Focus On Asia

Announcing First Classes For January, 2010

ccook00 — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 23:02:22 +0000

Posted in SIBI Singapore Classes

New Open Bible Study Series Begins Jan 6, 2010

ccook00 — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 22:18:54 +0000

ECCLESIASTES

Instructor: Charles Cook

OPEN BIBLE STUDIES

Wednesdays at 10 am

Pasir Panjang Church of Christ,

347 Pasir Panjang Rd, Singapore

ALL ARE WELCOME

For more information: call 67788259

Email: ppcoc@pacific.net.sg

Posted in Church News

FOCUS ON ASIA

ccook00 — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 07:42:54 +0000

Sunset International Bible Institute Singapore & Pasir Panjang Church of Christ Taking The Gospel To Asia

Our Strategy Statement

1.To duplicate ourselves by training foreign nationals to proclaim The Gospel in their own homelands.

2.To share our biblical curriculum with Singaporeans and citizens of Asian nations alike.

3.To do otherwise what we can to help foreign brethren evangelize their own people.

4.To personally send our own to help in this task.

5.To wisely afford help in whatever way we can.

6.TO PRAY TO ALMIGHTY GOD FOR THE UNEVANGELIZED NATIONS OF ASIA!

Administrator Families: Charles and Tamara Cook (left), Tom, Nancy, Jaydon, & Shayla Goracke (right)

First SIBI Singapore class held in Nov & Dec 2007… Book of Revelation

Nat Cooper came in Jan, 2009 to teach Life of Christ and Character Counts.

Ed Wharton and John Massie joined us in April, 2009 for classes on Scheme of Redemption, Distinctive Nature of the New Testament Church, and Historical Christian Evidences.

Gerald Paden came and taught Sacrificial System and The Book of Hebrews.

Stuart and Cecilia Jones joined us in July. Stuart taught Christian History (c100 to c1517) and Science Supports Scripture.

Edwin and Mary Myers joined us in August. Edwin taught The Christian Family and Minor Prophets.

Mark Hooper from Missions Resource Network came and did a 1 day Seminar on Church Planting in Asia for the PP Church and a 1 day Seminar on Missions for the Mission Intern Students.

Tom Goracke, our dean of students and recruiter, taught Historical Christian Evidences, Evangelism Message, and Epistles of John.

Charles Cook, dean of administration, has taught 20 courses since the school’s beginning in Dec, 2007.

GEORGE CARMEN, ROYCE SARTIN, EDWIN MYERS, STUART JONES ALL CAME TO HELP US KEEP THE QUALITY OF TEACHING HIGH. WE ARE INDEBTED TO ALL THESE VISITING INSTRUCTORS.

LAST BUT NOT LEAST —– THERE WERE THE YOUTH MISSION INTERNSHIP STUDENTS… DELIGHTFUL TO TEACH!

THERE WILL BE ANOTHER GROUP OF YOUTH MISSION INTERNSHIP STUDENTS LIKE THIS ONE IN 2010. THIS IS AN OUTSTANDING PROGRAM AND SIBI IS HONORED TO BE A PART OF IT. THESE DEDICATED YOUNG PEOPLE TOOK 6 OF OUR COURSES ESPECIALLY DESIGNED FOR THEM … THEN PUT THEIR LEARNING INTO PRACTICAL USE BY SERVING A CONGREGATION IN THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS FOR ONE MONTH. GREAT PROGRAM!!!

A NEW GROUP OF MISSION INTERNSHIP STUDENTS WILL BE JOINING THE SIBI CLASSES IN JANUARY 2010 AND WILL DO THEIR ON THE FIELD PRACTICUM IN MYANMAR AND INDONESIA. WE ARE ALSO EXPECTING STUDENTS FROM CHINA, INDIA, MYANMAR, THE PHILIPPINES AND MALAYSIA IN 2010.

Posted in SIBI Singapore Partners

Get Involved With Us…

ccook00 — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 06:16:54 +0000

INVITATION TO GET INVOLVED WITH US!

