Eternal Life Assembly

Shaped for Mission – At Every Age

Michelle Chiang — Sat, 14 Mar 2026 04:00:08 +0000

“Missions begin when we recognise that God has already been at work in our lives – shaping our stories, using our gifts and experiences for His redemptive purposes. Every believer has a role to play in His mission, both locally and across the globe.”

Rev Dr Daphne June Lau

In 2025, Eternal Life Assembly’s (“EL”) Missions Committee organised 14 mission trips and outreach events to share God’s love and spread His word in Singapore and beyond.

A total of 212 intergenerational ELites – children, youths, adults and seniors – answered God’s call to “do the good works which He has prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:10).

Let us hear from eight of them what prompted them to step out in faith, and what they experienced while serving.

Q: Which mission trip did you go for?

Bernard (aged 76, English Congregation): Cambodia Care Centre.

Declan (aged 18), Gordon (aged 23), Alythea (aged 21), Hannah (aged 20) and Zanna (aged 24) (Youth): EL Cambodia

Junxiang (aged 34, Mandarin Young Adult): Outreach to migrant workers at Tuas Recreation Centre.

Frank (aged 33, Mandarin Young Adult): EL Tanjung Pinang.

Q: What prompted you to sign up for the mission trip?

Bernard: I felt God call me to step out of my comfort zone and serve others.

Declan: Honestly, my flesh was unwilling at first. But I knew that a heart of service, love, and sacrifice must be lived out through action. Cambodia, far outside my comfort zone yet hungry for God, felt like the perfect place for my first mission trip.

Gordon: I’d heard that mission trips are eye-opening experiences, so I wanted to experience one myself. I’ve received blessings throughout my life and wanted to give back.

Zanna: I had not been to Cambodia since my first mission trip in 2017. Hearing how much had changed encouraged me to go because the people there are on God’s heart.

Junxiang: Migrant workers build our homes and infrastructure, yet they are often overlooked. I joined the Tuas South outreach to show appreciation and share the love of Jesus.

Frank: I did not say “yes” immediately. After praying about it, I sensed God prompting me to step out of my comfort zone. That gave me the confidence to go.

Q: What impacted you most on the trip?

Bernard: The faith and joy of the people despite their circumstances. Many had little materially, yet their gratitude, generosity and trust in God were remarkable. I went thinking I would give, but I received far more – renewed gratitude and a deeper awareness of God’s presence.

Declan: Same here. I was blessed! Cambodia may appear “lacking” to many, but to me there was abundance – of faith, hunger for God and heartfelt worship. Seeing believers sacrifice so much to serve Him reminded me to keep God at the centre of my life.

Gordon: It has to be EL Cambodia’s love for God. The leaders served sacrificially while juggling school and ministry, yet always with joy. And even though many of the team members fell ill before the trip, God carried us through. It reminded me to trust Him fully.

Zanna: Indeed, God was with us all the way. I was supposed to preach with notes on my iPad, but it couldn’t connect to Wi-Fi. After a quick prayer, I spoke without a script, and ideas kept coming as I spoke – even demonstrating “being the light of the world” with a headlamp. It reminded me that God equips us when we rely on Him.

Alythea: I was deeply moved by the believers’ hunger for God despite persecution from friends or family. Their sincere worship and bold faith showed me what genuine faith looks like – trusting God even when it is costly.

Hannah: Missions are not limited to overseas trips. We can reach people around us in Singapore who have yet to know Christ. I want to continue bringing God’s love to the people around me – to be the salt and light wherever He places me.

Junxiang: I learnt that sometimes a simple act of service opens doors. Offering to take a photo for two migrant brothers led to a friendly conversation.

Frank: The people we met made the biggest impact. Even though we were together for only a few days, the bond felt deep. It reminded me how God’s love connects people beyond differences.

Q: What would you say to someone considering going on a mission trip?

Bernard: Don’t wait until you feel ready. Missions is not about ability but willingness. God will work in your heart as you serve.

Declan: Go for it! Even when doubts come, trust that God will provide. Missions bless not only others but it also allows God to enrich our spiritual lives.

Gordon: Go! Stepping outside our “little red dot” helps us see how God is working beyond our familiar surroundings.

Zanna: Mission trips allow us to experience God’s empowerment for His kingdom purposes.

Junxiang: Missions does not always mean going overseas. There are many opportunities in Singapore to bless others and share God’s love.

Frank: Step out in faith. God works powerfully through willing hearts, and the experience will transform your faith.

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” – Ephesians 2:10

Eternal Life Assembly thanks every ELite who has answered God’s call to carry out the Great Commission – spreading His love in Singapore and beyond.

Age is no barrier. We are all SHAPED FOR GOD’S MISSION.

Step out in faith today. Click here to find out more about EL’s missions and indicate your interest for the upcoming mission trips in 2026.

The post Shaped for Mission – At Every Age first appeared on Eternal Life Assembly.

SHAPED FOR DESTINY — EL’s Theme of Year 2026

Jennifer Tay — Sat, 31 Jan 2026 03:55:00 +0000

The year 2026 is a significant one for us as we celebrate EL59 and prepare to step into EL60 next year. As the Lead Pastors (LP) Team came together to seek the Lord, we sensed clearly that God is preparing our church for greater influence in the days ahead.

This will not be just another year, but a destiny-shaping season – one where God is not only calling us forward, but forming us deeply.

God is intentionally shaping, positioning, and preparing us for what He has already ordained. Our destiny – both individual and corporate – is not accidental. It is crafted by the Master for a divine purpose.

To be shaped for destiny requires more than awareness; it requires response. As we prayed into Ephesians 2:10, three key truths stood out – truths we must grow in as we step into this next season together:

1. Trusting the Master’s Plan

In every workmanship, the Master’s hand is at work. The Master sees the final product – the blueprint.

He knows the work of art He is shaping EL to become. Nothing is by accident. While we may not be able to comprehend the future, we can trust the One who already sees it.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” – Proverbs 3:5–6

Trusting God’s plan often means recognising His hand in moments that seem ordinary but are destiny-marking.

Some of us may be in seasons where the path ahead feels unclear – but clarity has never been the prerequisite for obedience.

God shapes us first by teaching us to trust Him, especially when we don’t have all the answers.

In the many “uproot and shift” seasons of my own life, I often didn’t understand the why. Yet through obedience and trust, I have seen God’s master plan unfold time and again.

Trust is the foundation of destiny. We cannot truly trust God if we do not know Him. Trust is not built on logic, but on knowing in our hearts that He is a good Father who sees our lives in their entirety. God may not reveal the full map, but He invites us to walk with Him step by step.

2. Yielding to the Potter’s Hand

In every workmanship, there is a Master’s hand at work. Trusting God’s plan must be expressed by our willingness to remain on the potter’s wheel.

“Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in My hand.” – Jeremiah 18:6

Clay does not shape itself. It surrenders completely to the potter’s hands. As the potter works, He removes impurities, waters the clay, bends it, and sometimes allows it to rest – but never once takes His eyes off it. Yielding requires full surrender to the Holy Spirit, allowing Him to work freely in and through us.

When we yield ourselves to the Potter’s hands, we are declaring, “Lord, You know what You are doing, even when I don’t.”

