+ All Categories
Home > Documents > CONNECT Issue 07 (Oct 2011)

CONNECT Issue 07 (Oct 2011)

Date post: 15-Mar-2016
Category:
Upload: covenant-efc
View: 217 times
Download: 1 times
Share this document with a friend
Description:
newsletter, christian
Popular Tags:
12
WITH GOD WITH ONE ANOTHER The Newsletter of Covenant Evangelical Free Church OCTOBER 2011 ISSUE NUMBER 7 MICA 214/07/2010 “The main calling of our life is more than just knowing the truth — it is having that truth become our life.” RICK JOYNER IDMC 2011 In Service For His Kingdom 1 IDT Reloaded! 4 The Heartbeat Of Our Mission 6 No Ordinary Child’s Play! 8 A Journey Of Growth 9 CLOSE UP A Heart For Asians 10 RECENT & UPCOMING EVENTS 12 GOD AT WORK My Love Letter To God 12 In Service For His Kingdom A LADY REQUESTS FOR A cup of hot water but there is none to be found at the foyer or at the eating area. A quick look around the Information Counter turns up nothing. A volunteer races down to the volunteer rest area in the hope of finding some. Again, there is none to be found. Just then, he bumps into the cleaner who was just about to make herself a cup of hot tea. Leading him to her rest corner, the cleaner offers up a cup of hot water from her kettle and the volunteer happily brings it to the lady delegate. She gratefully accepts the hot water and The recent IDMC was one where Covenanters shone with their spirit of servanthood as no task was too small for them, as Sandra Chi discovers. 10 page CONTENTS The Westwoods, Covenant’s first missionary family
Transcript
Page 1: CONNECT Issue 07 (Oct 2011)

1 • CONNECT OCTOBER 2011

W I T H G O D W I T H O N E A N O T H E R

The Newsletter of Covenant Evangelical Free Church

OCTOBER 2011 ISSUE NUMBER 7

MICA 214/07/2010

“The main calling of our life is more than just knowing the truth — it is having that truth become our life.” RICK JOYNER

IDMC 2011

In Service For His Kingdom 1

IDT Reloaded! 4

The Heartbeat Of Our Mission 6

No Ordinary Child’s Play! 8

A Journey Of Growth 9

CLOSE UP

A Heart For Asians 10

RECENT & UPCOMING EVENTS 12

GOD AT WORK

My Love Letter To God 12

In Service For His Kingdom

ALADY REQUESTS FOR A cup of hot water but there is none to be found at the foyer or at the eating area. A quick look around the

Information Counter turns up nothing. A volunteer races down to the volunteer rest area in the hope of finding some.

Again, there is none to be found. Just then, he bumps into the cleaner who was just about to make herself a cup of hot tea. Leading him to her rest corner, the cleaner offers up a cup of hot water from her kettle and the volunteer happily brings it to the lady delegate. She gratefully accepts the hot water and

The recent IDMC was one where Covenanters shone with their spirit of servanthood as no task was too small for them, as Sandra Chi discovers.

10page

CONTENTS

The Westwoods, Covenant’s first

missionary family

Connect Oct2011_v2.indd 1 21/10/11 11:50 AM

Page 2: CONNECT Issue 07 (Oct 2011)

CONNECT OCTOBER 2011 • 2 3 • CONNECT OCTOBER 2011

IDMC 2011

takes her medicine with it. This volunteer was Dr Allen Wang—the

doctor on duty for all three days of the Intentional Disciplemaking Conference (IDMC). It would have been perfectly reasonable if he had apologised and said, “I’m sorry but we don’t have any hot water.” Instead, he went the extra mile. This servanthood attitude was the distinctive mark of our IDMC volunteers.

A total of 613 volunteers served at the IDMC, a number made even more staggering if you consider the fact that many took leave from work so that they could serve the Body of Christ.

Such was the impact made by the volunteers on everyone, including Mylette R Namoc, the volunteer coordinator for IDMC who said, “Waking up early in the morning is definitely not a usual highlight for me but it became one when I saw the flood of volunteers scanning in their attendance as early as 6.15am to serve for the day.”

