Embracing the Penan

God's love stretches beyond what our eyes can see. That was what I experienced in my inaugural visit to the Penan community.

Since my first mission trip about 4 years ago into the Iban community, I felt challenged to make a yearly trip back into the interior of Sarawak. Being part of GCC, we've been given a specific vision for the Penan community and since early last year, prayers have been uttered and plans have been made for a trip to visit this particular people group. So, from the 19th--27th Jan 2011, four "explorers" from Gateway City Church embarked on their first ever mission trip into the interiors of Long Seridan, Miri, Sarawak.

While I'm very much familiar with the Iban culture, people and language, I was totally foreign to the Penan. I had no idea what to expect. A note of caution was given to us about the strenuous hike into the interior, the leeches, etc. How bad was it going to be? No idea. What were the conditions like in the interior? No idea. How were the people like? No idea. We entered with so many questions. The only sure answer we had was to the question "Why the Penan?".

Why?

Simply because God has given us a specific vision for this people group. With that embedded in our hearts, we trudge through the jungle with excitement and anxiety.

The journey to the Penan village was indeed a strenuous one. We had to fly from Penang-KL-Miri-Long Seridan before we went on foot into the jungle to arrive at our first Penan Village. The people there were really friendly and hospitable. Shy and quiet in nature, it was a challenge to connect with them at first but eventually, they opened up to us. It became clear that they were hungry not just in building relationship with us but also with God. Secluded in the thick jungle of Sarawak, God's love proved to be relentless as this group of people were touched by His amazing grace.

 

Arriving at the airstrip at Long Seridan via small propeller plane.

Trudging through mud and tracks.

 

Baa Leng, the village where we lived

We spent most of our days at this particular village. We held services and shared the word to them. It was evident that these people needed empowerment for they lack the confidence that they should have in Christ. "Jangan takut" (Don't be afraid) was the essence of most of our messages there, challenging the people to rely on God and step out to serve Him in whatever ways that they can. It was encouraging to see the openness and the hunger that they had for God. As for the younger group of people, it took a while to be able to connect with them but once we did that, it was clear that they too need to be empowered. I particularly enjoyed playing "sepak raga" with the guys and boy, they're good!

Sharing the word with the beautiful people. 

Singing praises!

Sepak raga! 

Man, they're good!

 

Poh Sim unleashing her badminton prowess!

One of our daily activities there was to rub cream all over our
legs and hands due to the massive attack of the sandflies!

One of the main highlights of the trip was a gruelling 16hours hike through the night! We went through this arduous journey simply to meet a man from another village that had fallen ill. It was another sign that God's blessing was upon us as well when rain started to pour heavily the very moment we arrived at that village! We had our dinner there with the family. After which, we spent some time encouraging and praying for them and particularly for the man who was ill. By then, it was about 8pm and we had to hike back to the village where we stayed. With the pitch black jungle ahead of us, equipped only with a torch light, only by God's grace did we manage to survive crossing rivers, bridges, trudging up and down hilly mountains with the company of leeches and bugs. Believe it or not, we arrived back at our village 6.30 in the morning! Praise the Lord!  

Everybody looking lively before the 16hours hike.
You wouldn't want to see our faces after the hike :P

In retrospect, twas' really quite an experience. That experience gave us something to boast about God's covering upon us and the people. In some sense, that trip also helped us forge a stronger relationship with the people.However, if you were to ask me to do it again... Hmmm....

Anyone who lives with this people group would be able to tell you that there are many needs. From daily, physical needs to spiritual ones. Being a tribe who lives in such secluded parts of Sarawak, consequently, they are detached from the outside world, hence, the lack in daily necessities such as slippers, sarongs, utensils, etc. Education is another primary concern; either they don't see the importance of education or financially unable to pursue education, hence, many dropped out after primary level. Spiritually, this people group lack the resources, encouragement that they so desire. One of their cries right now is to have a Penan evangelist to be among them, to live with them and to minister to them. 

The granny with great wisdom and strength 

whom we affectionately address as "mama".

They are gifted musically.

On the last two days of our trip, we hiked back out to Long Seridan (the airstrip). There's a church there and we were asked to conduct a service for the people around that area. We met Pastor Welly and his wife, great servants of the Lord. Their life of simple faith, passionate drive and undeterred spirit really encouraged us. We took the opportunity there to get connected with him and to hear his heart and vision for the Penan.

 

The church at Long Seridan.

 

Pastor Well (far right) and his wife (3rd from right).

