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At the age of 97, Rev. Dr Koa Keng Woo was called home by the Lord to His eternal presence on 22 July 2026. While we grieve his departure, we rejoice that he has entered the blessed presence of the Saviour whom he loved and faithfully served for many decades.

Having trusted in the Lord Jesus Christ as his personal Saviour in 1946, Rev. Koa answered God’s call to full-time ministry and enrolled in the Far Eastern Bible College in 1981. Graduating with the Bachelor of Theology degree in 1987, he devoted himself to preaching God’s Word and teaching future ministers.  Ordained to the ministry in 1989, he faithfully pastored Muar Bible-Presbyterian Church and also served the congregations in Rawang and Bukit Gambir. As a lecturer at Far Eastern Bible College, he instructed generations of students in Bible Geography, Church Music, and other subjects, while also serving as the FEBC choir conductor. In recognition of his faithful and fruitful ministry, FEBC conferred upon him the honorary Doctor of Divinity degree.

Rev. Koa’s life was marked by humility, fidelity to the Holy Scriptures, cheerful labour, and steadfast commitment to the Bible-Presbyterian testimony. Even in his nineties, when many would have long retired from active ministry, he continued to travel and preach God’s Word and encourage churches. His love for Christ and commitment to the Gospel never diminished even in his advancing years.

Though the church mourns the loss of a faithful undershepherd, we give thanks for his godly example and enduring legacy. “Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them” (Revelation 14:13).

(Pastor’s note: On our wedding day, 23 November 1991, Carolyn and I were greatly encouraged by Rev. Koa and Mrs Koa, who lovingly ministered to us through a special song. Mrs Koa sang beautifully while Rev. Koa accompanied her on the piano. Their thoughtful expression of Christian love has remained one of our most treasured memories of them.)

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Heartfelt Gratitude for Our New Home!

Dear Pastor Koshy, Mission Team, and Beloved Church Family,

Grace and peace to you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

We write this letter with hearts overflowing with gratitude. It has been almost a month since we moved into our new home, and not a day has gone by without us thanking the Lord for His faithfulness through you.

To our Pastor Koshy: Thank you for your shepherd’s heart, your prayers, and your leadership. You stood with us in faith when we needed it most. Your encouragement reminded us that God is our Provider, and we saw that promise fulfilled.

To the Mission Team: We are so grateful for your hands and feet that served us. For every hour you worked, every sacrifice you made, and every prayer you lifted for this home, thank you. You showed us Christ’s love in action.

To our Church Family: Thank you for every prayer, gift, and word of support. You have been instruments of God for comfort and strength when we were weary. This home is not just ours; it is a testimony of what God can do through a united church. We’ve already made so many memories here in the past month, and we think of you and give thanks to the Lord for each one of them.

And above all, to our Lord: Father, we thank You for hearing our prayers. You are Jehovah Jireh, our Provider. This home is Yours. May it be a place of peace, worship, and hospitality that brings glory to Your name.

We pray that the Lord bless each of you a hundredfold for your kindness. Our doors are always open to you. We look forward to fellowship, prayer, and praise in this home that He has built through all of us together.

With all our love and thanksgiving,
Sis. Josephine and family
Bogo, the Philippines

Our Chinese Service

Over the past twenty-four years, the Lord has graciously sustained and blessed the ministry of Gethsemane Chinese Service, establishing it as a faithful witness to His saving grace in the Chinese-speaking community and as a biblical congregation where believers gather to worship Him in spirit and in truth.

Though it faced struggles in the beginning, the Chinese Service has stood upon the unchanging foundation of God’s infallible Word. Through reverent worship, faithful preaching of the Scriptures, fervent prayer, and warm Christian fellowship, the Lord has nurtured believers in the knowledge of Christ and strengthened them to live as faithful witnesses. We praise God for every soul saved, every believer established in the faith, and every opportunity to proclaim the glorious Gospel of Jesus Christ.

We thank God for the joyful service of Pr Daniel Lim in preaching the Word and attending to the care of the brethren in the Chinese Service. We also praise God for all who have been co-labouring by offering themselves to lead in worship and the various ministries. There are also brethren who labour sacrificially to bring the worship service online for the benefit of those who are home-bound due to illness or those who are away on foreign assignments. The webcast ministry has been a help to our Chinese-speaking brethren of one of our mission churches, Calvary Kuching BPC in East Malaysia.

This anniversary also reminds us that every spiritual blessing has come solely by the grace of God. Faithful pastors, preachers, translators, musicians, ushers, and many willing brethren laboured diligently, yet it is the Lord who has given the increase (1 Corinthians 3:6–7). We are deeply grateful to all whom God has raised up to serve this ministry through the years.

As we reflect on God’s abundant mercies, we also look ahead with renewed faith. May the Lord continue to preserve the doctrinal faithfulness of the Chinese Service, raise up another generation of faithful servants, and enlarge its witness among Chinese-speaking people in Singapore and beyond. To God alone be all the glory for His unfailing goodness throughout these twenty-four years.

Gethsemane B-P Mission Church, Bohol

The following report of the 20th Anniversary Service is from Pr Edsel Locot, who serves the Lord in our mission church in Bohol. We thank God for enabling Pr Edsel to serve the Lord faithfully and fervently in his hometown for the last 20 years, upon completing his studies at FEBC. He is ably supported in the ministry by his wife, Sis Juvy, who is a graduate of GBI, Cebu. They have prayerfully been labouring on hard ground. Pastor Reggor Galarpe (GBPC, Cebu) has often travelled to Bohol (almost every month) to provide pastoral supervision for the congregation. Let us thank God for their steadfastness in the work of the Lord for the last 20 years.

Dear Pastor Koshy,

Greetings to you in the Blessed Name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ!

I praise and thank God for the fruitful and blessed 20th Anniversary and Thanksgiving Service held last Sunday. I thank God for His faithfulness in sustaining the mission work in Bohol and for enabling the mission church to reach this significant milestone. All glory and praise belong to our One, living, and true God. As Psalm 115:1 declares: “Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory, for thy mercy, and for thy truth’s sake.” I praise and thank God for using Gethsemane Bible-Presbyterian Church, Singapore, to uphold and sustain the mission church through its faithful prayers and heartfelt support over the years.

I praise and thank God for enabling Pastor Reggor and 18 brethren from Gethsemane BPC, Cebu, to travel to Bohol to join our anniversary celebration. I thank the Lord for granting them journey mercies and keeping them safe despite the unfavourable weather conditions. I also praise God for strengthening Pastor Reggor to faithfully preach and expound His Word for the edification and encouragement of the members. I thank God that the message of His saving grace was clearly proclaimed to the visitors who joined us.

I pray that the Lord will continue to teach and empower the members of the mission church to trust and serve Him with sincere hearts. May He help us to remain faithful in learning His Word, growing in our faith, and living according to His will each day.

