Second TWOS Fellowship Update

Praise God for the 10 sisters (3 from Youth/English Service) who came for our 2nd TWOS Fellowship yesterday (1st Sep 07), with one new sisters who attended our Sunday Services once in awhile.


The order of event:

Maryaan (Chairperson) - Introduction and welcome
Rachel (Worship Leader) & Deborah (Musician) - Worship with 2 songs
Deborah (Programme Coordinator) - Testimonies and sharing from sisters
Del (Speaker) - Study and discussion on "How To Be A Secured Woman: Knowing my Heart"
Mimi (Refreshment Chief) - encouraged sisters to have fellowship and refreshment


Gist of the Discussion:

Title: "How To Be A Secured Woman: Knowing my Heart - the alternative routes women take to find identity"

Questions: What are the things women hold on to instead of holding on to God? What do we use to compensate for lack of love, value or purpose?

Sisters shared their views on possible things women or themselves may hold on:
1. Career - Achievements - Status
2. Family relationships
3. Appearance
4. Possessions
5. Food or drink
6. Ideal home
7. Being spiritual
8. Flirtation affects
9. Close friendships

Conclusion: Our answers show the source of our security. Maturity is when we depend not on the things of God, but ON GOD Himself.



My Reflection:

Although our attendance was slightly lower than our 1st TWOS Fellowship (11 Aug 07), our fellowship was indeed heartwarming and touching when two sisters shared their deepest struggles in their lives. Such sharing not only helped these sisters to feel more relieved, instead of keeping their struggles to themselves, but also help the rest of us to learn what it means to minister to each other and to bear one another's burdens. We practised these through prayers, encouraging words, sensitivity, understanding, and even a shoulder to cry (literally).

During the meeting my conviction regarding having the sisters support group became even stronger. I began to see that things are not always what they seemed, so are sisters. Behind a happy face or a strong personality, may be a sister crying out for help in silence. Indeed, all sisters need such a group/place to pour out their sorrows and struggles. In so doing, they can be comforted, encouraged, and be more effective in serving God or be a better wife and mother.

Praise God for this sister fellowship that is made possible by the sisters who came. I want to thank the sisters who have helped/served in the various roles to make TWOS a success.

We look forward to seeing more sisters joining us for our 3rd TWOS Fellowship on 6 Oct 07, at 3.30 p.m.

Cheers!

On-The-Street Witnessing

On-The-Street Witnessing shows videos on how street evangelism were carried out, even to gangsters. The way the 'evangelists' did their evangelism is inspiring and it reminds me of Romans 1:16,

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel: it is the power of God for salvation to every one who has faith, to the Jew first and also to the Greek."

It is not easy to do what these 'evangelists' did in the videos, for most of us. I think the spirit of willingness to witness for Christ is the gist of the videos, even if it is embarrassing or uncomfortable to our natural self at first. I believe that with training, encouragement from God's word, the empowerment of the Holy Spirit and our willingness to do it, we can do likewise or even more.

"Seal Beach Kid" is another interesting one:

"See how the Moral Law (Ten Commandments) humbles a young man as Ray shares with him at Seal Beach in Southern California."

Maybe we can put into use what our Church is currently studying (the Ten Commandments) to do personal evangelism just as seen in the video? :) ... with much prayers and wisdom, of course.

I really hope that we can all learn something about how to do personal or Church evangelism outreach. The Church can helps equip us with proper evangelism training. Most of all, we need God's courage to witness for Christ.

First TWOS Fellowship Update

Thank God for the 13 sisters (3 from Youth/English service) who came for our 1st TWOS fellowship on 11 Aug 07 (Sat).

