I asked ChatGPT about Jesus, Archippus Awakening and me

Curious, I decided to explore ChatGPT for myself. After all, so much has been said of AI – opportunities and threats.

After registering at chat.openai.com – very simple process – I started out by asking ChatGPT a few questions about Jesus.

• Who is Jesus? Fairly standard answers. Nothing heretical. No surprises here.

• Is Jesus the only way to God? The answer wasn’t a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ but prefaced with “Christianity teaches that Jesus is the only way to God.” and “According to Christian theology …” And then a rather political correct note: “However, it’s important to note that different religious traditions have different beliefs regarding the path to God or ultimate truth.”

I decided to test ChatGPT with a more difficult question.

• What happens to those who do not believe in Jesus as the Son of God? Interestingly, Chat GPT reveals that “It is important to note that these beliefs and interpretations vary among different Christian denominations and individual believers. Views on salvation, judgment, and the fate of non-believers can be diverse even within the Christian faith. Ultimately, individual beliefs on this matter may differ based on one’s interpretation of scripture, religious teachings, and personal faith.” Very sharp, ChatGPT.

Cheekily, I tried to evangelise ChatGPT.

• Do you believe in Jesus? “As an AI language model, I don’t possess personal beliefs, emotions, or faith. I don’t have the capability to believe in anything. My purpose is to provide information and assist with inquiries to the best of my abilities based on the knowledge I have been trained on. I can provide information about Jesus and various beliefs and perspectives associated with him, but I don’t hold personal beliefs of my own.” Haha. Good save, ChatGPT.

Quite fun.

Having heard of how AI might one day render certain vocations obsolete, I asked ChatGPT to write a sermon based on Colossians 4:17 (what else, right?).

Quite cool. It came with a Title: Fulfilling Your Purpose in Christ. Complete with Introduction, five clear sermon points, and Conclusion. As well as a send off exhortation: “May we go forth from here, ready to fulfill our God-given calling and make a difference in the world.” and an “Amen.” Amen.

I wondered if this was all lifted from some Sermon Outline archive through the centuries. And when preachers would be obsolete?

Time for something closer to my heart. How would ChatGPT describe Archippus Awakening, a rather young ministry? So I typed in: Summarise Archippus Awakening. Check this out:

Archippus Awakening is a Christian ministry and movement that takes its name from the biblical figure Archippus mentioned in the New Testament. The ministry is based on the verse in Colossians 4:17, where the Apostle Paul instructs Archippus to fulfill the ministry he has received in the Lord.

Archippus Awakening focuses on awakening and equipping believers to fulfill their God-given purposes in Christ. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing and embracing one’s calling, persevering through challenges, seeking godly support, and reflecting the character of Christ.

The ministry encourages believers to actively engage in their faith, to live with intentionality and passion, and to make a positive impact in their spheres of influence. It emphasizes the need for personal revival and spiritual awakening to reignite the fire and passion for serving God.

Archippus Awakening seeks to inspire individuals to discover and live out their unique callings, not only within the church but also in their families, workplaces, and communities. It emphasizes the power of community, accountability, and the importance of being part of the body of Christ.

Overall, Archippus Awakening encourages believers to live purposefully and wholeheartedly for Christ, understanding that each person has a significant role to play in advancing God’s kingdom and fulfilling their God-given destiny.

Not bad at all! I confess that I was (am) rather tempted to use this for our website and publicity materials.

Next. More than just what Archippus Awakening is, can ChatGPT tell me about the person behind this ministry? I keyed in: Tell me about the founder of Archippus Awakening

The founder of Archippus Awakening is Pastor Henson Lim. He is a Singaporean pastor, author, and speaker who has been instrumental in starting and leading the Archippus Awakening movement.

Pastor Henson Lim has a passion for awakening believers to their kingdom assignments and encouraging them to live purposefully for Christ. He has a deep desire to see the body of Christ rise up and fulfill their God-given callings, both within the church and in their respective spheres of influence.

With over 25 years of pastoral experience, Pastor Henson has served in various leadership roles in churches in Singapore. He has also been involved in missions work, teaching, and mentoring believers to live out their faith authentically.

