Overcomer

2012-2013

A Kingston Chinese Christian Fellowship Publication

Overcomer
is a written ministry that celebrates Gods faithfulness to our fellowship in the past school year. It is an encouragement and exhortation to continue seeking God above all else.

For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the worldour faith. Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? 1 John 5:4-5

ii

Table of Contents
Discipleship and Cell Groups! !
!
! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! Mi deleite est en ti Abby Lam! ! Dont Forget Eric Lau! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! 4 6 8 10 11 15 17 19 20 22 His Unconditional Love Henrietta Lu! ! He alone is your God Jethro Cheung! ! In the beginning, God... Jimmy Zhou! ! Jesus: The Great Example Kristie Man! Praise, Pray, Falling in Love Leanne Chu! ! perfect in weakness." Rebecca Wen ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

Worship! !
! ! ! !

!
!

!
!

!
!

!
! ! !

!
! ! ! !

!
! ! ! !

29
29 30 32 34

Worthy Felicia Li!

Passionate Worship Harry Fung! ! Humbled and Loved Matthew Lam!

The Undignied Worshipper Tanya Lai!!

Committee! !
! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! Coordinator)

!
! !

!
! ! !

36
36 39 41 42 44 46

Our Victory in Christ Chris Lee (Chair)!! Soli Deo Gloria Galvin Wong (Bible Study!

"My grace is sufcient for you, for my power is made ! Strength in God Stephanie Ko! Do not give up! Timothy Lee!

Praying for the little things Jason Liu (Retreat! Coordinator) Nathan Leung (Bible Study Coordinator)

Outreach!!
! ! ! !

!
! !

!
! !

24
24 26 28

Jealous for Christs Supremacy over our Affections! ! From the Inside Out Olivia Li (Worship Coordinator)! He is Faithful Samantha Cheng (Bible Study!! ! Coordinator) !

Depending on God (Drime) Jocelyn Ma! Mustard Seeds (Nightlight) Claire Lee! ! ! and Timothy Lee

A J.A.M. packed year (Jesus and Me) Renee Cheng!

Fellowship! !
!

!
!

!
!

49
49 3

Strangers and Sojourners Janice Liu ! !

Discipleship and Cell Groups

Gather.

Mi deleite est en ti
By: Abby Lam Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life. Revelations 22:17

How are you? Good, how are you? In one day, how often do we ask or are asked this question? How are you doing? How was your day? How was your week? It sounds anti climatic, but whenever people ask me this question, I say that Im good. But its true. I am good. This past year has been good. Why? Because God is good. Sure, there are trials. Thats why its so good. God is at work in my life, molding me. To know God personally and intimately, to be wrestling with Him, conversing with Him throughout the day, comforted by Him before even having to approach friends and family what a joy. God is so faithful. I cannot imagine having to face the world alone and by my own strength.
Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal,but I press on to take holdof that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Philippians 3:12

And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. Hebrews 10:24-25

This year, I learned about the beauty of being weak, human, and dependent on God. Pursuing holiness is difcult. As you draw closer to God, you get more exposed. Every little aspect of your life begins to matter. Sanctication is tiring. There are so many moments where I just want to pause. By His grace, I successfully climbed over this mountain. I overcame this sin. Im good now. God, dont touch me anymore. But of course, theres always more. Stuff from the past. Stuff about my core being, why I am the way that I am, that I wasnt even aware of until God revealed it to me. There is so much imperfection, so much that needs healing. I get easily discouraged when I fall back to the same sins and I often want to skip to the part where Im standing before Him in perfection and everything is good and right. But thats not the point. Its not about us. Just like how school is not just about getting a diploma, our time on earth is about glorifying Him through the everyday struggles we face as we become more like Christ. Rejoice in these times. Treasure these moments as Christ is lovingly pursuing us and look forward to the day where He will be united with His bride.
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.Do not be anxious about anything,but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.And the peace of God,which transcends all understanding,will guard your hearts

and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirableif anything is excellent or praiseworthythink about such things.Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in meput it into practice.And the God of peacewill be with you. Philippians 4:4-9

So often, I would like to ask God to reveal His plans and show me the end goal. What are you up to God? Why are you sovereignly allowing this to happen in my life? I feel like if I understood what Gods purposes were, it would make the molding process easier. But I have no right. The Lord knows what we need to know and what we dont need to know, and he reveals things to us at the right moments. He loves us and protects us in this way. We are so prideful, but God is faithful and patient. CCF, there is so much joy in knowing the living God, the one true Lord! We have such a privilege to be part of His kingdom and to be partnering with Him in ministry. May we stay thankful, for we are so very blessed.
O death where is your sting?! Cause Ill be there singing! Holy! ! ! ! ! Holy! ! ! ! ! Holy is the Lord. ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

! ! !

Dont Forget
By: Eric Lau

Coming into this school year as a DGL, I had quite a different attitude from 2nd year. The feeling of inadequacy I had previously felt was replaced with one reecting a prideful heart. Although I was serving in the same position of leadership, what had been a humble step of faith just 2 years ago was now more of an expected act of obedience at times. This year, I was continually reminded of the need to rely on God in all circumstances and the danger of self-reliance. Its crazy how easy it is to rely on your own strength and neglect the work of the spirit within us when things are going well, but God has most denitely humbled me countless times and reminded me of His grace in my life and the importance of serving with a heart of thanksgiving. He does not NEED me but chooses to use me despite my shortcomings.
Humility is the one stamp of a saint. Beware of the complacency of superiority when Gods grace has done anything for you. Oswald Chambers.

worry to irritate our whole life away from rest in God. Everyone has different worries in their lives (not necessarily money), but we must not let these irritate our whole life away from rest in God by remembering to put all things in perspective. Having been made new in Christ, we must not be foolish in wanting the desires of our old self or getting caught in our old way of thinking.
If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new 2 Corinthians 5:17

Brothers and sisters do not forget. Always be reminded of Gods grace and His faithfulness in your life and let that lead to a daily choice to live a spirit-lled life, relying on the strength that comes from God. Theres a lot I want to say and so much to praise God for this year but I will respect our word limit and leave you with a reection as you prepare for your next school year or stage of life, whatever that may be. Yes, it is meant for a New Year but I think it works really well for whatever it is you are transitioning into
TAKE ME INTO A NEW YEAR, Gracious God. Help me to continue looking for meaning, seeking peace, praying for light, dancing for joy, working for justice, and singing your praise. I go into the new year lled with expectations, a touch of worry, and a bundle of hope. I do not journey into the new year alone but with you 6

The theme this year was also exactly what I needed to focus on being a good steward of my time. Another quote by Mr. Chambers relates very well to this: It is easy to trust in God when we have not to hunt for money, but immediately the penny that is not there looms large, we allow the mosquito of

as my guide, with a commitment to my disciplines, with a community of family, friends, and faith. Take me into the new year, Creator of beauty and wonder. Bless me with the companionship of Jesus, and gift me with the guidance and power of the Spirit. Amen. Larry James Peacock. Openings: A Daybook of Saints, Psalms, and Prayer

Love in Christ, Eric Lau

His Unconditional Love

By: Henrietta Lu I will rejoice and be glad in your steadfast love, because you have seen my afiction; you have known the distress of my soul, and you have not delivered me into the hand of the enemy; you have set my feet in a broad place. Psalm 31:7

my DG. Despite all our differences, God had placed you all within the same group for a reason and every single one of you has been such an encouragement to me. To my DG girls, Thank you all for your commitment to DG this year. I will denitely be missing our meetings on Mondays at 5:30pm in Douglas, room 516. V: I am so encouraged to see how youve been growing this year. I pray that you will continue to trust in Him in all circumstances. You are so loved by Him. J: Im so happy that I got to know you a lot more throughout the second semester. You are such a lovely girl and Im so excited to see how God will continue working in your life. C: I am so encouraged to hear how youve been serving the Lord with your spiritual gifts. I pray that God will continue to bless you with all different opportunities for you to share your testimony with all your friends. F: Im so thankful for you and youve denitely been such an encouragement to me. Continue to rely on Him and trust him daily, He has such amazing plans for you.

