A DREAM GIVEN BY GOD

D'SWEET TOUCH DELI started with no blueprint or plan but was birthed within two months.

A new beginning

In 2001, a member from our TOUCH chorale baked a cheese cake to celebrate his graduation from SHATEC. I had the opportunity to sample the cake and it was a pure delight. I commented; "this guy can start a cake shop!" I never realize that it was the beginning of a journey that God had intended for me. Jeff, who bakes, shared with me about his dream and passion to start a cake shop. I felt inclined to share in his dream and God has placed a desire in my heart to help him. But, as a Pastor, I was clueless in the pursuit of any business. Somehow, the name "Sweet Touch" was coined.

I gathered two Christian businessmen to share with them this venture and to tap on their experiences. We met on four occasions but to no avail and I believed that it was not Gods timing. Soon, everyone busied themselves and Jeffs dream was shelved.

The following year, I heard that Jeff started his own operation from home and adopted the name "Sweet Touch". I rejoiced with him feeling a released from the responsibility of helping him to fulfil his dream. In supporting him, I would order Jeffs cakes whenever any member in my G12 celebrates birthdays. Back then, I have a personal favourite choc cake from a reputable shop, but, after tasting Jeffs Choc Truffle, I simply fell in love with it. I encouraged Jeff that his cakes were great and his skills have improved after two years of drilling in his kitchen.

One day, I received an SMS message from Jeff and these were his words; "Pastor Joe, if you like my cakes so much, why don't you invest in me and my cakes?" These were words God have initially convicted me to help Jeff realized his passion. I felt that it was time to revisit my commitment and asked Jeff to give me a proposal and to find a place. There was still no blueprint and plan. Honestly, I was not passionate about starting any business except for this spirit of responsibility and I thought it would take another two years before making any headway.

Beginning of the search

In March 2004, Jeff found an eatery place at the basement of Plaza Hotel. It was love at first sight for Jeff. I contacted the two businessmen and tried to rekindle their interest. One of them travels extensively and since we have no plan, there was no progress. Though the shop was nice but it was a "ghost town"!

Meanwhile, I thought of introducing another person into this venture. I have a wonderful friend who is now residing in New Zealand. When he was in Singapore in February, I shared with him about helping Jeff to start a cake shop. Guess what? That night, I discovered that he has a similar passion and we were immediately connected. He is a millionaire and an experienced man in the marketplace, which, I felt could provide valuable support and advice. When he returned to New Zealand, I would correspond with him through email.

Back to the location, I was not sure about the "ghost town" though the rent was alright. Initially, Jeff and I would love to have a place at Parkway Parade or Plaza Singapura where there are crowds. But, the rent for a small place in these areas was from $18K to $25K. I asked Jeff, "How many cakes do you want to bake?" We did not want to enslave ourselves to a costly location. That night, after surveying the place, I wrote an email to my friend in New Zealand. In the midst of writing in the report about the place wasn't visible, the LORD interrupted and gave me a word; "Joe, I am leading you to a place that is not visual but I will lead the people there! If the place is visual, when success comes, the glory will go to the locality but because it is not visual, the glory will go to the Lord!" I was encouraged! Low rent and success? I could handle that!

As we prayed about the Plaza Hotel, we did not have peace and Jeff has to find another place. A few days later, Jeff found a location in Shenton Way. Yes, it sounded so pricy and so visual. After some encouragement from Jeff, we went down for a site survey. I remembered it was on a Monday, and on my way there, I kept thinking that the place must not be visual because that was what the Lord said. When we finally arrived, the eatery place was on the 2nd floor and it was not visual. Well, the good part was that it passed the Spirit "non visual" prompting and the rent was acceptable. While surveying the place, there was a heavy downpour which resulted in a massive flood in Singapore. As it was lunch hour, the place was buzzing with business. We thought to ourselves that this place was good. However, we did not realize that it was not the norm. The norm was slightly better than the "ghost" town. But, God knew how to encourage us.

