SENT - Issue No. 2

S.E.N.T SABAH

TWIN FEAT

URE STORY

pg 3 - 6

MISSIONS IN PICTURES pg 7 & 8 WHERE HAS THE MONEY pgGONE? 2, 10 & 14 couple on a mission pg 11 & 12

foreword

Dear Saint, Tabernacle of Joy stands on the cusp of a great revival in Asia. An unprecedented number of people in Asia are being baptized in the name of Jesus and filled with the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues. However, majority of Asia are still unreached and in desperate need of labourers. As Antioch of the East, it is our mandate to be God’s partner in the mission field and in Faith Promise.

Perhaps you are wondering, what exactly is Faith Promise? Faith Promise is more than constructing a building, but it is about equipping and investing in people. As a church body, it is about building lives. As individuals, it is about exercising our faith through making strategic investments with our time, energy and money into the things of God. To restate God’s promise to Bishop Willoughby, “If we help others build their church, God will help us build our church”. This is our heritage and heartbeat.

As a church body, we endeavor to work locally but focus globally. Specifically, we have many strategic projects and partnerships in the coming year to

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forge regional networks with churches in Asia, and strengthen our home missions in preparation for a harvest. While we are the Antioch of the East, we will not be able to impact millions of lives without the contribution of every saint. Every effort counts as you continue to invest in the Kingdom of God. Your prayers, time, energy, and money have, and will continue to reap dividends into eternity.

As you turn the pages, you will get a clearer picture of our projects in the mission field. Celebrate with us on the progression of our mission endeavors.

Read the experiences from people who have gone for mission trips. They offer various enlightening perspectives about participating in a mission trip.

I hope that these articles will stir and compel everyone into the harvest.

Answer the call to Save Every Nation Today.

Yours Sincerely, Pastor Timothy Lee

report

nov

oct

2011-2012

MISSIONS REPORT

$302,930 $374,478 Total Amt Pledged

HG:112 WB:88

Total Amt Received

123

Percent Received

HOMES

UTB 10 SCHOOLS

TOTAL:$151,997

Chengdu: 30 Guanhan: 40 TOTAL:$170,334

14

SUPPORT:

4 PASTORS IMPACT: 10 CHURCHES

SAS*

$1,960

LOVE OFFERINGS CAMP SPONSORS

2478

$30,128

1

BARNABAS

MISSION TRIPS REPORT

5

TOTAL HG

BANGLADESH JAPAN CHINA THAILAND

SABAH

260

2

10 *

$8,630 TOTAL WB

63

$4,860

MALAYSIA

PHILLIPINES

2

$2,305

OUTREACH

SOULS REACHED

TOTAL SPENT

$4,500

3 DCD

COMBINED CAMP

INDONESIA BANGLADESH

$200

TJ SAINTS SENT

49

*Social Assistance Scheme

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feature

SABAH FOR JESUS

Sabah is home to over 30 ethnic groups. BRENDA LEE recounts efforts to bring the Gospel to the indigenous communities of Sabah.

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I remembered the lyrics to a famous song and it went something like, “…There must be more than this…”

Little did I know that as I stood before a crowd of several Textwill overflow intohundred next box Sabahans, the magnitude of the song would come crashing over me with such gravity. I knew then that I have been living in a cocoon of self-indulgence that contradicted the reality of a world desperate for a Saviour. Jesus was peeling back the corners to this real, savaged and hungry world and asking me to connect them to the real God. My first trip to Sabah was in 2007 when we were invited to an annual Family Camp. Many campers were neither baptised nor Spirit-filled.

Amongst them were individuals from an indigenous tribe in an offshore island. They were boated to the campsite and were dressed in their own ethnic costumes.

The campsite was at Kudat, beside the river mouth leading to the sea. Needless to say, it was beautiful. We were appointed to be altar workers during the evening services. When the call to repentance came, the response was overwhelming. When the prayer of faith was spoken, the whole shed erupted into shouts and wails.

People were getting the Holy Spirit almost immediately. At the same time, we were clamouring over chairs and bodies to pray for others. It was a sight to behold. I was desperate to edge around and pray for the throngs of people who were utterly overwhelmed by the presence of God. In the midst of it all, I witnessed an indigenous woman received the Holy Spirit despite not speaking English.

It was such a surreal moment!

My second time there was in June 2012. We were invited to help the children’s church. Many of the children received the Holy Spirit and spoke with tongues.

Their desire for God was evident.

During the altar call, they would cry and reach their hands to the heavens with tear-stained cheeks.

Many others had also received the Holy Spirit and were baptised at the river bank the next day.

Looking back, these mission trips that I went to were all so memorable. I know that to live life for my own gain would only leave me in a never-ending rut of emptiness. No matter how thrilling the environment or fascinating the culture, nothing beats seeing God literally manifest through miracles, signs and wonders. ◆◆◆

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feature

Apostolic youths are making a difference in the world. As a youth, MARK YONG shares how he impacted his peers in Sabah.

