X2024

Teochew Muay

2010-07-13T12:16:00.001+08:00

Joshua intro me to this makan place some weeks ago. We had a great time with his leaders over many wonderful dishes.

Then last weekend, after water baptism, I decided to bring Claudia there as well. It is quite near to Nexus Auditorium. I must say that we both enjoyed the food very much and the pricing is also very reasonable. For those of us who have enjoyed local fare, you would certainly not be disappointed.

Besides the food, Claudia and I also got to chat with Joe (aka SCS Butter) & Tracy. They are extremely friendly and nice to chat with…

Check it out people

And thanks Joshua…

http://ieatishootipost.sg/2010/05/teochew-muay-air-con-teochew-porridge.html

You Need Power

2010-05-27T13:58:00.002+08:00

"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth" (Acts 1:8).

D.L. Moody was a shoe salesman until God moved him into a full-time preaching ministry, often in the streets of Chicago. There came a point in his journey with God that he realized he needed more in his life than what he was experiencing. "At the close of the Sabbath evening services I remember two holy women they would say to me, 'We have been praying for you.' I said, 'Why don't you pray for the people?' They answered, 'You need power.'

'I need power?' I said to myself. Why, I thought I had power. I had a large Sabbath school and the largest congregation in Chicago. I was in a sense satisfied. But then came these two godly women who prayed for me, and their earnest talk about "the anointing for special service" set me thinking.

I asked them to come and talk with me, and we got down on our knees. They poured out their hearts, that I might receive the anointing of the Holy Ghost. And there came a great hunger into my soul. I knew not what it was. I began to cry as I never did before. The hunger increased. I really felt that I did not want to live any longer if I could not have this power for service. I kept on crying all the time that God would fill me with His Spirit.

Well, one day, in the city of New York - Oh, what a day! I cannot describe it; I seldom refer to it; it is almost too sacred an experience to me. Paul had an experience that he never spoke for fourteen years. I can only say, God revealed Himself to me, and I had such an experience of His love.

I went to preaching again. The sermons were no different; I did not present any new truths, and yet hundreds were converted. I would not be placed back where I was before that blessed experience if you would gave me all Glasgow.*

*Elmer Towns, Understanding the Deeper Life, Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, MI, 1984, pp. 224, 225

F&P With Me...

2010-05-12T16:09:00.005+08:00

Dear people,

Firstly, let it be known to you that I am so thankful to God for the opportunity to serve the Kingdom in your team. It is a wonderful thing to do this together.

Next, I would also want to remind us of our theme of ID2010. Even as we are in the midst of finding and building the physical building, God is far more interested in the spiritual building that is founded upon your life and mine. New wine must be poured into new wine skin. As such, we are taking this year to prepare ourselves to be the kind of disciples and disciplemakers that Jesus desires us to be.

I am really looking forward to what God will be doing in and through us as we meet together to experience Him and one another in the ID2010 Conference (29 - 31 May). Please fast & pray together with the leaders and me in the following ways…

Duration of F&P:
17 – 28 May 2010 (at least one meal per day)

Things to F&P for:
- to experience oneness as a church family
- to seek and listen to God’s prophetic word for us as one community
- to fellowship and have fun together as one church

Do also F&P for breakthroughs in the area of ID2010 (becoming a disciple and becoming a disciplemaker) for your personal life and for your CG.

Thanks for partnering together with me in His cause.

Jeff Chong

Discipleship In An Internet World

2010-04-26T13:58:00.000+08:00

I was reminded to share the learning that I had gathered during our training time with Bill Hybels and Wayne Corderio last year.

Here’s a short one to help us…

In our internet world, we can and should use technology for content and information sharing. However, the key element of impartation still need to be done live (or life!) Life-on-life impartation cannot be technologised.

Truth is that people are not coming to church services, care groups or meetings for information collection; much information can be gathered in the cyberspace. People go to these events to get life impartation. They want to know that the persons sharing the information are really living it out in their lives and their lives have really been impacted for the better.

Authenticity is best imparted when we are near. Thus, we may be able to impress from far (or in the cyber realm) but we only impact when we go near.

Let’s harness the best of technology for the sharing of information and content while doing life together for impartation and impact.

Yet Another Powerful Life Transforming Story

2010-03-21T13:00:00.001+08:00

Be Still & Know That I Am God!

2010-03-16T10:24:00.001+08:00

Before refrigerators, people used ice-houses to preserve their food. Ice-houses had thick walls, no windows, and a tightly fitted door. In winter, when streams and lakes were frozen, large blocks of ice were cut from the frozen waters, hauled to the ice-houses, and covered with sawdust. Often these ice-blocks would last well into the summer.

