BETHESDA NEWSLETTER

EVANGELISM &EXHORTATION

JULY 2019

BETHESDA HALL ANG MO KIO601 ANG MO KIO AVENUE 4 SINGAPORE 569898

EDITORIAL COMMITTEECHRISTLE CHONG • CHOW CHIEW GEE • CHUA PIK YEE • AMANDA TAN • LYNN TAN • LYDIA WONG • JOHNSON CHUA • JOEL LIM • JAMES NG • NICHOLAS ONG • NIGEL WONG (EDITOR) • WONG TUCK KEONG (ADVISOR)

TEL +65 6458 7474 FAX +65 6456 6771

EMAIL bethesdahall@gmail.com WEBSITE www.bethesdahall.com

Editorial02 M.Y Manna16

Poem04

Apr-Jun 2019 Assembly News05

Assembly Bible Camp: Recap by Roger Liebi08

Getting to know the COPA Cooking Class14

Our Commended Worker: Tay Kim Swee17

20 The Choir: Getting to know the Leongs

22 Tracts Distribution Ministry

Youth Gospel Night2411 The Boys' BrigadeMinistry

28 Book Review by Samuel Yaw

27 Tuition Ministry

MCI(P)033/08/2018

31 Activity for Kids

32 Speakers and Chairmen List

29 Some Thoughts on Witness

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Dear brothers & sisters,

We are already midway into 2019 and into our 3rd issue of the assembly newsletter! I ’m sure you’l l agree with me that God has been gracious and merciful in His dealings with us thus far, despite the trials or delights we have been blessed with. The middle point can be the toughest especially in our race of l ife year after year. We give thanks to God for His word in Isaiah chapter 40 verse 31 that uplifts the soul, ‘But those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint’

It is important for us to keep walking and not slide backwards. We are called to pursue our Lord Jesus Christ, by running this race set before us with endurance and laying aside every weight and sin (Heb. 12:1-2). More often than not, we are easily ensnared by the cares of this l ife and tend to forget God’s bountiful blessings to us. How wonderful it is that we had an opportunity to spend quality time with fellow believers at the Assembly Bible Camp! May the article by our camp teacher Dr Roger Liebi refresh us to take comfort in God’s word that our earthly pursuit of the Lord Jesus will be coming

to an end soon with His glorious return.

To continue on in this journey of faith victoriously for Christ, we have to prepare ourselves and be equipped. God’s Word is our sword in our on-going spiritual battle. We have to read, study and meditate daily on His Word as sustenance for our l ife (Mt. 4:4). Gifted believers have also written Christian l iterature that serve as extra tools in our readings. May the book review in this issue exhort us all to grow a love and habit of reading!

The theme of this issue is: Evangelism and Exhortation. A very helpful and practical way of deepening our faith in God is to participate in the assembly activit ies. It is not an option; God has commanded us to be involved in the evangelistic activit ies of the local assembly (Mt 28:18-20)! May the poem and the Youth Gospel Night’s message encourage and remind us the beauty and necessity of the gospel. Furthermore, from the brethren who distribute gospel tracts faithfully on Sundays to those who volunteer their time in the various evangelistic activit ies, get to know the different ministries and the people involved and consider prayerfully if you could join them!

Prayer is the engine for the assembly

EDITORIALNIGEL WONG • NWYJ_93@HOTMAIL.COM

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and individual. We are therefore greatly exhorted to pray unceasingly (1 Thes. 5:17). Reports from brother Kim Swee, our locally commended worker, the various activit ies, and in addition, the assembly news and speaker l ists wil l hopefully remind us to give thanks, and keep these brethren in much prayer.

If the Lord does not come, may we continue to go on for Him faithfully by His grace. As a very dear friend of mine puts it, may we 'press-on, plod-on' one-step at a time with a Saviour is who always with us (Phil. 3:7-14). God bless.

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CHOOSE GOD

In God's sanctuary dwelling,

At the feet of Jesus meet;

The Holy Spirit indwelling,

Makes Christian fellowship sweet;

The Holy Scriptures unfolding,

Its truth will set us free;

One another serving, loving,

Until the Lord we see.

Where is your choice dwelling?

In the valley down below:

Maybe to the high mountain climbing,

Off to God's sanctuary go;

Don't be double-minded in choosing,

Listen to His still small voice;

Choose God & His blessings,

Forever, you'll rejoice.

Alvin Teo

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APR–JUN 2019 ASSEMBLY NEWS

(BAMK)

Births1) A girl, Kezia Ng Yuxin (2nd child) to Ng Thiam Hoe & Angeline on 1 May.2) A girl, Rebecca Choo Jia Le (2nd child) to Desmond Choo & Priscilla on 8 May.

New ElderCommendation of Johnson Chua to the Lord, on 7 Apr, as an Elder to serve among His people.

Newly-Baptised Members on 26 May 2019Joanna Alice Andrew Prem Sundar, Genevieve Chong Wan Ting, Samyuktha Gurusamy, Hanna Kum Yan Ning, Rekha Rajendran Shantosh, Wong Hui Si, Tan Kim Choo (with Cantonese Group), Benjamin Foong Ming Chieh and Owen Sim Zheng Xiang.

New Members Transferred from Other Churches:Michelle Shieh, Andrew Ong and David Magsipoc.

Bereavement1) Ruth Ho on the home call of her grandmother on 20 Apr.2) Irene Chua, Kenneth Chua & Pei Yiing, Philip Goh & Kerriann, William Lau and family on the home call of Irene’s husband & our beloved brother-in-Christ, Chua Thing Chong on 22 Apr.3) Lee Wai Sum and family on the home call of his wife, our beloved sister-in-Christ, Julia Lee-Ooi Kim Teck on 30 Apr.4) Philip Goh & Kerriann on the home call of Philip’s grandfather on 1 May.5) Alex Wong & Sylvia, Kum Yew Ming & Jasmine, Desmond Choo & Priscilla, Jesher Kum, Amanda Tan, Esther Kum, Hanna Kum and family on the home call of Alex’s brother on 29 May.6) Alice Tan on the home call of her sister on 4 Jun.

WeddingMarcus Shantosh & Rekha Rajendran were united in holy matrimony on 1 Jun in JB, Malaysia.

Assembly ActivitiesEaster Conference19 APRTopic: Triumphs of Christ in the Old & New TestamentSpeaker: Charles Lingam (JB) & Raju Kunjummen (Emmaus Bible School, USA)Chairman: Wong Tuck KeongPianist: Moritza LimGuitarist: Joel LimViolinists: Esther Kum, Hanna Kum & Jesher KumBethesda Choir presented the Easter Cantata “One Day” by Russell Mauldin. Lunch was served after the service. A table was set up to promote Emmaus courses. About 350 attended.

Easter Gospel Service21 APRSpeaker: Raju KunjummenChairman: Nigel WongPianist: Dorcas ChoeCOPA I/C: AECBethesda Choir presented the Easter Cantata “One Day” by

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Russell Mauldin. Dinner was served after the service. More than 100 attended.

Group 1 Activities (35 years & below)

Group 1 Fellowship 11 MAY Topic: Christian Music. More than 60 attended.

Youth Gospel Night 29 JUNTopic: Jesus, the Messiah, the Son of God (John 20:31).Speaker: Choong Kit SoonChairman: Ng Shao ChuenAbout 100 attended.

