Pioneer's passion for helping others raised the profession's profile
By Theresa Tan
Mr Yeo was the founder of Singapore's first counselling centre and also helped set up suicide prevention agency SOS. He also spent decades training counsellors here and in the region, often for free.
VETERAN counsellor Anthony Yeo was the mouse that grew up to become a lion in his profession, as a relative put it.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
The mouse who became a lion in counselling
Counsellor Anthony Yeo dies aged 60
Veteran therapist dies from complications following treatment for white blood cell cancer
By Shuli Sudderuddin
'Father of counselling' Anthony Yeo, consultant therapist at the Counselling and Care Centre, was described by those who knew him as an 'iconic figure' in his field. -- ST FILE PHOTO
Singapore's 'father of counselling' Anthony Yeo, who had leukaemia, died yesterday from complications.
The veteran counsellor and consultant therapist at the Counselling and Care Centre was 60 years old.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Church group members harass student for days
They approach him outside school, ask for handphone number, then keep calling and sending SMSes
By Veena Bharwani
May 28, 2009
THEY hang around outside secondary schools and approach students.
Click to see larger image
The New Paper, 15 Apr
These men then give Bibles to the students and talk to them about God.
The men, usually in their 30s, then ask the students for their handphone numbers and urge them to attend cell group meetings in their church.
This is what some students from Greenview Secondary in Pasir Ris have encountered over the past few years. This is not the only school that has seen religious groups right outside their school gates.
Last month, The New Paper reported that two men were distributing religious materials to students from Shuqun Secondary just outside the school in Jurong.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Teen sent to home, mum moves in too
She wanted to stay close to wayward daughter in shelter
By Genevieve Jiang
May 05, 2009
WHEN her 13-year-old daughter ended up in a shelter for troubled teens and juvenile delinquents eight years ago, Madam Priyanut Phasuk was determined to be by her side.
Click to see larger image
MULTIPLE ROLES: Madam Priyanut is cook, housemother and cooking teacher at Andrew and Grace Home. TNP PICTURES: CHOO CHWEE HUA
The day after the girl was sent to the Andrew and Grace Home, Madam Priyanut packed her bags and asked the shelter's staff for permission to stay with her.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Our church is in the news, it's not what I wanted
Church of Our Saviour pastor leads prayer for new Aware president, her husband & family
By Amanda Yong
April 28, 2009
IT WAS just another Sunday it seemed at the Church of Our Saviour yesterday.
The church was in the news earlier because of its links to several members of the new committee of the troubled women's group, Aware.
Just another Sunday until churchgoers were invited to pray for the controversial new Aware president, Ms Josie Lau, and her husband Dr Alan Chin.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Let's stay civil, minus the nannies
By Andy Ho, Senior Writer
THE crux of the reports about the ongoing Aware saga seems to be that its new leaders attend church - by virtue of which they must therefore be dead set against gay rights.
Though these alleged facts have not yet been proven, they have led some to deem it unacceptable that the new group has won control of Aware. It was by a 'dawn raid' at Aware's AGM that the new guard seized control, having brought along a substantial number of new members to vote for them.
Dangerous turns in domestic dispute
Both sides in Aware saga share the blame for current situation
By Paul Jacob, Deputy Political Editor
PUNCHLINES
I THINK the time has come for some heads to be knocked together.
It is an old remedy to knock some sense into people who have been having a go at each other for well on three weeks now.
Nothing 'sneaky' about elections
Last Thursday, several members of Aware's newly elected executive committee revealed why they had stood for election.
They said the women's group had lost sight of its original purpose and had become pro-lesbian and pro-homosexual.
Six of the exco members are said to belong to the same church. Also present at the conference was lawyer Thio Su Mien, who described herself as a 'feminist mentor'.
The older members of Aware refuted the new exco's charges on Friday.
I'm 57, son's 6, that's a lot of work
April 26, 2009
THE pastor looked in very good shape for someone who had just undergone a double transplant operation.
Sitting up, he peered at the roomful of reporters through his webcam. His bespectacled eyes looked very alert.
Said Pastor Lau Chin Kwee, a father of three, two of whom are in their 20s and working: 'God made me a son when I was already past 50 years old.'
That son is now 6 years old.
Monday, April 13, 2009
The Empty Egg
Jeremy was born with a twisted body and a slow mind. At the
age of
12 he was still in second grade, seemingly unable to learn.
His
teacher, Doris Miller, often became exasperated with him.
He would
squirm in his seat, drool, and make grunting noises. At
other times,
he spoke clearly and distinctly, as if a spot of light had
penetrated the darkness of his brain. Most of the time,
however,
Jeremy just irritated his teacher.
Monday, March 23, 2009
The Largest Church in the World
Oprah has opened one of the largest churches in the world & within 3 weeks it now has 3 million people who participates in her Internet online classes. Oprah denies Christ and teaches New Age. She states that Man Created God not God created man.
As Christians we need to be aware of the world's icons that will distribute their beliefs into the lives of the unsaved. Also, as believers we should not support anything, any belief, or any person who teaches a heretic's teaching.
Please take the time to watch this. It's just about 7 minutes long
http://youtube.com/watch?v=
Monday, March 9, 2009
Father of 3 outruns his drug-abusing past
Reformed addict will take part in Ironman race to help raise $10,000
By Kimberly Spykerman
Mr Choong, who once crushed his ankles leaping from a flat to escape the police, will run the 21km leg of the triathlon to raise funds for the Yellow Ribbon Project. --
MR HANNIEL Choong had a knack for running - from the cops. With officers from the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) hot on his heels, he once jumped from a third-storey flat to escape them.
Toast to sweet success
Electronics salesman turned kaya toast king, Mr Adrin Loi says it was all because of a promise
By Tan Yi Hui
Mr Adrin Loi at the chain's flagship outlet at Far East Square. Despite being smack in the Central Business District, the shop does not have air-conditioning - the only such shop in the mall. Step inside and you will notice the no-frills decor, it feels like a nostalgic coffee shop from the 1960s. --
In a factory in Bedok, there is a secret room which only four people can enter. They are the ones who know what goes into a closely guarded family recipe. Only they operate the machinery inside the room.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Emmy winner murdered by 'spiritualist' husband
He had affairs with housewives he met at seances
March 05, 2009
SHE was an Emmy-award winning make-up artist for her work on 2000 TV mini-series Arabian Nights.
He was a 'spiritualist'.
Mrs Diane Chenery-Wickens fate was sealed when she met future husband David at a tarot card reading and fell in love. They married in 1997.
Unknown to her, Chenery-Wickens was obsessed with sex and money. Throughout their marriage, he had a string of affairs, reported the Times.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Old SJI boys crack mystery of the missing Brother
March 04, 2009
TOGETHER AGAIN: The class of '63 with Brother Patrick (in jacket) at the Ang Mo Kio coffee shop where they regularly meet. Mr Joseph (standing, extreme left) is in the striped T-shirt. PICTURES: COURTESY OF MR REG JOSEPH
THE first words from the 80-year-old man of the cloth to the 62-year-old freelance writer who came to visit him were: 'I remember you, rascal.'
Surprising, because the last time they had set eyes on each other was 46 years ago.
And not surprising at all, because the former was then a teacher at Saint Joseph's Institution (SJI) and the latter was a student there.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
'This is the day we have waited for for 30 years'
Survivors of Khmer Rouge atrocities witness the first formal trial of chief torturer
Duch ( facing his lawyer).
Mr Moeung Sonn, a survivor of the Khmer Rouge atrocities, waiting for the trial to start yesterday. About 800 people turned up to watch the UN-backed tribunal. -- PHOTO: AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
PHNOM PENH: - Survivors of Cambodia's Khmer Rouge atrocities reacted with pain, anger and relief as they watched Khmer Rouge leader Pol Pot's chief torturer in the dock, 30 years after the fall of a regime blamed for 1.7 million deaths.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Hard times are here but he's happier now
Award-winning photographer and TV commercial director Edward Loh knows about the high life.
He was commanding a daily rate of US$15,000 (S$22,535) or more for his shoots for international brand campaigns, and travelling to Hong Kong, China and India for work.
While here, he zipped around in a Mercedes S class and a Mercedes GL450.
There are supposedly only eight GL450 models in Singapore.
Mr Loh also used to think nothing of spending $600 on a meal in a Japanese restaurant.
These days, however, he thinks twice if he has to fork out $6 at a foodcourt.
Bad times spell boom for religion
Surge in numbers at many places of worship here; many religious leaders devote sermons to coping with the financial crisis
By Tan Dawn Wei
A worshipper at Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple yesterday. Observers say it is hard to tell if the spike in attendance numbers in churches, mosques and temples will be only temporary or amount to something more long-term. -- ST PHOTO: JOYCE FANG
Since news of layoffs began making it into the papers daily in the past month or so, housewife Elizabeth Tan has been making weekly trips to the Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple in Waterloo Street to pray.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
I paid a heavy price. I was stupid
February 04, 2009
THREE years ago, he was first accused of using drugs and paying a male prostitute for sex for over three years.
