Bridges

a children’s ministry newsletter B EDOK M ETHODIST C HURCH For Internal Circulation Only

Issue 2

Dec. 2002

Sowing Where It Matters

Dear Parent, In this issue of Bridges, we look at the training up of moral and spiritual children in a complex world. As parents, your influence over your children is greatest during their formative years from birth to five. After they enter school, you may find that your children’s thoughts, speech, actions and values are also influenced by their teachers, peers, the books they read, the shows they watch etc. And some of these may send conflicting messages from what you have been teaching them. An average child begins to struggle with his identity and strive for independence around the age of 12. Therefore when your child is 2 or 3, the most important task for you is to break the will but not the spirit of your child. You do this by establishing boundaries of behaviour that are gradually expanded until your child has internalised his own convictions and moral values. Then when the times of testing come, it is likely that he will be able to stand firm. For the Christian parent, you must help your children understand that their heavenly Father loves them and desires to have a relationship with them. You must show your children that walking with God brings joy and fulfillment, not boredom and restrictions. And you must actively fill their hearts and minds with the things of God so that they can grow up in this complex world, yet remain steadfast and pure. The Editor

by Lim See Keen

One of the top priorities of parents nowadays, especially those in Singapore, is to invest in their children. You can tell by the huge popularity of enrichment and tuition programmes, parenting seminars and reading materials. Conduct a survey and you are likely to find most, if not all, parents are interested in nutritious recipes to boost brain power, enrichment classes to improve speech and confidence or special techniques to hothouse little budding musicians, doctors and entrepreneurs. As good and responsible parents, we are well aware of the need to provide for our children physically, socially and academically in order for them to survive in this world today. Yet it appears that there has not been much talk about raising moral and spiritual children. Honesty, kindness, compassion, humility, responsibility, perseverance, godliness, respect ‘If children don’t find their for others – these and other values will identity in Christ, they will determine our children’s attitudes and behaviours in the home, at school and in the find it in the world.’ workplace when they have grown up. Reports indicate that Singapore has seen an overall rise in juvenile crime since 1990. A recent Singapore Press Holdings survey reveals that one in every three children surveyed has thought that life is not worth living. Tinkle Friend, a helpline for primary school children, has seen an increase in calls from children who complain Feature................. pg 1-3 of boredom and loneliness. The helpline received over 8,600 calls in 2001 with more than half Family Focus......... pg 4-5 coming from Primary 4 to 6 pupils. Youth What Kids Say....... pg 6-7 problems are taking on new definitions, Parent-to-Parent.... pg 8 especially in the realm of cyberspace. Devotional............ pg 9 Should parents then be more concerned about Good Buys.............pg 10-11 the moral decline that is taking place right before our own eyes, possibly in the hearts of our own Book Talk.............. pg 12 homes? Cont’d on pg 2

Bridges aims to provide the links and resources for every parent to be actively involved in raising godly, moral and balanced children in an increasingly complex world today. If you have any questions or comments, please write to us at Bridges Newsletter - Bedok Methodist Church - 86 Bedok Road Singapore 469371 or [email protected] Editorial committee: l Sabrina Ng l Lim See Keen l Linda Cheam Logo Design by Jason Wang Bridges is published three times a year.

Feature Cont’d from pg 1

We need to recognise that the gifted, talented and skillful children we take so much effort to develop may not necessarily turn out to be children of sound character with good values and morals. Something must be done to strike a healthy balance. Some of us may claim, ‘My child can do no wrong!’ But we need to take one step back and recognise that it is in the nature of man to go wayward. Romans 3:23 states that “all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.” Jeremiah 17:9 says that “the heart is deceitful above all things.” This includes even our children.

“Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.” The next step is to understand the world our children grow up in. It is a world fraught with much harmful influences which may cause our children to abandon what is good and moral. 2 Timothy 3:1-5 gives a clear description of the values which characterise the world these days: But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God -- having a form of godliness but denying its power. Paul the apostle recognised this and warned the Roman Christians in Romans 12:1-2 about not being enticed by the world, but to strive to be holy and living sacrifices and “not conform any longer to the pattern of this world.” Neil Anderson, the leading author of Bondage Breaker, alerts us to the evil one who is at work to draw men away from God. The battle is on – to seduce our children’s minds and hearts towards the world. Parents must begin early to help their children understand who they are as children of God and what their identity means to them spiritually. If children don't find their identity in Christ, they will find it in the world. By what standard then should our children peg themselves against in order to protect themselves from being seduced by the world and its corroded values? In Psalm 18:30, we find this standard. “As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the Lord is flawless.” The authors in the famous Christian parenting manual,

