Photographed by: RY, Tay Yi En, Austen Chua & Harry Derkenne

The post Easter Weekend 2017 first appeared on 3:16 Church.

We would like to believe that it’s the desire and hope of every Christian parent to know their child is secure in their relationship with Jesus. We are blessed by our kids’ teachable spirit, their sensitivity to His conviction of their need for Him and the tots and kids ministry in church.

Both Sozo and Hannah made their 1st profession of faith when they were just 4-years-old. We thank God for the many instances where we could affirm their respective decisions.

Kudos to Jess, my better half who is always pointing our kids and myself to Christ.

Special mention to all the faithful labourers, who serve the tots and kids every Sunday, week in and out. Thank you for directing and moulding our kids impressionable hearts to Christ our Risen Saviour!

The love and family spirit we have in 3:16 church is what God’s family feels like.

Malcolm & Jessie Tan

The post We Have Decided: Sozo & Hannah first appeared on 3:16 Church.

Wesley, our 9-year-old son, absolutely loves Lego. Given a chance, he would eat, sleep, play with Lego 24/7. You could say he is obsessed with it. So, it was no surprise that God used Lego to teach Wesley about letting go.

The topic of baptism came up when we heard Pastor Ian mention it in church. David and I knew it was time to ask Wesley about baptism.

We’ve always known that Wesley had asked Jesus into his heart when he was younger – we prayed with him several times to confirm it. He often has questions about God:

“If Jesus loves me, how come I can’t see Him and touch Him?”
“If Jesus is in heaven, how can He live in my heart too?”

He also has a heart of empathy:

“Grandma, are you okay? I’ll pray for you to get better soon.”

But when we approached Wesley for baptism, his fears kicked in:

“I’m afraid…”
“Will I drown?” [says the boy who can swim full laps in the pool]

We assured him that baptism was just a public declaration of his faith; a testimony of his belief in Jesus Christ and His resurrection. Our old self dies with Him and our new self rises with Him!

The day came.

Everything was beautifully prepared – the baptismal pool, the cool, balmy air, the row of flower bouquets, the musicians. Wesley’s Ye Ye and Nai Nai and the supportive 3:16 family eagerly looked on.

Then, stage fright. He shied away from his prepared speech. He just uttered these 2 words – “Obey Jesus”.

The fears melted away once he hit the water.

A picture of him emerging together with the roars from the crowd says it all.

This is what God’s family feels like.

Something changed in him that night while playing Lego. His beautiful Lego structure was accidentally destroyed by a toy. Devastation and despair overtook him and he was inconsolable:

“It’s the worst day of my life!”
“Don’t touch it! You don’t understand Lego!!!”
“I don’t want to talk about it!”

We took the chance to work through Wesley’s emotions with him – he had to let go of self-pity, despair and anger at everything and everyone.

“Not everything is destroyed, Wesley,” I assured him. “I’m sorry I let the toy drop. I didn’t fix it properly. It’s mommy’s fault. I’ll help you rebuild the Lego, okay?”

In between sobs and tears, he cried out, “It’s not your fault, mommy. It’s mine. I’m sorry I was angry at you…

I sacrifice myself for you. Uncle ZY taught me this in church. Where is he? Sacrifice is when you take someone’s punishment so that they won’t be punished, just like what Jesus did.”

He kissed me on the shoulder and the crying stopped. Big smiles came back on while we spent the rest of the night recreating the Lego structure, piece by piece.

With Christ in the center, LEt’s GO!

David and Adeline Ong, parents of Wesley Ong

The post I Have Decided: Wesley first appeared on 3:16 Church.

2016 was a year where the praise and worship culture took a dramatic shift. I will never forget the one Sunday where God simply unlocked the worship culture at 3:16 Kids, it was a Sunday where the kids were totally engaged in the worship experience; they were jumping around, hands raised, eyes closed, kneeling and praying on the floor… It was awesome. It was a great victory for the ministry after taking the kids firstly through sing-along video worship with dance moves, then the big decision to worship together with the main congregation and finally a Bible Teaching Series on “Worship”… I believe all this laid the good soil for our worship tree to bear fruit.

