Recent Posts

Written by Pr Kelvin Lim

Since 2002, the Lord Jesus has given me a burden for those in prison. The verse from the Scriptures that convinced me is Luke 22:32: “But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren”. The last phrase convicted me to do so: to bring fellow believers, especially those in prison, to where I am because I was converted during incarceration by the teaching and preaching of the precious words of God. Thus, I am persuaded that ministering to prisoners is necessary.

I ministered to inmates in Drug Rehabilitation Centres (DRC) for a period of time while working in The Helping Hand, a Christian Drug Rehabilitation organisation. At that time, I was taking night classes in the Far Eastern Bible College but was encouraged to pursue full-time study by Pastor Koshy in order to serve the LORD more effectively. “The trend is toward the trained” (Rev. Timothy Tow) also embedded in my heart the urgency of theological education for the necessity in such a ministry. “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

Thanks be unto the LORD; I received the prison access pass in 2012, four years after being established in the doctrines of Scripture. Initially, I only ministered to inmates incarcerated in Drug Rehabilitation Centres (DRC), but the LORD has paved the way for me to minister even to convicts imprisoned in Changi Prison Complex (CPC) in recent years. Though the way of ministering is the same: teaching and preaching the Bible, there is a difference in the mindset of those who abused drugs and those who did not! Hence, ministering today requires much wisdom, especially to a mixed group.

Currently, I go into prison to minister the Word to different groups of incarcerated people for two hours each, at least twice and up to five times a week. Occasionally, I have two sessions in a day, in the morning and in the afternoon. These sessions are known as Incare Programmes. They are divided into Chapel Service (CS) and Bible Study (BS). Whether CS or BS, there will be time to praise the LORD, preach the Word, and pray for one another. Through these sessions, I hope participants will be evangelised by the Gospel of Jesus Christ or established in the faith by the power of the Holy Spirit for the glory of God! I also get the opportunity to meet people, especially those whom I did not know in the past.

I would like to mention some of those I have recently ministered to, without naming them. Firstly, there is a brother who will be released in October. He has been invited to join us for worship. He has been sentenced to six years of imprisonment and came to know God through the prison ministry. I have confirmed his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, though I did not lead him to Christ. He had read through the entire Bible once and is reading it again to know more about God. This shows me his hunger for the Word of God. I have also encouraged him to attend night classes upon release so that he would grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Secondly, a Malaysian brother who is concerned about his elderly father in Johor Bahru. As a volunteer, the rule disallows me from having direct contact with family members of those I am involved with. However, other volunteers who are not directly involved with this brother are able to help me. As such, I am in contact with one who is in touch with a Presbyterian Church in Johor Bahru. God willing, we will visit the church in due time, and we will persuade them to visit the elderly father and reach out to him. Furthermore, we pray that when this Malaysian brother is released in a few years’ time, he might attend church and have his spiritual needs taken care of.

Next, I also correspond with inmates via electronic mail, aka e-letter. Every week, I send them devotions from 365 Daily Exhortations from God’s Word, written by Pastor, in both English and Chinese. Recently, I started sending portions of Theology for Every Christian again to a brother who is interested in knowing more about God and the Bible. Please pray for this brother who is very thankful to the LORD for His mercies. He has escaped the gallows and needs to serve another sixteen years. God willing, he wants to serve the LORD upon his release!

Now, regarding those who have been released from prison. I met brother Joshua, aka Siva, on 29th August at Gethsemane Media Centre. He is from Elder Lim Ah Sang’s class while incarcerated. He is currently working, and his job requires him to work in shifts. This made it difficult for us to set a fixed time for Bible study. But thanks be to God that He brought us together for a Bible study session using “Fundamentals of the Christian Faith” by Dr Jeffrey Khoo as the textbook. He wants fellowship with fellow believers, and I have introduced him to and invited him to Gethsemane Men’s Fellowship and Gethsemane Adults’ Fellowship whenever he is off work.

Lastly, I also visit those who have been released. Some of those are released under the Community-Based Programme. These people are usually allocated to different halfway houses, but some reside in their own homes. One of those visits to a halfway house led to a proposal for a Bible study class. Out of this class, an invited person came to know the Lord Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Saviour. He not only believed in his heart in the Lord Jesus Christ but also publicly confessed his faith through water baptism. Today, he is an active member of a Presbyterian Church. Indirectly, a sister in Christ has also been brought to our church from this class. She has been with us for a few years already!

