Thursday, August 26, 2004
Pastor Chris Kam (BMEW - 7&8 August 2004)
Just want to say that I enjoyed having you all for a weekend. Every BMEW is unique because that same combination of people and experiences will never be repeated ever again in our life time, or for eternity. That's why it's a unique moment in time that our paths crossed and you have been a blessing to me and fellow BMEWers, just hearing and reading about what God had done in your lives. My prayers are that you will all become strong disciples of Jesus Christ, making a difference wherever you are.
Thank you again for being a blessing to one another.
Saturday, August 14, 2004
Sabrina Yee (CG-Sia Kwee Seng-PJS2)
Before the BMEW weekend I don't know what to expect. But after the weekend I get to know God better. God is giving us so many opportunities to come to Him and yet sometimes we didn't bother much.
When Pastor Chris started on the prodigal son and asking us to close our eyes and imagine how God comes to us and loving us and leaving all our burden and problem to Him. I repent for grieving God so many times.
This encounter weekend taught me a lot of positive ways in walking right with the Lord. And also to be more obedient in sharing with others about our own experiences with God. Before this BMEW, I don't really share much with others but yesterday morning I shared with one sister who is a Christian but seldom goes to church, giving the excuse that her baby is young. After sharing with her I feel more confident in sharing with others. That’s really a great joy to me.
Indeed I'm going to encourage my CG friends to attend the BMEW as it brings many happenings into my life. And I pray that it will bring more to others too.
Peh Siew Khim (CG-Bernice Yip-PJS2)
I was glad that my husband and I finally made it to BMEW.
Thought it would be just a good short break away from home. Instead, the minute we arrived we were plunged right along into the sessions; it began as a trickling stream (Introduction) then into a flowing river and gradually into torrents of waters as the Holy Spirit opened our spiritual ears and eyes.
Session 1 on "The Father Heart of God" gave me a new glimpse into the parable of the prodigal son. I've never seen it from the angle of the waiting Father. I asked the Lord to show me from my own life, whether my relationship with my earthly father had in anyway marred the way I relate to my Heavenly Father. For the first time, I felt the tangible presence of God my Father embrace me with His eternal love when my sharing partner Sabrina Yee gave me a big hug. I broke down in uncontrollable sobs. Pastor Chris had taught us the power of using our imagination to picture Him coming like a loving earthly father with arms open wide to embrace his child.
During the Session on Dealing with Baggages and Bondages, I had symbolically surrendered the anxieties of my life at the Cross. I realised that before this I had one hand lifted to the Lord while the other was clutching my anxieties. No wonder I was not victorious in this area. Now I feel I am free to lift both hands to the Lord and He is holding them.
This week I still feel the glow of the fire within and I must be sure to nurse it so that it will keep burning "hotly". Everyone in DUMC should have periodic encounters with God in this way. It is refreshing to attend a BMEW like this with believers from other cells to realign and refocus God's vision for our lives. This weekend has also helped us feel the heart of DUMC better.
I would strongly recommend BMEW to firstly my children (who are of age), and friends who are still delaying this.
Paul Lim Ooi Joo (CG-Liao Chi Ming-PJN2)
(1) The encounter weekend draws me closer to Lord Jesus by understanding His mind and to know the heart of the Father better. I never realized until today that whatever sin I have committed either consciously or sub-consciously that I add pains to the body of Christ who died to carry and redeem our sin of the past, present and future. I never can fully understand how Lord Jesus agonized over the submission of His will to God the Father the night before He was caught. To me, Lord Jesus being the Son of God who possess the mighty power could have easily turn the event around by exhibiting His power to the chief priest and the others who came to arrest Him. But, Lord Jesus chose not to show His mighty power by totally obeying to Father God and surrendering Himself to the Father’s will. This act of Jesus which was beyond comprehension and understanding was revealed to me during the encounter weekend that really changed my perception of the Lord Jesus and I vow to love Him, fear Him, walk with Him in His righteousness so that His will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Yes, my purpose in this life is to live for Him, to glorify Him and to extend His kingdom so that everyone in every corner of the earth will come to know His love and salvation!!
(2) During the encounter weekend, Lord Jesus has casted out my fear of failure and released His power to me to see through and to persevere in whatever circumstances or difficulty I am facing, I peacefully rested in His assurance and promise that His will never leave me nor forsake me for I am privileged to be His beloved son. My future is in the hand of Lord Jesus and I believe that the presence of the Holy Spirit will fall on me so long as I repent for my sin, obey and surrender to Jesus my Lord and Saviour without conditions.
(3) The reason I came to attend the encounter weekend was to obey and submit to the authority of DUMC’s requirement and I did not expect much happening. Obviously, I was very wrong and I totally enjoyed myself in the presence of the Holy Spirit, and its so awesome that I sense God moving in a mighty way to touch our lives, refresh our bodies, soften our hardened hearts and renewed our minds so the in every circumstances we can focus on God and not on the world so that our mind is in line with God’s perspective.
(4) I will definitely encourage all my Christian brother and sister to attend the encounter weekend for the simple reason that is to receive God’s anointing and his touch in His own way. Yes, rejoice in the Lord!!
Lastly, I would like to thank Ps Chris and his helpers for enabling me to experience God’s presence. God bless!!
John Fong (CG-Chew Pong Sin-PJN1)
Return of the prodigal son (Father Heart of God) when we were all standing with our eyes closed I definitely felt my God the Father put the robe over me to cover my dirt and He gave me a hug put His right hand across my shoulder and His left hand on top of my head and gave me a kiss on my forehead.
I felt that I had been enlightened and the need to be more transparent, sincere and honest.
Ong Kah Ee (CG-Peter Cheong-PJS1)
Q1. I have learnt the importance of sorting out the issues that are weighing me down & making the marathon difficult to run.
Q1. I have been set free from some baggage, received the Holy Spirit & the gift of tongues.
Q3. I feel really excited about my baptism & I also feel that I’ve been set free from some of my baggage.
Q4. To know the Father heart of God & to have a deeper understanding if what Jesus did on the cross for us. BMEW will also urge participants to deal with their past baggages & bondages, to settle some of them, if not all.
Jimmy Peh (CG-Bernice Yip-PJS2)
I attended the BMEW with little expectation of what God could do as I expected it to be only another "membership class" most churches would conduct before a membership intake.
I must confess that inspite of my low expectations of the BMEW, God was gracious and merciful and I can say without a shadow of doubt that I had an encounter with HIM during my weekend in Sepang. Although I knew the Prodigal Son story by heart by now after so many years being a Christian, the topic on "The Father heart of God" really touched and made an impact on me as I realised that if I were to make just one step forward towards my Father God, He would be taking many steps or in fact be actually running towards me. I also realised that VIPs and dignitaries do not run; they just walk (even when it is raining!) as it is not dignified for them to run. The Prodigal Son story really touched me because I discovered a new truth in that God would still run to me today or at anytime if I were to take just one step forward.
Seeing what Jesus has done for me on the Cross in Session 4 also meant much as I was also reminded on the power of the Cross. In that particular session I was challenged and convicted to surrender my baggages to Him at the Cross. After making some "landmark" decisions that evening I felt a breakthrough in my Christian walk as I experienced a newness and freshness within me.
I really benefited from the Encounter Weekend and would definitely encourage my friends who are still thinking about it to attend the BMEW.
To God be the Glory !
David Yee (CG-Sia Kwee Seng-PJS2)
I was unwillingly to come to this BMEW as I had already gone through BMEW, including the interview.
I came to know the Lord when a friend shared with me about the lost son.
During this BMEW I had another new dimension in understanding sin that it is not so much about feeling sorry for ourselves or people around us. Sin is actually hurting God's heart. God is always there and faithfully forgiving us, but there are consequences we have to face which are caused by sin.
During this weekend, I confess again my sins which I confessed before and ask for God's forgiveness. I feel God's forgiveness, love & touch this weekend.
I will encourage my other CG member to come for this BMEW, as it is about encountering and experiencing God, which will bring people closer to God and renew their love for God no matter what spiritual level they are.
Jeremy Tan (CG-Lina Hoo-PJN3)
1. I believe God have taught me many spiritual truths and many more to come. The parable of the prodigal son is a well known story. I’ve heard many sermons on this parable from different viewpoints and perspective. Sometimes, I find myself in those situations. I believe that I’m reminded this weekend about God’s heart. That His heart merciful, compassionate, forgiving and gracious. The Father’s heart is, of course, bigger than that. His heart is also for those who walk the open broad paths. He has not come to shame me, but to lift me up from the depths and bondage of sins. His desire is for me and all of us to live victorious and glorious lives. What else can I say? He knows the desire of my heart and knows what’s good for me. His long for us to spent time together, longs for me to know His ways deeper. He’s heart-broken when I turn away and walk away from the narrow paths.
I’m reminded of a song by one Dennis Jernigan. I can’t remember the song title but I’ve come to know His heart through this song. Sometimes when we walk away from him, and turn to love another, yet His heart longs for us and wait for our return. When our lives are fill with bondages and chains, His heart longs to remove them. My Father’s heart is one of sacrificial love. I stand only by His grace and mercy. What can I say? My soul has no words left to say. I stand in silent yearning for the restoration and reconciliation of our love.
2. I believe it’s always ends in a monologue with God. Not because I have nothing to say, but because I have nothing left to say. God says to me “ Won’t you look at your life through My eyes and heart? Why complaint bitterly and heaped self pity on yourself! Why does your feet are quick to walk the roads of destruction yet slows on the paths of repentance. ”
3. I was really reluctant to attend the encounter weekend. I feel spiritually I’m like Moses during his 40 years in the desert after fleeing from the Pharoah’s courts. I’ve long know that I’m in this prolonged comfort zone, slowing spiraling into a routine living, since I started working. Now I must admit that working life is really challenging. Most of the time after work hours, I’m exhausted that I just want to go home and rest. I realize that I’m actually backsliding because I really wasn’t learning anything new spiritually. Working life really challenged my spiritual beliefs. I feel weak and defeated. Well sure I attend CG regularly, attend church regularly, and heard great sermons but I found my life without a passion. One of the most important thing I discover now is that it’s really important to have goals. Well, I guess, that weekend God reminds me that He is still the one who’s in charge. Oftentimes, I always asked Him “Where do you want to go?” Most of the time the answer is not so forthcoming. My hope is that I’ll continue to see His hands working in my life.