The order of event:

Del (Chairperson) - Introduction and welcome
Tresa (Worship Leader) & Deborah (Musician) - Worship with 2 songs
Ps Mark (Speaker) - Message on the importance of sisters' role in the "hurting" ministry
Irene (Programme Coordinator) - Ice breaking game on "fire, tree, wind" and also "paper that represents my feeling now"
Irene (Programme Coordinator) - facilitated discussion on "Myself, Programme, What we can Teach, and What ladies need"
Del (Refreshment Chief) - encouraged sisters to have fellowship and refreshment


Gist of Ps Mark's Message:
TWOS is a ministry to hurting women. Some examples of hurting women are:

• women who can't conceive
• widowed women
• single ladies
• single mothers
• women who had abortion
• women with unfaithful husbands
• women going through menopause

Wives of husbands in ministries need help, for what affects the wives affects the husbands and their ministries.

Sisters in TWOS need to learn how to identify "hurting" women. They need to:

• Train their spiritual eyes - to detect women with depression, have been spouse abused, with troubled marriage, experiencing menopause mood swing, etc.
• Educate themselves - by reading more on hurting women issues
• Organize support group - for each unique women's problems
• Organize Workshop - by special speakers
• Counsel Women - some e.g.
  - Titus 2, Women2women
  - Shepherd Women, befriend a hurting women, walk through life with her
  - Wounded Healer, helping another woman in crisis after we have personally recovered from a similar crisis
  - Practical Helpers, e.g. hospital visits, demonstrate how to care for new born, etc
  

Discussion on what sisters want out of TWOS:

For Myself - what each sister wants for themselves

• learn how to help other sisters
• to train my spiritual eyes to identify troubled women
• to grow in godly wisdom
• mutual encouragement
• counselling skills
• learn to sing, keep fit, how to find right mate (for the singles), how to keep marriages
• learn skills in cooking, handicraft, paperwork, home & interior decoration, props making

The Programme - the activities each sister like to participate

• Workshop by good speakers
• 1 to 1 discipleship/bible study
• evangelism
• mission trip
• community works
• visitation
• lessons on cooking, grooming
• outdoor together, e.g. movies, walks, spa, Hi-tea
  

What I can teach - some of the things sisters can teach each other at TWOS

• Mrs Alan - baking/cooking
• Sharon - languages
• Betty - blogging
• Betsy - magic show
• Maryaan - keep fit
• Janet - singing, stewardship of money
• Tresa - personal grooming
  

People in need of help - list people we know who needs help


My Reflection:

I felt very encouraged, especially by the young sisters and also a few sisters who came, though I thought they would not have come. Some sisters who were supposed to come didn't show up though... I guess they may have some last minute commitments. I hope they can make it for our 2nd TWOS Fellowship on 1 Sep 07.

Personally, I feel that our 1st TWO Fellowship is a success even though the number who came wasn't a big crowd. It was a time for me to get to know some sisters a little bit more on their gifts, strengths and struggles as we worship the Lord and play together. Yes, we literally played together and it reminded me of my younger days. :D Some sisters were very transparent in sharing their feelings and struggles. That helps me to know what to pray for them.

I look forward to a even more fruitful time for our 2nd TWOS Fellowship. I hope more sisters will come together to make TWOS their 'hiding place' from all their cares of life. TWOS Fellowship exists because of YOU, ladies! :)

The Women Of Substance (TWOS)

Praise the Lord that we have officially formed a ladies' support group in our Church, named, The Women of Substance (TWOS).

Thanks to God for planting the burden of starting the group in the hearts of two sisters on 12 Jul 07.
Thanks to our Church leaders for supporting the idea, making this ministry possible.
Thanks to the many sisters who have shown interest and support for this group.
Thanks to all who have prayed for us and will continue to pray for God's leading and works amongst the sisters.


The following is a summary of TWOS:

1. The Group
- The Women of Substance (TWOS)
- We want to be women of substance and excellence for God

2. The Purpose
- to encourage sisters to grow in Christ, to serve in the church, and to harvest for Christ (reach out to other ladies outside our church)
- to provide bonding and support for one another spiritually, emotionally and socially
- to close the age gap amongst sisters and provide mentoring for the younger ones
- to pray for the church and the leaders

3. The Methodology
- have regular fellowship meetings to study the word of God (pertaining to women's roles)
- organize adhoc activities/talks for ladies, including our female friends
- do home visits to sisters in and outside the church when the needs arise
- create a "TWOS" blog for all members to share testimonies or things they learned from God, and to announce events.

