OCCIDENTAL ALUMNIS

New details

2008-02-13T22:50:00.001+08:00

Water Baptism Celebration on 2 March 2008
Venue : YWCA Fort Canning Lodge
6 Fort Canning Road
Singapore 179494
Sophia Cooke Ballroom @ L2
Time : 3pm to 6pm (Please be seated by 2.50pm)

How to register? Collect forms from reception and fill it up, then drop it into the white box at the Nexus Information Counter. Closing date for registration is 24 Feb 2008.

Men's Ministry: 2008 Events Calendar

19 Jan (Sat) Prayer & Breakfast
7 Mar (Fri) Mini Seminar 1 - Topic: Being 'Strong' Man
9 May (Fri) Prayer Meeting 2
Jun Camp Men's Camp Workshop
5 July (Sat) Prayer Meeting 3
15 Aug (Fri) Mini Seminar 2 - Topic: Being Real Man
28 Oct (Tue) Annual Men's Summit - Being Great Male Leader
29 Nov (Sat) Prayer Meeting 4

Occidental Graduation Ceremony 2008

2008-02-04T01:00:00.001+08:00

Callin to an End: EXAMS!

2008-01-29T18:47:00.000+08:00

With another 3 days,

7 hours and 10 minutes,

Exams will be called an end,

and semester 2 2007/2008 will invite holidays to come!

I believe some of us has already ended our examinations..

Where as some of us are still struggling with the last few papers!

But no matter which category you falls in,

do pray fervently for one another,

to depend on God fully for our exams,

to be strengthen each day,

to have the persistence to complete revision!

Let's not give up and throw ourselves in holiday mood,

even the last few papers!

Focus is the word of the day.

Focus on your papers so we can all celebrate

at the end of everything with

EVO RETREAT!

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Just to inform everybody again:

Event: Evo Retreat

Date: 2nd - 3rd February 2008

Time: 9.30pm after service & dinner
Travel Mode: Coach will be available from Orchard

Location: Jacob's Place

Ending: around evening time on Sunday

Featuring:

GOOD FOOD

SPECIAL EVENTS

PRAISE & WORSHIP

GIFTS

MEGA GAMES

SURPRISE NEWS

and many more......

Therefore, do not miss out the event!

Do join together and let's celebrate this as one..

Occidental and Eastraelite,

our finale!

(Do inform people of the caregroup actively to come and persuade them no matter what to join in together! It will be such a waste not to be able to make it!

Occidental 全家福

2008-01-26T04:40:00.000+08:00

Not everybody inside lar okay!

Randomness Blog Game

2008-01-25T16:35:00.000+08:00

Oh no, got tagged by CL cum shepherd again!
I don’t have 20 sentences, but hopefully 16 is enough.

1) I’m a thinking thinker. I think why I think. I think of what I think. I think of how I think. I think of where and when I think

2) Meanings are very meaningful in my life. Without meanings, I’m nothing, I did nothing.

3) God does not just part the Red Sea, HE part me as well by letting me handle east and west all at once. But I sometimes collapsed into myself and become a black hole after that.

4) Eagles trail their prey before they swoop under the blue sky. Owls conceal themselves before swooping. I’m of course the owl, hiding in my cloak of stealth, eyeing the prey from the shadows before appearing from nowhere and vanishing in a flash with a prey in hand.

5) I like. I like to like. I like Obama. That’s at least a change you can believe in.
(Obama: Change we can believe in)

6) You want to change the world? First change your own world.

7) I would like to see a pastor become President but sadly, I have no faith in that, not at least in Mike Huckabee.

8) John Edwards has a gorgeous wife but the polls shows otherwise. This reflects a truth in life: One cannot enjoy the best of both worlds; it’s either the White House or the wife. 鱼与熊掌不能兼得。

9) Life is a training process and I train to train.

10) When I shoot, I do not miss. When I know I’ll miss, I don’t bother to shoot.

11) Some people read too much science and they claim that the bible is nonsense. Renaissance priests read too much of the bible and they said the Earth was flat. The fact is: True science has never disagreed with the truth and the truth comes from the bible. Science is a finite way of defining an infinite God.

12) Righteousness is the world’s ultimate weapon, nothing has ever triumph against it.

13) They say that I’m very much like a perfectionist. I disagree, I’m just an idealist.

14) Douglas MacArthur once said, “Those who say that the pen is mightier than the sword obviously have not seen automatic weapons.” I’ve seen automatic weapon but still believe that the pen is mightier than the sword.

15) I’m actually a scholarly scholar and used to be an incorrigible teaser of petites filles in my virgin youth. Don’t be misled by my looks.

16) My arms are more efficient than my mouth: I write better than speak, do more work than talking.

I don't like to tag others, unlike someone...
You all huh, don't learn anything and everything from this post hor, it's just to entertain CL only!

JAE: Joint-Admission Exercise

2008-01-24T22:32:00.001+08:00

Hi Brothers and Sisters,

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

JAE Course Counselling

During the Joint Admissions Exercise (JAE) registration period, our counsellors will be at the SP JAE Centre to answer your questions and advise you on the courses available here.
Internet access will also be available together with counsel!

When
24 Jan (Thur)2pm - 5.30pm*
25 Jan (Fri) & 26 Jan (Sat)8.30am - 5.30pm*
28 Jan (Mon)8.30am - 4pm
* revised timing

Where
Singapore Polytechnic Convention Centre (Next to Dover MRT Station)

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

It is the JAE once again! It is a good opportunity to get to know some new friends who are likely to admit into polytechnics. Therefore particularly to the coreteams, I will encourage you guys to go and outreach to them! I will not be present tomorrow due to my exam schedule, but I will be with you guys on 28 Jan! We already missed one day.. Let's not missed it again!

Grab the chance to get to know some potential friends so may there be a chance for us to share the Love of God to them one day perhaps! Be excited for evangelism and anticipate from the evangelistic experience.. May God be with all who desire to share His love =)

Do contact: Pooiyee

(she will be overseeing for me for the entire session! Contact Yiheng also because he is free.)

Word For Life!

2008-01-24T22:24:00.000+08:00

Our FIRST churchwide Word For Life - Healthy Relationships Essentials!!!
This is a three nights' seminar on 28, 30 Jan and 1 Feb 2008 (Mon, Wed & Fri)

Venue: Bukit Merah Touch Community Centre
Time: 7:30-10:00pm
Cost: FOC

Course Sypnosis:
Life is relationship – with God, with others, and with us. Relationships can make us fulfilled, happy, contended; or bitter, despairing, hopeless. Like it or not, we cannot live without relationship. Here is a course that helps you make relationships work. It is taught from a vantage point of self rather than others; i.e. looking at who you are and what you can give to the people or environment you are interacting and relating with. The crux is about individual ownership and responsibility in the role of healthy relationship building. Look forward to a course not about changing others as much as it is about changing yourself.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

It is to our advantage that we can attend a congregational wide Word For Life! Catch the exciting sharing and teaching regarding relationship with God, with others and with ourselves on these particular days indicated above!

I understand that many of us are still having examinations... However, I believe with ample effort to prioritise God, He will not shortgive us! Therefore I will encourage brothers and sisters, to give a little portion of ur time to attend this word for life so as to learn how to grow better of your relationship with God and people around you! Not just for this word for life.. I will like to encourage every single one of us, to give God our time for services, caregroups and prayer meetings.. Not our leftover time! But to give God the best time of our life.. When He sees that heart to prioritise Him in our lives, He will surely bless us abundantly with His love and grace.

Therefore, see you guys at the word for life!

Any enquiries, contact Santono or Me. =)

2008-01-22T01:06:00.001+08:00

"And Jesus said unto them ... , "If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to younder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible to you."Romans 1:17

SLow Dance

2008-01-19T10:19:00.000+08:00

This is a poem written by a teenager with cancer.

SLOW DANCE

Have you ever watched kids
On a merry-go-round?
Or listened to the rain
Slapping on the ground?
Ever followed a butterfly's erratic flight?
Or gazed at the sun into the fading night?
You better slow down.
Don't dance so fast.
Time is short.
The music won't last.
Do you run through each day
On the fly?
When you ask How are you?
Do you hear the reply?
When the day is done
!
Do you lie in your bed
With the next hundred chores
Running through your head?
You'd better slow down
Don't dance so fast.
Time is short.
The music won't last.
Ever told your child,
We'll do it tomorrow?
And in your haste,
Not see his sorrow?
Ever lost touch,
Let a good friendship die
Cause you never had time
To call and say,'Hi'
You'd better slow down.
Don't dance so fast.
Time is short.
The music won't last.
When you run so fast to get somewhere
You miss half the fun of getting there.
When you worry and hurry through your day,
It is like an unopened gift....
Thrown away.
Life is not a race.
Do take it slower
Hear the music
Before the song is over.

Live your LIfe to the Fullest with God presence every single moment.

May God bless you with a colourday day~

ABC's To Live By

2008-01-18T15:41:00.000+08:00

Although things are not perfect

Because of trial or pain

Continue in thanksgiving

Do not begin to blame Even when the times are hard

Fierce winds are bound to blow

Hold on to what you know Imagine life without His love

Joy would cease to be

Keep tanking Him for all the things

Love impacts to thee

Move out of "Camp Complaining"

No weapon that is known

On earth can yield the power

Praise can do alone

Quit looking at the future

Redeem the time at hand

Start everyday with worship

To "tank" is a command

Until we see Him coming

Victorious in the sky

We'll run the race with gratitude

eXalting God most high

Yes, there,ll be good times and yes some will be bad, but...

Zion waits in glory..where none are ever sad!

Announcements

2008-01-17T20:55:00.000+08:00

Time flies really fast... 2007 is over! I still remember how Occidental is form.. Memories remains vividly in my mind. Haaa.. Im really glad to be still here with you guys! Every single day is just so precious to me to be able to have the honour of leading all of you! Haa.. I hope you guys will love this caregroup just as much as I love it too =)

alright, here's some announcements for the upcoming events!

1. Evo Retreat
- A special celebration for all the new brothers and sisters as well as a gathering for all the members of SP Unit.
- Features: Overnight sharing, special programmes, a good time of fellowship and learning!
- Date: 2nd & 3rd of February 2008
- Time: After service & the whole of sunday! (exact time to be confirm again)
- Special items: Special news will be break on this very day, so do come! I have something prepared for you guys too. =)
- Things to bring: Perhaps bring some clothes to change for the overnight.. You can prepare something to bless each other if you will like to! As a token of appreciation for everyone!

2. Prayer Meeting
- I have decided to have a short prayer meeting this coming week for everyone to come together to pray and seek God for wisdom, so may we be enabled by Him in our examinations.
- Date: 23rd January 2008
- Time: Subject to change. I will like to hear from all of you guys what time is a better time for you guys.
- Venue: I decided to locate it at the jamming room, the moberly. Any objections?
- Take note: I really hope everyone will be present together! It is important for us to seek God for strengthening during this period of exams.. Let's depend on God just like David depending on God to fight the Goliath =) Let's not neglect God during exams!

3. JAE (for new year 1s)
- it is a very good time for us to get to know some new friends who will be coming to SP to study! It is a very good chance to get to know the new year 1s because it will be easy to identify them on the JAE (joint-admission exercise)
- Date: 26th, 28th & 29th January 2008
- I understand that many of us are still having our papers during these periods.. Therefore, if you have finish your papers, I will encourage you to go and get to know some new friends! This will be own time own target based =) And also, if you dun mind, you can still go ahead and spend an hour on each of these days to get to know new friends despite your exams have not ended. It is all about how much you want it! Just take note of the dates..
- Survey will be provided if you wanted to use. I will be emailing you guys. (Coreteams)

4. Chinese New Year House Invite!
- YES! CNY is coming and its going to be a day of ang baos, food, ang baos, and food. Furthermore, we got 2 months of holidays.. Yeah! I will be inviting everybody from the unit as well as other units, to join me for a celebration at my house, for a sumptrous dinner! Well... my house not that rich you see.. the most I can afford is food. My mum cook very well! haha. So dun expect ang baos cause I'll purposely ask my mum dun give. HEHE. (I dun think she can afford like 20 to 30 ppl's ang bao)
- Date: 11th February 2008
- Time: 7pm, evening
- Location: Toh Guan Road, Blk 271. (Unit number I tell you again. haha.)
- Buses: 105, 52, 183, 187, 176, 188, 333, 98 (have to walk).
- MRT: Jurong east MRT Station (You have to take bus from there!)
- Do come and enjoy with my dogs, my gold mahjong set, my rabbits, my tv, and me!
- Bring along: You can bring along some extra food or desserts and tidbits if you want =) And I dun mind if you want to overnight there. Can go hanhong house also. wahahaha. (He lives next blk)
- Other than the house visit, probably we can plan some mass house visits to hop around many brothers and sisters houses to visit their family!

5. Poly/DI Camp!
- The annual poly/di camp is around the corner! Yes.. I always anticipate for the camp and I really hope this time round will be another successful camp! I remember my most memorable camp was the nextgeneration 2006 camp.. Where it was a hell lot of fun and experience! I learnt alot that time too.. So people, do join this camp for the fruitful experience!
- Date: 28th, 29th, 30th March 2008 (Over the weekends)
- Location: Not yet been announced. But should be Chalet.
- Fees: The camp fee will be around 100 to 110 bucks. It is consider pretty cheap for 3 days of accomodation and food as well as all the miscelleanous expense.. So if you start saving from today, ard 1 to 2 bucks per day, it will be more than enough!
- More information will be posted.
- Take note: Students on attachment, it is planned specially on weekends so you guys can come.. So don't take for granted the efforts by the planning team for you guys! And also, the church can write in excuse letters for students to take leave from their attachments to come for the camp. =)

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

that's about it!
I hope you guys will anticipate from the announcements!
See you guys soon.... =)

Worship.

