Post Camp Thoughts
been a while since I updated something substantial on this blog other than nice videos and Ricky Martin coming out of the closet (once again, was it ever in any doubt?). Anyway, was sharing to a friend about this (post camp thoughts – not Ricky Martin) and this friend suggested that I blog this, to share and bless people who take that few seconds to delve into this page dedicated to the periodically incoherent ramblings of my gray matter.
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I attended Hope UK’s camp that started last Friday (2/4). The camp theme was “The Saints”, with the teachings based on “A Sanctified Church”, which happens to be a really retro teaching. Prakich said it’s old but the principles aren’t old fashioned – and i second that opinion.
To be very honest, there was part of me that didn’t feel like attending. I mean, flying all the way to another country to live with a bunch of people whom I’m not even well acquainted with for 4 days, not knowing what to expect, not exactly my idea of how I would spend a long weekend. Well, that thought didn’t stay with me for long, due to the fact I’ve already dumped 200+SGD on airfare which was non-refundable; and also because I gave my word to Eldos (one of the main leaders) that I would be there.
As things turned out, I am absolutely delighted that I didn’t back out from it. It was an AMAZING experience. Coupled with the fact that all my camp objectives were met, it did make for a very good weekend.
Teachings and PnW wise, I can’t really say that anything hit me in the face. The preached word was a good reminder of setting myself apart for God, and the implications of doing so.
The thing that really, really blessed me was the fellowship. I was attached to the students group for the camp somehow accidentally I suppose, cos I had to crash the night before the camp at the place of this brother named Jon, who was from the uni group back in SG, and out of convenience, I just tagged along with his lifegroup. In retrospect, I think that move of convenience was kinda divine, cos those people have no idea just how much I was blessed observing and fellowshipping with them. Also, we played the Barnabas game, and before the end of camp, my Barnabas (who turned out to be this Thai sister) had already blessed me with 3 gifts, and handed me an Easter chocolate bunny before camp broke. Very, very touched. And sorta nudged me to bless my Barnabas too haha =p
I think I was probably one of the oldest or the oldest in their group (both physically and spiritually), but there were a few things this “laojiao” Christian actually picked up/got reminded of, from the group. Well, I wasn’t that much older (abt 5 years on avg), and the things they were doing weren’t anything new, but still, it was really, i don’t know, a mixture of being humbled + nice when I talked/had fun with them. Being humbled because they treated me like one of their own really quickly, which is not something readily seen in many churches nowadays, both in SG and in Dublin.
Well, nice because, I learnt so much from them. They actually didn’t formally teach me much. In a nutshell, I was very impressed by the simple faith and simple love for God these people had. It reminded me once again that age doesn’t play a part in fervency, zeal, and passion for our God. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not talking about their actions alone, in which the point would be debunked by older believers as something “they are doing because they still can – wait a few years”; rather, I’m talking about their can-do attitude and gung-ho spirit for Jesus. As joining a students group goes, I only got to sleep a few hours every night (doesn’t really happen in adults camp anymore), with devotions still to come on subsequent mornings. And I’m impressed by how the guys in the group still dragged themselves out of bed and made it to devotions (albeit 10-15min late of course haha). Of cos I had to follow right? lol =p Another thing was the closing ceremony. My group was IC of that event and Kelly (who was from youth) directed – well done Shirls 
She made quite a number of people act out roles which I reckon should be out of line with their usual selves – i hope! And it was heartwarming to see how ready the people were to serve, and carry on their roles with enthusiasm. Eventually, it actually turned out pretty well on the day, and mutters of some tearing was heard – well done Kelly! Everyone in the group had a part to play, and it all came together with supernatural coordination even though rehearsal times were scarce. God definitely had a hand in it I say =)
Another incident about simple faith came on the second day – games day. I didn’t participate in it cos I had assignments to catch up on, but I was there for the events prior to that. What had happened was that Jon was the game master, and had been pretty concerned about bad weather for a while – cos the games were outdoor. Being a practical Singaporean, plan B was very much concocting in his mind. Eldos stepped in, and in true spirit-filled leadership fashion, announced that we were going to trust God for good weather. Guess what, other than the first day, we had good weather for the rest of the camp. What made it even more incredible was that rain was forecast for the entire camp. Simple faith like that, we don’t really witness nowadays (ok, not applicable for adults camp cos we usually go to a hotel but you get my point). Well done Eldos!
