phos jan 2011

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PHOS Newsletter Jan 2011

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Page 1: PHOS JAN 2011
Page 2: PHOS JAN 2011

If God looked back at 2010, what would He say about the Torchbearers?

Would He say, “Wow, these youths have really grown! And they love me so much!” Or maybe, “I love how the Torchbearers have this genuine love for the people around them!”

We’ve done so many noble things over the past year: from washing cars to building a school for poor children in India, interacting with the primary school kids and showing them God’s love... but the question is, how much of this was done because we love God and the people that He created?

As 2011 begins, let us keep up the good work that God has begun in us. Let us continue to draw closer to God and love Him more and more. Let us also love the people whom He has placed around us, and show them that Jesus loves them.

WE’RE BACK!!!Here’s a special edition of PHOS specially for you!

“Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

Page 3: PHOS JAN 2011

“Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken

the love you had at first.” (Revelation 2:4)

The church in Ephesus was doing all the right things. Never-say-die attitude. Check. Holding on to the truth. Check. Good deeds. Check.

But yet God was not pleased with them, because they had forgotten the most important thing. “You have forsaken the love you had at first”.

As we move on to our second year as a youth fellowship, we must constantly ask ourselves: Do we still love God as much? Or are we just going through the motions every Sunday? There is a real danger of looking like a vibrant youth group on the outside, while on the inside we slowly decay.

For the older youths, do we still love Jesus as much as we used to? Do we still care about the people around us? Or have we grown tired of serving year after year until

it becomes a obligation rather than an expression of love?

For the younger youths, do we love Jesus in the first place? Or are we just coming to church every Sunday to have our needs met, and hear the things that we want to hear?

These are tough questions. But I believe that as we seek God and desire to love Him, He will provide us with all the grace that we need.

When the Music Fades

Page 4: PHOS JAN 2011

ICAMP VENTURE6-9 Dec @ BB/GB CampsiteOn 6th Dec, the Torchbearers set out on arguably their toughest, roughest camp ever. Held in the ulu, uninhabited area of Sembawang, the campsite was secluded and away from every single element of comfort and security that a Singaporean

youth is accustomed to. Deadly mosquitoes lurked at every corner, waiting to bite their unsuspecting prey. And even more formidable, were the activities and challenges in store for the youths during this camp.

The camp theme was “5 loaves and 2 fish”, and the camp speaker Pastor Francis immediately dropped the bombshell and made the younger youths lead the subsequent worship sessions. As the older ones such as Liz and Sam Lim happily

pondered retirement, the youths were left in a frantic struggle to string together a decent worship team. What was originally slotted as free time became impromptu worship practices, as younger youths discovered the the musical gifts that God has blessed them with.

Page 5: PHOS JAN 2011

The main activity of the camp (also the worst kept secret), was the trip to the mysterious island of Asotnes to take the mystical

Pizagem. But finally on day 2, all was revealed as the campers headed to Sentosa to take the Megazip. Who would have guessed? Screams of fear were turned to elation as the Torchbearers

discovered the Tarzan within them as they swung high over the trees. This was perhaps an allusion to describe how as Christians,

we need to take the step of faith to serve God and live for Him.

The night was spent playing night games, where the campers fled

for their lives from “trolls” who were out to catch them. Those who were caught had a taste of persecution as they were tortured in the

torture chamber. The next day’s station games were no better as the campers had to slide across some gooey substance, catch water bombs from 3 stories up, and roll down the hill as human hamsters.

Despite all these perceived hardships, everyone had a great time bonding together the games. I guess adversity does make us

stronger!

Pastor Francis proceeded to tell us how we shouldn’t be a “Philip”,

but should instead trust God to provide for us in every situation. We shouldn’t feel inadequate because of our age, but really be an

example to all the believers in everything we do. It’s never too early to serve God!

The finale of the camp was the camp night where the campers huddled around the campfire and enjoyed a series of highly

entertaining skits. There was much “warmth” experienced, and everyone was certainly “fired up” to showcase their acting talents. The wacky storylines included an intriguing robot dance-off, some

very cold jokes from the fish with the long name, and an evil monkey rampaging through the city. The winning skit featured a hilarious

Cantonese-spouting lion with his Bieber-loving bear friend.

Despite the harsh living conditions, the Torchbearers proved their

mettle by passing through with flying colours. Hope that we will continue to live for Christ and serve Him with all that we’ve got!

Page 6: PHOS JAN 2011
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December Children’s Party

During the month of December, the Torchbearers helped out with the Children’s Evangelistic Christmas Party

The first sunday was spent playing Games such as “Dog & Bone” and

“老鹰捉小鸡”. The second sunday was Arts and Crafts, where the kids

made beautiful art pieces which eventually combined together to form a

mural. The last sunday was the Evangelistic message where Joel Tan, a

balloon sculptor, used his balloons to tell stories about God’s love. It was

wonderful for the Torchbearers to get to interact with the children and

show them God’s love!

