In James 5:16, we read, “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” The words “effectual fervent” are translated from one Greek word (energoumenē) from which we get the English word “energy”. Here it denotes an energetic, operative prayer.

As God’s children, we must not be contented with weak prayers. We must desire to have an enthusiastic, effective prayer life. The church, being known as “the house of prayer”, must be exuding with effective prayer of God’s saints. We may be short on financial resources, or weak in our physical strength, or despised and ridiculed by those who are hostile toward the biblical doctrines that we hold on to, but the power of prayer belongs to us.

The key to effective prayers is not that very large group of people get together to pray or that a particular pattern or style of prayer meeting is followed, or that we hold very lengthy prayer meetings. Though some of those aspects of prayer are good and desirable, the effectiveness of our prayer is connected to the sanctity of our lives.

According to James 5:16, the energetic, effective prayer comes from “a righteous man”. In the context of our verse, the righteous man is the one who confesses his sins to the one whom he has offended in order that they may be reconciled and pray together. He is a man who seeks to live a life of purity, peace and prayer. It is to such who are dedicated to living a holy, amicable and prayerful life that effectual prayer belongs.

Weak, ineffectual prayers proceed from spiritually and morally weak people. As Christians, we must seek to possess a life of effective prayers. If we would pursue holiness, fellowship and joint-prayers with God’s people, we will soon be heirs of a powerful life of prayer. If we were to be blessed with a powerful prayer life, we must cease from all sins and offences, and live a devout and dedicated life of Christian fellowship.

The success of prayer is intimately connected with our Christian character. The prayer of the righteous is sincere; it does not proceed from insincere lips nor a hypocritical heart. The Lord is pleased to hear those who obey His Word sincerely and hence, He will answer their prayers.

Proverbs 15:8 tells us that “the prayer of the upright is his delight”. Proverbs 15:29 says, “The LORD is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous.” Psalm 34:15-17 reminds us that “The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry. The face of the LORD is against them that do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth. The righteous cry, and the LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles”. Likewise, Jesus said in John 9:31, “Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth.”

Hence, prayer is more than a mere good spiritual discipline; it moves the Hand of the Almighty to bless the praying man with His most wonderful providence. Let us therefore pursue a life of purity, peace and prayer, and be blessed with a life of effectual fervent prayer that availeth much.

My Short Stint at the Church Resource Centre

Zacharias Tan

After finishing my National Service, I had a 6-month break before I start my university studies. I tried to look for a job but to no avail. Disappointed and bored, I spent most of my time playing computer games and going out with friends. My mother could not bear to see me waste my time; so she approached Pastor Koshy to encourage me to help out at the Church Resource Centre in any area that is needful. Pastor then contacted me and I agreed without much hesitation, as I felt I should not waste any more time.

Under the instruction of Dn Lok, I helped to “archive” the Bible Witness magazines by packing, labelling and placing them in assigned bookshelves. This was no mean task as it took altogether two weeks to complete. I was also given the task of getting the Bible Witness Retreat files ready. Needless to say, I took the opportunity to attend the retreat.

During the retreat, Pastor preached on the topic: “I Have Somewhat Against Thee”, taken from Revelation 2:1- 7. I realized that eventually everyone must stand before Christ to give an account of what he has done in his life. I understood that Christ my Saviour will not be happy if I while away my time by just playing or getting involved in worldly things. I resolved in my heart to be more active in our church activities and fellowship meetings, and to render my help in the church as the Lord gives me opportunity and ability. Serving the Lord is the best way to spend my time and avoid worldly stuff and temptations that are not beneficial to my spiritual life.

Subsequently, Pastor asked if I could try transcribing some of his preached messages, which would help him in publishing them as articles and Bible-study notes. To begin with, I transcribed Pastor’s closing prayers at the end of each of his “Daily Devotions” through our church website. In the process, I became curious as to how Pastor produced the daily devotions. Pastor explained that he would write the article a few days in advance, then wake up every morning around 5 a.m. to record the devotion. He would then send the sound clip to Bro Eric who would upload it to the church website promptly. This would ensure that hearers can either read or listen in to the devotions daily. After knowing all the hard work that had gone into producing these devotions, I felt pricked in my conscience and decided to make an effort myself to read the devotions every day.

As my transcribing skills “improved”, I took on the challenge to transcribe Pastor’s Tuesday night prayer meeting devotions on “Mary’s Magnificat” (Luke 1:38- 52). I would get the recording from Bro Arnold and then transcribe “from scratch”. Although it was tedious work, I felt privileged because I could understand the content more clearly as I typed. It reminded me afresh of things that I have learned in the prayer meetings, especially the great importance of seeking and doing God’s will, as well as keeping ourselves humble before God.

I praise God for helping me to complete transcribing the series of messages on “Mary’s Magnificat”. I am also thankful that I could help out in several other areas, such as folding church bulletins and prayer lists, packing Gospel tracts for evangelism, collating and binding the church directories, etc.

Above all, I praise God for the fellowship I had with Pastor, preachers and the church staff. During this period, the Lord has drawn me to a closer walk with Him. However, the battle with sin has not ended and I continue to pray that the Lord will protect me from sin and its temptations, until he calls me home.

Some are prone to point the finger at others and even at God when they fall into temptation and commit sins. So the apostle James cautions us, “Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God” (James 1:13a). Blaming others for one’s own sin started in the Garden of Eden. Adam said to God, “The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat” (Genesis 3:12). Adam blamed his wife, and he extended the blame to God as well! He seemed to imply that he would not have sinned if God had not put Eve in the garden with him.

DON’T BLAME GOD!

It is important that we take note of James’ caution: “Let no man say …I am tempted of God”. Some believers tend to misinterpret Godsend trials as God tempting them with opportunities to sin. Such a notion is far from the truth. So James gives a stern warning to those who may pin the blame on God with responsibility for their temptation to sin. James is very concerned about such an idea of God, and desires that his readers will reject the suggestion that God has a hand in inducing people to sin.

One’s thoughts about God affect one’s decisions and responses to life’s experiences. If one presumes that the temptations of sin that he experiences are from God, he will then have an ill-conceived excuse for the sins he would commit. As James noted, he would then say impious and despicable things, such as “God tempted me with sins.”

