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Never mind the idol search that’s been going on in town. Yesterday in Hall 9, YouthNet saw its new generation of young preachers arising. The first round of the Young Preachers’ Contest 2006 was held yesterday after Youth Service. We saw some 31 participants preaching their 5-minute sermons before a panel of judges (made up of YouthNet pastors), and of course, a crowd of supportive audience. As a requirement, all the participants preached from Colossians 4, but the Holy Spirit works differently in every participant. Though based on the same passage, every message preached was different. After delivering their 5-minute sermon, participants sat down with the judges to receive their constructive comments.

Our cluster also had 4 brothers, who took the step of faith and courage, taking part in this event. They are Michael, Sebastian, Stevie and U-Jin. From signing up, preparing to delivering their sermons, they have relied on the Holy Spirit, and were never slip-shod in presenting their best. I’m sure this experience has taught them many lessons, and is the first step to the dreams of being a preacher.

12 out of the 31 participants have managed to enter into the second round of the contest. And one of them is Sebastian! Praise be to God! For those who are not selected, there is a Wild Card round for them to try again. (Details of Wild Card round to be announced). We are now in the midst of gathering the 4 brothers’ sharing on the event, as well as the video clips of their preaching. Watch out for more news in this space!

The next round of the Young Preachers’ Contest will be on 24 September, 4.15pm at Expo Hall 9. The Finals will be on 1 November, during the YouthNet Leaders’ Meeting. The winner will receive a personal preaching tuition from Apostle Khong. So who will make it to the Finals and be a step closer to “Lawrence Khong Preaching School”? Remember to catch the next round of the Young Preachers’ Contest!

Written by: Huimin (Xiangru’s tribe)

The PL Ministry had an amazing race on last Saturday, 19^th August.

Thanks to the 3 beautiful ladies, Huimin, Baoling and Amanda, who had so ingeniously planned the whole race, PL ministry had a splendid wild time together! Though the attendance was somewhat disappointing, PL-lites being a bunch of zealous and dynamic people, spiced up the whole event with our perpetual vivaciousness.

The time spent with fellow PL girls was truly memorable, particularly the times when we paraded the distinct traits of PL-lites. The journey just started and we already made our mark on the bus! 2 teams were on bus 197 talking and laughing at the top of their blaring voices. Our shrill laughter broke the dead silence on the bus, inadvertently drawing the faces of many. Alright, I felt slightly apologetic about it… but hey! Where can you find such hilarity on the bus?

Anyway, we were so engrossed that we missed our stop and had to walk a great deal. That does deter us, not even the sudden shower along the way. This is the first time I have worked together with girls from the other 2 cell groups of PL ministry, though having seen them so frequently in church. I took the chance to converse with every member in the team and learnt more about them personally. Due to our chirpy nature, we could yak about anything under the sun. I thank God for having coloured PL ministry with such diversities.

My team went to 3 stations altogether, CBD, Chinatown and Orchard. The tasks set were especially nifty in tying the team together, involving the crimes of Oreo cookies, eating, to jogging! Eating was a breeze of course, to PL girls who regard food as sacred. Also, being a team leader, I was glad of being spared the embarrassment of jogging in front of runners on treadmills, instead gleefully took a video of the team’s embarrassing moment. It is normally such gawky acts that truly remain etched in your mind, and I come to treasure the friendships I have made.

Subsequently, we made our way back to East Coast Park for the final showdown. Each team had to send one representative to be dressed up using the materials provided and I willingly subjected myself to the unruly ingenuity of my team. At last, the three gorgeous mascots were out! – Kia Hwee the Brinjal, Wina the Red Indian, Darie the Sakura. We had some enjoyable time introducing the three mascots before moving on to the next life threatening activity- waterBOMB! I meant it life threatening for the 3 mascots as we were the targets! You can’t imagine how nutty, riotous and feisty PL-lites get in such turbulent game. When the game ended, everyone was in a mess, with the 3 mascots in the worst state, having dyes all over us due to the coloured papers used to dress us, and the place seemingly ravaged by war.

On the whole, we had a hysterically fun time. I believe the amazing race ended with its objectives met. The 3 cell groups of PL ministry had some brilliant bonding time and the new ones habituated to the family. Nevertheless, ultimate credit be to our loving Father in heaven who constantly watched over us, seeing through the success of this event and having fun with us too.

Written by Wina (Sarah’s tribe)

“HA…LLE….LU….JAH….” was shouted into the atmosphere amid the loud noise of the afterburner as 3 F-16 Fighting jets flew past the stadium on 9^th August. Yes, it’s the national day, Singapore 41^st birthday. I gave the loudest war cry, thanking God for this small island nation and it’s the last time NDP will be celebrated at the historic national stadium.