2016 was also a year where we began to see the kids take on more spiritual ownership. It was a year where we actively encouraged the kids to embrace their spiritual gifts and exercise them. In line with 3:16 Church’s Year of Kingly Influence, we saw the kids pray and prophesy more over each other, sharing their dreams and visions and they interpreting it for each other. I recall one Sunday where I could sense that the Kids Teachers weren’t spiritually aligned with God and hence not ready to serve the kids, so I called the kids to form a circle around us and asked the kids to lay hands on all the teachers and pray over us. Sure enough, the spiritual atmosphere changed after that. What a wonderful picture, that it was no more a norm for teachers to pray for kids, but for kids to pray over their teachers.

In the second half of the year, we also taught and trained the kids how to share the gospel using a simple colour method, and we witnessed kids using this method to share the gospel with other kids… Amazing!

There were many other highlights but I will share just two more that were big victories regarding one of our core values. At 3:16 Kids we firmly believe in the importance of family in shepherding kids. We believe that parents are the first and most important shepherds in a child’s life. Two events encapsulated this perfectly. Last year we saw five of our kids being baptised. At our baptisms, we had the parents baptising their own children. This was to recognise the role the parents had played in bringing their children to Christ: What a wonderful joy and privilege for any parent to have!

The second event was when we had our 2015 Christmas outreach at Paya Lebar Square. We had several families going around, blessing strangers and giving out Church invites and Christmas cards to strangers. As a ministry leader, I was so happy to see the parents setting such good examples for our kids to follow, and the kids must have been so proud of their mummies and daddies, it was extremely encouraging and a wonderful memory.

One of the main challenges we faced in 2016 was manpower. I am so thankful for the faithful 3:16 Kid Volunteers like Lydia, Heather, Daniel and Malcolm who served continuously throughout the year, but many times we didn’t not have enough volunteers to rotate inside a month, resulting in Meishan and myself having to serve most of the time.

One of the personal challenges I had was how to build a team around me for the ministry. It was only after our Strengths Finder course that the tide started to change. The Church leadership sent Dawn Teo, a dear sister whose Strengths and Personality are very different from my own, to “coach” me on how better to lead the ministry. Despite our differences, we actually seemed to complement each other pretty well. The Lord also moved in another sister’s heart during the Strengths Finder course, Jan Ng, a gifted teacher, to come alongside me and join the ministry. Towards the end of the year, Jessie, another sister whose “Includer” strength (one that I lack) really helped bring in more labourers for our ministry. So as you can see, Strengths Finder was a key milestone in helping the ministry, not just in it’s timing but in application.

I really thank God for my wife, Meishan who has been a constant support and a willing listener to any problems I had. With her support and encouragement, I was able to press on. I remember a counsel she gave me late one sleepless night, a word she spoke over me unlocked and exposed a lie that had a big stronghold in my heart… It was a very important personal breakthrough. Of course my personal thanksgiving wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the best gift God gave me last year, Faith, our daughter. The personal joy and happiness of being a father is a completely new one. Thank you Jesus for such a beautiful and cute baby girl.

Lu Zhenyuan

The post 2016 Year In Review: 3:16 KIDS first appeared on 3:16 Church.

Q: How did you feel?
A: I thought I would feel nervous, but when that day came, I felt really excited, thankful and so much love from God and my 3:16 Church family!

Q: What does baptism mean to you?
A: To me, baptism is a public confession, acknowledging that I am a sinner; I need Jesus; I have accepted Him in my life and am now “born again” by grace through faith. I also picture baptism like a marriage vow: we are His bride and He is our bridegroom.

Q: Why did you decide to get baptised?
A: I came back to Christ only a year ago. So many things have happened, and I’m truly amazed at how He has been with me through this year, in both good and bad times. In my heart, I didn’t feel ready to be baptised, but He opened the door so wide that I couldn’t ignore it. Then I finally understood that He wanted me to take that step of faith and obedience.

The post I Have Decided: Sheralyn first appeared on 3:16 Church.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank our volunteers and partners. Thank you for helping us make an eternal impact during this Easter season. Thank you, My Mad Cow and The Love-Aid Project. Thanks for the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of so many children on the Good Friday – Heroes: Save the Zoo! Save the World event.

I also would like to give a big shout-out to all the awesome volunteers from 3:16 Church. Thank you for igniting our world with Jesus’ overwhelming love!

Good Friday – Little Heroes in the Singapore Zoo

My team and I felt the ever-growing love of God to reach out to the children of 3:16 Church and the kids from nearby communities. Thus, we planned an unforgettable amazing race type of adventure at the Singapore Zoo. Excitement built up amongst the kids and also the volunteers at the start of the race and the supportive responses from the parents were also very heartening.

