WALKING WITH JESUS
Report on the Vacation Bible School June 5-7, 2013 by Clement Chew
The Vacation Bible School (VBS) is a ministry of True Life Bible-Presbyterian Church (TLBPC) to children from ages 3 to 12. The objectives of the VBS are (1) to evangelise children with the Gospel of Christ and (2) to teach them the Word of God. This is in fulfilment of the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching 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.”
This year, the VBS was held from June 5 to 7 at Calvary Pandan Bible-Presbyterian Church, 201 Pandan Gardens. The theme of the VBS was “Walking with Jesus” based on 1 John 1:7, “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.”
An average of 53 children participated in the VBS. Besides children from TLBPC, there were children from 9 other churches as well as those from non-Christian families. The children were split into three main groups: the Pre- schoolers, the Lowers (i.e. the Lower Primary children) and the Uppers (i.e. the Upper Primary Children). The children were taught the various aspects of what it means to walk with Jesus such as “Walking by Faith”, “Walking in Truth”, “Walking in the Spirit”, “Walking in Love” and “Walking in the Light”. These lessons were developed independently by the Heads of Department (HOD) of each level with the teachers since planning started in January. The result is a curriculum that we can call our own which reflects the Reformed and Premillennial faith of TLBPC.
Besides the teaching of God’s Word, the students engaged in Art and Craft and Singspiration sessions that were crafted to reinforce the lessons which the children have learnt. On the second day, the children also participated in various object lessons that brought out the various aspects of a Christian’s walk with Christ.
The highlight of the VBS was the Special Closing Programme on the third day. Parents of the children were invited to attend the event. During the programme, the children presented the lessons they have learnt in song. Pastor preached from Psalm 127 on how children are gifts from God. He exhorted parents to bring up children in the fear and admonition of the Lord. This includes sharing the good news concerning God’s perfect gift of salvation through faith in the perfect Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ. This can only be done if the parents themselves have received the perfect gift of salvation.
The VBS committee and volunteers would like to thank God for granting us the privilege to serve Him in the VBS. We would also like to thank God for the children who prayed the sinners’ prayer during the VBS. One department reported that eight children confessed their need for salvation and prayed for Jesus to save them. Bibles were given to these children. Please pray that a proper follow-up programme will be planned to disciple these children. “But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matt 19:14). Amen.
THANKSGIVING FROM FEBC ALUMNI
Dear Dr Jeffrey Khoo,
Greetings in the blessed name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
I would like to thank you for the certified letter that you had written for me earlier. My degree has been recognised by the Accreditation Committee of Cambodia. Now it can be officially used in our country as equivalent to a university degree. With this, I am so thankful to God and personally so proud of the standard of education that I had received from the Far Eastern Bible College. And I pray that our God will continually sustain and preserve this College at 9A Gilstead Road to prepare His servants for the furtherance of the Gospel work until Christ returns.
Thanks to Sister Janet for her service too. Kindly send my greetings to all lecturers and students.
In Christ, John Saray 4 June 2013
Dear Dr Khoo,
Greetings in the name of the Lord.
I just came back from my visit to the four mission churches under the Gethsemane B-P Church, Singapore, led by our alumni serving the Lord in the Philippines. One thing that I have noticed is that each church remembers FEBC in its prayer meeting. It was an encouragement to see them taking time to pray for their alma mater. Apart from the time allotted for the preaching of God’s Word, they spent two solid hours praying for all their items.
Indeed, these alumni-preachers do care for their alma mater. They do not only remember us in prayer but they also esteem FEBC before their congregations by telling them what FEBC is doing for the Lord.
Lastly, I have observed them to be diligent in preaching the Word and disciplined in discharging their duties. I say this because I see the fruits of their labour in the lives of the people in the church.
Yours truly,
Bro Dennis Kabingue 7 June 2013
