My dear friends,

Every Friday Night we would go up to Mt Faber, Singapore, for All Night Prayer from Friday 10pm to Saturday 4am. Here i would pray as I used to do in KL. The SOMERs were by now used to my groaning in prayer audibly & openly

Something like this or in similar spirit of pleading and groaning in prayer

¹⁹ O Lord, hear; O Lord, forgive; O Lord, hearken and do; defer not, for thine own sake, O my God: for thy city and thy people are called by thy name

All the while a deep burden in prayer and sometime sobbing

But since Mt Faber Prayer is also opened to JSMers as well as SOMers & visitors from other Churches One Brother called Chin Seng with concern put his arm over my shoulder and said

“Are you alright brother? What’s wrong (with you)?”

I got startled & don’t know what to say as I was the only one then who prayed like this.

I felt totally out of place so there and then I stopped groaning in prayer. Prayer then became “normal” but I still enjoyed deeply the fellowship in prayer & in singing praises to God.

But looking back I think I had “lost” something very precious…. that constant burden and passion

Mt Faber Prayer Spots were not fixed and over the months and years we shifted from place to place and at one time to a small pavilion then finally to a row of shops which were deserted at night for prayer

Above photo (circa 1976) with brother Png Bee Hin on the right

At the back portion on the SOM Van was a Ground Sheet for us to Kneel and pray, about 30 lb weight (we took turn to carry it up Mt Faber)

I remember this song brother Bee Hin sung with deep passion then

Let Me Burn Out for Thee

Bessie Hatcher

O God, the world is lost in sin,
And so few that seem to care!
Many of whom profess Thy name
No burden will help to bear.
We need a passion, Lord, for souls,
To bring the lost back to Thee;
Our hearts must be stirred, till all have heard
At least once of Calvary.

Chorus:
Let me burn out for Thee, dear Lord,
Burn and wear out for Thee.
Don’t let me rust, or my life
Be a failure, my God to Thee.
Use me and all I have, dear Lord,
And get me so close to Thee
That I feel the Throb of the great heart of God,
Until I burn out for Thee.¹

How cold has been our giving, Lord!
How selfish our love has been,
Keeping from those who never heard
The gospel that saves from sin!
How often we have turned aside,
Neglecting to do our part,
Forgetting Thy tears and agony,
Forgetting Thy bleeding heart!

Meet us and break us up, dear Lord,
Until driven to our knees.
Bare to our gaze Thy cross and love,
Of blood-baptized Calvary.
Speak till we hear again Thy call,
And hold nothing back from Thee.
Oh, burn on our hearts the hopeless wail
Of souls damned eternally.

O God, with shame I humbly bow,
In tears and with contrite heart.
Forgive me for the broken vows,
And failure to do my part.
I heed Thy call and say, “Farewell”
To all that would hinder me
Thy grace and Thy love to lost ones tell,
And my life burn out for Thee.

Brother Bee Him is one of SOM’s 1st 3 Bth Degree Graduate. His thesis is “THE DIVINE ART OF SOUL KEEPING”

And two years later he spoke in the 1978 September Evangelistic Campaign (Combined Effort of PK Mission, Craig Road Mission & BHS JSM)

See the record from diary of 1978 September

September 8th 1978 (FRIDAY)

Tonight brother Matthew spoke a Hokkien message on HEAVEN AND HELL. Again felt the power of God in the Meeting. There was a better response tonight to the message.

There was a glorious liberty of prayer at Mt. Faber to-night.

WE STORMED THE THRONE OF GRACE & CLAIMED PSALM 2:8 AGAIN.  The Meeting seem to be terminated in a very short time. When we are truly in GOD’S PRESENCE we are unconscious of time.  To GOD time is not applicable, for He is Eternal.

Note: Every Friday JSM conducts An All Night Prayer Meeting on Mt. Faber lasting from 10 pm to 4 am – a 6th hour long Marathon Prayer. There’s where we get our power from God. Prayer Meetings are power meetings. A prayerful   christian is a powerful christian and a prayerless christian is a powerless christian. Same goes for preachers and Churches. However, the prayers at Mt. Faber have ceased.