4.One thing I like about the BMEW program is that it’s held somewhere faraway. It’s like a retreat and I really like the fact that I can withdraw from everyday routine living to just reflect on eternity and God. So it’s about taking time to reflect on what’s past, present and future. It’s also a place to get to know other people who are not from your cell group ( though I’m the shy type and usually don’t feel comfortable in a strange crowd).
Christine Fong (CG-Chew Pong Sin-PJN1)
1. What is the most important spiritual lesson I have learnt?
The Father Heart of God really touched my heart as I was kneeling down and asked God for forgiveness for sins I had committed. I saw Jesus came down and put a new robe on me and after that I saw myself walking with Jesus together.
2. What has transacted between you and god this weekend?
I was able to deal with my sins honestly and seriously by writing them down one by one and while kneeling down before the cross I was convicted by the Holy Spirit that there were two more. So I quickly wrote them down and after I had completely renounce them and cast it on the cross and I really felt relief and free.
3. How did you feel before and after the Encounter Weekend?
I must confess that I was not my total self as the early in the morning at 12.30am before I went for my BMEW my daughter was sick. She had high fever and cried out in discomfort and unable to sleep. Immediately after I gave her some medication, I prayed for her and before I finished my prayer she was already asleep. Praise God her fever was gone. Her fever came back when she got up that morning and despite that I sent her and her brother to the home of my cell leader Chew Pong Sin and Gim Gaik. I felt a bit reluctant to leave her but knowing that she was in good hands make me felt better and I like to thanks Gim Gaik and Chew for being there and sacrificed their weekend to take good care of my children.
It was ironic because before that I was really excited and when I was told of the postponement I was quite disappointed as I couldn’t wait to receive more of what was in store for me, like a child who couldn’t wait to unwrap a present, that sort of feeling.
I am really glad I could make it, as after the Encounter Weekend, what I had experienced was beyond comprehension. It was like I was anxiously running to God my Father telling Him I am now part of the body of Christ and I am ready to serve Him. A new beginning…. And also I am proud to be a DUMC member.
My daughter was healed of her fever six days later but she still has cough. I brought my daughter to clinic every morning and evening for check up and to monitor her condition as she also had bronchial infection, difficulty in breathing and flu as well. In the same week, my fridge was spoil, my car’s tire punctured and my house phone went dead. But all this does not discourage me as I remember Pastor Daniel had mentioned earlier this year (correct me if I’m wrong) “that in every new level there is a devil”.
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4. Why should others attend the Encounter Weekend?
It is important to be led by Pastor to go through the steps of genuine repentance, knowing and feel the love of the Father our God and receive the fullness of the Holy Spirit in order to be able to experience the joy and freedom. Don’t wait and go for it.
Yeoh Gim Bee (CG-Liao Chi Ming-PJN2)
Like my husband, I accepted Christ one and a half years ago and with the acceptance of Jesus Christ as my God, Lord and Saviour, comes the responsibility and the commitment that God’s word requires obedience. Probably one of the most visual act of obedience to Christ is to undergo water baptism openly symbolizing death to my old nature and opening my life for God to fulfill His purpose. Therefore, since attending BMEW is a precondition for acceptance for baptism and membership into DUMC my husband and I signed up to attend the workshop on the 7-8 August 2004.
The spiritual lesson I learnt and appreciate the most from the workshop is not to grieve the Father’s heart in all my thoughts and deeds. Although God forgives us for all sins, if we truly love God then in what we do we should do it to please God, to bring happiness and joy to God, to glorify Him and never to grieve Him. This realization has so profoundly affected me that I am now more conscious of my thoughts and actions and I take greater care to do all things pleasing to God so that He sees me with a smile on His face.
Understanding the heart of the Father, I also now know how forgiving God can be and if we take the first step God will take countless steps to forgive us, to remove our bondages and to set us free. When Pastor Chris asked us to surrender our past sins and bondages to Jesus Christ on the cross, I felt so privileged that whatever our sins may be, Christ is prepared to take all of them and if we surrender them to Him, He relieves us and forgives us of our sins.
I would definitely recommend this workshop to all especially to new believers as it has thought me to be closer to Christ, to understand God’s heart better and to learn to surrender myself to God’s purpose.
Calvin Ng Kah Kiat (CG-Georgia Low-PJN4)
I’m writing this with the benefit of 10 days of retrospect since BMEW ended. The past 2 weeks has been the most wonderful, joyful yet tiring, painful and scariest time of my life! I’m still amazed and in awe on how the Lord works in our lives. I’ve been in the company of wonderful Christians as well this past few days which reminds me of the goodness and love of the wonderful people who were with my family and I when my dad was sick few years ago. Truly, as we move with the Lord’s heart, he has called us to make a difference in this world…and I pray that they will continue to seek him and be in His love!
The Lord has spoken a lot to me a lot as well the past few days. And I don’t know where to begin! But the least I can do here to is to testify of his wisdom, grace and mercy, love and compassion for all of us. I know he will not forsake us in our time of weakness, and in Him we’ll find strength!
I pray that we’ll all continue to live in His love, living a righteous life in praise of Him, be faithful to Him and obeying His laws and commands, in repentance of our sins and to love one another. For it is by Jesus’s blood and for His glory that we have lived and may we remain in Him forever and ever!
Jaget Pherwani (CG-Ng Siew Tung-PJN1)
1) What is the most important spiritual lesson I have learnt?
Ans : The most important spiritual lesson that I learnt is the Father’s Heart towards me.
I had always read the parable of Prodigal son, from the son’s point of view. But
when read through waiting father’s angle, then I understood God’s love for me.
I have hurt GOD many times, grieved his heart, and sinned against HIM. But in
BMEW, I have understood what true repentance means, its not just feeling sorry
but to consciously turn away from wrong habits, because GOD does not like it.
2) What has transacted between you and GOD this weekend?
Ans : a) A renewed love relationship.
b) A realization that I need to take GOD seriously, not to loose focus,
and obey what HIS word teaches.
c) To humbly & wholly depend on GOD.
3) How did you feel before and after the Encounter Weekend?
Ans : Before the Encounter Weekend I was heavy with my past baggage & bondages.
During the BMEW, I brought everything that GOD showed in me to his feet;
my thought life, my past life, my indiscipline, my laziness, my disobedience,
sexual lust, unclear personal vision & unclear purpose etc .
After Encounter Weekend, I believe GOD has freed me from these baggage &
bondages. I believe God deserves my best, so instead of looking behind, I now
want to honor God in all that I do. And all that God has given to me, I want to
give my best to HIM and not to covet the abilities of others.
4) Why should others attend the Encounter Weekend?
Ans : Others must attend the Encounter Weekend :
a) To Catch the Father heart of GOD andTo experience true repentance.
Friday, August 13, 2004
Arthur Ngo (Cell Leader - KL)
First of all I want to thank God and give him all the glory for giving me the opportunity to attend the Baptism and Membership Encounter Weekend, I also want to thank God for Pastor Chris Kam for the way he conducted the BMEW. I was very impressed (I should say most of those who attended) with the way Pastor Chris shared about “The Father Heart of God” many were touched and moved, hearing the testimonies they shared. I was ministered too as well during the weekend, and it has made an impression on my heart and it will remain there for a long time.
The thing I want to share is that the prayer partners Pas. Chris paired us with is a divine appointment. My partner had a very broken and sad childhood. His parents are separated his father married a second time without their knowledge, he has never had a father figure to look up to since the age of four. During one of the sessions Pastor Chris asked us to hug each other after that my partner shared with me with tears in his eyes that he has never been hugged before, he does not know what a hug feels like until now, he said he felt good and secured. I am glad that I attended this BMEW as one of the ministering team where I could minister to someone. I also want to say the food was excellent and there was so much to eat.
Desmond Goh (CG-Lina Hoo-PJN3)
Hi Pastor Chris,
First I would like to say thank you for your time by being with us at the August 2004 BMEW. It is not only an eye opening for me to witness the way Christ works in us but He really knows us even before we are born…. You are right Pastor… He does know us and watching us from afar…
I experienced God’s love through my prayer partner, Arthur Ngo. He really helps me feel a father’s love that I had never experience before, especially during the first lesson on the teaching of the Father’s Heart. You were telling us that if we do not testify when our hearts are beating very fast, we will not be able to have a good sleep that night. Well, I really find it hard to sleep that particular night in Empress Hotel and I know why. God had let me experienced His love but I just refuse to share my experience with fellow brother and sisters that’s around me. I know I had once again broken His heart.
Let me briefly tell you some of my back ground. I know everybody have their life story, but I think as part of the family of Christ, I should let my fellow brothers and sisters know a little bit about myself.
Ever since I was born, my earthly father had left me and my mom in Alor Star. I still remember that every year Chinese New Year was my happiest moment because I know my father will come back from KL to see us, the place where he worked. And it was also the only time I can see him although when I do see him, I was always too afraid of him. The kind of feeling that says you like him but you are also afraid of him. Because I had never really communicated with him, our conversations were restricted to him asking me to bring him a cup of water or bring him newspaper…I never knew how to talk to him in my entire life…
My mom has always been depending on him for money to pay rental and daily expenses. As the eldest child in the family, beside my sister and my younger brother, we followed our mom down to KL to look for him because ever since my brother was born, he had stop sending us monthly expenses. I still remember my mom got his address from one of his friend when we were in Alor Star. When we arrived at his place, we saw him going out with a lady into his car. My mom was so depressed at that time, but she could not do anything. She just hide herself and watched him drive pass us. He did not see us that day. We left his place at Old Klang Road and went to my grandmother’s house for a short stay. Later they help us to locate a place in Kelana Jaya. My siblings and I were also making arrangement to study here. I was nine years old then, my sister 5 and my brother only 3.
