Holdin’ On Story – Ishak Budiman

Hallelujah Story – Jennifer Tham

Contributed By GJ Gonzales

The talented musicians (left) and singers (right) of 3PM. PHOTOS COURTESY OF IVAN TURNAWAN.

Following the triumphant launch of 3PM’s first album Unto You in May 2010 comes a fresher, more dynamic and smashing lineup of contemporary gospel songs in their latest album, Holdin’ On. Over the special weekend services with Steve Munsey on Dec. 3 and 4 at Suntec Singapore, the City Harvest Church Indonesian band led the English congregation in worship.

The band takes on its name from their previous accustomed Sunday service timing at the Jurong West premises of CHC—3 p.m. Overseen by executive pastor Aries Zulkarnain, the group seeks to bring forth a heavenly message through music that touches and transforms lives. Producer Charles Halim, remarks, “Pastor Aries always reminds us that ‘If there is a revival, there must be a sound and you must become that sound’ and that’s what we want to do.”

While Unto You had a theme of worshiping and giving the glory to God, Holdin’ On seeks to proclaim the goodness and greatness of God. Songs like “Holdin’ On,” “Allah Kemenangan” (“Triumph of God”), “Ku Takkan Pernah Takut” (“Never Fear”), “The Greatest Love Of All” and “Hallelujah” relay such messages.

Drummer JJ Simkoputera shares, “We want to share the journey we’ve been through. Even for our personal lives, we keep on believing in God’s promises. In our tough times, the Word of God will become our strength to overcome the obstacles.”

All 13 songs of the album, six of which are in English, were shortlisted from 30 entries submitted by the band members. Co-producer Raymond Sigarlaki reveals, “It was a tough decision to make because they were all good.” Sigarlaki sees the members maturing in many ways and he notes that the recent compositions carry a deeper revelation of who God is in their lives.

It took the band about a year of preparation, since the launch of their first album, to produce the second album. To them, they have stepped up a level higher and Holdin’ On is deemed as better, more personalized and heartfelt than the first, with the band members having gone through many trials along the way.

The versatile 3PM band members are not all professional musicians. In fact, only three out of 14 are full-time musicians. The rest are working in the area of finance and banking, information technology, real estate, fashion and graphic design.

Distance was one challenge they had to grapple with. Five of them are based in Indonesia so most of the communication and musical arrangements were done over cyberspace. The only time they got together as a group since the first album’s launch was during the actual recording of the second album over two weeks in Jakarta.

About half of the band members are married and four have children. It is really by the grace of God that the team has pulled it through. Sigarlaki comments, “We give credit to our wives. It’s not easy for them to let us go. During the second recording, I had to leave my wife alone for two weeks to look after our newborn baby.”

Unto You won the prestigious Album Of The Year 2010, awarded by the Indonesian Gospel Music Awards. Thus far, their music has been well received in various churches in Indonesia. Keyboardist Tulus Tobing narrates, “When they heard the songs, they were so blessed by it and asked us when we would be having a concert in Indonesia so that they could attend.”

In March 2012, they are scheduled to tour the USA for a series of performances. Simkoputera comments, “We just can’t stop at two albums because we want to continue being a blessing to many.” Sigarlaki affirms, “If that dream is from the Lord, we will see Him move.”

HOLDIN’ ON
The CHC Indonesian service praise and worship band moves up another notch in their craft with this sophomore release titled Holdin’ On. Wholly composed by the band’s own members including Ishak Budiman, Charles Halim and Jules Rusli, the 13-track album contains six English songs and seven in Bahasa Indonesia.

Holdin’ On speaks of perseverance and a “never give up” outlook. Instant favorites include “Ku Takkan Pernah Takut” (“I Will Never Fear”), which features lyrics about dogged determination in the face of life’s trials set to a fast-paced rhythm, “All The Praise,” which speaks of the saving grace of Jesus Christ, and “Hallelujah,” a song of thanksgiving and exultation set to distinctive, beautifully melodic refrains. Singer-songwriter Caroline Tjen rounds up the set with a bonus number, “Kupercaya” (“I Believe”). On it, she offers a touching confession of faith and remembrance to God—The world cannot guarantee my future | Only You are willing to back me up.

Some tracks are sterling, others more raw but if you’re feeling overwhelmed by the storms of life or discouraged by challenges that do not seem to abet, Holdin’ On will undoubtedly lift your spirits and get you to turn your eyes from your circumstances to God’s ever-present help, grace and love.  ~ Yong Yung Shin

Steve Munsey inspired the congregation with his creative preaching ministry. CN PHOTO: Tan Song Kow.

Author, scientist, inventor, and one of the founding fathers of the United States of America Benjamin Franklin once said, “Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.”