SEPTEMBER 9th 1978 (Final Day of Campaign; Saturday)

Awakened this morning in the Mission. Was alone by myself because the students went for outing. To-night the whole Mission was packed with saints and sinners. The stairs were filled.  Many others stayed outside the Mission to hear the Messages. On the last minute chaired the Meeting in the place of James Foo. Felt a little liberty as we sang, “IN TIMES LIKE THESE”. Sister Lai Siong gave her testimony. The Choir sang “SPRINGS OF LIVING WATER “. Brother Bee Hin spoke on “IS THIS THE LAST GENERATION?” Felt the chill of deep conviction in the message. Many souls were saved to-night.

The eight nights of Evangelistic Campaign closed with a glorious power of God’s Presence in the midst of His Children. Amen & Amen.

.Note: Brother Bee Hin went on to become one of the Highest Ranking Officer in the Singapore Military – COL(RET) Png Bee Hin.

Note this

Brother Bee Hin spoke on “IS THIS THE LAST GENERATION?” Felt the chill of deep conviction in the message. Many souls were saved to-night.

How many souls were saved on the final night of the Evangelistic Campaign when the BHS JSM Mission was filled to overflowing? More than 10 people got saved

Looking back I really wonder how Great our God is in using unworthy young men barely 20 to 22 years old to preach His Glorious Gospel. Today most youngsters are still playing computer games; much less having passion for lost souls

MAY GOD HAVE MERCY ON US

TO GOD BE ALL THE GLORY!

THE SOM ALUMNI OF 1976

These are the additions (New SOMERS) & Lecturers

Standing 1st from right is Rev. Dr. Peter Ng

I heard Dr. Ng (Principal & Lecturer in Homiletics) preached with power.

I must now relate how he taught us to preach.

We will talk about that later

Now 2nd from right is Mrs. Peter  Ng our Music Teacher. The 1st song I learnt to play on the organ “HOW GREAT THOU ART”

3rd from Right is Missioner Goh Geok Ling (Biblical Chinese Teacher)

4th from right is Sis Agnes Wong (Hebrew Teacher: Very tough as the word kill “qatal” in hebrew got more than 30 variations! A real killer learning Hebrews.)

As Charles Spurgeon said,

“Hebrew root as known to most

Doth thrive best on barren ground”

7th squatting from right is Bro Joseph Chin

8th from right is Bro Cyrus from Taiwan

9th from right is Bro Png Been Hin (See another separate post about Png Bee Hin and the 1978 Evangelist Campaign 2 years yet future then)

10th from right is Bro John Goh (He was from KL and first brought us to read Puritan Books) This is the seed which later progressed into a Book Ministry

Dr. John C Mincy left in 1976 (And it was Dr. Mincy who brought us into contact with SWORD OF THE LORD, BOB JONES  BOOKS. Also Christian Discount Book Stores in USA like New Religious Book Discount House & Puritan & Reformed Discount Books (From these we started Berean Book Centre (Book Book Club) years later

11th from right is Bro. Jee Huay

And finally 13th from right is Brother Matthew Khoo (Current Chinese Pastor) of Spore JSM

To be continued…

Dearly beloved praying friends,

1975 has arrived. My 1st year in SOM: School of Mission or aptly called “School of Mission Impossible” if not for the great grace of our Loving Saviour

4 Hours of Study. 4 Hours of Prayer & 4 Hours of Practical Living means a Whole Day engaged in the things of God.

See the Alumni of SOM (Circa 1975)

Squatting from Right 1st is Rev. Dr Peter Ng, Principle of SOM

2nd from right is Dr. John C. Mincy (Lecturer of Old Testament & New Testament : a par excellence teacher bring the OT book alive. We sat spell bound as he opened up Book after Book of the OT.

One important note: What is the difference betweeh Kings & Chronicles as they record similar events?

Dr. Mincy said

The Book of Kings were written from the Palace Perspective

The Book of Chronicles from the Temple Perspective

So Kings are political which Chronicles are religious and they compliment

4th from right Bro Joseph Seah (from Penang). 5 years ago Joseph gathered past SOMERs in Penang for a Reunion.  Esther Cheong, Pastor  Samuel Mak, Matthew Seow & his wife Dorcas Teoh, Philip Seow his bother, Ruth Chew, Eunice Leong and Timothy Lim from Spore who could not make it but offered to settle all expenses.