Every destiny-shaping season involves God reshaping our mindset, refining our motives, and stretching us beyond familiar boundaries. Often, this shaping feels uncomfortable or costly, but it’s always purposeful.

Our journey is not accidental, and our future is intentional. Ephesians 2:10 assures us that God has already prepared the path we are to walk in.

As we yield to the Spirit’s leading, we will emerge with deeper faith, greater humility, and a stronger love for God’s people. What feels uncomfortable today is God increasing our capacity for tomorrow.

3. Be Empowered to Expand

Every work of art involves transformation. Clay becomes vessels. Sand becomes glass. Carbon becomes diamonds. Raw materials in the hands of the Master become something far greater.

God never shapes us just to keep us small. He shapes us so He can expand us. Expansion always begins on the inside before it is seen on the outside.

“Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back.” – Isaiah 54:2

Think of wineskins in biblical times. New wine could never be poured into an old, rigid wineskin; it would burst. The wine wasn’t the problem; the container was.

The wineskin had to be softened, stretched, and prepared to carry what was coming. In the same way, God is not withholding blessings; He is preparing the vessel.

Expansion happens by divine design, as God stretches us until our capacity matches His calling.

There is a difference between maintenance and movement. Maintenance says, “Let’s protect what we have.” Movement says, “Let’s prepare for where God is bringing us.”

Maintenance clings to comfort. Movement launches out in faith. Maintenance asks, “Is this safe?” Movement asks, “Is this God?”

As a church, God is inviting us to choose movement – to align and enlarge our hearts, vision and faith with where He is leading, not just where we have been.

The year 2026 will be a season of God’s shaping and empowerment for EL’s expansion. This shaping will be seen not only in our gatherings, but in our homes, our ministries, and our witness to the community and the world.

As we step into this new season, may we be a church that trusts the Master’s plan, yields to the Potter’s hand, and moves forward, empowered to expand. God is shaping us – not randomly, but intentionally – for the destiny He has already prepared.

Church, let us move forward in faith and allow God to Shape us for Destiny!

The post SHAPED FOR DESTINY — EL’s Theme of Year 2026 first appeared on Eternal Life Assembly.

「从灵媒到传信者」：翁叔的恩典之路

Jennifer Tay — Fri, 09 Jan 2026 04:56:52 +0000

随着《何等恩典》的旋律响起，翁叔心中的情绪也给这水涨船高。他心爱的孙女拨动着木吉他的弦，他则唱着他熟悉的歌词。

这是当年让他眼泪直流的同一首歌——那天，他遇见了主耶稣。如今再次唱起这首歌，他为恩典带领他走了这么远而不胜感恩。

小时候，翁叔常跟着姨妈去教会。那时的他只把主日当作例行出门：诗歌、讲道的流程他都参与，都听，但这一切对他而言没什么特别。

可是，当教会领导层回绝了他姨妈的请求，不愿为她丈夫从中国回国所需的文件背书时，他的中立态度转为失望。在年幼的翁叔眼里，教会显得冷漠又无情。

随着岁月流逝，他与一切有关神的事离得越来越远。少年时期，他结交了不良伙伴，很快卷入帮派活动。打架、暴力，甚至坐牢，逐渐书写成了他的生命故事。

他轻声说：“那些日子让我学会的，是流血，不是流泪。为了生存，我把心硬了起来。”

二十来岁时，他的人生出现了灵性层面的转折。一次他随帮派朋友参加道教仪式，本只打算旁观，却发生了不寻常的事。他感到一种说不清的感觉，仿佛有某种存在进入他里头。从那天起，从那天起，每逢还没走到庙门，他的身体就会不受控制地摇动、跳动，不由自主地舞动。

他因此被视为在生者与灵界之间沟通的“灵媒”。

将近二十年，他做过许多道教仪式，也给人指引；虽然表面看起来颇有意义，可他心深处却感觉越来越空。那些他所事奉的灵并未给她带来安宁，反而只留下深深的疲惫。

尽管如此，日子还是照常往前走。他成了家，育有三名孩子：一女两子。大女儿信了主，他没有阻拦，只是旁观。

他轻声说：“我看见她变了。她变得温柔、善良，也懂得尊重人。若是教会能带来这样的改变，那就让她去吧。”

几年后，小儿子陷入低谷。翁叔照着”过往熟悉的宗教仪式”想帮，却毫无转机。无助之中，他看见大女儿的介入——为弟弟祷告、安慰他，最后还邀请他去教会。

出于好奇，也因着做父亲的那份默默的挂念，翁叔答应星期天跟这一起去教会。他上一次走进教会，已经是几十年前了。他并不期待什么——因为他对教会最后的记忆仍是当年的“冷漠又无情”。他只想看看女儿究竟找到了什么。

敬拜开始，《何等恩典》充满会堂，当敬拜一开始，诗歌《何等恩典》充满整个会堂，他的内心忽然被触动。不一会儿，泪水便止不住地流下来。

他说：“很奇怪，我从没那样哭过。以前打架流血都不掉泪；那天却哭到停不住。”

那一刻的感受，是他从未经历过的。

“过去服事的那些‘灵’，让我心烦、迷失；但这位灵，使我得着平安——这个感觉是温柔的、释放性的、充满喜乐的。”

从那一周起，翁叔一周接一周地回到教会。他渴望更多类似那初次触动的经历。后来，他亲眼看见小儿子把生命交给基督，他的心再次被撼动。同年的圣诞，翁叔也作了决定，接受水礼归向主。

他家人对他的决定感到又惊又喜，他妻子也问他为何这么突然下这个决定。

他只是简单地说：“既然找到了真理，还等什么呢？”

那一刻成了他生命的转折。昔日的道教灵媒，将一切都割舍放在了耶稣脚前。他清理家中之前供奉的神像，抛开了以往的旧习，开始在教会忠心服事。

信主前，翁叔是一位脾气火爆的人；但信主后，他改变了。就算朋友嘲笑他是一个基督徒，他仍学着以平静的心对待，时刻提醒自己要像基督那样。

过去望尘莫及的平安，如今就活在他心里。

今年八十岁的翁叔，身体不比从前，没法亲临教会参加礼拜。可是，他仍持续着一往直前的精神，每个主日都准时上线参加聚会。圣经成了他日常的陪伴。他一天会读上好几次，也常分享圣灵对他是何等真实、何等亲近。

他笑着满脸感恩地说：“我们全家都认识了主。儿女和孙辈中好些人都在教会服事，我的孙女，甚至被呼召成为牧师呢！”

提起主的恩典，他眼里闪着泪光：“我原本破碎、不配，神却给了我新生命。

祂不只救赎了我，还把祝福延续到世世代代，赐给我一个同行信仰的家。这就是恩典——何等恩典。”

所以，当翁叔与孙女合唱《何等恩典》时，这不仅是一首诗歌，更是他的生命见证。

这不仅是一首诗歌，更是他的生命见证。

每个字，都回荡着救赎的旅程，也见证那位从不从未停止向人伸手的神——无论他曾多眼盲、犯了多少错、离了多远、甚至被多坚固的营垒深深的捆住。

翁叔的一生，宣告着一个坚定不移的真理：没有哪段过去破碎到恩典触及不到；没有哪颗心刚硬到恩典软化不了；也没有哪个年纪太迟，迟到恩典来不及给予。

反思：翁叔他没有去找神，是神来找到了他。他昔日追求的“权能”，如今在恩典里得着——基督把他从捆绑中召回，进入新的人生。

他的故事也呼应圣经以西结书 34:16的应许：迷失的，我必寻找；被赶散的，我必领回。确实，没有哪个过去太破碎、哪个人太遥远，到神不能把他呼唤回家的地步。

The post 「从灵媒到传信者」：翁叔的恩典之路 first appeared on Eternal Life Assembly.

