Remembering God’s goodness and grace
for the last 50 years to the glory of God.
Sharon Bible-Presbyterian Church (1971-2021)
This magazine is for internal circulation only and not for sale.
September 2021.
CONTENTS
Foreword 1
& Editorial
3Fraternal
Greetings
19Timeline 33Church
Ministries
Church 54
Families 73Testimonies
FOREWORD
Challenge We embraced change, while at the
same time respecting and protecting the
Reflecting on my ministry, I am integrity of our spiritual values and the
reminded of Zechariah 4:10, “For who hath preaching and teaching of the church. We
despised the day of small things.” To me, decided to stop the print version of the
this speaks aptly of Sharon Bible- church bulletin to support our nation’s
Presbyterian Church, with her humble green initiative and digital transformation.
beginning in the then “new” neighbourhood
of Toa Payoh. We also have the 50th Church
Anniversary Magazine in a digital format.
The church, which began on 12 We have organised online meetings for our
September 1971, had few worshippers. Session members, Sunday School staff
Only a handful were willing to identify with and teachers, and all fellowship groups.
the church. The gospel message was not We are united to confront a new normal,
well-received, and was in fact despised by helping one another with modern
many. technology to mitigate the impact of Covid-
19. God has given us sufficient grace and
No matter how small the beginning, like strength to face whatever comes our way.
a mustard seed when planted in faith and
with a vision, it shall grow and spread its I am grateful to the many who have
roots deep into the ground. Let us written their testimonies for the 50th Church
remember that we started the church from Anniversary Magazine. Your contributions
scratch, 50 years ago. We had no financial give us an overall picture of Sharon B-P
support and no organised backing at that Church. I salute all of you for your work of
time. It is the Lord who has helped us faith, labour of love, and patience of hope
through your prayers. in our Lord Jesus Christ. I can sum up the
work of the Lord with these words, “To God
I would like to thank all of you for your alone belongs all the Glory”. Amen.
heartfelt notes of encouragement to remain
faithful to my calling. I thank the Church Rev. Peter Chua
Session members who have been working Pastor, Sharon Bible-Presbyterian Church
together with me harmoniously.
We are in the process of renewing our
framework and the overall direction and
accountability of our church. This 50th
Anniversary Magazine is designed to give
our readers a better understanding of the
roots, the historical development of the
church and its current ministries.
COVID-19
Last year was a very challenging time
for us. The church was not spared the
tightened measures during the Covid-19
pandemic.
1
EDITORIAL
I thank God for this privilege and honour I was greatly encouraged as I read the
to be part of the editorial team for this testimonies of our people. I hope that the
magazine. We have a small team doing same feeling will be evoked in you as you
this work but we are blessed with the help turn these pages.
rendered to us.
“To the praise of the glory of his grace,
I may possess only one talent but I am wherein he hath made us accepted in the
graced with people with many talents. beloved.” (Ephesians 1:6).
Sisters Audrey Yeo, Rebecca Ng and
Chew Siew Kiang have been of Soli Deo Gloria.
tremendous help in the coordinating work
required for this magazine. They helped in Rev. Ho Chee Lai
the editing of the articles and formatting Editor, 50th Anniversary Magazine
them. Not to be forgotten is their laborious
search through the archives for the photos.
Finally, there is the touch of design to
create a magazine which is vibrant and
appealing. Kudos to this talented team.
There were times when not much work
could proceed. This was partly due to the
Covid-19 pandemic. We could not take as
many photos as we would have wanted to.
However, most of the time, it was mainly
due to my busy schedule. Yet, in spite of
all these, God has enabled us to complete
this magazine during such a difficult time.
The main thrust of this magazine is the
recording and archiving of God’s goodness
and grace to the church and to our
members and friends. The purpose of this
work is to magnify God’s glory. When you
spend time to browse through the whole
magazine, and contemplate on God’s
goodness and grace, it will inevitably lead
you to praise God for His glory.
2
Greetings to Sharon Bible-Presbyterian Church
on the occasion of your 50th Anniversary,
September 2021.
Dear Pastor, Session and Members of Sharon B-P Church,
The Session and members of Life B-P Church greet you in
the matchless name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ!
We greatly rejoice with you on this significant spiritual
milestone of your 50th Anniversary.
May your hearts be filled with praise to our loving Father as you recall His faithfulness,
guidance and provision for you all these past 50 years! The Lord is glorified through the
precious souls that have been saved from eternal death, through all the saints who have grown
in Christ, and through your faithful efforts both locally and in foreign missions.
As the world is now facing an
unprecedented crisis, it is most needful
for God’s people everywhere to be
vigilant, strong and steadfast, knowing
that our Lord Jesus is returning soon!
“Ye are all the children of light, and
the children of the day: we are not of the
night, nor of darkness. Therefore let us
not sleep, as do others; but let us watch
and be sober” (1 Thessalonians 4:5-6).
We are particularly thankful for your
partnership in the ministry of training
labourers for the Lord’s harvest, and we
pray that God will be glorified as we
continue to serve Him together.
May you be encouraged to press on in your ministry with these words: “Therefore, my
beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord,
forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58).
Rev. Charles Seet
on behalf of The Session of Life B-P Church
4
Dear Rev. Peter Chua, Rev. Ho Chee Lai,
Session and Congregation of Sharon Bible-
Presbyterian Church,
Congratulations on the 50th Anniversary of
Sharon B-P Church. The half-century mark is
a significant milestone. In these days, when
allegiances are built on expediency, it is rare for
a relationship to last 50 years. Thus, for you
to celebrate 50 years of the Gospel ministry of
Sharon B-P Church speaks of the goodness of
God and your faithfulness to the work which
you have “received of the Lord Jesus, to testify
the gospel of the grace of God” (Acts 20:24).
The name Sharon is associated with a region extending from the Mediterranean to the hill
country west of Jerusalem. It was an area known for its beauty and fertility. The Prophet
Isaiah says that Sharon “shall blossom abundantly and rejoice even with joy and singing: The
glory of Lebanon shall be given unto it, the excellency of Carmel and Sharon, they shall see
the glory of the LORD, And the excellency of our God” (Isaiah 35:2).
Surely, over the course of 50 years, through your local ministries and foreign missions,
many have seen the glory and the excellency of the LORD. And what they have seen would
have been the One who is called the Rose of Sharon and the Lily of the valley, even our Lord
Jesus Christ, whom the poet aptly describes as the …
Flower, whose fragrance tender
With sweetness fills the air
Dispels with glorious splendour
The darkness everywhere
True man, yet very God
From sin and death He saves us
And lightens every load.
Our Lord Jesus has given Himself as a bouquet of beautiful flowers to His Church, and the
fragrance of the bouquet permeates the church even to overflowing.
Not to be missed is the linkage between the place Sharon and a preacher named Peter. It
was here that Peter healed a man who had been paralysed, and Luke records that “all that
dwelt at Lydda and Saron saw him, and turned to the Lord” (Acts 9:35).
I pray that in the days ahead, as our Lord Jesus tarries in His return, Sharon B-P Church
will continue to fill the air with the fragrance of Christ and, by your faithful ministry, continue to
turn sinners to Him.
Your Co-Labourer in Christ,
Rev. Isaac Ong
Pastor, Calvary B-P Church
5
Dear Rev. Peter Chua, Session and Sharonites,
On behalf of the Session of New Life B-P Church,
I congratulate you on your 50th Celebration of God’s grace,
and wish Sharon B-P Church, “A Blessed Golden
Anniversary!”
George MacDonald said, “It is our best work that God
wants, not the dregs of our exhaustion. I think he must
prefer quality to quantity.”
Sharon may be small in number, relative to other B-P churches, but your impact and
influence are huge. Indeed, God has used the Sharonites to be a blessing to many, both near
and far. Keep up the good work you are doing for Christ!
Galatians 6:9-10 tells us,
May God continue to empower your church to spread the Gospel and bring hope to many
people in the midst of this prolonged pandemic, till our Lord returns. May Jesus Christ be
magnified through your lives and your love for one another (John 13:34-35). Amen.
Soli Deo Gloria.
Rev. (Dr) Gabriel Gan
Senior Pastor, New Life B-P Church
6
The Pastor, Session and Members of Sharon Bible-Presbyterian
Church, Singapore
On behalf of Evangel B-P Church, Malaysia, I would like to
take this opportunity to:
(i) bring a word of congratulations to you. Consistent with
the spirit of Scripture in Romans 12:15, we here at EBPC,
rejoice with our brethren at Sharon B-P Church on this
happy occasion – your 50th Church Birthday.
(ii) bring a word of commendation to you and your Session. You have been found, for half
a century, to have been faithful, steadfast and unmoveable, always abounding in the
work of the Lord.
(iii) bring to your remembrance the blessed nexus
between Sharon B-P Church and EBPC. I have
never failed to emphasise that it is a special bond,
borne out of Philadelphian love. If I might define it,
it is ‘we’re in this together’ kind of love, for the
sake of the glorious gospel of Christ.
Our ties with Sharon B-P Church are both precious and memorable, and they span over a
decade. It is a decade of friendship, when we stood shoulder to shoulder, co-labouring with
our eyes fixated on a common goal, striving together for the faith of the Gospel.
We were in it together in more ways than one. You literally, unstintingly from scratch,
helped us, with God’s resources, to establish EBPC to where we are today. Together, we
were committed to establish the Gospel Highway. Today, God has blessed EBPC with three
churches in Kuala Lumpur, Tangkak and Melaka. The Lord gave us much more. He gave us
a seminary – the Evangel Reformed Seminary. I would like to put in on record, on your 50th
Anniversary, that the help rendered by Sharon B-P Church is invaluable. Indeed, “The
blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it” (Proverbs 10:22). I would
like to bring to your remembrance, on your 50th Anniversary, that these blessings are also your
blessings.
Lest we rest on our laurels, I would also like to bring to your remembrance that as long as
the Lord tarries, our labour for Him is not yet done. May He set your sights on greater things
to come – to attempt great things for Him and to expect great things from Him.
Finally, all things said and done, to God belongs the glory. How so?
“Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the Lord keep the
city, the watchman waketh but in vain.” (Psalm 127:1).
BLESSED FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY!
In Christ
Rev. Lim Yew Cheng
Pastor, Evangel B-P Church (KL)
7
Dear Pastors, Session and Members of Sharon B-P
Church,
On behalf of the Session (Kulai BPF), Committee
(Johor Bahru BPF) and members of both
congregations, I would like to congratulate you on
this auspicious occasion of your Golden Jubilee
celebration.
I am honoured and privileged to pen this greeting
to you.
“And ye shall hallow the fiftieth year, and proclaim
liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants
thereof: it shall be a jubile unto you; and ye shall
return every man unto his possession, and ye shall
return every man unto his family” (Leviticus 25:10).
