we're going to India!

Missions Team to India 2006
Sent by Emmanuel Evangelical Free Church @ 307 Pasir Panjang Road 67771341 * eec307@pacific.net.sg

The trip is from 4 Dec to 11 Dec.
Even if you're not coming with us,
we're all part of one big team.
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We are a team of twenty people. Our ages may span a wide range (10+ to 50+), and our daily responsibilities may differ (students, IT specialists, property and insurance managers etc), but we have one desire in common – to see and participate in God’s saving work in India.

Team Leader: Colin Seah
Treasurer: Ong Chin Heng
Administrator: Joy Seah

Fund-raising Asst.: Audrey Lim
Fund-raising Asst.: Jan Kwek

Youth Camp Co-leader: Cassandra Hong
Youth Camp Co-leader: Lucy Lim
Youth Camp Asst.: Hua Yen Cheung
Youth Camp Asst.: Eliza Ng
Youth Camp Asst.: Wayne Lim
Youth Camp Asst.: Matthew Tan
Youth Camp Asst.: Charissa Wong
Youth Camp Asst.: Janice Chan
Youth Camp Asst.: Kathy Lim

Village and School Work Co-leader: Paul Loh
Village and School Work Asst.: Jenny Cheang
Village and School Work Asst.: Irene Chen
Village and School Work Asst.: Lin Wei
Village and School Work Asst.: Mark Tan
new but most experienced member: Lau Moh Keng :)

Kathy Lim

Kathy Lim

Youth Camp Assistant
I was born into EEFC in 1995. Audrey had always wanted to go for mission trips to India since she was my age but was not able to go. I feel very privileged to be able to go. I went to church every Sunday, and have been learning about God since I could remember. But, I always treated it as if only Sunday was meant for God and the rest of the days were not. Only when I started to be more interested in Sunday school and really listening to what my teacher was talking about, I realized that Sunday was more than just going to church and it was everyday of my life that was meant for God. I want to help others in India who does not know of the Lord to know about God and worship him. I also hope that I can learn a lot more about God and become an “Everyday Christian” :D

Irene Chen

Village and School Work Assistant
4th Year at the National University of Singapore- Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music (Performance Violin)

I started attending EEFC in the Spring of 2006 when my friend Elizabeth invited me to go with her.
I could feel God preparing my heart to go on a mission trip in early August when I visited one of my friends on his mission trip to Taiwan. When I heard about this trip, the timing was perfect and the preparation went very smoothly. This trip was like an answered prayer for me.
I’m excited to learn about how God is working in India and how I can relate to my Indian friends better.
I was very fortunate to have been born into a Christian family. I went to church every Sunday with my family and I knew the different Bible stories and how God loved me and sent his son Jesus to die for me, but I guess I didn’t really understand what it had to do with me at the time.
On my tenth birthday, my father was in a very serious accident. Although I knew that I didn’t do it and that it wasn’t my fault, I felt a lot of guilt because it happened on my birthday and I felt like my birthday had some part in what had happened that day. My parents were concerned about me, so they asked pastors to come and visit me, and also sent me to a Christian youth camp that summer. On the last day before camp ended, there was a mime group who came and put on a skit for us about Jesus Christ dying on the cross for us and our sins. When it got to the part about Jesus hanging on the cross, the actors took off the chains from the ordinary man and put them on Jesus. As I continued to watch how Jesus Christ resurrected three days after he died, I began to understand. Because Jesus Christ died for us and resurrected three days later, we are clean and able to come before God and be with him in Heaven when we die. Because of Him, we have freedom from our sins and freedom from everything on this Earth. That night, I accepted Jesus Christ as my personal savior and I could feel my sins and my guilt being lifted off of my shoulders.
Since that day, I have felt the true freedom that Christ has given to us and I have had the honor of really getting to know Him who has saved me. He is more than just a bible story to me now. He is my God, my Savior, and my personal friend.

Janice Chan

Youth Camp Assistant
CHIJ Katong Convent
I was born into a Christian family so I was brought up hearing stories of the Bible. However, I think I only really became a Christian after this year’s (2006) church camp. I think the camp really woke me up, maybe because this is my first year not in the children’s program, and the sermons really made me realize how little I knew about about God. Another factor is also that I think the Pathfinders helped me want to became a ‘daily Christian’ , not just a ‘Sunday Christian’. They helped me know what it means to be a real Christian. With God’s help, I am slowly growing in faith and I believe am maturing as well. I still have a long way to go, but I will continue to make progress.
I want to go for this mission trip because I wanted to go in primary 5, but backed out. I want to serve God in this way, to try and fufil what he wanted us to do, to spread the word of God, to light other people’s candles. Also, I think this is a very good learning experience for me, being exposed to other environments. Therefore, I want to go for the mission trip.

