Since moving to the new church building, there was this strange feelings each time I go to church; that I am going to a totally new church and a new beginning.

I am thanking God each day for the wonderful place that we are having right now and each day I am reminding myself that this is only the beginning of the excitement that we could experience with God. I kept on reminding myself of the purpose of having a building there and am alert of the responsibilities thereof.

To start with, the canteen has been a blessing. The brothers from the drug rehab center found a new way to serve God and maybe to be trained to run a canteen/café in the future. They are pretty excited with the work and they did a wonderful job, learning to bear responsibilities (something that they don’t really understand but are learning in the drug rehab center, otherwise, they will not abuse themselves with drugs).

Secondly, the church members found a place whereby not only they could serve but also a place where they could fellowship and to organize activities that are meaningful to bring their friends to church. We could make use of the facilities that we have to plan evangelistic channels whereby our friends and relatives could come and hear the gospel in a “non-threatening” environment.

Lastly, I found it personally a place whereby I could call “HOME”, a place where I belong to. As I have mentioned earlier, it is a new beginning and a new church to me. I am looking forward to the many blessings in this church and am excited with God’s way of working among us. Though we still have a lot of obstacles and new challenges ahead of us; probably a whole new set of challenges that could throw me out of my chair but still, I am thankful for the opportunity to be “HOME” and a New beginning with YOU, my dearest family of God!

What is the most important thing in your life?

Joshua 24:15
“But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living.

But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.”

Making choices seem to be an unavoidable matter in life. There are choices we made which we will enjoy the results but there are also choices we made which will leave us feeling frustrated. Sometimes we can be so taken by the results that we forget the process of making those choices.

Being a pastor for many years, I have made numerous choices/decisions in life of which some I was pretty proud of but also there are many which I am rather disappointed with. Some was such blunder that I would wash my face with tears each day and yet some were so good that would leave a smile when I sleep.

Still, does it mean that after making all those mistakes, I will stop making decisions? Does it mean I will be so careful that I will have to consider every possibility before I make that final decision? Some who came to me for advice often ask this question, “What is the right choice in making this decision?” My answer often would be, “Enjoy the process and leave the rest to God.”

Saying this does not mean to be irresponsible but rather recognizing God in the process of making important decisions. We acknowledged God in every plan that we embarked on and we recognized His participation in every move that we made. When the end results are not what we have participated, while we know that we have done our best, that counts.

Some plans fail but it has left a greater impact in my life that those successes. If I am truthful in making honest evaluation on those choices, I will learn many good lessons that I will never forget for the rest of my life. In fact it will leave an indelible impression in my life and so to mould me to be a better person.

No matter what choices that we made, remember to include God in it, just like Joshua, in that important moment of his life, he declared to the Israelites, “As for me and my household, WE WILL SERVE THE LORD”… NO REGRETS!!!

Therefore, each choices that we made, enjoyed the process, commit to God and let the result take care of itself. Learn from each of those processes… you will surely be wiser in your next choice J

What will I do in the year 2011

It has been awhile since I have written anything on the blog. I have been very busy last year with travelling to different places in the world. Mission? More like mission exposures – exposing myself to different cultures and seeing what God is doing through the lives of the many who have given up life conveniences for the sake of the gospel. My observation: I truly salute those who have taken those steps to vow to do something different and dare to launch it.

After a year of ‘seeing’, I am rather ashamed of myself. I have been in the ministries for more than 20 yrs now but all that I could do is still taking “mission exposures” to educate myself in this field. I also rendered myself helpless in the face of the many needs that I’d seen and felt along the way.

I thought I have done a lot already; served Him faithfully (and secretly took pride in some of the ‘successes’ in the ministries); preached fervently and taught powerfully (at least that’s what I thought I was). Yet none could match all those missionaries who have given their lives to a culture totally different from their own and trying to immerse into some work which could be beyond themselves. The huge task of accomplishing what started as a “vision” took a long way to finish and it seems not much has taken place… as yet.

Frustration is the word and I marveled at the stressed level that they undertook yet remained firm and focused. Compare to all these “humbled servant of the most-high God”, I have nothing to boast, seriously.

Recalling all these trips that I have made, one word kept creeping into my thoughts – ‘AWESOME’! I serve an AWESOME GOD; and I witnessed some AWESOME GODLY SERVANTS OF GOD; I saw some AWESOME WORK/MINISTRIES.

So last year was a great year for me. I am grateful for His provision, for His love, for His protection and for opportunities opened for me. The year also ended with a great harvest in China which further boosted our morale to welcome another fruitful and wonderful year ahead. If there’s a report card to submit, I think I am pretty impressive.

The year 2011 finally came! With lots of expectation, I welcomed the year. I was ready to take on the world again as I “used to”. BUT it was not so.

The year began with quite a bit of sad news – with a number of deaths and sicknesses to start with. More disappointment came when relationships began to fall apart one by one before my eyes. It ripped me totally to see my dear members suffer from broken relationships because of carelessness.

“Careless” because as Christians we are careless with our words, with our actions and even intentions. Motifs unchecked or misread further complicate the matters. As a result, for the first round this year, the enemy has taken control of some and won. That’s how I felt right now!

The news that came to me for the past couple of weeks is not only horrific and it is beyond that I could handle. Like tonight, I couldn’t sleep and I tossed round on the bed, my thoughts swirled around all those who are involved and affected. My heart aches and I couldn’t contain my tears anymore. I cried to my God, “O Lord, be merciful and give me grace and wisdom to handle each of these delicate lives whom you have entrusted to me.” I am totally helpless!

My soul refused to be consoled because I felt the hurts for my people; some are so dear to me and have been with me for years. I saw the resentment in their eyes and words hurled to protect themselves from getting more hurt. I prayed to my God that they will find comfort and that they will receive console from the Holy Spirit.

