Jaspoon

Ideas Room

2010-09-24T23:54:00.001+08:00

I chanced upon this article and it gave me more thoughts of what I have been thinking since July. I like the fact that the writer have a balance view about ideas. This article is not saying throw away all tested ideas but rather on top of grounded methods, make huge space for ideas from the unheard-of and the inexperienced.

Well, Let me know your thoughts and also your ideas about doing church and ministry. I'm making rooms for ideas and lots of it. Post your thoughts on my blog and do get your friends to read this post so they can give me ideas of doing church as well!

Make Room for New Ideas by Ben Arment

Hundreds of thousands of pastors have converged upon South Barrington, Illinois, at one time or another to attend a Willow Creek conference. For years, it was Mecca for outreach-minded church leaders. They came to learn the models and methods of this larger-than- life church. And that’s a shame.

It’s a shame that most of us missed the beginning of Willow Creek Community Church. We missed the college class where Bill Hybels caught the vision for a New Testament church from Dr. Bilezikian. We missed selling vegetables door-to-door with a teenaged Nancy Beach to help pay the bills. We missed the years of meeting in a movie theater and the infamous “train wreck” (detailed in Rediscovering Church by Lynne & Bill Hybels) that almost killed the church.

Most of us caught the back end of the vision for Willow Creek, when it was tested, proven, and old. Once it broke all records in church ministry, we finally paid attention. When the lakeside auditorium was built and the escalators were installed, we finally woke up. And that’s a shame.

It’s a shame that we only catch on to great ideas when they’re no longer new. Willow Creek is a living monument to the power of vision, but we seem to have learned nothing from its story. When was the last time you paid any attention to a recent college graduate with a dream?

It’s a shame because the future is in the new.

Last year, I worked at Catalyst Conference, where we hosted 12,000 church leaders in Atlanta, 3,500 in California, and thousands of others at one-day events all across the country. The events were packed, the excitement was contagious, and the momentum was unquestionable. This year’s gathering in Atlanta sold out at 13,000 people and became the highest trending topic on Twitter. But hardly anyone was excited about Catalyst when it started. They had to give away hundreds of free tickets in its first year. Only two or three sponsors were interested in exhibiting. The early bird deadline was extended at least three times to reel in the stragglers. Nearly two-thirds of the attendees came from North Point Community Church, and that only happened because Andy Stanley promoted it for $49 two weeks before the event.

What a shame.

We miss out on the most important season of a vision’s lifecycle because we have an undying love for proven ideas and a blatant disregard for new ones. We don’t want to tolerate the hardships or the impossible odds that come with new ideas. We don’t want to take a risk on something untested. We want to gather where others are gathering, celebrate what others are celebrating, and affirm what others are affirming.

I’ll never forget the story of how a pastor visiting Willow Creek got caught measuring the distance from the rear doors to the front stage, presumably for his own building campaign. He wanted his church to be just like Willow’s, but without the unique vision. I think he missed the point. And unfortunately, so have most of us.

This year, a considerable number of conferences are closing down. Rob Bell just announced the end of NOOMA. The time is ripe for fresh, new vision, but it’s not going to come from what is already established and proven. The future comes from the new. And this means we all have to take some risks. We have to start looking for great ideas in their infancy. We can’t dismiss a young staffer’s audacious idea just because he’s inexperienced. Sure, he’ll make mistakes, but his idea will become refined by the process. It just might be the next great revolution in the church.

We have to trade our preferences for potential. If we go to the same conferences, listen to the same podcasts, and follow the same preachers, we’ll get more of the same. It’s time to shuffle the iPod and discover some new opportunities.

We have to be willing to break some rules. Great ideas turn into systems that get repeated over and over again. So when a new idea comes along, it threatens our way of doing things. We’ll be inclined to say, “You’re not allowed to do that.” But we have to be willing to break the rules if these new ideas have a shot at making it.

So go ahead—honor the idea-makers of the past. But make room for the obscure, the unheard-of, and the ridiculous. The future is in the new.

A Tribute to Daddy, Poon Sheng Khim

2010-05-19T23:13:00.003+08:00

A good looking young man

2nd honeymoon to China (1994)

Sis's big day

Celebrating Mother's day (2002)

Celebrating Dad's bdae (2004)

Dad is a chinese man who started out as a businessman. Met his wife in an arranged marriage and had wonderful 4 children. Business went burst and make a change in his career as a bus driver. Care for the children though he will not communicate feelings to each of them.

He NEVER beat anyone of his children and believes his angry tone is good enough to stop us from being naughty. It works!

He brought Vincent to a funfair and spent quality time with his elder son 1-1 when brother is just in his teens.

Dad waited in a dark living room for his 3rd child, Jasmine, because she had a very late campfire event when she was just 14. When dad saw her reached home safely, he went straight to the room and sleep.

He worked 12 hours shift work as a bus driver and take no leave. He see us through tertiary education and didn't pressure anyone of us in academic. That's his style of raising kids and it works for us. I enjoy so much in my childhood because my parent don't set too high expectation. You gives room for us to explore and make mistakes. So I can play and explore and play and explore. ha!

Dad travelled with mom to China and Bangkok after he retired. Maybe this is 2nd honeymoon. <3

Dad seldom share his feeling with us but I knew he is very sad when grandma passed away in 1996.

Dad is not a quarrelsome man but when he is angry, we know he is really angry. So we know we won't mess up with him. He is a man who loves his family.

I learnt abt being responsiblity from dad's life. To be responsible over our lives and be responsible for our loved ones. You takes care of grandma, mom and us. Thank you for all you have done for us and I will treasure and remember your care and concern. Thanks Dad and you will always in our hearts and thoughts!

We Love You Daddy! I will see you soon!

Dust to Dust

2010-05-18T16:15:00.010+08:00

Time flies as dad has passed on for about 2 weeks. I felt it was just yesterday at his sick bed looking at him catching his last breath and then exhale his last. I was comforted that I was with him at his last of last stage and God granted my wish.

2 weeks ago, many things that went through my mind and emotion welled up in me. I should be glad that he is free from suffering and going to Jesus in heaven and I will meet him soon. Yet on the other hand, I was sad that he really leave the family and the world. Tears kept flowing like rushing sea. I knew what sleepless night was. Memories how he worked hard for the family, cared for me and my siblings in his quiet and chinese man ways kept me awake. Thank you Dad for raising us up and your input and contribution will be in us forever. <3 You!

Thanks to God and all my friends who supported me for the past 2 weeks. I knew I'm going to meet dad soon (though he didn't have a Christian wake but it will be his faith that will lead him to Christ).

Last week was surreal because I got to slow down to think and rest. When I saw my dad's ashes and bones at the cremation center, this verse filled my entire mind, "Since from it you were taken; for dust you are and to dust you will return."

Dad's death has slowed me down and asking myself what really matters to me. Jesus' life showed me what really matters and what really last. This is something I heard, discussed and preached before. However, as I reflects, I was taken to a whole new level.

What matters the most : His relationship with me and People he loves. Luke 10:27

This 2 last forever and for eternity. It's nothing new but God used dad's death and bring me to a place and moment where he showed me His heart - what really matters to Him and what will really last.

My relationship with Jesus and People he has created - my family, friends, colleagues, neighbours, church, people I know and people I don't know.

In 40-50 years later, dust am formed, dust I will go. What matters will be how I live my life on this earth. Am I growing and thriving as a believer and shine His glory? Have I impacted my family, friends, neighbours, church, people who are far from God? Have I influence and love all that God has placed in my life? Have I live a maximised life?

Well, I can't say I have did and done it. I think there are so much room and potential to develop in. But now, when I ask me and look at my priority, what matters really?

My answer will be Jesus and People!

I 'HEART' NG8 - 1 year Anniversary!

2010-04-18T17:33:00.003+08:00

I have wanted to post this blog over Easter weekend but I was too busy to do so. So, I'm doing it now...*guilty smile*

I'm in NG8 Sub D for 1 year! I have learnt much and gained much when I started to serve and lead the people in the sub district. I remembered Cara has planned to relocate to KL for her full time work for HIM and Ps Jeff has approached me about serving and leading the sub-D.

I was thankful for this opportunity yet also a little apprehensive because it will be my 1st time leading adult group. I'm not sure whether I can be up to it. Anyway, I'm certain it will be a good development area for me to learn the ropes of reaching and discipling adults of different background and profession. So, I took it up.

It's been a year since then. Time flies so fast that I thought it was yesterday. I still feel that I'm a greenhorn yet I have gained much understanding and experience in adult ministry over the 356 days. There are many leadership lesson I have learnt through hearing different stories, solving growth barrier, helping believers transiting to new life station, and many others.

Defintely, the past 1 year, I have build closer relationship with likeminded leaders in the sub-D.

Appreciate Kuan Long, Kelly, Victor, Elaine soooooooooooo much! I enjoyed all the time and conversation we had over a meal or a drink. I enjoyed those inprompto Christmas shopping we had. I love the house visitation and play with the baby - joel! I enjoyed the 1-1 time when we can talk about family, work, hobbies and courtship stories. I love many moments that we prayed for each other. I appreciate all the support you have given to me as a new leader and friend.

I just wanna to say a big Thank You! I 'heart' NG8!

God, take everyone of the believers in our sub-D to where you wants us to be. The best is yet to be and we know you will take us there. Take us into another level this year, your favour, power and influence!

I asked the same thing as Jabez asked in 1Chron 4:10, "Oh, that you would bless each and everyone in NG8 and enlarge our spiritual territory! Let your hand be with us, and keep us from harm so that we will be free from pain. And God granted my request."

SEED stories

2010-04-17T23:59:00.000+08:00

Spent an awesome time with a group of movers and shakers of the nation. I was totally blown off when some Polydins care leaders was sharing what God has done and doing in their lives and their group. At one point, there is some joyful tears welling up in my eyes! (maybe it's the jokes they cracked?!?!?!)

God, what can we say when we heard how you turned someone who is not interested to gather for fellowship to someone who see the value of connecting to a life group.

God, what can we say when you change the spiritual atmosphere of the CG into a community who is spiritual vibrant.

God, what can we say when you stirred in the hearts of many young men who are passionate to reach people who are far from you.

God, what can we say when you empowered many CG/units to pioneer new courses and camps.

God, what can we say when committed student leaders scored great results.

God, what we say when you added new and more people into the region - 600 committed believers is our next level!

God, what can we say when the young grads come together and gel them so quickly and united in the same vision of making a GREAT impact in the marketplace!

Let's shout : God did it again!!!!

I was dead tired physically but was renewed inwardly! I could sensed God is preparing the new leadership to take on His vision to another whole new level! I'm just so trilled to be part of this transition to witness the revival to take place in the soonest time!

Real age vs Body age

2010-01-22T23:44:00.002+08:00

Last year, I had a simple health check in church office by Yung with a health check machine. It was good results. On Mon, I went for a check on my body age. (I just being curious how old is my body, really.) It was a measurement of my body fats, metabolism and few other things. The machine is able to check how old my body age too.

Here are my brief health check results.

Body fats : 22.5 (healthy)
BMI : 18.1 (Slightly lower than healthy range)
Internal fats : 1 (good)
Calorie burnt per day w/o exercise : 1068 (consider low)
Bone mass : 28 (Average)
Body Age : 24 years old!?!?

This year, I'm 34 and my body age is 24?! I'm pleasantly surprised with this result. One of my long term friend told me that my body age might be 24 years old but perhaps my liver and kidney might be 60 years old. I kind of agree with her. "guilty"

I will go for a thorough healthy check up soon to know how's my organ doing. I might have worked the organs too hard as I consumed unhealthy food often. God, pls be gracious to me. "crossing my fingers"

Keeping a healthy body to serve Him for a long haul is my aim.

At the Door Photos

2010-01-02T09:49:00.001+08:00

A huge toast to 'At the Door' team!

2009-12-27T23:34:00.008+08:00

Another team of leaders and volunteers will be the team that make 24th services possible! I just love to be in this team!

I wanna to thank Shuzhen who champion the opening item and coordinating the details of item! The 3 soloist by our filipino gals are superb! The dance done by the youth team was just so awesome!

I wanna to affirm the worship team (Shirley and the singers and band) that lead us into a tangible presence of God! The worship after the sermon was heaven!

I wanna to thank Angie, Jocelyn and the drama team who bring out the true stories of Dasmond and Kelly. You guys has worked really hard!

A special thanks to Fenny who composed all the songs that was sung in the play. It was just so appropriate and tasteful that brings out the thoughts and emotion of the character!

Thanks to Philothea that did the filming and editing of Dasmond and Kelly's story. Also thank you the youth Communication team that champion the publicity clip, invitation cards and bulletin - it was so classy!

Thanks to Dasmond and Kelly & Kuan Long who avail themselves to tell of their story. It was authentic and moving.

Thanks to Ps Jeff who prepared the timely message and also delivered a impactful truth.

Thanks to Hong teck who shared a concise message about giving. Thank you for your effort because you were oversee the Hopekids service at the same time as well!

Thanks to Jorris and the image volunteers that helped the stage ministers looks just so pretty and good looking! I love the image of the dancers and the soloist! keep it up!

Thanks to Steven and Royston and many other tech crew that brings out the best sound and lightings of the hall!

Thanks to Desmond, Peik kee, Chris Goh and Joseph who run the actual program so well. Thanks to the decoration team for your late nights effort. Thanks to the ushers that bring a big smile to the face of the audience!

And many thanks to all those whom I didn't mentioned here. you have played a part to make the 24th service possible!

Thanks to the pastoral leaders who graciosuly release your people to volunteer to make this production possible. Of course thank God for all the visitors who came to that door!

Lastly, a big toast to Jesus for your message of Hope that ushers many to open the door of their heart to accept you! You have moved big time again! Glory to the New Born King!

(I will post the photos real soon!)

A Toast to the PARTY team!

2009-12-26T23:46:00.000+08:00

It was busy weeks because of xmas season. As I have stayed home after the 24th services at Suntec due to my injury (I will share in the next post). It was one of the quietest xmas I have ever spent. Before I continue to share how I injured myself, I would like to give a big toast to Polydins team!