Click to see larger image
PICTURE: REUTERS
Now disgraced pastor Ted Haggard has been accused of engaging in an inappropriate relationship with a 20-year-old volunteer in 2006.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
And You Thought You Had a Bad Day!
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2009/01/27/and-you-thought-you-had-a-bad-day-watch-this-incredibly-inspiring-video.aspx
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
True love can indeed last a lifetime: Study
Brain scans show love and passion still burning brightly after 20 years
LONDON: - Cynical about love?
Scientists have discovered that people can have a love that lasts a lifetime.
Brain scans have proven that a small number of couples can respond with as much passion after 20 years as most people exhibit only in the first flush of love, Britain's Sunday Times newspaper has reported.
The findings overturn the conventional view that love and sexual desire peak at the start of a relationship and then decline as the years pass.
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Religion and Self Control
Pray, lead us not into temptation
By John Tierney
IF I'M serious about keeping my New Year resolutions in 2009, should I add another one? Should the to-do list include, 'Start going to church'?
This is an awkward question for a heathen to contemplate, but I felt obliged to raise it with Dr Michael McCullough after reading his report in the upcoming issue of the Psychological Bulletin. He and a fellow psychologist at the University of Miami, Dr Brian Willoughby, have reviewed eight decades of research and concluded that religious belief and piety promote self-control.
Monday, December 29, 2008
Father of paediatrics dies at 85
Prof Wong Hock Boon, a mentor to thousands, founded paediatrics dept
By Sujin Thomas
Prof Wong, described as a 'man of few words with a great depth of knowledge', will be cremated tomorrow. -- ST PHOTO: LIM WUI LIANG
THE man widely regarded as the father of paediatrics in Singapore - and a mentor to thousands of young physicians - died yesterday following a short illness.
Emeritus Professor Wong Hock Boon, who founded Singapore's first paediatrics department in the 1960s, was 85.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Obama's choice of pastor for inauguration upsets some
Why him, Mr President?
December 27, 2008 Print Ready Email Article
THE US president's inauguration may be less than a month away but MrBarack Obama's choices of who's to appear and in what role has already set tongues wagging.
Click to see larger image
FLAK: MrObama's choice of pastor Rick Warren to pray at his inauguration has upset some people. PICTURES: AP, AFP
In particular, Mr Obama's choice of evangelical pastor Rick Warren to deliver a religious invocation at the ceremony has raised hackles.
Mr Warren, a best-selling author and leader of a Californian megachurch, has won praise by calling for more attention to eradicating poverty, fighting Aids in Africa, expanding educational opportunities and global warming.
But gay rights advocates are angry over MrWarren's backing of a California ballot initiative to ban gay marriage.
They said having MrWarren deliver the invocation was tantamount to endorsing bigotry.
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
'I may need a wheelchair'
But actor Chew Chor Meng refuses to let muscular atrophy get him down
By Tan Dawn Wei
-- ST PHOTO: WANG HUI FEN
Actor Chew Chor Meng already has great difficulty climbing stairs and he struggles to lift his four-year-old daughter. Soon, he may even lose his ability to walk.
But the 40-year-old, who broke the news that he has spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy, or Kennedy's disease, last Friday night, is refusing to let this debilitating disease strike him down.
THE DISEASE
Twitching, tremors and muscle cramps, progressing to weakness and wasting in the legs, trunk, arms, shoulders, neck and face.
These are the debilitating effects of spinal bulbar muscular atrophy, or Kennedy's disease, which dramatically affects one's walking, speech and swallowing, usually over a long period of time.
... more
Chew has incurable illness
Actor's condition said to strike one in 40,000 people and is incurable
By Jasmine Teo
Chew sharing news of his spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy with the congregation. He is expected to face 'physical impairment' in the next seven to 15 years, but the disease does not affect life expectancy.
VETERAN MediaCorp actor Chew Chor Meng said last night that he has been diagnosed with a form of muscular atrophy, an incurable disease where a sufferer's muscles waste away.
The 40-year-old told reporters outside his church, Renewal Centre, in Serangoon that he was diagnosed with spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy, or Kennedy's disease.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
'Later when you pray, tell God that He is very, very, very good. :D'.'
She was so weak, she couldn't even lift her hand
Heart-lung machine helps save her life
By Ng Wan Ching
December 10, 2008
SHE would have been dead within an hour if her parents had not taken her to hospital right then.
RECOVERING: Dora at home. She now has scars on her neck to remind her of those dark days. PICTURES: COURTESY OF MR CHAN
And even when she got there, she may not have survived if the right doctors were not at the right place at the right time.
But little Dora, 7, was fortunate, and eventually pulled through.
Her recovery was nothing short of a miracle, and she had to endure a long, hard fight for her life.
Thursday, November 27, 2008
US pastor: Have sex for 7 days & keep going
November 27, 2008
REVEREND Ed Young challenged his followers with a rather 'hot' idea to perk up things in their married lives - 'Seven Days of Sex'.
Rev Young, an author, a television host and the pastor of the evangelical Fellowship Church, issued his call for a week of congregational copulation among married couples last week, while pacing in front of a large bed.
'Today we're beginning this sexperiment, seven days of sex. How to move from whining about the economy to whoopee!' the New York Times quoted him as saying.
I couldn't just sit at home and wait
By Ng Tze Yong
November 27, 2008 Print Ready Email Article
BY the time Mr Winston Goh left KK Women's and Children's Hospital (KKH) at noon on Sunday, he was drained.
Click to see larger image
TRUTH IS OUT THERE: Mr Goh with photos of the accident site. TNP PICTURE: MOHD ISHAK
It had been a long, long night.
A late-night phone call had ended with a mad rush to the hospital and hours of anxious waiting.
But, finally, he could go home to rest.
His daughter, in a hospital bed, was in stable condition. His wife had come to relieve him at the girl's bedside.
Go home and freshen up, his wife had coaxed him.
But the businessman just could not do it. The questions continued to vex him.
I want someone to be responsible for tragedy
Outraged parents allege that nobody told them what happened
By Lediati Tan
November 27, 2008
IT WAS a quiet night at the private campsite.
Two teenage girls were having a chat.
Suddenly, an all-terrain vehicle roared out of the darkness and ploughed into them.
The vehicle hit the girls and a third girl who was nearby. All three 15-years-olds were injured, one of them seriously.
Now their parents are outraged - both by the incident and because they remain in the dark.
The incident occurred at Camp Challenge Sembawang at 1.45am on Sunday.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
From loan officer to law firm partner, in 8 years
Lawyer Lin Song with his family; Wife Gillian, 34, also a lawyer, daughter Grace, three months and son Samuel, two. -- ST PHOTO: JOYCE FANG
View more photos
JUST eight years ago, Mr Lin Song, born in Putian county in Fujian province, lived a vastly different life.
He was a loans officer for a bank in the southern Chinese city of Xiamen in Fujian province, earning 5,000 yuan (S$1,120) monthly. He put his Xiamen University law degree to good use whenever he went to court to recover bad loans.
The son of a civil servant father and housewife mother rented a three-bedroom flat with two friends in Xiamen, and struggled to save up to 3,000 yuan a month as a bachelor.
Today, the 35-year-old is a Singaporean and a partner at Khattar Wong, a leading law firm here with more than 150 lawyers, and co-heads the group's 30-member-strong China practice.
He is married to a Singaporean lawyer Gillian Lee, whom he met at the firm which he joined in 2004. They have two children, Samuel, two, and Grace, who is three months old. Home is an old bungalow in Bukit Timah, and he drives a Lexus.
His turning point was applying for a master's in Business Administration scholarship from the Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in 2000.
Although he was also accepted by the National University of Singapore and Indiana University in the United States, he chose NTU as it was the only MBA programme which came with a bond-free scholarship.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Dad suffered but still faced death with courage
I recently buried my father, Reverend Henry Khoo Hin Yang (who was featured in the article, 'Chaplain who turned lives around dies', (Oct23) ), after his prolonged stay in the hospital, most of that time fighting for his life in the intensive care unit.
For the 55 days he was in hospital, he was either sedated or semi-comatose, and later, in considerable pain, but not once did he or we consider hastening his death.
