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

This morning service, I reflected on 2018 and looked forward to 2019. This is the last Sunday  morning  service for the year and so it was a reflection and looking ahead. My text was taken from Exodus 33. The key points were: God’s  promises  are  far greater  that our past failures  God’ s  presence  is  far more urgent  than our participation.  God’s  prestige (glory) is  far more obvious  in unexpected ways. I felt the powerful presence of the Lord this morning. And at one point I was so  overcome by emotions, I just could not continue. After the sharing I went into the office and wept. One family is leaving the church and it breaks my heart. This is one of the most painful things about being a pastor. Just one person leaving can break your heart. If a whole family leaves, it destroys you. Only God can intervene for me and for them. I will hang on this this verse: " If your Presence  does not go with us, do not send us up from here.  " - Ex 33:15

Christmas Outreach on 23 Dec night On 23 Dec, we had an outreach in our church. We invited our neighbors and friends to an informal Christmas gathering in church. The Sunday School teachers organized the event. Some new people came. It was good to see the younger generation taking the lead. Today is Christmas. We had a combined service in the morning. More than 130 people came for the meetings. I had the privilege of sharing the Word. I spoke on "Jesus the Prince of Peace". Jesus is our peace in the following areas: In our Reconciliation In our Tribulation In our Confusion In our Condemnation Some new people came for the service and glad that our people are still involved int eh work of evangelism. Let Jesus be truly the Prince of Peace in every situation of our lives.

I am sitting at the terminal lounge waiting for my departure to Singapore. This morning we had the graduation ceremony for the 5th batch of church planters. It was a joy see all these church planters who are rearing to go to and plan churches. As we interviewed them, all of them said that the training had helped them vey much and it had been very practical. Many of them are going back to their churches to help in the various ministries and some going back to plant churches. The ceremony was very dignified and well organized. About 150 people attended the ceremony. As I recount all that the Lord has been doing in Myanmar, since we started in 2014, I can only lift my hands up and say, 'Thank you Jesus". His mercies indeed endures forever. Next year brings many challenges. Our budget has increased. I believe God will bring in the resources. God's work done in God's way will not lack any resources. I am sure the Lord will put the enemies to shame

I arrived on schedule at Yangon in the morning. Pst John Phongsar and Bro Victor Goh were at the airport to receive me. Victor's wife Sharon also joined us on this trip. Victor came earlier to teach on Spiritual Gifts. It was good to see the rest of the team in MTC. So blessed to be part of these team of faithful men. I am in Yangon for the graduation of the 5th batch of CP course. There are also other matters to discuss with Pst John Phongsar. Dinner with the group

It has been nine years since my Dad changed his address. My Dad was a hardworking man. He worked even tough he was sick and was never late for any appointment. Although he was diagnosed with liver cancer, he worked till two weeks before his death.  Never complained but faithful till the end,  He is one of those who comes to church well before time. Punctuality was his mark. He is in a better place and I am looking forward to that day when we will be together again in His presence.

It was a special Saturday. Bro Amric Edwards' baptism day. Amric is from Sri Lanka and he has been attending our YF. He has decided to follow the step of water baptism and it was our joy and honor to do so. Some of the youth were here to witness the event at the Sembawang Beach. Heaven rejoices. We need to see more of this.

What a joy to hear that the Cps in Odisha have come together to organize a gospel rally in Rayagada, with their own expenses. And to see so many people coming together to worship Jesus as Loud in spite of the serious persecution in Odisha, is simply heart warming.  All this is only because of God's favor and the are work of our church planters. May the name of Jesus be exalted in every village in Odisha.

I am amazed at how God provides for my needs. This morning one of my working colleagues gave me a love offering to be used for our mission work.  Later that morning I met my friend Victor and discussed about our trip next week to Myanmar for the graduation of the church planters. Victor reminded me that the expenses foe the trip will be about $1400 and we decided to share the cost equally. My share was $700 and I was already feeling the pinch of this extra burden.  Then I remembered that earlier in the morning my colleague had given me some money for our mission. It was exactly $700. What more can I say. Jehovah Jireh has indeed provided again.  Psalms 34:8 - Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him. I have tasted  Him. Have you?