On the weekend of Dec. 3 and 4, City Harvest Church was engaged in the unique preaching style of Steve Munsey, a time that left an indelible impression on everyone. A one-man storytelling whirlwind of passion and fervor, Munsey, the pastor of Family Christian Center in Munster, Indiana, spun enrapturing biblical tales that were equally dramatic, relevant and spiritual. Preaching for the second time in CHC, Munsey inspired, encouraged and uplifted the congregation.

The 3PM band led the English congregation in worship. CN PHOTOS: June Yong & Tan Song Kow.

Those who witnessed Munsey’s unconventional preaching for the first time were also in for a time of worship led by CHC’s Indonesian service band, 3PM. The team was launching their sophomore album, Holdin’ On that same weekend.

Looking confident before the large crowd, 3PM brought down the presence of God at both the Saturday and Sunday services with familiar praise and worship songs such as “Friend Of God,” “Nothing Is impossible” and “You Are My Father.” They also introduced two of the five English songs from their album entitled “All The Praise” and “Hallelujah.”

With its rock-tinged sensibilities, 3PM played with a reassuring desire to enter into God’s presence. Charis Low, 22, a flight attendant, said, “3PM is so full of vibrancy! Praise and worship led by them was simply awesome—I felt totally soaked in the presence of God.”

Hearts were open and the stage was set for Munsey, with his unique brand of exhortation via entertainment. Munsey reminded the congregation of a powerful truth in the kingdom of God on Saturday night. Prefacing his message with Romans 4:17, Munsey said, “God is saying to us that we have the power to speak into our future!”

With the lights in the auditorium dimmed, and background music playing, Munsey illustrated the power of speaking into the future with the story of Jacob. The congregation was transported into a different era as Munsey acted out Jacob’s journey, triumphing over the obstacles set in his way by his uncle Laban, and how he overcame every time by speaking into his future.

With adroit use of multimedia, music, popular culture references, and props such as a tree branch and a knife, Munsey had the crowd on the edge of their seats one moment, and guffawing in laughter the next.

KNOWING OUR POSITION IN CHRIST

Sunday morning’s message was equally memorable. Speaking of the Word of God as a mirror for the believer, as taught in James 1, there were full-length mirrors placed on stage as a constant emphasis for believers to never forget who they are in God. “Do not forget the promises of God in the Bible, and how God sees us. If you forget, you will start listening to other people, and they will tell you who you are and what you are,” Munsey explained.

Depicting Samson’s life as told in the Book of Judges, Munsey gave credit to the amazing feats of Samson as he was constantly reminded of who he was in God. Munsey then conveyed a sobering message through the loss of consecration and strength of Samson when he succumbed to the wiles of Delilah, and his subsequent capture by his enemies: “We need to discern in life what is good and what is bad; don’t forget that the enemy wants to get you into a position of believing his lies.”

Likening Samson’s loss of his physical eyes to the loss of spiritual vision, the message climaxed with Samson’s redemption at the end of his life when his spiritual sight was restored. Munsey toppled “pillars” that were set up on stage, concluding his sermon with a fitting flourish.

Hundreds flocked to the front during the altar call.

STRENGTHENED AND ENCOURAGED

Beyond the immense entertainment value of his preaching, at the very heart of Munsey’s messages were deep spiritual truths and timely encouragement both for the church and for individuals, evident from the crowds of people who thronged the front of the auditorium during altar call.

For Joelynn Tan, 19, a student at Republic Polytechnic, it was her first time hearing Munsey speak. “It is very unexpected that a pastor could be this dynamic!” she said. “His preaching was impactful and very dramatic, but most importantly it was sincere and touched my heart.”

Leon Wen, 27, an administrative executive shared her sentiments. “I feel so revitalized. I thoroughly enjoyed Steve Munsey’s style of conveying a message; it’s such a breath of fresh air! It was engaging and dramatic, yet still very spiritual.”

You can now view the sample of the songs in our Discography including: Holdin’ On, Ku Takkan Pernah Takut, All the Praise, Hallelujah, CintaMu and more!
Don’t forget to get a copy of our CD as well to view many more of 3PM original songs that will bless you and your friends through online pre-order or fresh from the ‘oven’ during the launching this week, 3-4 December 2011!

See you there!

