Adventist
Crossroads
October - November 1998
Singapore
Church Writes for the World
John Tan, Youth Ministry
A
team of writers from Singapore contributed articles for a week's lessons
in the Collegiate Quarterly. This is the Sabbath School quarterly used
by Adventist youth aged 18 to 35 years. The lessons were for the 12th
week of the 4th quarter of 1998, namely the week from December 13 to
19. The theme for these lessons focuses on the help that is available
to us from God.
The contributors from Singapore were Pastor Wann Fanwar, formerly theology
chairperson at the Southeast Asia Union College; Dr. Geoffrey Pauner,
principal of the San Yu Adventist School; Pastor Toh See Wei, secretary
of the Singapore Mission; Mrs. Low Lye Cheng, teacher at the San Yu
Adventist School; and Mrs. Lucy Ho, secretary at the Southeast Asia
Union Mission.
Each year the Collegiate Quarterly, with a worldwide circulation of
59,000 receives contributions of lessons from more than 300 individuals.
"Love's
Relentless Pursuit"
Danson Ng, Secretary, ASI
Based
on the parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32) Frank T. Fournier
spoke on the theme "Love Relentless Pursuit." Frank is the
executive vice-president of Outpost Centers Inc., USA, an outreach organization
currently overseeing around 100 projects worldwide. Outpost Centers
Inc., USA is an independent but supportive ministry to the Church.
Interestingly, Frank Fournier came from a Roman Catholic background
but became an Adventist at 27. Although he did not have all the academic
degrees, he educated himself through an intense study of the Bible and
the Spirit of Prophecy books. His messages testified to that.
Each night from 14 to 18 September at the Balestier SDA Church he presented
a verse-by-verse study of the parable and unfolded the beauty of God's
love. Attendance averaged about 130 to 150.
This five-night spiritual enrichment meeting was organized and sponsored
by the Adventist-Laymen's Services and Industries (Singapore).
Mission Treasury Evaluation
The
Singapore Mission treasury was evaluated by the Southern Asia-Pacific
Division of General Conference (SSD) on 2 September 1998.Areas evaluation
included general administration, financial policies, accounting, offerings,
salaries expenses and physical plants.Out of a total points of 200 it
scored 172 points or 86%. This score fell within the "Very Good"
range.
Gary G. Johnson, the associate treasurer of the SSD reports, "The
Singapore Mission is the strongest mission financially in the division.
Your financial administration and accounting are excellent as well."
The
Youth Revolution!
John Tan, Youth Ministry
One
hundred Adventist youth, from the various SDA youth groups in Singapore
gathered at the Balestier Church on the afternoon of 10 October 1998
for a combined meeting.The organizers wanted the youth to get acquainted
with one another. All components of the program reflected this goal
and provided wide participation.
Faith Toh and Mei Wnn from the SAUC Church's youth ministry led the
group in praise and worship. Their enthusiasm soon spread to the group
in lively singing. Chai Hee from the Thomson youth ministry kept up
the energy level with icebreakers. Johnny Kan, pastor of the Jurong
English church, then followed up with a game of clumps that created
quite a "chaos."
The musical talent of some of our youth was next displayed. The Jurong
English Church's SKY band and the Balestier's youth band provided contemporary
renditions of well-known gospel songs. Judging from the response of
the audience, their efforts were well appreciated.
John Tan, mission youth coordinator, and his wife Adelyn ended the meeting
by challenging those present to take part in God's harvest. They announced
several opportunities and plans that have sprung up calling the youth
to work for the redemption of souls.
New
Generation Inspiration
Danson Ng, Secretary, Secretary, ASI
On
rare occasions we get to enjoy quality vocal music rendition. The afternoon
of 14 November 1998 was one of those. Assembled in the newly air-conditioned
sanctuary at the Jurong church about three hundred people waited in
expectancy. They were not disappointed when the melodious voices of
the New Generation Singers from the Philippines presented the gospel
story in songs. Danson Ng delivered a sermonette with the same theme.
At the close of the concert, Victor lee rendered a song on the redeeming
love of Christ.
We appreciate the New Generation Singers for an inspiring concert and
not forgetting the SAI (Singapore) for organizing the programme and
sponsoring the group.