Today is Roy's 30th Birthday!
Happy Birthday to you!
Happy Birthday to you!
Happy Birthday to Roy!
Happy Birthday to you!
Hip! Hip! Hooray!
Hip! Hip! Hooray!
Hip! Hip! Hooray!
{
Followed by 30 gun shots -
Bang!Bang!Bang!Bang!Bang!Bang!Bang!Bang!Bang!Bang!
Bang!Bang!Bang!Bang!Bang!Bang!Bang!Bang!Bang!Bang!
Bang!Bang!Bang!Bang!Bang!Bang!Bang!Bang!Bang!Bang!
}
With love,
From GG members and all at BUC.
Monday, March 26, 2007
Saturday, March 10, 2007
Blessed Birthday to Uncle Lim
If Uncle Lim is still in this earthly life, he would be 88 years old today.
Happy Birthday to Uncle Lim!
Happy Birthday to Uncle Lim!
A Compilation of Eulogies in Memory of Uncle Lim
As one of the senior member of our GG, I have known Mr Lim Kwan Hooi for nearly 8 years. We were quite closely acquainted with each other and I have found him to be a very simple unpresumptuous person, very friendly and kind and helpful. He was always humble and ever ready to lend a helping hand and a listening ear.
He was also very devotional and religious in his outlook and taking in an active part in our singing songs of praise to the Lord and in our study and discussions on the Word of God.
Uncle Chan
=================================
Uncle Lim is proud of his children and grand children by the way he talked about them – their lives and achievements. I believe God has placed Uncle Lim in our Growth Group so that we can learn to take care of the elderly. At times when he was unwell he still wants to come to our Sunday gatherings. In the past few years, he did what he can do best, that is to be faithful in attendance. We are humbled. Our GG will miss him.
Wing Cheong
=================================
Uncle Lim was a man of few words. When asked during many of our growth group meetings, “Uncle Lim, anything to say?” His reply most of the time was “I have nothing to say.” For me, his presence in our Growth Group and Church said it all… His desire to listen and to know God and to be with God’s family. To see his presence week after week brought joy to us all.
Uncle Lim, your presence will be truly missed.
Sue Ling
=================================
Uncle Lim is someone who enjoy being in the company of people. If given a choice, I believe he would go all his way out to join us in whatever events we organize. In some ways he is an adventurous person. He always liked to share with me and my wife about his younger days of traveling to different countries.
I still remember once we had a GG outing at the Lake Garden. We were at first a bit concerned if we should bring Uncle Lim along. On one hand, we tried not to exclude him but on the other hand we were very concerned about his mobility and health condition. Nevertheless, since he insisted to come along, we brought him along. That itself spoke clearly how much he desired to be in fellowship with all of us in the GG and we were greatly encouraged by his determination and enthusiasm. Although the outing ended abruptly half way with a little bit of drama, we were glad to have organized that short and 'adventurous' outing as a GG, more so especially with Uncle Lim around. Later we found out that actually Uncle Lim was not feeling too well that morning but he didn't want us to know so that he could still come along with us.
I guess Heaven would be such a wonderful place for Uncle Lim. Not only he gets to meet our Lord Jesus who will ultimately satisfy the deepest desire of his heart, I believe there would be plenty of 'going places' there as well to mesmerize such an adventurous heart of Uncle Lim. More so especially when Uncle Lim is no longer to be bound by his previous physical limitation any more.
We will see you soon again Uncle Lim, in the "Ultimate Garden of Eden"!
Nai Kyn
=================================
I will always remember Uncle Lim as someone who is kind, warm-hearted, generous and thoughtful. Whenever he sees me, he will ask me in Hokkien "Did you go back to Sitiawan or not?" He will ask me about my hometown, my family and chats with me about the places he visits during his younger days.
His presence in coming faithfully to church and Growth Group meetings encourages me and I'm so glad to have known him as my friend and GG member always and forever.
Goodbye, Uncle Lim. I will miss you.
Yoke Teen
=================================
Uncle Lim
A good man
A simple man
A faithful man
After every Sunday celebration service in Antioch Centre, Uncle Lim would sit by the table near the entrance to wait for Soon Thye to pick him up. I would normally approach him to strike a conversation with him. During one of our conversations, he asked me where I was from and I told him that I was from Malacca. We talked about my family, Peranakan food and Malacca. From that day onwards, whenever he sees me, he starts talking to me in Bahasa Malaysia. I was impressed with his command of the language.
