Euthanasia

Last week a friend of mine and I were discussing the issue of euthanasia. She feels that if someone considers their life is no longer worth living due to terminal illness, they should be allowed to choose death.

It is apparent that we are in the midst of a significant shift of opinion with respect to euthanasia. The growing public acceptance of euthanasia seems to some to reflect a breakdown in moral consensus.

I believe euthanasia is never God’s will. The concepts that doctors should not be free to give terminally ill patients lethal medication, and that there should not be guidelines for legal or non-criminal euthanasia come out of the view of a human person having fundamental dignity because he or she is created in the image of God.

In order to help terminally ill patients, it is important to relate Christian faith and biblical understandings of God and humanity. The belief that life is a gift of God is foundational. Therefore God alone has the power to take it away.

It is evident that the terminally ill patient has very special needs which can be fulfilled if we take the time to sit and listen and find out what they are. Attitudes to dying and death can only change if there is a new awareness of their meaning and the implications they have for people who must face the crisis of dying. Instead of participating in assisted suicide and euthanasia , physicians must respond to the needs of patients at the end of life. Patients should not be abandoned once it is determined that cure is impossible. Patients near the end of life must continue to receive emotional support, comfort care, adequate pain control, respect for patient autonomy, and good communication.

THE FOUR BLESSED LOOKS

I received this from a good friend, hope to share with you all!

Look back and thank God.
Look forward and trust God.
Look around and serve God.
Look within and find God!"

"I asked God, 'How do we get the best out of life?'

God said,
'Face your past without regrets.
Handle your present with confidence.
And prepare for the future without fear!'"

"Without God, our week is:

Mournday,
Tearsday,
Wasteday,
Thirstday,
Fightday,
Shatterday and
Sinday.

So, allow Him to be with you everyday!"
Life is short, so forgive quickly. Believe slowly. Love truly.
Laugh uncontrollably. Never regret anything that makes you happy.

Have a wonderful day and a full journey of life!

God bless you.

The Importance Of Being Earnest

I am very very very excited, because I am now part of a theatre company Candlelight Production (stroll down and you'll see the details and the photos of some behind-the-scenes shots from our first cast and crew get-together, the 'Cucumber Social').

This new show is called "THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST" - The Complete Bunbury Experience.

It's Oscar Wilde's classic, but combined with a whole 19th century experience for the audience - ballroom dancing, croquet, cucumber sandwiches... It promises to be a lot of fun and we're all pretty excited about it.

August 16th - Sept 1st
Memorial Hall in Hawthorn, Melbourne.

Book it in! Tickets go on sale soon - you can book it through the website, or contact me personally. For those of you not in Australia, I am so sorry that you'll miss out (unless you want to fly to Melbourne to see this wonderful production. Trust me, it'll be worth it hehe).

watch www.myspace.com/candlelight_productions for more info
or email your contact details to info@candlelightproductions.com.au to be
kept in the loop.

Biblical Prophecies Fulfilled

We are living in the days when Biblical prophecy is like reading the newspaper. Everyday prophecies are being fulfilled left, right and centre.

Few of these prophecies include:

(1)Israel becoming a nation (1948)
(2)Jerusalem recaptured (1967)
(3)The world is heading towards a cashless society
(4)Global climate change
(5)Instability, lawlessness (immorality and violence)
(6)Heading towards one word-religion & one-world-government
(7)The Gospel being preached around the world.

These are just a few signs fulfilling Biblical prophecies. Those who are spiritually minded can read the signs of the times because their mind has been exercised with spiritual things. Believe it or not! We are living in exciting times! This is the best time to be alive. The prophets of old and the apostles would have loved to be around now.

Remember, the Bible says, "those who know their God will do great exploits" (Daniel 11:32). Those who make themselves available, they will experience the supernatural power and ability of God flowing through them (Psalm 110:2-3). This is the great commission (not omission) regarding winning souls for God.

What Is the Meaning Of The Pirates?

I watched the Pirates 1 & 2 on DVDs last week, and then the latest one in the cinema on Monday. After watching it, I asked myself, were there spiritual implications or religious ideas of the films?

After thinking through it, I understood that there were a number of spiritual issues portrayed in the movies, such as hell, fear of death, fear of judgment, and eternal life. The movies talk about the different ways that people 'imperil' their souls (both explicit and subtly implied). Hell & publishment were portrayed as a fate worse than death. One insight is that it's extremely important for us to guard our immortal soul because, eventually, we will give account for it. I reckon these movies represent a great opportunity to ask about the state of people's souls, and what our response should be to God's tremendous gift.

I am reminded to take care of my soul, respond to God's gift of eternal life and His amazing grace and unconditional love. There is no possession in this world valuable enough to warrant risking my soul. Jesus said in Matthew 16:26, "What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?" It's true that nothing physical on earth will make the final journey with us anyway.

What do you think?

The Trouble With Paris

During Living Room, we have watched the four-week DVD on "The Trouble With Paris", which talks about popular culture, consumerism, hyper-reality, reality and God's reality.

Media, marketing and advertising have a lot of impact upon our lives, dreams, values and expectations. So how are we supposed to live out our faith in a world like this? Some good questions are explored in this DVD, which keep me thinking. Eg: where do I find contentment and happiness, in a society where hyper-reality is often portrayed as the ideal? How do we as Christians express our faith in a meaningful and relevant way? How is Christianity related to a consumer world?

Miss Saigon

I went and saw Miss Saigon on Saturday. It was simply excellent. The music, singing, acting, stage settings, props, costumes were all first-class. I like this musical production even better than Beauty & the Beast and Phantom of the Opera.

The production is set in the background of the Vietnam war during the final days of the American occupation of Saigon, Vietnam. MISS SAIGON is a romantic love story between a young Vietnamese woman who is working in a Saigon nightclub, and American GI. The American Army fled Saigon a few years later, so the soldier have returned to America and believing MISS SAIGON is dead. He was depressed for a whole year, and finally moved on to marry an American woman. When told that MISS SAIGON has borne him a son, and is alive and living in Bangkok, the soldier and his wife go to Bangkok. MISS SAIGON is desperate for her son to have a future in America with his father and is willing to make the ultimate sacrifice to achieve this hope. The story ends tragically, but beautifully as well.

I highly recommend anyone to see it.

Marketing

George Silverman, author & marketing expert said, "Marketing is not something you do to people, it’s something you do for people. Marketing is the service of helping people make the best possible decision."

I find this quote meaningful. I love it and what it stands for. As a marketer, I love to help others to make best possible decisions. I believe that the term "marketing" isn’t just for marketers. It’s a part of our everyday lives. We are all marketers on some level; whether we are selling our ideas to our school or work board, local church or in front of a group at our office, the truth is, virtually every interaction we have has an element of marketing. The only marketing that works effectively is that which helps people make informed decisions.

What do you think?

Spider-Man 3

D & I went and saw Spider-Man 3 tonight. Not having seen the previous 2 episodes, I really didn't have much expectation. Contrarary to what I thought, watching the movie was quite an emotional experience. I think Spider-Man 3 is very thought-provoking. In addition to being an action-packed movie, it explores human being's vulnerability to sin, importance of resisting to sin, and responsibility to help others from sin's web. Apart from the themes of adventures, secrets, vengeance and love, I found the elements of friendship and forgiveness very touching as well. For me personally, one of the most essential messages from the film is that we can't escape the dark web of sin.

Expressing Feelings

I have been discussing with people in my community about expressing our feelings. We realise that it's easier for some than the others. For me personally, I think it's extremely important for us to share so that we understand more about others, and let others understand us more.

Norman Wright divides the communication of people into five levels:

(a) The lowest level is simple greetings. For example: “how are you?”, “good morning!”, “goodbye”, “have you eaten yet?”

(b) The second level is exchanging information. For example, “who and who has just had a baby girl.” “just now I saw two groups of young people fighting.”

(c) The third level is to express some opinions. For example: “who and who has just had a baby girl. In this day and age, it doesn’t matter whether it’s a boy or a girl, the most important is that the child is healthy.” “just now I saw two groups of young people fighting on the street. Recently there are many incidents like this, happening amongst Asian young people. I think it could be because they can’t adapt to the new society, and can’t find their new identity, so have learned from other friends out of frustrations.”

(d) The fourth level is to express personal feelings. For example, “who and who has just had a baby girl. I am so excited for them, they have been waiting for this child for a long time now.” “just now I saw two groups of young people fighting on the street. I was so frightened, when I saw them fighting like that, I was very sad and shocked.”

