Rejoice in the Lord · For more information, please call the Pastoral Care Department at 03-7728 6000 ext. 307/308

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A Bi-Monthly Publication Of Calvary Church

Issue No: 98 March-April 2006 PP 5911/1/2007

By Senior Pastor Prince Guneratnam

Continued on page seventeen...

Joy comes from the heart. Happiness comes from happenstance and it does not last. Theheart is where you hold your beliefs and confess your faith. In order for your heart to find joy, youhave to have a right relationship with God. When your heart is right with God, your circumstances,whether good or bad, do not rob you of your joy. That is why the Apostle Paul says, “Rejoice in theLord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4). You can rejoice always—even whencircumstances are unfavourable.

The Psalmist points out thatblessed or happy is the man thatdoes not walk in the counsel of thewicked or stand in the way ofsinners or sit in the seat of mockers(Psalm 1:1). The Bible not onlyemphasises the positive but alsothe importance of the negative—theability to say “No”. Today, manybelievers are losing the power to say“No” to a walk, a position and afellowship that is ungodly but arighteous man can choose to say“No” with God’s help.

You can choose to be joyful oryou can choose otherwise. Joshua

Paul says, “Therefore, I urge you,brothers, in view of God’s mercy, tooffer your bodies as livingsacrifices, holy and pleasing toGod—this is your spiritual act ofworship. Do not conform any longerto the pattern of this world, but betransformed by the renewing ofyour mind. Then you will be able totest and approve what God’s willis—his good, pleasing and perfectwill” (Romans 12:1-2).

Choosing joy is choosing to begodly. Here are seven steps you cantake to be godly. First, confess

Rejoice in the Lord

“A cheerful heart

said, “But if serving the LORDseems undesirable to you, thenchoose for yourselves this daywhom you will serve, whether thegods your forefathers servedbeyond the River, or the gods ofthe Amorites, in whose land youare living. But as for me and myhousehold, we will serve theLORD” (Joshua 24:15). Joshuachose to serve God. It is a choicethat you have to make constantly.At a crossroads, you can choose tobe joyful or to walk, stand and sitwith the ungodly. You are not fatedto be unhappy. The choice is yours.

is good medicine,

dries up the bones.”but a crushed spirit

Proverbs 17:22

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Life Group (LG) Ministry

Life Groups enrich lives!

Calvary Convention Centre (CCC)

The first Nehemiah Prayer WalkThe Nehemiah Prayer Walk was launched at the Revival Encounter meetings held from 11 to 13

January 2006 (Please refer to page eight). On Saturday, 21 January 2006, 46 came for a briefing atAntioch bungalow before proceeding to the Calvary Covention Centre(CCC) site.

They were divided into seven groups; five groups prayed at the site while twogroups went on a prayer drive around the vicinity. They later convened at the park nearthe site where they shared what the Lord had impressed upon their hearts during thetime of prayer; how CCC can be used as God’s vehicle to fulfil the Great Commissionand how we can join our hands to make CCC a reality. They were challenged to seek theLord concerning how they, individually, can be further involved in the task of buildingthe CCC. Praise God for good weather and for protection against mosquitoes!

The Life Group (LG) is the best place to have our faith nurtured. Here are testimonies from twoindividuals who have experienced spiritual growth as a result of attending LGs.

Before accepting Christ, I felt insecure. Iused to be alone and had no friends to sharewith and talk to. I was a bad tempered personand seldom confessed my faults. I worried andstruggled about changes in my life. I tried tokeep my problems to myself and solve them on my own.

After accepting Christ, I knew there was a reason thatGod chose that moment to come into my life. It was becauseHe wanted to walk with me during my saddest moments. Istarted to attend the Ladies’ LG at Old Klang Road. Since Iaccepted Christ, the LG members extended their friendshipthat I never had before. Their concern, care andencouragement have helped me greatly.

God knows all my needs. When I was down, God used the LGleader and members to talk to me and I learnt from theirexperience. Sharing testimonies in the LG really encouragesmy faith in Christ. I now accept changes in my life withminimal struggle as I know that with God, I should not worry. I nowunderstand that everything happens for a purpose. I have learnedto depend on God and pray together with the sisters in the LG.

God is really a prayer-answering God. I thank Him for Hisgrace, love and mercy! I know I am not alone and Jesus (andthe LG) is always there for me.

Veronice Wan

“

”Join a Life Group today! You will be blessed.

For more information, please call the Pastoral Care Department at 03-7728 6000 ext. 307/308

By Assistant Pastor Seah Lee Peng

Before I accepted Christ, I used to besomeone who was quite shy to mix around withothers. Most of the time, I would be at homeafter I returned from office. Life was indeedboring and my circle of friends was very small.

In early March last year, a friend of mine invited me to joinher LG. At the LG meeting, I accepted Jesus Christ as mypersonal Saviour and Lord. My life has been transformed sincethen. I have come to know many helpful friends through the LG.During our LG meetings, we pray for one another, sharetestimonies and encourage one another. As a result, I amgrowing spiritually and am now more open to others.

I have also started to learn how to serve in ministry.Whenever there is someone who feels discouraged, our leadersand members will immediately pray and give support to her. Iam touched by the warmness of their friendship.

