National Conference

National Conference was really a turning point in my life, truly a place of a fresh encounter with God. The place was really cold and windy, considering its height is 3/4 Genting Highlands, and there were 44campuses, 3 nations represented here in this conference. USM is the largest delegation with 73 delegates, whereas the smallest delegation is IMU and UIA with 1 each :)

We had great powerful exposition from the book of Joshua by Dr. Thomas Chung from Kuching. An old chap, a medical doctor with 3 scholarships throughout his whole life. First degree is Biochemistry from McGill University in Canada, second degree, MBBS from University of London, third degree perhaps in theology. Speaking with Queen's English with mixture of Hokkien and Malay words, combined with unique body language, this guy is really awesome. The truth of God was expounded with passion and full of conviction, calling us to rise up, to be bold and courageous, to reject sin, to depend on God, to pray passionately, to go forth to claim the promised land in our families, colleges, universities and everywhere we go. Perhaps the things that speaks strongly is his own personal life which continues to amaze me. Declining a lifestyle of luxury, he chose to remain single for life, living a very simple life, where being a doctor is just his part-time job, and his main job is to proclaim God's truth among the tribes in Sarawak! He supports himself by just doing locum in clinics, and lives everyday as it is his last, without looking forward to keep earthly treasures, but to seek treasures in heaven. I believe that you Kuchingites are very blessed to have this guy around. Appreciate and take opportunities to hear from him while there's still a chance.

There's few plenary talks as well, addressing the issues of Malaysian Christian. The first plenary (what's the meaning of plenary anyone?) is by Rev.Steven Kum from Calvary Church, that talks about our Malaysian Identity. Malaysia is indeed a nation that God has created on the 16 September 1963, and since its a creation of God, we are put into this creation for times like this to bring this nation to turn to Him! There is distinct identities of Chinese Malaysians that sets us apart from Singaporeans, Mainland Chinese, Taiwanese, and as Chinese Malaysians, we should be proud to be Malaysian, and to take up the mandate to live for God's glory in this nation. We should take God's identity (Children of God) rather than worldly racially divided identity. At the end of the plenary, Dr Loh Kim Cheng (staff of FES) exposes the sins of racism among CFs in Malaysia, where we often divide ourselves racially even in the body of Christ. Bumiputra Christians and Chinese Christians do not mix. We look down on the status of Bahasa Malaysia, the language that unites the whole nation. We are too proud to reach out to the Bumiputra Christians. Our CFs are not willing to use BM as medium of communication and worship. This causes the lack of participation of Bumiputras in our CFs. Many non-Chinese feel that they are second class Christians in Malaysia. They wish to be born a Chinese. We shout and jump about God's love, but we live without love. Jesus suffered and died on the Cross not for Chinese alone, but for all people. Hearing that I burst into tears and I wept, repenting for my sins and the sins of the people. It is the first time I really grieve.

The second plenary talks about being dispersed into the whole nation. A large proportion of Christians in Malaysia are middle-class, professionals, having the social mobility to migrate, change jobs, and to support a fairly high standard of living. We often want a comfortable living in large cities like KL, Johor Bahru, Penang, Ipoh etc. but we forgot that God calls us to the ends of the earth. Mr. Goh Keat Peng, the director of World Vision in Timor Leste scolded us, saying (paraphrased) if you are not willing to die for Christ, you better don't be a christian. Is there anywhere that we cannot go? We are call to shine for Christ in every vocation that we are in, to defend God's truth, and to influence the community for Christ. The small towns of Malaysia, the church of Malaysia is not in KL alone, it is in the whole nation. We are too isolated from the community, neglecting social concern and issues. We often have the 'richer', 'cleaner', 'holier' than thou attitude, unwilling to dirty our hands to defend the poor, destitute, homeless etc. If one day Christians are persecuted in Malaysia, who is to blame? We ourselves! Because we do not contribute to the society that warrants respect from the community. What have we done in the society that gives us the right to co-exist within the larger multireligious community? If we continue to be ignorant to the world and just worship God within the 4 walls of the church, nothing will happen. Worship is more than singing. A sad statistics shows that half of Malaysians migrating overseas are Christians. Where is our witness for the Lord?

