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Over recent months, the Lord has placed a growing burden on the hearts of some in our midst, particularly Pr Cornelius Koshy, for the many Burmese (Myanmar) friends living among us in Singapore—men and women working, studying, and seeking community far from home. We believe this is a providential opportunity to share the Gospel and to build up fellow believers in the Word, right here at our doorstep.

Two portions of Scripture that speak of God’s desire for people from all nations to be brought together, come to my mind:

• “…for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people” (Isaiah 56:7b);
• “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations” (Matthew 28:19a).

Why a Burmese Fellowship?

The vision is threefold:

1. Evangelistic Outreach: to bring the good news of Jesus Christ to Burmese friends who do not yet know the Saviour.
2. Edifying Fellowship: to provide a biblical, Burmese-language gathering where believers’ faith is strengthened, and their lives are rooted in sound doctrine and in a loving community.
3. Myanmar Gospel Mission: to be ready to start Gospel missions in Myanmar, if the Lord will provide through GBF.

Hearing the Scriptures in one’s language opens doors for understanding, comfort, and transformation. We long to see Burmese men and women come to Christ and grow as disciples who love His Word and walk in His ways.

Leadership & Oversight

We thank God that He has moved Pr Cornelius to take preliminary steps to seek the BOE’s guidance on beginning this ministry. He has offered to organise and preach for this fellowship. Bro. Lal Hu Thang (Timothy), an FEBC student from Myanmar who worships with us, will interpret into Burmese and assist Pr Cornelius in his care for the participants. Pastor and BOE will provide counsel and leadership to this ministry. We pray that GBF will be a ministry that is doctrinally faithful, spiritually warm, and missions-minded, working in unity with our church’s leadership and vision.

What Will This Fellowship Look Like?

• Once a month Gathering (proposed): Worship, Bible exposition, prayer, and mutual encouragement.
• Evangelism & Visitation: Distribution of Burmese tracts, Bibles, and invitation pamphlets to Burmese. Encourage church members and friends who have domestic helpers, employees, neighbours, colleagues, etc., to bring them to GBF.
• Discipleship & Pastoral Care: Basic Biblical knowledge for new believers for their spiritual growth (1 Peter 2:2), prayer, and fellowship for them to grow in the Lord.

Beloved, let us remember that people of many nationalities have come to our doorsteps by God’s design. May we be good and faithful stewards of this opportunity with joy and obedience. We are not merely starting a programme, but opening our hearts to God’s work around us, leading us to the Gospel door He has opened before us. “And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord” (Acts 11:21).

Let us pray, and offer our support to GBF, which will hold its first meeting today. Make this a matter of earnest prayer: (i) for conversions and spiritual growth; (ii) for unity, wisdom, and strength; (iii) for Pr Cornelius and Bro. Timothy, and all others who will minister in GBF from time to time; (iv) for open doors in schools, workplaces, homes, etc.

If you know Burmese friends or colleagues, kindly invite them. Offer to accompany them to their first meeting.

Offer your labour of love in practical ways (transport, refreshments, etc., when needed). As the Lord leads, support this ministry with designated gifts.

May the Lord establish the work of our hands, and may His name be glorified among the people of Myanmar here in Singapore. Let us walk by faith together, and expect great things from our gracious God.

A Testimony of How the Lord Led Us to Start the GBF

Written by Pr Cornelius Koshy

It was in 2023, when our church resumed door-to-door evangelism, that I noticed an increase in the number of Burmese helpers employed in the homes of Singaporeans. Most spoke a smattering of English, which was enough to hold a simple conversation. Through these brief interactions, I learnt that many of the Burmese were Buddhists, and a handful were Christians (from Baptist or Pentecostal churches in Myanmar). Back then, we did not have any Burmese tracts to pass to these helpers. Realising the need, and with permission from Pastor, I contacted Rev. Biak Lawm Thang (pastor of First B-P Church in Yangon, Myanmar) to help translate the tract, “An Appointment to Keep”. Though it had been initially translated back in 2008 (by Eld. Ram Luai), upon my request, Rev. Biak arranged for Rev. Lal Lian Uk (assistant pastor of First B-P Church) to re-translate it, and the soft copy of the translation was sent to us. It was formatted by Bro. Matthew Peh, and with the coordination of Dn Lok, 5,000 copies of this Burmese tract were printed in Singapore. To date, we continue to use this Burmese translation of the tract to bring the Gospel to Burmese contacts during our monthly evangelism sessions.

