_____________________Monday, October 30, 2006__________________
Pakistan's 'Marriage Act'
A law passed under the military dictatorship of Zia ulHaq in 1985 rules taht if a non-Muslim woman converts to Islam, her previous marriageis null and void. Radical Muslims see this law as an inviatation to kidnap, rape and bully Christian women and girls into converting to Islam. They are often forced to marry their Muslim captors, who claim that their parents and husbands have lost all right to the abducted women and girls. Through indifference, aggrement of fear, most local police simply go along with it.
In February 2001, Naira Nadia, a fourteen-year-old Christian girl, was kadnapped and gang raped by a group of Muslim men after she shared her faith with school friends. Then men forcibly converted her to Islam and sent her parents a certificate of conversion. Despite evidence that Naira was under age and therefore could not marry or convert to another faith without her parents' conscent, the presiding judge at Lahore High Court ruled in favour of the abductor. Naira has been mission for almost seventeen months. Her family filed an apeal to the Suprem court in February this year, but they are under increasing pressure from local Muslims to drop the case.
-Adapted from "True Grit"
I had a dream about Pakistan yesterday morning right before i woke up (not that sure if it really was Pakistan, or Bangladesh, but may be Pakistan ba). And after that in chuch, of all things there was a mission sharing and we were to pray for Pakistan. and when i pray to God about it, i just couldn't stop crying for serious no reason at all at all. i mean i really don't know much about pakistan, why cry for no reason??? really no idea.... but i guess God is prompting me to pray for this land. so ok, i surrender and find out a little more about this place. so brothers and sister, will u join me in praying for Pakistan? =)
Pakistan
Welcome to Pakistan, “land of the pure.” This ancient land boasts some of the oldest cultures in the world. Its Muslim history dates from the 7th century when Muslim sailors first visited. Although Pakistan was a cradle for two of the world's major religions, Hinduism and Buddhism, today the nation is over 96% Muslim. Its official name is the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.
Unreached People Groups
Pakistan is a mosaic of ethnic groups held together by the common religion of Islam. The major ethnic groups are Punjabis, Sindhis, Brahuis, and Pushtuns (or Pathans). The Punjabis and Sindhis make up about 75% of the total population but are themselves subdivided into many groups. In addition, about 22 other distinctive ethnic groups can be identified
Language
Urdu is the official language, though it is spoken as a first language by less than 10% of the population. English is still widely used in government offices. Other major vernaculars are Punjabi, Sindhi, Pashtu, and Balochi. A total of 68 languages are spoken in Pakistan, of which about 20 are spoken by at least 50,000 people.
Religion
The Islamic Republic of Pakistan is a mosaic of ethnic groups held together by their common religion (97% of the population are Muslim). The government of Pakistan officially recognized Islam as the state religion in 1956, when the country was proclaimed an Islamic Republic. Freedom of religion was decreed in that constitution and in the constitutions of 1962 and 1973. Recent legislation, however, has raised questions about the future of religious freedom.
-information adapted from SIM's website...to find out more, you may want to check out
http://www.sim.org/country.asp?fun=1&CID=69
please continue to pray for this land where Islamic influence is strong.
Amen!
_____________________Wednesday, October 25, 2006__________________
AMY SAND EVANGELISTIC CONCERT
Date: 26th October (Thur)
Time: 1415-1515
Venue: PGP AuditoriumFree of Charge
For more details, please refer to the CVCF website at cvcf.org
Pls spread this message and invite your Chinese speaking friends to this evangelism event.
Thank you Basic!
yoz! i guess we are no longer using song sheets for morning worship. but guess we may need them during CG time. so here are the songs that are in the list. please come and get it from me if u need them. =)
(1) Sweet hour of prayer --- 4 pcs
(2) Magnificent --- 4 pcs
(3) We are here to praise You --- 10 pcs
(4) Through it all --- 10 pcs
(5) Lord reign in me ---105 pcs
(6) I want to be where You are --- 10pcs
(7) Celebrate --- 12 pcs
(8) Still --- 12 pcs
(9) Heart of worship --- 12 pcs
so far we have these songs. some of them may haf a smaller quantity coz they are collected after morning worship where there are fewer people. so its up to u to print a few extra copies for CG time. yup yup... ('',)
oh, and welcome welcome to join us for morning worship at 7am B3 short wing stairs... hope to see u there!
