E03 update 1

I'm tired. Facilitating can be such a demanding activity if you're going to put excellence into the work. And definitely, I'm really tired. Today, however, was an excellent day of learning and of being a blessing to other people through my facilitation in the Power Games segment. Learnt about excellence (Philippians 4:18) and how as a champion, we need to be excellent in all that we do. Tomorrow: integrity - champions need to live lives of integrity. I'll explain more tomorrow. We have participants from Teluk Intan, Kedah, Likas, Kota Kinabalu and Penang. We've got a few international participants as well, mainly students here in KL. Just made friends with a Botswanan student in Lim Kok Wing University College of Creative Technology (possibly one of the longest college names I've ever heard of). I've made a couple of friends through the facilitation and its great to be around talking to them and trying my best to be a great blessing in their lives. Oh, before I forget, I'll try to put some pictures on the webshots website for you all to catch a good glimpse of the event. There may be no E04 for any of you to come back for, but I'm sure that the pictures will give you something to see in the way God works through such a well-planned and God-led youth conference, undoubtedly the birth of a powerful youth movement in Malaysia. Awesome stuff. Will give you more scoop tomorrow. For now, its "sack-hitting". Good night!

E03!!

Today's the official beginning of SIB's premier youth conference - E03. Many months of hard work, preparation and prayer (plus fasting) have been put into this effort, and by the strength and grace of God, it will be an amazing event. Youths will be challenged to live for a cause, to become champions in their schools, workplaces, homes, churches and wherever else God places them. And I'm much better now, praise God for that. I've been taking my paracetamols (as much as I don't prefer taking them - I have a stigma against inexpensive medicine, for some reason) and my physical being is starting to regain its strength. Still have a bit of migraine, but that's not much of a problem. Because I'm feeling all fine and well, I'll be heading off to the E03 conference in a short while. It'll be four days of activity, worship, listening and training to build us up for some powerful days to come - where youth and young adults take our lives to the marketplaces - where our influences will be felt and the power of God so evident in our lives. Exciting stuff. I've still got two assignments due. I'm wondering how I'm going to work them all together by the end of this week. Next week will be Christmas carolling in my college. After that, mock exams. Thank God for a good two-week break for Christmas after that. Till then, have an awesome day and the rest of the week ahead.

E03 on the way

I've not been as unwell as I've been since last year. Having fever and a bit of migraine, plus cough and flu. Its one of those viruses I think. Anyway, I hope I'll be well and able to go for E03 starting tomorrow. My involvement with Power Games only starts on Wednesday, so I hope I'll be totally well by then. Anyway, some joy to find that England won the Rugby World Cup. As I mentioned earlier, the missions speaker, a fan of the All Blacks (because he's Kiwi) was quite happy with the result. Top that off with Jonny Wilkinson winning the Player of the Year award, Clive Woodward named the Coach of the Year and the England team - you guessed it - Team of the Year. 3 awards for a year-long record of successes against the Wallabies and All Blacks (not to mention the Springboks and Les Bleus). Its amazing to find that I've only fell in love with rugby last month, when England faced South Africa in a group match, and now I'm quite familiar with how the game runs and understand the fun (and gore) of one of the world's worst contact sports. Its interesting to also discover that although rugby is, in some ways, "violent", I am impressed with the level of sportsmanship involved. Where else on earth can you find captains and coaches of losing teams congratulating their winning opponents and placing them in high regard? Not in football, that's for sure. That's my short opinion of the game. Its interesting, that's for sure. I'm not sure if anyone reading this blog is a Muslim, but here goes anyway: Selamat Hari Raya! For all the rest of us enjoying a holiday during this festive season, please make sure you're careful on the road. Accidents have already started to occur amongst those on "balik kampung" mood. God bless

