A Journey towards Salvation

Wednesday, July 29, 2009




An Endearing Experience a day, An Everlasting Impact for a Lifetime



“Indeed accepting Christ was no joke!” An anonymous voice so impaired cluttered my mind as I sat down and started dreaming of the possibilities I could draft while on duty on my desk one 20th July 09 evening. It was the 3am supper break and I had an hour, an hour of a moment of opportunity. I thought to myself “It had to be seized or I would regret later”. “To Glorify, to Honor and to Impact” was in fact the main group of thoughts I clandestinely held in my mind for a sensational moment. “Hmmm. Imagine 09!” I thought for a moment. “And where shall I begin?” “Well Writing of course!” immediately sprung into my mind as I scrambled through a momentous thought for an answer. Besides, words are important in any culture. They are how we communicate facts, ideas, instructions, encouragements and corrections. It shouldn't surprise us that God will communicate with us by words. He even referred to Jesus, His Son, as "the Word". What seemed an imagination for what seemed so invigoratingly inspiring to me was what happened a couple of months ago. An individual journey of inspiration began one spring 31st February 09 at a dinner and dance ball organized by public officers for public officers.

Special Operations Command Dinner and Dance
“A fascinating dinner indeed it was, coupled with entertaining performances specially crafted by individual unit representatives”. I was amazed and congruously humored by the pronounced expectations of the spectacular performances. I am however a very easily humored kind of person though. The beverage that I had pre ordered was seemingly out of sight and I decided to take a little initiative. Leaving my table towards the beverage counter, I chanced upon Sean Ethan Sahai, an extremely amicable and astoundingly suave young man who also happens to be under my charge while serving his national service in the police force. Now, Sean had always tried to reassure me that his looks have nothing to do with all the consistent invitations from model and photography agencies to do photo shoots. Well, I’ve never bought that and am firmly a believer that he had been blessed with smoldering looks that are built to conquer the runways of Tokyo to New York to Paris to Milan. Sean, however felt the exasperation though. Nevertheless, chancing upon Sean was in fact an invaluable opportunity leading to an introduction of a blessed persona in disguised. And we all understand that one good thing leads to another. The other is none other than Special Tactics and Rescue Deputy Chief Martin Wong. Believe it or not, Martin was practically one of the least dressed Head of Departments that evening. While most officers were clad in their 2 piece shirt and jackets, Martin was strung in a pair of lackluster jeans and a black casual long sleeve top. As radical as it sounds, something proved an indefinite difference in the man from the crowd. I observe the 33 year old once again and spotted eminent embroidery of a silver Cross on his top. I believe that seemed the indefinite difference. An indescribable inclination filled my mind as I initiated the conversation that leads to an offer and invitation to experience a place of worship, the miraculous Heart of God Church.

Destination Heart of God Church
Statistics indicate that at least one million people each day are seeking insights on the internet into deeper questions of life. In a remarkable way, people began connecting with thousands of others who are non-believers from all corners of the world. More than 30 percent of those connected with believers indicate that as a result of the connection, they had made a decision to follow Christ. I was neither exceptional. My first visit to the Heart of God Church was a mixture of overwhelming yet surreal experience. However, as a first timer in church, I was conservative and withheld my opinions on the sermons and performances delivered. Prior to that, i was also doubtful. But if there was one thing I kept opened, that would be my heart. Without a derogatory attitude, I did not succumb myself to the temptation of leaving the hall. Instead I stayed throughout the service and enjoyed myself. Perhaps it was the rhythm and melancholic music I liked but I know there was something deeper, something indescribable but good and powerful. I decided to experience more and seek answers so I came back for service the following week. This time, I enjoyed the service even more, dancing to the rhythm of the music and singing along. Additionally, I was also introduced to Pastor How and Pastor Lia, managers Jack, Cheryl and members of a group, namely Josh, Jill, Mae Ann, Candice, Joy, Steven, Jeremy, Eugene, Joyce, Haley, Derek, Michelle and Nicholas or coded A5 under the invaluable guidance and leadership of Martin.

Acceptance
Attending services were an eye opener for a first timer and non-believer like me.
However, I have always believed that an anonymous spiritual entity existed all throughout time but I have never had the opportunity to acknowledge its existence. A corporate worship from church provided basically an all new perspective. From my beliefs that this spiritual entity exists and the need for guidance, I decided to make a choice when being asked upon by Martin. Embracing an assurance from a vestigial series of exceptional services and performances from guest speakers, I decided I would venture for that spirituality the “sense of belief, sense of faith and sense of solidarity in acknowledging its existence” is especially important. This is the spirit behind much of the church activities, including the manic getaways and festivals for members as well as the more sedate reception for them and their families for seminars and conferences. We are seeing and will see in the next few years renewed growth in numbers at the church. However on my part on that very day, I accepted Christ in my life.