My 3 camp objectives were to finish up my assignment (done!), re-establish certain spiritual habits (done too i hope!), and make heaps of friends (definitely done!). I can’t remember when was the last time i met all my camp objectives, so it was really awesome indeed.
This camp reminded me of our Hope camps a decade ago. Am not inferring negative connotations; on the contrary, it was heartwarming to see everyone knowing everyone, and having that strong family atmosphere that is usually lacking in bigger churches. To be honest, music wasn’t that fantastic technically, but who cares about music when the overall climate was as thick as a fog?
I am more and more convicted that as the church grows bigger, the care/life/home/cell groups must grow “smaller”. Smaller meaning a stronger fellowship, more unity, and replicating what only smaller churches can accomplish in terms of atmosphere in our respective small groups. Another way is that the church remains status quo – which is not exactly Matt 28 either. I do not claim to be an expert on the subject, but since the church is going to continue to grow, on my part, I’m going to make huge efforts to aid my future groups and leaders achieve this standard.
On a parting note, to my new found family members who are reading this – Apri, Anita, Jon, Gemmy, Thomas, JerRY (caps on purpose), Jenna, Jolene, Kelly, Jhung Ee, Yvonne, New, and even Joycie – (i pray you come to know Jesus soon!), thanks for everything. I have been devoid of good fellowship for a while, and you people have no idea just how much you’ve added to my life in the span of 4 days. I miss you guys much already, and hope I can come back soon =)) Well done with the group Apri!
Fasting
came across this post on fasting by Ps Kong of CHC, makes for a good read, and inspires me to want to pray and fast more, esp after his explanation on the topic, which debunked many myths (about fasting) that we might have believed in
Lessons from Menmakers 2009
just came back from a men’s conference in Edinburgh, Scotland! Visited a few places, had the privilege of listening to some great messages from Ray McCauley, who pastors Rhema Bible Church, the largest in South Africa (approx 45000).
Anyway, lessons learnt/got reminded (in no particular order):
1) Whatever God is asking me to do, only i can choose to stop it, the devil has none of that power
2) There are times when i go up to the mountain alone, and no one else is going with me; out of goodwill, people try to talk me out of some BHAG* that God has given to me – stand firm if it is from God! There is a reason why he made me and no one else see it
(BHAG*: big hairy audacious goal)
3) You’ll know a person by his fruit – not by what he says, not by what he looks like, not by anything else – just fruit.
4) And fruit takes time to bear before it can be seen
5) the moth’s struggle to get out of the cocoon – the struggling strengthens its wings – allowing it to fly. Challenges and trials are there to strengthen me, a lot of people want to take flight, but do not want the struggle to break out of the cocoon
6) There is a test (condition) to fulfilling certain God promises – i need to do something to get them
7) Delay doesn’t mean denial
8) It’s my job to discern God’s timing; not set/change it
9) It’s easy to trust God when it doesn’t concern me
10) If gifting takes you to a place where character cannot keep you, the gifting will destroy you
11) People saw a shepherd boy, God saw a king (David)
12) Paul’s training before ministry took 3 years.
13) Obscurity sets up an opportunity for God’s glory to be shown
14) Goliath made David famous. Many times we want God to lift us up but we do not want the Goliaths
15) David’s training to be a king took 20years of caring for sheep and killing lions and bears.
16) Getting a word isn’t such a big thing; it’s hanging onto that word that counts
17) I can be in the presence of God and still be hardened
18) Sometimes, when i’m in the right place in the will of God, he will stay silent. Silence isn’t always bad! I shouldn’t seek lightning and bushfires all the time
19) No weapon formed against me shall prosper; oh yeah, the weapon WILL be formed; but it shall NOT prosper.
