Let your let shine...

PHOS NEWSLETTERJuly 2010

Time for FellowshipWHAT’S UP IN THIS EDITION

CHURCH CAMPHave a look at the church camp through the eyes of a Torchbearer!

Continued on Page 6-7

STUDY CAMPHow does World Cup fever and mugging tie in together? Find out more!

Continued on Page 8-9

INTERVIEW WITH YVETTEFind out more about one of our youngest but most cheerful Torchbearers!

Continued on Page 11

Issue No. Five

T O R C H B E A R E R S

HAKKA METHODIST CHURCH

1 B E v e l y n R o a d( n e a r N e w t o n M R T )

YOUTH FELLOWSHIP SUNDAY 10.45AM

Natalie and Lydia

Jeremy and Nat

Dorothy and Constance

“Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:25)

Being together in a cell with the same bunch of people for one and a half years has its pros and cons. The good thing is that we know practically everything about each other, from the likes and dislikes to the quirky habits that each of us possess. However this familiarity can also turn into bad thing.

Some of us may have disagreements with each other, which if unresolved, can lead to bitterness and friction. Other times we may run out of things to talk about, and this can lead to awkwardness and doubts on whether we’re really close as a group.

When the writer of Hebrews wrote these words, he knew that it’s not easy for a group of Christians to meet up together on a regular basis. The same can be said today as well. We are all bombarded by exams, CCAs and other commitments. As a result, meeting up with fellow Christians may seem a chore rather than something to look forward to.

However, God wants His children to meet up as often as they can. “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” (Proverbs 27:17) Walking the Christian journey is difficult at times, that’s why we need to support one another in the faith.

I’m glad that I’ve been blessed with a Cell Group whom I can share my problems with, and I can be encouraged by. May God show you that fellowship with fellow believers is something worth making time for.

THE PHOS TEAM

WHEN THE MUSIC FADES! PAGE3

Working Out our Salvation“THEREFORE, MY DEAR FRIENDS, AS YOU HAVE ALWAYS OBEYED—NOT ONLY IN MY

PRESENCE, BUT NOW MUCH MORE IN MY ABSENCE—CONTINUE TO WORK OUT YOUR SALVATION WITH FEAR AND TREMBLING, FOR IT IS GOD WHO WORKS IN YOU

TO WILL AND TO ACT ACCORDING TO HIS GOOD PURPOSE.” (PHILIPPIANS 2:12-13)

D’Joy Children’s Centre

Many people become Christians because they want to have a place in heaven, but are unwilling to put in any extra effort to “work out” the salvation that they received as a gift of God. They do the bare minimal when it comes to serving in church, and are reluctant to help the poor and needy. They never give a thought about telling their unsaved friends about the hope that they have in Jesus.

Some of us are like that. We say that we are Christians, but our lives show little evidence of it. We are content with just coming to church every Sunday (sometimes not even every Sunday), and think that we have performed our Christian duty. But there is no labour done out of love, no care and concern for our brothers and sisters in Christ, and no desire to deepen our relationship with God.

The apostle Paul says that we need to “work out our salvation with fear and trembling”, because Jesus paid such a high price for our salvation. Do we as Torchbearers have that kind of mindset?

All this may seem a bit intimidating and impossible. But Paul adds on in verse 13, “for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose”. It is God who gives us the strength and determination to do all those good works. When we don’t feel like loving those around us, it is He who enables us to show love.

All we need to do is ask. So won’t you come and ask God to work in your life today.

WHAT IS “FELLOWSHIP”?! PAGE4

SCHOLARS OR ELVES?There are many fellowships in this world, particularly in universities like Oxford and Cambridge, where fellows form the governing body of the institution. There are some fellowships that are, quite literally, out of this world as well. The one that instantly springs to mind would be J.R.R Tolkien’s Fellowship of the Ring, in which a band of like-minded humans and elves form a fellowship to destroy the ring of power in Mount Doom.

CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIPBut what does fellowship in the context of the church mean? Are we really meant to be swashbuckling heroes sent against Sauron’s (or Satan’s) dark forces? Or are we like the fellowships in universities, a group of equal individuals looking to further our knowledge?

