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Our sovereign and gracious God has faithfully guided our church in its 37-year history, leading us to engage in numerous Gospel mission frontiers. We are profoundly grateful for His providence, which has enabled us to train, commission, and support many faithful servants in the mission fields He has opened before us.

By God’s grace, we continue to prepare and equip those called to the ministry in these mission fields. The Gethsemane Bible Institutes (GBI) overseas remain devoted to training scores of men annually for the ministry. These institutions represent a vital part of our commitment to the Gospel.

The Lord has also blessed us with opportunities to provide monthly support to pastors, teachers, preachers, and students in need. Through the generous giving of our members and friends, we have rented and built facilities, including properties purchased to advance Gospel missions. Over the past 25 years, millions of dollars have been joyfully invested in these projects to sustain and expand the work of His kingdom.

Today, we have a fresh opportunity to further the Gospel. We must act swiftly to secure a one-acre plot of land for a new GBI campus and church. The deposit has been paid, but $100,000 more is urgently needed by the end of January 2025 to complete the purchase.

We urge you to pray earnestly and give cheerfully as the Lord enables. Your support will advance the Gospel and glorify God among many abroad. Please watch for updates during Sunday announcements, and let us respond quickly, trusting God to use our efforts for His glory. As 2 Corinthians 9:13 reminds us, may this work prompt many to “glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men”.

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Daily Vacation Bible School 2024 Testimonies

Annabelle Lim
I thank God for the opportunity to attend this year’s DVBS on the theme, “Joy Unspeakable”, held at Gethsemane Media Centre from 27 to 29 November 2024. Actually, I had been afflicted for several weeks with an unspecified headache, which made me seriously doubt if I would be able to go through the DVBS lessons. Thank God for His sustaining grace and the occasional relief from the medicine. I wish to share some thoughts I had gathered through our preachers who taught us.

Day 1 Morning Lesson: Joy in Salvation (Text: Luke 15:1-10)
I learnt from the parables of the “Lost Sheep” and “Lost Coin”, taken from Luke 15:1-10, that every soul is important to God. When one soul is saved, the whole heaven rejoices! Jesus is delighted to save sinners. When we are saved, we are joyful because we have escaped hell and inherited the promise of heaven. Moreover, we receive true joy (a fruit of the Spirit) that can never be destroyed. When an unbeliever is saved, we should be delighted that another person is added to the kingdom of God!

Day 1 Afternoon Lesson: Job Overcame Sadness (Text: Job 1)
I learnt that everything goes according to God’s own will and purpose. For example, from the life of Job, God’s purpose for his sufferings was to prove to Satan that Job was a just man. I also learnt that whatever happens to us, we cannot blame God. Job was a just man and he did right in the eyes of God. However, when Satan desired to test his faith, God allowed it. Satan took away his wealth, possessions, and children. But that was not the end of it. Satan also struck him with boils from head to toe. Job was sad, but he maintained his integrity and worshipped God. Even through this painful time of suffering, he did not blame or curse God. Instead, he endured it. God gave him a wonderful and blessed ending. He had twice of the wealth he lost. In summary, God does things for a good purpose (Romans 8:28). When heartbreaking situations come in life, we should not doubt God’s goodness, but keep trusting Him to find strength to overcome our trials.

Day 2 Morning Lesson: Joy in Service (Text: John 13:3-15)
I learnt that as Christians, we must serve God with humility, obedience, and joy (Colossians 3:23)! We must serve God wholeheartedly, with reverence, not to please men, but to please God. We must also serve Him with much gladness, knowing that we are saved to serve (Psalm 100:1-3). Jesus used Himself as an example. He was the Son of God, but He showed great humility when He came down to earth to die for us. In John 13:5, Jesus washed the disciples’ feet, and He was joyful! We must serve God happily and faithfully because He has saved us. Jesus can help us to serve God with a joyful spirit amidst problems.

Day 2 Afternoon Lesson: Jeremiah Overcame Sadness (Text: Book of Jeremiah)
I learnt to overcome sadness from the life of Jeremiah. He was appointed by God to declare God’s judgment against God’s people. When the prophet Jeremiah knew that, he was sad and afraid, but God comforted him and told him that He would be with him. After Jeremiah declared God’s Word to the people, false pastors, priests, prophets, and even to the king, he was hated and many people wanted to kill him. They placed Jeremiah in a deep dungeon, which contained no water. Jeremiah was very dejected and it looked like there was no hope for him (cf. Jeremiah 38:7-10). But God delivered him out of the dungeon. In summary, I learnt that we must cast all our cares on God, for He cares for us (1 Peter 5:7). We must always turn to God when we go through times of sadness.