For a man who taught those facing capital punishment to face death with courage, he would have had it no other way than to face his own with equal courage in the midst of his own suffering.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Thousands of Muslims Convert to Christianity in Iraq
Other videos:
Terrorist converts to Christianity
Nabeel found Christ Part I
Nabeel found Christ Part II
Dina's Conversion
Ex muslim woman converted Part I
Ex muslim woman converted Part II
African muslim villagers converting to Christ
Algeria Church
Converting from Islam to Christianity in Algeria 1
Converting from Islam to Christianity in Algeria 2
Mohd Hijazi being persecuted
Kg Jias Story
Watch this video to see how the orang asli were coming to christ and how they faced persecution
Other videos :
Kg Jias Special Service
Kg Regang Church
Persecution in Malaysia
Macedonian Call 1
Macedonian Call 2
Drowned 01 - the resurrection of Deresa, the village chief 's son
Drowned 02
Drowned 03
Drowned 04
Drowned 05
Deep in the Jungle
Christmas Presents
Christmas in January
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Retail 'therapy' for troubled teenage girls
By Lim Pow Hong
FOR a day, teenagers at the Andrew and Grace Home for troubled girls tried their hand at running their own shop.
On Sept 25, 20 girls from the home got their first lesson in retail marketing and bookkeeping skills, conducted by a team of experts in marketing from Lend Lease Retail.
The home and Lend Lease hope to develop a long-term working relationship, perhaps with Lend Lease employees training the girls once a month or once a quarter.
Three generations of Khoos, all in the prison ministry
THE Khoos have contributed three generations of its men to the prison ministry:
# Rev Khoo Siaw Hua: Began as prison minister in 1952 and served as honorary prison chaplain from 1953 to 1985. Died a year after his retirement.
# Rev Henry Khoo: Started as teacher conducting classes in Changi Prison in 1968 and succeeded his father as prison chaplain. He served until 2006.
# Rev Timothy Khoo: The reach of the Khoos in the prison ministry goes global with him. Based here, he is the executive vice-president of Prison Fellowship International, which has 113 affiliates worldwide. Serves in the prisons here as a volunteer.
His younger brother Mark, 36, is also in prison work: He is a teacher at the Kaki Bukit Prison School.
Chaplain who turned lives around dies
Rev Khoo gave spiritual comfort to hardened prisoners for 38 years with his gentle ways
By K. C. Vijayan, Law Correspondent
Rev Khoo, who spent his years as prison chaplain reforming "the tough nuts", died on Tuesday night after a long battle with cancer. -- ST FILE PHOTO
THEY were 'dead men walking', death-row inmates taking that journey towards the day they would hang.
Friday, October 24, 2008
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Keep an open mind even if you live by thou-shalt-nots
I find it sad that Mr Chin felt the report had confirmed his observations and views of the two churches.
I'd rather live by the thou-shalt-nots
ST PHOTO: SAMUEL HE
I refer to last Sunday's feature, 'Church pastors like none other'.
I have mused on attending the Sunday services of the two megachurches to find out why they are such big draws. Your report has confirmed my observation and views.
# They appear more like motivational institutions where the teachings centre on 'all aspects of a person's development and needs' and the premise that one's good works 'require one to first better (oneself) financially'.
# The congregation is made up largely of those in their mid-30s and 40s who are probably ambitious, up-and-coming individuals, and who want to believe that they can thrive by 'receiving God's charity instead of living by the thou-shalt-nots'.
# There seems to be much stress on a stylish lifestyle here and now, rather than on the here and thereafter.
# The churchgoers seem to worship their pastors as role models, and probably go in droves for their Sunday preaching on prosperity, success and financial blessings, and also to be part of the mega commercial projects that put many a publicly listed company to shame.
For me, I am perfectly happy to live by all traditional thou-shalt-nots which are biblical.
Winston Chin
Saturday, October 18, 2008
The dash movie
The dash :
In July 2006, a short 3-minute movie was launched on the Internet called The Dash. Since then, over 40 million people from around the world have watched it; and over 20,000 a day continue to watch it as a result of people passing it along.
The movie has been more successful than we could have ever imagined. More importantly, however, it has inspired many, many people to reflect on their lives and ask that all important question, 'Are my priorities where they should be??
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Violence against Christians in Iraq rises
FEAR AND LOATHING: 'We are the target of a campaign of liquidation, a campaign of violence. The objective is political.' - Chaldean Archbishop of Mosul Louis Sako
MOSUL: Iraq dispatched 1,000 police to the northern city of Mosul yesterday to protect Christians fleeing the worst violence against them in five years.
After attacks that have killed at least 11 Christians since Sept 28, nearly 1,000 terrified Christian families have fled their homes to take shelter in the northern and eastern fringes of Nineveh province.
Monday, October 13, 2008
All Aboard Johan's Ark
All aboard Johan's Ark
October 13, 2008
DUTCH contractor Johan Huibers has built a massive replica of Noah's Ark on a river in the small town of Schagen, about 50km north of Amsterdam.
THE RE-CREATOR: Mr Johan Huibers with his pride and joy. Mr Huibers hopes his ark will encourage people to start reading the bible.
The ark, made of cedar and pine, is 68m long, almost 14m high and 9m wide.
That's two-thirds the length of a football field and as high as a three-story house.
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Visit by hotshot US reverend draws flak on the Net
By Liew Hanqing
October 11, 2008 Print Ready Email Article
HE is one of the most well-known televangelists in the US, but also one of the most controversial.
And his engagement to speak at City Harvest Church's (CHC) first Asia Conference in Singapore has stirred strong reactions among netizens.
Best-known for his 'miracle crusades' - large revival and 'healing' summits in large stadiums in major cities - Reverend Benny Hinn is one of the most high-profile healing evangelists in the US.
However, investigative news reports by syndicated news programmes, including Inside Edition and Dateline NBC, have questioned some of Rev Hinn's claims, including those that say he has the God-given gift of healing people who attend his crusades.
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Ps Kong Hee ,founder of City Harvest Church
Over the next hour, he cracked jokes, dished out anecdotes about his son Dayan, and delivered the message of the day about the qualities of being a good son.
'Awesome' is a word he uses a lot, often accompanied by a dramatic punch in the air.
The other young pastors all sport a wardrobe also sponsored by Ed Hardy - or rather, Mr Kong and singer-wife Ho Yeow Sun's apparel business that brings in the American streetwear label known for its loud designs.
The young, hip, energetic vibes that resonate within the church's chic $48 million walls probably go some way in drawing the young crowd in. Half of the 23,000-strong congregation are children, students and full-time national servicemen.
'When people believe right, they live right
'When people believe right, they live right,' says Pastor Joseph Prince of New Creation Church. He preaches at four hour-long services on Sundays. -- ST PHOTOS: SAMUEL HE
View more photos
From stutter to charisma
More than just an orator
'He's not just a good speaker, he has the wisdom and ability to interpret the Bible. It has changed me, my life, my business.'
MS OLIVIA LUM, 47, chief executive officer and president of water purification company Hyflux Group, on Pastor Joseph Prince
By his own admission, Pastor Joseph Prince is a shy man and a former stutterer.
That is why he has never granted a media interview, preferring to let his lieutenants do the talking.
Church pastors like none other
Both are under 50, good-looking and charismatic. They have also built their churches from scratch into two of the richest and biggest in Singapore. But New Creation Church's Pastor Joseph Prince and City Harvest Church's Pastor Kong Hee have been at the receiving end of criticism and controversy for their non-traditional practices, rich coffers and the way they run their churches like businesses. Last month they, along with five other major religious groups, were given the all-clear by the Commissioner of Charities (COC) in its first governance review. The five Christian groups and two temples were singled out as they have the largest incomes - more than $10 million each a year - among the charities under the Commissioner's direct purview. The audit, which began last October, is intended to help the groups improve the way they are run. In separate interviews with The Sunday Times, the two church founders discuss how it all started, their own spiritual journeys and those nagging criticisms.
By Tan Dawn Wei
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Church losing Manila's birth control battle
Push for family planning Bill indicates Catholic bishops' waning clout
By Alastair McIndoe, Philippines Correspondent
Mothers with their newborns at a government hospital in Manila. With unbridled population growth straining public services, many feel a national family planning policy is needed. -- PHOTO: REUTERS
MANILA: The Catholic Church in the Philippines is facing one of the biggest challenges to its deep-rooted influence in the corridors of power here.
An emotional debate is raging in Congress on legislation for a national family planning policy to include government-sponsored contraception for the poor. If passed, this would be a historic break with Church doctrine in Asia's only Catholic-majority country.
That the Bill has got as far as it has in the legislative process is due partly to the waning clout of the Catholic hierarchy, whose bishops are 'pulling out all the stops' to get lawmakers to throw it out.
'Politicians supporting the reproductive-health Bill clearly feel the Church is not so strong nowadays,' said political analyst Benito Lim, adding that prominent Catholics in the business sector are also pushing for measures to bring down the country's high rate of population growth.
In fact, Filipinos have been flocking in large numbers to the more dynamic evangelical and charismatic groups for years.
Some, like Mr Mike Velarde's El Shaddai Church, or the Iglesia ni Cristo movement, wield considerable power as voting blocs. Not surprisingly, they are being energetically courted by politicians ahead of mid-2010 elections for endorsements.