One man lost a valuable watch while working in an ice-house. He searched diligently for it, carefully raking through the sawdust, but didn’t find it. His fellow workers also looked, but their efforts, too, proved futile. A small boy who heard about the fruitless search slipped into the ice-house during the noon hour and soon emerged with the watch.

Amazed, the men asked him how he found it.

“I closed the door,” the boy replied, “lay down in the sawdust, and kept very still. Soon I heard the watch ticking.”
(story taken from “Directions” by James Hamilton)

When God is on your side, you will always win

2010-03-05T18:47:00.000+08:00

watch this...

ID2010 - Intentional Discipleship 2010

2010-02-19T13:03:00.004+08:00

A. Becoming A Disciple

A.1 Disciples Acquire Good Spiritual Habits (GOD'S AIM)

A.2 Disciples Take Personal Responsibility For Their Spiritual Lives

A.3 Disciples Possess Godly Attitudes

B. Becoming A Disciplemaker

B.1 Disciplemakers Are Intentional To Teach & To Model

Michael Buble

2010-01-26T11:12:00.000+08:00

Got into the office at 8am this morning and it is incredible to note the amount of things that will accumulate on your work station after being away for around 10 days...

Working hard and praying along as I cleared the stuff. Am now taking a short breather and tuning it this album that I bought 3 weeks ago... really nice music to perk up your day...

Check it out!

Invictus - William Ernest Henley

2010-01-09T22:14:00.000+08:00

Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds and shall find me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.

Eng Seng Crab

2009-12-26T00:49:00.000+08:00

Have not introduced us new food for a long time already. Had some really really great crabs with Joshua for his birthday! It was slightly dearer but it was worth every cent.

The black pepper crabs were super fresh and the sauce was thick and strong. This is a must try!

I must say that this is the best black pepper crab that I have tasted thus far.

Eng Seng Seafood
247/249 Joo Chiat Place
Tel: 6440 5560
Open evenings only (4:30pm till they sell out...about 9pm.)

Here's How We Play Together For Christmas 2009

2009-12-23T10:12:00.002+08:00

Hi People,

Christmas greetings in advance! Thanks for being part of God’s Christmas story on earth.

I have been fasting and praying for tomorrow’s service. It is a great time for us to get the Christmas story out to as many people as possible. All the on-stage and off-stage people have been working really hard for the past few weeks. I am writing this to get all of us to be in the game for Jesus.

Here’s how we can all play…

1)Fast & Pray

Unless God builds the house, we labour in vain. Let’s continue to F&P for the hearts of the pre-believers and backsliders to be soft. Let’s also ask for God’s tangible Presence in the services. Only God can move and touch the hearts of man!

2)Praise & Worship

As I have shared before in the Nehemiah’s sermon, the way we P&W is a great testimony to the people around us. I am not asking you to put up an act but I am asking you to honour God as who He really is and for what He has done in our lives! Jesus truly is worthy!

I am asking you to P&W with your whole heart. Let it be a fragrant offering to Jesus and a testimony of the watching world.

3)Connect With People

There will be lots of new people in our midst. Please be “kiasu” on this one. Connect with as many people as possible. Create a godly atmosphere of love and warmth to soften the hardest hearts for Jesus. Smile and shake hands as Christ’s ambassadors. Let’s all represent Him well!

Let’s expect great things from the Lord. See you tomorrow people.

Jeff

Joyce Peh's Story

2009-12-23T07:44:00.003+08:00

Here's a story from our Uni-Ya group. I am inspired by her very real story of faith.

Thank God for Justin Choo for producing this clip. Great work!

Joyce's story from Justin Choo on Vimeo.

At The Door - Hope Singapore Christmas 2009

2009-12-16T23:16:00.005+08:00

Please bring your friends and relatives and colleagues and families and school mates and enemies and neighbours and gym partners and ........ to our Christmas parties. People matter to God!

Expats rate S'pore no. 4 most liveable country

2009-12-15T11:43:00.000+08:00

Food here was one of the major draws for expats. -myp

Tue, Dec 15, 2009
my paper

By Sia Ling Xin

SINGAPORE has been rated the third-best country in the Asia-Pacific region - and fourth-best among 50 countries in the world - for expatriates to live in, a survey has found.

The online survey, commissioned by HSBC International, polled 3,146 expats from 50 countries across four continents, including 192 from Singapore. They were asked about the quality of life and their experience of integrating into the host society.

