Talking Hands bring “Christmas Cheers”

This was an unusually quiet Christmas party — there was little sound of chatter and laughter. But making up for it were faces lit up with excitement and beaming with smiles, and hands moving rapidly in communication.

This was the scene at SingTel Recreation Centre on Sunday, 14 December 2008, at the Talking Hands’ Christmas party, themed “Christmas Cheers”. Sixty-six hearing-disadvantaged individuals were treated to a line-up of exciting and heartwarming programs put up by 23 Talking Hands volunteers. This was followed by a delicious buffet spread.

The afternoon kicked off with a game that challenged participants to decorate a Christmas tree with recycled materials. After lunch, there was a rousing caroling performance, with translation, put up by the volunteers.

The volunteers also put up a short skit which highlighted the value of genuine friendship and love, especially during this festive season. The performers did a commendable job — not only did they have to plan and rehearse the skit, they had to do it fully in sign language. Their dedication did not go unappreciated, judging by the “applause” they received: their audience enthusiastically waved their hands in the air.

PHOTOS: Talking Hands Ministry

Micah San Jose, 19, who is hearing-disadvantaged, spoke of how her life had changed after the Talking Hands volunteers befriended her and helped her in her studies. Another hearing-disadvantaged member, Jody, shared a song she had written titled ‘Accept Me The Way I Am’. The lyrics tell of how the disabled can be talented and achieve much in life, if only our society would believe in them. The song touched many.

Eileen Toh, manager of Talking Hands, took to the stage and encouraged the participants to strive for a fruitful year ahead. Last but not least, a lucky draw was held, where attractive prizes, such as dining vouchers were won.

Christmas Cheers was no ordinary Christmas gathering, but truly served the vision of Talking Hands, that is, to provide support and friendship to the hearing-disadvantaged community, as well as to create a platform for them to express themselves. Every participant brought home many wonderful memories this Christmas.

PHOTOS: Talking Hands Ministry

A Church in Revival

Ge Zhao Xing and his wife are pastors of Pingtung Peace Church in Taiwan. This is one of City Harvest Church’s affiliated churches and has grown immensely during the recent revival in Taiwan.

According to Ge, the breakthrough in his ministry came in the year 2000 when he attended the Taipei Revival Conference held by Kong Hee, senior pastor of City Harvest Church. After that conference, he experienced a change in his mindset and a spiritual hunger began to arise in him for a greater move of God in his church.

In 2004, Kong traveled to Pingtung to preach. It was then that Ge began to work more closely with City Harvest Church. The following year, Ge felt led to attend the Pastors’ Course in the School of Theology in Singapore, and it was there that he was tremendously impacted by the teachers who not only imparted knowledge, but also moved in the power of the Holy Spirit.

Furthermore, he was greatly inspired by the unity of CHC, and his observation that it was a church that truly practiced what it preached. It was these essentials that he sought to bring back to Taiwan to raise his church up to the next level.

PHOTOS: Pingtung Peace Church

The change that took place when Ge returned to Pingtung was vast. He began to implement changes in the church and brought in a new area of focus — the youth ministry. After realizing its importance, he began to raise up leaders who were youths and launched a ministry that would penetrate the schools. This was done by identifying a distinct group of people and starting a cell group with them, as well as implementing CHC’s caring system in the school. In addition, they established creative co-curricular activities such as grooming workshops, which improved the self-image of the students

From an average attendance of 40 to 50 people in 2003, the church’s congregation ballooned to 360 in 2008, and it is still growing steadily today. Not only that, Ge also feels that the spiritual DNA of his congregation has changed to be like that of CHC.

Nonetheless, all these victories did not come without their fair share of difficulties. One challenge Ge faced was a low retention of members. This was because many students would either leave Pingtung after graduating from high school to study in other parts of Taiwan, or they would return to their hometowns after graduating from Pingtung universities. Thankfully though, many students would choose to faithfully return to Pingtung every weekend just to attend church. Indeed, its commitment like that which testifies of the good work that Pingtung Peace Church has done in the lives of its members.

Tan Ye Peng receives SIP Fellow Award 2008

 

 

 

PHOTOS: Daniel Poh

 

A Special Day for Young and Old

On 6 December 2008, a group of more than 50 teenagers volunteered at Jamiyah Home For The Aged at Tampines Avenue 3.

The youth prepared two weeks for this single day. The youth divided themselves into five groups and each group contributed an item to the day’s program, including two games, a short sketch and two song performances. Plus, they put together goodie bags for all the elderly.

The day began at 11am at the home, with assistant director Santhi, welcoming the large group. Singaram has been dutifully serving the home for several years, and her love and patience for the elderly left a deep impression o the youth. After a short introduction, Singaram led the group on a tour around the home.

In the dining hall, about 100 elderly folk were eagerly awaiting the arrival of the youngsters, who in turn were thrilled and excited to display the fruits of their labor.

First on the cards was a game of Bingo, which the elderly all enjoyed thoroughly. They warmed up further with the next game, Musical Balloon. Many of the elderly were getting around with walking sticks, but that didn’t stop them from volunteering for the games and activities with great enthusiasm.

