June 2007
Monthly Archive
Fri 29 Jun 2007
“I think what I caught from this year’s cluster camp is a practical equipping experience from the lord to be a spiritual father, I could feel that right from the beginning, the Lord was putting the love that I had, the love that wants to see my friend come to Christ, the love to see my brothers grow stronger in the Lord, to the test. How desperately did I want that? Desperation was the key.
And that was just what i had asked the Lord for, going into this camp! I was thirsty, craving for the Lord to come and fill me again with a greater measure of his spirit to love the people around me. It’s not easy, you & I both know that its nothing to love the lovable, but I think God has been constantly challenging my love for the “unlovable” as well!
Being a superstar, not by the world’s standards, because God’s standards are way higher than that, and yet…What amazes me is how we can fight to meet the world’s standards and fail but we’re exactly how God likes us, nothing short! We set expectations on others and even ourselves, and the unfortunate conclusion is that the greater the expectation, the greater the risk of disappointment- but that’s not how it is with God! God’s love overlooks our imperfections, He is perfect YET easily pleased!
God doesn’t set any expectations in loving us, giving us His all but expecting nothing in return except that we love him with all we are too. So what gives us any right to do that with others? I know He’s working in my life even now, teaching me how to love just as He did!
Lord I know I’ll falter, but even then- hour hand is steady and firm, a gentle yet powerful reminder that Hou first loved me and because of that, I can love me for me and others for who they are, though we are imperfect- but God You take delight in our imperfections,through which You can be made perfect. So I pray that in You we will stand tall, Your people will not be silent- like a city on a hill,we cannot hide! We will not hide, so let us burn bright. Amen.”
‘You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on it’s stand,and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way let your light shine before men,that they may see your good deeds and praise your father in heaven.’ (Matthew 5:14-16)
Gifford (Lionel’s tribe)
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“This is my first ever cluster camp I have ever attended. I was particularly excited since I’ve been hearing so many fun stuffs happening during this camp. This camp was also very different for me, cause as many of you people will know, I have this “Marist ONLY” group and cause of that, I was only close to them and only John came! Xianbin, Ryan (hongchow) and Don didn’t come! Even Lionel was not there! I felt very lonely. On my way to Temasek, not very sure why, I was praying for the worship not to start without me. I had this urge to worship him. When I reached there, Kenny brought me up to the hall and THANK GOD! They were playing games and worship was just about to start.
During the worship, God said “Be Free. Be Free.” I didn’t understand what it meant at all. The games were extremely fun! At night, we had a tough time making our “beds”(tables la). We didn’t want to sleep on the floor cause its real dirty and HUGE spiders everywhere. We had a lot of fun deciding who sleep with who and other rubbish. I opened up. I used to think that they were a bunch of very dull people and did not want to be part of them. But I was wrong. They truly are very funny people and people that give their 100% to God.
–Fast-forward to the second night—
Because I had to leave for wedding lunch, I came back just to realize that I had to dance! I was really afraid because I forgot all the steps. I went around looking for the possible dancers and managed to gather a few of my “competitors” and shared about what we know. Oh yes, Candy came to help us after that! Haha… she helped us ALOT. THANKS CANDY! (: When the dinner was about to start, all the dancers were to gather at the back of the hall. I was very very scared. My group, Group 9, had tambourines and shakers, I think, to cheer on for me. I felt very very stressed that I might not be able to live up to their expectations. At the back, we were arranged according to our groups and briefed about what we had to do. There was this section that’s like free dance- dance to whatever song they gave you. There was even more stress now! I don’t know anything about dance, what will I have to do during that segment!? Yu Ping came to pray of us. I remembered clearly what she said. “This dance is NOT for your group, its FOR God. No matter how lousy it is, just have fun!” At that point, those words really felt senseless to me. I was really very scared. To make matters worst, everyone was rehearsing. Finally it was showtime, the first group came out and the dance was really impressive. The look at how hard the group members were cheering was very stressful. Once again, I thought about my group members expectations for me. I was scared. Before I knew it, I was out. There were many times I struggled to remember the steps but I slowly began to have fun. I slowly began to understand what God had told me initially! Be Free. Surrender all fears to him and have fun. He had already planned for me to dance in front of everyone!! I won the consolation prize (:
There was a skit after the segment. The skit was about someone who has to learn to dance just because his company wants him to. He feels lost, dejected. Then Casey sung “Who am I”, a beautiful song which I have always held close to me. The leaders were told to pray for us. I was shagged by all the things happening around me, I felt very very tired and God gave me rest! Hallelujah!