The first toast is to give to the Polydins team! PSPT (Abigail and the gang), all the volunteers and all those who sowed and brought their friends has shown the world who is the reason for the season - Jesus. It was a wow-ed service because of the excellence work you have given to make it work. The decoration was awesome! Bing Quan and Jorris & team has did a remarkable work! The image of the stage minister was gorgerous! 3 claps to Jesse and the dancer. It was the 2nd dance that you guys have attempted and I like the jazz feel dance. Great improvement guys! Great testimonies and Robin, Cannie and Shareen, your stories indeed has strike a chord in the hearts of the peeps. Leanne and Ritchie has hosted so well that you are engaging the audience with memorised script and joyful impartation! Keep it this way! Worship team has usher the presence of God! A toast to all sowers, shepherds and leaders who engage with their friends and camp mates regularly.

Of course, last but not least God indeed has moved on our behalf that more than 120 friends came and 15 friends gave their lives to Jesus. 13 of them are guys! That just so cool! A super big toast to JEsus! You made it possible! I'm just looking forward for what God can do through the Polydins peeps to touch hundreds and thousands of lives in 2010! It's all about people!

Prayer changes us to engage the culture

2009-12-14T22:11:00.001+08:00

Well, God is awesome! We had our 1st Sub District prayer meeting of 2009. I took a risk of not having a guitarist and a worship leader because the designated WL was unable to be on duty.

I was sharing to Victor, KL and Elaine that probably we will just focus on praying and get the Holy Spirit to inspire us to pray. So we decided to do so and not sure what to expect.

We knew we need to stretch our spiritual stamina and hunger in prayer and declaring our dependence on God. That's what I shared before we pray. We need to increase our eargerness to pray. It's not going to be easy for all of us. We are capable to depend on ourselves then to labour in prayer. It's much easy to operate in our flesh and not the spiritual. That's why we came to work out together.

To our amazement, 40+ of us prayed continually for 45mins without stopping. And God gave specific word to encourage and add faith into our hearts. Then we continue another 45mins.

1. God wants to draw those who are timid or insecure but putting up a brave front/strong front out. God wants those to take his authority, the very same authority that he has given to his disciples (Mark 16:15-20). God wants to build the lasting confidence in our lives. It's not the confidence the world models (confidence in your experience, your job, your academic, finance, etc) but having the confidence in Christ. Because when we put our confidence on things or people, it will fluctuates and it will change. But when we put our confidence in Christ, it will grow from level to level (Ps 84:7). We will be more consistent in our boldness and courage and assurance because God is our identity.

That's how we can engage our culture. People in our culture are self sufficent people. They don't need a religion but they need to know how relationship with Jesus is meaningful and relevant in their lives. How to do that? When we grow in our confidence in Christ and face our lives, pain, struggles and challenges different from those who are self sufficient. They will be curious how we do it because it's impossible to have consistent joy and courage in trying times. That's engaging!

2. God wants to use our words to build others up. There is power in our words. We uses thousands of words a day. We either complain or grumble. God wants us to do otherwise. He created the earth by speaking. He called lights. He spoke and the land divided. When we uses our words to affirm and encourage, we are creating a little world / Life inside the person. God wants us to be generous in our words to speak a great future of our family, colleagues, bosses, friends, Christians. Don't be stingy but be generous in doing that as regularly as we can. (Heb 3:13)

That's how we engage our culture. Singaporean complain more than commend. We criticise more than affirm. We sow with what we reap. When we sow a smile, we reap a smile eventually. People loves to be build up and knows that someone believes in them. When we start to use our words like how Jesus would use, we are a walking cheer leader to our friends and family. They will wonder why we can do so continually. They will start to wonder and then thats how we can engage with our lives and sharing of Christ.

I'm just so excited to be among NG8 peeps to become this kind of community that carries the presence, love and power of God in the way we see ourselves (confident in Christ) and the words we speaks. Thank you G, for your timely words!

That's the way we do and be CHURCH!

totally graced by your love...

2009-11-07T09:29:00.002+08:00

Woke up this morning spending time with You in Your Word and Worship. Quite a number of things to handle in work, ministry and family. Seems beyond my control and you called me in your presence to listen. Your Word brings me back to who you are and then who I really am.

Your presence graces me. Your Word strengthens me. I need you so much Lord like what John the Baptist prayed "You Increase and I Decrease..."

Totally surrender and walking with You. I will never walk alone. Thank you.

singapore hit awards 2009

2009-10-29T23:54:00.004+08:00

Singapore hit awards 2009 is an event in the Chinese music industry, jointly organised by Mediacorp 93.3FM and Channel U. It will be stage on Friday, 6th Nov at 730pm at S'pore Indoor Stadium. with artistes from China, Taiwan, Malaysia and Singapore vying for top honours in this awards ceremony. I think should be exciting and can learn how this event is run.

Abigial helped to get the ticket for next Friday event. Quite a number of polydins peeps going to observe how the event is run and also to enjoy the annual Mandarin pop song award event. Initially, I can't make it next Friday but seems that one of the appointment is cancelled so I can GOOOOOO!

groove to M pop! lalalala!

I'm a student again!

2009-10-16T15:35:00.005+08:00

I started with my personal development plan. My 1st upgrading training is to improve my English language. Thanks to Fenny, our HR manager who source out possible English tutor for me.

Well I started my 1st tution with this American-German english tutor last night. I felt soo good to be a student again. I asked, questioned, went through few tests on gramma and we have a full 2 hours on that.

Before meeting her, I was a little nervous yet excited. I really hope I can improve my English gramma and vocabulary with leaps and bounds after 4-5 one-one sessions.

Every leader is a learner. Every leader identify areas of upgrading so that we can be a more competent leader - skills, knowledge or attitudes.

Well, here are my English workbook that I need to complete 1-2 chapters before I meet Kathleen again.

So wish me "blessed" and I will work hard to move my English level to another whole new level!

Voiceless days

2009-10-13T15:09:00.000+08:00

Well, I lost my voice 2 weeks ago and it lasted for 4 days. I wannted to post this blog but had procrastinated for some time and here it goes...

Those who knows me will know that it was a struggle for me if I can't talk. So it was a interesting experience for me. I lost my voice immediately after NG8 sub D meeting. hohoho!

When some polydins peeps suppose to meet me for dinner on 2 Sundays ago, they all made the same comment abt me - Jasmine, you are so demure and gentle!!!! my goodness, because I speak really softly!

And because of that, Leanne stand in and preach on that weekend. Thanks sis! Appreciate you as you could see and hear how I sould on Tuesday during the members meeting!

Then on Wed, during the management meeting, everyone kept very quiet and they leaned forward to listen to me. Wow, many of them commented that I was so gentle that day.

Well, initially I struggled with my inability to speak. Then on 2nd and 3rd day, I started to get use to it. And many close friends commented that probably I can learn so much more on listening than speaking.

So what's my reflections during those days....

1. The only way for me to be demure is when I lose my voice? maybe?

2. To get people to listen, speak softly so they will try to listen.

3. A leader lead by listening - A quiet leader!

4. I'm grateful to God that I can speak again.

5. To skip preaching, one effective way is to lose your voice?!?!?!?! (not a bad idea for all the pastors!)

12:8 Leadership Camp

2009-09-15T10:42:00.014+08:00

I have taken a few weeks break from the cyber world after a hectic weeks of GC and then speaking in Hope KS camp.

Last weekend was a blasting week as 110 CLs and potential CLs from Polydins gathered for a leadership camp. We are back to Standfields Residence Hall at Mount Vernon Road.

This camp is very different from the past few leadership camp. We had 7 experiential activities and 2 teachings. We evaluated among the leaders that Polydins peeps learn more through experiential learnings. After the activities, we did facilitation and debriefing. Many leadership lesson can be learnt and caught in different activities.

Few acitivities caught my attention...

a) Dream for the stars.... Polydins peeps really can dream and have big vision. I like this segment because leaders should be visionary. We don't lead out of duty but we lead out of vision. The amazing thing was all the peeps dream under the hot sun at Henderson wave. It was a spiritual moment where we look up to the sky where there is no limit. We started to dream what God can do if we don't limit him.

b) Sling Shot... Every peep will have a chance to face a group of 20 people and speak of their vision. To confront their fear of public speaking. Personally, I was really blessed and challenged when I heard the peeps speaks of their conviction of what God can do in their lives and campuses and camps. This segment is abt public speaking. We got a gal from Toast Master to share some basic public speaking skills nuggets. It's helpful for all CLs and PCLs. 3 nuggets to good speech : Purpose, Structure and Seasonings. So Practice, Practice, Practice!

c) Cafeteria.... This segment is abt strategic and creative thinking. Every group of 5 are given an item to sell. All are given a simple item and every peep needs to come out a business plan on how to market the item to the targeted group of people and project the avenue. This leads to CG growth. CL and their peep to think how to grow their CG within certain month and reach certain quantity and quality.

There are 4 others experiential learnings where very helpful. We take home many leadership lessons and so to apply to our CG and bring our CG to a newer level of growth and breakthrough!

Rom 12:8 " ....if it is leadership, let him govern diligently,.."

what occupy my week?

2009-08-14T14:35:00.012+08:00

This are the 2 upcoming events that occupy my these 2 weeks! There is a great excitment and anticipation of the HIM GC among the church staff. Everyone is busy with Global conference.

Of course on top of that, Event Programming staff and vounteers are busy with combined services next Sat! It will be a God moment to bring everyone in church together to move together as one! I'm praying and looking forward to the combined service as God will bring all of us together united and move into His greater glory!

19th to 21st Aug

22nd Aug, Sat at 4pm and 7pm!

Days of Elijah

2009-08-10T23:52:00.000+08:00

Man, this Praise song is my OT song. I heard of this song many years ago. It just reflect my cry and praise unto God these few days. I like this song because it sings of the Word. It sings of the coming of the King. It sings of the year of Jubilee - year of celebration. (Lev 25:9). Though there may be sorrow in the night but rejoicing in the morning. This day will come where the King comes for the church and the church will stand in this great day with praises and celebration.

Check this youtube and be 'mess up' by this song!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Avcu4Htkhbk&feature=related

Days of Elijah
These are the days of Elijah
Declaring the Word of the Lord, yes
And these are the days of his servant, Moses
Righteousness being restored
And these are the days of great trial
Of famine and darkness and sword
So we are the voice in the desert crying
Prepare ye the way of the Lord

CHORUS:
Behold he comes
Riding on a cloud
Shining like the sun
At the trumpet's call
Lift your voice
It's the year of jubilee
Out of Zion 'till salvation comes

And these are the days of Ezekiel
With dry bones becoming as flesh
And these are the days of his servant, David
Building the temple of praise, yes
And these are the days of the harvest
The fields are all white in the world
And we are the laborers that are in your vineyard
declaring the word of the Lord

CHORUS 2X
Behold he comes
Riding on a cloud
Shining like the sun
At the trumpet's call
Lift your voice
It's the year of jubilee
Out of Zion 'till salvation comes

There's no God like Jehovah (x8--modulate)
There's no God like Jehovah (x8--modulate)
There's no God like Jehovah (x7)
CHORUS X2

Drama Mama Moment!

2009-08-06T09:52:00.004+08:00

finally, i'm back to the cyber world! Last 4 days were so dramatic that happened to my family.

Let me take you thru the journey, i promised i will keep it short and sweet.

As many knew what happen on Saturday as I have shared in the service that we managed to get a super dooper new worship leader to replace Abigail because she fell ill! God was gracious and the polydins peeps were just supportive and we gave our hearts to Jesus then! Abigail is fine now!

Then at late Sat night, I went home and found out that mom was sick as well. She threw up and had diarrhea. So the next day, I brought her to see a family doctor and was late for sunday morning service. Very strange thing started to happen on Sunday night.

At 11pm, I started to feel my stomach bloated and 5 mins later, I threw up what I ate for dinner. I thought that throw was the end because I thought it was the noodle that was hard to digest. However, my nightmare just started. Every 1-2hours I will vomit or diarrhea. Oh goodness, at 5am, I was so weak that I didn't went back to room but rest in the living room instead. Then to my horror, I heard dad vomitting very loudly as well.

Then I realised my family got a stomach flu or food piosioning! Wilson sent dad to SGH, I went to see a family doctor, mom continue her medication. My sis-in-law called that my nephew, Zane also vomitted and had serious diarrhea on Monday. (My siblings came on Saturday night for family dinner.)

What a way to welcome Mon! Now, I'm so much better, Praise God! Dad still in SGH for further observation. Mom has fully recovered. Zane, still need time as he is not alright yet.

My siblings were putting on a detective hat and think what happened and what could have happen so that what could have prevented.

That leaves us to think and discuss.

a small note : serious stomach flu really no joke! (my legs were so wobble that i need to sit on a chair to bathe myself!!!!!) hahahahahaha!

Alright, I have wasted 3 days of the week and I need to catch up with many work that piles up. It will be an exciting journey with HS! HS, let's fasten the sit belt and step on the accelerator!!! Let's go!

Step into His atmosphere

2009-08-01T06:17:00.012+08:00

The topic of Praising and Worshiping God is just so amazing! It's so basic yet it's liberating and empowering!

Ps 149:6 "May the praise of God be in their mouths and a double-edged sword in their hands."

God has given us weapons to defend our faith and take hold of our faith. One of it is praising God! Instead of suck into negativity, fear and doubt is to step into His atmosphere of exalting Jesus!

There is strength and power in His dwelling place. And the way to enter the gates of the dwelling place is Thanksgiving! It's positive declaration of who Jesus is and what He has done!

Devil loves to steal our heart of worship. Thus as believers we need to position ourselves and take our stand in worship regularly and delibrately. Let praising God be the main thing that will be kept in our mouth and heart and mind.

When comes to an example of total selfless worship, one great example of the woman in Luke.

Luke 7:44-50 "Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, "Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. 45You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. 46You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. 47Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—for she loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little." 48Then Jesus said to her, "Your sins are forgiven." 49The other guests began to say among themselves, "Who is this who even forgives sins?" 50Jesus said to the woman, "Your faith has saved you; go in peace."

She demostrated the literal act of worship & sacrifice and obedience. She brought all that she has at that time. She yielded her will and pride. She pour it out extravagant offering. Then she stood in the face of great oppostion - Jesus' disciples. All she had in that particular day, she came to the Lord. Then she just began. She stepped courageously into her future. She expressed her love honestly and fraily. She is indeed a true worshipper that cross the line of what will people think.

