Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Christmas

I was sad and disappointed after I declined a role to act in the Christmas outreached event, Christmas Sweet Home. The Spirit inside me kept impressing me regarding the lost.

Than, I received a call the Friday before Christmas day to assist in stage set up and props. I gladly accepted it. Haha...than I realised that I was supposed to find my own manpower to do the set up and tear down for both rehearsal and actual day. I almost fainted.....lol

To cut the long story short, God supplied the workers, and the stage was set up and tear down in good time. And best was there were many people giving their lives to Christ Jesus.

I felt great though I was a little unwell, I thank God for the opportunity to serve and has a part to play in reaching the lost. My heart was in jubilation!!!!

I also want to thank my crew for their dedication, Philips, Jeremy Cai, Steven, Amos, Chee leong, Andrew, Eng Soon, Kirk, Tony and many more.......

Sunday, December 14, 2008

Church Entertainment?????

Here's a link to an interesting article http://draltang01.blogspot.com/2008/12/from-entertainment-to-disciplemaking.html#links

I wonder how many of our worship team know and are being disciple? Do they have a good mentor to look up upon? For some I know, they don't even attend a care group, not really praying and reading the word of God and, of course, not reaching out to the lost. Even worst, some are just there to "play" music and has no passion for matters regarding Christ.

I heard comment and seen it happened...unless the person is on duty, they are not around or hardly around in the service.

These group are largely divided into 2 groups (at least to me) :-

1. Ex-leader who was once on fire, but somehow lost their passion for Christ. Due to many reasons. One of the reason was being distracted by personal live.

2. Younger believer - this group involved those who are christian many years but have not mature all these years and those who are recently got to know Christ Jesus.

I think the key to helping these are true discipleship. Which sad to said, are not taking place in church, generally speaking of course. Because I believe some discipleship are still taking place.

Let's all return to be a disciple and being disciple!!!!!

Friday, December 12, 2008

Why we collecting for other churches needs?

Someone asked me, "why do we collect offering to meet other churches needs when our own church has needs?"

Good question I suppose, I don't really understand too...why did the old lady in the bible gave those finance she had when she had so little, she had needs too?

I asked myself this question, "Why must I give you a present on your birthday or Christmas when I have need to buy a new shirt for myself?"

Guess I choose to bless because I love, love God, love others. The principle of giving applies........

What some people think

Here are some popular statements I hear from some members of the Church, "when we see pastor, he is always preaching on giving", "he preached all the times on giving",etc.

All these statements are partial truth. We don't get to hear pastor preach every morning services. Most of the time, the RP will preached. So when pastor get up stage to preach, it was designated weeks that involved in giving. Hence, the impression that he is preaching "giving" all the times.

I still remember he preaches on "Family" for a few months...that has nothing to do with Finance. Also, in evening service, which by far most don't attend, he does not always preached on giving.

Let us not jump into conclusion, but let hear from God. Let us bless pastor through our prayer and confession of our tongue.

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Christian Getting Married on a Sunday

Can a christian get married on a Sunday?

Recently, Andrew's brother got married on a Sunday. The CHC pastor came and conducted their holy matrimony's in the late afternoon. I can't help it but wonder if my church leadership will do likewise, if a member choose to get married on a Sunday..hmmm?

The truth is it has never cross my mind to conduct our wedding on Sunday. It seems logical and correct to held one wedding on a Saturday instead. One reason for the church is the pastors are all in Church, and some, in multiple services.

Than what about holding a wedding on a Saturday? The church has activities too right? Than how?

I think if we have a large congregation or expected the church congregation to grow, we will encounter couples getting married on Saturday(when church has events), Sunday or even Christmas day.... unless you hold a mass wedding (but I prefer a private one though).

So should we put the church activities first and ask the couple to change date? Or should we bless and honour the couple (& family) and put the church activities to second place? After all, it's once a life time they are getting married and the church activities are ongoing.

Any comments, anyone?

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Destined to Reign

Here's another book review I found regarding Pstor Joseph Prince's book.

http://szezeng.blogspot.com/2008/10/deeper-look-at-joseph-princes-destined.html

Monday, December 1, 2008

The Secret to Life - Happiness and Giving

Bought a table calendar, here are some of the quotes:-

"Happiness is an attitude of mind, born of the simple determination to be happy under all outward circumstances" . My own quote " rejoice again I say rejoice, oh my soul"

" You give but little when you give of your possessions. It is when you give of yourself that you truly give".

Hainan Trip

To me Hainan Island is just like Kuantan of Malaysia...but just slightly cooler during this period.

A strange thing I discovered, the Chinese local tourists will pay to visit a beach, like yaloong beach, just to take pictures. They neither swim nor have a picnic, they simply posed and shoot....than there are off to the next destination....hmm......

The price of branded goods are not cheaper than Singapore. Brands like CK, Espirit, Nike and Addias are more costly. Oh, in Hainan, there are many KFC outlets but only 1 McDonald.. And no Bk, Starbuck...... : o(

You may wish to visit Yvonne's blog for the pics...http://yvonnescreation.blogspot.com/

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Health and Wholeness through the Holy Communion

Recently, did a goggle "Joseph Prince". Found many websites regarding his ministry and some that highlighted some issues regarding his teaching. Two of the website sites are http://wooq.blogspot.com/2005/08/doctrinal-heresy-of-healing-through.html, http://ripostes.blogspot.com/2005/04/neither-healthy-nor-gospel-health-and.html. The issue is Health and Wholeness through the Holy Communion.

I shall not attempt to discus further that can partaking HC brings about healing and wholeness (the above link gave very insightful comments). But, I shall attempt instead to discuss on relation of sickness, sin and faith.

