Greetings from the Command President

Dear Ladies,

What a special year this is for China and Hong Kong and Macau. The Olympic torch has

already been run through Hong Kong and Macau and I observed the National Pride from

thousands of people on that day; wearing their red shirts and waving the flag. Most of us

will not be athletic but we can all develop in our spiritual lives and sometimes we just

need to make that our purposeful aim. Philippians 3:13-14 gives us great encouragement.

“But this one thing I do: forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I

press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in

Christ Jesus.”

I want to thank the corps who have responded to the “Ark” program. We have been able

to send toiletries and warm hats to some of our project sites and I still have more in my

office to deliver. This practical service is very meaningful. I have a lovely photo of children

in Inner Mongolia wearing the hats.

I look forward to meeting up with many of you at the Women’s Camp, “Run with the

Spirit” is our theme and I can’t think of a better way to get fit. We will exercise our hearts,

minds and bodies and receive good teaching from the scriptures.

May I take this opportunity to encourage each one of you in your Christian faith and in

your ministry with the women in your area.

May God richly bless you!

Elaine Rowland. Lt. Colonel

Command President of Women’s Ministries

Hong Kong & Macau Command

1. God is Like P.1-3

2. A Happy Woman P.4-5

3. Seek First the Kingdom of God P.6

4. The Meaning of Worship P.7-9

5. Five Steps of Spiritual Exercise P. 10-12

6.

1. How to Spend an Hour in Prayer P.13-15

2. Sunscreens P.16-22

3. A First Look at Equipping for Patient Visits P.23-29

4. Stamps P.30-31

5. The Health Benefits of Black Soybeans P.32-34

1. Team Building P.35-38

2. Power Behind Women P.39-40

3. Show Kindness to Others P.41-42

4. The Keys to Anti-aging P.43-44

5. Layered Fruit of the Spirit P.45-48

1. Sharing Black Soybeans Food P.49

2. Leisurely Time After a Meal P.50-53

3. Biblical Five-colored Flowers P.54-55

4. Serving in Dragon Boat Festival P.56-57

GOD IS LIKE Worship

Singspiration : God is good, all the time

God is so good

The greatest thing in all my life

Opening prayer

Testimony: “The blessings of God’s goodness that I received today is..”

Bible Reading: Read in unison: Psalm 67:1-7

Sharing of the passage: Identify the character of God that can be found from Psalm 67:1-7

Group Dynamic

GOD IS LIKE…..

(Activity sheet see below)

Announcement and Offering

Closing Song:

Closing prayer and Benediction

GOD IS LIKE…

(Ref: from Creative Times with God by Dough Fields)

Look around the room and locate an object. Write the name of the object in the two spaces below. List in

the left column some descriptive qualities of the object. Next to each quality in the right column write

how you think God is similar (See example, “God is like a shoe,” below. If possible find a verse which

supports your description.

There are no right or wrong answers in this exercise. Write down whatever comes to mind. Make sure

you take time to thank God for all the special blessings He brings into your life.

God is like a _______________________________

(object)

____________________ God

(Object)

1. 1.

2. 2.

3. 3.

4. 4.

5. 5.

Example: God is like a shoe

Shoe God

1. Protects my feet 1. God protects me (Psalm 91:2)

2. Helps me walk 2. God guides my path and helps me

walk in the right direction (Psalm 119:105)

3. Dependable 3. God promises never to leave me

(Matthew 28:20)

4. Come in pairs 4. I am not alone, God gave me His

Holy Spirit to always be with me (John 14:16)

5. Many different styles 5. God loves all kinds of different people (Acts 10:34,35)

A Happy Woman

Hannah is the mother of Samuel the prophet, so her name is well known. In fact, the Bible mentions only

very few incidents about Hannah. One of the most prominent is found in 1 Samuel 1:15. She shared her

feelings before God. Later, God granted her son Samuel, and afterwards her name is no longer

mentioned. She is just an ordinary woman, but at the same time she is also a happy woman. How do we

know?

1. Trust and persist

Hannah was married for many years without any child, but her husband still loved her very much (1

Samuel 5, 8). Despite the grief and pain in her heart, she knew the way out, that is to ask before God.

Hannah trusted that God is the best listener.

2. She knows how to commit

We always encourage fellow brothers and sisters to commit everything to God, but how many times

do we leave our troubles unto God’s hands as we pray, and afterwards we take them up and keep on

worrying? What about Hannah? When Eli the priest told her to “go in peace”, her face was no longer

downcast (1 Samuel 17:18).

3. She willingly offered what she promised

God answered her prayers and gave her a son, who was even more precious than her own life.

Nevertheless, she offered her child with great respect, and entrusted him to the care of an old priest

Eli.

Fellow sisters! A happy life does not necessarily mean living in an excellent

environment, leading a life according one’s wishes. The Bible clearly tells us “yet man is born to trouble”.

God will let us know a lot of secrets to overcome the difficulties.

Hannah has found those secrets, they are:

1. Trust and persist

2. Truly commit and trust God with all your heart

3. Happily offer

God granted Hannah 3 more sons and 2 more daughters in her days ahead. Samuel became the most

trusted prophet of God.

Auxiliary-Captain Jeanette Chan

Assistant of Kowloon Central Corps

Seek first the kingdom of God Worship

Let us greet one another before we sit down and pray in silence for half a minute.

Call to worship: Matthew 6:9-13

Singspiration: The Lord’s prayer (God of mercy, our heavenly Father) (See attached)

Prayer:

Bible reading: Daniel 1:1-16

Sharing of passage: 1. Young men selected to enter the palace at the decline of the country

2. Daniel and his 3 friends

3. Serve God with holiness in palace

4. God’s blessing

Intercession: 1. Pray that fellow sisters will answer God’s care with a grateful heart

2. Pray for mercy for unconverted family members

3. Pray for the Army’s Women’s Ministries training session

Closing song: Happiness & Praise #26 Seek ye first the kingdom of God

Closing prayer: The Lord’s Prayer

Refreshment and fellowship

Major Maureen M. L. Ki

Commanding Officer

Hong Kong Island East Corps

The Meaning of Worship Worship

Song: Joyful, joyful, we adore thee

The Meaning of Worship:

The English word Worship comes from the archaic word Worthship, which means “valuable” or

“setting a price”. Its extended meaning is that “giving worth to God” is something worth doing. Two

fundamental words in the Bible describe “worship”. One of them is “kneel”, which conveys the

meaning of “humility” and “respect”. The other one is “service” or “serve”, meaning “offering”. In a

service, we believe in God’s presence among us. On one hand we should be humble, on the other we

should joyfully praise the name of Jesus Christ. During a service, the Lord’s revelation responds to

man, creating a picture of a dialogue. In other words, God reveals Himself to worshippers throughout

different programs or liturgies of a service. The worshippers are responsible for giving their response

during the succeeding programs or liturgies.

The church is a “worshipping” entity. Its responsibility is to worship God. As for its members, being a

part of this entity, of course they have the responsibility to worship God. If we think worship can be

done individually, we are neglecting the meaning of a worshipping fellowship. We share in a service.

For instance, reading the “scripture of confession” is a mutual sharing of responsibilities as in

expressing our personal sins are in relation to the entity as we encourage one another. We also give

thanks together by reading the “scripture of thanksgiving”. Therefore, service is an action of

wholeness of union in church.

Liturgies of a Service:

1. The Meaning of Liturgy:

The word “liturgy” is originated from the Greek word for “service” or “provision”. It refers to the

service of a priest towards God, while “provision” is the church’s service to men. The word “service”

refers to both the Sunday service as well as serving others, as we may see both are interrelated.

During a Sunday service, the priest leads the congregation to serve together. “Liturgy” also refers to

the “programs” of a service.

