Some of you asked why I am making such a decision. Some assumed is for the sake of education or better quality of life. No, my decision was not based on these.
My son is attending Hwa Chong’s gifted program, which many admire. My daughters are doing reasonably well in school too (without tuition, so their results are acceptable, dare not complain…). Though at times all are feeling the stress but it is manageable. As for me, work used to be stressful but I was still coping. Now it is a bit boring but I can live with that. If not leaving, I would have asked for more work. Then why leave?
It all started in Feb 07 when a head-hunter called. Although it did not work out but I have begun to ask God if it was time to move on. Two months later, Andrew (church-mate) prophesized saying I must not leave my current job, that God will move me in His time. Andrew did not know that I was praying about job change. At that point, I knew God was involved.
In Jul 07, during our company’s distributor meeting, I met Raymond, GM of CAPS Australia (our distributor) then. He said CAPS could offer me a job should I ever consider migrating. Raymond also proposed that I go CAPS take a look if I was serious to discuss further. I started asking God if migration was His idea and was this offer initiated by God.
In Oct 07, Jeremy (my GM then) suggested that my colleague and I go learn more about the blower business from our Australia office and CAPS. I asked myself was that a sign cum gift from God. I went in Nov 07, all fully paid by company.
After the trip, I asked for confirmation one Sunday morning. Shortly after that, I went to Geylang library. One table caught my attention and on it were 7 books stacked up, all about Australia. I sat down at another table and picked up a small poem book. I sensed God saying (in my heart), ‘You will find Australia in it’. I started flipping through, wondering how could it possibly be since the writer was British. Finally I found it on the 2nd or 3rd page. The book was printed in Australia.
One night, while I was spending time with my kids reading a bible story concerning pearl, I felt God saying Australia has something to do with pearls. I googled and found out that Australia is the second largest pearl producer.
On another occasion, while I was on my way to bible study, I asked God for more confirmations. I met Joy (church-mate) and the first thing that she said to me was, ‘I am going Sydney next Friday to visit my sister’.
Since this was a big decision, I wanted more solid kind of confirmation so I asked Him again. Then during my time alone with God, I was drawn to the issue with regards to counting the cost of being His disciple since I was faced with a major decision about migration. I asked God where is that bible passage and I heard (in my heart) Luke 14. True enough, it was there. Previously I always understood it as if one is not ready, he should not commit to it. I suddenly realized if that was the case, few would become His disciples, while He actually commanded us to go and make disciples! It did not make sense. Rather, Istarted seeing what Jesus meant was we must know the cost involved, know what we are getting into, prepare for the difficulties ahead and stay committed.
Couple of days later, I read a short email bible teaching. Guess what? It touched on the same subject and confirmed my latest understanding of that bible passage!
With all these signs, I was getting fearful; fearful that I may have heard God wrongly or it was only my own imagination, anxious about leaving my comfort zone, Singapore, cum drawing a lower salary. But then how could it be wrong with so many signs? Would God allow his children to be misled when we seek Him earnestly? Questions like these flooded my mind. Then I remembered some bible verses that said God is our Father who gives good gifts to His children. I asked Him where is that and I heard (in my heart) Matthew 7. True enough, it was there. He asked me not to doubt and assured me that He would not allow the devil or my own imagination to lead me astray so there was no need to fear. I decided it was time to discuss with my family concerning this matter. All these took place in mid Dec 07.
One month later, fear again troubled me. My family wondered if we would be able to survive with the lower salary. However, I reminded myself that God who has told me to do this would take care of my family needs. To counter the fear, I went ahead to engage a migration agent to begin the permanent resident visa application process.
In Mar 08, I received a promotion and that helped to offset the agent fee with some leftovers for expenses during our Melbourne’s schools and housing exploration trip in Jun 08.
In Apr 08, when the financial concern became more severe, I had my first dream from God, after being a believer for over a quarter century. All I saw was a black background with ‘Mark 8:4′ moved across it. The next morning, I flipped my bible to check what it was about. Lo and behold, it was the disciples asking Jesus how could they feed 4,000 men with so little food. The verses after that spoke on how Jesus proceeded to feed the 4,000 with 7 loaves of bread plus a few small fish. At the end, there were 7 baskets of leftover. He also recounted the miracle of feeding the 5,000 men not long ago, asking why the disciples still do not understand.
The next 14 months was filling forms, preparing documents, obtaining lost documents and waiting. God was quiet; the excitement was gone as nothing was heard from Him on this subject. I have to constantly remind myself of all that He has already revealed and stay focus.
