Saturday, March 28, 2009

有一天

This song is the song for one of the skits when I went for mission trip in Macau. Below is the translation.





有一天 你若觉得失去勇气
One day, you feel the loss of courage
有一天 你若真的想放弃
One day, you want to give up
有一天 你若感觉没人爱你
One day, you feel that no people love you
有一天 好像走到谷底
One day, you seem to reach the lowest point in your life


那一天 你要振作你的心情
On that day, you have to strengthen your emotion
那一天你要珍惜你自己
On that day, you have to appreciate yourself
那一天 不要忘记有人爱你
On that day, you should remember got someone loves you
那一天 不要轻易说放弃
On that day, you should not give up easily


这个世界真有一位上帝
This world really has a God
祂爱你 祂愿意帮助你
He loves you and He is willing to help you
茫茫人海 虽然寂寞
Although there is a crowd of people, but you still feel lonely
祂爱能温暖一切冷漠
His love can warm up all the cold loneliness


这个世界真有一位上帝
This world really has a God
祂的双手 渴望紧紧拥抱你
Both His hands desire to hug you closely
漫漫长夜 陪你走过
He will accompany you to walk through the endless night
祂爱你 伴你一生之久
He loves you and He will be with you forever

from:feiwong

Because I was named "Stirrer" :D

Hello everyone!
It has been long since I last spoke eh? Must have been a surprise to you to read this from me :D But I was reading the blog and I noticed that I still have access to the blog and you guys have renamed the blog authors as..stirrers. I guess that means I will have the responsibilities of "stirring" up something. So here goes :)
I'll start with myself. I owe you guys much updates.
Hello :) My first academic year here is ending in 1 month's time. Right now, I am in the process of tying up all the bits and pieces of my studies and get down for finals and can you believe I had 10 midterms for this term?! I have projects and assignments and one last midterm and quizzes to be done with before my finals come, and then I can finally have some rest in May.
I got bored of winter and spring is slowly seeping in, so my mood really goes all the way up there when I check the temperature and it says 11 degrees. Hahaha, I never knew I would be so happy to see a positive number. (winter was down to -20 :/ )
It all sounds pretty crazy to me. This ride hasn't been easy on me. I had motion sickness and I have vomitted and I have hated parts of the journey. Sometimes the ride is smooth and I felt as if the road will go on like how I think it will, and most of the times it didn't. I have had minor accidents along the way, bruises and injuries, and I have (or had to) picked up myself after each bump. Sometimes I limp after each fall and the bruises heal rather slowly.
It has been a journey and I know it will still be a journey...for eternity.
It dawned upon me how small a perspective I have on what God can do with me. Each time after a horrible exam result, I go down to the bins. Literally. My guts plummet to the deepest ravine and I am afraid of studying. I find my studies a place where I get rejected (with the results) and a place of which I have fear. Studies becomes my Egypt.
This process of going down the ravine and climbing out of it and going down and coming up repeats endlessly and to be honest, I am tired of it. First year of engineering and I am already this stressed. It's scary to me.
Pure foolishness.
If God's plan is a piece of white paper and university is the one of the small black dots on the paper, I'm looking at the dot. In fact, I'm squinting hard at it. And it's painful. Try squinting hard at something for a long time and you'll tell me it hurts. How stupid.
Why squint so hard and pain yourself in the process when you can choose to relax your eyes and look at the big white piece of paper?
I am by no means saying you shouldn't squint at the dots at all, I'm just saying (or rather telling myself) not to squint that hard, to the extent you forget it is actually a part of the big white paper.
To sum up what I've learn:
Relationship with God = {Faith, Praying, wanting to know His will, fall down, cry, allow Him to pick you up, Loving Him, Loving others} and there are actually so much more.
So..how has everyone been? I read about the Indon mission trip and personal impact chain it has on EY. Now that you guys are back, how do you intend to live out what you have learnt?
A lot of times when we think about outreach, we tend to think about going far out (or far in) to places we have never thought of, places where we think we will have barriers of communication, places of which will need great prayers to have a breakthrough. I think yes, we still need to get to those places but let us not lose sight of people already in our lives.
The word "outreach" means reaching out, and it could be as simple as reaching out to our neighbours. Ask yourself again, what does outreach mean to you? How do you justify your acts of going all out to many places to your current life? Again, I also believe that as people watch us as Christians, they are telescoping into our actions. They read our every deeds and weigh them. Can't blame them; who asked us to proclaim we are believers of Christ.
Do we practise what we preach? Are we serious with God?
By writing these down, I do not in any sense tell you that I have perfected my walk with God. I am writing with love and a humble heart. I have so much more to share and to learn. I have learnt so much thus far, both academically and spiritually, and it is my joy to share what I have picked up along the way. It is not my means of bragging but I am holding you guys accountable for what I'm learning :D
I won't be back for the summer because my parents are leaving for UK (to babysit!) end of June and I will be meeting them there. So, looks like I won't be home for a pretty long time. Well well.
This is for now, I have to sleep :D
In His grip,

