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One of the most definitive passages in Scripture that set forth the importance of, the mandate for and the command for all believers to be encouragers is found in Paul’s second epistle to the Corinthians – “Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4). Just to provoke us to internalise these thoughts, allow me to ask a pointed question: “If our God (“the God of all comfort”) had indeed comforted us in our past trials, how can we not want to joyfully comfort others who need to be comforted?”

These two verses, as with many portions of Scripture, remind us that all of us at some point in time will have trials, difficulties, pains and sorrows in life. That is the time when comfort and encouragement are most needed. However, such times of need are not perpetual; they will certainly pass, by God’s sustaining grace. In fact, suffering believers as such are being prepared by the Lord, that they may emerge from their difficulties that much stronger in Him and be ready to render encouragement to others. It is this conviction that led leaders of our church to establish the Gethsemane Encouragers’ Ministry (GEM), one of the earliest ministries of the church which began some twenty years ago.

Praise God for brethren in our midst who have joyfully come forward to serve in the committee which plans and coordinates initiatives to encourage one another in the church. The 7-member GEM Committee presently comprises Eld Mah, Dn Kelvin Lim, Sisters Gina Sim, Jenn Lee, Kamala, Kim Lei, and Melissa Mah. Do pray that the Lord will grant them His grace to enable each to serve joyfully, amidst their many other commitments in the church and family. However, the ministry of encouraging others is not left to them alone. We praise God that over time, many have been involved. As the Lord leads, may more brethren joyfully share in this blessed service.

How can we encourage others? A sincere visit to the aged, the lonely, the troubled, the sick at home or in the hospital certainly will bring no small comfort and will be largely appreciated. However, these are not the only avenues of encouragement. If we see encouragement as coming alongside the needy brethren to offer our time in fellowship or in praying and praising God together, or to give a timely word of godly counsel, or to make an appropriate gift, or to disseminate their praise and prayer items through the church hotline, then there certainly is no lack of opportunities to encourage others in our church. Even a cheerful and sincere greeting is in itself a most welcomed expression of encouragement for one another!

On top of this, we could certainly participate in the church’s various ministries, events and initiatives, some of which are already in place and some others to be held from time to time. The GEM Committee will continue to plan and coordinate ad-hoc events (as they did in the past), like hosting informal gatherings with newcomers, mission trips, missionary conferences and Christmas carolling programmes, which serve as further avenues for brethren to be engaged in the mutually edifying ministry of encouraging one another in the Lord.

As our church grows in numbers, there is an increasing need for brethren to be comforted and encouraged. May every believer see it as his or her joy to “bear … one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2), for the glory of the Lord Jesus’ Name.

Mutually Edifying Speech

Prabhudas Koshy

God’s people are exhorted to use their God-given ability of speech to encourage and edify one another, not to corrupt and hurt others. “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers” (Ephesians 4:29). The Greek word for “corrupt” denotes that which is putrid, rotten and hence corrupting, defiling and injurious. Corrupt communication is manifested in vulgar / profane exclamations, foolish talking, filthy conversation, profane oaths, lies, angry utterances, ridicule, hurtful words, curses, threatenings, gossips, slanders, false accusations, boastings, flattery, misleading advice, false teachings, unwholesome / filthy songs, etc.

Corrupt communication can easily occur even in churches. Not only new Christians, but also matured believers, have been overtaken by this sin. Since bad speech is an expression of defiled thoughts and feelings (cf. Matthew 15:18), we must be watchful against falling into this unsavoury conduct by cleansing our hearts and minds constantly, and keeping them from being defiled. We must also avoid the company of people who engage in evil communication. “Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners” (1 Corinthians 15:33). Godly men will be cautious of what they say. May our prayer be: “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer” (Psalm 19:14).

Merely refraining from corrupt speech is not good enough; good speech is encouraged. Paul advises Christians to see that their words are well-chosen so that they edify others. The Greek word for “edifying” (oikodómēsis) denotes the act of building a house. Paul uses it to indicate spiritual nurture or advancement. We seek, through our speech, to build one another up. By relating our testimony of salvation and sharing the Gospel of Christ with the unsaved, we can point some souls to the Saviour. Through friendly discussions, we can impart God’s truths to the young in faith so that they may grow in the knowledge of God’s Word. We can comfort the weary and sad with God’s promises. We can also prevent some from going astray by providing timely and wise advice. Besides, we can correct and restore those who have erred in their ways by admonishing them in love.

Great spiritual disaster will come upon our church, friends and family members, if we choose not to speak when there is a need to do so. Where there is a lack of godly conversation, the unhindered growth of spiritual maladies will take root and fester. So, let us strive to “minister grace unto the hearers”, by speaking with wisdom and grace to impart spiritual blessings and protection to others.

Before Jesus’ ascension to heaven, He gave His disciples the Great Commission in Matthew 28:18- 20 – “All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”

The Great Commission is given to the church to reach out to the unbelieving world. It is the duty of the believers to be witnesses for Christ by sharing the Gospel with people, welcoming them to the church and also teaching them to obey the commandments of God given in the Bible. In Acts 1:8b, Jesus mentioned what appears to be the sequence that the church should follow in their witnessing - “ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” The disciples were to reach out to the unbelieving world, starting from where they were situated, namely from Jerusalem. Evangelistic efforts must begin from home and then to the rest of the world. While it is important to be a mission-minded church, we must also give high priority to local evangelism.

The Gethsemane Evangelism Outreach (GEO) is a ministry set up with the primary aim of sharing the good tidings of the Gospel to unbelieving people in the neighbourhood. Its function is to spearhead the evangelistic efforts of the church whereby church members will reach out to non-Christians by sharing the Gospel with them and also inviting them to church to learn biblical truths from God’s Word. The present committee members of GEO are Bro Andrew Koh, Dn Low Boon Siang, Bro Edwin Quek and Bro John Peh.

Every fourth Sunday of the month, Gethsemaneans go for evangelism at designated places. Praise God that the people who regularly participate in this monthly evangelistic outreach have frequently numbered around 50-60 people. In recent months, we are glad that many more have participated – even beyond 70! The people who go for evangelism are divided into small groups. They go door-todoor to give out tracts and share the Gospel with the residents. Usually, about 3 HDB blocks would be covered for each evangelism session.

Currently, GEO is facing the challenge of transporting all the people who wish to go for evangelism from the church to the designated place of evangelism. Two church vans and TGCM’s lorry have been made available regularly. However, they are not sufficient to fetch the increasing number of people going for evangelism. Pastor has therefore suggested that we should hire a bus; with the increased participation from members and worshippers, the GEO committee is in the process of planning to better organise our future monthly evangelism sessions.