Pastor, I’m sending you photos taken during our anniversary.

In Christ,
Pr Edsel Locot

Report by Pr Cornelius Koshy

About a year ago, Rev. Reggor shared with me his desire for a team of youths from Singapore to encourage the youths in the Philippine churches so that through the fellowship around God’s Word and the godly example of youths from Singapore, the second generation of Christians in the Philippines would be strengthened and stirred to be steadfast in the faith (Colossians 2:6–7).

Indeed, there is great benefit in having God-fearing young men and women, whose words and conduct bear testimony to a living faith and joyful service for Christ, to be role models for youths who often learn by example and look up to older brothers and sisters in church (Titus 2:6–8).

When I shared with the Gethsemane Youth Fellowship concerning the outreach to the Filipino youths, thirteen responded, and I thank God for them! God willing, more will share in this ministry of encouragement through future youth mission trips. We are also thankful to the Board of Elders for their prayers, and the support of a $1,000 love gift from the Mission Support Fund. Praise the LORD!

From the outset, I reminded the team that we were to be mission-minded. Though we are young (1 Timothy 4:12), God who “is able to do exceeding abundantly” will use us in special ways, “above all that we ask or think” (Ephesians 3:20). We were to endeavour to be a blessing to the brethren. Dns Diana and I divided the various responsibilities so that every member of the team had an area to serve (Ephesians 4:7, 16). Preparation then began in earnest. To the praise of God, every participant served faithfully and with excellence.

The highlight of the trip was the combined youth retreat, attended by 86 participants, including about 40 youths from Cebu, Bohol, Bogo, San Antonio and Singapore. Five messages were preached on the theme, Forgiven to Forgive, together with two workshops on The Biblical Response to LGBTQ Issues and Managing Disappointment and Rejection. Besides the retreat, we joined the brethren for the Midweek Prayer Meeting, the Lord’s Day worship service, and also served in the Junior Worship and children’s outreach held at Sis. Ophelia’s home.

A week after the trip, Rev. Reggor sent us this encouraging message:

“Maayong Buntag (Good morning) Pr Cornelius, trust that everyone in the mission team has rested well after the 5-day ministry here in Cebu. The brethren here, especially the youths, are still talking about their experience during the retreat, particularly the lessons learned from God’s Word and fellowship. We had our prayer meeting last night and every one’s sharing their thanksgiving for the combined retreat and the mission team’s coming. Praise God!”

The following are brief reports of our daily activities, written by members of the mission team:

Wednesday, 24 June 2026 (by Titus Lim)

Upon our safe arrival at Mactan airport, Rev. Reggor and many brethren warmly welcomed us. That evening, the Cebu youths hosted us for an authentic Filipino dinner.

At the Midweek Prayer Meeting, the mission team presented a hymn, and Sis. Grace Ho testified of God’s faithfulness in preserving her and Bro. Titus Ho through a motorbike accident in December 2025, and of God’s sustaining grace upon Pr Kee How during his four-month ordeal following a brain haemorrhage and ongoing hydrocephalus.

Pr Cornelius then preached from 2 John 1:7–11 on the dangers of going back to the old ways, going  beyond the limits set by God’s holy standards, and going with worldly people. The prayer meeting ended with prayers in small groups.

Thursday, 25 June 2026 (by Ruben Skariah)

We thank God for the safe journey to Carcar Eco Resort for the start of the combined youth retreat. After enjoying lunch together, Pr Cornelius began the opening message on the theme, Forgiven to Forgive. In the afternoon, Bro. Marcus, Ruben and Nathan organised games that helped everyone get to know one another better. The joy and laughter shared during these activities created a warm and encouraging atmosphere for the rest of the retreat.

Before the evening message, we had a special singing segment entitled “Meditations in Song”, where the chairman read out some lines to prepare the congregation to understand the lyrics in their biblical context, and then the congregation responded in song. At some stanzas, members of the mission team sang solos and duets, while at other times the whole congregation joined in to lift our voices to the Lord.

Friday, 26 June 2026 (by Nathan Resuma)

After breakfast, the Lord blessed us through Pastor Reggor’s morning devotion on the uncompromising stand of Daniel from Daniel 1:8. After Pr Cornelius’ third theme message, we had an interactive youth activity for buddies to learn more about one another. This was followed by the first workshop on The Biblical Response to LGBTQ Issues.

After lunch, we boarded the buses for an outing. At Estino Milk Station, some enjoyed ice cream made from fresh milk while others tried horse riding. At Mantayupan Falls, a group of daring youths went on a wooden raft under the waterfall! Most of us were content to dip our feet in the cool waters. We returned safely to Carcar Eco Resort for dinner and the night programme. The day ended with a time of prayer in pairs for various items and for one another before being dismissed to rest in our rooms.

Saturday, 27 June 2026 (by Jeremy Cheah)

The day began with a devotion by Bro. Johnny Rey from 1 John 2:15, reminding us not to love the world. He preached in English mixed with Cebuano, so that some of the youths who struggled with English could follow along! After the concluding message of the theme, and the second workshop on Managing Disappointment and Rejection, we shared a final lunch together with lechon! We thank God for all the fellowship with our brothers and sisters in Christ. Many were grateful for the new Christian friendships forged as well as old friendships rekindled.

At night, we gathered together with our Cebu youths for a dinner at Jollibee (a must-try in the Philippines)! Thereafter, some of us tried balut – a delicacy indeed! Thank God for keeping us safe, blessing us with journey mercies, and a wonderful time with our friends from Cebu.

Sunday, 28 June 2026

On the Lord’s Day, God’s Word from 2 Kings 5:20–27 warned us that if we run greedily into riches, we run certainly into ruin! We were exhorted once again on the dangers of covetousness and the blessings of contentment. Many in the team attended to the children at Junior Worship, teaching them lessons from the life of Ruth. After a sumptuous lunch fellowship, the team taught about 40 children the lessons from the global flood and Noah’s Ark at the children’s outreach, with the help of Bro. Clate, Julius and Johnny as interpreters.

Conclusion

Looking back, we give all glory to God for His goodness throughout this mission trip. While we went with the desire to encourage the brethren in the Philippines, we returned convinced that we ourselves had received far more than we had given. The warm Christian fellowship, the joyful spirit of service, the evident work of God among the brethren, and the opportunity to labour together in the Gospel were a rich encouragement to our own hearts. As we sought to “consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works” (Hebrews 10:24), the Lord used the fellowship of His people to strengthen us all alike. We also witnessed the truth of Paul’s words: “For what thanks can we render to God again for you, for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God” (1 Thessalonians 3:9).

May the Lord establish our youths in the faith, raise up more labourers for His harvest, and grant that future youth mission trips may likewise be used to strengthen His people and glorify His great name.

