inside

India Looks Back

page 3

Why We Teach
page 4

Sports Fellowship
page 7

for private circulation only

Running Well, Finishing Strong

by eu hong seng

fgt newsletter
december 2011

There are many ways one can run a race. To complete his race, the least a runner has to do is to cross the finishing line. Its a simple enough principle, yet it can be a lot harder to achieve than imagined.

Many Christians are fast off the starting block

but the sad truth is most of us will not make it past the finishing line as strong as we started out, if we do cross it at all. Well aware of the weakness of the flesh, Paul exhorts us to reach forward and press toward attaining the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus (Phil 3:814). To put it plainly, the race before us as Christians is not an aimless stroll in the park, but we are to run it well and to finish it strong. Consider the following points to help ourselves along the way. 1. Start and end with Humility The proverbial story of the tortoise and the hare reminds us that humility helps to take us farther than we think. Groups function well when members within always consider others better than themselves. 2. Dont go through life without a philosophy The objective is to arrive at the real destination. Unfortunately, many of us are like engines that go everywhere, never really knowing where the final stop is to be. To minimize distractions that often tire and wear us out, determine from the onset what our philosophy is in general, in life, in ministry and in leadership. 3. Beware of Pitfalls in Life Just as pot holes are hazardous on roads, we can expect the Christian journey to be fraught with pitfalls along the way. Generally, pitfalls can come in unsuspecting forms a wrong choice in spouse; inability to surrender our will; failure to survive Church; or even incorrect priorities in handling career, money, kids, sex and studies.
continued on next page

Run strong, finish well. Not everyone will, but everyone can. May your run be an inspired and inspiring one in 2012.

continued from previous page

4. Ensure the Essentials of Christian Life It helps to constantly check that our spiritual physiology is in order. Do we have a hearing Ear? An obedient Heart to obey the will of God? A generous Hand where our wealth not only impresses but touches others? Are our Feet shod with the Gospel, passionate to save the lost? Are we living a spirit-filled life and consistently found in a learning posture? 5. Know our Life Models The twelve tribes of Israel still exist today in essence and characteristics. We each belong to a tribe. It is well worth our while to study the strengths of the tribes and consider which one we may model our spiritual life after. 6. Consider our Ultimate Contribution Everyone desires to have his or her life count for something at the end of the day. Upon our passing, some of us may leave behind legacies, while others will have lasting testimonies. While legacies are subject to the sovereign will of God based on individual circumstances and gifts, we all have the opportunity to build our own testimonies through our character. A good testimony usually consists of more than one or two things. When people look at our lives, they should get inspired. Regrettably, many of us are content to live and serve without passion ending up being uninspiring, perhaps even boring Christians. In the hectic blur of travel over the past few years, I have developed the habit to stop now and then, to appreciate the scenery. I have since learned it is enjoying the journey that makes it doubly worthwhile to get to my destination. As yet another new year begins, I pray that we will continue to run our race and aim to enjoy the trip to the finishing line. Run strong, finish well. Not everyone will, but everyone can. May your run be an inspired and inspiring one in 2012.

My 2011 Spiritual Milestones

Chan Chui Fang
(2011) I was really hungry for God and His Word. So I made sure I attended Tung Ling SOM, SOTB and the Key of Knowledge seminar. I definitely learnt a lot and in 2012 I intend to put it all to practice! I realize that one needs to be responsible for his/her own spiritual growth by making an effort. And thats precisely what Im doing!

This year

am with you. Because of His promise, I found that I achieved many of my goals in 2011. The most exciting thing has been the chance to volunteer along with my husband in the local Myanmarese ministry which FGT started in May. Since then, we have seen Gods faithfulness through so many challenges. Today, we have two Myanmarese home gatherings held on Tuesday nights with each averaging about 30 people.

Lim Chee Jack 2011 has just been an amazing time of learning. Ive been studying the Word of God either through bible study groups or Sunday Services so that I can grow faster spiritually. Praying for others also strengthened my faith especially when God answers! I also joined EE this year, and from there, Ive started to have the burden and motivation to share the gospel with others.
*Chee Jack was saved in Oct, 2010.

Tito Sabone
worship has been my desire to be part of Gods hand in touching the church and opening the door for the Holy Spirit into the heart of the church. It is a privilege to be able to serve in leading worship in FGT. God has helped me understand my right place as a small piece of a big puzzle right where I am right now.

