Articles

FA Cup Winning Captain Shares Inspirational Scripture in Post-match Speech

20 May 2025

On 17 May 2025, English top-flight football team, Crystal Palace made history by winning the English FA Cup - their first ever major trophy in their 160+ year history.

After beating favourites, Manchester City 1-0 in the iconic stadium of Wembley in London, The Eagles (their nickname) celebrated their victory by lifting the trophy.

This momentous event for the club was made even more special as it is the final season captain Joel Ward is going to be with Crystal Palace.

Earlier in the month, Ward announced that he was going to leave the club after this season, having spent 13 years with the club from the time they were not even in the English Premier League.

In those 13 years, the 35-year-old rose through the ranks becoming captain and played over 300 times for the club, the first ever players to do that for Crystal Palace.

So in his post-FA Cup Final match speech, the winning captain took some time to share his motivation and some inspiration with his teammates.

In his speech, he said, "Listen, guys, we're all on a journey. Some are at the start of it, some are at the end of it, some have been through it and been out the other side, but for from day one, something that I hold dearly is obviously my faith and in Jeremiah 29:11 it talks about how God has a plan and a purpose for our lives."

He continued by saying, "You may not believe, you may not look at scripture or you may not have that, but personally I believe that everyone here is here for a reason, and we do all have a plan and a purpose in our lives. It's crazy. I can't write this ending."

His short post-match speech has been viewed over 750,000 times on Instagram and has over 75,000 likes in just 24 hours.

Watch a snippet of it below:


From Table to Tomb

Passion Week Devotional 2025: From Table to Tomb

16 April 2025

This Passion Week, HighPointe LIFE invites you to participate in reflecting through a journey from the Last Supper to Jesus' victory over death.

From Table to Tomb is a short 3-day devotion to help believers meditate on the significant points starting from Maundy Thursday and ending on Holy Saturday, in anticipation of Resurrection Sunday.

As Pastor Stephen encourages in his introduction of the devotional, recommend doing these to get the best out of this devotional:

  1. Pray and ask God’s Spirit to give you fresh insight before each time your read the devotion of the day.
  2. Have a physical Bible ready so as to not be distracted with messages (and other tasks)on a digital Bible.
  3. Take your time to read and to contemplate the “Reflection”. Don’t rush through as you may miss out on what God is saying through the reflection.
  4. Don’t skip the questions under “Introspection”. The questions are meant for us to dig deep. Some questions do require some time to chew on.
  5. Have a notebook (physical or digital) to journal your thoughts - what God is saying and your response. Writing down leaves a more lasting impression.

We pray that your time with God through this devotions will not just be inspirational for this season but will also stir a deep radical revelation to refresh your faith.

Download it here: FROM TABLE TO TOMB

KSL Esplanade Hotel Special All Asia 2025 Rate

01 March 2025

HighPointe LIFE has negotiated a special rate with KSL Esplanade Hotel Klang (pictures shown below) for any conference participant(s) who wish to book accommodation for the duration of their stay in Klang.

The KSL Esplanade Hotel is approximately within a 5-minute drive (or within 15-minute walk) to HighPointe LIFE Klang (conference venue).

KSL Esplanade Hotel Special Rate for Conference Participants as follow:

Superior Room (King/Twin) - RM 180.00/night
*rooms include breakfast for two
*If you are bringing children aged 12 and under, please contact us at hello@highpointelife.com to discuss room arrangements before submitting your booking.


BOOKING FORM:  CLICK HERE


Terms & conditions:

  1. Payment: Payment for your hotel booking must be made directly to the hotel upon check-in.
  2. Cancellation PolicyCancellations made on or before 19th May 2025 will not incur any charges. However, any cancellations made after 19th May 2025 will be subject to a full charge of RM180 per room per night. Please contact us at hello@highpointelife.com or +60126072090 in case of cancellation.


Website: https://www.kslesplanadehotel.com

All enquiries regarding the KSL Esplanade Hotel's special conference rate, may be directed to: hello@highpointelife.com or +60126072090

Mission & Community Newsletter

12 March 2023

Want to get updates from our Mission & Community ministries?

Sign up below and get updated with our bi-monthly newsletter either through email or Whatsapp.

Please note that this form is an open form and has no closing date.

By signing up, you will receive the upcoming (next) issue of the newsletter when it is published, not previous ones.

If you would like to receive previous issues of the newsletter, kindly contact our office at +012-6072090.


My Life Lesson on Learning to Lean on Jesus

26 January 2023

I was born into a Christian family, with my parents and even most of my direct relatives being Christians. I had considered myself to be a Christian since I was born into it and I made a decision to invite Jesus into my life when I was around 7 years old. Even then, my life didn't seem like it changed drastically.