I was involved in the Sabah We worked together, laughed youth camp this year. We arrived together, and most importantly in Sabah on a late morning in we had fun together.

August. After lunch, we headed up into the mountains toward My most memorable experience the Kolko Prayer Summit. At Text will was on the lastinto day next of camp. overflow boxDuring our destination, the unhindered worship, Brother Wesley asked view from the mountains that all those who wanted to receive greeted us was spectacular and the baptism of the Holy Spirit to amazing. It was a sight that we lift their hands. Both of us then will never get to see in Singapore. laid hands on a young boy who had his hands raised. Without The objective of the camp was missing a beat, the boy immediately to teach the youths how to pray, started speaking in tongues. worship and study the Word of God. Brother Wesley and Brother As this was my first mission trip, Jinho conducted the teaching I can say that I was more than sessions, while the rest of the satisfied with my experience in team helped out by facilitating.

Sabah. I loved every moment of it - the games, the teachings, the The lessons were very practical. For food, and the fellowship with the example, those who attended the youths. At the end of the day, the session of studying the Word had smiles of the youths made our to present their own commentary efforts in planning worth it. I felt on the book of Ephesians. As that the youths were hungry and they attempted to present their passionate for God, and had a ideas, we aided them in writing desire to do more for Him. They and summarising their thoughts. reminded me of the youths in Many interesting points were Singapore. Deep down, I know brought up during such sessions, that the Sabahan youths have the and I learnt from them as much as potential in them to impact Sabah they learnt from us. Throughout and other parts of Malaysia as the camp, we played many games they continue to learn and develop to get to know the youths better. a relationship with God. ◆◆◆

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SABAH FOR JESUS

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viewfinder

PAKISTAN BIBLE SCHOOL: Students from New Life Seminary in Lahore, Pakistan can look forward to a new Bible school and hostel as the construction completes in November 2012. Tabernacle of Joy contributed to the building of this school.

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MALAYSIAN YOUTH CAMP 2011: The ROCK Ministries once again partners with the Malaysian church to spark revival fire amongst the youths. Here, Bro. Samuel Zhu leads a lively discussion with a multicultural group of youths. Jeremiah Yap and Nalani Raja were amongst the group that went.

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resourced

HOW TO BE BLESSED 1. Go to www. apostolictoolbox.org or www.apostolichub. com to sign up for a FREE account 2. Be blessed by downloading an item

“A great blessing and tremendous resource platform” HAVE YOU BEEN PRAYING ABOUT BLESSINGS LATELY? Whether it is to be blessed or to be a blessing to someone else, Apostolic Toolbox and Apostolic Hub is the right portal for you!

FIND SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE Apostolic Hub is Tabernacle of Joy’s in-house website with a collection of free sermons from our services. The portal contains a variety of messages that will speak to everyone at every age. From our “Getting Real” series with Rev. Lee Stoneking to Marriage Seminar with the Popes, you will be spoilt for choices at the many life-changing and insightful teachings.

SHARE MATERIALS WITH THE REST OF THE WORLD Apostolic Toolbox is a resource-sharing site for everyone to enjoy. From videos to music to articles, the goal of the platform is to freely share resources to further the Kingdom of God. It is also able to store and streamline content and send files from anywhere using the Internet.

With unlimited storage space, unlimited uploads, and flexible sharing, the portal encourages users to share their original teachings, videos, or music.

“ “

Apostolic Hub and Apostolic Toolbox have been a great blessing for us [as] we haven’t had any standard teaching material for Indonesia. Personally, I really wished that more people especially from Indonesia could participate and enjoy the benefits of the website.

- Maryanti Wiganda (Indonesia)

” ”

The websites have been a blessing to us; personally and to the church. It has helped me in certain topical studies and I have also taught from some of the material namely Raymond Woodward’s lesson on holiness. Some reading materials have also helped in equipping me in certain areas. I think it’s a great resource center and wish to thank TJ for being so very kind in creating this platform and for willingly sharing with all the tools that are vital for Kingdom growth.

- Rev. Joel Charles (Malaysia)

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HOW TO BE A BLESSING 1. Go to www. apostolictoolbox.org 2. Sign up for a FREE account and log in 3. Click on the yellow box “Upload File(s)” 4. Follow instructions on the website 5. Be a blessing by uploading an item TOP 5 DOWNLOADS 1. Teach Me Your Ways (Document) 2. Spiritual Authority 1 (Audio) 3. Undercover Lesson 1 (Video) 4. God’s Armorbearer (Document) 5. The Origin of the Trinity (Document)

snapshots

SNAPSHOTS: (Clockwise from top left) Barnabas delegates Stephen (Bangladesh) & Evan (Indonesia) at youth camp 2012; 14 year-old Indonesian youth Jessen receiving the HG at camp; Twins John & Matthew Miller (Bangladesh) at DCD 2011; Stephen Corbin makes a faith declaration for revival in Bangladesh; AIMer to Japan, Brother Mark Pounders, being ministered to at DCD 2011 SENT/10

ministry couple

COUPLE ON A MISSION

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Ray Chow, 55 HUSBAND Manager, SMRT

Cindy Lim, 50 WIFE Admin Assistant, Business Office Changi General Hospital

SENT: Where and when was your mission trip(s)?