We have heard it over and over again. It doesn't matter what people and you think but what Jesus think. Jesus dignified the woman in her active selfless worship.

Bring all we've got and as who we are. God is waiting on the other side of obediebce. Jesus is at the other end of your prayer.

Step into His atmosphere.

Step up to declare His wonder, goodness and greatness.

Then you are stepping into your future.

Start praising Him today, tomorrow, in the day, in the night!

Song for the week : We the Redeemned by Hillsongs. (Faith+Love+Hope)

New lifestyle

2009-07-30T03:18:00.004+08:00

it's 318am now. I woke up because dad was shouting and seems to need something or someone to be around. stood besides him for some time. I tried to guess what he need. My helper applied oilment on his stomach and hope it will make him more comfortable.

This is almost a daily routine for me and my mom since dad was discharged from hospital. To wake up 2-3 times in the night to respond to dad's shouting and frustration.

Everytime when this happens, i would stand besides him "sleepily" and see if he needs anything or not. It sounds like parents with new born baby where they need to wake up as and when the baby cries.

The interuptions in the night was not easily adjusted for me. At times, i dislike the interuptions. I wished I could sleep peaccefully throughout the night. I wished I know what my dad needs but sometimes can't tell. Sometimes he just need someone to be just besides him.

it was a new lifestyle for me and mom. it has been close to 4 months. It was not easy at all but God gave strength and hope to me as I prayed.

The strength to live with interuptions at night. The hope that my dad will know Jesus is with him. The hope that he will get better and better.

That's what ultimately I have. The Hope in Christ and strength in Christ. Thats what I carry into my daily lives to face things that is beyond myself. Life is not a bed of roses and sometimes it may not be easy But....

Jesus said, " Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matt 11:29-30.

That's just so wonderful! Jesus will carry it and I just be relax in his presence and power! what a good deal!

Friends, meditate on the Words of Jesus. Take the deal when you face situation that you can't handle and you are stress over it. It can be anything in your life. Jesus offers this deal to you and so that you can run and not grow tired, walk and not be faint but rather you can soar under his wings.

What a deal, so take it as regularly as you can.

S1AN!!!

2009-07-24T00:37:00.003+08:00

Adults ESS just another 2 more days! I'm so excited to meet new friends in NG8! All CLs gathered last Sunday to pray that we will see 2 new friends joining us and may they be touch by the love and gospel of God and to cross the line!

Only God can do so!

deeper source

2009-07-23T00:25:00.001+08:00

The story is told of a farmer who owned an orchard in a valley full of orchards. One year the drought was harsher than all the previous years. Yet his trees were verdant and more fruitful than the surrounding ones. The other farmers' trees were brown while his were still green. They gathered one day to ask his secret.

He replied, "My trees can go another 4 weeks without water. You see, when they were young, I often withheld water from them so that their roots were forced to drill deeper to find water. So while other trees are dying, mine are drinking from a much deeper source."

Drill down, and get your water from a deeper source.

This story illustrate how my spiritual growth should be. Those circumstances that are tough, harsh and seemingly hopeless are enviornment that 'forced' me to go to deeper source - God. Not so positive and promising situations are moments for me to grow my roots deeper so I can receive from God.

These are important moments! It's for me to spread my roots deeper to get wisdom, hope, love, courage, faith, purpose and many more from the everlasting source.

That's the way it should be. My spiritual roots to spread and grow deeper so that I can bear spiritual fruits in all seasons. So that I can reach higher and further.

chill out places to chill out

2009-07-20T23:16:00.002+08:00

i enjoy the embience and music of certain pubs. I'm not into hard rock music but jazz and unplugged music does attracts me.

In the past 1 year, there are a few good pubs that i hang out with polydins peeps. A nice place to chat and chill out.

There are some peeps who don't like to drink but it's fine because it serves non alcholic drink too. So check these places for a time of chilling out after a heavy meal!

A) JAZZ@southbridge located along Boat Quay. if you game for jazz music and quieter embience, this will be for you. This is one of my favourite if not my favourite. Many in their 30 something gather here

http://www.southbridgejazz.com.sg/

B) Timbre - The art house. It located along Singapore River. if you support local band and like the open air concept, then this place will be for you. many polydins leaders loves this place. We celebrated many birthday here and got one of our "vocalist" up to sing once before! hohho!

http://www.timbre.com.sg/

C) the recent place that we chill out is at Pan Pacific Hotel bar. It's such a nice embience and the cakes are superb! The service was good and the singer sang a beautiful birthday song to Abigail. I will visit the place again. I like the chips and smoothing music. It's not loud, i love it!

NEW day!

2009-07-17T00:59:00.001+08:00

I like this quotes. I can't remember the author but it has put it wisely and simply about living daily in freshness with God's grace, mercy and power.

"I have to let yesterday be done with, the joys as well as sorrows, the trophies and tragedies and leave them in God's hands. They are no longer mine to possess. Thus, I cannot cruise through today on yesterdays awards and old press clippings, and neither can i allow past sorrows to dictate a yet unchartered future!"

New beginnings allows me to tap into fresh potential.

So dreams, visualise and live out all what God has in store for me! that's just so exciting and awesome!

a recommended book about Angels

2009-07-14T21:08:00.002+08:00

I chanced upon this book 2 weeks ago, Angels, God's secret Agent, by Billy Graham.

It's a good book because it covers a comprehensive understanding of Angels. It's very bible based and and it make it easy to understand. Most of all, it do not just touches on theory of angels, it also addressed what does Angels' role of today. You can find it in the last chapter.

I like the introduction because Billy Grahman emphasised not his experiences on angels but rather the biblical understanding about Angels and the experiences we can find in the bible. It's balance as he draws the bible experiences and experiences by different people.

So if you are keen to know and understand more about Angels, can check out this book.

a special trip

2009-07-11T23:03:00.001+08:00

I took 3 days leave and went on a personal retreat on Tues till thurs. I took a coach and travel to KL. I wanted somewhere not in s'pore yet not somewhere new. (my direction sense sucks so go to somewhere i have been before is better...)

I book a nice hotel near town area. So I can slack and have my personal time in reading and reflecting in my cosy room and at times I can walk to the mall and get some massage.

I brought my bible, notepad and a book.

what happen that requires this 3 days retreat.

2nd quarter was a trying quarter for me. I never know to care for a sick parent needs alot of physical and emotional energy. it really needed so much. My off day once a week usually is not really rest for me now. I share room with my mom so my dad could have a own room. Thus there is no more personal space. This is a major change for me especially in 2nd quarter as I have to travel to and forth to hospital, or something happen to my dad at home, need to call home nurse at night and try to discerned what's wrong with him. It does drains me emotionally. alot actually. I didn't know until I reflected alot more in this trip.

Due to that, my speaking trip to Hope Sabah camp then roles and responsibilities in LC and after that ESS. I was so fatigue. I knew I needed rest - to take a step back to re-evaluate my life and re-adjust my life.

God is good in the 3 days trip. I had a chance to reflect what drains me and what fills my emotional and mental tank. I read the book - Leading on empty and was a timely book for me. I was laughing on my hotel bed when I saw some simliar symptons of possible burnout. The author put the words to describe how I felt.

Any leaders may face burnout. I experienced early signs of that and I decided and determined to look into 2 areas of my life that I will not compromise.

a) Daily Devotional Time with God. My home may not be a good place for that any more so I need to adjust. Either I wake up much earlier before my dad wakes up or I leave my house earlier to somewhere quiet for me to reflect on the Word.

b) Healthy body. Start small but need to start now in exercising. I checked out some classes that i may sign up this coming week. I need people to do it with me and I must enjoy what I do too.

No one will take care of the 2 areas i mentioned above and the only one can do so is ME! So Jas, simple yet foundamental to build in my life to last well.

Spiritual and physical health is not built in a day but it is build daily. so Jas, makes this my ways of life.

I'm so glad that I went away and just be alone. Just so glad to spend time with my maker and just enjoy Him fully. That's just so cool!

Jesus, you really rocks... you're the reason of my existence, you're the reason of my passion, you're the reason of my service.

2009-07-10T09:58:00.000+08:00

Rests humbles my soul. I re-enter as a servant.

That's how my 3 days rest brought me to.

A Media Craze!

2009-06-30T09:03:00.002+08:00

Wanna to affirm the Media team who never say cannot, who never say they are not talented. Polydins media team has improved so much in the last 6 months.

I like the promptness of the "clicker" of lyrics and sermons. I like the team work the media crew has (video mixing, videoing, clicking and of course the tech directing).

I witnessed the production that media team produced! I like the production but above all, I love the attitudes and spirit of the peeps! Never say cannot. Never say not talented. Never say other people have not attempt. I like the attitude and that's the way to go!

Here are some videos and enjoy! a media craze and many more simple yet impactful clips in normal services! Way to go Han you and team and Liping and team!! *clap*clap*clap*

A brilliant Conversion in http://www.vimeo.com/5363486

Mobile phone silence please : http://www.vimeo.com/5363486

Publicity clips :
http://www.vimeo.com/4535961
http://www.vimeo.com/4651614

Let's communicate God's truth in a non preachy way. Media craze!

Twitting starts!

2009-06-27T23:59:00.000+08:00

my twitter account - http://twitter.com/jaspoon

Add me and stay connected!

frEeDoM dIsoRder

2009-06-09T07:46:00.000+08:00

something awesome coming on 20th June, Sat at 7pm, Nexus!

Check out more at this website...

http://www.e.polydins.com/FreedomDisorder/

Mark out this date and bring your friends to this special event!

***roar***

wide awake!

2009-06-06T06:02:00.000+08:00

boy, at near 5am, I woke up and was wide awake! not sure why I get back to sleep.

Let me do something meaningful... like counting sheep? hohoho! well, went for a blog surf and read many polydins and friends blogs. Good to know their update!

Browse through some church websites.... very good! refreshing....

Went to Straits Time.com... S'pore had 12th case of H1N1. boy...

thinking of bread and Milo... should I? is it too early for breakfast? so should i brush my teeth after an early breakfast? then wake up in a few hours time and brush it again?

God, it feels good in the early morning... soooo quiet. I love it... typing this entry on my bed in a dark room as mom is sharing room with me so didn't want to wake her up.

it's pretty good afterall to be awake early in the morning.. i feel like eating you tiao, soya bean drink, nasi lemak with lots of chilli, mos burger - rice burger meal....

happiness quotient

2009-06-04T17:47:00.002+08:00

Acts 20:35 (NIV) "....remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'"

Acts 20:35 (The message) "....remembering that our Master said, 'You're far happier giving than getting.'"

This the verse that I have pondered more last few days. I'm writing this entry at National Library. There are many books that address the issue of happiness. There are hundreds of books that focus on how to live a happy life.

There are many ways to attain happiness and one of the proven way (to my personal opinion) is what the verse said - it's more blessed to give than to receive. I'm FAR happier giving than getting. I could testify that because it's by giving to someone then I could experience the joy in that someone. That joy has more lasting effect.

Self-absorbed life is never happy. Self focus life is never happy. I have been there and experience and could testify that.

Others-centered life is fulfilling. God focus life is satisfying. I have been there and experience and could testify.

So to increase happiness quotient is to give and give away generously unto Him and others. :):)

NG8 DMM rockz!

2009-05-31T23:40:00.002+08:00

As I was tasked to serve in adult group, one of the sub-District - NG8. I was officially took over from Cara in 1st April 2009. Since then, I got to know the leaders more over meal time and informal hangout time after service. It was really good knowing them - Victor, Kuan Long, Kelly and Elaine. They are really a group of committed and faithful leaders. They love God and was courageous to step forward to lead!

Today, we had our 1st time DMM at Europe room. We spent the 1st part of the meeting praying intensively for our own lives, CLs lives and for the sub-District. We prayed for the adult's camp and God's blessings and favour upon our people's lives. It was refreshing. I could sensed Holy Spirit leading us to pray and interceed.

We talked and discussed few key areas of the sub-District. I shared on a few areas that we as leaders could established ourselves in our unit.

1. To develop an unshakable conviction on growth. Growth in quality and maturity of our people. Growth in numeric (evangelism and follow up) as it's normal to grow and biblical to grow in numbers.

2. To grow in faith and dependency on God. Leaders bring people to hope for the future. It's impossible to change someone unless God do it on our behalf as we work. Faith is the key to unlock impossibility. God's miracles will work in the atmosphere of faith.

3. To create a strong discipleship and leadership culture. We believes in unleashing people's potential. Not everyone are born leader. But everyone can be nuture to be leader in different capacity. We need to ensure shepherding and mentoring are strong in every level.

As I shared these few areas, we discussed in details on our June goal and working on a new teams of leaders. There are challenges and unknown but I have this assurance that if God has called us to lead the group into newer glory and strength, he will give us wisdom. We are never a failure but learner!

So let's fail big time, oops, sorry, let me rephrase it, let's learn big time!

cravings for cockles

2009-05-30T04:20:00.004+08:00

I was awaken by the growling of my stomach. I am hungry now but it will be unhealthy to eat any food now. I think I need to refrain from eating anything.

But I have cravings for cockles from Commonwealth Crescent.

(Cold Dish of Cockles (Hum) that's topped with lots of garlic, chilli and spring onions. )

This 3 eggs with Kau Kee vegetables soup! yummy!

I'm also craving for fried chicken wing next block as well!

Alright, Jas, stopping dreaming all these food. Go back to sleep now so can avoid eating and also tomorrow I can be alert in meeting peeps as well! NO FOOD NOW!

Star Trek

2009-05-29T17:36:00.005+08:00

Man, I watched this movie on Sunday and I fell in love with it! I'm aint star trek fans nor am i aiming to be a trekker! I didn't know much about the story of star trek and I don't grow up watching the TV series...

Colin bought the tickets and we went to watch with Choon Yam. Initially, I was very apprehensive about it but since the ticket was bought so I just went along. Gosh! I'm glad I didn't miss it and it was really good.

I like the animation and pretty interesting storyline. It was pretty funny too! Worth catching it!

Live long and proposer!

Godisnowhere @ Nexus on 30th May

2009-05-27T03:22:00.004+08:00

Our post ESS this Sat! godisnowhere.... It will be a time of gathering of polytechnic students from all campuses, ITE students from all schools and NS men from all over camps this Sat at 545pm!