Group 2 Activities (36-59 years) divides its members into 4 sub-groups based on locality. Fellowship over breakfast or lunch.

Fellowship, Foot Walking & Food at Peirce Reservoir.27 APR

Group 3 Activities (60 years & above)

BSC’s Useful Mobile Apps for Seniors Workshop 4 MAY 41 participants and the 25 coaches / helpers came for the workshop.

Free Eye Screening12 MAYOphthalmologist: Dr Chew Kheng Lian Optometrist: Dr Koh Liang HweeAbout 40 attended.

BSC’s Health Talk on “Cancer Screening – Is it for You?”29 JUNSpeaker: Dr David Chew Kwei Yong (followed by Q&A). 35 attended.

Assembly Bible Camp4 to 8 JUNVenue: Holiday Inn (Melaka)Theme: The Glory of Christ (2 Cor 3:18)Camp Teachers: Roger Liebi (Switzerland) (Adult), Victor Kung (Hong Kong)

(Cantonese), Sheryl Chan (J1), Samuel Tay (J2), Kenneth Khong (J3). Workshop leaders: Joel Tan & Wesley Tan (J2/J3).220 attended.

Special Ministry by Roger Liebi12 to 14 JUNTopics: The Amazing Precision of the Bible and Isaiah 53 – The Hidden ChapterChairmen: William Chew, Jeffrey Jee & Wong Tuck KeongAbout 180 attended nightly.

Activity GroupsCantonese GroupCantonese Easter Gospel High Tea19 APRSpeaker was Tan Soo Hock on the theme based on Luke 23:18-42, with a song presentation by Raymond Chin. About 85 attended.

Yum Cha Outreach Session held every first Saturday (Apr to Jun), from 1000hrs to 1230hrs, with an average attendance of 60 people.

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Bethesda (AMK) KindergartenEaster Celebration 22 APR The celebration was a longer assembly with a teacher giving the Easter message based on 1 John 1:7b "the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin", and children gave song items at the basement.

Bethesda (AMK) Kindergarten Sports Day18 MAYAbout 90 children and 160 adults attended, together with brothers and sisters of our children.K2 Holiday Sunshine Camp on 3-4 Jun.Theme: I will follow JesusSpeaker: Yim Siew MeiK2 children attended.

COPA Cookery DemonstrationCinnamon Swirl27 APRGospel sharing by Tan Soo Hock. Testimony by Julie Ong. 15 attended.Cheese Puffs on 1 Jun. Gospel sharing by Kenneth Khong. Testimony (part 2) by Julie Ong. 17 attended.

Local MDEC – Foreign Workers Outreach at the Fiesta Labour Day Event 28 APRVenue: Westlite Toh Guan, 18 Toh Guan Road East, Singapore 608591.About 250 migrant workers had free health screening.

Sisters’ MinistryEvangelistic Hi-Tea11 MAYTalk: Understanding Common Eye Problems by Koh Liang Hwee.Evangelistic Talk: Scales of the Eyes (Acts 9:18) by Chan Wai Kiong. Chairman: Chow Tat Foong.87 attended.

Film Show: "God's NOT Dead!"22 JUN41 attended.

GB Enrolment Service 1 JUNTheme: Hebrews 13:16Speaker: Kam Yew ChuenChairperson: Choy Wai Fann110 attended.

BMET to Sangkhim Canaan School (Cambodia) to conduct BASIC Camp22 to 30 JUNParticipants (BAMK): Winnie Aw, Naomi Chan (made a school video), Sheryl Chan, Chow Yean Li, Lee Wen Ying, Mint Ong, Melody Wee, Ruth Wee, Esther Wong, Amos Chew (led the team), Choy Khun Hean, Keoy Soo Siong (took ministry meeting at Sangkhim Church), Jesher Kum, Joel Lim and Clarence Soo.

Participants (BDW): Mah Lai Yeng (taught Arts to teachers), Brandon Chan (spoke at BASIC Camp) and Oliver Leong.

They conducted leadership training for secondary school students, evangelistic camp for P5/6 students (45 students had enrolled) and outreach at the Christian Education class.

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ASSEMBLY BIBLE CAMPA RECAP BY DR. ROGER LIEBI

At the Bible Camp in Malacca, with the help of the Lord, we would have gone

through the following themes:

Noah’s Ark and its Prophetical Meaning

Why are the biblical measurements of Noah's Ark sensational from the point of view of modern physics and mathematics? Are there any evidences that the flood actually took place? How can one explain the fact that hundreds of flood traditions exist among people and tribes over all the continents, with astonishing detail that matches the Bible?

What is the deeper meaning of the story about Noah and the ark? How does the salvation of Noah's family and all the animal species amazingly prelude and il lustrate to the gospel of Jesus Christ? How does the Genesis flood account relate to the end times? How did the apostle Peter predict a general denial of the creation account and the genesis flood?

The Sermon of the Lord on the Mount of Olives

The Tuesday before the crucifixion, the Lord Jesus Christ gave a tremendous prophetical message on the Mount of Olives (ref: Mt. 24; Mk. 13; Lk. 21). The Lord answered 4 questions raised by the disciples as follows:

1. When will the destruction of the second temple take place? (Mt. 24:3; Mk. 13:4; Lk. 21:7)2. What wil l be the sign of the destruction of the temple? (Lk. 21:7)3. What are the signs of Your (the Lord Jesus Christ) return? (Mt. 24:3; Mk. 13:4)4. What are the signs of the end of the present period of salvation history, i .e. the current dispensation? (Mt. 24:3; Mk. 13:4)

The Lord Jesus answered all the questions. However, we do not find all the four questions and their answers in one gospel account. We have to study all the synoptic gospels together in order to find the complete panorama of answers that the Lord entrusted to His disciples and to us.

The Third Temple–Fiction or Future Fact?

The second Jewish temple went up in flames in AD 70. For almost 2000 years, the Jewish people prayed for its reconstruction daily. Will the dream of the third temple become reality? The Bible shows that a third temple will be built in the future. The Word of God describes this architectural plan in detail , down to smallest detail in Ezekiel chapters 40 to 48.

Why will the Jewish people build a third temple? Are there any preparations underway already? What is the deeper

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meaning and significance of this building? How can this be part of God’s plan? According to the Bible, what significance and implication does it have for the world, and for us personally?

Further thoughts to ponder upon: How does Ezekiel’s temple represent a wonderful typological i l lustration of God’s plan with the church? What do we learn from this edifice about Christ’s glory and His perfect work of redemption on the cross?

At first glance, it might seem that these three subjects are independent of each other. However, we will see that they are all deeply l inked together, since they are all in connection with the vast subject on biblical prophecy.

When presenting and exposing God’s

plan in Bible prophecy, it is of utmost importance to insist that prophecy, even when linked to sti l l future events that do not directly affect our present l ife, always have a practical and moral application on our l ives, both individually and collectively as assembly. That is a fact we have to take great note of.

When we consider already fulfi l led prophecy in the Olivet discourse (Mt. 24; Mk. 13; Lk. 21), we see how this subject is wonderful proof on the divine inspiration of scripture. The same is true, in a very different context, when we consider the technical aspects of the biblical description of Noah’s Ark. The details given in the Bible, in l ight of modern shipbuilding and mathematics, is simply amazing (e.g. optimisation of the lowest material input by highest possible stabil ity)!

