THE GOODNEWS 2
In gratitude for the GRACE of GOD Find out more about having gratitude for the grace of god
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Be enriched by an amazing testimony all the way from Hong Kong !
D u k e’ s
Ro ad,
S in ga p o r e
Embark on the tales of Armenia and Georgia elaborated
Find out more about the Peter Scazzero’s Iceberg Model
Myanmar MISSIONS Journey to Myanmar with our mission team
Easter Egg Hunt This one is for the children ...
L UT H E R A N 3 0
Caucasus Church History
My Spirituality Journey as a Counselling Student
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Wondering how or why to join a cell group ?
His grace
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Join a CELL GROUP
2 6 8 91 2 .
C HU RCH Te l :
O F
O U R
6
1960 2020
REDEEMER
64 66- 4 5 0 0 .
Em a i l:
lc or @ lu th er an.o r g.s g
IN GRATITUDE FOR THE GRACE OF GOD By Rev Lim Kim Hock
As we come to celebrate God’s grace over these 60 years in Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer, we are reminded of how God has provided for us. Through the gift of land by Mdm. Ammal, and subsequently others who gave funds generously, we have a building site which today stands as the place of worship for all of us at Redeemer. We also thank God for all the pastors He had provided through the years. Even as we consider His marvelous provision, I am reminded of Ephesians 2:4-7 “But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions – it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.” It is through Jesus Christ that the grace of God becomes evident in our lives. The following are what we receive in Christ: 1. THE FORGIVENESS OF SINS In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace. Eph.1:7 We are all sinners who need to pay for our sins. Just as a criminal who cannot use his good deeds to absolve himself of his crimes, we cannot just use our good works to pay for our sins. However, Jesus has paid for our sins when he died on the cross. Before God, we stand as those acquitted/ justified because our sins have been paid for. We no longer need to stand in dread of the Day of Judgment nor fear the condemnation that awaits all who have to answer for their sins. In fact, we are reminded every Sunday that God is faithful and He forgives us when we confess our sins and hear the words of absolution. Whenever we partake of the Lord’s Supper, we are also reminded that all our sins are forgiven through Christ’s sacrifice. 2.THE RIGHT TO BECOME CHILDREN OF GOD Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God. John 1:12 So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith Gal.3:26
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The GOODNEWS | April 2020
Previously, we were sinners, unwanted and unworthy, but through Christ our standing changed. We are now treasured and precious in the sight of God. We can confidently enter the throne of grace in prayer and address God as “Abba, Father” knowing that he hears our prayers. We have a direct relationship with God, a sense of belonging to the household of God, knowing that there is a family to share our joys and burdens. 3. THE GIFT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance … Eph.1:13,14a Peter replied, “repent and be baptized, everyone of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:38 Without the Holy Spirit in our lives, there is no way we can come to know God or do anything worthwhile. Living the Christian life will be impossible! That is why the Holy Spirit is absolutely essential and needful. It is the indwelling Holy Spirit who helps us in our weaknesses, especially when we pray or face temptations. He fills us with understanding, faith, courage, love and joy. 4. A LIVING HOPE In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead 1 Pet.1:3b For in this hope we were saved….And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Rom. 8:24a, 28 In these days, when we are faced with uncertainties over all forms of disasters and diseases, there is not much one can look forward to. Death can come suddenly to those who are least prepared. However, for those of us who look forward to his coming, we can say like Paul, “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me.” Personally, I am reminded of the times I nearly died in the swimming pool; from hepatitis; from dengue fever and just recently, from a car accident. It seems that life hangs on by a thread, but all our lives depend on God’s will. And it is by his grace that we live to serve God. Yet, a time will come when all of us will meet our Lord and Maker. May this living hope carry us through the finishing line to the presence of God.
Grace upon Grace . PASTOR’S MESSAGE
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Join a C E L L group! here’s why…D By Chee Peng Some LCOR-ians were asked about how they have benefited from being in their respective cell groups (aka care groups). Below are their responses to these 3 questions:
1
group? l l e c a d n e t t a u o y Why do
East Coast Cell Group
John Leong
Salt & Light Cell Group
“From a cell group leader’s perspec-
Marcus
tive, I feel that the more I wish to lead effectively, the more I need to follow Christ. This means dwelling regularly
“I started my current cell group with my
into the Bible, understanding its many
co-leader with the purpose of providing
lessons and concepts, and then distill-
our church’s young adults a safe space
ing them into applications relevant to
to understand and find out more about
all cell members. In this ever-chang-
their identity in Christ. We encourage
ing and complex world, every one of
each other and provide a safe envi-
us in the cell faces different
ronment to ask the difficult questions
challenges.
and find out more about what it means to be a disciple of Christ. We support each other in both the good and difficult times.
