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At the start of this year, the Gethsemane Youth Fellowship held an online meeting to encourage and cheer on our young men who are about to enter National Service, as well as those currently serving as NS men. My message to them, titled “A Call to Serve with Faith and Honour”, was published in our church bulletin on January 5, 2025.

A key highlight of that meeting was the testimonies shared by five young adults who have completed their National Service. Their insights were profoundly instructive, offering warnings and guidance about the unique spiritual dangers faced during NS. These testimonies also provided invaluable advice to help young men prepare for and overcome the physical, mental, and emotional challenges of their service.

To edify and equip our young men who will soon don the uniform, we are publishing these testimonies in this week’s and next week’s bulletins. May they inspire and prepare our youths to stand firm for Christ as they serve the nation. Let us uphold them in prayer, asking the Lord to strengthen their faith and testimony in this critical phase of their lives!

“Finding My Identity in Christ”

By Galen Demetrius

This may come as a surprise to everyone, but during the medical assessment phase, I successfully downgraded my PES (Physical Employment Standard) status. This was in 2011. However, in 2012, I decided to enlist as a Regular Officer. In order to do so, I successfully proved to the medical officers that I was physically fit to upgrade my PES status. Eventually, I began my time as a soldier in 2013, in Basic Military Training (BMT). After I completed BMT, I was selected for a prestigious course for the next 1 year and 10 months. 

To sum it up, I experienced many ‘ups and downs’, both good and bad, and I have endless stories to tell. I hope this testimony will prepare you to spend your waking and sleeping hours as a child of God in the army. 

In total, I spent 7.5 years in MINDEF. I started out like everyone, in BMT, but slowly realised that I could endure very tough training courses in the army. Course after course, I felt that I had achieved all by my own strength. I enjoyed celebrating my success, especially the achievement of ‘top graduate’ of the course. I enjoyed people’s acknowledgment of my achievements. My achievements gave me my identity. However, after some time, I got lonely. My joy was short-lived. I realised that people only valued me for what I achieved, and not for who I am. If I stripped away all my achievements, if I did not pass the course, if I was not the top graduate, who was I? I soberly realised that my identity is in Christ, not achievements. I learnt that to be a leader is not about achieving this and that, nor about successfully leading a group of well-trained soldiers, but it’s about serving those who are under us. And that is exactly who Christ is! Jesus left His throne, humbled Himself as man, and suffered the agony of the cross for our benefit. 

Although there were many other struggles, such as managing my spending, and distractions like vices and carnal talk enjoyed by colleagues, finding my identity was one of my biggest struggles. 

Nevertheless, these were the experiences that God had allowed me to go through to mould me to be more like Him. When we face situations wherein we must choose between God and the world, and when we are met with opportunities to show Christ’s love and care to those around us, will you sacrifice even your last drop of water for your bunk-mate who is thirsty? Will you sacrifice your shower time to ensure your men get to rest early? Will you lend a listening ear to your friend in the army who just broke up with his girlfriend, knowing that it might be a Gospel opportunity?

Your actions will show whether you are God’s holy people who are willing to sacrifice our rights because of our Saviour’s sacrificial love for us. You will encounter people from shocking backgrounds which might make you uncomfortable. But always remember, that everyone is made in God’s image and they need to hear the Gospel. You will be spending your next two years, day in and day out, with this group of people. This is a great opportunity to share the love of Jesus with them - don’t waste it.

Don’t think that there’s a long life to live given your very youthful age. Indeed, it is God who gives breath and takes it away. In my time as a Regular Officer, I have witnessed two buddies in the force who die from suicide and cancer. So, while you spend time with your friends, be sure to share the Gospel with them. 

“Let no man seek his own, but every man another’s wealth” (1 Cor 10:24). 

“By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another” (John 13:35).

Be a soldier for Christ first!

“Practical Decisions to Safeguard My Spiritual Walk”

By Benjamin Cho

I’m thankful for this opportunity to share my testimony. Reflecting on my NS (National Service) life has allowed me to see God’s mercy in chastising me during that season. After careful thought, I have identified three main struggles:

Spending too much time in secular relationships.

Shift work (closely related to point 1).

Not establishing my Christian identity.

I will relate my struggles and propose a solution that I should have acted on, but unfortunately did not.

1: Spending too much time in secular relationships

I had two groups of secular friendships then: my relationship with friends from Polytechnic and my relationship with my NS team.

Poly friends: I met with a group of worldly friends with whom I lacked the discipline to distance myself. We stayed near one another and spent a lot of time together. Naturally, we were very close for a long time, and it was so throughout my NS days.

NS Team: In NS, I was assigned to a ground team with a shift schedule of “1 / 2 / off / off”. “1” represents a day shift, “2” a night shift, and each shift averaged 14 hours. Additionally, I had mandatory monthly training sessions and occasional team bonding activities during off days. All in all, I spent 70-80% of my waking hours with my ground team, and the remaining time with my secular friends from Polytechnic. 

In most circumstances, a person will naturally be more attuned to and aligned with whom they spend most time. I spent a great deal of time in the company of these two groups. With my weak and immature faith, it was of a little surprise that this was a period of spiritual lethargy for me.

2: Shift Work

The shift work schedule compounded my struggles, as it meant that I could only attend Sunday worship twice a month. The first opportunity of the month to attend Sunday worship fell on my first day off, and the second opportunity fell on my second day off. My first day off was directly after a night shift, which ended about 8-9am on Sunday. So, I often missed the worship service to recuperate after the night shift.

As such, I only attended Sunday worship service once a month. I did not have the discipline to go for fellowship meetings held on Saturdays. Although I was in church once a month, the faithful preaching from Pastor often pierced my heart, leaving me determined to repent and walk aright. However, due to the sheer amount of time I spent in secular relationships, I frequently fell back into spiritual lethargy.

Solution for 1 & 2: Breaking off secular relationships alone is not sufficient, for the temptation to resume your relationship with them is difficult to overcome. One has to replace secular relationships with Christian relationships. I have noticed that even the warmest of secular friendships crumble when the ebbs and flows of life take us to divergent paths. I had foolishly invested much time and effort into these secular relationships, which ultimately proved fruitless in a few years. 

Christians should invest their time and effort in God-honouring relationships that will never fade, so as to encourage, exhort and edify one another, for these efforts will bear eternal fruit. This is not to say secular relationships are to be avoided entirely, but a Christian’s first and foremost interaction should be within the body of Christ. May Christians prioritise relationships of eternal value, compared to secular relationships which are like a transient and fleeting shadow. Furthermore, replace bad habits with good habits. Discipline oneself to attend fellowship meetings and worship services, and find opportunities to serve the Lord. Service is not only a time of rededication, it also inculcates a sense of responsibility so that slothfulness can be replaced with service to God.

3: Not establishing my Christian identity

Whenever one is spiritually lethargic, there will be compromise in one’s spiritual walk, and sin will definitely abound. I recount a personal struggle I experienced during my NS: NS men were to write log sheets, to account for what we did during that shift. However, on the log sheet, it would be written that we were patrolling a certain location at a certain time, but we were actually resting. Despite my heart feeling grief from the false logging, I too struggled with the desire to sleep in the wee hours of the night instead of doing the duty, thus I did not voice my opinion on the matter.

Solution: Establish your Christian identity at the very beginning. I should have talked to my leader to make known my feeling towards lying on the log sheet, and work out a solution with him. As 1 Cor 10:13 says, “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” I actually recalled a solution that the Lord had placed in view of this situation. I had a second in-charge leader who was strict, and had a ‘by-the-book’ working ethic. I had the opportunity to experience it because occasionally I was partnered with him. Even though I was thoroughly exhausted by the end of every shift with him, the log sheet was true. I believe if I had talked to my leader about it, I could have been permanently attached to my second in-charge.

Young men who are about to enter NS should establish their Christian identity firmly, and as quickly as possible. Bring your Bible to your camp and read it in your bunk, make known to your camp-mates that you are a Christian. When you feel tempted to sin or are about to sin, the presence and observation of your NS mates who know that you are a Christian, will remind you of your responsibility to maintain a God-honouring testimony, so that the name of Christ will not be shamed.

“Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful” (Psalm 1:1).

“Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching” (Hebrews 10:25).

Here are the testimonies of brethren in the ministries, who join Pastoral Biblical Studies held on Mondays as part of Gethsemane Bible Institute (Online). This is a 2-hour study on theology and various relevant topics provided for pastors and preachers from around the world. Last week, we published some of the testimonies received. Today, we print the remaining testimonies of PBS participants below.

Pastor Sujith Samuel

I am thankful for the opportunity to study God’s Word as part of Pastoral Biblical Studies under GBI. Unlike traditional courses, there is much time for discussion and clearing of doubts. This allows me to clarify doubts on doctrines and interpretation of verses in Scripture. In addition to the learning, it’s also an opportunity to meet pastors, missionaries, and preachers serving the Lord in different countries. The experiences and difficulties they share occasionally in classes also encourage me. This helps us also to pray for them meaningfully. I am encouraging all graduates of GBI in Vizag, who are in the ministry, to join this course. I pray that more students will join and be blessed by the teaching provided. Thank God for enabling Pastor Koshy to set apart this time in his busy schedule. May the Lord continue to strengthen him as he prepares to teach in the upcoming semesters in GBI and FEBC. Thank God also for the help of Pr Samson, Dn Norefel, Bro Andronicus, Bro Yeh Wen, and others for their help in administrative and technical matters of live online courses offered in GBI.

Pr Anand Taneti

I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to Pastor Prabhudas Koshy and Gethsemane Bible Institute for conducting such an enriching Biblical class. It has truly been a privilege to sit under the teaching of someone who has been drinking deeply from the treasures of God’s Word for years. 

Pastor Koshy brought the Bible alive to me through his practical, life-transforming applications. His pastoral wisdom is clearly shown forth in his teaching and in the way he interacts with his students in the class. He is not just concerned about our doctrine, but also about our practice. He sets a good example of what it means to be a true man of God, and indeed, we are very happy to have him as our beloved teacher. 

The class on Covenants was like a new revelation to me. I learnt how the covenants in the Bible, such as the Adamic, Noahic, Abrahamic, Mosaic, Davidic and New Covenants, reflect God’s unchanging faithfulness and His unfolding plan of redemption for His people. It clarified how each covenant reveals a deeper understanding of God’s relationship with His people and His ultimate promise of salvation through Christ. 