2008-01-13T22:03:00.000+08:00

The Power of Praise

by Doug Eaton

I will speak of the glorious honor of thy majesty, and of thy wondrous works. And men shall speak of the might of thy terrible acts: and I will declare thy greatness. Psalm 145:5-6

There is power in our praise, and the primary reason has to do with the fact that it is the Lord who has worked in our hearts to produce that praise. We being sinful men do not naturally praise God, but when His Holy Spirit does His regenerating work, our spiritually dead souls are resurrected, our blind eyes begin to see, and our spiritually mute mouths begin to speak of the greatness of our God. With this in mind it is not hard to see why there is power in our praise, because God Himself is at work.

The Holy Spirit, who is the Spirit of Truth, is constantly bearing witness of Christ, so it is only natural for a person who has been born of the Spirit to desire to exalt the name of Jesus also. When we begin to extol our Lord, God is working, and when God works, we should take notice of the effects. In Psalm 145 we see an interesting accumulation of praise that can take place when we begin to exalt the Lord. In verse 5 we hear David say, I will speak of God’s wondrous works, then, because of it, we see in verse 6 that others will speak of his awesome deeds resulting in David once again declaring the greatness of our God.

When we begin to praise the Lord, others, within whom the Spirit is working, will hear our praise and begin to join in. As we hear their praise, we become more abundant in our own praise because we see our Lord working in others as well. Then once again as we are praising our God with a more abundant heart, others will see us praising Him and they too will join in which will lift our praise to even greater heights.Wherever you are and with whatever measure of faith you have at this moment, rejoice in the Lord, for He is great and worthy of our praise. Speak of His glorious honor and majesty, and tell of His wondrous works, for when you do, you do so by the power of the Spirit. Then once you have done so, praise Him again for He has opened your lips. Then continue to bless His name, for we have the gracious privilege of continuing for all eternity. Then look for others to join in and watch as the Lord strengthens your voice. And who knows what the Lord may do with one short moment of exalting God. It may go further than you will ever know in this life. After all, He is still using David’s praise in Psalm 145 to cause others to glorify His name.

I will exalt You my God and King!

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I found this article that is pretty interesting, and is something that I very agree with. It is important for Christians to understand worship, and the impact of worship. The joy of worship is intriguing, and is pretty hard to explain unless one experience themself. I believe many will hope that their fellow brothers and sisters will similarly enjoy worshipping the Lord as they do when they have ownership towards the joy in worship and praise! Therefore, just as the article describes, the best way to help others to praise God along and experience the heavenly joy is to praise God with all ur heart! Express ur worship throughout ur entire body.. Worship physically, emotionally, spiritually! Do not be afraid to jump and praise the Lord in praise, do not be afraid to express them in ur hands and legs.. The bible often describe people dancing to the Lord in praise! In worship.. Do not hold back your voice, your songs, your hands that are raise. We worship the Lord with the regrets, and with no hold back.

But remember, worshipping and praising God is not about the music. No matter how the band, the singers and the entire leading of the session is, we still worship God, we still give our best to focus on singing His praise! And with this in mind, you can really praise and worship with all your heart and mind and soul. =)

How to have a meaningful quiet time (Part 4)

2008-01-09T22:04:00.000+08:00

Follow a Simple Plan

Someone has said: "If you aim at nothing, you are sure to hit it!" To have a meaningful quiet time, you will need a plan or some kind of general outline to follow. The main rule is this: Keep your plan simple. Don't let it detract from your time with Christ. Bob Foster's seven minutes with God suggests a simple plan for beginners.

The following six-point plan is workable for a quiet time of any duration. You will need the following three items for your planned times:

A bible - a comtemporary translation (not a paraphrase) with good print, preferable without notes.
A notebook - for writing down what the Lord shows you and for making a prayer list. (Bilie Hanks' my spiritual notebook, available from international evangelism association, would be ideal.)
A hymnbook - sometimes you may want to sing in your praise time (see Col. 3:16)

The suggested plan may be remembered through the following words, all beginning with the same letter. Relax, request, reflect and remember, record and request.

Wait on God(relax). Be still for a minute, don't come running into God's presence and start talking immediately. Follow God's admonition: "Be still, and know that I am God" (Psa 46:10; Isa 30:15; Isa 40:31). Be quiet for a short while to put yourself into a reverent mood.
Pray briefly(request). This is not your prayer time, but a short opening prayer to ask God to cleanse your heart and guide you into the time together. Two good passages of Scripture to memorize are:

- "search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting" (Psa 139:23-24; 1 John 1:9)

- "Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in Your law [the word]" (Psa 119:18; John 16:13)

You must be in tune with the Author of the Book before you can understand the Book.
Read a section of the Scripture(read). This is where your conversation with God begins. He speaks to you through His Word and you speak with Him in prayer. Read your Bible...

Slowly. Don't be in a hurry; don't try to read too large an amount; don't race through it.
Repeatedly. Read a passage over and over until you start to picture it in your mind. The reason more people don't get more out of their Bible reading is that they do not read the Scriptures repeatedly.
Without stopping. Don't stop in the middle of a sentence to go off on a tangent and do a doctrinal study. Just read that section for the pure joy of it, allowing God to speak to you. Remember that your goal here is not to gain information, but to feed on the Word and get to know Christ better.
Aloud but quietly. Reading it aloud will improve your concentration if you have that problem. It will also help you understand what you are reading better because you will be both seeing and hearing what you are reading. Read softly enough, however, so that you won't disturb anyone.
Systematically. Read through a book at a time in an orderly method. Do not use the "random dip" method - a passage here, a chapter there, what you like here, an interesting portion there. You'll understand the Bible better if you read it as it was written - a book or letter at a time.
To get a sweep of a book. On some occasions you may want to survey a whole book. In that case you will read it quickly to get a sweep of the total revelation. Then you need not read it slowly or repeatedly.

4. Meditate and memorize (reflect and remember). In order to have the Scriptures speak to you meaningfully, you should meditate on what you are reading and memorize verses that particularly speak to you. Meditation is "seriously comtemplating a thought over and over in your mind". Out of your meditation you might select and memorize a verse that is particularly meaningful to you.

5. Write down what God has shown you(record). When God speaks to you through His Word, record what you have discovered. Writing it down will enable you both to remember what God revealed to you and to check up on your biblical discoveries. Recording what God has shown you is one way of applying what you see in the Scripture that pertains to your life.

6. Have your time of prayer(request). After God has spoken to you through His Word, speak to Him in prayer. This is your part of the conversation with the Lord. To help you remember the parts of prayer, think of the acrostic P.R.A.Y.

P - Praise the Lord. Begin your time of prayer by praising God for who He is and what He has done. The former is adoration, the latter thanksgiving. Adoration is real worship; it is giving God the recognition He alone deserves. So praise God for His greatness, power, majesty, strength, and other attributes. Examples in Scripture of pure praise may be found in Psalm 145 and Revelation 4 - 5. You can worship Him in this way by reading the Psalms (particularly Psalms 146 - 150), reading great hymns of worship, and/or considering the names of God (Chron 16:25 - 29);Psa 50:23; Psa 67:3; Heb 13:5). David gives us a beautiful example of a prayer of adoration:

Praise be to you, O Lord.
God of our father Israel,
from everlasting to everlasting.
Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power
and the glory and the majesty and the splendor,
for everything in heaven and earth is Yours.
Yours, O Lord, is the kingdom;
You are exalted as Head over all.
Wealth and honor come from You;
You are the Ruler of all things.
In your hands are strength and power
to exalt and give strength to all.
Now, our God, we give Your thanks,
and praise your glorious name (Chron 29:10-13)

We also praise the Lord for what He has done for us, particularly in salvation and daily provision. This is developing the prayer of thanksgiving. During any quiet time think of at least 20 things you can thank God for that day (Osa 100:4; Phil 4:5; 1 Thess 5:18)

R - Repent of your sins. This is the prayer of confession. After seeing God in His Holiness(Isa 6:5), we recognise our own sinfulness. Don't just tell God about the sins you have committed, but ask God to help you turn away from them. This is repentance. God already knows your sins; He just wants you to admit them and turn away from them. (Psa 32:51; Prov 28:9; 1 John 1:9)

A - Ask for yourself and others. These are the prayers of petition and intercession. Begin with your own personal requests(petition). Throughout the Bible God urges us to ask for things for ourselves in prayer. These may be our physical needs, such as food, clothing, and shelter; spiritual needs; or help in coping with the difficult problems of life. God loves us, wants to bless us, and wants to give us what we need (matt 7:7-9; mark 11:22-24; John 14:13-14; Heb 4:16). Not only are we to pray for our needs, but God is also pleased to give answers to our desires that are in His will (psa 37:4; 84:11; 145:19; Phil 4:6). It is important to be specific in your praying, and one of the ways to do this effectively is to set up a prayer list. Just take a sheet of paper, rule off four columns, and fills them in. As you begin to fillpage after page of answered prayer, your faith will grow greater and deeper.

Ask for others (intercession). The Bible calls on Christians to intercede for others - to pray one for another. So pray for your family, relatives, and friends; pray for your pastors, church workers, missionaries, and others involved in kingdom work; pray for your leaders, teachers, and employers; pray for people to whom you are witnessing; pray for those whom you do not like or those who do not like you - and watch what happens! ( 1 Sam 12:23; Job 42:10; Rom 15:30; Eph 1:15 - 16)

You might want to divide up the days of the week in your notebook and pray for different people on different days. Get a world map and pray for missionaries by location "around the world".

Y - Yield yourself to God's will. Your prayer time should end with a time of personal recommittment to the Lord. Reaffirm the Lordship of Jesus Christ in your life and pledge your submission and obedience for that day to Him (Rom 12:1-2; 14:8-9).

---------------------------------------------------------------

With the 4 parts in completion, I pray you'll understand how to have a meaningful time with God better now. =) enjoy your quiet time!

How to have a meaningful quiet time (Part 3)

2008-01-08T20:46:00.000+08:00

Choose a Specific Place

The location where we have our quiet times, is also important. The bible indicates that Abraham had a regular place where he met with God (Gen 19:27). Jesus had a custom praying in the Garden of Gethsemane on the Mount of Olives. "Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and His disciples followed Him" (Luke 22:39).

Your place ought to be a secluded place. This is a place where you can be alone, where it's quiet, and where you will not be disturbed or interrupted. In today's noisy world, this may take some ingenuity, but it is necessary. It ought to be a place...

where you can pray aloud without disturbing others
where you have good lighting for reading (a desk, perhaps.)
where you are comfortable (WARNING: Do not have your quiet time in bed. That's too comfortable!)

Your place ought to be a special place. Whereever you decide to meet with the Lord, make it a special place for you and Him. As the days go bym that place will come to mean alot to you because of the wonderful times you have there with Jesus Christ.

Your place ought to be a sacred place. This is where you meet with the living God. Where you meet the Lord can be just as holy as the place where Abraham met God. You don't have to be in a church building. People have had their quiet times in their cars parked in a quiet place, in an empty closet at home, in their backyards, and even in a baseball dugout. Each of these places becoe sacred to them.

-------------------------------------------------------------------

Where's the place you meet with God?
Look out for the last part!

How to have a meaningful quiet time (Part 2)

2008-01-07T22:57:00.000+08:00

Select a Specific Time

The specific time has to do with when you should have your quiet time and how long it should be. The general rule is this: The best time is when you are at your best. Give God the best part of your day - when you are the freshest and most alert. Don't try to serve God with your leftovers (leftover time). Remember too that your best time may be different from someone else's.

For most of us, however, early in the morning seems to be the best time. It was Jesus' own practise to rise early to pray and meet with the Father. "Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house, and went off to a solitary place, where He prayed"
(Mark 1:35).

In the bible many godly men and women rose early to meet with God. Some of these were:

Abraham - Gen 19:27
Job - Job 1:5
Jacob - Gen 28:18
Moses - Exo 34:4
Hannah & Elkanah - 1 Sam 1:19
David - Psa 5:3; 57:7-8

(see also Psa 90:14; 119:147; 143:8; Isa 26:9; Exek 12:8)

Throughout church history many Christians who were used most by God met with Him early in the morning. Hudson Taylor said, "you don't tune up the instruments after the concert is over. That's stupid. It's logical to tune them up before you start".

The great revival among British college students in the late 19th century began with those historic words: "remember the morning watch!" So we need to tune ourselves up at the start of each day as we remember the morning watch.

If Jesus is really in first place in our lives, we ought to give Him the first part of our day. We are to seek His kingdom first (see Matt 6:33). Doctors tell us that the most important mela of the day is breakfast. It often determines our energy levels, alertness, and even moods for the day. Likewise, we need a "spiritual breakfast" to start our day off right.

Finally in the morning our minds are uncluttered from the day's activities. Our thoughts are fresh, we're rested, tensions have not yet come on us, and it's usually the quietest time. One mother sets her alarm clock for 4 A.M., has her quiet time, goes back to ed and then rises when everone else in the household gets up. Her explanation is that with the kids around the house all day, early morning is the only time when it is quiet and she can be alone with God. It works for her, you need to select a time that works for you.

You might even consider have two quiet times (morning and night). Dawson Trotman, founder of the Navigators, used to have code letters for his night quiet time - H.W.L.W. Whenever he was with a group of people at night or home with his wife and the conversation seemed to be ending, he would say, "all right, H.W.L.W.," after which a passage of Scripture would be quoted without comment and all would go to sleep. H.W.L.W stood for "His Word the Last Word," and he practised that through the years as a way of ending a day with one's thoughts fixed on the Lord.