In the Asia-Pacific region, Singapore ranked behind Australia and Thailand. It lost out to Canada, Australia and Thailand in the global ranking.

Food here was one of the major draws for expats, the survey found.

Four in 10 respondents preferred Singaporean food to their native cuisine, higher than the average of 36 per cent across the 50 countries who preferred the food of their new home.

American Holly Anderson, 32, a pharmaceutical scientist who came here four years ago, said: "I really love the food and the people here. My Singaporean neighbours often cook curry for my housemate and me. They know we can't take food that is too spicy and they actually take the effort to tone it down for us."

Singapore also emerged tops among the 50 countries in the ease of applying for and setting up of utilities.

Eight in 10 of those polled found the experience fuss-free, and four in 10 felt that the standard of utilities here was higher than what they had back home.

Seven in 10 found transportation here better than in their home country, and more than half said that the quality of their accommodation had improved too.

Mr Sebastian Arcuri, head of personal financial services at HSBC Singapore, said that he was not surprised that Singapore performed well in the survey.

The bank's clients have "shared with us many anecdotes praising the efficiency of Singapore's infrastructure and the high standard of living here", he said.

But when it comes to socialising, Singapore seems to be lagging behind.

It was ranked second-last out of the 26 countries with enough responses for this aspect, in the number of expats who joined any local interest groups.

Pastor Simon's Favourite Song

2009-12-04T13:54:00.002+08:00

I believe this is presently Pastor Simon's favourite song. Since he heard Hope Singapore presented it (Nel sang it) in the August GC, he had been talking about this song. I have heard him made mention about this song on at least 2 occasions.

Whatever the case, this is a really powerful song. Win our cities to win our world!

Installment #1

2009-11-26T10:53:00.002+08:00

As shared, I was in a coaching session with Bill Hybels and Wayne Corderio not too long ago. It was a tremendous learning time for me. I want to take some time to just share some of the lessons that I have learnt in various instalments. Here’s the first one…

2 Key Roles Of Church Leadership

1) Outreach

We have to ensure that there is a continual inflow of new people into the Kingdom. Wayne described that doing church without outreach is liken to playing basketball without the hoops. We can pass and dribble and do all sorts of tricks well but we are going nowhere.

Leaders have to ensure that the temperature of outreach remains high and gets even higher in the church life.

2) Discipleship

Leaders have to ensure that new leaders and being developed on a consistent basis. The currency for kingdom development has a lot to do with leadership. We need more and better leaders in every arena of the Kingdom.

We have to be intentional to disciple and raise up new and better and even younger leaders. We are not building our church and groups for ourselves but for our children’s children as well.

Hope this shed some light into our hearts and ministries as we go about His Kingdom business

This Really Works... (Have Seen It In Someone's Life)

2009-11-18T15:05:00.000+08:00

Here's the 7 days General Motors diet plan to help you lose up to 5-7 kgs (you can find more info online): You need to drink at least 8-10 glasses of water everyday throughout this diet to keep your body hydrated, flush out toxins and avoid constipation. All the best and don't forget to weigh yourself before and after!

DAY 1:
All fruits, preferably watermelon, rock melon. NO bananas or tomatoes. The idea is to have high water content and the sugar for energy.

DAY 2:
All vegetables (better to go with leafy ones like lettuce, spinach, chai sim), preferably steamed or boiled.. try NOT to add any oil if possible (a little butter, soy sauce or oyster sauce is ok). You can start the day with ONE potato (which can be substitute with corn or carrots) for the energy.

DAY 3:
All fruits and vegetables, but again NO bananas, tomatoes or potatoes.

DAY 4:
Up to 8 bananas and 3 glasses of milk (you can go for skim or low fat milk.. although I didn't). They recommend clear vegetable soup too. Banana smoothies are yummy! But NO added sugar!

DAY 5: This is where the difference starts.. You must drink more water today - 12 glasses to flush out the uric acid from your body:
Vegetarian: 6 tomatoes and 1 cup/bowl of rice (I added Japanese seaweed sprinkles to the rice to make it more tasty.. be creative in how you can make this work better for you).

Non Vegetarian: 6 tomatoes and small portion lean meat (e.g. beef, chicken or fish). Basically you're going for the protein which takes longer digest and breakdown.

DAY 6: Your body should be prep to burn the calories by now:
Vegetarian: 1 cup/bowl of rice and all vegetables you can eat.

Non vegetarian: Apparently you can eat all the lean meat and vegetables you want!