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The study of prophecy should be a help to the believer in order to better understand the times in which we are l iving today. This is very important for us, as we need to be spiritually equipped to know the particular needs and dangers in our days. Moreover, we are in need of this understanding especially if we want to know how we should go on and act practically in what the Word of God labels as 'the end times'. With regard to understanding the times, it is interesting to note that in the army of King David were fascinating soldiers who had the abil ity to understand the special aspects of the time period then.

‘And of the children of Issachar, which were men that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do; the heads of them were two hundred; and all their brethren were at their commandment.’ (1 Chr. 12:32)

We, as Christians today, should be similar to these servants of the king. We should have an exact understanding of the current times for us to know what the heavenly citizens of God ought to do in this world today!

We considered both direct prophecy and indirect prophecy. Indirect prophecy is known as ‘typology’, which are events/ God-given rituals and buildings that hint to future events. We will study the spiritual meaning of Noah’s Ark, which is a wonderful Old Testament hint to Christ. The same can be said when we study God’s detailed plan of the sti l l future temple in Ezekiel chapters 40 to 48, which is full of heart, touching and teaching regarding the glorious person of our Lord

Jesus Christ. It is similar to the very well known typology of the tabernacle.

We studied together the already fulfi l led (since time past) prophecies in the sermon of the Lord on the Mount of Olives. These are prophecies regarding the destruction of the second temple, the Jewish capital Jerusalem and the worldwide dispersion of the Jewish people among all the Gentile nations. From this, we glean an important clue that we need to understand how we should consider all parts, especially those for a future time. Should we understand these verses in a l iteral or just a figurative way? We see that the fulfi l led verses had to be understood in a l iteral way (e.g. considering every word and word form whether it is in singular or plural form). This insight is of great importance, for us to be assured and to establish the foundation that we have to interpret all the verses in connection with the coming of the Lord Jesus in the end times in l ike manner. God bless.

Interested to find out more? Go to our assembly’s website and download the recordings of the messages spoken by our brother during the camp to learn more!

We, as Christians today, should be similar to these servants

of the king. We should have an exact understanding of the

current times for us to know what the heavenly cit izens of God ought to do in this world

today!

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THE BOYS' BRIGADE MINISTRYANDREW HE • ANDREWHERENXIANG@GMAIL.COM | SAMUEL KO • KWWSAMUEL@HOTMAIL.COM

A Brief IntroductionSK: I have just completed my 3rd year in the National University of Singapore. I have been with Bethesda Hall (Ang Mo Kio) since birth and an officer with the Boys’ Brigade for the past 5 years. I help out with activit ies at the three companies that our church sponsors–29J Coy (Mayflower Primary School), 43rd Coy (Yishun Secondary School) and 51st Coy (Mayflower Secondary School).

AH: I am 34 years old this year, and work as an Activit ies Officer with Bethesda Hall (Ang Mo Kio). I am passionate about SSG—Serving God [and going to the] Gym.

What is the Boys' Brigade?SK: The Boys’ Brigade (BB) is one of the few ministries where we are able to share more about Christ in a secular setting l ike schools as it is a co-curricular activity (CCA) that students can take part in. BB welcomes students from all religions, not only from Christianity. In fact, most of the boys from the three companies are non-Christians, which makes this ministry particularly special because every session gives us the opportunity to share Christ’s love with them.

How did you come to be part of BB?SK: It started when Andrew He, asked me to lead in a singspiration session during a parade for the senior company while I was in Junior College. At that time, I didn't think much about joining BB as I was never part of any uniformed group during my school days. For National Service, I was both a commando fighter and a medic; at that point, I was thinking, 'What was God’s plan for me being a commando?'. I prayed for a ministry to participate in church after I had completed my National Service obligations. Somehow, God led me to think about joining the BB ministry. First, because I l iked to interact with children and youth and I realised that with the skil ls that I had acquired with the commandos, I could contribute in ways including: honing their adventure skil ls such as knots tying and lashing, navigation, map reading, pacing and first aid skil ls etc. I prayed about joining BB and approached Andrew to express my interest in joining the BB ministry and the rest is history.

AH: I joined the Boys' Brigade's 43rd Singapore Company in Yishun

Andrew and Samuel at the Boys' Brigade Enrolment Ceremony 2018.

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Secondary School when I was Secondary 1 in 1998. I came to know the existence of Lord Jesus Christ and BAMK through BB and took part in my first youth camp in 1998. Became a firm believer of Christ when I was 16 (2001), got baptised in BAMK at 19 (2004) and become a BB officer in the same year ti l l now.

What have you found to be most rewarding?SK: I think the most rewarding thing is to see the boys grow up in the CCA–from an immature Boy when they first joined to being much more matured and taking up leadership positions in the CCA, leading their juniors. It is also very rewarding to be able to be part of the seed planting process, week after week as they hear more about Christ through the Christian Education lessons taught during BB.

AH: Preaching the Word of God to the boys, befriending them beyond their secondary school l ife, leading them to grow in leadership and letting them see Christ through my life (hopefully).

What are some of the challenges that you face in the ministry?SK: One of the main challenges is that even though we consider it as an

evangelical work, but from a secular standpoint, BB is considered as a CCA based on Christian values. Hence, there are sti l l many restrictions as to what we can do. For example, we are not allowed to have altar calls as we are not allowed to impose our beliefs on the Boys. But by just sharing more about Christ, we can plant the seeds litt le by l itt le, week after week. I thank God that even though there are many restrictions in schools, there have been conversions of boys over the years.

AH: One challenge that we face is the lack of manpower to run the CCA. As BB is purely a volunteer-based ministry, anyone who goes to help must sacrif ice their time to join us. It isn't easy to get someone to join us as CCAs now operate on weekdays instead of weekends. Another challenge is schools choosing to remove BB as a CCA option due to low participation and a refocus of priorit ies.

Have there been any exciting/interesting incidents during your time in the BB?SK: One of the most exciting things that I get to do is to train with the Boys for their competitions. Each year, there is a national BB physical adventure competition among all BB companies—the BB Blaze. My role involves training the boys in the senior companies for the competition by teaching them how to read maps and using a compass for navigation, tying knots and lashes, building bashas etc. During the trainings, we will cover distances ranging from 5km to 30km on foot and sometimes on bicycles. I wil l join the boys for the entire route the officers have planned with checkpoints along the way to simulate the actual race. I really enjoy the time training

The close of a parade at the 29J Company.

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with the boys and completing the long distances together. Even though it can be very tough for the boys, I am encouraged by their resil ience to complete the training. Those times are extremely memorable and exciting for me!

AH: Once, I had to conduct a last minute briefing for the boys prior to the Enrolment Service; it was the school holidays. It was early afternoon and I had requested them to wait for me opposite the school. When I arrived, I was shocked to see them being questioned by the police. I was about go to my boys' aid when my phone rang. The teacher-in-charge called after being alerted to the incident. Furthermore, one of the boy's parent showed up demanding an answer to why her son needed to attend the event during the holidays (PS: Her son is an important member of the squad). At that point of time was facing four groups of people: my boys who were waiting for me, the teacher who was on the phone, the police doing their job and a parent who loved her son. Thankfully, I kept cool and explained the issue to the teacher, answered the police on why the boys were there, instructed my boys to keep quiet and explained to the parent why I needed her son to attend the event.