5th from right is Isaiah Choe

6th from right is Samuel Mak now a Pastor of an Independent Baptist Church (Spore)

7th from right is Sis Rachel Loh (a nurse by training; meticulous & neat)

8th from right is Sis Li Siong (assistant missionary to Sis Eunice Leong in Indonesia JSM)

9th standing from right is Sis Yong Fei Mee (Mrs Lim)

10th from right is Sister Rhoda Khoo (Wife of Rev Matthew Khoo)

11th from right is Sis Lee Li Nah (Wife of Rev. Daniel Khoo) Her sister Lee Onn Nah is married to Rev. Lim Chee Boon (Both Rev Daniel Khoo & Rev Lim are serving in Spore Life Bp Churches.

Finally standing 1st from left is Sis Liew Kwai Fong (Our Greek & Church History Lecturer). Dr. Ng used to say whenever SMs Liew edit a paper she never mention her own name just like St Luke who never mention his own name in the book of Luke or Acts.  And learning Greek from her is a memorable time.

With Rm80 Scholarship allowance for Food and other expenses we literally got to live by faith.

In SOM we learn to be punctual, pray 3 times a day & on friday night endured a 6 hour marathon 6 Hour All Night Prayer

Going up to evangelize in Malaysia with no proper housing.. many a night the Sisters slept in the Van while the brothers slept out in open park under the sky.

And SOM moved from PK Circuit Road (1975) to Craig Road JSM (1976) and then to Jalan Belang (Upper Thompson Road) 1976/77  & then to Admiralty Road East (1978).

The Desks we did our studies in the day became our beds at night. For blanket we used donated curtains. For shirts we picked them up from those donated for the “poor”

For food, we took turns to cook…. sometimes eating uncooked or half cooked rice from those who still learning..

Such were the times we lived in yet very blessed and happy

Note:

I had a hard time mastering NT Greek. Then bro Isaiah recommended Sanatogen Protein Powder (In year 1975 it cost S$5.00) and it worked!

In later years I posted an article on Intelligence

See

HOW TO HAVE VERY HIGH INTELLIGENCE IN LIFE (Calvin Tan)

https://klse.i3investor.com/blogs/www.eaglevisioninvest.com/2016-03-13-story92960-HOW_TO_HAVE_VERY_HIGH_INTELLIGENCE_IN_LIFE_Calvin_Tan.jsp

To be continued….

My Dear Brothers & Sisters in Christ & All Prayer Warriors

This is the most important chapter on Travailing Prayer.

Please read prayerfully

All true Christian conversions, the birth of a Nation and the Increasing of Christ’s Kingdom comes through Travailing Prayer

 My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you (Galatians 4:19)

The greek word for travail is odino o which is birth pangs or in a state of agony.

Travailing Prayer is an agony of the soul as in childbirth.

King James Bible
Who hath heard such a thing? who hath seen such things? Shall the earth be made to bring forth in one day? or shall a nation be born at once? for as soon as Zion travailed, she brought forth her children.

By travailing Prophet is born, Israel is born & The Kingdom of God comes

1) Travailing by Hannah and the Birth of A Prophet

¹⁰ And she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed unto the Lord, and wept sore.

¹¹ And she vowed a vow, and said, O Lord of hosts, if thou wilt indeed look on the affliction of thine handmaid, and remember me, and not forget thine handmaid, but wilt give unto thine handmaid a man child, then I will give him unto the Lord all the days of his life, and there shall no razor come upon his head.

¹² And it came to pass, as she continued praying before the Lord, that Eli marked her mouth.

¹³ Now Hannah, she spake in her heart; only her lips moved, but her voice was not heard: therefore Eli thought she had been drunken.

The travail of Hannah could be described below

Romans 8:26, KJV: “Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.”

See the phrase “Groanings which cannot be uttered”

Her travailing prayer brought for Prophet Samuel

2) JACOB Travailed & Saw The Birth of ISRAEL

²⁴ And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day.

²⁵ And when he saw that he prevailed not against him (Jacob) , he touched the hollow of his thigh; and the hollow of Jacob’s thigh was out of joint, as he wrestled with him.

²⁶ And he said, Let me go, for the day breaketh. And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me.

²⁷ And he said unto him, What is thy name? And he said, Jacob.

²⁸ And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed

Recorded here is the 1st over night Prayer Meeting

See

there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day.

