Saturday, September 24, 2005

What HCF has done for me

HCF in my church's lingo stands for "Home Cell Fellowship". Some churches call it "cell group" or simple "cell". Whatever term we use, it usually involves a small group of believers gathering to worship, fellowship and study/share God's Word within the context of the larger church family, and outside of the main Sunday & other worship services. A church would therefore comprise of multiple cells populated by her members, and in the ideal case, all members should belong to at least one cell.

At Calvary Assembly of God (CAOG), joining a HCF has been a defining moment in my life. As a first generation Christian (not coming from a household with Christian parents or siblings), I was initially withdrawn and kept mostly to myself when I was first brought into CAOG. I was a typical Sunday pew warmer, nothing more, and even then, I wasn't there to warm seats every Sunday. As my wedding day approaches, I saw a challenge. If I only know a handful of people (ok, make that 2 hands-ful of people) in church, how am I going to find a team of people to help me with a church wedding? Of course I could do away with a church wedding but I wanted to share this important occasion with my friends and loved ones in the church as I know that for many, this may be the only time they step into a church and hear a sermon that will save them. So I decided to join a HCF to start knowing more people. It turned out that I did not just join a HCF, I found a family.

The HCF was initially led by bro. Paul Yew who's since emigrated to Canada. I found in bro. Paul a wiser older brother who could teach me God's Word and was a role model for me in Christian living. As a young Christian, this couldn't have happened in a more timely manner. I also learnt much from other married couples in the HCF, such as Alex & Georgina, Keith & Soh Har, Eddie & Fah San, Dennis & Laura, Esther & Jason. Being one who was getting ready to be married, I found more than just the help I need for the church wedding; I found people living real lives who were able to counsel and prepare me for marriage, family life, parenting, career development and Christian living. I found a family of older brothers and sisters whom I never had who walk & live with me as fellow believers, in prayer, care, love, and fellowship.

As I journey through different phases in life, from a young man fresh out of school, to a married father of 2, I have been blessed countless times by the prayer, fellowship, and guidance of those in my HCF. Even as recent as the period from last year till now. As a late-30s guy now, I was going through my mid-life crisis without quite knowing what do to. The unceasing prayers of my HCF members and their testimonies were a much-needed comfort as I rode over the crisis safely. Every cry for help was answered by ready prayers from my fellow HCF members. And of course, everything thanksgiving and testimony was greeted by "Amen" and "Praise the Lord" from the HCF. Through these much-needed interactions, I found myself growing in Christ.

Today, not only Veron and I look forward to our fortnightly HCF meetings. My daughters Deborah and Rachel never fail to ask me on Wed or Thu whether we have HCF meeting. To them, I guess, it's the fellowship and presence of God that makes them want to go, apart from the presence of food. Oh, and as for our wedding 9 years ago, the HCF turned out in full force and support. Keith was our overall coordinator, Dennis was our MC, Georgina helped us make the impossible number of paper flowers, Divinia, Serene and Benjamin Tan were our flower girls and page boy. We were truly blessed by the HCF and we still are.

Matthew 7:7-8

"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.

May God bless you.

Thomas



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