April: Blessings

Faith@Work Fellowship

through

Asia Seminary for Ministry

(Seminary without borders)

 

April, 2015

Hi friend,

Training Nationals for Nationals

in integrity and skills

(Psalm 78:72)

THE SHEPHERD

(Mat 9:36)  But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.

 

Sheep without a shepherd will be lost, defenceless and unproductive.  The following will give us a short devotional of our Great Shepherd as given in Psalm 23.

I.     THE THEME  (Psalm 23:1)

“The LORD is my Shepherd; I shall not want.”

 

A.    The Confidence – “Yahweh, my Shepherd”

The Eternal Self-existing and Relational One is my Shepherd.

B.    The Conclusion – “I shall not want” – I will have no lack of anything or anyone.

 

II.     THE SHEPHERD  (Psalm 23:2-4)

A.    The Rest  (2a)

“He maketh me to lie down in green pastures;”

1. The Place – in green pastures, richer oasis-like spots in a barren land.

2. The Persons – HE will cause me to lie down.  HE knows where, how and when.

 

B.    The Refreshment  (2b)

“He leadeth me beside the still waters.”

1. The Place – by waters of refreshment, waters not stagnant but gentle and calm.

2. The Persons – HE will tend me, leading and refreshing in the drinking place.

 

C.    The Restoration  (3a)

“He restoreth my soul;”

1. The Promptitude to interpose – He will restore the sick to health and the weak to strength.

2. The Person to be restored – my soul to be restored to fellowship and service.

 

D.   The Guidance  (3b)

“He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His Name’s sake.”

1. The Promise – HE will lead, going before and not driving the sheep.

2. The Paths – the paths of righteousness, straight paths to an expected end.

3. The Person – “me” – personal providence involved.

4. The Purpose – “For His Name’s sake” – for His own glory, true to the Shepherd name.

 

E.    The Protection  (4)

“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff, they comfort me.”

1. The Condition – also when I walk through a valley of shadow of death, going through the peril of death so often experienced in life.  It could include death itself.  Yet it is only a shadow not the substance.  And when there is a shadow, there must be a light and there is, for Yahweh is the Light.

2. The Courage – I will not fear evil, not that there is no evil, but that there is no fear in the midst of evil.

3. The Companionship – for Yahweh is with me, my Comforter, Guide and Protector.  There is no fear of loneliness in dark times.

4. The Comfort – Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.  The rod and staff are symbols of the Shepherd’s presence.  The rod, the symbol of defending power, is used against enemies.  The staff, symbol of affection and possession, is used for guiding and restoring.  The comfort is strength stimulated and renewed. 

 

As the LORD God is our faithful Shepherd, may we also be faithful in shepherding ourselves, our families and one another in God’s household of faith.  May we provide rest, refreshment, restoration, guidance and protection.  Help us and grant it, LORD Shepherd.  Amen. 

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I.     TRAINING IN MEDAN & NEPAL

A.    Medan Indonesia (23-27 Feb)

Two trainers were at hand.  Mr Ding continued in his leadership training.  Mr Goh Lay Guan worked on Principles of Teaching.  Rev. Haposan did a great job in co-ordinating and interpreting.  The college there has full time students doing Bachelor degrees in addition to the students doing the Master degrees in the modular classes.  Prayer and funds are needed to enable him to complete the Trainers’ Quarters for our trainers to lodge instead of staying in hotels.  The June (22-26) sessions will be also helmed by our two trainers.

  

 

 

B.    Nepal (1-5 March)

Rev. Yap Beng Shin and Rev. Simon N. were our trainers.  March is their annual slot.  Rev. Yap led the study of the Prophetic Book of Daniel while Rev. Simon trained on Spiritual Disciplines.  They were well received.  (There will be the Second Graduation this coming September).  Praise the good Lord for using us. 

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II.    NOTE OF PRAISE & THANKSGIVING

Our desire, as we train others, is to continue to upgrade ourselves in life-learning in seminars and other training opportunities.  One aspect is for our trainers to be equipped to a doctoral level.  Praise the good Lord for blessing Rev. Yap Beng Shin with the Doctor of Ministry degree.  His graduation will be on May 9^th.  We rejoice with him, his family and church.  Two others, Rev. Tan Eng Boo and Mr. John Ching, are at their last lap.  Please pray as they work on their DMin dissertation.  Rev. Andrew Tan completed his PhD dissertation and is awaiting for confirmation.  Rev. Simon N. is looking forward to begin his doctoral training this year.   