And he said, Let me go, for the day breaketh

The Travailing Prayer of Jacob usher in The Nation called ISRAEL

3) JESUS CHRIST IN GETHSEMANE

King James Bible
And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.

Amplified Bible
And being in agony [deeply distressed and anguished; almost to the point of death], He prayed more intently; and His sweat became like drops of blood, falling down on the ground.

Weymouth New Testament
while He–an agony of distress having come upon Him–prayed all the more with intense earnestness, and His sweat became like clots of blood dropping on the ground.

From The New Testament (An Expanded Translation) By Kenneth S. Wuest

And there appeared an angel from heaven, strengthening Him. And having entered a state of severe mental and emotional struggle to the point of agony, He was praying more earnestly. And His perspiration became like great drops of blood [ by reason of the fact that His blood burst through the raptured walls of the capillaries, the latter caused by His agony, coloring the perspiration and enlarging the drops] continually falling down upon the ground.

Here we see Our LORD travailing to bring forth that Glorious New Life in the Kingdom which is For Ever and Ever. Amen & Amen!

King James Version
He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.(Isa. 53:11)

¹² Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.

In the Pilgrim Progress there is a description of THE EVANGELIST

So he had him into a private room, and bid his man open a door; the which when he had done, Christian saw the picture of a very grave Person hang up against the wall; and this was the fashion of it, It had eyes lifted up to Heaven, the best of Books in his hand, the Law of Truth was written upon his lips, the World was behind his back; it stood as if pleading with men, and a Crown of Gold did hang over its head.

Christian: Then said Christian, What means this?

Interpreter: The man whose picture this is, is one of a thousand; he can beget children, travail in birth with children, and nurse them himself when they are born. And whereas you see him with eyes lift up to Heaven, the best of Books in his hand, and the Law of Truth writ upon his lips; it is to show you, that his work is to know and unfold dark things to Sinners; even as also you see him stand as if he pleaded with men; and whereas you see the World as cast behind him, and that a Crown hangs over his head; that is to show you, that slighting and despising the things that are present, for the love that he has to his Master’s service, he is sure in the World that comes next, to have Glory for his reward.

My Dearly Beloved Brothers & Sisters,

My early conversion time brought me into contact with the admonition of a Sunday School teacher from a Baptist Church that prayer is of utmost importance. At the same time I received the Herald of His Coming papers by W.C Moore & Sarah F. Moore. They were both inspiring prayer warriors of God.

But when I joined KL JSM and met those praying brothers my life entered into a new dimension in prayer. During prayer I caught the Spirit of Prayer & Supplication. Above that I caught a “travailing spirit” which is truly indescribable. Words cannot express it unless you are immersed in it

After almost every Service some brothers would stay back to pray. And the prayer burden deepened into groaning & travailing. It is so natural in that atmosphere which we lived, and moved and breathed. So deep was that devotional spirit that we were quite reluctant to leave for home after Evening Service

Then I saw Bro John Goh staying back to clean up the Mission. And after clearing the trash to carry rubbish bin about 600 feet away where there was a rubbish Dump Site. Here we would pour & discard the rubbish into Bigger Bin about 6 feet tall

I remember one evening in particular when we saw the Big Rubbish Bin half full we got to jump inside the Rubbish bin and then unload the rubbish (if anyone saw that they will be horrified) The smell was fowl some & over powering but Oh the deep unspeakable joy of that night was indescribable

Later we returned to the Mission, washed up & prayed

Heaven literally came down & there was this spirit of prayer which caused groaning that cannot be uttered.

There is total abandonment to God & He rules as King in our hearts. Brotherly love prevails & we caught a fire of God’s holy zeal

As time went on the intense desire simply obliterated all others leaving only the pure flame of devotion to God & God alone.

Not conscious of what men think we started to Groan in Prayer publicly & collectively.

Psalm 133 was the ultimate expression of our inmost hearts

133 Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!

² It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron’s beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments;

³ As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the Lord commanded the blessing, even life for evermore.

Listen to the words again

 Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!

Why so good?

Answer:

for there the Lord commanded the blessing, even life for evermore.

YES! Just thinking of those times brought great joy in remembrance.

I brought this Travailing spirit home & in my room I would pray & groan & travail for lost souls. Next door I heard, ” Wei, why are you crying & mourning since we haven’t died yet?”

Sobered up I stopped and lowered the sound.

