PLMC Stories
Men in Engagement Retreat 2024 By Marcus Ang, Chairman of Organising Committee
The Men’s Ministry Retreat 2024 was held on the 31 Aug 2024 at the Jordan Hall. The event drew 60 participants and was well-received. The theme of the retreat was Men in Engagement.
The event was under the cool and engaging control of James Tham as our poised host/ He was also heavily involved in the planning and execution of the retreat. Kicking us off with the opening address and prayer was Chong Soon Fook. We were then spiritually led into worship by our worship team of Ezekiel Ang, Emmanuel Ang and Michael Aw Yong.
The first speaker was our beloved Director of Outreach Eugene Cheong. He spoke on Men in Engagement, and we were all enlightened on how we as men have gifts to reach out in Power and Love. Our next speaker was Jason Wong, founder of Dads for Life and the Yellow Ribbon Project. Jason pointed us to the tip of the iceberg as he spoke on ‘Men and the Family’. He challenged us men to be in tune with God and to receive forgiveness, healing and restoration from the tree of life (the cross).
The speakers rounded up the evening with a fireside chat where questions and feedback was gathered and addressed with Slido. The Q&A session was engaging and many of us wished we had more time for it. Phototaking was then followed by a sumptuous buffet dinner.
The retreat offered us a glimpse of the wonder of how we as men could influence our loved ones and community to be all that God intended for us to be. We are blessed, so may we bless. To God be the Glory!
Special thanks to Cell Ministry Director Samuel, Senior Executive Justin Hu and the organising committee.
God Sees and Heals by Tina Ho
At the 9am English service on 1 September 2024, Brother Kwang Meng was giving the Word of knowledge when he mentioned someone has a growth on the right side of the neck. I was shocked to hear it and said to myself, “ Wow! Spot on!”
I had gone for a heart MRI in July. The doctor said my heart is beating well and strong. The only thing was that they had found that my right thyroid was enlarged. The doctor referred me to the Ear, Nose and Throat department and ordered a scan before my appointment there. On Monday right after the service (2 September), I was told that the scan results were clear. The growth was nothing but soft tissue which can go off by itself and there was nothing to worry about. I was curious and asked the doctor, “How sure are you?”
She mentioned that the images of the scan are different from that of cancer. She added: “I don’t need to see you again. You are discharged!”
Hallelujah! Praise the Lord! He is always with me and beside me. He is greatly to be praised.
Thank God for sending the message through Brother Kwang Meng and thank you all, my church family, for your prayers.
Building a Legacy of Faith in Families
The D6 Family Ministry Conference is an annual event focusing on generational discipleship in churches and homes. It aims to equip families and churches to pass on a spiritual legacy to future generations.
Co-founded by Ron Hunter Jr. and Randall House Publications, the conference is based on the principles of Deuteronomy 6. The Singapore edition of this international conference has been organised by The Bible Society of Singapore since 2016.
PLMC hosted this year’s conference, which was held on 26 and 27 July. We witnessed a significant increase in participation from PLMC, with 60 participants and volunteers compared to just 10 in previous years. It is also heartening to see more young parents participating. This is due in no small part to the active collaboration between Family Life Ministry and Children’s Ministry in the organising and publicity of this event.
The conference featured keynote speaker Dr. Scott Turansky, with workshops conducted by Carol Loi, BP Kuan Kim Seng, Tim and Patsy Tan, and Derek Altom. The panel sessions included Daniel Lim, Dr. Calvin Chong, and Janice Teo.
The plenary sessions by Dr Turansky focused on the mandate to reach families for Christ as well as a heart-based approach that can change our perspective. Workshop topics ranged from equipping children to self-regulate emotions and raising leaders through obedience and correction, to grandparenting digital kids and parenting the parents of children and teens. Two worshops were dedicated to unleashing the power of marriage and the married team. A panel of expert speakers also discussed what is at stake for our children in postmodern culture and progressive Christianity.
“D6 conference opened my eyes to being very intentional in raising my children. From navigating the world of truths and almost truths to understanding the bent of my children. There is so much more to learn!”