Not many christian have never been sick before. Sickness is part of our life. Sickness is the result of the Fall. And Jesus came to set us free from it. 1/5 of the gospels is about topic of healing. And His disciples were also expected to do so, Mark 6:7-12.

We all know that when Job lost everything, including his health, was not due to sin as suggested by his 3 friends. John 9:2-3, Jesus taught that "this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life". Sometimes sickness could be related to sin. However, we cannot confirm that the sickness of a person be necessarily the result of one sins. The possible of deliberate un-repented sins causing the absence of divine protection and healing is one possibilities of sin related to sickness.

Matt9:20-21, women with the issue of blood is a great example of faith and healing of sickness. Her faith in Christ healed her. We read on others passages that the faith of another persons caused healing to the sick, Mark 7:24-30, Luke 7:9-10. Other times, we see no one with faith, but Jesus healed, Luke 21:51, the ear of the servant when Jesus was arrested.

Sickness may not be related to sin and faith.

All these said, I believe in divine healing and believe that God wants all of us to be healthy and whole. I also believe God's has His purpose and plan for me for His glory. After all, Paul the apostle, man of faith has "sickness" too.

It's our duty to pray for the sick, but is God 'duty' to heal them.

Friday, November 14, 2008

Retiree wins big with $90k hybrid car

http://motoring.asiaone.com/Motoring/News/Story/A1Story20081113-100495.html

Mr Wong won the challenge, 10% Energy Challenge Draw, which requires him to achieve at least a 10 per cent reduction in his household energy consumption.

And he managed to reduce. But what what are the reasons for trying to reduce energy consumption? Mentioned by NEA's Chief Executive Officer Lee Yuen Hee "Through these individual efforts, they can help to fight climate change and save on their electricity bills as well, he added."

I agreed with the "fight climate change"part but giving Mr Wong a car....hmm.....he saved electricity bills to pay more for the car? : o )

Thursday, November 13, 2008

NUS Office of Admission Staff Retreat


Breakfast Spread


Mdm Gan & Christina, 2 of the oldest staff with OAM. Mdm Gan is retiring in Nov and Christina Jun 09.
Tag ball warfare game

Some "markings" to remember the tag ball game

Prize presentation for my team (Tag ball). Mike is holding the prize

Taken during dinner with Eunice, Molly, Tanya, Zhi Wei and Raj(big boss)

Dept pic

30 & 31 Oct 2008 was my office staff retreat. It was a 2 days 1 night retreat. We started the day with simple session and later an exciting tag (paint) ball warfare. 2nd day started with great breakfast and very engaging activities conducted by MAD Learning. Oh, worth to mention was the dinner on 1st day...buffet dinner at Holiday Inn Parkroyal at Scotts...wonderful spread of food, lobster, sashimi, steaks, scallop, etc.
It was a good platform for me to get to know the 30 staff since I am new (5 months). And we all have a room to ourselves.

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Why do we tithe?

Do we tithe because we want the benefits/blessing? Or do we tithe because we are afraid of "curse"? Or do we tithe because of our faith and love for God?

I have recently heard a beautiful message about the benefits of tithing. It makes me feel like "tithe" is such a wonderful thing, it brings a host of benefits when we tithed. I too believe God will bless if we tithe, but the blessing may not be in term of finance. It could be in many other areas like health, peace, joy,etc. One of the statement made in the message was " have you heard of a joyful, peaceful christian, but broke?" I wonder to what extend the statement was true?

I agree with the message that God does not cursed people who don't tithe. But robbing God is a serious matter (Mal 3:8) there will be consequences. And this part, the message did not elaborate much. Rather he did not mentioned much about "rob".

Actually, when we don't tithe, we not only rob God, but also robbing ourselves. Tithing is not making a bargain with God, but God promise to bless and care for those who is faithful in their stewardship. He wants our tithes as expressions of our faith, love and acknowledging His Lordship. These, the message also did not elaborate too.

Some of us tend to focus on the benefits of tithing (like the message) but we need to know the main reason why we tithe.

We tithe not because of the blessing, but we tithe because we acknowledging His Lordship.

ps: somehow I feel that chapter 3 of Malachi was in respond to 2 :17; people was asking " will God punish our sins?" God answers them by promising to send His messenger and so on.........and hence, chapter 3. It was a warning of judgement for the people than. So who was speaking - God. Who He was speaking to - the people in the old testatment time.

Saturday, November 8, 2008

My Family


hmm...come to think of it I have a very small family.....Dad and Mom (think they were known as Charlie and Wendy in their younger days), Cheng Sim my elderst sis, Cheng Yan(aka Ah Fat) my younger sis, John my bro-in-law, and of course my dear wife and Nathan.

Friday, November 7, 2008

Review of Joseph Prince’s “Destined to Reign”

I came across blogpastor's blog who posted the following : -
(http://www.blogpastor.net/category/church/megachurches/)
(Not sure if it is ok to post this on my blog....but if the original writer has objection, please let me know)

I came across this review written by Dr Gordon Wong, Old Testament lecturer with Trinity Theological College. There is wisdom to be gained from reading and reflecting on what he has to say about Joseph Prince’s teaching in his book “Destined to Reign”.


I recently read the book Destined to Reign (2007) by Joseph Prince, the senior pastor of New Creation Church. When I conveyed some of my thoughts on the book, one of my pastoral colleagues thought it would be helpful if I shared them with more Methodists. Let me begin by saying that Pastor Prince’s emphasis on grace has been a great blessing from God to many. My nephew and cousin belong to New Creation church and have grown immensely in their relationship with God. My prayer is that God will use Prince’s gifts of preaching to even more blessed effect as he allows the Holy Spirit to convict him (graciously, as always) of areas that could be improved. I hope my comments below will be helpful towards that end.


