The Christian life is not free from trials. Sometimes we have to bear heavy burdens which are unpleasant to endure. This may include emotional trauma, loss of security, loss of loved ones, sickness and injury or retrenchment. With the increased cost of living and the news of a global recession, many brethren will be adversely affected and in need of help. It is the duty of every Christian to help meet the needs of such brethren.

This is the ultimate outcome of the WARM programme of our Church – not merely to enlarge your circle of friends in church, but to be of help to others. Here is a quick recap of the meaning of WARM: W stands for the ‘We’ mindset; A stands for Actively Engage; R stands for Reach Out, and M stands for Minister – through caring, encouraging, exhorting and praying.

Unfortunately some may find excuses like, "I do not want to help because I have enough burdens of my own to bear." Someone else might say, "I do not want to help because I would rather not meddle in the affairs of others." Have you sometimes used the same excuses too, when a brother in Christ you know is facing problems in life?

One Lifer shared with me some years ago that when he was faced with imminent retrenchment, he was tempted to feel very depressed about his situation. But when he began to minister to others he realised that many people were facing problems that were worse than his own, and that kept him from feeling greatly upset.

In fact sometimes the Lord may lay heavy burdens on us for the purpose of making us more effective in helping others to bear their own burdens. We are then able not only to sympathise, but also to empathize with them. One who has suffered loss can understand better the pain of others who suffer loss. One who has gone through failure can understand better the disappointment of others who are going through failure. One who is sick can understand better the predicament of others who are sick. One who is stressed with tremendous work pressures can understand better the feelings of others who were similarly stressed. When the words of comfort and assurance to a sufferer are given by a fellow-sufferer, they can mean so much more and are treasured much more than words given by anyone else!

And this can lead to mutual encouragement. The one who receives encouragement will be willing to render encouragement to the one who gave it to him, when he realises that he is a fellow-sufferer. And as they help to bear one another’s burdens, they are themselves strengthened. In a certain hospital ward there were two patients on adjacent beds. Both were Christians and were suffering from the same illness. And they encouraged one another. When one was going through a particularly painful treatment, the other prayed for him fervently, because he knew exactly what he was going through.

Dear Lifer, we are all fellow sufferers in our trials here on earth. Instead of thinking only of our own troubles and trials, let us learn to love one another and to bear one another’s burdens. This may involve some personal inconvenience and sacrifice in terms of time and effort. But it is worthwhile, because the mutual encouragement gained from it not only strengthens others but strengthens ourselves as well. Hear the words of Paul in Galatians 6:9-10 – "And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith."

In other words, as we persevere in bearing one another’s burdens we shall also reap one another’s blessings! There are many practical ways to bear one another’s burdens. Please read the article below, which was written by Dn Tan Cheow Hock, to discover some of them. May the Lord make us a warm and caring church! —Pastor

LAST DECEMBER, I was invited to give a short sharing at the WARM gathering hosted by Bro Woh Weng and family. As the event drew nearer, I began to contemplate on the content of my sharing. From my observation, the WARM programme seemed to have receded into the shadows of time. It seems people might find it passé to initiate an exchange of the WARM name cards now. It appears that nobody does it anymore. Has the WARM programme turned COLD?

As I reflected on the subject, I began to see strong "undercurrents" beneath a seemingly languid surface. These "undercurrents" are actual events that point to a church that is caring. I related the following events at the gathering to show that the WARM programme is not just a programme. It is an initiative that must express itself in deeds of love and charity.

Broken Bone and Lifted Spirit – At one of the young teen fellowship meetings, Bro EZ broke his arm while playing a game. I was told he was in quite a pain. As the story goes, some of the sisters felt real sorry for him and wanted to cheer him up. Incidentally, the sisters had an outing at the beach led by their Sunday School teacher. While at the beach, they came up with the idea of gathering sea shells to make a card for Bro EZ. Now wasn’t that nice? They could have attributed the incident to the young man’s carelessness or shrugged it off as some unfortunate accident. After all, it wasn’t something too serious the doctor couldn’t fix. But it did matter to the sisters. They cared enough to remember the brother who had hurt himself when they could have enjoyed themselves at the beach. No one suggested what they should do. It was spontaneous. It was WARM in action.

PS: I heard some of the boys told Bro EZ that the attention he received was worth the broken bone!

Bearing Each Other’s Burdens – An elderly couple had been trying to pay off a "loan" for more than 10 years. The "loan" came about when they needed funds to support their child’s overseas studies and settle their own medical bills. Sadly, with the little they receive, they were only able to pay the monthly interest all these years without making the slightest dent to the principal. The church had been ministering to this couple without realizing their predicament because the couple wanted to keep it a private matter. They were too ashamed to share their secret. It was only after some members had gained their trust that the couple started sharing about how they had been living under this financial burden all these years. It was clear to those who heard this that the couple had to be freed from the financial yoke. A church member who was present during this intimate sharing found help for them. A couple from our church was willing to help pay off the "loan" in full. They did not want to be repaid but instead requested that the elderly couple put something into the offering bag as and when they are able – so that someone else in need may benefit. Confidentiality forbids me to say more but isn’t this WARM in action?