The political unrest caused by the junta rule in Myanmar’s military has not improved. To be precise, it has been four years since the military carried out a coup d’état in February 2021. It is no surprise that, in Singapore, we see a growing Burmese community, especially in the food and service sectors. Some of us have Burmese colleagues at work and classmates in school, while others engage cleaning services provided by Burmese workers. Many Burmese have come through our door and sat with us in the pews. In my heart, the burden to reach out to them grew, but I could not speak the language: “…how shall they hear without a preacher?” (Rom 10:14b).

In June this year, Bro. Lal Hu Thang (known to us as “Timothy” or “Hu Te”), Rev. Biak’s son, started worshipping with us in Gethsemane. Having received God’s call to serve Him, Bro. Hu Te came to Singapore to study full-time at FEBC. He actively serves in the Church Choir and Audio Video Ministry, and regularly attends prayer meetings, seminars, and fellowship groups. He has expressed to me a burden to reach out to the Burmese community in Singapore. At 23 years old, he is young and eager to serve. Back in Myanmar, he used to teach English at an agency which sent Burmese workers to other countries. With this experience, Bro. Hu Te can also interpret simple messages from English to Burmese. This was God’s timely provision for a pressing need.

With a Burmese-speaking brother in our midst, and a handful of Burmese coming to our church, the fields are white for harvest (cf. John 4:35)! Two Sundays ago, when I was talking to a Burmese worshipper who attended our English service, I was also informed that Sis. Jesimiel Lim had recently befriended a Burmese lady working at the “Bibimbap” stall in SingPost Centre (Basement 1). She had given her an RPG (Burmese) and invited her to church. This lady, who recognises some Gethsemaneans who regularly patronise the stall, has an off-day on Sunday, 12 October 2025 (today), and agreed to visit our church (God willing). She also mentioned a Burmese friend of hers, working near SingPost Centre, who is seeking a church to worship. To me, it was clear that the Burmese Fellowship had to begin without delay, “because the king’s business required haste” (1 Sam 21:8b).

I spoke to Pastor the next day. Having also observed the growing Burmese presence in Singapore and the timely arrival of Bro. Hu Te, he supported the idea and advised me to quickly inform the Board of Elders. I wrote to the BOE on 03 October, explaining the background, pressing need, purpose and format of the proposed Gethsemane Burmese Fellowship (GBF). After answering a few questions, I thank God that everyone in the BOE heartily and fully supported the start of the GBF. God’s guiding hand is seen in the church leaders’ unanimity and blessing upon this work (cf. Psalm 133:1; Acts 15:28).

God’s providing hand was also seen in the procuring of Burmese Bibles and hymnbooks. What is a fellowship without God’s Word translated into the vernacular? Praise God for the Judson Bible, translated by Adoniram Judson (the American Baptist missionary to Burma in the 19th century), which is the Burmese translation of Scripture based on the divinely inspired and preserved Hebrew Masoretic Text and Greek Textus Receptus. These are the same texts underlying the KJV. The Judson Bible was our choice, but purchasing copies in Singapore was expensive. On the night of 07 October, I received a kind offer from Eld. John Leong and Pr Kelvin Li of Tabernacle B-P Church (who were on a planned mission trip to Myanmar from 08-13 October 2025) to bring back 10 Judson Bibles and 10 hymnbooks from Myanmar for the GBF. With coordination between the family members of some Burmese FEBC students, the Bibles and hymnbooks will be purchased this weekend and passed to the returning mission team. For the first meeting of GBF, the Burmese students in FEBC have loaned me their personal Bibles for our use. Praise God for this timely provision of Bibles and hymnbooks for the GBF (cf. Phil 4:19)!

With GBF’s small and humble beginning, and through the monthly meetings every second Sunday of the month (12.00pm to 1.00pm), I pray that we may (i) reach out to the Burmese community in Singapore with the Gospel (Matt 28:19-20), (ii) edify Burmese Christians through the preaching of God’s Word (Col 1:28), (iii) provide godly counsel and prayer support for Burmese brethren (Gal 6:2), and (iv) in the future, to extend the Gospel to the families of Burmese brethren in Myanmar through planned mission visits (cf. Acts 1:8). The GBF will model after other ministries in Gethsemane. Preachers who are able to avail themselves will be rostered to preach, with Bro Hu Te interpreting the message. The monthly meeting will include singing and prayer in Burmese.