Stop The World I Want To Get On

I had a mixed day today. Mixed rice for lunch. Then, at the workshop class, here's what happened: The instructor was more concerned with "balik kampung" for Hari Raya that in the end, all we did was fill in two forms and paid RM 100. I felt conned. Anyway, I think it was not worth the RM 100. Definitely. I'm going to make sure I learn the stuff they should have taught in the workshop class by asking my driving instructor to do that. But I had a great time tonight at a meeting on World Missions. It talks about World Missions as a great Bible theme (which it really is) and how we should be involved in world missions in a very active way. Really, I recommend you all to attend this 2-hour seminar. The speaker is a guest at my house. If you want to know more, you can contact me or World Outreach Malaysia (my dad). Next year, there will be a Condensed World Missions Course (CWMC) to be held in KL. You should all come for it. It gives you a perspective of world missions and how we should be working to "hasten the day of the Lord's coming". That's my 5-star recommendation for you all. The speaker will be speaking in Praise Baptist Church this Sunday, but no worries if you can't make it. Next year will be exciting as many of us will be seriously challenged to reach out to the world in missions. You don't have to feel like God has called you into big-time missions, because it is for sure that God has called you to be a part of the world missions movement, whether you go out or you send people out. Keep in touch and I'll be updating you all! Good night!

Here's what has happened

Thanks for all your patience. Here's what's happened over the past days: 1. I passed my theory test for driving, got 47/50. I'm pretty glad. The guy I went with failed first time and had to resit it (after paying RM 25). Anyway, praise God for that. I've got the workshop class tomorrow afternoon. After that, I officially have a "L" license to work with. 2. I was busy working on an assignment. In my course, an assignment is actually to answer an exam question with references to research and subject material. We have a whole list of past year exam questions and the lecturer will just choose one of them for us to work on. Anyway, I was busy working on my criminal law question and was almost at the finish, only having a little bit more to discuss. It was then that I got stuck, so I called a friend to ask how she would've answered the question. And here's the reply: "Eh, you did the WRONG question lah." Oops. True enough, I had actually done the wrong question. So I had to start on the actual question right after that but I managed to finish it today, in time to hand it in. And also at the expense of another question for public law (different subject). And because I didn't want to waste my time on the wrong question, I handed that one in as well and the lecturer gladly obliged. So that's two exam questions answered. 3. Wai Peng has just finished his SPM exam. He's relaxed, and he ought to. He's looking for a job soon, because he wants to earn some money to get back to Kuching and also for an electric guitar. Hoping that will turn out good. 4. New Zealand defeated a spirited French side in the third placing playoffs today in the Rugby World Cup. The score: 40-13. I only managed to see the last quarter of the game and I must say I am impressed with the French who, unlike the All Blacks, have come a much longer way. They were favourites during the group matches and were predicted finalists. Sad thing to have lost to England in the semifinals, but my respect goes out to them. Salute! Read about it here. England face world champions Australia on Saturday in the finals. Hope to get a good game at hand. Pundits claim that it may be a more boring match than a NZ-France final. Anyway, I'll have to miss the game because of classes. Sad thing, isn't it? I guess that's been much of the happening lately. I've got some exercise coming up for me tomorrow morning. Jogging with the men-of-the-house. Its been a long time, so it'll be great to get back on the jogging track. Till then, may we all exercise and keep fit to do the work of God!

I coined a phrase last Friday. In relation to an email I got from a friend asking some of those tough theological questions like whether we can change God's mind, I thought about it and suddenly, it came. The phrase: "If we knew all about God, He wouldn't be God" Really, I mean if we knew all about God, where would the belief that God is omniscient, omnipresent, almighty, and everything else fit into our carnal minds? It is truly because we are not able to fully grasp the greatness of our God that makes Him the most glorious, majestic and powerful being there ever was and ever will be. The glory of God would be reduced to bits if we knew all about Him. I'm trying to find a good analogy of this, so help me if you've any good way of describing it. But as for now, take heart if you do not know all about God. No one else besides Jesus knew all about God (plainly because He was God Himself) and it would take us more than our lifetime to discover Him. Really, only when we see Him in heaven can we bask in the ultimate glory and majesty of the Great One. However, allow me to qualify this statement by saying that as Christians we should not take this to mean we don't have to discover more about God and know Him personally. We all should continue to strive to know God deeper and closer than we have ever been. I'm learning and so should the rest of us. There was another quote I learnt in E03 training last Sunday, but I'll have to reserve that till after the conference, because it is an essential part of the lessons to learn and would be killjoy to tell those who are going to participate now. I'll tell you once E03 is over. I promise. I have my driving theory exam tomorrow at 8 am. Please do pray for me. The sample questions and answers book they gave me had so many mistakes in it (I think) that when I go tomorrow, I'll really have to trust God and ask Him to help me remember everything I read in the "reference" book. Lastly, just a really great story of sportsmanship that happened in the New Zealand - Australia rugby match last Saturday that I'm quite touched with. Read about it here. God bless and may you experience great joy!

