The Zone Magazine (Issue 16) Dec 2013 by The Zone Youth Ministry (New Creation Church)

ISSUE 16 A YOUTH MAGAZINE

’Tis

the season to be thankful! CELEBRATING 20 YEARS OF YOUTH MINISTRY! BELIEVING IN THE GOODNESS OF GOD NUGGETS OF WISDOM FROM MARKED CAMP 2013

MCI (P) 094/10/2013

ODE TO DAVID’S KEY

ecember. The time of the year that brings with it much joy a celebration as we gather with family and friends. Indeed, th to celebrate as we thank God for bringing us through yet another ye goodness and faithfulness.

This year, we also celebrate the youth ministry turning 20! How m are as young as the ministry? Hear from some of those who have gon us about how they have been impacted and so blessed by their time ministry. In true end-of-the-year fashion, we also get some of you to s your year has been marked by open/closed doors of blessings.

For those who still have prayers yet to be answered, a column (D Love Me?) might just be what you need to read. Know that the Lord willing to give you your heart’s desires. Driving home this point, Pasto shares more about God’s goodness and faithfulness in our lives. He is will not and does not disappoint.

As we prepare for our Christmas celebrations, what with party p buying presents, let’s not forget the reason why we can celebrate. It get sidelined in the thick of the festive atmosphere, but to truly celeb remember the One who gave His life, who gave us a reason to rejoic season. As we let Jesus’ preeminence take centrestage, our hearts ca with thanksgiving, excited for the new year that He will bring us into.

If this year was good, 2014 is going to be even better. Have you telling the Lord what you want to see and trust Him for in the coming can ask big because we have a big God, so be expectant! Here’s wish love, joy and peace from The Zone! See you next year!

oy and d, there’s much r year of His

ow many of you gone ahead of me in the youth to share how

n (Do You Really ord is everastor Benjamin He is a God who

ty planning and . It is easy to elebrate, is to joice this ts can be full nto.

you started ming year? We wishing you

[CONTENTS]

[CREDITS]

#04: ZONE IS TWENTY!

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER:

A coming of age of the youth ministry, from TeenZeal Town to The Zone

#08: BEHIND THE SCENES

DEACONESS I REEN LIM EDITOR:

RACHEL LEONG ASSISTANT EDITOR:

ANDREA TAN

ART DIRECTOR:

We cast the spotlight on the team that

LIZZY LEE

is typically calling the shots behind the

ASSISTANT ART DIRECTOR:

cameras

#11: THE YEAR OF THE KEY OF DAVID Some of our own take stock of the Lord’s goodness in their lives in 2013, and share their hopes for 2014

#16: BELIEVING IN THE GOODNESS OF GOD

TAMI LAI WRITERS:

DARREN LIM JENNA CHUA JUSTIN LIM LEE JIANWEI LEE WEIYI LIZZY LEE MICHELLE HOON PRISCILLA GAN SARAH KOH SARAH GIAM SHANA SIOW SIM WEI XUAN DESIGNERS:

One last look at this year’s theme as we

CHARISSA KOW CHARLENE TAN JEANNIE TAN JONATHAN GOH NG SHI TING PRISCILLA HO RACHEL YIN SARA HO SARAH NG YANG YAN

open the door to 2014

STYLISTS:

#30: LITTLE BIG THOUGHTS

PHOTOGRAPHERS:

Find out why you can expect to receive blessings and favour regardless of your circumstance

#24: ODE TO DAVID’S KEY

Musings on waiting with grace, disappointment and feeding on God’s Word

#34: A DIFFERENT GENERATION Nuggets of wisdom from Marked Camp 2013

#38: BLESSINGS BEYOND BORDERS

JUSTIN CHUA GAN WEILING GRACE KHAW JACQUELINE CHANG JAYDEN CHIANG JEREMY LIM KELVIN LIM LIEN WEI JUN TRANSCRIBERS:

HO KIAN CHONG JIRALDA WEE KENNETH YEO MEYYAPPAN SOMASUNDARAM NG QUNKAI WANG CHUN HUI

A day in the journey of a mission tripper

#42: SMALL PACKAGES, BIG BLESSINGS It doesn’t take a lot to be an encouragement — just a little creativity and a willing heart

#43: REMEMBERING CHRISTMAS Jesus the reason for the season

#50: SCENE @ THE ZONE #52: EVENTS #53: CG/DG LISTING

[COPYRIGHT STATEMENT] THIS IS A PUBLICATION OF NEW CREATION CHURCH IN SINGAPORE, A NON-PROFIT ORGANISATION. THE PUBLICATION IS DISTRIBUTED FREE TO ITS MEMBERS AND HAS NO SUBSCRIPTION OR NEWSSTAND PRICE. COPYRIGHT © NEW CREATION CHURCH, SINGAPORE, 2013. NO PART OF THIS PUBLICATION MAY BE REPRODUCED IN WHOLE OR PART WITHOUT PRIOR WRITTEN PERMISSION. UNLESS STATED OTHERWISE, ALL SCRIPTURE QUOTATIONS ARE TAKEN FROM THE NEW KING JAMES VERSION®. COPYRIGHT © THOMAS NELSON, INC., 1982. USED BY PERMISSION. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

YEARS OF Y O U T H

The New Creation youth ministry celebrates two decades of God’s work in young lives. [TEXT AND INTERVIEWS: LEE WEIYI AND JENNA CHUA]

The youth ministry had its humble beginnings in 1994, starting out with just a handful of youths. From The Young Lions of Judah, to The Zone Ministry (and all its other names in between), the ministry has grown exponentially over 20 years, ballooning to a 2,000 member congregation. Regardless of the name changes and transitions that the youth ministry experienced over the years, one thing is certain: lives are continuously being impacted and champions are still being raised. As we take a sneak peek into the lives of our forerunners and our youths today, we stand amazed seeing redemption at work. Truly, as we behold Jesus, our lives are being transformed from glory to glory. NAME: Alicia Wong CURRENT DG: Divinely Graced, DARE Level 2 CURRENT SERVING MINISTRY/DEPARTMENT: DARE Royal Stewards Ministry NUMBER OF YEARS SPENT IN YOUTH MINISTRY TO DATE: 2 years YEAR OF ENTRY INTO YOUTH MINISTRY AND ITS NAME: 2012, DARE, The Zone HOW HAVE YOU CHANGED SINCE COMING INTO THE ZONE? I think I have changed a lot since I first stepped foot into The Zone. I used to be very shy, especially around people I was not familiar with. Now, I am not as shy as before! I also used to be negative about a lot of things, but now I tend to look on the brighter side, because I know that Daddy God has already been in my future and knows what will happen to me. So there is really nothing to worry about!

NAME: Gabriel Ang CURRENT DG: Ahava, DARE Level 3 CURRENT SERVING MINISTRY/DEPARTMENT: DARE choir NUMBER OF YEARS SPENT IN YOUTH MINISTRY TO DATE: 3 years YEAR OF ENTRY INTO YOUTH MINISTRY AND ITS NAME: 2011, DARE, The Zone HOW HAVE YOU CHANGED SINCE COMING INTO THE ZONE? I was once quite a rebellious person, and was not really interested in the Word of God at all, even whilst I was in DARE. However after my first Legacy Camp in 2012, I started to find myself getting better in my results at school, behaving better in class and my attitude towards others changed. Since then, I have become hungry for the Word of God and find myself being more restful.

NAME: Elishe Lim Shi Chi CURRENT CG: NTU Science/NIE, Arrow CURRENT SERVING MINISTRY/DEPARTMENT: Rock Kidz/Fearless NUMBER OF YEARS SPENT IN YOUTH MINISTRY TO DATE: 3 years YEAR OF ENTRY INTO YOUTH MINISTRY AND ITS NAME: 2010, Arrow, The Zone HOW HAVE YOU CHANGED SINCE COMING INTO THE ZONE? I now know my true identity—that I am a beloved child of the Most High God. My Daddy God cares about me and I can always look to Him. This love is given freely to me and nothing can take it away from me. I have learnt to live a life that is not just dependent on myself, but with the knowledge that I have the best Daddy God looking after me. The Zone has taught me that worshipping God can be fun, without losing focus of Jesus. Worshipping God is not just something on the outside, but it is something very close to the heart. We are the young generation but we can live a lifestyle that is different from the people of the world.

