Thursday, November 29, 2007

Victory In Batam

Just came back from our Filipino camp in Batam. Claudia & I had a great time there!

In short, it was a vision-filled and excellent camp. Christie envisioned us of the next phase for the Filipino ministry. We want to play a big part in fulfilling God’s vision through our Hope Movement. We believe that as a group, we can and must play a significant role.

We felt so loved and appreciated at the camp. There were always warm greetings and in-depth heart-felt conversation throughout. It has certainly refreshed us greatly.

I was also totally fed with endless supply of chocolates. I was given a total of 6 toblerones and 2 boxes of designer chocolates! It was too much and I did the wise thing of spreading the fats around.

In a few hours time, I will be flying off to Johannesburg for our discipleship camp with the South African church. I am very excited to be seeing our people there very soon.

Please do pray for the camp to be encouraging and that the church will be challenged towards tangible practical action to take to be better disciples and disciple-makers.

May God bless you and be with you in all your undertakings!

Monday, November 26, 2007

Hope Centre & Trust Fall

Last Saturday, I was there to celebrate Hope Centre’s 10th anniversary at Nanyang Polytechnic. It was a very warm day and all the people that were completely fried and hang out to dry. It was really a fun day out in the sun!

There were song and dance presentations. In line with the celebration, Hope Centre had set out to set a new record for the most numbers of trust fall within an hour. The goal set was to do 1000 within 60 minutes.

This was certainly the main event for the day.

All the participants were approaching it with great enthusiasm. All in all, after an hour of hardwork, we set a new record of 2736 trust falls in one hour!



Some were really nervous about doing it. One of my colleagues did not even dare to do it. I encouraged him and I hope that he would have eventually done at least one!

I got into the act as well and I did around 6 falls. I was more confident when the guys were catching me. When the girls wanted to catch me, I was a bit nervous that they could not hold up all my weighty muscles, I swung my arm a bit and accidentally hit a girl’s head. So sorry ;)

The NYP group that was rather slow. Others were already doing up to 80 falls while they had only done 18. The reason was that they did not have enough catcher. I was roped in to help and I must say that it was really hardwork as some of them were really heavy.

We managed to set a rather high record because of some of the guys and army groups. They were really smart in serial trust falling. Watch the video below and you will know what I mean!



Happy 10th birthday Hope Centre!

Saturday, November 24, 2007

Casting Crowns - Does Anybody Hear Her

Shirley gave me this album for my birthday in 2006 and it moved me. I saw this video clip on Christine's blog.

This is a song that reminds me that the church should be more like a pub where anyone and everyone is accepted. Christians must not all be so wrapped up in our own lofty steeple world that we forget how people who are far from God can experience certain challenges in their lives.

Jesus was among the people, loving the people and guiding the people towards God. And may I walk in Jesus' footsteps more and more...



Does Anybody Hear Her

She is running
A hundred miles an hour in the wrong direction
She is trying
But the canyon's ever widening
In the depths of her cold heart
So she sets out on another misadventure just to find
She's another two years older
And she's three more steps behind

Does anybody hear her? Can anybody see?
Or does anybody even knows she's going down today
Under the shadow of our steeple
With all the lost and lonely people
Searching for the hope that's tucked away in you and me
Does anybody hear her? Can anybody see?

She is yearning
For shelter and affection
That she never found at home
She is searching
For a hero to ride in
To ride in and save the day
And in walks her prince charming
And he knows just what to say
Momentary lapse of reason
And she gives herself away

If judgement looms under every steeple
If lofty glances from lofty people
Can't see past her scarlet letter
And we never even met her

Written by Mark Hall ©2005 Club Zoo Music (BMI) / SWECS Music (BMI) (admin. by EMI CMG Publishing)

Thursday, November 22, 2007

Creation Pathway To God

First and foremost, let me say that I ain’t no jungle or nature boy. I am more of an urban boy but I do appreciate nature. I do enjoy the outdoor and nature from time to time.

As I had said in the Adults Camp 2007, there are various pathways to God. One of the ways that helped me from time to time is the Creation Pathway. People with this pathway come alive and marvel about God when they experience nature.

I recalled my first experience of the vastness and power of God in New Zealand. I was on top of Mount Cook and it was time as such that verses like Psalm 121:1-2 came totally alive!

Psalm 121:1-2
I lift up my eyes to the hills — where does my help come from?
My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth

It has helped me to appreciate and get close to God.

Do check out the book entitled Sacred Pathways by Gary Thomas for more of these insights. I believe this book is available at Hope Resource.


