Even now, my heart aches and I couldn’t do anything about it. All that I could do is to stay still in His presence and allow the Holy Spirit to soothe the wounded soul within me. An old old song came to my mind:

There is no problem too big, God cannot solve it

There is no mountain too tall, He cannot move it

There is no storm too dark, God cannot calm it

There is no sorrow too deep, He cannot soothe it

If He carries the weight of the world upon His shoulder

I know my brother that He will carry You

If He carries the weight of the world upon His shoulder

I know my sister that He will carry You

I now am convinced that nothing is too big for my God of whom I have put my trust. I shall let my burden go and I shall let God be in control.

"God, give me grace to go through today coz there are those hurts that're deep; hurts and griefs that I could not handle alone. Hurts that I do not want to let go. I wanted so much to just let things go but I was unable to do so. But today, may I learn to trust YOU and to lean on YOUR promises that YOU will never leave me nor forsake me. Help me to be bold to step out and to let YOU hold my hands. Father, lead me to YOUR peace, I cry; lead me to YOUR peace, O Father!"

Being WEAK or being MEEK!

A couple of days ago, my son and I had a chat. We were talking about behaving in the ministries. I encouraged him to be serious and be alert all the time when you are in the ministries because there will be obstacles whereby we need to learn to depend on God for wisdom and protection.

Somehow we got to bring out some past painful experiences that I had and he said, “Mum, I wish that I am older when you were facing those trials. Then maybe I could shield you from being hurt.” “Son, we need to go through all these so called hurts in order to grow and to learn to lean on God.”

“But mum, I saw you being silent when accused; didn’t explain yourself when words were hurled at you. In a nice way, you are being gentle but on the other hand you were seen as being weak in your leadership.”

I was quiet for a moment, recalling what my son had just told me. “Is that what others think when I kept quiet, WEAK?” I thought aloud. Then I calmed down and I told him this gently, “Son, there is a marginal difference between the WEAK and the MEEK. The weak are those who dare not face the situation and choose to run away. They chose to say hurtful comments behind the person and acted out negatively to bring discord and further pain by discrediting the other person and the church behind their back.”

“But the MEEK are those who know that to retaliate is to showcase your weakness whereas to keep compose in times of trials is a showcase of strength. To have a clear mind and to be gentle at the face of calamities are inner strength when one learnt to depend on the Holy Spirit.”

The world is looking on the outward reaction to determine the person’s strength and weakness. We seldom look deep into the person; whether the person reacts quietly and preferably in prayer instead of backbiting or continuously using negative words against the other person.

I once saw a picture in a very old magazine called the “last days ministries”; a picture depicting who Jesus was. In that picture a lamb was climbing a very dangerous and steep cliff up the mountain. It was evening and the shadow casted on the wall of the mountain surprisingly was a LION. It says, “The lamb who is the Lion of Judah.” I think this is the perfect picture of meekness. We are the lamb, gentle and maybe sometimes an easy target to be bullied or hurt but the inner person exhibits such strength that put him/her in a position of love and forgiveness.

Tell me, is it easier to react or refrain to react. To react and to give back the same way the person is treating you don’t need skill or strength but to refrain from taking revenge and not only do not speak against the other person INSTEAD prayerfully bringing that person before God, really needs lots and lots of energy.

I have to admit that through all these experiences that I had, I have become more patient. I thank God each day for keeping me strong. I thank God for allowing negative happenings in my life for without which I will never learn total dependence. Most of all, the Lord has helped me to see that it is never a person’s desire, especially when they are Christians and professing their love to God, to hurt another soul; it is all misunderstanding and miscommunication because we are DIFFERENT from one another. The sooner we recognize this, the less we will accuse one another.

We are different; the way we work; the way we talk; the way we react; the way we plan; the way we see the ministries. So do not take it to heart when someone is different from us. Just learn to accept and to allow that person to express himself/herself through time. Give your support silently even if you disagree. You never know; you could be wrong THIS TIME.

So son, I am not being weak but trying to walk meekly before God…just like our Lord Jesus! J

Choices - "Fair or Unfair"

My beautiful pet dog, a Rottweiler whom we fondly named as “Princess Zsa Zsa” came to live with us when she was only four months old. She was my son’s pet before he went to the college. Now of course the job of raising this dog came on my shoulder when he left. I grew to love her more each day and we have established a bond that only we could understand.

As time goes, she became bigger and stronger and before I knew it, her strength overpowered me. I saw lots of bruises on my arms and legs and once while playing with her, she got excited and pounced on my face and actually barely missed my left eye. I felt an excruciating pain and I quickly took an ice bag to relieve the swell. It was an accident but I began to realize that she’s getting really big and strong. I couldn’t handle her if I would take her out for walks because she would drag me.

I knew that she needed to go to obedient school but because of my heavy schedule I kept on postponing it and now she’s almost a year old. My schedule for the year is still very full and I was wondering what should I do. At this time, our church drug rehabilitation center lost their dog and they were asking if they could have Zsa Zsa (knowing that she is getting too big for me).

After weeks of consideration I decided to give it a try. (that is after lots of considerations and lots of thinking). I took her to the center and spent a day there. The moment we arrived, she dashed out into the open field and ran with all her might. Her half brother, “Tiger” who was only three months old was also there to play with her. I saw immediate bond between them and she has never been so happy.

After that day, my heart was more willing to let her go and I did. But I was undermining the attachment I have with her. For the next three days, I was crying each time I saw her pictures and thinking how she has been in the new place. I called to ask about her and they always give me positive answers but I was not convinced.

Finally after the weekend, Ian, my son came back for holiday and we decided to bring her home for a visit. I was elated and was all smile that finally I could see her again. And I kept on repeating to myself that she should miss me and I knew that I did.