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Growing Kids God’s Way, share that God is an absolute God and He is morally perfect. Biblical values are an extension of His character. We have been called to demonstrate godly values through His Holy Spirit in Galatians 5:22-25: But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control... Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. When children are not taught God’s moral standard, they are left with only themselves as the final arbiters of morality, or they will seek the many dubious alternatives offered by the world. If we follow the world’s standard of raising children, we will have opted for a substandard form of parenting. If we turn to God’s ways, we cannot go wrong. What implications then are there on our parenting? Place God first. We have been created to love God wholeheartedly. Joshua 24:17 speaks powerfully of the need to exalt God first in our lives and this places a covering over our families. “…choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve…But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord." Fathers, exercise your spiritual authority in the household like Joshua and take the lead to place God at the centre of your family life. Mothers, provide the nurturing support which upholds the practice of godly values in the home. Practise spiritual disciplines as a household. Worship the Lord together, pray and fast for one another, engage in the teaching and learning of His word and serve in His ministry. Enjoy an intimate relationship with God as a family. In this way, the child grows up loving God and obeying His laws naturally. God’s laws will protect them from falling away. Be an active godly parent. There is much wisdom in Proverbs 22:6 which says, “Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.” To ‘train’ here means to teach, instruct, disciple, encourage and admonish where necessary. It calls for an active process of handholding a child and building up his or her moral and spiritual character. And walk the talk. Children observe their parents all the time. Nothing can be more effective than you being the living Christian model and practising biblical values for your children to emulate after. Begin instruction early. Effective training calls for early intervention while the child is still in his or her formative years. As children grow into adolescence which comes with greater independence and individualism, we may find it too late to influence

Feature

their values. Begin early and help lead your child to Christ and establish his or her spiritual identity.

in our children. However you can be sure that you are reaping for eternity.

Today, we need to ask ourselves an important question, “Are our investments yielding an earthbound or eternal gain?” The best person to instil God’s holiness and morality in your child is not your child’s school teacher, Sunday School teacher, relative or domestic maid. Raising moral and spiritual children is every parent’s duty and commitment. It calls for great purpose and sacrifice on our part as we sow

G.E.T.T.I.N.G I.N.T.O A.C.T.I.O.N There are many different ways of teaching our children moral and spiritual values in our everyday life. You can make each learning experience a creative and meaningful one for your child. Importantly, build the learning and practice of good values in your day-to-day encounters with your child and before you know it, you will observe these values demonstrated naturally in their attitude, speech and behaviour.

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Emphasise to your child what is important in true achievement. It is not just about getting good grades or winning the competition. It is about learning from failure, demonstrating sportsmanship and possessing qualities such as humility and resilience. Instil hearts of compassion. Instead of a typical overseas holiday, bring the family to help out in a country of need, for example, Cambodia or Thailand. As a family, you can also sponsor a child in a Third World country through a reputable organisation like World Vision.

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Develop quiet times with the Lord. Have regular devotions with your children individually, catering to each child’s age, needs and abilities. Demonstrate to the child how he or she can trust and turn to the Lord at all times by praying and reading the Bible. Read Bible stories or books on virtues together at bedtime and highlight the values illustrated such as obedience, courage and humility. Don’t just drop your children off to church or Sunday School. If you want them to be involved, participate in the activities yourself.

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Encourage a life of service to others, instead of focussing on oneself. Together with your child, help others in the neighbourhood such as watering grass for an elderly person, tutoring a younger child with learning problems, visiting and cheering up someone who is ill.

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Affirm positive behaviour. Give an award like the ‘You Are Special Today’ star or badge to the child who has demonstrated a positive quality such as honesty, responsibility or helpfulness. Honour the child by acknowledging aloud to the family the quality he or she has shown. Correct negative behaviour. If a child disobeys, retorts or rejects authority, you can issue a warning, withdraw privileges, isolate the child

or spank where necessary. Whatever method of correction you choose, base it on the frequency of the offence, the age of the child, the context of the moment and the overall characterisation of the behaviour. Importantly, correct out of love.

