AG Times 023 online(1) · Hotel. We called it the Bar / Bat Barakah (Son / Daughter of Blessings),...

ISSUE 023 • AG TIMES • Jan - Feb 2016www.ag.org.sg 1

A Bi-monthly publication of Assemblies of God, Singapore

ISSUE 023Jan - Feb 2016

www.ag.org.sg

Keeping the Marriage Alive - Pg 14 & 15Grace AG’s Dedication Service - Pg 11 God Answers Prayers - Pg 19

AG TIMESAG TIMESMCI (P) 031/08/2015

Jan - Feb 2016 • ISSUE 023 • AG TIMESwww.ag.org.sg2


BY REV DOMINIC YEO

Consecrating Ourselves for the New Year

It’s the beginning of a brand new year. Some of us

have entered with great anticipation and raring to go.

However, some of us also be wondering what lies

ahead.

Before the Israelites crossed the Jordan River

into the Promised Land, Joshua instructed each of

them to, “Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the

LORD will do amazing things among you.” (Joshua

3:5) Regardless of how 2016 has started for you, I

encourage each of us to take some time to consecrate

ourselves to the Lord and His purposes.

What does it mean for us to consecrate ourselves to

the Lord? It means dedicating ourselves for the sacred,

choosing to be set apart for God and His purposes.

So, how can we consecrate ourselves to God?

First, we need to live a life in complete devotion to

Him. This means devoting ourselves to reading of His

Word and dwelling in His presence. Why? Because He

is the Vine and we are the branches (John 15:5). We

General Superintendent’s Message

are either a part of Christ – abiding in Him – or apart

from Him, unable to bear lasting fruit.

As we choose to remain in Him, we internalize our true

identity as the sons and daughters of God. When we

choose to operate within our identity, we discover the

called to live by, the hope we have in Christ, and the

reason to why we serve God.

Second, we need to deliberately relinquish control

of our lives to Him. We all, to varying degrees, enjoy

planning for the future. While there’s nothing wrong in

planning ahead, it is wrong to assume that we can limit

God within the parameters of our own plans and insist

that He operate by our terms and conditions.

Therefore, as we start this New Year, let’s seek God’s

will for this 2016 and choose to surrender our man-

made plans to Him. Be open for God to move and mess

up our lives, believing that He has greater things in

store for us. Let’s learn to free-fall with God and live a

life of greater faith and adventure with Him.

Third, we need to align ourselves to His Kingdom

assignments. We cannot be consecrated to God if we

are not dedicated to serving and living for Him.

Church, when we consecrate ourselves to God, it is

impossible to live a “double-life” where our daily

activities are not in line with Kingdom assignments. It

is hypocritical to declare that we are set apart for Him

yet say that we have neither the time nor courage to do

what He’s called us to do.

2 Chronicles 16:9a shares that, “…the eyes of the

LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those

whose hearts are fully committed to him.” God is

looking for men and women who are willing to say

“Yes”, to devote their lives to Him, so that He can do

powerful things in and through their lives and bring

them closer to the destiny He has planned for them

As we embark on the year 2016, let us – as a body

of Christ – consecrate ourselves to God. Commit to

a closer walk with Jesus: develop a deeper faith that

rests upon His grace, be anchored in an unshakable

hope, and prepare for a mighty move of God in each

of our lives.

这是全新一年的开始。有些人带着极大的期待，迫不及待的要迈入新的一年；然而，有些却踌躇着不知前方的道路如何。

在以色列人还未走过约旦河进入应许之地之前，“约书亚吩咐百姓说：你们要自洁，因为明天耶和华必在你们中间行奇事。”（约书亚3:5）无论2016年的起步如何，我鼓励大家花些时间，让我们为主和主所要成就的事来自洁。

让我们为主自洁意味着什么呢？这意味着我们要为了神和祂所要成就的事把自己分别为圣。

那我们要如何把自己分别为圣呢？

首先，我们需要活出一个完全对主专一的生命。这代表着我们必须勤读祂的话语，沉浸在祂的同在之中。为什么呢？因为祂是葡萄树，我们是枝子（约翰15:5）。我们若不是基督的一份子（在祂里面），那就是离了祂，无法结出长久的果实。

当我们选择停留在主里面，我们将内化我们作为神儿女的真实身份。当我们选择以我们的身份来运行，我们就会发现那已经赐给我们的权柄、我们被呼召活出满有信心的生命、我们在基督里的盼望，以及我们为何服侍神的原因。

第二，我们必须特意的把自己生命的主权交给祂。我们每一个人在不同程度上，都享受着为未来做好安排。为未来做好安排固然没错，但若因此而认为我们可以把神局限于我们的计划之内，并坚持祂必须根据我们的条件运行，那就大错特错了。

因此，在我们开始新的一年的同时，让我们寻求神给予这2016年的旨意，并选择将我们人为的计划交给祂。敞开胸怀让神动工，让神搅乱我们的生活，并相信祂已经为我们预备了更伟大、更美好的事物。让我们学会如何与神自由的降落，与神一起活出一个满有信心的生命、一个精彩的冒险之旅。

第三，我们需要与神国对齐，以实现神的使命。若我们不全心全意委身于服侍神、为祂而活，那我们就不能把自己分别为圣。

教会，当我们为神把自己分别为圣时，我们不可能活出一个“双面人”的生活，那等于说我们每一天的生活作息都不与神国的使命对齐。如果我们说自己没有时间和勇气去做祂呼召我们去做的事，那我们为了主把自己分别为圣的宣告就并非出自真心的。

历代志下16:9（上节）说道：“耶和华的眼目遍察全地，要显大能帮助向他心存诚实的人。”神正在寻找愿意说“是的”、把生命完全奉献给祂的男男女女，好让祂能够在他们的生命中行大事，把他们带往祂已经为他们预备好的命定。

随着我们迈入2016年，让我们这基督的肢体为神把自己分别为圣。委身于与耶稣建立更亲密的关系：培养对神更大的信心，让这信心倚靠在祂的恩典之上，把根基建立在一个不动摇的盼望上，并做好准备迎接神要在我们每一个人的生命中所要行的伟大之事。


How good it is when God’s people live

together in unity! Over three days, 49

rangers and 23 commanders learned

the importance of togetherness and

experienced it while serving God during

the Western Pow Wow Camp.

From September 6 to 8, 2015, children and youths aged

St. Francis Methodist School in Bukit Timah. The camp

was jointly organised by Royal Rangers from Potter’s

Place Community Services Society (Outpost #12),

Church (Outpost #21) and The Harvest Force (Outpost

#23).

There was a multitude of activities and games to keep

everyone busy during the day, such as cooking their own

were enriched by the fellowship, and had renewed faith

to be united and serve others with the love of God.

We thank God that everyone had a blessed time and

especially for new salvations.

TestimoniesMany new friendships were forged, personal fears of

weren’t possible if we had not participated, serving one

another and being a part of the move of God’s saving

grace.