When she was finally home, I saw in her eyes that bond that we used to have. She walked slowly to me and immediately fell into my embrace and we hugged and kissed. For the first time she actually walked to me and sat on my lap quietly, allowing me to stroke her gently and to speak to her like I always use to. Tears welled up my eyes and I knew that this bond can never be broken.

I spent the whole night talking and playing with her. She was much gentler now and quieter. For whatever reason, I knew that this is not herself. She was happy to be with me yet she should be happier there with so many people around her and so much space for her to move. (whereas my house has very limited space for her to even run).

I knew I have to make the final decision. As much as I loved her and missed her, she doesn’t belong here. She needs space and the people who have time to take care of her and to be her companion.

Given a choice, I would like to keep her and would take her to the obedient school; but seeing that she’s happier there, am I making the right decision? If I am a pet lover, will I confine her movement just to keep her close to me? There are times when I am busy with a heavy schedule, she will have to be alone till I finished my work at night, then only she got to see me and to play with me. Of course she brought much comfort and joy to me but am I doing the same to her?

Finally, I decided that she’s better off with the people in the drug rehab center who could give her the full attention that she needed. I may miss her greatly but I know that I cannot be selfish.

In our lives, we have lots of decisions to make: decisions that may affect us greatly and may even cause anger and dissatisfactions. We think that it is only fair that we feel happy and comfortable with whatever decision therein as long as we are happy but today I saw decision making with a different view. I battle with the thought of being “selfish” just to keep her close to me, knowing that she’s better off with the other party. But now I am thinking is she happy with me or with them?

The answer is obvious and I am willing to LET GO because I love her too much to make her unhappy. Sometimes we need to learn this lesson of “LETTING GO” because of love. We let our children go in order to allow them to grow (though we would think that it is better off if we continue to make decisions for them); we let go of our painful past in order to move on (to allow the other party to live on as well). Do not wrestle with the thought “fair” or “unfair” because this will only deepen some hurts and bring us into deeper depression.

Walk out and let go! When I did that, I realized that my heart is at peace and I knew that though I will miss her, she’s never far from my heart.

Kathmandu, Nepal

After eighteen hours of travelling, crossing three borders and four airports, we finally arrived at Kathmandu. It was a small airport but what welcomed us was the news that one of our luggage decided to ‘delay’ its arrival till the last flight, leaving us anxious about where it was. The airport officers assured us that the ‘naughty luggage’ would definitely arrive and we would be able to see it tomorrow.

So with a very tired body and a heavy heart we left the airport and met Jason, a friend of a friend who was so kind to take us for a meal and thereafter to our guest house, rightly names as “Mercy Guest house” cause that’s exactly what we needed at that moment.

After a good rest, we met the rest of the team from Singapore and of course our very naughty luggage and headed towards Kavre where we will be staying for a week.

As we travelled away from the dusty city, the four-wheeler took us up to the mountainous area and our breathing actually became smoother. It was an awesome picture all the way. Finally we arrived; that’s what I thought we did. But that was only an arrival at the feet of the hill that we were going to climb. When I saw the roads leading up, my jaw dropped and I gasped “What?!” (refer to some of the pics)

I finally gather myself together and managed to coax my nerves to strengthen up and I started the courageous climb. The first hurdle was manageable but as I climbed, the steeper it has become and the harder I breathed and the climb became a crawl. Before long my two faithful companions, each holding a side of my arms just like what Aaron and Hur did to Moses at the battle field came to the rescue. But the difference here was, Aaron and Hur were standing beside Moses, supporting his arms whereas I was literary hurled up the roads with my friends pulling my arms. Such a shameful state I have to admit. One of the local brothers even offered to carry me on his back and I shyly declined even though for a moment I was tempted to so doing thinking that it was not a bad idea at all. J

What welcomed us after that dreadful climb was worth all my ‘effort’. Serenity and majestic mountains filled my eyes. I marveled at God’s creation and I breathed in a deep sense of tranquility, “God, indeed great is your faithfulness for they are new every morning.”

The next few days were teachings, preaching, working in the field, helping to build a green house for the ‘food for every family’ project and of course helping out in the kitchen. We had dhal bhat (it is rice and vegetable and a dhal curry) everyday, for almost all the meals except a bit of variety along the way. Thanks to our sisters who insisted in helping out in the kitchen and suggesting some new things that we would like to try (just to break the routine). But I have to admit that I got to love those dhal bhat because I realized that I got lighter and healthier with less meat and lots of exercise.

The Nepalese are very gentle people. Their culture are quite similar with the Indians with a mixture of Chinese (you don’t believe this; this is because they are next to Tibet). Their hearts are open but bound by tradition and religious piety.

But for the few who have accepted the Lord, they are fearless in presenting the gospel in the face of persecution and a hard ground to plough. Yet they relentlessly and diligently ministering out of love for their own people. In comparison with what we have here in the so-called civility, our church has fallen into contemplation which any changes may mean crucifixion on the cross.

If there is one thing I have learnt, it is their fervent prayer and total dependence on our Lord Jesus Christ. They have nothing much, yet much is given. When they do not have, they lean on the Provider; when they suffer, they draw from Comforter; when they are in lack, they call on the Great Shepherd. What a faith they have; a practical faith in their lives. May God continue to bless our brethren in Nepal and raise up many more churches to bring the good news to those in need. Amen!

Pre-conceived Idea - An irreversible Judgment

Pre-conceived Idea - An irreversible Judgment

A very young mother-to-be, into the second month pregnancy was experiencing a very bad morning sickness and she needs to be in bed almost 24 hours a day. I visited her and showed my concern over her extreme condition. She declared that she already expected it this way because her mother had earlier shared with her of the difficulties during her pregnancy. Looks like she already expected to be in this condition even before she’s conceived and she did went through everything that she has expected it to be till the delivery.