Alicia’s first legacy camp, 201 4

mp, 2013

NAME: Hans Tay CURRENT CG: Poly SP A, Arrow CURRENT SERVING MINISTRY/DEPARTMENT: Care Group NUMBER OF YEARS SPENT IN YOUTH MINISTRY TO DATE: 3.5 years YEAR OF ENTRY INTO YOUTH MINISTRY AND ITS NAME: 2008, DARE, The Zone WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST IMPRESSION OF THE ZONE WHEN YOU FIRST STEPPED IN? AND WHAT KEEPS YOU COMING BACK UP TILL TODAY? Honestly, I was quite scared when I first came to The Zone as I did not know anyone. What kept me coming back were my care group mates and the friends I made in the ministry! I just feel the sense of family here. It is just cool to know that I have my kingdom friends behind me whenever I feel down or happy, to be real with one another. I find it awesome to know friends like that who can only be found here!

NAME: Serene Seah CURRENT CG: Mei Ling Street, GenRev CURRENT SERVING MINISTRY/DEPARTMENT: Zone Aide-de-camp (ADC) NUMBER OF YEARS SPENT IN YOUTH MINISTRY TO DATE: 7 years YEAR OF ENTRY INTO YOUTH MINISTRY AND ITS NAME: 2006, Campus Ministry HOW HAVE YOU CHANGED SINCE COMING INTO THE ZONE? On the surface it looked like I had it altogether, but deep down I was a really insecure person and struggled with a lot of guilt and selfcondemnation because of mistakes of my own doing. But the Lord never gave up on me. He sent precious leaders and kingdom friends along my way to care for me and speak into my life, and to remind me of who I am in Christ. I really felt like the prodigal son (daughter), whom the Father loved back into wholeness. Right now even when I fail, I know that my loving Father does not stop lavishing His love on me.

NAME: Joseph Tay CURRENT CG: Pasir Ris CG, GenRev CURRENT SERVING MINISTRY/DEPARTMENT: Arrow Royal Stewards Ministry NUMBER OF YEARS SPENT IN YOUTH MINISTRY TO DATE: 5.5 years YEAR OF ENTRY INTO YOUTH MINISTRY AND ITS NAME: 2008, Arrow, The Zone HOW HAVE YOU CHANGED SINCE COMING INTO THE ZONE? Being in a place where people matter, I felt engaged and connected, and this gradually caused me to open myself up more to interact with people of the same faith around me. Youth ministry is also where a lot of practical life values are instilled into me. For example, serving in ministry taught me a lot about prioritising time and handling responsibilities that I used to shun in the past. Above all these, I find myself being thankful and appreciative of the people that God has placed in my life.

Hans at NCC Servers’ Appreciation Night, 2013

Elishe’s first legacy camp, 2013

Serene celebrating The Zone Youth Day with her care group at Toa Payoh Stadium, 2009

Joseph with his fellow Arrow RSM servers 5

NAME: Angie Lesmana NUMBER OF YEARS SPENT IN YOUTH MINISTRY: 10 years YEAR OF ENTRY INTO YOUTH MINISTRY AND ITS NAME: 1996, Teenzeal Town PREVIOUS SERVING AREA IN THE YOUTH MINISTRY: Worship Leader, Care Group Leader, Overseer of Polytechnic/ITE/NS cluster, Overseer of the Creative Unit CURRENT SERVING AREA IN CHURCH: Full-time NCC Worship Leader WHAT MADE YOU STAY ON IN THE YOUTH MINISTRY IN YOUR GROWING YEARS? My leaders. I joined the youth ministry when I was sixteen years old. I was a broken delinquent who was very sick and tired of partying, substance abuse and bad relationships, etc. Even after joining the youth ministry, I was still partying and into all the vices. My social life did not change overnight, but my leaders back then kept on preaching grace to me and speaking God’s Word over me, to restore and renew my believing, despite my outward behaviour. True to how the grace of God works in our lives, it may take a while but when true change happens, it is effortless and the freedom lasts! So without my leaders who had extended so much love and grace and ceaselessly believed in me as well as the call of God on my life, I shudder to imagine where I would be!

“Circa 2002, me and Maddy, goofing around on a mission trip in Thailand.”

“Circa 2005/2006, Campus Ministry print collateral given out at the Planet Shakers concert that’s a picture of me worship-leading at our youth event at Fort Canning”

NAME: Deacon Samuel Chan NUMBER OF YEARS SPENT IN YOUTH MINISTRY: 7 years YEAR OF ENTRY INTO YOUTH MINISTRY AND ITS NAME: 2003, Young Adult Ministry PREVIOUS CAPACITY/SERVING AREA IN THE YOUTH MINISTRY: Poly Overseer CURRENT OCCUPATION: Senior Manager, Key Account Management WHAT WAS ONE IMPORTANT LESSON THAT YOU LEARNED FROM YOUR TIME IN YOUTH MINISTRY? One of the many reasons I first started serving was to have friends. The youth ministry opened up platforms for me to fellowship with people who love Christ and love me. I received so much in my spirit man and that formed a large part of my growing journey. In life we will have difficult moments or situations that we have to deal with. Serving in the ministry shaped my perspective when it came to such encounters. I learned that no matter how hard the situation may be, it is always temporal and God will always give me a way out. The verse that I hold on to is Romans 8:28: “And we know all things work together to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose”. Serving thus gives me the opportunity to see Jesus ‘in action’. I am able to see His manifestation in blessing the ministry events, enriching the lives of my fellow servers and expanding The Zone ministry year after year.

NAME: Deaconess Tammie Too NUMBER OF YEARS SPENT IN YOUTH MINISTRY: 15 years YEAR OF ENTRY INTO YOUTH MINISTRY AND ITS NAME: 1994, Teenzeal Town PREVIOUS CAPACITY/SERVING AREA IN THE YOUTH MINISTRY: Care Group Leader, North Zone Overseer, Poly Overseer, The Zone Department Manager CURRENT OCCUPATION: Rock Kidz Department Manager WHAT BLESSINGS HAS BEING IN THE YOUTH MINISTRY BROUGHT INTO YOUR LIFE? What I learned from being in youth ministry was the importance of cultivating the presence of God in my life. Having encountered the presence of God in the youth ministry (at youth camp) was also what made me stay on in the ministry. Besides this, another factor that fueled my enthusiasm for the ministry was the fact that it grew me as a believer and a server. I picked up many skills that I would not have been able to if I weren’t in ministry. As such, just being in youth ministry gave me a sense of purpose.

NAME: Stephanie Yap NUMBER OF YEARS SPENT IN YOUTH MINISTRY: 8 years YEAR OF ENTRY INTO YOUTH MINISTRY AND WHAT WAS ITS NAME: 1993, TeenZeal Town PREVIOUS SERVING AREA IN THE YOUTH MINISTRY: Care Group Leader, Head of Drama and Dance, Single’s Ministry Executive Committee CURRENT SERVING AREA IN CHURCH: Full-Time Counselor SHARE ONE IMPORTANT LESSON YOU LEARNED FROM BEING IN THE YOUTH MINISTRY. My life belongs to God and I have a destiny in Him. Youth ministry is catalytic in charting and determining my life course. My life is divinely directed and encapsulated with mountain-high and valley-low journeys, which are intentional and specially designed in shaping and molding me into my call – this belief motivates me daily to choose what I see; how I learn; where I belong and to Whom I belong to – Christ in me, the hope of glory!

NAME: Russell Lum NUMBER OF YEARS SPENT IN YOUTH MINISTRY: 8 years YEAR OF ENTRY INTO YOUTH MINISTRY AND WHAT WAS ITS NAME: 1993, TeenZeal Town PREVIOUS SERVING AREA IN THE YOUTH MINISTRY: Camp Commandant, Care group Leader CURRENT OCCUPATION: Manager in the Banking sector SHARE ONE IMPORTANT LESSON YOU LEARNED FROM BEING IN THE YOUTH MINISTRY. Youth ministry protects. I really felt I was in Goshen (In Hebrew, ‘drawing near’). I had spent almost all of my youth, my prime time, serving in the ministry. I felt that I was spared from many of life’s heartaches, which I saw my peers encounter. It is better being in the youth ministry than being out there, far away from the protection and provision found in the Father’s house. * P.S. Both Russell and Stephanie met in youth ministry and are happily married today!

Can you spot Pastor Daniel in this photo?

Youth ministry’s very first Single Ministry Camp, a.k.a. BenGen Camp

NAME: Madeline Wong NUMBER OF YEARS SPENT IN YOUTH MINISTRY: 15 years YEAR OF ENTRY INTO YOUTH MINISTRY AND WHAT WAS ITS NAME: 1994, Teenzeal Town PREVIOUS CAPACITY/SERVING AREA IN THE YOUTH MINISTRY: NUS Cluster Overseer CURRENT OCCUPATION: Assistant Manager, NCC Outreach Ministry WHAT IS ONE OF THE GREATEST BLESSINGS BEING IN THE YOUTH MINISTRY HAS BROUGHT INTO YOUR LIFE? Being in the youth ministry made me mature beyond my years by adding so much wisdom into my life from an early age. Having been given various leadership roles in the youth ministry throughout these years, I made my fair share of mistakes and learnt from every one of them. It always pays to follow Jesus 100%. Never think that what you have to give up is ever too big to give to Him. He is waiting to give you so much more in return! My leaders modelled that for me, especially Pastor Benjamin. He always gives beyond what I think he can afford but I have witnessed that God always gives him back so much more blessings in return. It motivates me to also throw logic out the window and choose to live by faith instead.