1. Prince’s teaching on God’s Grace and Anger
His emphasis on grace has led some to accuse him of giving Christians a licence to sin. He vehemently rejects this criticism (e.g. p. 30) and explains that a person who has properly experienced grace is one who is inspired and empowered to turn away from sin.

What I like: the book’s stress on the power of God’s grace is correct. The grace of God in the Bible is meant to inspire holiness, and not allow sinfulness. The book’s strong emphasis on grace is true to the Bible. Self-condemnation and guilt are real problems that afflict many people today, and the message of God’s grace is truly good news.

What I had reservations about:In stressing grace, the book appears to suggest that God no longer gets angry with Christians. If this is what it really means to teach, then this is not biblical. On p. 41, read: “We do see God being angry in the Old Testament, and in the book of Revelation, where his anger is toward those who have rejected Jesus. But for you and me, believers in the new covenant, we are not part of the Old Testament and we will never be punished because we have already received Jesus. As believers, God is no longer angry with us because all His anger for our sins fell upon Jesus at the cross.”

I suspect (and hope) that what the book really means is that God’s anger is not the type that takes delight in condemning us and pointing out how horrible we are.
Also, I think (and hope) that what the book means to say is that God’s anger and punishment on believers does not result in the loss of eternal salvation. But to say the above is very different from saying that God gets angry only with unbelievers and never with true believers (p. 41), or to insist that “the Holy Spirit never convicts you of sin” (p.134). Does the Bible really say that God never gets angry with believers anymore? In the Bible (both Old and New Testaments), God is presented as getting angry with believers. For example, the letters to the 7 churches (i.e. people who profess to be believers) in Revelation 2-3 include a lot of stinging rebuke and condemnation from Jesus himself, including the use of threats of punishment and judgement. (I find attempts to say that the “churches” in Revelation do not really refer to believers as far-fetched.) God Himself seems to punish two professing believers Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5:1-11. Isn’t this an example of the Holy Spirit, through Peter, convicting Ananias and Sapphira of their sins? Or must we assume the (not so gracious) judgement that Ananias and Sapphira cannot have been true believers?? For argument’s sake, even if they were not true believers, they were certainly in the church assembly. So there is place still for Spirit-inspired preaching for the conviction of sin within church walls. There may be many “believers” like Ananias and Sapphira who need the Holy Spirit to convict us of sin and our need for grace. Perhaps the book could have made a clearer distinction between divine anger at Christians that results in the loss of eternal salvation (which is what he is most concerned to speak against) and divine anger at Christians that aims to correct and discipline (which he seems to reject). To be fair, Prince does accept the positive idea of child discipline or training (pp. 65-67), but he rejects any association of this discipline with the words “anger” or “punishment”.

God’s anger was, and can still be an expression of His love and grace, just like a loving mother who sometimes scolds her child. (Prince is, hopefully, only joking when he implies, p.37, that children will become schizophrenic if parents sometimes express happiness and at other times anger!) To say that God will never get angry or punish believers anymore may promote (unwittingly or mistakenly) a distortion of the Bible’s teaching about God’s grace. God’s anger is an expression of His love and grace towards his children. Prince would perhaps do better to speak of righteous anger (Ephesians 4:26) versus unrighteous anger. God never gets (unrighteously) angry with us, but loving grace demands a place for righteous anger as long as His beloved children still need discipline.


2. Prince’s teaching on Law
The book is very strong on rejecting the value of the Law in the OT as being of any positive help for Christians. For example, on p.120 there is a section entitled “The Ten Commandments Kill” and it says that these commandments are “the ministry of death”.

What I like: I think (and hope) that the book is trying to say two biblical things about the Law. Firstly, it may be warning us that the Ten Commandments can be used or preached in a condemning way that destroys the soul of people and makes them cringe in fear or turn away from God as a harsh Master. This is a good biblical warning. Secondly, the book’s description of the Law as a ministry of death rather than life correctly describes and reinforces the biblical view that obedience to the Law cannot lead us to receive salvation. It is correct and very good of Prince to speak against those who are “trying to use the Ten Commandments to remove their sins” (p.124). We are saved by grace, not by obedience to the Ten Commandments or the Law. If these two points represent what Prince teaches on the Law in the Bible, then this is good and biblical.

What I had reservations about: That the Law can be preached and understood in such a way as to promote soul-destroying guilt and deeper condemnation is certainly true. Prince is to be commended for eloquently highlighting this biblical warning about the danger of the Law, and stressing the wonderful grace of God that forgives us all through Christ. But while there are many who need this message of God’s grace-filled forgiveness to save them from their guilt and despair over sin, there are many others who need the message of God’s grace-filled discipline and rebuke to save them from presumption and indifference to sin. Prince’s emphasis on free and full forgiveness is very good at helping the former, but not so good for the latter. Does Prince believe that guilt is the only problem people have because of sin? If so, that would present an incomplete picture. Sin does not only imprison us in guilt; it also lulls us into indifference and presumption. The Bible addresses both these effects of sin. The book appears to suggest that there is no way of preaching the Law in a graceful manner in order to set us free from our sinful indifference and presumption.

Similarly, Prince is correct to stress that the Law cannot save or justify, but his writings give the impression that the Law has no other positive function except to prove that we cannot be saved by it. But the Law in the Bible is also presented as a positive expression of God’s grace in telling us what God desires. But because Prince contrasts Law and Grace in this manner, he gives the impression of implying that the Law has only the negative value of telling people that they cannot be saved by their attempts at obedience to the Law. The Law certainly does perform that valuable function, but it does much more as well. It helps us know what is good in God’s eyes. The book is weak on emphasising the ongoing value of the Law for both Christians and unbelievers.