(e) Lastly, the highest level is to share personal feelings without reservation. For example, ‘who and who has just had a baby girl. I am so excited for them, they have been waiting for this child for a long time now. Seeing their smiles, I am so happy for them, and I can sense their satisfaction and happiness.” “just now I saw two groups of young people fighting on the street. I was so frightened. They are so young, yet fighting each other, on one hand I was very sad and shocked, on the other hand I felt sorry for them. If they have good guidance, and warm family to help them focus their energy on studies, good entertainment and social life, then this kind of thing will not happen.”

We also realise from the Bible that God is a God of feeling. God expresses His wrath to the evil every day (Psalms 7:11); God is a jealous God (Exodus 20:5); He is a God full of love, He loves the world and sent His only Son to them (John 3:16); He loves His citizens (Isaiah 62:5).

We are made in God's image, and we are to be Christ-like, so I believe expressing our feelings is important. What do you think?

The Earth & The Environmental Issue

Like most people, I'd never thought much about environmental issues in the past. The only concept I had was the vague idea that we need to be better stewards of God's creation.

The Bible is quite direct about our responsibility to care for and protect the earth. In Genesis 2:15, God commands Adam to take care of it. According to many biblical scolars, we must not only be concerned with production, but also with the protection of God's creation. Dominion is never given for the purpose of exploitation. Other passages mention not only the goodness of creation connected to God (Genesis 1), but also His identification with creation and its renewal (Col. 1:15–17, Isaiah 65:17 and Rev. 21:1). In fact, Scripture references the earth 863 times, compared with 494 references to heaven and 537 to love.

We also have the responsibility to the poor and disadvantaged, those who would most likely be impacted by implications of climate change.

Most Christians are among the world's wealthiest citizens, and they are under pastoral leadership. So it's pastors who have the opportunity to make a significant impact. And it's the pastor who takes the lead in mobilizing his or her congregation to care for matters outside the church—issues that non-Christians also care about. Let's face it, they're not expecting the Church to be concerned about the environment, much less take visible action.

The followings are some of the things that I've been learning recently about how to tackle climate change:

1. Replace all light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs.
2. Reduce, reuse, recycle.
3. Minimise energy usage.
4. Buy energy-efficient products, think energy savings.
5. Don't leave the water running even when showering, shaving, washing your face or brushing your teeth.
7. Track your utilities.
8. Commit to tackling climate change.
9. Look for creative ways to link conservation with love of God and neighbor. For a Christian, these acts are about moral obedience and love, not cultural conformity.

So how do you think that your congregation, church and faith community is involved in these environemntal issues?

Broken Down Silence

If you are in Melbourne, I'd like to invite you to see a dance show called "Broken Down Silence", which is an initiative of Christian Artsists Factory (CAF) on Saturday May 19th at 7.30pm. The piece was performed as a work in progress at Black Stump Festival '06 but this one off performance will be the first showing in Melbourne.

The evening's program will run for 1.5-2 hours with a variety of other performances including playback theatre, circus, music and dance performance.

Date:Sat 19 May, 2007
Venue:Truth & Liberation Concern, 265 Canterbury Road, Bayswater, Victoria
Time: Doors open 7.30pm for 8.00pm start
Cost: Adults $15; Conc/ under 18 $10
Guest performances by: A Good Red playback theatre company, Sarah & Mel, Circus Acrobatics and more


2006 - 2007: Broken - Down - Silence
Why do you keep staring?
Just back off will ya?
What's your problem?
What are you lookin' at?
Youth homelessness
Indigenous culture
Ethic multiculturalism
Asylum Seekers

One question:
Do you see me differently?

Watercarriers' newest work is a 25 minute high energy contemporary dance piece. It incorporates stunning photography in multimedia and an eclectic and memorable soundtrack. Its original, collaborative choreography involves a greater physicality than previous works.

Broken Down Silence is an evocative work that depicts snapshots of Australian subcultures. With content specifically looking at youth homelessness, indigenous culture, ethic multiculturalism and asylum seekers, the Watercarriers seek to challenge themselves and their audiences on our views of each other. Broken Down Silence stirs emotion and gives an audience space to reflect and respond as deeply as they wish.

Are any of us all that different? Or is it just what we see?

More information about CAF, A Good Red and Water Carriers is available at www.christianartists.com.au

Responsibility & Blaming

Every one of us needs to take responsibility for ourselves and our lives. No matter what the circumstances, we are in charge of how we feel and how we react. People, places, or things do not run our emotional lives, we do! Instead of admitting our mistakes, and taking full responsibility for our actions, many people react and blame others (including family members, loved ones, pastors, friends, brothers and sisters in Christ, team members at work or business etc.).

When we start to blame, we start to shift responsibility from ourselves to another person or situation. As Christians we are capable of being responsible. The Christian philosopher, Michael Keeling, wrote, "We are responsible for our actions in the dynamic sense that we can overcome both the external pressures of society and environment and the internal pressures of genetics and psychology and begin to act, by the power of God in us, as people who have nothing to fear and nothing to lose." We, by the power of God within us, can take ownership of our feelings and reactions.

Ownership or responsibility is vital because, like M. Scott Peck wrote in his book The Road Less Traveled, "many, so many, seek to avoid the pain of their problems by saying to themselves: 'This problem was caused me by other people, or by social circumstances beyond my control, and therefore it is up to other people or society to solve this problem for me.'" We can not solve our problems by ignoring them or blaming external things. If we do not take full responsibility for ourselves, we are choosing to make our lives less than God intended. So when we take responsibility and ownership for ourselves we become entirely responsible for our lives, not only for our actions but for our failures to act.

So do you take responsiblity or blame others?

The Pacifist Jesus And His Warrior God

I attended a very interesting talk on Tuesday during the theology of mission class at Tabor Bible College. Ray Gingerich the Anabaptist scholar from the US was there discussing and conversing on issues of war, power pacifism, and justice etc.

In His introduction, Ray Gingerich said that violence over the past two centuries has not served humanity well. As Christians we must either change our strategies and our theology or the Christians witness in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ the Prince of Peace will be overwhelmed and smothered in the avalanche of violence that is pouring down upon us. He claimed that power as violence has had its time in history; and it has failed! With the explosion of the first nuclear weapons, and their horrible destruction, Albert Einstein said: "Everything has changed, except our thinking."

Many ideas and opinions were explored and debated during this meeting. One particular confusion was 'the riddle' of the Pacifist Jesus and his Warrior God. Apparently much work has been done within the past half century, especially in Anabaptist circles, to enable Christians to see a nonviolent Jesus in both his teachings and examples. This ethical dualism / paradox / dilemma in which a God of violence and acts of violence is embraced as theological and ethical necessities is contrary to the teachings and examples of Jesus.

I am interested in your thinking about these issues regarding war, power, justic, biblical violence and non-violence. Please let me know of your opinions in the comment.

Thinking Blogger Award

I am thankful to my dear blogger friend Audrey for nominating me for the "Thinking Blogger Award". Thank you sister Audrey for that! I really appreciate it, but so humbled by it!

Now it is my turn to nominate five blogs that make me think. They are: one year bible blog

the x facta, Siven Kit's Garden, Rulan's Heart for God, Just so you'll know

The participation rules are given by the thinking blog. Enjoy....

The Forgotten Way

I started reading Alan Hirsch's book "The Forgotten Way- reactivating the missional church". Alan Hirsch is a a key missional leader, educator, and strategist who has had influence in my journey as I grapple with issues in mission. I remember interviewing him for an assignment when I was at Bible College, and his answers to my questions really blew me away.

In the introduction of the book, Alan had the following two quotes, which really made me think:


"A church which pitches its tents without constantly looking out for new horizons, which does not continually strike camp, is being untrue to its calling.
. . . [We must] play down our longing for certainty, accept what is risky, and live by improvisation and experiment."
Hans Kung, The Church as the People of God

Yes that's true. I am by nature quite an organised & structured person, but this reminder from Hans Kung tells me the importance of not be too rigid in my approach, and the longing for certainty! Flexibility is the key for mission work.


"After a time of decay comes the turning point. The powerful light that has been banished returns. There is movement, but it is not brought about by force. . . . The movement is natural, arising spontaneously. The old is discarded and the new is introduced. Both measures accord with the time; therefore no harm results."
Ancient Chinese Saying

With me in a new season of my life and ministry, this ancient Chinese saying really encourages me (although I am Chinese, I haven't heard of it until I read this book - thank you Alan). The powerful light, the spontanesous movement, the new thing and the turning point are want I am looking forward to.