camera
p/s: My pastor mentioned someone signing off with "In His grip", signifying that we are always in His grip. Pretty cool :)


Can we say that the old is gone and the new has come?

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Terima Kasih!!!

Much had been said of Malaysian Hospitality. We have often prided ourselves on being good hosts to our guests. This time round, the mission team in Indonesia has been taught a lesson in hospitality by the Indonesians. From the minute we landed in Jakarta to the time we lifted off from Indonesian soil, our hosts had been superb. We were treated like VVIPs throughout the trip. From the small churches in villages to the mega churches in city, the church people were gracious hosts. Not forgetting the Indonesian 'mission team' members who followed us around (actually more like guided us around).

So, to our Indonesian friends, if you are reading this. Many, many thanks. You all have truly made this trip a memorable one. Memorable as the Lord had shown us much, memorable as we have also seen the good works in you that we can praise our Father in heaven.

Puji Tuhan!!!

Matthew 5:16 (NLT) 'In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.'



Our Indon Friends (from left): Ricky (on blog chat 'RQ ind') Amos (on blog chat 'Amos') Erwin (not on blog...yet?) Roy (not on blog...yet?) and Jenny (not on blog yet?)

Others not on the photo...Caroline, Paulus, Ocep and many others...sorry cannot remember name...me bad...

Katan

Tuesday, March 24, 2009






VOTE EARTH

YOUR LIGHT SWITCH IS YOUR VOTE
This year, Earth Hour has been transformed into the world’s first global election, between Earth and global warming.
For the first time in history, people of all ages, nationalities, race and background have the opportunity to use their light switch as their vote – Switching off your lights is a vote for Earth, or leaving them on is a vote for global warming. WWF are urging the world to VOTE EARTH and reach the target of 1 billion votes, which will be presented to world leaders at the Global Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen 2009.
This meeting will determine official government policies to take action against global warming, which will replace the Kyoto Protocol. It is the chance for the people of the world to make their voice heard.

Earth Hour began in Sydney in 2007, when 2.2 million homes and businesses switched off their lights for one hour. In 2008 the message had grown into a global sustainability movement, with 50 million people switching off their lights. Global landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, Rome’s Colosseum, the Sydney Opera House and the Coca Cola billboard in Times Square all stood in darkness.

In 2009, Earth Hour is being taken to the next level, with the goal of 1 billion people switching off their lights as part of a global vote. Unlike any election in history, it is not about what country you’re from, but instead, what planet you’re from. VOTE EARTH is a global call to action for every individual, every business, and every community. A call to stand up and take control over the future of our planet. Over 74 countries and territories have pledged their support to VOTE EARTH during Earth Hour 2009, and this number is growing everyday.

We all have a vote, and every single vote counts. Together we can take control of the future of our planet, for future generations.

VOTE EARTH by simply switching off your lights for one hour, and join the world for Earth Hour.


Saturday, March 28, 8:30-9:30pm.






HEY PEPs,

The above are excerpts from the Earth Hour 2009 website. From the above, you all would understand the meaning and the intention of this Earth Hour campaign. And er..as one of the ones who have the access to write this blog, so gonna 'abuse' it abit. I would like to encourage all of us to back to our house, our parents, our friends to talk about EARTH HOUR 2009.

We have been called to be stewards of God's creation and blessings on this earth. All the natural resources, all the animals & plants of the earth are entrusted to us by God. And perhaps we can use this opportunity to play our part as His children on this earth

Genesis 1:26-28 (New International Version)

26 Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, a]">[a] and over all the creatures that move along the ground."

27 So God created man in his own image,
in the image of God he created him;
male and female he created them.

28 God blessed them and said to them, "Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground."


SO LET US SUPPORT EARTH HOUR 2009.

rEMEMBER TO SWITCH OFF FOR AN HOUR ALL ELECTRICITY ON 28TH MARCH FROM 8.30 PM - 9.30 PM

p/s all the above videos, graphics, & articles are courtesy of EARTH HOUR 2009 website

BY KARWAI

Monday, March 23, 2009

Things We Did in Indonesia...