I believe that it’s a little bit of both. A fellow is an affectionate term for someone who is an equal, a companion that can be trusted and befriended. In the same way, we are all also God’s children, and no m a t t e r w h a t o u r e a r t h l y achievements are, we are all equal in

His eyes. Fellowship is not just an organisation, it is the process t h r o u g h w h i c h o n e b u i l d s friendships with other church members that will last into eternity.

TOGETHER WE STANDFel lowship occurs w h e n e v e r w e d o things together. When we come together to learn about God’s word in Sunday school or cell, we are like the academics in universities that form a fellowship. They know that on their own, they are unable to progress past a certain limit. However, when working together with other academics with different expertise, they can uncover whole fields of knowledge. In the same way, by studying God’s word together, we often can uncover more truths and practical applications than if we studied His word alone.

ELITE WARRIORSOur groups are also similar to Aragorn’s elite band of warriors in Lord of the Rings. The most memorable scene in the movie was w h e n A r a g o r n ’ s a r m y w a s

“A fellow is an affectionate

term for someone who is

an equal, a companion that can be trusted

and befriended”

We attending Youth FELLOWSHIP every Sunday. But do we know what the word actually means? With references to Lord of the Rings and certain famous British Universities, let us explore the true meaning of Fellowship!

Good fellowships are often tight and warm

WHAT IS “FELLOWSHIP”! PAGE5

surrounded on all sides by their enemy. Thi s i s t rue for Christian’s today, as the world i s becoming increasing ly indifferent and/or hostile towards u s . By work ing together instead of individually, we can help our fellows in their

times of need, and facing trials and temptations as a group is far easier than facing it alone.

TWO IS BETTER THAN ONEIt says in Ecclesiastes 4:9 that “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their

work.” Also, “[Jesus] called the twelve to Himself, and began to send them out two by two, and gave them power over unclean spirits.” Mark 6:7. The importance of teamwork and companions is important, but not as important as trusting in

God with all our heart, mind and soul.

In conclusion, we should strive to form closer bonds within the church, forging ties that transcend t ime and hardship. Our friends and fellow Christians can help keep us accountable to God, as well a s p rov ide suppor t and encouragement when we need it. We also realize that God often uses us to provide such words of encouragement to our Christian brothers and sisters too.

“Facing trials and temptations as a group is far easier than facing it alone.”

HAVING CHRISTIAN FRIENDS IS IMPORTANT!!!

We celebrate together... And suffer together...

Our fellowship is ROCK solid!

CHURCH CAMP (A TORCHBEARER’S PERSPECTIVE)! PAGE6

A small but enthusiastic group of Torchbearers set out for Desaru Palm Springs Resort after church on 6 June. We were very excited as it would be the first church camp Hakka Methodist has had in a long, long while. For some of us, the last time we attended church camp we were still in the children’s section! Now, we faced the rather unknown (and intimidating) prospect of joining the adults for their sessions.

We were delighted to find that our camp venue was a lovely resort which had all sorts of facilities: a swimming pool, table tennis table, playground and

even a soccer pitch to satisfy our World Cup fever! After a long and stressful school term, it was a great to have a chance to have a time of relaxation and refreshment.

We watched a movie called “August Rush” during the first night session. It was about a boy who had been separated from his parents ever since he was a baby. However, he had been given a special talent for music, which eventually helped him to reunite with his parents. This was a reminder to us that we need to spend time listening to God, so that we can hear what He is telling us to do.

Camp Verse:“But we have

this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.” (2 Cor 4:7)

Having fun in the pool Playing Frisbee

CHURCH CAMP (A TORCHBEARER’S PERSPECTIVE)! PAGE7

Uncle Luke also gave a workshop where we discovered our own personality and spiritual gifts. We were divided into eagles (leaders), peacocks (friendly people), doves (cooperative people) and owls (careful people) and were taught that no matter what personality we have, we need to love one another and support one another as one family of Christ!