Alan asked the following important questions in his book which really provoked my thinking (especially in the context of the contemporary Western world / church):

"How did the number of Christians in the world grow from as few as 25,000 one hundred years after Christ’s death to up to 20 million in AD 310? How did the Chinese underground church grow from 2 million to over 100 million in sixty years despite considerable opposition?"

A Morning Beyond Belief

I had an awesome Easter break in Adelaide with my mother, D and his family. During the weekend, I re-read the chapters in Philip Yancey's book "The Jesus I Never Knew" on Jesus' final week and resurrection.

I find the quote from John Irving so true. He said, 'Holy Week is draining; no matter how many times I have lived through his crucifixion, my anxiety about his resurrection is undiminished - I am terrified that, this year; it won't happen; that, that year, it didn't. Anyone can be sentimental about the Nativity; any fool can feel like a Christian at Christmas. But Easter is the main event; if you don't believe in the resurrection, you're not a believer.'

Yancey suggests another way to look at the world - taking Easter as the starting point, the one incontrovertible fact about how God treats those whom he loves, then human history becomes the contradiction and Easter a preview of ultimate reality. Hope then flows like lava beneath the crust of daily life.

After this Easter Sunday morning of celebrating Jesus' resurrection, I renewed the way I approach life - I re-committed myself to involve Him in every aspect of my daily life: spiritual, physical, social emotional, mental (personal growth), family & relationship, ministry, financial, business and community. I will call upon the Lord on all aspects of my life, I will bring all my decisions before Him, and I will not accomplish my ministry, business and work with my own abilities and resources.

Dear Lord, please help me to totally depend on You and trust in You as I learn to take every daily issue of life to You. Amen!

The Voice Of Truth

I am so excited about my new season, yet I am a bit anxious about it all as well! This morning, God spoke to me through this voice of truth. I can so identify with it:

Oh what I would do to have the kind of faith it takes to climb out of this boat I'm in onto the crashing waves.

To step out of my comfort zone into the realm of the unknown where Jesus is and He's holding out His hand.

But the waves are calling out my name and they laugh at me reminding me of all the times I've tried before and failed.

The waves they keep on telling me time and time again. "Girl, you'll never win!" "You'll never win!"

But the voice of truth tells me a different story. The voice of truth says, "Do not be afraid!" The voice of truth says, "This is for My glory". Out of all the voices calling out to me I will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth.

Thank you Lord for your awesome and beautiful voice of truth! I love you with all my heart, with all my soul, with all my mind, and with all my strength. I know I am safe in the crash waves, as You are the Lord who can calm all the raging seas.

Earth Hour

EARTH HOUR - 7.30pm to 8.30pm - Saturday March 31,2007

Earth Hour is a fabulous opportunity for you and your family to do something about climate change. On one night, in one hour, more will be done, more will be demonstrated, and more will be learned than through a hundred 'talk-fests'. And you can help make it happen.What is Earth Hour?It sounds simple, but it is very, very dramatic. At 7.30pm on March 31st 2007, we will be encouraging companies, government departments, individuals and families to turn off their lights for just one hour.If we meet our objectives during the first Earth Hour,the savings in green house gas emissions will be the equivalent of taking 75,000 medium sized cars off the road for one whole year! Now that's something worth doing. Why? The facts are alarmingly clear: The climate is changing!

• The 10 hottest years on record have occurred since 1990. In fact 2005 was the hottest year since record keeping began. (Australian Bureau of Meteorology)
• Almost 70% of Australia's greenhouse gas emissions come from energy production. (ABS)
• More than 95% of the Great Barrier Reef will have been destroyed by 2050 if carbon dioxide emissions aren't reduced.(WWF-International)
• One million species worldwide are facing extinction due to climate change. (University of Leeds)

But not everybody listens to the facts. Earth Hour is your opportunity to demonstrate how a simple change in our way of life could change, and help save, our planet. The goals of Earth Hour:

Households: Most of us use unnecessary electricity. Appliances on standby, old style light bulbs, lights left on when we're not using them. Earth Hour will help us all to realise just how simply we can make a dramatic impact upon global warming (and our own powerbills). We will see it in action.

Companies: We want companies to be involved. If every company in Australia turned off its lights when the buildings weren't in use, and combined it with energy saving technology, we would save between 2 and 4 million tonnes of greenhouse gasses every year. EarthHour will show companies just how easy that is.

Power Companies: We will be asking power companies toprovide special deals for companies and households to switch to Green Power. To make it an annual event: Out of the 8,766 hours in a year, let's give one back to the earth.What you can do: Sign up to Earth Hour and Pledge to turn off your lights on March 31st from 7.30pm to 8.30pm by logging onto www.earthhour.org You will receive all the information you need to make Earth Hour a great success (and to cut your own energy bills in the long term).

How Fast Do You Follow?

We were asked the question today at church. Imagine you are standing by the Sea of Galilee, if you were one of the fishermen, when Jesus said to you, "Follow Me," what would you do?

Will I do what Simon Peter and Andrew did - immediately leave their nets and follow Jesus? (Matt 4:19-20). That is a tough question! But when Jesus called the disciples, they immediately left everything and followed Him. And that response was the beginning of a journey that ended up changing their lives....and the course of history.

I believe there is a valuable lesson in this story. That lesson is to learn to follow fast!

My Update Letter

Dear friend,

How are you? I trust that this letter finds you in peace, health, joy and happiness.

CCBC
I think most of you know that I will be finishing my service as the Creative Arts Coordinator in CCBC at the end of March and will focus on my mission endeavours in World Team and beyond afterwards.

During the CCBC Missionary Convention many years ago, God said to me, 'the harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field?' (Matthew 9:37-38). During that time, I dedicated my life for God's service. I thank God for the opportunity to be serving in CCBC as the ministry staff for the last 3 years. It was through my serving Him that made me become more aware of my own responsibility in advancing God's Kingdom.

As I approach a new season in my life and ministry when I finish my contract with CCBC, my passion for the future is to focus on the participation in the sending process as one that challenges & encourages people into missionary service, whether it's through praying, supporting or actually going to the mission fields!

A New Season (Personal / Local Mission Outreach)
My desire is to have 'mustard seed faith' and I know that God is always with me, and has my best interests at heart, so I don't have to fear. As well as being a mission mobilizer with World Team, I will also continue to spend time with not-yet-Christian friends as a sent one, amongst my business and artist friends. Some of these friends are sceptical or even frightened of anything related to 'church', but thank God that He has really opened the door for me to build relationship with them and witness to them. Would you please lift me up as I seek to minister to these people in the marketplace, on their turf, beyond the four walls of the church building.

In my everyday life, I believe in the importance of enthusiasm, integrity and having a deep passion for everything I do. Treat people the way you expect to be treated and above all, have gratitude, faith and remember to "walk your talk". This is something I am committed to do, even though I have been feeling a bit anxious in approaching this new season of my life. However my weaknesses and frailties remind me how great our God is! I am convicted that God's grace is sufficient for me! :)

World Team
John Stott writes ...'Mission is integral to authentic Christianity; Christianity without mission is Christianity no longer."

Last week, I attended one of our interns Rachel Kerr's graduation ceremony at Bible College of Victoria, and felt very touched and proud of her. Seeing her heart for mission and the willingness to serve God wherever He calls her made my eyes go teary. Please pray for Rachel as she continues seeking God's will in her life.

Our missionary apprentices Joel & Elly Henson have been accepted as World Team Australia missionaries and will be seconded to Helimission, who work closely with World Team in church planting among tribal groups. We are organising a Focus Mission Night for Joel & Elly soon. Please pray for them as they continue to seek prayer and practical support for their ministry in Papua, Indonesia.

Deb & Luke Muir went to France in February. They have had a great time of exploring future ministry opportunities in Paris. Pray that the Lord will help them to process all that they have learned and experienced, and that they will know and follow His direction for future ministry.

World Team is also going to facilitate the comprehensive mission nurture course "CLIMAT" (Church Linked Mission Awareness Training) in a church in Footscray at the end of March, and in the next few months, we will be facilitating the training in various other churches & small groups as well.