To say that “I am tempted of God” is, first of all, to make a false claim about God. It is a heresy to say that God tempts us with sin. Any thought or statement that depicts God as the author of sin is contrary to the unmistakable teaching of the Holy Scriptures that all of God’s works are holy. Moses avows in Deuteronomy 32:4, “He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he.” Psalm 145:17 declares, “The LORD is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works.” Likewise, Psalm 92:15 affirms, “To shew that the LORD is upright: he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him” (cf. 1 Sam. 2:2; Ps. 111:3; 119:137; Zeph. 3:5; Rev. 4:8).

Secondly, such a statement deceives the heart to consider sin as an unavoidable matter that God has laid on him. Such a belief stands contrary to all the counsels and admonitions of God in His Word. God commands us to depart and be separate from everything unholy. For instance, 2 Corinthians 6:17 admonishes us, “Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you”. The Lord God would have nothing to do with those who follow the way of sin. He calls all His people to “come out” from all sorts of unclean and false people and their ways.

How scandalous and diabolical it is then to say, “I am tempted of God”!

Though our trials are permitted by God, He is not the author of the temptation of sin that befalls us simultaneously with those trials. No temptation of sin is designed or discharged by God. As James says, “for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man.”

God will never cajole and coax us to sin. God will never influence us to sin by infusing evil thoughts, inclinations, or desires. Nothing that God does is evil; His ways with His people will never lead them to sin. The tempter is the devil (cf. 2 Corinthians 2:11; 11:3, 13-15; 1 Thessalonians 3:5). God is holy and He leads only into the paths of righteousness. As David confesses, “He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake” (Psalm 23:3).

Let no one think that God lays upon him, through his trials, an unavoidable compulsion to sin. The trials that God permits in one’s life are never to compel one to sin, but to sanctify and strengthen him. All that God does is good and perfect (cf. James 1:16, 17). Therefore, do not yield to the temptations of sin, saying, “God has tempted me!” It is very impious of anyone to make such a dreadful assertion.

God influences us only unto righteousness while Satan, the world and our own lust tempt us with sin unto unrighteousness. The Lord never tempts us with sin. On the contrary, He is ever ready to protect and deliver us from sin’s temptation. So the Lord taught us to pray, “And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil” (Matt. 6:13). God will aid every one of His children who yearns to be delivered from evil temptations. Did not Jesus say, “Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation” (Mark 14:38; cf. Matt. 26:41)?

ADMIT YOUR GUILT

Some may not blame God, but they point at the devil, the world, friends, parents, siblings, church members, church leaders, etc. Though some of these are common sources of evil temptations, the above Scripture points out that there is a more subtle and dangerous fountain-head. It lies within every one and is identified as “his own lust”.

The word “lust” (epithumía) indicates “strong desire” or “longing” in a bad sense. It depicts man’s inordinate and impure desire or appetite. King James Bible has translated it also as “concupiscence”. It is often used with words that connote materialism and sensuality. The New Testament usages of the word are instructive: “evil concupiscence” (Col. 3:5), “deceitful lusts” (Eph. 4:22), “foolish and hurtful lusts” (1 Tim. 6:9), “youthful lusts” (2 Tim. 2:22), “worldly lusts” (Titus 2:12), “fleshly lusts” (1 Pet. 2:11), “ungodly lusts” (Jude 1:18), etc. Hence, “lust” represents the corrupt inclinations of the human heart.

“Lust” is not a dormant, harmless curiosity or idea of the heart. Quite the reverse; it is a very powerful feeling that can numb one’s moral and spiritual senses, and draw one to corrupt and damaging activities. James reveals to us lust’s powerful ploy with the two verbs he used in the above verse. The first verb translated “drawn away” (exélkō) conveys the idea of being “dragged out” or “forcibly hauled or compelled”. The second verb translated “enticed” (deleázō) comes from a root word (délear) that means “bait”; it signifies being beguiled and lured into a trap or snare. Powerful enticements and deceptions are at play when lust is at work in our hearts. Our thinking and feelings will be so desensitised that we can be wheedled into destructive conduct. Like the bait on the fisherman’s hook that entices the fish, lust also would entice a man into sin’s temptations; and once hooked, he, like the fish, would be dragged away!

Beloved church, there is a great need for us to realize that our own lust is a great danger to us. We must recognize and act against our own lust, lest it may soon drag us into shameful and hurtful mischief of sin. Our temptations are often self-inflicted perils. So let us be vigilant against ourselves. Peter cautions, “Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul” (1 Peter 2:11).

Introduction

One of the major reasons why Satan easily entraps many Christians in sin is because they are ignorant of the nature of his person and works. Insufficient understanding of the enemy will definitely lead to a lack of proper preparation in facing him. On the other hand, misinformation about the enemy’s character will also lead to an underestimation or overestimation of his capabilities, both of which are detrimental to one’s success in winning the spiritual battle. While underestimation will lead to complacency, overestimation can lead to fear, discouragement and eventual defeat.

Many grotesque myths and bizarre practices exist today in connection with Satan and demons. Christians should not heed these superstitions, for the Bible provides us with the truth about Satan. It teaches us all there is to know about this evil creature who opposes us. We should not allow our minds to think more or less about him than what God has revealed to us.

Knowing our enemy’s character and strength is a very important requirement in gearing up for the spiritual battle that faces us. So as in any battle, we should strive to have a proper knowledge and assessment of the opposition. This will adequately prepare us to defend ourselves and to eventually triumph, no matter how fierce the attacks.

The existence of Satan

Scripture is replete with evidence of Satan’s existence. To doubt his existence is to deny the biblical affirmation of his existence. Both the Old and New Testaments of the Bible testify that Satan is real, and not an imaginary foe of Christians.

Right at the beginning of the Old Testament in Genesis 3, we see the first appearance of Satan shortly after mankind was created. This wicked being showed up in the garden of Eden under the guise of a serpent (Genesis 3:1; cf. Ezekiel 28:13). Then in the book of Job, we read how Satan sought to trouble a God-fearing man that he might deny God (Job 1:6-12). During the time of king David, Satan provoked David to commit sin which resulted in the death of seventy thousand men (1 Chronicles 21:1-14).

