Position For Breakthrough

We were much blessed by the teaching of Pastor Hak Meng in our Lunch Time Talk on 3rd July @ C & H office. It was a timely message for us in these time of Economic Turmoil. We are reminded again to put our faith and confident in God.

From the life of Joseph, we were taught the Lesson on "Position For Breakthroughs". Pastor Hak Meng shared 10 P's that will lead us to the place of Breakthroughs.
1.Pit
2.Potiphar's House
3.Prison
4.Palace
5.Pruning
6.Patience
7.Pro activeness
8.Perfection
9.Pardon
10.Presence of God

I would like to share some of my thoughts gathered from Pastor Hak Meng's Sharing:
Pit: The 'Pit' is the place of betrayal and despair; It is the lowest point in one's life. God seems to be far away. Every venture becomes a disappointment and a failure. When we are in the 'Pit', it's time for reflection and humbling before God. It is time to 'let Go and let God'. Many a time, we still tried to dig ourselves out ... but the more we dig, the deeper we get. The 'Key' to get ourselves out of the 'Pit' is to rest in God. When we rest on the 'Faithfulness' of God, only then will He lift us out of the 'Pit' and place us into higher ground.

Position for Breakthrough: Breakthroughs in our lives may not be instant (Oh, how we wish it were so ). We need to go through the process of 'Pruning' and shaping in the hands of the Holy Spirit. It took Joseph 13 years before he was elevated to the Palace. The 'Palace' was the place of breakthrough. This reminded me of Moses - it took him 40 years before he fulfilled his destiny as the deliverer of Israel. Be 'Patience', let God work through the process in our lives.

Presence of God: Gen 39:2 "The Lord was with Joseph and he prospered ..." It is the Lord's Presence, the Lord's favour that will bring forth blessings and breakthroughs. We may plant and we may water ... but it is God that gives the growth. Is the Presence of God with you? Don't assume the Presence of God is with you - the whole nation of Israel assumed the Presence of God was with them - they have the Temple! The Presence of God had already left the Temple yet they did not know. They carried out all their religious activities but the Presence of the Lord was not with them. Samson is another example, the Spirit of God had left him and he did not know. How to know for sure the Presence of God is with you? When you are walking in the center of His Will!When you are in His Will surely blessings and breakthroughs will come.

Beside Pastor Hak Meng's teaching, we have two brothers who gave their testimonies of the faithfulness and greatness of God.

David Tan

David shared about his business failure in 2oo5 which ended with over $100,000 in debts. He was burdened with credit cards and credit lines overdue. Banks and creditors were going after him. He was a total wreck not knowing how to get out of this deep financial pit.

In 2006, he filed for bankruptcy. He lost his business; he lost his car and his bank account were at its lowest. At the bottom of his 'Pit' experience, David hold firm to the promise of Jer 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you" declares the Lord, "plans to proper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future". David offered his life back to God.

In the mean time, David was introduce to Real Estate ... this proves to be God's 'Palace' Experience for him. (The 'Palace' in Joseph's story was that of breakthroughs and blessings)
Now, David is a successful Real Estate Agent enjoying the Presence of God and experiencing His overflowing blessings of wealth and riches. Praise the Lord!

Edward
Edward is an International Award Winning photographer. He moves with the rich and famous. His circle of friends includes famous movie stars, singers and movie producers in Singapore, Hong Kong and Taiwan. Being a creative person, his talent is much sought after.

After his encounter with God, Edward is searching and seeking after God's Destiny for his life.
He is offering his 'Gifting' and 'Creative' talent back to God. His declared desire in our Lunch Time Meeting is to produce 'Movies' that are of the highest quality and that which pleases God. This will be new and learning experiences for him. Let us uphold Edward in our prayers as he seek to make a 'difference' in the Art and Entertainment Arena.