Wow

I had a really interesting time last night at the FES 40th Anniversary Dinner in Tropicana. Firstly, since my classes ended late, we reached Tropicana late as well. But not to fear, the food came later than expected as well, so I didn't miss much. Secondly, it was great to see many people whom I had not seen for a while, including the HELP Institute CF committee members and other friends. That was cool. Here's the most interesting and awkward of all: my dad was also at the dinner - and I had no idea! I knew my dad was going to go for a dinner, but I didn't know it was the same dinner I was attending too. Anyway, at the dinner hall, he sat in the front (he got a free invitation by an FES exco member, I got a free ticket from someone else) while I happily enjoyed myself at the back. We never met throughout the night and I only found out this morning when I told my dad about the dinner. Imagine the surprise on my face! But it was a good time nevertheless. I've been really busy over the past weekend. I was out from the house on Saturday by 7:30 am and only reached home at 12 something am. I slept for 7+ hrs and got up at 7:45 am to rush for church. After that, I went to college for classes and then back to church for E03 training. It was really tiring and I'm going to sleep soon already (I've got an assignment due tomorrow as well, which I think I'll do early tomorrow). I'm just bummed out. What a way to start the week, but I hope it'll get less tiring soon. With E03 coming up next week, it'll not be easy to relax a lot. SIB KL (my church) launched their new album, Power, today. My parents got the album as well. I haven't listen to the whole thing yet, but from the clips I've heard, its a pretty good first-time attempt. I wanted to buy one or two as gifts, but unfortunately, my pocket is running dry. I'm trying to live out on a pretty small amount of allowance. I can survive, though, but definitely not enough to enjoy some luxuries. So I'm really sorry if I can't get any for you guys. Once I listen to the whole recording, I'll give you my reviews and you can get it too. Its RM 25 (sorry for those outstation, I don't know shipping and handling costs.. hehe). But on the whole, I'm proud of the success of the album and more so how God has really led the church through to realising dreams and maximising potential within the church. Its truly a product of God's design and I believe it will be a great blessing to many people as well. Okay, my bed beckons. My eyelids are ceasing to lift themselves above my eyes.

More guests

My house is beginning to feel like the old days (about 10-11 years back) when we always had guests staying in our house. Its really amazing. People from all over the world. Today, we have a couple staying with us. They come from America, and they work with World Outreach International, the missions organization my dad works with. Last week, we had a friend from Kuching come by and stayed with us while on a shopping spree (which brings me to amazement at how women can shop for days and not go tired, but its something like I play football for days anyway) Before that, there was a missionary couple from North America (not sure whether US or Canada) who stayed with us. They've been close family friends for maybe 15 years already, since I was really small (before St. Faith even existed!). Next week, we have a guy coming from the Philippines to stay here for a week. Wow. Renovations have started on our house in SS2 and we've got the approval of the municipal council which we obtained yesterday. Praise God! The red-tape (which Badawi plans to get rid of, at least some of it) made us wait for a pretty long time and my dad had to always call them up and push them to do the work. Anyway, praise God that we've got the approval and all the work on the house can be done. Hoping to move in by end of the year, during my mid-term break. I've got my own room too, so that's gonna be exciting. And its bigger than the one I have now, so there's more space for doing stuff. While in Iraq, more bombings occured, a memorial football match was played in honour of Marc-Vivien Foe, the Cameroonian footballer who suddenly died during an African Confederations Cup in June. A great player with Lyon, Lens, Manchester City and with his national team, Cameroon, he has won two African Nations' Cup titles, French Championships, played in two World Cups and has 65 national caps. The memorial match, featuring stars like Thierry Henry, Nicolas Anelka, Samuel Eto'o and Robert Pires with the proceeds going for charity, was a grand event. It goes to show that where in the midst of scandals and problems that football associations face worldwide as well as the degrading nature of football and hooliganism, topped off with drug abuse, violent players and match-fixing, there remains a great deal of hope that professional football has not lost all its sense of sportsmanship. As for me, I'm off to "hit the sack".

