From the Pastor’s Desk

4 Jun 2023

01/06/2023

I must admit that I love to watch Thai advertisements. They are really creative and even educational at times. The recent one that I watched was about a landlady and her “unreasonable” actions towards the tenants. In one scene, she even threw and broke the weighing scales used by a tenant. Unfortunately, these “unreasonable” actions were videoed by some passerby and uploaded into the various social media platforms. Many criticisms / comments were posted and without exceptions were negative towards the landlady. Then the scenes turned to show the truth about what the landlady was doing. Her breaking of the weighing scales was because of her warning to the tenant not to use dishonest scales. As he did not learn from the warning, she threw and broke those scales. She was actually a kind, helpful and honest person who went around to help the poor and needy. Contrast that with the portrayal in social media platforms. What you see is not what is reality.

The various social platforms are dangerous places. Used correctly they are good platforms for interactions with friends or even work. Most times, however, they are already being misused. They become sources of misinformation. People forwarding information without verifying them, causing even greater confusion. It is worse when the one forwarding the messages is someone of repute. There are those whose whole life story can be found in their social media account. All the laws, PDPA whatsoever, will not help you when someone wants to use that knowledge about you for dubious purposes. It is a dangerous world out there, both physical and cyber. Be careful my friends. As I am writing this. I saw messages coming in about a former military colleague passing on. All kind of condolences were pouring in. Then someone called the family and found that it was not true. It is a cruel and terrible prank by someone.

Brothers and sisters, be wise. Do not trust any information via such platforms without verifying. Do not forward any message without verifying. Well, you get my drift.

God bless,
In Christ’s service,

Barry Leong

我得承认我喜欢看泰国的广告。这些广告非常的有创意，有时甚至产生教育性的作用。最近我看到一则有关一个女地主如何无理的对待她的租户。有一幕是她摔破租户用的秤。很不幸的，这一个无理的动作被路过的人拍了下来，然后上载在几个社交媒体里。这导致女地主受到了一面倒的负面评论。接下来的广告乃是播映了女地主所作的真实画面。原来她将租户的秤摔破，是因为租户屡次不听劝，使用欺诈不诚实的秤。因为他不理会警告，所以她就将秤给摔破。其实，她是一个善良，乐于助人和诚实的人。她常帮助周边的穷人和需要帮助的人。这与在社交媒体所看到的样子是判若两人。你所看到的未必是真实的。

社交媒体是一个危险的地方。若使用对的话是一个可以与朋友互动甚至工作上好的平台。可惜的是，在大多数的时间里，它们被错误的使用。它们成为了伪资讯的温床。人们转发这些资讯之前从不先核实，这造成了更大的混乱。更糟的是所转发的信息是有关某人的声誉。有许多人将自己一生的故事上传在自己的社交媒体的账号上。若有人借用有关你的资料从事非法的活动，所有的法律，包括了个人隐私保护法令，也无能为力。我的朋友，你应当小心为妙。当我在写这些的时候，我收到了一则有关我前战友去世的讯息。这导致了很多的慰问如水一样涌进来。之后有人就联系这一个家庭才发现这不是真的。这是被某人故意搞出来十分残酷和恶劣的恶作剧。

弟兄姐妹，我们应当满有智慧。我们不要在这些社交媒体里相信还没有被核实过的任何讯息。我们也不要转发任何还没有经过核实的短信。很好，你已经明白我的意思了。

上帝赐福，
主里同工的，

Barry Leong

28 May 2023

26/05/2023

A lady was advising me to not eat more than two eggs per week. She cited her doctor, supposedly a consultant, for advising that. I eat more than 20 eggs per week. I ignored her ill-informed advice but also amused at the lack of knowledge of a “consultant doctor.”

Granted there was a time when people mistakenly believed that you could ingest cholesterol through eggs orally. This was debunked eons ago. Yet, there are still doctors telling people to avoid eggs. Eggs, incidentally, are a ‘super food’ that is high in a lot of nutrients.

There are always lessons and knowledge that we learnt over the years. As time goes by, situations and technology change. It only gets faster as we move on ahead. Things that were once familiar are now becoming obsolete, for example – coinaphones. Someday even cash will become obsolete.

In short, we must keep learning and improving. Our knowledge base will grow old and outdated as more research data becomes available. There is no place for complacency. Staying put is in reality regressing. Progress or be left behind. And this is coming at you and me at a speed that is unimaginable. It will drive all of us mad.

Brothers and sisters, what is in store in the future if this is the case? Can we even catch up? Will we run out of breath before we catch up or keep getting dragged along? That will likely be the case if we do not have the anchor in our lives. The anchor, my friends, is the Word of God – Jesus Christ. He is the sure and steadfast rock that holds our lives steady. He will never change and is totally trustworthy.

It is time for us, brothers and sisters, to be clear of our beliefs, our stand in Jesus Christ. Without Jesus, we will be left chasing the wind. We will never win. With Jesus, we will be victorious. The world will try to tell us that it is folly to follow Jesus. The reality is that following Jesus is the only way to remain sane and victorious.

God bless,
In Christ’s service,

Barry Leong

一名女士建议我在一个星期内不能吃超过两个鸡蛋。她引述她的医生（应该是一名顾问医生）的话向我建议。我一个星期内吃超过20个鸡蛋。我无视她无知的言论但同时也很惊讶一名 “顾问医生” 的学识不足。

确实有一段时间，大家都错误地相信食用鸡蛋会让你摄取胆固醇，但这说法在好几个世代前都已经被推翻了。然而，还有医生告诉大家要避免鸡蛋。顺带一提，鸡蛋其实是富有大量营养的“超级”食物。

多年以来，我们都学习了不少的学问和知识。年复一年，境况和科技在改变。在我们前进的同时，变化也越来越快。曾经是熟悉的东西如今也被淘汰了，例如——投币电话。有一天甚至连现金也会被淘汰。

简单的说，我们一定要持续地学习及进步。我们的知识库存会随着研究数据的垂手可得而变得陈旧及过时，没有自满的余地。原地踏步实际上就是倒退。进步抑或落后。这一切都在以无法想象的速度冲向你和我。它会令我们抓狂。

弟兄姐妹，如果是这样的情况，未来将会是怎么样的？我们能追得上吗？我们会在追上之前就气喘吁吁，还是继续被拖拉着？如果我们的生命中没有了锚，恐怕就会出现这种情况。我的朋友，锚，就是上帝的话语——耶稣基督。祂稳固支撑我们生命，是即真实又坚定的磐石。祂永不改变且是完全值得信靠的。

弟兄姐妹，是时候坚定我们的信仰，以及在耶稣基督里的立场。没有了耶稣，我们只是捕风。我们永远不会赢。有了耶稣，我们就是得胜的。世界会试图告诉我们，跟随耶稣是愚蠢的。事实上，跟随耶稣是保持明智及胜利的唯一途径。

上帝赐福，
在基督里同工的，

Barry Leong

21 May 2023

21/05/2023

I was getting rather discouraged about the situation of the world as I read more reports from the news media. The very loud minorities shouting their anti-society, anti-God types of messages. The very silent majority not reacting to such messages in meaningful ways to counter them. Slowly, the gen Z and A will be influenced to accept them as truths. Well, it is truly the last days as mentioned in the bible.

What is the use of our meagre effort to stem the tide? What can we change? We are but ordinary Christians living in the last days. The Lord’s commands for us to love one another and to bring the gospel to the world are getting even more difficult to carry out. It is more than possible to be persecuted today if we do speak out the truth. Can we risk it, or even want to risk it? We keep silent in the name of keeping the peace. Is it correct to do so? It is no wonder that many people just want to give up.

But is it correct to give up or be discouraged to the point of doing little? Of course not! We cannot stop because we are facing some uphill difficulties. No matter what happens we must carry on. There are many things that are out of our control or abilities to do something about them. Yet, there are others that we can and must participate in making a difference. It would be sad that we just give up and resort only to mind our own business. So, keep our heads high and continue doing the work of God. It is difficult, especially in today’s world, but we must carry on.

However, we cannot depend on our own strength. We need help from beyond us. It is even more urgent for us to pray fervently and to act according to our convictions. It is time to stand up as Christians, proclaiming the truth of God.

Brothers and sisters in Christ, we must make the decision to be very serious about the work of God. Let the fire of the Holy Spirit ignite us. Let us not be afraid to stand out as role models for the world to follow. The battle against evil of the world rages more intensely than ever. It is time for all hands to be on deck. Onwards and upwards, our best we will show.

God bless,
In Christ’s service,

Barry Leong

当我从新闻媒体读到更多有关的报道，我对世界的境况更加沮丧。声音非常响亮的少数人正高喊他们反社会、犯上帝的讯息。而非常沉默的多数人对此类讯息却没有以有意义的方式作回应来反击。逐渐的，Z及A世代就会受影响并将讯息接受为真实的事了。确实的，这真是圣经所提及末世的时候。

我们微薄的努力如何能制止风浪？我们可以改变什么？我们只是活在末世的普通信徒。主所给我们要彼此相爱以及向世界传福音的命令真是越来越难实行了。今天若我们为真理发言就更有可能遭受逼迫。我们可以冒险，或甚至要去冒险吗？我们以维持和平为由保持沉默。这么作是正确的吗？这就难怪很多人要放弃了。

但是，因为能作的极少就放弃或沮丧是正确的吗？当然不是！我们不能因为我们正在面对升级的困难就停止。无论发生什么事，我们必须坚持下去。确实有许多事情是我们无法掌握或没有能力去处理的。然而，仍有其他是我们可以也必须参与以作出改变的。如果我们就此放弃且只顾自己的事，这将是很悲哀的。所以，昂起头来继续作上帝的工。这是艰难的，特别在今天的世界里，但我们一定要持续下去。

然而，我们不能依靠自己的能力。我们需要从上面来的帮助。我们现在更紧急的是要迫切祷告并按着我们的信念去行。是时候以基督徒的身份站出来宣告上帝的真理了。

主内弟兄姐妹，我们一定要对上帝的工作做出非常严肃的决定。让圣灵的火点燃我们。让我们毫无畏惧的站出来成为世界能效仿的榜样。与世界恶者的争战要比过去更加激烈，是时候让我们同心协力了。前进及向上，我们要显露最好的一面。

上帝赐福，
基督里同工的，

Barry Leong

14 May 2023

13/05/2023

The recent Bud Light (a beer brand) boycott was a reality check for the “woke” supporters in the US. The US had caused a lot of controversies, both within and without, by their advocacy of “wokism”. This ideology is too extensive to discuss here, suffice to say that it is totally against the word of God in nature. Examples of its beliefs include LGBTQ+, abortion rights, YAP (Youth Attracted Person, basically pedophile). You get the idea. The last thing you want to be complacent about is that US is far away. The strong influence of social medias and the tenacity of the US pushing such terrible messages cannot be underestimated. The only counter to such influences is a strong church, and a strong church needs to know the word of God well.

Biblical literacy within the church is very low, even in Singapore. The desire to know God’s word had gone down. It is all about experiencing the feeling of God. Sing a few uplifting songs, listen to some uplifting motivating messages, feel good. That’s all that matters. Modern Christians are getting soft, really soft. The superficial understanding of scripture and its demands will put many into the wrong side of heaven. This is not helped with the weak culture of the churches today.

Part of the problem is weak pastors who dare not speak the truth with conviction. They are more interested in quantity than quality of members. Of course, both are important but not helping people to live right with God is an abomination.

The other part of the problem is the members. Many treat the church as a community center rather than a place to grow in holiness. We can understand that living a holy life in the context of today’s world will definitely disadvantage anyone. At the end of the day, a strong church culture is built on simply ‘read the bible, pray every day, live it out, love one another.’ It is simple but extremely difficult.

Brothers and sisters, it is easy to quote ‘I had fought the good fight” but let us work hard to live it out.

God bless,
In Christ’s service,

Barry Leong

最近百威啤酒（Bud Light啤酒品牌）遭受抵制，对美国“觉醒”的支持者是一个真实的检验。美国因为鼓吹“觉醒主义”，对内和对外都引起很多的争议。这种意识形态太广泛了，无法在此讨论，却也足以说明它在本质上是完全违反了上帝的话语。例如，其信念中包括支持同性恋社群、堕胎的权力、YAP（Youth Attracted Person恋慕年幼者，基本上就是恋童癖）。你明白了。你最不愿意沾沾自喜的就是美国太遥远了。社交媒体的强大影响力，以及美国顽强推动这些可怕信息的态度是不容小觑的。唯一能够应对这些影响的是一个强大的教会，而一个强大的教会必须深入的理解上帝的话语。

即使在新加坡，在教会以内对圣经的认知是非常低的。对认识上帝话语的渴慕也逐渐消失了。这主要是在于经历上帝的感觉。唱几首挑旺的诗歌，激励人心的信息，使人感觉良好，这才是所在乎的。现代的基督徒越来越软弱，真的软弱。对圣经及其要求的理解很肤浅，这将会把很多人置于天堂错误的一边。今天教会的脆弱的文化对此却毫无帮助。

一部分原因是软弱的牧者不敢坚定的说出真理。他们在乎会友的人数多于会友的素质。当然，两者都是重要的，但不能帮助人与上帝和好相处却是可憎的。

另一个原因就是会友本身。很多人把教会当作是社区中心过于一个在圣洁中成长的地方。我们可以明白要在现今的世界里活出圣洁的生命，肯定会对一些人不利。但最终，一个强大的教会文化是建立在“阅读圣经，每日祷告，活出生命，彼此相爱”。这看似简单却是极为艰难。

弟兄姐妹，要引用“美好的仗我已经打过了”是容易的，但让我们努力把它活出来。

上帝赐福，
在基督里同工的，

Barry Leong

07 May 2023

06/05/2023

A motorcyclist was riding precariously near the blind spot of my car. I slowed down to let him pass. He went on ahead and continued to weave in and out of traffic dangerously. I must admit that I gave way to him because I was more afraid of him damaging my car than he killing himself.

Further down the road, a car screeched to a halt because a girl crossed the road recklessly. The girl was not even one bit stirred by the near death event. From where I was I could see that her ears were plugged with ear phones, probably pumped to the loudest volume possible. I understand that some places in the world is trying to outlaw crossing the road while “hooked” on to some mobile devices – iPhones, iPod, etc…

I wonder if we try to live life on the dangerous edge and think that it is a cool thing to do. I can only warn that one who lives on the knife edge, dies by the knife edge. Why do we cut the line so fine? Is it a fad? Is it a habit? I do not know. What I do know is that many live that way. Too much James Bond movies perhaps!

Many think that they could leave the matters of heaven till later. We always have tomorrow. Sometimes, tomorrow never comes. Will those who survive us have to live in regret for us? Or one must live in regret for eternity? Personally, those are very bad ideas.

Don’t continue to sit back in a carnal sense of security and play the game of a sinful life. We have been warned that unless we turn from our ways we will perish. In a twisted way of bravado many laughed off God’s forgiveness. Don’t boast that you will be a Christian in your old age and in the meantime prefer the pleasures of this world despite the danger. Although the door to God is always open when you call, but that is assuming you get a chance to call.

Don’t live life dangerously, live it comfortably – believe in God NOW.

God bless,
In Christ’s service,

Barry Leong

一个电单车骑士摇摇晃晃出现在我的车盲点位置里。我放慢车速让他超过我的车。然而，他持续在我的前头危险驾驶。我必须承认我让路给他是因为我怕我的车损毁多过他自杀。

车子继续前行，有一部车子突然紧急刹车因为有一个女孩子漫不经心的过马路。这一个女孩接近死亡却一点都慌张。从我的距离我看到她的耳朵是挂上了耳机，耳机的音量应该是开了最大声。我明白在一些的国家正在尝试取缔“迷上”手机产品过马路的行人—苹果手机，苹果电子产品等等。

我不是太明白我们将自己的生命放在危险之中还认为那是一件十分酷的事。我只能警告地说，活在刀尖的，一定死在刀尖上。为什么我们将分界线画得如此细腻？它是潮流吗？它是惯性吗？我不知道。我知道的是很多人如此的活着。可能是因为有太多007的电影吧！

很多人以为他们可以把永生的事留给以后有时间再谈吧。我们还有明天。有时候，明天没有到来。那些辛存下来的人为我们遗憾而活着吗？还是你为永恒遗憾？在我看来，这些都是不好的想法。

请不要继续活在肉体所带来的安全感以及玩儿着充满罪恶的人生游戏。我们被警告除非我们转离自己的恶行，不然我们将会沉沦。在弯曲悖谬的虚渺的道路上人们轻视上帝的赦罪。你不要自夸你会在老年的时候成为基督徒，而此时此刻，尽管有危难，但你却是更乐衷于世界中的享乐。虽然你呼求的时候，向着上帝的门却是敞开的，但是，这乃是取决于你先有机会呼求。

请不要过危险的生命，活出舒适的生命—现在就相信上帝。

上帝赐福，
在基督里同工的，

Barry Leong

30 Apr 2023

29/04/2023

The advent of Facebook some years back caused quite a stir, and everybody wanted to get into the action. Fast forward to today, nobody is interested in Facebook anymore (other than some older folks). The new favors for the time being are Tik Tok, Snapchat, Instagram (also on the way out). I wondered to myself, how short is the attention span of people nowadays. Many are so engrossed in the content that has nothing to do with them or important enough to note, that they are willing to endanger their lives crossing the road with eyes glued to them rather than cross the road safely. To attract people the content in these social media gets more ridiculous and there is no consideration for morality. They are there just to catch eyeballs and to make money from the ‘attention.’ Selling your body had also taken a very different turn. Shame is no longer the consideration here.

In an affluent society, people get bored with their “entertainments” very quickly. They seek more excitement, and at an increasing pace. Many things have a very short “in favour” lifespan. Ultimately, the destruction of others (including finally self) becomes the most exciting. Less affluent societies have no time for such as they are too busy trying to keep subsistence level.

We live in an evil age where evil things are committed at an increasingly young age. The bible tells us that in the end times, the evil becomes more evil and the holy becomes more holy. It is not that one can become more holy but in the light of increased evil, the holy becomes relatively holier.

Are we the salt and light of the world as we should be? Or are we so immersed in the world that we are no different? Will the church still make a difference in the next few generations? Well, your guess is as good as mine. But we can at the very least make sure that we are not the one to lose sight of God.

For your careful consideration.

God bless,
In Christ’s service,

Barry Leong

当脸书在几年前崛起的时候造成了轰动，这令大家都跃跃一试。时至今日，没有多少人再对脸书有兴趣（年纪稍长些的人除外）。目前人们的宠儿是抖音，快照族和Instagram（也一样在失宠中）。我很诧异，今天人的专注力是极其的短。人们可以全神贯注於跟自己无干或不顾一屑的内容，甚至让自己的生命在过马路的时候置于危险之中，而不是安全的过马路。这些社交媒体为了吸引人，它们的内容只会越离谱和越离道德规范。使人目不转睛纯粹只是要吸引眼球和金钱。出卖自己的身体也不在意。羞耻不再是在这里面所关住的。

在富裕的社会里，人们很容易对自己的“娱乐”产生乏味。他们找寻更刺激和更快节奏感的。很多有利的事物是很短命的。最终，别人的毁灭（最后也包括我自己）成为了最令人奋性的。不富裕的社会没有时间给予这些媒体社交，因为他们忙于维持生计。

我们是活在邪恶事件越趋年轻化的一个邪恶的世代。圣经告诉我们，在末日，邪恶越邪恶，而圣洁越圣洁。这不是说你越来越成为圣洁，而是，在邪恶的日趋上升之际，圣洁的变成相对的更圣洁。

我们还当持守我本是世上的盐和光吗？还是我们也是浸淫在世界里跟世人没有两样？教会还能在前面的几代里明哲保身？你的猜测跟我是一样对的。但是我们至少可以确信我们千万不要对上帝失去信心。

给与你慎重的考虑！

上帝赐福。
在基督里同工的，

Barry Leong

23 Apr 2023

21/04/2023

My group of old friends are all literally old. Basically, we are at the age that needs to talk seriously about retirement. We discussed various issues related to retirement – financial preparedness, post-retirement activities, etc. One of the issues was the ability to put down or letting go of the positions once enjoyed. The lost of identity is very real for some of them. Suddenly, one is no longer ‘important’ or ‘wanted.’ Though the discussion was light-hearted, it did bring out some dark aspects of retirement. This is especially so if you are not prepared to let go of your once status and everything that came with it.

There are those who look forward to retirement from the working world. Yet there are those who are not ready to give it up. So, when retirement hits, it is a difficult pill to swallow. The lost of many things – steady income, status, a structured work life (even though one has often complained about it) – is very difficult to face. A sense of lostness, even if you do not acknowledge it, takes over you.

So, many people who had not consciously prepare for this impending retirement scramble to search for meaning. Everything that was once so clear is now fuzzy and unclear. The need for clarity, acceptance and recognition has to be met. How do we go about it is important. Otherwise, we will become a ‘nuisance’ to others without knowing it. We may lie to ourselves that we are trying to help, but they do not want your help. We cause unnecessary troubles for the people that take after us when we do not let go and still try to strive for acceptance and recognition. Such are very prevalent in people holding high ranking positions and full-time pastoral staff in religious institutions.

My friends, the time will come when we have to bow out. The curtains will come down. Prayerfully, we will step down with grace and not “give trouble” to those after us. King David served faithfully in his generation. Likewise, we should do so. Then we step back and enjoy the fruits that we had cultivated while in active service to the Lord.

God bless,
In Christ’s service,

Barry Leong

我的一群老朋友是真的已经老了。基本上，我们到了要认真谈论退休的年龄了。我们谈到了与退休相关的课题—财务的贮备，退休后的活动等等。其中一个的课题是愿意放手曾经称心如意的工作职位。对一些老朋友来说，失去身份是真实的。突然间，自己不再是重要或者被看重。虽然这是一次很轻松的谈论，却也看到了退休不乐观的一面。特别是如果还没有作好预备放下你的地位以及地位所带来的一切。

有一些已经期待从这一个工作的世界中退休。然而还有一些还没有准备好放手。这样，当退休的日子来到之际，这是难以接受的。对很多东西的失去—稳定的工资，地位，有规划工作生活（虽然你经常埋怨过），会是非常难面对的。失去的感觉，就算你不是很在意，也会吞噬你。

这样，很多人因为没有意识要为即将到来的退休作准备，因而要为所带来的混乱寻找其意义。以前本来是清楚，现在却是变成模糊和不清楚。当务之急是急需对此课题的澄清、接受和认知。我们要如何做很重要。不然，我们不意识它将会是他人的“麻烦”。我们会骗自己说我们可以对他人提供帮助，但是，他们不需要我们的帮助。当我们还不愿意放下以及拼尽全力死抱住接纳和认知，我们将会带给那些关心的人不必要的麻烦。这在那些持有高职位和在宗教团体里全时间的教牧人员的身上是很普遍的。

我的朋友，我们鞠躬的时刻将会临到。幕也将会下垂。期盼我们以感恩的心退下来，而不是带给后辈麻烦。大卫王忠心的服事他的时代。照样的，我们也应当如此。这样，我们退下来的时候就能享受我们在全职服事主所获得的果子。

上帝赐福，
在基督里同工的，

Barry Leong

16 Apr 2023

15/04/2023

A boy asked me about the concept of inflation after overhearing the conversation between some adults. Simply put, I told him, inflation is the devaluing of your money over time. That is to say that your dollar can buy less next year than this year. “What if you can buy more?” he asked. That is deflation where prices keep falling. I explained to him that it is worse in a deflation than in an inflation situation, as you do not really know when to buy. Thus, everybody holds back and causes the economy to be unpredictable and fear set in. Better to spend within reasonable limits.

God’s economy is vastly different from man’s economy. When the world says “Take”, God says “Give.” The world says “Keep,” God says “Share.” These are the ways that most people today cannot comprehend or choose to do. It is easier to follow the ways of the world, after all that is how we were taught and brought up. The question is therefore, how much do we want to have faith in God to provide? After all, you may say that some pastors do insist on “prudence.”

I agree that we must be prudent but not to the extent of being stingy. Like it or not, all that we have is given by God. You may think that you worked hard and using your cleverness “earned” them. If it is not God who, out of His mercy, gives you the ability and health to “earn” those, you will have nothing. The question is not so much whether it is given by God, it is. The question is why God gave them to me and what does He want me to do with them.

The bible tells us that we will have enough because God will supply all that we need. That is what faith is all about. Do not get too hung up on worrying that we will not have enough for the future. With God there will be enough and there will be a future. Take heart and do not fear. All that we do for God will not be forgotten and counts for eternity. All that we hoard will be lost and taken against us in eternity.

Brothers and sisters, think carefully about what it means by “it is more blessed to give than to receive.”

God bless,
In Christ’s service,

Barry Leong

一个男孩无意中听到大人对话后问我有关对通货膨胀的概念。我简单的告诉他，通货膨胀是钱币的贬值。这就是你的钱明年买的比今年少。他问：“如果你可以买得更多呢？”那是通货紧缩导致价钱持续的往下跌。我向他解释了通货紧缩是比通货膨胀更糟糕，因为你不知道什么时候买。这样，每一个人会按兵不动而影响了经济的不可预测性并导致了恐慌。在合理和适当管控的消费会是更好的。

上帝的经济与人的经济是有巨大差别的。当世界说：“赚取”，上帝说：“施予”。当世界说：“积存”，上帝说：“分享”。这样的方式是很多人无法明白或选择去做的。跟随世界的方式是容易的，况且我们是如此被教导和灌输长大的。所以，问题是，我们愿意对上帝的供应有多少的信靠？不然，你可能说那是因为有一些传道人太执着于“开源节流”。

我赞同我们要开源节流，但是，不能到吝啬的地步。喜欢或不喜欢，我们所拥有的都是上帝所赐的。你可能想这是靠着你的勤力和聪明“赚”来的。如果这不是出于这一位怜悯的神赐予你力量和健康来“赚取”，你是一无所有的。问题的重点不管这是不是上帝的赐予，而是为什么上帝给与我这些以及祂要我如何使用它们。

圣经告诉我们，我们会是足够的，因为上帝会供应我们所需用的。这就是信仰意义的所在。我们不要被忧虑所紧箍以为我们永远不够。靠着上帝我们永远足够并对未来有希望。放心不要惧怕。上帝不会忘记我们为祂所做的并会在永恒中被记念。我们囤积的将要失去，然后会被带到永恒中对我们提出申诉。

弟兄姐妹，好好的思想这一句话的真正意义，“施比受更为有福。”

上帝赐福，
在基督里同工的，

Barry Leong

02 Apr 2023

01/04/2023

The DJs on the radio were discussing a report about some scientists who were able to record plants emitting a cry for help when stressed. Apparently the sound, of a decibel that is below the hearing range of the human ear, can be ‘heard’ from several metres away. With other characteristics of life (growing, die, needing food and water), the plant is as much a living thing as any other animal in the world. To ‘kill’ a plant is, therefore, equivalent to killing an animal. That would put some teachings about being vegetarian for purposes of not ‘killing’ a life totally out of the window. If a part of the worldview is wrong, then the whole needs to be reevaluated.

Christians need to know their beliefs well; more than ever now than before. The way truths are distorted by the politics in some big countries in the West, God have mercy on us when such distortions start to land on our soil (mind). Name calling and screaming in social media are their weapons of choice. In that country, you cannot be sure if someone is a woman or a man. Calling them with the wrong pronoun can get a person into deep trouble with the law.

All these problems arises because the word of God is being thrown out by this nation. Sad to say that this nation is powerful and exerts its influence on other parts of the world and insists that all must follow suit. Rights to them is only when you abide by their rules and not you are doing what right for yourself. So, they now want others to accept the LGBTQIA+ agenda. To them the word of God is not important. After all, most people there do not really know the bible.

So, brothers and sisters in Christ, keep the word of God close to your heart. Live and breathe in it. Know it well and not be deceived by the evil deceptions of the devil in this world. Night is approaching and we can do nothing when it arrives. So, let us work while it is day. Equip yourselves in word and prayer. Steel your belief and trust in Jesus Christ. Prayerfully, we may be able to stand to the very end.

God bless,
In Christ’s service,

Barry Leong

电台主播们正在讨论一项报告，是有关一些科学家能够收录到植物在受到压力时所发出的求救呼声。很显然，这些声音的分贝虽然低于人耳的听觉范围，却是在几米以外也能“听见”的。拥有其他的生命特性（生长、死亡、需要养分和水），植物其实就如世上其他的动物一样，也是活物之一。“杀害”一棵植物也相等于杀害一只动物。这也将一些人以不“杀害”生命为目的而成为素食者的教导完全的抹杀了。倘若一部份的世界观是错误的，那么整体上就需要重新评估。

基督徒必须确实知道他们的信仰；甚至比过去更深入。真理已经被西方一些大国的政治所扭曲，当这些扭曲落入我们的土壤（思想），求上帝怜悯我们。名字的称呼及在社交媒体的叫嚣是他们所选择的武器。在那个国家里，你不能确定某人是女人或男人。用错误的代词来称呼他们，会使一个人惹上麻烦的法律纠纷。

这些问题会出现是因为上帝的话语已经被这个国家撇弃。可悲的说，这个国家是强大的，其在世界各地的影响力很深远，也坚持所有的人都必须效仿。对他们而言，只有当你遵守他们的规则时才是权利，而非你为自己作正确的事。所以，他们现在就要其他的人接受彩虹族群或性少数者（LGBTQIA+）的议事。对他们来说，上帝的话语并不重要。毕竟，在那里大部份的人并不真正了解圣经。

因此，主内的弟兄姐妹，要将上帝的话语深藏在心。这是生命和呼吸。熟知圣经，不要被这世界的恶魔所说的邪恶谎言所欺骗。黑夜将要来临。当它来到，我们就什么都不能做了。所以，让我们趁着白日工作。在圣经和祷告中装备自己。坚固你在耶稣基督里的信仰和信靠。祈愿我们都能坚守到最后。

上帝赐福，
在基督里同工的，

Barry Leong

26 Mar 2023

25/03/2023

I walked past a shop and saw a box of medical masks for sale. It was “literally” a fire-house sale, downright throwing away price. Yet, no one bothers. I remembered how much it used to cost just to buy some. The government had to give the people free of charge to defray the cost of wearing masks. At the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, the government had to ‘encourage’ people to wear masks when they are out and about. Then it is mandated or else you will be breaking the law. The amount of grumbling was very loud from many sectors. After a little while, people got used to it. Now, it is DORSCON Green. There is no need to wear masks anymore. Yet there are some (I am not criticizing) who saw it fit to wear. I am fine with that. What is not fine by me is their judgmental glare at anyone not wearing a mask.

Human beings love to think they are the only one who knows. They will spend no time casting scorn of others who disagree with them. Well, too many issues. Let me just narrow it a little to our belief. Some will go on whatever social media talks and influences and believe that the world should be such. The confusion of Catholicism with Christianity is a clear example. They seem similar but are vastly different. Yes, we both believe in Jesus Christ, but Christians do not believe in Mary nor the Pope having the status of Jesus Christ. Taking beliefs from different religions and putting it into understanding Christianity will cause much confusion and misunderstandings. Lemongrass is not same as lemon, not even close.

Unless you are willing to take the effort and plough through the study of the bible, do not try to speak like an expert. Be humble in our learning of the scripture. Live out what we know and search for clear understanding in what we don’t. There are practices that are more of culture or tradition than scriptural. Do not mix the two. Christianity use to flourish in the West but never at any moment equate it as a West religion. The West believes less in Jesus Christ than you would imagine. Christ is for all and it is not western.

God bless,
In Christ’s service,

Barry Leong

我走过一间商店时，看到一盒口罩。就如“字面上”写的，这是火烧屋的削价，直落到最低抛售价。然而仍无人问津。我记得之前要付出高价才能买到一些，政府也因此要为民众提供免费口罩以减轻负担。冠状病毒疫情刚开始，政府必须“鼓励”民众在外出和活动的时候佩戴口罩，之后还成为强制性，否则将视为触犯法律，因此引起各部门怨声载道。不久之后，民众慢慢习惯了。现在，疾病暴发应对系统状况（DORSCON）已呈现绿色，我们无需再戴口罩了。但是仍然有一些人（我不是批评）认为继续佩戴是合宜的。我不认为有什么问题。我觉得有问题的是他们向不佩戴口罩的人所投注的批判性目光。

人总喜欢觉得自己是唯一的知情者。他们会不留余力的藐视与他们背道而驰的人。是的，太多问题了。让我缩小范围谈谈我们的信仰。有些人会浏览网络媒体的言论，然后受之影响也相信世界就是如此这般。最明显的例子就是天主教与基督徒之间的混淆。他们看来相似，实则差异甚大。是的，两者之间都相信耶稣基督，但是基督教却不相信马利亚和教皇也拥有耶稣基督的地位。以不同宗教的信仰来理解基督教是会造成很多混乱及误会的。香茅不是柠檬，它们甚至一点儿都不像。

除非你愿意用心思谨慎研读圣经，否则不要以专家的身份发言。要以谦卑的态度研读圣经。活出我们所知道的；对我们所不知道的，要探索以求更清晰的理解。有很多作法是基于文化或传统多于圣经，不要将两者混淆了。基督教曾在西方蓬勃发展，但却从未将之视为西方的宗教。在西方相信耶稣基督的人，恐怕比你想象中的更少。基督是属于所有人的，而非是西方人的。

上帝赐福，
在基督里同工，

Barry Leong

19 Mar 2023

18/03/2023

Coming out of the train, I headed for the escalator as everybody else. Everyone was rushing for one of the two escalators and the queue became very long. I was about to join the queue when I saw that the other escalator also go up but no one was using it. Both escalators go to the same place. It was there to prevent congestion. But ‘monkey see, monkey do’ and people just join the queue. I took the empty escalator and soon enough others from the queue for the other escalator, left and use this escalator.

The world is full of people who ‘blindly follow’. It is getting more and more difficult for people to think (carefully) before they choose to act. One of the reasons is the fear of losing out. Another is the laziness to think. It is also likely the attention is taken up elsewhere and just follow. How dangerous are these reasons? They are very dangerous especially when eternal matters are concerned.

We had seen many people joining all kind of protests in other parts of the world. Putting unfair wages protests aside, some of the ideologies protests are questionable. Do the people who join these protests know what they are protesting for? Many a time, they are protesting because of a lack of clear understanding and blindly join as it “seemed right.” Appears to be right is not necessarily right, it could be absolutely wrong. In some big country, which is really totalitarian in reality, the support of gay pride is misled more than knowing why.

Brothers and sisters, know what you believe. Be clear about it. Do not follow because others do. The bible promised us that whoever seeks God will find Him. There is no worry that a person who truly seek God will be lost. The only worry is that you lose sight of your search along the way and wondered somewhere else.

So, stay your path with God and Him alone. Let not the world lead you astray. Keep away from celebrity faith. Jesus came as a humble man and not as a king so that we do not look at the outer appearance. Follow God, not the queue.

God bless,
In Christ’s service,

Barry Leong

从地铁车厢出来，我随着大家来到电动扶梯。所有的人都匆忙走向两架电动扶梯的其中一架，于是队伍逐渐变长了。正当我准备加入队伍，我发现另一架电动扶梯也是向上滑动的，却没有人乘搭。两架电动扶梯都正往同一个地点，作用是预防堵塞。但是“有样学样”，大家就跟着队伍走。我走上无人使用的电动扶梯，很快的，原本在另一架电动扶梯排队的人就转移，也改用这架电动扶梯了。

这个世界充满了“盲目跟从”的人。要人们在他们选择行动之前思想（仔细的）是越来越来困难了。原因之一就是害怕失去。另外就是懒惰思想，很可能注意力已经被转移到其他地方且茫然跟从。这些原因到底有多危险？它们都很危险，尤其当它是关乎永恒的。

我们看见很多人在世界各地进行各种的抗议活动。将那些因不公平待遇而引起的抗议搁置一旁，有一些意识形态的抗议是值得怀疑的。这些参与抗议的民众是否知道他们在为什么抗议？很多时候，他们之所以抗议是因为缺乏清晰的理解，也因为“看起来是对的”就加入。看起来是对的未必真的就是对的，反而可以是绝对错误的。有一些大国，现实中就是极权主义，对维护同性恋的尊严其实是误导过于知道为何如此行。

弟兄姐妹，要确知你所相信的。要清楚的知道，不要人云亦云。圣经应许若我们寻求上帝就必寻见祂。一个真正寻求上帝的人，不必担心他会迷失。唯一要担心的是你在路程中会失去寻索的目光而漂泊他处。

因此，在你的道路上要与上帝并单单与祂同行。不要让世界引你入歧途。远离名人的信仰。耶稣以谦卑人而不是君王的身份来到这里，所以我们不是看外貌。跟随上帝而不是群众队伍。

上帝赐福，
在督里同工的，

Barry Leong

12 Mar 2023

11/03/2023

Of late there are many discussions about Same Sex Attractions and how the church should respond. There are various positions and they directly contradict each other. So, what should we do? How do we maintain orthodoxy and unity at the same time? This issue became more pronounced in the Diocese of Singapore when the Church of England made a decision to ‘bless’ SSA marriages in their churches. That, of course, is a big NO for DOS. A lot of discussion on breaking up with CoE then ensued.

My personal stand is to maintain a limited fellowship with CoE in the hope that we can win them back to orthodoxy. The limited fellowship does not mean that we condone what they are doing. Totally cutting off and stop communicating with them is a bit of drastic and leave no ground for helping them to repent.

Christians, here in Singapore, must be careful to deal with SSA issues. Merely using ‘love is love’ to justify acceptance of their wrongful act. SSA is an abomination to God. It should be abstained from. We still love the person but not the indulgence in the sin. An attraction not act upon is not a sin. Just like a person tempted to steal but did not do it cannot be called a thief.

Yes, you can call God discriminatory in this. But salvation is discriminatory – you need to repent of your sins and stop before you can be saved. Calling upon Jesus needs you to repent. God set the rules not us. What are we that we think so highly of ourselves to be above Him? Yes, I know Jesus mingled with the tax collectors and prostitutes. But you should know that those people went away changed and not Jesus. Jesus remained pure. It does not mean that the world is such that we should be. We must follow the Word of God.

Remember the words of St. Athanasius of Alexandria: “If the world is against the truth, then I am against the world.” We must stand in the truth of God.

God bless,
In Christ’s service,

Barry Leong

近期出现很多关于同性恋以及教会当如何应对的课题。大家有各自的立场而其中都是直接相互冲突的。那么，我们应当如何行呢？我们如何能同时维持正统及合一呢？当英国教会决定要“祝福”同性恋婚姻，这个课题在新加坡教区就更加显著了。当然，对新加坡教区而言，是绝对不同意的。随即就出现许多关于与英国教会绝裂的讨论。

我个人的立场是继续与英国教会保持有限的交流，希望藉此能赢得他们回归正统教会。有限的交流不表示我们宽容他们所作的事。但完全断绝及停止和他们联系就有点儿激烈，也没有留下帮助他们悔改的余地。

在新加坡的基督徒，一定要谨慎处理同性恋的问题。仅仅以“爱就是爱”作为接受他们错误行为的理由。同性恋是上帝所厌恶的，这是应当被弃绝的。我们仍然爱这个人但不纵容他沉溺罪中。没有行动的吸引不是罪，就如一个企图偷窃的人但没有付诸行动，就不能被称为盗贼。

是的，你可以说上帝是鄙视这事的，但救恩本是有区分的——你在得救之前就必须先从你的罪恶中悔改并停止犯罪。是上帝立下律法，不是我们。我们是谁，竟能如此高估自己过于祂呢？是的，我知道耶稣也与税吏和妓女相处，但是你也必须知道那些人离开时都改变了而不是耶稣，耶稣依然圣洁。这并不意味着世界就会像我们一样。我们必定要遵从上帝的话语。

记得亚历山大的圣亚他那修所说的话：“如果世界与真理为敌，那么我就与世界为敌。”我们必须坚立在上帝的真理上。

上帝赐福，
在基督里同工的，

Barry Leong

05 Mar 2023

04/03/2023

A few of us were looking at a stretch of water. On the surface it looked absolute tranquil. It was so peaceful and calming. It made some of them want to jump in and swim a little. As a person formerly trained to look at the sea, I warned them of the very strong undercurrent there. It was probably strong enough to drag even strong swimmers under water and swept away. Furthermore, there were probably crocodiles in those areas. So, we threw a small slab of meat into the waters and true enough a crocodile suddenly emerged and gobbled up the piece of meat. Well, that was a close call.

We really do not know what lurks beneath the calm surface. Everything will look perfect if we are careless about the possible dangers. Especially for people staying in Singapore for too long. Our government had done their job well in implementing law and order. It is too safe a place where people are desensitized to the perils around. What’s worse is that we take that approach and apply it when we go, or intend to go, to another country. You may think that a contract will be honored by the law and people here, but it may not be so elsewhere. That is probably why people from some other nations often call people in Singapore naive. WE also depend too much on local news instead of finding out more ourselves. There are only that much that the local news, no matter how efficient and unbiased, can inform you. You have to make your own research and judgment. Let others call you a fool if they want but make your own decision and do not waver if you are really convinced that you are right.

Scripture tells us that the world will only become worse morally and spiritually. The money that you had accumulated is nothing but glorified “I owe you” notes. Someday they will just tumble down. Do what’s right and start to lay treasures in heaven. The real good works that we can do is to bring Christ to those who has yet to know Him. Work while it is still day, for night is coming when no one can work.

Brothers and sisters, be wise and alert for the time may be shorter than we think.

God bless,
In Christ’s service,

Barry Leong

我们几个人在观看着一片水，从水的表面上看，绝对是平静的。一切都那么安静和平稳，甚至有的人还想下水游泳。身为一个曾经受过海事训练的人，我警告他们底下正隐藏着非常强劲的暗流，其强度甚至足以将游泳高手拖入水中并冲走。再者，此地区也可能有鳄鱼出没。于是，我们将一小块肉扔进水里，果然一只鳄鱼突然出现并将那块肉吞噬了。这真的是太惊险了。

我们确实无法知道在平静的表面下潜伏了什么。当我们忽视了可能存在的危险，一切看起来就会是很完美的，尤其是长时间居住在新加坡的人。我们的政府在执行法律和秩序上已经作得很好了。这是个极其安全的地方，以致人民对周遭的危机也麻木了。更糟糕的是，无论我们到哪里，将要去哪里，或到另一个国家，我们依然是采取和应用同样的态度。你或许会认为这里的法律和人民会履行所签署的合约，但其实在别处却未必如此。这也可能解释了为什么一些国家的人经常会认为在新加坡的人是无知的。我们自己也过于依赖本地新闻而不去自行寻找更多的资料。无论多么有效和公正，本地新闻能为你提供的就是这么有限。你必须自己作研究和判断。倘若有人称你为傻子，就任由他们吧，但你要自己作决定，并且在确信自己无误的时候就不再动摇。

圣经告诉我们，世界在道德和属灵上会越来越堕落。你所积攒的钱财也是虚无的，也只不过是一张印刷精美的借据。总有一天，他们会垮下来。要作对的事并开始积攒财宝在天。我们真正能作的善行就是把基督带到还未信主的人面前。趁着白日做工，因为黑夜将到，就没有人能做工了。

弟兄姐妹，要作智慧人，要警觉时间可能要比我们所想像的更短促。

上帝赐福，
在基督里同工的，

Barry Leong

26 Feb 2023

24/02/2023

I was watching a movie and the plot was the same as most movies. The entire plot was based on misunderstanding because no one wants to speak honestly about the problem(s) they are facing. Thus, there was mistrust due to misunderstanding because of lack of knowledge of facts. Then a lot of pain ensues. Finally, everything was resolved because the truth was made known. Why go through all those unnecessary pains when it could be avoided by honest and clear communication?

Why are there difficulties in telling people around you the truth(s)? One of the reasons is “face” – the fear of embarrassment of self. (Incidentally, the Asians are the most affected by this). A person stop-short of speaking because it might cause others to chide you or avoid you. People who are popular are unlikely to say the things that others need to hear. They will say nice and soothing things; but harsh truths are to be avoided. Some times things are not said because the people around you ‘advice’ you not to say. It is not going to be accepted, they say. You will be disliked, they say. Hearing too much of such will make you a man with no views of your own.

The devil thrives on the fact that people do not want to say things truthfully to each other. It uses this fact to cause doubt among each another. Chaos and disunity follow, and the winner is the devil.

We need to speak the truth and nothing but the truth. Be not afraid to do so for it may be painful for a while, but the final result is freedom from misunderstanding and bondage.

We want to be able to communicate in a truthful way but also in a sensitive way. Never want to hide but also never out to hurt others. It is not easy to do so and needs great wisdom. All said, we must also be able to accept truths being told to us. Not accepting truth is also bad. It is good to clarify and to come to grips with the issue than to hide from it.

May the Lord help us to speak the truth and also to accept them accordingly.

God bless,
In Christ’s service,

Barry Leong

我曾观赏一部电影，其中的剧情与大部份的电影相似。整套剧情是讲述人因为不愿意坦诚分享自己所面对的问题而产生误会。于是，缺乏对事实的认知，就造成因为误会而引起的不信任，随即更引发许多的痛楚。最后，当事实被揭露，所有的事都化解了。如果事先可以进行坦诚和清晰的沟通，为什么要经历那些不必要的痛苦呢？

对你周围的人坦诚相告为什么是为难的？其中一个原因就是“面子”—害怕自己蒙羞。（顺带说一句，亚洲人受此影响最大。）一个人可能会因为担心别人的责备或疏远就选择沉默不语。公众人物很少会说别人需要听到的事。他们会说好听和委婉的话；但是会避开苛刻的实话。有时候，事情没有被说出来是因为周遭的人“建议”你不要说。他们会说，这将不会被接受。他们也说。你将会不讨喜。听到太多诸如此类的说法会使你变成一个没有主见的人。

魔鬼会挑唆人们不对彼此说诚实话。它利用这个事实在彼此之间造成困惑，接着就有了混乱及分裂，而魔鬼却成了胜利者。

我们必须说实话，没有别的，只有实话。不要害怕如此行，虽然可能会短暂的经历痛楚，但是最终的结果却是从误会及捆绑中重获自由。

我们要以一个坦诚却也敏锐的方式沟通。不要有所隐瞒但也不刻意伤害别人。这并不容易作到，而且需要很大的智慧。总而言之，我们也必须接受别人对我们所说的实话。不接受实话也一样不好。能澄清及处理事情比隐瞒事实更妥当。

愿主帮助我们说诚实的话，同样也能接受实话。

上帝赐福，
在在基督同工的，

Barry Leong

19 Feb 2023

17/02/2023

The latest favour of the month is the Turkey and Syria earthquake. Everyday the news bombarded everybody about the death tolls and the plight of the people there. Many people in Singapore, suddenly, want to donate money to help them. Criticism of those who are not helping abound.

Well, what about the earthquake in Pakistan recently. It is now out of favour. A new kid is now around the block. Then what about the earthquake in the Philippines today. Oh! You did not know about it? There were 427 earthquakes in the Philippines over the last year, anyone cared? Anyone cried out to donate money? NO! Because the news did not carry it. Maybe you do not know or do not want to know that news media will only carry ‘sensational’ news.

Some people asked me about sending medical teams to Turkey-Syria to help. When I say no, they were indignant about it. Well, I am not about to send a bunch of untrained people into frigid conditions to do work at places that they were not trained to work at. I cannot be responsible for their demise. Those are for the civil defence trained professionals, and many are being sent by their governments there. The only thing we can do is to pray that they come back alive.

What about donations? Many governments have pledges millions for these. The West and US had given billions to a proxy war but relatively peanuts to such humanitarian aids. Go and think about it.

There are many poor and needy that the Diocese of Singapore is working hard to help. The social arm of DOS needs a lot of funds, but is finding difficulties to raise. Are the immediate needs of the poor here in Singapore not important or is it less sensational?

Brothers and sisters, be wise to the sensationalism of the press. There are work to be done daily. Things that we can and should do. Giving to such sensationalism and publish in the papers are but a PR exercise. The daily and quiet helping of the needy around our locality is really what we are called for. Go figure.

God bless,
In Christ’s service,

Barry Leong

本月最备受关注的是土耳其及叙利亚的地震。每一天有关死亡人数及当地人民困境的新闻都在轰炸着每一个人。很多在新加坡的人，突然间要捐款给他们。对于那些没有捐款的人，评论更是到处可闻。

但是，对最近在巴基斯坦发生的地震又怎么样呢？现在一个新的关注点出现了，旧的就被遗忘了。那么今天在菲律宾所发生的地震呢？哦，你还不知道吗？去年，菲律宾在一年内就发生了427次地震，有谁在乎？有人大声呼喊着要捐款吗？没有！因为新闻没有传播。也许你不知道或不想知道，新闻媒体只会刊登“煽动人心”的新闻。

有人问我有关差遣医疗队到土耳其和叙利亚作援助的事宜。当我说不，他们就因此感到愤怒。是的，我不会派遣一支未曾受过训练的队伍，在寒冷的条件下到他们不曾接受过培训的地区工作。我不能为他们的死亡负责。那些都是专业的民防人员，很多也是受他们的政府差遣才到那里。我们唯一能作的事就是祷告他们可以平安归来。

那么，捐款呢？多国政府已经承诺为此捐款数百万元。西方国家和美国也给予代理战争数亿元，但是相对之下，对基于人道主义所作的救灾却是微不足道的。去想想吧。

新加坡教区一直都在很努力的帮助许多贫困和有需要的人。新加坡教区的社区援助也需要很多的资金，但是在筹款上却经历艰难。难道本地贫困者眼前的需要就不重要或是不够轰动了吗？

弟兄姐妹，我们在面对媒体的煽动时要有智慧。每一天都有工作要完成，是我们可以作也应当作的。捐助这样的煽情主义并将之公诸于世只是一个公关的行径。每一天安静的帮助我们周遭有需要的人，才真是我们蒙召去作的。去琢磨吧。

上帝赐福。
在基督里同工的，

Barry Leong

12 Feb 2023

10/02/2023

A staff member brought the entire staff to a hawker centre to introduce us to some “very delicious food”. So, we went. Much to my (me only) horror, the queue was very long and the wait time was estimated to be more than an hour. I told the rest that they can choose to eat that but I will be eating something else. Waiting for an hour or more for food was not exactly my cup of tea.

In our whole life, we spent a lot of time waiting. Wait to be born, to grow up, to go to school, to work, to get married, to have a family, to grow old and then to die. All these waiting is time wasted. They can be spent in more useful endeavours.

My way of evaluating the use of my time is to assign a cost to my time. Then I decide if the event, whatever it is, is worth my time. Waiting in line for food is not exactly my idea of worth. As my life on this earth gets shorter, the cost of my time is more expensive. To use such expensive time, the work must be worth it. Wasting precious life on frivolous trivialise matters is really a bad investment.

What are the things that worth your time? It depends on you. To some, an extra hour lying down is worth everything, to others it may be a waste of time. The context will be very different. So, you will have to decide for yourself, “how much does your hour cost?”

Spend time with family and friends to build relationship. These are good investment of time. Even if the conversations were trivial, they are worth it. Good relationships are built from time spent together. Quantity time beats quality time all the time.

Whatever the context is, spending time with God is the best investment you can make. The time would be well spent. You may complain about the songs, the sermon or even the way the communion was conducted, but the time you put into the work of God is never wasted. It matters for eternity. So, spend your time well.

God bless,
In Christ’s service,

Barry Leong

有一位同工带着整组的同工到小贩中心向我们介绍一些“非常好吃的美食”。于是，我们就去了。让我（唯有我）吓坏的是，队伍很长而且等待的时间恐怕要超过一个小时。我告诉其他的同工，他们可以选择那摊，但是我会去吃别的食物。要为食物等待一个小时或以上，确实非我所为。

在我们的一生中，我们用了很多时间在等待。等待出生、等待成长、等待上学、等待工作、等待结婚、等待成家、等待变老，然后等待死亡。这些等待都是在消耗时间，它们其实可以被使用在更有用的努力上。

我评估自己对时间的使用是为我的时间定下一个价值。然后我再决定这项活动，无论是什么，是否值得我的时间。为食物列队等待就不是我认为值得作的。因为我在世上的生命越来越短，我的时间价值愈发珍贵。要使用这么珍贵的时间，所作的就必须值得。把宝贵的生命浪费在虚无琐碎的事上实在是很糟糕的投资。

有什么事物是值得你的时间的？这在乎你。对一些人来说，用额外的一个小时躺下就是一切，对其他的人而言却是浪费时间。其中的背景将是非常不同的。所以，你必须自行定夺，“你的时间有多少价值？”

使用时间与家人和朋友一起建立关系。这是好的时间投资。即使对话的内容是琐碎的，它们仍是有价值的。良好的关系是在共享时间中被建立起来的。一直以来，多量的时间胜于质量的时间。

无论是什么样的背景，与上帝共享时间是你可以作的最好投资。时间必能被善用。你可能会对诗歌、讲道或甚至施行圣餐的方式不满，但是投入上帝工作中的时间是永远不会浪费的。它关乎永恒，所以，要善用你的时间。

上帝赐福，
在基督里同工的，

Barry Leong

05 Feb 2023

04/02/2023

It was a sobering day. Just out of habit, I took the desk calendar and flip the page from January to February. Suddenly it hit me that another month had just passed. It didn’t seem too long ago that we were celebrating the advent of a new year. Very quickly we were into the second month of the new year. Well, time really flies.

For a moment, I felt a little melancholic, then I snapped out of it and beginning to think. Yesterdays are getting more, and tomorrows are getting less. It is time to put in more effort into things that really matter and stop wasting time on things that don’t.

The question for many of us is what are the things that really matter to us? I know many of you will give the textbook answer to the pastor, our spiritual lives and duties. Well, I cannot fault you with that answer as it is definitely not wrong. But what about others?

Family relations are important. Did we neglect them because we are chasing the temporal things of this world? Yes, finances and status are important. I cannot deny those. Think! What if you become very rich but have no one by your side because you pushed them away in your pursue of riches and fame. Or, if all that they are interested are the riches you left behind. They never had a relationship with you that really matter to them. As a pastor, I had seen enough of family members arguing over inheritance even before the funeral proceeding was over. Relationship needs nurturing, and that takes time. Believe me, it will be time well spent.

Take the time to create good and beautiful memories. Things from a little screen, you know what I mean, are really a waste of time. An achievement of helping someone, a worthwhile cause, a hearty conversation with a good friend, or even reading a good book. Of course, there are many more to list, but you get the drift.