Serving as a DGL this year reminded me daily of how broken I am and it is only through Him who strengthens me that I am able to do all things. (Philippians 4:13) To be honest, coming into this year I didnt have any condence serving as a DGL, but knowing that this is how God was calling me to serve I really prayed for obedience and trust knowing that He would provide the strength and wisdom. Throughout this year, I have truly experienced the power of prayer and His love for me and the girls. God has taught me to turn to Him and by reminding me of the Gospel daily, to continue to keep scriptures in my heart and to pray continually. Blessed be the Lord! For He has heard the voice of my pleas for mercy. The Lord is my strength and my shield; in Him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults; and with my song I give thanks to Him. (Psalm 28:6-7) Looking back at this year, Im truly blessed and thankful for my girls. It has been such a privilege and blessing having you all in

O: Praise the Lord for how He has been teaching you this year. You are one strong girl. I pray that you will continue to nd joy and peace within Him. C: I love how you always make us smile. I continue to see God working in you and I pray that you will continue to seek Him through all aspects of your life. T: Thank you for your wisdom and care towards the group. You and S have denitely helped and encouraged me in all different ways. Im truly thankful for you girls. Cant wait to see where God is leading you next year, all the best <3 S: Thank you for constantly reminding me how great our God is and thank you for your encouraging words. All the best to you next year and I pray that God will continue to lead you for He has a great plan for you.
For You are my rock and my fortress; and for Your names sake You lead me and guide me; You take me out of the net they have hidden for me, for You are my refuge. Into Your hand I commit my spirit; You have redeemed me, O Lord, faithful God. Psalm 31:3-5

He alone is your God

By: Jethro Cheung

To my cherished brothers in Christ, Wherever He leads you, never cease to meditate on the truth that the Lord your God is holy, sovereign, just, gracious, righteous, jealous, wrathful, love, good, faithful, mighty, and worthy. Praise Him that He is the Beginning, the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Creator, the Wonderful Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Lord of lords, the King of kings and the Prince of Peace. Give thanks that He is the light of the world, the same yesterday, today, and forever, the true vine, the messiah, the bread of life, the rock, the living stone, the great high priest, the lamb of God, the righteous judge, the bridegroom, the good shepherd, and the one who is in heaven above. And beyond all else, know this. He has called you by name. He is your Abba, your Father. He loves you as His child. He has redeemed you. He has done it all and paid it all, for you.
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.! ! ! ! He makes me lie down in green pastures.! ! ! ! ! He leads me beside still waters. ! ! ! ! ! ! He restores my soul. ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! He leads me in paths of righteousness for his names sake.! ! Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,!

I will fear no evil, for you are with me;!! ! ! ! ! Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.! ! ! ! ! You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;! You anoint my head with oil; my cup overows.! ! ! Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever. ! ! ! Psalm 23

Time after time this year, He has proven Himself to be our sufciency. He alone satises. He alone is our joy. He alone is our strength. He alone is wise. He alone is faithful. He alone provides. And He alone is worthy. So look to Him, run to Him, and cling to Him. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, and be constant in prayer. Give thanks in all circumstances. Seek Him with all of your heart. Worship Him with all of your might. And love Him with all of your heart, soul, and strength. He is your God. It has been a privilege sharing this past year with all of you. May we all continue running the race with steadfastness, laying aside every weight and sin, considering Him who endured the cross for us.
And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:6

And may God be gloried above all.

10

In the beginning, God

By: Jimmy Zhou

All Scripture is breathed out by God and protable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of the soul and of the spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. He will judge the world in righteousness; he will govern the peoples with justice. The LORD Almighty will be exalted by his justice, and the holy God will show himself holy by his righteousness. Oh give thanks to the LORD, for He is good. However, no one is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God. All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one. For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden his face from you so that he does not hear. But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. He is the image of the invisible God, the rstborn of all creation. For by

him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities all things were created through him and for him. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross. Though he was in the form of God, he did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace. For Christ suffered once for sins, the righteousness for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the esh but made alive in the spirit. So that, as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through righteousness leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. For by grace you have been saved through faith. Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. In order that in everything God may be gloried through Jesus Christ. There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For he has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in
11

whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. Since we have been justied by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. I have been crucied with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the esh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called. To put off the old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness. If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. For freedom Christ has set us free; stand rm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrice to God. Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.
12

When God Moves

By: Justina Ho

My rst year at Queens began like a miracle: I could just feel God moving; showering me with blessings, answering my most desperate prayers, bringing wonderful people into my life, and opening up opportunities for me to try new things. I was ying. At the time, I really thought I knew myself and I was sure I had a grasp on what God intended. I came back to Queens after a long summer studying abroad, only to nd that everything was different again. Not only did I hardly know myself, but I also felt disconnected to the people who had been so close to my heart for the past year. I was discouraged and confused, and though I knew that I had to turn to God, I looked around unsure if he was even moving in my life anymore. I accepted the call to serve as a DGL out of obedience, because God would not take the opportunity away despite my lack of motivation and condence. It was the rst time I had been so involved in other peoples lives, the rst time I had to step out of my comfort zone of being responsible only for myself and instead be intentionally connected to people around me. One of the rst things I learned was that I am indeed unable, but through this God shows me how much higher he really is. This school year was one of taking it one day, one week, one

month at a time, and I spent a lot of time wondering just how long I would go on feeling so stuck and unable to move forward. Through prayer and reading the Word, I came to the realization that I was struggling so hard to stay still because I selfishly wanted things to move, and the theme that took root slowly was to wait on the Lord. I waited for God to work through me every Saturday at DG, waited for him to speak when I felt far too tired to lead Bible Study, waited for him to show me where I could serve in the future, and waited for him to bring reconciliation in my life. Serving on Nomination Committee was a whole new experience altogether. In a span of several weeks I saw how God can go from keeping us waiting in complete uncertainty to providing statistically impossible solutions in just minutes. God makes us wait so that we can use that space to grow, to heal, to listen, and to open our eyes to just a little more of how gloriously sovereign he is. But just in case we ever doubt that he is completely able, he also gives us a taste of his might in immediate and undoubtedly Spirit-led responses. It is never that God has become unable to move, it is only that in his timing he is choosing to let us wait in silence and stillness. I realized I didnt know myself as well as I had thought, and though it was painful at rst I learned to take joy in the fact that God was in control over everything regardless of my inability. After a long season of learning patience, God showed me
13

that when he moves, he is truly able to do greater than we could ever ask or imagine. I have always been a person who wanted to have a plan, and if I knew something worked I would always try to stick with it in fear of change bringing failure. Through serving as a DGL and a part of NomCom this year, God took away any sureties I had in my own preparedness and showed me that although he doesnt always deal with situations in the way I expect, or in the same way each time, God in his wisdom provides us just what is needed for each step of the way.
All this also comes from the Lord Almighty, wonderful in counsel and magnicent in wisdom. Isaiah 28:29

14

Jesus: The Great Example

By: Kristie Man

vanthumbl[ing] himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross (Philippians 2: 6-8). Besides Jesus ministry in preaching, healing, and redemption, He also focused on discliping. We are called to be imitators of Christ (Ephesians 5, 1 Corinthians 11:1) and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19). In Mark 3: 13-14, Jesus appointed [the] twelve so that they might be with him and he might send them out to preach. Jesus himself discipled! Therefore, we too should follow Him and disciple others in order that they too can preach how Jesus is the only one that can ll the God-shaped void in every beating heart. And so, Discipleship Groups is just one of the many ways to disciple one another and to have fellowship. It is a great ministry where we have the opportunity to study Gods Word together; share each others joys and sorrows; and offer God praise in worship and prayer. I have been thoroughly encouraged by the girls in my DG and I would not have wanted to serve God in any other way than in this capacity. Thank you girls for your constant support and laughter; embracing me as the awkward special child that I am; and trekking all the way to 179A Colborne weekly without fail! With that, I will leave this lovely Kingston (mostly) Chinese community with this: ACT AT ONCE! Four years of undergrad ies by really quickly. Look to Jesus and His 3.5 years of ministry on earth as an example. Jesus preached wherever He could; He
15