When I have difficulties in Bible reading, my LG membersvery willingly guide and help me. I also receive the answers tomy prayers as my LG members pray along with me. I enjoy theirfellowship and appreciate their advice very much. Life hascertainly become more meaningful. I love God and my LG.

Wee Lin San

“

”

CCC Secretariat | Tel 03-2095 9659 Fax 03-2095 8752 E-Mail [email protected]

Please call the Calvary Prayer Tower (O3-2092 1778) for more information on futureNehemiah Prayer Walks.

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CW children commissionedSenior Pastor Prince Guneratnam (right) leading the congregation to pray for the children

The children presenting a song entitled, “Testify To Love”

The dancers conclude their dance to great applause

Joanna Ka-Yi Bux sharingher testimony

Sunday, 8 January 2006,was a day to remember for 62Carpenter’s Workshop children.At the 10.30am WorshipService at Damansara Heights,they were officiallycommissioned to attend theadult Worship Services at theirrespective Church locations.

They pledged their commitmentto the Lord by joining the adults inworship, prayer, communion, giving

and evangelism.The adultsreadilywelcomed themin response!

Carpenter’s Workshop (CW)

Twenty-seven baptised in water!Praise the Lord for the 27 individuals who followed the Lord in water baptism on 18 December 2005!

By their obedience, they declared their faith and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ as their Saviour, Lord and Master.

Water Baptism

Left to RightFront Row: Paul Liew Tek Vui; Hannah Xavier; David Ranil Nyanapragasam; Rebecca Mooi Khooi Wern; Esther Wong Joon Mei;

Wesley Wong Wern Han; Isaac Gan-Selvam; Wendy Teh Ah Kiat; Lim Tian Wen;2nd Row: Kenny Ng Chee Yong; Glenn Teh Kean Tsing; Phoebe Low Sook Hong; Veronice Wan Sok Wai; Elaine M. Requioma;

Marilou M. Millos; Rhodora L. Telan; Mark Loon Chee Yen; Eddy Ng Cheng Han;3rd Row: Lim Jinq Wen; Joshua Tan Wai Kiat; Kurtwin Low Tsu Jin; Michael Loon Chee Yon; Chan Sze Rong; Daniel Tan Wai Meng;

Not in picture: Mah Sook Mei; Mah Sook Fun; Elijah s/o Elangoven

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Sukacita timbul daripada hati. Kegembiraan timbul daripada kejadian dan ia tidakberpanjangan. Hatilah tempat di mana kamu memegang kepercayaan dan iman kamu. Kamu harusmempunyai hubungan yang betul dengan Tuhan supaya hati kamu mengalami sukacita. Apabilakamu mempunyai hubungan yang baik dengan Tuhan, maka, apa jua keadaan, baik ataupun buruk,sukacita kamu tidak akan dirampas. Oleh sebab itu, Paulus berkata “Bersukacitalah senantiasadalam Tuhan! Sekali lagi ku katakan: Bersukacitalah!” (Filipi 4:4) Kamu boleh bersukacita–walaupun situasi tidak baik.

BersukacitaOleh: Pendita Senior Prince Guneratnam

Pemazmur menunjukkan orangyang berbahagia tidak berjalanmenurut nasihat orang fasik, yangtidak berdiri di jalan orang berdosa,dan yang tidak duduk dalamkumpulan pencemooh (Mazmur1:1). Alkitab bukan sahajamenekankan yang positif, tetapijuga memberi keutamaan kepadaapa yang negatif–iaitu kebolehanuntuk berkata, “Tidak”. Hari ini,ramai pengikut Yesus kehilangankeupayaan untuk berkata “Tidak”kepada cara, kedudukan danpersaudaraan yang tidak benar,tetapi orang yang benar bolehberkata “Tidak” dengan bantuanTuhan.

Kamu boleh memilih untukbersukacita atau sebaliknya. Yosuaberkata–“Jika kamu engganberbakti kepadaNya, tentukanlahsekarang, kepada siapa kamuhendak berbakti, dewa-dewa yangdisembah nenek-moyang kamu dimasa kamu di Mesopotamia, ataudewa-dewa orang Amor di negeri

yang kamu tinggal sekarang.Sedangkan bagiku dan keluargaku,kami hendak berbakti kepadaTuhan” (Yosua 24:15). Yosuamemilih untuk melayani Tuhan. Iniadalah pilihan yang kamu mestisenantiasa memilih. Dalamkeadaan yang susah, kamu bolehmemilih untuk bersukacita ataumemilih untuk bersama denganorang fasik. Kamu tidak ditakdirkanmuram. Pilihan ada dalam tangankamu. Paulus berkata, “Sebabsegala rahmat Tuhan kepada kita,hai saudara-saudaraku, maka akumemohon kepada kamu semua:persembahkanlah dirimu sebagaikorban yang hidup kepada Tuhan,terserah untuk melayani Dia danjuga berkenan kepada-Nya, inilahibadat yang sebenarnya yang haruskamu sembahkan. Janganlahmenurut teladan dunia ini, tetapibiarlah batin kamu diperbaharuiTuhan dan fikiran kamu diubahkan.Baharulah kamu dapatmengetahui kehendak Tuhan–iaitu

apa yang baik dan berkenankepadaNya, serta sempurna”(Roma 12:1-2).