In April, World Team will be participating in and serving through Explore Mission Network and Explore Mission Mentors Conference. The Explore Mission Network is an initiative of AFES Victoria as they seek to mobilize, raise up, equip and send out a new generation for all kinds of mission. I would like to encourage you to attend this year's Conference (13-15 April) in Melbourne. Please feel free to contact me if you require any further information (plus please email me your postal address if you would like me to post out a copy of the conference brochure to you).

I appreciate each of you and your support & prayers as I continue on my journey. I feel so privileged to serve the LORD in these days, and I praise Him for His grace and blessings in my life.

Love,
Kitty
World Team Australia: www.worldteam.org.au
World Team: www.worldteam.org

Grace

The followings are some of the quotes that I found on grace.

Wikipedia states that 'divine grace' refers to the sovereign favour of God for humankind — especially in regard to salvation — irrespective of actions ("deeds"), earned worth, or proven goodness.

More broadly, divine grace refers to God's gifts to humankind, including life, creation, and salvation. More narrowly but more commonly, grace describes the means by which humans are saved from original sin and granted salvation. This latter concept of grace is of central importance in the theology of Christianity, as well as one of the most contentious issues in Christian sectarianism.

Eugene O'Neill says, "Man is born broken. He lives by mending. The grace of God is glue."

U2's song "Grace":

What left a mark
no longer stains

Because grace makes beauty
Out of ugly things

Grace finds goodness
In everything

Philip Yancey in his book "What's so amazing about grace?", says that the proof of spiritual maturity is not how "pure" you are but awareness of your impurity. That very awareness opens the door to grace.

What does grace mean to you? Have you had any personal stories about grace?

You Are The Mission!

I am a person who constantly grapples with the idea of mission. Recently God gave me a revelation that in order to change our world, we need God's help to change ourselves first. Therefore I see that I have a mission in life and that is me! My mission is not only my life story, though that is part of it, it is me, because Christ is in me.

We were made in God's image, we are His conduits and vessels to reflect Him through our lives as Jesus lives His life through ours. We are the temple of the Holy Spirit, the dwelling place of the Almighty. We are a carrier of the gospel and Christ Himself. We are the Ambassador's for Christ.

Of course we are not perfect. We are all work in progress, under construction and in process. And this is OK. Praise God that our failures and sins don't negate the presence of Christ in our lives. They show why we need Him, because we cannot do it ourselves. He is the vine and we are the branches, without Him we can do nothing. God is perfectly capable of being all these things in us, in spite of us. That's why we are the mission!

I Love Life

I love life! I appreciate the opportunity to experience it. Surely it has its challenges, difficulties, disappointments and heartaches. I have experienced my share of these. Nonetheless, what an incredible journey life is.

I have been reminded lately that no matter what the circumstances are in our world, we need to give thanks to God, count our blessings and be content. No matter how negative things seem at the moment, there is always good to be found in any situation. Those who can balance the bad with the good are the ones that find peace of mind and love of life. And finding that balance often takes a purposeful effort! I am committed to making an effort daily to see good (God) in every circumstance and seeing good (God) will help me appreciate this wonderful opportunity we call life. Let's do that together my friend!

Attitude

During a leadership seminar I attended last Friday night in Canberra, Skip Ross talked about the importance of attitude. He says life and leadership begins with an attitude. The followings are his 10 points:

1. My attitude as I begin a task will affect its outcome more than anything else.
2. My attitude toward others determins their attitude toward me.
3. My attitude is the major difference between success and failure.
4. My attitude can turn my problems into blessings.
5. My attitude can give me an uncommon perspective on life.
6. My attitude is my best friends or my worst enemy.
7. My attitude, not my achievements, will give me happiness.
8. My attitude will change when I choose to change it.
9. My attitude needs continual adjustments.
10. My attitude is contagious.

Dynamic Living

Skip Ross is a very inspiring man. I have been listening to his "Dynamic Living" CDs which have made a difference in my attitude and perspectives in life.

He has a formula for living a joy-filled and happy life, which he calls "dynamic living". He said that we can all become all that we were created to be.

His formula is this: DL = (GGE + PS) x PSI

DL = Dynamic Living
GGE = God Given Equipment
PS = Principles of Success
PSI = Proper Self Image

The 10 principles of success are as follows:

1. Giving - whatever you give, you will receive.
2. Exclusion - Get rid of what you don't want, to make room for what you do want.
3. Creation - Decide what you want, define it clearly and write it down.
4. Visualisation - Get a clear mental picture of what you want.
5. Command - Whatever you speak becomes reality.
6. Action - Do it now.
7. Faith - faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
8. Enthusiasm - Give everything you've got to everything you do.
9. Self-Discipline - Do what needs to be done when it ought to be done whether you like it or not.
10. Persistence - I will...until , never give up.

Delay Gratification & Patience

We are now certainly living in a generation that we want results straight away. In this day and age, we all want immediate gratification. We want to have things now faster than ever before.

Recently I have been learning quite a bit about the concept of delay gratification & patience. I learn that good things come to those who wait and it's worth it. However, knowing this concept and applying it to my life and ministry sometimes takes on a different perspective! I keep asking myself, 'why is patience so hard for me? Why do I want what I want, right when I want it? Why can’t I just sit back and trust the Lord’s timing over my own urgency?'

During a business seminar a couple of weeks ago, we played a game where some people were blindfolded. The leader tied a thick bandanna around their eyes and the people would be guided by an un-blindfolded partner through an obstacle course. The entire point was to learn to trust the teammate's voice and instructions. It's a lot like that in our spiritual lives. We, as Christians, are blindfolded. We can't see the entire picture. Our view is limited, and we're stumbling around, confused as to which direction we should go. And unfortunately, more often than not, we tend to ignore the voice of our Lord instructing us. We'll never cross the finish line by stubbornly insisting we can manage on our own. God sees the entire path before us. And we have to trust Him. Whether that means waiting, walking, crawling, taking baby steps, running, etc.

Fear Of The Lord

I have been reading the book of Proverbs lately, and I read a great quote about it from the one year bible blog: "Proverbs persists in confronting us with the urgency of coming to a decision regarding the fear of the Lord." That really got me thinking.

What exactly does the fear of the Lord mean to you?

Are You A Horse Or A Burro?

Horse: accepts every assignment, takes on all the work, says no to nothing, is very likely to burn out.

Burro: smarter than a horse, refuses to get into overload, if you put too much on the back on the burro he just sits down, he knows when enough is enough.

What are the pros and cons of each? Please let me know of your thoughts in the comment below.

The Rhythm Of Life

What is your rhythm of life? I have been reading and learning about it, and found that human beings approach life at different natural rhythms. These rhythms show up in many parts of life. They affect the way we feel on the weekends or how often we need a break etc. They affect how we feel in the mornings or at night times. They affect our mood and our attitudes on a daily, weekly perhaps even yearly and certainly for some of us at least seasonally basis. And more than anything they affect our schedules, and even control them.

Life Rhythm Theory says that our lives are affected by our thythm on such a sustained but less than obvious way. We may adopt or adapt to a different life rhythm for a season that may not be fully natural even if not wholly unhealthy. However, peak efficiency, energy and satisfaction in life are more likely to be achieved at the kind of life rhythm one “naturally” is aligned to. More often than not the problem is a matter of rhythm rather than pace. We have to manage the rate and sequence the beats of life come to us in a way that matches our internal ability to not only handle them, but harness them.

I also believe in the theory that it takes 21 days to form a habit. A few months ago, I started listening to helpful and encouraging CD's everyday for my personal growth. This may not seem that remarkable - but for me it is a new experience and rhythm of life, which really helps me a lot. I have also established new rhythm of saying hi and speaking to strangers (when the opportunity comes). Nothing amazing has happened yet with any of the people I see each day, but I'm amazed at the opportunities that have opened up to meet some great new people as a result of disciplining myself to establishing a new rhythm and by being open to meeting others whose lives will intersect with mine as a result.

What about you? What is your rhythm of life?

Miss Eagle

I had the privilege of meeting with one of my blogger friends Miss Eagle last week after a long time since I saw her last. We had a wonderful time catching up. Miss Eagle likes to say that she is a 'has been' or 'have been', but I found that she is a 'happening' lady. I really admire her heart for social justice, political insights, as well as spiritual sharing. I highly recommend that you read her blog.

Relationship Evangelism

"That day Jesus went out of the house and was sitting by the sea. And large crowds gathered to Him, so He got into a boat and sat down, and the whole crowd was standing on the beach." (Matthew 13:1)

Matthew 13:1 is such an ordinary statement that we would not think that there was any great spiritual principle in it, but This verse intrigues me. It tells me that if we want to lead people to Christ, we need to spend time where they are - on their turf!

