I did a terrible, terrible thing today. Samarah and I were having a casual chat and somehow it led to talking about moral values, etc, etc...and so I started talking about Christianity, but somehow it got a bit heated and I was much too forceful with my words and, and...and it all just went wrong!!! :( I apologised soon afterwards and she forgave me, but the damage was done. She will be too uncomfortable to have any more conversations with me about religion, or anyone else for that matter.
Right now I feel like a completely loathsome maggot.
Good thing I'm a Calvinist.
Last weekend was most exciting, and in fact left me feeling enthralled. But I've been much too busy to share it with you (except by way of my mood) until now.
On Saturday, we had a special all-day staff conference where all Australian and NZ staff flew over for the weekend. I've gotten to know many of the staff that deals with my department over the past 6 months and developed a good rapport with them. I've even managed to let them all know that I'm a Christian. Over the course of the day, many of them were eager to meet me and I had many conversations with them, often telling them what my plans were for the rest of the weekend - ie church and Bible study, as opposed to getting drunk and being hungover.
In particular, I had a longer and deeper conversation with one girl from Swan Hill by the name of Jolene. She had no religious background, but had some (misguided) understanding of Christianity which she found hard to accept. She seemed interested to hear what I had to say on the subject (though perhaps out of politeness) and I explained the gospel to her. We continued to discuss some of the difficulties she had and it basically boiled down to the claims of Jesus and the resurrection. I had just started to explain the trilemma (Jesus as Lord, Liar or Lunatic) when we were interrupted by another staff and by the main course being served (D'oh!).
The rest of the evening flew by in a blur and I didn't get a chance to finish the conversation with her. But hopefully the seed I planted in her will be watered and nourished by God.
I've been wanting to email Jolene since I got back into the office on Monday. But a new girl Samarah started on that day and I've been flat out training her for all aspects of the role, with not a minute of spare time. However, in training her and getting to know each other, I had a chance to share my testimony with Samarah and how much the gospel has changed my life. Still, opportunities are scarce and I hope to be able to make use of every opportunity.
On Saturday, we had a special all-day staff conference where all Australian and NZ staff flew over for the weekend. I've gotten to know many of the staff that deals with my department over the past 6 months and developed a good rapport with them. I've even managed to let them all know that I'm a Christian. Over the course of the day, many of them were eager to meet me and I had many conversations with them, often telling them what my plans were for the rest of the weekend - ie church and Bible study, as opposed to getting drunk and being hungover.
In particular, I had a longer and deeper conversation with one girl from Swan Hill by the name of Jolene. She had no religious background, but had some (misguided) understanding of Christianity which she found hard to accept. She seemed interested to hear what I had to say on the subject (though perhaps out of politeness) and I explained the gospel to her. We continued to discuss some of the difficulties she had and it basically boiled down to the claims of Jesus and the resurrection. I had just started to explain the trilemma (Jesus as Lord, Liar or Lunatic) when we were interrupted by another staff and by the main course being served (D'oh!).
The rest of the evening flew by in a blur and I didn't get a chance to finish the conversation with her. But hopefully the seed I planted in her will be watered and nourished by God.
<< Thank God for the opportunity to meet and talk with Jolene, and for giving me boldness to talk about Christianity in a secular work environment. Pray that Jolene will continue to ponder on the great news of the gospel and how she can be saved through the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. >>
I've been wanting to email Jolene since I got back into the office on Monday. But a new girl Samarah started on that day and I've been flat out training her for all aspects of the role, with not a minute of spare time. However, in training her and getting to know each other, I had a chance to share my testimony with Samarah and how much the gospel has changed my life. Still, opportunities are scarce and I hope to be able to make use of every opportunity.
Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. (Colossians 4:2-6)
<< These verses sum up very well what I would like you to pray for. Pray also that Jolene and Samarah's hearts will be soften to receive the message of the cross. >>
The air buzz with excitement as various neophytes filtered through the door. Some strolled in confidently, sure of their surroundings. Others looked around nervously, hoping to spot a familiar face. Most were happy just to sit silently or make small talk with those beside them. A small remanant trickled in at the last minute. Finally it began.