To be fair to this book, there are certain parts of the Bible that also speak in similarly strong negative tones against the Law (e.g. most of Galatians and parts of the books of Romans and Hebrews). But this negative view is balanced out in other parts of the Bible that are very positive about the Law (e.g. Jesus in Matt 5:19-20; James 1:25; Psalm 119 etc.). In other words, the Law as a means of salvation is spoken of very negatively in the Bible, but the Law as a means of showing us God’s pleasure or desire for our lives is spoken of very positively. The book seems to emphasise only the negative picture of the Law. Doing so would fail to do justice to the biblical balance which speaks also of the ongoing positive value of the Law for Christians. Paul, himself, could sum up the Law very positively as teaching us to love one another (Gal 5:14; Rom 13:8,10).

3. Prince’s teaching on Healing
Healing is a big topic in the Bible, and it is not the main theme of Prince’s book. But from the little he says in his final full chapter “Good Things Happen” (pp. 287ff), Prince relates testimonies of people who were healed when they received the grace and forgiveness of God. He also states that “once you know that you have been forgiven of all your sins, past, present and future, the healing of all our diseases follows” (p.290).

What I like: I think Prince is correct to say that the Bible speaks of a God who heals our diseases, and this is a true expression of the forgiveness and grace of God. Physical healing is taught and prayed for and experienced in the Bible.

What I had reservations about: Whilst the book speaks of Bible passages where physical healing is expected and takes place, it says nothing about the passages that accept (without surprise or anguish) that miraculous physical healing did not take place e.g. 2 Tim 4:20; Philippians 2:25-27; 1 Tim 5:23; Gal 4:13-14. Incidentally, Galatians 4:13-14 tells us explicitly that Paul did have a bodily sickness which resulted in the greater good of the Gospel being preached contra Prince’s statement that “Paul did not suffer any sickness or disease” (p. 71). The problem is not so much with what Prince affirms viz. that healing is a blessing from a God who is full of grace; the problem is with what he omits to affirm viz. that physical illness without healing on earth can also fall within the gracious providence of God. The Bible teaches us both to pray for physical healing and to be prepared to endure illness with patient endurance. The victorious Christian life is one that remains faithful to God in both times of abundance and poverty, in sickness or in health, for richer or for poorer (cf. Philippians 4:12-13). I do not know the ministry of Prince well enough to be sure of what he really thinks about healing on earth. Perhaps if you listen long enough to his sermons, you may be able to make a fairer assessment. Does he preach to help Christians cope with the onslaught of poverty and illness, or does he speak only of removing sickness and suffering by effortless faith? We need both messages, because that is the balance we find in Scripture.

In general, most preachers are prone to partial teaching. We all tend to favour one side of the balance more than the other as a result of our personal experience of God’s dealings with us. The danger comes when we imply that the side we prefer is the only true side of biblical truth!

May God grant us wisdom and discernment as we seek to live in ways that befit those who have been saved by such a wonderful grace as that which our Lord Jesus has lavished on us.

Postscript: There are several places where I do not agree with Prince’s interpretation of the Bible verses (e.g. pp. 124f on the tree of the knowledge of good and evil; p.263-65 on the cold, hot and lukewarm Laodiceans in Rev 3:15-16), but these are disagreements over the interpretation of specific phrases that can commonly be found amongst devout Bible teachers. My comments above focus on some major issues that discerning Christians should reflect on more carefully.

Return of My Dear Brother & Sister

Looking forward for Andrew and Karen return from Doha. Times just passed by without us noticing. It was one year ago we had send them off at the airport.

Welcome back Bro and Sis.......miss you both dearly.

Friday, October 24, 2008

2 New Members


Guess who is who's?

Nathan's Birthday (19 October)



Yvonne, mom, sis



chuan hock, yi guang

Nathan requested for Japanese buffet for his birthday dinner. So we end up at this Aikra at the Link Hotel. This Jap place used to be in Emerald mansion. Comparing now and than, the standard of food and services were much better back in Emerald Mansion.

The rest of the story, I think I will leave it to Yvonne at her blog.

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

My 40th Birthday

Strange to be in the 40s now….

Had a wonderful day..morning had breakfast with my son, who is ever so adorable. Followed by lunch at “Flute at the Ford” with my beautiful wife. I enjoyed the companion of my wife, makes me really relax with her by my side. Though the fish I had wasn’t that great, but Yvonne’s had lamb which is quite good..but the portion a little too small…..hahaha… gluttony .

After lunch, we headed for a massage at Element @ Orchard Hotel Shopping Mall. The massage was not that great by my standard….the therapist did a confusing massage sequence, worn gloves throughout the massage and sit on a roller chair while doing the massage……

Dinner was when my mood spoiled the day. Does man at 40 have mood swing?.....Felt bad now for ruining the evening…sorry Yvonne and Nathan….

Thursday, October 2, 2008

Birthday Wishes!!!!!

Hmm....when I told Yvonne I would like to put my birthday wishes in this blog....
She said "siao".... hahaha

(hmm...if Jocelyn can have a wish list for moving house, why can't I have one too......)