In School there were many times we prayed together among the few brothers

But that burden of travail simply disallow us and gave us no rest

I remember during one recess when all classmates left for canteen break for food and drink, I was found alone on my knees  in the classroom praying, weeping & groaning. Suddenly some cleaners appeared. They got shocked why this strange student is on his knees groaning & weeping.

So they lifted the broom sticks & dust pan and slammed down on the desks in agitation as to chase me away.

I got up and left … looking for a place to pray.

Finally, I found one incinerator about four feet by eight feet in size where the school burn trash at a deserted part of the school. There was a little space enough for one person at the back. Here I entered, knelt down & groaned in prayer.

If anyone should pass by and peep they will think I must be a  crazy person then. But I was dead serious and totally abandoned to God as pray I must & groaning is the natural outlet

I often looked back and wondered why I had such deep passion in travailing prayer  but now I know.

To be continued…

Last week I got a call from Penang. On the phone is Missioner Koay Gaik Kee now at age 82

See

Seated 4th from left is Penang  Missioner Koay Gaik Kee. 1st from right is Missioner Ng (KL JSM)

I remembered her story which she also remembered fondly and said, “If not for God’s timely warning I would have “died” and gone to heaven then

What is that story of long ago one night in Penang?

Here it is:

Every Wednesday evening Missioner  Koay would leave from Nordin Street Ghaut Flats & drive to Tanjung  Bungah JSM for Prayer Meeting without fail (about just less than One hour drive away)

On that fateful night as she was about to drive the Church vehicle she saw a Big Nail Puncturing the car tire! So she phoned the brethren of Tanjong Bungah that the Prayer Meeting was cancelled for that night.

And this was what happened.

About the time of the Prayer Meeting (but now empty as she forewarned all cancelled as she could not go that night) 3 Huge Rubber Trees Fell

They felled right across the section of the building where the Place for Prayer should be held as usual

THIS IS INDEED A MIGHTY DIVINE INTERVENTION & DELIVERANCE

If not as she said she would have gone to heaven straightaway

PRAISE & THANK OUR ALMIGHTY GOD

Our God is a very present help in trouble

See more carefully the photo below (On the right most part are rubber tree trunks branching out) These collapsed & fell on the evening when God Almighty forewarned Missioner Koay to cancel the Prayer Meeting and as a result not one person was hurt)

Below is the latest photo Ms Koay at age 82. She graduated long ago from Singapore Bible College before joining JSM

Missioner Koay holding up the Victory Sign!

Right is bro Jacob Ooi  (Ms Koay convert more than 50 years ago) Bro Jacob caught that early vision….ministering to the poor & outcast of Penang just as Ms Koay imparted to him almost half a century ago

ALL PRAISE TO OUR MOST KIND & LOVING LORD JESUS

Amen & Amen!

Note:

There is another very interesting Story about that Tanjung Bungah JSM

Tanjung Bungah JSM was a 3 room wooden Villa rented for only Rm55

Yes it was only rented for Fifty five ringgit (Rm55)

And there is an interesting story told by Missioner Koay about that Tanjong Bungah JSM

Will share again in later post some future day God willing

Meanwhile please do pray for us. We covet earnest prayer for telling God’s great goodness as we give glory to our dear good LORD

Amen

Below another early photo of Nordin Street  JSM Ghaut Flat, Penang circa 70s

Above left most from back row is Missioner Ng and right most is Missioner Koay

The JSM kindergardens of Penang were highly successful

Almost forgotten by men & Mission but not by God are two early Women Missioners of KL & Penang JSM

I got fond memories of what God did in their time

And let me relate here

MISSIONER NG SOCK HWA (KL JSM)

From KL JSM many young people were called to the Full Time Christian Ministry

Out of the First 3 Bachelor of Theology Graduates from SOM in year 1978 two were from KL JSM; among which is Rev Dr Matthew Khoo (the current Chinese Pastor of Spore JSM) There were others who were called and now serving in other Churches.

I remembered how Missioner would clean the floor every Sunday evening to prepare the Mission for kindergarten on Monday morning. And she was a strict disciplinarian as well.

