21 July 2024 - TESTIMONIES FROM VBS 2024
O Worship the LORD in the Beauty of Holiness
8:00 am |
11:00 am | |
Call to Worship |
Eld Terence Tan |
Eld Terence Tan |
Opening Hymn |
Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven |
Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven |
Invocation-Gloria Patri |
|
|
Scripture Reading |
Nehemiah 13:4-22 |
Nehemiah 13:4-22 |
Hymn |
- |
All the Way My Saviour Leads Me (HGG 494) |
Offertory Hymn |
Near to the Heart of God (HGG 456) |
Near to the Heart of God (HGG 456) |
Doxology & Prayer | ||
Pastoral Prayer | ||
Sermon |
How Have We Despised Your Name? (Malachi 1:6-14) by (Rev Charles Seet) |
How Have We Despised Your Name? (Malachi 1:6-14) by (Rev Charles Seet) |
Closing Hymn |
Amidst Us Our Beloved Stands (HGG 230) *The Lord’s Supper |
Our Great High Priest Is Sitting (HGG 173)
|
Benediction | ||
Announcements |
|
TESTIMONIES FROM VBS 2024
This year’s Vacation Bible School was conducted on 29-31 May. We thank God for all the blessings received both by the children and the helpers. May you be edified by the testimonies shared by some of them below. – Pastor
Helpers Testimonies
I thank the Lord for His goodness in guiding us through this year’s VBS, themed ‘Champions for God,’ which encouraged us to trust God and not be afraid.
We experienced a 27% increase in our Kindy department, with 70 children attending daily. Praise the Lord for the helpers who faithfully answered His call to serve, and for sustaining the team with health and strength throughout the three-day VBS.
Initially, I was concerned about filling key roles (assistant HOD, storyteller, singspiration leader, pianist), but God demonstrated His sovereignty. He brought Lin Jin as our storyteller and Shi Yi as my assistant HOD, seemingly by chance, but truly by His divine plan. I was also inspired by our helpers whose enthusiasm and commitment in their roles demonstrated a true desire to serve God.
The responsibility of communicating any injuries of the children to their parents was a daunting task for me, as it isn’t my natural strength. I was worried about how parents would react to the news of their precious children being injured. However, I thank God for supportive mentors and understanding parents who helped me through.
Please pray that the gospel seed sown in the children’s hearts will bear fruit one day. May we continue to trust God and fearlessly strive to be champions for Him each day!
“Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid:” (Isaiah 12:2a)
– Kimberly Yeap, Kindy HOD
Serving as a Kindy Nursery 2 teacher, there were many moments where I wondered how effective VBS could be to a bunch of 4-year-olds. For instance, when the kids in my class were told to write/draw one thing that they learnt from the Bible lesson that day, they could only scribble random stuff on their worksheets. Such moments made me question how effective what we were doing at VBS really was. But just as the kids were taught to trust in Him during VBS, I realised I needed to be taught that too!
After all, the things we were teaching the kids wasn’t just mere human knowledge, like Math and Science, but the divine Word of God, that is living and powerful in the hands of the Holy Spirit. Although they might not remember much, VBS can still help the kids grow in their knowledge of God’s word. The Holy Spirit can then use this knowledge later on in the future to convict them and bring them to faith in Christ. I only needed to teach the Word, and leave the rest of the work to the Spirit. Furthermore, even if my service proved to ultimately be fruitless, God would still be pleased with my service to Him, and I should be satisfied with that.
Even though I already knew the story of Gideon, going through it again at VBS was greatly encouraging to me. The story really shows that God can win His people a great victory, it’s only a matter of whether His people trust in Him to win it for them. In fact, Christ has already won the victory over sin and Satan for us, we just need to trust Him to make that victory ours! It was an encouraging reminder that if God be for us, who can be against us?
The fellowship that I enjoyed during this short time of service was also refreshing. I got to meet people in church that I never knew existed, and wouldn’t have known if I didn’t serve! It was also a good time to get to know the people I always saw around in church better by serving with them.
Ultimately, God has blessed me much in my service at VBS!
– Caleb Tan, Kindy Teacher
There are many things to thank God for this year’s VBS – Champions for God. I have many learning moments in the process of serving. But I would like to highlight how God has taught me to fully understand these two verses.
Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands. For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. (2 Tim 1:6-7)
Paul in the book of 2 Timothy was addressing Timothy’s lack of confidence and reminded him that God had given him gifts and urged him to keep seeking God’s purpose.
I did not readily agree to serve as head of the Primary Department when approached. Many doubts arose in my heart, “How’re you going to find time, you’ve no experience, you’re going to mess this up”. I felt very inadequate for the immense role. Perhaps a lot of us felt the same way when asked to serve.
I was reminded that my inadequacy will be filled with that of Jesus, which shifted my perspective from I-centred to God-centred. My fears did not disappear totally. But the love from fellow brethren countered my fears. They encouraged and patiently guided me in planning and execution of the program. I thank God for the community to encourage me in this journey.