Day 3 Morning Lesson: Joy in Suffering (Text: Philippians 4:4-8)
I learnt that we must rejoice in the LORD always. The Book of Philippians is one of Paul’s prison epistles. He was in prison, and yet he told the Christians in Philippi to rejoice in the LORD always! He wrote this letter to the church because he wanted to comfort the Christians in persecution, and to rebuke strife and disunity. In Philippians 4:4, he commands us to rejoice habitually (being glad and cheerful). Joy gives us spiritual strength. We should also rejoice because Jesus is coming again which gives us hope and comfort (Philippians 4:5b). Studying God’s Word also brings us joy. As 2 Corinthians 11:23-27 tells us, Paul had gone through deep suffering. Yet, he urged Christians to rejoice in the LORD. In 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, Paul mentioned that he was suffering from a disease. But he said, “Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.” In summary, we should always rejoice in the LORD, whether in good or in bad times.

Day 3 Afternoon Lesson: Jesus Overcame Sadness (Text: Mark 3:1-5)
I learnt that we should not be arrogant, refusing to do the right thing, despite knowing that we are supposed to do it. The cause of Jesus’ sadness is because of the hardness of the people’s hearts. When Jesus entered into the synagogue, He saw a man with an injured hand, but the people standing beside the man did not help him. Jesus was “grieved for the hardness of their hearts”. He was saddened by the people’s refusal to do good on the Sabbath. He asked them, “Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath days, or to do evil? to save life, or to kill?”, but the people kept silent and they did not bother. He was sad, but He overcame the sadness by healing the man and doing that which was good. In conclusion, I learnt that we can only be joyful when we do the right thing in God’s sight. Sin brings sadness, but obedient faith brings happiness. 

God has provided us, through His Word, many real examples of God’s people being joyful despite their troubling circumstances. We too must take a leaf out of these saints’ lives – Christians have no excuse to be depressed. I pray that I will keep God’s Word in my heart as I navigate through my own health issue. May God’s name be magnified by the way I respond to life challenges.

Ruhamah Resuma
“O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him” (Psalm 34:8).

Firstly, I thank God that I could attend this year’s DVBS, on the theme: “Joy Unspeakable”.

Secondly, I thank God for Teacher Jonathan Hendricks who taught the primary class in the morning sessions on the main theme, and for Pr Ho Kee How, Pr Jeremiah and Pr Kelvin who taught on the topic, “Overcoming Sadness”, from the lives of Job, Jeremiah and Jesus respectively. 

On the first day, I learned about “Joy in Salvation” from two parables (the “Lost Coin” and the “Lost Sheep”), that how even the angels rejoice when a sinner repents. On the topic “Overcoming Sadness”, I learned from Pr Ho through the life of Job, how God allowed Satan to take away his children and possessions, smite him with a skin disease (which eventually resulted in his wife telling him to curse God and die), so as to try and test his faith in his God. But Job endured all the sufferings and kept strong in his faith. As a result, God blessed him with twice as much as he had before. We too should be like Job, enduring the tests that come our way. “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation” (James 1:12a). 

On the second day, I learned about “Joy in Service”. I learned how Jesus, though He was God, humbled Himself to be a man and washed the feet of His own disciples. We, being His followers, must follow His example. Christians should not be lazy or proud, but always be humble and ready to do God’s will. The Bible says, “And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!” (Romans 10:15). In the afternoon, I learned from Pr Jeremiah about how the prophet Jeremiah endured much suffering because he preached against sin. I learned that Christian victory rests on Christ alone – “casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you” (1 Peter 5:7).

On the third and last day, I learned about “Joy in Suffering”. Even though Paul has suffered much, he was joyful even in prison, because he was serving the Lord. He encouraged the Philippian believers to rejoice – “Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice” (Philippians 4:4).