DAY 7:
I cup/bowl of brown rice, all vegetables and fruit juices.

How Happy Are Singaporeans?

2009-11-05T16:00:00.003+08:00

Oct-Dec, 2009

One year after the Lehman Brothers collapse, the economy is showing positive signs of recovery. Are Singaporeans happier and truly optimistic about the coming year?

Our research* sheds some light.

Positive signs of economic recovery in Asia, especially China, coupled with pick-up in the equities and property markets have given us optimism as we approach 2010. In July, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) boosted its 2010 global growth forecast to 2.5%, an improvement of 0.6 points from its April forecast (Source: AsiaOne News, 'IMF projects stronger 2010 recovery from global recession', 9 July 2009).

In the same article, Olivier Blanchard, IMF Chief Economist stated that while the world economy is still in recession, recovery is in sight. According to him, financial conditions have improved and are better than expected, owing mainly to public intervention. Moreover, recent data suggests that the decline rate in economic activity is moderating.

In this light, the IMF hiked its outlook for Japan up a hefty 1.2 points from 1.7% in 2010. Growth this year in the second-largest economy was estimated to be a negative 6.0%, instead of the 6.2% contraction previously forecasted. China would lead with expansions of 7.5% in 2009 and 8.5% in 2010, while India would grow 5.4% and 6.5% respectively.

It would appear that we are finally seeing the silver lining following the post-Lehman Brothers crisis dubbed the ‘worst financial crisis since the Great Depression’. Yet some people remain apprehensive about the recovering future and whether this pick-up is sustainable. In the words of the U.S. Federal Reserve chairman, Ben Bernanke: ‘Even though from a technical perspective, the recession is very likely over at this point, it's still going to feel like a very weak economy for some time as many people will still find that their job security and employment status is not what they wished it was.’ (Source: Channelnewsasia.com, ‘Bernanke says U.S. recession likely over technically’, 15 September 2009)

As 2009 comes to a close, we take the time to poll Singaporeans aged 25 and above to find out:

How they have been affected by the dark clouds in the earlier months of this year.

If they are feeling much happier than they did in the first half of the year.

Whether they feel upbeat and confident as they enter 2010.

49% Says We Are Happier

Of those surveyed, most feel upbeat and optimistic about the future as 2009 wraps up, though a small percentage are still worried about life ahead.

A good 49% of the respondents feel happier about their lives, work and business compared to the first 6 months of the year. This result is hardly surprising given the stream of good news since mid-year and the all-round cheer that has been brought about by reports of record-breaking sales at the Great Singapore Sale and various fairs like NATAS and Comex this year.

The constant assurances that no one will be left behind in this crisis and the S$20.5 billion Resilience Package 2009 unveiled by the Singapore Government at the start of this year contributed to the general optimism of Singaporeans.

Family Remains Top Priority During The Crisis

The survey also showed that about 30% of those polled had to reduce their monthly savings during the crisis while 40% cut their personal spending in order to manage their finances. Yet, only 25% stated that they had reduced family-related expenditures. This clearly revealed that the family unit remains a top priority to Singaporeans even during the downturn. This result ties back to our earlier research in January 2009 that Singaporeans will weather the recession by cutting back on personal savings and expenditure, and will attempt to avoid impacting family expenditure negatively.

Younger Generation Is Still Spending

While the older group is able to take downturns in their stride with their experience from surviving SARS and the 1997 Asian Crisis, the younger ones aged between 25 to 34 years old are uncertain about work as well as their earning power, given that this is their first time encountering an economic crisis. However, the worrying factor is, 18% of them are increasing their personal spending instead of adopting prudent measures to ensure they are financially protected.

This phenomenon highlights the importance of nurturing financial responsibility and maturity in the younger crowd, especially in the face of a new financial world order. Focus needs to be placed on balancing priorities and opportunities while achieving a sound financial portfolio.

Staying Cautious

Though a large percentage of those surveyed expressed optimism, there are still those who remain pragmatic and cautious. One in 5 is still worried about life and work as compared to the first 2 quarters of this year; 2 in 5 people are uncertain about what lies ahead and if recovery can be sustained over a longer period.

This could be due to concerns about the fragility of the recovery and possibly, even the speed of the rebound in the property and stock markets which are making some feel uncomfortable.