Another young mother-to-be also into her early pregnancy but she was ok. Her mum has passed away and she has no knowledge of what pregnancy is all about except through reading books and also some chatting that she has with me. I told her this, “Enjoy your pregnancy because this is a gift from God.” She actually did!

Now I am not undermining some cases whereby pregnancy is difficult but to expect it even before it ever happens is an irreversible judgment pronounced upon oneself. The first lady actually expected the same for the next few pregnancies and thus developed pre and post-natal depression.

Let’s have another scenario. A young man who has pierced nose and wearing a one-sided earring, head shaved and worked in a movie house part time, came to church to worship God. Be honest, what would you do if he is seated next to your beautiful teenage daughter? After church what would you do to greet him? What question would you anticipate in asking him? OR if in come a very well-dressed promising looking young man giving full concentration to the worship service and speak eloquently with confidence, what comes to your mind? Preconceived Idea!

We are ‘educated’ by people around us as to what is and what is not without experiencing it ourselves. We don’t even give it the benefit of doubt that it may not be what we see. What we see may not justify who the person is.

I am pretty upset when a person would come to me and give a judgment about the others or him/herself even before a decent conversation or working alongside the person nor giving that person a chance to prove him/herself. I have a young Christian girl in church whom most would have consider her a free spirit and possessed an untamable behavior. Many have already passed the judgment that she will make a mess in her life. But she proved to be the most sensible girl even though in her youngish ways may have made some mistakes but these are all part of learning and growing up experiences. I trusted her fully that she will carry herself sensibly before the people and most of all responsible to God.

The young man that I mentioned earlier who shaved his head and wearing nose and one-sided earring is actually a youth pastor in London whom I knew who is very passionate about young people’s ministries. He loves them with all his heart and together with his wife has established a very sound doctrine to guide young people back to God. The young people in return loved him dearly. I saw the bond between the pastor and youths and it touched my heart that he actually stooped down to their level in order to win them.

We meet a lot of people along our life path. Some we really appreciate and some we don’t. Some were already in the cold storage even before they are given a chance to cross our paths and yet for some we just knew that they will be our friends.

Sadly, those whom we trusted may turn out sour and those whom we least expected became our greatest port where we could rest our worries upon. As the old saying goes, “Don’t judge the book by its cover.”

Paul was initially the most influential persecutor before he turned the most influential executor of the gospel. Who are we to judge whether the person is qualified to serve or not to serve; to lead or not to lead; to love or not to love. If Jesus died for ALL HUMANKIND, then salvation is for ALL and we need to LOVE ALL. Smile when you read this J coz there will be someone we wish we will never have to meet again. I believe if God allows the person to cross our paths, it is for us to learn and to embrace while we have that opportunity.

So do not be too quick to pass an irreversible judgment with a preconceived idea. Allow that person to prove himself in some ways and allow God to work through that life. You’ll never know, we may have another Paul in the making and one day he/she may rock the world with the gospel. Therefore, spend some time with those whom we thought should enter the ‘cold storage’ and give one another a chance to love, to share and to encourage. J

Hot Air Balloon

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. (1 Thess 5:11)

Last Saturday, the young people were studying on a topic: “hot air balloon” (a chapter in the book ‘Habitude-Vol 2 by Tim Elmore). The author mentioned that the way to keep the hot air balloon flying in the sky is to make sure that there’s enough hot air in the balloon.


In our life, the way to keep the hot air (a person’s spirit) up is through encouragement. A person’s level of encouragement could be used up and then deflated to a dangerously low level. This could happen when a person who is constantly being spoken to negatively and receive no positive praises in his/her life. So in a community, it is important that these acts of encouragement should be constantly practice in so that we could continue to be effective and most of all happy.


The question is: How should we do it? Nowadays there are a lot of so-called encouragement and praises done out of an act of manners instead of sincerity from the heart.


I received a personal note from one of the young people during the weekend that said: “Pastor, thank you for taking care of us and the church and making it (the church) the place, a time of the week that I look forward to”. To put it simply, “thank you for making the church a place where we belong”. When I read that I was truly moved and I replied with a sms thanking her for making my ministry as a pastor meaningful.


A short note, written out of sincerity, specifically stated and personal will make any encouragement meaningful and this has definitely pumped in more hot air in my balloon. It may not necessary be something large or big but a gesture of love will be the agenda of the day.


Early last year was a ‘bad year’ for my hot air balloon because I have experienced more deflated moments that left me most of the time discouraged about ministries. A number of times I have asked God to remove me from this place and get me somewhere else where I can be more effective. Yet for reasons only God knows, I am still here. We have looked for pastors to come in, yet again for reasons only God knows, there weren’t any who responded positively. Even for matter such as this, there were rumours that there was actually a pastor candidate but because he was more popular than I do, so I did not venture to ask him to come in because I was afraid that he would be better than I. What rubbish this can be?


Though it looked bad from the outside but the dealings of God in my life is definitely a positive one. I have learned to love, to accept and to forgive much more deeply than before. Instead of harbouring hatred and distrust, in fact I have learned to trust people more. When some would have expected to leave me with a negative remark like: if she is right, then why are people leaving one by one? So she must be wrong all these years? Won’t you feel discourage with such remarks? If I say I don’t, then I am lying. If the persons who made such remarks meant to discredit me then he/she had succeeded.


But what was meant for bad, God took over and make it good. Instead of remaining deflated, God moved so many others to fill up my hot air balloon… people who trusted us for who we are; people who live with us and walk with us and choose to believe that these accusations are just not the whole truth.


So my friends, if you are reading this, do this:
1) If you are the one who are discouraged, choose today to be encouraged by changing your mind to focus on Jesus and on those who love you for who you are and not just for what you have done.
2) AND if you are the one who often complains about your life, your work or even your pastors, start by reverting your tongue and your mind to something positive. I can give you 101% guarantee that God would be pleased if you do so.