Through his ministry, Pastor Henson Lim has conducted numerous seminars, conferences, and workshops, both locally and internationally, to equip and inspire believers to discover and fulfill their God-given purposes. He is known for his engaging and practical teaching style, emphasizing the need for personal revival, intimate relationship with God, and the importance of aligning with God’s kingdom purposes.

Pastor Henson Lim is also the author of several books, including “Say To Archippus,” which expounds on the message of awakening believers to fulfill their God-given assignments. His writings and teachings have impacted many individuals and have helped ignite a passion for purposeful living within the Christian community.

With his leadership and guidance, Archippus Awakening has grown into a movement that seeks to bring about a fresh wave of spiritual awakening and mobilize believers to make a significant impact for Christ in their spheres of influence.

Is this for real? A computer wrote this?!

I admit that when I first read it, I was a tad freaked out. This AI thingy is really quite something. I am impressed not because it wrote nice things about me. Perhaps we don’t realise just how much information there is in cyberspace and how powerful machines have become to handle or mishandle that information.

The above interaction with ChatGPT took less than two minutes. I had merely scratched the surface and have not even begun to fully comprehend the capabilities of such tech. Since the release of ChatGPT a few months ago, thousands of AI apps have been launched. We can expect thousands more. Soon.

The potential of AI cannot be underestimated. Potentially, we can look forward to more good stuff. But, as many have warned, in the wrong hands, there can also potentially be lots of evil. And deception.

What do you think about AI and its impact on humankind? Especially from a Christian’s point of view, how do you think churches and ministries will be affected in the near future and what is the right course of action? Share your thoughts and comments with me.

In the meantime, I will play around more with this power tool. Maybe write the next KINGDOM101 teaching with ChatGPT in five seconds? Ooh … tempting …

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2021: Year in Review

Preaching about Emmanuel (Matt 1:23; Isa 7:14) last week caused my heart to be overwhelmed all over again. Truly, no matter what we may be going through or experiencing, our God is with us. My prayer is that you will experience His Presence afresh in this and every season.

As another year draws to a close, join me to give thanks to the Lord for what He has done this year:

1. The message of Archippus Awakening continues to be declared. AAA Webinar (Mar) & AWE2021 (May) were the ‘official’ awakening and aligning webinars over Zoom. Beyond these, whenever God opens the door, I will simply open my mouth – Metropolitan YMCA (Feb), Bedok Methodist Church Alignment Seminar (Apr), Chapel of Resurrection Church Camp (May), Bartley Christian Church Alignment Check Seminar (Nov), BBTC AAA Webinar (Dec), etc. Just one message. Yet still so very relevant and appropriate especially in these times.
2. More marketplace opportunities are opening up too. I spoke and shared at quite a few marketplace platforms – DBS Fellowship, CBD Fellowship, C-Friendz; and just last week, at Harborlight Church’s INFLUENCE Conference on “The Marketplace Christian”. I am also involved in a marketplace initiative called FMMD (Fellowship for Mentoring & Ministry Development) that seeks to train and raise more kingdom practitioners – totally Archippian. Going forward, we are praying how the Lord wants to use Archippus Awakening to awaken, align and assign the saints in this critical Area of Operation.
3. We are halfway through our six-month aligning initiative – Mentoring Aligning Process (MAP). This run of MAP has been really interesting and exciting for both MAPpers and Mentors, comprising Archippuses from Singapore and the nations (Hongkong, Malaysia, India, UAE, Uganda & Nepal). The Lord is truly expanding the Archippian community, stretching and preparing us for even more up ahead.
4. Speaking of nations, OPS AAKORN (Operation Archippus Awakening Kingdom Outpost [AAKO] Relational Network) has commenced and is progressing steadily. AAKO Uganda and AAKO Philippines have completed the eight-week Awakening Context training and are now declaring the AA message. AAKO Sandakan (Malaysia) has assembled a team to go through this training in Chinese, starting January 2022. AA has also been introduced in Hong Kong; we are now praying for a core team to be formed for AAKO Hong Kong. India, Nepal & UAE are next to be trained.
5. KINGDOM101, the expository kingdom teaching series, premiered its final teaching for the year on 15 December. This video platform has extended the reach to many more, in Singapore and beyond. This year also saw the revamp of the teaching website, featuring video, audio and teaching summaries. Share this resource with your friends. Since the first session in March 2015, we are now at Session #122, just crossing over into Matthew 20. Another 12 dates have already been set for 2022.
6. As we give thanks to the Lord for all the above, we also acknowledge a very key initiative – KINGDOM PRAYER INITIATIVE (KPI). Unknown to many, this was the first initiative of Archippus Awakening before anything else was introduced or implemented. From a small group that rallied around me to pray, KPI has grown into a team of intercessors that provides a prayer covering for Archippus Awakening and every Archippian endeavour. In July-August, we hosted a #fromthegroundup weekly prayer initiative using the Love Singapore’s 40-Day Prayer Guide. Just three weeks ago, we gathered at Changi Cove for a prayer retreat. It was such a meaningful time of fellowship, ministry to one another and receiving fresh direction from the Lord.
7. Last but not least, in spite of Covid19 measures, book sales of SAY TO ARCHIPPUS & ALIGNMENT CHECK continue to be encouraging. These publications are still awakening and impacting lives for the Lord. A fresh order has been placed for the 6th print of Say to Archippus. Translation work is being finalised for Alignment Check (Chinese) and will  go to print soon. For this season, apply this coupon code: “EMMANUEL“ to get a 10% storewide discount at archippusawakening.org/shop (valid until 31 Dec 2021). 