- Commander Lionel Loh, The Harvest Force

(Outpost #23)

The Western Pow Wow was a very special camp for me

- Junior Commander Oliver Yap, Zion Full Gospel

Church (Outpost #21)

The spirit of unity and readiness to serve was evident

throughout the camp. The wide smiles on the children’s

faces were proof that they had fun. Young lives

responded to the salvation message and the message

to serve God. Beyond the fun and the activities, I’m

blessed knowing that my participation helped to sow the

seeds of the gospel in these children and youths.

- Commander Tan Yunyun, Zion Full Gospel

Church (Outpost #21)

I thank God for giving me such a fun time with the

rangers through the camp, letting me know much more

about God and allowing me to feel His presence

Family Centre (Outpost #16)

I would like to thank God for what I’ve learned from

the pastor and the friends I’ve made through the camp.

Family Centre (Outpost #16)

Western Pow Wow 2015 – Hand in Hand

BY ROYAL RANGERS SINGAPORE

togetherness - AG Community

Icebreakers: “Getting to know you, getting to know

all about you…”

Straw Tower game: “Standing tall in unity, who will

be the the tallest of them all?”

A Royal Ranger is ready for play! Learning how to

play “Ham-Tam Bola”, an old school game



are so many things to write about this camp…what

should I begin with?”

Playing Captain’s Ball at the foot of

Bukit Timah Hill

Campers getting ready for more outdoor games

Meal times lets campers bond with the leaders

Campers having a taste of dinner cooked in tinfoil

Guest speaker Pastor Michael Koh from Bethel AG

(Outpost #01) shared a message of knowing who God

is and the Father’s love

Leaders praying for campers’ salvation as they

decide to accept Christ as their personal savior

“A man never stands so tall as when he stoops to help a child.”The favorite phrase of Royal Rangers’ founder, the late Rev Johnnie Barnes has stirred the hearts of

many men and women who serve God by serving His children. Find out more about how your church

can have an exciting tool to reach children and a ministry to train the next generation of servant leaders.

For more information,

visit

www.royalrangers.com.sg or

email us at

[email protected]



15th Teen Challenge Charity Golf 2015

Due to the haze recently reaching unhealthy levels,

the 15th Teen Challenge Charity Golf event was

unexpectedly postponed from September 25, 2015 to

November 20, 2015, held at Jurong Country Club.

We are thankful for the 141 golfers and many faithful

sponsors who helped to raise $170,000. Besides

sponsorship included:

• A ‘Blessed One’ stood to win the top prize of our

Blessed Draw – a four-night cruise to Port Klang

and Phuket for two persons from February 10 to

14, 2016 onboard the Celebrity Millennium ship

Penang for two persons on January 20, 2016

• “Beat-The-Pro” @ Hole #17 – a Nikon camera

• Hole-in-one prize – GLA 180 Mercedes Benz

awaited the golfer with the ace shot of the day

The weather took a turn for the worse, but most of the

players stayed and continued to play after the rain.

We are grateful to Mr Philip Lee and his organizing

committee, who help to run the golf event for Teen

Challenge year after year faithfully.

In expressing his gratitude, President of Teen Challenge

(Singapore) Rev Lawrence Koo ended his speech by

saying, “Thank you for believing in the work of Teen

Challenge. Our desire is to do more than transform

lives. We want to seek out the best in the people we

reach out to, and eventually free them to be a positive

BY TEEN CHALLENGE SINGAPORE

About Teen Challenge

We are a registered Voluntary Welfare Organisation set up in 1976 to provide solutions to the pressing needs

of the marginalized in our community, particularly to those struggling with substance abuse and alcohol

addictions.

www.facebook.com/Teenchallengesg

Donation: www.sggives.org/teen

The Men’s Division champion of the event


Bar / Bat Barakah – Son / Daughter Of Blessing

“Bless me, even me also, O my father”!

(Genesis 27:34). This cry of Esau’s is in the

hearts of many people today.

Many have never received a blessing from their father.

They have never heard these words: “I love you… I’m

proud of you… I bless you.” Imagine the impact on

people when they receive such a blessing from their

parents, especially from their father.

With the conviction of the positive impact of such a

blessing declared over a young person – as he/she moves

from childhood to adulthood – we organized a rite of

passage ceremony on August 16, 2015 at the Concorde

Hotel. We called it the Bar / Bat Barakah (Son / Daughter

of Blessings), and the focus of the Worship Service that

day was on imparting identity (Who am I) and destiny

(Why Am I Here) through parents’ blessings.

What is the purpose of the Bar / Bat Barakah? Similar

to a wedding ceremony that brings emotional closure

fact that the person is married, the Bar/Bat Barakah

ceremonial blessing brings emotional closure to

destiny is released through the words of the parents,

especially the father. Once this is done, no one can steal

one’s identity and destiny. A man who knows he is a

man does not have to prove his manhood to himself or

anyone else. In other words, his identity is not at the

mercy of what others say or do to him. We see the

blessing of the father is so important that Jesus didn’t

perform any miracles or preach until the blessing of

BY REV DAVID CHEE, NEW DESTINY FELLOWSHIP INTERNATIONAL

God His Father was pronounced upon Him during His

baptism (Luke 3:22). This blessing from His heavenly

God intended for this same type of blessing (identity

and destiny) to come to each of us from Him through

our earthly father.

At the Bar / Bat Barakah Service the worship songs

centered on the theme of destiny and the Father’s

love. The congregation sang the Aaronic Benediction

as Senior Pastor Rev David shared his message, Bar

Barakah: God’s Appointed Blessing. This was

followed by an emotional and impactful ministry time

for the adults – who lack their father’s blessing – to

receive the Father’s blessing.

Highlights of the main segment of the Bar / Bat Barakah

include:

• A declaration of commitment by the participating

youth to: “… dedicate my life to serving Jesus my

Lord and to take spiritual responsibility for my

life. I will continue to honor my parents as God’s

appointed primary faith trainers over me. I will

of the Lord Jesus Christ!”

• A time of prophetic prayers and blessings by the

God-given destiny

• A token of remembrance was presented to each of

the youth

• A ‘crossover’ experience as the youth were

welcomed and blessed by an adult community of

pastors from the congregation

• A fellowship feast for parents and their sons and

daughters

The presence and anointing of God’s Spirit were there to

bring healing, restoration and the freedom of the Lord as

parents and their sons / daughters embraced one another

with tears of joy. Here are some of the feedback we

received:

“Bar Barakah was an amazing and blessed

experience for me and I now feel more encouraged

and empowered. Thank you to all who made this

possible…”

“I am not sure how to put my feelings into words, but

amazing.”

“It was a wonderful and emotional experience for us to

bless our kids in this unique way.”

We thank the Lord for His favor and the Destiny

Milestones Champions for their prayers and dedication

in making this event an impactful one. It is our desire

that the Bar / Bat Barakah - as part of the Destiny

Milestones – will become a distinct rite of passage for

members of New Destiny Fellowship International.

A video clip of the Bar / Bat Barakah can be viewed at

BarBarakah.html

togetherness - AG Churches

Adult Community Declaration of committment Parents with their sons and daughters

Parents praying for their children


BY HAZEL G GUILING, NEW DESTINY FELLOWSHIP INTERNATIONAL


New Destiny Fellowship International – 5th Anniversary of the Filipino CongregationA time of celebration of God’s faithfulness

and goodness in our ministry.

