My dear readers,

1. Recalling the Mighty Acts of God

At Sunset Gospel Bible Fellowship (SGBF) on 26 October 2008, a thousand of God’s people remembered the mighty acts of God, re-enacted by a group of Pandan’s Youths. In half-hour of powerful stage play, we saw sketches of history “come alive” before our eyes: the struggles of Martin Luther against sin, whipping himself in quest of righteousness; the super-salesman Johann Tetzel from Rome, selling “forgiveness coupons” to the poor people; the nailing of the “95 Theses” on the door of the Castle of Wittenberg; and the “Grand Finale” – Luther before the Diet of Worms, declaring before the Council: “Here I stand: I cannot do otherwise. So help me God.”

Through one man’s fearless stand against the assembled might of Rome, God caused a whole continent to awake from a thousand-year spiritual slumber and step into God’s glorious liberty through faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.

Full marks and commendation go to the team of Young People who toiled many days and nights, week after week, perfecting their act, to the glory of God: Narrator, Director, Advisor, Actors, Scene shifters, etc. I was especially moved by the cry for help from Martin Luther (Ivan Ting) as he struggled to know God’s truth. On behalf of the appreciative congregation, I say a hearty, “God bless you all for an excellent piece of Gospel drama excellently executed, to God’s glory.” Amen.

2. Concluding Note on “Global Warming”

“The Arctic ice refused to melt” in spite of all “hot air” and the fervid “scare mongering” that has been blowing around from equator to pole. From “Christian News” (Sept 29, 2008) comes this report:

“Arctic Ice Refuses to melt as Ordered,” wrote Steven Goddard in The Register, London, England, Aug 15 2008.

Just a few weeks ago, predictions of Arctic ice collapse were buzzing all over the internet. Some scientists were predicting that the “North Pole may be ice-free for the first time this summer.” Others predicted that the entire “polar ice cap would disappear this summer.”

The Arctic melt season is nearly done for this year. The sun is now very low above the horizon and will set for the winter at the North Pole in five weeks. None of these dire predictions have come to pass.

The National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC) in Boulder, CO released an alarming graph on August 12, showing that Arctic ice was rapidly disappearing, back towards last year’s record minimum. The problem is that this graph does not appear to be correct. Other data sources show Arctic ice having made a nice recovery this summer. Maps of Arctic ice extent are readily available from several sources, including the University of Illinois. A comparison of these maps shows that Arctic ice extent was 30 percent greater on August 11, 2008, than it was on August 11, 2007.

Ice has grown in nearly every direction since last summer – with a large increase in the area north of Siberia.

There appears to be a consistent pattern of overstatement related to Arctic ice loss .. The media tendency to blame everything on “global warming” makes for an easy story – but it is not based on solid science.

And what of the Antarctic? Down south, ice extent is well ahead of the recent average. Why isn’t NSIDC making similarly high profile press releases about the increase in Antarctic ice over the last 30 years? (End of article)

Dear reader, our God who watches over us, has promised: “The Lord is thy keeper: the Lord is thy shade upon thy right hand. The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil …”7:01 PM 10/28/2008 (Psalm 121:5-7). Our trust is in the Lord. Fear not, ye “Global Warmers.” The Lord is able: He is in complete control of the global climate.

3. “Creation Museum Guests Praised”

Cincinnati area hotels say Christian guests are leaving a positive impression on area hotels. “Creation Museum guests are very different from our other leisure guests,” Karn Bennett told the northern Kentucky museum personnel. Bennett is director of sales at a Country Inn and Suites.

“They are friendly and are respectful of hotel property, staff and other guests, Bennett said. She added that hotel personnel are amazed at how many people pray before meals, and her staff could hardly believe it when one pastor had his youth group wipe down their tables when they finished their meal.

The Creation Museum, an outreach of the creation apologetics organization Answers in Genesis, recently celebrated its one-year anniversary. In that time, over 400,000 people have visited the museum, more than originally expected. AnswersUpdate 7/08. CN September 29, 2008

4. Family Worship DIY Appreciated by Member

“It’s coming to a year since the Family Worship DIY was launched. My family thanks God for the blessings we’ve experienced through the year. While we’ve had daily Family worship for a number of years, we did not have regular hymn singing and Bible memorization until your DIY came along. My sons love choosing hymns to tie in with the devotional text we read. And this has also helped to set a more serene tone to prepare us for family prayer.

“We thank you and Mrs Tow for your love and exhortation to us to walk closer to the Lord. We’re encouraged to see your steadfast faith and cheerful face despite all the problems in the church.” - CM

Lovingly in the Lord
Dr SH Tow, Sr Pastor