_____________________Tuesday, October 24, 2006__________________
Are you BUSY?
Life Travel's Planner
LTP talk 3: Confronting Busyness with Tim Liu
this coming Friday, 27th October, 6.30pm @ Engine Bridge.
ANNTIC Registration
Strongly encourage you to take part in ANNTIC. The VCFers who have been last year were very blessed and are taking part in ANNTIC this year again!
If you are keen in participating in ANNTIC, please submit your forms by the end of October as the committee need to confirm the no. of people attending, so that they could arrange the accomodation accordingly. Information on ANNTIC could be found in our blog entry, a few entries ago (See below). Registration form could also be downloaded from the blog as well. (See Right)
_____________________Monday, October 23, 2006__________________
Since Hari Raya is coming, shall we pray for Brunei this week? (",)
Brunei, though a small nation of 328,000 people, holds potential far beyond its size. On of the richest states in SEAsia, it is also one of the strictest Islamic nations in the region. The Chinese account for approximately 15% of the population, although this continues to decrease as Chinese decide to emigrate. Many of the Chinese still follow Buddhism mixed with traditional Chinese religions and unashamedly boast a significant number of temples, together with their tribal brothers and sisters in Christ, play a key role as salt and light, and as a witness to the truth of the Gospel in the midst of the overwhelming majority Malay Muslim population.
Literacy rate: 88%
Income per person: US $25, 160 p.a.
Official language: Malay, English
Other languages: -16 total
-8 with Biblical translatioins
- 1 with NT
Major Religions: -Muslims (64.4%)
-Christians (11.2%)
-Buddhists (9.1%)
-Chinese (5.3%)
*The state religion of Islam is increasingly eroding the practice of other religions
Spiritual Focal Points:
-Kampung Ayer-- sacred cluster of 28 ancient water villages
-Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque -- Nation's dominant Islamic centre
-Tomb of Sultan Bolkiah -- Mausoleum of former revered leader
-Royal Ceremonial Hall (Lapau) -- Site of traditional and religious events
Prayer points:
-Proselytizing is illegal, resulting in jail or deportation; pray for ways to share the good news
-many Brunei Christians have adopted a laissez faire mindset and experience a lack of boldness; pray for bold, dynamic witness
-All printing in Brunei is regulated by the government; resulting in a lack of Christian resources for the church; pray for proliferation of quality resources
-Materialism is prevalent throughout Brunei, where oil makes the country one of the richest in Asia. Pray that the people would see past materialism to the true wealth of the gospel.
have a fruitful week praying...because we know that our sovereign Father listens to prayer!
_____________________Saturday, October 21, 2006__________________
Imitating Christ's Humility
Philippians 2:5 - 11
Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:
Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God
something to be grasped,
but made himself nothing,
taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself and became obedeient to death --- even death on a cross!
Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
and gave him the name that is above every name,
that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.
_____________________Monday, October 16, 2006__________________
Hi ECFers...
As we all know that its the month where our Muslim friends are fasting..and there are alot of Muslim exhibitions going on at the arts forum area, let's bow our heads down together and pray for the land of Banglidesh where a large portion of the population is Muslim... =)
Bangladesh
Location: South Asia
Literacy rate: 38%
Income per Person: US $360 p.a.