We discussed with the landlord our intention to rent the place. Nothing was confirmed. Meanwhile, two BIG boys, a Japanese and a Thai (its 4th outlet) restaurant owners were also viewing the place. The Thai restaurant owner showed interest in placing a deposit. Jeff was anxious and concerned that we might lose the place. I was cool and said that if the Lord intended the place for us, no one could have it and if it was not from God, I do not want it either. Sounded spiritual? Yes, lots of truth in it! But, the truth was because I was not prepared to take the plunged in committing to the rent and with no business plan. However, we found favour with the landlord and was awarded the place even after relating to the landlord that Jeff and I have no experience as I am a Pastor and Jeff is a baker. I thought to myself, if I were the landlord, I would have offered the place to one of the two BIG boys who were able to finance the rent and a long-term contract.

As we have no business plan, we thought of doing what the rest of the eatery shops did. We ran a canteen style makan place with bakery services. The other business partners, however, withdrew from the venture and apparently it would be easier on Jeff so that he does not have to report to too many heads. With that understanding, I released the other investors and right then the Lord spoke to me again; "This is not the only Deli that I am bringing about; I will bring forth a string of such Deli." Wow! I was not in the least bit thinking of any string of Deli but was thinking on what to do with this place? Meanwhile, I receive an email from my New Zealand friend that he and his wife will not venture into anything without a resounding "Yes!" from the Lord. It was a right spirit and I respected his decision. Though I felt alone in this, but, I just could not put Jeff on the hold anymore.

Beginning to take shape

I see myself then as an investor. I thought that it would be unfair to involve others as I do not have the time to drive this. What if a worst scenario happened? How am I going to account for their investments? I decided to move on, and besides, if the word about the "string of Deli" was from God, it will come to pass. I felt that it will be a steep learning curve for Jeff and I and it was better not to involve others. Things began to take shape.

To renovate the place, I contacted a former choral member who had helped us planned our former music office. As she was not a café designer, she referred me to her friend, Cindy. Cindy designed the MacAfee and that appeared good. I related to Cindy that I have no idea about café or deli as I am a Pastor who does not frequent such places and neither do I know much about business. I told her that I wanted to help a brother-in-Christ realized his passion. Immediately, she offered her services on a goodwill fee. I was amazed at her gesture as she does not even know Jeff or me. We prayed and commissioned Cindy to do a good job. Cindy drew a design which I wish I could show you, as it was one that both Jeff and I embraced with satisfaction. It was great but we did not know how costly it would be. She then drew a birds eye-view plan for submission to MOE. We were told that it will take about 3 to 5 days before they would revert, so we thought we have time to find a contractor. When Jeff brought the plan to MOE it was approved on the spot! We were pleasantly shocked! What was next was to engage a contractor! I was sure Cindy could provide.

While playing golf at Seletar Country Club, I got to know a golfer by the name of Charles. About 6 months ago, I shared with Charles about Jesus Christ and it was a joy to lead him to accept Christ into his heart. Since then, we became good friends. Charles is a millionaire and a very expensive contractor in the eyes of many. His advice to me was to get three quotations for comparison purposes. Charles too, sent his quotation. When Cindy heard about Charles, she knew he is good but was sure that I could not afford his services. Cindys contractor also submitted his quotation. To our surprise, Charles quotation was the best. When I told Charles, he exclaimed, "Hallelujah!" I was sure that it was the anointing of Gods favour.

My neighbour, Ben, is also a golfer at Seletar CC. He visited the Deli and supplied us the air-conditioner at a very good price. It even came with a free 2nd hand split air-conditioner. I am blessed! By now, we have completed the business infrastructure.

Beginning to move

We finally sat down to think about our menu besides selling cakes. We offered what other Delis provide; sandwiches, coffee and tea. However, the Lord inspired us with the idea of a fusion between the East and the West. To differentiate ourselves, we have an Asian specialty on our daily menu. Again, at Seletar CC, I met Irene who specialises in cooking Mee Siam, Prawn Noodles and Laksa Yong Tau Foo. I asked if she would be able to help and she was most willing. From Monday to Wednesday we have each of the three Asian specialties. When I reflected on how God connected me to Charles, Ben and Irene, I realised that I was not merely playing golf at Seletar CC but God has positioned these persons to provide me their services. But, I still do not have the Asian lunches for Thursday and Friday.