Stephen Olford, a great Christian and minister in New York for many years, said, "I want to hear the voice of God before I hear anyone else's in the morning, and His is the last voice I want to hear at night".

David and Daniel even met with the Lord three times each day (see Psa 55:17; Dan 6:10)

Whatever time you set, be consistent in it. Schedule it on your calendar; make an appointment with God as you would with anyone else. Make a date with Jesus! Then look forward to it and don't stand Him up. A stood-up date is not a pleasant experience for us, and Jesus does not like to be stood up either. So make a date with Him and keep it at all costs.

The question is often asked, "how much time should I spend with the Lord in the morning?" This is a matter that should be decided between you and the Lord. If you've never had a consistent quiet time before, you may want to start with seven minutes, and let it grow naturally. You should aim eventually not to spend less than 15 minutes a day with the Lord. Out of 168 hours we all have during a given week, 1 hour and 45 minutes seems terribly small when you consider that you were created to have fellowship with God. Here are some additional guidelines:

Don't try for a two hour quiet time at first. You'll only get discouraged. You must grow in this relationship as you do in any other. So begin with a consistent seven minutes or so and let it grows; it's better to be consistent with a short time than to meet for an hour every other week.
Don't watch the clock. Clock-watching can ruin your quiet time faster than almost anything else. Decide what you can do in the Word and prayer during the time you have selected; then do it. Sometimes it will take longer than you have set aside, and sometimes less time. But don't keep looking at your watch.
Emphasize quality, not quantity. There is nothing super-spiritual about having a two-hour quiet time. It's what you do during your time - 15 minutes or anything in between - that's important. Aim for a quality relationship with the Lord.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

May this speaks to you.. stay tune for part 3 & 4.

How to have a meaningful quiet time (Part 1)

2008-01-07T03:21:00.000+08:00

If we are convinced that a quiet time is needed in our lives, then how do we go about having one? We may become motivated to do it, but may not know how. We need to consider four essential elements of a good quiet time.

Part 1: Start with the Proper Attitudes

In God's eyes, why you do something is far more important than what you do. On one occasion God told Samuel, "the Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart". (1Sam 16:7). It is qite possible to do the right thing but with the wrong attitude. This was Amaziah's problem, for "he did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, but not wholeheartedly" (2 Chron 25:2).

When you come to meet with God in the quiet time, you should have these proper attitudes.

1. Expectancy. Come before God with anticipation and eagerness. Expect to have a good time of fellowship with Him and receive blessing from your time together. That was what David expected: "O God, You are my God, earnestly I seek You" (Psalms 63:1).

2. Reverence. Don'trush into God's presence, but prepare your heart by being still before Him and letting the quietness clear away the thoughts of the world. Listen to the Prophet Habakkuk: "The Lord is in His holy temply; let all the earth be silent before Him" (Hab 2:20). Coming into the presence of the Lord is not like going to a football game or some other form of entertainment.

3. Alertness. Get wide awake first. Remember that you are meeting with the Creator, the Maker of heaven and earth, the Redeemer of men. Be thoroughly rested and alert. The best preparation for a quiet time in the morning begins the night before. Get to bed early so you will be in good shape to meet God in the morning for He deserves your full attention.

4. Willingness to Obey. This attitude is crucial: you don't come to your quiet time to choose what you will do or not do, but with the purpose of doing anything and everything that God wants you to do. Jesus said, "If anyone chooses to do God's will, he wil find out whether My teaching comes from God or whether I speak on My own" (John 7:17). So come to meet the Lord having already chosen to do His will no matter what.

--------------------------------------------------------------------

Stay tuned for the rest of the parts of the entire section. =)

Compassion Fatigue

2008-01-03T16:00:00.000+08:00

Musings from H.B.London, Jr.
Abstracted from The Heart of a Great Pastor

Sometimes I think I get compassion fatigue. Do you? It usually occurs when you come to the place where there is so much to take care about that you can't care anymore.

As clergy, we deal with heartbreak all the time - so much so that we must guard against growing calloused or cynical. We can't lose our empathy or take for granted other people's suffering. Our hearts must remain sensitive - even though sometimes we just want to stick our fingers into our ears and say, "No more!"

How do we do this? For one thing, we should pray for a heart like Jesus. For another, we should never come to a place in our ministry in which we can walk away from suffering without letting people know of God's love. Wemust attempt to be an answer to our prayers and do what we can to help. We cannot do what we do for others out of selfish motives, but as unto the Lord. We also should place a high priority on getting enough rest and spiritual food, or we will wear down very quickly. We are reminded to "cast all your anxiety [care] on him because he cares for you" (1 Pet. 5:7).

There are times when I feel helpless, but then I remember it is not about me but those for whom our Lord called me to serve - to be His compassion in a world that hungers for solutions. And when I remember this, I again feel His power to do whatever I need to do.

Stay Strong, my colleagues!

The New Year For Us

2008-01-02T22:07:00.001+08:00

It is 2008. The Start of the Month. The Start of the Year. In a New Year with New Experiences and New Challenges. The Good The Bad the Horrific all thats plauge you. However in this New Year One things Remains the Same. God is With You and Me. As we Start another chapter in our lives with God to remember. Weather You Met your goals or not? In the End what matters is if your Heart has been change? Have You Trully Changed? In the Book of Daniel. King Nebuchadneszzar was a Proud Man and he was Slow to Change his Heart towards God. Eventhough he was Warned in his Dreams. It was Clear that He did not learn his Lesson untill God took away everything that Nebuchadnezzar thought was most valuable to him. In the End Nebuchadnezzar Realize that God Was the one that Made him King and God could take it away anytime he wanted. Which gives meaning to the saying. Do Not Put Your God Your Lord To the Test (Good News Bible). He learnt What was trully Valuable In Life and that was God and he had learnt to humble himself towards the Sovereign Lord .However After all these Lessons we are put through are we going to be like Nebuchadnezzar's Son Belshazzar whom after seeing what his father went through and learnt applied totally Nothing and did not have a Change in Heart. Which clearly reflected towards God that He has made his choice towards God and it was time for God to Judge him. Everything will start anew as long as repentence is present. So let us all Look into our Heart this New Day. This New Month . This New Year. Our Lord has given to us. Has our Heart Changed? Has it change to be more Seeking towards Jesus? Lets Encourage Each other and Be there for each other. Just like Shadrach Meshach and Abendnego they were together with each other till the end even if it meant being the minority and death. They Chose death together because they were united under the Banner of God. And just like them With all the Problems , Pains and Heart Ache. They Were delivered together by God from the Burning Furnance. Just like How God is going to Deliver us from times of hardship. What Makes it all the more better is that we dont Share his Burden alone and We dont celebrate Alone too. We are here as a family and we will leave this Place as a Family. No One gets Left Behind. This is Our New Year. God Bless Our Family.

What's on your Calendar?

2007-12-31T21:14:00.000+08:00

Musings from H.B. London, Jr. (edited by Jorris)
Abstracted from The Heart of a Great Pastor

A TV commercial in our viewing area ends with the question, "What's in your wallet?" The idea: We carry evidences in our wallet of what we most value - pictures, identification, receipts, credit cards, insurance coverage and money. The more I realised the question for workers of God should be, What's on your calendar?

As the Psalmist wrote in the beautiful 139th psalm, "All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be" (v.16). I sometimes wonder how my calendar compares with His. And I wonder about you - what's on your calendar.

Does each day note adequate time for you to spend with your Lord? Does your calendar provide sufficient time to show honor and concern for your family members? Does each month have a notation that reads "sowing", "evangelism","quality time with my leader and shepherd" or "basketball game with my friends Friday at 7.00pm"?

How about clearing an afternoon each week to walk in the "park" and rub shoulders with those in your community who need to see you from a perspective outside the pulpit? Oh, and what about your day off? Do you guard it, or do you allow other things to take away your sabbath? Is your vacation scheduled? If you don't do it soon, the pages will inevitably fill up with other things.

I don't mean to belabor the point, but your calendar tells more about you that anything else. It speaks of your spiritual discipline, your priorities and, most of all, your intimacy with the God who called you and gave you a special gift called family.

---------------------------------------

As the new year 2008 draws near, why not start planning for your new year by getting a monthly planner for yourself. Take sometime to reflect on the past 2007 of what have you done and what have you achieve. Think about your successes, as well as your failures. Think about what God have done in your life in 2007. Then start thinking about what are the things you want to achieve for yourself, and for God in 2008. Strategize your life according to God's plan, visionalize your next one year together with God's prompting and priorities. How you're going to plan the way you spend your 2008 will determines very well your intimacy with God. How much He makes a difference in your life. How important is God in you. Think about it =)

Countdown 2008

2007-12-27T20:02:00.001+08:00

Thinking this is last year poster,

31/12/07?

Then stay tune to check out the latest one!

This year....

SP & X2 will be celebrating Countdown 2008

Together!

Invite your friends along if you want..

WHERE WILL U BE THIS 31ST DEC 2007?

ALONE AT HOME?MUNCHING BISCUIT ALONE?

WATCHIN TV?

WATCHING PPL DOING SOMETHING?

COME & JOIN US!

Be part of this HISTORYMAKING MOMENT!

MOST HAPPENING EVER IN X2SP!

HAPPENING RIGHT IN BOATQUAY!

Wanna find out wat is???

The time will be up soon once the information is settled.

Start inviting your friends

to join us in this awesome event!

(just leave your monday empty won't ya?)

Thanksgiving to Xmas CUM CG appreciation day!

2007-12-27T19:41:00.000+08:00

I just want to take this time to thank God especially to the planning team for giving their very first time planning a CG appreciation day to the

SP UNIT!

Particularly,

to the following few people in the planning team..

Santono

Gordon

Yanhan

Pooiyee

Evan

Jeremy

I will like to extend my greatest thanksgiving especially to this group of people, whom may not know each other very very well, and also perhaps they have plenty of tasks on hand, still gave their very best to present their virgin piece of planned CG appreciation day!

The event may not be very successful, or very professionally well done, but I see efforts given willingly by these bunch of people to plan a chill out event for us in the midst of harvest and plenty of undone assignments. The program flow may not be wonderful, but I believe everyone had enjoyed themself.. Because the presence of each other makes a big difference! And furthermore, what that matters the most is the hearts that have been put in to make this event a success!

Like to just make you of this chance to further thank afew individuals..

Santono,

You have displayed one leadership skill in this event,

that is the burden for excellence.

I 've witness you being frantic for the outcome of the event,

and trying your best to encourage and spur everyone.

That's what it is about of being a leader.

Not about being perfect or very skilful,

but a leader takes lead of all good and bad times.

Continue to grow strong and participate in more planning!

Gordon,

You have a natural trait in your personality,

that is the ability to adapt very quickly.

This has assist you to take tough times in your strife.

Thank God for you to have contributed your skills,

and I believe you will bring CG appreciation day to a next level! Continue to groom yourself,

so may your leadership and skills expand.

Yanhan,

our very own lone ranger to power ranger!

I really thank God for your courage to go on stage,

and present your testimony..

It was really cool!

And I think this is one of the first time that you join

in to plan an event..

Like to thank God for your willingness,

and your growth in openness!

Continue to be strengthen in God =)

Evan,

though you are not very close with the group,

but I really appreciate that you make the trip down,

and join us in this event!

I really hope that you will enjoy the company of us,

and join us for often in the near future.

Countdown is coming!

Love ya sheep,

takecare.

Other than these people..

I want to thank Jeremy kiu for assisting the planning team when realise they could not cope with themself for the plans. I want to thank every single one who make it on that day for being present to celebrate the appreciation day! The next one, shall be an even better one! Thank God for weiquan to have brought gifts for every single one..

I feel really blessed to be with you guys,

in SP Unit!

(if you have any photos, do upload it!)

CG Appreciation Day! Changes update...

2007-12-25T22:37:00.000+08:00

Eh sorry ah there's a last minute change for cg appreciation day, which falls on tml....

1stly, there will be NO costume party....

2ndly, the event will be pushed to starting at 4pm...

The event's program schedule:

3pm-4pm - travelling to jacob's place, collect gifts for gift exchange
4pm-5pm - settle down, gather and start with games
5pm-5.15pm - Caroling and Praise
5.15pm to 6.15pm - free and easy time cum new believers celebration
6.15pm to 7.30pm - dinner
7.30pm to 8++pm - gift exchange
8++pm - Affirmation

Yup.. so the whole thing will end around 8.30 or 9pm, overnight stay is permitted.

* Meeting time is still at 2pm *

C ya!

A letter from Jesus...

2007-12-23T17:41:00.000+08:00

Dear All,

As you well know, we are getting closer to My birthday. Every year there is a celebration in my honor and I think that this year the celebration will be repeated. During this time there are many people shopping for gifts, there are many Radio announcements, TV commercials, and in every part of the world everyone is talking that My birthday is getting closer and closer. It is really very nice to know, that at least once a year, some people think of Me.

As you know, the celebration of My birthday began many years ago. At first people seemed to understand and be thankful of all that I did for them, but in these times, no one seems to know the reason for the celebration. Family and friends get together and have a lot of fun, but they don't know the meaning of the celebration. I remember that last year there was a great feast in My honor. The dinner table was full of delicious foods, pastries, fruits, assorted nuts and chocolates. The decorations were exquisite and there were many, many beautifully wrapped gifts. However, do you want to know something? I was not invited. I was the guest of honor and they didn't remember to send me an invitation. The party was for me, but when that great day came, I was left outside, they closed the door in my face .. and I wanted to be with them and share their table. In truth, that didn't surprise me because in the last few years all close their doors to me. Since I wasn't invited, I decided to enter the party without making any noise. I went in and stood in a corner.