Diary of an American soldier

Had a pretty ok time today. Nothing much besides staying at home, playing around and doing a bit of work (I should have done more on the "work" part) I found a great article on Christianity Today. Read it up. Prayers Over Iraq: The Email Diary Of An American Soldier Goodnight (actually, its already early morning here, but anyway...)

Website delay

Good morning from Kuala Lumpur! I'm doing this in the morning because my brother studied in my room last night. Ended pretty late so I didn't go online. Anyway, a short bit of news on my website. I put the website up online a month and a half ago, for testing purposes. I've taken in down for revamping and working on it. I'm not sure how long it'll take due to all my studies, but I guess that it may be up early next year. I might wait till I can access some form of broadband before putting up the website so that I don't spend too much money managing it. Well, there you go. A bit of news on the website (which is actually taking me a bit longer than I expected, but oh well). Just another short note. For all you real Madrid fans out there, my deepest sympathies over your loss to Sevilla yesterday. Now you really know where to invest all your money: defence. Good morning and have a great day ahead!

Boring

I had a relatively boring time at the driving class today. It was supposed to start at 9, but started at 9:15 (for more on punctuality, please visit Ps. Sivin's blog) but I was ok with that. At about 10 something or 11 am, we went to try out the colour blindness test and this other test that assesses whether you can see 23 meters away. It took me maybe 5 minutes to finish that, and the rest of that half hour to 45 mins was spent waiting for everyone else to finish. During that time, I took the opportunity to watch Men In Black (the cartoon) on TV3 which they were showing for us waiting-people. After that, there was a 30-min break and then we started lectures again. By that time, I was sleepy, going to knock-off anytime soon. I did actually, have spates of a few seconds of sleep and then waking up again and making sure it didn't look like I was sleeping (which doesn't work in my law lectures, apparently as one lecturer mentioned to me personally) and with this gravitational pull for me to sit in front, that makes sleeping even harder to cover up. After that was another 30-min break and then the final lecture, which ended at 2:15 pm. By law, we are supposed to attend 6 hours of lecture (including the lunch break) but for a few reasons, that was not what happened. Firstly, since its Ramadan, lunch was only for non-Muslims and there weren't that many of them. I was even hesitating to drink water in front of the lecturer who had a dry throat from all the talking. So lunch break wasn't all that long. Secondly, the syllabus made for us to study is just not enough to fit the allocated 6 hours. If we did all the lectures one shot non-stop, I think I would be able to go home by 12 noon. But I must finally add that the people there are very nice. The lecturer understood the need for a bit of humour and did not disappoint on that note. They understood our patience and ensured that there was always TV to watch while waiting. They forgot to tell us where the toilets were, though, but I found out by walking one big round around the main building. And the lady that drove me (together with three others) to the lecture was a very nice lady who decided to send me straight home from the lecture, since she stayed near my place and she knows a friend of mine from HELP who is studying in Hong Kong now. Small world, I tell you. Small world. Anyway, that marked Day 1 in my quest. Will keep you informed as time goes on......