At 17, I felt like lost direction in life and as with any post-schooling student, there came a pivotal point in life to pick a college/university and the undergraduate course that would "determine the my future". Of course, I stressed over moments like this - big decisions that could altar many things I may not see in the present. On another note, I was involved in a toxic relationship and had struggled with some "friendship issues" in school, which added to the pressure.

However, through conversation and sharing about my struggles, I realized that my peers in church were going through a similar problems as I am but not all were "pulled down by it" or ""struggling the same way I was" because of how close they stayed to God and clung unto Him through tough situations.

I realised the relationship I might have had with God was just not real. I finally turned back, ran towards God and recommitted my life to Jesus again, 10 years after I had first invited Him into my life.

It was then that I learned what it meant to "lean on God" and I could feel many of my burdens wearing off, to the point that I physically felt my body was lighter and not being weighed down. Now being in my final year in university, I praise God that I am still learning and leaning on Him to overcome tough obstacles of life, not by my own strength but God's.

I thank God for the experiences He has brought me through so that I can now share with my peers and others how to trust God even when there are periods of anxiety and stress. Jesus is our refuge and He is faithful!

Mr. Bean Singing Modern Worship Song Watched Over 100,000 times

25 October 2022

Well,... not exactly.

Last month, Instagram user Manuel Daviid posted an Instagram (IG) reel video of himself playing and singing to Phil Wickham's "Living Hope" but what made the video most unusual was that he super-imposed Mr. Bean singing the "Hallelujahs", perfectly fitting into the chorus of the modern worship hit.

The Mr. Bean clip was actually taken from the pilot episode of the British comedy from 1990 (which definitely still holds up today).

"My brain everytime we sing Living Hope ?," Manuel wrote in the caption of his post.

The video has already been watched over 130,000 times at the time of writing.

"Oh my goodness thank you for this!!! I love it" one IG user said. "Maaaan ?? this is epic ??? ," said another.

We hope this little video puts a smile (and a laugh) on your face today. Watch it below:


Abraham Ewaldo Serumena

'The Voice' Indonesia Contestant Stuns Audience with Worship Song

08 September 2022

The name Abraham Ewaldo Serumena probably isn't a name that stands out as a familiar Christian music artiste.

Last month, however, Abraham took to stage as a contestant on 'The Voice All Stars' Indonesia and completely wow-ed both the live audience and audience on screen.

Abraham's song of choice was Bethel's 'Goodness of God' and he was accompanied by a theatrical set and a rather large choir but what blew the coaches (judges) away was his vocals.

Indonesian entertainment platform, Kapanlagi, reported that one of the coaches Isyana Sarasvati said Abraham's appearance was "very good and perfect."

To date, his performance on YouTube have now been watched almost half a million times.

In the comments, Abraham remarked: "Hopefully it can bless all who hear and watch my performance. God Bless you all!"

Watch his incredible performance here:


A Front-liner's Reflection on the Pandemic

02 November 2021

Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him.
Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress; I will never be shaken.
Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge.

(Psalm 62: 5-6,8)


“Matron, I have little baby, I can’t work in Covid ICU”
“Matron, I had Asthma, I can’t work in Covid ICU’’
“Matron, can I change ward because...”
“Matron Tan, we need to open Covid ICU.”
“Matron Tan, can you go and set up another Covid ward now?”
“Tan, you’re on call, right? Please go hospital now, need to discuss and set up another Covid ward and rearrange staffing” 

All these requests often spelled my late return home or my abrupt return to hospital on a Sunday morning. 

Never in my 30 years of service. as a nurse and superior in ICU, had I received so many panic messages and phone calls for a change of ward and even change of departments as I did in the last 18 months of the Covid-19 pandemic in Malaysia. However, due to the high demand of ICU beds, I couldn’t grant every single request. Daily, I’d ask the Lord Jesus for wisdom and words of encouragement as I counsel my nurses. I prayed also for God protection over the healthcare workers in my workplace, my family and myself.

The uncertainty of the Covid-19 pandemic, the absence of a definite treatment, lockdown, vaccinations, and church being unable to have physical gathering all caused me to get on my knees and plea with the Lord Jesus for mercy for our nation. In the midst of it all, I was also connected to a few prayer groups. Yet, the more we pray, the cases only increased further and the situation in our nation worsen. I started to lose focus on God as I looked at the situation of my surroundings. Fear creeped silently into my mind and caught me unguarded. But my God is a faithful God, even when I was faithless. 


One day as I was praying, a gentle voice whispered “I see, I hear, and I care. Turn your focus unto Me.”  