On July 19, 2015, the Filipino congregation of New

Destiny Fellowship International (NDFI) celebrated

its 5th anniversary with a theme derived from Matthew

6:10: “Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done”. The

celebration opened with a ceremony proclaiming the

faithfulness of God in growing and sustaining the

church.

Our Senior Pastor Rev David Chee introduced guest

speaker Rev Glen Lim, Senior Pastor of Elim Church,

who encouraged the congregation to exercise their

faith, challenging us to believe that God can do

everything for those who believe. At the same time, he

took the opportunity to remind us that it is impossible

to please God without faith. Anyone who comes to

Him must believe He exists and that He rewards those

who earnestly seek Him (Hebrews 11:6).

Brethren from NDFI Kuwait and NDFI Sinipay

conveyed their anniversary greetings through Pastor

Norlyne Gagarin and Pastor Jonathan as well as Pastor

Sarah Andelab respectively, the latter in the form of a

message read to the congregation. The Youth Ministry

then presented an interpretative dance mime depicting

the need for Christ’s redemptive power.

NDFI-Filipino Congregation began in 2010 in

Singapore, thanks to a group of Filipino Christians

who wanted to bring together their fellow countrymen

who wanted to know Jesus in a more personal

way. Since its inception, the Filipino congregation

Reaching Everyone) groups forming in different parts

of Singapore. It continues to reach out to Filipinos and

other nationalities in Singapore, as it believes God has

Great Commission.


Morning Prayer BlessingFor some of us, starting the day right might

mean a hearty breakfast or early morning

exercise. For others, there’s nothing better

than kicking the day off with a dose of God’s

presence, something each Trinitarian that

attended the Morning Prayer sessions

clearly subscribe to. Held from November

9 to 13 from 7.00 to 8.30pm, each session

saw an average attendance of 260

Trinitarians. On Deepavali, attendance

almost doubled, with 428 Trinitarians

gathering in Theaterette 2! Trinitarians

share their Morning Prayer experience.

“I’ve never gone for prayer meetings before but I felt

a real need to go this time. It is never too early to pray

and starting the day with prayer is one of the most

energizing and refreshing things to do!”

– Abigail Yeong, Student

BY TRINITY CHRISTIAN CENTRE


suffering from jetlag and had a lot of work to catch

up on. However, I came because I wanted to honor

God by being in His House to pray for Trinity and

Trinitarians.”

– Patrick Koh, COO

“God’s been stirring my heart to seek Him and take up

the role of praying for the church and my generation.

At Morning Prayer, God reminded me that I shouldn’t

doubt His voice and just step out in faith!”

– Odelia Tan, Student

“I came because I wanted to encounter God and get

back into the discipline of waking early to meet with

Him. Through Morning Prayer, God placed in my

heart a burden to step up and start a culture of prayer

in my school.”

– Samuel Leong, Student

“Before Morning Prayer, God spoke to me to come

back close to Him so that He could use me. I came to

stir up a new hunger for God in my spirit. At Morning

Prayer, God revealed His heart: how He’s calling me,

and each of us, to a deeper, real relationship with Him.”

– Tai Lik Xon, Business Developer

“My day ends pretty late and coming for Morning

Prayer meant that I had to wake up a lot earlier. But I

really wanted to begin my day in God’s presence and

He provided the perfect platform through Morning

Prayer! During that time, God spoke to me about

having more discipline, even choosing to wake up

earlier to pray for my carecell, school, and church. He

also revealed to me the need to go beyond the motions

of life and be more intentional about sharing Christ in

school.”

– Gavin Yang, Student

“I’ve always been refreshed by Morning Prayers at

passed, prepare for the coming year, and pray for the

agenda of the church. During Morning Prayer, God

revealed that even though 2016 will be a tough year,

Jesus will be my anchor and captain in the storm.”

– Stacy Seah, Events Management



Thanksgiving and Dedication Service at Grace I, Tanglin Road

God has been faithful from the beginning,

right through to the end!

To God be the glory! Our Thanksgiving and Dedication

Service was held inside Bethel Hall at the new Grace I

on Sunday, October 25, 2015 at 7pm. Some members

of the congregation were so excited, they started

streaming into the new building as early as 5.30pm.

Senior Minister of State at the Ministry for Finance

and Member of Parliament for Tanjong Pagar, Ms

BY RONNIE LEE, GRACE ASSEMBLY OF GOD

Indranee Rajah was our special guest for the evening.

The event kicked off with a video tribute to the

pioneers of Grace Assembly, who have been with the

church for more than 40 years, followed by a vibrant

praise and worship session. The historic journey of

Grace Assembly was also showcased in videos, while

stage performances portrayed the challenges of the

who directed the path and provided for every need,

every step of the way!

moments: The approval of the maximum Gross

Plot Ratio (GPR) of 1.4 on the land in June 2012 by

Singapore’s Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA),

the demolition of the old building, various ministries

organizing creative fundraising projects, unexpected

donations from believers and pre-believers, becoming

debt-free eight months before the completion of the

Occupation Permit (TOP) a week before the planned

Senior Pastor Rev Calvin Lee also gave a thanksgiving

message at the event, showing how, through this

journey, God’s ways are always higher than our ways,

His always-perfect timing and how His provision is

always more than enough! In her speech, Ms Indranee

mentioned that this new building stands, not with the

strength of bricks and stones, but with the faith of

Gracians in their God.

Our special guest, current and former Senior Pastors,

Honorary Secretary and representatives from the

next generation then unveiled the plaque onstage to

a dazzling display of lights. Following which, Pastor

Mentor Rev Dr David Lim led the congregation in a

dedication prayer of the building to the Lord. Former

Senior Pastor Rev Oh Beng Khee then ended the

memorable service with a prayer and benediction.

This building is a testament to the grace of God upon

Grace Assembly. It has been an amazing journey of

mandate to disciple believers, impact lives, families

and communities, as well as to bless the nation and the

world! TO GOD BE THE GLORY!


A godly legacy of strong marriages

anchored in God for this generation and

generations to come.

On August 15 and 16, 2015, we held our third annual

Lovers’ Retreat at Le Grandeur Palm Resort. A record

number of 32 couples attended, almost double the

number of couples we had in the previous retreat. Our

senior pastor, Pastor Calvin Lee and his wife, Charis

were among them. Steven Chan, Head of the Married

Life movement in Grace Assembly and his wife,

Michelle were the main speakers, supported by Pastors

Scott and Susan Tey.

There has been a growing interest among the married

couples in church to attend this marriage-transforming

retreat. Whether newly wedded or married for years,

they were all interested to rekindle their romance. Many

decided to attend the retreat because of the amazing

testimonies they have heard. The following are some of

the most recent testimonies of the couples who attended.

on how to enrich our marriage and to jealously guard

our intimacy as a defence (against Satan’s attacks on

our family).”

- Sow Wai & Mei Kuen

“A time set aside to talk about and listen to (each other

about) our marriage and the commitment to make it

work. This gave us a purpose and a motivation, in

trouble or not, to do something positive together. It

also helps to bring God back into the forefront of our

marriage again.”