The third plenary talks about living in a predominantly Muslim society. It advocates Christian intellectualism in today's ('Prayer Healing Deliverance' phenomena), which often anti-intellectual. We are so excited about the working of faith (there's nothing wrong), but then we neglect study of the word of God and the development of Christian worldview. This causes us not to be respected as an intelligent faith, but blind faith. Many Muslim academics in Malaysia, for example UiTM deputy Vice Chancellor, Dr. Syed Saleem Faruqi and Dr. Syed Naquib Al-Attas say that our Christianity is nothing more than 'western individualism', where as Islam is the complete way of life. We can just stand speechless, unable to refute them if we continue to live with the ideology of Western Christianity. The message, although too academic and with too much jargon, speaks about the danger of ignorance. With current trends, it is predicted that by year 2020, 85% of Malaysians will be Malays with left 15% non-Malays comprising of all faiths. When the proportion of Muslims increase, the power of Islamic policies will increase, living as a Christian may be harder. How will things be? Will we migrate by then? An interesting issue.

With Shariah Law being parallel with Civil Law, its hard for us to defend our rights when it involves interreligious cases. It is feared that the Shariah Law will be higher than the civil law one day. No more pork in many places in the future, no more church buildings considering the decrease of Christian population, the issue of religious freedom will be more complicated, and the future seems dark. Are we willing to stand strong in the midst of hardship? If the early martyrs are willing to suffer for Christ to be eaten by lions, what makes us less worthy to suffer as Christians? Will we be true to God's calling to be Malaysian Christian, to shine even how dark the future seems to be? Will we contribute to nation building as ambassadors of Christ?

We must avoid Bumiputra Christians to neglect their faith that their forefathers have accepted during the revivals in Sabah and Sarawak decades ago. The Bario Revival for example need to be maintained for the next generation, in order that the Church to stand. The natives are the true custodians of the Malaysian Church, not chinese, tamil, or english churches, the indigenous church need to be put as the mainline church (the best example is SIB). If not, Christianity will forever be regarded as a Western/Foreign religion. Therefore, we need to acknowledge that the bumiputra christians are the true heirs of the church, we need to reach out to them more, we need to treat them with respect, we need to pray for them. Thus, Chinese and Tamil christians should reach out to them in campuses (often we are too sombong to accept them) causing them to stray away from the faith. They are our brothers and sisters and the survival of the church depends on whether we reach out to them or not. Hearing this, I wept again and I made a commitment in my heart to love them as much as I love myself.

After all these, I actually went up to Mr. Simon Tira, a Melanau, one of our group member (ex UiTM SA student) and ask forgiveness on behalf of the Chinese Christians for our pride, and wanted to hug him. He was so touched that he went up to tell the camp director, and the next morning the whole camp did something very significant. We have hugs of reconciliation with people of different races, asking forgiveness and proclaim God's love on each other :) One thing that stayed with me, and perhaps the strongest memory when I hugged one of my group member, a Kadazan sister from Kota Belud. I wondered what people will think of me if I hug her. But when I did, she wept and wept and just wept, saying that this is a first time she recieve love from the Chinese. Initially she hated Chinese so much for their control of the economy, she hated Chinese guys for being so prejudiced on people with darker skins, and that moment the love of Christ melted hatred and sin. Praise God! I believe this is the heart of the Father, who do not see people by the colour of their skin, but the content of the heart, like what Martin Luther King Jr. once said.

This conference is indeed a serious, heartsearching, thoughtprovoking conference. Very different from replicates of Planet Shaker's hippie and shallow conferences (not judging Planet shakers), this conference is indeed not for the faint hearted. I encourage you to go for the 2008 National Conference.

Purpose Driven Life

Often we say that everyone lives for a purpose, whether they realise it or not. Rick Warren wrote the book, Purpose Driven Life. Many people put their lives for something that they want to be known for, as their identity, as their purpose. That is why when we first meet someone, we'll ask, "Which programme you're in?" or if we're working, "What do you do?"