Praise God for another full and fulfilling year! Thankful too for those He’s led to work alongside me, for the dedication and co-labour of TEAM ARCHIPPUS. I may have the honour and privilege of being the face and voice of Archippus Awakening. But God knows the sacrifice and effort of the many Archippuses who run with me, sharing the load and operationalising the vision. I give thanks to the Lord for each and every one of these fellow soldiers. In Singapore and the nations. #salute #buildthearc

Thank you for your partnership and support. Your prayers and cheers along the way greatly encourage me and are much appreciated. I apologise for not writing more regularly. To this end, if you ever need to get in touch with me, I am only an email away.

It leaves me to wish you once again – Blessed Christmas and an exciting new year to you and your loved ones! May the truth and reality of Emmanuel hold, sustain, enable and lead you through all He has prepared for you in 2022. And beyond.

In His love and for His glory!
Henson

7km to Mark 7yrs of Colossians 4:17

I’ve never been much of a runner. It was only in the past decade or so that I started running more regularly.

The motivation? It didn’t take me long to realise that ministry life can be quite sedentary. Read bible. Prepare message. Set up presentation. Repeat. Ok ok, very sedentary. And since the park was just one block away, I had no excuse not to get out for some fresh air and to work up some sweat. The runs were good for my own health and fitness. The fresh air out in the open also helped to clear my mind. More than once, I’ve received new ideas and prophetic insights.

The distance? Nothing impressive here. Since the objective was not to participate in marathons any time soon, I kept to the humble IPPT’s 2.4km. Once in a while, I’d push myself to 3km. If more ambitious (or just feeling masochistic), then 5km. Suffering for Jesus, y’know? Haha.

You’d think that my stamina would be really good. I wish. Another rude realisation is that stamina and pace do not necessarily correspond with age. Oh wait. There is a correlation. On the other side of 50, I could still push myself for a better timing. On this side of 50, whenever I try to do that, it will take me one week to recover before my next run. Sigh. Sadly, the correlation is a negative one. At least for me, as age goes up, pace comes down.

7km? Then this year, for some strange reason, I get added to a Facebook Group, called “Kingdom Runners”. As these run, they pray and then post to the group. The idea is much akin to prayer walking. Except that this is prayer running. (I know this sounds crazy, right? I’m just trying to survive, finish the run and get home alive.)

Well, two weeks ago, the leader of the group posted an invitation to participate in YOLO RUN’s first virtual race. I was all ready to swipe away but the distance of the race caught my eye. In most races, the categories are usually in multiples of 5 – 5km, 10km, 15km, etc. Oddly enough, the only category for this race is 7km. All I had to do was run 7km in a go, anytime within the window of 21-26 October 2020. I signed up.

