Greetings from Sri Lanka

Hey... living stone family...... lots of love from Sri Lanka.... Miss you all... Hope you all like my new hair cut =) .... I'm with pastor now..... we had fun shopping for James's cricket jersey..... take care and God Bless you.. lots of Love...

Arun

A Step Towards A Modern Levite

Last Thursday till Saturday night was a great boost for me! FCBC had her first Modern Levites Conference. I really enjoyed myself! Shall highlight some experience of the conference.

Opening Message by Ps Melvyn Mak
What is true worship? In John 4:21-24, we know that worship is not location-specific.

God seeks true worshippers! So worship God in Spirit and Truth, first by discovering who God is - a compassionate friend; then by doing what God wants - a consuming fire.

The heart of worship can be seen in Moses' desire for God's presence over the promiseland. God is a One who blesses, sometimes these blessings become too attractive and we focus on it instead of God. We should always on our guard, and be like Moses!

"Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded." James 4:8

Worship = Obedience
We learn more about the nature of God only through experiential obedience.
We all know (head-knowledge) some of the different names of God (e.g. Jehovah Jireh, Jehovah Rapha, Emmanuel and etc...) , but nothing beats knowing each name by experiencing it.

Plenary Session 1 & 5 by Vivien Hibbert
On a side note, I really enjoyed her sessions, not becoz i have the same first name as her =P haha... But she really stretched my horizon of the understanding of music worship.

"You will arise and have compassion on Zion, for it is time to show favor to her; the appointed time has come." Ps 102:13

She went thru the 7 characters in the Bible who had the favour of God.
The point that she kept emphasizing was what the Fear of the Lord is:
1) to KNOW Him 2) to WORSHIP Him 3) to OBEY Him

Thru Noah, we receive favour of God to activate and release prophectic dreams, visions and plans. We should always work on a plan bigger than ourselves. In Isaiah 32:8, "But the noble man makes noble plans, and by noble deeds he stands." And we will see salvation in our family members.

Thru Joseph, we've learnt that being a Modern Levite, we need to be DREAMERS! And like Joseph, whereever he was in good and bad times, God's favour was with him! This is will activate and release success, prosperity, wisdom and knowledge and authority.

Thru Job and David, we've learnt that we can receive favour from God that will preserve our spirit during times of suffering! And also to always praise Him

"The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised" Job 1:21b

Thru David, we've learnt that God sings! So we can sing prophetic songs over people, issues of our lives! Take His songs and put it in your heart.

Plenary Session 3 by Vivien Hibbert
This is the most awesome session that inspired me and got me excited about the band!
The first question to answer is What should a Modern Levite do?
1) Carry the Ark of Covenant (Presence of God)
2) Stand before the Lord and minister to Him
3) Go out and bless in His Name

She demonstrated, with the Paradise Band, to us how music instruments can sing and minister to people, even without lyrics. The foundation verse for that demonstration was Isaiah 6:1 - 8

In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted, and the train of his robe filled the temple.
Above him were seraphs, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. And they were calling to one another:
"Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty;the whole earth is full of his glory."
At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook and the temple was filled with smoke.
"Woe to me!" I cried. "I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the LORD Almighty."
Then one of the seraphs flew to me with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar. With it he touched my mouth and said, "See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for."
Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?"
And I said, "Here am I. Send me!"

The supposedly demonstration was for real actually! Vivien started telling us the "behind-the-scene" coordination of the music. For example, for v1, the opening music is without rhythm to make pple see. Also to bring in the feeling of the Fear of the Lord. Then in v3 the various guitars were playing, as if angels were calling to another "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty;the whole earth is full of his glory."

Then slowly she brought in the rhythm to lighten the music to bring out the feeling of being loved by God. [I didn't know instruments can sing by playing the melody!]
In v8 when God spoke of His commission, the drums came in strong bringing the feeling of preparing for war.
Thru'out the whole experience i was looking at what was happening on stage. But I still was moved! Tears were just flowing! I could feel the part where Isaiah saw the glory of God and woe to himself. That is really a higher level of worship!