And the last lesson in this year’s DVBS was taught by Pr Kelvin. I learned about the life of Jesus and about how on one Sabbath, Jesus saw a man with a withered hand and was angered and saddened because the Pharisees did not want to help the man. Instead, they waited to accuse Jesus for healing on the Sabbath. Jesus overcame His sadness by doing the right thing. “Not my will, but thine, be done” (Luke 22:42b). The cause of sadness is sin, but the source of true happiness is Jesus, “whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory” (1 Peter 1:8).

Thirdly, I thank God for the teachers, singspiration leaders, activity leaders, the art and craft team, the refreshments team, and all others who helped make this year’s DVBS a blessed and fruitful programme for us children.

Lastly, I thank God for all the children who attended from Gethsemane BPC and from other churches, and even those who were invited by our church members. All glory, honour and praise be to God.

Reuel Resuma
“Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory” (1 Peter 1:8).

This year’s DVBS, being my last, was very special to me. I have been attending DVBS with my brother since I was 3 years old, and I thank God for Pastor and all the teachers, preachers, aunties, and uncles who faithfully served in the DVBS. “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6).

The theme of this year’s DVBS was “Joy Unspeakable”. In the morning sessions, Teacher Jonathan Hendricks taught us from this theme, and in the afternoon, Pr Ho Kee How, Pr Jeremiah and Pr Kelvin taught us on the topic, “Overcoming Sadness”, from the lives of Job, Jeremiah, and Jesus. 

Teacher Jonathan taught us three important things: “Joy in Salvation”, “Joy in Service”, and “Joy in Suffering.” On the first day, I learned from about the parables of the “Lost Sheep” and the “Lost Coin” (Luke 15:1-10), which talk about how the angels in heaven rejoice over one sinner who repents. “Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth” (Luke 15:10).

On the second day, I learned that Christians should joyfully serve God and not to allow themselves to be sluggish and lazy. “Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing” (Psalm 100:2).

On the last day of the morning session, I learned from the experience of the apostle Paul that even though he was harshly persecuted and put in prison, he joyfully served God and even encouraged the Philippian Christians to rejoice in the Lord! “Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice” (Philippians 4:4).

In the afternoon sessions, I learned from Pr Kee How on the first day that even when Job lost everything and was afflicted with a skin disease, he never gave up his integrity and believed in God’s promises. In the end, God blessed Job. “So the LORD blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginning” (Job 42:12a).

On the second day, Pr Jeremiah taught us that the prophet Jeremiah was prepared and ordained by God for the ministry. He faithfully preached God’s Word to the Jews, which resulted in persecution from the unbelievers. He was whipped, and thrown into a dry well and was left to die. But God sent Ebed-melech to plea to the king to save Jeremiah’s life, and he was pulled out from the pit. Even in persecution, and sorrow, Jeremiah never doubted God’s promises, and fully trusted in God – “casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you” (1 Peter 5:7).

On the last day, Pr Kelvin talked to us about Jesus’ ministry. Jesus entered the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and was angered and saddened when no one helped a man with a withered hand, because of the hardness of their hearts. Seeing this, He rebuked them, and healed the man. Sin brings sadness, but faith brings true happiness and joy. When a person sins, he will face the consequences of his sin, and he will be sad. But when he repents and believes in Jesus, he will have joy. “The king shall joy in thy strength, O LORD; and in thy salvation how greatly shall he rejoice!” (Psalm 21:1).

Finally, I want to thank God for all those who led in singing, art and craft, and games. I also thank God for those who helped prepare the food for the children. I thank God for all the children who attended, including familiar friends from our church, and new ones from other churches, as well as those who were brought by their friends.

“Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 5:20). All glory be to God!

Sermon Text: Romans 12:3–8
Speaker: Pr Ho Kee How
Date: 15th December 2024

The BOE has been prayerfully discussing and considering the appointment of new members to serve on the committees of our church’s various ministries and fellowships. By the Lord’s guidance and grace, the BOE has finalised the selection of committee members to serve for the next three years (2025–2027). These newly appointed committee members will assume their responsibilities for planning and organising programmes, in alignment with the instructions provided by the BOE from time to time, following their installation on the first Sunday of January 2025.

In the interim, the BOE directs all current committees to plan the meetings and activities for the first four months of 2025, as the newly assigned committees will be responsible for organising those activities starting in January 2025. We thank the Lord for the dedication and faithfulness of the brothers and sisters who have diligently served as committee members in their respective ministries and fellowships. Their wholehearted efforts and fervent commitment have been a blessing to the church. May the Lord richly reward each of them for their labour of love and faithful service in His kingdom.