Johnny Low, who volunteered at the Covenant Resources section, tells us why he signed up to help. “I consider it a privilege to be able to serve. Jesus set an example for us to follow—to serve and not to be served. I wanted to obey Him and follow Him.”

Even after the conference had ended, a gentleman who had attended the IDMC stopped one of Covenant’s Senior Pastor-Designates, Reverend Tan Kay Kiong, during his regular walk at Bukit Timah Hill to make mention of his experience. As someone who works in the hospitality industry, this gentleman was thoroughly impressed by the volunteers’ service and attitude and commended Covenant for a job well done.

While it could be tiring at times, there were also plenty of opportunities for joy and laughter. Charlene Chai, who was in charge of hospitality, recounted a few unusual and funny incidents, including trying to help a lady fix her broken shoe. The sense of camaraderie was evident amongst the volunteers who readily helped each other out when needed and enjoyed their breaks together whenever the conference was in session.

Mylette shares, “I think it was funny to see the volunteers getting excited over ice cream and the simple goodies that we offered at the volunteer area. It was small joys like these that made serving really fun.”

Lee Boon Chuan, a delegate from another church, had this to say about our volunteers. “The volunteers were awesome (or to use the term much in vogue among the youth today: legendary)! We were overwhelmed by the waves of kindness, broad smiles, and warmth—the love and joy among the volunteers were very evident. Kudos to them and the Covenant team for being a great blessing. May the Lord be praised!”

A YEAR OF PREPARATIONFor the delegates, the conference was over in three short days, but for the organising committee, the preparation had begun well in advance. The groundwork for the conference’s publicity and registration had already started at the previous year’s conference, with event logistics and conference materials planned and produced in the months leading up to opening day.

Organising the IDMC is no easy task with large-scale logistics to consider from

THIS PAGE FROM TOPThe string section in our IDMC band; Rev Edmund Chan; volunteers serving the delegates

OPPOSITE PAGE FROM LEFTBeing ministered at the IDMC; Ps Randy Pope

Connect Oct2011_v2.indd 2 21/10/11 11:50 AM

Page 3: CONNECT Issue 07 (Oct 2011)

CONNECT OCTOBER 2011 • 2 3 • CONNECT OCTOBER 2011

“Your greatest pleasure is that

which rebounds from hearts that you have made glad.”

HENRY WARD BEECHER

every aspect of the conference. Consider the task involved in feeding 2600 delegates and over 600 volunteers—the meals have to be catered, the space for fellowship and seating has to be sufficient and comfortable, the queues need to be managed and even the rubbish has to be disposed of properly. From emergency evacuation plans to installing temporary sheltered walkways to the tentage set up next door, no contingency was too small to plan for.

Another aspect, which has required increasing attention in recent years, is hospitality for overseas delegates. With nearly 300 IDMC delegates from overseas this year, they sometimes require assistance with accommodation and visa applications, especially those from developing countries.

Chan Poh Shan, who was the conference registrar, was also in charge of hospitality for overseas delegates.

Poh Shan describes her experience with gratitude, “I was helping a blind pastor from Hong Kong and his team with regards to hotel arrangements, transportation and meals. I count it a privilege to help so that their conference could be a special encounter and experience with God. On the third day, this pastor came especially to express his thanks for all the help extended. All glory goes to our Lord Jesus!”

BEYOND OUR BORDERSAs the IDMC happens each year in our own backyard, it is sometimes easy to for us to start taking it for granted. Yet, just by talking to some of the delegates, one begins to realise the impact that the conference has had on the larger Body of Christ.

Boon Chuan shares more about his conference

“IDMC is set to return the church to her DISCIPLEMAKING ROOTS and set new

wings for greater RADICAL discipleship”

experience, “So many precious deposits—so much to work through over the coming weeks. I love the way the focus was on the crucial core, inner issues, with very little rah-rah.”

This year, the entire conference was once again sold out within hours of opening registration. Not only were the local delegates keen on securing seats for next year, but overseas pastors, Christian workers and missionaries are also making up a greater percentage of each year’s conference. For some of these overseas delegates, this year’s was their third or fourth conference.

“It is indeed a growing alliance of like-minded kingdom churches and disciples from all over. IDMC is set to return the church to her disciplemaking roots and set new wings for greater radical discipleship,” shared Rev Kay Kiong.