The hospitality of the church is a vital ministry through which the love of Christ is visibly manifested to believers and unbelievers alike. While individual members and families often participate in this work, biblical hospitality is required of the church as a whole, which is the household of God. Scripture exhorts local assemblies of Christians to receive, care for, and encourage God’s people so that the fellowship Christ has established among the redeemed is always cherished.

The very first New Testament church in Jerusalem was marked by such corporate hospitality. The believers in Jerusalem shared their resources and cared for one another so that no member was left destitute (cf. Acts 2:44–47; 4:32–35). Apostolic churches regularly welcomed travelling preachers, missionaries, and fellow believers. The apostle John commended the church’s support of faithful ministers, urging believers to receive them so that the church might become “fellowhelpers to the truth” (3 John 5–8). The churches of Macedonia also demonstrated generous hospitality by sacrificially providing for the needs of God’s people (cf. 2 Corinthians 8:1–5).

Such hospitality strengthens the communion of the saints, encourages weary labourers, comforts the afflicted, and provides a powerful testimony to the watching world. Visitors should find in the church a place of worship and a spiritual family where Christ’s love is sincerely expressed. As members and families willingly contribute the use of their homes, resources, time, and service, they are not acting independently but supporting the church’s collective ministry of hospitality.

A hospitable church reflects the welcoming grace of God Himself. We who were once “strangers and foreigners” have been received into God’s household through Christ (Ephesians 2:19). Therefore, as a congregation, let us prayerfully cultivate a culture of gracious reception, loving care, generous provision, and warm fellowship (cf. 1 Peter 4:9; Hebrews 13:2). Such hospitality strengthens the unity of the body, promotes the work of Christ’s servants, and glorifies the Lord who has so graciously welcomed us into His eternal family.

Hospitality also guards the church against coldness, isolation, and selfishness. It nurtures mutual love and creates opportunities for discipleship across generations and borders. It is especially precious in welcoming visitors, encouraging new believers, supporting missionaries, and comforting those who are lonely or afflicted. Let us emulate the commendable practice of the churches of earlier generations, as well as faithful churches around us today, in practising Christ-centred hospitality.

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Thanksgiving Letter from our Pangasinan Brethren

Greetings in the marvellous name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

By God’s grace, we arrived safely back here in Pangasinan with hearts full of joy and thanksgiving. We praise the Lord for the wonderful two weeks of fellowship, encouragement, and feasting on His Word that we experienced together with the brethren in Singapore.

On behalf of our group, I would like to sincerely express our heartfelt gratitude to you and all the brethren whom we met, both old friends and new acquaintances, for the warm fellowship, love, and kindness shown to us. We are especially thankful to brethren who opened their homes and welcomed us with such generous hospitality. Through those moments of fellowship, we truly experienced the love and unity of the body of Christ.

During our stay in Singapore and Malaysia, our dear sister personally shared with us how greatly she was encouraged by what she witnessed, especially the involvement of your youths in the ministry. She was blessed to see them faithfully participating in choir practices and serving in various ministries, not just on Sundays. What captivated her was seeing that the youths are not consumed by their phones or worldly distractions, but instead have a genuine desire for fellowship, worship, and service to the Lord. This is a great encouragement, particularly as we see our young people facing many challenges here in Pangasinan today.

She was also deeply encouraged to witness how a Christian family lives out their faith daily, particularly through the example of the Resuma family. Seeing the children devoted to reading and studying the Bible was a beautiful testimony of how God’s Word is being nurtured within the home.

We were also deeply touched by the brethren who took the time to take us to the airport and see us off despite their busy schedules. Their love and thoughtfulness were a meaningful expression of Christian fellowship. My wife, Olive, would also like to extend her heartfelt appreciation to those who lovingly cared for and assisted Timotheus during our time in Singapore and Malaysia. Their kindness and support were truly a blessing to our family.

We would also like to express our deepest gratitude to the Board of Elders for giving us the opportunity to attend the church camp. It was indeed a great blessing and a source of encouragement to all of us. The teachings, fellowship, and reminders from the catechism classes refreshed our hearts and renewed our commitment to be mindful of the truths that we uphold.

As we eagerly look forward to our Sunday worship service, we are excited to share with our brethren here in Pangasinan the blessings and experiences God has allowed us to witness. We pray that our testimonies may encourage others and bring glory to God, who has graciously allowed us to experience the beauty of fellowship among His people.

Lastly, may we also humbly request your prayers for our church here in Pangasinan, that the Lord may raise up more faithful men who will dedicate themselves to the work of the ministry, and that our youths may develop a deeper passion to serve Christ and remain steadfast amidst the influences of this wicked world.

Once again, thank you very much for your love, prayers, and generosity. We give all glory and praise to our faithful God for bringing us together and allowing us to experience such precious fellowship in Christ.

May the Lord continue to bless you, your family, and the ministry He has entrusted to you.

In Christ,
Dn Jumar Balicao

The church of Jesus Christ exists because God established it, and it continues because God faithfully sustains it. Every aspect of the church’s ministry, such as preaching the Gospel, discipling believers, supporting pastors and missionaries, caring for the needy, publishing biblical literature, and sending forth labourers, depends entirely upon God’s gracious provision. The Scriptures consistently teach that the Lord never calls His church to a work without also providing what is necessary to accomplish it. Though He often uses His people as instruments, all provisions ultimately come from Him.

The apostle Paul reminds us, “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19). This promise was given to believers who had generously supported God’s work through Paul. Their giving did not impoverish them, for God Himself undertook to meet their needs. The church, therefore, must never trust in human wealth or worldly methods, but in the inexhaustible riches of her heavenly Father.

Pastors and Preachers

God first provides for His church by calling and equipping faithful servants to shepherd His flock and proclaim His truth. The ascended Christ Himself “gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers” (Ephesians 4:11). These ministers are not self-appointed professionals or merely employees of the church; they are Christ’s gifts to His people, raised up according to His sovereign will for the edification of His body.

The Lord graciously places within those whom He calls a deep burden for the salvation of souls and a heartfelt love for His church. Like the apostle Paul, they are constrained by the love of Christ and willingly devote themselves to the ministry of the Word and prayer (Acts 6:4). This inward calling is confirmed by the church as the Lord makes evident both the man’s godly character and his fitness for ministry (1 Timothy 3:1–7; Titus 1:5–9).

Full-time ministry staff: The Lord also calls some believers to full-time ministry roles that support and facilitate the ministry of the Word, even though they are not called to preaching ministries. Paul travelled with numerous co-workers whose ministries were largely supportive. Examples of such men in supportive roles include Luke, Tychicus and Epaphroditus. These workers were recognised, entrusted with responsibility, and often supported by the church.

From this principle, churches may legitimately recognise and appoint full-time administrative, publishing, media, or logistical workers today.