In the New Testament, every writer makes mention of Satan (though not in every book). 19 out of 27 books of the New Testament give credence to his existence. Yet, even those eight books that do not specifically mention him, four of them imply his existence in the form of demons or evil angels.¹

In the four Gospel books of the New Testament alone, our Lord Jesus made reference to Satan at least 25 times. We can also read about the person-to-person encounter between the Lord and Satan in the parallel passages of Matthew 4:1- 11 and Luke 4:1-13.²

The evidence of his personality

We have further proof that Satan is a genuine person and not, as some have suggested, just a personification of evil by a hallucinating mind. The Scriptural records of Satan show him as being able to exercise his intellect, emotions, will, etc., thus proving his personality. Consider the following facts about him that give evidence to his personality:

His intellectual nature: His intellect is evident because God asked him, “Hast thou considered my servant Job?” Furthermore, he schemed to deceive Eve through his subtlety (2 Corinthians 11:3). His craftiness is most evident in his temptation of Christ when he manipulated Scripture to try and deceive Christ (Luke 4:1-12). Another proof of his intellect is his fluency and persuasiveness of speech. How he entices men to follow his will!

His emotional nature: He has emotions too, particularly that of pride. In fact, it fuelled his rebellious desire to oppose and exalt himself above God (Isaiah 14:12-17). In Peter’s description of Satan as a “roaring lion”, Satan appears to be so full of fury and rage. He is also able to affect the emotions of people. Just consider how he tormented Job with constant afflictions.

His moral nature: Since God will judge Satan (Revelation 20:10), we know that he is a moral being. He and his demons are also known as “unclean spirits” (Matthew 10:1; Acts 8:7; Revelation 16:13); and they would seduce men and women to live ungodly lives (1 Timothy 4:1-3).

All of the above aspects of his nature prove that Satan is very different from impersonal beings (like animals) or impersonal forces (like the wind) or impersonal things (like rocks). Moreover, Scripture uses personal pronouns when referring to Satan. He was addressed as “thou” in Ezekiel 28:14, 16; and “he / his / himself ” in James 4:7 and 2 Corinthians 11:14-15 respectively. We therefore conclude that Satan is a person and so are each of his demons.

The explanation of his power

Satan is, in essence, an incorporeal and invisible spirit being like all the angels and is thus more powerful than man (Psalm 8:5). He was among the “cherubim class” of the angels (Ezekiel 28:14, 16). In fact, he was ranked very high among the cherubim, for he was referred to as “the anointed cherub” and “covering cherub”.

Even though he is now a fallen angel, the Bible does portray him as a creature with tremendous power. In Jude’s epistle, we read, “Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee” (v. 9). Furthermore, Jesus’ reference to him as the “prince of this world” (John 12:31) gives credence to the power he wields. Paul called him the “god of this world” (2 Corinthians 4:4).

While he is thus portrayed in the Bible as a very powerful and dangerous adversary of God’s people, Satan is never depicted as equal to God. In fact, Scripture clearly teaches that Satan is far weaker than God, and an enemy doomed for eternal destruction. We must remember that Satan is only a creature, whereas God is the omnipotent Creator. Satan is finite and limited. He can operate only when and where he is allowed to by God (Job 1:10-12).

Conclusion

These images of Satan’s character as vividly painted in Scripture are more than enough for Christians to realise that we are not up against an ordinary opposition. “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places” (Ephesians 6:12).

Having to fight a constant spiritual battle against a powerful foe, God’s people are not destined to journey ever so smoothly in this life. Remembering this will keep us from becoming lax and complacent. It will also help us to be all the more sober and vigilant.

At the same time, we also need not be overcome by fear in facing our adversary, for Scripture did say, “Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world” (1 John 4:4). If we abide in the Lord, Satan will have no control over us whatsoever. “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7). Indeed, with God’s help, we will be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

God’s Word holds out to the church many great and precious promises of God. We must be very thankful that we, as a church, are heirs of those divine promises of inestimable value. In the past, we have constantly relied on God’s promises to stand firmly against all tides of false doctrines and ungodliness of our time. We also found God’s promises to be totally dependable, a solid foundation and resource, for all the great and mighty works that the Lord has entrusted us with. As we look forward to bear faithful witness to Christ our Lord and His infallible Word, to thrust forward in building up the congregation in the most holy faith, and to enthusiastically engage in the extension of His kingdom everywhere, His promises are our trusty resource.

In our church, everything we attempt to do is solidly founded on God’s infallible Word. We have always believed that we should attempt to do only that which is sanctioned by the Word of God, and which has the full support of His gracious and precious promises. Our continual reliance on God’s promises has enabled us to overcome many hindrances and trials we had faced in the work of the Lord. May we continue to highly esteem His promises in our hearts, and boldly press forward to carry out everything He has called us to do.

Here are some of the great divine promises for the church, upon which I, as a preacher of the church, have stood all these years. It is with great joy I am publishing them today for your empowerment in the work of the LORD. Please take time to meditate upon them and to see how those promises can embolden and strengthen you as a member of His church to do all His good, and acceptable, and perfect will.

“I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18).

“Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom” (Luke 12:32).

“For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building” (1 Corinthians 3:9).

“And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all”(Ephesians 1:22-23).

“Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; and are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; in whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: in whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit” (Ephesians 2:19-22).

“To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, according to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: in whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him” (Ephesians 3:10-12).

“Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen” (Ephesians 3:20-21).

“Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body” (Ephesians 5:23).

“Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; that he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, that he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish” (Ephesians 5:25-27).

“...but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church” (Ephesians 5:29).

“And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence” (Colossians 1:18).

“...the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth” (1 Timothy 3:15).

“Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms. Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: and the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much” (James 5:13-16).

Oh, what great prospect of blessing is laid out for the church in these great promises of God! Oh, what a trusty charter God has penned for the triumph of the church in her battles on earth! Now, dear church, by the power of the truth of His Word and by the power of the presence of the Holy Ghost, let us assuredly march forward with a growing zeal to abound in the work of the Lord. Amen.

