The Salvation Army Penang Corps - Malaysia

Round and round!

noreply@blogger.com (The Salvation Army Penang Corps) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 11:58:00 +0000

By Captain Tan Guat Hai.

Chinese people love things round or circular for the character has the same pronunciation as the word “fate”. Our dining table is round-shaped, so are our Mooncakes during the winter solstice. We also enjoy the round-shaped dumplings. All these rounded items symbolize “reunion”, which to the Chinese means that there is no gap or separation.

There is a saying that comes from the Chinese people of old: “When the ‘moon is full’, people gather in unity – as a family circle where there is no gap.” It signifies completeness. From past history, people have already learnt this principle. For a home to be complete, it must be united. The people of old have also learnt from the full moon that a family needs to bond together and unite. Therefore, reunion meals further remind us that as a family, we should let go of all hatred and grievances, and sit together for a meal without any sense of disconnection, for the purpose of mutual acceptance and reconciliation. As we face each other around the table in this way, only then we will attain a true sense of unity.

In Exodus 12: 3-4, it is recorded: Tell the whole community of Israel that on the tenth day of this month each man is to take a lamb for his family, one for each household. If any household is too small for a whole lamb, they must share one with their nearest neighbor, having taken into account the number of people there are. You are to determine the amount of lamb needed in accordance with what each person will eat. Before facing a tremendous challenge, God wanted the Israelites to be united as a family, joining their hearts to confront the challenge ahead of them. In actual fact, it is the same for the Chinese reunion meal!

God wants us to join our hearts and face the challenges together that might arise in the coming year. Unity is strength!

It seems difficult for young people in this day and age to know how to treasure the importance of family. They always seem to feel that parents are restricting, nagging, controlling, and they would rather believe and even trust in strangers or friends, instead of parents and family members. We have to understand that not every parent is apt at expressing themselves. Usually parents mean well, but they might have used the wrong method or words, causing the children to receive the incorrect message that may have made them think their parents were interfering and meddlesome. We are unable to choose our parents, just as they cannot choose us. It is not by chance that we are brought together as a family, for it is in the providence of God. Therefore we need to have acceptance and reconciliation within our family circle to enjoy full unity before God. It is hoped that rebellious young people, after experiencing many trials and hardships, will finally wake up to the importance of their family. How much sense does it make to waste time going on a wild goose chase, before this principle is discovered?

A mother gives a great amount of her time, attention and effort into the preparation of this special traditional meal. This shows how much she values her family’s togetherness for the Chinese New Year reunion dinner!

As Chinese New Year comes round again, may our celebrations remind us that as a family - parents, brothers and sisters – we should be united and in harmony, not only with each other, but with God. It is God Who completes our circle, bringing to it full unity.

Wishing you a blessed Chinese New Year! May you each have a great reunion with your family by giving God His rightful place when you meet and every day in your lives!

Prayer Request

noreply@blogger.com (The Salvation Army Penang Corps) — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 08:23:00 +0000

1. Pray for Spiritual Development Workshop on 4th Feb 2012.

2. Pray for Corps family: Major Kamla and Lieut Fiona Loh

3. Pray for Corps family: Bro Ang Chai Thiam & Family

4. Pray for Corps family: Bro Francis, Sis Maggie and Fernando

Announcements

noreply@blogger.com (The Salvation Army Penang Corps) — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 08:20:00 +0000

1. Youth Fellowship
Date: 29/01/12 (Sun) - There won't be any youth fellowship this evening

2. Spiritual Development Workshop
Date: 04/02/12 (Sat). Time: 9am-5pm Venue: Worship Hall
Major Ruth Pascoe will be coming by the Corps invitation to conduct Spiritual Development Workshop. A fees of RM10.00 will be charge for the lunch.

3. Senior Citizen's Breakfast Fellowship
Date: 11/02/12 (Sat). Time: 8am Venue: Paya Terubong
Please contact Captain Tan for more information and transportation if needed.