According to the Mosaic Law, the year of Jubilee is a year of release and restoration to be
kept every 50 years. Slaves will be liberated and family possession redeemed. It is also a
year of rest, for man and land to recuperate from toil and production; in so doing, more
flourishing and fruitful years are anticipated.
REST WORK
We pray that our almighty and sovereign God will continue to bless and use the Sharonites
to declare the gospel of salvation near and far, just as our Lord Jesus Himself declared, “The
Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor;
he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and
recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, to preach the acceptable
year (the year of Jubilee) of the Lord” (Luke 4:18-19).
The unfolding of recent events is pointing to the soon return of our Lord Jesus Christ. While
He tarries, let us continue to labour for Him. Let us heed the word of our Lord, “I must work
the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work” (John
9:4). Amen.
Yours affectionately in Christ,
Rev. David Wong
Pastor,
Kulai B-F Fellowship & Johor Bahru B-P Fellowship
8
Beloved Sharonites,
Warmest Christian greetings to you in the blessed and
matchless name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ!
Maranatha Bible-Presbyterian Church rejoices with Sharon
Bible-Presbyterian Church on your 50th Church Anniversary.
Jesus said, “I will build my church” (Matthew 16:18). Paul said,
“I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.
So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that
watereth; but God that giveth the increase” (1 Corinthians 3:6,
7). Luke, writing to Theophilus, said that it is the Lord who
added to the church daily such as should be saved (Acts 2:47).
As Sharonites continue to labour for the Lord for the next 50 years (if the Lord tarries), may
you reckon that it is Jesus who will build the church. It is God who gives the increase and it is
the Lord who adds to the church daily such as should be saved.
May God the Holy Spirit grant you grace, strength and wisdom to continue to be “stedfast,
unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as you know that your labour
is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58).
We, at Maranatha Bible-Presbyterian Church, wish Sharon Bible-Presbyterian Church a
blessed and joyous 50th Anniversary. Amen.
Rev. Colin Wong TC
Maranatha B-P Church
Dear Pastors and Brethren of Sharon B-P Church,
On this joyous occasion, we at Evangel B-P Church rejoice
with you, as you recount the many blessings from our Lord over
the years. As we give thanks to the Lord for His grace, we also
offer up our supplication for you, that you might continue to be
a witness of the grace of the gospel in the years to come!
In Christ,
Rev. William Yap
Evangel B-P Church (Singapore)
9
Warmest greetings and heartiest congratulations to the
Pastor, Rev. Peter Chua Chew Chwee, the Associate Pastor,
Rev. Ho Chee Lai, the Church Session and members of
Sharon B-P Church, on this gladsome and memorable
occasion of the 50th Anniversary and Golden Jubilee of your
church.
“Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me,
bless His holy Name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and
forget not all His benefits” (Psalm 103:1-2).
“I will sing of the mercies of the LORD for ever: with my
mouth will I make known Thy faithfulness to all
generations” (Psalm 89:1).
I am thankful to our Lord God Almighty as I recall the initial establishment of your church in
Toa Payoh. I am also impressed by the faithful and courageous ministry of your beloved
Pastor, Rev. Peter Chua, throughout these 50 years. Thank God that the Lord has also
provided an Associate Pastor for your church in the person of Rev. Ho Chee Lai. Praise the
Lord.
On this Golden Jubilee, may I remind the Sharonites to remember your church’s history –
how your church began, and through whom; your geography – your location and relocation;
your mathematics – the addition and subtraction, multiplication and division of members; your
church leaders – who they were and are; your church motto and mission; your beliefs and your
objectives. Be sure to remember and record how God led you through your infant years, your
struggles and growth from Toa Payoh to Gilstead Road in 1977. Thank God for the kindness
and generosity of Rev. Timothy Tow who housed your congregation at Gilstead Road, just as
he housed the Galilee congregation at Gilstead Road from 1972-1979.
Dear brethren, it is so easy to forget the past, to forget what good things God has done for
us. God’s Word reminds you to recall the past, to reflect on God’s greatness, grace and
goodness as He established your church with your humble beginnings. “Beware that ye forget
not the Lord thy God…” is repeated in Deuteronomy 8:11,14; 9:7. God also spoke to Joshua
to command the Israelites to take up 12 stones from the River Jordan and set up a monument
to remind them and their future generations of how God parted the water to let the Israelites
through the river.
Remember to honour your founding pastor and subsequent pastor and the preachers at
your church, your leaders and musicians and participants in Church, your Sunday School
superintendent and teachers, the leaders of the Fellowship Groups and the pioneers in your
mission outreach right from the beginning. God wants us to honour the earthly leaders
amongst His people too. “Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king”
(1Peter 2:17). Remember “the sword of the Lord and of Gideon” (Judges 7:18,20). Record
and remember all the pleasant memories, sentiments and thanksgiving to our Lord God.
Thank God indeed for sustaining and keeping your church faithful to His Word and the
Gospel of our Lord through half-a-century. Thank God for your faithful church elders and
members. Mrs. Heng, our family and I rejoice with you on your golden jubilee today.
Rev. Philip Heng
Advisory Pastor, Galilee B-P Church
10
Dear Rev. Peter Chua
Heartiest congratulations to you, your Session and
congregation on the 50th Anniversary celebration of Sharon
B-P Church on 12th September 2021. The Lord be greatly
praised for Sharon's mission advancement of the Gospel
right from the early days of her history. North Thailand
would not have that many churches today had Rev. Peter
Chua not have the courage and vision to support the late
Rev. Yang in the late ‘70s. It was also the cheerful giving
of the Sharon congregation that has supported the mission
work of Adelaide (South Australia), Kenya (Africa), India,
Cambodia, Malaysia and other countries.
Sharon B-P Church also has a special outreach that strengthens the training of pastors,
evangelists and full-time church workers, and financially supports Bible colleges and Christian
institutes. This has been the quiet vision of Rev. Peter Chua to edify the principals and
teachers of the Bible colleges and institutes. Praise the Lord for the mustard seed that was
planted in the noisy surroundings of a shophouse in Toa Payoh that has contributed to the
growth of numerous churches and Bible colleges in so many nations. Hence, at this
celebration, we should rejoice in God’s blessings, reminiscing the 50 years of quiet, and yet
significant ministry of Sharon.
Sharon B-P Church offers an afternoon worship service which not many churches have.
This has enabled those who are not able to worship in the morning to make Sharon their home
church. It is, indeed, a blessing to many believers. Besides this, it also enables Rev. Peter
Chua and Rev. Ho Chee Lai to preach at other B-P Churches. Hence, we wish to thank
Sharon B-P Church for sharing your pastors with us in the B-P circle.
Finally, the door which God has opened cannot be shut; the seed that has grown into a big
tree must continue to bear good fruits, and the trained ministers must never cease from serving
the Master. With this comes appropriately the words of Apostle Paul, “And let us not be weary
in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not” (Galatians 6:9).
May God continue to bless Sharon B-P Church in the years ahead.
Yours in His glorious service,
Rev. Dr. Bob Phee
11
Dear Sharonites,
Warmest greetings and congratulations on your
50th Anniversary Thanksgiving.
May God’s richest blessings be upon you all as
we rejoice together in His goodness and mercies
over these 50 years! You have come a long way
since your early days as Toa Payoh B-P Church
English Service. We have fond memories of those
early days and praise the Lord for guiding you all to
Gilstead Road.
We also fondly remember your pastor and members coming to Adelaide for a combined
Bible Camp with Hope B-P Church. It was during this time that the Lord guided Hope Church
to purchase the Stone Mansion, which would not have been possible without the financial and
prayer support of Sharon and Life B-P Churches and their pastors, Rev. Peter Chua and Rev.
Timothy Tow.
Humanly speaking, when a person reaches age 50, he or she has passed more than half
his lifetime. According to Psalm 90:10, “The days of our years are threescore years and ten;
and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow;
for it is soon cut off, and we fly away.” However, for a church, fifty years is still young and the
Lord has plans for you in the days to come till the Lord Jesus Christ returns to earth. May the
Lord continue to bless you all richly and may you be found faithful and labouring for the Lord
when that day comes, so that He will say, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou
hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into
the joy of thy lord” (Matthew 25:21). Your labours for the Lord in Malaysia and other countries,
as He leads you, will bear fruit for eternity. “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast,
unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour
is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58).
Rev. and Mrs. Edward Paauwe
Adelaide, South Australia
12
Dear Rev. Ho Chee Lai, the Session, and
all the Sharonites,
On behalf of the Session and the
Hopefuls, I send my heartfelt con-
gratulations to all of you. The Lord led
His servants to begin a new ministry fifty
years ago, and this ministry has not only
survived but also thrived over the years,
and so there is Sharon Bible-
Presbyterian Church.
Personally, as a pastor of Hope BPC, I cannot but give my special thanks to the Sharonites.
You lent your pastor, Rev. Peter Chua, to spend much time in Adelaide as an interim pastor
while there was no pastor here. He had also visited on a few other occasions to look after the
Hopefuls. When Hope Church needed to acquire a permanent worship place, you showed
Christian charity and generosity by contributing to the building fund in various ways, including
personal gifts and interest-free loans. The Sharonites’ involvement in Hope BPC’s ministry
was invaluable, and she owes much to you all. I also want you to know that your good and
kind deeds and prayers for Hope BPC have been fruitful; the glory belongs to God and the
fruits and rewards are yours.
Thanks be to the Lord for His mercy upon you all by granting an able and spiritual pastor,
Rev. Ho Chee Lai, to continue the ministry. It is a true blessing to have a man of God in this
confused and confounded world.
You have been mission-minded people over
the years. You have been Bible-centred faithful
believers. You have grown into even helping
and looking after weaker bodies of the
believers’ communities, and Hope church is
one of such beneficiaries.
I pray that your faith grows exceedingly and
your love abounds to all continually. I pray that
in the next 50 years, you will be a beacon of
light to many lost souls, without ceasing, and
that you will attain unto the measure of Christ.
May the Lord fill your hearts with gladness,
thanksgiving, and much joy as you celebrate
your 50th Anniversary and as you look back and
consider all God’s grace and mercy shown to
Sharon BPC!
Pastor Okman Ki
Hope B-P Church
13
Dear Sharonites
Gospel Light B-P Church sends greetings and
blessed congratulations on your 50th Thanksgiving
Anniversary. It is indeed a time of reflection and
thanksgiving for God’s steadfastness and goodness
upon Sharon B-P Church.
Sharon B-P Church has a special place in our
hearts, and we are thankful for God’s marvellous
providence in starting Gospel Light B-P Church
through Sharon. We are grateful for Sharon’s support
and guidance, especially in the early years at Toa
Payoh and throughout these years. We will continue
to pray with you in the continual work for Christ.