We also learnt from the talks by Pastor Simon and Rinda how we need to eat the “Main Course”. This means that we need to have the correct heart to receive God’s words, and an intimate knowledge of who God is so that we can know what He is telling us

to do. We need to spend time each day to listen and see what God has in store for us.

On the third day, we went for a nice seafood lunch, followed by a trip to the ostrich farm and fruit farm. Some of the uncles bought durians back, and we had a good time feasting on them! The pampering continued as we had a yummy BBQ dinner followed by the much anticipated Camp Nite. Each cell group performed various songs and skits to entertain the audience. But the highlight of the Camp Nite was definitely the movie “September Choc” done by the youths and young adults, which parodied

“August Rush”. It was hilarious to see the youths acting in various roles, especially a certain noisy taxi driver!

All in all the church camp was a wonderful experience for the youths. We managed to spend quality time with our families as well as our brothers and sisters in Christ! We really thank God that we could enjoy the camp together as one church. Can’t wait for next year’s camp!

“no matter what personality we have, we need to love one another and support one another!”

WE ARE ONE FAMILY IN CHRIST!

At the beach Lifeguard Edwin

PUT GOD FIRST! STUDY CAMP! PAGE8

The first ever “Put God First!” Study Camp was held in church from 14 to 15 June. The purpose of the camp was to teach the Torchbearers to put God first in everything that they do, be it studies, CCA or other areas of their life. It was great to see the older youths taking time off to come down and help the younger youths with their studies. Truly this is what God desires in His church!

The camp started with a short worship session followed by a bible reading. The passage for the first day was from Luke 14:15-23, which was a parable about a rich man who invited many guests to attend his banquet. But one by one they gave various excuses as to why they couldn’t make it. Likewise, sometimes we give all

sorts of excuses as to why we don’t do our quiet time or don’t serve God in church. We prayed for God to correct our attitude and help us to put Him first in our lives.

The first study session began, and the older youths were busy explaining to the younger youths various concepts in Maths, Physics and Geography. The session was so intense that we overshot the lunch time, only leaving church at 1.30pm! Remarkable how much more effective it is to study together with your church friends and having friendly “kor kors” and “jie jies” to help you!

Studying is much easier

when you have

friendly “kor kors” and “jie jies” around to help you!

“BUT SEEK FIRST THE KINGDOM OF GOD AND HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS, AND ALL THESE THINGS SHALL

BE ADDED UNTO YOU.”

Patiently teaching...

PUT GOD FIRST! STUDY CAMP! PAGE9

We walked together to United Square for lunch, before walking back to church for the second worship and study sessions. We rounded off the day with a frisbee game to help us de-stress after a hard day of studying and revision!

The next day’s program was very similar. The bible reading was from Hebrews 10:25, “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us

encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” It was an important reminder that God wants His children to meet up regularly to worship Him, pray, eat, play and study together, just as the early church in Acts had.

The camp was rounded off with a 3 on 3 futsal competition which was dubbed the “Put God First!” World Cup. The campers demonstrated some sublime

skills during the tournament and some of the games were even decided by nail-biting penalty shootouts! But most importantly we had a great time of fun and bonding with each other.

Praise God for making this study camp possible, it was truly a wonderful time that we could spend interacting as a youth group. We pray and hope that the Torchbearers will truly put God first in everything that we do.

“Delight yourself in the LORD       and he will give you the desires of your heart.”

GOD WANTS HIS CHILDREN TO MEET UP AS OFTEN AS POSSIBLE!

PUT GOD FIRST! STUDY CAMP! PAGE10CAR WASH

The Torchbearers did a Car Wash on 30 May to raise funds to build a school in Jharkaland, India for the

dalit (untouchable) children. Praise God we managed to raise $845!

Prayer time

Torc

hbea

rers!

Hakk

a!

1) Pray for the O Level and JC people as they sit

for their Mid-Term/Prelims exams in July

2) Pray for the army people (John, Yuiwing, Tek,

Yanhan, Jim, Jason, Victor)

3) Pray for Youth Sunday on 11 July

4) Pray for this year's Youth Camp 2010 Camp

Committee as they plan the Youth Camp in Dec

Tips!!