Our friends had a great time last weekend and I'm sure this weekend will be another blast!

See you there and be so bless by God!

priorities

2009-05-26T23:07:00.000+08:00

Two friends were walking near Times Square in Manhattan. It was during the noon lunch hour and the streets were filled with people. Cars were honking their horns, taxis were squealing around corners, sirens were wailing and the sounds of the city were almost deafening.

Suddenly, one of them said, "What an interesting place to hear a cricket."

His friend said, "You must be crazy. You couldn't possibly hear a cricket in all of this noise!"

"No, I'm sure of it," his friend said, "I heard a cricket."

"That's crazy," said his friend.

The man, who thought he had heard a cricket, listened carefully for a moment and then walked across the street to a big, cement planter where some shrubs were growing. He looked into the bushes, beneath the branches, and sure enough, he located a small cricket.

His friend was utterly amazed."That's incredible," said his friend. "You must have superhuman ears!"

"No," said the man who heard the cricket. "My ears are no different from yours. It all depends on what you're listening for."

"But that can't be!" said the friend. "I could never hear a cricket in this noise."

"Yes, it's true," came the reply. "It depends on what is really important to you. Here, let me show you."

He reached into his pocket, pulled out a few coins, and discreetly dropped them on the sidewalk. And then, with the noise of the crowded street still blaring in their ears, they noticed every head within 20 feet turn and look to see if the money that tinkled on the pavement was theirs.

"See what I mean?" asked the man who had heard the cricket. "It all depends on what's important to you." (Keenan Kelsey, Making Choices, via eSermons.con newsletter)

Cats Musical - Meow...

2009-05-04T00:06:00.004+08:00

Just came back from Cats Musical at Esplanade.. for those who loves ballet and crazy about costume, you will love Cats!

I wish to watch The Phantom in the near future... :)

Leadership competency : Ask good questions...

2009-04-20T00:06:00.000+08:00

I listened to Carly Fiorina - an ex CEO of Hewlett Packard.. She was speaking at a entrepreneurship conference. One thing that reminded me strongly in her 1 hour sharing was the competency of a leader is the ability to ask question. This is so true...

Proverbs 19:20 says, “Get all the advice you can and be wise the rest of your life.”

Everyone has a reservoir of knowledge, skills, and experience they can share. A wise person will learn to draw them outby asking questions. If I were to sit down with someone, I’d learn some things that would make me a better leader and person. I’m sure of it. He/she had experiences that I haven’t had – and vice versa.

Be prepared with standard questions to ask every time you get around someone who’s making an impact with their life.

Questions like:
• How do you handle stress?
• What have been the greatest successes in your life?
• What were the causes of those successes?
• What were the greatest failures in your life?
• What would you do differently if you were starting over?
• What kind of books do you read?
• How do you manage your time?
• How do you manage your money?
• What have been the greatest lessons you’ve learned?
• What have been the greatest surprises in your life?

Successful people give off clues. Look for those clues. Pull them out and learn from them.

So let's practice the ART of ASKING Questions....

post easter

2009-04-19T01:26:00.002+08:00

just came back after chilling out with PSPT peeps! tody I was a little surprised by the altar call responses.

14-15 friends said yes to Jesus! wow!

God, I pray you will protect all who came to know you. Help them to experience and encounter you in a special way!

Looking forward to next week polydins service of what God will do again...

what a way to spend my sat!

life nugget 2

2009-04-15T23:48:00.001+08:00

I will grieved over someone i have lost.

But i will gain something instead.

Life is an irony...

I got upset on things i love went missing.

Yet I found back something more precious..

Life is an irony...

then I remembered a saying...

to give what we can never keep

to gain what can never lose

what an irony....

so get less uptight with life, Jas.

many returned home!

2009-04-14T23:11:00.000+08:00

Easter was a blast! this is the most teary easter that I have been. The testimony was real and honest and touched my heart very much! I cried when Kelvin shared his testimony during 1st rehearsal... I was a little embarrassed as Shuz & Pei Kee was standing besides me as we are evaluating abt the rehearsal and flow of service.

The film was cool! all thanks to Philo, Kai Siang, Angie, Phuay Ling, Steven and many more in putting this together! thanks to Gerald and Emma's house for filming. thanks to Marsli, Ray, Ah Long's boys, Dorling, Jing Qi, Kelly and Phuay Ling in giving your time to act. Well done Film team!

The worship was God honouring and was so deep in His presence! Praise God for worship team! The preaching was clear and draws out God's forgiveness for us.

What I love was the altar call, I saw many returned home....

Polydins as 20 returned home! NG8 has 2 returned home... what a celebration!

Looking forward to see them this weekend and those friends to return back to Nexus services as well...

I'm honoured to be part of the team to witness this people parading back homE!

Easter film production

2009-03-30T02:45:00.002+08:00

Yeah! Easter short film shooting is finally over! I was on the 3rd day of the filming and had a supper with few of the crews... It was rewarding to see how this film was put together

It is just 15mins film but it took 21/2 days to finish all the scenes. God is with us and helped us to put everything together. Of course, all thanks to Angie, Philothea, Jiayi & Puay Ling for the script, arranging external technical crew, shooting venue, setting up scenes, meals for the crews and actors, looking for actors and many other things.

You gals rocks! It's a miracle that the film could be possible in a month's time. So another 11/2 weeks of editing and final product by 9th April. I;m sure God will help and anoint us again!

I like the fact we dare to attempt something that is new (though having short film is not new). We dare to put true life story into short film and then get the couple to share LIVE! It's real story. That's what Hope Church is - real people change by God!

So on 12th April, stay tune at Suntec hall 603 - The Way Home. Come and hear life story of coming home....

Be prepared, Be blessed, Be touched and Come back Home.....

life nugget 1

2009-03-28T01:16:00.006+08:00

I'm a student of life - Everything that happens to my life, happens for my growth...

I'm tasting every bit of the learnings,

Waiting for the graduation and

Moving on to new level...

Saluting to health care staff!

2009-03-27T13:29:00.002+08:00

I was at SGH for 5 1/2 hours last night. We sent dad to A&E as he can't swallow food and take any medication. my brothers and I waiting at A&E and I saw how busy the nurses and doctors were...

I was surprised that it was so crowded at the observation ward at 8pm till 2am... There are many sick people in s'pore, i concluded...:):)

I saw a few people were sent in with blood over his face, seems to had an accident. I saw how patient after patient they had to attend. I saw different people in pain and needed attention.

At 130am, i was really sleepy and I saw them working as if it's like 130pm. To me, working night shift needs more energy then day shift.

3 cheers to nurses! 3 cheers to doctors! 3 cheers to health care staff!

What a blast!

2009-03-26T01:22:00.000+08:00

it's almost 5 days after the polydins camp. It was blast literally (both the physical temperature and spiritual temperature)!

1st day was adjusting to new environment! 2nd day was God led - His Word, workshops, worship, responses, hearing from Him.... There was a super huge rainbow after the mega games. Everyone was awed by the beautiful sight. On the other, was a beautiful sunset! What a sight given by Him.

3rd day, polydins star award... i was totally blown off by how good and serious our peeps can go in theme dressings. you guys look so cool and close to the theme given to each campus. I followed the NP campus - Matrix... hahahaha, but many commented, it's didn't look too close....(I cheated..)

Another blast is coming and going back to campus and camps to meet our peeps and friends.

Rising a contemporary generation to engage and build disciples of Christ. :)

the day b4 camp!

2009-03-19T00:15:00.002+08:00

i know preparation before the camp is most important - as there is saying that the meeting before the actual meeting is more important than anything else. this is so true..

on Monday, all ULs came together and pray and pray and pray. unless God works in our hearts, our peeps hearts, nothing will change and move. So we prayed and prayed at Nexus reception where few other polydins members were doing camp decoration! The highlight of the meeting is the prayer. We covered everything we know and remember. it was fantastic. Prayer helps us to connect with God and to change things in the spiritual realms! After the prayer, i felt that i had a great feast with God. Something feels good inside!

Later, logistics team setting up, some are going in the campsite to setup and prepare! campers will packed their bags and attires. i will be staying home to polish the teachings and pray and pray and pray!

counting down - 24 hours more.....

5 days more!

2009-03-14T22:03:00.002+08:00

Counting down to camp at Singapore Vision Farm! My 1st impression of the place is that are we going to have fellowship with animals?

I heard from the camp committee that this is one of the ideal venue because we can make alot of noice without any complain. That was really cool for Polydins!!! We will we will rock the farm, rock the farm!

This is my 17th camp! Camps has indeed changed my life because I desire to hear from God to change me. Because I fellowship with spiritual giants in the camp. Because I set aside few days to get my spiritual life intact and be fuel again. Because I can fellowship with bros and sis who loves Christ!

I remembered how God healed me on the first night of the camp in JB. I was running a very high fever and I was resting in the bunk while the rest were praise and worship God. I told God, I don't want to spend my camp on bed. I want to learn and learn. I want Him to heal me. After a while, I started to perspired and my tempurature started to come down and I feel much better. I was healed after less than 1 hour! I cleaned myself and I went to the hall to join the rest for the teaching of the Word! God healed me because he sees my heart of learning... That was like 16 years ago! I was still very new to the church!

I'm writing this blog in my living room after celebrating my mommy birthday... My siblings went home and I have a time alone in the hall. I'm anticipating what God will do in my lives, RDMM, ULships, CLships and all the members who are coming... A Contemporary Generation to change the World!

We are ordinary but with a extra-ordinary God with an extra-ordinary vision for His people, we are not ordinary anymore....

sick....(4 bad letter word)

2009-03-13T15:20:00.000+08:00

i'm on MC today. Re-visited another family doctor last night to get a stronger dosage of antibiotics and cough syrup. I can sensed that it' really strong. After the medication, my heart beat fast and my hands shivers.

I think it's really too strong. But I think that I want to recover in this 2 days so my cough will be minimised so that my chest won't feel so tight after heavy coughing.

I was shocked when I knew the fee of the doctor visitation with medication : $89 for a noral consultation and few more medications... wow!!!

I had time reflecting my life, the region, the new adult group, event programming. I had time to read the bible when i'm not drowsy and weak.

Something great and powerful is going to happen in my life - more pruning and shaping! in the polydins region, new group, department...

Countdown the days!

authentic and transparent communication

2009-02-24T15:41:00.004+08:00

the value and necessity of authentic and transparent preaching/teaching.

Since later of half of last year, I have this chance to train new preacher in service. I work with new preacher on researching the text, preaching creatively, building meaningful outlines, or pointing people toward the gospel. Yet one of the most important aspect in preaching is to bring all of themselves to a message.

When you preach or teach, you must bring you. Without you in, around, and through the message, you will not impact today’s listener.

The younger audience today has a built in authenticity-meter. You can preach with passion, humor, clever points, or heart-wrenching stories. But if the scriptures haven’t touched your life, the listener will know it—and ignore your well-crafted message.

People want to know:

How has the text Affected you?
How have you failed in the area the Scripture addresses?
What about the text makes you uncomfortable?
What do you feel about what Scripture is saying? (I know our feelings don’t trump scriptural truth, but talking about how we feel about the text can help engage others at a deeper level.)
How are you becoming different because of your study in God’s word?
Which preachers do you listen to that do a good job of brining themselves into the message? How are you learning to “bring you” as a communicator?

so whether we are preaching in service, teaching in CG, sharing in shepherding session, look at the above questions and ponder and helps us to let the bible/scriptures walks through us.

that's the honour that we can teach to 1 or many... God wants to deal with me and change me first before I present the truth to others... then when I present it others, there is power and impact and holy spirit will bring the same transformation in my life to those that I teach and share...

Daddy

2009-02-23T13:38:00.000+08:00

thanks to all your sms, comments and wishes to my dad. He was discharged 3 days from hospital. Now, he is at home resting. He is much weaker now and he sleeps more.

Thank to my mom and helper who have help to take care of daddy. Also my nephew has brought joy to him as well...

As I prayed for my dad that this stage of his life will be the best of all in his whole entire life. I told him and he smiled. :)

Learn to laUgh

2009-02-16T00:33:00.003+08:00

I had a good laugh in the meeting with the PolyDINS ULs earlier at my house...I had a good laugh with abigail talking about something crazy... I enjoyed Leanne's sermon yesterday because it was real and humours!

Laugh is a antidote to our soul! It's important to learn to laugh...sometimes, i forget to laugh...here is an article by Rick Warren abt Learning to Laugh... it's so true... be blessed!

Learn to Laugh by Rick Warren

Did you know that people who laugh live longer? It’s true. Proverbs 14:30 says, “A relaxed attitude lengthens a man’s life.” (TLB)

Humor is an amazing thing. It’s a tension dissolver. It’s an antidote to anxiety. It’s just like a tranquilizer, but without any troublesome side effects. And it’s free! You don’t even need a prescription.

Laughter is life’s shock absorber. If you want to have less stress in your life, learn to laugh at your circumstances. Somehow, you must find the fun in the frustrating.

Someone once asked President Lincoln how he handled all the stresses of the Civil War. He said, “If it hadn’t been for laughter, I could not have made it.” Many famous comedians grew up in poor neighborhoods with lots of problems. They coped with their troubles by learning to laugh and making others laugh.

So learn to laugh. If you can laugh at it, you can live with it. And besides, if you learn to laugh at your troubles, you’ll never run out of anything to laugh at! Life is full of funny situations. Will Rogers once said, “I don’t know any jokes. I just watch the government and report the facts.”

Proverbs 17:22 says, “Being cheerful keeps you healthy.” (GNB) We all need to develop a sense of humor.

One of my favorite verses in the Bible is Psalm 2:4, “The One enthroned in heaven laughs.” Isn’t that a great verse? God has a sense of humor. God laughs! Have you ever seen the face of an orangutan? God thought that one up! That proves he has a sense of humor. Do you want to be more like God? Learn to laugh. A sense of humor can preserve your sanity.