So don’t wait, start to fill up one another’s hot air balloon with sincere words of encouragement and start RIGHT NOW!

"As for me and my whole household, we will serve the Lord."Joshua 24:15

Our Prime Minister is very serious about “One Malaysia” and insists that it should be our very own Malaysian culture. Whether this will be a reality or not, at least some efforts are seen in promoting it.

A good culture is not just a matter of talking and implementing. It is a process, a very long and painful process. It takes not only the people in the leadership to take the drastic step to implement it but also taking that effort to embrace it as part of their lives as well. It takes years to cultivate and the leadership must cast the vision to the people from all walks of life; from the grass-root to the royalties. Line by line, precepts by precepts … penetrating through every level of the societies.

In our church, we are also developing some cultural identities that belong to us as Peace Charisians. What is the culture that we are looking for? What identity can we associate ourselves with? Allow me to cast the vision for you.

First and foremost, let our church be a church where the people love the Word of God. We want to see believers gathering together, not gossiping or backbiting each other, slandering with negative remarks towards one another or the leadership; rather their mouth shall be full of encouragement and admonition from the Word of God. (Eph 5:19)

Secondly, the church should be a prayer and worship house (Mark 11:17) where anyone… I mean anyone (believers and non-believers alike) shall find comfort in God in this place. A church who prays earnestly and passionately will be a church who will be kind and compassionate towards the people around them. The church will be able to see what God sees and feel how God feels for the people of God and for the world. No genuine prayer warrior should be judgmental but is compassionate and full of love for the people, just like our Lord Jesus Christ. This is true when the church worships God. When we are ‘lost’ in the presence of God, then we are found in Him.

Lastly (but the list could go on) Peace Charisians should be actively involved in community service, not being ignorant nor non-concern attitude towards the happenings around them (James 1:26,27). In order to thrive at the edge of ministering as God’s servants, we need to be alert towards the society’s needs at all times. Do you know the community where you live? Do they know that you are a Christian and that you are available to help them or be the resourceful person to refer them if you are not an expert on the said subject? Or you are the ‘quiet, no nonsense, apathetic’ neighbor who mysteriously disappears each Sunday for a couple of hours?

So what culture are you developing now personally? Are you seeing the mentioned culture above forming in our church? If no, what are you doing about it? If yes, shall we be diligent to improve it? As for me, the culture that we embrace here at home and in the church is, (we would like to imitate Joshua) “As for me and my whole household, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15). I think this will summarize all. Amen!

Burnt Church – “WE FORGIVE!”

"WE FORGIVE!"

Last week, after confirming renting a room (we rented it from Metro Tab) for Ian near his college, we had a small talk with one of the pastors from Metro Tab. We thanked God for pastors who have a great vision for the Lord and we believe in God’s provision even in granting a permit for their new premise that would be ready for use anytime.

The next day, we heard that the church was burnt. I quickly called the pastor to enquire and to render our prayers. The same day before I left for church, I saw in the TV news the image of the church. The first reaction was angry and then in prayer I felt sad over the actions by some who thought that they have the right to do what they pleased. Then I was elated because with this in the news, I knew that the people in Malaysia were made aware of the existence of this church. So I sent a sms saying, “What the enemy meant bad, God means for good.” I thanked God for the free publicity and I knew that this is a blessing in disguise.

The next day, Rev Ong Sek Leang in the news said, “We forgive!” What a testimony! We do not condone arson but we are in no position to react negatively; rather the phrase “We forgive!” speaks louder than any actions or reactions.

True enough, it has the attention of all the top ministers to “come to church” and a RM500,000 was granted to rebuild and a permit given. What a blessing because we choose to forgive!

This brings to our attention to our daily walk with our Lord. When something un-called for happened, we often looked at the negative side first. We give no room for God to work through even the worst situations in our lives. If only we learn this lesson, “We Forgive!” our church will be a place of refuge for many who walk through that door. Sadly, when something bad happens, the first thought and the first talk is often negative.

Maybe we should change our attitude a bit. Switch to the POSITIVE MODE at all times when we face life situations. Things don’t have to look grim all the time. That’s why I often tell the church, “We have challenges in life, not problems”; Challenges that we could take up positively and face bravely and courageously with our Lord who never leaves us nor forsakes us.

Allah or not, He is the Almighty God. That is a fact! He is YAHWEH, our Lord! Amen!

Dear Shyju

Dear Shyju,

Thank you for your ministry last Christmas. It has been such a blessing to our church. On the first night, the Holy Spirit already began the healing ministries, breaking bondage in many lives. The next morning which was Christmas morning, it was just awesome. The wonderful presence of the Holy Spirit among us further brought us into a deeper relationship with Him. And the fire went on… we are looking forward to a wonderful, fruitful year ahead along with a vision on mission.

You know son, I often thank God for your ministries at such a young age. You have matured greatly in all aspects and that brought such great joy in my heart. Recently, I read some comments on the last article on you which were not altogether pleasant. I was surprised as the article was written a long time ago, yet last month the people began to dig into this past article and commented negatively on it.

When I read the comments the first thing that came to my mind was, “Thanks to all who commented.” Thank you for taking notice of this young man, Shyju Mathew. Truly God is working through this young man. Secondly, I was wondering, why was the article being misunderstood. I was trying to paraphrase what you said in such a short essay or maybe I have not phrased it as close to what you have said and somehow someone get to read it in some other ways. How strange?!

Yet, whatever their comments were, let me share with you this: NO matter how well we are doing, or how right we are, there will be some who would disagree with us, based on their own opinion. If these opinions are not attacking us as being personal, we should just take it in God’s grace. We can’t please everyone and the only One whom we fear is our God.