 

At face value, the Penan and us are diversely different in culture, language and lifestyle. We went in not knowing how to connect with this people. But spending a week with them, God's love proved to be the connector of all relationships. We're all made beautifully in the image of God no matter how vast a difference we may be. Saying goodbye to the people there was hard. I do hope that I'll be able to meet them again and I do hope that the word that we've shared with them would not be left unturned.

No matter how far this tribe may be, I was reminded of Hosea 6: 3. As surely as the sun rises at every corner of the world, He will appear. His love will pour upon this land like the spring rain.

God's love stretches beyond what our eyes can see.

"As surely as the sun rises, he will appear; 

he will come to us like the winter rains, 

like the spring rains that water the earth."

Hosea 6: 3

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Arise!

Tis' the season of expanding, stretching and living out in faith! 

Arise! 

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Growth

I could literally feel my pulse racing like it's gonna explode, my palms were exuding cold sweat and my legs were fidgeting.

That's how I knew God is impressing something heavy, powerful and significant upon me and the church.

I felt that so evidently yesterday in church service. Whoa, I'm not kidding with my opening paragraph okay. I could feel my heart pumping real hard, my hands were literally sweating and my legs were fidgeting. I simply couldn't sit still. But what caused this "manifestation" you wonder. Allow me to share, or rather, I believe God wants me to share this uncontainable impression. 

On Sunday, the word that was spoken was on growth, in line with next year theme which is "Year of Growth". My pastor began by saying that he changed his message last minute because he felt God wanted him to speak on growth instead of our series on spiritual disciplines. I was thinking to myself, sure something is up but just didn't know what. Anyway....

There are 3 areas that we need to put in place in order for us to GROW RIGHT and in line with God.

(1.) We need to ANTICIPATE and EXPECT growth to happen!

"No farmer would plant a seed and not expect it to growth", my pastor said with jest but also with an undertone of seriousness. The parable of the talents (Matt 25: 14) depicts that. The first two servants put their money to work and expected it to grow but the third servant thought otherwise. Many times we go through the motion of asking God to "grow" us but in actuality, we never even expect and anticipate growth to happen in the first place. And mind you, we shouldn't just expect to grow in the "spiritual" or "churchy" stuff but more than that, expect growth in your work, studies, relationships... every area of your life!

Question #1: What kind of growth are you expecting?

(2.) We need to be READY for growth! 

Be ready? But how??

By investing in heavenly things! That's how! We cannot succumb to laziness, like that of the third servant who did nothing with the talent. If we do, eventually we WILL die a natural death. Growth is natural and so is death. So, choose to grow in Christ! And when we invest in heavenly things, really, we're simply just saying "Lord, I want to remain in You!" (John 15) and when that happens, growth will just surge forth like an explosion. 

Question #2: What are we investing our energy, time and life in?

(3.) Growth comes with a sense of URGENCY!

Ah, this is the part where my heart began to palpitate and my body temperature rose. 

When it comes to growth, we must anticipate, be ready and be urgent about it. God made us with the capacity to grow beyond our imagination. He made us to bear fruits, fruits that will last. So if we are praying and asking God for growth, then be urgent and hungry enough to want it. Don't sit around and do nothing with the talent like the servant, invest and get yourself prepared for explosive growth! Pastor Edward also mentioned that in the parable of the talents, the first two servants who received the talents went out "AT ONCE" to put their talents to work.
AT ONCE = URGENCY! 

As I sat there listening to these anointed words, my heart began to beat hastily and I felt my body temperature rising. No kidding. I turned to my senior pastor's wife and told her, "Eh, my heart beating very fast and my palms sweating wei". She laughed. I was still sweating. The weight/impression of the Lord was heavy.  I could feel it.

My senior pastor closed by challenging all of us to expect, to prepare and to be urgent to grow individually and as a church in God. And God brought to mind my journey thus far with Him, in particular these two years since I became part of GCC. I felt as if He was assuring me that I've grown within these two years but that's just the beginning. "Hang in there, something bigger is about to come," I could almost hear it audibly. GCC is growing, that I don't doubt one bit. In fact, we're growing to the extent that we need to move out of where we are to a bigger sanctuary. Talk about growth, eh. And make no mistake, growth can be a scary thing IF God is not in the picture. Do we have the resources to move into a new place? Are we ready to be strong and courageous to step out in faith? Well, on our own, absolutely not, but with God, you can stand and stare River Jordan right in the eye and say, "Bring it on!".

