Retreat 2008 - Reflections from Wee Peng

Forerunners’ Zone Retreat 2008

Reflections

1. What God has spoken to you about?

• My family. Why have I not been sharing the word actively with them? My prayers are not consistent and I’m not spending enough time with them. Is it the lack of fear in the Lord or is the lack of love for them?

• My pride. Do I always consider myself better than others? This is an absolutely wrong attitude that I shouldn’t have, but unknowingly have I been adopting that and refusing to be corrected? It took an encounter during retreat for me to realize this.

• 1If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. 3Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. 4Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Philippians 2:1-4

  
  

• Even as I seek to grow in this church, I must not be like “Selfish”, which is the closest I could identify with.

• Relationship with Swee Ching. Are we bearing fruits. Is it honoring to Him and would He use it to speak into other people’s lives?

2. What God has impacted you the most and why?

• Fear of the Lord. My understanding of it is now better and that it has to go hand in hand with Love for Him. For fear keeps us from lawlessness, love keeps us from legalism. I realize that sometimes I have many human fears (especially in my work) but this should never outweigh the fear of the Lord. I asked that God gives me the courage to overcome the human fear for courage is not the absence of fear but the overcoming of it. May I overcome any human fear with Him but may the fear of Him remains in my heart.

3. How has the past 5 sessions changed your view about Christianity and your life from now on?

I’m sure of my salvation but after these 5 sessions, I realized that there is much more to it. It’s not about where, it’s about HOW!

• There is much more to eternity and we need to be really driven by it.



• Relationship with God. Is He please with me, to allow me to spend eternity with
  Him in his kingdom, near to Him and not in the outlands?
  

My Weeping Moment

I wept during worship extravaganza 2. I did not know why I wept when it started. I have written down some thoughts that went through my mind during the time when Adrian is ministering to those who stepped forward but as I walked to the center of the room, it just happened suddenly. First, my face got contorted and then tears started streaming. Incontrollable sobbing followed next. I could not restrain it and I did feel like I want to because it felt really felt good to cry (The last time I cried was when my dad suffered a stroke and I cried with my mother. It was moved by my feeling of overwhelming sadness. This time round it was different. I was not moved by any emotions) There was a sense of relief though I did not know where it came from.

Subsequently, Matthew and Xinglong came to me and prayed for me. I began to realize why I wept. There was joy and fear at the same time. Joy because I am assured of my salvation but fear because I’m afraid I might not see my parents in heaven. As Adrian continued speaking while we have sat down, tears were still streaming. I also had a strange thought: if I have not laughed in 6 years, God would have made me laugh out instead. What an amazing God, He just told me in a most tangible way that He was with me at that very occasion. Never felt that before. Let me work boldly towards my family’s salvation. Praise God.

In Faith and Truth,

Wee Peng

29/10/2008

God working in India...

Hi folks, Below is a testimony from Jessica's friend in India. His name is Shital Ramteke. May it encourage you as you see how the Lord is moving amongst the people in India, and the children. =)

As a ministry we have been conducting several Sunday school classes all over Yavatmal. This year we collaborated with other organizations in the area to hold a Sunday School Kid's Games Event. This program was held on Nov 4th and 5th. The event officially began at 11:00 AM on the 4th with speeches made by some local leaders.

Nearly 1,000 children attended the program. They competed in some sport activities. There was ball passing and a game called Snake Tail. The children thoroughly enjoyed these games. However, the highlight of the program was the teaching. With manuals provided by Joyce Meyer's ministry the teachers were able to provide exciting and thought provoking messages for the children. Through the Bible story of 'Jesus feeding the five thousand' children learned that the young boy who provided the loaves and fishes had a very important role to play in the miracle. They came to understand that they too have an important role in God's kingdom purposes. In the story, "The Sowing of Seeds', children learned that they must have a teachable spirit and as players they not only should be hearers of the Word but doers. In the story of the 'Persistent Blind Man', children learned that they too must persevere. We learn in the Bible that Jesus was honest and faithful. The children understood that we all must live in honesty and be faithful in order to be good players. Finally, Jesus was victorious over sin and death. We too can be victorious players.