The most vulnerable group is likely to consists of the ones married with children working in less senior, white-collar positions including the blue-collar workers; and those belonging to the low to below average income category. In a recent article written in The Straits Times, Manpower Minister Gan Kim Yong commented that the labour market is likely to remain weak for the rest of the year (Source: The Straits Times, ‘Rise in the chronic jobless’, 16 September 2009)

To stay competitive in this current economic climate, it is therefore important for us to press on with training and upgrading, so that we can get our workers to stay employed. These refer mainly to executives and technicians as well as those in the lower rungs of the corporate hierarchy. Workers in this category have been strongly encouraged to re-invent their skill sets or acquire new ones. On the whole, the outlook remains uncertain because companies are still adopting a conservative hiring approach.

Source: http://www.ocbc.com/personal-banking/askocbc/Talk/talk_q409_02.html?utm_source=asiaone_rotator_350x175&utm_medium=banner&utm_campaign=askocbc_nov09&u

God Washed My Car For Me!

2009-10-31T19:46:00.001+08:00

Among some of the things that are extremely low on my priority list would be the washing of my car.

Now, don’t get me wrong. I like the interior to be generally clean. But when it comes to the exterior of the car, I don’t really care. In fact, a dirty car could very well actually be a macho thing to some of guys!

As I had reluctantly agreed to finally go get a care wash after dinner, God sent a downpour so heavy that all the months of dirt got cleaned off in a jiffy. So while I was having dinner with my parents, God washed my car for me.

God loves me so much! God is a God that cares for all the little details in my life!

Jenny Wee

2009-10-03T21:53:00.000+08:00

On Thursday morning at around 1am, I received a call from my sister telling me that my cousin Jenny has passed away. It was rather sad for me as I just saw her on Saturday.

At my last visit, she even commented that I was very dark. I quickly placed my arms beside her whiter than white legs and pretended to play the piano! It was sad that she has to leave us so soon.

During the 2 wake services, I was so blessed. I got to hear many stories from our families and her church friends alike about her life. Her church friends testified to her faithful service to the Lord over the past 20 years in St Andrew Cathedral. She served in the children church, in the usher ad intercessor ministries. Her dedication to God and His church was evident for all to see.

And the part that brought tears of joy and pride to my eyes was when a few of them testified about how she had personally brought them to Christ. These people thank her for being an instrument in God’s hand to bring salvation to them.

This morning, while driving on the PIE, I thank God for her life. I thank God for bringing her into my life. I thank God that I have such a cousin that I can learn from. I thank God that my earthly cousin may pass away but my sister in the Lord will never.

Jenny, we celebrate your life. See you!

Birthday!

2009-09-10T22:52:00.002+08:00

Just turned another year older a few days ago; and by the grace of God, hopefully wiser as well!

Thanks to many for the kind words and gifts and songs and cakes and chocolates on both Saturday and Sunday… I really appreciate them all!

During one of the services, just as I was about to lead the prayer meeting, one of our leaders came up to me and encouraged me with some very heart-felt words. She said that many people are with me and they are assured of how God is leading through me! She was so honest and sincere. That’s a real encouragement to me!

Then later in the day, I had some one-on-one time with a leader. He said very similar things to me as well.

That encouraged me a lot. I know that if I had done anything good, it must have been God working through me. It strengthened me to know that I am not alone; God and many others are walking with me in this journey of extending His rule and reign together.

Once again, thanks and I really appreciate you all!

The Core Of The Core

2009-08-15T13:56:00.000+08:00

Spent some time in bed last night tossing and thinking about next week.

We will be having the Global Conference (GC) here in Singapore from the 19 - 21 August.

Many of the staff have been working really hard to ensure that all the necessary preparation are done up. However, to ensure that this GC be successful in touching lives and setting things aright in our movement, God's Presence is the key. The core of the core really is Him!

As such, I was spending some time in prayer on my bed and I would like to ask you to pray as well. Even as you read this, please take around 15 minutes to pray.

Pray for God's Presence be evident through all the P&W sessions and teachings and fellowship

Pray for God's assurance in the hearts of the pastors and leaders and members that God is with us as we move forward

Pray for God's anointing on all the stage ministers

Pray for God's truth and strength and encouragement be shared aboard throughout all the fellowship

Thanks for carrying God's vision with me!

A Flock Of Seagulls

2009-08-11T21:39:00.000+08:00

This was one of the songs that I grew up with in the 80s. It was beyond cool during my school days. We were dancing wildly to this song.

Those of you who are near my age would certainly enjoy this one. I just loved the hair cut and the accent.

Truly bring back memories... blogging this to keep as part of my growing up memories...

