I am heading to China

Some of you may know that I have been considering being a part of an international team heading to China for the China Games in August for a long time now (the idea came to mind 3 years ago in fact). Finally the time has come!

My team and I are heading over to China as part of the core team where we will be working with, and leading, people from across the globe. The trip goes for three weeks and is aimed to leave a committed local Chinese team that is supported by the churches and is committed to the transformation of their community. The workers in China have connected with local people in 5 cities through Open Crowd festivals. From this time there would be about 200 local Chinese people that call themselves part of the team, including people from different churches as well as several high Communist officials that are all really excited about these festivals and the impact that they are having on local communities. All in all, there will be over 80 people going to China from Australia, and over 120 from all over the world.

As we look at the growth and development of China, as well as the heart of their leaders as they seek to “find what will make China be the best country in the world” (while admiring Christian values), we see that God is opening up a global impact opportunity through these China Games. I will also visit an orphanage and churches both in Beijing and Shanghai. I want to share this exciting news with you as my friends and supporters and would like to invite you into this part of my life’s journey.

Today God spoke to me through a verse, "Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don't try and figure out everything on your own. Listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; He's the one who will keep you on track." Proverbs 3: 5-6 Message.

Living With A Purpose

Recently I have been thinking quite a bit about different aspects of my life, including my spiritual life, health, work and ministry, social, community, finance and future family (I will be getting married May next year). Today the phrase 'living with a purpose' came to mind, and I remember a well-known book which I read few years ago, called "The Purpose Driven Life".

As I am sure many of you know that 'The Purpose Driven Life' is written by Rick Warren, and has been on the New York Times Best Seller list for a while. It presents what Warren says are God's five purposes for human life on Earth.

One of the things that Warren mentions is how the quest for personal fulfillment, satisfaction, and meaning can only be found in understanding and doing what God placed us on Earth to do. Warren explains God’s five purposes for each of us:

(1) We were planned for God’s pleasure, so our first purpose is to offer real worship.
(2) We were formed for God’s family, so our second purpose is to enjoy real fellowship.
(3) We were created to become like Christ, so our third purpose is to learn real discipleship.
(4) We were shaped for serving God, so our fourth purpose is to practice ministry.
(5) We were made for a mission, so our fifth purpose is to live out real evangelism.

I pray that these five purposes will be fulfilled in all areas of my life. And I want to be ready to respond, be enthusiastic, anticipate and have self discipline and strong desire to live a purpose driven life.