In the many years in the ministries, I have experienced numerous times when people began to criticize for the sake of criticizing. There are those who meant well but also those who just too prejudiced to have a good word on anything that we do.

When I keep quiet, they would say I don’t care; when I make some comments, then I am bossy. Or when I allow the people to have the freedom to serve in their best capacity, the comments are the pastor and the church were without directions but when I began to chart out the church’s vision, then the pastor was not understanding enough to give them the freedom to serve. Tell me son, what is more difficult than to serve those who already have pre-conceived idea of who you are.

So I resolved with this: I will only speak what I think is right and is the will of God. I don’t ask for a 100% acceptance to my suggestions or opinions, rather I will allow God to prove Himself in our ministries.

Ministerial life is a lonely journey sometimes. We could be misunderstood, misread and mistaken for being proud and arrogant. But we know who we are in the Lord. We know our relationship with God and that is something no other person could interpret. Cherish that!

Lastly, let me say this: I believe in your ministry! I believe God will continue to use you greatly if you allow Him to. We are blessed! :)

In Him, is Peace and Grace...

“The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall lack in NOTHING…” (Psalm 23:1)

Last Saturday my bro-in-law passed away peacefully. Last Thursday, he was readmitted to the hospital because he collapsed at home and was unable to move. Since then he was comatized and was unable to regain consciousness.

Boon Sin
One afternoon, Daniel, my husband and I were with him after yet another doctor’s diagnoses – it’s the same: terminal cancer. We prayed with him and Daniel laid his hands on his liver (he was in much pain). The next when we visit him again, he exclaimed excitedly to Daniel, “You know, after you left, the pain also left and since then there was no pain.” And that was when we saw progressive strength returning to him.

Amy
I was with my sister Amy that day in the emergency room and she was crying, “I have totally lost faith… I have no more faith to believe in miracles.” I hugged her and I said, “Amy, it is God’s grace in his life. He was not supposed to come back. He could have died in China because of internal bleeding. He asked God for a miracle and God did give him one. He came back and was able to meet his family especially his two little girls. And that was his faith in God.”

Ameli and Jo Anne (the two little girls)
“Ameli, I know that it is difficult to know that daddy has an incurable illness. Tell me girl, how do you feel now?” “I don’t know, aunt. But I am rather afraid,” Ameli said. “Well, is daddy a Christian?” “Yes,” both of them agreed. “Hmm, if that is so, where do you think he will go if, let’s say if he died?” “Heaven,” both replied. “And where is that supposed to be?” “With Jesus,” they said. “Exactly! Daddy is going to be with Jesus.” “But,” Ameli continued, “I don’t want daddy to go yet, I want him to be with us,” with tears welling up. I tried to stay composed and said, “Well, I know that too. We all love daddy too much to let him go but I think Jesus thinks that it is best that daddy should go back to Him because Jesus loves daddy more. We will miss him but he shall forever be in our hearts.”

With that I ended the conversation and I turned away because tears already rolling down my cheeks. God, was I right when I tell them that? Will they understand your will?

A week has passed when he spent wonderful time with all his family members especially his two little girls and Amy. He was all smiles and he prayed everyday; rebuilding his relationship with God again. Just when we thought we have gained some time, he suddenly collapsed. And since then, everything has become history.

Lynda
“Sis, I have lost faith… I don’t think I could continue to believe in God anymore,” she cried seeing Boon Sin in the emergency room, motionless. I hugged her and we both cried. I was lost for words because I really can’t answer her. What do you think I should tell her? Don’t worry, God will heal him? Or “It’s ok la, God will take care of everything?” Such words are meaningless in that emergency room when we cried our heart to God.

The family
The family members came and saw him for the last time. The aged mother was heartbroken beyond comfort. Seeing them, my heart wrenched, “God, you are their comfort but I have no words of comfort for them for my heart ache as much as they do. He is just too young to leave. He should have some years, at least to give the girls a chance to know him; at least to give him another chance to serve you.”

But I remained calm before them, knowing their pain, they remained calm too. Maybe we were trying to be strong for each other; maybe we are trying to show that it is ok; or maybe we are just acting to comfort one another. I really don’t know but no matter how much we are trying to hide our sorrows, when we see him for the last time, none of our eyes are dry. Tears rolled uncontrollably and hearts aches inconsolably. The exuberant pain is now visible in all our well-hidden emotion.

The pastor reading from Psalm 90
The pastor encouraged us to look to God who gave us life and who ordered our days. It is time to repent to God and to consider His mighty work. How true it is that man tends to forget God when they have many and when disaster strikes, suddenly they remember, “There is a God!”

May we never forget that there is a God who looks from above and who had ordered our days on earth. V12, “Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Yes, when we still have breath, let us be glad in the Lord.

Therefore, I shall proclaim like the Psalmist says, “May the favour of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish the work of our hands for us – yes, establish the work of our hands.” Psalm 90:17
======================================================
After the funeral service, I sat down with Daniel and we recalled some of the recent happenings. "Daniel, don't you dare to die before I do," I retorted. "I don't think I could ever live without you because you have spoilt me and you must be responsible for it."

"It is all in the hand of God," Daniel replied. "Don't forget, I am also a Hep C patient. If God calls me home, I shall have to go." Slowly he continued, "But one thing I am very sure: that God is faithful and He will take care of you."

With tears in my eyes, "I know, but I shall miss you madly... I know I will." And I hugged him tight... not willing to let go!

13 Nov 09, Friday 饮水思源(yin shui si yuan)

“Remember your Creator in the days of your youth…”Ecclesiastes 12:1

This Chinese proverb literary means: when you drink, remember the source. In other words, in olden China, the farmers drew water from the lake, the river, the ponds and so on of which the source maybe at the fountain or at the mountain top. The Chinese use this proverb to denote a person that whatever that you do, do not forget your roots and do not forget those who have done good to you.