We have done many things during the mission trip. We sang, danced, preached, played and ate. Some of us even tried things we normally never would have done or tried. Just want to share with all of you the things that the mission members did.

Question...'Have you ever seen Dr. Yeoh dance and sing?' Well, we did...and it was awesome...Never thought you could move so well, Doc...

Katan

PS: Just really wanted to post this one up, we of course did other things, but I thought this would wet your appetite a bit...

We're Back!!!

Well, folks...we are back!!! The mission trip...err...mission exposure trip was for all intends and purposes a great success. The team members had a wonderful and blessed time over in Indonesia. We encountered many challenges, 'eye popping' events and God praising moments. And we would very much like to say a BIG, BIG, HUGE thank you to our Lord, to our fellow brethrens in Indonesia and to all of you who have prayed with us. Truly, the mission team members may have been the ones that were there but without your prayer support, this will not be the success or the wonderful blessed time that it was. The people may heap the praises and thanks on the team but you all are the unsung heroes of this trip. This mission trip is very much yours as well. Thank you so much for your prayers...



Team Members before depature to Indonesia


Team members (with Indonesia friends) before departure to Malaysia

Katan

PS: Photos, trip events, God's blessings and challenges to follow soon....

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Mission Trip is a Go!!!


This is it, folks. The mission trip is a go! After the countless practices, prayer times and worship together, we now embark on this mission trip. Though only a small number of us are going but I am of the opinion that this is not the group's mission trip but rather the whole EY and even the whole Elim's team. Just as not all of us can be preachers or teachers, so we all also cannot participate in the more direct way but we all can still participate. All of us can commit to a few minutes of our time to pray for this mission trip. Cause let's face it, we cannot really do anything on our own strength and wisdom. We cannot really fight this battle with our resources and talents. We need HIS help, and this is where we all can contribute. Let's pray people...


'For everytime I pray, I move the hands of God, my prayer does the things my hands cannot do...'

Our Schedule:

Wednesday 18/03/09
Departure (AK 954) 1340
Arrival Jakarta 1510
Depart for mission trip in a village

Thursday 19/03/09
Kid Games Training
Village Community Work

Friday 20/03/09
Kids Games
School Prayer Service
Fellowship with Futsal Team
City Prayer Meeting

Saturday 21/03/09
Free Time, Sight Seeing Tour of Jakarta
Max 7 Basket Final

Sunday 22/03/09
Sunday Service (William – Message)
Depature (AK 955) Jakarta 1510
Arrival LCCT 1810


THE TEAM MEMBERS

Katan

PS: Team Members, I tried my best the find the most 'yeng' pictures that I have...

Saturday, March 14, 2009

God is our strength

I know the mission team is going through some "trials". Some are still sick, some are getting sick, some are emotionally disturbed with some issues, etc. Some of you might be discouraged with things that are happening (at least I was!!!). But, please remember this.. troubles are often tools that God uses to mould us. I think this is from the bible, but I forgot where.. So we don't look at the troubles we can see right now; rather, we look forward to what we have not seen. For the troubles we see will soon be over, but the joy to come will last forever. Yes, you might be very worried or upset with the things that you are facing right now. But, listen to this, everything happens for a reason. There is always a reason behind everything that happened. Always remember our purpose of going for this mission trip. What is our bull eye? What is our main purpose to be there?

After I got to know about things that happened within the team, to be honest, I was worried. I admit that! I was worried. I was worried that someone might pull out. I was worried that we can't cope with the activities what were planned. I was worried that the "trials" will affect our performance. I was worried that we will lose focus. And this morning, I got a message from my RBS friend on today's devotional verse. After RBS, we're still given this devotional verse everyday through sms. And I've not been receiving it for the past 3 days. And today,iIt came just at the right time! And it really encouraged me a lot. I hope it will to you, too.

Isaiah 41:8-10

"But you, O Israel [try putting your name in =)], my servant,
Jacob, whom I have chosen,
you descendants of Abraham my friend,
I took you from the ends of the earth,
from its farthest corners I called you.
I said, 'You are my servant';
I have chosen you and have not rejected you.
So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

Well, I hope this will mean something to you. Stay strong guys!