God not only calls His servants but also equips them. Through the Holy Spirit, He grants the spiritual gifts, wisdom, and grace necessary to preach His Word faithfully, shepherd His people lovingly, defend sound doctrine courageously, and lead the church with humility (1 Corinthians 12:4–11; 2 Timothy 2:24–25). Though ministers must diligently study the Scriptures and labour earnestly in their calling, they shall also continually depend upon God’s enabling grace, confessing with Paul, “our sufficiency is of God” (2 Corinthians 3:5).

The church should therefore receive faithful pastors and preachers, along with their supporting team that God has provided, and with gratitude, pray for them continually and support them in their ministry. By providing godly shepherds, Christ demonstrates His unfailing care for His church, ensuring that His people are fed with the truth, guarded from error, and built up in the faith until He comes again.

Open Doors of Ministry

The Lord who commissions His church also opens doors for its ministry. Paul rejoiced when “a great door and effectual is opened unto me” (1 Corinthians 16:9), and he requested prayer that “God would open unto us a door of utterance” (Colossians 4:3). Whether in our local community or in distant lands, every genuine opportunity to preach the Gospel, establish churches, teach the Scriptures, publish biblical literature, or train labourers is granted by God’s sovereign providence. No human effort can create such opportunities apart from His will. 

The Lord opens hearts to receive His Word (Acts 16:14), directs His servants to needy fields (Acts 16:6–10), and prepares circumstances for the advancement of the Gospel. As He enlarges the church’s opportunities, He also provides the workers with the wisdom, finances, and strength required for the task. 

In this regard, we thank God for all the local and foreign avenues He has opened before our church to spread the Gospel, establish churches, and train men for the work of the Gospel. 

We as a church must prayerfully discern and faithfully enter every door that He graciously opens for His glory.

Material Provision

God ordinarily provides for His church through the willing generosity of His redeemed people. Under both the Old and New Testaments, His people were called to support the worship and service of God. In the New Testament, the apostle Paul writes, “Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel” (1 Corinthians 9:14). Those who devote themselves to preaching and teaching are to be sustained by the church, enabling them to labour without distraction in the ministry of the Word.

Christian giving is never to be regarded as a burdensome duty or an attempt to earn God’s favour. Rather, it is the joyful and grateful response of hearts transformed by His saving grace. The Macedonian churches exemplified this spirit. Though enduring “a great trial of affliction” and “deep poverty”, they abounded in liberality because they “first gave their own selves to the Lord” (2 Corinthians 8:2, 5). Their generosity flowed from consecrated hearts, not from material abundance. Likewise, Paul exhorts, “Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7).

The church needs no manipulative fundraising, emotional pressure, or promises of earthly prosperity in exchange for financial gifts. Scripture knows nothing of coercive appeals or commercialised ministry. Christian giving is an act of worship offered voluntarily, joyfully, and thankfully unto God. The Lord delights in willing sacrifices born of love, rather than gifts extracted through guilt or worldly persuasion.

The oft-quoted saying of Hudson Taylor expresses a biblical principle: “God’s work done in God’s way will never lack God’s supply.” While this should not be interpreted to mean that God’s servants will always enjoy abundance or receive immediate answers, it rightly affirms that the Lord never fails to provide all that is necessary to accomplish His purposes. Sometimes He supplies through generous believers, sometimes through unexpected providences, sometimes through sacrificial labour, and often after seasons of waiting that deepen our faith.

The church today has every reason to trust her faithful Lord. “He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?”  (Romans 8:32). Therefore, let believers give cheerfully, administer faithfully, pray earnestly, and labour diligently, remembering that the ministry belongs to the Lord. As Scripture declares, “And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work” (2 Corinthians 9:8).

PRAISE GOD FROM WHOM ALL BLESSINGS FLOW!

The Lord has graciously provided sufficient funds to meet the substantial shortfall through the generous giving of the members and friends of GBPC over the past week. We praise Him that, by His faithful provision, this financial year can now conclude without the deficit we had feared. May the Lord bless all the cheerful givers!

Joan Cheah

I thank and praise the Lord for His goodness throughout this blessed church camp.

My heart is filled with gratitude for every hymn, message, prayer, act of service, and worship rendered unto God during the camp.

I have learned much about God’s preservation of His holy Word, which is infallible and inerrant, and has been faithfully preserved throughout the generations. As the Psalmist declares in Psalm 12:6–7: “The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever.” I pray that the Spirit of God will help me to remain faithful in trusting the Scriptures as the supreme authority and the foundation of my life.

Besides this, it is my earnest desire that the Lord will continue to grant me grace, wisdom and strength to remain steadfast in His holy precepts and to serve Him wholeheartedly throughout my life until He calls me to His glorious home.

I also wish to express my joy for the warm fellowship I enjoyed with the brethren during those five days at the church camp. It was a time of mutual encouragement and exhortation in the Lord, for which I am truly thankful.

I would also like to thank the camp committee for their labour of love and service unto God. Their careful planning and arrangements, including the accommodation at Courtyard Marriott Hotel and all the logistical preparations, contributed greatly to a blessed and comfortable camp experience.

Above all, I thank the Lord for all the valuable messages preached by the preachers.

The topic on the “Bible Presbyterian Distinctives”, faithfully preached and taught by Pastor Koshy, has benefited me greatly. These messages have enriched me spiritually and reminded me to live as a child of God – to be fruitful, to persevere in the faith, and to serve Him faithfully.

To God be all the glory and honour. Amen.

Elder Alan Choy

Thank the Lord for His goodness and grace in granting us a wonderful church camp, a time of revising and learning the important theologies from God’s Word. We are exhorted to “sanctify the Lord God in our hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh [us] a reason of the hope that is in [us] with meekness and fear” (1 Peter 3:15). Thank God for His servants – our Pastor and the preachers – who divided the Word faithfully to us. Thanks to our Camp Master and all the camp committee members for their labour of love, looking into every detail of the physical arrangements for the campers. It was indeed a joy to see brethren coming together in the unity of faith.

Reuel Resuma

1 Thessalonians 5:18 – “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”

I thank God for enabling my family to attend this year’s church camp, where I’ve been blessed with a five-day-long study of God’s Word. I’ve been especially blessed in this year’s camp, in that I have been instructed in the doctrines of our church, so that I may clearly understand why we stand firmly as Bible-Presbyterians in a world filled with numerous denominations and doctrines. I also thank God for the morning devotions and the messages on stewardship, from which I realised that I still have much to learn to be a good steward of Christ over the things He has entrusted to me. I also thank God for the camp committee, who diligently planned this event, for every preacher who faithfully expounded the Word to us, and for all those who served humbly behind the scenes. I also thank God for the fellowship and fun I’ve had with other brethren. I pray that I will take back the lessons that I have learned and apply them to my life, and that I will serve God and others with the gifts He has given me and glorify Him always.