Since shifting to this new place, I had taken walks from time to time in this park. It is only 5 minutes walk from my place. It is like a world away from the one that I am often cooped in. It does something to my heart and spirit when I take these slow walks. Moreover, it is also a great form of exercise!

To be honest, my footsteps in the background can sound a bit creepy. It may appear like some sort of scary movie.

Anyhow, take a walk with me (if you dare)...



Wednesday, November 21, 2007

Christmas Gifts Idea

After introducing the dramatized reading of the bible and making known that it is being sold at the Hope Store, I heard that quite a number of purchases and enquires were made.

I am so glad that many among us are so eager to learn. That’s the way to go!

As Christmas is coming, I know that many may be making plans and cracking our head on buying the right gift for others. After all, Christmas is really about giving.

Instead of only sharing food ideas, I want to get us onboard on the new sale that is taking place at the Hope Resource. There are many good books, sermon & music CDs and accessories that are available.

In my life, I do my best to be reading at least one book at any one time. This is on top of reading and learning from the bible. Reading a good book enlarges my perspectives and often challenges my worldview as well.

Make sure you tell them that you got to know of the Sale through me... I may get some free books from them...

Check it out!

Monday, November 19, 2007

What A Weekend!

I had not been preaching for up to 4 weeks and then it was a full 6 services preaching on the weekend. The situation was made even more challenging with the Leaders’ Conference and the Staff Retreat taking place back to back a couple of days ago.

On Saturday, even before I started on the first of six preachings, I was already a bit tired. I also knew that it was an important weekend for the youth before they commenced on their discipleship focus before the Christmas harvest. I knew that I need to play my part well to aid in the strategic focuses.

But God was so faithful. He pulled me through all the services on Saturday and Sunday. As I did my part and depended on Him, He gave me the strength and ability to communicate His mind and heart. I am really thankful to God!

There were moments before and even during the preaching when my mind really felt like giving up. I held on remembering that Jesus is with me and I am merely an instrument in His Hand. I can only give and do my best and no more!

And the conclusion of the matter is this: whatever little that I have can become a lot in God’s hands. This is a precious lesson that I have to learn and re-learn, know and remember time and again in my life :)

I am also so thankful to those who prayed and helped me over the weekend. Totally grateful...

Thus I can say with conviction that God will surely do great things through your life and my life in this coming week! So go ahead and kick up some storms (good ones!) for the Kingdom.

Thursday, November 15, 2007

Isaiah 40:27-31

On Sunday, while waiting in the car, I listened to this particular song from Lincoln Brewster. In the middle of the song, it has a part where a little girl would recite Isaiah 40:27-31. And it was this part that ministered to my heart.

But as I take the time to pray, I sense that this encouragement is for many of you who will be reading this entry as well. I hope this will give you the extra strength to walk through the valleys moments of your lives.

Please take a moment and read through and ponder over these verses…

Isaiah 40:27-31
27 Why do you say, O Jacob, and complain, O Israel, "My way is hidden from the LORD; my cause is disregarded by my God"?
28 Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.
29 He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.
30 Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall;
31 but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

God is saying that He has not disregarded your cause. He has certainly not forgotten you. He is the everlasting God that doesn't change. God is completely consistent and dependable. He is faithful to keep His word and promises. Man may forget and let you down but God never will!

The bible says that God gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. It speaks that the qualification to receive God’s strength and power is to be weary and weak. And that is great news for many of us. It is about coming to a state where we recognize our own weaknesses and limitations.

God also reminds us to not place our confidence in our youth or human capability. While these are wonderful things, they are not our ultimate source of confidence.

As we put our hope in the Lord, we will have our strength renewed.

We will soar on wings like eagles. Eagles soar as they glide across the open skies with the winds supporting them beneathe their wings. The wind is likened to the presence and power of the Holy Spirit.

This gliding of the eagles can be contrasted to birds that flap their wings vigorously when they fly; seems rather tiring.

We will run and not get tired. This takes lots of faith and imagination for me to comprehend. But people have told me that as you run, you will eventually reach a threshold where it will be a breeze to keep on running. Apparently, I have not found my threshold as yet (or ever!)

We will walk and not be faint or be lagged behind. Even when we walk slowly, as we walk with His strength, we will not lag behind. So it is not a matter of how fast we walk but who do we walk with that really matter.

As I pray in the spirit, I hope this passage will add much courage and strength to you.

Monday, November 12, 2007

Watch Out! Man Utd Are Going To Get Stronger - Steve McMahon

Thursday November 08, 2007

The Premier League had best watch out, because Manchester United are only going to get stronger than they already are.