Finishing exams was something was a dream to me since few months ago. I dreaded so much to finish SSABSA, and to end the torment of facing the pressure of exams, quizzes and internal assessments. But since I finish my last paper 2 days ago, I begin to ask myself, "I've gotten what I want, so now what?"

Should I go and hang out now?
Should I pack up my bag and go home now?
Should I clean up my house after the mess of exams?
Should I go play computer games like there's no tomorrow?

I'm confused. I don't know what to do. At least before I finish exams, I have a clear purpose and goal; to study, but now I do not. I feel so lost, waiting for things to fall upon me, waiting for events to happen, or to initiate for events to happen.

It was time that I did my soul-searching. What am I here for? What am I expecting? Is life filled with series of events, of which after I finish one, I proceed to the another? Why must I use activities to give me a false 'sense' of purpose?

Do I not know what my purpose is to know God and to enjoy Him forever? Its time that I spend more time with my boyfriend up there in heaven. If not, I'll continue to crave for activities to give purpose. Activities don't give us purpose, only a relationship with God gives the fullest purpose in life. Thank God I've found this purpose.

a light

Things are getting better now... and its really refreshing to come back into His presence. Learn to stand in the presence even though its hard to do so. And yet, staying with Him is something so sweet... undescribable... and now I learn a new song that cut deep into my heart. I thank God, each time I am down, He raise me up with a new song, like David always got new songs.

Ku mau cinta Yesus selamanya
Ku mau cinta Yesus selamanya
Meskipun badai silih berganti dalam hidupku
Ku tetap cinta Yesus selamanya

Ya Allah Bapa
Ini aku anakMu
Layakkanlah seluruh hidupku
Ya Allah Bapa
Ini aku anakMu
Pakailah sesuai dengan rencanaMu

Dryness in desert...

Last time I always hear the people talking about 'the darkest period of her life', I wonder how is it to be emotionally and spiritually down. And praise God that He allows me to experience it also :P

For the past 3 weeks I have been struggling with joylessness, and although I always portray myself to be happy by the smileys I attach in all smses I send to people, I am actually hiding a lot without realising it. and Psalms 88 really resembles my situation.

And for almost 3 weekends I wept every Saturday/Sunday night, and poured out to God my heartcry in various things. Insecurities, fear, rejection, feeling helpless, which is often not true, but yet I wonder why I succumbed to feelings, as I am not so emotional before. On certain days, I was uplifted by intimate fellowship with God, and on certain days I feel so dry and disconnected from Him. Each time I tried to read the Word, its so dry, dead, and doesn't speak to me anything. I tried to talk to God, but my spirit just don't feel like doing so. I'm like forcing myself to pray. I've skipped prayer meeting for 2 weeks already.

I desperately need times of refreshing with God... and I believe that this period God is testing me and bringing me to another level. But I am still fighting and pressing on. Please wrestle with me in prayer.

Study

One day I study under the tree in front of my hostel block. Its so cooling and refreshing. Manage to capture some pictures.

Steamboat Buffet

Tom Yam Soup

Chicken Soup

Last Thursday we all went to Yuen Steamboat Buffet in Sunway City, to belanja the seniors who are leaving. Ended up very full, and of course extra kilos.

Farewell

the graduates except the middle and the shortest girl

Jaclyn worship leading, with Cheah Yen, Yiko, Jia Huei, Roger, Amanda, Nat in the team.

had our CA farewell celebration last few weeks. Its a really edifying time for me, even as I graduate from INTEC and CA. This is the group that really cheered me in the race, that provided me the fellowship to find my significance, the encouragement to grow and achieve my potential, the love and support that I need in times of trouble. Thank God for such a wonderful family that He has all over the world.

The 2005 group

the difference between Trials and trials

yesterday and today are the two challenging days for me, days where I have to reexamine myself, to take myself aback and do major reflection. as you can see in title, ya... the difference between Trials and trials is, the latter is even discouraging that the former.

