Merdeka ( Independence)

Malaysia has come a long way as a nation. Today is our National Day or Independence Day. Fifty three years ago the nation of Malaysia was born when we gained independence from the British. This national day means different things to different people because we were born at different time. Those older folks will be able to remember what it was like to gain independence and perhaps feel that it was meaningful. However, to the young they may not feel anything at all. Some of them may have "tidak apa" attitude. ( could not careless in Malay language). I suppose this also has to do with the environment that they were brought up. If they were instilled when they were young the spirit of independence, they will feel much more connected with the country's independence. This also reminded me of our relation with our Lord Jesus. If we work at it by studying, reading the Bible, and pray to Him, we will have a meaningful relationship with Him. In fact, that's life. God created us to relate to Him.

Hallelujah! Have a blessed National Day - Merdeka!

Run with Horses

Last Sunday, our church had the honour of Dr.Alex Tang, medical doctor, author, famous blogger to share with us the above titled sermon.

Dr.Alex Tang worship at Holy Light Church, Johore. He is also a pediatrician working in Johore Specialist Centre.

His sermon referred mainly to Jeremiah 12:5

"If you have raced with men on foot and they worn you out how can you compete with horses? If you stumble in safe country how will you manage in the thickets by the Jordan?"

Basically, his message was to encourage us even as we stumbled. Do not give up, at least if we ran with men on foot we have started running. Do not give up easily. God will help us in our struggles if we turn to Him.

You can read all his main points in the slide on his blog. On the left side bar under "Dr.Alex Tang", just trigger it, this will lead you to his blog.

Evangelistic Worship at Lundu

The annual Evangelistic Worship was held at Bro. Chai Say's private property at Lundu attended by some 600 or so participants and visitors. This event has been running for the past several years thanks to Bro. Chai Say, Sis Teck Lan and several others contributors. There were 15 churches participating in the event. 13 churches were from the surouding area, one from Indonesia (Dr.Gary's mission hospital) and one from Penang. Praise God for a wonderful time meeting people from many places, like Indonesia, Africa(students),USA(from Dr.Gary's hospital),Penang and others. The participating churches sang many praise and worship songs, and participant danced to these songs. Praise God for a worshipful evening as well as time of fellowship. Even the old Bro & Sis danced to the music! Praise God for the good weather too!

Watch a video clip

From 2010-08-29 Evangelistic Worship at Lundu

Alpha Course Week 5 Session 4

Last evening we had our Week 5 session 4 Alpha course. We were suppose to have session 4 and 5 but there were problems with our computers and video prayer. Due to lack of time we only played session 4 video, and it was the express version. Praise God that we have Bro Arthur Lim to share some jokes with the audience. Bro Arthur has earned a reputation as our church joker. (Joker may sound a little disrespectful,but we don not mean that, in fact we are honored and enjoy his jokes). Overall we had a great evening, with activity discussions among the guests. We had 25 guests, and out of these, 17 guests are repeats. Thank you Lord for our guests!

Our very own "Teresa Teng", although Dr.Tan said she was not a good singer.

From 2010-08-28 Alpha Course 27.8.10

Guard against Workplace Temptations

Read a helpful article about resisting workplace temptations written by a Singaporean psychologist, Dr.Loke founder of Mount Olive Church of God, Singapore. All over the world extramarital affairs abound, and the divorce rate its at its height. Dr.Loke said in dealing with temptations, "prevention is better than cure". Dr.Loke counselled self-control and making time for Bible reading, prayer and relation with the spouse. If we don not read the Bible and pray our relationship with God will also fail.

Dr;Loke cited an example of how people failed into extramarital affairs with their colleagues. He said those who helped the opposite sex who were going through marital difficulties, and out of compassion they failed into extramarital affairs with colleagues they are helping. I believe that if we want to help anyone of the opposite sex, it is advisable to do it as a couple. A married couple can stand firm and unlikely to be involved emotionally when helping this individual.

Living a life of gratitude is also a very good way to keep our marriages alive. Therefore, one would not likely be involved in any extramarital affair.

We cannot take things for granted, always guard against things that may destroy us if we are not careful.

One important point is to build up our personal relationship with Jesus by daily reading of the Bible, study His Words, and pray everyday too.

May God bless you and your family.