Next up was a short sketch, parodying the popular local sitcom Phua Chu Kang. Not surprisingly, it was a hit with the elderly folk.

At the lunch break, the youth took the initiative to serve food to the elderly. While young and old ate together, Matthew Tay, a student from Catholic Junior College, went from table to table performing magic tricks! Everyone was amazed at his sleight of hand.

The day ended on a high note with song performances that included familiar songs like ‘You Raise Me Up’,  ‘Right Here Waiting’ and ‘Stand By Me’. It was heartwarming to see the elderly ladies and gentlemen swaying to the music.

Time flew past really quickly, and soon it was time for the youth to bid farewell. Jonathan Eio, who recently graduated from Innova Junior College, shared, “From the moment I stepped into the home, I was determined to impact the lives of the old folks positively. The smiles on their faces really gave me a deep sense of satisfaction, and I knew my time spent was worth it. I hope to come back frequently to see them again.”

True Stories To Inspire — Yen Chau and Audrey

Testimony shared by Lau Yen Chau and Audrey Toh in City Harvest Church

Yen Chau:
I gave my heart to Jesus when I first came to City Harvest Church in 2001. On the second week Pastor Kong taught about tithing. From that month, I decided to give 10 per cent of my income regularly. I was in the National Service at that time. Pastor challenged us to test God in the area of tithing, and true enough, God started to open the windows of heaven and pour out abundant blessings over my life.

It started when I was released from NS in 2002. I was accepted into the university. Because my family had financial constraints, I decided to stop taking an allowance from my parents. I felt that as a grown-up, I should take responsibility of my life, and be a blessing to the family rather than a burden.

Together with two other friends, we started a swimming school at Marina South Super Bowl Country Club, conducting swimming lessons. I kick-started my first lesson with a class of nine students. It was during our Arise and Build Campaign and I pledged S$3,000 to God. Even though I do not have the physical cash, I felt the prompting of God and pledged in faith. True enough, when God gave me the vision He also gave me the provision. My swimming class grew from nine to 30 students within half a year and I received a regular monthly salary of S$1,800 for just coaching two hours a week.

Audrey:
I grew up in a good family, with parents who love me very much. In school, my grades are always above average and I had many friends around me. But underneath my strong exterior, I had a lot of insecurities about myself. I’ve always felt empty and so I went around looking for love to fill it.

One year, my family got into a crisis. Due to a bad investment decision, my family got into a financial crisis of more than S$50,000. It completely depleted my parents’ savings and I had no choice but to fund my own university tuition fees as well as my daily subsistence.

Secondly, to make matters worse, I got into a very bad car accident — the repairs amounted to S$14,000.

Lastly, my then-boyfriend broke up with me abruptly after he came back from an overseas trip. All these happened at the same time! That was the lowest point in my life.

God must have seen my pain. That following week, my friend Alan Chew from university invited me to City Harvest Church’s Hotdog Weekend. That became the turning point in my life. After I accepted Christ, I was greatly impacted by Pastor Kong’s message on tithing and having visions and dreams. I began to envision my family getting out of debt, and decided to mix my faith with action by tithing what little income I had from teaching tuition. True enough, God began to lead me to right counsel and He gave my family the wisdom to get out of financial trouble. I convinced my parents to sell off the bad investments to clear our debt, and we even managed to make a small profit of $5,000 from the deal.

During the 2006 Arise and Build, I was challenged to give an amount of S$2,500. I felt that this is the opportunity for me go up another level in my career. Again, God is faithful. That year my salary increased by 48 per cent. This is more than the amount I gave to the Building Fund.  In 2007, the Lord challenged me to increase my giving to S$3,000. I was hesitant at first. But as I gave in faith, I was promoted to a Senior Executive, and my salary for the year increased another 20 per cent in total. I was also given a S$13,500 bonus, was was more than four times the amount I gave to the Building Fund.

The blessings didn’t end here. Just this year, I received another 17 per cent increment in my salary. God is indeed true to His word, we can never out give Him! Praise the Lord.

Yen Chau:
We soon realized that the way God prospers us is to give first to Him and not to hoard for ourselves. Every Building Fund becomes an opportunity for me to go up another level.

Last year after graduating from university, I was accepted into a local bank as a Management Trainee Bank Officer. Again, by faith, I felt led to pledge S$4,000 to the Building Fund. Pastor Kong’s teaching on the Culture Mandate — to be the light and salt of the world — challenged and inspired me to become a person of influence who could impact the marketplace. As I applied the teachings in my workplace, I started to find favor in the sight of my superiors. Within three and a half years, I was promoted four times from an Officer to an Assistant Vice President. In 2007, I also brought in record sales and was among the top three performers in my team. As a result, by the grace of God, I consistently earned a five-figure monthly commission for the entire year of 2007.