I LOVE MY BROTHERS NOW!!”
Nigel (Lionel’s tribe)
Wed 27 Jun 2007
“This was the first superstar camp I’ve been to. Thank God that 2 of my friends accepted the invitation to come for this camp. Was hoping that one of them, who’s not a Christian, may be able to be touched by God’s grace through the worship or talks given by the pastors. But they left on the second day, as they were quite uncomfortable and shocked about the slaining. I guess God has everything planned in his time, and I’m glad they came. Was overwhelmed by the activities eg. Amazing race, which were fun and enriching, special thanks to all who helped to organize them. Am looking forward to the next camp
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Isobel Nga (Xiangru’s tribe)
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“This is my first church camp. Even though I attended a lot of camps this year, but this is definitely one of the most memorable camps that I had. I learnt many things which I am not able to learn in school. I also meet different people and made a lot of friends. This camp also helps me to understand my cell group people better as we get to spend a lot of times with each other. I treasure these times and will always remember those happy moments I had with them. . This camp also brings me nearer to God. I know more about Him and understand more about His love for me. Overall, I enjoyed the camp a lot.”
Shuwen (Xiangru’s tribe)
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“Although I attended one day of it, but I know that God is speaking to me through Pastor Roland. I heard about the “Ask the Experts” part 1 and it left me with a great impression. Pastor mentioned that every one of us is a superstar in God’s eyes. In our daily lives, we always try to “overdo” ourselves to be special to our friends. Because we want everyone to accept us. But we aren’t our true self. We are an imitation of others or someone. So, all we have to do is to be yourself. Because God loves us for who we are. Because we are special in our own ways. God created us this way. We need not be perfect towards others, because nobody is perfect at all. Through the amazing race, I learnt that God has always been very patient towards us. I don’t know why I will think this way. But it’s through the counting of beans that made me realized that I don’t have much patience with others, whenever one committed a mistake or make me irritated. But God, He is different. No matter how much sin we have committed, He is able to forgive us. And He did not want us to change immediately. He gave us time to repent to realize our mistakes. GOD is just so great! (:”
Michelle Chen (Candy’s tribe)
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”The cluster camp has been a great time where I have learnt more about God, discover more about myself, made new friends, and received the revelation of my gifts and plans that God has for me. Not only that, I also learnt how to deal with the performance trap that is so evident in today’s society. In this year of victory. I want to go deep, look far and ask big, to be that superstar that God has created me to be! I want to be a SUPERSTAR!”
Sarah Teo (Sharon’s tribe)
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Let’s look at some great shots of the Amazing Race!
Mon 25 Jun 2007
The Committee & Mentors Appreciation dinner was held on 24/June/2007, and this was the slideshow that was produced for them. Enjoy…
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CLICK the picture above to play the slideshow, or [CLICK HERE] to download the hi-res (1024×768) version. (43.55Mb)
For the full photo gallery (600+ photos), CLICK HERE!
Update: The photo gallery from the appreciation can be found HERE!
Sat 23 Jun 2007
RoLLED Cluster had our SuperStar Training Academy during the June holidays. After 3 days of training, let’s hear what the campers have to say!
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“I was truly blessed by this year’s cluster camp!! Actually, I wasn’t exactly looking forward to it. Yet, I wasn’t unwilling to go either. I’ve been bogged down by a very hectic holiday schedule and before I knew it, POOF, it was cluster camp. In fact, I was shocked. “Huh? It’s cluster camp already?” I went for the camp in a kind of neutral feeling and feeling quite tired. However, throughout the camp, the Holy Spirit was greatly manifested in every worship session and every ministry session. On the first night, He had already spoken to me and touched me. I was refreshed in His presence. God reminded me that irregardless of what circumstances we come from, whatever our present state of hearts are, we should give Him due praise and glory simply because He deserves it. So, rather than bothering about what is happening around us, we should instead focus on the one who gave His life for us, Jesus Christ. The bridge of the theme song aptly describes how I feel and the reason why we should worship Him:
“Not because of who I am
But because of what you’ve done
Not because of what I’ve done
But because of who you are”
The most significant thing that happened to me during the camp was that God healed me of my rejection that He had been dealing with me over the past year. I could really literally feel like I’ve been set free. God took away the pain and replaced it with a heart full of joy (I’m a happy kid!! Lalala.) He took away unforgiveness and filled me with His forgiveness. He put the past behind me to prepare me for His destiny. He took away all the negative things in me and gave me a heart of gratitude, a heart burning with passion and fire for Him once again. Even when worshipping Him now, I can feel the difference. I feel free. I don’t know how to describe the feeling. But I really thank God for what He has done in my life. He allowed me to come to a point where I have to acknowledge that, ”Apart from Him, I’m really nothing.”