May the Lord continue to bless and guide Sharon B-P Church in your work and ministries
for the Lord. The church is not the building and what it needs is not machinery or equipment
or novel methods, but people of prayer, people mighty in prayer and ready to serve our King.
Let us continue to co-labour for Christ in proclaiming the Gospel till our Lord Jesus comes
again. “…the harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few” (Matthew 9:37).
Our heavenly Father, we thank you for your marvellous grace upon Sharon B-P
Church through these 50 years. We pray that you will continue to stir up the hearts
of the people to contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. May
the Lord grant wisdom to the church leaders and protect the church from the wiles of
the enemy. We pray for your blessings upon the people, the work and ministries of
Sharon Bible-Presbyterian Church. In His most blessed Name, we pray. Amen.
Elder Eric Koh
Chairman, Gospel Light B-P Church
All praise and thanks to God for Sharon B-P Church’s 50th
Anniversary. God has been good and faithful to Sharon B-P
Church in seeing to her needs. Pastor Peter Chua had
previously exhorted us, saying God is our Jehovah-jireh – “The
LORD will provide” (Genesis 22:14). God will certainly see to the
needs of His redeemed children. We praise and thank God we
are His dear children by grace through faith in Christ our Lord
and Saviour.
May Sharon Church continue to make good spiritual progress
as she engages in the good fight of faith, preaching Christ’s
saving gospel and making disciples (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark
16:15) “…Even so, come, Lord Jesus” (Revelation 22:20). Amen.
Rev. Cheong Chin Meng
Gospel Light B-P Church
14
Dear Rev. Peter Chua, Rev. Ho Chee Lai, the Missions
Committee and all Members of Sharon Bible-Presbyterian
Church,
Greetings in the blessed name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus
Christ!
I would like to give thanks to God for His providence, love for and mercy on all of us during
the Covid-19 pandemic
We believe that "all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are
the called according to His purpose" (Romans 8:28). We remember His Word in Psalms 50:15
“And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.”
Instead of complaining about the Covid-19 pandemic, we encourage, help one another and
spend more time to pray for one another, for the churches of God, for the people and the
government. And God has answered the prayers of His Church in different places. Although
we are still in danger of the spread of Covid-19, we always trust in God and fulfil our
responsibility as Christians to pray "for all men" (I Timothy 2:1-2).
I also remember Sharon B-P Church in my prayers and hope to see all of you in the future.
May God keep all of you safe and bless Sharon Bible-Presbyterian Church abundantly,
especially on the occasion of Sharon B-P Church’s 50th Anniversary.
All glory be to God!
In Christ
Pastor Tran Anh Kiet
15
CONGRATULATORY MESSAGE FROM KENYA
To the Sharonites, Rev. Peter Chua, Rev. Ho, Deacons and
Deaconesses,
50th Anniversary greetings! This is a great milestone to have
served faithfully for the last 50 years. Glory to God. This is
surely the work of the hand of God.
At a time like this, I wish to remind you that your labour is not in vain. With the leadership
of Rev. Peter Chua, you have grown in grace. Being human, we might forget to count what
the Lord has done through us and for us.
You have borne fruits and your fruits have lasted (John 15:4). Is it not a blessing to see
one of your own, Rev. Ho, serving as Associate Pastor? During my time with you all, from
1991 to 1994, he was a Sunday School student. This is a blessing. At that time, Rev. Cheong
was a preacher of the church, and he started the Gospel Light mission.
I take pride in what I have learnt when I was with Sharon B-P Church, as a student
supported by the church and working with the members. Now, I am involved in pastoral duties,
running a school named Mwingi Sharon Junior School, and in the youth ministry, among others.
I consider these as part of your achievements in these 50 years.
May the Lord help you to keep on doing His work, as you have done in many parts of the
world. My prayer for you is that you will keep trusting the Lord and like the Psalmist, keep
saying “Praise the Lord O my soul and forget not all blessing” (Psalm 103:1).
Thanks for all your encouragements, both in word and deed, for my ministry. You have not
only given scholarships to students like me, but you also follow up with me on my ministry all
these years because you care; and you take me as part of you.
It’s my prayer that the Lord will heal the world of this Covid-19 pandemic and we will have
an opportunity to fellowship in this world again. May the good Lord keep helping the church
to keep on looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. (Philippians 1:6).
Rev. Leonard M. Musyoka
Pastor, Independent Presbyterian Churches (Mwingi) Kenya
16
Greetings to Sharon Bible-Presbyterian Church on her
50th Anniversary
An anniversary is a time of thanksgiving to the Lord and
consecration to serve the Lord more than we have done
before. 50 years is half a century and much has been
achieved. Such an occasion prompts us to recount what the
Lord has done for us all those years. It also stirs us to be
resolved to do more as the Lord allows.
As time flies, we are reminded of the Second Coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. I am grateful
to the Lord that I am part of the history of Sharon B-P Church. When I came to Singapore to
study at FEBC in 1984, Rev. Timothy Tow introduced me to Sharon B-P Church. We were
together for more than three years. The church gave me a scholarship to study at the Bible
college. I taught the Sunday School and participated in Youth Fellowship activities, among
other engagements. I returned home in June 1987. Ever since then, we have kept in touch
and some of the brethren visited us in the 1990’s. The Sunday School also sends me a gift
every year and it has been helpful to us in carrying out our ministry
I returned to FEBC in 2003 for another two years of study. Then, the daughter church,
Gospel Light B-P Church, supported me. Our fellowship has become fruitful as the Lord led
me back to my country Kenya. My main ministry is teaching at Bomet Bible Institute where I
have served as Principal since 1990, and we have trained many pastors. As of now, we have
13 students from Kenya and Tanzania. I am also Pastor of Africa Gospel Unity Church.
Presently I serve at Kapkwen AGUC. I am the presiding Bishop of AGUC since April 2019.
Our ministry is mainly in rural Kenya and Bomet is our headquarters. We have more than 160
local congregations. Though they are small, the Lord has led us to carry out the Great
Commission in this outreach. When He ascended to heaven, the Lord Jesus Christ promised
the disciples that He would be with them to the end of the world. As ministers of God’s Word,
we are heirs of this promise. This is valid because Jesus has not come and His Word stands.
We need your prayer support that the Lord will keep us faithful.
As believers in the Lord, we are part of the worldwide communion of saints and we share
the scriptural exhortation to contend for the faith which was once delivered to the saints. This
is our calling and duty and we look forward to the Lord’s eternal reward. The pestilence of
Covid-19 and invasion of locusts in parts of Africa are reminders that the Lord is coming soon
and the need of preparation is urgent.
May I thus wish you a Blessed 50th Anniversary.
Rev. Michael Koech
Bishop, African Gospel Unity Church Kenya
and Principal, Bomet Bible Institute Kenya
17
Dear Pastors, Session members, Missions Committee and
Sharonites,
Greetings in the blessed name of our Saviour, the Lord Jesus
Christ of the Universe.
We at AEF Singapore, Nepalese Fellowship, Malaysia
Nepalese Fellowship & Kathmandu Bible-Presbyterian Church
would like to congratulate Sharon Bible-Presbyterian Church in
Singapore on her 50th Anniversary.
I know in my heart that Rev. Peter Chua and leaders at Sharon B-P Church have been
tirelessly working to expand God’s kingdom all these years. I am always thankful to God for
Sharon B-P Church, for providing me a scholarship for my three years of studies at FEBC. I
joined the worship services for three complete years and also fellowshipped with many
Sharonites. I enjoyed much, learned much and was blessed much.
Sharon B-P Church did not focus on the home front only, she also put a lot effort in overseas
mission works as well. When I was worshipping at Sharon B-P Church, I took on challenges
to reach out to the Nepalese in Singapore. By the grace of Jesus, I started a Nepalese ministry
at Beulah House, and held Tuesday prayer meetings and Sunday worship services regularly.
I feel that Sharon B-P Church is my mother church in Singapore. I sincerely love Sharon B-P
Church very much. I want to thank you for your prayers and support. We are gospel partners
for Christ’s sake in these last days. Let us always pray for each other, grow together and
continually work together as disciples of Christ as He said, “The harvest truly is great, but the
labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers
into his harvest” (Luke 10:2).
Once again, congratulations!
Rev. Shachen Pradhan Shrestha
Pastor, Nepalese Fellowship Church
18
Celebrating 50 Years of Service
1971-2021
A TIME TO BE BORN
God has made everything beautiful in His time. In everything, there is a season and a time
to every purpose. There is a time to be born, a time to break down and a time to build up.
After his practical experiences in helping and setting up mission stations in Taiping, Perak and
Penang, Mr. Peter Chua returned to Singapore to search for a gospel outreach. In June 1971,
while he was still a Sunday School teacher in Life B-P Church, he challenged his students
who were in their early twenties, to pray for and evangelise the residents in Toa Payoh New
Town.
Peter noticed that the Toa Payoh Bible-Presbyterian Church’s premises in Lorong 4, Block
71 was available on Sunday mornings. He presented his finding and burden to Rev. Timothy
Tow of Life B-P Church to support an outreach. With the approval of Faith B-P Church who
was supporting Toa Payoh B-P Church then, the English Service was born on 12 September
1971. Within a year the church became financially independent.
Thereafter, the weekly attendance was encouraging but not without the challenges. The
disturbance and noise from the wet market nearby caused much distraction during the worship
service. The limited space in the premises resulted in some Sunday School classes being
held along the corridors. To avoid conflict on the usage of the premises, on 6 January 1977,
the church moved to Life B-P Church at the invitation of Rev. Timothy Tow.
1977 is historically significant for the church. She was registered as a charitable body
under the Societies Act and was officially renamed “Sharon Bible-Presbyterian Church.” With
the support and encouragement of the members to give themselves for the Lord’s work, the
church was in full support for Peter’s ordination by the Presbytery on 23 October 1977 as the
first pastor of the Church.
A TIME TO BREAKDOWN
Soon after moving to the afternoon service at 9 Gilstead Road, the growth of the church
was slow. There was a period of stagnation. The church leaders were discouraged and often
disputed among themselves regarding the lack of resources to have a place of our own. These
were the years for our learning, training and preparation for our present role.
Most of the issues were non-essentials and we resolved them among ourselves through
mutual encouragement. In 2007, there was a crisis in Sharon B-P Church. There was no
presbytery to resolve the crisis. It was with much regret that over the issue of the preservation
of the Bible, all the session members resigned except for one deacon who remained. To
promote the unity of the church, there was the call to pray. The prayer for the church was –
in essentials (like our faith) let us have unity; in non-essentials, let us practice liberty; and in
all things, let us show charity.