Leading

*Tito is the first international student to lead worship at the main Sunday Service at FGT Subang.

Jessica Yong My spiritual

milestone in 2011 was becoming a cell leader. I have learnt that even as a leader, people around me can teach me things, especially those younger than me.

Ireine Teck
I received a promise from God in 1 Sam 14:7 Do all that is in your heart for I
2

This year,

Ps Indra praying for a family in Nagaland

Marching Beyond Borders FGT India looks back at 2011

by francis gnanasekhar

The year 2011 began with a great promise from the Lord for FGT India - Open Heavens and Open Hearts.

True to His word, God was faithful to us. Following the

FGT India Pastors Conference held at the beginning of the year, we emerged with renewed vigour to continue our mission to plant and build strong churches across India. In March, FGT planted a church in Bihar, which is one of the most populous and needy states in India. Our work was inaugurated at Bakthiyarpur, about 60 km from Patna, the capital of the state. The town is situated at the banks of the river Ganga and has a strong Hindu influence, with very feeble Christian presence. Despite the many personal challenges and sacrifice Ps Madhan leading FGT Gangtok of working in an environment of extreme poverty, Ps. Justin Moses and his wife, Shiny, have been able to minister to about 12 villages in the vicinity. FGT Bakthiyarpur is also the first church to have a public signage of its presence in this Hindu town, which in itself is a miracle of God! In April, FGT Sikkim was inaugurated at Gangtok
3

city, the capital of Sikkim. Sikkim is a tiny Buddhistdominated state surrounded by beautiful snow-capped mountains. Ps. Madhan Kumar Gurung reaches out to them through FGT Gangtok. In May, FGT set up in the state of Nagaland. Indrajith Sanasham pastors our church in Dimapur, besides reaching out to the bordering state of Assam, famous for its tea all over the world. June saw the birth of a new church at Bidar town, in the state of Karnataka. Prabhakar Malge pastors the work here besides reaching out to the villages in the vicinity. Apart from the budding of new churches, 2011 also marked the successful completion of the first year of many of our churches. The following churches celebrated their first anniversaries Bijapur, Aundipatti, Shanthi Nagar (Bengaluru), Chittoor, Delhi,
continued on next page

continued from previous page

Dharmapuri, Bannargatta (Bengaluru), Mysore, Valapadi, Belur, Mumbai, Gunupur (Orissa) and Madurai. It was indeed a time of thanksgiving unto the Lord during these services. The church at Matale in Sri Lanka too celebrated its 1st anniversary during July. It was also a year of new venues for the churches at Aundipatti, Dharmapuri, Valapadi and Mysore. The Lord also blessed the Chittoor church with a piece of land where a roof for worship is coming up. Unfortunately, we also witnessed a few oppositions for our church services in Aundipatti, Mysore and Bannargatta. A few people tried to disturb the worship services but the Lord was gracious to prevail upon the people. It was also a time of growth and winning of new souls unto the Lord and there were baptisms too in different churches. Prayer momentum is picking up in all the churches. The pastors in Bangalore meet once in two months to pray for the state of Karnataka and all the FGT churches here. Pastors from other FGT churches across the state also participate in these meetings. Pastors of FGT Tamilnadu meet once in three months in different venues to pray for the state of Tamilnadu and also for the nation of India. The Lord has also put in our hearts, a desire for expansion across more states in North India, which is one of the neediest areas in the whole of India. We appreciate and thank the Lord for every support and encouragement provided by the leaders and believers in the mother church, towards the fulfilment of a great vision of taking the Good News of the Saviour through church planting efforts across India and Sri Lanka. Without your support we would not have done what we have done so far 26 churches in India and Sri Lanka and raring for more in the days to come!

Why We Teach
by lim fang say

Once considered a career to aspire to, the teaching profession in Malaysia has over the years lost much of its shine.

The effort to attract new and younger talents to

enlist themselves as educators has been an uphill task given the perceived lack of benefits and monetary rewards attached to the career. More often than not, new teachers today find themselves battling an unfair perception that they became teachers as a last resort. Nevertheless, there are the exceptional individuals in FGT who have responded and remain faithful to their calling to educate and train our nations young people.