In Jan 09, some friends were concerned if the job offer was still there since the financial crisis was bad. My reply was if it is God’s will for our family to be in Melbourne, we will be there no matter what.
Three months later, in Apr, Raymond (CAPS Australia’s MD) was planning to come to Singapore to meet Michael, my GM. He requested that I share with Michael my intention to migrate soon. He did not want Michael to mistaken that he was poaching IR staff. Some of my church-mates were concerned as this may affect my future in the company if migration plan did not work out. I struggled for 2 weeks. As Raymond’s trip was drawing near, I knew it could not be delayed further. However I just needed assurance that it was the right thing and time to break the news, so I asked for some confirmation from
God one morning. That morning, I needed a recycled envelope from my home so I pulled out one from my bookshelf before leaving for work. When I reached office, the address on the envelope ‘stared’ at me; it was ‘CAPS Australia’. It happened to be the one they used to send their calendar to us a few months ago, and it was the only CAPS envelope I have. With this assurance, I went to break news with Michael that same day. The meeting with Michael went well and he also suggested that I should consider approaching CAPS for work.
The visa approval finally came in early Jun 09. Instead of being excited, I had mixed feelings. Happy it was finally approved but sad as I have to leave behind family, relatives, friends, job, etc. While I was in that mode, Joy (church-mate) felt inspired to read out loud Isaiah 43 from the bible during one church service but it did not catch my attention. A few days later, Rinda (church-mate) sms me, saying she felt Isaiah 43:1-7 was meant for me while she was praying. I wanted to read it and see exactly what it says. I flipped open my bible and guess what? It opened at Isaiah 43! All these happened just before and after my 43rd birthday.
The passage basically says how God will protect, care, honour and treasure me.
Isaiah Chapter 43 – (1) But now this is what the Lord says – He who created you, O Jacob, He who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are Mine. (2) When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flame will not set you ablaze. (3) For I am Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Saviour; I give Egypt for your ransom, Ethiopia and Seba in your stead. (4) Since you are precious and honoured in My sight, and because I love you, I will give men in exchange for you, and people in exchange for your life. (5) Do not be afraid, for I am with you; I will bring your children from the east, and gather you from the west. (6) I will say to the north, ‘Give them up!’ and to the south, ‘Do not hold them back.’ Bring My sons from far and My daughters from the ends of the earth – (7) everyone who is called by My name, whom I created for My glory, whom I formed and made”.
Are all these events over the last 2.5 years simply ‘coincidences’? With so many of them, do we still term them as ‘coincidences’? I prefer to call them ‘God-incidences’, for God is still very much involved with humanity and He will go all the way out to lead those who truly want to follow Him. You should have noticed by now that I did waver and had my moments of weakness because I am just an ordinary guy, like many of you I suppose. What is happening for me now can happen for you too.
So what is next in Melbourne? Am I going to work for CAPS till I retire? I do not know yet but it will be something great for my family… because I serve a great God. I hope I do not sound like bragging; that is not my purpose. I just hope you would see that it is possible to have a very personal relationship with the God who created the heavens and the earth and us. I urge you to get to know this God better if you are not a believer yet. One of His well-known names is ‘Jesus’ (Yeshua in Hebrew). May all who read this be inspired to get close to Him.
Shalom,
Eliam (Eric Low)
Eliam Low has been a faithful and active servant of the church for decades and has served in varying capacities in the home church and in our church plant. He is best known and anointed by God in his role as worship leader and singer and reliable supporter of his cell group. Joanne has been a great mum and stalwart in the growing up years of three young kids now more grown up. We will miss them deeply. Eliam leaves soon to prepare the way for the rest of the family to settle in at the end of the year. Pray for them (children in photo- Hazel, Darren and Amanda). -Pastor Kenny
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AND WHATSOEVER YE SHALL ASK IN MY NAME, THAT WILL I DO, THAT THE FATHER MAY BE GLORIFIED IN THE SON (JOHN 14:13, KJV)
PRAY …………
1. For the Pastoral Search Committee comprising Alvin Lim, Kenny Chee, Shaun Goh and Judith to recruit suitable candidates to be employed for the positions of Executive Pastor and Administrative Pastor.
2. For the GOOD NEWS KIDS (children’s church) workers and teachers to be renewed in spirit, purpose and fresh power. For the core group to be comforted and strengthened in the Spirit, and to lead with wisdom and grace.