Some pictures of the conference:
Ray McCauley:
Jan Eriksen, former pimp and drug lord turned preacher – powerful testimony
Of cos, no trip to Scotland would be complete without a bottle of single malt scotch whisky.
Cheers!
One Year On.
This time last year, i embarked on one of the most difficult moments of my Christian life ever. Caught me by surprise right between the eyes, but still had to go through it nonetheless.
What followed after that fateful day, was an approximately 3month period of self-pitying, stupid moves and rather crucially, one of the rare periods in my 10yr walk where the roots of my faith and foundation in Him were sternly tested.
I’m actually quite amazed how time flies. Can’t believe it has been one year. Still able to remember certain incidents so vividly.
God has been good. The comfort, guidance, and most importantly, the grace he has shown to me in this one year has simply left me speechless. Late last year, i got 3 prophecies on 3 different occasions that 2009 was going to be a big year for me. And so far, i guess it has been. Would i have imagined myself in this position currently during Jan or Feb this year? It would be a definite no.
Billy Graham said mountaintops are good for inspiration but fruits are found in the valleys – i concur. While not denying that i didn’t enjoy the arduous few months, im glad that God made me go through it, and even though i was bewildered for quite a while, he never left my side. His presence was always there, through the concern of my friends, family, leaders etc. Those of you who walked with me and gave me endless encouragement, you know who you are, just wanna say that you guys will never be forgotten. A special shoutout to those few who not just supported me, but also reiterated your belief in me, you are one of the main reasons that i was able to pick myself up and carry on.
I’d like to think that i have emerged from the (trial?) wiser & less naive, but mainly, i’d like to think that i’ve come out of it as victoriously as i know how. Granted, the mistakes and aforementioned stupid moves have somewhat left certain irreversible consequences, but i believe that as i continue to walk with God, he will make things alright…somehow.
Another thing about fruits being found in the valley, sometime in about mid Jan this year, i started intensively listening to teaching podcasts and devouring books for a period of half a year. While i do not really have the luxury of time to do it now that im in the midst of my semester, it’s not an exaggeration to say that i’ve learnt more in that half year compared to my previous 10 years in church. And the best thing? I believe God isn’t done with me yet (ok, i don’t know if i should be that pumped about it or not…haha! =p)
God has humbled me so much. To quote PJ, i know that i know that i know that i know that i know that i can never ever ever ever live without the presence of God in my life. Oh man, i’ve really come to realise how much i need Him. Anything i do on my on merits to gain that righteousness a Christian ought to aim for, is but a mere breath, a whisper in the wind. Only God can give me that righteousness. Without God in my life, i’m utter toast.
I ain’t perfect, as much as i’ve improved, i am still prone to errors (sometimes committing the ever-so-silly ones), so kindly bear with me as im still work in progress.
And no, this isn’t a thinly veiled barb at anyone in case you are thinking. I really harbor no bitterness towards anybody as im typing this. Can’t drive properly if you are always looking in the rear-view mirror can you?
For those of who have heard something with regards to me, and are curious to find out more, i would say… don’t you have better things to do? hahaha =) I’ve been taking a “no-comments” policy with anything that has happened, not about to change it. Neither am i making anymore apologies or “compensations”, i’m convicted that i have already done everything i need to. Believe whatever you want, as long as im assured that my close friends, and most imptly, God, are on my side, that will suffice.
Exciting times ahead! =)
Week 1 Updates
Warning: monster post
Week one zoomed past! School started, attended lectures, made (even more) new friends, attended a new church and a new lifegroup.