Quotes from Viven:
"It is impossible to stay the same when you encounter God."
"In every worship, there should be a change in the people, if not they are just merely singing songs."

Some new names that I've found it cool, sounded like angels' names to me, with a serious responsibility haha...
Those playing instruments on stage shouldn't just be called Musicians, they are "Keepers of the SOUND of God"
Those singing on stage shouldn't just be called Singers/Vocalists, they are "Keepers of the WORDS of God"
Those dancing on stage shouldn't just be called Dancers, they are "Keepers of the SIGHT of God"
Their roles are to TEACH THE CONGREGATION how to worship God!

I'm also very impressed with the 默契 that Paradise Band has! How long will we take to reach their standard? haha... As amatuers, we need to be humble, but at the same time have the childlike faith to believe that we can do it! Like what Pastor Matt shared When we take a step of faith, battles keep coming. But there is great power in going thru battles! And studies have shown that practice and training is correlated to success! So it is POSSIBLE!

Another thing that I've experienced is to worship God with more freedom! As I observed the Paradise Band led worship, they just got that freedom to worship, not that I didn't have, but it was just different. More freedom.

My overall rating for the Modern Levite Conference is AWESOME! Looking forward to the next one!

Vivien Po,

Ps Fei Fei's 12

TCS Take the City Walk: Child-likeness featuring Keith =)

Had a walkathon this morning. God blessed us with good weather, it wasn't too hot nor raining. The ground was muddy in Padang though, and Keith and Darren (the twins in Tampines Club) were making a fussy over it..haha... I was holding on to Keith as we were making our way to sector B. Then when it was time to set out, i was carrying him over the mud. Then becoz his sandals was dirtied with mud, he was so unwilling to walk. Then he was walking on his heels.. hehe... Soon after i was accompanying him and encouraging him to just walk on.


Just as we reached esplanade, his young and curious mind starting to question. Why are there so many triangles in esplanade? How to build it? Why are there no squares? haha... so i started to explore with him the answers to his questions. And suddenly he popped a question: Is there God? That was the most interesting question that he has asked. From then on, he was asking me many many questions (i guess more than 50 questions haha..) about God, his creations, Jesus, Heaven and Hell... Every question I answered, it expanded his mind to question more! He is amazing! It is amazing that i was able to answer every of his question, of coz I told him "I dunno" for questions that i got no idea. His child-likeness really warms my heart. Although he has many questions, but when he heard the answers, he will accept it and take it as a new lesson that he has learnt! Many times we have become too smart for our own good... I really pray for such childlike faith!

Keith is one of the naughtier boy in club. He usually doesn't respond to me. Whenever I caught him doing something wrong, he will also struggle and try to avoid me. But today, he was sticking to me the entire outing and always having a question to ask me. Then when i need to attend to somebody, he actually asked another volunteer, who overheard our conversation and joined in, "How come Vivien jie-jie know so much things?" Hahaha... I asked him if he wanted to know Jesus, he shrugged his shoulder. Then I asked him if he wants to go heaven, he said yes! He was aware how to get the passport to heaven after the discussion. Suddenly, I see him as a little angel; I really have the compassion for him. I really pray and hope that Keith will be transformed, and his parents can see the change in him! He now is aware that whenever he does bad things, Satan will be happy and whenever he does good things, God is happy. And immediately he was more aware of his behaviour and he tried to "resist" the devil. He was more well-behaved.

When we finally finished the walk, we went back to the bus immediately as we were late. Then I included him into the 100k blessings together with his other twin. And he was happy and seem to understand the options. I asked if he wants to talk to God. He said yes! =D



After we arrived at the club, we waited for the rain to lighten. And when it was time for the boys and his mum to go home, I said goodbye to them and see them next week. Then Keith actually turned back to me and said, "See you tmr! Just kidding! hehe... See u next week!" Can't take it man! So cute lah! Hopefully when i see him next week he will continue to rmb our discussion and not be tempted by the evil ones to be naughty. Really don't know how long will he rmb... But shall continue to pray!

Thank you LORD for using me as an instrument to teach Keith and other kids. Protect them and watch over them. May their childlike faith lead them to your miracles!
In Jesus' Name,
Amen!

"Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity" 1 Tim 4:12

Vivien Po,
Ps Fei Fei's 12

Camp Gilgal 2007!!!

Coming Soon

Praise and Thanksgiving

Wow, time really flies. I was preparing to fly to Perth like 8 months ago and now I’m preparing to fly back again after spending about 3 months plus back in Singapore.

Times in Singapore for the past 3 months plus was really great. I spent wonderful times with my cell, my family and my Livingstones family. Guess I really miss them a lot when I was in Perth for 6 months plus. They never really changed much except for Pam’s hair hahaha and as before, they still like to crap a lot and lame a lot though they can still walk. =P

Well, I must admit my time in Perth wasn’t that great. Guess I’m someone who needs more time to get use to the environment over there. And then when I came back to Singapore, it was like charging myself up, preparing myself once more before going back to Perth.

Just before Christmas last year, we were in Muar with Ps Lawrence and Ps Fei Fei and some of the Livingstones mates for a retreat. And God’s presence was strong. The most impactful moment when I was spending my time in Muar with God was when God spoke to me through the story of Jesus asking Peter 3 times whether he loves Him or not? And then God showed me that if I love Jesus, I would be taking care of His sheep – I would be reaching out to His lost sheep (my friends). And yes it indeeds coincide with the book Alvin bought for my cell. It’s called “Out of the saltshaker” – an evangelism book. And this is a year of victory and a victory to win our friends to Christ. Well, I strongly believe that this year, many of our friends will come to know the Lord. Amen!

And there was another session with Pastors in Muar. God was showing me…if I’m a person who likes challenges (which I do), why am I not conquering the greatest challenge that I have? And the greatest challenge is living a Christian life. Well, I guess everyone agree that living a Christian life is tough eh. It’s a challenge. Yup, so I shall strive my best to conquer this big challenge.

And now it’s a time of thanksgiving.

Firstly, just wanna thank God for Pastor Lawrence to came up with the daily devotion (or bible study) thingy which kind of discipline myself to follow what verse to read on a daily basis as it prepared myself spiritually before flying back to Perth. This is a year of victory and like what my spiritual dad said, “This is a year of victory, which means we are expecting battles ahead in the year.” It’s true. Victory comes with battles. Yes. Spiritual battles. And I guess when I go back to Perth, when my friends asked me about Christianity or confronting Christianity, I will be well prepared to defend my relationship with Him.

And then I wanna thank God for Junming who is teaching me music theory. Well guess God is preparing me to serve in Pastor Benny Ho’s church worship band with the two assurances from God through Junming and Boonbing. And I will remember the Kairos timing – God’s timing. I will not miss it. =p

Amen that God brings victory in this year as I can see my cell group growing with a new member by the name of Justyn. *Clap clap clap =) And I believe that God will continue to bless this “lame and yet can walk cell” led by Alvin, with more members.

Lastly, wanna leave with you all this verse:
“Do not long for the cover of night, for that is when people will be destroyed. Be on guard! Turn from evil, for it was to prevent you from getting into a life of evil that God sent this suffering.”
- Job 36:20-21 (NLT)

Yes. “Be on guard!” A year of victory is also a year of battles. Victory comes with battles. Spiritual battles. But by the end of this year, we will win the battles because God is our strength. Amen!

Andrew
Alvin's 12

Friendship Day Special - 10th Feb 2007

10 Feb 2007 – a memorable day for me. =)

As Valentine’s Day is around the corner. We, Livingstones family organised an out reach event – Friendship Day Special!

As I stepped into magicbox, everyone was busy preparing for the event. Vocalists beautifully dressed, live band jamming resoundingly, setting up decorations, preparing goodies etc. I believe God is smiling away in Heaven.



I remember a week ago, the vocalists were having spiritual attacks, sore throat, sickness and discouragements. On behalf of them, I would like to thank you for all who prayed earnestly. Praise God! On the day itself, everyone felt better and ready to sing for God!

There was this girl, Hui Min standing at the door. A girl from Tanjong Katong Secondary (mine too) was alone. I approached her with my best smile (coz if I don’t smile I look very fierce) inviting her to join me. As we were from the same secondary school, there were common topics but most importantly she is open to share with me! Praise God!