“Pastor Benjamin & I doing things we shouldn’t be doing... as usual!” 7

BEHIND THE SCENES We cast the spotlight on the team that is typically calling the shots behind the cameras.

[TEXT: SIM WEI XUAN]

e see what they do at every Zone service, but we don’t really see them. We sing along to lyrics during praise and worship and refer to verses on screen. We get to enjoy a dynamic atmosphere during praise and worship. We get to catch the best service shots on screen no matter where we are seated. These are made possible by the projectionists, lights servers and camera servers. Together, all three types of servers make up The Zone Video Team, a powerhouse group of servers who are intrinsically involved in helping our youths encounter Jesus during praise and worship and the delivery of the Word every service. The nature of serving in the Video Team requires one to be able to react quickly and respond accurately. Sometimes the service may not go as planned, so the video servers must be ready to go with the flow too and support accordingly. Yet the servers would have us know that it is none of them and all of Christ. As projectionist team I/C Christabelle Li puts it, “As the Holy Spirit in Pastor leads him to preach, so it is the same Holy Spirit leading me as I serve.”Such is the heart behind the Video team — for servers to be led and empowered by Jesus in their service. “Serving in the video team lets our servers see the grace of God manifest in them and through them as they serve,” Department Head Esther Sim reiterates. Indeed, grace supplies when it comes to serving here. Anyone is welcome to join the Video Team even if they have no technical expertise. Camera team I/C June Leo, who joined the team without any technical background, shares that learning

takes place during serving. The dentist-byday says, “I never thought I could do things like these.” For Video servers Daniel Tsou and Andy Koh, operating cool equipment is part and parcel of the fun. But more than this, Daniel says that serving here is a privilege that he does not take lightly. While it may seem like he is completely in charge behind the control panel, Daniel is crystal clear that that’s really not the case. Again, he echoes what Esther and Christabelle say, “It’s very exciting. You know you are not in control and it is God leading you to push the buttons.” As the Word goes forth, the projectionists and the camera servers get into the thick of serving. But even as they labour unto the Lord, they have their own way of receiving as they serve. For lights server Colin Tan, even as he works the lighting board, he is soaking in the presence of God. He says, “In His presence is fullness of joy, and the joy enables me to serve with gladness.” Talk about the double portion of a server! Admittedly, due to the time-sensitive and operational nature of the work, demands can get very real and there is pressure to deliver. After all, everything they do is “live”. But it is precisely this fact that has taught the Video servers how to remain cool and rely on God’s shalom peace to make the right decisions. “When we make mistakes, everyone knows immediately,” Christabelle shares candidly. “But it is very good because it builds us up in righteousnessconsciousness. As a result, when we go back to school or work, we are used to trusting the Lord as our first response. The Lord will resolve the situation.” As Esther puts it, “Whenever we start to feel condemned for making a mistake that affects the service, we go back to the cross and see the condemnation already paid for. We see our Saviour still loving us and trusting us to serve at the next service.”

DID YOU KNOW?

• There are over 2,000 songs in the lyrics database. • The projector is named Christie, ever since the ministry’s days at the Rock Auditorium. “ Nobody knows why. • The LED panels on stage used to be the main LED display in the Rock Auditorium — it was split into five panels after the move to Shine Auditorium. • The LED displays are controlled by an iPad. • The GenRev video servers are in careers ranging from dentistry to real estate.

THE YEAR OF

THE KEY OF

DAVID

As we prepare to usher in a brand new year, some of our own (including our newly appointed Deaconess I Reen) take stock of the Lord’s goodness in their lives in 2013, and their hopes for 2014. [INTERVIEWS: MICHELLE HOON & SARAH KOH]

WHAT WAS ONE NOTABLE DOOR THAT JESUS OPENED/ CLOSED TO YOU THIS YEAR?

That would be my internship placement! Aspiring to be a nutritionist, I’ve always wanted to join the Health Promotion Board for internship experience. I cried when I was posted to another company that I felt was not related to what I wanted to do in the future.

Sherilyn Charis Suen Arrow, Republic Polytechnic (RPB) Care Group

I started out in the retail side of this internship and sold nothing for weeks. The boss was displeased, and it all stressed me out. I prayed, deliberately rested and let Jesus into my work. Amazingly, during the next event, I was the top in sales! Praise God! Jesus also grew me in boldness, since I was approaching new people every day. I also had so much favour with my supervisor that she gave me off days that other interns didn’t receive, and even extra pay that I didn’t deserve in the natural. When the grade for my internship was out, I got a ‘Pass with Commendation’ — the highest achievable grade! The boss even wanted me to work part time during my holidays! Looking back, I saw Daddy God’s fingerprints all over the internship

at this company. I’m thankful that He closed the door of my desired internship place and instead opened another that prospered me!

WHAT ARE YOU EXCITED FOR IN 2014?

I am excited for Jesus to do a new work in my personal life, in my serving ministry, family and friendships. I hold strongly to Joshua 24:15 “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord”. I believe 2014 is the year I shall see this breakthrough. Basically, I am just a girl who has nothing without Jesus in my life. I am an empty vessel for God to use and do new things in my life. My position/posture is to pray and praise my mighty King, stretch forth my hands and receive the love and grace I need in any area or season in my life.

WHAT NEW THING DID YOU LEARN/DISCOVER ABOUT JESUS THIS YEAR?

Jesus loves me so much that He wouldn’t just settle on “good” for me but He wants me to have the best. More evidently, I have learned that Jesus just wants me to be restful and keep singing praises to Him even when I am going through valleys. Indeed, my God is a good God who has supplied me with whatever I need! 11

Odele Tan DARE, Level 1, Exalted in Christ (EIC) DARE Group

Teoh Li Ching DARE, Level 2, Different & Consecrated (DC) DARE Group

WHAT WAS ONE NOTABLE DOOR THAT JESUS OPENED/CLOSED TO YOU THIS YEAR?

At the start of this year, I was not accepted into the Student Council. I was quite bummed out over it, but I now know that God closed that dangerous door — I was obsessed with idea of being in the Student Council. Looking back, having that door closed also reduced my responsibilities greatly, leaving more time for my studies. At the end of last year, Jesus opened the door for me to serve in the Zone Ministry as a Befriender. Through serving, I have grown more dependent on God and know Him better on a personal level. Jesus isn’t just my Lord and Saviour, He’s my best friend and also my Rock on whom I can truly and surely depend on.

WHAT NEW THING DID YOU LEARN/ DISCOVER ABOUT JESUS THIS YEAR?

Throughout the course of this year, I realised that I shouldn’t focus on what people demand of me, but to focus on His supply of never-ending grace.

WHAT WAS ONE NOTABLE DOOR THAT JESUS OPENED/ CLOSED TO YOU THIS YEAR? One specific area God has touched was my math grade. During my first few terms of Secondary 1, I studied because I was afraid to fail. However when I received my results from term 1 and 2, I was beyond disappointed and depressed at the 16/30 borderline pass. I scored the exact same grade both times although I had studied harder the second time. I even felt that the paper was easier and believed for a better mark!

Soon, term 3 began and I studied hard again, and I failed miserably with 8/25. So I gave up hope in my “hard work”. I simply prayed and believed that even though I couldn’t score in math, Jesus could. When my teacher handed our tests back, I looked at the mark, handed the script back to my teacher, and said she gave me the wrong paper. She told me I was wasting her time. So I double checked and it was really my paper! I had scored 21/30! Even the math genius classmate looked at my mark and exclaimed that I beat her score. I was in shock. Only then I realised that God answered my prayers when I trusted Him.

WHAT NEW THING DID YOU LEARN/DISCOVER ABOUT JESUS THIS YEAR? I discovered that I could give my validation to Jesus. Although open to constructive criticism, I now only truly believe what Jesus thinks of me.

Javier Low GenRev, Tanah Merah (East) Care Group

Christopher Lim Arrow, SMU Business (SSPO) Care Group

WHAT WAS ONE NOTABLE DOOR THAT JESUS OPENED/CLOSED TO YOU THIS YEAR?

WHAT ARE YOU EXCITED FOR IN 2014?