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Interfaith dialogue: Why some clam up
By Andy Ho, Senior Writer
IN A RECENT study involving 183 Christian clergymen, half said they were leery of participating in any form of interfaith dialogue. Also, 40 per cent of them were reluctant to cooperate with another religion in any joint charity effort.
Hellish times for India's Christians
Communal politics, religious zeal fuel attacks in 4 states
By P. Jayaram, India Correspondent
NEW DELHI: A combustible mix of politics and religious zeal has been blamed for a surge in attacks on Christians in several Indian states.
A pentecostal group is at the centre of the violence that has rocked the southern coastal city of Mangalore, in Karnataka, since Sunday, less than a month after eastern Orissa state witnessed similar violence against Christians.
Church pumps in $220m more
New Creation Church's total stake in lifestyle hub will be $500m
By Fiona Chan, Property Reporter
An artist's impression of the Integrated Hub at Vista Exchange, which is being developed by Rock Productions (the business arm of the New Creation Church) and CapitaLand. -- GRAPHIC: ROCK PRODUCTIONS/CAPITALAND
ONE of Singapore's mega churches is raising its investment in a new lifestyle hub at one-north, where it will hold church services in the future.
Three generations 'in jail'
For (from left) Mr Joshua Teo, his grandfather Goh Ewe Kheng and uncle Goh Chuan Iau, gaining the inmates' trust is important and essential. -- ST PHOTOS: LIM WUI LIANG
WHEN Mr Joshua Teo, 35, was growing up, his relatives would joke that his grandfather was 'back in prison' when the patriach failed to show up for family gatherings.
His grandfather, Mr Goh Ewe Kheng, 84, really has been in and out of prison for the last 50 years - as a volunteer.
Now Mr Teo and his uncle are following in his footsteps.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Dongfang Billy Has Cancer, Plans Funeral
Former DJ to host his funeral via DVD
September 11, 2008
HE has planned his own funeral, down to what he will wear and who is going to host the event.
Click to see larger image
READY TO DIE: Billy Wang.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
French schools to offer free English lessons
Minister says poor English a handicap in international business
PARIS: French Education Minister Xavier Darcos has announced plans to offer free English classes in schools, saying that speaking fluent English was the key to success.
Monday, September 1, 2008
Mobs in anti -Christian rage
Mobs in anti-Christian rage
Slaying of Hindu leader sparks attacks on homes and churches
By P. Jayaram, India Correspondent
Nearly 500 Christian homes have been torched in Orissa, leaving the victims to salvage what they can from the ruins. -- PHOTO: ASSOCIATED PRESS
Saturday, August 30, 2008
In Israel: Dead Sea Scrolls to go digital
Special tests have revealed previously illegible portions of the biblical documents. -- PHOTO: AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
JERUSALEM: More than 2,000 years after they were written, the Dead Sea Scrolls are going digital as part of an effort to better preserve the ancient texts and let more people see them than ever before.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Babies: We want more
The Lim couple have six children and a seventh is on the way
By Shuli Sudderuddin
Mr Henson Lim and wife Serene with their children (clockwise from top left) David, 10; Aaron, 6; Sarah, eight; Ruth, three; Esther, five; and Deborah, one. -- ST PHOTO: STEPHANIE YEOW
It is Wednesday morning and Mr Henson Lim's Bishan maisonette echoes with the clattering of two robot vacuum cleaners at work.
'We just bought them last week for $1,700,' said Mr Lim, 44, a ministry partner with the Covenant Vision Ministries. The devices will help his homemaker wife Serene, 39, who is expecting their seventh child. Yes, seventh.
Religious tensions rise in Indonesia
Assaults on Christian school and church in Jakarta raise concern
By Wahyudi Soeriaatmadja , INDONESIA CORRESPONDENT
Students of Arastamar Evangelical School near Jakarta attending an outdoor class yesterday after their school was attacked by Muslim hardliners last month. -- PHOTO: ASSOCIATED PRESS
JAKARTA: Concern is mounting that Indonesia's constitutionally protected religious freedoms are under threat after recent attacks on Christians here by Islamic hardliners.
Monday, August 25, 2008
McCain scores in first stage clash with Obama
His confident answers find favour with crucial voting bloc of evangelical Christians
By Bhagyashree Garekar, US Correspondent
(From left) Mr John McCain, PastorRick Warren and Mr Barack Obama at the Saddleback Church on Saturday. The presidential candidates took turns speaking of faith and politics at a forum chaired by the pastor. -- PHOTO: BLOOMBERG
WASHINGTON - Senator John McCain stole the show from his Democratic rival Barack Obama in their first encounter on stage since the primaries, as they clashed in front of the crucial evangelical Christian audience.
Who is Rick Warren?
PASTOR Rick Warren, the 54-year-old founder of the 23,000-strong Saddleback Church in California, is known the world over for his best-selling book, The Purpose Driven Life. His book has sold over 30 million copies in English and is published in more than 50 languages.
Double death fall
Mystery diary entries,
By Crystal Chan
August 25, 2008
THE two boys had apparently written diary entries with words like 'goodbye' and 'last day'.
LAST WORDS: The boys wrote entries with words and phrases like 'goodbye' and 'last day' in their diaries. They are believed to have fallen from this window. Grafitti sprayed by Witaya can be seen on the sill. TNP PICTURE: JOHN HENG
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Cult 'brainwashed' mom
BALTIMORE - AFTER denying Javon Thompson food and water for two days because he wouldn't say 'Amen' after meals, the 1-year-old's caretakers waited for a divine sign that their message had been heard: a resurrection.
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Seoul govt's 'partiality' riles Buddhists
Search of monk's car sparks outcry against 'Christianity-friendly' policy
Buddhist monks staging a hunger strike in a tent at the Jogye-sa Temple to protest against what they see as religious bias by the government of President Lee, a Christian. -- ASSOCIATED PRESS
Christian fellowship a big attraction for youth
By Grace Chua
Participants at the Festival of Praise, held at the Singapore Indoor Stadium from Aug 1 to 3, raising their hands while singing Christian songs. -- ALPHONSUS CHERN/THE STRAITS TIMES
Many seekers drawn to Buddhism
By April Chong
BUDDHISM, at 2,500 years old, is still the top choice among those in search of spirituality in this urban nation.
Taoism: Not easy to keep devotees
It is losing the most followers, especially among youth under 24
By Yen Feng
The Poh Ann Keng Taoist Temple in Tampines Link sees few visitors, except during festivals and special ceremonies. Younger Taoists find it difficult to connect with the religion, and are either drawn to other faiths or get by without following any. -- ALPHONSUS CHERN/THE STRAITS TIMES
IN 1988, Taoist devotees scurried to meet their elders when a government survey found that half their clan had defected to other religions.
Buddhist mum worries about funeral rites
FIVE years ago, when Madam Tan, a devout Buddhist, first heard that her eldest daughter Cindy Ng, then 23, was planning to be baptised, she had one concern - that the young woman would not be able to perform the funeral rites at her death.
Mum's SMS: 'You cannot be baptised until I die'
Ms Ng, a Christian and her husband Timmy at the Zion Bible Presbyterian Church in Bishan. Her mother is upset that her baptised daughter will not be able to perform her funeral rites. -- ALPHONSUS CHERN/THE STRAITS TIMES
A SINGLE text message from her staunchly Buddhist mother said it all: 'You cannot be baptised until I die.'
Religion: The big switch
Taoism is losing believers as Chinese turn away from their parents' faith. Christianity is growing its flock and Buddhism is also seeing a revival
By Arti Mulchand
Two devotees kneeling in prayer at the Lorong Koo Chye Sheng Hong Temple Association. About 90 years ago, seven in 10 here considered themselves Taoist but recent census figures have charted Taoism's declinin "share" - from 30 per cent of the population in 1980 to 22.4 per cent in 1990 and 8.5 per cent in 200. -- ALPHONSUS CHERN/THE STRAITS TIMES
Ugly scenes at KL forum on religious conversions
Meeting ends abruptly after disruption by Muslim protesters
By Carolyn Hong, Malaysia Bureau Chief
Protesters muscling their way to the front of an auditorium at the Bar Council building to demand an end to a forum on an issue that both government and opposition leaders fear may inflame religious tension. -- PHOTO: WWW.MALAYSIANINSIDER.COM
Kuala Lumpur - A legal forum on conversions to Islam came to an abrupt end yesterday as the situation looked set to get out of control.
Pastor scores a hit with Singapore Song
-- ST PHOTO: CAROLINE CHIA
He preaches the good word to thousands of people who attend church services at Lighthouse Evangelism in Tampines and Woodlands every Sunday.
But since last week, Pastor Rony Tan (right) has been 'singing' a message of a different kind.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Tithing goes online
TWO Protestant churches here are collecting donations through their websites.