3. For the Board of Elders and the Pastors to be full of faith and the Holy Spirit as they lead the church through the consultancy, restructuring and re-organization process.
4. For all the Cell Leaders: that they may serve with freshness and joy; and that new Cell Interns will be raised for all the cell groups.
5. For the spiritual growth and vitality of all God’s people: increasing in the experiential knowledge of God, and love and honor for one another, and ministry to the needs of the lost.
6. For all the participants of the Alpha Course and the team that is leading and managing the course, and serving as leaders and helpers. Pray that the Holy Spirit will enlighten everyone with the truth of the Gospel.
7. For a breakthrough in the salvation of lost souls in the cells and church services and outside the walls of the church where the people in need are: in workplace, schools, homes.
8. For church youths and young adults to know God more deeply and be witnesses for Him wherever they are; keeping fresh in God despite the challenges they face, and the daily grind of boring routine.
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Sharing from Pastor Barnabas’ Heart:
(We) Deaf Faith Fellowship, sent a team of 10 members to Munich, Germany, from 12 June 09′ to 21 June 09′. It was the first time a large group of deaf members were sent from Singapore, especially to somewhere as far as Europe! It was by God’s grace that such a hearty number of people were able to attend the European Deaf Christian Conference. Praise God!
There were 16 other countries who came to the conference, which makes up a total of 200 deaf people who were present. It was encouraging to have met the many other deaf pastors! We shared and exchanged contacts and information about our churches and country. Several pastors also shared wonderful testimonies that happened back in their countries, and those times of heartfelt sharing and joviality really heartened me. Amen!
The theme of the conference was “Walk with God” from Micah 6:8. The theme really played beautifully with the time spent in Munich. It was the scenery and stillness about the country that quietened my heart down, drawing me face to face with the awe-ness of nature and creation. Something that’s quite hard to find in Singapore. I personally enjoyed my time alone with God and so did the other deaf members. This time of peace and tranquility was refreshing to our souls.
The conference saw many speakers from many countries (Russia, Denmark, Germany, Spain, and Estonia). We too, as DFF, also talked during the conference about World Revival Prayer Fellowship and I shared a short message (with interpreters present, as not everyone share a common sign-language system).
David Chang had ministered to many people with his “Visit to Heaven” testimony which he actively shared during the conference, while the rest of the group did a short performance representative of our multi-racial culture back in Singapore. Plenty of the conversations and sincere sharings within the conference re-ignited our passion for missions, people, our hunger for God etc… It was truly a fruitful time of fervency and participation.
Apart from the conference, we also did some sightseeing in Munich. We went on a city tour as well as an interesting trip to Schloss Neuschwanstein, the oldest castle in Germany.
We benefitted in many ways from the EDCC trip, through the fellowshipping, photo-taking, sharing, and the tranquil, precious time spent with God. We thank God for His protection throughout the trip and His unfailing provision for the team. Praise the Lord!
The next host country for the 3rd European Deaf Christian Conference will be held in Moscow, Russia, in 2013.
Pastor Barnabas Phua
Deaf Faith Fellowship
21 July 2009
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Hi friends!
How are you doing? Greetings from Tokyo. Two and a half month has passed since I got back to Japan in April. The rainy season has come but it will last only one month. It won’t last for six months like the monsoon in Myanmar.
Thank you!
I miss Singapore, Myanmar and Thailand where I used to live and work. I miss the simplicity of life in S. E. Asia, too. Those years and friends like you are a treasure in my life. How much I appreciate you for your wonderful support as sisters and brothers in Christ. I want to thank you again for praying for me before I left. You might wonder sometimes what Midori is doing in Japan, how she is, no news from her and when she is coming back?! Here I am updating.
Visiting churches
The first thing I did in Japan was to visit my elderly mother in a Christian old folk’s home named “King’s Garden”. She is 86 years old, overall good in health and solid in spiritual life. I am grateful for God’s loving care over her. I have two brothers and a sister in Japan. After this, I traveled in order to talk about Myanmar missions in churches in Osaka, Kyoto, Hiroshima and Tottori. Those cities are far from Tokyo. The scenery of the picture above was taken during a trip. I was amazed at how beautiful and greenish my country is! The bus travelled through mountains to mountains and from a tunnel to another tunnel.