One day, one of my classmates brought me to a church. I never fit in. Some of my old friends would always say that I’m not fit to be a Christian because I don’t know the Bible, neither do I strictly obey the Ten Commandments. And how could a “beng” be a Christian? A year later, a teacher of mine who never gave up on me brought me to New Creation Church and I was amazed by the message and kept coming. Three years later, which is this year, I asked God for kingdom friends and I signed up for Arrow. I remember Pastor preaching about closing the door on certain unhealthy friendships. Within the year, God shut tight that door and surrounded me with kingdom friends. I now feel more alive and happier than ever before. Praise God!

God’s grace really permeated every aspect of my life this year, with the most memorable being the recent mission trip that I went on. Prior to the trip, I had an old back injury sustained during my days in army. During one of the Arrow services in January this year, I was prayed for by Pastor Daniel for physical healing. As I was about to return back to my seat, Pastor Daniel had looked at me and said that I would carry the ministry of Christ on my back. It was only sometime later during my mission trip when I was helping to offload the luggage from the van that I realised my back had been healed! There was no way I could have lifted 20kg luggage in the past so I knew deep in my spirit that I was indeed healed. I did not get to attend church camp this year which was kind of disappointing. It was during this period of time that the Lord opened a door to me to help out in a training company and learn more about corporate training and coaching. I have always wanted to be an entrepreneur, trainer and coach, and I have seen how the Lord has given me a lot of grace and favour in this area. I am excited to see how this will develop in 2014 and I also look forward to serving more in ministry, to be the hands and feet of Christ.

The one notable door that Jesus closed for me was the bad influence of unhealthy friends. When I was younger I hung out with bad influences, then eventually joining a gang. Thank God, He was always there for me. No matter how much trouble I got into or however many dangerous situations I was in, I was always protected.

WHAT NEW THING DID YOU DISCOVER ABOUT JESUS THIS YEAR?

I have learnt our God is a good God who is love, so it is ok to be weak because He loves me anyway. His waves of grace will supply over and over again. Even though I have sinned so much, He forgives and loves me always. God is almighty and with His backing I have nothing to fear!

WHAT WAS ONE NOTABLE DOOR THAT JESUS OPENED/CLOSED TO YOU THIS YEAR?

In my search for a new job this year, the Lord opened the door of opportunity to me as I was casually chatting with a friend, asking if her company was recruiting. There was a suitable position, but I wasn’t too keen initially because of the job scope. However, the next day, my friend contacted me again and told me she had spoken to her boss about me. Her boss decided to tweak the job scope to include certain roles in which I had more interest in. It would also expose me to a wide range of tasks across various departments. I went for the interview and found favour with my current superior. Jesus truly opens doors which no one can close!

Ezer Qarah Chin

GenRev, Telok Kurau (East) Care Group:

GenRev, Telok Kurau (East) Care Group

WHAT NEW THING DID YOU LEARN/DISCOVER ABOUT JESUS THIS YEAR? I believe this year, Jesus has shown me that a drop of His favour is far better than 10 years of labour. I don’t have to know what the situation or problem is. I don’t have to pray the ‘right’ prayer for the ‘right’ kind of favour, I just have to recognise that Jesus is my favour in every situation! The favour I have at my workplace, the blessings in my family and financial prosperity are not through my own self-effort but because of favour the Lord has given me!

Audrey Hannah Wen GenRev, Aljunied Crescent (East) Care Group

WHAT WAS ONE NOTABLE DOOR THAT JESUS OPENED/CLOSED TO YOU THIS YEAR?

Door of FAVOUR! I have experienced much favour with my ministry leaders, which has allowed me to have accelerated growth. Also, favour with my customers at work has been evident this year, allowing me to meet my sales target month after month. Even during one of the toughest months in my industry, I met close to 200 per cent of my target! God’s favour didn’t just stop there. I also found favour in the eyes of a guy in my care group, who, I’m excited to share, is now my boyfriend!

WHAT NEW THING DID YOU LEARN/DISCOVER ABOUT JESUS THIS YEAR? That Daddy God wants to bless me more than I can even imagine! At the beginning of this year, I committed my entire year’s annual leave to Daddy God. Uncertain of the outcome, I just trusted Him for good things to happen. Looking back, He has turned what I gave Him into over abundant blessings! He allowed me to be involved in two Fearless camps, leading teams even though it was only my first Fearless camp! He also allowed me to be blessed during May’s Chiang Mai mission trip, Marked Camp and The Zone Israel trip in December! Best of all, He has provided the finances without me having to worry. He is the source and provider of everything I need in life! Praise Jesus!

Deaconess Deaconess I Reen Lim The Zone I Overseer Reen for Lim Creative Department, Spark (Creative) Spark Overseer

WHAT WAS ONE NOTABLE DOOR THAT JESUS OPENED/CLOSED TO YOU THIS YEAR?

If I had to focus on one specific open door, it would be getting engaged this year at the end of October. Just to encourage the many singles in our midst — I got attached when I was 29. In my post-university days, I was in a relationship that wasn’t good for me, I told myself, “I’m really bad at relationships, Lord.” In a way, I had a fear of this area because I saw how I tend to make emotional decisions. Then came a season of just resting in the Word. My favourite verse for this area is in the book of Ruth: “Sit still, my daughter, for the man will not rest until he has concluded the matter this day.” (Ruth 3:18) I came to a place where I was happy and satisfied being single, being with my friends and family, and just loving being me. And then God brought the man along (woot!). When the man came along, I was at a different place in my life compared to previously. I wasn’t desperately looking for a guy to latch onto but instead I was whole and secure in myself and I saw how this makes a huge difference in the relationship. So, when you have God in the picture, who cares about your age and whether you are too old? The Lord’s blessing is on you, beloved, and when we REST, you will see that He gives you the BEST!

WHAT ARE YOU EXCITED FOR IN 2014?

For me, it would definitely be believing God for a home and the wedding, that the process would be effortless and all the good things will fall into our lap! I truly believe that for us together in the ministry, what’s ahead for us in 2014 will be even greater than the past years combined. We will see with our eyes what God has reserved for our generation and we get to experience it together as a family in this ministry.

WHAT NEW THING DID YOU LEARN/DISCOVER ABOUT JESUS THIS YEAR?

I discovered that Jesus is a really awesome LEADER. He tells you what’s ahead and what to do. There were many times when I was in this new department (I came over from pastoral to the creative department) that I had no idea what to do and how to lead the team. Some of the things we do are to plan for the services in The Zone. My comfort is knowing that when my mind is going wild with thoughts and fears of what people think or what will happen, Jesus is with me. This helps me stop and regain my sanity. I saw that in all that the Lord wants me to do, He already knows and has gone ahead! When I quieten down and say “Lord, you are Lord over this, please lead me,” I begin to see how Jesus will put thoughts in my mind and words in my heart. When I’m restful, I sensitise myself to His voice, as opposed to doing things according to my rationale. When you see the results, you know it’s not you but Him. I may not know the exact journey ahead, but I know that Jesus is with me.

BELIEVE x

IN GOD’S GOODNESS x

Find out why you can expect to receive favour and blessings regardless of circumstances [Text excerpt from Pastor Benjamin Lim’s Arrow sermon on 24 August 2013]

There is a common saying in the church: “God is good, all the time. And all the time, God is good.” But it is not just a nice phrase, it is the truth. Psalm 23:6 says “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life”. In Hebrew, it actually says that goodness and mercy shall chase you down. Beloved, God’s goodness cannot wait to hunt you down! But what about challenges I face in life, you ask. Is God still good even when you are facing challenges? Yes! Just because you are in a difficult situation doesn’t mean that you are not experiencing God’s goodness. That challenge you’re facing is not going to block you from God’s blessings. In fact, God uses these challenges as stepping-stones to His promises. The best part is that there is nothing for you to do to earn these promises — only believe that God is that good!

DO NOT LOSE HEART Psalm 27 says, “I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.” There are many times people lose heart. They get discouraged and depressed because they do not believe in God’s goodness anymore. They have turned faith, instead of fear, out the door. But God wants us to be in faith. The Bible says “without faith, it is impossible to please God” (Hebrews 11:6). What is faith? Faith is simply having a good opinion of God, that He is a good God, and a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6). Faith is not a feeling. Emotions can come with faith, but faith is not an emotion. Being enthusiastic is related to your emotion; being optimistic is related to your mind; but faith is of the spirit (2 Corinthians 4:13). Sometimes we think that faith is mental acknowledgment. It is not. It is an active possession by declaration. In the Bible, Paul says, “I believed and therefore I spoke” (2 Corinthians 4:13). We want to see before we believe. But God says, speak what you believe, and then you will see. Declare the

goodness of God in your life despite what you feel, or what you think. If you want good results, keep speaking that you have the mind of Christ and that you will ace your exams! If you want a promotion in your company, declare that you have the undeserved, unmerited favour of God! Keep praising God and proclaiming His promises for you until you “see the goodness of God in the land of the living”.