It will take the Whole Church to preach the Whole Gospel to the Whole World…

LET ME TELL YOU HOW WE CAN ALL JOIN OUR RESOURCES AND TALENTS TO TAKE GOD’S MESSAGE OF SALVATION TO ALL OF ASIA

How You Can Be Involved

PRAYER — Not only is prayer of primary importance (1Tim 2:1), it is something all of us can do. Even the little children as they are being taught to pray can begin by praying that God’s Good News will travel to all nations. Where the whole church participates in intercessory prayer on behalf of the lost…surely that is the sign of a healthy congregation. Where church members are vitally active in world evangelism and pray for the lost, undoubtedly, God will give them increase (1Cor 3:6-11). Please pray for the lost of Asia every day, and ask God to send us men who can be trained in the Bible and Evangelistic Methods from every nation in Asia (2Thes 3:1).
SENDING — It’s not enough to say “someone has to go and someone has to send.” It’s not that simple. We have to under-stand that the “senders” are just an vital as the “senders.” It’s generally believed that those who go are the lead players and those who send are the lesser participants. This is not a correct view! Remember, it take the sacrifices of the Whole Church if we are to spread God’s Message to the Whole World. We all must give up something in order for the Gospel to go forth. There are no bit players in carrying out the Great Commission…it was given to all of us (Matt 28:18-20).
GOING — Yes, this too is important. We know of no missionary who is truly proclaiming God’s Message to the lost that is doing so without sacrifice. Conversely, we know of no senders (or churches) who are truly proclaiming God’s Word to this lost world who are doing so without sacrifice (Rom 12:1-2). Like Jesus, we are all in this world for a purpose (read Luke 4:43).
EQUIPPING — It’s not enough for you to send and us missionaries to go, there must be the on-going “sowing and watering” that Paul spoke of (1Cor 3:6). Whether at home or abroad, God adds to His Kingdom commensurate with our preaching and teaching the Word. We must equip churches everywhere (at home and abroad) with men who will be able to lead God’s People in the 21st Century.

HERE’S OUR CHALLENGE TO YOU: Join us in training godly men and women of the various countries in Asia — PRAY that God will send us people with sincere hearts and love for God, SACRIFICE with us and help us train workers so that the Gospel can be preached all over the great continent of Asia. Four Billion souls are at stake! Let us hear from you today… ccook00@gmail.com

Charles Cook, D.Min.

Sunset International Bible Institute Singapore

http://focusonasia.wordpress.com ph (65) 97978059

Posted in Information

SIBI SINGAPORE CURRICULUM

ccook00 — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 05:24:25 +0000

Sunset International Bible Institute Singapore Curriculum

Old Testament

Old Testament History I (3) [Charles Cook, D.Min.]

Scope of the entire Old Testament, places, men, women and promises from God.

Old Testament History II (3) [Charles Cook, D.Min.]

Continuation of the entire Old Testament, places, men, women and promises from God.

Minor Prophets (3) [Charles Cook, D.Min.]

Textual study of the books dealing with the minor prophets.

Isaiah (3) [Charles Cook, D.Min.]

Textual study of the book of Isaiah.

Daniel & Ezekiel (3) [Charles Cook, D.Min.]

Textual study of the book of Daniel & Ezekiel.

Wisdom Literature (3) [Thomas Goracke, MA]

Textual study of the books of Psalms, Proverbs, Job, and Song of Solomon.

New Testament

Letters of John (3) [Gerald Paden]

Textual study of the books of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd John.

Life & Teachings of Jesus I (3) [Nat Cooper, D.Min.]

Study of the book of Luke viewing the life and teachings of Jesus.

Life & Teachings of Jesus II [Nat Cooper, D.Min.]

Continuation of Life & Teachings of Jesus I, covering the book of Matthew with emphasis on the Sermon on the Mount.

Acts of the Apostles (3) [Edward C. Wharton]

Textual study of the book of Acts.

I Corinthians (3) [Charles Cook, D.Min.]

Textual study of the book of I Corinthians.

I & II Thessalonians / Philippians (3) [Thomas Goracke, MA]

Textual study of the books of Philippians and Thessalonians.

Galatians (3) [Edward C. Wharton]

Textual study of the book of Galatians.

II Corinthians (3) [Charles Cook, D.Min.]

Textual study of the book of II Corinthians.

Ephesians / Colossians (3) [Edward C. Wharton]

Textual study of the books of Ephesians and Colossians.

I & II Peter / James (3) [Charles Cook, D.Min.]

Textual study of the books of I & II Peter and James.

Hebrews (3) [Gerald Paden]

Textual study of the book of Hebrews.

Romans (3) [Charles Cook, D.Min.]

Textual study of the book of Romans.

Gospel of John (3) [Charles Cook, D.Min.]

