my relationship with God and what I needed to do to surrender to Jesus. Finally, I had a great fellowship time with the team and enjoyed a sumptuous meal by Chee Peng. Grateful and looking forward to the next retreat.

Random church goer: “Worship is more than singing.

I didn’t like worship today.

It’s more than just lyrics to

Francis Chan : That’s ok, we

a song. Worship is standing in

weren’t worshiping you.

the presence of God and declaring praises to His name.” - Unknown

The GOODNEWS | September 2019

“Worship is an act of war against the enemy of our hearts.” - Holley Gerth

CHURCH CAMP SAVE THE DATE ! 13-16 June 2020 (Sat-Tue)

LOCATION : Double Tree Hilton Hotel Johore Bahru

CAMP SPEAKER : Mr Neo Ban Seng

MORE INFORMATION TO COME ! Mr Neo Ban Seng has a passion for equipping Christians for faithful living in the workplace. At present, he is Managing Director of KAPPS Consulting. He worships at the House of Prayer and serves as an Elder there.

“The aim is not to be worship

“If you’re not worshipping God on

leaders, but to be worshippers.”

Monday, the way you did the day

- Unknown

before, perhaps you’re not worshipping him at all.” - A.W. Tozer

“Worship is the proper response of all moral, sentient beings to God, ascribing all honor and worth to their Creator-God precisely because he is worthy, delightfully so.” - D. A. Carson

WORSHIP

Celebration of Hope in the Year of Harvest By Jean Wong |

17-19 May 2019

History was made in the new National Stadi-

ah, a Bollywood musician, came specifically to

um from 17 – 19 May 2019, when thousands

perform at the Tamil rally. The response to the

convened to proclaim or hear the Good News

Chinese rally was overwhelming. Tickets were

of Jesus and the Salvation God has provided

booked out weeks before and over 30,000 were

for all who come to Him. Over 125,000 people

wait-listed. It was such a relief to know that the

gathered at seven rallies (including a first ever

night rallies were video-streamed on COH’s

Children’s rally and a Hindi rally). The Manda-

Facebook page and on YouTube. There were

rin rally was the largest Chinese rally ever or-

450,000 unique viewers which included viewers

ganized in Singapore. Almost 6,000 responded

from Korea, Mongolia and Australia. There was

to the Gospel message. About 2,000 prayed to

sign language on the video streaming as well.

receive Christ, 2,000 rededicated themselves

Digital missionaries manned the station for on-

and some 1,000 wanted to find out more about

line queries.

Jesus.

Video testimonies featuring moving testimonies

227 churches and organisations came together

of everyday Singaporeans as well as household

to make Celebration of Hope (COH) possible.

names touched many lives and drew curious

From central planning to logistics, program-

friends toward the rallies. These testimony vid-

ming to publicity, counselling to prayer, more

eos were viewed more than a million times on

than 17,000 volunteers laboured over every

Facebook alone.

detail for months before the event. It has taken

Chinese celebrity Li Nanxing shared his moving

about three years of vision casting, networking,

testimony in English. “Ah Boys to Men” Noah

planning and praying. Teams of intercessors

Yap’s testimony spoke volumes to the youth.

from different churches were on-sight, praying

Prabhu Solomon, an award-winning film direc-

from 9.30 am till 9.30 pm during the three days.

tor from Chennai, India, shared about deliver-

Reverend Canon J John from United King-

ance from alcoholism at the Tamil rally. Hong

dom was the evangelist who anchored three

Kong singer, Wong Cho Lam, shared with the

English rallies (which included a Filipino rally),

Chinese congregation how his anger towards

Pastor Kou Shao En from Taiwan anchored the

God turned to an epiphany. One driver whom

Chinese language rally, while Pastor Mohan

my friend talked to decided last minute he

Lazarus spoke at the Tamil rally. Pastor Hapreet

would go to the Chinese rally when he heard

Singh Deol from India spoke at the Hindi rally at

Eric Moo would be on stage. The show-and-tell

Grace Assembly of God.

by Ps Lawrence Khong and his daughter Pris-

Cathie Clancy who performed at the Children’s

cilla presented a clear message of life, illusion

Rally commented, “The uniqueness about Sin-

and real hope.

gapore is the coming together”. Keba Jeremi-

went, the Gospel is what they heard, and we

The GOODNEWS | September 2019

For whatever reason people

praise God for that. Celebration of Hope leaves a legacy for the next generation of believers as Singapore celebrates its 200th anniversary since the founding of modern Singapore in this Bicentennial year. Harvest and hope is not an event, but is a result of personal evangelism as a lifestyle. Everyone has a story of God’s goodness. Let’s keep telling our story! Let’s keep doing that! “Everything that is done in the world is done by hope” Martin

By Lily Tan

By Kris Goh & Tan Swee Khim

As the days drew nearer for the big event, Celebration of

“Praise is the Highway to the Throne of God.

