As I typed these thoughts down, I finally felt the reality that 2009 has drawn to a close. In a short few hours time, we will usher in 2010. Always at times like this, every year, people will wish for new hopes, make new resolutions, ask for greater blessings for the new year…wanting a Bigger, Greater, More Successful New Year.

I think I will choose to look back at 2009 for what has happened and what God has done for POINT Community, and myself, giving God all the glory for the lessons learnt and challenges overcome.

We kicked off the year with the launch of our new Sunday Fellowship with the Theme of 2009 “Equip, Connect & Move Forward”. With no coincidence it was also the year whereby our Diocese celebrates its Centenary Year in Singapore, with a major message of Moving Forward for another 100 years to come!

We were engaged in various Diocesan activities such as PLAYMAX whereby many new friends were shared the Gospel by our youth hosts. We also attended the Diocesan Family Day, Diocesan Youth Celebration Service as well as the Centenary Inter-generational Family Service@ Suntec. I must say we have celebrated together with the Diocese’s Centenary Celebrations. Indeed, we must always remember our Anglican roots.

Closer to home in POINT Community, 2009 was filled with sermon series & events that converged to the “Equip, Connect & Move Forward” theme. In the beginning of the year, there was an emphasis  on ‘Prayers’, whereby sermon series on prayers and fasting were preached. We involved ourselves with the Global Day of Prayer and also the Diocesan Prayer Revival. Various other ‘Equipping’ platforms were carried out as well such as the Worship Retreat in June. The ‘Equipping’ highlight of 2009 has to be the kick-off of the Discipleship Training! All youths were placed under Discipleship Training by their Cell Leaders and it is still ongoing!

What really touches my heart is the increased level of ‘Connecting’ by our youths inside church and outside of it! We were involved in CHS Family Camp, two Saints Community Camps, Playmax, Agape Sunday School Camp! There are also many youths who volunteered to engage the children at the Agape Sunday School! I also would like to specially highlight that during the December holidays, 3 youths volunteered to serve God by coming down to do chores of any kind, just to learn what ‘Servanthood’ is all about. For these, I applaud the heart and efforts made by all the youths of POINT Community. 

I wonder if you have realized it….that through these ‘Connecting’ platforms we have touched many lives, lives who came pass our hands. Every word we have spoken to them, every bit of sharing our lives will make a difference to them, whether Christian or Non-Christian, whether young or old. I truly believe that we have shined brightly for Jesus and the Gospel preached!

Perhaps the ‘crown jewel’ of ‘Connecting’ in 2009 has to be the ROCK RHYME REASON Christmas Party! Preparation started as early as two months before 19th Dec. A total of 80 people turned up for the party @ Treehouse Café! We had great fun, games, food and music! Testimonies were shared and we have 2 Salvations and many many re-dedications!

I am so happy that many youths have matured. Since the day I took over the Youth Pastor position, I have seen so many of you moving forward in life. You have grown and matured both mentally and spiritually. I only ask that you continue your path with Jesus, don’t look back. I believe the theme for 2009 “Equip, Connect and Move Forward” has served us well, and it will continue to be in our hearts in whatever we do. I pray the youths in POINT Community will rise up and take the positions that God has called them to. Move Forward guys!

The path I have been given to lead the youths in POINT Community has been a challenging one. Leading is not easy. Dealing with people, whether young or old is not easy. We humans are all so frail and fragile, stubborn and obstinate, prideful and egoistic. We are so limited yet we never realize that. It’s really challenging dealing with people.

Sometimes I do want to give up. It’s always by the grace of God I pull through and press on for what He has tasked me to do. I have learnt to let go and let God. At this point of time, I will say that I will continue as long as God allows me and wants me to. It has been a humbling journey, Servant-leadership is the way to go, and I want to say it’s an honour to serve all of you out there. Jesus, Son of God, came and served, should we not do the same to others?

I am only a created limited human so is the same as anyone of you. We cannot do anything unless the Holy Spirit works through us, for this I give God all the glory for whatever has happened, been achieved and came to past in 2009. All praises, honour and glory unto Him forevermore, amen?

I sense the convergence of the vision of this fellowship is towards Evangelism & Discipleship…. I pray that you would come alongside me to see this vision come to pass. I do not ask from God that POINT Community become another mega youth church, but I earnestly pray that whoever comes through our hands will know Jesus, follow Him and make Him known. No emphasis on the ‘numbers game’ but let the physical & spiritual growth be an indicator of God’s blessings on us.

I want to wish all of you a steadfast yet exciting journey in 2010! May you mature spiritually and become a blessed vessel God can use for the extension of His Kingdom.

God bless!

Pastor G

31st December 2009