My wishes are simple : -

1. All may have an encounter with the love of Christ

2. All may be joyful and healthy

3. Nathan will growth up in the fear of the Lord

Monday, September 29, 2008

Pslam 116

1 I love the LORD, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy.
2 Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live.
3 The cords of death entangled me, the anguish of the grave came upon me; I was overcome by trouble and sorrow.
4 Then I called on the name of the LORD : "O LORD, save me!"
5 The LORD is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion.
6 The LORD protects the simplehearted; when I was in great need, he saved me.
7 Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the LORD has been good to you.
8 For you, O LORD, have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling,
9 that I may walk before the LORD in the land of the living.
10 I believed; therefore I said, "I am greatly afflicted."
11 And in my dismay I said, "All men are liars."
12 How can I repay the LORD for all his goodness to me?
13 I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the LORD.
14 I will fulfill my vows to the LORD in the presence of all his people.
15 Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.
16 O LORD, truly I am your servant; I am your servant, the son of your maidservant; you have freed me from my chains.
17 I will sacrifice a thank offering to you and call on the name of the LORD.
18 I will fulfill my vows to the LORD in the presence of all his people,
19 in the courts of the house of the LORD— in your midst, O Jerusalem. Praise the LORD.

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Through Crisis I Returned

"Through Crisis I Returned to God" a quote I found in an article about a terminally ill man.

He used to be a believer in Christ and attend church faithfully. However, as he progressed in live, he left his faith. He only returned, when he was taken ill, without a cure. That when he began to prioritised his live and that is also when he found the loving kindness of his Father.

I told this story to Yvonne, her question was
Y: why people come to the Lord only in crisis?
I : when you received Christ, was it in some situation too?

My thought : If crisis can bring us (back) to the Lord, and gain eternal life...than it is worth it.
For what is the purpose of gaining everything but yet lost your soul.

It is the loving kindness and His magnificent grace that we can be in Him. Because it is not by works but by His grace.

Sunday, September 21, 2008

Falling Sick Again

Got this throat infection and an ulcer at the throat since Thursday. Doctor Hiak said it is a bad infection and the throat is very inflamed. But hor, I don't feel any pain or discomfort at the throat. The only place of discomfort is the swollen nodes on the left side of the neck, where the ucler is.

So please, pray for me....Nathan too is suffering from throat infection....he lost his voice....since Monday....today his voice is much better..just like my swollen node.

Saturday, September 13, 2008

Lost

Due to Yvonne having chicken pox, we barred ourselves from 2 Sunday Services. But praise be to God, Yvonne has now recovered.

But to my horror....no one actually inform us that the service location has been changed for this Sunday. And I was in leaders meeting last Tuesday but yet no one mentioned to me. If it wasn't an email Yvonne received regarding CW, we would have gone to the usual service venue.

Joanna Lee too wasn't in the service due to personal matters, also did not know the changes. She said if Yvonne had not told her, she would have waited for the bus at the usual place.

Hmm...is there a lack in something in the church?

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Long Sightedness, High Blood Pressure, Chicken Pox

What has all these in common?

I have long sightedness (can't read when object is to near), just discovered a few days ago.

I have high blood pressure, 140/110 yesterday and today was 138/95....need to check again in 1 week.

I don't have chicken pox....but Yvonne is suspected to have......

Friday, August 15, 2008

Mission Night

Here it goes again.........

Every 6 months, I will be called upon to lead and coordinate the Divisional Mission Rally....but I have since 4 years ago told the Church regional leadership that I do not wish to hold the role of Divisional Overseer.

So this will be the 8th time that I have to repeat to them. I have send email as early as January than in June. However, nothing has been followed through.

I have play "hard ball" this round though, dropping the whole project (as I did the last round), to just pick it up again last minute. My heart ache when I see no one taking care of the sheep....so I pick it up this round...finding a venue for the rally.....

Prayerfully, this will be my last time doing this.... : o )

Blogging

Wow, it's been a long time since I last blog......lazy lor why else.....lol

In office can't blog cos it's rather open. At home to lazy so didn't even switch on the computer.

Now waiting for my care group member to arrive for Care Group. Just received a call from Yvonne too...she is coming back home now...cos Nathan is not doing well with his study... ; O (
Long story...think will leave it to Yvonne to blog about this... Just keep Nathan's study in prayer....

Monday, July 21, 2008

Marriage, Divorce

There was this short film showing how a mother never gives up on his son for repeated drug offences. She said he is always her son, despite all and nothing will or can change that.

Recently, I was thinking about divorces…does one have a choice? Isn’t it how we treat marriage. Is marriage a relationship like mother and child; unchangeable? Or is it a relationship we can choose to break anytime we cannot take it anymore?

“I have had it! Given her more than hundreds of chances to change, yet never changed!!!”…Is there really a limit to the relationship? Or can the mother say to her son: “I am no longer your mother because you choose to do drug again and again….YOU never changed!”

Is marriage a relationship like mother and son, or like roommates?

In the morning service yesterday, we sang “He is a faithful God”, “Nothing can changed His promises to us”; one of the greatest promise God gave us; is that He will never leave us (or give up on us).

Should we give up on others? Shall we give up on ourselves? Shall we give up on God (has God given up on our spouse, will He ever give up)?

Thursday, July 10, 2008

Sunday Corporate Service

Last Sunday, I was reluctant to attend corporate Sunday service at expo. I was skeptical about what Ps Rick Seaward will be sharing that morning. I expected him to share on prayer blessing and changing the atmosphere (a project the church is embarking). However, having a good and God fearing wife…Yvonne gave me a pushed….

I was glad I was there, Ps Rick Seaward did shared on “prayer blessing”; he also formally handover the leadership to Ps Han. He made some announcement on the leadership role (will write more about it some time later).

But what really makes me glad I was there, was the main message shared my Ps Danny Han. I felt so enriched, blessed and encouraged. I believed something was deposited in my spirit that morning. Kenny mentioned he was blessed by the message too. Thank you Bro Han!!! And of course, thank God for Bro Han…

Ps . The message text was from Songs of Solomon…Joel Neo, now u knows how to understand the book…

Praise the Lord - Work boo-boo (2)

The boo-boo I wrote about last week, nothing happened. As the matter of fact, only 2 students reverted with a thank you note. None mentioned regarding extra name in their letters. Praise the Lord!!!!