I enjoy being a part of this cell group very much not only because of the wonderful community, but because it has given me many opportunities to learn more of God’s heart. Through preparing our weekly materials, and
It is good and healthy that we do not walk alone in this journey, as
hearing the studies, I learn new aspects
much as we also need time for personal space. As we meet regularly
of God.
outside the church context, more ideas and viewpoints are shared. We take turns to lead the day’s lesson, and the respective leader pretty
Without a cell group, I would miss not
much facilitates the discussion where we are spiritually enriched as one
only the fellowship but also the invalu-
in the body of Christ.
able community that keeps us focused and God-centred through our walk with God.” 4
The GOODNEWS | April 2020
Without my cell group, I would miss the food – both spiritual and physical.”
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o God t e s o l c raw d u o y d e help p u o r g lk? a l w l e c n a r i t u s i o Chr r u o y How has y n i ally u t i r i p s p o or devel NQCG Cell Group
Hazel Broken Alabaster Cell Group
“To me, studying God’s word takes time, discipline and
Cynthia
perseverance. Last year, I decided to ride on the “power of
“I am part of a cell group as I believe that it is important to have a group of people who are committed to encourage and pray with one another, and walk with God together, in order to grow in Christ.
many” to get me going. At Michelle’s invitation, I joined the Never-Quit-Cell-Group (NQCG) last year. The NQCG was studying the book of Revelations under the guidance of Pastor Nick. I recalled we asked him many difficult questions and he demystified them. Besides studying the bible, we bonded over food and fellowship. Each session was a savoured moment for me!
I enjoy the sharing amongst my cell members as we bond over learning about and praying for each other. Our camaraderie also lends me strong support as I go about my daily life, by reminding each other to look to God and reinforcing Jesus’s teachings in every aspect of our lives. The strong commitment to meet up almost weekly helps to keep me rooted in Christ’s family, by setting aside the time for God and His family.
3 yWouhat
will y ou mis r cell s with group? out
A year has passed and I still look forward to each NQCG meeting. We celebrated joyful moments and prayed over troubled times. Technically, our meetings do not ‘cease’. Why? This is because Edwin and
If I did not have a cell group, I would miss the friendship and anchor in Christ.”
Sarah are always keeping us in prayer, over big and small issues that we shared in confidence during the meetings.
What would I be without NQCG? Possibly a tad slimmer (with less munching late into the night!). On a serious note, I value the camaraderie and the fun amidst learning God’s word. “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them” (Matthew 18:20). If you, like me, need the “power of many” to get you started in studying God’s word, join us.” DISCIPLESHIP
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Why do you attendChoa Chu Kang Cell Group a cell group? Katherine Lim “Cell group is a good place to meet and be connected with fellow Christians, to learn about the teachings of Jesus. As I lead a very busy life, I see a need to commit myself to more opportunities to know God besides just attending the Sunday Worship Service.
Holland Road Cell Group
Bible study in the cell group
Goh Wooi Boon
provides a good environment
“The Holland Road cell group was started many years back by our late brother Bill Teo, when the group met at his home around Holland Road. We now meet every second and fourth
to learn and share our understanding of God with one another. We are so blessed to have Pastor Nick lead us into bible study, providing good insights and encouragement during each meeting.
Friday at the Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer at 8pm, but still retain the original name. We are a mixed group of about 7 regularly-attending brothers and sisters from both the English first and second services.
Without my cell group, I will miss the sharing, fellowship and the study of the Bible using various study materials.”
Choa Chu Kang Cell Group
Wai Leong “Being in a cell group enables us to
We look forward to the bible study
share our thoughts on a more person-
discussion as it gives us an opportuni-
al level. The small group size allows
ty to share and learn about our faith,
for deeper discussion on topics and
past experiences, concerns and God’s
issues close to our heart in a familiar
faithfulness in our lives. We are always
environment. It is a space where we
thankful that Pastor Nick is around to
can share comfortably, encourage
help us with difficult passages in our
and learn God’s Word together. In this
study. We wrap up the evenings with
ever-changing and complex world,
thanksgiving, prayer and fellowship
every one of us in the cell group faces
over some goodies, which we take
different challenges.
turns to provide for the group. Cell group meeting is still the best way to get to know one another more deeply and pray for one another.”
Through studying various books in the Bible, we expanded our knowledge in Christ. Through discussions on practical concerns, we can link Jesus to our everyday life and see Him working in us daily and in our various situations. We become confident and are at peace knowing we
What will I miss without a cell group? A good time of learning, growing my spiritual life and building up relation-
have a God who is in control of our lives as we draw closer to Him. Through corporate prayers at cell group meetings, we seek God’s covering over us and pray for each other’s needs. We seek the Holy Spirit to
ship with fellow members.” 6
The GOODNEWS | April 2020
guide us and walk with us.
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Ekbas Cell Group
Puay Tian “When I first came to LCOR, I knew only one person. I felt so out of place and ‘neglected’ when my friend fellowshipped with other church members.
After I joined Ekbas, I slowly grew in this ‘small fam-
elped h p u o r g ell c r u o y s lop e v e d r How ha o o God t e s o l c k? l a w n a i you draw t Chris r u o y n i spiritually
ily’. I get to observe how godly parents guide their children in their walk with Christ. How to seek God first each time they face challenges in their natural family. This is something that I don’t get to experience as I am the only believer in my own family. I feel included like a “family member” in my cell group. Thank God for my small family (Ekbas) and my big family (LCOR).”