One day, I sensed from the Fathers heart the purpose for the Deli. It was to provide a New Hope and Beginning for people who are the rejects in the community. I was referring to one of my ministry members who had gone for a party in Malaysia and was caught for taking drug. He is now serving a jail term. Before serving his term, he accepted the Lord as his Saviour and we witnessed how his life was transformed. I knew that after his release from the prison, he will have problem getting a job. I felt the Fathers heart for such as this. Little did I realize that God has other plan?

One night in my studies, I was thinking about whom I can get to service the Thursday and Friday lunches. The Lord brought Julia Lam, a long time friend who is working among the retirees in TOUCH Community Services to mind. Yes, perhaps she could refer me to the retirees who could spare the time and skill in cooking to earn some pocket money. I called Julia without revealing the Deli business. In my exploration, there was no one that Julia knew who could fit the bill. Oh well, nice try! Anyway, in our casual conversation, she told me that she has a new portfolio, which is, working with the intellectually disabled. Her heart is full of compassion for them and shared with me that these are the rejects of our society. Some are marginally intellectually disabled, but with proper training, they could hold a simple job if given a chance. She mentioned that she and her staff were brainstorming on how to assimilate them into the society. She wrote on the board, starting a Café, but, with no finances and experience. When I heard that word over the phone, the Lord revealed to me that His heart was for this "people that are rejected by the society". I felt my heart pounding with excitement as I felt Gods heartbeat on this. In my excitement, I revealed to Julia that the Lord has inspired me to start a Deli. She must have almost fallen off her chair and exclaimed, "Hallelujah, its an answer to prayer!" We discussed how we could work towards assimilating some of these intellectually disabled people back into society. I am excited about God's plan for this people.

One night, I received a call from a friend from Seletar CC. We were in Perth last year but, we rarely keep in touch. He called to ask if I could provide a contact to get an air ticket to send her daughter back to Perth. After helping him, I asked David where he was working as I vaguely remember that he was with DBS. I was certainly hoping for the Shenton Way branch. David said he left DBS and is now with SGX which is directly opposite DSweet Touch Deli. Praise The Lord! I began to share with him about the Deli and when he heard that Irene from Seletar is helping me he was very excited. He exclaimed that her Mee Siam is the best in Singapore and was enthusiastic in bringing his SGX staff to try it out. When I heard that, I was reminded of what God has said that He will bring people there. Reflecting on this now, I could see that David was greatly used by God in bringing people to the Deli. The Deli has become like SGX Deli. Even the VP and CEO have visited the place. They were so fascinated with the food and the ambience that they invited us to start our 2nd branch in SGX building (even though we have just started operation for only four weeks). I knew God has given me a word that He is bringing forth a chain of Delis, but it was unbelievable that it will happen so fast. We were not ready to expand but in His time, it will come to pass.

The next day, I met a very friendly neighbour, Wesley, and I asked him where he works. It seems like I have a special interest in where people work these days. Wesley said that he works in DBS Shenton Way. I was so excited, and likewise, in his excitement, he committed to spread the news of the Deli to the DBS staff. God sent another high flyer, who service DBS Piority bankers into my path. When he heard of the Delis testimony, he offered to send the promos to his 2000 clients. God is certainly honouring his word!

Most café or Deli provides a good sound system with piped-in music to entertain diners. I was looking for something like the Bose Accostic Mass, well, at least the "look alike"! A friend suggested the place, Atlas Sound, to check the Bose system. My reaction was; "Don't waste time" as it was too costly. The home system is more than $4K. Reluctantly, we went. We found that there was a one cube speaker and subwoofer selling at a Festival price of approximately $600 instead of $700. Bearing in mind the renovation cost that we have to incur, I decided to delay the purchase till end of April (before the offer ends). The next day, I received an SMS message from this friend, "Pastor Joe, you must have found favour with God. Atlas Sound is having a promo with the opening of Lot 1 at Choa Chu Kang and the Bose system that you were looking at is going for only $208". Wow! The timing was amazing and this must be from God! Yes, the Bose is servicing you beautifully whenever you are at the Deli.