City Harvest Church launched its donation portal in 2002, and Faith Community Baptist Church (FCBC), last year.
Friday, August 8, 2008
Anglican leader on gays and marriage
Letters shed light on Archbishop's views
'The Bible does not address the matter of appropriate behaviour for those who are, for whatever reason, homosexual by instinct or nature.' - Dr Williams
LONDON: Faithful gay relationships are 'comparable to marriage' in the eyes of God, the leader of the world's Anglicans wrote in private correspondence before he was appointed Archbishop of Canterbury, British newspapers reported yesterday.
The disclosure threatens to reopen bitter divisions over ordaining gay priests, which pushed the Anglican Communion towards a split.
The comments - made in letters written in 2000 and 2001 when Dr Rowan Williams was still Archbishop of Wales - will infuriate the conservatives who boycotted the recent Lambeth Conference to protest against the presence of liberals who elected Anglicanism's first openly gay bishop - Mr Gene Robinson of New Hampshire in the United States.
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Anglican leader calls for moratorium on gay bishops
GRAVE WARNING
: 'If the North American churches don't accept the need for moratorium, then, to say the least, we are no further forward. That means, as a communion, we continue to be in grave peril.' - ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURY ROWAN WILLIAMS
LONDON - ARCHBISHOP of Canterbury Rowan Williams, struggling to hold together the troubled global Anglican family, has urged church leaders not to consecrate another gay bishop, saying the fellowship will be in 'grave peril' without a moratorium.
Finish Strong Movie
There is one thing that we all have in common. That is...at some point in our life, we will face adversity. It's not a matter of if but...when.
In my 63 years on this earth, I have come to realize that the difference in success or failure is not chance, but choice. Because when adversity strikes, it's not what happens to us, but how we react to what happens that will determine our destiny.
And that's what this inspirational 3 minute movie is all about. The title is Finish Strong. So turn up your speakers and click on the link below. It will make your day!
Other titles
You Can't Send a Duck to Eagle SchoolChange is Good
Dreams
The Simple Truths of Appreciation
The Extra Degree
No Glass Ceiling, Just Blue Sky
Paper Plane
The Strangest Secret
To a Child, Love is Spelled TIME
Great Quotes from Great Leaders
Mac Anderson
Founder, Simple Truths
Monday, August 4, 2008
Good Things Come In Threes
THERE were to be only two winners for the Youth Inspiration Award, but competition was so keen, judges decided on three winners instead. HEDY KHOO reports
By Hedy Khoo
August 04, 2008
YVONNE CHIA, TEACHER
pictures: Hedy khoo
SHE knows what it is like to be a wayward student. Her younger days were beset with personal problems.
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Inter-faith talks avert mention of extremism
First global dialogue between Christians, Muslims focuses on building ties
NEW HAVEN (CONNECTICUT) - A CONFERENCE of Muslim and Christian leaders aimed at promoting inter-faith dialogue ended here sidestepping the thorny issue of religious fundamentalism.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
'Made in China' Bibles - the S'pore connection
By Leong Weng Kam, Senior Writer
CLOSE TIES: China's biggest Bible producer Amity Printing has sent staff for training in Singapore. -- PHOTO: REUTERS
WALK into any Christian bookshop and chances are you will find copies of the Bible printed in China by the Amity Printing Company (APC) in Nanjing.
This is not home schooling
But founder says she's providing a place for children who can't cope in national schools
July 31, 2008
SHE believes her school is in the best interest of students who are up for home-schooling.
Life at Victory Life Christian School. From top: A facilitator leads a class discussion; Students lead a song session; Students studying at their work stations. -- TNP Pictures: SHILA NAIDU
Monday, July 28, 2008
Friday, July 18, 2008
Boycott lays bare rift in Anglican Church
Absence of a quarter of its bishops from Lambeth summit puts spotlight on divisive issues of sexuality and scripture
By Mark Rice-Oxley, For The Straits Times
CENTRE OF A STORM: Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams (fourth from left), seen here with bishops from various countries at the start of the Lambeth Conference, is facing a bitter dispute over the place of homosexuals in the life and ministry of the Anglican Church. -- PHOTO: AFP
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Preacher's magical touch
Pastor Lawrence Khong's proudest contribution is setting up Touch Community Services, an award-winning non-profit organisation
By Mak Mun San , the monday interview
FATHER AND DAUGHTER ACT: Pastor Lawrence Khong, who is also a magician, will be performing with his daughter Priscilla in a magical theatre show called MagicBox from Saturday to July 20. -- ST PHOTO: ALBERT SIM
Tablet could redefine Jewish-Christian links
JERUSALEM - A TABLET said to date back to the 1st century BC predicts that a messiah would rise again after three days - a text that could redefine links between the Christian and Jewish religions.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Marriage - an unsettling experience
In this fortnightly column on life issues, veteran psychotherapist Anthony Yeo talks about the pros and cons of saying 'I do'
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Her Heart May Beat The Odds
Book-binder is the longest living female heart transplant patient here
By Kua Chee Siong
June 21, 2008
A LONE slipper lies outside the gate of a one-room flat.
Ms Tan used to walk about 2km from her weekly physiotheraphy sessions at SGH to her work place at the Society for the Physically Disabled on Peng Nguan Street. In recent years, because she gets tired easily, she would do it only occasionally. She takes the bus instead.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Raising the bar
Taking over a thriving family-run wine business is no walk in the vineyard, says Clinton Ang, who is determined to push that legacy to greater heights
By Ong Bi Hui
DRINKING TO THE FUTURE: In the five years since taking over from his father, Mr Ang has transformed Hock Tong Bee into a major supplier of wines and spirits to hotels and restaurants. -- ST PHOTO: LIM CHIN PING
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
I Was Lost
# No flat
# No family
# No money
By Genevieve Jiang
June 17, 2008
THE day he was released from jail, he found himself homeless and without loved ones to return to.
The New Hope Shelter for Men is also seeing more older residents like Mr Wong (above). -- Pictures: KUA CHEE SIONG
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Rare sighting of Indian tribe
-- PHOTO: AP
RIO DE JANEIRO - ONE of Brazil's last uncontacted Indian tribes has been spotted in the far western Amazon jungle near the Peruvian border, the National Indian Foundation said.
The Indians were sighted in an Ethno-Environmental Protected Area along the Envira River in flights over remote Acre state, said the Brazilian government foundation, known as Funai.
Funai said it photographed 'strong and healthy' warriors (left), six huts and a large planted area. But it was not known to which these warriors belonged, the group said.
'
Obama and family quit Trinity church
MR BARACK Obama has said he and his wife had resigned as members of their Chicago church in the aftermath of inflammatory remarks by his long-time pastor, the Reverend Jeremiah Wright, and more recent fiery remarks at the church by a visiting priest.
Friday, May 23, 2008
Church attacked in West Java
JAKARTA - MUSLIMS have stormed a church in Indonesia to force it to close down, a resident and the police said yesterday, in the latest incident of religious intolerance in the nation.
Gospel star's son runs down daughter
PHOTO: AP
NASHVILLE (Tennessee) - The five-year-old Chinese-born daughter of Grammy-winning Christian music star Steven Curtis Chapman was struck and killed by a sport utility vehicle driven by her brother, the authorities said.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Sars widow finds love again
Wife of doctor who died while fighting the Sars epidemic in 2003 weds author and entrepreneur
By Wong Kim Hoh
Dr Koh Woon Puay and author George Tan exchanged marriage vows yesterday, with Dr Koh's two daughters - Beatrice (front) and Bernice (hidden) at their side. -- ST PHOTO: CAROLINE CHIA
Friday, May 9, 2008
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Edison Chen 'prayed every day'
HONG KONG - Edison Chen, the bad boy of the recent sex photo scandal, prayed every day after the scandal broke out but he did not become a Christian because of it.
Friday, May 2, 2008
Former ITE boy now gives motivation talks to undergrads
'Life is more than having a certificate'
By Elysa Chen
May 02, 2008
ASK David Ong what his educational qualifications are, and he'll proudly tell you that all he has is a certificate from the Institute of Technical Education (ITE).
TNP Picture: JONATHAN CHOO
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Growing interest here in kosher market
More food exporters want a slice of growing global kosher market worth $815b annually
By Tessa Wong
Zimbabwe faces genocide if world does not act: Church leaders
HARARE - VIOLENCE in Zimbabwe will result in full-scale genocide if the international community does not intervene, the country's church leaders have warned.
Jade to start shipping coal in the third quarter
It stands to get 70% of profits from mine with $1.4b in reserves
By Lee Su Shyan, Assistant Money Editor
SUMATRAN VENTURE: Jade's president Dr Soh (right), with West Sumatra Governor Gumawan Fauzi (centre) and Pak Iwan Sutadi, a representative of Jade partner Dasacita, at the St Regis Hotel yesterday. -- ST PHOTO: AZIZ HUSSIN
New donor heart, new traits?