Official language: Bangla (Bengali)
Other languages: - 35 in total
-13 with Biblical translations
-8 with NT
Major religions: -Muslim (85.6%)
-Hindu (12.4%)
-Christian (0.7%)
-Buddhist (0.6%)
* Religion freedom is often undermined by Islamic pressure and legal system
Spiritual focal points:
- City of Bagerhat---City holds 360 mosques dedicated to Khan Jahan Ali
-Temple of Wrath (Natore) --- Dedicated to Radha
-Somapuri Vihara (Pahaur) --- Buddhist monastery south of the Himalayas
-Mausoleum of Ghiazzudin Azam Shah (Sonargaon) ---Key Islamic pilgrimage site
Prayer points:
-The church suffers from inadequate training and materials, as well as severe poverty; pray that God would provide both financial resources and workers
-The church leaders in Bangladesh are easily intimidated by government officials; pray for boldness in leadership
-Pray for evangelism--- that the truth of Christ will be clearly understood and presented
yup yup, so lets continue praying for this country and be reminded of this country whenever we see their workers in Singapore. Amen! =)
_____________________Sunday, October 15, 2006__________________
When I was spending time with God yesterday in my cozy little room, back in my hometown, I sensed that the Lord has called us to gather and pray. It has been a while since we've met for a prayer meeting. Hence, I propose that we could have a prayer meeting tomorrow, 16 October, 9.30pm, the seating area outside the reading room. Afterwhich, let's gather for a supper fellowship!! Supper would be prepared. Of course, your contribution is most welcome. =)
Meanwhile, here's some prayer items that you may want to pray for this week, especially our Outreach event is just next week! How speedy does time zoom pass us? It seems like just a few days ago when we gathered in anticipation and excitement while we planned and discussed on the outreach event.
PRAYER AGENDA
1) Pray for the Outreach event.
Pray for great time of fellowship and sharing on that day itself. Pray that God would bring people to the event and may hearts of these people be soft and tender towards the gospel. Also, pray for smooth prepartion as we work towards the outreach event.
2) Pray for names of people whom you could invite to this outreach event.
Pray for willingness on your part to extend the invitation to your neighbours and friends. I know that we tend to take for granted sometimes, and assume that the posters would do all the publicity. Nothing beats your friendly smile and welcoming attitude when you invite them to the Outreach event. If you could save one life through this activity by just asking them to join the event, wouldn't the time and effort invested be worthwhile because you know you would possibly meet this person in Heaven. There's no point in having an outreach workshop when the people that matters most to the event do not turn up.
3) Pray for a Vision for Eusoff Christian Fellowship.
The committee members have been praying for a vision and direction, but we have yet to be conclusive with regard to this matter. Do pray along with us, as a fellowship group, for God to speak to us His Vision, Direction, Agenda, Purpose for ECF.
Let's Pray!
Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. Colossians 4:1
Faith, Shu Yi
Asked from God
I asked God to take away my pain
God said, No. It is not for Me to take away, but for you to give it up
I asked God to make my handicapped child whole.
God said, No.His spirit is whole, his body is only temporary.
I asked God to grant me patience.
God said, No.Patience is a by-product of tribulations; it isn't granted, it is learned.
I asked God to give me happiness.
God said, No.I give you blessings. Happiness is up to you.
I asked God to spare me pain.
God said, No.Suffering draws you apart from worldly cares and brings you closer to Me.
I asked God to make my spirit grow.
God said, No.You must grow on your own, but I will prune you to make you fruitful.
I asked God for all things that I might enjoy life.
God said, No.I will give you life, so that you may enjoy all things.
I ask God to help me LOVE others, as much as He loves me.
God said...Ahhhh, finally you have the idea.
_____________________Tuesday, October 10, 2006__________________
On Money Matters As I shared with everyone just now, Sopphia's pastor's story is a very good illustration of the biblical basis of giving. (If you don't remember the story, please go ask your fellow ECFer. Heh.) I also asked all of you to name one good thing that God has given to you. Many of you mentioned salvation, yes, a gift so precious and yet so free. Some of you shared of other good things (if you haven't noticed, God gives good things to us in abundance), for example, Lionel and his upcoming marriage, Michelle and her family, Joshua and his coming to NUS. God is an altruistic God i.e., He gives freely to us without asking anything in return, and He won't mind how we spend the blessings that He has given to us. But imagine how God will feel if we give what He has given us to further His kingdom (like how the pastor treasures what his daughter has given him)! I also understand if any of you have financial difficulties, especially the international students (I, being one of them and totally struggling with $$). Maybe you would like to turn to the following passage on the bible: 2 Corinthians 9:6-15 6 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7 Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 9 As it is written: "He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his righteousness endures forever." 10 Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. 11 You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. ... If you can feel the Spirit stirring within your heart, do not hesitate and ask me for a pledge card now! Luv, Mel
I was very encouraged by the fact that everyone took a pledge card (all 10 of you) today, not grudgingly, but with smiles.