A Very Fruitful and Blessed 4th Missionary Conference

Rev Reggor Galarpe

Ipraise and thank the Lord for the great opportunity to attend the 4th Missionary Conference of Gethsemane Bible-Presbyterian Church held in Singapore. Having attended all the previous missionary conferences – the very first, held in Malaysia (2005), the second in Cebu City (2007), and the third in Ethiopia (2011), it is one event that I look forward to – for the following reasons:

1. A time to re-connect with old friends and like-minded brethren. At the conference, we had the opportunity to “catch up” with our co-labourers in the harvest field and also meet new friends from Ethiopia, Kenya, Myanmar, Malaysia, Indonesia, Australia and of course, Singapore.
2. A time to be refreshed through fellowship and mutual edification. Right from the airport upon our arrival, we were gladly received by our brethren in Singapore. The whole duration of the conference has been a great time of fellowship among brethren. There are those who would go out of their way to chat with us regarding the work and also about our families back home, while others would bring us out for fellowship over meals. Thank God!
3. A time to rejoice in the Lord as we get to hear reports and testimonies from missionaries. Afternoons at the conference were spent in hearing mission reports of the Lord’s work in and through the missionaries in various mission fields. It is comforting to hear our co-labourers’ testimonies of the Lord’s help to overcome their challenges and press on with the work.
4. A time to be reinforced as we listen and learn from God’s Word. There were 10 messages altogether on the theme: “Primacy of God’s Word in the Ministry of the Church”. And I thank God for the opportunity to preach on the topic: “The Word and Evangelism”. One valuable aspect of the conference was the morning sessions that Pastor Koshy spent with the pastors, preachers, missionaries, elders in prayer and in meditation on God’s Word. I have been greatly ministered by the insights and applications that Pastor shared with us.
5. A time to recharge so as to continue the work of the ministry. To me, every missionary conference is a time to be re-charged, if not revived or renewed. The assurance from God’s Word, the prayers of God’s people, and testimonies of God’s servants, are just so overwhelming that you will be “stirred” or “fired” up to continue in the work of the Lord.

By God’s grace, Elders Richard and Eli, Preacher Edsel, and I have safely returned. All praise and glory be unto God for the manifold blessings.

David cried out in prayer for help, “Help, LORD”! But what was the cause of David’s plea for help? Why was he feeling helpless and deeply distressed? We don’t have to search long to find the answer, for he immediately stated the reason for his plea – “for the godly man ceaseth; for the faithful fail from among the children of men.”

The calamitous problem that David was facing was the lack of godly and faithful men. Even the one who was thought to be godly, had ceased to be godly and faithful. David lamented their failures in the rest of that psalm. They became untruthful, dubious, unreliable, malicious, prideful, boastful, and ended up treating good as bad and exalting men who are sinful.

It is calamitous, indeed, that those who are expected to be godly and faithful fail. We experience awful problems even today, when people in responsible roles of the church fail to maintain a godly and faithful spirit. Their perverse ways often afflict the hearts of those who trusted them to carry out their responsibilities in a God-honouring way. Ungodliness and unfaithfulness in His work is tantamount to betrayal!

In the LORD’s work, it is non-negotiable that preachers and workers be people of virtue and sincerity. In the church ministry, people of all sorts of habits and problems would come to seek help and counsel. It is a place of great spiritual and moral battles. Only those who are truly faithful to the LORD’s call can be effective and fruitful in the ministry of the church. It is not a place for carnal men or women who, with a lying spirit, pretend to be godly servants of God.

The words of Proverbs 20:6 best describe the predicament that Christianity faces today - “Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find?” Though many are keen to put themselves forward as men ready for the Lord’s work, they are unprepared to abide with the LORD with clean hands and pure hearts (cf. Psalm 24:3-4).

Dearly beloved, let us cry out to the Head of the Church to deliver our church from unholy and unrepentant people filling the church’s ministerial and leadership positions. Let us humbly pray that God will also preserve a godly and faithful spirit within everyone who serves in any ministerial and leadership role of our church. As I conclude, I would also like to exhort all who serve as preachers, Session members, staff workers, and committee members of various fellowships and ministries, that we examine ourselves and see that we are serving the LORD with sincerity and faithfulness.

Greetings from Overseas Participants of 4th Missionary Conference

Rev Ephrem Chiracho

Praise and thanks be to God Almighty for making a way for our Ethiopian team to be part of the 4th Missionary Conference of Gethsemane B-P Church. It was a truly enriching and renewing spiritual event. The theme, “Primacy of God’s Word in the Ministry of the Church,” was most timely and needful.

All the theme messages delivered by various men of God have greatly enlightened, revived, strengthened and challenged my life. May their impact on my life and service for Christ be abiding. I was strengthened to press on to fight the good fight of faith, to run the race and fulfil my highest calling faithfully. Indeed, it all boils down to this: “Take the world and give me Jesus.”!

The morning sessions, where the church leaders, full-time ministers and missionaries congregated to pray and meditate on God’s Word (led by Pastor Koshy), were thought-provoking and heart-searching. They were meant not only to inculcate a spiritual mindset and biblical view of our ministries, but also to strengthen and revitalize our spiritual unity and bond of brotherly love – all for the knowledge of Jesus Christ and for the maturing of the saints. Words fail me to fully express the blessings I have received through these sessions. All glory to God!

I am especially thankful to God for the kindred minds and brotherly fellowship that I experienced during the conference. I was also greatly encouraged by the ministration of God’s people in my ill health. The whole body of Christ has joyfully ministered to my needs for which I am grateful to God. May the Lord bless you all for the good works and labour of love that you have done for the sake of Christ’s name (cf. Hebrews 6:10).

“For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen” (Romans 11:36). Please, uphold me, my family and the whole Church in prayers that we may stand firm and work the hardest for our soon coming Lord and King!

Rev Paul Cheng

Greetings in the name of our Lord! Once again, thank you so much for the organising of the Missionary Conference and extending the invitation to me. I truly had a blessed time of fellowship with the missionaries at the Conference, the Gethsemaneans and the Care brethren. May the Lord continue to strengthen your hands as you labour in His ministry. Till we meet again, take care and God bless.

Rev Biak Lawm Thang and Pr Lal Lian Uk

I just want to drop you a short note of thanks. I, with my friend Pr Lian Uk, would like to thank you and Gethsemane BPC for kindly allowing us to attend your 4th Missionary Conference. It was a very blessed time of learning from God’s Word. We have learned much from the faithful preaching and the mission reports of missionaries, and we did enjoy the sweet fellowship with like-minded brethren. We pray that the Lord will be pleased to continue to strengthen and bless Gethsemane BPC for His glory.

Pr Donald dela Cruz

I thank the Lord for a great time of fellowship during the Missionary Conference. I am very glad that the Lord enabled me to be part of this blessed occasion and be part of the global missionary work which the Lord has laid on Gethsemane B-P Church, Singapore.

I thank the Lord also for His journey-mercies; my wife and I returned to the mission church past midnight on June 29th. Thank God for keeping the mission station while we were away.