They were all drinking; there were some who were drunk and telling jokes and laughing at everything. They were having a grand time. To top it all, this big fat man all dressed in red wearing a long white beard entered the room yelling Ho-Ho-Ho! He seemed drunk. He sat on the sofa and all the children ran to him, saying: 'Santa Claus, Santa Claus' as if the party were in his honor! At midnight all the people began to hug each other; I extended my arms waiting for someone to hug Me and do you know no-one hugged Me. Suddenly they all began to share gifts. They opened them one by one with great expectation. When all had been opened, I looked to see if, maybe, there was one for Me. What would you feel if on your birthday everybody shared gifts and you did not get one?

I then understood that I was unwanted at that party and quietly left. Every year it gets worse. People only remember the gifts, the parties, to eat and drink, and nobody remembers Me. I would like this Christmas that you allow Me to enter into your life. I would like that you recognize the fact that almost two thousand years ago I came to this world to give My life for you, on the cross, to save you.Today, I only want that you believe this with all your heart. I want to share something with you. As many didn't invite me to their party, I will have my own celebration, a grandiose party that no one has ever imagined, a spectacular party. I'm still making the final arrangements. Today I am sending out many invitations and there is an invitation for you. I want to know if you wish to attend and I will make a reservation for you and write your name with golden letters in my great guest book.

Only those on the guest list will be invited to the party. Those who don't answer the invite, will be left outside. Be prepared because when all is ready you will be PART of MY GREAT PARTY.

See you soon. I Love you!

Jesus

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

I received this letter in my email-box, and find it a heartwarming reminder from Jesus to plenty in this world who celebrate Christmas for the sake of the celebration. But let us brothers and sisters, celebrate this christmas of thanksgiving in remembrance always for the joy and grace brought along with the birth, death and resurrection of Christ Jesus the Lord!

This coming wednesday, 26th December 2007,

Be at Jacob's place by 3pm,

to attend a grand Christmas costume party,

that features fantastic feasting,

gift exchange,

affirmation sessions,

New believer's Celebration,

Xmas Caroling,

and our Guest - Of - Honour,

Jesus!

I know plenty will not know how to go there,

therefore we will meet at eunos' MRT control station at 2pm,

to travel over to the place.

(It is a fantastic place that have a pool table, TV for movie and karaoke,

mahjong, plenty of boardgames and cardgames, and a comfortably air-conditionered

location to chill and enjoy the presence of each other)

The entire thing should end around 8pm to 9pm,

but those who will like to continue to stay and enjoy together the facilities,

can always stay back to overnight and ton!

Things to prepare:

10 bucks ++ for the feast

A gift nicely wrapped for gift exchange
(budget around 10 bucks, if no money, lesser than that no probs de! Its the heart that counts)

Your costume for the day

(there's no theme, so its up to you how you want to dress! Be radical!)

A heart that seeks to enjoy and fellowship

Your affirmations for your fellow brothers and sisters

Your testimonies to bless each other

Enjoy..

2007-12-20T16:19:00.000+08:00

Your gifts can take you somewhere, but you need character to keep you there.

When a person, especially a minister, is very gifted, others often flock to that person. However, he or she must have Godly character in order to remain humble, so that the ministry won't turn sour. If you have great gifts and you are waiting for God to promote you and wondering why He doesn't, check your character.

Examine your Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).

Do you walk in love with others (John 13:34-35)?

Do you purposefully look for ways to bless others and reach out to people (Luke 10:30-37)?

Do you try to serve and put others first (Mark 9:35)?

Do you keep your word and do what you say you will do (Psalm 15:1-5, especially notice v. 4)?

Those are the key elements of character necessary for successful, lasting ministry. Integrity, excellence, and faith are the only things that can keep you steady in the storms of life. If you lack those, then you lack Godly character.

If you lack character, then you may end up doing more harm than good to the name of God. Although your gifts may take you somewhere, you need character to keep you there.

(from an unknown article)

I received this article and it makes alot of sense to me, and I think it will make alot of sense too to plenty out there why ask God this question: "Why have you not called me yet for greater things?" I believe this serve as a reminder, and a clue from God to those who desire to serve God in a greater extent, whether as a shepherd, a leader, in a ministry, etc. God is looking at our lives, especially in the depths of our heart. It is not only what we do in His church that matters, but the matters of heart as well as matters outside the church are equally important in God's sight. Thus, for those whom this article may apply, let's check our hearts and ask ourself the few questions above. May this article makes an impact to you.

The greatest thing I learn from this article is, do not lead a holy and driven life for the church and for where you will be placed to serve, but lead a holy and driven life for the grace of God.

What to do when you Shoot Someone

2007-12-19T21:26:00.000+08:00

Musings from H.B. London, Jr.

Abstracted from The Heart of a Great Pastor

Wheames Dobson and I were Kids, I amost shot him twice. The first time, we were squirrel hunting and I didn't know if the safety on the gun was on or off. It was off, and I whistles a shot close to his ear. I would not soon forget that day - and neither would he. The second time, we were bird hunting. As I was walking across a gully on a log, I lost my footing, fell from the log, and the shot gun went off. It was another close call.

What do you do when you almost shoot someone?

You apologize like crazy!

Now to the point. So often, pastors shoot one another. We do not use guns but words as our firearms. We do irreparable damage to another by accusations, innuendos, gossip and idle conversation. Every one of us has been "shot at" by a colleague or parishioner. It always hurts, and it can result in permanent injury. I bear the scars, as do you.

The apostle Paul suggests to the church at ephesus, "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouth, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who isten" (Eph. 4:29). Proverbs 21:23 says, "he who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from calamity." In other words, whatever you do, don't shoot anyone. If you do, you lessen yourself in the eyes and ears of those who watch and listen.

God Loves You - You Matter a Lot

2007-12-19T21:04:00.000+08:00

Musings from H.B. London, Jr.
Abstracted from The Heart of a Great Pastor

In every worship service I conducted, I always found some way to remind worshippers, "God loves you as though you were the only one in the world to love, and that makes you a very special person".

Although St. Augustine had a similar phrase, I think the apostle John crystallized the thought when he said, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son" (John 3:16). John was saying that Jesus came in erson for each of us - as though we were the only one!

This is a truth that the people in our churches should hear over and over again: They are loved in n unique way by an Almighty God. What a great message! If people could embrace that truth as little children, the christian walk would be so much easier for them.

What about you? Do you understand that God loves you as though you were the only pastor-teacher-leader in all the world to love? The battles you engage in are His battles. The circumstances you face are familiar to Him. The burdens you bear may be placed on His shoulders with His permission.

So many influences in our world seek to discourage us by telling us we are simply one in a billion. Don't ever believe that, my friend. God's love for you is the greatest story ever written.

Live in this great inspiration: "How great is the love the Father has lavished upon us that we should be called the children of God - that is what we are!" (1 John 3:1)

Pre-christmas svc & Post-bdae for Randall

2007-12-18T23:28:00.000+08:00

Candy Cane Story

2007-12-17T16:45:00.000+08:00

In the late 1800's, a candy maker in Indiana wanted to express the meaning of Christmas through a symbol made of candy.He came up with the idea of bending one of his white candy stick into the shape of a Candy Cane. He incorporated several symbols of Christ's love and sacrifice through the Candy Cane.

First, he used a plain white peppermint stick. The color white symbolizes the purity and sinless nature of Jesus.
Next, he added three small stripes to symbolize the pain inflicted upon Jesus before His death on the cross. There are three of them to represent the Holy Trinity. He added a bold stripe to represent the blood Jesus shed for mankind.

When looked at with the crook on top, it looked like a shepherd's staff because Jesus is the shepherd of man. If you turn it upside down, it becomes the letter J symbolizing the first letter in Jesus' name.

The candy maker made these candy canes for Christmas, so everyone would remember what Christmas is all about.

Welcoming the new Brothers and Sisters!

2007-12-16T19:59:00.000+08:00

Just wanted to take this chance to announce and praise God for the souls that have returned back into his embrace on 15th December 2007!

Welcoming the following new brothers and sisters in Hope Singapore:

Su Win

Liu Xue

Yong Xiang

Wu Chao

Marcus

Really like to congratulate all of you for making the decision to receive Christ into your life.. Just a few things like to share with you.. With this decision to receive God, you will definitely be able to experience the awesome grace of the Lord working in your life, transforming you to be the kind of person he created you to be. Just wanted to assure your decision and faith in God, that the growth in Christ will be revealed through time. Therefore be patient while you anticipate Jesus shaking your world! You can begin and rekindle this relationship with God simply by setting a time of your life for prayer, to talk and share with God about your life.. God loves to hear from us! God is always listening to our prayers.. so if you desire to grow in this relationship with God and wanted to know Him more, pray to him to help you experience more of Him!

--------------------------------------------------------------------

As for the rest of the brothers and sisters in Christ, let's rejoice for these souls that have joined us in the family of God! As the saying goes.. When one sinner repents, the whole heaven rejoice.. Much less to say, 5 who have returned! If you hav not got to know these new brothers and sisters, spot them in the next service or outing! We can pray for their walk with God to be fruitful too.. Pray for the 2 rededicates, Wu Chao and Marcus that they will find our church comfortable for them to grow in the Lord.. Pray for Su win that her family background of Buddhism will not persecute her faith.. Pray for Liu Xue & Yong Xiang to have a fruitful and speedy growth!

Praise the One who Created the Heaven and Earth

that have soften the Hearts that were once Hardened

that by His grace all shall be saved

And the family of God will Rejoice!

Updates for CG appreciation day!

2007-12-16T19:33:00.000+08:00

There will be a new section : New believers celebration section!

It will feature..... something.... like a celebration.... ya... celebration.... because its a celebration so there will be something like a celebration..... maybe can bash up the CL or something.... still under consideration....

More updates... soon.... soon...

CG Appreciation Day!!! Plus.....

2007-12-16T02:06:00.000+08:00

Halo Everyone! Juz a post informing u all abt the up-and-coming Caregroup Appreciation Day!

Date: 26th Dec 2007 ( Wednesday)
Venue: Jacob's Place (some industrial place... but like veri nice i think....)
Time: 3pm to 8am... i mean 8PM.... can stay overnight also

There will be a Christmas Feast... and maybe a Costume party...

More updates soon!

Hello ~ everyone ~

2007-12-14T00:14:00.000+08:00

Hell0 ~
My name is Qianwen , I am the new here . Glad to be friends with you all !

Happy that I can share the God with you all ~

I really don't know what I can write ........ so just say hello ~~ haha^^^^^^^

Have you Invited?

2007-12-10T13:03:00.000+08:00

Yes! That's the question of the month Man!
Invite for what?
Of course it is for the upcoming pre-xmas ess and xmas service!
Currently, we have around 6 confirmed visitors coming.
Let's work hard to invite more of our friends to join us in this celebrative events!

Have you invited?
Especially those who haven't got a friend to come along with you!
Grab 2 to 3 friends together this coming sat!
Of course, if they can't make it,
there is still the 22nd Dec 2007 service!

Non-stop invitation!
=)

I am a C

2007-12-07T19:31:00.000+08:00

I am a C

I am a C H

I am a C H R I S T I A N

and i have C H R I S T

in a H E A R T

and i will L I V E E T E R N A L L Y

Prison Break ( Updated )

2007-12-04T18:05:00.000+08:00

Prison Break updated !!

Hands on head..
Side by side ..
together we are breaking out... ~~

~The $100 New York New York voucher winner ..Team *2*

Thank God all the participants , gamemasters , sponsor for your contribution..

God loves you..

►► Prison Break ►►

2007-12-03T22:40:00.000+08:00

Prison Break is over.. Hope you guys did enjoy the race.
I khow it was tiring, really not easy to finish the race, but you guys made it !

Praise God to make this event came true.. once again,

Praise God !

Prison Break

Team1 - The best couple team award winner↑

Team 3 - The best teamwork award winner

( The middle person is also the follower award winner )

Team 4 - The most relax team award winner

Team 5- To Kranji via Woodlands Team Award winner

Team 6 - The fighting spirit award winner @@

* Girlish girls *

" Manly " boys -.-

a christmas dead or date on 15th Dec

2007-12-03T14:31:00.000+08:00

It's hot baked from the oven! TSPT team has planned for the upcoming 15th Dec Tertiary special service - A Christmas Dead or Date?

It's a suicide comedy that talks about 2 guys who wanted to end their life in HDB flat. So will they really jump off the flat? Do come and bring your friends to check out the outcome.

- abstracted from Pastor Jasmine's Blog

Date: 15th Dec 2007
Time: 7.30pm - 9.30pm
Features: 2.93m tall parapet/ and an interesting twist of drama

2007-12-02T22:16:00.000+08:00

Personally like to take this chance to affirm many specifically for all the efforts put in to make PRISON BREAK a success.. I believe many others will like to affirm plenty for all in the unit right? So let me start the ball rolling and start affirming some specific people that I'll like to thank God for! You guys can add in ur own affirmation posts!

----------------------------------------------------------------

First and foremost, I'll like to give a big round of applause for Thomas who have put in his heart and soul in planning for this event! Though there are many times we rub shoulders when we panick for the people coming, God never fails to soften the situation and rumble us together! You had been an amazing planner and I see great potential in you regarding event coordinating for your passion in taking care of details and last minute management. Really praise God for your amazing spirit in believing the event to a success, for I believe this spirit have encourages many to fight till the end to invite friends to come! And indeed the event have shown great success with many effective relationship built! Encourage you to hold on to the objectives for PB, and invite your 2 classmates along for xmas service too! I believe PB will assist greatly in the harvest of 2007!