Also, the film, 'The Hope Giver' was shown. Through that film the children were shown God's abundant love towards them and all peoples of the world. Action songs were also taught. The favourite was one that said,' Somebody wants to be like Sharukh Khan (movie star), some like to become like Sachin Tendulkar(cricket player) but I want to become like Jesus.

Many of the children were deeply moved by these stories and how they can apply them to their own lives. Ten children spontaneously shared their testimonies in this regard. Even the parents were enthusiastic about it. They were so thrilled that they expressed their desire to participate in future similar events.

Each day the children were provided with a meal. At the end of the program each participant was given a gift. Certificates and gold and silver medals were distributed to all participants. It ended at five PM on the 5th.

All in all the program was successful. Many children dedicated their lives to Jesus. The teachers and volunteers all did an excellent job. Our appreciation goes out to them. We also thank Joyce Meyer's Ministry for sponsoring the program and DinBandhu Ministries for hosting it. But most of all we give Glory and Honour to God who blessed the event with the power of The Holy Spirit's presence.

shital

Journey to know Christ...

Recently, Forerunners Families finished a series titled "Connecting with God's Family". In the last session, we were encouraged to reflect and record down significant moments in our lives that act as spiritual markers/memorial stones of God's faithfulness.

Below is a testimony from Jessica on how the the family of her Alma Meta has contributed their stone of grace into her river of life through her salvation experience. May you be blessed as you read it, and may you too begin to give God praise for the things He has done in your life.

My Journey to Jesus Christ – How the Lord pursued and saved me.
(From: Jessica)

As of today, 20 May 2008, I’ve been a Christian for almost 14 years. Looking back, there has never been a day where the grace of Christ had not sheltered me or the presence of God too far from me.

The seed begins to grow…
The journey of my faith truly began to take form in my 7th year, when I was in primary school. Despite the fact that my parents were pre-believers, I was enrolled into a mission school – Paya Lebar Methodist Girls School. For this I truly praise God for His grace paved the way for me on this journey. It is here that I would spend the next 10 years of my student life, and eventually discover Jesus and forming my understanding of how a Christian should be.

Through the school songs, morning devotions, prayer times, chapel worship services, the Lord was showing Himself to me and teaching me who He is. Even though my young mind could hardly understand the sermons or appreciate the words of the songs we sang, my heart was slowly being drawn by the Holy Spirit to this Jesus in ways I would only later understand. While I was like any typical student going through the set schedules of lessons, assemblies and devotions (and occasional complains about the principle, vice-principle, teachers and their “blabbering” at the pulpit.), the Lord was beginning His good work in me. He brought a Christian friend into my life and through the years in Primary, I spent much time at her place after our weekly swimming classes. In those moments, I learnt how Christian love in a family looked like and was deeply blessed by the love that she and her parents showed me as well. At some point, I started following them to church and I did enjoy church service. I stopped going after a while because it was quite difficult to make my way there on my own if they did not bring me. I did however, develop a hunger for more of God and a desire to be in fellowship with God’s people in the church grew in me. I visited a few churches through my years in primary school and settled for 2 years in Paya Lebar Methodist Church’s Sunday school where one of my good friends worships.

Looking through my collection of treasures from the past, I realized that it was also during these years that I developed a habit of journaling and soon, instead of “dear diary”, I was beginning my journal entries with “dear Jesus”. I give God all praise indeed for it was He was had begun a good work in me and it was He that taught my heart to fear and acknowledge Him.

As I graduated to secondary school, my friend went on to another church and so I followed her for a while. Soon I was enjoying myself and even took part in the Christmas performance to sing in the Sunday school choir. However, my parents were increasing getting worried about my involvement with church. They were concerned that I may be getting influenced by these “church teachings” and may get too involved for my own good. They started to plan “visits to grandma’s place” on Sunday mornings instead of the usual Sunday afternoons. So my opportunities to worship in church on Sunday morning came to a halt.