In Memory of my Grandma

It has been sad for our family, because our maternal grandma passed away at age 96 yesterday in Perth Australia. She had heart failure, and because of her age, the doctors could not do anything. May God bless her and may she rest in peace.

Now we just have memories of her to continue on.

She was a tough woman. Since my grand father passed away about 40 over years ago she was the one running the sundry shop by herself at Third Mile Bazaar, in Kuching. She had to take care of her 8 children. Now all are doing well all in Perth except my mum here in Kuching.

She may not be a baptized Christian, but I knew her heart has God. Few years ago when my family and I visited her she was sick. I asked her whether she would mind if I pray for her, she agreed and I prayed for her recovery. When I shared with her the gospel she accepted it and I also felt the peace in me than. She shared her difficulties in formerly accepting the Lord with me. Now, I believe she is in heaven with our Lord.

I Tim 1:16 NIV

But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life.

Pastor Kevin Connor's Visit

Last evening, we had the honor of hosting Pastor Kevin Connor from Australia. This was not his first time here, he was here preaching at EBC in April. Before he came here, he was preaching at FGA ( Full Gospel Assemly)(Incidently that was my former Church in KL).

Pastor Noel Han of Nation Church, KL was the one who brought Pastor Kevin here because he felt the need of this city. Pastor Noel was born in Kuching, spent some time in Sibu before living in Australia until he pastor Nation Church in KL.

Pastor Kevin spoke about the atmosphere of our faith. Like when you go into a church you can feel the atmosphere whether it feels peaceful or otherwise.

The 7 steps of attack against Word of God

1. The devil hates God's Word. He puts doubt in us, like when he tempted Eve.
2. Adding to the Word of God, like in the garden when Adam and Eve were tempted, words were added by Satan.
3. He adultered God's Word.
4. He slandered God's Word.
5. He lied against God's Word.
6. He made us believe his lie
7. He made us disobey and disbelieve God's Word.

Pastor Kevin explained what he wanted to say clearly and the session was also not too lengthy. In fact, his jokes kept us awake.

Sunday Service 2nd Aug 2010

Alpha Course

Before the start of the service proper, Bro Nick shared on the on going Alpha Course. We are promoting the Weekend Away on 9th to 10th Sept and encourage all of our members to join. For our guests it is free of charge.

Bro Julian Tan gave a testimony of how he was impacted by the Alpha course. Initially he did not think much about it when invited. However, he found the sessions interesting especially how Nicky Gumbel presented the gospel in a reasonable, practical ways for many to understand. Although he has been a Christian for sometimes now, he still find these sessions interesting. Praise God!

Sis Nancy Ho also shared how she found about laboring for the Lord. She felt she is doing God's work especially when she has to contact as well as deliver information about Alpha to her friends. Hallelujah!

Out Reach at Bro Chai Say's resort in Lundu on 28th Aug, 2010

Thanks to Bro Chai Say and a few other Bros this has been an annual event to gather Churches around the Lundu area for a celebration of our National day, 31st Aug. This year the event is bigger, 600 hundred people are expected. There will be worship service until 10 pm, and before that at 6.30 pm everyone will be given free dinner! Also a team from Dr.Gary's mission in Indonesia will participate in this event. Praise God for Bro Chai Say and several other bros and sis who made this event possible.

Sermon by Bro Ho King Swee

He covered on Mark Ch 1:21 to Mark Ch 2:17

You will be able to hear the whole sermon on audio tape from FBC website. Look at the left side bar to link to our Church's website.

Ecumenical Service for Peace

Last Saturday many Churches from various denomination gathered at the Ecumenical center here in Kuching to pray for peace and harmony in conjunction to Malaysia's National day, Merdeka this 31st Aug, 2010. In fact NECF Malaysia just started the 40-day Fast & Pray for the nation of Malaysia on 8th Aug 2010 through to 16th Sept, 2010. This is also to commemorate Malaysia day on 16th Sept, a public holiday for the first time in our country.

Prayer is important and we know it is effective. Let us join together to pray for our nation.

Read the article from The Star ....