We had ice breaker games led by Sky and Li Juan. It was very entertaining! Look at Justyn and Pauleon with their Miss Singapore Pose and the Powerpuff girls!


After the ice breaker games, it was followed by the performance by Benjamin, Jennifer, Yingchao and the live band (Junming, Eileen, Daniel, Andrew and Justyn). They sang so beautifully, maybe comparable to the angels! There were even dance steps involved. I am sure they have put in a lot of effort!


The next team of performance was by Li Juan, Sylvia, Zheng Rong and Boon Bing. They did a great job! I love the part where we have to pass the flame to one another. It was a meaningful gesture of spreading love. Although there were hiccups during the performances, God made everything fall in place.



Psalm 98:4-6
4 Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth,
burst into jubilant song with music;
5 make music to the LORD with the harp,
with the harp and the sound of singing,
6 with trumpets and the blast of the ram's horn—
shout for joy before the LORD, the King.


The gang of three beside Hui Min and I were having great fun. If not for the live band, their laughters would have filled the whole magicbox!


Ahem, once again, it’s time for pastor to be on stage. Zi tan zi chang. It was so mesmerizing that I began to sing along, aloud.


We were asked to open the ‘Do not open until instructions are given” envelope. It was not the first time opening it with a pre-believer. But this time round it was different. =)

As Hui Min filled in the blanks, she pondered at the sentence.
“I have received Christ into my life ---- Yes/ No”
I asked her whether she received Christ before. She shook her head. From there I began to probe more on what she thinks of Christianity. This is where John 3:16 presentation comes in. I began to draw and explain to her about God, man, sin, death and heaven. As I was sharing, my heart began to beat faster & faster. I took a deep deep breathe and uttered a prayer, “Dear God, let the Holy Spirit guide my every word. Let her heart be open to you. Amen”

Finally, I ended with the golden question. And Praise God!!! She is willing to take the step of faith to accept Christ! Apparently, I am super excited and nervous, so I approached Meijin for support. Thank God, for this special gift.


She is the first person that accepted Christ after I shared since I re-dedicated my life a year ago. I teared quietly within. My God is faithful, my God is great. Indeed He is the author of salvation and He is mighty to save. Despite my inability, my flaws, my fears, God chose to use me as a vessel to share his love even I am struggling with many things in life. It was like an injection of encouragement for me! God has His perfect timing in everything. Just be still and trust Him. May all praises be to our almighty God!

Give me a passion for souls, dear Lord,
A passion to save the lost;
O that Thy love were by all adored
And welcomed at any cost. —Tovey

2 Timothy 2:13
"if we are faithless, he will remain faithful"

Dear friends, hang on and you will witness God’s miraculous breakthrough for you! For this is the year of VICTORY!

“Thank you Father for the lives that have been touched in one way or another. Thank you for giving us a chance to serve you and to spread your love. For you alone are worthy, you alone are wonderful. Amen!”

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.”- 1 Corinthians 13:4-5

Go on and spread the Father’s love this season.

Crystal Yong
Meijin’s 12

My Testimonial

I came to know the Lord only when I was in secondary 1 although I had been exposed to Christianity since young as I followed my cousins to Sunday school. I went with my mother to the Chinese service on September 2003 and when pastor asked the congregation to follow in saying the sinner’s prayer I just followed my mother and to the Chinese service, I simply followed yet not taking my decision seriously. I was baptised a week after accepting Christ together with mum after encounter weekend. After my schoolmates know that I was a Christian some began to avoid me and to gain acceptance among them, I joined in their activities.