Most importantly, spend time with the Lord. He is really the one that matters above all else. Neglect it to your own peril. Time, on this side of eternity, is short and precious. Use it wisely.

God bless,
In Christ’s service,

Barry Leong

那是清醒的一天。我习惯性的拿起桌面日历，将一月份翻到二月份。突然我才醒觉又有一个月份刚刚过去了。我们似乎在不久之前才庆祝新一年的来临，很快的，我们就已经进入新一年的第二个月份。是的，时间飞逝。

在那一瞬间，我感觉有点忧郁，随即却回过神来并开始思想。昨天是越来越多而明天是越来越少了。是时候把精力放在确实重要的事物上，不要浪费时间在不重要的事物上。

我们大多数人会问一个问题，什么才是对我们真正重要的事物。我知道我们很多人会给牧师教科书上的答案，我们属灵的生命和职分。是的，我不能从那个答案挑出你的毛病，因为它确实没有错误。但是其他的又如何？

家庭关系是重要的。我们是否为了追求这世界短暂的事物而忽略了他们？是的，财物和地位很重要，我无可否认。想想！如果你变得非常富裕却无人在身边，因为你自己在追求财富和名声的时候，已经把他们撇在一旁。或者，他们所在乎的是你遗留下来的财富。他们从来不把与你之间的关系看得很重要。身为一位牧师，我屡屡见到家庭成员为继承权争执不休，或许还是发生在葬礼结束之前，关系是需要培养的，而这需要时间。相信我，这是被善用的时间。.

用时间创造美好及美丽的记忆。从小屏幕出来的事物确实是浪费时间的，你知道我所言为何。因帮助别人而有所成就，一个有价值的事业，与好友的暖心交谈，或甚至阅读一本好书。当然，还可以列出很多，但你们必须明白。

最重要的是，用时间与主相处。祂是真正超乎一切且最重要的那位。忽视祂将后果自负。在永恒的这一边，时间是短暂且宝贵的。以智慧用之。

上帝赐福，
在基督里同工的，

Barry Leong

29 Jan 2023

28/01/2023

A blessed Chinese New Year to all of you. Well, very quickly CNY came and will soon end (CNY lasts 15 days). I looked at all that CNY goodies and snacks at all the homes that I went to, including my own, and knew (as I always had) that much of the food will be thrown away. Some will ‘disguise’ the throwing away by giving to others. So, what made us so sure that others want them? They have their own to throw away.

There was a time when we had little and CNY was a time to go around visitation and eating the goodies. Nowadays, there is nothing special about the ‘goodies’ as we have it throughout the year. Also, interaction during visitation was also minimum as many dwells on their favourite small screens. To make matter worse, many of the Chinese younger generation cannot even say a proper CNY greeting in Mandarin. Sigh! CNY may just become another meaningless holiday for many.

When there is too much of a good thing, it becomes nothing special and taken for granted. Remember when ‘Bak Kwa’ was the one snack we aimed for and only more well to do families can afford them. Now, it will sit there hardly touched by anyone. I would like to commend to all of you, my friends, to NOT buy any of these goodies just because it is CNY. We must not be pressured to buy just because it is expected to be seen on the coffee table when people come visiting. You do not need to put on the ritz just because someone is coming to visit. Nobody should come to your house to judge you or your house. And they are not coming to do so. Just keep it nice and clean as per normal, maybe a little decoration for festive feel, would be enough. All that big do is a pure waste of time that is not in tune with the real meaning of CNY.

CNY is about family and relationship. It is a time to put aside work (or phones) to catch up with the people that meant much to you. It is a time to be thankful for every blessing, material or otherwise, that we now enjoy.

Brothers and sisters, be thankful and love one another. It is a more meaningful way of celebrating CNY.

God bless,
In Christ’s service,

Barry Leong

祝贺大家新春蒙恩。农历新年很迅速的来到也很快要过去了（农历新年历时15天）。我看着所有我去探访的家庭所预备的新春美食和小吃，包括我自己的，我知道（我一直都知道）大部份的食物终究会被丢掉。有的人会将剩余的食物送给他人以掩盖丢弃的行为。但是，我们怎么就确定别人要这些食物呢？他们也需要丢弃自己的那份。

我们曾经生活不富裕，而农历新年是我们到处探访及享用美食的时候。但现在，因为我们一年到头都能吃到，美食就显得没有什么特别了。此外，在探访的过程中也极少交流，因为很多人都沉浸在他们的小屏幕里。更糟的是，很多年轻一代的华人都无法好好的以华语说新春祝词。唉！农历新年对许多人来说，可能只是另一个没有意义的假期。

当好的事物增多了，就会变得不特别，也成了理所当然。要记得，“肉干”曾经是我们很在意的美食之一，却是比较宽裕的家庭才能购买得起的。现如今，却被搁在一边无人问津。我的朋友，我在此劝告大家不要因为是农历新年就购买这些美食。我们不应当因为亲友来访时，期待会在茶几上看见这些美食就备感压力。你不需要因为有人来访就装成高贵。没有人可以来到你家评论你或你的家，其实他们也不会这么作。就如往常保持整洁及干净即可，或许加上一些装饰以增添节日气氛就足够了。大肆铺张纯粹是浪费时间，也不符合农历新年的真正意义。

农历新年是关乎家庭和关系。是把工作（或手机）搁置一旁，与你所关怀的人有联系的时候。也是为我们正在享受的祝福、物质或其他事物感恩的时候。

弟兄姐妹，心存感恩并彼此相爱。这是欢庆新春佳节更有意义的方式。

上帝赐福，
在基督里同工的，

Barry Leong

22 Jan 2023

20/01/2023

A lady driver was looking at the warning signals on her car’s dashboard. It indicated that the car tyres are having serious problem. Instead of checking the tyres, the driver decided to continue driving the car. Her reasoning was that the sensors could be faulty. So, she went on happily to fetch four other passengers and went about their chores in the car. When she got back home later in the evening, she told the family about the “faulty” sensors. A family member went to check out the tyres and realized that the tyres were badly damaged. He went on to have them replaced.

Are we so careless as to be oblivious to the warning signals around us? We “ignore” them because we felt that we know better. Big mistakes come from ignoring the ‘insignificant’ warning signs. I really cannot comprehend how difficult it is to have a look when a warning comes on? The best thing to do is to stop and take a quick assessment before proceeding. Much grief can be sidestepped by paying a little attention. Yet, it seems so difficult. Most accidents happened because people choose to ignore the simple procedures to prevent them.

Jesus warned us about the end times. We are to look out as the signs present themselves. It is for us to do whatever possible to keep ourselves from losing our salvation. Scripture teaches us that the situation can be so bad that God had to cut short those times, otherwise none will be saved. So, do not take it lightly. Do not ignore the warnings.

It is vital for all of us to take our spiritual life seriously. It had to be nurtured and cared for. It is through long and arduous discipline that we develop a strong spiritual life. Even then, we have to be cautious. Even a strong athlete has no guarantee that he will not fail.

Brothers and sisters in Christ, I am no alarmist. At the most I am a voice crying in the desert. All I can hope for is that none will be lost to the world for carelessness about salvation. Do not be distracted by the busyness of the little screen in front of you. Be aware of the dangers of the surrounding environment. Stay safe.

God bless,
In Christ’s service,

Barry Leong

有一位女司机正在看着车内仪表板上的警告讯号。它显示了汽车轮胎已经出现严重的问题。与其检查轮胎，司机决定继续驾驶前进。她的理由是感应器可能出现了故障。于是，她很开心的去接另外四名乘客，并在车里继续闲话家常。当她稍后在傍晚回到家里，她向家人提起“有故障”的感应器。其中一位家人前去检查轮胎，才惊觉轮胎已经严重损坏，于是他就把轮胎更换了。

我们是否也如此粗心大意，以致无视于我们周围的警告讯号？我们是否以为自己懂得更多，以致“忽略”了它们？忽视“微不足道”的警告讯号足以造成极大的错误。我实在无法理解查看显示的警告讯号到底有多困难？最好是即刻停下，快速作一个评估，然后才继续行程。多一点的关注可以避免更多悲剧的发生。然而，这看起来好像是很困难的事。大多数的意外发生是因为人们忽视了预防意外的简单步骤。

耶稣警告我们有关末世的事。我们必须注意这些征兆的显露。我们必须尽己所能保守自己不失去我们的救恩。圣经教导我们，境况可能会变得更糟，以致上帝会将这些时间缩短，否则就没有一个人会得救。因此，不要掉以轻心。不要忽视这些警告。

我们慎重看待自己的属灵生命是很重要的。它必须得到培育及照顾。这要经过长期且艰难的训练才能发展一个坚强的属灵生命。即便如此，我们仍然要谨慎。即使是一位强大的运动员，也不能担保他永远不会失败。.

主内弟兄姐妹，我不是在危言耸听。我最多也只是旷野中的哀哭声。我所能期望的是没有人会因为疏忽救恩而丧失在世界里。不要因为忙碌于你眼前的小屏幕而被分散了注意力。小心周围环境的危机。保持安全。

上帝赐福，
主里同工的，

Barry Leong

15 Jan 2023

14/01/2023

A little girl was telling the mother that she doesn’t want to go home. The mother replied her sternly that everyone needs to go home. Seems like a very innocent conversation between a child and an adult. Well, it was. IF we look at it a little deeper, do we really know what is the meaning of home? What does home mean to us? What is provided by the “home”? I wonder if we know that many in the world today wish that they have a home to return to? Have we taken for granted the safe haven that we so easily want to give up?

Home means many things to many people. Some have a happy one where they experience love and acceptance. Others may not be that fortunate, resulting in not wanting to go back. But somewhere in the heart there is a longing for a home, where love and acceptance are found. Home, the shelter where we are cared for in our most vulnerable moments; where we are build up again when the world had beaten up right down.

Brothers and sisters in Christ, the church must provide the home that many do not have. Be it destroyed by wars, political turmoil, terrible members of the house or otherwise, the church must come in to give the people a home. Christ came to ensure that we have a heavenly home to go back to. A home without tears and pains, where joy and happiness prevail. Love, peace and joy are what we will find there.

Can we also emulate Christ, our Lord, to provide a home for the people here on this earthly existence. Only when the church plays its part in this world can we say that we live out Christ.

Too often church members think of programme instead of people, liveliness instead of love, accreditation instead of acceptance. It is time for us to turn back and start to live a life worthy of the gospel. Concentrate on people instead of programme for it is people that needs God. They would rather have love and acceptance than all the other riches of the world. So! What are we going to do about it?

Brothers and sisters in Christ, go do it. The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.

God bless,
In Christ’s service,

Barry Leong

有一个小女孩告诉她的妈妈说她不要回家。妈妈很严厉的回答她说，每一个都需要回家。这看似孩子和大人之间一段非常单纯的对话。是的，确实是。倘若我们看得深入一点，我们是否真的知道家的真正意义？家对我们而言意味着什么？“家”又提供了什么？我在想我们是否知晓，在今天的世界里有很多人期盼自己有一个家可以回返？我们是否把避风港看作理所当然以致轻易就想放弃？

家对很多人而言有很多的意义。有些人有一个快乐的家是他们可以经历爱和接纳的。有些人却没有那么幸运，结果导致他们不想回家。但是在心灵深处却渴慕一个家，是他们可以找到爱和接纳的地方。家，是我们在极为脆弱的时刻会被关爱的避难所；是当世界被打败的时候，我们却再次被重建的居所。

主内的弟兄姐妹，教会需要提供许多人所没有的家。无论是因为战争的破坏、政治的动荡、家中可怕的成员或其他因素而遭受毁灭，教会必须前来给人们一个家。基督来是确保我们有一个天上的家可以回返。是一个没有眼泪和伤痛，是显明喜乐和幸福的地方。我们可以在那里找到爱、平安和喜乐。

我们是否可以效法我们主基督，为尘世上的人提供一个家。只有当教会扮演好她在世上的角色，我们才能说我们是活出基督了。

很多时候，教会会友只想到节目而不是群众，生动活泼而不是爱，认可而不是接纳。是时候让我们回转并开始活出与福音相称的生命。专注群众而不是节目，因为群众需要上帝。他们宁愿有爱和接纳胜于全世界的财富。所以，我们应当怎么做呢？

主内弟兄姐妹，去如此行吧。起步的方式就是停止言语并付诸行动。

上帝赐福，
在基督里同工的，

Barry Leong

08 Jan 2023

07/01/2023

I was at a queue outside the office of a community club. Some were there for the CDC vouchers and others for tickets for a CNY dinner. Most of the people queuing were elderly folks. The officer-in-charge was swamped and overwhelmed by these folks. The same questions were repeated asked by different folks. One of the questions was why they cannot pay using cash and had to use cashless means? They claim that they do not know how or they do not have bank cards, etc. Story short, they want their way.

The world had moved on and at a very fast pace too. The refusal to adapt to the digital age is obviously a futile effort that leads to a very miserable life going ahead. There is no way back or to stay put. The tide of change cannot be resisted. Yes, it is inconvenient to those who refuse to change, insisting on the old ways. Well, I can only say too bad for you, the rest of us are moving on.

Then there is the other group of “entitled” elderly. This “entitled syndrome” is not just a thing for youths. It is very prevalent among the elderly. Just because you are ‘old’ does not mean that others must do things your way. There is nothing to say that you know everything just because of your age. I would say: “Cross the road carefully, old age does not guarantee that someone needs to give way to you. Even more so as you deal with ‘entitled’ young people.” Mutual respect is very important. Respect is given to you when you also respect others. It also makes for a better society.

Brothers and sisters, the church had come about for more than two thousand years. It had gone through many seasons and trials. There is a need for us to learn to adapt to the tide of change. For sure our theology and belief in God do not change. Our expression of our faith, however, can take a different form. We cannot insist on the bible being printed media only. They can be read using electronic means. There is really nothing wrong with that, just different expressions. Let us build a strong foundation in God and express it in a way that is consistent with the times.

God bless,
In Christ’s service,

Barry Leong

我正在一间民众俱乐部的办公室外面排队。有人在那里领取社里会的邻里购物券，有的是为新春晚宴的入场券而来。队伍中大多数是乐龄人士。负责的职员被这些乐龄人士所淹没且不知所措。不同的乐龄人士正重复着问同样的一个问题。其中一个问题是为什么他们不能使用现金而只能作无现金交易？他们声称他们不知道怎么做，或者他们没有银行卡等等。简单的说，他们一意孤行。

世界正在前进而且是急速前进。拒绝适应数字时代显然是徒劳无功的，也导致未来的生活会非常苦不堪言。没有退路或原地踏步。变化的浪潮是无法抵抗的。是的，对不愿意改变、顽固不化的人来说是不方便的。但是，我只能说是你吃亏了，其他的人已经在前进中。

此外，还有另一组“享有有特权”的乐龄人士。这“享有特权症状”并不只为年轻人所拥有的，它在乐龄群中也非常普遍。不是因为你年长，就意味着其他的人必须依循你的方式做事。没有说法指明因为你年长，你就什么都懂。我要说的是，“过马路要小心，年长不保证就有人需要让路给你。”当你与拥有“特权”的年轻人接触尤其如此。互相尊重是非常重要的。当你尊敬他人的时候，你才会得到尊重。这也将造就更好的社会。

弟兄姐妹，教会已经历经了两千多年。她也经历了许多时节及试炼。学习适应变化的浪潮对我们而言是必要的。可以确定的是，我们对上帝的神学与信仰是不变的。然而，我们对信仰却可以用不同的形式表达。我们不能执着于圣经必须是印刷的。它们也可以通过电子方式来阅读，这并没有任何的错误，只是表达的方式不同。让我们在上帝里面建立坚固的根基，并且以能与时代同步的方式表达出来。

上帝赐福，
主里同工的，

Barry Leong

01 Jan 2023

31/12/2022

I was having breakfast in a nearby hawker centre. Of course, I will need my coffee. A particular coffee stall caught my eye. It had a long queue while other coffee stalls had no queue at all. It cannot be that the coffee was so different that people choose to queue here than to just buy at another stall. And I found out that was the case. The coffee powder was freshly grounded from the beans, changed after every ten cups or so. The price of the coffee was slightly cheaper than the other stalls. And the wait was not as long as I thought would be. Conclusion was that people will flock to you when you offer reasonably priced good coffee. The slight inconvenience of waiting in queue can be tolerated.

As I always believed, provide good reasonable product (service) and the customers will come. It seems so easy but why are there so many people not doing it? That’s the mystery, correct? My guess is that many are too lazy to work a little harder to make that slight difference to stand out. That little bit of hard work seems to be a bridge too far. Thus, the failure of so many of them. Interestingly, there are so many people with time to redo than time to do it well the first-time round.

In this new year, we must take a close look at ourselves. Are we living a life worthy of the gospel? Can we really say that we are an encouragement for others to follow Christ and not a stumbling block? Are we the good product that draws others to Christ? Hopefully, we are not the bad stuff that keeps others out of the kingdom.

Yes, it will need effort on our part. That, my friends, is the burden that we need to bear. We are saved, no doubt about it. We do not need works to get us into the kingdom. But we need to live like citizens of heaven. Those outside of heaven will look at us and see if it is worth the effort to be in. So, we need to put in that little bit of effort to make a change to our lives, to make it a fragrance unto the Lord.

Happy New Year, my dear brothers and sisters. May the Lord bless you all forever more.

God bless,
In Christ’s service,

Barry Leong

我正在附近的小贩中心吃早餐。当然，我需要我的咖啡。其中一个咖啡摊位吸引了我的注意力。这个摊位前面正排着长龙的同时，其他的咖啡摊位却无人问津。这绝对不会是因为这摊的咖啡有多奇特，以致群众只选择它而不是去光顾其他的摊位。我还是找出了其中的原因。它的咖啡粉是从咖啡豆中新鲜研磨出来的，而且大约在每十杯之后就更换。咖啡的价钱还比其他摊位的稍微低一点，此外，等待的时间并没有我想像中的长久。结论就是当你所提供的是价钱公道的好咖啡，群众就会蜂拥而至。排队等待所带来的些许不便也是可以容忍的。

我一直都相信，能提供公道的好产品（服务），就能吸引顾客。这看起来很简单，但是为什么还是有那么多的人不依循呢？这很奇怪，对吗？我猜测那是因为很多人太懒惰，不愿意更勤劳一点去稍作改变，好让自己脱颖而出。那一点的辛劳似乎就像一座遥远的桥梁。因此，他们当中许多人就失败了。有趣的是，有更多的人宁可花费时间去重做，而不是在第一轮就把它作好。

在这新的一年里，我们必须仔细的看清自己。我们是否活出与福音相称的生命？我们是否真的能说自己是他人跟随基督的一个鼓励，或者是他们的绊脚石？我们是否是吸引他人亲近基督的好产品吗？真希望我们不是使他人离开天国的坏影响。

是的，我们必须努力。我的朋友，这是我们必须承受的担子。毫无疑问，我们是得救了。我们不需要做什么才能进入天国，但是我们必须活出天国子民的样子。那些在天国以外的人会注视我们并看看是否值得他们进来。因此，我们需要付出些许努力去改变我们的生活，并献上馨香之气给主。

我亲爱的弟兄姐妹，新年快乐。愿主祝福你们直到永远。

上帝赐福，
主里同工的，

Barry Leong

25 Dec 2022

24/12/2022

Blessed Christmas to all of you. Christmas is ranked by many as the happiest holiday of the year. The lights and presents add to the festive mood of the yuletide season. People celebrate it regardless if they are Christians or not. It seems to be a holiday for all, and not restricted to anyone. Yes, it is indeed a joyous occasion.

But do we really know why it is such a joyous occasion? To be fair, it is in the midst of winter. In where we are, it is during the wet season. Is it not supposed to be dark and gloomy? Yet Christmas brings such joy to people that they consider it special enough to be the happiest holiday of the year.

Is it because of the presents that people receive during Christmas? Or is it due to the lights and decorations that light up the dark and gloomy weather? Has it got anything to do with the big fat man in the red outfit? NO! All of these are not the reason. The lights and presents are there because of the REAL reason.

The real reason for Christmas is the first coming of Jesus Christ, the Word becomes flesh. He had come into the world in order that man can be saved and to have eternal life. Human beings are unable to save ourselves from the tyranny of sin. Without Jesus Christ, we are doomed for eternal death. So, His coming into the world is wonderful news for us. He is the light that had entered darkness and to conquer darkness. That is why we celebrate with great joy. The presents and everything else is but peripherals to the real joy of having Jesus Christ. He is here for the entire mankind. That is why everybody has a strange feeling of unspeakable joy when it comes to Christmas. It is beyond words.

Brothers and sisters, when we celebrate Christmas let us also bring the greatest joy to those who has yet to believe the saviour Jesus Christ. Let no one take away the real reason for Christmas, Jesus Christ.

God bless,
In Christ’s service,

Barry Leong

祝贺各位圣诞节蒙恩。圣诞节被很多人列为一年之中最快乐的假日。彩灯和礼物也增添了圣诞季节的气氛。不论是不是基督徒，人们都庆祝这个节日。它似乎就是所有人的节日，并不局限于任何人。是的，这确实是一个欢乐的日子。

但是我们是否真的知道它为何是这么一个欢乐的日子呢？公平的说，这是在冬季期间。在我们所处之地，就是雨季。难道不应该是灰暗和阴郁的吗？但是圣诞节却把喜乐带给了人们，以致他们把它看作是特别且是一年之中最欢乐的日子。

是因为人们在圣诞节所收到的礼物吗？或是点燃灰暗及阴郁的彩灯及布置呢？还是跟那位穿着红袍的大胖子有关？不是！这些都不是原因。彩灯和礼物之所以存在是为着那个真正的原因。

圣诞节真正的原因是耶稣基督第一次的降临。道成了肉身。祂来到世界上，使世人能得救并有永恒的生命。人类无法将自己从罪恶的权势中拯救出来。没有耶稣基督，我们就要在永恒的死亡中灭亡。所以，祂来到世界上对我们而言是美好的消息。祂是那一道进入黑暗并得胜黑暗的亮光。因此我们能以极大的喜乐欢庆。礼物和其他一切都只是我们在拥有耶稣基督时得到真正喜乐以外的附属。祂为全人类而来。这就是为什么当来到圣诞节，每一个人都会奇妙的感觉到无法形容的喜乐。这是无法言喻的。.

弟兄姐妹，当我们庆祝圣诞节，让我们也把最大的喜乐带给那些还未相信救主耶稣基督的人。不要让任何人夺去圣诞节真正的意义，耶稣基督。

上帝赐福，
在主里同工的,

Barry Leong

18 Dec 2022

16/12/2022

As we become more 富裕affluent and educated, it is important to keep away from being too sure of ourselves. The recent death of a SCDF NS firefighter is a timely but sad reminder for Singaporeans who think that we are safe and sound. Napoleon, at his heights, said “God is on the side of him with the biggest guns.” During his exile, he said, “Man proposes, God disposes.”

The parable that Jesus told of the rich man who wanted to tear down the old barns to build new ones because he thought that he was successful (Lk 12:16-20), should give us a warning of being too conceited. We may just end up losing everything. Also, if our sight is only on this life time, then we will lose, big time, on the future that is to come.

As we come to the end of the year, we must take some time off to look deep into ourselves. What are there that need changing? How are we going about it? What kind of impact or consequence if there is no action taken?

It is good for us to start doing it before we get caught up in the festive celebrations and busyness. Time will fly by very fast and before we know it, it is gone. Another year will come and go.

Do not sit in the well and look up to the sky. Your view will be limited. And your decisions will be short-sighted and lacking. When all had come and gone, we may regret that we did not climb out to see the bigger perspective. Regrets are the worse things in life.

Also do not be the frog in a boiling kettle. Always be aware of the changes around and within you. With everything changing so fast, we may be boiled alive without knowing. Dying as a fool is a very bad way to die.

Brothers and sisters, Christmas and the beginning of a new year is around the corner. Make a choice to live well, a life that is worthy of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

May you have a fruitful and wonderful time during this festive season.

God bless,
In Christ’s service,

Barry Leong

当我们越来越富裕及接受更多教育的同时，很重要的是要避免对自己过于自信。日前一名民防局国民服役消防员的逝世，对以为自己很安全稳当的新加坡人来说是一个及时但哀痛的提醒。拿破仑在他的巅峰时期，曾说：“上帝站在握着最大的枪的那一边”。他在流亡期间，他说：“人建议，上帝处置”。

主耶稣提及的比喻中，富有的财主筹划着要拆了旧的仓房以另盖新的，因为他以为自己已经很成功了（路加福音 12:16-20），这已经在警告我们不要过于自负。我们可能最终会失去一切。此外，倘若我们的眼目只在乎今生，那么我们在未来的日子，将会失去更重要的时刻。

当我们来到一年的结束，我们一定要拨出时间自我深省。有什么是需要改变的？我们该怎么作？若不采取任何行动，又将会出现什么冲击或后果呢？

能够在我们陷入节日欢庆和忙碌之前就先这么做是很好的。时间急速飞逝，在我们发现之前就已经消失了。一年来去又一年。

不要坐井观天，你的视角将受到限制，而你的决定也将是短视和贫乏的。当一切来了又去，我们可能就要懊悔自己未曾爬出来看看更大的视野。生命中最糟糕的事就是懊悔。

此外，也不要成为沸腾水壶中的青蛙。必须时常关注你周遭和内在的变化。当所有的事物都急速变化，我们可能在毫不察觉时就活生生被煮沸了。成为傻瓜死去是最坏与最笨的死法。

弟兄姐妹，圣诞节和新一年的开始即将来临。作出抉择活得有意义，活出一个配得耶稣基督福音的生命。

祈愿你在这佳节期间，有丰盛及美好的时刻。

上帝赐福，
在基督里同工的，

Barry Leong

11 Dec 2022

10/12/2022

I was going for a retreat in Changi. When I reached the hotel, I found none of the other participants there. After a phone call I realised that I was at the wrong hotel. I assumed this was the hotel. However, it was wrong. Fortunately for me the correct hotel was only a few minutes away. So, I managed to get to the correct place without being late.

Of course, that was not life and death issue. At most, I would be reprimanded for being late but I will not lose my life or be damned forever.

There are many, however, are in a precarious position of being wrong to the extent that they may be in eternal perdition. They assume that they “know” what they believe. Unfortunately, most time they do not. I am not saying that they are not intelligent. It is that they merely assume that they know because their parents and grandparents believed. There is no deliberate effort to check if their beliefs make sense. For example, burning paper items and assume that the dead ancestors will receive them in full forms. No address, no recipients, no understanding of what the other world is like. Can the “offerings” even make sense? But they think that they know. Or they do not really care as long as their ‘conscience’ and duties are done.

What should we, as Christians, do? How do we help them know the truth? Well, we must know the truth first. How do we do that? By studying the bible and attending lessons to know more. There are many resources available today. Just a word of caution about resources via the internet; you must verify the teachings with the Holy Scripture yourself. Do not take it as gospel truth just because it was “taught by some big names.” The local church has the responsibility of educating the members. SJCp had been trying to provide biblical teachings and more will be provided next year.

Brothers and sisters, I encourage you to stop assuming and start to know for sure. Let us come together to learn from the Holy Word the God that loves us.

God bless,
In Christ’s service,

Barry Leong

我正前往樟宜参加一个退修会。当我抵达酒店，在那里却找不到其他的参加者。我打了一通电话才发现自己走错了酒店。我以为就是这间酒店，但是却错了。幸亏我前往正确的酒店只需几分钟的时间。于是我能在不迟到的情况下抵达正确的地点。

当然，这并非关乎生死的事情。最多我可能因为迟到而受责备，但却不至于失去我的生命或永远被诅咒。

然而有很多人却因为犯错而处在岌岌可危的境地，甚至可能落入永恒的灭亡。他们以为自己“知道”自己所相信的。不幸的是，很多时候他们并不知道。我不是说他们并不聪明，只是他们假设自己知道，仅仅是基于他们的父母和祖父母所信的。其中也没有刻意和极力的去察验自己的信念是否有意义。例如，焚烧纸制物品并假设逝世的祖先仍会完好无缺的接收到。没有地址、没有接收者、也对另一个世界一无所知。“祭拜”是否有意义？但是他们仍以为自己懂得，又或者只要他们完成了“良知”及职责，他们并不真正在乎。

身为基督徒，我们又应该做些什么呢？我们怎么帮助他们知道真理呢？当然，我们必须懂得真理。我们如何办到？藉着查阅圣经及参加课程以了解更多。今天有很多资源垂手可及。这里要针对网络上资源稍作提醒；你必须自己以圣经来验证这些教导。不要因为是“鼎鼎大名的人”所教导的，就将之视为福音真理。我们的教会有责任教导会友。SJCp一直都在尝试提供圣经教导，明年也将有更多的安排。

弟兄姐妹们，我勉励你们停止假设，开始确定。让我们从圣经中一起学习去爱我们的上帝。

上帝赐福，
基督里同工的，

Barry Leong

4 Dec 2022

03/12/2022

I heard some of the school girls moaning over the Mandarin assignment they had to hand up. One of them was supposed to be their “saviour” because she takes “Higher Chinese.” I found the term “Higher Chinese” amusing. I thought it would be more appropriate to call the subject “Higher Mandarin,” after all they are studying Mandarin. Chinese is a race with many variants (about 302) of the same language, eg. Cantonese, Hokkien, Kuek, Hainanese, etc. Mandarin is but one form though it must be said that it is to be the “commonly” spoken (pu tong hua). The lack of precision in terms used is not confined just to the lay people; even the Ministry of Education makes such an assumption.

I really must urge members to learn to use terms as they meant it to be. The danger of being vague in our language brings forth discord and misunderstanding. People do disagree over issues mainly due to wrong premises. For example, the evolution theory. In your mind, you start to think about the theory that man evolved from monkeys, and further back to the big bang. This is but one variant of the evolution theory albeit the most commonly known. Another variant is that mankind does adapt to their surrounding and evolve accordingly to survive in that environment, eg. people living in the tropics as opposed to those living in the arctic. From the different in premises and without stating it, two people can get into a heated argument. Also, imprecise terms breed misrepresentations and misunderstanding. Therefore, it may be better to keep one’s silence unless we can make it very clear. However, nothing is better than it coming straight from the horse’s mouth.

In a society where people are used to messaging language and cannot spell correctly, or deliberately not spelling correctly, misunderstandings are time bombs ready to explode.

Let us be very careful with the way we use terms and say things in order that we may live harmoniously.

God bless,
In Christ’s service,

Barry Leong

我听到一群女学生在为她们需要交上的华文作业哀叹。其中一位似乎是她们的“救主”，因为她上的是“高级华文”课程。我觉得“高级华文”（Higher Chinese）这个名词很有趣。我想应该称这门课程为“高级华语”（Higher Mandarin）更加贴切，毕竟她们学习的是华语。华族是一个源自一种语言进而演变出许多种语言（大约302种）的民族，例如，粤语、闽语、客语、琼语，等等。华语则是其中的一个形式，虽然必须说它是“普遍”被使用的语言（普通话）。对词汇缺乏精确的应用并不局限于一般平民；即使是教育部也会作出同样的假设。

我确实要请求会友学习按着词汇的字义去使用这些词汇。含糊不清的使用语文所带来的危机就是造成不和及误会。人们会因为立场的不同而对各种话题产生异议。举个例子，进化论。在你的头脑里开始想到猴子演变成为人的理论，然后再往前追溯。其实这只是进化论中最广为人知的一个演变。另外一个则是人类因为要适应周围环境，进而演变才能在环境中生存，例如，生活在热带地区的人与生活在北极的人是不同的。来自不同的立场，加上没有说明，两个人就可以进入一场激烈的争执。另外，不精确的词汇也会产生曲解及误会。因此，除非我们可以清楚说明，否则宁可保持沉默。无论如何，没有什么比由当事人亲自讲述来得更好。

在一个人们都习惯于发简讯，又无法准确拼写，或刻意不准确拼写的社会里，误会就是一颗随时准备爆炸的定时炸弹。

我们在遣词用字及言语上必须非常的小心，好让我们能和睦共处。

上帝赐福，
主里同工的

Barry Leong

27 Nov 2022

26/11/2022

A man went to church grumbled about the hypocrites he saw, the mistakes made by the song leader, the way offertory was collected, and the content of the pastor’s sermon. It was a very terrible service for him. He would have changed church had it not been the same elsewhere.

Another man in the same service said as he was leaving that it was an uplifting service and left with a joyful heart. Each of them experienced the truth of the words: “What you look for is what you get.”

In Psalms 122, David recalled the gladness he had felt when his companions invited him to accompany them to a religious festival in the temple at Jerusalem (v1,2). He spoke of the sense of oneness he experienced there with people from all the tribes (v3-5). He urged his readers to pray for the peace of Jerusalem. He longed for the food of all the people (v6-8). But as his thoughts focused on Jerusalem as the location of the temple, which represented the dwelling place of God, he pledged himself to seek its prosperity (v9). His whole attitude was positive.

Although there may have been hypocrites in the temple (as in the church today), David was not concerned with them. If he had been preoccupied with some faults in the priests’ performance of their tasks or mistakes the musicians made, he would have missed the joy of true worship. But he went looking for fellowship with believers and with God, and that’s what he found.

Yes, we get what we look for. What did you find in church today?

GO TO CHURCH TO WORSHIP, NOT WHISPER –

TO COMMUNE, NOT TO CRITICIZE.

God bless,
In Christ’s service,

Barry Leong

有一个人来到教会，埋怨他所看见的伪君子，诗歌领唱所犯的错误，收取奉献的方式，以及牧师讲道的内容。对他而言，这是非常糟糕的崇拜聚会。如果不是其他教会也大同小异，他早就转换教会了。

另外一个在相同崇拜聚会的人，在离开的时候却说这是振奋人心的聚会，并怀着喜悦的心离去。他们各人都体现了“所見即所得”的真理。

在诗篇122，大卫回顾当他的同伴邀请他在宗教节庆回到耶路撒冷的圣殿时他所感受到的喜悦（1,2节）。他述说自己在那里经历了来自各个支派的会众合一的精神（3-5节）。他呼吁他的读者要为耶路撒冷求平安。他渴望所有会众的食物（6-8节）。但是他的思想却专注于圣殿的所在地耶路撒冷，这是上帝降临的地方，他定意要为它求福（9节）。他的整个心态是非常积极的。

虽然在圣殿中可能会有虚假的人（就如今天的教会），大卫并不在乎他们。如果他真的只专注在祭司执行任务时的一些欠缺，或者乐手的错误，那么他就会失去真正敬拜的喜乐。但他去寻求的却是与信徒和与上帝之间的团契，这也是他所找到的。

是的，所見即所得。那么你今天在教会里找到什么呢？

去教会，是为了虔诚敬拜而不是窃窃私语–

是为了彼此交流而不是相互批评。

上帝赐福，
在基督里同工的，

Barry Leong

20 Nov 2022

19/11/2022

A motorcyclist was riding precariously near the blind spot of my car. I slowed down to let him pass. He overtook me and continued to weave in and out of traffic dangerously. To be honest I gave way to him because I was more afraid of him damaging my car than he killing himself.

Further down the road, a car screeched to a halt because a girl crossed the road recklessly. The girl was not even one bit stirred by the near-death event. From where I was, I could see that her ears were plugged with ear phones, probably pumped to the loudest volume possible. I understand that some places in the world are trying to outlaw crossing the road while “hooked” on to some mobile devices – iPhones, iPod, etc…

Don’t live life dangerously, live it comfortably – believe in God NOW.

God bless,
In Christ’s service,

Barry Leong

有一名电单车骑士正摇晃着靠近我汽车的盲点。我减速让他先过去。他越过我后仍继续左右穿梭的危险驾驶。坦白说，我之所以让路给他是害怕他损毁我的车过于他伤害自己。

跟着前方不远处，有一辆汽车因为一名女孩鲁莽过马路而紧急刹车。那女孩却丝毫不受这近乎死亡的事件所惊扰。从我所在之处，我可以看见她的耳朵正插着耳机，很可能还调到最大的声量。我明白有些国家已经开始立法制止人过马路时被一些行动设备“控制”——苹果手机，苹果音乐机，等等…

我在想我们是否尝试在危险的边缘生活却还以为这是很酷的事。我只能警告，那些活在刀锋上的人必死在刀锋下。为什么我们要把线划得那么细？这是潮流吗？这是习惯吗？我不知道。我知道的是很多人就是如此活着的。可能是看了太多詹姆斯·邦德（James Bond）的电影吧！

很多人以为他们可以将关乎天堂的事留待稍后再说。我们总还有明天。其实有时候，明天永远不会来。那些在我们之后还活着的人，会为我们懊悔吗？或者有人必须活在永恒的懊悔中？对我个人而言，这是极其恶劣的想法。

不要继续悠闲在肉身的安全感里，且仍然在犯罪的生活中游戏。我们已经被警告除非从我们的道路上回转，否则我们将被灭亡。在扭曲的虚妄中，很多人嗤笑上帝的赦免。不要夸口你将会在晚年成为基督徒，而现时却宁愿不顾危险地享受这世界。虽然在你呼求的时候，上帝的大门随时是开着的，但那也必须是你还有机会呼求。

不要冒险的活着，要舒适的活着——现在就相信上帝。

上帝赐福，
在基督里同工的，

Barry Leong

13 Nov 2022

12/11/2022

I attended a prayer meeting recently. There were slightly over 400 people gather to pray in that meeting. ‘All was well’ and everybody was excited. All shouted ‘Amen’ when the MC was professing that Christians believe in prayer. The entire meeting lasted about 2 hours. I must say that this was quite a hyped-up meeting.

Then it dawned upon me that this organisation has about 20,000 members. All of them are supposed to believe in the power of prayer. In this annual event about 2% came to pray. Slightly less than half the sanctuary was filled. Can we seriously say that they believed in prayer? What happened to the rest of the members? Too inconvenient for them? Maybe, just maybe, they were participating in the prayer meeting at wherever they were. I seriously doubt that.

Okay, I am not being cynical. I am just sad. We have to be honest with ourselves. With the challenges of the world we are in today, we cannot afford to be lying to ourselves. Or even being complacent.

It is time that we are serious about our faith and work hard at living it out. There is really no point in ‘playing church’ or being falsely religious. If we really believe in the power of prayer, especially corporate prayer, then let us stand up and be counted. Let us not hide behind some semblance of piety and think that we are okay. No, we are not okay. Look at the number of members attending prayer meetings. It is really pathetic in many cases. Sad to say that, in some cases, the pastor is only there because he is on duty. So, are we really okay? No, but all is not lost.

I believe in the power of prayer. It stems from my belief of the true and living God who loves me. His word is remains true that He will answer us when we call upon Him. He will never fail.

But we need to truly believe and show it by both actions and words. There is nothing to gain from lying to ourselves. We need to be honest to ourselves and turn from wrongdoings. It is time to be real in our faith. Seek God while He can still be found.

God bless,
In Christ’s service,

Barry Leong

我在不久前参加了一个祷告会。有稍微超过400人聚集在这祷告会中一起祈祷。“一切都好”而每一个人也很兴奋。当司仪宣称基督徒是相信祷告的，众人也大声说“阿们”。整个祷告会历时大约2个小时。我必须说这是一个相当振奋人心的聚会。

接着有一个念头浮起，这个机构拥有20,000会友。他们所有的人都应该相信祷告的能力。在这个年度的聚会里，只有2% 的人出席并祷告。圣殿内只坐满不到一半的座位。我们还能慎重的说他们是相信祷告的吗？其他的会友怎么了？对他们而言，是很不方便吗？或许，或许，他们是在其他所在之地参与了祷告会。我对此实在质疑。

其实，我不是愤世嫉俗，我只是难过。我们必须对自己诚实。面对我们今日所处世界带来的挑战，我们不能容许自欺，甚至都不能自满。

是时候慎重看待我们的信仰，并竭尽所能去将之活出来。实在不需要“游戏教会”或假装虔诚。如果我们真的相信祷告的能力，尤其是集体的祷告，就让我们起立并参与。我们不要躲藏在一些虔诚的虚表背后，为自己还好。不是的，我们并不好。不妨看看参加祷告会的会友人数，很多时候真的是很可怜的。难过的说，有些时候，牧者出席是因为他有职责在身。我们真的是还好吗？不是的，只是还不至于白费心机。

我相信祷告的能力。支撑我的是我相信真实及爱我的永活神。祂的话语一直都是真实的，祂也会在我们呼求祂的时候回应我们。祂永不食言。

但是我们需要确实的相信并以行动和言语表达出来。从自欺中不能有所获得。我们必须诚实的面对自己并从恶行中转回。是时候真实面对我们的信仰。趁着上帝还能寻见的时候就寻求祂。

上帝赐福，
主里同工的，

Barry Leong

6 Nov 2022

05/11/2022

Go figures! Don’t just laugh at the similarity. Think of the similar consequences.

God bless,
In Christ’s service,

Barry Leong

想想吧！不要对它的相似会心微笑。好好想想它相似的祸害。

上帝赐福，
在基督里同工，

Barry Leong

30 Oct 2022

29/10/2022

It was painful for me to see members burying their heads on their phone playing mobile games before the morning service starts. The church was full of people, yet only a few were interacting meaningfully while the rest were like the new perennial monkey – “speak nothing, see nothing, and hear nothing” – burying their heads in their phones. No! They were not preparing their hearts for the worship of God. If anything, they wish they were not there and somewhere else indulging in their fantasies.

Yes, I know that you are going to say that I am going on my perpetual complain about using the mobile phones. No, I am not against the using of the phone as a tool. I am against a new form of addiction, that cannot be enforced like abuse of drugs or gambling. I know that parents lament their inability to ‘control’ their children doing so. Well, the first thing is to start controlling themselves.

I hope I am wrong in this prediction of the future. But I am quite sure that many children, especially boys, will grow up to regret their indulgence in mobile gaming. They will not do well in their education, and their focus is perpetually elsewhere. Addiction in any form – drugs, vaping, mobile gaming – will one day destroy your health, family and career. Shout all you want for the government to ‘protect’ your job. It won’t happen. The global competition had started long before and it is not going to stop. Be good enough or be disqualified. You had your chance for a head start, destroy it at your own peril. Start to think and refocus your direction and life. Do not give the silly excuse of stress. With good planning and consultation with those who gone before, difficulties can be managed.

Most importantly, we have the Almighty God who is our father in heaven. He will lead and guide us, if we are willing to spend the time listening to him instead of the heart trumping sounds of mobile games.

Brothers and sisters, neglect God at your own risk. All I can say to you is the it is not worth it. Love God and Him alone, and you will find true joy, peace and love.

God bless,
In Christ’s service,

Barry Leong

每当我看见会友在上午的崇拜开始前埋头于手机游戏，确实令我心痛。教会虽有很多人，但是只有一些人会用心的彼此沟通，而其他的却像新版的三不猴（perennial monkey)——“非礼勿言，非礼勿视、非礼勿听”—— 将他们的头都埋在手机里。没有！他们并没有预备自己的心敬拜上帝。或者，他们甚至希望自己并不在场而是在别处沉溺在他们的梦幻中。

是的，我知道你又要说我不断对使用手机作出抱怨。不是，我不是反对把手机当用具使用。我是在针对一个上瘾的新形式，它与滥用毒品或赌博一样是不能被沾染的。我知道父母也因为无力“控制”孩子如此行而哀叹。但是，首先要作的就是先控制他们自己。

我希望我如此预测未来是错误的，但是我可以相当肯定有很多孩子，特别是男生，将来长大会对他们沉溺于手机游戏而感到懊悔。他们将不会在教育上有好成绩，他们的专注力一直都在别处。任何形式的上瘾——毒品、电子烟、手机游戏——总有一天会毁掉你的健康、家庭和事业。你可以大声嘶喊让政府来“保住”你的工作，但什么都不会发生。全球性的竞争早已经开始，也不会停止下来。足以胜任或遭受淘汰。你的机会就在起跑点，你可以冒险把它毁坏。开始思考并重新聚焦在你的方向和生活。不要以压力作为愚蠢的藉口。有好的计划以及向有经验者咨询，困难就可以在掌握中。

最重要的是，我们有全能的上帝，祂是天上的父。如果我们愿意用时间聆听祂的声音胜于手机游戏发出的声音，祂会带领及引导我们。

弟兄姐妹，若忽略上帝就要自负后果。我可以对你说的是，这绝对不值得。爱上帝并单单爱祂，你会找到真正的喜乐、平安和爱。

上帝赐福，
主里同工的，

Barry Leong

23 Oct 2022

22/10/2022

There was a time we seek to have pen pals. You write a letter, post it and wait for the reply (sometimes for a long time before you get one). The excitement of receiving a letter was beyond words. And it was likely that you will read the letter many times over, to enjoy the feeling again and again. That was also how we get to know each other over a long distance. We call such a system snail mail nowadays. The only letters we receive now are mostly bills and official corporate notifications. An old man mentioned cheekily while standing beside his letterbox that he should rename it to “bill-box”, as those were the only correspondences coming to him.

Fast forward, technology today had “shortened” the distance and time that we get to know one another. You send a message, through any of the social media platforms, and you expect to receive a reply almost immediately. If not, you send another mail to “chase” for a reply. Search through the “postings” in the social media platforms, like Facebook or Instagram, and you can almost create a profile of someone you had never met in your life once. Now, you may even think that he or she had been your friend a lifetime ago.

People hardly talk over the phone too. We used to complain about our relations using the phone for too long, “cooking telephone porridge” as it was termed. Something that a very quick phone call can settle, end up spending much effort over messaging.

So, I really do not know if technology had made any real progress. It had alienated people, for that I am very sure. There are much less meaningful interactions and relationships among people who matters. We “know a lot and don’t know a lot” if you know what I mean.

Brothers and sisters, I pray that you will get to know the people around you in a real and meaningful way, not via messages or postings. But in a way that’s full of flesh and blood. Also, do know our Lord in the most intimate way and not only via YouTube videos.

God bless,
In Christ’s service,

Barry Leong

在过往我们曾经想要拥有笔友。你写了一封信，邮寄后等待回音（有时候还需等待许久才得到回信）。收到回信的兴奋感确实是难以言喻的。而你可能还会重复阅读信件很多遍，也不断享受其中的感觉。这也是我们跨越远距离彼此认识的方式。我们今日称此系统为蜗牛邮件。我们现今会收到的邮件大部份是账单及官方公函通知。有一位长者站在他的邮箱旁边，很调皮地说他应该将之改名为“账单邮箱”，因为朝他而来的只有这些邮件。

时间快速前进，今天的科技确实“缩短”了我们彼此相识的距离和时间。你藉着任何社交媒体的平台发了一条讯息，你也期待马上能收到回音。否则，你会再发一条讯息“催促”对方回复。通过社交媒体平台寻索“发布文”，例如脸书、新浪微博，你就几乎可以为一个素未谋面的人开置个人资料夹。现在，你或许也以为他/她是你相识已久的朋友。

大家也难得会以电话交谈。我们曾经埋怨因为关系而长时间使用电话，就是所谓的“煲电话粥”。有时候一通电话就能快速解决的事情，结果却用了很多精力去发送讯息。

所以，我真的不知道科技是否带来真正的进展。但我非常确定的是，它使人孤僻。它在至关重要的人当中，减少了很多有意义的互动及关系。如果你明白我的意思，那么我们就是“知道的很多，不知道的也很多”。

弟兄姐妹，我祈祷你们能藉着真实和有意义的方式去认识你们周围的人，不是通过讯息或发布文。而是以有血有肉的方式。此外，要藉着最亲密的方式来认识我们的主，而不只是通过优酷的视频。

上帝赐福，
在主里同工的，

Barry Leong

16 Oct 2022

14/10/2022

Every so often that people talk about wanting to retire from their job early and “enjoy” life. Some succeeded, some failed and others are left wondering what happened. Well, they have a foretaste of it courtesy of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The pandemic forced a period of “no work” and staying in at home. At the beginning, many were “enjoying” the “freedom” of lazing around. Soon enough, reality sets in. Many became bored, not knowing what to do? They were totally unprepared for this “forced slow down.” One cannot do as they pleased, nor go as they want. There was nothing planned in their lives for the unexpected sudden lockdown. Students and working adults alike scrambled for IT equipment for learning and work. What do they do with so much “free” time on their hands now? Some of them had found themselves inadequate as they are not prepared to “jump” into the digital world. Just saying you do not know how to use a computer or IT gadget is not going to cut it as there will be very little help all of a sudden. The steep learning curve will have to be climbed very quickly, like it or not.

We have to think very carefully what we talk and ask for, because we may just get it before we are prepared for it. Retirement is not to be a frivolous word to just mutter out. For many, it must be thought of very carefully and start preparing from a very early stage of working life.

The work of the Lord cannot be put off till a later time when we are “more free” to do. Rarely, there will come a time when we will be “more free”. As the bible warns us that the servant must keep alert for the return of the master and not slack, it is prudent for us to keep alert. We should give the best time to the Lord and not giving “leftovers” to Him.

Brothers and sisters, we must work while it is still day. Night is coming when no work can be done. Concentrate on what is important (evangelism and discipleship). Do not get distracted by the peripheral issues (LGBTQ, gender equality, etc). Those issues are not important compared with the eternal life of a person. Concentrate and focus.

God bless,
In Christ’s service,

Barry Leong

经常听到有人说要提早从工作中退休，然后“享受”生活。有的成功了，有的却失败，留下其他的人就疑惑发生了什么事。因着2019年冠状疫情，他们预先尝到所谓退休生活了。

疫情迫使人进入“没有工作”并留守在家的时期。起初，很多人会“享受”懒散的“自由”，但很快的就回到现实。很多人开始烦闷，不知该作些什么？他们对这“被迫放慢”的状态完全没有预备。没有人可以随心所欲，或任意而行。他们的生活中，对突如其来的封锁并没有任何防备。学生和工作人士同样为学习及工作所需的讯息科技器具而忙乱。他们如何看待手上宽裕的“空闲”时间？当中有些人因为没有预备好“投入”数码世界而发现自己的不足。到处说你不会使用电脑或讯息科技器具是没用的；因为你会很突然的感觉无助也发现无人会伸出援手。无论喜欢与否，都必须很快的爬上陡斜的曲线。

我们对所说及所要求的，都要经过清楚的思考，因为我们可能提出要求却还没来得及作好预备就实现了。退休不是一个随口嘀咕的轻浮词句。对很多人来说，它必须经过深思熟虑，也必须在工作生涯的很早期就开始作准备。

主的工作不能被忽略至我们“比较清闲”的时候才去行。甚少有这样的一段时间是我们“比较清闲”的。圣经也警告我们，仆人不能散漫，一定要儆醒等候主人的归来，我们必须保持谨慎。我们应当将最好而不是“剩余”的时间献给主。

弟兄姐妹，我们要趁着白日做工，黑夜将来临就没有人能做工了。要专注在重要的事上（传福音及门徒训练）。不要被外在的因素分散注意力（性取向课题，性别平等，等等）。那些课题对比一个人的永恒生命并不重要。要集中并专注。

上帝赐福，
主里同工的，

Barry Leong

9 Oct 2022

07/10/2022

Shortly after I started on my sabbatical leave, the government implemented a circuit breaker because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Just before that I was exercising quite vigorously everyday clocking about seven to nine kilometres each day. With the circuit breaker, everybody must wear a mask. To be sure I was quite irritated with that idea. How am I going to continue my vigorously workouts with the mask? (Spoiler: One of my personal sabbatical goals was lose six kilograms and bring “six friends” back.)

An idea struck me as I sat there moping. Athletes had always wore masks to train to simulate high attitude’s thin atmosphere. That made the training a lot more difficult. Immediately I decided that I cannot change the situation, but I can change myself. I continued my everyday workout with a re-usable mask on. Yes, it was more difficult, but it paid off. I reached my goals in a shorter time and felt much better that I could do it.

Our Christian life will need us to persevere on in spite of all difficulties to live a good life. Of course, it is much easier to listen to some “famous” preachers and believe that we need not do so. Regardless of how much money you ‘donated’ to them, you will not go to heaven on their teachings. It is more likely that you will end up in hell. Living a life that glorifies God in an era that is evil and against God is very difficult. Just staying away from the mobile phone for slightly more than an hour to worship God collectively is already very difficult for many; and you want to talk about real sacrifice?

There are many who read the bible and find some part of it difficult to follow. Credit to some, they soldiered on. There are others who will just ignore them and live a truncated gospel. Still others will try to explain away or even change the meaning totally just to feel that they are living the full gospel (think prosperity gospel, or cheap grace).

Brothers and sisters, persevere on and fight the good fight till the end. There is no easy way in this era, only holding on to the truth of Scripture.

God bless,
In Christ’s service,

Barry Leong

当我开始我的安息年假期不久，政府就因为2019年的冠状病毒疫情而实行了阻断措施。在这之前，我每天都勤力作运动，一天能建走七到九公里。因为阻断措施，每个人都一定要戴上口罩，其实我对这个要求是感到相当烦躁的。我戴上口罩又怎么能继续勤力作锻炼呢？（泄密警告：我其中一个安息年的个人目标是要减去六公斤并寻回 “六个朋友”）。

在我感觉郁闷的时候，一个念头敲击了我。运动员需要经常戴着口罩，在高空气压下接受稀薄氛围的模拟训练。这就增加了训练的难度。我立刻就决定，我虽然不能改变处境，但是我可以改变自己。我每天戴着可重复使用的口罩继续锻炼。是的，这愈发困难，但是值得了。我在更短的时间内达到了目标，也为自己能作到而感觉良好。

我们基督徒的生活需要我们在所有的困难之外，仍坚持到底活出美好的生命。当然，去听一些“著名”的讲员说话，然后相信我们不需要这么作是比较简单的。不管你“捐赠”了多少钱给他们，你将不会靠他们的教导上天堂。很可能，你最终到了地狱。要在一个邪恶且与上帝对抗的世代活出荣耀上帝的生命非常艰难的。对许多人来说，要稍微摆脱手机超过一个小时，以便能集体的敬拜上帝已经是非常困难了；而你还想谈论真正的牺牲吗？

有很多人查阅圣经却发现其中有些部分难以遵从。归功给那些坚持争战的人。有的人会无视这些且活出断章取义的福音。也有一些是尝试辩驳或完全改变原意，好让自己以为是活出全备的福音（例如富裕福音，或廉价恩典）。

弟兄姐妹，坚持到底，至死打一场美好的仗。这个世代没有捷径，只有把握圣经的真理。

上帝赐福，
主里同工的

Barry Leong

2 Oct 2022

30/09/2022

When I was six years old, my father was teaching me not to smoke cigarette. The only problem was that he was smoking one at that very moment. As an obnoxious kid, I asked him why he can smoke? He gave some silly excuses that the toilets were very smelly during his younger days. I did not listen to him teaching me as I did not believe in a person who was smoking at the moment and telling me not to do so. Of course, I did not pick up that bad habit as I was intelligent enough to understand the bad effects from my own readings. I took personal responsibility for my own health. To be fair, my father, who I loved dearly, had many good qualities that I had benefitted and learned from. Smoking, however, was not one of them.