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Let your child accept responsibility for the consequences when he or she deserves them because of a wrongdoing, instead of defending or rescuing. Limit your child’s television time to selected programmes. Watch the programmes together with your child and ask evaluative questions such as, ‘Do you think what the character has done is right or wrong? Why?’ Don’t over-invest in material things for your child. Invest in quality time spent in listening to your child and talking and discussing about ideas and feelings. Talk to your child about peer pressure, guiding him or her about when beliefs, values and convictions should outweigh the influence of friends.

by Lim See Keen Partly adapted from ‘365 Ways To Develop Your Child’s Values’ by Cheri Fuller, Pinon Press

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Family Focus

MAKING GOD’S

PART OF FAMILY LIFE

Children are one of the greatest treasures that God has entrusted into the care of a man or a woman. And no other person has quite as much impact on the life of a child than his or her parents.

time when you lie down or sit with your child to read Bible stories. It is good to start this habit early and make sure that your children know that all the stories in the Bible are true.

In this day and age where outsourcing is a popular option, some parents have assumed that Sunday Schools provide sufficient spiritual feeding for their children.

Let your children see your faith in God in your response to day-to-day happenings: sickness in the family, a job promotion, a financial crisis, difficult bosses or colleagues. And pray that all that you teach them is always according to the Word of God.

But in Deuteronomy 6:6-7, God says, “And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down and when you rise up.” As Christian parents, your mandate is clear. You are to teach God’s Word to your children.

Structured Times of Bible Teaching In addition to the informal instruction you may do throughout the day, be sure to set aside definite times to study God’s Word. For the devotion time to become an integral part of your family life, consider the following points: Choose a time that suits everyone. This first hurdle is probably the trickiest yet most important one to overcome. When the children are younger, the best time to gather the family is probably just before they go to bed. As they grow older, and the demand of school work increase, the best time may now be before or after dinner. Whatever time the family has agreed upon, ask God to help you to keep to it.

Informal Teaching of God’s Word To the alert parent, there are endless opportunities to see God in all aspects of daily life, not just those which are church related. As the Bible teaches, you talk about the things of God to your children when you sit down, like during mealtimes. Besides talking about your children’s activities that day, try asking gently probing or thought provoking questions. It is very important to then listen to your child’s answer without making judgements on their views or giving in to the temptation to lecture. When you perceive problems, help your child to understand the issues involved, and examine together what the Bible says in answer to these problems. When you walk at the park, by the beach, or on a family vacation, admire the wonders of God’s creation and praise Him together. As you drive your children to school or church or tuition, play your children’s favourite Christian songs or Bible stories. And fill your homes with the sounds of Christian hymns and songs, and sing along as you go about your daily chores or activities. Children love stories and often request that a favourite book be read to them over and over again. Find a relaxed

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Keep your family devotion time age-appropriate. For children under four, take a few minutes each day to read a Bible verse or a short portion of Scripture or lessons from a devotional guide. Close the session with a prayer and perhaps sing a Christian song. As the children grow older, you can use a longer passage and include an activity or two. Encourage children to keep a journal to document what they feel God is saying to them, what they want to say to God, memory verses and prayer lists. Be sensitive to little ones with short attention spans and to teens facing hours of homework. Sing hymns or choruses. If your family enjoys singing, you may include a chorus or two with musical accompaniment from a family member. This way, children see that God has given us talents which we may use to worship Him. Or you may play your favourite Christian tape or CD and the whole family sings along. Use the Bible. There are a number of excellent Bible storybooks and devotional guides you may use. However, these materials should be supplements. Nothing can replace the Word of God. Children need to listen to what God has said, not simply to what others have written about Him. Help children to understand the spiritual truth in each Bible story they read and not read it as just another story. For example, from the story of Daniel, we learn that God can give us courage to stand for Him, no matter what others say or do. And when we read about Jesus calming the storm, we learn that Jesus has the power over everything in creation, including the storms or problems in our life, and He can give us peace. Teach your children how to apply Scriptural truths into their daily lives.