Monday, July 7, 2008

Senior Pastor

Yesterday, the church formally announced Ps Han taking over the senior leadership. Ps Seaward will be concentrating on the overseas/international churches. My wife said poor Bro Han....picking up such a heavy, awesome and problematics leaderships role.

My thoughts, is that, unless Ps Seaward is completely out of the church leadership picture, than we can breath new fresh air. Otherwise, it will be worst.....trapped in the middle...........

Let's all stand together with our Senior Pastor........and pray that God's glory will shine upon our church......

Free time????

I have some free time now....on leave and at Dempsy Hill, DOME...drinking coffee (ex leh)...


But my heart am not resting well......Yvonne is having a laser op at 11am....some white spots (HPV) found in the cervix area. This happened in 2002 also. Doctor said these are not normal cells and are like few stages away from turning into cancer cells.

Am actually worried for her.....praying for her....wishing I was the one having the op............

So here I am waiting for her to complete the op......worries and leaving her in the hand of the Lord.

Saturday, June 28, 2008

Boo Boo at new work place

haha...only 3rd week at the new work place I already made a boo-boo mistake. Mail out letters with other applicant name on the reverse side of the rejection letter.....pray that no one complaint to my big boss......but 1 of my colleague who assist me was very sure it did not happened...and everything were in order.

I was recapping with Yvonne how much I have complained and nagged regarding this new work. Since day 1 till now (9 June to 27 June), without fail, I would said something unhappy about the current job, environment, etc. The last job I had the same experienced was in VFC.
Perhaps I was comparing it with my previous work place, which was in a way, better organised for the company future advancements....at least to me.....

Maybe, it's time for me to move on again....really need God calling, strength and grace if I need to go through what I went through while in VFC (2 yrs plus)......And for Yvonne too.......

Sunday, June 22, 2008

MY wife


My wife's new hairdo from Melaka.... I think she looks pretty and very refreshing....don't you think so?

2 Weeks Into My Work

The last 2 weeks has been somewhat busy and bored.....I guess, due to my fore knowledge of admission, I was put to task almost immediately.

However, the kaki 'grouping' are rather strong there....till now I still had lunch alone most of the time. I have 'dated' old colleagues, frenz and even nephew for lunches.....now coming 3rd week.....sigh.......

Good thing I have my beloved wife and son. After a day of stressful and boring works, I really enjoyed the time with them...And of course, serving the Lord in ministries. Praise be the Lord!

Wednesday, June 11, 2008

Started My New Job

Today is my 3rd day at my new work place, NUS Office of Admissions. The 1st day was a very exciting and joyous day...why? Not only because I started my new job but also Joanna gave birth to little Justin. What a joy!

Back to my work, 1st day and I have quite a fair bit of stuff to do already. Unlike others 1st day, I was kept busy throughout the day.... : o )

As for people wise, I guess I need some times to get to know them. Got to know this guy Jason (same age with me) from another faculty through my 'buddy' in office...so slowly but surely trying to know more people.....

I also want to take this opportunity to thank God for His provisions. He has indeed glorified Himself thru this incident. And not to forget the encouragement and assurance of my beloved wife and the prayer of Nathan (cos he want money to buy toys).

Saturday, June 7, 2008

Illegal Parking During Prayer Time at Mosque

Pass by a mosque near Vivio City during prayer time on Friday....my goodness, the people attending the prayer parked their vehicles all over the main road, even the bus lane. I thought it was the mosque near my house that had this problem. There was once the cars parked along the road that the bus got to stop at the outer lane, causing a old lady fell while alighting the bus.

Now, I realised that it was not a problem only at my area but all over.....shouldn't the mosque authorities advise their people to park their vehicles without breaking the law. On one hand, going to prayer, on the other, breaking rules and law......causing danger to others road users....

My wife than reminded me that we once saw on Sunday at Expo, the Christians also parked along the road....but was inside the industrial area......not sure if it is breaking any laws....

Thursday, June 5, 2008

Got Lost Again

I got lost again last night on my way to a wake at Sengkang. This was like my 3rd or 4th times there and yet still got lost. First, missed the express way exit, made a u-turn at Yishun; than somehow not able to locate blk 260, so got on a spinning spell.... : o (
Finally got there, and thank God...ON TIME to do the interpretation for the wake service.

Oh, while on my way to Sengkang, I drove passed CTE....it was smooth and easy traffic.....thought it would be jammed....Only later did I realised that there are 2 ERP gantries I have to pass thru driving toward Yio Chu Kang. It costs a total of $3....can you imagine if I would have to pass thru these gantries 20 days in a month.....20days x $3 = $60 just for heading back home.....

Tuesday, June 3, 2008

Melaka Pics


This building is exactly the same when I last visited Melaka 4 yrs ago


View from room balcony 1


View from balcony 2


Nathan and Wife


The fat me and son


Me and wife


Son and me on board the ship


In the ship


Son in the hotel bathroom


Eating lunch at Jap place


Mother & son


Nathan's Ben 10 toys


Nathan's new watch

Melaka Trip

We drove up to Melaka last Wednesday. The drive was smooth with occasional rain. We set off at about 9 plus am and reached at the hotel about 12 plus.

I enjoyed the trip very much. Yvonne and Nathan were also very excited and happy in this trip.

Nathan bought like 3 toys, 1 watch and 2 t-shirts; Yvonne had her hair done, bought contact lenses and 1 watch, I bought 2 singlets, 1 shirt, a pair (thanks Jo for the correction) of slipper and shoe.....hehehe...looks like i bought the most....

Above all those eating and shopping....I really enjoy spending time with Yvonne and Nathan. I really love them both.....It's always a blessing to be able to spent time with my wife and seeing her happy....and seeing my son enjoying himself.....