What blessed times among the Brothers & Sisters of those early days that lived and prayed in the spirit of brotherly love & unity

Above left photo

Kneeling front 1st right is Missioner Ng Sock Hwa and front left most is Rev (Dr) Matthew Khoo. Apart from Brother Matthew his Sis Eunice Khoo & Bro Khoo Swee Shiah were also called to serve Full Time. Second from from left is Bro John Goh.  Standing 2nd from left is Bro. Paul Chiew Yong Sang

Standing 4th from left is Rev (Dr) Peter Ng founder Pastor of JSM

Also visiting full time workers. 1st standing from left is Rev Stephen Koe (Current Pastor of Penang JSM) & 4th standing from right is very faithful Missioner Goh Geok Ling from Singapore

Fast forward to today (more than 45 years later)

Ms Ng at age 78 still giving out Gospel Tracts to passerby at a petrol station in KL

And thank Almighty God for faithful brethren who cared for her

See below

Our Dear Bro Lim Poh Aun constantly take the time to visit her

Her years of sacrifice has not been forgotten

Our God will be with us till hoar hairs

All praise and thanksgiving to our Good LORD

Amen

The above title was taken from our earlier post from August 10th 2019

YOUNG PRAYER WARRIORS AT COCHRANE ROAD SCHOOL (Circa 1973 -74)

Let me continue with how I first attended the KL JSM.

Sometime in year 1973 when I was on my way to BETHEL BAPTIST CHURCH

I used to pass by the JESUS SAVES MISSION in Jalan Kenanga, KL, which is conducting a Church Service as well. Someone invited me to attend the Meeting. So I decided to check it out.

Brother Samuel Loh & Kok Wei spoke to me. (I couldn’t recall what they said). Then they closed in prayer

And this is their very red hot fervent prayer in confession

“DEAR GOD,

PLEASE FORGIVE US OUR SINS FOR OUR THOUGHTS ARE EVIL, OUR LIPS ARE UNCLEAN, OUR HEARTS ARE WICKED, OUR EYES ARE LUSTFUL AND OUR HANDS ARE SOILED WITH SINS…….”

While Brother Samuel Loh laid bare his soul in confession Brother Kok Wei who stood beside said

“IT’S TRUE LORD. IT’S TRUE”

“IT’S TRUE LORD. IT’S TRUE!” AMEN.

These were very fervent heart rending confessions!

Ha! I was totally taken aback and shocked!

In the Baptist Church I never heard  this kind of prayer or confession. It was but a very formal cold type of prayer

And so I was afraid.

I didn’t go back to the Jesus Saves Mission until one day I decided to hear their Sermon on Sunday.

I heard how they prayed. I was curious to know how they preached.

To be continued….(August 19, 2019 entry)

Today we will share on how they preached

One night Rev. (Dr) Peter Ng was in KL for preaching

His message was on Esther, Mordecai & the wicked Haman

Never have I heard such a powerful, piercing and penetrating sermon before.

The words came forth like a sharp sword piercing into the very innermost soul

I was astounded, speechless & humbled under the mighty power of the Word!

¹² For the word of God is quick (alive), and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.(Heb. 4:12)

From whence cometh such power?

The words came not in word only, but also in power & in the demonstration of the Holy Spirit

Later I attended the All Night Prayer from 10pm Friday night to Saturday 4am (a 6 hour marathon of earnest prayer, interspersed with singing praises & hymns

Ha! This is the secret of his power. Power through prayer! A powerful praying pastor will also be a powerful preacher. Prayer & preaching power go hand in hand

But how was the Sermon prepared?

For that it will be another story when we enter SOM (School of Mission) in Singapore from 1975 to 1978

May God have all the Glory & Praise

Coming up Next Post

The Missioners of KL & Penang Jesus Saves Mission (Circa 1970s to early 1980s)

I just got another glimpse of His power yesterday while pondering “LIFE’S DESIRE”

Here is the 1st Stanza

“I Need the Promised Holy Ghost

To stir the gift, O LORD of Hosts

Create in me concrete desire;

To be for Thee a flame of fire.”

The phrase “to stir the gift” or more pointedly the word “GIFT”

Yes, God has given to all His Special Gifts & Callings

Let us  read again

King James Bible
For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.

Berean Study Bible
For God’s gifts and His call are irrevocable.

New Living Translation
For God’s gifts and his call can never be withdrawn.

GOD’S WORD® Translation
God never changes his mind when he gives gifts or when he calls someone.