It was a big Good Friday turnout! A contingent of more than 100 of us (including 65 children from the church and community) invaded the Zoo. It was a fun-filled afternoon for the children. They worked tirelessly together to solve puzzles and overcome challenges while enjoying the presence of fascinating animals in the most scenic of environment.

The highlight of the day was the surprise cameo appearance by Mr. Tony Stark aka Ironman at the finale of the day’s event! Hundreds of children posed creatively for a once-in-a-life time picture with their favourite Avenger hero.

Holy Saturday – Lovely Wedding Ceremony at Fort Canning

3:16 Church witnessed the beautiful union of Clement and Iris in Fort Canning Park. This was exceptionally meaningful as it was at the first Easter where Jesus pledged His love for the church (His bride) by giving Himself for her. God bless your marriage, Clement and Iris! Enjoy your honeymoon in Bali!

Easter Sunday – A Record Turnout for Baptism Sunday

More than 150 people gathered to celebrate the baptisms of nine people who are highly favoured and deeply loved by Jesus Christ. To baptise Elias with my wife, Lilis, is definitely one of the highlights of my life! Easter 2015 marks the beginning of Elias’ public and personal journey in the love, favour and power of JESUS Christ!

It was a special Sunday for Wei Bin. He had accepted Christ as His Saviour in January 2015. Recently, he dreamt that God wanted him to get baptised, and so he did, even as he felt that he was not yet ready to do so. Interestingly, the time that he awoke from his dream was 3:16 a.m.! He decided that there was no turning back in his walk with Jesus.

Amelia Lim, a young lady, also testified, “Because He has changed my life, I never have to live in guilt, shame and comparison. I have a God who is greater than all my problems. A God whose love never runs dry on me.” As each person shared about his or her life story, one thing was clear. God had touched each of their hearts with His overwhelming love.

Many were moved to tears when Roslina shared her story. She boldly revealed a wound in her heart, which was caused by abuses from her dad when she was younger. Although that had left a scar in her heart, her Father God was there with her through it all. And through powerful working of the love of Jesus, Roslina forgave her father! She even enjoyed a special Chinese New Year with her dad this year.

All glory to Jesus for an Easter season like never before!

Blessings,

Ian Toh
Lead Pastor
3:16 Church, Singapore

The post An Easter Like Never Before first appeared on 3:16 Church.

It was an unforgettable day for me as it was my first time baptising somebody. At 3:16 Church, we believe that every believer is commissioned by Jesus to make disciples and to baptise them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. I was ecstatic when Marcus and Eleanor asked if I could baptise them. It was such a privilege to baptise them with my husband, Pastor Ian.

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Matthew 28:18 – 20 NIV

The Ever-Joyful Aunty Catherine
The first to be baptised was Aunty Catherine. She was always one of the first person to be in church every Sunday. Her infectious smile had brought so much joy to 3:16 Church. She loves Jesus! It meant a lot to me to see my parents-in-law, Toh Ser Nguang and Baozhen baptised Aunty Catherine, the oldest person in 3:16 Church. It was especially so because they had a unique calling from God to love and reach the elderlies in Singapore. Everyone who was present could see the special bond they enjoyed in God. What a significant moment for both the baptisers and Aunty Catherine!

Joash and Jennifer, The Mother and Son Team
We were so overjoyed to see Jennifer and her son Joash, baptised together on the same day! They are precious fruits from the ministries of Clement, Iris, Amy and Cheryl through The Love-Aid Project. When Joash was emerged from the water smiling ear to ear, I was reminded that God is still igniting families with His overwhelming love! It was so good to know that God is reaching families around us!

Thine, The Lady from the Pearl of the Orient Seas
Thine (pronounced “Tin”) is a young Filipino lady who left her hometown in Kagayan Valley to work in Singapore in hopes of providing a better life for her family back home. Life was so tough for Thine. Thine was surprised and blessed when her employers, Alex and Amillie, introduced Jesus to her. She was so overwhelmed with tears of gratitude of God’s love for her. Now, she knew that she could now rest her future in Him who knows all things, no matter her circumstance.

