JURONG OUTREACH - JAN 08

Youth Development Programme
5 Jan 08

The Youth Development Programme of 2007 marks the 20^th one conducted in the Lord’s will. Every year, youths from different congregations in this region congregate for a 4 day 3 night camp in which they have opportunities to fellowship, learn and grow. This year’s theme was Sharpening the Sword 2 and Psallo 2. A total of 20 youths from Jurong attended this year’s camp. They have learnt much and some of them would like to share a few thoughts with everyone here back home.

Eudora:
Throughout YDP’07, I made quite a number of new friends and have bonded closer to the friends I’ve made in the previous YDPs. I learnt how to use E-Sword (a bible software) that makes preparing lessons easier. However, most of all, this year’s YDP made me discover how fragile life is. We always read in Js 4:14 “whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.” And will take it as it is, but the incident that took place (the passing of bro Benjamin Tee) struck me to ponder upon this verse and realize how true it is. So, my friends, treasure every minute and even every second of your life. Love those around you! 1Jn 4:7 Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. 

Janelle:
During this YDP, I encountered the death of a friend for the very first time. Although I don’t really know bro. Benjamin, the incident was still very shocking for me. One moment he was still jumping and alive, and the next he’s just gone. I learnt that we cannot take our lives for granted; thinking that we’ll always have another day to live on. We also must treasure everyone around us and not only realize their importance after they have left. Somehow, I wish I could turn back time but I know that it is impossible. My only consolation for everyone is this: He is safe with God in a place where no tears will be found. (Re 21:4) “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away” 

Lawrence:
This year’s YDP’s Psallo 2 programme opened my eyes and ears to many new songs that are not found in the hymn book that we use here in Jurong. We had a chance to gather together and sing praises to God which added to the fun! We were split into the 4 different parts for “sectionals” to practice and our hard work paid off when we came together with the combination of all 4 parts which sounded just magnificent! I’m looking forward to the YDPs to come when we can sing our hearts out and learn more beautiful songs at the same time!  (Ps 30:4) Sing unto the LORD, O ye saints of his, and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness.

Zelda:
It’s always a joy to be at YDP, seeing friends you haven’t met for the past year, catching up, hearing younger brothers sharing during devotion, even the funny games ( sometimes lame) but most of all, the singing! I’ve learnt a lot from bro Steven when he was teaching us how to study the Bible more effectively and the importance of doing so. It made me realize how I wasn’t doing what I am supposed to and resolute to do better this year. The Pasllo part of the programme was timely, in my opinion as it has helped lift spirits up from the unfortunate incident. How true it is that we should be “…admonishing each other in Psalms, hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts unto the Lord” (Col 3:16) The singing at YDP was amazing because not only was I hearing brethren singing, I heard the encouragement and love everyone was giving everyone else. Thank God for this and the brethren who made this enriching programme possible.

Canida:
From YDP’07, I have found out that the joy in studying the Bible is in self-discovery of facts. There are actually different methods to studying the Bible and the most appropriate one is the one that you learn the most from. When we sing hymns, we must be mindful of the lyrics always, because the words to the hymns are the most encouraging and edifying. (1Co 14:15) “What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also” 

Rachel:
YDP’07 was my first YDP! It was a great opportunity to make friends with brethren from the various congregations in Singapore and Malaysia (as well as Korea and Australia). We were fed with much spirited food and grew in the knowledge of God (1 Pet 2:2) I felt very touched and comforted when everyone stood by each other during the unfortunate incident. However with Christ, we can do all things and be strengthened. (Phi 4:13)  I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

THE ANNUAL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME
12th Jan 08

Every YDP (Youth Development Program) to me,  is always filled with laughter and excitement.  There are no days in our daily routine that compares to it.  The theme for this past YDP was ‘PSALLO II/SHARPENING THE SWORD ll’.  The objective of the program (held at the Warisan Resort in Malacca from Dec. 24-27, 2007), was to help us, young people, with ways that we can sharpen our biblical knowledge as well as our singing skills.  We spent the first day getting to know each other by getting into different groups before having a few icebreaker games.  There were a total of 8 groups with about 15 teenagers to each group.  The members of every group were pre-selected by the organizers (the Klang congregation), and not at random, so as to have a balance number in each team.   Our first session in the evening was a devotion delivered by me on ‘Growing in Knowledge’.  This was followed by a lesson by my dad (bro. Peter Chin) who also took the opportunity to enroll themselves at Four Seas College, either a short stint or the full-two year program.   