Uncle Lim, sampai kita berjumpa lagi.
Roy
=================================
This is my story, this is my song
Praising my saviour all the day long.
On 4.3.2007, when we ended the family memorial service with this song, I thought how appropriate it was. Uncle Lim loved to sing songs of praise and worship unto the Lord. He would stand, clap and even raise his hands in worship. I remember a time during worship at our GG meeting when he was moved to tears by the presence of GOD. I can picture him in heaven singing praises to his Saviour all day long.
When Roy and I visited him at Pantai Hospital on 24.2.2007, 1 week before he passed away, it pained me to see him cough..there was so much liquid in his lung. His desire was just to go back home to be with Aunty Lim. While chatting, I held his left hand and he did not let go. I know that when Wing Cheong and Sue Ling visited him later in the day, he also held on to their hands. His simple gesture touched our hearts.
Uncle Lim you were a gift from God to us all in BUC, especially to our GG.
I will miss you.
Selvi
=================================
Whenever we picked up Uncle Lim for GG meeting or congregational worship, he would always ask about how we are doing. He even asked about our family members as well who are in Penang and Sabah. We rembemer him having this desire to visit his daughter in Kota Kinabalu, where Christine is from. We even thought of taking him with us few years ago when we went back to visit Christine’s parents. But because of his health, we were advised not too. We nearly booked the ticket for him!
My most vivid memory of Uncle Lim is feeding him with durian cake. He really enjoyed it. It was a joy to serve him.
Seng Chor
=================================
To me, Uncle Lim is a relational person. He always wants to be among people and talks to people. I was surprised when he eagerly joined one of our GG outings to Lake Garden. Though he didn’t participate much in the activities, his presence speaks louder than words. I heard that he sang quite loudly that day. It was a joy to see him at the outing. He was such a ‘gung-ho’ person.
I’m amazed that he does remember things and he tries to remember them. He remembers that I am a lecturer. He even remembers that I studied in Australia. I couldn’t even remember that I have told him that. He remembers that I’m from Kota Kinabalu and Seng Chor from Penang. He often makes effort to recall things by asking us to confirm. It shows that he is a caring person. He always wanted to get to know more about other people.
Uncle Lim, I will miss you.
Christine
=================================
Even in his senior years he faithfully came for fellowship. He loved to converse during those times we had the opportunity to fetch him to church. We enjoyed chatting with him and we will dearly miss him. We know that Uncle Lim is now with our Lord.
Chris & Linda Wong
=================================
Uncle Lim was a person of few words but showed quiet understanding of the Word. He was a strong and resilient person and a devoted husband to Aunty Lim. Uncle Lim greatly encouraged us by his faithful attendance at GG meetings.
Grace Seow
=================================
Uncle Lim was a man who was young at heart. He would often talk about his young life full of experience and fun. As he comes to GG he always greets people with respect and would ask how they are. He is with the Lord but he remains in our memories forever.
Rachelle Wong
=================================
I remember Uncle Lim at our first BUC Family Camp in Fraser's Hill (1997). He was really sporting - played all our team-building games including linking hands in a circle and walking, stepping over obstacles, etc. There was one obstacle race where we were all blind-folded & had to walk in between a ladder, under pillars, etc. (and were we concerned for Uncle Lim - apparently he was more game than any of us!!)
Then there was this particular birthday of his that we celebrated at Prayer Retreat (in de Palma, Sepang) - and he was so touched...
Indeed Uncle Lim is a very generous man (There was one GG meeting in his house where he had his daughter prepare really "ho liu" for the curry mee for us).
Uncle Lim, Thank you for all the sweet memories. We shall miss your stately presence at our Worship services.
Dolly
He was also very devotional and religious in his outlook and taking in an active part in our singing songs of praise to the Lord and in our study and discussions on the Word of God.
Uncle Chan
Uncle Lim is proud of his children and grand children by the way he talked about them – their lives and achievements. I believe God has placed Uncle Lim in our Growth Group so that we can learn to take care of the elderly. At times when he was unwell he still wants to come to our Sunday gatherings. In the past few years, he did what he can do best, that is to be faithful in attendance. We are humbled. Our GG will miss him.
Wing Cheong
Uncle Lim was a man of few words. When asked during many of our growth group meetings, “Uncle Lim, anything to say?” His reply most of the time was “I have nothing to say.” For me, his presence in our Growth Group and Church said it all… His desire to listen and to know God and to be with God’s family. To see his presence week after week brought joy to us all.