Fast forward to recent years. I exercise to keep myself healthy and fit. Why? Because I cannot bring myself to tell my church members to keep healthy and fit if I am not doing so myself. Having a big fat midsection and telling them to take care of the body, the temple of God, is a very bad example and as ridiculous as my father teaching me not to smoke while smoking many years ago. I cannot bring myself to give ridiculous reasons. I have to talk the walk and walk the talk.

This living right has to continue till the end of our lives. We cannot live on the history of doing good. What happened yesterday is gone, today is a new day. It is for us to continue to live well. I used to read the bible conscientiously but I got lazy and stopped does not really cut it as a good example to learn from. We need to persevere. Past glory cannot be used to teach others. Only what you do now can be a testimony. And this testimony is good only as long as you continue to live well.

Christians must really learn to live the life worthy of the gospel. A life that is characterized by the fruit of the Holy Spirit. We may once be lost but now must live like one that is found by God. Do not give excuse to ourselves. What’s gone is history, today we live to create the future, a future with God as Lord and King.

God bless,
In Christ’s service,

Barry Leong

在我六岁的时候，我的父亲就教导我不要抽烟。唯一的问题是在那一刻他正叼着一根烟。身为一个令人厌烦的小孩，我问他为什么他可以抽烟？他提出一个愚蠢的理由说，在他小时候厕所是非常臭的。我没有听从他的教导，因为我不相信一个当时正在抽烟的人竟然能够教导我不可如此行。当然，我没有染上那个坏习惯，因为我足以聪明的从个人阅读中去明白它的不良后果。我为我自己的健康负责。公平的说，我的父亲，是我心深爱的，有许多好品德是我受益良多并可以学习的。只是抽烟，并不在其内。

快速来到这几年，我常常运动以维持自己的健康及强壮。为什么呢？因为我不能允许自己在告诉我的会友要保持健康和强壮的同时，自己却没有作到。有一个肥大的肚腹却告诉他们要照顾身体，上帝的圣殿，这是非常不好的榜样，这就如多年前我的父亲在他抽烟的同时告诉我不可以抽烟一样的荒谬。我不能允许自己找荒谬的理由。我必须言我所行，行我所言。

正确的生活必须持续到我们生命的终点。我们不能活在光荣的历史中。昨日种种已经消失，今天是新的一天。我们需要继续活得好。我曾经切切实实的查阅圣经，但之后就懒散并停止，这绝不能成为学习的榜样。我们必须坚持。过去的荣耀不能用来教导别人。只有你目前所作的才能成为见证。唯有当你继续活得好，这见证才能是美好的。

基督徒一定要学习活出与福音相称的生命，一个能印证圣灵果子的生命。我们可能曾经迷失，但是现在一定要活出被上帝寻回的生命。不要为自己找藉口。过去的已经成为历史，今天我们活着是要创造未来，是以上帝为主为王的未来。

上帝赐福，
主里同工的，

Barry Leong

25 Sep 2022

24/09/2022

Recent news reported a young doctor sentenced to jail and had his license as a doctor terminated because of taking 3200 underskirt photos. Apparently, he was arrested three times for such offences. He was supposed to be a person of learning, considering that he was a doctor. We asked ourselves the question’ “What was he thinking?”

Of course, the lawyers and some others will attribute it to mental illness or stress; typical western way of thinking. The way to do it is to commit a crime, attribute it to mental illness and get away with punishment.

The failure to recognise sin as sin is a very dangerous trend in the world today, especially advocated by the westerners. They will blame the sinful acts on medical, mental, and social reasons. All the blame on the person committing the crime is to be taken out. A person kills his schoolmates – it’s because he or she is under extreme stress from work. People abusing drugs, they are too stressed. They will blame everything except themselves.

It is time to call sin as sin. It is time for people to take personal responsibilities for their failure. Stop blaming it on society, medical or mental. It is just like students who refuse to study / revise and blame their teachers and take poor results on the examination being too difficult. A Cantonese saying goes like this: “One is unable to defecate because the toilet is too new!” Blame it on everything that can be blamed except yourself.

When we start to look at God and start taking personal responsibility for the things we do, then we will realise that the problems of the world are caused by the culmination effect of people’s refusal to admit to their sins. A country, like US, trying to teach other countries about human rights? When they have terrible human rights record themselves? Start to look at the man in the mirror and change. Then the world change.

Brothers and sisters, at the end we will answer to God for all that we have done. There will be no attorney arguing that you are mentally disturbed or socially bruised. There is only Jesus washing away our sins provided that we start to take personal responsibilities – admit our sins, accept Jesus as Savior and start changing our lives. Make the change today.

God bless,
In Christ’s service,

Barry Leong

最近有新闻报道，一名年轻的医生因为偷怕3200张裙底照片而被判监禁及吊销医生执照。显然的，他因为此类罪行已经三次被逮捕。他应当是一名有学识的人，更何况他还是一名医生。我们要问自己的是，“他到底在想什么？”

当然，几位律师和其他的人都将之归咎于精神疾病或压力；典型的西方思想。只要犯下一宗案件就归咎于精神疾病，然后免于受刑。

不能承认罪恶为罪恶其实是现今世界非常危险的趋势，尤其是西方人所推崇的。他们会将犯罪行为归咎于医药、精神、以及社会原由。所有犯案者的罪责都被拿掉了。一个人杀了他的同学，是因为他或她在工作上承受了极大的压力。人们滥用毒品，因为他们有很大的压力。他们会责怪所有的事物唯独自己。

现在是时候称罪恶为罪恶。也是时候让人为自己的失败自行承担责任。停止归咎于社会、医药或精神。这就如拒绝读书/复习的学生，责怪他们的老师，并因为成绩差而认为是考试太难。有一句粤语是这么说的, “一个人因为厕所太新而无法排泄！”把一切都归咎在所有的事物上，除了自己。

当我们开始注视上帝并开始为所作的事负责，我们就会发现世界的问题其实是人拒绝承认自己的罪所造成的巨大后果。一个国家，就如美国，尝试教导其他国家有关人权的事？其实他们本身却有强调人权的恶劣记录？开始注视镜子中的这个人并作出改变。然后世界才能改变。

弟兄姐妹，最终我们都必须为自己所作的一切向上帝交代。到时就不能再辩护你是不是精神受困扰或被社会伤害。当我们愿意开始担负个人的责任，唯有主耶稣可以洗净我们的罪— 承认我们的罪、接受耶稣为救主并开始改变生命。今天就作出改变！

上帝赐福，
在基督里同工，

Barry Leong

18 Sep 2022

17/09/2022

A girl was lamenting her examination results. She could have done better if only she had started her revision earlier, but it was all too late now. The results were set in stone for this round. Hopefully, she learnt her lesson and start preparing for the next examination early.

Interestingly her lamenting including things like blaming herself for spending too much time on her social media and watching useless videos on her phone. Well, is that not something that we already know?

Actually, there are many good things that we know within ourselves and they are not that difficult to do. It merely takes discipline for us to do it and become successful. Also, we know, and probably been warned of all the temptations along the sides, of the way to do everything correct. But more people seem to do everything that they are warned not to do instead of what they should not be doing. Weakness of the flesh.

It is important for those who want to succeed in what they are doing to start doing at the earliest possible moment, mainly NOW. Just like NIKE would say it, ‘Just Do It.’ There is not a moment to lose. Tomorrow is too late already.

If you want to start to have a good spiritual life, start changing. Read the bible and pray everyday already. Don’t start tomorrow, as tomorrow never

comes. If you want to have faith, then start believing. Do not wait for an event to have faith, start believing today. Create the future is the best way to know it. The future starts today, not tomorrow.

So! Whether we want to succeed in the physical or spiritual, we have to start now. We do not want to knock on heaven’s door when it is too late. We may not have a chance then. Believe in Jesus while he can still be found. When the door is shut, it will be useless to cry.

Brothers and sisters, it’s now or never; spread the gospel to all your loved one. Do not lose any of them to procrastination. Live eternal life now.

God bless,
In Christ’s service,

Barry Leong

有一位女生正在为自己的考试成绩哀伤。如果她可以提早开始复习，应该能作得更好，但是现在一切都已经迟了。这一轮的成绩已成定局。希望她吸取教训并为下一次的考试提早作准备。

有趣的是，她的哀伤中也包括了埋怨自己花费太多时间在她的社交媒介，以及用手机观赏无用的视频。确实，这些我们在之前不是已经知道的吗？

其实，在我们之内还有很多有益的事物是不难去做的。主要是需要有纪律的去作以取得成功。另外，我们知道，也可能曾经被警告，在通往正途的这一路上会出现所有的试探。但大部份的人似乎会作所有他们被警告不可行的事，甚于他们不应当作的事。肉体的软弱。

对于那些想要在自己所作的事上取得成功的人来说，在可行的时段越早开始是重要的，主要就是现在。就如耐克（NIKE）所说的‘Just Do It’。没有时间败下阵来。明天就已经太迟了。

如果你要拥有一个美好的属灵生命，就开始改变。应该每天查阅圣经和祷告了。不要等到明天才开始，因为这样的明天不会来到。如果你要有信心，那么就开始相信。不要等待任何事件以建立信心。今天就开始相信。

所以！无论我们是要在身体上或属灵上成功，我们都需要现在就开始。我们不要在敲打天堂大门的时候才发现太迟了。到时我们可能就没有机会了。在耶稣还可以被寻见的时候就相信祂，当大门被关上，哀哭也于事无补了。

弟兄姐妹，就是现在抑或永无机会；向所有你爱的人传福音。不要因为耽延而失去任何一位。现在就活出永恒的生命。

上帝赐福，
主里同工的，

Barry Leong

11 Sep 2022

10/09/2022

A very rich woman was convicted in court for corruption of very large sum of money. What was most intriguing was the fact that she pleaded that she was poor while wearing a watch costing over two hundred thousand dollars. Also, the bag that she had cost tens of thousand dollars. I guess the definition of poor defers for different people. By her definition, I will be in the extremely poor category.

There are many people who are perpetually worried that they will not have enough money to live. Yet there are others who earn much less than these people but feel that they have enough. So! What gives?

You can put it to the different mindset. With the “half full” or “half empty” mindset, you determine if you have enough. Is that all there is? Mindset?

Well, you can reason as such in a secular world mentality. Then you can decide how you want to save or use your finances. Poor people should just blame themselves for not working hard to earn enough or down right blame their bad fortune.

How should we Christians think then? I would commend to you to trust the Almighty God who owns everything in the entire universe. Nehemiah 9:21 reminds us that the Israelites lacked nothing during the forty years in the wilderness. They had everything that they need. Time and again God had proven Himself faithful in providing for all of us. There will always be enough, if we are willing to trust and obey.

The danger will come when we start to hoard rather than using the finance given to us wisely to store treasures in heaven. What is the use of a big bank balance when the spiritual life rots internally? Why look at the temporal instead of the eternal?

Brothers and sisters, God never fails. His love endures forever. He will never allow us to lack anything necessary. He wants us to do His will; seek first His kingdom and righteousness, and the rest will be added to us. We will always have enough. Have faith my friends.

God bless,
In Christ’s service,

Barry Leong

一位非常富有的妇人在法庭上被控告贪污一笔巨款。最不可思议的是她在求情时说自己是贫穷的，而与此同时，她却戴着价值超过廿万元的手表。另外，她拥有的手提袋也价值十万元。我猜想对贫穷的定义，还真的是因人而异。在她的定义中，我将是属于极度贫穷的类别。

有很多人一直以来都在担忧自己没有足够的钱财过生活。然而却有其他收入比这些人少得多的人却很知足。那又是何解呢?

你可以从不同的观念来看。从“半满”或“半空”的观念模式，你可以决定自己是否是足够的。不就是如此吗？观念模式？

或许，你可以藉着世俗的想法自圆其说。然后你可以决定要怎么样节省钱财或使用财富。贫穷的人只能责怪自己不够努力去赚取更多或直接怪自己的运气很差。

我们身为基督徒又应当怎么想？我会鼓励你信靠这位拥有全宇宙所有一切的全能上帝。尼希米记 9:21提醒我们，以色列人在旷野的四十年里一无所缺。他们拥有所需要的一切。上帝一再供应我们每一个人以证明祂是信实的。如果我们愿意信靠及顺服，总是会足够的。

当我们开始囤积而不是有智慧的使用赐予我们的财富以积财宝在天，危险将会临到。有丰厚的银行余额但属灵生命却腐朽，有什么益处呢？为什么注目于暂时而不是永恒呢？

弟兄姐妹，上帝不会失信。祂的慈爱永远长存。祂不会让我们缺少任何我们所需要的。祂要我们成就祂的旨意；先寻求祂的国和祂的义，这些东西都要加给我们了。我们总会有足够的。要有信心，我的朋友。

上帝赐福，
在基督里同工，

Barry Leong

04 Sep 2022

03/09/2022

I chanced upon a short video clip where an American man dressed himself in traditional Mexican costume went about interviewing people about their feelings regarding his dressing. Almost without fail, the white American general public felt that he was racist, insulting to the Mexican, and thought that he was very insensitive to the Mexicans. When he turned around and interviewed the Mexican on his dressing, they were so happy and honoured that he dressed in their traditional costumes.

The world, especially the West, is filled with people who live by half truths. People stop thinking but live by ‘shouting’ slogans. Racism, BLM, Climate change, foreign threats, gender equality, and the list goes on. What are the bigger implications, the history behind and the ways forward are not thought of carefully. Raising of placards, pseudo understanding and pointing fingers at other countries, as if such things will change things. No, it wouldn’t. They are momentary distractions to the general masses about the real problems that Western politicians want to avoid dealing with.

And this is coming on fast into our society via the powerful media influence from the West, especially US. The masses, especially non-critical thinking youths, are sucked into these debates and ‘shouting’. When there are too much ‘noises,’ level-headed thinking is difficult and the problem will not be solved fully or partially. Maybe, just maybe, people do not want to deal with it. After all, these are their problems not ours.

Brothers and sisters, we all live in one world. It is the only one we have and we are connected somehow whether you like it or not. Let me give you a very short but only effective answer to solve all these – stop “thinking like idiots” and the ‘shouting’, start to help people follow and live the way of Christ. Christ is the only answer to all these chaos. He is the only way.

God bless,
In Christ’s service,

Barry Leong

我在一个偶然的机会看到一个短视频，其中讲述一个穿着墨西哥传统服饰的美国男子，在询问群众对他身上服饰的感受。几乎没有例外，美国白人群众都觉得他有种族的歧视，也在嘲讽墨西哥人，认为他对墨西哥人非常不贴心。当他转而访问墨西哥人谈论他的服饰，他们却非常高兴并为他能穿上他们的传统服饰而感到受尊敬。

这个世界，尤其是西方国家，存在着很多只活出一半真理的人。人民不再思考却靠着“呐喊”口号而活。种族主义、“黑人的命也是命”运动（Black Lives Matter）、气候变化、外在威胁、性别平等，及一连串的名词。什么是最大的涵义、背后的历史、以及前面的道路都没有经过谨慎的思考。他们高举布条、伪装了解并指向他国，以为这样就能改变事物。不，绝对不会。它们只是短暂地把群众的注意力，从西方政治家都不愿解决的问题中分散了。

这些正藉着西方国家，尤其是美国的媒体强大影响力，迅速地进入我们的社会。群众，尤其是没有批判思想的年轻人，就被卷入这些争辩及“呐喊”中。当出现太多的“噪音”，就很难有沉稳合理的思考，而问题就不能完全或部分性被解决。或许，只是或许，群众也不要去处理。毕竟这是他们的问题，不是我们的问题。

弟兄姐妹，我们同住在一个世界里。这是我们拥有的唯一一个世界，无论你喜欢与否，我们都互相牵扯着。请允许我给你一个简短但唯一能解决问题的有效答案——停止“像傻子一样思想”以及“呐喊”，帮助群众跟随并活出基督的样式。基督就是一切混乱的唯一答案。祂是唯一的道路。

上帝赐福，
在主里同工的，

Barry Leong

28 Aug 2022

27/08/2022

The latest talking point is all about the repealing of section 377A. Churches are spending their time talking and talking and talking. They talk as if the end of the world is at hand because of the repeal of this section. All kinds of seminars and forums have been initiated and promoted. The amount of attention given to it is great. News and articles come into my inbox fast and furious.

Well, to me, it is a waste of my time. I delete them as they come in. I do not promote them. I knew this is coming since the longest time. The bible already tells us about what is going to happen in the last days. This is inevitable. The question to ask is not what we are to do about it. We are to ask ourselves what should have been done right from the early days. All our talks today will not stop it from happening. The last days, end times, will come whether you like it or not. The good news is that the Lord is also coming soon.

We should be spending our time bringing the good news to everybody. We must save as many as we can when it is still day. There is nothing we can do when night comes. The time and energy spent to talk about 377A would be better spent on telling others about God, His love and His salvation. Why get into a discussion that will not yield any viable outcome? Spend the time bringing people into the kingdom. Believe me, the people will appreciate you more.

Another thing of equal importance is to spend time and effort to teach our people the word well. Strengthen their faith and they will live a life worthy of the gospel. Then you need not worry about the any section of the law being repealed. When Christians only know God superficially, they live a superficial spiritual life. It will be easy for wrong morality to creep in. When the US banned the bible and public prayers in schools in 1962, their schools started to become hotbeds for violence and moralistic decadence.

Brothers and sisters, major on the major and not the minor. Preach the Word, live the life of God.

God bless,
In Christ’s service,

Barry Leong

最近的热门课题都围绕着废除刑事法典377A节条文。教会也在花时间一而再、再而三的谈论。他们似乎认为废除了这条文，世界末日就要临到。许多研讨会及座谈会都主办和宣传过了。它所得到的关注是极大的。送进我邮箱的消息及文章是非常快速及猛烈的。

但是对我而言，这是在浪费我的时间。讯息一进来，我就将它们删除了。我不去推动它们。很久以前我就已经知道这一天会到来。圣经已经告诉我们末世的时候会发生什么事，这是无可避免的。我们该问的问题不是我们要对此作什么。我们要问自己的是从一开始就应该作对什么。我们今天所有的言论不会阻止事情的发生。无论你喜欢与否，最后的日子、末日仍会临到。好消息就是主也快要再来。

我们应该善用时间把好消息带给每一个人。我们必须要趁着白日尽力救更多的人，黑夜来临我们什么都不能作了。用时间及精力来谈论377A还不如用来和他人谈论上帝、祂的爱和祂的救恩。为什么要为不会产生果效的理论进行商讨？要善用时间带领人进入天国。相信我，大家会因此更感激你。

另外一件同等重要的事就是善用时间和心思，用上帝的话语好好教导别人，坚固他们的信心，让他们活出与福音相称的生命。那么你就不必操心有哪一条法典的条文被废除了。当基督徒对上帝的认识是肤浅的，他们活出的就会是肤浅的属灵生命。错误的道德观就能轻而易举的潜入。当美国在1962年禁止在学校使用圣经和公开祷告，他们的学校就开始成为暴力和道德败坏的温床。

弟兄姐妹，要着重在重要的事而非渺小的事。要传扬福音，活出上帝喜悦的生命。

上帝赐福，
主里同工的,

Barry Leong

21 Aug 2022

20/08/2022

While waiting to cross the road, a pretty young thing walked to my side. She was also waiting to cross the road. Next thing I saw was smoke coming out of her mouth, but she did not have a cigarette. Then I saw hidden under the jacket on her hand was a vaping device. Ah, she was vaping (electronic cigarette); a habit that is more deadly than smoking. More nicotine enters the lungs and known to be many times more harmful than conventional cigarette smoking. It causes you to age much faster. I wonder if this young girl knows that!

More information and research are available to us now than ever before. We are at the age where we should know better. What’s good or bad is literally at our fingers, courtesy of ‘google.’ We can search and read, almost on the spot, on any subject that we want to know. And “Knowledge is Power.” Yet, there are still people who abuse drugs, smoking, and participate in other vices. Does that mean that knowledge does not save us? It is more likely the ignoring of knowledge that’s the culprit.

Did Adam not know of the consequence of eating the forbidden fruit? He did but ate anyway, thus plunging the entire humanity into perdition. So, knowledge is not power. The proper use of knowledge is power.

The sinful nature of humanity is a very powerful force that causes us to do what is wrong rather than what is right. The devil will always ‘sweeten’ the deal and make it really easy for us to sin against God. You may want to say that smoking is not sin. Well, maybe you are right but hurting your body like so is painful for our loving Father in heaven. And when the harmful effect of smoking is fully manifested, then the sick person always blames God for the illness. Did he or she not think that will happen?

Brothers and sisters, the road to perdition is paved with good intentions, and may I add, with many wrong assumptions. Better to listen to God’s word and take the narrow door to heaven, than to walk the broad way and end up in hell. Follow God and follow well.

God bless,
In Christ’s service,

Barry Leong

我正等待着过马路，一个年轻漂亮的女子走到我的身边。她也在等待过马路。随即我就看见有烟雾从她的口中飘出来，但是她却没有香烟。接着我就看到她藏在外套下的手有一瓶蒸汽烟。啊，她在抽吸蒸汽香烟；一个比抽烟更致命的习惯。更多是尼古丁会被吸进肺里，据说要比一般惯用的香烟会造成更大的损伤。它将加速你的衰老，我猜想这年轻女孩是否知道！

相比过去，我们现在可以找到更多的讯息和资源。我们处在一个应该拥有更多知识的时代。通过酷哥，要知道什么是对或错是轻而易举的事。我们几乎在弹指之间就可以浏览和阅读任何我们要知道的课题。更何况“知识就是能力”。然而还是有人滥用药物，抽烟并涉及其他恶习。这是不是等于知识并没有拯救我们？其实更像是轻视知识才是罪魁祸首。

亚当难道不知道吃下禁果的后果吗？他知道但还是吃了，因此陷全人类于毁灭之中。所以，知识不是能力。善用知识才是能力。

人类的罪性是非常强大的力量，足以让我们去作错的事过于对的事。魔鬼常常会“甜化”整件事，让我们更轻易的得罪上帝。你可能会说抽烟不是罪。好吧，或许你是对的，但是伤害你的身体会让慈爱天父心疼。此外，当抽烟的恶劣后果完全显露出来的时候，生病的人就会因为病痛而埋怨上帝。难道他或她不曾想过这些会发生吗？

弟兄姐妹，通往灭亡的道路可以出自好的动机，请允许我加一句，它是带着错误的假设。聆听上帝的话语并选择通往天堂的窄路，胜于走在宽敞大道却以地狱为终点。跟随上帝，好好跟随。

上帝赐福，
在主里同工的，

Barry Leong

14 Aug 2022

13/08/2022

A “hyper spiritual” person spoke to me about training the spirit was enough to keep ‘fit’. Only the spirit was important, others were secondary. Then another friend barged in the conversation and chided on his comment by saying: “Oh, come on! Live in the real world.” They argued on and on. Me? I sat there and enjoyed the show. 😊

To the people who do not know Jesus Christ, even some who claims they do, the physical or secular world is the real world. The spiritual world, or the kingdom of God, is not real. It is too perfect, they say, thus it cannot be real. It is a world reserved for some ‘spiritual’ people. And if you ask why it is not for them; they will tell you that they like the ‘real’ world. Simply said, they do not want to acknowledge their failings. Somewhere inside they know of their sinfulness and cover it up by splitting it into the ‘real’ world and ‘spiritual’ world.

First, let me say that there is no dichotomy of the world into two. There is only one world. Either the secular or spiritual, it is one world, different aspects of the one world. The is our Father’s world, the one that God created. It is the human beings trying hard to split it into two to cover up for our sinfulness. It is so that we need not answer for our failures to live a good life. The argument about flesh and spirit had gone on for centuries. Just that it is getting less clear as the ability to think deep and clear becomes weaker. The instant gratification phenomena of today cause people to think less.

Jesus Christ came to make entering the “spiritual’ world way easier. He died for our sins so that we are righteous by faith. The physical and spiritual worlds become one. In Jesus there is no dichotomy. It goes back to the world that God created for us.

Brothers and sisters, reject Jesus and the world will fall apart for you. It’s only in Jesus Christ that all things will make sense. Time to regain your rightful place, believe in Jesus.

God bless,
In Christ’s service,

Barry Leong

一个“过度属灵”的人与我谈论操炼灵性就足以维持“强健”。只有灵性才是重要的，其他的都是次要的。另一位朋友介入我们的谈话并反对他的言论，“哦，醒醒吧！活在现实世界里吧。”他们继续的争辩。我？我就坐着欣赏演出。😊

对不认识耶稣基督的人，即使有些是自以为认识的，肉身和世俗的世界才是真实的世界。属灵的世界，或上帝的国度是不真实的。他们说这过于完美了，因此不会是真的。这是为“属灵”人所保留的世界。如果你问为什么这不是属于他们的；他们就会告诉你他们喜欢“真实”的世界。简单的说，他们不愿意承认自己的堕落。在他们心灵的某处，他们知道自己的罪性，却将之分隔成“真实”世界和“属灵”世界，以此作掩盖。

首先我要说，没有二等分法可以将世界一分为二，只有一个世界。世俗的或属灵的，只有一个世界，一个世界的不同层面。这是天父的世界，是上帝所创造的。也是人类为了要掩盖自己的罪性而极力要将之分割的。那么，我们就无需为自己无法过一个好生活的失败作交代。有关肉身及灵性的争论已经存在了几个世纪。只是已经逐渐变得不清晰，因为深思熟虑的能力变弱了。现今快速满足的现象也促使人减少思考。

耶稣基督来是要使进入“属灵”世界的道路更容易。祂为我们的罪死，使我们因信称义。肉身和灵性的世界合而为一。在耶稣里，没有二等分法。它回到了上帝为我们所创造的世界。

弟兄姐妹，拒绝耶稣，世界就会为你分割。只有在耶稣基督里，所有一切才会合情合理。是时候复原你的正确位置了，相信耶稣。

上帝赐福，
主里同工的，

Barry Leong

7 Aug 2022

05/08/2022

Some years ago, I overheard a mother encouraging her young boy to pursue his dreams. “Do not let anyone stop you,” she said. “You must live your life and fulfil your dreams — marry the girl of your choice, have the career you desire, own a house you want — do not let laziness, meaningless distractions, other people’s ideals be your stumbling blocks,” she continued. And she went on and on for quite some time. “That’s an encouraging mother,” I thought to myself.

Recently, I overheard a conversation of two young adults while having a coffee break with my colleagues. One of them was lamenting on how the parents were putting their fingers into every decision he intended to make for his life – girl friends, career, car. His friend tried to mitigate by saying that the parents cared for him, and afraid that he might make the wrong choice. The reply was amusing: “I am already in my mid-thirties and I cannot make ‘good’ decisions? I have a degree and they do not, yet they think they know better.” The friend asked, “Then why didn’t you go ahead with your choices?” The young man answered: “I didn’t want to break their hearts even though I know my choice is correct. Guess I just have to live with regrets. I love my parents, but only hope that I will not turn bitter and hate them later for their interference. Already I had ‘wasted’ many years.” I wanted to listen more but everyone wanted to go back to work.

As a parent there are times that I think I know better. But I, like the first mother, had also encouraged my son to chase his dreams. Sure! I wanted him to go to certain educational institutes, do certain ‘likely to make money’ courses. But I kept these quietly in my heart, I made the deliberate choice to let him choose. He must like it or else he will not be happy. Of course, I advise him accordingly but fall short of interfering or blackmail him emotionally. Difficult, painful at times, but needed it to be so.

The bible exhorts us, the parents, not to provoke our children to anger. As long as they live their lives in the discipline and instruction of the Lord, that should be sufficient for us.

God bless,
In Christ’s service,

Barry Leong

好些年前，我听到一位母亲在鼓励她年幼的孩子去追求他的梦想。“不要让任何人拦阻你。”她说。她接着又说：“你必须活出自己的生命并实现你的梦想——娶你中意的女孩子，拥有你喜欢的职业，购买你要的房子。——不要让懒惰、无意义的搅扰、他人的观念成为你的绊脚石。”她继续说了好一阵子。我对自己说：“这是一位有鼓励性的母亲。”

最近，我在和同事喝咖啡的时候，听见两位年轻人在对话。其中一位正在抱怨他的父母是如何干涉他为自己的生活所作的每一个决定——女朋友、事业、汽车。他的朋友尝试缓解就说他的父母是关心他，也担心他会作错抉择。他的回应很有趣：“我已经卅多岁，难道还不能作‘好的’决定吗？我拥有学位而他们没有，但他们却以为他们懂得更多。”他的朋友问道：“那么你为什么不实现你的选择呢？”这位年轻人回答：“我不要伤他们的心，即使我知道我的选择是正确的。我恐怕要带着悔意活着了。我爱我的父母，但是也希望自己不要变得苦毒并在之后会因为他们的干扰而厌恶他们。我已经‘浪费’了那么多年。”我还想继续听下去，但是每个人都准备回去工作了。

身为一位家长，有时候我会觉得自己懂得很多。但是我就如第一位母亲，也鼓励我的儿子追求他的梦想。确实！我希望他能就读某教育学院，上一些“更能赚钱”的课程。但是我把这些都默默的藏在我的心里，我刻意选择让他自己作抉择。他必须喜欢否则他不会开心。当然，我会逐步的引导他，但不会落入干扰或情绪敲诈。很难，有时也会心痛，但却是必要的。

圣经勉励我们作父母的，不要惹儿女的气，只要他们照着主的教训和警戒活出他们的生命，我们就心满意足了。

上帝赐福，
主里同工的，

Barry Leong

31 Jul 2022

29/07/2022

I was observing a beautiful little toddler learning to walk under the watchful eyes of the father. She took a couple of steps and fell down. The father just looks at her and she stood up by herself and walked again. Again, she fell and pick herself up each time. She neither cry or scream when she fell, but just finds some way to help herself get up. Her father, meanwhile, continued to keep a watchful eye but did not help.

I could see that we allowed our children to fall and pick themselves up when they were younger as we deemed it the right thing to do. My question to myself was that why we do not allow them, as they grow older, to make mistakes in order for them to learn. As doting parents, we tend to want to put our children in glass houses, well protected. Or is it because we have a hidden agenda of having them ‘fulfil our unfulfilled dreams’? The way they dress, the schools they choose, or even the spouse that they intend to have. These are some of the matters that we parents interfere, causing much frustrations in our children. Something for us to think about.

God the Father keep a watchful eye on us as we navigate life. He allows us to make mistake and do encourage us to stand up from where we fell. He allows us to make our own choices, prompt us to think through carefully before we make those decisions. One thing He never do is to restrict us in our decision. He will guide us through the Holy Spirit and His word (the bible), but He let us make the choice. If we fall, He wants us to stand up and not stay down. He will help when He knows that we cannot cope or unable to do so. And never a day will go by without His watchful eye keeping us safe. It is left for us to stay within the safety confines of God.

Brothers and sisters, don’t be lazy and wants things fed to the mouth without lifting a finger. Don’t expect beautiful bed of roses without the thorns. They will be there, but the loving and watchful eyes of God the Father will always be on us to keep us safe. So learn to live free, enjoy God’s creation and live a moral and happy life.

God bless,
In Christ’s service,

Barry Leong

我观察一个在父亲注视下学习步行的可爱幼童。她走了几步就跌倒。父亲却只是看着她，她自己站立起来再次行走。她再一次跌倒，每一次又自己站起来。当她跌倒的时候也没有哭闹，只是想办法让自己再站起来。与此同时，她的父亲仍旧注视着，却没有上前帮助。

在我们的孩子更幼小的时候，我们允许他们跌倒并且让他们自己站起来因为我们认为那是对的。我问自己的是为什么我们却不能允许成长中的他们犯错并让他们从中学习呢？身为宠爱孩子的父母，我们希望把我们的孩子放在玻璃屋里悉心呵护。抑或是我们潜意识的希望他们去“完成我们未完成的梦想”呢？他们的穿着、他们选择的学校、或甚至他们要拥有的配偶。这些都是我们身为父母会干涉却又引起孩子不满的事项。这是我们要思考的事。

在我们的人生航行中，天父上帝也注视着我们。祂允许我们犯错并鼓励我们从跌倒的地方再次站立起来。祂允许我们自己作选择，提醒我们在作决定之前要仔细思考。祂从来不在我们作决定的时候限制我们。祂藉着圣灵和祂的话语（圣经）引导我们，但是祂让我们作选择。如果我们跌倒，祂要我们站立起来而不是在原地踏步。当祂知道我们无法应付或无法处理，祂就会帮助我们。没有一日是不在祂眼目的注视下平安度过的。我们就是在上帝安全的护卫中。

弟兄姐妹，不要懒散并要求不劳而获。不要期望一床不带刺儿的玫瑰。它们都会存在，但是天父上帝慈爱和注视的眼目会时刻关注我们，并保护我们的安全。所以要学习活得自在，享受上帝的创造并活出正直及喜悦的生命。

上帝赐福，
主里同工的，

Barry Leong

24 Jul 2022

22/07/2022

Every other month an organisation will come to my neighbourhood to collect old items for recycling. I did not participate in it thus far although it was as easy as putting them just outside your house, no forms to fill whatsoever. Last week I decided to clear out a few shirts that I think I will not be using anymore – okay I outgrown them. So, I took out one and soon enough many more came out of the cupboard. I was not really aware of the number of clothing that were no longer useful to me. They were in quite good conditions and so I packed them and left them out for recycling. My cupboard was now cleared of clutter, and I feel good. Little did I realised that an extra shirt here and there built up to many over time. Most time I was just thinking that it was just one shirt, but one shirt times X is X numbers of shirts. They take up space. Shirt is just an example of the things we amass.

There will always be things that clutter up our lives. They may be material things that we had collected over the years and left at a corner in the house unnoticed after the initial euphoria subsided. Or memories lying and gathering dust in a corner of our mind, appearing once in a long while either to haunt us or to bring a quick smile. There may be regrets that pop up often enough to make our lives miserable, even for a little while.

It is vital for us to ‘de-clutter’ them once in a while. Accumulation of such things or memories, either good or bad, will eventually weigh you down. It will become difficult to move forward when there are so many things that weigh us down. They will affect our decision-making processes, and hopefully for the better.

It is not easy to de-clutter but de-clutter we must. Our hearts are tugged by some of the things (memories) we keep. We will always be giving reasons to keep them, just a little while more. Well, the time is now and not later. If we need to be ruthless with ourselves, then let us learn to be.

God want us to live a life of freedom. Live free and live well my dear brothers and sisters.

God bless,
In Christ’s service,

Barry Leong

每隔一个月，就会有一间机构到我的邻里收取再循环的旧物件。我一直以来都没有参与，虽然这只是简单如将物件放在住家门口的事，也无需填写表格。上个星期，我决定清理一些我想自己不会再穿的衣服——好吧，是我穿不下了。于是，我先拿出一件，随之而来是从衣柜里取出更多的衣服。我没有真正注意这些对我无用的衣服的数量。它们的品质仍是良好的，于是我把它们收拾好，就拿去再循环。我的衣柜被清理干净，我感觉轻松。我没有意识到经过一段时间，一件又一件的衣服竟然积少成多。很多时候，我只是想到就只有一件衣服，但一件衣服乘于X就是X数量的衣服了。它们占用了空间。衣服就是我们累积物件很好的例子了。

常常会有事物扰乱我们的生活。它们或许是我们经年累月所收集的东西，却被搁置在房子的一个角落，也随着原来的新鲜感消失而被遗忘。或许是在我们脑海的一个角落，记忆被隐藏并积累尘埃，长时间里时不时就会出没搅扰我们或带来会心一笑。其中也可能常常浮现一些懊悔让我们感觉痛苦，即使只有那么一瞬间。

对我们来说，隔一段时间“清理”它们是重要的。积累这些记忆，无论好的或不好的，最终会让你们失望。当有太多的事物让我们失望的时候，就会难以前进。它们将影响我们作决定的过程，希望是更好的决定。

要清理并不容易但是清理却是必要的。我们的心常常被我们所收藏的事物（记忆）所拖累。我们常常会找藉口收藏它们，就算是那么一会儿。是的，趁着现在而不是待会儿。如果我们必须对自己残忍一些，那么就让我们学习吧。

上帝要我们活出自由的生命。弟兄姐妹，要活得自由和活得丰盛。

上帝赐福，
主里同工的，

Barry Leong

17 Jul 2022

15/07/2022

One of the most recent debates is that of increasing GST. As usual, some advocate no increase but wants more pay-out, and no good solution for the government to work on. It is always easy to gain popularity to give pay-out, but where is the money coming from?

Paying taxes had been a proverbial hot topic since the beginning of time. Everybody wants ‘freebies’ but no one wants to pay for it. Therefore, there are many who will go through great extent to evade the paying of taxes.

I am no saint. I hate to pay taxes as much as anyone. The only difference for me maybe is that I try to convince myself that it is needed. The good facilities around me cannot be taken for granted. The beautiful parks, clean surroundings, efficient public transportation, competent public service, affordable healthcare, etc…. Somebody got to pay for it and part of it comes from our taxes. For me, paying a greater amount of taxes also meant that I am earning more money. Paying more GST means that I am able to buy more. If I want to pay less through GST, then I buy less or cheaper stuff. It is as simple as that. No one can drive two cars at the same time. The one who buys one pay less GST than the person who bought more than one, simple logic.

What does the bible tell us about taxes? Well, render unto Caesar that belongs to Caesar. The money collected is for the good of the nation and society. Yes I know, you will talk about abuses of the system. Well, we cannot deny that there are people who will cheat the system from either end. But does that constitute a reason to throw it out of the window? No! The only way to throw that out is for us to come out with a better system. If not, that system will remain till it happens.

Brothers and sisters, the fallen human will rebel against anything and everything. Look at how the humankind rebel against the rule of God and wanted a king to rule over them instead. As Christians, we should do our best to care for our society so that all of us can be blessed in it. Those in authority will eventually answer to God. As for us, we live a life trusting and honouring God.

God bless,
In Christ’s service,

Barry Leong

最近备受争议的课题之一就是消费税的增加。及如往常，有些人主张不加税但是却要求有更多的回扣，而没有给政府建议良好的政策。以回扣取得民心是容易的，但是钱又从哪里来呢？

从一开始，缴付税收就是众所周知的热门话题。大家都希望“免付费”却没有人愿意有所付出。因此，就有人以极端的方式逃避税收。

我不是圣人。我也像其他人一样讨厌缴税。唯一不同的或许就是我尝试说服自己这是必要的。在我周围的美好设施绝不是理所当然的。美观的公园、干净的环境、有效的公共交通、称职的公共服务、负担得起的医疗等等….必须有人缴付这些费用，而其中有些就出自我们的税收。对我而言，缴付更高的税收表示我在赚取更多的金钱。缴付更多的消费税也表示我有更强的购买能力。如果我要缴付少一点的消费税，那么我就减少购物或购买较廉价的物品。就是这么简单。没有人可以同时驾驶两辆汽车。那买一辆车的就比那买两辆车的人少付消费税，这是简单的逻辑。

圣经如何教导我们有关税收的事？该撒的物当归给该撒。所收取的钱财是为了造福国家和社会。是的，我知道，你会提到滥用系统。我们不能否认会有人以不同方式欺诈这个系统。但是这能成为我们将之舍弃的原因吗？不能！唯一能让我们将之舍弃的就是寻找一套更好的系统。否则，这系统必须保留到它发生。

弟兄姐妹，堕落的人类会对抗任何及一切事物。看看人类是如何悖逆上帝的统治而要求一位君王来管辖他们。身为基督徒，我们必须竭尽所能关怀我们的社会，使我们自己也能蒙福受益。那些执政者至终要向上帝交代。至于我们，我们要活出信靠并尊崇上帝的生命。

上帝赐福，
主里同工的，

Barry Leong

10 Jul 2022

09/07/2022

I was having dinner one evening at a food court. The cleaner lady came by and asked the people sitting at the other table if she could clear the empty plates. They waved their hands sort of permission given. They did not look at the cleaner nor thank her for clearing the utensils. It was like she was some lowly servant not worthy of a second look. A simple thank you would have been good.

I wondered if they were Christians. If they were, I would be very sad. It is not a matter of theology but just a simple thing of manners or being a human, just simple decency. If we cannot even live out simple decency, then forget about living a life worthy of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Brothers and sisters, in our daily lives, let us live and work to the praise and glory of God. Put aside your ‘great learning’ and live with love and care for the human being near you. All workers are equally important and deserve dignity as much as anyone. In terms of dignity and worth, there is no real distinction in good and honest work. We are doing different jobs according to our different abilities at the moment. There is no one to say that we are stuck forever in the same place. Put in the hard work and diligence, and you can move to the next ‘perceived’ better position.

Hard and honest work deserve our appreciation. Can you imagine if there is no one to clear out the trash from your surrounding daily? What if everyone wants to be doctors or lawyers, and no one desire to be farmers? Then there will be a shortage of food. Then the law of the jungle prevails and there will be no need for lawyers.

Let us learn to appreciate one another for the hard work that they do. A simple thank you or smile would be quite sufficient. No one says that you need to have a big celebration to commemorate such work. Daily appreciation of such work is an encouragement of itself. And we become better people at that.

If we cannot be faithful in little things, it is difficult to be faithful in the big things. That is because they are even more difficult.

God bless,
In Christ’s service,

Barry Leong

我在一个傍晚到食阁用晚餐。一个清洁女工经过并问隔壁桌的客人她是否可以收拾桌上的空盘。他们以手势表示允许。他们没有看清洁工一眼，也没有感谢她清理碗碟。她似乎只是一个不值得一瞥的卑微仆人。一句简单的谢谢其实还是好的。

我不知道他们是不是基督徒。如果他们是，那么我会非常难过。这无关乎神学课题，却关乎礼貌或作人的基本道理，这是基本的诚意。如果我们不能行出基本的诚意，那么就别提活出与耶稣基督福音相称的生命了。

弟兄姐妹，在我们日常的生活中，让我们以生活和工作赞美及荣耀上帝。将你们的“伟大学习”搁置一旁，为你们周围的人活出爱和关怀。所有的工人都同等重要，也像任何人一样配得尊敬。论及尊严和价值，在美好及诚实的工作上并无真正的优越等级。目前我们就是按着个人不同的能力在做不同的工作。没有人可以说我们将永远停留在原本的岗位。只要努力和勤奋，你们可以转移到下一个“所期待”的更好职位。

辛勤又诚实的工作配得我们的赞赏。你们能否想象没有人为你们清理周遭每一天的垃圾会是怎么样的？倘若每一个人都要成为医生或律师，而没有人愿意成为农夫？那么粮食就会短缺。若出现弱肉强食的情况，律师也无用武之地了。

让我们学习赞赏彼此的辛劳工作。一句简单的谢谢或微笑就足够了。没有人说你们必须大事庆祝以记念这些工作。每一天对这些事工的赞赏就是对事工的鼓励。这也将使我们成为更好的人。

如果我们不能在小事上忠心，就很难在大事上忠心，因为它们其实是更加艰难的。

上帝赐福，
主里同工的，

Barry Leong

03 July 2022

02/07/2022

I was having dinner at a coffeeshop nearby home. I ordered the food and proceeded to get a seat somewhere. Much to my surprise, there were houseflies all over the coffeeshop and the tables. Why was I surprised? This scene brought me back to the days in the 60s and 70s. With the strict cleanliness laws in Singapore, especially at F&B areas, such amount of houseflies is unheard of. More interesting is the oblivious attitude to the presence of those houseflies. My feeling is that the present young generation does not know the danger of diseases spread by houseflies. What about the older ones? They probably forgot the lessons from the past and desensitized to the surrounding already. Too much faith in the healthcare system in the country.

The situation in the world is definitely getting more complicated. In a way, it is becoming more evil but less obvious. We are too ‘sanitized’ and, therefore, oblivious to the ills in society. No, it is not just from the Christian perspective. Like I say, it is less obvious because we choose “not to see it.” We do not have a problem of hunger in the world, we have the problem of obesity. If we are more willing to share, then both problems can be solved. A certain country can give billions of dollars to another for war but is unable to provide adequate funding to help its own people in crisis. They create troubles in other areas in the world but sells terrible lies and dream to their own people. Unfortunately, many believed them, mainly due to the fact of the great “I” that matters. The world can only solve problems when they really look at humanity as the image of God and return to truth. Then we will have a better world.

Brothers and sisters, in the smaller context – our church and community – we must not be ignorant of the evil that lures in our lives and surroundings. Keep in line with God (by understanding the teachings of Christ through the reading of the bible), put them in to action and keep at it. Our Christian lives, Church and Community will then be one that glorifies God.

God bless.

In Christ’s service,
Barry Leong

我在住家附近的咖啡店吃晚餐。我预订了食物就准备先找个座位。然而我非常惊讶，咖啡店及桌上满是苍蝇。为什么我会惊讶呢？这景象带我回溯到六十及七十年代。在新加坡对整洁环境，尤其是饮食方面的严格管制下，如此数量的苍蝇是闻所未闻的。更甚的是对这些苍蝇视若无睹的态度。我的感觉是现在年轻一代并不知道苍蝇所传播的病菌会带来的危险。那么年长的又如何？他们或许已经忘记过去的教训，因此对周围环境已经不敏锐，也对国家的保健系统过于信赖了。

世界的局势确实是越来越复杂。从一个角度来看，它越来越邪恶却又不是显而易见。我们也过于“净化”，以致无视于社会的病态。这不只是从基督徒的观点来看。就如我所说的，它变得越来越不明显，因为我们选择了“视而不见”。我们没有饥饿的问题，但我们有肥胖的问题。如果我们更愿意去分享，这两个问题就可以迎刃而解了。某个国家可以捐出千万元给另一个国家对抗战争，但是却不能提供足够的经费帮助她自己处在危机中的国民。他们在世界的另一端制造动乱，但是却对自己的国民撒下可怕的谎言及幻梦。不幸的是，很多人却信以为真，主要还是归咎于“自我”的意念。只有当世界以上帝的形象来看人性以及回归真理，问题才得以解决，我们才能拥有更美好的世界。

弟兄姐妹们，缩小范围来看——我们的教会和社群——我们不能忽视恶者在我们生命和周遭的诱惑。遵循上帝（藉着阅读圣经以明白基督的教导），将之付诸行动并持之以恒。我们基督徒的生命，教会及社群就能荣耀上帝。

上帝赐福。

主里同工的，
Barry Leong

26 Jun 2022

25/06/2022

During breakfast one morning, a piece of grain fell to the ground. I decided to pick it up after breakfast. After a while, I looked and found that the grain was filled with ants and many more coming towards it. The floor was very clean and void of ants before that grain fell to the ground. How they appeared out of nowhere in such a short time was baffling and amazing. My belief was that the ants were constantly on the lookout for food to gather. And the immediate action when food was found deserves a standing ovation.

I wonder if we are constantly looking out for the coming of Christ. Everyday do we check our lives, make changes to live better lives and be a better person. Do we read the bible to know more about God? Do we observe the world and the changes in it, no matter how subtle and inconspicuous? Are we too complacent? There is always tomorrow to change, no rush. Is that how we are thinking?

Even when we know intellectually and emotionally, do we take immediate action to do something about it? Or waiting and let someone else do it are the orders of the day. There will always be someone else doing it. Well, the easiest way for evil to proliferate is for good men to do nothing.

Work while it is still day for night is coming. Stay alert and dressed for action. These are the teachings in the bible about our duties and watching out for the Lord’s coming. We must not lax and become like the five foolish virgins, not prepared for the coming of the master. It resulted in being locked out in the place of darkness and gnashing of teeth.

Let us learn to jump into action as quickly as possible. The world is fighting back against the rule of God. In all kind of ways – violence, sex and promiscuity, idol worship – they are fighting back. It is not for us to miss out the signs and stay complacent. It is time for us to stand up and be counted for the kingdom of God. Stand up Christian soldiers and lift the banner of Christ high.

God bless,
In Christ’s service,

Barry Leong

在一个早晨吃早餐的时候，有一颗谷粒掉在地上了。我决定吃了早餐之后才去捡起来。过了一会儿，我往下看，发现谷粒上已经爬满蚂蚁，还有更多逐渐靠近。地上是非常干净的，在谷粒掉下之前也没有蚂蚁。它们是从何处又是怎么样在瞬间出现，实在令人费解和惊讶。我相信这些蚂蚁一直以来都在等待食物的出现。而发现食物后的及时行动，确实是值得欢呼的。

我在想我们是否也持续的在等待基督的再来。我们每一天是否鉴察我们的生命，也为了拥有更好的生命，成为更好的人而作出改变。我们是否勤读圣经以更多认识上帝？我们是否观察世界以及其中的变化，即使是细微且隐秘的？我们是否过于自满？总以为可以在明天才作改变，无需匆促。这是我们的想法吗？

即使我们在智力及情感上都知道，我们是否会对此作出及时的行动？或者等待他人去作，就是现今的状况。总是会有人行动的。最容易让邪恶扩散的方法就是让好人什么都不作。

趁着白日做工，因为黑夜就要降临。保持儆醒并整装待发。这是圣经对我们的本份和等候主再来的教导。我们必须不松懈，否则就像那五个没有预备好迎接主人的愚昧童女。结果就是被丢在外面的黑暗里，在那里哀哭切齿了。

让我们学习及时采取行动。世界正与上帝的律法对抗。藉着各种各样的方式——暴力、性与淫乱、拜偶像——他们正在反击。我们不可以忽视这些征兆并自满。是时候让我们崛起成为上帝国度的一份子。基督精兵坚立并高举基督的旌旗。

上帝赐福，
主里同工的，

Barry Leong

19 Jun 2022

18/06/2022

A doctor was down with COVID-19 and was resting at home. A friend sent get-well greetings to him during his isolation. An interesting statement in his reply was “You learn to appreciate your health when you are down with a sickness.” When I heard about this, I said doctors are just as human as anyone else. Most would have thought that they would appreciate health much more than others as they attend to sick people every day. Well, they take it for granted like most people; maybe more as they probably trust medicine more than others.

That aside, many do take the important things in life pretty much for granted. We assume our health, our safety, security, that the sky will not fall on their heads the next moment. The knowingly or unknowingly assumption is that it will not happen to us. The probability is one in a hundred million. That’s what they think. When it hits you, it is 100%.

So, let us treasure and appreciate all that is important to us: our relationships and families, health, country…..

Do not take them for granted for you know not what or when. Ukrainians probably thought that war will not happen. The US will help us. Yes, the US will help US, not us. The parents who sent their children to school one morning and then got the news that they were shot dead. Empty words will not help nor console anyone. They are but a mockery. We know not what or when. It is not will it happen but when it happens. Treasure what’s important, spend time with them.

Do not take our salvation for granted. Read the bible if you choose to believe in those prosperity gospel preachers. There is no such thing as “once saved always saved.” Follow the Lord according to His words, not the words of those who tickle your ears. It may seem tough, but it will save you much agony and pain. The day of reckoning will come, hopefully you will be prepared for that day.

Read your bible, Pray everyday, Trust the Lord, and Obey His words.

In Christ’s service,
Barry Leong

一名医生感染了新冠肺炎，正在家中休息，在他被隔离期间，一位朋友向他问候及祝他早日康复。他的回答中有一句相当回味的话：“当你生病时，你会学会珍惜自己的健康。”当我听到这个消息时，我说医生和其他人一样也是人。大多数人会认为他们比其他人更珍惜健康，因为他们每天照顾病人。和大多数人一样，他们认为这是理所当然的事，也许他们比任何人更相信药物与医学。

除此之外，很多人确实认为生活中重要的事情是理所当然的。我们假设我们的健康，我们的安全，保障，灾害不会在下一刻降临在他们的头上。有意或无心的假设是，它不会发生在我们身上，或然率是一亿分之一，这就是他们的想法。当它击中你时，它却是百分百的。

所以，让我们珍惜和欣赏所有对我们重要的事物：我们人际之间的关系和家庭，健康，国家…..

不要把它们视为理所当然，因为你不知道什么时候会发生什么事。乌克兰人可能认为战争不会发生，美国将帮助我们。是的，美国将帮助美国自己，而不是我们。有一天早上，父母把孩子送到学校，然后得知孩子被枪杀的消息。空洞苍白的话语不能帮助任何人，也不能安慰任何人。它们不过是一种嘲弄。我们不知道什么时候发生了什么事，不是它会发生，而是它将何时发生。珍惜宝贵的事物，多花时间和他们在一起。

不要以为我们的救赎是理所当然的。如果你选择相信那些成功福音的传道人，请阅读圣经。没有所谓的“一次得救，永远得救”。跟随主的话语，而不是那些让你耳朵发痒的话语。这可能看起来很难，但它将为你減轻很多痛苦和苦难。清算的日子将会到来，希望你会为那一天做好预备。
研读圣经，每天祷告，来信靠主，遵守祂的话语。

上帝赐福，
主里同工的，
Barry Leong

12 Jun 2022

11/06/2022

Before the Covid-19 pandemic there were many discussions about the so-called work-life balance and working from home (WFH) arrangements. Basically, many people wanted more time away from work so that they have more time for themselves to have a better physical, emotional and even spiritual health. Well, the pandemic hits and many people got their wish to have more time for themselves and WFH. The inevitable happened, instead of better whatever health, they were worse off. More family violence, greater anxiety, loss of direction, etc. Nobody talks about work-life balance or WFH arrangements anymore. The talk now is about intervention in psychological disorders caused by WFH and lack of boundaries.

What do a lot of people do when they have more time on their hands? Sadly, many just waste them on frivolous past times – gaming, messaging, social media contents…. And the lure of such tempting contents will cause one to demand more time, but now they demand it from those around them as workplace requirements are taken away. When there is a failure to make use of the time wanted and now given, dissatisfaction sets in. Temper flares easily, relationship breaks down, violence increases, divorces increased. Also, there is now no barrier in others demanding time from you as they are free and felt that you have plenty of time too. Be careful what you wish for and be ready to deal with it when given.