As we closed in prayer, God reminded me again the calling of GCC, the call to be the contemporary Joshua and in this coming season, it's time to pack up our supplies, get ready and cross over the Jordan river!

"Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give to them—to the Israelites. I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses. Your territory will extend from the desert to Lebanon, and from the great river, the Euphrates—all the Hittite country—to the Great Sea on the west.

Joshua 1: 2-4

"So Joshua ordered the officers of the people: “Go through the camp and tell the people, ‘Get your supplies ready. Three days from now you will cross the Jordan here to go in and take possession of the land the LORD your God is giving you for your own.’”

Joshua 1: 10-11

God is commanding us to GET READY (to anticipate and to be prepared) to cross the Jordan river and TAKE POSSESSION (urgency and authority) of the land! As I thought about how I felt yesterday, with all the cold sweat and all, I realized that it's not so much of being scared of the unknown, or even afraid of lacking provision. It wasn't because I was looking at Jordan River and shook in fear. But I believe I felt what I felt is because I saw what's across Jordan River and just the sight of it caused me to have this uncontainable excitement! 

An explosion of growth is coming... Just you wait.

No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life. 

As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; 

I will never leave you nor forsake you." 

 Joshua 1: 2-5

Disclaimer: I couldn't think of a bigger word than "explosion". Explosion is too small a word to express the sort of growth God is about to cause. Forgive me, Lord, for the lack of a better word :P

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Bowling 101

The last time I had a game of bowling was probably about 8-9 years ago (yes, I’m old, so what?) . I remember I didn’t like it then and I still don’t like it now :P The idea of throwing a ball to hit several bottle-shape stuff seems more like an activity of releasing stress than playing a sport.

Anyway, I broke the 8-9 years drought on Wednesday when I joined my church’s Sports Connect Group (Sports CG) for a game of bowling. Whoa, not bad. At least I know I improved since 9 years ago but I still don't really like it. It was for pure fun and I'm glad we all had a good laugh at all the funny incidences that happened. How I dropped the bowling ball just before releasing it lah, how Nic the 'Goh-scorer' pose before the strike actually happened (which didn't strike btw :P), how for some people the ball always masuk longkang lah... It was great!

Getting ready to bowl!

Nic, the 'Goh-scorer' and all his poses!
:P

Although I don't like bowling perse, I do however love sports as a whole. I don't mind trying out different sports. The great thing about sports is that there's always "gems" which we can take home; values, lessons and characters that we can apply in other areas of our lives, not just in the area of sports.

Calvin, the 'hidden talent'... wait... More like he bluffed us...
Konon, don't know how to play! :P

Everyone had a try at bowling even though it was new to many.

After our bowling session, we headed for dinner and it was then we took time to share some of the lessons, values and characters that we have learn through the game of bowling. I'm very much encouraged by everyone's sharing. After all, Sports CG is a place for us to share with one another, learn from one another and ultimately, to learn from Him. Some said they've learn to just have fun with the people around them even though they were losing in the game, others said that they've learn to step out of their comfort zone and try bowling even though they didn't really like it, some also said that they've learn to cheer their team mates on even... All these are precious 'gems' that we need to take back and apply into other parts of our lives.

Sports CG!
Time for dinner and also sharing of lives! :)

As for me, I definitely collected a few gems through the bowling experience. This is my personal bowling 101 crash course :P

Lesson 1: It's more important to look at the direction on the lane than at the bowling pins
We had the privilege of having some very good bowlers amongst us the other day... President of Bowling club wei... Hehe. Just before we left for dinner, I asked this Pro-Bowler, "Eh, what's the most important thing about bowling ar?". She then enlightened me, saying that the dots on the bowling alley, which indicates where you stand and position yourself, and the direction on the lane is the most important thing to take note of in bowling, not the bowling pins. As I thought about it, God reminded me that bowling is like facing the different challenges in life.

A lot of times, when we come face to face with an obstacle or challenge in life, we tend to feel extremely small because we focus on the challenge ahead, the bowling pins, so much so that we've forgotten to look at the dots and the direction on the lane. I believe in every challenge that we are placed in, God ALWAYS gives us those dots and direction. In fact, if you think about it, He IS the bowling lane... He is the only way for us to overcome those challenges.

A good picture to illustrate this lesson is the story of David versus Goliath. When David came face to face with Goliath, it was as if he was facing 10 bowling pins. But you know what, his focus wasn't on the pin but instead, on the dots and the direction that God has showed him. He used the 'bowling ball' he had, just one smooth pebble, and hit Goliath's forehead! Strike! Don't fear the challenge, let the challenge fear you because God is on your side.