CROWNED WITH GOODNESS In 2011, the theme verse for our church was Psalm 65:11: “You crown the year with Your goodness, and Your paths drip with abundance.” But it doesn’t just apply to 2011. It is a promise in the Bible for you all the days of your life! You can trust that God will crown your year with His goodness, not because you are good, but because He is good! It is because of Jesus’ finished work on the cross that we can see God’s promises manifest in our lives — it has nothing to do with what we have or have not done.

of God’s favour. So believe that God will rain His favour over your life — that is how you will experience God’s crowning goodness!

“Declare the goodness of God in your life despite what you feel, or what you think.”

Do you know how God crowns the year with goodness? The preceding verse in Psalm 65:9 says that God will send rain. Rain in the Bible is always a symbol

“It is because of Jesus’ finished work on the cross that we can see God’s promises manifest in our lives — it has nothing to do with what we have or have not done.”

DO NOT DESPISE GOD’S GOODNESS “Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?” – Romans 2:4 If there is a problem in the church today, it is laid out in Romans 2:4. There are people who say, “God is not just good, He is also a judging God.” But God has already judged the world when He judged Jesus, who became sin for us on the cross. We despise God’s goodness when we think that He is out to judge us, or we don’t believe that He is good. When you hear the promises of God being preached over the pulpit every week, don’t say, That can only happen to others, not me. When you say that, you are despising the goodness of God. Instead, say “Amen!” when you hear something good over the pulpit. When you see someone else getting blessed, don’t be envious — say, “I’m next!”

What happens when you embrace God’s goodness towards you? Romans 2:4 says that it will lead you to repentance. Some of you might not like some of the things you are doing — the bad habits that you have, the bad thoughts you entertain. But don’t try to shake these off with your self-effort. Don’t even focus on these things — it’s not going to change anything. Instead, look to the Lord and focus on His goodness towards you. This is what is going to bring true repentance in your life, and eventually, all the bad habits will fall off effortlessly.

RECEIVE HIS GOODNESS AND GLORIFY GOD

Many times, we talk about living for God’s glory, and we think that we need to start performing. But in this account of Moses speaking with God, we find out what it really means to live for God’s glory. All along, Moses had an intimate walk with God. He spoke to God face to face and was a friend of God (Exodus 33:11). Moses had found favour in God’s eyes (Exodus 33:17), and in verse 18, he said to God, “Please show me Your glory.” And the Lord replied saying, “I will make all My goodness pass before you.” You see, the way to live a life that is glorifying to God is to live in His goodness. Tell the Lord, “God, pour your goodness on me! Make me a testimony of the Word that has been preached! Make me an example of Your goodness!”

“So the Lord said to Moses, ‘I will also do this thing that you have spoken; for you have found grace in My sight, and I know you by name.’ And he said, ‘Please show me Your glory.’ Then He said, ‘I will make all My goodness pass before you, and I will proclaim the name of the Lord before you…’” – Exodus 33:17–19

“When you receive God’s grace in your life, you can’t help but want to glorify God.”

â&#x20AC;&#x153;When you sing to the Lord, your emotions and your thoughts, will be like a well-watered garden, and you will sorrow no more!â&#x20AC;?

PRAISE FROM MOUNT ZION “Therefore they shall come and sing in the height of Zion, streaming to the goodness of the Lord — For wheat and new wine and oil, for the young of the flock and the herd; their souls shall be like a well-watered garden, And they shall sorrow no more at all.” – Jeremiah 31:12 The Bible says that when we sing at the height of Mount Zion (a picture of the new covenant), we are “streaming to the goodness of the Lord”. Praise and worship is not part of a service programme. It is a time to declare your faith in your God, praising Him for what He has done, or is going to do in your life; to worship Him for who He is. That’s what praise and worship is about. And when we worship the Lord, we place ourselves in the flow of His goodness.

Jeremiah 31:12 says, “Their souls shall be like a well-watered garden.” Your soul is made up of your emotions and your will (your mind). When you sing to the Lord, your emotions and your thoughts, will be like a well-watered garden, and you will “sorrow no more”! It continues on to verse 14: “I will satiate the soul of the priests with abundance, and My people shall be satisfied with My goodness, says the Lord.” God has promised in His Word that He will satiate your soul with abundance. The word “abundance” here refers to “fatness, anointing”. You will experience the fullness, and the very best of God’s blessings. What does it feel like to be satisfied? There is a sense of “it is finished”, “it is done”. You don’t have to try anymore, because Jesus has done a complete work on the cross. There is a peace about you; there is a calmness about you, and it makes you very attractive. You become someone who knows how to enjoy God’s goodness and radiate His glory!

“God has promised in His Word that He will satiate your soul with abundance.”

“You don’t have to try anymore, because Jesus has done a complete work on the cross.”

serve your generation! We are living in exciting times and we invite you to get in on the action! As God pours forth His blessings on The Zone, we encourage you to not just be a spectator, but be actively involved. God is working miracles in The Zone and you have an opportunity to see it firsthand as a server!

Where Would You Like to Serve?

DARE SERVERS

ROYAL STEWARDS

MOVEMENT

LOGISTICS

EVENTS

VIDEO

LIGHTS

SOUND

MEDIA RESOURCE

SPARK ACT

SPARK ANIMATE

SPARK COLLECTIVE

SPARK GROOVE

SPARK INK

SPARK DESIGN

SPARK SNAP

WORSHIP

SPARK FILM

SPARK UNPLUGGED

Simply fill up the form online at http://bit.ly/serveinthezone

Ode to David’s Key One last look at this year’s theme as we open the door to 2014. [TEXT: DARREN LIM]

We are all but earthen bowls , Empty vessels , jars of clay Hung upon a peg so firm , As ornaments up on display

This peg is Christ, eternal Lord Once dead, He lives forevermore He has dominion over death And mastery over every door This living key of David has Authority from on high He sits beside the Father’s throne And hears our every cry He opens every door that holds A blessing for your life And causes every door to close That harbours only strife But life is full of cares and woes So sometimes we forget That our High Priest can bless us still Despite all our regrets So in all things let us submit Our heartfelt cries in prayer Jesus loves to bring us rest Our burdens are His to bear

;

And though the night is cold and dark Let us give thanks and sing For none can lift us from our trials Except the coming King This year is drawing to a close But David’s key remains The door of blessings He’s unlocked Shall never close again Beloved, when we know God’s heart It’s easy to believe That Jesus has unlocked the doors For us to simply receive!

LITTLE BIG THOUGHTS We tackle big questions with easy bite-sized musings on waiting, hoping and feeding.

ON SERVING: WAITING GRACEFULLY True actualisation found in the greater realisation of Christ. [TEXT: LIZZY LEE]

“What have you called me to do, Lord? What is your plan and purpose for my life? What great things shall I accomplish for the kingdom in this lifetime?” These are questions that we often ask the Lord as young people growing up in the ministry. Taught to believe that we have a calling and a destiny, we seek the Lord ceaselessly for purpose in our young lives. Whether we admit it or not, our “take-my-life-and-use-me-Lord” prayers often come with visions of the spectacular: Use me to raise the dead, reach out to thousands of orphans, heal the sick and empty the hospitals. Few people, in their moment of passion to dedicate their life to God’s purpose, would expect that He would call them to do the un-spectacular and mundane – although necessary – to support His house. In my mind, I had a vision of where [I believed] God wanted me to end up in ministry — but how I was going to get there or how long it would take, now that part was pretty hazy. So along the way, things get difficult. Not to make sweeping statements, but I’m pretty sure I’m not the only one experiencing this. You find yourself doing repetitive, mundane things for months, maybe years, seemingly inching no closer to the grand vision that He had planted in your heart. Impatience grows into frustration, and frustration into resentment. “I thought You said I was meant for greater things,” you

complain to Him. “I’m meant to do more than just this.” Some fall out halfway, convinced that God (or their leaders) were wrong. After all, in and of ourselves, there is nothing patient or long-suffering about our flesh. Our instant generation is very used to getting things quickly. There’s no room to learn to wait gracefully. Quoting Joyce Meyer, “Patience is not the ability to wait but the ability to keep a good attitude while waiting.” If we take a step back and re-evaluate the questions we ask Him, we would realise that even our conversations with the Lord revolve mostly around ourselves – “What have You called me to? What great things will I accomplish for Your kingdom?” The truth is, we get so caught up with ourselves, that we forget that what God has called us to is a life of Christ-realisation and not self-actualisation. We sometimes mistake the Christian life as a journey of self-actualisation, when what we have actually been called to is to allow Christ to be revealed and realised through the lives we live. How then do we deal with the dissatisfaction and impatience that our flesh struggles with while waiting for the Lord to work in His time? In the natural this may sound like a Herculean task, but I suspect the spiritual revelation is simple: stop seeing your own actualisation and the realisation of Christ in your life as two separate goals that are at odds with the other.

