People Features Happenings
Issue 2/2010
40th Anniversary Bumper Issue! www.trinity.net
Our Family, His Story Our Journey, His Leading Our Accolades, His Glory
Launching soon!
Trinity Christian Centre CELEBRATION SERVICES
FEATURES 28
Trinity@Adam 21 Adam Road
Journey towards the Promised Land Leave your comfort zone
ENGLISH SERVICES Adult Services, Nursery & DiscoveryLand* Sat 5pm Sun 8.30am & 11am
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The Signet Ring of Authority With your God-given signet ring
Pre-teens Services (ages 10-12) Sat 5pm Sun 8.30am
SNAPSHOTS
IGNYTE Services (ages 13-19) Sat 5pm Sun 11am
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Finding ‘Home’ Trinitarians share
139
CHINESE SERVICES Sun 8.30am & 11am
Hearing God’s Heartbeat Missions Weekends 2010
140
Five Nights of Prayer April 26 to 30
Trinity@Paya Lebar 247 Paya Lebar Road ENGLISH SERVICES Adult Services, Nursery & DiscoveryLand* Sat 5pm Sun 10am Pre-teens Services (ages 10-12) Sat 5pm Sun 10am IGNYTE Services (ages 13-19) Sat 5pm Sun 10am CHINESE SERVICES Sat 5pm Sun 10am** FILIPINO SERVICE Sun 10am INDONESIAN SERVICE Sun 10am THAI SERVICE Sun 6.30pm
FINDING ‘HOME’
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* Nursery (birth to age 4) & DiscoveryLand (ages 4 -12) ** With Cantonese interpretation through earphones. Information is correct at time of printing, and is subject to change.
RADIO MINISTRY Thought for the Day BE107 - Mon to Fri 7.40am & 10.30pm (repeat broadcast)
TRINITY CHRISTIAN CENTRE Tel: 6468 4444 • Fax: 6467 6005 Email: admin@trinity.org.sg Website: www.trinity.net Trinity@Adam 21 Adam Road Trinity@Paya Lebar 247 Paya Lebar Road
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JOURNEY TOWARDS THE PROMISED LAND
40TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL Our Family, His Story 42
Our ‘Four-fathers’
Our Journey, His Leading 88
Trinity’s founding fathers
44
Our Faithful Founders
The journey of faith
96
Interview with Mrs Kathleen Stafford
46
Trinity? ME?
98
Trinity: A Church For Breakthroughs
The PLace fulfils the Vision Zoning of Trinity@Paya Lebar
104
Miracles galore
56
The PLace tells His-Story God’s presence 24/7
Interview with Pastor Naomi Dowdy
52
From No Where to Now Here
Milestones 40 years of God’s faithfulness
Here Am I, Send Me Interview with Pastor Dominic Yeo
66
A Church for Everyone Our Accolades, His Glory
A service for all
70
I Grew Up in Trinity!
108
Eight young adults reminisce
72
My Family Tree-nity!
Not calefare
118
Fed, met and wed here
76
Trinity’s Unsung Heroes
122
Second Chance
126
Care Community Services Society Reaching the community
Guess Who?
129
Recognise your pastors?
87
TCA College Providing world-class education
A Real Life Miracle
86
AlphaTrack Trinity’s very own BMT
Went the extra mile
83
Our Productions
Trinity, A Global Church Our missions outreach
Whose Line Is It Anyway? Our pastors’ trademark lines
88
OUR JOURNEY, HIS LEADING
42
OUR FAMILY, HIS STORY
108 OUR ACCOLADES, HIS GLORY
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V I S I O N
We see our worship services, prayer meetings and carecells as places where people hunger for the presence of God and where God delights to inhabit and dwell. In a vibrant atmosphere of worship, prayer and discipleship, we see people encountering God and the manifestation of signs, wonders and miracles.
Vibrant
O U R
Atmosphere We see Trinity Christian Centre as a church living together in covenantal relationships; where carecells, ministries, families and individuals are flowing in corporate unity to fulfil God’s purpose and plan for the church for that hour.
Incredible
Unity
We see a people consumed with a vision to touch the world for Jesus Christ and to see His glory displayed throughout the world. We see a church with a passionate heartbeat to fulfil God’s global agenda through sending men and women of faith to equip and empower churches and the body of Christ.
Passionate
Heartbeat
We see the church as a place for the empowerment and development of Spirit-filled leaders who will be strategically positioned and deployed within the Body of Christ. Every Trinitarian a leader with a ministry.
Strategic
Leadership
O U R C O R E VA L U E S
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Passionate Honour
Audacious Fervour
Passion to love and honour God
Boldness and zeal to believe and ask largely for the impossible
Relentless Belief
Contagious Faith
Unwavering belief in people and their God-given destiny
Authentic and infectious faith that reaches out to the lost
Chief Editor Pastor Janice Chng Editor Tan Rou’en Contributing Writers Dr Kevin Mannoia Ivan Koh Kevin Kwang Sharon Lim Carol Tan
Apostle George Bakalov Joshua Joseph Diana Lim Quek Yan Ying
Contributing Photographers Faith Koh Kenneth Ong Contributing Designers Pastor Carmelo Dolendo Rita Leng Ubrina Tock Photos Credit Pastor Naomi Dowdy Pastor Gary Chia Pastor Melvin Lim Pastor Dwayne Stephens Anita Chia Angelique Khoo Esther Lau Jessie Lu Jeanie Tan Shirley Tan Mervyn Wong Herbert Yeo
Pastor Patsy Chan Pastor Sabrina Chow Pastor Edwin Sam Chang Wai Wai Goh Ruoh Wei Samuel Ko Linda Ong Poh Ee Lyn Roland Tan Jennie Teo Yang Shu Yi
Editorial Support Sarah Lau Veronica Teo
Woo May Yin
Advertising Sales & Admin Sarah Lau For ad sales enquiries, Tel: 6307 7718 Email: admin@trinity.org.sg Mailing Address Singapore Post Centre Post Office PO Box 616 Singapore 914021 Email admin@trinity.org.sg ISSUE 2/2010 The Trinitarian is published quarterly by Trinity Christian Centre. Company registration number 197802911H MICA (P) 060/03/2010 Printed in Singapore by Print & Print Pte Ltd License number L028/01/2010 All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without express written permission is prohibited. Opinions, views and advertisements do not necessarily constitute the official stand of the church. What it should have been In the article ‘I am blessed to be a blessing!’, we featured a newspaper clipping where the text body was from The Straits Times and the photo from Lian He Zhao Bao. The placing of the newspaper article next to the photo gave the impression that it was how The Straits Times covered it in its original form. In addition, credit was not given to Lian He Zhao Bao for use of the photo. The article was featured in The Straits Times and the photo was featured in Lian He Zhao Bao. They are two separate articles. In another article, ‘Trinity’s Missions Firsts’, we wrote that in our first humanitarian trip, Pastor Steven Tay headed four teams to Baguio, Philippines. The statement is wrong. There were a total of four teams that were sent, of which Pastor Steven was the leader of two. We are sorry for these errors.
Congratulations, Trinity! Friends of the church convey their greetings as Trinity celebrates four decades of God’s faithfulness.
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Mr Matthias Yao Chih Mayor, South East District Singapore I first knew about Trinity Christian Centre’s activities in some detail in 2007, when TCC began to conduct church services and social outreach from its premises in Paya Lebar. TCC not only looks after its congregation. It benefits the community as well. Recognising that there are many lower income families living in the surrounding neighbourhood in Paya Lebar, TCC was quick to mobilise volunteers to raise funds and offer assistance. Its social services arm, Care Community Services Society, has several programmes that help to alleviate the hardship of the needy. More importantly, the programmes seek to empower them to achieve their inherent potential. The impact on the community can already be felt. Looking ahead, I am sure TCC will continue to be a well-appreciated partner of our community and welfare organisations, as well as other religious bodies, in the promotion of a strong and vibrant multi-racial and multi-religious society in Singapore. I congratulate TCC on its 40th Anniversary, and wish its leadership and members every success in achieving its vision and mission.
Bishop Dr Robert Solomon President, National Council of Churches of Singapore Singapore Warm greetings and best wishes in Christ to the pastors and members of Trinity Christian Centre as you celebrate your 40th anniversary. In a relatively short span of time, your church has become a key component of the Body of Christ in Singapore. Through your witness and active ministries, you are effectively reaching many. We rejoice with you that God has been good. May the Lord continue to richly bless you to be a blessing to the nations, and help you to keep your eyes on Jesus, the Author and Perfector of our faith (Hebrews 12:2).
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Rev. Ong Sek Leang General Superintendent, Assemblies of God, Malaysia Senior Pastor, Metro Tabernacle, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Dear Rev. Dominic Yeo, Board Members, Pastors, Leaders and members of Trinity Christian Centre, Congratulations to you on the auspicious occasion of the Dedication of your new church building and 40th Anniversary Celebrations. We rejoice with you on the wonderful work the Lord has done in and through all of you. This special occasion testifies of the great faithfulness of God upon you, the anointed and able leadership of your Senior Pastor, Rev. Dominic Yeo, and the commitment, dedication and sacrifices of the leaders and members. The dedication of this building is a powerful declaration of your passion for God and your continual commitment to the spirit of excellence in all that you set your hearts to envision and hands to do. “Behold, I am building a temple for the name of the Lord my God, to dedicate it to Him. And the temple which I build will be great, for our God is greater than all gods” (2 Chronicles 2:4-5). God provided for Himself through your building – a House where His glory will reside and rest. I believe the coming glory that will be released among you will be so tangible that it will bring an unprecedented level of authority, anointing and influence never experienced before. Pastor Dominic and Sister Chin Inn, it has been a great privilege to know both of you as friends and colleagues in ministry. Both your love for God, love towards each other and commitment to lead and serve God’s people has not only inspired me but also many whom you have touched. The commitment and servant heart of your pastors, leaders and members, stewarded with the spirit of excellence to serve other leaders and churches is well known around the world and have set a benchmark for others to aspire to. The evidences of God’s blessings is clearly upon Trinity Christian Centre and l pray that God will open doors and give you unprecedented opportunities to be a greater blessing to others in myriads of ways, bringing glory to God and the extension of His Kingdom. God’s blessings on all of you.
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Rev. Robert Lum Assistant General Superintendent, Assemblies of God, Singapore Senior Pastor, Eternal Life Assembly, Singapore Congratulations on your 40th Anniversary, Rev. Dominic Yeo and Trinitarians! We rejoice with you as you celebrate this significant milestone in your church’s history. From beginning with several young people, you have become the largest church in the Assemblies of God in Singapore. Your growth and influence clearly demonstrate that God has richly blessed you. It is laudable that your theme says, “Blessed to be a Blessing”. We thank God that Trinity Christian Centre has been a great blessing in Singapore and other parts of the world! As you live up to your theme, may the Lord multiply your resources and extend your boundaries! We believe that the future is far more glorious for “no eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him” (1 Corinthians 2:9). May God’s abundance overflow through you!
Pastor Dr & Mrs Fumio Terada Executive Presbyter & Planning Office Director, Assemblies of God, Japan Senior Pastor, Nanki Riverside Church, Wakayama, Japan Congratulations to Pastor Dominic Yeo and all TCC members. I sincerely offer my congratulations on your 40th Anniversary and Dedication Service. Since I visited TCC in 1998, I have been given abundant grace, support, blessings and have been positively challenged through your good fellowship. I personally appreciate this predestined encounter. Our church has started a new journey on the carecell model of TCC from 2003. Since then, to my surprise, our church is renewed in its vision, leadership structure, loverelationships, ministry skills, kingdom values and discipleship. In other words, our church experienced new breakthrough and continuous growth by the power of the Holy Spirit. I would like to take this opportunity to express my deep appreciation of your sincere support and prayer to us and Japan AG. I pray that TCC will be specially used as His lighthouse and mighty hand in this end-time season.
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Pastors Bryan and Haley Jarrett Executive Presbyter, Assemblies of God, USA Lead Pastors, Northplace Church, Texas, USA It is a great privilege for Northplace Church, Haley and I to partner with 40 years of Kingdom expansion through the global reach of Trinity Christian Centre. We deeply cherish our friendships with Apostle Dowdy, Pastor Dominic and the entire Trinity congregation. We are better people because our paths have crossed with yours. Your God-sized vision and passion for excellence inspire us. Although we are on the other side of the planet, our hearts beat with yours. May God grace you with His amazing presence in these special days of celebration and may these days thrust you into 40 more years of even greater Kingdom witness!
Rev. David and Pastor Sally Doery Victorian State Executive Member, Australian Christian Churches, Australia Senior Pastor, Bridge Church, Melbourne, Australia What an incredible joy to be celebrating 40 years of God’s grace and favour on Trinity Christian Centre! Knowing the influence the church is having locally and globally, and seeing the abundant provision of the new facilities at Payar Lebar is not only a testimony of God’s goodness but of courageous faith-filled leadership and an ever increasing army of empowered Trinitarians. Bridge Church here in Melbourne congratulates Pastor Dom and all the team. We count it a great privilege to be friends and partners with you and look forward to even greater days ahead.
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Rev. Dr Kong Hee Senior Pastor, City Harvest Church Singapore Congratulations to Trinity Christian Centre (TCC) on your 40th anniversary! My heartiest congrats to Rev. Dominic Yeo and the leadership team on this special day. I am believing that in the next 40 years, we will see TCC achieve even greater spiritual breakthroughs in your praise and worship, in your prayers and in the preaching of the Word. May the Lord continue to pour forth His bountiful blessings and give you increase in every aspect of your church growth and ministry. Happy 40th Birthday TCC!
Dr Koichi Kitano President, Central Bible College Tokyo, Japan Dear Rev. Dominic Yeo and the Trinity Family, It is a great joy and honour for me to congratulate you on the 40th Anniversary Thanksgiving and Dedication Service of Trinity@Paya Lebar. This occasion is certainly a tribute to the faithfulness of our Lord and the vision of the leadership together with the commitment of His people. Every time I visit the church, I sense the momentum that naturally produces results. I treasure many wonderful memories of Trinity Christian Centre since the 1970’s, and the church has been a great blessing in my spiritual journey, especially during the time Ellen, Joyce and I were ministering at the Bible Institute of Singapore (AGBC). May the Lord continue to bless your multiple ministries and Pentecostal leadership in Singapore and abroad!
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Michael M. Whyte Provost, Azusa Pacific University California, USA It is a great honour to write to you in celebration of your 40th anniversary of ministry in Singapore. Congratulations on your faithful and Christ-centered ministry. I have been privileged to worship with you and be on the campus of Trinity Christian Centre, and know first-hand the way in which God is using you to lift up the name of Jesus and bring the good news to thousands of people across Asia. The relationship with Azusa Pacific University is one that we value highly and look forward to strengthening in years ahead. Our commitment is to serve the church and be part of training future leaders for global influence that puts God first. As we together work to extend the work of God in the world, I pray that this celebration of 40 years will be truly a milestone and represent a commitment to generations ahead. We look forward to a close and long-lasting partnership for Christ!
Rev. Dr Kevin W. Mannoia Chaplain, Azusa Pacific University California, USA Congratulations! And may grace fill you and compel you forward in ministry expansion. Although you rejoice in the heritage of so many who have made these 40 years a blessing, your greatest celebration will be to lean forward in the single-minded mission of Christ for years ahead. You have been a living testimony of the provision and power of God working in His humble servants. He is smiling on you today for the witness you are in your nation. And He is calling you forward to still greater influence for the Kingdom. May the Holy Spirit fill you as you reach and touch the hurting, the broken, the lost and the disenfranchised. I am honoured to be your friend and privileged to have a church home among you. I praise God whenever I am with you. And I pray for you and your pastoral leaders as together you look forward to a brighter future empowered by the Spirit!
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Rev. & Mrs Bill Robertson Former Pastor of Trinity Christian Centre from 1988 to 1996 California, USA Greetings to all of our friends in Singapore. Our ministry there from 1987-1996 has given us fond memories. My mind goes back to when I was District Superintendent and Pastor Dowdy and Sis. Beck worked in the District Office. When we came to Singapore, we will never forget the Singing Christmas Tree at Orchard Road and the many souls that were saved. Then I think of Sis. Beck; only eternity knows the number of couples she counselled for marriage. Then I reflect on Pastor Dominic when he was a first year student in Bible School, and look at how God is using him today. Many of you are productive in the ministry of the Kingdom today. My prayer is that Trinity will continue to be used of God to win souls in Singapore and around the world (Revelations 3:8, 10-11).
Rev. Eu Yat Wan, Pastor Angelina Eu & family Former Pastor of Trinity Christian Centre from 1984 to 2002 New Life City Church, Perth, Australia Congratulations Trinitarians on your 40th anniversary celebrations! This church has contributed to my development and growth as a minister and both Angelina and I are deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve as Trinity pastors since 1984 till 2002. We believe that God has raised Trinity to be a beach-head and will raise and equip many anointed ministers to impact nations and fulfill the Great Commission. It has been our joy to be part of this great end-time harvest force. God has blessed Trinity with world-class leaders and pastors who will lead you into a new season of multiplicative growth and marketplace impact. Indeed community transformation will occur as the church prays, reaches out and touches lives because we are the hands and feet of Jesus Christ. The Eu family prays for God’s blessings and guidance upon Rev. Dominic Yeo, the pastoral team and the church leadership. Advance His Kingdom!
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Bishop Tony & Mrs Kathy Miller Bishop, Destiny World Outreach/The Cathedral Oklahoma, USA To Pastor Dominic, Apostle Naomi, the Leadership Team and the wonderful congregation of Trinity Christian Centre, Kathy and I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate you on your 40th anniversary and the dedication of your new facilities. “It is the work of the Lord and it is awesome in our eyes”! Your commitment to reaching the world for Christ, your passion for equipping the saints for works of service and your example of godliness is exemplary to us all. The distinctive impact of Trinity has left a lasting mark on our lives and ministry. Our prayer for you is that you will continue to lead the way in the apostolic reformation throughout the 21st century!
Rev. Dr Rick Seaward President, Asia Theological Centre for Evangelism and Missions (ATCEM), Singapore Apostolic Overseer, Victory Family Centre, Singapore My friendship with Trinity Christian Centre goes back a long way while the church was worshipping at Hillcrest Road. We have seen God’s blessings and favour bringing the church from a tiny congregation to become an influential mega-church in Singapore, with a vision to touch lives and make disciples. I rejoice in the continuing impact and influence you are having both here and around the world. Even at 40, there is something new and fresh about you that could only have come from one source – our Father in heaven. Indeed, you are a church the Lord has planted for His own glory (Isaiah 61:3). May you stay visionary and vibrant from generation to generation, and may you continue to reach the world for Jesus!
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Dr David and Mrs Beth Grant Founders, Project Rescue India Heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to the pastors and congregation of Trinity Christian Centre. My heart is filled with gratitude to our awesome God who raised up Dr Naomi Dowdy for apostolic leadership, and a number of extraordinary colleagues who worked with her in the early development of Trinity. It has been my abundant joy to be a part of Trinity for the past thirty-nine years. It is miraculous how God has blessed and anointed fresh, powerful present day leadership in Pastor Dominic Yeo and the gifted leadership team today at Trinity. The worldwide impact of this congregation is astounding. On behalf of the eight thousand Assemblies of God churches in India, we express our gratitude for the partnership with Trinity that has strengthened and expanded the church in India. A special thanks from our family and especially our daughter Rebecca and the ministry of Project Rescue in India.
Dr David Wang President Emeritus, Asian Outreach International Hong Kong Great, Greater and Greatest Joy! Knowing Naomi is a great joy. That was more than 40 years ago. We were both very young and were starting out in ministries, and God put us together in Hong Kong to produce Bibles for her Pacific Islands missions field. Then when Naomi started to pastor Trinity Christian Centre, it was an even greater joy for me to get to know Dominic. He was a young man, also just starting out to learn about missions and ministries. Being his teacher then was most gratifying. Even then, some 20 years ago now, I saw great potential in Dominic. Then to witness the passing of the baton from Naomi to Dominic – and to see the continuous growth of Trinity – that must be the greatest joy to me, and to many, many others. “30 folds, 60 folds and even a 100 folds” couldn’t be better demonstrated than in these two wonderful lives. But then as I get to know the people of Trinity, multi-generational blessings, as mentioned in the Old Testament, becomes such a vivid example, that one cannot help but shout, “Praise the Lord, for You are indeed faithful and true!” Keep doing Your marvellous work Lord, we pray.
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Mr J. Lee Grady Director, The Mordecai Project Florida, USA Although I have only visited Trinity Christian Centre once, I tell people all over the world about your amazing church. Since I met Rev. Naomi Dowdy almost 10 years ago, I became so impressed with her vision to disciple and train leaders. Then when I actually visited Singapore and saw the church, and met so many wonderful people, I could see how Rev. Dowdy’s vision was not just a concept...it is reality! Trinity is a church full of leaders who are changing Singapore and the world for Jesus Christ. Thank you for being a model of how the Kingdom of God should operate. I salute Pastor Dominic Yeo, the leadership team and the entire congregation for being such a godly example!
Pastor Bruce Hills Bruce Hills International Brisbane, Australia Dear Trinity, Heartfelt congratulations on your 40th anniversary. It has been an honour to have spoken at Trinity, its Life Conference and Triennial Church Camp some years ago. Pastor Dom has become a close friend. Trinity, you are blessed to be led by the calibre, quality and anointed leader that God has gifted you with. He is a visionary, highly capable and skilled leader. The team around him is extraordinary. You are a church with an evident passion for the presence of God. You have a sense of God’s tangible presence among you and you fostered a spirit of loving community. Trinity is a unique church in many respects. May Trinity’s future far eclipse its wonderful past. By the grace of God, may Trinity grow to become a church of unending significance, influence and transformation in Singapore and the nations of the world. I pray Isaiah 54:1-3 over you: “Enlarge the place of your tents, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back... For you will spread out to the right and to the left...” Warmest blessings and congratulations on this amazing milestone.
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Apostle George Bakalov Overseeing Apostle, Apostolic Reformed Church Bulgaria Trinity Christian Centre is celebrating much more than 40 years. It’s impossible to measure in years the sacrifices so many thousands of people have been making towards making this one of the world’s premier congregations. I, my ministry in Bulgaria and literally hundreds of other churches in our nation have been changed forever through our encounter with Trinity, the leadership of this great church, the staff and its members. Not only did Trinity teams came all the way from the other side of the world to impart into the lives of Bulgarian believers, but our leaders were able to come as well and experience first-hand the tangible blessings the Lord has deposited in Trinity. Through conferences, personal meetings and leadership consultations, you have left an indelible mark in our lives and a lasting fruit is being produced over and over again. Thank you and may the Lord bless you as you venture into the next 40 years of Kingdom service!
Rev. Edmund Chan Senior Pastor, Covenant Evangelical Free Church Singapore Forty years is a generational milestone! Looking back, there’s much to thank God for. Looking forward, there’s much to trust God for. Your pilgrimage of faith, as one of the leading churches in Singapore, has inspired us to behold God’s mighty work in our city. Your message of hope, centered upon the Scriptures, has transformed lives for God’s glory. And your labour of love, empowered by the Spirit, has blessed the nations! May the kinship of our spiritual heritage in Christ Jesus – and the joy of our common allegiance to Him – unite us in these unprecedented times of significant opportunities and strategic open doors. This is a season when God does “awesome things which we did not expect.” (Isaiah 64:3 NASB). As Pastor Naomi Dowdy often says, “God is on the move!” And looking at what the Lord has done at Trinity, we can joyfully say – YES!