Margie Jasmin

I’m Margie Jasmin from Pangasinan, the Philippines. Thank God for giving my two children and me the opportunity to travel to Singapore to attend a church camp in Malaysia. I didn’t expect to come here because of the many struggles in processing my passport and financial needs. Thank God for the Lord’s gracious provisions that helped us to come for the church camp.

I thank God for all our brethren here in Singapore for their hospitality and fellowship since we arrived in Singapore and during the journey to and from the church camp. We shall now go back to Pangasinan, encouraged and happy to share with our fellow brethren what we have learned at the church camp. Our heartfelt thanks to the pastors and the preachers who preached the Word of God and provided spiritual learning. Thanks also to all elders and deacons. To God be the glory.

Nathan Resuma

I thank God for this church camp, where we could come together to worship Him as one body—the church—and for His abundant blessings throughout the camp, including His gracious providence in enabling my family to attend. I thank God for the pastors, preachers, and children’s teachers who faithfully taught from His Word, especially on the theme, “The Doctrinal Distinctives of Our Bible-Presbyterian Church”, and for the camp committee who diligently planned every aspect of this camp.

I also thank God for the blessed fellowship I enjoyed with my roommates, family, and friends. I pray that God will help me to apply the lessons I have learned, that I may live victoriously for His glory and “finish my course with joy” (Acts 20:24).

All glory be to God alone!

Lok Qian Ning

In a world that favours ecumenism, what a precious blessing it was to attend the recent church camp, where many of the distinct doctrines and principles of the Bible-Presbyterian church were so clearly spelt out from the truths of God’s Word. Truly, the importance of knowing and communicating God’s truth cannot be overstated. Though there’s still much more to learn, I thank God for Pastor who laboured much to concisely deliver the key points of the B-P distinctives. The messages on stewardship were also excellent reproofs and reminders to examine my faithfulness to God in how I use what He has entrusted to me. Thank God as well for the preachers who led the morning devotions, and for the camp committee who worked tirelessly. Indeed, learning from God’s Word and serving at church camps have been among the best uses of time, treasure, and talents!

Aron Ong

It was by God’s grace and mercy that my family and I were able to attend this year’s church camp. I was taken ill by a viral infection slightly over a week before the camp and am thankful to recover just in time, and also that my family members were protected from the illness.

I thank God for our Pastor and preachers who faithfully ministered the Word through the camp theme messages on our Bible-Presbyterian doctrinal distinctives, the morning messages on stewardship, and the daily morning devotions. The messages on stewardship refocused our mindset on managing and using our God-given resources for the glory of God. The camp theme messages renewed and reinforced our understanding of the biblical basis of our B-P faith, and together with the Q&A clarified and addressed some of the questions I had. I especially love the messages on Calvinism - the 5 points of TULIP - O the blessed thought of God’s saving grace to me and the reassurance of His preservation of all His chosen ones.

“Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:6).

Last but not least, I thank God for the opportunities to serve and fellowship in the camp. Thank God for the camp organising committee, the games organisers, and all the brethren who have made this a blessed camp for God’s glory.

Shaphrang Lyngdoh Nongrang

As one who is a sinner saved by grace but often filled with doubts, I must confess that I struggled last December with the decision to sign up and attend the Gethsemane Church Camp 2026. In my heart, I desired to return home to my family during the vacation, thinking that would be far better for me. Yet I thank God for His sovereign grace in bringing me to this camp. Looking back, I see clearly that it was not my own desire, but the mercy of the Lord Jesus Christ that led me to attend the camp.

This being my first Gethsemane Bible-Presbyterian Church Camp, and coming from a non-BP background with just a year at FEBC, I had only some knowledge of certain doctrines. Through the preaching of God’s Word, I was humbled to see how shallow my understanding was and how weak my convictions remained. Christ was set before me, and my heart was searched.

In particular, the morning devotion on contending for the faith preached by Pr Samson from Jude 3–4 deeply convicted me. I saw my fear, my silence, and how easily I shrink from standing for the truth. I realised that contending for the faith is not something distant or theoretical, but a personal calling. Too often, I desire comfort more than faithfulness, and ease more than obedience.

The messages on stewardship, especially on time, treasure, and gifts, were very searching, showing me how much of my life I still hold back from Christ, even though I belong wholly to Him. The teaching on Biblical Separation, though I had learned it last semester at FEBC, brought fresh conviction that I must live a life set apart unto Christ without compromise. The teaching on total abstinence was also new to me, as it is not something I had been taught in my church, and it reminded me of the warnings in Scripture concerning the dangers and deception of strong drink (Proverbs 20:1; 23:29–35), and how I need to live soberly. I am likewise thankful for the teaching on VPI and VPP, which has helped strengthen my confidence that the Word of Christ is perfectly preserved and trustworthy.

As I consider returning to Shillong in the future, according to God’s will, where many worldly and charismatic influences seem to be increasing, and where we as Christians may be losing our Presbyterian roots, I am humbled and convicted that I must not remain passive. By His grace, I desire to stand firm, hold fast to His Word, and be ready to contend for the faith with humility and courage, remembering the teachings I have learned from this church camp. I pray that Christ will continue to sanctify me, making me more faithful and obedient not only to speak of Him but also to live for Him, and above all to be more conformed to His image.

I also thank God for the love and fellowship of the saints at Gethsemane. This was not mere outward kindness, but true communion in Christ that refreshed my soul. Through the care and conversations with the church leaders and members, I experienced a genuine love for Christ and His truth. It gave me a foretaste of heaven, where Christ will be all in all (1 Cor. 15:28), and His people perfectly united in Him. Even now, I sense something of that unity and joy, and it stirs my heart to long for that day. I pray that God will help me to cherish the fellowship of His people and to walk faithfully among His saints for His glory. I also desire, by His grace, to serve, to be edified, and to continue learning from the example of Gethsemane Church in unity and sound doctrine. May God help me.

Soli Deo Gloria.

Timothy Hu

I thank God for the privilege of attending the Gethsemane BPC Church Camp 2026. After a year of studying at FEBC and worshipping at Gethsemane BPC, I am thankful to see how much the Lord has helped me grow spiritually. I felt immense gratitude when Dn Lijoy told me we could attend the church camp without worrying about the cost. I am also deeply thankful to be at the Gethsemane Church Camp, where I have been reminded of our Bible-Presbyterian distinctives and have experienced the genuine love and care of the church family.

I thank God for the camp speakers, Pastor Koshy, all the preachers, Camp Master, and those who worked faithfully behind the scenes. I loved every message. Each one felt like a condensed FEBC lecture, a powerful reminder of my standing in the faith, why I hold fast to the truth, and why I must continue to stand firm in these biblical doctrines and Bible-Presbyterian distinctives.