20
A TIME TO BUILD UP
We thank God that Sharon B-P Church is built firmly on the solid Rock of our Lord Jesus
Christ and the Word of God. We have the heritage of the Reformed faith and take a separatist
stand for the Word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ.
There is the time to build up the congregation through evangelism, missions, teaching and
training, and partnership with other Bible-Presbyterian Churches in the Gospel work. The first
missions endeavour was in support of a travelling evangelist ministering to the National
Chinese Army refugee’ villages in Northern Thailand. Later, regular financial support was
given to Kuching, and help to Cambodia, Burma, Vietnam, India and Malaysia (Tangkak). The
church also helped in the purchase of a heritage building in Adelaide, South Australia.
Financial assistance was given to a number of Bible college students and they are now actively
serving in their own countries.
A branch church was set up under the charge of Rev. Cheong Chin Meng which he named
Gospel Light Bible-Presbyterian Church. In God’s good timing, Rev. Ho Chee Lai came to
assist Rev. Chua in 2009. Rev. Ho is now with the pastoral team and teaches at Emmanuel
Reformed Bible College and Evangel Reformed Seminary. Through his conscientious ministry,
the members have responded to the call to study the Word and prepare themselves to serve
in the various departments of the church.
Today, Rev. Ho has established a good pastoral team, a strong session and an
administrative network with room for growth in all three areas. Best of all, God has given us
a core of faithful and regular worshippers. Some have been with the church since the
beginning, many others joined us along the way. With God’s blessing, provision and
providence, we can advance the gospel beyond our borders, and at the same time continue
to meet the needs of everyone who is with us.
21
1971
• Inauguration of Toa Payoh English
Service (12 Sep) with Pastor Peter
Chua as the Founding Pastor and
Rev. Timothy Tow as the Advisor.
1972
• First Church Session: Rev. Burton
Toms (Moderator), Pastor Chua, Koa
Keng Seong, Ong Ah Bah, Tan
Choon Hee and Aaron Wong.
• First batch of Baptismal Candidates:
(i) Infants – Wang Chiang Han,
Sandor, Wang Chiang Hai Theodore
and Tan Boon Kwan Vincent and (ii)
Adults – Tan Guek Choo, Lee Yee
Fong Catherine, Wong Tuck Joon
Christine.
1973
• Rev. Edward Paauwe replacing Rev.
Toms as Moderator, Elder Chia Hong
Chek as borrowed elder.
• First Bible Camp: “In His Steps” at
Changi Point Army Barrack (3-7 Dec).
1974
• Formation of Children’s Choir “The
Sunbeams”, led by Chua Hung Choo.
1975
• Van ministry initiated by Aileen Chua
to reach out to Bukit Ho Swee.
1977
• Moved to Life B-P Church premises at
the invitation of Rev. Timothy Tow.
• Pastor Peter Chua ordained as a
minister of the Gospel.
• The name of the church changed to
“Sharon Bible-Presbyterian Church.”
• Church Session: Rev. Peter Chua
(Moderator), Elder Wong Jit Beng,
Frederick Tan, Ng Poh Kok, Tan
Choon Hee and Dorothy Tan Lian
Hwa.
22
1978
• Bible Camp: “Work for the Night is
Coming” at St. John’s Island (28 Nov
– 1 Dec).
1979
• Church registered with the Registry of
Societies.
• First Sports Day (1 May).
1980
• Radio Broadcast (27 Jan & 20 Mar).
1981
• Mission Support for Evangelist Lao
Su in Northern Thailand, Takuti.
1983
• SBC Radio Recording of Choir
Singing (12 May).
1984
• Mission Outreach: “Sharon Rose B-P
Mission” established in Kuching.
1985
• Church Camp at Desaru View Hotel
(3-5 Jun).
1986
• Church registered under the Societies
Acts as an independent church
affiliated to the Bible-Presbyterian
Church of Singapore.
• Pastor on sabbatical leave to Hope
Bible-Presbyterian Church.
• Church Camp at Golden Sands Bap-
tist Assembly, Port Dickson.
• Mission Trip to Kuching.
1987/88
• Church Camp at Muar.
1989
• Cheong Chin Meng appointed as
Preacher.
• Church Camp at Awana Country Club
Hotel, Genting Highlands (19-23 Jun).
23
1992
• Local Outreach: “Gospel Light B-P
Mission” established at Toa Payoh (6
Sep).
• Church Camp combined with Hope B-
P Church at Adelaide.
1994
• Cheong Chin Meng ordained as a
minister of the Gospel (11 Sep).
1995
• Church Camp cum Tour at Adelaide
(10 days).
1996
• Seminar: “Bridging the Gap.”
• 25th Church Thanksgiving Dinner at
Pin Hsiang Restaurant, RELC (7 Sep).
1997
• Church Camp at Penang (9-13 Jun).
• Church Reception Committee ini-
tiated “Bring A Dish.”
• Missions Committee launched (16
Feb).
• Radio Broadcast (24 Jun).
2000
• Church Camp combined with Gospel
Light BPC: “United for Christ” (Rev.
Robert Howder) at Sofitel Resort,
Johor (5-9 Jun).
2001
• Mission Trip to Vietnam (13-18 Dec).
• Church Anniversary Thanksgiving
Dinner at RELC (8 Sep).
2002
• Missions Committee Retreat at Bukit
Tiram, Johor.
2003
• Seminar: “Nurturing Children in the
Lord.”
24
2004
• SS Seminar: “The 7 Laws of Teaching”
by Ho Chee Lai.
• Church Camp at Pulai Springs Resort,
Johor.
2005
• Vacation Bible Camp combined with
Gospel Light B-P Church at Fairy
Point Chalet 4 (22-25 Nov).
2006
• Seminar: “Burial or Cremation?”
• Mission Trip to Covenant B-P Church,
Bangalore.
• Yap Kim Chuan appointed as
Preacher (Tangkak B-P Fellowship).
• Vacation Bible Camp combined with
Gospel Light B-P Church at Fairy
Point Chalet 2 (29 Nov – 2 Dec).
2007
• Church Retreat: “Living and Dying in
the Lord” (Preacher Ho Chee Lai) at
Pulai Springs Resort, Johor (7-9 Apr).
• Vacation Bible Camp combined with
Gospel Light B-P Church at Yacht
Club Chalet (27-30 Nov).
2008
• Parents’ Night Celebration.
• Vacation Bible Camp combined with
Gospel Light B-P Church at Yacht
Club Bungalow A (25-28 Nov).
2009
• Preacher Ho Chee Lai joined the
Pastoral Team (1 Jan).
• Church Retreat: “Praying in God’s
Will” (Preacher Ho Chee Lai) at Pulai
Springs Resort, Johor (10-12 Apr).
• Preacher Ho Chee Lai ordained as a
minister of the Gospel (13 Sep).
• Combined B-P Youth Conference:
“Reformed, Resolved, Relevant” (21
Sep).
• Rev. Ho Chee Lai installed as Assist-
ant Pastor (11 Oct).
25
• Church Session (2009-2012): Rev.
Peter Chua, Rev. Ho Chee Lai, Dn.
James Khoo, Dn. Leo Tai Suan, Dn.
Andy Ang and Dns. Lim May Tie.
• Vacation Bible Camp at Fairy Point
Chalet 4 (1-4 Dec).
2010
• Dedication Service (10 Jan).
• Junior Worship and Kiddies Hour
started.
• Home Fellowship (HF) started.
• Combined B-P Seminar: “The
Christian’s Perspective of Suffering
and Bereavement” by Dr. Len Pine
(27 Mar).
• Church Retreat: “Worshipping and
Walking with the Lord” (Rev. Isaac
Ong) at Lotus Desaru Beach Resort,
Desaru (2-4 Apr) with Easter Sunrise
Service.
• Marriage Seminar: “Marriage on the
Rock” (1 May).
• Combined B-P Youth Conference:
“Believing and Be Living Our Christ-
ian Faith” (28 May).
• Evangelistic Service at Damansara
Jaya (Evangel B-P Church), PJ (29
May).
• Sunday School Teachers’ Training
Programme (3 Jul – 29 Aug).
• Choir sang at Kulai B-P Fellowship’s
30th Anniversary (31 Jul).
• Family Day (9 Aug).
• Parenting Seminar: “Influences of the
Net Generation: Music and New
Media” by Rev. Isaac Ong (5 Nov).
• Work Plan Retreat initiated at Aloha
Loyang (16-18 Nov).
• Vacation Bible Camp at Fairy Point
Chalet 2 (7-9 Dec).
2011
• Dedication Service (9 Jan).
• Good Friday Gospel Meeting at
YWCA, Fort Canning (22 Apr).
26
• Fellowship Retreat: Fairy Point Chalet
3 (22-24 Apr) with Easter Sunrise
Service.
• Senior Adults Fellowship (SAF)
started.
• Combined B-P Youth Conference:
“Running the Right Race” (28 May).
• Church Camp: “Let Us Rise Up and
Build” (Rev. Ho Chee Lai) at Armada
Hotel, Petaling Jaya (15-18 Jun) with
Special Praise Service at Luther
Centre, Petaling Jaya.
• LF Seminar: “End Times” by Rev. Ho
Chee Lai (30 Aug).
• Combined B-P Seminar: “The B-P
Movement: Yesterday, Today and
Tomorrow” by Rev. Charles Seet,
Rev. Isaac Ong, Rev. Jack Sin and
Rev. Mathews Abraham (26 Oct).
• Work Plan Meeting (26 Nov).
• Vacation Bible Camp at Fairy Point
Chalet 6 (7-9 Dec).
• Mission Trip to Bangalore (14-21
Dec).
2012
• Dedication Service (1 Jan).
• Parents-Teens Seminar: “The
Covenant Family – What It Meant to
Me” by Dn. Joel Seah (7 Apr).
• Easter Sunrise Service at City Beach
Resort, Labrador Park (8 Apr).
• Fellowship Retreat: Fairy Point Chalet
3 (22-24 Apr) with Easter Sunrise
Service.
• Combined B-P Youth Conference:
“Always Reformed, Always Reform-
ing” (5 May).
• Gospel Meeting at RELC (26 May).
• Church Camp combined with Evangel
B-P Church: “Building the Family to
Serve the Lord” (Rev. Julian Bull) at
Genting View Resort, Genting
Highlands (6-9 Jun).
• Young Adults Fellowship (YAF)
started.
27
• Adult Bible Class (ABC) started.
• Family Day Outing at West Coast
Park (9 Aug).
• Church Session (2012-2015): Rev.
Peter Chua, Rev. Ho Chee Lai, Dn.
James Khoo, Dn. Leo Tai Suan, Dn.
Andy Ang and Dns. Lim May Tie.
• Work Plan Meeting (22 Sep).