We were with my bro-in-law and Ps Daniel had a conversation with him and they talked about the yester years when they first started in the drug rehab center (both came from the same drug rehab center). Ps Daniel related how one day when he was assigned to take Fan (my bro-in-law) home for a holiday.

They have decided to do one thing when they go home to Muar that is, Fan is to apologize to the family members and also to all those people whom he had hurt in one way or another; example, those shop owners whom he had extorted for money. So the moment they arrived, they went home and after staying for a night, before they board the coach, they went round the shops and apologize to the shop owners, “I’m sorry for collecting fees from you. I am a Christian now and I have changed.”

After that they boarded the coach and Ps Daniel (then he was just a worker for the drug rehab center) was happily talking to a woman sitting next to him, telling her about Jesus and how he was changed by the power of God. Suddenly the whole bus was surrounded with police. Two of the policemen came on the bus and hand-cuffed both Ps Daniel and Fan. The woman who sat next to Ps Daniel bolted out of the coach. I mean she literary ran for her life.

Next they were taken to the police station where they were questioned separately. The investigating officer accused Ps Daniel and Fan for coming back to Muar to set up a new gang but he denied and said that they have come to apologize and made right with the people because now they have become Christians. The officer did not believe him and said that he will go back to the shops and investigate and if it is false, they will be severely punished.

After like a few hours, the officer came back with two packet of chicken rice and two cokes and said, “You are right. That’s what the shop owner said. Now I believe you. You can go now.”
The reason why Ps Daniel was recalling this to Fan is, “Do not forget how we started… it is all by the grace of God. Now, it is time to think about how God has saved you, took you out from the drench and has given you all these luxury in life. Come back to God and serve Him.”

I told Fan this, “When you get better, come back and serve God together with us. Look at us, we are serving God. Though we may not have as much property as you do but we have more than enough in our life. At least our family has many good memories together.”
Think of God when you are blessed,
“Remember your Creator in the days of your youth…”Ecclesiastes 12:1
...........................................................................................................................................................
After thought:
Sadly, there are some in the church who are like Fan, who forget how to give thanks and to appreciate those who have given so much to serve God. Take this moment to pray for your pastor and leaders. No matter what they have done: it may hurt sometimes, yet they are servants of God who are called to serve Him. People who do not learn to give thanks are prideful people who do not understand this Chinese proverb 饮水思源(yin shui si yuan). God bless!

From the Street to the Cross

My bro-in-law, Fan Book Sin was born in the year 1964 in Muar, Johor. He grew up rebellious and joined the gang at a very young age. He went through very tough days on the street, engaging in whatever activities that might bring in money and fame for himself. He got into trouble with the police and ran away many times. He was on drugs and literary slept in the street, living a dog-life.

But in the year 1989, he came to know the Lord when he went to a Christian drug rehab center. Since then, he was totally delivered from his drug addiction and began to live a new life. He went to a church-based discipleship center for a year where he began a relationship with my sister who was also studying in the same school.

Later they got married and he got himself into construction work. He worked hard and his hard work was greatly rewarded with a new house and a great living for his family.

Amidst of all these blessings, he rarely goes to church anymore because of his work. Yet he recognized God’s blessings upon his life. Sometimes he may have made some decisions that he shouldn’t as a Christian and sometimes he was careless with his acts. He lived a nominal Christian life.

The wife and the children continue to be active in the church though they miss the dad’s presence. Just today, my sister remarked to me, “I don’t understand why this has to happen to him today (she meant the terminal illness) but I got my husband with me all the time for the past few weeks.” Look like he has been an absent father and an absent husband for a long time.

Now that he is diagnosed with a terminal illness (last stage liver cancer), for the first time, he came back to God and prayed. He testified to us today that when he prayed, God answered his prayer and performed miracles instantly. He began his journey back to God. I pray that this is the beginning of the many miracles that he will experience from today on. Amen!

10 Nov 09, Tue Scripture Reading: Proverbs 10

“The blessing of the Lord brings wealth, and he adds no trouble to it.” (10:22, NIV)
How faithful is our God, you may ask. How much does God want to bless us, you may wonder. This verse tells us all. It is God’s desire to bless us and when he blesses us, there is no trouble in all his blessings.

Betty Miller says,
“Wealth that does not come from God is many times a replacement for God in their lives. Those with riches can buy anything they want, so they feel they do not need God”.

How true it is that we want to get rich in our own ways or maybe to get it in ways which does not please God. My brother in law who is critically ill now commented to me yesterday, “We work hard to make lots of money but we lose our health; and then we restore our health and lose all those money that we earned. Now that I have the money but I don’t get to enjoy it.”

The lesson that I learned is CONTENTMENT. I trust God for blessings that come in many forms; in my family, in the church, in my friends and also in material blessings. In all these blessings in my life, I express my utmost thanks to a God who loves me and who remains faithful in His words.

Though at times we may go through troubles but there’s always hope in a God who knows how to bless his faithful people. So put these thoughts into the right perspective and we shall continue to enjoy God’s blessings in our lives.

Peter Marshall says,“God will not permit any troubles to come upon us, unless He has a specific plan by which great blessing can come out of the difficulty.”

09 Nov 09, Mon Scripture Reading: Proverbs 9

“Do not rebuke a mocker or he will hate you; rebuke a wise man and he will love you.” (9:8, NIV)

Sometimes we are too idealistic about helping others that we forget that there are some who just refused to be helped or to learn from their mistakes. Sound pathetic?! But this is true. Only God in His time will be able to perform miracles in some lives.

We can try to point out the problems, warning them about the dangers ahead but all these good advice will fall on deaf ears. Even though some recognize these warnings but they still continue with their ways of life. After many attempts to warn them, you will see them avoiding you as though you are a disease. If you do continue to perform your duty of love to rebuke them, you will not see them again.