Textual study of the book of John.

I & II Timothy / Titus (3) [Charles Cook, D.Min.]

Textual study of the books of I & II Timothy and Titus.

Revelation (3) [Charles Cook, D.Min.]

Textual study of the book of Revelation.

Evangelism

Evangelistic Message (2) [Thomas Goracke, MA]

Teaches techniques of organization and delivery of a Biblical text.

Evangelistic Methods (2) [Charles Cook, D.Min.]

Presentation of various methods of teaching small groups and individuals.

Spiritual Growth

Introduction to Ministry Studies (2)

A course designed to help the student improve his/her study skills and to communicate more effectively, especially in written form.

Spiritual Disciplines (2)

The study and the application of various biblical disciplines which will assure spiritual growth of the individual.

Christian Home (2)

The study of marital maturity, values, insights and skills which include communication, financial management, sexual harmony, and parenting.

Effective Bible Study (2) [Richard Cravy, via DVD]

Using the books of Jude and Philippians study skills are taught which develop research and study habits.

Christian Counseling (2)

Basic non-clinical counseling skills and insights relevant to the people-helping tasks of ministry.

History / Evidences

Christian Evidences (3) [Edward C. Wharton]

Study of historical and scientific proof of Biblical people, places, and events.

Church History & Doctrine (3) [Stuart Jones, D.Min.]

Survey of church history from pre-Christian background through the Reformation and Restoration Movements, to today.

Science Supports Scripture (3) [Stuart Jones, D.Min.]

A study of the Word of God to show how it is always true to known current scientific information.

Languages

Greek (2) [Chris Swinford, D.Min.]

Study of the New Testament Greek language, grammar, and syntax.

Missions

Biblical Theology of Missions (3) [Mark Hooper, Ph.D.]

The study of missions as seen throughout the scriptures.

Preaching

Introduction to Homiletics (3) [Charles Cook, D.Min.]

Development of the ability of logical thought and recognizing false concepts.

Interpretive Reading (2) [Charles Cook, D.Min.]

Practical approach to reading scriptures effectively.

Topical Preaching (2)

Research and presentation of select topics from scriptures.

Evangelistic Preaching (2)

Practical approach to speaking compellingly.

Textual Preaching (2)

Emphasis placed on selecting a text, digesting it and expounding it publically. A study of textual and expository preaching. This will call for balance between Biblical exegesis and practical application.

Special Events Preaching (2)

Development and presentation of sermons for weddings and funerals, and instructor assistance in ministering at such times.

Doctrinal

Scheme of Redemption (3) [Edward C. Wharton]

A theological, doctrinal, and historical study of the Messianic seed prophecies from Genesis to the ascension.

Sacrificial System (3) [Gerald Paden]

A study of the Old Testament worship based on the Law of Moses and the concepts of sacrifice and atonement.

Church of Christ (3) [Edward C. Wharton]

The history of the church from the first century, through the reformation and the restoration.

Posted in Information

A QUESTION THAT ANSWERS ITSELF…

ccook00 — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 02:11:25 +0000

WHY ASIA?

"The modernization of Asia is by far the most important event taking place in the world today." John Naisbitt, Megatrends Asia

Asia , the largest of earth’s seven continents, is largely unevangelized. It covers 8.6% of the Earth’s total surface area (or about one-third of the world’s total land area). And, with its outlying islands, it covers an estimated 44,936,000 sq. Km. (17,350,000 sq. Mi.). With almost 4 billion people, it contains more than 60% of the world’s current human population. This vast mission field probably has over 4.5 Billion people…that’s 2 out of every 3 human beings on earth!

Chiefly in the eastern and northern hemispheres, Asia is traditionally defined as part of the landmass of Eurasia – with the western portion of the latter occupied by Europe – lying east of the Suez Canal, east of the Ural Mountains, and south of the Caucasus Mountains and the Caspian and Black Seas. It is bounded to the east by the Pacific Ocean, to the south by the Indian Ocean, and to the north by the Arctic Ocean. Given its size and diversity, Asia is more a cultural concept incorporating a number of regions and peoples than a homogeneous physical entity.

It is made up of 48 different countries when Central Asia is included. They are peoples of different ethnic, language and cultural backgrounds making it the most challenging place on earth for doing mission work.

In the next decade another half billion people will be added to its population. Many feel that God is opening doors for the planting of His Church in every part of Asia …. are we ready?