One of the most common things said by Christians who know they should be sharing Christ more, is that they don't have any non-Christian friends. All their friends are church-friends. I believe there is a simple solution: to that problem - that is start spending time with non-churched people! To do that, we need to go where they are.

Like Jesus, I have been "out of the house" and gone into an environment where there are many non-churched people lately. In seminars, in their houses, in social settings, and on their turf! I have built the acquaintances into friends, I have been looking for ways to share with them in normal conversation what my relationship with the Lord means to me. I have also been learning to do as much listening as talking.

I am committed to go to people's lives, build redemptive relationship with them who need the Lord.

6 Keys To The Power Of Decisions

I find that decision making can be a complex phenomenon. Recently I heard a CD regarding the power of decisions, which include 6 keys:

1. Remember the true power of making decisions with massive action.
2. Realise that the hardest step in achieving anything is making a true commitment.
3. Make deicisions often.
4. Learn from your lessons of decision making.
5. Stay committed to your decisions, but cultivate the art of flexibility.
6. Enjoy making decisions.

What do you think of these 6 keys?

Mixing Business With Mission

I have been through a number of paradigm shifts in my thinking in the past few years, particularly these past few months when I clearly heard God say to cross the Jordan and start a new season.

This particular paradigm shift started off with a conversation with a businessman who used to be a minister in a church. He said, "if a disciple is someone who loves God, loves the world they live in and loves their fellow believers; then I can't see why someone exclusively focusing upon doing church based ministry is responding in a more dedicated way than anyone else." I must admit I have been thinking that way for years, but what he said is so true.

More and more I realize that, in terms of mission (or loving the world), it is more advantageous to actually be in business than locked away in church ministry.

I have read Mike Frost & Alan Hirsch's book "The Shaping Of Things To Come" a few times. They claim that the basic mission principle is that if you want to be effective as a missionary you have to have proximity with those you are reaching out to.

I think businesses are places where Christians need to be in, not just to put food on the table and to help fund real ministry, but as a primary place of ministry/mission/faith itself. I also think that business, commerce and enterprise is perhaps the most powerful influences on our society in the west. The church used to play a major role in society, but now it has become the fringe of the society.

Businesses are now taking on the role of providing avenues for social concern and welfare, sometimes more so than the church and the government. I believe this will continue to happen in the future. Some business people do want to make a difference. They often just need to be encouraged to do so and see ways of ethical, life giving business to be modeled for them.

Mission and business are not necessarily mutually exclusive. They can be mixed together. Recently I actually did something that I thought I'd never do (since I quit my marketing executive job at Optus years ago to study at Bible College): I started a business!

When I start to be involved in the business, I'm beginning to see that rather than these being temptations or distractions from a life with God - they are actually quite often God at work within and around me. Now I see myself as a part time tent-maker business person or (in mission term) a bi-vocational missionary.

Fountain

I was in a workshop that was organised by my network of Christian business friends. I was told to imagine that my life is a fountain. If we focus on ourselves only, we will be too dry or clogged up, but if our focus is shifted to others, the living water of God's love will flow through us to people around.

I have a goal after this workshop: to have every person I encounter experience some of God's love through me.

I WANT TO FLOW GOD'S LIVING WATER THROUGH TO EVERYONE AROUND ME!!

Dear Father God, please fill me up and provide all the living water my fountain needs to overflow into other people's lives. I want to PASS IT ON!! Lord, You have unlimited strength. Oh Holy Spirit, You are the only reliable source of fulfillment. Help me to see people as You do. Give me Your perpective on the people I meet so I can see them as You view them. Lord how I want to have genuine compassion for acquaintances and strangers in my community. This is my heart and ernest prayers. In Jesus name, amen!

Australian Of The Year

Apart from spending some quality time with D on Australia day, one of the highlights on the day was to watch on TV 'Australian of the Year 2007' live. Since 1960 Australia has celebrated the achievement and contribution of citizens through the Australian of the Year Awards. The awards profile leading Australians who are role models for us.

This year's winner is Prof Tim Flannery, who had helped millions of Australian better appreciate and understand the environment. He has encouraged Australians into new ways of thinking about our environmental history and future ecological challenges.

Tim is one of the world's leading scientists and an internationally acclaimed explorer and environmentalist. He has shown that human activity is drastically altering the Earth's climate and these changes will have a devastating effect on life on this planet unless we change our behaviours.

Leaving Your Comfort Zone

I have read a book called "Who moved my Cheese?' by Dr. Spencer Johnson which describes change in people's work and life. It talks about two mice that lived in a maze. One day, they found a big cheese, so they kept going to the same direction which allowed them to eat the cheese day in day out. However they still kept on going to the same place even though the cheese was finished as that was the safest and the most comfortable place to go. Realising that they couldn't find any more cheese there, they were discouraged and had to gather courage to find the new cheese somewhere else. When they did, they felt so joyful and happy.

I don't know about you, but certainly in my life, God has at different times called me to leave my comfort zone to start new seasons / ministries / ventures in life. When we leave our comfort zone, our vision is enlarged, and we learn things that we woudn't have expected to learn in our own comfort zone. It's like what Jabez's prayer to ask God to enlarge his territory. As our horizons are broadened, God gives us opportunites to grow, to be transformed and equipped to serve Him better.

True it is hard to let go of the familiar and to face changes in lives. God understands that letting go is difficult, but He has called us to move on to a new life without looking back. And I thank God for that! I know He will give me the strength and grace to do whatever He calls me to do, now and in the future. What about you?

New Wine & New Wineskins

On my laptop screensaver, I have a picture which says: "Caution, paradigm shift ahead." I am really anticipating a paradigm shift as I move to a new season of my life in 2007.

I read an article by Rick Warren regarding new wine & new wineskins today, which really challenged me. Pastor Warren said, there are three new "wines" that we will have to face in 2007: new problems, new pressures, and new possibilities. To handle these new challenges, you'll need the new "wineskins" of creativity, conviction, and courage.

I know that with these new wines, my old ways of thinking and paradigm, old attitudes will not work anymore. That's why the Bible says, "The intelligent man is always open to new ideas. In fact, he looks for them." (Proverbs 18:15 LB).

In my new 'tent-making' business endeavour and relationships, I am open to new ideas and paradigm shift (new wineskins for new wines). I pray that the Lord will give me the creativity, conviction and courage to handle the problems, pressures as I welcome new possibilities for growth.

Towards the end of last year, God gave me the picture of Joshua and his tribe stepping into the Jordan River as they start a new season. I have also stepped out in faith to the business world, where I need to build contacts, networks and people. There's always an element of risk in any new venture and idea, but I trust that the Lord will see me through it all. Hosea 10:12 says, "Plow new ground for yourselves, plant righteousness, and reap the blessing your devotion to me will produce!" (GNT). That is so true!

Cosmic Renewal

A friend of mine Siu Fung from World Vision wrote an insightful article. It is about God's creation, the environment and "cosmic renewal", particularly water. I hope you will enjoy reading it as much as I do.

http://www.sightmagazine.com.au/stories/sight-seeing/water18.1.07.php

The Man Of The Narrow Road

I received a poem written by a World Team missionary for his field leader who was willing to follow God's (sometimes difficult) calling to influence his peers in preparing the soil for the gospel. In the words of the writer, this leader is "a great example of humility to us all." I pray that God will empower me to learn from this person.

Among men there are few
as gentle and kind
as this man I know -
the man of the narrow road.

It is surprising to find
a core of strength
hid within the benevolent shroud -
he goes on when others may falter.

He is one who has served in authority
and willingly passed the staff to another.
He doesn't seek his own
but treasures God's will above all.

Vision for him is kept alive and fresh
when others can't see it at all:
he is passionate
but doesn't put it on parade.

He does to go where others may not
he goes according to the Call:
he doesn't wait for the approval of critics,
though he values the counsel of the saints.

His common prayer is that of joy
for himself and those around him,
in spite of many trials and tests -
some of which have come through friends.

Among men there are few
as gentle, strong, and faithful
as this man that I know -
the man of the narrow road.

Self Discipline

Since writing my previous post on balanced lifestyle last week, I've been thinking quite a bit about 2 Timothy 1:7 (a verse which I believe God has given me in the beginning of 2007, especially after a goal setting seminar and workshop that I attended).