Audrey Lim

Fund-Raisisng Assistant
Singapore Chinese Girls' School

I was born into EEFC (back then, EEC) 16 years ago. Going to church has always been an integral part of my life. What else were Sunday mornings for?
I was very privileged to have been born into a Christian family, surrounded with Christian friends who were always supportive. I was living in a fantasy, not knowing how not having God’s love felt.
Over the years, I’ve met many other Christians who’ve shared with me their passion for Christ. I’ve learnt that I can’t just be a “not hot, not cold” Christian, and if I really want to obey God, I’ve got to live my life saying so, sharing the gospel through my actions and speech. I’ve been given opportunity to share the gospel on the streets of Singapore before, and have seen so many who search for meaning in life, yet cannot find it.
As such, I feel the need for missions, the need for us Christians to reach out to the lost. I’m very excited at the prospects of being able to share Christ beyond the shores of Singapore. I hope that this trip will be able to teach me to care for others, to be able to reflect God’s glory more and more in my life as I live it. I want to learn to love, learn to reach out with humility and bring souls to Christ.
God has showered his grace upon me, filling me with the passion to serve him.The trip is just a beginning for me, and I hope to be able to serve God with my life in the years to come. :D

Cassandra Hong

Youth Camp Co-Leader
Business Process Analyst @ Agilent Technologies

How I came to join EEFC and when:
I was from Grace Community EFC, sister church of EEFC. About 4 years ago, Grace Community decided to merge with EEFC. So, I’ve been attending EEFC since.
Why I am going on missions:
I had always heard from people who had been to missions, about how rewarding it was, and how it made them humble and more appreciative of things and the world around them. I would like to experience this for myself!
What I am hoping to learn:
I would like to learn what it means to be totally reliant on God for everything. To learn how I need to look to the Lord to guide my steps. I would like to learn gratitude also for the countless blessings the Lord had given to me.

Lin Wei

Fund-Raisisng Assistant
Currently studying in NTU's Art Design Media.

Came to EEFC when I was 18yrs old, 2004. Sherlyn brought me to church (:
In my relationship with God, I'm given alot.. alot.. of His love, grace, care...I'm receiving alot.. there's something that I wish to give.. and time is something I want to give.. going on this mission was hence decided upon.
learn more about.. God's creations!

Sam Ong

Treasurer
Real Estate, Agent

How i came to EEFC: Started as a BB boy in EEFC since 1974
Why i am going on this trip: To learn how mission's like, and prepare for more mission trips.
What i hope to learn from this trip: Many areas; Love, Hope, Give, Share, Reach out, Feel, Understand etc...For this trip is to serve

Charissa Wong

Youth Camp Assistant
Fuhua Secondary School
Having been born into a Christian family, I grew up going to church with my parents and siblings. I used to think that going to church was just a weekly routine and because my parents go, I have to follow them. It was not very fascinating and it was just on a Sunday morning and there was nothing more to it. Bible stories, singing songs of praises and mermorising verses were what we do. I could not understand why we had to do all these until when I was about 10 or 11. I only understood the Gospel when I was 10, and on Christmas Eve, I accepted Jesus Christ as my personal Lord and Saviour. Still, I had many doubts, uncertainties and questions about how I should live my life as a Christian. For about 1 ¼ years after that, I still lived my life the way I wanted, not allowing God to truly be in the centre of my life. The spark of my turning point was when I wanted to go for the India mission in year 2004. By God’s will, I went. That year, my dad fell ill and was diagnosed with cancer. With these two happenings, I began to feel God working in me. With that, I recommitted my life to Christ. The following year (and until now), was kind of life-changing for me. Sherlyn brought me to SYFC activities. Sunday school, sermons and church/youth camps have been really enriching for me too and I enjoy them. Through them, it got me thinking much deeper and it brought me closer to God. I also learnt more about Him and how I should live my life as a Christian. I am thankful for God’s grace and what He has done for me and I have so much more to learn about Him as I continue on this journey of faith with Him.
I want to go for this mission trip because I want to step out of my comfort zone to tell others about Christ. Loving and caring for them, or just being a friend to them. I hope to learn how to serve and not to be served. More about missions too and also to be patient, humble and just loving others.

Colin Seah

Team Leader
Assistant Treasurer
Village and School Work Assistant

The good news that God doesn't leave us in the lurch fills me with great joy every time i think about it. Our sinfulness and need for forgiveness is so great, and we hardly deserve a second glance, let alone God's own substitute for us. I am truly thankful for God making known his marvellous grace to me, especially more so in the recent years, and for giving me chances to be a part of His work.