It's more important to look at the direction on the lane than at the pins.

Lesson 2: We all have a bowling ball in our hands and to release it well, we need to move forward to the lane.
Just as God always gives us direction when we face a challenge, He too will always provide us with a weapon when we face a challenge. God will never leave us in an arena of challenge without any weapon. For David, he only needed one smooth pebble... Yes, just one smooth pebble that's all he needed.

But what happens to most of us is that, we don't use the bowling ball which God has given us. Why? Because we're afraid. We're afraid to (1.) face the challenge and (2.) to step out of our comfort zone. So what will happen is that, we will end up just standing where we are with the bowling ball in our hand and do nothing with it. For us to really utilize the bowling ball, we need to look at the direction on the lane and then "move forward", move out of our comfort zone, and then release the ball. Many times, fear cripples us from moving forward. Don't let that happen because God has already given us the weapon. In fact, He has given us the best weapon that is able to take down any sort of challenges... He has given us Himself! :)

We have a bowling ball in our hands and to release it well, we need to move forward to the lane.

Lesson 3: Our bowling skills will improve as we keep trying
When we played, there were a few of us who were 'professionals' while they were others who were the 'pencuci longkang'. I'm grouped in the latter :P We were all at different levels. Bowling requires one to understand the mechanics of its technical skills. What set some of us apart from the 'professionals' was the fact that they knew the technicalities of bowling more than we did.

Our personal strengths and weaknesses are similar to that of understanding the technicalities of how to bowl. As we keep bowling, our technical skills will develop as we go along just as we will develop ourselves as we face each obstacle. We're all made differently with different gifts but we are all heading toward one common goal and that is to keep moving a level higher in wherever we may be. Persevere and your character will develop (Romans 5: 3-4).

Our bowling skill will improve as we keep trying.

**********************

In hindsight, I guess I wouldn't mind bowling again :P I picked up a few good lessons, well worth the embarrassment of 'cleaning the drain'. Hahaha.

So, the next time you face a challenge in life, go play a game of bowling ;)

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Gateway City Church, Penang: Second Anniversary!

In January, we celebrated Gateway City Church's (GCC) second anniversary. Although I wasn't exactly at the very beginning of GCC's birth, I must say that my personal journey there so far has been one that is life changing. Below is a video made by GCC's very own media expert, Saw Poh Sim, showing glimpses of how God has blessed us throughout 2009! Enjoy!

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CNY!

Chinese New Year is commonly abbreviated simply to CNY. I found a new meaning to CNY...

Crazy N-nergectic Youth!

Last Saturday, GSN held a Chinese New Year Party at my apartment's poolside area for all the students and sports enthusiasts. Correct me if I'm wrong, but in Hokkien the term that should be used would be 'lau juak'. Hehe.

Happening indeed.

I ain't gonna blabber much about the event because GSN has already posted up an entry about it.

Please read here for the update!

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Post Time-Out!

Last week, I had the opportunity to hang out with 13 vibrant youth for 3 days and 2 nights doing various team building activities, water sports and a rather torturous treasure hunt! Time-out was great! :)

After several weeks of planning, the camp was finally at its execution stage. In all honesty, I was worried with the small number of sign-ups. I wasn't sure how the participants would react knowing that it was only a handful of people joining. But as it turned out, we did have a good! Being a small group, it made things easier for me to get to know each one of them at a slightly more personal level.

I believe that connecting with youth requires a certain amount of passion, skill and gifting. I was a little nervy in the beginning knowing that its been a while since I actually touch base with youth/teenagers. Coming in contact with this young energetic bunch was like stepping back into familiar ground, a path I once trudged on. I've also forgotten how time has altered ideas, perspective, values and attitude of the youth of my time and the youth of the present. I guess as believers, our task is to be continually aware of the tides and currents of time and be ready at all times to reach out for those who are being pulled away by the waves of the world.

Reaching out.

Being a youth, most would disregard the importance of forming the right values and beliefs. More often than not, we would chase after elements that are appealing to the eyes rather than the heart. I remember when I was a youth, I wanted to look cool. I longed for popularity. I craved for approval from others. And the songs we listen to today seem to echo the grandness of these things. We need to educate youth to stand up against the teachings of the current media. Going through your youth is like walking on thin-ice - and we have to be their guide along the way to lead them to thicker and firmer ground so that they are safe from the misguided ways of the world.

