My dear readers,

1. Promoted to higher service

On Lord’s Day 1 April, I received a phone call from Melbourne. “Lawyer Michael Simpson passed away on Saturday 31 March.” My words for Mrs Robyn Simpson were taken from Job 1:21: “The Lord gave and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” What better comfort could I offer than those words from that godly man? Mr Michael Simpson, a wonderful Christian lawyer, had given us his professional services since we started Bethel in 1986 always happily, willingly and freely – never costing us a cent. Very recently, he gave timely and good advice in matters connected with our “lawsuit;” even when he was on his sickbed with terminal cancer. Truly Michael Simpson had fought a good fight and finished his course. Now he is promoted to higher service – all praise to God. Readers, please pray for Mrs Simpson at this time of grievous loss.

2. “Because I live, ye shall live also” (Jn 14:19 )

Today April 8 is our Day of Jubilation and Victory over Death, the day our Lord rose from the grave, the most glorious event in all history. On this one event rest our hopes, and the hopes of all mankind, of eternal life beyond the grave. Reproduced here is Pastor James Smith’s words of comfort from “Daily Remembrancer” (1840).

“WITH CHRIST AN ENDLESS HOPE; WITHOUT CHRIST A HOPELESS END.” Christ and His people are one. He is the Head, and they are the members of His body. From Him they receive life, wisdom, power, holiness, and every grace. He has a fulness of good gifts to supply them, and out of that fulness He daily gives them grace as their circumstances may require. We have hitherto been supplied with grace by Jesus, and He who hath supplied us until now, will continue to do so. He lives, necessarily, as God; officially, as God-man. He lives in high authority, possessing all power and unbounded influence. He lives to fulfil His word, complete His work, and lead His people on to the enjoyment of eternal life. They shall live as Christians, persevere in their journey, and be happy in His love for ever. They shall live because Jesus who ever lives is their life, their representative, and their surety. He lives for them, ruling, over-ruling, securing and loving. He lives in them and their life is hid with Him in God. Beloved, see the ground of your safety, the source of your joy, the wisdom of your God. Your life and happiness are identified with the life of our resurrected Lord Jesus.

If my immortal Saviour lives,
Then my immortal life is sure;
His word a firm foundation gives,
Here let me build and rest secure.

3. Calvary Mission to Children (Our Team Notes March 2007)

To us who serve God in CMC, is it not out of filial piety towards our Heavenly Father? Is it not in obedience and love toward Him that we serve? Is it not for God that we volunteer our time, talent, treasure, and truth (to teach) for the CMC children? Do we not go the extra mile to search for, and to teach the lost ‘property’ of God? And to do all these in humility, knowing we owe a debt we cannot fully repay! Today, we must examine ourselves. Have we done our best? Can we better our service? Are we constantly and consistently vigilant and diligent? Or are we waiting for the opportunity to give up and quit for an ‘easier’ ministry? When the children stray (and we witness that every week), do we stay idle and expect things to happen? Or do we walk right up and take it upon ourselves to make sure that the child knows we are in-charge, and that they must obey authority? When the Leader is around, everyone performs. Every Saturday, our Heavenly Leader is very present, and legions of angels are watching. May it be our prayer that God give us another heart – yea, even the heart that we once possessed when we knelt before His throne when we were baptized in His thrice holy Name, remembering our vows. – Simon 27 March 2007

4. DVBS 15 – 17 March, Calvary Miri BP Church

First, we would like to thank God for answering our prayers. The DVBS’ attendance was a surprise to us. Both my wife and I were still recuperating in Singapore until 14 March and the DVBS started on 15 March 2007. Pr. Ajin encouraged the church members to fast and pray for one whole day. That was two days before the team went to Miri to conduct the DVBS.

Each day, to our surprise, the numbers increased from 30 – 40 participants. We had participants from 3 different locations: Sungai Rait, Rumah Mundi and Taman Tunku. The venue was in the Longhouse at Rumah Mundi which is about 30 minutes drive from the Miri Resort City. Indeed the DVBS also paved the way for the youths to join and to enjoy the program too. Hun Shen and David Poon spoke while the rest of the team members were concentrating on the children’s program. Some were busy helping to prepare the food and refreshments. The main theme for this DVBS was on PRAYER. This is a very appropriate and timely topic to teach because all this while we have been encouraging them to pray. Although it is impossible for every one of you to be physically present to witness the Lord’s work in Borneo, you have played a greater role by praying and giving us your support in many forms. We want to thank all of you, our brethren at Calvary Pandan Church and the session for your support and prayers towards the Borneo Ministry. One of our goals is that Miri BPC will continue to learn the truth of God’s Word. Therefore, we need faithful preachers, teachers, evangelists and pastors to continue to expound the Word to us and to encourage us to remain faithful in our service for God.

All thanks to God! - Reported By Harrison Kasip Wan

Lovingly in the Lord
Dr SH Tow, Senior Pastor