The modules that I’m going to be taking this semester:
Knowledge Management and Innovation
Globalisation for Business Students
International Business
International Finance Management
HRM Techniques
Asian Business
was supposed to take Financial Economics too, but changed my mind after the first lecture (i have till 18sept to confirm my modules). The FE class was seriously 0-0. All the dy/dx X du/dt log ln formula sh….stuff. I told my program manager that my purpose here was not purely for studies. I could have done that in Singapore had i wanted to. If i had taken that module i can kiss my weekends and term break goodbye. She put us in Asian Business promptly. Nice lady =D
The international finance management lecturer was hilarious. He definitely hails from one of the eastern European countries going by his accent. He went through our notes and halfway through, exclaimed:
“What the f*** is this?” “Total crAAAAp.” “Irish financial commentators are rubbish…”
and proceeded to tell us not to buy the textbooks cos we wouldn’t be needing them, unless we had a personal interest in it. Btw, textbooks here are seriously ex. To the tune of approx 100sgd per textbook. I’m just going to head to the library every week la.
I have already established my least favourite lecturer. She takes my knowledge management and innovation lectures. The module itself is quite interesting, but her workload is unbelievable. This is how we are going to be assessed for this module:
Exams: 70%
Project: 10%
Learning Journal 1: 10%
Learning Journal 2: 10%
-START OF RANT-
Looks alright? Think again. Learning journal part 1 is on lectures week 1-6. Every week, we are supposed to journal a minimum 1000 word entry. 600 words commentary on pre-lecture textbook reading and a random article we pick up from the internet/magazines/newspaper and 400 words on post lecture reflection. 1000×6 weeks = 6000 words. I still need to read through, reflect, write my thoughts. All for 10%! Which means, per 1000word entry, im only going for 1.7marks. Totally WTH right? She thinks her 1.7 marks is the world. Needless to say, i totally spammed my first entry. Didn’t even bother double checking. I understand the need for some effort, but this is just ridiculous….
-END OF RANT-
Other than that, the rest of the lectures have been rather interesting. I enjoy the non-singapore way of education, where you just memorise everything and regurgitate during exams. Well, a certain amount of memory work is required here as well, but i particularly like the fact that most of my classes are conducted interactively, rather than just having the lecturer read from the slides. Didn’t realise how much i missed student life until these couple of weeks.
Did i mention that i have long weekends for the entire year cos i do not have lessons on Friday? Shiok! Am already planning to hit other countries with my housemates. Other than that, am grateful for the extra day to do my chores, cleaning and shopping for the week, so that i can have my weekends for other stuff like music, church, travelling etc.
Went grocery shopping on Friday! This merits a mention just for the reason that it’s the first time in my life i went grocery shopping with a haversack, because in Ireland, plastic bags are not given when you shop (apparently they are huge on environmental issues).
Pre shopping:
Post Shopping:
See my haversack has increased in size. One week’s worth of groceries. All was good, except for the one tomato who chose to explode in my haversack =.=
At the risk of jinxing it, i must announce happily that Dublin has had FANTASTIC weather the past week. No rain (which is a surprise, as Dublin is more prone to rain than sunny weather), the day was cooling, night wasn’t that cold, and it was just really, really nice to walk around. No sticky skin, no unnecessary perspiration. Jealous yet? =pp
On friday, i played football for the first time here. Man, it was literally a World XI vs Botswana XI. Yours truly was one of the smallest guy on the pitch. Totally felt like Park Ji Sung. I had Spaniards, Italians, Americans, Germans, Russians on my team. I was the only Asian on the field. I still had fun though, shan’t go into details, except that my italian and spanish teammates were really, really good. There was a guy who played like Maldini, and another who played like Giggs. Serious! But the weather was superb. Just the right amount of sun, and there was a cool breeze. Oh, and i had a team mate who is the splitting image of Berbatov. No kidding! I’ll try to get a picture in future.
Remember i mentioned in a previous post that i almost killed myself by going out to run in singlet and shorts? I got smarter hey. Nowadays i go in this:
(A jogging attire which looks really cool in movies but too siao to replicate in Singapore)
On saturday evening, i headed to the pub opposite campus alone to catch Man Utd vs Spurs over a pint of Guinness, as my housemates had some of their own plans =DD Good match, good victory. Just needed one or two buddies to complete the experience. On the way back, i stopped just outside apartment for a while. Was just captivated by how still, how quiet, how beautiful the sunset sky was.