Sometimes, it's cool to be uncool.

We need to educate and empower youth to walk on solid ground.

Gateway Sports Network (GSN) believes in the power of sports to influence and impact lives. During the course of Time-Out, we emphasized on a couple of values that we felt were important for the participants to take back home.

Listen.
I remember that when I was in my youth, one of the main issues I had was listening to others. I believe that this issue is still very much relevant to youth these days.

One of the main things we crave for as a youth is freedom; the freedom to do what we want and when we want. In every youth, there seems to be this growing angst and rebelliousness within them that can apparently distort their sense of hearing and listening. I too was once like that.

We wanted to reinstate the importance of listening in Time-Out. Hence, one of the key issues we drilled them was to be able to listen to instructions and to move according to the instructions given. We wanted them to understand the importance of listening while at the same time help them see the consequences if they choose to do otherwise. Without the ability to listen, a person character and foundation can never be changed.

Never stop trying.
Any professional athlete would tell you that the phrase 'give up' is not in their lexicon. These two words do not exist. Youth needs assurance when they are pursuing a certain goal in life. Failure can traumatised their perception of perseverance, hence, many youth these days find it hard to strive forward towards a certain goal when failure taunts them. Understandably so.

As one who once walked through the thinned ice phase of youth, we need to be their cheer leader, pushing them to never stop trying when they are pursuing something that is of value. On the other hand, we also need to be there to stop them from chasing after things that are of no value in this life. We must know when to cheer and when to jeer accordingly ;)

Participants engaging in a team building activity and they never stopped trying until they got it right!

Attitude reflects leadership.
If you've watched the movie "Remember the Titans" you would have remembered this quote - 'Attitude reflects leadership'. It basically means what we do and how we bring ourselves about will affect the people around us, what more if we're in a leadership position because who we are will flow down to our followers.

It's like canoeing. When you canoe, you're given a paddle. With that paddle, you have control over your canoe. How you paddle and how you steer the canoe will determine where you'd go. But it does not only affect you. How you paddle also affects your friend who is in the canoe with you. The person who sits in front of the canoe must then be able to paddle properly, consistent to a certain timing and towards a certain direction. Only then, will the friend who is sitting behind know how to paddle, when to paddle and where to paddle to.

You have control. What are you going to do about it?

We are all a leader in our own right. Therefore, we all possess the power to make a change. Towards what sort of change, good or bad, is entirely up to us to decide.

We need to live to play it in such a way that we make positive change towards society.

We had numerous activities for this young bunch to do. From the "toe skill" activity to "pail-lifting-while-singing-Nergaraku" to "caterpillar walk". For every activity, we wanted to impart something that is of value to the youth.

Doing the caterpillar walk.
Learning to keep pace as a team to accomplish a common goal.

It requires a strong bond of unity, tolerance, understanding and perseverance to be able to stand as a team.

As a team, we must always lookout for our team mates.

Safety comes first before fun.

I had a blast at Time-Out with this group of youth. It's encouraging and even inspirational to see how much potential each individual has in their own different ways. Some showed maturity beyond their age and it's refreshing to see that. God will definitely build champions amongst them, champions who would lead the way to His kingdom.

Seriously

crazy bunch of people!

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Time-out!

Shouting out to all students who are on their school break!

Come and be part of a sports and adventure camp called 'Time-out!' from the 7th-9th December 2009 at the Penang Water Sports Centre! You only have 3 more days to sign up!

Quick! Quick!

We'll be having team-building games, water sports, ball games, movie night and hiking! It's a good way to chill-out from your studies and hang loose for a little while! If you're interested, please drop me a line here or contact me via e-mail at topher.koh@gmail.com. Quick!

Don't think anymore, sign up now! Below is the registration form! :)


(This event is powered by Gateway Sports Network.)

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Blooming.

Last week, I had the opportunity to meet several young, energetic and passionate youths from a Christian organization known as 'Youth With A Mission' (YWAM). They are currently undergoing a 6 months Sports Discipleship Training School (Sports DTS), a programme under YWAM. Part of the course is to do sports mission work at certain countries. How awesome is that??!! I was blessed enough to have the chance to work with them.

The sports ministry of Gateway City Church, Gateway Sports Network (GSN), had the privilege of hosting this vibrant group, all from seven different nations - Canada, New Zealand, Australia, Egypt, America, Singapore and our very beloved, Malaysia! The feeling of having different people from different parts of the world with different background coming together as one and worshipping together to the one same God is indescribable!