Do you have any words for someone who might be interested in joining the ministry?SK: Everyone is welcome to join us–brothers and sisters, whether you are young or young at heart. I think the only criteria is that you need to enjoy being among kids/youth. If you are unsure if BB is the right ministry for you, just feel free to approach any of the BB officers–Andrew He, Uncle Ann Kian, Uncle

Robert Hmar, Uncle Johnny Fan, Kenneth Khong or myself. We can arrange for you to attend one of the parades to have a taste of what BB is l ike. You could lead in singing, take a Christian education lesson or teach a specific skil l . Most importantly, if you are unsure of what church ministry to join, pray and ask God to show you a ministry that you can serve Him in. Do not be afraid to try out something new or something that you have never done before and that includes BB.

AH: The boys in BB are not our typical church kids from YP and SS; they come from backgrounds we might not be used to seeing. Whoever is keen to serve in BB must be will ing to serve with discipline in one hand while holding onto the Bible (preaching/teaching) in the other and with both hands hold the boys close to you (love and acceptance). Our duty isn’t just being there to teach, preach, organise, play and befriend them. Our duty is to show them how Christ was like to His disciples, staying close to them, eating with them, camping with them, scolding them, teaching them and even growing with them.

One of the activities during parades.

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GETTING TO KNOW THE COPA COOKING CLASSMATTHEW WONG • MATTHEWWONGYY@GMAIL.COM

Ever walked into church on a Saturday afternoon and smelled freshly baked goods?

At COPA Cooking, we hold hands-on baking/cooking sessions once every month (usually the last Saturday of the month). It is an outreach to those with the love for food. Even though most of our 20-25 regular attendees are the older folks (mainly Chinese speaking), a few of them are actually young mothers who bring their kids to bake with us! We are grateful and thankful for God’s grace and the assembly’s prayers for our outreach efforts.

Since the start of last year, we have adjusted our programme to start with a short time of games before the demonstration to allow for more interaction time. Following the games is the recipe demonstration (with a live stream). After which the participants begin the hands on section. Most times, the recipe has a baking step, during which, we have a testimony sharing and a short message. And at the end we end off with refreshments and the freshly baked goods!

By God’s grace, the participants (some who have

followed us for a few years) are much more open and comfortable with speaking to members.

For myself, I am challenged to intentionally speak to the older participants and get to know them better. One thing I realised is that they are actually interested to know me as a person as well. This makes me less scared and awkward to talk to them!

Personally, having been serving for more than a year, I realised that the sisters serving are really very driven—they take each task very seriously and are very detailed oriented about any task. Whether it is portioning out 5g of pineapple filling or taking care of refreshments, I have so much to learn from them. Much prayer and reliance on God goes behind every decision that is made which is something I admire and am encouraged by as well.

A fun fact! Each recipe that we finally demonstrate doesn’t just fall from a grandmother’s super secret recipe book (well not always at least).

Intently watching the demonstration.

Some of the participants making pineapple tarts.

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But the demonstrator actually bakes and tests out the recipe a few times first, going through a few taste tests and tweaks before the recipe is finalised and printed. Those hoping to learn a thing or two about baking would surely benefit from serving here.

This brings me to a prayer request that we do hope the young people can come forward to serve in this ministry whether it be taking a recipe head on and finally demonstrating the recipe or supporting by helping in organising games. At the moment, the COPA timing (2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.) clashes with the YP and CC timings, but since its once a month, we do ask for prayerful considerations.

So far we have made: Salted Egg Yolk Cookies (Jan); Pineapple Tarts (Feb); Cinnamon Rolls (Mar); Egg Tarts (Apr); and Cheese Puffs (Jun).

We thank the Lord for your continued prayers as well as His guidance for the growth of this ministry. Please continue to remember us in prayer as well as for younger ones to join.

Some of the final products.

Top and Bottom: Participants actively engaged in the process.

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M.Y MANNAPRASANTHI SURENDRA • PRASANTHI_AL@YAHOO.CO.IN

The M.Y Manna (Metropolitan YMCA Manna) program supplies basic groceries and

toiletries to low-income families on a monthly basis. This is a community service program that handles cases consisting of over 500 families, who get referred by social agencies monthly. Many survive on less than $500 monthly gross income.

In joint partnership with M.YMCA and the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF), BAMK serves needy families in the Ang Mo Kio area as part of community outreach, with this program beginning on 23rd March 2019.

On the first Saturday of each month, our Home Delivery Team deliver rations to non-ambulant beneficiaries under our care. On the second and fourth Saturdays of the month, our volunteers serve the beneficiaries who come to collect their provisions at BAMK. On the fourth Saturday of each month between 9 a.m. to noon, beneficiaries collect their provisions in our church’s distribution corner at the basement area.

While the food is sponsored and provided by M.YMCA, our volunteers (assembly members) help to serve the beneficiaries. They turn up early to pack the vegetables and fruits, ensure that the reused packing covers (not used for pork) are clean, in view of the beneficiaries of different religions. The administrative team provides the list of the beneficiaries for the day and a befriender is assigned to each beneficiary. While a group of volunteers help to pack the provisions ordered, befrienders come alongside the beneficiaries

to provide a listening ear upon their arrival, especially when they open up their hearts. Being conscious and discerning not to offend people of other religions, we take the opportunity, as the Lord leads, to share simple gospel truths, introduce and invite them to various activities at BAMK (COPA cooking, children’s corner & young people program, Gospel meetings), and to take note of their prayer needs (if they are believers). Before they leave, we provide them with the list of groceries for them to place their orders for the following month. This also helps ensures that the gross amount does not cross the allocated budget for each beneficiary ($80) per month. Praise God for our church’s facility as most of the beneficiaries have expressed their deep appreciation saying, 'Earlier we had to travel far for this collection, but this place is more convenient now'.

Please do uphold this ministry in your prayers as we go beyond just delivering provisions for the physical body but more so for the spiritual soul. It’s about befriending and bringing hope to their lives in the light of God’s word, to share heavenly bread (our Lord Jesus Christ), and definitely through our care and concern.

Some of the members involved in the program.

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OUR COMMENDED WORKER: TAY KIM SWEETAY KIM SWEE • KSTAY2@GMAIL.COM

I n 1983, I saw the need for pastoral work in the assembly. The thought

of full-t ime service in the Lord came to my mind. Subsequently, the Lord continued to prepare me for His work through my daily devotion with Him. Fellow saints who knew me well at that time encouraged me to consider doing the Lord’s work full-t ime. That led me to persevere in prayer over the matter.

The Prayer Voices’ prayer ministry for missionaries commended by local and overseas assemblies helped me very much in focusing my mind on going full-t ime in the Lord’s work. I had been involved in this prayer ministry for 7 years.

My involvement in the Assembly Youth Work in the assembly since 1978 had also been a good preparation ground for pastoral work in this call ing to full-t ime ministry for the Lord.

In late 1985 and early 1986, the Lord spoke to me through His Word—1 Cor. 1:1–8. In particular, verses 5 to 9 speaks much to me where He assured me that He has enriched me in speech and knowledge, that the testimony of Christ is confirmed in me and lacking not in any spiritual gift, He is able to sustain me and will be faithful to the ministry He calls me to. Matthew chapter 21 verses

28 to 32 was the other passage from which He spoke to me, where I was like the ‘f irst son’ of that parable responding to the call of service. Proverbs chapter 3 verses 5 to 6 clearly spells forth the truth to trust in the Lord fully, not to lean on self, and He will direct my path.