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What will you miss withCell group is also a pillar of out your cell group? support where we pray for one Fire Hearts Cell Group
David
another and receive advice, guidance and constructive feedback from each other and our mentor, Aunty Persis. At the cell group
“Nadia and I join the Fire Hearts cell
meetings, we also reflect on
group where we gather with a group of
God’s Word and its application
loving brothers and sisters from LCOR.
to our daily lives as we journey together in our Christian faith.
Cell group is a place for us to candidly share our struggles and disappointments, our joys and our successes. It
We have been richly blessed by Aunty Persis and the Fire Hearts cell
is a harbour, a safe space, where no
group. As the Bible says, “A cord of three strands is not easily broken”.
judgment is passed and where genuine
Being with a cell group allows us to strengthen one another as God
love and concern is shown.
moulds us to be more like Him.” DISCIPLESHIP
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HON GKON G
DIA RY
Grace
HIS GRACE By Grace Yu
27 February 2019
Dear LCOR friends,
I hope you are all well. It has been more than 2 years since I’ve moved back to HK. I miss my time with LCOR. It has been a journey experiencing His guidance and provision in HK, discovering myself in Him - in times of uncertainty and changes.
E
When I left Singapore in December 2017, I was pondering if I should stay in HK for good. I was also planning to sort out my late mum’s apartment that had been left unattended for a year since her demise. This was the apartment I moved into during my university days and it has left me with plenty of memories. When I returned to HK, I agreed to host a missionary friend’s family for a few months. The chore of clearing the rooms to make space for them became an inspiration for me to clear the old things or “garbage” in my heart, to prepare space to welcome Jesus in my new phase of life. That made me more determined to clear the apartment. When I was busy decluttering, God led me to revisit some old memories by reading letters and diaries, at
E
the same time providing me with His healing touch. I realized that I was in such a privileged position to be in touch with my inner self, to embrace my past and be content with what God has given me. It was during that time that I decided I would like to stay in HK for good and make this apartment my new home.
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The GOODNEWS | April 2020
By the end of 2018, with the help of many people, especially with my brother’s support, I renovated the apartment and bought a beautiful grand piano for myself. Having a grand piano has always been a hidden wish of mine. The day the grand piano arrived, I played for many hours and was touched to tears by what God has done. Playing on a grand piano at home in HK was a crazy thought of mine, but it’s God who made it possible. Besides playing the piano, I began learning how to swim in various styles, reconnecting with old friends and making new friends in my neighborhood. In 2019, I took on a few roles. Besides doing a part-time job as an instructor at a university, I worked freelance at nursing homes, secondary schools and clinics. At the same time, I also visited China and Myanmar for some assignments. I thank God for giving me the freedom to take on new roles that could be challenging but provided me with the opportunity to experience His grace. God took away my fear of failure and the fear of not meeting others’ expectations. He blessed me and enabled me to be led by Him, to just fulfill His purposes for me by encountering people, learning and growing at the same time. In times of trials like the political unrest in HK and having my thumb injured for more than a few months, God has been teaching me to put my hope and identity in Him instead of the circumstances, people or my abilities.
It’s all by His grace.
As I write this, I am glad that my right hand has recovered and I have just played for a church wedding. On the other hand, the trials in 2020 seem to be nothing less. We are now facing the coronavirus that is now a pandemic. Many of my jobs are suspended here, though I managed to escape the long queues for masks and toilet paper as I was travelling in Taiwan. Despite all these, it is a time to pause and reflect on life, on what truly matters to us and that many things are beyond our control.
“A man’s heart devise His way, but the Lord directs his steps.” (Proverbs 16:9). I am also encourWe can humbly echo what the bible says,
aged by the following saying, “sometimes God allows us to go through difficult times, even as a result of the wicked actions of others. Yet whatever we have to endure, we can be sure that God can use it for good”. He could recycle our “garbage” for His use. May we continue to trust in His goodness and faithfulness in times of difficulty and uncertainty, remember each other in prayers, and take courage to be the witness of Christ.
TESTIMONY
9
GEG H ARD
M O NA S T E R Y
CAUCASUS CHURCH HISTORY By Oey Bie Lan @ Lanny Widjaja
O
19-28 December 2019
I took a tour to the Caucasus countries - Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia and learned about the history of Christianity in Armenia and Georgia.
A
RM EN I A 1.ARMENIA
Apostles of Jesus Christ - Thaddaeus (Jude) and Bartholomew evangelized Armenians in the 1st
E T C H M I A D Z I N
Century.
1.1.Khor Virap Gregory the Illuminator (257-331) was imprisoned in a dungeon under the church of Khor Virap for 13 years by King Tiridates III. Later when the king went mad, he met Gregory and converted to be a Christian. Armenia adopted Christianity as its state religion in 301.