Friday, March 13, 2009

A little something to share

Everybody knows the THING that we're busy preparing for - mission trip to Indonesia. Yes, it's true that 12 of us are going. We gather for worship, prayer and practice. However, I'm sure there are people out there who think that, "We can't do anything. So, we can just stay back in Malaysia." This is totally, absolutely, completely.. WRONG!!!

During my mission trip in RBS to Kuantan, we had this verse as our devotion. But personally, I prefer the passage. It's taken from 1 Corinthians 12:14-26.

Now the body is not made up of one part but of many. If the foot should say, "Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. And if the ear should say, "Because I am not the eye, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would be the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would be the sense of smell be? But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of the, just as he wanted them to be. If they were all one part, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, but one body.


The eye cannot say to the hand, "I don't need you!" And the head cannot say to the feet, "I don't need you!" On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has combined the members of the body and has given greater honor to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.

Hence, it doesn't mean that if you're not going to the mission trip, you are of no use or whatsoever. It's just that God has another plan for you.

For those who are not going to the mission trip, the mission team needs your prayers and your support. When the mission team is traveling or is in Indonesia carrying out the activities, your prayers are the support and comfort. You people contribute to the mission as well. Don't think that you are insignificant!!!

For those who are going to the mission trip, you guys need to pray as well. You are not excluded! Continue praying and ask God for wisdom and strength. Don't think that you're going there for fun or vacation. It's God's work you're talking. And please don't be disappointed if you don't see something that you want to see in the end. In 1 Corinthians 15:58,

Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

Maybe you've heard this for umpteen times, but I still want to say it. Every single individual in Elim plays a part in this mission trip, be it a major role or a minor role. We should always be focused that we're doing all these to glorify His name. We are the body the of Christ. We work together as the body with Christ as the head. Let's work and serve Him together!

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Thee Shalt Lead Thy Path

Dedicated to the 1991 babies. =)

And it's down to this 36 hours. We've all been working so hard for this. May the purpose be to make our parents proud, self-content, or simply for a brighter future, but deep down we know that whether we went all out? Or are we simply just taking another exam which is insignificant.

Personally, exams are very important to me. For a brighter future, for self-content, and ultimately, how the society would judge me. But during the past two years, I learnt something very important, which is those whom are weak in studies are not definitely weak in their personality. And those whom are OWNING in their academic achievements might not be as goody-goody as you think. It's so sad that the society would judge them because of their academic achievements, rather than knowing them personally and finding out their gifts. God made each one of us in the likeness of God, but yet neither of us are perfect. ADMIT IT!

This post basically is just to comfort you all concerning our SPM results, which is hours away. Nervous? Anxious? What for? When it is all said and done. There's no point regretting. But one thing that we need to bear in mind is that, no matter what our results is, its never by mistake or by accident. I know it is easier said than done, as I'm in the same shoe as you all. I'm alot nervous than u all think I am. Physically im going out every night meeting up with friends, BONDING and all.hehe... But honestly I am nervous, and I pray to God to give me the peace of mind. It is not by coincidence that we are here as God already has a plan for each and everyone of us even before we were conceived in our mother's womb. Whatever your results may be, there's always a blessing in disguise. I'm speaking from experience.haha..



' "For I have plans for you," says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope." '

Jeremiah 29:11


Do trust in the Lord. I'm struggling with it too, but yet i acknowledge that the Lord has great plans for all of us. Good luck to my fellow 1991 babies. Do update each other on your results. =)


' In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths. '

Proverbs 3:6



thy frog

Monday, March 9, 2009

Happenings...

Haven't been updating the blog for a while but thankfully, some of EY stirrers are still 'stirring' happily away. We now have a new stirrer in our midst, the frog. So Wadefrog, we now bestow upon you the wonderful stick, which may you use it to stir evermore for His Glory, amen.

Hate to do this right after frog's post, but if I don't post this now, won't know when I will ever do this again, so here goes...(and sorry frog, good post though...)


A lot has been going on in EY since the last update....last month....about....CNY celebration. Well, the EY is busy preparing for the mission trip practices. Even with the practices, the EY programs still chugs along. So an update of the happenings...

RBS Graduation Night (5 March 2009)


Three of our EYs attended RBS and graduated (Qs...anybody actually failed? If not, why called it a 'graduation night', oh well....)


The group of RBS students


Technically not EY, but hey Jessica Ho is from Elim...so there you go...


Chan Kar Men


Clara Tan


Xie Li

RBS 'graduates'...Congrats!!! And as we have attended the graduation night and I remembered the message from Uncle Dexter on the family and church helping you all and not letting you all slip away and the many stuff you all promised to do in the church...enoguh to say, you all will be hearing from us soon....very soon....