The Lord has certainly led us to begin the GBF, and many have responded by earnestly praying and providing help; some have offered to play the piano or guitar for the fellowship, others have bought “Burmese snacks” for refreshments. Eld. Mah has recommended that an invitation pamphlet be printed for Gethsemaneans to invite Burmese contacts. This will be done in the coming weeks. Our prayer is that this ministry will continue to be upheld under God’s sovereign leading. May He open and bless the hearts of those who attend the GBF (cf. Acts 16:14; Eph 3:20). I covet your prayers and support for this ministry: “… pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you” (2 Thess 3:1).

After last Tuesday night’s prayer meeting, we learned of a severe earthquake (magnitude 6.9) that struck Cebu Island, Philippines. I contacted Pastor Reggor and was assured that brethren in Cebu City were kept safe, though information from other parts of the island was then unavailable.

Early the next morning, Pastor Reggor informed us that Bogo, in the north, where our two mission churches serve under Elder Eliezer Ortega, appears to be the worst-hit area. Many homes were damaged. With deep sorrow, we read the report that Bro. Julito, a long-time and faithful member, has fallen asleep in Jesus after being pulled from his collapsed house. Sis. Josephine, his wife, was preserved without serious physical injury; it pleased the Lord to take her husband to be with Him in glory. 

Elder Eliezer, who had returned to Cebu after ministering in Bogo on Sunday, immediately set out again to care for the brethren in distress. Though road damage made travel difficult, we thank God that he reached Bogo and has provided regular updates, even as aftershocks continued.

Our elders moved quickly to coordinate with Pastor Reggor and Eld. Eliezer to assist those in need. We have sent funds to help Sis. Josephine, the family of the late Bro. Julito and the congregation in Bogo. Additional funds were sent to procure food and essentials in Cebu and transport them to Bogo. A group of brethren from Cebu has already driven supplies to Bogo and spent time in fellowship with the saints there, comforting them. “The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart” (Ps. 34:18).

Let us continue to pray for repentance, renewal, and salvation in that region. Remember also Sis. Josephine and family, the churches in Bogo and San Antonio, Eld. Eliezer and brethren who travel there with help and provision. Pray for God’s protection and wisdom amid ongoing tremors.

If the Spirit moves you to give, please designate love gifts to the “Disaster Relief Fund”. The BOE will consolidate the funds received as stewards of God—with and through our missionaries in Cebu—that none be overlooked, and that all things be done decently and in order (1 Cor. 14:40). “Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it” (Prov. 3:27). 

Food and essentials for Bogo brethren

Loading of supplies into church van

Distribution in tents pitched at Gethsemane BPC, San Antonio

Bro. Julito's collapsed house, circled in red

Sis. Josephine beside the casket of her husband, Bro. Julito, who died after their house collapsed on him during the earthquake

Brethren visiting the bereaved family

Some argue that the thief on the cross was saved without showing acts of faith, using him as proof that salvation requires nothing more than a mental assent, a mere passive belief. Certain streams of “free grace” theology stress that salvation requires only a mental act of trust in Christ, with no necessary evidence in repentance or transformation. 

It is true that those on their deathbed who turn to Christ, may only faintly express their faith and yet be truly saved. But it is not biblically correct to conclude from this, that salvation by grace requires neither repentance nor genuine acts of faith. Those antinomian teachers (also known as “easy-belief teachers”, “grace-without-fruit voices”, etc.) often appeal to the thief’s conversion as proof that salvation requires nothing more than a momentary act of belief. According to them, repentance, transformation, or any evidence of faith is unnecessary. 

Yet, the Gospel account of the repentant thief on the cross (Luke 23:39–43), when carefully read, reveals that the thief’s salvation was not received without repentance and the fruits of faith. Several clear pieces of evidence emerge from his words and attitude, showing the reality of God’s saving work in his heart.