“Liturgies” are not mere forms but practical practices. They turn “internal beliefs into external

actions”, including living, virtues, witnesses, evangelism and so on. All these are the purposes of

liturgies. Jesus dying on the cross is His liturgy but definitely not a form. Rather it is practical. The

Cross is the most important sign of liturgy of the church, where such sign is definitely not a form but

practical. If we do not understand, “liturgy” will simply become a mere form and be neglected.

For “Non-Liturgical Church”, liturgy is regarded as a form of superficial program which lacks spiritual

profundity. Many Christians are not concerned about liturgies, so they lack the knowledge about

them, and gradually they have a kind of misunderstanding or resistance towards liturgies. In fact, the

program of the service itself is liturgy, which proceed in order of sequence such as call to worship,

prayer, bible reading, offering, singing, and so on. How could the heart for worship be expressed

without such a program? Therefore, any church that has a program for its services has liturgy. After

the religious reforms in the 16th

century, many unnecessary details and formalities of the liturgy of

the Orthodox Church and Roman Catholic Church were removed, but the liturgy itself is not entirely

abolished. Actually, in late 1950s, liturgy reforms became a kind of new movement, which includes

the use of localized language instead of Latin. The result of the reforms is the shortening of distance

between Liturgical Church and Non-Liturgical Church.

Response: What kind of attitude or format should we adopt for worship?

Bible passage: John 4:1-26

Message: 1. Background of story

2. God gives us living water

3. With a thanksgiving heart

4. Worship by heart and soul

5. Worship with honesty

Confession: Reflect on ourselves for any inappropriate attitudes of worship in the past.

Captain Alice Cheung

Commanding Officer of Butterfly Corps

Five steps of Spiritual Exercise Worship

Spiritual exercise is a moment for us to get close to God, to have close contact with Him and to meet Him.

There are just you and Him within that space, as you wait and expect Him to talk to you. May His words

become the guidance, teachings, advice, encouragement, comfort and cure for us, which renew our

minds, transform our lives, and adjust our thoughts and behaviors, so that we will love God and men

even more.

God may talk to us through different channels, the most direct one being God’s inspiration, the Bible.

Therefore, the most common method of spiritual exercise is to read and meditate on God’s words

through prayers, responding to the truth by our emotions and actions. There are many ways of

meditation. Here, we will introduce to you a commonly used 5-step approach of spiritual exercise and a

method of meditation for your reference. This method of meditation is particularly suitable for the four

Gospels.

1. Silence

Move from external happenings to our internal feelings. Present and lay everything unto God. Let

Him have full control. Be prepared to accept God’s words. Pray to silence yourself. Pay attention and

listen to your own feelings, then talk to God about all these feelings. Ask for His mercy or forgiveness

if your feelings involved worries, sadness, tiredness, lost, anger or bitterness. Make room for your

heart to listen attentively to God’s words. If we are willing to open our hearts, the Spirit will work on

us and reinforce the truths that we hear.

2. Read the Bible

Read / Accept God’s words. Read aloud God’s words and listen to its strings of sound. You can also

imagine the scenes you see, the sound you hear, the scent you smell, and the flavour you taste from

the scripture. It may draw more attention if read out in a different language.

3. Meditation

A. Imagine you are at the scenes as described in the scriptures. Pay careful attention to the following

questions:

i. What did you see? Who are there? What are the things in the surrounding? What

happened?

ii. What did you hear? Was anyone talking? What did they say? What were their tones like?

What other sounds were there in the surrounding?

iii. What scents were there in the surrounding? How did they make you feel?

iv. Did you eat anything? What did they taste like?

v. Did you touch anything? What was the texture like?

B. Think about how this incident is related to you. Imagine everybody steps away at that moment. Only

you and Jesus remain. What would Jesus say to you?

4. Prayers

Respond from your heart. When you heard what God said to you in your meditation, how did you

feel and what did you think? Thankful / Praise / Fear / Terror / Worry / Relieved / Cured / Comfort /

Passionate / Pressed / Moved / Determined… Honestly tell God your feelings.

5. Live the truth

Put the truth / determination into practice. Evaluate the entire process of the spiritual exercise. Make

a record of the process, feelings, inspirations and determinations for regular reviews, encouragement

and reminders.

The following is a form of spiritual exercise diary for your reference.

Date:

Scriptures:

Prayer:

Determination / Inspiration:

Captain Shek Pui-fun

Assistant Commanding Officer, Kowloon East Corps

How to spend an hour in prayer Education

‘How can anyone possibly pray an entire hour?’ Here’s how to structure an hour in prayer with twelve

scriptural based aspects. Conveniently each hour can be divided into twelve specific times for each of

these vital areas. Of course, some of the aspects may require only a minute, whereas others will

require far more than a mere five minutes.

1. Praise – Psalm 63:3; Hebrews 12:15; Matthew 6:9b

All prayer should begin with recognition of God’s nature. The Lord’s Prayer – our model for all praying –

begins with Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Praise is that aspect of prayer, which

vocally esteems God for his virtues and accomplishments.

2. Waiting – Psalm 37:7; Isaiah 40:31; Lamentations 3:25

Not only should we begin it with praise, but time should be given to being ‘quiet’ in God’s presence.

This is not meditation or just a time for listening, it is simply taking time to let God love you.

3. Confession – Psalm 139:23-24; Psalm 51:10; 1 John 1:9

The psalmist asked God to search his heart for unconfessed sin. He knew sin was one of the greatest

roadblocks to answered prayer. Early in prayer we need to make time for confession. This clears the

way for powerful praying.

4. The Word – 2 Timothy 3:16; Psalm 19:7-8

The commandment of the Lord (his word) is pure, enlightening the eyes, wrote young King David.

When we bring God’s word into our prayer, we are opening our eyes to new possibilities in God. At this

point in prayer, read God’s Word.

5. Intercession – 1 Timothy 2:1-2; Psalm 2:8; Matthew 9:37-38

Our prayer now centers on intercession for a lost and dying world. This concerns praying for others

who have desperate needs.

6. Petition – Matthew 7:7; Matthew 6:11; James 4:2

This aspect of prayer concerns our personal needs. Petition is included in the Lord’s Prayer in the

expression. Give us this day our daily bread. To petition God is to open our need to God through

prayer.

7. The Word – Jeremiah 23:29; 2 Samuel 22:31; Numbers 23:19

Earlier we suggested you read God’s word. Now, pray God’s word. Here we bring actual scripture into

our prayer. We can never pray out of God’s will when we pray God’s word.

8. Thanksgiving – Philippians 4:6; Psalm 100:4

When Paul wrote to the Philippians, he instructed them to offer prayer and supplication with

thanksgiving. Thanksgiving differs from praise in that praise recognizes God for who he is, and

thanksgiving recognizes God for specific things he has done.

9. Singing – Psalm 100:2; Ephesians 5:19; Psalm 114:9

Melody in its truest sense is a gift of God for the purpose of singing praises unto him. Many Christians,

unfortunately, have never learned the beauty of singing a new song unto God during prayer. These

songs may come straight from the heart with the Holy Spirit creating the melody. Paul spoke of singing

spiritual songs. To sing unto the Lord is to worship god in melody.

10. Meditation – Joshua 1:8; Psalm 1:1-2; Psalm 77:12

To wait in God’s presence is simply to be there to love him. Meditation differs in that our mind is very

active. To meditate is to ponder spiritual themes in reference to God.

11. Listening – Ecclesiastes 5:2; 1 Kings 19:11-12

Whether through his written word or by an inner still small voice of his Holy Spirit, God speaks to praying

Christians. But we must take time to listen.

12. Praise – Matthew 6:13; Psalm 104:4; Psalm 150

We begin our prayer by recognizing God’s nature, and we end in similar fashion. Jesus taught this when

he ended his prayer with the statement, For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever.