Once again, students from various ITE do their nation proud by serving as motivators in this year national day parade. They are armed with fun packs, food, water, balloon sculpturing skills and some funky dance moves; all set to keep the audience entertained and brought a new high to the whole pre-show segment.

This year, audience gets to compete between the red & white team in giving the loudest cheers and noise they cold possibly made. Echoing what Gurmit Singh told the audience “I don’t care if you knock your head on the ground, just give me your loudest noise”. The 60,000 strong audiences united as one people, gave Singapore the loudest birthday cheer it deserved.

I am totally impressed and moved as they broke my old mindset of perceiving Singaporeans on general as ”submissive & apathy” in lieu of the current political involvement of its people.  Serving as a mentor certainly brought me to a new understanding that each one is important and has its own purpose as Singaporean. We are to embrace this small island as out home and acknowledging that God has planted us here for a reason.

Never did I had a problem identifying myself as a Singaporean but thanks be to God as my recent business trip to the States convicted me deeply of my nationality and also my purpose here.

I am not sure what will happen next to this fragile island but I am certainly assured that God is in control. With our annual 40 days prayer movement and churches obeying the call of God, uniting us as LoveSingapore, I can’t help or deny but to believe that God has heard the cries and prayers of His people.

I believe and know that God is going to do something deep and powerful, revolting a revival in our personal walk with Him. He is coming true for His people.

Be alert, Spirit of God is coming for you now….

Come on people of God, say it again “HA…LLE….LU….JAH….”

Written By Michael (Leong Keng’s Tribe)

More photos HERE

Indeed, it was a camp of going Back to Basics, not only find out who am I to Him but also, who is Jesus to me and how am I living for Him. Although I wasn’t there on Fri night, after Candy shared with me Fri night session, I do know that Jesus sees me as a unique individual, not just another number to His creation.

So Who is Jesus to me? He is my Saviour, who has died on the cross for me so that I can be reconciled with Him for eternity and be saved from the fires of burning hell. He is the Lord of my life, someone who gives me freedom to choose, but also be my guide in decision-making and allow Him to reign in me. He is my Father, not only expecting obedience from me, but would also want to know my heart’s desires, for He provides me with what I need and not what I want. He is my friend, whom I can always count on to be there for me. That is who Jesus to me.

Written by: Hwei San (Evelyn’s Tribe)

A lot of feelings welled up during the Structured Experience. As I went through those activities, I allowed hatred and anger to get the better of me. I just could not understand why we were made to go through this kind of physical ‘torture’ when Christ willingly gave up His dear life to set us free. No doubt, these were challenging questions but God opened my mind to understand. He showed me that when Christ was crucified, He did not complain and on the contrary, He beseeched God to forgive the Jews. Upon hearing this, my frustration dissipated and I finally understood why we had to go through this. It’s a short activity of faith, which allowed me the privilege to catch a glimpse the heart of Jesus for His people.

Written by: Rachel Foo (Candy’s Tribe)

After the ‘torture’, Danny and Evelyn started explaining to us that they wanted us to experience what Jesus felt when He was on the cross, all the torture and the pain He bore for us. Never once did He complain. I came to realize that what I went through that day was nothing compared to His and that it was a test of Faith. Well, I was thankful that I did not give up and was proud of myself. After that, my whole body was aching, however I felt that it was very meaningful and that I learnt and understand more about the love that God gave us.

Written by: Renette Foo (Candy’s Tribe)

In this retreat, we were challenged to give a blank cheque to the Lord. If Jesus is indeed Lord, what would it mean to us? As I pondered on what mattered to me, the Lord impressed upon my heart my mum and my studies. I cried out to the Lord because she gave birth to me and provided everything, how can I give her up? It was then that I realized how precious my mum was to me.

Next was my studies. At that weekend, I received news that my course in NYP would reduce the cohort from 280+ to just 150, so that all graduates would be able to get a suitable job upon completion of their dip. I might be kicked out of my course! It was a real fear and I hesitated to give that up, because that would mean I couldn’t provide for myself in the future. I then remembered that He said He would provide. The Lord always has a better plan in mind. With that, I signed my cheque and went to Eve for prayer. She said that the Lord sees every tear I cry as worship unto Him. He stores all my tears in a bottle and appreciates and cherishes all the struggles I’ve made for Him. I’m so glad that the Lord remembers and that he cares so much for me. 

Written by: Lisa Tan (Candy’s Tribe)

If Jesus is Lord, lets worship Him in one accord!!

Planet Shakers team flew off to Singapore 2 hours before the London terrorist threat happened, which caused all flights to be delayed indefinitely. Thank God for His protection, otherwise there would be no ULTRAVIOLET concert or August Harvest.