“My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the LORD. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.” (Isaiah 55:8)


Tears flowed down my cheek and joy entered my heart. Since then, my faith was strongly anchored on Jesus and continued to stand on the promises of God. I was reminded that He will never forsake me nor leave me. He promises His peace to be with me always. 

That passion for prayer sparked when I had returned from my trip to Sri Lanka in 2016. Since then, I desired also to see churches and God’s people come together and pray as one body in Christ. The problem was, I didn’t know people outside HighPointe LIFE. It seemed impossible for me to connect with churches from different denomination in Klang, what more other parts of the country coming together to pray! Little did I know that these verses would soon ring true.  

“He grants you your heart's desire and fulfil all your plans.” (Psalm 20:4)
“Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him, and he will act” (Psalm 37:5)


One day, brother Anthony sent me a link to an AOG prayer group and in 2018 God led me to attended Women Prayer Conference in Sibu, Sarawak. Through the WPC group, I was connected to Malaysian United Prayer Wall and 24/7 Praise and Worship group. Praying for the nation WITH the nation was no longer impossible. God was sovereign, loving and all knowing. He is always there waiting for His children to come to Him. Ask, He will answer. 

“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; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.” (Matthew 7:7-8)


As I look back, I thank our Lord Jesus for His protection and the power of His blood that has shielded me, my family and the nurses form Covid-19 viruses. Even though a few of them were infected by the virus all were healed without any complication. Praise be to our Lord Jesus, for answering many of our prayers. We saw many turned to the Lord. We witnessed seeds planted, churches united and lives transformed. 

“In all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28)


Safety Measures & Policies for In-Person Service

01 November 2021

The time has come! We are so thrilled to welcome our family and friends back to our church building for in-person services.

In compliance with the government’s standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure that every worshipper attending service remains safe and healthy, we are unable to accommodate the maximum capacity of our main hall for now. Therefore, we are currently required to limit the number of people able to attend service based on the size of our premise.

We have listed our procedures and protocols below, based on government’s orders and what is appropriate for the collective family at HighPointe LIFE. In doing so, we strife to make every effort in creating a safe and secure environment for everyone.

We will still be live-streaming our services at https://highpointelife.online.church

Thank you for your kind understanding and coorperation. God bless!

SAFETY MEASURES & PROTOCOLS

  1. Only fully-vaccinated individuals are permitted to attend the Sunday services (must have received two doses of vaccine, plus a 14-day quarantine).
  2. If you are experiencing or exhibiting any symptoms such as cough, shortness of breath, chills & rigors, muscle pain and new loss of taste or smell, we would appreciate it if you would STAY AT HOME and attend our service online.
  3. Those with a temperature of 37.5°C and above will not be permitted to enter.
  4. Children aged 6 and below will still NOT be permitted. Children 7-12 must adhere to all policies and SOPs.
  5. On service day, all worshippers will be required to:
    • Wear a mask from the carpark, entering the premise area. Please observe social-distancing.
    • Present your MySejahtera profile & vaccination certificate to greeter (Please note: MySejahtera profiles need to be updated within 7 days from current date)
    • Check-in via MySejahtera App (QR Code) & record your temperature at entrance (must show that you are "LOW-RISK")
    • Sanitize your hands before being admitted into main hall.
    • Sign in at reception (cross-reference RSVP form)
  6. Individuals not rostered in service teams will be allowed to enter the hall from 9:20am and entry will NOT be permitted after 10:10am.
  7. All seats have been placed 1-metre apart. Please DO NOT move seats
  8. If there is a queue while checking-in, kindly maintain a distance of at least 1-metre.
  9. We highly encourage attendees to arrive early to help us facilitate the admittance process smoothly.
  10. All attendees will be required to vacate the main hall within 5 minutes after the service to make way for sanitisation process.
  11. No congregating and gathering in groups within the building and outside our premises.
  12. Hugging, shaking hands and other physical contact is not allowed.

OTHER NOTES

  1. Nursery will not be available as children below 7 are not permitted to attend our services
  2. Each restroom (male/female) will only be available for two individuals at any given time.
  3. Blankets will not be provided so please bring a cardigan or jacket in case you feel cold in the main hall during the service. Kindly note that we will not be adjusting the temperature to cater for individuals.
  4. Tithes & Offering via Bank Transfer is still highly encouraged.

*For information on the government’s SOPs concerning non-Muslim houses of worship for states within the National Recovery Plan (Selangor: Phase 4), click here.