Sometimes, one irritation follows another, and before you know it, our day is ruined. I read this account in the The Encyclopedia Britannica’s 1982 Yearbook, under the heading “Strange and Unusual Events.” It tells about a man named Brian Heise who had what you might call a “very irritating day”:

Brian Heise had more than his share of luck in July of that year, and most of it was bad. When his apartment in Provo, Utah, became flooded from a broken pipe in the upstairs apartment, the manager told him to go out and rent a water vacuum. That’s when he discovered his car had a flat tire. He changed it, then went inside again to phone a friend for help. The electric shock he got from the phone so startled him that he inadvertently ripped the instrument off the wall. Before he could leave the apartment a second time, a neighbor had to kick down the apartment door because water damage had jammed it tight. While all of this was going on, someone stole Heise’s car, but it was almost out of gas. He found it a few blocks away but had to push it to the gas station, where he filled up the tank. That evening Heise attended a military ceremony at Brigham Young University. He injured himself severely when he somehow sat on his bayonet, which had been tossed onto the front seat of his car. Doctors were able to stitch up the wound, but no one was able to resuscitate four of Heise’s canaries that were crushed to death by falling plaster. After Heise slipped on the wet carpet and badly injured his tailbone, he said he began to wonder if “God wanted me dead, but just kept missing.”

And you think you’ve had bad days! Sometimes, all you can do is laugh.

Take my advice: acquire a sense of humor. Learn to laugh. It’s relaxing and healing and a buffer to all the stress the world throws your way.

valentised?

2009-02-14T11:53:00.002+08:00

last night i was at vivo City, man, was realli crowded! many sales and promotions for valentine's Day. Salesman approached couples that walked pass them for wedding package.

Yin San told me that she wanted to order a wreath for a member loved one's funeral but just couldn't. Many florist shops are not able to provide delivery service to JB because their resources are tied up for valetine's order... can't believe this high in demand business during valentine!

If I were in any businesses, I were be like any businessman, target couples (young, old, courting or married couples, or friends...) I will be able to have high revenues...hohohoho!

To all married couples : Wish you 爱情长长久久...
To all courtship couples : Wish you 有情人终成眷属...
To all others : Wish you 单身万岁!

blessed valentine!

Friends...

2009-02-13T02:06:00.002+08:00

I'm thankful that i have a group of friends whom i can share my life with and grow up and old together.

I met few friends on different occasion this week, i was so blessed by them.

Each of them have different life challenges and struggles and responsibilities. They were real & honest in their struggles yet they are hopeful of what's to come as they are moulded and prune by God. They didn't pretend to be strong yet they knew deep inside, they placed their faith in God and will go through it.

That's the spirit and attitude.

That's bringing the reality of God to this side of the world! We are sooo normal and ordinary but we have a big big God is able and willing to help us!

995

2009-02-12T01:49:00.000+08:00

This was the number i dialled on Wed 12am... After a short chat with abigail abt her sending off for her mom to changi airport, we heard strange sound coming from my dad's room. I rushed to the room and saw him shaking vigirously for 20s and then he stopped shaking. He looked in a daze... i was so scared that after the shake, his breath stopped. i prayed as he was shaking. i checked his heartbeat and it was still beating...

I asked abi to called ambulance, 995. Everything happened so fast. Mom prepared dad's IC. Mom called Wilson, brother and sister.

I was thinking probably dad had the 3rd stroke and pray everything will be fine for him! Ambulance came in a short while and i went with them to Alexandra hospital.

Wilson joined me shortly. As dad was resting on the bed, he seems to regain consciousness. we explained to him where he was and what happened to him just now...the doctor examined him and tell us that he is suspected to have fits due to stroke.

We waited for the doctor till 3am and tallked to the doctor and find out more... Thank God his condition is more stablise but need Brain scanning to study more.

Dad was transferred to a ward then and we stayed for a while and went home. It was a dramtic nite. As i reflected back, it was scary to see someone close to you getting relapse and especially when you found you cannot do much.

Before I sleep, i reflected about life and death. all of us will meet death one day. We will call 995 at one point of our life. We may not know when and how we will die but we will DIE. No one can stopped this from happening.

It's not easy to handle death of someone you loved. But when you know he/she is returning back to Jesus, it's so much easier to cope. We will meet one day. I will meet my dad one day if he returns to Jesus earlier.

Throughout the night, I have fear yet hope and assurance do filled my heart as i sat in the ambulance car. I whisper to God, "If you think it's time for dad to return home, take him back." I dailed a wireless 995 while we are on the way to the hospital.

God, with you, I can handle death and lost so much better compared to face it without you in my life.

Ps 23

2009-02-03T22:53:00.002+08:00

let's memorise these few verses of a personal psalms of David. He was running away from his son whom wanted his life. David's throne was overthrown and he was running for his life. What a life? He wrote the 1st verse : The Lord is my shepherd and I shall not be in want.

Given a deeper thought, usually we will complain about the situation or cry out to God abt how I felt terribly if I were in David's shoe. What caused King David to talk about the role of God in his life - His shepherd.

He reminded himself God's role in his life... Shepherd will protect, guide, comfort and provide for him. This is such a simple yet important truth when i go through tough and terrible time in life.

I just recited Ps 23 last night before I sleep. I recite it slowly and reminded myself who God is and what he will and can do to me.

1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, 3 he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

I love You Jesus...

CNY boring or interesting?

2009-01-29T10:56:00.005+08:00

Last few days were a good time with family and friends...

1st day of CNY, my bros and sis came and visit my parents. Some of relatives came as well. Though we meet only once a year, sometimes same kind of questions were post to me and me to them. It may seems a routine but I realised this practice of Home visitation is a good minimum thing we could do to stay connected. At least once a year...

I used to be skeptical and really dislikes the idea of going to someone's house once a year and say the same thing every year. It's so superficial...But when I think it's boring and that it will be a routine if I let it be. But I could choose to change my perspectives and God will surprised me with many opportunities to connect and know someone deeper. So I changed my perspectives that it's up to me to let it be a routine and shallow gathering or I take initiatives to know people deeper and more and nevigate it to be interesting.

So here are few good encounters...

- Discuss with my younger brother about his CG, his recent new believer, his follow up

- Talk and find out that one of my cousin how economy affect his business and his dad health condition.

- Talk and know about my long distant relatives - her daughter's hobby and her recent travel to Perth with a group of friends. She rented 2 rooms of a local house and then they drive out of Perth.

- My another cousin is out station at Boston and her sister is going to Germany for a month of training. Talk and know more of her husband's job and possible travel trips...

- Had a interactive time with my niece and nephew. I played guitar and they tried to play drum... I found out that my nephew has a strong sense of timing and rhythm.. :) He told me that he wanted to learn piano and then drum! That's good...:)

So CNY can be super boring or surprising, it's really up to me! I have decided that I want to choose to make it interesting - so my yearly affair is will be rewarding and perhaps God will surprise me with people's story and that add in my life too!

3rd day of CNY was good, as poly ULs and their boyfriends joined in the Luo Yu Sheng! Last night was good! All thanks to Andrew who organised it and prepare the Luo Yu Sheng...

jamming time with 2 potential musicians

Luo Yu Sheng...

more!

新年快乐

2009-01-26T11:22:00.002+08:00

Had a great reunion dinner last night...:) There are alot of food left...hmm, very strange that the adults are eating lesser and lesser each year... getting older probably...hohoho

Brother and family came this morning... now taking a break to blog...

Will blog more about the family and relatives catch up....

CNY is a good time to catch up with family members and relatives... just slack and talk and EAT! hohoho!

Happy Birthday Leanne and Cols!

2009-01-25T16:24:00.006+08:00

at 9pm, some of the peeps headed to Loof at Odeon Tower to celebrate the hatched day of Colin and Leanne!

I reached at 11pm after sending ps prakich off to the airport... i like the open concept of the pub. but the not so good thing was the volume of the music was really loud. we actually sat under 3 speakers, no wonder it's loud!

we chatted, talked, spending time with the bdae gal and guy...:) at 12am, traditional birthday song was sung and cake cutting by them!

Thank God for Leanne and Colin. We have been serving together for few years... Colin and Leanne was sharing that they came to know Jesus at the age of 17/18 in PolyDINS! I knew Colin when he was 1st year in NP. And now he is already working as a project engineer. He is a great administrator and of course has a strong resilient spirit. :):) It is a blessing that he joined the team and serve and gave to the peeps in SP and NP!

Leanne now a full time staff serving along side with me and the rest of the RDMM. Thank God for her life and she is always looking out areas to grow and improve! She has a strong attitude of "looking forward". She is going to preach in valentine service and her boyfriend, Kevin is going to testify in the sermon! cool couple!

Cols and Leanne, thanks and really appreciate your friendship, love and toil together for Jesus and His church! This year will do it again! God will surprise you with good gifts from heaven! This year will be better one!

Be right back!

2009-01-15T22:43:00.001+08:00

I will be right back on my entry... Another few days!

At moment, stay tune to PolyDINS camp publicity.....

Logo is coming...

desperation continues....

2008-12-23T12:16:00.002+08:00

well, desperation continues... this week is going to be a a week with most services run in Hope S'pore - both on weekdays and weekends...

why so many services? because people matters during this Xmas...

so hear us again God....

the gosepl has the power to change us and the gosepl gives us hope to face the time of uncertainty...

touch the hearts and bring them near you!

desperate prayer....

2008-12-19T18:34:00.002+08:00

spend some time in my little room last night to pray and claiming the promises of the Word!

Tomorrow is the 1st Xmas service and we had over 80 friends coming... Then in 4 days later, there is another big Xmas service at The Rock! Of course, our 27th Dec post Xmas service, PolyDins roars!!!!!!

Thanks to Joyce and Emma (TSPT and ASPT) for putting up for tomorrow service!

Unless the Lord builds the house, the builder labour in vain...

So labourer needs to pray!!!!

so let's pray and unshamelessly to ask God to bless us with many spiritual babies! *praying in tongues*

2 boiled eggs...

2008-12-13T01:38:00.001+08:00

waiting for my egges to be boiled. my supper...........

*yummy*yummy*

The eggs seems to be calling me now....

here i come with the fellowship of the eggs...hohoho!

33 on 3rd Dec

2008-12-10T23:12:00.001+08:00

i turned 33 on 3rd Dec... I spent my birthday on the plane with 2 japanese boys sat besides me. It was my 1st time spending and reflecting my life on the plane. very special and memorial one.

I will like to thank all who have left many wishes on the fb. it was too overwhelming. hohoho!

Thanks for the gifts and celebrations in Europe and in Singapore.

Usually during on the day of my birthday, I will have a stronger side of Melocholy. I reflected of my 2008.

Am I becoming more like Christ?
How's my character? saw some change this year?
Have I use my life faithfully to love God and people?
How's ministry this year?
What's my highest point?
What's my lowest point?

I journaled down and I will write on another entry of my reflection.

Someone asked me what's my wishes.....

My wish is I will grow in fear of God and love for people
My wish is Poly to reach 500 ASAP
My wish is to drive next year
My wish is family member salvation

yeap...so whoever read this blog, so spend 2-3 mins to pray for me on all these wishes... thanks!

THE GIFT - Xmas!

2008-12-09T22:46:00.001+08:00

I love the e-invite. Spread the gift all out!

http://www.hopesingapore.org.sg/christmas08/christmas08.htm

Christmas 2008!

2008-12-09T19:10:00.004+08:00

I was in Nexus last night for a Tech Run for Christmas 2008 production! I saw different congregation coming together to put everything up for 24th Dec Christmas celebration at The Rock!

Thanks to Shuzhen in coordinating the program and testimonies! Thanks to Magie in putting the choir together! thanks To Emma and Angie in mobilising the actors and actress to put up the drama. Thanks to Steven in leading the MM and sound team! I can see the spirit of excellence in them! cool! Thanks to Dasmond and gang in putting up the deco and giving a visual impact to the church!

During the rehearsal, I know the program is simple but with much quality! The song presentation was sung so well by Nel! the carols presentation by filipino was superb! the dance by youth and adults was great! keep dancing gals! I loved the simple skit - everything. Simple message yet powerful!

this is my 15th Christmas service in Hope! What I want to see this Christmas? I asked myself! I want to see people will have Jesus in their lives to go through life struggles together. I want to see people see hope in their lives with Jesus. I want to see backslider be reminded of God's love during this xmas!

I want to see all services to be filled and overflowed with people and visitors! I want to see many hands raise and hearts surrender to Jesus! I want to see members of Hope to be moved again by the love of God of our salvation once again!

Do it again Holy Spirit!

Let me show some photos of the rehearsal last night.

Dance in praise!

Another shot!

As for the rest, let me give some suspence and do invite all your friends to this special event to unwrapped the gift on that day!

Travelling stories

2008-12-08T23:31:00.003+08:00

well, I was away for 2 weeks. It was a frutiful time spent in Europe and Malaysia. I'm so glad that I have taken time away to see, learn and exposure myself to new culture and people.

I attended Europe Leadership Conference and it was open to CL and above. I had a great chance to fellowship with various leaders from Germany, UK, Norway, Nethelands and few others. I saw the unity among the leaders and greater synergy among the churches. I can see the same spirit of mission and spirit of sacrifice to do His work.

I was talking to a German brother that he is preparing to move out of Stuggart and go to Munich. He told me that he has good job and good community in Stuggart. But when his leader challenge him to move, he agreed. With different concerns in his heart, he know it may not be easy but he knew it was the biblical and logical thing to do. He agreed and prepared to go next year August. I'm blessed by this obedient life!

S'pore vs German team!

I was with Hope London adults leadership team at Vincent's house (key leader of Hope London). They called their adults group as light house ministry. We had a good time hearing different life testimonies. I was sharing with them how to keep longevity in serving God. How to keep themselves fresh in the Lord. There was quite a few questions on leadership issues. I'm glad to see hunger to grow and learn. Thanks to Vincent and team as they gave me a surprised bdae celebration after the meeting. I was pleasantly surprised. Together with Ps Prakich, we spent a warm celebration together...:)

Light House team

After arriving on Wednesday night. I reached home at 1030pm and had a good catch up with abigail. Then Leanne and Shareen came to my house and gave me another surprised bdae celebration! hohoho! we had a talk till close to 1am. They were all tired but I'm so alert as I'm still in Europe time zone... hohoho

Thanks gals! I'm sooooo blessed by the fact that there are friends serving together!!!!! I love you guys! thanks!!!!! I know I'm not alone!!!! so loved!