Today I conducted anther funeral service. The brother who passed away, Edward Gerald,  is not our church member but he had received Jesus as His savior and the family wanted a christian funeral. As one of our church members knew the family I decided to conduct the funeral. I took advantage of this opportunity and shared the gospel. Many people were there and some probably hearing about salvation for the first time. Many times we think that by sowing the seed like this. it many not bring fruit or a waste of time A pleasant surprise in the funeral. I met Jerome at the funeral. He was the brother of the deceased. I had last met Jerome about 20 years ago when we were serving in the air force. I had shared the gospel with him then during my air force days but he did not give his life to Christ. But to my utter joy and, I learnt that Jerome had become a Christian and he is serving the Lord in missions in many countries. I was simply overjoyed. As we were talking Jerome reminded m

Last night I spoke on the subject "Worship in Humility" at the Tamil service. We had a good crowd, even though many were away on holidays and other commitments. Text taken from Luke 18;9-14 - The Pharisee and the tax collector. Rachael helped to translate. She had been fasting the whole day for this. Glad to see the young people rise up to the call of ministry. “God uses broken things. It takes broken soil to produce a crop, broken clouds to give rain, broken grain to give bread, broken bread to give strength. It is the broken alabaster box that gives forth perfume. It is Peter, weeping bitterly, who returns to greater power than ever.”―  Vance Havner Many hearts were touched. To God be the glory. After thought: Jonathan's definition of humility: Is not looking less at yourself but looking at yourself less

Everyone has his or her rainy days in life, even the "christian elite" and those who seem in formidable. We can pretend to be strong on the outside, but deep within, everyone goes through moments of discouragement and desperation. Even the great prophet Elijah was not spared. Remember in 1 Kins 19, how after a great victory, the prophet was running for his life, afraid of a woman and wanted to die.  He just witnessed fire come down from heaven. This is only one of the four times, mentioned in the Bible, where fire came from heaven and this great prophet literally did the impossible. He killed all the false prophets and displayed such courage, unparalleled elsewhere. Yet, when there was a threat on his own life, he fumbled and wished he was dead.  I am sure it rings a bell for all of us.  How often, when we face trials, challenges, disappointments, failures, reticule, slander, unjust treatment  and difficulties, we lose focus on God and our circumstances s

Yesterday I conducted the funeral service of Bro Jason. Jason was struggling with cancer for the last few months.  But he found Jesus as his Lord and savior. We had the privilege of leading him to Christ in Aug this year. In spite of his poor health his faith in God was remarkable.  He was reading the Bible and listening to christian songs and in a way preparing himself to meet his creator. It was a solemn but a glorious ceremony to send him to his resting place. I reminded the gathering that life is only temporary. But there is an another life after death we all must be prepared for. I shared to gospel message as well as there were many pre-believers in the gathering. This morning, we laid his bones to rest in the sea of Changi.  We have the assurance that one day we will see him face to face in the presence of the Lord. 1 Corinthians 15:55  – “O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But t

This phrase in a facebook posting caught my attention this morning.  The Bible has a number of scriptures that command us to fear God: Deut 6:24 - "So the LORD commanded us to observe all these statutes, to fear the LORD our God for our good always and for our survival, as it is today. Psalms 147:11 -  The LORD favors those who fear Him, Those who wait for His lovingkindness. Everyone who  encounters God are struck by the fear of God, His holiness, His awe and majesty. Hebews 12:21 -  The sight was so terrifying that Moses said, "I am trembling with fear." Isaiah 6:5 -  Woe  to me!” I cried. “I am ruined!   Rev 1:17 -  When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead.  But after the encounter, the Lord always says, "Fear not...." Joshua 1:9 -  Don't be afraid Isaiah 43:1 - Do not fear, for I have  redeemed  you.  And the list goes on. We as christians need to hold both in creative tension. While we must not forget that our