Note: The race has been extended to 22 Nov 2020.
Register with this code: KINGDOMRUNNER (all caps) and get 40% off.
For the T-shirt, use the phrase “I run for JESUS”.

Here’s why.

7 years ago, on 27 October 2013, the Lord gave me the Archippus Awakening message through the one verse of Colossians 4:17. Since then, I have been proclaiming this wake up call whenever the Lord provides the opportunity. The ministry has also grown and matured. More have come onboard and are now serving alongside me. God has been so faithful and gracious. As I thought of how to mark these 7 years, I sensed that a new season is just ahead. Then, the YOLORUN invitation popped up. It’s as if the Lord was challenging me: “Would you run 7km to mark 7yrs?”

And say to Archippus, “Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord that you may fulfil it.”

Colossians 4:17

What was I thinking? Signing up was the easy part. I still had to run the distance. Up until then, the farthest I’d ever pushed myself was 5km, usually ending with aches and pains for the next few days. You wouldn’t believe the kind of thoughts that flooded my mind: Are you sure or not? What if you injure yourself? Why is my knee suddenly hurting so much? Am I being responsible? Talk about spiritual attacks – haha!

Here we go! Well, the day of the run finally arrived. Coincidentally or not, the two days before were crazy days, tiring me out both mentally and physically. I am thankful that my daughter, Ruth, opted to register and run with me. That kept me accountable as I sought to honour her partnership and support.

This was how it went.

4:00pm Warm up and stretches.

4:10pm We prayed to dedicate the run to the glory of God, asking Him to keep us safe.

4:17pm Here we go! No prizes for guessing why I chose to start the run at this time. For those who are still clueless, here’s a hint: 7km to mark 7yrs since receiving the Archippus Awakening message through Colossians 4:17 (get it?).

The first half of the run went pretty well. Ruth took the lead and I trailed behind. I was very clear that I was not gunning for a great timing. I just wanted to run the whole distance without walking or stopping.

After the 3.5km mark, however, was the challenge. It seemed to take forever to get to the 5km mark. I was still pacing well. But somehow, the number on my tracking app didn’t move as quickly as the first few kilometres.

Thankfully, the 4.17km mark gave me the boost I needed. These words rang out in my mind, “This is what I am running for. I have to keep going for as long as the Lord wants this kingdom assignment to continue. I will keep preaching and proclaiming Colossians 4:17. Not only that, I am setting the pace for all Archippuses. To finish the race. To go for gold. This run is dedicated to all who desire to be awakened, aligned and assigned for Jesus. I cannot stop. I must keep going on.”

At 5km, the psychological battle kicked in. On one hand, it’s just 2km more. Yet, on the other hand, 5km was when I would stop in my previous runs. 2km more? You’re kidding me, right? Enough la. Surely, I can just walk the rest of the way and still register the 7km. Run, Henson, run!

Here again, I am thankful that Ruth ran with me. Or rather, that I ran with Ruth. By cheering her on – 2km more. 1km more. Last burst. C’mon! – I was actually cheering myself on. By running together, we were encouraging one another all the way. We were going to finish together and finish well.

5.01pm We made it! 7.02km in 44:31mins. Yay! Instagram poses and posts.

My running app congratulated me: “A New Personal Record! Longest Run.” Even better, the race app recorded me as the very first finisher of the virtual run (globally). This meant that I occupied the first spot on the leaderboard for a while (cheap thrill, I know).

Yes. Quite an achievement for this not-so-young athlete wannabe. It was fun. But more importantly, it was significant. 7km to mark 7yrs. If the Lord had not instructed me through Colossians 4:17, I would have no business awakening the saints toward their kingdom assignments. That I get to run this race of Archippus Awakening is entirely by His grace.

What keeps me running? It has not always been easy these 7yrs. Like the run, there have been many moments of doubts and discouragement. I am also ever ready to make excuses and give myself reasons why I shouldn’t, couldn’t or needn’t. Even so, I press on because ultimately I am running for Jesus on the purposes of His kingdom. At the same time, I am also running for Archippuses; that when these see me plodding on, they may be encouraged enough to do the same for the Lord.