My E71 camera didn’t do the surroundings justice, but at that moment, coupled with the awesome, awesome weather, looking at the landscape and the evening sky, wow, i suddenly felt really, really loved by God. Like he painted the evening sky just for me (maybe i have a hidden pathway to God?) And he spoke the words in Isaiah to me clearly, “In quietness and trust is your strength” =)))
I’ve been really blessed to have gotten connected to a church so quickly. Thanks to Hope London people for the recommendation. It’s a small but international church, but the things that they are doing are pretty similar to the early days of our church. I think they are moving in the right direction. You can check them out here.
Have attended 2 services, one lifegroup, and a music practice so far. If God is willing, i hope to be able to contribute to their music team soon and very soon. Think they wanna roster me soon as well… for such a small church (abt 100), think they would just take anyone who is willing to volunteer.
Some pictures:
Brendan, the senior pastor
Brendan’s daughter, Nicole – she has to be one of the most smiley babies ever! She’s always smiling, even to complete strangers… lol
Bohdan – my CL – he’s from Slovakia
Peter – the band leader – from Poland
We had a lunch session to facilitate fellowship after service today, and basically different people cooked for the church. The dish in the picture was a homemade lasagna by Bohdan’s wife, Anna. The taste was… indescribable, inconceivable~~~hahaha heavenly! Sometimes it feels quite good to become a member in church again. Like kena pampered.. hahaha. I’m enjoying the fellowship in this church =)
Till the next update, take care people =)
p.s (happy belated birthdays my brudders roy, ray and dennis – sucks that i can’t be there to celebrate with you guys – we’ll have a super belated birthday dinner/beer session/chillout night soon alright!)
p.p.s (sheep(s)….. reply my emails leh…. dun dao can. haha)
School Starts….
….today. Let’s blaze this thing God =)
Psa 119:9-16
9 How can a young man keep his way pure?
By living according to your word.
10 I seek you with all my heart;
do not let me stray from your commands.
11 I have hidden your word in my heart
that I might not sin against you.
12 Praise be to you, O LORD;
teach me your decrees.
13 With my lips I recount
all the laws that come from your mouth.
14 I rejoice in following your statutes
as one rejoices in great riches.
15 I meditate on your precepts
and consider your ways.
16 I delight in your decrees;
I will not neglect your word.
Reflections
It rains everyday in Dublin. Well, personally, I would prefer less rain so that I can go out more. Maybe I should just heck care and head out anyway lol. You can feel the weather getting colder by the day. For the first 2 days after arrival, I wore t-shirt and shorts to bed. These past couple of days I have been wearing a t-shirt, a thick hoodie, and track pants to sleep. Plus being buried under a 2-duvet thick blanket. I think I’m gonna die come winter.
Living in a faraway land alone, you grow up fast. Firstly, there’s no mum and dad to get you through something even if you do need them. I was just telling one of my army friends who remarked that I’m living “the life” here, that I reckon I have a more comfortable life back home. Over here, dinner doesn’t appear automatically on the table (I have been cooking everyday), toilet bowls do not get scrubbed automatically, clothes do not get washed, ironed and folded neatly into your cupboard by themselves; I even have to plan in advance what to eat for dinner so that preparations can be made, whereas in sg, where and what to have for dinner is a 5min decision in the evening. Not that I’m complaining, I’ve learnt all these and more before(the only good thing that army has taught), and my one month stints in Europe and Brisbane last year has put me in good stead for what’s ahead. Some good o’ Harry Potter magic will be very much welcomed though. Dinner-automaticus! Clothimus washimus!
