Another oKerrence!

Its about two months since we last wrote (or thereabouts!) and we have had the joy of getting in touch with a number of old friends through ‘facebook’. Its great to be back in touch after all these years and getting to know what you are doing. We’ve found ourselves dealing with the usual rounds of sicknesses over the last couple of months, although there was a six week stretch where we were bug free for a while! Through all of it we continue to rejoice at the undeserved Grace that has been shown to us through Jesus, who has paid the price for our sin. Please do continue to uphold us in prayer, that individually and as a family we would learn to serve and honour the Lord and that both Josiah and Jessica would grow up to know him day by day.

We are off to South Africa in December, to meet James’ family. We are greatly looking forward to the trip, spending the most time in the Southern Cape. Please pray for a refreshing time, and also to take every opportunity to honour God in our lives, whether in word or deed. Pray for safety and health in a country which hasn’t had a great record recently.

The Ongoing work at SMU

Since last time we wrote, our term has started and in fact has almost finished! We are into week 11 out of 15 and we have much to give thanks for.

Our first three weeks was spent looking at the first four chapters of the Gospel of John. The aim of this was to introduce Jesus to any non Christians who were there and his claim to eternal life and secondly to challenge those who knew Christ to live for him. We had about 80+ people come for the first week, mostly to check out SMUCF and our activities. Traditionally, numbers settle about 30+ - 40 in a our larger meetings (60-70 in our bible studies) as the busyness of Uni life eats into the student’s free time (and believe me it is unbelievably busy!).

Following those opening three weeks, we began on the book of James and have been slowly moving our way through ever since. It has been a great challenge to all of us, to live single-mindedly for God, listening to his Wisdom, especially in an environment that screams out the world’s. Most of us have come to realize the plague of ‘double-mindedness’ that James speaks about – the selfish ambition and passions that covets and despises and leads us to ‘Spiritual Adultery’. It has lead all of us to examine our own lives once again. At the same time, we all continue to be amazed by the Grace that God gives in actually giving us a chance to ‘humble’ ourselves before him and humbly accept the implanted word. Whilst he makes his wrath known, he is a generous God, full of Love and Mercy!
Please do pray that the precious truths that we have all been learning will continue to work and energise our lives to be lived in loving obedience to him. SMU is a place where the societal values and Singaporean hopes and dreams are exaggerated, and the Gospel quite often cuts radically across those norms. Give thanks too, that this year we have an enthusiastic bunch of freshers who have been keen and consistent in coming along, boosting our numbers to 50+ on average, even in the busy weeks!

I am involved in reading the bible or other relevant books with a number of the students on a one to one basis. This has been a great source of encouragement to me as we read and pray and see their lives challenged and transformed by the power of the Gospel. Please do pray that we will continue to encourage each other and spur one another on to love and good deeds.

Over the last few weeks, we have been having our Thursday Lunchtime talks, where we can invite our non-believing friends along to hear the Truth. Normally, we have a series of three talks, normally from one of the four Gospels so that we can present a picture of who Christ is and what he has come to do. This series was entitled ‘The Great Big Heart of the Father’ and was faithfully expounded by Rev Philip Sinden from St George’s Anglican Church in Tanglin. He spoke from Luke 15; 23 & 24 about God’s Grace, why Jesus had to die and the ‘good news for the world’. Do give thanks for those who have come along to hear of God’s grace and especially those who have come back and have begun to be involved in evangelistic bible studies. We had hoped to make our advertisement for these events more ‘wide’ but we face significant restrictions in how and when we can advertise our activities at SMU. Both distributing flyers, advertising by poster and mass emailing are not allowed, leaving us dependent on personal invitations (which is of course is still fundamental to his ‘work’). Our advertisement for our freshman’s camp in the freshman’s orientation booklet was also excluded this year making it hard to get the word out about us. But, as is so often the case when we think this will be a hindrance, God has continued his work on campus. Please pray that whatever our circumstances, we will continue to acknowledge that he makes it grow, and so live humbly and dependently on him. At the same time pray that we might continue to be bold in reaching out to our friends whatever the restrictions or circumstances.