Experiencing The Miracle of Healing and Salvation

12 October 2021

I was born and raised in a Hindu family. I am the eldest of three brothers. I had a tough but good childhood, with loving parents who were always earnestly seeking God. This led me to my own journey and search for God. 

I searched for many years, seeking the truth through religion and different spiritual experiences. Every result of this journey led to more hurdles and left me without the peace and assurance I was looking for. I wanted to know God and ask Him many things. 

I eventually got married and had kids, but the questions kept troubling me: What did all the years of seeking sum up to? Did I want my kids to face the same experience - without assurances and without a clue of where to find God? 

In November 2020, I believe God encountered me and answered so many of the questions I had been asking for years. It all happened through a simple divine appointment with my neighbour, Pastor Daniel. We were just catching up, talking about work and life at the local "mamak" (Malaysian cafe). 

In our conversation, I brought up how I had a bad knee injury that had been troubling me for almost 18 years. (As a former national athlete, I had been tormented by this injury. I was unable to play the sport I loved, and it affected me very badly. I had put on a lot of weight and with the injury, lost my vibrance and my sense of peace). Pastor Daniel, then, offered to pray for me and I experienced God's healing power on my knee almost immediately.

In all my years of seeking treatment and alternative remedies, this had never happened. This was a miracle! I was able to walk without limping. I asked myself how this "God" could be so simple, yet so magnificent. I was taken back by this instant relief. 

Pastor Daniel then shared about God's love and how I was healed in the name of Jesus. He shared how God had died for my sins to save me. My heart just knew that this was the answer I had been searching for all my life. I surrendered my life to Jesus on that day, and a huge weight was lifted off my heart. I felt new, and I felt blessed. 

Since then, I've gone through a time of deliverance where Jesus set me free from many demons and strongholds from my old life. I have also received the infilling of the Holy Spirit. The transformation I've been feeling in my life as I continue to encounter God through his work, power and love is truly amazing. 

God is still teaching me so many things about Himself and my new faith. I truly thank God for this new faith I have found in Jesus and for saving me and showing me His love. I pray that each of you will encounter God's love in the way I have and that God will use you to share his love with the many in need around you.


The God Who Won't Give Up

07 September 2021

Not everyone in Jesus’ world gave him a warm welcome. Not everyone received him with grace. And many didn’t just ignore him, they rejected him.

Isaiah prophesied his reception like this: “He was despised and rejected by men” (Isa. 53:3 NIV).

John summarized the rejection of Jesus with these words: “He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him” (John 1:10-11 NIV).

How did Christ endure treatment like that? At any point he could have said, “I quit. I’ve had enough.” Why didn’t he? What kept him from giving up?

I wonder if Lee Ielpi understands the answer? He is a retired firefighter, a New York City firefighter. He gave twenty-six years to the city. But on September 11, 2001, he gave much more. He gave his son. Jonathan Ielpi was a fireman as well. When the Twin Towers fell, he was there.

Firefighters are a loyal clan. When one perishes in the line of duty, the body is left where it is until a firefighter who knows the person can come and quite literally pick it up. Le made the discovery of his son’s body his personal mission. He dug daily with dozens of others at the sixteen-acre graveyard. One Tuesday, December 11, three months after the disaster, his son was found. And Lee was there to carry him out.

He didn’t give up. The father didn’t quit. He refused to turn and leave. Why? Because his love for his son was greater than the pain of the search. Can’t the same be said about Christ? Why didn’t he quit? Because the love for his children was greater than the pain of the journey. He came to pull you out. Your world had collapsed. That’s why he came. You were dead, dead to sin. That’s why he came. He loves you. That’s why he came.

That’s why he endured the distance between us. “Love…endures all things.”

That’s why he endured the resistance from us. “Love…endures all things.”

That’s why he went the final step of the incarnation: “God made him who had not sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Cor. 5:21 NIV).

Why did Jesus do that? There is only one answer. And that answer has one word. Love. And that love of Christ “bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things” (1 Cor. 13:7 NKJV).

Think about that for a moment. Drink from that for a moment. Drink deeply. Don’t just sip or nip. It’s time to gulp. It’s time to let his love cover all things in your life. All secrets. All hurts. All hours of evil, minutes of worry.

The mornings you awoke in the bed of a stranger? His love will cover that. The years you peddled prejudice and pride? His love will cover that. Every promise broken, drug taken, penny stolen. Every cross word, cuss word, and harsh word. His love covers all things.

Let it. Discover along with the psalmist. “He…loads me with love and mercy” (Ps. 103:4). Picture a giant dump truck full of love. There you are behind it. God lifts the bed until the love starts to slide. Slowly at first, then down, down, down until you are hidden, buried, covered in his love.