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Apostle Indrijati Gautama Senior Pastor, Apostolic Generation Church Jakarta, Indonesia Dear Trinity Christian Centre, Congratulations on the celebration of your 40th anniversary and dedication of Trinity@ Paya Lebar. TCC has stood out as a church with an excellent spirit. You have been a shining light for us, the church in Indonesia – a model of awesome, loving and solid leadership of Apostle Naomi Dowdy and Senior Pastor Dominic Yeo. There are no words to express our gratitude of how the TCC leadership has impacted us at Apostolic Generation Church (AGC) to the point that we, a seven-year old church would have the boldness to finish our US$30 million facility and apartment-cum-office complex, The Kuningan P.L.A.C.E. This could only come into being because of the awesome carecell philosophy of TCC – ”Every believer is a leader”. Bravo! We are so proud of you all in TCC! AGC would not be where we are today if not for its divine connection with TCC. Truly, Trinity is an anointed and rare breed in God’s Kingdom. From the bottom of our hearts at AGC, we would like to say, “HAPPY 40th ANNIVERSARY!”
Pastor Koji Hayashi Senior Pastor, Tokyo Metro Church Tokyo, Japan Congratulations! The Lord has made such a great church these 40 years! Trinity has shared with and helped many churches all over the world to grow. We have always been encouraged by you and are filled with hope whenever we visit and meet TCC’s pastors and leaders. I believe the Lord will make to grow Trinity more and more each day, and bless the world with its wonderful carecell model.
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Rev. Dr Kow Shih Ming Pastor-in-charge, Faith Methodist Church Singapore Dear friends at Trinity Congratulations on your 40th Anniversary! 40 is a very significant number in the Bible. It marks the number of days Moses spent on the mountain to receive the Ten Commandments. It is the number of years the Israelites spent in the wilderness before they entered The Promised Land. It is the number of days Jesus spent in the desert before He began proclaiming the Good News of the Kingdom to all peoples. 40 often marks the watershed moment when the Lord initiates a fresh work in and through his people. As you celebrate your anniversary, may you be filled with gratitude to God. At the same time, may you be full of anticipation of a greater work that the Lord will do in and through you to transform lives and change the world. Blessed 40th Anniversary!
Rev. Drs Robert & Marion Lim Founding Pastors, Evangel Family Church Singapore Dear Rev. Dominic Yeo, We rejoice with you and the wonderful people of Trinity Christian Church on your 40th Anniversary and the dedication of Trinity@Paya Lebar. Be it a nation, organisation, church or family, the success lies with its leadership. Trinity Christian Centre has enjoyed the best of leadership from the time of Dr Naomi Dowdy to its present leadership in Pastor Dominic Yeo. Recently, a friend said to me, “Any leadership without a successor is no success at all.” I have personally witnesed the tremendous blessing of God upon Trinity Christian Centre and it is because of the able leadership and faithful people who have served God through these last 40 years. Trinity has blessed and set a fine example to churches in Singapore and the region to follow and that is: integrity and the pursuit of excellence in God’s work can bring about the physical structure and growth of the church. Our hearts are truly encouraged and blessed by what God has done through your church. Once again, our heartiest congratulations and we rejoice with you.
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Pastor Tetsuyuki Masuda Senior Pastor, City Vision Glory Church Yokohama, Japan City Vision Glory Church (CVGC) in Japan would like to congratulate Trinity Christian Centre on your 40th anniversary! TCC is an excellent church with apostolic anointing through which the Kingdom of God is advancing. We at CVGC feel privileged to be in partnership with TCC. I believe that Rev. Dominic will exercise his God-given wisdom and leadership to guide TCC into a new stage of blessing. I also believe that TCC will be a model church for numerous churches and have powerful influence upon many nations. I am deeply grateful that Rev. Dowdy and Rev. Dominic have visited Japan since 2001 and have guided us on the cell-based church and proper church leadership. The ministry of TCC is giving great impact and encouragement to CVGC and many churches in Japan. May the Lord bless and anoint Rev. Dominic and Trinity Christian Centre mightily for His glory!
Pastor Nobue Nakahara Hiroshima Love of God Christ Church Hiroshima, Japan Congratulations on your 40th anniversary. We thank God that He has blessed TCC abundantly. As an apostolic church, you have served God throughout the whole world. We would also like to thank you for coming to our small church in Hiroshima and serving us with all your heart. Our desire is to serve God’s will and grow spiritually just like how your church has. Thank you very much for your love and prayers. We pray that God will continue to use TCC boldly as His vessel.
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Pastor & Mrs Yoshio Sanga Koriyama Grace Garden Chapel Koriyama, Japan Dear Trinitarians, Congratulations on your 40th anniversary! We really thank you for your dedicated missionary support to Japan, including our church. Through your ministry with Rev. Dominic, Rev. Jeffrey and all ministers who came to Japan, leaders and churches here are growing and being transformed. New churches and young people in Japan are very impressed with TCC’s vision and cell group system. Now they are ready to stand up, and start and represent another milestone in Japanese missionary history. We hope and believe that churches in Japan will get to the next stage in 2010 through your work. Praying for Trinity Christian Centre’s continued outstanding success.
Dr Ivan Satyavrata Chairman and Senior Pastor, The Assembly of God Church Kolkata, India Dear Pastor Dominic, The church family of the Assembly of God Mission here in Kolkata join my wife and I in congratulating and blessing your people on reaching this significant milestone in the life of Trinity Christian Centre. Trinity Christian Centre has truly been a lighthouse for Christ’s Kingdom in Singapore – the “Antioch of the East”. We praise God for Pastor Naomi Dowdy’s years of visionary leadership of the Church and now under your dynamic leadership, we look forward to TCC rising to greater heights of Christ-glorifying Kingdom advancement! Our family has always been grateful for the impact and influence of TCC upon us beginning in Vancouver, Canada, then Bangalore and now in Kolkata. We rejoice with you on this occasion of celebration and pray for God’s rich anointing and blessing upon your church family during this time.
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Rev. Samuel Song Senior Pastor, Solomon’s Porch Hong Kong Dear Pastor Dominic and Trinity Christian Centre, Greetings from Solomon’s Porch in Hong Kong and congratulations on your 40th anniversary. God’s favour is clearly evident in your life and ministry. It was a great pleasure hosting you and your team last March. We are still receiving praise reports from your time with us. Thank you for sharing your heart with us. Even when I was living in the US, I had heard of Trinity Christian Centre and the impact that the church was having in Singapore. After spending some time with you and your staff I can see firsthand that the hand of the Lord is on you and your church. I know that in the next 40 years, God will do much more abundantly beyond what you can ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20). Thank you for your friendship and your willingness to partner with us to see His Kingdom come to Hong Kong and Asia.
Rev. Joyce Williams Senior Pastor, Bethany Chapel Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia We praise God for 40 great and fruitful years that the Lord has given Trinity. We in Bethany have been truly blessed by Trinity’s support for many years. Special thanks to Pastor Dom and team for availing yourselves tirelessly to come and minister at our church regularly. We are also grateful for the many consultation sessions and wise counsel that you have imparted upon our leadership team. God has indeed used you to trigger many of the positive changes that we are experiencing in our church today. This is a testament to the apostolic anointing and calling upon Trinity. Your dedication, friendship and practical support is greatly appreciated by all of us. We pray that God will continue to release His special grace upon Trinity and move you into a greater realm of influence.
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Sunday service at Hilton Hotel
Trinity to be a very
where I received Jesus into
welcoming church
my life. After that, I decided to
and the cell members
get water baptised and so wanted to get rid of the idols
as well. Not only did
in my home. Initially, my mother was unhappy and said
we make Trinity our
no, but later on, she suddenly removed them all on her
home church but
own. After getting baptised, I brought my wife to Trinity.
we also got baptised
After attending church a few times, my wife also received
and married here.
Jesus. Then, we invited my mother to church. She
The time we have in Trinity has been fruitful; we have
attended Trinity’s service at the World Trade Centre and
grown spiritually and we like the preaching of the pastors
saw a vision of Jesus. She accepted Christ as her Saviour
here. Last but not the least, our carecell has been most
after that. After that, my other family members gradually
supportive of us in our walk with God and we give thanks
came to accept Jesus into their lives.
to God for all these blessings in Trinity.
Chin Fook Neng, IT project manager
Wesley Teo Kim Soong, senior executive and Daphne Tan, education officer
…through a friend Do you know that Trinity used to have prayer meetings at the ‘Spring Singapore’ building at Bukit Merah Central? It was called ‘Friday Power Packed Night’. I was invited by a friend to one of the prayer meetings in September 1987, and I there got saved! That was 23 years ago and I have been here ever since. Lawrence Eng, police officer
24
Finding Home Why are you in Trinity? Seven Trinitarians share.
…through passing by Passing by the red brick-
…through an advertisement
clad building along Adam
I first came to Trinity’s production
Road was an everyday
‘Heaven’s Gates and Hell’s Flames’ in 1997 with my family. We had
affair as it was along my
seen the advertisement in the newspapers. Coming to Trinity left
way to work. It was not
a deep impression on me. Later on in 2003
until me and my wife
when I was looking for a church to attend, I
Joanne started looking
got a friend to go with me to Trinity. Since that
for a church that could meet the needs of our
visit, I have made Trinity my home church.
growing children that the familiar ‘red bricked
That friend who came with me is now a
building’ struck a chord in us. We came to visit
carecell Leader!
and finally made Trinity our home church.
Joy Yew, piano teacher
Carl Tan, project manager
…through the Trinitarian magazine It all started when my husband Peter had a lunch appointment
…through a TENet course
at Han’s café at Trinity@Paya Lebar on 19 September 2008, and
I was preparing to marry my wife Bee Lian,
brought back a Trinitarian magazine full of testimonies and
who was then my girlfriend. I came to Trinity
faith-building articles. We realised that Trinity was a place where
to attend its pre-marital class, ‘Before You Say
everyone experienced God, and we wanted to be part of it too. We
Yes’ and made Trinity my home church after
decided to visit and were very edified by all the messages preached.
that! We now have
Pastor Dominic’s Watchnight message was
two daughters, Reesa
one of the many confirmations that Trinity was
and Rae who attend
where the Lord wanted us to be. We are indeed
DiscoveryLand and
very blessed and grateful that the Lord takes a
IGNYTE respectively.
very personal interest in our spiritual walk with
Reginald Chua, businessman
Him. Today, we are members of Trinity! Lindsay Chin, homemaker
25
Journey towards the Promised Land
28
From the early days, God has led Trinity on a journey of faith. Forty years on, the church is still following His lead. Dr Kevin Mannoia shares about the importance of leaving one’s comfort zone, a concept Trinity was wellaccustomed to in the early days of its nomadic past. Have you left yours yet?
In Exodus 13:17, it reads, When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them on the road through the Philistine country, though that was shorter. For God said, “If they face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt. Further down, in Exodus 13:20 it says, After leaving Succoth they camped at Etham on the edge of the desert. By day the LORD went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night. Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place in front of the people. The people of Israel were living in the land of Egypt and although they were in bondage, they had some level of comfort and security there. It was a known place: they knew where they were going to lay their heads every night, where they were going to get their food and the rules under which they lived. Even though they were in bondage and it had become oppressive, Egypt was, in a strange way, their comfort zone. But God said to them, I want you to come out of Egypt onto a journey toward a promised land. And on this journey, God neither gave Moses a roadmap nor a final picture. He just said, I want you to leave this place and I want you to walk into the Promised Land.
29
You have to know something about a comfort zone. The
and growing with one another. Interdependence is a
people of Israel went to Egypt because they didn’t have
Kingdom principal, independence is not and certainly
food. Egypt was an answer to their prayers! It provided
co-dependence is not.
food, connections and validation through their brother Joseph. Egypt was a ‘God thing’. It was a blessing to
This passage in Exodus 13 is not so much about God
them. But your blessings can become bondage if
leading us as much as it is about us following God. And
you stay there
the question
too long.
is, “Will we or won’t we?” God
In your spiritual
is saying, I want
comfort zone, you
you to leave your
could be saying,
comfort zone of
“I’m a pretty good
Egypt, and I want
Christian. I pray
you to walk out
this amount, I
to a Promised
tithe this amount,
Land that I have
I serve this amount, I’ve got things pretty much under control”. While these may be
The passage in Exodus 13 is not so much about God leading us as it is about us following God. “Will we or won’t we?”
good, soon you
in mind for you. I don’t know what that might be in your life, but I think you might and your spirit certainly does.
might begin to depend on your own ability to manage your life. Comfort zones will breed independence
How did God lead them? It’s very interesting He led
and isolation.
them by a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. What was that pillar? What was the cloud?
Independence is neither a Kingdom principle
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nor is it something that God has in mind for you,
Some people say that the pillar of cloud was nothing
but following God out of your comfort zone will
more than a dust devil. They occur when the wind
breed interdependence. It is a Kingdom principle.
begins to swirl, creating a vortex, a suction that sucks
Interdependence is where we mutually submit to one
the dusts of the desert up into a tornado-looking thing.
another as to the Lord, depending on, learning from
These tubes where the winds suck the sand up look
like a cloud. Some people think that the pillar of cloud
animal flesh in sacrifice to God. And so as the dust devil
was nothing more than a dust devil, or that the pillar of
positioned itself right over the flames, the light of the
cloud was nothing more than their imagination.
flames was refracted on the dust particles up through the cloud, such that from a distance it looked like a very
But think about this: there were estimates that there
beautiful pillar of fire. That is why we have beautiful
were around six million people in this exodus. If you
sunsets in the L.A. area because we have so much dirt
think it was a dream, then you have to believe that
in there. It would require an awful lot of faith to believe
God had put, in the minds of six million people, the
that every night, God would move that dust devil and
picture of a cloud everyday for 40 years running and
position it over the fire so the fire would refract up
that cloud in their minds moved at precisely the same
through it and make it look like the pillar of fire.
direction. Similarly, you would have to believe that God had created a dust devil every single day for 40 years
I happen to believe that it was fire in the cloud.
running that moved precisely where He wanted it to.
Whatever that pillar was, I can assure you that it represented the presence of God. God Himself was
I happen to think that it was a cloud, and if you walked
going before them toward the Promised Land.
into that cloud, you couldn’t see what was in front of you. A real cloud, a cumulous cloud, a white puffy cloud
You may be frightened to come out of your comfort zone
in the desert sky.
into that journey of the unknown. You may be frightened, but this I assure you: when you answer the call of God to
Some people believe that the pillar of fire by night was
move out of a comfort zone toward a Promised Land that
nothing more than the dust devil positioning itself
He has for you, He Himself will lead you. All you have to do
over the altar of sacrifice where they were burning the
is focus on the presence of God, keep your heart soft and
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another airplane flying through the same cloud
When you answer the call of God to move out of a comfort zone toward a Promised Land that He has for you, He Himself will lead you.
we were flying through. I don’t know what are inside those clouds, yet each time the cloud has been faithful in carrying me to my destination. Likewise, you don’t know what lies ahead of you but the presence of God will be faithful to guide you to your Promised Land. It will guide you on your journey of following God. Fire, what about fire? It’s warm, breeds community but also sheds light to cast out darkness. It reveals the things that might trip us up. It shows us where there is a turn in the road. A few years ago, I was speaking at a college education retreat up on the mountains. That evening, we went up to the fire circle. It was dark out there and the director went up to the fire circle to light the fire in preparation for the students who were coming out. I asked if he was going to drive his golf cart up to the fire circle and if I could I ride with him. He said, “Sure, come on in”. I got up and had my flashlight with me. I went
be sensitive to the Holy Spirit. But again, this passage is not so
up to a golf cart and asked if I could drive since I
much about God leading as it is us following. Will we, or won’t we?
had never driven one before. He said “Yeah okay, give me your flashlight and wherever I point the
It’s interesting that God used cloud and fire. One can’t really
flashlight, you turn that direction.” I gave him
see inside of a cloud or know what’s inside of it. The cloud
my flashlight and he turned it on. Every time he
represents the unknown things that lie in front of you in
showed the light to the right, I turned to the right
your journey when you leave your comfort zone.
and every time he showed it to the left, I turned to the left. I thought to myself, as I blindly turned
32
I was in the airplane looking out the window and began to
whichever he pointed to, that he could drive me
wonder what was inside those clouds, if there was a mountain
into a tree, off a cliff or into a pool if he wanted to.
in there that we were going to hit. I wondered if there was
Ultimately, I had to trust the holder of the light.
You may not trust your own ability to find your way on the
God does not want us to settle down comfortably in
journey with God but you can trust the holder of the light.
our spiritual comfort zones. He wants us leaning forward, on the balls of our
Why would God use a cloud? The
feet, tilting ahead. He wants
thing about the desert sky is that
us growing, deepening, in
it’s a very deep blue and there
action. He wants us climbing
usually are never clouds in the
higher, going deeper.
sky. God made it very obvious by
God wants growth out of
putting a white, bellowing cloud in a deep, blue desert sky. That way, it would definitely be seen even from miles away. And why would He use fire?
you because the minute
You may not trust your own ability to find your way on the journey with God but you can trust the holder of the light.
It is pitch black at night in the desert. Similarly, God was saying, I want to lead my
growth stops, stagnation begins. He has given you His presence to guide us. He’s even said, I will go before you. But remember: this passage is not so
much about God leading as it is about us following.
people, and to do it I’m going to put a pillar of flaming fire in the night sky. So that wherever they are, they can see it
So here’s the deal, it’s really simple. God may be saying to
from kilometers away. God is saying, I’m going to lead
you, I want you to move out of your comfort zone. I don’t
my people as obviously as I know how, and they’re
know what that comfort zone is in your life, but the Holy
not going to be able to miss my presence, unless they
Spirit does. You’ve been depending on it too much. It
choose to ignore it.
used to be your blessing but now it’s your bondage. Now it’s holding you back and God is saying. “Step out!“ Step
What are you going to do? Remember, this passage is
out of the comfort zone. Step out in faith believing that
not so much about God leading you as it is about you
His standing presence will guide you.
following Him. Why is He calling you? Look at Exodus 13: 21. By day the LORD went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night. He gave them light so that they might travel. So they could move, press on, grow, deepen, expand and achieve to move into their Promised Land. So that they might leave their comfort zone, so that they would always be in motion.
Dr Kevin W. Mannoia is Professor of Ministry and serves as Chaplain at Azusa Pacific University. Were you blessed by this article? Tell us about it! SMS “Trinity<space>your comments” to 79777 or email testimonies@trinity.org.sg
www.
trinity.net
This sermon can be heard online at www.trinity.net/sermons.htm
33
the SIGNET RING of
AUTHORITY
34
A
In order to accomplish anything in the Kingdom and be a blessing to others, you need authority. Apostle George Bakalov reveals secrets about the authority God has given you.
Y
ou can’t accomplish anything in the Kingdom of
again, He makes us like Him, replacing our spirit with
God without authority.
His own. We become a new creation and this new breed has to get used to living as a new breed in the same, old
John 1:12 (NKJV) says, But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name.
carnal nature that used to sin. So the Lord says, You’re not here just visiting, you’re not a temporary resident, you are now a child of God. You are a son, you are a daughter and you have authority. Authority? Me? Exactly! You need authority. Why?
You received authority when you became a child of God. You didn’t just become a nice little saved Christian.
You need authority over sin. When you become born
The Word of God says that we received authority – it
again, you are given authority over sin by the blood of
was a transaction of authority. According to Colossians
Jesus and the Holy Spirit.
chapter 1, the Lord literally pulls you out of the kingdom of darkness into the Kingdom of His beloved son.
The concept of authority is very significant whether you can identify with it or not. A token that God gives
Once you’ve transferred into the Kingdom of God, He
is a sign of that transfer of power. It is a sign of that
gives you authority to be a son and a daughter. The
new place God has for us in His Kingdom. In the Bible,
word ‘holy’ means of another kind. We can’t just make
we see three times a transfer of authority and in those
ourselves righteous. God is holy. As we become born
times there is a golden ring being exchanged or given.
35
The first time is in Genesis 41:42
I found out that Joseph never received another vision
(KJV), where Pharaoh took off
beyond what he saw from God at age 17. I want to
his signet ring from his hand
encourage you, parents, that if you have young people
and put it upon Joseph’s hand
at home, this may be the most important time of their
and arrayed him in vestures of
lives. They may see and hear things from God that will
fine linen and put a gold chain around his neck.
change the rest of their lives. When Joseph was only 17, he heard and saw two separate visions that firmly set him on his course in life, and nothing – absolutely
Joseph had just come out of a difficult situation. He
nothing – had the power to deviate him from what God
had been rejected and betrayed. To be given that ring
had set for him.
was a significant thing. We would identify with his situation if we have been rejected and
The Lord loves to speak to us through visions and
betrayed by our own siblings. Yet,
dreams. If you’re a young person reading this, know
Joseph kept his eyes on the reward:
that this is the time to see God. Do not think that
the Word of God.
maybe only someday will God treat you seriously. You decide this to be a day of visitation for your life.
For 20 years of ministry, I was driven by ‘the Paul
Parents, encourage your children to go to the Lord to
paradigm’, the creative apostolic anointing which
hear from Him, because there might be testing and trials
enabled him to go and literally start something up from
they would not be able to withstand if not for this divine
scratch. He would find the ‘landing strip’, a place where
impartation in their lives.
there was nothing going on, and would raise up a community of fellowship that would minister with the
Some people would say, that Joseph
love of Jesus. I loved that.
didn’t really do anything, that God just showed up sovereignly and spoke to Him.
So for 20 years, it has been my driving motivation to see
That may be, but the condition of his
nations impacted by the power of God. About 18 months
heart was one of openness in receiving
ago, the Lord began to change that by speaking to me
from God. He had the receptiveness and
about Joseph and the ability to not only preach the
therefore was prepared to hear from God.
gospel and plant churches, but to look at a city, nation or
36
territory and say, “How do we establish structures, be it
Joseph has now overcome the betrayal.
churches or organisations, that restore life?” Joseph was
He has overcome the difficult decisions
sent to save lives. According to his own words, he said,
and Pharaoh recognises his place of
God sent me to save lives (Genesis 45:5, 7).
authority. He takes off his own ring, his
signet ring, and makes Joseph the second man after him
That ring was something that was given by someone
in his kingdom. What kind of authority is that? It is the
with higher authority to someone with a lower
authority to govern other people.
authority. It was a token of reminder to its holder that he or she had the authority.
Why would you need the authority to govern other
It was also a token to remind
people?
other people that nothing could change that conferment of authority.