The recent studies on Eschatology and last semester’s lessons on Tribulation were equally profound. They illuminated me concerning the trials and judgments that will precede Christ’s return to this earth, as described in Scripture. I was struck by God’s assurance of His sovereignty even in the midst of such intense suffering, and the hope He offers to His faithful believers who endure until the end. 

These classes have not only deepened my understanding of the Scriptures, but also encouraged me to reflect on God’s eternal promises, that I may remain steadfast in faith. Thank you once again for these amazing teachings, which have truly transformed my spiritual journey. May God continue to bless this ministry abundantly.

Pr Bujji Babu

I sincerely thank Gethsemane Bible Institute and Pastor Koshy for hosting such an inspiring Biblical study for those in the ministry. I count it a special joy and absolute honour to learn God’s Word under Pastor Koshy, who has been deeply soaking up the riches of God’s Word for years.

Pastor Koshy has given me pastoral wisdom in the practical application of the Bible. This is evident in his teachings and interactions with students, setting an example of being a true man of God. Whenever I attended the classes, I learned many new things that I did not know, making me happy. The teachings that I received were inspirational to me. He is an excellent teacher of God’s Word. I count it a blessing from God to have the opportunity to study His word through the PBS course of GBI.

One enlightening subject that I have learned from PBS is on Biblical Covenants (Covenant of Works, Covenant of Grace and Redemption), which run through God’s covenants with Adam, Noah, Abraham, Mosaic, David, as well as the New Covenant. These covenants in the Bible reflect God’s faithfulness concerning His redemption plan for and His relationship with His chosen people. It gave me clarity that all the covenants are centred on Christ’s salvation. In the past, I misunderstood that the Old Testament covenants had no connection to the New Covenant. But through PBS, I learnt there is a connection between the New Covenant and all of the Old Testament Covenants, even Christ. All the Old Testament Covenants are fulfilled in the New Covenant, for they look forward to the Messiah of the New Covenant.

Last year, I learned Eschatology, the Biblical doctrine of “Last Things”. The lesson on the Rapture and Tribulation provided profound insight. The trials and judgments of God in the Tribulation emphasise how God exercises His rule over His Creation and uses them as tools of His judgment upon this wicked world. Amidst all those calamities and chaos, God will still redeem His people, even the nation of Israel, and secure them for His eternal kingdom. 

The classes have significantly enhanced my understanding of the Scriptures, and encouraged me to reflect on God’s promises that pertain to the ministry’s blessings.

Pr Abhishek Raju

Studying the courses offered through Pastoral Biblical Studies of GBI has helped me to gain a thorough understanding of the topics taught. This enables men to teach God’s Word more clearly.

First, through this course, I learned how important it is to always strive to live a righteous life like Christ, so that I will be a genuine pastor who leads people in God’s way. The lessons taught in this course pointed out my errors, and corrected me with Scriptural wisdom and truth.

This course also showed me how to teach God’s people biblically, and how to strengthen them with Scriptural passages in their critical situations. I also learned how to lead them on the right path with Scriptural proofs. Through this course, I benefited a lot, and God willing, I will be a faithful pastor in His church. Truly, I must lead a biblical life to be an example to my church members. 

I really thank God for the doctrines and practical lessons I received. They are great gifts from God in my life. I am sure that through studying His Word in GBI’s PBS, God is preparing me for His service.

Pr D Shyam Kishore Babu

Praise God for the opportunity to learn and grow through PBS. I am grateful for the knowledge and wisdom I gained during my theological studies at GBI, Vizag. By His grace, I have recently completed my studies and entered the church ministry. I look forward to serving Him and His people, trusting He will continue to guide me in this journey.

I am especially grateful for the opportunity to study Eschatology, focusing on the Book of Revelation, under the guidance of Pastor Prabhudas Koshy. Through his teachings, I have gained invaluable insights and a deeper understanding of Scripture’s profound eschatological truths. His wisdom and clarity have greatly enriched my spiritual life; hence, I am thankful for all I have learned from him.

In addition to his insightful teaching, Pastor Koshy has set a wonderful example through his own life and ministry. He has not only imparted deep biblical understanding, but also shown me how to apply these truths effectively in practical life and ministry. His guidance has shaped my approach to serving God and His people.

I look forward to discovering even greater truths from the Bible, guided by the Holy Spirit through the teaching received in PBS. Thank God for Pastor Koshy’s tireless dedication to teaching us and helping to shape our lives and ministry.

Pastor Klepa Awale

Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ!

I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for Pastor Koshy’s dedication and passion for teaching Pastoral Biblical Studies. These classes have been a great blessing to me personally and ministerially. The study of Eschatology, in particular, has been life-changing. For years, I longed to study this subject deeply, especially as my “Pre-Tribulation Rapture” view often seemed out of place among the more common Amillennial perspectives prevalent within the Reformed Faith, until I attended the PBS class last year. The teaching, filled with Scriptural and pastoral wisdom, has brought clarity and strengthened my understanding in ways I never imagined. Praise the LORD!

Jeremy Cheah

My Journey of Salvation

I thank God for godly Christian parents who sought to bring me up in the ways of the Lord and baptized me as an infant. My journey as a Christian began as a young boy in Bethany Independent-Presbyterian Church, learning God’s Word in Sunday School and various camps the church organised. The messages preached and taught were just mere interesting stories then, and I only enjoyed church because I could play with my friends.

As I entered secondary school, my heart became more sensitive to the Spirit’s moving and became convicted of the sinful life I led. As a young child, I was often quick to anger, fast to pick up foul language, led a double life and committed many other sins. During one church camp message – taken from Colossians 4:6, which reads “Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man” – God convicted me of how wrong it was to indulge in using foul language with my friends in school. I knew that I was a wretched sinner, lost in sin and darkness, and needed spiritual cleansing in my life.

However, since then I was struck with another problem of inadequacy and pride. For the longest time as I was trying to “work out” my faith, I felt that I could never match up to the standard God had set. I thought I was not worthy of the salvation Jesus gave. Therein lies pride, thinking I could ever work my way to Heaven. “But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)” (Ephesians 2:4-5). When I finally realised “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), God struck my heart and convicted me of the wrong idea I had of Christianity. Man can by no means work his way to Heaven. Salvation was given freely by God, and one only need to have faith in Him to receive salvation. So, at 19, I reaffirmed my faith in the Lord.

Seeking Transfer

It was in 2022 when I felt spiritually dry in my faith and needed growing. By God’s providence, He worked through a friend at my internship place. Through our fellowshipping in the Lord, I first came across the 5 points of Calvinism. At first, I grappled with the “U” and “L” of TULIP – Unconditional Election and Limited Atonement. How could God choose to save some and not others? Does that not make God unloving? As I sought counsel from several pastors (including Rev. Koshy), I finally understood this doctrine and became convicted of it. Man is totally depraved, destined for eternal damnation. But out of His love, God gave His only Son, Jesus Christ, to give us salvation. Furthermore, His salvation is sufficient for all, but only efficient for the elect who were predestined according to the foreknowledge of God. It is through this new conviction and belief in Calvinism that the Lord moved in my heart to seek transfer of church membership.

Through the Catechism and FEBC classes, I came to understand theology systematically. It is through these teachings that God revived me and helped me to increase in my understanding of Him, causing me to be in awe of Him and then, desiring Him more.

Since coming to Gethsemane slightly more than a year ago, I particularly love how the Word of God is expounded deeply and accurately. Furthermore, the teachings here at Gethsemane revealed to me much more sin problems in my life that I have to get rid of. One particular lesson taught during Youth Fellowship was from 1 Corinthians 6:12 – “All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.” Paul was teaching the Corinthian church to prioritise expediency over a Christian’s exercise of lawful liberties. That reminded me that I needed to lead a more spiritually excellent life and not just one that is merely lawful, to edify brethren and witness to non-believers.

Over time, the Lord also graciously granted me opportunities to serve within the church in the YF, YAF and Lions Home Ministry, which made me feel welcome and at home. By God’s grace and leading, I hope to transfer my membership to learn, serve and grow with the brethren here in Gethsemane BP Church. I pray that the Lord will grant me more opportunities to fellowship with all of you.

Clara Lim

I thank God that He led me to attend Gethsemane BP Church in June 2023 through my sister, Celine. I previously worshipped at a charismatic church from 2019 to 2023, but decided to leave as I disagreed with certain doctrines, such as speaking in tongues and the need for a second baptism of the Holy Spirit. I also found it difficult to have a deeper understanding of God’s Word, as sermons were often brief, lacking in depth and clear exposition from the Bible.

I thank God for the sound and biblical preaching in Gethsemane, where I have gained a deeper understanding of God’s Word and critical Bible doctrines. Over the past year, I have learnt a lot and I am thankful for the warm fellowship extended by many here. I thank God for His grace and mercies, and I look forward to growing in my understanding of His Word and in my spiritual walk with Him.

Leong Wei Chen

At the mere age of 8 years old, I already knew about the Saviour Jesus from my maternal grandmother while she was lying on her sick-bed, as she was a professed Christian. She had never failed to share Bible stories with my cousins and I despite her illness. However, my mother did not believe but embraced Buddhism instead. I was so young back then and unsure of what to do, so I remained neutral until my grandmother died. I was not keen to embrace Buddhism as I felt in my heart it was wrong. So, I pretended anyway whenever my mother would ask me to go with her for temple prayers and visits, just for the sake of not being reprimanded. I continued to do this till I have almost forgotten the Lord.

Not much later, a senior in my secondary school shared the Gospel with me and invited me to church. From this encounter, I remembered my grandmother and was elated to go to church with him. For a while, I was intrigued by the people “speaking in tongues” and the bands playing dramatic music. I found it interesting and decided to be more active by joining a cell group. As I actively participated in their fellowship, I thought I had accepted the Lord as my Saviour. But after a few months later, all those whom I fellowshipped with started showing their true colours. They had no restrictions in dress codes, BGRs were commonly encouraged, and there were a lot of ungodly behaviours. Sadly, my senior backslided and was involved in crimes. As I witness one by one of my friends backsliding, that led me to “lose my faith” and not attend this church anymore. I tried to go to other churches but it felt the same, so I went back to my usual lifestyle with my mother.