This step of faith had led me to a rewarding experience. There was lots of work to do for the three-day event for more than one hundred children. It is God’s providence to have many people serving in unity with a common goal. We met many challenges along the way. But they were good reminders for us to turn to Him in prayer. The testimonies and the smiles of the children were evidence of God’s hand at work.
It takes courage to step out and use our gifts with power, love and a sound mind. If I had continued to let fear grip me and not serve, I would miss out all the blessings and the opportunities to grow spiritually.
God has already given us that courage through the Holy Spirit within us. Have we been using the gifts He called us to use to give Him glory? I would encourage anyone who has yet to serve in VBS to join us next year. Step out, my dear brethren – it’s time to get moving!
– Daisy Tan, Primary HOD
Praise the LORD for VBS 2024. It was a privilege for me to participate and to see the joy of many children in the church when they praised God and learned of Him. This year I taught P1 Faith and three ex-FEK children registered by parents as non-believers. However, when I shared the gospel, they said that they had believed and have Jesus in their heart. Praise the LORD for these children who had been in FEK for four years. The gospel seed was sown in their hearts. I will pray that the seed sown will be harvested in time to come. May GOD preserve this VBS ministry and may Lifers be able to answer the call to labour together. May God be glorified and magnified in our midst. Amen!
– Christina Toh, Primary Teacher
When I was first approached to help plan games for VBS, I was slightly apprehensive. Having never planned anything on such a large scale before, I didn’t know what to expect and was worried that it would be too big a responsibility for me. These worries persisted throughout my service and I often found myself not fully trusting in God’s will, such as when I discovered flaws in our plan or when I could not be there in person during the first two days.
However, God also strengthened my walk with Him while serving in VBS. Even though it was important to ensure that everything ran smoothly, I sometimes got so caught up in worrying over issues that I temporarily lost sight of the ultimate goal, which was to glorify God. Through these challenges I faced along the way, God reminded me that I had to leave the results entirely in His hands. What I’ve been reminded of throughout the process of serving is that no human plan can ever be perfect; even so, everything proceeds according to God’s will.
Although making mistakes along the way is inevitable, our Lord can and will use those experiences to edify others and glorify His name. Therefore, I highly encourage everyone to step up to serve God when given the opportunity, especially those who are reluctant due to a fear of making mistakes. Whether that opportunity is in VBS or another area of service, I am certain that God will use that opportunity to teach us many important lessons.
– Titus Loh, Games Helper
This was my first time serving in VBS, and I would really like to thank the two game ICs who invited me to join. I’ve always loved interacting with children for their cute and direct way of communicating, hence hosting games and thinking about how to impart spiritual lessons to them filled me with excitement. While I’m unsure how much of what we taught will stick with them, I can say that I certainly learnt a lot from the children during this VBS.
One memorable part of VBS was during the game ‘Musical Hula Hoops,’ a game similar to “Musical Chairs”, which didn’t unfold as planned. Instead of competing, the children surprised us by hugging each other, ensuring no one was left out when the music stopped so no one would be eliminated. What was meant for five children ended up accommodating over ten, leaving us with a cute and heartwarming problem about how to conclude the game. Similarly, during ‘What’s the Time, Mr Wolf?’ children stood near their friends who were the catchers in the game, to enable everyone to feel a sense of accomplishment throughout the game.
Lessons they learnt from the debrief, or even what the games were about may fade from their memories. Despite this, I hope memories of the friendships forged and the joy of helping one another at VBS will last, such that they will remember that friendships forged in church and through Christ can be so pure and sweet.
– Abigail Yeo, Games Helper
This year is my first time serving in VBS as a Craft Helper at Kindy department. Being a first timer, I was a bit nervous and didn’t know what to expect. I thank God for sending me help. After some hands-on experience, I gained confidence and bravery to manage the Kindy children with much patience. Thank you, God, for this opportunity to serve.
– Anna Goh, Craft Helper
An afternoon of briefing and three days exposing myself to primary kids at VBS craft was really an eye-opener. Boys with nimble fingers and girls with expert colouring and cutting techniques, creativity beyond the pre-set craft work. There was a good spirit of sharing and helping each other in the team, great fellowship. I mulled at the provoking questions raised on the creation of each of the craft work, all the WHYs, WHY NOTs, WHAT IFs.
Thank God for answering my prayer and making all things possible and timely that I am able to help at VBS 2024. It was a great opportunity to meet a totally different audience, from my usual working/professional adults to our young boys and girls, the CHAMPIONS FOR GOD.
– Lee Chor Joo, Craft Helper
Children’s Testimonies
– Evangeline Ong, P1 Trust
Today I learned that God can help me to forgive my friends when they are mean to me.
– Joshua, P3 Courage
I need faith to believe in God because I cannot see Him.
– Ong Jun Yang, P4 Patience
Today is the last day of VBS! I will miss the teachers and the friends. I am grateful for my teachers as they want me to love God more. We learnt about Nehemiah and how he strived to trust in God despite being made fun of and mocked. This story tells us to always go God’s way though it may seem impossible. I want to spread the gospel and be a CHAMPION FOR GOD!