• SS Seminar: “Understanding the
Bible” by Rev. Ho Chee Lai (13 Nov).
• Vacation Bible Camp at Fairy Point
Chalet 7 (4-7 Dec).
2013
• Dedication Service (6 Jan).
• YAF-YF Seminar: “God’s Will in
Courtship and Marriage” by Rev. Ho
Chee Lai (29 Mar).
• Fellowship Retreat at Fairy Point 7
(31 Mar) with Easter Sunrise Ser-vice.
• Home Fellowship (HF) converted to
Adults Fellowship (AF).
• Parenting Seminar: “Parenting Child-
ren in Contemporary Times” by Chen
Chin Hong (1 May).
• Combined B-P Youth Conference:
“The Crossroad” (24 May).
• Church Camp combined with Evangel
B-P Church: “Don’t Waste Your
Christian Life” (Rev. Julian Bull) at
Avillion Legacy Hotel, Melaka (5-8
Jun).
• Gospel Musical “The Love Story” at
Payar Lebar Methodist Girls School
(24 Aug).
• Pastoral Fraternity Retreat at Austin
Hills Golf Resort, Johor (9-10 Sep).
• SS Seminar: “The Personal Attributes
of a Sunday School Teacher” by Rev.
Jack Sin (15 Oct).
• Work Plan Meeting (9 Nov).
• Vacation Bible Camp combined with
Evangel B-P Church at Fairy Point
Chalets 3 & 4 (18-21 Dec).
28
2014
• Dedication Service (5 Jan).
• Mission Trip to Chiangmai (31 Mar –
7 Apr).
• Music Ministry Retreat at Fairy Point
Chalet 3 (18-19 Apr) with Easter
Sunrise Service.
• KH Seminar: “Preparing Kids for
School in a Secular World” by Chen
Chin Hong (1 May).
• AF Seminar: “How to Honour Our
Aged Parents? How to Face
Death/Illness?” by Rev. Peter Tan (13
May).
• Church Camp combined with Evangel
B-P Church: “Building Up and
Reaching Out” (Rev. Lim Yew Cheng,
Rev. Ho Chee Lai, Pastor Kiet and
Preacher Yap Kim Chuan) at Hotel
Katerina, Batu Pahat (18-21 Jun).
• Work Plan Meeting (27 Sep).
• Combined B-P Youth Camp: “The
Lordship of Christ (15-18 Dec).
2015
• Dedication Service (11 Jan).
• Music Ministry Retreat at Fairy Point
Chalet 3 (3-5 Apr) with Easter Sunrise
Service.
• Church Camp combined with Evangel
B-P Church: “Living for Jesus” (Rev.
Philip Heng) at Bayou Lagoon Park
Resort, Melaka (10-13 Jun).
• Rev. Peter Chua visited Brunei B-P
Church (26 Jun – 1 Jul).
• Combined B-P Youth Conference:
“Preparing for Christ’s Return” (4 Jul).
• Rev. Ho Chee Lai elected as
Associate Pastor (2 Aug).
• Church Session (2015-2018): Rev.
Peter Chua, Rev. Ho Chee Lai, Dn.
James Khoo, Dn. Leo Tai Suan & Dns.
Marie Chan.
• SS Seminar: “Classroom Manage-
ment” by Tan Poh Yoke (5 Sep).
29
• Work Plan Meeting (10 Nov).
• Vacation Bible Camp at Fairy Point
Chalet 4 (21-23 Dec).
2016
• Dedication Service (10 Jan).
• Youth Fellowship (YF) and Young
Adults Fellowship (YAF) merged into
Youths and Young Adults (YAYA)
Fellowship.
• Junior Fellowship (JF) started.
• Gospel Musical at Oval Damansara
(Evangel B-P Church), KL (25 Mar).
• Missions Seminar: “Vision for Mission”
by Rev. Isaac Ong (28 May).
• Church Camp combined with Evangel
B-P Church: “Commit Co-labour
Connect” (Rev. Edward Paauwe) at
Kinta Riverfront Hotel & Suites, Ipoh
(8-11 Jun).
• Combined B-P Youth Conference:
“Who am I? Full or Fool?” (4 Jul).
• Rev. Peter Chua appointed as Board
Member and Rev. Ho Chee Lai
appointed as Faculty Member of
Evangel Reformed Seminary (ERS).
• Mission Trip to Trincomalee, Sri
Lanka (6-14 Aug).
• AF-YAYA Seminar: “The Discipline of
Grace” by Rev. Jack Sin (Sep).
• Evangel BPC took over the
administration of Tangkak B-P
Fellowship.
• Work Plan Meeting (5 Nov).
2017
• Dedication Service (8 Jan).
• Rev. Peter Chua appointed as Board
Member and Rev. Ho Chee Lai
appointed as Faculty Member of
Emmanuel Reformed Bible College
(ERBC).
• ERBC Classes started.
• Mission trip to Maepoon, Chiangmai
(1-6 Apr).
30
• Day of Prayer (10 May).
• SS Outing at Labrador Park (26 Jun).
• Church Camp: “Giving Your Best to
the Master” (Rev. Lee Hock Chin) at
Planet Holiday Hotel & Residence
(14-17 Jun).
• Combined B-P Seminar: “Reformation
500 Conference” by Dr. Michael
Barrett (9-12 Aug).
• Leadership Retreat on the “Gospel
Highway” combined with Evangel B-P
Church at Tangkak B-P Fellowship,
Tangkak (14 Oct).
• Work Plan Meeting (4 Nov).
• Combined B-P Youth Camp: “Steady,
Steady, Pom B-P” (18-21 Dec).
2018
• Dedication Service (14 Jan).
• Samaritan Ministry started.
• Good Friday Gospel Meeting at
Church Sanctuary (30 Mar).
• Day of Prayer (1 May).
• Church Camp: “Exercising God’s
Gifts, Extending God’s Kingdom”
(Rev. Isaac Ong) at The Straits Hotel
& Suites, Melaka (18-21 Jun).
• Combined B-P Youth Conference:
“Appointed, Attitude, Action” (18 Aug).
• Evangelism Seminar: “Exploring
Christianity” by Lim Ming Yann,
Joshua Chia, Alvin Chow & John Lim
from Life B-P Church (22 Aug).
• Church Session (2018-2021): Rev.
Peter Chua, Rev. Ho Chee Lai, Dn.
James Khoo, Dn. Leo Tai Suan, Dn.
Bernard Ng, Dns. Marie Chan & Dns.
Lim May Tie.
• Work Plan Meeting (6 Nov).
• Vacation Bible Camp at Changi
Chalet H (19-21 Dec).
31
2019
• Dedication Service (6 Jan).
• Regular Mission Trips (monthly) to
Melaka and Tangkak started.
• Good Friday Gospel Meeting at
Church Sanctuary (19 Apr).
• Church Camp: “Reaching Out
Together for Jesus” (Rev. David
Wong) at Nagoya Hill Hotel, Batam
(17-20 Jun).
• Family Outreach Programme at Dn.
Leo’s residence.
• Combined B-P Youth Conference:
Discussion on Christian Doctrines
and Christian Living (10 Aug).
• Work Plan Meeting (28 Oct).
• Vacation Bible Camp at Fairy Point
Chalet 7 (19-20 Dec).
2020
• Dedication Service (5 Jan).
• Worship Services, Prayer Meetings,
Classes and Fellowship Group
meetings went online due to Circuit
Breaker (Apr-Sep).
• On-site physical worship resumed
(Oct).
• Vacation Bible Camp held online (18
& 21 Dec).
• Work Plan Meeting – online (19 Dec).
• Combined B-P Youth Camp (Online-
Hybrid): “Our Christian Identity” (28-
20 Dec).
2021
• Dedication Service (10 Jan).
• “Prayer Workshop” (Online) by Rev.
Isaac Ong (2 & 3 Apr).
• Online worship services resume (from
May onward).
• Combined AF/SAF Online Meeting:
“Dealing with Death” by Rev. Charles
Seet (3 Jul).
32
CHURCH SESSION
Firstly, I would like to thank God for the I served in the Church Session upon my
privilege to serve Him in Sharon B-P return to Sharon B-P Church in 2009. The
Church for the last 50 years. I regard my year before that, the Church Session was
pastoral ministry in Sharon B-P Church as split due to t he VPP issue. All the Church
God’s calling. My duty is to be faithful to Session members left the church, except
His call of service. for Rev. Chua and Dn. Leo. I worked
closely with Rev. Chua to help restore and
Secondly, working in the Session is a strengthen the church. We started by re-
challenge and fulfilment. If there are issues building the leadership. We emphasised
arising from differing opinions, I have learnt the teaching of God’s Word and the training
not to have negative emotions and of the people. We encouraged everyone,
thoughts of others but rather to see them especially the families, to serve the Lord.
as my teachers. It takes me years to learn.
I am still learning the art of respecting and All these required a lot of hard work. I
engaging others. Personally, I cannot thank God that the people responded posi-
control the attitude of others, but I can tively and were very supportive of the
control my response. I just trust in God and Church Session. I thank God also for many
do what is right and proper. Ultimately, I who were willing to offer themselves to
must give an account to God. serve in the Church Session in spite of the
lack of skills. I praise God for their heart of
Thirdly, Sharon B-P Church is not only a devotion and sacrifice.
place where I serve and worship. This is
also a place of learning and training. I often Today, our Church Session has been
remind myself that “Sharon BPC” stands rebuilt and we have a group of dedicated
for Sharon Bible-Presbyterian College. people, totally committed to serve the Lord.
Here, I learnt about the sovereignty of God, I thank God for their sacrifice and labour of
and my responsibilities to Him. I have love. Their contribution is often not evident
found the wonderful grace and goodness of but they serve not to earn the praise of men.
God. With this, church theology is put into
practice. As we enter the next phase of the
church, we need a renewal within our
Finally, I appreciate the dedication of the church. I pray that the Lord will raise up a
Session members who have served single- new generation of leaders who are equally
mindedly to meet the diverse needs of the devoted and committed to serve the Lord.
church members. May God give us a
loving and faithful spirit that enables us to “The harvest truly is plenteous, but
treat our fellow believers in a manner the labourers are few; Pray ye there-
pleasing unto God. fore the Lord of the harvest, that he
will send forth labourers into his
“And the things that thou hast harvest” (Matthew 9:37-38).
heard of me among many witnesses,
the same commit thou to faithful Rev. Ho Chee Lai
men, who shall be able to teach
others also” (2 Timothy 2:2).