Ruth Cheah

With a kingdom mindset, Ruth Cheah knew she would be a school teacher for the long haul when she first started in the 1980s. Teaching then was still viewed as noble and the profession seemed perfect for women with young families. I saw myself as a paid missionary for Gods Kingdom, she says. I had the privilege to do Gods will - touching young peoples lives and pointing them back to the Creator. However, over the years, Ruth admits that teaching has become more and more challenging. Parents used to be very thankful and appreciative of teachers who helped to discipline their children. These days, younger and modern parents dont seem to believe in discipline, she laments. To make matters worse, some even conspire and condone their kids wrong doing! Despite the challenges he sees his mother Ruth face as a teacher, Abel Cheah was not deterred to begin his own career in teaching.

Ps Justin and Shiny in their home in FGT Bakthiyapur

Like many social-based jobs, most teachers are over-worked and under-paid. Many of us
4

from my generation shun the prospect of teaching because of the social stigma attached to it its lack of prestige, and the lack of advancement opportunities associated with it, Abel says. He believes teaching permits him to contribute to the country and to a meaningful cause. I teach because much is at stake in our country and future generations. We have to take ownership of our country in any way we can. Everywhere we go theres always a need for teachers, coaches, leaders and mentors. This is a practical way to address a real social concern! Abel says. Australian graduate, Sarah Chew, who runs a kindergarten and preschool facility, believes Christian teachers can only remain as teachers for the love of their work and their wards. Otherwise, it feels like a thankless job because the results and satisfaction are usually measured

After graduating from Harvard University in the US recently, Jacintha opted for the path less travelled by signing up to join Teach For Malaysia, a leadership training program designed to recruit Malaysias top graduates to dedicate a number of years to teach in under-performing schools nationwide. Jacintha considers the teaching profession as a ministry responsible to develop character and to shape within students the ability to learn and to think. Good teachers prepare their students for a successful future by teaching them how to understand a particular concept while developing their students character, she says. Schools are the plentiful harvest Jesus was talking about. I think that each time a Christian goes into the teaching field with a kingdom mindset, someone is angered... so teachers who are in it for the long haul need to be prepared for backlash! Meanwhile, Tan Meng Yoe embarked on a teaching career in a private university as a means to stop talking and start acting. I notice that a lot of qualified people just keep complaining about why there arent enough good teachers in schools and colleges. Yet, they never consider themselves to possibly be the solution. I was like that too, so I decided to give it a go, Meng Yoe laughs. Meng Yoe thinks by educating students to be critical thinkers today, political leaders of tomorrow
5

can be raised to make positive change in the nation. One of the most effective ways to initiate social change is through education. Frankly, if you cant change the minds of todays leaders, why not form the minds of the next in line? Teachers might never live to see the day their work bears fruit, but I think its worth a try, Meng Yoe says. All said and done, Christians entering the teaching profession SOS was truly other especially at schools and a blessing for learning, has always institutions ofus campers because it been theset our hearts in the right most important strategy in contributing towards nationdirection and were ready to building. The early missionaries to continue running the race! our country knew and understood that. As a result, they made a tremendous impact on our nation through their personal sacrifice and commitment. Perhaps it is time for more of our emerging young Christian leaders to consider doing likewise for our next generation - to safeguard the future of Malaysia.

Abel and Jacintha

in the childrens success which is generally abstract and hardly immediate. It is never so much found in praises of others or money or promotion, says Sarah. Obtaining a degree that has consumed considerable cost and time would compel any graduate to pursue a profession that pays well. Taking the plunge to become a teacher instead would seem highly unorthodox. Yet, Jacintha Tagal, among others in FGT, is one of those individuals.

Meng Yoe & Sarah

Transiting from varsity to the workplace comes with lots of new experiences that can both exhaust and excite you. We caught up with five young working adults to find out about the challenges in this period and how being part of the Young Adults Fellowship (YAF) cell groups have been helpful.

Crossing over from varsity to workplace

compiled by yam phui yee

22, consultant

CHIN CAE ME

The Challenges: I can only be found in one place from 9am to 6pm (or later). I have to make the extra effort to manage other commitments because while in the office, my mind is always occupied with work. Basically, a lot of my time is taken up to make money. I need to find the time to get a life. The Cell: As we grow older, issues begin to appear more real and it is encouraging to know that people can share their struggles and not just give the standard spiritual answer. The sharing during the cell discussion is therefore meaningful and interesting.

on for advice in making big decisions like on career, first house and first investment. We are all 30 and below and more or less going through the same phase in life together. I like that were learning together, not just sitting down and being taught. It helps to know that youre not the only one going through an issue. The girls in my cell tend to be more weight-conscious, which means more food for me during refreshments. I like that. And how can I forget? The cell has helped me find good friends, best friends, and a girlfriend.