“Fast forward” to my adulthood: I have known Sis Ayn since we were in the same secondary school. Somehow I got to know that her mother (Aunty Jean) was reaching out to my best friend’s mother to evangelise. I told my best friend and his mother to attend church with me, but they declined as they said they were Catholics. I decided to go regardless. Upon coming to Gethsemane, I was shocked at how solemn and reverential this church is. I have only truly started to learn the Word of God, understanding it with so much clarity, compared to the churches I have attended before. 

By God’s divine will and timing, He has led me to Gethsemane to know that I am sinful, and in need of Him and true salvation. I was pricked from every sermon through Pastor Koshy. Thank God for Aunty Jean and her family in encouraging me, and for the fellow brethren who have prayed with me and for me. I am edified and blessed to witness the labour of the brethren for the Lord’s work as I attend the English Service, Filipino Fellowship, Evening Teaching Service and Tuesday prayer meetings. Praise God for enabling me to attend these services on the Lord’s Day despite my busy work schedules. As Matthew 6:24 says, “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” Please pray that I may be granted day off on Sundays, and that I myself may desire to learn more of God’s Word and attend more church meetings for my spiritual growth.

I can now safely proclaim unashamedly, with confidence, that I am truly a child of God, saved through my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! Amen. I pray that this Good News which my mother has heard before, will cause her to turn to the Lord and believe as I did, according to God’s will and grace. May I grow more in the Lord to be a channel of blessing to others, and to be able to share the Word of God with more souls. “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8).

Esther Tay

“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (Philippians 4:13).

I thank God that I am a second-generation Christian, who was baptised as an infant and who reaffirmed my faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as my Saviour and Lord in 2005. I started attending Gethsemane BPC since 15th July 2023. Prior to that, I was unable to attend church for some time due to COVID and other unforeseen circumstances. During that time, I had been praying for the strength and courage to attend church, as I missed the company of like-minded brethren and would love to bring my then 3-year-old child to church, for the first time. We thank God that we can attend the 8.30am Sunday Service faithfully in Gethsemane BPC, and listen to the truths of the Bible preached by faithful ministers. I pray that the Lord will continue to strengthen me, and allow me to serve Him more, together with my child soon.

Ho Shirley

I was baptised in the Roman Catholic faith upon the sudden death of my mother when I was young. However, there was no change in the way I lived till the day I was invited to join a BP Bible-study group gathered at a friend’s home. 

On hindsight, I believed that it was the Holy Spirit who opened my heart and mind to the truth of God’s Word, answering all the numerous questions which I was not allowed to ask in the Catholic faith. I started attending Calvary Pandan and True Life BP Churches, and also started studying at the night classes held at FEBC.

Praise God for the way God’s Word was so unwaveringly expounded at FEBC night lectures by Pastor Koshy and for how God’s Word was also unapologetically expounded at all worship services, retreats, gatherings and church camps at Gethsemane. All these convicted me that I ought to be found in a church where God is highly exalted and His Word faithfully taught. The preaching of the Word frequently pierced and penetrated my thoughts, constantly confronting my sinful and defiant ways. I feel very uncomfortable whenever I have inadvertently done anything that reminds me that I have not been a good witness for Christ. In John 6:63, Jesus said, “the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” And I testify that God’s Word exhorts, rebukes, corrects and instructs me all the time because it is the living Word.

I thank God for all that He has blessed me with, and I pray that I shall do all that God has purposed for me in my life. All glory be to God!

Matilda Tay

I’ve always been exposed to Christianity since my earliest memory. My mum taught me to pray; she taught me that Jesus is God. I attended Sunday School regularly, and even studied in a missionary school. So, for the longest time, I’ve always been surrounded by Christianity.

However, I never knew God personally or my need for Him till later on. I got baptised at the age of 10, thinking that baptism would cleanse me and would dub me as a Christian. I recall vividly thinking to myself: “Oh, I must behave now, I must be good, especially now that I am baptised”. For the first week, it went well; the second week was not too bad, but after that, I failed terribly.

Since baptism till my teens, I tried to be a “good Christian”, which came through the “façade” of being a good student and a good friend. But deep down, I was still beset with pride and anger, which were often displayed at home.

After my ‘O’ Levels, I attended a church camp that prompted me to reflect deeply. The preacher challenged us to consider how we would live our life once we returned “to the world” after the camp. That question made me rethink the consistency of my faith. As a result, I began dedicating more time to reading the Bible and also joined a Christian fellowship group in polytechnic (called Cru). Through this group, I was exposed to a clear presentation of the Gospel for the first time. I came to understand my fallen nature and its consequences (Romans 3:23; 6:23), and how we could only be redeemed through Jesus’ death and resurrection (Romans 5:8).

Of course, I still sin. But through daily repentance and reliance on Christ’s completed work on the cross, I have hope that He will grant me the grace, through the Spirit, to live as “a new creature” (2 Cor 5:17), in response to His goodness towards me.

I am joining GBPC in preparation for my marriage to Bro Galen, trusting that I will continue to grow in knowledge and love of our Lord Jesus Christ, and serve God together.

Clement Tan

“The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether” (Psalm 19:7-9). 

Through the lessons taught in the catechism programme, I have learnt many things about God – who God is to; what He has promised in His Book, the Bible; how Christians should conduct their lives, etc. These lessons made me realise how perfect our God is, and how imperfect I am. This makes me want to study God’s Word even more, in order to learn more of His precious truths. The promises of God also make me hopeful that the prophecies of God will soon be fulfilled, and that Christians can become “incorruptible” after Christ’s second coming, whereby we are able to praise God and serve Him forever. 

Additionally, the statutes of God have set the guideline as to how I should live my life as a Christian, and how I can stay away from sin. Lastly, learning about God’s judgment against sinners and His punishments, deters me from committing sin as I live in hope of joining Christ in Heaven. These lessons have helped me understand the purpose of a Christian, which is to study more of God’s truths, in order to serve Him more and eventually join Him in Heaven. I am convinced that I’m saved by Christ. This is why I want to reaffirm my faith, that I may commit to serve God more and learn more of His truths, allowing me to mature as a Christian.

I thank God I was born into a Christian family. Since I was young, I have attended church with my family, but did not fully understand what Jesus did for us. However, after encountering some setbacks in my life, I felt down and lonely. This made me realise how important Christ is to our lives, and how He is like a friend to us.

From 4th to 6th Sept 2024 (Wed – Fri), the 25th BW Retreat was held in Gethsemane Media Centre. 71 adults and 17 children participated in studying the theme: “God of Covenants”. While four children’s teachers – Mrs Abigail Koshy, Mrs Leanne Joseph, Miss Crayson Wong, Mrs Gracia Chew – faithfully taught the theme from God’s Word to children, Pastor Koshy expounded the Scriptures to the adults who gathered to learn about the theme. Every afternoon, the participants met together to pray. We thank God for the blessed time of learning and fellowship, which is gratefully recollected in the testimonies below.

Dominic Kwok and Beng Hwee

We are so blessed to have Pastor Koshy, who is so dedicated to feed the flock, to teach us much about God’s “Biblical Covenant” during this Bible Witness Retreat. Thank God for enabling Pastor to prepare and preach nine messages over the three days of retreat. 

We are grateful for God’s mercy and grace through His redemption work, and His patience with us as we still struggle with sin daily. It is a journey which He continues to refine us for His service. Also, we are reminded of God’s faithfulness – one such striking lesson is that we are assured that God is a Promise-Keeper. There are times we get discouraged in pleading with God daily for our children’s salvation. But knowing that He is a Promise-Keeper has helped us to continue trusting in Him! We were also touched when we learnt about the plight of the hymn-writer who wrote “Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus”, which is a timely encouragement for us to trust God despite setbacks and struggles. We have a sovereign God who is in control of everything – so let us hold fast our faith!

Finally, the retreat allowed us to have wonderful fellowship with the brethren, and to know them better. 

Jane Koh

Thank God for the 3 days of Bible study at the recent Bible Witness Retreat, on “The God of Covenant”. Thank God for Rev Koshy for teaching us God’s Word and for encouraging us to walk close to Him. Thank God also for many brethren who came with their children to study and listen to His Word. All praise, glory and honour to our Heavenly Father.

Dns Diana Chan

The God of Abraham be praised for the 25th Bible Witness Retreat! Indeed, Jehovah, the great I AM, is also the God of love.

Praise the Lord for Pastor’s preaching of nine messages on “The God of Covenant”. Thank God also for Dn Lok and brethren in GBWL for their labour of love in organising the Retreat. I was blessed by the messages. I have gained a deeper understanding of the meaning of covenant, how God reveals Himself through His covenant, a believer’s relationship with God in His covenant, and the attributes of God in the covenant.

The covenant of God is a promise, oath, vow, bond, agreement or commandment of God with His people. God initiates the relationship with His people. God chooses His people. God reveals Himself to His people through His covenant as the God of Redemption and Restoration. He shows His grace to us by forgiving us of our sins, redeeming and restoring us to Him by the sacrifice of the blood of Jesus Christ. Only then can God establish His relationship with His people. “I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine” (Isaiah 43:1b).

The covenant is not an assumption. It is the declaration of God. It is unilateral. It is not a two-party agreement. We do not negotiate with God the terms and conditions of His covenant. It is singularly and sovereignly administered by God. He is the great I AM. The components in God’s covenant are His promises, blessings and curses, conditions, signs and sacrifice of the blood. An example of a promise of blessing when there is obedience, is in Exodus 20:12 – “Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.” There is also a curse if there will be no obedience – “And a curse, if ye will not obey the commandments of the LORD your God” (Deuteronomy 11:28a). So, the covenant with God denotes a personal relationship between God and the believer. It is a bond, as emphasised by God in Genesis 9:15a, “And I will remember my covenant, which is between me and you”.

In establishing covenants with His people, God also provided signs, as highlighted in the Adamic, Noahic, Abrahamic, Mosaic, Davidic and the New Covenants. An example of a sign in a covenant is the rainbow in the Noahic Covenant. After the flood, God sent a rainbow as the sign of His covenant with Noah, that He would not destroy the earth again with a flood. I thank God for the rainbow in that whenever I have the opportunity to see a rainbow, I am reminded of God’s mercy and grace, His assurance and promises.