Rev. Peter Chua
34
CHURCH SESSION
Thank God for His wonderful grace and I want to praise and thank the Lord for
marvellous love. I am truly grateful for all the privilege to serve in the Church Session
that God has done for my family and me. It from 2018-2021. God, in His grace and
was with great hesitancy that I responded mercy, has always guided the Session to
to serve as a member of the Church make the best decisions when planning for
Session. There was the initial over- each year ahead. I am especially grateful
whelming feeling of doubt – I felt I was not to the Lord for blessing us with capable
good enough; I don’t have a good people who came together to help ensure
knowledge of the Bible. Yet, in spite of my that the church continued to function to the
shortcomings, there was this willingness to best that we could in the midst of the
serve Him out of simple gratitude. pandemic.
I thank God for the opportunity and Under the various phases of heightened
privilege to serve Him in the Church alert, religious organisations faced restrict-
Session, for all the lessons learnt, the ions in carrying out activities in places of
experience, the guidance and fellowship worship. We often had to switch from
that I received from our pastors and other physical to online worship on short notice.
Church Session members. There are in- Nevertheless, God blessed the Session
deed great benefits in serving God. I am with wisdom so that we were still able to
reminded of the chorus: “The longer I serve worship Him each week as a church,
Him, the sweeter He grows; The more that regardless of the external circumstances.
I love Him, more love He bestows.”
My faith in God was strengthened as I
Dn. James Khoo witnessed His power to help the Session
come to a solution every time we faced new
I was elected to the Church Session challenges, many of which were un-
without knowing what would be expected of precedented.
me. It was a challenging task to witness
the human frailties during the meetings, To God be the Glory!
where too much time was spent on
administrative issues which led to Dn. Bernard Ng
arguments and unhappiness. I have
worked with all kinds of people in the
Church Session led by Rev. Peter Chua all
these years. Rev. Chua had to face
tremendous stress to conduct these meet-
ings. I had to make the difficult decision on
the VPP issue. I decided to go along with
Pastor Chua while the rest of the Session
members left the church.
I was appointed the Clerk-of-Session to
record the minutes of the Session meetings.
At another time, I was also appointed the
Treasurer. l had a hard time trying to
balance the church accounts.
l wish to thank God for His guidance and
the unity of the current Church Session.
Dn. Leo Tai Suan
35
CHURCH SESSION
During my time in the Church Session, I Hence, I was elected into the Church
was faced with challenges in dealing with Session and served alongside my husband.
people. I also encountered the initial stress I gradually found it both a joy and a chore
of learning many new skills to handle the serving in the Session. I found it a joy as I
responsibilities of the Clerk-of-Session. got involved in matters concerning the
However, I experienced unexplained joy in church; thus Leo and I had common ground
handling these responsibilities as the to discuss or argue. I loathed my portfolio
Clerk-of -Session. After the initial stressful as the Clerk-of-Session as I dislike taking
period of learning many new skills, I found minutes. I have very poor skills in Microsoft
joy working behind the scenes. I am Word. Thank God that Pastor Ho is always
reminded of Colossians 3:23-24, “knowing there to help and guide me.
that of the Lord, ye shall receive the reward
of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord During my second term in the Church
Christ.” I have learnt that humility, Session, I had to take on the role of
availability and a teachable spirit are im- Treasurer. That was another steep learn-
portant traits in serving in any ministry, ing curve. Every month I get stressed up
more so in the Church Session. with balancing the accounts. With the
Covid-19 lockdown and the restriction on
Dns. Lim May Tie physical worship, things became even
more difficult. E-transactions were intro-
I have been in Sharon B-P Church since duced. I had more pages of bank state-
marrying Leo in 1986. My husband has ments to check and balance at the end of
been serving the Church Session for as each month. Then came the stress of
long as I can remember. As for me, I was financial audits before ACM. Thank God
involved in the Ladies Fellowship Group that things worked out well and all the
(which comprised ladies with young financials were in order.
families). I was contented with this small
involvement in church and other ministries As I continue in my twilight years on
on ad hoc projects, such as church camps earth, I do what I can and as the Lord
and retreats. I had never aspired to serve guides. Ecclesiastes 9:10 says
as a Session member as I felt I was not
qualified spiritually. Being a vocal person, “Whatsoever thy hands findeth to do, do
I was afraid that I might cause undue stress it with thy might; for there is no work, nor
to Pastor Chua. device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the
grave, wither thou goest.” So “just do it” for
In 2015, Pastor Chua approached me to the Lord!
serve in the Church Session. I was
troubled by it. I was very tempted to decline Dns. Marie Chan Mui Hoon
the invitation straightaway but I prayed
about it and sought the Lord’s will. My fears
and concerns were put aside as the Lord
reminded me in His word that every person
whom He used was imperfect, except for
His Son, Jesus Christ.
36
CHURCH MINISTRIES
“19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them
in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
20Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you:
and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen”
(Matthew 28:19-20).
The church is called of the Lord to make Through such means, we become
disciples of all nations in the Great Com- closely knitted together in the family of God.
mission (Matthew 28:19-20). The mandate This shapes us as who we are and
involves: (i) “GO” – reaching out to un- strengthens us in our faith.
believers with the Gospel of salvation; (ii)
“BAPTISE” – assimilating the believers into WORD: The Word ministry includes the
a community where they can be teaching of the Word of God in religious
strengthened in their faith; and (iii) “TEACH” classes across all ages within the church,
– educating the believers on the doctrines from pre-schoolers to adults. Bible semi-
of faith with the Word of God as their nars are a means for us to address specific
foundation. issues of particular groups. The church
can only be strong if her members are
Hence, the ministries of the church are deeply rooted and grounded in the Word of
organised around these duties as pre- God. Hence, we spare no effort to exhort
scribed to us by the Lord in the Great and encourage our people to study the
Commission. Word of God for deeper learning. We also
encourage our people to a deeper study of
WORSHIP: Worship is the essential God’s Word through the classes offered by
duty God requires of all of us. Our chief Emmanuel Reformed Bible College and
end is to glorify God and to enjoy Him Emmanuel Reformed Bible Lectures.
forever. Worship services provide us the
regular platform to exalt the Lord through OUTREACH: We recognise that the
the singing of praises led by the music church cannot just minister to her own
ministry. We are also edified through the members without reaching out to others; as
preaching of God’s Word and the obser- she would not be fulfilling the Great
vance of the sacraments. Worship ser- Commission. Hence, we try to instil
vices also provide us the opportunity to mission-mindedness in our people.
serve the Lord together as one in the body Mission programmes are developed
of Christ. Most of our church members are whereby regular teams are sent forth for
involved in the service of the Lord in one the Gospel work. We may be a small
way or another, whether directly or in- congregation but that has not deterred us
directly, through the worship services. in our mission for the Lord. At times when
we are unable to carry out the outreach
FELLOWSHIP: This is also another work on our own, we work together with
means where the people of God are en- other like-minded churches. We also
couraged and edified in smaller groups. understand the need for local outreaches.
The strong emphasis on the ministry of the Other than church-level evangelistic
Word and the warm fellowship of the saints programmes, we also conduct evangelistic
is the building block to strengthen the faith outreaches to the community through our
of the believers. Through the weekly pray- fellowship groups.
er fellowship, we uphold one another. We
know that we are never alone as there are
always concerned brothers and sisters in
Christ praying for us. The church camps
also enable the people of God to learn and
live together as a community of believers.
37
WORSHIP
WORSHIP SERVICES worship. Children are not excluded from
by Rev. Peter Chua the covenant of promise. This is the biblical
position held by all Reformed churches.
Our first worship service was held on the Therefore, all Christian parents have the
Sunday following our inauguration service responsibility to bring their children to the
on 12 September 1971. We kept the door church worship service. There are other
of the premises open. This enabled compelling reasons why our children ought
passers-by to catch a glimpse of our to be brought to the worship service. The
service, and hear our singing and Lord Jesus is in the midst of the wor-
preaching. We declared all the works of shipping congregation. There is a saying
God even among the unbelievers. One day, that the family that prays together, stays
a Christian brother named George Ong together.
happened to pass by the church. After
hearing my preaching, he invited me to The worship service is incomplete with-
witness to his friend at the Singapore out praise and prayer, Scripture reading
General Hospital. I went with him to pre- and the offering. The sermon is only one
sent the Gospel to the patient. Thereafter, part of the worship service. The pastoral
he and his family were baptised in the prayer needs as much preparation as the
church. sermon, and is preceded with meditation.
Martin Luther said that prayer, meditation
In those days, the pastor would chair and trials make a minister. Charles Spur-
and preach at the worship service. This geon esteemed the pastoral prayer in
arrangement was taxing to the preacher. worship so highly that if you gave him a
To relieve him of such a duty, Sharon B-P choice between preaching or praying at the
Church was one of the first among the public worship by God’s people, he would
Bible-Presbyterian churches to have a choose praying.
chairman for the worship service. The
worship has always been simple, orderly, As a result of the Circuit Breaker from
solemn and reverential. The emphasis for April to June 2020, the church launched the
all who serve and worship was to come with online broadcast worship service on 29
a sincere heart. We were able to get a March. We thank God that most of the
good response from the congregation to regular worshippers participated in this
come forward to serve the Lord as offering service. Each week, the worship leader for
stewards, greeters, song leaders, bell the online broadcast would record his
ringers, audio visual and digital operators content at home, and then send it over to
and pianists. Rev. Ho Chee Lai and his team to edit it for
broadcast. On 4 October, more than 90
Not all who come to church are ready to worshippers returned to the church for the
worship the Lord. Some may be upset over 2 p.m. worship service. After a break of six
family arguments developed on their way to months, the Lord’s Supper was observed.
church. Some could be struggling with The Lord’s Supper elements were specially
severe temptations known only to them- prepared and pre-packed by Dns. Marie
selves. Others may have their minds occu- Leo. Despite the change of the worship
pied with important business decisions they service time, the attendance was not
must make in the week ahead. To prepare affected. After ten weeks, our regular 4 p.m.
the worshippers for worship, we begin with worship service time resumed on 13
the call to worship, to quieten their hearts December.
and acknowledge that God is present.