Leading this team to India will be a privilege and a joy, I look forward to it... pray for us!

Joy Seah

Administrator

i had been in church all my life but didn't understand my own need for the gospel till i went to university. it was odd and mind-boggling to see people my age make Christian Fellowship and Teaching a priority. Through good gospel teaching and encouragement, i thank God for causing my eyes to open and see my need for Him to bring me out of darkness into light.

And since then, every opportunity to serve has been wonderful. this will be my 3rd trip to India, and i'm really looking forward to worshipping our King with our Indian brothers and sisters, and to enjoy the sweet joy of bringing the good news to more who have not heard.

Lucy Lim

Youth Camp Co-leader

Jesus has been my Lord and Saviour for more than 30 years. I came to know about Him through a YFC Club meeting when I was in my teens. Someone invited me to EEFC in 1974 and it has been my home church until now.
Missions is not new to me. India is. Once, while transitting in India, on the way to London, I saw the poverty of the areas surrounding the airport. I was overwhelmed. I felt uncomfortable and since then, I never wanted to visit India. Recently, while studying the Bible, God spoke to me about going to India. A few other events confirmed His calling. I have often taught others that studying the bible is not academic - it is life changing and one must dare to apply the Scriptures in daily living. T hat's why I am part of this Mission Team.
I believe God is doing a greater work in my life and I am looking forward to the lessons I'm going to be learning as I serve on this Team.

Matthew Tan

Youth Camp Assistant
Saint Andrew's School

I want to go to the mission trip because i want to spread God's word and also for the experience of how mission trips are like. I also want to see how the people live in India
I would like to learn much more about God, about his grace and power on others and more about mission trips.

Wayne Lim

Youth Camp Assistant
Kranji Secondary School

I came to EEFC when I am only a toddler....
Through my parents encouragements I decided to give this mission trip a serious thought.
I enjoyed the training sessions and I decide to go and experience the life in India and also to serve God in this meaningful encounter.
I trust God will teach me wonderful things and I hope I can learn more from the children there.
Love, compassion and humility shall prevail Continue to pray for us....

Jan Kwek

Fund-Raising Assistant
Singapore Chinese Girls School

Born into a Christian family, I have been going to church for almost forever, growing up on bible stories and Christian songs. However, I had never really understood Christianity until the recent years. But after moved up to joining the Pathfinders in the year 2005, learning and working with them has helped to change my perspective of things. It’s all about living a life for God. I am thick-skinned enough to say that I feel that I have matured a lot! Although I confess I am guilty of procrastinating when it comes to God’s work for me, which makes me terribly upset with myself, it’s a struggle I must overcome. Mmm, yep.
I wanted to join this mission trip because I encountered barriers in spreading the gospel to my friends, and I really wanted to learn how to bring up the gospel to others, especially those that have never heard about God before. And I thought it would be so wonderful to get to experience working together with God’s people and witnessing God’s power OUTSIDE of Singapore. So cool la.Also, I now understand it is the duty of every Christian to spread the gospel, so this is a good opportunity. Yea, so I am very excited!

Mark Tan

Village and School Work Assistant
Saint Andrew's School

My parents have brought me to EEFC ever since I was young. I was thought about God every Sunday. However, I have never really thought of him much until I reached secondary school. This was where I began to have doubts about my faith In God. I began to drift in and out of my faith until I went for an event organized by the YFC where my doubts were clarified. I have decided to go on this mission trip to continue my walk with the lord. I trust that God will bring me closer to him in this mission trip. I hope that I will learn about the Indian culture in India. I also hope that I will be a good testimony to those in India, both children and adults alike. Please continue to give us your support and continue to pray for us.