“From Medium to Messenger”: A Journey of Grace

Jennifer Tay — Sat, 27 Dec 2025 03:50:00 +0000

As the melody of 何等恩典 (Such Grace) filled the room, emotion welled up within Uncle Oon. He sang the familiar words as his beloved granddaughter gently strummed the acoustic guitar.

It was the same song that had once brought him to tears – the day he first encountered Jesus. Singing it again, he was overwhelmed by how far grace had carried him.

As a little boy, Uncle Oon would tag along with his aunt to church. At that age, church wasn’t something he took seriously – it was simply a weekly outing. He sat through the hymns and sermons, but none of it meant much to him then.

Yet that neutral view shifted to disappointment when the leadership turned down his aunt’s request for help to endorse documents needed for her husband’s return from China. To young Oon, the church appeared cold and heartless.

As the years passed, he drifted further away from anything to do with God. As a teenager, he associated with the wrong crowd and soon became entangled in gangsterism. Street fights, violence, and even time behind bars became part of his story.

“Those days taught me to shed blood, not tears,” he said quietly. “I hardened my heart to survive.”

In his twenties, his life took a spiritual turn. During a Taoist ceremony he had gone to with his gangster friends, only as a spectator, something out of the ordinary happened.

He felt a strange sensation – as if something had entered him. From that day on, before he even reached the temple gates, his body would begin to move on its own, dancing involuntarily.

He became known as a medium, a bridge between the living and the spirits.

For nearly twenty years, he performed rituals and offered counsel. Outwardly, it seemed meaningful. But deep inside, he was empty. The spirits he served never gave him peace, only weariness.

Nonetheless, life went on. He got married and became a father to three – a daughter and two sons. When his eldest daughter became a Christian, he didn’t stop her. He simply watched.

“I saw how she changed,” he said. “She became gentle, kind, and respectful. If the church could do that, then let her be.”

Years later, his youngest son went through a crisis. Uncle Oon tried to help him through familiar Taoist rituals, but nothing seemed to change.

Helpless, he watched as his eldest daughter stepped in – praying for her brother, comforting him, and eventually inviting him to church.

Out of curiosity and perhaps a father’s quiet concern, Uncle Oon agreed to go along that Sunday. It had been decades since he last stepped into a church.

He wasn’t expecting much, as his last memories of church were cold and heartless. He only wanted to see what his daughter had found there.

When worship began and the song 何等恩典 (Such Grace) filled the sanctuary, something stirred within him, and the next thing he knew, tears began to flow uncontrollably.

“It was strange,” he said. “I’d never cried like that before.

During my gang days, I could fight, bleed, and never shed a tear. But that day, I couldn’t stop.”

What he felt that morning was unlike anything he had ever known.

“The spirits I served before made me restless and lost. But this Spirit brought peace. It was gentle, liberating and full of joy.”

Uncle Oon returned to church the week after that, and the week after, and the week after. He was hungry for more of what he had first experienced.

When he witnessed his youngest son give his life to Christ, something moved within him. That very Christmas, Uncle Oon made his own decision to be baptised.

His family was pleasantly surprised by his response and his wife even asked why he decided so suddenly.

Uncle Oon simply replied, “Once you’ve found the truth, why wait?”

It became the turning point of his life. The man who had once been a Taoist medium laid everything down at the feet of Jesus. He cleared the idols from his home, left all his old practices behind and began serving faithfully in church.

Before knowing Christ, Uncle Oon was easily angered and quick to erupt. But after his encounter with Jesus, he became a different man. Even when friends ridiculed him for becoming a Christian, he stayed calm, constantly reminding himself to be Christlike.

Now, he lives with a peace that once felt impossible.

Now at 80, it is physically more challenging for Uncle Oon to go to church in person. But every Sunday without fail, he joins the service on Youtube.

The Bible has become his daily companion. He reads it a few times a day and often shares how real and close the Holy Spirit feels to him.

Beaming with gratitude, he says, “My whole family has come to know Christ. Many of my children and grandchildren are actively serving in the church, and my granddaughter is now a pastor!”

His eyes glisten as he speaks of God’s goodness.

“I was a broken man, so undeserving, but God gave me a new life”, he says with tears in his eyes.

“He didn’t just redeem me – He blessed me through the generations, with a family that walks in faith. That’s grace. Such Grace.”

And so, when Uncle Oon sings 何等恩典 (Such Grace) with his granddaughter, it’s more than a song; it’s his story.

it’s more than a song; it’s his story.

Every word echoes the journey of redemption and the God who never stopped reaching out – no matter how blind he was, how wrong he had been, how far he had gone, or how deeply he had been entrenched in other strongholds.

Reflections:

Uncle Oon’s life declares one unshakable truth: No past is too broken, no heart too hard, and no age too late for grace to reach.

Is there an area of your life you’re believing for God to bring breakthrough?
Is there a loved one whom you’re interceding for?

Uncle Oon’s story echoes Ezekiel 34:16: “I will search for the lost and bring back the strays.” Indeed, no one is ever too far for God to call home.

The post “From Medium to Messenger”: A Journey of Grace first appeared on Eternal Life Assembly.

Eternal Life (EL) Assembly – Advance to Take Hold of All that God has for EL 2025

Joyce Tham — Sat, 29 Nov 2025 10:00:00 +0000

Philippians 3:12 “Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.”

Declaring Philippians 3:12 over the church on the first Sunday of 2025, Ps Bob boldly announced this year’s theme — to ADVANCE AND TAKE HOLD of all that God has for us individually and corporately.

It’s more than God’s promises. They include His plans, purposes and promises.

After 3 years of going deeper and reaching higher, EL emerged renewed in prayer and our relationship with God. Things could not stop there!

Unrelenting, our former Senior Pastor, Ps Bob Lum, sought the Lord and came across Philippians 3:12, giving rise to this year’s theme.

Advancing to take hold consists of 3 parts:

Acknowledging that we are not there yet;
Forgetting the past; and
Advancing boldly

Looking back at 2025, our church has advanced and taken hold of God’s plans, purposes and promises in many ways! This is all God’s doing; nothing about our doing!

A Growing Church Family

Many young families and seniors experienced the warm embrace and connection in the English congregation, making EL their home church.

Kickstarting the Newcomers fellowship, the Chinese congregation extended the warm love of Christ to visitors.

Many new and lonely visitors to the Filipino congregation experienced genuine love and care by members, assimilating comfortably into the community.

Our senior members in the Cantonese congregation turned up at weekly services faithfully despite their health and mobility issues; many stayed back for prayer meetings.