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III.    7^th FAITH@WORK THANKSGIVING ANNIVERSARY

DATE:  Saturday, May 16, 2015, 7pm to 9.30pm (with Dinner).

THEME:  Fellowship in the Gospel (Phil. 1:5).

PLACE:  Qian Xi Restaurant,

Tanjong Katong Complex,

845, Geylang Road, #04-09

Singapore 400845

(Opp. Paya Lebar MRT).

 

Praise the good Lord for seeing us through all these years.  We have not despised the beginning of small things.  He has also provided good friends in you all for your prayers and support in so many ways.  Let us come together and bless Him for His goodness and blessings.  We have much to thank Him.  Do invite your loved ones and friends too.  Please contact Rev. Mark Tay (94883004) or Rev. Goh SF (98207783) and give us names and contacts (phones or emails) of those desiring to attend (by Sunday, 10 May to enable us to plan for you). 

“Bless the LORD, O my soul;

and all that is within me, bless His holy Name.

Bless the LORD, O my soul and forget not all His benefits”

(Psalm 103:1,2).  

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IV.     NEW DIRECTIONS AHEAD!

We have been listening to the still small Voice of the loving LORD as we advance His desire as co-laborers with Him.  We seek His desire in these two ventures.

 

A.  Batam, Indonesia

The good Lord has opened the door of ministry in Batam for many years.  He has established His people and churches.  We are praying for training opportunities.  Rev. Yap Beng Shin will be conducting a seminar on Big Picture Bible Study on Saturday, May 2, 9.30am to 4.30pm.  The leaders there are Ang Liang and Kalvinto of Philadelphia Church.  We are asking the good Shepherd for His will and timing of the future training.  Other sheep and leaders, we will train.

B.  Yangon, Myanmar

As the country continues in its nation building, infrastructure is lacking in many areas.  One is the lack of human capital resource base.  Young adults especially need Life skills and work skills in this emerging society.  Our Vision is to disciple young Adults in the market place, so that they can be gainfully employed and be impactful in life, work and church.  We will need mentoring trainers to impart knowledge, skills and life.  We are putting together personnel, process and program.  We will need businessmen to open doors for internships.  We will need all our prayers and support for the good Lord to work in and through us.  Please let us know of your desire and advice.   

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V.     REMAINING SESSIONS FOR 2015

1.  MEDAN, INDONESIA

22 - 26  JUNE 

21 - 25  SEPTEMBER

16 - 20  NOVEMBER

 

2.  KATHMANDU, NEPAL

6 - 10  SEPTEMBER (with Graduation)

3.  MYANMAR

4 - 12  NOVEMBER (PASTORS’ WORKSHOPS) 

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The good Lord willing, we are continuing to listen to the whispers of our wonderful Lord of the Harvest and will update you further of His precious will and abundant blessings ahead.

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

Those desiring to know about Asia Seminary for Ministry can also check in at http://faithatworkfellowship.org.

 

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) 

Handphone: 98207783

+65-98207783

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 Dr Rev. Yap Kim Sin, John Ching, Ding Yew Soong, Goh Lay Guan and Tan Thiam Hong.

 

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February: Blessings

Faith@Work Fellowship

through

Asia Seminary for Ministry

(Seminary without borders)

 

February, 2015

Hi friend,

Training Nationals for Nationals

in integrity and skills

(Psalm 78:72)

LIKE SHEEP

“All we like sheep have gone astray;

we have turned every one to his own way;

and the LORD hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all.”

(Isa 53:6)

 

God chooses to use the metaphor “sheep” to represent human beings.  The behavior of sheep and us is similar in many ways.  Our fears and timidity, our pride and stubbornness, our self-absorbing and self-promoting ways, all these are parallels.  To understand the nature of sheep is to understand the nature of mankind and vice versa.

Dr. John Davis in his book “The Perfect Shepherd” notes some characteristics.  There may be some good sheep that stay and enjoy the selected pasture.  They will be others that wander away to a newfound grass of inferior quality.  Yet others are belligerent, causing unrest as they desire and fight over a small tuft of grass.  Some are sensitive and thus are attention seekers.  Others are explorers but are not knowledgeable of the situations. 