After having a “glimpse” of the great work which needed to be done, we all the more consecrated our lives to labour for the Lord and His work here in Pangasinan. God willing, we are planning for a children’s outreach in August. We are also currently browsing through books which we have bought from Singapore, in order to make them available for worshippers to borrow. We pray that God’s people will read spiritually edifying books in their free time at home.

Rev Joseph Kendagor

Thank you so much for the opportunity extended to me to come to the 4th Missionary Conference of Gethsemane B-P Church. Truly, my wife and I don’t know how we can express our appreciation to you, your family and your entire church. Please pray for us that we may serve God faithfully in the days to come.

As I’ve shared during the Missionary Conference’s morning meetings, we hope to start a Gethsemane Fellowship. I trust that before the end of the year, you or someone from Singapore could come and visit us, and see our work here.

Eld Richard Tiu

Greetings in Christ’s most blessed name! We rejoice and give thanks to the Lord for enabling us to attend the 4th Missionary Conference. Indeed, “ The LORD hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad” (Psa 126:3).

We praise and thank God for the blessed time of studying God’s Word and the very warm fellowship we’ve had throughout that week. We greatly appreciate your hospitality towards us. All of us here were much encouraged and further strengthened to continue to serve the Lord. What showers of blessings we’ve received indeed! We will continue to pray for your family and your ministry.

Biblical Roles of Christian Men and Women: that is the topic of a seminar organised by Gethsemane Men’s Fellowship that will be held on 12th of July.

It is a topic that we cannot afford to ignore or neglect any more. Children and youths of this perverse generation are facing a very confused time about gender matters. The social media network, Facebook, now provides the users approximately 50 new custom options for “gender”. Our society is facing what some call “a gender identity disorder”.

The gender issues of our time, in the biblical analysis, are the culmination of society’s disregard for God’s design for manhood and womanhood. Even in churches and Christian families, for many years, there existed a dangerous disregard for the biblical teachings of the roles of man and woman, undermining their God-ordained duties in the home, church, and society. The present explosion of the so-called ‘gender confusion’ or ‘sexual identity crisis’, affecting even fundamental and reformed churches, has been in the making for a long time. The churches’ and Christians’ unguarded fascination with the worldly ideologies concerning the roles of man and woman for the past many years, has now resulted in the sudden gender and sexual perversions that we see today.

However, we believe in the power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, that is able to save even the most confused and hardened sinner. The New Testament records for us how the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ has delivered many from such moral and spiritual decadence which existed in the ancient Roman and Corinthian societies (cf. 1 Corinthians 6:9-11).

If we follow the doctrines of the Bible concerning every aspect of faith and practice, we can be a powerful and profitable community of Christians in these perilous days of moral decadence to bring many unto the saving, transforming power of the Gospel. We praise God that the Lord has blessed our church to declare the truth of God’s Word concerning all matters of life, that many may be delivered out of their wicked ways of life and serve God today in holiness. As Paul said in Romans 6:17-18, “But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.”

I trust that you will not disregard the upcoming seminar on this very important topic of “Biblical Roles of Christian Men and Women”. Please pray for me as I prepare to speak on the topic. Let us prepare to participate with much prayer. Don’t forget to invite your Christian friends to the seminar.

Testimony of Calling

Ho Kee How

As a young Christian in the 1980’s, I used to look forward to attending missions rallies and conventions organised by the Overseas Missionary Fellowship (which had since gone ecumenical) and other missions-minded churches. My heart was stirred whenever I heard reports of the gospel work in the mission fields, and the oft-repeated refrain that “the harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few” (Lk 10:2). But I did not hear God’s call then.

In the course of time, I became preoccupied with pursuing a career as a schoolteacher and did not expect God to call me into full-time ministry. I have always believed that God, in the normal course of affairs, would call His servants while they are young and still at their prime. In the meantime, God providentially led me to Life B-P Church in 1990, where my faltering faith was strengthened by Rev Tow’s faithful and scholarly preaching. (My faith was “faltering” because I had just come over from my previous baptist church which was noncommittal against the inroads made by the Charismatic Movement and liberal theology.) Some years later, my wife and I met Pastor Koshy through Newton NBS, where we were further nourished by his indefatigable and impassioned teaching of God’s Word. Over time, we were made aware of the needs of the small church at Gethsemane, and felt led to contribute there with our humble gifts and service. Hence our move in 1999, with Rev Tow’s blessings. We were asked to serve in the Gethsemane Adults’ Fellowship committee, and were happy serving the Lord in a small way, giving wholehearted support to our God-honouring church leaders and full-time workers.

Over the years, however, there was an increasing sense of emptiness as I did not find much fulfilment in my work. I felt as if I was engrossed in things that do not matter to God’s kingdom. This heaviness and unease came to a head when I was confronted by God’s Word in Isa 55:2: “Wherefore do ye spend … your labour for that which satisfieth not?” There came a point when I told my wife that I find no more joy in preparing classroom lessons; I’d rather prepare Bible lessons! With Pastor’s encouragement, I enrolled in FEBC in 2010 for theological studies.

I thank God for the undreamt-of privilege to have studied theology in a sound Bible College, learning at the feet of eminent students of its late founding principal, Rev Tow. The strong conviction of these “faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also” (2 Tim 2:2) that the Bible is none other than God’s Word to mankind, has not only strengthened my belief that the Bible is inerrant in whatever subject matter it touches on – it has also instilled in me a confidence that if one searches Scripture deep enough, one could refute almost any unsound man-made notion, however scientific or academically acclaimed it may be.

And now there is this growing awareness that many long-held biblical truths are being systematically distorted and misrepresented by a proliferation of modern English versions, as well as liberal and ecumenical material flooding the Christian market through the media out there. God’s tender and vulnerable flock, in order to be protected and nurtured, must have constant access to sound biblical reading (and even study) material. In this age of “information explosion”, having good Christian literature is simply not an option but an indispensable channel for biblical teachings to be disseminated. And waiting to be tapped is a ready pool of rich material – in the form of Pastor Koshy’s “collections” of sermons, book studies, FEBC night lectures and even retreat messages over the years. Thus, the need for our church’s literature ministry has never been greater.