----------------------------------------------------------------

I want to affirm the game masters too that have help us out in the event due to the fact that we have little manpower.. Thank God for you guys to have sacrifice your sunday to help us host and lead many game stations! Especially Kelvin who last minute vote to help us as a game master in paragon because azri can't make it on time that day due to some reasons.. Thank God for all who are willing to be under the sun or shade for such a long period of time while the players roam around singapore for the game! Like to thank God for the host, Lancaster who make the trip down to SP despite he live so far away!

----------------------------------------------------------------

I'll like to affirm Baorun also for giving her best to invite her classmates despite you've always have the fear inviting people like yuor classmates. Just as you say, God place me in your class so I could join hands with you to invite! But I believe I did not do much except to start the momentum inviting your classmates! It is YOU who sustain the momentum and trusting God in your invitation! I've seen you grow greatly during the time as you invite people for PB.. You've grown to be more courageous! Like to encourage you to be even more courageous in sharing the gospel to your classmates and to strangers.. It will be done! And also praise God for your spirit of excellence.. Despite you're not feeling well on the night before, you still come! Really pray hard that God will heal your fever for He sees your heart! Continue to carry this spirit to reap the MIRACLE of xmas 2007!

----------------------------------------------------------------

Of course.. Not forgetting to affirm dear Pooiyee! I believe you've tried hard to invite for the PB though there had not been plenty of fruits from your invitation! Many last minute rejected you or choose not to go for the event.. This is a good testing for your perseverance and faith in God! I truely believe God have blesses your team powerfully for the jokes that you guys have during the game itself.. Though you guys did not top the PB, but you came in second despite you MISS buses and wait for buses at taxi stand? HAHAHA. Praise God for you to have held on to the team despite in your team you only have yourself as the inviter! Encourage you to hold a gathering for your team real soon so as to bridge all of them to the Xmas service! pray hard for them that they will come to know the Lord! The event had been a tough time for you I believe.. But remember, your efforts and perseverance will be recorded by God! jiayou!

----------------------------------------------------------------

Like to affirm Shawn! Ha.. I know that you're sick for quite a while but you never fail to come for the corporate prayer meeting and for this prison break! Thank God your voice recovers slightly today! Although your team last minute AOL resulting you guys to be unable to participate in the event, but I believe fruits will come in a different way! Cause surely what we reap is what we sow.. You guys have sow hard, continue to sow greatly, and the reaping will surely arrive soon in quality and quantity! Remember your goal, 3 converts! I can't wait to see people coming to know God as you share the word and gospel to them with conviction and faith in Jesus! The whole caregroup will be praying for your health! Pray along powerfully with us for the health of the entire group as well as our spiritual health! Cling on the the promise and hold tight to your conviction! We'll reap a miracle for sure!

----------------------------------------------------------------

Just want to thank God for Santono too.. The team had come in last but I believe it is amazing for such a team to still come in together as one even knowing the fact! I salute all of you for your sportmanship! Ha.. I believe the team have reap greatly from the friendship build and the time of sowing on the souls.. Pray Hard that they will join us in service and come to know the Lord very soon! Im impressed by your desire to share the gospel to your friends too.. Keep up the faith and fervently start inviting for the Xmas services!

---------------------------------------------------------------

Last but not least, I want to affirm all the eastraelites and occidentalists participants for your team spirit and efforts put in for the event! Ha.. Let's remember the objective of prison break:

connecting lost souls

Rememeber to plan well and bridge all the contacts to our Xmas service!
Let's see all of them coming back into the embrace of JESUS!

Your Lovely, GenJ.

Announcements

2007-11-28T19:44:00.000+08:00

1. Church Corporate Prayer
- Theme: God's Agenda
- Date: 30 November 2007
- Time: 7.45pm
- Venue: FCBC Touch Centre
3 Marine Parade Central

Singapore 449409

(Buses: 135, 15, 196, 197, 31, 36, 76, 853C)

Baobao will be leading the entire unit to travel together towards the auditorium.
Any information please approach her!

(Bao do remember to inform every single unit member where to meet for dinner and travel!)

2. Prison Break

- Objectives: Getting to know new friends and bonding!

- Date: 2nd December 2007

- Time: 10.30am - 6.00pm
- Venue: Meet at SP Convention Centre

Do start connecting powerfully with your current contacts! Those who haven't form full team need to intensively invite!
(And most importantly of all, PRAY!)

3. Coreteam Meet
- Objectives: evaluate prison break and checking progress for harvest!
- Date: 3rd December 2007

- Time: 6.30pm - 8.30pm

- Venue: SP HQ

For the mean time.. That's about it! Check out for more details for the upcoming Xmas appreciation day'07 as well as caregroups!

P.S: Bible study will be postponed until January then resume so as to focus on harvest fully during december. There will only be one single inviting unit caregroup for the whole month of December. Other than that, there will only be informal gathering of caregroup members.

(Occidentalists take NOTE! Do update this blog as much as you want and can! especially those who never or seldom post on this blog.. Time for you to blog something up to just join in as a part!)

Love ya. GenJ.

10 things that God won't ask when he RETURNS?

2007-11-27T14:15:00.001+08:00

What is needed to get into HEAVEN

2007-11-27T01:00:00.000+08:00

You can do many things,
read the bible,
go to church,
sing praise and worship
or even
tithe.

But it only need a

sincere

and

true

prayer

get

into

heaven!

photos taken on 25/11/07 CoreTeamRetreat

2007-11-25T22:38:00.000+08:00

we went to pariss, ppl didnt enjoy themselves. but we shld be contented with what we have. After all, its a rare occasion that we can go there.

New sister!

2007-11-23T22:40:00.000+08:00

Applause for dear Liejun!

Haa.. really glad to see a sister in christ actively seeking to join a church..

Let's just pray for her that she'll blend well with the group!

And that Hope Church Singapore will meet her needs for God!

Praise God for a new soul =)

Prayer Requests

2007-11-17T01:34:00.000+08:00

TOP 10 prayer request. =)

1. Examinations
- Thomas
- Pooiyee
- Hanxin
- Shawn

2. Arise and Prison Break
- Contacts
- Smooth running of events
- responsive sowing

3. Goals
- 16 converts by end of January 2008
- New shepherds
- New leaders
- New coreteam members

4. Spiritual Life
- greater experience in walk with God
- regular quiet time
- kingdom-minded mentality
- greater faith in God
- Bible knowledge

5. Unity
- more encouragement for one another
- connecting the unconnected
- build strong friendship, not just surface relationship
- taking ownership for our identity as OCCIDENTAL

6. Perseverance
- passing testings
- going through tough times of harvest
- prevent procrastination

7. Courage
- for evangelism, overcoming fear of rejection

8. Fruit of the spirit (Love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, kindness and self-control)
- to be build into our daily lives
- behaviours
- attitudes

9. Providence
- Jehovah Jireh to provide for everything we need
- find abundant providence whenever we are in need

10. Dependence
- placing focus on God
- depending on God for everything
- remembering everything we do is for God's sake
- always come back to God, put God as the priority

Happy Birthday Ruixue!

2007-11-10T00:06:00.000+08:00

A pleasure for the dear sister,
Ruixue to be in my midst..

So as we can share the joy together,
to celebrate the birthday of this dear sister!

A pity we were not informed to be present for the celebration..
But Let's still give our best wishings to her!

For those who perhaps may at least know a little about her,
encourage you to write her a card and drop it at HQ!
She lives there!

Pour great prayers upon this sincere lady!
Love ya, ruixue.

From:
Occidentalists.

30

2007-11-08T10:05:00.000+08:00

30 dollar now, way too messy, time to tidy them up.
.
.
.
.
.

neat and tidy in a row. HOHOHOH.

ŢWєNtץ ŉ1Nĕ

2007-11-07T13:13:00.000+08:00

29
WOO...so fast...10 dollar more liao. still got 11 dollar more to go. left 11 days. 加油！

2007-11-04T22:33:00.000+08:00

Praise God once again for such successful girls and guys outing on tuesday and thursday.. This week was such a happening week! With Jireh's birthday celebration, Wanting's New believer celebration, Prayer meet cum Bible Study, etc. Of course not forgetting the exciting announcements as well for the coming weeks! Laughs. Let's be excited not just for the fun, the excitement, but let's be excited to dwell in God's word, His presence, His teachings, and many more! Let's LOVE God together as a caregroup! As well as the entire SP unit. =)

1. Caregroup Cancelled for Week 7 (Take Note)
- Due to tests this week, regular caregroup for the week will be cancelled to allow each and every one of us to focus on revision. Caregroup will resume next week as a Unit based caregroup.

2. Monday Dinner 5th November 2007
- Not compulsory.
- Meant for those who do not have MST week and will like to join in for dinner time.
- 5pm @ FC4

3. Prison Break Meeting 9th November 2007
- Starting around 6 to 7 pm
- All involving players and planners to be present
- Location confirm again!
- Bring along the prison break notice form (Only for planners. If you do not have one, tell me)

4. Arise Announcement (Important)
- Right after Prison break meeting
- More details regarding trustfall 2007
- Clarification from previous Arise meeting
- Do prepare questions that you will like to enquire regarding Arise2007
- More details: www.arise2007.blogspot.com

5. Saturday Coreteam Meet (Occidental)
- People to be present: Thomas, John, Shawn, Pooiyee and Baorun.
- Time to be confirm again
- Prepare Bible, notepad and pen
- Objectives: Reflection on goals set (Statistical and General Spirituality)

6. Region Prayer Meetings
- 10th and 17th November 2007
- It will be a warm gathering of our PolyDi region for intensive prayer, and spirit filled worship. Let's practice our stamina for prayer and awaits to dwell greater in His presence!

7. Prayermeeting CUM Bible study
- Meant for all believers who delights in learning the word of God!
- 19th November 2007
- Monday, 6pm
- Prepare your Bible, Notepad and pen. As well as a Heart of Expectancy =)

8. Arise 2007
- 24th November 2007
- 2pm @ Nanyang Polytechnic
- Goodies bag will be provided
- Registration form from UA (Yiheng or Jeremy Kiu)
- Ends by 4.30 to 5pm

9. Prison Break
- 2nd December 2007
- Details to be release again
- People! Start inviting friends to join in this event!

10. Unit Caregroup Next week!!!
- Wednesday 14th November 2007
- Roles will be announce again through emails
- @ 6pm

--------------------------------------------------------------

A short sharing (From Yours, GenJ.)

Wanted to share something that I learn recently during my careleader's meeting to you guys, my beloved caregroup! Pastor Hendry from Hope Johannesburg said something that strikes my heart with a powerful amen from within. Quoted from Him, " God doesn't needs our strength, all He needs is our availability". Indeed in this God's ministry, it is not about what we excel in and strong in that enables us to be able to serve God, but it is the willingness from each individual to provide availability in their life to do God's work. Coming into this church organisation is not about paperwork and chores, but it is offering ourself as an instrument and ambassador of His church, glorifying Him with our life as a salt and light and carrying out the great commission.

We all play a part in the Church vision, "To fulfil the great commission by building strong and biblical people to plant strong and biblical church in Singapore and all over the world". Some of us here are new believers, some of us here have been in church for quite a while.. Like 2 years, 4 years, 6 years? But yet we never get too involve in serving God in His church.. Some of us here are strong coreteam players in the caregroup and unit, serving with all my strength and soul to fulfil God's calling, in which many are fire up but some may be mellow and dry. No matter who we are, to God, we are similar and equal, He uses us all to expand His kingdom, in which He builds for us. This is the greatest purpose that God locates in every believer who calls upon the name of Jesus, and the process of serving Him in our life is indescribable. I can only say, it is a journey of no returns and no regrets. Therefore, like to encourage all believers, to walk closely with God and discover more how He wants you to plays a part in His kingdom, for everybody is a part of it.

I read something from this book call "The heart of a great pastor" by H.B. London and Neil Wiseman. It quotes, "Divine strength for every battle is just a prayer away". I told Thomas that the Distance away from a miracle is just a prayer away, which is a evaluated version from the original quote. This strengthens my heart greatly.. Because many of a time in this walk with God, we will be dealt with plentiful of objections, persecutions, emotional struggles, unpleasant situations, decisions to make whether to compromise God's principles or standing firm on them.. There are plenty of issues in this world that will hinder our walk with God, and I call them a internal battle. Every issue we are actually fighting to stay with God, either to win or lose. But God promises Divine strength that will provide us victory for every battle! It is only a matter of fact about our prayer. How is your prayer life today? How is your devotion to God today? Like to encourage all believers to keep our spiritual stamina strong and healthy.. This saturday will be a good test out! Personally I went for the previous region prayer meeting on last saturday.. And it was awesome.. God feels Nexus with His spirit so powerfully that I bow down on knees in tears of his glory. I believe those who went will say, AMEN!

Last but not least, my beloved Occidental.. Like to express my appreciation to everyone of you.. Baorun, Pooiyee, Thomas, Wanting, Evan, John, Shawn, Brian, Jeremy, Edmund, Hanxing, Santono and Geok Hian.. And those who were once with us.. Thank you guys for making this group a happening one, and a successful one. Thank God that we gel together so strongly and are all walking with God consistently. I pray that leaders will rise up, new shepherds will come and ask me for sheeps, there will be new faces during core team meetings, there will be new believers joining us in this walk with God, and the group will continue to expand our territory for God is definitely going to answer our cries and desires to witness people crossing the line! It is not a matter of expanding the group anymore, but a matter of souls saved. I thank God for my coreteam members who supported me greatly in the pioneering of Occidental, thank you. =)

17 Converts. (1 down)

More to come!

Everybody plays a part.

That's what makes Occidental special.

Occidental Girls' Pig Nick!!

2007-11-01T22:56:00.001+08:00

The Girls...

Cutie Pie Pooi Yee.. With her beloved crackers..