Not true, say doctors about reports of organ-transplant patients taking on the personality of their donors
By Tiffany Fumiko Tay
Mr Sonny Graham's (left) change of heart led him to marry his donor's wife, Cheryl. -- PHOTO: AP
He had a change of heart, literally. American Sonny Graham underwent a heart transplant in 1995 and started exhibiting traits of his deceased donor soon after, before committing suicide in the same manner early this month.
Most teens value virginity
How can the trend highlighted in the article, 'Teen sex infections likely to hit new high' (The Sunday Times, April6), be checked?
I've been used, says Obama's ex-pastor
IT'S POLITICS: Reverend Jeremiah Wright (right) says he is not bothered by Mr Obama's denunciation of his fiery sermons. -- PHOTO: AP
US PRESIDENTIAL candidate Barack Obama's former pastor, the Reverend Jeremiah Wright, has said that people airing snippets of his fiery sermons were trying to paint him as 'some sort of fanatic'.
Sunday, April 13, 2008
How can a victim be a culprit overnight?
A medical doctor turned entrepreneur, Dr Anthony Soh had kept a low profile until the recent aborted takeover of little-known Jade Technologies catapulted him into the corporate spotlight.
The 52-year-old chief executive of Jade speaks of going through the 'most challenging' period of his life now.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
A world of new uncertainties
By John T. Sidel, For The Straits Times
PHOTO: REUTERS
IN THE profane world of politics, 'Knowledge Is Power' seems a bit like an empty slogan.
Friday, March 21, 2008
Call for top Chinese leaders to revive ancient sacrificial rites
BEIJING - CHINA'S Communist Party leaders may soon be bowing in live-to-air worship to the mythical founder of the Han Chinese people if a group of political advisers get their way.
Comments : The ancient chinese worshiped one God. The ancient rulers of the chinese down thru the generations, until the Ming Dynasty, acted as the priest for his subjects to the unknown God. All this point towards Jesus who is our priest to God
Friday, March 14, 2008
From sniffing to wind surfing
By Genevieve Jiang
March 14, 2008
WHEN she was caught glue-sniffing during a school event two years ago, her parents filed a beyond parental control charge against her.
The Andrew and Grace Home has moved to Mattar Road, after a year of worrying about being evicted from their old premises. This is the hostel where the girls sleep. Pictures: MOHD ISHAK
The 14-year-old was sent to the Andrew and Grace Home for troubled teens. That was in September 2006.
Monday, March 3, 2008
Rags-To-Riches President
Never-say-die attitude marks meteoric rise of South Korea's top leader
By Lee Tee Jong, South Korea Correspondent
MR LEE'S UNRELENTING DRIVE has earned him the nickname 'bulldozer', a comparison he relishes and even cultivates. -- PHOTO: REUTERS
Friday, February 29, 2008
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Going out on a limb for love
It is Valentine's Day tomorrow, and two newly-wed couples tell Lisabel Ting that the bumps in their romantic journeys have been many - ranging from medical and physical to social problems - but in the end, true love shone through
Mr Christopher Lau, 43, has polio and walks with a limp, but his wife, Ivy, 36, still chose him despite her mother and friends telling her not to. -- DESMOND WEE
Cerebral palsy no barrier to couple's love
When it comes to caring for baby Abigail, Mrs Yeong takes on the physical duties and Mr Yang, the spiritual and emotional ones.
When asked for her first impression of her husband, Mrs Cynthia Yeong, 37, is quick to answer.
'I didn't like him. I thought he was quite proud,' she says with a laugh.
Testimonies of Christians
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Save Him A Seat
Putin will be back
By Neville Stack
February 12, 2008
RUSSIANS have only got a sort of democracy.
-- Picture: REUTERS
But they seem to like it very well.
Tale of tables turned
She once gave money to disabled cancer survivor. Now, she gets help from this same woman who lives in 3-room flat
By Genevieve Jiang
February 12, 2008
AS a wheelchair-bound woman struggled to wheel herself up a ramp, a kind passer-by stopped to give her a helping hand.
Madam Zhang Hui Xian used to be a millionaire, but since falling on hard times, she now suffers from depression. Picture: GAVIN FOO
Sunday, February 10, 2008
'Miracle baby'
One bright spot in tornado tragedy
CASTALIAN SPRINGS (TENNESSEE) - KYSON Stowell has been dubbed the miracle baby of Tuesday's tornado havoc which left at least 57 people dead in the United States.
Many Christian books seized, group claims
KUALA LUMPUR - THE Christian Federation of Malaysia said yesterday it has received many complaints from Malaysian Christians who were told to hand over religious books to Customs officers at various checkpoints.
Bibles seized wrongfully by Malaysian Customs
KUALA LUMPUR - A MALAYSIAN church group accused the government yesterday of harassing Christians after Customs officers seized 32 Bibles from an airline passenger.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Scientology chief 's niece backs Cruise book
PARIS - The author of a controversial new biography on celebrity Scientologist Tom Cruise has found an unexpected new ally: the niece of the Church of Scientology's current leader David Miscavige.
Peace patron
Greg Mortenson decided to build schools in Pakistan after a failed mountaineering expedition brought him to a remote Himalayan village
By Stephanie Yap
TEA TIME: Mortenson's Three Cups Of Tea is now a bestseller with over a million copies sold. -- PHOTO: COURTESY OF GREG MORTENSON
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
A Touching Story About Faith and Miracles
Tess was a precocious eight year old when she heard her Mom and Dad talking about her little brother, Andrew. All she knew was that he was very sick and they were completely out of money. They were moving to an apartment complex next month because Daddy didn't have the money for the doctor's bills and our house.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Orang asli group sues Kelantan for tearing down church
KUALA LUMPUR - A GROUP of indigenous Malaysians has launched a suit against the country's only Muslim-ruled state for allegedly tearing down a church built on their property, a church leader said yesterday.
Sunday, January 13, 2008
The Meaning of Numbers
1 Echad-One, Oneness, Unity, Eternal, Beginnings
2 Struggle, Division, Witness
3 Divine of YAHUVEH/Covenant
4 Works of Messiah
5 Grace of YAHUVEH
6 Man
7 Divine Completion, Perfection, Sabbatical Years
8 New Beginnings
9 New Life, Divine Truth, Eternity, Fruit of the Spirit
10 Minion, Testimony
11 Disorder, Judgment
12 Administration
13 Depravity, Rebellion
14 Deliverance or Salvation
15 New Jerusalem, Peace, Rest
16 Love
17 Victory
18 Bondage, Life, Longevity
19 Faith
20 Redemption, Throne of YAHUVEH
21 Exceeding Sinfulness
22 Light, YAHUVEH’s Perfect Judgment in his Kingdom
23 Death
24 The Priesthood
25 Forgiveness of Sins
26 Gospel of YAHUSHUA
27 Preaching the Gospel
28 Eternal Life
29 Departure
30 Blood of YAHUSHUA /Dedications/Age of A Priest
31 Offspring
32 Covenant/Love
33 Promises, Age of YAHUSHUA’s Death
34 Naming of a Son
35 Hope
36 Enemy
37 The Word of YAHUVEH
38 Freedom from Slavery
39 Disease
40 Trial, Tribulation (empowerment), Testing (certifies power of resistance)
42 Israel’s Oppression
43 Divine Testing of YAHUVEH
45 Preservation
- Ruach HaChodesh or Holy Spirit/Jubilee
60 Pride/Age of Intelligence
66 Idol Worship
70 Universality/Nations/Israel her Restoration
80 Mouth (Speech)
90 Righteousness of YAHUVEH (humility)
100 YAHUVEH’s Election of Grace
119 Resurrection Day/YAHUVEH’s Day
120 Complete Life
144 The Spirit Guided Life
150 3 Jubilee’s
153 Fruit Bearing
200 Insufficiency
300 Divine Power, Protection
400 Sign, Final Destruction
600 Warfare, End Times
666 Number of Beast, Man
888 First Resurrection of Saints
1000 Divine Completeness, Glory of YAHUVEH, Millennium Period
* * * * * * *
Note: Where there are no numbers, it represents not seeing a possible meaning.
From a book titled, Biblical Mathematics, by evangelist Ed. F. Vallowe
from amightywind.com
Monday, January 7, 2008
He Sets Up Hospital For The Blind
January 07, 2008
HE was orphaned and blinded as a kid during the Korean War.
(read more)
Sunday, January 6, 2008
Miracle man: NY worker survives 47-storey plunge
SURVIVOR: Doctors said Mr Alcides Moreno's condition was a 'disaster' when he was admitted, and described his recovery as 'astonishing'.