“We are in a season of seeking God's will for our family. Together with other participants – grandparents, parents and spiritual parents – we learnt that parenting is "heart" work, as it often involves the deconstruction of our desires, emotions and beliefs.”
PLMC member Marcus Ang, who is married with two young daugthers, said, “D6 conference opened my eyes to being very intentional in raising my children. From navigating the world of truths and almost truths to understanding the bent of my children. There is so much more to learn!”
He added, “Moving forward, I would like my communication with them to be driven by being ‘understood’ rather than by being ‘heard’ and hope they pick up the same. I would also be actively seeking to understand their bent and nurture them in their God given gifts.”
Another PLMC worshipper Lin Xin, volunteered as an usher with her husband Troy, They have a young daughter and another child on the way. She shared, “We are in a season of seeking God’s will for our family. Together with other participants – grandparents, parents and spiritual parents – we learnt that parenting is “heart” work, as it often involves the deconstruction of our desires, emotions and beliefs.”
She added, “If marriage was about a lifetime of growing closer with God at the apex of the relationship, parenting pushes us to see God all around, to allow His presence to fill our homes, our conversations and activities. One practical insight shared by the keynote speaker Dr Scott Turansky was on building lasting relationships with our children. He posits that parents have a sacred responsibility of forming healthy relationships with our children, which then becomes an open door for us to instruct and guide them lovingly through scriptural truths.
“Indeed, D6 has inspired us to raise a generation that fights on their knees, who will worship God with their whole hearts and turn others to Christ!”
The next D6 Family Ministry Conference is scheduled for 25-26 July 2025. The keynote speaker is Dr Timothy Paul Jones, Professor of Christian Family Ministry at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. For more information and early bird registration, please visit d6family.sg
Photo credit: Bible Society of Singapore
顺服上帝的医治 – 王荣弟弟兄见证
前年到去年我不断感觉头晕，看了好几个有关的专科，却一直找不出原因。去年年中，我在洗澡时，我感觉上帝叫我去检查我的眼睛。我当时心里觉得很奇怪，每年我都会去检查我的眼睛，为什么上帝又叫我去检查呢？但我选择顺服神，于是安排去做检查。
医生检查后说我有青光眼，也有一些白内障的症状。其实轻微的白内障不需要动手术，但因着青光眼的缘故，我必须尽快动手术来减轻眼睛的压力。虽然我信主很多年了，可当我要做手术时，我仍感到担心。但我相信上帝的应许，于是，请教会的弟兄姐妹为我祷告后，我就去动了手术。感谢主！去年9月和10月，两次手术都非常顺利地完成，我也不需要戴眼镜了。不过，我心里还是带着遗憾，因为医生说青光眼不能被治愈。只会隨着年龄的增长而恶化，眼睛最终会失明。这听起来好可怕！
今年7月11日，当我去复诊时，医生说我的眼睛康复得很好，青光眼也没了。我感到很吃惊。医生解释说，因为我及时发现并尽快动了手术，所以现在没有青光眼了。哈利路亚，感谢赞美主！
我回想起之前发生的一切，深切体会到上帝真的很奇妙。祂是真神！祂是活着的！祂对我说话，叫我去检查我的眼睛，并藉此使我的眼睛得到完全的医治！申命记3:16说：“你们要坚强勇敢；不要害怕，也不要因他们畏惧，因为耶和华你的 神与你同去；他决不撇下你，也不离弃你。”我深知道我背后的靠山是上帝，所以每当我作决定的时候，我选择倚靠祂。上帝也用诗篇46:1向我肯定祂给我的应许：“ 神是我们的避难所，是我们的力量， 是我们在患难中随时都可得到的帮助。”
我把一切的荣耀归于我们在天上的主！
Setting the Fires of Revival Aflame By Joseph Mok, Chris Cardano, Calvin Ng, and Rianna Cardano
After a five-year hiatus, Paya Lebar Methodist Church Camp was back. A total of 824 members gathered for the camp, which was held from 9-12 June 2024 at Hatten Hotel Malacca, Malaysia. Some 78% attended the English track, while the Mandarin track and Children’s Program each saw 11% of attendees. Most of the camp participants (65%) were working adults.