“Hey, where are you?” someone asks.

“In here, covered in love.”

Let his love cover all things.

Do it for his sake. To the glory of his name.

Do it for your sake. For the peace of your heart.

And do it for their sake. For the people in your life. Let his love fall on you so yours can fall on them.

(published with permission)

Once A Pawn, Always a Pawn?

20 July 2021

What is the least valuable piece in a chess set? The most common assignment of point value system esteems the pawn at one point, a far cry of the queen’s score of nine. It’s common knowledge that the pawn is perhaps the weakest piece in the chess game, hence the assigned number. Why wouldn’t it be? If quantity reflects the quality — the lesser the amount, the more valuable it is — the pawn is miles behind. Even if all the eight pawns decide to gang up together, they are still one point short of the queen.

The positioning of the pawn reflects its value significantly as well. Forming the frontline of all the pieces, they are the first ones ready to be sacrificed. Any player will be more willing to sacrifice a pawn, more than any other piece. Owh, the insignificance of a pawn when it’s given freely! How about the limitation of movements? A queen moves horizontally, vertically, diagonally at any number of boxes at any time. The rook is allowed horizontal and vertical moves, while the bishop diagonally, but still at any distance they wish. The knight, the most unique one of all, gets L-shape directions. The pawn? Only a step forward. With grace, two steps on your first move. Isn’t it clear that the pawn is indeed the weakest and least valuable piece of a chess game?

Here’s where I stop the train of thoughts to prove you wrong.

First, the pawn forms the frontline. In other words, the defense. Have you seen any player move all his/her pawns up on the first stance? Not even Beth Harmon in the Queen’s Gambit does it. You don’t do it because you’ll leave the backline exposed and vulnerable. A smiling opponent waiting to prowl like a lion, ever thankful to attack. They might not be attacking-minded, but a good strategy does not consist of attacking only. Using the analogy of a different sport, the great football manager Sir Alex Ferguson once said, “Attack wins you games, but defense wins you titles.”

Secondly, a pawn is ever willing to sacrifice himself. A pawn lost for a battle won. They are the most courageous ones, the bravest lots, and the most loyal soldiers. To sacrifice oneself for a better cause speaks nothing but faithfulness of the highest kind to the long term goal, to win. Here you have, though not the most powerful piece, but the one that’s first to raise his hand, one you couldn’t find in any other. I present to you, the most faithful Sir Pawn.

And if you ever noticed, there are two characteristics found in a pawn that are in no other.

A pawn only moves forward. A queen has the free pass to motion front and back. A rook retreats when being attacked. A bishop swirls up and down. A knight gallops in random directions. But the pawn, he only steps forward. Even with the risk of death, he marches forward. He never ever in a battle withdraws backwards. Talk about being single-focused, unswerving commitment, unyielding vision and uncompromisable mission. And he treads forward with one goal in mind, to reach the other end of the battleline.

Because unlike no other piece, a pawn can be transformed. A promotion, you may call it. A queen remains the pompous queen throughout the battle. The rook stands its shape as big as ever. A knight stays on his horse. A bishop can forget about being the pope. They endure their roles until they die. But a pawn? “Neh, boring. I’m different,” he said. A pawn can be changed into any other piece upon reaching the other end. Anything, even a queen? You bet. How about the king? Don’t go overboard.

A pawn will never exist as a pawn forever. The due reward for his faithful courage, willingly standing his line, and forcefully moving forward in the thick and thin of the battle. Towards the end of the battle, you’ll begin to see the importance of the pawn. When every other piece falls along the way, the player tries to keep his pawns in the combat, striding them forward until the end. Because he knows one thing, a pawn can metamorphosize like a butterfly. And what a change it can do to the contest. The one who seemed the weakest at the beginning, is now the strongest.

Once a pawn always a pawn, until you make it to the other end.

A Christian's Response:

Which one do you want to be? The prestigious queen? The rugged rook? The handsome knight? The cunning bishop? Or the lowly pawn? I know what I want to be.

A piece that guards the gospel and defends the very cause of my life. To form the defense line of the Christian faith. (2 Timothy 1:8–14)

A piece ever faithful, ever loyal. To be able to share in the suffering, to sacrifice for the cause of Christ. (2 Timothy 2:3–7)

A piece that moves forward. To stand firm in Scripture in perseverance against the grains of the world. (2 Timothy 3:14–17)

A piece with a goal in mind — to reach the end. To complete the Christian calling as I run the marathon journey of life. (2 Timothy 4:6–8)

A piece that one day will be transformed in God’s glory.

A piece that says: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith.” (2 Timothy 4:7)


(published with permission)

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