We hear about the great commission, the great invitation, the greatest love does it not all point to Jesus, the great high priest? He is the great example. Being moved to truly know Jesus more by studying the Gospels, we turned to the book of Mark. Marks writing is written with urgency: telling us to act (in obedience, love, prayer, preaching, and discipling) IMMEDIATELY! Jesus ministry began with him proclaiming the gospel, The time is fullled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel (Mark 1:14). Though people all over were looking to him for physical healing, He tells his disciples, Let us go on to the next towns, that I may preach there also, for that is why I came out (Mark 1:38). Jesus ministered from day to late night, yet rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed (Mark 1:35). He knows our true need, spiritual healing, and heals the paralytic by rst saying your sins are forgiven (Mark 2:5) before saying Rise, take up your bed and walk (Mark 2:9). He ultimately became the obedient sacricial lamb that died for his people that they may have life in Him. He said, Fathernot what I will, but what you will (Mark 14:36). He not only said that but he actually did it by taking the form of a ser-

found strength from communing with God in prayer; and He made disciples and discipled them to continue to disciple all nations. There is no time to lose or waste. Look to Jesus, the great example.

16

Praise, Pray, Falling in Love

By: Leanne Chu

Your kindness acclaims the message,! My daily Grace is sufcient!8 ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! O Lord, You were crushed! ! with Your blood we are free.9! ! My esh has this rush,! ! ! Your kingdom we should seek.10! You comfort in a hush,! ! ! Persevere in peace!11 Saviour, You are Holy!12! ! ! Teach us how to love, ! ! ! and help us stand rmly! ! ! in Your words of truth alone13.!! To You be all Glory! !! ! ! All blessings from above! 14 ! ! ! ! !

Gently with patience,! ! You compelled me to obey.! Afraid and self-conscious,! I wanted to get away.! ! You promise of guidance, ! Do not be dismayed!1 Trembling with anxiety, ! ! I cry out to Your name. ! ! Boldness develops calmly ! as Your superiority proclaims! with great humility, ! ! ! Do not be ashamed!2

! ! ! ! !

! ! ! ! !

! ! ! ! !

! !

! ! ! ! !

! ! ! ! !

! ! ! ! !

! ! ! ! !

! ! ! ! !

! ! ! ! !

! ! ! ! !

! ! ! ! !

! ! ! ! !

! ! ! ! !

! ! ! ! !

! ! ! ! !

! ! ! ! !

! ! ! ! !

! ! ! ! !

! ! ! ! !

! ! ! ! !

! ! ! ! !

When sins creep in like darkness,! ! ! the Spirit urges me to pray.! ! ! ! Your healing sovereign and righteous3,! ! treasure in jars of clay4.! ! ! ! ! You answer with profound faithfulness5,! ! I am the great Yahweh! Pride subtly became blockage, ! ! yet You are forgivingly constant6.! ! To know You is undeserving privilege.! To fear You is walking in wisdom7.! ! ! ! ! !

! ! ! ! !

! ! ! ! !

! ! ! ! !

! ! ! ! !

This fellowship lift up with thanksgiving, !! ! hold us together in bind15. ! ! ! ! ! Your peace that surpasses all understanding16! guard our hearts and minds.! ! ! ! ! Fill us with joy as were waiting ! ! ! ! the return of Your divine!17 Father, You have been giving !! more than I have asked.! ! ! The power of the Holy Spirit18,!! condence and hope that last19.! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

! ! ! ! !

! ! ! ! !

! ! ! !

! ! ! !

! ! ! !

! ! ! !

! ! ! !

! ! ! !

! ! ! !
17

Above all, thank You for allowing ! ! to fall and grow in love with You.
1 Isaiah

41:10 fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand 2 Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes 3 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness 4 2 Corinthians 4:7 we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us 5 Deuteronomy 32:4 The Rock, his work is perfect, for all his ways are justice. A God of faithfulness and without iniquity, just and upright is he 6 Daniel 9:9 To the Lord our God belong mercy and forgiveness 7 Proverbs 3:7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the LORD and turn away from evil. 8 2 Corinthians 12:9 he said to me, My grace is sufcient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me 9 1 Peter 2:24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed 10 Matthew 6:33 But seek rst the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you 11 Romans 5:2-5 Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. 12 Revelation 4:8 Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come! 13 John 17:17 Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. 14 Ephesians 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places 15 Ephesians 4:4-7 There is one body and one Spiritjust as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your callone Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ's gift. 16 Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus 17 Romans 15:13 May the God of hope ll you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope / John 14:3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also 18 Acts 1:8 you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth. 19 Hebrews 4:16 Let us then with condence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and nd grace to help in time of need. / Hebrews 6:19 We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain

18

"My grace is sufcient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."
By: Rebecca Wen

began to realize that God has a perfect plan for my future and my worries are temporary. Time and time again, the grace of God touched my life and my heart. Looking forward, I can foresee the challenges in marriage, moving to a different city, and looking for a job amongst all the other areas of my life that are unsure. However, I do not fear nor am I anxious, for I know that Gods grace is sufcient for me.

I came to university as a sinner not knowing about God, the Gospel or the eternity to be spent in heaven or hell. In second year, I came to the CCF family and also came to know Christ. In the same year, I met my husband-to-be, David. In the same year, I realized how incredibly stressful school could be. In the same year, I struggled with inconsistent devotions, with disheartened prayer, and with a rebellious spirit. From second year onwards, there continued to be great ups and downs in my emotional and spiritual walk. Now, coming towards the end of my undergraduate studies, I can look back and see the evidence of Gods grace His saving grace that carried me through. My emotional, physical, and spiritual weakness was great, but Gods grace was greater. His power was and is made perfect in my weakness. His mercy and love provided for me, protected me, and puried me. In the most clich but truest words: Christ changed my life. I was reborn. Then slowly and at times, reluctantly, I began to align my goals and ambitions with Gods. I began to realize that happiness from worldly good does not mean Godly joy. I began to realize that a wifes submission does not mean inferiority. I

19

Strength in God
By: Stephanie Ko

For someone who writes all the time (emails, tweets, tumblr and blog posts, school papers, personal journaling... you know, the usual), writing this has been strangely daunting because I have no idea how I can do God justice. But isnt that the point? I cant do God justice only God could do that! Starting this year, I was unsure and nervous about leading a DG. At one point, I was denitely not going to do it. Why would God ever want me to lead this group of girls... I would never be good at that! And I was right; I wasnt good at it and I still am not. What I have learned is that God is good and all He requires from me is an obedient heart of service!
But he said to me, My grace is sufcient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 2 Corinthians 12:9

I started the year worried about being quiet and awkward as a leader, but I could not have asked for a better rst experience leading a small group. Your openness (and quite frankly, loudness) brought our entire group together from the beginning. I am so grateful for such a wonderful group that can study Gods Word together and laugh together too! God really blessed us with quite the mix of personalities in our DG and CG, orchestrating it all in the best way possible. My wish is that you could all continue to come over to my house and sit on the cold couch in front of the window, as you do every week but I know that God has greater plans for us beyond just sitting on a couch together forever. I cannot wait to see where God takes you, how He challenges you and how He will bring glory to Himself through it all! This year has not been easy. Whenever I got to a place where things were good and where I thought I had everything in control, God would turn everything upside down. As tough as it will be, I sincerely hope that God will do the same for you too. Not to crush you, but to encourage you. For suffering produces perseverance;perseverance, character; and character, hope (Romans 5:3-4)! And so I hope you will constantly preach the Gospel to yourselves as a reminder of who God is, nd your strength in Him and live out the life and faith you have in Him. Keep pressing
20

To my cluster of comrades, You girls are so precious to me. It has been such a blessing to see God stirring a re in your hearts for Gods Word, for prayer, for developing deeper relationships, for encouragement, for ministry and ultimately, for God.

forward in your faith, and let us all x our eyes on Jesus Christ, the Author and Perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). Love in Christ, Steph

21

Do not give up!