I begin my first day of class with full of excitement. Monday morning, with my dark blue shirt with the ever nice uitm tie, I went to the cafe and have my usual cup of tea and fried rice. went to class, got back my English essay paper. not bad, I scored an average mark. even as I got into the physics class... the trembling comes. and come a wind rushing and distributed itself into fires on tongues... lol

I got back my physics paper... it is better than my 3rd topic test. 70+ begin to be be my dreadful number. perhaps I put too much hope. but anyway its what most people got except few brilliant ones who scored 90+. Even as I browse through the paper, I thought I could answer most of the paper, but why still I can't score what I wanted? silly mistakes, full of them, contaminating the paper.

The afternoon, I went to IDP (agent that handles our uni application) to get my letter for the interview for the University of Adelaide medical programme. Joyously we went to Subang, went to the office, and got our letter. Initially in the morning, there's some number of around 10+ people who didn't make it for the interview, so I'm quite proud of myself getting one. (not bad ah me!) I took the letter without looking at it, and off we went to have lunch in Asia Cafe. As soon as I bite my first bit, I glanced through the letter. Awwwww!!! Ohhhhh!!! *$#%$#@#$@# What?

Dear Choon Wei Wee,
We have recieved your PQA test results. Unfortunately, we are sorry to say that YOU DID NOT SCORE enough cut-off point to get an offer for our Medicine program. However, your results qualify you to opt for our Dentistry program instead, and I am glad to invite you for the interview this thursday.

YOU DID NOT SCORE! DENTISTRY??? pulling out teeths for the rest of my life?? a big blow to me. i mean, so many people got the interview. all non-malay student got the interview except one, and you are saying that I am another one? How can I be so ..... bad? my results are above average, i mean i did quite well in PQA, my mind was sound, I could be confident with my answers. Why? Why?

even now, I am still asking why? is this the trial that God wants to give me after my Trials? then today, i got my results for another few subjects as well. Expected it to be not so good due to the fame that AUSMAT trials is purposely made hard, but did not expect me to score averagely, similar with my fellow classmates. Why I can't get higher than average? am I too kiasu? or am I just not the 'brainy' kind? I don't know.

but 'I know whom I have believed', like what the old famous hymn goes. Bad days, good days, God works out for good for those who loves Him. even when circumstances are bad, He has a good reason for it, and I want to be excited for what greater trials He will heap on me next because His purpose is good and pleasing at the end, I know. I messaged a few of my friends and colleagues, exaggerating "I want to die!", but deep inside I know that life is worth the living just because He lives.

Because He lives,
I can face tomorrow,
Because He lives,
All fear is gone,
Because I know, I know,
He holds the future,
Life is worth the living
Just because He lives

the word of God also challenged me yesterday to rise up from this failure and disappointment, to press on further to study for His glory, to pursue excellence. In Proverbs, Solomon says, "hey sluggard, look at the ants!". Truly whatever I sow, I will reap. and today I can testify that I will strive no matter what to fulfill what God wants me to do here in INTEC. but that doesn't mean I need to worry about my outcome, whether I will pass or fail, because my life is in His hands.

praise God!

fauzi wee
failed doctor-to-be, future 'pencabut gigi'

What's the fuss about marrying a Malay?

Recently I've helped the AUSMAT drama team come out with 'Curry Puff Blues', a 30 minutes production for INTEC's 25th anniversary's Language Awareness Night with a very strong theme of interracial marriage. A poor chinese guy wanted to be with a rich malay lady, but ended being caught and being thrown into the river. With the idea taken from the movie 'Sepet', the message of the drama was something that is very dear to my heart, racism.

Recently, as I was talking and discussing about future marriage and boy-girl relationship with my mother and grandfather, I joked with them whether would they be happy if I am to marry a Malay or perhaps an Indian or perhaps an Orang Asli. True to the popular prejudice to both of these races, my grandad says (with respect to my non-Chinese friends, for the sake of quoting him), "IF YOU MARRY AN INDIAN, YOUR CHILDREN'S WORTH WOULD BE REDUCED TO HALF! INDIAN LADIES ARE UGLY, DARK, AND YOUR DESCENDANTS WILL BE IMPURE, WORTHLESS. YOU KNOW, THE MALAY CIVILISATION IS JUST 400 YEARS, AND THE CHINESE CIVILISATION STARTS FOR 5000 YEARS. HOW CAN YOU MARRY BARBARIANS?"