Will post up the pics at a later time.....

Need to go do housework now.....will start work only on 9 June

Friday, May 23, 2008

Jurong Bird Park






Got Job Offers!!!

Praise the Lord! He is our Provider and His blessing are above all that of which we can imagine.

To cut the long story short, I was called up for interviews before my last day at NTU. Yes 'interviewS', not 1 but 2 interviews. And last week, I was offered 1 of them and yesterday I was offer another.

Not only did I got offered but there was also about 15% of salary increment and 4 days more of leave entitlement.

God is great, and He shine in the situation. His Name is lifted up!!!!!!

Of course, He has send many people to bless me. Many recommended jobs and many many people prayed.

Special thanks to...

1. Rev Danny and Sis Hazel - for praying and word of wisdom
2. Ladies and Men's Net - for praying and encouragement
3. H - for recommending jobs and willing to be my reference
4. J - for words of encouragement and be my reference too
5. HS - for forwarding my CV
6. K & SDS - for listening to me when I was discouraged
7. R(work with my wife b4) - for your kind thoughts of helping
8. Joshua and Jocelyn - for recommending job at NGS and praying
9. All those who had prayed, ES & Densie, Andrew and Karen and all of you.....

Thank you people...may God bless you abundantly.....

**can't use their full name for now....some special reasons......

Saturday, May 10, 2008

Job Search

I was blessed with very kind and helpful people around me....I will update them one by one on a later date...

For now, keep me in prayer....have an interview on Tuesday afternoon.....a good job is hard to come by...especially when I am 40yrs old.....thru someone recommendation and help....I managed to gain this interview....so please pray saints.....

Zhengzhou China Trip

The trip was fun....but I took only a few pictures....

Went shopping there....the price.....almost the same as Singapore!!!! And local are buying.....omg!!!....

As all may know, I went there with a troubled heart....that made me missed my wife and son even more....called and sms them more than my other trips. My son did a wonderful and heart warming act when I was back....


A big signage awaits me ......

Speaking of signage....Prof Lalit spotted this sign during breakfast at the buffet line.....


Try translating it to Chinese words....: o )

Update of My Contract

It has been a long time since I last updated here.... : o (

Before I left for China on 30 April 2008, I heard news that my contract will end 21 May 2008. And worst, HR said if its expired there will not be a month notice period. I was shocked and upset, feeling betrayed and cheated. Because Dean has so far sealed all information regarding my contract, and I have officially 13 working days before 21 May 2008 when I return from China.

Sources like HR mentioned that Dean said to inform me after I returned from China, so that I will not back out and give my best while I am in China. In other words, I will give my best when I am there. I think at this point, I was more disappointed rather than angry. Dean has under estimated my professionalism, my integrity and being a Christian. I am not a perfect person but I valued my professionalism and Christian characters....

Wonder by Dean not giving me enough notice period....is that professional, is that ethical? Or is it just lives?

I went China with a heavy heart, knowing after this trip I may not have much days left in this office, finance weighs me down....However, I still work as per normal, not extraordinary poor or good, just my normal work performance.

That said, I do enjoyed this trip, Hui Sien and Prof Lalit (Dean designated) were great companions. Fun and easy to work with. Hui Sien smile and laugh more when she was there, Prof was fun loving and serious worker......cool.

Karen later when we are back told me Prof Lalit commented I am a good worker.

While I was there, I kind of slow down, pray for Dean (who is also a Christian), not that lighting will strike him....but asked God to help me to accept and love him....and to forgive....

And I am glad to shout it out....I am free...I may not love him but I accept him.....and no bitterness or resentment against him....he is just like my other christian friends.....

I love You, Jesus!!!!!

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Super Cool

The Edge (VFC youth) has this super cool video announcements... i think better than some other churches.....

Here's the link http://www.youtube.com/user/edgevideos

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

Contract Employment

Just received news that my current work contract is very unlikely to be renewed.

It was originally proposed by my immediate supervisor, a Senior Director, for a 2 year extension. However, his boss, Dean, think otherwise. I have not been told of the decision yet despite its expires 21 May 2008. Effective they should have notified me as there is a 1 month notice period.

I called up the HR Dept, the answer was they were waiting for my big boss, Dean, confirmation.

This is one of the problem a contract staff will faced. Every year, we are in a anxiety of waiting...are our contracts going to be renewed or discontinued. Especially, as age increased each year, the amount of anxieties increases too. Because as age increased, it will we more diffcult to find jobs.

But I have a great God, I believe He will bless me with abundance and meets all my needs.

I pray that in such situations may I glorify His Name. That all may know that He is God, and He is our Provider, and He is Just.

Sunday, April 20, 2008

Back from Delhi, India

It was a hectic trip, reached Delhi middle of the night Singapore time (2.5 hrs behind Singapore time)...

We landed with ground temperature of 31c. The airport is under renovation, but clearly the customer was quite swifted. While I was collecting my baggage, a rat, a big one, was using the belt as its treadmill. It was running around the belt and none of the airport staff did anything to it....

While I was warmly welcome by the hotel staff inside the airport, the first impression of Delhi when I stepped out....a burning smell in the air...and it was super dusty......polluted!!!!! agrhhhh......

The traffic was smooth at this hour.....checked into a beautiful hotel 30mins later and was given a very spacious room...


The next morning, had breakfast with the rest of them (Santha, Karen & Bee Lian). We left the hotel to the exam centre at 8am, India time.

Here's some picture I took on my journey to the exam centre....