Before my mom married my father, my mom had never worked before. But now she had to work as a hawker beside the road selling nasi lemak every morning for almost 8 years. She was forced to close the stall by MPPJ officers one day and she became a cleaner for the offices nearby. And we were raised up by my mom through her hard work. I used to hate my mom especially when I saw my classmates who had very happy families and I felt so shameful for having a cleaner as my mom. This shame was in me until I reached the age of 14. You can imagine during those times how I treated my mom. We always argued and I will make sure that my mom chased me out from the house. Of course I know my sister and brother will open the door for me when night approaches. But I still remember there was one time I made my mom so upset that she cried and cried non stop. Then she started telling us how my father left us and it is not her choice to give us such a life and that she felt sorry for us too. From that moment on, I knew I had wronged my mom all this while. Then I started to worked as a newspaper seller after school in SEA PARK and Paramount Garden as my school was in S.M. Taman SEA. Every night I will walk from restaurant to restaurant in order to make 10 cents from each newspaper that I sold on top of a RM 3.00 fixed pay I get each day. My highest income was RM10 when I sold 70 copies of newspapers. After I have finished my business, I would walk happily home to Kelana Jaya and sometimes buy my mom a pack of curry mee for her supper. I thought I could help her ease her burden on us. But my mom stopped me from selling newspaper cause she think that I should concentrate on my studies first before working so early. So I finally stop after few months because it is really quite tiring because I would normally reach home by 11.30pm.
Anyway, to cut the whole story short, I just want to praise God for letting me and my siblings to have such a good and hard working mom in our life. She has never complained about her difficulty in educating and guiding us in all possible ways from falling into Satan’s trap.
Today, both my sister and brother are UPM graduate students and my mom is really proud of us. Thank God that He had kept watch over me and providing for all my needs through my mom before I really know Him in my life.
And during this BMEW, God had dug out a forgotten side of me that I always long for, and that is a father’s love and He had use Arthur to let me know that He knows my desire and He fulfilled it for me, showing me a father’s love. All I can say is the Lord always have His way in our life….He always have His way for us….
All this while, I never publicly testified His grace in me and His blessing upon me, but after this BMEW, I know that I should not just keep quiet when I experience His great love. I should let others know of His great love too. Most of them might just be like me not knowing that all things that happened were eventually part of God’s plan to mould us into someone He wants us to be.
As for fellow brothers and sisters out there that have not sign up for this BMEW class, I urge you, do not let this opportunity walk pass you. You might have attended it before, but I can assure you this, if I am given a chance again, I would attend it one more time cause it not only help me to get my walk with God closer, but I have learnt a lot of helpful skills and knowledge during this weekend. The most important thing is, I can confirm that God is always there for us, protecting and providing, 24 / 7, 365 days non-stop.
God bless you Pr Chris, may God continue to use you as His salt and lights for the people out there as well as in here.
Thank you Lord. Thank you DUMC. God Bless.
Thursday, August 12, 2004
Jayapratha Hsu (CG-Kelvin Yong-PJN1)
(Spiritual Age as of Aug 2004 - 5 months)
Question 1: What is one most important spiritual lesson I have learnt?
Well...... (When it comes to this sort of question...... I panic),
A) About sin.
B) What Jesus has done for me on the cross?
C) Dealing with baggage and bondages.
Talking about sin, at this point of time in my life, I know how much I have sinned against God. But however it was not so bad as before I accepted Christ. At least now I know if I sin, I sin against God and that will help me to ponder should I do of I do not . Whereas before it was like: Who cares. Or who will know? .... Sort of thing. You know what I mean.
About Jesus died for my sins, well, it is very heart aching when I saw passion of Christ, I can never imagine my son dying for the world, what more my Heavenly Father who send Him: Jesus to earth just to save us, that show how much he is willing to sacrifice, I felt ashamed of myself, sometimes I think do I deserved to be saved?
Dealing with bondages and baggage, for me it was very hard to deal with. I am human, not perfect, but willing to learn to forget and forgive with God's wisdom. Was it difficult? Yah I admit it was way too difficult to handle by my human flesh and brain, but with God's wisdom, some how rather, the solution was easy, and guess what I question God one time I said: This is Your solution?. Why didn't I think of that?. You see what I mean, that the sort of solution He will provide for me. This was way too easy and cute.
What happened: I was very upset about the person which happens to be someone too close, that it hurt sometimes to know the truth of the person, Oh well..... long story shorter... I asked God is this a test on me my Lord?. Are You telling me something? Do You want me to learnt something from here? Irregardless I gave up to Him, and I grew stronger with God. I prayed like never before, faithfully that is. Poof!! There’s the answer. I forgive and moved on. And thanking him, and I’ll remember this always He puts me into situation for me to walk faithfully with Him. Amen to that!
Question 2: What has transacted between you and God this weekend?
Oh Father heart of God!!!!. I will never forget what I experienced in the BMEW. Before I begin with that, I want to share from where I came from...... being the eldest in the family with 2 other younger sisters, I was to set example to those 2. When I was 7, my mom died, my whole family crashed into an accident that no one would imagine. Me, my sister, dad, mom, and a cousin. Mom passed away on the spot. My sister was 3 then. Well, without my mom's knowledge, my dad had an affair with another lady while my mom was still alive. Not a year later he married this lady, now by that time she was conceiving. Was this God's plan? To take away my mom so that the one growing in the lady's womb would live? I only knew how to ask these sort of question when I was a teenager.
We started to call her mummy, as we were told to do so. Well beginning it was beautiful love and caring .... But when my stepsister arrived to the world.... everything was gone......dust. I was only 7, and my sister was 3. For a long long long time I wanted revenge I kept in my heart so long to get rid of our new mom. What was God trying to do? I still don't know. Well at the time none of my family was Christian. Not even now. I also tried to commit suicide, at the age of 16, it was so painful for me. I was isolated from everything, except school and stuff, I was torched mentally, I always see other children with their mother hugs and loving each other so dearly, I long to have that, but I couldn't. We used to argue, fight, we hardly talk, we only use few word. My dad: because he had to provide for the family, he will not be home all the time. He's a workaholic, so he lets my step mom, to handle everything. Hardly see him. Guess who do I talk to about my personal things? Yup friends... and what influence they had on me.... all great, they were nice, they are the only one I got to for problems. They always say: Jaya you come to school you joke with us, you smile, you make us laugh, but you do this only because you are so hurt inside. Very true of what they said. I became an entertainer to most people, but my friends knew my problems, they have seen situation in the house, these are my most precious friends, an I value them. However as time past by, I was 18 going 19 already, I was always called a "su-eh", a bad luck to the family, my step mom believes in palm reading, and astrology, so she got some one to read mine, and it was said, that I will never let a family live happily, I will have the guts to separate a husband and wife. Something happen I was leading life very immorally, and dad got to know about it, so did my stepmother, and soon the whole "kampung". My step mom and I had fight over another issue and it went physical, from then on I never talked to her ever. All I ever wanted at the time was death or my own mother back. 1997 my dad, step mom, and her daughter migrated to India, Bombay for 5 years and my stepsister and I were close during childhood, but she was always being taken away from me. Heartache. Oh well time passed by until one day I met Jeremy my husband, things started to change in me, cos I saw hope again, God's plan? Maybe. I saw the sister communicated, father communicated with respect, and so did Jeremy's mom. Oh she has such a darling heart! I started to think, what must I do, to patch up my family again? At this time I was a free thinker. Thinking back again whose fault was all this? Dad’s, step mom’s, me?. This is what happened to a family most of the time, when they are free thinker, my dad especially, never believed that there is God. He claimed he was God! WOW!!!. Well as time passed by many things has happened since, things resolved between me and my stepmother, this happened when my grandmother passed away. I greeted her and it all begins from there. My dad was the happiest person, I saw smile on his face again. That joy that I never seen before. My stepsister, we are great together, so is my own sister. I always wonder why me in this situation, everything was a jigsaw puzzle with no clue how to put the pieces together. my dad and I never had the time together, I know he loves me dearly, a lot, actually, but he never shows, he’s always busy, busy, making money. I crave so much for his time. Want to tell him a lot of things. Everything. But he’s never there. I love my dad so much!!! . After so long I realised it’s a blessing in disguise that things are happening that way. Me and my step mom are so close now. Things went so well and still is. And after becoming a Christian, as the commandments tells us, about respecting our parents. I repent that I will never again break the commandments.
At the BMEW ( ok ok i know it was long , but must tell the root story first mah). So as I was saying, at the BMEW, I prayed to the Lord, show me your Heart father. Guess what: I was standing with an umbrella which was black. And at the path there was this man, smiling at me welcoming me in. I went in, left the umbrella I saw a tall man huge and I was small, still adult but small, and he’s just so pure. I saw everything white, pillars white in colour, and it was a happy feeling. The man that ushered me in sat at the side of the pillars, and this huge man started to lift me up, playing with me, and I was smiling away laughing, he also carried me on his back, like piggy back. And were running around in circles, and the man sitting there was clapping his hands. It was so fast. He gave me a big huge hug, it was very comforting, and loving, I knew then Father loves me, and he knows what I long for, despite all the thing that had happened to me, he really knows it was hard for me, and he loves me. Soon I was moving backwards, and I felt strange, and he was waving at me, bye bye. I said don't go. He said don't worry, I’m there for you. All this happened even before pastor Chris sensed it. How did that happened? I have no idea. This has reminded me to appreciate my father more. even though he is not by my side. I only get to see him like once a year, for 3 days the most. And he’s back to work in Nigeria. transferred from India just in case you’re wondering. Oh Father heart of God!!!!. He has showed me great love!! And I really mean it. I grew up in the absence of my earthly father and mother, but growing the presence of my heavenly father. Amen.
Question 3 : How did you feel before and after the Encounter Weekend?