Family Focus Encourage children participation. Children love to participate and they learn best by doing. As soon as your children are old enough to read, teach them to look up Bible verses and read from the Word of God. You may want to take turns reading verses from the Bible or have each member read the part of a character he or she is role-playing. Encourage children to ask questions about spiritual things and tell them honestly if you do not know the answer. Continue to seek God earnestly and He will guide you in dealing with difficult issues and reveal spiritual truths to you. Learn and review Bible verses. By helping children to memorise Scripture, you are giving them a treasure far greater than any inheritance they will ever receive. God’s Word in their hearts can protect them from sin, renew their minds, assure them of their identity in Christ, free them from condemnation, guide them in decisions and give them a word in season for the weary or the lost. Memorising requires time and effort but its fruit remains with them throughout their entire lives. Share prayer requests and pray. Take time to listen to your children’s prayer requests and encourage them to not only present personal petitions, but to also think of others who may be in need of prayer. As a family, pray also for your pastors, missionaries, teachers, leaders of the country, relatives, friends and those who are sick or in need. Teach your children to also intercede for their relatives or friends who do not know Jesus yet. It is good to teach children the Lord’s prayer, but they must also learn to talk to God from their hearts. Make your prayers simple and sincere. Tell

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God how much you love Him and adore Him. Thank Him for His tender mercies and His loving kindness. Model perseverance in prayer as you continue to seek Him for guidance or help in time of need. And always give God the glory when He answers your prayers. Your family prayer time is an excellent training ground for your children to learn to pray out loud before others. Vary your devotion time. Try sharing testimonies of God’s goodness or deliverance or reading an excerpt from a Christian biography or missionary newsletter. It is also good to share ways that God has been working in your personal life and encourage your children to do the same. If you are not able to include all the suggested parts into your family devotion time, focus on Bible reading and prayer. Add other aspects according to the time available and the particular needs of your family. Keeping to this very special family time requires commitment and a re-look at how you want to spend your time. When you find that time slot where everyone is available, you may have to give up a favourite TV programme or spend less time on an activity or hobby. But, as you study the Bible and pray together as a family, you will find that each member’s faith will deepen and family bonds will strengthen. Best of all, that time spent in the Word of God has a lasting impact on you and your children’s eternity. by Sabrina Ng Partly adapted from : The Children’s Ministry Resource Bible Thomas Nelson Publishers

The ARISE! 2002 concert was held at the Singapore Indoor Stadium from 9-10 November where children from all over Singapore came together with their families for a wonderful time of worship and prayer. God’s presence was greatly felt by this new generation of young worshippers. Here are some reflections from some of our little ones from BMC who participated in the dance events. “During prayer, I could feel God’s presence filling the whole stadium. When a girl prayed, I could feel God binding all the illnesses in His name and everyone who was sick was healed.” “During the last performance, God spoke to me about my grandparents’ salvation. I prayed and believed that they will know God one day. Also, one of my friends received Jesus in her heart during Arise! Her parents are very happy about it.”

“I felt that God was in the stadium when I was dancing. When the worship leader invited those who wanted to become Christians to stand, there were many people who stood, even grandparents, parents and kids.” “During Arise 2002, Aunty Cathy (the worship leader) said God wanted to heal all those who had asthma, allergies and all infections. I stood up to be prayed for because I had bad asthma and food allergies. After our first session, we were really hungry so they gave us some peanut cookies. I was allergic to peanuts but I took one anyway. I ate it and looked at myself, I had no rashes! God Healed Me.” Mommy’s note: Peanuts were one of Deanna’s worst allergies. Her body would break out in rashes and she would gasp for air as her internal organs would swell, stopping her from breathing properly. Since God miraculously healed her during the Arise 2002 celebration, Deanna has been eating peanut butter for breakfast, lunch and dinner!

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What Kids Say

I learn that patience, kindness, love, goodness....are all fruit of the Spirit and I have them! -Dylan,5 with buddies Ryan Sio,4 (left) and Wynn Neo,5 (right)

Preschool Vacation Bible Camp Place : Bedok Methodist Church Date : 21st to 23rd November 2002

I am so happy to be here! -Victoria Liew,5 with friends.

See what we have learnt! I can name all the fruit of the Spirit; love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. -Esther Goh,4

We are little praisers! Our prayer is for every child who comes here, that he or she will grow and learn the nine aspects of the fruit of the Spirit, and to be able to know how to show it so that others can see the love of Jesus in them! -Leanne Wee & Janice Low, camp coordinators

Sunshine and laughter.

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What Kids Say

Vacation Bible Camp (Primaries)

We think this has got to be the best place for our VB Camp ever! -Li Anne Cheong & Joanna Chua

Place : The Salvation Army Changi Conference Centre Date : 21st to 24th November 2002 Phil 4:13 “I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.”

Worshipping God with all our heart.