Then next day, I repacked and packed for Malaysia trip. I headed to airport and I met Ps Jeff, Shirley and Mike and few of his people. All of us are flying to KL for Malaysia National Convention.

There are close to 1,700 people for the convention. I was very touched by the spirit of the people! They were hungry bunch of people! I thought I entered a youth service! man, they were very expressive and most of all very affirmative people. We can learn from them...

I have a chance to co preach with Ps Jeff and that was my first time. I'm glad to have such opportunity because I know where I can grow further as a leader. I didn't do too well but I was glad I attempted and if I'm given a chance again, I will like to try again...hohohoho!

One principle as a leaders "If I fail to do something new, that means I'm learning and growing" That's the motto....

During the meal time, I got to meet some old friends and new friends. It was encouraging to see our Malaysia churches are united together to do greater things for God. They are trusting God to spread the love of God to Middle East... :)

Mission Nite!

Thank You God for all theses experiences. It was so helpful to me in my personal growth and walk with You. :)

short entry in Germany

2008-12-01T04:33:00.002+08:00

I'm at a ministry house in Berlin writing this entry. I recieved an sms that NS group had 2 friends crossed the line of faith! wee!wee!

I was looking at my phone and smile and gave a mild cheered while I'm among the german leaders.

I was also updated that most of the new believers was encouraged in the service and sermon!

I wished I could fly back and hear more stories!

I will be back soon to join in the Christmas harvest! Let's win it big time for Him and salvations is here in PolyDins region!

transit at Dubai Airport

2008-11-23T09:00:00.002+08:00

I'm in transit at Dubai airport. Local time is 5am...

After meeting X2 ULs and praying together and dinner, thanks to Andrew for carrying my luggage to the cab. It was a heavy luggage...

frankly speaking, i like the part of traveling but not not keen in flying long distant flight. Many of you can share the same sentiment, dry air, small leg space, not comfortable sleepling position. :):)

Thank God the flight from S'pore to Dubai was a pleasant one. I met a guy who sat besides me. He is from Deli and he graduated in Master in Computer Science in Melbourne. He is returning to India for a 21/2 months holiday and will return back to Melbourne. We had a reasonable conversation and exchange email addresses and we hope to stay connected.

I got enegerise talking to him. I think this is how I was wired up, that's why I'm in a people ministry... phew!

I gave a miss on the plane food. I don't quite like it except the warm bread...hohoho! Joel shared the same sentiment as me... I told me he got to prepare SIA plane food when he was in attachement. :):):)

I prayed on the plane that I will have a super dooper fruitful time in London and Berlin. As I refreshes others, I will be refreshes as well!

I prayed for Christmas as well! Poly will reach beyond 600 (it's so within our reach of visitors) and may those who attended the CL camp will be a leader of 7 and 15 after Xmas!

I will updated my days in Europe and stay tune....

last thing... I forgot to bring my camera!!!!!!!!!! man, this is terrible as I want to capture good moments of people and places.... I must get help and borrow from someone in London...

winter wear

2008-11-20T23:39:00.002+08:00

i'm busy with getting ready for the winter trip. I remembered the last winter trip was in 2003. Few of us went for a mission exploration trip to Ireland. It was 1st week of Dec and was winter time. It just felt not very long time ago. That was my 1st time wearing really thick jackets, gloves and woolen hats and with multi layers of sweaters...hohoho! I like Dublin as i recalled the richness of life of Irish. I enjoyed so much in this mission trip, we learnt to share, give and tolerate with one another in a new environment and accommodation and weather.

This Sunday, I'm flying to London for a personal trip. 3 weeks ago, I got a nice cut winter jacket. Then week after, I got a pair of gloves and scarf. Then today, I got 1 sweater. I need to get a thermo wear and probably 1-2 more sweater as I'm afraid of cold. :):) ( alittle kia su...)

On sister from Hope London emailed that to get ready a super cold winter when I reach London this Sunday... Maybe it will snow... I have mixed feeling... I wish to see snow yet I'm seriously afraid of cold... God, possible to see snow and I'm feeling warm? (I think I can work on my outfit...)

Now, I'm slowly packing my luggage and hope I get everything that I need for a super cold weather... :)

I'm looking forward to meet many friends in London and Berlin.

JB LC

2008-11-14T15:17:00.011+08:00

I reached home at 1030pm last night after the pastors' dinner at JB LC. it was BBQ by the pool...I sat besides James Loke and mandarin church pastors and pastors from Manila. It was a good time for sharing and fellowship...

I love LC because I can get to catch with many leaders from all over the world. It's just good to fellowship with these spiritual gaints...

I love this LC because I got to spend time with Jeremiah and Leanne 1 day before the LC. Ritchie was unable to join us last min...sorry bro...

anyway, it was Jeremiah and Leanne 1st time trying pedicure...what pedicure does is to remove the deadskin of the sole and cut all unwanted or dry cuticle aruond the nails. they will do a good scrub on your feet and calves. Also they shape your nail in shape.

i think they enjoyed themselves as their feet are cleansed thoroughly... :) I enjoyed it so much with my manicure and pedicure... whoo!

jer's 1st time....

clean feet...

In the LC was Joshua aka Wenjiang's birthday. It was on the Wednesday and then on Thursday was Ps Marcus (Hope Germany)'s brithday.

We had a simple celebration for him and had a great time with Vincent (Hope London pastor) as well!

Look at this cute photo... sat cheese, bdae boy....

friends from London, Germany, Brisbane and S'pore!

There are around 150 people for this LC. There was a invited Indonesian pastor who preach in one of the slot. His is a humble man and he pastors a 20,000 church in Solo. He is 55 but doesn't look like one and his son is also a pastor in another city of a 7,000 church. What encouraged me was he sat in my workshop on How to revive a stagnant group. I was humbled and I casually told him I should be sitting down and he should teach the workshop. He just smiled. whoo, what a man....

To me the highlight is all the meal times including the supper time with different leaders and hearing their updates of their lives and churches. It just so good as we are living for the common thing and focus in life.

The next one will be in Manila in Feb - A theological integrated church....

sleepless night in JB

2008-11-11T04:42:00.002+08:00

Now, the time is 4.44am...I'm blogging this entry in my hotel room. I was not able to sleep though i tried to for the past 3 hours... So I decided to go for a hot bath and then surf some good website.

I'm in JB with few other poly leaders to attend the leadership conference. I met some leaders that have known for few years in s'pore before I come to JB. I also met some new leaders too. The conference is starting in another 5 hours...

The theme is planting the kingdom. I'm looking forward to meet more leaders for catch up and also to hear different stories from different continent.

It's exciting to be part of the movement.... Let's see what the Lord will speak and direct us this time...:)

my stomach is groaning!!! I wished I could have a bowl of laksa now....hahahaha! maybe i could taste some later...

anyway, stay tune and May God works in my heart and many hearts again....

superb stories!!!!

2008-11-09T09:00:00.000+08:00

as i have mentioned in the previous entry that I will post some more hottie news after we have our CLM last night... I look forward to meet the CLs! It was a great time and PSPT joined the meeting too! PSPT formed yesterday and we prayed for them to grow in courage as they execute the program and anointing as they mobilise different people to be involve! Go abigail, Jorris, Han Yew and Jocelyn go!

alright..here are 3 stories shared in CLM...

Jen said, "Many of the core team caught the spirit of God after the CL camp. After the camp, individual leader plan their schedule what to do and how to maximise their time in campus. The guys leaders were zealous over knowing new friends from accountancy. So when they saw a student carrying a accountacy book, they went to know him. Last week, they had a matthew event and they gathered to set the number of friends they will like to see in the event, they set 41. On the day of their Matthew event - Hello-Freak, they witnessed 41 new friends for their event! It's God! I'm so thankful to all the CLs in TPBisArt. they are committed and diligent. Thank God, today, we saw 2 students crossed the line of faith in service!. I enouraged you with Deu 1:29 and Joshua 3:1... The Lord will fight for us and with us!"

Ace said "The Lord spoke to me during church prayer meeting about humble myself before him. He promised me as I humble myself, God will pour in harvest to DI group. He need to use humble vessel. I thought maybe I'm proud so I choose to humble myself. Indeed God is faithful, for the past 4 weeks, without fail, we saw 1 friend crossed the line of faith every week! today, we saw a Mongolia student said yes to Jesus over dinner after the service. I was reminded again today in the sermon to stay humble, so God will use me and the team even greater to receive more spiritual babies!"

Donald said "We had this new believer- Edison who came to know God 3 months ago. Through him, he brought close 10 friends to small group or service. Through his connection, 7 of his friends crossed the line of faith for the past 3 months! I saw the CG really united together. We spent time together and usually people meet once a week in NS group. We meet close to 4 times a week (not all can come but usually in 3s). We have no strategy as NS men has very limited time so we can't really strategies. All we know is love our friends and sow on them in camp. I guess that how the harvest came in. Thank God!"

We were very encouraged to hear such stories... How can we not be fruitful...it's a matter of time. How can God's church will not grow... it's a matter of time. How can God not bless us who are bunch of people who are committed to him. Yes, he will!

Spread this news and send in your stories as well! we overcome the devil by the word of testimony....:):):)

one of my favorite sermon

2008-11-05T11:40:00.003+08:00

enjoy the scripture reading in different version....

Matthew 5:3-10 (New Living Translation)
3 “God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
4 God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
5 God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth.
6 God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be satisfied.
7 God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
8 God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God.
9 God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God.
10 God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.

Matthew 5:3-10 (The Message)
3"You're blessed when you're at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule.
4"You're blessed when you feel you've lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you.
5"You're blessed when you're content with just who you are—no more, no less. That's the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can't be bought.
6"You're blessed when you've worked up a good appetite for God. He's food and drink in the best meal you'll ever eat.
7"You're blessed when you care. At the moment of being 'care-full,' you find yourselves cared for.
8"You're blessed when you get your inside world—your mind and heart—put right. Then you can see God in the outside world.
9"You're blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That's when you discover who you really are, and your place in God's family.
10"You're blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God's kingdom.

hotty news on this side of the world

2008-11-03T22:51:00.000+08:00

1. Nel 1st day in Peoples' Assoication as Community Development Excutive. She had an orientation at the HQ then went to Joo Chiat Club... She got an assignment - oversee Indian Community events... I guessed must be because of her outstanding eye liner... I pray she will shine in her workplace and inspire more marketplace student leaders like Cols and Abigail, Joel, Huimei...:):)

2. Leanne 1st day in hope Singapore office. Yes, she will be Tertiary staff... She had an orientation with HR Manager and with me, her boss...hohoho.... went through JD and she seems to be serious in what she is suppose to do... ha! we will have a diligent and resilient lady in 412! Great to have her joining the team....Use one and only life to maximise the KOG by touching more PolyDiNs peeps!:):)

3. PSPT CG will be form on 8th Nov, this coming Saturday! Abigail will be leading this CG and PSPT....yeah! It will be a team of 4 whom will be working together as a team and lead and run weekly services... to touch more lives...hohoho! God's anointing, wisdom, creativity will be upon this team and few other ICs! PolyDiNs service!

after the CL camp, I heard many many stories of how the new leaders growing in their courage when they mobilise their sheep to reach other people. I heard those CLs grow in their wisdom as they handle unique issues in the group.

Colin was sharing with us amazing stories of SP... 20 of the workers get to know new friends in the campus and everyone was excited about it, including new believers...hoho

There are more stories and you will hear it in this coming CLM... for those not in CLM, you follow closely my entry next week as I post it there....as for the rest of the CLs, come to hear the mighty things of God has done in the group for the past 3 weeks!

'send the consistent message - Jesus is alive'

his presence

2008-11-02T01:29:00.000+08:00

after catching a last part of a taiwan variety show with nel and abigail, all of us went back to our room to rest..

I'm penning down this blog before I sleep...

Today service was great! 2 things were great!

God's presence was evidently strong and clear during worship. Worship team was flowing with the ministering... God have a word and was very specific... then came a chorus of a worship song, I sang! guessed what, it was not the chorus of the 2nd worship song but was another song... I realised it as I sang but continued on as the team can and continue to play.... it just flowed.... then responds and sing again.... only one presence can be felt, God's glory.... (Take this presence with us as we live our lives in weekdays...).

God's word was clearly spoken. I'm so confident of His Word today. (I'm not saying I'm not in other preaching...) But I was so sure of the passage and focus of the message is for us today... As we prepare for birthing Tertiary service. Knowing God's call and responding to his call!

So I realised 2 things as leader, we need to continue to seek and improve (Preaching the Word and God's anointing)... That's what Jesus do on earth...

Matthew 4:23 "Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom..."

Mark 2:2 "So many gathered that there was no room left, not even outside the door, and he preached the word to them."

1John 2:27 "As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit—just as it has taught you, remain in him."

Let Your Word and Anointing flows in me and through me....:)

God of this city

2008-10-30T21:10:00.000+08:00

This song by Chris Tomlin got me to reflect on issues that arises in this nation and globally lately... uncertainty on jobs security, depression, debts, money not enough....

And the songs goes one of the lyrics... "...greater things is yet to come...." then the 2 verses came to my mind as Jesus said...

John 1:50 "...you shall see greater things than that..."

John 14:12 "...anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these..."

youtube song link - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VmC44K0xQLE&feature=related

You're the God of this city
You're the King of these people
You're Lord Of this nation
You are

You're hope for the hopeless
You're light in the darkness
You're peace to the restless
You are

there is no one like our God
there is no one like our God

The greater things have yet to come
the greater things are still to be done in this city

The greater things have yet to come
The greater things are still to be done in this city

There is no one like our God
There is no one like our God

There is hope. God will be more real and needed by us when we realised we are limited. Greater things are still to be done in many lives in this city.

Do it through me and us.... (a little prayer!) GREATER!

belated birthday sam!

2008-10-27T01:47:00.000+08:00

after a buffet at Korean restarant, few of us met sam, yes, sam gan for a night drink and supper. We celebrated his birthday... it's a little late..hehehehe... he is a october baby...

it was such a good catch up with him and know he is doing well in work. We walked from cityhall to boatquay and settle down at a jazz pub. we talked and chatted and the live band just played... it was nice music...

it was sooo good to know our old friends are doing different things in life but yet still keep the fevour for God. Sam, you are a good pal... and of course a loyal brother. God will bless you and keep you strong in Him as you continue to pursue his kingdom.

so stay strong, 'chun zang' (former village chief).... organise another event again!

let's make different in the KOG!