One of occasions was in a nursery attached to a church. I was invited to a class of 25 five-year-old children. Wow! A great challenge! I asked God what to talk about. He showed me a girl Sarah who is one of orphans at the House of Hope (HOH) in Myanmar. I shared the story of where she came from and how her life has been transformed through the care in HOH and the love of God. I showed an 8-minute DVD of the HOH, too. Most of the kids kept sitting on the floor and paid good attention. They impressed me!
Thank God for another opportunity to talk to the children of the Sunday school in another church (Photo left, Midori is left front). The children have prayed for and supported HOH since 2005. This is the third time to visit them.
I am grateful for these opportunities to talk to the very young generation about world missions. Should I dream that many among Japanese youth would bring the Good News to the nations one day, Lord?
New assignment and new mission field!?
While flying back to Tokyo, I sensed that one chapter was closing behind me, a chapter in which I went to Singapore and received a vision for Myanmar and then worked there. I spent a total of 14 years in S. E. Asia. I felt like crying when I reflected back on how God cared for mean was good to me. I gave thanks to the Lord for how he is merciful, faithful and good to me. He made my life abundant. Though I had no idea what path would come before me, I only I knew the Lord is with me and I am on right truck. It means the choice I made to leave Myanmar for good was the right choice even though it is different than my thoughts, and different than some of my friend’s expectations.
Soon after I arrived in Japan, an unexpected awareness was birthed in me. I was sad to see people on the street who seemed aimless in their lives and not aware of God’s love. The figure that less than 1 % of the population is Christian struck me. There is an inner voice saying, “this is my new mission field.,,,,! ?” It is a giant! Reports say that more than thirty thousand people have committed suicide each year for the last ten years. Uncountable numbers suffer depression. People possess not only many goods, but also high quality ones. Shopping malls are overwhelmingly filled with goods, meals and advertisements. Each meal is delicious.
I wonder where these raw materials come from? From Myanmar? People in Myanmar suffer hunger, luck of safe water and limited electricity. They have no jobs, poor education and many restrictions in daily life, etc. I was sad as one who enjoys richness while others suffer.
In the midst of sensing the darkness, God lifted my spirit to see the light by knowing the transformation of a young man’s life. He attended the prayer meeting in a church, when I shared what God is doing and what God is telling us through the cyclone last year in Myanmar. When the meeting was over, he said it was a very important message for Japan.
His life was changed dramatically through knowing Jesus. He was persuaded to do Thai kickboxing, Muay Thai. He came from a broken family and he was to be promoted to be a boss of the gang society. God intervened in his life at a critical moment. He was once lost and he is now following Jesus passionately. His relationship with his father, mother and grandfather were mended by the love of God. He dreams to be used for revival. He invited me to a youth service at his church to speak. Here is his testimony with his photos, but sorry written in Japanese. http://thehopechurch.web.fc2.com/ogawa.html
Serving the Myanmar in Japan?!
Though I miss Singapore and Myanmar, I know Japan is the right place for me to serve right now. I can’t see yet the major next direction. But I know what I am doing now is the right thing. I follow Him one step at a time. My desire is to be his faithful instrument. There are many ministry opportunities for Myanmar outside the country as well. I have seen many churches, YWAM and individuals in Singapore who are involved in Myanmar missions. There are a few or nearly none in Japan. I will continue to help the House of Hope and visit them sometimes. I will continue to be a channel for the cyclone relief work. Is there more of something new coming …?? Yah, there are many Burmese in Japan, too.
Daily life
Starting life in a new place is a big challenge. The life style is more hi-tech, speedy and complicated. Can I cope with a hi-tech and speedy life? Tokyo is one of most expensive cities in the world. People have prepared for retirement life, working in the companies, saving lots money, buying life-insurance, and taking care to have a healthy life, etc. On the contrary I am at the starting line with no such things. I was a bit anxious and I am telling myself how God has been good for many years. He cares for you as He has done before. I can and should trust Him.
It is true. He is caring for me and providing for my daily needs. As for accommodation, the church that adopted me as their missionary offers me to stay in the guest room attached to the church. Brothers and sisters in the church pray for me and support me morally and financially, the same as they did when as I was in Myanmar.
May the Lord bless you and all your work for Him!
Please pray for:
- Spiritual awakening in Japan
- That I can be God’s faithful instrument in ministry
- For my spiritual life
- For a suitable accommodation to settle into
Thank you and looking forward to hearing from you.
His name to be praised!