Amen.

These are suggestions. Everyone has a different prayer life. Developing such a prayer habit will lead

you into a ministry that changes you and the world around you as well.

Reference: The Philippine Territory Women’s Ministries Resource Book 1 2008, by the Canadian and

Bermuda Territory, Cedar Springs of Inspiration –2003

Sunscreens Education

We all know a child’s skin is thin, delicate, and susceptible to sunburns yet sensitive to sunscreens.

We also know prolonged exposure to sunlight will lead to darkened skin, freckles, aging skin as well as

increased risks of skin cancer. Therefore, we should prepare ourselves well for anti-sun protection.

However, how to choose and use sunscreens properly? Apart from applying sunscreens, are there any

other ways of anti-sun protection? How to handle sunburns? This article will discuss them one by one.

Sunlight consists of 3 kinds of ultraviolet rays, among which most of the UVC rays have been filtered by

the ozone, so its influence is little. UVA and UVB rays may cause harm to skin.

UVA & UVB

UVA rays are present during daytime, and are most severe from 10am to 4pm. Their wavelengths are

longer. Being more penetrable, they may reach the dermis layer, causing the fibrous collagen in the

connective tissues to break, thus making the skin unable to retain moisture and lead to untimely aging.

Their harmful effects emerge soon but are less severe. After exposure to sunlight, skin will first turn red,

and then turn dark in about 6 hours. UVA will increase melanin production, resulting a tanned effect.

Less UVB rays are found where clouds are thick and low. They may penetrate the epidermis, resulting

more long-lasting and severe effects. UVB rays make the epidermis become thickened and coarser. It will

also lack moisture, resulting in wrinkles, itching, swelling and pigmentation. UVB rays will also hurt the

eyes, causing cataract or recurrence of cold sores (e.g. canker sores). They are most severe from 11am to

1pm. At places where refraction index is high, such as seaside, grassland and snow land, UVB rays are the

strongest.

Both UVA and UVB rays may suppress immune systems and damage DNA, resulting skin cancer. They

may also induce or deteriorate various photosensitivity-related diseases. Also, patients under long-term

medication of certain drugs (such as tricyclic antidepressants, sulfonamide derivatives for treating

diabetes, thiazide diuretics, non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs and contraceptives) are more prone to

sunburns or skin adverse reactions.

Sun Protection Factor

Sun Protection Factor, SPF in short, is the index indicating the level of sun protection provided by a

sunscreen. The higher the SPF, the longer its duration of protection and the stronger the UVB blocking

effect. For instance, if you are exposed under sunlight without any sunscreen protection, after 15

minutes red dots will appear on your skin. If you have applied sunscreen of SPF 20, the safety period for

exposure under sunlight is 20 times of 15 minutes, i.e. 300 minutes, and so on and so forth. People with

darker skin have more melanin, so red dots will only appear on their skin after exposure to sunlight for a

longer time. Therefore, the same SPF product will have different effects on people of different skin tones.

In other words, people of lighter complexion need products of a higher SPF value for full protection.

Sunscreens of SPF 15 may block 94% of UVB, while those of SPF 30 may block 97% of UVB. So in general,

products of SPF 15-30 are good enough daily protection. Sunscreens of SPF 2 can only block 50% of UVB.

Many people misunderstand that if they use SPF 2 products, they will not get sunburns if they reapply

the sunscreen once every 30 minutes. In fact, reapplication will not prolong the protection time, because

the body has already absorbed sufficient UV lights. Continue exposure to sunlight will initiate sunburns.

A higher SPF value does not necessarily mean a higher level of anti-sun protection. Also it may not be

good to skin. For products of an SPF value higher than 30, their amount of greasy and allergen

constituents will obvious increase. If you are of normal to oily skin type, sunscreens that are too oily may

result in symptoms such as pore blockage and allergy. Therefore, SPF 15-30 sunscreens should be used

for everyday use. For outdoor activities, sunscreens of SPF 30-40 should be used and reapplied every 1-2

hours to compensate for increased perspiration.

Types of Sunscreens

Sunscreens available are mainly classified into two types, organic (or chemical) and inorganic (physical).

Organic sunscreens (such as Benzophenones, Cinnamic Acid, p-ABA and Dibenzoylmethane) absorb and

reflect UV rays, thus delay the time for sunburns. Cinnamic Acid and p-ABA can only resist UVB rays,

while Dibenzoylmethane only UVA rays. Benzophenones can resist both UVA and UVB rays, but since

they are easily washed away by water, they are often used together with other organic sunscreen

products.

Inorganic sunscreens (such as Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide, Talc and Red Petrolatum) make use of some

sticky microscopic particles to form a film of light reflecting layer on the skin surface, effectively blocking

all UV rays (including UVA and UVB).

Organic sunscreens are generally colorless, refreshing and non greasy, but can be allergy-causing. They

are also less effective resisting UV compared to inorganic ones. Inorganic sunscreens are mild, their

major constituents being powder and particles. Since the particles are relatively larger in size, they have

a richer texture of emulsion- or skin-color. They are less easily absorbed, thus more likely to block pores

and form acnes.

Choosing sunscreens suitable for your skin type

Choose sunscreens with UVA- and UVB-resistant constituents

These two kinds of UV rays are harmful to skin. Since SPF value only reflects the product’s ability of

resisting UVB, when purchasing sunscreens you should not only consider their SPF values, but whether

they are UVA resistant. Products that are also resistant to UVA are denoted with (+) signs, the more

number of +s the more protective. Therefore, inorganic sunscreens and a small number of chemical

anti-sun constituents, such as Benzophenones, are both UVA- and UVB-resistant.

Choosing different dosage forms according to your skin types

．Dry skin – pigments easily emerge after sun. It has the highest sunburn index. First of all, avoid

exposure to the sun. Use sunscreens throughout the year. Dry skin may use sunscreens that are relatively

moisturizing, such as ointment (Wax Sticks, Oil-based Emulsion).

．Combination skin – Epidermal lipid secretion at T-zone is more exuberant, while

the chins, lips and skin surrounding the eyes are dryer and easily form wrinkles. Since sunscreens applied

onto the T-zone (nose) with the most oil secretion will easily fall off, it becomes the most risky area of UV

attacks. Combination skin may choose a “partly organic and partly inorganic” anti-sun cream that is

milder, more comforting and air-permeable.

．Oily skin – coarse skin surface, pores easily blocked, forming acnes and blackheads. As the skin secretes

oil very easily, sunscreens should not be too rich and thick in texture, or they will block the pores and

result in acnes. Therefore, they should choose refreshing “organic” anti-sun lotion or gel. There are a few

things to pay attention concerning anti-sun protection of children:

- Infants of 6 months old should not apply any sunscreen products to avoid allergy. Most important is

to avoid direct exposure under sunlight. Use broad-brimmed hats or UV protective umbrellas for

protection.

- Infants from 6 months to 2 years old should use products of SPF value 15 or above. Parts more prone

to sunburns, such as nose and shoulders, should use inorganic sunscreens.

- Children under the age of 12 are not advised to use organic sunscreen products that contain alcohol

(e.g. emulsion or gel formula) or p-ABA, to avoid allergy.

- Teach children the correct knowledge of anti-sun protection since they are small, in order to reduce

contact of the skin for UV lights over the years.

Proper use of sunscreen products

First, read the instructions for use. Some anti-sun emulsions have to be shaken well before use. Usually,

apply sunscreens 15-30 minutes before going out to

allow sufficient time for thorough absorption by the skin. Use sufficient amount (for adults, each time

the whole body should apply approximately 30ml, and 2.5ml for each part; “each part” refers to face and

neck, each arm and shoulder, chest and abdomen, back, each thigh, each leg and foot). Apply evenly for

effective defence against damages by UV rays to the skin. Before applying sunscreens, make sure the skin

surface is dry. Lastly, reapply every 2 or 3 hours to maintain the anti-sun effect. Also reapply sunscreen

after wiping dry your body after swimming and perspiring.