I've come to believe that whoever steps into Penang Island has got to try out this sport... otherwise, their journey here to Penang would be equivalent to that of not tasting the famous Penang Char Kuey Teow or Penang Asam Laksa... Where can like thaaatttt... Must try wan ma... Correct? :P So yea, if you ever do come by Penang Island, make sure you try this sport out... Yeah, you know what I'm talkin' about. What else...

Floorball, baby!

The moment the YWAMers' came in contact with GSN, we did not waste any time as we shared with them the good news of floorball! ;) We brought them to floorball school on Thursday afternoon for a quick 'crash course'. We also shared with them a little background on floorball and the vision behind it. It was great to see how keen these young bunch were and gosh, they were good! But little did they know, floorball school was just a warm up.

The following day, we arranged another game of floorball for them... And this time, they were in for a little competition against our very own local youths!

Bukit Jambul School (BJ) vs. YWAMers!

Both teams just started playing floorball, in fact, it's the second time for both teams to be picking up a floorball stick! So if you view it as that, then the game should be balanced out... Should be larrr... Aih, but we forgotten to take into account that Godzilla tagline -

'Size does matter'.


The guy on the left is huge and he's only 20 years old!!!!!
How can that be???!!!!??
Alien I tell you... Alien!!!

I believe the YWAMers' had heaps of fun. For me, I'm glad I was able to hit two birds with one stone - I got to connect with both the YWAMers and also the BJ'ians. It was my second floorball session with the BJ'ians and I'm glad we're all slowly beginning to connect with one another. I'm excited for them as they begin their journey of pioneering their very own floorball club in their school. Could see that the students really enjoyed the company of the YWAMers!

Who won in the end?
I can't remember.
I think it was the locals.
Hahahaha.

If they weren't playing on court, they go nuts off court! ;)

It was sad that the YWAMers' could only be in Penang for a few days. The BJ'ians' wanted them to come again but oh well... All in God's timing I guess. The YWAMers' did leave a certain mark behind even though it was just for a few hours... No doubt they helped ignite the passion for floorball amongst the students.

GSN, YWAMers' and the BJ'ians!

Apart from floorball, GSN also took the opportunity to bring them for our running activity at Bukit Dumbar park. One of the strengths of the YWAMers' is street evangelism, thus, we gave them the opportunity to utilise it. It was really encouraging to see everyone taking the initiative to go up to somebody and strike up a conversation! Two of them even managed to get connected with a veteran group of runners. Awesome! I'm not sure if it's just an Asian thing but I always find that foreigners have it easy when it comes to talking to strangers. If a Malaysian goes up to some random guy or gal just for a chat, that person would probably just freak out or give you a 'You're-weird' look. Then again, it could well be a pre-conceived notion or plain old mental tak kuat.

GCC invited the YWAMers for prayer meeting and Sunday service too. It was truly a blessing to have so many of them with us! Most of them are between 19-21 years old, the oldest being 25 years of age. As young as they were, they possessed spiritual maturity and depth anchored by a firm relationship with Christ. It's good to know that young leaders are rising up in the sports arena.

Being around this bunch really helped me fan the flame in which God has sparked within me. Their presence, sharing and testimony gave me a certain assurance of what God is doing in the sports arena. It's always reassuring and good to know that there are people out there who runs alongside you, people who also believe that, as cliche as it may sound, there is more to it than just winning medals.

After spending 4 days with this bunch, it was time to say goodbye. It was really a bummer that they couldn't be with us a little longer. Looking back, I can only thank God for bringing and partnering GSN with YWAM. It doesn't matter how small we are, God can still use it for His glory.

As I was driving back home after sending the YWAMers off, I reflected about the whole experience and He gave me an insight that made me went "WOW". Relatively speaking, GSN is still at its infancy stage but yet it's jaw-droppingly amazing to see how God's favour is upon us because not only did He provided us with an organization to partner with... He gave us the opportunity to share and to partner with 7 different nations all within the span of 4 days! WOW! Andddddd... 7 is a perfect number. What more can you ask. ;)

Thanks, Dad. You're amazing when you work your magic! Although we may still be young, it's always good to know that we're blooming in You :)

P.S.: To the YWAMers, looking forward to be working with you people again!

Making God famous through sports!

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I am pressing in step by step!

Time is something I'm really chasing for these days. I haven't had the time to pause for a second for the past week. It was really a tiring week but at the same time, an extremely fulfilling one. Odd as it may seem, I must admit I kinda love the feeling of being on the go.