Blogging converts

I have, together with a few others, managed to convert a friend into blogging culture. He's the Mutu Chong you see on my tagboard. A law (that's right!) student of the University of Wales, Cardiff. He was my classmate in A-levels in HELP Institute and it's great to see him enjoying his time there. Chelsea fan, so be careful of what you say on his tagboard! I'm kidding, but he really is a fan of Chelsea FC. Visit his blog here Interesting webpages I've got from friends today. Plug and Pray - some crazy kit that gives u the all-you-need-to-know about religions and how to convert to them. Can salvation be bought? I don't think so. So much for selling a kit to teaches you how to convert to any religion of your choice. The Meatrix - heard of The Meatrix? Click on the link to find out! Winning The Culture War - some provocative words from Charlton Heston in a speech in Harvard University in 1999 (he acted as Moses in "The Ten Commandments" and as Ben Hur in "Ben Hur", two classic movies) Tomorrow, I begin my quest for a driver's license. Here in Malaysia, we start off by attending a 6-hr lecture (including lunch break). I'm going tomorrow. And thus begins a journey from pedestrian to future chaffeur. I'm beginning to see my future as the family driver and it looks scary too. Anyway, I'll be learning how to drive whatever the future may be. Goodnight and may all current drivers enjoy the road safety they have now. They may not have it for long.........

US Army casualties

I can't help but wonder why so many US soldiers are dying while President Bush has already declared an end to major combat in Iraq. The latest news after the Chinook helicopter accident was today, when a Black Hawk helicopter was downed near Tikrit (Saddam's hometown), killing another 6 soldiers. Its really no wonder why Turkey has decided not to send troops to Iraw, Spain pulls back its staff and the Red Cross has just about almost closed down its services there. Here's CNN to tell you what happened earlier today: 6 Killed In Helicopter Crash In Tikrit To date, 394 US soldiers have been killed, 255 of which were killed after President Bush announced the end of major combat on May 1. Do the math, and you'll realise that the number of those killed after major combat is almost double those killed during combat itself. Morale is very low in the US Army camps in Iraq. Comrades dying almost everyday, you get the picture. Pray that the situation in Iraq will become brighter and safer. With the President just authorizing USD 87.5 billion for military operations and reconstruction in Iraq on Thursday, let's hope things will get better in Iraq and that more lives will be spared from the violence. Better yet, pray that the violence will end altogether. On a lighter note, thank you for the response on the Hardy Boys. Its interesting to find a fan club of (ex) Hardy Boys, Nancy Drew and Enid Blyton readers out there. Oh yes, how many of you did the Ladybird reading series (from 1A to 12C), the one about Peter and Jane and their dog, and in the later books, talking about their cousins as well? Let me know!! I did that series in kindergarten (all those from St. Faith Kindy in Kuching, say "Chicken Dance!!") and my youngest brother got some award for finishing the series the fastest in class. I didn't get that. In fact, I don't think there was such an award then. Talking about that, I'm chatting with a friend (a common name you'll find on the tagboard too) about Guy Fawkes night. Apparently, this guy named Guy Fawkes tried to blow up the UK Parliament in the 17th century. Because he failed to do so, every year, the British celebrate Guy Fawkes night. There are fireworks, big bonfires, anything to do with explosives, you'll hear it. At least, that's what I'm hearing. The fireworks are so loud in London that even car alarms go off too. Anyway, that was a small story on how mad the British can be. And we wonder how people like them could colonize the whole world (but eventually lose it too). I'm still not feeling well. Wonder whether I'll be able to make it for classes tomorrow. Goodnight then