Also, nose is the part on your face that gets sunburns most easily, as the nose will secrete oil and

perspire more easily, thus making sunscreen more readily fall off. Therefore, one must reapply sunscreen

products frequently to avoid sunburns. Eyes, back of ears, lips, limbs exposed outside clothing and neck

need sunscreens.

Edible anti-sun healthy nutrients such as Vitamins A, C, E or carotene do not have substantial ground to

proof they are effective.

Tips of anti-sun protection

．Apply sunscreens everyday before going out, including cloudy or rainy days, because days without

sunlight does not mean they are UV-free. Water, sand and snow will strongly reflect UV lights, so one

must prepare well for anti-sun protection when going to beaches and ski fields.

．Wear sunglasses, hats or use an umbrella when going out. It is better to choose broad-brimmed hats

made of dark fabric. For umbrellas, it is better to choose double-layer sun-proof ones that are UVA- and

UVB-resistant. Anti-sun protection

Clothing is available at some outdoors equipment companies. Anti-sun fabrics are just like anti-sun

lotions, categorized into inorganic and organic ones. Inorganic fabrics are pieces of fabric painted with a

layer of silver-colored, light-proof coating, directly blocking and reflecting UV rays. However, this kind of

fabric is non-permeable, usually used for making UV protective umbrellas. Chemical anti-sun fabrics are

pieces of fabric added with chemical substance of a basic structure of “benzene”. The energy of this

substance is similar to that of UV rays, so it can absorb UV rays. Yet, the anti-sun effect of textiles added

with anti-sun chemicals usually fades away after being washed for a dozen times.

．Avoid going out at hours when sun rays are strongest, i.e. 10am to 2pm. The UV index will be highest at

this time. Unless otherwise necessary, it is better to stay indoors, which is one of the best ways of

anti-sun protection.

．Use UV-resistant cellophane paper on car windows. Even when staying indoors, avoid sitting next to a

large window where sunlight can get in.

Written by: Peggy Chan (Pharmacist)

A First Look at Equipping for Patient Visits Education

Song: (Happiness & Praises #17) Make me a channel of your peace

Announcements and offering:

Prayer:

Bible reading: Matthew 25: 35-36

Content

Introduction

While the incarnated Lord Jesus Christ was on earth, not only did He teach His disciples and the

contemporary congregation by the way of truth, He also put His teachings into actions, which come alive

before those being taught. Jesus made “the way of God” His own life. How can we live “the way of God”

in our daily lives?

In Matthew 25: 35-36, Jesus discussed when the day of judgment comes in future, the king of

judgment will praise those who can live “the way of God”, “For I was hungry and you gave me something

to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed

clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit

me.”

Give the hungry something to eat, the thirsty something to drink, the strangers a place to stay, the

naked clothes, and visit those in prison. We may have fewer opportunities to visit prisoners and

accommodate strangers, but the other aspects of service are not too difficult for us to accomplish, nor

do we need special training. When it comes to “I was sick and you looked after me”, we always feel so

inadequate. Apart from the differences of various illnesses, the feelings of patients may not be the same.

When visiting patients, we always have the annoying experience of not knowing what to say and what

not to say.

We hope that through today’s meeting about “A First Look at Equipping for Patient Visits”, we may

better equip ourselves with the basic steps of the ministry of patient visits.

Preparation before the visits

You can tell if a visit will be successful when you look at the preparation beforehand. You will not

feel confused at the time you set off if you are well-prepared. You will not be at a loss of words when

facing the patients. (Ask fellow sisters what they think are needed to be prepared before visiting patients,

then continue with sharing.) Preparation work covers 4 areas:

1. Communicate with patients’ families first

In order to understand and get to know the patient’s condition, of course we may begin with his

family members. The following information may be obtained from family members:

- What kind of illness: for us to further understand the general conditions of the illnesses

concerned

- The course of falling ill: Such as causes of illness, length of time, what have happened during

the whole course

- Condition of patients: Such as how they behave and react, doctor’s diagnosis and prognosis

- Patients’ favors and fears: This is the key to establish link between the patients and us. This is

also a good starting point of future

- Discussion with the patients on the good news, or even funeral matters.

- Aspirations of family members: If the patients are the elderly of family, and if they are stubborn,

they are unlikely to accept the kind advice of their family. If we succeed in bridging their

communication, the family will appreciate what we do, which may benefit evangelical works in

future.

2. Prepare some encouraging bible verses, prayers or testimonies

Falling sick is the most helpless stage of one’s life. Be it a business giant or a scholarly master, lying

on the sickbed is the moment one can’t help. Miraculously, even for non-Christian patients, words

from the well-seasoned bible can offer the power of comfort and faith.

However, please note that unless we are have very special and faultless guidance that comes from

the Spirit, never raise questions such as “Do you want to recover?” Then, what biblical verses

should we prepare? (Let fellow sisters try to provide verses). The followings are for reference:

- Ps 23: 1-6, 29:10, 103:1-5, 11-12, 121:1-8

Mt 6:25-30, Ro 8:1-2, 31-34, 2Co 1:4-6, 4:16-18

Php 4:6-7, Jam 5:13-16, 1Pe 5:7

(May read one or two verses from the above)

3. Read some relevant popular medical books in advance

Suppose we are going to visit muscular dystrophy patients, but we know nothing about the illness.

When we see a patient being so much tortured by the illness, yet our minds are empty, isn’t it true

that we may want to go away as soon as possible, and think that we are entirely not fit to appear

before them? At this time, we may want to read some popular books and learn a little about this

kind of illness, or search some information from the internet. (May test fellow sisters’ knowledge of

muscular dystrophy)

4. Pray with family or comrades before setting off

Of course you may have a chance to visit patients on your own. Even if you go alone, you should

pray before you go, because planting our job, but whether it bears fruit rests with the Lord.

Rev. Yeung Mook Kuk advocates teamwork. Going together with the patients’ family members or

fellow comrades allows you to experience the joy of cooperation, at the same time lessen your

sense of confusion. Better make prior arrangements before the visits. One person will be

responsible for talking, the other will pray for support. In this way, the experience of the Spirit

working with us will become more concrete.

Patient visit is a very important and sacred job. It gives us an opportunity to pray together with the

patients’ family or our comrades, and to invite the Spirit to work with us. Then, the moment you

step into the hospital, you will have a feeling of “going to the battlefield” – being all concentrated,

as well as having a heart to rely on the Spirit.

Rules for Visitors

1. Appropriate visiting hours

- According to hospitals’ guidelines

2. Duration of stay

- Not exceeding 20 minutes under normal circumstances, because usually patients’ attention span

does not exceed 20 minutes

3. Appropriate position to stand

- Must think about at what position will require less effort from the patient at which he/she will not

feel uncomfortable. (Let fellow sisters give suggestions.) Remember, there is only one such position,

i.e. to place a chair beside the position where the patient lays his/her hand. If it is too low when we

sit down, we may sit at the bedside; and if it is too high when we sit at the bedside, sit down on the

chair, placing a pillow beneath the patient so that he/she can lie flat and look at us without having

to forcefully open his/her eyelids.

4. Venues of visit

- Whether the visit takes place at a hospital or home, try to coordinate with the hospital or family as

much as possible. Visitors should also be considerate, e.g. do not visit patients at home during

dinner hours for our own convenience. This is far too disturbing!