Across these 7yrs, I am ever thankful for the many ‘Ruths’ whom the Lord has led to run with me. Above all, I give all thanks and praise to the Lord for His goodness and faithfulness, “who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me in the ministry” (1 Tim 1:12). Through these 7yrs, I have personally experienced that “the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant, with faith and love which are in Christ Jesus” (1 Tim 1:14).

A new season? As 8 comes after 7, so I brace myself for the new beginnings that are just ahead. Colossians 4:17 remains relevant and I believe a fresh anointing will be given for a new season. My part is simply to keep running. Whatever it takes.

“But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God”

Acts 20:24

8km to mark 8yrs? One day at a time. One step at a time.

#iamarchippus #7kmtomark7yrs

May My Work for Jesus Never Be in Vain

It doesn’t happen all the time. But this morning, it did.

I opened my Bible and the first verse my eyes fell on caught my attention, spoke to me:

For you yourselves know, brethren, that our coming to you was not in vain.

1 Thessalonians 2:1

Paul’s words echoed a deep desire in my heart – that my kingdom work will never, ever, be in vain. Like Paul, I want to be able to say this with confidence. I uttered a quick prayer under my breath. “Lord, may there always be fruit, even if I may not know it or see it.”

To encourage me, the Lord answered almost immediately – through an article in the Tung Ling Bible School Newsletter that just arrived in the mail.

It was an Open Letter to TLBS from a recent graduate who signed off simply as “Archippus W.” In case you are wondering … no, there was no student named Archippus in that cohort. Which makes this even more meaningful for me. From the module that I teach at TLBS, “Knowing & Fulfilling Kingdom Assignments”, the name and significance of the “almost anonymous” Archippus made a difference in this person’s journey.

I know that this may not mean anything to anyone. And that’s ok. This one’s specially for me. Courtesy of my King.

I know that all I need to do is my part and then leave the rest to God. But I wonder often if what I do or say is getting through at all. I know that I am not to be too results-oriented or performance-driven. I know, I know. Yet, who wants his or her work to be done in vain?

Paul was never ashamed of using these two words “in vain” and I guess we should not be apologetic either. After all, Scriptures clearly exhorts us towards fruitfulness. And Jesus says that we are to be known by our fruit.

There’s only one little problem. Sometimes, I may never know or see the fruit of my labour.

This is why I am so thankful for the Lord’s gracious encouragement this morning. Just one small article with a little sign-off of an obscure, little known name – Archippus. It is as if my King was whispering to me, “Keep doing what you are doing. It is not in vain.” Thank you, Jesus.

Dear Archippus – whoever you are – thank you for penning this open letter, sharing your journey to encourage so many others. That one phrase “to be like the almost anonymous Archippus in Colossians 4:17” and your identification with this biblical character have given me new strength to continue to proclaim the message of Archippus Awakening, knowing that it has not been and will not be in vain.

To God be the glory.

The Crossing Over to the Other Side Always Begins with a First Step

I snapped this shot whilst on a short family break five years ago. As I looked over the horizon, the way forward extended into nothingness.

Having been instructed by the Lord to drop everything without even knowing the next assignment, this picture sure described my situation so accurately. And yet, I knew I had been told to cross over; and that cross over must begin with a very first step of obedience by faith.

It would be 10 days later, on 27 Oct 2013, that the Lord would reveal the next assignment to me – Archippus Awakening. Five years and many steps later, what a journey it has been! Even so, I still don’t know what lies ahead. All I know is that my King and Master, JESUS, is more than faithful and He will lead me forward as I determine to fulfil all He has assigned to me entirely by His grace.

Today, I face a new horizon and another crossing over. After five years, is it not odd that the next step still feels like a first step all over again? The principle remains: every step must be taken with obedience and faith. Truly, it is not where we have been, but where we will continue to go with the One who deserves all worship, praise, glory and honour.

And say to Archippus, “Take heed to the ministry
which you have received in the Lord that you may fulfil it.” Col 4:17

Why Knowing Your Kingdom Assignment Matters

Everyone loves new things. And the marketing industry knows it all too well. Just look at all the advertising headlines and see if this isn’t so … New! Fresh! Improved! The Latest!