God was truly good throughout the whole camp. I believe that each and every single person was touched by God in one way or another. Thank God for His sweet presence!! Definitely, we can see His hand in every activity that was planned; the sunny weather for Amazing Race (hot!) etc. Woots! I also thank God the camp committee for planning this camp. Games, especially, were much more interesting as they were planned for the youths. Personally, I quite like the idea of fishing for the Amazing Race clue (I suspect I’m the only one. Haha.) Furthermore, meals are getting better. They taste better than last year’s food, I think. Plus, I thank God for the mentors for setting themselves apart to be used as an empty vessel by God to minister to His people.”
Jarelyn (Sarah’s tribe)
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“This is my first time going for the cluster camp and I really enjoyed myself. The activities that were organized were fun and exciting especially the amazing race. But what impacted me the most was not the activities we had. I remembered that on the last day of the camp pastor talked about trust, about trusting in the Lord and being disappointed in him at times. This message really impacted me greatly; it had brought back my trust in him. Knowing that he’ll be there for us and that we should trust him and have faith in him because he’ll never leave us nor forsake us. “Trust the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your path straight.”(Proverbs 3:5, 6) Through some events in my life, I had doubts about God; whether He’s really there for me… But, all these doubts had been cleared as I am sure that He’ll always be there for us and I’ve regained my trust in the Lord. I really thank God for this camp and for even being able to go for it and not forgetting the big family. I had really enjoyed this camp and of course, making many friends.”
Danica (Sarah’s tribe)
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“I thank God for this camp as it helped me to understand why being Christ-like and chasing my dreams are important. Holy Spirit reminded me to live a life as a true worshipper and believer of God in all things I do. He said that I could look to Jesus as the perfect example. God ministered to my heart during one of the sessions when Pastor invited us to receive a hug. The hug once again reminded me of the Father’s love; that He loves us even if we fail in everything we do. After this camp, I made a commitment to God and a renewed desire to draw close to Him each day.”
Arel Yip (Jerome’s tribe)
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“During the cluster camp, I learnt the main purpose of coming here and that is to be a superstar for god!! I always felt that I wasn’t especially good at anything so I went on a search of importance for myself. One of them was education and I slowly became addicted to the performance trap. I wanted to ace in every subject except language. Eventually i grew tired and weary mentally. It was through this camp that I found my importance in Christ. Whenever we try hard to be special, it hinders our relationship with God. Hence it becomes hard for God to execute his plan. So seeking God’s presence will seize His purpose in my life and bring out the superstar in me!!!”
Rachel Foo (Candy’s tribe)
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“Cluster camp allowed me to know more people,had a fun and enjoyable time with my group members. Through this camp,God also reminded me that He loves me for who I am, that though Man is hard to please but God, being the heavenly father that He is, loves us no matter what we wear, how we look like etc cause we’re all special in His eyes. =)”
Juliane Lee (Candy’s tribe)
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“During this cluster camp, Renette and I invited Huixin & Marisa to come for cluster camp. At first when I heard that Marisa was in my group, I was rather dismayed as I wasn’t as close to her as I was to her as Huixin. But then, I wanted to work harder to “connect” with Marisa instead to reach out to her.
When I saw that she wasn’t open I felt discouraged, I felt like I’ve failed. I almost gave up on the second day, but then bit by bit Marisa opened up, she started asking me questions about why we christians did this and that and what happens. During the church service, she was much more on high and open. I realized that it wasn’t a one step thing. That I could just pray and touch her enough to accept Christ & that was enough. Instead I’m gonna press on to continue telling her about Jesus, that one day she’ll come to know Christ.”