1.2.Mount Ararat At the background of Khor Virap was Mount Ararat. It is identified with “mountains of Ararat” as the resting place of Noah’s Ark in Genesis 8:4. It is the principal national symbol of Armenia and is depicted on the coat of arms of Armenia along with Noah’s Ark.
1.3.Etchmiadzin Cathedral Gregory the Illuminator built Etchmiadzin Cathedral between 301-303 over a pagan temple, symbolizing the conversion from paganism to Christianity. The cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is the oldest one in the world. It is currently under renovation. Etchmiadzin Cathedral is the mother church of the Armenian Apostolic Church. It is important not only religiously, but also politically and culturally to Armenia. Roman Catholic Pope Francis visited this cathedral in 2016. 10
The GOODNEWS | April 2020
C AT H E D R A L
1.4.Geghard Monastery Gregory the Illuminator also founded Geghard Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site, in the 4th Century. Geghard means “the Monastery of the Spear”. It kept the spear which wounded Jesus at the Crucifixion, allegedly brought to Armenia by Apostle Thaddaeus.
1.5.Armenian Alphabet Park Mesrop Mashtos created the Armenian alphabet in 405. His main motivation is to have an Armenian Bible. Armenian was one of the first languages into which the bible was translated in 436. Mesrop Mashtos also created the Georgian alphabet.
1.6.Oriental Orthodoxy The Armenian Church upheld the Oriental Orthodox Christology position - miaphysitism.
It
differs from the Chalcedonian Definition issued at the Council of Chalcedon in 451. The Armenian Church officially severed ties with Rome and Constantinople in 554.
1.7.Zvartnots Cathedral We visited the ruins of Zvartnots Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site, dedicated to Gregory the Illuminator. It was built in 643-653 during the
Byzantine empire, at the place where a meeting
Sidonia who, upon touching the robe, immedi-
between King Tiridates III and Gregory the Illu-
ately died from the emotions engendered by the
minator took place at the edge of Etchmiadzin
sacred object. The robe could not be removed
Cathedral. The cathedral is well known for its
from her grasp, so she was buried with it.
architecture in the world.
An enormous cedar tree grew from her grave.
1.8.Sevanavank Monastery
Nino ordered to have the cedar chopped down
We climbed 230 stairs to Sevanavank Monastery.
and its wood be used as the wooden column to
It is located on a peninsula of Lake Sevan, which
build a church in 379 in Tbilisi. Svetitskhoveli
is one of the largest high-mountain freshwater
means “Life giving column”.
lakes in the world. Founded in 874 by Princess
On a wall is a picture of “The Glory of Iberia”
Mariam, the daughter of King Ahsot Erkat, she
by Mikail Sabinin. It remains one of the most re-
dedicated the churches to Apostles Thaddeus
vered Georgian Orthodox icons to this day and
and Bartholomew.
has been reproduced widely throughout Geor-
EO RG I A 2.GEORGIA
gia. It shows Sidonia grasping Jesus’ robe with
Apostle of Jesus Christ - Andrew evangelized
an angel lifting the column in heaven. Nino is in
Georgians in the 1st Century.
the foreground with Apostle Andrew on her left:
Unlike Armenia, Georgia followed the Eastern
King Mirian III and his wife Queen Nana are to
Orthodox Church to accept the doctrine of the
the right and left.
Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople.
The cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site,
2.1.Tsaminda Ninos Monastery or Bodbe Convent
is the second largest church building in Georgia.
G
Tsaminda Ninos Monastery is the final resting
2.4.Holy Trinity Cathedral
place of Nino, who baptized Queen Nana. King
The Holy Trinity Cathedral, commonly known as
Mirian III was hunting in the woods when dark-
Sameba, is the main cathedral of the Georgian
ness fell upon the land and the king was totally
Orthodox Church located in Tbilisi. Construct-
blinded. The light did not resume until Mirian
ed between 1995 and 2004, it is the third tall-
prayed to Nino’s God for aid. The king convert-
est Eastern Orthodox Cathedral in the world and
ed to Christianity. Georgia declared Christianity
one of the largest religious buildings in the world
as the official religion in 337. Nino’s attribute,
by total area. Sameba is a synthesis of traditional
a grapevine cross, is a symbol of Georgia Chris-
styles dominating the Georgian church architec-
tianity.
ture at various stages in history and has some
2.2.Jvary Monastery
Byzantine undertones.
Nino erected a large wooden (or vine) cross on
The tour has enriched me with the knowledge of
the site of a pagan temple to announce the start
church history in the Caucasus. I pray that Chris-
of the Christian church.
tian faith will strengthen and achieve unity there.
A small church was
erected over the remnants of the wooden cross in 545 and subsequently the present building.
Amen. J VA R Y
M O N A S T E R Y
A UNESCO World Heritage site, the monastery was built on the very margin of a cliff overlooking Mtskheta. It is one of the best examples of harmonic relation of architecture with nature.