A Spiritually Vibrant Church Family

Leaders in the English and Filipino congregations grew in spiritual maturity, boldness and dedication. Amongst the Filipino members, a deeper hunger for the Word and to grow in faith took root. Once quiet or hesitant, members are more alive, prayerful, united and confident in God’s love.

In the English congregation, prayer meetings are filling up, especially with more youths joining. During church camp, members joyfully guided our first-time campers from the Gospel Mission for the Blind around the campsite, hosted them during meals and led them to the altar call for prayer. Love wasn’t just preached, it was beautifully lived out!

An Outward-Looking Church Family

During the Alpha programme this year, many participants experienced life-changing moments and insightful conversations, leading them deeper in their understanding of the faith and closer to Jesus.

At a house visitation to an elderly lady with terminal sickness, Ps Winnie, along with another Cantonese congregation leader, led the lady to receive Christ and get baptised on the same day! Just nice – it happened before her condition deteriorated rapidly, where she could no longer receive visitors.

Besides reaching out to pre-believers, church members saw beyond their needs and initiated creative activities for the seniors in the Chinese and Cantonese congregations. The seniors enjoyed the fellowship; one of them broke out into songs while arranging flowers!

Advancing God’s Kingdom Through Missions

Besides advancing God’s kingdom through our congregational outreaches, EL Missions saw a remarkable expansion in both local and overseas missions!

Locally, various Life Groups organised fun and engaging activities for New Hope Community residents and 200 guest workers under the Alliance of Guest Workers Outreach at Tuas Recreation Center.

Each resident received a beautiful handicraft and the message that they are loved and uniquely created by the Creator. Several migrant brothers testified of physical healing as our youths stepped up boldly to pray for them.

Overseas, more ELites joined mission trips with Cebu and Zambales teams being our largest yet! The Hi-kids ministry and the Cantonese congregation leaders embarked on their first mission trips as a ministry to EL@TanjungPinang and ELEC* in Cambodia respectively.

EL Missions supported EL Shaddai Church in Perawang in hosting their first Women’s Conference, while EL Soccer Team organised a soccer tournament at EL@Cambodia for the first time, ministering to the youths and seeing 3 new salvations!

Advancement in Church Leadership

The greatest milestone for our church has got to be the successful transition of EL’s top leadership! At our 58th Anniversary celebration service, the auditorium roared with loud applause and cheers by members, honouring the faithful years of service by our former Senior Pastor, Ps Bob Lum.

He was all smiles seeing his daughters and their families emerged from backstage — having flown into Singapore from different parts of the world unbeknownst to him — embracing him and joining to witness this momentous event together. The church presented a heartfelt video of tributes.

Ps Bob officially handed over the baton to the Lead-Pastors Team (LP Team). Ps Gary, Ps Daphne and Ps Lim Ping, each with their unique giftings and strengths, received their new appointments and roles with grace and sure commitment.

What a historic moment for our church – adopting a team leadership style, including a female representation, for the first time ever! The church blessed and prayed over our new leaders as the LP Team expressed confidence and hope in advancing the church towards the next chapter!

Advancing Forward in 2026

With God’s stirring in their hearts, the LP Team envisions EL as a family church, growing spiritually healthy, remaining deeply rooted in God’s Word, and living an outward-looking, Kingdom-minded faith that impacts Singapore and the nations.

Over recent years, God has spoken promises and similar prophecies through various pastors. Praise God! We have witnessed greater signs of our church moving towards His direction this year. And we are not done yet!

Unity and consistency remain key to experience God’s love and power, being the salt and light in our generation. We must continue to advance God’s kingdom in and through our church for His glory! As our church steps into 2026, the Lord is calling us into a season of purpose and destiny!

With great passion and joy, our Lead Pastor, Ps Gary, proclaims, “Let’s move forward with anticipation, excitement and faith, knowing that God is shaping each one of us — and His church, our family — for a glorious destiny!”

*ELEC refers to Eternal Life Enrichment Centre, a mission work planted by EL in Ang Roka, Cambodia.

Take a moment and look back at 2025. In what ways have you witnessed the church advancing to take hold of God’s plans, purposes and promises? How has he led you to advance and take hold of all He has for you this year?

Give thanks to God for all that He has led the church and led you to advance and take hold of!
Continue to seek and trust God to reveal His plans, with patience.
Do not limit yourself! Take bold steps of faith to do what God is calling you to do.

The post Eternal Life (EL) Assembly – Advance to Take Hold of All that God has for EL 2025 first appeared on Eternal Life Assembly.

When Faith Was Blurry – a 2,800 degree prayer

Philip Sng — Sat, 25 Oct 2025 03:55:00 +0000

The Early Years

At three years old, Naomi’s parents took her for an eye check-up and discovered that she was severely myopic as a toddler, with 1,500 degrees of short-sightedness in each eye!

Her parents then realised why she often avoided bright, moving images, and she would always walk away from these light sources. She also showed no interest in watching television.

From that time on, after the eye check-up, Naomi wore thick, heavy glasses that became a defining part of her early life.

Naomi’s childhood was different from other children’s. She dreaded the yearly eye check-ups, with the painful eye drops and intimidating bright lights.

At ten, when her classmates enjoyed swimming lessons, she could not join them because she was too young to wear contact lenses at the time.

During physical education lessons in school, she would avoid ball games and often ran far away from any ball, constantly fearing that the ball would shatter her thick glasses.

Academically, Naomi’s parents lowered their expectations, hoping she could pass every subject without further straining her eyes, including passing over the opportunity to study Higher Chinese.

At twelve years old, Naomi’s eye retina had become overly stretched, and she underwent freeze-treatment surgery to prevent tear and detachment, spending a month after her Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) to recover from surgery.

Around that time, she learned about lens implant, a reversible procedure that could drastically improve vision. However, the high cost of the implant, at S$20,000, was far beyond her family’s means, and the idea was shelved indefinitely.

In Naomi’s growing-up years, she accepted that possessing blurred, imperfect vision was her reality.

She thanked God daily that she could still see and function, despite this eyesight limitation.

A Prayer

During a routine eye check-up in October 2022, Naomi’s doctor gave her the sobering news that her retina is weakening and she may lose her vision over time.

That day, Naomi was gripped with fear after receiving this sad piece of news. She chose to persevere in her faith in God and shared the doctor’s diagnosis with a few close friends. One of them, Si Qin, sent her this message:

“Just leave it to God. Pray for Him to restore and renew your retina, that He will give you a new pair of eyes when you wake up.”

Naomi thankfully responded with “Amen,” but silently wondered in her heart, “Is that even possible?”

The Decline

In the early part of 2024, Naomi’s vision began to worsen rapidly. She did not tell anyone. The prospect of losing her sight began to change everything for her.

Having experienced miraculous healings from God in the past, she believed God would heal her eyes. She prayed fervently, in her room, at the church altar, asking God to restore her sight so she could continue serving effectively in church ministry.

Instead of improving, her vision continued to deteriorate.

In June 2025, Naomi travelled alone to the United States for the first time. She could barely read the information signs at customs check counters and prayed her way through the process, leaning on God’s grace.