By: Timothy Lee

rest. Neither is complete without the other. As much as work is a choice, rest is a choice. It needs to be intentional because it has been a commandment that God has given us.
Therefore the people of Israel shall keep the Sabbath, observing the Sabbath throughout their generations, as a covenant forever.It is a sign forever between me and the people of Israel thatin six days theLordmade heaven and earth, andon the seventh day he rested and was refreshed. Exodus 31:16-17

There is so much work to be done. There is not enough time. These were some of the thoughts that I had throughout this year. Between serving in DG, Nightlight, and NomCom, I felt stretched far and wide but there was never a point where I regretted serving in these ministries. Yet, I had many doubts and fears and it was very easy to retreat into thoughts of failure and self condemnation.
Come to me, all who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will nd rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30

So then, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God, for whoever has entered Gods rest has also rested from his works as God did from his. Let us therefore strive to enter that rest, so that no one may fall by the same sort of disobedience. Hebrews 4:9-11

My history with burnout has been very real. In high school, I had served in my churchs youth group and faced a lot of personal struggles and discouragement. There was a point when I looked at myself and realized that I was incredibly worn, tired, with nothing left to give. Sometimes its easy to wonder, when did Jesus yoke become hard and heavy? This year wasnt a test of how well I could serve and work, but a battle to rest and take Sabbath. For me, Gods rest is ceasing for spiritual strivings and enjoying the presence of God. Rest is not true rest without work. And work is not true work without

He freely gives us this rest for our own good so we do not fall into the sin of self-reliance. It is so easy for me to approach the throne of God say Look God at all the things that Im doing for your kingdom! This is my pride talking. I have learned that I need quietness before the Lord because there is nothing to say when we come before a holy God. What does the Lord require of us? A broken heart, a broken spirit, and a contrite heart. This is powerful in the kingdom because God can work with that and use that to do great things. My prayer for KCCF is that we can learn to rest so that we are refreshed to do His work. It is a hard battle. It is an endless pur22

suit. But you are not alone. Many times I realize that I am so weak and dry but through the fellowship I am able to see Gods grace. For that, I am lled with thanksgiving and gratitude for all of you. So let us not grow weary of doing good, because God promises that we will reap a harvest if we do not give up! !

23

Outreach

Depending on God
By: Jocelyn Ma

Go.

And Jesus came and said to them, All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age. Matthew 28:18-20

As I get older, I realize more and more how incompetent I am without the Lord. Paul writes But [God] said to me my grace is sufcient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ will rest upon me (2 Cor. 12:9). This year, God did not work in ways that I expected, but in ways that I completely did not expect, through both the outreach event in rst semester and the preparation for the coffeehouse. I can honestly say that everything that happened was due to His work alone, and nothing of myself. Coming into Drime this year, I was incredibly convicted of how much more I needed to be preaching the gospel. In light of this, the Drime team spent the rst semester reminding ourselves of the gospel, culminating in helping with the December outreach event. Going into it, I was a bit nervous, as I had never plainly shared the gospel to strangers before. I remember extravagantly praying God, if your desire is for only one person to ask a question, I pray that we would rejoice all the more. But on the rst day, when only a few people came up to the booth, I found to my horror that I felt discouraged. But our success is not dictated by the number of people, rather, the willingness of our hearts. That event really reminded me of the necessity of being
24

ready in and out of season, because God may place people in our lives when we least expect it. Again, God was so evident in the entire preparation for the coffeehouse performance. In second semester, I felt overwhelmed with schoolwork and did not pray for Drime as much I should have. There were many nights that I had to fall once again at the foot of the cross and ask God for forgiveness for my lack of fervour for His kingdom. But He still chose to work in this ministry for His glory. On one occasion, we were completely lost in terms of the direction to take for our script, but after praying fervently, the Holy Spirit led us to hammer out a completed outline in forty ve minutes. Again and again, God revealed to us the majesty of His gospel in Drime. If I were to give a brother or sister in Christ advice on how to have a closer relationship with God, I would suggest two things: preach the gospel and serve. These actions continually force me to depend on the Lord as my only source of strength and recognize the truth in Pauls words. Gods grace is sufcient for me. His power is made perfect in my weakness. So I boast of this because the power of Christ is made known through my inadequacy. And boy, are we inadequate.

25

A J.A.M. packed year

By: Renee Cheng

to go but did anyways, God used the kids to really brighten my spirits and it GAVE me energy! Over my years of working in J.A.M., God has really used this ministry to show me a glimpse of the true meaning of His unconditional love. Yes, these kids are blatantly disobedient sometimes; theyre uncontrollable, doing whatever their hearts desire - even when we as leaders advise them otherwise. Sound familiar? It denitely did to me. I realized that its often where I found myself. Knowing that God knows better, but deciding to take things into my own hands and disobeying Him anyways. Yet despite the fact that I constantly choose to disobey Him, not once did God ever throw a tantrum and decide that I was just a hopeless cause not worth caring about. So what right then, would I have as an imperfect, sinful human to deem these kids as hopeless? We love because he rst loved us. (1 John 4:19) Its as simple as that. Its not about us being perfect in our faith, its not about enforcing discipline and punishment to ensure that the kids behave, in fact I would go so far as to say its not simply about teaching Bible stories. J.A.M. is about our choice to LOVE the children as God loved us rst. To be living examples of His unconditional love so that through our actions, they will come to know Jesus. My prayer is that even when Im long gone from Kingston and these kids are all grown up that theyll never for-

J.A.M. has been a ministry that I fell in love with, day one of my rst year at Queens and a ministry Ive committed to continue for all my time here in Kingston. Each year God never ceases to teach me new things! Working with kids has always been a strong passion of mine, making the decision to commit to this ministry an easy one. Although the kids we work with are not your typical Sunday school attending kids, at the end of the day kids are just that theyre kids. They crave attention, are hyperactive, theyre loud and sometimes disrespectful, but most of all they are like every other kid we know (and adults for that matter): they need Jesus. The children that we have the joyous opportunity to work with in the Rideau Heights area are often those that come from broken and low-income families lacking discipline and structure. This leaves them extra rowdy and unruly when they come in for the program every Thursday night. At times, that made the decision of volunteering each week a difcult one. Id make up excuses not to go I was having a bad day, I was tired, I just didnt want to have to deal with kids running around screaming and having to yell over them I just dont have the energy today. But the funny thing is, on those days when I felt the LEAST motivated

26

get the love that was shown to them and that they will be able to attribute it to that of Christ himself. Thank you to all the great leaders that took the time to commit to J.A.M. this year and to share Gods love with the kids. It was a joy to serve with you all, doing Kingdom work! All glory to Him! With love, Renee

27

Mustard Seeds
By: Claire Lee and Timothy Lee He put another parable before them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like a grain of mustard seed that a man took and sowed in his eld. It is the smallest of all seeds, but when it has grown it is larger than all the garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches. Matthew 13:31-32

Here are a couple of things you should know about mustard seeds. First, theyre really, really small. Second, they dont grow very high, but they grow far and wide, spreading all over the ground. Gods kingdom is the same. It starts out tiny, but grows into something so much bigger. A simple mustard seed, a coffee or a puzzle or just a hello, grows larger than all the garden plants, it destroys the mental health issues, the drug abuse, the money problems. It has been so encouraging this

past year to see God at work in the people at nightlight. Over the course of the year, we have heard many stories of trials and extremely difcult situations, yet these people somehow manage to come to nightlight with smiles on their faces (mostly). God is slowly but surely transforming these people into His children, and we are so blessed to be able to witness this and be a part of it. Gods been transforming us too, every single day, every single time we go to nightlight and have our hearts break for the same things that Gods heart breaks for. We become more like Jesus every time we humble ourselves and serve our wonderful friends at nightlight. We hope to encourage all of you to do whatever you can to expand Gods kingdom, even if its something super duper tiny! We have seen Gods growing kingdom at nightlight, where a Would you like some coffee? turned into a So what is God calling you to do with your life? Though we are inexperienced and sheltered university students, God uses us to glorify His name. His power is truly made perfect in weakness.
28

Worship

Worthy
By: Felicia Li

Glorify.