4. The Meetings
- Our 1st "TWOS" meeting will be held on 11 Aug 07 (Sat) at 3.30 p.m. at A & O (subject to change)
- Subsequent meetings will be on every 1st Sat of the month at 3.15 p.m. (after church worship practice, basing on majority feedback but may change sometimes if it clashes with major Church activities)

5. What the Group Is Not
- not for personal gain, such as personal business transactions or selling
- not for gossiping or sharing negative views
- not for power or status striving
- not a threat to the brothers nor 'anti-male'

6. Personal/Spiritual Development Opportunities
The followings are ways you may help to make TWOS a success. In serving and helping you will learn to develop yourselves and other sisters into women of substance.

1. Chairpersons - to ensure smooth meeting operation
2. Worship Leaders - to chair and lead short worship, just 1 or 2 songs during meetings
3. Musicians - to work with worship leaders
4. Refreshment Chiefs - to provide simple light drinks
5. Liaison Persons - to help contact sisters for meetings, activities, etc
6. Prayer Warriors - to specially pray for the meetings, activities, needs
7. Programme Planners - to organize special bonding activities outside TWOS meetings
8. Study Facilitators - to lead small bible study group discussions during TWOS meetings
9. Mentors - to commit to mentor certain sisters for an agreed period
10. Treasurers - to keep account of offerings or collections for activities
11. Home Hosts - for TWOS meetings, if necessary (please specify day/time available)
12. Blog Contributors - to share at TWOS blog your thoughts, testimonies or things you learned that are beneficial for sisters (twice a month or more)
13. Blog Readers - to read the sharing or testimonies of TWOS blog contributors and offer comments or encouragements for them and others
    

The 'ladies only' TWOS blog was setup on 17 Jul 07 for all sisters and their female friends. Ladies who are interested to read or contribute to this blog need to register using their email addresses (gmail preferred, though not necessary to be readers). Invitations to join the TWOS Google Group and the TWOS Blog has been sent to almost all sisters in our church. If you are female and did not receive any email concerning the TWOS group or the invitation to join, please subscribe to it here and you will be registered soon.


As for brothers, we would appreciate your prayers support for us and also make it possible for your wives (if you are married) to join our once a month TWOS fellowship. TWOS Calender of Events can be found at the bottom sidebar of this blog, or you may click here to view.

Church And The Law

Three weeks ago, in the course of my work, I came across the DRAFT CODE OF GOVERNANCE FOR CHARITIES AND INSTITUTIONS OF A PUBLIC CHARACTER. The code of governance, if passed, will affect all Churches in Singapore as well.

One main tough code is that all Church salaried staff are not allowed to be in the Church Board, i.e. Pastors (usually drawing salaries) are not allowed to be in the Church Board. In addition, Church Board members must not have any relatives working as a salaried staff in the Church.

As always, "the Charity Council is seeking views from the public on the draft Code of Governance for charities and Institutions of a Public Character (IPCs)" before passing it as LAW in Singapore. The public has up to 31 August 2007 to submit their views. So, if you do not want the above code to pass, or our Pastor to be out of the Church Board, or our full time sister to be out of our Church full-time ministry, please go and share your views here.

You may download the Draft Code of Governance here.

Singaporean Praise

I happened to come across a Malaysian website where, Pastor Ng Wah Lok, also a Christian music composer, talked about Singaporean Praise, i.e. Singaporeans' Christian Music.



It is inspiring and heart warming to know of our local talents. Well, I hope COSB could also see the rise of our own Christian music composers for the glory of God. :D

Retreat 2007 Slide Show

Church Retreat Summary

For the benefit of members who couldn't go for the retreat I would just share some of my experiences below...