If by now you do not have a pledge card or wish to find out more about pledging in VCF, read on:
One of the things that is non-compulsory but nevertheless important part of a VCFer's life is pledging. It is the personal committment made by each VCFer to set aside a sum of money to give to VCF. Seniors commence their pledges from the month of July onward till the month of April the following year. Freshmen commence their pledges from August onward.
Where does the money go to?
(1) The FHS (Faculties, Halls and Standing Committees) budget. Since VCF is student-initiated, we fund all activities out of our own pockets. Grants are distributed to the individual FHS to cover their entire year's expenditures (incurred in running their various programmes and activities). For example, ECF was given a grant of around $300 for the academic year 06/07. This is how we have $$ to buy stuff like refreshments for Welcome Supper, materials for our outreach events, publicity...where else did you think the $$ came from? It would be wonderful if it just dropped from heaven though...
(2) Supporting our staffworkers. VCF is a member of FES (Fellowship of Evanglical Students), which provide us with staffworkers. VCF pledges to FES in recognition and support of their contributions toward the student ministries on other campuses and in our own.
(3) Overseas Mission Work: The Mongolian Ministry. If you would turn to the last few pages of your bright orange CG booklet, a write-up on the ministry is provided for your reading pleasure. VCF gives about $5,000 a year in support of this ministry.
How much should we give?
As your heart leads. There is no minimum or maximum amount, but VCF recommends a guideline of $15. Why $15? This takes into account VCF's total estimated expenditure for the year and our current projected membership. You do the math. You can also do the math on how to save up $15 every month. As we have discussed just now, it equates to going to Fong Seng only 3 times less per month. If you are not willing to forsake your fellowship with the other Eusoffians, you may also try to save $0.50 a day, which means you can buy fruit juice instead of your usual latte, right? Drinking too much coffee is bad for you anyways. Heh.
Who collects the $$ from me?
Yours truly. Pledge collection will take place on the first week of every month, preferably during CG. As for now, all of you have to pass me your pledges (Seniors-4 months worth and freshmen-3 months worth) to me by Thursday, 12th October. This is because VCF has a corporate bank account and there is a minimum sum of $3000 that needs to be in the account, otherwise they will start deducting $30 every month. As it is, we are way under $3000 for the month due to AnnTic needing to pay off the deposits for accommodation and transport etc. (If you don't know by now, AnnTic stands for Annual Teach-In Camp, please sign up to get early bird discount!)
Without the pledges coming in, the bank will keep deducting $30 every month when the amount is under $3000, which is an unwise use of VCFer's money. I will be handing the $$ to VCF's treasurer, Weili, on Friday, so please get your pledges to me by Thursday night!
So...?
_____________________Monday, October 09, 2006__________________
AnnTic 2006
This year, for the Annual Teach-In-Camp 2006, we are glad to announce that it is a combined camp for both NUS & NTU CF! The theme for this year is Holiness and we will be covering the book of Hosea.
At the same time, we have undergone a revamp! This year, we will not just be having bible studies and listening to the invited speakers, but we will be covering IBS as well! What is IBS? It is Inductive Bible Study! We will be covering 4 levels of study, namely, "Once upon a time" i.e. Narratives, "Ancient Letters for modern readers" i.e. Epistles, "The first Christian Songs" i.e. Poetry and "Back to the future" i.e. Prophecy. In addition, we will be having our standard "Workshops", in which we'll explore specific issues to your interest. The invited speaker for the camp is Dr. Patrick Fung. Dr. Patrick Fung is General Director of Overseas Missionary Fellowship (OMF) International. But be warned, sign up is on a 1st come 1st serve basis! Look forward to a wonderful time this 11th-16th of December 2006, in Port Dickson, Malaysia for AnnTIC!!!