The LORD is good! He has helped me to minister His gracious words to many, especially those in prison. May more souls be added to the kingdom of God, and more saints be established in the faith, for the glory of the LORD our God! “Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them” (Hebrews 13:3a).

Sermon Text: Psalm 146:1–10
Speaker: Pastor Prabhudas Koshy
Date: 27th September 2026

Ecclesiastes 2:24—“There is nothing better for a man, than that he should eat and drink, and that he should make his soul enjoy good in his labour. This also I saw, that it was from the hand of God.”

Solomon has just considered the frustration of labour. A man may work wisely and diligently, yet must leave all he has gained to someone who did not labour for it (vv. 18–21). Even his nights may be troubled by anxious thoughts (v. 23). If lasting satisfaction depends on keeping the fruit of our work, disappointment is certain.

What, then, should a man do? Solomon tells him to eat, drink, and enjoy the good in his labour. This is no invitation to careless pleasure. The words “from the hand of God” govern the whole verse. Food, strength to work, and the ability to take pleasure in work are gifts to be received with gratitude.

We often postpone contentment until we finish a difficult task or achieve an imagined success. Yet God gives us daily mercies even amid unfinished work. We can thank Him for a meal, a useful task, and the opportunity to serve others. We can also rest when the day’s work is done, trusting Him with results beyond our control.

Solomon does not promise that every task will be pleasant or every effort rewarded as we hope. He teaches us where to look for joy: not to our labours as our master, but to God as the giver of all good. “For God giveth to a man that is good in his sight wisdom, and knowledge, and joy” (v. 26). Let us therefore seek to walk before Him in reverence, receive His daily provisions thankfully, and leave the lasting outcome of our labour in His hands.

Proverbs 14:30—“A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones.”

This proverb sets before us the life-giving effect of inward peace and the destructive power of envy.

“A sound heart” denotes a heart that is whole, calm, and free from corrosive passions. Such inward tranquillity benefits the whole person: it is “the life of the flesh”. Scripture often shows that the heart's condition affects one’s outward life. A heart resting in God, content with His providence, is not consumed by restless comparison or resentment.

The contrast is stark: “but envy the rottenness of the bones”. Envy grieves over another person’s good, and desires what belongs to them. It is not a harmless feeling. It works inwardly like decay. Left unchecked, envy can produce bitterness, anger, rivalry, slander, and even hatred. Cain envied Abel’s acceptance before God, and that sinful jealousy culminated in murder (Genesis 4:4–8).

Theologically, envy reveals dissatisfaction with God’s providence. It says, in effect, “God has given another what I should have received.” Thus, envy is not merely a problem with another person; it is ultimately a failure to trust God's wisdom and goodness.

The remedy is not mere self-control, but a heart transformed by grace. We must learn contentment, gratitude, and love. “Charity envieth not” (1 Corinthians 13:4).

When envy begins to rise, confess it quickly. Thank God for His goodness to others. Rejoice with them. Rest in what He has wisely appointed for you. A sound heart flourishes where envy is put to death.

Proverbs 12:25—“Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad.”

This proverb presents two contrasting realities: the burden of inward sorrow and the blessing of timely encouragement.

“Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop”. The word “heaviness” describes anxiety, care, or distress weighing upon the inner man. Such burdens may arise from fear, grief, uncertainty, disappointment, guilt, or prolonged trials. Though unseen by others, inward trouble can press a person down emotionally and spiritually.

Scripture does not treat such heaviness lightly. David often described a cast-down soul (Psalm 42:5), and Paul acknowledged being “troubled on every side” (2 Corinthians 4:8). God knows that His people can become burdened.

But the proverb continues: “a good word maketh it glad”. A well-chosen word, spoken wisely and graciously, can bring remarkable encouragement. Such a word may remind the troubled heart of God’s promises, faithfulness, providence, or saving grace.

This is why biblical encouragement is an important ministry among believers. Isaiah 50:4 speaks of knowing “how to speak a word in season to him that is weary”. Our speech should not deepen another person’s burden through harshness or carelessness, but strengthen faith and direct the heart toward God.