The road was very winding and it was raining heavily when our convoy of cars were driving up the Cameron Highland (see pic on the right) on 4th June 07 morning (Monday). I was praying very hard then. Thank God for our safe journeys both ways. :) Nevertheless, a few members were taken ill during the retreat, probably due to lack of sleep (too much partying for some :P) and also the food non/hygiene at the resort we stayed (houseflies everywhere).


This year's camp arrangement was rather relaxed and we were given lots of time for free & easy activities and also group tours (e.g. bee farm and tea plantation visits, see pic on the left).





We had daily group devotions on "The 5 Steps in Gospel Sharing", where we sought to create the followings in 'harvesting':

1. Attention
2. Interest
3. Desire
4. Conviction
5. Closing

The messages were also delivered on a very simple mode with the theme "All Hands to Harvest" by Dr Lau Tak Siong. The following are gists of the messages:

Day1

FOUNDATION

Matt 9:35-38
If your relationship with God is right, then you will have no problem in your service to God.
Foundation is important, you produce what you are and can only give what we have.


WHY NO HAND TO HARVEST?

Reason #1 - Hands are tired
e.g. Moses (Ex 17:10-14); Elijah (1 King 19:2)

Solutions:

1. Rest - e.g. Lev 23: sow 3 years, harvest 3 years, rest on the 7th year. This rest is for you to recover and serve more efficiently later.
2. Share with your other leaders, like Moses and Elijah.
3. Find strength in God.
4. Wait for the right timing (Gal 6:9) and don't give up.

Day 2

Reason #2 - When you are old in age
You start to have negative feelings of uselessness, fear and guilts (Joshua 14:11-12)

Solutions

1. Be positive like Caleb, knowing that God has kept him alive for a reason.
2. Remember that your relationship with God when you are young will affect you when you are old. Encourage the young ones to remember God in their youth.
3. Bear fruits for God and mentor the younger ones (Prov 16:31; Ps 92:13,14).

Day 3:

Reason #3 - When you failed God (Luke 22:24)
e.g. Simon Peter - denied Christ 3 times, wept bitterly, and went back to his old profession (Luke 22:24-34, 31, 54; 21:3)
e.g. King David sinned

Solutions:

1. Never write-off people who failed. Though Peter failed Jesus, Jesus asked him 3 times "Do you love me?" Peter made a U-turn back to Jesus.
2. Remember, the righteous may falls 7 times, but he will rise up again.

Day 4

Reason #4 - Hands that are bruised when they serve
e.g. Paul and Barnabas - had sharp argument (Acts 15:3).

Solutions

1. Remember you are serving God, not men (Col 3:23).
   
2. God will reward you (Heb 6:10).
3. Forgive those who bruised you (col 3:13).
   

Reason #5 - Hands that are unwilling
e.g. Jonah (Jonah 1:1-3), find excuses for not harvesting

Solution

1. Remember that you can't run away from God (Ps 137).

Reason #6 - Hands that are willing but not suitable
e.g. King David

Solution
NONE. (sure or not???)

My Reflections:



I am not sure about the rest, but as for me it's more like a personal retreat, from my busy work schedule, to be away from my 'addiction' to my computer and the Internet, to do some soul searching and reflections. It's also a time for me to slow down and enjoy God's creations, enjoying tea and scones with my fellow members. :D

"The 5 Steps in Gospel Sharing" technique -
Those discussions reminded me of my previous sales career in an American MNC company, where we were trained very systematically on sales closing techniques with role plays. They were highly effective even for the most difficult product lines. Sales closing had never been a problem to me. :p

Why "no hand to harvest"? -
I was disappointed that none of Dr. Lau's reasons was applicable to me, except a likely one which he did not elaborate on or give any solution to it. The question lingered in my mind even now, "Can one be willing and yet unsuitable for the harvest?" as mentioned by Dr. Lau? Perhaps it could be true to men (to church leaders who could be discriminative or prejudicial)? What about God? I hope someone could clear my doubts from the biblical perspective.