This year, God has taught me about his faithfulness. At times, serving as a worship team leader was not easy. At the beginning, it was new, and I didnt know what my role as a leader was. Through the year, I have seen God work in my life as he provided through all the trials. I knew I wanted to live a life worthy of my calling and that is why I chose Ephesians 4:1-6 as my personal verse for my worship team.
As a prisoner of the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle: be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one spirit- just as you were called- one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is overall and through all and in all.

Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever! Psalm 107:1

I praise God every day for the blessings he has bestowed on our worship team and fellowship as a whole. All the Glory be to God!

29

Passionate Worship
By: Harry Fung

This year servant leading in the musical worship aspect has been an absolute privilege and honour. It has been a rich, fun, and humbling-learning experience to say the least. It all started in the summer when I was enjoying my last couple days in hot, sticky, grimy Hong Kong. If you dont know what Im talking about (which you should because were all ASIAN RIGHT), shame on you! Honestly, it feels like youre an ant, forever trapped in a dim-sum steamer. On the second last day, a good friend encouraged me to consider leading a worship team. Before that, I had only served as a power-point-clicker and sang vocals for my worship team back at home. I was hesitant for so many reasons. I immediately compared myself to the amazing and beautiful talent from church and the megachurches across Hong Kong. Did I know what worship truly meant? Did I know my God? Was I responsible enough? And I dont read the Word daily! And my mind blanks out easily whenever I try to wing-it and pray with nothing prepared. And over the summer I was even questioning whether the Holy Spirit was in me or not! Who, in their right mind, would let me serve? For all of you who have examined yourselves in this way, good, good for you. Its only human to see what is before us, to look at our resume and past experiences and evaluate ourselves as truthfully as possible to discern what giftings weve got and

work out where God is leading us to serve Him next. At the same time, I would encourage all of you to pray. Pray consistently about it. Lets not be lax about prayer pray hardcore. And take that step of faith. Trust in our sovereign, almighty God that in whatever capacity you are to serve, when you pour your heart out (or not) and when you are striving to delight in the Father and pursue His heart and His will, He will use your words, your actions, and your passion to further His name and His kingdom.
Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:58

For me, I have been thinking about why God has called me to serve in this way in particular. How is he molding me to be more like Jesus? How is he rening me, like gold in a furnace? What are the iniquities He is burning away? I believe one thing our Father is teaching me is to be passionate for Him. As Beethoven rightly says, to play a wrong note is insignicant, but to play without passion is inexcusable. To be passionate for Christ is a choice. You must pray for passion and desire. Passion is a manifestation, an overow that results from praying, from meditating on his word day and night, and loving to spend time with Him and being in His very presence. Its like getting off your butt and playing sports. Can you do your best and truly pour your heart out if you havent stretched and if you walk in cold? Ask
30

yourselves. Do you love Jesus? Jesus asks us to give us to offer him our rst fruits, the juiciest lambs, our very best. Jesus looks at the heart. This was a huge lesson for me. I have led musical worship without the adequate prep, without giving God my all. I tried, but I couldnt muster passion or desire from within me, for Him. If I wasn't worshipping the God of the bible, then who or what was I worshipping? Which master, what idol was I leading CCF to worship? Lets be desperate for Him guys. Psalm 51:10-12, Davids most intimate, guilty and shameful thoughts always touch me,
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit. Psalm 51:10-12

Musical worship is fun. If youre thinking about it for next year, do it legggoooo!

31

Humbled and Loved

By: Matthew Lam

I can best summarize this years experience in serving the Fellowship with two words: humbled and loved.
I have been crucied with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the esh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20

I used to think, naively I might add, that as long as I put enough effort into anything, I could achieve it. I thought if I ushed out good grades, supplemented them with copious numbers of volunteer hours in the hospital and labs, and topped it off with some relevant Exec leadership experience; no obstacle would hinder my path towards success, security, and comfort. The worst part of it all was that I understood that this sort of pursuit was vanity, or as Solomon says in Ecclesiastes a vanity and striving after wind. Before long, the detrimental effects of this vain pursuit started seeping into other areas of my life, more specically in ministry. On one of the more work-heavy challenging weeks of 3rd year, we (Tanya and I) were scheduled to lead worship. I remember thinking (without telling Tanya.. I know I know Im such a bad co-leader) that this was just another obstacle I could power

through myself. So, with little prayer (on my part), we planned the worship set and brought it to our team. Tanya rst started by sharing a bit with the team about things God had placed on her heart, then I quickly went through verses and the idea we had behind our set list, and also did a quick run through of the bible study passage we wanted our set to follow. However, my underlying mindset behind this entire process was: me, my strength, my power, my pace, all me. Long story short, God broke me that Friday we were leading worship. After leading the set at CCF, feelings of inadequacy and thoughts of frustration ooded my mind. Why cant I do anything right? Why did I mess up so many times? There were so many distractions, theres no way the congregation was able to focus! It was all about me. Thoughts of frustration and feelings of inadequacy eventually gave way to a single, gentle reminder from God: Where is your heart? Where is your identity found? Matt Redman once said in his book The Unquenchable Worshipper [PARAPHRASED]: My identity as a worship leader is dispensable. God can use anybody to fulll that role and serve Him in that way. However, as a child of God, Im indispensable.

32

It was so beautiful such a simple truth, but so hard-hitting. Once we center our identity in anything but the Cross as a child of God, we let pride seep into our hearts. We start thinking its about us, what we do, how efcient we are, and how pretty we can make our resumes look whether that be in centering our identities in school, as a worship leader, or as outreach coordinator. This kind of awed focus can point us in a million wrong directions. But as a child of God, I am saved by grace through faith, and this not from anything I have done or can do, but entirely from God the glory all goes where it is due, God. So the thought that resounds in my heart from reecting upon serving this year is: As a child of God, Im indispensable. Im humbled. Im loved. Press on fellow brothers and sisters!

33

The Undignied Worshipper

By: Tanya Lai I will celebrate before the LORD. I will become even more undignied than this, and I will be humiliated in my own eyes. 2 Samuel 6:21-22

For three years, I had told myself I would never go back into worship leading. After being in several choirs and worship teams in high school, I had slowly forgotten the purpose of worship or more specically, the object of my worship. Pride had settled in, and suddenly the performance was more important than the heart. For three years, I decided to retreat to the pews and once again learn what it truly meant to worship in spirit and in truth, and to once again nd joy in praising the only One worthy of all my affections. Last year, out of the blue, I felt God telling me to go back into leading worship. Despite my instant fear and scepticism, I knew that God had a lot to teach me and our fellowship about true, self-abandoning, and passionate worship. I wanted to be obedient to that call, despite being very under-qualied. However, as God had to teach me over and over again, it is through our brokenness and vulnerability that God uses us to build His kingdom. This year, as a team of worship leaders and members, we poured into the Word, into prayer, and into learning what it truly meant to worship rst, in spirit, and second, in truth. The one

thing I absolutely love about leading worship as a team is that we have the blessed opportunity to keep each other accountable and to encourage each other to be transparent with our struggles in leading worship. We all have our struggles whether it is learning to be humble, to be genuine, or to be condent in His power and not our own skills. As a team, we dug deep and reected on things that hinder us from true worship, and what things led us into deeper worship. As we began to integrate these ideas into our practices and worship sets, I could see that God was working equally in the heart of the fellowship, pushing the congregation to sing their hearts out louder and lifting their hands higher as praises to His name. It was so encouraging every week to see and hear - you cant imagine how many times Ive choked up in tears. My only hope is that God would be pleased with our worship, and that His name and His fame were truly proclaimed at our fellowship. To Team GG, aka Glorify God (Katie, Natasha, Phillip, Richard) you guys are in every way a blessing. I am so privileged to have led worship with all of you, and so blessed to have joined you in this never-ending journey of learning how to be unquenchable worshippers people with a burning love for God that will never be extinguished. Continue to keep that re ablaze! A re that refuses to die due to circumstance, a passion that is full of the Holy Spirit, and a heart that is fuelled by the beauty of God. Always seek ways to use your talents and understanding of worship to encourage others and bring glory to God.
34