On Tuesday morning, we started the session by singing, followed by a lesson by bro. Steven from Klang.  He shared on how he studied the Bible, and some tips which we could use to help us in our personal bible studies.  After lunch, he taught on using the E-Sword software in our bible study.  It is an extremely useful tool used to search and do research within seconds.  Following the tea-break, we had a fun-packed game at the outskirts of the wooded area, where we threw water balloons at each other and got ourselves soaked.  The fellowship was awesome.  I got to see some really ‘wild’ and playful side of young people which I don’t usually see.  It was an amazing experience.  Following dinner, we had a singing session with prayers throughout the evening.  

         As for Wednesday, a singing workshop was conducted by Justin Kwan of LAP and Victor Ng of Ipoh.  The singing lessons were conducted to help us sing from our diaphragm and not just from our throats.  I felt that the singing lessons were very beneficial as the singing that night was marvellous.  I have not experienced so many young people singing with so much passion.  The melody and harmony, the smiles and laughter, everything was just so inspiring, that I just wished the camp was for an entire month!   

       On Thursday, the dreaded day came.  After a morning of brief singing and prayer, we had our lunch and said our goodbyes.  The conclusion of the YDP is always filled with mixed emotions. There is the feeling of happiness of going back to families and comfortable beds, the happiness of meeting new friends and acquaintances, but, at the same time, the sadness of leaving these new found friends for another year.  Many took pictures and did the usual autograph signing on the autograph section of their songbooks. 

Of all the events that happened annually, there is nothing I look forward to more than the YDP.  Every year, it is filled with excitement, fun and fellowship.  Of course, not leaving out the knowledge acquired from lessons and devotions.  My first YDP was in 1999 when I was only 9.  The organizers made it a rule that, if a person is under 12, his/her parent(s) will have to accompany him/her.  And since my dad was teaching at the YDP every year up till 2004, I got to enjoy the program earlier than most youths.  The YDP has always been an exciting time for me to meet new people, to fellowship and revive old friendships with young people, and also to learn and encourage one another, to be there for one another and always to look out for another.

The tragedy of the passing away of our bro. Benjamin Tee at the camp is still fresh in my mind.  It was only like yesterday when I was talking to him, and we were joking about school and if he had a girlfriend.  Having grown up with him for 12 years, it is hard for me to accept the fact that I will not see him again in this life.  He was a great guy.  A teenager with a personality of his own that always put a smile on my face.   

One particular thing I remember about Benjamin is that he would always sing from his heart.  He never seem to mind whether or not it was harmonious with everybody else’s singing, he just knew that he had to sing from the bottom of his heart, and that is exactly what he always did.  He is a good example for us to follow as we are commanded to sing and make melody in our hearts (Eph 5:9). Though grieving is only a stage of accepting his demise, I remember the words of David when he said “I shall go him, but he [David’s son] shall not come to me” (2 Sam 12:23).   This verse helps me to remember that no matter how sorrowful I feel, and long for Benjamin’s return, he is still not going to come back to us.  The Lord Jesus said to his disciples concerning our promise in heaven in John 14:1-3, “Let not your hearts be troubled.  Ye believe in God believe also in Me.  In My father’s house are many mansions.  If it were not so I would have told you.  I go to prepare a place for you, and if I go to prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you unto myself that where I am, there ye may be also”.  How comforting the words of Christ are, when he tells us of this wonderful place prepared for us in Heaven where there will be no suffering, no pain, no death, and no misery (Rev 21:4).   