So what do I like most or least about the camp?

Ironically, what I like most and least are the same -- too relaxing :P

Ultimately, I felt recharged and renewed in my body, soul and spirit. I had many chances to interact with members whom I had no chance to interact with before. :D

Last but not least, I thank God for the works of the working committee who had put in much time and effort to prepare for this camp. The Lord will reward them richly.

Cheers!

To Be A Man

Yesterday was Fathers' Day. I wondered how many families celebrate that. Perhaps more now as compared to before?

I find Today's Daily Encounter on "Happy Father's Day", by Richard Innes, meaningful and like to share it below:

"Fathers, do not aggravate your children, or they will become discouraged."
(Colossians 3:21 (NLT)

As a result of teaching in many seminars and facilitating small recovery groups over the years, I have met and talked to scores of both men and women who grew up feeling their father was emotionally absent. Consequently they struggled with a deep father wound caused by the feeling that they had never been affirmed by their fathers. I felt the same way for many years.

Having spent considerable time working to resolve my own father wound, I wrote my version of the classic poem "If" by Rudyard Kipling several years ago for my two sons who are now adults.

To Be a Man

When you can rise above your

fears to conquer every challenge

that comes to those who dare

to climb the highest heights;

When you can keep on getting up each

time you've failed or been knocked down;

When you can see your greatest strength

lies in your faith and gentleness,

your greatest courage in admitting

your faults, and with God's help

strive to overcome them;

When you can accept responsibility

for resolving all your hurts and break

the chain from generations past;

When you can know and show a father's

love and feel with all your heart;

When you can love yourself, others

and God more than earthly gain,

or fame and recognition, you will,

my son, be then a man--

and indeed a great man at that.

© Dick Innes

Church Retreat 2007

I am looking forward to our Church Retreat this year as it will be at Cameron Highland instead of the usual Genting Highland. A refreshing change I hope.... away from the hustle and bustle of Singaporean life. I always enjoy hills and nature that gives me lots of inspirations to write and compose my poem.

St. Michael and Bishan Cells will be leaving on Saturday morning, a few other Cells will be leaving after Sunday Service, while the rest will be leaving on Monday morning.

For the rest of the members, especially the youth who can't join us due to studies, do pray for us to be back stronger spiritually, mentally, emotionally, physically, and more active in doing the harvesting.

Oh yes, not forgetting the shopping activities some of us will have, before and after the retreat. :D

Theme: "All Hands to Harvest"
Date: 4th to 8th June 2007
Venue: Cameron Highlands

Faith and Actions

I was invited to watch a Youth Sports event organized by another Church yesterday. It was the Church's 1st Youth Sports, and the President of the Church's community arm wanted me to meet the RC (Residence Committee) Chairperson who would be there to grace the event.

Well, I didn't expect much before I went there. Yet I was greatly impressed when I saw the extent the sports event was organized. It was better than any school sports event I had attended. The weather was good too. Thank God!

This church has about 180 youth members (secondary to university students) out of a congregation of less than 600. However, they managed to get another 90 students from different schools to join the event. That's 50% of their youth membership size.... quite a lot! Other than this event, the youth workers planned to do outreach in the polytechnics and universities soon.

The RC Chairperson and her team were very pleased and impressed with the event too. She suggested that I look into organizing community programme for her zone, which I gladly agreed. There will be lots of good opportunities for further outreach. Praise God! :D

In addition, I also learned that more than 400 members will be going for their church retreat next month in Genting. That's about 70% of the church membership. I was further amazed.



Reflection:

It puzzled me at first as to how a small church like this could have such great faith to buy a land and build its own 7-storey building for community services. When I first asked its leaders this question, all I got was "God will provide".