Amplified Bible
For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable [for He does not withdraw what He has given, nor does He change His mind about those to whom He gives His grace or to whom He sends His call].

All translated from Romans 11:29

Again Calvin only endorse KJV and the rest are commentaries

And we repeat

“I need the Holy Ghost

To Stir the Gift, O LORD of hosts

Create in me concrete desire;

To be for Thee a Flame of Fire!

When God calls He always back it up with His Special Gifts and Promises!

And these Gifts once Given are permanent, unchanging, unchangeable & for ever

However, there are conditions as we shall see

1. MOSES

When God called Moses He gave him POWER in the Rod.

“And the Lord said unto him, What is that in thine hand? And he said, A rod.

³ And he said, Cast it on the ground. And he cast it on the ground, and it became a serpent; and Moses fled from before it.

⁴ And the Lord said unto Moses, Put forth thine hand, and take it by the tail. And he put forth his hand, and caught it, and it became a rod in his hand:”

God entrusted omnipotence to Moses in that rod

The 10 plagues that befell Egypt came through that rod which Moses held up.

He lifted the rod and the Red Sea opened up. He stretched forth his rod again and the entire army of Pharoah were drowned. And then he smote a rock and out came water

Now God told Moses to “speak” to the rock

⁷ And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying,

⁸ Take the rod, and gather thou the assembly together, thou, and Aaron thy brother, and speak ye unto the rock before their eyes; and it shall give forth his water, and thou shalt bring forth to them water out of the rock: so thou shalt give the congregation and their beasts drink.

⁹ And Moses took the rod from before the Lord, as he commanded him.

Read again God’s specific command

((( speak ye unto the rock before their eyes; and it shall give forth his water )))

God said, “SPEAK YE UNTO THE ROCK”

And what did Moses?

¹⁰ And Moses and Aaron gathered the congregation together before the rock, and he said unto them, Hear now, ye rebels; must we fetch you water out of this rock?

¹¹ And Moses lifted up his hand, and with his rod he smote the rock twice: and the water came out abundantly, and the congregation drank, and their beasts also.

Moses did not speak but smote the rock twice in a fit of anger

See, Moses bypassed God’s implicit command & exercised the omnipotent power thru the rod in disobedient to God

For that he disqualified himself from going into Canaan

This teaches us the Sacred Gift God gave without condition and is irrevocable (and the warning not to misuse or abuse this high calling to glorify God)

2) ELIJAH

Elijah prayed with all earnestness on Mt Carmal for God to send fire.

“THE GOD THAT ANSWEREST BY FIRE LET HIM BE GOD”

After the great victory on Mt Carmel Elijah fled for his life in fear “because Elijah was a man subjected to passions like ours

Recorded in 2 Kings Chapter 1 a King sent an army of 50 soldiers commanding Elijah to appear

Elijah still hesitant & apprehensive responded

Then the king sent unto him a captain of fifty with his fifty. And he went up to him: and, behold, he sat on the top of an hill. And he spake unto him, Thou man of God, the king hath said, Come down. ¹⁰And Elijah answered and said to the captain of fifty, If I be a man of God, then let fire come down from heaven, and consume thee and thy fifty. And there came down fire from heaven, and consumed him and his fifty. 

For the great presumption of the captain fire came down & consumed them all

Still haven’t learnt his lesson the 2nd captain & his 50 soldiers did the same

¹¹Again also he sent unto him another captain of fifty with his fifty. And he answered and said unto him, O man of God, thus hath the king said, Come down quickly. ¹²And Elijah answered and said unto them, If I be a man of God, let fire come down from heaven, and consume thee and thy fifty. And the fire of God came down from heaven, and consumed him and his fifty.

The 1st Captain that perished said

Thou man of God, the king hath said, Come down

The 2nd Captain said

O man of God, thus hath the king said, Come down quickly.

See how foolish and stupid the words of the 2nd Captain

Instead of  “the king hath said” his harsh words are “THUS HATH THE KING SAID!”

And instead of “Come down” he enforced with a more hasty tone “Come down quickly.”

