In His Time.......... with P.Ramachandran

We had three wonderful "nights of fire" at PEC with Rev Moses Daniel over the weekend. The Holy Spirit moved in a very powerful way. On Saturday night we recorded 172 people in attendance, a  first in PEC for a gospel meeting. Half of them were new comers.  It was heartening to see the members working together in unison for these meetings. A team of people gathered every evening for prayer. Even on Saturday morning, one cell group came together for prayer. The ushers, the worship team, the hospitality team and the alter ministers all worked together as a single unit. Those in the media and the entire leadership were in the forefront of service. This is what the church should be like. It was a delightful sight to behold. Most importantly 15 people gave their lives to Christ. Many rededicated their lives. Some were delivered from demonic oppression and many received a Word of  knowledge from the Lord. Now we need to do the follow up. on the new believers.   ...

Yesterday was a busy day. After night shift work, went to church. Then to Changi Hospital with Alvin to visit Rev Patrick Lau. He suffered a mid heart-attack but he's ok. Had some good discussion with him and he provided some useful insights as well. He has a heart for PEC. He has heard all that has happened.Very grateful for such men of God.  Later in the afternoon, met with a friend who came along with us on one of our recent mission trips. A very good brother with a passion for God and evangelism.We had a short chat on what can be den further in the mission field. One of the things we talked is that in the churches today, people are so keen in getting trained and others on training others. What about the foot-soldiers who actually do the job on the ground? Very few. And we pat ourselves on our backs saying we have done this course and that, we have trained so many,,,ect. But actually reaching out to the lost...that's a big question. But isn't all our training and ...

John 17:12 - While I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe by that name you gave me. None has been lost except the one doomed to destruction so that Scripture would be fulfilled. The above verse has been the subject of many theological debates. Those who believe in "once saved always saved" use this verse as one of their primary evidence. Others have differing views. My intention is not to defend any of the on-going deliberations but to look at how Jesus saw the role of leaders, especially pastors. My  thoughts are based both on my reading of the scriptures and my own experience.  In an earlier entry I considered the office of a pastor as one having the heart of the father, going out to reach the lost, even the prodigal one (Luke 15:3-7) . I am of the firm opinion that in John 17:12, Jesus is  telling us that He was faithful to the task that was given to Him, making sure everyone under his charge reached t...

One of the distinguishing features of Christian Leadership in a church is that, the man who leads must have the heart of the father. This is certainly not required in the secular leadership. But when it comes to leading God's people, this is essential. I think a man without compassion should not be a pastor. What are the essential traits of the father that we need to display/possess as we lead a group of God's children? Here's one.  Compassion Psalms 103:13 -  As a father has compassion  on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him;  The  King James version uses the word pity. The father pities his children. A normal father never hates his children, no matter how bad he becomes or how much damage the son has done to the father. He never hopes for the destruction of his son or prays or hopes for retribution. In spite of all the wickedness and disobedience of the children of Israel, the Bible tells us God has compassion ...

My heart overflowed with joy as we received reports of the first baptisms in Myanmar by our church planters. Shwe Ko Maung reported that a church has been birthed in a remote village in Myanmar. We praise God for allowing us to do this bit for His kingdom. Other church planters are also reporting progress amidst many challenges. Phi 1:6 -  being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. All glory to God. Specially thankful to our sponsors, especially History Makers,  Crosspointe - Fort, Philippines for their support of the CPs. 

This was one of those trips that I had to travel alone from Singapore. Nevertheless I was not alone. Bishop Nehemiah and our faithful driver Lazarus accompanied me throughout, with Pst Anjan joining us in Odisha. Most importantly the Holy Spirit was with us, every step of the way. Praise God for the harvest in the fields.  We did four church dedications, visited our church planters, visited Shadrach Home Odisha.  On 10 Oct we dedicated a church in Uppada village, East Godawari.  This church dedication was special as I the building was sponsored by a church in China, thanks to Bro Albert and Sis Josephine for making the connection. In all my exposure to the mission field, I have not heard of any church building in India, sponsored by a Chinese church. I may be wrong but if I am right then this is  probably the first to be sponsored by a church from China.  About 150 people gathered for the dedication. The church plant...