Date: 11-16 Dec 2006 
Venue: Port Dickson Ocean View Resort
Theme: Holiness. Other topics covered during the workshops will include Sin and salvation, Hearing God's Voice, Homosexuality and Introduction to Buddhism and Restoration.
Deadline for Early Bird Registration: 14 Nov 2006 (Last FT for the semester)
You're encouraged to register early. Pls fill up the consent form and bring it along with a deposit of $55 at the next FT (17 Oct 2006) at the AnnTic booth.
Early Bird who registers for Anntic would be entitled to early bird discounts. If participant register before 14 Nov 2006, the AnnTic committee would be offering the price of $145.
For more information, you can call Peishan at 98622485 or Shi En 96847771.
" The following are some very attractive reasons to be
signing up for Anntic this year *smile*:
1) The foremost important reason is of course to learn God's word. This will be an excellent time to learn and focus on God just right after our exam tensions.
2)Inductive Bible Study will be included into the camp. Definitely cost worthy because on its own it costs an additional charge of $30?? It will be included into the camp at no additional charge.
3)Fellowship time with the corporate body of VCF
4)A wonderful camp venue, held in a Beach resort.
5)The list goes on..." ---Quoted from Cfer Sophia.
Pray for Indonesia!
Hmm...recently the haze is a little bad. we're already feeling the effect in Singapore, what about those people in Indonesia?furthermore Indonesia is a land where there is a large population of Muslim..its the month of Ramadan (is it spelt like this?) now...so let us bow our heads down together and pray for these people who our heavely Father has created...
Indonesia:
Population: 212.991,926
Income per Person: US $450 p.a
Literacy rate: 83%
Official language: Bahasa Indonesia
Other languages: -726 in total
-with 20 Bible translation
-38 with NT
Major religions: -Muslim (80.3%)
-Christian (16%)
-Hindu (1.9%)
-Buddhist/Chinese (0.8%)
*Islam is given strong preferential treatment, restricting Christian influence and open evangelism
Spiritual Focal Point
-Mt Gunung Agung (Bali)-- Most actively worshipped mountain
-Mt Bromo (Java) --Volcano through which spirits of the dead must pass into paradise
-Borobudur (Java) --Main Buddhist temple resembling the mythical Mt. Meru
-Pura Besakih (Bali)-- Hindu "Mother Temple", location of Eka Dasa Rudra festival
-Southern Sumatra ruins of old Buddhist Capitals of Srivihaya Era
Prayer points
-widespread evangelism is difficult beacause of Islamic influence. Pray for God's guidance and direction
-Due to Chinese settlement of Borneo, Buddhist continues to thrive. Pray for whole families to accept Jesus as Lord
-The islands of Bali (Hindu), Sumba and Flores are heavily influenced by animism, idolatry and Christian syncretism; Pray for Indonesians to know the truth
-Fewer missionary visas are being granted by Indonesian government; Pray for President staff that the restrictions against Christianity will be lifted. Pray for rapid multiplication of Christian witnesses.
God really works through prayer and He will not slumber, even as He hears us pray. Let's continue to "pray till we are really praying", for these people. Amen!
_____________________Sunday, October 08, 2006__________________
Social Actions Committee Discussion Group 2
Topic: "The Media as Social Commentary"
Date: 11th October 2006 (Wednesday)
Venue: YIH Committee Room 2 (near NUSSU Secretariat)
Time: 7pm - 9pm
*Note: Please come on time as we will be watching a Singapore Short Film as our topic of dicussion.