Tough, strong statements that can cut deep into the hearts of those who heard it. My grandpa is not a Christian. I turned to my mum, double discouragement, she succumbed to the devil's lie of racism. Racism and racial prejudice is so rampant in the society and worst still, it has crept in to the church as well. But what should we, Christian respond and act towards this issue. Is racism biblical? Is racism justified?

On the 22nd day of September, 1862 the President of the United States of America, Abraham Lincoln, issued an emancipation proclamation declaring every man free. The proclamation was reinforcing the words of many, that all men were created equal. But many people could not endorse that statement. Sad to say, many Christians who speak of the love of God are secretly racist within their hearts. Today, Christ also has an emancipation proclamation with a condition for every man. And He is saying in John 8:32, "And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." What is this "truth" that Jesus spoke of? Well, consider the following.

Acts 10:10-14
10 And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance,
11 And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending unto him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth:
12 Wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air.
13 And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat.
14 But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean.
28 And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath showed me that I should not call any man common or unclean

Clearly the God has endorsed that we should never call any creation of God ‘unclean’. There should not be ‘holier’ or ‘better’ than thou attitude in our lives because the Bible clearly states that ‘ALL men have sinned and had fall short of the glory of God’. You and I are sinners, unworthy people, and we have no rights whatsoever to condemn or to judge anyone, or any group unworthy to associate with. Christ died for one race; the human race. This is how we should see different ethnic groups as how God looks at us, human beings who needs the love of God, equal before the Almighty One.

Peter accepted the truth but many others in the Christian church refuse to see all people as equals. Therefore, they are exhibiting a form of Godliness, but there is no power. The power only comes when there is oneness. How can a group of people suggest to be in one accord when they are segregated by racism? Where is the love? When Christ is in the heart, the love of man becomes unconditional. Men will not see color, but a sister and a brother in Christ. How can we say that I am an elder in the church, yet at the same time certain members are neglected because they are black? How can you say that I am a Pastor, a man of God, yet at the same time you have ill feelings towards the white members of your church? Who hath bewitched you friend? The Bible says, "Let no man deceive you." But many have been deceived, in believing that they are better than others.

Galatians 3:2828 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.

God gave Moses an Ethiopian woman to be his wife. Two race coming together. Hagar, Abraham's maid was from a different race. Friends, God sees people, He does not see race. Is there not beauty in everything? Yes there is. It is just that some people are so pre-disposed a certain way that they cannot see it. The fact is, God did not create race. He did not create black and white. The Bible said, "So God created man." Genesis 1:27.All people came from Adam and Eve. Therefore, where did race come from? The beginning of race started at the Tower of Babel. From that point onward our geographical location, climate and infrastructure had everything to do with our features.

Many want to preserve something that God did not create. Race came about as a result of sin. God wanted us to be one people. If we did not walk away from God, if we did not try to build a tower unto heaven, then we would not be in this segregated mess. One day, their will be no more race, just one people. At that point, no one will have a reason to be racist, for we will be one people. Friend, I do not know about you, but I am longing for that day. The day where situational racism and all other kinds of racism will be destroyed. God made all man in His image and all man equal. Image has a lot more to it than just color. It is our attitudes, mannerism and our character. Man is skin deep. For many, image means color. Racism prevents us from seeing the physical form of the entire face and body of a person. We only see color and then exclaim, "that person does not look like me." Why, because we are condition and bent that way because of the corrupted teachings of this world. God does not see race, He sees people. We must get to the point where we are separated by nothing, in God. God made us one people and we will be one people again.

Philippians 2:33 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.We should always, as the command from the Bible, esteem others better than ourselves.

Jeff Spencer, an evangelist laid down 4 main points of contradiction between racism and Christianity.