2.3.Svetitskhoveli Cathedral Svetitskhoveli Cathedral is known as the burial site of the claimed Jesus Christ’s robe. In the 1st Century a Georgian Jew from Mtskheta named Elias was in Jerusalem when Jesus was crucified. Elias bought Jesus’ robe from a Roman soldier at Golgotha and brought it back to Georgia. Returning to his native city, he was met by his sister
HO LY
T R I N I T Y
C AT H E D R A L
HISTORY
11
S I N G A P O R E
B I B L E
C O L L E G E
O
新 加 坡 神 学 院
My Spirituality Journey as a Counselling Student By Georgia Teng We often focus on the activities that one is doing to define spirituality rather than addressing deeper emotional issues. Thus, when confronted with painful emotions, we are unable to find congruency with biblical truth. In Peter Scazzero’s “Emotionally Healthy Spirituality”, he used the Iceberg Model to illustrate the 10 percent of what we see to represent how we live and conduct ourselves with others. The 90 percent represents the spiritual formation that lies beneath the surface that remained unyielding or untouched by Jesus, unless the engagement is considered “emotionally healthy” spirituality. My spirituality journey begins by addressing my pain and looking at my own family, how it has affected my behaviour that impacted my marriage, relationship with others and with God. The emotions that we have are gifts from God. The scriptures reveal to us a God who feels. When we deny ourselves with emotion, failing to name and
“The joy of the Lord is my strength”.
express them, we will become dissociated and this affects how we relate to one another. There were instances where I felt certain emotions and yet unable to understand my own feelings. For a long time, I could not understand why I would cry, even in shows with a happy ending of mother and child. Each time I felt sad and tried hard to hold back my tears. It was only during my personal session with a therapist that I realised the tears were the grief I felt for the loss in my three miscarriages. For many years, I did not know what I was feeling and why I felt that way. Whenever I felt sad, I just covered up and moved on without address-
NEHEMIAH 8:10
ing it. I thought that to be sad is weak and being weak is not strong. After going through counselling, I began to understand the bible verse Nehemiah 8:10, that as long as I have faith, I am joyful all the time and I will not be weak. This is the liberating discovery of my emotions!
The excuses of busyness with parenthood kept me away from God. Only after three children did I realise that it was my fear that kept me away from God. I fear the loss of my children and therefore stayed very close to them. I felt protective over newborn babies. Withholding my emotions kept me away from the reality of my pain and the acknowledgement of my need for God. Now, as I rediscover my emotion of fear, I am able to commit to our Lord my fear, even though it is the fear of God. Whenever I see a newborn, I feel joyous and celebrative, no longer having the fear of loss! This became my first step of letting go and let God into my life without suppressing my fear. Being emotionally healthy is part of discipleship. It is important to be aware of our emotions. Emotions are like our inner soul. In our consciousness when I neglect the intense emotions, I am masked with a false self and as such, I cannot be truthful to our God. The ability to address the emotions that are 12
The GOODNEWS | April 2020
buried helps us to gain spirituality and come before God as a disciple. By identifying the withheld emotions made me aware of my inner self. Satan often tempt me and direct me towards a false self. In Luke 4:1-13, Satan tempted Jesus in the wilderness with three false identities: performance, possessions and popularity. It is these three powerful temptation that deceives and threatens us, pushing us towards a false identity. Most of us value how others think of us and we strive towards an image that desires their acceptances. We become devastated when they disapprove. In most of my working life, I felt that I had to work hard to prove my worthiness. I worked hard to be where I am and I was defined by my work. I didn’t think of it as a place where God wanted me to be. I found my security in material richness and possessions rather than trust God to provide. I seeked the approvals of others through my gains. I was able to “control” how others perceive me by displaying to them all my accomplishments. My active social life and busyness gave me a false sense of feeling good about myself. I thought that being able to juggle bringing up three children, running my business and having an active social life as being successful. Instead, the juggling of my busy schedule overwhelmed me - I felt tired and resentful. Jesus showed us his true self. He did not have to live up to anyone’s expectations. He did not fall into Satan’s temptations. He was assured in God’s love as He
that our sense of being good does not come from others but the fact
NEW SELF
that I am made in the image of God. In Christ, I find my true identity
EPHESIANS 4:22
endured the persecutions. In Christ and not in sin, I know I am loved, with that comes the freedom of our authentic self. Being true to myself so that I can be faithful and carry on a life with God-given purpose. I discover
as a child of God. My identity is base on biblical truth. The Gospel’s truth free us from the deceptions of the world. Our significance in life does not lie in what I do or how others sees me, I understand myself in the light of God’s love for us in Jesus Christ. As a counselling intern, my role is to guide the client to be at peace with oneself. When the client comes to our sessions with various “defences”, our role as counsellor is to help them to discard their emotional defences. We are to help them to be true to themselves and gradually move away from their sinful selves. Self-awareness is related to our relationship with God, this eventually will lead us to become the authentic self which is the core of spirituality. In Ephesian 4:22, we are to “put off your old self…and to put on the new self, created to be like God”. Self-awareness means the “freedom” from having to be special to other people, for it is suffice that we are loved by God. It is this new relationship with God through Jesus Christ and relationship with others, that we experience grace and truth. Going back to school at the age of 50 is not something I can do by my own might. I humbly take on as how God has led me in this path. I take this opportunity to reflect on my emotions and the role of renewal of my spirituality. My spirituality is not defined by how much I know God or by the good works like serving in church or reading the bible. If I am not honest about my true feelings it will stunt my spiritual growth with God and limit my relationship with others. To be emotionally healthy means to allow God to work in my life as well as the life of others. It is through knowing that I have a God who graciously loves me that I discover my identity. The identity that may be filled with grace through love and gives me new meaning in life.