First Come Last Served – Anyone who drives to church on Sundays understands the tight squeeze in our parking lots. It’s not going to get any better with sedans and saloons giving way to MPVs and SUVs i.e. cars are getting biGGer, if you don’t get the drift. Come early if you want a parking lot or the deacons may just direct you to park at the Revenue House. Some members are already doing that – they come early and as always are assured of a lot. One day, it occurred to a couple of us that this particular early bird would drop off his family members at the church compound and drive away. It’s unusual because in the past, he would park his car at a particular spot. Some weeks later, we realized that this member parked his car further away from church so as to give way to those who may come later and in need of a lot. It did not matter to him that it was his reward, for being early, to park within the church compound. Although it was just one lot, it mattered to him to give it up in consideration for other members. I couldn’t help admiring his selfless act. In my opinion, it was WARM in action.

I hope these short accounts will convince you that Life Church is a caring church. Beneath the unexcitable surface are "undercurrents" of love and charity. Look deeper and you will see more of such acts.

Regardless of age and stature, we can each show love. As the examples reveal, the care may be for people you know well. It may be a generous act for someone who you know is in need of something you might be able to do to help. It may be an act of kindness and love for fellow Christians who may not even realize what you are giving up.

The WARM programme begins with greeting others, and extends to reaching out and ministering to each other, supporting and encouraging one another in the body of Christ.

We all can contribute something to make Life Church a warm and caring church. It’s not a question of ability. It’s a question of willingness.

By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. (John 13:3)

　* * *

Lord, let me do the little things

Which may fall unto my lot,

Those little inconspicuous ones,

By others, oft forgot.

A staff, for others to lean upon,

Strong hands to help the weak,

A loving heart with open door,

To all, who solace seek,

To hold my tongue, when hot words arise,

Speak kindly ones instead,

Nor harshly judge my fellowmen,

In what they’ve done or said,

To share another’s heavy load,

By word, or courage giv’n,

To help a fallen brother rise,

And bring him nearer Heaven.

If, like the Master, I can give

myself for those I love,

Rich joy, and peace, shall come to me,

Sweet rest, in Heaven above.

I know not, when today shall close,

But when life’s curfew rings,

I want my Lord to find me then,

Still doing little things.

- Author unknown -

　* * *

1) Ladies’ Prayer Group. 1 May (Thu, Public Holiday). Fellowship groups are invited to join. 9.30 am to 12.30 pm, Conference Rm. Contact Christina Toh, 9673-7138.

2) Youth Gospel Rally - Highlight: A Video featuring John MacArthur on the ‘Gospel of Jesus Christ’. Date: 17 May 2008. Time: 2.30 - 7 pm. Venue: Chinese Service Hall. All youths are encouraged to attend and bring friends. Dinner will be provided. Contact: Caleb (94388889) or Luke (91453667)

3) Far Eastern Kindergarten’s Registration for 2009 is now open for children born in 2005 (Nursery) and 2006 (Pre-Nursery). Please call 6251-3676 or log on to www.lifebpc.com/fek/  for more information.

4) VBS 2008 (28-30 May). "The King and I" Registration opens for all 4-9 year old children. Closing date: 11 May. Teachers and helpers are still needed. Please register now. Drop the form in the VBS box at front entrance or register online www.lifebpc.com/vbs. Contact: Keng Khwang @ 98293292 or vbs at lifebpc dot com.

5) Life BPC Bible Camp: 9-13 Jun 08 at Awana Genting Highlands, Malaysia. "Living Like Citizens of Heaven on Earth" by Prof William Harding. To register, pls submit one camp registration form and one photocopy of passport details per person to the Camp Registration Office. Closing date: 25 May 08.

6) Asia Seminary for Ministry Seminar, ‘Building the Church as a House of Prayer’ 6-7 May (Tue-Wed), 9.30am-5.30 pm. Conf Rm. Email gohsengfong@hotmail.com. $20 for material.

7) Our condolences to Andrew Lim and family on the demise of his father, Lim Heng Soon, 75 yrs, on 23 Apr 08.

We congratulate the following who have achieved a score of 70% and above:

1. Andrew Lim Ian Chung

2. Angela Tan

3. Arlene C. Dimaano

4. Chan Pui Meng

5. Chan Sok Kheng

6. Charmaine Low

7. Chiam Tok Ling

8. Claire Tan

9. Daniel Tan

10. Deborah Tan Hui Yi

11. Elsie Chia

12. Evelyn Tay

13. Flora Lau Seck Hong

14. Florence I.Tabligan

15. Hannah Choi

16. Hayley Yap Hui Li

17. Ian Liu

18. Jamie Kok

19. Jennifer Goh

20. Jenny Kan

21. Jeremy Tai

22. Joanne Cheong

23. Jodi Vizcarra

24. John Lee

25. Joyce Ang

26. Lee Chee Weng

26. Lee Hock Chin

28. Lee Way Chor

29. Leong Li Peng

30. Leslie Tan Tat Seng

31. Lim Yuan

32. Lois Quek Yi Ning

33. Lorene Yeo

34. Low Siew Kiang

35. Magdalene Huang

36. Marc Lee Sen Kye

37. Mark Liu

38. Mercedita A Talucod

39. Nathaniel Goh

40. Nicholas Lim Song Ping

41. Ong Phei Hong

42. Peter Q Lubaton

43. Rebecca Tan

44. Russell Joel Indran

45. Samuel Quek Yixin

46. Sandy Chen

47. Serene Tan

48. Sherrie See

49. Sherrin Chan

50. Sim Mong Eng

51. Sim Siew Hoon

52. Tan Khoon Lee

53. Tan Soon Hui

54. Timothy Goh

55. Wendy Lee