It is believed that by training faithful men from the various nations of Asia (i.e., China, India, etc.) in Singapore, a multi-cultural Asian city itself, that these men (and women) will take the Message of Christ back to their homelands and plant local churches.

In Christian Service,

Charles Cook, D.Min

Sunset International Bible Institute Singapore

Contact us for more information at:

ccook00@gmail.com

AS AN ENTERPRISE, WORLD EVANGELISM IS AN ASSIGNMENT MADE TO THE WHOLE BODY OF CHRIST….EVERY MEMBER OF EVERY LOCAL CHURCH NEEDS TO BE INVOLVED!!

And WHY establish a Ministry Training School in Singapore?

Note our strategic location for serving all Asia

[Singapore is located at the southern tip of the Malaysian peninsula … the small region in red on the map below]

Singapore:
Land space: 682 sq kilometers
Population: 4.5 million
Strategically located just below Southeastern Asia, between Malaysia and Indonesia
Singapore is recognized as a first-world City-State
Slightly more than 3.5 times the size of Washington, DC
One million foreign nationals from neighboring countries in Singapore on temporary work permits
… A GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY TO EVANGELIZE ASIA!

Sunset International Bible Institute Singapore

Pasir Panjang Church of Christ Singapore

Not only is Singapore strategic for reaching out to all of Asia, add to that the fact that SIBI is hosted by and in partnership with the Pasir Pajang Church of Christ in Singapore. Both share a dream to take the Message of Christ to every part of the Asian Continent.

The Pasir Panjang congregation is graciously playing host to SIBI in this effort to spread the Kingdom of God throughout Asia.

[Photos below show how steadily this church has grown in numbers over the years… The PP Church is mission minded with outreaches to some ten locations in Asia.]

Some of our regular guest instructors at SIBI Singapore

Gerald Paden Edward C. Wharton

Stuart & Cecilia Jones

John Massie

Nat Cooper

Posted in Information

November 2009 Goracke Newsletter

ccook00 — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 18:19:42 +0000

2009 Goracke Newsletter

Sunset International Bible Institute Pte. Ltd… Singapore!

Greetings from Scottsbluff, Nebraska!
That is a bit of a change from Singapore to say the least, but certainly a joy to have finally returned to our home state and hometowns where we are once again reunited with our families! Let me extend my apologies for this late and limited report.

After arriving back in the States on October 28th, we immediately hit the ground running for all of November up to this very week. Since November 1st, we have visited with nearly 20 supporting churches and supporting families reporting about the progress of SIBI Singapore and seeking additional support for our third year of ministry in Singapore. At the same time during our travels, I worked to send out invitations by email to many potential short term study (January & February of 2010) international students from nations surrounding Singapore. We have several who are interested in applying as full time students!

Just today (Thursday the 17th), I received an email with the “possible” good news we have been waiting for! We may have just completed the Singapore government’s fire safety requirements which should be the last hurdle we have been needing to clear in order to issue full time student visas! Please keep your prayers going in this regard… we need this registration process to be fulfilled!

As I mentioned above, we are still short on our 3rd year support needs. Due to the economic situation, we have lost some support this past year. Yet we have been blessed to have some supporters to have increased their contributions and some new churches who are considering joining with us as financial partners! Please continue to remember us in your prayers in this regard and if you know of any churches who might be interested in sharing in this Asian ministry, please pass along their contact information.

Family News, Notes & Quotes
“On the Road Again”—could have been our family’s theme song for the month of November. Despite racking up the miles on the road, residing in a different zip code every week, living out of suitcases and sharing cold or flu bugs with each other from the beginning to the end of the month, we still had much to be thankful for as we journeyed from one location to the next. The abundant love and hospitality extended to us both warmed our hearts and humbled us. We thank God for the open arms of family and friends who willingly took us in, fed us so well, graciously gave up beds so we would have a place to rest our heads, provided a place for us to do laundry or just relax and welcomed us into their lives as we traveled through their area. God has placed just the right people in just the right places and continues to refresh us in so many ways. We know we are blessed and have very thankful hearts as our Father continues to use so many special people in our lives to provide our needs and shine His love and concern for us. We feel especially blessed to have been able to spend Thanksgiving at Uncle Ron’s and Aunt Shirley’s. They continue to bless us with an open house and red carpet treatment every time we come through their area. That’s all the news I’ll share for this time. We should be sending out a December update in a few weeks. I’ll leave you with one kiddo quote I heard as Jaydon and Shayla were playing a while back.