TESTIMONY
13
M I S S I O N S M YA N M A R By Oey Bie Lan @ Lanny Widjaja Yeong Wai Leong led a group of twelve mem-
youth expressed his interest to learn more about
bers of the Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer
mission. So I referred him to the mission course
(LCOR) for a mission trip to Myanmar from 15 to
coordinator in Yangon.
24 November 2019. Our mission focus was the
Wai Leong, Chris How, Clement, Siew Kim,
Hebron Assembly of God (AOG) Church
Gladys, Kris, Weng Kong, Sarah and the rest
in Myitkyina (the capital of Kachin State) and in
taught the youths to do art and craft for three
Yangon. This was LCOR’s first mission trip to My-
afternoons. We felt great satisfaction when we
itkyina. We were also the AOG Church in Myit-
saw the youths happily flying kites which they had
kyina’s first foreign group to conduct a marriage
painted by themselves.
workshop, do Sunday School teachers training and organize children’s carnival. 1. MYITKYINA
90%
BBC (Buddhist Background Children) Peng Chye, Clement, Gladys and Kris reached out to the BBC for three mornings. On the first day, the BBC came to the Hebron AOG Church.
of the population of Myitkyina are
On the second and third day, we went to the vil-
Christians. We made last minute changes to our
lages to meet the BBC and their parents. Peng
plan due to the unexpected attendance of par-
Chye told them bible stories. We noted that the
ticipants. We organized workshops and mission
BBC live in poverty. We implemented a holis-
activities in Myitkyina for three days from 18 to
tic mission by also donating some clothing and
20 November.
food. The BBC’s parents managed to join our
Marriage Workshop Soon Hock Bee, Judy Soon and Sarah conducted a marriage workshop over three days. Pastor Shepherd did the translation into Burmese.
38
people attended the workshop, including
sharing during their lunch break from making bricks. They are receptive to the Gospel. We heard from Pastor Naw Din that the BBC attends church service on Sundays. Praise the Lord!
Shopping for art and craft and snacks
married couples and a few pastors.
Chris, Siew Kim and Weng Kong made last min-
Youth Workshop
ute shopping for snacks and goodies for
25 youths attended the youth workshop for three mornings. Peng Chye led the worship. I did devotions, taught gospel and mission lessons. One 14
15-24 November 2019
The GOODNEWS | April 2020
children over three days and nights.
863
Young Children Workshop and Carnival
Hkw Gig’s Preschool
Peng Chye and I each did an hour-long gospel
Pastor Naw Din arranged on an ad hoc basis for
lesson to young children on the first and second
us to visit his sister Hkw Gig’s preschool. There
nights respectively. We noticed that the children
were
can read Scripture verses very well.
Chris, Clement, Kris, Siew Kim, Judy and Sarah
After the gospel lesson, we taught the young chil-
taught the preschoolers to read English alphabets
dren to do various art and craft.
and sing songs. We also did some art and craft.
On the third night, we organized a carnival for the young children.
Clement supervised us to
station for eight games. The children were very
40 preschoolers aged three to five years.
“Child’s Place” Some of us visited “Child’s Place”, which is a pre-
excited to get their prizes!
school run by Margarita (who is a Burmese and
Musicians
husband Fred. Five female teachers, including a
Weng Kong played the ukulele. His music struck
Vice Principal, teach
a chord in the peoples’ hearts so that they could
riculum is conducted in English, with one lesson
receive the Word of God well. Wai Leong also
in Burmese. The teachers teach the preschoolers
accompanied him to play the ukulele at the mar-
on morals by sharing stories from the Bible indi-
riage workshop.
rectly.
the Principal of the preschool) and her Filipino
Weng Kong doubled up as the photographer
40 preschoolers.
The cur-
during our mission trip.
SCEM (Street Children Education Ministry)
Sunday School Teacher Workshop
the last night before they vacated it. The landlord
LCOR sent three Sunday school teacher trainers
had terminated the lease agreement and wanted
from Yangon to Myitkyina. They taught
to get the flat back. SCEM is finding another flat
We visited the street children in a rented flat on
36 Sun-
6 staff have been working
day school teachers over five days from 18 to 22
to house the children.