Lastly do remember us this December as we hold the December Bible Retreat. This year, we are looking at the person and work of the Holy Spirit. Rev David Burke from Orchard Road Presbyterian Church will be giving the talks. Pray that as we study the Scriptures, we might be clearer on this topic and any misunderstandings or error will be corrected. Please pray too, that as we fellowship around his word, that we might grow in love and service of each other. Here is a diary of events for the coming weeks and the rest of the school year (finishing in April) so that you have an idea of what is going on in the coming months and to be praying for us. We will remind you of what’s happening as we keep going with our updates.

November, 2007

Finishing off James: ‘Get Real’ Evangelistic Lunchtime talk follow up and Bible Studies
University Exams (26th-30th)

December, 2007

December Bible Retreat: Getting a Grip on the Holy Spirit? (4th-7th)
South Africa (7th -2nd Jan)

January, 2008

Topical Series: Love, Sex & Marriage in a Confused World (8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th, 5th Feb)

February, 2008

Evangelistic Event: ‘Liberated for sex’, Richard Chin, AFES (15th, set to coincide with Valentine’s Day)
Follow up from ‘Liberated for sex’
1 Thessalonians: Tentatively ‘Final Destination’ (19th Feb- 8th April)
SMUCF Membership Class / Fun Day

March, 2008

Evangelistic Lunchtime Talks: TBD (4th, 11th & 18th)
Lunchtime Talk Follow Up

April, 2008

April Bible Retreat (TBD)

May – July

RML Mark
RML Romans

The Ongoing work at the Kerr’s household

One of the on-going work for me as a mother is to constantly think through what Christian mothering/parenting means as the kids go through various stages of growth & responds according to their little own personalities. Included in the battle is dealing with my own sinfulness first as I face the challenges with my kids.

Please pray that I will constantly ask God for His wisdom & to trust in that wisdom by ‘applying’ it.

I enjoy reading Christian books. I enjoy being able to resource someone else’s brains on their insights & thoughts on particular topics. One of the books I have read recently is Women’s Ministry in the Local Church.** It came about when one of the female students at SMUCF suggested reading it together as she wanted to discuss the book with someone. It was a beneficial read. It reminded us clearly from the bible of the God-given roles of women & how specific women’s ministry is important to teach & apply those roles. It also helped us think through Titus 2 practically, particularly of how we can be teaching the younger generation of women – both in truth & works. Given the phase of life I am in at the moment (as a mother of young kids) it is hard to be very active in ‘official’ ministry. However, it was also the right time to read this book as it keeps me focused & alert in my role as a woman & mother. To be able to think through appropriate responses to situations that I face in these roles so that I can hopefully pass on what I have learnt to the younger generation as I go along.

Please pray that I will continue to take hold of the role that God has given me. I do find it very difficult most times, but rewarding too as I look back on what He has taught me thus far.

** By J. Ligon Duncan & Susan Hunt

Josiah (18th Dec 2001)

Time has flown. Josiah has just had his ‘graduation’ ceremony cum musical a week ago. Graduating from Kindergarten and onto Primary 1 next year! (Yes, unbelievably, they have graduation from Kindergarten) He had the opportunity to be the narrator for his school’s Noah’s Ark musical. The weeks prior to the musical he came down with a virus which caused him to lose his voice & after regaining it to enter into fits of coughs when he tried to use his voice! But thankfully, he recovered in time & was able to narrate clearly despite the blocked nose. He was encouraged to work hard at it as it was ‘his’ opportunity to tell others what God did in the account of Noah. It was encouraging to see him work hard as a result.

Please continue to pray for Josiah’s growth in the Lord & for his love & understanding to increase.

Thank you for your prayers regarding schooling for Jos next year. God has answered our prayers & Josiah was offered a place in a nearby Christian school.

Please join us in thanksgiving to God in His provision of schooling for Josiah.