With the conference recently concluded, the preparation runway to the next IDMC is again in motion. May God continue to use Covenant mightily through the IDMC and help us remain faithful to our discipleship and disciplemaking calling!

Connect Oct2011_v2.indd 3 21/10/11 11:50 AM

Page 4: CONNECT Issue 07 (Oct 2011)

CONNECT OCTOBER 2011 • 4 5 • CONNECT OCTOBER 2011

IDT

IDT Reloaded!

IWANT TO KNOW AND LIVE MY life according to God’s word and I want to do this with a community that loves God and is serious in making a commitment to go

through the course together,” shared Woo Mei Mei, when asked why she enrolled in IDT Reloaded!, the new and improved version of IDT (Intentional Discipleship Training), launched in January this year.

Since IDT was first launched on 12 January 2007 under the leadership of Reverend Edmund Chan and Pastor Ann Chan, there had been five cycles of the

The new IDT Reloaded! has helped participants in their spiritual journey, as Cynthia Oh discovers.

Participants soaking up the IDT teachings

two-year IDT programme. In 2010, the church’s Equipping Ministry reviewed IDT and presented some changes to the pastoral and ministry staff. The result is IDT Reloaded!, aimed at achieving a higher level of engagement and effectiveness.

What then is new in IDT Reloaded!? “It provides an additional year of discipleship training for newer believers, plus a revised training curriculum for the subsequent two years,” said Pastor Ivan Ho, who is currently in charge of IDT. “More time is given during the weekly sessions for hands-on practice of

discipleship skills, for example, Bible study skills, sharing the gospel, and learning how to nurture a new believer. IDT graduates will be strongly encouraged to serve in a CG or a ministry, or serve as a Discipleship Group Leader (DGL) in the next batch of IDT Reloaded! to facilitate the DG members’ learning.”

New modules in IDT Reloaded! Levels 1 & 2 include Basic Discipleship, Prayer and Spiritual Warfare, PDA (Personal revival, Divine appointment and Active obedience) Lifestyle and Conversational Pre-Evangelism, Lifelong Bible Study Skills, and Walk Through the Bible.

“IDT Reloaded! will continue to be the ‘Disciple’ component of Covenant EFC while CGs will be the basic community groups. We do not train alone. We do it together in Discipleship Groups (each of 6–8 people based on gender

Connect Oct2011_v2.indd 4 21/10/11 11:51 AM

Page 5: CONNECT Issue 07 (Oct 2011)

CONNECT OCTOBER 2011 • 4 5 • CONNECT OCTOBER 2011

“We ENCOURAGE one another and keep each other ACCOUNTABLE to practise our daily PERSONAL DISCIPLINES”

and grouped as much as possible according to their life stage). We encourage one another and keep each other accountable to practise our daily personal disciplines,” said Pastor Ivan.

The three distinctive features of IDT— Inner life emphasis, Discipleship core curriculum and Transformational personal disciplines— still remain. Each training session still consists of plenary teaching, followed by small group discussion and accountability. Bible reading, daily journaling, Scripture memory, and an emphasis on the PDA lifestyle are all part of the journey.

When asked about which part of IDT

Reloaded! was most helpful, Liew Mee Yan, a current trainee said, “Scripture memory is the best! It helps me to meditate on His word and understand God and His ways better.” Mun Kong, a fellow trainee added, “One day while I was praying for someone, all the memory verses I learnt suddenly came out from my mouth and the next thing I knew, I was praying Scriptures. That was exciting! It has never happened in my life before.”

Yeoh Yong Chyuan, who is in the midst of completing Level 1 responded, “All the modules are useful and applicable to our daily lives, especially the three lessons on

Conversational Pre-Evangelism where we had role-playing in class and application back in the ‘real’ world.”

“I used to feel very troubled in the past when I had to make difficult decisions; I did not have peace and sometimes felt guilty. Now that I make time to seek God and know His Word, I am clearer of God’s desires and I only need to be steadfast to obey Him. I’m very single-minded now because the only way is God’s way,” shared Mei Mei.

To those who are not in IDT Reloaded!, Yong Chyuan has this to say, “Don’t hesitate! Sign up now for IDT Reloaded!.”