Responsibilities of the Committees

Church committees advance the church’s mission through prayerful decision-making and a Christ-like attitude. To ensure that their service is consistent with our church’s biblical principles and goals, they should plan and organise all the activities according to the BOE’s directives. For this purpose, every committee functions under an Elder of the church who serves as an Advisor. All who serve in the committees need to be mindful that they ought to be submissive to the biblical authority of the Pastor and the BOE, as our church’s constitution stipulates: 

Article 12.2—The spiritual oversight of the Church in matters of doctrine, principles of government, church elections, admission and discipline of members and the administrative oversight of the Church shall be the specific responsibilities of the BOE. 

Article 15.7—The Lead Pastor shall be the ex-officio member and advisor of all committees connected with the Church, except that he may delegate such role to a Pastor or an Elder. 

May the Lord help all the new committee members to be diligent and servant-hearted to serve together in unity. “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). Committees must ensure their actions and policies align with biblical principles, avoiding compromise with worldly standards or practices. Committees should welcome input from church leaders, pastors, and other members to ensure well-rounded and informed choices. “Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety” (Proverbs 11:14). Decisions should always be guided by the Word of God. Hasty decisions can lead to mistakes. Committees should take time to seek God’s will, trusting His timing rather than reacting impulsively to circumstances. Every decision should be evaluated, based on whether it glorifies God. Committees exist not to promote personal agendas, but to advance God’s kingdom and honour His name.

Chinese Service
Pastor Koshy (Advisor)
Pr Daniel Lim
Eld. Alan Choy
Dn Gan Chin Hwi
Bro. Francis Tan

Filipino Fellowship (GFF)
Pastor Koshy (Advisor)
Dn Norefel Resuma
Bro. Anthony Evangelista
Bro. Jordan Ballega
Bro. Juffrey Balicao

Malayalam Fellowship
Pastor Koshy (Advisor)
Dn Benny Skariah
Dn Lijoy George
Bro. Joish Paul

Pastoral Visitation
Pastor Koshy (Advisor)
Eld. Ng Poh Kok
Eld. Lim Ah Sang
Dn Tan Eng Huat
Bro. David Tan

Evangelism Outreach (GEO)
Eld. Low Boon Siang (Advisor)
Pr Jeremiah Sim
Bro. Chan Tuck Whye
Bro. Gerry Lee

Seniors’ Ministry (GSM)
Eld. Mah Chin Kwang (Advisor)
Eld. Ng Poh Kok
Pr Jeremiah Sim
Pr Daniel Lim

Men’s Fellowship (GMF)
Eld. Lim Ah Sang (Advisor)
Dn Lijoy George
Bro. Benjamin Cho
Bro. Ignatius Law
Bro. James Chen
Bro. Jomart Tindaan

Ladies’ Fellowship (GLF)
Pastor Koshy (Advisor)
Sis. Julie Skariah
Sis. Lim Chow Lin
Sis. Low Hui Lin
Sis. Merisa Teong
Sis. Tan Beng Yan

Children’s Ministry (GCM)
Pastor Koshy (Advisor)
Bro. Jordy Kay
Bro. Matthew Mah
Sis. Charlene Mae Abrena
Sis. Choy Luan Kheng
Sis. Rhodora Resuma

Adults’ Fellowship (GAF)
Eld. Francis Lee (Advisor)
Bro. Andrew Teong
Bro. Aron Ong
Bro. Lim Peng Kwang
Bro. Matthew Mah
Bro. Shaun Ng
Dn Benny Skariah (Mentor)

Youth Fellowship (GYF)
Pastor Koshy (Advisor)
Pr Cornelius Koshy
Dns Diana Chan
Bro. Amoz Choy (Auxiliary)
Bro. Gideon Lee (Auxiliary)
Bro. Marcus Chee (Auxiliary)
Bro. Rayson Tan (Auxiliary)
Sis. Judy Chan (Auxiliary)

Young Adults’ Fellowship (GYAF)
Eld. Low Boon Siang (Advisor)
Bro. Andronicus Koshy
Bro. Benjamin Chong
Bro. Goh Yong Wei
Bro. Matthew Peh
Bro. Raphael Ko