I enjoyed every aspect of the camp, from the faithful preaching and uplifting singspiration, which filled my heart with joy as I sang together with my brothers and sisters in Christ, to the enjoyable games, godly fellowship, and delicious meals. Witnessing the communion of the saints throughout the camp greatly encouraged me and reminded me of the beauty and preciousness of Christian fellowship. It truly felt right and joyful to be among God’s people.

I also thank God for the privilege of serving on the AV team; through this opportunity, I learned much, not only about audio and visual work but also about functioning within a well-organised team. My first Gethsemane B-P Church Camp was so wonderful that I must be careful not to take it for granted.

To end my testimony, may I share a Bible verse that I am very fond of, Psalm 36:9-10: “For with thee is the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light. O continue thy lovingkindness unto them that know thee; and thy righteousness to the upright in heart.”

Diana Lim

“To Be a Baby with a Moustache No More” … by the Grace of God

I came to know Christ when I was in either kindergarten or Primary One. Through door-to-door evangelism by some Christians from Grace Assembly of God Church, my siblings and I began attending Sunday School.

One day, on my way to church, I was almost knocked down by a car. I was probably in the upper primary then. It was wonderful to experience God’s protection in my life. 

However, my siblings and I sometimes struggled to attend church because we wanted to watch our favourite TV programme, and the timing clashed with the evangelistic hour at 3pm. Eventually, I stopped attending church when I was in Secondary One.

Yet God’s mercy and faithfulness have never failed me through the years.

After my ‘O’ levels, I entered Singapore Polytechnic and attended an orientation programme. At the Navigators’ booth, Wong Siok Wai (my “spiritual mother”) shared Christ with me and encouraged me to join the fellowship. She also invited me to witness her baptism at New Life B-P Church in Marsiling. I started attending New Life the following Sunday and was baptised on 5 November 1989.

Sadly, I later went astray and disobeyed God by marrying a non-Christian. Nevertheless, God’s mercy and faithfulness remained unchanged.

I invited my husband to attend Thomson Road Baptist Church, and we faithfully attended the Chinese Worship Service. However, one day, I told him I wanted to stop attending because of my part-time degree studies—I sowed my own disaster.

Karen Quek encouraged me not to give up on my faith and invited me to the Ladies’ Fellowship and Sunday Worship at Gethsemane B-P Church. I did not attend regularly, but instead listened to Pastor Koshy’s sermons online. Through Karen, I learned about the Bible Witness Retreat “Heaven” in March 2024, and I registered for it. Subsequently, I met Joan Cheah on the bus to Johor Bahru. Like Karen, she encouraged me to worship on site rather than only online.

In early December, I invited my husband to attend the Gethsemane B-P Chinese Worship Service, and I was surprised when he said “Yes”. Truly, God’s mercy and faithfulness endure forever. I continue to pray for my husband’s salvation.

I remember that during one of the Navigators’ meetings, a speaker, Royston Tan, spoke about “a baby with a moustache”. He challenged us not to remain on milk when we should be taking meat (solid food).

I praise and thank God for sending friends to awaken me. Last but not least, I thank God for Pastor Koshy, whose faithful teaching and preaching have greatly helped me grow in my spiritual walk. Indeed, God has given me many opportunities to repent and return to Him. May God help me not to be “a baby with a moustache” anymore.

Ong Li-Suen

I was brought up in a Christian home and have been attending Glory Presbyterian Church for many years. I am thankful for the strong spiritual foundation and guidance I received there, which played an important role in nurturing my faith from an early age, and in leading me to accept Jesus Christ as my Lord and Saviour. 

Recently, my fiancé, Joshua, and I began looking for a church where we could settle down and continue growing together in our Christian walk, and we happened to come across Gethsemane Bible-Presbyterian Church. 

On our first visit, we were warmly welcomed by the congregation. The fellowship seemed genuine and encouraging, and it quickly felt like a place where we could belong. I have also been very encouraged by the church’s strong focus on the teaching of God’s Word. Through the sermons, I have already learnt much and have been spiritually edified. 

One of my favourite verses is Proverbs 3:5–6: “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” 

This verse continually reminds me to trust in the Lord’s guidance in every aspect of my life, even during tough times. 

As Joshua and I will be getting married soon, we are thankful to have found a church where we can grow together spiritually as we begin this new chapter of our lives. We look forward to building meaningful fellowship, and to continually grow in our faith together with the church.

Wong Cheng Han

Unworthy and Undeserved, Yet Saved by Grace

As an unworthy and undeserving sinner, I thank God for saving me by His grace. Through both good times and difficult times – when I have failed and fallen – God has never forsaken me. I am truly very thankful for His love and long-suffering towards me.

In 1996, I was baptised at Calvary Pandan B-P Church (CPBPC). I am grateful for the late Rev. Dr Tow Siang Hwa’s faithful preaching of God’s Word, his guidance, and his exemplary life. I was deeply touched by his love for God and for His flock. He had played a crucial and significant role in my spiritual growth.

By God’s grace, I had the privilege of serving in the visitation team and in an outreach ministry to neighbourhood children on Saturdays, undertaking roles such as a bus attendant and assistant teacher, besides leading in singspiration. There was great joy in serving the Lord, and through these ministries, my faith and love for Him increased. Indeed, God has not dealt with me according to my sins, nor rewarded me according to my iniquities (cf. Psalm 103:10). Though He remembers that I am dust (cf. Genesis 3:19), He is still pleased to use me.

Years later, I also had the privilege of serving at Blessed Hope B-P Church as a greeter, Sunday School teacher, and in the visitation team. However, during the COVID pandemic, when participation in congregational worship was not possible, I started listening to online messages from Gethsemane BPC and True Life BPC. Later, God led me back to CPBPC, though it was not something I had prayed for. While supporting the visitation team and helping monthly at the Senior Fellowship, I reconnected with old friends and made new ones. At the same time, I prayed and waited for God’s direction.

It has been two years since I last visited CPBPC. By and by, God providentially leads me to move on to another church. The Lord constantly reminded me that His grace is sufficient for me, and that He is my keeper, so there is nothing to fear. I have learnt to trust and look to the Lord, whenever I experience aching and tingling sensations in my right leg (which has occurred since mid 2025), instead of praying for healing regarding this infirmity.

After much prayer, in January 2026, I shared my decision to become a member of Gethsemane B-P Church with Brother Jordan and Sister Ara. They were very happy, as it was an answered prayer. I thank God for the brotherly love we share.

The Christian fellowship among the elders, preachers, deacons and brethren has also been heartwarming. I am equally blessed by the teaching of God’s Word from the pulpit and in the Chinese Service, as well as in the Gethsemane Filipino Fellowship.

Pastor Koshy’s exemplary life and love for God’s church – shown through his leadership, guidance, care, warnings, and reproof – have encouraged me to become more Christlike. Indeed, Gethsemane B-P Church is blessed to have him as our shepherd.