- Lit Siew & Sandra

“We learned a lot of practical things. We love the renewal

of our marriage (vows). Making the vow (again) made

me feel like I did the day I got married.”

- Jeffrey & Esther

“A good reminder to spend quality time alone with

your spouse. I learned a lot in this retreat, the topics

covered are very authentic and practical in terms of our

day-to-day life.”

- LH & Jade

“It was an enriching experience and beyond my

BY PASTOR BENJAMIN WONG, GRACE ASSEMBLY OF GOD


meaningful. (The retreat was) relaxing, enriching,

(with) good fellowship, good speakers, and it helped us

rekindle our relationship and remind us the things we

ought to do as a spouse.”

- A loving couple

Joel and Phoebe, the youngest couple in the retreat,

shares:

Marriage is a lifelong commitment between a husband

and wife, and this journey is never easy for anyone.

Being married for only 10 months, we are aware of the

many challenges yet to come. We decided to attend the

Lovers’ Retreat because we wanted to start off on the

right footing and ensure our marriage will be one with a

strong foundation.

The Lovers’ Retreat was a two-day event in Johor

Bahru, Malaysia. We were slightly nervous before the

trip as we did not know what to expect. However, we

were glad we attended, as it turned out to be a very

enriching experience in many ways.

The sessions were far from boring as the lead speaker,

Steven, was very engaging. He gave countless real-life

examples and drew up simple, yet practical applications

were facing and how we can address them today.

We also had the opportunity to learn from the other

couples, many who have been married for more than

10 years! Our most enjoyable moment was the romantic

night. This was when the couples were given the chance

to put the knowledge we learned into practice! Both of

us felt we were disconnected from the rest of the world,

and tuned into each other the entire time.

Despite being the youngest couple at the retreat, we

hardly felt out of place. Both of us strongly believe the

irrespective of length of marriage. We returned from

rough journey that lies ahead of us.

Most importantly, we were constantly reminded that that

the key to an effective marriage is about the involvement

of a third party – God.

Since the annual Lovers’ Retreat began, there has been a

growing awareness among married couples in our church

to invest more in their marriages. When we birthed the

idea of a Lovers’ Retreat, we were apprehensive about

the response from busy couples. However, we trusted

God and went ahead in faith.

When His people dare to believe Him to work, He

never disappoints them. Today, apart from an increasing

number of couples signing up for this event, couples

whose marriages were empowered have gone on to

become partners for other married couples and marriage

mentors for younger couples preparing to get married.

God is strengthening the institution of marriage and

family in our church. We hope to leave a godly legacy of

strong marriages anchored in God – for this generation

and generations to come.

The Lovers’ Retreat

Couples enjoying their candlelight dinner


Couples’ GYM 2015 – Enriching Marriages, Engaging LivesFaith Family Focus, the family life ministry

at Faith Assembly is passionate about

establishing healthy and loving marriages

in our church and community.

Armed with this passion and mission, the graduates of

our second batch of Marriage Mentor training were

tasked with organizing the inaugural Couples’ GYM

(Glow Your Marriage), a two-day retreat for married

couples. Despite a short notice of only two months, we

were blessed to have experienced and much sought-after

speakers, married couple Steven and Michelle Chan

and 25 couples signing up for the retreat! One couple

children so they could attend. Such was their commitment

to their marriage.

To enhance participants’ experience at the retreat, the

organizing committee arranged a pre-GYM couple

portrait session on Sundays. The session saw an

overwhelming response, with couples uninhibitedly

posing together for the cameras, setting the relaxed vibe

for the actual GYM session.

In the early hours of July 17, while the rest of Singapore

were still sleeping in, enjoying their precious public

holiday, 25 couples made their way to Batam in Indonesia

Speakers Steven and Michelle engaged the participants in

lively, insightful and informative learning sessions, which

focused on:

one’s marriage

• Knowing the different levels of intimacy

• How to fuel intimacy

Steven and Michelle shared many personal stories

about the challenges, pains, victories and joy they

went through in their own marriage. They talked about

how strengthening their spiritual, emotional, sexual

and recreational intimacy helped them overcome

their differences to build a strong loving relationship.

They also shared some practical tools they use to fuel

their relationship. Ample time was also allotted for the

couples to discuss things that really mattered to them,

and to practice using these tools to become a better lover.

BY PASTOR STEVEN ONG, FAITH ASSEMBLY OF GOD

Participants also had lots of fun playing the experiential

games that reinforced learning, and learned much in a

Q&A session where panelists answered questions on

emotional and sexual issues couples frequently have to

contend with.

The highlight of the retreat was the candle-lit dinner –

each couple’s private date for the weekend. The couples

donned their evening best for the occasion and over a

four-course dinner, gave each other undivided attention,

rekindling their romance and love for one another.

Two couples also renewed their marriage vows at the

retreat. Roger and Joyce, married for 43 years, was an

inspiration to everyone as they shared their love journey.

vows with faith and aspiration for a great journey ahead

with God.


The GYM retreat ended with all the couples making a

pledge and signing the Marriage Commitment, sealed

with the Holy Communion.

TESTIMONIES

Albert & Michelle

Our learnings from GYM include a better understanding

of spiritual, emotional and physical intimacy. Such

intimacy has drawn us closer spiritually in worshipping

and serving as one in the Lord. We learned how to pray,

share and discuss the word of God with our family, and

we have also grown in emotional intimacy through

sharing and discussing our feelings and thoughts with

each other. Hiding our true feelings and thoughts can be

damaging to our relationship. We have now also made

the effort to make time for each other and renewing our

romance by dating each other again.

Patrick & Emily

We have been married for 37 years and are probably

considered a fairly conservative couple. Sometimes,

we take each other for granted, without even realizing

it at times. The GYM workshop has taught us the

importance of communicating more with each other

and how to do so in a loving way. We want to thank

Steven and Michelle for their enlightening session. We

have learned how to ‘glow our marriage’ together, with

God at the centre of our lives.

Zubi & Joanna

In this Couples’ GYM session, we made time and effort

to redirect our focus and attention on each other and

restore the sanctity of the marriage God has blessed

us with. I have begun to appreciate once again how

wonderful my lover is – as a man, father and my

soulmate, and I desire to learn new ways to treasure

him. Steven and Michelle opened their hearts to all of

us and openly shared how God worked in their marriage

and family for His glory. Their sincere testimonies

and lessons have encouraged us to apply our head

knowledge to turn it into a true revelation in our hearts.

The solution is in your hands

Group discussion

The commitment

Renewal of marriage vows

The participants


Keeping the Marriage AliveTake a look at how three couples appreciate

their spouses and keep their marriage alive.

1. Lin Hui (LH) and Jade Tee (JT), both 32 years

old, have been married for six years. They have two

children, four-year-old Joel and 19-month-old Megan.

They enjoy spending time together as a family, whether

worship at Grace AG.

Joanna Tan (JO), a homemaker, have been married

for 10 years. They have been greatly blessed with two

Luke. They worship at Faith AG.

3. Stewart Leong (SL) and Josephine Chan (JC) met

1970s when they both served in the church choir.