The great commission really is Jesus giving us the authority
Why do we need these tokens
to go interact with
of abundant living? Why do
people, preaching
we need these tokens of
the gospel to and
reminders of our covenant
discipling them. We
with God? It is very simple:
need the authority in
our carnal nature needs it. Our sinful nature drags
the workplace, in our
us down all the time. It tells us, ‘’Oh, you really don’t
nations and in the world. Whether we preach the gospel
deserve this”, but to that, you say, “You’re right. I don’t,
or develop businesses and companies, we need the
yet God in His grace gave me that authority for His
authority and counsel of God.
own purpose.’’
he co
ndition
of his heart was on
penn e of o
ess in receiving from God.
37
In Genesis 1:26-28, we see that God’s original plan for mankind was to create man and woman and to give them authority on earth to rule and reign with Him. We need the authority and God is giving us the authority to govern among other people, to establish His will on the earth among other people. In Esther 8:2, we see another situation where the king takes off his ring and gives it to a man called Mordecai. Mordecai could be described as a prophet, intercessor, governor and father. He was a natural leader among his people but he didn’t quite have the recognition. The invisible hand of God was there throughout the book of Esther – it is the only book in the bible that the name of God isn’t mentioned even once, and yet His providence is seen from beginning to end. We see the invisible hand of God waking up a king, stirring his spirit to remind him of what someone else had done for him. We see the hand of God over His people, protecting and blessing them. When you become born into the Kingdom of God, you are recreated in the image of Christ and have certain giftings, talents and abilities that are supernaturally given to you. You become positioned to fulfill your divine purpose. The Bible speaks about the many areas of giftedness: prophecy, serving, giving, hospitality, administration and so on. In the old paradigm of church, we would have this pyarmidical structure where there would be a ‘super pastor’ who would push everybody down to show how spiritual they are. Thank God you’re in a church that pushes you up and says, “Now you be released in all your giftings because you know what, it is the way it’s supposed to be.” Many Christians today shrink back and say, “I go to church on Sunday and that should be the best they can expect from me.” But God has
38
given you authority amongst your own people. Like a
In Luke 15:22, Jesus speaks of
sculptor who takes his piece of clay and gives it a shape,
the Father who was waiting
releasing it to fulfill its purpose, God has graced you
for his son to return. This son
with certain talents and released you.
had made wrong choices and in a way, had backslidden.
Mordecai had natural leadership ability. He was a
He had betrayed his father and
natural father. He was also a natural strategist but he
brought shame upon the family. In
wasn’t recognised by higher authority. Mordecai was
that culture, honour was very important, so to desecrate
the one who raised Esther up. Yet, when the king gives
the family name was a huge issue. Yet, when his son
him a ring, Esther was the one who then
came back, the father says, “Bring the son here and make
set Mordecai in the house of God. God
a feast. Son, come here, now here’s a ring I’m putting on
gives abilities, talents and anointing;
you.” The son suggested that he should be among the
man gives authority in the church.
servants, but when God restores, He restores fully.
When I travel, people say to me, “Pastor, could you
The third kind of authority the Father wants you to have
please tell the leadership of my church that I’m a
is the authority in your own family. Whether it’s your
prophet.” No, I can’t. God may have given you that gift,
immediate family or your extended family, the Lord
but it is leadership that raises you to a place of authority. You need to be under authority so you can be given authority. We need to trust that the same God who
wants you not to
God may have given you that gift, but it is leadership that raises you to a place of authority. You need to be under authority so you can be given authority.
be nervous or to work it out your own way because He has His way to position you to be heard. You may be
saved us is the same
discouraged with
God who is giving us
your marriage
abilities, and He has
situation or with
given leadership to
your children
exercise oversight
or parents, and
over the church.
you’re saying,
God wants to give us
“When, God?
authority in the Body
When will they
of Christ.
hear my words?”
39
God has given the authority from heaven for you to be a blessing to your family. The Father has what it takes for you to speak and for your words to be heard in your family. He has a token to remind you, I’m with you in your family; I’m with you in that marriage; I’m with you in that difficult situation with your children; I’m with you to bless your whole household through you; I have put a signet ring on you and when you speak in the spirit, when you pray in the spirit, something happens.
I’m m with h yo ou in you ur fa amilyy; I’’m with h you in n th hat marrria agee; I’m m with you in n th hat diffficult situ uattion wiith yourr child dren;; I’m m with h you to blless yo our wholle ho ouseeho old d th hroug gh you u; I havee putt a siigneet rin ng on n yo ou and when n you sp peakk in the spirritt, wheen you u prayy in the spiiriit,, so ometthing g ha appeenss.
When I became a Christian 21 years ago, the change was so dramatic, so quick and so radical my parents really thought I had lost my mind. My mother had never
this is what you two have been planning and God
seen me nicely dressed like that, so orderly and clean.
is saying this is wrong.” They were shocked, but still
I was a rebel before that. One day, she came to me
their heart wouldn’t change. And I said, “God why is it
and said “By the way, thank your God for me, because
that I don’t have the authority to say some things and
he achieved for you in a few months what I couldn’t
to see a change.“
achieve all these years.” I continued to pray. I put a bible next to my dad’s
40
I began to really pray for my father and mother to
bed and I prayed over his pillow. I began to anoint his
become Christians and it was very difficult. I ended up
pillow and prayed ‘Father, when he lies down to sleep...”
at one point very frustrated. But God would give me
I prayed for my mother’s bed, “When she lies down to
dreams. He would give me dreams and I would go to
sleep, Holy Spirit come and speak to them.” And
them and I say “This is what you two are talking about,
I realised that the first place of authority in my family
is my prayer life. Many years later, my parents gave their
fear of man and receive the authority that God has for
lives to Christ.
you. Church, you must be strong. God is expecting you to be victorious. He has opened doors for you in high and low places where you must succeed – not to glorify yourself, not for your resume to look better; you must because you’re a man and a woman of God. He has prepared you for success.
The Lord says, My people, don’t look to the left or to the right, don’t look at the signet ring that your brother or sister has
I realised that the first place of authority in my family is my prayer life. Husbands and wives, if you don’t pray
received. I have one for you. You’re not just going to feel like one of many but you will know. You are a unique creation of God. You have unique authority to achieve things no one else can achieve. I
for your spouses, you pretty much don’t have the
have things for you, I have commissioned
authority to say anything to them. Same goes for
you for a higher task no one else can do.
parents, if you don’t pray for your children, you are
You have been empowered.
neglecting your authority in the spirit. The Father wants you to know you have authority in the family. Prayer is what validates our authority in the household. You can have the breakthrough in your family. You already have the authority. Don’t forfeit it. Exercise it in prayer, and when the Lord gives you the opportunity, exercise it in reality. Today I want you to lay down your sinful mentality of unworthiness and receive a ring of authority. You already have it but it is a prophetic act. Lay down that
Apostle George Bakalov is the founder and overseer of Apostolic Reformed Church, a network of churches in Bulgaria of approximately 2,500 people in close to 40 different churches. He is also the founder and president of the Bulgarian-American Bridges of Fellowship Foundation. Were you blessed by this article? Tell us about it! SMS “Trinity<space>your comments” to 79777 or email testimonies@trinity.org.sg
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trinity.net
This sermon can be heard online at www.trinity.net/sermons.htm
41
Our ‘Four-fathers’
1970-1971
1971-1974
Rev. and Mrs Glenn D. Stafford
Rev. and Mrs. Raymond A. Busby
Trinity had its humble beginnings in the personal residence of
July 1971 saw the handing over of
its founders, Rev. and Mrs Glenn Stafford at 1 Greenleaf View
the young church to another set of
in September 1969. The Staffords were missionaries from the
missionary pastors, Rev. and Mrs Ray
Assemblies of God, America. Their hearts’ cry was to have
Busby. They grounded the church in
“a Pentecostal witness in District 11 of Singapore”, so they
the Word of God. More young people
started a prayer meeting with 10 people, including five from
continued to attend Trinity and were
their family, in their home in September 1969.
led to Christ. This group of young adults would eventually become
The weekly prayer meetings continued until April 1970 when
the core group of members and
the Staffords launched a first Sunday Service at No. 2 Hillcrest
workers in Trinity.
Road in Bukit Timah. Trinity Christian Centre was birthed. Within several months, Sunday School, Sunday evening evangelistic services and mid-week prayer meetings were also added. Mrs Stafford also conducted tract distributions around the Hillcrest and Watten Estate areas, inviting many young adults to the church. By the time the Staffords took their furlough in July 1971, the total attendance was about 50.
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1974-1976
1976-2005
Rev. and Mrs Robert E. Ferguson
Rev. Dr Naomi Dowdy
In February 1974, Rev. and Mrs. R
1976 was a momentous year as it saw the appointment of Rev. Naomi
Ferguson were sent as missionaries
Dowdy as Senior Pastor of Trinity Christian Centre. It ushered in a period
to continue the work in Trinity. Their
of spiritual revival that has continued unabated. The congregation,
Our Family, His Story
As the old adage goes, “What we do in life echoes in eternity”. So exemplify the foundations laid by forefathers of Trinity Christian Centre, solid bedrocks that have left a lasting legacy.
faithful ministry saw rapid growth in
then over 250 in number, outgrew the ballroom of Hotel Equatorial and
the church, and Trinity had to relocate
relocated to the auditorium of Regional English Language Centre (RELC)
to the ballroom of Hotel Equatorial at
at Orange Grove Road. To win, nurture and disciple became Trinity’s
Bukit Timah Road. Three buses were also
mission. Evangelistic productions, equipping classes, carecells and
chartered to bring people to church,
missions became the hallmarks of the church.
packing the ballroom that seated 300. Trinity’s very first baptismal service was
By the time she turned the church over to her sucessor Rev. Dominic Yeo,
held in 1975, and so its first members
the present Senior Pastor, Trinity Christian Centre had grown to a church
came into being.
of global impact, with more than 4,000 in attendance, a strong missions programme and three freehold properties in the land-scarce city state.
Indeed, much of the foundations of Trinity were established by the forefathers of the past. Yet, as Hebrews 11:40 says, God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect. The charge of continuing the great tradition of faith in Trinity now rests upon us!
43
Our Faithful Founders Forty years ago, Trinity was started because there was no church in District 11 of Singapore. Talk about finding and meeting needs! Little more is known about our first founders. Trinitarian speaks with Kathleen Stafford, the wife of the late Rev. Glenn Stafford to discover more. What made you choose to come to Singapore?
What was the first service like?
In 1967, Glenn and I had been assigned to teach in
with ten people; it was in the living room of our home
Petaling Jaya, Malaysia at Bible Institute of Malaya
at Greenleaf View. I remember one of the hymns
(BIM), where we taught for two years. When the AOG
that we sang that night: “Oh Love That Will Not Let
General Council of Singapore invited us to start a
Me Go”. This stands out in my memory as there were
church in District 11, we were thrilled to join the
several among us who needed spiritual healing. It
Singapore Team. We moved to Singapore right after
was encouraging to us that
the Riots of 1969 in Malaysia.
these few would be the
The very first service was actually a prayer meeting
nucleus of the church. We
Why did you choose to call the church ‘Trinity’? When we were pastors in Lubbock Texas, xas, one of our fellow churches gave their church the name ‘Trinity’. It has such powerful meaning: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit! It was a time in Singapore when it was difficult to get Government permission to start another church, so we, with the Brethren, decided on ‘TRINITY CHRISTIAN CENTRE’, which made room for all the activities which needed to be covered at the time.
44
continued meeting at our home until we could find a place to rent.
Our Family, His Story Could you tell us about the search for a worship premise? As many of the older ones that are still there can remember, it was a real chore to find a place to rent. We tried to get a facility that would be in the area that was targeted for the new church plant. With many prayers and limited funds, the Lord provided a starting place at No. 2 Hillcrest, at the corner of Bukit Timah. It was then that we opened Trinity Christian Centre in April, 1970. Sister Pricilla Lim joined us as part of the ministerial team.
Were there any memorable happenings you recall of the early days? We did not realise that there was a Middle School nearby and every day the kids passed by on their way home. We started a Bible Club. We made signs, we had a service which included choruses, a short Bible lesson and then we had games, from Ping-Pong to Chess. We also gave out ICI’s Correspondence lessons – “The Great Questions of Life”. Pricilla Lim
helped teach and sing and we went door-to-door throughout the neighborhood to invite people to church. Glenn and I purchased an organ (which I realise isn’t as popular these days in churches, but I still enjoy playing), but it was a tremendous blessing in those beginning times. General Superintendent Andrew Yeo ministered in the opening service. Samuel Ko, Sonny and Kheng Wong were there from the beginning.
How did you see the hand of God on Trinity in the days of humble beginnings? We took our home leave in 1971 with every intention of returning to Singapore, but the U.S.A. Missions Department sent us to Vietnam. Our ministry there was very fruitful although we were disappointed in not returning to Singapore. Even though we could not return to this “baby church”, we could see that the hand of God supplied the leadership necessary to continue it’s growth until it has become the Body it is today.
45
Trinity? ME?
People looking for a ‘sp ‘spiritual answer’ as to why Pastor Naomi Dowdy came to Trinity would truly be disappointed. The missionary, churchbuilder and apostle says her vision for the church was, “How soon can I get out of here”. But God changed her heart as quickly as He turned things around in Trinity. Trinitarian speaks to Trinity’s first Senior Pastor and uncovers her labour of love and the hand of God upon the church.
Why did you choose to come to Trinity? I did not choose to come to Trinity. I was a missionary evangelist with the Assemblies of God (USA) and had come to Singapore at the invitation of Howard and Rosala Ridings, missionaries to Singapore back in the 60s. So, in 1972 I came for a month to preach in the youth rallies, then returned to the Marshall Islands. In 1975, the General Council asked me to stop at Singapore to discuss the possibilities of coming back. So I did, and the then-General Superintendent,
46
words. God never spoke again; it
meeting over lunch. As we were
was just that one, audible voice.
walking up the steps of the old immigration building, I said, “By the
The missionary couple left.
way, why are we here?” He said a
Meanwhile, somehow a Board
missionary had a visa problem so he
member from Trinity found me.
had come to see if he could work it
The General Council and Board
out. The missionary had been given
members asked me to take the
seven days to leave the country.
position. I tried to evade, saying
Our Family, His Story
Rev. Andrew Yeo and I had a
I came to a point I knew I either had to disobey God or go against what I wanted to do.
I needed time to pray. I called up Springfield, the AG headquarters.
The spirit of the Lord spoke to me: “and you are going to take the church”.
Back in the early 70’s, they had a paper stating that no missionary was supposed to pastor a church; all missionaries pastoring were supposed to turn the churches over
As soon as he said this, the spirit
to local indigenous pastors. So I
Ultimately, I agreed to stay for
of the Lord spoke to me: “and you
told them that a church was asking
six months, telling God, “In the
are going to take the church”. I’m
me to pastor. I said, “Remember the
meantime You can still look for
like, “Not me! I’m an evangelist, not
white paper?” I was expecting them
someone.” I told Him, “See, I’m doing
a pastor. I train pastors, not be a
to say, “Follow the paper, don’t do
what You said to do. I’m taking
pastor”. I was doing a good job. I
it”, but he said, “Oh that’s wonderful,
it for awhile.” They never found a
was comfortable. I began to argue
I think you should do it.” I said, “NO!
replacement. In the process, God
with God. After the lunch, he sent
You are not supposed to tell me
changed me.
me back to the hotel and dropped
that. You’re supposed to say ‘no’.” My
me off. I thought to myself, “If
last resort was now closed.
they can’t find me, they can’t ask
God put me in Trinity, changed my attitude and then worked in
me right?” You talk about Jonah
I came to a point I knew I either
me to develop what it was He was
running and Jacob wrestling,
had to disobey God or go against
wanting. God needed a workshop
I had both their anointings. I
what I wanted to do. I did not
and Trinity became that workshop
packed up and went to another
want to pastor. I didn’t feel it was
to develop the carecell models
hotel. Can’t find me, you can’t ask
my anointing. I did not have a
that we now have that impact
me. But I knew God had said those
positive image of a woman pastor.
churches around the world.
47
What are some of the struggles you faced in the early days?
There was also a lot of in-fighting and backbiting, but no one mediated to settle these things. No other pastor in town wanted Trinity.
The congregation, which was about
It was a church of “42 members
250 in number, did not know how
with 75 problems.”
to worship and we did not have musicians. We had one girl who was
We also did not have adults.
taking piano lessons; she had not
Youths formed the bulk of the
yet passed Grade 8. She could only
congregation. They were first-
play notes from the hymn book –
generation Christians who came
and she didn’t always come. There
to know the Lord. They had no role
were no guitars, no drummers.
models. Adults would come, see all
We just had a little upright piano.
these young people and not come
Worship and altar calls didn’t
back again. My prayer was, “God,
happen.
send us some adults. These young people need to see adult Christians;
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Our Family, His Story We were also nomadic, constantly
reproduce themselves. We went
moving and searching for worship
through several cycles of training
locations. We rented many different
our leaders as we refined the carecell
premises. For example, whenever a
model to what we have today.
premise had a function, we would be kicked out. But we could not
We started with homecells in 1977,
be negative. We had to have the
but realised over time that homecells
faith to trust Him. We made the
focused too much on fellowship
displacement positive: “Let’s rent
and Christian living. We finally
the ballroom at Shangri-la. In two
re-launched into carecells in 1990.
weeks, we are going to have a big
they need spiritual moms and dads.” Ben and Bertha were the first adults who came. They brought Buck Chua and Kim and it grew from there. It
God was teaching me to go beyond evangelism to disciple and to build leaders.
was always by connections: those they brought had connections and the people they brought had connections. People came, miracles
meeting at Shangri-la, invite your
Carecells took the people beyond
happened. God answered all kinds
friends. There’ll be special music.
having a sense of belonging into
of prayer.
Dress differently!”
action – Evangelism, Nurture and Discipleship (END). Through
People came, miracles happened. God answered all kinds of prayer.
We also finally got people into small
the carecell model, we released
groups. God was teaching me to
the five-fold ministries to equip
go beyond evangelism to disciple
God’s people, so that it is them
and to build leaders, Kingdom-
who fulfil the ministry of
minded leaders that would
reconciliation.
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You handed over the leadership to Pastor Dominic Yeo in 2005. How did you identify your successor and what were your expectations? I had to grow my own leaders and realised I needed a successor. I began to develop men and women who could work in every area of ministry â&#x20AC;&#x201C; pastoral skills, leadership skills and preaching skills. Most of all, I was looking for spiritual sons and daughters who had the DNA of the church. In my heart and spirit, I believed that God had appointed Dominic as the next leader of Trinity. I told Dominic that if the church went down in membership or in finances, then I was the failure, not him. I also asked him who his successor was. I wanted him to begin his tenure aware that he already needed to plan his own successor. I certainly expect Pastor Dominic to take the church further than I have. I expect him to stand on my shoulders and build on the foundations Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve laid. Of course, he was part of the team that helped me build that foundation. But I pray that he will have greater and faster success.
50
includes the changing of mindsets.
I could be a pastor even though
I believe Trinity does parallel in
that wasn’t on my radar. It was a
the positive values in transition
journey. So God may have some
That Trinity’s DNA is to develop
of leadership and leadership
gifts inside you that you don’t think
others and not have everything
development.
are possible, but look out. Be open
Our Family, His Story
To this day, what are you proudest of Trinity?
to what He says. Let God fulfil His
rest upon one person. We were up to about 1,000-1,500 in attendance
I’m proud of Trinity, the pastors of
and that was when I realised the
Trinity and what Trinity represents
church was being built upon my
to the body of Christ, not only in
ministry. I realised I had to build
Singapore but overseas as well.
purposes in You.
others up. So, I began developing preaching teams, involving lay leaders from the church in preaching, song leading and so on. I think we epitomise team leadership. Trinity has the maturity and heart to see others develop.
After almost 30 years of pastoring Trinity, what is one word of wisdom you have for people reading this?
I’m proud that Trinity started with
People ask me, “What was your
nothing but today, we are a model
vision for the church when you
that is looked up to around the
came to Trinity?” and wait for some
world. We are still growing. We
really spiritual answer, and I’d say,
grow with the times but never
“You don’t really want to know”…
compromise the gospel and the
“Yes we want to know”… “You really
purposes of the Kingdom. So I
want to know?”… “Yes”… My vision
feel I can identify with Lee Kuan
for the church when I first came
Yew in terms of purpose, the
was “How soon can I get out of
transitioning and developing of
here.” Because of my attitude, I
leaders, mentoring them behind
didn’t want to be here. I was ‘a finger
the scenes and putting them out
in the dyke’; I wanted God to get
there. I feel our development
somebody else here so I could get
has been much like the overall
on with my life. God had to change
development of Singapore, and that
my heart toward what I did, that
It was a journey. So God may have some gifts inside you that you don’t think are possible, but look out. Be open to what He says. Let God fulfil His purposes in You.
51
“Come to the church, come to the church to be prayed for.” In the 70s and 80s, Trinity became a byword among many seeking a breakthrough. “We laid hand on people one by one. It was just miracles after miracles after miracles,” Pastor Dowdy recounts. Decades on, the miracles of God continue to be a trademark of Trinity; miracles still happen today.
Trinity: A Church for Breakthroughs Where: Children’s Church When: End-1980
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Cysts and Lumps Gone
Where: At home When: October 2001
Where: Power Weekend When: August 2006
When my daughter Verine was five in 2001, she started foaming at her mouth and went into a fit. Subsequently, she began suffering from many seizures. She was admitted into hospital where multiple tests were conducted on her – MRI, EEG, CT scan, blood and fluid tests…the list goes on. She was diagnosed to be suffering from Primary Epilepsy; she would go into a seizure without reason or warning. We were also told that she might not qualify for “normal schools” as her brain was affected and enlarged during the seizures. We were devastated by the report.
In year 2004, through a medical checkup, I was found to have three cysts and a nodule on my breast. In March 2006, I found another lump on my breast. At the same time, another scan at my pelvic area showed a cyst and a fibroid. I kept claiming that “God is my banner”. At the ’I Need a Miracle’ Power Weekend, I stood up for prayer.
Right at that moment, God comforted me and assured me that He was with me during this storm and that I needed to look to him. From that moment, I did just that and continued to pray for healing. The seizures started to reduce in occurrence and two months later, my daughter stopped having any. This was in 2002. In 2003, when my daughter was in Primary 1, her school examination results were presented to the neurologist professor. He was amazed by her good results. In 2004, my daughter went through another CT scan, sleep test, blood test and IQ test. All results showed her condition to have normalised, and that her IQ was even high. This must have been the work of God. She was taken off medication in June 2004 and was discharged clinically from epilepsy in September 2006. The Lord has healed her totally, baffling our doctors. Because of the Lord’s healing, my daughter has been in the best class and has excelled academically. If you look at Verine today, you would never have believed she suffered from epilepsy which affected her brain. God is truly our healer and help in times of need. Francis Lee, project manager West, Trinity@Adam
Ouur Family, His Story
Epilepsy Healed
One week later, I went for a medical review and was told that all the cysts and lumps on my breast were gone. In addition, the nodule that was benign was no longer growing. The doctor claim that it would not grow any bigger and said it was safe to leave it alone. The cyst on my pelvic was also gone and the fibroid has shrunk so small that it is no longer significant anymore. All glory to the King of kings and the Lord of lords. He is my healer! Shermeen Phua, distributor West, Trinity@Adam
53
Hole in the Heart Healed
Arthritis Healed
Where: Power Weekend When: August 2007
Where: Pre-service Prayer When: July 2009
I had a hole in my heart since birth, but in 2005 doctors detected another hole in my heart. I went to Trinityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Power Weekend and asked God to heal me. When I went for my check-up, the doctors were unable to detect a single hole. God had sealed up the holes in my heart! Amazing!