Discipleship groups (DGs) break for sharing and discussion

Connect Oct2011_v2.indd 5 21/10/11 11:51 AM

Page 6: CONNECT Issue 07 (Oct 2011)

CONNECT OCTOBER 2011 • 6 7 • CONNECT OCTOBER 2011

Missions Week

THE MUSICIANS AND singers were decked out in ethnic costumes, signalling the start of Missions Week. It began impactfully with

a testimony from Liswidayati, an Indonesian caregiver. God’s reality, as lived out by her employers, led her to accept Christ and His mission to draw her family and friends in Indonesia into God’s Kingdom.

From the pulpit, a moved Senior Pastor Edmund Chan entreated the congregation to be a World Christian, living with a global vision of God’s world upon one’s heart. He shared the vision of sending out 500 missionaries and planting 1,000 disciple churches in the next 10 years. As the service drew to a close, at least 20 brothers and sisters

Randy Choo recaps this year’s MISSIONS WEEK and marvels at God’s work in the hearts of many of His children.

Coming back to the heart of worship

The Heartbeat Of Our Mission

stepped forward in obedience as Isaiah did years ago — Here am I, send me. And that was just the 8:30 service!

Another four evening talks were held at BPJ before the week culminated with the first Covenant Family Missions Evening on Saturday, 23 July.

The evening began with a wonderful time of worship. Following that, Pastor Glen and PSB shared with the packed sanctuary their experiences and how God had worked amazingly in the lives of the people they were sent to.

Elder Lian Seng spoke next quoting the Bible’s observation of the scant workers faced with a mighty harvest. Which makes it vital that these precious

Mr Vikram Nair, MP for Sembawang GRC

Our foreign visitors in ethnic costumes holding the flags of different countries

Elder Lian Seng shares his heart at the Missions Family Evening

Connect Oct2011_v2.indd 6 21/10/11 11:51 AM

Page 7: CONNECT Issue 07 (Oct 2011)

CONNECT OCTOBER 2011 • 6 7 • CONNECT OCTOBER 2011

Youth leading in bilingual worship at the Family Missions Evening

missionaries are well-equipped, well-trained and well-supported. The Covenant Missions Governing Board was set up for this purpose.

The church also commissioned and prayed for missionaries PO, serving in South-east Asia, and SL who will serve in East Asia. Serene testified that at 14, she had decided she would take God’s Word to the remotest parts of the world. Her journey over the next 20 years led her to commit herself as a full-time missionary. In her parting words, where most may have said, “And my story continues,” she said, “And His story continues.”

The finale of the evening was the humorous and inspiring message by guest speaker, Dr Tan Lai Yong. As a medical doctor, he could have carved out a lucrative career. He and his family, however, had chosen to spend 14 years serving the rural poor in Yunnan. The sacrifice was evidently painful and he wondered if he had done his children a disfavour by bringing them up in Yunnan.

In his message, Dr Tan shared anecdotes of life in Yunnan and his encounters with the local people. He closed with a story about a blind and leprous man who was overjoyed when he sold his pig for 2,000 RMB, more than half a year’s wages. However, when Dr Tan and his team visited him, they discovered this man had been given counterfeit notes. Dr Tan reminded us, “If we don’t get into the world to be the salt and light, then the depravity (of this world) wins again and again.”

Senior Pastor Edmund Chan wrapped up and emphasised that “we are blessed to be a blessing” and “we have only one life to live”. He invited those who had heard God’s call to step up to the altar. From all corners of

“IN HER PARTING WORDS, where most may have said, “And my

story continues,” she said, “AND

HIS STORY CONTINUES”

the congregation, brothers and sisters streamed forward to answer the call.

After Missions Week, Andy Lew, Southeast Asia and Home Missions Regional Coordinator quoted from a song by Steve Green, “To love the Lord our God is the heartbeat of our mission.” In that one week, 151 faithful ones answered the full-time call. May God bless and honour their labour as they go forth to reap the bountiful harvest already prepared before us.