Oona, The Fearless French Teenage Girl
Oona, a sweet and spirited French teenage girl, came to know Jesus through her friend Harry, who had extended an invitation for her to come to 3:16 Church. I could still remember her confident proclamation, “YES! YES! I believe in Jesus! That is the reason why I am here to be baptised!” Praise God for her unashamed declaration of her love for Jesus. Go, Oona!

Marcus and Eleanor, The Newly Wed
Finally, there is no better way to conclude the baptism than to baptise a pair of one-day-old newly married couple, Marcus and Eleanor, with my husband. I was very touched to hear of how thankful Marcus and Eleanor were to God for their parents. Many tears were shed in the congregation as they testified of God’s goodness in their lives. Eleanor wanted to continue to be the light of Jesus shining in their marriage; their workplaces, their family and everywhere the Lord will bring them! God will definitely answer Eleanor’s prayers.

Lastly, I would like to say this to everyone. If you have accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour, you are ready to be baptised. You do not have to wait any longer. It is just like a bride and groom showing others their love by wearing the wedding bands. Your baptism is your opportunity to show others that Jesus loves you and you are now His. We believe we are going to see more people in Singapore baptised in Jesus through 3:16 Church! Amen? Amen!

Lilis Toh

The post Ignited By God’s Overwhelming Love first appeared on 3:16 Church.

Easter is really about the death defeating work of Jesus Christ! As we know, death seeks to swallow everyone. Death is brutal and merciless. Death wants all for itself. But God loved the world so much that He gave His son Jesus to the world so that anyone who believes in Him will not die but have everlasting life! This is the heartbeat of 3:16 Church, Singapore.

Jesus defeated death on the cross by miraculously rising from the grave and hence, “Jesus is alive” is aptly the victory cry of the church. The power of death has been undone! Through Jesus’ resurrection, many can now live forever in an unparalleled fashion. What a significant and powerful victory!

Easter 2014 has been one of the greatest moments in the history of 3:16 Church. Personally for me, it has definitely been the most rewarding and refreshing time since the church started 14 months ago. I witnessed the move of God in the hearts of the church family as many people took a courageous step into the grace of Jesus.

This Easter,

Over Good Friday, our volunteers headed out to befriend families in the Circuit Road neighbourhood. My family was privileged to visit Block 37 where we met with Uncle Robert Lee and his son Eric. Uncle Robert’s life is truly inspirational. He is 82 years old; he lost the use of one leg due to diabetes and a blood condition and is now wheelchair bound. Due to some physical and mental disabilities, Eric’s movement is also restricted to his bed and wheelchair. However, despite their physical constraints, seeing how Uncle Robert cares for Eric, with the help of a domestic helper is just exemplary. “Visit us anytime, we can sing karaoke together!” Uncle Robert remarked just as we took our leave, pointing to a small sound system. We left his home that day thoroughly blessed by this new found friendship.

Jesus reminded me though there may be disabled bodies around; there are no disabled spirits or souls! May Jesus protect each one and may His love cover all the homes visited! 3:16 Church desires to boast in and about the love of Jesus to everyone in Singapore.

Therefore, as it is written: “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.” – 1 Corinthians 1:31 NIV

On Easter Sunday, together with many other churches alike in Singapore, 3:16 Church powerfully declared the raw message of God’ love to our friends and families. The act of baptism gave a great opportunity for people to declare the love of God in his/her personal life. With this revelation, we celebrated the baptisms and testimonies of Max, Sue, Dante, Lactera, Leonard, Iris, Samuel, Joseph and Cheryl. What an awesome way to celebrate Easter!

We hope you will continue to join us in our journey to ignite our world with God’s overwhelming love. Biblically, we know that after Easter came Pentecost which led to the start of a mighty revival and movement of love that spread globally. We are excited to see what God is going to do next; you too can join us and be part of God’s big movement!

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank you for sending Your son Jesus to die for our sins. We praise You for sending Your Holy Spirit to enable us to live out our calling! We give thanks for an awesome Easter and for using 3:16 Church in this special island called Singapore, the Lion-City. May the roar and love of Jesus, the Lion of Judah be heard and seen throughout this country. We pray that 3:16 Church will garner greater momentum and critical mass as we reach out to people with the love of Jesus. Bless everyone who reads this note and may Your Spirit deposit what You want in our hearts. Hallelujah!

We pray in Jesus’ name!
Amen.

Ian Toh
Lead Pastor
3:16 Church, Singapore

The post A Greater Easter first appeared on 3:16 Church.