They have been married for 30 years and are both still

faithfully serving in the music and cell ministries in

church. They have two grown-up children, Grace and

Josiah, and are expecting a grandchild in January 2016.

training

a) What is one thing you appreciate about your spouse?

LH: I appreciate Jade most for being a wonderful mother

to our two kids. Their well-being is her priority and I really

admire her drawing the line between helping them reach

their potential and kiasu-ism. Jade believes spending time

in class is as important as family time and I totally agree

with that. We want the kids to love their childhood and

right now, we seem to be doing alright!

JT: For loving me unconditionally. He probably knew

only 10 – 20% of me when we got married. As time

passed he saw my ugly side, but his love for me has

not changed. He always maintains that the principle of

marriage is it’s a one-way trip and has never mentioned

going our separate ways, even during tough times.

ZK:

her career to be a homemaker to bring up our children in

the way of our Lord. In today’s society, it is always easy

to take the conventional choice of putting our children in

mainstream schools while both spouses work to ensure

we both see the need to cultivate in our children godly

values, especially with today’s liberal secular views on

lifestyle choices. While this may not guarantee a smooth

journey, I believe that when we pursue God’s work in

us and I am thankful that my wife made the conscious

choice to live in Christ.

SL: Meticulousness and forthrightness. Josephine is

particular about most details in the house. She prefers

things to be placed, folded, faced, and done in certain

ways. And she is frank in her views and opinions without

me asking.

JC: That he’s analytical and resourceful. He is someone

I can count on to handle any technical task, especially

concerning household appliances. He also provides

because of his wide reading interests.

LH:

appreciates family and spouse time. So I make sure there

is both! Weekends are strictly family time. Even if we

meet up with friends, we do so as a whole family. Once

a month or so, my parents will help out at home to take

care of the kids. I will make use of that opportunity to

bring Jade out on a date. Maybe steak with wine and a

movie after that.

JT:

cares a lot about me responding to the things he wants me

to do, such as calling the bank to ask for credit card fee

waivers. He would go through my credit card bills and

prompt me when I am being charged unnecessarily. If I

don’t respond to this gesture, he will feel unappreciated

and continue to constantly remind me to do it. He feels

happy when I follow his instructions.

JO:

why he appreciates what I’ve done for the family and for

him. Because actions speak louder than words for him,

I cook his favorite dishes for him, make it a point to

remember his schedule, preferences and show him how

important he is to me by reminding him, listening to him,

picking him up when he needs a lift and never forgetting

as is my godly duty. I’ve learned to speak well of him

to everyone around me and it has made me even more

love for his family.

ZK: Joanna cherishes quality time and acts of service.

So when she wants to talk to me after the kids are in bed,

I consciously put away my iPad, look at her and listen

to her. These sessions, though infrequent, are important

to her and I can sense how grateful and supported she

feels when I make effort to do this. To support her in

homeschooling the kids, I’ve also relinquished the right

to the family car and I usually take over looking after the

kids when I come home from work. She notices these

efforts and responds in love to me.

SL:

shouldn’t be mistaken for materialism, as the value of

the gift isn’t crucial. Besides remembering her birthday,

our anniversary and Valentine’s Day, she likes the way I

express my love and thoughtfulness by putting effort into

the gift.

JC:

always offers to pick me up after work even when it is

late and he is already home. Even then, he will take me

to have my favorite food together. He also periodically

prepares health tonic drinks for me to have before bed to

ensure my immune system is strong. I respond actively to

these gestures by paying some of food bills, keeping the

house clean and making sure his clothes are washed and

pressed on time.

c) There are bound to be challenges in every marriage.

How do you overcome the challenges in your own

marriage?

LH: The biggest challenge comes when both are in a

full-blown argument. No wise words can come out from

our mouths when our minds are no longer in sync with

our tongues. I learned that the hard way! I try to keep my

right moment to talk is also crucial. It plays a big role in

determining the tone for the discussion.

JT: I talk it out. I usually share with Lin Hui what’s

bothering me and we will work it out together. It’s

have strong opinions, but over the years we have learned


training

to compromise and see each other’s strengths rather than

focusing on weaknesses.

ZK: When we rely on our own strengths, we eventually

fail. I realize it is important to always come back to the

word of God and keep Him in the center of our marriage

even when we are busy, especially when homeschooling

our children. Being human, there are times we fail but I

thank God for the marriage covenant that He has covered

with His blood and the love He has for us. It is important

to realize that it’s not how your spouse can make life

better for you but rather how we can both bring out the

best in each other with relation to the fruit of the spirit.

SL: Marriage brings out the best and the worst in most

couples, as two separate persons struggle to live as “one

is self-centeredness. When Josephine or I choose to live

as though our own needs deserve top priority, there will

usually talk it out and share with each other corrective

actions both of us can take. In sensitive situations, we

have learned to accommodate and accept each other with

patience and love. The key principle of Christ’s love is

that we should give up our own desires for the good of

others even when they are not acting the way we think

they should. Don’t say, “I’ll change if he/she will too.”

If an act is good for others, do it regardless of what they

have done or how you feel. If we have done something

wrong, we should admit it regardless of whether or not

the other party have admitted their errors.

d) There must be some purposeful efforts in keeping a

marriage alive. How do you keep your marriage alive?

Share with us some ideas. E.g. attend a class together.

LH: Jade and I are both interested in wine (Jade will say

that I am bordering on fanatical). When we have dinner, I

will usually check with her on her wine preference for the

meal and make sure I have a suitable bottle to pair with

the food and liven up our conversation. Conversation is

crucial to marriage and wine makes people talk!

JT: I am the interesting one! I will come up with ideas on

how to keep this marriage alive. During weekends, ideally

either Lin Hui or myself will come up with a dinner place

that we both have not been to, including hawker stalls,

and explore it together with the children. We will also go

on dates once a month without the children, as well as

pray with and for each other almost every night before

we go to bed.

JO: We are blessed to have one or two evenings a week

love going away on short vacations and make it a point to

try new things, such as exploring Tokyo in a campervan.

things that mean more to us. There is one thing we do

together every week – clean the house on Saturday

mornings. By God’s grace, the kids both go for different

Chinese classes at the same time. We spend those two

sweeping and tidying in general. This combined act of

service reinforces our partnership – to govern and take

responsibility for the marriage and family God has given

to us. It may seem very ordinary but spiritually, it sows a

humble, patient and loving spirit in us.

SL: We serve in the same ministries together and support

each other’s interests. While we make an effort to have

our meals and do things with each other, sharing similar

values is more essential to our marriage bond than

engaging in shared interests. Do two walk together unless

they have agreed to do so? (Amos 3:3). Having things

in common like music and worship may have initially

drawn us together, but sharing similar values, morals,

and principles have strengthened our bond and given

us the vision and purpose of our love relationship. It is

also important to trust each other – something that takes

maturity, responsibility and accountability to accomplish.

We also realize that to build a happy marriage we need to

be smart enough to learn from the past. For example, if

hungry or tired, we minimize our conversation during

those times.

e) What is a key principle you live by in this marriage?