I confess that when I don't live in God's strength (but on my own), I often lack the spirit of power, of love and self-discipline. When that happens, I often experience timidity in life, in ministry and in business.

Kc asked if self-discipline is related to submission in the comment of my previous entry. That really got me thinking about self-discipline in depth. The Greek word for self-control (the fruit of the Holy Spirit) comes from a root word meaning "to grip" or "take hold of." This word describes people who are willing to get a grip on their lives and take control of areas that will bring them success or failure.

In a CD that I heard yesterday, the speaker said that the most valuable lesson that we could learn is the ability to make ourselves do the thing we have to do, when it ought to be done, whether you like it or not. It's always hard to have the self discipline. Hard work is really the accumulation of the easy things we didn't do when we should have.

John Maxwell said that self-discipline is the price tag of leadership. There are two paths that people can take. They can either play now and pay later or pay now and play later. I think the concept of "Pay now, play later" is an important self discipline. There is really no such thing as a "free lunch." A business associate said something which really makes sense - A person without decision of character can never be said to belong to himself. He belongs to whatever can make captive of him. When we pay later the price is greater (consider the interest rate of your credit card).

I am committed to doing the things I have to do that causes growth and help me achieve my goals and God-given dreams, rather than just doing the things I like to do. That really takes self discipline. I pray that I can always take hold of my life in submission to God so that I can truly have the self discipline - after all, the water does not flow until the faucet is turned on!

Balanced Lifestyle

“ For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. “ ( 2 Timothy 1:7)

One of the goals I have this year is to acheive a balanced lifesytle in all aspects of my life: physical, mental (personal growth), spiritual, family, financial, business / career / ministry, community, and social / relational / emotional. I have been reading the scripture and books, and listening to CD's about personal development, and how to grow in these areas.

In regards to personal growth and mental wellness , the above scripture in 2 Timothy 1:7 gives me the key. I thank God that He has given me a spirit of power, love and self-discipline. I know that without Him, I can do nothing. And the other day I learned from a CD that the big five challenges and difficulties in life are discouragement, change, problems, fear and failure.

I believe that life has a divine purpose, so the greatest mastery over life for me has come through understanding my God, and to live my life according to God's plan, principles and purposes. There is a season, there is a time for everything. Knowing what time and season it is in our lives and seeing what our life is through His eyes and trusting Him for that ! I normally cope with stress by managing my day, taking rest breaks, doing things that are relaxing, not draining on the battery and going out with friends, trusting God and His Word. Getting into the Bible, knowing that He is in control.

While Mastery Over life means ruling and controlling over life, according to Keith Sehnert in his book Stress / Unstress, the greatest stress factor is the loss of control. In my own observations, some people just seem to handle stress better than others. Certain life habits can prepare you well for stress: they give you a kind of cushion for the hard knocks of life.

• Follow an exercise program each week. This can undo some of the damage stress does to your system, lowering blood pressure and strengthening your cardiovascular system.
• Eating nutritionally balanced and healthy meals. If you put good stuff into your body, your body will put out a good effort for you, particularly in times of stress.
• It is easy to depend on nicotine, alcohol, and caffeine in stressful times - none of which are healthy to your body. Stop depending on them in stressful times and go for healthy lifestyle!
• Take regular breaks during the day in order to relax. You will be more productive over the long haul. Remember the Sabbath and keep it free from work activities. You need time to hang out with friends but you also need time alone.
• Assert your feelings in appropriate ways. Commit to honest, accurate communication. Couch your criticism in praise. Speak the truth in love.
• Place a high value on your primary relationships, and set aside time to work on improving them. Supportive friends, family members and partners can cushion the blows of life,empower you to face your daily challenges, and undergird you with a sense of security and significance. Don't take your friendships and relationships for granted; make them a priority. Have fun. The best relationships are those with laughter,with people who can have fun together. Be an encourager and a servant; seek the well-being of the other.
• Have work / business or a hobby that gives you a sense of meaning and purpose.
• Have a strong faith. Stress comes when you sense you are not in control. There is comfort, though, in knowing that God is always in control. Set aside a regular time for prayer , bible reading and reflections. Rest and listen to God. Take time just to be with Him. Breathe your prayers. As you go throughout the day, take your prayers with you. Pray with others. You can cope with stress much better by joining others in brief times of prayer.
  

Important Virtues

I was reflecting on some all time old virtues as I read an article about important virtues that can make our lives new.

I truly believe that as Christians, we already have all that we need to make real progress in life. The following important but old virtues can help us make our new year a great one if we embrace them in a fresh way.

* faith - When we have more faith, our lives will progress. Embrace the gift of faith, and realise that it's essential and the foundation for all other virtues.

* goodness - Set out to be good by getting to know the One who is good – Jesus. If we learn to love God, we can then love other people.

* knowledge - Pray for the knowledge you need to be wise, and the humility to always remember that knowledge is a gift from God.

* self-control - Be self-controlled because we are grateful for the salvation you’ve received and want to thank God by pursuing holiness, because our prayers matter now and for eternity, and because we need to resist evil that is seeking to destroy you.

* perseverance - Don’t quit in tough situations. Don’t let setbacks defeat you. Remember the value in suffering: it refines your faith, it perfects your hope, it deepens your intimacy with Jesus, it trains you in holiness, and it weans you from sin.

* godliness - Develop Christ-like character and make our relationship with Jesus our top priority in life, and give His guidance precedent above everything

* kindness - Remember that God loves all people – they are all His children, made in His image. Decide to care for other people no matter what, recognizing that we can’t truly love God unless we also love the people He has made.

* love - Love unconditionally. Instead of waiting to feel love for someone, decide to act in love toward that person no matter what. Love the “least of these” (people you’d be tempted to trample or sidestep without love, such as prisoners, homeless people, or refugees).

New Year's Resolution

A new year has begun and it's natural for us to set new priorities for ourselves. January tends to become a month for us to spend time to plan ahead and to focus on our goals. New Year's resolutions are always made about how one will try to make goals and stick to them through one's own will. The New Year is good in getting rid of old habits, to start afresh, to start anew, but what do we fill the New Year with? Should we not fill it with the One who has given us a fresh start?

"It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man." - Psalm 118:8 (NIV)

I hope this New Year, we will remember to put God at the centre of our lives, to set our goals in knowing him better and to becoming more and more like him each day. That is certainly one of my new year's resolution for 2007!

Happy New Year

Fireworks in Melbourne

The fireworks along Yarra River in Southbank on New Year's Eve marked the beginning of 2007 for Melburnians. I was enjoying the beautiful sights in my apartment with friends. The City skyline bursted into a rainbow of colour and sound at midnight.

As I was enjoying the fireworks which lasted for about 15 minutes, I was reminded again how time flies and moments need to be treasured as they go by so quickly! Therefore I am committed to living my life so that I can achieve my God-given dreams.

The Importance Of Attitude

Chuck Swindoll talks about the importance of attitude:

"The longer I live, the more I realise the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make or break a company, a church, or a home. The remarkable thing is that we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day.

We cannot change our past. Nor can we change the fact that people will act a certain way. We also cannot change the inevitable. The only thing that we can do is to control our attitude.

I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it. And so it is with you -- we are in charge of our attitudes."

Do you agree? And what is your attitude in life?

Beyond Church Planting

I have been listening to Neil cole's MP3 on how to shape, transition & pioneer new ministries, missions, congregations and churches (which I borrowed from a memeber of LivingRoom) these last few days, and have gained a lot of insights from him.

Neil Cole's teaching on church planting starting at the grassroots level is inspiring. He talked about a number of principles for planting highly reproducible indigenous churches:

• the importance of a healthy biblical understanding of the local church;
• the importance of evangelism that results in churches;
• the importance of identifying and reaching persons of peace;
• the importance of leaders being raised up from the harvest to be sent back into the harvest field.
• the importance of a healthy “DNA” (Divine truth, Nurturing relationships, & Apolostolic mission).

Rather than focusing on only planting one church, Neil has a passion to see the multiplication of disciples, leaders and movements, which I think is so essential in God's Kingdom! And that is also the purpose of World Team (and mine too)!

Decision Making

How important is decision making to you personally?

Napolean Hill said that analysis of over twenty-five thousand men and woman who had experienced failure disclosed the fact that lack of decision was near the top of the list of the thirty-one major causes of failure. Procrastination, the opposite of decision, is a common enemy, which practically every person must conquer.

If that is true, making right decisions will change our lives to the better. To get on the road to success in any endeavour we need to make decisions.