5. Tone of speech

- Tone of speech should be friendly and soft. Low volume is best. Avoid loud and high-spirited

speech, because patients are sensitive and easily annoyed by noise. (Take it as a little competition.

See who has the most suitable voice.)

6. What to say and what to do

- What should be said depends to whom you are talking. A rather useful rule is to listen. Although

we may have already learnt about the patients’ conditions from their family prior to the visit, we

should ask in a caring tone how they are doing when we meet, and lead them to tell their feelings.

It really works.

- When meting terminal patients, give them a slight grip at the palm, arm or pinch at their shoulders.

Our touch, care and sympathy will go deep into their hearts, and are way better than a thousand

words.

7. Evangelical visits

- It is a very natural thing to share the good news during visits. But remember, do not declare the

good news or hand out a biblical leaflet as soon as you meet the patients. This will make them think

your visit is not sincere, rather you just try to take advantage of a sick man.

So, when is the suitable time for discussing the good news? (Share your views.) When he

understands you really do care for him, also when he trusts you, you may add some evangelical

elements under a normal circumstance.

8. Do not forget to pray

- Even if the patients are non-Christian, they won’t mind to let God give them a hand. Therefore, do

not forget to pray. However, the content of prayers should never arouse false hope and expectation

for the patients. Rather it should make them focus on the fact that Jesus Christ also suffered, and

make them trust God and calm their hearts so that they will be strengthened.

Conclusion: “I was sick and you looked after me” is not an easy service, but a compulsory mission among

God’s commands. May we improve and grow together in this ministry, so that we may actually let

patients receive care, love and support.

Reference material: Yeung Mook Kuk How to develop your gift of patient visits Hong Kong: Ever

Grace Publisher LTD 2004 New Edition

Stamps Education

The 2008 Olympic Games will be held in Beijing, China. Businessmen are seeking every

opportunities brought by this international event. A lot of souvenirs related to the Olympics have been

manufactured, such as T-shirts, key chains, the mascot Fuwa, and so on. The Hong Kong Post will also

issue the Beijing 2008 Olympic Equestrian Events commemorative stamps. Stamp collectors may keep

this set of stamps just for their interest, commemoration and a remembrance of history.

Do you know a tiny stamp contains immense knowledge? The women’s fellowship may have a

sharing on this subject, so that fellow sisters and mothers may learn and broaden their knowledge of

stamps together. It may also be used as another topic during parent-kid activity sessions.

Unlimited knowledge of stamp collection:

1. Nurture the temperament:

Allow children to organize stamps systematically and carefully. After some time, children will learn to

handle matters in an orderly manner and become more calm-hearted.

2. Enrich their knowledge:

National and historical events, local customs and culture, precious plants, art and culture, etc, may

be printed on stamps. One may gain lots of extra-curricular knowledge through the collection of

stamps.

3. Beginning stamp collection

A. Set the goals. Keep going with perseverance in order until a complete set of stamps is collected.

B. Buy stamps according to one’s time and financial condition.

C. Do not focus on quantity or attractiveness. Emphasize quality, not quantity.

D. Exhibit stamps according to chronological order (issuing date) or topics (different themes such

as literature or musical instruments).

4. Useful tools

A. Stamp tweezers

B. Stamp mount

C. Album

5. Preserving stamps

A. Avoid touching the stamps with your hands. Use tweezers to place stamps on the stamp mounts.

Keep them clean and tidy.

B. Try to prevent moistening or yellowness on the gum on the back of stamps. It will damage and

depreciate the stamps.

6. What kinds of stamps are high in value?

First of all, stamp collection should not only be used as for investment or making profit. We should

treasure the artistic and historical values of the stamps even more. The standard for the philatelists is:

apart from a complete collection of stamps, other factors determine their value as well, such as the

issuing year, quantity issued (the fewer the better), and the quality of the preserved stamp products,

e.g. whether the perforations on the edges are damaged, whether the surface has been scratched, or

if there is gum on the back (those with gums are more valuable). Moreover, stamps without

postmark have higher values than those with postmark.

Major Belinda Tso

Commanding Officer of Shatin Corps

The health benefits of black soybeans Education

Ancient Chinese concepts believe that black soybeans have anti-aging and beautifying effects.

As a matter of fact, the latest researches also revealed that black soybeans are good for reducing blood

lipids, anti-oxidation and making you more beautiful.

1. Lowering blood lipid level; prevention of cardiovascular diseases

Among the 15% of lipids content of black soybeans, most of them are unsaturated fatty acids, which

promote cholesterol metabolism and reduce blood lipid level.

Black soybeans may slow down the oxidation rate of blood LDL (low-density lipoproteins). They are

effective in lowering triglyceride concentration, thus reducing the possibility of cardiovascular

diseases. Moreover, black soybeans have prominent effect of lowering blood lipid levels for both the

healthy and atherosclerosis patients.

In animal tests, rabbits with high blood lipids that only take in vitamin E do not suffer from

atherosclerosis. The effect on the group that eats black soybeans comes next. The group of rabbits

fed with soybeans and ordinary fodder has the most serious condition of thrombosis. “Surprisingly,

regarding the effects of lowering the possibility of atherosclerosis and preventing thrombosis, black

soybeans perform better than soybeans.”

2. Anti-oxidation and slowing down of aging process

Black soybeans also contain many anti-oxidants, especially isoflavones and anthocyanins.

According to the Compendium of Materia Medica (Bencao Gangmu), black soybeans have

life-prolonging and rejuvenation effects. Yang Qi-ming presumed that it is related to the

anti-oxidants found in black soybeans, such as isoflavones and anthocyanins, which help slowing

down the aging process.

The content of isoflavones is higher in black soybeans than in soybeans. For both the healthy and

patients suffering from atherosclerosis, “black soybeans are more effective anti-oxidants than

soybeans”.

In general, any beans with purplish red or black seed skins contain

anthocyanins, e.g. black soybeans, grape skins and mulberry. Anthocyanins are a good source of

anti-oxidants. They help removing free radicals from the body, and function even better in acidic

environments such as the stomach.

3. Beautifying and promote peristalsis

Black soybeans are also rich in the anti-oxidant Vitamin E, which helps removing free radicals from

the body and reducing skin wrinkles, which in turn help you stay pretty and young.

It is recorded in many classical medical works that black soybeans can “beautify, improve vision,

blacken hair and whiten the skin”. Renowned writer of the Sung Dynasty Su Dong-bo mentioned that

young men and women ingested black soybeans in order to stay pretty.

In addition, black soybeans contain 5% of fiber, which promote peristalsis and prevent constipation.

For people who used to suffer from acne problems, after taking black soybeans for a period of time,

the situation got better. This is probably because black soybeans are rich in fiber. After some time, it

naturally strengthens the effect of detoxification of the intestines.

4. It is better eaten cooked than raw

You cannot absorb any nutrients if you simply swallow the black soybeans. It will just be like

swallowing a tiny piece of stone, stimulating the intestines at most. This is particularly not good for

people who have a weak digestion, as the raw and hard black soybeans may cause intestinal

obstruction.

Another disadvantage of ingesting raw black soybeans is that their oligosaccharide may lead to

gastric bloating, particularly causing discomfort to people who have a weaker stomach.

In addition, trypsin inhibitors found in raw black soybeans will reduce protein absorption and

utilization, while their hemagglutimin will inhibit growth. Their goitrogen will lower iodine

absorption, leading to malfunction and swelling of the goiter. However, these constituents will be

destroyed once heated and cooked. Therefore, it is better to eat the black soybeans cooked than

raw, or ingested in powder form or as processed food.

5. Best to go with main meals

Black soybeans can be taken in many ways, e.g. black soybean powder may be sprinkled onto rice,

noodles or salad, or used to make bread or mochi (sticky rice cakes). Black beancurds may be served

cold, marinated or braised.

