December 2014: Blessings

Asia Seminary for Ministry

Seminary without borders

In collaboration with

Faith@Work Fellowship

 

December, 2014 

Hi friend,

Training Nationals for Nationals

in integrity and skills

(Psalm 78:72)

EMMANUEL

“Behold, a virgin shall be with child,

and shall bring forth a son,

and they shall call His Name Emmanuel,

which being interpreted is,

God with us”

(Matt. 1:23)

 

 

What a great Good News from God - Jesus, the Emmanuel, God with us, for us and in us!

Yes, Jesus is truly Emmanuel, God with us, on that first Christmas day and forever identified with us. He is the Mighty God, the Almighty, all-wise, all-powerful, all-present and all-loving.  Yes, He is able to save, sustain and provide.  Yes, He sets His heart upon us now and forever more.  Yes, it was for us that He took the journey from Heaven to earth and to the cruel Cross and death and resurrection. Because He lives forevermore, He saves us to the uttermost. Nothing can separate us from His love and care!  What a wonderful Savior!

Yes, He is truly Emmanuel, God for us.  He entered into human experiences, touched with the feelings of our infirmities, and yet without sin.  He knows our every need, every cry and every joy and He cares.  And yes, even we go through the valley of the shadow of death, He had been there, and He will lead us in and through death into His loving and eternal presence ... no more tears, pain, sorrow and separation ... yes, where He will be our God and we His children. His Cross, Death and Resurrection paid the way for us to come, away from the kingdom of darkness into His marvelous and joyous Kingdom of Light. 

Yes, He is truly Emmanuel, God in us. He had come for us so that we can come to Him. As we come, He will not cast us out, but welcome us into Himself with open arms. When He is welcomed into our lives, He comes to dwell in us. Our bodies become His dwelling place.  We are God-possessed men and women. Yes, Christ in us, the hope of all glory.  With Him in us, we have His peace, purpose, power, provision and a place in Heaven. Truly we have the great and loving God. Truly He is worthy of our love and worship and praise and testimony ... O, how we love you, Lord!

In celebration of His birth, let us thank Jesus for giving up the riches and splendor of Heaven to be born a poor and humble infant. Thank Him for dying on the cross, even though He Himself was sinless, so that we may find forgiveness and reconciliation with the Father.
Then we should make room in our hearts for others, so that we can find room for Jesus. By reaching out and witnessing to those who need to hear about Jesus, we can experience Christ even more fully.

Yes, when we preach, teach and share Christ and His love in simplicity and trust in His loving will and pleasure, He is sure to work in hearts and souls.  God is truly in the soul-saving business. Our Father works and therefore we work. We sow, water and reap, and the good Lord gives the increase, to the praise of His glory. Then we, His people praise and love Him more and better. Praise the Lord!

The Christmas story can never be told too much. His coming was never meant to be secretive. After all, God emptied Himself and became a man. He stepped out of eternity and into time, and "we beheld His glory, the glory of the Only Begotten of the Father."
Now it's our turn to step into the spotlight and tell the old, old story that's ever new.

Yes, the new year will begin soon. Oh, that God Himself will come down and visit His people with great revival fire … burning away all dross of sin, self and Satan and filling us with His Holy Spirit of fire and firing us up with fresh vision, passion and action ... that the world will know that God is able and most willing to love, save and bless. Grant it, O Lord God Almighty!

God-blessed Christmas & New Year to you and all yours!

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QUICK MINISTRY UPDATES 2014

1.    Nepal – We had two precious training sessions in March and September. The good Lord willing, there will be graduation in September, 2015. (Please see more news at Faith@Work Fellowship Facebook.)

2.     Medan, Indonesia – Four sessions were held in February, June, September and November.  Our point-man Rev. Haposan has been working hard in getting the facilities ready for the training sessions.

One project is to build and refurbish a place for visiting trainers and pastors to stay instead of staying in hotels. The on-going project needs S$25,000 to complete. (Photo, above)

 

3.     Myanmar – The Spiritual Conference for the Fellowship of some 30 churches in January was well attended. The Pastors’ Workshop was conducted in November. Two churches celebrated their 25^th Anniversary. Praise the good Lord for preserving and blessing the fellowship of churches. January 22-26, 2015 will be another Spiritual Conference. Some 400 will gather in Yangon. A batch of 28 will be graduating from three Bible Seminaries. (Photo of conference, on left).