Now, “the gospel must first be published among all nations” (Mk 13:10) before the end comes. One ubiquitous and effective way is through the printed page, for “the pen is mightier than the sword” indeed. Truly, while I never expected God to call me at such a “late” age, I realise that God, in His mysterious outworkings, has somehow set me apart to “labour” in the (written) word, which entails essentially the ministry of writing and publications. Yet, who can be sufficient for all these? Ever mindful that “Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it” (Ps 127:1a), my prayer is that the Lord may “establish … the work of our hands upon us” (Ps 90:17), for His glory and for the edification of His saints.

Daily Vacation Bible School Testimonies

I was very excited about my first day at DVBS. During the three days there, I have learnt a lot about “speaking a word for Jesus”. I learnt that I must talk to other people about the Gospel of God. I thank God for Uncle Kenneth who taught me to be a witness for Christ. I also thank God for Auntie Luan Kheng who taught me art and craft.

Asher Chong

This is the first time I have attended our church’s DVBS. Even though I have only been there for two days, I have learnt a lot about Jesus. I know that I must speak a word for Jesus from now onwards. I will constantly share this verse: John 3:16 - “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” I thank God for Uncle Andrew who taught us Bible lessons, for Auntie Sarah who helped us in the art and craft session, for the refreshment team who served us refreshments, and others who helped out in one way or another. I would love to come for DVBS again!

Adah Chong

Sharing and communicating of spiritual and material gifts: The sincerity and strength of the fellowship in the early church were demonstrated by the sacrificial giving to the needy among them. “And all that believed were together, and had all things common; and sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need” (Acts 2:44-45; cf. Acts 4:34-37). The early church in Jerusalem, which was a paragon of Christian fellowship, was driven by mutual love, care and self-abasement.

Likewise, the church in Philippi manifested their bond of fellowship through their gifts for Paul. “Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only” (Philippians 4:15). The word “communicated” here is translated from the same Greek word for “fellowship”. This verse outlines the giving and receiving of support between the apostle Paul and the Philippian brethren. They had been mutual in supplying one another’s needs. Believers need to share their resources for the promotion of the Gospel work, as well as to help needy brethren. The writer of Hebrews issues the same exhortation while pointing out its proper motivation: “But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased” (Hebrews 13:16).

Paul likewise exhorted the Galatian brethren to practise such generosity, especially to those that minister the Word. “Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things” (Galatians 6:6). When men, who are endued with the gift of teaching, bless us with spiritual wisdom and guidance, we must provide for them with the material blessings which God has bestowed upon us.

These are wonderful and important expressions of Christian fellowship that the church should manifest for the glory of God. As can be seen, Christian fellowship is more than just an expression of companionship. It fosters the idea of one’s partnership in the work of the Gospel and the practice of responsible stewardship in advancing it.

Praise God for a Blessed 4th Missionary Conference

23–27 June 2014 @ The Chevrons, Singapore

Notes Received

Dear brethren of GBPC,

Our family would like to take this opportunity to thank the Lord for this wonderful channel of blessings made available to us via this Missionary Conference, as well as through the Web Radio. Thank God for the live broadcast which enabled us to hear the sermons when we could not be there physically.

May God continue to use GBPC in various ways to spur all unto faith and good works in the Lord, in order to shine in this dark world. May God continue to unite your church and prosper your ministries, for His glory.

In His love,
Wan Family

The Lord has done great things for us. This is specially for Gethsemane BPC as Pastor Koshy looks for a place for the ministry at Gethsemane BPC. May the Lord use this $2,000 for His glory.

Truth B-P Church

Christian fellowship is one of the greatest blessings that will emerge from knowing Jesus Christ as the Lord and Saviour of our life. There is nothing like it on earth as far as close and affectionate relationships are concerned. We all enter into relationships whether by affinity or consanguinity, but when such relationships are not based on Jesus Christ and His truth, they tend to have great problems. Only the fellowship that comes out of the gospel of salvation carries a very special blessing.

Christian fellowship is filled with the splendour of heavenly realities and experiences. In a sense, it is really an “out-of-the-earth” experience reserved by God only for His children. It is a God-given and God-sustained fellowship designed to prepare believers for the fuller heavenly joys that await them beyond this life on earth.

It cannot be denied that some may have had encountered unpleasant experiences in pursuit of Christian fellowship. Nevertheless, a blessed Christian fellowship is something possible and workable, which Christians should desire and exercise. Thus believers should know it, experience it, and never be a cause for its hindrance.

Since Christian fellowship is a relationship that God has begun with us, how then is it to be expressed in the believers’ relationships with one another? Biblically, Christian fellowship is characterized by three important expressions. Several passages from the New Testament offer us invaluable insights.

Togetherness, unity and cooperation: Those who are knit together in the bond of the Spirit as members of one body, under one Head, the Lord Jesus Christ, must express these qualities. “If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind” (Philippians 2:1-2). Here, believers are encouraged by the apostle Paul to express their togetherness in fellowship through “likemindedness”, “love”, “one accord” and “one mind”.

If fellowship is to flourish, there must be unity and harmony among believers. So the apostle wrote about the secrets of unity and harmony in Christian fellowship, namely self-renunciation, humility and mutual respect. “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others” (Philippians 2:3-4).

A wonderful personal testimony of the beauty and blessing of unity and co-operation in Christian fellowship is narrated by Paul in Galatians 2:9, “And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision.” As soon as the early apostles recognized the grace of God that converted the apostle Paul, they immediately extended their hands of fellowship to him and Barnabas, that they may be united in Christ and for the cause of the Gospel. Thus, Christian fellowship is characterized here by a welcoming spirit of togetherness and cooperation. So, by the maintenance of brotherly esteem and love, and by provoking fellow brethren to love and good works (Hebrews 10:24), Christian fellowship is best demonstrated.

Participation in doctrine, prayer and sacraments: Christian fellowship was maintained in the early church in Jerusalem by the saints gathering together often for instruction, prayer and sacraments. “And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers” (Acts 2:42).

The early Christians, having heard the Gospel through the preaching of the apostle Peter, received the word, were baptized, and immediately participated in the doctrine of the apostles. They did not dispute or criticise the apostles’ teachings, but accepted and learned from them. Together, they observed the sacraments and joined their hearts in prayer. With joy and gladness, they declared these doctrines to others.

These are the biblical prescriptions for Christian fellowship: the coming together for worship, partaking of the Lord’s Supper, prayer, Bible study and visitations. When it comes to these activities of the church, let us take heed to the exhortation in Hebrews 10:25, “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.”