But most people like beancurds best. Beancurds made of black soybeans with yellow kernels have a

better texture and moisture than those made of black soybeans with green kernels. However, these

are still not as good as beancurds made of yellow soybeans, because the seed skins of black

soybeans contain tannin, which add more mouth-puckering taste with less savor of beans.

It is suggested that one should take in 4 portions of eggs, beans, fish and meat every day, one of

which should come from legume products made of black soybeans and yellow soybeans. These are

indeed a good alternative. However, considering protein digestibility, yellow soybeans are better

than black ones.

From the health care point of view, eating black soybeans only is not sufficient. The correct and

healthy concept should be: black soybeans only play a supporting role in the normal meals.

Information adapted from an article on the Internet, “The Health Benefits of Black Soybeans”

Prepared by Major Sarah Chan

TEAM BUILDING Fellowship

Singspiration Building up the Temple of the Lord

For I’m building a people

Create in me a clean heart, O God

Opening Prayer

TEAM BUILDING GAME

1. Prepare the following material for the game before the meeting start:

a. Balls or marbles

b. PVC pipe cut into pieces with holes where the ball can roll.

c. 20 foot length of rope to lay on the ground in a curving line. One end of the line is the

starting point while the other end is the finish point.

d. Bucket – to be placed at the other end of the rope that represents the finish point.

Notes for the facilitator:

e. Facilitator of the game will place the tubing or PVC pipe on the floor following the rope

line.

f. Give each group enough number of balls/ marble.

For this game we’ll base our game on the fruit of the Spirit found in Galatians 5: 22-23 “22But the fruit of

the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control.

Against such things there is no law.” Therefore the number of marbles to give will be nine pieces per

group.

g. The objective of the game is to deliver the whole fruit of the Spirit to its end point, (which

is the bucket) without dropping it and with speed. The first group to deliver the whole

fruit will win.

2. Mechanics of the game. ( How to play the game?)

a. Facilitator to introduce to the player the mechanics of the game and its objectives.

i. Let each player know that the game is about the delivery of the product (which is

the fruit of the Spirit) to its final destiny (the bucket).

ii. Delivery will start at the beginning of the rope and let it roll through the pipes until

it reaches its final delivery (the bucket).

iii. Deliver it with care and as fast as each group can.

iv. As delivery is made let each player shout the name of the ball/ marble that is

passing their way. Since the game is about the fruit of the Spirit, each balls’ name

will be one of the fruit of the Spirit.

v. In the delivery, you may put tubing close to other tubing, but you may not attach

your tubing in anyway to anyone else’s tubing. You may not touch anyone else’s

tubing.

vi. The marble must go through everyone’s tubing at least once.

vii. If the marble hits the ground or stops it must begin again at the starting point.

Direct consequences may occur if you drop the ball such as holding the tubing

with one hand only and others.

viii. Only tubing is to touch the marble/ ball (no hands).

ix. The marble must follow the path laid out by the rope to its final destination.

x. The marble must travel in a continuous forward motion (no backward motion).

The marble may not stop.

xi. You may not move your feet when the marble is traveling through your tube.

xii. The rope and bucket may not be moved.

xiii. Give each group 5 minutes for planning and then they will be timed to see how

quickly they can deliver the product with satisfaction..

3. Game Reflection. Debrief Questions.

Experience:

a. What frustrated you with this experience?

b. What did it take for your team to finally achieve success?

c. How did you find yourself reacting to every fruit being dropped?

Team Dynamics:

a. What process did you use to plan your strategy?

b. How effective or ineffective was your planning time? What made it so?

c. If you were to do this again, what would you change about your planning time?

d. What stopped the fruit from smoothly flowing through the process?

e. How did you deal with the resource limitations you faced in delivering the fruit?

f. How did the team respond to the breakdowns?

Application:

a. In what ways is this experience similar to what goes on in the ministry of the corps?

b. Where do breakdowns happen in acquiring the fruit of the Spirit and in sharing that fruit to

others, those who belong to the family of God and to those who have no relationship with Christ

yet as their Lord and Saviour?

c. Once you identify the problem with your team, in the process of delivery, what process do you

have in place to create a solution?

d. Can you think of any breakdown which has occurred over and over again in your corps?

e. Why do these breakdown keep re-occurring?

f. What process do you need to bring around the problems to ensure breakdown stop?

g. What kind of new roles or responsibilities might you need to take on in order to solve the

problem?

Conclusion:

Sing : “ The Fruit of the Spirit” from the chorus section of the English Song Book # 46.

Closing Prayer

Captain Nelia Almenario

The Commanding Officer

English Speaking Corps

Power behind women Fellowship

Song SASB #25 Oh! Oh! Oh!

Game Serving one another

1. Passing objects, then compile and form something functional.

2. Massaging shoulders and necks for neighboring fellow members.

Remark: Prepare necessary materials: e.g. books, stationeries, clothes, wallets…

Content：1. Be good at cooking 5. Be talented and independent

2. Satisfactory source of finance 6. Good marriage and filial children

3. Having a good friend 7. Walking with the Lord

4. Be pretty and wise 8. Be understanding

Remarks: 1. Let team members choose a different topic, so that they may share with others.

2. Let team members choose the topics in order, then let them share.

Which woman in the Bible do you like?

What is our strongest power?

Let team members:

1. Pray and communicate with God 4. Offer 7. have a Church life

2. Read the Bible 5. Have faith in life 8. lead people to Christ

3. Serve God 6. Pray for others 9. others

Summary:

We have Lord Jesus behind us, to give me hope.

We have Lord Jesus behind us, to give me strength.

We have Lord Jesus behind us, to walk with me.

Song SASB #25 Oh! Oh! Oh!

Commanding Officer of William Booth Corps

Major Helina Chan

Show kindness to others Fellowship

Bible passage: Matthew 10:40-42; Mark 9:33-37

Introduction:

Does anyone of you find yourself having a special gift of receiving others? Or, do you have the experience

of showing kindness to others? Please raise your hand if you do. Sharing what you have with others is a

blessing. But we cannot deny that sometimes we do have preference. When we ask ourselves quietly,

perhaps we have all been negligent on the work of showing kindness. I hope that through reading the

Bible today, we may discuss together the ways of showing kindness to others.

I would like to share the following story with you:

According to a Roman myth, one of the major gods is called Jupiter. To find out how welcoming the

Phrygians are, he and his companion Mercury disguised themselves as poor wandering travelers. They

knocked door by door, asking for food and shelter. All the families were rude to them, ignoring them by

banging the door shut.

At last, they reached a shabby hovel. A kind looking old man Philomen and his wife Baucis received them,

invited them in, and let them sit by the fire. The couple made food for them. Although they could only

offer simple wine to their guests, they would help refill the guests’ glasses as soon as they were empty.

Because of the couple’s generosity and hospitality, Jupiter gave them big rewards. Their wine jugs were

never empty again. Their hovel was turned into an ornate temple and the couple into priests and

guardians.

This is but a legend. However, the principles taught are in line with the teachings in the Bible. We should

never belittle the value of our guests, nor should we look down on the value of a kind act.

Discussion: (may divide into groups)

1. Have you ever experienced some temptations that made you neglect some people while you treat

other people nicely? Why?

2. Read Matthew 10:40-42. What kinds of people were regarded as Christ’s representatives?

3. Some scholars found 4 groups of people from this bible passage, in sequence as follows: disciples

(v.40), God’s messengers (v.41), a righteous man (v.41) and the little ones (v.42). As we receive each

group of these people, what motivation will we get?

4. If Christ came to your home today, asking for food, shelter or clothes. How would you respond?

5. How would it help you if you knew that receiving the smallest among the disciples is to receive

Jesus?