Young Mothers’ Fellowship (GYM)
Pastor Koshy (Advisor)
Sis. Jenice Chee
Sis. Joey Peh
Sis. Law Sze Huey
Sis. Tan Hua See
Sis. Sophia Zhang (Mentor)
Sis. Tay Su Ling (Mentor)

Encouragers’ Ministry (GEM)
Eld. Mah Chin Kwang (Advisor)
Dn John Zhang
Dn Lijoy George
Dns Diana Chan
Bro. Edward Wong
Sis. Lee Kim Lei

Defenders’ Ministry (GDM)
Eld. Francis Lee (Advisor)
Pr Samson Hutagalung (Consultant)
Pr Cornelius Koshy
Dn John Zhang
Dn Tan Eng Huat
Bro. Jonathan Tay

Church Library
Pastor Koshy (Advisor)
Bro. John Peh
Sis. Chairine Chayadi
Sis. Chong Shu Mun
Sis. Jenice Chee
Sis. Ruby Seng
Sis. Yeo Geok Hien

Ushers’ Ministry
Eld. Low Boon Siang (Advisor)
Dn Benny Skariah (Overall IC)
Bro. Marcus Chee (2IC)
Bro. Matthew Peh (AV IC)
Bro. Cayson Chok (SingPost Store IC)
Sis. Sarah Yong (Sunday Slides IC)
Sis. Karen Quek (Sunday Refreshment IC)
Dn Norefel Resuma (Holy Communion Coordinator)
Sis. Yeo Geok Hien (Holy Communion Preparatory Team Leader)

Sermon Text: Psalm 96:1–13
Speaker: Pastor Prabhudas Koshy
Date: 8th December 2024

Chosen to Bear Spiritual Fruit

Jesus’ words in John 15:16 proclaim to all genuine Christians, “Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.”

Jesus emphasises to His disciples that their calling was not initiated by them, but by Him. He chose them first, underscoring that salvation and service are rooted in God’s gracious choosing. According to Jesus, our relationship with God is entirely based on His initiative, not human choice or merit. God chose us even before the foundation of the world (Eph. 1:4). Our salvation is an act of God’s grace, flowing from His eternal will, in which He graciously and purposefully chooses individuals to belong to Him.

As John later would write, “We love him, because he first loved us” (1 John 4:19). This foundational truth humbles us, dispelling any sense of spiritual pride and reminding us that our relationship with God is a result of His loving choice, not our own merit. Knowing that God has chosen us also brings assurance. If He has initiated our salvation, we can trust that He will sustain it. This gives believers confidence that, despite our weaknesses, His hold on us is secure and eternal.

Beyond salvation, Jesus chose His followers for a purpose: to “go and bring forth fruit”. The “fruit” here includes manifested qualities of the transformed lives of Christians, such as love, joy, patience. Paul lists these qualities in Galatians 5:22-23, as “the fruit of the Spirit”. Even more, “fruit” also includes those who respond to the evangelistic efforts of His followers. When we share the Gospel, and others respond in faith, they become part of the spiritual “fruit” that remains eternally, a testimony to God’s work in the world! 

Jesus further encourages His followers by promising that He will provide whatever they ask of the Father in His name. This assurance is given to those who submit to God’s will and are committed to bearing fruit in service to Him. The promise of answered prayer is both a blessing and a reinforcement that God will equip His chosen ones for the mission He has given them. We are not left to our own resources; rather, God supplies all that we need for fruitful ministry, including strength, wisdom, and provision. 

As chosen vessels, we are empowered to bear lasting fruit through His Spirit. Each step we take in service, prayer, and obedience brings glory to God, and confirms our calling as His chosen people, equipped to make a lasting impact for His Kingdom. 

Christians are Called to be Benevolent

God’s Word in Hebrews 13:16 encourages all Christians, “But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.”

God calls His people to live lives marked by kindness and generosity, underscoring the importance of selfless acts as a way to reflect His character. Through these acts, we become a living testimony of His goodness. The verse reminds us that the good we do and the love we share are not only beneficial to others, but are also sacrifices that bring joy to God.

The first command, “to do good”, emphasises our duty to reflect God’s kindness practically. Scripture is filled with reminders of God’s goodness, such as in Psalm 145:9, which declares, “The LORD is good to all”. As His children, we are called to mirror this goodness in our own lives. Good deeds pleasing to God include sharing the Gospel with others, praying for those in need, providing practical help to the poor, offering service within the church, and simply showing compassion and patience in our daily interactions. By doing good, we let God’s light shine through us, drawing others to Him.