Memilih sukacita ialah memilihuntuk diperkenankan Tuhan. Disiniada tujuh langkah dimana kamuboleh turut menjadi orang benar.Pertama, akuilah Yesus Kristussebagai Juruselamat dan Tuhankamu. Kedua, datang ke gerejaselalu. Alkitab berkata, “Janganlahkita berhentikan kebiasaan kitaberkumpul bersama-sama,sebagaimana dengan sebahagiansaudara-saudara itu. Sebaliknyabiarlah kita lebih lagimenggalakkan satu sama lain,sebab kita tahu bahawa HariTuhan, hari bila Dia akan datanglagi itu, telah dekat” (Ibrani 10:25).Ketiga, sentiasa berdoa. Langsungtidak berdoa adalah dosa. Yesusberkata, “Apabila kamu berdoa” danbukan “Jika kamu berdoa”.Keempat, sentiasa baca Alkitab.Ambil masa untuk belajar Alkitabsecara sistematik. Kelima, layanilah

“Hati yang gembiraadalah ubat yang manjur,

tetapi semangat yang patahmengeringkan tulang.”

Amsal 17:22

di dalam Tuhan

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Tuhan dengan hati kelegaan.Keenam, bawalah persepuluhanmu,kepunyaan Tuhan, danpersembahanmu kepada rumah-Nya. Ketujuh, bercakap tentangTuhan. Kamu adalah saksiNya.

Orang yang benar bagaikansebatang pokok. Pemazmur berkata“Orang itu umpama pokok yangtumbuh di tepi anak sungai; iaberbuah pada waktunya, dan daun-daunnya tidak kering. Dia berjayadalam segala perbuatannya”(Mazmur 1:3). Nabi Yesaya berkata,“Supaya aku memberikan kepadamereka yang berkabung di Sion,kesukaan dan kegembiraan, bukandukacita; mazmur, dan bukantangisan. Mereka akan menjadiseperti pokok yang ditanam olehTuhan sendiri. Mereka semua akanmelakukan apa yang benar, danTuhan akan dipuji keranaperbuatanNya” (Yesaya 61:3). Yesusberkata, “Akulah pokok anggur, dankamulah cabang-cabangNya”(Yohanes 15:5). Orang benar, yangdilahirkan kembali mempunyaiperhubungan rohani dengan Yesus.Dia adalah benar, keutamaan dannilai-nilainya berbeza dengan dunia.Dia tidak seperti hampas yangboleh ditiup angin.

Pemazmur berkata bahawaorang yang benar adalah sepertipohon yang ditanam di tepi aliranair. Sama seperti kita ditanam olehTuhan. Adakah kamu ditempatkandi mana Tuhan inginkan? Di manakamu berada adalah rencanakekekalan. Jika Tuhan telahmenanamkan kamu di sini, samadadalam gereja, pekerjaan ataumemberi kamu pasangan, jadi,tinggallah, bertumbuhlah danmenjadi matang dan melayani dimana Ia telah menanamkan kamu.Tumbuhan yang kerap dipindah-pindahkan adalah lemah danmudah dimusnahkan ribut. Yakni,apa jua alasannya, sesiapa yangmembuat diri mereka berakar, danmeninggalkan tempat di manamereka ditanam, melemahkan dirisendiri apabila menghadapipencubaan dan ujian-ujian yangdatang. Mereka mudah jatuh ataukembali hidup lama. Dan merekaakan dibinasakan, sebab begitulah

cara iblis bekerja. Ini bukan sahajaterjadi di gereja tetapi juga ditempat di mana kamu bekerja.Kamu mungkin menghadapikesukaran dengan majikan. JikaTuhan menanam kamu di sana,bertetaplah. Tuhan mempunyaikasih karunia untuk menolongmuatau kamu mempunyai pasanganyang tidak seiman. Tinggallahdengan pasanganmu kerana kamumembawa keselamatan kepadapasanganmu itu. (1 Korintus 7:14).Tuhan sanggup memberi kamukekuatan supaya kamu bolehbangkit dan hidup dalamkemenangan di mana Dia telahmenanamkan kamu.

Pokok yang ditanam Tuhanakan menghasilkan buah-buahpada musimnya. Sebagai pohonyang benar, kamu juga akanmenghasilkan buah-buah–sikapyang baik dan fikiran-fikiran yangindah. Kamu akan menjadikesenangan kepada orangsekelilingmu dan membuat oranglain tertarik dengan buah yangkamu hasilkan. Sama sepertisepohon pokok yang tidakmemakan buahnya sendiri, kamumenghasilkan buah untukmemberkati orang lain.

Daun-daun pokok itu tidak layu.Ini berbicara tentang keberhasilan.Keberhasilan tidak terhad kepadakewangan sahaja. Dengan Tuhan,kamu boleh berhasil walaupunkamu mempunyai sedikit dari segipandangan dunia. Walaubagaimanapun, ini tidak bermaknabahawa kamu tidak akan berhasildari segi kewangan.

Alkitab berkata, “Sebab Tuhanmengenal jalan orang benar tetapijalan orang fasik menujukebinasaan” (Mazmur 1:6). Itulahsebabnya Pemazmur katakan diaberbahagia. Jika kamu mempunyaiTuhan, kamu mempunyai jaminanyang terbaik. Dia akan menjagamulebih baik dibanding dengan polisiinsuran di dunia. Tuhan adalah setia.