To many who wisely use the freedom and abundance of time, they benefitted. They were able to achieve better health, more time to exercise. They enhance their relationships, wisely choosing to communicate in meaningful ways. Their spiritual lives become stronger as they put in more time to know God better – reading the bible and praying more.

My friends, water can transport a boat and it can capsize a boat. Ask for wisdom from God and wish carefully. When you do get them, use them wisely. Do not waste the precious resources that God had given you.

God bless,
In Christ’s service,

Barry Leong

在新冠疫情大流行病之前，有很多关于所谓的工作与生活平衡和居家工作（WFH）安排的讨论。基本上，许多人希望有更多的时间暂离工作，这样他们就有更多的时间留给自己，以便获得更好的身体、情感甚至灵性健康。好了，大流行病袭来，许多人实现了他们的愿望，有更多的时间为自己和居家工作。但不可避免的事情发生了，他们的健康状况不但没有好转，反而更糟！更多的家庭暴力，更大的焦虑，失去方向感等等。现在没有人再谈论工作与生活的平衡，也没有人再谈论居家工作的安排。现在谈论的是干预由居家工作和缺乏界限所引起的心理障碍。

当很多人有更多的时间时，他们会做什么呢？可悲的是，许多人只是把时间浪费在轻浮的打发时间上–玩游戏、短信、社交媒体内容..…而这种吸引人的内容的诱惑会使人要求花更多的时间，但现在他们要求的是周遭的人，因为工作场地的要求被剥夺了。当未能利用想要的和现在给予的时间时，不满情绪就会出现。脾气容易爆发，关系破裂，暴力增加，离婚剧增。另外，现在别人向你要求时间的时候也没有障碍了，因为他们有闲暇时间，也觉得你有很多时间。留心你的愿望，并准备好在实现时处理它。

对许多明智地利用自由和充裕时间的人来说，他们受益匪浅。他们能够达到更好的健康状态，有更多的时间进行锻炼。他们懂得增进关系，明智地选择有意义的沟通方式。他们的属灵生活变得更加丰富，因为他们投入了更多的时间来更好地认识上帝–更多地阅读圣经和祈祷。

朋友们，水能载舟，亦能覆舟。向上帝寻求智慧，并谨慎地许愿。当你得到它们时，要明智地使用它们，不要徒徒浪费上帝给予你的宝贵资源。

上帝赐福，
在主里同工的

Barry Leong

05 Jun 2022

04/06/2022

I was at a polyclinic consulting a physiotherapist about an injured shoulder. As I was sitting at there trying to explain my injury, the physiotherapist was busy reading his messages on WhatsApp and was clearly not paying any attention at all. I stopped and after a long while, he looked up and asked me what’s my medical problem. I was about to “shout” in his face. I held back because I am a Christian. So, I was about to start, and he was back to his phone. I know for sure it was not anything official from his facial expressions. He noticed that I was getting very annoyed and quickly printed some sheets of paper and told me to follow the exercises. I stood up and told him to learn to do his job professionally.

I am sure you know of such incidents and probably guilty of it — addiction to the mobile phone, wither games or social media.

The mobile phone is a wonderful tool but a terrible master. There are so many things that we can do on the mobile phone that are absolutely helpful and convenient – paying for transport fares, order food, book appointments, etc. I myself use the phone for all these and appreciate them greatly. That’s if it is a tool. But when it becomes the master, it is even worse than drug addiction. Drug abuse can be outlawed, but not phone usage. The symptoms will be lack of sleep and concentration, increased isolation from the people around you, increased insecurity and anxiety, etc. Many people must look at the phone even when crossing a busy road choosing to ignore the traffic. Drivers “must” look at their phones ever so often and not the road that they are driving on. You probably know more. Many know about all these but choose to ignore them. The excuse? It won’t happen to me – famous last words.

I would strongly suggest to you to take an audit and make some really important decisions to use the mobile phone in a wise and controlled way. Take back the authority to be the master and not a slave to it. You will not regret the decision.

God bless,
In Christ’s service,

Barry Leong

我在一间综合诊疗所向一位物理治疗师询问有关肩膀受伤的事。当我坐着尝试叙述我的伤势，物理治疗师却在忙着看他的WhatsApp信息，显然完全没有集中注意力。我停止说话并过了好一阵子，他抬起头来问我有什么医疗问题。我几乎要当面“呼喝”他, 但因为我是基督徒，我止住了。就在我要再开始叙述的时候，他又回到他的手机上。从他的脸部表情，我确定那与公事无关。他发现我越来越生气了，于是赶快影印几页纸要我跟着作运动。我站起来告诉他，他必须学习以专业的态度来对待工作。

我相信你也知道类似的事件，甚至可能也犯上同样的错误——对手机上瘾，沉迷游戏或社交媒体。

手机是神奇的工具却也是可怕的主人。我们可以用手机作很多有用和便利的事情——支付交通费、订购食物、安排预约等等。我本人就使用手机作这些事并为此非常感激。但那必须是把它当作一种工具。可是一旦它成为主人，就比嗜毒更糟糕。滥用毒品是触犯法律的，使用手机却不是。它的症状就是缺乏睡眠和注意力，使你和周围的人更加隔离，也使人缺乏安全感并增加焦虑等等。很多人在越过繁忙的马路时都会看着手机而忽视交通。司机“必会”看着手机而不是他们所行驶的道路。你或许知道的更多。其实很多人都知道这些却选择忽视它们。藉口？这些不会发生在我的身上——这是著名的遗言。

我慎重的建议你能作一个鉴察，然后作一些重要的决定:能聪明及节制的使用手机。你不会后悔所作的决定。

上帝赐福，
主里同工的，

Barry Leong

29 May 2022

27/05/2022

Dear beloved family in Christ

I thank the Lord for the deep joy and great privilege to be your church pastor for the past 6 years. Being God’s under-shepherd, it has been a tremendous shepherding experience filled with laughter and joy, and also tears and sorrow, in our journey of spiritual growth, committed discipleship and pastoral friendship together.

Appreciative thanks for the encouraging support, loving care and fervent prayers for me and Connie and our children in delightful times of fellowship and community life. Thank you so much for all the help, concern and prayers for Connie’s health situation, especially during her multiple hospitalisations and ill health. Thank you also for all the love, help and prayers for our children in their growing teenage years.

It is my honour to labour alongside you together for the gospel with one heart and mind. Grateful thanks to many who served the Lord’s will and purposes in ministry and mission for the kingdom of God and the gospel of Christ.

Staff team – for your faithful commitment and joyful service
PCC – for your wisdom, missional heart and fear of God
Cell leaders – for your commitment and loving care of members
Ministry leaders – for your love for God and passion for the gospel
Ministry teams – for your faithful service and commitment in ministry
Church members – for your fellowship and joy in serving God together

I encourage you to come alongside Canon Barry, Rev Wai Lung and Deaconess Lena in labouring for the gospel in ministry and mission. Keep them in your constant prayers as they shepherd the flock of God with His love, grace and wisdom.

Value your prayers for Rev King Chiew Kwang and myself and our respective families as we transit to our next parish posting. We need the sufficient grace of God and the empowering strength of the Holy Spirit to serve the Lord’s will and purposes for His glory.

As we see the gracious salvation plan in the missional heart of God, may St John’s Chapel keep on being a missionary church of Spirit-filled committed disciples of Jesus Christ, always ready to take the gospel to the nations. “May all who come behind us find us faithful, may the fire of our devotion light their way”.

“Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy. To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.” (Jude 1:24-25. KJV)

Maranatha
Pastor John

22 May 2022

21/05/2022

Dear beloved family in Christ

As St John’s Chapel prepare for the pastoral leadership transition at both the English and Mandarin/dialect congregations, let us unite our hearts and gird our minds in spiritual preparation to pray fervently and to see the sovereign hand of God at work in His Church for His glory.

There are three ways in which we can prepare ourselves as God’s people spiritually and mentally for this leadership change. Please take some time to read these three short pastoral reflections by Rev Jeffrey Chang (Grace Christian Church of Staten Island).

Getting Ready for a Shepherd

Getting Ready for a Shepherd

Preparing for a New Pastor: Change

Preparing for a New Pastor: Change

Preparing for a New Pastor: Pray for the Family

Preparingfor a New Pastor: Pray for the Family

During my army training, we were taught that one likely timing when the enemy may attack is during the pre-dawn period when it is still dark with the sun about to rise and when most soldiers may be sleepy and not so alert. Similarly, for the church, a major leadership transition is an opportune time when the Adversary Satan will strike the Church of God to bring about disunity, distraction and discouragement. Hence, we must pray fervently and trust the Lord confidently.

I call upon St John’s community to

Keep our eyes on Jesus Christ, our Good Shepherd (Heb 12:1-2)
Keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (Eph 4:3)
Keep on serving the Lord well in ministry and mission (1 Cor 15:58)

“The Lord is the strength of his people;
he is the saving refuge of his anointed.
Oh, save your people and bless your heritage!
Be their shepherd and carry them forever.” Psalm 28:8-9

Maranatha
Pastor John

15 May 2022

13/05/2022

Dear beloved family in Christ

It has been four weeks since the official announcement of the clergy postings by diocesan bishop Titus, under the divine guidance of the Lord. My heart is filled with gratitude for your encouraging words, kind understanding and fervent prayers for me and my family and also for St John’s Chapel community.

As I was thinking and praying about how to edify and encourage God’s people during this period of pastoral transition for both the English and Mandarin/dialect congregations, I came across a short article entitled “6 Truths to Encourage You During Pastoral Transition” by pastor Ben Simpson (Eastwood Baptist Church, Kentucky, USA).

(weblink: https://www.9marks.org/article/6-truths-to-encourage-you-during-pastoral-transition/ )

Pastor Simpson shared briefly on six truths to encourage God’s people during pastoral transitions:

God will be with this church at all times.
God is in control.
God plans good out of this transition.
It’s okay to weep.
Ministry must go on.
The church must not scatter.

As you reflect on these essential points, may your heart and mind be strengthened by the Spirit of God and by the Word of God. Let us keep our eyes on our Good Shepherd Jesus Christ, following Jesus closely and press on in serving His will and purposes in the work of His eternal kingdom.

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:1-2

Maranatha
Pastor John

8 May 2022

07/05/2022

Dear family in Christ

In the Fifth Commandment, the Lord commanded his people to “honour your father and your mother” (Exodus 20:12). This weekend, Mother’s Day is commemorated all around the world. It is a day set aside to remember, honour and thank our mothers for all their labour, love and sacrifice.

As God’s people, what can we do to edify and encourage the mothers in our church community or in your family?

PRAY: Coming alongside the mothers in regular prayer support goes a long way to give renewal of strength in their mothering responsibilities. Through prayer, the mums look to God and depend on Him for His grace, help and wisdom. The collective prayers of the church community will bring encouragement and joy to them.
ENCOURAGE: Appropriate words of encouragement spoken at the opportune time can uplift and strengthen the hearts of mothers, especially if they are experiencing struggles and stress in their life. To “encourage” means to “give courage”. Many times, mothers really need the courage to persevere on in the midst of their difficulties.
LISTEN: Be ready with a listening ear to hear the cry of their hearts for their children, their elderly parents, their marriage and their struggle to keep a healthy work-life balance. Their problems and issues may not be solved immediately, but your presence and care will help to ease their pain and lighten their heavy burdens.
HELP: Do offer your help in practical ways. It can be giving a helping hand in church when any need arises. It can be helping to look after their young children, so that they can have some “me-time” or they can serve in ministry. Being there for them in practical ways will be a great help and blessing.

Praying and wishing all mothers a Blessed joyous Mother’s Day.

Blessings
Pastor John

01 May 2022

29/04/2022

Dear church family

We praise and thank God for his guidance and help for our church Annual General Meeting processes this year. Thank you, dear brothers and sisters in Christ, for your proxy form responses, participation, suggestions, encouragement and prayers.

It is my joy to introduce the Parochial Church Council (PCC) for year 2022-2023.

Vicar’s Warden: Kenneth Sng

People’s Warden: Hidehito Ie

Hon. Secretary: Elly Chiu

Hon. Treasurer: Tan Pei Ching

PCC members: Benjamin Kirk, Enoch Ng, Florence Ho, Gan Pak Lim, George Chen, Kevin Lee, Nellie Nam, Sally Lee

Synod representatives (2020-2023): Elly Chiu, Ho Boon Sing, Justin Chan

Sub-committee chairpersons: Hidehito Ie (Personnel), Benjamin Kirk (Property), Nellie Nam (Finance), Vicar (Missions)

We welcome sister Sally Lee (Mandarin congregation) to the PCC team. Our grateful thanks and appreciation to sister Sheryl Sim for her faithful service and ministry unto the Lord at PCC for the past years.

We thank God for every PCC member’s commitment and heart in their latreuo worship of God in serving the Lord well. Value your prayers for the PCC team to continue being good stewards of church resources for the work of God’s eternal kingdom and in making wise decisions and sound policies under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Maranatha
Pastor John

24 Apr 2022

22/04/2022

Dear church family

We thank the Lord for his wisdom and help for our church AGM process this year as we culminate proceedings at the virtual AGM this Sunday 24 April at 3.00 pm. All electoral roll members and regular worshippers are most welcome to attend.

A word of thanks to electoral roll members who submitted your proxy voting form and to all participants at the pre-AGM Town Hall discussion meeting last Sunday. I encourage all church members to take time to read the Vicar’s report and the various ministry reports. May it encourage your heart to see the Lord’s gracious leading at St John’s Chapel in ministry and missions.

Praise God for every provision of finances for year 2021 for manpower, ministry and missions. I have been encouraged by your obedience to God in returning your tithe to Him and by your generous and sacrificial freewill giving to the Lord. I am thankful for our PCC team in their collective godly wisdom in being good stewards of the church funds for the work of God’s eternal kingdom.

Thanks be to God for the commitment of many brothers and sisters in our church who serve faithfully and humbly in the various church ministries. Your example and dedication is a great encouragement to many of us as we seek to fulfil God’s will and purposes in the proclamation of the gospel.

I am grateful to the Lord for our committed and dedicated staff team. They have served tirelessly and faithfully despite many Covid-19 challenges. They have served with joy and purpose, even in the midst of painful trials, health concerns and family issues. Thanks be to God for His grace and goodness.

As we see the gracious salvation plan in the missional heart of God, may we be a missional church of Spirit-filled committed disciples of Jesus Christ, always ready to take the gospel to the nations and eagerly awaiting the Return of the King, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Let us be God’s living church in these Last Days for the glory of God.

Maranatha
Pastor John

10 Apr 2022

08/04/2022

Dear church family

We commemorate Palm Sunday today. Our Saviour Jesus Christ set his heart to walk the way of the cross to Calvary. He rode into Jerusalem city on a humble donkey (Matthew 21:1-11). The excited Jewish crowd shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” But five days later ,loud voices cried out, “Crucify him! Crucify him!”.

As we enter Holy Week, may our hearts focus on Jesus Christ and His sacrificial obedience to the will of God the Father.

Washing the disciples’ feet (John 13:1-17): Servanthood, humility and love for one another must be the hallmark of a committed disciple of Jesus.

Passover meal (Matthew 26:17-29): Jesus instituted the Lord’s Supper (body and blood) as an important remembrance of God’s new covenant of His grace and mercy.

Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36-46): Jesus was in deep agony and sorrow, yet He was fully obedient to the will of His Father.

Betrayal, arrest and trial (Luke 22:47 – 23:25): Jesus was mocked, beaten and humiliated, yet He was meek, “like a lamb that is led to the slaughter”.

Crucifixion and death (Luke 23:33-56): In great suffering and painful shame, Jesus gave His life sacrificially on the cross in atonement for our sins and the sins of the world.

Resurrection (Matthew 28:1-10): Hallelujah. He is Risen. Praise and thanks be to God for the victory over sin and death, and the blessed hope of eternal life in Jesus Christ.

Let us set aside time during this Holy Week to focus on the Lord Jesus Christ and be strengthened by God’s Word. May I encourage you to attend the three Evening Devotions from 11 to 13 April (via livestreaming) and the three onsite worship services (Maundy Thursday 14 April, Good Friday 15 April and Resurrection Sunday 17 April). Please see attached flyer for details.

“Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” 2 Corinthians 5:20-21

Maranatha
Pastor John

03 Apr 2022

01/04/2022

Dear church family

Virtual Annual General Meeting on Sunday 24 April (3.00 pm)

We thank God for the coming virtual Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 24 April. It will be a time when we see God’s gracious sovereign hand upon our church in the transformation of lives and in serving Him in ministry and mission in the work of His eternal kingdom.

On 5 April Tuesday, our church admin team will email the AGM 2022 reports and the proxy voting form weblink to all electoral roll (ER) members. Some ER members without email access will receive the printed AGM report by postal mail. May I encourage all church members to read the ministry reports and financial reports and give thanks to God for his grace and goodness in the church’s mission of proclaiming the gospel.

Proxy voting form

Our church constitution requires one third of Electoral Roll members to form the AGM quorum. Under the Virtual AGM guidelines, your proxy voting form is important because it is counted as part of the quorum. Your proxy form appoints the Chairman of AGM (the Vicar of St John’s Chapel) as your proxy to attend, speak and vote on your behalf. We appreciate if you can submit your online proxy voting form, latest by 20 April, Wednesday 12 noon.

Pre-AGM Town Hall meeting (on Zoom)

We are organising a pre-AGM Town Hall zoom meeting on Sunday 17 April (3.00 pm) to address any questions, clarifications or comments concerning the AGM reports. Please use this Town Hall platform to present your thoughts, ask questions or seek clarifications. Kindly email your questions to admin@patmos.org.sg by 13 April. The virtual AGM on 24 April will not include any Question & Answer segment.

All electoral roll members are welcome and encouraged to attend the Town Hall zoom meeting on 17 April and the AGM zoom meeting on 24 April. Pls register your attendance at admin@patmos.org.sg

Value your prayers for a Christ-centred AGM that honours the Lord and edify God’s people.

Maranatha
Vicar

APRIL	Preacher	Topic
2 / 3 Lent 5	Rev John Lin	How long, Lord, how long?
9 BB 64^th Coy E&D	(Sat) Rev Bernard Yee	Great is the measure of our Father’s love
10 Palm Sunday	(Sun) Ds Lena Lim	“Your King is coming to you…”
14 Maundy Thursday	Rev George Tay	The Route to Greatness
15 Good Friday	Ven Wong Tak Meng	Were you there when they crucified my Lord?
17 Resurrection Sunday	Rev John Lin	Jesus Christ, my Living Hope
23 / 24 AGM	Rev John Lin	Renewing our first love for Abba Father

27 Mar 2022

25/03/2022

Dear church family

A few weeks ago, someone texted me this poster message which made me laughed aloud – “If you don’t have friends who have Covid, that means you have no friends.” It is a sad reality currently that people around our social circles have been infected with Covid or are close contacts … family members, house neighbours, work colleagues, school classmates, church mates, good friends, etc.

Our Daily Bread (ODB) Ministries has put together some Bible-reading resources and devotionals to help those who may have been infected with Covid or have loved ones and friends who were infected. There is even a practical section to help parents plan some activities for their children under isolation with Covid.

Please access this weblink for the resources. https://odb.sg/covid-recovery-pack/

Below is a message taken from the ODB website:

Quarantined? In Isolation? Whether you’re at home or in a quarantine facility, being isolated is tough. Worry, frustration, loneliness, claustrophobia, boredom . . . you may find yourself going through all these emotions over the next few days. And, if you’re taking care of a child who needs to be isolated, your challenges will probably multiply. Not only will you have to cope with your own emotions, but you may also be worrying about how to keep a bored, hyperactive child occupied.

How can you turn to God in such a challenging time? How can you find comfort and strength in His Word? In our “Covid Recovery Pack”, you’ll find specially-chosen resources to help you stay close to God and draw on His strength and patience over the next few days.

May God’s abiding Word be your source of strength and comfort, and also to those whom you know, on the road to a full recovery.

Blessings
Pastor John

Timeline plan for AGM 2022

Date	Task / Event
13 to 29 March	Nomination period for PCC (closes on 29 March)
5 April, Tuesday	Notice of AGM + Annual report + Proxy form (Email/post to Electoral Roll members)
13 April, Wednesday	Due date for Submission of questions & clarifications and Registration for Townhall meeting
17 April, Sunday, 3 pm	Townhall meeting Q&A (webinar)
20 April, Wednesday	Due date to submit proxy form by 12 noon and registration for AGM (webinar)
24 April, Sunday, 3 pm	AGM (webinar)

20 Mar 2022

17/03/2022

Dear church family

This past week, many in Singapore and our Anglican church community mourned the loss of our Diocesan Chancellor and dear brother in Christ, the late Richard Magnus, who was called home to the Lord on 14 March.

In the midst of so many well-deserved tributes, heartfelt appreciation and encouraging eulogies reported in the news media about Mr Richard’s life of public service, one personal note stood out for me. His son Keith Magnus told The Straits Times reporter: “(My father) lived his life with integrity, purpose, dignity, service, honour and the highest set of moral values. He was a good friend to many from all stations of life and a loyal servant of our Lord Jesus Christ, whom he loved and has now been reunited with.”

Thanks be to God for such a humble and God-fearing “loyal servant of our Lord Jesus Christ”, whose life shone so brightly for Jesus in public service and in the church of God. To God be the glory.

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16

Maranatha
Pastor John

Timeline plan for AGM 2022

Date	Task / Event
13 to 29 March	Nomination period for PCC (closes on 29 March)
5 April, Tuesday	Notice of AGM + Annual report + Proxy form (Email/post to Electoral Roll members)
13 April, Wednesday	Due date for Submission of questions & clarifications and Registration for Townhall meeting
17 April, Sunday, 3 pm	Townhall meeting Q&A (webinar)
20 April, Wednesday	Due date to submit proxy form by 12 noon and registration for AGM (webinar)
24 April, Sunday, 3 pm	AGM (webinar)

13 Mar 2022

12/03/2022

Dear SJCp family

Notice of Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Sunday, 24 April 2022

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021, our Singapore government gave official approval for AGMs to be held virtually for religious organisations. This special “temporary measures” approval remains applicable currently, until it is revoked or amended by the Government with six months’ notice.

In the light of the current Covid-19 Omicron wave and also the capacity restriction on non-congregational meetings (50 people maximum), our diocesan bishop, together with the Standing Committee, highly recommends that all parishes hold their AGM virtually, without any onsite attendance.

In consultation with and agreement of our Parish Church Council (PCC), we have decided to hold this year’s AGM virtually via zoom webinar, as per the last two years. The AGM date is on Sunday, 24 April 2022 at 3.00 pm. The AGM process will be similar to what was done for AGM 2021.

Please see the timeline plan for AGM 2022.

Date	Task / Event
13 to 29 March	Nomination period for PCC (closes on 29 March)
5 April, Tuesday	Notice of AGM + Annual report + Proxy form (Email/post to Electoral Roll members)
13 April, Wednesday	Due date for Submission of questions & clarifications and Registration for Townhall meeting
17 April, Sunday, 3 pm	Townhall meeting Q&A (webinar)
20 April, Wednesday	Due date to submit proxy form by 12 noon and registration for AGM (webinar)
24 April, Sunday, 3 pm	AGM (webinar)

We seek your active participation in the AGM process. Value your fervent prayers for our church community to continue serving God’s will and purposes faithfully to the glory of God.

Maranatha
Vicar

6 Mar 2022

04/03/2022

Dear church family

In the Church calendar, Ash Wednesday falls on 2 March this year, which marks the beginning of the LENT season. LENT is a 40-day period of reflection, repentance and renewal. Theliturgical colour is purple, signifying penitence and mourning. It is a time of deep spiritual reflection and honest heart-searching repentance. It is a season when we give ourselves devotedly to grow in Christlikeness. This growth in Christlike character requires spiritual disciplines in extended times of fasting, praying and reading the Scriptures.

At the Ash Wednesday service, the priest places some ash on our foreheads and says, “you are dust, and to dust you shall return” (Genesis 3:19b). This is a clear reminder that our bodies are frail and mortal. Because of sin, man has fallen short of the glory of God. But thanks be to God for the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. In Christ, we are set free from our bondage to sin and death.

During this Lent season, firstly, let us reflect and give thanks to God for the life and sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Jesus walked the way of the cross in submission and obedience to His Father’s will. May our hearts be ever grateful to Jesus and follow his example of humble obedience.

Secondly, let us repent of our sins as we open our hearts to the powerful work of the Holy Spirit. God will forgive us when we truly repent and have a transformative inward change of heart. May we seek to live a life of holiness and godliness.

Thirdly, let us renew our first love for God and our commitment to discipleship in the kingdom of God. Take time to slow down during Lent and spend time with Abba Father in the Word and in prayer. Be restored in your soul and inner being. May we grow daily in our relationship with God and in Christlikeness.

“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.” Psalm 51:10-12

Maranatha
Pastor John

27 Feb 2022

25/02/2022

Dear beloved family in Christ

In their September 2021 issue of Excelsis Coaching Newsletter, John Lim and Song Kheng, founders and life coach trainers for Excelsis Coaching Asia, had written on the topic “Coaching: God’s Guidance in times of Uncertainty”. I have shared part 1 last week. Please see part 2 below.

I pray that you have found their counsel practically useful and may you also be able to use it to help others in drawing strength and guidance in the Lord during such challenging times.

Blessings
Pas John

Coaching: God’s Guidance in times of Uncertainty (part 2)

How do we enable people to depend on God?

As coaches, we intentionally move away from telling and advising. We create a safe space, prayerfully listen and use the following coaching questions to help people tune in and depend on God:

How are you going through this pandemic?
What do you need God’s guidance in?
What emotions are you feeling in your heart?
What is your common sense telling you about this matter?
What are the counsels of your God-fearing mentors/friends?
What are some open doors or close doors you are noticing?
What are some experiences with God in the past that may give you guidance regarding who you are (your identity) and what you should do?
How has the Lord spoken to you through His word regarding your situation?
What are your calling and spiritual gifts? How will God’s calling and gifting guide you in your decision?
What is the Lord speaking to you through the Holy Spirit?
What do you sense during prayer and after praying?
We have seen many examples of fasting in the Bible to seek God’s guidance in crisis, how might fasting be relevant in this situation?
From a scale of 1-10, how yielded is your heart to the Lord in this matter? (10 being fully yielded to God)

Romans 12:2, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

May we take the time to seek God, receive His peace, discern His will and live as children of the Light in this uncertain world. May God use you to equip His people for the advancement of His Kingdom!

20 Feb 2022

18/02/2022

Dear beloved family in Christ

In the course of my ministry, I met a wonderful Christian couple, John Lim and Song Kheng, who are the founders and life coach trainers for Excelsis Coaching Asia. In their September 2021 issue of Excelsis Coaching Newsletter, they wrote on the topic “Coaching: God’s Guidance in times of Uncertainty”. I have received their permission to share the contents of this newsletter with you.

I hope that you will find the guidance useful as you seek and depend on the Lord during such challenging times.

Blessings
Pas John

Coaching: God’s Guidance in times of Uncertainty

As you and I struggle to cope in this pandemic, the challenge we face is akin to driving alone through a dark and unfamiliar road with faulty headlights. We are fearful of getting into accidents, missing

important warning signs and losing our way or our lives. As I asked the Lord for help, He reminded me to “Be still and know that He is God”. The Lord is our guide and we are not alone.

How do we receive God’s guidance in this challenging time?

Isaiah 26:3-4 “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD himself, is the Rock eternal.”

First of all, go to our Lord Jesus, our Rock eternal who can keep us in perfect peace when we fix our mind on Him. We can have peace because Jesus knows the future. He is the Alpha and Omega,

the beginning and the end. Jesus is God; He is timeless and limitless.

Secondly, we can depend on Him to guide us. Some of the ways the Lord guides us are:

•   He guides us through His Word (2 Tim 3:16)
•   He sovereignly guides us through divine encounter (Acts 9:3-6, Rom 8:28)
•   He directs us inwardly by the Holy Spirit (Acts 16:6, Rom 8:14)
•   He directs us by counsel from mentors/friends (Prov 11:14)
•   He directs us by opportunities or open doors (1 Cor 16:9)
•   He guides us through the peace by prayer (Phil 4:6-7)
•   He directs us when we have a yielded spirit (Rom 12:1-2)
•   He directs us through our spiritual gifts (1 Cor 7:7)
•   He directs us through our common sense (Proverbs 16:9)
•   He directs us through fasting (Ezra 8:21)

(part 2 will be shared at next week’s church bulletin)

13 Feb 2022

11/02/2022

Dear beloved family in Christ

I remember growing up as a young Christian teenager, we often sang this beautiful hymn “Count Your Blessings” at church services. Let me share the first stanza.

When upon life’s billows, you are tempest tossed, When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, Name them one by one, And it will surprise you, What the Lord hath done.
Count your blessings, Name them one by one. Count your blessings, See what God hath done.
Count your blessings, Name them one by one. Count your many blessings, See what God hath done.

This hymn was written in 1897 by prolific hymn-writer Johnson Oatman Junior, in partnership with well-known gospel music composer E.O. Excell. It has become a classic over the past 125 years and generally considered to be Oatman’s finest hymn. This hymn has encouraged millions of Christians all over the world to count their blessings and be surprised by all that God had done for them, especially in the midst of difficulties and struggles in life. Someone had reflected that this hymn is “like a beam of sunlight, it has brightened up the dark places of the earth.” During the great revival in Wales (1904-05), “Count Your Blessings” was sung at every service, along with Welsh favourites such as “Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah” and “O That Will be Glory”.

During these challenging times, may we take time to reflect on God’s bountiful blessings in our life. Even as some of us may be going through painful struggles and difficulties in life, may you experience God’s spiritual blessings of His love, joy and peace in your hearts. May you lean on Abba Father closely for his sufficient grace and empowering strength day by day.

May our hearts be filled with gratitude to God for all his gracious blessings, like king David in Psalm 103:1-5: “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.”

Blessings
Pastor John

06 Feb 2022

04/02/2022

Dear beloved family in Christ

Whether it is New Year’s Day (1 January) on the Gregorian calendar or the first day of the Chinese Lunar calendar, there is always much joy and celebration all around.

Why is the celebration of the New Year so important? Some possible reasons include:

Relief to have “survived” the previous year with its difficulties and heartbreaks and emerging a stronger, better person.
Gratitude for wonderful memories and happy times with family and friends.
Hope for improvements in our life and circumstances and growing in maturity.
Opportunity for a fresh start, eg. spiritual walk, educational progress, family adjustments, etc.

In our Anglican church experience and biblical teaching, this issue of celebrating something new spiritually has been embedded in our prayer tradition. Let me share some examples.

At our Baptism, we rejoice that “we are raised with Christ to new life in the Spirit”.
At our Confirmation, we thank God that He has “given your servants new birth in baptism by water and the Spirit”.
When we confess our sins to seek God’s forgiveness, we ask God to “grant that we may serve you in newness of life”.
During Holy Communion, we pray: “may we who share Christ’s Body live his risen life”.
On Ash Wednesday, we plead with God to “create and make in us new and contrite hearts”.
In Pentecost season, we ask God to “deliver us from the death of sin and raise us to new life in your love”.

May our lives be renewed and strengthened in the power of the Holy Spirit day by day to the glory of God.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” 2 Corinthians 5:17

Maranatha
Pastor John

30 Jan 2022

29/01/2022

Dear beloved family in Christ

This coming Lunar New Year festivities may be subdued understandably because of continual Covid-19 restrictions and concerns. Where there are opportunities to meet up with family relatives, good friends and friendly neighbours, let us pray for a meaningful and joyous time together.

As you enjoy the delicious food and friendly conversations, may the Lord bless and guide you in his love and grace to bear a good testimony for Jesus and reflect the glory of God in your life.

RESPECT – Always be ready to give due honour and respect to our family elders and appreciate them for being such a blessing in our lives.
UNDERSTAND – Take time to hear the life stories of family and friends and understand their hopes, fears and struggles during such challenging times.
CARE – May the Lord grant you a sensitive heart to discern the needs of your family, friends and neighbours, so that you can minister, show care and help them.
PRAY – As you share in conversation together, commit your family and friends to the Lord prayerfully in your heart for God’s grace of salvation.

The harvest field need not be just about crossing the seas to a foreign land. But it is seeing the cross at the places and among the people where God has positioned you.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

Maranatha
Pastor John

23 Jan 2022

22/01/2022

Dear beloved family in Christ

The psalm writer wrote in Psalm 130– “Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord! O Lord, hear my voice! Let your ears be attentive to the voice of my pleas for mercy! If you, O Lord, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness, that you may be feared. I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I hope; my soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen for the morning, more than watchmen for the morning. O Israel, hope in the Lord! For with the Lord there is steadfast love, and with him is plentiful redemption. And he will redeem Israel from all his iniquities.”

Psalm 130 formed part of the Songs of Ascent, which was a collection of 15 psalms (120 to 134) traditionally sung by Hebrew pilgrims as they ascended the mountainous roads up to Jerusalem city to attend the annual Jewish festivals at the Temple. The theme of Psalm 130 was to encourage the people of God to place their hope in Yahweh’s forgiving love. Israel, God’s chosen people, had been disobedient to Yahweh’s commandments. In His mercy and compassion, Yahweh forgave the sins of Israel when they truly repented. Indeed, the steadfast love of the Lord endures forever and He will restore mercifully and redeem plentifully His beloved people.

Let us remember in prayer for the salvation of the millions of modern Jews in Israel and all around the world in this 21^st century. God’s steadfast love remains for the people of God (please read Romans chapter 11 for scriptural insights on this issue). The gospel of Jesus Christ must be proclaimed to the Jews, so that many can hear and come to salvation faith in the Messiah Jesus.

Let us place our hope in Abba Father’s forgiving love. Whatever difficulties or struggles that you may be facing in your personal situation or that of your family members, do not lost heart and do not be discouraged. Take heart, receive God’s steadfast love, seek refuge in the Lord and be strengthened in your soul in the power of the Holy Spirit. Meditate on this regularly: “Hope in the Lord! For with the Lord there is steadfast love, and with him is plentiful redemption”.

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” Romans 15:13

Maranatha
Pastor John

16 Jan 2022

14/01/2022

Dear beloved family in Christ

One of the greatest joys as a disciple of Jesus is to belong to the koinonia community of believers in the Body of Christ.

Jesus commanded his disciples to love one another. As we do so obediently, it will bear a powerful testimony to a watching world. “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:35). This is our family trademark, as explained in this devotional article by Revd Bill Crowder, a Bible teacher with Our Daily Bread Ministries.

The Aran Islands, off the west coast of Ireland, are known for their beautiful sweaters. Patterns are woven into the fabric using sheep’s wool to craft the garments. Many of them relate to the culture and folklore of these small islands, but some are more personal. Each family on the islands has its own trademark pattern, which is so distinctive that if a fisherman were to drown, it is said that he could be identified simply by examining his sweater for the family trademark.

In John’s first letter, the apostle describes things that are to be trademarks of those who are members of God’s family. In 1 John 3:1, John affirms that we are indeed part of God’s family by saying, “Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God!” He then describes the trademarks of those who are the children of God, including, “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God” (1 John 4:7).

Because “love is of God,” the chief way to reflect the heart of the Father is by displaying the love that characterizes Him. May we allow His love to reach out to others through us — for love is one of our family trademarks. (Revd Bill Crowder, ODB Ministries)

May our community at St John’s Chapel be marked joyfully by our Christlike love for one another.

“We love because He first loved us.” 1 John 4:19

Blessings
Pastor John

09 Jan 2022

07/01/2022

Dear beloved family in Christ

On New Year’s Eve, a dear brother in our church sent me a hymn entitled “God will take care of you”. The Lord used this song to encourage my heart wonderfully. It is sung beautifully to orchestra music by a group of young people. You can hear the song at this weblink https://youtu.be/u4Ez8m2ozf4

This hymn was written and composed in 1905 by a Baptist evangelist Rev Walter Martin and his wife Civilla, when they were guests at a Bible school in New York. On a Sunday morning when Rev Walter was about to leave for church service as the guest speaker, his wife was suddenly taken ill, making it impossible for her to accompany her husband. Rev Walter seriously considered cancelling his speaking assignment as it would require him to be away for quite some time. At that moment, their young son said, “Father, don’t you think that if God wants you to preach today, He will take care of Mother while you are away?” Having been inspired by her son’s words, Civilla wrote the words of this hymn on that very afternoon. When Rev Walter returned, he went to the organ immediately and composed the music.

I can resonate personally with the circumstances which led to the composition of this hymn. During my regular overseas travels when previously serving as the Dean of Vietnam, it was often difficult emotionally to be away from my wife and young children. God is gracious and good. He always assures my heart that He will take care of them, often through the care and love of the church family and close friends. Thanks be to God.

As I carry various pastoral burdens in my heart concerning our St John’s Chapel family, I am reminded that God will take care of you.

As you cry out to God for your family and friends in their various difficult situations, remember this: God will take care of them.

As you enter the New Year 2022 facing various challenges, struggles and pain, remember this: God will take care of you.

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:6-7

Blessings
Pastor John

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02 Jan 2022
01/01/2022

Dear beloved family in Christ

We thank the Lord for his bountiful grace and faithful help for the year that is past. Let us keep on looking to Abba Father for the year ahead. At this Covenant service today, may we turn to God in reverence and submission as we renew our hearts and minds in the Lord.

The Christian life to which we are called, is a life to be lived in our Lord Jesus Christ. We are redeemed from sin by Him, and through Him we are consecrated to God. We have entered into this life through our Lord Jesus Christ. He is the Mediator of the New Covenant sealed by His own blood. Therefore, let us give thanks to God.

With willing hearts, let us respond to our Lord and Master Jesus Christ. Let us take the yoke of Christ upon us: Christ has many services to be done; some are easy, others are difficult; some bring honour, others bring reproach; some are suitable to our natural inclinations and personal interests, others are contrary to both. In some we may please Christ and please ourselves; in others we cannot please Christ except by denying ourselves.

Yet the power to do all these things is given to us in Christ, who strengthen us. Therefore let us give ourselves anew to Him, trusting in His promise and relying on His grace.

The Invitation for God’s people to respond to the Lord:

Lord God, Heavenly Father, thank you that through the blood of your Son Jesus Christ, You have called us to this gracious Covenant. Help us as we respond to that call. We take upon ourselves with joy, the yoke of obedience and love for you. We give ourselves to seek and do Your perfect will. We are no longer our own but Yours.

Lord, put me to whatever task You will; rank me with whom you will. Let me be empty, let me be full. Let me have nothing, let me have all things. I freely embrace my place in Your Kingdom. Today, we renew our community covenant and personal covenant with You; that we will love and serve You with all of our heart, our mind, our soul and our strength.

Eternal Almighty God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, You are our Covenant-God. We, through Your infinite grace, are your children and servants. May this covenant renewed with You bring honour & glory to you, Lord God Almighty. Amen.

Maranatha
Pastor John

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19 Dec 2021
17/12/2021

Dear family in Christ

We thank the Lord for his grace and help as we experience another challenging year in the midst of the worldwide Covid-19 situation.

For some brothers and sisters in our church community, this year has been filled with painful struggles and sorrowful circumstances. May you find continual deep comfort and inner peace in the Lord and be strengthened by the sufficient grace of God.

As we come near the end of this year 2021, may our hearts be joyful in praising the Lord for who He is and be filled with gratitude to God for all His blessings in our life. May we sing like the grateful psalmist, “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name!” (Psalm 103:1).

As we reflect on the issues and circumstances in our life, let us give thanks to God and “forget not all his benefits”. May we be grateful to Abba Father for His loving forgiveness, merciful healing, gracious redemption, steadfast love, faithful goodness and life renewal in the power of the Holy Spirit (Psalm 103:2-5).

May I encourage us to spend time in quiet reflection in the Lord as we prepare to end the year.

How am I coping emotionally and mentally during this pandemic?
How have I grown spiritually in Christlikeness and loving God more deeply?
In what ways have I learnt to trust God more in the circumstances of my life?
What direction in life is the Lord leading me as I seek His guidance?
What has the Lord spoken to me through His Word and His Spirit this year?
In what ways have I been involved in the harvest work of His eternal kingdom?
How have I glorified God in the trials and circumstances of my life?

“Only one life, ’twill soon be past; Only what’s done for Christ will last.” C.T. Studd

Maranatha
Pastor John

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12 Dec 2021
10/12/2021

Dear family in Christ

The season of Christmas is always a wonderful opportune time to share the good news of great joy that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, was born 2000 years ago in Bethlehem (Israel) to be the Saviour of the world.

These past two years have been difficult, challenging and filled with anxieties for many people because of the Covid-19 pandemic. As a result, many are searching for purpose and meaning in life, and also seeking for a present and future hope that is certain and secure.

Let us join our hearts to pray for the salvation of family, friends and guests at the various outreach programs at St John’s Chapel during this Christmas season.

“Christmas Musical Adventure” for children aged 4 to 12 on Sunday, 12 December, 1.00 pm. Pray for the children and their friends to understand the true meaning of Christmas.
“Reheat Your Bao” is a combined Youth and Young Adult event on 18-19 December. Pray for a fruitful outreach to new friends and also good community bonding time for all.
“The King has Come” Christmas Day service on 25 December (9.00 am, English). Pray that the choir song presentation and the message by Rev Joshua Sudharman will minister deeply to the hearts of visitor friends and God’s people.
“Completely Perfect and Beautiful” Christmas evangelistic service on 25 December (11.15 am, Mandarin) with guest evangelist Rev Elvis Yong. Pray for a fruitful program and the work of the Holy Spirit in touching many lives with the love of God.
“Home For Christmas: The Gift”: ‘Celebrate Christmas in Singapore’ (CCIS) performances will be livestreamed into many homes and digitally across the world through YouTube, Facebook and Instagram. Pls encourage your family and friends to tune in to CCIS Christmas performances (English and Mandarin). Details available at https://www.ccis.sg/

“And the angel said to (the shepherds), “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:10-11

Maranatha
Pastor John

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05 Dec 2021
03/12/2021

Dear family in Christ

In his series of sermons for Missions month, bishop Kuan taught us that in Luke 18, Jesus told a parable “to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart” (18:1). Jesus then ended his parable with an important question to his disciples: “…when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth? (18:8b).

As we await eagerly for the Second Advent in the second coming and return of the King Jesus Christ, what is our personal and collective response to this key question from Jesus? When Jesus returns, will He find us a faithful and faith-filled people who are persevering in prayer fervently for the salvation of every people group in the world?

Three years ago, I had introduced the “Operation World Prayer Guide” to our church community in praying for every nation of the world. This informative and practical prayer guide helps us to see God at work in every nation in gospel proclamation and church planting. At the recent Missions month, we were strongly encouraged to use this prayer guide in our daily prayers.

There is a free app of “Operation World Prayer Guide” available for download on your mobile phone (or tablet or laptop) via this weblink  https://operationworld.org/get-involved/prayer-app/   Upon downloading this app, you will receive information each day to pray for a specific country with all its various people groups and prayer needs. For example, on 25 October every year, we pray for Singapore. Currently, this app is only available in English. There is a printed book version of Operation World Prayer Guide in English and also in Mandarin. Pls speak with the church staff for assistance if you would like to buy a copy.

May we grow in our prayer life and may the Lord open our eyes, heart and hands to his sovereign purposes as we pray for the nations.

Maranatha
Pastor John

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28 Nov 2021
26/11/2021

Dear family in Christ

Today is the first Sunday in Advent, the liturgical season focusing on the coming of our Saviour Jesus Christ. It is a season of spiritual reflection, marked by times of quiet meditation upon God’s Word and also deep conversations with Abba Father in prayer.

Advent is an opportune time to involve our children in devotion activities at home that directly connects with the worship of God in church. I encourage all parents to use the Advent-Christmas Devotional Guide to teach and transmit the Christian faith to your children by involving them in reading the Scriptures, lighting the Advent wreath candles and times of interaction and prayer. This Advent devotional was distributed to church members in recent years. If you need a soft copy, pls email admin@patmos.org.sg to request for it.

There is a double focus in Advent. Firstly, it is the joyous celebration of the birth of Jesus the Messiah in his First Advent 2000 years ago. We celebrate the revelation of God’s redeeming love in Jesus Christ in his First Advent for the purpose of reconciling our fallen sinful world to God the Father. Secondly, it is the anticipation of Jesus’ impending return as King in his Second Advent. Having known God as Abba Father and walking in obedience with Him daily, we now look forward eagerly to the Second Advent, where Christ the King will come in power to judge and rule the world.

As we live in between the two Advents, we are called to live godly and holy lives. We are to be faithful stewards of the gospel entrusted to us as God’s people. In our spiritual journey as committed disciples of Jesus Christ, we have an important responsibility to live a life that brings glory to God and to share about Jesus Christ through the gospel message and our loving deeds.

“To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him, and all tribes of the earth will wail on account of him. Even so. Amen.”   Revelation 1:5b-7

Maranatha
Pastor John

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21 Nov 2021
19/11/2021

Dear family in Christ

In line with our 2021 Missions month theme “Missio Dei – Ours also?”, I have selected a theme song entitled “So send I you”. This hymn has been called the greatest missionary hymn of the twentieth century.

This hymn was written by a Canadian school teacher Ms Margaret Clarkson in 1938 upon her scriptural reflection of John 20:21 “… as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.” I have appended the historical background of this hymn below. May it bring encouragement and inspiration to your heart.

For those whom God is calling into the mission harvest field overseas, may you continue to discern God’s leading and calling in your life.

For all of us, may we respond to the Lord like Margaret Clarkson, “This is my mission field, and this is where He had sent me.”

Maranatha
Pastor John

This hymn, “So Send I You”, has been called the greatest missionary hymn of the twentieth century. The hymn has been labelled by many evangelical leaders as the finest missionary hymn of the twentieth century. It was first published in 1954, after having been written sixteen years earlier by a Canadian school teacher, Margaret Clarkson.

Margaret Clarkson, who was born in 1915, was a teacher in a gold-mining camp in northern Ontario, Canada. It was a lonely life for this woman, but she also knew that this is where God wanted her to serve Him. She had a great desire to be a missionary on a foreign field, but because of her health was unable to go. One day she was reading again the verse John 20:21, “Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.” While meditating on this verse she wrote the words to a hymn that has become a favourite during missionary conferences, “So Send I You.”

“In 1935, teaching jobs were so scarce that I had to take my first job as a teacher in a lumber camp some 1400 miles from home, out in the Rainy River District of northwestern Ontario. From there I moved to the gold mining camp of Kirkland Lake, 450 miles north of Toronto. In all, I spent seven years in the north. I experienced loneliness of every kind; mental, cultural, but particularly spiritual, for in all of those seven years I never found real Christian fellowship – churches were modern and born-again Christians almost non-existent.

I was studying the Word one night and meditating on the loneliness of my situation and came in my reading to John 20, and the words ‘So send I you’. Because of a physical disability I knew that I could never go to the mission field, but God seemed to tell me that night that this was my mission field, and this was where He had sent me. I was then twenty-three, in my third year of teaching. I had written and published verse all of my life, so it was natural to put my thoughts into verse.”

( Source credit:   https://godwordistruth.wordpress.com/2008/11/04/so-send-i-you-missionary-hymn-of-the-twentieth-century/  )

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14 Nov 2021
12/11/2021

Dear family in Christ

This weekend is our Diocesan Missions Sunday, where we remember and pray for the 6 deaneries which God has entrusted to our diocese in the proclamation of the gospel and church planting work.

Attached to this e-bulletin is the Diocesan Mission Annual Report 2021, where you can read each deanery’s organisation & staff profile, financial needs, infrastructural projects and prayer requests.

Value your prayers for the 6 deans: Revd Steven Seah (Cambodia), Revd Dr Timothy Chong (Indonesia), Revd Ian Hadfield (Laos), Canon Steven Asirvatham (Nepal), Canon Yee Ching Wah (Thailand) and Revd Jonathan Wong (Vietnam). Pray for them as they lead their respective Deanery Council, Field council and Field team of pastors with clear vision, effective strategy and systematic development plan, so as to establish a community of witnesses for Christ and towards the formation of a future diocese rooted in the Anglican heritage. Pray for their personal well-being and their family as they attend to the work in the field or from the base in Singapore.

Let us pray for the Lord to supply the resources needed for these growing deaneries and to call out more labourers (committed missionaries and indigenous clergy & staff) into the harvest field. Pls pray for the indigenous churches to grow in spiritual maturity to reflect the glory of God and for the formation of good biblical foundations and Spirit-filled communities of committed disciples of Jesus.

I encourage the people of God to give generously and sacrificially towards the gospel work in the deaneries. You may send your gift by cash, cheque or bank transfer to the account of St John’s Chapel. Pls indicate clearly on the envelope or in the banking details that your gift is designated for the deaneries.

“And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.”   Matthew 24:14

Maranatha
Pastor John

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07 Nov 2021
05/11/2021

Dear family in Christ

This is a milestone weekend in the life of the Diocese of Singapore.

On Sunday 7 November, we will witness the Institution of Rev Canon Daniel Wee as the next Archdeacon of Singapore. Canon Daniel is currently the Vicar of Church of Our Saviour. Value your prayers for God’s grace and wisdom as he serves in this additional appointment as the Archdeacon, coming alongside diocesan Bishop Titus in caring for the clergy and looking after the parishes.

Let us give thanks to God for his grace and strength upon bishop Low Jee King, who had served faithfully as the incumbent Archdeacon of Singapore for many years.

At the same church service, we will also witness the ordination of four deacons to the priesthood and one pastor who will be made a deacon. Praise and thanks be to God for calling these servants of God into the shepherding ministry and the proclamation of the gospel. It is important and timely for these 5 brothers to be added to the diocese clergy team because within the next 5 to 10 years, there is a significant number of clergy who will reach compulsory retirement, myself being one of them.

Value your prayers that in the next few years, God will continue to raise up more godly servants and under-shepherds to serve God’s purposes in the work of his eternal kingdom.

All are invited to participate in the church service via live-streaming at this link: bit.ly/os711

Blessings
Pastor John

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31 Oct 2021
29/10/2021

Dear family in Christ

I was browsing a copy of the Vietnamese-English devotional by Our Daily Bread Ministries this week and came across this encouraging devotional written by Ms Marion Stroud.

I pray that the love, peace and grace of God will minister to your heart during such challenging times, even as some of you face struggles in some situations in your life and that of your family.

“Our soul waits for the Lord; he is our help and our shield. For our heart is glad in him, because we trust in his holy name. Let your steadfast love, O Lord, be upon us, even as we hope in you.”    Psalm 33:20-22

Shalom
Pastor John

Waiting is hard at any time; but when days, weeks, or even months pass and our prayers seem to go unanswered, it is easy to feel God has forgotten us. Perhaps we can struggle through the day with its distractions, but at night it is doubly difficult to deal with our anxious thoughts. Worries loom large, and the dark hours seem endless. Utter weariness makes it look impossible to face the new day.

The psalmist grew weary as he waited (Psalm 13:1). He felt abandoned — as if his enemies were gaining the upper hand (v2). When we are waiting for God to resolve a difficult situation or to answer often-repeated prayers, it’s easy to get discouraged.

Satan whispers that God has forgotten us, and that things will never change. We may be tempted to give in to despair. Why bother to read the Bible or to pray? Why make the effort to worship with fellow believers in Christ? But we need our spiritual lifelines most when we are waiting. They help to hold us steady in the flow of God’s love and to become sensitive to His Spirit.

The psalmist had a remedy (Psalm 13:5-6). He focused on all that he knew of God’s love, reminding himself of past blessings and deliberately praising God, who would not forget him. So can we.

For Reflection and Prayer:

Lover of my soul, who draws close in the darkest and longest night,
please keep me trusting You, talking to You, and leaning on Your promises.

God is worth waiting for; His time is always best.

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24 Oct 2021
22/10/2021

Dear family in Christ

As we see the gracious salvation plan in the missional heart of God, may we be a missional church of Spirit-filled committed disciples of Jesus Christ, always ready to take the gospel to the nations.

Let me share a few matters relating to Missions for your prayer and participation.

1. Missions month in November

In November, we will have our annual missions focus month. We are glad to have bishop Kuan Kim Seng to preach on the theme Missio Dei (mission of God) on 3 weekends of 14, 21 and 28 November at both Saturday and Sunday English services. The Mandarin congregation has also invited three guest preachers to share on the theme of missions.

2. Gan Family Chiang Mai Missions

Value all your prayers for Gerry and Yahui as they serve the Lord faithfully at Chiang Mai. Do call them, drop them a text or email them a note of encouragement. Pls see attached October prayer newsletter for your info and prayer.

3. Diocesan Missions Evening 2021

During this period of pandemic, it has been difficult for us to travel to serve in the Deaneries. Hence, Missions Board is bringing the Deaneries to you. Diocesan Missions Evening 2021 is the place

where all 6 Deaneries are gathered to share updates from the ground and also their needs for corporate prayer. We will hear encouraging stories during the breakout sessions. It will be held online on 11 November, Thursday 7.30pm via ZOOM. Registration is required using the QR code in the attached flyer, or at weblink  bit.ly/dme2021.

4. “Home” – Cultural show for Chinese New Immigrants

The Diocesan Chinese Board is presenting an online cultural show which will depict how new immigrants feel about finding a home in Singapore and the church. “Home” is a skit that will include dance and songs. It will be screened online on 4 November (Thursday) at 7.30pm. We will inform of the video link when it is available. We encourage you to set aside some time to learn about the life of new Chinese immigrants in Singapore. If you have new immigrant friends, pls invite them to watch this together!

“The Lord is not slow to fulfil his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9

Maranatha
Pastor John

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17 Oct 2021
15/10/2021

Dear family in Christ

In our Singapore Anglican diocese, we have many platforms and opportunities in the medical, nursing, elderly and community services to show the love of God and share the gospel of Jesus Christ.

This year, St Andrew’s Mission Hospital (SAMH) will be celebrating her 108^th Anniversary on St Luke’s Day on 18 October 2021. Singapore Anglican Community Services (SACS) will also be included in this commemoration.

Let us remember SAMH/SACS in our prayers as the staff and volunteers persevere in their service of faith, hope and love to their patients, residents, clients and students.

During this Covid-19 pandemic, Covid cases among the residents and staff in residential care homes has been rising across Singapore. Quite a number of our Anglican nursing homes, psychiatric rehabilitation homes, crisis shelter and day care centres have been affected.

Value your prayers for those in the SAMH/SACS Centres who are affected in various ways. Archdeacon Wong Tak Meng has provided the following prayer items.

