St James' Church

Our JYM youths had an interesting 4 day Adventure Camp experience at Kota Tinggi this week. Though the wet weather scuttled many parts of the programme, it was one which bonded many of them closer together.............

Both Pas Andrew and me were away over two weekends to minister to a group of Canadian Anglican leaders. We met at a beautiful retreat center near the border, south of Vancouver. In spite of various challenges including visa difficulties, jet-lag and the cold, as a whole, the ministry went well...............

On Wednesday evening, we had 20 guests turning up at our Alpha Introduction Dinner. I have not met anyone of them before. It is a precious opportunities to meet those who don’t normally turn up in our church. The Alpha Course provides this special opportunity. Do pray that even more guests will turn up when the 3 Alpha Courses start this week. Each of them is precious in the eyes of our Lord. Do pray that they will make new friends and meet Christ in some way. And have you invited someone yet? ................

Crossroad Vision Statement
“We are a Crossroad Church for Seekers, Disciples, the Body of Christ and the Nations;
obeying the Great Commandment and fulfilling the Great Commission in the power of the Holy Spirit.”............

We enjoyed spending last weekend with the Lims in Hanoi. Freddie Chua accompanied me and we had some good time of fellowship..........

I will be in Hanoi this weekend, accompanied by Freddie Chua. It is always a joy to catch up with the Lims and observe their work there. Distance, communication difficulties (they do not have home internet) and the busyness of life does not allow us to be in touch regularly and so, going there in person helps to make up for it. I will also be sharing the Word and breaking bread with them on Sunday.........

“So the Lord stirred up the spirit of Zerubbabel … and the spirit of Joshua … and the spirit of the whole remnant of the people. They came and began to work on the house of the Lord…” Haggai 1:14

We have started a process of working out our ministry plans for the next 5 years. This will include the period of about two years during the interim period, where we will be holding our Services in Harding Road, and two years after we have shifted back into our new premises.

We start the year by examining the message in the book of Haggai. It is apt as this year is a critical one for the church. It will be a season where our commitment to the Lord’s church will be tested. And it is my prayer that each one of us will grow closer to the Lord and mature in our faith through the journey…

Our year ends on a sad and violent note with the assassination of yet another important national leader. The worse is yet to come as the situation in Pakistan unfolds. Pray for the stability of this nation. And with oil prices spiralling out of control, we need to continue to pray for His sovereign reign and peace in the midst of international chaos…

Yes, it was altogether a unique event. It was not just a celebration of the church but of life as a whole. And I think, this is what it should be. The church is not a ghetto where we retreat to hide from the world, but a light shining in the midst of life’s realities. 

What is clear is that SJC, as she is today, has been very blessed by many clergy, leaders and members who have served faithfully in the past. And as we reflect on our past 30 years, the words of St Paul in 1 Cor 3 provides terrific guidance on how should view those who have laboored in our vineyard. Indeed, each will have their rewards but the goal is the glory of God, for ‘none of us is anything, but only God…”

I will be off to Petaling Jaya (West M’sia) this weekend to attend my eldest brother’s baptism Service at Damansara Utama Methodist Church (DUMC). He was the only one amongst the many baptism candidates who has been asked to share his testimony. Yes, his story is very encouraging. It reminds us again that no one is beyond the saving power of Christ. For some, it may take a long time. Keep loving and sowing the seed. I can think of many issues which could have cause a distancing or even division amongst my family members. It is the love my late mother that has kept us together, along with some basic Christian sense and mutual respect during the more difficult moments. (Romans 12:10)

This is a line from a classic Negro spiritual song which some of us may be familiar with. I remember it from time to time, as I did this week. It reminds me of the need to be faithful to my first commitments. Sometimes we describe it as the need to “return to your first love.” (Rev 2)

Oblivious to what was taking place, I saw a handful of people scattered around the hall standing to their feet…

I will like to take this opportunity, as the parish gathers together for the Confirmation Service, to thank all who have supported and served in the Building project. Much has been accomplished since the fund-raising started in April. We are amazed at His faithfulness. There is still on-going work in the design and detail use of the various facilities. Pray for insight and wisdom as we do our best to envisage what life, worship and ministry will be like in the new building. 

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