My mother-in-law, Tan Gek Kee was suffering from Arthritis for a long while. Her condition had worsened and the pain had intensified. The doctors put her on new pain killers and informed us that if the medication did not work, then my mother-in-law would have to inject herself once every three days with stronger painkillers. These stronger painkillers would have adverse effects on her lung and kidney conditions.
Barbara Cheng, assistant to managing director East, Trinity@Paya Lebar
Marriage Restored Where: Pre-service Prayer When: April 2009
In the meantime the doctors scheduled her for an operation in January 2010. My husband and I believed that God will heal her and submitted a prayer slip during the pre-service prayer, and the church prayed. After a few weeks of persevering prayer, my mum-in-law could walk and testified that the pain had left her. In January, she did not have to go for the operation and today, she is completely healed of Arthritis. Kelly Poh, self-employed West, Trinity@Adam
54
Job Provided
Baby Healed
Where: Pre-service Prayer When: July 2009
Where: Carecell and Pre-service Prayer When: March 2010
My neighbour, Esther, had been out of a job for a long while. I invited her to come visit our Jobs Connection bulletin boards, and attend service as well. As we were early, she joined in for the time of prayer during Pre-service Prayer. There, the church prayed for God to provide her with a job. Two weeks later, Esther finally landed a job. Praise God!
My nephew, Geoffrey was born severely premature. He was delivered at 26 weeks and weighed no more than 800grams. Because of that, he was in the critical care of the hospital in New York where he was born. To make matters worse, baby Geoffrey contracted pneumonia during his stay at the hospital and was later diagnosed with H1N1. The situation turned critical when doctors told his parents to be prepared for the worst, as â&#x20AC;&#x153;anything could happen in the next 12 hoursâ&#x20AC;?. The diagnosis dashed all their hopes for baby Geoffrey.
Winnie
Esther
Winnie Tan, homemaker South, Trinity@Adam
Back Pain Healed Where: Pre-service Prayer When: September 2009
Not satisfied that I had to live with this condition, I submitted a prayer request during the Pre-Service Prayer time and the pastor led the congregation to pray. Right after that, I did not have to take any medication and up till today, I have not had any relapse of back pain. God has healed me completely!
My carecell and I prayed fervently. During service, I submitted a request for baby Geoffrey at the Pre-service prayer. Praise the Lord! After the 12-hour observation, the diagnosis changed from H1N1 to a common flu. God had eradicated the pneumonia and H1N1 virus. Now, baby Geoffrey is a healthy baby, reunited with his family at home. God did a big miracle in a tiny baby. Hallelujah!
Johnson Guo, assistant manager East, Trinity@Adam
Mary Jane Capistrano, housewife East, Trinity@Paya Lebar
I sustained a back injury since my army days after I fell from the three-tonner. Since then, whenever I played squash or participated in any strenuous activity, my back would hurt. I saw doctors and tried Chinese acupuncture but all these would only relieve the pain for a moment. Doctors said the best way to not aggravate the pain would be to refrain from serious activities and be careful with my movements. However, the pain would still linger and escalate every now and then.
Our Family, His Story
Trinity: A Church for Breakthroughs
55
Here Am I, Send Me Visionary, Mentor, Strategic Leader, Prophet, Church Consultant – Rev. Dominic Yeo is all these and more, but says it simply started with a desire to serve God. Trinitarian speaks to the first home-bred local Seniorr Pastor of Trinity Christian Centre for insig ghtss on his life, his call and his vision for the ch hurch.
How did you come to Trinity? Well, my life story has become an open book through the recent Easter presentation, ’Red Brick Road’. I was the bullied ‘Ah Boy’, the gangster on drugs and the suave, young man seeking acceptance and popularity. I am not proud of all that, but all I can say is that it is truly by the grace of God that He has saved me and transformed my life. In 9 June 1980, I accepted Christ in a Saturday night Evangelistic meeting by Pastor Fred Seaward. The very next day, my friend brought
56
Service
Trinitarian finds out about Pastor Dominic’s ministry before he entered full-time clergy ministry. He was then 25.
me to Trinity. Mind you, I was not at all like the clean-shaven man portrayed in the Easter presentation; I had long hair and wore ‘hole-ly’ jeans. I reeked of alcohol and cigarettes. I remember entering
“Dominic was
Our Family, His Story
A LIFE OF
passionate about God. He plunged himself into the thick of church activities,
Trinity Christian Centre at RELC, where
serving as a senior
services were then held and a ‘red sea of
commander
people’ literally parted around me. I did
in the Royal Rangers, teaching
not look like a Christian and I certainly
in Sunday School, sitting in the
did not smell like one.
Youth-In-Action Committee and the Petra Committee. He also song-led on
That day, there was this American lady preaching. I went forward to the altar call. No one came to pray for
Celebration Services,
me, except one – the same American lady who was preaching, and I
Friday overnight
vividly remember the strong fragrance of her perfume. She came to
prayer meetings and coordinated
me, put her arms around me and prayed for me. That day, I felt God’s love and grace through her. That person was Pastor Dowdy. God gave me a second chance and I stayed on in Trinity.
Christmas and Easter projects. He led in fund-raising activities, especially annual walka-runs. He also had a hand in the Students’ Ministry,
How did you come into full-time ministry?
besides leading
People often ask me,
his own cell and
“How did God call you?”
Discipleship
After I was saved, my
Group meetings.”
first words to God were, “Here am I, Lord, send me.” I did not receive a special call from God; I I simply had a desire to serve Him. My initial years with the Lord were really like a yo-yo, since my surname is “Yeo” (laughs); I would backslide, disappear from church,
57
then return and receive Christ again. Eventually, the
Pastor Dowdy
prayers and perseverance of my spiritual parents, Pastor
has been
Yat Wan, Mervyn Wong, Samuel Ko and Antoinette
my constant
Lek paid off. They really believed in me. Then, I started
mentor
serving. Whatever I could put my hands on, I would do.
through the different
Then came the step to go into full-time. I just wanted
junctures of
to serve God with all my life. It was not an easy one for
my life. She
me as I was an air-traffic controller with the Republic of
mentored
Singapore Air Force (RSAF) since 1981. But the turning
me to have
point came after confirmation through the Word,
a ‘Kingdom
prophecies and in one service, altars prayers from Pastor
mentality’
Dowdy and Pastor Yat Wan.
and heart, especially during the missions trips. I also learnt through her example of giving: giving of oneself
I went to altar call for prayers and Pastor Yat Wan prayed
sacrificially to the ministry and giving everyone a
over me Jesus’ prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane:
second chance.
‘Father, not my will but Thine will be done.’ And when Pastor Dowdy came along to pray for me, it was almost
Dr Kitano, my principal in Bible
word-for-word identically! Then at my cell group’s
Institute of Singapore (BIS) has
Chinese New Year gathering, I had a verse in my ‘ang
always been my spiritual father and
pow for Jesus’. The verse said, “Not my will but Thy
mentor. He inspired me with three
Will be done.”
things that I seek as a personal goal: to build up the heart of
I took a step of faith and resigned from RSAF in March
a priest, the eyes of a prophet
1985. It had to be God who paved the way, because
and the knees of a servant. Why? A priest must have
two months later I received the official “OK” from the air
concern for people around him, a prophet must have
force, and did not have to repay any liabilities. I went
eyes to see beyond the circumstances of a situation, and
into full-time ministry on 1 June 1985 and started with
a servant serves in whichever capacity he is called to.
a missions trip to Central Java.
How did you receive God’s Vision for Trinity?
58
Tell us about your spiritual mentors.
It was in the year 2001. Pastor Dowdy asked both Pastor
I have two key spiritual mentors in my life, Pastor Naomi
Yat Wan and I to seek God for the Vision of the church, for
Dowdy and Dr Koichi Kitano.
its future. We were serving in the Apostolic Team then.
Our Family, His Story I was driving from Adam Road to my home when I had
They affirmed these as God’s Vision for our church.
a vision from God. I don’t know how I managed to drive that day without running a red light or getting into an
That year, Pastor Dowdy assigned me to lead the
accident, but I guess God took care of that.
pastoral team and the districts of Trinity. We began the journey of sharing God’s Vision for Trinity with
The vision lasted several minutes, and here’s what
the pastors, leaders and the congregation: Vibrant
I saw: I saw people encountering God in a vibrant
Atmosphere, Incredible Unity, Passionate Heartbeat
atmosphere; individuals, families and ministries
and Strategic Leadership, or VIPS for short.
flowing in incredible unity; people consumed with a passionate heartbeat to touch the world; and
How did the Core Values then come about?
Trinitarians rising up as strategic leaders wherever
In end 2002, we had a Sectional Leaders’ Summit and
God would place them.
one of our SLs asked an intriguing question: How were we going to fulfill our vision? It was a question I could
It was such a compelling vision. I was awed by the whole
not answer and I mulled over this for many days.
experience and I shared this with the Apostolic Team.
59
Then I had my ‘Frankfurt Airport experience’: I was on a ministry trip to Europe, on a sevenhour stopover at Frankfurt Airport. It was like God suddenly pressed the “download” button
O U R C O R E VA L U E S Passionate Honour Passion to love and honour God
and I had to ask Him to slow down. I scurried to buy a notepad and scribbled down all that God was “downloading”. God was showing me how we could fulfill His Vision. He was calling us to build His church, a people with Kingdom values. God wanted us to build in every Trinitarian the Core Values of
Passionate Honour like David, Audacious Fervour like Elijah, Relentless Belief like Barnabas, and Contagious Faith like Andrew, or PARC for short. In 2004, we started the ‘Trinitarian Experience’: the experience of everyone who comes into Trinity as Trinitarians pursue the Vision and live out these Core Values. We want everyone to have a God-experience and be transformed in Trinity.
In recent years, ‘Care and Connect culture’ has become a buzzword in Trinity. Can you tell us more about it? In end 2006, I sought the Lord for the Watchnight service message. It was then that I had a dream in which I preached on the Good Samaritan and Barnabas, how they cared and connected with people. That Watchnight, I preached this dream. God was leading us to build a culture of caring and connecting. As we pursue the Vision and live out
60
Relentless Belief
ple Unwavering belief in peo tiny des n ive d-g Go and their
r Audacious Fervouiev e
Boldness and zeal to bel ossible and ask largely for the imp
Contagious Faith
faith Authentic and infectious t los the to that reaches out
Our Family, His Story We had missionaries who founded the church, Pastor Dowdy who established the church, but now, it is you and I – every Trinitarian, young and old – who must carry on the mantle of faith to fulfill God’s destiny for Trinity.
behavioural norm – a culture – for Trinitarians. We build
As we celebrate our 40th anniversary, what would you like to share with all Trinitarians?
this Care and Connect culture in three practical ways:
Looking back, I am humbled by how God has led Trinity
firstly, ‘Bring a Friend, Connect the Friend’; secondly,
from its beginnings. We had missionaries who founded
‘Find a Need, Meet the Need’; thirdly, ‘See a Potential,
the church, Pastor Dowdy who established the church,
Develop the Potential’. In-so-doing, the ‘Trinitarian
but now, it is you and I – every Trinitarian, young and
Experience’ is created.
old – who must carry on the mantle of faith to fulfill
the Core Values, caring and connecting becomes a
God’s destiny for Trinity. It has been eight years since we first shared on God’s Vision. Each time I see or hear about Trinitarians
It has been a journey of simply listening to God’s voice
exemplifying the Core Values and going the extra mile
and following Him. In every step of faith, God has been
to care and connect with people, I get very excited.
faithful and has never failed to bless us abundantly. So
Now, we are seeing glimpses of this vision coming
Trinitarians, more than ever before, we must arise to be
to pass.
a blessing to our community, our nation and the world.
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Glimpses of Trinitarians and visitors alike testify
We see our worship services services, prayer meetings and carecells as places where people hunger for the presence of God and where God delights to inhabit and dwell. In a vibrant atmosphere of worship, prayer and discipleship, we see people encountering God and the manifestation of signs, wonders and miracles.
I feel most at home here. Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s presence is tangible and overwhelms me every time I step into this place. - Hannah
Life-changing sermons and spirit-filled worship. - Allen
The atmosphere is pregnant with His presence, at the brink of a revival. - Sarah Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s presence is here 24/7
Trinity is a place where
and the worship brings tears
I encountered God and
to my eyes! The preaching
experienced miracles in
of the Word is balanced.
my life! - Benjamin
- Priscilla The worship is very good and it brings me into total engagement with God. I feel the presence of God and Him speaking to me. - Alex
I can feel the very presence of God whenever I worship at Trinity. When I am troubled, the sermons always speak to me. - Anna
I received many revelations from God during worship and service in Trinity which raised me above my trials and reassured me that He is with me. - Rebecca
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Trinity... Home truly... Where God is... Never a dull moment. - Mey
of their Trinitarian Experience.
Our Family, His Story
the Vision We see Trinity ity Christian Centre as a church living together in covenantal relationships; where carecells, ministries, families and individuals are flowing in corporate unity to fulfill God’s purpose and plan for the church for that hour.
Through this church, my entire family has come to know God. - Tommy In my first two to three months in carecell, I gave all kinds of excuses NOT to go. Now, I can’t find any reason NOT to go for cell! I want to meet
Carecell is the greatest. You see lives transformed and
my fellow brothers and sisters there. - Kok Wai
community living come alive. - Nancy
I come into Singapore from JB almost every weekend just to attend carecell and church. We take care of each other, I am very happy in my cell! - Hock Chong
We grow together spiritually, account to each other and encourage one another, and are there whenever anyone needs help. Everyone participates in some way or another. Even the children are involved! - Syebvonne
of my life. - Corine
In Trinity I found my family in my pastors, cell members and friends. Never have I felt so belonged. - Junie
I can feel God’s love in Trinity through the practical and
Trinity is so special to me because without Trinity,
sincere expression of care and connect. - Gregory
I wouldn’t have made such lasting friendships. - Eunice
Trinity has given me godly friends to pray and help me to stand up again when I was facing a most difficult time
63
We see a people consumed with a vision to touch the world for Jesus Christ and to see His glory displayed throughout the world. We see a church with a passionate heartbeat to fulfill God’s global agenda through sending men and women of faith to equip and empower churches and the body of Christ.
At Trinity, I can join with God-fearing
We gave out sandals
brothers and sisters to reach the lost and
and exercise books
hurting with His love and salvation. - Carl
written with “Jesus loves you” in Telugu
I am glad I obeyed God to for MIT to India.
to the destitute
I saw miracles which God did through
children. They were
my hands. Souls were saved, people
so happy to receive
were healed and lives were
them that they would
touched. - Gary
run a few steps with their sandals on, place them back
God did not ask us to pray about going, but to simply go. Compassion took a greater meaning as I witnessed the needs in India. We saw breakthroughs and miracles. I finally experienced the abundant life God has for me – to serve God with all that I am. - Jasslyne
64
in their boxes and continue running and screaming in excitement. - Jeremy We drilled and completed two bore wells in Kurnool, India.
The villagers now have water that sustains life. I will never forget the joyful looks on the children’s faces. - Rachel
Trinity raised me from no one to someone significant and special. - Steven am today through the nurturing and discipleship. - Mark
Whether I am wearing the Traffic Marshall vest or my uniform at work, I am always thankful for the opportunity to serve and make a difference. - Chee Keong
Great leadership, godly vision and divine strategies. A
When the staff were on the brink of losing their jobs and
church with a mission, vision and purpose. - Amberyce
business were reduced by 70%, I prayed for wisdom and
I accepted Christ here and grew to be the man of God I
Our Family, His Story
We see the church as a place for the empowerment and development of Spirit-filled leaders who will be strategically positioned and deployed within the Body of Christ. Every Trinitarian a leader with a ministry.
for the management for me to keep 50 staff who were Coming to Trinity is my New Beginnings; going through
supposed to be retrenched... All 50 staff kept their jobs.
Water Baptism is my New Step; becoming a carecell
- Patrick
Leader is my New Choice and now, being a Sectional Leader is my New Calling. - Michael
When I met with challenges in my workplace, I prayed for God’s favour and He gave me the wisdom to deal
With so many resources available, Trinity is a place where
with them. I was even commended as “the most
there is no excuse for one not to grow in God. - Pete
responsible staff ever met.” - Cindy
65
A Church for Everyone e Thankful for th e w re he w , ry se ur N our at th d are assure is d ol th on nine-m of re ca n ke ta well ship so we can wor in peace.
t Awesomemos y! tr youth minis
“Kids have Children’s Ministry, maid has her service, in-laws have their Chinese ministry and we have the English service. There’s something for everyone.”
ข้าพเจ้าได้ต้อนรับพระค ริสต์เข้ามาในชีวิตที่ทรินิ ตี้ และข้าพเจ้าได้รับกา รรักษาโรคอย่างเด็ดขาด สิ่งที่หมอรักษาไม่ได้ พร ะเจ้าได้ทำการอัศจรรย์ใน ชีวิตของข้าพเจ้า
66
I accepted Christ into my life at Trinity and there received complete healing. What medical science could not do for me, God worked that miracle in my life.
My two daug hters would rather forgo a trip to Malay sia than miss a ch ildren’s service. It’s so met very special to hing them.
ތہ ֭ـሸg༦ փ ෬ሸૌ۹ᇣଔ ಈࢥ߾Ģ er-in-law, My son, daught hildren and my grandc urch ch bring me to . nd ke ee every w
Our Family, His Story
Young or old, single or married, local or foreigner, there is a place for you in Trinity. This is a church for everyone because there is a service for all.
Noong una akong mag bisita sa Filipino Ministry sa Trinity, naramdaman kong parang ako’y nasa sariling bayan. The first time I visited the Filipino Ministry in Trinity, I felt right at home.
For a list of service times, refer to page 4 or visit www.trinity.net 67
Our Children, His Inheritance n e Our Childr
1990s, Children’s Ministry service
1989, Sunday School Children’s choir
Late 1970’s, Sunday School Children’s programme
1998, ‘Pipe Zone’ Children’s camp 2009, revamped DiscoveryLand service 2009, revamped DiscoveryLand service
s h t u o Y Our 1991, ‘Messianic Bonfire’ Youth camp
1983, ‘Building People of Power’ Youth camp
1984, Secondary Youth Bible class
1990, ‘Making A Diffrence’ Youth camp 68
1980s, Christ’s Ambassadors camp
Our Young A lts du 1999, Chi Alpha camp
Our Family, His Story
From ages past, we have put a premium on our children, youths and young adults because Trinity believes every child has a God-given destiny. Here are snapshots of our young ones through the ages.
1980s, Christ’s Ambassadors camp
2009, Young Adults’ camp 2008, ‘Infinity’ Campus camp
2007, ‘Battlecall’ Youth camp
Prophecy
by Cindy Jacobs, 2001
“I am going to raise up a whole, vast multitude of youths. For I am raising up a new spirit of sacrifice, says the Lord, across Asia, where the people of God will love not their lives unto death, where their lives will not be about money and position, but only about Me.”
Prophecy
by Les Bowling, 2009
“I believe that God is raising up a generation that is going to live at the altar of God. And I believe there they will intercede, and supplicate, and wait and tarry and linger in the presence of God till they are empowered with an anointing from an omnipotent God, and go out and change the world.” 2008, ‘Surge’ Youth camp 69
It was in n a 1993 youth
Growing up in Childre ren’s
If not for the relentlesss
camp th hat I got serious with God d.
Ministry has de evelo oped in
belief of my IGNYTE leaders, d ,
In 1994, I answered the call to serve
me a strong fo ounda ation for my
I would ne ever have sttepped pped up
God in full-time ministry. In 1995 5’s
Christian life. The less ssons learnt
to serve ass a Spirituall Parent and
youth ca amp, adult leader Allen
from the Sund day school teachers t
subsequen ntly, a Careccell Leader.
Loh prop phesied that I would be a
really gave ve me e ‘something to fall
It is a privilege to be able ble to make mak
Worship p Leader... I did not believ ve
back on’ during g my rebellious
a positive impact on the he lives of
him. In a 1996 youth camp, Pasto or
teenage years..
young peo ople and he elp p them fi fin nd
Dominicc prophesied that God ha ad anointed d me when I was six with h a Levite’’s anointing. In another
Aaron Lai,i seniior officer in civil service East, Trinity@Pa @Pa aya Lebar Sectional Leadeer Trainee
camp, Pa astor Lorie prophesied th hat
the best an nswer to liffe – God. Jonathan Ho, o universsityy student d IGNYTE, Triinity@Adam m Carecell Leeader
I would write songs to heal the nations. I wait upon God for His Will to be done in my life. Victor Toh, zone pastor Creative Ministries
I grew up in n Sunday School, where
Youth h camps were wha at I enjoyed the
I learnt man ny children’s songs
most. There, I le learnt earnt ab bout ut God an and
which were simple but powerful.
Christtian living. iving.. I was alsso o blessed
It was throu ugh these songs of God’ss
encou untering ering God’s God’s p prese se sence ence during duri
promises an nd love that pulled me
the tim mess of worship. wo orship. I now no ow desire for
through my ‘valley moments’. Olive Ch hin, senior ad dministrative assistant Children’ss Ministry Spiritual Parent 70
morre of His presen prresence! e! Va alerie Tan, exxecutive Norrth, Trinity@Paya a Lebar b Careceell Leader
Our Family, His Story
They epitomise the saying “God has no grandchildren”. The statement, attributed to evangelist Billy Graham, refers to faith not being inherited. Meet eight young adults, second-generation Christians who grew up in Trinity.
The turning poin oint in
I first receive rec ed
Growing up in
the call to se serve erve Go God in n
Trinity is a great blessing. ng g
father suffered d a heart rt attack attac some
missions in the form of a
I thank God for the manyy leaders lead eaderrs
17 years ago. My mother ther to told us to
dream when I was 15. I dreamt
who have sown into my life ife fe
trust God for a m miracle le and we prayed
that I was ministering to a
and made me who I am today. day ay.
every night to togetther. r. We witnessed w
group of brown-skinned
What I remember most are th the
God’s miraculous us healing aling u upon him.
children on brown earr th.
times spent soaking and being ng
It was like a Sunda unday ay school lesson on
Through the years of growing
refreshed in God’s presence, be e
the miracles of Jesus Jessus broug brought brou to life!
up in Trinity, God affirm med and
it in worship services or camps.
