If God is for us, who can be against us?

My grandma passed away on the week of G12 conference. All my family and relatives are pre-believers except for one distant cousin, who has not been going to church for four years. They planned a Taoist funeral for my grandma, so I was quite concerned if I would be made to go through any of those rituals. I spoke to my dad on the first day, and asked to be excused for the rituals. He told me to participate and he walked away without negotiation.

A tent was built to house an altar full of deities and idols for the procession on the final night. I felt very uncomfortable and do not want to compromise what I believe in. I decided to speak to ask my dad again, praying that he will soften his heart. However, he got angrier with me. In turn, I was also very upset.


To avoid facing my dad and relatives who are gossiping about me, I went for G12 conference on Friday. I know I will be comforted after meeting my cell group and leader. I managed to speak to Pastor Danny and my cell group, pouring out what I had kept for the past 3 days – persecution, gossip, pressure to compromise, etc. They prayed for me and I felt better after that. Though there was still fear in me to confront the situation when I returned home, I knelt and ask God to make a way for me. I was afraid that my father might chase me out of the funeral.

When I reached home, I asked my mother if I still must participant in the ritual. She said she will talk to my dad. Eventually, my dad agreed that I will not participate though he was still unhappy about it!

My relatives continued to gossip about me on this matter, this caused my mum to be heartbroken. Yet in my heart, I was fully secured in the Lord and was really feeling okay with what they said. They do not know what they are doing.

I believed this is not just a funeral that traditions and practices are enforced on unwilling daughter, but a lesson to teach me and make a stand. I learnt to stand up for my God and not to compromise when situation seems to be so difficult. If God is for me, who can be against me?

Romans 8:31 – “…If God is for us, who can be against us?”

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Happy Birthday Pastor Danny!

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impossible is NOTHING to GOD!

The thing that I brought home (literally, as you will see if you read on) from the conference was a greater impartation of faith. Not just for the multitudes but also for what He can do for my family.

My maid and my mother have a rather disharmonious relationship. Basically their communication consists largely of my mom screaming at her for screwing up and my maid trying hard to understand where she went wrong because of her poor grasp of the English language and my mother’s apparent “accent” (in my maid’s own words). As spectators to this bloody sport, my sis and I will try to stop my mom from going too far, but this usually produces the opposite result, unfortunately.

There were also times when my mom contemplated sending her back. When this happens, I usually get an sms from her telling me such. Coincidentally, it ALWAYS happens when I’m in church and it will ALWAYS be followed by an SMS by my sister telling me how scared she is and how lonely she will be when the maid leaves. This will ALWAYS leave me feeling horrendously guilty for not being there for my family.



Keeping to that rather morbid pattern, I received several smses from my mom and sis regarding the abovementioned topic during the G12 conference. This time it seemed final. My maid was actually packing her bags at that very same time. I felt very discouraged. It felt like the Hiroshima end days of my nuclear family. The subsequent SMS exchange I had with my sister was nothing short of depressing as she shared about what transpired and how she felt about it (she cried).

I was all ready to cave in to the belief that in real life things never change, when I remembered one of the pastors saying something like “you can never please God without faith” and thus one should believe. It was then that I made a desperate prayer to the lord to resolve my little domestic situation. I cannot remember the exact words I uttered but it was something to the effect of asking God to preserve the sanctity of the familial institution.

What happened next was nothing short of amazing.

The next SMS I received was from my mom telling me that she was keeping my maid.

She added that she talked to my maid and they HUGGED (I expected an exchange of blows actually) and my maid told my mom that my mom was just like a mother to her.

That left me speechless.

It is not one-off too, what happened with my family. I can sense my mother making an effort to be more patient with my maid. She fails sometimes, but it’s a work in progress and I’m thankful.

To shamelessly rip off a certain sportswear label, impossible is nothing to God.

So today, make the choice to hope and believe.
There can be change.
If you make that change to keep the faith regardless, everything will change.

Krystle

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When you change, everything can change

'When you change, everything can change.'
This is something a lot of people caught during the G12 conference and it has never been more real to me.

I am a first generation Christian in my family and it is often difficult to stand strong because of the many persecutions I face at home. My whole family believes in Buddhism. As if the generation gap between my parents and I was not bad enough, the difference in faith made it worse altogether. All along they cannot accept the fact that I have already converted and deep in their hearts, they cling onto a hope similar to mine- that is to convert the other party to the same faith. This is very evident in my home.

A huge wooden Buddha statue was placed in my not-very-big room, on it hung numerous pendants of idols. From the start, I knew better than to voice out my negative feelings towards the arrangement because my parents are very authoritative- being the traditional Chinese family. So I kept telling myself that “it is okay” but deep down in my heart I know this has shook my faith. It was just disturbing having to wake up seeing the statue and going to bed facing it too. What can I do but to pray?


During the Delirious? worship concert, everyone went forward to worship including me. The music was super loud, and I found myself soaked in the whole atmosphere. But God brought my mind back the situation at home; I started crying out to God. Taking advantage of the loud worship and music, it gave me courage to shout onto the Lord and ask Him to come and change things at home because I am so sick and tired of the constant. I told God I will not stop shouting unless He come and do something, anything in my home. Indeed, God did something.