Elizabeth Foo (Candy’s tribe)
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“Being a non christian, i didn’t know much about God or about the things that He did, but after going for the cluster camp, i got to know more about Him and that Hhe sacrificed alot for all of us. Even though most of the time i didn’t know what to do, like for example when they starting praying or started singing, i didn’t know whether to join in or just remain silent, but nevertheless, this cluster camp was a real eye opener and i really got to see the other side of christianity.”
Marisa Ong (Candy’s tribe)
Tue 19 Jun 2007
I was looking forward to the EJ 288 Re-Encounter (31May-3June)! Not only because it is my first “outing” with the EJ 288 family, but also that I really needed that time with God, especially by the lovely Desaru beach at which I hold fond memories with Gladys, Jessie, Peishan, Jasmine, Yuping and Rachel, and most of all, with the Lord!
Upon arrival on Thursday morning, it was lunch then free and easy! We fully used the resort’s facilities like the pool, tennis court and table-tennis table. It was also a great time of girls’ talk with Xiang Ru and Sam (my room-mates). Haha. The first night, Pastor Eugene shared with us about the leader in us. The leader in me, in the flesh, is Everlyn. I have to lay the foundation of the temple, but only the Lord’s hands can complete it (Zec 4:8) Thus, I have learnt that the true leader in me is the One greater than I am, the Holy Spirit who lives in me! It changes my whole perspective of leading my people.
I also brought back the fact that I need to be able to see that God is moving. He is moving! Be it in my school (TOUCH Youth Learning Centre), Barnabas club or in LF12, despite all my struggles, God’s greater purposes are at work! I have to see that to not get caught in the problems that I will face or entangled in the routine of things! And to see that, I have to walk in the Spirit daily! It is a daily affair! My heart is excited and recharged at the thought of my Sovereign Lord.
Spending time with God by the beautiful Desaru beach overlooking the magnificent sunrise, I was just so awed by God’s love and overwhelmed by His affirmation. We were asked by Pastor Eugene to ask God for a word that will substain me through the 100K challenge. And I felt God telling me this: I have set my people free, No longer will they be in bondage, But they will 1OOK to ME, trust in ME and follow ME. And on a personal note, God affirmed me with “I am HE Who substains u, and lo, I am with u always, even to the end of the age.” I claim that In JESUS Name. Amen.
On the second day, after QT and a sumptuous breakfast, I learnt from Pastor Julie’s session not just to wait upon the Lord, but how to wait on Him. I came to realize that there is no quick-fix to waiting upon Him; we have to come to Him in waiting daily, so that we won’t be distracted by the unable-to-wait spirit in work or personal life. I am convicted!
After her session, we had leaders’ toolbox, which we had a choice to attend a 2-hour session on finance, communication, stress, family, conflict or time. I went to finance. We had a fruitful and fun time of listening then sharing. It is important to be money-mindful (as we need to be good stewards of the money that God has entrusted to us) but not money-minded. At night, we had a session on trust. To first trust God, then people (including myself).
And the next morning and noon, we built sandcastles! It was a lovely and heart-warming scene as we saw all the 12 groups’ sandcastles linked into one. After this “fun time”, Pastor Seng Lee asked us what we have learnt through all the sessions, and most of us cannot remember all the main points. He warned us that no matter how much God spoke to us through the sessions, we must take heed to remember and apply them to our lives. If not, it is wasted! It was a warning that I felt was so needful, to remind me to be sober, to be vigilant, because our adversary the devil is walking around like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour!
Written By Shin Shin (Ps Laifun’s Tribe)
Mon 18 Jun 2007
27th May 2007.
The Global Day of Prayer 2007 was held at the National Stadium at Kallang. It was memorable for a couple of reasons. This will be the last time that such an event will be held at the National Stadium before it is torn down and it is always exciting to see and witness the massive number of believers gathering together to pray. In Matthews 18:20 says, “For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.”, well there were definitely more than 2 or 3 but since the numbers had increased by thousand fold, God’s presence was tremendous upon us.