Occidental Babe Bao Bao

Baby Sitter Jorris

New Sister WanTing

And HanXin..

She camara shy lah.. So Jorris must accompany her to take photo..

Jorris!! U DUN ACT CUTE LAH!!

Yah.. Im acting cute too -_-;

Playground!!

Yet...

-_-;

Its NOT becos I DUN DARE to climb all these stuffs lah..

But Im busy taking photos for them..

So yah.. Im not up there..

-_-;

Like real..................

I dun even dare to go up on this..

But its looks fun.. So I went up to try.. And almost lose my voice T.T

"Aiya.. I can dun go up to the top.. But my hair cant be messy.."

And yah.. Im actually on a swing lah..

Eat Eat Eat!!

U know girls usually eat PRETTY LITTLE??

U spread..

I eat..

U spread again..

I eat again..
In total.. I ate 4 of this..

Now u see??

Occidental girls eat very LITTLE =)

FUN TIME!!

Jorris: "She bullys mi" =(

But no one cares about her..

Everyone was having fun time in the seawater..

Jorris searching for sth in the not so clear seawater..

Bao Bao:"WanTing u see?? Wat is Jorris doing huh??"

WanTing:"Err.. Her actions very weird hor??"

PooiPooi:"SsssHhhhhh..... Not so loud.. She our leader.. So watever stupid actins she does.. Jus said.. Wah.. Ur actions very CUTE leh.."

Female Birdy: " Si(3) Xiang(4)~~ Come Come Come and catch mi~~"

Male Birdy: " Oh Baby~ Dun run too fast.. Im getting u soon~~"

Female Birdy: " Tao(3) Yan(4) lah.. Birdy run so slow already u still couldn't get mi.. Hump!! GO TO GYM FOR TRAINING LAH!!" *ROAR*

Welcoming the new sister........

2007-10-28T21:26:00.000+08:00

On a fateful day,

27th October 2007,

God stirs the hearts of His long lost child..

And which leads to her decision to receive Him back into her life!

Praise God for everything He done..

And adds another soul into the Occidental Land..

My Lord!

Hear our cries!

For more and more and more!

Its not about expanding our size..

Its not about having more friends..

Its not about hitting goals..

Its not about the fulfilment..

But its all about the souls that are not saved.

十六，七，八！

2007-10-27T00:09:00.000+08:00

And all these could happen cos i have this $18.

Extract from Pastor Jeff Blog

2007-10-26T00:37:00.000+08:00

I saw this interesting article on Pastor Jeff's Blog and decided to post this up here for everyone to read because I thought it was really a good teaching and article. Enjoy reading and be encouraged cum motivated through the word!

God Is Looking For Holy People To Use

Below is an article that spoke to me greatly. I was speaking in the Fil service last Sunday on being the type of person that God will use. How timely is it for me to read this article!I want to be used by God and I need to be holy...
May we all grow into His likeness.

God is looking for holy people to use
by Rick Warren

God is looking for people he can use – those he can bless and honor in great ways. And he’s looking to use people who want to be holy. When you, as a leader, want to be holy, you’ll see God.

Hebrews 12:14 (TLB) says, “Try to stay out of all quarrels, and seek to live a clean and holy life, for one who is not holy will not see the Lord.”

That’s what we want as Christian leaders – to see the Lord and then help others see the Lord. As a Christian leader, there’s no greater way to be used. And we’ve got to be holy to do that.What does it mean to be holy?

Psalm 24:3-5 (TLB) says, “Who may ascend to the hill of the Lord and who may stand in his holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart who does not lift up his soul unto an idol nor swear by what is false. He will receive the blessing from the Lord and vindication from God his savior.”

In this passage we find four characteristics of holy people:

1. You’ve got to have clean hands. “Clean hands” simply means a clear conscience. Does that mean we’re perfect? No. None of us is perfect. But we can keep short accounts with God.

1 John 1:9 (TLB) says, “But if we confess our sins to him, he can be depended on to forgive us and to cleanse us from every wrong.”

So when we sin, we just say, “God, I was wrong. I confess it.” There is no power without a clear conscience.

2. We need a pure heart. We need to lead with pure motives. God can do tremendous things through people who don’t care who gets the credit. In our private moments, we need to be saying, “God, examine my heart, clear out the dross, and make my motives pure before you.”

Jeremiah 48:10 (KJV) says, “Cursed be he who does the work of the Lord deceitfully.”

We can’t lead with mixed motives.

3. We must remain humble.

Psalm 24 says that a holy person “does not lift up his soul unto an idol.”

We are our own most dangerous idols. When we’re prideful, we’re making ourselves into idols; we’re putting ourselves before God. Pride goes before destruction. There is no sin God judges faster than the sin of pride.

The Bible says, “Before honor is humility” (Prov. 18:12).

4. We must be honest.
The psalm also says that the person who doesn’t “swear by what is false” will receive the blessing from the Lord. To be holy, we’ve got to be honest. Even broader than that, as leaders we’ve got to watch what we say.

Psalms 39:1 (NIV) says, “I will watch my ways and keep my tongue from sin; I will put a muzzle on my mouth as long as the wicked are in my presence.”

I’ve needed a muzzle on my mouth many times! We must watch our words. You lose spiritual power by talkativeness. It’s like a steam engine. If a steam engine is always letting off steam through the whistle, it builds up no power and it has nothing to move with. But if it stores up that steam, when it lets it loose it moves an engine. We need to ask, “God, where do I need to watch my words? Do I tend to share angry words or sarcastic words or put-downs?” If so, you’ll need to muzzle your mouth.

If we want to be the kind of leader that God uses, then we’ve got to have a clear conscience and pure motives, remain humble, and watch our lips. Do that and you’ll be pursuing holiness. And God uses holy people.

I believe some of us who turn up for the Coreteam Meet by Lennon Last saturday before service will have learn from this teaching already.. I thought it is a practical aspect that contributes to our relationship with God. Are you leading a holy life? Are you doing it right? Or are you just trying to be right in front of others? Let's check our hearts together with this teachings. =)

Announcements!

2007-10-25T23:52:00.000+08:00

What's going to happen in the near days and weeks? Let's check this up and get ourself reminded so we'll be prepared to attend all these happening activities to enjoy God's presence and serve the Lord together strongly in the group! =)

1. Tertiary Region Prayer Meet
- After Service at 9pm
- Available for everyone who call upon the name of the Lord and enjoys prayer =)
- Saturday 27/10/07
- What to prepare: A heart that longs after the Lord and think through some prayer pointers that you want to focus on during the prayer meet to seek the Heavenly Father.

2. Coreteam Meet
- It will be a pleasure for the coreteam members to meet up together for strategizing and teachings!
- Monday 29/10/07
- Time: Around 4pm
- Location: SP HQ (Subject to changes)

3. Guys Meeting cum Outing
- Planner: Shawn (Jorris will give you guys surprise visit anyway!)
- Its time for the guys of Occidental to bond and know each other better =)
- Details will be informed through sms by Shawn

4. Girls Outing!
- Thursday 1/11/07
- A gathering of the Occidental PRETTY GIRLS! lol
- Planner: Pooiyee (better inform us earlier ah I tell YOU)

5. Prayer meeting cum Bible Study
- Friday 2/11/07
- Planner: Joella, Jeremy kiu and John
- It will be a spirit led time as we indulge in prayer as well as a fruitful time of learning on the bible.

Mean time.. This is all that is up for the next two weeks! Let's get fire up! =)

Prayer requests:
- 17 Converts by the end of January 2008 (Compilation of individual goal from CT)
- Retention of New believers and current members
- Strong relationship with God and to experience Him to the fullest
- New CG birthed =)

1112131415

2007-10-23T00:40:00.000+08:00

FIFTEEN already! 加油加油加油! GOGOGOG!

Emo Production 2

2007-10-23T00:29:00.000+08:00

Our New Sister!

2007-10-19T21:33:00.000+08:00

A warm welcome to this dear sister over here..

And great applause to affirm her decision to know God!

Today I met up with her and had a long chat..

She gives me the impression of a very sincere lady,

demure and quiet..

She shared that after the talk together,
she manage to understand better about christianity..
And she really feel the zealousness from our spirit!

I believe this dear sister will experience God soon..

Let's pray hard for her that she will be able to walk right with God..

And hopefully very soon we'll be able to see her!

Thank God for you Hanxin!

Let's anticipate for more of what God will do in you..

Loves.

TEN DOLLAR

2007-10-18T23:29:00.000+08:00

TEN now, THIRTHY more to go

4 5 6 7 8 9

2007-10-17T15:47:00.000+08:00

FOUR

FIVE
SIX
SEVEN
EIGHT
NINE

A Message: A Choice to be Made

2007-10-15T15:48:00.000+08:00

Dear Occidentalists,

The leadership camp has ended, and many I believe have returned home with a decision awaiting for you to be made.

This message not only entitles to those who went for the leadership camp, who are Thomas, Baorun, Pooiyee, John and Shawn, but also to the rest of those in the caregroup who are Jeremy, Evangeline, Brian, Edmund and Santono. I pray that as you read along, God will stirs in your heart a powerful determination, dilligence and perseverance to work together with me for the revival of Occidental's Vision & Goals.

I believe the teachings and the entire camp activities were indeed great for many of us have returned home with many learnings from the teachers, the game masters, the workshop speakers and also from our fellow brothers and sisters from other units which we may have gotten to know them through the camp.. As I was talking to Jasmine Poon today on MSN.. She told me: "Now will be a test for which whether the teaching is good or not by seeing whether the people apply them a not.."

This is indeed a matter of fact and I totally agree with it. The camp will only be a successful one if the people leave with transformation in their heart, decisions made with actions in their lives, and fruits coming along with their efforts made for GOD! Do you agree? Not only does this apply to those who went for the camp.. But those who have not! Do you know you play a part together with us too? Even though people like Edmund, Santono, Jeremy, Brian and Evan.. You were not present, but the camp will indeed be a successful one if it makes an impact on YOU through us! God's work manifest through His people.. And we are all His people! Amen?!

This camp answers one of my prayers.. That is my fear. I feel very unequipped many times when I wanted to serve God with all my might. But God encourages me powerfully with many unbelievable testimonies from all the campus.. That I must always remember, HE IS THE ONE THAT MAKE ALL THINGS POSSIBLE! Why am I still worrying? Why do I still fear? God will take away my fears.. God will be with me.. God will be with U! Have God stirs in your heart? Are you still in the midst of making that decision to go all out for God and be ready for His work?

Tomorrow will be our coreteam meet.. As we approaches the day.. I want everyone of us to think of this sentence, "A choice to be made". Its not a matter of whether God calls you or not, not a matter whether God anoints you or not, not a matter whether you are equipped or not, not a matter about whether you have enough experience and foundations a not, but what that matters most is: Do you want to serve God with all your Heart, with all your strength, your mind and your soul?

Isaiah 40:31 says, "but those who hope in the LORD, will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

If you place your Hope in God and not yourself, God will help us to be like eagles =)

Love you, Occidentalists.

Your beloved,
GenesisJo.

$3

2007-10-11T23:06:00.000+08:00

TWO dollar now!

2007-10-10T20:48:00.000+08:00

First day of the $40 plan

2007-10-09T20:41:00.000+08:00

the FIRST coin into the piggy bank!

More Water Baptism Photos!

2007-10-08T23:52:00.000+08:00

The Occidentals. (With an idiotic but lovable leader. LOL.)The Sinners! Awaiting for the Old to be Gone!
Our invention. (More of like playing with dry ice and sprite.)
Me with pretty Levitys.
Another Occidentals. (With the pretty and idiotic leader.LOL.)
Sorry you got to look at this photo from another direction.
Baptisee confirming their decision with 3 questions.

Getting ready to be cleansed!
The new has arrived!
Our dear Buddy caregroup the eastraelites!
BIG BAD WOLF with Joshua, Adina, Levitys and Jireh.

2007-10-07T20:35:00.000+08:00

if want more ask from me or big bad wolf

SP & X2 Leadership Camp 2007

2007-10-05T11:34:00.000+08:00

Things to bring:

1.5L water bottle
Toiletries (shampoo, shower foam, toothbrush n paste, comb etc)
3 pairs of clean cloths (1 pair for service)
Bible
Pen
Note pad
Insect repellant
Torch light
Sleeping bag
Hp charger

Things to prepare for RADICAL NITE

It’s a night where all of us will dress up radically! Be dare and bold, deny yourself, challenge your limit and personality. Dare to do radical thing!
You are given 30min to dress up according to whatever theme you want to bring out and be the one to stand out and win fabulous prizes!!!

Do come prepared with your costume and make up, can be handmade or creatively mix and match. Be creative and daring is the main thing we want to bring out!
- Suggested Theme: Anime character, Pirates of Carribean, Star Wars, Walts Disney, Final Fantasy, Dreamland, Harry Potters, your own theme etc

- 15 sec fame walk & post for each person at the walkway ---- You are suppose to walk through the fashion walkway and pose differently for 15 sec

(For time schedules, it will be emailed to you guys.)

Praise God!

2007-10-05T00:02:00.000+08:00

Weird Pope

2007-10-01T14:42:00.000+08:00

"6 Weird Things about Pope de Occidental"

1) Pope de Occidental don't like to train in gym, don't train in gym, play sports either.

2) Ngoh hai 1/2 bo lei (Cantonese).

3) 吾乃风流之徒。

4) I can be a sister to a gal and brother to a boy or a brother to a sister and a sister to a brother.

5) When a gorgeous gal walks into the bus/room/train etc, Pope de Occidental will take a glance at that belle and then observe everyone else except that subject.