This morning I took the devotion for the ALS participants. I spoke on the subject, "God's agenda or My agenda" by looking at the life of Jonah. I can see that the Lord is dealing with everyone of them. There is hunger and a deep sense of wanting to do something for God. Later in the morning I shared the Word at Good News Church. Pst Jeff and Brian made the arrangements for me to speak. About 160 people were present in the service. I spoke on the mandate for evangelism. The Lord moved in a powerful way in the service and many came forward for prayer.  I was very blessed, especially by Bro Brian Lee. He is so humble and has such a passion for God and the kingdom. He has the heart of a servant and always ready to serve. Pst Jeff and his wife are a great couple. Amazed by the commitment and vision. I thank the Lord for brining such people in my path and hope to work with the in the future, if the Lord permits.  The last three days has been a great tome for me

Today, I finished my last session with the participants Was happy to hear the feedback from them. God has been dealing with them in various ways. Many were impacted on the need for evangelism.  I was taken to the "Farmers' Market", a project by Good News Church to raise funds for the village ministry. Here the church sells stuff to the public and also invites the people from the villages to come and sell their produce. It was also a good tool for networking and evangelism. Later I met Sis Pauline from KL. She has been with HI, Malaysia for a long time and it was a joy to meet her and to hear of what she is doing for the Lord. Just amazing people. I was indeed blessed to be here in Kuching. The committee that organized the seminar did an excellent job. They were humble and very sincere. I could sense that they too were impacted by the sessions. This evening I went for a walk down the Riverside of Sarawak River. I loved it. I want to praise and thank

There were 34 students in the class. I had three sessions today. After the second session., I felt led to change the contents for the 3rd session and the Holy Spirit moved in a very powerful way. Every the organizers of the seminar were weeping away. I was blessed as well. God works in mysterious ways. To God be the glory.

I arrived Kuching, Sarawak on schedule. This is my first trip to Sarawak. I am here for the Haggai Area Seminar conducted for the next generation. I was invited here by Brian Lee, one of the participants in Maui in April this year, the I had the privilege to facilitate Biblical Mandate. I am slo doing the same subject here. I also made Pst Jeff who was a participant in Maui when I was RC in 2009. How time flies.  Kuching is a nice place. It's clean and quiet. A bit laid back but just perfect for me. I start my sessions tomorrow. Praying that everyone one of the participants will be impacted  the Mandate. 

Last night we had a great night in which we celebrated PEC's 60th Anniversary. The theme was "Celebrating God's faithfulness". Opening address as chairman of the board We invited all the ex-PEC members and and our sponsors and guests for this celebration. About 300 people gathered for the celebration. About 300 guests attended the ceremony It was a joy to meet the former members who have moved on to other churches. But most importantly I was amazed at the way the whole ceremony was organized.  The organizing committee had done an excellent job. We were impressed.It was so well done that everyone was signing praises about the event.  But I think it was God who helped us in this event. We had so many problems along the way and I came to a point of desperation. I had to totally seek the Lord just like King Jehoshaphat: 2 Chro 20:12 -  For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on

Sometimes it’s very difficult to understand God’s ways and dealings. I think the test for us is to still trust in in all situations even when it seems unjust and unfair.  If He remains silent its best to humbly accept His ways knowing His ways are the best. We may not see it now. But in the days to come and in retrospect, we will be thankful that God did not answer our prayers then. The Apostle Paul was in a similar  predicament.  2 Cor 12:7-10  -  And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure.  8  Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me.  9  And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.  10  Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in

I I   picked up the following lines from a friend's facebook post: Sometimes the clouds are low I can hardly see the road I ask a question, Lord Lord, why so much pain? And many times we too tend to ask the same questions when the visibility of the road ahead gets blurred by the  tornadoes  of life. How long? How much longer? King  David also asked the same questions: Psalms 13:1-2  -  How long, O  Lord ? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?  How long must I take counsel in my soul  and have sorrow in my heart all the day? How long shall my enemy be exalted over me? In fact David repeats the question four times, "How long?". It must be been some  excruciating bitter experience that he must have been going through. Maybe it was because he was running away from his enemies,  or maybe a severe sickness or some other calamity. Whatever it was he desperately wanted deliverance. His life seems to be in turmoil and his e

It was a great joy to meet Dr Bev and John Bachman at the Bible House this afternoon. We had a short discussion on the Singapore Alumni and to see how best we can move it forward.  After the meeting, David, Jesse and I met with Dora (the lady next to Jesse), our new alumnus who had just returned from Maui. We had good time recounting our days in Maui. Short but time well spent.