Uncle Lim, your presence will be truly missed.
Sue Ling
Uncle Lim is someone who enjoy being in the company of people. If given a choice, I believe he would go all his way out to join us in whatever events we organize. In some ways he is an adventurous person. He always liked to share with me and my wife about his younger days of traveling to different countries.
I still remember once we had a GG outing at the Lake Garden. We were at first a bit concerned if we should bring Uncle Lim along. On one hand, we tried not to exclude him but on the other hand we were very concerned about his mobility and health condition. Nevertheless, since he insisted to come along, we brought him along. That itself spoke clearly how much he desired to be in fellowship with all of us in the GG and we were greatly encouraged by his determination and enthusiasm. Although the outing ended abruptly half way with a little bit of drama, we were glad to have organized that short and 'adventurous' outing as a GG, more so especially with Uncle Lim around. Later we found out that actually Uncle Lim was not feeling too well that morning but he didn't want us to know so that he could still come along with us.
I guess Heaven would be such a wonderful place for Uncle Lim. Not only he gets to meet our Lord Jesus who will ultimately satisfy the deepest desire of his heart, I believe there would be plenty of 'going places' there as well to mesmerize such an adventurous heart of Uncle Lim. More so especially when Uncle Lim is no longer to be bound by his previous physical limitation any more.
We will see you soon again Uncle Lim, in the "Ultimate Garden of Eden"!
Nai Kyn
I will always remember Uncle Lim as someone who is kind, warm-hearted, generous and thoughtful. Whenever he sees me, he will ask me in Hokkien "Did you go back to Sitiawan or not?" He will ask me about my hometown, my family and chats with me about the places he visits during his younger days.
His presence in coming faithfully to church and Growth Group meetings encourages me and I'm so glad to have known him as my friend and GG member always and forever.
Goodbye, Uncle Lim. I will miss you.
Yoke Teen
Uncle Lim
A good man
A simple man
A faithful man
After every Sunday celebration service in Antioch Centre, Uncle Lim would sit by the table near the entrance to wait for Soon Thye to pick him up. I would normally approach him to strike a conversation with him. During one of our conversations, he asked me where I was from and I told him that I was from Malacca. We talked about my family, Peranakan food and Malacca. From that day onwards, whenever he sees me, he starts talking to me in Bahasa Malaysia. I was impressed with his command of the language.
Uncle Lim, sampai kita berjumpa lagi.
Roy
This is my story, this is my song
Praising my saviour all the day long.
On 4.3.2007, when we ended the family memorial service with this song, I thought how appropriate it was. Uncle Lim loved to sing songs of praise and worship unto the Lord. He would stand, clap and even raise his hands in worship. I remember a time during worship at our GG meeting when he was moved to tears by the presence of GOD. I can picture him in heaven singing praises to his Saviour all day long.
When Roy and I visited him at Pantai Hospital on 24.2.2007, 1 week before he passed away, it pained me to see him cough..there was so much liquid in his lung. His desire was just to go back home to be with Aunty Lim. While chatting, I held his left hand and he did not let go. I know that when Wing Cheong and Sue Ling visited him later in the day, he also held on to their hands. His simple gesture touched our hearts.
Uncle Lim you were a gift from God to us all in BUC, especially to our GG.
I will miss you.
Selvi
Whenever we picked up Uncle Lim for GG meeting or congregational worship, he would always ask about how we are doing. He even asked about our family members as well who are in Penang and Sabah. We rembemer him having this desire to visit his daughter in Kota Kinabalu, where Christine is from. We even thought of taking him with us few years ago when we went back to visit Christine’s parents. But because of his health, we were advised not too. We nearly booked the ticket for him!
My most vivid memory of Uncle Lim is feeding him with durian cake. He really enjoyed it. It was a joy to serve him.
Seng Chor
To me, Uncle Lim is a relational person. He always wants to be among people and talks to people. I was surprised when he eagerly joined one of our GG outings to Lake Garden. Though he didn’t participate much in the activities, his presence speaks louder than words. I heard that he sang quite loudly that day. It was a joy to see him at the outing. He was such a ‘gung-ho’ person.