6) When a cute boy walks into the bus/room/train etc, Pope de Occidental will look at him and whisper compliments about that subject to the person beside Pope de Occidental, if no one familiar is around Pope de Occidental, he will just rejoice in his heart.

(Actually got more but since it says 6 then I write 6 lor. Pope de Occidental is a weirdo all year round)

Imagine I (second-half) ® With Occidental 4th October 07

2007-09-30T13:40:00.000+08:00

Really like to thank God for the wonderful Imagine ® yesterday after service.. Thank God for the wonderful service that He have bless the congregation with edifying prophecy and spirit led worship.. Indeed the simplest way is the best way to worship God! Amen? I hope we'll have more service like that.. So as for us to express the simplest way and the best way of giving thanks to God in worship..

I hope the sharing of the word was encouraging and inspiring for you guys.. And I really pray hard that you will receive insights from God when you meditate on His word during your devotions.. May God answer your prayers and problems through the Bread of Life! In case any of you miss out the rhema passage.. It is in 2 Corinthians 4, about the treasures in jars of clay.. Let's continue to invest our time in reading the bible and also coming back to this passage whenever we are discouraged or lost =)

BACK TO THE THING!

I was sort of held up by something so the first session was not complete.. We will be completing the second-half of Imagine I ® during caregroup this week on 4th October, thursday. There is a total of 4 session for Imagine ®, so do expect something each week whenever we gather for service! It is going to be a fruitful time of understanding clearly our goals and direction of Occidental, so may each and everyone of us take up ownership for our very own group! See everyone of you guys present for each session!

Let's Imagine together with God for Occidental's Future.

We will Enter the Promise Land that is flowing with Milk and Honey. Let's just do it!

Reminders:
This week caregroup Baorun will be taking charge to plan! So I'll be around to plan with you don't worry. But take note the rest! There's going to be roles announce! so... Get ready to do something for the group alright, haha.

2007-09-29T23:06:00.000+08:00

This is the photo we took just now. let's continue this conviction we have from the service and not let it die down. S this conclude our Imagine® meeting.

random pic of Jorris

pics taken on aeroplane.. veri nice
I still have quite a lot of this kind of photos.. if interested ask me to send u

This is Guangzhou City. taken when i was back in China

Announcement for the month of october 2007

2007-09-28T16:58:00.000+08:00

Word for life (WFL)
-29-30 September
Imagine® Caregroup
-4th October
-Planner: Baorun
*Details to be release again
Prayer meet
-6th, 20th October
-Prayer meet in-charge: Shawn & Pooi Yee
Water baptism
-7th October
For H2O baptisee: Pls wear black and prepare a white top to change into.
*the rest of the caregroup to come and support!
Leadership training camp
-12th-14th October
-coreteam and selected candidates must come.
-registration fee: $10 (date line: 7th october)
CLCs
-20th, 21th, 27th October
-Clc1: Shawn
-Clc2: Baorun & Pooi Yee
*registration fee to be confirm
Prison Break Race
-27th October
-E-invites out by 30th September
*Registration fee per group is $20

Imagine ® With Occidental 29.09.07

2007-09-28T16:09:00.000+08:00

Imagine ® is all about envisioning together for the group.
Imagine ® is all about coming together to understand the direction of the group.
Imagine ® is all about taking ownership for your own group.
Imagine ® is all about knowing the place you can serve and called to serve in the group.

Do you know your group well?
Do you know your fellow group members not only surfacely, but you could share hearts?
Do you know the hearbeat of your leader?
Do you know where we're heading and what's the Occidental goal?
Do you know what you can contribute to the group?

On the coming saturday after service..
Imagine ® With Occidental 29.09.07
Over dinner, we're hoping that through the session many of us will get to know our giftings and what do others think we're good in... In which gradually as we share about the vision and direction of the group, each individual can have an idea in their mind where they can contribute and play a part to fulfiling the dreams of Occidental.

In fact, its not a dream.
Its not that hard to imagine right?

Gear yourself to imagine together =)
see you guys there.

Anyone interested in mid-autumn festival ?

2007-09-26T07:05:00.000+08:00

ISC is organizing a moon cake festival this coming friday.

Event- moon cake festival
Date-28th of sep (this friday )
Time- 6pm
Place- LT1A
Price- $4 per ticket

Food, drinks, games, performance and FREE GIFT for u ~

Kindly call Thomas ( 91625060 ) if u want the ticket. Asap !!!!!!!
Have a nice day =)

Long Road.

2007-09-24T14:42:00.000+08:00

Let's walk this journey with tears, joy, laughters as Occidentalists.

Together with God, we fear none, we give up none.

The Lord remember us.

The Lord is here with us.

Let's thank Him for his rhema verse.

Joshua 1:9

PhoTo!!!

2007-09-22T14:43:00.000+08:00

baobao
miss her again. she love FILA.
thomas is here
evan and jorris
it is soppose to be funny. ya. so laugh.HAHAHAHA.

YouthDNA: ARISE 2007

2007-09-19T14:34:00.001+08:00

An Upcoming exciting YouthDNA event.
ARISE! Stand in the Gap.

Details will be release through brochures during meetings.*

For the meantime, start mass sending this event to all your friends!
It is meant for everybody. So go ahead and invite your friends to join in this big scale event that targets all tertiary institutions. YouthDNA needs our help to publicize this event!

Highlights:

1. Song Writing
2. Video creating
3. TrustFall (break world record)

You can find the details on www.arise2007.blogspot.com

Do leave down your own details (such as HP no. or email) in your forwarded email so that interested friends or other people that happen to see the email can contact us to take part in the event. We can make full use of ARISE to get to know new friends!

MISSION IMPOSSIBLE.

2007-09-18T17:11:00.000+08:00

(take note: above picture "why" change to "who")

Top mission discussion location: Vivo YouthPark

Time: 10.00am

Highlights: Breakfast. Prayers. Holy Communion.

Mission Retreat: Siloso Beach @ Sentosa

Time: 1.00pm

Highlights: Sports Activities. Camera whoring. Games!

Mission of the day:

Occidental to be splitted according to 3 groups. Grouping sequence will be announce on the mission itself. Each group will be given a list of MISSION IMPOSSIBLE PHOTOS to be captured. At the end of the day, each group must have complete the photo-to-take-list and post their findings on the blog.

TAKE NOTE:

Failure to do so will have to suffer from commander's forfeit. You dun want to think about it for the moment yet.

So just make sure you guys bring along your camera and camera phones!

Attendance is compulsory. The gathering is a important time for Occidentalists to strategise for the new school term that's about to begin.

Dresscode: Anything you're comfortable. But try not to wear shoes can? And try not to bring jackets. hahahahaha. Like all commmon sense. duh! BEACH WEAR LAR.

THOMAS NG

2007-09-11T01:30:00.000+08:00

Our DEAR DEAR Thomas finally 18!

May your every year be celebrated with fruitfulness.

With God.

With our companion.

With love!

Takecare =)

From: OCCIDENTALs

Word For Life

2007-09-04T17:49:00.001+08:00

Hi all..

It have come to the month whereby word for life essentials arrive! It had always been fruitful times everytime God-loving people delights in attending lessons to learn more about His word. So this time we're too going to get ourself gear with inspiring word from the Lord!

Dates: 8th, 9th, 22nd & 23rd of September 2007
Time: (Sat) 12pm - 4pm, (Sun) 9am - 4pm
Things to bring: bible & pen (notes will be provided)
Location: Will be informed when the dates draw nearer (usually in africa/america/europe room)

So what are the lessons available?
1. SHAPE Essentials
- Pooiyee
- Jorris

2. Encountering God
- Jeremy Tan
- Brian
- Thomas

3. Introduction to Bible Essentials
- Shawn
- Edmund
- Santono

4. Kingdom Living
- John
- Baorun (present only for 22nd & 23rd)

(Nobody from Occidental will be attending life management essentials)

Let's be excited for the time to learn together!
See you guys this saturday =)

APPRECIATION!

2007-08-29T22:41:00.000+08:00

It was a good time appreciating one another presence over that fruitful chalet. All those who agreed with me shall say? AMEN! The entire group really enjoyed the fellowship and impromptu craziness during the past two days bah.. Indeed, God never fails to bless us with joy and excitement!

Belows are some captured memories =)

Me n Pooiyee! (cam whoring!)

The retardeds of the OCCIDENTAL.

BBQ!

Mouth watering?

Another 3 retardeds from OCCIDENTAL.

Playing with the SCENES.

Caught them on BED!

Me n Beloved sheep!

Dun try to think what they're doing. =.=
(John & Thomas)

Shawn acting cute. (This is rare!)

Gordon, Shawn, Vincent Jeremy, Randall & Joella.

Jorris, Edmund, Thomas, Yiheng & Peiyi.

Tau Pok!

What is Peiyi and Hanhong doing???

The Feast after CT retreat!

Mahjong Gang =)

Vincent!

Thomas!

Lord's Supper (empty)
Lord's Supper (With the disciples on the seats!)
Take note its exactly 12!

So who's turn is it now?

2007-08-22T20:18:00.000+08:00

Lovely cakes with M&Ms and Oreos as toppings?

Rashberries with delicious cupcakes?

Limecurds poured abundantly with blueberries?

Cookie monsters eating cookies or cakes?

Dun worry!

We'll get your favourite cake for you!

Love you: THE OCCIDENTALs
To: Pooiyee

Happy Birthday!

Feast@HQ 16.08.07

2007-08-12T23:58:00.000+08:00

Wonder when can we ever really have a good feast without having to pay much?
Wondering whether there'll be a day for the Occidentals to feast together?
Here's the offer: Feast@HQ 16.08.07

Salad as Appetizers?

Lovely soup to warm your stomach?

For carnivores that wishes for more servings of meatballs than the spaghetti?

Or mouth-watering seafood that makes your stomach growls?

Off you licks the platter clean, time for some fruits and desserts?

Of course not forgetting the favourite of the favourites,
Ben & Jerry?

Looking at these photos. Doesn't it makes you hungry?
Cause it makes me really drool.

Dun miss the action on this thursday!
Be there for the dinner. =)
5.00pm at HQ.
(Guess before that some of us will be studying!)

National day VS men's conference

2007-08-07T22:01:00.000+08:00

This thursday is the day that we celebrates the birthday of Singapore!
Its amazing how those who lived here since young, never get sick of national day parade..

I do not know whether is it something that I felt myself only..
But do you guys feel it too?
Im not sure about other country.. But Im always proud of Singapore.
I delight in being a Singaporean.
Its like.. The way this country comes together, just perfect the definition of harmony.
Though Singapore may not be perfectly harmonious..
Definitely certain areas we're not yet meeting the standards..
But a small little country that survive throughout so many tough times, its not easy.

I <3 Singapore.
Anyway.. talking about the country. A singnificance area that people identify will by about the guys! Many thought that national service is a waste of time. But playing a part in protecting the country, don't you think that's important?
All you guys one day going to end up there.. Somehow or rather.. I felt, NS makes a big difference to all guys. It makes them MEN.
And that's where men's conference comes in!

Venue: Yishun SAFRA centre (More information, ask yiheng/gordon)
Time: 9.30pm (dun be late!) - 1.00pm (around there.)

I've heard many brothers from other units getting really excited over the event.. Thus come on brothers! Be excited over it too! I know of one thing.. If we go with a negative thought about it, its never going to be good. You already rated it. So give the conference a chance, and give urself a chance to experience it.

After the conference the ladies be waiting for you guys for a lunch together!
see ya all.

(Girls, be excited over the secret gather too! =D)

An EMO Production.

2007-08-03T14:02:00.000+08:00

The below profile is specially demonstrated to captures the "emo" essence. Not to be displayed and regarded as case-to-case basis. (simply means not real lar!)

Lifehouse - everything 'the skit'

2007-08-02T02:47:00.000+08:00

As Im writing this.. I just watch a little video from Godtube..
Its something that got to do with recent caregroup theme.. Perseverance.

It touch me.
Though it was simple.
Ha. It make me cry.

Watch it till the end. everyone of you, if you see this.
It may be of a life changing impact, for some. =)

photos on Brian's bdae

2007-07-31T21:08:00.000+08:00

Updates!

2007-07-31T14:24:00.001+08:00

Announcement for Quarter 3 07/08

There's quite alot of things going on this two months.. So what's about them? Let's recap abit of all the exciting news we heard!

1. Men's Conference
The NO MEN should miss CONFERENCE! Its all about the band of brothers, coming together once again each year, of the whole hope church Singapore, to fellowship, learn, boost each other, and grow! Girls seriously anticipate you guys to tell us great stories when you return! So dun miss the BIG TIME!

Remember to tell us stories.

2. CG APPRECIATION DAY
27th - 29th August 2007
bet you guys should be well aware of this right? A reminder for all! Surprise gifts will be given on that day! One and only in the whole world! Wonder what its going to be? Be there and not miss it! Highlights such as super mega ultra tronic game (what ever you can use to describe exciting and fun), supreme BBQ (high-quality, hotel standard), grand video tribute to SP unit 2007 (you dun want to miss this.. Its like catching movie on the day its out), night activities (not sure what's it? then come lar!), praise & worship (very own crazy guitarist and P&W leader!)... And many more!

Breeze through this wonderful holiday for our retreat! Its going to be a life transforming one and unforgettable one, I REPEAT.

3. Word -For -Life
So what's that all about? In short, WFL is actually a series of powerful teachings by our tertiary leaders to equip us with greater knowledge and understanding of the doctrines, practises, leadership, and many others. So what's up this round this quarter for WFL? Stay in tune with the blog to get to know the latest workshops available and seriously sign up for it!