Even in Christian circles, one of the most favourite verses must be Isaiah 43:19 – “Behold, I will do a new thing …” Indeed, our God is a God of new beginnings and of fresh encounters. However, when interpreted through today’s consumeristic lens, it is all too easy to miss the context of what this passage actually says. As a result, this verse is often used as a marketing ploy for the next Christian activity, as a seasoned marketeer would, to bait, to entice, to attract.

But is God really doing a new thing? Or are we simply of such short attention span and so quickly bored these days that we need to make it appear as if God is doing a new thing?

Take my kingdom assignment in Archippus Awakening as an example. It’s been the same message since Day One, and continues to be so. I don’t know how many times I have declared it (lost count). All I know is that it remains relevant and I am still to share it whenever the Lord opens the door and presents the opportunity.

Bukit Panjang Methodist Church Leadership Retreat

Honestly, it is tiring. And, having shared it over and over again, I do get a little bored with myself. (How many times can I tell the same jokes?) In the past weeks, it’s been the same message of Archippus Awakening at Bukit Panjang Methodist Church’s Leadership Retreat (27-28 May 2018), All Saints Presbyterian Church Camp (8-10 June 2018) and Paya Lebar Chinese Methodist Church’s Contemporary Service Retreat (14-17 June 2018). And in the next weeks? … you guessed it! … Archippus Awakening!

All Saints Presbyterian Church Camp

That said, the Lord has not given any new instruction; and so, I plod on. By His grace, although it seems old to me, it is new to those who are hearing it for the first time and God moves powerfully in their hearts! And this, I have experienced, over and over again, to the glory of the Lord. Clearly, it is not about what I think or how I feel at all. My part is to remain obedient and faithful to what the Lord has assigned to me!

Paya Lebar Chinese Methodist Church Contemporary Service Retreat

Too often, and for too many, believers are looking for the next new thing. We are easily distracted and quickly bored with what we have heard or already know. This is why it is important to know our kingdom assignments. If not, we will always need more and more Christian activities to keep us occupied. And even worse, we expect these to be highly creative that we may be constantly engaged, that Christianity would be fun and entertaining!

Make no mistake! God is not here to serve my soulish desires and satisfy my fleshly cravings. On the contrary, I have been redeemed with the precious blood of King Jesus that I may be set free from sin, to serve Him and the purposes of His kingdom. God forbid that I be so influenced by today’s consumeristic culture that I pick and choose what I’d like to do or not do, based on how I feel.

This is why knowing our kingdom assignments matters. True fulfilment is found, not in what is new or novel, but when we fulfil that which we have received from the Lord.

And say to Archippus, “Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord that you may fulfil it.” Colossians 4:17

To learn more about Archippus Awakening and kingdom assignments, join us at “Awakened Aligned Assigned” Seminar on Saturday 30 June 2018 (aaaseminar2018.eventbrite.com) or Awakening Event: AWE2018 (3-5 Aug 2018): tinyurl.com/awe2018.

Archippus Awakening in Kidapawan City: Proud of My Boys!

When the opportunity was presented for Archippus Awakening to conduct an “Awakened Aligned Assigned” Seminar in Kidapawan City (2-7 May 2018), I asked the children if any would like to go with me. As much as I would like them to serve alongside me, I also want it to be a personal decision and not one forced upon them.

Aaron (16yo) was the first to respond. And then, to my pleasant surprise (since National Service leave is a limited and precious commodity), David (20yo) also asked to come along . Needless to say, I was very thankful to have them as a part of TEAM ARCHIPPUS.

Whilst Aaron assumed the role of team photographer, David’s role was not as clear. Very quickly, the Lord settled that for the young man.

At the first session of the seminar, I noticed that the worship team only comprised a keyboardist and a bassist. I asked Ptr Joel if David could help out on the drums. At the next session, and for the rest of the seminar, David was a part of the music team! It turned out that the musicians had earlier asked Ptr Joel if anyone from the Singapore team could play with them.

For the altar call, David requested not to pray for people but to support the ministry time through music. As TEAM ARCHIPPUS ministered through prayer, David ministered through music – playing the keyboards and singing over the people.