Well one of the notable difference this year was that, the Youth net didn’t go down in full force as Wang Xing and myself moved into the stadium where FCBC was stationed, it seemed that the number as compared to last year had dwindled. It was apparent for our tribe as well, that Grandpa was surrounded by less than 20 members of our tribe on that day. It was kind of disappointing to see that, as the gathering of believers to pray was to pray for our nation. I certainly do hope that those whom miss this gathering had valid reasons, for those who were not there……. You guys miss big time. God’s blessing was incredible on that day!!!! As I stood there to pray with the gathering of believers at the National Stadium, I caught a glimpse of God’s greatness. He shielded dark rain filled clouds away from the stadium, as His people pray, the Lord’s presence came and I began to feel that it was such a privilege just to be standing there to pray for our nation.
One of the main verses was from 2 Chronicles 7:14 (New International Version)“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”The event started with worship and soon it progressed into the stage where the people gathered to pray in repentance on behalf of the nation. As the program continued, it progress to the stage where we were praying for healing upon the land. That was when I was reminded that indeed our Church is moving into a spearheaded direction where the 100k Campaign will certainly be used and blessed by God to bless and heal our nation.
The Lord bless the 5000 warriors and those in our tribe that have responded to this calling to know that truly that God has called upon you and as you humble and seek His face, the land of Singapore will be healed for God will use you mightily, for the Lord will hear our prayers from heaven and soften the ground before us to allow the warriors to move in and bless the nation of Singapore. Amen.
I do look forward to next year’s Global day of Prayer as when we are there, there will surely be many wonderful testimonies that God will bless us with through the 100k Campaign. Don’t miss both the events!! =)
Written by Bipeng (Weng Cheong’s Tribe)
Mon 11 Jun 2007
CLICK the picture above to play the slideshow, or [CLICK HERE] to download the hi-res (1024×768) version. (24.03Mb)
For the full photo gallery (600+ photos), CLICK HERE!
Mon 11 Jun 2007
Every year in the month of June, The Military Christian fellowship conducts an Armed Forces Dedication Service as part of SAF Day Celebration, for Christian servicemen and servicewomen, to commit to the Lord our Nation, MINDEF, MINDEF Industries, the SAF and our Senior Commanders.
The service brings together Christians to pray for our soldiers in the SAF. Many senior commanders who are believers are also present to dedicate themselves and their work to the Lord.
It will be a blessing to those of you who are currently in NS to know that you are in the company of fellow brothers and sisters as you serve as a soldier.
So do come and pray for the SAF! If you are coming, please let Weng Cheong know by 12 June (email add – hope177@gmail.com).
Date - 23 Jun 2007 (Saturday)
Time - 1400 hrs to 1630 hrs
Location - St John’s Chapel
111 Farrer Road (Inside St Margaret’s Secondary school)
Dress No 3 or No 4 (Military personnel) Civilian for the rest
Tue 5 Jun 2007
Posted by BloGina under
Tribe EventsNo Comments
Gathering at 30 minutes, after seven pm
Of hearts of siblings, in different seasons;
Some arrived at Spring, Some are at Summer
Yet, mine remain, cold as Winter
The guitar sounds, the moment for worship
An invite of Holy Spirit, to meet our felt needs;
“Fill us, Your lambs and change our lives!â€
This is the cry, the bellow of our hearts
Yet, the piercing truth came, when few modest hands rose
Those who did not, were hoping to know:
More glorious testimonies, spiritual than one’s own.
Did not the Holy Spirit, draw everyone near?
Or have we not drawn ourselves close?
Perhaps worldly concerns, brought uncompassion
The fear of man leaves, Hope remission
Our distant hearts, have labels of Self-righteousness
Un-Samaritan attitude is a strong Self- consciousness
Maybe we are, like ugly ducklings … who haven’t found out
That in reality we are, beautiful swans inside out
Therefore, so much more can we, know of the Lord
By having a broken spirit, and carrying a contrite heart
Call on the power of God, every day and night
That He will, most loving be by our side
So let’s take up a Bold heart and be Blessing hands,
P.L.A.N in brotherly harmony, just like in John Thirteen, Thirty Four and Thirty Five
I am so glad, so thanks be to God!
For this evening began, with ME and God
But now has become, me and GOD
Written by Kelvin Chan (Derrick Hoy’s Tribe)