There is no struggle between what you want for your life versus what God wants for you if you can believe that you become your best self when you let Christ shine through you. Our Daddy God knows you so well, that He has already prepared a portion for you in His house, to do His work in your time on this earth. We may not like everything we do in the present, or cannot always see how the seemingly menial tasks we have been allocated serves the greater kingdom purpose, but we can choose the perspective that comes with this revelation: How differently will you choose to live today if you knew that everything you’re going through now is what God is using to prepare you for what He has in store for your life tomorrow? Choose to see and live in the knowledge that what God has given you the desire for and what He has planned for your life is very much the same thing. And in this long-distance marathon we are taking with the Lord, I’ll rather have longevity in ministry and be the slow-burning flame that finishes the race well with a good testimony, than be a spark that shines brightly for a moment but burns out long before the race is over. ‘So let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith’. – Hebrews 12:1–2

DO YOU REALLY LOVE ME?

When things don’t happen the way we want them to. [TEXT: SHANA SIOW]

It’s December 31st, 11:59pm and you’re desperately praying for a miracle in that one minute. Then there’s a tick; the clock hits twelve. Fireworks explode. Confetti rains down. The world celebrates. Except for you. It’s officially January 1st, 12am, and those three wishes you prayed for at the beginning of last year never made it beyond your imagination. God, do you really love me? We measure how loved we are by the wishes we’ve ticked in a mental checklist of what we’ve believed God for. Good grades? Check. A dream job? Check. A life partner? Check. Ok God, I guess you do really love me. The reason why we are so hurt when wishes are unfulfilled is because we believe that the dreams we wish for will give us a fulfilling life. But the answer to “God, do you really love me?” really isn’t about crossing out answered prayers on a list of aspirations. The Bible says this: “This is how much God loved the world: He gave His Son, His one and only Son. And

this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in Him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life…” (John 3:16, MSG). We associate a lasting life with fulfilled dreams. But God doesn’t equate having a whole and lasting life with good grades, nor a family, nor a great job — even though these are great things that He wants us to have. He associates a whole and lasting life to having Jesus in our lives. Maybe it’s time for us to define “a whole and lasting life” the way God does. When we know that God loves us and gave up Jesus on the cross for us, we will begin to understand that we already have been given everything. Let us not tie our heartstrings to the three wishes we want at the beginning of the year. Instead, tie them to a Man, hanging alone, on a tree — the greatest gift of all. And if you ask Him again, “Do you really love me?” You will always hear Him say with outstretched arms and nail-pierced hands, “This is how much I love you.”

THE ROAD TO EMMAUS

Where every moment spent in the Word is a chance for an encounter with Jesus. [TEXT: ANDREA TAN]

Have you ever spent time in the Word — accompanied by an arsenal of concordances, Bible apps, and study aids — gotten excited over newfound knowledge on Hebrew meanings, Bible links, parallels and typologies, only to walk away still feeling unsatisfied, unfed? I’ve been there. You see, I have, on more than one occasion, fallen into the trap of acquiring head knowledge about the Bible when I study and pore through the Word. But I’ve learnt that when it comes to the things of God — it’s not about entertaining or tickling the mind. Instead, it’s about edifying the spirit. As I spend time in the Word, only one thing truly counts: involving the Lord. When I do so, He reveals Himself to me in such personal ways. Bring on the Bible aids and apps, but with each fresh revelation we receive,

let’s commune with the Lord over it and allow Him to show us how these revelations can be applied in our lives. As we internalise the Word, He personalises it for us. At the end of the day, there is no Bible test for us to ace, neither do we need to impress anyone (God included) with the number of Hebrew translations we know. I’ve learnt that intimacy, not intellect, is my end-goal when it comes to time spent in the Word. I don’t want my mind stimulated, but my heart left cold. Jesus, the Bread of Life is to be partaken of, fed on and nourished by. And just like the two disciples on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-10) – we have the privilege of having our hearts warmed after our encounter with the Lord. Even better, we want our hearts to burn.

a different generation Marked Camp 2013 saw seeds of wisdom and greatness sown into the young adults of GenRev. [TEXT: PRISCILLA GAN & LEE JIANWEI]

This year’s Marked Camp in September was a milestone to say the least. It was a time when expectations were exceeded and mindsets changed. Through the sessions, Pastor Benjamin and the leaders shared nuggets of wisdom on issues that young adults today face — life, work, finances and relationships. The heart behind it all: to equip and build young adults who will defy all negative stereotypes — a generation that knows how to walk out the powerful gospel of grace in their lives. Here, we bring you highlights from the treasure trove of wisdom that was Marked Camp 2013!

Spiritual Growth HEARING AND REMEMBERING HIS BENEFITS But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does. – James 1:22-25

One way to remember His benefits is to learn them from His Word. James contrasts two men, the hearer and the doer. The hearer is one who observes with attention, while the Greek word describing the doer is parakoopto, which is to stoop down and look carefully. It describes the learning posture of a man who says “Lord, I am here to receive and to be transformed by You.”

2 3

Hearing will cause our souls to live in abundance (Isaiah 55:1-3). You will find life where your mind was confused and where your emotions were depressed. It is possible to be transformed just by doing one thing: beholding Jesus in His Word (2 Corinthians 3:18). In fact, Pastor Benjamin challenged the congregation to hear the Word every day and see if they can still recognise themselves after one year.

SPEAKING FORTH GOD’S PROMISES For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body. Indeed, we put bits in horses’ mouths that they may obey us, and we turn their whole body. Look also at ships: although they are so large and are driven by fierce winds, they are turned by a very small rudder wherever the pilot desires. Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things.”

God wants us to have His perspective on things and speak forth His promises with our tongues. We are involving the Holy Spirit, who is our Helper, when we pray in tongues. (Romans 8:26). In this way, we can pray our destinies into alignment with the will of God! (Romans 8:27)

– James 3:2-5

relationships MAKE FRIENDS

The foundation for any marriage is first and foremost a solid friendship. This season of our life is ripe for cultivating kingdom friendships with our brothers and sisters in Christ. And when friendships are formed with the opposite gender, there shouldn’t be unnecessary expectations of romantic intentions. Let solid friendships form naturally. In fact, the Bible provides wisdom when it comes to making friends:

1 2 3

We should be friendly in order to make friends (Proverbs 18:24). People are drawn to those who are gracious with their words (Proverbs 22:11).

In friendships, recognise idiosyncrasies among friends, but speak plainly in love to one another (Proverbs 27:6). This requires that we also be open to the views of others as well, and not take offence too easily.

FOR HIM

FOR HER

Hope deferred makes the heart sick, But when the desire comes, it is a tree of life. – Proverbs 13:12

Rise up my love, my fair one, And come away with me. – Song of Solomon 2:10

Many a single man may be deferring their happiness till that faithful day when they meet their special someone. Yet, it is far better to be the blessed man whose hope is the Lord Himself, who is always here for us.

The Lord Himself invites us to take a journey with Him as we walk out this season of being single. Singlehood is not a bad thing. It is a beautiful time because many foundations are built in a single woman’s life during this period of preparation. As we spend time with Jesus, His beauty and fragrance will rub off on you.

1 2

A man who is only happy when his desires come to pass is missing out on his privilege to be happy in the Lord now.

1 2

Your contentment is in the Lord. Happiness and contentment that is built in the LORD is really endearing and precious. (Philippians 4:11, 1 Timothy 6:6)

Finances TITHING Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, That there may be food in My house, And try Me now in this,” Says the LORD of hosts, “If I will not open for you the windows of heaven And pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it. – Malachi 3:10

SAVING FOR SOWING Let Pharaoh do this, and let him appoint officers over the land, to collect one-fifth of the produce of the land of Egypt in the seven plentiful years. – Genesis 41:34

Career

The Bible is clear on bringing a tenth of all our increase to the Lord. It is our way of committing our life — all the time and energy that we’ve poured into our work, to the Lord. It is our way of showing that our trust is in the Lord to increase and prosper us.

One major key for financial stability is savings. It is biblical that 20 per cent of all income is set aside for reserves. Joseph collected “one-fifth of the produce of the land of Egypt in the seven plentiful years” (Genesis 41:34). As a result Egypt had reserves to be a blessing to its own people as well as its neighbours during famine.

Even if the amount that you save seems small at the beginning, know that the Lord is looking after you, and He will bring about the multiplication and increase in your financial situation!

STAYING FAITHFUL

The Bible says that “faithfulness abounds with blessings” (Proverbs 28:20) and these blessings come from Heaven. The Lord honours faithfulness. How do you even begin to be faithful? Once you start to believe that God wants you successful in your career and that He has supplied every grace for you to excel, that’s when the fruit of faithfulness starts to show.