4. Banana Leaf Ministry
Date: 11/02/12 (Sat). Time: 11am Venue: Community Hall
Volunteers are needed and help in this ministry.

5. Penang Flag Day
Date: March 2012.
Please pray for the fund raising and also sign up as volunteer for the street collection.

6. Children's Bible
Anyone who has Children's Bible and wanted to bless our Junior Soldiers, please contact Captain Brenda.

Christmas Service 2011

noreply@blogger.com (The Salvation Army Penang Corps) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 01:00:00 +0000

Photo - Christmas Service 2011

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Christmas Carolling & Visitation 2011

noreply@blogger.com (The Salvation Army Penang Corps) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 01:00:00 +0000

Photo - Christmas Carolling & Visitation 2011

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Youth Camp Dec 2011

noreply@blogger.com (The Salvation Army Penang Corps) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 01:00:00 +0000

Photo - Youth Camp Dec 2011

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Corps Group Photo 6 Nov 2011

noreply@blogger.com (The Salvation Army Penang Corps) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 01:00:00 +0000

Photo - Corps Group Photo 6 Nov 2011

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Announcement

noreply@blogger.com (The Salvation Army Penang Corps) — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 08:38:00 +0000

1. Youth Worship
Date: 15/01/12 (Sun) Time: 7:30pm Venue: Corp Worship Hall
Praise & Worship: Joseph, Short Talk: Soon Bee, Games: Jihhan and Soon Bee

2. Reunion Dinner
Date: 28/01/12 (Sat) Time: 7:00pm Venue: Community Hall
Potbless steamboat, please bring some food to share with others. Captain Tan will be speaking on the topic of "Dragon".

3. Ang Bao Sunday
Date: 29/01/12 (Sun). A special collection will be forwarded to candidates fund, encourage for officership.

4. Spiritual Development Workshop
Date: 04/02/12 (Sat). Time: 9am-5pm Venue: Worship Hall
Major Ruth Pascoe will be coming by the Corps invitation to conduct Spiritual Development Workshop. A fees of RM10.00 will be charge for the lunch.

5. Senior Citizen's Breakfast Fellowship
Date: 11/02/12 (Sat). Time: 8am Venue: Paya Terubong
Please contact Captain Tan for more information and transportation if needed.

6. Banana Leaf Ministry
Date: 11/02/12 (Sat). Time: 11am Venue: Community Hall
Volunteers are needed and help in this ministry.

7. Penang Flag Day
Date: March 2012.
Please pray for the fund raising and also sign up as volunteer for the street collection.

Prayer Request

noreply@blogger.com (The Salvation Army Penang Corps) — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 08:34:00 +0000

1. Pray for Corps ministry: Reunion dinner, Senior Breakfast & Banana Leaf programme

2. Pray for Corps family: Freddy, Alice, Ailyn, Daniel Cheong

3. Pray for Corps family: Kim Aun, Jasinta, Jonathan, Joshua Lim

4. Pray for Corps family: Choon Eng, Jenny, Scott, Chui Peeng, Chris and Sheila Lee.

Ladies Fellowship 12 Nov 2011

noreply@blogger.com (The Salvation Army Penang Corps) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 01:00:00 +0000

Photo - Ladies Fellowship 12 Nov 2011

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New SA Flag Dedication 10 Dec 2011

noreply@blogger.com (The Salvation Army Penang Corps) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 01:00:00 +0000

Photo - New SA Flag Dedication 10 Dec 2011

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Senior Citizen Breakfast 12 Nov 2011

noreply@blogger.com (The Salvation Army Penang Corps) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 01:00:00 +0000

Photo - Senior Citizen Breakfast 12 Nov 2011

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Watch Night Service 31 Dec 2011

noreply@blogger.com (The Salvation Army Penang Corps) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 01:00:00 +0000