While the use of modern technology can
The worship service caters to people of be very useful, it can be a problem if it
all ages from young children, teenagers, becomes a substitute for human interaction.
adults to seniors. In Genesis 35:2-3, we A personal touch in connecting with others
are told that Jacob took his family with him is essential for the growth of the church.
to Bethel to worship God. The early Christ- Let us come together to the House of the
ians gathered all men and women, adults Lord to worship Him. Amen.
and children, rich and poor, master and
slaves, Jews and Gentiles, together for
38
WORSHIP
JUNIOR WORSHIP (JW) AVA MINISTRY
& KIDDIES HOUR (KH)
The AVA Ministry provides the audio-
In times past, children would run around visual logistical support for worship and
and play at the playground while their other services, as required by the church.
parents were at the worship service. That This ministry is helmed by a small team,
should not be the case! We wanted very with Samuel Goh and Frederick Tan, being
much for the family to worship together as the main persons responsible. They are
one, as God is a covenantal god, whose supported by videographers and photo-
promises are given not only to individuals graphers, such as the late Mr. Koa Keng
but also extended to the family as well. The Seong, Kwa Eng Kee and John Long. They
expressed desire of the church is to build would be the first to come to church to set
up the families in the church according to up the system and the last to leave as they
the covenant of grace. However, it would have to pack up the equipment. Their
be too drastic a change to make these service is often under-appreciated.
children sit in quietly during the worship
service. When the church faced the Circuit
Breaker restrictions in 2020, worship
To facilitate the transition, we started the services had to go online. All of us, from
Junior Worship programme in 2010. The the AVA team to the pastors and chairmen,
juniors from P1-P6 participated in the first were on a steep learning curve. We had to
part of the main worship service (until the learn how to record and broadcast. For the
segment on Pastoral Prayer). Thereafter, AVA team, new and younger members
they proceeded to their own Junior Worship were recruited to handle the music re-
to be taught the Word of God at their level, cordings, video editing and broadcasting.
and to sing praises to God. We engaged We thank God that Narisa Chan was able
the parents to take turns to help out in this to help in most of the piano recordings, and
ministry, without severely affecting their a team of singers from the Music Ministry
own worship. who gladly offered their voices to sing. We
also thank God for Caleb Ho who took on
As we also had a growing population of the demanding work of video compiling and
pre-schoolers with us, we also started the editing the recorded voices. Hence, we
Kiddies Hour, with the intention of enabling were able to produce the online broadcast
the parents to participate in the worship every Lord’s Day. The worship of the Lord
services uninterrupted by their children. continues without hindrances, all by the
grace of God.
These programmes were designed as
temporal programmes for the children to
progress to the main worship service.
Ultimately, we wanted the family to stay
together as one to worship the Lord. After
a period of transition of 6 years, these pro-
grammes were eventually ceased.
39
WORSHIP
MUSIC MINISTRY Other than the dedicated singers,
families and groups were roped in to lead
Our church has always been known to the congregation in the singing of praise.
be filled with talented singers. Our ap- We thank God for everyone who has
proach was to encourage families to serve contributed to this ministry.
together, even in the music ministry. This
enabled our young ones to be exposed to The Music Ministry had intended to pro-
singing, and serving the Lord together with duce a music album as part of the church’s
their parents. Over the years, many of our 50th Anniversary celebration. However,
younger talented choir members “married this had to be deferred because of the
out.” We thank God that we still have a Covid-19 pandemic which made choir
faithful group remaining and new pianists to practices, singing and professional record-
fill the gap. ing nearly impossible. We thank God for
His provision to enable the Music Ministry
In 2013, the Choir embarked on an to serve effectively to bring joy, hope and
ambitious project to present a Gospel encouragement to the people.
musical, “The Love Story.” This Gospel
musical was a means to present the WORSHIP SUPPORT MINISTRY
Gospel through music, drama and the
preaching of God’s Word. This project This Ministry supports the worship in
required much manpower. Being a small many aspects – the printing of the church
congregation, inevitably the whole church bulletin, the preparation for the Lord’s Sup-
was involved. The hall at Paya Lebar per, and the coordination of offering ste-
Methodist Girls School was booked. It wards, ushers and bell-ringers. Most of the
could accommodate more than 400 people. people in our congregation are involved in
Initially, we were worried that if the whole one of these aspects of the ministry.
church was already involved, then there
would not be many people left as audience. The preparation of the duty roster for
Our worries were unfounded as the Lord each year has to be coordinated carefully
brought in more than 200 people to that to ensure that there is no clash of duties
musical. It was a good lesson on com- and an easy-to-remember schedule for
mitment and faith for those who were family members serving.
involved in that musical.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, safe
The Music Ministry was also engaged in management measures were imposed by
evangelism through music and preaching the authorities to regulate worship services.
at Evangel B-P Church in KL. The first Zones were drawn up to divide the con-
evangelistic programme was conducted at gregation into smaller groups as required.
the EBPC’s premises in Damanasara Jaya, Registration for worship on site was im-
PJ in 2010, and a subsequent one, at plemented. Ticketing was required for wor-
Luther Centre in 2011. The final one was ship service to ensure that worshippers in
conducted at EBPC’s new premises at each zone in the sanctuary did not exceed
Oval Damansary, KL in 2015. The choir the limit set. Temperature checking and
also accompanied Rev. Ho in his preaching Safe Entry requirements were imposed. All
ministry at Kulai B-P Fellowship and other these added to the work of the ushers. We
B-P churches across Singapore, and ren- thank God that our congregation was com-
dered song items. pliant and accepted such safe mana-
gement measures. The church needs to
The main role of the Music Ministry is to adapt to such changes in the new normal.
complement the worship service with the We pray that whatever these may be, our
singing of praise and meditative piano members will be resilient and will emerge
accompaniment. stronger in faith as the days go by.
40
WORD
SUNDAY SCHOOL In 2013, a group of teens and youths
from Evangel B-P Church (KL) joined us in
The Sunday School has always been a our Vacation Bible Camp. Some of the
core ministry of the church since its Vacation Bible Camps conducted:
beginning. The Sunday School classes
begin 1.5 hours before our worship service. 2005: Combined with Gospel Light B-P
The Sunday School teachers would devote Church: “Practical Wisdom: Living
their time throughout the week to prepare God’s Way” at Fairy Point Chalet 4,
their lessons. They will come to church Aloha Changi (22-25 Nov).
early to prepare their classroom and to
receive the students. The students are 2006: Combined with Gospel Light B-P
mainly children of our members and friends, Church: “i12ba Good Christian” at
and members of Thai Grace B-P Church. Fairy Point Chalet 2, Aloha Changi
(29 Nov – 2 Dec).
The Sunday School classes are divided
into different levels: (i) Pre-Schoolers; (ii) 2008: Combined with Gospel Light B-P
Lower Primary; (iii) Upper Primary; (iv) Church: “Treasures in Christ” at
Lower Secondary and (v) Upper Secondary. Yacht Club Bungalow A, Aloha
These levels are adjusted yearly, depend- Changi (25-28 Nov).
ing on the enrolment and availability of the
teachers. 2009: “Growing Like Jesus” at Fairy Point
Chalet 4, Aloha Changi (1-4 Dec).
When there was a shortage of Sunday
School teachers in 2010, we conducted a 2010: “How I Met My Friends” at Fairy
Sunday School Teachers Training Pro- Point Chalet 2, Aloha Changi (9-11
gramme to train up a group of younger Dec).
teachers. We also held Sunday School
seminars to refresh and rejuvenate our 2011: “Lose Your Temper” at Fairy Point
Sunday School teachers. Chalet 6, Aloha Changi (7-9 Dec).
Engage Bible Class 2012: “Communication for Life” at Fairy
Point Chalet 7, Aloha Changi (4-7
The Engage Bible Class was started in Dec).
2016 to cater to the pressing needs of our
students who were studying in the 2013: Combined with Evangel B-P Church:
polytechnics and universities. This class “Love” at Fairy Point Chalets 3 and
was designed to engage the students in 4, Aloha Changi (18-21 Dec).
relevant and contemporary issues, and
help them to find guidance from the Bible. 2014: Combined B-P Youth Camp (no
The format adopted is to engage the VBC).
participants in issues. The adults also par-
ticipated in this class. 2015: “Beat the Bug” at Fairy Point Chalet
4, Aloha Changi (21-23 Dec).
Vacation Bible Camp (VBC)
2017: Combined B-P Youth Camp (no
The Sunday School also conducts the VBC).
annual Vacation Bible Camp. The camps
are opened to our Sunday School students 2018: “Growing Like Jesus” at Changi
and their friends. These involve staying at Chalet H, Aloha Changi (19-21 Dec).
a local chalet over a four-day-three-night
period. The children and youths learn the 2019: “How It All Began” at Fairy Point
Word of God together and fellowship with Chalet 7, Aloha Changi (19-20 Dec).
one another through games and activities.
2020: “Honouring God” held online (18 &
21 Dec).
41
WORD
SEMINARS 2013: YAF-YF Seminar: “God’s Will in
Courtship and Marriage” by Rev. Ho
Seminars are a main part of our Chee Lai (29 Mar).
Church’s ministries. Seminars are a
means whereby we can train a specific Parenting Seminar: “Parenting
group of people according to the needs. Children in Contemporary Times”
by Chen Chin Hong (1 May).
The Church conducts seminars as and
when the needs arise. These seminars ERBL Seminar: “The Art and
covered a wide-range of needs. They Science of Understanding the Bible”
relate to the training and equipping of by Rev. Edward Paauwe (24-29
Sunday School teachers, training of our Jun).
people in family matters and special edu-
cation in various aspects of theology for a 2014: KH Seminar: “Preparing Kids for
stronger faith in Christ. The seminars con- School in a Secular World” by Chen
ducted: Chin Hong (1 May).
1996: “Bridging the Gap.” AF Seminar: “How to Honour Our
2003: “Nurturing Children in the Lord.” Aged Parents? How to Face
2004: SS Seminar: “The 7 Laws of Death/Illness?” by Rev. Peter Tan
(13 May).
Teaching” by Preacher Ho Chee Lai
at Aranda Country Club. ERBL Seminar: “Biblical Precepts
2006: “Burial or Cremation?” for Effective Leadership &
2010: Combined B-P Seminar: “The Discipleship for the Local Church”
Christian’s Perspective of Suffering by Dr. Timothy Yates (23-28 Jun).
and Bereavement” by Dr. Len Pine
(27 Mar). 2015: ERBL Seminar: “An Appraisal of
Marriage Seminar: “Marriage on the Biblical Worship vs. Contemporary
Rock” by Eld. Khoo Peng Kiat (1 Worship” by Rev. Timothy Okman
May). Ki (22-26 Jun).
Parenting Seminar: “Influences of
the Net Generation: Music and New SS Seminar: “Classroom Mana-
Media” by Rev. Isaac Ong (5 Nov). gement” by Tan Poh Yoke (5 Sep).
2011: LF Seminar: “End Times Seminar”
by Rev. Ho Chee Lai (30 Aug). 2016: Missions Seminar: “Vision for Mis-
Combined B-P Seminar: “The B-P sion” by Rev. Isaac Ong (28 May).
Movement: Yesterday, Today and
Tomorrow” by Rev. Charles Seet, ERBL Seminar: “Biblical Appraisal
Rev. Isaac Ong, Rev. Jack Sin and of the Crucial Contemporary Con-
Rev. Mathews Abraham (26 Oct). cerns of the Postmodern Era” by Dr.