Encountering Christ…
While all these were happening, the Lord was preparing my heart to have a personal encounter with Him in school. In my lower secondary years, I had a group of friends which I usually “hang out” with and do things together with. Through those times, I was mislead to think that they were not studying at home (mugging their books, as a student would put it), apart from completing our given assignments. Hence I took to that believe and did not put in too much extra time on revisions. The truth was revealed after our final examinations in the first year. All of them topped the class and went on to the best class the following year (the “A” class). I, on the other hand, suffered the consequences of my faulty assumptions and plummeted to the “C” class. Obviously I was not going to be in the same class with my friends for the 2nd year and perhaps the rest of the years. I felt betrayed and left behind, because through the months before when I asked them about work or if they had studied and prepared for certain tests or exams, they would tell me not to worry, and that they have not started studying or preparing at all. They would assure me that even if I did not study for it, I would pass certain tests.

In my despair, I vowed that I would never again trust anyone and that I would study for myself and get to the top. I began to make for myself rules that I would abide by; rules like “I will not harm or sabotage anyone, but I would not share my notes or help them either.” I became a self-centered and selfish person. I began to strife to be the top of my class and each time when test papers were returned, scores and rankings was all I was concerned about. I made sure I was doing better than my partner, and whoever did better than me became my next opponent to beat.

On Ash Wednesday of 1994, I attended chapel services as usual. The school had invited an outside speaker. I could not remember what exactly was shared that day. What I do remember was that as he spoke, I felt my heart was tugged by a sense of warmth and assurance. The weight of the burden I was carrying became so apparent but I did not know why. When he finally finished his sermon and gave the call for those who would like to receive Jesus and trust in Him to raise their hands, I knew he was calling out to me. In that moment of grace, against my pride and fear that others may be looking and what they would say, I raised my hand and went up to the altar. There, I began to tear as the minister prayed for me. As he ministered, I felt the Lord say to my heart “You can trust me.” And I felt the weight upon my shoulders lifted. I wept, for my soul was tired, stressed out from having to protect myself and placing such rigorous rules to live by. I returned to my class after the short follow up session. I felt that I was given a new life, and for a while, I enjoyed life. I laughed more, I shared more and I began to accept the title of “Christian” in my life. That year, I too achieved my goal of getting out of the “C” class and was promoted to Secondary 3”B”.

The flesh is weak… but the Spirit is willing…
Having seen the fruit of my “labor”, I continued to work hard to maintain the “top” position within my class. I was no longer as “selfish” and became more willing to help others but I was just as driven. I still wanted to do my best and ranking the best way to gauge where I stand. But at the same time, I learnt what healthy competition is and soon, I was working hard together with the rest of my classmates. I wanted not to defeat them, but to win together with them, so that we would spur one another on.

Through friends and experiences in these final years of my secondary school, the Lord began to open my eyes to Christian living – what’s right and what’s not. I had not yet learnt to read the Word, but the Holy Spirit was a faithful teacher who began to work in my heart and soften it so that I can experience more of God’s presence in my life. He led me on one occasion to join a small prayer group in my class, led by my form teacher and I learnt how to pray for others. He stirred compassion and faith in my heart through a video screening of a man who lived victoriously and died gloriously in the midst of nose cancer. He taught me about Jesus’ faithfulness and love through the songs we sang at chapel worship services. As I grew intellectually, I also grew in understanding and appreciation of the lyrics that we sang in our school anthem, school creed and school hymn.

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School Anthem
O Let our youthful voices ring

with all their joyfulness

In praise and gladness let us sing

Of Paya Lebar MGS (2x)

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Here may we seek all wisdom, truth

And ways of kindness

Through all the years of golden youth

At Paya Lebar MGS (2x)

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So when we leave its sheltering walls

We go with fearlessness

Enriched to face life's greatest call

By Paya Lebar MGS (2x)

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Now let us pray and learn and trust and obey

To serve Him in every way

Glory to God we give and pray

For Paya Lebar MGS (2x)

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The first 3 verses of the School Anthem were written by Miss Nancy Coggan who taught in the school from 1955-1957. The 4th verse was written by Mrs Winnie Tan and added in to incorporate the school's statement of faith.