Ecumenical service for national peace and unity
by VANES DEVINDRAN

HUNDREDS of Christians from various denominations converged at the Christian Ecumenical Worship Centre in Kuching to pray for continuous peace and harmony for the nation in conjunction with the Merdeka month celebration.
Leading the service on Thursday night was Sarawak Association of Churches chairman the Right Reverend Datuk Bishop Bolly Lapok.
Celebrative: The choir of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church in Batu Kawa singing praises during the joint prayer service.
The service was graced by several top officials including Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Alfred Jabu and heads of churches in the state.
The congregation featured songs of aspiration, prayer sessions, choir presentations and bible reading.
Themed 1Malaysia: My Freedom, God’s Glory, this year’s joint service was hosted by the Seventh-Day Adventist Church.
The event was aimed at fostering the spirit of unity among Christians and reflect how valuable a peaceful nation was for all Malaysians.

Alpha Course Week 4 Session 3

Last evening our Church had our week 4, session 3 Alpha course dealing with the subject of "How can we have faith?". Active discussion can be seen from all the groups which was a good sign. Praise the Lord! Our Chinese Church sent about 20 of their members to observe our session as they are going to start Chinese Alpha on Sept 4th. It was a very fruitful meeting. We had a total of 32 guests. Some came from the very first session, and a few were first timer. Praise God, all enjoyed the session! Many people commented that the foods were good!

Longevity - China

Recently in The Star newspaper there was a report of the Yao people of Guangxi province who live into a hundred years. There are from Bama, Guangxi. This has made the place famous worldwide. Certainly most of us would wish to live a long life but due to many reasons we cannot.

This people live simple lives and eat simple foods and live in a tranquil environment. Perhaps this are their secrets.

They are not Christians (gathered from the video) yet they are blessed with these qualities that many of us longed for. It testify to our awesome God, who bless all man kind whether they know Him or not.

Matt 5:45 "so that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous". NJKV

I found s video on this subject in You tube. Watch below:

Praying for a Church

Here is an interesting article written by a Malaysian Muslim writer Karim Raslan about a group of Christians in Indonesia who forth for their religious rights. To me it is such a testimony of their Christian faith, and how fervent they were to stand their grounds for Jesus. They went on praying even on an empty piece of land which was suppose to be their Church but authorities disallowed the building of a Church ! Despite being intimidated by demonstrators they continued their prayers. Praise God! Hallelujah! I wish I had their faith.

Read full article from this link :
http://thestar.com.my/columnists/story.asp?file=/2010/8/17/columnists/ceritalah/6869689&sec=ceritalah

Extract:
Christian Bataks in Jakarta, long denied a permanent place of worship, opt for Sunday morning prayers in the open

I AM a writer. I consider it to be my responsibility to help my readers experience other people’s lives: to educate and, at times, entertain.

Unlike some columnists, I wish to bridge the gap of understanding that exist between groups, not widen them.

Often, this requires a degree of empathy, of stepping into someone else’s place to understand their world, their hopes and fears.

Try to imagine then, that you’re Indonesian and that you’ve moved to Jakarta from your birthplace in Sumatra.

This happened some 20 years ago and you’re now married with children.

You’ve settled in Bekasi, a suburb outside the capital (much like Cheras or Subang Jaya).

Property prices there are more affordable.

The houses are small but sufficient. In fact, some of them have been converted into shops and kiosks.

Meanwhile, Bekasi, with an estimated population of over 2.2 million, has grown rapidly.............

Sunday Service-Pastor Ben Wong of Sheperd Community Grace Church, Honh Kong

Last Saturday, Pastor Ben spent a day with our Church leadership to reinforce the core values or essence of our Church developed during his last visit in March, 2010. It was a very useful session, and we as a Church had a better idea of how we are to move forward. That evening he had a session with our youth at Bro. Chung Chek's & Sis Paik Im's home.

On Sunday, Pastor Ben delivered sermon at three services, Mandarin, English and Iban. Like what Bro Tung Hui said, "I don't know where he gets his energy".

Pastor Ben main message was "Love", how we should love each other in our Church, and out of our Church. Relationship is important, and not all the programs that the Church does. Take care of our Church members and the numbers will be added.

