July 2014

Greeting in the precious and mighty name of Jesus! Grace and peace be upon each and every one of you!

Borrowing a line I wrote for my weblog’s homepage many years back, “there is never a dull moment when you walk with Jesus!” Not only does the Lord surprise me, He surprises others who choose to journey with me too. On 1 January, the announcement of my stepping down as a pastor caused a little stir. Six months later, on 1 July, I took another step forward, once again responding in obedience to the Lord’s direction, this time relinquishing my position as Dean of Covenant Vision School of Ministry [See Announcement on CVSOM Website]. Although this move was a little more difficult to make, I knew in my spirit that this is one bridge that had to be crossed.

Following these developments, concerned friends have asked for my next steps. The truth is, I don’t really know. And yet, the Lord’s words from Joshua 3:3-4 continue to resound in our hearts … our eyes are to be fixed on Him for the way by which we must go, we have not passed this way before. This sounds really exciting but there are still moments of uncertainty and doubt where I hurl all my questions and anxieties to the Lord. Well, He did say to cast every care to Him, didn’t He? All I know is that I have drawn so much closer to Him as I seek Him for the way forward. For sure, ‘reliance’ and ‘trust’ have all taken on a totally different meaning and intensity in this new season.

In answer to my prayer as I entered 2014, the Lord has brought many new kingdom connections. To this end, I praise and thank Him for the opportunity to meet new people and to minister across different churches and platforms. By His grace, I will be teaching and preaching 17 sessions in the month of July (see Ministry Schedule for details). My prayer is that as I deliver each message, it will be as the serving of fresh bread! Indeed, God has not only opened new doors for me but also opened my eyes to see and learn so much more! I have often commented that activities, if confined within a local church context, can easily result in a narrowness of heart and mind especially where kingdom matters are concerned. I believe in and love the local church but there is so much more the Lord is doing beyond what we are accustomed to!

Even so, I will still maintain that I Not Busy. As an itinerant minister, I am just thankful that I have enough to do. I have come to understand that a packed schedule is not one that pleases the Lord; after all, busyness is not necessarily fruitfulness. Instead, it is obedience to what He assigns to us that brings Him joy and pleasure. And that’s really the heartbeat of Archippus Awakening – that the saints will learn to discern between activity and assignment, and be faithful to fulfil what they have been tasked to do.

Although the website is up and the Facebook page has garnered quite a few LIKES, it must be clarified that Archippus Awakening is still in its gestational and incubational stage. In these past months, the focus has been on prayer for nothing of the kingdom can be birthed except through prayer! A group of like-minded Archippuses has been coming together to pray and to intercede, for the Lord to direct and orchestrate as only He can. Along the way, Glad Tidings Church presented a natural platform for me to share the message of Archippus Awakening across six sessions at their church camp in June. I was overwhelmed by the response and am duly convinced that the Lord will move on the message if I would be faithful and bold to declare it!

And since Archippus Awakening is a kingdom initiative, I have started to re-visit the words of Jesus about the kingdom. To date, I have written ‘Mysteries of the Kingdom of God’, ‘A Heart for the Kingdom’ and ‘Sons of the Kingdom’. My prayer is that you will be duly stirred and provoked as you read these articles. Please feel free to subscribe and follow the blog to receive new posts and updates as I gain fresh insights. Please continue to pray for me and for Archippus Awakening. Thank you!

Here is a quick update on the Houses for the People of Tanauan Leyte initiative. Through this God-led project, we have helped 18 families affected by Super Typhoon Haiyan to build new houses! My personal target is 20 houses by the end of 2014 and I believe that this will be achieved by the Lord’s grace and provision. To all who have responded in obedience, I’d like to say THANK YOU for being such a blessing to the families in Tanauan. I will be making another trip to Tacloban (likely in Oct) so please keep me in prayer as I plan and prepare. Please email me directly if you’d like to help or contribute to this initiative.

Amidst the many changes in my ministerial status, Serene continues to be my pillar of strength and support. As a homeschool mother with so many things to look after and into, Serene makes special effort to stand by me in this time of transition. I deeply cherish the times we are able to discuss and to pray together and I never cease to give thanks to the Lord for her. In the past two months, the Lim Tribe celebrated four birthdays – Esther’s, Sarah’s, Deborah’s and Serene’s; and a spiritual milestone – Ruth’s baptism! We also covet your prayers for Aaron as he prepares for PSLE.

Thank you for being a part of our ministry and journey, allowing us to keep in touch with you through these newsletters. I am aware that there are many who read and are moved by the Lord to pray for us or to sow into our lives and into the ministry of Archippus Awakening. Please know that your prayers and support continue to be a constant source of encouragement and we cannot thank you enough for that. Until the next update, be reminded that we live in perilous times and that our Lord Jesus is returning soon. May the Lord bless, uphold and sustain each of you, enabling and empowering you for all He has called you to, for the sake of His glorious name and kingdom! Amen!!!

In His love and for His glory!