The covenant of God also reveals that God is the Creator and Sustainer. He is the God of design and order, God of moral and ethical order, God of providential and personal order. I praise and thank God for His covenant between Him and me. He is “my shepherd”. He decides and directs the providential and personal order of my life. He “leadeth me … for his name’s sake” (Psalm 23:3b). 

Therefore, may we, His covenant people, “know therefore that the LORD thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments” (Deuteronomy 7:9). All glory and praise be to God!

Carolyn Koshy

I thank God I’ve attended all the sessions of this retreat, through which I’m much convicted after learning from the exposition of Pastor’s clear teaching of “The God of Covenant”. Truly, God’s covenants have been at work from the time of Adam and Eve in the Old Testament, right up to even now in our time, beyond the New Testament, until He comes to reign on earth and ushers His people into heaven. God’s covenants offer us the bond of a most loving relationship with Him in Christ; this we must trust and appropriate as our way of life. His covenant is steadfast and the solid foundation for our lives. God never lies, and His covenantal words are His oath to us. It is now up to us to confess our sins, receive by faith His salvific promises, and submit to all His precepts, including the Ten Commandments, for our blessing.

Pastor’s exposition of 2 Peter 1:3-4 has strengthened me further in God’s “great and precious promises”, because they shall be accomplished in me and all believers by our all-powerful God, who would not fail. These divine promises shall equip us in our lives to be virtuous and glorious. To encourage all of us, Pastor sang us the song with these lyrics: “Day by day and with each passing moment, strength I find to meet my trials here. Trusting in my Father’s wise bestowment, I’ve no cause for worry or for fear. He whose heart is kind beyond all measure, gives unto each day what He deems best. Lovingly is part of pain and pleasure, mingling toil with peace and rest.”

Nathan Resuma

The 25th Bible Witness Retreat was a great blessing to me and my family. I praise and thank God for His timely provision which allowed us to attend the retreat. I thank God for Pastor who preached on the theme: “The God of Covenant”, and for the many lessons I have learned.

• I learned about how God revealed Himself through His covenants, that we may know who He is, for on our own we cannot know Him. And that God revealed Himself through His Creation, His Word and through His Son, Jesus Christ.
• I learned that God establishes His covenants with His people so that they may know Him as the Great and Almighty God, and nothing can diminish His glory. And that we can always trust Him because He always keeps His Word. Moreover, God’s covenants are revealed progressively, one after another, with Christ as the central theme.
• I learned that God’s covenants are unilateral and sovereignly administered by God Himself, which reflect His attributes and have all His perfections. God exercises authority over His covenant, and enforces its blessings and curses which no one else can do.
• I learned that God is a God of design and order, for He is the Creator and Sustainer of all things, and He establishes the order of creation, the moral and ethical order, the worship (or spiritual) order, as well as the providential and personal order. Truly, we cannot make our own order that is not according to God’s order revealed in His Word.
• I learned that God’s covenants show that He is gracious and patient, for His grace is evident at the inauguration of every covenant. Certainly, His gracious patience is seen in His administration of every covenant. Also, He has shown, and continues to show, grace and patience to Israel and even to all of us until the end.
• I learned that redemption and restoration are essential in God’s establishing His relationship with man. God acted with the purpose of giving us redemption through Jesus Christ, who was promised in the covenants.
• I learned about how God has kept, fulfilled, and continued to keep His promises, and how He, as the perfect Promise-Keeper, keeps all His promises perfectly.
• Finally, I learned that we, as Christians, are to respond to His covenants through prayers of confession, submission and faith in His promises. Such responses include patient endurance (as a sign of our abiding faith and submission), having strong consolation in God (when we remember His commandments), fleeing to Him for refuge, and holding fast the promises of Him (who gives all things that pertain to life and godliness). All glory be to God!

Peggy Lee

Thank you, Infinite God, for the 3 days of careful study of Your words.

Thank you, Incomprehensible God, for giving Pastor Koshy a deep understanding of Your covenants and the wisdom to explain Your promises to us. 

Thank you, Invisible God, for having progressively revealed Yourself – so that we, finite beings, can know You. 

Thank you, Unsearchable and Unfathomable God, for wanting to establish a relationship with Your people. 

Thank you, my Heavenly Father, for giving me a heart to know You as my God and for making me Your child. 

Thank you, O LORD, for giving me the understanding that You are the ‘I AM THAT I AM’ – the self-existing, eternal and unchanging God.

Thank you, Merciful God, for unilaterally and sovereignly conceiving and initiating Your covenants. 

Thank you, Gracious God, for sovereignly extending Your covenants to whomsoever You will. 

Thank you, Omnipotent God, for sovereignly exercising Your covenants, and fulfilling all Your covenants. 

Thank you, Immutable God, for being the Creator of design and order, as portrayed in all the created beings, and for sustaining them. 

Thank you, Holy Father, for making known Your Moral Order to Your people.

Thank you, Faithful God, for accomplishing Your covenants by the sending of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. 

Thank you, Longsuffering God, for all your Grace and Patience towards Your creation. 

Thank you, Only Just God, for extending Your New Covenant to us while we were yet sinners, and redeeming us. 

Thank you, Loving God, for the many exceeding great and precious promises given by the Holy Spirit to Your people. 

Thank you, Only True God, for being true and faithful to keep all Your promises. 

My Heavenly Father, help me to grow in faith and love for You, the All-Sufficient and All-Powerful God. May I, without worry or fear for tomorrow, undoubtfully trust You to lead me in Your truth, till I reach the promised land. All glory be to the Only Great God!

Dn Lim Ah Sang

Thank God for the blessed 25th Bible Witness Retreat held recently in GMC (4th-6th September 2024). It was a “foretaste” of heaven, where 70 plus participants gathered to praise and worship God, to pray, and to learn of the many aspects God’s wonderful truths concerning “The God of Covenant”, as well as to have fellowship one with another in Christ.

This retreat serves as a good spiritual stimulus for me to be enlightened of the deep doctrines on our covenantal God – the great I AM who is sovereign and faithful in His covenants, in His perfect redemption plan for man through Jesus Christ progressively revealed in the Scriptures, and in His gracious, exceedingly great and precious promises which are “yea” and “Amen”. 

Knowing that we are the sons of the most gracious “God of Covenant”, may we persevere in the faith in these troublous times, and be faithful witnesses for the Lord Jesus Christ till His soon return. 

Indeed, the good LORD be praised for sustaining and enabling Pastor Koshy in his faithful teaching of the nine messages during the retreat. Thank God also for all who have laboured and contributed towards the retreat. All glory be unto the one living and true God!

Rev. Reggor B. Galarpe

I praise and thank the Lord for the recently concluded 7th Missionary Conference of Gethsemane Bible-Presbyterian Church that was held in Malaysia from June 10-14, 2024. Having attended all the previous missionary conferences – the very first being held in Malaysia (2005), the second here in Cebu City (2007), the third in Ethiopia (2011), the fourth in Singapore (2014), the fifth in Kuching, East Malaysia (2017), and the sixth held “online” via Zoom at the height of the Covid pandemic (2021) – I praise and thank the Lord for the opportunity to join the seventh, together with my family!

As with the rest of the participants, especially the pastors and missionaries from different parts of the world, we returned home bringing with us abundant blessings – as we have been: 

1. Refreshed by the warm hospitality, love and generosity of our brethren in the “mother church” (GBPC, Singapore). From our arrival until our departure, there’s warm fellowship throughout! We have been well taken care of, both in body and soul, with the brethren opening their homes for us, as well as bringing us out for fellowship over meals. Our souls were further refreshed through the many opportunities to hear God’s Word at the conference meetings, as well as during the Lord’s Day services at Gethsemane BPC, Singapore.
2. Reunited with old friends and like-minded brethren. Indeed, it is just so wonderful to be able to meet and “catch up” with fellow labourers in the Lord’s vineyard, and also with brethren whom we’ve known and been friends for many years since the time I was still studying in FEBC. Moreover, we have the joy of meeting new “additions” to the ever-growing number of labourers in the harvest! I thank the Lord for our brethren from various parts of India whom we’ve met for the first time, and the opportunity to hear of their testimonies. Not to mention the privilege of taking part in the ordination of one preacher into the pastoral ministry.
3. Rejoicing in the Lord as we listened to reports and testimonies from missionaries. Evenings at the conference were spent in hearing mission reports, where we got to see how the Lord has worked in and through the missionaries from various mission fields. It is comforting to hear our “co-labourers” testifying how the Lord enabled them to overcome their respective challenges, and thus to press on with the work.
4. Renewed as we listened to and learned from God’s Word. I thank the Lord for the many opportunities to hear the preaching of God’s Word through the various speakers’ exposition on the theme: “Proclaimers of Faith Under Fire!” Thank God for the very appropriate theme as it gave us the opportunity to examine our own spiritual condition in relation to the ministry that the Lord has entrusted unto us. I have been greatly ministered to by the insights and applications that Pastor Koshy shared with us. Praise God!
5. (Last but not least) Recharged to be able to continue in the work of the ministry. To me, missionary conference is always a time to be re-charged, whereby you “rest awhile” from your daily routine and take some time to be fed and nourished in the Word, in prayer and in fellowship among the brethren. Yes, the assurance from God’s Word, the prayers of God’s people, and testimonies of God’s servants, are just so overwhelming that you will be “stirred” or “fired” up to continue in the work of the Lord.

By God’s grace, my family have returned and arrived safely home (as with the rest of the participants) – and yes, we have been greatly blessed! All praise and glory be unto God!

Elder Eliezer Ortega

“Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits” (Psalm 103:1-2).

All glory and praise be unto the Lord for the 7th Missionary Conference. It is a great blessing for me and my wife to join the conference. It was indeed a time of spiritual nourishment and outpouring of blessings, both physical and spiritual. 

The Lord be praised for using Pastor Koshy and various ministers of God’s Word to preach to us the respective theme messages. It was a great and blessed time of learning from God’s Word, which stirred our minds and hearts. It was a great opportunity for our spiritual learning and exercise. It has greatly strengthened my faith and love for Jesus. It has also renewed us to a joyful and zealous service for the Lord.