My week started off with my church "Leaders' Prayer & Planning Retreat" up at Penang Hill. It was my first ever Leaders' retreat. I was never really involved in leadership position... well... at least not until now. To me, it was really an eye opener in many ways - organization, management and of course, spiritual. I just want to share some of the things I picked up from this retreat. Sharing is caring as they'd say... ;)

I am weak but I AM strong.
Call me a pessimist or simply a guy who lacks confidence, but all my life, I've always struggled with the issue of being confident. I mean seriously, Moses and I can be good friends man. Why? Possibly due to some past experiences in my school days, my mental tak kuat, or maybe, I'm just plain chicken. Either way, I know I am weak in many, MANY ways. At the leaders' retreat, this struggle intensified when I saw myself being put at the front line alongside people who were far more stable, experienced, grounded and capable. There I am, standing with these people... Noooooo pressure, eh?

"Me? At the front line? With these people?? Are you sure about this, Dad???"

............ Sweat..........

The facts are these -
I am new in this field.
I am inexperience.
I am flawed in more ways than one.
I am unstable.
I am lacking in knowledge.
To put it simply, I am weak.

Yet, in all these, I am reminded of the greater 'I AM'.

One of my favourite verses in the old testament is taken from Deuteronomy 33: 27 which says,

"The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms".

From a literature perspective, it's poetically beautiful. Simple yet precise. But that's besides the point. It's been a while since I last thought about this verse but at the place where we stayed during the retreat, I found this verse hung upon one of the walls there. What a timely reminder.

This is the God who brought the Israelites out of slavery.
This is the God that divided the Red sea.
This is the God that gave Joshua the authority to possess the land across Jordan.
This is the God that brought down the walls of Jericho.
This is the God that gave Nehemiah the vision to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.
This God, this eternal God is the same God that has taken me underneath His everlasting arms and assures me that He will give me the strength to press in and press on.

What a relief to be given such an assurance!

I pray that I'll always be this guy who lacks in confidence, because in that, I am made humble... In that, I rely on Him and Him alone... And in that, my confidence will increase in Him and not in myself.

Thanks, Dad.

2 Corinthians 12: 9
"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness".

P.R.E.S.S! (Pray Relentlessly Even though Super Sleepy!)
One of the things I thoroughly enjoyed during the retreat was our 3am prayer rally! It was awesome! All of us gathered together, after getting a few hours of sleep, at 3am, to worship and to pray right up until 6am! I've never prayed this long before but it was something spiritually satisfying. As believers, we need to continually P.R.E.S.S in and press on for God. Yes, even when we're sleepy and tired! It is in those times that we learn to rely on Him ;)

It was a real challenge for me physically cause' I had to go off for work that morning. So, right after the 3am prayer, I quickly took a 45 minutes power nap, then got up and change and then took the cable car down at 7am. Driving to work was a pain... I almost langgar the curb on the way! Thank God for His protection.

But this whole experience really empowered me. Prayer is the pillar of our relationship with God. Let's continue to P.R.E.S.S in!

Praying over Penang Island and the nation.

Step by step
Just two days ago, MTV was playing old school video clips and this song by New Kids on The Block came along... "Step by step... Uuuhhh Baby..."... Retro stuff man! Anyway... What I'm getting at is this...

God reveals things step by step.
He moulds us step by step.
He provides for us step by step.
He empowers us step by step.
And He walks with us step by step.

I have to constantly remind myself that God works in me step by step, day by day. As we were planning out for the coming year, certain things just blew our minds. Everything seem so... so... impossible. It was beyond us... hmm... Maybe the rest already biasa but for me, I was a little overwhelmed... Haha. Things seemed too small to make any impact, things seemed lacking in so many areas, things seemed ridiculously big for us to handle yet as we reflect on the Big Guy and how He works, everything somehow became possible... So long as we keep our eyes fixed Him. Even as I blog this down, I must tell you people that He has already shown me the first step He has taken for me, for us, to make Him famous through the events of the past week!

My friends asked me just now whether or not am I convicted of my 'calling'. I was a little taken aback and as I was driving back home, I thought about it more. Again, He reminded me to take it step by step and not be shaken by words of men but to cling on to His purpose and promises... Not sure why must be step by step... Can't it be 3 steps at a time? Am I thaaaat slow a learner? Truth is, I am scared. I don't deny it. Driving home and thinking about everything gave me cold sweat. But it's in times like this we go through the burning bush experience and I ain't gonna miss that.