Sometimes  we feel that we are all alone and face attack from every corner. We ask ourselves, if we have taken the right decision and if we are indeed hearing God's voice. Bu the Lord reminded me that as long as we stand in the centre of His will, He has us covered.  Two days ago I received a strange  message  from a couple who  hardly   know me in Indonesia and can hardly speak English: "God loves you so much, even though many people have disappointed the pastor. and you are very sad about that" That was enough for me to know that God is in control and He sees me.  If God saw the slave in the desert ( Gen 16:7 ), take heart HE has seen you too. It may appear as through its not, God will send "sparrows" to  encourage   you  when you are down.  Press on. Isaiah 43:2 - When you pass through the waters,I will be with you;

12 participants are in the program. Praise God for the people involved in the training. I believe great things will come from this project.

Yesterday I was listen to a sermon by Rev John Jenkins on the passage from 2 Chronicles 20 where  Moabites  and Ammonites with some of the Meunites   came to wage war against Jehoshaphat. The assurance given to Jehoshaphat is recorded in Chapter 20:15 - ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged  because of this vast army. For the battle  is not yours, but God’s. He outlined four important points: God is in control -  " Are you not the God who is in heaven" God's faithfulness in the past -  Our God, did you not God hears -  You will hear us and save us Humility is key to approaching to God - For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you. ” I just want to add one more point: 5. God is able - "Will you not" - verse 12 What an encouragement when you are facing so many challenges in life.  Emmanuel . 

I had three days of Ministry in Medan. On Tuesday evening I spoke at GSJA Kadosh. I spoke on the urgency of evangelism. Bro Timothy from Jakarta came to attend the Equip Seminar and he interpreted for me.  On Wednesday, I conducted the Equip Leadership Program (NB1 Level1). there were 12 participants. Many of those who registered could not make it. That evening I preached a revival message and the Holy Spirit moved powerfully in the meetings. Again Bro Timothy interpreted for me. The next day I continued with the Leadership Program. That evening we went to  Gereja Sidang Jemaat Allah   conduct the inauguration fo the 1st Church Planters' Training Program. This is another historic moment for PEC. A new church planting work is starting in Indonesia. God is just enlarging the vision vision. There were 10 young students but full of fire for the Lord. Another five more will be joining on Monday. Praise God. I am thankful to Rev Tissa and the Calvary Church in Sri Lank

Really excited to go on this trip. I am already checked in and am at the waiting area for departure. We will be inaugurating out first Church Planters' Training Program in Medan. This program is sponsored by Calvary Church, Colombo, Sri Lanka. God has opened another new door for us to reach the unreached. These church planters will undergo six months of training and will be deployed to many unreached areas in Indonesia. We need sponsors to support these church planters at least for a period of three years. I know the Lord will provide. I will also be conducting Equip Training Program for pastors and leaders. Looking forward to meeting friends in Medan again.

" 
It is doubtful that God can use any man greatly until he has hurt him deeply" - AW Tozer Thought provoking statement but quite difficult to accept. Why would God do that? Does He enjoy people getting hurt by these hurts. Talk about hurts. Have been through some lately and from the most unexpected people. Not that I am saint but when truth has been compromised and you are not allowed to defend yourself. When you are literally humiliated by the young, the wounds can be deep. But they too must have been hurt deeply, or else the torment would have been subdued.  Pause Look at the saints in the Bible: Joseph was falsely accused yet here maned faithful Moses was unjustly challenged but He remained quiet David had to run into hiding for doing the right things Jesus was mocked, beaten, nailed and killed by Hs own creation. What was the reaction fo the saints?  Jesus -  Father forgive them for they do not know what they are doing. Joseph - You meant it for evi