Jessica (5th Aug 2005)

Fun & exciting things in the life of the parents of a 2 year old are simply seeing them grow & achieve certain milestones. It has been fun to hear Jessica progress in her speech since her second birthday. The ability to communicate better also seems a little surreal at times because it makes you feel like you have a real 2 way relationship going now. Of course you will have to really listen carefully, otherwise you might confuse ‘Tee Vee’ with ‘Wee wee’, or ‘sleep’ with ‘sweet’, or ‘bird’ with ‘bread’ etc. She calls all mothers ‘mummy’ & all kids ‘babies’. When asked what colour mummy’s hair is, the answer is ‘green’. When asked how old Jess is, the answer is ‘2’, jos is ‘3’, mama is ‘4’ & dada is ‘6’.

Another recent highlight is her speed in being potty-trained! James managed to get her pretty much doing all her business in the potty in just one afternoon! So, mummy is happy.

Please join us in praising God for being the creator of our little kids - weird, wonderful & challenging all at the same time!

Thank You for your Support
SMUCF is completely independent and self supported. If you are able to be involved in our work in giving financially either to us individually or the organization, please do contact Lee Keng Yi at kengyi@gmail.com

A Brief History of the Kerr’s…2006-2007

“Anyone heard from James and Maria lately?”

It’s perhaps a question that you have been asking. Or perhaps you haven’t! Perhaps you already know, but have not heard any word from us for the last two years! There is of course never any excuse for not communicating earlier, so all we can say is sorry. It’s only now, after a year into our new job, that we feel ready to actually get a regular news update and prayer letter to you all. It’s long overdue, but here we go…

An overview of the Kerr’s Time (well sort of)…

Many of you wouldn’t have heard from us since we were in Sydney. We graduated from Moore Theological College at the end of 2005, with uncertainties over our future. We considered staying in Australia and finding a ministry position there, but after various options were considered, we returned to Singapore, having been offered a job back here with the Singapore Management University Christian Fellowship (SMUCF).

We arrived in Singapore in early Feb 2006 for a friend’s wedding and were soon applying for the relevant visas for employment back in Singapore! Even though it was a fairly quick decision to return, it took at least 5-6 months for everything to be settled. We saw the rising costs of accommodation here in Singapore (especially rentals) so we decided to buy an apartment. Extra stressors!

Since then (around June, 2006) James has been busy trying to find his footing with the teaching and preaching schedule at SMUCF, and Maria has been trying to find her place in a society which does not really support stay-at-home mums. More from her about that in a while…


James and the Work at SMUCF

SMUCF is an independent organization registered with the Singapore Registry of Societies. That simply means it is an organization that has the freedom to meet publicly and legally and can operate independently. We are one of the two Christian organisations that are allowed to ‘officially’ meet on Campus. In its short history, beginning in 2000 when the University was established, a very strong evangelical foundation has been laid. It was conceived independently from other campus Christian organizations and is still that way today.

Our aim very much stems from Paul’s conviction in Colossians 1:28, “Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ.” The foundation of the ministry is therefore the proclamation of the Word of God. My role in particular is to do just that, so that the students will understand, live and proclaim the Gospel.



For me personally, the first year has felt like a whirlwind. My schedule is centred around the main teaching slots at SMU. On Tuesday evenings, we have evening Bible Studies where the students meet in their small groups. We then have a corporate meeting in a larger group so that we can meet together and sing and pray and listen to his word (which I have the responsibility to expound every week). On Thursday evenings, there is leader’s training, where the student leaders will be trained to understand and apply the Word for the sake of their groups. They may have additional topical and theological issues to think through at that time. Again, my responsibilities are to teach and disciple. Part of that involves training in evangelism (Normally 2 Ways to Live), how to think Theologically about Music, Relationships, Assurance, Money, Work and all sorts of other hot topics! We do a Mark’s Gospel Summer School, where we use ‘Read Mark Learn’ - a 26 week Bible Study Series in Mark’s Gospel produced by St Helen’s Church Bishopsgate, London.