I felt blessed, for having sisters and brothers in Christ, so many of them, especially my praying partner. Well it was very peaceful, everyone was transparent to one another. I felt more confident in my daily walk with the Lord, and I was nervous before coming to BMEW, but also happy, get away , meet new people, fun. All that.
Practically blur before coming, don' know what’s gonna happened. But it went well.
Question 4 : Why should others attend the Encounter Weekend.
Well one will feel the difference of encounter with God and what will happen after that is what’s most important, and you know what until today I am stunned by what God has showed me, I'm speechless!!! For once. !!! It will not only benefit anyone by knowledge, it will for sure benefit our spirit. And for people who loves fun, laughter, jokes, discoveries, this is the place. Weekend away is really taking the mind away from everything, for us just to be with God. Amen.
Well...... (When it comes to this sort of question...... I panic),
A) About sin.
B) What Jesus has done for me on the cross?
C) Dealing with baggage and bondages.
Talking about sin, at this point of time in my life, I know how much I have sinned against God. But however it was not so bad as before I accepted Christ. At least now I know if I sin, I sin against God and that will help me to ponder should I do of I do not . Whereas before it was like: Who cares. Or who will know? .... Sort of thing. You know what I mean.
About Jesus died for my sins, well, it is very heart aching when I saw passion of Christ, I can never imagine my son dying for the world, what more my Heavenly Father who send Him: Jesus to earth just to save us, that show how much he is willing to sacrifice, I felt ashamed of myself, sometimes I think do I deserved to be saved?
Dealing with bondages and baggage, for me it was very hard to deal with. I am human, not perfect, but willing to learn to forget and forgive with God's wisdom. Was it difficult? Yah I admit it was way too difficult to handle by my human flesh and brain, but with God's wisdom, some how rather, the solution was easy, and guess what I question God one time I said: This is Your solution?. Why didn't I think of that?. You see what I mean, that the sort of solution He will provide for me. This was way too easy and cute.
What happened: I was very upset about the person which happens to be someone too close, that it hurt sometimes to know the truth of the person, Oh well..... long story shorter... I asked God is this a test on me my Lord?. Are You telling me something? Do You want me to learnt something from here? Irregardless I gave up to Him, and I grew stronger with God. I prayed like never before, faithfully that is. Poof!! There’s the answer. I forgive and moved on. And thanking him, and I’ll remember this always He puts me into situation for me to walk faithfully with Him. Amen to that!
Question 2: What has transacted between you and God this weekend?
Oh Father heart of God!!!!. I will never forget what I experienced in the BMEW. Before I begin with that, I want to share from where I came from...... being the eldest in the family with 2 other younger sisters, I was to set example to those 2. When I was 7, my mom died, my whole family crashed into an accident that no one would imagine. Me, my sister, dad, mom, and a cousin. Mom passed away on the spot. My sister was 3 then. Well, without my mom's knowledge, my dad had an affair with another lady while my mom was still alive. Not a year later he married this lady, now by that time she was conceiving. Was this God's plan? To take away my mom so that the one growing in the lady's womb would live? I only knew how to ask these sort of question when I was a teenager.
We started to call her mummy, as we were told to do so. Well beginning it was beautiful love and caring .... But when my stepsister arrived to the world.... everything was gone......dust. I was only 7, and my sister was 3. For a long long long time I wanted revenge I kept in my heart so long to get rid of our new mom. What was God trying to do? I still don't know. Well at the time none of my family was Christian. Not even now. I also tried to commit suicide, at the age of 16, it was so painful for me. I was isolated from everything, except school and stuff, I was torched mentally, I always see other children with their mother hugs and loving each other so dearly, I long to have that, but I couldn't. We used to argue, fight, we hardly talk, we only use few word. My dad: because he had to provide for the family, he will not be home all the time. He's a workaholic, so he lets my step mom, to handle everything. Hardly see him. Guess who do I talk to about my personal things? Yup friends... and what influence they had on me.... all great, they were nice, they are the only one I got to for problems. They always say: Jaya you come to school you joke with us, you smile, you make us laugh, but you do this only because you are so hurt inside. Very true of what they said. I became an entertainer to most people, but my friends knew my problems, they have seen situation in the house, these are my most precious friends, an I value them. However as time past by, I was 18 going 19 already, I was always called a "su-eh", a bad luck to the family, my step mom believes in palm reading, and astrology, so she got some one to read mine, and it was said, that I will never let a family live happily, I will have the guts to separate a husband and wife. Something happen I was leading life very immorally, and dad got to know about it, so did my stepmother, and soon the whole "kampung". My step mom and I had fight over another issue and it went physical, from then on I never talked to her ever. All I ever wanted at the time was death or my own mother back. 1997 my dad, step mom, and her daughter migrated to India, Bombay for 5 years and my stepsister and I were close during childhood, but she was always being taken away from me. Heartache. Oh well time passed by until one day I met Jeremy my husband, things started to change in me, cos I saw hope again, God's plan? Maybe. I saw the sister communicated, father communicated with respect, and so did Jeremy's mom. Oh she has such a darling heart! I started to think, what must I do, to patch up my family again? At this time I was a free thinker. Thinking back again whose fault was all this? Dad’s, step mom’s, me?. This is what happened to a family most of the time, when they are free thinker, my dad especially, never believed that there is God. He claimed he was God! WOW!!!. Well as time passed by many things has happened since, things resolved between me and my stepmother, this happened when my grandmother passed away. I greeted her and it all begins from there. My dad was the happiest person, I saw smile on his face again. That joy that I never seen before. My stepsister, we are great together, so is my own sister. I always wonder why me in this situation, everything was a jigsaw puzzle with no clue how to put the pieces together. my dad and I never had the time together, I know he loves me dearly, a lot, actually, but he never shows, he’s always busy, busy, making money. I crave so much for his time. Want to tell him a lot of things. Everything. But he’s never there. I love my dad so much!!! . After so long I realised it’s a blessing in disguise that things are happening that way. Me and my step mom are so close now. Things went so well and still is. And after becoming a Christian, as the commandments tells us, about respecting our parents. I repent that I will never again break the commandments.
At the BMEW ( ok ok i know it was long , but must tell the root story first mah). So as I was saying, at the BMEW, I prayed to the Lord, show me your Heart father. Guess what: I was standing with an umbrella which was black. And at the path there was this man, smiling at me welcoming me in. I went in, left the umbrella I saw a tall man huge and I was small, still adult but small, and he’s just so pure. I saw everything white, pillars white in colour, and it was a happy feeling. The man that ushered me in sat at the side of the pillars, and this huge man started to lift me up, playing with me, and I was smiling away laughing, he also carried me on his back, like piggy back. And were running around in circles, and the man sitting there was clapping his hands. It was so fast. He gave me a big huge hug, it was very comforting, and loving, I knew then Father loves me, and he knows what I long for, despite all the thing that had happened to me, he really knows it was hard for me, and he loves me. Soon I was moving backwards, and I felt strange, and he was waving at me, bye bye. I said don't go. He said don't worry, I’m there for you. All this happened even before pastor Chris sensed it. How did that happened? I have no idea. This has reminded me to appreciate my father more. even though he is not by my side. I only get to see him like once a year, for 3 days the most. And he’s back to work in Nigeria. transferred from India just in case you’re wondering. Oh Father heart of God!!!!. He has showed me great love!! And I really mean it. I grew up in the absence of my earthly father and mother, but growing the presence of my heavenly father. Amen.
Question 3 : How did you feel before and after the Encounter Weekend?
I felt blessed, for having sisters and brothers in Christ, so many of them, especially my praying partner. Well it was very peaceful, everyone was transparent to one another. I felt more confident in my daily walk with the Lord, and I was nervous before coming to BMEW, but also happy, get away , meet new people, fun. All that.
Practically blur before coming, don' know what’s gonna happened. But it went well.
Question 4 : Why should others attend the Encounter Weekend.
Well one will feel the difference of encounter with God and what will happen after that is what’s most important, and you know what until today I am stunned by what God has showed me, I'm speechless!!! For once. !!! It will not only benefit anyone by knowledge, it will for sure benefit our spirit. And for people who loves fun, laughter, jokes, discoveries, this is the place. Weekend away is really taking the mind away from everything, for us just to be with God. Amen.
Jamie Leong (CG-Ng Thian Ser-PJS2)
I was indeed blessed during the BMEW. Initially I find the church is too legalistic in setting this requirement for membership intake. However God actually rebuked and opened my mind to see the heart of the leadership for the people. Please forgive me for my wrong attitude. (Maybe the title of the weekend can be changed to avoid misunderstanding, i.e. Encountering God Weekend...)
The most important spiritual lesson I have learnt is the Father heart of God. I grew up without a close relationship with my earthly father. My father lost his own father when he was very young. He did not have a good role model of being a father. After I accepted Christ, I began to experience Fatherly love but somehow my understanding of God the Father has been marred by my experiences with my earthly father. There is constant fear that I need to please my Heavenly Father and I'm not worthy of being His child. During the 1st session, I could feel God embracing me and telling me how much He loves me unconditionally. I felt He power hug me through my sharing partner. This was the first time I felt being hugged by my Father.
During the weekend, I felt the need to bring before God some issues in my life. One main issue in my life is unforgiveness, or fear of rejection. Many times I tried and I thought I managed to but again and again I failed God. I was afraid to fail God again but He actually assured me that it is not by my might or my strenght. But as long as I surrender it and willing to put down my pride, He will help me to overcome it. During the weekend, I find no peace, a few faces keep coming to my mind that I know I need to forgive and accept them the way they are. On Monday morning God actually granted me an oportunity to reconcile with my friend whom I've hurt. It is such a wonderful feeling to leave behind my baggages. There is breakthrough in relationship.
Every session indeed is a precious encounter with God. Knowing how He carries our sins on the cross break my heart and help to deter me from adding one more sin to Jesus on the cross.
I would encourage all those I know to go for the weekend encounter because it enriches and renew my journey with God. I will still attend it if I have a chance again.
Thank you Pastor Chris. I'm really blessed.