Though I am sad that Benjamin is gone, I am comforted to know that he is safe in the bosom of Abraham.   We read of the account of the rich man and Lazarus in Luke 16 that when Lazarus died, he was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom (Luke 16:22).  I have no doubt that Benjamin was carried into Abraham’s bosom the same way as Lazarus was.       

Ben’s passing has really got me to think about my spiritual life and my relationship with God.  “Come now, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit"; whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow.  For what is your life?  It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. Instead you ought to say, "If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that." (James 4:13-15)   How true the words are, that our lives are just like a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.  Death is no respecter of persons – the young and the old.  What would it then profit me if I gained the world and lost my own soul? (Matt 16:26)  

            I want to encourage all of us to use this incident to look into our spiritual mirror – the Bible (James 1:23-25).  What do we see?  Is the person standing in front of us what we ought to be, or is there a different person altogether?  Remember that “it is appointed for man once to die, but after this the judgment” (Heb 9:27).  We ought to take heed of our steps in this spiritual walk, less we fall when the Devil tempts us.   

            As the new year of 2008 comes upon us, let us all resolve to serve the Lord more effectively.  Let us resolve to preach the Word of God, and to save as many as possible.  The Lord will help us when we serve Him faithfully.  Last but not least, remember Christ said in Matt 10:33, “but whosoever shall deny Me before men, him will I also deny before my Father in heaven.”  Let us set out to be what we are supposed to be - Christians, soldiers for Christ, workers and preachers of the Word.  To Him be the glory!

FIVE FINGER PRAYER
20th Jan 08

1. Your thumb is nearest you. So begin your prayers by praying for those closest to you. They are the easiest to remember. To pray for our loved ones is, as C. S. Lewis once said, a "sweet duty."

2. The next finger is the pointing finger. Pray for those who teach, instruct and heal. This includes teachers, doctors, and ministers. They need support and wisdom in pointing others in the right direction. Keep them in your prayers. 

 3. The next finger is the tallest finger. It reminds us of our leaders. Pray for the president, leaders in business and industry, and administrators. These people shape our nation and guide public opinion. They need God's guidance. 

4. The fourth finger is our ring finger. Surprising to many is the fact that this is our weakest finger, as any piano teacher will testify. It should remind us to pray for those who are weak, in trouble or in pain. They need your prayers day and night. You cannot pray too much for them.  

5. And lastly comes our little finger - the smallest finger of all which is where we should place ourselves in relation to God and others. As the Bible says, "The least shall be the greatest among you." Your pinkie should remind you to pray for yourself. By the time you have prayed for the other four groups, your own needs will be put into proper perspective and you will be able to pray for yourself more effectively. 

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Those Who Ask 

I heard a comment from the president of Coca-Cola the other day that has stuck with me. He was asked the question, “What separates those who achieve from those who do not?” 

Typically we would imagine that the president of a major, multi-million dollar corporation would give answers like “goals, never giving up, brains, organization, or good investments.” What he said shocked me. His answer was, “What separates those who achieve from those who do not is in direct proportion to one’s ability to ask others for help.” 

I thought that to be such a strange statement. I think most people are taught that asking for help with something is a sign of weakness, so we should therefore be independent in all that we do.

But, I think Mr. Keough has touched on an important facet of our lives that we often fail to acknowledge. 

“Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened” (Matthew 7:7-8). 

“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7). 

Are we exposing our weaknesses when we ask God for help? I believe the answer is yes and no. Yes, we are admitting that we cannot bear and do all things without the help of God, but no we are not weak in doing so. In asking God for help we have strengthened our chances of overcoming whatever difficulty is before us and we should fear no more! Don’t forget that you have a heavenly Father that cares about you and listens to all of your requests. Prayer is not a weakness, it is a blessing!  