Bedtime is Funtime! Jie Jie, see how we trust you! I learn that listening to God’s Word means saying no to rebellion, and no to pride. -Marcus Lim,10

Singing praises to our King! I got to learn that the correct path for me to take is to feed the spirit and not the flesh. -Jacob Hiew,12 It’s Showtime!

God is truly wonderful in this camp; you can see so many of the children standing up for God, doing things on their own out of unity, love and joy, even the leaders and advisors. I truly believe we are all blessed by being involved or simply by being present in this camp. -Uncle Robbie, Camp Commandant

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Parent-to-Parent

Building Bridges Bridges catches up with Mrs Susan Chan, BMC Children’s Ministry staff worker. Susan shares some gems in helping us cope with the demands of modern-day parenting

Bridges : Susan, we understand you have served in the Christian ministry in various capacities over the years. Could you share with us a little of your work past and present? Susan : I started out teaching Sunday School in the eighties and later worked as a Christian Ministry staff at MGS. Generally I teach, counsel, plan and play with the children and youths. It has been very rewarding to see one’s ‘kids’ grow and mature over the years, especially when the love for God becomes so real in their lives. Bridges : In relation to our theme for this issue of Bridges, could you help us define “a complex world”? Susan : Everyone faces growth changes. Today, it is in the context of a fast changing world with great expectations on the individual. One has to keep up or be ‘out-dated’. The need to take stock and evaluate the changes is much overlooked. Many lose their sense of self and God in the pursuit to keep up. Bridges : In view of the difficulties you have just raised, what can Christian parents do to ensure that our children grow up spiritually, and thus morally strong? Susan : Christian parents must take time out to honestly evaluate their own lives and where they stand before God. I’ve always found that the teaching and training of children that comes from a deep sense of conviction is the most effective. Children model after what they are most exposed to. They are also able to perceive whether or not we are genuine. The involvement of godly parents in the bringing up of children is most crucial. Bridges : How do we win in the struggle of imparting true Christian values when sometimes our children’s caretakers or even other adults in the family hold a looser grip on moral values? Susan : Pray. We are not perfect and we do not all live in ideal situations. What we cannot do, we trust in the One who will break strongholds and change hearts. He is also the One who provides and protects. Pray that the children will have hearts attuned to God and be protected from evil influences. Reclaim the spiritual authority that Christ has given us parents. Bridges : What are some challenges you face personally in raising your own two children, and what have you found to work so far? Susan : Time. I wish to be able to spend more time with the kids without the pressures of having to complete homework and ‘keep up’. What works for me? I make effort to connect with my kids: address issues at the heart of the matter; be honest; hug and play with them; and direct focus to our God. Make it known to the kids that the family has a Lord whom we all must listen to and obey - Jesus. Susan worships at Bedok Methodist Church with her husband Kevin, and two children, Evan, 9 and Nikki,7.

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Devotional

Because you “say so” doesn’t make it so Spock is not the ultimate authority on parenting. Nor is Dobson or any other person. The ultimate authority on parenting is God. God is our Father. Our parental authority does not rest in the role or position of the parent. God gives us an awesome responsibility for training up children. But that responsibility does not make us the final word on what a child should or shouldn’t do. “Daddy, why do I have to do that?” asked the child. “Because I said so,” responded the father. No, our authority rests in the Lord who says what’s right and wrong. Once we anchor ourselves in God, we have authority behind our answers. Without God, all we have is human opinion and reason. For example, try saying this: “Child, the reason I insist that your room must be kept clean is because God is God of order. He is always pure, clean and orderly.” We must begin teaching about the character and nature of God early. True, the child

will not fully understand what we are saying, but the teaching will begin early and will stay consistent. Not only do we expect our child to be orderly based on God’s character, we also maintain our room and homes in an orderly and clean fashion. We are subject to the same authority as our children. When our children see our lives line up with our teaching about God, then they will develop both a respect for and understanding of God and us. The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul; The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple; The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes; The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; The judgements of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. (Psalm 19:6-9) Source : 77 Irrefutable Truths of Parenting By Dr Larry Keefauver Your Ministry Consultation Services

Teach Your Children To Pray whenever they face difficult

situations in their lives. Since “faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17), build up your children’s faith and trust in the promises of God as given in His Holy Word. The following prayers are based on scripture and the children are encouraged to pray them aloud when they …