I’m amazed that he does remember things and he tries to remember them. He remembers that I am a lecturer. He even remembers that I studied in Australia. I couldn’t even remember that I have told him that. He remembers that I’m from Kota Kinabalu and Seng Chor from Penang. He often makes effort to recall things by asking us to confirm. It shows that he is a caring person. He always wanted to get to know more about other people.
Uncle Lim, I will miss you.
Christine
Even in his senior years he faithfully came for fellowship. He loved to converse during those times we had the opportunity to fetch him to church. We enjoyed chatting with him and we will dearly miss him. We know that Uncle Lim is now with our Lord.
Chris & Linda Wong
Uncle Lim was a person of few words but showed quiet understanding of the Word. He was a strong and resilient person and a devoted husband to Aunty Lim. Uncle Lim greatly encouraged us by his faithful attendance at GG meetings.
Grace Seow
Uncle Lim was a man who was young at heart. He would often talk about his young life full of experience and fun. As he comes to GG he always greets people with respect and would ask how they are. He is with the Lord but he remains in our memories forever.
Rachelle Wong
I remember Uncle Lim at our first BUC Family Camp in Fraser's Hill (1997). He was really sporting - played all our team-building games including linking hands in a circle and walking, stepping over obstacles, etc. There was one obstacle race where we were all blind-folded & had to walk in between a ladder, under pillars, etc. (and were we concerned for Uncle Lim - apparently he was more game than any of us!!)
Then there was this particular birthday of his that we celebrated at Prayer Retreat (in de Palma, Sepang) - and he was so touched...
Indeed Uncle Lim is a very generous man (There was one GG meeting in his house where he had his daughter prepare really "ho liu" for the curry mee for us).
Uncle Lim, Thank you for all the sweet memories. We shall miss your stately presence at our Worship services.
Dolly
My Surrogate Grandfather
Who is He?
He’s looking cool,
Walking out of his home
Clutching his sunglasses
All groomed and combed.
Who is he?
My surrogate grandfather.
A man who lived a life
Full of experience and adventure
Broadening his mind
Through his travels of splendour.
Who is he?
My surrogate grandfather.
Surrounded by his family
Was what he loved most,
Then came his food and drink
Now that, he liked to boast.
Who is he?
My surrogate grandfather.
Week after week he came to Church and GG
Worshipping God in his own way
Placing his hope and trust
In the Lord without too much to say.
Who is he?
My surrogate grandfather.
Longevity and wealth
Was one of his last few wishes,
He got more than that:
Eternal life and riches.
Who is he?
My surrogate grandfather.
“Her surrogate grandfather?”
You may ask.
Yes, that’s right!
Uncle Lim.
My surrogate grandfather.
~ By Michelle Wong ~
He’s looking cool,
Walking out of his home
Clutching his sunglasses
All groomed and combed.
Who is he?
My surrogate grandfather.
A man who lived a life
Full of experience and adventure
Broadening his mind
Through his travels of splendour.
Who is he?
My surrogate grandfather.
Surrounded by his family
Was what he loved most,
Then came his food and drink
Now that, he liked to boast.
Who is he?
My surrogate grandfather.
Week after week he came to Church and GG
Worshipping God in his own way
Placing his hope and trust
In the Lord without too much to say.
Who is he?
My surrogate grandfather.
Longevity and wealth
Was one of his last few wishes,
He got more than that:
Eternal life and riches.
Who is he?
My surrogate grandfather.
“Her surrogate grandfather?”
You may ask.
Yes, that’s right!
Uncle Lim.
My surrogate grandfather.
~ By Michelle Wong ~
Wednesday, March 7, 2007
Uncle Lim
As a Growth Group (GG) we have been truly blessed by Uncle Lim. Shortly after he started his dialysis treatment, as a GG we had communion with him and Aunty Lim every 2nd and 4th Sundays after our GG meetings. Initially, we had decided to go in small groups and take turns to have communion with them. In the end, after every GG meeting, all of us went to his home to have fellowship with both Uncle and Aunty Lim. We would have a short time of praise and worship followed by the holy communion, exhortation and prayer.
We tried everything and everyway to minister to both Uncle and Aunty Lim. We came to minister to them but each time we left their home being blessed They both opened their home and hearts to us. We saw Aunty Lim growing stronger with a desire to walk and to sing praises and listen from the Word. We saw the strain of the dialysis treatment on Uncle Lim, but not once did he say no to our coming for fellowship and communion. He was faithful to the very end.