Arsenal won

hey Sad thing to find out Arsenal won with a last minute goal against Dynamo Kiev. A great joy for my brothers, though. Anyway, we'll just let time tell to see who's the best. I'm wondering how the sudden slight fever and sore throat got to me. I'm actually not feeling very well, but I think I'll do fine. Which makes me wanna close my eyes and plop to bed at a very soon time. I like the term of going to sleep by Franklin Dixon in the Hardy Boys series - "hit the sack". Come to think of it, I only stopped reading Hardy Boys when I was in Form 3, when I used to stay in the library supposedly to study for PMR, but would end up reading Hardy Boys for like 2 hours or so. It's very addictive, and even my youngest brother can read one book in two days! Here are a few things I've come to expect from any Hardy Boys book (and readers of the famed Franklin W. Dixon series can testify to that!) 1. The chapters are like Cantonese serials or the US series Alias - the end of each chapter just hangs in midair, waiting for you to turn the page for the next chapter. 2. Frank and Joe Hardy are now younger than me (well, at least Frank is still my age) - they are both 19 and 18 respectively. 3. Almost always, their father gets into trouble on a case, and the brothers save him. If that is not the situation in the story, sooner or later their father, Detective Hardy, will join the boys on a "coincidental" connection of the details in the case. 4. Joe is always (and ALWAYS mentioned in every book) to have fallen in love with Iola, Chet Morton's sister. 5. In every first chapter of the book, Frank and Joe Hardy are introduced first by their age, then by their affiliation with their father and then the fact that they too handle their own cases. Chet Morton is always fat and doesn't mind going to the nearest cafe at any given time. 6. Almost nothing, if anything, is mentioned about their mother, except by reference to Mrs. Hardy. 7. Franklin Dixon has some keen sense of prophecy when he always states the next mission of the Hardy boys that would be written in the next book, the title of that "next book" he gives at the end of the present one. Therefore, the suspense of the present mission ends, but the reader is caught up with wanting to know what the next mission is! I guess I've got it all down. If you have anymore to say, feel free to shout it out! Here's another Boundless biscuit for you all to chew on: What I Don't Understand About Men And Food

Utter Madness

Just when I thought British were mad people, I found out the Dutch are worse. No offense, Aunty Jeannie! Here's the story: Former Ambulance Driver Saves Fish With Kiss Of Life And yes, Chelsea smashed Lazio 4-0 (to Mutu Chong's delight, as you can see in the tagboard). Other results include: Manchester United routed Rangers 3-0 (thanks to the finally-blossoming Diego Forlan, who won a place in the starting lineup and scored a goal) Partizan Belgrade held Real Madrid to a 0-0 draw (which makes me wonder whether the Madrid team's losing its charm, which I'll be quite happy about). Nevertheless, Real Madrid qualify for the knockout stages of the Champions League already. And yeah, if you are getting bored of my football ramblings, enjoy this website that a friend emailed me. Looks good, so have a look. Its a Christian magazine website, called Relevant. Sounds relevant? Click here

British "Madmen"

Yesterday, 2 British "madmen" ran around the world in a week. Sir Ranulph Fiennes and Dr. Michael Stroud completed the Land Rover 7x7x7 challenge, ie. 7 marathons, in 7 days, on 7 separate continents. Top that off, Sir Ranulph Fiennes - or Ran, as he is affectionately known - is 59 years old and his partner is 49. Even young athletes don't go to that extent. But as "mad" as they are, I respect their determination at the challenge and for finishing it with utmost perseverance. Here's what the Times online newspaper has to say about them. A series of articles on their whole trip, its a good leisure read perseverance and hard work (plus a lot of calories) Land Rover 7x7x7 Challenge Here's another article I got from a friend on an interesting survey. An eye-opener for one, you should all read this. Its 5-star priority and I pray that you are not like them: Guess Who Doesn't Believe In God? Here's a "Praise The Lord!!" article that was sent to me via email and the article is in The Star apparently, and I seem to have missed it during my newspaper-reading session. Here it is for all of you, a very extraordinary story and a proof to the power of the name of Jesus: Australian Woman Attacks Crocodile, Saves Teenage Nephew Lastly, I would like to thank all of you who have given me words of encouragement over my decision to skip about an hour of Sunday classes to attend church service. It has been encouraging, and I thank you very much. Oh yes, before I forget. Remember the blog entry where I mentioned about a man who tried to attack a South African rugby player during the South Africa-Samoa match? Anyway, the attacker, who fell into a concussion and learnt his lesson, was fined by an Australian court and called a "disgrace". Here's the great lesson to learn: Just DON'T do it (the Nike antithesis) Goodnight and grace be with you all............