When others are weighed down, do not underestimate the ministry of a “good word”. So, speak truth gently. Remind them of Christ. Point them to Scripture. A gracious word, faithfully spoken, may be one of God’s appointed means to lift a stooping heart.

Proverbs 10:19—“In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.”

This proverb warns us of the spiritual danger of excessive speech. “In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin”. And that means that when words multiply, sin is seldom far away. The more carelessly we speak, the more likely we are to exaggerate, gossip, complain, boast, criticise, flatter, or speak without understanding.

Scripture repeatedly urges caution in speech. James writes, “let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak” (James 1:19). Our words reveal the condition of our hearts, for Jesus said, “out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh” (Matthew 12:34). Therefore, uncontrolled speech is not merely a problem of the tongue; it often exposes pride, anger, foolishness, or a lack of self-control.

The second half of the proverb says, “he that refraineth his lips is wise”. Wisdom knows when to speak and when to remain silent. This does not mean that godliness requires silence at all times. Truth must be spoken courageously when necessary. But wisdom refuses to speak merely because an opportunity arises.

A believer should ask: Is this true? Is it necessary? Is it gracious? Will it edify?

Ephesians 4:29 commands us to speak only what is “good to the use of edifying”.

Our words can wound or heal, inflame or calm, destroy or strengthen. Therefore, let us pray for disciplined lips and wise hearts, remembering that sometimes the wisest word is the one we choose not to say.

Job 23:10—“But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.”

Job spoke these words in the midst of deep affliction. He could not understand why God seemed hidden from him. In the preceding verses, Job lamented that he could not find God whether he looked forward, backward, to the left, or to the right (vv. 8–9). Yet his inability to perceive God did not mean that God had lost sight of him. Thus, he confessed, “But he knoweth the way that I take”.

This is a precious truth for suffering believers. We may not always understand the path God appoints for us, but He knows it perfectly. He knows every trial, every tear, every unanswered question, and every step we take. His knowledge is not distant or indifferent; it is the knowledge of the sovereign God who governs the way of His people.

Job then adds, “When he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.” The imagery is that of refining precious metal by fire. The trial exposes and removes impurities so that the gold emerges purified. Job was not claiming sinless perfection. Rather, he expressed confidence that God's testing would ultimately vindicate his integrity.

Trials do not always indicate divine displeasure. God may use them to purify faith, deepen humility, strengthen perseverance, and detach our hearts from earthly dependence.

When God’s way is hidden, remember this: you may not know the way ahead, but He knows the way you take. Trust the Refiner. His purpose is wise, and His work is never wasted.

Job 19:26—“And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God.”

Job’s words rise out of the darkest moments of his suffering. His body was diseased, his strength was failing, and death seemed near. Yet immediately after confessing, “I know that my redeemer liveth” (v. 25), Job expressed confidence that physical death would not end his hope.

He acknowledged the reality of bodily decay: “after my skin worms destroy this body”. Job did not minimise death. He knew that the grave would claim his present body. Yet he immediately added, “yet in my flesh shall I see God”. His hope therefore reached beyond death to a future, personal beholding of God.

The verse points to the hope of bodily resurrection. Job did not only expect his soul to survive death; he also anticipated seeing God in relation to renewed bodily existence. The next verse strengthens this confidence: “Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold” (v. 27).

As the rest of Scripture makes clear, Jesus Christ fulfils this hope. He is “the resurrection, and the life” (John 11:25). At His coming, the dead in Christ shall rise, and believers shall be transformed (1 Thessalonians 4:16; 1 Corinthians 15:52–53).

For the believer, therefore, death is not final defeat. The body may return to dust, but God will raise His people. Suffering, sickness, and decay cannot cancel His promise. When the body weakens and death approaches, faith looks beyond the grave and says, as Job: “yet in my flesh shall I see God”.

Job 19:25—“For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth.”

Job spoke these words when almost everything around him seemed to testify against him. His health had collapsed, his family was gone, his acquaintances had withdrawn, and his friends had repeatedly accused him of hidden wickedness. Yet in the midst of such loneliness, Job expressed a remarkable confidence: “I know that my redeemer liveth”.

The word “redeemer” is the one who acts on behalf of another to vindicate, defend, and restore him. Job longed for One who would finally establish the truth concerning him. Human defenders had failed, but his Redeemer was living.