23, management consultant The Challenge: Adjusting to the demands of work. Unlike university where you have a free hand when it comes to managing your time and energy, at work it is often influenced by supervisors and project deadlines. The Cell: Joining the YA group is like getting a sneak peek into the future: the choices and problems that I will face and how to tackle them. It helps to know others who have gone through it and that good advice is always available. My cell leaders Raymond and Chin Chin have been a great support and are involved in ministering to the poor, which I find very inspiring.

IAN HAN

PAUL LEONG

21, co-owner of an IT and multimedia company

The Challenges: I started working while studying. I had to know how to balance my time with five other commitments: Work - as a freelance designer; Church as musician and leader in 365 Youth Fellowship; Studies obtaining my diploma; Family and Girlfriend. The Cell: One thing different from being in 365 is the channel. The topics of conversations and discussions are different in a good way. Being in YA cell group gives me joy. Once I was really frustrated over my work and didnt want to go to cell, but I dragged myself there. During the cell, I slowly calmed down. I left feeling refreshed and could continue working with a better mood and attitude.

GLORIA LOO
23, teacher The Challenges: Working life permits less flexibility; there are no long breaks during the day where you can take a break, relax, or find time for your own activities. There are also more responsibilities now. What I find difficult to be consistent with is spending time with our Father in heaven. The Cell: I have benefitted greatly from the many discussions on issues pertaining to my current phase in life. They often leave me reflecting about my walk with God and challenge me to draw closer to Him. I appreciate my cell members honesty and openness. Undeniably, there were weeks when I struggled to go to cell, but each time that I obeyed and just go, I never regretted it but instead, left feeling refreshed and revived.
6

25, IT analyst The Challenges: Time, time and time. You find that you have a lot less time for yourself and your friends. Also, bills, bills and bills. You start earning and paying for your car, petrol, insurance, etc. The Cell: After learning from the more experienced cell members, I can think of so many people to depend

JOEL YIM

FGT Go for Goal team wins first place

Building Fellowship Through Sports

by wong meng chern

Sunday afternoon snoozes have become a thing of the past for me since I decided to join Pastor Jenny Liew on her sports fellowship effort. For the past year or so, I have spent most Sunday afternoons with kids and teens my age from in and around Subang doing what we love most football!

We usually meet at 4.30pm each week at the USJ 11

open field to have our training together. The physical training includes stamina-building work-outs as well as honing our passing and shooting skills. More importantly, each training session ends with a debriefing session when all the trainees sit under the shade of trees to share life lessons.

each week. Despite their size and age, these boys are never late for practice. Often times, they can be found waiting for us patiently even before Pastor Jenny, Aunty Tyan Min and I arrive. In fact, there was a time when they were chased by dogs while on their way, but that did not deter them from coming at all. This was true commitment in action! Getting involved in the sports fellowship has taught me a lot of life lessons as well. During times when I was discouraged that no one was interested to join us, I saw how Ps Jenny and Aunty Tyan Min stay firm believing that God would bring people there. Their perseverance and patience have paid off. In fact, our team has played in a number of matches and even came out first in a recent football competition! Just by playing football each week with kids from the neighbourhood of Subang Jaya, God has taught me so much commitment, perseverance and patience. I also discovered my heart for the community. So, care to join us for a game?
7

During this time, our volunteer coach would try to relate mistakes made on the field to real life situations. For example, there could be life lesson on punctuality. Some of the trainees may struggle Training in session to be punctual for training, hence, the coach would explain to them about how important it was to be punctual especially when they are having exams or during competition. He would then urge everyone to make it a point to be punctual for practice as well as any other events. Over the months, more and more have come to join us at our sports fellowship although some actually do live quite a distance away. For instance, primary school boys from the Sri Tanjung Flats walk or cycle about 20-30 minutes to join us at the field without fail

flashback

FGT Workers Conference 12 November 2011

Key of Knowledge Seminar 15-18 November 2011 Eagles Bible School Nepal Graduation
28 October 2011

Water Baptism 13 November 2011

FULL GOSPEL TABERNACLE

Wisma Eagles, 5 Jalan TP 4 Tmn Perindustrian UEP 47600 Subang Jaya Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia Tel: +(6) 03-8024 2270 Fax: +(6) 03-8024 2271 Website: www.fgt2u.org

Malaysian Gospel Nite 27 November 2011

8 8