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School Hymn
I hear the bells of PL ring

The notes of golden youth;

I hear His voice in every peal

Calling me to seek the Truth

I hear, and seek to make my life

A mirror of His shining light,

Do the chimes stir within your heart

His awesome peace and might?

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Chorus

Let your light so shine before men

That all may see His face;

Let our school be a torch aflame

Teaching love and His saving grace.

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I hear the pipes of PL sound

The Majesty of God.

I hear the songs we sing in praise,

Lifting His name with one accord,

O PL girls make Him as our King;

Let us enthrone Him as our King.

Our God has promised those who trust

His loving care and blessing.

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It is amidst these sounds of PL that I began my journey in Jesus Christ, and looking back now, I understand that the seed of the Master’s call upon my life was sowed in these precious years that have gone by. Even when I did not know Him, He knew me, and loved me. His mighty hand protected me and He himself led me to salvation and faith in Him. Through those years and in the years that follow, the Lord brought me closer to Himself. Today, by His grace and the faithful stewardship of the teachers, principle, vice-principle, chaplain and other staff, I give praise to God that just as the school has adopted the following hymn of Howard Walter as her creed, so have I adopted it as my mission and aim that I may gain Christ and be found in Him.

I would be true for there are those who trust me

I would be pure for there are those who care
I would be strong for there is much to suffer
I would be brave for there is much to dare (2x)

I would be friend of all - the foe, the friendless
I would be giving and forget the gift
I would be humble, for I know my weakness;
I would look up and love and laugh and lift. (2x)

I would be prayerful through each busy moment
I would be constantly in touch with God
I would be tuned to hear his slightest whisper
I would have faith to tread the path Christ trod. (2x)

And as a well-learned PL-lite would end off saying…
To God be the Glory!

BMC testimony (Elin)

I came to know Christ via a broken relationship that I experienced in early 2001.

The bible was first given to me by my ex boyfriend, a backslided Christian. A feverent reader by nature, I was not offended at the sight of it. In fact, I blazed through the first chapter of the bible as it is peppered with many amazing stories of miracles and courage. For obvious reasons to all readers of the bible, I did not go beyond the chapter of Exdous. During the last stage of my relationship with him, he demanded that I go to Church with him if we were to give the relationship going. Of course, I did out of the great desire for him. This started my amazing journey with God.

I went Church hopping with my ex boyfriend, who was trying to find a Church to settle in. I wasn’t sure what was to him, the deciding factor of the best Church. However going to a Church, provided a form of peace and brief moment of restoration to my soul. I was holding on to every word that comes out from the pastor's mouth like a form of hope and praying with all my heart that the man standing front of me would love me once more. Without knowing what the concept of prayer is, I was already journaling incessantly everything that was going on in my life to this God. Amazingly even though the relationship did not work out, I was still going to Church on my own as it was the way that I knew how to find the momentary of peace and hope that I very much needed at that point of time.

Nov 2001 marked the start of my life transforming journey. I received Christ at New Creation Church. Since then, God and I have been walking together like old pals through thick and thin. As I did not get to know God through the best circumstance, in the infancy of my faith, I already knew that I could present my true self before His throne of grace and count on Him to hold me in His tender, loving hands.

I can still recount the day when I was sitting in my bedroom in tears, He came and said to me ' I have taken your ex boyfriend away from you but I have given you the best gifts ever which are Church and cell'. As I grow in my faith, I know the greatest gift that He has ever given is actually His Son, Jesus.

Glory to God for all that He has done in my life. I am excited about my impending marriage (baptism) to this LORD! Like what the wedding vows always say ‘For riches or poor, in sickness or in health’…May the LORD have mercy on me, as I carry the cross in the name of Jesus, Amen.

Transformed in Christ: A family’s journey into love and life.

- By Mrs Patricia Wong

As the mother of two young children, I used to feel burdened with the responsibility of bringing my girls up the right way. I was often frustrated when they asked me about God, so I would tell them that God does not exist. I now thank God for placing the hunger in them to long to know Him and to persevere in finding out the truth. God has been very kind to our family. He did not leave us even though my heart was hardened.