With the theme “Fires of Revival, Lord Do it Again!”, Pastor Philip Lyn, Pastor Eunice Choo and David & Cynthia Leong shared Spirit-filled and heart-transforming messages during the respective English and Mandarin sessions as well as the Children’s Program. Many were blessed by their messages and teaching.
It was a time set aside by the church family for the Holy Spirit to fan the flame in our hearts. The congregation lifted songs of praise from the beginning until the end of camp. Many campers came with hearts of surrender and witnessed the manifestation of the Holy Spirit. We thank God for many responsive hearts during altar calls and testimonies of miracle healings. Such was the hunger for the Lord that even the Sunrise Worship & Prayer attracted more than 100 campers, a turn-out that had not been seen since the bi-annual Ohana Camp started in 2009. To God be the glory!
This year’s camp also introduced new workshops such as Blessing Cast in Stones, Flagging, Prophetic Arts, In Rhythm In Scriptures (IRIS) and Missions talks, where we had the pride and joy in witnessing youths and young adults, our next generation, stepping up to lead. In each of the activities, God revealed prophecies and the works that PLMC would continue to do as a church. The attendees had a great time learning about spiritual gifts and the Giver.
One of the highlights of camp was Gala Night on Day 3, where we gathered in our athletic costumes for the theme: OLYMPICS. It was an amazing dinner program led by our energetic youths with games, videos and performances. Of course, there were also awards for the ‘Best Dressed’ of the night and other notable campers!
From games to great food, we had a jubilant time as one family, watching different generations showcase their talents and gifts. It has been the heart cry of the Camp Committee to mentor and raise up the next generation of leaders in PLMC to take the church to greater heights and glory in the expansion of God’s kingdom here on earth, and the Lord heard our prayers!
As the camp drew to a close, we took part in the Holy Communion, and honoured the Hatten Hotel staff and volunteers. Finally, we recognised our lovely and hard-working Committee Members who helped put this camp together. Fun fact: Did you know that the camp committee spent over 21 months planning every detail of the camp? We give thanks to the Lord for their hard and heart work!
We thank the Lord for a blessed and safe time before, during and after camp. We’re excited to see how God is continually on the move, bringing revival upon PLMC again and again. Indeed, Lord, Do It Again in Jesus’ Name!
“Will You not Yourself revive us again, that Your people may rejoice in You?” – Psalm 85:6
A Time to Commune with God By Chua Chor Ling, Samuel Lim & ZH Cai
Three participants share how they sought and met with God at the recent Tending the Soul silent retreat (29 May – 1 June).
Chua Chor Ling
The retreat was a much-needed respite and the first time in many years that I was able to have time alone for days at a stretch with the Lord. Before the retreat, my mind was constantly preoccupied with the endless lists of things to do both at home and at work leaving me fatigued, both physically and spiritually. I was looking forward to a much-needed rest, spending time alone with the Lord and seeking His direction for whatever is ahead.
My first night was far from restful. The Lord brought to mind burdens I had been carrying, including things that I had put aside and tried to forget. I spent the night sobbing as tears flowed uncontrollably. It was a very difficult night and totally unexpected. I was looking for rest but ended up feeling even more tired!
The next day, during the one-to-one session with the facilitator, I realised I needed to release my burdens before I could receive from God. As I read 1 Kings 19 later, I was reminded of how when I was seeking God’s voice in my busy days, I felt distant and could not find Him. Just like how God’s voice was not in the great and powerful winds, earthquakes and fires in my busy life, I needed to find a quiet place and be still to hear God’s “gentle whisper”.
I enjoyed walking the meditation labyrinth at the retreat center, where God told me many times to trust in Him even when my path seemed to lead me away from my goal. All I needed to do was to take one step at a time, stay focused on the path He has for me and surely, He will lead me to my destination.