Furthermore, GEO plans to work closely with other fellowship groups and ministries by providing encouragement and assistance in their own evangelistic outreaches. The GEO committee members are ready to attend the various evangelistic meetings so as to reach out to the newcomers in these meetings. Other than that, working in conjunction with the Gethsemane Encouragers’ Ministry (GEM), a set of guidelines is given to the various fellowship groups in welcoming newcomers to the church, to the extent that representative members of every fellowship group will be on hand to reach out to newcomers. The ultimate aim is for newcomers to be assimilated into the church and also for their spiritual edification or needs to be addressed by the church leaders (Pastor, elders, deacons and preachers).

It is the GEO’s sincere prayer that you do your part and join us in the evangelistic efforts of the church to reach out to the lost, who are on their way to eternal peril. Stanza one of the hymn, “Throw Out the Lifeline”, drives home this truth most succinctly:

Door-to-Door Evangelism

Prabhudas Koshy

Many have questioned whether “door-to-door evangelism” is relevant or efficient today. In fact, many churches have stopped this form of evangelism. Some say it is not effective; few people turn to Christ this way as many are not at home, and even those at home are not willing to engage in conversation about the Gospel. Christians also fear possible angry outbursts of some homeowners and being branded as “recruiters” from some kind of cult. Moreover, many Christians do not like to engage in conversation with “strangers”. However, in Gethsemane BPC, we continue this method of evangelism. We do not think it a futile effort. We engage in it for the following reasons:

• House-to-house preaching was an apostolic method of spreading the Gospel (Acts 5:42; 20:20)
• Notwithstanding the response, we have an opportunity to magnify the Lord before the unbelieving. We are commanded to “Declare his glory among the heathen, his wonders among all people” (Psalm 96:3; cf. 1 Chronicles 16:24; Psalms 18:49; 67:2; 96:10; 98:2), for He is worthy to be praised among all people.

So let us always be ready to visit homes of both friends and strangers to declare our Great and Only Saviour. We must count it an honour to be a witness of His glorious Name. Here are some pointers for you to “ready” yourself for door-to-door evangelism:

• Gently knock at the door (press the bell).
• When the door is open, with thanksgiving in your heart for the opportunity, greet the resident with a smile, and introduce yourself by your first name and as a Christian from Gethsemane B-P Church.
• With prayer, you inform the resident that you would like to introduce to them the Gospel and the church. If they are willing, present the Gospel succinctly and clearly with joy of heart. Invite them also to our church.
• If they refuse to listen to your Gospel presentation, politely give the Gospel tract and the church invitation pamphlet if they would accept. If not, thank them for the time.
• You may also courteously try to get their name / contact info, if they are keen to know more about the church activities or if they would like you to pay another visit to provide more teaching or counselling.
• If no one at home, you may neatly place the Gospel tract at the gate or door.
• Always remember that our part in the evangelism is to preach the Gospel and that the salvation of souls belongs to the Lord. When you speak of the Lord, you effectively serve Him.

Jesus said, “Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God” (Mark 10:14).

Gethsemane Children’s Ministry (GCM) was established with the dual purpose of meeting the spiritual needs of children within our church, and of reaching out to children outside the church. It seeks to educate believing children in the Word of God (Proverbs 22:6), and to evangelise unbelieving children with the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:19-20). We thank God for a committee that has been formed to oversee the planning and execution of the GCM activities. The present GCM committee comprises Pr Kelvin Lim, Bro Kenneth Wong, Bro Neo Kian Seng, Sis Choy Luan Kheng, Sis Winnie Yap, Sis Melissa Mah and Sis Kamalamangai, with Pastor as the Advisor.

The Lord’s Day GCM Activities

(i) The Children’s Choir meets for practice every Lord’s Day from 9.00 to 10.00am (see separate write-up by Melissa Mah).

(ii) The Junior Worship (JW) classes cater to children from 4 to 10 years of age. A special Bible learning programme is prepared for them which takes place during the main worship service (immediately after pastoral prayer). There are 3 JW classes, namely Nursery class, Kindergarten class and Lower Primary class.

(iii) The Children’s Bible Study (CBS) classes are held concurrently with the Adults’ Bible Study on Sunday afternoon. 3 CBS classes are catered to teach the Nursery / Kindergarten, Lower Primary and the Upper Primary classes respectively.

(iv) The Children’s Library serves to provide our children with a precious avenue to read and be edified by good Christian books. These can be borrowed from the book table set up by a team of church librarians led by Bro John Peh.

Saturday GCM Activities

(i) GCM also organises activities for children on Saturdays, during the respective meetings of the Men’s Fellowship, Ladies’ Fellowship and Adults’ Fellowship gatherings. The children are taught Scripture in songs, choruses, spiritual songs and hymns, as well as the Word of God. There is also time for interaction and “bonding” through games.

(ii) Occasionally, GCM organises outings for children in conjunction with the Gethsemane Adults’ Fellowship Combined Outings

Special GCM Programmes

(i) Daily Vacation Bible School (DVBS) is held during the December school holidays, where we encourage our children to invite their school friends, relatives and neighbours to participate in this annual event to spread the Gospel to them.

(ii) Parents’ Seminars are conducted to instruct parents in our church in the biblical upbringing of their children. Pertinent themes, such as “Nurturing Our Children Biblically” (in 2014), and “Modern Challenges to Biblical Parenting” (in 2015), are highlighted to instil in parents the importance and impact of their indispensable God-given responsibilities.

(iii) Teacher Training Seminars are also held from time to time for the equipping of the GCM teachers.

(iv) On occasion, a Gospel Rally is organised for spreading the Gospel to friends and relatives of our children and their parents who have not yet received the Lord Jesus as their Saviour.

The Lord has blessed GCM with many children throughout the past 28 years of Gethsemane’s existence. Some of the youths and young adults in the church today have grown up through GCM. It is a joy to see them growing up in the church, and actively serving the Lord in various ministries today. Praise be unto the Lord!

Gethsemane Children’s Choir

Melissa Mah
Scripture records an occasion in Jesus’ earthly ministry where he was received by the exuberant praises of children in the temple of God, proclaiming, “Hosanna to the Son of David” (Matthew 21:15)! The Lord Jesus was very pleased with the children’s earnest and sincere expressions of praise. This can be seen from His immediate rebuttal of the scribes and Pharisees’ complaint about the children’s joyful rendering of glory unto Christ: “Yea; have ye never read, Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise” (Matthew 21:16)? Our Lord welcomed the children’s praises, and did not brush them aside.