We were having dinner at my sister’s house one evening when Jaymie (my younger daughter) asked innocently, “Is there a god in the world?” My sister’s best friend, Christine was patient in explaining the answer. “In the beginning, God created the earth. Then God created man. We can’t see God but He sees us and He loves us!” The girls’ faces lit up when they heard about our good God and how powerful and mighty He is. Their hunger for God was evident.

I knew then there was no way I could deny my children of the opportunity to know God but at the same time, I felt unworthy of His love. I prayed for strength and courage and God gave me both and much more. The Lord said to me, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous hand.”

We started our walk from darkness towards the path of light.

The first lesson I learnt was that the Christian walk is not a bed of roses. I was terribly uncertain when I faced challenges. However, God has been faithful to send Christine into my life. She encouraged me greatly with these words. “Just tell God you are uncertain and let Him handle the rest. He knows what you are doubtful of because He is your Creator!” During this time, I grew more intimate with the Lord as He taught me that "He will redeem us from our iniquities’” (Psalm 130:8)" …"and present us before His glorious presence without fault and with great joy” (Jude 24) Praise the Lord!

The first challenge came when the girls started asking many questions about God’s nature. I felt helpless and embarrassed as I was unable to answer to most of their questionsqueries. Tamie (my elder girl) wanted to know if God has hands and Jaymie could not believe that God is everywhere! Fortunately the teachers in Sunday school took time to explain things to them.

The biggest challenge came when I faced objection from my husband. He was upset with me for bringing the girls to church every Sunday morning and frowned when we turned on worship songs in the car. I felt that God was taking us away from my husband. It was later on that I found out it was far from the truth! Our marriage is a blessing from God.

My relationship with my husband Peter was not good. Before I accepted Christ, I was too busy with my children to remember that Peter is the head of the household.

As I read the Bible, I found out that God wants us to respect our husbands. The Word also says, ‘”A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies”’ Proverbs 31:10 Thus, After this realisation, I started showing love and respect for to my husband out of obedience to God. I now recall that would have been impossible to do without God’s help! God strengthened me with His Word each time I needed encouragement and to my amazement, our marriage improved over time.

I thanked God when Peter came to realize the change in me. Eventually, he also accepted Christ. Tears flowed down my cheeks when I heard him say the sinners’ prayer with brother Cam Yew, Calvin and some of our cell group members on 23^rd December last year. The girls were delighted that daddy has gained eternal life.

It is so wonderful to know God. There is now peace and joy in our family and we experience God’s love in our daily living.

Who can proclaim the mighty acts of the Lord or fully declare His praise?

Psalm 106:2

Patricia now worships at 10.30am service and serves as an usher. Her girls are attending Sunday School at the Hub, while her husband worships at the Mandarin Service at Ang Mo Kio Methodist Church (CAC).

The Seed of God's Love, The hand of His faithfulness.

A Testimony From Sister Silvia (Ching Yen)

1- 3 Nov 2007 is our annual staff engagement activity at Cameron Highlands.

It would be the first time i invited my family members to join. And i was delighted that both my parents and my aunt could make it for the trip.

Next come a shocking news: my boss has asked me to invite the pastor from Miri to come and join us, so that he could share the gospel during devotional time.

My task, is to make sure that my parents would attend the devotion as well.

Gup...as i recall how my dad has shared with me in the past that he would debate with those pastors until humiliation is done successfully. I begun to sweat.

God, surely if You have arranged this, you will shield your servant as well, right? Pastor Liik is a very good pastor, i do not wish to see him being humiliated by my dad.

The first day devotion is a killer. The pastor made me cried in public. With good intention. He was inviting me to share on my parents' love to me... very difficult indeed as it has never been said before among my family members...about love. I lost my speech towards the end with tears as i describe how my dad loves me... my mom step forward to hug me so that i no need to continue the sharing. Very embarrassed indeed.

Then the pastor continued with sharing on the love of God. My dad has shown "Bo Cap" face while the pastor is sharing, but he did not say a word to rebuke him.

After the session was over, my parents invite the pastor along to join them for breakfast while we staff continue with our staff session. My heart was worried while they were out. Will my dad debate with him in the car? When they returned, it seems nothing has happened. The pastor joined my family for all outings in this trip. Peaceful and joyful indeed.