COVID cases (residents and staff): Healing and recovery, God’s grace and peace.
Other Residents: Continue to be well as they receive holistic care from staff and chaplains, against isolation, anxiety and infections.
Family members: More tolerance with MOH Advisory and our staff.
Frontline care staff: Skill, strength and stamina, managing anxiety and stress. Protection from infection outside.
Human Resource Dept: Easing of restrictions on new foreign staff to address manpower shortage and extra workload.
Chaplains: Non-anxious presence, empathy and prayerful strength to support residents, staff and leadership.
Centre Leadership: Peaceable wisdom, strength and compassion to manage outbreak with good decisions and teamwork.

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16

Maranatha
Pastor John

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10 Oct 2021
07/10/2021

Dear family in Christ

Many countries in the world celebrate Children’s Day, a time we remember the worth, significance and dignity of children. In Singapore, it is celebrated on the first or second Friday of October when many happy children enjoy a school holiday, often having their parents bring them out for a special outing to fun places.

Children are God’s treasured creation and a great joy to all in God’s family. Our Lord Jesus Christ told his disciples, “Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God.” (Luke 18:16). Children are lovingly welcome in the kingdom of God because of God’s steadfast love and their child-like faith in God.

Let us pray unceasingly for the children in the many households of faith at St John’s Chapel. May God’s Word take root deeply in the hearts of the children and light their path in life’s journey. May they grow into God-fearing godly men and women of God who love Abba Father deeply, walk with Jesus closely and serve the Lord faithfully all the days of their life.

A special word of appreciation to all our teachers and helpers teaching God’s Word at our Children’s ministry. Thank you for your faithful labour, loving concern and whole-hearted commitment in communicating God’s Word and showering God’s love upon these precious lives.

Let us pray unwaveringly for the children to whom our church is reaching with the gospel through the various outreach ministries. May they experience the love and grace of God deeply in their hearts and come to salvation faith in Jesus Christ, and also their parents and families.

Heartfelt thanks to all the staff and church volunteers serving faithfully at the school chaplaincy, 64^th BB, 31^st GB, 52J BB, 52^nd GB, 59J BB and 59^th GB. Thanks be to God for your dedication, commitment, counsel, help and love for the children and youths under your care and guidance.

“(The Lord) established a testimony in Jacob and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers to teach to their children, that the next generation might know them, the children yet unborn, and arise and tell them to their children, so that they should set their hope in God and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments.” Psalm 78:5-7

Blessings
Pastor John

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03 Oct 2021
01/10/2021

Dear family in Christ

Have you ever wondered how our fellow Christian brothers and sisters around the world are coping with the Covid-19 pandemic?

May I encourage you to read some Covid-related stories from this website https://ymi.today/covid-19/

This website is hosted by YMI, a resource and outreach department of Our Daily Bread Ministries.

These short stories, testimonies and articles were written by Christians residing in Singapore, Indonesia, Australia, Hong Kong, Malaysia, USA and China. The writers wrote their reflections upon experiencing how the Covid-19 pandemic had impacted their lives in their respective countries.

Here are some story titles:

How to Beat That Languishing Feeling
God’s Unexpected Plan for My Family Through COVID-19
3 Uplifting things to do while Waiting for restrictions to lift
3 Ways To Share Jesus in a Post-COVID World
4 Tips To Survive A Second Lockdown
Losing Patience with Covid-19?
To My Pre-Covid-19 Self, From 2020 Me
3 Ways to Live by Faith Amidst Covid-19
When Covid-19 Disrupted My Travels Plans
How Psalm 121 Speaks to Covid-19
3 Ways To Combat Cabin Fever
Coronavirus Pandemic: I’m Afraid, and I Don’t Even Know Why
Covid-19: One Month Later, I’m Still Trapped at Home
Coronavirus Outbreak: In My Panic-Buying, I Bagged More Than Rice
Coronavirus Outbreak: Would You Be Selfish or Selfless?

I pray that the Lord will use these reflective stories and testimonies to encourage, comfort and strengthen your heart during such challenging times.

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear …”    Psalm 46:1-2

Blessings
Pastor John

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26 Sep 2021
25/09/2021

Dear family in Christ

The new congregation plant, Caleb Fellowship, was launched on Saturday, 25 September 2021 (4.00 pm) at YMCA Orchard Road. All thanks and praise be to God.

The Lord has given Rev George & Mrs Eunice Tay a burden to reach out to those 60 years old and above who have yet to experience the love of Christ. Bishop Titus Chung has given his approval to Rev George to start this new church plant and also for St John’s Chapel to provide the ecclesiastical covering for Caleb Fellowship.

Please see below write-up by Rev George on the background thinking for this new church plant.

“Traditionally, senior citizens in Singapore who are 60 years old and above are predominantly Chinese-speaking. However, the demographic pattern has changed and currently most of the senior citizens are now English-speaking. Out of a population of about 5.6 million, roughly 20% are 60 years old & above. This works out to about 1.12 million senior citizens in Singapore, the majority by far may have yet to experience the love of Christ in their lives. It is understandable that senior citizens would be more responsive towards those of their own generation than that of their children. It takes a senior citizen to better relate to a fellow senior citizen.

The average length of life for Singaporeans is currently around 83 years for men and around 87 years for women. About 50% of Singaporeans will live up to their eighties and around 25% will live up to their nineties. There are currently about 1,500 centenarians in Singapore. The challenge for senior citizens would be to have reasonable quality of health and meaningful interests and activities, that would give them a fulfilling purpose in life. However, even a healthy lifestyle would not be a guarantee for anyone to be free of major illnesses, such as cancer, stroke, heart attack, covid-19, etc.

Hence, there is a sense of urgency for senior citizens to experience the love of Christ, so that the remaining years of their lives would be meaningful and fulfilling.”

If you would like to find out more about Caleb Fellowship, please be welcomed to speak with the Vicar or Rev George. Let us remember Rev George & Mrs Eunice Tay and Caleb Fellowship in our prayers regularly.

Maranatha
Pastor John

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19 Sep 2021
17/09/2021

Dear family in Christ

Recently, my wife introduced me to a YouTube audio of instrumental music playing hymns on the Chinese Zither (also known as the guzheng). It is a plucked string instrument of 16 or 21 strings with more than 2,500 years of history in China. It was so calming, refreshing and soothing to hear familiar English hymns played so beautifully on the Chinese guzheng. You may like to listen to them by accessing this weblink https://youtu.be/9RA5X8bLxaE

Music and singing are God’s wonderful gifts to mankind. I find them a blessing in 3 ways:

Praise of God

Music occupied an important place in the life of ancient Israel, especially in their worship of God. The psalmist declared in Psalm 95:2 “Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!” Through music and song, let us habitually give thanks to God and sing praises to his wonderful name, for his steadfast love and his gracious faithfulness.

Peace of God

In joyous times and especially during sad times, let us allow God to minister to our hearts through music and song. As we do so, may we experience the peace of God and the love of God in a meaningful way. Through the well-composed music and well-written lyrics, the Spirit of God can use them to minister deeply to our soul as we find rest and comfort in the grace and mercy of God, who is our Refuge and our Strength.

Presence of God

Through the refreshing sounds of music, we can reflect thoughtfully and rest lovingly in the presence of God. In his presence, there is fullness of joy. Oftentimes, during the singing of praises at the church services, I experienced God’s presence deeply in my heart and in my spirit. I pray the same for you too, both in your personal time with the Lord and also together with the people of God.

“It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praises to your name, O Most High; to declare your steadfast love in the morning, and your faithfulness by night to the music of the lute and the harp, to the melody of the lyre. For you, O Lord, have made me glad by your work; at the works of your hands I sing for joy.”  Psalm 92:1-4

Blessings
Pastor John

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12 Sep 2021
10/09/2021

Dear family in Christ

I share a few announcements for your information and prayer.

Launch of Caleb Fellowship wef 25 September 2021

The Lord has given Rev George & Mrs Eunice Tay a burden to reach out to those 60 years old & above who have yet to experience the love of Christ, via a new church plant named “Caleb Fellowship”. Bishop Titus Chung has given his approval to Rev George to start this new church plant and for St John’s Chapel to provide ecclesiastical covering for Caleb Fellowship. The launch date will be on Saturday 25 September 2021 at 4.00 pm at YMCA Orchard Road. Value all our prayers that as the gospel of Jesus Christ is proclaimed faithfully, many will believe in Jesus and come into His eternal kingdom by the grace and mercy of God.

Diocese Education Sunday

We thank God for many gospel opportunities in Education Missions. The diocese Education Board oversees 31 schools and preschools with a total enrolment of 15,000 students. COVID has presented many challenges to staff and students, as well as parents, but we acknowledge God’s grace and mercy as He continues to sustain us. Value your prayers for our church chaplaincy team (Rev John, Florence Hou, Loon Fu Mun, Yeo Yun Jing, Shirleen Yap, Sasha Michael) as they minister the gospel of Jesus Christ and the love of God in outreach and pastoral care to the students and staff of St Margaret’s Secondary school.

Auxiliary chaplaincy staff, Ms Sasha Michael

I have been praying for God to provide personnel to strengthen our chaplaincy team. By God’s gracious provision, Ms Sasha Michael has agreed to serve as an auxiliary staff, solely focusing on school chaplaincy ministry for three full weekdays per week during the MOE school terms. Sasha is a lay member of St Andrew’s Cathedral, serving as a Lay Reader and Praise team leader & musician. We welcome her to our chaplaincy team.

Tributer, Ms Ny Jiyin

We welcome new Tributer Ms Ng Jiyin as she comes on the Tribute program from 7 September to 31 December 2021. She will serve in the following ministries: Chaplaincy, Children, Young Adults, Pastoral care and 31^st Girls Brigade (SMSS). Ds Lena will provide pastoral leadership and guidance for Jiyin’s spiritual growth and ministry service.

“For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Romans 10:12-13

Maranatha
Pastor John

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05 Sep 2021
03/09/2021

Dear family in Christ

I am very encouraged to see more of God’s people attending onsite church services in recent months. With the children ministry resuming two weeks ago, we are having an over-capacity situation where the current limit of 50 attendees has resulted in church members unable to secure tickets for 1 John Saturday 4.30 pm service.

Hence, my staff team and I have decided to increase the capacity for Saturday service from 50 to 100 attendees (or 150 with overflow at Patmos Hall), wef 18 September.

With effect from 18 September 2021, entry for Saturday service will only be allowed for those who are “vaccinated” in accordance with government MCCY requirements and guidelines.

An individual is considered “vaccinated” if he/she has:

(a) been fully vaccinated, i.e. has received the full regimen of Pfizer-BioNTech/Comirnatry, Moderna or WHO EUL vaccines, with an additional two weeks for the vaccine to be fully effective,

or

(b) recovered from COVID-19,

or

(c) obtained a negative Pre-Event Test (PET) taken in the past 24 hours before the expected end of the service. For Saturday service, pls do your PET not earlier than Friday 6.00 pm. For the PET, only the ART or PCR test result done at an approved medical clinic is valid. Pls note that DIY swab test result cannot be accepted. Pls refer to this MOH website for more details on PET https://www.moh.gov.sg/covid-19/pet

Members who attend Saturday service must bring their TraceTogether, either the physical token or the electronic app in your phone. This is needed for our duty staff team to do the screening process to check for “vaccinated” status before allowing entry into the church. You may consider keeping the MOH Covid-19 vaccination card in your wallet to show the church staff, just in case there is a problem with your TraceTogether.

The Sunday 9.00 am service capacity will remain at 50 attendees, with no requirement to check for “vaccinated” status. This will allow those who are unvaccinated yet for various reasons, to be able to attend onsite church services.

Grateful thanks to all for your understanding, help and cooperation in all the necessary Safe Management Measures as instructed by the government to keep all churches a health-safe place for everyone.

The Lord watch over you and your family with his grace and love.

Blessings
Pastor John

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29 Aug 2021
27/08/2021

Dear family in Christ

We thank the Lord for our church missionaries, called by God to bring the gospel of Jesus our Messiah to various ethnic people groups. Pls remember them regularly in prayer, give them a call, write an email or send a card to encourage them in their ministry.

Gerry & Ya Hui Gan – Praise God for their continual good work of education missions and church planting at ChiangMai under the deanery of Thailand. Grateful thanks for God’s gracious provision of the Covid-19 vaccine miraculously made available for Gerry and Ya Hui at Bangkok last week. Pls pray for God’s grace and strength as they persevere on in their missional ministry among the Thai people.
Ian & Alison Gosling – They have been serving faithfully and strategically under a foreign missions agency. Ian provides significant IT training and development for this agency’s mission outreach around the world. The Goslings are reaching out to displaced refugees with the love of God through practical help and educational training. Pls pray for their health as they serve the Lord’s purposes.
Deborah Loh – She is reaching out to the Urban Poor at Bangkok under the missional work of Overseas Missionary Fellowship. Deborah will complete her current term of service with OMF on 31 December 2021. Pls pray for God’s protection and strength in her outreach to the Thai people and for God’s guidance in her future plan and direction.

In addition to the above overseas missionaries, our church is also financially supporting the following church members serving locally with parachurch organisations:

a. Wang Qiu Yue is reaching out to children in the Pre-Teens ministry of Singapore Youth For Christ (SYFC). She also serves at 59^th Girls Brigade company at Greenridge Primary school.

b. Tan Xing Wei is serving with Youth Guidance Outreach Services (YGOS) doing outreach ministry with youths-at-risk.

c. Goh Boon Siong is serving with Youth Guidance Outreach Services providing leadership for the youth outreach teams.

Our church practises the two-envelope giving system. The first is the Tithing envelope. All tithes returned to the Lord go to the General Fund, which is used to pay staff salaries, church expenses, chaplaincy outreach, diocese quota and giving to parachurch organisations like SYFC, YGOS, Celebrate Christmas in Singapore, etc.

The second is the Freewill giving envelope. This giving goes to the Mission Fund, which is used to support the above-mentioned overseas missionaries, Operation Mobilisation, Komering outreach, plus ad-hoc giving to diocese deanery work and other missional work as led by the Lord such as Ethiopia, Myanmar, etc.

As the Lord enables, may I encourage us to give cheerfully, generously and sacrificially for the work of God’s eternal kingdom.

Maranatha
Pastor John

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22 Aug 2021
21/08/2021

Dear family in Christ

Many of us have been gripped by recent developments at Afghanistan and were moved to prayer. I had received a well-written article and would like to share it with you for your fervent prayers.

“Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name.” 1 Peter 4:16

Maranatha
Pastor John

‘Your Kingdom come, Your will be done, in Afghanistan’

(17 August 2021)

I struggle to put these swirling thoughts into writing, but this I must do.

Today is one full day after the complete fall of Kabul, and thereby Afghanistan, to the Talibans. There are countless views expressed in both legacy and social media, ranging from disparaging remarks about the Americans to a deep sense of sorrow, sympathy and pain for the ordinary Afghans who now face an uncertain future. Video clips via social media showed thousands of desperate and frightened Afghans converging into the Hamid Karzai International Airport, adding to the many foreigners already there, trying to flee the country, will forever be seared into the mind.

My thoughts go to Messianic Afghans, virtually all of them recently minted followers of the Lord Jesus Christ. All of them, our brethren, will almost certainly face a hostile future, as the Talibans have demonstrated a clear hatred for anything Christian. From the numerous postings that I saw, many Afghan pastors or church leaders, have simply come to grips with what is facing them.

(The exact number of Messianic Afghans is of course unknown, with estimates ranging from 500 to 8000 – with many more who are living outside the country. There are no church buildings in Afghanistan.)

Under such circumstances, how do we pray?

Unpopular as the idea goes, we must accept suffering and persecution as part and parcel of the Christian life, especially so as a consequence of living out a God-honouring life, recalling the words of Paul in 3 Tim 3:12. An equally unpopular idea is to think of the Talibans as part of God’s divine plan for the salvation of the Afghans – with all their myriads of tribal groups and subgroups. Dare we think of God calling the Talibans as ‘my servants’ as he did so with Nebuchadnezzar (Jeremiah 27:6 and 43:10)?

Without the fall of China to the communists in October 1949, the poster boy being Mao Tse-Tung, the hyper exponential growth of the Church in China over the past 70 years would not have happened! The same may be said about the establishment of the Islamic Republic of Iran in April 1979, the poster boy being Ayatollah Khomeini. Today, the world’s fastest growing church is found in Iran, with an estimated annual growth of 19.6 percent! Both Mao Tse-Tung and Ayatollah Khomeini were vehemently anti-Christian, and yet, they were God’s servants in the unstoppable advance of the Kingdom of God.

We recall these blessed words of Jesus the Messiah, ‘… I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.’ (Matthew 16:18) as we pray:

“Abba Father, we thank You that you love the Afghans and that Your Son Jesus Christ died for their sins too; and that You desire that they should be reconciled back to You, God Almighty. We praise You that we will see Afghans in all their various tribes and sub-tribes around Your eternal throne.

We come to You to pray for our Afghan brothers and sisters in this present time of crisis and pain. We pray that in the midst of the political and social darkness that is descending upon the Afghans, the light of the Gospel of the Kingdom will shine forth even more brightly; that in the midst of hopelessness, the ‘blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Saviour Jesus Christ’ will sustain them. Deliver them, Lord God, from the evil one.

Father in heaven, may Your Kingdom come and Your will be done. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”

Anonymous

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15 Aug 2021
13/08/2021

Dear family in Christ

We rejoice with the 18 brothers and sisters in Christ who are confirmed today (8 at English congregation and 10 at Mandarin congregation). We give thanks to Abba Father for his bountiful grace and mercy in calling them to Himself as His beloved children and faithful disciples of Jesus Christ.

In the Anglican Church, the rite of Confirmation is significant for several reasons.

It is for the strengthening of the believer for Christian life and witness and for ministry service, by the empowering of the Holy Spirit through the laying on of hands by the bishop.
It is an opportunity for those who had been baptized as infants to confess their faith publicly and declare their baptismal vows personally.
It is the receiving into full membership in a particular parish and a declaration of their discipleship commitment together with the church community at St John’s Chapel.

As we witness the Confirmation today, may we be strengthened in the following areas:
a. Community: We are a community together as the Body of Christ. Let us encourage one another, especially those in our Cell groups, to walk close to Jesus and to serve God faithfully in the work of His eternal kingdom.
b. Commitment: We have declared our baptismal vows to God at our baptism. Let us honour our vows to live a Christ-centred godly life and to trust in God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
c. Communion: We have the communion of the Holy Spirit with us. Let us walk in step with the Spirit in obedience and faith and proclaim the gospel of Christ faithfully, even as we await eagerly for the Return of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Maranatha
Pastor John

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08 Aug 2021
06/08/2021

Dear family in Christ

On this National Day weekend, let us give thanks to God for his grace and mercy for our nation. Many years ago, our forefathers landed on the shores of Singapore and made this island their homeland. They laboured and grew their families. By the sovereign grace of God, many families and individuals heard the gospel and came to salvation faith in Jesus Christ.

May I encourage you to reflect on the lyrics of this meaningful song by retired Methodist bishop Robert Solomon, “From Many Shores”.

May we be grateful to the Lord and seek to fulfil God’s calling and purpose in and through our lives for his honour and glory.

Maranatha
Pastor John

1. FROM MANY SHORES you gathered, Our fathers mothers all
And gave as home this island, So precious though so small
They toiled and built our nation, As You blessed them with grace
O God of our salvation, We seek Your holy face

Chorus:    Bless Singapore our home with peace, And make us a blessing,
To the nations near and far, We worship You our King,
May everyone know who You are!

2. We’re many tongues and colours, Teach us to live as one
Bless all our dreams and labours, In all Your will be done
Help us to honour cherish, All that is good and right
Let all Your people flourish, As we live in Your light

3. We pray for all our children, Our leaders workers too
That we would all be open, To trust Your word as true
Let righteousness and justice, Your mercy and Your love
Be found in home and office, As we each other serve

4. We know our strength is in You, Our future in Your hands
Our nation Lord come renew, Come heal and bless our land
Let every street and heartland, Echo the name of Christ
To every heart and home extend, Your love Your grace Your light

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01 Aug 2021
31/07/2021

Dear church family

In recent weeks, I have been experiencing physiological difficulties sleeping at night.

I was glad to come across a devotional reflection on Psalm 4.

May Abba Father and His Word minister to your heart and soul as you find rest and strength in the Lord day by day.

Shalom
Pastor John

TOSSING AND TURNING

“In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.” Psalm 4:8

What keeps you awake at night? Lately I’ve been losing sleep, tossing and turning on my bed, trying to work out a solution to an issue. Eventually I begin fretting about not getting enough rest to handle the challenges of the next day!

Sound familiar? Troubled relationships, an uncertain future, whatever it is — we all give in to worry at one point or another.

King David was clearly in distress when he penned Psalm 4. People were ruining his reputation with groundless accusations (v2). And some were questioning his competency to rule (v6). David probably felt angry for being treated so unfairly. Surely he could have spent nights stewing about it. Yet we read these remarkable words: “In peace I will lie down and sleep” (v8).

Charles Spurgeon explains verse 8 beautifully: “In thus lying down, . . . [David] resigned himself into the hands of another; he did so completely, for in the absence of all care, he slept; there was here a perfect trust.” What inspired this trust? From the start, David was confident that God would answer his prayers (v3). And he was sure that since God had chosen to love him, He would lovingly meet his needs.

May God help us to rest in His power and presence when worries threaten. In His sovereign and loving arms, we can “lie down and sleep.”
[ written by Ms Chia Poh Fang, Our Daily Bread Ministries, 24 May 2018 ]

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25 Jul 2021
23/07/2021

Dear church family

During such painful and challenging times,
let our words be few and let our intercessory prayers be many.

Let us remember especially the young and the elderly in Singapore.

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear …”   Psalm 46:1-2

Shalom
Pastor John

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18 Jul 2021
17/07/2021

Dear church family

In Matthew 24:14, Jesus told his disciples that “this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” To hasten the return of our Lord Jesus Christ, the gospel must be proclaimed to every people group in the world. Not many of us can go out into the mission field to be missionaries, but all of us can give financially and definitely, all can pray fervently.

For the past two years, I have been using an app that provides information prayer pointers from “Operation World” in my daily prayer for the nations. You can download this free app on your mobile phone via this weblink  http://www.operationworld.org/prayer-app/   Currently, this app is only available in English. There is a printed book version of “Operation World” in Mandarin. Pls speak with the church staff for assistance if you would like to buy a copy.

Let me give two examples from this week’s prayer focus.

IRAN   (14 July)

Massive numbers of Iranians have come to Jesus in recent years! From only 500 Muslim-background believers in 1979, many estimates suggest the number is even greater than 1 million just in Iran alone. Large numbers of Persian people have also encountered the risen Christ outside of Iran. The Church in Persia has not grown this fast since the 7th century. In Iran, a person can receive a death sentence for apostasy (abandoning religious faith). This growth is a remarkable move of the Holy Spirit, with many signs and wonders, dreams and visions.

IRAQ  (17 July)

The Christian community has lived an unbroken existence in Iraq since the 1st Century, but this legacy is at risk of disappearing. The majority are Assyrians and descendants of the Nestorian, or Ancient Church of the East, centred in Nineveh and Mosul. The Nestorian Church was one of the greatest missionary denominations of history, winning 6% of all of Asia’s population 1,000 years ago. Today, it is reduced through persecution, harassment and compromise to less than two million in the world. Christians in Iraq, the victims of sustained persecution and even genocide, are now only half of what they numbered in the 1990s. Most have fled persecution to Syria or Jordan, others to the West. Few are likely to ever return. Two-thirds of Baghdad’s churches are closed or destroyed. Pray for the preservation of Iraq’s biblical heritage, and for the restoration and rejuvenation of this most historic of Churches.

May the Lord open our eyes and heart as we pray for the nations, that God will continue to do His mighty work of grace and mercy, especially amongst the unreached peoples.

Maranatha
Pastor John

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11 Jul 2021
10/07/2021

Dear church family

On 16 June 2021, the Singapore government released the report on the Census of Population 2020. The report is accessible at the Department of Statistics’ website www.singstat.gov.sg

Subsequently on 22 June, The Straits Times (ST) published an article written by Mathew Mathews and Melvin Tay entitled, ‘Fading Faith? Fathoming the future of Singapore’s religious landscape’. The article provided an analysis of religious trends in Singapore based on the Census report and covered a range of issues in the changing religious sentiments of Singaporeans in general and also trajectories in specific religious traditions.

Consequently, Dr Roland Chia, theologian professor at Trinity Theological College, wrote a response paper entitled “No Room for Complacency”, which is available on the website of Ethos Institute for Public Christianity, https://ethosinstitute.sg/no-room-for-complacency/

Dr Chia shared his concerns on the analysis of the current religious trends that have direct or indirect bearing on Christianity and the churches in Singapore. He highlighted three issues raised by the ST article that he thought pastors, leaders, educators and parents should be concerned about and must give more attention to.

1. Spirituality without Religion

This issue has to do with the delinking of spirituality from organised religion, a trend that has been endemic in the West for several decades. The rejection of organised religion has resulted in privatised spiritualities. Dr Chia encouraged the Singapore churches to place emphasis on the importance of ecclesial and liturgical spirituality.

2. Digitalisation of Religion

Church services and meetings have gone online because of restrictions brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic. While it is beneficial practically, this digitalisation has exacerbated the drift away from organised religion and this can potentially lead to four critical issues. Firstly, Christian orthodoxy could be easily jeopardised. Secondly, religious or theological authority may be compromised. Thirdly, it encourages religious consumerism. Fourthly, it may lead to a DIY religion.

3. God of the Gaps

This issue is about how the emphasis on the STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) disciplines in our Singapore education system has impacted and challenged the relevance of religion. The relationship between science and the Christian faith is an important but neglected topic in our churches. We need to help people to see and understand the relevance of the Christian faith in a world that is governed by science and technology.

May I encourage you to read Dr Chia’s response paper on your own. You may consider sharing your thoughts and having a discussion at your cell group meetings or friendship fellowship groups. Let us pray for God’s wisdom and grace for pastors, leaders and parents to guide God’s people during such challenging times.

Maranatha
Pastor John

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04 Jul 2021
02/07/2021

Dear church family

Youth Day is celebrated on the first Sunday of July in Singapore. In this complex post-modern age, the young generation faces many challenges in their growing years, such as the pressure of education, dysfunction of family, diversity of temptations, shifting of moral values, influence of social media, etc. Pastors, parents and educators are concerned for the rise in the number of youths and young adults struggling with mental illness, depression, pornography, gambling, materialism, work stress, etc.

As God’s people in community together, it is important to come alongside the youths and young adults in our church in their discipleship journey. Let me suggest some practical ways for our action and involvement.

PRAY: Remember the youths and young adults in fervent prayer at our personal devotions and corporate prayer times. May they have the fear of the Lord and committed discipleship in following Jesus. Let us pray for their parents to experience God’s grace and receive God’s wisdom to love, teach and guide their children.
ENCOURAGE: Young people need lots of love, affirmation and encouragement as they grow in their Christian faith and in Christlike character. They need spiritual guidance in coping with the struggles of life and finding direction in life. Where opportunities arise, do give them a word of encouragement.
MODEL: Youths learn best when they see godly Christian life examples in the church and in the family. By God’s grace and help, let us model the life of godliness and committed discipleship as an exemplary encouragement to the youths.
DISCIPLE: Let us make time to disciple a group of youths to help them grow in their discipleship journey and also train them to disciple others. We are thankful to God for those serving as youth leaders and young adult leaders in being a spiritual friend and godly influence.

Let us seek the Lord together for the hearts of the young generation to be anchored in faith and Christlike in character, always having the fear of the Lord.

“Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth …”   Ecclesiastes 12:1

Maranatha
Pastor John

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27 Jun 2021
25/06/2021

Dear church family

At times when I need some advice in decision-making or have some struggles in life and ministry, I am thankful to God for a few elders in the Lord whom I can consult or share my heart with. The Bible is filled with examples and advice on seeking the wisdom of the elders who are God-fearing and faithful to the Lord.

I am thankful that in our St John’s Chapel community, we have many elders (seniors) who have walked faithfully with the Lord through the storms of life. Their life and example have been a blessing and encouragement to many.

I would like to share a Our Daily Bread devotional below, written by a Singapore ODB staff Ms Chia Poh Fang (8 March 2018).

Let us find time to chat with our elders, learn from their experiences and seek their wisdom in the Lord.

Blessings
Pastor John

Age-Old Wisdom

“Is not wisdom found among the aged? Does not long life bring understanding?”   Job 12:12

In 2010, a newspaper in Singapore published a special report that contained life lessons gleaned from eight senior citizens. It opened with these words: “While aging brings challenges to mind and body, it can also lead to an expansion in other realms. There is an abundance of emotional and social knowledge; qualities which scientists are beginning to define as wisdom . . . the wisdom of elders.”

Indeed, wise older people have much to teach us about life. But in the Bible, we meet a newly crowned king who failed to recognize this (1 Kings 12:1–7, 12–17). King Solomon had just died, and in 1 Kings 12:3, we read that “the whole assembly of Israel went to Rehoboam” with a petition. They asked the new king to lighten the harsh labour and heavy taxes his father Solomon had demanded of them. In return, they would loyally serve Rehoboam.

At first the young king consulted the elders (v6). But he rejected their advice and accepted the foolish counsel of the young men who had grown up with him (v8). He made the burden on the people even greater! His rashness cost him most of his kingdom.

All of us need the counsel that comes with years of experience, especially from those who have walked with God and listened well to His counsel. Think of the accumulated wisdom God has given them! They have much to share with us about the Lord. Let’s seek them out and give a listening ear to their wisdom.

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20 Jun 2021
18/06/2021

Dear church family

During this current pandemic season, many of us are working from home (WFH), as advised by our government for health safety reasons. We know some of us in essential services and service providers who cannot WFH by nature of our work. Whether WFH or working onsite, I pray that you are coping well by the grace of God in the vocation that God has called you to do.

I came across a helpful ‘Our Daily Bread’ article written by retired Methodist bishop Robert Solomon on the topic “Working from Home: Does It Count As Working for God?”. May I encourage you to read this article by accessing https://odb-covid.org/working-from-home-does-it-count-as-working-for-god/

In his article, bishop Solomon shared his reflections on

Martin Luther’s Teaching on the Christian Vocation
A Homemaker Is a Servant of God
Essential Services and Brave Workers
Working from Home
Discovering Digital Ministry

He concluded by encouraging Christians on “Serving God at All Times: Whether you are working in the office, factory, school, hospital, shop, or at home, you can still serve God. The key is to have the attitudes of service and humility, and to know that whatever we do and wherever we are working, we are called to serve God for His glory (1 Corinthians 10:31). Our vocation in Christ remains intact whether we are in lockdown mode or not, and as Paul reminds us, what we do in serving Christ, whether working from home or in our normal places of work, is not in vain, as we give ourselves fully to the work of the Lord (1 Corinthians 15:58).”

May the joy of the Lord be your strength day by day.

Blessings
John

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13 Jun 2021
11/06/2021

Dear church family

Thank you for your encouragement, support and prayers for our church missionaries Gerry and Yahui. They left for Chiang Mai in June 2012 and have completed 3 terms (total 9 years) of missionary service with the Deanery of Thailand. They will continue serving for one more term till June 2024.

I have attached their latest prayer newsletter to this church bulletin and summarised a few key highlights below. As the Lord provides and enables you, pls consider freewill giving to our church Mission Fund for their support, especially for the education of their three children. May I encourage you to communicate with Gerry and Yahui regularly and keep them in our prayers. Thank you.

Maranatha
Pastor John

Thailand’s COVID-19 third wave has tapered down, especially in Chiang Mai, albeit some clusters still surfacing in districts near St. Andrew’s Centre. Thank you for praying with us.

ST. ANDREW’S CHURCH: Online church services and cell meetings will continue till the end of June. We thank God for regular attendance of 40 to 45 members. Pls pray that our church members will continue to cling on tightly to the Lord despite the challenges due to the pandemic.

COMMUNITY LEARNING CENTRE: We thank God for the opportunity to befriend the boys who have been hanging out in the carpark in the evenings. Gerry and Khun Mai (our housekeeper) refurnished our old goal post for use by the boys and they were elated. Pls pray for the boys to respond to God’s work in their lives, for relationships to be built and for opportunities to share Christ.

SIRIAUNDA SCHOOL (ST. ANDREW’S ANGLICAN SCHOOL): (1) We thank God that Khun Boe, the mother of one of our students (Tin-Tin) contacted Yahui to share that her whole family (Grandmother, Father, Mother and 2 children) have accepted Christ and would like to attend St. Andrew’s Church. Praise the Lord of the Harvest for His redemptive grace at work. Pls pray with us that the Word of God will take root in the lives of Khun Boe, Tin-Tin and family. (2) Pls pray for our parents and children that they will experience God and receive Christ, especially in this time of difficulties and uncertainties. Pray for all the children as they return to school on 14 June and that they will be able to adapt to the C-19 precautionary measures and school life. Pls pray for our school director, teachers and school staff for God’s strength, wisdom and grace as we nurture the children.

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06 Jun 2021
04/06/2021

Dear church family

St John’s Chapel is one of 27 parishes in Singapore. Together with the 6 deaneries, 9 schools, 22 preschools and a wide range of community services, we form the Diocese of Singapore. I would like to share three matters from the diocese with us.

From the Bishop’s Heart
At the recent 25th session of Synod (3rd meeting) on 15 May 2021, Bishop Titus gave his Presidential address on the theme “Spurring one another on towards love and good deeds”. May I encourage you to hear our diocesan bishop’s heart for the diocese by accessing this weblink https://www.anglican.org.sg/uploads/bulletin_files/May_2021_Synod_Presidential_Address_-1.pdf
Diocesan Digest
The Diocesan Digest is produced twice a year as a means of communications to the whole diocese for information, encouragement and prayer. The May 2021 issue is now available on this weblink  https://www.anglican.org.sg/uploads/bulletin_files/DD_may_2021.pdf   Amongst many encouraging articles, you can read our missionaries Gerry and Yahui’s Chiangmai ministry update on pages 18-19. You can also read my farewell words as the outgoing Dean of Vietnam on page 20. Pls use the informative articles to pray for the deaneries, parishes, schools and community services.
Morning Prayer
The Daily Office is our ancient Anglican heritage which allows the Psalms, Prayers and the Word to shape and edify our spiritual life. It creates a daily pattern and a rhythm of life, which is spiritually useful during the current Covid-19 restrictions. For 1-30 June 2021, the Diocese will host a daily Morning Prayer from Monday to Friday, 7.30 am to 7.50 am, over Zoom and on Youtube. Let us keep a good rhythm of life and grow in our spiritual formation.
Zoom link     https://tinyurl.com/y2h3bdky
Youtube link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSgvawV4Cr3dsn6h-Wge5XQ/videos

The Lord watch over you and your family with his grace and peace.

Blessings
Pastor John

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30 May 2021
29/05/2021

Dear church family

I was thinking whether there had been any songs written in the midst of a pandemic. I found one – “A Mighty Fortress is our God” by the great reformer, Martin Luther. The article below was written on 15 May 2020 by Rev Dr Ray Howell III, a senior minister at First Baptist Church, USA. May this well-loved hymn strengthen your faith, encourage your heart and refresh your soul.

Shalom
Pastor John

The Bubonic Plague first hit Europe in the 14th century and killed an estimated 60% of the population… For over 300 years there were outbreaks of the disease, including the summer of 1527 in Wittenberg. The entire university left town, most professors and their families fleeing the city, but not Martin Luther. He felt God was calling him to minister to those dying of the plague. He was ready to do battle with the Prince of Darkness himself.

Luther knew all too well the deadly power of this cruel enemy. Two of his brothers died in the pandemic. In spite of the fact that his wife, Katie, was pregnant, Luther turned his home into a hospital to care for the sick and dying. Writing to others about the danger of this mortal ill, Luther said that if you truly love your neighbour, you will self-quarantine to stop the spread of the disease.

The personal strain of living in this world that was “devil filled” threatened to undo Luther. He was slipping into depression, an ancient foe that Luther battled his entire life. But he found great strength and solace in the Word of God, especially Psalm 46 “God is our fortress and our strength, an ever-present help in time of trouble.”

Struggling with depression, Luther knew that he, in his own strength, could not prevail. He put his hope and trust in the one who is our refuge and strength. In the midst of a global pandemic as he battled his own personal demons, Luther wrote the enduring words that have lifted millions of hearts throughout the centuries. “A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing!”

When you look carefully at the words of this powerful hymn, you can see many references to the devastating pandemic. “Let goods and kindred go, this mortal life also; the body they may kill: God’s truth abideth still: his kingdom is forever.”

As we find ourselves struggling with a flood of mortal ills known as COVID-19, let us find courage and resolve in the words of the great Reformer: “And though this world with devils filled should threaten to undo us, we will not fear, for God hath willed his truth to triumph through us.” It is Christ who will win this battle.

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23 May 2021
21/05/2021

Dear church family

Today is Pentecost Sunday in our Anglican Church calendar. God the Holy Spirit came in power to indwell the lives of the disciples of Jesus Christ and initiated the beginnings of God’s Church called to be witnesses for Jesus in the world. As children of God, we have and need the power of the Holy Spirit to live holy and fruitful lives, especially during this current Covid-19 pandemic.

Firstly, let us walk in the Spirit. “Walk by the Spirit and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” (Gal 5:16). There is a constant battle in our heart and mind concerning our sinful nature (flesh). The indwelling Spirit of God will grant us the grace and strength to live in obedience to God’s Word and overcome our sinful desires.

Secondly, let us bear the fruit of the Spirit, which is “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control…” (Gal 5:22-23). May our hearts be transformed daily by the Holy Spirit as we grow in Christlikeness in our attitude, behaviour and conduct in all areas of our life.

Thirdly, let us exercise the gifts of the Spirit. “Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them.” (Rom 12:6). God has given spiritual gifts to His people for the edification of His church at St John’s Chapel. Let us use these gifts faithfully to encourage one another and to do the gospel mission work.

Let us seek the Lord fervently that even in the midst of this pandemic, many people will come to salvation faith in Jesus through our lifestyle evangelism and church online services. May the Church of God arise with fresh zeal and power of the Holy Spirit to minister to a lost and fearful world with God’s love.

Maranatha
Pastor John

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16 May 2021
14/05/2021

Dear church family

On 13 May 2021 in our Anglican church calendar, we commemorated Ascension Day. The Ascension of Jesus occurred 40 days after the Resurrection (see Acts 1:1-11; Luke 24:44-53). It was highly significant because it began a deep transformation in the lives of the disciples for the advancement of the gospel.

How did the Ascension of Jesus impact the disciples and the people of God spiritually?

It encouraged the people to worship God joyfully (Luke 24:50-53) because their faith was strengthened and their hope was secure.
It changed their mindset about the kingdom of Israel to a new focus of being a people belonging to the kingdom of God (Acts 1:3, 6).
It gave them a missional purpose to live as faithful and courageous witnesses for Jesus Christ  (Acts 1:8b; Luke 24:45-48).
It anchored their hope in the Return of Jesus Christ (Acts 1:10-11; John 14:1-3). The victorious King is coming back again to bring us home.

As the people of God, let us make a significant impact for Jesus Christ as His faithful witnesses in the world today. We have the Good News to share to those “without hope and without God in the world” (Eph 2:12).

Maranatha  “Even so, come Lord Jesus” (Rev 22:20)

Pastor John

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09 May 2021
08/05/2021

Dear church family

During such difficult challenging times of Covid-19 pandemic in Singapore and all around the world, especially in India now, let us join our hearts in crying out to the Lord in fervent prayers for His grace and mercy.

Pray for our Singapore government and all world governments.
May government heads and decision-makers have the wisdom and courage in making wise and right decisions to protect and help the people.
Pray for healthcare workers at the forefront of this pandemic.
May they be well protected physically, sustained emotionally, supported socially and strengthened spiritually in their courage and labour.
Pray for healing of the infected sick and their families.
May those who are infected recover well with sufficient hospital resource support and may their families experience comfort and peace in their hearts.
Pray for the scientists and researchers.
May they have good knowledge in the continual process of developing effective vaccines and medication, even as the virus mutates around the world.
Pray for God’s salvation grace.
May many people hear the good news of salvation in Jesus Christ and call upon His name and be saved, and receive the gift of eternal life.
Pray for God’s sovereign mercy.
Let us plead for God’s mercy that in His sovereign power and will, his purposes will be fulfilled through this pandemic and there may be an end to much suffering.

Lord, have mercy on us.

Maranatha
Pastor John

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02 May 2021
01/05/2021

Dear church family

We praise and thank God for his wisdom and guidance for our church Annual General Meeting processes and meetings this year. Thank you, dear brothers and sisters in Christ, for your responses, participation, suggestions, encouragement and prayers.

It is my joy to introduce the Parochial Church Council (PCC) for year 2021-22.

Vicar’s Warden : Kenneth Sng
People’s Warden : Hidehito Ie
Hon. Secretary : Elly Chiu
Hon. Treasurer : Tan Pei Ching
PCC members : Benjamin Kirk, Enoch Ng, Florence Ho, Gan Pak Lim, George Chen, Kevin Lee, Nellie Nam, Sheryl Sim
Synod representatives (2020-2023) : Justin Chan, Elly Chiu, Ho Boon Sing
Sub-committee chairpersons : Hidehito Ie (Personnel), Benjamin Kirk (Property), Nellie Nam (Finance), Vicar (Missions)

We thank God for every PCC member’s commitment and heart in their latreuo worship of God in serving the Lord well. Value your prayers for PCC and myself to continue being good stewards of church funds for the work of God’s eternal kingdom and also in making wise decisions and sound policies under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Maranatha
Pastor John

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25 Apr 2021
24/04/2021

Dear church family

We thank the Lord for his help and guidance for our church AGM process this year as we culminate proceedings at the virtual AGM this Sunday 25 April at 3.00 pm. All are welcome to attend. Zoom details can be obtained from the respective cell leaders.

A word of thanks to electoral roll members who have submitted your proxy voting form and to all the participants at the pre-AGM Town Hall discussion meeting last Sunday. I encourage all church members to take time to read the vicar’s report and also all the ministry reports. May it encourage your heart to see the Lord’s gracious leading at St John’s Chapel in ministry and missions.

Praise God for every provision of finances for year 2020 for manpower, ministry and mission. I have been encouraged by your obedience to God in returning your tithe to Him and by your generous freewill giving to the Lord, and also your sacrificial giving. Value your prayers for PCC and myself to continue being good stewards of the funds for the work of God’s eternal kingdom.

I am thankful for our committed and united staff team. They have served tirelessly and faithfully, especially during this past year with many Covid-19 challenges. They have served with joy and purpose, even in the midst of difficult trials, health concerns and family issues. In view of the Covid-19 pandemic affecting many jobs and the Singapore economy, the whole staff team (clergy, deaconess, missionaries, pastoral staff and admin staff) had a salary freeze wef 1 January for the year 2021.

Let us continue looking to God for his gracious sovereign hand as we journey in discipleship and serve God’s purposes together. Let us be God’s living church in these Last Days for the glory of God. As we see the gracious salvation plan in the missional heart of God, may we be a missional church of Spirit-filled committed disciples of Jesus Christ, always ready to take the gospel to the nations and eagerly awaiting the Return of the King, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

Maranatha
Pastor John

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18 Apr 2021
17/04/2021

Dear friends, guests and church family

A very warm special welcome to all the special guests, honoured parents and BB boys & alumni at the 64^th Boys Brigade Enrolment and Dedication service at St John’s Chapel. We are so glad that you are here with us for this important service. We hope that you will have an enjoyable and meaningful experience that will bring deep peace and great joy in your heart.

There are times when we go through painful struggles in life such as ill health, financial debt, family quarrels, marriage issues, disobedient children, work stress, job loss and especially the stress & worries caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. Our hearts feel deep pain and we experience many anxieties. In such times, we can only pray that the painful situations we are facing will have a happy turnaround as we cling on to the hope of a clear solution and a positive change.

Hope is so important in every area of life. The unemployed person hopes to get a job soon. Students hope to pass their exams with good results. Parents hope that their child will behave and grow up well. Families in conflict hope for restoration in their relationships. Struggling families hope for enough food and finances. There is a popular Mandarin song that expressed the hope in every heart that “Tomorrow will be better” ( 明天会更好).

Because Jesus Christ lives, there is a blessed hope. Two weeks ago, Christians all over the world commemorated the death of Jesus Christ on the cross on Good Friday. This was followed two days later in the celebration joy of Easter (Resurrection Sunday) when Jesus resurrected from the dead. In Jesus Christ the Son of God, we experience the love, joy and peace of God. We receive the grace and mercy of God in the forgiveness of our sins. We have purpose and meaning in life. We have the joyous hope of eternal life.

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit, you may abound in hope.” Romans 15:13

Love in Christ
Pastor John

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11 Apr 2021
09/04/2021

Dear family in Christ

Singing at church services

Sometimes in life, we only treasure what or who is really important to us when it is taken away or no longer with us. Many of us had experienced missing this “treasure” of singing praises aloud to God together for the past one year. We are thankful that from 5 April 2021, the government has given approval for congregation attendees to sing aloud at our church worship services, subject to safe management measures of (1) mask-wearing at all times, and (2) the duration of masked singing is capped at a total of 30 minutes at each service. Let us make a joyful noise unto the Lord.

Virtual Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Sunday 25 April (3 pm)

We thank God for the coming virtual Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 25 April, a time when we see God’s gracious sovereign hand upon our church in the transformation of lives and in serving Him in ministry and mission in the work of His eternal kingdom. By now, electoral roll members would have received the AGM reports and the proxy voting form weblink.

Our church constitution requires one third of Electoral Roll members to form the AGM quorum. Under Virtual AGM guidelines, your proxy voting form is important because it is counted as part of the quorum. Your proxy form appoints the Chairman of AGM (the Vicar of St John’s Chapel) as your proxy to attend, speak and vote on your behalf. After you have read all the AGM reports, thank you for submitting your (online) proxy voting form, latest by 21 April, 12 noon.

We are organising a pre-AGM Town Hall zoom meeting on Sunday 18 April (3.00 pm) to address any questions, clarifications or comments concerning the AGM reports. Please use this Town Hall platform to present your thoughts or questions, as the virtual AGM on 25 April will not include any Question & Answer segment. Kindly email your questions to admin@patmos.org.sg  by 14 April. All electoral roll members are welcome to attend this Town Hall zoom meeting. Pls register your attendance at admin@patmos.org.sg

Value your prayers for a Christ-centred AGM that honours the Lord and edify God’s people.

“Oh sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth! Sing to the Lord, bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvellous works among all the peoples!” Psalm 96:1-3

Maranatha
Pastor John

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28 Mar 2021
27/03/2021

Dear family in Christ

We commemorate Palm Sunday today. Our Saviour Jesus Christ had set his heart to walk the way of the cross to Calvary. He rode into Jerusalem city on a humble donkey (Matthew 21:1-11). The excited Jewish crowd shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” But five days later,loud voices cried out, “Crucify him! Crucify him!”.

As we enter Holy Week, may our hearts focus on Jesus Christ and His sacrificial obedience to the will of God the Father.

Washing the disciples’ feet (John 13:1-17): Servanthood, humility and love for one another must be the hallmark of a committed disciple of Jesus.
Passover meal (Matthew 26:17-29): Jesus instituted the Lord’s Supper (body and blood) as an important remembrance of God’s new covenant of His grace and mercy.
Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36-46): Jesus was in deep agony and sorrow, yet He was fully obedient to the will of His Father.
Betrayal, arrest and trial (Luke 22:47 – 23:25): Jesus was mocked, beaten and humiliated, yet He was meek, “like a lamb that is led to the slaughter”.
Crucifixion and death (Luke 23:33-56): In great suffering and painful shame, Jesus gave His life sacrificially on the cross in atonement for our sins and the sins of the world.
Resurrection (Matthew 28:1-10): Hallelujah. He is Risen. Praise and thanks be to God for the victory over sin and death, and the blessed hope of eternal life in Jesus Christ.

As we reflect on these series of events, may we learn precious lessons from Jesus and press on in walking close to Him in joyful surrender.

Maranatha
Pastor John

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21 Mar 2021
20/03/2021

Dear family in Christ

In the book of Psalms and in the New Testament epistles, the call to give thanks to God in all circumstances can be heard clearly and emphatically. As disciples of Jesus Christ, it is good for us to have a devoted heart of gratitude and thanksgiving to the Lord.

During this past week, I had to minister to a church couple who experienced a painful situation. Yet even in the midst of their grief, they gave thanks to the Lord for his grace and love. I was deeply encouraged by such strong faith in God and their heart of thanksgiving.

Take some time to reflect on the various areas of your life. Then open your hearts to give thanks to God for his goodness and grace.

“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever.”   Psalm 136:1

Blessings
Pastor John

— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —

Timeline Plan for ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING on 25 April 2021

Date Task / Event
14 March, Sunday PCC nomination opens
14 to 30 March Nomination period for PCC (closes on 30 March)
6 April, Tuesday Notice of AGM + Annual report + Proxy form (Email/post to Electoral Roll members)
14 April, Wednesday Due date to submit questions & clarifications for Townhall meeting and to register for Townhall webinar.
18 April, Sunday,
3.00 pm Townhall meeting Q&A (webinar)
21 April, Wednesday Due date to submit proxy form by 12 noon and to register for AGM (webinar)
25 April, Sunday,
3.00 pm AGM   (webinar)

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14 Mar 2021
13/03/2021

Dear family in Christ

Notice of Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 25 April 2021

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, our Singapore government gave official approval for AGMs to be held virtually for religious organisations. This special “temporary measures” approval expires on 30 June 2021. In the light of current Covid-19 conditions and capacity restriction on non-congregational meetings (50 people maximum), our diocesan bishop, together with diocese standing committee, strongly recommends for all parishes to hold their AGM virtually, without any onsite attendance.

In consultation with and agreement of our Parish Church Council (PCC), we have decided to hold this year’s AGM virtually via zoom webinar, as per last year. The AGM date is on Sunday, 25 April 2021 at 3.00 pm. The AGM process will be similar to what was done for AGM 2020. Pls see the timeline plan for AGM 2021.

Date Task / Event
14 March, Sunday PCC nomination opens
14 to 30 March Nomination period for PCC (closes on 30 March)
6 April, Tuesday Notice of AGM + Annual report + Proxy form (Email/post to Electoral Roll members)
14 April, Wednesday Due date to submit questions & clarifications for Townhall meeting and to register for Townhall webinar.
18 April, Sunday,
3.00 pm Townhall meeting Q&A (webinar)
21 April, Wednesday Due date to submit proxy form by 12 noon and to register for AGM (webinar)
25 April, Sunday,
3.00 pm AGM   (webinar)

We seek your active participation in the AGM process. Value your fervent prayers for our church community to continue serving God’s will and purposes faithfully to the glory of God.

Maranatha
Pastor John

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07 Mar 2021
06/03/2021

Dear family in Christ

It has been almost a year since our government imposed the Covid-19 circuit-breaker and then the gradual opening up in phase two and phase three for religious services. Due to our space constraints, we can have up to 150 attendees in three zones (two zones at sanctuary and one zone at Patmos hall) for the worship service.

It is such a wonderful joy to have God’s people being allowed to gather physically again in the praise of God and in safe-distanced fellowship. There is something special about being in the presence of one another in sharing a brief conversation, to see a smile on the eyes and to encourage each other in the Lord.

Recently, I read an article written by retired Methodist bishop Robert Solomon on the topic “Why go to church when I can’t sing or fellowship?” The full article can be read from this weblink  https://saltandlight.sg/faith/why-go-to-church-when-i-cant-sing-or-fellowship/

In his conversations with local pastors, Bp Solomon heard that Christians in Singapore are attending church service less often, whether on-site or online. He shared three reasons encouraging Christians to return to on-site services as soon as they possibly can, for the sake of their spiritual health.

1. On-site church services honour God: “There is value in having a faith community worshipping God publicly in a regular place. Over time, such places become spiritual places that are treasured and stand as a witness to the God we worship.”

2. Meeting in person builds unity: “There is the value of solidarity in face-to-face meetings. Our physical presence gives us mutual encouragement when we see fellow believers standing together as a worshipping and praying community.”

3. Going to church helps us stay close to the faith community: “We need to be careful that skipping church does not become a habit and a part of our routine (see Hebrews 10:25). Staying away from church could be the first step to losing the fellowship and protection of being part of a community of fellow believers.”

“How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord of hosts! My soul longs, yes, faints for the courts of the Lord; my heart and flesh sing for joy to the living God.”   Psalm 84:1-2

Maranatha
Pastor John

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28 Feb 2021
27/02/2021

Dear family in Christ

In this season of Lent, we seek to realign our life and priorities to the will of God. As we focus on our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ and walk the Calvary Road, let us draw nearer to our Abba Father in personal relationship and grow in Christlikeness.

Let us consider the following practical ways to grow in Christlikeness:

In relation to GOD:

Abstain from dwelling in sorrow; Experience the joy of God’s presence.
Abstain from hiding in sin and darkness; Walk in the freedom and light of God.
Abstain from worry and anxiety; Rest in the love and care of God.
Abstain from depending on our own strength; Rely on God’s transforming power.

In relation to OTHERS:

Abstain from judging others; Look for Christ living in them.
Abstain from words that tear down; Use words that build up.
Abstain from self-concerns only; Exercise compassion to care for others.
Abstain from idle gossip; Find ways to encourage those in need.

In relation to SELF:

Abstain from discontentment; Count our blessings with gratitude to God.
Abstain from the pain of bitterness; Experience the peace of forgiveness.
Abstain from thoughts that discourage; Trust in God’s promises that inspire.
Abstain from concentrating on problems; Turn to God in prayer that strengthens.

Growing in Christlikeness is a lifelong journey. Let us encourage one another in growing in Christ together.

Maranatha
Pastor John

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21 Feb 2021
19/02/2021

Dear church family

In the Church calendar, Ash Wednesday falls on 17 February this year, which marks the beginning of the LENT season. At the Ash Wednesday church service, the priest places some ash on our foreheads and says “you are dust, and to dust you shall return” (Genesis 3:19b), signifying that our bodies are frail and mortal. This past one year of Covid-19 pandemic is a stark reminder of our human mortality.