6. In these 3 verses, Jesus mentioned rewards for three times. Can you imagine what kind of rewards

will you receive as you show kindness to other Christians?

7. Read Mark 9:33-37. Try to think of the reasons why the disciples argue about who is the greatest.

8. How did Jesus turn the secular concept of the first being the greatest upside down?

9. What are the practical ways for you to “be the very last, and the servant of all” in your family and the

church?

10. Do we see anyone who has a low status in our lives?

Captain Alice Cheung

Commanding Officer of Butterfly Corps

The keys to Anti-aging Fellowship

Give fellow sisters 5 minutes on greetings, then remain silence for 15 minutes for devotion.

Devotion: 2 Corinthians 12:1-10, on those who want to control/get hold of their lives

Content: Prepare 12 keys made of golden paper. Write 12 incidents on the pieces of paper. Let fellow

sisters choose freely, then speak or act as instructed. Let fellow sisters share the joy.

Objective: Keys to anti-aging

The 1st

key: A glass of water in the morning is good for health. (One sister asks everyone to drink a glass

of water.)

The 2nd

key: Quality sleep. (One sister demonstrates sleeping positions on the sides or curling up.

Prepare a bed sheet or mattress.)

The 3rd

key: It is good for health to eat not to the full satiety. (A sister shares a piece of plain bread to

everyone. Prepare in advance.)

The 4th

key: Stretching exercise is good for health. (Prepare music. A sister leads the dance and everyone

follows.)

The 5th

key: Reading bible verses will enhance wisdom. (A sister leads the reading, demonstrating

corresponding actions. 3 John 3:16)

The 6th

key: More legumes may bring long life. (A sister gives everyone 2 pieces of pistachio. Prepare in

advance.)

The 7th

key: Say NO to cigarettes and alcohol (A sister demonstrates using real objects. Prepare in

advance.)

The 8th

key: Harmonious life. (A sister gives hugs to everyone to show love among family.)

The 9th

key: Focus on God in solitude. (A sister’s testimony of about 3 minutes.)

The 10th

key: Think of bible verses more in your mind. (A sister reads out the bible verse in her mind, e.g.

Psalms 23)

The 11th

key: Drink more tea to help lose weight, prevent cancer and stay young. (A sister gives everyone

a cup of tea.)

The 12th

key: Live your life with a smiling face. (A sister leads the singing with a smiling face towards

everyone: Joy! Joy! Joy! There is joy in The Salvation Army.)

Closing the gathering by The Lord’s Prayer

Refreshments and fellowship

Major Maureen Ki

Commanding Officer

Hong Kong Island East Corps

Layered Fruit of the Spirit Fellowship

Having devotion about the fruit of the Spirit or the scripture during a dessert making session is an

innovative devotional exercise. Fellow members may share the joy of dessert making. At the same time,

they are encouraged to incorporate their beliefs into their daily lives, making God’s words the guidelines

in their lives.

We will be making a dessert called 9-Layer Coconut Cake, corresponding to the 9 fruit of the Spirit.

During the short break in between the making of each layer, think of one kind of spiritual fruit. During

the last 8-10 minutes, make a summary and pick one kind of fruit for further spiritual exercise. Enjoy the

cakes when they are done. Share with one another your inspirations and determinations during the

devotional exercise. Encourage and remind one another.

This devotional exercise can be carried out any time, e.g. when ironing clothes. Think of one of the fruit

of the Spirit or the scripture.

Ingredients:

Tapioca starch 250 g Rice flour 90 g Coconut cream (large) 400 g

Sugar 250 g Lukewarm water 220 g (may be replaced by coconut cream)

Pandan essence 1/2 tsp.

Direction:

1. Mix tapioca starch, rice flour, coconut cream and sugar well then filter. (approx. 1000 ml).

2. Divide the mixture into two portions (600 ml and 400 ml).

3. Add Pandan essence into some water, then add the solution to the 600 ml-mixture to form a

green paste.

4. Boil water in a wok. Put in a steam pan.

5. Make green and white layers alternately, the first layer being green. Steam each layer for about 2

minutes.

6. The final layer is also green. Steam 8-10 minutes more. Cool, slice and wrap well.

Note: Do not put the cake in the fridge or it will harden.

Instructions to devotion:

Distribute to each member a handout of the fruit of the Spirit, or the host read out the content and let

fellow members have devotional thoughts.

Fruit of the Spirit

Galatians 5:22-23－“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness,

faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”

Love

Such love is supernatural. A God-loving man would make people love God’s kingdom even

more, and love this materialistic world less. Greed is a human nature. Loving your neighbors is the sign of

a devoted Christian that is not restricted by one’s qualities.

※ “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and

with all your strength… Love your neighbor as yourself.”

Joy

The joy given by the Spirit is not restricted to the atmosphere. It is a kind of long-lasting joy

that comes from God’s grace we possess. It is not to be eradicated by any hardship or suffering.

※ “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4)

Peace

Only a person who is carefree and has peace of mind can face all kinds of situations in life with

a kind of “indescribable” peace.

※ “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving,

present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your

hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)

Patience

Its feature is being able to willingly stand any suffering and humiliation. A person who is

patient can take up the most menial, unappreciated and tough work without complain or agitation. On

the contrary, they willingly trust God. On one hand they will reveal the spirit of Christ’s love. On the other,

they can complete the tough tasks on time, or stand the humiliation.

Kindness

Kindness comes from a gentle heart, with attentive, polite, friendly, thoughtful and benevolent

acts.

Goodness

Goodness means “having no reservation for oneself and everything one owns”. The most

precise and concise meaning is kindness.

Faithfulness

Faithfulness embraces the absolute obedience to God and giving up everything for Him. It is

the best remedy for the fear that leads to worries, confusion and pessimism. Seek the Spirit to fill you

with confidence.

※ “Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” (Psalms 27:14)

Gentleness

When the Spirit fills you, you will become humble, kind-hearted, gentle and readily answer

others’ requests.

Self-control

Self-restrain or self-discipline. It helps solve emotional outbursts for Christians, such as rage,

anger, fear, jealousy, and so on. He/She can avoid over release of any forms of these emotions. Being

controlled by the Spirit will make one act in a consistent, reliable and orderly manner.

Source of the information on Fruit of the Spirit (Chinese):

http://home.netvigator.com/~winnieyu/page1.html

Captain Shek Pui-fun

Assistant Commanding Officer, Kowloon East Corps

Sharing black soybeans food Service

Prepare some food using black soybeans before the women’s gathering, then share among everybody, or

raise funds for the Helping Hand project.

It is suggested to prepare the black soybean food first, then proceed to other procedures while the beans

are being boiled.

(1) Black soybean juice

Ingredients:

� Black soybeans 50 g Water 1,500 c.c.

Directions:

1. Boil black soybeans and water in a pot.

2. Bring water to boil at high heat, then boil at low heat for about 45 minutes.

3. After cooling, use a filter and keep the filtered black soybean juice in a container. Keep in a cool place

or the fridge. Drink 2 or 3 times everyday.

(2) Black soybeans and red beans porridge

Ingredients:

� Black soybeans 30g Red beans 30g

� White rice 60g Sugar to taste

Directions:

1. Soak the black soybeans and red beans overnight. On the following day, boil the black soybeans and

red beans using the soaking water for about 10 minutes.

2. Then, add white rice and water (the amount of water should be similar to what you need in making

ordinary porridge). Bring to boil, then boil at low heat for about 30-40 minutes. Add sugar only

before serving.

* It tastes even better after cooling. Serves as a yummy dessert.

Uses:

Suitable for people with swollen hands and feet, feeling weak upon labor, waist pain. Helps improving

function of kidneys.