To the fellowship, I hope that you will always remember the story of King David, who even as a respectable king, danced through the streets to Jerusalem half-dressed, and said I will celebrate before the LORD. I will become even more undignied than this, and I will be humiliated in my own eyes. (2 Samuel 6:21-22). May we always be incredibly foolish and completely undone in our worship to our Holy, Sovereign, and Worthy Creator. Praising Him every season of the soul, Tanya

35

Committee

Our Victory in Christ

By: Christopher Lee

Guide.

For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function,so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Romans 12:4-5

Dearest KCCF, you are so dear to my heart. Although I may not have had the privilege of getting to know all of you deeply, you have been my family, my loving brothers and sisters, for four blessed years, and will continue to be. It has been an absolute blessing to be able to serve you and alongside you this past year. It has denitely stretched me, which is a good thing, and God has been so faithful and has used you to provide so much encouragement, support, and love, and for all that I am so joyfully thankful. I do not want to spend too much time right now pointing out my inadequacies and weaknesses. If you have been plugged into fellowship regularly, you are most likely already aware of my struggles. In the midst of all this, however, God has been challenging me to really orient my eyes and focus on Christ, his strength and his power, and I hope to encourage you to do the same. There are many things we may face that seek to rob us of our triumphant joy in the Lord, but Christ's blood "speaks a better word" than all that condemns. So although these are all things I am still in the process of learning, I would like to remind you of just some of the incredible riches and fullness of our victory in Christ. And when it comes down to it, it is best said by the Word of God itself rather than me.
36

Although Satan accuses us of not being worthy to know God (which is true), "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners" (1 Timothy 1:15). "For our sake [God] made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God" (2 Corinthians 5:21). And although we as children of God still wrestle with sin now, let us persevere knowing "there is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set youfree in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death" (Romans 8:1-2). As well, the complete culmination of Christ's victory over all effects of sin is coming soon! "When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: 'Death is swallowed up in victory"' (1 Corinthians 15:54). Dearest KCCF, remember always that Christ gives us triumphant victory over sin and death, so that we may eternally live for and with him! Although Jesus said, "In the world you will have tribulation", he follows that with, "But take heart; I have overcome the world" (John 16:33). Christ really is enough for us, all we need in this life, and when we truly realize his full sufciency for us and count all else as loss as Paul did, we will be able to say in complete contentment and peace in Christ amidst any trial that "I can do all things through him who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:13). "For this light momentary afiction is preparing for us an

eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison" (2 Corinthians 4:17). Dearest KCCF, remember always that Christ gives us joyful victory over despair from worldly trials! Although at times we may feel deeply alone, the tender love of Christ reminds us that we can say with simple condence, "TheLORDis my shepherd; I shall not want" (Psalm 23). And not only do we have fellowship with Him, but also fellowship with His body, "for in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body...and all were made to drink of one Spirit" (1 Corinthians 12:13). But perhaps the hardest part of this to grasp is not that we belong to this body, but that we are indeed adequate to serve and minister to this body. In those times, let us remember that it is "not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God. He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant" (2 Corinthians 3:5-6). Dearest KCCF, remember always that Christ gives us united victory in making us His own and one as His body. Although we may be mocked, avoided, laughed at, and excluded because of our faith in a Saviour the world does not see, Christ declares to us that "Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you" (Matthew 5:11-12). Our fear of persecution (which
37

really is nothing compared to what other brothers and sisters around the world experience daily) is perhaps greatest when we are faced with the commission to "Go therefore and make disciples" (Matthew 28:19), but let us take heart from the exclamation of Christ that comes before, and his promise that comes after: "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me...And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age" (Matthew 28:18, 20). Dearest KCCF, remember always that Christ gives us bold victory over opposition to the Gospel! Although we are prone to childish wandering from our Lord, to go through dry seasons and inconsistency, and even to feel like we are backtracking at times in our walks with God, let us stand upon the certainty of God's promises and Word, "that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ" (Philippians 1:6). In the midst of wrestling with temptation, or guilt from sins of the past, let us remind ourselves of our identity in Christ, and that we belong to him. "I have been crucied with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the esh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me" (Galatians 2:20). Dearest KCCF, remember always that Christ gives us secured victory amidst our temporary weakness in our eternal identity in him! My brothers and sisters, the Gospel does promise us an easy, prosperous life as the world would tempt us to desire, but it

does grant us victory, not to the glory of ourselves but to the glory of our God. I trust that you will see this tangibly as you read what our brothers and sisters share. And I pray that this will characterize how we continue to serve, love, and live, in this fellowship and beyond, as a testament to the world of the holiness, love, and power of our glorious God. Love in Christ, Chris

38

Soli Deo Gloria

By: Galvin Wong

achievements, but rather we that we are merely gracerecipients. It is easy to think too highly of spiritual leaders to elevate them to standards which no person (other than Christ) could live up to. This kind of thinking does not prot any party. Leaders are to be above reproach but we must not put our hope in them; we must hope in Christ alone. We say this a lot because we sincerely mean it: as a committee we are broken people in desperate need of the Saviour. Jesus Christ is the light of men and He is the only good thing about a Christian. This has been the focus of our ministry this year and has been the guiding theme of our study of the epistle to the Colossians. We earnestly desire for all to come to this understanding of the beauty of Christ and the glory of the Gospel. We want for all to have a Biblical knowledge of Christ and what he accomplished. But furthermore we desire for all to have true fellowship God that is rooted in the truth of Christ and empowered by the Holy Spirit. We desire for all to be continual grace-recipients. To feel in the depths of their hearts that they must decrease and Christ must increase. This is life abundant. This is the purpose of the Gospel. The call to follow Jesus is a tough, impossible message. It is a bitter message of surrender and dying to self. But what comes of receiving Christ is worth giving up everything for. Being a Bible study co-coordinator is both simple and hard. To labour in the text is hard work and requires the utmost depend39

Soli Deo Gloria is a Latin term for glory to God alone. As this year comes to a close, it is those words that I nd best capture my thoughts.
The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the LORD. Proverbs 21:31

Truly, any measure of success in our ministry this year belongs to the LORD. Indeed, many hours of work were poured into labouring in the text and preparing the Bible studies. However, were it not for the Holy Spirit, we would have been totally lost in our exposition. If the Spirit of God were not working, there would be no true conviction or understanding. And without the help of the Holy Spirit, we would not have a love for the people whom we serve. And without love, our work would have been for nothing. I think this proverb is true of all ministries. We are what we are by the grace of God. What do we have that we did not receive from God? There are no spiritual superheroes. Only weak vessels that are used by God. We who are in Christ know that we were ruined, vile people. Our restoration was and is accomplished by Christ alone. Our boast is not in our abilities or

ence on the guidance of the Holy Spirit. It requires patience, meditation and lot of times, self-examination. We are always mindful to make sure that we ourselves are convicted of what the Word is saying. However, exegesis is made easier when we know the purpose of the Scriptures. Understanding the Word of God is made easier when we know that no matter what text we are in, it is meant to remind us of the person and/or work of Jesus Christ. This is the joy of studying the Scriptures. It has been a blessing for me to ponder on profound truths of Christ and the Gospel and I hope that the fellowship has found this to be true as well. May the Word of God transform us and conform us to the image of Jesus Christ. It has been a blessing and joy to serve as a BSC. It is always exciting to dig into the Word of God, gain an understanding of it then to bring it to the fellowship. I will greatly miss serving in this capacity, but am reminded that the Word is available to all of us and that we are all called to speak truth into each others lives. To Committee: We have seen God work so mightily in our fellowship and we have been through tough trials. Through the mountains and valleys I am thankful because I know that it was the loving discipline of God, for his glory and for our joy. As we go to where we have been called next year let us remember the faithfulness and steadfastness of God.