I look back on my past, and realise that I had to start getting more decisive (I used to be quite hesitant in making decisions). Not all of my decisions worked out but I managed to form a habit of making decisions and being decisive and I focused on making the right decisions according to the will of God (or so I believe).

I find that starting with small decisions and expand from there helps me in life, minstry, relationships and business. I guess once we start making the right decisions we'll see our life improve in every area. Let's face it indecision and procrastination don't get results! There are no rewards when we're indecisive and procrastinate, and it can be frustrating to others and ourselves.

What are your experiences in decision making and procrastination? And how do you overcome the difficulties related to making decisions?

Christmas Lights

While the Christmas lights were spectacular in Hong Kong, I personally enjoyed the homely and cozy atmosphere of "The Boulevard" in Ivanhoe. I think it's the best of Christmas Lights in Melbourne (if not Australia). The decorations & lights in every home on the street are all diverse and beautiful. I really enjoyed walking through it with some friends on Christmas Eve!

Although Christmas can be over-commercialized, but as always, there is truth hidden in the bright lights. The Lord Jesus, who brought light to the world and forgiveness of sins through His death on the cross and resurrection from the grave. But it doesn’t stop there. His is a gift that keeps on giving. It keeps on giving because his life is born in all who believe, and his presence in the world is perpetuated by the spiritual gifts he gives all believers by which we reach out to those around us.

Oh Father God, thank you so much for the greatest gift of Your beloved Son Christ Jesus, the light of the world.

The Word In The World

"The Word became flesh and dwelt among us." - John 1:14a

With today being Christmas day, and I happen to be spending it home alone tonight, I am having quiet and peaceful moments resting, thinking and reflecting on the reason for the season again. Really Christmas is not about food (Christmas pudding or Turkey), trees, lights, and commercials for the biggest 'whiz bang' ever invented. It's actually all about JESUS - the living Word of God.

God reminded me today that HIS Word is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (Hebrew 4:12).

I catch myself at times being more attracted to the internet; reading magazines, books; watching movies, DVD's or TV; or listening to personal development cd's or radio than reading the Bible. As we approach the beginning of a fresh new year, I am committed to reading the Bible in one year through the one year bible blog again (I encourage you to join me too). I hope to be held accountable and will also put comments on the blog.

May God bless you and yours in this festive season, as you reflect on the Word that became flesh and dwelt among us - Jesus, the Son of God.

Random Thoughts / Reflections

My dear brother Simon & me in Hong Kong, in the midst of enjoying a yummy dinner!

• Keep looking at Jesus who is the point of all that happens this season!
• Focus on your family, your friends, the needs of others, and doing the very best you can, happiness will find you.
• Joy = Jesus first, others second, yourselves last.
• I want to reach out and touch someone each day.
• “For a day in your courts is better than a thousand anywhere else! I’d rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.” Psalm 84:10
  
  Jesus I appreciate YOU heaps. Thank you for coming to this earth, humbling yourself, becoming a man and allowing us to be reconciled to GOD.
  

Merry Christmas

I had a great time catching up with my family before Christmas in Malaysia. In the photo: Connie (my mum), me, Johny (my brother), and Zion (my lovely nephew)

Merry Christmas! As we celebrate & remember Jesus' birth during this season, may you all be blessed to be in his presence today and every day!

Wishing you so much love & blessings, joy and peace…,
great health, immense happiness, abuandance and grace....
this Christmas and right throughout the New Year.

May 2007 be the year that many of your dreams come to fruition.

Let's Go To Bethlehem

I found the following things to include for a joyful journey to Christmas by Dr. Michael A. Halleen interesting.

Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened . . . (Luke 2:15)

People - Attend worship celebrations and other events that celebrate the day, even if you are far from home. The journey is best taken in the company of others.

Tradition - What "makes" Christmas for you? Handel's Messiah? A special ornament on the tree? For many, it's the food. Some tell stories, some re-enact the stable scene. Honour your traditions -hold on to them. They add warmth to the journey.

Music - Put on some of the great music of the season.This journey is along a road filled with singing. Let your voice be added to the chorus.

Generosity - Obey any impulse to be generous, even to those who are not expecting generosity from you. "When in doubt, shell it out," one of my crazy unclesused to say, and he was right. Tip freely. Christmas is a time for liberality. It makes the journey to Bethlehem easier for others and more fun for you.

Healing - Take the opportunity to restore a lost personal relationship, to mend a broken friendship. Take the initiative, without worrying about who was right or wrong in whatever it was that divided you. Get past it, and forgive.

Discipline - Keep your wits about you. Do everything in moderation, the Bible says, like eating, for example - or drinking - or driving. We can over extend ourselvesin a hundred ways on this journey, thinking other people's joy somehow depends on us. In fact, we simply add hazards - for ourselves and others -on what is meant to be a road of peace and joy.

Smile - Erase the frown of worry from your face for the season. Think about what children see when they look into your face, and consciously make it a smile. Determine that only kind words will come out of your mouth - no criticism,no complaints. Decide to let more love into your life - love for God, for God's children, for life itself. It was for them that that he came - and for you. Smiles carry us far on this journey.

Which out of the above 7 things are important to you on your journey to Bethlehem?

God's Glory

I read an article by Charles Finney today, which got me thinking about God's glory.

Moses asked God to show him His glory. And God promised Moses to make all His goodness pass before him. Moses needed to know more of God. He had subsequent and frequent manifestations of God's presence and power as circumstances required. Sometimes alone, sometimes in the full presence of all the people. On awful Sinai He moved in thunder and fire, and the congregation quaked at the terror of the Lord.

Moses prayed, and prayed with great earnestness --'God show me Your glory.' And God always did!

I am committed to always going to God, as Moses did, with the prayer, 'Show me Your glory,' and I trust that He will never deny me.

Resiliency

I have started reading the book "The Resiliency Advantage" by Al Siebert, PhD. This book talks about how to master change, thrive under pressure, and bounce back from setbacks. It demonstrates that all of us can develop greater resiliency, the ability to adapt to life's changes and crises, is key to a healthy, effective and productive life.

Dr. Al Siebert suggests a unique five-level program for becoming more resilient:

1. Optimize your health
2. Skillfully problem solve
3. Strengthen your three inner selfs (self-esteem, self-confidence and self-concept)
4. Unleash your curiosity, the power of positive expectations, integrating your paradoxical abilities and allowing everything to work well
5. Strengthening your talent for serendipity and mastering extreme resiliency challenges and our transformational breakthrough

Somebody

I received the following from a friend, and am very touched by it. Hope to share it with you...

"Right Now".....

Somebody is very proud of you.
Somebody is thinking of you.
Somebody misses you.
Somebody wants you to be happy.
Somebody is celebrating your successes.
Somebody admires your strength.
Somebody is thinking of you and smiling.
Somebody wants to be your shoulder to cry on.
Somebody wants to protect you.
Somebody wants to be forgiven.
Somebody wants to laugh with you.
Somebody wants to share their dreams with you.
Somebody treasures your spirit.
Somebody praises God for your friendship and love.
Somebody can't wait to see you.
Somebody loves you for who you are.
Somebody loves the way you make them feel.
Somebody misses your guidance and/or advice.
Somebody has faith in you.
Somebody trusts you.
Somebody hears a song that reminds them of you.

--Author Unknown

My Birth Place

As much as I love my current home town Melbourne, it's really nice to have a holiday in my birth place, Hong Kong, spending time with family, friends, shopping and eating!

Hong Kong is often described as a city where East meets West(that sounds like me too - well I'd like to think that I have a good mix of the Eastern & Western aspects of the culture in me hehe).

The people of Hong Kong take their food seriously. These last couple of days, I have had Yum Cha (Dimsum) breakfast. And it's simply yummy!

Going Overseas

I am going overseas for a holiday .... first Hong Kong ..... then Malaysia ..... can't wait!

Ever After

I watched the DVD "Ever After" on Wednesday, which was a birthday gift for me. "Ever After", starring Drew Barrymore, and Anjelica Huston, was a modern day story of "Cinderella". The movie talks about the life of a bright, beautiful, and independent young woman Danielle (Drew Barrymore), who loves reading books (especially Utopia, the book that her beloved father gave to her before he died suddenly).