The second command, “to communicate forget not”, calls believers to a spirit of generous fellowship. The Greek word for “communicate” here is koinonia, which means “fellowship” or “sharing”. This goes beyond merely offering material support; it involves being aware of the needs of others and extending support, encouragement, and love. We are called to a life of intentional sharing, opening our hands to bless those around us, just as Christ gave Himself for us.

The verse also describes these acts as “sacrifices”. True Christian generosity often requires sacrificing our time, energy, and resources. Just as Old Testament sacrifices involved offerings to God, these sacrificial acts of kindness are offerings of our lives, demonstrating our love for Him. Sacrifices involve giving up something valuable to us, and through these acts, we worship God by honouring His care for all people. This perspective transforms our charitable acts from mere duties to expressions of gratitude and worship.

Such acts of charity mirror God’s ultimate act of love and sacrifice in giving His Son for us. When we show generosity, we embody the love He displayed on the cross, making our kindness an extension of His love to the world. In doing so, we honour the sacrifice of Christ and participate in His mission to meet human needs, reflecting God’s compassion and grace.

Sermon Text: Psalm 95:1–11
Speaker: Pastor Prabhudas Koshy
Date: 1st December 2024

Beloved brethren,

Warm greetings to you in the glorious name of our Saviour from Nairobi, Kenya! My wife Carolyn and I arrived here on Tuesday afternoon, after completing eight blessed days of ministry in Ethiopia.

We are grateful to God for the continued prayers and encouragement from our elders and staff back in Singapore, who have faithfully kept in touch via WhatsApp concerning the ministry’s progress. Their dedication to the Lord’s work and intercessions for us have been a great source of comfort and strength.

We praise God for His enabling grace upon our preachers, who have ministered His Word faithfully in all the church’s meetings. May the Lord continue to bless and edify you through their diligent service.

8 Days of Ministry in Ethiopia

Our days in Ethiopia were both challenging and rewarding. The high altitude took a daily toll on me, causing persistent sickness. Yet, God’s presence and gracious strengthening were evident throughout. He faithfully provided timely relief from physical distress, enabling me to teach God’s Word to the GBI students for four hours each day.

Carolyn’s supportive presence and care were a source of great comfort. Additionally, the local servants of the Lord—Rev. Ephrem, Pr Engida, Pr Imane, Pr Bayera and Pr Bedada—were incredibly attentive to my struggles and extended their assistance with kindness and thoughtfulness. The families of Rev. Ephrem and Pr Imane, who reside on the church and GBI campus, also contributed immensely to our well-being. They prepared nourishing and suitable meals daily, ensuring that we were cared for physically, as I focused on ministering spiritually. Through it all, God’s grace and the love of His people sustained us.

Teaching the 26 full-time students of GBI was a joyful experience, as all of them were eager to learn God’s Word. Not all students could communicate in English, so Rev. Ephrem, Pr Engida and Pr Imane helped them interpret my lectures. They also helped in the Q & A sessions, which the students greatly appreciated.

Likewise, Pr Bayera and Pr Bedada helped Carolyn to interpret her teaching of God’s Word to the children who came daily to the Gethsemane Children’s Ministry. About 110 children attend classes held from 8.30am to 12.30pm. Ten teachers, led by the preachers and Sis. Gete, care for and teach these children. Through this ministry to the children, preachers find opportunities to visit families in the neighbourhood with the Gospel, and invite them to the church.

Last Sunday morning, the Addis Ababa congregation came to Alem Gena for joint worship. We praise God for the many familiar and some new faces we could fellowship with. Rev. Ephrem led the worship, the young people’s choir sang Amharic worship hymns, I preached the Word from Ephesians 2:18 on “Our Access to God through Christ”, and the sisters provided a sumptuous lunch for all the worshippers.

Dear brethren, it has been almost 20 years since God opened the door to Ethiopia before us through Rev. Ephrem. This work has been strengthened by fellow labourers joining him to spread the Gospel and teach the Word. The works in Addis Ababa and Alem Gena must be further strengthened with our prayers and support. Upon my return, I desire to share more of the ministry needs and opportunities with you. Your prayers, generous support, and visitation to this mission station have not been in vain, for it continues to bear many fruits that will last for eternity. May God bless and strengthen this Gospel frontier opened to us!