Meanwhile, Jeff was scouting for all the disposables (cups, utensils, plates, etc.). One afternoon, it was an unplanned walk to my office front reception that I met Vincent Yee, a faithful usher from FCBC. I asked, "Hi Vincent, how is your distribution of the Pi Pa Kao sweet?" He responded by saying that he has left the sweet company. He then handed me a brochure on all the disposable items (comes neatly with a chef hat). What excites me was when he said that he has no intention to be in the office but came to have lunch with his Pastor. When he was about to leave, he saw the Holy Communion cups in his car and recalled that a Pastor wanted some sample. He decided to bring the cups to the reception counter and then disappear in 15 secs. In those 15 secs, God connected us and Vincent was able to offer us a rock bottom price for our disposables.

Even the chairs at the Deli were arranged by the Lord. The designer, Cindy, wanted a cushioned, wooden-legged chair costing $175 each. But a company in KL could supply us for S$95. It was a good saving but, I have to TT a 50% down payment. I was uncomfortable with this arrangement but was assured that a sample chair will be delivered for viewing.

Meanwhile, Jeff brought me to a table stand supplier to view our table stand. When we were about to leave, Jeff showed me a nice chair costing only $50, and he mentioned that it was originally what Cindy wanted. Anyway, it was too late as I have committed myself to view the chair from KL. Just then, the owner of the shop approached us and explained that the chairs were ordered by someone but eventually the order was cancelled. He was stuck with the chairs (the numbers, of which, was what we required). I casually said to Jeff, "Don't be surprised if the Lord has planned this for us!" The day when the sample chair was supposed to arrive, there was nothing in sight. I decided against the KL offer and revert to the vendor who has the undelivered chairs. Surprisingly, the chairs were reserved for us! Yes! God had planned for it and nobody can take them away.

Beginning to operate

Though there was a slight delay in the renovation work, we decided to open on May 11. Just 2 days before starting business, a man was standing at the window looking intensely into the Deli. Being friendly, I invited him in, but, was surprised by his first remark, "Have you all done a survey?" Then he explained that he has a coffee shop downstairs which is more visible. When he rented the shop next to the Deli six months ago, he had to end his business. The next owner operated for a month and had to close down. The unit that we are using, he continued, was a joint venture between the owner and the ex-tenant, they too could not survive (though rental fee was not an issue)! It appeared that all the eateries were having problems and he went on to paint me a series of shops that failed. I was not discouraged even as I felt the goose pimples over my arms - I was excited! It will have to be God to survive!

After reading up to this point, you could sense in your spirit that it has been the Lords work. I knew that God was about to show His reality and power to transform failure to success. I shared with this man by the name of Joseph that it was God who helped us to survive. I related to him that I am not a businessman and Jeff is best at baking but we were just being obedient to Gods leadership which led us to where we were and God will manifest His power. He felt so convicted of the reality of God and has been watching us to see what God will continue to do.

When we started the business on May 11, there was no announcement or any fanfare. It was a quiet opening as we were not confident if we were ready to serve well. That was a memorable day because all our Asian lunches were sold out! Where did all the people come from? It has to be GOD! We saw a steady stream of people coming every lunch hour and we knew it must be GOD!

I could not help but became very passionate because of the leadership of the Lord. He gave me 3 verses:

God chose the foolish things to confound the wise. I regarded myself as foolish because with no business acumen and blueprint, I dared plunged into the marketplace.

God said that he will transfer the wealth of the ungodly into the hands of His elects so that His purpose for the last days will be accomplished.

He has plans to prosper us and not to destroy us. And plan that will give us a future and hope. He plans only for our success!