Dad, give me the assurance that you are there every step of the way.

It's been almost 4 years now that I'm in Penang and people has been asking me when am I coming back to KL.

When?

I really don't know. I wish I knew but I don't.

All I know is this... I'm meant to be here for such a time like this.

But Moses said to God,
"Who am I, that I should go to Pharoah and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?"
And God said,
"I will be with you."

Exodus 3: 11-12

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I Need Back Up!

There was "no mercy" shown.

'Shoot to kill' was the order of the day.

It was brutal.

It was a war zone.

It was muddy.

The field was covered with blood... turns out, the blood was orange in colour.

That was the scene at Padang Brown on an early Saturday morning. My church Young Adult Connect Group took part in a paintball outing. We wanted to get a taste of what it's like to be Rambo for a day. Yea, time to put those action movies we've been watching to some good use.

I think for most of us, it was a dread waking up early on a Saturday morning. But I guess the thought of gunning down a friend was a good enough reason to do so. To add a little "action" to the activity, the night before it rained cats and dogs. Apa lagi.. The field was all out muddy. Yea, talk about getting down and dirty. Some of us even had the thought of executing those ridiculous Matrix/Max Payne/John Woo-type slip and slidin' action moves. Well, let me assure you it never works in real life. You'd probably slip without much luck on the sliding part.

As you can see, it was all soggy and muddy out there.

Anyway, we were divided into four groups respectively led by Jeffrey, Kenny, Chris and Natasja, a new friend but dangerously experienced. All in all, each team were given a fair chance of 4 rounds. Most of us were pretty new to this whole paintballing thing while others were deemed veterans. Some were afraid of getting shot due to the much talked about aftermath bruises and pain. While others were just thinking about how to get a head shot. Teams were strategising on how to cover the field as wide as possible and as efficient as they can. Just look at this team...

"Ok, lu orang lari sana.. Kita orang lari sini.. Jangan bagi muka tau..
Nampak apa-apa yang bergerak, tembak saje!"

And of course, there were others who were just trying to look good even in the midst of a war...

"Yea, let's show em' the real terminators...

No 'Salvation' for them!"

(Pun intended).

By the end of the fourth round, we were all pretty much smeared with orange-coloured 'blood'. Amazingly though, some remained 'unblemished'.

Still so clean... Must be hiding behind those obstacle barriers...
Tsk tsk tsk..

Itu macam baru betui... Brutality wounded.

And there were some who enjoy getting shot at... Like James...

"WEEEeeeeee... I got shot in the face! Let's do it again!... Mmmm.. Taste pretty good too!"

At the end of the day, we all had a great deal of fun. For us as a Connect Group, it was an added joy to have so many new faces joining us for the activity. Indeed, they have been a blessing to us not just as team mates in the war zone but as new friends who have taken time out to join us on a dreadfully early Saturday morning. Thanks guys! It was a pleasure shooting you! I mean knowing you... =P

The day ended with Penny, our paintball coordinator (thank you for the very well planned outing!), summarizing the lesson behind the activity. As she puts it, we as human beings will always need some sort of support from family and friends, be it at home or work. Illustrated in our game of paintball, strategies didn't work because we get to absorbed in protecting ourselves so much so that we forget to "cover" our team mates, leaving ourselves as well as our team mates wide open in a deadly war zone. Likewise, more often than not in our daily lives, we get strayed away in doing our own personal agendas that we neglect the people around us, not realizing that we deprive not just them, but even ourselves of support.

"Two are better than one, because they have a good return in their work; If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls down and have no one to help him up! Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not easily broken".

Ecclesiastes 4: 9-12 (NIV)

Penny debriefing all of us after a satisfying session of shooting each other down.

Poh Sim had her fair share of sharing... Hers was a little... er... unique...

"Ok, everybody.. My name is DIANA Saw... Now, say that really fast...

Di-ana-sawww!..."

It was a good reminder to all of us that we all need a certain kind of support. Ultimately, as Christians, we realize that our reliance of support in our Almighty God is of the utmost importance. In the little things, in the big things, whatever it may be, He will always be there to guide us, support us, correct us and love us. What separates us from God is that He never leaves us, humans do. In times when we give up on somebody and yes, even ourselves, God doesn't. He is always there ready to pick us up. The question is, are we willing to receive His helping hand?

Truly, God is by far the greatest support we can ever have!

He will cover you through and through for sure! :)

All the Rambos wannabes!

Paintball, 4th April 2009, Padang Brown.

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