When the trip is over, my dad did comment that if the pastor had asked him to share, he will surely share something to attack Christianity. Then he smiled when he said, "He asked you to share instead."

It was the one & only time, my dad sit still to listen to the gospel for 1 hour long. Major motivation for it: i think it is my sharing that has stopped him from retaliation and keep him quiet for the whole session. The pastor encouraged me while we bit farewell to each other: "Do not worry, if he has experienced God's miraculous healing, and now listen to His love, i am sure God has plans to save his life even if he does not respond now."

Yes, i believe so. God is patient in leading stiff-necked people like us to embrace His love.

The second day devotion...somehow God prevented my family members from joining. And astonishing indeed, this time round, Pastor Liik shared about his own personal struggles in life, in serving Him. He brought forth a very important message to me as i was searching for clue on how i should live my life next year in serving Him. He shared how painful it is as he grow up with pride and insecurity...then he concluded, "Forgo the past glories and failures, start from zero, learn to do it all over again like you have never done it before, learn to embrace His wonderful new plans, new wisdom & new experiences. While the previous skills and experiences are what God has given you, your obedience and reliance on Him is the key for you to unlock His plans for you."

It is a wonderful trip indeed.
My dad, has finally heard the gospel.
I know what i should do. Be it my church ministries, my workplace, and my relationships.
Thank God for His amazing arrangements.

Thank God for Pastor Liik Tong Yeu, the ever friendly and helpful Methodist Miri District Superintendent and a pleasant company to be with. Thank you so much. =)

Xing Long's Parents' Salvation

A Testimonial on Salvation and God’s Mercy

I’m thankful to God for my parent’s salvation. I feel that I owe God a testimonial so as to give others a hope in their parent’s salvation. I hope every word in my testimonial is what God wants me to write.

I have brought my parents to church on Christmas and Chinese New Year for about three years. However, for one year plus, I have not been attending church and thus did not bring my parents to church. Around Oct-05, my dad was diagnosed with lung cancer. Four months later, my dad’s illness worsens as the cancer cell spread from the lung to the brain, and his left part of his body was paralyzed.

My mom and I knew that we need to be prepared for the fact that my dad may not be able to live long. Besides being trouble by my dad’s illness, I was troubled by my studies and other problems. I pray to God for peace and guidance. I began to read his word and realized my life has drifted far away from God.

On Saturday night 25-mar-06, I decided to call Cam Yew and told him about the illness of my dad. On Sunday afternoon 26-mar-06, Cam Yew and Esther visited my parent. On their second visit in Sunday afternoon 09-apr-06, my parent spoke to them regarding the issue of seeking help from church to move from A.M.K. community hospital to a nursery home. In addition, my parents were hinting to us that they were considering to become Christian.

When Cam Yew asked me if my parent was willing to receive Jesus, I replied “No”. This was because my dad had always been reluctant to go to church. It was my mom who persuaded my dad to go to church all along. On one occasion, after my dad returned home from church that he told my mom and me that he does not want to go to church again.

After knowing that my parents were willing to become Christian, Cam Yew, Esther and myself were glad. We managed to contact Pastor James Lim of the “Lai Bai Shen” dialect outreach ministry. He visited my parent on Monday night 10-apr-06, and my parent prayed the sinner’s prayer. Thereafter, we contacted Rev Fong of the A.M.K. Chinese Methodist Church to visit my parents on Wednesday afternoon, 12-Apri-06 to discuss about the baptism. Then on Easter Sunday afternoon 16-apr-06, my parents were baptized in the presence of brothers-in-christ, sisters-in-christ and my relatives,

The most important lesson that I have learnt is that despite of a broken fellowship with God over the past one year plus, God remains merciful. It is God who saves my parents.

Perhaps for some of us, we may think that getting our loved ones to receive Jesus as their Savior is like pushing a concrete wall, but we never know until the last moment, God in his will is able to turn the situation around. I hope this testimonial will encourage you not to give up on your loved ones, to turn away from sins, to pray and to bring people to God.

Glory be to God, brother-in-christ, xing long