2012: Parents-Teens Seminar: “The Co- John Battle (20-25 Jun).
venant Family – What It Meant to
Me” by Joel Seah (7 Apr). AF-YAYA Seminar: “The Discipline
ERBL Seminar: “Minor Prophets” of Grace” by Rev. Jack Sin (Sep).
by Dr. John Battle (18-23 Jun).
SS Seminar: “Understanding the 2017: ERBL Seminar: “Appreciating
Bible” by Rev. Ho Chee Lai (13 Christology from the Psalms” by
Nov). Rev. Philip Eveson (19-22 Jun).
Combined B-P Seminar: “Re-
formation 500 Conference” by Dr.
Michael Barrett (9-12 Aug).
2018: “Exploring Christianity” by Lim Ming
Yann, Joshua Chia, Alvin Chow &
John Lim from Life B-P Church (22
Aug).
2021: “Prayer Workshop” by Rev. Isaac
Ong (2-3 Apr).
42
WORD
BIBLE COLLEGE SUPPORT Emmanuel Reformed Bible College
(ERBC)
Our church, under the leadership of Rev.
Peter Chua, has always been very sup- There was a great need to train up the
portive of Bible Colleges, as Rev. Chua next generation of pastors and teachers for
sees it as a means whereby the church can the work of the Gospel in Singapore too. In
contribute in an unassuming manner to the 2017, Emmanuel Reformed Bible College
work of the Gospel to train up labourers for was formed in Singapore with our church
the Lord’s vineyard. as one of the four founding members. This
college offers various programmes in
Far Eastern Bible College (FEBC) religious knowledge, biblical studies,
counselling and theology to meet the
Rev. Chua had his theological training at current and future needs of the ministry.
the Far Eastern Bible College. Hence, our
church started to support this Bible College. Our church contributes in terms of man-
power and finance. Rev. Chua sits as a
When Rev. Ho graduated from this col- Board member of ERBC, representing
lege as well, he was seconded to teach in Sharon B-P Church. Rev. Ho is part of the
the college in 2002. Our church continued Faculty of ERBC. He conducts lectures re-
to support this college for many years up to gularly and assumes the office of the
2009. Registrar. Our church also offers scho-
larships to ERBC students who require
Evangel Reformed Seminary (ERS) financial support. We supported Benjamin
Chui, Mang Uk Lain and Lal Nei Khup from
In 2016, under the leadership of Rev. Myanmar in their studies at ERBC.
Lim Yew Cheng, Evangel B-P Church (KL),
together with Calvary B-P Church and our Other than ERBC, our church also
church started the Evangel Reformed supports the Emmanuel Reformed Bible
Seminary (KL). This was necessary to Lectures (ERBL) which is part of the
address the lack of trained Reformed ministry of Life B-P Church. ERBL offers
preachers and teachers in Malaysia. lectures in the evenings at Life BPC. We
Although the set-up was limited in many support this initiative by sponsoring our
ways, the determination for the cause of church members to attend these courses.
Christ prompted many of our B-P pastors to Our members learn much from these cour-
make regular trips across the Causeway to ses which range from theology to book
further this cause. studies, church history to counselling. We
thank God for such a means to equip our
Our church supports this work through members with a deeper understanding of
manpower and finance. Rev. Chua was the Word of God.
appointed as one of the directors in the
ERS Board, representing Sharon B-P
Church. Rev. Ho was appointed to the
Faculty of ERS as the Academic Dean.
Other than manpower support, our church
also offers a full scholarship to one of the
students studying at ERS. We are glad that
we can contribute in a small way to the
training and equipping of the labourers for
the Lord’s harvest in Malaysia. We must
have the faith, patience and steadfastness
for this work to bear fruits for the Lord (1
Corinthians 15:58).
43
WORD
LADIES BIBLE CLASS
by Dns. Marie Chan
The Ladies’ Bible Class began in
October 1995. Irene Tan, Aileen Chua,
Elizabeth Chua, Mary Tan, Susan Young
and Dolly Kwik started this class out of a
desire to study God’s Word together. This
brought them close to each other, knowing
that they are never alone, and it led them to
continually uphold each other in prayer.
The classes were held on Sundays, just
before the worship service. This coincided
with the Sunday School timing, to allow the
ladies to study God’s word while their
children attend the Sunday School.
The classes have been on-going. We
thank God for sustaining it.
During the Covid-19 Circuit Breaker, the
Ladies’ Bible Class overcame the obstacle
of not meeting face-to-face, by holding the
Bible Study online. We thank God we were
able to manage, even though most were
unfamiliar with online meetings. God is
great. He helped us to overcome technical
difficulties along the way.
May God continue to bless us with His
Word, and may the ladies continue to walk
close with Him.
44
FELLOWSHIP
PRAYER FELLOWSHIP When we moved to the premises of Life
by Rev. Peter Chua B-P Church in 1977, the Tuesday prayer
meeting was held at the Jerusalem court. It
Prayer is the source of power from God. was an open-air area between the kinder-
In the fourth chapter of Acts where the early garten and FEBC block. Later on, we
Christians were gathered in prayer, we moved to the FEBC library which was fully
read, “when they had prayed, the place air conditioned. When FEBC took over the
was shaken” (Acts 4:31). I have never felt room, we relocated to Beulah House. We
a building shake at a prayer meeting but I had about 10-12 faithful members at the
have experienced the evil forces at work. prayer meetings.
When the then Toa Payoh B-P Church
(English Service) had her first prayer Last year in view of the Covid-19
meeting on 14 September 1971, there was pandemic and restrictions on physical
a power failure in the estate that evening. gathering as a group, we hosted our online
It reminded me that the church is fighting prayer meeting on 31 March 2020. This
“against principalities, against powers, online prayer meeting was held every
against the rulers of darkness of this world, Tuesday from 8.00 p.m. to 9.00 p.m. The
against spiritual wickedness in high places” average attendance was doubled. Rev. Ho
(Ephesians 6:12). 15 minutes later the Chee Lai painstakingly complied the prayer
electrical power was restored. We lifted list and assigned prayer requests to each
our hearts to praise the Lord. regular attendee to pray. I led in the
devotion and Dns. Lim May Tie dis-
Henceforth, the Lord did send His seminated a copy of the devotion and
people to pray with us occasionally at the prayer list to all participants after each
Tuesday prayer meeting in the early years session.
of church growth. At that time, I was
staying at Telok Blangah. Every Tuesday,
after a quick dinner at 6.30 p.m., I would
take a public bus, service 143, to Toa
Payoh Interchange and arrived on time for
the prayer meeting. I was earnest to
express my thoughts and feelings to the
Lord but at times felt embarrassed because
my sentences broke off halfway. This
might be due to the long bus journey from
home.
God knows my inner thoughts. One of
the things I had to struggle with was to keep
my mind focused on the Lord. The noise
and movement outside the prayer meeting
premises made praying a challenge.
Moreover, the chairs were for kindergarten
kids. Yet, I thanked God for the place of
prayer. What was important to us was that
we all prayed with one heart. We were not
eloquent but earnest. I learnt to pray from
the reading of the Epistles, Psalms and
hymns of many hymn writers, and from one
another.
45
FELLOWSHIP
CHURCH CAMPS 2010: “Worshipping and Walking with the
Lord” (Rev. Isaac Ong) at Lotus
In the past, our church held the oc- Desaru Beach Resort, Desaru (2-4
casional retreats, over the Good Friday – Apr).
Easter weekends. This was done to
encourage the people to participate in such 2011: “Let us Rise Up and Build” (Rev. Ho
retreats without the necessity of taking Chee Lai) at Armada Hotel, PJ (15-
annual leave. However, that period often 18 Jun).
coincided with Qing Ming. and we had to
contend with long traffic jams when we 2012: Combined with Evangel B-P Church:
travelled to Malaysia for our retreats. “Building the Family to Serve the
Lord” (Rev. Julian Bull) at Genting
In 2011, we decided to switch to a 4- View Resort, Genting Highlands (6-
day-3-night church camp, held on either the 9 Jun).
second or third week of June. This enabled
the whole family to join the camp. We 2013: Combined with Evangel B-P Church:
understand the need for family bonding “Don’t Waste Your Christian Life”
during the camp. Thus, we scheduled (Rev. Julian Bull) at Avillion Legacy,
family bonding time between lunch and Melaka (5-8 Jun).
dinner. Thematic messages were con-
ducted in the mornings while the pastors 2014: Combined with Evangel B-P Church:
would address the campers in the evening. “Building Up and Reaching Out”
The church camps conducted: (Rev. Lim Yew Cheng, Rev. Ho
Chee Lai, Pastor Kiet and Preacher
1973: “In His Steps” at Changi Point Army Yap Kim Chuan) at Katherina Hotel,
Barrack (3-7 Dec). Batu Pahat (18-21 Jun).
1978: “Work for the Night is Coming” at St. 2015: Combined with Evangel B-P Church:
John’s Island (28 Nov – 1 Dec). “Living for Jesus” (Rev. Philip Heng)
at Bayou Lagoon Park Resort,
1985: At Desaru View Hotel (3-5 Jun). Melaka (10-13 Jun).
1986: At Golden Sands Baptist Assembly, 2016: Combined with Evangel B-P Church:
Port Dickson. “Commit Colabour Connect”
(Rev. Edward Paauwe) at Kinta
1987/88: At Muar. Riverfront Hotel & Suites, Ipoh (8-
11 Jun).
1989: At Awana Country Club Hotel,
Genting Highlands (19-23 Jun). 2017: “Giving Your Best to the Master”
(Rev. Lee Hock Chin) at Planet
1992: Combined Camp with Hope B-P Holiday Hotel & Residence, Batam
Church at Adelaide (church (14-17 Jun).
premses).
2018: “Exercising God’s Gifts, Extending
1995: Camp cum Tour in Adelaide. God’s Kingdom” (Rev. Isaac Ong)
at The Straits Hotel & Suites,
1997: At Penang (9-13 Jun). Melaka (18-21 Jun).
2000: Combined Camp with Gospel Light 2019: “Reaching Out Together for Jesus”
B-P Church: “United for Christ” (Rev. (Rev. David Wong) at Nagoya Hill
Robert Howder) at Sofitel Resort, Hotel, Batam (17-20 Jun).
Johor (5-9 Jun).
2020-21: No church camps due to the
2004: At Pulai Springs Resort, Johor. Covid-19 pandemic.
2007: “Living and Dying in the Lord”
We thank God that our members tho-
(Preacher Ho Chee Lai) at Pulai roughly enjoyed the time at church camps,
Springs Resort, Johor (7-9 Apr). in learning God’s Word and sweet
2009: “Praying in God’s Will” (Preacher fellowship with one another. We pray that
Ho Chee Lai) at Pulai Springs we can resume our church camps once we
Resort, Johor (10-12 Apr). are able to travel again.
46
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