RACISM VERSUS THE LOVE FOR GOD

Can we honestly claim to love God if we do not love and accept those He created in his likeness? The Bible answers: If someone says, "I love God," and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen? And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also (I John 4:20 - 21).

RACISM VERSUS THE CHARACTER OF GOD.

Racism is about as far removed from God's character as one can get. God does not possess the shallow trait of "judging a book by its cover." While man looks at the outward appearance, "...the Lord looks at the heart" (I Samuel 16:7). As Peter so accurately stated, "In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him" (Acts 10:34-35).

RACISM VERSUS THE UNITY IN CHRIST

In the world of the First Century, there was constant enmity between Jew and Gentile (non-Jewish). Jesus came "...that he might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity" (Eph. 2:16). In the body (or church) of Christ (Eph. 1:22-23), all barriers are removed (Eph. 2:14). A Christian is one who has put on the new man "...who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him, where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, but Christ is all and in all" (Col. 3:10-11; cf. Gal 3:28). The barriers removed in Christ include those of nationality ("Greek nor Jew"), heritage ("circumcised nor uncircumcised"), culture ("barbarian, Scythian"), and social class ("slave nor free"). There is no place for racial prejudice in the Lord's church.

RACISM VERSUS THE GREAT COMMISSION

God "...desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth" (I Tim. 2:4). He loved "the world" (consisting of every race) so much that he gave His only begotten Son (John 3:16; Rom. 5:8). Christians are to "shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life" (Phil. 2:15-16). We are to reach out to those of "all nations" with the saving message of the gospel (Matt. 28:19-20). Racism has absolutely no room in this task. It is a hindrance in carrying out the great commission of our Lord.

Friends, as followers of our Lord Jesus Christ, we need to come to know that the grace of God upon our lives should not be forgotten. We are the forgiven people, and we ought to see people with God’s grace and mercy, to see people as equal, for this is the highest act of love.

Coming back to the question of interracial marriage, we are not to judge or to limit ourselves to a certain racial group to marry because God’s purpose and will is the most important of all. As long as we do not be unequally yoked and pursue marriage with wisdom, God’s blessing is upon each and every union.

fauzi

Its Your blood that cleanses me

Darah-Mu membersihkan,
Darah-Mu membrikan nyawa,
Darah-Mu gantikanku, Mati menebusku,
Bersihkan, putih melepak, melepak,
Yesusku, penyelamat daku.

Karangan : Michael Christ (Mikail Kristus)

inilah lagu yang sering dinyanyikan oleh usrah yang dihadiriku semasa mengaji dalam tingkatan 5. sungguh pendek, kuno, lagu lama, tetapi tetap menyentuh hatiku, tetap mengingatkanku kepada Yesus, permulaan dan pengakhiran imanku.

Rahmat Allah tiada batasnya

New Life Restoration Centre

New Life Restoration Centre, Shah Alam
a centre where new lives were born, the incubator of souls, the tabernacle of praise...

Many people use to wonder why on earth, why on earth do I want to go to such a centre? New life? sounds like direct sales product with its logo opposite McD's.

Pastor David Tham, hail from Batu Pahat, a man with the apostolic anointing, called to reach the thousands of Shah Alam, is now pastoring this flock of around 100 strong. A company secretary, and a lay pastor of this church. His ministry has been impactful both to the church and the marketplace. With youthful vibrance, and a strong love and hunger for God's power and anointing, He has been instrumental in reaching out to people of Section25 Shah Alam, and now moving to Kota Kemuning.

Personally, when I first came to this church. I see this pastor, and also the pastors of NLRC as 'very personal'. His attempts to crack joke with all church members and visitors are appreciated although not always successful. Together with Ps. Barnabas who will jovially greet you as if you are the only person on earth. and Pastor Pak Lum with his big smile, always asking about your studies and about 'when are you flying to ....?' together with his updates about his billion dollars project. Really made you feel special and welcomed. Plus Phebe (Ps. David's wife who is ever funny), and aunty Yin Chun (Ps. Barnabas' wife) who will always nod her head when she talks to you, never to disagree on anything.