Hmmn... isn't it a bit too unwise to just depend on faith and have no concrete plan?

Now I know why "God will provide". I see their faith in actions. I see their enthusiasm in doing outreach in various activities. I see the participating spirit of the whole church. I see the intercessory prayers of its members (especially all the leaders), not just a few members.

Yes, when the Church takes the first step of faith with actions in place "God will provide".

19Therefore go and make disciples of all nations,
baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
20and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.
And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
- Matthew 28:19-20

Living Cells Blog Mailing List

Hello All,

You are invited to join the Living Cells Blog mailing list. We hope that you will come and add 'colors' to this blog by sharing your thoughts, testimonies, agonies, victories, etc. ;)

If you have no time or too shy to share, perhaps you may just drop by to encourage those who do. Just add some encouraging comments after their posts.

You may join this group by submitting your email in the subscription box by the sidebar of this blog.

New COSB Official Site Coming Soon

I am thrilled to know that the new COSB Official site will be launching soon. Therefore, the COSB Live blog will be closing down very soon.

For passerby, please be on the lookout.

Cheer! :D

Do You Feel Like A Vacuum?

What is "vacuum"?

According to Yahoo! Education > Reference > Thesaurus > vacuum is:

noun

1. Total absence of matter: emptiness, vacancy, vacuity, void. See full
2. Empty, unfilled space: barrenness, emptiness, nothingness, vacancy, vacuity, void. See full
3. A desolate sense of loss: blankness, desolation, emptiness, hollowness, void. See full

Do you feel the same way sometimes?

If yes, come and see how you may be filled.

Click on the image for more details.

Prayers Answering God

"pray without ceasing"
- 1 Thessalonians 5:17

"Therefore confess your sins to each other and
pray for each other so that you may be healed.
The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective."
- James 5:16

"if my people, who are called by my name,
will humble themselves and pray and
seek my face and turn from their wicked ways,
then will I hear from heaven and
will forgive their sin and will heal their land."
- 2 Chronicles 7:14

I have come to realize that whenever I prayed specifically for an event/issue/situation, God always answer me specifically no matter how small that request may seems to be. Some examples are:

1. Prayed that the buses I needed to take for work will arrive on time.
- Yes, they came on time during those days I prayed. Hallelujah!

2. It was a very hot day yesterday and I perspired under the fan, I was feeling sick and couldn't sleep properly at night. I prayed that God would send the rain last night.
- Yes, it rained last night. Praise God!

3. I prayed for specific requests by Christian friends for their situations.
- Yes, they got back to say God answered my prayers. Thank God!


Yes, whenever we pray with childlike faith and believe that our God will hear us, we receive. I felt the need to add a prayer box by the side column of this blog for those who have prayer needs. Please feel free to add specific prayer requests there. Myself and other church members will pray for you specifically.

Even if you are not a COSB members or a Christian, you may still add your requests here. Kindly let us know when that prayer is answered so we may be encouraged or know if we need to continue to pray for that item.

Let's go on our knees today.....

Time to Lose Weight

The CNY holidays are just over and most of you may have overeaten. If you think you are heavier than before, please try out the exercises shown at How-To Exercises. It shows you the exercises for the various parts of your body with animated demonstrations.

So if you can't find a companion to do it with you, do try it with the animated companion. :D

Arms & Shoulders:
• Bicep Curls
• French Curls
• Front Lateral Raises
• Push-Ups
• Tricep Extenders

Abdominals:
• Abdominals - Oblique Crunch
• Raised-Leg Crunch
• Stomach Crunch
• Toe-Touch Crunch

Back Muscles:
• Back Roll-up
• Back Strengthener
• Back Stretch
• Upper Back Firmer
• Upright Rows

Chest:
• Bustline Toner
• Chest Firmer
• Chest Flies with Weights
• Pec Press with Weights

Gluts & Buttocks:
• Butt Lift
• Leg Lift
• Plies
• Reverse Lunge
• Squats

Legs & Thighs:
• Inner Thigh Lift
• Inner Thigh Press
• Outer Thigh Leg Lift
• Outer Thigh Press
• Saddlebag Slimmer

CNY Thanksgiving Sunday

Our 1st day of Chinese New Year, 18 Feb 07 (Sunday), will be COSB Thanksgiving Sunday with a difference. Do come and join us...