I shared the confirmation of my call by the Lord with my wife Lai To and my siblings, who gave their support to my decision for the Lord’s work.

On 1 Aug. 1986, I shared my call in the Lord with the elders. Having been assured that this is God’s call for me, they commended me to the Lord’s work on 14 Sept. 1986. This is my 33rd year in the ministry of the Lord. I can see God

Brother Kim Swee and his wife Lai To.

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fulf i l l ing His promise in equipping and sustaining me all these 33 years.

My involvement in the assembly’s ministry and the Lord’s work as a whole include:1) Evangelistic Bible study with the young and old—students after their school on a regular basis and with the elderly, mainly one to one, on a weekly basis.

2) Boys' Brigade of 29 J Company—I help/interact with the boys of Mayflower Primary School either in their Character Quest (a yearly Bible quiz competition among junior companies) or in our assembly’s annual Daily Vacation Bible School. These are opportunities to share Christ with the boys.

3) Visitation to assembly members—both young adults and older members. For instance (this is done individually or together with Dr. Robert Hmar), Dr.Hmar and I do home breaking of bread monthly with an elderly sister. Some older members prefer me to meet up with them for lunch regularly. This would involve l ife-sharing and encouragement. Hospital visits to members and relatives or friends are done individually and also together with Dr. Hmar. Young couples’

ministry is done together with Lai To. We visit young couples regularly, especially for encouragement and personal counsell ing.

4) Monthly Parents’ Support Group ministry—Praise God for His leading. This ministry was started with the help of brother Gin Lieng and sister Rebecca Law, who are the facil itators of this ministry. Lai To and I help in taking care of the children (with crafts and games) of the parents while they have their discussions.

5) Gospel-sharing with individuals—this happens where God opens the door of opportunity. This is done mainly in English and sometimes in dialect (Cantonese or Hokkien). The most recent opportunity was about one and a half weeks ago where I was asked to share the gospel in Cantonese, teaming up with brother Andrew Sng of Bethesda Hall Depot Walk.

6) Regional Fellowship Group (RFG)—I am the representative to Bedok RFG. Most of the couples and their families are familiar with one another. We do book studies of the Bible, with our most recent study being on the book of Ruth. In terms of pastoral care, the group organises a yearly visitation/lunch with older members of the assembly during the Chinese New Year season.

Two RFGs which I often give messages to and visit are Hougang RFG and Whitley RFG. Brothers and sisters in these two groups are warm, hospitable and encouraging. It is a great time

A Friday parade with the Boys at 29J.

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Subsequently, the Lord continued to prepare me for His work through my daily devotion with Him. Fellow saints who knew me well at that time encouraged me to consider doing the Lord’s work

full-time.

ministering the Word and fellowshipping with them.

7) Basic Training Class—I took over this ministry from brother Oon Soo in 2014. It has also been a great place to serve the Lord. This is the 6th year of my service in this class. We have an average attendance of 20 attendees. I am glad to share that four of them have been identif ied with the assembly through the waters of baptism during the last one and a half years and one transferred from another Church. We praise God for these trophies of grace. Lai To does personal Bible study with two of them. Both are keen students of the Word. We have class gatherings around three times a year.

We also take note of the birthday months of our attendees and celebrate their birthdays together quarterly. Thank God for sisters Jenny Tan and Julie Ong who have helped much in the bonding and encouraging of these attendees, especially during the Sunday lunch hour.

In conclusion, I would l ike to thank all the assembly brothers and sisters who pray and give their practical support while I serve the Lord with Lai To.

Recent BTC session on Sunday.

Celebrating!

BTC gathering at Kim Swee's home.

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THE CHOIR: GETTING TO KNOW THE LEONGSJETHRO LEONG • JETHROLEONG@GMAIL.COM

We are not the Von Trapp family. 'FA' (4th note) from it and there are only that

many Leongs.

So when there was a call for newer (and not older) members to join the assembly choir following the autonomy of Bethesda Hall Depot Walk (BDW), Mum and Dad were at BDW for the first practice in 2018 to test their voices. Then began our family’s three part harmony—an alto (Michelle, mum); a soprano (Jannelle, sister); and bass (Steven, dad). I joined later in the year for the Christmas performance as a tenor, completing the 4th leg of this family quartet.

My name is Jethro and I am currently training at a legal practice. I have been singing with BAMK choir since Christmas 2018. I joined the choir because I saw it as a good way to get my friends interested in coming to church. Since joining the choir, I've realised that testimony comes from living a life for God, and not just a single event where you stand on stage to sing some songs. It's a challenge to be God's testimony but God imputes His righteousness to us through our faith! If you're thinking of joining the choir, don't worry about whether you're good enough. All that is required is that you want to worship God with your voice! We would like to share more about our family’s journey with the BAMK choir and hope that you may be encouraged by our challenges as well as how God has sustained us over the years.

From my dad’s point of view, he had concerns of memorising the lyrics and the tunes for his bass part. Although he had good hand and eye coordination from playing badminton, reading the 'bean sprouts' and lyrics while looking at the conductor as well as the audience presents a new challenge for his age. The first challenge was the 2018 Easter service. The song book was appropriately coloured in stripes of neon yellow to mark his parts for fear of singing the ladies' parts. Fewer markings could be seen for Christmas and 2019 sees markings on other aspects for his parts as the choirmaster helps them to better understand how to read the bean sprouts.

For mum, the surprise came differently. ‘Mum, I have submitted your name for choir’ Jannelle told her one day after she came home from an overseas trip sometime in

From L to R: Steven, Jannelle, Michelle and Jethro.

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Dec 2017. At this point, she knew that Dad was going to completely retire in 2018, and she contemplated retiring together with him. Wow. . . she was so amazed by God's calling as she was pondering what to do in 2018. This was the perfect opportunity for them to do things together—as husband and wife.

When 2018 began and the first choir practice came, both Mum and Dad went for the audition conducted by Lee Chong Kiat and Marvin Wee (BAMK’s new choirmaster). She remembers the first practice at BDW, where they started straight away in their respective sections. She was a little lost and was not very sure of her part, but Mrs. Ann Lee assured her that she was doing fine and that a CD audio would be given for practicing their respective parts at home. She was so thankful for her encouragement and the sisterly love displayed.

Following this, the two choirs started practices in their respective premises and BAMK came under the baton of our new choirmaster. Through all the practices, she was excited to see how God had moved every choir member in that room. We all knew that we were not there by chance, but by God's leading. The choir continued to grow with many new faces joining choir for the first time, some returning members after some years of absence, and of course those who had been faithfully serving over the many years.

The youngest, yet longest serving choir member in our family is my sister, Jannelle. Serving in the choir since 2014, the choir has been a constant through the many stages of her life that have come and gone. From her post Junior College year till starting the

newest phase of being a young working adult, God has been faithful in sustaining her heart for service despite the distractions and temptations of everyday life.

It is difficult to set aside every Monday night for choir practices. There are many activities that an undergraduate would miss out on especially for one staying on campus. Even small things such as transport alone could be an easy deterrent for attending practices. But God provided, and for several months, she took rides from Aunty Alice as Marvin had previously stayed on campus as well. As a fresh graduate and subsequently a working adult, personal time and time for social interactions with friends inevitably decreases significantly. Monday nights now have a new meaning attached. It could mean time for rest, time to catch up with friends, or even time to complete work that could be due the next day. So much is at stake in our personal lives sometimes that we can forget that choosing to serve God and committing that time to his service is rewarding in itself.