To Sam and Nate: I thank God for the relationship that we have had this year. God has been so gracious to us since that very rst meeting. They say the ones you serve with feel like family. I can say that this is 100% true. I will miss you both dearly but I am reminded that we serve a good God who will be with you in your future endeavours. Grace and peace, Galvin

40

Praying for the little things

By: Jason Liu

God could not be served, but that he shows his power by serving us. John Piper

For as long as I can remember, I have always thought that I had a weak prayer life. Even now, it continues to be a work in progress. When it comes to prayer circles, I would be the one to opt for just one or two volunteers to wrap things up secretly hoping that it wouldnt take long. In my own personal time, I often reserved heart-felt prayers for only the most pressing and testing of circumstances. The little things never received any airtime between me and God. I felt more than capable to handle them on my own. But as I have become more and more able to accomplish the things I have set my mind to, this threshold of what I considered little has grown staggeringly high it was easy to see my pride getting in the way. It wasnt until recently that I realized that there was something missing in my understanding of the purpose of prayer. This revelation was brought forth through a brief yet convicting message from John Piper:
From of old no one has heard or perceived by the ear, no eye has seen a God besides you, who acts for those who wait for him. Isaiah 64:4! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! This verse took on a powerful new meaning for me in my early twenties when I was discovering new dimensions of the greatness of God. This discovery was coming in the form of teaching that

He shows his power by serving us was I robbing God of opportunities for His glory to be displayed by not committing to prayer these things that I considered too small? To quote Piper again, God never hangs out a Help Wanted sign. His sign is always: Strong Help Available. The conclusion that I have come to in this matter, is to simply pray for all things that yet rest on my shoulders. For it is too simple for us to say, It is within my capabilities, and forget that all we are and all we are able to do are blessings from the Lord. And when you pray for these seemingly little matters and God, through his will and timing, answers, you will nd it increasingly difcult to praise your own capabilities yet increasingly tting to give God the glory due unto Him.

41

Jealous for Christs Supremacy over our Affections

By: Nathan Leung

to the Bible for permissibility: as a Christian what am I allowed to or not allowed to do? I believe much of our mindset has been moulded from the culture that weve been brought up in. As children we abided by the rules of the playground, as athletes we follow the rules of the sport, as Canadians we remain within the bounds of Canadian Law. In the most latter weve even set up a system to debate the technicalities and interpretations of the law. It becomes dangerous for us as Christians when we approach scripture in the same way, allowing legalism1 as the measure of our relationship with Christ. To think You are a good Christian if you do this and practice that; if you dont then you need to work on this and not do that, as though we have gone back to thinking righteousness is attained through works (Titus 3:5). Thankfully, our relationship with Christ is not bound by laws. Our salvation is not earned by dos and do nots. Instead we have a vested assurance in both if we believe in Him (John 3:16). God saved us from the judgement of law (Romans 7:4) so that we would belong to Him. Christ calls us to Him to do be obedient to what we read in scripture, not so that we would face ill consequences for failure to do so, but so that we would mature in our love for Him. If we were to once again look at the example of a husband and wife for illustration, the values of both spouses would change as they would move from singleness to marriage. A husband may
42

Third-year University, second semester: after taking a friend to the gym, she asked me this: Why do you go to the gym so often? Without skipping a beat I began my usual wellingeminated spiel on its associated health benets, quality of life, my related career choice, blah blah blah. To which she responded with this, for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come (1 Tim 4:8). ...Well played. But, it got me thinking: why do we so often struggle to put our pursuit of godliness rst? Putting our own priorities in place of chasing after the only prize worth gaining? Often I nd my non-Christian friends having the perception that Christianity is all about following rules. Unfortunately enough, I would have to agree with their observed (albeit) mis-perception. Looking at the book of Colossians for instance, like many New Testament books it can be very easy to be immersed into the theology of the text. When we approach reading the Word of God, whether through personal devotions, Bible Studies, or sermons we commonly enter into the mind set of: what does the text mean? How can I apply this to my life? Sometimes we look

give up his prized sports car in place of a mini-van; a wife may give up her dream career to care for her family. Most obviously, they would no longer seek to nd satisfaction in other men or women. They do these things not because they have to, but that they desire to. Both would seek to change for the better, to prioritize the other out of their love for one another and to grow in that love. None of us would question, what would seem to be, this natural occurrence in a healthy marriage. Now imagine how much greater this should be evident in our relationship with Christ, which is the example for marriage! (Eph 5:21-33) This year, when we studied the book of Colossians, Paul called the Colossians to Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature and instead whatever you do, whatever in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus (Col 3:5-17). My hope for all of us at KCCF is that we would continue to strive to set our minds on the things above not just because the rules of the Bible says so, or because its what Christians do; but that we would see through to the reality of our personal relationship with Christ. And I pray that those around us would see us do these things not out of obligation, but that they would know us by our jealous2 love for Christ.
Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind. Ecclesiastes 12:13

To Galvin and Sam, it has been a joy this year serving with you two. Thank you for putting up with my quirks when Im on coffee/donut highs as well as my bluntness. The seriousness of your own personal relationships with God has been clearly evident in working together with you, and has denitely shown through the Bible Studies. I look forward to seeing where God will be taking you guys in the next couple of years! To the graduating class, youre all great. I think back to our rst and second years and chuckle nervously about many of the immature things we did and the poor decisions we made. All of you have been a testament in demonstrating the power of Christ to change the hearts of His children. Thank you guys & gals for being awesome brothers and sisters in Christ! And Im sorry for all the things that Ive said while I was hungry. I dont like saying goodbyes, so Ill see you all in the years to come.
1Legalism: 2Jealous:

strict conformity totheletter of the law rather than its spirit extreme desire for anothers advantages

43

From the Inside Out

By: Olivia Li

Word cannot express just how much of a blessing and honour it has been to serve in Worship Ministry this year. Where do I even begin? Lets start with Scripture what God says to us about worshiping Him (giving glory to Him, praising Him.)
Jesus said to her, Woman, believe me, the hour is coming when neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem will you worship the FatherBut the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth. John 4:19-26

thomable grace and forgiveness that He has poured out on us out of the abundance of His love through Christ, enables us to worship Him with the right attitude, knowing how unworthy and unclean we are yet at the same time how loved we are by Him. How do we continually worship God in truth? We need to continually immerse ourselves in Scripture. God speaks to us about who He is, what He is like, and what He wants His people to be like through the Bible alone (sola Scriptura). So brothers and sisters, I am praying that you continue to allow Gods word to dwell in you richly and have faith that His word is truth. Its not a task or duty; no, its a joy to have His word readily available to us. Its written specically for us broken people. In spirit is difcult to grasp. The woman at the well was confused (as are many of us at times, even as believers). She conned worshiping God to mere physical places: on some mountain or in Jerusalem. (For us: CCF on Friday nights, church on Sunday mornings, or where we do our daily devotions though we do worship God in these places.) Jesus completely tears down this idea and says that true worshippers will worship God in spirit. So its unseen. Its not tied to a place. We cant fully touch it with our hands, hear it with our ears, or see it with our eyes. Lets face it: in spirit, the Holy Spirit, in fact all things spiritual are incredibly difcult for us as humans to understand maybe because everything else immediately around us is tangible.
44