It led us to reco recog ognise se e the rreality re of
confirmed my call thro ough
One message inscribed in my
God’s powe power an nd the e depth of His love.
opening doors and ha aving
heart is the truth that we all
Through this, we have ve learnt learn how to
leaders and pastors sp peaking
have a destiny in God and that
exercise faith in n our prayers! prayers
to me about entering full-time,
God wants to use the talents He
in the direction of Missions.
has given us to be a blessing to
our lives wass when w our
Mark Yong, g law wyer South, Trinity@Paya Lebar Charlotte Yong g, insurance surance a advisor Creative Ministrries Carecell Leaderrs
Cal-Lin Neubronner, r ministerial staff m Nor orth, Trinity@Paya Leb bar
others. Vera Lee, e music teacher Creative Ministries Carecell Leader
I joined Trini nity in 1988 where I had the privilege of growing up in the solid, bible and dw worship-based Child dren’s Ministry. It was during my Youth Ministry days w when God called me into o Music Ministry. I remember telling God that I only had Grade 2 in piano and couldn’t even play hymns out off a songbook, bu ut He replied that if I was willing, He would equip and use me e. By God’s grace and through training in the Creative Ministries, I was able e to t serve Him and have been doing so for the e last 19 years. Kevin Sim, doctor Creative Ministries Sp piritual Parent 71
My Family The year was 1988, and they were both students in Trinity’s Timothian programme, a six-month missions training programme. There were projects and
Pastor Jeffrey and Janie –
assignments, and a one-month missions trip to Sumatra. Jeff ’s first impression of Janie was that she was “a very good lady; a big-hearted lady who helps others who are in need”. “She still is!” he asserts. There was a fellow classmate who playfully took Jeff ’s bank passbook and read its statements out loud. Janie realised that Jeff had little savings and quietly passed him some money to help tide him through. Jeff genuinely felt very touched. Their friendship gradually blossomed. Their involvement in ministry helped them know each other better. At times, after the Timothian programme, they would go to Burger King to talk. Jeff also recounts an incident where Janie wrote a note and slipped it under his desk – “the first personal note to express our friendship and the good times that we shared.”
72
Our Family, His Story
They got saved here, discipled here, served here, met their spouses here and their kids grew up here. Meet three couples who from their spiritual family have formed a biological one.
e Tr e-nity Back then, Jeff was also serving as a cell leader. Janie says
Joan along to every meeting.
Jeff ’s leadership qualities were what she noticed.
She was still a baby. She came with us to TCA College when we were studying. She attended the first funeral
Soon, their friendship progressed into
with us when she was two weeks old – we simply didn’t
a relationship. In late 1988, they got
have other choices, no domestic helper,” both recall.
together, and were married in 1990. That year, the bible school sent them to
Today, Joan, who is 19 serves in IGNYTE as a youth
Port Dickson to set up a booth for TCA.
leader and in the worship team. She says, “Through my
“It was a rough journey to Port Dickson
parents’ lives, I have learnt to serve, and that when I
by bus and I was bleeding heavily.
serve, I should serve God wholeheartedly.”
I went to see a gynaecologist, who thought I had a miscarriage and sent
In true ‘pastoral fashion’, Pastor Jeff has this word of
me to KK Hospital. I didn’t even know I was pregnant.
advice for couples: “When couples come together they
Thank God the scan detected the baby’s heartbeat,”
have romantic dreams and ideals. But if you are entering
Janie recalls. In 1991, their only child, Joan was born. Jeff
a marriage to seek happiness, you will never find it. In
says, “Our daughter is a divine intervention.”
a marriage, you will face a lot of challenges living with another person. You only grow through learning to
“Back then when we were both in ministry, we brought
serve and give sacrificially.” 73
Roland and Lynn –
They first met in the early 90’s,
They say that “our pastors and friends in Trinity are a great
when Lynn joined and was
support in our marriage too.” In March this year, their
actively involved in the NTU
youngest daughter Gloria was hospitalised for two weeks
carecell in Chi Alpha, as the
due to a sudden bout of pneumonia. Pastors and church
Campus ministry was then
friends came alongside them, even accompanying Lynn
known. Also active in the same
and Roland till the wee hours of the night. Gloria has
carecell was Roland, another
since recovered completely.
student from NTU. There were weekly prayer meetings in campus and the two grew in their
Roland and Lynn recall
walk with the Lord along with a
how God was not just
strong community of fellow believers.
real to them, but towards their domestic helper
Lynn was an athlete with the NTU
Yanti as well. She used
Track and Field team while Roland
to insist on staying in
was an outstanding competitive
Nursery to take care
swimmer. Along with their cell, Roland and
of Gloria instead of attending service. One day,
Lynn would often turn up to support each
when Yanti was alone at home, she saw a man
other’s competitions, cheering the other
decked in “a long flow-y white robe”. She said she
on. There were times when Roland would
felt no fear or anxiety. Roland then pored over
make the trip from home to NTU extra early
books and magazines with images of Jesus, and
in the morning just to train with Lynn who
she finally identified the man she saw as none
was staying in hostel. Lynn vividly recalls a time during a
other than Jesus Himself. Yanti finally embraced Jesus as
Chi Alpha camp when Roland was playing the keyboard
her personal saviour, and has returned to Indonesia.
during worship, and she heard God stating that Roland
74
was “The one”. As Lynn looked back on what attracted her
Today, the couple hosts a cell in the West, Trinity@
to Roland more than 15 years ago, she says that it was her
Paya Lebar, where Roland is a cell leader. Their three
feeling that she could just be herself around him, and that
children, Ariel, 13, Daniel, 11 and Gloria, 4 are in IGNYTE,
he drew her to God. Roland himself was impressed with
DiscoveryLand and Nursery respectively. Having met
Lynn’s loving actions and kind words, that she could share
and served God here, the couple now want the same for
openly and was trusting.
their children.
Soon, Roland and Lynn realised there was something
“Trinity is a significant part of our lives. Having my kids
special about each other – Lynn found Roland trustworthy
in church helps us foster a close-knit family in the
and realised he shared with her a hunger in seeking God.
sense that we now have an extended family – our
She shares that it was also chemistry that brought them
church, which we love and serve in. As we serve in
together; something which God creates and cannot be
church, we believe our kids will follow our example in
purchased or forced. They tied the knot in November 1995.
serving the Lord,” they share.
Our Family, l His Story
My Family
Tree-nity Adrian and Jasmine – The year? 2003. The event? An audition for Trinity’s
round and she had to try to let him win. As they laughed
Easter musical, ‘The King and I’. Among the audition
about it, they concluded that he was “really lousy” at pool.
hopefuls were Adrian, who was serving as a vocalist in the Creative Ministry, and Jasmine, who had just graduated from Chi Alpha.
Performing in Trinity for the first time, Jasmine was rather unsure of herself. Adrian gave her the much-needed boost of confidence
It was love at first sight for Adrian. When
and encouragement. He helped Jasmine
they were both shortlisted into the
learn to laugh at herself and see humour
second round of auditions, Adrian was
in trying situations. The best friends tied
praying he would get the role of Joseph
the knot in 2006.
(he did) – and secretly hoping Jasmine would get to play Mary. She did.
Both Adrian and Jasmine serve in the Creative Ministry as co-leaders, even
Over the course of the rehearsals,
after the addition of their two children
Adrian’s voice caught Jasmine’s
– Cherise, four and David who is one.
attention, and vice-versa. The first
Adrian shared that they didn’t want the
move was made when Adrian
blessing of children to take them away
valiantly tested the pick-up line
from serving God. With much planning
of the year – he noticed they
and support from the leadership,
shared the same mobile phone
they managed to work out a schedule
model – so they might as well
which allowed them to juggle work,
share their mobile numbers.
family and ministry commitments. It was not easy, but Jasmine chose to serve throughout her first and second
There were mutual friends who knew that Adrian was
pregnancy, taking only a year’s break from serving after
smitten with Jasmine. But when prodded, Jasmine
David was born.
would share that she thought he was “rather skinny”. They went out in groups with friends; it was then that
At home, they practise worship songs together and
they found each other tahan-able (loosely translated,
teach their children the songs too. They never once
tolerable).
forgot that what brought them together in the first place was the fact that they served and sang together.
They fondly reminisced their first date at Mambo Villa –
They met in a production, and now try to be involved in
a game of pool. A very-confident Adrian wanted to let
every production that comes along, whether backstage
Jasmine win the game, only to realise she was actually
or onstage. “Having children makes you realise
very good at it. In fact, so good that he lost every single
serving is a privilege,” they add. 75
Evelyn and Dora were the latest to join the line of the church’s communion wafer bakers. Every month for the last couple of years, within two weeks of Communion day, they would start rolling and kneading the dough for the communion wafers. This involves some physical exertion. “Rolling the dough requires a lot of strength, so initially when I was not used to it, my arms were aching,” says Dora. An early riser, Evelyn would start baking at 6 a.m. in the morning and set aside three hours to bake a portion of the wafers, leaving another portion for another day. It was not possible for them to finish baking everything in one
t n a r g a r AF Sacrifice
them, y are if you see e th o h w w o kn You might not wafers you have n io n u m m co e th ade but chances are church were m in n io n u m m o oly C tre’s eaten during H y Christian Cen it in Tr t e e M s. Neo (Sister by their hand im K g n o e h C – fer bakers Ng communion wa Sham), Evelyn r te is (S g n e Y an Kim), Sham Ng g y Quek Yan Yin B i. o Ts ra o D d an
day as it would be too tiring – rolling the dough is hard on the wrists and the back. The work continues even after the wafers are put into the oven to bake. One has to watch over the wafers baking in the oven – if the wafers get burnt, one has to bake them all over again. It’s time-consuming and tiring, not the most glamorous form of serving around. There’s little recognition as the work is mostly done behind the scenes. What then keeps them going? For Evelyn, it’s “the joy of being able to see the wafers served every Communion and to know that you had a hand in baking an emblem of the body of Christ.” Says Dora: “When I know that I’m
76
preparing this for church and for God…that was what
Kim thought it wasn’t worth it to buy a whole packet
kept me going.”
when their members were not many – “I told Pastor
Our Family, His Story
ward r o f ing mov d n sick, ng a e i h t w t i o is gr who v ntre e l e p C o n eries, pe s a r i y u t a n l s e i r th the rs, run ty Ch i . It is i f o f n h i a c t r s n T l gi stora as, sin eeps a r p k e t e m a h a oc Wh only t an vide m , is not have s n itarians who n hristia ri T e C s e th w f e en some o nurtur on. Here are s e o g t s li e and…th t God. nts and treasures to me, talen ing of theirr tim ra mile in giving e extra gone the
Dowdy I wanted to experiment.” She looked at the Before Evelyn and Dora took over, Sister Sham, together
packaging of the communion bread and noted the
with Molley Yeo (not present for the interview), helped
ingredients, which were vegetable oil, water and flour.
to bake the church’s communion wafers. Says Sister
Using the ingredients, she came up with the recipe for
Sham: “My husband asked me to help out, to learn from
the communion wafer, which has been used ever since.
Sister Kim how to do it. I enjoy baking so I just gave it a try – that was how I started.” It was not exactly because
The wafers were a success. Pastor Dowdy tried them
of a revelation from God that she started to serve –
and was enthusiastic about using them in Communion.
more of a case of meeting a need in the church: Sister
When pastors from overseas visited Trinity and saw
Kim, the church’s long-time communion wafer baker
the wafers, they commented that they had not seen
had just stepped down after 30 years of service.
this kind of communion bread before and asked where they could buy it. When informed by Trinity’s pastors
Now 83 years old, Sister Kim had baked the church’s
that one of the church members, Sister Kim, had baked
communion wafers every month from 1976 to 2006 –
it, they asked whether she was willing to sell it. Sister
single-handedly at first, then with the help of
Kim declined – she
Molley in the later years. In fact, Sister Kim was
didn’t want to sell;
the one who came up with the idea of baking
she only wanted to
communion wafers so that the church would
bake for the church.
not have to spend money to buy them.
The recipe has since been given
It was in 1976, when the church only numbered
to churches who
a few members. Sister Kim was then 49 years old
requested for it.
and was at a service at Hotel Equatorial. “Pastor Dowdy said as long as we believed, we could take
Until a few years ago, Sister Kim and others who
the communion. I had a backache and a problem with
helped to prepare for Communion paid for incurred
my hearing. I took the communion and put my hand
expenses out of their own pockets. Sister Kim would
on my back, and I was instantly healed. From that
also make sure that everything was ready the night
time onwards, I said I wanted to serve God,” she says.
before Communion day. “Once I commit to serving God, I want to do it properly, not half-heartedly.” Early in the
At that time, the church would buy a packet of
morning, she would get up to prepare for Communion
communion bread at $7 from the Bible House. Sister
for the 8.30 a.m. service. Her husband would drive
77
Sister Kim to church with her sitting in the backseat of the car, holding on to the communion trays and the wafers, making sure they would not overturn. After the Communion services, Sister Kim would bring the communion trays and plastic cups (used to contain the grape juice during Communion) home to wash. They did not throw the plastic cups away as they wanted to save money. Sister Kim would soak the cups in water with detergent and painstakingly use satay sticks to clean the cups. She had a large table at home and would cover it with a tablecloth before laying out the cups on the table to dry. As the congregation grew in size, the cups came to number a few thousand and covered the entire table. As the church grew, so too did Sister Kim’s workload. When she first started baking communion wafers for the church, the oil that she used only filled a peanut butter jar. Over time, the amount of oil needed came to fill four of the big bottles used for containing love-letters that one sees during Chinese New Year. One might think that as the amount of work increased, Sister Kim would find it more difficult to continue serving, especially as she was also growing older. Yet for her, “there were no difficulties.” “Once I commit to serving God, I would serve God. God healed me, so I wanted to serve God.” As younger communion wafer bakers came on board, she passed them the recipe and taught them before stepping down at the age of 79. March 2010 was the last time Trinity used hand-baked wafers. From April 2010 onwards, because of the church’s growth, wafers were and would be bought. Trinity’s tradition of using hand-baked wafers might have stopped, but one imagines that the fragrance of the wafer bakers’ offering to God continues to linger and please His heart.
78
How to Bake Trinity’s Communion Wafer
Our Family, His Story
INGREDIENTS 1 kg of flour 2 cups of water 1 cup of oil
1
Pour oil and water onto flour.
2
Use hands to knead flour, oil and water into dough until it is soft and tender.
3
Let the dough rest for about 30 minutes so that its texture would be soft and pliable.
4
Scatter some flour onto table surface so that dough will not stick onto table.
5
Roll dough with rolling pin until dough is flat and thin. This is to ensure that the baked wafer would be crispy. Roll the dough into a squarish shape so that it can fit into tray.
6
Transfer the rolled-out dough onto tray. Cut away excess bits so that the dough fits into the tray while covering the tray.
7
Use pastry-cutter to cut the rolled-out dough into squares (each square is about 1 cm by 1 cm). You might want to use a ruler to measure. You also need steady hands!
8
Pre-heat oven to 360°F for 10 minutes.
9
Put tray into oven and bake for 30 minutes.
10
11
Take the tray out after about 20 minutes to check that wafers are evenly baked. Remove the wafers that are brown enough already and take them out first to prevent them from getting burnt. Reject the wafers that are too burnt. Put the rest of the wafers back in the oven to continue baking.
1cm
30 minutes
Put the wafers that are ready on the cooling rack to cool thoroughly.
3.5kg of flour is needed to bake communion wafers for the two centres’ communion services every month. 79
e c i v r Se e l i m S A h t Wi
to service Welcoming people bulletin may lady ne Tan. The young and handing out the re Se r fo so t no t bu serving dless task, t stopped her from no seem to many a min s ha is th t, Ye d. is partially-blin recell has glaucoma and speaks with her Ca an ri ita in Tr k. ee w y t ever l Wong. as a Celebration Hos ional Leader, Rache ct Se d an , oo Ch e and Richi Leaders, Carol Tan All three remember how Serene was like when she first came in. “When Serene first joined our carecell, she was a very quiet person”, Richie says. “When asked to pray in carecell, she would decline. She felt she was a burden to others as she could not get around on her own – attending carecell or a celebration service would require someone to
Rachel also recalls the change in Serene after she
personally fetch her to and fro.”
served. “Serene is now a different person altogether. She has grown to become more confident and more joyful.
“She wanted to sign-up during a Ministry Expressions
She also serves above the fortnightly schedules –
(ME) recruitment but did not because she did not feel
rain or shine, she serves every Saturday.”
confident about it. The carecell encouraged her. We told her that she might not be able to direct cars at the
In carecell, Serene would pray for different ones. “She
driveway or people to their seats in the auditorium
would call my wife, Grace, and offer to pray for her,” says
but she could smile and hand out the bulletin.
Richie. “She facilitates Gel in carecell and even invites
Serene started to serve as a Celebration Host, doing
her oikos to church.” Rachel adds, “If anyone needed
simple things like giving out the bulletin and smiling at
someone to go to church with them, Serene would be
whoever she could see coming, with her tunnel vision.”
glad to accompany him or her”. This is one
80
Carol agrees. “Serene has come a long way since the first
Trinitarian who has
time I met her. From a quiet person who hardly speaks
blessed many her with
at cell, she has become more confident in sharing,
smile and welcomed
sometimes even offering to pray for me. Serene was
many through the
eager to serve so I told her to ask God how she can serve
doors of Trinity
in other areas and not to let her disability get in the way.”
Christian Centre!
Our Family, His Story
The Drive to Serve rive in While many of us ar rselves church and whisk ou ed service into the air-condition Marshalls halls, these Traffic in until the brave the sun and ra . Trinitarian very last car leaves ce of unfolds the experien Marshall I/C. Max Chan, a Traffic “Need a free sauna? How about Trinity’s very own ‘slimming programme’?” This was what Max and his fellow Traffic Marshalls would joke with new Traffic Marshalls joining the team. The creative group head with an advertising company directs the traffic at Trinity@Paya Lebar on weekends. Tall and broad-framed, people may think nothing can put fear in this “gigantor”. They are wrong. Max has a secret fear: while on duty, he fears drivers would flare up at him. Traffic Marshalling is not the easiest Ministry Expression around. They face people – not the most patient ones – who get stuck in a jam because 1) others are dropping their children/elderly parents off, 2) earlier drivers are looking for a parking lot, 3) they are making a dash for the celebration services. Yes, getting chided by drivers are all part of the “job description“ of a Traffic Marshall (TM).
81
was really touched because he gave up the opportunity to be at the Watchnight service for the past four years.” Head of Operations, Tan Chee Keong adds, “Max truly exemplifies the essence of ‘blessed to be a blessing’ – his passion and tireless spirit has truly blessed all of us.” Apart from sacrifices, Max has earned the respect of his team. “I was quite touched when I saw Max personally There was once a driver who continuously shouted at
running around the carpark to help out,” says Jeremy
Max despite many attempts to calm him down. The
Chew who has been serving as a TM for the past four
driver drove off dangerously fast on the driveway, ran
years. Dominic adds, “He is very proactive and always
onto the kerb and got his tyre punctured. Most would
makes sure everything runs smoothly. When he knew
have sniggered “retribution”, but Max raced across with
that I was serving for the first time on Sunday at Trintiy@
his team of TMs and helped to change the tyre.
Paya Lebar, he gave me a personal guided tour of what to expect. Max inspires me to be a good role model,
“That driver stopped shouting and remained very
because he is a very good one.”
quiet while we were changing his tyres. After we finished, he drove off – this time, slowly.” The driver was not a Trinitarian but chauffeured his daughter and mother to church every week. Max and his team hoped that through this, the man would be shown God’s love. Traffic Marshalling is truly a form of ministry. Even Reverend Wayne Clark, a guest speaker for Missions Convention exclaimed, “This church welcomes right from the doorstep, starting with our Traffic Marshalls. This church welcomes you to experience God and
What keeps Max going after his five years
welcomes you to stay…”
as TM? Every time he sees a car coming in and going out, he knows that
Max has made many
someone will be saved in the process.
sacrifices in his serving as
It is the sense of joy having the entire
TM I/C. Dominic Tey, a fellow
82
TM team cooperating and seeing the entire
TM shares: “Max has served as TM during Watchnight
operations running smoothly. Max and his team have
service, and so had to miss it. Last year in 2009, he was
committed themselves to a job well done. So next time,
finally able to attend the service and was very blessed! I
let’s appreciate our tireless TMs!
In the past, I led
each other. Whenever we talked,
a colourful life.
we would clash.
Our Family, His Story
second a d e e n le p o life, pe s Sometimes in first. Max Chan share ish chance to fin is at Trinity. dh how he foun
I had a flamboyant lifestyle. I would go
My then-boss brought me to
to KTVs and clubs
Trinity in end-2002. At one of the
and drink every
services, I accepted Christ into
night. I was a heavy
my heart. That year also, my pub
drinker. I would flirt
business failed. I then began to
around. I even started
work as a freelancer. My social life
my own disco/club. I would get drunk
remained pretty much the same. I still went to clubs, still flirted, still got very drunk.
every night. Things got really messy. In end-2003, the boss who brought me to church My relationships were all unstable. I would change
stopped coming, but I continued to come to church on
partners frequently; my relationships would come
my own, on an on-and-off basis. At the beginning of
and go. I would chase after â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;big moneyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, big cars. I was
2004, I felt that I needed to make a serious commitment
materialistic. I led a very worldly life.
to God. Only God could make a difference in my life. It was the first service of the year and so before I went,
My relationship with my father was also very bad. We
I told myself that if someone asked me to receive Jesus,
either quarreled everyday or were having cold wars with
I would. It was the first service of the year and this would
83
the right way. “Start walking nd ur mistakes a Learn from yo ith Me.” w move on. Walk
I met Bernard in a cell I was posted to after receiving Christ. His walk with God and his faith encouraged and spurred me on. He gave me Carecell Leader Bernard
sound advice. He told me to trust God whenever I felt
down. My carecell and section also prayed for me and walked me through my down times. I also had friends from carecell such as Alfred, Amos, and Jonathan who were there for me. God sent more people to guide me. In 2006, I started volunteering with Care Community Services Society be my fresh start. That particular day, I responded to the
(CCSS) as a driver
altar call. The pastor who spoke to me said, “You’ve been
for the elderly. I met Hong Yip, who was the then-
in and out of church… you must join a carecell.” So, I was
Programme Coordinator with CCSS’s CARElderly. While
connected to one.
I drove the van, he would talk to me. He encouraged me to live my life as a testimony for God. He helped me align
My real wake-up call came in early 2006. I found out
my perspective, teaching me how to see things as how
that two of my ex-girlfriends were hurt very, very badly
God would. He also taught me how to spend Time Alone
because of me. I only found out five years after the
With God. He taught me a lot about Christ.
relationships. That was when I started thinking, “Enough. Enough of hurting people. When am I going to be
I slowly recognised that the problem
serious about my life? I’ve done enough damage.” I was
was me, not the people around me or
devastated.
my surroundings. I asked God to change me. Through encouragement from brothers
84
In the midst of my guilt and shame, God spoke to me.
and sisters in Christ, through revelation received from
“Start walking the right way. Learn from your mistakes
the study of the Bible and the Walking In The Word series
and move on. Walk with Me,” He said.
at Trinity, a change began to take place in me.