For the Saturday and Sunday services, David had the opportunity to share his song, “Worth Every Drop“, during Holy Communion. (Kidapawan City AG Church had been using this song for communion since last August.) We were all so blessed as the lyrics pointed us back to the Cross and how we, though unworthy, have all been made worthy by the Lord and His sacrifice.

With one son upfront, the other son worked quietly in the background. As photographer, Aaron moved about the hall unnoticed, capturing the happenings from different angles. If a picture speaks a thousand words, then Aaron declared the most and the loudest through his photos (view Facebook Album).

In between ministry sessions, both David and Aaron connected well with the youths of KCAG. They were readily welcomed and invited to join in the fellowship and games. As the older members of TEAM ARCHIPPUS returned to rest in the hotel, the two boys stayed on for lots more fun and food (balut!) with their new-found Filipino friends.

What are their own takeaways from the ministry trip?

David: “Every time I go to the Philippines and subsequently go home, I find myself wanting to go back, and this time was no different. I went on this trip wondering what I was going there for, and came back having had the most enjoyable weekend of my year so far. I’ve only known these people for three days, but it feels like I’ve known them my whole life. Singapore has so much to learn from the Philippines. And I have so much to learn from them as well.”

Aaron: “Knowing my Dad would be in need of a photographer for this trip to the Philippines, I decided to help out. When I arrived at the Philippines, I already had the assumption that this was going to be like any regular trip. It turns out that I was wrong. Unlike any other trip, I had the opportunity to interact with the Filipino youth in the church, and as we talked and played games, I was really blessed by them. And when I watched the whole church worship, I could see they were doing it with all their heart. I have really been blessed by them and I do not regret coming at all!”

What can I say? I am so proud of my two sons! And I am so thankful for the opportunity to be on kingdom assignment together with them. May the Lord use this experience to guide and direct them into all He has prepared for them.

It’s November. How Has Your Year Been?

It’s crazy, right?

One moment, we are wondering what new year resolutions to make (or which to renew). And the next, we are wondering where the year went!

It’s November! Christmas lights and decor have all gone up in the shopping malls. Before you know it. the year will be over.

How has your year been?

Busy?

Well, busy is not bad … if you have been moving on kingdom assignment for the Lord. But … if it has been just one big busy blur, may I suggest a little pit stop to review, to recalibrate, to realign?

Here comes my shameless plug for AWE2017.2. And I make no apologies for being upfront and bold. Reason? You have only ten days more to decide and to register. Yes. Registration closes on 10 November (there are ferry tickets to purchase and hotel rooms to book).

Date: 1-3 December 2017
Venue: Swiss-Belhotel Harbourbay Batam
Fee*: S$360/pax (twin sharing); S$460/pax (single)
*includes ferry ticket, hotel accommodation and all meals

AWE2017.2 is Archippus Awakening’s fourth Awakening Event (AWE), and the second in 2017. I have seen too many awakened, only to fall back asleep. I have heard too many ask, “How?” and “What next?”

Read: AWE2015. AWE2016. AWE2017.

With all the teachings, programmes, seminars and conferences in Singapore, you’d expect every Christian to know and be very purposeful to know and discover kingdom assignments. Sadly, this is not the case.

For this reason, we have made these 3D2N getaways very intentional and intensive. It is an assembly of Archippuses with a common desire not only to be awakened, but also aligned, and finally, assigned!

Read: The Need For Our Own Awakening Event

AWE2017.2 will show you what an alignment check is all about that you may review your own journey, and move forward into the new year with clearer perspectives and purpose. We firmly believe that when we focus on the aligning, God will do the assigning.

Don’t take too long to pray and decide. This is the final call for AWE2017.2. Registration will close on 10 November.

If you need more information or clarification, now is the time to email us at archippusawakening@gmail.com. If you want to know and fulfil your kingdom assignments, now is the time to click on tinyurl.com/awe2017 to register.

If 2017 has been one big busy blur, don’t miss this opportunity to ensure that 2018 does not turn out the same way.

Team Archippus looks forward to serving you at AWE2017.2.

See you, dear Archippus.