Had the first OT lecture at SMBC on Tuesday night. It was good to be back. This year I'll be studying under Kirk Patston (semester 1) and Ian Fryer (semester 2). Like many people, OT is unfamiliar territory to me - particularly the prophets. They all seem to be saying the same thing, though in different periods of Israel's history. I guess that says something about the stubborn hearts of man, doesn't it?
But I'm sure that reading the OT can be much more interesting than that. How can the Word of God be dull and unimportant?!?!? I trust that God will reveal the wonders of the Scriptures to me this year and help me to appreciate them. Afterall, it's "The Bible Jesus Read". And through it, we can come to know the person of Jesus Christ better. Kinda like finding out about someone's childhood, their upbringing, family/cultural traditions, and other historical details to understand them more.
A few weeks ago at KYLC strand 1, I met this guy from a Greek church named Spiro. He was a very willing servant who drove us between Camp Fletcher and the KCC 'Tin Shed'. He was in the process of starting an english congregation in his church for the 2nd generation kids - much like what WS and SCAC did in the past. He and I spoke at lengths about the joys and struggles of english & youth ministry, and ended by praying to God about it.
What a surprise it was when I saw him at the lectures on Tuesday!! He had decided to start studying full-time this year so he can be better equipped to serve his church. What an encouragement!
Had the first OT lecture at SMBC on Tuesday night. It was good to be back. This year I'll be studying under Kirk Patston (semester 1) and Ian Fryer (semester 2). Like many people, OT is unfamiliar territory to me - particularly the prophets. They all seem to be saying the same thing, though in different periods of Israel's history. I guess that says something about the stubborn hearts of man, doesn't it?
But I'm sure that reading the OT can be much more interesting than that. How can the Word of God be dull and unimportant?!?!? I trust that God will reveal the wonders of the Scriptures to me this year and help me to appreciate them. Afterall, it's "The Bible Jesus Read". And through it, we can come to know the person of Jesus Christ better. Kinda like finding out about someone's childhood, their upbringing, family/cultural traditions, and other historical details to understand them more.
<< Thank God for the opportunity to be in a city where good, faithful Bible teaching is so readily available. Pray that the lectures and essays won't merely be an academic exercise, but will encourage me to be passionate about God's Word. Pray also that I can balance the study load with the rest of my busy life. >>
For no matter how many promises God has made, they are "Yes" in Christ. And so through him the "Amen" is spoken by us to the glory of God. (2Corinthians 1:20)
A few weeks ago at KYLC strand 1, I met this guy from a Greek church named Spiro. He was a very willing servant who drove us between Camp Fletcher and the KCC 'Tin Shed'. He was in the process of starting an english congregation in his church for the 2nd generation kids - much like what WS and SCAC did in the past. He and I spoke at lengths about the joys and struggles of english & youth ministry, and ended by praying to God about it.
What a surprise it was when I saw him at the lectures on Tuesday!! He had decided to start studying full-time this year so he can be better equipped to serve his church. What an encouragement!
<< Praise God for Spiro's willingness to give up his job to go to college so that he can serve Him better. Pray that SMBC will be a most excellent training ground for him as he learns from some of the best teachers around. Pray also for his church as the new ministries are being planned and thought through. May God give them humility, wisdom and guidance. >>
At the end of the day you’re another day older
And that’s all you can say for the life of the poor...
You can say that's all for the life of the rich as well, and for the wise, and for the foolish, and basically all who are lost. Everyday only brings us one step closer to the grave.
...It’s a struggle, it’s a war
And there’s nothing that anyone’s giving
One more day standing about
What is it for?
One day less to be living!...
And yet for Christians, the meaninglessness of life is obliterated. We have the hope of eternal life, and ergo...
...At the end of the day there’s another day dawning
And the sun in the morning is waiting to rise...
Though our hope may appear to be foolishness to the world...
...Like the waves crash on the sand
Like a storm that’ll break any second...
...we are certain of what we do not see.
...There’s a hunger in the land...
There's a greater spiritual hunger, but people don't know where to find bread of life.
...There’s a reckoning still to be reckoned and...
The day of reckoning is still to come, and we will all be held accountable.
...There’s gonna be hell to pay
At the end of the day!
Literally.