Sadly, some of us are also the same. We don’t like hearing people commenting on our weaknesses because this sounds like negative instructions. We want to hear praises and commendations instead of instructions or well-meaning corrections. So instead of accepting such ‘kind rebukes’, we will find faults with the person who has risk this relationship to tell you the truth.

Therefore, there is a time for everything. Unless the person chooses to be wise and have the grace to listen, we should heed the advice from proverb. “Instruct a wise man and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man and he will add to his learning.” (9:9)

Be a wise person and learn from mistakes. Allow God and God’s people to help us to grow.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pray for:
Ps Lynda’s brother-in-law, Mr Fan Boon Sin who is now back with his family. He is still in a critical condition.

08 Nov 09, Sun Scripture Reading: Proverbs 8

“Choose my instruction instead of silver, knowledge than choice gold, for WISDOM is more precious than rubies and nothing you DESIRE can compare with her.” (8:9,10, NIV)

This year the world is hit with the most severe forms of natural disasters; earthquake, typhoon, tsunami, H1N1 etc. Though we are living luxuriously yet when we are hit by such disasters, we are helpless. What would be your greatest desire if you are hit unexpectedly?

Jesus has long exhorted us not to desire things that could perish, rather desire those things that will not pass away with time. “Where your heart is, there your treasure will be also.” Today if you hear Jesus speaking on these matters again, what kind of life you would choose to live?

The world is offering some beautiful and luxurious living; better homes, fine dining, sporty cars etc. The more we have it the more we desire it. Yet the wise man in proverb says, “…desire wisdom than all these precious things in the world.” When you have wisdom, all these will grow strangely dim.

So what can we choose? First of all, choose God. If He is God then He should be first. Second, choose meaningful relationship. We can choose a house but we can’t choose who would be our flesh and blood. They are God-given. Especially in perilous times like this, all the more we need our family. Take time to nurture such important matters.

07 Nov 09, Sat Scripture Reading: Proverbs 7

“Keep my commands and you will live; guard my teachings as the apple of your eye.” (7:2, NIV)

The whole passage is about a young man who was enticed to sin by the seducer. The young who lacks judgment (7:7) went straight into temptation without knowing or recognizing it.

Many of us ‘smart alecs’ are just like this young man. We are so careless with our lives that we are not even aware that we are falling into the trap of sin. When we finally realize it, instead of fleeing from it quickly, we linger longer because we actually enjoy sinning. It is man’s nature to sin.

A young couple went for pre-marital counseling. After some initial ‘checks’ the counselor found out that they were staying together. So she advised them to stop this if they wanted to have a Christian wedding; saying their vows before God in a Holy Matrimony. The couple argued, “We are getting married anyway and we are responsible enough to come for counseling and to be committed to one another. So why is this BIG NO?”

After counselling the couple for some time, they finally heeded the counselor’s advice but remain un-convinced. The next few sessions were like a ‘cat and mouse’ race, trying to sort out this struggle before they could actually go into the lessons. The problem here is, this young couple thinks it is ok as long as they are still responsible to each other but they did not know that compromise to sin displeases God a lot.

Is there any area in your life that you know displeases God? It is not worth going on with it and loosing out on His blessings.

Come out of it and start to live a ‘free life” without sinning against God. You will enjoy life more with God when you do not have to bear the burden of sin and guilt. Come join the club – Guilt-Free Club!

06 Nov 09, Fri Scripture Reading: Proverbs 6

A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest – and poverty will come on you like a bandit and scarcity like an armed man.” (6:10,11, NIV)

As a preacher I have witnessed many “styles” of sleeping in church. Some are really good: they just bow down with their bibles open on their lap, as though meditating; there was also one who closed his eyes as though he was praying while I was preaching but when I shouted ‘Amen’, he was able to respond with a loud ‘Amen’ too. Fantastic! A real ‘experienced ‘sleeper’ in the church!

But these verses are not about sleeping in the church but about being lazy. I can think of two examples; 1) lazy in doing anything, in other words, just ‘plain lazy’; 2) A person who is very hardworking but lazy when it comes to spiritual matters. When you talk about sports, shares or maybe families and gossips, they get really interested and would be keen to ‘help’ to spread the ‘gospel of gossips’ but when it comes to spreading the Good News about Jesus, they just can’t gather enough energy to do it.

God give us 24 hours each day and is definitely enough for each of us. If only we stop for a moment and ponder over the priorities in life, we will realize that there are some things that we can actually do without and there are some important matters we should spend more time on.

Today, before you go on with your prayer, spend a moment to think and be quiet before God and see if you have your priorities in place.

05 Nov 09, Thurs Scripture Reading: Proverbs 5

“The evil deeds of a wicked man ensnare him; the cords of his sin hold him fast” (5:22, NIV)

The main problem faced by youths today is: I want freedom, but I get none from my parents, the school or from the government. They desire freedom and they do not wish to be “bound” by some framework set by their parents or other adults. They want to to do what they like, stay up as late as they want, go out with the kind of friends that please them, talk the cool way and dress “loudly”.

But they hardly understand the fact that “un-guided” freedom could bring disaster. You can express yourself freely but will you be responsible for the outcome of that expression?

Sin is always pleasurable but the consequence of it, who can bear? The word of God says, “…the cord of his sin HOLD him fast.” Sin appears like the angel of light, blinding our judgment as we walk God’s way but sin will eventually lead to eternal destruction.

Tell a young person this and he may not pay any attention to such warnings but blessed are the WISE for they shall escape eternal punishment!

Do not take freedom in your hands; it is best that we surrender our freedom to God and allow Him to guide us AWAY from sin and guilt. Let us STAY on God’s trail!