As a new element last year, we introduced Thursday Lunchtime talks into the timetable. These were designed so that the students could have an opportunity to bring their friends to hear the Gospel. And finally, we have three camps per year, of which I normally am involved in teaching at the Freshman’s orientation camp. I will try and engage other like minded ministers to give the main talks at the other two (December and April).

Beginning this year, we have been invited to be involved in an International Student Ministry, in conjunction with other churches in the vicinity of the Campus. We are currently in a planning stage at the moment, but we see it as an opportunity to reach out to those from China, India, Myanmar and the surrounding region. Please pray for our direction in this ministry and the enthusiasm of the students to reach out to those who don’t yet know Jesus.


Please do remember us in prayer for the work at SMUCF…

§ Give thanks for the short number of years of faithful Gospel ministry at SMU and the way it has been used to reach out to Non Christians, and build up the Christian students. Please pray that we will remain faithful to the Gospel and its pure proclamation.

§ Pray for the continuing maturity of the CF members, especially in their home church environments where there may not be a solid Biblical Ministry. Pray for them as they take a stand for the Gospel and the Word of God.

§ Thank God for the word that was preached at a recent evangelistic dinner held in a restaurant at Old Parliament House. Pray for those who responded and would like to know more, that God would soften their hearts to receive Christ. Please pray for the ongoing enthusiasm of the students to invite their friends to our various evangelistic dinners and talks (We’ll update you as they happen!).

§ Pray for the upcoming International Students work at SMU. Pray that we would find opportunities to build relationships with the students from overseas and that opportunities would arise to tell them about the hope that we have.

§ Pray for the upcoming term and our study in the book of James. Pray that the students would humble themselves daily before God and submit to his will as they read and obey his word.


Maria

Singapore’s economic success thrives largely on their ‘human’ resource. As a result, not only are they encouraging more births, but they also encourage mothers to go back to work shortly after giving birth. Children are cared for by grandparents, maids or placed into childcare from 7am-7pm.

Do pray for me - being a stay-home mum in Singapore has many challenges. They range from the small task of grocery shopping, to bigger issues of support & isolation. The help that I once enjoyed such as a use of a car, longer hours of school for Josiah & having easy access to other stay-home mums are no longer readily available.

On the upside, I have been greatly encouraged and enjoyed the weekly sermons at our church. In addition I have been meeting up regularly with some of the students in a 121 capacity, as well as looking for some mutual encouragement from other ladies.

Picture (left) - Josiah & Jessica @ the playground
Josiah

Josiah is currently in K2 (Kindergarten 2), next year he will move to Primary 1. We learnt that registering for P1 is a hot topic amongst parents. Education is perceived as fundamental to kids’ success in the future, so getting into the ‘right’ school is vital. To secure a spot in an envied school might involve relocation near the school or hours of volunteer work.

Being non-PRs we understandably get last choice in choosing schools but our hope & prayer is that the school will firstly be close in distance, secondly for the teachers to genuinely care for the kids & help them learn in a not so pressured environment.

In K2 school is 3 hours consisting mostly of classroom work in English, Mandarin & Math. Coming into this environment takes a lot of getting used to. It does mean that Josiah has less friends to hang out & play with (a lot of them have other enrichment programs or tuitions to attend) & of course more work to do. (especially in learning mandarin!)

Jessica

Jessica has just turned 2 (5th August)! You know what they say about the terrible… oh, I mean terrific 2s! ;-) Jessica adores her brother, she mimics everything he does - she almost idolizes him! Her latest obsessions are ‘Bob the Builder’ & ‘Thomas & Friends’.

In the area of health, Jess has been sick every month since Jan 2007- averaging about 2 times a month. As a result, our family has been sick a lot due to the ‘sharing’ effect. So, please pray for health & strength for us all.

Do drop Maria an email (mazkerr@gmail.com) or look her up on Facebook if you would like to chat or for more details/photos of the kids. She would be more than happy to reply when she gets a chance!