Two months later, she travelled to China on another work trip. Again, she could not see the information on customs check counters, but God provided a staff escort who accompanied her from the airport to the hotel.

During a meeting with a client in a brightly lit room, she was almost blinded by her eye floaters and blurred vision. Naomi was overwhelmed, physically and emotionally.

By September 2025, her eyes could no longer function normally. With much apprehension, she went to see her optometrist. After a lengthy thirty-minute check, she looked at Naomi tearfully and said,

“Your eye myopia is now 2,800 degrees. I can’t help you anymore. You need to consult your doctor immediately.”

Naomi broke down and cried.

Her optometrist said to her, “We will pray. Let’s believe in God’s miracle.”

Naomi’s doctor appointment was six days away. It was the longest six days of her life.

The fear of losing her vision completely terrified her, and every night, she was kept awake. She prayed fervently and sought out her close friends and churchmates to pray for her.

She prepared herself mentally and emotionally for the eventual outcome of the doctor’s visit.

The Turnaround

With bad news from her optometrist, Naomi was uncertain about what to expect from the doctor’s visit.

On the day of her medical appointment, her doctor said, “Miss Ng, you have mature eye cataracts and will require surgery as soon as possible to implant new lenses.”

Naomi was stunned. “Cataracts at thirty-eight years old?”

The doctor continued, “After surgery, you will be able to see clearly again—without glasses or contact lenses.”

She was unsure if she had heard the doctor correctly. “Did he say that she wasn’t going blind but she would be able to see clearly again?”

Naomi left the clinic overwhelmed with gratitude and joy. God has heard and answered her prayers, not in her timing, but in His.

God’s delay is not his denial. While she thought He was silent, He was preparing a healing experience beyond what she could fathom, not just to restore her eyesight, but to provide for the costs of the procedure completely.

What was considered out of reach when she was a child, is now covered under Medisave and company insurance.

When Naomi shared the good news with her close friend Si Qin, she reminded her of what she told her in 2022: “God will give you a new pair of eyes.”

Indeed, He did.

The Second Miracle

As part of pre-surgery checks, Naomi needed to undergo a retina scan, which revealed two blood clots. Due to early detection, these clots were treated in time. Indeed, God is all-knowing, abounding in His mercy and grace towards her.

Due to Naomi’s extremely high eye myopia and irregular retinal shape, her cataract surgery carried a higher risk.

Her doctor assured her, “Trust in His sovereignty. We live by faith, not by sight. Worrying is not of God—it’s a sin. Let’s pray.” These God-moments continually assured her of God’s abiding presence.

Naomi’s surgery was a success.

A New Vision

Today, every morning when Naomi opens her eyes, she can see her world vividly – sharper colours, clearer details. She no longer needed to depend on spectacle glasses or contact lenses. It is an experience that she has never savoured before.

To her, life has become cheerful and bright. Although she still needs to use reading glasses and can see floaters in her vision, she is deeply grateful to God for healing her blurred vision and giving her a new set of eyes to see His creation in all its beauty.

Naomi can now truly say: “I once was blind, but now I see.”

God has given her not just physical sight, but a new vision and zest for life.

Reflections:

What is an impossible 2,800 degree fear that stands before you today?

Impossibility vs Provision: : “God’s delay is not His denial” What does this mean for you today?
Faith in doubt: Faith isn’t the absence of doubt, but trusting God right in the middle of it.
A New Vision for Life: Do you need new eyes to see today what God sees for your life today? Ask Him to show you.

The post When Faith Was Blurry – a 2,800 degree prayer first appeared on Eternal Life Assembly.

A Lifetime of Service, A Heart for God

Michelle Chiang — Sat, 27 Sep 2025 03:59:00 +0000

“Christianity is for the Westerners. We have our god and ancestors to worship!”

My grandmother exclaimed when she discovered that I was attending Sunday school near our home in Penang.

But nothing could stop me.

At five, I looked forward to listening to bible stories, singing children’s songs, playing games and having snacks; they were the highlights of my week.

My parents were less resistant. They even enrolled me in a convent school nearby. Still, growing up in a Buddhist household, the thought of ever becoming a Christian seemed almost impossible.

That seed of faith, however, never stopped growing.

Years later, while studying nursing in the United Kingdom, Christian friends encouraged me back to church. There, the gospel became personal. I received salvation and was baptised.

After graduation, work took me to Hong Kong, and there

I met Pastor Daniel Wong, the man who would later become my husband and my partner in ministry.

Many people have asked me what it is like being a pastor’s wife.

Truly, it is a privilege to serve God together with Daniel.

He loved visiting members, encouraging them, and praying for them. I often went along and my nursing instincts blended naturally with pastoral care, especially when tending to the sick.

Of course, ministry came with challenges. Some members wondered why I couldn’t always be at church, not realising I was on nursing shifts.

Others expected me to preach or disciple like a pastor. But I was not gifted in that way. Instead, I served in ways I could: a listening ear, faithful prayers, and practical care.

Sacrifices were also part of our journey.

Once, mid-dinner, we rushed out to pray for a dying relative. And when Daniel was posted to a church in Macau, I remained in Hong Kong with our young son, Benjamin, and became a single parent for three years.

In 1998, our family moved to Eternal Life (EL) Assembly, where Daniel pastored the Cantonese congregation. Together, we continued visitations, encouraging members, helping them grow, and building bonds that went beyond Sundays.

Then, in 2022, my world shattered. Daniel went home to the Lord. After more than 40 years of marriage, the empty chair at the dining table, his clothes hanging in the wardrobe, the quiet side of the bed, painfully reminded me of his absence.

I missed his voice, his laughter, our conversations and I missed my partner in ministry.

In those dark days, God’s Word became my anchor:

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18)

And He sent “angels” in the form of family, friends, and the EL community to walk with me, pray with me, and support me through grief.

Out of that sorrow came a new conviction: to continue Daniel’s work.

Despite not being able to read Chinese, I stepped up to teach Sunday school in the Cantonese ministry. Praise God for technology! The Cantonese Bible app became my lifeline.

The visitation ministry continued, even in Daniel’s absence.

Together with dedicated church members, I spent time with elderly congregants

Reading the Bible, offering encouragement, and praying with them. For many who live alone or face health challenges, these visits became a source of comfort, hope, and a tangible reminder that God has not forgotten them.

One elderly sister I remember well had been hospitalised for a long time.

Discouraged and fearful, she asked me quietly, “Will God help me?”

Such doubts are not uncommon. And each time, my mission is the same: to remind them of God’s unfailing love.

I gently reminded her of 1 Peter 5:7:

“Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.”

Then I shared my own story of how God carried me through Daniel’s passing. Personal testimonies always open hearts. She listened, prayed, and surrendered her fears. Not long after, she was discharged and is now a faithful member of church again. Glory to God!

Looking back, I see how God planted that tiny seed of faith when I was just a child.

In His time, He watered it, equipped me, and led me to serve Him in ways I could never have imagined.

Certainly, there are sacrifices to make and doubts to overcome. But these are nothing compared to what Jesus went through for us.

I am now 76 years old. As long as I am able, I will keep serving Him, for it is the greatest privilege of my life.

As long as I am able, I will keep serving Him, for it is the greatest privilege of my life.