I look forward to serving together with like-minded brethren in this church. My constant prayer is that I may be a vessel fit for my Master’s use. Amen.

Matthew 5:16 – “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”

A Pastoral Appeal to the Church to Pray for Ministers of the Word in Local and Foreign Fields

Christ’s Assessment of the Harvest and the Harvesters

When our Lord Jesus Christ looked upon the multitudes that followed Him, He did not merely see a crowd of people gathered around Him. He saw their true spiritual condition. Matthew tells us that He was “moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd” (Matthew 9:36). The people were weary, confused, and spiritually helpless. They needed guidance, truth, and salvation. Out of that compassionate observation came one of Christ’s most urgent appeals to His disciples.

In Matthew 9:37–38, Jesus said, “The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.” In these words, our Lord reveals two great realities. First, there is a vast spiritual harvest. The world is filled with souls who need the Gospel and the shepherding ministry of God’s Word. Second, there is a serious, painful labour shortage. Having men called and sent by God to preach, teach, and care for souls is the greatest need of this world, that people may be brought under God’s truth to receive His salvation and guidance.

Christ’s Appeal to Pray for Harvesters

Our Lord’s first response to this urgent need was not strategy, organisation, or human ingenuity, but a call to earnest prayer to the Lord of the harvest, that He may raise up and send forth labourers. These words ought to lie heavily upon the heart of every church.

This is what the church desperately needs to hear again – a beckoning to pray for labourers in the ministry of the Word. If Christ commanded His disciples to pray for labourers, then surely the church in every age must give itself to prayer for pastor-teachers, evangelists or preachers of the Word, both in local congregations and in distant fields where the Gospel is little known. The ministry of the Word is central to the life, purity, growth, and mission of the church. Therefore, the church must be earnest, constant, and believing in prayer for those whom God has called to preach Christ.

Christ looked upon the crowd not as mere numbers, but as distressed and spiritually needy souls. The image of sheep without a shepherd is especially weighty – “…they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd” (Matt. 9:36). It points to the need for spiritual guidance, doctrinal instruction, tender oversight, and saving truth. The church must therefore pray because human souls do not merely need relief from outward troubles; they need shepherds who will feed them with the truth of God.

Our Lord says, “The harvest truly is plenteous”. The problem is not that there is a lack of work in soul-gathering, or that God has no saving purpose in the world. The problem is that “the labourers are few”. Few are willing to spend and be spent in the work of the Gospel. Few endure hardship, study the Scriptures diligently, shepherd souls patiently, and proclaim the whole counsel of God without compromise. Therefore, Christ directs His disciples to prayer: “Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest”. The harvest belongs to Him. The church belongs to Him. The ministers belong to Him. He alone can raise, equip, preserve, and send forth labourers.

This command teaches the church at least three things. First, ministers are a gift from Christ. They are not ultimately produced by seminaries, institutions, or ecclesiastical systems. Whatever good means may be used in training men, the call itself is divine. It is the Lord of the harvest who must send forth labourers. Second, the need for ministers is perpetual. Every generation requires faithful men to preach the Gospel afresh. Third, prayer for ministers is not optional. It is a plain duty laid upon the church by the Lord Himself.

Meditative Questions on Praying for Labourers

1. Concerning Our Understanding of Christ’s Concern

• Do I see the world as Christ saw it – full of weary souls like sheep without a shepherd?
• Do I recognise that the spiritual harvest is truly great in my locality and across the world?
• Do I believe that the shortage of faithful Gospel labourers is a serious concern for the church today?

2. Concerning Our Obedience to Christ’s Command

• Since Christ explicitly commands us to pray for labourers, am I obeying this command regularly?
• When was the last time I intentionally prayed that God would raise up and send forth faithful ministers of the Word?
• Is prayer for labourers a regular part of my personal and family prayer life?

3. Concerning Our Burden for the Ministry of the Word

• Do I pray earnestly for my own pastors and preachers, that they may preach with clarity, courage, and faithfulness?
• Do I pray that God will preserve them from discouragement, temptation, and spiritual weariness?
• Do I thank God regularly for those who labour among us in the ministry of the Word?

4. Concerning the Global Harvest

• Do I pray for ministers and missionaries serving in distant lands where Christ is not yet widely known?
• Am I aware of the needs of churches in other countries that lack faithful preachers of the Gospel?
• Do I remember persecuted or struggling ministers in my prayers?

5. Concerning the Raising of New Labourers

• Do I pray that God will raise up young men from our churches to serve as pastors, evangelists, and missionaries?
• Do I encourage those who show gifts for the ministry to pursue God’s calling?
• Am I willing to see members of my own family or church sent out for the Gospel ministry?

6. Concerning My Own Heart

• Does the spiritual condition of the lost move me to compassion as it did to Christ?
• Am I willing to support the ministry of the Word through prayer, encouragement, and practical help?
• Am I open to the possibility that God might call me, or someone close to me, to labour in His harvest?

7. Concerning Faith in the Lord of the Harvest

• Do I believe that God still raises up faithful labourers in answer to prayer?
• Do I pray with confidence that the Lord of the harvest will send forth workers into His field?

If the Lord has given you good health and wisdom to earn money, enabling you to have enough for your needful expenditure, even leaving you with surplus savings, what shall you do with your riches? The apostle Paul, in 1 Timothy 6:17-18, gives us the pure and perfect wisdom of God concerning how Christians ought to lay up their treasures: “Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; that they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate”.

Right Attitude towards Riches

The first attitude is that “they be not highminded”. As an old saying goes, “The mind grows wanton in prosperity, for it is hard to endure good fortune with calmness.” Abundance of money often makes people very proud of their achievements and causes them to consider themselves better than others. Ego compels them to live a luxurious life. The increasing prosperity and luxury invariably inflate the pride, which consequently hardens and debases our hearts. So if you have wealth, do not glory in it.

The second attitude is that we “trust (not) in uncertain riches, but in the living God”. Have you heard the saying, “Treat money like your God, and it will plague you like the devil”? The reason for such miserable ordeals in the life of a lover of money is that he is trusting in “uncertain riches”. The Book of Proverbs warns us, “Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven” (Proverbs 23:5). Since “riches are not for ever” (Proverbs 27:24a), we therefore should trust God more than our wealth. It is our living God “who giveth us richly all things to enjoy” (v. 17c). Our trust in God can only be verified if we by our lives prove that God, and not money, is our Master. Don’t let money be your master, but let it be your servant. It will do us much good if we can remember Martin Luther’s words: “God only, and not wealth, maintains the world; riches merely make people proud and lazy.”