LH: “Couple above self”. When we go shopping and

I feel tired or just want some time to myself, I remind

myself of this principle and that I can always rest after the

shopping trip. After all, it is the husband’s responsibility

date with my wife recharges my batteries too!

JT: Marriage is a one-way trip and we shouldn’t think

elsewhere. Such thoughts are dangerous. Instead, work

on it even though at times it can be tough. Bear in mind

that it’s only through hard times that you will see your

spouse’s support, love and care. In Chinese we call this

患难见真情.

ZK: Never even think about the D-word (divorce). In

often easy to call it quits at the slightest challenge. But

the covenant is a holy promise made not just with each

other, but with God and is not to be taken lightly. The

mentality shouldn’t be one of replacement if it’s broken

God is important for it is only through testing may we

be found worthy to be called sons and daughters of God.

SL: This question reminds us of our marriage vows.

We had meant to publicly attest our love and devotion

to each other, and expressed intention to work towards

a lifelong monogamous relationship. Because we honor

the vows, God who is our witness (Philippians 1:8) will

provide us the strength to keep it till the end. Remember

that God joined us together in marriage. When we see

ourselves as a unit instead of two individuals, we will be

able to experience the joy and excitement that God means

when they arise they should serve to remind us that for the

moment, we have ceased to realize we are one. When we

realize that we are one, we will put everything we have

into pleasing each other, encouraging each other, helping

each other, standing by each other and loving each other.

“With God all things are possible.” (Matt 19:26). It is

not enough for one of us to commit to make the marriage

work. It takes two – with the Lord at the center. It is the

result of a godly husband and wife living with each other

according to the wisdom and commands of the Lord.


Is It Right to be in an Unequally-yoked Relationships?

What does the Bible teach about unequally-

yoked relationships? Joyce Tham explores

this topic.

“But we love each other very much!”

“We agreed; he will respect my decisions and practices

as a Christian.”

“I will slowly and eventually lead her to Christ!”

These are some common responses I hear from

Christians when I ask them about their romantic

relationships with unbelievers. I have also read of

their unbelieving friends than their Christian brothers or

sisters. While I understand the dilemma and even agree

that some unbelievers may be more compatible as a

romantic partner, I believe God must have His reasons

for commanding believers not to be yoked together with

unbelievers in 2 Corinthians 6:14:

“Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what

do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or

what fellowship can light have with darkness?”

In this verse, the type of relationship between believers

interesting to note that the Bible uses the word ‘yoke’.

A yoke is a wooden bar used to place around the necks

of two oxen to join them together so they can share the

This sounds a lot like marriage: the joining together of

a man and a woman to bear each other’s burdens and to

do God’s work together more effectively. The usage of

the word ‘yoke’ also implies a close partnership between

the two parties, working together towards a common

goal. Hence, we can conclude that this verse applies

BY JOYCE THAM, ETERNAL LIFE ASSEMBLY

training

Joyce currently worships at Eternal Life

Assembly and serves in the church’s youth,

worship and dance ministry teams. She is

passionate about seeing youths rise up to their

potential and believes in fostering healthy and

strong marriages and families. Joyce recently

started work as an Academy Executive at

Halogen Foundation Singapore, a youth

leadership and entrepreneurship development

organization.

to close, intimate relationships between believers and

unbelievers, and that includes marriage. Why did God

issue such a strict command?

In the following verses in 2 Corinthians 6:17-18,

we can see that God’s rationale behind issuing such

high order command is because of opposing spiritual

differences between believers and unbelievers. An

intimate relationship with an unbeliever will affect our

relationship with God.

“Therefore, ‘Come out from them and be separate, says

the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive

you.’ And, ‘I will be a Father to you, and you will be my

sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.”

God issued this command because He loves His people

too much to see us destroyed by the effects of sin when

our associations with unbelieving partners or spouses

lead us astray or hinder our relationship with Christ. A

similar warning can be seen in Deuteronomy 7:3-6:

“Do not intermarry with them. Do not give your

daughters to their sons or take their daughters for

your sons, for they will turn your children away from

following me to serve other gods, and the Lord’s anger

will burn against you and will quickly destroy you.”

Here, Moses was issuing God’s warning to the Israelites

not to marry off their children to the pagans to prevent

their children from being led astray with their practices

and idol worship. God is most concerned about the

spiritual aspect of our lives.

Having said this, I would like to clarify that believers in

a close, intimate relationship with an unbeliever will not

are exceptions where unbelievers come to know the

Lord and accept Christ because of their believing spouse

or partner. Praise the Lord!

However, more often than not, intimate relationships

with unbelievers draw believers away from God or

hinder our relationship and commitment to Christ as

both parties share different spiritual foundations. Just

think of how we were told not to mix around with bad

led astray. It’s clear that it’s possible for our morals to

with whom we share a close, intimate relationship?

Please don’t get me wrong – I’m not blaming unbelievers

for causing believers to fall away, but the fact is an intimate

relationship with unbelievers can be detrimental to some

believers’ spiritual lives. Many disagreements also arise

children, time spent with each other, time spent on church

activities, etc. Believers’ spiritual lives may be affected

by having to compromise standards. On the other hand, it

would also be hard on the unbelieving partner, who may

not fully understand the rationale behind their partner’s

and desires in order to support and accommodate their

cutting off close, intimate ties with unbelievers.

Being yoked with unbelievers is risky to our spiritual

lives. I believe the question to ask with regards to

getting along with an unbeliever, as with anyone else, is

whether the relationship will draw both parties towards

or away from Christ. It is important to be honest with

ourselves and check our underlying motivations. If

God is prompting us to let go of a relationship with an

unbeliever but we are refusing to, it is time for a reality

check. For believers who are still single and unmarried, I

would like to challenge us to fully trust God in knowing

who and what is best for us, and that He will provide us

with the best.

All Scriptures quoted are from the New International

Version (NIV)


training

Is Cohabitation Viable for Christian Couples?

Should couples cohabit as a ‘trial run’

other? Young adult, Daniel Foo, shares his

When I was in Junior College, one of my tutors told us

that she had a relative who was secretly living with her

boyfriend. She said such arrangements were becoming

increasingly common because it was a way for people

to make informed decisions about their partners before

committing to marriage. My then 18-year-old self

There seemed to be little, if any, tangible difference

living together without one, other than the former being

a lot more procedurally cumbersome to terminate. The

practicality of ‘pre-emptive cohabitation’ as a trial run

for marriage just seemed to make sense.

think that it is precisely this lack of worthy difference

that might make cohabitation unviable, particularly for

Christians. In Genesis 2:18-20, God explains that a man

“leave[s] his father and mother” to be “joined to his

wife”, and “the two are united into one” – a commitment

so sacred that one must leave his family to begin a

union with another, together with whom he is now

the signing of marriage forms and the nature of sexual

relations; marriage in both senses has always mandated

unequivocal commitment. Ever since God approved the

faithfulness that was to become the bedrock of legally

recognized marriage.