We would like to thank God for the teaching of Pastor Hak Meng and the testimonies of David and Edward. I believe all who attended have received a Word from the Lord ... I certainly have!
All Glory to God,

Sutera Harbour Resort

A day before the Transformation Conference 2009, some of us got a chance to hear from Datuk Edward Ong (who prefers to be called Edward) about his journey of faith and obedience that has transformed his marketplace. Edward is someone who has inspired many, included Pastor Melvyn Mak, to faith. He was thankful for the opportunity to share of God's goodness to a room full of people from different industries. Edward is a Singaporean who has been away for 16 years, called by God to go to East Malaysia. When God called him, he was actually ready for semi-retirement, but God had other plans. Not only was it a journey of faith, but it was a journey of brokenness, of humbling himself and believing God.

It started in 1993 when he went to Kota Kinabalu, thinking he was going to retire. But an opportunity arose for development on a piece of reclaimed land (384 acres, twice the size of KK town). The seafront was dirty, toxic and would stink at low tide. From an environment impact assessment done, it showed that the coral habitat was in poor condition. Yet Edward knew that God wanted him to do it and he received further confirmation when a rare Bird of Paradise flew into his Orchard Road penthouse. Through pictures taken of the development, Edward showed how the degraded coastline was reclaimed and transformed into a beautiful marina, golf and country club and two 5-star resort accommodations.

He speaks of the sense of awe every time he goes to Sutera Harbour Resort, saying: "It's God, it's not me." Clad in a plain blue cotton short-sleeved shirt, his simple testimony spoke volumes. God rewarded him in 2003 when he was offered management of Mount Kinabalu, a World Heritage Site. It was something that he had prayed about a year before that. One of his powerpoint slides said: "The way we live is a consequence of the size of God we believe". Edward's view of God was stretched during the Asian financial crisis in 1997 where in one day, he lost $400m. But God saw him through that and also other challenges such as Sept 11, Sars, avian flu and Bali bombing. Today he employs over 2,000 employees, second only to Sabah's civil service. Sutera Harbour also dedicates one floor of its building to church 24/7 and has paid intercessors praying full-time. How does he pray when he faces a problem? He does not pray that God removes the problem, instead he prays that God will be in the problem to manifest His glory and to have his faith level go up. This trust in the Lord has seen Edward through multiple political changes (8 chief ministers have come and gone, God Almighty stays the same).

Where God directs, He provides. This is seen in Edward's latest project in East Timor which will involve reforestation, community empowerment and the turning of ashes to beauty (one project site was where there was a massacre years ago). He has had a chance to meet with President Gusmao and the opposition side as well, receiving much favour from both. He said: "Faith is the power that God uses to create, while fear is what the devil uses to destroy." He encouraged us to see that there's tremendous opportunity in the current collapse of the Babylonian system that's based on deceit. Those who has been standing firm in the Lord have nothing to fear.He ended his talk with how God gave him a sign for his work in East Timor's Lake Tacitolu. His company there is called Pelican Paradise and in the many times he has gone to the lake, there has been no life there, but there was once he went and saw 33 pelicans there. Pelicans, due to their self-sacrificial nature for their young, is a symbol of Christ's love and the 33 birds there reminded him of Jeremiah 33:3 - call to Me and I will show you great and mighty things that you know not of.

During the Question+Answer time, he was asked whether he needed to work with people of the same faith. His answer: God will always provide qualified workers (His prayer "Lord change them or remove them" has always worked, they will resign on their own if incompetent). Where they are from a different faith, it's a chance to witness to them. One of his pre-believing staff has started saying back to him "God bless you too". He spoke more on faith, saying that it is the ability to see the invisible so that you can do the impossible. Time and again, God has opened doors for him to raise millions of dollars for the projects. He said "Your project should not be controlled by the budget but by the vision God has given you" and quoted Hebrews 11:1.When facing crisis, one can either harden the heart and backslide or take the path of brokenness and allow God to deal with you.There was a time when he wondered whether Sutera was an idol between him and God. He was ready to sell Sutera but when no buyers came through, he took that to mean that God didn't want him to sell. The exercise was useful for him to realise that he was not afraid of losing Sutera. When you're not afraid of losing things, there's great freedom.There have been people who try to intimidate him into selling Sutera, to them he says: "I'm only a steward, if you want it, talk to my God." His final encouragement: Don't give in to fear.