LENT is a 40-day season of reflection, repentance and restoration. Theliturgical colour is purple, signifying penitence and mourning. It is a time of deep spiritual reflection and honest heart-searching repentance. It is a season when we give ourselves fully and devotedly to grow in Christlikeness. This growth in Christlike character requires spiritual disciplines in extended times of fasting, praying and reading the Scriptures.

The Scriptures teach us about the holy God’s wrath and hatred of sin, but also of his faithful great love for the sinner.Because of our Abba Father’s love, He sent his beloved Son Jesus Christ to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. During Lent, we focus on Jesus Christ, his obedience to his Father and his journey to the cross.

Because of sin, man has fallen short of the glory of God and destined for a spiritual death. But thanks be to God for the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. In Christ, we are set free from our bondage to sin and death. In Christ, we are a new creation and have a new life in Him. At the church services during Lent, we recite the ten commandments to remind us of our discipleship walk in full obedience to our Abba Father in newness of life.

“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.”   Psalm 51:10-12

Shalom
Pastor John

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14 Feb 2021
12/02/2021

Dear church family

In all the national and ethnic groups celebrating their respective “new years” around the world, there is one common thread that runs across all the different cultures and traditions. This is the sense of having something new. For example, wearing new clothing, giving new money notes, cleaning the house to look new, a new haircut, welcoming a new addition to the family, etc.

In the spiritual realm, there is great joy in experiencing something new. The apostle Paul encouraged the Corinthian Christians: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” (2 Cor 5:17). At our Confession time during worship service, we pray to Abba Father to “forgive us all that is past; and grant that we may serve you in newness of life; to the glory of your name”.

I came across this song many years ago that speaks of God’s love and mercy being wonderfully new.

New! every morning it’s new! The love of God to me is wonderfully new!
New! every morning it’s new! The mercy of the Lord is wonderfully new!
Great is His faithfulness, Constant is His love,
Great is His saving power, Coming from above!
New! every morning it’s new! The mercy of the Lord is wonderfully new!

Whatever struggles and difficulties that you may be going through in your life right now, may you find peace, rest and strength in the Lord, remembering and singing deep in your heart that the unfailing love, bountiful mercy and saving power of God is wonderfully new every morning. Yes, every morning.

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.”    Lamentations 3:22-24

Blessings
John

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07 Feb 2021
05/02/2021

Dear church family

This coming Lunar New Year festivities will be quite different and subdued because of Covid-19 restrictions. However, I believe there will still be available opportunities to meet up with family relatives, good friends and friendly neighbours. As you enjoy the delicious food and friendly conversations, may the Lord guide you with his love and grace to bear a good testimony for Jesus and reflect the glory of God in your life.

PRAY – As you share in conversation together, commit your family and friends to the Lord prayerfully in your heart for God’s grace of salvation.
RESPECT – Always be ready to give due honour and respect to our family elders and appreciate them for being a blessing in our lives.
LISTEN – Take time to hear their life stories and understand their hopes, fears and struggles.
CARE – May the Lord grant you a sensitive heart to discern the needs of your family and friends so that you can minister and show care to them.
SHARE – Be led by the Spirit to share the gospel with them and let them know that God loves them very much.

The harvest field need not be just about crossing the seas to a foreign land. But it is seeing the cross in the land where God has placed you. Would you labour for Jesus?

“Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into his harvest.”   Matthew 9:37-38

Maranatha
John

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31 Jan 2021
30/01/2021

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24 Jan 2021
23/01/2021

Dear church family

Prayer is such an immense joy and privilege for God’s children in our walk and relationship with God. Every disciple of Jesus Christ should have a vibrant and healthy prayer life and intercession ministry. Whether praying alone in our “closet” or praying together at our cell groups or at corporate church prayer meetings, the people of God are called to “pray at all times in the Spirit” (Ephesians 6:18).

There is great potential when prayer and small groups are integrated. In his book “Praying together: Equipping small groups to grow their prayer potential” (pg. 16-18), Dr Alan Harkness shared on six things that will happen when small groups pray together.

Expression of community between God and people, and between people themselves.

Sense of belonging where Christians know that they are “at home”.

Provision of a setting to allow God to work at transforming us.

Process of growth in spiritual maturity and committed discipleship.

Careful and sensitive listening to God and to one another.

Mission focus to sense and respond to God’s heartbeat for his world.

Let us gather in prayer together as the community of God’s people in our small groups and at church prayer meeting.

“Too often we treat prayer as the preparation for the work of the church.

Do you not see? Prayer IS the work of the church.”   – Oswald Chambers

Maranatha
Pastor John

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17 Jan 2021
16/01/2021

Dear church family

Starting this weekend until end of March 2021, I will be preaching on a sermon series entitled “Be Mature: Faith in Action” by expounding the Scriptures from the New Testament book of James. The people of God were experiencing fierce persecution in the Roman empire in the first century. The letter of James was written to encourage God’s people to put their Christian faith in action and to guide them to grow mature in Christ spiritually.

It is my prayer that as we learn precious lessons from God’s Word, we will be stirred in our hearts to put our Christian faith in action at all the places that God has placed us. No matter how long you have been a follower of Jesus Christ, may we seek to grow deep in spiritual maturity, to grow closer to the Lord in our walk with Him, and to grow in Christlikeness more and more each day.

Maranatha
Pastor John

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10 Jan 2021
09/01/2021

Dear church family

In January 1874, Frances R. Havergal, a gifted poet, sent a New Year greeting card to her friends. She had written a heartfelt prayer of consecration, which epitomised her deep faith in God and exemplified her total commitment to the Lord. This poetic prayer has become a well-known favourite hymn among God’s people over the years.

Another year is dawning, dear Father, let it be
In working or in waiting, another year with Thee;
Another year of progress, another year of praise,
Another year of proving Thy presence all the days.

Another year of mercies, of faithfulness and grace,
Another year of gladness in the shining of Thy face;
Another year of leaning upon Thy loving breast;
Another year of trusting, of quiet, happy rest.

Another year of service, of witness for Thy love,
Another year of training for holier work above;
Another year is dawning, dear Father, let it be
On earth, or else in Heaven, another year for Thee.

As we begin a new year 2021 in the midst of this relentless Covid-19 pandemic, may you experience God’s love and peace as you rest in the presence of God. May you receive God’s grace and strength as you walk close to the Lord. May you find joy and purpose as you seek and obey the will of God.

“So teach us to number our days, that we may present to You a heart of wisdom.” Psalm 90:12 (NASB)

Maranatha
Pastor John

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03 Jan 2021
02/01/2021

Only One Life   –    by C.T. Studd

Two little lines I heard one day, Traveling along life’s busy way;
Bringing conviction to my heart, And from my mind would not depart;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Only one life, yes only one, Soon will its fleeting hours be done;
Then, in ‘that day’ my Lord to meet, And stand before His Judgement seat;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Only one life, the still small voice, Gently pleads for a better choice
Bidding me selfish aims to leave, And to God’s holy will to cleave;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Only one life, a few brief years, Each with its burdens, hopes, and fears;
Each with its clays I must fulfill, living for self or in His will;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.

When this bright world would tempt me sore, When Satan would a victory score
When self would seek to have its way, Then help me Lord with joy to say;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Give me Father, a purpose deep, In joy or sorrow Thy word to keep;
Faithful and true what e’er the strife, Pleasing Thee in my daily life;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Oh let my love with fervour burn, And from the world now let me turn;
Living for Thee, and Thee alone, Bringing Thee pleasure on Thy throne;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Only one life, yes only one, Now let me say, ”Thy will be done”;
And when at last I’ll hear the call, I know I’ll say “twas worth it all”;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Charles Thomas Studd, often known as C. T. Studd (1860-1931), was a British Protestant Christian missionary to China. He was part of the Cambridge Seven and later was responsible for setting up the Heart of Africa Mission, which became the Worldwide Evangelisation Crusade (now WEC International). As a cricketer, he played for England in the 1882 match won by Australia, which was the origins of The Ashes.

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27 Dec 2020
26/12/2020

Dear family in Christ

We thank God for his grace and help during this very challenging Covid-19 year. For some brothers and sisters in our church community, this year has been filled with painful struggles and sorrowful circumstances. May you find continual comfort and peace in the Lord and be strengthened by the grace of God.

As we come near the end of year 2020, may our hearts be joyful in praising the Lord for who He is and be filled with gratitude to God for all His blessings in our life. May we sing like the grateful psalmist, “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name!” (Psalm 103:1).

As we reflect on the issues and circumstances in our life, let us give thanks to God and “forget not all his benefits” (Psalm 103:2-5) of loving forgiveness, merciful healing, gracious redemption, steadfast love, faithful goodness and life renewal in the power of the Holy Spirit.

May I encourage us to spend time in quiet reflection as we end the year. Here are some reflection questions:

Have I grown in Christlikeness and loving God more deeply?
Have I learnt to trust God more in the trials of life?
What direction in life is the Lord leading me?
How has God used me this year for his kingdom?
How have I glorified God in the ordinaryness of my life?

“Only one life, ’twill soon be past; Only what’s done for Christ will last.” C.T. Studd

Maranatha
Pastor John

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20 Dec 2020
17/12/2020

Dear friends, guests and visitors

A very warm special welcome to you to our Christmas Caroling service this weekend, and also to visitors at our Mandarin worship service. We are so glad that you are with us today for our special Christmas program. We hope that as you hear the delightful Christmas carols presented by our church choir, you will have an enjoyable and meaningful experience that will bring deep peace and great joy in your heart this Christmas.

We love to hear good news. When PM Lee announced that phase 3 will start on 28 December and vaccines will soon be available (free of charge!), thousands of Singaporeans rejoiced to hear this happy news. 2000 years ago, an angel brought good news to a group of shepherds, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:10-11). This good news brought joy and hope to the world.

Hope is so important in every area of life. This has been a very challenging year for many people because of Covid-19. When we experience painful struggles such as job loss, financial debt, family quarrels, ill health, travel restrictions, etc, we hope to hear good news and for a happy turnaround in our circumstances. There is a popular Mandarin song that expressed the hope in every heart that “Tomorrow will be better” (明天会更好).

Christians all over the world celebrate the joy of Christmas because of the blessed hope we have in Jesus Christ. When we believe and trust In Jesus Christ, we experience the love, joy and peace of God. We receive the grace and mercy of God in the forgiveness of our sins. We have purpose and meaning in life. We have the joyous hope of eternal life.

Wishing you a Blessed Christmas and a Joyous New Year.

Blessings
Pastor John

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13 Dec 2020
10/12/2020

Dear family in Christ

The season of Christmas is always an opportune time to share the good news of great joy that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, was born 2000 years ago in Bethlehem to be the Saviour of the world.

During this difficult and challenging Covid-19 year, many people are searching for meaning of life and seeking a present and future hope that is certain and secure.

Let us join our hearts to pray and think of family, friends and children to invite, and also for us to be involved in serving, at these Christmas outreaches.

“The Gift of Love” Christmas Outreach to Migrant Workers: We are mobilising volunteers to serve in the packing and distribution of goodie bags to the dormitories (15-18 December) and also at the Christmas celebration activities at Kranji Recreational Centre (19-20 December, 11am to 3pm).
Children Christmas outreach on Saturday, 19 December (session one 10am – 12pm; session two 2pm – 4pm). Fun activities for children age 4 to 12 and the sharing of the Christmas story.
Christmas Carol Services on 19 December Saturday 4.30 pm service and on 20 December Sunday 9.00 am service. Carol singing by the choir and gospel preaching by an evangelist.
Christmas Day services on 25 December, 9.00 am (English) and 11.15 am (Mandarin). May the gathering of God’s people be a powerful testimony of Christmas joy in declaring the grace and love of God in Christ Jesus.
Christmas Meal in the Home: As a Cell group or as a family, do consider inviting friends for a Christmas meal in the home, with the listening of carols and the sharing of the Christmas message. Safe distancing measures allow households to receive up to five visitors at any one time.
Celebrate Christmas in Singapore (CCIS): Due to Covid-19 restrictions, CCIS cannot be held at Orchard Road. Instead, it will be livestreamed online into the homes and digitally across the world. Pls tune in to the CCIS Christmas performances (https://ccis-sg.wixsite.com/ccis) at 8.00 pm nightly on 21 & 23 Dec (English) and on 22 & 24 Dec (Mandarin).

“And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:10-11

Maranatha
Pastor John

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06 Dec 2020
04/12/2020

Dear family in Christ

This Advent-Christmas season is an opportune time for spiritual reflection. In what ways can Advent encourage us in our spiritual walk with the Lord?

Firstly, be faithful followers of Christ.

As we live in between the First Advent (2000 years ago) and the Second Advent (Return of Christ), we are called to holy living and be faithful stewards of what God entrusted to us. In our spiritual journey as a Christ-following community, we have the joy and privilege to bring glory and honour to God. We have an important calling and responsibility to share about Jesus Christ through the gospel message and our loving deeds. The lights in Advent-Christmas are a good reminder that Jesus Christ is the “Light of the world” (John 8:12) and that we are called to “let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16).

Secondly, be ready for Christ’s return.

We look forward to the Second Advent. The Scriptures teach us that “… Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin, but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.” (Hebrews 9:28). In great triumph and with loud trumpet sounds, Christ will come again to bring his people home to dwell in God’s presence for all eternity. We need to be accountable, watchful and spiritually alert in our daily walk. Is the Lord pleased and satisfied with the way we are living our life? Is there true worship of God in the total surrender of our life to Jesus and His kingdom?

Are you ready for His Return?

Maranatha
Pastor John

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29 Nov 2020
27/11/2020

Dear family in Christ

Today is the first Sunday in Advent, the liturgical season focusing on the coming of the Saviour Jesus Christ. It is a season of spiritual preparation marked by prayers of humble devotion and times of quiet reflection. There is a double focus in Advent. Firstly, it is the joyous celebration of the birth of Jesus the Messiah in his First Advent. Secondly, it is the anticipation of His impending return as King in his Second Advent. We celebrate the revelation of God’s redeeming love in Jesus Christ in his First Advent for the purpose of reconciling our fallen world to God the Father. Having known God as Abba Father, we now look forward eagerly to the hope of eternal life in the Second Advent, where God the King will come in power to judge and rule the world.

As we live in between the two Advents, we are called to live godly and holy lives and be faithful stewards of the gospel entrusted to us as God’s people. In our spiritual journey as committed disciples of Jesus Christ, we have an important responsibility to live a life bringing glory to God and sharing about Jesus through the gospel message and our loving deeds.

Giving to Mission Fund: Our church practises the two-envelope giving system. The first is the Tithing envelope. All tithes returned obediently to the Lord go to the General Fund, which is used to pay staff salaries, ministry programs, office expenses, diocese quota, etc. The second is the Freewill giving envelope. This goes to the Mission Fund, which is used to support our overseas missionaries (Gerry & Yahui Gan, Ian & Alison Gosling, Deborah Loh), and several regular and ad-hoc giving to missions. As the Lord enables and provides for us, may we give joyfully, generously and sacrificially for the work of God’s eternal kingdom.

Maranatha
Pastor John

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22 Nov 2020
20/11/2020

Dear family in Christ

A special thanks to all the Children Ministry leaders and teachers for your commitment and perseverance during this challenging year in teaching the children over Zoom and for your love and care for all the children. What a great joy to see so many children back in church last Saturday for Children’s Ministry after seven months of circuit breaker and phase two precautionary measures. The children spent time together learning the Word of God and also packed special gift bags that were distributed to 50 needy migrant workers at the SG Accident Help Centre. It was our way of teaching the children about rendering practical help in missions as part of our church missions month.

It is so wonderful and encouraging to see brothers and sisters gradually returning and gathering for on-site physical worship services. In recent weeks, the attendance at the English and Mandarin services were almost to full capacity of 50 persons. We thank the Lord that we have received approval from Ministry of Community, Culture and Youth (MCCY) for our seating capacity to be increased to 100 attendees, divided into two zones of 50 people each, with the necessary safe distancing measures in place. We seek your understanding and cooperation in effective implementation of these important safe distancing measures. For the English services, this increased capacity of 100 will take effect from Saturday, 5 December 2020. For the Mandarin service, it will take effect from Sunday, 13 December.

During this challenging Covid-19 pandemic year, let us continue to draw strength from the Lord and find our rest in Him. Let us continue to care and encourage one another and uphold one another in fervent prayers for God’s grace and peace. If you need a listening ear, feel free to contact myself, the pastors or pastoral staff, or your cell leader for a chat and prayer.

“Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul.” 3 John 1:2

Shalom
Pastor John

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15 Nov 2020
14/11/2020

Dear family in Christ

This weekend, we commemorate Diocesan Missions Sunday. It is the time of the year that we bring our focus to the Great Commandment and the Great Commission. The Church has a clear missional calling from the Lord to proclaim the gospel faithfully. The Diocese of Singapore has ecclesiastical responsibility in the six deanery countries of Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Nepal, Thailand and Vietnam. By God’ grace and help, we proclaim the gospel and aim to plant dioceses in these countries.

Pls access and read the Diocesan Mission Annual Report 2020 at  https://bit.ly/missionsunday

Pls see the prayer pointers for each deanery and seek your fervent prayers.
As the Lord enables, pls give unto the Lord towards the Diocesan Mission Fund for the purpose of church planting work in these six deaneries.

If writing a cheque, pls put payee name as “Diocese of Singapore” and write “For Diocesan Mission Fund” at the back of the cheque.
If giving by internet banking, pls indicate the words “For Diocesan Mission Fund”.

We give thanks to God for people from every nation, tribe and language coming to salvation faith in Jesus. Let us pray for the continual faithful proclamation of the gospel in these six deanery countries and for growth in spiritual maturity of God’s people in committed discipleship.

Praise the Lord for his goodness and faithfulness to the St Margaret’s School family as she celebrates her 178th anniversary on 16 November. The Lord has given St John’s Chapel a wonderful mission harvest field right at our doorstep. Our grateful thanks to brothers and sisters in Christ who serve faithfully in the various areas of school chaplaincy work. May we always be found faithful in the proclamation of the gospel.

Maranatha
Pastor John

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08 Nov 2020
06/11/2020

Dear family in Christ

We thank the Lord for pastoral staff Tan Chwee Lian, who retires from church employment on 10 November 2020. She has served faithfully as a pastoral staff since January 2000, mainly with the Mandarin congregation and also ministering at the Hokkien and Cantonese congregations. God has used Chwee Lian in her pastoral ministry to touch many lives through her pastoral care, preaching & teaching and evangelism. She has also led mission trips to Batam, Setiawan and Hui-An. In recent years, she has served in school chaplaincy work through her weekly interaction with the students at Lighthouse.

Chwee Lian is thankful for two key highlights in her ministry life. The first is to see the youths under her care at the Youth Ministry growing up in spiritual maturity and in their life stages. The second is the privilege and joy of preaching and teaching the Word of God. Upon her retirement, Chwee Lian will continue serving in lay pastoral care support as well as any ministry when the needs arises. There will be a thanksgiving time at the Mandarin service on 8 November (Sunday) in appreciation and thanks for the ministry of pastor Chwee Lian. We wish her every blessing in Christ and a blessed restful retirement.

During this Missions month, let us continue to uphold our church missionaries in fervent prayers:

(1) Gerry and Yahui serving at ChiangMai with Deanery of Thailand in church planting work;

(2) The Goslings serving with a missions agency in their outreach to refugees;

(3) Deborah Loh serving amongst the urban poor at Bangkok with Overseas Missionary Fellowship.

Maranatha
Pastor John

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01 Nov 2020
30/10/2020

Dear family in Christ

The Covid-19 pandemic has caused great distress and much suffering to millions of people all over the world. In such difficult times, the message of hope and peace in the gospel of Jesus Christ becomes even more important as ever. The mission of the Church must continue, no matter how challenging, even as we see the Return of our Lord Jesus Christ drawing nearer.

This November, we are focusing on our annual theme of Missions at all our church services. We are thankful for the guest preachers with varied missional experiences coming to share God’s Word and their particular areas of ministry in missions and evangelism. I pray that the variety of messages will help us to see what the Lord is doing in Singapore and in the nations of the world in the proclamation of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

At the English services, we will hear from Canon Yee Ching Wah (Director of Missions), Dr Michael Lim (Director, Crisis Relief Alliance), Bp Kuan Kim Seng (Commissary Bishop for The Horn of Africa) and Mr Kua Wee Seng (Director of China ministry in an international organisation). At the Mandarin service, we will hear from Canon Yee Ching Wah and Rev Dr Patrick Fung (General Director, OMF International).

“For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” Romans 10:13-15

Maranatha
Pastor John

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25 Oct 2020
23/10/2020

Dear family in Christ

We praise and thank the Lord for two significant events last weekend. On Saturday 17 October, 52J Boys Brigade company and 52^nd Girls Brigade company celebrated its 20^th anniversary joy. The BB and GB children, together with their parents, and also teachers, officers and helpers, gathered joyously over Zoom for the 20^th anniversary Thanksgiving and Badge presentation programme. On behalf of Pei Tong Primary School, Mr Jonah Lim (teacher in charge) presented the anniversary plaque to St John’s Chapel in appreciation of our church ministry partnership.

We thank the Lord for the opportunity to shape and build the character of 20 cohorts of children and the joy of sharing the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ with them. We want to acknowledge and appreciate our church members who have been involved in this ministry, both past and present, for their faithful and committed ministry service as captains, officers, chaplains, regular helpers and ad-hoc volunteers. Thank you so much for loving the children and touching their lives with the grace and love of God.

As a diocese, we rejoice in the consecration and enthronement of the tenth Bishop of Singapore on Sunday 18 October. Let us keep Bishop Titus Chung in fervent prayers as he leads the diocese and shepherd God’s people in Singapore and the six deanery countries by the empowerment of the Holy Spirit.

May the gospel of Jesus Christ be faithfully proclaimed through God’s people in the parishes, schools, community services and mission deaneries.

Maranatha
Pastor John

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18 Oct 2020
17/10/2020

Dear family in Christ

In our church calendar, we commemorate St Luke the Evangelist on 18 October 2020. What a fitting day to hold the Consecration and Enthronement Service of Revd Canon Dr Titus Chung as the tenth Bishop of Singapore. The diocesan bishop is called to lead the church of God in evangelism and mission in the faithful proclamation of the gospel.

This historic Service will be held on Sunday 18 October at 4.00 pm at St Andrew’s Cathedral. It will be live-streamed via this weblink bit.ly/DOS-18Oct. May I encourage all of us to participate meaningfully and prayerfully in this Service, together with the whole diocese in Singapore and in the six deanery countries.

Let us be in fervent prayers for Bishop Titus Chung and his family (wife Connie and sons Theodore and Thaddeus). May he be empowered by the Holy Spirit to lead the Church of Jesus Christ to be faithful to Jesus and to proclaim the gospel committedly. May he experience the sufficient grace of God and the bountiful wisdom of God in serving the Lord courageously during such challenging times.

Maranatha
Pastor John

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11 Oct 2020
09/10/2020

Dear family in Christ

The Covid-19 pandemic has been the central focus in this year 2020. It is on the news everyday and has affected the daily lives of millions of people in every country of the world. As at 8 October 2020, there were 36 million cases of infection globally. The number of deaths has just crossed 1 million recently. There is deep grief for the families who have lost their loved ones and also much anxiety for those still recovering from this infection.

I thought about the large number of deaths and a few reflection questions came to mind: How many of them had heard the gospel of Jesus Christ? And having heard the gospel, how many had placed their faith to believe and trust in Jesus as their Lord and Saviour? Where are the souls of these 1 million people now – in heaven or in hell?

May this unprecedented pandemic spur us on to focus and press on urgently in the faithful proclamation of the gospel of Jesus Christ amongst our family and friends and also the countless millions of people in Singapore and all over the world who need to hear the good news of salvation.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.” John 3:16-17

Maranatha
Pastor John

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04 Oct 2020
03/10/2020

Dear family in Christ

Many countries in the world celebrate Children’s Day, a time we remember the worth, significance and dignity of children. In Singapore, it is celebrated on the first or second Friday of October when many happy children enjoy a school holiday. In the Church, children are God’s treasured creation and a great joy to all in God’s family.

Our Lord Jesus Christ taught his disciples, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God.” (Mark 10:14). Children are lovingly welcome in the kingdom of God because of God’s sacrificial unfailing love and for their trusting child-like faith in God.

Let us pray unceasingly for the children in the many households of faith at St John’s Chapel. May God’s Word take root deeply in their hearts and light their spiritual path in their life journey. May they grow into God-fearing godly men and women of God who love God deeply, walk with Jesus closely and serve the Lord faithfully all the days of their life.

Let us pray unwaveringly for the children whom our church is reaching out with the gospel through the various ministries such as the Children’s ministry, Boys Brigade, Girls Brigade, etc. May these children experience the love and grace of God deeply in their hearts. May they come to salvation faith in Jesus Christ, and also their parents and families.

“(The Lord) established a testimony in Jacob and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers to teach to their children, that the next generation might know them, the children yet unborn, and arise and tell them to their children, so that they should set their hope in God and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments.” Psalm 78:5-7

Maranatha
Pastor John

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27 Sep 2020
25/09/2020

Dear family in Christ

In recent weeks, the whole diocese has joined together in common prayer for Bishop-designate Titus Chung. We are now going into the third diocesan prayer wave with the focus on the Lord sending His Holy Spirit to anoint BpD Titus to continue the work of renewal in the parishes and in the lives of God’s people in love, truth, wisdom and unity.

Pray for the Holy Spirit to guide and lead the Church of Jesus Christ to be faithful to Christ through the servant-leadership of our new bishop.

May the Holy Spirit grant BpD Titus every wisdom in guarding biblical doctrines and every grace to grow in Christlikeness of love, compassion and mercy.

Pray for BpD Titus to be renewed in deeper faith in God and reliance on God’s Word, and having a true shepherd’s heart in caring for the flock of Christ.

May God keep BpD Titus and his family (wife Connie and sons Theodore and Thaddeus) under His loving wings always.

Pray for God to make our diocese one in Christ as BpD Titus leads the Diocese into greater unity in a loving community with a clear vision and mission to do the will of God.

Maranatha
Pastor John

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20 Sep 2020
19/09/2020

Dear family in Christ

Let us uphold Bishop-designate (BpD) Canon Dr Titus Chung in fervent prayers in preparation for his consecration and enthronement.

1. Pray for the Lord’s grace, strength and protection upon BpD Titus, his wife Connie and their sons Theodore and Thaddeus, against the spiritual attacks of the Enemy.

2. Pray for God’s anointing upon BpD Titus to have the spirit of wisdom, counsel and compassion to discern God’s will for the Diocese as God’s appointed shepherd, pastor, teacher and leader.

3. Pray for God’s provision of spiritual gifts upon BpD Titus to lead the diocese’s multiple ministry platforms in the parish churches, mission deaneries, Anglican schools and community services in the faithful proclamation of the gospel.

Maranatha
Pastor John

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13 Sep 2020
11/09/2020

Dear family in Christ

We stand at the threshold of a new season in our continual diocesan journey as we prepare for the consecration and enthronement of Bishop-designate (BpD) Canon Dr Titus Chung on 18 October 2020. At Bishop Rennis’ Thanksgiving service on 30 August, he commended BpD Titus to the diocese and asked for fervent prayers for him: “Titus has a warm pastoral heart, a well-formed theological mind, a steady pair of hands and a desire for the truth of the Gospel to be practised and be made known. I therefore commend him and his wife Connie to you, for your full support and fervent prayers.”

Let us thank God for Bp Rennis and all the past Bishops who have served and led the Diocese of Singapore faithfully for their guidance, teaching, nurturing and nourishing the flock with the Word of God in the love of God.
Pray for the Lord’s strength and protection upon BpD Titus, his wife Connie and their sons Theodore and Thaddeus, against the spiritual attacks of the Enemy.
Pray for God’s anointing upon BpD Titus to have the spirit of wisdom, counsel and compassion that he may discern God’s will for the Diocese as God’s appointed shepherd, pastor, teacher and leader.
Pray for God’s provision of spiritual gifts upon BpD Titus to lead the diocese’s multiple ministry platforms in the parish churches, mission deaneries, Anglican schools and community services in the faithful proclamation of the gospel.

“And when (Paul and Barnabas) had appointed elders for them in every church, with prayer and fasting they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed.” Acts 14:23

Maranatha
Pastor John

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06 Sep 2020
05/09/2020

Dear family in Christ

In September every year, we commemorate Diocese Education Month. The diocese Education Board oversees 30 schools and preschool entities with a total estimated enrolment of 15,900 students. This enormous number present many exciting opportunities for the love of God and pastoral care which is expressed through chaplaincy work. Value your prayers for our church chaplaincy team (staff Florence, Fu Man, Yun Jing & Shirleen and tributers Gloria & James) in our outreach and pastoral care with the students of St Margaret’s Secondary school.

September is also the month where students all over Singapore appreciate their school teachers for their care, support and commitment. Teachers play an important role in shaping the minds and hearts of their students, especially during their growing up years. We remember our brothers and sisters in our church family who are called to work and serve in this meaningful teaching vocation. Let us pray for them to keep their passion and fire burning brightly for Jesus as they seek to make an impact in the lives of their students in the love of Christ for the sake of the gospel.

In God’s Church, those who teach God’s Word serve a significant purpose in building up the people of God to grow in spiritual maturity. Let us thank and appreciate all those involved in teaching God’ Word at St John’s Chapel in the various congregations and ministries: Children ministry teachers, Youth leaders, young adults leaders, Cell leaders, Bible teachers, Boys Brigade and Girls Brigade officers & helpers, Chaplaincy staff & volunteers. Thank you all for your love and labour in God’s kingdom. May we be found faithful in teaching God’s Word and walking in obedience to the Lord daily.

Maranatha
Pastor John

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30 Aug 2020
29/08/2020

Dear family in Christ

Our Diocesan Bishop Rennis Ponniah retires officially in September 2020. There will be a livestreaming Thanksgiving service this Sunday 30 August, where Bp Rennis will hand over the pastoral staff to the Vicar-General Bp Low Jee King. The consecration and enthronement of Bishop-designate Canon Titus Chung will be on 18 October.

At the August 2020 issue of Diocesan Digest, Bp Rennis shared these words from his heart:

“I step down from office with a grateful and joyful heart….. but I will, in the grace of God, continue to minister under the authority of the new diocesan bishop and support his leadership as best as I can. Pray for me and Amir as we settle into a new role and a new season in our lives. We thank the Lord for each one of you and the marvellous run we have had over the last eight years. Thank you for your love and support and the joy of serving the Lord together. The race is not over yet. The Lord is worthy of a Church on the front foot. There is a world to win for Christ…”

We thank the Lord for the godly life and faithful ministry of Bp Rennis and his loving supportive wife, Amir. All praise and thanks be to God.

Maranatha
Pastor John

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23 Aug 2020
22/08/2020

Dear family in Christ

I had commenced on the sermon series “Living the Ten Commandments in the 21st century” in first quarter 2020. However, during the circuit-breaker period and phase two reopening, I had focused on sermon topics that addressed the spiritual, mental and emotional issues relating to this challenging Covid-19 pandemic that has greatly affected our family, work and social lives.

For the next two months, I will cover the remaining commandments four to ten. May we grow in our love relationship with God and live a life of total obedience to Him. Jesus told his disciples in John 14:15-16 “If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever…” How is your love relationship with Abba Father today?

Maranatha
Pastor John

Aug Preacher Sermon topic Bible texts

2
HC Bp Rennis
Ponniah Holy Communion –
A Provision Not to be Neglected 1 Kgs 19:1-8;
Lk 22:14-22

8/9    Rev John Lin Created for a Destiny and Purpose Dan 2:17-30

15/16
HC Bp Kuan Kim
Seng Mary the Doule Lk 1:46-55;
Gal 4:4-7

22/23 Ds Lena Lim If there is a tomorrow… Jam 4:13-17

29/30 Rev John Lin #4 Remember the Sabbath day to       keep it holy Exo 20:8-11

Sep

5/6
HC Rev John Lin #5 Honour your father & your mother Mt 15:1-9;
Eph 6:1-4

12/13 Rev King Chiew
Kwang Open topic

19/20
HC Rev John Lin #6   You shall not murder                Mt 5:21-26;
Jam 1:19-27

26/27 Rev John Lin #7   You shall not commit adultery Mt 5:27-30

Oct

3/4
HC Enoch &
Shirleen Ng Let the little children come to Me Mk 10:13-16

10/11 Rev John Lin #8   You shall not steal Lk 19:1-10

17/18
HC Rev John Lin #9   You shall not give false testimony Prov 30:5-10;
Jn 8:39-47

24/25 Rev John Lin #10 You shall not covet Lk 12:13-21

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16 Aug 2020
15/08/2020

Dear family in Christ

We are thankful that diocesan bishop Rennis has granted a special dispensation for parishes and congregations in the Archdeaconry of Singapore to practise one or more of the following three forms of administering Holy Communion during the period 2 August to 31 October 2020 to address the extraordinary situation posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

1. Holy Communion to a congregation that physically gathers and safely distributes the bread and the wine in a manner that satisfy the safety standards specified by the national authorities for churches.

2. Holy Communion by extension from a common table, whereby diocesan authorised persons distribute pre-consecrated elements to dispersed households or small groups at their respective locations using a simple liturgy.

3. Holy Communion through an Online Service with good controls to a congregation that is electronically present and connected.

We praise and thank God that one powerful aspect of the Lord’s Supper is the communal experience of breaking bread and praying together. At our parish, we will celebrate Holy Communion on-site physically and online electronically on the first and third weekends at the following service timings:

Saturday 4.30 pm (English)
Sunday 9.00 am (English)
Sunday 11.15 am (Mandarin)

For those present electronically, pls view this video guide on preparing the bread and wine (juice) at home.
( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mxjUp2Xik7U&feature=youtu.be )

May all things be done with faith and love and in good order to exalt the Lord and strengthen His church for missions and ministry. May we be nourished and strengthened by the Lord communally.

“And (Jesus) took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.”
Luke 22:19-20

Maranatha
Pastor John

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9 Aug 2020
07/08/2020

Dear family in Christ

On this National Day weekend, I was reminded of a very meaningful song written some years ago by bishop Robert Solomon, the former Bishop of The Methodist Church of Singapore. The song is entitled “From Many Shores”. You can view the song video clip by accessing our church website and click on the graphic icon “From Many Shores”. May I encourage you to take some time to reflect on the lyrics, give thanks to God and pray for our nation.

“Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.” Proverbs 14:34

Blessings
Pastor John

1 FROM MANY SHORES you gathered, Our fathers mothers all
And gave as home this island, So precious though so small
They toiled and built our nation, As You blessed them with grace
O God of our salvation, We seek Your holy face

Chorus:  Bless Singapore our home with peace, And make us a blessing,
   To the nations near and far, We worship You our King,
   May everyone know who You are!

2 We’re many tongues and colours, Teach us to live as one
Bless all our dreams and labours, In all Your will be done
Help us to honour cherish, All that is good and right
Let all Your people flourish, As we live in Your light

3 We pray for all our children, Our leaders workers too
That we would all be open, To trust Your word as true
Let righteousness and justice, Your mercy and Your love
Be found in home and office, As we each other serve

4 We know our strength is in You, Our future in Your hands
Our nation Lord come renew, Come heal and bless our land
Let every street and heartland, Echo the name of Christ
To every heart and home extend, Your love Your grace Your light

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2 Aug 2020
01/08/2020

Dear family in Christ

In view of the Covid-19 pandemic situation, diocesan bishop Rennis has granted special dispensation for ONLINE Holy Communion to be celebrated for the period 2 August to 31 October 2020.

For the combined Diocese Online Holy Communion service on Sunday, 2 August (10.30 am), and also for subsequent parish online communion, please prepare the following at home:

(1) Bread on a clean tray/plate
(2) Wine (or juice) in a clean glass/cup

All consecrated bread and wine (juice) will need to be fully consumed at the end of the service.

You are encouraged to participate in the Online Communion service as a household family, or in a small group gathering of not more than 5 visitors at a home. We should consider gathering in small groups to break bread together (especially the elderly who may be alone at home) because there is a Body aspect, a communal aspect in the breaking of bread. Hence, for this communal reason, you need to follow the service timing of the livestreaming, so as to break bread together with the Body of Christ. For example, at 10.30 am this Sunday 2 August. If you miss the official service timing, you can still view the recorded service, but the holy communion segment will have been digitally removed.

In his teaching video, Bishop Rennis emphasized the importance of spiritual preparation.

First, we want to prepare ourselves through “Repentance”. We are a people broken by the (Covid-19) adversity, totally dependent on God. We ask God in times of judgement to remember mercy, and to bring us through. So there is a repentant heart we need to bring.

Second, we also need to bring “Longing” because it has been about 3 months since we partook of Holy Communion. The longing to experience that communion with God, that solidarity with one another. We are the people of the risen Lord.

Third, we want to be “Expectant”. I want to ask you to prepare and to pray for the experience of Christ’ spiritual presence as we break bread simultaneously. I want to ask you to pray that there will be renewed joy and strength and hope, as we have that online communion.

May our hearts be spiritually nourished and strengthened by the Lord as we partake in the breaking of bread together as the redeemed people of God.

Maranatha
Pastor John

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26 Jul 2020
24/07/2020

Dear family in Christ

In view of the Covid-19 pandemic situation, diocesan bishop Rennis has granted special dispensation for ONLINE Holy Communion to be celebrated for the period 2 August to 31 October 2020.

For those who may have missed bishop’s teaching on this important matter, pls access this diocese weblink https://www.anglican.org.sg/events/single/diocesan-online-communion-service  and watch the following videos:
a. Teaching video by bishop Rennis – “Do this in Remembrance of Me: Holy Communion during Covid-19 times”
b. Demonstration video on “Preparing for Online Communion service”

Online Holy Communion Service will have the following good controls:

It will be led by a Priest.
A congregation is ‘present & connected’ by remote means, who will partake of the breaking of bread together.
It will be a simultaneous breaking of bread by the Priest, individuals or households, and small groups.
There will be a suitably designed liturgy.
There will be due preparation for reverent participation.

There will be no St John’s Chapel services for the weekend of 1-2 August. The whole diocese will be gathered together for the combined Online Holy Communion service on 2 August, Sunday at 10.30 am, led by bishop Rennis and bishop-designate Titus. Pls access this livestreaming link https://bit.ly/DOS2Aug

In our preparations for this sacred time on 2 August and also subsequent parish online communion, you will need to prepare the following at home before the service starts: (1) Bread on a clean tray/plate; (2) Wine (or juice) in a clean glass/cup. All consecrated bread and wine (juice) will need to be fully consumed at the end of the service.

Let us draw near to the Lord’s table with reverence and fear of the Lord. Let us come with faith and repentant hearts to renew our covenant and experience the Lord’s presence.

Maranatha
Pastor John

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19 Jul 2020
18/07/2020

Dear family in Christ

For the past 6 months, the world has been grappling with the Covid-19 pandemic. Many governments, companies, businesses, hotels, airlines and hospitals have experienced such a severe shaking. Thousands of families have been affected in various ways and facing the future with uncertainty and insecurity.

During such tumultuous times, we look to the Lord for His strength and grace as God’s beloved children. The Bible has many examples of God’s people experiencing pain, difficulties and struggles and how they find strength in the Lord. I share some portions of Scripture for our meditation to receive encouragement and peace from Abba Father.

“I have set the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.” Psalm 16:8

“The Lord is near to the broken-hearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear…” Psalm 46:1-2

“For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him. He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken.” Psalm 62:5-6

“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Psalm 91:1-2

“I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.” Psalm 121:1-2

You need not walk alone in your pain and struggle. If you need prayer or someone to talk to, the pastoral staff, cell leaders and myself are available to come alongside to journey with you as we look to the Lord together.

Shalom
Pastor John

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12 Jul 2020
11/07/2020

Dear family in Christ

Thanks be to God that our church Safe Management Plan has been approved by Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY). We can resume essential office operations, necessary ministry activities and on-site congregational worship services (with Holy Communion).

English worship services resume on 18 July (Saturday, 4.30 pm) and 19 July (Sunday, 9.00 am)
Mandarin service will resume on 9 August (Sunday 11.15 am)

Pls note the following for Congregational worship service:

Each service is allowed a maximum attendance of 50 people (excluding church staff and duty personnel).
You need to book a “ticket” online at https://www.eventbrite.sg/e/st-johns-chapel-church-services-tickets-112626528980
Attendees must follow Safe distancing measures and clear SafeEntry procedures.
Children’s Ministry will not resume physically yet, and will continue electronically over Zoom.
Children are welcome at the church service with their family. The creche will be open.
Livestreaming (and recording) of church services will continue to be available online.
Holy Communion will resume in August and it will be celebrated weekly.

On another matter, in view of the Covid-19 situation, our diocesan bishop Rennis has granted special dispensation for an ONLINE Holy Communion service. Bishop will teach on this issue via a teaching video on 11-12 July. The Mandarin video will be available on 19 July. As a start, the whole diocese will be gathered together for a diocesan combined Online Holy Communion service on 2 August, Sunday at 10.30 am.

We look forward to see you in church together again in the praise and adoration of God and to hear His Word. For those who may not be ready yet to be physically present in church for various reasons, we understand your situation and hope to see in person at a later time this year. May the Lord watch over everyone with his grace and peace.

Blessings
Pastor John

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5 Jul 2020
04/07/2020

Dear family in Christ

Psalm 84 described a situation where a Levite (son of Korah) longed to be present physically at the Jerusalem temple for the worship of Yahweh. It expressed great delight to be in God’s dwelling place to experience His presence, to praise and adore Him and to rest in his grace and strength.

For the past three months, the Church in Singapore has been unable to meet physically. I believe that there are many in our church community who miss being in community together praising the Lord and to be in fellowship with one another. We are thankful that under Phase Two, the church is now allowed to have congregational services, up to a maximum of 50 attendees at each service.

Before congregational services can resume, we need to obtain approval from the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY) for our church’s Safe Management Plan (SMP). The SMP lists the multiple action plans and detailed safe distancing measures that our church will implement for our congregational services and church activities, with clear compliance to MCCY guidelines and restrictions (  https://www.mccy.gov.sg/about-us/news-and-resources/press-statements/2020/jun/resumption-of-more-religious-activities-in-phase-two  )

We are in the planning and preparation process to resume congregational services. Pls note the following key points:

Tentative start date is 18-19 July 2020, subject to MCCY approval of the SMP.
Children’s Ministry will not resume physically yet, but continue electronically over Zoom.
There will be an online booking system to manage the “50-person” limit.
Livestreaming (and recording) of church services will continue to be available.
Holy Communion will resume in August 2020 and it will be celebrated weekly.

Thank you for your understanding and help during several safe transition stages these past few months. Value your prayers.

Blessings
Pastor John

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28 Jun 2020
26/06/2020

Dear family in Christ

We praise and thank God for his wisdom and help for our church virtual Annual General Meeting processes and meetings. Thank you, brothers and sisters in Christ, for your responses, participation, encouragement and prayers.

It is my joy to introduce the Parochial Church Council (PCC) for year 2020-21. We thank God for every PCC member’s faithfulness and heart in their latreuo worship in serving the Lord.

Vicar’s Warden:       Kenneth Sng
People’s Warden:    Hidehito Ie
Hon. Secretary:       Elly Chiu
Hon. Treasurer:      Tan Pei Ching
Synod representatives (2020-2023):
Justin Chan, Elly Chiu, Ho Boon Sing
PCC members:
Benjamin Kirk, Enoch Ng,
Florence Ho, Gan Pak Lim,
George Chen, Kevin Lee,
Nellie Nam, Sheryl Sim
Sub-committee chairpersons:
Hidehito Ie (Personnel),
Benjamin Kirk (Property),
Nellie Nam (Finance),
Vicar (Missions)

We are very encouraged by the faithful ministry of brothers David Lui and Peter Soon. Both have been serving as Synod representatives and had requested to step down from PCC to encourage newer and younger members to serve. David was a faithful stalwart representing the Mandarin congregation at PCC for 13 years. Peter started serving in PCC in 1986 and experienced key church transitions such as the physical relocation to SMSS and St John’s (Jurong) becoming a parish. Our heartfelt thanks and appreciation to David and Peter for their exemplary and humble service unto the Lord. Thanks be to God.

Blessings
Pastor John

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21 Jun 2020
20/06/2020

Dear family in Christ

We thank the Lord for his help and guidance for our church AGM process as we culminate proceedings at the virtual AGM on 21 June (2 pm). A word of thanks to the AGM taskforce and to the 273 electoral roll members who submitted your AGM proxy voting form and to the 45 participants at the pre-AGM Town Hall discussion meeting. Let us continue looking to God for his gracious sovereign hand as we journey together in discipleship and serve God’s purposes in the work of his eternal kingdom.

Our grateful thanks to the committed team of brothers and sisters who had served faithfully in the Parochial Church Council (PCC). A great majority will continue serving for the new PCC term 2020-2021. This provides good continuity and stability in the lay leadership team. We welcome a new PCC member, brother George Chen (Mandarin congregation), to serve with us. A special note of thankful appreciation to brother Peter Soon and brother David Lui for their steadfast faithful ministry service for many years. They will “retire” as our church Synod representatives and will continue serving in other areas of church ministry.

As Singapore enters Phase Two of Safe Reopening, we have just received the latest advisory from Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth providing rules and guidelines for churches and also the advisory from our diocese Covid-19 taskforce. Together with the staff team and PCC, we will study both advisories carefully and implement safe and appropriate measures in the gradual resumption of church services, activities and meetings. Value your prayers for God’s wisdom and help.

Let us focus on our mission and purpose in the journey ahead as God’s people in his kingdom. Let us be God’s living church in these Last Days. As we see the gracious salvation plan in the missional heart of God, may we be a missional church of Spirit-filled committed disciples of Jesus Christ, always ready to take the gospel to the nations and eagerly awaiting the Return of the King, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

Maranatha
Pastor John

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14 Jun 2020
13/06/2020

Dear family in Christ

Thank you for taking time to read the AGM reports. May it encourage your heart to see the Lord’s gracious leading at St John’s Chapel in ministry and missions. Thank you for submitting your AGM proxy voting form. For those yet to submit, the closing date is 14 June. Together with the PCC, we look forward to meet brothers and sisters who have registered for the Town Hall Webinar this Sunday 14 June (2 pm).

During this Safe Reopening Phase one period, all our church staff continue to work from home, as strongly advised by our government leaders. I thank the Lord for a wonderful staff team who continue to press on in the various ministries of administration, pastoral care, teaching, chaplaincy, outreach and ministry, with lay leaders and members coming alongside in serving with joy and commitment together.

We are in the planning process to submit our church Safe Management Plan (SMP) to the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth to seek approval for the resumption of allowable religious activities. When this approval is given, our church office can open gradually and we can open our church premises for private worship. Please pray along with us for SMP approval.

Many of you would be missing the spiritual nourishment in the partaking of Holy Communion for the past three months. In the recent weeks, diocesan bishop Rennis has been in sharing and discussion with the senior clergy and also all the clergy and deaconesses on this important sacrament. There is a possibility for a special dispensation to be given by bishop Rennis for Online Holy Communion in all our parishes. I will update our church community in due course.

The Lord watch over you and your family during such challenging and uncertain times. For those who are struggling deeply in various areas, may you find shalom peace and comforting strength in God our Refuge and may you rest well in the arms of our loving Good Shepherd.

Maranatha
Pastor John

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7 Jun 2020
06/06/2020

Dear family in Christ

I pray that you are keeping well in the Lord, in your family and in your health during such challenging times. May you find peace, rest and strength in the Almighty God, our refuge and our strength, a very present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1).

We thank God for the coming Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 21 June, a time that we see God’s gracious sovereign hand upon our church in year 2019 in the transformation of lives and in serving Him in ministry and mission in the work of His eternal kingdom.

Our church constitution requires one third of Electoral Roll members to form the AGM quorum. Under Virtual AGM guidelines, your proxy voting form is important because it is counted as part of the quorum. As we cannot meet physically, your proxy form appoints the Chairman of AGM (the Vicar of St John’s Chapel) as your proxy to attend, speak and vote on your behalf. After you have read the AGM reports, thank you for submitting your (online) proxy voting form, latest by 14 June.

We are organising a pre-AGM Town Hall Webinar on Sunday 14 June (2.00 pm) to address any questions, clarifications or comments concerning the AGM reports. Please use this Town Hall platform to present your thoughts, as the virtual AGM on 21 June will not include any Question & Answer segment. Kindly email your questions to admin@patmos.org.sg. Upon receiving your email, we will contact you with the webinar details.

“You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock.” Isaiah 26:3-4

Blessings
Pastor John

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31 May 2020
30/05/2020

Dear family in Christ

By now, you would have received the AGM report and the email notice explaining the virtual AGM processes. Please take time to read all the ministry reports and give thanks to God for his wonderful work of grace upon St John’s Chapel in discipleship, evangelism and missions. As you read the treasurer’s report, give thanks to God for his blessing and provision to enable us to return His tithes and offer freewill givings for the work of His eternal kingdom.

For the virtual AGM to be effective and to form the quorum, thank you for your help in submitting the electronic Proxy voting form by 14 June.

What a great joy that the whole diocese (27 parishes in Singapore and the churches in 6 deanery countries) can gather together as one Body of Christ on 31 May at 10.30 am to [celebrate] Pentecost Sunday, led by diocesan bishop Rennis and bishop-designate Titus. Let us pray and seek the Lord fervently that during this Pentecost, we might see:

God’s victory over Covid-19 and his purposes fulfilled through this pandemic.
People come to faith in Jesus through our personal testimonies and church online services.
Our diocese and the global Church arise with fresh zeal and power to minister to a lost and fearful world with God’s love.

Only the Holy Spirit can make this happen! Only the Holy Spirit can do a deep work of transformation in every heart to the glory of God. Let us devote ourselves to pray beseechingly, and prepare our hearts and homes for a fresh Pentecostal outpouring of the Holy Spirit.

Maranatha
Pastor John

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24 May 2020
23/05/2020

Dear family in Christ

As announced, St John’s Chapel will hold our virtual Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Sunday, 21 June 2020 at 2.00 pm. In order to have an effective AGM by electronic means, it is necessary to communicate with church members on our Electoral Roll via Email. Appreciative thanks to a great majority who have confirmed their email addresses.

Nominations are open (from 17 May) for members to serve in our Parochial Church Council (PCC) for 2020-2021 and Synod representatives for 2020-2023. Till date, we have received 1 nomination for People’s Warden, 9 nominations for PCC and 3 nominations for Synod reps. If you wish to submit any nomination, pls request for a nomination form via email admin@patmos.org.sg. Nominations close on 24 May.

In this coming week, we will email the agenda, AGM reports, audited accounts, budget 2020 and the nomination list. Pls make time to read these documents. As explained last week, the Vicar of St John’s Chapel as the Chairman of Meeting, will act as the member’s proxy to vote, speak and attend the AGM. This proxy shall form the quorum for the AGM. We will provide a weblink for you to submit your proxy form electronically, with the closing date being 14June.

We are organising a pre-AGM Townhall meeting Webinar on Sunday 14 June (2.00 pm) to answer any question or clarification concerning the minutes, reports, accounts and nominations. Pls email your question or clarification to admin@patmos.org.sg, latest by 7 June. After receiving your email, we will email you directly to provide details concerning registration for this Townhall webinar.

Electoral Roll members are welcome to “observe and listen only” to the proceedings of the AGM via Webinar. Please note that this participation is not compulsory, as your attendance is already counted in the quorum if you have appointed the Chairman of the meeting as your proxy. Further details will be provided concerning registration for the AGM webinar.

Thank you dear church, and value your prayers for PCC and myself as we conduct the virtual AGM with due diligence by the grace and wisdom of God.

Maranatha
Pastor John

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17 May 2020
16/05/2020

Dear family in Christ

In view of the current suspension of church services and gatherings, the diocesan leadership is guiding all parishes to conduct their parish Annual General Meeting (AGM) by electronic means. For St John’s Chapel, our virtual AGM will be held on Sunday, 21 June 2020  at 2.00 pm.

In order to hold an effective AGM by electronic means, one important element is to have the email addresses of church members on our Electoral Roll. This is for the purpose of communications in sending the notice of AGM, relevant documents and the nomination of PCC candidates and Synod representatives. I want to thank all Cell leaders for your help in collating the email addresses. For those not in a cell group, you would have received a phone message request. Thank you everyone for your help on this matter.

From 17 May onwards, we will receive nominations for members to serve in our Parish Church Council (PCC) for 2020-2021 and also our Synod representatives for 2020-2023. Nomination forms can be requested via email admin@patmos.org.sg. Nominations will close on 24 May 2020.

On 27 April 2020, the Government gazetted the “COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) (Alternative Arrangements for Meetings for Registered Societies) Order 2020”. We will endeavour to follow the key guidelines of the Order, which can be found on the website of the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth.

In sections 5 and 6, the Vicar of St John’s Chapel as the Chairman of Meeting, will act as the member’s proxy to vote, speak and attend the AGM. Those members who have appointed the Chairman of the meeting as proxy, shall form the quorum for the AGM.
In section 2, members will have an option to observe and listen to the proceedings of the AGM via an audio-visual broadcast. Please note that this participation at the AGM is welcome but not compulsory, as your attendance will be counted if you have appointed the Chairman of the meeting as your proxy.

We will inform of more details and processes in the coming weeks. Value your prayers for PCC and myself as we plan and implement the virtual AGM with due diligence by the wisdom and help of God.

Maranatha
Pastor John

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10 May 2020
08/05/2020

Dear family in Christ

In the Fifth Commandment, the Lord commanded his people to “honour your father and your mother” (Exodus 20:12). This weekend, Mother’s Day is commemorated all around the world. It is a day set aside to remember, honour and thank our mothers for all their labour, love and sacrifice.

As God’s people, what can we do to edify and encourage the mothers in our church community or in your family?

PRAY: Coming alongside the mothers in regular prayer support goes a long way to give renewal of strength in their mothering responsibilities. Through prayer, the mums look to God and depend on Him for His grace and wisdom. To know that someone is keeping them in prayer means alot to them as they toil faithfully.
ENCOURAGE: Appropriate words of encouragement spoken at the opportune time can uplift and strengthen the hearts of mothers, especially if they are experiencing struggles and stress in their life. To “encourage” means to “give courage”. Many times, mothers really need the courage to persevere on in the midst of their difficulties.
LISTEN: Be ready with a listening ear to hear the cry of their hearts for their children, elderly parents & marriage and their struggle to keep a healthy work-life balance. Their problems may not be solved immediately, but your presence and care will help to ease their pain and lighten their heavy burdens.
HELP: Do offer your help in practical ways. It can be giving a helping hand in church when any need arises. It can be looking after their young children, so that they can have a good rest at home or they can serve in church ministry. Being there for them in practical ways will be a great help and blessing.