After the end of conference, I received a message from my mum. It read 'When are you coming back? I've got a surprise for you in your room.' At first, it did not really appeal to me, in fact I started to reflect if I have done anything wrong, like “my phone-bill went out of hand again" or "I left my room in a mess this morning?". When I reached home, I immediately went to my table to look for any phone bill.

Surprisingly, there was none. It took me a few minutes to realize that my room was rearranged. And the big wooden buddha statue was removed! It was removed without involving any fights or quarrels, but by mere grace, prayer and faith. I was so shocked and pleasantly surprised for I know this surprise came not from my mum, but from God. He answered my prayer! I did not shout in vain! I praise the Lord for everything He has done, from the bottom of my heart and I am sure He is doing something in each and every person's life, its only whether we want to let God or limit God. Do not ever decide for God by limiting your faith or ceasing in prayer because He is the Almighty King!

Paulina

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Reflecting G12 Conference- Day 4

After going through so many days of listening to the Holy spirit, and hearing from many anointed men/women of God speaking, we've come to the last day of G12 conference. whereby Pastor Cesar preached about living in God's divine purpose. And one sentence that he made on that sunday really spoke to me. He said that whatever God has for us, we cannot see it through our naked eyes.

And that really spoke to me. Many times, when we choose to look at God's divine purposes and plans for us using our naked eyes, we will tend to ask God why is it this way and why can't it be that way. But when we choose to look at it from God's perspective, our spiritual eyes, God's words, we will know that God has a plan/purpose to prosper us and not to harm us. A plan to give us a hope and a future.

I really asked myself, questioned God, asked my friends, even grumbled to my schoolmates about the fact that I did not manage to get a CapitaLand scholarship. The background is this, about September last year, CapitaLand shortlisted some of us from my course and I am also part of the team.

At that point of time, i really thank God for this divine chance to ease my family burden. And I really prayed hard for it. But the moment i knew that i did not get that scholarship, my heart sank. I start to question God why gave me this chance and yet take it away?

But after last sunday's sermon, as i was reflecting upon it (Yes, i still think about it some time) I realized that i was looking at a very superficial level of that opportunity. I neglected the experience I've gained from that interview (in front of a panel of 'jugdes')

Today, i just came back from my second interview for my internship program. And i dare to say that i believe i did better this time and with so much confident as compare to last time. Continue to pray together with me because i believe God is using me in a deeper measure.

Praise the Lord!
Chuanlian

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Reflecting G12 Conference - Day 3

G12 Conference 2006G12 Conference 2007
Cell Retreat 2008
G12 Conference 2009
GOD IS FAILTHFUL and I BELIEVE!-

G12 Conference for me this year was very different... I entered this season with loads of anticipation, knowing that God will do something marvellous and miraculous for me. There was a sense of excitement within my heart that no words can describe. As I look back at the previous years, I can only conclude that GOD HAS BEEN FAITHFUL and HE IS FAITHFUL.

Even as I start to ask and believe God for the multitudes this year, I just sense the timing is just right and just nice! God has indeed preserved and kept each one of those that had been placed under my care. If there is a perfect time for this cell to start reaching out, it is NOW, not yesterday, not tomorrow but NOW!

2006 was the start of this cell – where there was only 5 of us. Come 2007, there were about 8 of us. 2008 was a time of restoring and rebuilding for this cell group where God allowed each one of us to walk through our struggles within ourselves and within the cell group. I would say there was a major breakthrough in this cell, be it personal or as a cell group. I sense that 2008 was really a time of preparation and testing for this cell group.

2009 – Here we are. G12 Conference has passed. But if there was one take away I would share, it would be on the word BELIEVE. There was a changed attitude in my heart towards this word – BELIEVE. Every time, we always say we must believe, we must believe and we must believe. But the question I ask myself is, DO I TRULY BELIEVE? I remember for 2006 and 2007’s G12 Conference, Ps Cesar did talk about WE MUST BELIEVE GOD FOR THE MULTITUDES. If you ask me if I truly believed then, the answer is NO. There and then, it just seemed so far-fetched and impossible for an 18 year old to believe. However, each time when Pastor ask those who believe, raise your hand, I would just do so since everyone is doing so. However, this year I could really say with Faith that I BELIEVE... no logic or reason I can give, but I know God has deposited something into my heart and spirit during this G12 Conference in regards to BELIEVING GOD FOR THE MULTITUDES.

A new believe has arose, Faith is arising
here comes the multitudes for GOD!

BE THE CHURCH!

Dare to believe,
Liang Ming (:

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Reflecting G12 Conference - Day 2

Many issues were covered on Day 2 and definitely, God has been faithful and spoken to me through many of the sessions. One of which that really impacted me was when Sarah went on stage to preach on the Spirit. It was really inspiring to see a 17-year old young lady being that ambassador for God!

Being at the crossroad of choosing which courses I should apply to my advantage, her message was timely to guide me in my decisions. The Spirit is the one that gives us purpose, and hence, in the process of deliberation, I have to align my thoughts to the spirit, to my purpose God has for me on earth.