Likewise, the worshipful singing of the children in our church greatly honours the Lord. Gethsemane Children’s Choir is established to encourage the young ones in our church to glorify and praise the Name of Christ from an early age. The Gethsemane Children’s Choir is a part of the Gethsemane Children’s Ministry. One of the main objectives of the Children’s Choir ministry is to teach the children to worship God through the singing of Christian hymns. When the children join the congregation to sing, they learn to “Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name” (Psalm 29:2; cf. Psalm 22:22). We prayerfully instruct them to direct their hearts and minds unto the Almighty God in worship. This is an important aspect of the children’s singing during their choir presentations. They should know that they are not singing as in a performance to show off their abilities, but rather, singing in worship of God and to exalt God’s holy Name. We pray that the children in the choir will be spontaneous in their praises unto God. May they always be ready to sing with gladness of heart and declare the goodness of God (cf. Psalm 95:1)!

Singing and memorising the hymns in particular would help them to recall the edifying words of the hymns even when they have grown up. We should not underestimate how readily little children can learn spiritual truths as they sing the hymn lyrics. Certainly, all these avenues for children to be grounded in the faith (cf. Colossians 2:7) are precious and not to be wasted.

An added benefit of participating in regular children’s choir practices is that the children may in the process be instilled (from an early age) with some of the disciplines of Christian service, including consecration of heart through prayer, humility in thanksgiving, courageous faith to witness for Christ, joyful perseverance, discipline and self-denial.

We thank God for a team of sisters who labour to train the Children’s Choir. They are Sis Stefanie Wong (who is presently away in Melbourne), Sis Melissa Mah, Sis Ellyzabeth and Sis Angeline Wong. Please pray for them that their efforts will effectively nurture our children in the knowledge of God’s truth, godly disciplines of worship and service of our Lord. Furthermore, as the choir comprises children of varied ages, temperaments and abilities, pray also for God’s wisdom and patience to be upon the teachers, and that the children will be teachable, obedient, diligent and enthusiastic about honouring God with their singing.

We encourage all parents to bring your children (5 to 12 years of age) to join the Children’s Choir practices every Sunday, 9.00-10.00am. Younger children are also welcome to join the choir, provided they are able to follow instructions.

Just as those children in God’s temple honoured Christ as they came into His presence with songs of exultation, may our children also rejoice to honour God with their songs of praise in God’s church!

On every occasion of joy, whether it be a new year or anniversary or birthday, we must humble ourselves and give glory and honour to the LORD. God’s people must remember the Lord’s goodness and consider how to render their gratitude to Him. We have a good pattern in the humble reflection of the psalmist in Psalm 116 - “What shall I render unto the LORD for all his benefits toward me? I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the LORD. I will pay my vows unto the LORD now in the presence of all his people” (vv.12-14).

We must readily and enthusiastically ascribe glory to our God, saying, “Thou crownest the year with thy goodness; and thy paths drop fatness” (Psalm 65:11). It is the LORD who preserves us and keeps us alive (Psalm 41:2). It is because of His compassion that we are delivered from all our troubles (Psalm 34:6). In His mercy, He healed our sicknesses (Psalm 30:2-3). With the outpouring of His grace, He has strengthened our weak frame and made us triumphant (2 Corinthians 2:14; 12:9). So let us praise Him in our hearts, and also let us declare His truth to all around us.

During this Lunar New Year,

• ecall the goodness of the LORD in your mind, and worship Him.
• In your home, rejoice with your family and worship Him together.
• Be hospitable and kind to all. Be humble and gracious to spread the love of Christ.
• Be sure not to exult in your wealth nor in your achievements. Be not like those who glory in earthly possessions.
• Be kind-hearted and generous towards the less fortunate around you.
• When you meet with your relatives and friends, do not forget to be a witness for our wonderful Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ.

Gethsemane Ladies’ Fellowship

Prabhudas Koshy & Carolyn Koshy

The beginning of the Gethsemane Ladies’ Fellowship (GLF) can be traced to a small group of about five ladies who had gathered together to pray, knowing that without prayer, the struggles and challenges of Christian life is impossible to be overcome. They met in their respective homes to pray for themselves, their families and ministries of the church and came to be known as Ladies’ Prayer Group (LPG). LPG started to reach out to other ladies in the church and held prayer meetings in their homes. Soon the number of participants started to increase, and the preachers and elders of our church were invited to provide exhortations from the Word of God. To help ladies who needed counsel and clarification of doubts, a “Question and Answer” (Q & A) session was also included after every message. This was followed by prayer in small groups and some refreshments.

Due to the increasing number of sisters in the church, a committee was formed in 2010, with our Pastor as the Advisor. Pastor advises the committee to plan and organise special programmes, such as seminars to educate ladies more deeply in God’s Word, as well as to conduct regular visitations of sisters to provide biblical counselling and prayer support. To name a few seminar topics that GLF has organised and which are uploaded in the Bible Witness Web Radio of Gethsemane B-P Church (under the Ladies’ Segment known as “Women of Virtue”): “Quest for Revival”, “Prayer for Revival”, “Sarah - Faith that Overcomes Sense and Reason” and “Esther - Prodigy of Providence”. (Please visit the website of BWWR [https://biblewitness.com/webradio/women-of-virtue] to listen to those seminars, that you may be further edified.)

To better represent the goals and activities of this ministry, LPG has been renamed Gethsemane Ladies’ Fellowship (GLF). The present committee members are Carolyn Koshy (Coordinator), Gina Sim (Secretary), Sarah Yong (Treasurer), Mah Lean Choo and Annie Ho, with Pastor Koshy as the Advisor.

We praise the Lord that last year, GLF could learn precious lessons from a series of character studies on “Women of Faith” in the Bible, such as Eve, Rebekah, Jochebed, Rahab, Ruth, the Syrophenician Woman, etc. Those lessons were taught by Preacher Ho Kee How. God willing, these may be uploaded in the BWWR this year in a “Q & A” format for further spiritual edification of all listeners.

Presently, GLF meetings are conducted on every 3rd Saturday of the month in the homes of sisters (except for March and September, where we have our seminars held in rented auditoriums). After every teaching of God’s Word, there will be a short “Q & A” session for further clarification and understanding of the Scriptures, especially in relation to our lives. This is followed by intercessory prayer among two or three sisters, ending with fellowship over refreshments. The GLF thank God for all full-time staff of the church and also for other voluntary drivers who constantly fetch the ladies from designated MRT stations to the respective meeting venues, not forgetting also the kind hospitality of many ladies who welcome us to their homes.