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Fear

2

Face Anxiety

3

Face Temptation

I sought the Lord and He heard me and delivered me from all my fears (Psalm 34:4). For God has not given me a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7). Therefore in Jesus’ name, I reject the spirit of fear, I am not afraid of ... ... ... (name the fear). There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear (1 John 4:18). I am of God and I am not afraid because He who is in me is greater than he who is in the world (1 John 4:4). God is greater than any problem facing me. I will be strong and of good courage for the Lord my God is with me wherever I go (Joshua 1:9). I am not worried about my life, for my heavenly Father knows all that I need (Matthew 6:25, 32). I cast all my care upon Him, for He cares for me (1 Peter 5:7). God will keep me in perfect peace as my thoughts dwell on Him, because I trust in Him (Isaiah 26:3). For God has promised that He will never leave me nor forsake me (Hebrews 13:5). Therefore I will not be anxious about ……… (name the anxiety), but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, I present my requests to God. And the peace of God which surpasses all understanding, will guard my heart and mind through Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6). God is faithful, He will not let me be tempted beyond what I can bear. But when I am tempted, He will also provide a way out so that I can stand up under it (1 Corinthians 10:13). His grace is sufficient for me, for His power is made perfect in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). I submit myself to God; I resist the devil and he will flee from me (James 4:7). I am of God and have overcome them, because He who is in me is greater than he who is in the world (1 John 4:4).

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Good Buys Good teaching resources go a long way in helping us build a strong spiritual foundation in our children but where do we start? Bridges asked some parents and teachers for their recommendations. Here are some tried-and-tested resources you may wish to add to your shopping cart. Bible/Devotional Title/Description

Author/Publisher

Recommended for

Remarks

New Bible in Pictures for Little Eyes

Kenneth Taylor/ Moody Press

Ages 3-5

Life Borders www.koorong.com.au

Me and God

Promise Press

Ages 3-7

Life

Small Talks about God

Kenneth Taylor

Ages 3-7

www.koorong.com.au

Devotions for the Children’s Hour

Kenneth Taylor

Ages 7-10

Borders www.koorong.com.au

The One Year Book of Fun and Active Devotions for Kids The One Year Book of Devotions for Kids

Betsy Elliot/ Tyndale House

Ages 4-8

Life www.koorong.com.au

The Little Kid’s Adventure Bible

Zonderkidz

Ages 4-7

Kids’ Quest Bible

Zonderkidz

Ages 6-10

Life Tecman

Treasure Hunt with Mark Treasure Hunt with Mark

Touch Ministries

Ages 5-8 Ages 9-12

Touch Resource

TOPZ (Jesus and You Every Day)

Youth for Christ (CWR)

Ages 7-10

Mt Zion Crest

My Time with God

Heritage Builders

Ages 8-12

Armour Publishing

Join in-Jump on! (series of 6 books each lasting about 50 days)

Scripture Union

Preschoolers

Call Scripture Union at 6 337 1437 for an order/subscription form or email

Quest

Scripture Union

Ages 7-9

[email protected]

One to One

Scripture Union

Ages 10-12

Ages 7-12

Tecman

Books (Non Fiction) Title/Description

Author/Publisher

Recommended for

Remarks

The Great Bible Discovery

Alby Publishing

Ages 7-12

Tecman Crest

(series of 28 high quality illustrated comic style books)

Young Reader’s Christian Library (series of booklets

each covering Bible characters like Joseph, Elijah; also a series on Heroes of Faith eg. John Wesley, David Livingstone)

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(N.B. Great for reluctant readers)

Barbour Publishing Inc.

Ages 7-12

Tecman Crest

Good Buys Books (Fiction) Title/Description

Author/Publisher

Recommended for

Remarks

The Cul-De-Sac Kids (series)

Beverly Lewis/ Bethany House

Ages 6-9

Tecman

Best Friends (series)

Hilda Stahl/

Girls 9-12

Tecman

Adventures in Odyssey (series)

Focus on the Family Publishing

Ages 8-12

Tecman

The Chronicles of Narnia (series of 7 books)

CS Lewis/ Ages 10 & Above Various publishers

Times MPH Borders

Superkids (series)

Word Publishing

Ages 8-12

Kenneth Copeland Ministries www.kcm.org

Title/Description

Author/Publisher

Recommended for

Remarks

Shout! The Voice of Victory for kids

Packed with colourful comicstyle stories & fun activities

Magazines

-

Kenneth Copeland Ministries www.kcm.org

Music CDs Title/Artiste

Produced by

Recommended for

Remarks

Donut Man

Integrity Music

Ages 3-8

Mt Zion

Sing-a-long Praise

Integrity Music

Ages 3-8

Tecman

Hide ‘em in your Heart

Steve Green

Ages 3-8

Kids in Worship

Sparrow Records

Ages 7-12

Arise!