Praise the Lord for the respective missionaries’ reports. Thank God for how He prospers the work in different regions of the world, including our small churches in Bogo and San Antonio, which are part of God’s work in the saving of souls. The Lord’s strength and help in the different struggles and challenges of the missionaries and pastors have assured us of God’s timely help and sufficient grace for our own struggles and challenges.

I thank God also for the opportunity to meet and fellowship with old and new brethren. It was a blessed time of fellowship. Praise the Lord for the brethren who had taken good care of each and every missionary, through their hospitality and gifts. Thanks be unto God also for our hosts, who lovingly welcomed and cared for us in their home.

Thank God also for Pastor Koshy, the Board of Elders, and all those who have laboured hard for the 7th Missionary Conference. Praise be unto the Lord from whom all blessings flow. All glory be unto God!

Written by Pr Jeremiah Sim

The Word of God says in Psalm 106:1, “Praise ye the LORD. O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.” Indeed, with much thankfulness and gratefulness to God for His unfailing mercy, love and care to the brethren in the Gethsemane Seniors’ Ministry (GSM), we rejoice with an overflowing exultation to commemorate GSM’s 19th Anniversary Thanksgiving, in conjunction with a retreat which was held at Evergreen Laurel Hotel, Penang, Malaysia (17th-20th April 2024). We thank the Lord for a total of 61 participants. 

The Lord’s providence and help towards us were evident from the beginning of the planning of this Anniversary Thanksgiving Retreat. Behind the scenes lay laborious, careful efforts in the planning and logistical preparations. For that, we thank God for brethren who had laboured with much love and unity in the smooth execution and running of the whole event. Our sincere appreciation to  those brethren who had taken time off from their work to join us and render their sacrificial service in this retreat.

The day arrived for our departure on 17th April at Singapore Changi Airport. There were 3 groups of participants travelling at different flight timings. We could see that our seniors were excited as many had to get up exceptionally early on that day to make their way to Changi Airport. With the Lord’s enabling aid, the brethren, who were assigned to lead and care for their respective groups of seniors, safely and smoothly brought them to Penang Airport and then to Evergreen Laurel Hotel, as well as saw to their safe return to Singapore after the retreat.

It was encouraging to see quite a few of our seniors prayerfully trusting the Lord and attending this retreat in spite of their frail health. We witnessed the Lord’s goodness in taking care of each and every one of them. This brings to our remembrance, Philippians 4:6, “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” 

We had a blessed time studying and learning God’s Word on the theme, “A House Built to Last”, taken from Matthew 7:24-27. Pastor Koshy exhorted us through his 5 messages to dedicate ourselves to serve the Lord fervently, even in our old age. Pastor enlightened us that we are likened to the wise and foolish builders, who see a need to build their houses. Both the wise and foolish builders build differently, though they would face the same rains, floods and winds. Truly, what houses we want to build would largely depend on our responses and attitudes. The wise builder digs deep into the foundation, invests his time and energy to trust and depend on the solid rock and persevere to the end. However, the foolish builder makes a fatal error, lives a superficial or pretentious lifestyle (being complacent / compromising), and did not stand firm in his belief, so much so that he cannot withstand the trials and tribulations in life. What a timely message to encourage us to focus on the Lord Jesus in building our spiritual house, that we may not become weary and despondent  in the face of various trying circumstances in life! We pray that our Seniors would cling strongly to the Lord’s promises, and be wise builders in building their spiritual lives to last, and leave a legacy for their loved ones and friends. 

Throughout those 4 days, the seniors put into practice what they have learned by encouraging one another in the Lord and extending their hands of fellowship. Many of them were helpful, cared for and assisted those who were feeble and not so mobile. Certainly, we thank the Lord for His protection throughout in our travelling. Truly, “He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength” (Isaiah 40:29). All praise be unto God!

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Testimonies from Seniors' Retreat Participants

Lee Kim Lei

‘A House Built to Last’ – that’s the theme of our Seniors’ Ministry Retreat (taken from Matthew 7:24-27). Thanks be unto the Lord for using Pastor Koshy to teach the 5 lessons which are clearly organised and expounded.  From the passage, an important lesson was drawn from two different builders – one wise and the other foolish. In the building of a house, it is essential that its foundation be strong. The wise builder will endure the hard work, persevere, and press on to the end (despite the difficulties or even in the face of others’ mocking). But the foolish builder would normally choose a much easier way in his building work.

I learnt of the two houses which the two men built. A strong house with a strong foundation is built upon the rock, whereas a weak house is built upon sand. When calamities or trials come, the house on a strong foundation will stand firm while the house on sand will crumble.

I learnt that I must be like the wise man so that:

• my house (which is my faith) will not collapse;
• I will be repentant of my sins;
• I will have greater longing for God’s Word;
• I will have more holiness in me;
• I will see the beauty of heaven and be more Christ-like.

I learnt that believers are like lively stones (1 Peter 2:4-8), where our Lord Jesus is the Chief Cornerstone of our house. We are to build up our spiritual house and become a holy priesthood. As a spiritual house built upon the Lord Jesus, we are to:

• offer spiritual sacrifices unto the Lord;
• render sacrifice of praise;
• do good and communicate (helping others).

I also learnt of the 3 important factors to do spiritual sacrifices unto the Lord:

1. Be holy;
2. Be spiritual;
3. Be acceptable to God.

Such rich and blessed spiritual feeding unto my soul and unto the seniors who feedback with much praise and thanksgiving unto the Lord. In my 12 years of service with the Seniors’ Ministry, I have witnessed several who were taken home to be with the Lord in peace, as well as quite a number who continue coming to our seniors’ meetings in joy despite their sick and deteriorating bodies. I am much blessed and encouraged by their testimonies. May the Lord continue to use us seniors to be a channel of blessings to others. Truly, “I have not hid thy righteousness within my heart; I have declared thy faithfulness and thy salvation: I have not concealed thy lovingkindness and thy truth from the great congregation” (Psalm 40:10). 

Julie Skariah

I thank God for the opportunity to join the 19th Anniversary Thanksgiving & Retreat of Gethsemane Seniors’ Ministry (GSM) in Penang. For the past one year, Sis Gina has been encouraging me to attend the weekly GSM meetings in GMC. After prayerful consideration, I started attending their meetings in recent months, and was subsequently moved to register for this retreat. During this retreat, I was greatly blessed by the faithful preaching of God’s Word as well as the sweet fellowship with the seniors and other brethren. Thank God for strengthening Eld. Mah, Pr. Jeremiah and Pr. Daniel to plan and coordinate this retreat. My heart rejoiced to see many “younger” brethren joining this retreat to help and assist the elderly believers. Thank God for the safety and protection upon all the seniors throughout the retreat, though many are weak and fragile. I am certainly encouraged to see their faith and joy in the Lord. 

Praise the Lord for enabling Pastor Koshy to preach five messages on the topic, “A House Built to Last”, taken from Matthew 7:24-27. These were timely reminders for us to build our lives upon our Rock, the Lord Jesus Christ, and to offer our life as a spiritual sacrifice acceptable to God. God has chosen us to be part of a spiritual house to serve Him for His glory (1 Peter 2:5). I pray that the Lord will continue to strengthen me to serve Him joyfully for His glory. “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ” (Colossians 3:23-24). All glory be to God.

Thomas and Melanie Tow

In his sermons on the topic, “A House Built to Last”, Pastor Koshy challenged us to examine our faith and how we are living it out in our lives. Are we like the wise builder or the foolish builder in Matthew 7:24-27? A firm foundation in Christ is not built easily, but requires hard work, patience and perseverance, as we dig deep into God’s Word and let its truths transform our lives. Progress takes time, but the results are lasting. 

In the hymn, “The Solid Rock”, we sing, “On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand - All other ground is sinking sand…” If we adopt only the outward rituals of the Christian faith, never submitting to the Holy Spirit to transform us, we may appear to be religious. But the shallowness and pretentiousness of our faith will be revealed when we face the storms of life and especially death.  All will face the same end: “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). Thus, we can never take our salvation for granted. We must continually “desire the sincere milk of the word” (1 Peter 2:2). “For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning” (2 Peter 2:20). This is a stern warning to guard our lives and the choices we make. 

1 Peter 2:5 reminds us, “Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.” Paul further beseeches believers to “present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service” (Romans 12:1). Our bodies are not to be instruments of sin, but rather consecrated to do His will. Through our praise and thanksgiving, we offer to God sacrifices of praise. We are also to help others, “to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased” (Hebrews 13:16). We are called to share the Gospel and to participate in the ministry of the church and its outreach through our giving. We can say, as Paul said to the church in Philippi, “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (Phil 4:19). 

We praise God for Pastor’s timely messages. We were also very blessed through our fellowship with the other brethren. No matter how old or feeble we may be or become in the days to come, we will aim to fulfil our calling to be Jesus’ “lively stones”, bringing life and light to the many souls who are still in spiritual darkness. It is Jesus who makes us lively and useful.  We may think we are useless, especially as our health fails and we become dependent on others. But we do not cease to be part of the church, the gathering of God’s people and part of His spiritual house. May our lives bear witness to the firm foundation on which we stand, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

Edeliza Ballega

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

Indeed, I thank God for His grace and provision that enabled me to participate in the recently concluded Gethsemane Seniors’ Ministry (GSM) 19th Anniversary Thanksgiving & Retreat held in Penang (17-20 Apr 2024). I am overwhelmed with gratitude as I reflect on the time of spiritual feasting and fellowship, being enriched by the faithful exposition of God’s Word by Pastor Koshy. Truly, it was a rejuvenating experience, surrounded by senior brethren and vibrant young adults, all under the watchful care of our Almighty God. 

Truly, praise the Lord for His sustaining grace over the past 19 years, preserving and blessing GSM as a beacon of His goodness and wonderful works. Our church’s dedication to ministering to brethren in their golden years is a testament to His faithfulness. I am grateful for Pastor Koshy’s leadership, Eld Mah’s steadfast oversight, Pr Jeremiah’s dedication to taking care of the flock, and Pr Daniel’s linguistic talents, alongside their supportive spouses who tirelessly serve with the faithful men of the ministry.

