Volume. XIX, No. 16
Sunday, 31 October 2004
“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths” ( Proverbs 3:5-6)
In July 2000, Pastor Ki called for a meeting of all the ladies at Hope Church, and as a result of this meeting, an Inaugural Ladies’ Fellowship was set up. This group has continued to function over the past four years, and continually seek the Lord’s guidance to sustain us.
What is the purpose of the Ladies Fellowship?
To provide an opportunity for the ladies to get to know each other better.
To give support to each other in times of special needs.
To study the Word of God so that we can grow spiritually.
To extend our hospitality to newcomers and visitors from interstate and overseas.
To organise visitation to the sick, the elderly and new families.
To provide support to our missionaries.
To foster learning by sharing our skills in craft and cooking.
To pray for our church and for one another.
To celebrate special occasions together.
To sing praises to our Lord through the Ladies’ Choir.
When do we meet?
The Ladies’ Fellowship meets on the second Saturday of each month at 2.00 p.m. at the Stone Mansion, unless otherwise advised.
Who are the committee members?
President Sister Peng Ha Yeo
Secretary Sister Sin Giok Yeo
Treasurer Sister Sooi Chin Gong
Committee member Sister Alice Lee
Activities?
During the past four years, we have been blessed with inspiring messages from a number of invited speakers.
Sister Lehia Paauwe spoke on “Ladies touched by God’s Love”. God’s love to us included His Provision (Jeremiah 31: 3), Protection (1 John 4: 9), Salvation and Preservation. Our response to God’s Love starts with Confession of our sins, Consecration of our lives (Romans 12:1,2), Missions (as women involved in mission can be used by God), and Devotions (Matthews 28:18-20). Sis Lehia is the wife of our founding pastor, Rev Edward Paauwe.
Sister Deborah Gross (USA), wife of Rev John Gross, gave her testimony as a Pastor’s wife, “Every wise woman buildeth her house; but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands” (Proverbs 14:1). “That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed” (Titus 2:4,5).
Sister Pat Vandermey (USA), wife of Rev Bob Vandermey, conducted a Bible study on “My faith, my treasure” - encouraging us to make it a daily habit to read God’s Word. “Shew me thy ways, O LORD: teach me thy paths. Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day” (Ps 25:4-5).
Sister Sylvia White conducted a study discussion on the Book of Esther. Sis Sylvia is the wife of Rev James White.
Pastor Ki gave a message on “Who Are You?” This reminded us that our whole being consists of our body and our inner man. We need to belong to God and if we claim that we are the children of God, we must follow Him. Our true identity is found in Christ.
Other Activities
The Ladies’ Fellowship also celebrated Mother’s Day by going out to lunch in restaurants. A demonstration on floral art and a number of cooking lessons were conducted by various ladies of the church. We visited the sick and the elderly, and took some of them for outings. We also had a successful garage sale and raised funds towards our Cambodian Missions.
Although the attendances at the Ladies’ fellowship meetings have been variable, we are often encouraged by those who made an effort to attend. Praise and thank God that Sister Sally Teng has faithfully committed herself to lead and train the Ladies’ Choir to sing praises for our Lord during preparation for our Christmas concert. This event has been very well supported every year, not only by our church, but by the general public.
We would love to have more ladies join in our activities so that we can support, and encourage each other and pray for one another. The Committee welcomes any suggestions so that the Ladies’ Fellowship can serve God and the brethren better in 2005.
“Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. “ (Psalms 37:4)
Sis Peng Ha Yeo
Reformation Sunday
Today is Reformation Sunday. It was 487 years ago, on this day, on 31 October 1517, that Martin Luther posted his 95 theses at the castle door of the church in Wittenberg, Germany. That started a chain of events that challenged the power of the Church of Rome, releasing people from spiritual oppression, and restoring the revealed truth to them. Hope Bible-Presbyterian Church is a by-product of that Reformation. Let us remember this day and the many believers who had died for this cause. Let us remain faithful to God and His Word. “It was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints” (Jude 3).
God bless.
Elder Michael D Lee.
More Lively Hope