As a GG, we have had many special memories of Uncle Lim. His best friend was Uncle Chan. Uncle Lim always greeted Uncle Chan as ‘Lo Chan’. At every GG meeting they reserved seats for each other and always sat next to each other.
One Sunday, after our GG had fellowship and communion with him and Aunty lim, as we were saying our goodbyes, Uncle Lim wanted to follow us to the coffee shop in Taman Tun for lunch. We promised him that we would eat together with him, so the next time we came for fellowship and communion, we bought food for everyone from the coffee shop in Taman Tun and ate together with him and Aunty Lim.
At our GG fellowship and communion with him on 28.1.2007, we celebrated Wing Cheong and Sue Ling’s wedding anniversary with a durian cake. Seng Chor fed Uncle Lim a piece of the durian cake and he enjoyed it. Aunty Lim remembered this meeting and she shared it with Seng Chor when a few of us visited her on the Sunday afternoon to pay our respects.
Uncle Lim we will miss you.
Seng Chor’s GG
We tried everything and everyway to minister to both Uncle and Aunty Lim. We came to minister to them but each time we left their home being blessed They both opened their home and hearts to us. We saw Aunty Lim growing stronger with a desire to walk and to sing praises and listen from the Word. We saw the strain of the dialysis treatment on Uncle Lim, but not once did he say no to our coming for fellowship and communion. He was faithful to the very end.
As a GG, we have had many special memories of Uncle Lim. His best friend was Uncle Chan. Uncle Lim always greeted Uncle Chan as ‘Lo Chan’. At every GG meeting they reserved seats for each other and always sat next to each other.
One Sunday, after our GG had fellowship and communion with him and Aunty lim, as we were saying our goodbyes, Uncle Lim wanted to follow us to the coffee shop in Taman Tun for lunch. We promised him that we would eat together with him, so the next time we came for fellowship and communion, we bought food for everyone from the coffee shop in Taman Tun and ate together with him and Aunty Lim.
At our GG fellowship and communion with him on 28.1.2007, we celebrated Wing Cheong and Sue Ling’s wedding anniversary with a durian cake. Seng Chor fed Uncle Lim a piece of the durian cake and he enjoyed it. Aunty Lim remembered this meeting and she shared it with Seng Chor when a few of us visited her on the Sunday afternoon to pay our respects.
Uncle Lim we will miss you.
Seng Chor’s GG
Home Calling of Uncle Lim
Our eldest and beloved growth group member Mr Lim Kwan Hooi aka Uncle Lim was called home to the Lord on Saturday, 3rd March 2007 at 8:45 pm, 7 days before his 88th birthday which falls on 10th March 2007. He was born in 1919.
We shall dearly miss his presence at our Worship services.
We shall dearly miss his presence at our Worship services.
Friday, March 2, 2007
You're Blessed
1-2 When Jesus saw his ministry drawing huge crowds, he climbed a hillside. Those who were apprenticed to him, the committed, climbed with him. Arriving at a quiet place, he sat down and taught his climbing companions. This is what he said:
3"You're blessed when you're at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule.
4"You're blessed when you feel you've lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you.
5"You're blessed when you're content with just who you are—no more, no less. That's the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can't be bought.
6"You're blessed when you've worked up a good appetite for God. He's food and drink in the best meal you'll ever eat.
7"You're blessed when you care. At the moment of being 'care-full,' you find yourselves cared for.
8"You're blessed when you get your inside world—your mind and heart—put right. Then you can see God in the outside world.
9"You're blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That's when you discover who you really are, and your place in God's family.
10"You're blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God's kingdom.
11-12"Not only that—count yourselves blessed every time people put you down or throw you out or speak lies about you to discredit me. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and they are uncomfortable. You can be glad when that happens—give a cheer, even!—for though they don't like it, I do! And all heaven applauds. And know that you are in good company. My prophets and witnesses have always gotten into this kind of trouble.
Matthew 5:1-12
(The Message)
3"You're blessed when you're at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule.
4"You're blessed when you feel you've lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you.
5"You're blessed when you're content with just who you are—no more, no less. That's the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can't be bought.
6"You're blessed when you've worked up a good appetite for God. He's food and drink in the best meal you'll ever eat.
7"You're blessed when you care. At the moment of being 'care-full,' you find yourselves cared for.
8"You're blessed when you get your inside world—your mind and heart—put right. Then you can see God in the outside world.
9"You're blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That's when you discover who you really are, and your place in God's family.