Eternal Life Assembly thanks Catherine and every ELite who has dedicated their time, gifts, and resources to serve faithfully, spreading God’s love in Singapore and beyond.

Step out in faith today. Serve in your family, community, or church, and share His love with those around you.

Age is no barrier. Just be willing to offer your time!

Opportunities abound in EL (find out more here).

The post A Lifetime of Service, A Heart for God first appeared on Eternal Life Assembly.

When God restored to us our wedding rings – and our marriage

Zanna Ker — Sat, 06 Sep 2025 03:58:00 +0000

TRIGGER WARNING: This story mentions suicide ideation that some may find distressing. Reader discretion is advised. If you have thoughts of suicide or self-harm, do reach out for help.

It’s hard to fathom how close I was to attempting suicide. Not just my own life, but I even considered ending my children’s lives before I took mine.

“Till death do us part” was how I wanted to end the marriage, to end the pain, and to end it all.

My husband Eric and I got married very young in the Philippines. Although we faced many struggles as young parents, we managed to overcome them through working hard.

We moved to Singapore for better prospects, but we never expected our marriage to face its toughest test. Debts piled up from the high costs of living, and our relationship began to strain.

I worked multiple night shifts to provide for our family, leaving little time at home. In my absence, Eric had an affair.

The betrayal shattered me. Rage was my first instinct. How was this justifiable? Even if I was busy at work, it was for the family.

In anger, I filed for annulment in the Philippines. Thoughts of “life is no longer worth living” kept resounding in my head. I even thought of taking my children’s lives!

How could I let them live with a man who has betrayed us! Deep down, I knew these thoughts were wrong, but my heart was so wrung.

Broken and betrayed, I poured out my pain on social media. That was when Pastor Bob and Pastor Alvin reached out to me.

Before this crisis, Eric and I had a shallow faith. We were contented Sunday Christians. But when our marriage crumbled, God sent pastors to walk with us.

They were spiritual fathers who relentlessly guided us toward healing and a deeper walk with God.

They arranged for us to go through marriage counselling. Pastor Bob taught Eric to court me again, while Pastor Alvin consistently prayed for me and encouraged me to forgive.

The restoration of our marriage seemed foolish. Suicidal thoughts persisted.

Many nights, I wrestled in agony, crying out to God to forgive me of my dark thoughts.

Yet every morning, my phone revealed the countless missed calls from Pastor Bob, who never gave up on us.

I clung to my grief, refusing to forgive him. Why should I? Bitterness festered like poison, and my anger led me to believe he was undeserving of even a drop of forgiveness.

I removed my wedding ring and confiscated Eric’s. He had no right to wear it. I had planned to sell them, to erase all memories, but the rings went missing, and my plan failed.

Harbouring that grudge deepened my turmoil.

As a child of God, I knew I should forgive, but living it out felt impossible.

I tried every way to forgive Eric, even chopping cabbages until they were mashed to release my anger.

Weary, I asked God for signs to forgive my husband: first, that our wedding rings would be found; and second, that Eric would have a renewed relationship with the Lord.

The second sign came quickly. Eric became more serious about his faith. He grew in the fear of the Lord, and this assured me that he would not repeat his mistake.

The first sign unfolded like a miracle. During a service, the speaker gave an altar call for families, and I felt nudged to step forward with Eric, but the rings were still missing!

Tearing, I reached into my bag for a tissue. My fingers brushed something hard and cold. The missing wedding rings! Tucked inside the very packet of tissue I had carried daily, unseen and unfound, until this exact moment.

I was speechless.

God had timed this perfectly. Gazing at the rings on my palm, I whispered, “Lord, I surrender.”

As we walked to the front, I silently told God that if Ps Bob prayed for us, I would give him the rings. When he approached near the end of the altar call, I surrendered them and said,

“Pastor Bob, today is the day I forgive my husband. Will you pray for us and bless our marriage again?”

Tears streamed as Pastor Bob prayed, recommitting our marriage into God’s hands. At the altar, we exchanged our wedding rings once again.

It had taken us four long years. I realised that while Eric bore responsibility for his choices, I had unintentionally contributed to the distance in our marriage. The enemy simply seized the opportunity to steal, kill, and destroy.

Today, there is no unforgiveness in my heart toward Eric or the third party. When she faced a crisis, I was the first to help her, pray for her, and even hug her, without resentment.

Beyond the emotional restoration, God restored us financially and spiritually. He placed different people in our lives to teach us how to overcome our debts and manage our finances properly. As Joel 2:25 says “I will restore to you the years that the locust has eaten”.

In addition to this threefold restoration, God gave us a calling. Eric and I pursued our Bachelor of Theology and now serve as ministers in the Filipino Ministry, enjoying a vibrant relationship with Jesus and the privilege to serve Him!

God has blessed our children with stable jobs and bright futures. What the enemy meant for destruction, God turned for good (see Genesis 50:20), displaying His power and unfailing love.

Today, I am a testimony of God’s ability to heal all wounds. He restored my heart, our family, and gave us a future overflowing with hope!

Everyone makes mistakes in life, but who am I to withhold forgiveness if God has already forgiven us all.

If you are struggling to forgive someone, would you allow Jesus to heal you today?

The post When God restored to us our wedding rings – and our marriage first appeared on Eternal Life Assembly.

三位牧者，三重旅程，同一使命

Diana Lim — Sun, 27 Jul 2025 04:00:00 +0000

谭伟良弟兄（谭弟兄）：今天能进行这次访谈，我内心充满欣喜！非常感谢三位牧师拨冗参与。首先，可否请您们分享，当初神是如何带领您们来到永生堂的？

谢国平牧师 (谢牧师)：在新冠疫情期间，主带领我离开了之前的教会，以便能更深入、更有意义地为神的国度作出贡献。我的前主理牧师，杨牧师Rev Dominic Yeo，向我推荐了两间教会，其中之一就是永生堂。当时在永生堂，除了曾在神召会活动中与刘牧师同工过，我几乎不认识其他人。

在我第一次与前主任牧师林牧师见面时，他分享了教会丰富的历史和教会的五个核心价值观。

在他讲述的过程中，我内心被深深触动，清楚地听见圣灵微声说：”就是这间教会。”

那一刻令我永生难忘。经过两周的祷告寻求，并与妻子Diana商量后，我凭着信心顺服神的带领，从此以后我就再也没有回头。

刘葳琳博士牧师（刘牧师）：由于我一直在神召会（AG）圈子中活跃，我已经认识永生堂（EL）很多年了。我的父亲，当时神召会的总监督，也曾与林牧师一同服事。2011年，林牧师邀请我的弟弟参与永生堂的音乐剧《天选之子》(Heavenly Hero, Chosen One) 创作，我则担任声乐指导一职。

2011年12月音乐剧《天选之子》(Heavenly Hero, Chosen One) 演出后，刘牧师全家与林牧师及师母Dorothy合影

当林牧师得知我正在从之前的牧职岗位过渡时，他联系了我，觉得我可能适合永生堂的青少年和敬拜事工。

那次谈话带来了出乎意料的清晰，并深深触动了我的内心，一种安静确据告诉我，神并没有结束我全职事奉的呼召。

2012年2月标志着我在永生堂这段旅程的开始。最初的几个主日崇拜带来了深刻的医治。主更新了我的灵，并在我心中确认这就是我应该在的地方。在其中一次崇拜中，当林牧师讲道歌罗西书时，歌曲《更深》（Deeper）就是这样诞生的。