Our Family, His Story The new friends I made in church helped too. After I came to know Christ, I began mingling with brothers and sisters in Christ, and less of my old friends, so I stopped drinking excessively. Previously, I would drink as much as seven to eight glasses a night, but now the craving simply disappeared. I also stopped smoking after receiving Christ. God helped me overcome the smoking by sending a Christian brother to encourage me. This Christian brother, a colleague, told me that “since you know Christ, why don’t you just stop?” I thought about it
they even asked me if I wanted to go on a holiday with
and decided there was no point smoking. That day, I
them to Guangzhou. This could never have happened
had a packet of cigarettes with me, with still many left
before I became a Christian.
untouched inside. I threw the whole pack away. From then on, I stopped smoking. Previously I could smoke
God also spoke to me about trusting Him in everything
as much as 30 cigarettes a day, but there was absolutely
I do, and He is faithful. He has restored my career. I now
no ‘cold turkey’ or headaches when I stopped. Like my
work in an advertising company as a Creative Group Head.
drinking, I also had no craving to smoke anymore. I believe it was the work of God in me. My parents definitely saw that change in me. They encouraged me to go to church. My relationship with my father also
I have since served as a Traffic Marshall for the past five
My life has been totally transformed because of Him. He is indeed a God of second chances.
years. I am also a Spiritual Parent. It is something I would never imagine I could ever be. Since I went for carecell, I have been steadily growing.
started improving. When he knew I was going to church, he would say, “Take my
Today, I look back and marvel at God’s hand upon my
car”. He even took out an idol from the car because
life. My life has been totally transformed because of
he knew I was a Christian. At one point in time last year,
Him. He is indeed a God of second chances.
85
): in Wong; ANSWERS (from top, L-R Darick Yeo; Pastor Benjam tor Margaret Tay; Pastor han Lee; Pastor Dominic Yeo; Pas rina Chow; Pastor Johnat tor Gary Chia; Pastor Sab er Loy; Pastor Kenny Sng Pastor Colin Lincoln; Pas tor Kelvin Ng; Pastor Pet Pastor Beatrice Kang; Pas Pastor Lai Keet Keong; tor Toh; Pastor Gerald Tan Lee Mei Yee; Pastor Vic ny Chua Pastor Steven Tay; Pastor Wilson Teo; Pastor Sun tor Janice Chng; Pastor Pastor Jeffrey Wong; Pas
86
There have been the ey Marvel Comics, Disn rsions of the and even Star Wars ve me. There are popular guessing ga ions. This time, smaller, “travel” vers edition! have a go at Trinity’s
S S U E G WHO
?
Our Family, His Story
t i s i e n i L e s o h W Anyway?
t to hear Here in Trinity, you ge eachers from a wide array of pr gs… with different anointin es. and their trademark lin id these? Can you guess who sa
Pastor Dominic Yeo
1. “Let’s be seated by 2.29pm for LCE”
Pastor Naomi Dowdy
2. “Can somebody say amen”
Pastor Wilson Teo
3. “Gracious heavenly Father…”
Pastor Jeffrey Wong Pastor Danny Leong
Pastor Beatrice Kang
Pastor Gerald Tan
His 4. “The Lord bless the reading of
Word”
5. “Tell your neighbour…Wrong thinking”
urt 6. “Same-O Same-O”, “Deep Yogh
”
7. “There was once the story of a… ”
87
ANSWERS: 1. Pastor Beatrice Kang; 2. Pastor Wilson Teo; 3. Pastor Danny Leong; 4. Pastor Gerald Tan; 5. Apostle Naomi Dowdy; 6. Pastor Dominic Yeo; 7. Pastor Jeffrey Wong
From No Where to Now Here: 19701980
1981
1981
Wayfarers
The clarion call to purchase the land
Our own land at last!
W beg We gan our journey as nomad ds in 19 970 0; we were
For the past 11 yea ars, s Triniity had
On Marcch 6, we paid
alwa al wayyss on the move. We had to rent vario ous premises
been const s antly on the mov o e.
off the fi first lot of land d
for ourr services and programmes – Hillcres e t, Hotel
Would th his be ourr Promised e
at 21 Adam Road. It
Eq qua uato tori to rial ri al, RE al RELC C, Am A er e ican iccan a Sch c ool, oo ol,,
Land La nd d? Th he cch hoice oiice pie o iece ce e of la and d
wass a vi wa victor cto ct orrio rio ous us dayy.
NTUC Conferrence Halll, World d
i excess of 1 acre in e wa w s free ehold,
Afte er ye ears of nomad adic ad
Trade Cent nttre ntre r and so on o .
and centrally
expe erien nce e, God had
located at
fina alll y en e ab abled du uss to find d
H wever, when Ho n those rented
No. 21 and 23
a place th that we could call
premises had oth t er fun u ctions, we
Adam Road.
ou o ur very own wn n. On March
would scramble tto find d another
Bu ut the cost of
3 , we finishe 31 ed pa paym y en entt
suitable location. Som me premises
the la l nd alo lo lone on
fo or the second d lot of la and
would even be too o sm mall to the
wass ov o er two million dolla ars –
at 23 3 Ad Adam a Road. d.. d
congregation. Above e all, every
a very lar arge amoun u t in tho ose
Sund day a , diff fferrent ones had a to carry and d se s t up
days – and d had to be paid d in full
Trinitarians rose to the Tr
musica al in nsttru r ments, audio visual equipm p en pm nt, t
by 31 March 19 1981.
ca all to gi g ve towards
p ojjecto pr orss, tabl b ess, chairs and so on,, and bl d affte ter
t e builldi th ding ng go of Go God’ ds
service, kee e p th he em m all. It was a ted e ious pro r cess
house. The young g
that took plac ace e eve ery week.
congregation gave
Despite all thes ese in inco onven enienc n es,
sacrificially. People
T initarianss ser Tr erve rve v d he h arrti t ly and
g ve hard cash,, th ga t eir
the church grew.
sa av viing ngss a an nd ev e en mortgaged theiir
Pasttor Pa o Dowdy always had d that a stro ong v vision combined witth bold fai a th h for church grow owth and nd our own ch c ur urch building. The search for our ow wn n land was on. 88
houses.
The Journey of Faith 1984
God diverts the drain
1988
Woes aplenty, but God made all things possible
1990
Our Journey, His L eading
Since the 1970s, Trinity has evolved from being nomads to becoming owners of three freehold properties. Board member Danny Yeo, who has been in the building committee for all three church buildings recalls the journey of faith. “It is as if our church has walked out of the wilderness into our promised land, just as God’s people did in Biblical times,” he says.
21 Adam Road completed
We got tthe e needed
We fi fin nal a ly had our ver ey
approval from the
own n ch hurch building! The
governme m ntt to divert the me
dedi d cation service for o 21
d ai dr ain se ain sepa ep pa ara ati ting g2 21 1 an and
Ad dam am Roa oad d an and d a se eri ries ess o off
23 Adam m Road to the right
ce elebra ations was held. d d.
side si i off 21 2 Adam Road, so that th att our two plots of land d would not be divided d.
Ba ank woes – se ecu c ring g a bank loan wa as challengiing as no o bank wa w n ntted e to finance churches es in those hose da ays. Ho owever, r, whe h n it seemed like all bankss had clo l sed itss do oors on n us, God provided d a bank to financ n e uss, on one ne that gave us very go good rates to oo! Co on nssstr ttrructi ucti uc t on woe oes – cco ons n trruccti tion on n wo orrkkss fina n lly began at 21 Adam Road. The land n at the Ad Adam Road site comprised m inly ma ly o of marine clay, which made it a diifficult site to build on. The leadership’s viisi s on for Trinity@Adam was to acccommodate as many people as we could. Thus, we wanted a bal co alcony to be added to o pack in mor ore peop op ple le. Together err wit i h our team m off consultantss, we managed to design an nd d build l a me m zz zzan anine level! 89
1992
Mortgage papers burnt
1993
Construction begins at 23 Adam Road
1995
Double celebrations
W had a symbolic act off burrni We ning ng g
It was a significantt yea ar as we
th he morr tgage papers on stage, to o
celebrated our 25 5th anniversary
sh show ho ow w that we had paid up for the e
with the dedicattion n of the buildin ng
build ding. The following Sunday,
in Adam Road on July 30. In a
we had d a tr trem emen em e d en do ou uss dissplay play pl y of
siimple mple mp le cer erem re em mo on ny pr prec eced ec e in i g th he
unitty and vision as Trinitarians
service, Pastor Dow wdy unveiled ed d
p edged pl d a total of more than an n one
the inauguration n pla aqu q e at the
m llio mi on dollars for the bu uilding off
entrance of the e bu buiilding ng. Th he
23 Ad dam m Road.
words â&#x20AC;&#x2122;Reach the Uncchu urched c and Empowerr the Faithffulâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC; we were engraved on it. We had ou ur first s service in the expanded 10 se 000 0 -seat au udi dito torium.
90
1997
1998
More land to be conquered, more breakthroughs
More approvals needed
CarePoint – a lighthouse to the community
Past Pa stor Dowdyy always had d the e visi sio of si sion
The ta t sk off building att
It was the leade ership’s vision to
five reg egio iona na al centres. Theolo ogiccal Cen ntre
La ave vend vend derr was not easy as a
see Lavender become a lighth house
for Asia (TC TC T CA) A was then houssed e at Adam a
numero r us u submissions wer ee
in the commu unitty. Hence, it
Road. We ea alsso wanted Care Co omm mun u iitty ty
made to various governme m nt
was named ‘C ‘Care ePoint’. Due to
Se S ervic rv vic ices S Soc ocie ocie oc ety ty (C CC CS SS S) to o hav ave e th thei eiir
auth au thor horit orritie ittie es to o com ombi b ne th he e
gove go ve ern nme ment ent nt reg gul u at atio io ons ns,, we we had
o n prem ow e is em ise.
three shophouses with
to keep the e fa f çad de of the buildi ding, di
separa r tiing walls into on ne
but were alllow o ed to holllo ow w out u
Thatt year, we saw many break Th akthroughs h
buildi d ng to provide us wit ih
the internal al spa ace and build the
in the harvest of soulss and d in finances. s
op pti t mal space. But God d
existing intterio or. CareP Point was
We paid off our ex exiistin ng loan
prev pr vailed, and we we ere re re eady
dedicated on o 11 June 2000.
for phase 2 of Ada dam Road.
Our Journey, His L eading
1996
for constructtion!
Foll llowin ng th thiis, God opened doors for us to purchase 103, 105 and 107 Lavender Stre Stre St reet et, an anot otthe o her free eho hold d lan nd. In our Vision Ra ally, we saw faith promises excee ed the S$2 mi mill llio ion n ma m rk! Then on Christmas day, we brough ghtt in gh i ou ur ‘fi firs rst st fruit’ offerings for the Lavender Streett extension centre, which amounted to o over S$1 million in cash!
91
1999
2001
God-inspired figure wins tender
Audacious requests
Th hen n ca am me th he o op p ppo p rt po rtun un nit ityy to to acq qui u re e She helllll Spo port r s Cl rt C ub b along long P lo Pay aya ay a Leba Leba Le b r
As the As he la an nd a nd att Payya Le Leba b r wa as zo zo n ne ed
Ro oad a ,a ass the 3.71 .7 71 a accre es o off fre reeh ho olld land la an nd d bec ecam am me avai av vai a la abl ble e fo or te end nder e . Affte er t r
un u unde nder de er Sp po orr tss and d Rec ecre reattio on, n, we
mu m ucch h pra rayye er an and d de elil be bera rati ra t on ti on, we we sub bmiitt tted e our bid ed d at S$ S$19 19 9.1 millliion on..
appl ap plied ie ed fo fo orr it its ch hange ange an ge of us use ffrrom om Ch C hurch hur urrch ch, Ci Civi ivi vic and an nd Co Com mm mun unit ityy,, and d Ed u Ed ucca attio ion on zo zone nes. s. We al also o re eq qu ue est sted ed for th fo the h hiigh gher he err plo ot ra ati tio, tio, o, fro rom 0. 0.8 to to 1.4 1. 4.. The h re re we erre se evera verra ve al su subm misssi sion ns an a nd di dialog alog al ogu ue es wi witth h the he au uttho horriittiiies ess. Trrin T init nit itar aria anss wer ere ca all lled to pr pra ay y wiith w h aud udacio udac accio ous u fe errvo vour vour ur.
We wo We on n tthe he te he en nd de er!! Trriin niity’s ty’s ty ’s bid d was as tthe he hig he ghe hest stt of th he si six bids biidss rrec ecce eiiv ve ed d.. It was just was wa jju ust st a wh hiisskker er hig ghe herr th han the e ssec eccon e ndd hi high igh hes estt b biid. d. The Pro rope pert pe rtyy Ma rt Manage nage na er of She of ellll to olld us, uss, “Su S re rely y the Go od d tha at you yo ou se serv rve ga rv gave ve e you ou th hiis fi figu gu g ure r of S 19.1 S$ 19 9.1 .1mi mill mi l io ll on tto o win n th hiis bi b d.” We d diid no ot pa pay an any ny am mou ount nt mor nt ore th ore th han an a n was ne n ecess cess ce s arry to o win the e tten en e nde nde derr.. Ind nde ee ed, d, God od’s ’s ha an nd wa as up upo on n us! Fiina F nanc nce ess wer ere e ti tigh gh g h htt as as T Tri rini ri nity ni ttyy on nlly ha ad a fe few w mi m llllio io on in in cassh le eftt iin n th he ba b nk n , ju just stt enou en o g ou gh h to pa pay fo forr the th he init in nit itia tia iall do down w payyme ent n . Ho Howe weve we ver, ve r, we need ne ee ed ded d to pa p y fo forr th the he b ba ala an ncce pa payya abl ble with with wi hin n tthe h ne he exxt fe few w mo ont n hss. Me Mean an nwh whilile, e the con e, o sttru ructio cttio ion n lo oan n for or CarreP ePoi o ntt at La L ve v nd n e err had ad nott bee e n pa aid d iin n fu fullllll.. Bu Butt Go God prrov ovid i ed id ed.. No N o ott lo long ga aft fter fter ft er we to oo ok k ove verr tth he prem prem pr mises isse ess at Pa Paya ya Leb ya ebar ar, we ar we pai aid do off ff th he buil bu ildi il ldi ding ng cos osts sttss for o Laven av ven nde der an and d ra ais i ed d eno n ugh ug gh to o com mpl plet ete et e th he pu p rc rcha ha h ase ase se o the of he lla and an nd at at Pay aya Le aya eba bar th thro rou ugh th ug the fa fait ith hfful u giv ivin vin ing ng off the he ccon ongr on greg gatio attio ion n.
92
2003
2004
The incredible favour of God
Land maximised
Mission possible
Th T he he ch han ange e of zo zoni ning ng
Ou O ur re eq qu ues est ffo or a
The de Th The ev ve ello elo opm pmen e t ch en charrge ges fo forr re re -zzon onin ning ing we in were re ini nittiia alllyy
wa w as as ap ppr prov ved ed.. W We e wer ere ere
high hi her er plo lot ra rati tio o of 1.4 4,
esti es tima ti ma m ate ted d to t be $4 4..5 5 milli illli lion io on n. By By G o od d’ss grra ace, cce e, tth he erre w wa as
grante gr ante an ted th thre ree se sepa epa parate ra ate te
up fro up rom 0. 0.8 wa was al alsso o
no o cha h rg ge pa p ya yabl be bl e!! We We stta art r ted d con con nst str trru uccttio on th he errea eafftter er.
pllots p otts – In Inst stit itut tut utio ion
appr ap prov oved oved ed, pa pavi ving g the he
(C Civ viicc and nd Com ommu mmu muni nity ty)),,
way fo wa or us us to ma maxiim miise se
Ever Ev er y ti tim me e whe h n th he Bo B a arrd re evi vie ew wed d Trriiniity ty’ y ’s ’s ba an nk nk
I ssttit In itut utio ion (E ion Edu duca cati tion on n))
use o us off th he e lan and d..
b la ba lanccess, iitt see eeme eeme med d im mpo osssible ib ble e tha hat we e cou ulld d ev ve er pa pay off o
an nd Pl Plac a e of of Wor orssh hip p.
the th e ba bank nkk lo oa an fo an f r th the la and d at Tr Trin init iitty@ y@P Pa ayya a Leb eba arr. Bu But ut Go G od
It was It as a mira irac ir acle le! Th Th e
ne eve er fa failled to pr fail po ov vid de. e. It w wa as no ot long lon lo ng g befor effo orre we we pai a d off off
buiilldi bu ding ng was nam amed d
th he la and d lo oa an. n Ou Ourr ba bank ker ers we w re re verry ssu urp prriisse ed be beca eca caus use us e
oneP oneP on ePLa Lace ce.
w ha we ad d tak aken en out a 10 0--ye ear ar lloa o n, oa n, but ut ha ad d pai aid it it off off in
Our Journey, His L eading
2002
fo our u yea ars rs.. It I was a tru rulyy God od’s d’s pro rov viissiion n. In n ord rder e to sttre er reng ng gth then en e n the e id de ent ntitty o off Tri rini in niity tyy,, th he b bu uiillding ding di ng n me na mess we were were e cha hang nged ng ed d to Tr Trin niittyy@ @Ad @Ad Adam, am a m, Tr Trin in init niittyy@ @La Lave vend en nd de err and Tr an Trin in nitty@ y@Pa y@Pa aya ya Le eb barr.
93
2006
2007
Entering our new land
Multiplication for growth
Let Your glory fill this place
Phase 1 of Trinity@Paya
‘1 Church, 2 Centres,
By 2009, our attendance broke through the
Lebar was completed
3-nitarians’ was the slogan.
6,000 mark. Phase 2 of Trinity@Paya Lebar was
in time for Watchnight.
The congregation multiplied
finally completed. More than 6,000 people
Trinity@Paya Lebar
into two centres. Adult,
worshipped God in awe at the newly-opened
hosted its first events on
Children, IGNYTE and Chinese
3000-seat Sanctuary at two Christmas
31 December 2006 – our
weekend services were
services! Seeing the buildings filled with people
Family Communion and
held at both Trinity@Adam
worshipping God brought an unparallel sense of
Watchnight Service. There
and Trinity@Paya Lebar.
joy and immense gratitude that all these could
were more than 3,000
Soon after we moved in to
only have been achieved through God’s grace.
people present and we
Trinity@Paya Lebar, our
still had to double park
attendance surpassed the
our cars!
5,000 mark. Meanwhile, phase 2 of building was still underway.
94
2009
by Ché Ahn, 2000
“I’m sensing in the prophetic is that you are pregnant and you are ready to give birth to revival in Singapore.
2010
Our Journey, His L eading
Prophecy
And I sense in my Spirit that what you’re going to see is
Passing the baton
a rapid growth, and it is not going to be transfer growth. But it’s going to be growth out of conversion, out of your loins. You’re going to see people come
It will be another significant year as we celebrate our
into the Kingdom. And as a result of the growth that
40th anniversary, with the dedication of Trinity@Paya
God is going to give you, you’ve got to expand.
Lebar on 18 June 2010. God has blessed Trinity to be a blessing. Although Trinity@Paya Lebar is completed,
And it says, enlarge the place of your tent. We’re talking
we have not paid off the loans for the building.
about physical expansion here. It’s not a coincidence that God has given you the Shell Centre, the
Over the years, there have been many talented individuals
facilities, the favour. It’s not a coincidence that God
who dedicated their time and efforts to serve in the
has given you that kind of favour. I believe that
building committee to see the fruition of these projects.
God is orchestrating these things because He is preparing you for a great harvest.
Like the generations before us who gave sacrificially so that our generation can enjoy the fruits of their instalments, let us continue to
For the word says that you will stretch from the right to the left and that your descendents will dispossess nations and settle in their desolate cities. I sense in my Spirit that God is raising a new generation out of this church that will be sent to the nations of the world. This is a missionary church. This is an Antioch Church. “
give so that the generations beyond us will continue to be blessed!
Prophecy
by Bill Hamon, 2000
“God says He is opening a door that no man can shut. He is giving you favour. He is giving you buildings, plans. And it’s just started. I say, you’re just started, compared to where you are going.”
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The PLace tells
Trinity@Paya Lebar – Dedicated to the glory of God – 18 June 2010 “So we build unto You a palace of praise A throne room of worship for You And in this place we choose to honour Your name Let Your glory fill this House.”
Psalm 24:7 writes, Lift up your heads, O you gates; be
stone façade…[the] beige and black granite panels are
lifted up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may
reminiscent of the canyons and cliffs of Israel.”
come in. The Psalmist accurately paints a picture of what Trinity@Paya Lebar, situated at 247 Paya Lebar Road,
Some key episodes of the Bible are interwoven into the
was created to be – a place filled with the awesome
landscape, beginning from the seven days of creation
presence of Jesus 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
at the entrance and culminating in the cross of Christ which is denoted by a water feature. These are depicted
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The distinctive façade of the complex is visible along Paya
in ‘His-Story’, portrayed over a series of locales in the
Lebar Road. Conceived by Tai Lee Siang, director of DP
physical form of the complex. With all these in mind,
Architects and his team, the building’s “theatrical backdrop
here’s inviting you to discover the grounds of Trinity@
tells the story of Christianity, [through its] undulating
Paya Lebar anew!
Our Journey, His L eading
His-S ory Trinity@Paya Lebar is a place that tells His story.
02 The Garden of Eden 01 The Creation A Beautiful Home Provided
Blessings of Fruitfulness Lavished
05 The Boat in the Storm Divine Peace Given
03 The Tree of Life and the Tree of Knowledge A Relationship Broken
04 The Lilies of the Field Every Need Met
08 The Waterfall Eternal Life Promised
06 The Walk on Water
07 The Cross
Extraordinary Faith Demonstrated
Sacrificial Love Displayed 97
The PLace fulfils
The Community Hub is, literally, a hub of activity! Here, lives connect and interact, and individuals enjoy the activities these facilities offer. The place contains the summit, conference rooms, meeting rooms, a youth lounge, two cafĂŠs, a bookshop and the offices of Trinity Christian Centre and Care Community Services Society. At the Summit, wedding receptions, dinners, talks and recreational activities are held, allowing people to fellowship and be ministered to.
CCSS Office
LEVEL 3
Conference Rooms
Summit LEVEL 4
Meeting Rooms
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Our Journey, His L eading
the Vision LEVEL 3
Café (Han’s) TCC Office LEVEL 2
Manna Bookshop
Youth Lounge LEVEL 1
Café (Shloop)
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The At the Education Hub, lives are equipped and empowered through the education received. The â&#x20AC;&#x153;meditative environment, where spaces are designed to provide an air of tranquil timelessnessâ&#x20AC;? houses the following localities: a 1000-seat chapel, two lecture theatres, 12 classrooms, the TCA College office and a library with a collection of close to 40,000 volumes of books. In addition, there is a rooftop garden, guest lounge, reading lounge and childcare centre.
Roof-top Garden
TCA College Office
LEVEL 3
Chapel LEVEL 4
Classrooms TCA College Library
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LEVEL 3
Lecture Theatres
Our Journey, His L eading
PLace fulfils the Vision
Activity Rooms LEVEL 2
Garden
Childcare Centre Guest Lounge LEVEL 2
Foyer
101
The
Sanctuary
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The Place of Worship is where people encounter God. It houses the 3000-seat Sanctuary,
Sanctuary
two theatrettes and a heritage walk. The magnitude of the Sanctuary awes and humbles – the architecture allows for the individual to be awed at the “power and might of God”.