Photo - Watch Night Service 31 Dec 2011

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Prayer Request

noreply@blogger.com (The Salvation Army Penang Corps) — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 09:30:00 +0000

1. Pray for Bro Vincent and wife, and their new born baby girl.

2. Pray for Corps family: Bro Tian Seng, Sis Blessy, Ah Heng & Wah Hee

3. Pray for Corps family: Bro Tong Seng, Sis Iris, Yoke Peng, Bro Tong Meng & Family

4. Pray for Corps family: Jack Karthigesh, Uges and Steven Chung

Announcement

noreply@blogger.com (The Salvation Army Penang Corps) — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 09:18:00 +0000

1. Youth Worship
Date: 08/01/12 (Sun) Time: 7:30pm Venue: Corp Worship Hall
Praise & Worship: William, Bible Message: Bro Tan, Bible Reading: Raymond and Offering: Benjamin

2. Prayer Ministry
Date: 13/01/12 (Fri) Time: 8:15pm Venue: Corps Worship Hall
Please send us your prayer request and come join us in this ministry.

3. Reunion Dinner
Date: 28/01/12 (Sat) Time: 7:00pm Venue: Community Hall
Potbless steamboat, please bring some food to share with others. Captain Tan will be speaking on that evening.

4. Ang Bao Sunday
Date: 29/01/12 (Sun). A special collection will be forwarded to candidates fund, encourage for officership.

5. Spiritual Development Workshop
Date: 04/02/12 (Sat). Time: 9am-5pm Venue: Worship Hall
Major Ruth Pascoe will be coming by the Corps invitation to conduct Spiritual Development Workshop.

6. Senior Citizen's Breakfast Fellowship
Date: 11/02/12 (Sat). Time: 8am Venue: Paya Terubong
Please contact Captain Tan for more information and transportation if needed.

7. Banana Leaf Ministry
Date: 11/02/12 (Sat). Time: 11am Venue: Community Hall
Volunteers are needed and help in this ministry.

Prayer Request

noreply@blogger.com (The Salvation Army Penang Corps) — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 13:05:00 +0000

1. Pray for Christmas Caroling and Christmas Day celebration

2. Pray for Corps family: Bro Ang Chai Thiam & Family

3. Pray for Corps family: Francis, Maggie and Fernando Elias

4. Pray for Corps family: Steven, Casey and Allison Foo

Announcement

noreply@blogger.com (The Salvation Army Penang Corps) — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 13:03:00 +0000

1. Band Practice
Date: 14/12/11 (Wed) Time: 8:00pm Venue: Corp Worship Hall
We encourage all who are able to join and come for practice.

2. Christmas Caroling
Date: 17/12/11 (Wed) Time: 7:30pm Venue: Gama Supermarket
Please come and join us.

3. General Call All Salvationist to Pray
Date: Every Thursday Time: 7:30am - 8:30am Venue: At your own place or location.
General is calling all Salvationist around the world in a 24 hour prayer meeting. Pray for the Salvation Army works around the world.

4. Penang Christmas Open House
Date: 18/12/11 (Sun) Time: 7:00pm Venue: Auto City, BM
All are welcome. Dinner will be provided.

Prayer Request

noreply@blogger.com (The Salvation Army Penang Corps) — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 12:20:00 +0000

1. Pray for Corps Youth Camp to be held at Cameron Highlands

2. Pray for Corps family: Lily, Dave and Daniel Clarke

3. Pray for Corps family: Chin Kheng, Ewe Kheng, Cindy, Eng Son and Eng Heng.

4. Pray for Corps family: Sunny, Rachel, Elizabeth, Susan and John

Announcement

noreply@blogger.com (The Salvation Army Penang Corps) — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 12:16:00 +0000

1. Cell group and Prayer ministry
There will be no cell group and prayer ministry in the month of December.
All are encourage to participate in Christmas caroling.

2. Band Practice
Date: 07/12/11 (Wed) Time: 8:00pm Venue: Corp Worship Hall
We encourage all who are able to join and come for practice.