I felt the calling and mandate to challenge the entrepreneurs and businessmen of the Kingdom of God to rise up and live right before God. Many people dichotomised that God is only interested in the church and ministry where He would manifest Himself and when they return to the marketplace, they would employ the standards of the world. They would bring people to the type of entertainments or say things that would close deals and yet knew that it dishonour God. I know that God wants to be exalted and honoured in every aspect of our lives but we must live right, have integrity, be God fearing, walk in righteousness and see God honouring us. As written in 2 Kings, God honour those who live right before Him and punished those who did not!

Three years later

After procrastinating for 2 weeks, I finally decided to put my thoughts into writing. It was my usual early morning "walk with Jesus" that I felt the prompting of the Lord to write. The longer I waited, the greater the uneasy feeling as it posed a challenged to my obedience to that prompting. So, here goes.. the continuing story of D'Sweet Touch Deli that God has entrusted to me.

It has been 3 years of perseverance! Yes, I have poured money to sustain the business. Believe me, I have considered many times to close it. I do not need to be a businessman to know that if a business do not survive after the first year, the natural move is to end it, but, I was unable to do that because of three reasons.

This testimony powerfully revealed God's handiwork which I am encouraged by reading it again and again and found strength to press on.
The lives of many of the staff would be affected.

His words that He will bring forth a string of Deli was hidden in my heart and has yet to be fulfilled.

After 2 years, I really could not see the light in the tunnel and as the lease was expiring, it was a perfect time and reason to close it. I have sacrificed my regular Monday golf game for the Deli and I really long to return onto the golf course on my off day! Also, I guess deep down in my heart, I knew that I do not have a passion for the food industry and was just operating from a heart of obedience. I knew that God has intended this Deli to be a "A Place of New Beginning". I have seen on piecemeal this "New Beginning" happened and was very encouraged.

Just as when I thought I have done my part to obey and "happily" close it after 2 years since Jeff, my partner was not able to fly it (needless to say that I did not drive it with my limitations), God brought fresh input to sustain the Deli. He brought along the CEO of Deli France to advise and establish a system of Western food that could bring about the "chain of Deli". God even brought a lady from FCBC, who is an hotelier, to help bring in businesses, and these were strangers to me. Yes, I was very encouraged and thought the time has FINALLY come!

The whole Deli was revamped and I signed another year lease to see what God want to accomplish since He engineered such connections. Well, the Deli did not take off but, Jeff, my partner did after experiencing a "money not enough" syndrome. I was very lost as I was left with this baby that I did not ask. My immediate reaction was to close it! After all, we were taught in FCBC to find the staff first.

It was then that God brought Tony into my path. When I first met Tony, I knew him as someone who is hard working and has some experience in the food industry (as he was serving his time in the halfway house). Back then, he has left the halfway house and worked as a driver with a catering company while pursuing a diploma course. To cut the long story short, he was able to come on board to help me run the Deli. He has found favor with his ex-boss who was able to release him to help this desperate Pastor.

Tony has given me many opportunities to counsel him and has helped him to grow as he received the teachings of being objective and God fearing. All the precious lessons that I have learned in FCBC under the leadership of Pastor Lawrence, I was able to pour them out to Tony with Gods love.

Three years passed quickly and it was time again to consider renewing the lease, or, to wrap it up? It was both an easy and hard decision. It was easy to close, because the Deli has not turn from red to black in its accounts, hard, because I know that the staff, especially Tony will be affected. I was really seeking the Lord and asked my spiritual father for counsel. I was comforted to hear that God is pleased that I have obeyed and tried my best and even if I close the Deli, it was ok! But, I had no peace.

So, I asked Tony what he wanted to do. In short, he said that he is comfortable in the food catering industry. Ok! Prayerfully, we looked for a place and see how God lead us. Tony search thoroughly for months and every place he showed me, I did not feel the confirmation of God in my spirit. Months went by and Tony must have wondered if I was really serious. I did not allow any pressure to speed up the search. As long as I did not feel the confirmation, I was not ready to go!