The most important spiritual lesson I have learnt is the Father heart of God. I grew up without a close relationship with my earthly father. My father lost his own father when he was very young. He did not have a good role model of being a father. After I accepted Christ, I began to experience Fatherly love but somehow my understanding of God the Father has been marred by my experiences with my earthly father. There is constant fear that I need to please my Heavenly Father and I'm not worthy of being His child. During the 1st session, I could feel God embracing me and telling me how much He loves me unconditionally. I felt He power hug me through my sharing partner. This was the first time I felt being hugged by my Father.
During the weekend, I felt the need to bring before God some issues in my life. One main issue in my life is unforgiveness, or fear of rejection. Many times I tried and I thought I managed to but again and again I failed God. I was afraid to fail God again but He actually assured me that it is not by my might or my strenght. But as long as I surrender it and willing to put down my pride, He will help me to overcome it. During the weekend, I find no peace, a few faces keep coming to my mind that I know I need to forgive and accept them the way they are. On Monday morning God actually granted me an oportunity to reconcile with my friend whom I've hurt. It is such a wonderful feeling to leave behind my baggages. There is breakthrough in relationship.
Every session indeed is a precious encounter with God. Knowing how He carries our sins on the cross break my heart and help to deter me from adding one more sin to Jesus on the cross.
I would encourage all those I know to go for the weekend encounter because it enriches and renew my journey with God. I will still attend it if I have a chance again.
Thank you Pastor Chris. I'm really blessed.
Ernest Ang (CG-Maureen Ooi-XYZ)
BMEW had been a tremendous weekend for me. I had learnt more about God throughout all the session in BMEW.
One most important lesson that I have learnt was when we sin against Him, we are actually grieving God's heart. Besides, when we sin, we are actually putting one more pain on Jesus when he was hung on the cross. Jesus had sacrificed Himself for us, so if we really love Him, then we should do more good work and not sin against God.
What has transacted between me and God was our relationship is getting closer and I had been more understanding and recognize Him more.
Before the BMEW, I was still thinking whether I should come for the BMEW because I think that I am not so well prepared yet. But after the BMEW, I noticed that I was actually ready and prepared to encounter with God and BMEW had really been a blessing to me.
Attending BMEW is an encounter with God that very hard to do in our normal busy life and in BMEW, you get to encounter and communicate with God for a longer period than usual.
Lastly, I pray that more people will just willing to spare two days and attend the BMEW just to encounter with God.
Stefan Yap (CG-Leong Wai Teng-PJN1)
I've only been attending DUMC's celebrations for less than 6 months but I knew within the first couple of weeks that this was a church that I would like to grow with. Although I really wanted to become a member of DUMC and I fully agree with the membership transfer process, I'd gone to the weekend feeling a little apprehensive (of what would happen at the weekend) and tireness (I'd not been sleeping well for the fortnight leading up to the BMEW because I was troubled over several issues). However, I was feeling much better by dinner time and I went away from the weekend feeling uplifted and free of all burdens (I also had a really good night's sleep).
The lessons taught me to deal with my baggage and bondages through the power of the Cross. I literally felt the burden lifted off my shoulders that night when I wrote down my sins on the piece of paper and dropped it into the box. The lessons also helped me to understand the heart of our Father and the pain that He feels every time we sinned against Him.
The Encounter Weekend sets a solid foundation to our walk and growth with the Lord. It also helps to put our lives into perspective; instead of running in the "rat race" of life chasing worldly treasures, we should look towards eternal gifts by running and finishing well in God's race.
Thank you again for the wonderful weekend of encountering our Lord. I look forward to becoming a member of DUMC and serving its community.
Jeremy Hsu (CG-Kelvin Yong-PJN1)
(Spiritual Age as of Aug 2004 - 5 months)
One Most Important Spiritual Lesson I Have Learnt
I would say it is truely knowing about The Father Heart of God.
I have to confess that before this, I had my own interpretation of who God is. That, I have to admit is quite off the mark after knowing who He is, His heart. I has been trying to understand Him through my past experiences, of other religions. I misunderstood God as ever ready to catch us in mistakes and punishes us for that. Once our "performance" is not up to his expectation, we are being brushed aside until we make good the mistakes again.
This is a very important paradigm shift and I consider this as a life changing lesson for me. I encountered God in a very emotional environment. I could not contain my feeling as God has really touched me. I felt the hug of the Father so real that I did not want it to end.
I always feel that I am not worthy of His love and hence always have doubt whether or not God hears me when I talk to him, can I truly surrender all my problems and difficulties to Him and trust His loving hand. That moment, however, change my heart. I encounter God's heart for me through the parable of the prodigal son. When I truly understand His heart, everything changes. Praising and worshiping God is so much more meaningful. Sinning is not just another mistake. I understand how we must have hurt Him, so much. At the same time, I now truly understand the joy that fills His heart when we choose to spend quiet time with Him. That is the sure way to understand the father heart of God.
With this foundation of understanding alone, I know that my daily walk with the Lord is not going to be the same again. This lifts up my faith in Him and grow in strenght with Him who truly loves me. Knowing the father heart of God fills me with ever flowing love that I cannot keep within myself and I am eager to share it as my cup is overflowing. I walk with high esteem and self confidence knowing that God truly loves me.
Between Me and God
God showed me His heart, His love and His grace.
This encounter is so strong and so real that I can't help sharing it with people around me. God puts so many different characters within our midst and showed me that each and every one of us can be his instrument, effectively. Through each and every one's testimony, I felt as if God is telling me something and I did not want to miss it. I wrote down what other sisters and brothers had shared and later meditate on the message that God is telling me. God showed me the power of love. The power of our loving God brought all of us together in a short time of less than 30 hours, effectively. I am amazed. This is the answer to the unity in families, societies and nations. I have no doubt in that. On a personal level, I will pray that God will present to me opportunities for salvation of all my family members. I long to create such bond in my family.
God also taught me that as a human being, we naturally choose to handle things our own way. Hence, it is important to spend time with Him. I truly enjoyed those moment where we meditate on His Word and listen to Him through our hearts. However, God also remind me not to under estimate our ability to sin. Even having our daily quiet time can be quite an up hill task. Obeying and seeking Him is a deliberate effort. Not a natural tendency.
Before And After The Encounter Weekend
I am not the same.
After understanding the father heart of God, I am empowered to live to the fullest, to grow daily in strenght with Him and my faith level has been lifted up so much and I now need to share this wonderful experience with others.
Pastor Chris teaching on meditating on Psalm 23 has helped me a lot in surrendering myself to Him fully. I have shared this with a cell member who is under fear and anxiety. I believe I have blessed him by sharing with him how this Psalm has helped me in time of uncertainty. I find real comfort in trusting God. I am eager to share the good news to the unbeliever, sharing with them this wonderful testimony. Suddenly my faith overcome my fear of sharing, even with strangers.
I now live life with more fulfillment as I understand that every small step that I make to walk closely with Jesus brings God 100 steps closer to me. I make small and insignificant steps and decision in obeying Him brings smile on Him and that picture truly enlighten my life. I consider myself living more purposefully with the confidence that God is keeping watch on me. His hands is a loving hand that molds me into fulfilling His purpose for me, and I can't wait to see the positive impact in my life.
After knowing about the father heart of God, I am more careful in conducting myself. This directly lead to a better relationship with my wife. I really appreciate every things, small or otherwise, that she has done for me. It is out of true love. I learn to understand her heart too. I am learning everyday the father heart of God implementing into our relationship. My daily walk with Jesus is just as before, one step at a time, but with powerful leap in each step !
The Encouter Weekend - No Word Can Describe
Others' testimonies mean nothing to a person if he has not attended the BMEW.
Fisrt of all, forget about the membership part. It is more than that. I believe it is a very important event in our spiritual birth (or re-birth). You will not be the same again, guaranteed ! This weekend touches heart, not head. Never have I experienced God being so real. So intense. Amazing thing is that, God will touch each and every one of you, personally, with experience that only you, with your own unique self and background can testify to it. All of us encountered God during that weekend but Not The Same !
I testify that this encounter provides me a foundation to build my faith on, it is built on solid rock. It is definitely a platform for spiritual breakthrough.
Many of us shared that God has cleary shown His plan for us, not the whole plan (we will not be able to handle it anyway), but the next step. Have you ever wondered or asked God this question: "What am I to do next?" or "Where should I go from here?" I strongly believe that if you attend this with an open and prayerful heart, God will lead you to your next step in your walk with the Christ Jesus. There are people who testified that God lead them to making major decision in their life during the Encounter Weekend !
Nothing like experiencing it yourself. How many times have you wondered if God is really there? Attend the Encounter Weekend and cast your shadow of doubt once and for all.
I believe my wife and I have been greatly blessed by attending this Encounter Weekend. We are grateful that Pastor Chris you spent your valuable time to help us.
I would say it is truely knowing about The Father Heart of God.
I have to confess that before this, I had my own interpretation of who God is. That, I have to admit is quite off the mark after knowing who He is, His heart. I has been trying to understand Him through my past experiences, of other religions. I misunderstood God as ever ready to catch us in mistakes and punishes us for that. Once our "performance" is not up to his expectation, we are being brushed aside until we make good the mistakes again.
This is a very important paradigm shift and I consider this as a life changing lesson for me. I encountered God in a very emotional environment. I could not contain my feeling as God has really touched me. I felt the hug of the Father so real that I did not want it to end.
I always feel that I am not worthy of His love and hence always have doubt whether or not God hears me when I talk to him, can I truly surrender all my problems and difficulties to Him and trust His loving hand. That moment, however, change my heart. I encounter God's heart for me through the parable of the prodigal son. When I truly understand His heart, everything changes. Praising and worshiping God is so much more meaningful. Sinning is not just another mistake. I understand how we must have hurt Him, so much. At the same time, I now truly understand the joy that fills His heart when we choose to spend quiet time with Him. That is the sure way to understand the father heart of God.