Eliza Ng

Youth Camp Assistant
Coordinator- in Singapore Cord Blood Bank

I joined EEFC about 15 years ago and was attending grace Methodist Church in the 70s but left church for a few years. I came to know EEFC through Terina (my daughter) and have stayed on since.
Two years ago, I was initially thrilled to be able to participate in the missionary work in India. Soon, near date, I felt inadequate and wanted to withdraw from the mission trip. I felt that to go for the mission trip, one must knowledge-packed with Christianity, Christ and living a very Christ-like life, which I am far from beyond.
I and very grateful to pastor Tan Boon Teck who supported and encouraged my going for the India mission trip. I remembered he told me “Just go, you will be okay.” I literally took the remark as an endorsement, and yes, indeed it was okay, going with the Lord and prayers.
Thank God for His abundant grace and mercy that enabled me and the team with good, faithful times, and fro Colin and Kah Loong for leading the team well. Jayapaul our chief host and his dedicated team showered us with extreme care, concern and hospitalities. He gave us much help for all the happenings in the mission field. We met people of various age groups in India. It was truly a door opener and seed-planting in this region. People, especially the teenagers, had not heard about the Lord. There is a need to share God’s love and salvation to them. The team and me enjoyed wonderful times and their attentiveness and participation in the sharing sessions. I could see the joy from most people when we spent time with them.
The experience from the first trip in 2003 spurred me for wanting to be there again. It is really worthwhile to spend worthy times. Remembering the words from our speaker Mr. Khoo Hin Hiong, “Mission is declaring the divine plan of salvation. Missionary is to see the cross of Christ and not just cross the sea.” Do please continue to pray for me to learn to stay more focused in our mission.

Paul Loh

Village and School Work Co-leader

God has really been wonderful in the past 2 years. I joined EEFC when Grace Community merged with EEFC. Life was not that good for the first year. I isolated myself and felt that my spiritual life was in steep decline. That prompted me to think about leaving the church to join another congregation. God surely knew my struggles as we both know that going to another church will only mean i know less people and might eventually even drop out altogether. But He opened up doors that led me back to Him. One of these doors is the Young (maybe not so young) Adults fellowship. This fellowship and the bible studies have encouraged me greatly. We are studying the book of Romans and Paul's teachings has really shed new light on my own sinfulness and helplessness. Jesus' death and resurrection changed all that and completely broke our misery. We are no longer slaves to sin but to the Spirit and we are called not to conform to this world but to be transformed by our renewal of the mind through the Holy Spirit.
With this India Trip, God is yet opening another door for me to step through and be blessed by His work. I look forward to it !

india.missions 2006

Tamil Nadu, India

4-11 Dec 2006

Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations ...

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india.missions 2006

Tamil Nadu, India

4-11 Dec 2006

Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations ...

Sunday, September 17, 2006

yeah jan! that was our lesson for the day. :) learnt a lot from training today, about how every single one of us is to be a "missionary", glorifying God and sharing his word all the time. also, in our sharings, we must make sure we make use of the "Jesus makes God known", because only through Jesus can God be known. "I am the way..."

and we had our first team dinner with yummy food. and we used our hands to eat. :) just a few of the many photos we took yesterday.

audrey. teamindia06

10:03 PM

More project updates coming soon… We may also require donations of clothes and blankets, and will update you at a later point.

Project #3- Music Concert
by PeterWong's Cell Group

100mins of classical music by our very talented Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music Students. There will be a showcase of music on the piano and stringed instruments. Held on the 28th of Oct at 7.30pm, tickets cost $5 apiece. Light refreshments will also be served.
for more details please contact Peter Wong at look4me2way@yahoo.com.sg
click here for poster

Project #2- Flavoured Oils Sale
by Young Adults Cell Group

We are selling home-made flavour infused oils. Lemongrass+kaffir, and chilli+garlic flavours are available. Use the oils for anything ranging from pastas, salads, or simply as a dip. The oils are available to be sold on consignment. for more details visit 2fish.wordpress.com

Project #1- Car Wash
by Pathfinders

Car Wash on the 24th Sept and 1st Oct.
Come and get your cars washed whilst enjoying fishballs and cookies :)
Tickets available at $10 apiece.
for more details, contact Audrey at crayonsrfun11@hotmail.com

EEFC has had the marvelous privilege of being a witness and partner of Shalom Foundation’s children’s and youth work in Chennai over the past five years. Similar to the previous teams who have gone before us, we will be running a two-day children’s and youth camp, giving evangelistic talks to the common villager and the ambitious boarding school student, and seeking to be an encouragement to Shalom’s gospel workers.

Above all, we want to seek to serve. May God enlarge our eyes to see his awesome saving work, and his immense love for every person… And may we be changed from the inside, being transformed in our minds about the urgency and priority of gospel work, and transformed to give generous love to all mankind.

We ask that you challenge and encourage us in our preparation for the trip, that we do this with rigorous mental preparation and meditative prayer. We also ask that you come alongside us to raise funds for the trip, so that we may proceed as one united body.

As a team, we want to heed Paul’s words - “…in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.”

calendar

Session 1:2 Sep-Why do Missions?
Session 2:16 Sep-What to do in Missions?
16 Sep-Team Dinner at Little India
Session 3:30 Sep-How to do Missions in India?
11 Nov-Unveiling the Work
18 Nov-Team Dinner
18 Nov-Prayer for each portion of the programme
4 Dec- Hello India!

archives

September 2006

October 2006