The Holy Bible notes that we are like sheep that have gone astray.  We have the propensity to wander, get lost and sometimes lose our way and life.  Turning to “his own way” simply means doing what we want, doing what I want.  I feel free to assert my will and fulfil my desires, in spite of warnings.  Here are some Bible examples.

 (Gen 3:6)  “ … she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.”  The first sheep on earth asserted their will and desire.  Eve, in her disobedience and self-will,  took the fruit and then gave it to Adam.  She turned to her own self and then turned Adam to her own way.  Thereafter, sin came to all mankind and death through sin.  All have sinned and come short of the glory of God.

 

(Gen 9:20,21)  “Noah … planted a vineyard:  And he drank of the wine, and was drunken; and he was uncovered within his tent.”  Noah misused and abused the fruit of the ground and caused problems with one of his sons.  How we have misused the gifts of God!

 

(Gen 12:11, 13)  Abraham “said unto Sarai his wife, … Say, I pray thee, thou art my sister: that it may be well with me for thy sake; and my soul shall live because of thee.”  The self-preserving husband sold a lie and his wife to save his skin, not just once but twice.  The wife was forced into this farce.  Many marriages are broken because of self-indulgence.  The Messianic line would have been broken, if not for God’s protecting care.

 

And the stories go on with Jacob’s deception (Gen. 27:21), Moses’ rash speech (Psalm 106:33), David’s adultery (1 Kings 15:5) and so on, even with us, with me, with you.  Surely, we all like sheep have gone astray.  We have created unrest to our own souls and to others.

 

Praise the good Lord for the His everlasting love and care.  Jesus, our Good Shepherd, came and died for His sheep.  (Joh 10:11)  “I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth His life for the sheep.” Yes, “the LORD hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all.”  (1Pe 2:24)  “Who His own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.”  We are loved by Jesus’ selfless love.  We are bought and brought back by His precious self-sacrifice on the Cross.  We are protected, secured, sustained and satisfied by this Great and Chief Shepherd.

 

May we ever be grateful and may we stay close to this wonderful Shepherd so that we have His life and life more abundantly (John 10:10)! 

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GREAT TIMES IN YANGON, MYANMAR

(23-25 Jan. 2015)

Some 400 from the Fellowship of 30 churches from all over Myanmar arrived at Yangon for (1) 34th Spiritual Conference, (2) Graduation of 28 pastors and students, and (3) 10^th Anniversary of the Yangon Church.

The Fellowship, under Rev. James Biak Lian, meets once a year for fellowship, prayer and great preaching of the Holy Bible to further equip the pastors and leaders for the year ahead.  This brings unity of purpose and vision.  This also keeps the Fellowship alive, refreshed and revived.  The meeting place is rotated around the country.  This year, it was held in Yangon, so as to celebrate the 10^th Anniversary of the church in the fast-growing urban city.  The Fellowship also trains pastors and leaders every November.

The Graduation was a great rejoicing time.  Eight graduated with Graduate of Theology, 10 with Bachelor degrees and 10 with Master degrees.  Included were pastors in ministry.  They took time off to attend modular classes.  It has been our privilege and joy to be training Nationals for Nationals.

Praise the good Lord for many that have given in so many ways for the success of the Conference.  Some contributed funds; others, ties, scarfs, shawls, medicine, Bibles and so on.  Above all, your prayers were most appreciated.  God is truly great and good!

 

 

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TRAINING SESSIONS OF

ASIA SEMINARY FOR MINISTRY IN 2015

1.      MEDAN, INDONESIA

A). February 23 - 27

B). JUNE 15 - 19

C). September 21 - 15

D). December 16 – 20

 

2.     KATHMANDU, NEPAL

A). March 1 - 5

B). September 6 – 10 (with Graduation)

 

3.     MYANMAR

November 4 – 12 (Pastors’ Workshops)

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The good Lord willing, we are continuing to listen to the still small Voice of our wonderful Lord of the Harvest and will update you further of His precious will and abundant blessings ahead.

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

Those desiring to know about Asia Seminary for Ministry can also check in at http://faithatworkfellowship.org.

 

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) 

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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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