We completed conducting the exam at 5.30pm and did not reached the hotel about 8pm (India time) because of heavy traffic. After putting our stuff, we proceeded for dinner at McDonald...yah...McDonlad...Karen did not joined us because she was suffering from "delhi belly"...and Bee Lian wanted to play it safe.

Next morning we met at 6am for breakfast and set of to the exam centre at 6.30am.....after the last paper at 5pm, we rushed back to the hotel for dinner, face up and last min purchased before we set of to the airport at 7.30pm.

This was what I have bought...


The journey to the airport was bad, the traffic was very very bad, we left about 8pm and did not reached the airport till almost 10.30pm for our 11.10pm flight. Upon reaching there, we realised many many other are similar to us..... The airport was messy and very disorganised....lots of stress.....The whole flight was delayed, and it was common....lol
Reached Singapore at 7.30am (Singapore time) reached home and slept for the whole Friday, waking up with a cough and flu.... : o (

Sunday, April 13, 2008

Look Better Instantly!

Well, I have put on weight recently....hehehe....here's a few tips for those like me....

Wear it thin - wear a v-neck instead of a crew neck, they make you appear taller and leaner.

Length of T-shirt - The base of a fitting T should fall about 10cm below the waistline of your pants. Wearing them too long will make you look like you have short legs.

Victory Family Centere Website

Here's what exactly on the main page of VFC website....
"Victory Family Centre welcomes you. are you looking for a church? or just wanting to see what church is like?come join us this Sunday - we'd really love to meet you... "

So disappointing...there again, my blog entries were full of grammar and spelling mistakes too.....

And if you browse thru the website contents, it's so grossly outdated and lack of information.....

The church has so many interesting and exciting "happenings" in all the ministries and outreaches....but it is so poorly reflected in this website......

Really wish I could writes well enough...than I will volunteer to do up the website site.....

Oh, the youth ministry testimonies website is up too...awesome testimonies....but err....last update in mid-March leh......youth reading my blog(if any...hahaha...) go blog there too ok.....

Wednesday, April 9, 2008

M18 - Some Adult Content

Read this in a booklet regarding loving your spouse. And yes, Joel Neo you can read on....is ok....just don't try it now.....

"Before making love with your husband some evening, read aloud from the Song of Solomon."

OMG!!!! Is it suppose to super turn-off or super turn-on?

My Helicopter Car

For the last few weeks, my car has been giving out this very very loud noise when I drive above 50km/h. Those who sat in my car will tell you is like seating in a helicopter.

About 2 months ago, I have had send my car for servicing, and the workshop (Motorgard) quoted me a repair cost of $2k for changing some belt thingy and leaking real brake fluid tank. As it was, $2K I told them I will consider. They immediately offered to repair only the "important" parts, the brake fluid tank, for about $200+++. Feeling something not that right, I insisted to reconsider and get back to them.

I drove the car for about another 1 month plus without problem and the brake seems effective. However, it's started to give loud noise last few weeks. So, I send the car yesterday to a workshop recommended by Johnny Neo for repair.

Alvin the mechanic, test drive the car with me. He immediately and confidently said it has to do with my wheel ball bearing. He changed it for me, and the car now is as quite as I first drove it.

And praised the Lord, the price.....$144-00. And he checked the rest, and mentioned it wasn't necessary to change as they are all in good conditions, including the brake fluid tank.

ps : i saw the bearing...it was badly damaged, and the damage was like months ago...how come Motorgard did not realised it?

Wednesday, April 2, 2008

Temptation

Recently, we were discussing on how Singapore globalisation affected family lives. More Singaporean are traveling, and are away for more days.

As this trend begin to pick up, temptation for both man and woman who need to travel also being to raise up. We see more relationships broke up.

Here's something for us to think about

"Temptation is inevitable, but it's not the problem. What you do with temptation can be the problem. Will you play with it, entertain it, evict it, or fall into it?"

Monday, March 31, 2008

Marriage

Since we are at the topic of wedding....here's something for us to think about....

"Often when a women is feeling stressed, she moves toward her husband for comfort. Give your wife a listening ear, a gentle hug, and a strong shoulder - and no advice unless she asks for it!"

"Romance in marriage doesn't just happen; it's something you make happen by thought, attention, desire, and action."

Birthday Celebration!!!!



On Sunday, we celebrated Pastor Danny Han & Sister Hazel and Denise birthday.

We tried this new Japanese eating place, bad choice though. The food was so-so, the ambiance so-so but they are quite accommodating lah, provided us with plates and forks for the cake.

Initially, the lunch was suppose to be only Ps Han & Sis Hazel, Eng Soon & Denise and my family. But later, we had gate crashers like the newly wed, Joshua & Joycelyn; the soon to wed, Eng Wee & Jackie and Philips. I had a great time of fellowship....not sure Ps Han likes it or not though....he didn't know its going to be such a big group (neither do I)....hahaha

Joshua & Jocelyn Wedding

Last Saturday, was the wedding of Joshua & Jocelyn; I have knew them since their youth!!!!

Afternoon at the church wedding, I met lots of old friends who I hardly get a chance to meet, people like Ferri Ang, Jason Oon, Elvin Foong, Victor, Esmond and more.....




Than had the honour to seat with a bunch of young people at the wedding dinner. Their respect for the "elderly" could be felt in "depth"....hahaha...Afterall, they are but all my grown up youths.


Left to right
1st row : Aaron, Yvonne, Ck, Chee leong
2nd row : Samuel, Jolyn, Jocelyn & Joshua, Amos, Ferri
3rd row : Eng Wee, Joel(the hidden one)



How can I not take a photo with my beautiful wife at such a happy occasion.



Amos, Kevin, Ck, Ferri, Aaron


Ck, Joel, Chee Leong, Eng Wee



I'll leave the fun sharing to my wife....so read her blog....