Job’s confidence looked beyond his present suffering. He declared that his Redeemer “shall stand at the latter day upon the earth”. Job’s hope rested in the certainty that God, whom he trusted as his Redeemer, would ultimately vindicate him. The following verses strengthen this expectation, for Job anticipated personally beholding God even beyond the destruction of his present body (vv. 26–27).

In the fuller light of Scripture, Job’s hope finds its fulfilment in Christ, the living Redeemer, who shall return bodily and visibly to this earth and “stand” upon it in triumph, vindicating His people and establishing His promised kingdom.

When earthly circumstances appear hopeless and human help fails, faith looks beyond the present. Our assurance rests not in the restoration of our circumstances but in the living Christ. Therefore, with Job, every believer may face suffering with this confidence: my Redeemer lives, and He will have the final word.

Written by Sis. Bernice Tan

Ten years ago, my family and I joined our Church’s first mission trip to Kuching, Malaysia. I was heartened to see the small congregation of Calvary Kuching Bible Presbyterian Church (CKBPC) labouring for God’s glory and the mission trip left a deep impression on me. Ten years later, when I heard that another mission trip was being organised to Kuching, the Lord moved my heart to join the team to not only encourage the brethren in CKBPC but also to share the Gospel with others.

For Mission Kuching 2026, 24 brethren from Gethsemane, 8 brethren from CKBPC, and a sister (Sis. Marilyn Nanta from Miri BPC) and her niece constituted the mission team. It was my prayer for each mission team member to use our God-given gifts for His glory for the benefit of those in Kuching: “As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God” (1 Peter 4:10).

Throughout the planning and execution of the mission trip, the team was duly reminded that serving the Lord is not an easy feat, as we were faced with several challenges, with plans constantly being revised and with the unhealthy haze levels in Kuching. Nevertheless, the Lord was good to grant wisdom to the Planning Committee to adapt the changing plans and even blessed us with the much-needed rain to lower the haze levels for our 4-day outreach, (Friday, 4 to Monday, 7 September 2026) in Kuching.

The theme for this mission is “The Believer’s Heavenly Compass”, which Pastor expounded in three seminar messages. The Lord moved him to remind us that God has provided us with the Bible which is a compass to direct our minds and steps and delight our hearts. The Word of God also serves as the light illuminating our paths in a world full of affliction and sin. God’s Word preserves us, sanctifies us, and captivates our hearts to stay in His righteous way. Indeed, may our faith remain steadfast in the divine revelations of God and never let culture, human philosophy, nor our own emotion contradict the Scriptures. The seminar messages truly put into perspective the lyrics from our mission theme song, “Thy Word Have I Hid in My Heart”:

Thy Word have I hid in my heart,
that I might not sin against Thee.
That I might not sin, that I might not sin, 
Thy Word have I hid in my heart.

The special experience of this mission trip was undoubtedly the opportunity to visit an Iban community (Sis. Marilyn’s contact) in Kampung Bait, Lachau, a 2-hour coach drive away from Kuching, on Saturday. The Iban community is the largest indigenous ethnic group in Sarawak which after colonisation by Europeans, has largely been Christianised today. Most of the Iban community lead simple lives and continue to preserve their unique culture. Our host Iban brethren warmly welcomed us with handmade, beaded garland-necklaces in their “Long House”—a communal living facility for the few families living in the area. The Iban brethren who were able to join us were mostly older women—with most men away at work and most children attending boarding schools. Nonetheless, we praise God for providing three children with the opportunity to benefit from the children’s programme. It was our prayer that the souls of the unbelieving Ibans would be saved by the Lord, and that those who are already believers would be strengthened by God to share His Word with their family and friends.

Despite the language barrier we had with the Iban brethren, the praise of God transcended languages. This was evident in how both the team and the Iban brethren were mutually edified by their respective song presentations. The mission team presented our mission theme song as well as “Terlalu Manise” (translated as “This So Sweet”) by our 3 Indonesian team members (Pr Samson, Bro. Chris, and Sis. Stefanie), and the Iban brethren singing “Yesus Kawan Yang Sejati” (“What a Friend We Have in Jesus”). Likewise, the children were taught the song “Yesus Itulah Satu-Satunya” (“Jesus is the Only One”) which they joyfully sang along to. Psalm 119:111 reminded us: “Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever: for they are the rejoicing of my heart.” May both our host Iban community and the mission team continually rejoice in the Lord’s eternal truths!

