Ministry - Eternal Life Assembly

Honouring Our Pastors – Lives of Faith & Obedience

Joyce Tham — Sat, 26 Sep 2026 08:44:38 +0000

The Call to Abandon My Nets

God’s calling came when I was 20 years old and still studying in Polytechnic.

After winning the top prize in an international competition, I was offered promising career opportunities that could offer a significant career edge – the temptation was real!

Yet through Scripture and worship songs, God kept drawing my heart back to His call upon my life.

Like the disciples leaving their nets to follow Jesus, I learned that obedience sometimes involves sacrifice.

With no ministry blueprint, I declined all the opportunities. I wanted to obey God.

Front-row Seat to the Supernatural

Long before my ministry calling, I had front-row seats to the supernatural.

Growing up, my dad regularly opened our home to church members seeking prayer for healing and deliverance. Some would begin manifesting the moment they saw him and had to be carried into our house. They would take them into a room for prayer and deliverance.

Meanwhile, I would be in the next room trying to do my homework. All efforts to soundproof my room failed – I could hear everything.

Whenever my dad returned from his overseas crusade ministry trips, he would constantly show me videos and testimonies of healing.

Looking back, I realise those were formative years when God was exposing me to a world of ministry that would become a significant part of my calling.

In time, I, too, began witnessing healings for the people I had prayed for!

The Lonely Road of Obedience

Calling can be exciting. Obedience can be lonely.

In my 20s, while many conversations with friends revolved around careers, relationships, and starting families, I found myself returning from missions trips talking about healings, bombings, and moments of God’s protection from danger. I often felt like the oddball, unable to fit in and relate well with my peers.

After graduating from Bible school, I joined a church as a full-time staff and thought, “Finally! I’m stepping into everything that God has been calling me to!”

Instead, the first four years became my most difficult years in ministry.

I was moved from one department to another, struggling to find my main area of ministry. I felt unwanted and wondered whether there was really a place for me.

The future was a blur. The wait felt like forever.

But one thing remained clear: God had called me.

So I stayed. I served. And I kept obedient.

Into Deeper Waters

A significant turning point came when some church members and I accompanied my dad on his overseas healing ministry trips.

What we witnessed changed us.

We saw many people encountering God through healing and giving their lives to Jesus! We were so inspired that we wanted to begin a similar ministry in Singapore. That was the birth of Healing Room!

Initially based in my previous church, the ministry grew steadily and expanded to two locations!

Then, another unexpected call of obedience came.

I sensed God leading me out of the security of full-time church employment to serve the wider Body of Christ.

It was frightening.

Leaving church employment meant giving up my stable salary and stepping into a ministry that would need to raise its financial support.

Still, I trusted God. I resigned. And Jesus Heal Me was formed.

Stepping Out in Faith

In the early days of the ministry, I began writing to churches and organisations, sharing the vision and inviting people to partner with us.

God surprised me! Within the first month, enough funds came in to cover an entire year’s salary, including surplus!

God is faithful to provide where He leads.

What began as a mustard seed faith has grown beyond what I could have envisioned. Today, Jesus Heal Me serves churches across denominations and nations through healing services, gospel crusades, ministry training, and equipping believers to pray for the sick. All glory to God!

Multiplication

Yet, what gives me the greatest joy is not ministry growth but the multiplication of impact.

My heart leaps whenever those whom I have coached begin praying for the sick themselves and return with testimonies of healing. Some have gone on to equip their own church members and mission teams.

Equipped Jesus Heal Me team members praying and ministering to others

Ministry is no longer one person’s impact but multiplied through equipping. It is my greatest privilege to play a part in multiplying Kingdom impact!

When Healing Doesn’t Happen

Healing ministry also means learning to live with unanswered questions.

While we celebrate every testimony, there are also those who experience the pain of unanswered healing.

One lady on our team was known for praying for cancer patients—even while battling cancer herself. People she prayed for subsequently reported improvements in their cancer markers, and some reported that their tumours had disappeared.

Yet her own healing did not come. After three years of battling cancer, she went home to be with the Lord.

Before she passed away, I asked her if she was ever angry with God. Her answer stayed with me:

“When they are happy, I am happy.”

Those words taught me something profound about ministry.

We do not serve God to earn “healing merits” or be guaranteed a problem-free life.

We serve Him simply because we love Him, and it is our privilege to participate in His work.

I still struggle with unanswered questions, but they do not dismiss the testimonies of God’s power. I will continue walking with people through the miracles and the mysteries.

Finding Our Spiritual Family

As the ministry grew, my wife, Serene, and I discovered that God was restoring our need for belonging.

My frequent travels made it difficult for me to remain rooted in a small group, while Serene yearned for a community where she could simply be herself. That often came with the unspoken expectations of being “the pastor’s wife.”

Things worsened when the pandemic hit. We both longed for a church where we could serve, worship, build friendships, and simply belong.

After leaving my previous church, we found our spiritual home at Eternal Life Assembly.

There, Serene and I found genuine friendships. Serene also serves joyfully on the Missions Committee.

Ps Matthew and his wife, Serene, with friends made in Eternal Life Assembly

Knowing that Serene is loved, supported, and thriving brings me tremendous peace, especially as ministry continues to take me to different churches and nations.

God has faithfully met our needs as we remained obedient to Him.

One ‘Yes’ At a Time

Looking back, I realise that God’s calling was never about chasing extraordinary moments, but about consistently saying “yes” to Him, one step of obedience at a time.

I used to think calling was primarily about discovering what God wanted me to do. Over the years, I have learnt that

calling is just as much about who God is shaping us to be as it is about obeying Him.

Perhaps, the greatest lesson this journey has taught me is this: we rarely receive the whole roadmap when God calls. Usually, His call is an invitation to respond in trust and obedience — an ongoing relationship!

I have never regretted saying “yes” to God. Two decades since the Lord called me, I am still learning to respond the same way.

One “yes” at a time.

October is pastors’ appreciation month! As we honour our pastors, remember that behind every sermon preached, every prayer offered, and every life impacted are many unseen moments of obedience.

Let’s take a moment to thank our pastors for their dedication and faithful service to God and to us. What are some ways you can express your appreciation to them?
Is God calling you into an area of work or ministry? Who is He shaping you to be? Pray and speak to trusted believers or church leaders for guidance and accountability.

The post Honouring Our Pastors – Lives of Faith & Obedience 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.

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.