Seorang yang benar boleh jatuhdalam dosa tetapi ia tidak terjadisekelip mata. Orang benar tidaktiba-tiba menjadi orang fasik. Iaterjadi beransur-ansur. Jika kamuberfoya-foya dengan dunia, kamu

akan kehilangan persekutuandengan Yesus. Alkitab katakan iniadalah perzinaan rohani. Ia bermuladengan perjalanan kita. Bila kamuberjalan dengan nasihat orangfasik, kamu akan terdedah denganpemikiran duniawi di mana iabertentangan dengan Tuhan.Keinginan mata, keinginankedagingan dan kesombonganhidup tidak dapat meyenangkanTuhan. Jika kamu berjalan denganorang fasik, lama-kelamaan, kamuberdiri dengan mereka, mengambiltempat orang fasik. Pada mulanya,keutamaanmu adalah mencariTuhan dan melakukan kehendakNyatetapi lama-kelamaan,keutamaanmu akan berubah.Secara perlahan-lahan kamumempersoalkan mandat Tuhankepada gereja dan lambat laun,kamu berhenti menginjili, memberidan melayani.

Kamu mula berkompromi danmenjadi selesa bersekutu denganorang fasik. Rohmu menjadi kritikal.Dulunya, kamu di pihak Tuhanmelakukan pekerjaanNya danbersukacita dalam keselamatandan jamahanNya di dalam hidupmu.Tetapi kini, kamu mempersoalkansetiap gerak-geri gereja dengan rohsyak wasangka. Ini tidak berlakusekelip mata. Ini terjadi secaraberansur-ansur. Dia berjalan, berdiridan akhirnya duduk dengan orangfasik. Pemazmur katakan bahawajalan orang fasik adalah jalansehala yang menuju ke neraka.“Sebab itu, orang fasik tidak akantahan dalam penghakiman, begitupula orang berdosa dalamperkumpulan orang benar”(Mazmur 1:5).

Kamu boleh memilih untukbersukacita menjadi orang benardengan berkata “Tidak” kepadanasihat orang fasik. Pilihan ada didalam tanganmu. Bersukacitalah didalam Tuhan.

Untuk maklumat lanjut tentangPelayanan Bahasa Malaysia,

sila hubungi03-7728 2694 sambungan 307.

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“Rise, Let Us Go”, Calvary Church’s theme for 2006, was echoed loudly and clearly during the three nightsof our Revival Encounter from 11 to 13 January 2006 by the speaker, Rev. Dwain Jones.

11 January |“What are you doing with the Bread you are receiving?”

Rise, let us go! By Bernice Narayanan

Revival Encounter

Testimonies that focused on personalspiritual revival were shared by Lim ChuneSin and Jeannie Low. Quek Lee Siu, IrisOng and Benjamin Toh respectively sharedhow God did something fresh, inspiringand exciting in their neighbourhood,workplace and school.

Each night, those who came wererevived, inspired, strengthened andempowered by these testimonies, thespecial songs presented and themessages shared.

nation and beyond. And more importantly,like Nehemiah, may we be propelled toaction and put our hands together to thetask of building the CCC. On all threenights, Jeannie Friis, the Chairperson ofthe Prayer Committee, who introduced theNehemiah Prayer Walk, encouragedCalvarities to participate in prayer walksand prayer drives that will be organisedduring the year (Please refer to page fourfor the report on the first NehemiahPrayer Walk).

“John 3:16 should be our vision,purpose and passion,” Rev. Jones stated.He emphasised that the whole purpose ofthe whole church is to bring the wholeGospel to the whole world. There will be athousand and one reasons to discourageus from doing the will of God, failing Godbeing at the top of the list. He shared hispersonal missionary experience of howthere were many difficulties and setbacksto the point that he felt he had failed God.Yet God brought about much fruit throughhis labour. The only reason that hecontinued to serve God and to love soulswas because he loves God more thannormal. Rev. Jones threw us a thought-

provoking question. Can our “neighbours”describe us as people who love Jesusmore than normal?

Inspiring us further, Rev. Jones saidthat in Philippians 4:17, the money giventowards the winning of souls, as in ourFaith Promise giving, will be credited toour heavenly account. Making thedifference in someone’s life should bedone with much joy and anticipation.Every prayer we pray, every sacrifice wemake is recorded. We should not judgetomorrow by what happens today and bykeeping our trust in Him, we will be dulyrewarded by our Lord.

13 January |“Please don’t forget us.”

Rev. Dwain Jones Lim Chune Sin

Jeannie Low

Associate Pastor Peter Ongshowing a booklet written bySenior Pastor that would be givento those who came on Thursdayand Friday night

Jeannie Friis

Quek Lee Siu Iris Ong Benjamin Toh

The Nehemiah Prayer Walk waslaunched. Prior to the rebuilding of thewall of Jerusalem, Nehemiah prayerfullywent to survey the situation and toascertain the work to be done. He thenmobilised the people to accomplish thetask at hand (Nehemiah 2:11-18).Similarly, through prayer walks, we praythat God will open our eyes to see thegreat potential of the Calvary ConventionCentre (CCC) being a visible and greatwitness for Christ in the community,

Taking the miracle of the five loavesand two fish from John 6 as his text, Rev.Jones who is Ministry Representative ofMission of Mercy, drew parallels from it.First, the boy gave what little he had tothe Lord. When we willingly give what littlewe have to the Lord, it is amazing what Hecan do with it. Secondly, Jesus asked thedisciples to make them sit in rows as the

aisles made it easier to get the food tothem. Each of us, he said, had an aisle ofresponsibility to take the Bread of Life toothers. Thirdly, Jesus wanted the disciplesto gather the fragments and feed thosewho were not there. Jesus is the Bread ofLife. We are His delivery people. What arewe doing with the Bread that we havereceived?