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PRAISES TO THE LORD GOD!

1.      Praise the good Lord for all our trainers that have sacrificed so much to the vision of Training Nationals for Nationals.  Praise the Lord for the leaders of the various countries who worked so hard in getting the Nationals for training.

2.     God was great and good in setting Rev. Goh aside through some physical infirmities to enter deeper into His love and care.  He has also learnt how to listen to the whisper of God and to yearn for fire in his bones. Now for a greater vision and better passion for God and for Nationals! Thanks for journeying with him in prayer and in so many practical ways. He will be back in training Nationals, starting with the Spiritual Conference in Myanmar, January 22-26, 2015.

 3.     Last but not least, praise the good Lord for all of you that have prayed and supported the Lord’s unique ministry in training Nationals for Nationals. Some have given above their tithes and offerings to their churches. Our 2015 budget stands at S$39,000. One unique request will be the needed S$25,000 for the Trainers quarters in Medan. Our ministry together is one by faith. We let God know and we let God’s people know and our God will supply all our needs together. Let us pray for some special love gifts for the budget and for the Trainers quarters. Please let us know of what the good Lord will have you to do.

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Thanks again for your prayers and support in so many ways. Please visit

FaithatWorks Facebook 

or our blog at

http://faithatworksfellowship.blogspot.com

Our new website:

http://faithatworkfellowship.org

 

Be sure to bookmark it.

If we can be of any help to you, please let us know. The good Lord bless you and all yours!

God bless you all with a great Christmas and a special year ahead.  (Psalm 84:11)

Yours always in Christ and for Christ,

Rev. Goh Seng Fong
(John 12:24)

Handphone: 98207783

+65-98207783

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Name & Address: Faith@Work Fellowship, 9, Kalidasa Avenue, Singapore 789389

People involved in the Fellowship include: Rev. Tan Choon Seng, Rev. Tan Eng Boo, Rev. Yap Beng Shin, Rev. Simon N., Rev. Robert Chew, Rev. Mark Tay, Rev. Andrew Tan, Ong Beng Hong, Michael Lim, Amos Hoon, Jeff Tan and Daisy Koh.

Trainers include Dr Rev. Yap Kim Sin, John Ching, Tan Thiam Hong and Ding Yew Soong.

 

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October 2014: Blessings

Faith@Work Fellowship

through

Asia Seminary for Ministry

(Seminary without borders)

Reaching Nationals for Nationals

October, 2014

Hi friend,

Training Nationals for Nationals

in integrity and skills

(Psalm 78:72)

Nepal Mission Trip September 5-12, 2014

(Report by Rev. Yap Beng Shin)

 

 John Ching and I arrived at Kathmandu on Friday, September 5. This was my second trip this year.  Dr Goh Seng Fong was under the weather and I took over his place.  On Saturday, we were scheduled to preach separately at two churches.  I went to Ps. Saroj’s church.  Ps. Saroj was the principal of Himalayan Bible Study Academy in East Nepal. He came back to care for his  sickly sister who had a hole in her heart, suffered from kidney failure and also had undergone mastectomy.  His aged mother was unable to undertake this task and the burden fell on his shoulder who survived on a meagre salary.

We set off from Kathmandu to Godavari Asyram to begin our modules on Leadership (taught by John) and Big Picture Bible Study Method (taught by me).  There were three pastors who attended this course 6 years ago when 3 John was used. So I decided to use 2 John this time.  There were 10 new church leaders attending, and 45 others.  They enjoyed the opportunity to fellowship with one another.  I could see the joy and laughter as they got together, which they could not have except for Asia Seminary for Ministry.  Their lodging and food were fully taken care of during these 5 days of training.  Class participation was very good.  Many still need more practices on how to determine the main theme of the text. This training offered me the opportunity to relook on how to make this course easier and more effective, especially on how to determine the main theme section.  I also took the opportunity to do a survey on the effectiveness of this Big Picture Bible Study method which was designed for the 3rd World Leaders.  I need this for my Doctor of Ministry dissertation.