09 Services and Special Guests Appearances
It’s been about 5 months since I’ve accepted Christ in my life. Through this journey of bridge building, I am strengthening my faith as a Christian and my love for God. I choose to demonstrate this love for my neighbor and those who are different from me, as I would love myself. This has been a journey of discovery, not only about others, but about myself. I have uncovered my misconceptions, biases and stereotypes of others and become more sensitive to them.
Hence, besides my own opinions of the various services and guests appearances, I’ve included a multifarious of perspectives from a couple of CG mates.
In February, we have the “Affluence to Influence Conference” where the need for substantial affluence is necessary for the necessity to influence and help others. Below are recounted testimonials from a few CG members.

“It was a time to see God moving in the businesses, in our world, and that it is really possible to have God in our workplace and vice versa. I think it goes in line with our belief that we are spiritually humans and humanly spiritual. But more importantly, there is a purpose to be successful. I strive to be successful so I can increase my impact. The biggest servant is one who has the most reach.”


Jeremy Lee on AI conference





"What an experience. Being on stage with Pst How and Pst Lia being interviewed by them in a candid but most profound way. My prayer is that everybody will be impacted. I want to change the way I live my working life. Only the Pastors of Heart of God Church are able to pull off a seemingly secular conference into something that is so inspiring. This is being naturally supernatural and supernaturally natural at the highest levels."


Martin Wong on AI conference





Indeed as this proved a cause worth working hard for and achieving the highest. In a March service with Pastor Sy Rogers who delivered a message on sexuality .




“I think many of us go to great lengths to hide things about ourselves. We all live behind certain masks. People do this for many reasons, to hide the truth, afraid of rejection, afraid people see through our failures, inadequacies and problems. While some struggle with their sexuality, the rest of us have struggles of our own. Despite all that we try to hide, God knows more about us than we know about ourselves (Psalm 139). Yet he still loves us. While he can't ignore the past, he can forgive us. I think when we see things in that light, we can remember to not judge others and remember that we all have sin. No sin is bigger than another but our Heavenly Father loves and accepts us with open arms when we come to him”


Joyce Ong on pastor Sy Rogers’s Service





Alternatively, in a service and special getaway conference in the “A” zone Getaway Camp at Mandarin Oriental Hotel. The church shared a momentous dinner at Hotpot Culture Restaurant and an exciting Bowling tournament at Marina Square. Additionally , the group had food games, quizzes and an amazing service.




“A blast! i cannot imagine adults having so much fun! And good clean
fun. Church should be like that. We are all a family and we believe
that it should remain that way. I think it is very possible to be
socially connected and spiritually connected at the same time. It
shouldn't be forsaking everyone else to follow Jesus. Follow Jesus
with your family”


Jeremy Lee on A’Zone Getaway Camp




“A zone camp was great, lots of fun! The camp theme ‘Loving Forward'. We were supposed to do little acts of kindness to the other campers. That's really the heartbeat of Jesus. He looked out at the homeless and weak and told His disciples to do something. Though no one at camp was really 'homeless and weak', but its all about catching the attitude of loving people and giving. And that's what church is about, we being His hands and feet in today's world.”


Joyce Ong on A’Zone Getaway Camp




“"Goshen! Look at the signs of the age! A radical pastor preaching a radical message on how to get rich in an economic crisis. I want to be rich so that I can give more to my spiritual home - HoGC."


Martin Wong on A’Zone Getaway Camp





Yes Radicalism! Innovation and progression is what we are about. In a time and age like now, Heart of God Church definitely possess these attributes. In June, Pastor Joakim Lundquist visited Heart of God church




“I can do my part for young people too. May not be in a very direct way but I can certainly help to impart what I have to them. God gave me a talent for a reason and only I can accomplish something that God has given me. Living for others. That's the only way to break out of your mundane life, out of that ordinary cycle of life, work and death. There is more to life ... and you start realizing that when you start putting your focus on others.”


Jeremy Lee on pastor Joakim’s service




“One of the many things that stood out to me during Ps Joakim sermon was that every act of obedience to God is so significant.
Even every seemingly small effort, prayer, or attempts can make such a huge difference. Ever story he recounted to us, showed an individual who made themselves available and listened to what God was telling them to do. And because they obeyed His voice, lives were saved, others were healed, and seeds were planted in those around and continue to impact those of us hearing these accounts.
God can use the small things we do to accomplish big things. He always has.”


Joyce Ong on pastor Joakim’s service




"The call of God to save souls rings out throughout the walls of HoGC. Just as many young lives were consecrated to God in one night for others, many lives were consecrated to God to see more souls saved in HoGC. The word 'others' again etched so powerfully in my heart."