There are really good workshops to learn great things. I remember attending careleader course.. And it always never fails to help me even till today leading you guys. =)

4. Anniversary Service
8th September 2007
Every year as we celebrate our church birthday.. Its always amazing. It strikes my heart last year, and really touched me. We didn't start off easy, but witnessing the church growing each year and moving well really stirs my heart! So don't miss anniversary each year to witness the unity of the church and how much God have blesses us!

Thank God for Hope Church Singapore.

5. JUMP Concert
-15th September 2007
Who will miss a P&W concert from your own church? No one man! I know the price is quite high.. At a rate of $20.. However, let's really try our best to make it for the concert and attend the concert! help each other if either of us have financial difficulties k? =)

Its going to be exciting.

Alright...... I have lots of other announcements to make, that will excite you.. But well. These are the important ones! Tell you guys again for other new updates! be there for every one of them above! ^^

Wanna know how SP used to be?

2007-07-27T22:37:00.000+08:00

Found some old photos in my collections..
And received some for my perusal..
Kinda interesting.
And nostalgic.

For you guys!
To see how SP used to be. =)

Blurs. It shows who are the ones not sensitive to camera. And who does.

Jaron the "SP produced handsome brother" and Zhenyan the "SP produced pretty lady"

Kuso!
(Take notice of Yiheng's Hairstyle/before change)

Caregroup at millenia walk? And the long expected banana skinny photo I've been talking about!
(He must have really provoke me that's why its here...)

Challenge your limits 2006 by youthDNA!
SP was the the runner-up you know!

Candid shot. 2 blur queens watching a drama sotong. HaHa.

occidental

2007-07-24T18:22:00.000+08:00

OCCIDENTAL APPRECIATION DAY 2007 (3rd Quarter)

2007-07-24T00:57:00.001+08:00

Missed the semi-quarter appreciation day?

FRET NOT!
3rd Quarter OCCIDENTAL Appreciation day 2007 is making its way here soon with even more exciting features and highlights awaiting for you!

What are you waiting for?

Gear your hearts before you get too overwhelm during the powerful chalet as we're gonna celebrate Occidental Harvest this coming semester holiday!

Its not going to be another well-planned overnight event.
BUT
a LIFE-CHANGING one.

Don't miss the opportunity to remember it for life.

More updates of exciting chalet activities will be up soon.
FULLY SPONSORED. (Just fork out enough to eat for 3 days)

Thinking its too good to be true?
Im telling you its this good to be true!

photos 21/07/07

2007-07-23T09:46:00.000+08:00

The day Harry wins

Guess where?

2007-07-14T02:33:00.001+08:00

Anybody can tell me where to capture a sunset like this???

ITS SENTOSA!

We're going to this beautiful island at the south of Singapore to have a little sunny outing for the dear SP unit! Its gonna be exciting and damn fun as we see the next victim to be thrown into water!

Let's see... The girls gets to see six packs too?
Or rather United Nations!!!

GUYS CAN JUST FORGET ABOUT SEEING ANY SISTAS IN BIKINIS.
WE PREFER NOT TO TEMPT. HAHA.

Alright. Enough of my jokes.
Occidentalists listen up! Anticipate greatly from this sunday outing alright! We're meeting 1pm at the shuttle bus area. Bring your friends along!

EXPECT =)

2007-07-13T22:21:00.001+08:00

Updates!

2007-07-10T23:23:00.000+08:00

So what's this upcoming caregroup going to be about?

We're going to have our individual caregroup discussion this week!

Praise the Lord.. Its going to be a interesting topic we're touching on..

FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT!

So have you been taking them on a regular diet?

Or are you lacking them.. and having constipation =.=

So let's be excited to get to know more this week!

Oh yeah! Those who have been expecting for the MEN's GATHER..
This is the one! It had been broaden up for all the guys in the unit..
Going to be led by Yiheng and you guys going to have a fun time of fellowship..
OF COURSE WITH THE POWERFUL SHARING OF THE WORD!
All the macho voices shall say, "Amen!"

OCCIDENTAL mens! Anticipate greatly from this special unit gather for the guys..
Its going to be exciting and fruitful!
Come back and share with us great testimonies to the girls! =)

Core Team Meet Pointers 4th July 2007

2007-07-05T15:46:00.000+08:00

For the benefit of those who are unable to make it for coreteam meet.. The sharing will be discussed and summarize in the form of pointers in the rest of the post. A new topic will be included in the post too... Therefore for those who have turn up for the meeting, take this time to learn more about the second "I" of the meeting..

INTERCESSION & INVOLVEMENT
(The 2 "I"s of global church mission statements)

1. Intercession
- Meaning: Intercession means praying for somebody; intercessing for somebody. Not just prayer, but specifically in the scope of praying for people you know, for situations, for the church, for missioners, for church planters, for family members, for friends, etc.

Food for thought (keep these question in mind as we run through the topic):
- do you pray for every member in your caregroup everytime in your prayer to God?
- do you have somebody in mind to pray daily?
- do you know what you can pray for them (refering to your caregroup members, etc)?

Mainly during my time spent with the Thai sisters that have come to visit Hope of Singapore.. I've capture particularly the spirit of prayer from one of the sister named Puum. This spirit of prayer comes seperately in three important factors:

- pray and believe God will answer (Faith factor): have that child-like faith believing that God will answer your prayer. Without faith, it is impossible to please God. How then can you expect Him to answer you? In the beginning.. It is us who choose not to believe that he will answer.. Then that prayer will not be a prayer anymore. It is simply something we're babbling to God. A prayer without faith is not a prayer.
- Always pray for everything in your life (Consistent factor): Do not only pray when bad times and tough times fall upon you. Pray even when everything seems to be going on smoothly.. And sometimes, after a powerful preaching we'll have a strong desire to pray and seek the Lord.. Not let that desire fall down, but continue it, consistently. Do not allow yourself to slacken off in praying to God. Even if God have not yet answer you. Because He ultimately will.
- Don't stop praying when God don't answer (P.U.S.H factor): Or rather, the perseverance factor. P.U.S.H means pray until something happens. God have 3 ways of answering you: YES, NO and WAIT. If God meant to tell you, wait for my answer.. It is not yet my timing.. Then continue to pray to God till the timing arrives! You will not want to miss the timing of God and regret by then why have you not persevere in praying.. Many times, people give up and realise the point to fulfiling what they want to do is usually at the point they give up.

2. Involvement
- Activity: (as you read this, think about it and write it down.) rate yourself by thinking about 3 giftings/talents/strengths that you possess and think of 1 area you can serve in strongly.

Food for thought: Ask yourself are you involve in a specific role or area currently and you'tr clear about what you can do in it? (e.g. coreteam member, shepherd, etc) Why did you get involve? What's the reason for your involvement? (For God specifically His church?)

COMMIT AND CONTRIBUTE TO GOD'S COMMUNITY AND HIS CHURCH!
Desire to do something for Him.

- Do the spiritual test (get from Jorris) if you haven't or have forgotten the results to confirm your giftings. Best to do it with your shepherd, if not you can do it with Jorris! =) Through this, you can briefly know clearly what are your giftings and strengths, in which knowing clearly what you can do.

Involvement comes from a heart that runs after God, and it comes with a joy that flows out of God. To you.

takecare buds.

Announcement

2007-07-02T00:24:00.000+08:00

1. Unit Coreteam Meet

Been a long time since we have come together as a unit to discuss strategically as the coreteam to expand God's kingdom more effectively! Hmmm.. I'll say, the previous coreteam meet was a last minute one and was in March. Before the highschool transfer, our last unit caregroup restructure. That's how long it is. =.= Thus let's cherish this coming time whereby we can have a unit coreteam meet!

Time: 6.00pm
Location: SP HQ
Date: Thursday, 5th July 2007
Things to bring: Bible, pen and a notebook.

2. Caregroup!

Rejoice the fruitful time we always spend together during caregroups where we chuckle in laughters, hugged in tears, touched by joy! Furthermore with new brothers and sister joining us in the caregroup, is neverthelss, additionally joyful!

Time: 6.00pm
Location: SP HQ
Date: Wednesday, 4th July 2007

Expect greatly from the gathering of the children of God and enjoy his presence!
**Role takers take note for email (Shawn, Baorun, Pooiyee)

3. Evangelism Plans

Due to my tight schedules, I'll be unable to accompany you guys for the evangelism coming up for this week! However, our plan shall still move on and we shall always carry the desire to reach out to more souls! I'll try to be there whenever Im able to freed myself from projects! Ha.
- Baorun and Pooiyee take note of the plans among urself (survey have to be redone)

Let's get to know at least one lost soul each day! If you had not been outreaching to the people out there, search your heart today whether you have the compassion for these people who do not have a chance like you to have a relationship with God! If you feel a stirring in your heart, then come let's share this joy of the gospel to these friends!

4. Men's Conference

Location: Nexus Auditorium
Date: August 9th 2007
Time: Confirm again.

5. Caregroup Coreteam Meet
- Before caregroup begins.
Time: 5pm
Location: SP HQ
Prepare: your contact list and their stages
Date: Wed, 4th July 2007

Photos taken on sat 30 Jun 2007

2007-06-30T23:38:00.001+08:00

UP: The 2 Thai sisters with SP unit outside dhoby ghaut mrt. They came to s'pore to visit our church.
DOWN: This is our 2 sisters from bangkok, Thailand. They are Apple and Pumm from the right.

me and pooiyee
my fila is "shining", becos of the flash i think

Ed eating Ben & Jerry's with so BIG SPOON!!

Announcements:

2007-06-26T13:28:00.000+08:00

1. Postponement of WOMEN'S GATHER & MEN'S GATHER

What's up with these sexist stuffs man?

Nobody A says: Blesphemy!
Nobody B says: Dun bluff.
Nobody A says: Then what? =.=

Check this Out:

The Women's gather and men's gather is not meant to seperate our beautiful ladies from our macho dudes. Laughs. It is simply a time of gathering together with our each gender, and discuss strategically how we can win more people from our gender each! Girls will still understand girls better, guys will still understand guys better right? (objections, just tag. haha.)

**More information will be up soon!

2. Combined Team Rally
Get's your tummy rumble for this exciting event coming up!

Date: 1 July 2007, Sunday
Venue: Nexus Auditorium
Time: 2.30pm onwards
Criteria: Coreteam and above

Oh well.. Personally everytime I went for the combined team rally it never fails to refresh my conviction for God and strengthening me for His work! Therefore I urge all coreteams to be present with me for this Rally! let God moves us together. =)

**Attendance compulsory for Baorun, Pooiyee, John and Shawn.

3. CT CG (Coreteam Caregroup)

It will be a really important meeting for all the workers to come together and learn once again the 3 "W"s and 1 "H" of Evangelism. Why we do, what we do, and where we do and how we do!

Come for this caregroup if you are interested to know what exactly is it about even if you are not a coreteam! For workers, let this time of gathering for a evangelism-based caregroup gear you up for the great harvest that will be coming!

Date: 30 June 2007, Saturday
Time: 2pm
Venue: Istana Park

**Other caregroup members are welcome!

Food For Thought: SEVEN STEPS TO SUCCESS

2007-06-25T20:09:00.000+08:00

1. Make a commitment to grow daily. One of the greatest mistakes people make is that they have the wrong focus. Success doesn't come from acquiring, achieving, or advancing. It comes only as the result of growing. If you make it your goal to grow a little everyday, it won't be long before you begin to see positive results in your life. As the poet Robert Browning said: "why stay on earth except to grow?"

2. Value the process more than events. Specific life events are good for making decisions, but its the process of change and growth that has lasting value. If you want to go to the next level, strive for continual improvement.

3. Don't wait for inspiration. Basketball great Jerry West said, "You can't get much done in life if you only work on the days when you feel good." The people who go far do so because they motivate themselves and give life their best, regardless of how they feel. To be succesful, persevere.

4. Be willing to sacrifice pleasure for opportunity. One of the greatest lessons to learn is pay now, plat later. For everything in life, you pay a price. You choose whether you will pay it on the front end or the back end. If you pay first, you will enjog greater rewards in the end - and those rewards taste sweeter.

5. Dream big. It doesn't pay to dream small. Robert J. Kriegel and Louis Patier, authors of If it ain't broke, break it, asserts, "We don't have a clue as to what people's limits are. All the tests, stopwatches, and finish time in the world can't measure human potential. When someone is pursuing their dreams, they'll go beyonf what seems to be their limitations. The potential that exists within us is limitless and largely untapped. When you think of limits, you create them."

6. Plan your priorities. One thing that all successful people have in common is that they have mastered the ability to manage their time. First and foremost, they have organised themselves. Henry Kaiser, founder of Kaiser Aluminium and Kaiser Permanente Health Care, says, "Every minute spent in planning will save you two in execution." You never regain lost time, so make the most of every moment.

7. Give up to go up. Nothing of value comes without sacrifice. Life is filled with critical moments when you will have the opportunity to trade one thing you value for another. Keep your eyes open for such moments - and always be sure to trade up, not down.

If you dedicate yourself to these seven steps, then you will keep improving - and you will be successful. Your growth may not be obvious to others all at once, but you will see your progress almost immediately. And though recognition from others may comes slowly, don't lose heart. Keep working at it. You will succeed in the end.

- Abstract from "SUCCESS, one day at a time" by John C. Maxwell

Specially for SANTONOY!

2007-06-24T15:14:00.001+08:00

RandOmZz.

2007-06-21T00:44:00.000+08:00

The COOL man of the day: THOMAS our new Brother!

Rochers From the Eastraelites! So bless!
Me and dear Pooiyee!
Our RICH man of the day: FEASTING with his korean cuisine.
The SHY man of the day: Santono (You can never catch his face, he is sensitive to camera)
Bao Bao and our new Brother Thomas!

Photos! (After ESS, together with our new brother, Thomas!)