0But successive , intense years of training and mobilisation , which had been deployed to connect the churches with missions abroad , revealed the frays of a fatigued community pushed to the fore . This sparked a national staff crisis in 2009 . “ YWAM Singapore has become more like a working organisation than a community ,” was the confrontation that almost left Joe on the cusp of relinquishing his leadership , and it thrust the leaders into a 4-day prayer retreat where God impelled them with a re-alignment to Him through 2 Samuel 6 . Joe graciously divulged , “ God showed me that I was leading like a cowboy — purpose-driven , but at a pace that left our people exhausted and relationally disconnected . I learnt that YWAMSG is the ark of His presence , which cannot be carried by structures and manmade carts , but on the shoulders of a Priesthood , facilitated through priestly worship and intercession as we lean in , listen to Him , and obey .” ( Becoming A Priesthood , featured on pages 62 — 63 )
Careful attention had to be paid to the Word of the Lord lest the privilege of calling Him Father turned into presumption . As YWAMSG heeded God ’ s caution , the leadership introduced weekly corporate sessions for worship , intercession and the study of His Word , which pulled together the assembly of God . Visions birthed were no longer specific to Joe but owned corporately , even as he continued to be our advocate , relentlessly driven by John 17:4 : I glorified you on earth , having accomplished the work that you gave me to do . Together , we enjoyed a manifestation of Jesus ’ presence , reserved for Christ ’ s united body ( Hebrews 10:25 ), on top of one ’ s private devotion and driven vision .
God ’ s ways are indeed higher than our ways and His thoughts higher than our thoughts . Aside from Him who inhabits eternity , no other could have foreseen the profound significance of another crucial word — reset — which He gave to YWAMSG during a leadership prayer retreat in 2013 . A letter
from Highpoint received at the end of the retreat , informed us that we had to vacate our rented premises due to new government regulations , and it raised speculation that God ’ s word referred to a physical reset . Were we to move out of Geylang , as potential , alternative accommodations surfaced with the Anglican Diocese of Singapore and the Presbyterian Hub at Telok Kurau ? But as these doors closed , God ’ s word remained true — Geylang is to be our home . Then in 2015 , which was also Singapore ’ s Jubilee year , there appeared to be a financial reset of our debt on No . 4 Lorong 9 as we finally became debt-free after 19 years , and YWAMSG paid it forward as we released our own staff from outstanding payments and staff fees . With the Jubilee Carnival and GoFest held in that same year , and the recent purchase of No . 6 and 8 in Geylang , Joe believes that God hits the reset button when He wants us to encounter Him in greater measure . “ It is about our faith journey , believing in Him for His promises that are far bigger than ourselves . These are the Red Sea moments , the crossings that have deepened our faith . It brings about a change of our hearts , another yes to God .”
As the shockwave of COVID-19 shook the world to a standstill , reset has taken on a global significance . Life is now dependent on our withdrawal , and we are reminded of our mortality , daily . Our frenetic movements imperil each other and the rhythms we are dependent on are recalibrated . The pandemic will reveal us as it strips us , but above all , it must reveal Him if we will have the eyes that see , and ears to hear ( Matthew 13:16 ). As the work of missions and mercy continues , the Spirit of the Lord is upon YWAMSG to bring Good News to the poor , bind up the broken-hearted , proclaim liberty to the captives , and open the prison to those who are bound ( Isaiah 61:1 ); as we dwell in His presence , gaze upon His beauty and inquire in His temple ( Psalm 27:4 ). We press in to Him , and the greater purposes He is calling us to during this global struggle . In the secret place of the Most High , He will call His Church to ascend to His heights , resetting the trivialisation of our God .
Above : YWAMSG at Blk 8 , Highpoint in 2014 . Right : YWAMSG corporate worship at KH Plaza , led by Joe .
Photos courtesy of YWAMSG archives
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