Discussion Group and Teaching topics for next semester:
- Social Actions and National Policy (Feb 07)
- Political Theology (Mar 07)
The Social Actions Committee is a new standing committee (Ad-hoc) of VCF and it aims to inculcate an attitude of social awareness and social responsibility in the society of each VCFer. It is about making our Christian faith practical and relevant in the community that God has placed us in reaching out to the less fortunate and speaking up on injustices for God's people and creation.
For more information on the committee and our activities, or if you are interested in being a part of the committee, you can email http://groups.yahoo.com/group/vcfscactcomm/post?postID=REhfrTvyNYVH6iaV2uxjK6r5KwH2oML3DtWb5dw2To4h3-tkrizQ85r61DRsykdmWrufkycBbzn7wF52.
Evangelism Enrichment Course
Date: 14th October 2006 (Saturday)
Time & Venue: 9am to 5am @ Aldersgate Methodist Church (Besides Fairfield Methodist Sec Sch)
Pls inform Kayan, our M&E coordinator, if you're interested to attend by 10 Oct 2006, Tuesday. You're strongly encouraged to go. Shall we make it an OG enrichment outing? hee... =)
Program for the day
0900: Report
0915 - 0945: Worship
0945 - 1200: Workshop 1 {Topic>>> Apolegetics Questions}
1200 - 1300: Lunch
1300 - 1500: Workshop 2
{Topic>>>Giving a gospel presentation that is clear and comprehensive}
1500 - 1630: Workshop 3 {Topic>>> Follow-up}
1630 - 1700: Dismissal
A Glimpse of Heaven Being part of Varsity Christian Fellowship
I had a short conversation with Justin over MSN a week ago. He told me that he was very blessed and happy for the gathering between EH and TH christian fellowship. He said that it was really good when two ministries gather and become closer to each other. He even suggested that there's a possibility for us to have combined CG meetings or even becoming sister CGs.
I was very moved and encouraged by how such a small and casual gathering could impact and bless others in such a big way. This idea of having a combine gathering started in June when Hui-en, the TH CF hall chairperson, and I felt the need to establish a connection between EH and TH. This is especially necessary because EH and TH have always been known in the hall circle as direct competitiors. In the past, way beyond my time.. (HA!), EH and TH didn't really have a friendly relatioship with each other.
It was a simple gathering when we met at Michelle's place for card games and yummy dinner prepared by Michelle's mama. I arrived late because I had to work. I was tired when I arrived. But, I was truly blessed after I left.I was blessed because I get to meet and befriend brothers and sisters in Christ from the neighbouring hall. I was blessed because it is the beginning of a closer relationship between EH and TH. I was blessed because God has assured me that EH CF is not alone in her service to the Lord, TH CF is serving the Lord with us. We are serving together united in Christ. Thank you Lord for the TH CFers. =)
The gathering gave me a glimpse of what it would be like in the future and onwards when I meet my Lord and other brothers and sisters in Heaven. It was a great time of rest and fun interacting with one another during the gathering. I could imagine that the same would occur when I am in Heaven. In fact, I believe the joy of gathering around our God and worshiping Him would be more intensified than I could imagine. =)
After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice:
"Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb."
All the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures. They fell down on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, saying
"Amen! Praise and glory and wisdom and thanks and honour and power and strength be to our God forever and ever. Amen!"
Revelation 7:9-12
How wonderful is this?
Serving the Lord as a body of Christ
Not just being connected to TH CF, it was also an agreement with other hall ministries to stay united as a body of Christ and establish mutual friendships with one another. Hence, inter hall CF gathering was organised.
Having such combined events allow me to see EH CF from a larger and broader perspective. Our ministry in EH belongs to a larger body, Varsity Christian Fellowship (VCF). It is good to have a sense of belonging to VCF because I realise that it is one body of Christ from differents halls and faculties... different "tribes" and "nations"... different "body parts" who come together to serve the Lord our God.