A Chinese brother from Beijing joined us for this training.  After the first day he immediately wanted to arrange for me to teach in a Bible College there.  We are planning a trip next year.  He will be joining me for my coming mission trip to China (Sept 22-29).  Several participants are principals of Bible colleges. Together with some pastors, they are already using this method in their ministry.  One pastor shared how he used the Precept coloring method to teach the book of Genesis for older folks and received very good feedback.  Others incorporated this into their teaching curriculum.  It is a great joy to see how this has helped them in their personal study, preaching and teaching ministry. 

The next two ASM trainings will be next March and September.  More than 20 of them will be graduating in September with Master of Ministry degree.  This will be the second batch of graduates and I am eagerly looking forward to seeing them receiving their certificates. 

All glory to God!

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Medan, Indonesia Training Sessions

June 23-27:

Mr Ding Yew Soong trained in Leadership Laws while Rev. Andrew Tan taught First Epistle of Peter.  Mr Ding trains leaders in Indonesia and thus he is familiar with Indonesians.  Rev. Andrew Tan is completing his PhD program with his dissertation pending.

September15-19:

Mr Goh Lay Guan, a retired secondary school principal helped with the CE program, teaching Laws of the Learner.  He is also helping Pastor Haposan in the running of the school.  Mr Tan Thiam Hong trained in Expository Preaching.  He is completing his Doctoral in Ministry program with his dissertation pending.  We praise the good Lord for committed trainers.

 November 17-21:

Mr. Ding Yew Soong and Rev. Mark Tay will be with our great students in this November session.  Mr Ding will train in Leadership skills.  Rev. Mark will teach on how to interpret prophecies in these end times.  Please pray for them.

 

Rev. Haposan is our point man, interpreter and administrator in Medan.  We are using the church and school facilities for the training.  At present, funds are needed to build facilities for the college and primary and secondary schools.  Also funds are needed to build trainers’ quarters for our trainers to stay.  The buildings have reached fifth floor.  Plastering work, water sealant and ceramic flooring are needed to be done.  Please pray and ask the good Lord how to partner with this great ministry.

  

Myanmar Training (with a fellowship of 30 churches)

January 22-28:

The Spiritual Convention was well attended by a fellowship of 30 churches.  One of the churches had its 25^th Anniversary celebration.  Rev. James is our point-man.

 November 6-13:

Pastors workshop.  Once a year, the pastors and leaders gather for a training time.  Some are working towards a Master degree offered by Mandalay Bible Seminary.  We help as adjunct trainers.  A team will be helping this November.  The training will be held in NE Myanmar.  Also one church will have its 25^th Anniversary celebration.

 

January 23-25, 2015:

Spiritual Convention in Yangon.  The pastors, leaders and members gather once a year for a feast of great Bible preaching and wonderful fellowship and encouragement.  We are praying for a great team from Singapore to celebrate with our brethren in Christ in Myanmar.  Please pray, plan accordingly and do let us know.

 

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 Laid aside.   I must apologise for not up-dating more frequently because the good Lord set me aside with prostate cancer.  (Praise the wonderful Lord for trusted fellow-laborers who step into the gaps to train Nationals.)   Cancer is not a life-sentence and the good Lord brought me through the months of check-ups, tests and radiation treatments.  There will be follow-up check-ups and a hormone jab once every three months for two-and-a- half years.  My times are in God’s loving and mighty Hands and He decides and provides. 

 Praise the good Lord for the great many of you all around the world that are journeying with me in prayers and with many varied helps.  You have made the journey easier.  Thank you so very much!  The good Lord bless you and all yours.  (Heb 6:10) “ For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward His name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.”   

 

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PIX 1&2: MEDAN-Almost finished: A building housing a college, a secondary & a primary school

PIX 3: Nepal - an ASM class


 

PIX 4: Big Picture Study Method (2 John) as used by Rev.Yap

 

March 2014: Blessings

Faith@Work Fellowship

through

Asia Seminary for Ministry

(Seminary without borders)

Reaching Nationals for Nationals

March, 2014

Hi friend,

Training Nationals for Nationals

in integrity and skills

(Psalm 78:72)

I.   Greetings from Nepal Training  (March 9-13)

A.   Greetings from Dil, our point-man in Nepal.

"First and foremost, I am glad to inform you that we had exciting times with 65 participants this time and the lecturers Rev. Yap Beng Shin and Rev. Simon Nagarajan have done a wonderful job once again and every one appreciates the hard work they have put in and may the Lord bless them.  Let me express our gratitude to you for your fervent love to us and contribution in building us up in leadership. Thank you also for your patience in hearing from me."