林斌牧师（林牧师）：我十岁的时候，一位家人的朋友带我来到了永生堂的华语主日学。老师们的温暖关怀和弟兄姐妹间真挚的情谊，让我自然而然地融入了这个信仰大家庭。永生堂成为了我信仰扎根和成长的地方。随着年岁增长，全职服事的呼召日益清晰，但我始终犹豫是否要打破现状。毕竟，我当时作为一名平信徒领袖，服事得很舒适。

神当然知道如何“摇晃我们的船，甚至让它倾覆”。在与一位牧师同工的交谈中，他的经历与我相似（从企业界转入全职事奉），他说了一句话深深地触动了我：

“我唯一的遗憾，就是对神的呼召回应得太慢了。”

这句话直击我心。我不愿重蹈这样的遗憾。就在那一刻，心中所有的抗拒终于消融，全然降服于神的呼召之下。

谭弟兄：在您的事奉历程中，哪个关键挑战让您特别经历神的信实？这些经历如何塑造了您今日的牧养心志？

谢牧师：从三一基督徒中心到永生堂的过渡感觉就像亚伯拉罕的旅程，被呼召离开熟悉之地，前往一个尚未完全知晓的地方。

但就在复活节主日，当我作为客座讲员讲道时，会众虔诚的信仰和对上帝的渴望令人动容。圣洁的空间弥漫着期待的氛围；会众敞开心扉，热切期盼神恩的临在。仿佛神圣的声音宣告：“这就是我为你预备的土地。

真正的挑战始于这个呼召延伸到我的家庭。这个过渡不仅仅关乎我个人，更涉及我的妻子和孩子们需要适应全新的生活节奏、人际关系和文化环境。我的女儿尤其挣扎，前六个月异常艰难。但我和妻子选择坚持信靠，深信神在幕后动工。

随后迎来了突破。女儿Megan找到了朋友，安顿下来，并开始享受这个群体。我的儿子Gabriel结交了新朋友，并与神有了个人的相遇，最终受了水洗。那一刻不仅仅是象征性的；那是神向我们保证，在这段过渡期中祂与我们的孩子们同在。

然而最大的神迹是什么？我的父母开始定期参加永生堂的崇拜。周复一周，有一股力量持续吸引他们回来。

如今，我们三代同堂在同一个屋檐下敬拜神：

我的妻子活跃于音乐事工和媒体传播事工；就连属于建国一代的父亲，也加入了教会的网站服事团队！

这段旅程深刻提醒我：当神呼召时，祂必在前方开路。我们所需要的，就是凭信心相信，并勇敢顺服。

刘牧师：最具挑战性的时刻之一发生在2017年，当时我担任永生堂50周年庆典的主席。我正负责统筹永生堂50周年庆典的各项活动——包括大型制作、营会及社区外展。就在筹备最关键阶段，我敬爱的母亲安息主怀。悲痛的重担让我无法承受。然而，在那场危机中，神的恩典是如此真实可触。

林牧师、Alvin吴牧师和永生堂领导团队给予我充分的哀悼与疗愈空间。主也差遣许多同工陪伴我走过低谷。

神的信实带领我走过了深切的悲痛和抑郁的时刻。确实，祂的怜悯每天早晨都是新的。

这段经历让我学会以更多耐心和同理心陪伴哀伤者，并帮助他们从伤痛中恢复。为此，我甚至考取了悲伤疗愈辅导师认证。

林牧师:进入全职事工后，我面临的最大挑战之一是用中文撰写讲道搞。过去职场生涯中，我的思维、写作和沟通全以英文进行。虽然中文口语流利，但从开始构思中文讲道真是极大的挑战。每篇信息都需耗费双倍时间与精力，这过程让我学会谦卑。

永生堂的团队文化给了我关键支持——

这里没有森严的等级，从牧师到行政同工都如家人般彼此服事。

林牧师以身作则展现谦卑与团契，常在用餐时分享生命经历。这种支持氛围为我提供了成长空间。

直到今日，用中文撰写讲道搞仍然是一个挑战。但神的恩典一直托举着我。通过这一切，我学会了更深地依靠祂。

谭弟兄：请问您感受到神对永生堂未来的展望是什么？

林牧师：圣灵正在我们中间激起一种深刻的感动——这是一个迈向更深合一的季节。神所预备的，不单是让不同世代并肩而坐，更是要我们携手同行。

我们已在华语堂会中亲眼见证这样的迹象——新一代青年与年轻人正蓬勃兴起！这里不再仅是六十岁以上长者的聚会，而是一个充满活力的跨代属灵家园。

神正在我们中间行新事，但我们需要主动回应这份感动：要以合一的步伐同行，虽世代不同，却同心，同属一所教会。

刘牧师：这不是放缓脚步的季节，而是“重新出发”（re-tyrement）的时刻！我深感主带领我们更深进入祂的话语、祷告，以及真实的生命关系。这些一直是永生堂的优势，并且在未来的日子里将变得更加关键。

神的计划始终是跨代的——祂是亚伯拉罕、以撒、雅各的神。《诗篇》145篇提醒我们，要将祂的信实代代相传，直到子子孙孙

让我感到兴奋的是，永生堂已经将这一切活出来了——老少一同敬拜，一同服事，彼此学习。

如今我们整装待发，要以新的恩膏与热忱，延续影响社区与列国的使命。

请为我们祷告，作为你们的主理牧师团队，求使我们始终以基督为中心。也询问主：”我在这幅蓝图中扮演什么角色？该如何参与建造祂的事工？”

这是属于我们的时刻——让永生堂在教会的呼召中成长，深化教会的核心价值观，并勇敢地迈入神所赐予的未来。

谢牧师：神正在带领永生堂进入新的领域。每一个新领域都伴随着一个新的呼召：需要更大的信心、更深的勇气和坚定不移的合一。

在我们近期举行的2025年英文堂退修会中，我们已窥见跨代合一的真实样貌——老中青三代合一敬拜、服事、奔跑。

对我来说，这不仅是对永生堂的异象，更是神对新加坡教会的先知性启示！

致我们的开拓者与忠心的前辈：感谢你们！因着你们的信心、祷告与坚忍，永生堂才能有今天的根基。我们是站在你们的肩头上，继续建造你们所传承的产业。

现在，正是时候了！
是每一代人兴起的时候，
以更炽热的祷告、
以更深的生命扎根、
以勇敢的步伐迈进，
去支取神给永生堂的应许！

前方的未来充满盼望，不是因为我们是谁，而是因那位引领我们的主。能与你们同心同行，如同一家人、一个教会、一心一意，是我莫大的喜乐与殊荣。

The post 三位牧者，三重旅程，同一使命 first appeared on Eternal Life Assembly.

Three Pastors, Three Unique Journeys, One Shared Call

Diana Lim — Sat, 26 Jul 2025 03:50:00 +0000

Bro Jireh (BJ): I’m really excited for today’s interview. Thanks so much for being here today. Would you share with us, how did God first lead you to Eternal Life (EL) Assembly?