Valentine's Day BBQ


Only posting the pictures from Valentine's Day now? Well,....no good excuses, just the good old, tried and tested one...lazy....So sorry folks, but as the saying goes, 'Better late than never...'
The group of people waiting for the program to start. We started a bit late as...erm....as......errr...well, many of the people were late. Ok, ok...better late than never, I know...

Some of the youths saying how hungry they were with all the smell from the BBQ. We did not take any photos of the food, there are a lot of food, just that the camera man too busy eating...sorry. (The youths are actually playing some games prior to the food)



Some of the pics of the games. Did not have many photos...the camera a wee bit 'cacat'. Haiz...Oh Camera, Camera, where art thou?


Katan



WAKE UP CALL !

' Are you prepared ?' that is the question. well. time is running very short as we all know. but are we prepared ? spiritually ? mentally ? i can answer the question without any hesitation that i am not. simple and short and i will not lie by boasting how prepared am i for this mission trip. however, i believe that we are all working on it. =) even though the skits and testimonies are almost done (im not sure about those who are preparing the message, HAHA! ), but ultimately is our hearts right ? we as part of the mission team has been chosen to be the instruments of god to spread the good news of this great God. but still, how prepared are we to speak of the good news.



If we are to go to Indonesia with the hope of sharing the gospel without sufficient preparation. we are like salts which are not salty. what good is salt if it not salty? simple. it is of no good. a substance which is of no purpose. an instrument which is of no use.

' You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless. '

Matthew 5:13


Physically i believe we are quite prepared. the skits and etc. but spiritually im not 100% sure. at least for myself. i know that i am not prepared. spiritually... and for those who are in the same shoe as me. do not fear as we are blessed with this ability to communicate with God simply through prayer. why not we put it to full use? to those who were in the Youth Rally team. have you forgotten about the importance of prayer? have you forgotten about the miracles prayer can do?




' Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart. Pray for us too, that God will give us many opportunities to speak about his mysterious plan concerning Christ. That is why I am here in chains. Pray that i will proclaim this message as clearly as I should. Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone. '

Colossians 4:2-6

So people let's devote ourselves to prayer. praying for everything that we can think of. and preparing ourselves in all aspects of our lives in order to do God's work. indeed it is not by chance neither it is by mistake that we are here today. working together in this mission team to Indonesia to speak of the good news. none of us is more important than any other in this team as we are the body of Christ. each carrying out their own respective responsibilities in this mission. we have heard of the gospel and we have been called to go forth and make disciples of all nations. God has love and God is love. we are made in the likeness of God and we have love as well. why be selfish and keep the love to yourself ? let's be a living testimony to those who have not heard of God and may those who have heard but do not believe see Christ through our actions in our daily lives.


' Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. '


Colossians 3:23


bak kata pepatah Inggeris, 'suara' melalui tindakan adalah lebih lantang daripada 'suara' kata-kata. -ericdagreat-



P/S: thanks to kokming for the great devotion materials. gave me a wake up call. which led to this post =)

thee who never blogeth,
frog

Thursday, March 5, 2009

Awesome songs

i've been searching around for some malay worship songs for the mission trip. andrew in his last act before he left his old faithful, picked up some cds from his dad's collection and lend it to me. Uncle Sum Tuck, if you are wondering where are your cds, they are wif me. :D. Got some really good & interesting songs inside those CDs. But instead of sharing those songs, wanna take the opportunity to share another 2 songs that really speaks volume to me.

FYI, been so sick for the past week, couldn't function proper. So when stuck in my room, i've let those songs to run continously on my Winamp.
The 1st songs is call MENGEJAR HADIRMU. talks abt running into the presence of HIM, to see HIM is HIS grandeur, to follow in HIs goodness.






The 2nd song is call Selalu Bersamaku. A very simplistic song with mostly a repeated lyrics. However i believe always, a simple lyrics generates more self reflection while it is sang. Anyhow, couldn't find clip to the song & the blog refuse to accept MP3, and being no blogger me, decided to just put up the lyrics.


Slalu Bersamaku

Sedalam hatiku Kaupun tahu

dan kasih Mu tak jauh dalam jiwaku

di dalam kesesakan di dalam kemenangan

Ku tahu Engkau slalu bersamaku

Verse

Hanya Kau tempat ku berlindung

hanya Kaulah tubuh dan kekuatanku

ijinkanlah kudatang menyembah

membawa syukurku


by karwai