Cohabitation, however, falls short of God’s biblical

standard. Legal documents aside, unmarried couples

BY DANIEL FOO, EMMANUEL ASSEMBLY OF GOD

that want to enjoy the emotional and marital relations

exists an undercurrent unwillingness to commit. Of

course, cohabitation can take many other forms. Some

couples may choose to live together without engaging

in sexual relations (though that may surface very real

temptations of its own). Others may cohabit with the

intention of marrying eventually, and they see their

Regardless of these differences, it would seem that the

typical cohabiting couple risks being less inhibited from

leaving when the going gets tough. The possibility of a

breakup is a very real one for any romantic relationship.

Ending a cohabitation arrangement means both parties

would have to end all forms of relations with their

partners and move out, a termination akin to divorce

– complete with the emotional pain that comes with

having lived and done life together on such an intimate

level. An end like this could be a complicated one as the

parties, by virtue of their sexual relations, were in fact in

a situation similar to committed marriage.

While one of the promises that cohabitation offers

become unwittingly restrictive. Possible disapproval

a relationship. Additionally, assuming both parties do

intend to marry eventually, the Singapore government

in encouraging legally recognized marriages offers

many pro-marriage policies that can provide the

couple with support to which they are not privy if they

merely live together. While marriage is characterized

by commitment, it neither imprisons nor restricts; it

avails the couple more resource in choosing their shared

course of life, and awards them the freedom to live

together with the approval, support and encouragement

of those around them. In line with the importance of

making informed decisions, these are considerations I

Daniel attends Emmanuel Assembly of God

with his parents and younger sister. He enjoys

reading and writing, and he hopes that his words

can touch the lives of those who read them. He is

currently reading Law at the National University

of Singapore.

think a couple should reconcile with before deciding to

live together.

Yet, even where a Christian believes that his church,

family and government should not have a stake in his

marriage, I think that he should also reconcile with

the fact that he does not have full autonomy over his

body. Paul addresses concerns about married life in 1

“[do] not have control over [their] own [bodies]”, which

in fact belong to each other. This is in addition to God’s

right to our bodies, which He “bought at a price” and

expects us to “honor” Him with (1 Corinthians 6:20)

– reinforcing the fact that while we have the power to

control our bodies, this does not mean that we have sole

ownership of them. We belong to God and we belong to

our spouses, even while we belong to ourselves. In light

of this, cohabitation can be seen a high-stakes decision

tantamount to a form of marriage that honors neither

God nor spouse.

As a young adult with admittedly little experience, I

and freedom tend to be happier and healthier, and it

is my personal belief that marriage, as opposed to

cohabitation, offers these.


At Teen Challenge Singapore (TCS)

we have the privilege of ministering to

those whom society has forgotten and

considers unreachable. Peter Wong gives

his miraculous testimony and shares some

photos with us below.

I was born into a Christian family. Everyone believed,

except me. Although I attended church services during

grade school, I didn’t believe in God nor did I believe

time a tang ki – a Taoist medium. I thought to myself,

“How cool if I could also be like them – seen and

admired by all.”

My curiosity led me to join the Dragon and Lion

after, when I was just 15 years old, I joined the temple

as a tang ki, a role I would play for 20 years. I spent

developing my skills as a tang ki. The highest record

I held was being pierced 36 times. People believe that

tang ki don’t feel pain when they are in a trance, having

their skin pierced and cut. This isn’t true – it was all for

show. It was very painful when the swords and skewers

were pierced into my cheeks, arms, neck and back. My

mind was clear, and I knew exactly what was going

on, though outsiders thought I was performing Taoist

magic and giving prophecies at the temple.

After two years as a tang ki, at the age of 17, I was

exhausted. I thought there was no God because nothing

had changed. I was still the same: a school dropout

without a stable full-time job. I was unable to hold a

full-time job because I had to serve seven days a week

at the temple. Despite the lack of pay, I was committed

to serving the Taoist gods.

In 2000, I started taking drugs because I was stressed

BY TEEN CHALLENGE SINGAPORE

God Reaches Out to the Unreached andForgotten

transformation

I became addicted to ice and Ecstasy. In order to sustain

in prison. After serving four months of my sentence,

I was released but my life continued to spiral out of

control. My drug use increased, and I often stole money

from my family to buy more. I continued serving in the

being arrested again. I had no choice but to do odd jobs

to earn money to sustain my heavy drug use.

In 2011, I was arrested for a second time and I was

read every morning and night. Each time after a reading,

I felt a greater peace and contentment despite having

a long sentence to serve. My older sister also asked

me to change my religion status on my identity card

from Taoism to Christianity and for some miraculous

reason, I agreed. This opened the door for my eventual

exposure and placement at Teen Challenge Singapore

(TCS) instead of a Taoist halfway house upon release.

I started attending Christian group sessions in prison and

learned how to pray. I was worried about my mother’s

health and my young daughter’s development, so a

prison counselor taught me to pray about my anxiety

and fearful thoughts. I prayed every morning, and all

my guilt and angst disappeared. This opened my eyes

and I saw that this God is real, and that He answers

my prayers. Unlike in the past, when I acted like a god

as a tang ki, I can strongly feel God’s presence in my

life now. Slowly I was able to differentiate what was

right from wrong and discovered I was becoming more

Christlike.

In 2015, I was transferred to TCS to serve out the

remainder of my sentence. I know it was the hand

of God that put me in TCS. He wanted me to learn

more about Him through TCS’ daily spiritual classes,

counseling and chapel services and how to apply

everything I learned. I am also grateful for the support

of the TCS staff and residents, who taught me and

helped me during my time at the center. With their

support I have changed from a self-centered man into

a person who considers others and with Christ’s help, I

bravely face every problem that comes my way.

I graduated from TCS in October 2015. Although I still

carry scars on my body from my years as a tang ki,

God has healed and changed my inner man. I’m now

using what I learned at TCS to work on becoming a

better father to my daughter, and to try and salvage my

marriage. TCS helped me secure full-time employment

time in a long while.

I was once unreached and forgotten, but no longer,

thanks to my Lord Jesus through the ministry of TCS.

With Him all things are possible!


God Answers Prayer When we were helpless, God intervened.

We would like to share a testimony of God’s

miraculous healing power in the life of our son,

Joshua when he was just three and a half years old.

An unexpected incident took place in our home on

March 8, 2015. Just when we were getting ready

to leave for Elim Church that Sunday, Joshua

accidentally swallowed a 20-cent coin. He began

to scream loudly in pain. We were shocked and not

knowing what to do, we rushed him to the hospital.

BY ALBERT TAI, CHURCH OF PRAISE

transformation

God’s Presence In Daily Life

BY DAVID LAWRENCE, ELIM CHURCH

Our God is faithful in our everyday life.

a. God’s Cushion of Protection

On the evening of April 28, 2014, my friend and I went to the

famous XO Fish Head Noodles stall at Dover Rise for dinner.

The walkway to the stall was wet and slippery because it had

been a very rainy day. Suddenly, my feet shot out from under

falling, I felt like I was doing it in slow motion – as if there was

someone who caught me in mid-air and then gently lowered

felt absolutely no pain and easily got up. My friend and I then

continued on our way to the noodle stall where we enjoyed our

food as though the fall never took place.