So what's with the weird mix of theology and out-of-context Les Misérables lyrics? Dunno. Perhaps it was because I was reminded of a few things at my second supporters' information evening. Perhaps the contrast of a weekend in the warm fellowship of believers, against the dull, hollow echo of a mundane week in the office. Perhaps the strong language of Daniel and Isaiah in revealing the hopelessness of this world. Perhaps even the bored expression on faces in the city that betrays their inability to perceive reality.
Or perhaps I'm just tired.
And that’s all you can say for the life of the poor...
You can say that's all for the life of the rich as well, and for the wise, and for the foolish, and basically all who are lost. Everyday only brings us one step closer to the grave.
For the wise man, like the fool, will not be long remembered; in days to come both will be forgotten. Like the fool, the wise man too must die! (Ecclesiastes 2:16)
...It’s a struggle, it’s a war
And there’s nothing that anyone’s giving
One more day standing about
What is it for?
One day less to be living!...
And yet for Christians, the meaninglessness of life is obliterated. We have the hope of eternal life, and ergo...
...we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. (2Corinthians 4:16-17)
...At the end of the day there’s another day dawning
And the sun in the morning is waiting to rise...
Though our hope may appear to be foolishness to the world...
They will say, 'Where is this 'coming' he promised? Ever since our fathers died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.' (2Peter 3:4)
...Like the waves crash on the sand
Like a storm that’ll break any second...
...we are certain of what we do not see.
For as lightning that comes from the east is visible even in the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man...Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. (Matthew 24:27, 42)
...There’s a hunger in the land...
There's a greater spiritual hunger, but people don't know where to find bread of life.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. (Matthew 5:6)
...There’s a reckoning still to be reckoned and...
The day of reckoning is still to come, and we will all be held accountable.
This will take place on the day when God will judge men's secrets through Jesus Christ, as my gospel declares. (Romans 2:16)
...There’s gonna be hell to pay
At the end of the day!
Literally.
He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the majesty of his power on the day he comes to be glorified in his holy people and to be marveled at among all those who have believed. (2Thessalonians 1:8-10a)
So what's with the weird mix of theology and out-of-context Les Misérables lyrics? Dunno. Perhaps it was because I was reminded of a few things at my second supporters' information evening. Perhaps the contrast of a weekend in the warm fellowship of believers, against the dull, hollow echo of a mundane week in the office. Perhaps the strong language of Daniel and Isaiah in revealing the hopelessness of this world. Perhaps even the bored expression on faces in the city that betrays their inability to perceive reality.
Or perhaps I'm just tired.
And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life. (Matthew 19:29)
God often gives us fleeting glimpses of His promises in this life...and it makes you yearn in eager expectation for that Day.
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I've never had this much money before. It's not much - enough to buy a really cheap, old car perhaps - but it's infinitely more than nothing. It'd be nice to have a car. No need to luge heavy groceries. No late night trains/bus. No need to depend on friends for lifts. No more round-about way of getting somewhere that really only takes 15mins.
No drinking either. =P
(Not that I do anyways)
But internally, war was raging in my mind as to how to spend it in the most gospel-minded way. Pangs of greed and discontentment gripped me, together with the subtle temptation of self-justification. What Would Jesus Do? He never had any money to speak of. He had to tell Peter to go fishing in order to get enough money for the temple tax. He had to borrow a coin from the crowd to use Caesar's portrait as an illustration.
What Would Jesus Do?
Dunno what He would do with money, but I do know what He would do because it's what He did - He laid down His life for the good of others. So I resolved to give part of it to several MTS apprentices that I support irregularly. I wrote out 3 cheques and gave it to them last weekend. Feeling the hole left in my pocket, but rejoicing because it enabled them to continue serving the Lord.
Two days later, I got into work to be greeted by an envelope from my company marked "Confidential". I opened it tentatively, unsure of what to expect. My eyes skimmed quickly over the words on the page...
I grinned sheepishly in semi-disbelief. It was an end-of-year bonus. And it was exactly double the total of the 3 cheques. I sat dazed and in awe of God's providence.
God is good.
<< Thank God for His grace and mercy, not only in providing for my daily needs, but more importantly for giving me life through His Son. Pray that I can continue to trust in Him, even when things aren't so good. >>
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. (Matthew 6:33)
(Hmm...now I'm back where I started with the same problem...)
Whirrrrl...click. Play.