1 2 3

Even when we are graced for a certain role, practice is still needed for us to be skilfull. Without faithfulness, there is seldom mastery. Do not be in a rush to change your job. The first three years in a new job is a time of learning — how to work and then how to be good at your specific role.

If staying in your current job would lead to a period of expansion, growth, maturing and acquiring skills, and at the same time, it does not compromise and take your time away from family and church, it is definitely a good place to be in. 37

BLESSINGS BEYOND BORDERS Matilda Sim, one of the servers of the recent Arrow Varsity Mission Trip to Chiang Mai, Thailand, walks us through a day in the mission field as she experienced it. [INTERVIEW: SARAH GIAM]

On the last day of the mission trip, we had initially planned to go shopping. That would have been a waste. It was far better to end the trip with a personal time of thanksgiving for all the amazing things that Daddy God had done during our time in Chiang Mai. So we took out our journals and, with our hearts full, reflected on the Lord’s goodness on this trip…

came to loving or accepting love from others. But Daddy God changed it all on this trip. I’ve realised that it is God’s will for me to receive His love graciously, and love others out of the overflow. To the people we’ve met in Chiang Mai, we are mere strangers, and yet they’re so warm towards us. It was as though Jesus was loving me through the children.

“God answered my prayer request through this mission trip. He has given me boldness to love people. I previously felt restrained when it

Thank You Daddy God for these unforgettable, life-changing moments…”

9 3

10 11 JULY 2013

songthaews (a shared taxi)

JESUS

hours from Singapore to Chiang Mai

Our Righteousness 2 Our Provision Day theme 3 Our Healer Day theme

Day 1 theme

minutes to Serbnathithaam (SNT) School from the airport

244

visit to Serbnathithaam (SNT) School by Arrow Varsity Youths

Arrow Varsity youths

households received gift packages salvations from home visits

total salvations

5â&#x20AC;&#x201C;6 youths in each home visit team The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.

John 10:10 39

Day

3 A Time To Heal Today’s lesson theme was ‘Jesus our Healer’. The children learnt about how Jesus bore not just their physical pains, but emotional and mental ones too. After the lesson, we stood in a row and invited the children to come and be prayed for.

After breakfast, we set off for SNT School on songthaews

I remember there was this rowdy boy whom I wanted to reach out to from day one, and he came up to me for prayer. He asked me to pray for the healing of his shoulder. I felt very inadequate at first, but the words just flowed and I knew it was Jesus at work and not me. What’s more, a rope burn that I had recently gotten started to heal very rapidly after this ministering session. In fact, the very next day, a scab had formed – even faster than usual. What a bonus from the Lord, to be a vessel of blessing, and to be blessed myself in the process.

7.30am

(Above) One month before our trip, the Thai children were told that a Singapore team would be coming over. On our first day there, the attendance shot up to almost 100 per cent! We heard that many actually made the extra effort to come early to school. Some of them would even wake up unusually early from their afternoon naps in eager anticipation to our lessons in the afternoon. God blessed us with so much favour!

9 – 11.30am

After lunch

Personal Encounters Derek, our Level 1 team I/C encouraged me to pray for the children. I hesitated at first, but I ended up praying for children in one of the rows. Even though it was just a short 10 minutes, I remember crying so much. Again, I just felt God’s love falling on them, embracing them. When I opened my eyes, this one little boy came and wiped my tears away. I was so touched.

Time To Celebrate Let The Games Begin! The children after the games carnival, happy with their painted faces, snacks and sculpted balloons.

After lunch – 4.30pm

Mass dance! The children and mission trippers danced to We Are The Free after the games carnival ended. After the carnival ended, the school gave us bookmarks and we took photographs with everyone — the children really enjoyed the photo-taking. This girl who followed me around came up and told me ‘I love you’ again, and I felt as though Jesus was saying it. Little things like these throughout the day showed me God’s heart for His people.

4.30pm – 7pm Bringing Jesus Home It was the first time we got to visit some of the students’ homes. I was team I/C for this second home (out of four) that we visited. I was really scared when I reached the house and even when briefing the team. I used the silences between speaking to ask God for the boldness to speak. When I realised that I can’t make anyone accept Christ in and of myself, I didn’t feel the pressure and I was more at peace after a while. On hindsight, I’m really thankful for the opportunity — I wouldn’t know how to rely on Jesus in this area otherwise. I can’t speak well, but I know Someone who can — His name is Jesus. It was a period of letting go, and allowing Him to work through me.

SMALL PACKAGES,

BIG BLESSINGS It doesn’t take a lot to be an encouragement — just a little creativity and a willing heart. [TEXT: JUSTIN LIM]

Almost anything can be a vehicle for encouragement — even the Holy Communion elements. Well, not the elements per se, but its packaging. At Zone services, the Holy Communion elements come with stickers that are painstakingly and lovingly inscribed with words to encourage, uplift and love. It all birthed from a simple heartfelt desire by two youths, Ho Yan Lin and Edwina Grace Sim from DARE Level 2, to encourage youths as they enter the auditorium for DARE services. In many ways, this was their version of “five loaves and two fish”(Mark 6:37– 44). That whatever “little” we offer, God can multiply to bless so many. Now, not just only in DARE but even the Arrow and GenRev young adults and Royal Stewards Ministry (RSM) servers are running with this great idea for each and every Zone service. Beloved, let’s never underestimate the little things that we do, be it a little note, a spoken word, or even a text to encourage. What other ways can you think of to encourage those around you? In His hands it just might be a timely Word in season for someone in need.

“With every present we give and receive, let us remember Daddy God ’s Gift to us, His beloveds: The priceless gift of salvation.”

Rem ember i ng Chris tmas

Everyo ne season loves Christm , the pa rties w as. We love t around he ith a forget t this time of family and f festive decor at rie th th was bo e biggest rea e year, and o nds, the seas ions that com s rn on t o f cours e with his day on for us to l e, the p nal coffee dr th ove Ch . i r n e ks that e sents! ristma B com ut s â&#x20AC;&#x201D; th at our in all this, let e Lord an u d Savio s not ur Jesu s

[PHOTOGRAPHY: JAC CHANG / STYLING: JUSTIN CHUA, GAN WEILING / TEXT: RACHEL LEONG]

â&#x20AC;&#x153;With every party we throw, let us celebrate our King who came to the world for the sole purpose of redeeming us.â&#x20AC;?

â&#x20AC;&#x153;With every old and new friend we meet this season, let us love them with the overflowing love of Jesus.â&#x20AC;?

â&#x20AC;&#x153;With every Christmas carol we sing, let us raise our hands and voices in gratitude and worship Jesus who is beyond worthy.â&#x20AC;?

SCENE @ THE ZONE

EVENTS LISTING JAN/FEB/MAR 2014 SERVICES DARE 5, 12, 19, 26 JAN 2, 9, 16, 23 FEB 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 MAR TIME: 11.30AM VENUE: SHINE AUDITORIUM ARROW 11, 25 JAN 8, 22 FEB 8, 22 MAR TIME: 2PM VENUE: SHINE AUDITORIUM GENREV 11, 25 JAN 8, 22 FEB 8, 22 MAR TIME: 5PM VENUE: SHINE AUDITORIUM

CARE GROUP & DARE GROUP LISTING DARE

LEVEL LEVEL LEVEL LEVEL

ARROW

GENREV

1 2 3 4

(SEC (SEC (SEC (SEC

1 2 3 4

YOUTHS) PLEASE CONTACT DEACONESS ANNA CHENG YOUTHS) PLEASE CONTACT DEACONESS ANNA CHENG YOUTHS) PLEASE CONTACT DEACON JIOW HEE JHUN & 5 YOUTHS) PLEASE CONTACT ELIZABETH WEI AT

AT ANNA.CHENG@NEWCREATION.ORG.SG AT ANNA.CHENG@NEWCREATION.ORG.SG AT JIOW.HEEJHUN@NEWCREATION.ORG.SG ELIZABETH.WEI@NEWCREATION.ORG.SG

EAST A (MJC) EAST B (VJC, TJC, TPJC, DUNMAN HIGH) NORTH A (AJC, YJC) NORTH B (NYJC, SRJC) NORTH C (RJC) NORTH D (IJC) SOUTH A (CJC, SOTA) SOUTH B (SAJC) WEST A (ACJC (WEST), ACS INT’L, ST. FRANCIS, UWC WEST) WEST B (NUS HIGH, JJC, PJC, MI, RV HIGH) WEST C (HCJC, HC INTERNATIONAL, NJC) WEST D (ACJC (EAST), ACS INDEPENDENT)