Information from:

Ya Dian Na Shu Fang: Black Soybeans Healthy Nutritional Therapy. Taipei: Xin Chao She Wen Hua Shi Ye

You Xian Gong Si. 2006

Major Sarah Chan

Command Education & Training Director

Leisurely time after a meal Service

Target client: Mothers of fellow church members (about 3-6, depending on ratio of number of

participants)

Objective of weekly gathering: Through the activity of going to tea going (yum-cha), the favourite

pastime of elderly, to get in touch with fellow members’ mothers, so as to spend the leisurely time after

a meal to carry out preparatory evangelical work, and get them to understand the church and the

Christian belief.

Preparation:

1. Contact your target participants in advance before you set the weekly gathering. Remind and inform

them of the time and venue of meeting one week and one day before the meeting.

2. Pre-arrange women to take care of certain participants. They may get to know the participants’

personalities, likes and dislikes beforehand, so that it will be easier to start a conversation at the

gathering.

3. At the gathering, sit with your targets in order to take care of them and build up a relationship.

4. It is suggested that the expenses of this tea gathering be paid by the women’s fellowship. Colorful

and useful small gifts such as key holders or phone straps may also be provided.

Follow-up:

Women’s fellowship should arrange family visits in future, in order to keep in close link with the targets,

and act as a bridge between them and the church.

* Sing, worship and pray together one hour before going to yum cha

Program

(1) Suggested songs (10 mins)

1. (Happiness & Praise #32) The greatest thing in all my life

2. (Happiness & Praise # 58) This is the day

(2) Brief sermon and sharing (10 mins)

1. Bible passage: Mark 2:1-12

2. Content: Succeed when work together

* 4 people work together despite all the difficulties to bring the paralytic to the place

where Jesus entered

* 4 people work together at all cost to bring the paralytic into the place where Jesus was

* 4 people work together to overcome obstacles, determined to lower the paralyzed

man to the place where Jesus sat

3. Conclusion: In this story, because of the faith of the paralyzed man and his 4 carriers, he was

finally cured by Jesus. His life was never the same from then on.

Jesus changed the life of the paralytic only because of the love, commitment and faith in Lord

Jesus of the 4 persons who are united in hearts. From their experience, we can see that it is not

an easy task to bring the needy to Jesus. There are obstacles ahead brought about by people, as

well as all sorts of environmental constraints.

Despite all the obstacles, with their unitedness, love, determination and faith, a paralyzed man

gets a new life and renewed living. Today, we also bear such a mission. We also have such a

heart of love, determination and trust on Jesus. Let us devote our little mind and efforts in the

body of Christ. Work together with them in bringing their family to God and serve together.

Through yum cha with fellow members’ mothers who have not known God yet, during the

leisurely time after meal, we may share with them God’s blessings and work done on us.

Through contacts in daily lives, they may be led into Jesus’ salvation, in doing so Jesus himself

may cure and save their lives, so that his children will obtain satisfactory joy.

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him,

who have been called according to his purpose.”

(3) Pray together (5 mins)

- May the Holy Spirit lead the entire tea gathering. May God be glorified and men be benefited.

- May the Spirit give us words of wisdom to touch people’s hearts.

- May the Spirit work with us and empower us.

(4) Set off to serve

- Arrive at the restaurant 30 minutes earlier to ensure enough seats for everyone

- Arrange 1-2 sisters to wait and welcome participants outside the restaurant

- Arrange someone to pick up and accompany anyone who with mobility disability

- Pay attention to health conditions and dieting habits of individual elderly persons when

ordering food. Avoid food that is not easily digested, oily, deep- or shallow-fried. Cater to their

taste as far as possible, because they are the important persons in this activity!

Captain Tammy Cho

Assistant Commanding Officer, Tseung Kwan O Corps

Biblical Five-colored Flowers Service

Introduction:

There is a kind of handicraft using pantyhose to create a variety of works. Pantyhose are stretchy yet soft,

delicate yet elegant, environmental friendly yet variable. (In future, you may wash your torn pantyhose

to be used as props.)

Their transparency and flexibility represent a new sense of unprecedented feeling and a new form of

handicraft to the full.

Some religious organizations and people used 5 colors to bring in the bible message. So this time I will

use pantyhose of 5 different colors to make a string of 5-colored flowers. Each color bears a special

meaning, at its core is God’s complete salvation plan for mankind.

Black – sins

Red – precious blood of Christ

White – cleanness

Green – new life

Yellow – heaven

Objective:

We all know that men have unlimited potential. Among the women’s fellowship, apart from stimulating

fellow sisters’ love of handicraft, we may also share the fun of creativity, enrich and add colors to their

daily lives. The flowers may be presented to your neighbors, friends or relatives as a token of love.

Tools:

1. Circular fixation tube (Size of your choice)

2. Scissors

3. Long nose pliers

4. Snips

5. Elastic thread

Materials

1. Different kinds of single-colored pantyhose (black, red, white, green, yellow)

2. #24 golden steel wire

3. Masking tape

4. #18 steel wire

5. Various cores

6. Leaves

＊ Reminder:

Elastic thread – Threads used for sewing up seams; elastic; they will not loosen with knotting after

pulling and breaking.

Finally, design a greeting card. Write encouraging notes and biblical verses. Wrap to finish.

Excerpted from “Colored Pantyhose DIY”

Captain Lai-ching Cho

Commanding Officer, Tung Chung Corps

Serving in Dragon Boat Festival Service

In Hong Kong, there are many chances to serve, whether serving as a group or individually.

In this Command, we have Helping Hand Project every year. Women can participate in making food,

breakfast or lunch for charity bazaar to raise fund.

In this month we are going to celebrate the Dragon Festival. Women can make rice dumplings or buy

them from the market. Then, invite children to distribute the rice dumplings and fruit to the elderly

together. We can share the love, joy and gospel with the elderly in this special festival. As we do this,

we are teaching the children to put our care for others into action.

Make the Salted meat rice dumplings

Ingredients: (16-18 dumplings)

White glutinous rice 900g (approx. 1.5 jin)

Skinned mung beans 500g

Pork 1/2 jin

Salted egg yolk (halved) 8-9 pcs

Bamboo leaves 72 pcs

Plant-based strings 8 pcs / a bundle

Seasoning:

(for white glutinous rice)

Salt 1+1/2 tsp.

Oil 2 tbsp.

(for pork) 5-Spice powder 1 tsp.

Sugar 2 tsp.

Salt 1+1/2 tsp.

Preparation:

1. Wash and soak glutinous rice and skinned mung beans for about 2-3 hours. Drain.

2. Marinate pork with seasoning for 0.5 hour.

3. Wash and soak in hot water for 2 hours. Soak strings for 0.5 hour. Drain and wipe. Cut small

segments at both ends for use.

4. Cut Salted egg yolks into halves (or use the whole egg yolks as you like).

5. Take 2 pieces of bamboo leaves, line one on top of another, fold them from the middle and twist

both ends up to form a cone/triangular pouch. Add some glutinous rice to the bottom, then mung

beans, Marinate pork and egg yolks, covered with another layer of glutinous rice. Fold upward the

side of the leave closer to your, and downward for the upper side. Securely wrap 2 other bamboo

leaves against the edge of the dumpling. Tie it with a piece of string.

6. Wrapped rice dumplings are usually boiled for about 2 hours.

Note:

1. The following ingredients may be used to make sweet rice dumplings: 1 jin of glutinous rice, added

with 1 tbsp. of lye water and 2 tbsp. of oil. Mix well. Red bean paste or lotus seed paste may be used

as filling.

2. For differentiation between sweet and salted rice dumplings, sweet ones are usually rectangular in

shape. 3 bamboo leaves are sufficient for wrapping.

Major Belinda Tso

Commanding Officer, Shatin Corps