With this foundation of understanding alone, I know that my daily walk with the Lord is not going to be the same again. This lifts up my faith in Him and grow in strenght with Him who truly loves me. Knowing the father heart of God fills me with ever flowing love that I cannot keep within myself and I am eager to share it as my cup is overflowing. I walk with high esteem and self confidence knowing that God truly loves me.
Between Me and God
God showed me His heart, His love and His grace.
This encounter is so strong and so real that I can't help sharing it with people around me. God puts so many different characters within our midst and showed me that each and every one of us can be his instrument, effectively. Through each and every one's testimony, I felt as if God is telling me something and I did not want to miss it. I wrote down what other sisters and brothers had shared and later meditate on the message that God is telling me. God showed me the power of love. The power of our loving God brought all of us together in a short time of less than 30 hours, effectively. I am amazed. This is the answer to the unity in families, societies and nations. I have no doubt in that. On a personal level, I will pray that God will present to me opportunities for salvation of all my family members. I long to create such bond in my family.
God also taught me that as a human being, we naturally choose to handle things our own way. Hence, it is important to spend time with Him. I truly enjoyed those moment where we meditate on His Word and listen to Him through our hearts. However, God also remind me not to under estimate our ability to sin. Even having our daily quiet time can be quite an up hill task. Obeying and seeking Him is a deliberate effort. Not a natural tendency.
Before And After The Encounter Weekend
I am not the same.
After understanding the father heart of God, I am empowered to live to the fullest, to grow daily in strenght with Him and my faith level has been lifted up so much and I now need to share this wonderful experience with others.
Pastor Chris teaching on meditating on Psalm 23 has helped me a lot in surrendering myself to Him fully. I have shared this with a cell member who is under fear and anxiety. I believe I have blessed him by sharing with him how this Psalm has helped me in time of uncertainty. I find real comfort in trusting God. I am eager to share the good news to the unbeliever, sharing with them this wonderful testimony. Suddenly my faith overcome my fear of sharing, even with strangers.
I now live life with more fulfillment as I understand that every small step that I make to walk closely with Jesus brings God 100 steps closer to me. I make small and insignificant steps and decision in obeying Him brings smile on Him and that picture truly enlighten my life. I consider myself living more purposefully with the confidence that God is keeping watch on me. His hands is a loving hand that molds me into fulfilling His purpose for me, and I can't wait to see the positive impact in my life.
After knowing about the father heart of God, I am more careful in conducting myself. This directly lead to a better relationship with my wife. I really appreciate every things, small or otherwise, that she has done for me. It is out of true love. I learn to understand her heart too. I am learning everyday the father heart of God implementing into our relationship. My daily walk with Jesus is just as before, one step at a time, but with powerful leap in each step !
The Encouter Weekend - No Word Can Describe
Others' testimonies mean nothing to a person if he has not attended the BMEW.
Fisrt of all, forget about the membership part. It is more than that. I believe it is a very important event in our spiritual birth (or re-birth). You will not be the same again, guaranteed ! This weekend touches heart, not head. Never have I experienced God being so real. So intense. Amazing thing is that, God will touch each and every one of you, personally, with experience that only you, with your own unique self and background can testify to it. All of us encountered God during that weekend but Not The Same !
I testify that this encounter provides me a foundation to build my faith on, it is built on solid rock. It is definitely a platform for spiritual breakthrough.
Many of us shared that God has cleary shown His plan for us, not the whole plan (we will not be able to handle it anyway), but the next step. Have you ever wondered or asked God this question: "What am I to do next?" or "Where should I go from here?" I strongly believe that if you attend this with an open and prayerful heart, God will lead you to your next step in your walk with the Christ Jesus. There are people who testified that God lead them to making major decision in their life during the Encounter Weekend !
Nothing like experiencing it yourself. How many times have you wondered if God is really there? Attend the Encounter Weekend and cast your shadow of doubt once and for all.
I believe my wife and I have been greatly blessed by attending this Encounter Weekend. We are grateful that Pastor Chris you spent your valuable time to help us.
Steve Leong (CG-Ng Thian Ser-PJS2)
l've been blessed so many ways in this BMEW. Most importantly, i've refocused on the Father's love from a new perspective. Instead of me striving to learn about God's goodness, He is the one who's longing to make me acceptable and 'sweet' to Him. My Father is ever ready to receive me with gladness whenever i run back to Him...overshadowing my reluctance to turn back, at times.
God has shown me of his unconditional love. I know i don't need to hide anything at all. He already knew the events when i'm going to stray..and i just thank Him for His grace and mercy.
This BMEW had been way more interesting than what i had anticipated. l've just been reminded afresh about the fundamental truth of this precious faith i have been embracing for 26 years..and i love Jesus even more after this encounter weekend.
This is beneficial not just to new believers. People who have been walking long with the Lord ought to renew and refresh their perspective of our Father's loving heart.
Thanks Pastor Chris, for taking us through this precious experience.
Benny Liew (CG-Lam LY-PJS1)
First of all, I just want to give all glory and thanks to my personal Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ for always being there for me. He has never failed me and I guess will never will. I am nothing without the one who saved me. It was my decision to finally attend BMEW and transfer my membership from Sitiawan Wesley where I spent most of my growing up in faith. However, although I know I can always serve God no matter where I am but being a member in DUMC will guide me to serve God more purposefully in KL and the rest of the world.
Time and time again God never cease to let me know that He is always there for me. I've been reminded that I should let go of my worries and let God work in me. I love the session where by I wrote whatever burdens I have and cast it into a box signifying that I placed it in God's hands and just let go. Having sharing partners has also motivated and encouraged me greatly for I know God has also worked in the lives of others and we are all in the same race.
Being in BMEW has re-energized me to serve Him completely and turn from my sinful ways. I know now that by hurting my spirit, I have grieved God's own heart. I want to be the man who does not walk on the grass because he loves the grass.
I will certainly and have encouraged few of my brothers and sisters to attend BMEW because we will be equipped with the right mind, heart and soul to serve God fully without any doubt or confusion.
Eric Tan (CG-Arthur Ngo-KL)
First and foremost, thank God that I made it for this particular BMEW! Indeed I learnt and experienced much from the Encounter Weekend. Short as it may seem, it has indeed opened my eyes, ears and heart to the things that God wants to reveal to me. Something inside me tells me that this is 'my' BMEW, that this session was the one I was meant to attend, not another one down the road.
One thing that struck me most during those two days was Lesson 1 itself. Father's Heart. Having been a Christian for a handful of years, I know quite well, to a certain extent, my 'responsibilities' as a Christian... many things I do/don't do to please my creator, but is it more out of responsibility or out of love? I love God, no doubt about that... but I guess more light was shed on this issue during the Encounter Weekend. In being a child of God, I should know and feel His heart. What he likes, dislikes, what grieves Him, what makes him happy etc... just like my earthly father, my actions, decision, should be those that my Father in Heaven pleased. I should to no ends, do anything against His will, sin, so much so as to grieve His heart. At the end of the two days, I now want so much to build my relationship with Him, to know Him and His heart more and more. I want to be a good child.
The Encounter Weekend has also helped me shed some of my doubts in certain 'grey areas' of Christianity. I think that Ps Chris did an excellent job expounding some matters which are often debated. Indeed, it is hard to move on in our Christian faith if we are doubtful. Of course, having said this, we should also be well equipped with God's word so that we are not easily deceived by the words of others that are not biblical. BMEW has done both for me.
The stand of DUMC in several matters was also discussed during over the weekend. I am indeed in full support of DUMC and am proud to be a member of DUMC. I know that I am meant to be part of this church as since joining, I have indeed grown in many aspects.
I went for BMEW rather excited. I was expecting lots of things to happen. Indeed, much happened for me. But more importantly, I know that more is to happen after BMEW.
I encourage others to attend Encounter Weekend. It's hard to put into words why, because it was a very personal experience for me. I trust it was the same for all those who attended. Just as what Ps Chris said... that's why it's called Encounter Weekend.
Wednesday, August 11, 2004
Ivy Soo (Admin Staff of DUMC)
LORD, Thank You for being so real in my life!
I was really excited before I came. I knew I am going to meet my Father and looking forward to dwell in His awesome presence again. If can, maybe sleep in his presence. Besides that, I also wanted to meet new people.
True enough, God was waiting for me. Before the 1st session, I was already in tears. I felt the presence of God and in my heart, I knew its going to be powerful session for all of us. I always believe the encounter with the Lord speaks volumes.
During the encounter, God brings me back to the same picture I have had. I believe I am still holding His hand walking in a walking path. But this time, He said “take your time walking with me”. My tears kept on rolling as I know what God was telling me. For months now, I have been trying hard and wanting to learn and equip myself fast. Guess what! I left God behind. J
Secondly, when we used the phrase “It’s my fault”, I am reminded again that I can’t change the circumstance but my response to the circumstance. God is more interested in my response to the situation i.e. I need to change and not hoping that the other person to change.
Thirdly, I am refreshed. I realised how blessed I am to be able to attend this encounter weekend. It really helps to recharge, regain my passion & last but not least to walk even closer with the Lord. So, my prayer is that all the CG leader will get their chance to go as it helps to recharge and get to see for themselves that, these are lives worth building.
Joey Mak (CG-Bernice Yip-PJS2)
I have learnt to know the Father’s heart. The Father’s heart that loves me and cares for me. He waits at the doorsteps for me to return to Him when I’ve have sinned or when I face any difficult situation in my life. The Father who so loved me until He sacrificed Jesus on the cross for me as my Redeemer for my past, present and future sins.
I also learnt to deal with burdens and baggages that I carry within me. These baggages and bondages have weighed me down many times; sometimes stopping me grow in Christ-likeness and at times this has developed into phobias and fears. I learnt that the Father wants me to release all the bondages and baggages in my life so that He may heal & forgive all I’ve done to hurt Him.
I have a new sense of belonging that I am truly a child of God. He is my shepherd and I will rely on Him for His strength to release all baggages.