12 January |“Do you love Jesus more than normal?”“God has got a purpose, a place, a

work for each of us to bring the Bread,”said Rev. Jones. He takes us as we are andshows what His plans and purposes are.His power enables each man, woman andchild in the family of God to rise from being“nobodies” to “somebodies” for Hiskingdom.

We need to be in tune with God andhear the cries of wayward children, seethe men and women in drugs anddiseased and those praying to dead

The congregation responding to the challenge to take the Bread of Life to othersAbove: Families praying for each other; Below: Rev. Dwain Jones leading the people to face the north,south, east and west to pray for revival in our land

Singing with actions, “Strongholds cometumbling down and down and down...” onFriday night when the children joined theirparents during the Worship session before

adjourning to their own programme

From left: The Youth Choir; the Sanctuary Choir; KidsCAT

Responding at the altar

gods. We are to answer their heart-rendingcries of “Please don’t forget us.” We mustnot underestimate the power of God tosave souls (Romans 1:16). The power ofJesus Christ causes men and women tomake sacrifices and to give like neverbefore; to declare that Jesus is the Way,Truth and Life; and to take Him to thosewho so desperately need Him.

Will we heed the cries of “Pleasedon’t forget us” and rise with passion andfervour to fulfil the Great Commission?

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Children’s RevivalFrom 11 to 13

January 2006, thekids aged four to12 had their ownRevival meetings.Like the adults,they focused onspiritual growth,“Rise and Eat”;being a light in their schooland neighbourhood, “Riseand Shine” and on loving theirfamilies, “Rise and Love”.

The children aged seven to12 had Pastor Choo Ooi Lin astheir speaker. Using creativeactivities, she encouraged thechildren to grow spiritually, towitness for Jesus and to apply God’s principles in their homes. The kids aged fourto six had an equally exciting and creative programme nightly. Praise God for theteachers and helpers who faithfully helped the kids to learn these biblical truthsduring the three nights!

PastorChoo Ooi Lin

11 January |Rise and Eat

12 January |Rise and Shine

13 January |Rise and Love

Revival Encounter

By Audrey Kum

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One hundred and four men gathered together at 7.30am on Saturday, 14 January 2006, to hearRev. Dwain Jones pose a challenge to the men not to be content with just being average but to reach forthe maximum and to excel.

It was an exciting day for the youth on Saturday, 14 January 2006. Many had come in anticipation tohear what God had to say through Rev. Dwain Jones. He had told many exciting stories during the pastthree nights of Revival meetings and the youth could not wait to hear more about his life’s experiencesall over the world.

Reach for the maximum! By Kenny Cheah

The tragedy is that only two percentof men have achieved more than thenorm and become more than overcomers(according to American statistics). Rev.Jones suggested three things for us toconsider in order to excel:

1 Be a conscientious evaluator;2 Make correct choices; and3 Make a total commitmentWith these guiding principles, we

would become:1 Men of courage;2 Men with a backbone;3 Men willing to sacrifice; and4 Men who lead by example for

His Kingdom’s sake.The meeting concluded with a

lovely breakfast of local food, much tothe approval of all especially Rev. Joneswho loves Chinese food!

By Adrian Lee

Youth Revival Encounter

Men’s LG Prayer Fellowship

The meeting began with anexuberant time of worship led by SereneYeoh. God’s presence was in ourmidst as He reminded us of His greatlove for us.

Rev. Dwain Jones shared a powerfulmessage of challenge to the youngpeople to do whatever was necessary toreach their friends for Christ. Quotingfrom Luke 24:46 in the King Jamesversion he implored the young people to

stand up for God and to do what it takesso that others can experience the loveof God. He told the moving storyof Rachel Scott, a victim of theColumbine shooting, who refused todeny Christ despite being threatened atgun point and as a result died for herfaith. He told of how her sacrifice hadliterally brought thousands of people toChrist as her funeral was aired onnational television.

It was an awesome sight to beholdas the altar was flooded with youngpeople making a strong declaration tofollow in Rachel’s example, acommitment to stand up for God and todo whatever was necessary to touchtheir generation for Jesus. Nineteenyoung people also stepped forward toconfirm their call to full-time ministry. Itwas definitely a turning point for manythat day. All glory be to God.

Stand up for God whatever it takes

Clockwise: Rev. Dwain Jones praying for the men at the altar; Men praying for one another; Fellowshipover breakfast

Rev. Dwain Jones challenging the youth The youth responding at the altar

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“Faith Promise giving isgiving with faith being involved,”said Senior Pastor PrinceGuneratnam. Faith is dynamicbecause it touches our mind, ourintellect, giving us theunderstanding. It touches oursoul where our emotions are.And it touches our will. Jamessays that faith without works isdead. Therefore, Faith Promisegiving is in accordance withbiblical principles as it causesour will to be involved with ourintellect and emotions.