The following morning, I started my day as I usually do –

eyes rested on was Psalms 121:3, “He will not let your foot

slip – He who watches over you will not slumber.” Then I

recalled the fall I had the night before and realised it was God

supporting and protecting me. Had He not done that, the back

when I fell backwards. At my age, I doubt if I would have

been able to walk away from such a fall completely unscathed.

Our God is truly a Living God and He is watchful over us. His

presence is always with us in our times of need. To God be

the glory!

b. The Sweetness of God’s Care

On January 14, 2015, I went to Novena Square to purchase a

pair of coach tickets to Kuala Lumpur (KL). I got there at 8am

– what I thought was an early time, but there was already over

a hundred people in the queue! My queue number was 149.

Worried that tickets would be sold out by the time my number

was called, I began to pray and seek God’s help. Before I even

got to the end of my prayer, a young lady plonked herself down

on the seat beside me. She asked me what my queue number

was and I showed her my queue ticket. She then offered me

her queue ticket – number 54! She told me she didn’t need it

anymore. Wow! I was shocked, surprised and very happy. I

silently thanked Jesus repeatedly. I didn’t have long to wait

before number 54 was called. By then, there were only four

seats left on the coach leaving for KL on our desired travel

date – February 14. God granted me the desire of my heart.

Praise the Lord. He is good all the time!

On our way there, we messaged Pastor Maureen

Seow about the incident, asking her to pray for Joshua

and us. At the hospital, the medical staff did the initial

tests and checked him for internal bleeding. An X-ray

revealed that the coin was lodged in a safe place

within Josh’s stomach.

We thank God that the coin did not get stuck in his

throat or windpipe, which could have complicated

matters. The medical staff warded him for observation

to see if he would have any discomfort or develop

discharged Joshua and we were told to monitor him

closely for any unusual symptoms, such as bleeding

or vomiting. We were advised to also look out for the

coin to be excreted naturally through his stool with

no bleeding.

As we were leaving the hospital, I received a message

from Pastor Maureen that the Sunday congregation

as well as our church intercession group had prayed

together for Joshua. We thank God for His people

who were fervently and continuously upholding us in

prayer in the midst of our anxiety.

We waited anxiously for about two weeks and looked

into his stool every single day to see if he had passed

out the coin. We even informed his school teachers to

do likewise, but none of us saw the coin in his stool.

In these two weeks Joshua was unwell on several

nights. On the night of March 20, he threw up, so we

rushed him back to the hospital where he had another

X-ray. To our surprise, there were two coins inside

Joshua, which meant he actually swallowed both

coins at the same time. These coins were lodged in

the same area in his stomach. The senior consultant

said there was no need to ward him as they wanted

pass the coins through his bowel movements within

the week. If this didn’t work, then Joshua would need

a scope done.

Together with our intercessors and church members,

we prayed earnestly, trusting the Lord to intervene so

Joshua wouldn’t have to have the scope or any other

more complicated and invasive treatment. These

burden.

Praise God – after taking the medication, Joshua

passed out both coins in his stool on the third day!

Truly, we serve a great and mighty God who hears

our every prayer and answers it in His way and in His

own time!

We thank the Lord for His unfailing love and care

towards us as a family. We thank God also for His

people at Elim Church who stood with us during this

anxious time and rejoiced with us when the miracle

took place. Prayer is indeed the key to experiencing

God’s miracles.

The coins that were lodged in Joshua's stomach

Joshua’s family


Jan - Feb 2016

Chief Editor: Rev Simon Ang

Asst. Editors: Rev David Lim Rev Winnie Wong Stephanie Siow

Coordinator: Carol Lim

Singapore 388106 www.ag.org.sg

EDITORIAL

COMMITTEE

Out of Control, Into His Hands

It seemed impossible for Hon Yew to be

set free from his destructive lifestyle. But

all things are possible with God. Daniel

Koh Zhiguo shares how God transformed

Hon Yew’s life in the most incredible way.

Worldly Addictions

Hon Yew’s troubles began when he started working

at a construction site after his O Level examinations.

Now that he was earning his own money, he would

unwind by hanging out with friends over mugs of ice

cold beer, smoking and gambling. Eventually, Hon

Yew incurred gambling debts of S$15,000.

Hon Yew’s family felt the strain of his destructive

lifestyle. To make matters worse, he was rarely home

and had a very distant relationship with his wife,

Sharon and his children.

BY DANIEL KOH ZHIGUO, TRINITY CHRISTIAN CENTRE

transformation

Sharon constantly worried about Hon Yew. A believer

since she was in secondary school, she knew that only

God would be able to transform her husband. Instead of

giving up, she chose to trust God, rallying her carecell

to cover Hon Yew and the family in prayer.

Godly Intervention

Hon Yew was set on the path to freedom in the most

unlikely way: a chance encounter with Trinity’s church

bulletin. He read about Trinity’s humanitarian mission

trips in the bulletin and got interested. He said, “I was

a pre-believer, but I was interested in mission trips

because it was charity work. I signed up and even

encouraged a friend to join me!”

God continued to lead Hon Yew back to Him as time

passed. “One day, a small voice asked me, ‘Is this the

type of life you’re searching for? In that moment, I

knew God was asking me to make a choice: to stick to

my old ways or to pursue Him.” Soon, Hon Yew told

Sharon he was ready to give his life to God.

After becoming a Christian, Hon Yew began reading

the Bible diligently. “I had a radical change in my heart

when I discovered that my body is the temple of the

Holy Spirit.”

Convicted of the need to live in line with the Word

of God, Hon Yew quit his job. He was no longer

comfortable with the way the business was run. He

also tried to break his addictions.

“I tried to quit smoking, gambling, and drinking by

partaking in these activities less frequently but the

temptation was always there. It was tough and I was

going nowhere,” Hon Yew shared.

As he struggled through his addictions, God revealed

the following verses during his quiet time:

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on

your own understanding; in all your ways submit to

him, and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs

3:5-6)

“After reading these verses, I claimed this promise into

my life. I immediately stood up, pulled out the pack of

cigarettes from my bag, crushed the box, and threw the

cigarette pack in the dustbin. From that moment on, I

didn’t crave cigarettes – I didn’t even have withdrawal

symptoms. My gambling and drinking habits also

stopped suddenly and completely!”

A Light to the World

God continues to be a strong presence in Hon Yew’s

life. Since quitting his previous job, he has built a

career in a different industry and has paid off all his

gambling debts.

His family life has also been transformed. Previously

relationship with his wife and children.

Since Christ transformed his life, Hon Yew gives of

his time, talents, and treasures with a grateful heart. A

“veteran” of mission trips, Hon Yew has participated

in seven mission trips since becoming a Christian in

2012.

For 25 years, Hon Yew lived for his vices. Now, he

lives for God and commits each day to His grace and

strength. “I know that God does things according to

His ways and in His perfect time. All glory to God.

ANNOUNCEMENT

Please be informed that the Joy Centre Neighbourhood Link, a project of the Assemblies of God Community Service Society (AGCSS) has ceased operations.

We thank God for the opportunity to serve the Yishun-Chong Pang community.

On behalf of the AGCSS Management Committee, we would like to thank all the Assemblies of God Churches for their prayers, participation and contributions that have encouraged the ministry for the past 15 years. God bless all of you.

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