10"You're blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God's kingdom.
11-12"Not only that—count yourselves blessed every time people put you down or throw you out or speak lies about you to discredit me. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and they are uncomfortable. You can be glad when that happens—give a cheer, even!—for though they don't like it, I do! And all heaven applauds. And know that you are in good company. My prophets and witnesses have always gotten into this kind of trouble.
Matthew 5:1-12
(The Message)
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
A Lunar New Year Reflection
I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me.
Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows.But take heart, because I have overcome the world.
John 16:33
(New Living Translation)
(New Living Translation)
My In-laws – the Ling’s family has a meaningful tradition that they keep every year. They will organize what they term as “Family Altar” during the Lunar New Year (a.k.a. Chinese New Year) where different ones come together to share about their journey with God for the past one year and as they look forward to the coming year, what are the things to commit to God in prayer.
I became part of this tradition since the last two years as a result of my marriage with their third lovely daughter. For the past two years it has been such an eye opener and new experience for me. Sharing was given and prayer was offered up with much gusto then. Nonetheless, this year I shared about the ‘dark’ and gloomy year God has brought me through in year 2006.
Year 2006 no doubt marks another important spiritual milestone in my life. It was not because of any great success or achievement that God has led me into. On the contrary, it was a year filled with trials and sorrow.
First, there was the news of my bosses leaving the company, leaving a great vacuum behind as they ravage whatever business left in company. My company’s business had not been doing well and merely broke even for the past two years. Sensing that year 2006 and 2007 are going to be more challenging than before and anticipating the possibility of making loss for the first time, my bosses decided to leave and start up with a new but much lower overhead cost endeavor. One of them made use of his ‘special’ relationship with the oversea principal and transfer the distributorship over night to the new company. Due to my good rapport with them, they even offered me the opportunity to join them in realizing their millionaire dreams. I was severely tempted. For a moment, I thought it must have been God’s blessing due to my ignorance and lack of experience. After much prayer and consultation with my elders, it was discerned that this was not a path God has prepared for me to take.
Then came the even more disturbing news of a cancer illness suffered by one of my church leaders. She has been one of the pillars of strength to many of us. Over the years we have grown fond of her because of her wisdom and loving care to each one of us. To many of us, she is just like our godmother. And yet, God chose to allow such horrible thing to happen to her in year 2006. Within a period of less than nine months, God took her away.
There was also the desire for both my wife and I with regards to starting a family in the later part of year 2006. Again, God has delayed his blessing for us. We cried up to Him for mercy and we kept on reminding ourselves that God’s way is higher than ours and His timing is perfect. And yet, we are still waiting and wondering why the delay.
Hence, this morning I came across the verse in John 16:33. It came like a sweet assurance to me even though I have read it many times before. Nevertheless, the timeliness of this verse makes it taste like freshly baked cookies from Heaven (Reminds me of the cookies that were given to us by friends and relatives during the recent festive celebration). This, I believe is a divine revelation.
In John Chapter 16, our Lord Jesus warned the disciples that tough and difficult times lay just ahead of them. He wanted to make sure that the disciples would stay faithful even when persecutions come upon them. Yet, what is most comforting is the fact that Jesus had not left them to face all these all by themselves. He promised them the Counselor (John 16:7) who will guide them into all truth (John 16:13). It is during difficult and painful times like these we really need God’s Spirit to remind us of who Jesus really is and what kind of eternal destiny awaits us on the other side of heaven. Only with such renewed perspective, we are able to shift our focus from the pain and suffering experienced on the cross to the glorious resurrected body of our Lord Jesus Christ.
In the closing of my sharing during the Family Altar 2007, I summarized my sharing in a statement: “I think God is teaching me to see his blessing in terms of the ‘absence’ rather than the ‘presence’ of things in year 2006.” We always find it easy to praise God and love Him in times of abundance. But God reminds me that we need to praise Him and continue to love Him even in times of neediness. The truth of the saying “God has not called us to be successful but to be faithful” has to sink in deeper in my life.
God bless me with John 16:33 ‘cookies’ this Lunar New Year. May He bless you with many ‘cookies’ as well this New Year.
By Brother Nai Kyn.
Friday, February 23, 2007
Our Evangelist - Prayer Requests
Pray:
- For Revival of small group churches; the field is big and there is a lack of workers. Pray for more workers to be raised up.
- For 2 motorcycles because winter is near and the roads will be harder for my trishaw to travel. We need transport to cope with the scheduled pastoring and visitation works.