– Natalie Goh, P4 Patience
Today in VBS I learnt about Nehemiah. Nehemiah trusted God for protection although his enemies plotted to murder him! What I can take away from this lesson is to put your trust fully in God, God will protect you and have faith in God.
– Ethan Chong, P5 Grace
Today I learnt about Gideon and his army of 300 men. We must trust in God and not be afraid.
– Hannah, P6 Justice
Today I learned how Gideon and his 300 men had faith in God so God helped them win. I want to learn how to have faith like Gideon.
– Kristen Koy, P6 Justice
I learnt about how Rahab had faith and trusted in God even though she could have been killed. For the next few days, I want to learn more stories about God.
– Joanne, P6 Justice
Today, I learned about trusting in God and not to be afraid. I want to learn from Rahab and start trusting in the Lord.
Shorter Catechism Question 5
Q: Are there more Gods than one?
A: There is but one only, the living and true God.
Appointments for the Week
Monday, Jul 22
7.30 pm ERBL: Intro to Biblical Counselling (Mr Joel Seah)
Tuesday, Jul 23
8.00 pm Prayer Meeting (Eld Heng Shao Sheng)
Wednesday, Jul 24
10.00 am SF Meeting
Thursday, Jul 5
10.00 am Ladies’ Prayer Group
7.30 pm ERBL: The Book of Proverbs (Rev Lim Chee Boon)
Saturday, Jul 27
2.15 pm Ladies’ Tea Fellowship (Rm 1-6)
11.30 am YLM / LTF (Loving & Caring)
4.00 pm MM 8th Anniversary Thanksgiving (MPH)
Sunday, Jul 28
8.00 am Reckless Faith Malachi 2:1-9 (Rev Ho Chee Lai)
8.00 am Choir Practice
9.15 am Library (Sanctuary Balcony)
9.40 am Sunday School / Catechism Class
10.15 am Coffee Corner
11.00 am Reckless Faith Malachi 2:1-9 (Rev Ho Chee Lai)
11.00 am Children’s Ministry
11.00 am Chinese Service (MPH)
11.00 am Filipina Service (Rm 1-6)
12.15 pm Library (Sanctuary Balcony)
2.00 pm Session Meeting
2.30 pm Thai Service (LMH)
4.00 pm Indonesian Service (Rm 1-6)
Preaching appointment: Rev Seet at Maranatha BPC, 10.45am.
Announcements
Life BPC Job Vacancies
- Church Operations Manager (COM)
Responsibilities:
The COM provides active oversight and support in the mission, administrative affairs and general operations of the Church including Financial Management, HR, MIS Technology, Media Technology, Facilities and General Administration.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor degree or higher
- Minimum 5 years’ experience in operations or managerial positions
- Good interpersonal and communications skills
- Estate Management Officer (EMO)
Responsibilities:
EMO plans, oversees and coordinates all property management and preventive maintenance activities associated for the church premises. Coordinates facilities usage for a range of Church activities and Church’s authorized users using the premises. The EMO reports to the Church Operation Manager.
Qualifications:
- Diploma or equivalent
- 5 years’ experience in real estate management and maintenance
- Certification in real estate management and maintenance is an added advantage
- Lifers are preferred
Candidates with relevant qualifications and experience may submit your application and CV to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. We regret that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Door to Door Evangelism 21 July 2024
Meet in Beulah Room 2-11, 12.30pm Contact: Desmond or Amos
Traffic Warden Service
We welcome all church members to join in this work. Our TW’s role is to provide godly service to facilitate worship. We need help in following time slots for Sunday: 7.30-8am or 10.30-11am with a frequency of once or twice a month. Please contact Dn Chan Yong or Bro Kelvin.
Holy Communion Elements Preparation
Lifers are invited to serve in the Holy Communion elements preparation, clean-up and washing. Those interested may contact Jenny or Wendy.
Mailbox Club Bible Correspondence Course (MBCC)
Another Church Outreach Ministry invites Lifers to register their young children, teens, or grandchildren with our MBCC. Those whose loved ones, friends or colleagues who are either young in their faith or being non-believers, are interested to know and explore more of Christianity, are also invited to register with us by filling in the registration forms which are now available at the Church front counter and post them to:
Life B-P Church
No.10, Gilstead Road
Singapore 309064
Attention: Mrs Ong Chuay Ying
Men’s Ministry 8th Anniversary
27 July; 4-7pm @ Beulah MPH. “Created in Christ Jesus unto Good Works” by bro Mok Chee Cheong Contact bro Chung Wai This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more details.
Ladies’ Fellowship Bible Study on the book of Revelation
Every last Saturday of the month. 3.15pm @ Beulah Rm 1-6. Contact Sis Sally This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for mor details.
Dementia: Making Sense, Seeking Support
Speakers: Dn Dr Koh Lip Hoe & Sis Cheung Siew Li
Date: 24 August 2024
Time: 4-6pm (followed by dinner)
Venue: Beulah MPH
Register at https://www.lifebpc.com/sfseminar by 4 August
YF Camp (for youths aged 16-25)
16-20 Dec 2024, “To live is Christ, to die is gain” by Eld Chin Hoong Chor.