The GLF committee have committed themselves to meet every second Tuesday of the month to uphold sisters and the church in prayer. Please feel free to approach any one of the GLF committee members if you have any queries. You may send your prayer items through WhatsApp or via SMS. As we also regularly visit ladies for mutual encouragement in the Word and prayer, please do let us know if you would like us to visit you and pray with you.

We give thanks to God that sisters have received much spiritual blessings through all these activities, including sisters from other churches as well (who themselves have testified of the blessings they have received). To God be the glory!

The objective of the Gethsemane Youth Fellowship (GYF) is to reach out to the young people of our church with biblical truths that will help them keep out worldliness in their lives (cf. 1 John 2:15a). Worldliness is like leaven that “leaveneth the whole lump” (1 Corinthians 5:6b). Worldliness pervades every aspect of life and society. Young people are especially vulnerable to its evil influences.

According to the Scriptures, youths can be strengthened to be overcomers of the world and its wicked prince, the devil, through the Word of God. 1 John 2:14b says, “I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one.” Therefore, we want to encourage youths of our church to join GYF activities to be instructed and equipped with the truths of God’s Word in order to be overcomers of the world. Our prayer is that they would become godly youths, walking and built up in the Lord (cf. Colossians 2:6-7) and being “fervent in spirit; serving the Lord” (Romans 12:11b).

The leadership of the GYF (the GYF Committee) is made up of matured men and women of the church so that the youths may have good supervision and guidance. They provide exemplary leadership for the youths, and also encourage them to serve in several responsible areas of GYF. The present GYF Committee is made up of Pastor, Elder Alan Choy, Brother Andrew Koh and Sister Diana Chan. Moreover, Brother Andrew Koh ministers among the youths as a full-time staff of the church. Anyone who needs his assistance, please call him at +65 9862 3403.

The following programmes are provided by GYF for the youths:

Gethsemane Youth Bible Hour: This is usually held twice a month. It has a systematic approach to teaching God’s Word. Every year, there are two series of messages being taught in the regular meetings. For this year, the youths will be studying “Soteriology and Ecclesiology” every 1st Saturday of the month, taught by Brother Andrew Koh; and the Johannine Epistles (i.e. 1, 2 and 3 John) every 3rd Saturday of the month, taught by Pastor Koshy. Besides regular bi-monthly meetings, the youths also have special events like evangelism, Gospel rallies, retreats and annual youth camps.

Gethsemane Campus Ministries: Presently, there are ministries for students in three local tertiary institutions, namely Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA), Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD), and Nanyang Technological University (NTU). Brother Andrew Koh leads in the NAFA and SUTD Campus Bible Study, while Elder Alan Choy oversees the NTU group. The twofold purpose of this campus ministry is to preach the Gospel to students studying at these 3 campuses and also to minister God’s Word to their Christian students. Regular Bible studies are conducted on those campuses during their school terms. During these meetings, students also take time to pray for one another.

In addition, some of our youths are also involved in Fundamental Christian Ministry (FCM), which is a ministry for tertiary students by Calvary Pandan B-P Church. Preacher Kelvin Lim regularly teaches in the FCM Bible studies held for students from Singapore Polytechnic and Ngee Ann Polytechnic.

Gethsemane Youth Choir: For the praise of our God and edification of God’s people, a choir is organised for the youths to regularly practise and present psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Indeed, as Psalm 148:12- 13 say, “Both young men, and maidens; old men, and children: let them praise the name of the LORD: for his name alone is excellent; his glory is above the earth and heaven.”

GYF Evangelism: We praise God for the fervour of our youths to spread the Gospel among their peers, acquaintances and others. Every year, GYF organises special events to preach the Gospel to their non-Christians friends. Moreover, every 5th Saturday, GYF organises a session for door-to- door evangelism, distribution of Gospel tracts, etc.

Gethsemane Youth Ministries on Internet and Social Media: GYF maintains a website (http:// gethsemanebpc.com/gybh) for information on GYF programmes and also to provide edifying media content. Several youths labour together with Brother Andrew Koh to maintain this web page. Please visit and benefit from this website. In conjunction with the Bible Witness Web Radio, GYF produces and broadcasts a “Youth Bible Hour” segment every Tuesday (8.00am to 9.00am, 9.30pm to 10.30pm) and Friday (2.00pm to 3.00pm), as well as every Monday for overseas listeners (2.15am to 3.15am). The weekly broadcast can also be downloaded at one’s convenience from the “On Demand” link on BWWR website (http:// biblewitness.com/webradio/ondemand/ youth-bible-hour.html).

There is also a WhatsApp “chat group” to regularly update the youths with details on various activities, prayer items, and other necessary and useful information.

GYF would like to invite all youths (13-23 years old) to join us in our meetings for a blessed time of fellowship and learning of God’s Word. It is also our earnest desire that you pray for the GYF Committee, that we will continue to be faithful in serving the Lord.

GYAFis a ministry specially organised to reach out to the young adults of Gethsemane B-P Church who are in the age range of about 23-35 years. The very first time a young adults’ group was formed in Gethsemane BPC was in 1996. A few years later, when the young adults went on to form the Adults’ Fellowship (GAF), the young adults’ ministry was discontinued. Nevertheless, with more young adults in Gethsemane by the year 2007, we re-established GYAF. Praise God that till this day, it has continued under different committees, and scores of young adults have been spiritually strengthened through its ministries.

Presently, GYAF programmes are coordinated by a committee (Aron Ong, Matthew Mah, Ernest Lim, Ng Kwan Teng, Misty Nguyen, Kamalamangai). Pastor and Dn Low Boon Siang provide supervision and advice to the GYAF Committee.

GYAF serves to edify and equip young adults in the church with a strong biblical foundation for living a fruitful and effective life. We are very mindful that during this stage of their lives, many of them are being led by God’s providence either into family life or to remain in singlehood. Those who are led by the Lord into marriage, receive Biblical counsels through the Bible studies. Single adults in GYAF are also equipped with much spiritual wisdom, joy and strength to overcome their challenges and trials. We thank God that GYAF has been an effective channel in helping many youngsters to grow up to be strong, faithful and effective men and women in the church.

The brethren meet on alternate weeks for a time of Bible Study, prayer, singspiration and fellowship over meals. GYAF also conducts outings, seminars and combined fellowships with YAFers of like-minded B-P churches. Annually, a retreat is organised to spur the young adults on in the way of the Lord through messages and “Q & A” sessions. These “Q & A” sessions allow the brethren to ask questions pertaining to doctrines and contemporary issues.

GYAF thanks and praises God for keeping and blessing this ministry for His glory. “Only fear the LORD, and serve him in truth with all your heart: for consider how great things he hath done for you” (1 Samuel 12:24).