Cindy: I went to Chennai, India in 2006 and to Tuao, Philippines in the recent trip.

Ray: This trip is my first mission trip.

SENT: What was your most memorable experience on a mission trip?

Cindy: My most memorable experience in Philippines was seeing the children’s faces. They were so excited, full of enthusiasm and overjoyed to have balloons. When they were given food to eat, they kept it for their loved ones. That made me feel that Singapore is such a blessed nation and we must learn to care and share what we have.

Ray: There are no words that can describe the experience we went through. You just have to see to believe. I remembered that the welcome by the school staff and students on our visit to the primary school was very heart-warming. The students’ keen participation on every activity was overwhelming.

For example, they all rushed for balloons. We don’t see this happening in Singapore. There are many significant experiences, but none is better than being there and experiencing it yourself.

SENT: Why did you choose to go for a mission trip?

Ray: I wanted to get to know people there and their way of life.

SENT: What lesson(s) did you learn from your mission trip(s)?

Cindy: One important thing I discovered from a mission trip is how different people behave.

Although the people we meet in some countries are not well to do, they are happy, joyful and humble.

When it comes to lunch or dinner, especially in Chennai, they are united when it comes to cooking for the congregation. I learned from my trips that money is not everything.

Ray: I learnt about giving. Seeing the happiness in the faces of the children and folk was heartwarming. The mission team leaders did a fantastic job and all the members were hardworking and cooperative. With God’s grace, the mammoth tasks turned out to be a piece of cake.

SENT: From your personal experience, why will you recommend someone to go for a mission trip?

Cindy: Such trips broaden the mind and let us see that we are a blessed nation. In such trips we can learn and help others who are in need. You can only understand this experience when you are there and I encourage everyone to go for mission trips.

Life’s experiences can only be felt when you dare to go for the challenges that await you. Furthermore, you will see how your Faith Promise offering is put to good use. It really goes to help others and not to Pastor’s use - especially when people are not sure where the money goes to.

Ray: I believe that this is a better way to experience life than the normal travelling.

SENT: How was it like going for a mission trip with your husband?

Cindy: It is so wonderful to have my hubby with me in Philippines. It was fun working together as a couple. Initially, he wasn’t interested but when I told him it is about community work and not just about praying he agreed to go with me. If not for my hubby’s support, I may not have agreed to go.

We would like to thank Mr. Chow and Sis Cindy for their contributions to this article.

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interview

COMPELLED INTO THE

HARVEST SENT: Hi Melvin! introduce yourself.

Please

M: Hi, I’m 18 this year - An average youth studying in Singapore with a desire to partner with God to impact the world. I came to Singapore in 1998 with my parents and started serving in the Music Ministry as a drummer in 2002.

SENT: On the topic of missions, can you tell us about the mission trips you have been to?

M: To date, I have been on 2 different mission trips, both to Philippines. 2009 to Nueva Ecija and La Union. 2nd mission trip was to Dumaguete.

SENT: So, what was your most memorable experience on a mission trip?

M: The most memorable experience was when I fed the children during the feeding program in 2009. It really showed me how much I had and how much I could give to them.

SENT: Tell us about your recent trip to Dumaguete.

M: I went with the mission team from TJ! It was my first SENT/13

Meet Melvin, your regular Singaporean teenager. Our SENT reporters caught up with this Filipino-born student to find out what compelled him into the mission fields.

time going with them. I was a bit apprehensive at first, but I was surprised at how easily we became good friends. We ministered to the youths and it was easy for me to reach out to the youths there as there was no age gap.

SENT: Why did you choose to go for a mission trip?

M: I went because God sent me there. I have always wanted to go for a mission trip and have been praying for it. I prayed and I promised God that if He opened the door, I would not hesitate to go immediately. Eventually, God really did open the door for me to go and so I went!

SENT: If you had the chance to go to any country on a mission

trip, where will you choose?

And why?

M: Thailand. I currently know some Thai words, it would help in communicating the Gospel to them. The people are friendly as well. *Melvin was born in Luzon in Philippines and migrated to Singapore in 1998. He is now a 2nd year Info-com Technology student from ITE College West.

overview

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MISSIONS: THE PHILIPPINES A ROUND-UP OF SOME OF THE MISSIONS EFFORTS TO THE PHILIPPINES

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4 1. The faces of the kids beaming with big smiles as they eagerly search through their goodie bags 2. The kids enthusiastically following along to the song actions as the FJF Team leads them in worship 3. Students going through the “Unlocking the Bible” series as part of their school curriculum This is part of the Church’s strategy to penetrate schools with the Gospel

4. The mission team parading through the streets of Dumaguete to proclaim Christ and to invite LOCALS TO the evangelistic services

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