Pastor Victor anchored the pre-programme and we were led to do the Chicken Little dance. It was a little too crowded for those cute moves, so we started checking out our goodie packs instead. The goodie pack consists of a balloon, a mini lightstick and a chalk. We quickly snapped our lightstick and as it glows, the moods of the people also got connected! Haha, we discovered that the chalk could stay on our skin and started vandalizing each other. Many youths walked around proclaiming “Jesus Reigns”, “He Rocks” and “I love Jesus” on their foreheads, cheeks and arms. The white chalk glowed under the UV light and what you see now is what you get.

 

The concert started around 745pm and we were already bursting with anticipation. Planet Shakers led us into the song “Majesty” that has a techno mix to it. I personally like this song, the rhythm just makes me want to wriggle all the joints in my body, shoulders, elbows, knees, hips… everything!! Hearing it live just brought a sudden surge of energy to everybody. The sight was totally breathtaking to see all the people on the dance floor jumped in unison. The entire hall was filled to C and D sectors, and I was sure that pleased the Lord.

Lead Vocalist Henry shared his testimony on how God blessed his wife and him with a baby girl miraculously. They were told that they could never bear a child of their own; it was surely disappointing and heartbreaking. But the Lord is saying to us that He is greater than the ‘biological facts’ or the knowledge of the doctors. He is the Creator of all things, and He crafted each of us, beyond all medical statistics. I was deeply touched to know that above all things, He is in control.

We entered into a time of worship, simply calling Him our “Beautiful Saviour”, and committing that we belong to Him “Evermore”. Many youths invited Jesus into their lives for the 1^st time, and even more rededicated their lives to Him. Praise the Lord!!!

Planet Shakers is gone, the fun is over, but the touch of the Lord remains. For everyone who gave their lives to Jesus, may they find true joy and freedom. Amen!

Somebody get your praise on, hey hey!!!!!

Written by: Candy Loke (Evelyn’s Tribe)

More photos HERE

It is the day before Singapore celebrates its 41 years of independence. It is the day where the churches in Singapore gathered to pray for Singapore and the Nations… It is the day of His power as young and old choose to GO DEEP, LOOK FAR and ASK BIG!!! 

With each and every individual consecrating themselves before God and partaking of the holy communion, a new season of unity and a spirit of alliance to impact Singapore and transform the nations is decreed. God’s will for the church, government, marketplace and media is also decreed on this day with a new level of faith rises as we ask big for Singapore and the Nations especially East Timor…

More than that, it is also the day of defining moment as a young girl leads the declaration for the grand finale… This marks a whole new generation of God-fearing Christians arising to answer the call to lift high the name of Jesus, to go deep and pray down revival rain, to look far and ask big for Singapore and love God by loving our neighbour and remembering the poor.

Are you part of this defining moment?

Written By Gina Lee (Pastor Lai Fun’s Tribe)

More photos HERE

Back in June 2006, we – the tribe of Derrick and Gladys – had the privileged to work with a group of secondary 2 and 3 students from Bukit Batok Secondary School’s NPCC as part of their service learning, community involvement project. We ran a 3-day programme for the students to teach them about service-learning, and mentored them to plan a day-camp for the kids from Touch Thinkers Club. This experience was refreshing for the students as it was their first time being involved in a CIP project, which extended further than collecting donations on flag days and a once in a blue moon visit to the old folks’ home.

Although many of the BBSS students signed up for this S-L programme with the intent of gaining “easy” CIP hours initially, I am glad to say that their superficial purpose changed over the 3-day programme. The BBSS students were highly committed and dedicated in fulfilling their tasks of planning a day-camp for the Touch Thinkers kids, and the countless smiles at the end of the programme evidently spelt success for the entire occasion. We could also witness visible changes in the BBSS students, as many of them understood the heart of serving at the end of the day. The entire BBSS NPCC also strengthened in unity, which was visibly lacking at the very start of the project.

As a team, we want to thank God for this opportunity to work with the BBSS students, as this is an open door God has blessed us with. Many of us are still in touch with the students, and it is our desire to establish a long running relationship with them. Pray with us that God will use us as His instruments to mentor these kids, and even share His truth with them who are highly teachable! Indeed, God is good, all the time!

 

By Casey (Derrick’s Tribe)

We had our 2nd DE Tribe Retreat from 4-6 August @ PA Pasir Ris Holiday Chalet. It was with much anticipation that we looked forward to it as we are expecting the Lord to come and do mighty things. The theme this year was ‘Back to the Basics’ and as such we were expecting the Lord to shake our foundations.

From day one we knew that the Devil wanted to thwarp things. Jocelyn. one of the worship leaders, was sick and was running a fever of about 38 degrees. Many of the members last minute could not come. As the leaders met to pray before the start of the retreat we also sensed that there was something amiss, that somehow we were all distracted. So as we pressed on seeking God’s presence in the place God visited us and just ministered to us. A supposedly short time of prayer became a hour long ministry time. In the end the whole night’s program was delayed by about 1 hour but i guess God’s plans are always the best. Coz from then on it was just 3 days of God’s power and leading.