GYAF cordially invites all young adults to join the following regular activities:

• Fellowship activities every 1st Saturday (Please check the announcements in the bulletin for information on venue and time);
• Bible Study with Pastor (presently on “Love God & Love Man”, based on Hebrews 10:25) every 3rd Friday (with dinner fellowship @7.30pm, followed by Bible Study @ 8.30pm).

If you would like to join the activities of GYAF, please contact Aron Ong (mobile: 8183 6395), or Misty (mobile: 8535 2285).

Fellowship of God’s People in Evil Times

Christians of our time live amidst unusually sinful circumstances, especially so in this present generation of our Christian youths and young adults. It is most disturbing to think how increasingly difficult it is for our young children to keep to the path of righteousness as they grow up into their youthful days.

Not only do people pursue sin with great passion, Christians are also under tremendous pressure from the world to accept the evils of our time, and adopt their ungodly philosophies, conduct and culture. Unless Christian youths and young adults conscientiously and assiduously make an effort to be different from the world, they too will be driven by the sinful aspirations that surround them today. These are very subtly introduced to them as the social norms of our time. As a result, many Christians are affected by unrestrained materialism, pride, immodesty, fornication, etc. I have known certain church fellowship groups which have been destroyed by great degradation of members’ conduct. They became profane towards God, and treacherous towards one another, with the result that frequent quarrels, divorces, fornication and adultery became common among them – thereby severely destroying the testimony and effectiveness of Christians and churches!

The best remedy is for Christians to avoid the company of their worldly friends, and be involved in close and fervent fellowship with Christians. The role of a closelyknit Christian community in strengthening individual believers to overcome worldliness can never be overemphasised. Close affinity with believers who have a commitment to God’s truths will help us develop a healthy and fruitful spiritual life.

Brethren, let us band together for the promotion of God’s truth and His righteousness. Let our communion with one another be spiritually edifying and Godhonouring. The more wicked the world becomes, the greater our need of Christian fellowship! More hearing of God’s Word and more mutual correction and encouragement would help us to live godly lives. So, let us get together for godly fellowship as often as possible – “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching” (Hebrews 10:25).

In the past one year, especially in the recent months, the Lord has brought more worshippers to Gethsemane BPC. We warmly welcome all lovers of Christ and His Word to our beloved church. Our desire and prayer is that all worshippers will be ministered and will have opportunities to serve and thus be a blessing to others for the glory of Christ. By God’s grace, Gethsemane’s various church ministries and fellowship groups are well-placed to help all the worshippers to fulfil those goals. In the coming weeks, we would publish brief introductions and reports on the ongoing activities of the ministries and fellowship groups. Please consider them and participate in whichever ministry or fellowship activity that befits you. Many members of the church attend and serve in more than one of those church activities. May you “abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us” (cf. 2 Corinthians 8:7).

Today, Pr Jeremiah Sim writes about the Lions Home Ministry (LHM). Pr Jeremiah leads this ministry and the Gethsemane Seniors’ Ministry (GSM), which meets on Thursday. While GSM is mainly a fellowship gathering of retirees on Thursday (11am- 1.30pm), the Lions Home Ministry is a Sunday outreach to residents of old folks’ homes. Consider what part you can play in the LHM or GSM. For more information, please contact Pr Jeremiah Sim (Mobile: 8333 9483).

Lions Home Ministry – Its Joys and Challenges

Jeremiah Sim

Every Lord’s Day, we look forward to a special, delightful experience that brightens our countenance. It is a joyful privilege to serve the Lord, after worship and Bible study on the Lord’s Day, by preaching God’s Word to the elderly folks in the Lions Home for the Elders.

The objective of the Lions Home Ministry is similar to that of the Gethsemane Seniors’ Ministry. The fundamental purpose in our hearts is the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. We desire and endeavour to reach out to the elderly with the Gospel message and thus to lead them to Jesus Christ, the only Saviour of mankind.

Every Sunday, a group of zealous, dedicated brothers and sisters (and even children) gladly get together to serve in the “Lions Home Ministry”. This is a Sunday afternoon ministry, which reaches out to two old folks’ homes in Bedok and Bishan respectively. Upon reaching the homes, we would gather the residents together at the meeting room and lead them in the singing of hymns and spiritual songs. After the singspiration, those who are appointed would teach God’s precious truths. There would also be time set aside to pray with the participants and to encourage them through fellowship.

Many of the old folks in those homes are physically impaired, with some suffering also from dementia. Their afflictions make them weary and sad. They often struggle to cope with their physical disabilities. Some of them have come to think of life as futile and meaningless. In such situations, we find it a necessity and privilege to encourage them with the knowledge of God’s truths in the Bible, which strengthens them with the promises of His grace. We are glad that several of them have turned to Christ and have been constantly “looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2a).

Despite the sometimes laborious efforts, we find it an enormous blessing and comfort to witness God’s Word to those old folks who are overwhelmed by their ill health and difficulties. We rejoice that “He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength” (Isaiah 40:29). Truly, we serve continually among them, Sunday after Sunday, only because of His power and strength which He has abundantly bestowed upon us.

It is our earnest desire that you will pray for the Gethsemane Seniors’ Ministry and the Lions Home Ministry. Join us to minister to those old folks as the Lord enables you. How wonderful is the encouragement in 1 Corinthians 15:58 – “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord”! May our Lord’s Name be honoured and glorified. Amen.

Last year, several of our married young couples became parents and began a new phase in life with all its joys and challenges. Some of the mothers with infants began meeting together on a regular basis to pray and encourage one another. It is also their desire that more young mothers would benefit from such a gathering. This is indeed an excellent effort – one which the Pastor and the Session are most delighted to support and guide so that it may be better organized and more effective.

In a meeting held last Tuesday, Pastor advised the young mothers to effectively function as a new ministry of our church, namely Gethsemane Young Mothers (GYM). The following sisters have come forward to serve in the committee of GYM: Low Hui Lyn (Secretary), Merisa Teong (Treasurer), Lynn Koh (Publicity I/C), Fidelia Mah (Programme Coordinator). While Pastor will provide supervision, being the ex-officio of all the fellowship groups and the ministries of the church, Sis Dorothy Ng and Sis Carolyn Koshy will work with the committee to provide counsel and support. The GYM committee will meet soon to plan for the meetings and various activities.

All the young mothers are encouraged to join the fellowship of GYM and grow in the Word, prayer and fellowship. Through GYM, you can also be a blessing to other sisters in the church.

Biblical Advice concerning the Ministry towards Young Mothers

For the biblical administration and progress of this ministry, as well as for the spiritual strengthening of every young mother in our midst, the counsel from God’s Word in Titus 2:3-5 must be diligently followed - “The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; that they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.”