(read more)
It's hard to keep a happy Nigerian down
By Tan Dawn Wei
NIGERIAN PASTOR John Ekundayo (second from right), 47, came to Singapore about three years ago to pursue a master's degree in organisational leadership and do mission work. He says all Nigerians share a hopeful attitude about their lives and future. With him are his wife, Mary, 43, and children (from left) Samuel, 22, Gloria, 11, Grace, eight, and Elizabeth, 14. -- ST PHOTO: LIM WUI LIANG
(read more)
Friday, January 4, 2008
Trapped in church, then burned alive
KIAMBAA (KENYA) - FIRST, the attackers pelted the church with rocks to pin down the women, children and elderly people seeking shelter inside.
(read more)
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Battle of the Books is still unfolding
The business of marketing the Bible and the Quran says a lot about the state of modern Christianity and Islam, reports The Economist in its year-end issue
CHRISTIANS and Muslims have one striking thing in common: they are both 'people of the book'....(read more)
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
A New Year A new beginning
By Janadas Devan
NEW YEAR'S FESTIVALS, no matter on which days potentates or customs arbitrarily decide they fall, tie us inextricably to our ancestors in a shared hope for renewal, regeneration and fresh beginnings. (read more)
Paralysed, but he's helping others in need
Survivor devotes time caring for those facing tough times and the poor in Third World
By Theresa Tan
EVER OPTIMISTIC: 'I will try to do as much as I can. And I still have many things to be thankful for, such as the miracle of my family surviving the crash.' - MR LING, with his wife Margaret (above), who suffered only a torn knee ligament in the crash. -- ST PHOTO: CHEW SENG KIM
Friday, December 28, 2007
More on Hope of God Movement Worldwide
Peter Truong's blog contains a lot of info on the happenings in the Hope churches worldwide. He is the editor of E-Club News from Hope Brisbane (blog). Another blog is Rivers of Hope blog. The youth ministry website is Ablaze Ministry.
On E-Club News, he puts up some info on Hope Bangkok including a video which is a healing service led by him in the International Service in Bangkok and also some photos of the event. The photo (shown here) was the Hope Bangkok 1st Filipino Service(part of the International Service) which was held on 2 Dec 2007.
The origins of the word ‘Allah'
By Farish A. Noor
CAIRO - I'M WRITING this in the company of my Egyptian friends who are Muslims, Catholics and Copts.
(click to read more)
Churches turn to courts over use of ‘Allah'
KUALA LUMPUR - TWO Malaysian church organisations have taken issue with the government over the use of the word 'Allah' - which means God in the Malay language - in Christian material.
(click to read more)
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Churches in Indian state attacked on Xmas
BHUBANESWAR (ORISSA) - HINDUS attacked at least 10 churches in eastern India on Christmas night, leaving one man dead and 30 injured, police said yesterday.
(read more)
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Hope Santiago
They are changing lives in Chile From Sunday Times Dec 12, 2004
LAUGHTER rings out from a rundown classroom in Renca, a poor suburb just outside Chile's capital Santiago.
Inside, Miss Tang Pui See is teaching English to eight Spanish-speaking children.
(read more)
Hope Santiago
The 
New member to Team Santiago, Ee Lee. Let’s pray for God’s anointing upon her life and that the team will be strengthened by this new addition.
Read her blog which journals her life in Santiago, Chile
Hope Santiago
After 3 years of enriching tentmaking experience in Santiago, Cindy Ng is returning to Singapore on the 4th Dec. Do extend your warmest welcome and fellowship to her.
Watch Cindy's Farewell Video
Vision, zeal, love
(Pastor Ben’s visit to Hope Santiago)
Vision, zeal, love for flock – these three components summed up Pastor Ben´s visit to Santiago.
(read more)
Serving As a Wife, Mum and Pastor
Nov 26 , 2007
Dinah came to know Christ at a young age encountering physical persecution for her faith. Later she did a degree in public relations and journalism in Australia. Upon graduation, she began a career in public relations consultancy. After which she spent a few more years in corporate communications with a healthcare organisation. Interestingly, just before graduation she received a prophecy that she will marry a pastor.
(read more)
Spiritual Rumblings @ Quito!
Ecuador is a land of natural beauty, surrounded by rolling hills, mountains and even volcanoes. In fact, 3 of the volcanoes in Ecuador have been listed among the world’s top 10 most active volcanoes. Guess what, when a volcano is about to erupt, there is no mistaking it. Before Tungurahua (“Throat of Fire” in Quichua), one of the volcanoes, erupted last year, there were rumblings and fiery sparks emitting from deep within it.
(read more)
Hope Lima
Exploration Trip to Hope Toronto 7-17 Sept 07
Hi, My name is David Kong. I serve with 6 other family couples, together with my beautiful wife Alice, and 3 energetic boys in the Tampines Family caregroup. Today, I would like to share with you about my trip with 2 brothers and one sister to Hope Toronto.
(read more)
Hope Missionaries in the Fields
This video of the Hope missions in the world in 2006 gave us a idea of the progress of the work in the fields.
Rome Commissioning Service 2 Sep 07
Angelina Tian Pei Ching
Buongiorno. I am Angelina who just returned for home visit. My teammate Chee Keong and myself went to Rome to start a care group since Apr 2005. Looking back e 2 years plus, God led us by His ha
nd… (click here to read more)
Keng Suan YEO
14 Oct 07 (her blog)
Hi, my name is Keng Suan and I’ve been a member of Hope Church (Singapore) for 9years.I received Christ when I was in university. Through the university group, I learnt many things from my shepherds and leaders about church-planting. I remember when I first heard it, Icould not believe that anyone would want to do it. (click here to read more)
Ps Johanes & his family in Johannesburg from 29 Oct - 12 Nov 07
It was wonderful to once again meet up with brothers and sisters in Hope Johannesburg since my last visit in April for their Church Camp (click here to read more)
(click here to read more)
Hope Churches Worldwide
Peter Truong 's photo albums archived the happenings in the Hope churches worldwide. A list of websites of these churches was also compiled by Hope London.
Hope London did a google video to introduce the church. They were celebrating their 9th Anniversary on 13 Oct 07. The London Church also produced a youtube video in celebrating their anniversary.
Here are the photo albums of the Hope Europe Churches which included the
Photo albums of the Leed's church
The Hope Leeeds are led by Lorisa (from Singapore) and Roger (Gina Gantala's brother) .
Here with Peter Truong.
The lady 3rd from the left and the one 2nd from right were also from Hope Singapore
Marlyn came from Singapore too. She is with June.
While Dexter (2nd from right) and Precious lead the Hope Ealing.
Zaldy (the one in front) from Singapore.
Twinnie in the center from Singapore
They were formerly from Hope Singapore and were working as nurses in the hospitals.
(from left) Vincent Ong (Christie Ong's brother), Peter, Ps PK and Kim
Hope Birmingham was pioneered by Bro Nong from Thailand. He is a PHD student at Aston University. Here is a google video on Birmingham Church
Photo Albums of the churches in America
Ps Ben and Dinah with the Pastors Retreat in Chicago 07
Here is the rest of the pictures 
Hope Los Angeles
Ps Ben with Dinah in Los Angeles Camp 07
Here is the rest of the pictures
Northern American Pastors and their wives in Hope Portland's NACC
Pastorial Meeting.
Here are the rest of the pictures
Hope Portland
Here are the rest of the pictures
Hope Toronto
These four were from Singapore on an exploration trip
Here are the rest of the pictures 
Hope Chicago
Here is the rest of the pictures
Hope Seattle
Here are the rest of the pictures
Hope Vancouver
Ps James, Ps William and Ps Lan
Here are the rest of the pictures
It was Hope of God International's first time as exhibitors at the Urbana 06 conference, where 2 representatives from each of the North American churches: Los Angeles, Irvine, Seattle, Chicago, and Ps. Ben Lee from Hope Singapore worked together as a team to reach out to students interested in Short-Term Mission Trips to Thailand & Singapore for the summer of 2007. Here are the rest of the pictures
Websites of Other Hope Churches :
Hope of Hongkong with a photo album
This is the pinoy group
Hope New Zealand Church
Hope Melbourne
Hope Sydney
Hope Brisbane
Hope Manila - The milestones of the church.
Here is a testimony by Michael Raditya about the church
It is located in San Juan and has several care groups
Hope Malaysia had a website
that detailed the pioneering works of planting churches all over Malaysia. It now has at least a church in every state. It is very encouraging to read.
Oregon man sends holiday greetings from afterlife
ASHLAND - AN OREGON man known for his sense of humour gave his friends and family a start recently when they received Christmas cards from him two months after he died.
Mr Chet Fitch died in October at age 88. Weeks later Christmas cards, 34 of them, began arriving - written in his hand with a return address of 'Heaven'.
(read more)
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Middle Aged but at the Top of His Game
By Teh Jen Lee in Korat, Thailand
December 16, 2007
HE WEARS many other hats, along with his polo helmet.