After witnessing the top-two teams in England battle to a thrilling 2-2 draw, I have to say United are still the favourites to retain their Barclays Premier League crown. The Red Devils just look much stronger than the Gunners.

If you were to ask me to choose between the two sides, I would go for United who look superior in all departments. For the first time this season, Arsenal came up against a side that retained the ball as well as, if not better than, the Gunners.

Many neutral football fans would feel Arsenal are playing the better football now but I can tell you United have been more efficient, more ruthless and more direct. All the talk of a slow start by the defending champions has been well and truly squashed.

Remember they still have Louis Saha, Michael Carrick and Gary Neville who are just returning to the side. They might not even miss Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs. Such is their strength in depth.

Once again, they are starting to prove they are the team to beat!

And the pre-match hype between the arch-rivals was like old times – Sir Alex Ferguson versus Arsene Wenger – Manchester United versus Arsenal (before Jose Mourinho came on the scene). One could feel the hostility resurfacing before, during and after the game.

During the game, the pressure perhaps got the better of Ferguson who ranted at the fourth official, Alan Wiley, after a perceived dive by Emmanuel Eboue resulted in a yellow card for Patrice Evra. This went on for a good ten minutes!

If that wasn’t enough, he went on to pulverise referee Howard Webb for ‘favouring’ the home team. Now, I think Webb had a fantastic game. He did not have much to do and when he was called upon he got the decisions spot on. Well if Ferguson thinks he can influence the refereeing decision, he has got it coming for him. I think he was totally out of order.

Having said that, I think Ferguson is treating Arsenal as a true rival again. Football Focus regulars can attest to our panel’s belief that Ferguson’s rants are all part of his mind games. It will be interesting to see how Arsenal and Arsene Wenger respond to this.

I have not forgotten about Chelsea – Roman Abramovich seems to have stamped his authority in the team as Chelsea continue to stay in touch with the leaders. The Russian probably sat the players down after the sacking of Jose Mourinho and got everyone to move on. Look, there is still a title to be won!

Come January 20 when the African Cup of Nations tournament starts – Chelsea will be missing several key players. They might struggle especially in the absence of Didier Drogba – Claudio Pizzaro and Andriy Shevchenko (it is easy to defend against him) aren’t quite in the same class as the Ivory Coast striker. Chelsea will do well to get a proper replacement in the January transfer window – Dimitar Berbatov will probably do nicely!

Steve McMahon, former Liverpool midfielder and England International, joined ESPN STAR Sports in 2006 as resident football pundit providing expert comments each week on Football Focus, Football Forecast and the weekend Barclays Premier League presentations.

Saturday, November 10, 2007

Conference In Phuket

It’s been a most absorbing in Phuket. Met up with many people, had many conversations and exchange numerous spiritual technologies along the way as well.

We met in Phuket for 3 days as we learnt from the theme of “Building A Strategic Church”. Some of the key lessons from the sessions were putting strategy in the proper perspective in the overall scheme of building the church, balancing between formulating strategy and God’s guidance & Christ-followers have the potential to be great strategists.

It was a very good reminder for me on some of the truth that we had learnt before.

Another highlight in the conference was the chance to hear powerful testimonies or war stories from different people in different parts of the globe. They were most strengthening and refreshing.

For me, the greatest highlights were the opportunities to get up close and personal with different leaders, locally and globally. I love to hear about their success and struggles as they go about building God’s bride. I enjoy their kind words and camaraderie dearly.

This is the second time in my life that I am visiting Phuket. The first time was many years ago while I was still serving the army (if my memory serves me right!) I was not a Christ-follower then.

Same place, similar beaches, similar food but different purpose and company.

Monday, November 05, 2007

La Pizzaiola

Alvin Poon introduced me to some very good pizzas on the weekend. He was telling Claudia that he would be bringing some thin crust pizza and I was looking forward to tasting them. Although I am not a huge pizza fans, Alvin Poon evangelised me into it!

I like pizza with think crust better. Those who very thick crust usually leaves you feeling bloated if you are foolish enough to stuff down all those dough.

For these ones from La Pizzaiola, the crust is very thin and the toppings are really yummy. For me, I love it with plenty of Tabasco sauce. It gives me lots of kick!

A normal 12” pizza costs around S$15 while a gourmet 12” one (with quality toppings) will set you back by around S$20. I am not sure if this is a reasonable price but it sure tastes good. We tried the mozzarella cheese, rocket salad and parma ham one. Do check it out.

As I was told, they will do delivery for an extra S$3.

The website is http://www.lapizzaiola.com.sg/aboutus2.html

Saturday, November 03, 2007

Joyfully Weak

Some days ago, while I was spending time with God recollecting the events that had taken place in my life. I was just lamenting about the numerous numerous time when I felt so inadequate over numerous numerous challenges in my life.