Young mothers must be open and submissive to the godly advice of aged women in the church. To this end, the aged women are exhorted to be “in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; that they may teach the young women”.

Paul’s advice clearly indicates that young mothers are not to be left to themselves. They must be taught and guided. The “aged women” (matured in faith, knowledge and conduct) must play a very significant role in teaching “good things” of life to the younger women. Paul does not think that older women in the church should leave the younger women to themselves to figure out the way forward in life. Neither does he permit younger women to refuse the godly instructions and examples that the older women of matured faith, knowledge and holiness can provide.

Our younger mothers must be guided by older women in the church. This is the will of God. Though younger women receive the teachings of pastors, elders and their own husbands, they are also to be guided by the spiritually matured women in the church, who have been living careful, godly lives. Such training is meant to provide the younger married women with the encouragement that they need to work toward a godly family life.

Hence, Paul continues with the advice that “they may teach the young women to be sober”. The word “sober” translates the Greek word sōphronízō, which denotes the idea of “being trained to think and act soberly, discreetly, and in moderation”. Sober-mindedness is not something naturally inherited. It is a spiritual virtue that ought to be cultivated through following careful, spiritually edifying instructions and examples.

Through the instructions of the aged women in the church, younger women should learn “to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands”. From those purposes mentioned by Paul, it is evident that younger women will face many serious struggles and hindrances to their calling to be wives and mothers. So, younger mothers must be instructed to give great attention to domestic duties that God has entrusted them with. Their duties to their husbands and children should neither be neglected nor be performed indifferently, hastily or superficially. In order to encourage and strengthen every young Christian woman to be a godly wife and mother, the Word of God points to the ministry of the older women among them.

Paul also wrote at the end of Titus 2:5, “that the word of God be not blasphemed.” Young Christian mothers’ failure at home will be detrimental to the glory of God’s Word. Their wrong conduct would cause others to speak slanderously about the truth of God’s Word which they claim to believe. If young mothers, professing to be Christians, manifest lack of love for their husbands and for their children because of their lack of self-control, purity, domesticity, kindness and submissiveness, they would cause the Word of God to be evil spoken of by unbelievers in the society. This warning was further reinforced when Paul wrote in 1 Timothy 5:14, “I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully.” The converse is also true: biblical conduct of young mothers would result in God’s Word being honoured!

So, GLF (Gethsemane Ladies’ Fellowship) and GYM must work closely and fulfil their God-given mandate. We thank God that Sis Dorothy Ng (Eld Ng Poh Kok’s wife) and Sis Carolyn Koshy (Pastor’s wife) have offered their services to help GYM. We pray that this ministry will not only benefit the womenfolk in Gethsemane, but also their husbands and children, and thus the entire church.

Dorcas Koshy (from Singapore)

Praise God for this youth camp; it was a rare opportunity of a lifetime to be so thoroughly girded with the armour of truth against the onslaughts of the wicked one. Every sermon was so filled with the richness of the truth of God’s Word that I will fail to recount all the wonderful lessons learnt out of His clear Word.

During the opening sermon on “Worldliness and its Dangers”, one of my greatest fears was addressed - the fear that I may return to the sins of my pre-conversion enslavement (it is not worthy to be called ‘life’). “For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning” (2 Peter 2:20). I pray that God will be merciful to me to spare me and help me not to love the world, neither the things that are in the world, lest I be like a dog which turns to its own vomit again!

From the sermon on “Overcoming Pride”, we were warned against the devil, the author of pride. He uses our wealth, talents, successes (sometimes our failures), and even our worship, service and zeal for the LORD to cause us to be proud! He is so disgustingly manipulative and insinuating. It was the cause of his fall from grace. I must not be deceived but rather resist the devil and draw nigh unto God; these are twin commands in James 4:7-8. He showed me what I was lacking to overcome this sin. Our sinless Saviour mourned and wept voluntarily not over His sins, (for behold, sin cannot touch Him), but rather over the sins of mankind. Should it not then behove me to be afflicted, mourn and weep over my sins and the sins of others?

I was blind to the fact that some of my schoolmates were homosexual. I would have been deceived if not for a mutual friend who alerted me by God’s providence and sovereign stirring. I truly thank God for Rev Reggor’s strong sermon on overcoming homosexuality, which has equipped me with the words to speak should I encounter the opportunity to minister to these lost souls. I might be thinking that for now I standeth, but I will take heed lest I fall into the snare of this sin too (1 Corinthians 10:12)!

Praise God for the time to fellowship with the Christian youths from our mission stations. Thank God for the new friends made, especially from the San Antonio branch, as well as the opportunity to hear how they were brought out of Catholicism and their experiences of persecution too. Their godliness and contentment with food and raiment (1 Tim 6:8) have been very encouraging to me and praise God that the Gospel work is indeed not in vain.

Keiffer Kessler Mingo (from Cebu)

I thank God for the wonderful time of fellowship and feeding upon God’s Word in this youth camp. I pray that we would all be vigilant in our walk with Christ, and that we as Christians would walk not in the way of the world, but in the fear of the Lord. I met so many new people and I learned so many spiritual lessons not only from the preachers, but also from the youths through their interactions. Having enjoyed a blessed 5-day camp away from things of the world, I even wished that my life was always like that being always surrounded by God’s people and His Word, not thinking of worldly things. What encouraged me the most was the testimony of many different youths. Even though we have different lives and choices, I can see that their plans were always God-centred. This encourages me to also plan my life by putting God’s will always into my considerations. I hope and pray that the Lord would give us more activities like this and may God bless us all!

Kate Alvarez (from San Antonio)

Thank God for His Providence that enables me to join the youth camp, which enables me to see our Gethsemane youths in unity in the LORD. Thank God also for the inspiring and convicting messages which brought revival to me. Truly, I was reminded that as human as we are, we sin and come short of His glory; we can only be saved by His grace. Thank God for all the preachers whom God used to preach His Word to His people.

Through this camp, I learn that in this perishing world, there are many temptations and dangers. Youths must guard against sexual sins, against loving money, against envying things of the world, against ungodly friendships, and against addiction to social media, as they will lead to destruction. God calls us to fight the good fight of faith, deny ungodliness and worldly lusts and appoints us to be overcomers of the world. I have also learned how we must be always tuned in to the things of God and heaven. God’s Word has convicted me to be zealous and share His Gospel with my loved ones and friends who have been walking in darkness. “For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth” (2 Corinthians 13:8). In our stand for His truth, God will give us grace and strength if we will look to and call upon Him.

