1. No Short Cut
Great men of God, in biblical times and modern society have one thing in common – they were not spared difficulties. And so it is with us. But we often want quick fixes to be strong. It is not surprising that people flocked to attend seminars that offer “Seven Laws”, “Eight Habits” or “Nine Steps” to become a better person. But there isn’t any short courses or fast-tracked solutions that can accomplish God’s ultimate purpose for us. Suffering – although seems unfair. undeserved and ugly, is an opportunity for us to respond such that the Lord can mold us into His own likeness. God is at work in every difficulty to develop a new person in us. Pressure, persecution and perplexity may be our lot. We may trivialise our pain or be resentful and get angry with God. Or we can say in humility. “Not my will but Yours be done”. This attitude of acceptance allows God to shape us into who He wants us to be. The process is mysterious and inexplicable, but it is God’s way of strengthening us and lavishing us with His grace and beauty. We become stronger, secure and sensible disciples of Christ. “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.” (2 Cor 4:8-10)
2. Baptist Centre - Update
The target is an additional $3.5 million to complete the purchase by 22 December 2011.
To date, we have received pledges and donations of $880,400.00
Donations and pledges are steaming in.
- One couple gave $100,000 over the weekend and consider it as “a privilege to be part of a higher calling where the Lord will accomplish all His good purposes for Baptists in Singapore and in Asia”.
- I received a cheque of $1,000 from a couple after worship service and when asked for her address so that an acknowledgement receipt can be mailed, replied that it is not necessary as they just want us to have the money for the Baptist Centre
- One church pledged to contribute $50,000 from its general fund and challenged the members to give generously in addition to this amount. A church member spontaneously pledged to match dollar for every dollar from church members up to $50,000
- Two Baptists gave $150,000 that were pledged earlier. The amount is part of the $3.5 million pledged / donated in the phase 1 of the fund raising effort and is not included in the current phase 2 of the $3.5 million target.
- One church has expressed verbally to pledge at least $300,000. We are eagerly awaiting for official notification.
- Another church has decided to provide donations and pledges received from members and offer the full amount to the Baptist Centre Fund, while members take their time to fulfil their pledges
- A private company gave $10,000 towards the purchase of the Baptist Centre as part of its support for mission.
Every donation, big or small is received with gratitude and praise to our Heaven Father who richly blesses all who call on Him. (Rom 10:12). Cheque should be made payable to Singapore Baptist Convention – Baptist Centre.
Regular update of the pledges and donations received is posted in our website at www.baptistconvention.org.sg
3. 37th Annual General Meeting: Saturday, 8 Oct 2011, 4.00 pm
The 37th Annual General Meeting of the Singapore Baptist Convention will be held on Sat, 08 Oct 2011 at 4.00 pm at Thomson Road Baptist Church. A High Tea Fellowship begins at 3.00 pm. Member churches are required to send their Messengers to the annual meeting to reflect on what the Lord has done in our midst, approve the Annual Budget and Reports. Pastors and Lay leaders are encouraged and welcome to attend to celebrate our unity in Christ and to participate in the dialogue to help shape the ministry of the Convention. Please pray for punctual and full attendance for us to commence the AGM on time and for a harmonious and edifying time together as a blessed family of God.
4. Enguang National Day Evangelistic Rally
Karen reached home on Sunday night exhausted but joyful after sending 3 “passengers” who attended the Enguang National Day Evangelistic Rally held at Thomson Road Baptist church back to their homes in Chua Chu Kang. She had earlier brought 4 persons who are students of her English class to the Rally. Rev Chong 'shared and sang' his heart out to more than 400 people. At least 33 of them prayed to receive Christ as Saviour, including the 4 students of Karen. No wonder she was overjoyed.
Please remember to pray for Pr Wei You and the EnGuang ministry in reaching out to migrant Chinese workers with the glorious Gospel of Christ. Just before the Rally started, a Chinese worker carrying a grocery bag was returning to his quarter at the construction site opposite the church. He was invited to attend the Rally and later he was seen at the Rally. The Gospel seed has been planted and it will bear fruit in His own time.
peter tang
for Christ and baptist unity