On top of this, in the later session, Pastor Claudia also preached on finding the star, that destiny God has set for us. Sarah also shared that the spirit gives us strength. Indeed, I trust and hope in the Lord that He will empower me even in such times where I feel hopeless in my situation.

Be blessed,
Kristine

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Reflecting G12 Conference- Day 1

God spoke to me that day about when Pastor Cesar said that many of us often was holding onto Jesus, who is pure and holy, yet at the same time holding onto our pass sins and earthly processions. And because of this we cannot enter into God's kingdom. Pastor Cesar also said that the way to enter into God's kingdom is to let our pass sins and earthly processions go.



This part spoke to me a lot because it made me realized that i cannot hold onto things that does not belongs to the kingdom of God. And by holding on to it, i cannot enter the kingdom of God and I cant enjoy the fullness of God's grace and mercy in my life. Not only that, the devil will also continue to attack me because i did not let go of my pass sins. Also, the continuous action of dwelling in my pass sins will not allow me to grow as fast as God wants me to.

In all, i am still learning how to let go of my pass sins and to set my eyes onto the Lord, our God.

God Bless,
Jialing.

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Chuanlian is BAPTISED!

On the 27 Feb 2009, I started a whole new journey in my walk with God as i walk through the water of baptism. It was really amazing and heartwarming to see so many who came to support me that day. And especially I was really thankful that my mother came for my baptism and until now still tries to apply what Pastor William Loke preach about patient that day.


The first thing i encountered after i came out from the baptism pool was that i felt very light, almost like the feeling of fainting. I felt very light-hearted and as though i was floating in the air.

I believe that was a sign of the Holy Spirit telling me that my old self has gone and the new have come. The light-heartedness is a representation of my new self. Whereby from that minute onwards I am a new creation.

As I start this new journey, the prayer i made to God was that he would take me, make me, use me and mould me. And i would like to encourage all those who have not being baptised, and are from a yet-to-be-believers family to pray and believe in God. I believe that God can do what he did to me to you! God bless.

Press below to read more about my testimony!



Testimony: Ong Chuan Lian

I was from a traditional Taoist family. And being traditional, my family never shown their love and concern for me. Hence, I grew up without any touch of security, love and concern from them. Because of that, I tend to place my sense of trust, security and love with the friends around me. I was telling myself during primary school till secondary. "No matter what happened, I must get to know all the 'popular' students in the school. And all those high-profile students must be my good friends. That's when I can turn high-profile and hence feel the sense of security, love and care from.

But I was wrong, with so many friends, none of them were truthful. Betrayal, conflicts soon slipped in. I was deeply hurt by all those friends whom I placed my trust in. I start to question, why must they betray me, haven’t I found that sense of belonging already? And many times, I find myself sitting at home, feeling that sense of emptiness and loneliness. In school, I may be a high-profile kid. But at home, I’m still the same nobody. With no attention given and no respect given, I wondered why am I in this world.

Everything changes when my Sec4 best friend, someone who's high-profile in school, invited me to her church camp. I went because it was a FOC camp. Well, free accommodation, food and more friends was the reason I agreed to go for the camp. And after that I became very interested about this GOD that they were talking about during the camp, from which I began to start my research on the internet about this Jesus Christ.

I can’t believe the fact that this JESUS actually like love me so much that he died for me. And to someone who has not experienced love, care and concern, and sense of security, it's kind of ridiculous for someone to die for you. So I decided to give it a try, "No harm anyway right?" that was what I told myself. I gave my life to Jesus on the 18th January 2006, in the small bedroom of mine alone. I approached a classmate of mine during lunch one day and asked her if she was attending any churches. That was when she brought me to Faith Community Baptist Church.

After I believed in God and accepted the fact that Jesus came and died for me. I was free from seeking security, love and care from friends around me. I learn to accept everyone as my friends and not just the high-profile ones. I realized that humans will always fail you and not meet your expectation. But God is the one who's always constant. His love for you is always constant. God was able to exceed the desire of love, security and concern I always yearned for.

I’ve also learned to trust God for all things around. From someone who takes no initiative and discipline to study until now, being the top 10% in my cohort. A verse that I always carry with me through thick and thin, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Phil4:13) allows me to achieve such good grades and now I am, being a living testimony amongst my family and friends.

Not only that, with my cell group supporting every decision I made, and offering any prayers that I needed, I was able to walk out of the invisible wall of defense I built over the years. I really thanked God for this bunch of crazy sisters whom I go through many circumstances together. Without God, I would never ever meet such lovely sisters in my life, and I would probably be too friends-driven. Because of them, I have learnt to be God-driven, putting God as the centre of my life.

Today, I am someone who seeks God for love, security and care. I am also someone who still makes a lot of friends. But the different is that, I’ve learned to let go of things when conflicts sinks in. I’ve learned to let God take control of things happening around me. I’ve learnt to forgive my family for the past, and the fact that they allowed me to get baptize today is an act of love for me. Praise the Lord!

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