What attracted me most about Danielle was her intelligence, perserverance, and an unquenchable spirit with self respect, even in difficult environment (ill-treated by her stepmother and stepsister, as the servantmaid). She offers a good role for today's girls. I myself also aspire to her. "Ever After" is also a wonderful love story. Its theme of true love triumphing over huge obstacles is so touching, and that is something I strongly believe as well!

I had a great evening celebrating D's and my birthday watching this wonderful film.

Wake Up & Have A Look

In this month’s “Lausanne World Pulse”, a missiologist wrote an article, which talked about how China is a newly emerged missionary force.

The author (nicknamed 'J. Simth'), belongs to the leadership group of international missionary organization, and has many years of mission experience in China. Simth talked about two main points in his article.

China is gradually becoming a sending country from a country who receives missionaries. In the past, thousands of western missionaries have sown gospel seeds to China. However, this trend has been changed these days. Many missionaries have been sent from China to Jordan, USSR, Afghanistan, and Pakistan etc.

Simth said that comparing China and America, China has more potential in mission. China’s economy has increased 10% in the last 6 years. Not only that, China’s tourist figure will reach 115 million in 2020; Apart from that, half of the population will live in the city. According to the speed of the economic development in China, the economy in China may be 75% more than America in 2050. Therefore, Simth guessed that in the next 30 years, comparing to America, China will continue to grow in the area of mission.

Simth shared that in early 2005, a team of Chinese missionaries came to Pakistan, which had been ruined by the earthquake in December 2004. They brought along blankets, tents, food, bible and Christian readings etc. The local citizens opened their heart to accept the gospel. Every time when the rescue team from China came to where they lived through the 4 wheel drive, they would shout happily, “Christians have arrived!” They would run towards the 4 wheel drive, and hope to get the help from the name of Jesus.

Simth said that Christians in China have become more passionate to go to East Asia and Middle East. In the missionary meeting in June, there were pastors from Chinese house churches, Korean, and American Korean. They have shared together their heart and burden for the missionary work through Chinese churches, and talked about the difficulties in the process, the latest development and future plans. They are convicted that although they are not sure of the direction ahead, God has already put them on this path, and will continue to guide them.

Dear Lord God, may You continue to bless the missionaries all over the world for Your Kingdom's sake!

Health And Poverty

Health is a major symptom and cause of poverty. According to the World Bank "2005 Human Development Indicators" report, a number of factors are important when considering health:

1. Access to nutritious food and supplements
2. Access to clean water
3. Access to decent sanitation facilities
4. Access to medical treatment

Resolving these problems is not difficult. The technologies exist. The problem is the inability of the poor to access them!!

Responding To Poverty

Christians are called to respond to the poor with compassion and generosity.

"This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.
This then is how we know that we belong." (1 John 3:16-18 NIV).

"Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.
1Ti 6:18 Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.
1Ti 6:19 In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life." (1 Timothy 6:17-19).

Poverty is one of the great evils of this day and age. It is the absence of the well-being God intends for humankind. The Bible provides an image of the world as God intends it to be - communities of people engaged in a loving, worshipful relationship with God, enjoyingthe fruits of an abundant earth and the deep bonds of love with one another. Poverty exists wherever this vision doesn't.

Therefore, I truly believe in a holistic approach to make poverty history (something I first learned through the subject Holistic Ministry, when I was at Bible College) - including relief (meet the immediate material and physical needs of the poor), development (address the underlying causes of poverty), emotional, mental, and spiritual growth etc.

Make Poverty History Concert

On Friday night, there were more than 15,000 people rocked to end global suffering at the Make Poverty History concert.

International superstars Bono and The Edge from U2 and Pearl Jam's Eddie Vedder had the crowd in raptures early as they teamed to play Neil Young's Rockin' in the Free World.

The concert was awesome, and the message of the importance of making poverty history was shared!
I believe the main message from this should be for the younger generation to step up and support this cause.

Tim Costello's passion and commitment to the cause was amazing. He said that his generation has had a go, but they have failed on the moral issue. They now pass the baton on to the younger generation to Make Poverty History.

All the young people out there, please be part of this, and get involved in contributing to make poverty history.

Vocational Mission

I have been thinking a lot about how to integrate mission and 'secular' work or business these last few months since I started this tent-making independent marketing business. And just today God directed me to
Luke 5: 1-11 which records Jesus' activities among the fishermen at Lake Gennesaret. In light of urban challenges, this passage can really be seen from the perspective of vocational mission.

I was thinking: "Does Jesus target the fishermen as a vocational group? Does his mission have a vocational focus?"

It is not difficult to find answers to these preliminary questions. Jesus calls his first four disciples from the fishing profession. His call to Peter is repeated three times, and each time the encounter occurs in Peter's workplace (aka business environment). The calls are meant for Peter to follow Jesus as a disciple, first of all in his workplace where he is to be a fisher of men and later to feed the Lord's sheep gathered in the fishing village where he grew up. If you read through the Gospel of Mark, Jesus was always in various towns on the shores of the Galilee Sea. It's clear that Jesus' ministry has a strong focus on the fishing occupation. With one third of the first twelve disciples being from the fishing profession, it shows Jesus' determination to reach this group (sub-culture) for His Kingdom.

I believe that the workplace, the market place and the business world are rather important mission fields in the cities. People in these mission fields don't come into the 4 walls of our church building. We need to go to them! Urban mission differs from rural mission in that cities are densely populated with many professions with business from various networks. Urban missionaries need to learn the art of knocking on and opening the doors of various professions. I believe that a ministry call does not negate the original vocational call. In fact, I would say that it may be better choice for 'full-time' ministry workers to be in the workplace or business (on people's turf), rather than leave their profession, in order to fulfill their calling. In so doing, they serve as models for church members in fulfilling God's bivocational calling upon their lives.

Health And Wellbeing

I have been learning so much about health and wellbeing / wellness through the business I am in lately, and I am very grateful for that.

According to integrative medical practitioner Dr Doris Brownless, the guest presenter of the health and wellness meeting that I attended on Monday, optimal health might mean different things to different people. It might mean having a diet with more fruits and vegetables (we need 3 cups of vegies and 2 serves of fruits every day). Or you might be eating a healthy diet but need to incorporate daily exercise in your life. Clearly, a personalized health program is required – taking into account your specific health and wellness needs by choosing the best dietary, lifestyle, rest and relaxation habits for you – then, select supplementation products to support your healthy life. They are essential for wellness. In the past, people focused on having their illness cured, but now many have realised the important of keeping well. I have been really feeling the benefits of nutritional supplementation that I am currently taking, as it gives me so much more energy and vitality for my life and work.

I am also learning to be a weight management consultant as a tent-making part time project. I love my new life and I love the fact that I can share God's love through this, as many of my business associates and clients are people from various parts of the world. I am also happy that I can learn to have a healthy and balanced lifestyle, and to help people to lose weight and be healthy, while assisting them with their goals as I acheive my desire of making a difference in people's life.

C.S. Lewis' Poem On Love

Love's as warm as tears, Love is tears:
Pressure within the brain,
Tension at the throat,
Deluge, weeks of rain,
Haystacks afloat,
Featureless seas between
Hedges, where once was green.

Love's as fierce as fire, Love is fire:
All sorts - infernal heat
Clinkered with greed and pride,
Lyric desire, sharp-sweet,
Laughing, even when desired,
And that empyreal flame
Whence all loves came.

Love's as fresh as spring, Love is spring:
Bird-song hung in the air,
Cool smells in a wood,
Whispering 'Dare! Dare!'
To sap, to blood,
Telling 'East, safety, rest,
Are good; not best.'

Love's as hard as nails,
Love is nails:
Blunt, thick, hammered through
The medical nerve of One
Who, having made us, knew
The thing He had done,
Seeing (with all that is)
Our cross, and His.

Health & Wellness

Have you noticed that most people in our society are constantly tired, gaining weight (despite the health industry's increasingly strident recommendation for low-fat diets) and are stressed beyond belief? Strangely most people seem to accept this state of affairs, and feel powerless to change their life and health for the better.

Lately I have been reading, learning and attending seminars about health and wellness, as I feel that health is extremely important. So how do we achieve balance in our health? And how can we feel "in control" of our future health and well being? How do we achieve optimal health, increased energy and live longer, how to have good diet, reach and stay on our ideal weight, and how to manage ongoing health and vitality? Farmers teach us that to achieve balance, diversity, protecting our forests, and organic agriculture are vital. Soil needs to be balanced, farms need to be organic, no infecticides.

I will write more after my next seminar.... in the meantime, please feel free to sharemwhat you think about health and wellness.