Praying and wishing all mothers a Blessed Mother’s Day.

Blessings
Pastor John

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3 May 2020
01/05/2020

Dear family in Christ

During such challenging and difficult times of Covid-19 pandemic, some Christians have asked, “Is Jesus Christ returning very soon?” Well, the short answer(s) to this very important question is this: “Yes and No”.

Why “YES”? When we look at the trends and signs of the times, they seem to fulfil the prophecies of Jesus in Matthew 24. For example, we see earthquakes, famines, wars, violence, persecution, false teaching, lawlessness, drifting away from God, etc. In 2 Timothy 3:1-5, the apostle Paul taught that in the last days, “men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, …. lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God”.

Why then “NO”? Because the preaching of the gospel in the whole world is yet to be completed. In Matthew 24:14, Jesus declared, “And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to ALL “NATIONS” (ethnic people groups), and then the end will come.”

According to statistics by Joshua Project (https://joshuaproject.net/people_groups/statistics), there are 10,435 unique ethnic people groups across all the countries in the world. Out of these, 4,605 are unreached people groups, located at places where there are zero or very few people who identify as Christian, with little or no history of Christianity.

Many churches, para-churches, mission agencies, Bible translators and missionaries are working hard to reach out to these remaining unreached people groups with the gospel. Let us be in fervent prayer and practical support for this important work. Meanwhile, let us continue in faithful evangelism and outreach at where God has placed us in our family, school, workplace, neighbourhood and nation. In times like this, people need the Lord, because in Jesus Christ, there is gracious merciful salvation and the hope of eternal life.

Maranatha
Pastor John

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26 Apr 2020
25/04/2020

Dear family in Christ

A grateful word of thanks to many of you who had responded generously to the following Covid-19 appeals for help:

(1) Food delivery team to foreign worker dormitories, in partnership with Crisis Relief Alliance

(2) Contribution of 110 used phone chargers for infected foreign workers at Ng Teng Fong hospital

(3) Fund-raising collection for three groups of people:

       a. Welfare and needy cases amongst our church members

      b. Help for church members who lost their jobs or had their work income substantially reduced

       c. Financial help and encouragement support for foreign workers

As at 23 April, we have raised a total of $10,000. Quite a number of us have given away the $600 Solidarity payment from the government and also members who gave out of your savings. This amount will be used for the three purposes listed in point 3. A small team of four PCC members, together with the Vicar, will be involved in the process to disburse the funds.

At PCC meeting on 21 April , the PCC made the decision to give $5,000 towards our Anglican diocese outreach project to foreign workers in three specific areas:

Providing 2 months’ supply of multi-vitamins
Providing 2 meals daily for 14 days for 1,000 workers
Developing media content in 3 languages (Tamil, Mandarin, Bengali) for 6 months

Thank you for your generous and compassionate heart. You may continue your giving through our church internet-banking digital giving (pls indicate “Covid-19 help fund”).

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”   Matthew 5:14-16

Love in Christ
Pastor John

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19 Apr 2020
16/04/2020

Dear family in Christ

St John’s Chapel family welcomes Rev King Chiew Kwang and his family warmly into our church community. Pastor Chiew Kwang is married to Sor Lay, a school teacher, and they have three wonderful children. His family of origin is located at Kuching, where his mother and eight siblings currently reside.

After his professional training and work as a land surveyor, the Lord called pastor Chiew Kwang to full-time ministry in 1989. He received his theological education both in Sarawak and also at Trinity Theological College, Singapore. Upon graduation, he started ministry at All Saints Church Chinese Congregation (1996-1999) where he served at young adults ministry, Mainland Chinese Ministry and chaplaincy ministry at Anglican High School. Subsequently, he was posted to Church of the Good Shepherd Chinese Congregation (2000-2004) where he served at the youth ministry, bilingual service and community outreach.

Rev King was made a deacon in 2004 and ordained as a priest in 2005. He was posted to Marine Parade Christian Centre as Priest-in-charge of the Mandarin Congregation (2005-2009). Subsequently, he was posted to Anglican Care Centre (at Hougang and at Yishun) to pioneer and grow the mental health chaplaincy (2010-2020) and also served as honorary priest at Yishun Christian Church. The mental health ministry has helped him develop his strengths in pulpit preaching, Christian education, counselling, contemplative spirituality and theological reflection.

Pas Chiew Kwang enjoys many personal hobbies, such as reading, movies & documentaries, doing house chores, appreciating nature, arts, music & dance performances and cross-cultural immersion. I ask for your prayers for God’s grace and wisdom for Pas Chiew Kwang and his family in this period of adjustment and for his focal ministry overseeing the Mandarin, Hokkien and Cantonese congregations.

I ask for your prayers for God’s grace and wisdom for Pas Chiew Kwang and his family in this period of adjustment and for his focal ministry overseeing the Mandarin, Hokkien and Cantonese congregations.

Love in Christ
Pastor John

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5 Apr 2020
02/04/2020

Dear family in Christ

We commemorate PALM SUNDAY today. Our Saviour Jesus Christ had set his heart to walk the way of the cross to Calvary. He rode into Jerusalem city on a humble donkey (Matthew 21:1-11). The excited Jewish crowds carried the expectant hope of the conquering Messiah and king who would come to liberate them from the tyrannical Romans.

As they followed Jesus along the city streets, they shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” But five days later,loud voices cried out, “Crucify him! Crucify him!”.

As we go into Holy Week, let us keep our focus on Jesus Christ and His sacrificial obedience to the will of God the Father. As we remember the series of events during this significant week, may our hearts be filled with gratitude and may our wills be resolved to walk the way of the cross.

Washing the disciples’ feet (John 13:1-17): Servanthood, humility and love for one anothermust be the hallmark of a committed disciple of Jesus.

Passover meal (Matthew 26:17-29): Jesus instituted the Lord’s Supper (body and blood) as an important remembrance of God’s new covenant of His grace and mercy.

Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36-46): Jesus was in deep agony and sorrow, yet He was fully obedient to the will of His Father.

Betrayal, arrest, trial (Luke 22:47 – 23:25): Jesus was mocked, beaten and humiliated, yet He was meek, “like a lamb that is led to the slaughter”.

Crucifixion, death, burial (Luke 23:33-56): In great suffering and painful shame, Jesus gave His life sacrificially on the cross in atonement for our sins and the sins of the world.

Resurrection (Matthew 28:1-10): Hallelujah. He is Risen. Praise and thanks be to God for the victory over sin and death, and the blessed hope of eternal life in Jesus Christ.

“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20

Maranatha
Pastor John

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29 Mar 2020
27/03/2020

Dear church family

In the midst of many challenges and difficulties in his life and kingship, King David trusted in Yahweh and kept his eyes on the Lord. In Psalm 16:8, David declared, “I have set the Lord always before me; because He is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.” Why was David able to make this declaration with faith and confidence?

Firstly, the Presence of God (“I have set the Lord always before me”). King David was a man after God’s heart. As he remained faithful and obedient to God and loved the Lord with all his heart, he was comforted by God’s presence. He experienced the fullness of joy and the blessing of God.

Secondly, the Power of God (“because he is at my right hand”). As king of Israel, David faced tremendous challenges. Because David set the Lord continually before him and took refuge in God his Helper, he received God’s counsel and experienced the power of God helping him in all his difficulties.

Thirdly, the Peace of God (“I shall not be shaken”). Despite David’s many struggles, he was not shaken by them, but remained steady and secure. He had shalom peace and rest in God, trusting God and dwelling securely in the Lord.

We are all experiencing tremendous challenges and uncertainties in this worldwide Covid-19 pandemic. You may be going through struggles and heartaches in your life now. Let us keep the Lord continually before us, with childlike faith and whole-hearted dependence upon God. May you experience the presence, power and peace of our sovereign loving Abba Father deep in your heart.

Shalom in Christ
Pastor John

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22 Mar 2020
20/03/2020

Dear church family

As announced on 9 February, diocesan bishop Rennis Ponniah will be posting Revd Bernard Yee to serve at Chapel of Christ the Redeemer wef 1 April 2020. On the same date, Revd King Chiew Kwang will be posted to St John’s Chapel, where I will assign him to serve as pastor-in-charge for the Mandarin and dialect services, amongst other responsibilities.

We thank the Lord for His love and goodness for pastor Bernard, his wife Dorcas and their wonderful children in being God’s gracious blessings in our church community all these years. Bernard started attending St John’s Jurong in 1985 when he was five years old, together with his three siblings, as brought by their mother Julian, who was invited to church by Bernard’s auntie Florence Hou. Although he believed in Jesus at a Children’s camp, it was at a youth camp in 1995 that Bernard became serious in following Jesus Christ and began his spiritual journey of committed discipleship.

Growing up as a BB boy with the 64^th Boys Brigade company had a tremendous impact in Bernard’s life. As he grew in physical age and in spiritual maturity, he learnt to serve the Lord in various church ministries and developed a passion to share the gospel of Jesus Christ. After being on the church staff team for several years, pastor Bernard began the discernment process in the call to the ordained ministry. As the Lord led and called him, pastor Bernard was ordained in May 2016. Glory and praise to the Lord for his sovereign hand upon his son, Bernard.

Let us uphold Rev Bernard, Dorcas and their children in prayer as they transit to another field of faithful ministry unto the Lord. Many will know that they have a heart for gospel mission in Thailand. May the Lord lead and guide them in their ministry ahead and in their family life together in His love and grace.

Maranatha
Pastor John

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15 Mar 2020
13/03/2020

Dear church family

This current Covid-19 health situation has impacted millions of lives all around the world and also in Singapore. It is a well-known fact that the manner in which people respond to crisis situations reveal their true colours and their true character. As I observe and think about the responses of our church members to Covid-19, I am encouraged and thankful to God for the grace, strength and love shown by God’s people in our church community.

Let me share these examples for your encouragement.

Some church members took initiative to contribute face masks, sanitizers, thermometers, etc for church use.
Almost 100% of members were understanding on the precautionary measures needed and rendered full cooperation.
Members understood that extra specific precautionary measures and procedures are needed because we are located within a school.
Members were generally calm, steady and composed during this period of many adjustments.
Our church staff team and duty usher teams served in many ways to ensure that precautionary measures are done well.
The church lay leadership were fully supportive of diocese guidance and our staff team’s labour of love.
Various church ministries made the necessary adjustments and continued to function as normally as possible.
Parents continue to bring their children to church for praise time, Bible learning and community fellowship.
Church members who felt unwell (even mild symptoms) took it upon themselves not to come to church service for that weekend.

During this Covid-19 health situation, let us continue to look out and help one another and love one another with the love of Jesus Christ.

“Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbour as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 22:36-40

Maranatha
Pastor John

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8 Mar 2020
06/03/2020

Dear church family

At the Ash Wednesday service marking the beginning of Lent, the priest places some ash on our foreheads and he says “you are dust, and to dust you shall return” (Genesis 3:19b). This is a clear reminder that our bodies are frail and mortal. Because of sin, man has fallen short of the glory of God. But thanks be to God for the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. In Christ, we are set free from our bondage to sin and death.

During this Lent season, firstly, let us reflect and give thanks to God for the life and sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Jesus walked the way of the cross in submission and obedience to His Father’s will. May our hearts be ever grateful to Jesus and follow his example of humble obedience.

Secondly, let us repent of our sins as we open our hearts to the powerful work of the Holy Spirit. God will forgive us when we truly repent, having a transformative inward change of heart. May we seek to live a life of holiness and godliness.

Thirdly, let us renew our first love for God and our commitment to the kingdom of God. Take time to slow down during Lent and spend time with Abba Father in the Word and in prayer. Be restored in your soul and inner being. May we grow daily in our relationship with God and in Christlikeness.

“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.”   Psalm 51:10-12

Maranatha
Pastor John

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1 Mar 2020
28/02/2020

Dear church family

In Matthew 5:13-16, Jesus taught his disciples to be salt of the earth and the light of the world. During this season of Covid-19 health situation, how can Christians shine brightly for Jesus Christ and bear a good testimony for the gospel in practical ways?

Be socially responsible. If we are feeling unwell, take the necessary precautionary measures and stay away from crowded places.
Be supportive of healthcare workers. Let us show care and encouragement for those whom we know who work in healthcare.
Be helpful to those under quarantine or leave of absence. We can offer practical help and call them regularly to encourage them.
Be watchful of our neighbours who may need help. This is a good opportunity to offer friendship and practical help.
Be understanding to those feeling anxious. We can comfort them with kindness and words of Scripture.
Be sensitive to those affected economically. Let us extend a helping hand in finance and practical support as needed.
Be ready to share the hope we have in Jesus Christ. Let us share the good news of the gospel to colleagues and friends feeling fearful.

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16

Shalom
Pastor John

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23 Feb 2020
21/02/2020

Dear church family

On 26 February Ash Wednesday, we begin the 40-day season of Lent. Lent is a season of spiritual preparation when we remember the temptation, ministry, suffering and death of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is an opportune time for disciples of Jesus to seek God and draw closer to Him through fervent prayer, personal reflection, regular fasting and sincere repentance.

Let us take time to slow down during Lent. Here are some practical suggestions in walking through Lent.

Reflect on the cross and the power of the gospel of Christ.
Set aside extra time for prayer each day.
Fast regularly to devote time for prayer and Bible reading.
Keep a journal of your thoughts, prayers and reflections.
Give time to serve others in need in church or community.
Give money as freewill giving for missions and to the poor.
Forgive others and make things right in your relationships.

As we seek the Lord earnestly, may we experience a close personal encounter with our Abba Father through the powerful work of the Holy Spirit. Praise God for His merciful forgiveness when we truly repent of our sins, having a transformative change of heart and a definitive change in our way of life walking in holiness and godliness.

Shalom
Pastor John

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16 Feb 2020
14/02/2020

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9 Feb 2020
07/02/2020

Shalom church family

We thank the Lord for his gracious sovereign hand upon His Church in Singapore and in our Anglican diocese, particularly in raising up good and godly men and women in the work of God’s eternal kingdom. I would like to share two important announcements.

1. Tenth Bishop of Singapore

The Provincial House of Bishops has appointed Rev Canon Dr Titus Chung, aged 55
years, as the tenth Bishop of Singapore. Canon Titus is currently the Priest-in-charge of St Andrew’s Cathedral Mandarin Congregation. He is also the Convenor of Continuing Ministerial Education for Clergy & Deaconesses and a member of the Senior Clergy Planning Team. Canon Titus will be consecrated and installed on Sunday 18 October 2020. Value your prayers for Canon Titus and his family as they prepare for his new appointment and heavy responsibilities.

2. Clergy postings

The Bishop’s office has announced the following clergy postings wef 1 April 2020.

Revd Bernard Yee will be posted to Chapel of Christ the Redeemer

Revd King Chiew Kwang will be posted to St John’s Chapel

We look forward to welcome Rev King Chiew Kwang into our church community. Let us uphold Rev Bernard, Dorcas and their children in prayer as they prepare for this transition to another field of faithful ministry unto the Lord.

“Then (Jesus) said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into his harvest.” Matthew 9:37-38

Marantha
Pastor John

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2 Feb 2020
31/01/2020

Dear church family

As we experience some anxiety and uncertainty due to the “Wuhan Coronavirus” health situation in Singapore and around the world, may the Lord grant you His peace and strength to cope with your daily routines and general concerns for your family. In accordance with health advisory guidelines, our church will implement the following measures:

Children ministry – The teachers will be doing temperature-taking and hand-sanitizing for the children.
Hand hygiene – We will refrain from handshake greetings at usher welcome, exchange of peace, etc. Hand-sanitizers and soap dispensers will be placed at the church entrance and the toilets respectively.
Holy Communion – Intinction will be strictly practised. Pls refrain from drinking from the chalice. Pls dip your wafer lightly and avoid having your fingers to be in contact with the wine.
Sick and unwell – If you feel unwell with a fever and having respiratory symptoms (cough, runny nose, etc), pls rest at home and not attend church services and Cell or ministry meetings.

Let us join our hearts to pray for God’s mercy and protection for all peoples of the world, especially those in the provinces of China. Pls remember our brothers and sisters in China in prayer that they will find peace and strength in the Lord and be God’s help and blessing to all those around them.

“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler. You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness, nor the destruction that wastes at noonday.”   Psalm 91:1-6

Shalom
Pastor John

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26 Jan 2020
24/01/2020

Dear church family

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him.”   Eph 1:3-4

In Ephesians chapter 1, the apostle Paul encouraged God’s community at Ephesus about their joy and privilege of having bountiful spiritual blessings in Jesus Christ:

Adoption as sons (and daughters) of Abba Father because of His agape love (1:5-6)
Redemption through His blood for the forgiveness of our sins because God’s grace (1:7-10)
Inheritance of the hope of eternal life because of God’s mercy (1:11-12)
Holy Spirit’s presence and power for living because of God’s faithfulness (1:13-14)

As we receive and enjoy these spiritual blessings in Christ, may our lives “be holy and blameless before him”, to the praise and glory of God our heavenly Father.

May we continue to labour for the gospel and pray for many others (especially our family and friends) to believe and trust in Jesus Christ, so that they also can enjoy all these spiritual blessings in their lives.

Shalom
Pastor John

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19 Jan 2020
17/01/2020

Dear church family

During Chinese New Year season, there will be opportunities to meet up with family relatives, good friends, work colleagues and friendly neighbours. As you enjoy the yummy food and casual conversations, do make use of every opportunity to shine brightly for Jesus in the midst of the festivities.

Pray – As you share in conversation, silently commit your family and friends to the Lord in prayer for God’s grace of salvation.

Respect – It is important to give due honour and respect to our elders in our immediate and extended families.

Listen – Take time to hear their life stories and understand the heart and struggles of our family and friends.

Care – As you sense some needs of your family and friends, may the Lord use you to minister help and concern to them.

Invite – Be courageous to invite them to know Jesus and welcome them to our church services or ministries.

“Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison.” Colossians 4:2-3

Blessings
Pastor John

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12 Jan 2020
10/01/2020

Dear church family

In Matthew 24:14, Jesus told his disciples that “this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” To hasten the return of our Lord Jesus Christ, the gospel must be proclaimed to every people group in the world. In our modern world, various people groups are found within each country. Many people groups have yet to be reached with the gospel. In view of this great urgency, let us join our hearts to pray for them to hear the gospel, believe in Jesus and be saved by the grace of God.

For the past one year, I have been using an app that provides information prayer pointers from “Operation World” to guide me in my daily prayer for the nations. You can download this free app on your mobile phone or laptop using this weblink http://www.operationworld.org/prayer-app/     I find the information very useful to understand each country and the various people groups, which guide me to pray specifically for each nation of the world everyday. It has helped me to see the power and grace of God at work in all these nations.

Currently, this app is only available in English. There is a printed version of “Operation World” in Mandarin. If you need help to buy a copy, pls speak with the church staff for assistance.

May we grow in our prayer life daily. May the Lord open our eyes and heart as we pray for the nations, especially for the unreached peoples.

Maranatha
Pastor John

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5 Jan 2020
03/01/2020

Dear church family

As we begin the new year 2020, let us trust in the sovereign Lord’s grace and goodness and let us rest in the eternal God’s love and power. The Psalmist declared confidently, “Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.” (Psalm 90:1-2)

The hymn-writer Isaac Watts faced difficult circumstances and uncertain times in the 18th century. As Isaac Watts read the Scriptures, Psalm 90 ministered deeply in his heart. Expressing the thoughts of Psalm 90:1-5, he composed this wonderful hymn “Our God, our Help in ages past”. In the first stanza, Isaac wrote such words of trust and comfort, “Our God, our Help in ages past, our Hope for years to come, our Shelter from the stormy blast, and our eternal Home.” What a wonderful reminder that God is our faithful Help, our secure Hope, our strong Shelter and our eternal Home. God does not change and He stands above human time, for He is the everlasting God. May this hymn encourage and strengthen your heart.

Many of us will face challenges, uncertainties, struggles and fears in the new year ahead. In the midst of the heavy storms of life and the restless turmoil of this world, may we rest secure in the Lord God Almighty, who is our dwelling place in all generations. Let us hope in God and trust his loving grace, because from everlasting to everlasting, He is the eternal mighty God.

Maranatha
Pastor John

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29 Dec 2019
27/12/2019

Dear church family

We praise and thank God for the five baptismal candidates on Christmas Day. One is a beautiful baby, representing the next generation. Another is a youth, rescued and saved by the Lord’s grace. Three are the elderly parents of two church members, mercifully experiencing the love of God. All glory to God for his gracious mercy and loving faithfulness.

As we come to the end of year 2019, may our hearts be joyful in praise of the Lord for who He is and be filled with gratitude to God for all His blessings in our life. May we sing like the grateful psalmist, “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name!” (Psalm 103:1).

As we reflect on all the issues, events and circumstances in our life, let us give thanks to God and “forget not all his benefits” (Psalm 103:2-5) of loving forgiveness, merciful healing, gracious redemption, steadfast love, faithful goodness and life renewal in the power of the Holy Spirit.

I know that for some brothers and sisters in our church community, this past year has been filled with difficult and painful situations in your life or that of your family and loved ones. May you find peace and rest in the Lord and be strengthened by the grace of our loving Shepherd.

Love in Christ
Pastor John

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22 Dec 2019
20/12/2019

Dear friends, guests and church family

A very warm special welcome to all our friends, guests and visitors. We are so glad that you are with us today for our special Christmas program. We hope that you will have an enjoyable and meaningful experience that will bring deep peace and great joy in your heart this Christmas.

There are times when we go through painful struggles in areas in life such as ill health, financial debt, family quarrels, marriage issues, disobedient children, work stress, job loss, etc. Our hearts feel deep pain and we experience great anxieties. In such times, we can only pray that the painful situation will have a happy turnaround as we cling on to the hope of a clear solution and a good change.

Hope is so important in every area of life. The unemployed person hopes to get a job soon. Students hope to pass their exams. Parents hope their child will grow up well. Families in conflict hope for restoration in their relationships. Struggling families hope for enough food and finances. There is a popular Mandarin song that expressed the hope in every heart that “Tomorrow will be better” ( 明天会更好).

Christians all over the world celebrate the joy of Christmas because of the blessed hope we have in Jesus Christ. In Jesus Christ the Son of God, we experience the love, joy and peace of God. We receive the grace and mercy of God. We receive forgiveness for our sins. We have purpose and meaning in life. We have the joyous hope of eternal life.

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” Romans 15:13

Love in Christ
Pastor John

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15 Dec 2019
13/12/2019

BISHOP’S LEADERSHIP LETTER (Advent 2019)

GOD SHINES FORTH FROM HIS CHURCH

“Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God shines forth.” (Psalm 50:2, ESV)

Dear Church Family,

With thanksgiving to God, I look back on 2019 as the year of God’s great victories. I praise Him for –

triggering a new movement of personal evangelism and discipleship through the Celebration of Hope rallies.

granting significant growth in membership and qualitative change for the Diocese as a whole.

making possible a robust unity among orthodox Anglicans globally through the adoption of the Covenantal Structure for the Global South Fellowship of Anglican Churches (GSA) in Cairo this year.

What God begins, we must continue in the power of the Holy Spirit. Only then will His good purposes be fully accomplished. So let us not take our hands off the plow or our feet off the pedal. With faith, humility and love, let us keep our respective ministries “pressing on”. This will enable the Diocese to remain in gear for Kingdom advance even as we prayerfully await the appointment of the new Diocesan Bishop. I am expecting the announcement of the Bishop-designate to be made in February 2020 and look forward to working with him to effect the leadership transition by the time I step down from office on 30 August 2020.

ADVENT is the time of waiting for God (Isaiah 25:1-9). We look back on Christ’s first coming and we know God will always deliver on His promises ‘from of old, faithful and sure’. We gain a deep and joyful confidence of Christ’s coming again with His saints in glory. This gives us new strength to keep shining forth His glory and proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ. We do so with the Spirit’s power until that Day when Christ returns as King and the new universe is fully bathed in the morning light of God’s glorious presence. May the Lord bless all our specially-prepared occasions this Christmas for bearing witness to Him in our parishes and deaneries.

May the glory of the God who saves shine forth from our hearts, our homes, our churches and our Diocese. May we, His redeemed people, bring HOPE to our land.

As Isaiah says, This is our God and we rejoice in Him! (Isaiah 25:9)

Warmly in Christ,
Bishop Rennis

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8 Dec 2019
06/12/2019

Dear family in Christ

I request your prayers for the nation of Vietnam, a dynamic growing country with a population of 96.8 million. Young people are pre-dominant, with 60% of the population below age 40. There are 54 ethnic groups in Vietnam, with the majority group being Vietnamese Kinh (84%). The main religion is Buddhism (52.5%), while those professing to be non-religious is at 23.3%. The number of Protestant Christians is at 1.8%.

The mission of the Deanery of Vietnam is to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ and to plant the future Diocese of Vietnam. Our strategy and goal is to plant ten congregations in the major cities of Vietnam, and for them to grow into parishes, led by indigenous clergy and lay leadership. Currently, there are two Anglican congregations. Church of Christ our Hope was planted at Ho Chi Minh in 2009 and Church of The True Light planted at Hanoi in 2012.

Praise God for an increasing openness to the gospel among a people with deep spiritual allegiance to ancestor veneration and worship. Pray for the gospel to reach every people group in Vietnam, for the clergy to shepherd God’s people lovingly and for the lay leaders and church members to grow in committed discipleship and proclaim the gospel faithfully. Leadership training and development is vital. Do pray for a generation of young people to be godly committed disciples of Jesus Christ.

Maranatha
Pastor John

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1 Dec 2019
30/11/2019

Dear family in Christ

Today is the first Sunday in Advent, the liturgical season which focuses on the coming of the Saviour Jesus Christ. It is a season of spiritual preparation marked by prayers of humble devotion and times of quiet reflection. Advent is an opportune time to involve our children in devotion activities at home that directly connects with the worship of God in church. I encourage all parents to use the Advent-Christmas Devotional Guide (available at the reception table) to teach and transmit the Christian faith to your children by involving them in reading the Scriptures, lighting the Advent wreath candles, in interaction and prayer.

There is a double focus in Advent. Firstly, it is the joyous celebration of the birth of Jesus the Messiah in his First Advent. Secondly, it is the anticipation of His impending return as King in his Second Advent. We celebrate the revelation of God’s redeeming love in Jesus Christ in his First Advent for the purpose of reconciling our fallen world to God the Father. Having known God as Father and walking in obedience with Him daily, we now look forward eagerly to the hope of eternal life in the Second Advent, where God the King will come in power to judge and rule the world.

As we live in between the two Advents, we are called to live godly & holy lives and be faithful stewards of the gospel entrusted to us as God’s people. In our spiritual journey as disciples of Jesus Christ, we have an important responsibility to live a life bringing glory to God and sharing about Jesus through the gospel message and our loving deeds.

Maranatha
Pastor John

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24 Nov 2019
23/11/2019

Highlights from Diocesan Synod November 2019
‘A RENEWED VOICE, A NEW SOUND’ – By Bp Rennis Ponniah

We praise God that our Diocese has found a “renewed voice” to proclaim the Gospel and that a “new and winsome sound” is going forth from our Churches both in Singapore and our six Deanery countries. All praise and thanks be to God who has built us up over the years to where we are today, with a hunger for more of His glory!

As we gathered in Synod this past week, we experienced the presence of God in our midst. It was such a blessing to have the full attendance of our Deanery field clergy and delegates. We finished our Synod meeting with joy and the following three imperatives:

Give thanks to the Lord
Grow as disciples of Jesus
Go forward in Kingdom Advance

SUMMARY

Give thanks to the Lord for the spiritual victories our Diocese has experienced in proclaiming the Gospel, growing the Church, and uniting orthodox Anglicans
Grow as disciples of Jesus by laying down at the Cross: your life, your load, and your ‘lead’ (wanting to be ahead of others)
Go “up and on” in Kingdom Advance even during this time of transition by:
Trusting God with the process of appointing a new Bishop
Engaging intentionally in grassroots evangelism and personal discipleship
Stepping up in Deanery and world missions
Making your church community bold and beautiful in its witness –

            “A renewed voice, a new sound.”

CONCLUSION

Let us take to heart God’s destiny-shaping word for our Diocese:

“And now the LORD says, He who formed me from the womb to be his servant… I will make you as a light for the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth.” Isaiah 49:5a, 6b.

May we in our generation and for many generations to come fulfil God’s destiny for us in the power of the Holy Spirit and for love of Christ.

A PRAYER FOR THE Process of Appointing A New Diocesan Bishop

Almighty and everliving God, ruler of all things in heaven and on earth: Look graciously on your Church and send your Holy Spirit to enlighten and guide those who shall choose a Bishop for this Diocese. Grant that they will choose a faithful shepherd, a steward of your Word and Sacraments, who will drive away all erroneous and strange doctrine, and vigorously promote missionary work and the spiritual growth of those entrusted to his care. Grant that we may receive a faithful pastor who will equip the saints for ministry in all that they undertake, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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17 Nov 2019
15/11/2019

Dear family in Christ

This weekend, we commemorate Diocesan Missions Sunday. Praise the Lord for his loving grace and merciful forgiveness in his salvation rescue of mankind from sin and darkness. We give thanks to God for people from every tribe and language in Singapore and in Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Nepal, Thailand and Vietnam coming to salvation faith in Jesus. Let us pray for the continual faithful proclamation of the gospel in these six deanery countries and for growth in spiritual maturity of God’s people in committed discipleship.

As the Lord enables, pls give unto the Lord for the diocesan “Give Him a Hundred” (GHH) missions giving in support of church planting work in these six deaneries. I am grateful for the Lord’s provision that the 2017 GHH giving had enabled the deanery of Vietnam to purchase an office space property at Hanoi to be used as a place of worship for Church of The True Light and the outreach platform of Abba English centre. We will be having a consecration service for this new property by bishop Rennis on 7 December at Hanoi.

Praise the Lord for his goodness and faithfulness to the St Margaret’s School family as she celebrates her 177th anniversary on 16 November. The Lord has given St John’s Chapel a wonderful harvest field right at our doorstep. Our grateful thanks to brothers and sisters who serve faithfully in the various areas of school chaplaincy work. May we always be found faithful in the proclamation of the gospel.

Maranatha
Pastor John

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10 Nov 2019
08/11/2019

Dear family in Christ

As a follow-up to Celebration Of Hope in May 2019, there will be five HOPE YOU COME (希望你来) dialect Gospel rallies held across Singapore simultaneously on 16 November, Saturday, 3.00 pm to 5.00 pm. Free admission. No registration needed.

May I encourage us to prayerfully invite our family members, neighbours and friends to the relevant dialect gospel rally, so that they can hear the gospel of Jesus Christ in their heart language and respond to the love and grace of God.

HOKKIEN Gospel rally: Evangelist Rev James Lim, Special guest Mr Moses Lim
Bukit Panjang Methodist Church, 496 Upper Bukit Timah Road, S’pore 678099
CANTONESE Gospel rally: Evangelist Rev Oh Beng Khee, Special guest Mr Allan Moo
Kum Yan Methodist Church, 1 Queen St, S’pore 188534
TEOCHEW Gospel rally: Evangelist Rev Tan Yew Kheng, Special guest Mr Chew Chor Meng
Newton Life Church, 16 Newton Rd, S’pore 307995
HAKKA Gospel rally: Evangelist Rev Chong Soon Fah, Special guest Ms Wang Lizhen
Singapore Hakka Methodist Church, 1-B Evelyn Rd, S’pore 309298
HAINANESE Gospel rally: Evangelist Rev Roy Koh, Special guest Mr Peter Yu
Holy Grace Presbyterian Church, 408-B Upper East Coast Rd, S’pore 466484

“For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Romans 10:13

Maranatha
Pastor John

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3 Nov 2019
01/11/2019

Dear family in Christ

This coming week is significant for our diocese as the Synod meets from 6 to 9 November. On 8 & 9 November, there will be an extraordinary Synod meeting for the purpose of nominating our next diocesan bishop, who will take over from bishop Rennis when he is constitutionally due for retirement in September 2020. We value all your prayers for God’s gracious leading and wise guidance for the whole nomination process.

We are having our annual missions month this November and have invited guest preachers with varied missional experiences to share God’s Word and their particular areas of ministry in missions. I pray that the various messages will help us to see what the Lord is doing in Singapore and in the nations of the world in the proclamation of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Let us uphold our church missionaries in fervent prayers: (1) Gerry and Yahui serving at ChiangMai with Deanery of Thailand in church planting work; (2) The Goslings serving with a missions agency and their outreach to refugees; (3) Deborah Loh (currently on compassionate leave) serving amongst the urban poor at Bangkok with Overseas Missionary Fellowship; (4) Preparation of mission teams ministering at Batam (Nov) and ChiangMai (Dec).

Our church have a Mission Fund which is used to fund the above-mentioned missionaries, plus missional work such as Komering outreach, Karen Anglican mission and the six deaneries of our diocese (Cambodia, Laos, Indonesia, Nepal, Thailand, Vietnam). You may use the “Freewill giving” envelope available at the church entrance table. As the Lord enables, may I encourage us to give cheerfully, generously and sacrificially for the work of God’s eternal kingdom.

Maranatha
Pastor John

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27 Oct 2019
25/10/2019

Dear family in Christ

It was encouraging to see the leaders of the Mandarin, Cantonese and Hokkien congregations gathering together on Sunday 20 October with one heart and mind to discuss, plan and set the ministry direction for the year ahead under the spiritual leadership of Rev Bernard. They have envisioned to be a Christ-centred discipleship church that impact lives. The mission is to preach the gospel and lead people to Jesus Christ into the Kingdom of God, shepherding and equipping them as disciples of Jesus who live out the Lordship of Christ in their lives.

The proclamation of the gospel amongst the Mandarin-speaking and dialect-speaking people in Singapore continues to be relevant and important, especially in the current trend of an ageing population. Let us join our hearts to pray that the work of the gospel will take root and bear fruit in salvation faith in the hearts of hundreds and thousands of lives.

“The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9

Maranatha
Pastor John

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20 Oct 2019
18/10/2019

Dear family in Christ

Since February 2013, sister Elizabeth Joseph has been an integral part of our school chaplaincy staff team, being seconded to us by her sending church ACTS centre (St Andrew’s Cathedral). ACTS centre is embarking into a new season in their church life and plans to recall Elizabeth back for church ministry from 1 November 2019 onwards. We are very thankful to God for his gracious provision through the kindness and generosity of the clergy and lay leadership of ACTS centre these past seven years.

Elizabeth has been God’s blessing to the school chaplaincy work and to the church staff team. Many young lives in the school have been ministered by her faithful ministry through her teaching, counselling, helping and befriending. Many girls in the Girls’ Brigade have also been blessed by her leadership and fellowship. Our church staff team have received help, fellowship, encouragement and friendship from Elizabeth over the years.

We give thanks to God for Elizabeth and we pray for God’s continual grace, strength and wisdom upon her as we wish her every joy and fruitfulness in her life and ministry for the Lord.

Blessings in Christ
Pastor John

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13 Oct 2019
12/10/2019

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6 Oct 2019
05/10/2019

Dear family in Christ

Last Sunday afternoon, I received the sad news that our brother in Christ, Peter Lee Chye Nguan, had gone home to be with the Lord after a short period of major illness. Chye Nguan and his family were faithful church members at St John’s Church (Jurong) at the hilltop. They have been living in New Zealand for many years. His passing brought deep grief and sorrow to his family and friends.

Tributes were written by fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, which were shared at his funeral. Many appreciated Chye Nguan for being such a blessing, encouragement, help & support to them, always cheerful, humble & kind, and loving & serving with Lord with joy, commitment and purpose. We thank the Lord for his grace and blessing upon our brother Chye Nguan, for a life well-lived and much well-loved. May we be encouraged by his love for God and the example of his life in Christ.

Let us live our life with joy and purpose in the Lord, always seeking to be God’s blessing to our family, friends, colleagues, neighbours and fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. May we grow as God’s koinonia community to love, serve and encourage one another, even as we see the Day of the Lord drawing near.

Maranatha
Pastor John

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29 Sep 2019
28/09/2019

Dear family in Christ

A few days ago, several staff and myself experienced a pastoral situation which reflected the full spectrum of life. We attended a funeral at Mandai crematorium in the early afternoon, where there was sorrow and grief for the bereaved family of one of our church members. Then we proceeded to a local hospital to visit a church couple and their new-born baby, where there was celebration and joy for God’s grace and love for the family. On that same day, we witnessed both birth and death, life at its beginning and life at its ending.

At the crematorium, as we sat quietly through the rituals, I grieved in my heart as I thought about the destination of the soul of the dearly departed elderly person, and offered a prayer to God that many in his big extended family will experience salvation in Jesus Christ one day.

At the hospital, as we rejoiced with the couple and their families, I thanked God for his gracious lovingkindness and had the opportunity to pray for the new-born baby that she will grow up to know and fear God, to love and follow Jesus Christ all the days of her life.

All of us will take this same journey, from birth to death, a beginning and an ending. What will be different is how we live our life and for whom or what purpose do we live for. The writer of Ecclesiastes reflected on life and realised that life is meaningless without God. All the things of this world (money, possessions, pleasures, toil & labour, achievements, knowledge) will not give true and purposeful meaning in life. The writer made this godly conclusion in Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 “The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil.”

Hold Thou Thy cross before my closing eyes;

Shine through the gloom and point me to the skies;

Heav’n’s morning breaks, and earth’s vain shadows flee;

In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me.

Maranatha
Pastor John

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22 Sep 2019
21/09/2019

Dear family in Christ

We thank the Lord for our church missionaries, called by God to bring the gospel of Jesus our Messiah to various ethnic people groups. Pls remember them regularly in prayer, give them a call, write an email or send a card to encourage them in their ministry.

Ian & Alison Gosling – They have been serving faithfully and strategically under a foreign missions agency. Ian provides significant IT training and development for this agency’s mission outreach around the world. At the Goslings’ current ministry station, they are reaching out to displaced refugees with the love of God. Pls pray for Ian and Alison’s health as they serve the Lord’s purposes.
Gerry & Ya Hui Gan – Having served faithfully in church planting work for 7 years at ChiangMai under the deanery of Thailand, praise the Lord that they had a good sabbatical rest and reflection in Singapore recently. They have resumed ministry work on 1 September. Pls pray for God’s grace, wisdom and strength upon Gerry & Ya Hui as they persevere on in their missional ministry among the Thai people.
Deborah Loh – She had been back home in Singapore since October 2018 under Overseas Missionary Fellowship Admin Leave of Absence to care for her father, who went home to be with the Lord last month. There is a tentative plan for Deborah to return to the OMF mission field at Bangkok in early 2020. Pls pray for her to receive the four clearances required by OMF, especially in the area of financial support.

Our church practises the two-envelope giving system. The first is the Tithing envelope. All tithes returned to the Lord go to the General Fund, which is used to pay staff salaries, ministry expenses, diocese quota, giving to parachurch organisations like Singapore Youth For Christ (for support of Wang Qiu Yue and Chloe Ong) and Youth Guidance Outreach Services (for support of Goh Boon Siong and Tan Xing Wei), etc.

The second is the Freewill giving envelope. This giving goes to the Mission Fund, which is used to support the above-mentioned missionaries, Komering outreach, plus ad-hoc giving to diocese deanery work and other missions work as led by the Lord. Our Mission Fund currently stands at $11,667 as at 31 August 2019. As the Lord enables, may I encourage us to give cheerfully and generously for the work of God’s eternal kingdom.

Maranatha
Pastor John

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15 Sep 2019
13/09/2019

Dear family in Christ

A very warm welcome to Dr David & Mrs Deborah Miller to be with our St John’s Chapel community. We are glad and privileged to hear the teaching of God’s Word at the teaching seminar “Why Israel? And why does it matter?” and also his preaching at both English services.

Dr Miller has recently published his new book “Lord of the Nations: The Big Picture of Scripture”, which is available for purchase after the church service. This book addresses the critical issue and significant question of how every believer should read the Bible. Dr Miller shows how the Bible is one glorious narrative of God’s unchanging character and his merciful hand working throughout history till the present and to the end of time, as demonstrated through his relationship with the nations of the world, especially Israel.

Dr David & Mrs Deborah Miller have been a wonderful blessing to the Diocese of Singapore through their teaching and fellowship, especially for their missional teaching ministry at the deaneries of Thailand, Nepal and Vietnam. I am so glad and appreciate their multiple trips to both Anglican churches at Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh this year to teach God’s Word and edify the Body of Christ at Vietnam.

As we grow deeper in understanding God’s Word and know intimately the God of Scripture, may our hands continue to plough in the harvest of souls and may our hearts be ever ready for the soon and coming Return of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Maranatha
Pastor John

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8 Sep 2019
07/09/2019

Dear family in Christ

Today we commemorate the annual Diocese Education Month. The diocese Education Board currently oversees 30 schools and preschool entities with a total enrolment of approximately 15,890 students. This enormous challenge also presents many exciting opportunities. This year, the Education month video highlights the work of the Boys’ Brigade and the Girls’ Brigade in our Anglican schools. We also thank the Lord for the opportunity to serve the community of children and youths through the activities of BB and GB in the government schools.

It is such a great joy to see St John’s Chapel serving in six companies in four schools: Boys’ Brigade (64th, 52J, 59J) and Girls’ Brigade (31st, 52nd, 59th). This ministry has really stretched our church human resources to the full. We are so thankful to the Lord and very encouraged by the commitment, sacrifice and love of our church members who have served or are serving faithfully as officers, volunteers and helpers over the years.

We live in challenging times in today’s post-modern world. It is our joyful privilege and trustworthy responsibility to inculcate important life values and build excellent moral character in these precious young lives. We value your prayers for the BB and GB ministries. We also need more volunteers. I would like to make an appeal for church members to consider serving at BB and GB. If you would like to find out more, pls have a word with Rev Bernard, Pas Fu Man, Pas Florence or myself.

“For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10:45

Maranatha
Pastor John

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1 Sep 2019
31/08/2019

Dear family in Christ

As the school chaplain, I will be attending the annual Teachers’ Day Appreciation Tea this coming Thursday to fellowship and encourage the teachers of St Margaret’s Secondary school. Teachers play an important role in shaping the minds and hearts of their students, especially during their growing teenage years.

Similarly, in God’s Church, those who teach God’s Word serve a significant purpose in building up the people of God to grow in spiritual maturity. Let us thank and appreciate all those involved in teaching God’ Word at St John’s Chapel in the various congregations, ministries and families.

Children ministry teachers – Your committed teaching of God’s Word will bear a significant impact and influence in the children’s lives.
Youth leaders and young adults leaders – Be grounded in the Word of God and guide fellow young people in the study of God’s Word.
Cell leaders and Bible teachers – Press on in teaching God’s truths in encouraging group members to walk obediently with God.
Boys Brigade and Girls Brigade officers & helpers – Communicate God’s truths faithfully as you touch young lives with the love of God.
Chaplaincy team – Your life and ministry in God’s Word will bring good comfort and encouragement to many students.
Parents, grandparents and godparents – Deposit a godly spiritual legacy in the young generation by your teaching and modelling of Christ.

Thank you all for your labour in God’s kingdom. May we be found faithful in teaching God’s Word and walking in obedience to the Lord.

Maranatha
Pastor John

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25 Aug 2019
24/08/2019

Dear family in Christ

We rejoice with the 32 brothers and sisters in Christ who were confirmed last Sunday. We give thanks to Abba Father for his merciful grace in receiving them as His beloved children. We thank God for those who have journeyed and disci25pled them in their Christian faith and spiritual growth. Each one of them has a wonderful story to tell of the Lord’s gracious hand upon their life. Let me share a few stories.

One came to know Jesus during her time with 52^ndGirls Brigade. She is now serving in both 52^nd and 59^th GB.
One heard the gospel and experienced the love of God at 64^th Boys Brigade. He is a good role model to the younger BB boys.
One had objected angrily many years ago when her daughter became a Christian. Now she finds joy and peace in Abba Father.
One had faced many difficulties at work and family. Coming to faith in Jesus has given him peace and strength to cope well.
A couple came to faith in Christ after many years of prayers and hearing the gospel. They are now filled with joy in the Lord.

For all the confirmands, just like all of us in God’s community, our life is in God’s hands. Our Abba Father continues to write a beautiful story in our life, as we grow more and more into the image of His Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. Let us rejoice with hope and confidence like the Psalmist in Psalm 23:6, “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”

Maranatha
Pastor John

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18 Aug 2019
17/08/2019

Dear family in Christ

We extend a very warm welcome to all our invited guests present today as family and friends of those who are confirmed.

(Dear guests, we hope that you will have a meaningful service. Please join us for fellowship lunch after the service.)

We rejoice with the 32 brothers and sisters in Christ who are confirmed today. We give thanks to Abba Father for his bountiful grace and mercy in calling them to Himself as His beloved children and faithful disciples of Jesus Christ. We thank God for those who have shared Jesus with the confirmands and also those who have discipled them in their faith journey.

In the Anglican Church, the rite of Confirmation is significant for three reasons.

It is for the strengthening of the believer for Christian life and witness and for ministry and service, by the empowering of the Holy Spirit through the laying on of hands by the bishop.
It is an opportunity for those baptized as children to confess their faith publicly and declare their baptismal vows personally, as previously undertaken on their behalf by their parents and godparents.
It is the receiving into full membership in a particular parish of the Diocese of Singapore and a declaration of their discipleship commitment together with the church community at St John’s Chapel.

As we witness the Confirmation today, may we be reminded of the baptismal vows that we promised God at our baptism. Let us honour our vows to live a Christ-centred godly life and to trust in God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, let us walk close to Jesus and serve God faithfully in the work of His eternal kingdom, even as we await eagerly for the Return of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Maranatha
Pastor John

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11 Aug 2019
10/08/2019
Dear family in Christ

This is a very special year for Singapore. It is the 200^th anniversary of Sir Stamford Raffles’ arrival in Singapore in 1819, an important milestone in our nation’s history. It was Sir Stamford Raffles who allocated a piece of land along North Bridge Road in his Town Plan of 1822 to build and establish the first Anglican church in Singapore, St Andrew’s Church.

At St Andrew’s Church on 25 June 1856 Whitsunday (Pentecost), Revd William Humphrey, the Residency Chaplain of the East India Company, preached a stirring sermon that exhorted the congregation to support the gospel mission to the Tamil, Chinese and general local Malay population. His gospel appeal led to the establishment of St Andrew’s Church Mission in 1856. Many gave towards missions and evangelism work and Christian workers were recruited from India and China for church planting work in Singapore. 16 years later in 1872, church planting work in Jurong was initiated by Revd William Gomes and Mr Cheok Loi Fatt, which eventually led to the building and establishment of St John’s Church (Jurong) in 1884.

We praise the Lord for His sovereign guiding hand – from Stamford Raffles to St Andrew’s Church, to church planting work, and to St John’s Church (Jurong) and the other current 25 parishes in Singapore. As we celebrate Singapore’s 54^th National Day, let us thank God for His sovereign hand in placing us and our families in this nation and be grateful to God for peace and stability. Let us be faithful to God’s calling to be His loving witnesses sharing the grace and love of God to every people group in Singapore and seek to be God’s blessing to many for the glory of God.

“All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to the Lord, and all the families of the nations shall worship before you. For kingship belongs to the Lord, and he rules over the nations.”   Psalm 22:27-28

Maranatha
Pastor John

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4 Aug 2019
03/08/2019
Dear family in Christ

Praise and thanks be to God for a joyous 135^th anniversary family service and celebratory lunch & program last Sunday. It is so wonderful to see all five congregations giving thanks to the Lord together for his grace, goodness and faithfulness throughout the generations. It is a joy to welcome guest visitors and family members and also some church members returning in community.

Grateful thanks to everyone who served and helped in planning & coordination, logistics, sound/media and ushering. Joyous thanks to the children, congregations and cell groups who contributed dance and song items and led the ice-breaker games. Praise God for his grace in the lives of those who shared their heartfelt testimonies.

Let us walk faithfully in God’s calling for his Church from generation to generation. We are called to fulfill the purpose of God in Christ. May the presence and love of Christ dwell in our hearts as we reflect the likeness of Christ in our lives. We are called to walk in community as one in Christ. May we walk in a manner worthy of God’s calling and stand in unity on the Church’s one foundation, Jesus Christ.

May the community of St John’s Chapel continue to grow in purpose and unity for the majestic glory of God and the eternal kingdom of God.

“Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus, throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” Ephesians 3:20-21

Maranatha
Pastor John

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28 Jul 2019
27/07/2019
Dear family in Christ

As we gather today for our church 135^th anniversary service and celebratory lunch, we have so much to be thankful for as we reflect on God’s grace and faithfulness over the years. Psalm 100 is a wonderful psalm of thanksgiving unto the Lord for reflection on such a special occasion.

Let us make a joyful noise unto the Lord and come into his presence with glad singing (v1-2).

Let us unite as the created people of God and grow in our relationship with our Abba Father (v3).

Let us give thanks to God with grateful hearts and bless his holy name (v4).

Like the psalmist, may we rejoice always, “For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.” (v5)

May the community of St John’s Chapel continue to grow in unity and purpose for the kingdom of God and the glory of God.

Maranatha
Pastor John

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21 Jul 2019
20/07/2019
Dear family in Christ

All over the world today, just like in the book of Acts, Christians are persecuted for following Jesus Christ.

Let me share a short article from OPEN DOORS ministry.

“Christians remain one of the most persecuted religious groups in the world. While Christian persecution takes many forms, it is defined as any hostility experienced as a result of identification with Christ. Christian torture remains an issue for believers throughout the world, including the risk of imprisonment, loss of home and assets, physical torture, rape and even death as a result of their faith.

Trends show that countries in Africa, Asia and the Middle East are intensifying persecution against Christians, and perhaps the most vulnerable are Christian women, who often face double persecution for faith and gender. Every day we receive new reports of Christians who face threats, unjust imprisonment, harassment, beatings and even loss of family because of their faith in Jesus.

Every month, on average:

345 Christians are killed for faith-related reasons.

105 Churches and Christian buildings are burned or attacked.

219 Christians are detained without trial, arrested, sentenced and imprisoned.

Our research found that 245 million Christians experience high levels of persecution in the countries on the “World Watch List”. Islamic oppression fuels Christian persecution in 8 of the top 10 countries. North Korea is ranked #1 for the 18th consecutive year as the most dangerous country for Christians.”

Let us remember our brothers and sisters in prayer as they face persecution and suffer for the gospel. May they experience God as their Refuge and Strength, find rest in the sufficiency of God’s grace, and trust in the sovereignty of God’s power.

Maranatha
Pastor John

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14 Jul 2019
13/07/2019
Dear family in Christ

We thank the Lord for pastoral staff Lawrence Mun, who retired from church employment on 30 June 2019. Pastor Lawrence has served faithfully as a full-time staff since March 2006 across three congregations at the Hokkien, Cantonese and Mandarin services. The church held a Thanksgiving lunch on 7 July in appreciation for his ministry. We wish him every spiritual blessing in Christ and a restful retirement.

Praise the Lord for His faithfulness to the community of St John’s Chapel (St John’s Church, Jurong) for the past 135 years. Let us gather joyously for a Thanksgiving worship service and lunch celebrations on Sunday 28 July (10 am to 2 pm). As we see the Return of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ drawing near, let us press on as God’s beloved people to grow in unity and purpose in the work of God’s eternal kingdom in the proclamation of the gospel.

“There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.”    Ephesians 4:4-6

Maranatha
Pastor John

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7 Jul 2019
05/07/2019
Dear family in Christ

Youth Day is celebrated on the first Sunday of July in Singapore. In this complex post-modern age, the young generation face many challenges in their growing years, such as the pressure of education, dysfunction of family, pleasures of life, diversity of temptations, shifting moral values, etc. Parents, teachers and religious leaders are concerned for the rise in the number of youths and young adults struggling with mental illness, work stress, depression, pornography, gambling, etc.

As God’s people in community together, it is important to come alongside the youths and young adults in our church in their discipleship journey. Let me suggest some practical ways for our action and involvement.

PRAY: Remember the youths and young adults in fervent prayer at our personal devotions and corporate prayer times. May they have the fear of the Lord and committed discipleship in following Jesus. At our monthly church prayer meeting since May 2019, we have begun praying for the youths in our church by name and by family.
There will be a special prayer meeting this month to pray for our church young people. It will be held on 14 July, Sunday 11.30am to 12.30pm at IT Conference Room. Parents of youths & young adults and all members of the church are welcome to gather to pray.

ENCOURAGE: Youths need lots of love and encouragement as they grow in their Christian faith and Christlike character. They need spiritual guidance in coping with the struggles of life. Where opportunities arise, do give them a word of encouragement.

MODEL: Youths learn best when they see godly Christian life examples in the church and in the family. By God’s grace and help, let us model the life of godliness and committed discipleship as an exemplary encouragement to the youths.

DISCIPLE: Let us make time to disciple a group of youths to help them grow in their discipleship journey and also train them to disciple others. We are thankful to God for those serving as youth leaders and young adult leaders in being a spiritual friend and impactful influence.

“Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth …”   Ecclesiastes 12:1

Maranatha
Pastor John

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30 Jun 2019
28/06/2019
Dear family in Christ

We thank the Lord for our brother Lawrence Mun, who retires from official church employment on 30 June 2019. Lawrence has served faithfully as a full-time pastoral staff since March 2006 across three congregations at the Hokkien, Cantonese and Mandarin services. God has used Lawrence in his pastoral ministry to touch many lives through his evangelism, pastoral care, preaching & teaching and his mission trips to ChiangMai, Batam and MaeSot. Two key highlights of his ministry life were (1) the pioneering of the Cantonese service at SJCp in 2002 as a lay leader (together with sister Janet Woo), and (2) his pastoral care support for the Chinese outreach work at Kuwait (2009-2014).

Upon his retirement, Lawrence plans to devote more time with his wife Jemimah and family (especially his grandson), spend time on his hobbies and volunteer work and also continue serving in church lay leadership and teaching ministry. There will be a Thanksgiving Retirement lunch after the Mandarin service on 7 July (Sunday) in appreciation and thanks for the ministry of pastor Lawrence. We wish him every blessing in Christ and a blessed restful retirement.