With the whole family in the choir, Monday nights have become a pseudo ‘family night’—spending time together in church for rehearsals and practicing the songs in the car on the way home. The most rewarding part about serving in the choir would be the hearts that God opens and moves during the Easter and Christmas services when the choir presents the Cantatas. During practices, it can get tiring and the songs may sometimes be difficult to learn, but it has been evident to all of us that He has faithfully carried us through each service.

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TRACTS DISTRIBUTION MINISTRYJOE MATHEW JOHN • JOEMATHEWJOHN@GMAIL.COM

A tract is a short treatise in pamphlet form depicting a particular subject. It is popular

and powerful enough to communicate its subject matter to the reader. Throughout the ages, pamphlet tracts have served to convey messages to individuals and are mainly widely used by religious and ideology propagation groups. In the Christian realm, tracts are often referred to as gospel tracts and the act of distributing these little pamphlets with gospel messages is referred to as ‘tracting’. Rather than a macro level of distribution, tracting usually refers to approaching individuals and handing over tracts to convey the subject matter. Usage of gospel tracts probably became popular with the introduction of printing and it is still relevant, powerful and popular even in this digital age. What makes it so powerful and relevant in the Christian realm isn’t the size and nature of the tract, but its prefix word, the ‘gospel’ tract! As Paul points out in 2 Timothy chapter 2 verse 8, ‘Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel’, this is the message that makes the tract powerful and tracting a soul-saving act. ‘The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God’, 1 Cor. 1:18. This is the message and power these little pamphlets contain and bring into the homes and hearts that receive it. Tracts can be compared to a living seed. As a seed contains the essentials for the generation of

life, the gospel tract, when planted in a person’s heart, is used by God to create in him/her a new life. It has the power to transform a sinner into a new creation and give eternal life. A good example would be how Martin Luther wrote a tract on Galatians, which fell into John Bunyan’s hands, which in turn led to his conversion. As a result, over 135 translations of Bunyan’s famous Pilgrim’s Progress have been published, with millions being reached by its clear gospel message. A good gospel tract contains a succinct presentation of the law and the gospel with a call for the reader to repent and receive Jesus Christ (John 1:12) as his or her Lord and Saviour. There are many testimonies on how these little pieces of paper with this living seed have quenched thirsting, grievous souls throughout centuries and continue to do so. Tracting is definitely an act of obedience to the Lord’s call to spread the good news. ‘Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature’, Mark 16:15. It is carried out at individual levels and collectively as a church. As the famous quote puts it, ‘The church that does not evangelise will fossilise’—evangelism is one of the main pursuits of a living church. Bethesda Hall Ang Mo Kio has always placed evangelism among its primary ministries and tracting has certainly contributed in practically obeying the Lord’s mission calling as a church. Every second Sunday of the month, a small team of committed brothers and sisters meet at

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B01 for prayer and preparation before heading to the tracting location. (The neighbourhood has been divided into different clusters and one cluster is chosen as the tracting location each year.) One cluster may include up to 11 HDB blocks and each tracting session covers one HDB block. After prayers and discussion, the team will prepare the tracting bags which contain bilingual gospel tracts, children tracts, short gospel booklets and flyers on assembly meetings. The team then heads out to the tracting location, splits into smaller groups and knocks on every household in the block. For the household that responds to the call, a tract is shared, along with a little introduction about the church. Thereafter, conversation is built up depending on the receiver’s response. For those households with closed doors, tracts and flyers are still shared by placing them on the door front where it attracts attention. The team then takes note of the households that require visitation and follow-up, before dispersing after prayer. The team disperses with the awareness that the living seeds have been sown, though one cannot ascertain the extent to which the Lord uses these powerful little pamphlets in the lives of those who receive it. As observed, the neighbourhood has many lonely elderly folks and the team is certain that they would pay attention to the gospel being shared with them. For many decades, this ministry has been functioning. Probably tens of thousands of gospel tracts have been shared among these households. This should not lead us to complacency. There are many homes and lives yet to know the Saviour, and this ministry will surely grow and share the good news unto life, more powerfully and swiftly as our Lord is returning. It is a collective ministry. Some

members do go out to the field, yet it requires a prayer powerhouse to sustain these distributed tracts and for them to reach their intended destination—the lost souls. Furthermore, prayers are needed that the hearts that received the message are not hardened but perceive the power of salvation. Luke chapter 15 verse 7 says, ‘There is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God’ and indeed it is an opportunity that we can serve our Saviour who has given us this true light.

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YOUTH GOSPEL NIGHTCHOONG KIT SOON • NOOSTIK@GMAIL.COM

In John chapter 20 verse 31, it is written ‘But these are written that you may believe

that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.’ As we break down this verse, there are some questions we could ask ourselves, first of all: Who do we believe this Jesus is? And by believing in Him, what does it bring?

To fully understand this, we will need to go back to the beginning of John’s writing. John the writer happens to be someone very close to Jesus who had lived a life knowing him and experiencing the amazing events personally. So let’s take a look at these events.

The book of John started with the Word. It was the Word that created the world as recorded in Genesis, the Word that was spoken and the creation came into being. The very Word that said ‘Let there be light’, and there was light during the day and separated darkness (which refers to night). The very Word became flesh and lived among men. For us, we do not know how God looks like, so Jesus is the exact

representation of God, so that we could see who God is and how He is like. Jesus is fully God and Man at the same time; He bears the full glory of God. But man would choose not to recognise Him as we are living in darkness. To those who would receive Him, He gave the right to become the children of God!

In John chapter two, Jesus began His ministry at a wedding banquet—it was there when Jesus performed His first sign to the people, a sign that would show who Jesus is. There was eating and drinking and celebration, but halfway through, the wine was found to have been depleted. It would be such an embarrassment if wine were to run out at a wedding banquet. Somehow, Mary (the mother of Jesus) knew Jesus could do something about it, and roped Him in to help. Jesus would go on to ask the servants to fill six stone jars, each holding approximately 20 to 30 gallons, with water, and thereafter ask them to serve from jars. The people must have wondered what he was up to as they need wine and not water. However, behold, as they drank the water, it had been turned into wine, and it was the best wine they had ever tasted. It took some faith for the servants to just obey what Jesus said, trusting without full understanding, and the result was beyond what their mind could comprehend. This is also a picture of God’s kingdom, where it is generous with good things as described in Isaiah chapter 25 verse 6. The people at the aforementioned wedding banquet who had witnessed the miracle attributed Jesus as being special.

Kit Soon sharing the message on John.

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The third chapter of John describes about a man called Nicodemus—one of the religious leaders who would meet Jesus that very same night. As a religious leader, Nicodemus would have heard about Jesus, however, he did not dare approach Him openly as most of the religious leaders then were against Jesus for fear of losing their religious power. Nevertheless, Jesus took the time to explain to Nicodemus (one-to-one) that one must be born again in order to enter the Kingdom of God. Well Nicodemus was very much confused by this statement, but Jesus went on to explain that one must be born of the Spirit to be spiritually alive. Not through the prescribed religious acts and rules, but to be born of the Spirit. Jesus further explained that God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him. That same evening, Nicodemus (albeit in secrecy) found the secret of God’s Kingdom—the need to be spiritually born again.