Amoz Choy (from Singapore)

It has been a joy to be part of the combined youth camp in Cebu, the Philippines. I have been certainly blessed through the ministry of the Word during this camp. All our missionaries from the Philippines, together with Pastor, Pr Dennis and Pr Andrew laboured in teaching us lessons on the theme, “Overcoming Worldliness”. The stern and bold admonition from the Holy Scriptures has caused me to carefully examine myself. Have I allowed worldliness to creep into my heart? Have I compromised with the world, allowing it to influence my decisions and thoughts?

As youths who face the bombardment of sin’s temptations from the world, it is most important that we make a firm and concerted effort to “Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart” (2 Tim 2:22). In one of our messages, we were reminded from James 4:7- 8 to ‘resist the devil’ and to ‘draw nigh to God’. How wonderful to know that this command is followed by the sublime promise that the devil ‘will flee from you’ and God ‘will draw nigh unto you’!

The camp has also blessed me with the opportunity to meet and know more about the youths from our mission churches. Their joy in the Lord has encouraged me greatly and may the Lord be pleased to continue to shower spiritual blessings upon our mission churches.

Rezeile Ortega (from Cebu)

Thank God for enabling me to attend this combined youth camp. The theme “Overcoming Worldliness” and all of the 10 messages are very timely for the youths today. I know myself that I am guilty especially of social media addiction. I thank God for admonishing us through preachers from Singapore and Philippines so that our eyes may be open and we may realize that we should not be living in worldliness and sin. I pray that all the lessons learnt will be applied in our daily lives. Thank God also for the warm fellowship that I had with like-minded brethren. All glory be to God.

Amanda Tan (from Singapore)

Thank God for the many lessons that He has taught me through this camp on the theme, “Overcoming Worldliness”. We should not compromise with the world, which is at the expense of spiritual things. I realise how susceptible we are to the different forms of worldliness. It didn’t take long for me to experience that.

Upon landing in Singapore, I received a message (on my handphone) from the manager at my part-time job, inviting all his workers to a New Year celebration lasting until 1 am. I declined the invitation but my manager kept persuading me to come along, saying that there would be sumptuous food and drinks (including alcoholic drinks, of course!). I then recalled a verse from Rev Reggor’s message on “Overcoming Substance Addiction” – “But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself” (Daniel 1:8). That gave me the resolve to decline the invitation firmly, whereas in the past, I would have compromised, saying, “I’ll consider” or “Maybe”. Hence, I want to thank God for teaching me not to yield to the world, but to take a firm stand against it. May God continue to give me strength, that I may become an overcomer of the world. All glory to God!

Jansher Khan (from Australia)

One week before the camp, I fell sick with flu and fever, but thank God He gave me the strength to recover so I could get on the plane and receive God’s blessings through this camp.

Thank God for providing us with shelter, food and water throughout the camp. I am very grateful to everyone involved in organising this camp, which must have taken a lot of time and effort. I can’t thank the preachers enough – Bro Andrew, Pr Dennis, Pr Donald, Rev Reggor, Pr Edsel, Eld Eliezer, Eld Richard and Pastor Koshy. They provided so much knowledge from the Word of God (especially concerning the rights and wrongs in this world), and its counsels against worldliness. Truly, as one preacher had put it, “Without God’s counsels, our heart will bring us back into the world”!

“Overcoming Ungodly Friendships” was a message that was very relevant to me as I have friends who are Catholics, atheists and homosexuals. Before becoming a Christian, I was receptive to all types of people and had an “open” heart regardless of their race, religion, gender. I feel uneasy crossing out the friendships just because they are of different religion or if they are homosexuals. Am I not guilty of discrimination if I treat them differently? Should I try to change them and if so, how do I change them? These issues were troubling me. Through this camp, I realise that friendship must be a godly one, and I must influence friends for Christ and His righteousness, instead of them influencing me with their unbelief and sins.

Overall, I have learnt a lot about the Word of God and drawn closer to God. I have also made some new friends and become closer with the youths of Gethsemane. Can’t wait for the next youth camp!

Mary Rose Ocharon (from Bogo)

Thank God for enabling me to listen to His words on how to overcome worldliness, especially overcoming social media addiction. I am now aware of how to deal with it. Thank God also for the good fellowship with brethren from Bohol, Pangasinan, Cebu, and especially youths from Singapore. I am thankful also for how Singaporean friends had previously helped and prayed for my mum’s illness.

My prayer is that all of the youths will stand for the truth of God’s Word and overcome worldliness. “Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God” (1 Corinthians 2:12).

Angela Saragena (from San Antonio)

Thank God for this combined youth camp, because the messages had reminded me to shun away from worldliness and all the works of the devil. I know I am prone to being “connected” with the world and the things thereof. Through God’s working, I now realize that I made myself vulnerable by allowing my ungodly friends to influence me to succumb to worldly activities. Indeed, as Romans 7:19 says, “For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.” I know I had failed miserably in the past. These messages have strengthened me on ways a Christian youth should take to handle (and even avoid) varied worldly circumstances that will lure us onto the wrong steps. I should be cautious and mindful of the dangers the world has laid. God’s words are my whole armour for this battle I am facing, according to Ephesians 6:13.

It is heartwarming to receive the joy of fellowship God’s children can extend. It is very visible that lives being well spent in God’s plan will always bring forth genuine happiness which the things of the world cannot offer. I am also very moved and encouraged to see church leaders and youths, especially from Singapore, fully submitting themselves to serve God with much joy and gladness in their hearts, being committed to God’s Word in their life. May our Almighty God give me the strength to be and do the same, with all my might for His glory. Help me, O Lord, to be an overcomer of worldliness! “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” (Romans 12:2).

Glenda Saragena (from San Antonio)

Thank God for His provision and for enabling me to attend the youth camp – not only to have fellowship with other youths in Singapore, Cebu, Pangasinan and Bohol, but most importantly, to hear His Word. God’s Word has taught me how to overcome worldliness, which can destroy us and damage our body. Truly, “If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him” (1 John 2:15b). Therefore, we must be overcomers of the world!

Titus Ho (from Singapore)

Thank God for His provision that enabled me to attend this year’s youth camp, which was truly a great opportunity and challenge for me. This is my first youth camp and also my first time going overseas without my parents. Despite some problems at the Cebu immigration office, I thank the Lord for seeing me through.