First morning started with an interesting ice-breaker: The I-will-follow-you workout led by Terry! It was really such a hilarious time!! Then it was Pastor Roland’s session. Basically in just one session he covered all that we wanted to do in the other sessions! Hahah! So after the afternoon games there was a last minute change in program where the Structured Experience was changed and thought up in just an hour! It was a simple but impactful time for all those that were there. It was a time where they were all tested of their perseverence in God. Kenny and I had to be the bad guys, not a good feeling, but i know God used it to speak to many.

That night’s session ended with a invitation to give God a blank cheque. To tell God that He is free to ask of anything from you and you will give it to Him. Even as I thought thru about giving God the blank cheque and what is the most valuable thing in my life that I can give to Him, i just felt God’s affirmation that I have aleady given Him my dearest dream and He is pleased with my offering. All in all it was a fun time seeking God together and just having fun with the family!

Personally the highlight of the camp was that my brother was there! He came to help out at the camp as the Logistics driver. He was suppose to be like going back home at certain times coz my dad needed to use the van but due to His divine planning not did my brother not have to go home, he also didnt have to drive out to do logistics things much! So he attended ALL of the sessions and went thru the whole program! I could see that he had a lot of fun and connected with the rest of the family.

God brought much reconciliation between us. Even as i shared my heart with him about God and also my heart for the family, i think God came and just melted away a lot of misunderstandings between us. It was also the first time that i felt connected to him. Although at the end of the retreat he still said that he could not 100% believe in God yet although he wants to, i know bit by bit his heart is being won over by God! At the thanksgiving time when he came up to just give thanks, he broke down when he just said he thanks God for having a brother like me, I had like a million emotions firing in my heart. I know that one day he will give the blank cheque to God. One day he will love God and serve God. Then the Lord will be enthroned in my family. Amen!!!

Written By Lionel (Danny Lee’s Tribe)

Though GCYC is over, the friendships fostered and lessons that God taught each and every one of us still remain. One of the hosts for the Thais received an email from a delegate, saying how she had benefited from this convention.
We would like to share this testimony with all of you, so that your hearts may be encouraged as well.
 
“I thank God for teaching me many valuable lessons in Singapore through GCYC. I had also learnt many things from the examples of Christian friends I interacted with in this conference. Now, coming back to Thailand, I’ve decided to attempt some of the things God placed in my heart, many of which I have never tried before. One of the things that God taught me is that I am never too young to serve Him (22 years old).
I thank God that I can know so many new Christian friends through this conference.”
––Bee (the one in orange)

Though it was only a short email, it has testified of God’s goodness during this convention. I believe that the message of “never too young to serve Him” does not just apply to Bee, but to everyone of us. God does not look at our age. He looks at our hearts, at whether our hearts are willing to submit to His Lordship and to obey Him.

”Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set at example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.” – 1 Timothy 4:13.
Be amazed at how God uses young people!

Written by: Huimin (Xiangru’s tribe)

Much was said about having a big dream for God on the first night of GCYC by Senior Pastor Apostle Lawrence Khong. The next questions that we ask are probably these, “How do we find our dreams?” or “What is my dream?” Pastor Jullie Seow’s candid sharing on the second day of GCYC broached this. The question thrown at us was simply this, “what fires you up?” What is the passion that is burning inside of us that we must do something about?

With reference to Exodus 2:11-25, a story most of us are familiar with. Moses killed an Egyptian who was beating up one of the Israelites. Moses was so passionate about his people, that he could not stand the sight of them being tortured and killed the Egyptian. He had to flee from Egypt for a long time. Then something happened, God heard the cries of the Israelites and he was concerned about them!!

We learn that God is indeed concerned about the situation in our lives today. We see the different needs people have. However a great need is not good enough a reason for us to respond. We need the character to achieve the great dreams that we have for God. Many people who have big dreams might not be ready for it yet. We might not be ready to face the trials and tribulations ahead of it. Every dream is a journey in itself and has to be fed and nurtured like a baby. Moses spent many years building his character as “an alien in a foreign land” (v22)

How then do we find our dreams?

• Our dreams are birthed out of our talents
• Our dreams come out of what we cannot stand (I like the term Holy Discontentment)
• Our dreams come out of our most painful experiences.

God sometimes uses the greatest pains in our lives to nurture us and prepare us for our dream. (Am reminded of Romans 8:28) We have to learn to give up our plans to the Lord, and he will be able to turn around ashes into beauty!

Questions for reflection

1. What is my dream/what is my divine assignment?
2. What is stopping me from fulfilling this dream?
3. Do I have the character to fulfill this dream?
4. Am I willing to give up this dream to the Lord?

Written By Stevie (Sebastian’s Tribe)