ALENA LOW ABEL KHOO JOSHUA ONG FELICIA TAN DEBORAH CHIA KEEGEN QUEK ESTHER TEO SHERRIE TAY SHERRY LUM

LOW.ALENA@GMAIL.COM KHOO.ABEL@GMAIL.COM JOSHUA.ONGXY@GMAIL.COM FELICIA.TANWP@GMAIL.COM DEBORAH.CHIAKN@GMAIL.COM QUEK.KEEGEN@GMAIL.COM ESTHER.TEOWL@GMAIL.COM TAY.SHERRIE@GMAIL.COM SHERRY.LUM@GMAIL.COM

GERMAINE LOO POON YONG DE JANAN LONG

LOO.GERMAINE@GMAIL.COM POON.YONGDE@GMAIL.COM JANAN.LONG@GMAIL.COM

POLY /ITE

ITE A (WEST, CENTRAL BUSINESS & ARTS) ITE B (EAST, CENTRAL SCI & INFO TECH) NAFA & LASALLE NP A (FMS) NP B (BUSINESS & ACCOUNTANCY, IT) & SHATEC NP C (HMS, SOE, SDE, SIS) NP D (LSCT/ HS) NYP A (SEG, SHS, SCL) NYP B (SIDM, SDN, SBM, SIT) RP A (SOH, SBC, STA, SIT) RP B (SHL, SEG, SAS) SP A (SD, EEE, MAE) SP B (CLS, CASS, ABE, SMA) SP C (DMIT, SB) TP A (BIZ, APP SCI, HUMANITIES, SS) & PTE TP B (DESIGN, INTERACTIVE & INFO TECH) TP C (ENGINEERING)

ALVIN PHUA EMMANUEL ANG JODIE KOH ARIEL LIM BENJAMIN CHONG JANEY TEO JOLENE KANG DEBRA NG JONATHAN ONG DOMINIC CHIN BRIDGET KANG EDMUND LIM EVELYN TAN ELIZABETH CHOY SNG SWEE MIN RUTH LIM MELISSA LAM

PHUA.ALVIN@GMAIL.COM EMMANUEL.ANGYZ@GMAIL.COM KOH.JODIE@GMAIL.COM ARIELTABITHA.LIM@GMAIL.COM BENJAMIN.CHONGWM@GMAIL.COM TEO.JANEY@GMAIL.COM KANG.JOLENE@GMAIL.COM NGDEBRA.PEIRONG@GMAIL.COM JONATHAN.ONGWEIMIN@GMAIL.COM DOMINIC.CHINHY@GMAIL.COM KANG.BRIDGET@GMAIL.COM EDMUND.LIMJT@GMAIL.COM EVELYN.TANYJ@GMAIL.COM ELIZABETH.CHOYSE@GMAIL.COM SNG.SWEEMIN@GMAIL.COM LIM.RUTHJE@GMAIL.COM MELISSA.LAMJY@GMAIL.COM

VARSITY

NUS ARTS (ECONS, E LIT, E LANG, EURO, GEOGRAPHY, HISTORY) NUS ARTS (OTHERS) & SDE NUS ARTS (PSYCHOLOGY, SOCIAL WORK) NUS BUSINESS, LAW NUS ENGINEERING & SUTD NUS LIFE SCI, MEDICINE, DENTISTRY NUS SCIENCE (OTHERS) NUS SCIENCE (PR) & COMPUTING NIE & NTU SCIENCE NTU ARTS (ADM & COMM STUDIES) NTU ARTS (HSS) NTU BUSINESS NTU ENGINEERING PRIVATE & OVERSEAS ARTS (COMMUNICATIONS, HUMANITIES AND LAW) PRIVATE & OVERSEAS BUSINESS PRIVATE & OVERSEAS CREATIVE AND DESIGN PRIVATE & OVERSEAS SCIENCE SIM (OTHERS) SIM (RMIT) SIM (UOL) SMU (BUSINESS) SMU (OTHERS)

JOMAINE TANG

TANG.JOMAINE@GMAIL.COM

NATALIE TAN DAVID MERVYN KHOO SHAWN LIM MATTHIAS LIM RAYMOND CHUA DAVID MERVYN KHOO CHADIN A.WILSON CHIA WILSON CHIAW SARA HO DOROTHY NG CHARMAINE LEE DANNY NEO KEVIN KWEE

TAN.NATALIEQX@GMAIL.COM KHOO.MERVYN@GMAIL.COM SHAWN.LIMWQ@GMAIL.COM LIM.MATTHIAS@GMAIL.COM CHUA.RAYMONDCH@GMAIL.COM KHOO.MERVYN@GMAIL.COM CHADIN.ANUWATTANAPORN@GMAIL.COM WILSONWS.CHIA@GMAIL.COM HO.SHINING@GMAIL.COM DOROTHYNG.GS@GMAIL.COM CHARMAINE.LEESF@GMAIL.COM DANNY.JOASH.NEO@GMAIL.COM KWEE.KEVINKW@GMAIL.COM

JARED LEO SARAH TAY JARED LEO GIDEON TEO POON HUI TING POON HUI TING NICK SIM TERENCE LAU

JARED.LEO@GMAIL.COM SARAHZOE.TAY@GMAIL.COM JARED.LEO@GMAIL.COM TEO.GIDEONPY@GMAIL.COM HUITING.POON@GMAIL.COM HUITING.POON@GMAIL.COM NICK.SIMJJ@GMAIL.COM TERENCEDAVID.LAU@GMAIL.COM

NORTH

BISHAN STREET BRADDELL HILL CHOA CHU KANG UPPER THOMSON YISHUN STREET

HARVILLE TAN PATRICK TAY KELVIN CHAN LAUREN TEO JACLYN HO

HARVILLE.TAN@GMAIL.COM PATRICKCL.TAY@GMAIL.COM KELVIN.CHANJY@GMAIL.COM LAUREN.TEOLT@GMAIL.COM JACLYN.HOKMUN@GMAIL.COM

EAST

ALJUNIED CRESCENT (BLK 101) BEDOK SOUTH AVENUE 3 (BEDOK COURT) DUNMAN ROAD (CEYLON ROAD) STILL ROAD (TELOK KURAU) KEMBANGAN (WINDY HEIGHTS) PASIR RIS STREET 51 (BLK 569) PASIR RIS ELIAS RD (RIVERINA WALK) ROSEBURN AVENUE TAMPINES STREET 81 (BLK 897) TANAH MERAH (TANAMERA CREST)

ZOEY WU ALEX TAN TEO MING XIAN WINNIE GUI ANDY FENG JOHN SU LOUIS WANG DEACON SAMUEL QUEK TIMOTHY ANG RAYMOND AW

ZOEY.WUZY@GMAIL.COM ALEX.TAN.JJ@GMAIL.COM TEOMINGXIAN@GMAIL.COM WINNIE.GUI@GMAIL.COM ANDY.FENGJM@GMAIL.COM SU.JOHNSC@GMAIL.COM LOUIS.WANGXR@GMAIL.COM QUEK.SAMUELTS@GMAIL.COM ANG.TIMOTHYRG@GMAIL.COM RAYMOND.AW.JW@GMAIL.COM

WEST

BUKIT BATOK CENTRAL (BLK 627) JURONG EAST AVENUE 1 (BLK 340) PASIR PANJANG (THE PEAK @ BALMEG) QUEENSTOWN (MEI LING ST BLK 161) WEST COAST RISE (MONTEREY PARK)

RAY TEO TO JIAWEI TAN PEI LING KOH YIWEI RUTH ZHENG

RAY.TEO@GMAIL.COM JIAWEI.TO@GMAIL.COM PEILING.TANPL@GMAIL.COM KOHYIWEI@GMAIL.COM RUTH.ZHENGML@GMAIL.COM

CENTRAL

DELTA AVENUE (BLK 1) KIM SENG ROAD (MIRAGE TOWER) TELOK BLANGAH (DEPOT ROAD)

JULIAN YANG PRISCILLA YU HUANG CUIJING

YANG.JULIANTW@GMAIL.COM PRISCILLA.YU.MY@GMAIL.COM HUANG.CUIJING@GMAIL.COM

NORTHEAST

HOUGANG (LOR AH SOO BLK 132) SERANGOON GARDENS (BRAEMAR DRIVE)

DENISE NG MARK CHONG

NG.DENISECL@GMAIL.COM MARK.CHONGWP@GMAIL.COM

12 (BLK 128) (BRADDELL VIEW) CRESCENT (BLK 665) (THOMSON V TWO) 61 (BLK 633)

LOG ON TO THEZONE.NEWCREATION.ORG.SG FOLLOW THE ZONE MINISTRY ON ON.FB.ME/THEZONENCC CONNECT WITH US ON TWITTER @THEZONEMINISTRY FIND US ON INSTAGRAM @THEZONEMINISTRY