Hope, we could sense and were blessed to be engulfed

Praise is the Highway to the Heart of God.

in a peculiar atmosphere of godly hope, anticipation, ex-

Praise is the Highway to the Moves of God.”

citement, expectancy that something was about to hap-

”Praise is rising, hearts are turning to God”. That was the

pen in Singapore. There was “unblocked, bright and open

impression echoed in several sessions during the prepa-

heavens” to introduce the Lord Jesus in conversations at

ration activities. God is not finished with us yet.

a wet market breakfast table and a leg stretch at the void

Indeed, our God is moving in our nation. COH is a big

deck. Simple questions like “You like cars?” or “Can I help

scale event and being part of the Watchmen teams was

you carry it home?” were springboards to sharing “Who is

an inspiring experience. In the Dedication Service and the

God?” and testimonies to glorify our Lord. Amazing as it

Watchmen Session, we saw representations from differ-

leaves a taste of sweetness and thanksgiving for the warm

ent churches coming together, working with one heart and

communion with the Spirit of God.

declaring with one voice. There was such a great sense of

Within my small sphere of contacts, little disappointments

Unity! Salvation belongs to our God! He alone deserves

slipped in when things seemed to slow down, invitations

the glory!

to COH were turned down or cancelled at the last minute, and receiving certain negative comments. All these setbacks stood to sideline our focus but we were mindful and God’s word prevailed - Proverbs 4:23 ‘Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.’ I give thanks that all the reserved tickets were distributed and used. I went with my cousin on the first night of COH on 17 May. It was the first time we attended a Christian meeting together. My niece and her husband were also there on the first night although they were seated somewhere else. The life changing testimonies and message by Canon J John touched many people. My cousin responded to the question “Is Jesus the driver or is he in the boot?” Upon reaching home, I learned that my niece accompanied her husband to receive the Lord Jesus into his life. I’m doubly blessed and thank God so much for his great love for all of us. Hundreds upon hundreds are saved. Hallelujah!

By Peng Chye Like a shimmering glitter of light reflecting on the surface of the ocean was my impression when streams of people came down in response to the message at the COH National Stadium rallies. A total of thirty-four inquirers from COH common database was assigned to our church. Three for our Chinese congregation, one for our Tamil congregation and the rest for our English Congregation. Over a period of five days, our English Congregation contacted nineteen of them. Of which, thirteen are already following their friend or their parent to a church. Thanks to the nineteen Follow Up Leaders from our English Congregation including Pastor Nick and Pastor Lim, and also Pastor Eric from the Chinese Congregation and Pastor Dhamo from the Tamil Congregation for their participation.

COH - SPHERE OF INFLUENCE

OVERFLOWING WITH THANKSGIVING

Luther, Table Talk. 1566.

Thank God for His grace and in giving us these inquirers. Taken from Gospel of Luke 15:10, “in the same way, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” To God be the glory.

E VA N G E L I S M

Do you know

THE BI BLE

CALENDER OF EVENTS 7 Sep

Prayer Meeting, 7.30pm

8 Sep

Teacher’s Day

15 Sep

Stewardship Sunday

1.According to Psalm 90 how many years are like a day to the Lord?

22 Sep

Appreciation Sunday

2.What year starts on the day of Atonement?

5 Oct

Prayer Meeting, 7.30pm

3.Which is the shortest verse in the Bible?

6 Oct

Children Sunday

4.Which Israelite tribe was considered the smallest and least of all the

13 Oct

Missions Sunday

tribes?

20 Oct

Missions Sunday

5.How many days did Goliath present himself to the Israelites with his

26 Oct

Holy Spirit Seminar

proposal to fight?

27 Oct

Reformation Service @ QLC, 5pm

6.How many times did Job receive bad news from a messenger?

2 Nov

Prayer meeting 7.30pm

7.How many times hotter than usual did Nebuchadnezzar order the

3 Nov

All Saints Sunday

furnace for Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego?

1 Dec

First Sunday in Advent

8. Which is the longest chapter of the bible?

7 Dec

Christmas family Evening

9. What is the shortest book in the New Testament?

24 Dec

Christmas candle light, 8pm

10. Who is the author of the Book of Revelation?

25 Dec

Christmas Day Service, 10am

take the quiz

10.John 9.2 John 8.Psalm 119 7.Seven times hotter - Daniel 3:19 6.four times - Job 1:14-19 5.forty days - 1 Samuel 17:16 4.The tribe of Benjamin - 1 Samuel 9:21 3.Jesus wept - John 11:35 2.Year of Jubilee – Lev 25:8-9 1.A thousand years - Psalms 90:4 * Answers :

WORSHIP SERVICES

CHURCH STAFF CHINESE SERVICE PASTORS Rev.Eric Chan ckchan@lutheran.org.sg Ps.Daniel Lai daniel_lai@lutheran.org.sg ENGLISH SERVICE PASTORS Rev.Nick Singh nick_singh@lutheran.org.sg Rev.Lim Kim Hock limkimhock@lutheran.org.sg PARISH/CHURCH WORKERS

SUNDAY

9:00 AM

Liturgical English Service

10:30 AM

Mandarin Service

Pasang N.Lama pasang@lutheran.org.sg Lily Tan lily@lutheran.org.sg

11:15 AM

Contemporary English Service

ADMINISTRATORS

6:00 PM

Tamil Service

Goh Siew Bian gohsiewbian@lutheran.org.sg Mok Swee Kin sweekin@lutheran.org.sg

Baptism classes are conducted on ad-hoc basis. Please check with the Pastors for details.

CHURCH COUNCIL MEMBERS Dr. Colin Yeo [Chairman]

Rev. Nick Singh

Mr. Mark Lim

Mr. Yeong Wai Leong

Mr. Phua Kok Yang Paul [Vice Chairman]

Rev. Lim Kim Hock

Mr. Lee Weng Kong

Mr. Wong Song Ern

Assoc. Prof. Goh Wooi Boon [Secretary]

Rev. Eric Chan

Mr. Ling Hua Hing

Ms. Lanny Widjaja

Mr. Thomas Lu [Treasurer]

Ms. Agnes Loo

Mr. Albert Lau

Mr. Peter Pillai

The GOODNEWS | September 2019

MCI (P) 059/02/2019