Faith Promise giving is also ourpersonal investment in our own harvest.God is using us in Calvary Church togive towards missions challenges aswell as to our own Calvary ConventionCentre where we will without a doubtsee an even greater harvest of souls forthe Kingdom of God.

Rev. Dwain Jones, our speaker,confirmed Senior Pastor’s openingstatements. He said a church withoutmissions at heart has no reason toexist. He added that what we give willdetermine where others will spendeternity for there will be many who maynot have the opportunity to have theGospel preached to them for the lack ofthe missionary dollar. If we determine tobe obedient to Jesus’ Great Commission

Faith Promise Sunday

“Sing to the Darkness”

(Matthew 28:19-20) to us, we will be ina place where God will do thesupernatural in our lives and domiracles through us that will be totallyunbelievable.

We are to sing to the darkness that“Jesus saves. Jesus saves.” The Churchof Jesus Christ is the physical evidencethat Jesus lives. Our missionary dollarwill sing to the darkness. Our singing willbring hope, deliverance and healing.

“Perhaps to some,” Rev. Jones said,“missions is boring.” But how can it beboring if we get excited over the thingsthe Master is excited about! Giving is asign that we have overcome greed.Since our God is bigger than all othergods, our singing to the darkness willcertainly reap a harvest of souls, ofhealings, of deliverances, ofrestorations...the list is endless. To do

nothing is basically telling the lost weare not bothered if they go to heaven orhell and even insulting our Churchwhose heartbeat is fulfilling the GreatCommission.

By exercising faith and doing ourbest to give to missions, we are tellingsomeone who is a “nobody” that Jesuscan make him into a “somebody”. Wehave that opportunity to make thedifference.

Our Mission Director, AssociatePastor Peter Ong clearly sums up ourinvolvement in Faith Promise Giving:Calvarities are Called of the Lord;Commissioned by the Lord; Blessed ofthe Lord and Empowered by the Lord.

We thank God for those whopledged to be faith Promise partnersfrom January to June 2006.

By Bernice Narayanan

Carpenter’s WorkshopNever too young to give to missions!

Praise God for the children who became Faith Promise partners!

Senior Pastor Prince Guneratnam leading in prayer for the Faith Promise partners

Above:Prayingbefore

making thepromise

Above: Theyounger kidswith their coinboxes

Every kidreceived theirown “MissionsKidz”newsletter

13

HeART Club is an outreach service of Calvary Life Ministries (CLM) that ministers to children withspecial needs and learning difficulties. The club began in January 2005 and meetings are held on everythird Saturday of the month at the Bethel bungalow. The aim of the Club to is befriend special childrenand their families and be a blessing to them.

A HeART Club meeting is a time offun for the children. Each child ispartnered with a friend they call theirbuddy. Together the children and theirbuddies take part in creative activitiessuch as drawing, acting and dancing.They also sing songs and listen tostories. We believe these activitieswould expose their strengths andtalents, encourage self-expression aswell as help them feel loved in theirinteractions with the buddies. To buildthe children’s self-esteem and to teachthem values such as gratitude andsharing, HeART Club providesopportunities for them to participate inprojects that contribute back to thesociety.

Among the highlights of 2005 werethe drama workshops conducted by

famed stage performer, Pearlly Chuaand the art workshops by WairahMarzuki, of the National Art Gallery,whose daughter is also a member ofHeART Club.

One of the long-term goals ofHeART Club, is to contribute back tosociety by establishing a home forspecial children in Calvaryland.Through fund raising projects, HeARTClub raised a whopping RM100,000,RM80,000 of which came from theArts for Life Campaign sponsored byGUESS Kids, while the rest wereproceeds from bazaars and the sale ofChristmas Cards featuring thechildren’s artwork.

Running concurrently with HeARTClub is HeART Club Plus, a support

group that allows parents and care-givers to share their burdens and toencourage one another. For the twohours that their children are having fun,parents come together to talk, laugh,share resources and stories with oneanother.

It is truly amazing how God hasblessed HeART Club in the past year,and how much the kids can accomplishwhen given the avenues to do so.

Is there room in your heart forthese exceptional children who faceextraordinary challenges? We havechildren on our waiting list who wouldlove to join once we can partner themwith a buddy. Come and be a volunteerbuddy at HeART Club.

Our next volunteers’ trainingis on 20 May 2006.

Contact Karen at [email protected] oryou can call Jeannie at 03-7710 3360

for more information.

Buddies needed at HeART Club!By Samantha Siau

Listening to a story

Engaging in acreative activity

HeART Club Plus in session

Joseph Lee, Administrator ofCalvaryland, receiving thecheque from HeART Club

Calvary Life Ministries (CLM)

15

March April

Christ’s Ambassadors Saturday 2.30pm

College Students’ Ministry Saturday 2.30pm

2.30pmSaturdayChrist’s Ambassadors

2.30pmSaturdayCollege Students’ MinistryTheme: “The College Student P“The College Student P“The College Student P“The College Student P“The College Student Ponderonderonderonderonders...”s...”s...”s...”s...”