I was very reluctant to come to BMEW and have put it off many times, However, my Cell members encouraged me to go. I thought to myself that I’m not ready to go for this baptism and membership of the church because I’ve phobias against water. I thought it would be boring and the usual dry topics about God, about church and etc.
Well! after going for the BMEW Encounter Weekend I found it was a very refreshing seminar where I’ve encountered God up close and personal. During the seminar, I’ve enjoyed God’s love and His presence in the room. I also felt touched and encouraged by the brother and sisterly love for one another and their sharing of testimonies. Although the seminar is too short I’ve enjoy their true friendship and my sharing partner Ivy Soo. Thank God for giving a good partner as we are transparent with each other to share our testimonials and to help to grow in Christ.
I encourage all new believers and non-members of the church to go for the BMEW Encounter Weekend with Pastor Chris Kam.They will be touched by God’s presence.
Special thank you to Pastor Chris Kam for being a good speaker, for your hard work and preparations as well as sharing with us your testimonies.
Sharon Tan (CG-Ashvin Raj-PJN1)
I decided to go for the Baptism and Membership Encounter Weekend because I want to be part of DUMC. However, during this weekend I gained much more than what I was expected.
The most important spiritual lesson I have learnt is to know the father heart of God. I was grown up in a broken family. My parents are divorced when I was a teenager. Grown up in an environment that saw my parents hating each other, and because of lack of love and care from them, I don’t understand what is love. During the session of The Father Heart of God, I was touched deeply by the parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-24), in verse 22, when the father put on the best clothes on the prodigal son to cover his dirt, I saw my hurts and pain in the past, all over my body and has been covered by my heavenly father’s love, although sometimes his love for me is beyond my comprehension, but I know that he has promised to heal me. Besides that, by His divine arrangement, I was pair up with my prayer partner Edna. She has a daughter exactly my age and same name as mine. She showed me that kind of motherly love which I always longing for. I really thank her that she reminds me of my mother, a woman that also longing for the children’s love.
God has also helped me to deal with rejection in the past which I never thought of that before. I surrendered my heart which is broken, imperfect and hardened into His hands, and He renew my heart with His softness and love. By God grace, I am not only encounter God’s healing but also received the gift of speak in tongue during this weekend. Give thanks to Pr. Chris and all brothers and sisters who had prayed for me and encouraged me.
After the Encounter Weekend, my heart felt so sweet and joy in the love and fellowship of Christ. I want to encourage those who haven’t attended the BMEW, go and bring an open heart to encounter God in very personal way.
Edna Ngo (Cell Leader's wife-Arthur Ngo-KL)
I want to thank you Pastor Chris for giving me this opportunity to attend the B.M.E.W. The very first session “The Father Heart of God” made such an impact that I could not wait to hear more of my Abba Father. It was a wonderful weekend well spent and greatly blessed. I was overwhelmed by the love and care showered by every individual.
My sharing and prayer partner over the weekend was Sharon Tan. God works in marvelous ways her name, character and mannerisms reminded me of my daughter. I was able to connect with her with no problems, I was able to sense the whole load and pain she was going through, and I just began to love her as my own daughter. Sharon assured me she will do her best to resume her relationship with her mom. I told myself that I will continue to pray for her and also keep this relationship with her.
In conclusion I just want to say that God definitely did something in all our hearts. He had opened His heart completely to us and showered us with his love and I know that we cannot be the same after this weekend being in His presence. I pray this love will stir and spur all my brothers and sisters especially my daughter in Christ (Sharon Tan) to a life worthy of our God. Thank You, Pastor Chris for being such a wonderful facilitator. Praise The Lord.
Alannah Cheah (CG-Ng Thian Ser-PJS2)
Thank God for the Encounter Weekend! It has been such a meaningful and fruitful weekend for me. We went through many spiritual lessons during this session and the most important lesson that I have learnt is how much our Heavenly Father loves us. Jesus loves us to the extent that He has to endure so much of pain and torture for our sins before He died. If He could suffer so much for mankind, why didn’t I ever do something for Him? All this while I used to complain how life can be so unfair to me as I need to struggle so hard to get something I long for and yet still not getting it. I used to envy how blessed other people are without realizing that the best thing in the world is actually already given to me, which is God’s love.
Before this, I always took God for granted. I felt frustrated and disappointed when my prayers were not answered or felt hurt when my needs were not met. I just expect what God can do for me and not what I can do for God . After attending BMEW I need to set my mindset right and take the step of faith. There was a lesson which we were told that God gets so hurt every time we sin and turn away from him and that was a strong impact on me. During the Encounter weekend, God’s presence was so powerful that I broke down and cried many times. I get to feel God is so close to me again.
How I wish the Encounter Weekend can be longer although I was reluctant to go initially. I feel like a brand new person again when I came back. from the retreat. We should encourage others to attend this as one can really come face to face with God. And as long as we keep our hearts opened, our bondages and sins in life can be dealt with and we will be set free by the grace of God.
Hannie Choong (CG-Spencer Lai-PJN4)
Prior to the BMEW, I was feeling quite nervous about attending it. I had been encouraged many times to go for it but every time some excuse or another would pop up. I know I had been procrastinating due to one real reason: fear of objection from my family. I’ve been to DUMC and the cell group for 2 years’ plus and I know it’s the right church for me. Some time this year, the Lord spoke to me about my disobedience to get baptized. I felt that I needed to go for it, although the fear is still in my heart.
After the BMEW, I was still undecided if I should get baptized immediately. I know I want to but I also want to have my family’s blessings. I guess I will leave the matter to God for now.
The sessions with Pastor Chris were pretty emotional for me, especially the session on ‘The Father Heart of God’ and ‘I Have Sinned Against the Lord.’ The reading of the parable of the prodigal son gave me much comfort. It was a reminder of how deep the Father’s love is …. for me. I’d been carrying a baggage of guilt for some time and I couldn’t bear to seek God, thus resulting in a period when I felt very dry (spiritually) and very distant from Him.
The session and our praying time at the end really showed me God’s love and reassured me that He has never left me, no matter how far I push Him away. I think what grieved Him most was not the sin that I had committed in the first place but that I had used that to keep myself distant. I know that He is faithful and just to forgive if I confess, which I already did. But I just couldn’t get past myself …. my guilt … especially when I repeated the sin. It is easy to put the blame on ‘my flesh is weak’ but sometimes I would feel so helpless and think that there is no hope for me. I shouldn’t be a child of God, not when I’m so lacking. I’m really thankful for His unfailing love.
The session on baptism also reminded me that I had not started out on a good and strong foundation. Perhaps that’s why I stalled. At the time when I felt myself back-sliding, God led me to a new believer and showed me what it was like to be on fire for Him again. I always thought water baptism is just ‘for show’ to the world that I am a Christian and that it didn’t matter as long as I believe in my heart that I am. Coming out from BMEW, I think and believe that both baptism (water and of the Holy Spirit) is equally important for us to claim the power of Christ in our lives.
I know things are not going to turn rosy or go all right just because I get baptized. But I know it’s a kick-start to the only way of life ~ to have His assurance, His strength and His love to guide me in each step of my life.
Suzanne Lai (CG-Spencer Lai-PJN4)
Feelings of anticipation, apprehension and mixed feelings were felt a few days before the BMEW. I expected a whole day of basic bible doctrine lessons and church vision. However, I was unexpectedly surprise that it was a relaxing and fun event. People were warm and friendly. Although I went there with my CG mate, Hannie (the only person I knew going for BMEW), I made new friends with the people we took a lift to and fro from Sepang, Gim Bee and Paul Lim; my room mate, Sharon Tan; and last but not least, Lovena Loo, my sharing partner.
I felt God’s presence to be very real from the moment we started our 1st session’s topic, on “Father – Heart of God”. Having a reassurance that God forgives us and accepts us when we repent of our ways is comforting. It shows God’s love is immeasurable and unconditional. I saw a picture of Jesus, bending down to kiss me on my forehead as a sign of love and affection. I saw myself as a small little girl holding Jesus hands and tugging to go the opposite way as I saw something attractive in the distant, showed at times I was distracted and wanted to see what was on the other side of the road. In life I too behave that way, at times going astray from Him. The session reminds me that my wayward actions grieve Jesus’s heart and I have to repent and bring all my baggages to the Cross daily.
After the BMEW, I felt calmer and at ease. When I arrived home, my mother noticed that I was happier during dinner. As compared to other camps when I usually am a bit grumpy due to tiredness (lack of sleep at camp). I thought it must have been due to the fact that I was touched and renewed by the Holy Spirit for the last 2 days.
I encourage others to attend BMEW if they have the opportunity and not delay it. To expect the unexpected from God. It is not just merely to get baptized and enter into the membership of the church but it is also to spend time away to encounter God among family members.
Lovena Loo Thing Peng (CG-Arthur Ngo-KL)
1. What is one most important spiritual lesson I have learnt?
One wrong action will cause you a lifetime of consequences or maybe more than a lifetime. God may forgive you but consequences still goes down the history.
2. What has transacted between you and God this weekend?
“I will be with you whatever the consequences are.”
3. How did you feel before and after the Encounter Weekend?
a. It bleeds HIS heart when bad decisions/action made.
b. Actions & words of a father/mother can alter the child’s entire life and cause of actions.
Have deeper thoughts before my actions and words before I utter. Then I will cause less hurts and I will sin less.
4. Why should others attend the Encounter Weekend?
Those who want to starts living with less baggage and wants know HIM and HIS heart should attend. This weekend will help one to jump start the process.
Lai Yin Key (CG-Arthur Ngo-KL)
I thank the Lord for this divine appointment to BMEW, to learn a precious lesson there i.e. to realize that it grieves God’s heart when I sin.
I thought I have fully grasped the meaning of repentance as a child of God. Each time I fail a test God gave me, I thought it is all right so long I feel sorry and had given my “best effort” to pass the test. And I thought, ‘Well, the Lord would anyway keep giving me the same test until I pass it one day, so just take it easy. I have a long way more to go and lots of time still.’