In spirit and in truth, what does that mean? In truth: for us to truly worship God, we need to have a true view of who He is. In Isaiah 6, God reveals Himself to Isaiah in a vision and this is what comes of the poor guys mouth in response: Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lipsfor my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts! A seraph then puts live, burning coal to Isaiahs unclean lips, and tells him that his guilt is taken away and his sin is atoned for. Our understanding of how holy God is, combined with the unfa-

Think about the memory verse this year Colossians 3:1-3, heres 3:2-3 specically: Set your mind on the things that are above, not on things that are on Earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. There is a hidden life with Christ that no one can see, not even our brothers and sisters. Yes we can see glimpses, the fruit of the Spirit in one another, but there is a personal relationship with God that is reserved between ourselves and God. So when we worship God in spirit, its not merely made up of melodies coming out of our mouths; these are simply the outward manifestations of the melody being made in our hearts to God (Eph. 5:19, Psalm 108:1). That being said, worshiping God cannot help but burst, overow into all other aspects of our lives. We cannot help but sing to Him with all of our being for all that He is and all He has done for us (Psalm 108:1). God has sent his Holy Spirit to walk alongside us, so He is always with us. We wouldnt be able to run from Him even if we tried (shout-out to Jonah for trying). This means that in literally every part of our lives, every part of our day (as mundane, wearisome, or great it can be), there is opportunity to worship God to love Him, to offer up to Him whatever were doing, and allow Him to be made great (gloried). And we have reason to remain joyful through it all. Amazing eh? This is a call for us to stop trying to x ourselves externally to change something internal and instead begin from the root of where it all starts: the heart to ask God to break and then heal our rebellious and deceitful hearts (Jer. 17:9). Again, we are not

called to rend (tear up) our external stuff, rather we are commanded to rend our hearts (Joel 2:14). Let us empty our hearts of the things that dont matter and blind us from seeing Him, and instead let Him ll our hearts with His Spirit; with unspeakable joy that can never be stolen, because we now know and love the one true God who has always known us. Let us press on to know Him (Hosea 6:3). As a Worship Ministry we dont live up to our hefty title; music is just one aspect of worship, but its just such an amazing, beautiful, tting way for us to express it. So, to my BEAUTIFUL worship leaders: Matt, Harry, Ezra, Tanya, Nicole, and Felicia. You have been an incredible blessing to everyone around you. Though it didnt happen enough, meeting up with you guys always brought me great joy. It has been so good to grow with you, learn from you, and share in your joys and trials on an everyday basis. I hope and pray that for the rest of your time at Queens and in this temporary home we have here on Earth, you will continually worship God in spirit and truth and offer up every single part of your lives to Him as a fragrant sacrice, knowing that He is worth it all, knowing the joy of your salvation in Christ, and that the Father delights in you, His beloved children.

45

He is Faithful
By: Samantha Cheng

A catechism is a summary or exposition of doctrine traditionally used in Christian religious teaching from New Testament times to the present. This is usually done in question and answer format. The Westminster Shorter Catechism (1647) is an example:
Q. What is the chief end of man?! ! A. To glorify God and enjoy Him forever! ! ! ! !

this year has been the hardest one yet. I probably cried every day for two months straight because I felt that God had taken so much away from me that He had blessed me with in previous years here at Queens. But I slowly realized I had to let my friends go and count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord (Philippians 3:8). When I count them as rubbish, I gain Christ. This is not to put my friends down, but to say that I have to hold more tightly to Jesus Christ. This is when I started to really understand what that particular question in the Westminster Shorter Catechism was asking and actually meant. If the chief end of man, including myself, is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever, this includes right now in my current circumstance. If I want to bring glory to God, I must couple my wanting with being joyful - not just in things but rather, in Him. In my current circumstance, I needed to refocus my thoughts on bringing God glory and enjoying Him because this is what we were made to do. Practically, I had to pray through this and it probably went something like this: God, Im sorry that I seem to be treasuring these things more than I treasure you - more than I treasure Jesus Christ. I know that I can joyfully lose everything yet in reality not lose anything at all because I will gain Christ, who will be my only true source of soul-satisfying joy. Forgive me, Lord, and through your Spirit, teach me how nd more joy
46

The idea of being created for the glory of God is something that has been imprinted into my brain, whether I fully understand what that means all the time or not. But to enjoy Him? Forever? I would have drew blanks if you had asked me at the beginning of this school year! Although there is much theology that needs to be grasped, I can clearly recall how the Lord has been helping me understand what this means looks like in my own life. Oh, He is faithful. This school year started out much different than the rest because of the change in direct accountability and community in my life. With some of my closest friends gone, I would have to learn how to be alone, essentially. No more meals, library and Starbucks dates where we would constantly share our thoughts, struggles and ambitions. Now, this sounds too bleak to be true, yet I can say that the rst half of my rst semester

in You. It was not an easy time, but God quickly came to my aid! He is jealous for all me - even for parts I didnt know I had kept to myself or gave to my friends. In my healing, I found joy in Jesus. But He wasnt done with me yet (and I suppose He never will be until I am completely sanctied in His second coming!). God convicted me of other sinful parts in my life and this came through Colossians 3:1-4,10: If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. For you have died. For I have died. The idea of being dead to my inherent nature to gratify the desires of my sinful esh had hit me in a new way, as the knowledge of our Creator is continually renewed. If I have been crucied to the world and the world to me, I must no longer live as though I have anything to offer the world and as though it had anything to offer me (Galatians 6:4)! This new knowledge was evidently my problem of being too easily pleased, particularly seen in my stewardship of time; practically speaking, I needed to give up all the movies and drama series I was so on top of. Once again, the Holy Spirit convicted me to give up even more of my life I didnt know I had kept for myself. Upon reection, I then decided that Jesus

Christ must be the only source of complete and unending pleasure: In your presence there is fulness of joy; at your right hand are pleasure forevermore (Psalm 16:11). So where does this leave me now? A place of much needed sanctication and renewed knowledge after the image of Jesus, but also a place of joy. I dont think Ive ever been as joyful as I have been this year, despite the constant daily battles against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places (Ephesians 6:12). But let me tell you learning to nd all my joy, satisfaction, desires and pleasures in Jesus Christ has been good, acceptable and perfect because this gives Him glory (Romans 12:2)! Praise the Lord! I want to encourage you to do the same; to x your eyes on Jesus Christ, let Him be God and be a living testimony of His faithfulness and goodness in your life. He deserves to be made know among the nations (Psalm 119:5, Matthew 28:19). It has truly been a blessing doing life with this body of believers during my time as an undergrad and although we may be physically apart soon, I am sure that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ (Philippians 1:6). My constant prayer for KCCF is for us to strain forward to what lies ahead, pressing on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus (Philippi-

47

ans 3:13) so that by all means [we] might save some (1 Corinthians 9:22), for His glory!

48

Fellowship

Strangers and Sojourners

By: Janice Liu

Grow.

If I could describe this year in one word, it would be the word challenging. From rst stepping foot on campus to ominous nals, this year has been marked with Gods continuous teaching, pruning and shaping. Through it all, I have truly realized what it means to set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth (Colossians 3:2). The rst month was lonely, I felt like I didnt belong and I really questioned my decision in coming to Queens. It was like being put into a whole new world where everyones values were differentand I just wanted to t in. However, God provided, He brought me to a community of brothers and sisters who shared a love for Christ. He reminded me of His sovereignty and love through the people I met, especially my cluster of comrades. 1 Chronicles states that. we are strangers before you and sojourners, as all our fathers were. Our days on the earth are like a shadow, and there is no abiding. It reminded me that we, as Gods children, dont belong here. He made me a light and I realize now that I tried to dim it. It was silly for me to ever want to be of this earth, to ever want to t in. And I am glad that God has revealed this to me!

Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11

49

So I hope this nds you as well, and that you may be encouraged. Remember that you are not of this earth and God has greater and better plans for you. Being a part of CCF has truly been a blessing and I look forward to what God has in store! Blessed beyond belief, Janice

50

All Glory to God.

But seek rst the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Matthew 6:33

li