—Via Hamilton Herald

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He Knows

A little boy was asked to say the prayer before dinner. He thanked God for each of his friends, naming them one by one. He then thanked God for each family member, from his parents to his brothers and sisters, his grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Then he gave thanks for the ham, the mashed potatoes, the corn, the green beans, the salad, the bread, the butter, the pickles, and even the salt and the pepper. Then came a long pause, and everyone waited and waited. Finally, the little fellow looked up at his mother and asked, “If I thank God for the broccoli, won’t He know that I’m lying?” (Read 1 John 3:20.)

IF HE IS WRONG, WHAT DOES THE CHRISTIAN MISS?
27/1/08

Doubt is a subtle demon. It creeps in at times of distress, pain, and fear. Doubting is not sinful; failing to act on doubts is. Honesty demands an examination and a resolution of doubts. As one examines doubts, his heart is comforted. Truth will silence doubts, or will show a different path that should be taken. But often the search for truth is a long one, and doubts must be endured until the answer is found. During that interim, how should one reason? Must he abandon his faith until study has removed the last question? Let me raise questions for consideration by those who may be wavering in their faith, plagued by doubts: As a Christian, even if the doubts are true, what have I missed through believing in God? Even if there is no God, no true Word, and no heaven, what does a Christian miss by living a righteous, faithful life?

A Christian is far better off physically than an unbeliever. Our bodies, says Paul, are the temple of the Holy Spirit (Romans 12:1). A temple must be treated with respect and care. Proper diet, exercise, and preventive medicine should be a part of a Christian’s life. He will not abuse his body with drugs and other harmful substances. He will avoid putting himself in situations that are evil and hurtful. Drunken driving, fights, and other law-breaking activities can not threaten him physically. Why? Because they are not a part of his life!

A Christian is better off materially because of his values. Basic honesty affects one’s business. He does not seek illegal or unethical advantage. He is careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody (Romans 12:17). People will want to do business with him because they know they will be treated fairly and truthfully. God’s child is doubly blessed. He has enough for himself and enough to share with those who are in need (Ephesians 4:28). He enjoys the pleasure of having all he requires and the greater blessing of giving to help others.

The Christian loses nothing socially by his commitment to Jesus Christ. Like Jesus, he should grow in favor with men (Luke 2:52). He may not be liked for his faith and practice, but he will be respected for his dedication to what he believes. A man once remarked that he intended to go and hear a certain preacher. Someone asked him why since he did not believe as that preacher did. His response was, “Because he believes what he preaches and I like to hear people like that.”

Christian relationships are not corrupted by many of the practices of the world. Because he will be true to his marriage vows, the Christian will not know the attendant heartbreak of adultery or sexual perversions and a broken home. “Husbands, love your wives, as Christ also loved the church and gave himself for it . . . husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies . . . ” (Ephesians 5:25, 28). A stable marriage adds to life’s pleasures and meaning. A Christian is also a good neighbor since he loves his neighbor as himself (Matthew 22:37-38).

What about a Christian’s emotional life? Emotional turmoil may cause the Christian to seek counsel. There is no shame in this. Yet, Christian counsel will bring insights that will provide help and recovery faster and in a more meaningful, permanent way than the counsel of non-Christian advisors. With God at the center, the child of God is not disturbed and plagued by many of the world’s emotional ills. What does one lose by being a Christian? Nothing but negatives and problems! Even if there is no God, no heaven or hell, no biblical authority for moral values, the Christian’s quality of life is still far better than that of the unbeliever. The really important question is not “What does the Christian lose if the unbeliever is right,” but “What does the unbeliever lose if the Christian is right?” Even if somehow the unbeliever managed to gain the world, he would lose his own soul, and that is the greatest loss of all.  

Don’t lose out, become a Christian today. The Bible teaches that salvation comes by HEARING -AND- DOING the will of God!  

Become a Christian by:

placing your faith in Jesus (Acts 16:30-31), And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house

repenting of sin (2 Corinthians 7:9-10), Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing.  For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death,

confessing Jesus before men (Romans 10:9-10), That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

being baptized (immersed) in the name of Christ for the

forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38),

and following Him faithfully for the rest of your life (1 John 1:7).  

Mt 16:26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in

exchange for his soul?