A place at Jalan Kayu which was near my house was up for take over. When I was there, I felt really good. I tested if this was the confirmation from the Lord. My sister, Constance, and my cousin were with me and I recalled saying that this is the place and I believe God has directed this place to us. The place was operated by the previous owner for only 2 months and currently, he was the 3rd owner. The kitchen was well setup with grease trap and exhauster besides the other equipments. The asking price was $15K, but, I was prepared to part with only $12K.

I contacted Johnny that night and offered him $12K. He actually laughed and said that his brother has committed to his friend for $18K. I felt stupid as I knew that it was worth more than $15K. I was just not prepared to offer more. Anyway, I told my cousin who was with me then that if the Lord plan to give me that place, I will have it anyhow and I felt that God will let me have it.

Anyway, I thank Johnny for his time and shared with him the purpose God has entrusted the Deli to me. I invited him to church and thought that it was the end of the deal. Half an hour later, Johnny called me and said that he could not stopped thinking about what I have said. He also wanted to contribute to Gods purpose for the Deli and, hence, committed the place to me. God was convicting his heart, though he was unaware of it!

This news brought great delight to my soul because I know with all certainty of heart that God has shown His will and leadership. Tony has been instrumental in getting all that were necessary to setup this place. This is the first time we are operating in a heartland and it is a great test of our patience and trust in the Lord.

Now back to the morning walk. That morning, my heart was warmth as I reflected on the transformation I saw in Tony's life. He commented that the counsel I gave him were new as he has never heard before and certainly, Tony has learnt well and I was very pleased with him. God is in the process to make him into a great man. Tony has a heart to help his fellow friends who have gone astray and are in need of a New Beginning.

Continuing my walk with the Lord, I sensed that He is testing my obedience if I was willing to value my possession and saved it or be willing to part with it so as to give someone a chance to have a New Beginning. Well, three years of testing was a long process but anyway, the money is His.

The next day, He led me to read Deuteronomy Chapter 8. This chapter happened to be my assignment which I would be doing with my Network. I read about the Lord putting us through tests for our wellbeing and that we are not to forget the Lord as He prospers us. My spirit leapt within me as I felt the affirmation of the 3-year testing and the promises of His blessings. I certainly desire so much to be a blessing. Yes, I have yet to see the fulfillment of the words that I have heard but, I will wait patiently knowing that if it is from the Lord it will come to pass. If not, I will still love God with all my heart, soul and strength.

I heard this warmth news from Tony. He was sharing with a lady from Turning Point, a halfway house for ladies, about D' Sweet Touch and the vision God has entrusted me with. She related to Tony that the ladies in the home have low success rate of recovery as they were unable to acquire new trade as compared with the men. The ladies would stay at home idling and soon, be back into drugs. She was asking if she could explore with me in sending her ladies to the Deli to learn new skills in helping them find a job. I was very excited about this and believed that God is using this place as a new beginning for many to come.

The Lord has also led an assistant cook to work in the Deli. Ah Choon has been in and out of prison for the last eight times. While speaking to him, I knew that he has been changed by the power of God. He knows that he has wasted many years of his life and desire for acceptance and a new beginning. D' Sweet Touch Deli is the place that God is nurturing him and I am confident that God will bless him as he walk uprightly before Him.

God has also blessed Deli with a great chief cook when we specialize in food catering. Mr Lee was a pre-believer and has a wealth of experience in his culinary skill. Even as he served at Sweet Touch Deli, he has been observing my life intensely and soon he prayed to receive Christ. God has chosen Mr Lee and anointed him with such favour in his cooking that amazed him. Everyone who has tasted his food was so satisfied that compliments were overwhelming. I knew it is 100% man and 100% God.

I have an exciting journey ahead of me as there are many lives that can be touched, saved and transformed for His Glory. I felt so blessed and privileged that God would choose someone like me! I stand amazed.

Thank you for taking time to read this story and sharing the dream that God has given me. Please pray for me and for the team in D' Sweet Touch Deli. If you have any catering need, dont forget us,

From my heart

Joe