Reported By: Teh Jen Lee

Financial Breakthrough In Boom or Bust Time

Marketplace Lunch Time Talk @ TP Hub

Come and be challenged by Mr. Jacob Tay, the MD of iProperty and Info-Tools. Hear the testimony of an entrepreneur's journey of faith. See how the Lord blessed him a hundred fold as he puts his trust in the faithfulness of God.

Is it possible to have an abundant life regardless of the economy? Would it not be good if the economical crisis has no influence over your wealth?

Join us now to discover the way to Financial Breakthrough

Date: 27th March (Friday)
Time: 12.00pm - 2.00pm
Venue: MindChamps Theatre Toa Payoh HDB Hub
East Wing # 17-01
Fee: $10.00 (Simple lunch will be provided)
Speaker: Mr Jacob Tay (MD of Info-Tools & iProperty)

To Register Please contact:
Ms Adeline Ong : HP 96802244
Mr Jason Tan: HP 98345371
or email us : jassie1@singnet.com.sg

Morning Worship In C & H Office

God have put in Linda's heart a 'Burden' of starting a Christian Fellowship in C & H Office. Linda saw it as God's hand of provision when Mr Albert Lu the CEO of C & H so graciously offered the premise of C & H to use for Christian meetings. For one whole year she waited upon the Lord for the fulfilment of God's own purpose that was placed on her heart.

On 21st Jan 2009, this 'Burden' was realised, when Linda (C & H) and David (MBN) held their first combine Morning Worship on the premise of C & H. There were seven of us - Linda, Jun Li, Margaret, Philip, Au Yong, Joanna and David.

The Agenda for this Morning Worship is God and God Alone!

Our heart's desire is to enter into the Presence of the God and to wait upon the Lord. We want to offer our sacrifice of worship and praise to Him. We believe this is what God is looking for ... those who worship Him in spirit and in truth. When we are "Right" with God; Everything will be "Right".

Those of you who are working in Toa Payoh Hub and especially Christian brethrens from C & H, come join us for a time of Worship. "Come, Now Is The Time To Worship!"

Day: Wednesdays ( except public holidays )

Time: 9.00 - 9.45am

Venue: C & H Reality Office ( #06-11, Toa Payoh Hub )

(Note: We will not have a meeting on 28th Jan due to Chinese New Year. We will have our 2nd Morning Worship on the 4th of Feb 09 )

Matt 6:33 "Seek first His Kingdom and His Righteousness ..."

Walking The Second Mile - Kingdom Living

I would like to end the Year 2008 with this Testimony. In our Lunch Time Talks @ Toa Payoh, we were very much encouraged by the testimonies of our invited speakers.

Testimonies and stories of God's working in the lives of His children are a great encouragement to all. The Bible contain 'His' stories of His love and His working in the lives of His children. Stories of faith, love, commitment in the lives of Abraham, Joseph, David ... increases our own faith in the Living God.

Because of the 'sharing' of your personal stories, the Holy Spirit have prompted me to start this initiative - Testimonies of Kingdom Living: Walking The Second Mile. Let us start 'sharing our stories' of the Holy Spirit's working in our lives in walking the second mile.

Transformation of the Marketplace can only take place when we start to walk the "Second Mile".
Matt 5: 41 "If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles."
It is easy to talk but not easy to walk! It is so easy to say "I will pray for you" but it is not so easy to do something about it. We must 'Walk' our 'Talk'. Jesus said, "... if you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?" What makes People of the Kingdom difference from the People of the World? People of the Kingdom loves their enemies; People of the Kingdom walk the "Second Mile"!

Let me start the first sharing (This is to glorify God who has done a transforming job in our lives)
My wife, Joanna is in the Insurance and Financial Industry. We believe the Insurance and Financial Industry is a great business to be in - it helps protects family against the lost of financial support due to death, disease and accidents. It also helps people to increase their wealth through various investments vehicles. It was with good intention during the 'good times' that she recommended her clients to invest in certain investment portfolios.