November. Some of the Sunday school teachers
on alternate days to accompany the children at
had to walk for three days from their villages to
night. These children sell vegetables or beg on
attend this workshop.
the street in the day. The staff teach the children
Refugee Camp We visited a refugee camp that housed
to read, tell them gospel stories, sing songs, do
500
Christian refugees fleeing from the fighting by Ta’ang National Liberation Army in Shan State. They live in wooden houses built on the big land owned by the AOG Church. Peng Chye shared the parable about the lame man who was healed by Jesus. We gave the refugees winter and summer clothing, Tiger Balm and food etc.
Sightseeing We went to Prayer Mountain at Jaw Bum. It has many indoor and outdoor cubicles which affords solitude for the Christians to pray and meditate.
art and craft, and cook dinner for them. We taught the children to paint eggs and make paper houses and brought snacks and gave goodies bags.
Reverend Josiah We met Rev. Josiah who is the 98 years old father of Pastor Naw Din. He was the Superintendent of the AOG in Myanmar. He retired in the year 2000. We listened to his sharing on how he accepted Christ and subsequently evangelized the people groups. Rev. Josiah is conversant in Rawang, Jingpo and Lisu. We were so engrossed to hear his story and felt that the mission history has come alive!
2. YANGON LCOR sponsors five ministries in Yangon: Justina Home, Child’s Place, Zion Ministries, Prisoners of Christ and SCEM (Street Children Education Ministry).
THE TASK REMAINING LCOR and the AOG in Myanmar can be good partners in Christ. We will fulfill our responsibility to achieve the Great Commission. COMMUNITY
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W H AT h a p p e n e d a t t h e M A R R I A G E W O R K S H O P ? MA R R I A G E
W O R KS HO P
2
M A R R I A G E
W O R KS HO P
4
M A R R I A G E
W O R KS HO P
5
By Soon Hock Bee & Judy We were privileged and happy to join the mission led by Wai Leong. It was our first time in Myanmar, let alone Myitkyina. With Sarah Tay, our main role was to conduct a three-day Marriage cum Family seminar in Myitkyina. For this article, we will focus on this area. We saw God’s hand clearly at work even before the trip began. The Lord provided (through Jean) translators for our teaching materials into the Myanmar language. At the airport, we found favour from the staff at the check-in counter as they cleared our 11 kg of excess baggage, comprising mainly blankets, donated clothing, Tiger balm and plasters as well as craft materials for the Children’s Ministry. Immigration at Myitkyina was also very smooth, all thanks to Ps Naw Din who was waiting for us at the airport. (Some of us saw how a Caucasian lady from the United Nations was questioned at the Immigration.) However, we also experienced challenges! On the first day of the seminar, the projector did not work and had to be replaced; our printed handouts went missing and had to be reprinted at a speed that we were not use to. Though the seminar started almost an hour late, we were amazingly able to complete the first session in good
S U N D AY
S C HO O L
W O R KS H O P
time. Praise be to God! We were so encouraged by the enthusiasm of the people who attended the three day seminar. Though they came from different AG churches, they all wanted to learn more about strengthening their own marriage and family life. We were told that this is the first time that a marriage/family course is conducted. The participants included six pastors who wanted to bring the teaching back to their own churches. On the second day when the altar call was made, all the participants came forward for prayer. The pastors joined us in praying for the participants. Truly God was in our midst! 16
The GOODNEWS | April 2020
G O S P E L
L E S S O N
2
M A R R I A G E
W O R KS HO P
8
We have been invited to return next year to continue with the Marriage and Pre-Marital course, not just in Myitkyina but also in Putao. God willing, we have a great task ahead of us. As we were in Myitkyina , we took the opportunity to visit our Lisu language tutor who had returned here six years ago to get married. The journey to her house was somewhat tricky as Ps Naw Din
N I G H T
G O S P E L
L E S S O N
1
N I G H T
G O S P E L
L E S S O N
2
had to make several u-turns. We met her family and parents. Her father is the Senior Pastor of a Baptist church and despite recovering from malaria, he left mid-way to tend to his sheep. At the couple’s request, we gave some “handles” for them to apply in their marriage and family. We felt it was the Lord’s leading and were happy that we had visited them. Although we heard stories of the ongoing clashes between the Kachin Independent Army (KIA) and the government forces as well as that between the neighbouring Shan state and government forces, we had peace and did not see or feel any strife. The only intimidating time was when we crossed a bridge that
eventually links Myan-
mar to Yunnan (China). We had to turn back at the end of the bridge as there were government soldiers with rifles at their various posts. We had another divine appointment when we
M I S S O N S
T E A M
P R AY I N G
W I T H
R E V.
J O S I A H
P H A L A
met Ps ND’s 98 year-old father, Rev. Josiah Phala, who has a mesmerising life story. We felt an immediate connection when he told us that in his earlier days, being conversant with the Lisu language as well as Jingbo and other languages, he travelled frequently to Fugong to share the gospel. Just before we left, Rev. Josiah gave us a short audio message to convey to our persecuted friends in Fugong to strengthen their faith. As someone in the team said, it is yet another dot
C R A F T
A C T I V I T I E S
connected to our Fugong ministry. The unity, grace and respect for each other in the whole mission team are just amazing. All shared a common objective of doing God’s will in Myanmar, to be His hands and feet and to be a blessing to the Burmese people made this mission an awesome and memorable one. We are grateful to our heavenly and Almighty Father.