He also showed me a cracked section in the path, where a tiny plant was growing out. “You only see the cracks, but I see opportunity for new life,” the Lord said to me. I was taken aback by how true it was! I had been so preoccupied with doing things right and often beating myself up over my inadequacies. Yet God showed me how the “cracks” in me actually allowed opportunities for me to grow and bear fruit. God is so good indeed in His unfathomable ways!
God continued to speak to me through many wondrous and amazing moments during the retreat—that I could always depend on Him, to remember to slow down in my daily life, and to just praise Him whenever I get impatient.
By the end of the retreat, I felt very well rested spiritually and mentally. God led me to mold a little camera as a reminder of my retreat experience. Just like a camera taking photos, each moment captured is unique and will never be exactly the same again when the moment has passed. In order to capture the God-moments , I need to have my lens focused on Him, to be receptive and ready with my finger on the shutter for the moments that God wants to show me, to be well rested and recharged like the camera battery, and to have my memory card emptied just as He lifted and emptied my burdens, so that I can fill it (myself) up with all the wonderful new moments that He is going to show me.
Thank you, God, for a most wonderful experience. You have showed me so much love and taught me even more! This retreat far surpassed my expectations. God really knew what I wanted and needed even without my asking. I am also thankful to my cluster, cell and workplace fellowship for keeping me in prayers. I look forward to the many more moments that God will continue to show me in the future!
Samuel Lim
I was in a period of transition between jobs, and came with the intention to hear and seek God’s direction with regard to my career and a particular request in my personal life.
The time of silence was unfamiliar and uncomfortable at the start. All I could hear were my own thoughts playing inside my head. However, this made me more conscious that I had come to the retreat with much restlessness and anxiety on the inside, even though I was physically rested. That evening, while walking the grounds of the retreat centre, I conversed with God and could not help but lay down these areas causing anxiety before God in prayer. As i was gazing into the night sky after praying, i felt an inner impression : “Have faith and trust God”. I instantly knew that this was God’s voice speaking to me for my situation.
I felt more “settled” into the time of silence the next day and there was a certain clarity in my mind, as the thoughts from the night before were no longer re-playing in my head. I learnt that we often need to go through a process of “de-cluttering” or “emptying” before we can fully receive God’s love and what He has for us. While taking a walk in the garden that morning, an impression came into my mind that my restlessness was caused by worry about certain events in the future that were outside my control. This must have been the Holy Spirit revealing this to me, and I immediately surrendered these events to God in prayer and felt a sense of relief.
As the retreat drew to a close, I realised that I had learnt to hear and recognise God’s voice speaking to me, which I could have overlooked in the busyness of life. I also cultivated a posture of prayer by learning to bring my requests before God regularly. I came back from the retreat comforted and my relationship with God strengthened during these four days.
ZH Cai
This retreat experience was the second time that I had attended a 4D3N silent retreat. I was very much looking forward to this time away from the busyness of life, into the quiet and tranquility that I have not been able to experience elsewhere.
Coming to this retreat, I had some concerns that I had wanted to bring before the Lord and wanted to seek Him for a sense of direction and clarity. This was particularly in the area of my career trajectory and whether I should pivot out into something quite different altogether. Having had an experience during last year’s retreat, where I had sought the Lord for similar things and received a word to simply trust Him, I had a sense that God would give me a similar response.
Yet, God in his sovereign wisdom chose to respond quite differently and far more explicitly this time. Through the time of meditation and reflection upon both His Word and the book, Every Good Endeavour by Timothy Keller, I ended up leaving the retreat with a far clearer and sharper sense of what God had purposed for the next season of my life. I also left feeling a deeper sense of peace and with a renewed perspective of the meaning of work.
All this was only possible because of the calming and quiet environment that was offered at the retreat centre. It truly is a place that offers a very unique opportunity for us to be still and quiet before the Lord – for our souls to more easily find the rest it so desperately craves in the midst of a constantly noisy and overstimulated world. I was certainly thankful for this opportunity and have every intention to retreat annually and intentionally care for my soul and spirit man.