When the Financial Melt Down came ... all were affected by it!
There was this dear sister who had made an investment through my wife. She is from the working class and she invested part of her CPF saving into Unit Trusts that were to give her better returns for her retirement.

Because of the money that she had lost, she became anxious and fearful. She lost her sleep, her appetites, she lost her focus. My wife tried to meet up with her to offer her the best solution given her situation but she did not want to meet up with her. She does not want to make any decision - To cut lost or to ride it out. Though I did not see her but I could sense the stress and strain that she was experiencing. I believe she was on the verge of a breakdown.

I told my wife that its no point asking her to make a decision because she cannot come up with any decisions. After praying over the matter, we decided to shoulder her 'Lost'. Her financial lost at that point of time was $26,829. We, ourselves don't have that amount but wrote a letter of undertaking to reimburse her 'lost' by a monthly installment of $200; and when extra funds comes in we will give more.

Through a pastor's wife, Joanna was able to meet up with this dear sister and settle the matter.
My wife said that she could see the relief that came over her when the decision was made and the matter settled! All the stress and strain were lifted from her face.

What we did was to obey Jesus in walking the "Second Mile".
In my book, "Making Money Sense: God's Truth" I wrote about 'Communal Lifestyle'. What we have can be shared with those who do not have so that there is no needs in God's Community. The early church practice this and we (David & Joanna) by the strength and grace of God will seek to practice this.

Hope this 'Sharing' will kick off 'Your Sharing' in 'Your Second Mile Experiences'.
Perhaps I can write another book titled "Kingdom Living: Second Mile Experiences" - a compilation of your sharing!

Thy Kingdom Come!

David & Joanna

Wishing You All A Blessed & Prosperous New Year 2009

My Hope Singapore @ Toa Payoh

My Home Singapore @ Toa Payoh

We thank God for Linda Ong who so graciously agreed to host "My Hope Singapore" on 17th Dec in C & H Realty Office.

About 45 people turned up for this Christmas Celebration ... of which 15 are from C & H itself. Guests started streaming in when the clock hits 5pm. Mingling over some "finger Food", hosts and guests started to get to know one another.

The program officially began with a lively "Ice Breaker" led by MC of the evening - Mr Eddie Eng. What is Christmas without the singing of Christmas Songs and Carols ? Te Ping, Janice with the help of our guitarist from Korea, Pastor Stephen brought us into the mood and spirit of Christmas Celebration. We sang with gusto, "We Wish You A Merry Christmas", "Joy To The World", "O Come All Ye Faithful" and "Mary's Boy Child".

The high-light of the evening was the showing of the video "It's Never Too Late". This is a dramatic testimony of God's Grace in the life of Neville Tan. Neville was a hard-core gangster, living his life in and out of prison. In his moments of desperation, God reached out to him in his prison cell.

The evening closed with a real life testimony from Eddie and an invitation to receive Christ from Kenneth. After prayer, we gather around for a sumptuous dinner and personal sharing. We thank God for the one decision made that evening. We rejoice with the angels in heaven over this one soul saved. Pray for Jeraldyn ... she will be attending church this Sunday (21st Dec )

My Hope Singapore

A Christmas Celebration

On behalf of the Marketplace Ministry Team, we would like to invite you to join us in celebrating the nation wide event My Hope Singapore on the 17th December 2008.

We specially invite those who is seeking to understand the meaning of Christmas to this party; to participate in the carols & watch the screening of powerful testimonies. Out of this, may you be blessed with the joy, hope and spirit of Christmas!

Date: 17th December (Wednesday)
Time: 5.00pm - 7.00pm
Venue: C & H Realty Office
490 Lor 6, HDB Hub
# 06-11

( Light Refreshment and Dinner will be served.)

For more information, please contact David Wong:
email: breakthrough_28@yahoo.com.sg
hp: 90090387

Please respond early for catering purpose.