Rev Gary Chia (GC): There came a season when I sensed the Lord stirring my heart toward a new chapter of ministry—one where I could grow deeper and serve the kingdom in a more meaningful way.

Through the counsel of my former Lead Pastor, Rev Dominic Yeo, I was introduced to two churches, one of which was Eternal Life Assembly.

The only familiar face at EL was Ps. Daphne, with whom I had previously served in Assemblies of God engagements.

During my first meeting with Ps Bob, he shared the rich legacy of EL and her five core values.

As he spoke, something stirred deeply within me, and I heard the Holy Spirit whisper, “This is the church.”

That moment was unforgettable. After two weeks of seeking the Lord in prayer and discussing with my wife, Diana, I took a step of faith to follow His prompting, and I’ve never looked back since.

Rev Dr Daphne Lau (DL): Having been active in the AG circle, I’d known of EL for years. My father, then General Superintendent, had also served alongside Ps Bob.

In 2011, Ps Bob invited my brother to work on EL’s musical – Heavenly Hero, Chosen One – and I joined the team as vocal coach.

When Ps Bob learned that I was transitioning out of my previous ministry role, he reached out, sensing a potential fit for EL’s youth and worship ministries.

That conversation brought a surprising clarity and stirred something deep within, a quiet assurance that God wasn’t finished with my call to full-time ministry.

February 2012 marked the beginning of this journey with EL. Those first Sundays were deeply healing. The Lord refreshed my spirit and confirmed in my heart that this was where I was meant to be.

In one of those services, as Ps Bob preached on Colossians, the song “Deeper” was birthed.

Rev Lim Ping (LP): At just 10 years old, a family friend brought me to EL’s Mandarin Sunday School. The warmth of the teachers and the fun environment of the community made it easy to stay.

EL became home to where my faith took root and grew. Somewhere along the way, the call to full-time ministry became evident. But I hesitated to rock my boat. After all, I was serving comfortably as a lay leader.

God certainly knows how to rock our boats and tip them over. During a conversation with a fellow pastor whose journey mirrored mine (from corporate life to full-time ministry), he said something that pierced deeply:

‘My only regret is that I responded too slowly to God’s call.’

That line cut to the heart. I did not want to make the same mistake. In that moment, my heart stopped resisting and surrendered to God’s call.

BJ: What has been a defining challenge in your life or ministry journey; and how did you experience God’s faithfulness through it? How has it shaped the way you lead or serve today?

GC: The transition from Trinity to EL felt like Abraham’s journey, called to leave the familiar for a place not yet fully known.

But on Easter Sunday, as I preached as a guest, the congregation’s deep hunger for God was unmistakable. You could feel the room was leaning in, hearts wide open to receive.

It was as if God was saying, “This is the ground I’ve prepared for you.”

The real challenge began when the calling extended to my family. The transition wasn’t just mine. It involved my wife and children adjusting to entirely new rhythms, relationships, and culture. My daughter especially struggled.

The first six months were tough. But my wife and I pressed on, trusting God to work behind the scenes.

Then came a breakthrough. Megan found friends, settled in, and started to enjoy the community. My son, Gabriel, forged new friendships and had a personal encounter with God, leading to his water baptism.

That moment was more than symbolic; it was God’s assurance that He was with our children during this transition.

But the greatest miracle? Our parents started attending EL regularly. Sunday after Sunday, something kept drawing them back.

Today, three generations of our family worship together under one roof.

My wife serves actively in Music and Communications & Media Ministries. My dad, belonging to the pioneer generation, even joined the church’s website team!

This journey has reminded me that when God calls, He goes before us. We only need to trust and obey in faith.

DL: One of the most challenging moments came in 2017, when I chaired EL’s 50th anniversary celebrations. My mum passed away in the same season, right in the middle of planning major events—productions, camps, community outreaches.

The weight of grief was overwhelming. Yet in that crisis, God’s grace was tangible.

Ps Bob, Ps Alvin, and the EL leadership gave me space to grieve and to heal. The Lord also sent many others who came alongside and walked with me.

God’s faithfulness carried me through deep grief and moments of depression. Truly, His mercies were new every morning.

My journey with grief taught me a lot about being patient and compassionate with those in grief and helping them to recover and find healing from their pain. I even took up a course to be certified as a grief recovery specialist.

LP: One of my biggest challenges stepping into full-time ministry was writing sermons in Mandarin. I had spent my entire working life thinking, writing, and communicating in English.

Speaking Mandarin was fine, but writing sermons from scratch was a real stretch. Every message took twice the effort and time. It was humbling.

What helped me most was the culture at EL isn’t hierarchical.

Everyone, from pastors to admin, served like family.

Ps Bob modelled humility and togetherness, often sharing life over meals. That support gave me space to grow

Today, writing sermons in Mandarin is still a stretch. But God’s grace has carried me. And through it, I’ve learned to lean on Him with greater dependence.

BJ: What do you sense God speaking to EL for our future?

LP: There’s a stirring in the Spirit that this is a season of deeper unity. A time where generations don’t just sit side-by-side but walk hand-in-hand.

We’re already seeing signs of this in the Mandarin congregation. A fresh wave of young adults and youth are stepping up.

It’s no longer just a ministry for those in their 60s and above. It’s a vibrant, multi-generational family.

God is doing something new, but we must be intentional. To walk forward as one family. Many generations, but of one heart, one house.

DL: This is not a season for slowing down. It’s a season for re-tyrement, not retirement.

I sense the Lord leading us deeper into His Word, into prayer, and into real, authentic relationships. These have always been EL’s strengths, and they’ll become even more crucial in the days ahead.

God’s heart has always been generational. He is the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Psalm 145 reminds us to declare His faithfulness to our children, and our children’s children.

What excites me is how EL is already living this out — young and old worshipping side by side, serving together, learning from each other.

And now, it’s all hands on deck, to impact the community and nations just as we always have, but with new anointing, new passion.

So pray for us as your Lead Pastors Team, that we will keep Jesus at the center of it all. Ask the Lord, “Where do I fit into this story? What part do I play in building what You’re doing here?”

This is our moment — to grow EL in her calling, to deepen her core values, and to walk boldly into her God-given future.

GC: God is leading EL to new territories. With every new ground comes a fresh call: for greater faith, deeper courage, and unwavering unity.

At our recent English Church Camp 2025, we caught a powerful glimpse of what intergenerational unity could truly look like. A picture of generations worshipping, serving, and running together as one.

That, to me, was a glimpse of the prophetic image – not just for EL, but even for the church in Singapore.

To our pioneers and long-timers, thank you. This church stands where it does because of your faith, your prayers, and your perseverance. We are standing on your shoulders, building on your legacy.

Now, it’s time. Time for every generation to rise. To pray with greater fervency. To grow with deeper roots. To advance boldly and lay hold of God’s promises for EL.

The future ahead is full of promises, not because of who we are, but because of the One who leads us. And I count it a great joy and privilege to walk this journey with you, as one family, one church, in one heart.

The post Three Pastors, Three Unique Journeys, One Shared Call first appeared on Eternal Life Assembly.