4 Same Sex Marriages–Accepted?11 Chastity–Outdated virtue?

15 18 Pornography–Harmless pursuit?25 Youth Celebration

26 Speaker: Assistant Pastor David SeahVenue: Bethel Hall

Theme: “The College Student Continues t“The College Student Continues t“The College Student Continues t“The College Student Continues t“The College Student Continues to Po Po Po Po Ponderonderonderonderonder...”...”...”...”...” 1 Yoga and Martial Arts–Exercise or otherwise? 8 Feng Shui–Orientation for success?15 Combined with Easter Presentation

15 22 Alternative Medicine–Viable option?29 Youth Celebration

Theme: Getting Plugged In 4 Are You a Lone Ranger?

11 Cultivating Community15 18 What Is the Most Important Thing?

25 Youth Celebration

Theme: Ready, Aim, Serve! 1 How Real Servants Act 8 Easter Tracting15 Combined with Easter Presentation

15 22 Accepting Your Assignment29 Youth Celebration

Bahasa Malaysia Fellowship Sunday 12.30pm

Water Baptism ServiceSunday |23 April 2006 | 5pm

Closing Date for submission of forms:Sunday | 5 March 2006

WATER BAPTISM & MEMBERSHIP

Water Baptism/Membership ClassSaturday | 22 April 2006| 2.00pm

WATER BAPTISM & MEMBERSHIP

5pmSundayChinese Fellowship

30 Speaker: Chua Ken TeeVenue: Bethel Hall

* Bring your Chinese-speaking family and friends.They will enjoy the warm fellowship and food.Call Peng Peng at 03-7727 3948 ext. 323for more information.

30 Speaker: Assistant Pastor David SeahVenue: Bethel Hall

Bahasa Malaysia Fellowship Sunday 12.30pm

5pmSundayChinese Fellowship

26 Speaker: Associate Pastor Timothy OngVenue: Bethel Hall

* Bring your Chinese-speaking family and friends.They will enjoy the warm fellowship and food.Call Peng Peng at 03-7727 3948 ext. 323for more information.

12-18 March 2006

Prayer Emphasis Week

Available at Calvary Book CornerCalvary Book CornerCalvary Book CornerCalvary Book CornerCalvary Book Corner

You Shall BeMy Witnesses

Be challenged toreach our world for Jesus!

15

This booklet is a compilation of articles

on the theme of the

Great Commission written

by Senior Pastor Prince Guneratnam.

Luke 18:1Pray...God is Faithful

16

Sunday Services

Senior PastorPrince Guneratnam

Associate PastorRichard Yun

Associate PastorPeter Ong


Communion Communion

Communion Communion

CherasDamansaraHeights (DH)8am 10.30am 9am



M A R C H

5

12

19

26

16

9

23

2Associate PastorTimothy Ong



10.30am



Communion

Communion

DamansaraPerdana10.30am


Associate PastorRichard Yun/Senior PastorPrince Guneratnam

Associate PastorSteven Kum

Communion

Communion

Ampang/(DH)


5pm

A P R I L







Associate PastorTimothy Ong


Senior PastorPrince Guneratnam/Associate PastorRichard Yun

Water Baptism

30 Associate PastorRichard Yun








Easter Combined Worship Service at 10amSenior Pastor Prince Guneratnam

Publicity Sponsorship & Advertisement Tracting Intercession

Pray and get involved in our Easter Evangelistic thrust!

14-16 April 2006 | Friday-Sunday

Look out for the recruitment drive! Ushering Altar Ministry Grounds & Security Technical Crew Stage Management.

The Easter Story: He’s Alive!

17

From front pageJesus Christ as your Saviour andLord. Second, attend Churchregularly. The Bible says, “Let us notgive up meeting together, as someare in the habit of doing, but let usencourage one another—and all themore as you see the Dayapproaching” (Hebrews 10:25).Third, be faithful in your prayer life.Prayerlessness is a sin. Jesus says,“When you pray” and not “If youpray.” Fourth, delight yourself in theWord of the Lord, day and night.Make time to study the Biblesystematically. Fifth, serve theLord with gladness. Sixth, bringyour tithes, which is the Lord’sand your offerings to Hishouse. Seventh, speak aboutthe Lord. You are His witness.

A godly man is like a tree.The Psalmist says, “He is likea tree planted by streams ofwater, which yields its fruit inseason and whose leaf does notwither. Whatever he does prospers”(Psalm 1:3). The prophet Isaiahsays, “To appoint unto them thatmourn in Zion, to give unto thembeauty for ashes, the oil of joy formourning, the garment of praise forthe spirit of heaviness; that theymight be called trees ofrighteousness, the planting of theLORD, that he might be glorified”(Isaiah 61:3, KJV). Jesus says, “I amthe vine; you are the branches”(John 15:5). The godly, born-againman has a supernatural relationshipwith Jesus. He is righteous and hispriorities and values are differentfrom the world. He is not like thechaff that the wind blows away.