The various ministries are different parts of a body, under the Lordship of Jesus Christ, who is the head of this body. When one part is suffering from pain, the other parts of the body would be affected and feel the pain as well. When that part of the body is becoming healthier, the rest of the body would experience relieve and a lighter spirit as a result of its recovery. Indeed, when one ministry is prospering, I would be happy for them. Similarly, when a ministry suffers, I would be affected, upset and be burdened to pray for them.
As it is written in Ephesians 4:16, "From him (Jesus Christ) the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work."
Faith, Shu Yi
_____________________Wednesday, October 04, 2006__________________
2. "Now that you have been to university, there must be something universal in your thinking" - Prof A Oppenheim (1956 - 1965) 1st Vice Chancellor U o Malaya 3. As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. (Prov 27:17) 5. People are encouraged to think for themselves and more open to gospel - Purpose of student work is to benefit the church - To pass on the blessings of student ministry - The Right Revd Dr Joshua Chew Wei Ren (ex VCF/NTUCF?) - St. Luke's Hospital was founded by GCF (1952 batch that graduated in 1955) The Great Commission They answered, "No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit." 3 So Paul asked, "Then what baptism did you receive?" "John's baptism," they replied. 4 Paul said, "John's baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus." 5 On hearing this, they were baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied. 7 There were about twelve men in all. 8 Paul entered the synagogue and spoke boldly there for three months, arguing persuasively about the kingdom of God. 9 But some of them became obstinate; they refused to believe and publicly maligned the Way. So Paul left them. He took the disciples with him and had discussions daily in the lecture hall of Tyrannus. 10 This went on for two years, so that all the Jews and Greeks who lived in the province of Asia heard the word of the Lord. International students come to Singapore - some from countries that do not have religious freedom. Think of the impact for the gospel when they go back to their home countries. Singaporeans (and Malaysians) will also go abroad! p/s: The sound recording of this session is available under the "Downloads" section.
Right: Dr. Bobby Sng in discussion
Fellowship Teaching 2
-Student Ministry and Its Value
Speaker: Dr. Bobby Sng
Date: 19th September 2006
Passage: 1 Corinthians 16:5-9
5 After I go through Macedonia, I will come to you --for I will be going through Macedonia. 6 Perhaps I will stay with you awhile, or even spend the winter, so that you can help me on my journey, wherever I go. 7 I do not want to see you now and make only a passing visit; I hope to spend some time with you, if the Lord permits. 8 But I will stay on at Ephesus until Pentecost, 9 because a great door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many who oppose me.
Student Ministry: A great door to share the gospel with students
1. Difficulty in proving truth of gospel is itself only half the truth
- University education ENCOURAGES exploration of different avenues of truth - including religious truth
4. Growth of the Christian population by highest qualification attained
- Primary 6%
- Secondary 14.6%
- Post-sec 20.8%
- Uni 33.5%
- (National Average 14.6%)
Student Ministry equips people to serve in church
- Student ministry is never an end in itself
Student Ministry equips people to serve in society
- Salt and light - graduates will have influence - with this privilege comes the responsibility to use this influence for God
Paul did not go back to Corinth - a "great door" had opened to him :
1 While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul took the road through the interior and arrived at Ephesus. There he found some disciples 2 and asked them, "Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?"
There were churches in places that Paul never visited (e.g. church at Laodicea). These people could have heard Paul at Ephesus, in the lecture hall.
Student ministry is "forever beginning". Each student coming in to university faces this door of opportunity afresh.
_____________________Tuesday, October 03, 2006__________________
Outreach Focus Month
Plans for Outreach Focus Month
Eusoff Christian Fellowship
02 Oct 2006 (Monday) - CG meeting and Outreach Bible Study 1 (9pm @ blue oyster)
09 Oct 2006 (Monday) - CG meeting and Outreach Bible Study 2 (9pm @ blue oyster)
17 Oct 2006 (Tuesday) - Fellowship Teaching 3
23 Oct 2006 (Monday) - CG meeting and Internal Movie Screening (9pm @ blue oyster)
Any suggestions for movies? Thinking of showing a movie that shows the life of a missionary.