B.    Testimony from Pastor Devaraj

"I praise God and thank you for the opportunity to be part of HBSA/ASM MRE program this time. Thank you for your warm welcome and loving care. I just want to tell that I have always enjoyed my time at ASM. Just like I said in sharing the blessing, for me ASM is the best place to be at. God bless you and we pray for you."

C.    Testimony from Pastor Narayan Bhagat

"Jai Masih. Many thanks for the words of encouragement. I would like to big thanks for Dr. Goh for his dedication to train leaders in Nepal. I found ASM is a very unique and friendly atmosphere. I missed many times due to I was away from Nepal.  But when I have the chance I want to join and desire to learn.  Many thanks for sending good teachers like Rev. Yap and Rev. Simon.  They visited our prayer tower family and encouraged us. I am looking forward to meet you next time.  We all miss you very much and pray for you.  God bless you wherever you go and do His work. That's all for now."

D.    Blessing from Rev. Simon Nagarajan

"Praise and thank God for the wonderful experience and joy working with the Nepali Pastors once again through the ASM Ministry.

 The Lord has been good to bring close to 65 pastors and church leaders for a time of learning and unlearning, constructing and deconstructing our thoughts and principles in the process of learning God’s Word. Together, we realized in our study of Church History the invaluable and timeless truth and lessons that are crucial for the wellbeing of the post modernity church.

We had a session to reflect on the pioneers who braved the Gospel into Nepal.  Several in the class stood up to testify their pain and losses suffered for the sake of the Gospel. Indeed, that was quite an emotional time and was encouraging to all to press on in the calling God has given to each one of us.

“Ye have not chosen Me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in My Name, He may give it you.” (John 15:16)."

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II.   Rev. Yap Beng Shin goes into full-time Mission work.

“These are the trips I will be making in 2014.  I will be primarily teaching the Big Picture Bible Study Method.  Nepal, Myanmar and Medan (Indonesia) will be a joint effort with Asia Seminary for Ministry, whereas China, Manipur, Mongolia and Manipur will be on my own.

Medan - Feb 19 - 22

Nepal -  March 8 - 23 

China -  April - May 2

China -  May 18 - 31

China -  July (2 weeks)

Imphal (Manipur) - Aug (10 days)

China -  September (2 weeks)

Myanmar - October (2 weeks)

Medan -  November

Bangalore & Mongolia - (no fixed dates yet)  

God has led me into this Bible Study method that engages the right and left brains, using colours to discover background, symbols to determine the main theme and mind maps to construct a detail thematic outline of the text of the Bible.  The feed-back has been tremendous.  God has led me to resign as a pastor to give the last leg of my life to train church leaders in the Third World.  I find this to be very fulfilling.  My years of pastoral experience have come in useful as I train other pastors.  I am glad that my family shares my vision of fulfilling God's change of calling for me. Together we live by faith to trust God for provision.

You are most welcome to participate in this ministry and enjoy His blessings if God so leads you.  I covet your earnest prayer.”

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Thanks again for your prayers and support in so many ways. Please visit

FaithatWorks Facebook  

or our blog at

http://faithatworksfellowship.blogspot.com 

Now the new website:

http://faithatworkfellowship.org

Be sure to bookmark it.

If we can be of any help to you, please let us know. The good Lord bless you and all yours!

Yours always in Christ and for Christ,

Rev. Goh Seng Fong
(John 12:24)

Hdphone: 9820 7783

           +65-9820 7783

Name and Address: 

Faith@Work Fellowship,

9, Kalidasa Avenue,

Singapore 789389

People involved in the Fellowship include:  Rev. Tan Choon Seng, Rev. Tan Eng Boo, Rev. Yap Beng Shin, Rev. Simon N., Rev. Robert Chew,  Rev. Mark Tay, Rev. Andrew Tan, Ong Beng Hong, Michael Lim, Amos Hoon, Jeff Tan and Daisy Koh. 

Trainers include Rev. (Dr) Yap Kim Sin, John Ching and Ding Yew Soong.

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