Thank God for the camp theme on “Overcoming Worldliness”, and the preachers who ministered God’s Word to the youths. I have been taught many pertinent things. Firstly, on “Overcoming Ungodly Friendships”, I learn that having a godly friendship will encourage us to provoke one another in Christ to serve the Lord even more. On the topic of “Overcoming Pride”, I learn that the remedy for pride is to humble myself before the Lord, acknowledge my sins and be willing to change. Furthermore, on “Overcoming Social Media Addiction”, I have been taught that social media can be abused. The dangers in social media are lurking “in ambush, waiting for the right time to strike!” Hence, we should not spend too much time on social media, but instead redeem this time as a faithful steward to serve the Lord.

Thank God also for giving me good roommates who made me feel accepted and willingly lent me a listening ear when needed. I am grateful for this chance to interact and enjoy good fellowship with Christian youths from the Philippines and Korea. Not forgetting the youth committee, their labour of love is indeed instrumental in making this youth camp a fruitful and enjoyable one for the youths.

To God be the glory!

Louie Ngojo (from San Antonio)

Thank God for the committee which organised this camp and all the preachers who taught us on the theme, “Overcoming Worldliness ”. Praise God also for His blessings to us youths in Bogo and San Antonio through this camp, including providing for our camp fees. How compassionate the Lord is!

I received rebuke from God’s Word, feeling intense guilt when the preaching exposed my enslavement to worldliness, especially the message on “Overcoming Homosexuality” by Rev Reggor. Living in homosexual sin is an abomination to God and disqualifies people from God’s kingdom. I had unfortunately chosen to be a gay in the past, through weird worldly notions that I imbibed. But thank God His Word reached me and delivered me from that horrible bondage. Though I became a Christian through the late Pr Dominino and received much fervent teachings from him, I lived a life full of deceptions because of my misunderstanding of God’s Word. I took it lightly that God loves me, and will always accept me as I am. It is only by His mercy and through this privilege of joining the youth camp that I have a clearer view of how I should behave according to His Word. I cannot take His words lightly. Yes, God loves me but He will not tolerate my sins! As Pastor Reggor mentioned, being sober concerning the Word is not just about reading and knowing the Word, but about submitting yourself fully unto God’s Word and walking His way.

“For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of the God?” (1 John 5:4-5). Praise be unto the Lord!

Gethsemane B-P Churches of Singapore and the Philippines were guided by the grace of God to assemble their youths for a 5-day camp (21-25 Dec) in Cebu City, the Philippines. The main aim of this camp was to instruct and equip them to overcome the wicked devices of the world that war against their souls. The youths were taught from the Word of God by 8 preachers who came with prayerful preparation and a holy determination to persuade the youths with God’s Word to be overcomers of worldliness. With much biblical wisdom and discernment, the preachers unmasked the world’s satanic snares that are set against the Christian youths in the world around them. God’s servants pleaded with the hearts of our youths to be vigilant against temptations and bravely stand for Christ with clear understanding and firm conviction of the biblical truths.

There were also 3 youths from Pusan (Korea), brought by Pr Park (a graduate of FEBC), and 2 from Manila (the Philippines) who were relatives of our church members. With much thanksgiving for the ministry among the youths this past week, we publish some of their testimonies below (with more of them to be published next week):

Joshua Ortega (from Cebu)

The recent youth camp was indeed a great blessing to me. It was such a privilege for me to spend 5 days with fellow believers. The messages preached were the LORD’s own rebuke and reminder to me to be very cautious against temptations of sin that would come even through simple and mundane activities and events of life.

Everyone in the camp was friendly, and I felt comfortable talking to the youths from different churches. I thank God for enabling me to be part of this youth camp. I look forward to the next youth camp. All glory be unto God!

Esther Quek (from Singapore)

Ithank the Lord for His bountiful provisions, allowing my sister and I to attend this youth camp. Thank God for the faithful preachers who have expounded on the ways to overcome worldliness. Through the messages, I am reminded to flee away from youthful lusts and to set my eyes on heavenly things only. For youths, temptations are plenteous and the worldly things are alluring. However, the Bible warns us not to be deceived. Instead, we are exhorted to resist the devil and draw nigh to God. I pray that I would be an overcomer and increase my faith in Him so that as I return to school next year, I would be a vessel fit for the Master’s use. All glory be to God!

Lord Timothy Pernito (from Cebu)

Greetings from Cebu! Thank God for the recent combined Youth Camp of Gethsemane B-P Churches of Singapore and the Philippines. I thank God for the provisions and blessings, especially for the payment of fees for the camp. Pastor Reggor told the youths in our church a few months back to save up money in our piggy banks. We managed to save up to about a quarter of the fees. But the Lord provided the rest. He did not forsake us, His children.

I also thank the brethren from Singapore, Korea, Bogo, San Antonio, Bohol and Pangasinan. The camp was full of joy and encouragement. The messages were preached with truth and power. They opened our eyes that this world is filled with temptations of sin, and we need to overcome them all. I hope and pray that we could have this sort of camp again.

Jovial Tan (from Singapore)

I would like to thank God for granting me the privilege to join this youth camp. This camp has helped me tremendously as I do not know how to overcome the worldliness inside me before the camp.

One message that applies to me a lot was overcoming social media addiction. I have been addicted to Facebook, WhatsApp and other apps on my phone. This had taken a lot of my time. I could have used those times to study God’s Word. But after listening to Eld Richard Tiu’s sermon, I know that time is precious and I have to make something productive out of it. We should keep ourselves occupied with spiritual things. May God help me to awake, arise, walk and work in service for Christ.

Another message that applies to me was overcoming ungodly friendships, preached by Pr Donald dela Cruz. I have classmates who are very vulgar. Every sentence they speak has a vulgar word in it. This kind of friendship can be influential, which I have to avoid. I had tried spreading the Gospel to them but all they said was “boring”. If they hate God, they are go with them, I will be destroyed by them (Proverbs 13:20). My friends should be godly, lovely, loyal, as well as humble. As for some of my closer classmates who are unbelievers, I should share the Gospel with them without shame and be a living testimony for others to join me in God’s Kingdom. Through this combined youth camp, I have learnt that I can only overcome worldliness with the power of God (1 John 4:4; Titus 2:12-15). I have to lead my life with godliness and contentment (1 Timothy 6:6).

All glory be to God!

Jenice Choy (from Singapore)

Thank the Lord for a blessed camp, especially for a good time of fellowship with the youths from the Gethsemane B-P Churches of Cebu, Bohol, Bogo, San Antonio and Pangasinan. Thank the Lord for timely rebukes and chiding from the Lord through His Word. How many times I have fallen into the subtle lures of worldliness which I have gotten so used to! How indeed the devil works so powerfully to hinder many of our youths from listening to the Word of God, even by inflicting some of them with illnesses – but thank our Almighty God that He never forsakes His own and healed them quickly. I certainly look forward to the next youth camp soon!