1. A Change of Heart Towards Sin: At first, both thieves reviled Jesus (Matt. 27:44; Mark 15:32). But one thief was transformed. He stopped railing against Christ, and instead rebuked the other criminal: “Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation?” (Luke 23:40). This shows repentance—a recognition of sin’s seriousness before a holy God.
2. Acknowledgment of Guilt and Justice: He confessed, “And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds” (Luke 23:41a). True conversion always involves owning one’s guilt, not excusing it. He admitted he deserved the punishment, revealing humility and honesty before God.
3. Recognition of Christ’s Innocence: He declared, “but this man hath done nothing amiss” (Luke 23:41b). Unlike the crowd and rulers, he recognised that Jesus was not a sinner, but the spotless Lamb of God. True conversion discerns the holiness and uniqueness of Christ.
4. Faith in Christ’s Lordship and Kingdom: He turned to Jesus, saying, “Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom” (Luke 23:42). Though Jesus was dying in weakness, he believed Christ was indeed King with a coming kingdom. This shows remarkable faith, firmly looking beyond Christ’s cross to His reign.
5. A Personal Appeal for Mercy: He didn’t ask to be spared from death or suffering, but simply cried out, “remember me”. This is the cry of genuine faith, casting oneself upon Christ’s mercy alone, without works, ceremony, or delay
6. Submission to Christ’s Authority: By calling Jesus, “Lord” (Luke 23:42), he acknowledged Christ’s authority. He was ready to yield himself entirely to Christ’s rule. True conversion bows to Jesus as both Saviour and Lord.
7. Immediate Assurance from Christ: Jesus responded, “Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43). This shows that the thief’s faith was genuine, for Christ never gave false assurance. The converted sinner received the promise of eternal life.

Jesus asked, “For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Matthew 16:26; cf. Mark 8:36; Luke 9:25). 

Jesus here used hyperbole, an exaggerated statement, to emphasise the value of man’s soul. Even if a man could somehow possess the whole world but failed to inherit the salvation of his soul, his ownership of the whole world would be worthless. No matter how wealthy he becomes, being mortal, man can only own them temporarily. At his death, he gains nothing from his earthly possessions. As far as his standing before God is concerned, his super-wealthy status has no value. By means of his wealth, he cannot purchase his redemption from eternal damnation in hell. His wealth cannot provide a worthy transaction for his redemption. 

If not for Christ’s blood shed on the cross, what can provide us with justification and freedom from guilt and damnation? If Christ had not laid down His life as an offering for sin, our souls would have been forever damned. As the apostle Peter wrote, “Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot” (1 Peter 1:18-19). To possess every precious thing in this world and yet be without Christ, is to be a pauper forever! Jesus said in Luke 12:21, “So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.” 

The riches, royalty and respect this life could offer cannot liberate us from eternal destituteness. The world and all its glories shall pass away (1 John 2:17). 2 Peter 3:10 says, “…the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.” But each person’s soul will live forever – those who die in their sins shall live forever, tormented in the eternal fire of hell. But those who cast their trust in Jesus, the Redeemer, and forsake the world to follow Him shall have an eternity with God in heavenly joys and blessings. So why lose your soul’s eternal blessing for a few fleeting decades of self-indulgence in this life? 

How sad it is that most people are enamoured by worldly gain at the expense of the heavenly rewards. Dear reader, there is nothing below heaven so precious and noble as your souls, and therefore, do not forsake the eternal salvation of your souls for the transient glory of a perishing world. Will you not care for your soul more than the body? John Flavel, a puritan minister, wrote: 

“Two things a master commits to his servant’s care,” saith one: “the child and the child’s clothes.” It will be a poor excuse for the servant to say, at his master’s return, “Sir, here are all the child’s clothes, neat and clean, but the child is lost!” Much so with the account that many will give to God of their souls and bodies at the great day. “Lord, here is my body; I was very grateful for it; I neglected nothing that belonged to its content and welfare; but as for my soul, that is lost and cast away for ever. I took little care and thought about it.”

Remember: all you labour to gain for your body is transitory, and what you lose in your pursuit of material gain is eternal. So, abandon your fascination with this world and its riches for Christ’s sake, that you may gain eternal riches.

Anniversary Thanksgiving

Dear Pastor, Board of Elders, and Members of Gethsemane BPC-Singapore,

Greetings in the blessed Name of our Risen Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ!

It is with much joy and thanksgiving to the Lord that I greet all of you, on behalf of the church here in Cebu, Philippines: “Blessed 36th Anniversary!”