Connect Oct2011_v2.indd 7 21/10/11 11:51 AM

Page 8: CONNECT Issue 07 (Oct 2011)

CONNECT OCTOBER 2011 • 8 9 • CONNECT OCTOBER 2011

Children’s Fest

DESPITE THE RAIN JUST hours before set-up, New Life Children’s Fest opened bright and early without a glitch! Every October,

New Life Community Services (NLCS) celebrates Children’s Day with a bang to reach children who form part of The Next Generation. Children’s Fest is always about fun and games, but it’s not mere play. Rather, it’s channelling children’s energy and enthusiasm into meaningful activities so that children can learn while having fun.

Indeed, both at Bukit Panjang’s Jelapang Square and Woodlands’ Vista Park, the more than two thousand children who attended the Children’s Fest feasted on activities that were rich in educational value and challenged their various faculties. There were games designed after Aesop’s Fables that aimed at teaching moral values, games that required movement and agility, and those

that tested language skills and shooting accuracy. The children also had a chance to show off their ‘crafty’ side by making sand art, bookmarks and sock puppets.

Children were not the only ones having fun! Madam Rashidah, who was at Jelapang Square with her husband and two boys, remarked, “I find the Children’s Fest very enjoyable! I like it.”

In fact, all the parents and children CONNECT spoke to unanimously agreed to come again next year! What’s more,

Ruth Fong and Alvin Ong found themselves in the thick of action at Jelapang Square and Vista Park as they report on New Life’s recent CHILDREN’S FEST.

No Ordinary Child’s Play!

not only did MP for Holland-Bukit Timah GRC, Mr Liang Eng Hwa, praise NLCS to be “a great partner”, MP for Sembawang GRC, Dr Vikram Nair, at his visit to Vista Park also appreciated NLCS for “bringing different groups of people together.”

New Life’s dedicated efforts to reach out to the community have certainly paid off. The support they have received is a stamp of approval to the hours they have sowed into building the life of the community and making an impact on the next generation.

Special thanks go to the 360 volunteers from Covenant who shared their hearts in making Children’s Fest a smashing success. These volunteers gamely manned the games stalls, art stalls, and other vital roles. Volunteer Alissa Ellingson shared, “I saw lots of children having fun and enjoying the time together with parents — that’s what Children’s Day is all about, and I’m so glad New Life accomplished that successfully!”

I FIND the Children’s Fest

VERY ENJOYABLE! I LIKE IT”

Having fun sparring with each other

Connect Oct2011_v2.indd 8 21/10/11 11:51 AM

Page 9: CONNECT Issue 07 (Oct 2011)

CONNECT OCTOBER 2011 • 8 9 • CONNECT OCTOBER 2011

Ps William Wong shares his heart on ETC and how he believes it can really transform lives.

Wide Angle: ETC

WHAT WOULD BE THE driving force behind a person’s decision to set aside one year for full-time learning

in classroom modules with frontline ministry exposure and participation? It can only be a passion for God! A passion to know God deeper, and a passion for the lost, as we avail ourselves to be called, affirmed and commissioned into full-time vocational ministries or missions.

ETC is the preparation and equipping ministry of Covenant that plans, directs and coaches our full-time interns in their personal journeys, to be clear and be ready to answer God’s call confidently.

It consists of 3 core components:• Classroom modules in Bible,

theology, leadership, ministry skills. Classes are held during the week— 4 modules per week with rigorous readings, assignments and engaging discussions facilitated by our pastors and senior ministry staff.

• Ministry assignment for frontline involvement with TNG, outreach and missions. Each intern will be assigned to a ministry team to serve. As they minister and apply what they have learnt, there is opportunity for life transformation and for discovering their call in full-time vocational service.

• Mentoring relationship with a pastor or ministry leader for spiritual friendship and direction. It is a personal pilgrimage for each intern, allowing God to use their unique talents in service. The regular interaction with their mentors provides perspective and posture to learn, grow and live their lives more fully for God.

ETC internships are special seasons of our spiritual journey. Through a guided pilgrimage, we learn and grow deeper in our personal walk with God.

ETC:

“ Through a GUIDED PILGRIMAGE, we LEARN and GROW DEEPER in our PERSONAL WALK with God”

Interns have a foretaste of what serving God full-time is like— the pains and heartaches, the hard work and joy. Deep friendships are also forged among interns as they share this journey of faith together.

I invite you to prayerfully consider ETC Internship for 2012. Set aside one year for deepening your growth in God to be prepared and equipped for the next season.