Now I see from God’s point of view, and I too see from my earthly father’s point of view. Whenever now I am bound to sin, I think twice and make more conscious effort to resist the devil and keep my way pure, and not taking it lightly. Besides that, I now realize there are many similarities in my relationship with my earthly father as in with Father in heaven, and as a result I become more aware of how the way I behave toward Abba Father. It is time to grow up, to feel His heart and to share His burden, not merely asking Abba Father to meet my needs and be ignorant towards His feelings.
The Lord never fails to amaze us with His ways, from His divine arrangements to bring us together in BMEW, coupling of sharing partners and room mates, to His work in our hearts as we encountered Him during the weekend. If one wants to experience the amazing work of God in his life, come for the BMEW. He will see God’s hands moving even before he decides to sign up for it, all the way right through the weekend and forevermore.
All glory be to Him!
Lynn Goh (CG-Lina Hoo-PJN3)
God has thought me a lot of lessons in my life but I think I’ve only realized or understood a lot of them this BMEW. I felt that He really spoke and prodded at me through Pastor’s sessions and allowed me to cast aside some burdens I’ve been trying to carry myself in my Christian walk. It’s strange but I think often I was trying too hard to be a Christian without Christ’s help! I tell Him, “Yes Lord. I know what you want from me so don’t worry- I’ll get it sorted out by myself and then come to see you after.”
The biggest lesson I learnt is that He really is in total control, not because the bible or the pastors say He is but because He really is and nothing I can do or say or rationalize can change how He sees me. No matter how many times I fall, fail or have doubts, at the end of it all if I still want to follow Him, He’ll pick me up and help me.
I came to the Encounter Weekend expecting to just complete another church requirement so I can go ahead to become a full-fledged, cert carrying Christian and carry on with my life but I left a little humbled, a little wiser and full of hope.
I feel that BMEW is necessary for all because no matter what level of Christian maturity you are at, no matter how many revelations you’ve experienced, no matter what demons you’ve encountered or shed in the past- this time is necessary for us to consolidate our experiences and learnings and sort of ‘reload & reboot’ in anticipation of the fresh start ahead!
Goh Kwok Chay (CG-Chung Kim Ming-PJN1)
I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has either directly or indirectly coordinated the “Baptism & Encounter Weekend” on the 7th & 8th of August 2004. Special thanks also to Pr Chris Kam for his unfaltering and constant effort to deliver God’s message despite his hectic schedule which we had at the camp.
I would say that this is one of the most spiritual enriching experience for me at the camp because I feel that all the sessions which we went through are precisely what we need in our faith in order for us to be truly grounded as a christian, thus building a strong foundation for one irrespective of what background one comes from. Together with all the practical aspects i.e. sharing, which we went through, I am confident that we can encourage the others to attend this “encounter weekend” so that they themselves can experience it as well.
The most important lesson which I have learnt is “The Father Heart of God” where Pr Chris Kam shared about the parable of the prodigal son. The one point that ministered to me most is that whenever we does commit sin, it is important that we look not on ourselves but look towards God. This means that apart from feeling sorry ourselves, we must look at how God feels – the hurt, pain and sorrow which He goes through, This is also depicted in 2 Cor 7 :10 which says, “Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death”. We have to be so close to God so that we will be able to identify what He goes through, and this will indeed bring about genuine and true repentance in our lives.
God has personally spoken to me in the area of freedom which we can have in Christ Jesus. Through the cross of Calvary, God has given us a new identity in Christ which is : we have been bought and redeemed by the blood of Christ. We can now claim on the victory we have in Christ Jesus and live confidently knowing that Christ has dealth away with all our past, present and future sins and bondages. This fact has indeed given me the assurance to know that I can now have control over my life when I face any forms of bondages or rejection, that is, if I continue to remain in Him.
Gerald Selvakumar George (CG-Wong Kian Leong-PJS1)
The one most important lesson that I learnt during the encounter weekend was that our Heavenly Father is ever willing to forgive us when we truly repent of our sins. He will forgive us but the consequences will follow whether we like it or not. The Lord also showed me that he always receives me with open arms and even carries me when I go through difficulties. I felt his warmth and love during this time.
Before going for the encounter weekend, I felt that I was forcing myself to go as I have sat through similar meetings when I was attending some of the AOG churches before. However, today as I am writing this testimony, I am truly amazed at what happened during the last few days. Its so real. This is very different from what I have seen in other churches. I finally realized that the Lord has truly led me to DUMC for a purpose. This is where I will grow after experiencing severe malnutrition after many years.
Others must attend this encounter weekend because this is where we are either prepared or re-energized to run the Christian race till the Lord returns.
The Lord has truly given me a new revelation of Him during the encounter weekend.
‘THE LORD JESUS CHRIST BE PRAISED ALWAYS’
Gan Sze Pei - PJN4
I felt blessed to be able to attend BMEW a second time. Though this time round, I came to help, it just feels different. I thank God for this opportunity. During one of the sessions, as I was sat there, somehow, I was reminded of the BMEW I attended in March 2003. I believe God reminded me this for a purpose. It actually helped me to look back at my journey from then till now. And my heart was filled with thanksgiving for where He has brought me today. The thoughts of I have grown over the past one year plus and cell life has made an impact in my life. My heart was full of gratitude for what the Lord has done for me as I avail myself.
In a way, this is like a refresher course. After going through one more time, I found that I picked up things that I might have forgotten. And truly it’s just amazing. And I also realized that God allows me to pick up certain things, or perspective for issues that am facing now. Though it’s not an answer itself, but it has helped me to view things differently and to capture it from God’s point of view.
I thank God too for the opportunity to share and pray together with my sharing partners. Thank God for my room-mate. Divine appointment. Am equally blessed by all the other participants’ honest sharing.
There’s no other greater thing than to have Jesus Christ in my life. One thing that God touched me was the assurance of His everlasting love and the hope that I find in Him alone. I believe the past 2 days have also affirm me and encouraged me to live a life that is consistent and to run this race with perseverance. Yup, and to rejoice in “sufferings” and “struggles” because that serves to mould me into a person that God desires me
to be.
See Ee Ling (CG-C.C.Wong - PJN2)
In the previous years since accepting Christ and attending DUMC, I’ve always wanted to get baptized but I was waiting for my father to be ready so that we could get baptized together. However, after almost five years of my being a Christian and my father not looking like he’s even remotely inclined to be baptized at the present time, I did not want to wait any longer and felt that it was time I did things right. I also wanted to do it as a declaration to my loved ones of my complete faith and confidence in Jesus that I’d be willing to make this commitment. Therefore, I signed up for the BMEW with a sense of urgency as it was my earnest desire to be baptized before I returned to the UK in September. I had been planning all year to be baptized during my summer holidays and I was not about to miss this opportunity!
I came to the BMEW feeling quite tired from lack of sleep, but fully expecting to encounter God as we gathered in His name. By God‘s grace, I managed to focus quite well during the first day of sessions despite my weariness and obtained some invaluable insights. During the session entitled ‘Seeing What Jesus Has Done For You On the Cross’, Pastor Chris explained in detail the mechanism of death by crucifixion. I’d obviously always realized that crucifixion was a cruel way to die but his explanation really made me realise what an ultimate horror Jesus endured on the cross. And all for ME.
As Pastor Chris went on to explain that the worst thing Jesus had to endure was in fact, not the physical pain, but the feeling of abandonment by the Father when He turned His face away as Jesus became sin for the world, I thought about how I would feel if God left me. I multiplied that feeling a million-fold in accordance with Jesus’ infinitely more intimate relationship with the Father as to mine, and as a result, came up with a simply indescribable feeling. To add onto that, the understanding that each time I sin, I contribute to the cause of Jesus feeling that agonizing abandonment. That awareness is enough to deter me from ever wanting to sin again. How could I, knowing now how much it grieves the Father and Jesus?? This also made me realise anew the unimaginable depth of Jesus’ love for us.
On another occasion, we were asked to write down our sins on a piece of paper, and leave them at the foot of the cross. During that time, God revealed to me sins which I had to recognise and deal with. Small things which I never really gave much thought to previously or bothered to change although I knew they weren’t quite right. Now, I intend to walk away from these sins and lead a life of more love, kindness and patience.
After everything was over, I went home feeling really encouraged by what God is doing in the lives of so many around me. The many testimonies of the other people who went just affirmed to me the goodness, love and sovereignty of our Lord God. Therefore, I really encourage those who have yet to be baptized to go expectantly for the BMEW. You’ll make new friends, learn more of the heart and organization of DUMC, fully understand the significance of baptism, and most importantly, have a precious encounter with your greatest fan, Father God.
Adeline Ang May Yi (CG-Heng SH-PJS1)
1. It was three years back during the XYZ camp, I have volunteered to join the worship team as a keyboardist. Although I have strong build-up theoretically and technically but when it comes to playing worship songs, I realised that I was barely a rookie and felt so helpless. A lot of questioning and frustration at first, just after I did, God has revealed to me, not the knowledge and technics He is looking at, but my heart. Ever since, I have taken the initiative to learn and upkeep myself in worshipping Him because through the act of worship, I have found the greatest joy and a tremendous spiritual growth. Honouring God by heart and soul, not by own mind and flesh is an important lesson I have gone through.
2. Many at times I took things for granted being a Christian. Knowing God is only the very first step, what's more important is that we live out ourselves as a Christian, seek Him face to face and yearn to obtain a strong growth in faith. God will never want us to stay stagnant in our spiritual life. If one could grow physically, why not spiritually too?
3. I was expecting a dull and boring weekend that I was going to spend. But God is gracious and He has miraculously turn this out to be a wonderful encounters with Him.
4. For those who want to be a church member and attend baptism, I could assure you that this weekend would be the beginning of a new chapter in your life. Apply what you have learnt and serve the Lord with no looking back or whatsoever. The Encounter Weekend can also served as a refreshment for older Christian, it would certainly light up the passion for Christ and rekindle the love for God.
Thank you very much for your effort, it was a great BMEW which God has perform miracles.