Some of you would have met our church missionaries, Gerry and Yahui Gan, and their children at our church services in the past two weeks. Having served faithfully for 7 years at ChiangMai in church planting work under the deanery of Thailand, they are now on a three-month sabbatical from 1 June to 31 August. The month of June was spent mainly on physical rest and family time. For July and August, Gerry and Yahui will undergo three sabbatical components: (1) missionary life coaching by former missionaries and professional coach-couple John & Song Lim, (2) missional vocation reflection with Bp Kuan, (3) ministry training at St James’ Church Kindergarten. Value your prayers for a restful, fruitful and meaningful sabbatical for Gerry and Yahui.

Maranatha
Pastor John

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23 Jun 2019
21/06/2019
Dear family in Christ

We give thanks to God for a fruitful and blessed Abba English camp. Praise the Lord for the seed of the gospel planted in the lives of these precious souls from Vietnam. 18 campers responded to the altar call at the Good News sharing. Three said “Yes” to believe and trust in Jesus. Fifteen wanted to know more about Jesus Christ. We had good follow-up conversations in several small groups. Let us pray for many to experience the joy of God’s salvation.

Appreciative grateful thanks to many church members and staff who served purposefully and joyfully at this Abba camp: Planning committee members, Program Group leaders, Games leaders, Logistics team helpers, English lesson teachers and Homestay host families. On behalf of deanery of Vietnam, thank you everyone for your ministry partnership in the gospel in committed action, good encouragement and fervent prayers.

This weekend, our church mission team of 18 members (mainly choir members) are at Ho Chi Minh (19-24 June). Their presence and ministry is a tremendous encouragement and blessing to Vietnam deanery’s Church of Christ of our Hope and to Rev Hong Chi and his church leaders. May this mission trip stir up faithful commitment to the Lord in missions and be life-transforming in the life of each mission team member.

Praise the Lord for House of Joy’s “Parents Appreciation Lunch” this coming Saturday 29 June. It is a wonderful opportunity to thank and appreciate our parents for their love, guidance and sacrifice. We pray for God’s continual blessings upon our parents and for them to know, believe and trust in Jesus Christ in the depths of their heart and receive the gift of eternal life by the grace and mercy of God.

Maranatha
Pastor John

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16 Jun 2019
14/06/2019
Dear family in Christ

We gladly welcome the Vietnamese Abba English campers to our church services this weekend, accompanied by our church homestay host families. Pls extend to them our most loving Christian hospitality. We also welcome home our church missionaries, Gerry & Ya Hui and their children Elizabeth, Kathleen & Zoe, as they rest and replenish during their three-month sabbatical.

When we were young curious children, we may ask some questions about the world around us. For example, how is it possible for a big heavy plane to fly in the air, or how can a huge metal ship float on the water. Some of us may also ask, “How did life on earth begin?” or “Who created this world?”

When we grew older, we start to ask more important questions about life. There are three questions commonly asked.

Firstly, we ask about our IDENTITY – “Who am I?”; “Does anyone care for me?”

Secondly, we think about our PURPOSE in life – “Why was I born?; Why am I here on earth?”

Thirdly, we wonder about our DESTINY – “What is my future like?”; “Where am I going when I die?”

The Bible provides the answers to these three important questions in life.

“Who am I?” – We are loved and created in the image of God. When we believe in Jesus Christ our Saviour, we become the children of God.

“What is my purpose in life?” – We worship & glorify God and enjoy God’s love & peace, and we share the good news of Jesus Christ with others.

“Where am I going when I die?” – We have an eternal home in heaven in the presence of our loving Abba Father.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son (Jesus Christ), that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

Maranatha
Pastor John

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9 Jun 2019
06/06/2019
Dear family in Christ

We gladly welcome all the 32 students and 6 teacher helpers from Vietnam to our Sunday service today. They are in Singapore from 7 to 17 June for the annual Abba English Summer Camp. Let us pray for them to have a wonderful time of learning English, enjoying Singapore sights & culture and experiencing good Christian hospitality.

Our church missionaries, Gerry and Yahui Gan, have served faithfully for the past 7 years at ChiangMai in church planting work through education and community services under the deanery of Thailand. They are now on a three-month sabbatical from 1 June to 31 August 2019. The family will return to Singapore on 14 June. Pls pray for a refreshing time of physical rest, spiritual replenishment and missional renewal in their ministry focus and family life.

Time flies. We are already in the middle of the year 2019. It is good to take stock of our life regularly under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Let the Word of God and the Spirit of God examine our heart, align our priorities and direct our focus on the important matters of life. During this June school holidays, let us pray for the children and youths in our church community to have a good time of rest in the body and renewal in the soul, and for families to have a wonderful bonding time together, secure in the grace and love of Abba Father.

“be very careful, then, how you live – not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.” Ephesians 5:15-17

Maranatha
Pastor John

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2 Jun 2019
31/05/2019
Dear family in Christ

We look forward to the arrival of 32 Vietnamese students to Singapore on 7 June (till 17 June) for the annual Abba English Camp for the purposes of learning English, enjoying Singapore culture and experiencing God’s love. Appreciative grateful thanks to many church members who are serving as planning committee members (led by staff Yun Jing), group leaders, outing chaperons, logistics helpers, English teachers and homestay host families.

I call upon the whole church to be in fervent prayer for the salvation of these Vietnamese students and their families. May they know and experience the grace and love of God in many ways. On behalf of the deanery of Vietnam, thank you PCC and everyone for your ministry partnership in the gospel.

We are glad for our church mission team of 18 members (mainly choir members) going to Ho Chi Minh on 19-24 June. May their presence be a great encouragement and blessing to Vietnam deanery Church of Christ of our Hope, pastored by Rev Hong Chi. The team will be visiting orphanages, sharing the gospel at an evangelistic meeting and also ministering at Sunday worship service. Value your prayers for a fruitful and life-transforming mission trip.

“All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to the Lord, and all the families of the nations shall worship before you.” Psalm 22:27

Maranatha
Pastor John

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26 May 2019
23/05/2019
Dear family in Christ

We rejoice and give thanks gratefully to Abba Father for his gracious work of salvation in the bountiful harvest of souls at Celebration of Hope. Many made the life-changing decision to believe and follow Jesus Christ and entered the kingdom of God. Many others rededicated themselves to the Lord or had indicated interest to find out more about Jesus and explore the Bible.

Our church community gladly welcome all our new brothers and sisters in Christ and all our guests and visitors at our worship service today. We hope that the church service will be impactful and meaningful to you in experiencing the love of God. We warmly invite all our new friends to the special Welcome Tea after the service for a time of refreshment, conversation and fellowship.

It is very encouraging to see church members inviting and accompanying their family and friends to the various rallies. Praise the Lord for those who have responded to the gospel message of hope in their decision of salvation, rededication or exploration. Do continue to persevere in prayer for family and friends to respond to the grace and mercy of God in the near future.

Grateful thanks to the 130 church members serving together as Ushers at the Sunday morning rally. Your heart and commitment in the latreuo-worship of God in joyfully serving Him has been a great encouragement to the church family.

I pray that Celebration of Hope will not end with the public gospel rallies, but will continue in all our hearts in daily personal evangelism and a godly lifestyle of being a witness for Jesus Christ in every place we are and to everyone whom we encounter.

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit, you may abound in hope.” Romans 15:13

Maranatha
Pastor John

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12 May 2019
10/05/2019
Dear family in Christ

We are 5 days away from Celebration of Hope. There is an exciting expectancy of seeing God at work in the lives of thousands of people gathering at the National Stadium to hear the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Let us join our hearts and hands together to:

PRAY: May the Holy Spirit minister deeply in every heart with the grace and mercy of God through the various evangelist speakers. May we rejoice greatly for the bountiful harvest of souls entering the kingdom of God.

BRING: We give thanks to God for our family, friends, colleagues and neighbours who have responded “yes” to attend the rallies. May their hearts be open to believe and follow Jesus Christ our Saviour.

SERVE: What a great joy to see 120 members of St John’s Chapel serving together as Ushers on 19 May Sunday morning rally. May our latreuo-worship of God in joyfully serving Him bring honour and glory to the Lord.

WELCOME: We look forward with joy and excitement to welcome new believers joining our church community, especially at the Welcome Tea on Sunday 26 May after the service. May they feel at home and welcomed as they experience the love of God.

Maranatha
Pastor John

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5 May 2019
02/05/2019
Dear family in Christ

We are thankful to the Lord for a good Annual General Meeting (AGM) last Sunday. Thanks and appreciation to all who attended. For church members unable to attend for various reasons, I hope that you can be at next year’s AGM, scheduled for 26 April 2020.

The AGM is an opportune time to be encouraged by what God is doing in and through his church. As God’s people, we give an “Accountability to God’s Mandate” concerning the Great Commission and provide accountable stewardship of financial resources used for the work of God’s kingdom. I encourage you to request for a copy of the AGM report for a reading of the ministry reports and see how you can serve in the various areas of ministry.

We thank the Lord for the committed team of Cell leaders, Ministry leaders and everyone serving in various ministries in their faithful latreuo-worship of God. Praise God for the joyful service of Parochial Church Council (PCC) members. Value your prayers for the PCC team 2019-2020: Kenneth Sng (Vicar’s Warden), Hidehito Ie (People’s Warden), Elly Chiu (Hon. Secretary), Tan Pei Ching (Hon. Treasurer); PCC members – Justin Chan, Gan Pak Lim, Florence Ho, Benjamin Kirk, Kevin Lee, Nellie Nam, Enoch Ng, Sheryl Sim; Synod representatives (2017-2020): Ho Boon Sing, David Lui, Peter Soon.

As we see the gracious salvation plan in the missional heart of God, may we be a missionary church of Spirit-filled committed disciples of Jesus Christ, always ready to take the gospel to the nations.

Maranatha
Pastor John

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28 Apr 2019
25/04/2019
Dear family in Christ

As we gather for our Annual General Meeting (AGM) today, let us give thanks to the Lord for another year of his grace, wisdom and strength in our spiritual journey together as his beloved people at St John’s Chapel. We are called to be his ekklesia to the nations. We are called to follow Jesus Christ faithfully as his committed disciples, and being empowered by the Holy Spirit to be witnesses for Jesus to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8).

The AGM is an important time to give an account of what the Lord is calling his church to do in obedience to His will. Praise and thank God for the many brothers and sisters who have been serving the Lord faithfully in the Parochial Church Council (PCC), in the various church ministries, at the multiple evangelistic platforms and missional outreaches across all the congregations. May we continue to be found faithful in the worship (latreuo) of God by serving his will and purposes.

May our spiritual lives grow in godliness and maturity as we edify one another in the Lord. May our hearts be deeply encouraged to see children, youths, adults and the elderly coming to salvation faith in Jesus Christ. May our hearts rejoice to see brothers and sisters in Christ being restored in their relationship walk with the Lord.

Let it be our prayer and mission that as we see the gracious salvation plan in the missional heart of God, may we be a missionary church of Spirit-filled committed disciples of Jesus Christ, always ready to take the gospel to the nations.

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:1-2

Maranatha
Pastor John

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14 Apr 2019
11/04/2019
Dear family in Christ

We commemorate Palm Sunday today. Jesus Christ had set his heart to walk the way of the cross to Calvary. He rode into Jerusalem city on a humble donkey (Matthew 21:1-11). The Jewish crowd had the expectant hope of the conquering Messiah and king who would come to liberate them from the tyrannical Romans. As they followed Jesus along the city streets, they shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” But a few days later, loud voices cried out, “Crucify him! Crucify him!”.

As we go into Holy Week, let us keep our focus on Jesus Christ and His sacrificial obedience to the will of God the Father. As we remember the series of events during this significant week, may our hearts be filled with gratitude and our wills be resolved to walk the way of the cross.

Washing the disciples’ feet (John 13:1-17): Servanthood, humility and love for one another must be the hallmark of a committed disciple of Jesus.

Passover meal (Matthew 26:17-29): Jesus instituted the Lord’s Supper (body and blood) as an important remembrance of God’s new covenant of grace.

Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36-46): Jesus was in deep agony and sorrow, yet He was fully obedient to the will of His Father.

Betrayal, arrest, trial (Luke 22:47 – 23:25): Jesus was mocked, beaten and humiliated, yet He was meek, “like a lamb that is led to the slaughter”.

Crucifixion, death, burial (Luke 23:33-56): In great suffering and painful shame, Jesus gave His life sacrificially on the cross in atonement for the sins of the world.

Resurrection (Matthew 28:1-10): He is Risen. Praise and thanks be to God for the victory over sin and death, and the blessed hope of eternal life in Jesus Christ.

“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20

Maranatha
Pastor John

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7 Apr 2019
05/04/2019
Dear friends

We are very glad to welcome all the children and youths from Girls’ Brigade (31st, 52nd, 59th) and Boys’ Brigade (52J, 59J, 64th) to St John’s Chapel for our annual Enrolment and Dedication service. We are honoured to have Mr Patrick Koh, Boys’ Brigade Vice-President, to grace this joyful occasion as our Guest of Honour. A warm welcome to all parents and family members, school principals and teachers, and officials from BB HQ and GB HQ.

St John’s Chapel is thankful for the opportunity to serve the community of children and youths through the activities of BB and GB. I am grateful and encouraged by the love and commitment of St John’s Chapel church members who serve as officers and volunteers, and also for the BB and GB alumni who help faithfully as volunteers. We are thankful for the wonderful support and help of parents, school principals and CCA teachers.

We live in very challenging times in today’s complex globalised world. We hope to inculcate significant life values in the process of building excellent moral character in these precious young lives. We hope that through all the experiences learnt and friendships built at BB and GB, the children and youths will grow in maturity and character and be wonderful blessings to their family and be good citizens of Singapore. May they grow up to be fine young men and women with integrity and compassion and make a significant difference in the world.

In Christ
Pastor John Lin

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31 Mar 2019
29/03/2019
Dear family in Christ

During my teenage years as a young Christian, I was privileged to be taught the importance of memorising Scripture. One particular Bible memory verse has impacted my life deeply all these years. Jesus said in Matthew 6:33 “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”

As I reflect upon my children’s lives in their respective life stages currently and consider what their future may hold, the Lord encouraged me with Matthew 6:33 as a guide for my reflection and as a significant focus and priority on how my wife and I should guide our children. Let me share three thoughts from the teachings of Jesus in Matthew 6:19-34.

Firstly, “do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven… (6:19-20). Let us live our life with the focus on laying up treasures in heaven. We have only one Master to serve – Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour. Let us do the work which our Master has called us to do and live in obedience to the will of our heavenly Father.

Secondly, “therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?” (6:25). A recent poll revealed that many Singaporeans are highly stressed, with a rising trend of depression and mental illness amongst the young generation. Let us trust in the sovereign Father, who holds our life and future in His loving powerful hand.

Thirdly, “seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (6:33). Let us seek God in close relationship and grow in Christlikeness, trusting God to provide for our needs. May our life priority be on matters that concern the kingdom of God in the proclamation of the gospel. May our life be lived to the glory of God in our family, workplace or school, and among our friends and neighbourhood.

Maranatha
Pastor John

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24 Mar 2019
22/03/2019
Dear family in Christ

We thank the Lord for our church missionaries, called by God to bring the gospel of Jesus our Messiah beyond the shores of Singapore. Pls remember them regularly in prayer, give them a call, write an email or send a card to encourage them in their ministry.

Ian & Alison Gosling – They serve strategically under a foreign missions agency, with Ian providing significant IT development and support for the agency’s mission outreach to many unreached people groups around the world. They also reach out to displaced refugees with the gospel. Pls pray for Alison’s health and for Ian to recover well from his cataract operation.

Gerry & Ya Hui Gan – They have served faithfully for the past 7 years at ChiangMai in church planting work through education and community services under the deanery of Thailand. They will be in Singapore from June to August 2019 for a sabbatical. Pls pray for God’s grace, wisdom and strength for their family life and ministry outreach.

Deborah Loh – She is currently in Singapore under admin leave of absence to care for her father as he recovers from laryngeal cancer surgery. She plans to return to Bangkok in May 2019 to continue her outreach to the urban poor community. Pls pray for her to receive the four clearances required by Overseas Missionary Fellowship, especially in the area of financial support.

Our church practises the two-envelope giving system. The first is the Tithing envelope. All tithes returned to the Lord go to the General Fund, which is used to pay staff salaries, ministry expenses, diocese quota, etc. The second is the Freewill giving envelope. This goes to the Mission Fund, which is used to support the above-mentioned missionaries, plus other regular and ad-hoc giving to missions as decided by PCC. As the Lord enables, may we give obediently, joyfully and generously for the work of God’s eternal kingdom.

Maranatha
Pastor John

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17 Mar 2019
15/03/2019
Dear family in Christ

Celebration of Hope is drawing nearer. 60 more days to go. Thousands of Christians in Singapore are undergoing training, making preparations, issuing invitations and praying fervently. Are you excited and ready for the mighty work of the Holy Spirit in the bountiful harvest of precious souls for the kingdom of God?

I call upon our church community to continue in committed actions and fervent prayers.

Leadership: Pray for God’s protection and wisdom upon Bp Rennis, Rev Lewis Lew, Rev Tony Yeo, the organising committee and key team leaders.

Unity: Pray for good brotherly unity among all the churches in Singapore as we gather and serve together for the Lord’s harvest.

Speakers: Pray for God’s grace and protection upon the evangelists Canon J. John, pastor Kou Shao En and Mr Mohan Lazarus.

Open hearts: Pray for the hearts of family, friends and colleagues to be open and willing to attend the rallies to hear the gospel.

Resources: Pray for sufficient finances, coordinated planning and committed volunteers in the various areas of ministry.

Ushers: Pray for our church community to respond in serving as Ushers (120 people needed) on Sunday morning rally 19 May.

Personal evangelism: Pray for urgency, courage and wisdom to share the good news of Jesus Christ to our family and friends.

Let us kneel and weep before the Lord for the salvation of our loved ones, friends and the thousands in Singapore who need reconciliation and peace with God in Jesus the Messiah.

Maranatha
Pastor John

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10 Mar 2019
08/03/2019
Dear family in Christ

I call upon St John’s Chapel community to serve the Lord as USHERS in welcoming and guiding people to their seats on 19 May Sunday morning rally at Celebration of Hope. Your smile, help and welcome will bear a wonderful testimony for Jesus to many non-Christian invited guests.

Heartfelt thanks to the 70 church volunteers who have signed up till date. We need another 50 more, so that we can cover our assigned area effectively. It will be such a wonderful joy to serve the Lord’s kingdom work together.

You can register as an Usher at this weblink http://cathedral.celebrationofhope.sg/register You need to provide the following info during registration: St John’s Chapel; part of a group; Lawrence Mun (group Leader); Usher (Interior).

We look forward to much tears of joy when we witness thousands responding to the gospel call to believe and follow Jesus Christ, in whom we have the joy of salvation and the hope of eternal life.

Let us continue to be steadfast and fervent in our prayers for the gracious salvation work of God in many lives.

Maranatha
Pastor John

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3 Mar 2019
28/02/2019
Dear family in Christ

We begin the 40-day season of Lent on Ash Wednesday, 6 March. At the Ash Wednesday service, the priest places some ash on our foreheads as a reminder that our bodies (sinful fallen nature) are mortal (“… you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” Genesis 3:19b). By the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, we are set free from our bondage to sin and death.

Firstly, let us Reflect and give thanks to God for the life and sacrifice of Jesus Christ during this Lent season. In submission and obedience to His Father’s will, Jesus walked the way of the cross, so that we can have peace and reconciliation with God the Father. May our hearts be ever grateful to Jesus and follow his example of humble obedience.

Secondly, let us Repent of our sins as we open our hearts to the powerful work of the Holy Spirit in convicting “the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment”. (John 16:8). God will forgive us when we truly repent, having a transformative change of heart and a definitive change in our way of life. May we seek to live a life of holiness and godliness.

Thirdly, let us Renew our first love for God and deep commitment to God. Take time to slow down during Lent and spend time with Abba Father in the Word and in prayer. Let the “searchlight” of the Holy Spirit examine our life for spiritual renewal, restoration and revival. May we grow daily in our relationship with God and in Christlikeness.

“The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.” Psalm 51:17

Maranatha
Pastor John

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24 Feb 2019
21/02/2019
Dear family in Christ

Our Lord Jesus Christ taught his beloved disciples at the Upper Room on the night before being crucified on the cross, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this, all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:34-35)

Having experienced the deep sacrificial love of God, we are called to love one another as children of God. This is the joy and privilege we have as God’s community in His Church. This is the powerful testimony to the watching world that we are true disciples of Jesus Christ, who walk in obedience to his commandments and walk according to the Holy Spirit.

As God’s community at St John’s Chapel, let us love one another, showing care, concern and help for each other. Amongst our church community, some are struggling with work difficulties, ill health, strained families, childcare issues, elderly care, financial concerns, deep grief, sad loneliness and life anxieties. Let us bear one another’s burdens and struggles. Let us make time for good listening and meaningful conversations. Let us pray with and for one another lovingly as we lean on the sufficient grace of God as a community.

“… those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.” Proverbs 11:25b (NLT)

Love in Christ
Pastor John

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17 Feb 2019
13/02/2019
Dear family in Christ

Thank you, dear brothers and sisters, who have already registered to attend Celebration of Hope (CoH) “Andrew Initiative” Training on Personal Evangelism. In the case during the CoH rallies that the Counsellors are overwhelmed by the large number of people responding to the alter call, those trained by the “Andrew Initiative” will be called upon to serve as Counsellors.

I am making a final appeal and encouragement for many in our church community to attend this centralised training, which will help us in personal evangelism in our daily life. This 3-hour workshop empowers participants to engage their harvest fields and be effective “Andrews” in bringing their family and friends to Jesus (John 1:42).

Praying: Praying for the harvest force and for the harvest field.

Engaging:    Building authentic relationships; Sharing your life story;
Sharing THEFOUR; Handling objections Basic follow up

Gathering: 30-day challenge

You can choose to attend any ONE of four training dates and venues (9.00 am to 12.30 pm, Saturday):

23 February     Covenant Evangelical Free Church

2 March    St Andrew’s Cathedral

9 March    Lighthouse Evangelism (Tampines)

16 March    St John’s – St Margaret’s Church

For registration, pls email by today to Rev Bernard Yee (bernard@patmos.org.sg ), with copy to Lydia Leong (dianalydia@patmos.org.sg ), to indicate your preferred choice of training date.

“And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways, to give knowledge of salvation to his people in the forgiveness of their sins, because of the tender mercy of our God, whereby the sunrise shall visit us from on high to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.”   Luke 1:76-79

Maranatha
Pastor John

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10 Feb 2019
08/02/2019
Dear family in Christ

During the Lunar New Year festive season, many families gather for a sumptuous meal and a joyful time together. Yet there are some families who do not wish to meet one another or they experience tension and pain when meeting up. Why are some families happy while other families are sad?

1.      God’s Plan – Families are close to the heart of God. The family unit is God’s creation plan, as seen in Genesis 1 and 2. In the life of ancient Israel, who are God’s chosen people, families play a central role in society and in their relationship with God. In God’s creation design, the family is to live together in love and solidarity, in joy and unity, in peace and harmony.

2.      Man’s Brokenness – Because of human sin and disobedience to God, every family experiences brokenness and pain in some way. It is the strategy and deception of Satan to destroy and break up families and marriages. This results in deep sorrow and painful grief in the hearts of God’s beloved people. This family brokenness often caused emotional turmoil, mental anguish and societal disorder.

3.      God’s Restoration – Thanks be to God for his grace and mercy in Jesus Christ. In Christ’s death and resurrection, we are a new creation, redeemed by the blood of the Lamb and transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit. The Lord can bring about restoration to every family broken by sin. God can turn the brokenness into wholeness, from sorrow into joy, from hopelessness to a renewed hope.

Let us pray for every family to receive the grace and mercy of God that leads to restoration and wholeness, and to experience the love, joy and peace in Jesus Christ.

Maranatha
Pastor John

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3 Feb 2019
30/01/2019
Dear family in Christ

During the coming celebrative Chinese New Year season, there will be many occasions to meet family relatives and catch up with good friends. As you enjoy the delicious food and interesting conversations, make use of every opportunity to lift up the name of Jesus Christ and shine brightly for Him.

Pray – In the midst of our conversations, silently commit our family and friends to the Lord in prayer for God’s mercy and salvation.

Respect – It is important to give due respect and honour to the elders in our immediate and extended families.

Listen – Hear life stories through the conversations and understand the heart and struggles of family and friends.

Build – Build good family ties and grow in your friendships with genuine care and concern.

Invite – Be discerning and courageous to invite them for Alpha course and Celebration of Hope.

“And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Revelation 21:5a

Maranatha
Pastor John

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27 Jan 2019
26/01/2019
Dear church family

Psalms 120 to 134 are a special group of psalms known collectively as the “Songs of Ascents”. Ancient Jews traveling to Jerusalem for the annual major Jewish festivals traditionally sang these songs as they ascended the uphill road towards the city. These ancient songs have been expressed in many hymns and songs of worship amongst Jews and Christians today. The songs teach us about our trust in God and our worship of God.

In Psalm 125, the psalmist expressed his trust in the Lord. He was assured of God’s sovereign protection from the wicked and felt the shalom and love of God surrounding Israel, the covenant people of God. “Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved, but abides forever. As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds his people, from this time forth and forevermore.” (Psa 125:1-2)

Sometimes in our life, we go through uphill struggles, difficult situations and painful times. May we grow in trusting God deeper in the midst of our pain and difficulties and learn to be steadfast and patient. May we look to the Lord and experience the grace and power of God and learn to rest in the sovereignty of our heavenly Father who surrounds His beloved children with His love, joy and peace.

Shalom in Christ
Pastor John

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20 Jan 2019
18/01/2019
Dear church family

As children of God, it is such a great joy and privilege to be in a close loving relationship with our Abba Father. In this intimate relationship, we listen to God through His Word and we converse with God in prayer. I pray that Word and prayer will always be an integral part of our spiritual walk with the Lord daily.

Word – Let us encourage one another as God’s community to read through the whole Bible in one year for 2019. Our church is using the “Discipleship Journal Bible Reading Plan”. Pls collect a copy of this Bible reading plan at the resource table located at our church entrance. If you may need more than one year, pls feel to do so. The purpose is to read the Bible regularly for our spiritual growth and maturity.

Prayer – Let us gather as God’s people to pray together at our monthly prayer meetings, in our cells and during church service. We pray for one another and for God’s work of the gospel in evangelism and missions. I would like to introduce the Operation World Prayer Guide which I am using for daily prayer. It is a useful prayer guide in praying for every nation of the world and helps us see God at work in all these nations. You can download the “Operation World Prayer Guide” App onto your mobile phone for free from Google store. May we grow in our prayer life and may the Lord open our eyes and heart as we pray for the nations.

Through Word and Prayer, may we grow in a close walk with the Lord and in spiritual maturity.

Maranatha
Pastor John

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13 Jan 2019
11/01/2019
Dear church family

We are very excited to see the Lord’s harvest of souls as God’s Church in Singapore gear up for Celebration Of Hope on 17-19 May 2019. There is a Training Workshop for PERSONAL EVANGELISM, which I am strongly encouraging our church community to attend.

This 3-hour workshop empowers participants to engage their harvest fields and be effective “Andrews” in bringing their family and friends to Jesus (John 1:42). The workshop will provide practical handles on:

Praying

How to set up personal prayer altars

How to pray strategically

Engaging

How to build genuine relationships

How to share your life story

How to share THEFOUR (the 4 Spiritual Laws)

How to deal with objections

How to follow up and offer counselling

Gather

How to integrate prayer, engagement, and gathering into a 30-Day Challenge

You can choose to attend any ONE of four official training dates and venues:

North Covenant Evangelical Free Church 23 February, 9am – 12:30pm

Central St Andrew’s Cathedral 2 March,      9am – 12:30pm

East Lighthouse Evangelism (Tampines) 9 March,      9am – 12:30pm

West St John’s – St Margaret’s 16 March,     9am – 12:30pm

All are welcome to attend this Personal Evangelism training. It will be great if you can attend together as a Cell group. (Cell leaders – you can register on behalf of your cell). We will collate our church participation responses together and send it to the CoH organisers. Acceptance of registration is dependent on the seating capacity of each venue. First come, first served. Pls email Rev Bernard Yee (bernard@patmos.org.sg ), with copy to Lydia Leong (dianalydia@patmos.org.sg ), to indicate your preferred choice of training date by 27 January.

“As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!”   Romans 10:15b

Maranatha
Pastor John

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6 Jan 2019
03/01/2019
Dear church family

As we begin the new year 2019, we are drawing one year closer to the Return of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

May the last prayer found in the Bible at Revelation 22:20, “Come, Lord Jesus”, always be at the centre of our heart and prayers.

What is the Church (people of God) called to do in the light of the Second Coming of Jesus Christ?

PREPARE herself as the glorious Bride to meet her Bridegroom, Jesus Christ.
(Ephesians 5:25-27; Revelation 19:6-9)

PROCLAIM the gospel and make disciples of all nations for our Saviour, Jesus Christ.
(Matthew 28:18-20; Romans 10:12-15)

PRIORITISE and live our life with vision and purpose for our Lord Jesus Christ.
(Matthew 6:24-34; Acts 20:24-27)

MARANATHA – “Even so, Come Lord Jesus”

Love in Christ
Pastor John

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29 & 30 Dec 2018
27/12/2018
Dear church family

Praise be to God for the 12 persons who were baptised on Christmas Day. We thank our Abba Father for his salvation grace and bountiful mercy in calling them to Himself as his beloved children in the kingdom of God. Interestingly, these 12 baptismal candidates is a reflection of a beautiful multi-generational picture from the very young to the elderly: 1 baby, 2 toddlers, 1 youth, 4 adults and 4 elderly.

I spoke briefly with a Christian lady guest and saw the joy on her face and delight in her eyes as she witnessed the baptism of her elderly parents. It was also a great joy to witness the baptism of a father and his twin sons together. Every baptismal candidate has a wonderful story to tell of God’s love and grace in their lives. Indeed, “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Romans 10:13.

What a wonderful way to end the year 2018 with the joy and encouragement of the Baptism service on Christmas Day as we rejoice in the First Coming of Jesus Christ our Saviour. It reminds us of what the church is to BE as the redeemed people of God and what we are called to DO in the faithful proclamation of the gospel. As we move on to the new year 2019, remember the words that the whole church declared together: “Do not be ashamed to confess the faith of Christ crucified. Fight valiantly under the banner of Christ, against sin, the world, and the devil, and continue his faithful soldier and servant to the end of your life.”

Maranatha
Pastor John

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22 & 23 Dec 2018
21/12/2018
Dear friends, guests and church family

A very warm special welcome to all our friends, guests and visitors. We are so glad that you are here today for our special Christmas program. We hope that you will have an enjoyable and meaningful experience that will bring deep peace and great joy in your heart.

I often spend time at the hospitals, either to visit church members or to care for my family members. Last week, a church member went for surgery and I waited awhile along the corridor outside the operating theatre. I saw patients being wheeled into the operating theatre and also out of it, accompanied by their family members. Their faces were understandably filled with anxiety as they clung on to the hope that the surgery will go well, the recovery will be good and the illness can be cured.

Hope is so important in every area of life. Parents hope their child will grow up well. Students hope to pass their exams. Families in conflict hope for restoration in their relationships. Poor families hope for enough food and finances. The unemployed person hopes to get a job soon. There is a popular Mandarin song that expressed the hope in every heart – “Tomorrow will be better” ( 明天会更好).

Christians all over the world celebrate the joy of Christmas because of the blessed hope we have in Jesus Christ. We experience the love and peace of God. We receive the grace and mercy of God. We receive forgiveness for our sins. We have purpose and meaning in life. We have the joyous hope of eternal life.

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” Romans 15:13

Love in Christ
Pastor John

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15 & 16 Dec 2018
13/12/2018
Dear family in Christ

For many people living in countries that experience the four seasons, the melancholy of the Fall season deepens into the depression of Winter. Scientists and researchers agree that people who suffer from winter depression, also known as “Seasonal Affective Disorder” (S.A.D.), have one thing in common – they are particularly sensitive to light, or the lack of it. This winter depression is felt deeply even in the midst of busy Christmas festivities.

Some years ago, I had to provide emergency pastoral care for a church member who wanted to end her life. She felt very depressed and suicidal amidst all the Christmas festivities because of a very difficult family situation. Amidst all the bright lights, loud music and festive shopping along Orchard Road and the heartland shopping malls, I wonder how many people amongst the festive throng are depressed, lonely or even suicidal. Some may be grieving over a relationship loss, experiencing conflicts in their family, or feeling anxious about their health, finances and future.

During this Christmas season, may I encourage you to look out for those in your family, in our church, at your workplace and among your friends, who may be feeling down, depressed or lonely. Pray and ask God for a compassionate and discerning heart to care for them in several ways: (1) Share a word of encouragement; (2) Write a card to cheer them up; (3) Spend time with them over a meal or outing; (4) Invite them to your family meal or to your Home Cell Christmas celebration or our church Christmas service.

May the Light of Christ fill your hearts with God’s unfailing love, unspeakable joy and unceasing peace always.

Maranatha
Pastor John

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8 & 9 Dec 2018
07/12/2018
Dear family in Christ

This Advent-Christmas season is an opportune time for spiritual reflection. In what ways can Advent encourage us in our spiritual walk with the Lord?

Firstly, be Faithful followers of Christ. As we live in between the two Advents, let us live our lives with gratitude to God and with accountability to Him. We are called to holy living and be faithful stewards of what had been entrusted to us. In our spiritual journey as a Christ-following community, we have an important responsibility to live lives that bring glory to God. We have the joy and privilege to share about Jesus through the gospel message and our loving deeds. The lights in Advent are a reminder of our calling from Jesus to “let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16).

Secondly, be Ready for Christ’s return. This will be the Second Advent. “so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.” (Hebrews 9:28). In great triumph and with loud trumpet sounds, Christ will come again to bring his people to dwell in his presence for all eternity. We need to be watchful and alert spiritually in our daily living. Is the Lord pleased and satisfied with the way we are living our life? Is there true worship of God in the total surrender of our life to Jesus and His kingdom?

Are you ready for His Return?

Maranatha
Pastor John

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1 & 2 Dec 2018
30/11/2018
Dear family in Christ

In the church calendar, the liturgical season of ADVENT begins today. Advent comes from the Latin word “adventus” meaning ‘coming or arrival’. It focuses on the coming of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Advent is a time of spiritual preparation marked by prayers of humble devotion and for God’s deliverance. It is a time for calm and reflection in the midst of the hustle and bustle of Christmas shopping and parties.

There is a double focus in Advent. Firstly, it is the joyous celebration of the birth of Jesus the Messiah in his First Advent. Secondly, it is the anticipation of His impending return as King in his Second Advent. It is a grateful celebration of God’s redeeming love for a fallen world. We celebrate the revelation of God in Jesus Christ in his First Advent for the purpose of reconciling the world to God the Father. Having known God as Father and walking in obedience with Him daily, we now look forward eagerly to the hope of eternal life in the Second Advent, where God the King will come in power to rule, save and judge the world.

As we live in between the two Advents, we need to live our lives with gratitude to God and with accountability to Him. As we live “between the times”, we are called to holy living and be faithful stewards of what has been entrusted to us as God’s people. In our spiritual journey as disciples of Jesus Christ, we have an important responsibility to live a life bringing glory to God and to share about Jesus through the gospel message and our loving deeds.

Joy to the world! The Lord is come: let earth receive her King!

Maranatha
Pastor John

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24 & 25 Nov 2018
23/11/2018
Dear family in Christ

The liturgical season of Advent begins on 2 December. I have written the Advent-Christmas Devotional Guide for our church community. It is written with two purposes in mind. Firstly, to help us transmit to our children “the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 1:3), from one generation to the next. Secondly, to share the good news of Jesus Christ with our friends and loved ones during this Christmas season. Please use this devotional at your family devotions and/or personal devotions. You can also use it in your Cell group as a teaching material or as an evangelistic tool to share the joy and meaning of Christmas.

We are glad to encourage the Cell groups in all our five congregations to participate in ‘I will Be Home For Christmas’. This is a home-based and cell-based intentional outreach program where opportunity is given to every cell member to invite our non-Christian friends and family for an informal relaxing fellowship meal and to hear the true meaning of Christmas and respond to Jesus Christ – ‘The Light Has Come’. Home cells may choose any day within the Advent-Christmas season to host this meal. You can also consider partnering with other Cell groups at a suitable location. Activities can include singing of Christmas carols, gift exchange, invite a carolling team, personal testimonies and a short Christmas message.

We hope that through this warm and informal setting, our non-Christian family members and friends will feel welcomed in a church community and understand the true meaning of Christmas. This Christmas outreach will also serve as a good build-up of momentum in friendship evangelism in preparation for Celebration of Hope next year, 17-19 May 2019. Let us be in fervent prayers and active evangelism for the salvation of the lost.

“Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12

Maranatha
Pastor John

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17 & 18 Nov 2018
16/11/2018
Dear family in Christ

This weekend, we commemorate Diocesan Missions Sunday. We see the gracious merciful hand of God in calling people to Himself in reconciled relationship and transformed lives. We praise God for people from every tribe and language in Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Nepal, Thailand and Vietnam, coming to salvation faith in Jesus. Please pray for the continual faithful proclamation of the gospel in these six deanery countries and for growth in spiritual maturity of God’s people in committed discipleship.

As the Lord enables, please give unto the Lord for “Give Him a Hundred” (GHH) missions giving in support of church planting work in these six deaneries. I am grateful for the Lord’s provision that last year’s GHH giving had enabled the deanery of Vietnam to purchase an office space property at Hanoi to be used as a place of worship for Church of The True Light and for Abba English centre. Thanks and praise be to God.

Praise the Lord for his faithfulness and goodness to the St Margaret’s School family as she celebrated her 176th anniversary on 16 November. The little seed of compassion planted by Mrs Maria Dyer in 1842 has blossomed into a strong huge tree that has provided the shade of education and character building, and borne much fruit of transformation and salvation in many lives. Our grateful thanks to brothers and sisters at SJCp who have previously or are presently serving faithfully in the Chaplaincy (lighthouse) ministry and the Girls Brigade ministry.

Maranatha
Pastor John

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10 & 11 Nov 2018
07/11/2018
Dear family in Christ

From 13^th to 25^th November, bishop Kuan Kim Seng will lead a team of 24 participants (13 from St John’s Chapel) to Israel for the Shoresh Israel Study tour. Pls uphold the study group in prayer for journey mercies and a fruitful time of good learning and spiritual growth as they focus on “The Life and World of Jesus, our Messiah”.

Romans chapters 9 to 11 are significant Bible passages for a clear theological and biblical understanding concerning the remnant of Israel and the salvation of ethnic Jewish people. Let me summarise the key points as follows:

Israel, who was God’s sovereign choice and an elected people belonging to God, had received all the promises of God. (Rom 9:1-21)

God had prepared Israel, through prophets Hosea and Isaiah, that belonging to God’s family was not simply a matter of biological heritage.    (Rom 9:22-29)

God’s patient grief for Israel because of her unbelief (hardened hearts of unbelieving Jewish majority who pursued righteousness by works (Law), and her rejection of Jesus as the promised Messiah and divine Son of God (“stumbling stone”). (Rom 9:30 – 10:21)

God remains faithful to His covenant and has not rejected his people, Israel. By the grace of God, there is a Jewish remnant, who by faith believed in Jesus, the crucified and risen Messiah of Israel. (Rom 11:1-10)

“Salvation has come to the Gentiles, so as to make Israel jealous”. With the Gentiles (“wild olive shoots”) being grafted into the cultivated Olive tree (Israel) by their faith in Jesus Messiah, this would provoke many Jewish people to think seriously, turn to Jesus and believe in Him too. (Rom 11:11-22)

When the “fullness of the Gentiles has come in”, the “Deliverer will come from Zion” to bring restoration and salvation to the Jewish people (“all Israel shall be saved”). The broken natural branches (unbelieving Jewish majority) will be grafted back into the Olive tree because they believed in Jesus Messiah by faith. (Rom 11:23-32)

As we discern God’s sovereign timing and keep watch eagerly for the signs of the End Times and the impending Return of Jesus our Messiah, let us proclaim the good news of the gospel whenever any opportunity arises, especially during the coming season of Advent and Christmas. Let us pray for active outreach and evangelism ministries to Jewish people in Israel and many parts of the world, and let us uphold Messianic Jews in prayer for strong faith and spiritual maturity.

Maranatha
Pastor John

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3 & 4 Nov 2018
03/11/2018
Dear family in Christ

The theme for our November missions month are “None should perish” (English services) and “Light of the World, Light of Life” (Mandarin/dialect services). We have invited guest preachers with varied missional experiences to share God’s Word and their particular areas of ministry in missions. I pray that the various messages will help us to see what the Lord is doing in Singapore and in the nations of the world in the proclamation of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

There will be a diocesan ‘Synod Plus’ Missions gathering on 8 November, Thursday 7.30 pm, at St Andrew’s Cathedral. The focus is on “Diocesan Perspective and Strategy on Church Planting in the Deaneries”. May I encourage us to make time to attend, so as to hear and pray for the growth and development of church-planting work in the six deaneries of Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Nepal, Thailand and Vietnam.

Pls uphold the following in fervent prayers: (1) SJCp missionaries Gerry and Yahui serving at ChiangMai with Deanery of Thailand; (2) The Goslings serving with a missions agency focusing on IT support and outreach to refugees; (3) Deborah Loh serving with Overseas Missionary Fellowship in church planting work at Bangkok, Thailand. Deborah is currently back in Singapore on special leave to care for her father undergoing cancer treatment; (4) Preparation of church Mission teams going to Batam (Nov) and Hanoi (Dec).

“The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into his harvest.” Matthew 9:37-38

Maranatha
Pastor John

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27 & 28 Oct 2018
27/10/2018
Dear family in Christ

Caregiving for our elderly family members and our chronically sick loved ones is a tough and difficult responsibility. It can be stressful, frustrating and exhausting – physically, mentally and emotionally. Are you feeling tired by the endless task of caring for your loved ones? Do you sometimes struggle with guilt, resentment or bitterness? Do you find it difficult at times to keep on trusting God?

Many caregivers hope to find rest and respite in the unending cycle of caring for others. How do we replenish our strength? How can we press on with compassion and patience when we feel so drained with limited time, energy and resources? As Christians, we look to the Lord for his grace and strength in this long and arduous walk of caregiving. It is a journey in which we can take together with the Lord as He walks with us, guides us and helps us.

Our Daily Bread Ministries has produced a special devotional for caregivers, entitled “He Walks with Me: Devotions for Your Caregiving Journey with God”. It is a series of 30 devotions focusing on journeying with God, journeying with yourself and journeying with others. It offers both biblical wisdom and practical tips on coping with the challenges of caregiving. If you would like to have a copy of this devotional, pls approach the pastoral/admin staff, or pls collect a copy from the book table at the church entrance.

In this process of caregiving, let us grow in our relationship with God as we submit to the work of the Holy Spirit in transforming and shaping our hearts, and let us be God’s joyful channel of blessing and encouragement to others.

Love in Christ
Pastor John

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20 & 21 Oct 2018
20/10/2018
Dear family in Christ

An essential mark of spiritual maturity is the commitment to a life of prayerfulness. What happens when God’s people gather to pray together?

In his book “Praying together: Equipping small groups to grow their prayer potential”, Dr Allan Harkness listed six benefits of corporate prayer:

Expression of community between God & people, and between people themselves.

Sense of belonging where Christians know that they are “at home”.

Provision of a setting to see God to work at transforming His people.

Process of growth in spiritual maturity and committed discipleship.

Careful and sensitive listening to God and to one another.

Missional focus to see and respond to God’s heart of salvation for a fallen world.

I encourage everyone to gather for Church Corporate Prayer meeting on every second Friday (Mandarin) and on every last Friday (English). There is tremendous potential when prayer and the church (at congregation level and at Cells & small groups) are integrated. A church that prays together stands in unity together, love one another and reaches out with the gospel together.

I call upon God’s people to gather at our annual Diocesan Day of Prayer and Fasting on 3 November, Saturday 9am to 12 noon, at St Andrew’s Cathedral. The prayer theme is “Let the gospel light shine!”. Let us lift our eyes and see that the fields are white for harvest. Let us gather to pray to the Lord of the harvest to send forth labourers for the harvest. Let us seek God for a powerful work of the Holy Spirit in our lives and in His Church for the proclamation of the gospel in Singapore and the world.

Maranatha
Pastor John

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14 Oct 2018 – Confirmation Service
14/10/2018
Dear family in Christ

We rejoice with the 21 brothers and sisters in Christ who are confirmed today. We give thanks to Abba Father for his bountiful grace and mercy in calling them to Himself as His beloved children and as faithful disciples of Jesus Christ.

In the Anglican Church, the rite of Confirmation is significant for several reasons.

It is for the strengthening of the believer for Christian life and witness and also for ministry and service, by the empowering of the Holy Spirit through the laying on of hands by the bishop.

It is an opportunity for those who had been baptized as infants to confess their faith publicly and declare personally their baptismal vows, as undertaken on their behalf by their parents and godparents.

It is the receiving into full membership in a particular parish of the Diocese of Singapore and a declaration of their discipleship commitment together with the church community at St John’s Chapel.

As we witness the Confirmation today, may we be strengthened in the following areas:

Community: We are a community together as the Body of Christ. Let us encourage one another, especially those in our Cell groups, to walk close to Jesus and to serve God faithfully in the work of His eternal kingdom.

Commitment: We have declared our baptismal vows to God at our baptism. Let us honour our vows to live a Christ-centred godly life and to trust in God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.

Communion: We have the communion of the Holy Spirit with us. Let us walk in step with the Spirit in obedience and faith, and proclaim the gospel of Christ faithfully, even as we await eagerly for the Return of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Maranatha
Pastor John

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6 & 7 Oct 2018
06/10/2018
Dear family in Christ

It is that time of the year again. Shopping malls are less crowded. Sales of vitamins increases. Playgrounds and parks are quieter. Anxiety levels of many parents go up. Yes, it is October exam fever in Singapore. Many children and young people experience great pressure and deep anxiety to perform well in school and get good grades.

How can we as Christian parents and the church family be an encouragement, support and help to our children to alleviate their pressure and stress and to help them grow into resilient, mature and secure adults?

Teach our children on the value of hard work, perseverance and resilience, motivating them to do their best and learning to cope with failure.

Encourage our children to look out for their classmates who need help, support and encouragement in their studies or family/friendship issues.

Remind our children that academic exams cannot measure their good character, special gifts (talents) and their compassion and care for others.

Assure our children that our love for them is unconditional and unchanging, regardless of their study grades or school performance.

Anchor our children in the love and grace of God and find their true worth, deep joy and spiritual identity in Jesus Christ.

As we await eagerly for the Return of Jesus Christ, let us keep our children’s educational life with the right perspective and priority. Let us be mindful of the things that really matter in the light of eternity: (1) Relationship with God, (2) Salvation of souls, and (3) Glory of God.

Maranatha
Pastor John

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29 & 30 Sept 2018
29/09/2018
Dear friends, guests and church family

A very warm special welcome to all our friends, guests and visitors. We are so glad that you are here today to enjoy the Hymn Festival. We hope that you will have an enjoyable and meaningful experience that will bring much peace and great joy in your heart.

We are very thankful for the choir team from St Andrew’s Cathedral for their kind presence and good partnership with the St John’s Chapel choir in presenting these beautiful songs and hymns that bring delight to our ears and refreshment for our soul.

We are privileged to have Pastor Leon Stewart to share on the “The love story of God’s amazing grace”. Pastor Leon’s life was changed and transformed wonderfully by the grace and power of God after his encounter with Jesus Christ as his Lord and Saviour.

Thank you once again for your presence with us today. May the love, joy and peace of God fill your hearts and minds always.

Wishing you every blessing in Jesus Christ.

Pastor John
Vicar, St John’s Chapel

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22 & 23 Sept 2018
22/09/2018
Dear family in Christ

Today we commemorate the annual diocese Education Sunday. This year’s focus is on the alma mater of our nine Anglican primary, secondary and college schools. Many had fond memories of meaningful fun activities, kind caring teachers and personal character growth. Some had returned to their alma mater as school teachers to continue this meaningful tradition and mission in educating future generations of students.

We are thankful to the Lord for guiding many graduates of St Margaret’s Secondary school to become members and friends of our church community. We thank God for their salvation in Jesus Christ, and also that of their families. We rejoice to see them growing in spiritual maturity and good character. We appreciate their love and heart for the Lord in serving Him in various areas of church ministry and also in local & overseas missions. We thank God for all of them for being God’s wonderful blessing and encouragement in our community.

For the past 26 years, St John’s Chapel has the joy and privilege of Education Mission chaplaincy work in this school. We thank the Lord for a committed chaplaincy team of church staff and volunteers as they serve God with a joyful purpose in sharing the good news of the gospel and in caring & helping the students. If you are able to serve in the chaplaincy ministry in the areas of music, befriending, tutoring and praying, pls approach our lead chaplaincy staff, Florence Hou.

“But Jesus called them to him, saying, “Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God.”   Luke 18:16

Maranatha
Pastor John

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15 & 16 Sept 2018
15/09/2018
The Diocese of Singapore

Pastoral Advisory on Penal Code Section 377A

Recent media comments by prominent figures have reignited the call to repeal Penal Code Section 377A. As you consider the matter, do note the following:

a. It has been established by the Supreme Court in October 2014 that Section 377A is constitutional.

b. Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong in the Parliamentary Debate in Oct 2007 on Section 377A explained why the Government would retain Section 377A in the Penal Code but not enforce it. The Diocese, together with the National Council of Churches of Singapore, supports the Government’s carefully calibrated position on this.

c. The evaluation of Section 377A goes beyond legal technicalities and pure logic. It is a boundary-stone marker for what Singapore society wants to hold as normative in its moral framework and in how people conduct themselves in the public square. 377A is a moral marker consonant with fostering strong families for the long-term well-being of our nation.

d. The Government has stated that it will not repeal the law as long as mainstream society wants it to remain: “It is up to society to decide.”

It is heartening that the Government’s recent Penal Code Review did not recommend any change to Section 377A. As the Review is now open for public consultation until 30 September, before going to Parliament in November, it is timely for us to reaffirm that we want Section 377A to remain.

In the context of all the above factors, we would strongly encourage you to:

1. Provide feedback to the Government by:

a. Sending this simple message “I want 377A to remain” to REACH reach@reach.gov.sg, and

b. Signing the petition at https://www.change.org/p/singaporegovernment-please-keep-penal-code-377a-in-singapore

2. Remain respectful of persons with different views. Do not make disparaging remarks about anyone. Let your conduct be governed by love and “let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt” (Col 4:6).

3. Pray fervently. Pray that the Church will learn and grow in its ministry to same-sex attracted persons. Pray for the ‘shalom’ (total well-being) of Singapore: “…seek the welfare of the city”
(Jer 29:7).

May the Lord bless and watch over Singapore from generation to generation!

12 September 2018

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8 & 9 Sept 2018
08/09/2018
Dear church family

One key distinguishing mark of the living church of Jesus Christ is to be a Koinonia Community. We have a common faith in Jesus, a common bond in Jesus and a common love for one another. We are called to build up and edify one another in the Body of Christ as we see the Return of the Lord drawing near.

The following “one another” actions and attitudes are expressions of true biblical koinonia:

Accept one another (Rom 15:7)

Be devoted to one another (Rom 12:10)

Be kind & compassionate to one another (Eph 4:32)

Bear one another’s burdens (Gal 6:2)

Bear with one another in love (Eph 4:2)

Care for one another (1 Cor 12:25)

Comfort one another (2 Cor 13:11)

Do good to one another (1 Thess 5:15)

Encourage one another (1 Thess 5:11; Heb 3:13)

Forgive one another (Eph 4:32)

Honour one another (Rom 12:10)

Live in harmony with one another (Rom 12:16; 1 Pet 3:8)

Love one another (1 Pet 1:22; 1 John 3:11; 3:23; 4:7; 4:11-12)

Serve one another in love (Gal 5:13)

For the past two years, it has been such a joy and encouragement for me to see God’s people at St John’s Chapel edifying and encouraging one another in love. May we grow strong together as God’s Koinonia Faith Community.

Maranatha
Pastor John

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1 & 2 Sept 2018
01/09/2018
Dear church family

My son was very excited to have the opportunity to cook a meal for his teachers in school last Wednesday. As the school chaplain, I attended St Margaret’s school Teachers’ Day Appreciation high tea last Thursday. This is the time of the year where we remember and appreciate those who teach and influence lives, not only those in the public sphere, but also in our church family.

1. Teachers in our Children’s ministry

We want to appreciate and thank the many committed brothers and sisters who teach the Word of God to the children in our church faithfully and sacrificially. It is a vital and significant ministry in coming alongside the parents in building a strong faith foundation in the hearts of the children and in exemplifying wise godly values for daily living. We appreciate their labour and their love for the children.

2. Those who teach God’s Word at the various church ministries

We thank the Lord for those who study the Word of God diligently and share it joyfully with those amongst whom they serve, be it their Cell members, chaplaincy ministry, BB boys, GB girls, youths, young adults, elderly, etc. It is a labour of love which will bear much fruit in growing the spiritual life of the listeners and proclaiming the name of Jesus Christ.

3. Those who teach vocationally in the ‘Marketplace’

In our church family, we have quite a number of brothers and sisters who are teachers in heart, working and serving at various spheres and institutions such as childcare, pre-school, primary & secondary schools, tertiary institutions, special needs, etc. Let us remember them in prayer for God’s strength, purpose and wisdom in their teaching vocation as they influence and impact lives with the love of God and as they shine brightly for Jesus Christ in the marketplace.

Blessings in Christ
Pastor John

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Vicar Writes

4 Jun 2023

28 May 2023

21 May 2023

14 May 2023

07 May 2023

30 Apr 2023

23 Apr 2023

16 Apr 2023

02 Apr 2023

26 Mar 2023

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05 Mar 2023

26 Feb 2023

19 Feb 2023

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Worship Services
Saturday
– English, 4.30pm @ Sanctuary
Sunday
– English, 9.00am @ Sanctuary
– Cantonese, 9.00am @ Patmos Hall
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– Hokkien, 11.15am @ Patmos Hall

St John’s Chapel
111 Farrer Road
Singapore 259240

Phone.: +65 6468 8425
Email. : admin@patmos.org.sg

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