...to be continued next week

Daily Vacation Bible School 2014 - Testimonies

I thank God that I could come for this year’s DVBS. I have learnt a lot concerning “speaking a word for Jesus”. I would like to praise God for good weather and safety throughout this DVBS and a blessed time together. Thank God also for the many mothers who came, the youth helpers, the guitarists and especially the 4 teachers: Uncle Andrew, Aunty Carolyn, Uncle Kenneth and Aunty Lynn. Thank God for Uncle Andrew who taught us many meaningful Bible lessons. I would like to share a few things which I have learnt during these 3 days.

Firstly, I learnt about how Paul and Silas were imprisoned because Paul had healed a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination. Even though Paul and Silas were in prison, they prayed and sang songs and the other prisoners heard them (Acts 16:16-32). This account teaches me that Christians must always “speak a Word for Jesus” joyfully, even in difficult situations. Secondly, I also learnt about Peter and John healing a man who was lame from birth. God used Peter to heal the lame man and to share the Gospel to him (Acts 3:1-10). Peter said, “Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee.” This story impresses upon me that I must know Jesus first before I can share with others about Him. Thirdly, I learnt that I must pray for a “door of utterance” (Colossians 4:3). Christians must pray for opportunities to speak a word for Jesus.

May we all be able to apply these lessons in our life, even after the DVBS. To God be the glory!

Hannah Wong

I am in Primary 5, and I have been coming for DVBS since I was in Primary 1. I have learned about who Jesus is and how to be an effective witness for Him. I thank God that I have believed in Jesus Christ.

However, my parents are still not believers yet. I hope that I will bear a good testimony for Christ, so that my parents will believe that Jesus Christ is the only living and true God.

I thank God for all the aunties and uncles who have prepared refreshments, designed art and craft materials, and organised games for us.

Jolyne Tan

I came for DVBS through Auntie Annie’s invitation. During the three days of DVBS, Uncle Andrew taught us the need to believe in Jesus Christ. Besides that, I have learnt many Bible stories and was taught to do different art and craft work. I am a new believer but my parents are not. I pray that through my good testimony, I can become an effective witness for Christ.

Lim Xin Yi

We live in a society that renounces meekness as weakness and pronounces might as right. This society is very likely to laugh at Jesus who said, “Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth” (Matthew 5:5). There is an old joke to revise the saying, “The meek will inherit the earth – if that’s okay with the rest of you.” This joke came about as a result of the general belief that meekness is weakness and the weak will always be dispossessed by the strong.

We should not doubt the veracity of the Lord’s saying because it is belittled by the world. We must believe and practise the sayings of our Lord to be truly blessed. As Christians, we should not allow ourselves to be shaped by what everyone else thinks in this world. We are to be moulded by the truth that Jesus teaches us. He wants us to understand the true strengths and blessedness of life. So let us consider the words of Christ: “Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.”

What does it mean to be meek? Meekness has been defined as “a humble and gentle attitude towards God and man”. Knowing that we, as Christians, are poor in spirit, we humble ourselves to trust the Lord for the divine redemption and resources to live the Christian life. Christians mourn over their sins and the sins of others. So they should not be self-assuming and proud, but self-denying and meek.

A Humble Admission

Meekness is a virtue that humbly admits the shortcomings and sins in one’s life, believing that God will deliver him from them all. When he is wrong and is corrected, he will not become defensive and aggressive. Admitting one’s sins meekly is a spiritual blessedness, for it opens the way to truth and righteousness. “The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way” (Psalm 25:9).

Becoming defensive and critical of the person who corrects our sins is never a meek behaviour. To say to the one who corrects us, “Well, you’re neither perfect, so what’s the big deal?” – is pure arrogance and rudeness.

Meekness will not permit us to be bitter and vengeful to others, even when we are chided for our mistakes. The meek will humbly receive reproof without getting defensive. The meek person is able to say, “You’re right. That’s an aspect of my life where I need to change. Would you help me improve in this area?” Covering up our sins is not meekness, but pride.

A Humble Devotion

Meekness is a virtue that humbly devotes itself to God always. Meekness moves a person to be totally preoccupied with serving God. However the world may perceive his commitment to God, the meek person remains resolved to fulfil the good will of the Lord.

Moses is a fine example of this aspect of meekness. Miriam and Aaron, his elder siblings, began to challenge his leadership ostensibly because he had married a Ethiopian woman. They were envious that the Lord has been speaking through him to the people of Israel. Yet Moses was not troubled, neither was he vengeful. The Word of God records, “Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth” (Numbers 12:3). The Lord then intervened and rebuked the dissenting Aaron and Miriam. He also told them, “My servant Moses is not so, who is faithful in all mine house” (Numbers 12:7). The meekness of Moses was truly a reflection of his faithfulness to God’s calling.

Zephaniah the prophet proclaimed: “Seek ye the LORD, all ye meek of the earth, which have wrought his judgment; seek righteousness, seek meekness” (Zephaniah 2:3). Seeking the Lord’s righteousness is the chief business of all who are truly meek. For this, we must humbly receive the Word of God – “Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls” (James 1:21).

A Humble Disposition

The meek, having boldness and humility, are willing to take on any opposition for the sake of God, while at the same time being equally willing to put up with any insult or indignity aimed at themselves. Meekness is a quiet and calm disposition that results from absolute trust in and submission to God’s will and power. Even when we are persecuted and rejected, the meek, trusting in God’s sovereignty, will boldly stand for Him. When intimidating and threatening words and actions are directed to meek persons, they will quietly rest in God’s providence, instead of being stirred up to behave violently. Our previous example of Moses in Numbers 12 proved this case. The reason they are able to do so is because they have committed their cause to God. This is the real secret of being meek. They are not agitated by what others think or say about them. They are only concerned about what God has to say about them.

The life of the Lord Jesus was an epitome of meekness. Isaiah’s prophecy affirms this. “He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth” (Isaiah 53:7). Christ our Master was as meek as a lamb. It would be tragic for His followers to be seen as fierce wild beasts, avenging or retaliating those who have hurt them.

Conclusion

The blessing of the meek, according to Jesus, is that the meek will inherit the earth. This saying of Jesus resembles the words of Psalm 37:11 – “But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.”

God is not looking for superstars or celebrities to preach the Gospel all over the earth. The true soldiers of the cross whom He sent to win His elect from every part of the world are the meek. With meekness, they preach the meek and lowly Christ who promised rest to those who would come to Him (cf. Matthew 11:28-30).