- For better communications. There are times when we cannot contact the co-workers.
- For wisdom and devotion to God's work. For strength to be God's witness and for more people to be edified.
- For my wife that she will not worry and be burdened by the family needs but submissively give of herself and supporting the gospel work.
- For our sons to grow in knowledge and wisdom and have God's work in their heart. We want to offer our elder son in January 2007 to God. Pray that he may get theological training in the future.
Sunday, February 11, 2007
1st GG Meeting in February
Today, we met at the home Seng Chor, Christine and Jordan.
Uncle Chan led us in a time of worship. We sang praises to His name. We give glory to His name. We were reminded that for every time we pray, we move the hands of God. God answers prayers! There is no other name but the name of Jesus.
We read Psalm 147 together:
Word Time: Every-Member Ministry (2 Corinthians 3)
Key verses:
"Christianity is essentially a lay movement. Every person in Christ is a minister, a priest, a prophet, a prince or princess in the kingdom of God. This every-member ministry takes place not only in the church but in the home, workplace and society - all the places we inhabit from Monday to Saturday" (Paul Stevens)
Uncle Chan led us in a time of worship. We sang praises to His name. We give glory to His name. We were reminded that for every time we pray, we move the hands of God. God answers prayers! There is no other name but the name of Jesus.
We read Psalm 147 together:
Psalm 147
1 Praise the LORD. How good it is to sing praises to our God,
1 Praise the LORD. How good it is to sing praises to our God,
how pleasant and fitting to praise him!
2 The LORD builds up Jerusalem;
2 The LORD builds up Jerusalem;
he gathers the exiles of Israel.
3 He heals the brokenhearted
3 He heals the brokenhearted
and binds up their wounds.
4 He determines the number of the stars
4 He determines the number of the stars
and calls them each by name.
5 Great is our Lord and mighty in power;
5 Great is our Lord and mighty in power;
his understanding has no limit.
6 The LORD sustains the humble b
6 The LORD sustains the humble b
ut casts the wicked to the ground.
7 Sing to the LORD with thanksgiving;
7 Sing to the LORD with thanksgiving;
make music to our God on the harp.
8 He covers the sky with clouds;
8 He covers the sky with clouds;
he supplies the earth with rain
and makes grass grow on the hills.
9 He provides food for the cattle
9 He provides food for the cattle
and for the young ravens when they call.
10 His pleasure is not in the strength of the horse,
10 His pleasure is not in the strength of the horse,
nor his delight in the legs of a man;
11 the LORD delights in those who fear him,
11 the LORD delights in those who fear him,
who put their hope in his unfailing love.
12 Extol the LORD, O Jerusalem;
12 Extol the LORD, O Jerusalem;
praise your God, O Zion,
13 for he strengthens the bars of your gates
13 for he strengthens the bars of your gates
and blesses your people within you.
14 He grants peace to your borders
14 He grants peace to your borders
and satisfies you with the finest of wheat.
15 He sends his command to the earth;
15 He sends his command to the earth;
his word runs swiftly.
16 He spreads the snow like wool
16 He spreads the snow like wool
and scatters the frost like ashes.
17 He hurls down his hail like pebbles.
17 He hurls down his hail like pebbles.
Who can withstand his icy blast?
18 He sends his word and melts them;
18 He sends his word and melts them;
he stirs up his breezes, and the waters flow.
19 He has revealed his word to Jacob,
19 He has revealed his word to Jacob,
his laws and decrees to Israel.
20 He has done this for no other nation;
20 He has done this for no other nation;
they do not know his laws.
Praise the LORD.
Word Time: Every-Member Ministry (2 Corinthians 3)
Key verses:
2 Corinthians 3
4 Such confidence we have through Christ before God.
5 Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God.
6 He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant—not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.
"Christianity is essentially a lay movement. Every person in Christ is a minister, a priest, a prophet, a prince or princess in the kingdom of God. This every-member ministry takes place not only in the church but in the home, workplace and society - all the places we inhabit from Monday to Saturday" (Paul Stevens)
All believers are competent for ministry in Christ.
What makes us competent to minister is not our credentials, not even our freedom from struggles and difficulties, but the work of the Spirit writing the law on our hearts. This qualifies us all to become ministers of the new covenant in the Spirit.
How has this passage encouraged you to feel competent to minister as a disciple of Jesus?
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