Well, at least that what the old VCR and video tapes sounded like before VCDs and DVDs came out. There are some movie I can watch over and over again, and yet not be bored. Even though the motions on the screen may be the same, the characters and the story would hit me afresh each time. I would notice different body language, or new details in the background, or the music, or...And to me, it'd be a whole new experience all over again. Ah...bliss...
In some ways, church was like that today. Sunday School (SS) and Teens' Group (TG) started for 2003 today. Same time, same place, same faces. We go through the same motions of opening in prayer and flipping through the Bible and pulling out pens and paper. But like a favourite movie, the Bible is never boring, even if it's the same "old" passage. And neither are the people.
I'm substituting in the Yr 7-8 SS class for 3 weeks while their normal teacher is holidaying in HK. I've never taught kids that young in a Bible study before. I had NO idea how easy/hard to make the study. I wasn't sure how much these kids knew. I had taught them last year as a big group in TG, but this was up-close-and-personal. And on top of that, I was expecting two notoriously naughtly kids to join us in Yr 7. As it happened, these two kids didn't turn up, and the three kids that were there knew a fair bit. Oh well, I'll just raise the bar a bit for next week.
TG was also short on some regular members who were still overseas having a holiday [tinge of jealousy]. I explained a bit about the new structure and had no negative response (no news is good news, I suppose?). Played some games and used a scavenger hunt to break them up into their groups. Easy, relaxing day, but hoping to build some anticipation up...maybe? It's hard to surprise them sometimes.
Same people, same church, same Bible.
Same God.
Well, at least that what the old VCR and video tapes sounded like before VCDs and DVDs came out. There are some movie I can watch over and over again, and yet not be bored. Even though the motions on the screen may be the same, the characters and the story would hit me afresh each time. I would notice different body language, or new details in the background, or the music, or...And to me, it'd be a whole new experience all over again. Ah...bliss...
In some ways, church was like that today. Sunday School (SS) and Teens' Group (TG) started for 2003 today. Same time, same place, same faces. We go through the same motions of opening in prayer and flipping through the Bible and pulling out pens and paper. But like a favourite movie, the Bible is never boring, even if it's the same "old" passage. And neither are the people.
I'm substituting in the Yr 7-8 SS class for 3 weeks while their normal teacher is holidaying in HK. I've never taught kids that young in a Bible study before. I had NO idea how easy/hard to make the study. I wasn't sure how much these kids knew. I had taught them last year as a big group in TG, but this was up-close-and-personal. And on top of that, I was expecting two notoriously naughtly kids to join us in Yr 7. As it happened, these two kids didn't turn up, and the three kids that were there knew a fair bit. Oh well, I'll just raise the bar a bit for next week.
<< Thank God for a fairly easy start to SS. Pray that I can teach these kids well, even if it's only for 2 more weeks, and pray that I can show Jesus' love to the more difficult kids. >>
TG was also short on some regular members who were still overseas having a holiday [tinge of jealousy]. I explained a bit about the new structure and had no negative response (no news is good news, I suppose?). Played some games and used a scavenger hunt to break them up into their groups. Easy, relaxing day, but hoping to build some anticipation up...maybe? It's hard to surprise them sometimes.
Same people, same church, same Bible.
Same God.
<< Thank God for the start of another year of ministry and pray that these kids under my care may continue to grow in love and knowledge of our Lord Jesus. >>
...and I will continue to rejoice...
What a day it was indeed, and I didn't even make it to the dinner at church!
Thank you so much to everyone that turned up for this first session. It meant a lot to me to see you there and to have you guys praying for me. I was awe-struck and felt completely exhausted afterwards. It certainly didn't seem like a very active day, but I felt like I was getting dumped by wave after wave of emotions. I had so much more I wanted to share, but I didn't want to drag on meeting on for too long. And I also particularly wanted people from the different churches to have time to mingle. In the end it worked out splendidly. =)
<< Thank God for the smooth running of the day and for the many people that were there. Thank God for people's willingness to support the work of the gospel. Pray that this may also spur them on to proclaim Christ in their own lives. >>
To those of you who are unable to make either of the two days, you must have got the newsletter by now if you made it to this blog. Thank you for your support also, even if I cannot not catch up with you in person.And now, to prepare to be hit by waves again next week.
<< Pray that the next supporter's night will be just as good. >>
...for I know that through your prayers and the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverence. I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. (Philippians 1:18b-20)
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