3. General Call All Salvationist to Pray
Date: Every Thursday Time: 7:30am - 8:30am Venue: At your own place or location.
General is calling all Salvationist around the world in a 24 hour prayer meeting. Pray for the Salvation Army works around the world.

4. Penang Christmas Open House
Date: 18/12/11 (Sun) Time: 7:00pm Venue: Auto City, BM
All are welcome. Dinner will be provided.

5. Banana Leaf Ministry
Date: 10/12/11 (Sun) Time: 11:00am Venue: Community Hall
Please pray and come to help on this ministry.

Prayer Request

noreply@blogger.com (The Salvation Army Penang Corps) — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 12:51:00 +0000

1. Pray for Khye Lin, Chui Peeng, Joshua, Thomas, Ming Xian & Mehes who will be attending YMCA Bible Quiz.

2. Pray for Cheh Ho who will be sitting his SPM exam.

3. Pray for Corps family: Mrs Chin and Kok Keong

4. Pray for Corps family: Blessy, Matthew, Davi, Kesha and Yen Wong.

Announcement

noreply@blogger.com (The Salvation Army Penang Corps) — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 12:45:00 +0000

1. Youth Worship
Date: 13/11/11 (Sun) Time: 7:30pm Venue: Worship Hall
Worship: Lieut Fiona; Bible Messenger: Bro Tan; Games: Joseph & Capt Tan

2. Band Practice
Date: 16/11/11 (Wed) Time: 8:00pm Venue: Corp Worship Hall
We encourage all who are able to join and come for practice.

3. Cell Group
Date: 18/11/11 (Fri) Time: 8:15pm Venue: Bro Tan's home
Let's gather together to learn and pray for the Corps and one another.

4. General Call All Salvationist to Pray
Date: Every Thursday Time: 7:30am - 8:30am Venue: At your own place or location.
General is calling all Salvationist around the world in a 24 hour prayer meeting. Pray for the Salvation Army works around the world.

5. Christmas Carolling and Band Practice
Date: 20/11/11 (Sun) Time: 12:30pm Venue: Corps Worship Hall
Please stay back for carolling practice. First half hour for singing practice and second half hour for band practice.

6. Penang Christmas Open House
Date: 18/12/11 (Sun) Time: 7:00pm Venue: Auto City, BM
All are welcome.

A good return?

noreply@blogger.com (The Salvation Army Penang Corps) — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 02:00:00 +0000

Major Stuart Barker identifies the vital goal of Back To Church Sunday

STUDY PASSAGE: DEUTERONOMY 30:1–10

TO come back is to return. An obvious statement, but it points to a key word to consider on Back To Church Sunday tomorrow (25 September).

God’s call to the people of Israel to return to him and his enabling of their return to the Promised Land are recurring features in the Old Testament. In encouraging people to come back to church – to God’s ‘new Israel’ – we can benefit from reflecting on this ancient concept of returning to God.

God’s word, spoken to his people through Moses, made it clear that he always knew his people would, at various times, wander from their allegiance to him – the one true God. But it also revealed that many would return from these wanderings and that God had already planned their way back.

‘When you and your children return to the Lord your God and obey him with all your heart and with all your soul… then the Lord your God will restore your fortunes and have compassion on you and gather you again from all the nations where he scattered you. Even if you have been banished to the most distant land under the heavens, from there the Lord your God will gather you and bring you back. He will bring you to the land that belonged to your ancestors, and you will take possession of it. He will make you more prosperous and numerous than your ancestors. The Lord your God will circumcise your hearts and the hearts of your descendants, so that you may love him with all your heart and with all your soul… Then the Lord your God will make you most prosperous in all the work of your hands… The Lord will again delight in you’ (Deuteronomy 30:2–9 all quotations from New International Version unless stated otherwise).

It is abundantly clear from these verses that it is God’s deepest desire for his wandering, errant people to return to the place where they belong.