3PM “HOLDIN’ ON” CONTEST
… CONTEST PERIOD: 19th NOV AT 1900HRS – 20th DEC AT 2359HRS

1. BEST TWEET
Step one: ‘Follow’ @3pmband on twitter
Step two: Post a tweet why you love 3PM with “hash-tag” #iluv3pm
The best 3 most creative entries will win attractive prizes

2. FOLLOWER 1000
3PM’s 1000th follower on twitter will win attractive prizes

3. THE 4000th “LIKE”
The 4000th “Like” on 3PM Facebook fanpage will win attractive prizes

Prizes to be won:
Autographed 3PM first album “Unto You”
Autographed 3PM second album “Holdin’ On”
S$ 50 Takashimaya vouchers

Terms & Conditions:
Entries after 20th Dec 2011 2359hrs will not be entertained
3PM reserves the right to remove, disqualify or delete entry if deemed inappropriate

Kutakkan Pernah Takut – Remix Version by 3pmband

Contributed by Kelly Tang & GJ Gonzales | Courtesy of City News

After a five-month break, following its last service held at the Riverwalk in August 2010, the Indonesian and Filipino congregations of City Harvest Church reassembled for a back-to-back Sunday worship service on Jan 23 at its new rented service venue in Orchard Hotel.

The Indonesian and Filipino cultures are well known for their gift in music, hospitality, warmth and strong family ties. With an aim to reach out to their countrymen here in Singapore, they find the weekly Sunday services a good platform to do so. The Grand Ballroom 2 can seat up to 350 people and hold a stage for a full band of singers and musicians.

ENTERING 2011

The ballroom at Orchard Hotel, complete with ritzy crystal chandeliers and ballroom grandeur, was filled to its maximum capacity as the CHC Indonesian Service got back into the full swing of things for its first service of 2011 on Sunday, Jan. 23.
The Indonesian service started in 2002, under the leadership of Aries Zulkarnain, deputy executive pastor of CHC, and the pastor in charge of the fellowship, with around 40 attendees consisting of students and working adults. It now boasts an average attendance of 170 weekly, with a record attendance of up to 260 on special occasions. For a while, the congregation met regularly every Sunday at CHC’s Jurong West church premises before moving to the Riverwalk in January 2010.

The service at Orchard Hotel opened with a lively praise and worship session, filled with an atmosphere of celebration and happy reunion. Cheers and laughter were heard throughout the entire service as the congregation was greeted with a host of exciting programs, which included a performance by the “boy band” of the Indonesian Service.

During the five-month hiatus, the Indonesian Service band formed 3PM and traveled throughout Indonesia, ministering to Indonesian churches with their own brand of praise and worship. They garnered the Best Album of the Year in the Indonesian Gospel Music Awards 2010, for their debut album, Unto You.The Indonesian drama team also traveled with CHC’s senior pastor, Kong Hee, when he ministered to the church in Surabaya.

Zulkarnain shared a relevant message about relying on God and having the right attitudes in the midst of challenges and transition. It was no doubt a vision shared by the members even as mentions of the move to Suntec City brought about unreserved cheers of excitement.

Said Zulkarnain, “Our Indonesian service members work and live here in Singapore, some for a long time. Most of them are conversant in English; however, they feel a special connection to be able to worship and fellowship with other Indonesians in their native language.”

“It feels so good to be back in Indonesian Service. The atmosphere was great and I feel so excited and uplifted by the praise and worship and meeting all the people in our congregation again,” remarked Natalie Tjien.

Another member, Laura Kwan, who just returned to Singapore after a four-year stint in the U.S. shared, “I am happy to be back. This is my first Indonesian service since I came back to Singapore. There are many new faces but the people are so warm and friendly and I feel right at home.”

UNITED ONCE AGAIN

From its humble beginnings as a 10-member cell group in 2006, the Filipino Fellowship has branched out into five groups that meet each week in different locations: Tampines and Sengkang (Thursdays), Bishan and Jurong West (Fridays) and Jurong East (Saturdays). Attendee profile includes a majority of overseas Filipino workers and permanent residents in Singapore working in multi-industries.

That Sunday noon, 114 Filipino adults were reunited at the much-awaited event. Ministry members were at their posts serving as vocalists and musicians, ushers and greeters, security men, sound crew, and children’s church teachers. The people had the opportunity to serve—in their own warm and cheery Filipino style.

First-timers and newlyweds Merlin and Nina Marcos felt warmly welcomed and were impressed by the turnout of the gathering, “Having a Filipino service gives us room to be ourselves in a foreign land and be united in reaching our ‘kababayans’ who are still unbelievers.”

Jimmy Sng, one of CHC’s assistant pastors who oversees the  Filipino Fellowship, knows how inherently passionate Filipinos are: he brought the people’s attention to two important traits that govern passionate, purposeful living—discipline and determination. “Filipinos are passionate by nature and that is a wonderful thing about this group of people. We need to harness this passion and direct it toward the accomplishment of God’s purpose. Once they put their mind and energy into it, it can really be done.”

Plans to send out mission teams to Philippines in the later half of this year are in place.

Indonesian services are held every Sunday at 10 a.m., followed by the Filipino service at 12 p.m. in Orchard Hotel. For more information, please e-mail info@chc.org.sg.