The theme of the retreat, “A House Built to Last” (Matthew 7:24-27), resonated deeply within me. It reminded me of the importance of actively participating in God’s work and building up His kingdom. Just as the wise man builds his house upon the rock, I am called to build my life upon the firm foundation of Christ, lest I be like the foolish man whose house crumbled upon the sand. 1 Peter 2:4-5 echoes this sentiment, describing believers as “lively stones” being built into a spiritual house. As followers of Christ, we are called to be lively stones, firmly attached to Him, offering our lives as spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God. This requires complete surrender to His will and transformation by the renewing of our minds, that we may discern and fulfil His perfect will (Romans 12:2).

May GSM continue to flourish, serving as a source of strength and support for all involved. May each member be empowered to live as “ lively stones”, rooted in Christ and dedicated to His glory. All praise and glory unto our faithful God, who sustains us and builds His house to last for eternity.

Miriam Wong

Thank God that my father (Uncle Wong), Tika (his maid) and I were able to join Gethsemane Seniors’ Ministry (GSM) 19th Anniversary Thanksgiving & Retreat in Penang this year.

Incidentally, my parents and I were one of the first few participants when GSM first started. To date, if my memory does not fail me, four among that first group have departed into glory. Looking at my parents’ health, I also don’t know how long more my father could still be joining us. (My mother could no longer join us already due to her ill health.) Thank God Pastor Koshy saw the need to start this work, assigning Pr Jeremiah and Pr Daniel to minister among the seniors.

Soon one day, whether young or old now, all of us would need to put our tasks down. Yet, when we choose to remain faithful to the Lord, He will make sure His work continue, with or without the founding members of the church or GSM. As God’s saints, we are called to be lively stones, being built up as a spiritual house. May our gracious God grant us grace to be faithful in following His leading. “For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day” (2 Corinthians 4:16).

Cheng Han

Thank God for the committee members who organised this Thanksgiving Retreat to Penang, for keeping Pastor Koshy in good health to deliver the messages, for safety and protection in our travel and stay in Penang, for a blessed time of learning God’s Word and mutual encouragement and sweet fellowship of the saints. In particular, I have been blessed by the hospitality and kindness of many brethren at the retreat.

Most of all, there were many spiritual lessons from God’s faithful servant on the topic, “A House Built to Last” (Matthew 7:24-27). The house built on the rock needs a lot of time in its construction, and cannot be done speedily. The house built on sand would be faster and easier, and so the builder can quickly finish the job. But behold the different outcomes after both houses have been completed. For the 1st house, when “the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house, and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock” (v. 25). For the 2nd house, “it fell: and great was the fall of it” (v. 27). Both houses face the same situations. One remains strong, the other fell. What makes the difference?

The wise builder digged deep and laid the foundation on the rock, which is not easy but wise (cf. Luke 6:48). But the foolish builder built upon the earth (less difficult but foolish) resulting in a house without a foundation (cf. Luke 6:49). Digging deep in rock needs hard labour. We are to dig deep into God’s Word and apply Bible truth into our lives, and knock off sins in our lives, though it is not an easy thing to do. Some people in church do not want to “dig deep” in their spiritual life. They prefer a happy and easy life. They are unwilling to deal with and to confess sins deep in their lives, and so have no peace. Hearing God’s Word can be painful. Jesus looks into our hearts. We need to check if our spiritual foundation is well built. Jesus hates sin. He does not want us to continue in sin. It is for our sins that He died for us. If we don’t let God’s Word transform us, we are like a foolish builder. True seeking and doing of God’s Word will lead to exposing our hidden sins, to repentance, to reconciliation, to real joy, to increased holiness.

Finally, may the Lord continue to bless the Gethsemane BPC’s Seniors’ Ministry and all its ministries to the glory of His Holy Name. Amen.

Lara Wee

In 1968, when I was 11 years old, a teacher hired a van to fetch my sister and me, together with other students, out to church. I attended the church (Zion Church) with my sister. After attending many services, we were very joyful and blessed. We decided to get baptized. Since then, we have attended the church without fail. I also invited my parents to join us, and they were also saved. Praise God for His saving grace unto the rest of my family.

After I got married, I attended Elim Church regularly. Later, when my children and their spouses attended Gethsemane BP Church, the Lord led me to follow them to attend GBPC. I was joyful and blessed to be in GBPC. I have been attending GBPC regularly. I am also blessed to have many new friends at GBPC.

Kevin Tai

Decades ago, my life took a drastic turn when I was diagnosed with a head and neck cancer Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (also known as NPC), which is a rare tumour of the head and neck originating in the nasopharynx. At that time, I was working in Hong Kong, and the specialist doctor, whom I consulted there, told me that my survival rate was only 30%. Only 1 out of 3 persons with this cancer has a chance to survive. I was advised to undergo 6 weeks of intensive radiotherapy. After my radiotherapy treatment, I was introduced to a Singaporean friend who also worked in Hong Kong. Knowing that I am not a Christian, he invited me to go with him to a church service. I felt obligated and attended the services reluctantly (as Sunday morning was usually my “badminton day”). 

After a few weeks, he asked me whether I wanted to accept Jesus as my Saviour. I accepted the invitation to receive Jesus as my Saviour. I then joined a cell group that met near my place of stay. After many months of numerous medical appointments to treat my cancer, I was told that I was cleared of cancer. I believed God had healed me by His grace and mercy. 

But my problem did not stop there. Due to the less advanced medical technology and method, the radiotherapy that killed the cancer cells damaged my physical body severely. It had resulted in an irreversible nerve damage from my chest upwards. My body gradually started to show other side effects, even ten years after the radiotherapy. A person has four main blood arteries, two in front of the neck and two behind the neck, which supply blood to our front and back of the brain respectively. Damages to two of those main arteries and nerves caused by radiotherapy had prevented proper blood supply to the back of my brain since then. 

It resulted in a mild stroke ten years later, and I  was warded. When the neurologist did a scan on my front neck, he was shocked and told me: “Mr. Tai, I cannot find your 2 main front arteries! You should not be here anymore!” I pointed my finger upward to indicate that it was my God who has done this wondrous “miracle”. Due to the stroke and nerve damage, I began to lose my ability to speak properly and to hear well. My eyes were also affected and I started to have double vision, necessitating me to wear specially prescribed prism-lens spectacles. But all these afflictions did not stop my faith in God and my Lord Jesus, whom I follow till this day. God kept me alive for His purposes, despite my debilitating health problems.

I desire to continue to serve God according to His will, despite my deteriorating physical health. I have been serving the Lord in the prison ministry and “halfway houses” for more than ten years. I am willing to offer my service whenever, and wherever God calls me, as long as I live and am able. Following are some Bible verses that cheer me to serve Him: 

2 Corinthians 12:9-10 – “And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.” 

Romans 14:7-8 – “For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself. For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s.” 

2 Corinthians 3:5 – “Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think anything as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God”.

Esther Tan Hui En

I was brought up in a Christian home since birth, and had received much of what my parents and the church taught about God and the Bible as the truth. Yet, for many years, much of this remained as mere knowledge without true spiritual rebirth. I was actively serving in Calvary Pandan BP Church during my teenage years, and while outwardly in church I appeared to be fervent for the Lord, I was more motivated by pride and self-glory. Concurrently in my school life, I was a completely different person – lazy, irresponsible and rude to authorities.

I remember distinctly a classmate remarking in great surprise when she found out that I was a Christian, and told me bluntly that I did not behave like one – those words pricked through my heart and made me realise the hypocrite that I had been. I turned to the Lord in repentance and received baptism in 2014, but my knowledge of God was still weak and lacking, and many worldly influences continued to distract me throughout junior college. It came to a point when although I was still attending church regularly, I was estranged from many of my church friends, causing me to be rather depressed. The Lord moved my heart to seek Him during this period, and I came across Psalm 34:8 – “O taste and see that the LORD is good”. The verse described a true and intimate relationship with God, to know His presence and to walk with Him – one that I had not yet truly known. That became my turning point to seek and desire what it truly meant to know the LORD. 

I was convicted through multiple portions of Scripture (e.g. Rom 10:13; 2 Tim 1:12) regarding my salvation, as well as the teaching of the “Five Points of Calvinism” in my church Bible study in 2016 that further solidified my understanding. I began to understand my own total depravity, my deep need for a Saviour, and how now I stand before God only by the merit of my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Since then, though I’d failed the LORD time and time again, the LORD has always been merciful to pluck me out of my sin, so that I may serve Him.

I have been led by the LORD through not a few events to seek membership in Gethsemane BP Church, and my heart is filled with joy to worship and serve Him here. May the LORD be pleased to use my life as His instrument, for His kingdom and His glory. “For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:3).

Gladys Lim

The first time that I heard about Christianity was in my primary and secondary school days in a Catholic school (CHIJ). I remembered having to worship a God that I did not know at that time, in a fervent and repetitive way that was taught to us. I had since developed a habit of prayer – to some supernatural being – that I thought could help me with my grades and relieve my stress. Except for my mother, my other family members are non-religious, and thus I did not make my “prayer” habits known to them. My mother worships according to her ancestral teachings of Buddhism. Not knowing any better, I was also influenced by her, and I “prayed” to her gods too.

After a long struggle with mental illness, by the grace of God, I met Yong Wei, who first talked to me about the true meaning of the Gospel. Along the way, I struggled to understand some teachings of the Bible, such as “wifely submission” and “not being unequally yoked with an unbeliever”. I also had some deep pre-existing biases against Christians whom I had encountered before, who were rather disrespectful and demeaning to other people. I was upset with them for advocating (with their mouths) kind and respectful treatment of others, but (with their actions) actually hating people.

These Christians’ double standards stumbled me: “Why do I worship God if I were to hate His people?” Gradually, I begin to understand that all men have sinned and come short of God’s standard. I can only say that it is truly by the grace of the Lord through the Gospel that I have come to a realisation of my own sins, and I acknowledge Christ to be my only Saviour and Lord. The Lord is truly good, and I do understand now by His mercy, that the faith that I had once misconstrued, is indeed the truth of God which I now submit to follow. I must bear the cross as a Christian, even if some would use angry words against me for my faith. My comfort lies in Jesus Christ, and the peace that He gives unto me. 