The Lord has been pleased to guide us to establish a fifth mission church in the Philippines. Its inauguration service is held today in Dagupan City of Pangasinan Province, the Philippines. A team of thirty brethren from Gethsemane, Singapore, is here to rejoice and worship the Lord on this blessed occasion. I am glad that Rev Reggor Galarpe (Pastor of Gethsemane BPC, Cebu, the Philippines) is joining me here for the inauguration service. (As you know, Preacher Donald and Sis Se Jin were married yesterday in the mountain resort city of Baguio, which is about 3 hours’ drive from Dagupan. Rev Galarpe solemnised the wedding, and I preached the Word during the wedding.)

Preacher Donald dela Cruz has begun the preliminary mission work in Dagupan in February 2014. An average of 15 people have been regularly attending the Sunday worship service for the past four months. We praise God that a double-storey house was available for rental, and it will be used as the centre for all the present mission activities in this area. The missionary couple will stay in this house and reach out to people in the city and nearby towns and villages. Next to the house is a private maritime college, known as PIMSAT Colleges, which has about a thousand students. Preacher Donald has been making efforts to reach out to students of this college with the Gospel.

How it all started

In 2002, a couple of ladies from Pangasinan, who were working in Singapore, were invited to our Gethsemane Filipino Fellowship by Bro Reggor Galarpe and his team of brethren doing street evangelism. One of them, Sis Cecille Batrina, became an ardent follower of Jesus Christ and continues to worship and serves the Lord in our midst till this day. Cecille, being blessed by the preaching and fellowship in Gethsemane, has been ardently praying for the Lord to open a door for Gethsemane to start a Gospel work in her hometown. In January 2008, the first mission trip was made by Preacher Dennis Kabingue and Bro Donald dela Cruz. Since then, Preacher Kabingue and the Filipino brethren had made seven mission trips to that place. Those who were saved through their evangelistic attempts were directed to attend the Sunday worship services in the Cornerstone Baptist Mission, Villasis, led by Pastor Louie D Hitosis.

In 2008, the Lord started working in the heart of Bro Donald dela Cruz, and gave him a deep conviction and burden to enter the preaching ministry. He enrolled in FEBC for theological studies in 2010, and graduated in May 2013, with a Master of Divinity. Thereafter, he remained with me for pastoral training for about six months, before being sent to Pangasinan as the preacher of the Word, according to the Lord’s leading in his life.

What more shall we do?

Let us praise the Lord for strengthening us to start another mission work. Let us also pray for the outpouring of God’s grace upon us, as we continue to support all these works. In the Philippines, apart from the five mission churches, the Lord also helped us to begin Gethsemane Bible Institute for the training of preachers and leaders for the churches everywhere, and The Gethsemane Care Ministry for reaching out to those who are lost in drug addiction and other social vices. May God help us increasingly to give ourselves unto prayer and generous support of all our Gospel missions. May the Lord also be pleased to raise more preachers from our midst to go and establish churches in more places around the world through the preaching of the Gospel. O sons and daughters of Gethsemane, who will now go to preach the Gospel to the lost sinners in farflung lands?

A Testimony Given at the Youth Gospel Rally 2014

I am thankful for the opportunity to testify of the Lord’s goodness in my life.

My family was introduced to Gethsemane B-P Church by Uncle Chip Hung and Aunty Siew Lian. Over the years, we have been blessed by the Lord tremendously.

However, in the earlier years during my secondary school days, I was not close to God. To me, coming to church was just a routine, just sitting down and listening to sermons. I did not treat God’s Word seriously. Despite being in Gethsemane now for almost 14 years, I only got saved recently (at the age of 17). Some of you would have noticed that in the earlier days, I attended the Youth Fellowship only occasionally. I was always giving excuses, like “too tired”, “having headache or tummy ache” and so on. I was a playful boy, who liked to hang out with some close secondary school friends after school; I was also a prideful boy, who disliked people looking down on me.

However, things started to change after I got my N-level results. Though I felt relieved that I had passed, I was confused and uncertain about what to do next. Shall I move on to Sec 5 to do my ‘O’ levels, or venture into ITE? In the end, I followed my form teacher’s advice and decided to go to ITE.

There were many unexpected, distressing experiences that affected me deeply after I entered ITE. To begin with, my secondary school friends stopped talking to me when they heard that I was going to ITE. When they ignored me, I became very sad. I even have a friend who asked me, “Don’t you feel embarrassed wearing that uniform?” I could still remember my first day of going to ITE. While I was on the bus to ITE, I felt several people staring at me with raised eyebrows. It seemed that people had preconceived ideas about ITE students. These people might be thinking in their minds: “Oh, an ITE student must be a guy who doesn’t study at all”; “He is a guy who doesn’t care about his future.” My heart sank even further when these thoughts rushed into my mind.

It is true that ITE has a very bad reputation. When I went to the toilets of the school, I saw students with tattoos all over their hands and legs, and some were even smoking. I was disgusted. To be honest, I was actually very sad and dared not tell my YF friends what I was going through. I did not tell anyone about my terrible feelings, not even my parents. Sometimes when I was at home, I would cry, “Why am I in this situation? What have I done to deserve this?”

In the deepest, saddest moments of my life, my mind turned towards God. I began to tell myself, “Maybe this is God’s way of rebuking me. Maybe God knows my pride and has put me in this situation to teach me humility.” So I prayed earnestly for God’s help. I began to feel a sense of relief in my heart. The sadness that I felt disappeared, and I felt much better after praying. From that day onwards, I began doing my devotions, reading the Bible and praying more regularly. All of a sudden, going to school wasn’t a problem for me! Eyes that once stared at me did not bother me anymore! People’s thoughts about me did not affect me anymore!

Soon, I started looking forward to coming to church, whether it be Sunday Service, Tuesday Prayer Meeting, Saturday Youth Fellowship or some other church gatherings! By God’s grace, 2 years in ITE have since passed, and the Lord has also given me good results which enabled me to get into Singapore Polytechnic.

The LORD has truly blessed my life. I was once prideful and did not care about God’s Word. It was through God’s “chastening” that I was able to understand my wrong attitudes, and that I am nothing before God. Looking back, being in ITE was just a small trial which God has put in my life. I’m sure there are many more trials to come in the future. But I have this peace and assurance that the Lord is gracious to help me if I trust and follow Him. He will surely watch over me – “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you” (1 Peter 5:7).

Marcus Peh