COMMUNITY
17
By Sara
By Ang Peng Chye
Although this is my fourth mission trip to Myan-
“This is my first mission trip with the LCOR team.
mar, this trip is special, not just because it is the
I am thankful to God for the opportunity to share
biggest team going to Myanmar but also be-
the Good News in a foreign ground. Though we
cause we have the opportunity to teach the Word
have different gifting and skills, God in His time
of God. It has been a privilege to be part of
brought all of these into good use for His mission.
the team with Hock Bee and Judy, conducting the
From teaching the youth balloon sculptures to the
Marriage and Family workshops in Myitkyina. It
simple craft works for children, whether in groups
was encouraging to see the enthusiasm of the
of tens or hundreds, God had used us to bring
participants and receive their positive feedback.
laughter, joy and hope to the natives. Given the
I too have been blessed while preparing the les-
current challenges in Myanmar, Jesus Christ is in-
sons on “Sowing and Reaping” as it brought
deed the only Hope in any hopeless situation. As
back fond memories of the time that some of us
for me, if I could summarise all that I have seen
in LCOR attended the “Marriage For Life”
and experienced, I have in fact brought home
workshop many years ago.
an awesome vision of God’s Greatness much
Beyond the teaching sessions, I had the opportunity to interact with the children and it was such a joy to see the smiles on their faces as they par-
more than I have ever known before. All the glory be given to our God.” G O S P E L
L E S S O N
2
ticipated in the various activities we organized for them. I have been inspired by the sharing of Ps Naw Din and his 98 year old father, Rev Josiah. Despite his age and physical immobility, Rev Josiah is still fervent for the Lord and he continues to contribute actively to the AOG leadership team in Myanmar. He is a living example of one who seeks to “in-
C HI L D R E N S
P R O G R A M M E
spire before you expire” and one who lives the mandate of the great commission in Matthew 28:18-20 . To God be the glory for all that He has done in and through His people ! M AR R IAG E
W OR K S H OP
1
P R E S C H O O L E R S
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The GOODNEWS | April 2020
W H AT h a p p e n e d a t t h e B B C C a m p ?
By Kris & Gladys During this Myanmar Myitkyina trip, we were assigned to take charge of the group of BBC kids (Buddhist Background Children) for the three-day programme in Hebron Church. Although the kids could only come on the first day due to logistics, we were given the opportunity to visit their home and conduct our lessons there. We had the chance to meet more children and their family members. Peng Chye led by sharing Bible stories and we did some craft work. The children were all very keen to learn, dedicated and eager to complete colouring and craft. It is a joy to see all the smiling faces despite the language barrier. Some loving and touching moments that we witnessed:
o
A young boy, aged about 7 years old, was carrying his baby sister and he was very patient with her even
o
When we were giving out goodie bags and biscuits, a boy asked if he could have an additional pack
o
After completing the colouring of the crown with the words “God is My King”, everyone proudly wore the crown. There is a strong presence of the Holy Spirit as we were crowning them. We trust the seed
though she was struggling and distracting him from his work.
of biscuits for his brother who could not attend.
of God’s love has been sowed.
COMMUNITY L C OR
M I S S S I O N S
T E A M
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This egg-citing Easter puzzle is guaranteed to scramble your brain... Children are hunting 10 of the chocolate egg treats, but can you spot them all? You might think you’ve found them but don’t count your chickens before they’ve hatched.
CHURCH STAFF CHINESE SERVICE PASTORS Rev.Eric Chan ckchan@lutheran.org.sg Ps.Daniel Lai daniel_lai@lutheran.org.sg ENGLISH SERVICE PASTORS
WORSHIP SERVICES SUNDAY
9:00 AM
10:30 AM 11:15 AM 6:00 PM
Rev.Nick Singh nick_singh@lutheran.org.sg Liturgical English Service
Rev.Lim Kim Hock limkimhock@lutheran.org.sg PARISH/CHURCH WORKERS
Mandarin Service Contemporary English Service Tamil Service
Pasang N.Lama pasang@lutheran.org.sg Lily Tan lily@lutheran.org.sg ADMINISTRATORS
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. Stay connected - tune into our worship services online.
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
GOOD NEWS TEAM
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contributors rev lim kim hock | chee peng | marcus | john leong | cynthia | hazel | goh wooi boon | katherine lim | wai leong | puay tian | david | grace yu | lanny widjaja | georgia | soon hock bee & judy | sara | ang peng chye | kris & gladys editors june yap | charlotte huang | mcken wong | wong manquan design sherlin roshni
blessed TO BE A blessing
Be Blessed ! Please come and talk to us if you have an article OR testimony you would like to share OR email shrosh3@gmail.com
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The GOODNEWS | April 2020
MCI (P) 026/02/2020