I am grateful to Pastor Koshy, the elders and the congregation, for their kindness and hospitality that have made me feel welcomed. I can see that Gethsemane is a God-fearing church. I also am very appreciative of Yong Wei who continues to encourage me in my walk with Christ, as well as other church members who have taken time to talk to me. I do hope to continue to read and learn from the Bible, so as to strengthen my walk with Christ.

God’s promise of the spiritual progress of His people is unambiguous. Consider the words of Psalm 92:12-14, “The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon. Those that be planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our God. They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing”.

O, how refreshing and reviving are those assuring words in the Scriptures! Our progress in our pilgrim journey is not an unrealistic expectation, but a reality that God has promised. Like the palm trees and cedars of Lebanon, which steadily grow in their differing climatic and soil conditions, God’s redeemed people will grow where God’s providence would plant them. Even if their circumstances are hostile, like the arid and barren wilderness, they will flourish like the fruitful palm trees in the desert. 

Each day of our life in Christ is meant to be a pilgrim’s progress!  So let us not give ourselves to despondence or doubt, fatigue or fear. The great thing we must strive for is growing perpetually in the Lord, even amid hostile circumstances. Learn increasingly how good and great the Lord is, by increasingly trusting the Lord and casting your cares on Him. As Scripture says enthusiastically to all believers, “But grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ” (2 Pet 3:18).

In the new year, may we desire to grow in the Lord. Let us desire more grace and knowledge of the LORD. Let us seek the LORD always. Then, in the new year, we shall flourish and yield more spiritual fruit for the Lord’s glory. Blessed New Year!

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A Report of God’s Blessings on the 23rd BW-GYF Retreat

Report by Pr Cornelius Koshy

We thank God for a wonderful gathering of about 160 brethren who gathered in three cities in the Philippines, from the 18th to 22nd December 2023, to hear God’s Word being preached (on the theme: “Prepare to Meet Thy God”), to visit brethren in Cebu City, Bogo City and Tagbilaran City, as well as to sing at the Christmas Cantatas held in these three cities. 

As dawn broke on the morning of Monday (18 December), about 120 participants arrived in Cebu City from Singapore, as well as from different cities in Bohol, Negros and Luzon (Pangasinan and La Union). It was a joyful reunion of many brethren whom we had not seen in a long time! After a much-needed rest from a night of travel, we moved to a larger hotel where the five meetings of the Bible Witness Retreat would be held. Rev. Reggor Galarpe, Rev. Donald dela Cruz, Pr Edsel Locot, Pr Eliezer Ortega and myself preached a sermon each on the theme: “Prepare to Meet Thy God”. We thank God for many local brethren from Cebu City who joined us for the retreat.

On Tuesday (19 December) night, many more came to attend the first of three Christmas Cantatas entitled, “Glad Tidings of Great Joy”. These are family members and friends of brethren from Gethsemane BPC (Cebu). We thank God for preparing 42 singers from the Gethsemane Church Choir, Youth Choir and Children’s Choir with good health and the voice to sing. These singers diligently practised in the weeks preceding the retreat and, together with the Bible Witness Media Ministry, we thank God we could present six medleys under the themes, “How Great Thou Art!”; “How Great Our Joy!”; and “How Great Thy Coming!”. Pastor Koshy, who was with us in the retreat, exhorted us on “10 Wonders of Christ”, taken from John 1:1-14.

Wednesday (20 December) was a day of much travelling by land. After a sumptuous lunch prepared by brethren from Cebu church, followed by a quick visit of their worship premises at 13 First Street, Happy Valley, a convoy of three 45-seater coaches travelled about 100km northward, to Bogo City. Because of heavy traffic during the Christmas season, our journey by coach took about four hours, and we reached the meeting place in Bogo just in time for the start of our second Christmas programme. We were delighted to meet some brethren and many of their relatives and friends who patiently waited for our arrival. That night, though the choir members were tired from the day’s travelling, God strengthened the singers and musicians who sang and played in the second Christmas Cantata! In his sermon, Pastor Koshy challenged all to consecrate themselves to Jesus who condescended for us. After some fellowship with the brethren, we had to quickly travel back to Cebu City, and we thank God for a much faster journey back.

We started Thursday (21 December) bright and early! By 6am, we were all up, preparing for our ferry ride to Bohol Island. We thank God for clear skies and for an uneventful 2-hr sailing to Tagbilaran City, Bohol. Upon arrival, we travelled another 1½ hrs by coach, for lunch and some sightseeing of God’s beautiful creation at The Chocolate Hills – a geological formation of over 1,000 small green hills. Many climbed up a long flight of stairs to enjoy the panoramic views from a high vantage point. We then returned back to the city to rest at the hotel, in preparation for the third and final Christmas Cantata. We thank God for the Bohol brethren, and some others from Trinidad BP Mission Church (a church supported by True Life BP Church), who joined us. We thank God for Pastor and the choir who once again ministered to all of us. 

On the final day, Friday (22 December), the team returned to Cebu City. After lunch and some rest in SM Seaside City Cebu, the team bade their farewells to the brethren from Cebu – some greeted us at the mall, while others came all the way to Mactan-Cebu Airport. 

Truly, “The LORD hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad” (Psalm 126:3) All glory be to God for this golden opportunity we have enjoyed to fellowship with and minister to our brethren in the Philippines. We thank God for the Bible Witness Team, the Gethsemane Youth Fellowship Committee and Auxiliary Committee, in organising and executing the plans; as well as for all who gave cheerfully to expenses of this retreat, for all who joined us, and for all who prayed for us!

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Testimonies of Participants of 23rd Bible Witness-GYF Retreat

Elder Alan Choy

This year GYF-cum-BW retreat in Cebu (from 18 to 22 December 2023) was a blessed time of feasting on God’s Word and celebrating Christmas with the brethren in the Philippines mission churches. It was a great joy hearing all the preachers ministering God’s Word to us, and testifying of God’s wonderful works in their lives. “Prepare to Meet Thy God” is a most timely topic in these last of the last days before the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. We cannot continue to carelessly live our lives without preparing to meet our God.

Praise God for a good number of about 100 brethren from Singapore visiting the mission churches in Cebu, Bogo and Bohol (via plane, coach, ferry) to see God’s hand upon the work in that part of the mission field. It was a testimony of the Lord’s goodness. The brethren in all these mission churches had invited their friends to come to hear our choir sing Christmas carols and the Gospel message by Pastor Koshy (taken from of John 1). May the uplifting singing by the choir and the Gospel messages preached, turn many to Christ in time to come. It was good to see our youths having good time of fellowship with the youths in Cebu, playing games and communing with one another. The Lord’s name is to be praised.

I had a good time of fellowship with the TGCM brethren in Cebu. What a great testimony of God’s working in transforming some of them from their broken past to a joyous life in Christ! Thank God for our missionaries and TGCM brethren, who worked hard to ensure our smooth transit from point to point and see to all our basic needs being met. Thank God for good weather and journey-mercies for the entire delegation during the trip, including the ferry ride to Bohol. Blessed be His name. 

Eng Huat and Beng Yan

Praise and thank God for safety and good weather in our travelling to various places during the trip.  We are blessed by the faithful preaching of the five messages which are a timely reminder to us to be prepared for the Lord’s return. We are encouraged by the diligence and hard work of the choir that sang beautifully and joyfully to glorify the birth of Christ. Pastor’s Gospel messages that were preached – in a quite different yet refreshing manner – remind us of God’s precious gift of Christ and His salvation grace, which make Christmas very meaningful for us. 

The long trips between the different venues in Cebu city, Bogo and Bohol showed us the difficulties and hardship that our brethren in the Philippines face each week as they serve the Lord in worship. Thanks to all who planned the trip so well, and to all who took care of the logistical arrangements. Everything was carried out very smoothly. Praise and thank God for the sweet fellowship that we had with brethren from Singapore and the Philippines. All praise and glory to God in the Highest!

Judy Chan

I want to praise God for a very memorable retreat, this being my first time joining the youths! It’s an honour to be able to sing with the youths and the children! I also praise God for helping the choir to sing assuredly, trusting in God’s help for His glory! Upon watching the recording shown during the Christmas service on 24 December 2023, and hearing Pastor’s preaching, I can only give praise to God for sustaining the choir to sing effectively for Him amidst ‘challenging’ circumstances (long travels, lack of rest, etc.). We can sing because God helps us to sing for His glory. All glory be to our great God! 

We praise God for His enabling grace upon Pr Cornelius to effectively lead the choir, our wonderful pianists, and the brethren who did the set-up / recording, as well as Bro Yeh Wen who prepared countless ‘MIDI’ so we could learn and prepare to sing! The youths were so helpful in helping me to understand the scores, especially Sis Mehetabel and Sis Jesimiel who recorded some parts to help me learn. Moreover, by God’s providence, I only became sick after the third presentation. That resulted in me having to be ‘transported’ with another sister-in-Christ who was also unwell, which granted me an opportunity to fellowship with her! Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to wish all brethren a blessed Christmas and a joyful New Year, one which is filled with peace and joy from the Lord!

Jeff Joish
Growing up in a Christian home with Christian parents and relatives, I have regularly attended church since I was young. I also had the privilege of attending Junior Worship and Gethsemane Children’s Ministry. Through these services, I learnt that I must believe in God and was taught many Bible truths. I also learnt that Jesus is the Son of God, who came to earth to save us from our sins. I believe that Jesus is my Saviour who died on the cross and rose again on the third day, defeating death and giving us everlasting life.

During the start of my first year in secondary school, I had difficulty making friends. I saw that my new classmates constantly did ungodly things that contradict the Scriptures. However, I sought God’s advice by praying, and I eventually discovered other Christians in my school. Through regularly attending worship services, singing hymns, praying every day and listening to God’s Word being preached by Pastor, I realised that God was testing me if I would give in to temptation and follow ungodly ways. However, God guided me and led me not to succumb to temptation, but to follow godly ways.

I thank God that He opened a way for me to attend the Catechism class. I thank Him for my loving and godly parents who brought me to church regularly and taught me about the Gospel. I pray that I can always bear a good testimony for Christ. I pray that God will continue leading me to worship and serve Him to the end.