Transformed lives transform lives

2008-10-26T23:41:00.000+08:00

this is what i shared at the end of the meeting today with the team. Jesus came to transformed my life so i can transform others...

I will never sick and tired of seeing life to be transformed. I heard stories last week on how people cross the line of faith during weekdays and weekend. I heard stories of how indifferent believer have a changed of heart and began to be fire up for Jesus and people. I heard stories of how God bless financially so can have enough for mission trip. I heard how God use a believer to pray for a sick aunty who suffers from cancer.

I'm moved again and again when I hear one story after another. This is what real faith is...

Transformed lives transform lives......

Where do you sit?

2008-10-24T14:14:00.000+08:00

It's interesting... let's see how's the sitting in service.hohoho

Volunteers nite @ Zion rd

2008-10-21T14:45:00.000+08:00

We had a ministry night with the poly service volunteers... there are close to 90 people who came from all parts of Singapore. (From East, West and North)

I viewed that this is one of the important gathering after meeting the CLs and Potential CLs 2 weeks ago. Advance leadership camp is to gather to teach, build and train for more spiritual and skillful CLs..

This volunteers is to vision cast to all the service volunteers what we will like to see in Poly service. We learn why a importance of a service, how our role (small part in each service) plays a part to impact lives in that 2 hours, what attitudes and initiatives we are good at and we can improve.

We all enjoyed the time of breakout sessions to meet the volunteers of each ministry together. We point out their 3 strengths and 3 improvements. We all burst into laughter when Jobb represent the sound ministry shared that the sound people are humble.... (they are proud to be humble...hohoho)... we cheered for the sound team!

Cedric represent the ushers shared that one strength of usher team is they can multi-task. We all laughed heartedly because our ushers serves as housekeeping, holy communion bearer, ushers, security and stand in offering counters. Man!!! the team is multi-tasking team! applause!

Each ministry representative shared their strengths and improvements and the atmosphere was great! We want to give our best to Jesus to touch more lives...

We ended the night by laying hands on one another and prayed and seek God's blessings.

Lord, this is the opportune time to prepare for PolyDiNs service and to kick start on 27th Dec... You navigate this birth of service and you will provide us with all good gifts to touch hundreds and hundreds of people!

2Cor 9:10 "Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. "

i love u Holy Spirit

2008-10-18T07:43:00.000+08:00

just now took 30 mins to pray in a little dark room at office at 12pm. it's just good to be in a room by yourself with God. pray and listen...

honestly, there are 10 over reasons why i can't concentrate to pray... I kept thinking how to solve this and that, how i can do better, if i can make the decision again, how will i make it... very interesting thoughts going through my mind when i want to pray...

somehow, i just pray... decide to focus on Holy Spirit and pray in the spirit. it's either i leave the room the same as i went in or I'm change and be build up...I didn't expect too much with this small getaway of prayer... but Holy Spirit just worked and changed my heart...

I kept praying in tongues as i focus just on Him... to know Him, fill by him and understand his mind, understand God's way, to have a change of heart...

he brought to me to remember God's word... He assures me... he encouraged me....he changed my heart of unwillingness to have a stronger desire....

I love u Holy Spirit...

later going to prayer meeting at Touch Community Center @ Parkway..... more of you....:)

伯乐相马

2008-10-16T21:20:00.000+08:00

I asked abigail about what is 伯乐 a week ago. She explained to me that he was a man in China. How he see the potential of a weak horse and train the horse into a strong horse which can run very fast and very far (thousands of miles). The cool thing that 伯乐did was to see what is possible in that ordinary horse that normal people can't. This is one of the strong characteristic of a good disciple maker.

We see what our sheep and leaders can be in the future and not who they are now. So enjoy this story and may it bring more deep leadership lessons to you personally as you reflect and meditate...

历史故事：伯乐相马

傳說中，天上管理馬匹的神仙叫伯樂。传说中，天上管理马匹的神仙叫伯乐。在人間，人們把精於鑑別馬匹優劣的人，也稱為伯樂。在人间，人们把精于鉴别马匹优劣的人，也称为伯乐。
第一個被稱作伯樂的人本名孫陽，他是春秋時代的人。第一个被称作伯乐的人本名孙阳，他是春秋时代的人。由於他對馬的研究非常出色，人們便忘記了他本來的名字，乾脆稱他為伯樂，延續到現在。由于他对马的研究非常出色，人们便忘记了他本来的名字，干脆称他为伯乐，延续到现在。

一次，伯樂受楚王的委託，購買能日行幹裡的駿馬。一次，伯乐受楚王的委托，购买能日行干里的骏马。伯樂向楚王說明，千里馬少有，找起來不容易，需要到各地巡訪，請楚王不必著急，他盡力將事桿好。伯乐向楚王说明，千里马少有，找起来不容易，需要到各地巡访，请楚王不必着急，他尽力将事杆好。

伯樂跑了好幾個國家，連素以盛產名馬的燕趙一帶，都仔細尋訪，辛苦倍至，還是沒發現中意的良馬。伯乐跑了好几个国家，连素以盛产名马的燕赵一带，都仔细寻访，辛苦倍至，还是没发现中意的良马。一天，伯樂從齊國返回，在路上，看到一匹馬拉著鹽車，很吃力地在陡坡上行進。一天，伯乐从齐国返回，在路上，看到一匹马拉着盐车，很吃力地在陡坡上行进。馬累得呼呼喘氣，每邁一步都十分艱難。马累得呼呼喘气，每迈一步都十分艰难。伯樂對馬向來親近，不由走到跟前。伯乐对马向来亲近，不由走到跟前。馬見伯樂走近，突然昂起頭來瞪大眼睛，大聲嘶鳴，好像要對伯樂傾訴什麼。马见伯乐走近，突然昂起头来瞪大眼睛，大声嘶鸣，好像要对伯乐倾诉什么。伯樂立即從聲音中判斷出，這是一匹難得的駿馬。伯乐立即从声音中判断出，这是一匹难得的骏马。

伯樂對駕車的人說：“這匹馬在疆場上馳騁，任何馬都比不過它，但用來拉車，它卻不如普通的馬。你還是把它賣給我吧。”伯乐对驾车的人说：“这匹马在疆场上驰骋，任何马都比不过它，但用来拉车，它却不如普通的马。你还是把它卖给我吧。”

駕車人認為伯樂是個大傻瓜，他覺得這匹馬太普通了，拉車沒氣力，吃得太多，骨瘦如柴，毫不猶豫地同意了。驾车人认为伯乐是个大傻瓜，他觉得这匹马太普通了，拉车没气力，吃得太多，骨瘦如柴，毫不犹豫地同意了。伯樂牽走千里馬，直奔楚國。伯乐牵走千里马，直奔楚国。伯樂牽馬來到楚王宮，拍拍馬的脖頸說：“我給你找到了好主人。”千里馬像明白伯樂的意思，抬起前蹄把地面震得咯咯作響，引頸長嘶，聲音洪亮，如大鐘石磐，直上雲霄。伯乐牵马来到楚王宫，拍拍马的脖颈说：“我给你找到了好主人。”千里马像明白伯乐的意思，抬起前蹄把地面震得咯咯作响，引颈长嘶，声音洪亮，如大钟石磐，直上云霄。楚王聽到馬嘶聲，走出宮外。楚王听到马嘶声，走出宫外。伯樂指著馬說：“大王，我把千里馬給您帶來了，請仔細觀看。”伯乐指着马说：“大王，我把千里马给您带来了，请仔细观看。”

楚王一見伯樂牽的馬瘦得不成樣子，認為伯樂愚弄他，有點不高興，說：“我相信你會看馬，才讓你買馬，可你買的是什麼馬呀，這馬連走路都很困難，能上戰場嗎？”楚王一见伯乐牵的马瘦得不成样子，认为伯乐愚弄他，有点不高兴，说：“我相信你会看马，才让你买马，可你买的是什么马呀，这马连走路都很困难，能上战场吗？”

樂說：“這確實是匹千里馬，不過拉了一段車，又餵養不精心，所以看起來很瘦。只要精心餵養，不出半個月，一定會恢復體力。”伯乐说：“这确实是匹千里马，不过拉了一段车，又喂养不精心，所以看起来很瘦。只要精心喂养，不出半个月，一定会恢复体力。”

楚王一聽，有點將信將疑，便命馬夫盡心盡力把馬喂好，果然，馬變得精壯神駿。楚王一听，有点将信将疑，便命马夫尽心尽力把马喂好，果然，马变得精壮神骏。楚王跨馬揚鞭，但覺兩耳生風，喘息的功夫，已跑出百里之外。楚王跨马扬鞭，但觉两耳生风，喘息的功夫，已跑出百里之外。

I want to be a 伯乐. How can I be a better 伯乐? How can I train more 伯乐around me? Daddy, rise more 伯乐 in church and in poly group. So everyone can be all they can be and suppose to be in you!

Advance Leadership Camp

2008-10-14T15:07:00.000+08:00

well, I had a great 3 days with all CLs and potential CLs at BBHQ last Friday till Sunday. It was a fantastic retreat. I wanna to thank Jen and Andrew and the rest of the camp comm who led this this camp. This is one of the best leadership camp. I guess our camp will get better and better...

We learn the Word together of how to be a more effective leader. We early aquire Wisdom, courage and anointing in our lives.

There are very practical workshops on equipping potential CLs to reach 7 (full fledge CG) and training current CLs to grow beyond 15! Thanks to Colin, Xueting and Nel... We had another practical workshops on personality management. How to harness people of different personlities together in a CG. I heard it was really practical and helpful. Great job Leanne and Meihua!

There are many highlights in the camp... Like fellowship time, BBQ time, leadership activities (getting drench in the rain), worshipping together.

One of the greatest highlight is when after teaching anointing, we prayed for every single leader from potential CL to DL. We impart all good gifts to each new leader. We surrender our lives to serve one and only cause. Then we charge for harvest and soaked Poly service in prayer. We prayed for Hope Singapore, Ps Jeff and Claudia and our movement.

The glory of the present house will be stronger than the former house!

I guess this camp is for me as I was more convinced that I will not live my life less than what God wants me to be. I will live for him and the church. :):)

PolyDiNs rocks! I love to serve with you guys!

Hong Kong LC

2008-09-20T16:52:00.000+08:00

This entry comes a little late. anyway, late entry better than no entry? (jasmine's theory, hohoho)

This is one of the biggest LC outside Thailand so far. I think it's open to members and above and of course, it hit during the holiday period for high school and polytechnics. Of course, not to mentioned that Hong Kong is a place where Singaporean like to visit... (food and shopping)

Praise and worship in LC is superb! Thanks to the worship teams of various countries!

Ps PN's impartation of faith and reminded us and myself about anticipating the coming of 7 years of abundance! :):)

Ps Simon's humerous illustration of various teachings and also his vision of ensuring global mission continue to move on....

Good time of meal fellowship with different leaders and to hear their updated stories and testimonies...:)

Well, what I'm brought back to S'pore a few application...

- Ensure Poly leaders are reaching 1st year successfully
- Ensure we are to fill in every courses with Hope people
- Ensure mission spirit in every poly members' life
- God will provide the region all we need & want to grow Poly Service

Rev 3:1-6, Rev 2:8-11

2008-08-20T10:31:00.000+08:00

I was reflecting on few passage of Revelation. One question I was pondering was...

If God decided not to show up at your church next Sunday, would anyone notice?

Would He be missed? Would the congregation immediately enter a time of corporate soul-searching and prayer to find out what was wrong? Or would you be able to go merrily on your way as if nothing had happened?

Many churches continue their routine business week after week completely unaware that the Master of the house is not even there. It is like attending a party and having a great time but never even seeing or speaking to the host.

This was the problem of the church in Sardis . Christ, the Master of the house, had no words of commendation for Sardis because He found nothing commendable there. He told them, “I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead.” No doubt the church in Sardis was very busy. They probably had a full range of ministries and services to their community.. Undoubtedly their worship was proper and correct and perhaps even lively and entertaining. They had a good reputation and may even have had money and prestige in the city.

The church in Sardis had the form of godliness; the appearance of life. They thought they were alive and well - the rest of the city thought they were alive and well. Their only problem was that the Holy Spirit had departed and they never saw Him go. They were dead and didn't even know it!

Contrast this with the church in Smyrna , which received no condemnation from the Lord; only commendation. Of this congregation Jesus said simply, “I know your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich)...” Whatever the Smyrnan Christians lacked in material wealth they made up for in spiritual riches. They may have been poor in the things that the world values but they were rich where it counted—they had the King!

Where does your church fit? Sardis ? Smyrna ? Or somewhere in between? Even more important, where do you fit? God has this incredible idea that church is about Him. Yet so often we try to make it about us . We try to turn church into our own private “bless–me” club. Our entire focus centers on how many chills, thrills and goose bumps we get and on how well we are entertained. Rarely do we even think to ask what our King wants.

It doesn't matter how big your church is or how rich. It doesn't matter how many programs and ministries you have. It doesn't matter how exciting your worship is or how eloquent your pastor. Without the King you have nothing!

Don't settle for artificial worship and dead formalism either for myself or for my church. I have a choice: Sardis or Smyrna . Which am I? Which do I want to be?

Night Safari

2008-08-15T14:52:00.000+08:00

Last Sunday, some of poly peeps went to night safari.. Well, someone asked why night safari... the answers is pretty simple.. because we have 50% discount on the entrance ticket. hohoho... anyway, many of us were 1st timer. The sad thing was 4 guys were unable to come because they were called back to serve Singapore... Nel was sick so can't join us....

Nevertheless, it was a fun trip. The 1st experience was the food court pricing.. We all were shocked to see a bowl of Laksa cost $13. A plate of chicken rice cost $17!!!! Daneil, huimei, jen and I order Stingray with rice... Each of us pay $7.. seems reasonable. Colin paid $5.50 for a bowl of Ice Kachiang. whoo!!! Ace paid $4 for a cup of ice milo... hohoho....