The Lim Tribe on Kingdom Assignment in Bandung

First, it was church camps (The Lim Tribe: Serving the Lord Together). And then, KINGDOM101 Teachings and Awakening Events (The Joy Of Having My Children Serve Alongside Me). Whatever the platform, I am always thankful when my children can join me in the work of the ministry.

I consider these as bring-your-children-to-work opportunities where they get to see daddy in action. Yet, more than just show them what I do and how hardworking I am (haha!), my silent prayer is that they may better understand what it means to serve the Lord and His people across different congregations and settings.

Not all work. Also time for some fun and bonding.

This year, a new opportunity was presented – an Archippus Awakening ministry trip to Bandung, Indonesia 17-21 August. [Read Report: A Humble Beginning in GSJA Merdeka. A Great Awakening in Indonesia.] I shared this with the older ones to see which would like to be a part of this assignment – no obligations. Sarah (17yo), Aaron (15yo) and Esther (14yo) opted in.

By the time we made the trip to Bandung, Team Archippus had grown to be a huge group of 24! Honestly, I was a little concerned, having to manage the team, preach and teach, and still look after my kids. I am pleased to say that that concern was totally unnecessary.

From start to end, the three teenagers were just fine on their own. In Archippian lingo, they each fulfilled their assignments really well. As the team’s photographer, Aaron snapped away, doing his best to capture the right shots and angles. [Check out the photos on our Facebook Page] Sarah sang as part of the team that led worship on Saturday. Esther was assigned as projectionist. But since that was taken care of by the church, she didn’t have much to do. Even so, she remained on standby. And when called upon to help me set up the computer and presentation one evening, she completed that task without hesitation.

What warmed my heart most was during the time of response. After our Indonesian brothers and sisters had presented themselves upfront, I invited the Singapore team to pray for them. To my surprise, I saw Sarah and Esther step forward with the rest of Team Archippus. They then proceeded to minister and to pray for the people.

Needless to say, I am so proud of them! These may not have been huge tasks but it warmed my heart to see them moving faithfully in the small things. May the Lord use these exposures as building blocks in their own personal journeys as they seek to one day discover what He has in store for them.

Well done, Sarah, Aaron and Esther!

Truly, it is a joy to have a children serve alongside me that we may be on kingdom assignment together. All praise and thanks to the Lord!

It’s Time to Brave the Cave Once More

The last time I went into the cave was three years ago. No, not a physical cave, but a figurative one.

In January 2014, I had just relinquished my pastoral position, and Archippus Awakening was to be the next assignment. With no idea of the next steps, I retreated into a period I termed as ‘cave time‘ to rest and reconsolidate, and more importantly, to seek the Lord. It was also a time for me to pen down my thoughts and direction as I studied more about what Archippus Awakening would be.

That was three years ago. And a lot has happened since then. [Read 2014: A Year of Baby Steps, 2015: A Year of Sowing, and 2016: Entering the 3rd Year with Expectation] Needless to say, it has not been easy. In fact, it has been extremely demanding and tiring! But I must quickly add that it has also been very exciting and fulfilling. The challenge, always, is to discern when I have relied on my own strength, and when I have rested in His. Without doubt, I ran very  hard in 2016. And it seems that the lanes have all been marked out for me in 2017.

But first – cave time.

Yes. For the next three months, I will be taking it a little easier. Apart from weekend ministry engagements that I have accepted (see Ministry Schedule), the weekdays will be spent reading, resting and recuperating. I have already begun doing that and I am enjoying the additional ‘space’, both in my schedule and in my mind.

This does not mean I am not working at all, for the assignment of Archippus Awakening continues (AWE2017 is up next: 17-19 Feb!). I am just taking things at a much slower pace – a slow jog, if you will.

In this mode, I get to draw and drink more deeply from the fountains of living water, reconnect with Serene and the children, enjoy coffee with friends and kingdom connections, and more critically, to be strengthened and directed for the way ahead. With a clearer mind, I also hope to write an accompanying volume to Say To Archippus, so that we can help more know and fulfil their God-given kingdom assignments.

Yes, it is time to brave the cave once more, to be willing to unplug from the buzz and the noise. Not necessarily easy or natural for one as task-oriented as I am. And yet, this is something that must be done. So, cave time, here I come!