Service Time:
9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Free Bus Service Pickup Time / MRT Stn:
7.45 a.m. - Yew Tee
8.00 a.m. - Bt Batok
8.20 a.m. - Bishan

Job or Ministry?

Some people have a JOB in the church;
others involve themselves in a MINISTRY.
What's the difference?

If you are doing it just because no one else will, it's a JOB.
If you are doing it to serve the Lord, it's a MINISTRY.
If you quit because somebody criticized you, it was a JOB.
If you keep on serving, it's a MINISTRY.
If you'll do it only as long as it does not interfere with your other activities, it's a JOB.
If you are committed to staying with it even when it means letting go of other things, it's a MINISTRY.
If you quit because no one praised you or thanked you, it was a JOB.
If you stay with it even though nobody recognizes your efforts, it is a MINISTRY.
It's hard to get excited about a JOB.
It's almost impossible not to be excited about a MINISTRY.
If our concern is success, it's a JOB.
If our concern is faithfulness, it's a MINISTRY.

An average church is filled with people doing JOBs.
A great and growing church is filled with people involved in MINISTRY.
Where do we fit in? What about us?
If God calls you to a MINISTRY, don't treat it like a JOB.
If you have a JOB, give it up and find a MINISTRY.
God does not want us feeling stuck with a JOB, but excited and faithful to Him in a MINISTRY.

- Author unknown -

KPI for Christians?

Just a quick recap of the message by David Lee today during the English Service....

David asked the congregation: "What is your greatest achievement in 2006?"

There were various answers from the members. He followed by sharing Matthew 7:16, "By their fruit you will recognize them."

Hmmn... this "fruit" is the "KPI" (Key Performance Indicators) of Christians, David said. Good illustration! I will remember that. :D

What is this "fruit"?

Galatians 5:22-23 says, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law."

"Can you think of someone whose life shows forth the fruit of the Spirit?"

Good question, but most have not thought about it before, neither do I. By right we should be able to identify such Christians in our midst, better still if we are that "someone"... otherwise, erm...

"How do we bear fruit?"

Answers:
- Live by the Spirit
- Spend time with God and in His word
- God will gradually change our heart and renew our mind without we even do anything else.


It's a tough sermon made simple through lots of thoughts-provoking questions. Praise God! Let's start spending time with God so we can fulfill our "KPI" and bear fruit. :)

Blessings From Being Broken

Message by Ed Pousson on 14 Jan 07:

The speaker for last Sunday Service (Bilingual) gave a very simple yet powerful message based on the account on Jacob Wrestling With God (Angel) found in Genesis 32:22-30.

The moral of the story: blessings can only flow when we are 'broken'.

Sometimes we wonder why God allows us to go through pains. "No pain no gain", as the saying goes. Well, there's biblical truth in it. :)

The Die-Hard Shopping Team

They met, they planned, they cheong to KL & Malacca - Dec 06....


If you love shopping in Malaysia, you must get to know these members above from Bishan & St Michael Cells.... guarantee you shop till you drop. :D

the 3 'wise men'... resting in the KL hotel lobby


the restaurant with a difference... tourists attraction :)


see what they had for their lunch... special chicken rice ball... erm, not so nice as what we thought.


must survey the restaurant after lunch...


Oh hail the Queen Apple of Malacca Town :P



kum seah ju ah! we missed the Malacca flood! halellujah!


... if you want to join us for more shopping, see you at the next COSB June 2007 camp at Cameron Highland. We will go to KL for shopping after the camp... hehe