Next, the experience was to queue up for a night animal show... We can't believe that we were the 1st few people in the queue. It was the last show at 930pm. When we we went in, you can't believe that the crowd was so big that the host has to encouraged us to squeeze so that we can have more sitting space for those who are coming in.... The show as not bad.

Next we riding on the tram around night safari... It was not a bad ride. It was cooling at night and to see animal at night was our very 1st time... :):):) One unforgetable experience is the bat walk. We got to see food bat and many of them were flying and was really close to us!!!!!!

We ended the tour at 1130pm. some of them left for home. Few of us went to Bukit Batok for a night supper... hoho.... Ezri hasn't ate the whole day so she is given the freedom to eat all she can...:):) thanks to Joel who sent the gals home...:):):)

Here are some pic! I highly recommend night safari who hasn't visited before or to bring some of our international leaders of they visit S'pore. Though the price can be costly... :):)

cols and joel...

Huimei & Daniel

Ezri tried climping up the zebra a few times..

Ouch! finally....

Leanne and Kevin

Jen wat are doing?!?!?

On a night tram...

goodbye all the night animals....hohoho

Exams is coming peeps! - prayer chambers

2008-08-08T17:33:00.000+08:00

Alright, August is the last surge of project deadlines and exams for poly peeps! whoo..

So I will open this blog entry for any prayer request for your project or exams revision...

So peeps, do your best as God will do the rest. Get more redbull as you burn midnight oil...

It will be a wonderful period to shine the light of Christ during stree period. It's when you are stress, the more you draw nearer to God and then you can shine the joy and love to those around you!

So you tag me or send me a comment on your prayer request.... :):):)

*shine Jesus shine*, *lalalalala*

Events for this week...

2008-08-08T14:11:00.000+08:00

Last Sunday, team evolution was in the semi final. Here are some of the shots of the match that went on... Evolution was a mixture of poly students, uni students and working adults. It was a good fusion and reflects it's possible to gel together when we focus not on the differences but the common goal. :) Personally, I think it's not just the achieving the goal that is most important (though that's is important factor) but most important and treasured experiences is the process and journey of reach the goal.

the team....

wah, this is when guys hugs so happily...goal...

another big hugsssss

united we can stand

CLC has ended last Saturday. I was in the 1st class in CLC2 and also last Sunday CLC1. I'm so blessed by the upcoming CLs in CLC2 and all the new shepherds and core team in CLC1. I think this is one of the biggest class ever. I'm blessed by more students being train to be leaders of their campus.

As I was telling the team and Jen about the October leadership camp, we will see new CLs to be invited to the camp. Last Saturday, we had a UL meeting. It was really great time of praying, claiming what's of the our future, depending on God, praying in the spirit is all we know how to move forward as a team. It was refreshing to me personally and to all of us! We will desire to be like Paul in leading the church and group.

So we will geared up in the next major leadership training in Oct. :) I'm so convinced that it's the students will raise up and lead the campus in taking new grounds and moving forward! stay tuned!

memory pic...

2008-07-30T10:13:00.000+08:00

I was sorting out photos and I saw these photos. It brought back many memories and these are the people whom have touched and impacted lives... I'm thankful that serving God is never alone. There are friends serving together.. Now, some are staying back, some moved on to adults group, some went for overseas study....

We will never walk alone....:)

(At Jonathon Wong's house - On good friday)

A theme night and guess who is the pirate on my right?

tag me....hohoho

at one of the freshman event....(TP guys...)

make a guess who is holding the camera....(tag me)

a CL meeting...in 2004...

Ooi..we looked so young! and all coloured hair...

meihua, wat r u doing....?

Random News!

2008-07-29T12:54:00.000+08:00

Posting some random news...

a) Loli's Dad received Jesus last Saturday!

b) My youngest nephew turned 4 month old!

c) Finally, i bought a pink dell laptop!

d) This Sat is the last class for CLC 1 and CLC2!

e) The exchange rate for 1 SGD is 5 Chinese Yuan...

f) WFL is coming.....

g) I loved Hillsongs - Healer.... cool! thank you Lord...

h) Watch a couple of NDP songs - feel proud to be Singaporean... hehehe (chessy...)

2 movies within a week!

2008-07-27T00:09:00.000+08:00

Well, as I have told many friends around me that the usual past time for most young Singaporean is eating and cating movies!

I did what most young Singaporeans does so I'm young! whoo! Last Saturday, few of us catch a midnight movie - Dark Knight. I'm not really into batman movie (i like X-men though, hohoho)but there are 2 guys in the gang and especially the one who organise the late night movie is a guy! I give a 4 out 5 star to this movie. (disclaimer: this is just a personal assessment). It was a 2 hour and 30mins movie and given the length, the director has done a pretty good job in creating suspense and momentum and continue to engage me throughout the movie. though at some point especially the front part is a little slow. But overall, a well selected actors (I give a thumbs up for the joker), music and filming style (it was a super high tech movie and animation.

the 2nd movie that I catched with Claramae was Red Cliff. I went with a knowledge that there will be a part 2 coming up. So I didn't expect too much for a closure in ending. Both of us loves the art of war and really awed by Chinese history and chinese intelligent! I'm looking forward to my china trip after the LC. Knowing and experiencing China's history.

After the movie, we kept talking about the movie. One thing we agreed that Xiao Qiao (aka Lin Zhiling) looks pretty but need to work alot on her acting. I think she was paired up with Tony Leung who is super good actor and that may not help her as a newbi in movie. We were thinking who can take the Zhu Ge Liang's role if given a choice to change the actor.

So Red Cliff part 2, count me in!

an unusual shopping place

2008-07-24T00:00:00.000+08:00

Last Sunday, I stepped into a shop which I hardly would imagined myself to do so - Chinese medical store. ("clap"clap") I was on my way to Nel's house and I wanted to get something for her mom. Then I thought to get practical thing for elderly folks, probably I can get it in a chinese medical store. I was right!

There are so many choices of gifts. Like chicken essence, ginseng, bird nest and many more. I got ginseng drink that will build up the strength of the lungs. I learnt quite a bit from the boss. Something very new to me..hohoho...

Then, in the evening when I was on way back home. I thought I can get something more tonic for mom since she has been working faithfully and diligently for the family. I went to another chinese medical store and to find out more about bird nest for elderly. I was in the shop for 20mins and the boss took different grade of bird nest and taught me why the different in price and what's good about them. very educational sia...:):):)

I got 6 bird nest ginseng drink for mom and hope she loves it. If it taste good, I will get a suger free for dad too. hohoho!

So if anyone of you are looking for gift for elderly, step into a chinese medical store, you will not be disappointed because what matters to elderly is health so they will appreciate any gifts that build up their health... a tips for you....

hungry..hungry...feeding and digesting...

2008-07-23T00:22:00.000+08:00

I had such a great feast since last week. I'm not talking about food but rather books and teaching DVDs. hohoho!

I have come to realise more and more that as I give and teach and mentor others, I need to be taught and challenge regularly. One quick way is to read good books and listen to good audio lessons.

I was refreshed by this book "What we can learn from the life and ministry of Bill Bright". Many years ago, I was very interested about the life of Bill Bright as he was the founder of Campus Crusade for Christ. How he started, what keeps him going, what's his fears, what went well, etc... And of course, what this man did and how he live that left a legacy. Campus Crusade is still moving ahead strongly and internationally. This book challenged me on a few areas. Since he talks alot on campus ministry and I'm serving in campus ministry. This is highly recommended book for any leader who is serving in campus ministry. Anyone who believes that as we win the campus today, we can win the world tomorrow. I was personally challenge on my intimacy with God (this is the most important thing is leader's life), my mind and heart is expanded on the area of Fund raising for ministry (money is important for ministry and leader who touch the fund raiser), my life must be convinced that campuse ministry is one the effective way to touch the world (Polytechnics, ITEs, University)!

Next was 2 DVD lessons by John Ortberg and an interview by Bill Hybels with Carly Fiorina (ex-CEO of HP).

John Ortberg taught about Leader's greatest fear. John Ortberg is as usual witty in his preaching on the book of Esther. He addressed that leaders need to be careful of our mission becomes a shadow mission. A leader who pursue a shadow mission usually are motivated by selfishness, ego and pleasure. This happen to any leader especially to those high level of leadership. The mission may appear godly but was envelop with dark motivation. So leaders must allow people to probe in their organisation/group - why we do the things we do. It's amazing truth to me.

Carly Fiorina was interviewed on her leadership in a male dominated industry. She shared her experiences and leadership learnings and her walk with God. One leadership lesson I learnt from her life especially her days in managing HP was No one should affect our security in God / confidence in fulfilling the task because of someone's biaseness or unbelief. This is so true and especially when environment that leaders are in may not be so condusive.

I'm trying to get the book by her soon - Tough Choices (Indeed, leaders sometime have to make tough choices as he/she leads.)

Lastly, I'm doing a studying on the life of Nehemiah. Last Sunday in RDMM, few of us were discussing more indepth on the life of Nehemiah. I was blessed by some of the insights that were shared by some as we read deeper on Chapter 1 and 2.

Praise God that I can fellowship with right people and discuss further on the scriptures. Indeed, I'm growing and learning. It's good to keep spiritual hunger strong and go to the right food!

An encouter with ex-mandarin radio DJ

2008-07-18T12:43:00.000+08:00

jas. youfa & claudia

Yesterday, Claudia, a few church staff and I went to reccee a Christmas venue. We had a pleasant surprise that we met this ex-mandarin radio DJ - Lim You Fa.

Some of you may know him. He was friendly and helpful. It was a pleasant experience as he showed us around and hope that he can join us in one of the event. May God's love fill his heart..

Meditate 1Sam 15

2008-07-17T14:27:00.000+08:00

I was off on Tuesday and I took time for an express pendicure, a nice facial and then off for a dinner appointment. :) It was a good theraphy to just do normal grooming. :)

What was most rewarding is bible passage reflection. I was reading the book of Samuel and chapter 15 caught my attention. The story of Saul... The Lord instructed him to destroyed everything of the enemies but he spared some and kept the sheep and cattle.

The anchor verse was 1Sam 15:22: Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams."

The motives of the heart is far more important than outward expression. That's what the Lord sees. Saul suppose to fight based on God's command but he added his version of battle. The outward seemingly Godward - He sacrifice the best cattle and sheep to the Lord. However, he violated the command of the Lord that is to destroyed all.

What Saul did seems to be reasonable and logical in the eyes of man however God was saddened because he has failed to obey. The little twist of reasons why we do certain things and not to do certain things, should always be in check.

This is a good reminder and warning for me to in check of my obedience level when God challenge me or leads me. Do I justify with good reasons or I recieve it humbly and fulfill it and allow God to help me.

May I always be a child who desires to please my dad in heaven. I trust in you that's why I obey. Keep my heart pure - To please you Only. :)

Celebrations

2008-07-14T13:23:00.000+08:00

After Tertiary service, I rushed back home for a time of family dinner and to celebrate my niece's birthday. My niece turned 2. There are 3 children in the family and when I stepped out of the lift, I saw them rejoicing because they were waiting for me for cake cutting. oops, sorry, I'm late... :)

Evin - turned 2 and Zane - 21/2 years old.

Yap, bro in law, Evin and Iris - sis (some 'extras'

behind them..hohoho)

On Sunday, another celebrations - Water Baptism. It was a joyous occasion and there are 25 poly peeps got water baptised! I tried to take all photos of every water baptisees but I didn't manage to do so. I will post up those that I have taken!

the water baptisers before going into the H2O!

(say cheese....)

Lord, I pray for all water baptisees that they will grow in knowing You through Word and prayer. May they grow in their new self and to walk in the Spirit more. :) God be with them! In Jesus name, Amen!

Campus Ministry

2008-07-12T18:23:00.000+08:00

This whole week I'm thinking and dreaming and planning for PolyDiNS ministry. Last night at the CTM, the vision, plans seems to be clearer as I prayed for the group and individual. There is power for corporate prayer. :) you showed up again , God!

After meeting Clara (we ate and talked and ate! ha! it was so fruitful) and reached home at 230am. I was really sleepy yet was so stirred in my hearts about campus ministry. I wrote down all the possibilities the Lord has spoken to me for the whole week. I'm penning it down and looking forward to share and discuss with the RDMM tomorrow.

There will be changes and rising more newer leaders to do more in the ministry. I look forward to meet the ULs in 2 weeks time to get all these plans and direction to be owned by them. :)

We are born for such a time like these to take hold what God has destined us to do and to be. :) We are living for a destiny. thanks u Lord for placing us in a very strategic group!

*singing*..i have a destiny, i know i shall fulfill... "singing louder*

laptop..laptop.... (which one?)

2008-07-10T14:31:00.000+08:00

I have been searching for my ideal laptop for months. One thing I can conclude is that I'm very fickle minded when comes to buying laptop. Probably, I'm not so sure what's the most important criteria for me. Anyway, I have narrow down a few important factors and I'm relooking which laptop models suits me.

1. Price : $2.2k and below...
2. Weight : 1.8kg and below
3. Specs : 1.8GHz and above with 2 GB RAM
4. Pleasant looking
5. at least 4 hours battery life
6. 1.2 inch and above sceen size

I will do my home work and see which model fit my criteria!!! I'm not the tech savvy person but I will learn so much as I do my research....

laptop, laptop, my ideal one....where are you???

Happy birthday Meihua!

2008-07-09T14:03:00.000+08:00

I have problem in downloading the photo we took last week. Anyhow, wanted to write down the celebration experiences!

Sheng Re Kuai Le, meihua! time flies as you are 1 year older, hohoho! You are still young lor...:) Nel, Leanne and Lennon are in the same age zone. So still soo young to take on so many things in life.

Thank God for meihua, your contribution, love, fun, laughter that we shared together. You brought energy to the team. You brought joy and of course some lame jokes to us as well. We have no choice but to laugh at your lamy jokes...

You are generous and very giving. I'm sure because you gave, God will give you so much more as you are a faithful steward. :) (so continue to give to me and the RDMM team...hehehehehe).

you have a very soft heart for people! I'm sure because you care, God will give you so many sheep to take care because you are a good shepherd.

Keep learning and growing (spiritually not physically...hohoho)... the Lord will take you further higher and deeper with Him!

Thanks for your friendship throughout all these years.....:):):)