Do grab an ETC Application Pack and speak to the pastors, your Zone Mentors or ministry leaders. It is your first step in making the difference for God!

A Journey Of Growth

Connect Oct2011_v2.indd 9 21/10/11 11:51 AM

Page 10: CONNECT Issue 07 (Oct 2011)

CONNECT OCTOBER 2011 • 10 11 • CONNECT OCTOBER 2011

Close Up

A Heart For Asians

GROWING UP IN A Christian family in Cairns, Australia, he describes his growing up years as “sheltered”. In 1986, he

went on an exchange programme where he travelled to the Philippines, Hong Kong and Japan. “It literally rocked my world,” he recalls. Returning from his Asian trip, he subsequently grew more dissatisfied with his own spiritual growth so when the opportunity to join Youth for Christ came, he grabbed the chance to travel with their Australian rock band “Travellers” in 1987. He was 21 then. He was both stage and lighting manager, plus actor and drummer, while living on AUD 20 a week and stayed with 35 families in 1987 alone!

In 1987, he stepped foot onto Singapore soil for the first time with Travellers. It was around this time that God was speaking to him about being better equipped for the ministry. By 1988, he knew Asia was where God was calling him to. He figured if he was going to serve in Asia, why not study in Asia? And so, he packed his bags to pursue his theological degree at Singapore Bible College, and shortly after settled in Covenant Evangelical Free Church (then known as Emmanuel Christian Fellowship).

He was called on staff as Assistant Pastor at Covenant in 1992. He served for four years as missions pastor and pastor for young married couples. In Sep 1996, he and his wife Suthida (otherwise known

Upon meeting PS GLEN WESTWOOD for the first time, Chan Sue Ming finds that he has a special heart for Asians and is a man who seeks to grow in authentic discipleship and intentional disciple-making.

Caption here

At his wedding

with wife, Bim

Our first missionary family :Ps Glen, with wife Bim and

sons, Philip and Matthew

Connect Oct2011_v2.indd 10 21/10/11 11:51 AM

Page 11: CONNECT Issue 07 (Oct 2011)

CONNECT OCTOBER 2011 • 10 11 • CONNECT OCTOBER 2011

as “Bim”), whom he met and married while he was in seminary, were sent to Thailand as Covenant’s first missionary family. Their firstborn, Philip, was 5months old at the time; Matthew, their second child, was born 12 months later.

In Jan 2001, he came back to do his post-graduate studies in Singapore Bible College. Returning to the field in Sep 2003, he continued serving in Northeast Thailand. As of June 2011, he and his family have relocated to Bangkok, as Ps Glen takes on the role of Regional Coordinator for Indo-China. One of the challenges of serving in Thailand is that while it is relatively easy to bring a Thai to Christ, it is relatively harder to disciple them and have them stay committed in the long haul. However, he still believes strongly in the vision of “A Certain Kind.”

When asked what he is most passionate about in ministry, he replies without a doubt, “I strongly believe in returning the church to its disciple-making roots, and it is a joy and

privilege to accompany other pastors in their journey of doing so. When I accompany someone on this journey, and a transformation takes place, it’s like a fresh wind has come into their lives and it makes it all worth it.”

His helpmate, Bim, shares his vision too and is every bit his co-labourer. She has been homeschooling their two children Philip (15) and Matthew (14) for 11 years, but stopped in June 2011 with the two boys entering secondary school in Bangkok.

“I admire her single-mindedness, determination and passion in discipleship and mentoring,” he shares. “She is also very gracious and patient She doesn’t look for accolades or applause but faithfully serves God’s purposes and call in her life.”

Aside from the tremendous joy, privilege and honour serving God as a missionary far removed from his native country there is a small price to pay—one of which is living apart from his birth family and not being able to celebrate special occasions such as birthdays and Christmas as often as he would like to.

“I often feel for my parents and the price they have paid in releasing me all these years. However having parents with a heavenly perspective, who love the Lord and support God’s call in my life is a tremendous blessing, comfort and encouragement.”

“Jesus Christ did not say, “Go into

the world and tell the world that it is quite right.”