30 Oct 2006 (Monday) - Outreach: Stainglass Painting Workshop (Tentative)
There will be a preparation session prior to the Outreach Event. Keep a look out at the announcements!
We need helping hands for the prepartion of the Outreach Event. Please approach Kayan, our Mission and Evangelism co-ordinator. Don't worry of not knowing what to help. We have plenty of opportunities for you to serve the Lord in many different ways. What is more important is your willingness to serve. Be willing because it is a privilege to serve our Lord. =)
_____________________Sunday, October 01, 2006__________________
Do you love me?
One day, I woke early in the morning to watch the sunrise. Ah, the beauty of God's creation is beyond description. As I watched, I praised God for His beautiful work. As I sat there, I felt the Lord's presence with me.
God: He asked you, "Do you love me?"
Me: I answered, "Of course, God! You are my Lord and Saviour!"
God: Then He asked, "If you were physically handicapped, would you still love me?"
Me: I was perplexed. I looked down upon my arms, legs and the rest of my body and wondered how many things I wouldn't; be able to do the things that I took for granted. And I answered, "It would be tough Lord, but I would still love You."
God: Then the Lord said, "If you were blind, would you still love my creation?"
Me: How could I love something without being able to see it? Then I thought of all the blind people in the world and how many of them still loved God and His creation. So I answered, "Its hard to think of it, but I would still love you."
God: The Lord then asked you, "If you were deaf, would you still listen to my word?"
Me: How could I listen to anything being deaf? Then I understood. Listening to God's Word is not merely using our ears, but our hearts. I answered, "It would be tough, but I would still listen to Your word."
God: The Lord then asked, "If you were mute, would you still praise My Name?"
Me: How could I praise without a voice? Then it occurred to me: God wants us to sing from our very heart and soul. It never matters what we sound like. And praising God is not always with a song, but when we are persecuted, we give God praise with our words of thanks. So I answered, "Though I could not physically sing, I would still praise Your Name."
God: And the Lord asked, "Do you really love Me?"
Me: With courage and a strong conviction, I answered boldly "Yes Lord! I love You because You are the one and true God!" I thought I had answered well, but...
God: God asked, "THEN WHY DO YOU SIN?"
Me: I answered, "Because I am only human. I am not perfect."
God: "THEN WHY IN TIMES OF PEACE DO YOU STRAY THE FURTHEST? WHY ONLY IN TIMES OF TROUBLE DO YOU PRAY THE EARNEST?"
Me: No answers. Only tears.
God: The Lord continued: "Why only sing at fellowships and retreats? Why seek Me only in times of worship? Why ask things so selfishly? Why ask things so unfaithfully?"
Me: The tears continued to roll down my cheeks.
God: "You are blessed with life. I made you not to throw this gift away. I have blessed you with talents to serve Me, but you continue to turn away. I have revealed My Word to you, but you do not gain in knowledge. I have spoken to you but your ears were closed. I have shown My blessings to you, but your eyes were turned away. I have sent you servants, but you sat idly by as they were pushed away. I have heard your prayers and I have answered them all." "DO YOU TRULY LOVE ME??
Me: I could not answer. How could I? I was embarrassed beyond belief. I had no excuse. What could I say to this? When I my heart had cried out and the tears had flowed, I said, "Please forgive me Lord. I am unworthy to be Your child."
God: The Lord answered, "That is My Grace, My child."
Me: I asked, "Then why do you continue to forgive me? Why do You love me so??
God: The Lord answered, "Because you are My creation. You are my child. I will never abandon you. When you cry, I will have compassion and cry with you. When you shout with joy, I will laugh with you. When you are down, I will encourage you. When you fall, I will raise you up. When you are tired, I will carry you. I will be with you till the end of days, and I will love you forever."
Me: Never had I cried so hard before. How could I have been so cold? How could I have hurt God as I had done? I asked God, "How much do You love me?" The Lord stretched out His arms, and I saw His nail-pierced hands. I bowed down at the feet of Christ, my Saviour. And for the first time, I truly prayed.