Special thanks go to Ps. David and Phebe for their wonderful hospitality during my weekend stay in their mansion. Really appreciate the stay and their constant feeding. Besides, thanks also for feeding me with the Word of God and impartation of experience in ministry during the G12 sessions. Thanks for helping me to get rid of unforgiveness, past hurts and wounds, and breaking of sins in my life during Encounter Weekend. Thanks also for the listening ears to my cries and frustrations in Campus Alive ministry and also giving support in all ways to reach out to the students. Your presence in my life is really impactful.

There are of course strengths and weaknesses in every congregation that I've been to, and NLRC is not being spared from evaluations :P Let me summarise

Strengths

• Close proximity to the community
• Good teamwork within the pastoral team and also volunteers and staff
• Nice church ambience
• Great approach in reaching out to the community through the Childrens' Church
• Vibrant worship service
• Strong sense of urgency to preach the Gospel, and using the works of the Holy Spirit, dependence on God
• Strong zeal and commitment among the committed members.

Weaknesses

• Lack of solid preaching and challenge using the Word of God
• There isn't a strong emphasis on personal growth among members
• Growth programmes are too centralised towards NLRC PJ, eg: Ministry Training, teaching on prayer etc.
• Lack of clear direction in growth. Focus is not consistent (Works of HS, service, SCC, evangelism)
• Teaching has high tendency to fall into the trap of 'prosperity gospel' or 'God meeting the needs of people' and less emphasis on carrying the cross and commitment.
• Too much dependence on the lay leadership. Lack of leardership roles among members.

Anyhow, there is still room for improvement and I believe that this Church will continue to be God's instrument to reach the thousands for Shah Alam. Keep it on!

Choon Wei

hi there,
just finish my trials, very time and energy consuming. really during the trials i wished i could have gone home, but now after trials i face another problem; boredness complex. haha. this is the pic when i am bored.

tuhanku

Tuhanku
ketika hatiku duka
sewaktu ia menangis
Kau bagaikan Gembala
yang memapah disisiMu
menciumku bagaikan anaknya sendiri

Tuhanku
Ketika ku keseorangan
bagaikan kertas ditiup sana sini
pada waktu itu lah Kau berada
HadiratMulah yang ku dapat rasakan
Aku bersamamu Kau ingatkan.

Tuhanku
Ketika badai hidup mengamuk
Ku dihimpit kerisauan dan kepayahan
Ku kehilangan tujuan hidup
Ku merana akan kehidupan
PelukanMu Kau ingatkan
Kaulah segalanya dalam hidupku

Tuhanku
Ku keletihan kerana dosa
Banyak kali minta ampun, banyak kali itulah ku dosa
Ku malu jatuh tersungkur
kepalaku tak terangkatnya
kerana kekudusanMu
Ayuh bangun anakku Kau seru
KasihKu bagimu tak terbatas

Tuhanku
Hidup ini penuh derita
Tiada makna walau ku kaya
Apalah gunanya hidup
TanpaKu hidupmu tak bermakna
NyawaKu kuberikan agar hidupmu penuh bermakna.

Tuhanku
TanpaMu siapa kita
KepadaMulah ku datang
Bebanan dosa Kau tanggalkan
Bebanan hidup Kau ringankan
Dengan DarahMu kau bersihkan
agar kehidupanku menjadi kemuliaanM

Convocation 

blogging

hi friends (i hope there's some),
just got into the hang of blogging. Really when I see few of you blog, i really thought I should blog as well. As a journal, can save up everything and print out and become my life journal. When I die ppl will read mine and cry... haha :P

ya, some of the nice blogs I like

http://theagora.blogspot.com
http://eguitarist4christ.blogspot.com
http://beckz31.blogspot.com

wait for mine in the near future!!
muakz...

somewhere out there

somewhere out there
Pressure is everywhere. Exams seems to be a troubling moment nowadays, unlike the good old years in school. Why should there be exams? Why can't the teachers create a electrical device that can be connected to our brain and scan how much we have learned? Why must they force us to squeeze it out?