To ‘the land that belonged to your ancestors’ (v5), where he wants to bless them with his love and mercy.

To ‘have compassion on you’ and make up for the lost time of wandering; to ‘restore your fortunes’ (v3).

To grow them as a people numerically, to ‘make you more prosperous and numerous than your ancestors’ (v5).

To grow them spiritually in a way they had previously not experienced: ‘The Lord your God will change your heart and the hearts of all your descendants, so that you will love him with all your heart and soul’ (v6 New Living Translation).

To make them a fruitful and productive people: ‘Then the Lord your God will make you most prosperous in all the work of your hands’ (v9).

It is also clear from this passage that we must be careful not to limit the possibility of who may return, for God promised to bring back exiles from even ‘the most distant land under the heavens’ (v4).

The truths gleaned from these verses also remind us that, when we invite and encourage people to come ‘back to church’, it is not simply an exercise to complete or a box to tick.

It is an ongoing mission, in which we are God’s agents through whom he graciously reaches out to those who have drifted from his planned place for them: ‘The Lord your God will gather you and bring you back. He will bring you to the land’ (vv4 and 5).

‘The Lord will again delight in you’ (v9) carries overtones of the celebration party planned by the father when the lost son returned from his wanderings in the parable told by Jesus. It brings great delight and celebration in Heaven when those who have drifted away from their rightful place in the family return.

Though we must be cautious about assuming that all whom we want to come back to church have drifted away entirely from their relationship with God, it is clear from the Old Testament teaching on ‘return’ that the vital goal is the return of God’s people to their relationship with him.

A return into their rightful place or community is something that should naturally accompany that restored relationship.

• Major Barker is corps officer at Hull Citadel

Corps Outing - Badminton Oct 2011

noreply@blogger.com (The Salvation Army Penang Corps) — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 01:00:00 +0000

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Prayer Request

noreply@blogger.com (The Salvation Army Penang Corps) — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 02:06:00 +0000

1. Pray for Khye Lin, Chui Peeng, Joshua and primary school children who will be attending YMCA Bible Quiz,

2. Pray for Youth Hostel Bomba approval

3. Pray for Corps Youth Camp 8-10 Dec 2011

4. Pray for Corps family: Jihhan, Soon Teong, Ah Hong, Jack, Steven, Kok Chuan and Ash.

Announcement

noreply@blogger.com (The Salvation Army Penang Corps) — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 02:00:00 +0000

1. Self Denial - 6 Nov 2011
Thank you all for your offering and giving to help the people of Kenya East & West, India West and Latvia.

2. Youth Worship
Date: 06/11/11 (Sun) Time: 7:30pm Venue: Worship Hall
Worship: Cheh Ho; Bible Reading: Raymond; Offering: Eng Chai; Bible Messenger: Bro Tan

3. Band Practice
Date: 09/11/11 (Wed) Time: 8:00pm Venue: Corp Worship Hall
We encourage all who are able to join and come for practice.

4. Prayer Ministry
Date: 11/11/11 (Fri) Time: 8:15pm Venue: Corp Worship Hall
Let's gather together to pray for the Corps and one another.

5. Senior Citizen Fellowship
Date: 12/11/11 (Sat) Time: 8:00am Venue: Abu Siti Lne
Please contact Capt Tan for more information.

6. Ladies Fellowship
Date: 12/11/11 (Sat) Time: 8:00pm Venue: Corps
Ladies please take note.

7. General Call All Salvationist to Pray
Date: Every Thursday Time: 7:30am - 8:30am Venue: At your own place or location.
General is calling all Salvationist around the world in a 24 hour prayer meeting. Pray for the Salvation Army works around the world.

8. Christmas Carolling and Band Practice
Date: 13/11/11 (Sun) Time: 12:30pm Venue: Corps Worship Hall
Please stay back for carolling practice. First half hour for singing practice and second half hour for band practice.