4 Days of Ministry in Kenya

This East African mission trip was not part of this year’s ministry plan. It was unplanned until late October, when the Lord began to burden my heart through a call from Rev. Mark Kim, the principal of Bible College of East Africa (BCEA). Rev. Kim invited me to join him and his co-labourers for the College’s 59th Graduation Service, scheduled for 23rd November 2024. When he called me, Rev. Kim was facing many challenges in a new Gospel work in Rwanda, another East African nation. He has been labouring in Rwanda for the past few years, establishing a mission station. Through his efforts, the Gospel was proclaimed to thousands, and by God’s grace, over 800 people began gathering regularly for worship. However, recent government restrictions have forced the church to cease operations. This has been a deeply challenging and disheartening time for Rev. and Mrs. Kim, and their eldest daughter, Sis. Ha Young, who have laboured tirelessly for the Gospel in that mission station.

Feeling compelled to visit and encourage them during this period of great trial, I sought the counsel and approval of our church elders. They unanimously supported the plan and encouraged me to undertake this journey from 11th to 26th November 2024, accompanied by my wife. They recognised the importance of her presence and support during this mission.

Rev. Kim returned to Nairobi from Rwanda on Monday to supervise and attend BCEA’s graduation. At the same time, his wife and daughter stayed back in Rwanda to support the ongoing work, such as the daily children’s ministry and other administrative matters. During his absence in Nairobi, the work of BCEA has been managed by Rev. Eben Yoon, whose family work with him. He is ably supported by a team of full-time and part-time lecturers, including Pr James Tan and his wife, Sis. Charmaine (both graduates of FEBC and members of Tabernacle BPC, Singapore).

Presently, BCEA (Nairobi) has 76 students undergoing theological training. I have ministered God’s Word to them on three occasions in the last three days. I’m also supposed to preach God’s Word during the graduation service on “Spirit-Separated Men for the Ministry”, taken from Acts 16:1-3.

The Lord has sustained this tremendous work over the past 59 years. The early 25 years of BCEA were under the leadership of American Bible-Presbyterian missionaries sent by the Independent Board for Presbyterian Foreign Missions (IBPFM). Since 1990, this has been under the faithful and fruitful leadership of Rev. Mark Kim. The BCEA has set up a ministry in Arusha, Tanzania, where Rev. Park Seung Kyu and family (FEBC graduates) serve with two other BCEA graduates. We are glad to see Rev. Park’s family in Nairobi as they have also arrived to join the graduation service.

Rev. Ephrem and Sis. Gete, our Ethiopian missionary family, had graduated from BCEA (Nairobi) before coming to Singapore for studies in FEBC. Rev. Ephrem is also joining us in Nairobi and on our scheduled trip to Rwanda. After spending Sunday and Monday with the brethren in Rwanda, we plan to return to Singapore, God willing, on Tuesday.

We praise the Lord for your prayers and support in sending us forward on this journey after a godly sort. May God help us always to do well, according to His Word, for the Gospel mission works everywhere.

Joyfully in His service,
Your Pastor

Sermon Text: Philippians 4:8–13
Speaker: Pr Cornelius Koshy
Date: 24th November 2024

Sermon Text: Philippians 4:4–7
Speaker: Pr Cornelius Koshy
Date: 17th November 2024

Living as a righteous person in a hostile world brings unique challenges and tests. The righteous person’s desires often clash with the prevailing values of the world, which prioritise selfish ambition, power, and material success over humility, integrity, and faithfulness. Yet, the desires of a righteous person remain rooted in seeking God’s will, living justly, and walking in love and truth, even when surrounded by forces that resist or oppose his righteous desires.

I would like to share two thoughts for your instruction, caution, and encouragement, so that you may know how God cares for the desires of the righteous while He opposes the expectations of the wicked.

God Cares for the Desires of the Righteous

The desires of a righteous person hold a unique place in God’s heart, for they reflect a soul seeking alignment with God’s will. The Bible teaches that God not only knows our outward actions, but also understands our innermost desires. For righteous people, these desires go beyond mere personal gain and resonate with a longing for God’s presence, purpose, and guidance.