-Gather a group of Christian friends in

school to pray during recess or lunch

break

-Get a few church friends and decide

on a time where they can pray together

from wherever they are (i.e. everyone

decide to pray together at 8pm from

their own homes)

- Share prayer items over sms/email/

facebook and keep each other in prayer

Create "prayer huddles"!

1) Pray for our Pastors [Rev Chin and Rev

Daniel and all the church leaders!]

2) Thank God for the successful Church Camp!

PUT GOD FIRST! STUDY CAMP! PAGE11

The PHOS team caught up with one of our youngest TorchbearersYvette Tay to find out how God has been lighting up her life!Q1. Hi Yvette! How old are you and where are you studying?

Hey! I'm 12 going 13 and I'm studying in Raffles Girls' School (Secondary). (:

Q2. Understand this is your first year as a Torchbearer since moving up from the Primary section. Could you tell us how it’s been so far?

Yep. It's been amazing! (: The Torchbearers are wonderful youths and Christians, and they set a really good example for all the younger ones! (: It's different from the Pr imary sect ion most ly because the fellowship between the Torchbearers is s t ronge r. I de f in i te l y l ove be ing a Torchbearer, it's awesome! (: Haha.

Q3. As one of the youngest youths, how do you think you can impact the lives of those around you, be it in our youth group or in school?

I guess I could try my best to be a good example, to show how God is at the centre of my life. Since my school isn't a Christian school, I hope to tell my non-Christian friends about God in simple ways like how He has helped me in life, and by behaving in a way that shows others my Christian

faith. (: Hehe even though I might be young, I hope I can impact other people around me, like the verse in 1 Timothy 4:12 - “Do not let anyone look down on you because of your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, love, life, faith and purity." (:

Q4. Heard you went for Church Camp, how did it go?

IT WAS AWESOME! :D I had such a great time bonding and interacting with the fellow Torchbearers as well as the children and adults. (: I learnt many new things, e spec ia l ly abou t the importance of listening to God more because He can be trying to tell us things at any time. Despite the noisy world we live in and our crowded lives, I've understood that putting God first and listening to Him is a discipline that all Christians must adopt. (:

Q5. Yeah noticed that you get along quite well with your cell people as well as the younger girls! How important do you think it is to start being close to your church friends even at a young age?

I do, my cell people are wonderful! (: I think it's very important because as fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, we need to

help and support each other in life. Hence being close to your church friends at a young age is a great way to cultivate a deep friendship so as to stay as One in Christ and look out for each other in our daily lives.

Q6. So how do you think the younger youths can start getting to know each o the r be t te r and be coming be t te r brothers and sisters to each other?

For a start I think we could begin by interacting more during Sunday School or Fellowship to get to know each other bet ter. We could also organise some outings or meetings to bond as young Torchbearers and build each other up in Christ! (:

Q7. So what do you hope God will do for you in the 2nd half of 2010?

I hope that God will help me to become a more faithful and obedient Christian by helping me to put Him first in my life and not to neglect Him. (: I hope he will also guide me in the remaining half of my first year in Secondary School. (: All in all, He has been an Awesome God who has blessed me with fantastic friends and family! (: Hehe! :P

INTERVIEW

“Do not let anyone look down on you because of your youth, but be an example to the

believers in word, life, love, faith and

purity”

July

201

0

Though she’s often bubbly and chirpy, don’t let that

fool you as Yvette is deadly with the air pistol!

PUT GOD FIRST! STUDY CAMP! PAGE12

Congratulations to Valerie for winning this month’s phos PHOTO contest!Keep sending in your photos to prayerdinator@gmail and stand to win attractive prizes!

THE LIGHTER

SIDE

How do we know that Moses was

sick when he went up Mount Sinai?

God gave him 2 tablets!

THIS MONTH’S WINNING ENTRY

How do we know that Boaz’s dad loved to

eat fish?

He called himself SALMON! (ruth 4 :21)