John chapter four brings us to another encounter with one Samaritan woman, as Jesus was passing through Samaria. In the olden times, Samaritans and Jews did not interact with each other as both viewed themselves as being the superior social class, vice versa. The Jews despised the Samaritans and would never associate or be seen amongst them. When

Jesus had stopped for a break near a well, He met a Samaritan woman and asked her for a drink. Completely astounded, this Samaritan woman went on to ask how is it that a Jewish man would dare ask her for a drink. Through the conversation that followed thereafter, Jesus revealed a truth to her—that whoever drinks from Him will never thirst again. This is the spiritual thirst that everyone has, and it can only be satisfied by and through Jesus. This Samaritan woman was seeking for the Messiah (John 4:25), and lo and behold Jesus declares in the following verse ‘I the one speaking to you—I am He’.

Are we like Nicodemus and the Samaritan woman seeking for the Messiah? They both sought for and found Him. How about you?

Jesus would continue on to heal the lame; feed five thousand with just five loaves of bread and two fish; showing compassion to the people. As time went on, the religious leaders grew more and more worried in fear of losing their power, and plotted to kill Jesus. When Lazarus, a close friend of Jesus fell ill and died, Jesus had to make the decision to go Bethany (some two miles from Jerusalem) to raise Lazarus from the dead. This was the final trigger point to kill Jesus and the plot was sealed. Thereafter, Jesus went to Jerusalem and this was a place within

Shao Chuen leading in singing.

Attendees having fellowship over dinner.

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the control of the religious leaders—it was the perfect timing and setting to kill Jesus.

Just before the feast of Passover, Jesus knew His time was near. He had asked his disciples to gather in a room and had an evening meal together with them (which, in fact, was His final meal). While they were together, Jesus got up, took off His outer clothing and wrapped a towel around His waist, stood down and began to wash His disciples’ feet with water. One by one, He washed and dried their feet with the towel around His waist. Jesus then said ‘Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.’ What a beautiful example of love and service displayed from a God who is the creator, who is the beginning and end, the great I AM.

As John further records, the ultimate act of love

was displayed by Jesus giving His own life. The next few chapters record how Jesus was set-up by the religious leaders; how He was led to the cruelest of deaths—death by hanging on a cross, at Calvary. The bible records that throughout every moment leading up to His death, Jesus remained silent as a lamb before its shearer, knowing His work was to do His Father’s will of redeeming mankind from sin and death. It took the death of the most righteous Man to repay the penalty of sin—a debt every sinful person owes. Only Jesus is able to fulfill this as He is perfect and sinless. Through His death, everyone who believes is counted righteous as the penalty of sin has been paid in full. All we need to do is to accept this free gift of salvation, done and completed in Jesus.The final miracle recorded in John occurs 3 days after the death and burial of Jesus—where some of His disciples had encountered and interacted with the same Jesus! Jesus had resurrected and appeared before His disciples, and they were overjoyed when they saw Him. Jesus would then go back to the Father, and send His Holy Spirit to all those who believed in Him. He has since returned to heaven to prepare a room for us, and He will one day return for us.

Through the reading of the book of John, we can see who Jesus truly is—He is the Word; the Son of God who loves everyone regardless of who we are or what we have done; and it is by faith in Him that we can come to Him, to know Him and spend eternity with Him in His coming Kingdom.

Group interactions over dinner.

Special song item put together by the Young People.

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TUITION MINISTRYPOH YEOW KIAN • YKPOH29@YAHOO.COM.SG

The Bethesda Hall (AMK) Tuition Ministry is an assembly evangelistic activity to provide

free tuition in English and Mathematics from Primary 4 to 6 students in the neighborhood around BAMK. The programme encourages neighborhood children and their parents to venture into the church premises and it is a good opportunity for other evangelistic groups such as Read-to-Me, Children’s Corner, Sisters’ Ministry and COPA Cooking Class to engage and invite the children, their siblings and parents to join our church activities. Indeed, some of the children join the Children’s Corner after their tuition classes on Saturday afternoon and some of the children’s younger siblings attend the Read-to-Me programme while they are having tuition.

We are thankful to God for His faithful provision of tutors so that we can offer the full set of English and Math classes from Primary 4 to 6.

Each class is held once a week within the church premises during the school terms and we have 19 children registered this year.

We give thanks for tutors who faithfully serve in this ministry. They give of their time and resources. Their patience and earnest desire to teach the children provide a good testimony of God’s love.

This ministry will continue to need brothers and sisters who can commit a couple of hours each week during school term time. It is a wonderful and fulfilling opportunity to teach the children and help them improve on their studies.

We covet your prayers for the tutors that they

may gain much Godly wisdom, patience and love to meet the needs of the children and make contact with their parents. Pray that the Lord will raise more saints to labour in this ministry.

We also seek assembly members who are in the teaching profession to conduct refresher and coaching sessions for our tutors so that they keep abreast of changes in the school curriculum and are better equipped to help the children.

Clockwise from top left: Toh Si Qi, Nathanael Chan, Timothy Kuehsamy, Ng Lai Fun, Chan Man Wong, Chia Boon Hong, Poh Yeow Kian and Lilian Tan.

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BOOK REVIEW: ARE WE REALLY LIVING IN THE LAST DAYS?SAMUEL YAW • SAMUELYAW@GMAIL.COM | WITH FOREWORD BY NIGEL WONG

We are privileged to have a library in our assembly premises and it has a treasure

trove of knowledge and literature just waiting to be gobbled up by hungry minds! Spurgeon has said, 'Visit many good books, but live in the Bible.' May this book review and reading Christian literature help deepen our thirst and appreciation for God’s Word primarily, to study and read it as food for the soul. May it also encourage us to dedicate time to reading the things of God written by gifted believers, especially using the resources so freely available in our library! For more information with regards to the library, please feel free to contact brother Kelvin Ng (kelvinng81@yahoo.com.sg).

SummaryDr. Liebi does a wonderful and thorough job of listing out more than 175 fulfilled prophecies in the Old and New Testament that signal the last days. From the mass exodus of Jews returning to the Promised Land to the numerous conflicts in the Middle East against Israel, Dr. Liebi leaves no stone unturned as he details the events that the Bible has prophesied over thousands of years ago. Backed by scripture, online websites, news articles and so on, Dr. Liebi has provided a wealth of resources for the believer to understand the events from an informed perspective. Any reader will be astounded by the accuracy of how these end-times prophecies were fulfilled in our history as well as being fulfilled currently. This book will no doubt solidify the faith of the reader as he or

she realises the amazing power and sovereignty that God has over us and the world. It will be a thought provoking read for all.

How did the book help you in your spiritual walk?Throughout the book, I was astonished at how impossible these events could have been predicted by the prophets, the apostles and the Lord Jesus Himself all those years ago. It really reminded me that scripture is indeed God’s Word and He has provided us with all we need to know. The book is also a stern reminder that we are really living in the last days and that the Lord Jesus Christ will come again, much sooner than I had really expected, in order to establish His Kingdom for all eternity. It thus gives me much joy and hope to know that God is the true God and He has given us proof of His existence. When compared to other religions of the world, they fail to even come close to prophesying any of the events which the Bible has so clearly depicted. I’m very glad that I stumbled upon Dr. Liebi’s book and will surely read more of his works to expand in my knowledge of God.