The third attitude is that “they do good, that they be rich in good works”. The love of money is the parent of all wickedness. J.C. Ryle said, “Nothing I am sure has such a tendency to quench the fire of religion as the possession of money.” We must not allow the wealth that we have to affect our spiritual and moral commitment. Money is given unto us, that we may increase in “good works”. Good works are the fulfilment of the Lord’s will concerning us. Every work of self-gain and self-glory is evil work. Always remember that your money is to help you further God’s will. We can never be used or blessed by the Lord, if we do not have a full commitment to give all for His glory.

The fourth attitude is that we must be “ready to distribute, willing to communicate”. When we receive money, most of us immediately think of the best way of keeping or multiplying it. It is wrong to withhold from the needy, when the Lord has not withheld it from us though it was more than sufficient for all our needs. The Scriptural exhortation is: “distributing to the necessity of saints” (Romans 12:13); and “to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased” (Hebrews 13:16). More blessings come from giving than receiving (cf. Acts 20:35). Give according to your income, lest God make your income according to your giving! The right mindset is: “Get all you can, save all you can, and give all you can” (John Wesley). Note this attitude of giving must be accompanied with “readiness” and “willingness”. The words “ready” and “willing” in v. 18 call us not to delay when it comes to giving to the needs of the Lord’s work or for the poor. We should give as we would receive – cheerfully, quickly and without hesitation.

Laying Up Riches in Heaven

“Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life” (1 Timothy 6:19). These further words of Paul assure us that if we cultivate the right attitude about investing the money we have (as per Scriptural teaching), we shall have “a good foundation against the time to come” – not only for the rest of the time in this world, but also for eternity.

This biblical attitude has also been corroborated through our Lord Jesus’ teachings. “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal” (Matthew 6:19-20). Jesus also taught us that He will reward us – “And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward” (Matthew 10:42).

We therefore do well to heed Paul’s exhortation to the Galatian Christians: “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith” (Galatians 6:9-10). That is biblical investing of our lives and resources for sure returns!

Every church stands in constant need of faithful men in leadership. Scripture commands us to pray earnestly for them. A church that prays for godly leaders will have God providing and strengthening the church with godly leadership.

First, while we thank God for calling and appointing men to various offices of the church to serve Him, we must pray for His provision of more godly men in leadership. Acts 13:2–3 recorded how the early church prayed and sent men into the ministry – “As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.”

Second, pray for their spiritual watchfulness. The writer of Hebrews reminds us, “Obey them that have the rule over you… for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account” (Hebrews 13:17). Pastors and elders will one day answer to God for their care of your souls. Pray that they may live in holy fear, guarding both their own hearts and the flock entrusted to them.

Third, pray for boldness and clarity in preaching. The apostle Paul requested prayer, saying, “Pray for us” (1 Thessalonians 5:25). He also asked “that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel” (Ephesians 6:19). Pray that they may preach with courage, faithfulness, and compassion, never shrinking from declaring the whole counsel of God.

Fourth, pray for their protection from temptation and discouragement. Paul exhorted Timothy, “Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine” (1 Timothy 4:16). Ask the Lord to preserve your leaders in purity of life and soundness of doctrine. Spiritual leaders face unique pressures, opposition, and unseen battles. Ask the Lord to guard their hearts from moral compromise, preserve them from discouragement, and strengthen them against every attack of the enemy. Paul’s words to the church in Thessalonica testify to it – “pray for us… that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men” (2 Thessalonians 3:1–2). Pray also for their families. A leader must be one who “ruleth well his own house” (1 Timothy 3:4). The enemy often targets the home to wound the shepherd. Pray for unity, joy, and strength within their households.

Finally, pray that they may serve with joy. Hebrews 13:17 urges that they may do their work “with joy, and not with grief”. A praying congregation becomes a source of encouragement rather than a burden. Pray that they may be upheld in purity of life, steadfastness of spirit, and unwavering faithfulness to sound doctrine. Beloved, if you desire strong preaching and faithful oversight, then become a praying people. Lift up your leaders daily before the throne of grace.

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Baptism Testimony

Noel Resuma

I was born and raised in the Roman Catholic faith, but was also involved in several organizations, including the charismatic movement, the Samaritans, the Knights of Columbus, and Couples for Christ, in which I served for the longest period of time. After seven years in Couples for Christ, I became a Cluster Head overseeing about one hundred couples from four different towns. Looking back, I realise that although I was zealous in serving the Lord, I was doing so according to my own ways and desires, without a clear calling from Him. I believed I was serving the Lord faithfully because I prayed, read, and meditated on God’s Word regularly. I also taught groups on several occasions, emphasising faith in Jesus Christ and the need for prayerfulness to avoid the return of the unclean spirit (cf. Matthew 12:43–45). Regrettably, I was the very one who experienced this truth when I entered politics. I became full of myself and found myself busy serving people without God—neglecting prayer and Bible reading—and living a life apart from Him. Though I knew I was a sinner, and had repented and accepted Jesus Christ as my Saviour and Lord, I was not walking in close communion with Him. While I sincerely engaged in all these things within Roman Catholicism, I lacked a clear understanding of the saving Gospel of Christ.

Though painful and difficult, I thank God for His chastening. I suffered a mild stroke, which resulted in numbness on the left side of my body from head to foot. In 2021, my wife was diagnosed with colon cancer and, after two years of pain and suffering, was called home to be with the Lord. Following her burial, while we were still in our period of mourning, I joined my son, his wife, and their children in Cebu for the church’s BW-GYF retreat. During that retreat, as I listened to the Word of God preached by several pastors and preachers, my heart was touched and gradually opened to His truth. From that time onward, instead of dwelling on negative thoughts—sadly born out of my resentment and discouragement after all that had happened to us—I began to count the many blessings God has bestowed upon me. Despite my physical infirmity, I am still able to walk, speak normally, and even drive. God has blessed me with three children and six grandchildren. He has never abandoned us; He has faithfully provided for our needs and far more than we could ask for. I am now here in Singapore—something I never imagined—living with my son, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren, and I am deeply thankful to be with them.

As I read the Bible, I came across Matthew 7:7, which teaches that if we ask, it shall be given; if we seek, we shall find; and if we knock, the door shall be opened unto us. Once again, I asked the Lord to forgive me of my many sins and to grant me faith as I seek His truth and righteousness, knocking at His door that He may accept me into His kingdom while there is still time—for my life on this earth is like the setting sun. Though I continue to struggle against sins, I am assured of my salvation, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9). I have confessed my faith in Jesus Christ, believing that He is the way, the truth, and the life (cf. John 14:6). Therefore, when the Lord calls me home, I am ready to enter His kingdom. May God’s will be done, not mine.

During my short stay here in Singapore, I thank God for the opportunity to learn the fundamental doctrines of Christian faith at Gethsemane BPC through the catechism class. I desire to grow further through the preaching of God’s Word, and I now take this step of faith to be baptized, being convicted of my faith in Jesus Christ and seeking to renew my commitment to follow the Lord all the days of my life. May the Lord find me faithful and use me for His honour and glory.