He gave examples from his Church which were very touching. He shared about a young couple, who were cell leaders, yet they committed fornication and had a baby. In most Church these couple would have been expelled, but Pastor Ben met with them and cried for them, got them to confess their sins in front of all the Church leaders, and asking them to repent of their sins. Their Church leaders did not like their sins, but they love them and hugged them. Reconciliation and healing took place. Praise God, they decided to get married after they were very sure of their love for each other. While presiding over their wedding, Pastor Ben cried again, this time of the joy of their union, and God's forgiving them of their sins. Today this couple are missionaries in India. Praise God, Hallelujah!

From his Church there are now 54 missionaries in many countries like Japan, Taiwan, China, Thailand, India and recently Pakistan. In dact, Pastor Ben arrived from Pakistan after a transit in Hong Kong.

We are honoured and thank Pastor Ben for his help. May God be with him always.

In this video, Pastor Ben demonstrated how sometimes we pray negatively for people. He is a funny Pastor!

Alpha Course Week 3 (Session 2 )

Last evening we had the Week 3, session 2 Alpha Course in Church. Praise God that many guests turned up! In fact about 20 new guests came, and the bulk of them from Batu Lintang Teachers Training College near by our Church. Praise God that these trainee teachers are learning about Christ, and we pray one day they will be able to share with their students. We thank Sister Georgina who have invited and encouraged these students to come.

The Week end away was promoted during this session. We have a new poster in red advertising this event. Bro Malcolm, the MC also announced it.

All in all we had a great meeting! Praise God! Glory to His Name, Amen.

Malaysian Tribe Forced to Convert

Read statement by NECF:
Every Malaysian has the right to choose his or her religious beliefs based on personal conviction as guaranteed under Article 11 of our Federal Constitution.

The allegations that "facilities and easy access into the villages" will be gained by conversions in the report should be investigated fully so that any wrong-doings by persons or organisations may be brought to light and stopped immediately.

Any development programme of the Government to lift Malaysians out of poverty should be without strings attached. Whilst we note that the Malaysian Department of Orang Asli Affairs (JHEOA) has stated that "development program such as electricity, water supply, housing and other basic infrastructure given to Orang Asli communities are based on their need and not their religion", yet we see in the video clip that those who converted received new homes and enjoy modern amenities while those who don't continue to live in their huts.

We believe that the promotion of conversions-in-name to gain "facilities and easy access to villages", if true, is an abuse of executive powers (which ought to be exercised for the public good) for insidious sectarian purposes. Ultimately, such practices would tend to create a community lacking in integrity and true freedom of choice where people are encouraged to compromise their beliefs, culture and identity by means of economic duress and inducements.

Bishop Ng Moon Hing,
Chairman and the Executive Committee
The Christian Federation of Malaysia

Jesus Died For Me

This evening, our Alpha course will cover why Jesus died for us. Watch this video:

Babies in China Developing Breasts

Unsettling news from China again. Just about a year ago they had a huge problem with milk tainted with melamine, now there is a problem of hormones in milk resulted in babies developing breasts! When comes to increasing profits people will do all sort of things!

"Do not wear yourself out to ger rich, have the wisdom to show restraint" Proverb 23:4

Read news below:

USA is worried that children are attaining puberty too early in life while in China, 15-month old babies are developing breasts. This has got the Chinese authorities frowning and they have attributed this peculiar phenomenon to the hormones in the new brand of milk powder that mothers are giving their babies. Medical tests carried out indicate that the level of hormones in three girls aged 4 to 15 months fed on the same milk powder exceeded that of an average adult female. Earlier, in 2008, there was a scandal related to Chinese milk that had melamine mixed in it to give it an appearance to be enriched with protein. Consuming such milk led to death of at least six infants and serious health problems to over 300,000.

Life is like Vapour

Since last Thursday I have been thinking about this subject. I was reminded when I visited a brother's father who was sick in the general hospital here in Kuching. I recalled how my own father passed away in the same hospital about ten years ago. Really life is like a vapour, we are here on this earth for a very short while, and we are gone. James 4:14 said "You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away". All the more we must do the important things like following God's commands as closely as possible, and not to waste our lives on unimportant matters. I am telling myself I must follow God's commands more each day. He told us to number our days. Back to our brother's father, he passed on Saturday evening. On Saturday morning when I visited him, he was alive but sickly. Life is such that we all must go through. Let us make full use of this short life here.