This got me into trouble with the law in January 2004 when I was in Secondary 2. God showed His mercy and I didn’t have to go to court and was allowed release after a warning, but I didn’t learn my lesson and got into trouble in September, but again because of His mercy, the police wasn’t involved. My life was already in a chaotic state then. But I did not take God as my first priority even though I know He will never let me go. I became even more rebellious in school and met some new friends in Secondary 3. We hanged out often and even skipped school together. I learnt that it is important to choose wisely the friends and company I spend time with because you will become more like those you spend more time with and joined in those activities under their influence. Then I got myself in trouble with the law again. This time there was no more escape. I knew that God wanted me to learn my lesson. In April 2005, I was called to the Juvenile Court. My mother was the only one beside all the time. She prayed to God for mercy on my sentence. Even though I was at court, I still did not learn my lesson and defended my friend, thinking of being loyal. Till later did I realise that my friend has already told the truth to the authorities although he told me never to do so. This was another offence for hiding the facts from the authorities. By then, I had a total of 3 cases and could have been sent to a girls’ home. My mum cried day and night praying to God and he heard her prayers!

During the trials I was never handcuffed nor did I had to stay in the lock up cell. On 3 May 2005, I was sentenced to 15 months probation. This was very short, considering that I had a record of 3 cases.

During my probation, I was transferred to TOUCH Youth Learning Centre (TYLC). God made a change in me ever since I was transferred there. I used to dislike participating in school activities and was rude to teachers, thinking that being expelled from school was the best way to avoid getting into trouble. I was very quick-tempered and very often, got myself into arguments with teachers and principals. At TYLC, I learned to control my temper and not being rude to teachers in class and to take my education more seriously.

I thank God that He sent Weiling, my cell leader, to affirm and remind me that God is always there for me. She tolerated my mood swings and hot temperedness and even wrote letters to my probation officers just so that I would be allowed to go for camps and church events. As a requirement of the probation sentence, I had to serve community service. Pastor Fei Fei even took the trouble to let me help out in TOUCH Young Arrows children’s club. Also, during church events and outings, my fellow church friends often encouraged that my probation was ending soon so that I would not get myself into trouble again. God also allowed me to serve in the video technician ministry which allowed me to use the video camera which was one of my interest.


By November 2006, my probation had ended and I managed to complete my N levels and by God’s grace I managed to pass. It was better than I had expected compared to my results in the past. Unfortunately, I got into trouble again. This time, it was when I was in close contact with two ex-schoolmates. On the 24th December 2006, instead of attending church service, I went out with them and we stole from a departmental store, in the name of having thrilling fun. Needless to say, we got caught. However, I refused to admit it and became defensive. As we were brought back to the police headquarters, we were handcuffed and locked up time and time again. That experience was one of my worst nightmares. We could not get away with the offence as easily as before. If it were not for the Holy Spirit’s comforting presence with me, I would have gone crazy - I managed to sleep throughout the time in the lock up instead.

A month later, we were charged in court under Section 380 of the Penal Code, Chapter 224 read with Section 34 of the same act. If it were not for the support for my parents, church friends, pastors and cell leader who have been covering me with their fervent prayers and encouragements, I might not have been to pull through. Though the outcome of my case has yet to be finalised, I trust that God knows what’s best for me, as stated in Matthew 6:34, “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” and Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Thank God for providing a lawyer whom I am able to feel at ease with as he fits the requirements which I had in mind.

The reason I am sharing this testimony is because I made a promise to God to do so. I hope through this sharing, many would come to know that our God is an awesome God and works miraculously. Above all, He’s our comforter and friend!

Vashon
(Weiling's 12)

TYA Christmas Party

It is Christmas again! With most of the regular helpers for Young Arrows in Muar, I was given the responsibility to be in charge of the Christmas Party for Young Arrows this year. At first, we were still thinking of a simple event since we were really shorthanded and there were usually only about 10 to 15 children during the holidays.
However, 4 days before the party, we were told that the Bendemeer Club children would be joining us for the party too, meaning there was going to be 20 more children, and only one more helper, Gladys, from the Bendemeer side. It was more than what we could cope with. Thankfully, we managed to get 4 girls from Pastor Yo’s tribe to help us for the day!
“For myself, it was a very fulfilling time seeing the kids laughing and having fun from such simple joys. I can see that much effort from everyone had been invested into the planning and preparation. Though the kids may not recognise it, the fact that they enjoyed it and were so enthusiastic is already a reward by itself (:

Initially, Reina and I were rather worried that there wouldn't be enough food, given that we were going to exceed the budget and there wasn't much time to prepare so much food, but thank God, He multiplied the food so that it was just sufficient for the children, with a little extras left :D

One thing I've learnt from this experience is the importance of serving out of love and not merely out of duty. Honestly, it was quite tough dealing with kids that behaved differently from what i had expected, and in some instances i was rather uncomfortable, not knowing how to respond.
(1 Corinthians 13:4-7) " 4 Love is patient, love is kind... 5 it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs..." As i reflected on this passage, I realised that one cannot truly serve without love. It is part and parcel of the long learning process of servanthood, and something that God needs to cultivate more in me.”
-Joanna Kong, Pastor Yo’s tribe
Initially, we only had games, carols and refreshments in our programme. The only way the kids could know the true meaning of Christmas was through the carols and this little note given to them in their goodie bags:
Why do we see Candy Canes at Christmas?
It is said that candy canes were first made to remind Christians of Jesus.
The shape of the cane – the shepherd’s crook reminds them that He is the Good Shepherd.
The colour white reminds them that He is pure and sinless. The stripes remind them of the punishement Jesus suffered and the colour red the blood that He shed to save them from their sins.
So now when we see a candy cane at Christmas – we know that there is a meaning to it!
Gladys suggested adding a skit in the programme, but due to the limited numbers of helpers we had, we could not come up with a storyline in time. Thankfully, Gladys managed to get the storyline from another club’s event and we had the carols incorporated into the puppet show in the end! Therefore, the kids were able to understand the true meaning of Christmas better! Christmas is neither about shopping, food nor presents, Christmas is about Christ! =)
There were 18 kids from Mountbatten (many more than usual!) and 20 from Bendemeer who was at the party, and we ran out of goodie bags because we didn’t expect such an overwhelming response! It was good to see the smiles on their faces and how they had enjoyed themselves! Thank God for the day! Thank God for the good weather! Though this is the rainy season, the weather was good for the day! Thank God for the gifts from Fraser, and Crystal who helped to gather all the gifts from there! Thank God for the helpers who were present, Ruth, Zheng Rong, Zhenchang, Kenny, Hubert, Flavian, Sky, Xiuting, Joanna, Reina, Jiahui, Gladys! Thank God for the kids! Thank God, simply because He is our God! =)
-Li Juan, Pastor Fei Fei’s 12

My Testimony

Before I trusted Christ, my life was empty and it was just like living for the sake of living- without knowing God.

I came to know God when my aunt, who is in Malaysia, was converted to a Christian. So whenever I went back to visit my relatives, I would usually stay at my aunt’s house. After she had become a Christian, she started telling me Bible stories and gospels. Soon, I got curious and would ask questions about it. Even when I returned to Singapore, I would still think and ask myself “Why is it like that?” and I really wanted to know the answers.

During Chinese New Year, we returned to Malaysia. My aunt invited my family to her church and that was the first time I went to a church. On the way there, I was feeling nervous, I also told God that I wanted to have a sign from Him to show that I am chosen to be His daughter. During the worship, I found myself crying and crying and that was the sign God had given me. So we accepted Christ on that night.

After I trusted Christ, I felt that I know more about good and evil. I also made myself stop saying vulgarities and it worked! I feel happy to know who is the true God and am glad that He is my God. I found that I could talk to people more openly. Before I knew Jesus, I was very quiet and always had nothing to say especially at my aunt’s house. After I trusted Him, my relationship with my sister and aunt has improved a lot.

Praise the Lord! =)


Jas Loo Yean Ling
(Vivien's 12)

Young Preachers Contest

Here are segments of Alvin's winning 10-minute sermon at the finals of the Young Preachers Contest held at Expo Hall 9 on the 5th of November. Congratulations to Alvin for winning the contest!

My trip to Japan

It started from an announcement in the weekly bulletin; followed by the presentation by the youth team from Tokyo during the GCYC.

The decision of going to serve in Tokyo was met with several obstacles along the way. Initially I was not comfortable going for the trip with no one that I know in the team but I felt a strong calling, so I took the step of faith and went for the trip.