At the same time, I had always desired to go into direct management rather than just doing portfolio sales. In beginning of this year, I took a step of faith to switch to another bank. Even though many banks and financial institutions were retrenching or freezing their head counts, due to the credit crunch, God opened the door for me and I successfully moved into a managerial role as a Branch Manager. I’m now leading a branch of 25 staff members, and my base salary has increased by 43 per cent! Praise the Lord!

Audrey:
Having witnessed God’s faithfulness in giving me a stable career, I was ready to embark on a new relationship, and greatly desired a godly partner with whom I could share my life. Indeed, God knows our deepest desires. In April 2006 — on the final month of the Arise and Build, I met Yen Chau. With Christ right in the center of our relationship, we fell in love with each other.  We are now happily engaged and our wedding is coming up next May.

Yen Chau:
It was during the Arise & Build in December 2006 that we took a step of faith and balloted for our home at The Premiere — the first Design-Build-Sell Scheme (DBSS) launched at Tampines. Despite the flat being over-subscribed 10 times over (6,000 people balloted for 600 units), and the combined income ceiling restriction, God did a miracle for us and we managed to get an excellent unit on our very first attempt! As of now, our unit has already appreciated 30 per cent. We are indeed thankful that God has worked everything out so smoothly for us. In fact, we are getting our keys next month, all ready to move in after our wedding next May!

Even as a young couple starting out on our careers, uncertain about the future, we trusted God. In total, we have given S$34,000 to the Arise and Build campaigns. Even though our wedding is just round the corner, we are excited to give to the Lord once again in the upcoming Arise & Build. The more we need His provision, the more we cannot afford not to give to Him! For we know once again, this is the time when God will open the windows of heaven and pour out such blessings for us that there will not be room enough to receive it.

We want to thank Sun and Pastor Kong for all the things they have taught us. We know that without God, we can’t do it by ourselves. Thank you City Harvest and church, let’s continue to Arise & Build! Praise the Lord!

Inaugural Asia Conference A Triumph

City Harvest Church hosted its very first Asia Conference from 19 to 23 November this year at the Singapore Expo. The conference was attended by 20,356 delegates from 68 different countries — making it the largest Christian conference worldwide in 2008.

The theme of the conference was the “Cultural Mandate”, a calling that City Harvest Church has undertaken in faith and through action since 2000. Asia Conference was helmed by six world-renowned Christian speakers: Kong Hee, senior pastor of City Harvest Church; Dr AR Bernard, senior pastor of Christian Cultural Center in Brooklyn, New York; Phil and Christine Pringle, founders of Christian City Church in Oxford Falls, Sydney; Ulf Ekman, senior pastor of Word of Life Church in Uppsala, Sweden; and healing evangelist Benny Hinn.

Though each speaker came prepared with a distinctly unique message, each speaker’s session built on the last as if a divine thread ran through all of them. Kong Hee’s edgy messages on what it means to redeem the world set the room on fire — paradigms changed as he explained how, not just every human, but every earthly thing, even what we know as symbols of worldly power, is to be consecrated to the Lord.

Ulf Ekman spoke on the importance of the Holy Spirit — it is only by walking in the Spirit that the endtime harvest can be reaped. Phil Pringle had come prepared with a word, but instead, moved in the Spirit to prophesy over the nations, calling out pastors from Asian nations over two sessions, and imparting spiritual gifts and faith to them.

The anticipation of Benny Hinn’s healing session was so great, crowds were at the door from early morning. Broken legs were healed and deaf ears opened. Hinn’s message on prosperity underscored the necessity for Christians to have money for endtime works.

Dr AR Bernard’s messages built on Kong’s: he mapped out a “survival guide” to how to engage the world for God. A Christian first has to insulate himself with spiritual disciplines so that he is not easily destroyed, then he is to penetrate the culture and be the salt and light to the world.

While these messages served to strengthen, encourage and empower the attendees to bring Christ into culture, the crowds were also suitably entertained with what seemed like an endless stream of colourful parades, competitions, celebrity guest appearances by the likes of JJ Lin, and praise and worship sessions with bands like the CHC Band, the CCC Band led by Joe Pringle, Eurovision star Carola Haggvist, and the legendary Don Moen.

Plus, in between the main sessions, delegates could choose six out of 29 available elective classes which were held to help delegates to improve in various areas of their personal lives and ministry. Topics included church growth (an exclusive for pastors), grooming, emotional health, even effective praise and worship.

The physical needs of the delegates were also seen to: 5,000 people were served a total of seven lunches and dinners over the five-day period; even the smallest detail was planned for — delegates guzzled 80,000 bottles of Care water, and 15,000 conference packs were given out, each containing a box of breath mints to help delegates stay fresh.

As the conference events were spread across 28 halls and rooms at the Singapore Expo, seven buses were deployed to shuttle delegates from one wing of the Expo to the other.

PHOTOS: Michael Chan, Daniel Poh, Gary Sim, Alvin Lim

The Asia Conference cost $4.8 million to run — a princely sum, but, to City Harvest Church, a worthwhile investment in the churches of Asia that have caught the vision of the cultural mandate and are ready to put it into action.

Plans are already underway for the second Asia Conference in May 2010.

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