Page 9: PHOS JAN 2011

CarolingJoy to the World

Let’s light a candle the whole world can seeand let them know that they can be free

Before the world began You were on His mindEvery tear you cryIs precious in His eyes

Because of His great loveHe gave His only SonEverything was done So you would come

O come let us adore

HimChrist the

Lord

The Torchbearers went to Dover Park Hospice on 23 Dec and various homes on 24 Dec to bring some Christmas cheer and the gospel message during the Christmas season!

Hark the Herald, Angels singGlory to the newborn King

Page 10: PHOS JAN 2011

1) Captains Ball is our “national sport”!

The Torchbearers have a rich tradition of playing Captains Ball which goes way, way back. We are the defending champions for the CAC Captains Ball Tournament, and enjoy playing friendlies with other churches. Captains Ball is a brilliant way to bond both within our church youths, and with youths from other churches as well!

2)We have Jam sessions!

Fine, you might have had a bad experience learning piano from a grouchy teacher before. But Jam is totally different! Held every 2nd and 4th Saturday afternoon, the Torchbearers have an opportunity to learn various musical disciplines from seasoned worship team members. With friendly seniors around to help you, learning music is great fun!

3) We are a Youth Fellowship!

Ok this might leave you scratching your heads, but it’s really cool to be a fellowship! This basically means that we can plan creative and innovative methods of delivering the message instead of the traditional sermon format. Panel discussions, Small Groups, Videos, Games and Sharings are part of the Torchbearers’ flavourful diet!

4) Youth Sunday!

We thank God that the church loves youths so much that they gave us one Sunday to run the show! Last year we were a bit slack, but traditionally we will put up an item such as a skit to entertain the adults, and tell them what we’ve learnt from our time as a Torchbearer!

5) Youth Camp!

Erm DUH this is important! Youth Camp is the highlight for the Torchbearers every year, as we live, eat, play and sleep together. The camp helps us get to know each other better, as we grow closer as brothers and sisters in Christ. Put it this way: There has never been an un-awesome camp in the history of the Torchbearers. Definitely a must go!

Torchbearers 101Becoming a Torchbearer represents a coming-of-

age. To the younger youths, this may seem like a scary and daunting prospect. The PHOS team provides a light-hearted take on what

makes being a Torchbearer so cool!

Page 11: PHOS JAN 2011

Interview with Ian YekThe PHOS team caught up with Ian to get his views on bonding, acting and getting out of the “scared zone”!

Q1. Hi Ian! How old are you and where are you studying?

Hello! I'm 13 years old this year and I go to Whitley Secondary. :)

Q2. Understand this is your first year as a Torchbearer since moving up from the Primary section. Could you tell us how itʼs been so far?

Hmmm... Its been totally awesome! Especially after this year's iCamp Venture, I feel a stronger bond with everyone. I feel so much more comfortable now when I go to church! :)

Q3. Yeah noticed that you get along quite well with your sunday school ppl! How important do you think it is to start being close to your church friends even at a young age?

Haha! Yeah... I think its super important because as we grow in Christ, we would maybe want to share our thoughts with someone else. As it would be awkward to talk to a stranger or even an adult for me, I feel that building a strong friendship with our church friends would make us feel more comfortable in sharing our thoughts.

Q4. So how do you think the younger youths can start getting to know each other better and becoming better brothers and sisters to each other?

I think maybe organizing some outdoor activities such going to the Botanical Gardens to play or meeting up in church to talk about God or our daily life! :D

Q5. Haha noticed you have a talent for acting! Where did that come from?

Seriously? I didn't know that! Haha! Honestly, I just act. I just get this feeling when I suddenly step out of the "scared" zone and be myself and have fun!

Q6. Great to hear that! Linking with what you said, why do you think itʼs important for us to likewise step out of the “scared” zone when living for Jesus?

When we step out of the "scared" zone, we basically are just not scared anymore. So we mustn't be scared when living for Jesus when we want to share about His word to the non-believers.

Q7. So what do you hope God will do for you in 2011?

I hope God can make me a better person, help me understand more about his Word and school stuff. Keep us safe and healthy. And help me bond more with the people around me, be it in school or church. Even during tuition class! Yeah... Just this few things. :)

Thanks Ian! Pray that God will truly mould you into a better person each day and help you to love those around you more! :)

Page 12: PHOS JAN 2011

a compilation of the funniest

shots from the year end!

The Lighter Side