In addition to the outreach in Kampung Bait, the mission team was also blessed with the opportunity to share the Gospel in two concurrent outreaches: the Sarawak Cheshire Home and the Sarawak Society for the Blind, as well as the Lions Nursing Home, on Monday.

The Sarawak Cheshire Home was a non-governmental organisation that was founded in the 1960s. Since its establishment, the Home has been providing care, training, and rehabilitation for residents with disabilities and chronic illnesses. The residents are a mix of Christians, Muslims, and Buddhists, aged 10 to 80 years old. We thank God that about 60 residents were able to participate in our outreach programme. Although many residents were mentally challenged, it was our fervent hope and prayer that the Lord would open their ears to hear the Word, preached by Pr Daniel, and that their hearts would be moved to understand and acknowledge His truths. Simultaneously, Pr Samson expounded the Word of God to 5 blind students from the Sarawak Society for the Blind. By the grace of God, all the blind students had been exposed to the Gospel and professed to be Christians. Nevertheless, as spiritual growth and doctrinal soundness were crucial for them, we prayed that the mission team’s gift of the Gospel of John booklet in Braille to the students, as well as the faithful teachings of the Word would aid them in their walk with the Lord.

The Lions Nursing Home was much like our Lions Home Ministry in Singapore, and about 20 elderly residents and 5 staff attended our outreach programme. Pr Jeremiah shared the Gospel in English and Bro. Simon Chung (a CKBPC brother) interpreted the message in Chinese and also shared his own testimony of salvation. To our joy, the residents were extremely enthusiastic in understanding the Gospel and in fellowshipping with our team members. It was our sincere prayer that the interest of residents in Scriptures continues to grow. May the Lord remove any hesitation or doubt they may have and quicken their spirits to believe and find eternal rest and peace in Him.

A small group of 15 team members were also deployed to minister to about 30 residents with physical and mental incapacities at Persatuan Kebajikan Kasih Sayang Kuching Sarawak (PKKS). Despite their disabilities, the Lord was gracious in allowing them to hear the Word expounded by Pr Samson and in the singing of “Yesus Itulah Satu-Satunya”, which they eagerly joined in. We committed these residents unto the hands of God, that their souls may be moved by the preaching of His Word and accept Jesus Christ as their only Lord and Saviour.

These outreaches serve as timely reminders that God’s kingdom does not discriminate. May God’s will be fulfilled and His chosen people be saved regardless of their age, physical and mental capabilities. Outreaches to disadvantaged and vulnerable communities are needful in the work of the Gospel.

While such communities benefit from our outreach efforts, we must not neglect the salvation and the faith of those near and dear to us. The Lord provided us with the opportunity for a home fellowship with Bro. Ho and Sis. Stefanie (brethren worshipping at CKBPC). The Lord had blessed them with a new home, into which they graciously welcomed us on Sunday evening. By God’s sovereign grace, invited relatives and friends (some of whom are Christians and others who are non-believers) came and heard the Gospel shared in both Chinese and English by Pr Daniel. We had a blessed time of fellowship and prayer for one another. We are prayerful that Sis. Stefanie (who studied at FEBC) will be used by the Lord to encourage and evangelise to her family, friends, and neighbours so that they may be saved. Similarly, it is our prayer for Bro. Ho to bear a good testimony for the Lord as a school teacher and to be given the opportunity to share the Gospel with the students.

CKBPC is a testament of God’s providence in Kuching, Sarawak. It gives Christians a place of worship in a Bible-believing, reformed church with faithful preaching of the Scriptures. It also declares God’s Word to the unbelieving. It is therefore important for this Gospel work to continue growing by God’s sustaining grace. We praise God for enabling Dn Jeremy Teo and his family to labour on in love and perseverance throughout their many years of service in CKBPC.

God has blessed Gethsemane BPC with many preachers who take turns travelling to Kuching to minister His Word to the brethren of CKBPC. This mission trip reiterated the urgent need for a faithful and God-fearing long-term minister in Kuching.  There is indeed much work to be done for the Lord in Kuching, Sarawak. May we continue to pray earnestly for the Lord of harvest to “send forth labourers into his harvest”.