Alby Enterprises

Ages 3-teens

Hillsongs

Hillsong Music

Jars of Clay

Brentwood Music

For teens who love fast rock music

Sonic Flood

Ino Music

VCD/Video Title/Description

Produced by

Recommended for

Remarks

Psalty

D & C World Inc.

Ages 3-8

Mt Zion

Veggie Tales

Everland

Ages 3-8

Life

My First Hymnal

Sparrow

Ages 2-8

Tecman

McGee and Me ( light hearted stories based on Biblical values)

Focus on the Family Publishing

Ages 10-Adult

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Book Talk

The Power of a Praying Parent By Stormie Omartian Harvest House Publishers, Oregon, 213 pgs

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“Being a perfect parent doesn’t matter. Being a praying parent does.” How many of us are constantly agonising over our imperfect parenting skills? How many of us are often struggling with the vague feelings of guilt, that we have somehow not done enough to bring up our children in the best possible way God intends us to? Reading this book is the perfect antidote to our inadequacies as imperfect parents in an imperfect world. It confirms to us that we truly have a Higher Being into whose hands we can confidently and fearlessly place the lives of our precious children. Stormie Omartian shares hers and others’ experiences on the power of praying for children; of how prayer has thwarted danger from the lives and souls of sons and daughters, of how prayer has paved the way for the often difficult episodes when teaching children to choose the Lord’s way, and of how praying through every age and stage of a child’s life can make a radical difference in shaping the personality and the Christian direction of each specific child prayed for. Omartian offers thirty short chapters, each focusing on a specific issue such as Protection from Harm, Rejecting Lies, Resisting Rebellion, Attracting Godly Friends, Proper Body Care, Staying Attracted to Purity, Freedom from Fear etc. Each chapter concludes with a detailed prayer model, followed by several relevant Scripture verses. The writer encourages that when we pray, we include an appropriate Bible verse because God’s Word is “living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword” (Hebrews 4:12). God says His Word, “shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it” (Isaiah 55:11). When we pray for our children in this way, we appropriate God’s power on their behalf. We certainly do not have to leave our children’s lives to chance.

The theme for our next issue in April 2003 is ‘ Schooling : Every Parent’s Nightmare?’

If you have any views, comments, suggestions or contributions for the coming or subsequent issues, we’d love to hear from you! Please write to us at [email protected]

The reader is also reminded that being a praying parent does not mean that nothing bad will ever happen to our children or that they will never experience pain. Pain is a part of life in this fallen world, but the Bible assures us that our prayers play a vital role in keeping trouble away. When a painful experience arises, our prayers ensure that our children are protected in the midst of it, so that it will be to their betterment and not their destruction. The Power of a Praying Parent is a most useful, succinct guide on how we can love our children through prayer. Each short, easy-to-read chapter can be completed within five minutes on a daily basis and all the issues in the thirty chapters are real issues that are, or will be relevant to every child, no matter what age or family environment he or she is born into.

If you have been blessed by this newsletter, pass it on to somebody.

by Linda Cheam

CM News COMING TALK! “How to Cope with Examination Stress for Parents and Children” Date : 15th March 2003 Saturday Time : 4.00-5.30pm Venue : Bedok Methodist Church Speaker : Mr Robin Png (from Pastoral Counselling Network)

Bridges 12

Children between ages 3 to 12 are invited to join our Children’s Ministry every Sunday. We have two sessions, one at 8.30am and the other at 10.30am. These sessions coincide with the services. Our Programme We have a combined worship at the start of each session, after which the children will break up into their respective classes.

The Preschool Children’s Service conducts Character First! lessons, which teach moral values in a biblical context.. We not only have a fun time of games and interaction with the children, but also a meaningful time of worship and learning the Word of God. We look forward to your children joining us!

In addition to teaching biblical values, both formally and informally, we try to create a platform whereby the children can worship God and experience Him in a real and personal way.

CM Key Personnel

From October 2002, we have a Children’s Service on the first Sunday of every month at 8.30am and 10.30am.

Children’s Ministry Staff Mrs Susan Chan

Superintendent Mr Peter Yong

97304537 (M) 64421724 (O) 91443212 (M)