Praise and glory be to the Lord for the work He has accomplished, and is accomplishing, in each and every one of you – we are bound to give thanks unto Him. Under the leadership of Pastor Koshy, alongside the Board of Elders, and with the team of committed full-time workers, as well as the united support of the members, Gethsemane BPC (Singapore) has been extending the ministry of the Gospel far and wide. Yes, we rejoice in the Lord on the recent development and progress of the Gospel work in India, and in other parts of the world!

Likewise, we are greatly encouraged by how the ministries within the church have flourished from strength to strength for the edification of the saints, even the salvation of the lost. Truly, the Lord has done great things in your midst, and we rejoice together with you! 

In this joyous occasion whereby we also remember the glorious resurrection of our Lord, consider the words of the apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 15:57-58, “But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.”

All glory be to God!

Yours in Christ,
Rev. Reggor B. Galarpe
Gethsemane BPC (Cebu)

(If you are asked to explain the Gospel briefly, do you know what to say? Learn from the article below, and be ready to declare the Gospel of Jesus Christ to all who ask of you). 

The Gospel points sinners to the God-sent Saviour, Jesus Christ. His name, “Jesus”, denotes that “he shall save his people from their sins” (Matt 1:21). During His public ministry, Jesus declared, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel” (Mark 1:15). The Gospel is the message of God’s kingdom. It is conveyed with the great authority of God, the Almighty King. It is the message of His love and grace for the salvation of sinners. To neglect the Gospel message is to defy the only living and true God, and His gracious message of salvation.

That we repent of our sins

In Luke 13, Jesus warned twice, “…except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish” (Luke 13:3, 5). Some may even question whether such a statement should be considered “Gospel” (or “Good News”). However, when we consider it as a warning from our gracious Saviour, we will know it is good news. Jesus asserted to all His hearers, “repent ye” (Mark 1:15b). Likewise, the apostles declared, “now (God) commandeth all men every where to repent” (Acts 17:30b). 

Repentance involves: (i) one’s acknowledgment that he is a sinner; (ii) one’s confession of his sins; (iii) one’s admission of his guilt that he deserves God’s just wrath of eternal damnation in hell; and (iv) one’s pleading for God’s mercy and gracious provision of His forgiveness. Repentance is not a mere feeling of remorse about our sins, but a turning away from our sins to Christ. 

True salvation occurs when we, in desperation, turn from sin to Christ with a willingness to have Him save and lead our lives. On our own, we are rendered helpless and doomed by our sins. So, when we are convicted of our sins and damnation, and are called by the Gospel, we must quickly repent and turn to Christ for salvation.

That we believe in Christ for salvation

Jesus not only said, “repent ye”, but also to “believe the gospel” (Mark 1:15c). The Gospel is all about Jesus Christ and what He has done for our salvation on the cross of Calvary. The Gospel is depicted 11 times in the New Testament as “the gospel of Christ” (Rom. 1:16; 15:19, 29; 1 Cor. 9:12, 18; 2 Cor. 4:4; 2 Cor. 9:13; 2 Cor. 10:14; Gal. 1:7; Phil. 1:27; 1 Thess. 3:2). 

Let us take note of the apostle Paul’s presentation of the Gospel in 1 Cor 15:1-4, “Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand, by which also ye are saved… how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures”. 

The Bible commands and promises: “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house” (Acts 16:31); and “that if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved” (Romans 10:9). 

Only Jesus Christ did act to deliver us from our sins and judgment. As Paul testified in Ephesians 5:2, “… Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.” Therefore, “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Romans 10:13).

That we who are saved might live godly lives

Scripture says Christ “gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works” (Titus 2:14). Our Lord Jesus, who died and rose again to redeem us, liberates us from the power of sin, world and Satan, that we may serve Him in righteousness. Jesus said, “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed” (John 8:36). “Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness” (Rom. 6:18). 

As we follow Christ daily in confident trust, He will guide us away from our sins by His Word to do all His good pleasure (“good works” – Tit.2:14). Jesus said, “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32). He also promised, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: and I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand” (John 10:27-29). 

All who are truly saved will turn from sin to Christ, so He may take control of their lives. They do not trust in themselves. They will not follow their own thoughts and ambitions, which are fleshly and worldly. Instead, they give themselves to know and do what the Lord has willed concerning them. They will yield their lives to Christ to worship and serve Him. Instead of sin, Christ’s good pleasure will characterise all saved lives.

Sermon Text: Luke 23:32–43; Romans 5:6–9
Speaker: Pr Cornelius Koshy
Date: 15th April 2022