God knows our desires. As David said in Psalm 38:9 – “Lord, all my desire is before thee; and my groaning is not hid from thee.” David acknowledged that all his desire is before the Lord. This desire encompasses his deepest longings, needs, and hopes. His desire is more than just material; it is also a spiritual yearning for God’s presence and goodness. 

David had been suffering. He said, “There is no soundness in my flesh because of thine anger” (v. 3a). He also mentioned that his iniquities were a heavy burden on him (v. 4). He yearned for healing and forgiveness from God. Amid his suffering, David turned to God, knowing that God alone understands the full extent of his pain and desires.

God possesses an intimate knowledge of every desire that His children hold. He knows our hearts even before we bring our desires to Him in prayer. Whether spoken or unspoken, each longing is laid bare before Him.

There is no need for elaborate words or hidden feelings—everything is laid bare before the Lord. This echoes the sentiment found in Psalm 139:1-4, where David acknowledged that God knew his every thought, word, and action even before he expressed it. He wrote, “O LORD, thou hast searched me, and known me. Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off. Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether.”

There are moments when we may struggle to express our needs and desires clearly, being overwhelmed by our circumstances. Yet, even in those times of confusion or emotional turmoil, God fully understands our inner longings. He perceives our deepest thoughts and knows what burdens our hearts, even before we can find the words to articulate them.

When all we can do is sigh or groan in our distress, these groans, too, become prayers in His ears. A troubled soul’s earnest, heartfelt cry reaches God as powerfully as a perfectly spoken prayer. So David said, “and my groaning is not hid from thee.” Here, “groaning” refers to his deep inner pain, perhaps both physical and emotional. It is a word that conveys more than just sadness—it represents the weight of suffering that David was experiencing. Yet, despite his silent or quiet groans, David knew that God heard and understood even the unspoken cries of his heart.

It is a comfort to know that our loving God sees and understands us completely, even when all we can offer is a groan from our troubled hearts! He is always aware of our needs and desires, and His compassion towards us never wavers.

God Confounds the Expectations of the Wicked

Proverbs 11:7 declares, “When a wicked man dieth, his expectation shall perish: and the hope of unjust men perisheth.”

Human life is filled with expectations and dreams. People set high goals for themselves: students strive for top grades, professionals aim for career success, and families seek security, comfort and a sense of pride in their homes and possessions. Many people achieve these dreams through hard work and perseverance, in fulfilment of their earthly aspirations. Yet, this proverb provides a stark reminder of a reality beyond earthly success. For those who live without repentance—the “wicked”, as Scripture calls them—there is a bitter disappointment awaiting them beyond the grave.

When people live apart from God, placing all their hope in temporary achievements, they face the crushing truth that those worldly gains cannot follow them into eternity. The Bible reveals that for an unrepentant sinner, death is not simply the end of earthly pleasures and possessions, but the beginning of a tragic eternity. Everything the wicked have worked for—their wealth, power, influence, comforts—will perish. At that moment, their cherished expectations vanish. The “hope” that unjust people cling to in this life is revealed as a mirage, leaving nothing but emptiness and loss.

Moreover, for those who reject the forgiveness and salvation offered through Jesus Christ, death is not only the end of earthly hope, but also the end of any chance for eternal peace and joy. The wicked do not enter into the rest or honour of heaven; instead, they face eternal separation from God. Scripture warns of “the disappointment of endless shame and suffering in hell”, a truth that urges us to reconsider where we place our hope. For those who live without repentance, every earthly pleasure and achievement ultimately become meaningless, unable to satisfy in the face of eternal loss.

In the light of this, Proverbs 11:7 challenges us to examine our hearts. Are our greatest expectations and hopes rooted in fleeting, worldly success, or are they founded in God’s eternal promises? We can only escape the fate of eternal disappointment through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. In Him, our hope becomes more substantial than worldly achievements or wealth; it is the promise of everlasting life, peace, and joy in His presence. 

So, let us turn away from sin, and embrace the grace of God through Christ. Let us build our lives not on fleeting dreams but on the solid foundation of faith, which offers hope that does not perish in death. Only by following the Lord can we secure a future free from disappointment and that leads to eternal joy and fulfilment in His presence. Let this truth stir us to prioritise what truly matters, and seek God’s forgiveness, so that we may find lasting peace and hope beyond this life.