The Psalmist says that the godlyman is like a tree that is planted bythe streams of water. Similarly, weare planted by the Lord. Are you inthe place that God placed you? Youare where you are by divineappointment. If God has planted youhere, whether in a church, job orgiven you a spouse then stay, growor mature and serve where Heplanted you. Plants that aretransplanted again and again areweak and can be easily destroyed ina storm. Similarly, those, forwhatever reasons they may have,who up-root themselves and leave

where they were planted, weakenthemselves when temptations andtrials come their way. They easily fallor backslide and are destroyed forthis is the way of the Devil. This isnot only true within the Church butalso in the place where you work.You may face difficulties with your

employer. If the Lord planted youthere, stay. God has the grace tohelp you. Or you may have anunbelieving spouse. Stay with yourspouse for you bring salvation tothat spouse (1 Corinthians 7:14).God is able to give you the strengthso that you may rise above and livein victory where He has planted you.

The tree planted by the Lord willyield fruits in season. As a righteoustree, you will also produce fruits—fruitsof good attitudes and a beautifuldisposition. You will be a delight tothose around you and they will beencouraged by the fruit you bear. Justas a tree does not eat its own fruit,you will bear fruit to bless others.

The leaves of the tree do notwither. This speaks of prosperity.Prosperity is not limited to finances.With God, you can be prosperouseven if you have little by the world’sstandards. However, that does notmean that you cannot prosperfinancially.

The Bible says, “For the LORDwatches over the way of the

righteous, but the way of thewicked will perish” (Psalm 1:6).That is why the Psalmist calls himblessed. If you have God, you havethe best insurance. He will take careof you far better than any earthlyinsurance policy. God is faithful.

A godly man can fall into sin buthe does not do so overnight. Ablessed man does not suddenlybecome a wicked man. There is aprogression. If you flirt with theworld, you will lose your relationshipwith Jesus. The Bible calls thisspiritual adultery. It starts with your

walk. When you walk in thecounsel of the ungodly, you will

be exposed to thephilosophies of the world

which is enmity with God.The lust of the eye, the lustof the flesh and the pride oflife cannot please God. If youwalk with the ungodly, youwill soon stand with them,taking the position of the

unrighteous. Once, yourpriority was to seek God and to do

His will but soon, your priorities willbe changed. Slowly, you questionthe mandate that God gave the

Church and then you stopevangelising, giving and serving.

You begin to compromise andsoon you will be so comfortable thatyou sit in fellowship with theungodly. Your spirit becomes critical.Once, you were for what God wasdoing and rejoiced in His salvationand touch upon your life. But now,you scrutinise everything the Churchdoes with a suspicious spirit. All thisdoes not happen overnight. This is theprogression of the transgressor. Hewalks, stands and finally sits with theungodly. The Psalmist says the way ofthe ungodly is a one-way street thatleads to hell. “Therefore the wickedwill not stand in the judgment, norsinners in the assembly of therighteous” (Psalm 1:5).

You can choose to be joyful bybeing godly and saying “No” to thecounsel of the ungodly. The choiceis yours. Rejoice in the Lord!

All Bible quotations are from theNew International Version unlessotherwise indicated.

Rejoice in the Lord

18

CALVARY CHURCHCHRIST-CENTRED . EVANGELICAL . MISSIONARY

(Assemblies of God)

REACHING THE CITY OF KUALA LUMPUR AND BEYOND

CHRIST-CENTRED EVANGELICAL MISSIONARY

2, Jalan Damansara Endah, Damansara Heights, 50490 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.Tel: 03-7728 6000 [email protected]

http://www.calvary.org.my

Printed by Calvary Church Press37,Jalan 8/152 Taman Perindustrian OUG, Batu 6, Off Jalan Puchong, 58200 Kuala Lumpur.

VISIT OUR WEBSITE

For four days and three nights, 274 youths and leaders gatheredup in Fraser’s Hill for the annual Calvary Youth Camp. The youthswere privileged to have our very own Senior Pastor PrinceGuneratnam to speak at the camp. Themed ‘Undivided’, it wasindeed a camp where hearts were turned back to God and lives weretouched, refreshed and sent forth.

By Michelle Wong

Youth Camp

On the first night itself, God’spresence was manifested evidently inthe service. Many of the youths weremoved and touched by the Holy Spirit asthey heard Senior Pastor tell his life’sstory and the remarkable experienceshe went through as a young teenager tothe time where he became the SeniorPastor of Calvary Church. The youngpeople were awestruck as he spoke of atime where he saw a vision of Jesus andbecame temporarily blinded. You couldsay that He had everyone’s “undivided”attention! The message was clear. Godcan use your life in extraordinary ways ifyou are prepared to submit yourselfcompletely to His will.

During the morning sessions,Senior Pastor taught from the book of

“Building Relationships” wereaddressed. Games and activities wereplanned out for the youths and many ofthem made new friends and were ableto forge closer bonds with one another.

All in all, good food, good fellowshipand above all, a great time spent withGod! Praise God for a wonderful youthcamp!

Undivided

Esther, explaining how we can live avictorious Christian life by allowing theHoly Spirit to be at the centre of ourlives. He pointed out that we canchoose to either listen to the voice ofour own self, represented by Haman orlisten to the voice of the Holy Spirit,represented by Mordecai. Workshopswere also conducted after the morningsessions, where issues like“Discovering Your Purpose” and

Senior Pastor Prince Guneratnam speaking to thecampers

Documents

Rejoice in the Lord · For more information, please call the Pastoral Care Department at 03-7728 6000 ext. 307/308