Mr Lawrence Khong (seated), shakes hands with his coach while his family and friends gather around. -- Picture: TEH JEN LEE
Mr Lawrence Khong, 55, the oldest in the Singapore national team, had a jam-packed schedule three weeks before the SEA Games.
He is the senior pastor of Faith Community Baptist Church, chairman of the board of directors of Touch Community Services (which recently won the Outstanding Non-profit Organisation Award from the National Volunteer and Philanthropy Centre), and also a master illusionist.
BUSY SCHEDULE
He shuttled back and forth between Singapore, Malaysia, Japan, the Philippines and Thailand between 15 Nov and 6 Dec.
(read more)
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Christianity's Forgotten Impact
By Roland Chia, For The Straits Times
IN RECENT years, there has been a spate of anti-religion literature authored by atheists who are either crusading for religion to be privatised or abolished.
(read more)
Friday, December 14, 2007
Gunman in US Church Related Killings was a Loner
He was a loner with a grudge
COLORADO SPRINGS - THE gunman whose attacks on a church and a missionary centre left five people dead was a loner with a grudge, police and reports said.
(read more)
Baptist Minister Murdered in Philippines
She lured him to HIS DEATH
Filipino wife allegedly confesses to hiring hitmen to kill pastor husband
December 14, 2007
FIRST, he married a 23-year-old Filipino woman.
Mr Brash met his young wife on a missionary trip to the Philippines.
Then, the 63-year-old British Baptist minister surprised his congregation by telling them he was moving to the Philippines to devote himself to missionary work.
(read more)
Saturday, December 1, 2007
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Monday, August 20, 2007
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Monday, August 13, 2007
Riverkids Project and Life in Cambodia
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
Thursday, August 2, 2007
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
The Anchor Holds - a great song
youtube
I have journeyed
Through the long dark night
Out on the open sea
By faith alone
Sight unknown
and yet his eyes were watching me
CHORUS
The anchor holds
Though the ship is battered
the anchor holds
Though the sails are torn
I have fallen on my knees
As I faced the raging seas
The anchor holds
In spite of the storm
I've had visions
I've had dreams
I've even held them in my hand
but I never knew
They would slip right through
Like they were only grains of sand
CHORUS
I have been young
but I am older now
And there has been beauty these eyes have seen
but it was in the night
Through the storms of my life
Ohh thats where God proved his love to me
Ray Boltz is a singer-songwriter in contemporary Christian music, whose songs often tell stories of faith and inspiration.
Monday, July 23, 2007
The Prince of Egypt - If God Asked Me To
The following movie is a fanvid based on the Bible story of the Prophet Moses who God chose to free Israel from bondage in Egypt. I chose the song "If You Asked Me To" by Celine Dion to reflect how when God ordered Moses to speak to Pharaoh, Moses was a nervous, faithless, reluctant man due to being a renegade in the desert for forty years, but one touch from God's Spirit transformed Moses into one of the greatest leaders the world has ever known.
Saturday, July 21, 2007
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Sunday, July 15, 2007
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
How to Receive Anything from the Lord
The same principles that apply to receiving salvation will also apply to receiving the baptism with the Holy Spirit, healing, or anything else you desire
Miracles at Bremer High School
Hear how Jesus Christ intervened on behalf of Bremer State High School, Ipswich, Australia
God revealed himself through dreams
What happens to those who have never heard? Hear how God revealed Himself to a mountain tribe through dreams
Travelling to a Karen mountain village
See miracles and baptisms amongst Thailand's Karen people
Miracles, healings, salvation, baptisms & children filled with the Holy Spirit in a Lahu village in Thailand's "Golden Triangle
A former Bhuddist shares how he discovered Jesus Christ
Evangelism and miracles amongst Thailand's Lahu people
Gospel work in Thailand
Thai Missions Introduction
Greeting from a Thai Student Group Leader
Karen Revival A visitation of God's Spirit is currently taking place amongst the Karen people in remote northern Thailand. Children see visions. Thousands gather. A doorstep interview with missionary Erik Klar
A convicted criminal gets saved
A convicted criminal gets saved whilst listening to Kenneth Copeland
Prime Minister Edward Natapei Makes a covenant with God
A nationally televized speech by Prime Minister Edward Natapei in which he makes a covenant with Almighty God on behalf of the people of the Republic of Vanuatu
Vanuatu Pentecost National Dance
Vanuatu Pentecost National Dance Part II
A dance display following the round island swimming race in Vanuatu. The people of these island are melanesian
Handong Project
The inspiring work of Australian missionaries Rudy & Lara Rudresh in Chiang Mai Province, northern Thailand
Geovanna Sanchez
She's like my sister, my best friend. Geovanna grew up in Mexico very poor, but ever since she was a little girl she started singing, and as a Christian her voice reaches to those who wish to hear her beautiful talent.
Two missionaries to Guatemala,
The testimony of two missionaries to Guatemala, Roger and Beth Briggs
Other comedians
Mark Lowry's comedy
Tumor and trust
Miss Barth
The greatest story ever told
Jesus on the mainline
Cool water
Mamma had enough
Open heart surgery
Flying with a baby
Take a pill and cook the
The old sanctuary
The new dentist
Turning 40
If it keeps on
Bill Gaither and Mark Lowry
Bill Gaither and Mark Lowry - Turn your radio on
I am gonna sing
Being Happy
Because he lives
He touched me
Psychiatric help
The last word
The last word part II
Comedy and TV tunes
Mark Lowry put on Jake Hess's wig
Christmas comedy
Bloopers
Bill Gaither, Mark Lowry and Jeff Easter bloopers
Chonda Pierce Shares Her Painful Memories
Besides my mother, Chonda Pierce is my hero. Chonda Pierce is so much more than just one of the most hilarious people on the planet, she isn't just a wonderful singer and songwriter, a daughter, sister, wife and mother, she is a walking inspiration, a walking testimony
Honey Package - comedy
Passion Play
Touching story
The girls are back in town
She walk the talk
Menopause parking
What a friend we have in Jesus
Three little pigs
Weird things happen to me
God loves you
Hold on tighter
Complete prayer
Marriage skit
Anna
Piano lessons
My mother scares me
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Apocalypse --The movie
veggie tales - duke and the great pie war
Left Behind Movie 2
Left Behind the movie
Left Behind - Movie 3
This is the 3rd movie of the series. Please I do not know if everything in this movie is canon but I know that the truth is in the Heavenly Fathers Son and sinless chosen Lord and Savior for us Jesus Christ.
Part I -----Part II ------Part III------Part IV -------Part V------Part VI---------Part VII----Part VIII -------Part IX--------Part X
Mission to Copper Canyons of Mexico
This is the Mission Quest International Youth Pastor's Backpacking Expedition, 2006 into the Copper Canyons of Mexico to meet and minister to the Tarahumara Indians
Faith in action
Anthony describes God's protection and faithfulness in answering prayer as he serves in Iraq.
Witness Protection
Miracle Pictures Studios presents
Miracle Pictures Studios presents a series of actors sharing their faith in Jesus Christ. Jeanne Wrobel talks about a victorious bout with cancer and meeting Christ while she was medically dead
Part II
Michael Sewell
Part I
Part II
Part III
Part IV
Part V
Part VI
Part VII
Part VIII
Part IX
Part X
Part XI
Frank Rossi's testimony
"Going Home" By Tanya Goodman Sykes, Bill Gaither
this is a beautiful song. before the song Gloria talks about death and being born, and when Gloria Gaither talks, people listen. Then comes the beautiful song, and then afterward is another testimony.
Conversion of a voodoo witch doctor
The story of how one of the most feared witch doctors in Haiti heard the Gospel of Jesus Christ and dedicated his life to serving Him.
For more information about the conversion of Jacques the feared voodoo witch doctor please go to http://www.billrudge.org. (less)
Jacques testimony following Bill's exciting encounter with a feared \ voodoo witch doctor in Haiti, and how God's Spirit moved in a powerful way to bring about his dramatic conversion.
A US Marine recounts his experiences in Afghanistan
A U.S. Marine recounts his experiences in Afghanistan, and how God showed his power and light in the midst of darkness
Tour of Jerusalem
Watch as we stroll from the Damascus Gate through the market and down the narrow streets of Jerusalem to the Western Wall
Psalms of Ascent
A mighty fortress
A good samaritan
The pool of Bethesda
The Acension
Gethsemane
Talent on Loan from God. Three Amazing Kids!
Watch and be amazed! Michael (8) and Sullivan (10) play El Cumbanchero on mandolin and guitar with their sister Molly. Here is the family website: www.jacktuttle.com
Heather Martin - When Are You Coming Home
Heather's brother is back HOME for 2 weeks leave and her mother has written another song for him!! We've just put it on YouTube so please take a look!
The Martin family would like to thank all who voted for Heather's video in the YouTube Awards!
Also thank you for all of the prayers and kind remarks.