Our Journey, His L eading
PLace fulfils the Vision
LEVEL 2-4
Theatrettes
LEVEL 1M
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Milestones
40 years of
Hotel Equatorial
RELC
TCA
No. 2 Hillcrest Road
1970
First missions trip
1971
Rev. & Mrs Rev. & Mrs Glenn Stafford Ray Busby founded Trinity pastored Trinity Christian Centre. The first service was at Hillcrest Road
1974
1975
1976
1977
1978
Rev. & Mrs Robert Ferguson pastored Trinity. Services moved to Hotel Equatorial
Launch of youth ministry, Christâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ambassadors
Rev. Naomi Dowdy appointed as Senior Pastor
First Missions Convention held
Trinity registered as a company under the Companies Act
Services moved to Regional English Language Centre Trinity recognised by the General Council Assemblies of God Singapore as an AG church
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First church camp at Marymount Convent
1979 First missions impact trip to Batu Pahat Trinity School of the Bible (TSB), now known as TCA College founded to provide theological education Launch of Royal Rangers and Missionettes, uniformed programmes for boys and girls respectively
Our Journey, His L eading
God ’s faithfulness Singing Christmas Tree
Trinity @Adam
TSBM
Missions (Church Planting)
1981 Purchase of Trinity’s first own land at 21 and 23 Adam Road. Until the Adam Road premise was completed in 1990, services were being held at Singapore American School, NTUC Conference Hall and World Trade Centre, among many others Launch of Homecells Trinity Ensemble launched its first worship cassettes
1982
1983
1985
First Singing Christmas Tree production; held again in 83, 85, 86 and 87; beginning of large-scale evangelistic projects
Trinity School of the Bible renamed as Theological Centre for Asia (TCA)
Thhe Ma M stter e ’s Plan staged, a production in partnership with West End AG Church, US
Trinity School of the Bible and Ministry (TSBM) launched as Trinity’s equipping arm Agapeland Childcare Centre opened
Carecells
1987
1988
Launch of Chhin ines esee se serv rvicicce rv
LLaunch of Yout Yo uthh seerv ut rvicicicee
Launch of campus ministry, Chi Alpha
Launch of Timothian Programme, a 6-month missions live-in programme Pioneered churches: Living Hope Assembly in Taman Perling and the Assemblies of God Church in Purwokerto, Central Java
1989 Pionnee Pion e re redd churches: International Christian Centre in Vancouver and Trinity Agape Church in Medan
1990 Trinity celebrates its 20th anniversary; dedication of 21 Adam Road Transition of Homecell to Carecell system First humanitarian medical missions trip to Baguio Pioneered churches: Trinity Assembly of God in Madras, Trinity Assembly of God in Meenambakkam, Trinity International Christian Church in Perth Missio Miss ions ns oout utre reac achh sppanned to 9 nat atio ions ns
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Milestones
40
f
Heaven’s Gates and Hell’s Flames
AlphaTrack
Trintiy@ Lavender Missions (Training and Consultation)
Care Community Services Society
1991
1992
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
Missions efforrtss exxpa paand nddedd to partnerships with churches, providing Training and Consultation on the Carecell Model
Pioneered church: Gereja Trinity Berastago in Berastagi, Northern Sumatra
Restructure of Children’s Church into DiscoveryLand
Trinity celebrates its 25th anniversary; dedication of 23 Adam Road
Care Communi nitity ty Services Society (CCSS) founded
Colllab Co Coll abor borat orratedd with more than 7 churches in the Bishan Walk-A-Run; $110,000 raised for 9 schools in Bishan and Bishan Home for the Intellectually Disabled
Breakthrough into airwaves, ‘Thought for the Day’ on FM105.5, now known as BE107FM
Trinity spearheaded ‘Day to Change Our World’
Dedication of CarePoint, Trinity@Lavender
Restructure of TSBM to Trinity Empowering Network (TENet) Launch of AlphaTrack, a 3-month missions programme
Heaven’s Gates and Hell Flames; 4,700 gave their lives to Christ; held again in 1997
First batch of interns in the Certificate of Pastoral Ministry programme, now known as Ministry Internship First cell-based Christmas event, ‘I’ll be Home for Christmas’ held
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Spearheaded Love Singapore Light Up, an Light-Up, island-wide prayer for the nation
Partnered with Indian churches in their Transcell 21 vision to plant 50,000 cells by the year 2001 Partnered with Love SingaporeLove Turkey in humanitarian missions trips to Turkey
Rev. Naomi Dowdy commissioned as International Apostle Launch of first live worship album, ‘Warrior Bride’
Our Journey, His L eading
G d ’ f thf l Charity concert
Family Day Carnival Walk
Change of Command service
Trintiy@ Paya Lebar DiscoveryLand revamped service
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
Five Nights of Prayer, ‘Reigning with the King’; extended to 10 nights
Rev. Dominic Yeo appointed as Senior Pastor (Designate); Rev. Wilson Teo and Rev. Gerald Tan set as inhouse prophets
Embarkked on the Trinitarian Experience; Core Values set in place
Rev. Dominicc Yeoo installed as Ye Senior Pas asto torr to
Firs Fi rstt Li rs Life fe fe Confferrennce hel ed
‘1 Church, 2 Ce Cent ntre ress, re 3-ni n ta taririr an ans’s beca be eca camee slo came loga oga gan for a collective Trinitarian identity as the church multiplied into two worship centres
Record 1,280 camp ca mper mp ers er rs attend ndded thi hird r trtriiennial ie camp at Cha-Am, Thailand
Initiated LIFE F ndd, Jo Fu Jobs bs C nnection Co and InfoTalks for retrenched individuals
Trin Tr innitty ce c lebrates its 40th anniversary; dedication of Trinity@Paya Lebar
Gave $100,000 to South East Community Development Council for needy families
Missions outreach spanned to 44 nations
First triennial camp held at Sunway Lagoon, KL, Malaysia Divine Exchange and Wholeness (DEW) Ministry begins
Leadership Team established Vision of church set in place Launch of second worship album, ‘Jesus Comes’
Launch of Power Weekend services
Second triennial camp, the first held outside Malaysia at Pattaya, Thailand
Transition of Ch Chii Alpha into Youth Ministry, IGNYTE and the Young Adult carecells in the Districts First service, Watchnight, held at Trinity@ Paya Lebar’s new 1,000-seat Chapel
Enhanced the Trinitarian Experience by building a ‘Care and Connect’ culture TCA renamed as TCA College and becomes a multi-disciplinary Christian College Family Day Carn Ca rnniv ival al W Wal ak al raisissed $$22 ra 22,0 22 , 00 ,0 f r Ma fo MacPPhers hers he rson o on Seco Se cond co n ar nd aryy Sc Scho Scho hool
Charity concert, ’I Have A Lot!’ raised more than $222,000 for The Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund DiscoveryLand services revamped Firstt se Firs serv rvicicee, Familyy Chr Fa hrisistm tmas as held in Trin he in ty@ init in y@ Paya Paya Pa ya LLeb ebar eba eb ar’s n w 30 ne 3000 0 -s 00 -sea eat ea Saanc n tuar tuarry tu
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Our Productions:
e n a trademark of the church. We have com bee e hav s tion duc pro our s, day ly ear From the ed pts, made our own costumes and compos up with our own sets, written our own scri three can be saved. We centre the stage light on our own songs â&#x20AC;&#x201C; all these, so that people of just some past productions! iconic productions. But first, a snapshot
108
Our Accolades, His G lory
Not Calefare
109
>> Singing Christmas Tree
Its towering structure, the scale of Trinitarians involved and the multitudes that thronged the event made the Singing Christmas Tree a definite hallmark of Trinity’s productions in the 1980s. The massive formation was staged in 1982, 1983, 1985, 1986 and 1987. Words fail to capture the extent of the performance and its reach… Hear from people themselves, lives who were impacted by the sights, sounds and, most of all, the heart of the Christmas message.
The heart and hard work… “It was a new experience for the drama team as they acted, sang, danced and communicated in signlanguage to an overflowing auditorium each night. It would never have been possible had it not been for God’s faithfulness in providing good weather, and exclusive TV and press coverage.” - Drama team members “At any time on a December weekend, 21-23 Adam Road turned into a hub of activity. Besides choir and orchestra rehearsals, there were drama rehearsals, counsellor’s trainings and briefings of tracting and witnessing teams.” - A Trinitarian who witnessed the preparations
Source: The Straits Times © Singapore Press Holdings Limited. Reprinted with permission
110
“Our team fitted about 20,000 light bulbs onto the
The work…
structure over many, many nights. There was a canvas
• December 1982:
covering, but due to heavy rains in December, it would
Spiritual Parents
give way, and the rain would hit
dressed as shepherds
against the light bulbs or move
mingled with the
the strings of lights. We often
crowds, spreading the good news of the gospel.
Our Accolades, His G lory
through a The Christmas message presented autiful music. rhapsody of colourful lights and be
had to rearrange everything back into position, sometimes working through the night, and in the daytime go back to work. It was a tedious task but we didn’t give up. God gave us the strength to finish it all, and we also owe it to the prayers of people behind
• December 1983: The 92-voice choir was arranged on a 36-foot tall tree. They were accompanied by a 35-piece orchestra comprised of brass, strings, woodwinds, percussions, guitars, xylophones and organs. Besides the 38 in the orchestra, 370 others worked behind the scenes. • December 1985: It took 20,000
the scenes. All glory to God.”
lights, two weeks of pounding
- Low Lum Soon, retiree
and hammering, 120 singers and
He headed the electricians
15 metres worth of tree to draw
in the construction and fitting
the crowds at the debut of the
of the light bulbs.
Singing Christmas Tree at the Toa Payoh Athletic Centre. More
“I was saved at Singing Christmas Tree in 1984 and my
than 30,000 people attended
husband Kelvin, this last Christmas (December 1985). I am
the event.
thrilled with what God is doing in my life and my family’s. After his salvation, Kelvin helped the project team to ‘strike set’ the following day. I can only say this – God is faithful!” - Marie Neubronner, homemaker She was a great asset to her team in the Lightings Department. “I accepted Christ into my heart in Dec 1986, during a Singing Christmas Tree rehearsal at World Trade Centre.
Trinity had its first Christmas Cantata in 1980. This year, we are making a comeback! Be part of Trinity’s Christmas Cantata! Email your name, district, carecell and contact number to cantata2010@trinity.org.sg
Lina was invited by her sister, I was invited by my sister. We both gave our lives at that same day, same time, same altar...without knowing it until much later when we were dating.” - Darick Yeo, district pastor Darick and Lina married in 1997.
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In the early days, we had neither latest makeup the swankiest of costumes nor the very good nonetheless! techniques, but the cast looked
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Gates & Hell’s Flames
The Reality of Eternity A confrontational dramatisation of eternity. “Eternity, eternity, where will you spend eternity?”
in the hundreds of thousands, were distributed at
was a line from the lyrics of the song sang during the
every corner of Singapore, be it the heartlands or in
presentation. The line reverberated throughout the
the heart of the city.
drama as scenarios depicting the actualities of life were met with the realities of heaven and hell. The play was
As the performance was in progress, Spiritual Parents
so impactful that it was extended from one, to two,
prayed on their knees on the third floor of Trinity@
to three and finally to a fourth week.
Adam, warring for the souls. Their prayers were met
Our Accolades, His G lory
>> Heaven’s
by the sustained, awesome presence of God. Behind the scenes, the event was marked by fervent and focused
There was such a strong
prayer, great excitement in seeing
sense of revival. People
souls saved, the overwhelming
came early just to reserve
desire to serve Him more and
rows and rows of seats
total commitment on the part of
for their family and
Trinitarians. Event flyers, printed
friends.
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Open Heavens
“The scene where the
The production, held both in 1996
Devil pulls people into the
and 1997, changed the course of
lake of fire was when
many lives.
I was confronted to make a decision.” - A female nurse
“My girlfriend’s father had a dream of Jesus a few months ago, saying to him, ‘Son, you’re mine.’ Before, he
“My uncle invited us
was not open to the gospel as he
to HGHF. Interestingly,
said Jesus was a Westerner; but in his
he was not from Trinity
dream, Jesus appeared as an Oriental. He gave his heart
but had heard about the production. When I arrived
to Jesus on the fourth night of HGHF. Now, the whole
at Trinity, the car park was full and cars were double-
family is Christian.”
parked already, but amazingly, there was a lot just there when I turned in. The drama was very impactful and
“It was an unexplainable feeling that made me go forward.
touching. My wife cried and raised her hand to receive
I feel now like a stone has been taken off my heart.”
Jesus. I went up to the altar call with her. I came back
- Cindy, 16
to Trinity for my first service and was wowed by the preaching of the sermon. It was powerful. The whole
“My sister invited me to Trinity a few times. I’m the last
experience was fantastic, the worship was awesome.
one in the family to accept Christ.”
I’ve been here ever since.”
- Susan, 40s
Leslie Lam, zone pastor West, Trinity@Adam
“Hell is too scary” - Kelvin, 15
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Our Accolades, His G lory
Fast Facts I saw in the papers that HGHF was going to be extended and asked my friend whether he wanted to go along.
800,000 flyers printed in total
Three of us went. The drama spoke very strongly about making a choice. This confrontational message pushed me to make a decision and I answered the altar call. Tan Haw Jia, director of programmes Sectional Leader, Children’s Ministry
It was not just the adults who were touched during the presentation. “Pa Pa, why are you crying?”
➔ Strange: Before printing the flyers, our church staff checked them through. The church telephone number (6468 4444) was correct. However, just before they were printed, the team decided to check the films again, and found that the number appeared as 6468 6666.
A little toddler, aged three, accepted Christ when he was in Nursery. His father, who was visiting the church, was so touched that he cried.
1,000 posters put up at strategic locations
“I want to know more about Jesus.” A seven-year-old boy called the church office to ask about God.
25,000 souls pledged 17,000 attended the performances 4,700 decisions made for Christ
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>> Red Brick Road
Road to Redemption For many visitors and Trinitarians, this year’s Easter presentation stirred hearts and rekindled lost passions.
Behind the scenes, Sharon Lim shares how God changes roadblocks into paths. Challenges are aplenty before, during, and even after any production. There were times when the cast forgot their lines, lyrics or tunes and the timing of the lighting and movement of props simply could not fall into place. There were computers that shut down a day before full-dress rehearsal – computers that held the key to the technical flow of the show. There were curtains that refused to open – or close. God had to remind the team to ‘think primitive’, remove the mechanism and manually open and close the curtains. But when we are hard-pressed, God shows up. It reminds one of the early days when the church first started, how the cast did not have the advancement of modern technology to rely on. In many ways, the sophistication of recent productions like ‘Red Brick Road’ reminds us of our humble beginnings, when there were barely enough performers such that women had to dress up as wise men, or disguise themselves as one of the twelve disciples. Most of these cast and crew are not professionals. Many have never danced outside of their own rooms, spoken in front of a crowd or mastered the art of stage makeup with its elaborate strokes and sweeps. Yet, everyone rose to the occasion. Yet, it is not by the achievements of men that we count this production, or previous ones, an accolade. We count it an accolade because it is by His grace, for His glory.
116
Our Accolades, His G lory Carol Lim recaps the production’s best moments. Providing a fitting April 2, Saturday:
finale, our Senior Pastor
The friendly hosts set the tone of the afternoon by greeting everyone who turned up. When worship started, the 3,000-seat Sanctuary was already
Dominic D ominic i i Yeo Y came onstage to disclose a truth that stirred the crowd: the play was about his life – HE was Ah Boy! The audience gasped, sat up in their seats and, if they weren’t engaged previously, now listened intently.
packed k d with wit it people. The offering was taken while first-time guests were welcomed. The atmosphere was thick with God’s presence and the audience’s excitement.
His revelation gave credence to the message he preached about God’s stubborn love – a love that demands a response from all of us. Sharing how he chose to follow after Christ some 30 years ago and had not regretted his
Set in Singapore during the ‘60s, the play focused on Ah Boy’s rocky childhood
decision since, he urged the audience to exercise their power of choice to make a similar decision.
to adulthood and, subsequently, his jjourney through th h salvation.
Altar call was given. Many stepped out in boldness, as they exercised their power
Through songs, dances and video clips, the protagonist’s life was fleshed out.
of choice to choose Jesus. The altars were filled. Trinitarians showed equal courage to speak to hesitant friends about giving their
The acting was intense, giving depth to the characters. The songs, mixed with
hearts to Jesus. It was a glorious sight to behold.
overwhelming emotions, made us laugh and cry. There was never a dull moment in the drama. The set and props were painstakingly crafted, seemingly rivaling those used by professional theatre
At the end, many gave their hearts to Jesus, setting them on their way to a personal “red brick road” journey after Christ. Praise the Lord!
companies. The audience lapped it all up. 117
AlphaTrack: T M B n w o y r e v Trinityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s
o d by Pastor Dominic Ye he rt bi as w e m m ra og th AlphaTrack Pr d the marketplace. an ch ur In 1995, the three-mon ch e th th bo r fo s d CCSS, rs and strategic leader in TCC, TCA College an to raise harvest warrio aff st e tiv ra ist in m ad d al an tal of For many of our pastor d giftings. To date, a to an ns io ss pa r ei th d pe . they develo duals for the Kingdom vi di AlphaTrack was where in 6 40 of l ta to a g conducted, equippin 34 batches have been
Can you spot them? Pastor Kelvin Ng, Pastor Janice Chng, Pastor Sabrina Lee, Pastor Keet Keong, Pastor Kenny Sng, Pastor Benjamin Wong, Christina Wong, Pastor Sunny Chua, Pastor Priscilla Leong, Pastor Victor Toh, Pastor Wendy Chang, Sharon Chua, Pastor Alan See, Pastor Gary Chia, Pastor Edwin Sam, Chung Kah Fei, Yang Shuyi , Joanna Teoh
118
Our Accolades, His G lory Can you spot them? Callin Neubronner, Gwen Zhou, Steven Leng, Kimberly Chua, Pastor Mei Yee, Faith Koh, Pastor David Chng, Tan Haw Jia, Ong Ser Ling, Yip Meng Wai
119
Can you spot them? Pastor Melvin Lim, Diana Lim, Patricia Loke, Pastor Leslie Lam, Sarah Lau, Veronica Teo, Jaena Teo, Esther Lau, Andrea Loh, Stella AwYong
Batch 35 Is God calling you to join AlphaTrack?
To find out more about the programme, visit the AlphaTrack link on www.trinity.net or email alphatrack@trinity.org.sg
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YOUR FAST TRACK TO A “GOD-LIFE”! Batch 35: Aug 23 to Nov 19 AlphaTrack iss a th thre three-month, reee-mo mont nthh ffull-time ullul l-titime me programme me tthat hatt ta ha take takes kess yo youu on an adventure of intimacy and encounter with God. Whether you are a student, homemaker or marketplace professional, come be equipped in everything you need to fulfill your God-given destiny. Take that Mission for life fast track to a “God-life” today!
AlphaTrack
Trinity School of the Bible (TSB) started as the first Pentecostal and Charismatic school to offer Bachelor of Theology and Master of Arts-level studies in Singapore. Rev. Naomi Dowdy, the President of the school and Senior Pastor of Trinity Christian Centre had the vision to provide ministerial training that would prepare Christian leaders with a higher level of education to serve the churches and the Christian community.
1979
Fast Facts: 31 years 34 nations s >170 churche nts >1,000 stude
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1983
ng i d i v o r P : e g e l l TCA Co n o i t a c u d e s s a world-cl
ollege has in 1979, TCA C e tr n e C n ia st ool inity Chri s as Trinity Sch g in n in Founded by Tr g e b y rl lyay from its ea ge offers high lle come a long w o C n ia st ri day, the Ch grammes. of the Bible. To ed degree pro it d re cc a d n a lidated acclaimed, va
The total number of books in the TCA library totaled 5,000 volumes.
Rev. Naomi Dowdy was appointed as the Chancellor and Rev. Derek Tan as the second President of the school.
1989
2000
The name of the school was changed to Theological Centre for Asia (TCA).
1993
All the programmes (Diploma, Bachelor and Master) were accredited with Asia Theological Association (ATA).
1994
TCA was among the first two schools which were granted full accreditation by the Asia Pacific Theological Association (APTA). TCA is now fully accredited by ATA and APTA.
Rev. Wilson Teo was appointed and installed as the Vice-President.
2005
2006
The college moved to its new campus at Trinity@Paya Lebar. Partnerships were established with Asuza Pacific University in California, USA, Bangor University and University of Wales. With these partnerships, TCA College will be recognised not just by seminaries but also universities internationally.
2007
Our Accolades, His G lory
Rev. Dominic Yeo, the current Senior Pastor of Trinity Christian Centre was appointed and installed as Vice-Chancellor. He expanded TCAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vision to move the institution from a theological seminary to become a multi-disciplinary college that would equip allrounded Christian leaders to serve their churches and the community.
The library has almost 40,000 volumes, including the donation of about 8,000 books from the late Rev. Derek Tan and Dr Tan-Chow May Ling.
2008
2009
2010
TCA College bade farewell to its late President, Rev. Derek Tan who fought a brave battle with cancer. Rev. Wilson Teo was appointed and installed as the third President of TCA. He launched four Schools: the School of Creative Arts (SCA), the School of Counselling (SOC), School of Divinity (SOD) and School of Leadership (SOL), in line with the vision for a multi-disciplinary education that would equip Christian leaders. To mark this expansion, the name of the college was changed to TCA College.
Several new partnerships and alliances are being considered.
TCA College celebrates 30 years of Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s faithfulness.
123
The three years I spent in TCA College and Trinity
I enjoyed the privilege and honour of studying in such an
Christian Centre have impacted both my life and my
anointed and prestigious College. God used those kairos
ministry, offering me not just a strong theological
moments in TCA College to launch me into His destiny for
foundation but also a clearer and more pragmatic
my life! I missed TCA College tremendously after I left.
vision for ministry. TCA College has faithfully served so many foreign and local God has blessed us and we have become the
students in the Kingdom of God. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s definitely your time for
largest Romanian church in Australia with an
promotion! You are uniquely positioned to effectively train,
even bigger growth potential for the future. We even
equip and send anointed ministers to win the harvest.
have our own church building as well as very good facilities for education, social and spiritual
Cornelius G. Groenewald Pastor of Asian Ministries and English Congregation Christian Revival Church Bloemfontein, South Africa Graduated with MDiv in 1999
purposes. I would like to express my appreciation to the TCA College faculty for your impact on my life and also to Trinity and its leadership for their support and inspiration during my studies in Singapore. May God bless you all!
I am so proud that I attended TCA College! It laid a very solid foundation for me in theological scholarship and spiritual excellence. As I advanced in ministry and further studies, I realised what a great treasure I had at TCA College! TCA College has come a long way to be acknowledged for its spiritual and educational strides over the years. I consider
Gabriel Florin Pastoring the largest Romanian church in Australia
its new campus Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s great blessing, and also a sign of the
Graduated with MDiv in 2001
the Lord continue to bless the board, faculty, staff and the
proven excellent and visionary nature of its leadership. May entire student body as you work hard to make TCA College an icon in Asia. Rev. Andrew Anane-Asane PhD student at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School Graduated with MDiv in 2002
ry t s i n i M r o f d e Equipp s how TCA raduates tell u g e g lle o C A inistry These TC for effective m m e th d re a p re College has p fields. ctive mission e sp re ir e th in
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Carre Co omm mun nity Serv vice es Society
Reaching the Founded by Trinity in 1996, Care Community Services Society (CCSS) is the social arm of Trinity. The registered charity is a non-profit organisation affiliated with the National Council of Social Service and offers programmes for children, youth, elderly, families and ex-offenders. All donations to CCSS are tax-deductible. Here are four stories of lives restored.