Thanks

What would you do if you found out you had classes that clashed with all the three church services on weekends and realise, you've gotta choose? To top that off, you have the deputy principal of the college suggesting (tactfully, I must add) that you skip service to attend classes. Here's the latest: I now have classes on Sundays. They are more like revision classes to review what has already been taught. Nevertheless, its compulsory attendance. That meant not being able to go for any of my church services at all. That was something I could not accept. Going to church once a week was a non-negotiable where I was concerned. I give credit to the deputy principal, my Contract Law lecturer, for being sensitive with his suggestion of skipping service when I approached him about it. No option of changing the timetable, so he relented by allowing me to arrive late (about an hour) every Sunday so that I could go for service. Praise God for that. Here's the concept I'm putting my faith on: If you honour God, God will honour you. Its easy to skip service, but detrimental to do so. And I'm there every Sunday to corporately lift my heart in worship before Him, to tithe and learn from the Word of God. That's why its a non-negotiable. And as much as I have to skip class, that's the sacrifice I am willing to make. Nevertheless, with hard work and commitment to my studies, I believe God's going to honour that. Believe me, it is in these situations that you realise how much you've taken church service on Sundays for granted. And I thank God for the opportunity of allowing me to continue to attend service. Enjoy your Sundays...

Happy Birthday, Daddy!!! Born on the 2nd of November 1951, Au Yong Mun Heng, who now serves as a missionary and national director of World Outreach International, turns 52 today. To top off such a wonderful day, we turned off the lights when he was in the toilet, went to Chili's for dinner but missed the Liverpool - Fulham match (he's a Liverpool fan. Don't ask me why) which, as I write, is tied 1-1 (courtesy of livescore.com) To know a bit more about his ministry, read it here. Anyway, God bless you and the work that you've put into the ministry, dad!

This is a short one in the middle of the day. I read a CNN article on the soon-to-be-held consecration of Rev. V. Gene Robinson, the approved gay bishop of the Episcopalian church in the USA. His consecration ceremony will be held soon and people will be objecting during the official part of the ceremony where they are allowed to speak up on any objection to the election. May God have His way in the ceremony. Pray hard about this. The Church of God is experiencing trial and we have to stand up for the truth of the Word of God through it all. We seriously pray for consecration in the Biblical sense of it. Objectors Expected At Gay Bishop's Consecration A few things I point out on the pro-gay section of the Episcopalian church in the article: 1. "You can't tell us we can't get married and then punish us for not being married." - I thought he had already made a covenant with God before beginning ministry. He personally decided not to get married and to keep to that covenant and also to live a holy life, not the head of the Episcopal church. Now, he puts that blame on someone else. 2. "Robinson and many of his supporters say there was no understanding of homosexuality as an 'orientation' in biblical times so those engaged in a homosexual acts were thought to be acting against their nature. 'We're asking the Bible to give us guidance about something it knew nothing about.'" - Talk about rejecting the Bible as the final Word of God! I think something's seriously wrong with these people. Pray.

Mike Yaconelli and church

Aside from the change in political leadership that has just happened, I heard that a really great youth worker, Mike Yaconelli passed away in a truck accident. For a Christianity Today article on this man, read it here: Mike Yaconelli Dies In Truck Accident It seems this he (whom I've not heard of until now) has made a really awesome impact in the lives of youth, even at the age of 61! Here's a quote from the CT article about Mike Yaconelli which I found very interesting: "He would regularly talk about his desire that a church staff meeting would be about talking about Jesus rather than about programs and calendars and carpeting." Can we say the same for our CF committee meetings and youth leaders' meetings? Where we talk more about God than we do about our administration? He's not saying that we don't talk administration, but let our focus be on God, the One who coordinates it all. May God continue to bless the ministry Mr. Yaconelli has started and that the lives of many youth will continue to be changed for the glory of God Here's something else I learnt today - never try to attack a rugby player who's twice your size. Why I say this? Read it up here on CNN: Pitch Invasion Worries Organisers. Read carefully and study the picture that comes with the article and always remember to pick only on somebody your own size!