On behalf of our Life Group, our condolence to Brother Anthony and Sister Poh Chuo on the passing of his father and her father-in-law respectively. May God comfort you in time of needs. God bless.

Sunday Sermon

Gospel of Mark

This morning Pastor Richard preached on the Gospel of Mark. He started by introducing this Book to the audience.

Gospel of Matthew, Mark and Luke are called the synoptic gospel. It means seeing together. It was likely that Mathew and Luke had their source in Mark. Mark has 105 sections, out of this 93 are found in Matthew, and 81 in Luke. Mark contains 661 verses, and 606 verses of this are found in Matthew, and 320 verses in Luke.
Mark was the son of a rich lady named Mary of Jerusalem. His other name was John, so he was also known as John Mark. When Paul was in prison in Rome, Mark was with him Col 4.10. In the earlier mission when Paul took Mark with him he quitted half way and Paul was angry with him. Second time Paul had a change of heart, he decided to bring Mark along 2 Tim 4:11 Mark was with Peter too. Peter called him “Mark my son” 1 Pet 5:13

Mark was targeting the gentiles and he explained the customs like washing of the hands in the Gospel.

The main theme of the Book is the Cross, Discipleship and Jesus the Teacher. In Mark, he started “the beginning” whereas Matthew and Luke started with the birth of Jesus. In the beginning God’s plan for His people was already established. God knows, in fullness of time He sent His son Gal 4:4. God is in control.
John the Baptist came to prepare the way for the Lord. He baptized even the Jews and not only the gentiles. The Jews themselves were not supposed to be baptized. Jesus was baptized to show to humanity the requirement of repentance. “He must increase I must decrease”. Temptation in the desert was also God’s plan.
It is ability verses availability. When he called the disciples they left what they were doing and followed Jesus without question – they were available. Complete trust in God.

The question is “Who hold our future and not what is our future”.

Watch the following video whose outlines are similar to Pastor Richard's sermon.

Alpha Course Week 2

Last evening, Friday 6th Aug, our Church had the 2nd Week of Alpha Course. Once again we had more than 20 guests joining us and that was very encouraging. We watch Nicky Gumbel's presentation of "Who is Jesus?". Being in the same room I could hear a lot of discussions after the video presentation. We pray that all of our guests will join us again next week. In my group we had 2 guests, one a Catholic and one a non believer, glad that they participated a little and they were comfortable in the group. Thanks to our Bros & Sis who kept them felt at home.

Here is a slide show of our gathering.

Bro Nick and Bro Alvin sang two songs "You Raise Me Up" and "I know Who Holds The Future", here is the video of the second song. A very meaningful song.

Amazing Grace

The beautiful song "Amazing Grace" rendered by a young girl. Be blessed by this song!

Remains of John The Baptist Found

Bone fragments of St John the Baptist appear to have been found on Sveti Ivan Island near Bulgaria's southern Black Sea.

He is considered one of the most important figures in Christianity.

Further tests are still to be carried out on the fragments, which were discovered late last month.

The BBC's Malcolm Brabant reports.

Developing Your Prayer Life

As our Church embarked on the Alpha Course, one of the important aspect of this project is prayer. In fact, in the Alpha guide book as well as in Nicky Gumbel's message he emphasized the importance of prayers. As a Church we need to pray for those friends whom we have invited to the course. We already have their names, therefore our prayers for them can be directed to each of them specifically. Better still some of them we already know some of their backgrounds, so we can pray more effectively. We are all encouraged to pray individually, as well as corporately especially before the start of each Alpha session.

Watch this video about prayer.

Sunday Service - 1st Aug, 2010

On Sunday our Pastor Samuel spoke at our Church. He was a very simple person. You would not guess that he was a pastor. Great of him to share with our Church. What I got was that he told our congregation to stay focus on Jesus and to be obedient to Him. I did not hear much of his sermon because I was doing other Church duties. Later he prayed for everyone.

Church Business Meeting

We also had our quarterly Church business meeting. Nothing major, just update members of what is going on and also the new Church building. By end of this month, the building committee will call for tenders to determine the cost of the building. If not mistaken, it should be around RM2 to RM2.5 million. Details are yet to be worked out. Bro Chiew (Building committee member) said he was feeling the pressure because in FBC website there is a count down clock for the completion of the Church.