Kiddo Quote:
“I have rainbow powers,” Shayla said. (What are rainbow powers? You might ask.) “I can make things colorful,” she told her brother. (I think many children do have rainbow powers!)

May you have or enjoy rainbow powers in your life too. Know that we love you and that God, the designer of the rainbow, loves you even more. He loves you the most!

Shayla and her friend Cally

Overseeing church:
12th Street church of Christ
P.O. Box 1476
Seagraves, TX 79359
Contact person:
Kenny Smith
Cell Phone: (432) 209-1735
Home Phone: (806) 546-2336
Our Singapore Information
Tom & Nancy Goracke
BLK 60 Teban Garden Road
#17 – 462
Singapore, 600060
Tom’s mobile phone:
(65) 83683213
Nancy’s mobile phone:
(65) 83683214
Home Phone: (65) 64981864
Email: HUUtwoservants2002@yahoo.com
USA Phone #: (308) 641-3971

Posted in Goracke News

A PLEA FOR UNITY…

ccook00 — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 06:55:55 +0000

How We Can

All Agree…

Henry Kong

There is so much debate and disagreement in Christendom
today. This has resulted in many denominations, unable to see eye-to-eye, even in the basic teachings of the Bible. So how can we find the common ground to work on?

As I see it, there are 4 levels where we need to work at in
order to find a consensus:

The first level is regarding matters pertaining to salvation. Here, we can make no compromise. The Bible teaches in 1Timothy 4:16 “Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.”

The second level has to deal with matters not pertaining to salvation. In this instance, like the early Christians in Berea, we need to examine the scriptures to ensure if these things were so (Acts 17:10-11).

The next level of disagreement is regarding customs or cultural differences. We should recognise these as such, and not make it a bone of contention according to 1
Corinthians 11:16, “if any man seemeth to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the churches of God.”

Finally, there are differences in matters of opinion. Romans 14:4-6 is very clear when it states, “One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike.”

“Come now, and let us reason together” – Isaiah 1:18.

Posted in The Word

FIRST SPC SERIES FOR 2010: Starting January 6th Wednesday Evenings @ 7:30 pm, Pasir Panjang Church of Christ, Singapore

ccook00 — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 06:41:53 +0000

FISHERS OF MEN

INSTRUCTOR: CHARLES COOK

6 January — We Catch’em, He Cleans’em

13 January — The Church Must Be Healthy

20 January — The Church Must Be Growing

27 January — The Church Must Be Active

3 February — Jesus Christ, Disciple Maker

24 February — Soul Winning & Apologetics

3 March — Soul Winning In A Changing World

10 March — The Soul Winner’s Lifestyle

17 March — Build Your Own Presentation #1

24 March — Build Your Own Presentation #2

[Discussion Groups following each lesson presentation]

[Attn SIBI Students: See the instructor about credit for this series]

Posted in Church News

FREE Bible Correspondence Course

ccook00 — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 09:49:47 +0000

WBS Study Course

Sunset International Bible Institute Singapore

Pasir Panjang Church of Christ (English-speaking)

347 Pasir Panjang Road (P.O. Box 74)

Singapore 118688

Enroll now and Lesson One of the FREE Bible Correspondence Courses will arrive in your mail box in a few short days.
Simply fill out the form and click the submit button.
Your email address will not be forwarded to anyone, it stays with us.
World Bible School is designed to encourage you to study the Bible by yourself and for yourself!

IT IS ABSOLUTELY FREE

WORLD BIBLE SCHOOL

A FREE 5 part Bible Study Course through the mail:

1. Introduction to the Bible
– Introduction to where the Bible came from

2. God Has Spoken
– Investigates how the Bible is God’s Word

3. Knowing Jesus
– Introduces Jesus, who he was, his purpose and teachings

4. This is Good News
– Gets to the heart of the message of the entire Bible

5. Born of Water and Spirit
– A study of how a Christian is to live

If you would like to enroll, please fill out the following information, clip and paste to an email, and send it to: wbsinfo@wbschool.org or ccook00@gmail.com

Name: _____________________________________________

Mailing Address: _____________________________________

City: _____________ Country: __________ Postal: _________

Your E-Mail Address:
Phone: (optional)

Comments: (optional) ____________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

Posted in FREE Bible Study Course