Would you recommend this book to others? And if so which age group?Yes. Advanced readers, from 17 all the way up.

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SOME THOUGHTS ON WITNESSDAVID J. NEWELL • ADAPTED FROM 'LETTERS TO A NEW BELIEVER'

As I know you are deeply concerned about your family and long to see them saved,

I thought I’d jot down a few thoughts on the subject of witness. One of the sure signs of a work of grace in the soul is a desire that others be brought into similar blessing. Like the lepers who came upon the spoils of the scattered Syrian army, we cannot keep the glad news to ourselves: ‘We do not well: this day is a day of good tidings, and we hold our peace’ (2 Ki. 7:9). As someone has said, witnessing is simply one beggar telling other beggars where to find bread.

First, let’s establish the mandate. At the end of each gospel narrative, the Lord Jesus entrusted His disciples with the task of telling others about Him and His finished work. Matthew 28:18–20 foregrounds the teaching commission—those who surrender to the claims of Christ are to be baptised and instructed in godly conduct. Conversion means conformity to the Lord’s will. Mark 16:15 reveals the universal scope of a message which spills out beyond the confines of Judaism, while Luke 24:45–49 details both its basic condition (‘repentance’) and the divine enablement provided for its preachers (‘power from on high’). John 20:30–31 illustrates the commission at work in John’s own explanation for his book: under the Spirit’s guidance he has selected from the ministry of Christ so that his readers might come to believe in Him. In context all these directions relate to the immediate earthly followers of Christ then. But the principle abides: those who have come into the good of God's great salvation are responsible to testify to His grace.

Second, what’s our motive? Well, we obey the Lord simply because the Lord says so. Yet obedience to the Lord Jesus is never to be the mechanical, slavish submission of subjects bowing to the orders of a tyrant. Rather, we obey out of love (John 14:15, 23; 15:14). Just as real love will show itself in glad obedience, so true obedience springs from a heart of love for the Saviour who has done so much for us. This governs the whole Christian life, from corporate assembly exercises to personal day-to-day walk with God. ‘We love him because he first loved us’ (1 John 4:19). Of course, our motives will never be pure. The flesh so taints all we think and do that even our holiest moments are tarnished by pride, complacency, self-satisfaction. But the Lord knows the heart; sometimes our best recourse is: ‘Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee’ (John 21:17). Don’t be discouraged into inaction because of your wrong motives (this is how Satan hamstrings us); rather, confess your anxieties to the Lord and seek His aid to do what’s right.

Third, we have to be scrupulously precise about the message, as any deviation from the truth can be fatal. Paul’s language is stunningly direct in Galatians 1:8–9. Note: message takes precedence over messenger. Paul rejoiced when the right message was preached albeit for the wrong reasons (Phil. 1:14–18)! You see, accuracy is essential. The greatest gospel expositor in the New Testament details the indispensable ingredients of the message in his letter to the Romans. Taking Romans 5:1–

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11 as a key passage, we are confronted with (i) ‘God’, both the source and subject of that which is ‘the gospel of God’ (Rom. 1:1). The gospel magnifies God, which is why it cannot be compromised in the slightest. Next we meet with the concept of (ii) sin, which means that man is utterly incapable of satisfying God’s requirements. Because the gospel begins not with man but with God in all His majesty and holiness, the gulf between our ruin and His ineffable glory is all the more marked. We are sinners by nature (our inner disposition inherited from Adam) and practice (our deeds). This terrible condition leads us inexorably towards an even more dreadful destiny, (iii) ‘wrath’ (v. 9). This describes both the outpouring of God’s just anger against man’s wickedness in the Great Tribulation (Rev. 6:15–17; 1 Thes. 1:9–10; 5:9–10) as well as the eternal destiny of the lost in the lake of fire (John 3:36; Rom. 9:22; Rev. 20:11–15). Mercifully, such bad news is followed by the divine remedy: (iv) ‘blood’ (v. 9). Check these verses and you will come to the conclusion that ‘blood’ is biblical shorthand for a sacrificial death which satisfies all God’s demands (Lev. 17:11; Ex. 12:13; Heb. 9:22; 10:4,19; 1 Pet. 1:18–19; 1 John 1:7; Rev. 5:9). On the cross the Lord Jesus became His people’s substitute, offering to God the payment that our sins demand. Finally, (v) ‘faith’ (vv. 1–2) is the only way into the good blessings listed in the first five verses. No works of men can ever please God (Rom. 3:20; Tit. 3:5); but simple confidence in what Christ has done unlocks the door of salvation. Now, we must be certain of this message before we can communicate it to others; perhaps the safest way is to lock it into the text of scripture. When I was younger, I marked in my Bible a chain of verses which systematically traced the way of salvation. You might find this a useful way of having key verses at your fingertips when you

want to speak about the Saviour to a friend.

Alas, I have little space left to talk about methods. Public preaching of the word is specially commanded of God (1 Cor. 1:17–21), but quiet personal witness is also exemplified in John 1 (where John Baptist, Andrew and Philip all effectively lead others to Christ), as well as in the Lord’s own private interviews with sinners. John 4 is a master class in how to reach the individual. Not all are public preachers but all can say a word for the Saviour. Remember that where God has sovereignly placed us in terms of family and work is part of our mission field. The believers driven out of Jerusalem by persecution took the gospel with them, so that an apparent disaster became a blessing to others (Acts 8:4). The ex-demoniac of Mark 5:18–20 had his commendable prayer to accompany the Lord refused, for he was to be the Saviour’s representative in a neighbourhood which had rejected Him. Then again, in the Old Testament Joseph, Daniel and the unnamed servant girl in 2 Kings 5:2–3 were faithful voices for God in adverse circumstances. But remember—our behaviour will either support or undermine our words. As someone put it, ‘Your life shouts so loudly I cannot hear what you say’. Like the balanced bells and pomegranates on the hem of the High Priest’s garment (Ex. 28:33), may our life and our lips be in harmony. And may the Lord give you daily help to be a good testimony for Him.

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Copyright © Warner Press, Inc. Used by permission.

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Judges 2:14-23 God's actions and anger

Judges 3:1-11 Othniel

Judges 3:12-31 Ehud/Shamgar

Judges 4:1-11 Deborah

Judges 4:12-24 Deborah & Barak

Judges 5:1-18 Song of Deborah & Barak: their Saviour

Judges 5:19-31 Song of Deborah & Barak: their struggles & supplications

Judges 6:1-10 The need of salvation with a prophetic explanation

Judges 6:11-24 The call of Gideon

Judges 6:25-32 The requirements of Gideon's God

Judges 6:33-40 God's action revelations to equip Gideon

Judges 7:1-18 The reduction of Gideon's Army

Judges 7:19-25 The involvement of the reserved army of Gideon

20 & 27 Jul

25 Aug

22 Sep

Gospel Service

Benjamin Chia

Nicholas Ong

Sherman Sim

Gospel Rally

Hope

Love

Date Speaker Chairman Topic

Jesher Loi

Peter Chow

Koh Liang Hwee

Prayer MeetingDate Study on the book of Judges Speaker

Lee Yue Ming

Kevin Kwan

John Chua

Lucius Tan

Jereme Teo

Clarence Koh

Yeo Ann Kian

Chang Hin Keat

Julian Chow

Keoy Soo Siong

Jesher Kum

Joel Lim

Joel Lee

SPEAKERS & CHAIRMEN

LIST