The team was made up of 9 members, 8 of which are from the adult network. I didn’t feel too good about it at the start as I was worried that I could not mix well with the team. We only had the chance to meet up once before the trip and it was a mere 15 minutes briefing that the pastor-in-charge (Pastor James) gave to inform us about the basic information of the trip. Even then, not all the members from the team were present at the briefing.

A week before the trip, the travel agency made a mistake with our air tickets and I nearly could not go for the trip. But I prayed and ask God, what is it that He wants me to learn from this incident. The reply I got was from James 1:2-8, to take joy in whatever that happens and learn a lesson from it. In this lesson, I learnt to trust that if God wants to send you forth for a mission, things will just fall in place and let the Great Engineer do the work. Just believe!

On the first day, there were only 5 members since the rest will only be coming at the end of the day. We did prayer walk around the streets of Tokyo, noticing the teens loitering around in their uniforms. One of my team members explained to me that the teens will just stay out till late at night before they go home since they have nothing to do at home. Some of you might think that they are leading an aimless life, which I agree. As we did our prayer walk, we prayed for the salvation of the teens, for them to know the Lord, to find their purpose in life, instead of wasting their youth away on the streets.

On the second day when the full team was together, we went to the Yasukuni Shrine (the famous shrine where the formal Japan Prime Minister will visit yearly to pay respects to the dead from World War II and China will object violently to it) to do our prayer walk.

It was definitely a magnificent artifact. When I was there, I noticed something very interesting. One of the young priests, probably 18 years old, was heading from the right end of the shrine to the left, however when he walked past the altar, he stopped and bowed to the altar before moving on. I was quite surprised at his effort. Later I was told that the Japanese are perfectionist and very faithful people. They worship their god with such great respect. How many of us will walk past the altar in church and stop to speak a prayer? Deep in my heart I was praying that our Lord will shake the grounds of Japan and turn the faithful people of Japan to Him. Apart from this, a few of us had spiritual attacks while we were praying near the altar. One of the members experienced a choking feeling, another felt very cold while I felt dizzy. But we persisted with our prayers that the Japanese will recognize the true God and the land used to build the shrines will be converted into land for churches instead.

We even got a chance to visit one of the churches in Tokyo on Sunday. It was a very small and traditional church, with a membership of slightly less than 200 members. I was simply impressed by the standard of the choir, the flawless coordination and pitching of the choir, which once again demonstrated the perfectionist attitude of the Japanese.

We were treated to lunch and after lunch we even performed some magic tricks to entertain the crowd. From what we understand, this church has helped to sell 40 MOL tickets to their members. Praise the Lord!!

Apart from prayer walks and attending church service, we went round various locations of Tokyo to promote MOL. A couple of the team members were able to converse in Japanese so they were helping to relate to the people we approach. Some of us did simple magic tricks to entice the people, to get them interested in MOL and we blessed them with tickets to the performance. A lot of times, we were rejected by the people we approached but I did not lose heart. The more rejections I faced, the more positive I was, going round with a stronger will to invite the Japanese to the show. However, the Japanese were very truthful people. If they were not interested in the performance or they were not free to attend the performance, they rejected our tickets even when it was free. Thus, we believed strongly that those who took the tickets from us will definitely attend the performance.

May the Lord deposit a small faith in them during the performance. According to the team that was present during the period that MOL was held, there was only one evangelistic performance but with this single event, there was 149 salvations! Isn’t this impressive? Praise God.

On the whole, the trip was a great learning experience for me. It thought me not to lose heart and trust God to pave the road ahead. Also, I truly enjoyed the company of all my team members. We were even contacting each other after we returned to Singapore, telling how much we missed each other. We even suggested going to Tokyo to serve again for MOL 2007! Now some of us are even taking Japanese language classes organized by the Japanese Ministry so that we will be better equipped for the trip next year. Thank God for the wonderful team that He blessed me with. I learnt loads from them. I will definitely encourage all my brothers and sisters reading this entry to pray for a country that the Lord wants you to go and serve and take the step of faith to go and serve. It will definitely benefit you as much as it did for me. Praise God.

Benjamin
(Isaiah's 12)