C S LEWIS

When a TRANSFORMATION TAKES PLACE, it’s like a FRESH WIND has COME into their lives and it makes it

all WORTH IT” 1.PsGlenisthesecondpastortobeonstaffwithCovenant,rightafterSPEdmundChan.

2.Histwosons,PhilipandMatthew,areardenttennisplayers.Theypracticetwohoursaday,andcompetetwiceamonth.

3.Helovestofishandplaygolf,buthaveyettodoeitherforsometimenow.

4.Heenjoysagoodjamsessionandwouldlovetobeinaband,playingthedrums.

5.Heisthetwenty-secondof22grandchildren,bornonthetwenty-secondofFeb1966.

6.Oneofhisfavouritefoodsisduriancheesecake!

DidYouKnow?

Connect Oct2011_v2.indd 11 21/10/11 11:51 AM

Page 12: CONNECT Issue 07 (Oct 2011)

CONNECT OCTOBER 2011 • 12

Recent & Upcoming Events

God At Work

Look out for our next

issue in Jan 2012!

6 Nov WEB Newspaper Collection BPJ & WDL

9-13 Nov Banquet of Honour WDL

13 Nov Gathering of the Multitudes BPJ

14-17 Nov WEB Camp—“Captivated” Camp Challenge, Sembawang

20 Nov ETC Graduation BPJ & WDL

24-26 Nov KidzCamp WDL

2-4 Dec Leaders’ Breakthrough Thistle Hotel, Weekend Johor Bahru

23-24 Dec Christmas Outreach BPJ & WDL

25 Dec Christmas Day Family Lunch BPJ & WDL

Date Event VenueCREDITS

EXECUTIVEEDITORSandraChi

MANAGINGEDITORChanSueMing

COPYEDITORSRobinYeeArielWeeLeeKitPui

WRITERSChanSueMingSandraChiCynthiaOhRandyChooRuthFongAlvinOngRevWilliamWong

PHOTOGRAPHERSPaulLiewCheongYianLing

ARTDIRECTION&DESIGNChristianSubrata

[email protected]

OUROFFICE167JalanBukitMerahTower5,#17-10Singapore150167T.+6568926811F.+6568921502www.cefc.org.sg

PRINTERYungShungPrintradePteLtd

CONNECTisabi-monthlynewsletterofCovenantEvangelicalFreeChurch.WewelcomeadvertisersinCONNECT.However,advertisinginourpublicationdoesnotnecessarilyimplyeditorialendorsementofeithertheadvertiserorcontentsoftheadvertisement.Unlessotherwisespecified,ScripturalreferencesarefromtheNewAmericanStandardBible(NASB).©2010CovenantEvangelicalFreeChurch

CovenantisnowonFacebook!

My Love Letter to God

DEAR GOD,

Thank you that you are my potter, Always loving this stubborn clay.

Thank you that you are my refiner,Purifying the Spirit man while the natural man you slay.

Even though I misbehave and disobey,Lovingly you warned me of the many signs of decay.

‘Beware of your slothful posture’ You said,‘Guard against a drowsing spirit which I hate!’.

‘I sleep, but my heart wakes’,Because of Your grace, there is no hopeless state.

ANONYMOUS

AT THE SILENT RETREAT this year in September, 22 men and 69 women sought the Lord in solitude, reflection and prayer. It was

a blessed time of deep intimacy with the Lord, as participants heard from the Lord and processed their journeys with their spiritual directors. Out of this retreat came a beautiful poem to our Abba Father from one of the participants.

You said confession, soul-searching and repentance are steps to recovery.

‘My poor wandering child, only acknowledge your iniquity’.

Wandering and waiting to enter the promised land all my life,Only to discover Jesus,the Promiser, is the answer to the end of all strife.

True self or false self all You know,For You are my maker and the lover of my soul.

Yet not a bit of love You withhold.‘With My extravagant love, serve My people’ You told.

I said ‘Here I am, yes my Lord, I will follow,In Your love, not my strength, will I glow.’

Thank you for meeting me at Silent Retreat twenty eleven (2011),I pray what was transacted here will not be forgotten.

Thank you for the extravagant love, my prodigal father,Always waiting for the sweet return of your wandering daughter.

Love, Your beloved daughter

Connect Oct2011_v2.indd 12 21/10/11 11:51 AM


Recommended