And Elijah answered and said unto them, If I be a man of God, let fire come down from heaven, and consume thee and thy fifty. And the fire of God came down from heaven, and consumed him and his fifty

Only then did the 3rd Captain learnt his lesson & got his life spared

¹³And he sent again a captain of the third fifty with his fifty. And the third captain of fifty went up, and came and fell on his knees before Elijah, and besought him, and said unto him, O man of God, I pray thee, let my life, and the life of these fifty thy servants, be precious in thy sight. ¹⁴Behold, there came fire down from heaven, and burnt up the two captains of the former fifties with their fifties: therefore let my life now be precious in thy sight. ¹⁵And the angel of the LORD said unto Elijah, Go down with him: be not afraid of him. And he arose, and went down with him unto the king.

This incident was recorded to show God’s gift of calling by prophet Elijah down fire from heaven is permanent when required against the greatest apostasy in Israel’s history.

Repeated twice to enforce and encourage and strengthen God’s fearful servant

See what the angel of the LORD said to Elijah,

“Go down with him: BE NOT AFRAID OF HIM. And he arose, and went down with him unto the king.”

WITH THE BACKING OF OMNIPOTENCE THERE SHOULD BE NO FEAR AT ALL.

If God be for us, who can be against us? (Rom. 8:31b)

3) SAMSON

Very strange gifts & calling. He was told not to cut his hair as HIS STRENGTH is in his long hair of consecration until he fell into temptation with Delilah & got his hair shorn & lost his power

His Gift of Power hath a condition…to keep his hair long

In the dungeon unknown to the Philistines Samson hair started to grow again

Judges 16:22

“Howbeit the hair of his head began to grow again after he was shaven.”

And he got his power again!

God overlooked the weakness of Samson because His gift is without repentance

Look at God’s Word in Hebrews roll call of Faith

“And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets:”

And so were many others to whom God gave Gifts

To Joseph “dreams”

To King Solomon “wisdom”

And to all

“Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.”

 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.

⁴ Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.

To young Timothy Paul exhort

 ^“Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.”

So listen my dearly beloved brothers & sisters

It is not whether we are worthy or not but God who call and back up His call by His gifts and unfailing promises.

And in His Will with His Gifts we are victorious

As George Whitefield said, “We are invincible as long as our work on earth is not yet accomplished”

Yes, Moses, Elijah, Joseph and even Samson were all invincible in their times when they were doing God’s works with God’s Gift in His Will

Amen & Amen

Dear beloved friends,

Today is the mensiversary of  dear Servant of Jesus Christ – Missionary Tommy Tillman who went to Glory on December 10th 2020

How blessed is the memory of this dear man of God. My heart just melted to tears thinking of him

It was in the 1980s when Tommy Tillman visited us in KL JSM before he finally found his calling in Thailand & Mongolia ministering among the lepers.

To make a long story short we came to know Tommy Tillman when we started the BEREAN BOOK CENTRE Book Ministry in 1982 to 1987

At that time we promoted SWORD OF THE LORD papers founded by Dr John R. Rice & FAITH FOR THE FAMILY Monthly Magazine by BOB JONES UNVERSITY

It was Dr. Curtis Hudson who introduced Tommy Tillman to us. And in transit to Thailand & Mongolia later he preached & taught among us. SWORD OF THE LORD people called him “Tiny Terrible Tommy Tillman”

BUT LET CALVIN TELL YOU, “THERE IS NO ONE  ON EARTH WITH A BIGGER HEART THAN DEAR TOMMY TILLMAN THAT I KNOW OF”

He visited the Leprosy Camp in Sungai Buloh, Malaysia. His BIG HEART Embraced them with LOVE.

His messages among us were Filled with Love.

How great is this dear man of God!

Below are the photos taken (Circa 1980s)

In the center is TOMMY TILLMAN

Below is the SWORD OF THE LORD papers by Dr John R. Rice

Background are Books Stocked by BEREAN BOOK CENTRE

(Tommy said, “”In the US they don’t pronounce Centre but “Center” is the correct word for Americans

And the outgrowth of Books is Knowledge

See the Bible Class : Brother Tommy (THOMAS) our guest teacher

More Eager Students every Sunday Drawn By THE WORD OF GOD

Above is some of the most blessed times as we gather round the LIVING WORD OF GOD which fed our hungry souls

From all over the world Great Fundamental Books are shipped here & then resold by “BEREAN BOOK CLUB” to many other Churches & denominations until it was closed in year 1987 by JSM leaders

More about that later

Brethren, please pray for us

Thank you

Calvin (dated 10th January 2021)

Thomas (Tommy) Tillman