I find myself falling short in many departments. I should have communicated clearer, planned better, counseled more wisely and led with great diligence.

But it was in the midst of these thoughts that God dropped a rhema thought into my heart. He had purposely allowed these times of inadequacy such that I will learn to go to Him.

For when I truly weak, then I will become strong because I learn to depend on Him. If I had been strong throughout, then I might have probably become weak due to my self-dependence and reliance.

That revelation brought me plenty of joy because I know that I will truly be God-adequate, strong-in-Him and divinely wise when I go to the ultimate Source! The joy that it brings me is simply incomprehensible.

No wonder, Paul would write that he would boast all the more gladly and delight in weakness, insults, hardships and the whole works.

My prayer is not that God will take away every challenge and difficulty in my life but that He will grant me enough wisdom to always run to and depend on Him in both good and bad times!

May your prayers be likewise!

2 Corinthians 12:7-10
7To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. 8Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. 9But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. 10That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Thursday, November 01, 2007

Tokyo

Claudia and I spent around 6 days in Tokyo. Although Tokyo resides in Asia, it has a pretty different culture from Singapore.

Allow me to give a few big picture of how I view Tokyo.

Firstly, it is a very Technologically Advanced group of people. They have really fancy gadgets. We had the opportunity to visit the Sony & Toyota Building and it was quite an experience. In the Sony Building, I was most impressed with a state of the art Desk Top. It was really cool. It makes even the Apple Computer look ordinary!

At the Tokyo, there were all sorts of fancy and really nice cars on display. The great thing is that you can actually climb into them and fiddle with them (cannot drive them off though!).

I saw this really huge Land Cruiser and I fell in love with it. It is still one of my dreams to drive across a big continent like Australia or US and then stopped in the middle of the desert; feasting upon what I have shot and drinking beer over an open fire. How macho is that!














The toilets were really advance too. They have all sorts of buttons besides the “throne”. They have buttons that produce sound that covers up the embarrassing sounds that you may make while doing your business. They have a button to clear the air (literally!). They have a button to control the temperature of the seat. They have two buttons that sends water to wash the back and the front (for ladies) after using the washroom. They even have a dryer to dry you up after the wash! Incredible!















Next, it has a culture of liking cute things. No wonder Japan is the birthplace of Hello Kitty! Things like music from the train station, to dressing, to the way people express themselves, to TV advertisements, to billboards; cute is the way to go. It is not about acting cute but they just like to be cute.

Thirdly, it is a very fast paced and crowded society. As I understand, Tokyo is the most crowded city in the world. If my numbers are correct, there are close to 26 million people (in Tokyo & greater Tokyo).

One of the scenes that kept coming back into my mind when I think about Tokyo is the number of people waiting to cross the traffic lights.

Below is a short video that I had taken while sitting in Starbucks at the Shibuya station. From what I can see, it appears that thousands of people would cross the traffic lights in all direction at any one go. Sorry, I do not know who to do it the right side up :(



I would not recommend people who suffer from claustrophobic to make their residence in Tokyo.

Fourthly, Japanese are absolutely expert when it comes to packaging stuff. Taking a walk in any one of the supermarkets, you can literally hear the goods shouting at you from their immaculate packaging to try them, buy them, taste them, drink them, own them. Satan may have learnt from the Japanese when he enticed Adam & Eve with the fruit at the garden.

And they are not only good at packaging things, they are just as good when it comes to packaging themselves. The people I saw on the street are really well groomed. The gentlemen and ladies are dressed really well and they really know how to look good. Our TCS stars would look rather common to a lot of people there.

Claudia looked to be at home among them while I looked them I am wearing a Halloween costume when I was wearing my normal everyday comfort clothes. By the way, Halloween is a rather big thing in Japan. They like the Uncle Sam culture.

Lastly, they are also quite a cultured bunch. There seems to be a deep appreciation of art, music and dance. We had the privilege of visiting Edvard Munch’s works that were at display in their museum. It was cool!








Anxiety By Munch









On this trip, it was also the first time that I experience a typhoon. It was so strong that we could not even move from one building to another building that is only some 20 meters away. Umbrellas were destroyed and trees were doing some incredible aerobics bending.

I had been to the Narita Airport several times on route to the US but I had never been to visit and see Japan before. This is my first trip but I believe that it would probably not be my last. I would like to see a slower side of Japan in my next visit; go soak in some spring, go whale sighting, catch some fish and eat sashimi on the spot etc.

Sayonara Tokyo!