For the Elderly: CARElderly Worried no more, thanks to CARElderly Mdm P*, aged 80, lives alone because she could not get along with her daughter-in-law. Staff
CCSS’ outreach, in figures:
and volunteers of CCSS visited her and invited her to the Seniors Activity Centre (SAC), where
• More than 4,000 homes have been blessed through rations distribution and Make-Their-Day projects between 2006 and 2009
she met many friends. She now comes faithfully every morning to the SAC. She says, gratefully, “If I am alone at home, I worry and think a lot.
• 108 children currently enrolled at our three CareHuts based at different primary schools. • More than 160 elderly residents served at our CARElderly Seniors Activity Centre • An average of 400 inmates and their families served by our case managers in partnership with the Singapore Prison Service every year • More than 1,500 students and over 300 parents and teachers have benefitted from various programmes run in schools in the past two years • 145 volunteers made up of youth, adults and even the elderly serve with us on a regular basis • More than 550 ad-hoc volunteers serve with us annually.
126
But I don’t have any worries now. The staff and volunteers treat me very well. I am really happy. Thank you CCSS.”
For Ex-Offenders: Prison CARE Services (PCS)
Our Accolades, His G lory
Community For Children: CareHuts
PCS gave me that second chance
Staff at CareHut believed in me
S*, 36, had been in and out of prison several times for
B*, 13, lives with his mother, a single parent in a
drug offences. Twice married, her second husband, a drug
1-room flat. During his early days at CareHut, B
addict, passed away in 2006. With no money to settle her
thrived on defying the staff, was prone to angry
debts, she stole at work and was sentenced to six months
outbursts, spewing vulgarities and bullying the
in prison.
younger children. Despite his rebellion, B still continued coming to CareHut to please his mother
Life after her release was tough. Her family had given up
whom he loved and respected.
on her and she faced numerous rejections in her search for employment. CCSS gave her initial assistance by way of
The staff at CareHut saw past his hardened
food rations. When she was diagnosed with bone cancer,
exterior and sought to meet his needs. They
CCSS helped to refer her to a hospital for treatment and
would find precious teachable moments to
arranged for available financial assistance to cover her
encourage and motivate B towards making
medical fees.
positive changes. Slowly, B no longer came with a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;black faceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and bad attitude. He learnt to manage
CCSS also made home visits to her family, encouraging
his anger and to keep the use of inappropriate
them to support and care for her. S is now a supervisor
words in check. He even started caring for the
at work and has also moved in to live with her mother.
younger children at the centre, playing with them
Relationships with her other family members have also
and helping them out.
improved tremendously. It has been a year since her release and she is determined to keep walking on. Her
Today, B still visits CareHut after school to play with
family has seen the transformation in her life.
the children and chat with the teachers there.
127
For Youths: Oomph! New oomph in life!
journey of counselling and setting short-term
D*, 17, had no motivation to study, played truant
personal goals with him. Realising how the drugs
and was defiant towards his Discipline Master in
affected him, D resolved to turn over a new leaf.
school. He also smoked, took heroin and betted
His counsellors have noticed a positive change
heavily on soccer, losing large sums of up to $1,700.
in him.
He was referred for counselling but failed to turn up after the first session. He was then caught taking
The Subordinate Courts ruled in February this year
drugs, suspended from school indefinitely and sent
that D would be given a two-year probation. D was
to Queenstown Remand Prison.
grateful for this decision, and has decided to return to school to study for his ‘N’ levels.
Although D wanted to remain in school, he did not have the motivation to study. CCSS began the
* Names have been changed to protect the identities of those featured.
To find out how you can partner with CCSS to bless the community either as a volunteer or a sponsor, please contact our office at 6304 7604 or email ccss@carecom.org.sg
Raise funds for CCSS by being a part of this historic event. Visit www.trinity.net for more information.
Aug 8 Singapore Book of Records Event – The most number of people reading a book simultaneously 128
Trinity was founded by missionaries 40 years ago. Today, the missional call to pray, give and go into the nations continues to resonate in the hearts of Trinitarians young and old.
Our Accolades, His G lory
Trinity, A Global Church
In 1977, Trinity conducted its first Missions Convention. Pastor Naomi Dowdy emphasised the importance of giving to missions by having Missions Convention precede Vision Rally. “When we give to the nations, God will build our house,” she said. That Missions Convention, $35,300 was raised for the nations. Even our children, at their tender age, were taught to give to Missions. They were also imparted God’s passionate heartbeat!
Our children: conduits of His blessings On 4 March (in 2000), in DiscoveryLand, I saw God write ‘five zero zero’. So I wrote ‘$500’ on my faith promise card. My DiscoveryLand teacher asked me how I was going to fulfill the faith promise. I replied “My daddy will provide.” One week later, my daddy received a letter with a cheque that said, “On Apostolic Night (7 March), I felt led to give this amount for your son’s missions faith promise.” - Matthaeus Yeo, aged 5 in 2000. Today, the Spiritual Parent, who is 15, serves in IGNYTE’s Drama and Dance ministry. Last year (in 1999), in DiscoveryLand, I made a missions faith promise of $10,000. Many people were shocked by the amount, but I was sure that God had told me to write it down. At the end of the year, when my grandmother passed away, she left our family an inheritance of $10,000. We gave this to the church, and so God provided for the faith promise! - Yvette Leong, aged 12 in 2000. The IGNYTE leader is 22 this year and is currently studying overseas. 129
Canada
1990 Reaching 9 nations 2010 Reaching 44 nations
Canada
USA
MĂŠxico
Guatemala
Bahamas
Bermuda
Barbados
Guam
130
Venezuela Columbia Ecuador
Argentina
Our Accolades, His G lory
Taiwan
India
Philippines
Thailand Singapore
Indonesia
Malaysia a
Australia
England
Norway
Denmark
Germany
Poland
Hungary
Romania
Bulgaria
Turkey Moscow
China
Korea
Japan
Taiwan
Hong Kong
Macau
Philippines
Vietnam
Cambodia Papua New Guinea Thailand Solomon Islands Australia Ghana
Nigeria
Zambia
Dubai
Sri Lanka
India
Singapore Malaysia
Indonesia
131
Thank you for sharing your Carecell Model! God has blessed Trinity with the anointing to develop others. Our Vision is to raise strategic leaders; our DNA is to develop leaders; our heart is to build others. So, it comes naturally that a big part of Trinity’s missions outreach focuses on Training and Consultation efforts. Senior Pastors share how Trinity’s Carecell Model has impacted their church. Building an indestructible church In the initial years of my ministry, I struggled to find a place for worship.
Transitioning a traditional church IS possible
We finally got a place of our own, but it went down in flames a few years
Transitioning an 80+ year-old church of
later. But we kept our faith in God and prayed relentlessly.
some 600 people into a cell church was no small challenge. After five years of
In 1986, our prayers were answered and the Lord taught us how to
consistent training, we have built the
build an indestructible house of God. Even though the church was
leadership structure to now include our
growing, it was not
first District Leader. Starting with 11
properly structured;
cell groups, we have persevered to now
it lacked a clear vision
have 24 cell groups. There have since
and philosophy. I was
been many multiplications and some
frustrated as I was not
Rev. Dr David Mohan
group closures, but for me the key to
able to lead each one of
New Life Assembly of God India
the Trinity model is the leadership
my church members to
development. We now have 4 Sectional
higher levels of spiritual
Leaders and 1 District Leader with 5
maturity. I was aware of the phenomenal growth of prayer groups in Korea
more Sectional Leaders in training. By
and wanted the same to happen in India. I got acquainted with Dr Naomi
building our base, we are poised for
Dowdy and shared my desire for a growing church. Prayerfully, with the
explosive growth.
help of Trinity’s pastors and ours, she initiated many developments and restructured our church. After we embraced Trinity’s Cell Church Model, new converts were nurtured and transformed in their character and lifestyle. We have since grown from 2,500 in 1990 to over 30,000 in our congregation today. Yet everyone of us is connected and cared for through the open and leadership carecells. There is accountability and community life at every level of leadership.
132
Pastor Wes Lindquist Calvary Lighthouse USA
Our Accolades, His G lory
Prophecy
by Steve Penny, 1994
Prophecy
by David Cartledge, 2000
“There is going to be a unique anointing
“I saw as I was praying for you this morning, God drawing people
on this church… And God says as
to you from the nations, coming from many nations to this House
a church you are going to go into
of God to be trained and developed… And I saw a people coming
harvests that have been destroyed,
from the nations, who, when they went back to their nations, had
that have been abused, and you are
the ability, almost overnight, to challenge the whole nations.
going to reap the broken harvest. You’re going to bring forth a harvest where
I saw God drawing people to you from the nations, coming from
others have said, “Oh, we tried there and
many nations to this House of God to be trained and developed.
it didn’t work.” You’re going to go in and
And coming through the school. But I felt it was not just the
the harvest is going to come in. You’re
school, it was the school and the church.
going to reap the broken harvest. And I saw a people coming from the nations, who, when they went Men and women are going to come
back to their nations, had the ability, almost overnight, to challenge
and receive the anointing to break
the whole nation. That they were movers and shakers who literally
through, and go back to fields of
cause spiritual revolution to take place in their nations. That vision
service and begin to minister in a
will be born here in this House.
breakthrough anointing because of what happens in this place.“
There are men and women that will come to you, because they have heard of your reputation. They’ll say, “I want that anointing in my life.” And if I can say it carefully without being misunderstood, I actually felt like they will do it better than you have done it. That you will put something in their hearts and your influence in this city is great, but when they go back, their influence will be greater. It will be like their nation has been challenged by the awesome power of God..“
133
A new level of commitment After we embraced the Cell Church Model, our church was able to mobilise the bulk of our members to serve in stewarding, visiting newcomers to our church services and following up with new believers. The commitment level among our members is much higher, and they are also equipped to witness and nurture. Thanks to
Pastor Peter Loo
the cell structure, the
Emmanuel Evangelical Church United Kingdom
cells are able to follow up around 80% of those who professed faith.
We have captured your vision It was a divine appointment in 2001 with Apostle Dowdy that has led Apostolic Generation Church (AGC) to this level of greatness. My cry was to establish a church where no gates of hell shall prevail, but I did not know how to. The carecell philosophy is so powerful because it builds every believer in the cell to embrace the Great Commission. We started with 1 cell of 7 people. We grew to 180 people in 3 months, and 300 people in 8 months. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s how AGC was born. Now, in our 7th year, we have 1,800 people. We have also built a highrise residential and commercial building with our church auditorium in the heart of Jakarta. Apostle Indri Gautama Apostolic Generation Church Jakarta, Indonesia
We now have 85 open carecells for children, single adults, families and seniors. Our carecells have produced missionaries
who have been sent into remote villages in need. We have built a hospital, a private preschool and an elementary school as bridges for the gospel to be heard. We are so proud to have the DNA of Trinity Christian Centre.
134
Having reaped, now we sow
The average size of the 8,000 Protestant churches in Japan is
After some of my core workers and I
less than 30. Yet since we started to embrace Trinity’s carecell
attended the Cell Conference in 2007, we
model, despite being in a rural town of 20,000 in population,
were convicted that God was answering our
we experienced breakthrough in our areas of evangelism and
longtime prayers to bless our church with a
discipleship. Over 7 years, we grew from about 90 to more than
“new wine skin”. Trinity’s Cell Church Model
150 members. We now see over 10 people baptised every year
has a comprehensive structure and strategy.
and many trained in Spiritual Parenting and Carecell Leaders’
As long as we follow it, we would be able to
Training.
successfully transform from a traditional
Our Accolades, His G lory
Revival among elderly and youth
church to an apostolic cell church. Through The elderly (80-104 years old) are saved and water baptised
the model, our church’s values and vision
– a miracle as conversion is so difficult at that age. There is also
– the Great Commandment and Great
revival among the youths – one youth brought 4 out of her
Commission – were restored.
17 classmates to Christ. Youths who have graduated from junior college and universities in other cities are returning back to our
After committing to the model, I preached
town because
on Kingdom values over 10 weeks, set up
of their love
the first leadership carecell, and started to transform the traditional fellowship groups to
for the church and their hometown.
Pastor Fumio and Satomi Terada
apostolic carecells. In a short span of 2 years,
Nanki Riverside Church Japan
adult service attendance has grown from 80
the church has grown from 7 to 20 cells,
Since one and
to 180, and the children and youth services
a half years
have grown significantly as well. People are
ago, we pioneered a carecell of 3 members (including 2 women
nurtured, believers are transformed into
over 65 years) outside our prefecture, travelling several hours to
disciples, and leaders are being raised.
and fro each time. 6 new members have been water baptised and another 4 accepted Jesus. All glory to God!
Pastor Qian Li Rong Ban Qiao Ren Ai Baptist Church Taiwan
135
The Nations at Our Doorstep Pastor Maitree Anuntanitivet, Thai Ministry I have a burden for the Thais in Singapore. Today, there are more than 40,000 of them here. Most work in the construction sector and a handful are employed in higher-level jobs. My desire is to reach out to them with Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s love, and to nurture them to be strong Christian leaders, so that when they return to Thailand, they will be Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s instruments to make disciples in Thailand. We are witnessing people coming to Christ in almost every weekend service. Pray for us because we need leaders to take care of these spiritual babies.
God @work
Since the day he was employed
Chinnaphan Nanthaseang used to hold a high position
as a construction worker more
in his previous religion, but accepted Christ while
than 10 years ago, Worawut
working in Singapore. Through the Thai ministry, he grew
Kaewsombat never visited his family,
in the Lord and enrolled in a Bible School in Thailand
sent them a letter or called home, for
upon returning home. Now, graduated, he serves full-
he never missed them. He would get
time in a church planting taskforce in Bangkok.
drunk and sleep on the streets. Life was meaningless. Then, he accepted meaning back into his life. He recently went back to visit
What: Good Friday-cum-Water Baptism evangelistic event
his family, who missed him so much that they held him
When: Fri, Apr 2
a homecoming party and invited the whole village to
Who:
Jesus into his heart at the Thai Service. God restored
take part in the celebration. The whole village witnessed the change in him. He now serves as a Spiritual Parent, nurturing lives in the Thai Ministry.
136
At their recent evangelistic event
10 oikos (family and friends) were first-timevisitors, and three gave their lives to Christ.
Pastor Carmelo Dolendo, Filipino Ministry My passion is to see people growing in the Lord and becoming
Our Accolades, His G lory
Singapore is a melting pot of cultures and nationalities, and Trinity is blessed to have the nations at our doorstep. Our Thai, Filipino and Indonesian Ministry pastors tell us what drives them and what God is doing in our midst.
disciple-makers for the Kingdom. There are more and more Filipinos coming to Singapore to work and I want to be able to empower them to make an impact wherever they go. It brings me great joy seeing them caring and connecting people to church and subsequently nurturing and discipling them.
God @work
Throughout her life, Anabel Sison
Precy Esteves worked as a domestic
always felt an unexplainable
worker in Singapore previously. Two
emptiness. Due
years ago, she returned to her province
to a financial situation in the family,
in Bicol, Philippines, and testifies that
she came to Singapore to work as
her training as a Spiritual Parent and
a domestic helper. By Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s divine
Carecell Leader in Trinityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Filipino Ministry greatly
arrangement, someone brought her
equipped her to serve as a Leader there now.
to Trinity where she grew to become a Spiritual Parent. The Lord then spoke to her about
At their recent evangelistic event
serving Him in full-time ministry. She enrolled in a Bible
What: Los Hermanos
correspondence degree
When: Sun, Mar 7
course and carved
Who:
out precious time to
20 first-time-visitors, 15 salvations and three re-dedications!
study the Word and understand the ministry. After 12 years of serving as a domestic helper, last December, she returned to her hometown in the Philippines to start a church. Presently, the church has 15 committed leaders who are willing to be trained as Spiritual Parents and Carecell Leaders.
137
Pastor Samuel Panjaitan, Indonesian Ministry It brings me great joy to see the lost receiving Jesus as their Lord and Saviour. I am also encouraged to see believers actively attending our TENet courses to grow in their spiritual walk. My passion is to see God transform dejected, depressed and disheartened domestic helpers into ‘mighty men’ of God, strong spiritual leaders who become blessings in their workplaces.
God @work
Amelia Nasiroh is a 32-year-old
imagined that she would one day be able to further
domestic helper. When she first
her education. She is now pursuing a diploma in hotel
came to Singapore in 1996, she
management, of which half of her tuition fees are paid for
was suffering from Rheumatism and her employer, a
by her employer.
Trinitarian, prayed for her to be healed. She was healed instantaneously and completely. Having experienced God’s miraculous power, she received Jesus into her
What: Victorious Joy Easter evangelistic event
life and was baptised in December 2002. This year,
When: Sun, Apr 11
Amelia will go back to Indonesia and will be doing her
Who:
Theological studies. She is saving up to be trained and equipped for the Kingdom after experiencing God in Trinity Christian Centre. Naomi Mesirun, a 24-year-old domestic helper came to Singapore in January 2003. A friend brought her to Trinity’s Indonesian Ministry. She visited a carecell and enjoyed the fellowship and encouragement received. Through her carecell, she grew in the knowledge of God and accepted Christ. She was water baptised a year later. Today, she is a Carecell Leader and also serves in the worship team. Being a domestic helper, she never
138
At their recent evangelistic event
There were seven first-time-visitors, five salvations and 35 rededications!
Hearing God’s Heartbeat Trinity Christian Centre held our annual Missions weekend in April. Kevin Kwang takes a look back at some of the more memorable sound bites, sights and sounds.
Missions has always been a faith-stirring event in the life
amounting to $43,267.60, surpassing the amount raised
of Trinity Christian Centre.
in our first Missions Convention in 1977.
Prior to Missions weekend, Missions Booths were set up
For all of you who have given your time, talents and
displaying the full array of Trinity’s Missions expressions.
treasures to become a testimony to the nations, we thank
To add to the excitement, ‘Missions Icons’, pastors and lay
God for your passionate heartbeat.
leaders decked in red and holding red balloons mingled with the crowd, inspiring them to participate in local and
Here’s looking forward to Missions Weekend 2011!
foreign Missions teams. The action climaxed in a draw where two winners of the Missions Quiz,
In the meantime, reminisce on
Rachel Wee and Melvin Goh were picked.
these Missions Weekend 2010 snaps…
Passionate Heartbeat ... Be a Blessing to the Nations
Not only were there testimonies of past Mission Impact Teams (MITs), reports of our influence on the churches in far-flung nations and fervent prayer, guest speakers are also flown in to bless our congregation and challenge their faith. This year, our guest speakers certainly made their presence felt. Both Reverends Wayne Clark and Wayne Francis preached a message that tugged at hearts. “You cannot be close to God and not have a heart for a world that needs Jesus.” With that, Trinitarians were challenged to respond in praying, giving and going. This year, a total of $10,584,349.63 was committed in faith promises for the coming year. Our DiscoveryLand children (ages 7 to 9) alone made faith promises
139
Five nights of Prayer
To launch Trinity’s 40th anniversary celebrations, the church launched a 40-day Prayer Devotional to equip Trinitarians on a prayer journey. Trinitarians also engaged in five nights of God-encountering prayer meetings from April 26 to 30. And God-encountering it was – the tangible presence of God was felt by all who came.
I saw a jug of anointing oil, and the oil was being poured out until we were all saturated. Pastor Dominic Yeo, senior pastor On the first night, I saw a dove resting on us as we were worshipping the Lord. I had a sense of anticipation that as we continue to tarry before Him, there would be a ‘breaking out and breaking forth’. Over the week, I saw a fire hydrant bursting and men and women rushing to drink from it. On the fifth night, I saw a huge cloth over us but it split in the middle and torrents of water fell on us and soaked us. Overall, I sensed God was giving us a new spirit for the new things ahead. Awesome. Pastor Priscilla Leong, district pastor The prayer meeting was so awesome! Worship was so anointed. Presence of God was so strong. While praying for Trinity, I sensed in my spirit the Lord saying, “Trinity is at the threshold of new miracles, new glory and new strength… in unprecedented measures.” Steven Say, IT director 140
The Prayer Meeting was awesome from the start. There was such a sweet presence of God. Pastor Dom led us step by step in our prayers. Starting with moments of reflections on Jesus, we stepped up to pray and declare God’s Word for our lives, workplaces, our church and the nations. My wife had a tough week; Friday is normally a time to ‘shut down’ for her, but she said, “I felt very revived and
It was very good…I really felt God’s
refreshed in the Lord!”
presence. So many times, we are busy with
Ooi Tiat Hwee, real estate agent,
work that we forget what God has done
Jane Lim, medical case manager
for us, the suffering, the condemnation
and 3-month old Reuven
and the rejection He went through. Today’s message brought me back to what God has called me for.
The presence of God was so strong. I felt so comforted
Michelle Lim, executive secretary
and embraced by the Spirit of God. Praying together is so important. Sometimes it is difficult to pray alone, so
Refreshing... Faith-stirring…
it is great to be in Prayer Meetings where we can pray
Lim Chee Sian, R&D engineer
together, pray for each other, pray for our church and pray for our nation.
There was a strong and different anointing. I could really
Kenneth Tsang, retired
feel the glory of God and I sense that we are moving into a new encounter of intimacy with Him, an encounter
I have always enjoyed attending prayer meetings. These
that will unleash His Power and Spirit. I also feel that
five nights of prayer have been a blessing; I feel spiritually
our church will be an outstanding church in the days
fed and refreshed. I truly enjoyed the time of just seeking
to come… like an eagle that is stronger, sharper and
God ‘face to face’ and being ministered to in His presence.
ready…
Christine Sim, public relations officer
Gwen Zhou, ministerial staff
141
It was a powerful time praying for the other
The Word that was shared and all that we
churches and the different nations. My wife
prayed for were so apt for the situation I am
and I felt the presence of God and were
in. I really feel strengthened by God!
refreshed through the times of prayer.
Dhinakaran, design engineer
Daryl Lee, remisier It was a refreshing time of worship. It was I came with my carecell and my friends. The
also an affirmation of Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s season for my
presence of God was very strong; it was just
life, through the message shared during the
different from service. I felt God tugging in
prayer meeting. I am very blessed by the
my spirit, leading me in my prayers.
nights of prayer.
Frank Lee, trader
Ellen Ng, RSAF engineer
Five nights off Prayer
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readers and counting...
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AUGUST
Aug 8 Singapore Book of Records Event – The most number of people reading a book simultaneously
SEPTEMBER
Sep 1 – 3 3 Nights of Revival Rallies
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> Launch of Cookbooks
NOVEMBER
Nov 5 Combined Thanksgiving Dinner
DECEMBER
Dec 22 – 24 Christmas Cantata
CookBook