Not that I’m complaining. I actually think that this period of time should toughen me up both mentally and spiritually. At home, I could care-less about dirty laundry and food and focus on the “important” things like my walk with God, ministry, career and studies. Over here, every one of the aforementioned is a priority. There would definitely be times where I wish that I was home, with all my friends and family and having an easier time but I really want to enjoy the journey, the process of molding. God isn’t done with me yet =)
One thing that I really love about the hostel is how quiet it gets at night. With the great weather (it gets cold but you’ll learn to appreciate it compared to the sg weather – right? ^^), it is a QT heaven. Listening to worship songs and praying is actually a new and wonderful experience. In exchange for the comforts of home, I think it is rather worth it! When I get married and move into a new place in future, I’ll be sure to set aside a “quiet room” (sound proof, carpeted, sofas, sound system etc) for these purposes.
I went running yesterday in a stanchart singlet and army shorts. BAD MOVE. Hahahha… the cold air that engulfed my body and went into my lungs almost killed me. Real smart move. Even the angmohs were in tracksuits. Someone mentioned that the Caucasians must have looked at me and thought to themselves “Crazy asian man“.
The admin staff in UCD have been very, very helpful. Ulric and I faced some problems with our registration as they didn’t have guidelines on what to do for transfer students (we are the first ones). Now things are being sorted out. Thank God for that.
Can’t wait for school to start next week! Will update more as soon as I take more pictures! For now… my room:
My super comfy bed:
What you see when you walk into my room (messy i know!)
My personal toilet
My wardrobe
The view from my room
My study desk (yes yes messy i know)
Ciao!
p.s HAPPY BIRTHDAY ROYSTON! have fun with the voucher =p
You Are Good
This has been 3 weeks of catchups and feasting…. think am going to get so faaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat =(( BUT, all in all, God has been good. Yes, i may still fall into one or two bad habits now and then, but i really wanna give thanks for the work He has been doing in my life this half year or so.
Have had the privilege of forming new friendships with fantastic people, and am also humbled by how God can mend relationships that were thought to be broken forever. While doing the aforementioned, am also most grateful for the various relationships that have already been forged in my life, how these people stand up for me, and are always only a phone call away – these are the people whom i will entrust my life with.
Thank you God, as well, for the chance to serve as much (across different congregations to boot!) as i can before i embark on my next phase of life. This 2009 so far, has the potential to be the most happening of my entire 11 yrs in church. I know more trials and temptations will surface, which means potential pain and further heartbreak, but also potential victories and even better so, a good chance to draw one step nearer to you.
No one has ever messed up their lives staying behind you. I am certainly not going to be the first. God, you know the things and people that hold my heart. Am waiting for your move.
You told me last year that my 2009 is gonna be BIG. Still holding onto it God. Let’s do this together =))
Because I Only Have A Pair of Eyes…..
….and am not able to look at two directions at the same time,
when i’m overwhelmed by life and its torrents that threaten to sweep me away, help me choose to look at the omnipotence of God, instead of the potential wreckages
when i’m overcome by grief from sinning, help me choose to look to the grace of God and the redemptive might of the cross, instead of the lies and condemnation from the evil one
when i pull off a seemingly impossible task, or rise victoriously against all odds, help me choose to look at the provision from above, instead of the basking in of my own glory
when i’m lonely, help me choose to look at drawing heavenly strength from solitude, instead of the variety of activities i rush to, at first opportunity, to undertake in order to ease the loneliness
when i’m fearful, help me choose to look at the final victory God has already won in advance, instead of the what the present situation might bring
when i’m being disciplined, help me choose to look at the nurturing hand of God; how i need to go through certain pains to grow and mature, instead of raising a fist to him and self-wallowing in pity.
when Paul and Silas were in prison, they chose to look to God’s protection and mercy, instead of the steel bars
when Paul was imprisoned (more than once), he chose to see that God allows things to happen for his grand purpose, rather than look to ways in which he could get out of prison asap.
when King Jehoshaphat was threatened with destruction, he chose to look at the power of God, and put a praise band in front of his troops, instead of spending all his time strategising and strengthening his army.
God, i could go on and on and on. But in the final reckoning, help me to choose you every single time. Be my everything.