Joel Tan
The Bible teaches us to worship in a church and to be a regular part of its membership and activities, so that we may progress in our Christian journey: “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching” (Hebrews 10:25). Likewise, the Bible also teaches us – through the examples of various characters, such as Nathan the prophet, John the Baptist and our Lord Himself – to seek strong and sound preaching, and apply their lessons, as a remedy against sin and falling by the wayside in our walk with God.

I was born in a Christian home; my parents knew the Lord and regularly worshipped in Bethesda Frankel Estate Church. Like many other Christian parents, they brought me to church. I attended Sunday School and the Junior Youth Service. Having had special-needs issues since I was young, it was difficult to focus and sit by myself. One of my parents had to sit with me. As we grew up, the schedules of me and my elder sister changed frequently, and my parents had to find a church that could accommodate our rapidly-changing schedules. Hence, for a time, we attended the Saturday service of Trinity Christian Centre. However, due to my hearing problems, I could not tolerate the loud music and their way of worship.

I was blessed with knowledge of Gethsemane BPC’s doctrines and practices even before I stepped foot in Gethsemane. While my parents were looking for a solution to my problems, Sis Cecile let me listen to Bible Witness Web Radio and read Bible Witness Magazine. When Sis Cecile brought my sister to her tuition classes in Raffles Place, she also brought me to the former Bible Witness Bookroom in Chinatown while waiting for her class to finish. We would read some of the books there and browse through others. Eventually, she asked my parents if she could bring me to the “Scripture in Song” musical in 2013, and they agreed.

Since coming to Gethsemane, I have greatly benefited from the spiritual nourishment through the strong preaching of God’s Word. It is truly the case that I have learnt the “great and mighty things” of God (Jeremiah 33:3), through the sermons and exhortations that I had not known before coming to Gethsemane. While the preaching and exposition of God’s Word in Gethsemane can prick souls, I am grateful for the constant reminders to live by God’s Word and not fall into the trap of sin. In the modern world, it is very easy to lose sight of the ultimate prize that awaits every believer at the end of time, and do things the way we want and not what God would have wanted.

I also thank God for the many blessings I have received during my time in Youth Fellowship. While the preaching is just as strong, it is also quite relatable to me as the preachers seek to show how God’s Word can be applied to address issues faced by youths and young people of today, such as problems that come from academic studies and by ongoing trends in the modern world.

I praise God for the fellowship that I have experienced in both the Main Service, as well as the Youth Fellowship. Despite my condition, the congregants have come to accept me as I am, and not pass judgment or make fun of me. I am blessed by the concern and mutual encouragement shown to me by congregants and committee members alike, both in conversation with them as well as in presenting our prayers and requests to God.

In conclusion, I have truly benefited much from my learning in Gethsemane. May God continue to guide me and help me to walk close to Him even amid the trials I face now, and those that have yet to come. All glory and honour be to the Lord. Amen.

Nehemiah dela Cruz
Born into a Christian family, God had always been the centre of our house. I was granted the privilege of being born into a missionary family that served in the mission stations in Bogo and San Antonio. This allowed me to grow up witnessing the power of God’s saving grace first-hand, and seeing how God was the omnipotent, omniscient and omnipresent God. However, I was still young and immature in the faith, and never really took the messages and devotions I heard seriously until much later.

When I was three years old, my father passed away, and the incident instilled great grief within my family. I was too young to understand the situation then, but when I grew older, I gradually understood it. This caused my mum and I to move back to Singapore. When we came back to Singapore, we started attending Gethsemane BPC. My mind was soon filled with doubts and questions. Why did this have to happen to me? What did I do wrong?

The question in my head soon caused me to, unfortunately, doubt God’s goodness and grace. I started to lose trust in God and His will for me. However, the messages preached in the church and in the children’s ministry reminded me that God is always in control, and that all are according to His marvellous will and plan. As I grew in age and went to public schools, I began to feel the world’s influence on me. However, I am glad for the strict reminders from my family and the preachers of the church that managed to keep me on the straight and narrow path through all the various temptations.

Although I cannot remember the exact date of my salvation, I am glad that I have been called from darkness into God’s marvellous light. I am thankful for the bountiful grace God has shown to me by sustaining me and my family. I am also glad that I can now confidently declare that I am a sinner saved by grace. My prayer is that I will continue to grow in the Lord, and serve my Saviour fruitfully in the years to come.

Ryan Skariah
By the grace of God, I was born into a Christian family. I thank God for godly parents who taught me God’s Word daily. From a very young age, I started to attend Gethsemane Children’s Ministry and Gethsemane Children’s Choir. I thank God for helping me to learn about Him and to understand that Jesus died for us to save us from our sins.

I thank God for my Junior Worship teachers and my GCM teachers, who taught me God’s Word faithfully. After listening to the Sunday sermons preached by Pastor and the regular GYF messages preached by Pr Cornelius and Pastor Koshy, I was convicted that I was a sinner and that all have come short of the glory of God. I realised that I had not been walking close with God, and that I did not pray to him with a true spirit. I have been attending church worship services and fellowship meetings regularly, but still did not obey God’s Word, and I was constantly sinning. I thank the Lord for Pastor Koshy’s messages that rebuked me, which made me ask the Lord for forgiveness for all my sins. “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8). I prayed to the Lord for grace and strength to be able to walk closer with Him. I accepted Jesus Christ as my personal Lord and Saviour and decided to go through the Catechism class.

Through the Catechism class, I was able to further understand the doctrines of the church, the Bible and God. I thank God for Elder Choy and Elder Francis, who taught us on these important topics. I pray that the Lord will help me grow spiritually and love Him even more. I pray for strength to serve Him and worship Him wholeheartedly. All glory be to God!

Titus Lim Rui Heng
I was raised in a Christian family from the day I was born. My parents brought my sister and I to church from a very young age. Throughout my childhood, I had the privilege of hearing numerous sermons and attending Vacation Bible School camps where I learned about the concept of salvation, such as the ABC acronym - Accept, Believe, Confess. I also learned many Bible verses, e.g. Romans 6:23 - “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord”; and 1 John 1:9 - “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
In 2019, during one of the youth camps, a question was posed during one of the invitations - “Raise up your hand if you know that you will be in heaven if you were to die right now.” This question left me deeply conflicted about the certainty of my salvation, and I approached my pastor for guidance after the service. He shared with me that if I was saved, the Holy Spirit would be the One who confirms and grants me inner peace about my salvation. We prayed together, but I left that evening still wrestling with doubt. It was during my devotion that night that I realised I was still a sinner in need of salvation. The many years of following my parents to church and the many sermons preached to me did not mean I was saved. That night, I confessed my sins and accepted Christ as my personal Saviour.

From 2019 to 2022, my family continued to attend church regularly, but it eventually became a routine for me—going to church on Sunday mornings and then heading home. Youth meetings were scarce, and my spiritual growth stagnated.

In mid-2022, my mum talked to me about our spiritual growth in the church, and asked if we wanted to visit another church where we could grow and serve God effectively. By God’s grace and providence, my family came to Gethsemane BPC through Aunty Annie’s invitation. Listening to the sermons and attending the many weekly activities, such as the YF, rejuvenated me and aided me in my spiritual walk with the Lord. I also thank the Lord for allowing me to attend this year’s Church Camp, where I learned about cultivating spiritual mindedness and living for Christ in these last days.

Earlier this year, my family and I attended the Catechism classes, where we delved into various topics, from God’s creation to Christ’s second coming. Coming from a Baptist background, I notice differences in practices between the Baptists and Presbyterians, such as infant baptism, baptism by sprinkling, and open communion. However, through the catechism class, I understood and accepted these differences, and have been assured that my salvation is only by faith in Christ. What is more important is the mutual love and respect we show to one another in the church, and not causing divisions so that we may all grow as one body in Christ. I pray for the Lord’s continual working in my life so that I may serve Him in spirit and in truth.

Phoebe Lim Jun Yu
I was born into a Christian family, and since our respective births, my brother and I have faithfully attended church at Ambassador Baptist Church with our parents. During the children’s Sunday School, I was curious and eager to learn more about God’s Word concerning creation, Ten Commandments, and Jesus’ parables. However, I did not understand much about salvation, and I had many questions pertaining to repentance from sins and being born again as a Christian.

In 2016, during the youth camp at Maranatha Baptist Church, I was deeply moved by the preaching on “Life’s Greatest Choice”, taken from Matthew 6:24 – “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” I realised that we were created by God and our allegiance should be to our Heavenly Father (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14). I raised my hand when the preacher asked if any unbeliever was interested in learning more about salvation. It was at this moment that a fellow sister-in-Christ approached me, prayed with me and shared the significance of salvation and the importance of repentance.

• Romans 3:23 – “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.”
• Romans 10:9 – “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.”
• John 14:6 – “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”
• John 3:16 – “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

As I went home to ponder about it, I realised how sinful I was, and that my current way of life was filled with fleshly desires, which God hates, and would only lead to an eternal separation from God in the lake of fire. I cried out to God during that night, acknowledging that I was a sinner and asking Him to come into my heart to save me. I understand that doing good works doesn’t save and that I am a sinner in need of God’s love, forgiveness and mercy. Salvation is freely given to all those who genuinely believe and trust in Jesus. Only by faith through Him can I be free from the bondage of sins. As Ephesians 2:8-9 says, “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.”

From 2016 to 2022, my family had been attending church regularly, but over time it started feeling like a routine for me. Youth meetings were scarce, and I faced a period of spiritual stagnation, where I felt that I wasn’t growing much as a young Christian.

In mid-2022, my family and I were extended a warm invitation by Auntie Annie to Gethsemane Bible-Presbyterian Church, where we have been attending since then. Through my time in Gethsemane BPC, I felt that the church was of biblically sound doctrine, and was a God-fearing and God-honouring church. I was deeply encouraged by the warm fellowship, unity and encouragement of the brothers and sisters in Gethsemane BPC, and their yearning to learn and seek the Lord and serve Him in the different areas of service! I was immensely thankful that my brother and I were able to attend this year’s Church Camp, where we learned how we ought to be spiritually minded – to put off our fleshly desires and to put on the new man, which is to live by God’s desire and purpose for our lives. It reminded me of the importance of daily prayer and having a close walk and relationship with Him.

My prayer is that God will guide me, help me grow in my faith, and deepen my trust in Him as I continue to serve Him and be a beacon of light to the people around me in my words and actions. Matthew 5:16 says, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”