Martin Wong on pastor Joakim’s service





Influential and experienced Dr AR Bernard arrived in Singapore for a visit to Heart Of God church just to deliver a powerful message that resounded throughout.




“It was a privilege to interpret for Dr Bernard. His words of wisdom still ring in my ear. Such a gift and talent to preach and teach. Flabbergasted. He must come back next year. Have a new desire to up my level”


Jeremy Lee on Dr AR Bernard




"So surreal to see Dr Bernard with us in Heart of God Church. Shook his hands. Exchanged a few words with him. Listened to his teachings. Grew to a whole new level. What an amazing weekend of growth. Now back to doing the invisible... Wait a minute... in fact, it is so surreal to be in a church like Heart of God Church. Amazing pastors. Amazing leaders."


Martin Wong on Dr AR Bernard




Dichotomy of Believers
I believe we live in a world that is dangerous and where religious strife and conflicts can threaten to manifest into community violence. Various incidences such as the 911 incident were where many extremists killed many people in the name of religion, are a few amongst such incidents. In Singapore, I thank God for the freedom of religion and the right to choose our religion. Our lord Jesus taught us a Golden Rule. “Do to others as you would have them do to you” Luke 6:31. Just as we hope others will respect our faith, we need to respect their faith too. I believe that helping people should be a devoted habit and that we help people not because they are Christians but because we are Christians. Our love for God should naturally translate into our unconditional love for our neighbors of other faith communities. There is inevitably no value when people begin to meet as members of humanity and not as members of a group, as hearts meet hearts and people meet people outside of cultural and religious belongings. Prejudices then begin to weaken as we discover that belonging to a group can foster illusions of superiority.
Today, I am more balanced, mature and accepting that there is a place for different religions in the world. I also realized that I was ignorant about the often-turbulent history between Christianity and other religions, the impact of colonialism on the various religious worlds and its aftermath. As in “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. ( Matthew 5:9).


Future Heart Of God Church
Heart of God church comprises an amazingly odd figure of a huge percentage of youths over a minority of adults. Pastors How and Lia started the church with just 8 members comprising mainly of youths.Ever since, the church has grown in exponential numbers, however especially comprising of youths. The phenomenal thing about HOGc is that it has been inculcating its youths tremendously and the phenomenal results are that the youths have been growing faster than ever. In line with the church’s vision of “Raising up a generation of people who are willing to give God the best years of their lives and God will use this generation to impact all levels of society and all walks of life” this certainly am visible with the generation of youths and especially youths who are so faithful and hungry for God to lift up the vision high. Additionally, the adults who currently are present in HOGc are witnessing an opportunity to embrace this generation of youths who will create a difference in society. These are few testimonials from the adults of A5.



A talent pool where you find the youngest, most successful people.
A centre for family planning and education
An academy of flourishing creative personalities who are not afraid
to be quirky, brilliant and God-loving all in one.



Jeremy Lee



I see HOGC as a beacon, a light to the people all over our Nation. I see HOGC bringing hope, changing lives. I see HOGC as a church that will continue to impact individuals one by one, truly living for the least of this, being His hands and feet.




Joyce Ong



I think HOGC is poised for a bright and exciting future because all the prayer and investment that Pastor How and Pastor Lia have pumped in for the last 10 years. The youths that they have poured out their lives to will grow up and become people of influence in society and thus, the hands of HOGC will have extended into society, impacting with the power of God where church do not usually reach


Derek Tan


I dream of a building that shall be an international landmark. A building that characterises the DNA and flow of Heart of God Church. A building, likes its people, that constantly 'walks' on water. It shall be a powerful testimony of the greatness and glory of God visible in this land. Through this landmark, many will come to know Christ. Many will flock to its halls and experience for themselves a new life, a new birth. This is Heart of God Church in the future. A prototype church. With a prototype people.


Martin Wong


An exceptional experience from Josh and Yenny :

Life is like a box of chocolate.. you don't know what you going to get....by Forest Grump...Surprises can be good if its good but if it is bad.... Uncertainty sounds SCARY .....

This is my extension to it after 6yrs in hoGc......

Life is never a bed of roses as I know, full of uncertainty but its the knowing of something good is going to happen makes me behave differently. Its key in my life for it gives me HOPE and propelled me to take a step of FAITH walking in uncertainty with PEACE in my heart........ this is the certainty I got from God....

heart of God church EXPERIENCE in my Life..................................eternity

Extending God's love to people in my life
X100% changed in perspective in my life
Passion in all things I do in my life
Extraordinary way to live my life
Revelation of destiny in my life
Influencing others around my life
Enthusiastically living my life
New revelation always in my life
Character changed in my life

Followers

JTS


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