Midori Matsumoto
In Tokyo
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Hi Church! How are you? Hope you all are feeling good and well! I am glad to be able to write to you once again! It has been a week in Siliguri and our ministry time here has come to an end. How fast time flies when we enjoyed His presence! Coming to Siliguri was very fruitful for us! We were working closely with a church here and praise God, the partnership went very well! We went to a village to do door to door evangelism (and one 24 yrs old man, Robin, came to Christ through this); And at another village, we shared the gospel through our songs, dance, skit and testimonies.
All of us had a chance to preach in a two day youth workshop too! I shared on our identity in Christ and many youths responsed to the altar call and it was exciting to see many received their new destiny in Him! They are now able to see how God sees them! Amen! Another highlight for me was that I was asked by my leader to lead worship for the sunday service!!! This was a first time for me and I tk God it turned out good! All glory to God!
Outside ministry time, I had a few divine appointments too! I met a young working adult named, Mintu, at a resturant and I invited him to join me for breakfast since both of us was alone. As we talked, I realised he stammers, so after some sharing about ourselves, I offered to pray for him and also shared the gospel with him. He was very happy! I believe God will healed him and he will turn to Christ! Amen!
Another divine appointment was Beenu! A young lady who just graduated from university. We met her while we were having lunch. And it all started by me asking her boyfriend for help in ordering foods and after that, she just approached us and helped us with further orderings. And I knew it was God’s plan that we met. So I offered to pray for her to find a job and this led her to re-commit herself back to Jesus! She back-slided but God won her back! Amen!
Therefore, let us con’t to pray for these two souls, Mintu and Beenu. That they will experience God every new day! From these two incidents, I realised that God is truly at work all the time! Even when we were having meals! Amen! We just have to open our 5 senses and join Him in His work!
Last,but not least, tk you for praying for us! I was healed very soon after I sent out my last email to you! No more cough and cold! How powerful is our God and our prayers! Amen!
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Dear Church!
Finally able to write to you and update you about our journey here in India with our Loving God! We just arrived Siliguri from Darjeeling and today is our “rest day”! Have you all heard that there are strikes going on in Darjeeling ? Worry not as we are all safe and sound! Thank God! Apart from the strikes, Darjeeling is one beautiful city!! Weather is so good and cooling and its people so friendly!! I really could see God in them. Both the mountains and the people! So wonderfully and fearfully created with love!!
In Darjeeling , I had the chance to visit the sick in a hospital. Talked with them; prayed for them; and sharing the gospel with them. And as a team, we went to a Christian school to reach out to the children. Many of them are pre-believers. We led their morning chapel and its after school programme. It was our blessing to be able to see the kids and performing for them before God! The kids are all so pretty and beautiful!! Praise God for His creation! I had the opportunity to share my testimony with them too!
Before we left Darjeeling , we went to a nearby village called, TakDah, to lead their one day children camp! And it was very good! I even got the chance to preach to the kids for the “first-time” and it was overwhelming for me to see almost all the kids, and some adults too, accepting Jesus into their lives! PTL!
God is at work in Darjeeling ! And we had certainly brought the Kingdom of God nearer to them. And for those who had accepted Christ, His Kingdom is already living in them! Amen!
Prayer requests:
Please continue to pray for us for good health as some of us had not been feeling good recently, myself included. I had running nose and slight cough. WE could be facing spiritual warfare but, fear not, we are fighting from victory! Amen! When the light comes, darkness flee and hide!
Siliguri’s weather is hot and dry! The roads super dusty too! but God spoke to us that we shall not complain or compare it with Darjeeling . Cos, He made them both beautiful in His ways! Amen!
Alright folks, will write to you again when i had the chance. And if i dont write, pls know that we are super safe and sound in His name! Amen!
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The H1N1 flu is spreading in the community. Today’s national papers said there are now 315 infected people in Singapore and the assumption is that this will increase. Though not as fatal as once thought, we need to be on our guard, keep our families healthy and well, and pray for God’s protection. Here are some common sense advice for you to heed so that it does not spread in church meetings:
-See your family doctor if you are not feeling well. Rest at home, and do not go to work or to church meetings till you are well.
-Take note of people sitting around you when you are at church meetings.
-Avoid shaking hands but find another way to acknowledge or say hi to each other.
-Use the hand disinfectant dispensers available around the church.
-If you have a fever or have travelled to flu affected places, like Argentina, Australia, Canada, Chile, DominicanRepublic, Japan, Mexico, Panama, Philippines, Spain, Thailand, United Kingdom, United States of America, Indonesia and Hong Kong SAR, within a week, please do stay at home.
- Look out for flash news on this website for the latest church related infection information.
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