S1aNSATION

2009-07-26T21:52:00.000+08:00

A job well done to the vidoe team. The video was hilarious! Robert Chia really cracks me up. Thanks also to the ASPT for the very creative but convicting theme.

Thanks also to Stanley for sharing your life story. You communicate really well from the heart.

Thanks all for your work. I appreciate every bit of it.

Here's the defination from today's sermon....

SIAN
(see-en)
A wonderfully concise Hokkien adjective which conveys boredom, weariness, frustration and emptiness. The English equivalent would be "ennui".
1. “My job is damn sian, man.”
2. “Wah lau eh, I do A-maths, do until sian oreddy.”

SIAN JIT PUA (Contributed by Rene Sim)
(see-en jip poo-ah)
"Sian" describes something as boring. "Jit pua" is Hokkien for "half". Put together, and the phrase can be loosely translated as "too boring by half", meaning it is extremely boring.
"Sian jit pua, man! This disco is damn boring!" ("This disco is too boring by half.")

Also realised the some guys were twittering the sermon points and sayings on real time while I was preaching. Very creative...

Man U Fans Beware!

2009-07-22T23:56:00.000+08:00

Wife stabs husband late home after Man U match

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia - Police have detained a Malaysian woman who allegedly stabbed her husband in the chest for coming home late after watching a football match between Manchester United and Malaysia, an official said Tuesday.

The man had promised to come back immediately after the match in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday evening, but his wife was "very angry" when he returned after midnight, said district police chief Abdul Jalil Hassan.

The woman stabbed him twice in the chest with a kitchen knife and then took him to a hospital, where a doctor reported the incident to police, Abdul Jalil told The Associated Press.

"He was with friends after the match, so that's why he came home late," Abdul Jalil said.

The man was recovering in the hospital, he said.

Police have not decided whether to charge the woman with any offense.

The English Premier League champions defeated Malaysia 3-2 on Saturday in their opening match on a preseason Asian tour.

One Of Fave Song From My Fave Band!

2009-07-17T12:39:00.000+08:00

Have not seen this for a long time but still loving it as I watched it again...

Hope to meet Bono & the band one day :)

How To Be A Vision Carrier?

2009-07-16T10:13:00.001+08:00

This is a very important sermon that we, in Hope Singapore, needs to listen to.

Some of us may not have attended the services where I preached this sermon, please do download it and listen to it. It is important for our church life.

http://www.hopesingapore.org.sg/audio.php

Roy Keane

2009-07-12T22:56:00.002+08:00

You can have your own say but as far as I am concern, Keano is one of the best players that Manchester United can and will ever have. I am, of course, not proud of many of his trades (like violence and anger). But he does exhibits numerous selfless leadership qualities that we can all learn from.

Remember UEFA championships 1999. He was captain marvel to put the team through to the finals even though he would not playing in the final. That's leadership at its very very best!

Leading On Empty (Wayne Cordeiro)

2009-07-10T12:17:00.000+08:00

As I was not feeling well for the past 2 days, I had the time to finally devour a book that Mike & Lean Choo bought for me. Thanks both : )

It is a book from Wayne Cordeiro (he also authored Divine Mentor). He shared some really personal struggles that many leaders would be able to identify with. Bill Hybels wrote that this book is “A must read for all leaders.”

Cordeiro expressed many things that I have gone through but may not have the language or expertise to express. It helps me sort out my inner thoughts and feelings. The book also gave many practical suggestions on how we can pace and rest better.

Looking back, it might be “divine” that I have to fall sick in order to take the time to complete this book. By the way, I hardly fall sick (once in a few years).

Read it and let you know your thoughts

I am also trying to lay my hand on the book entitled "Simple Church". Could not get it from SKS as it runs out of stock... lend ot me if you have one...

MJ - King Of Pop

2009-06-27T00:07:00.000+08:00

I had to get this on blog to capture a piece of growing up years. While I certainly do not agree with MJ's many values in life, his entertainment value was high!

If my memory serves me right, I was still in Secondary School when this monster hit was produced. The whole album was great and this was my (and many of my friends) top hit.

The MTV was unbelievable by the standards of yesterdays. To be honest, it is still rather cool even as I watched it now (by my standards :) )

Gang fight cannot get any cooler than this. Believe me, my friends and I have tried some of the moves... and the response from those who saw it? BEAT IT!

One of my friends even tried to buy a replica of the famous red jacket in the MTV.

Anyway, here's the best version that I can find off yotube. Enjoy!

Funny Soccer Goal!

2009-06-25T17:59:00.000+08:00

11-7-2-14

2009-06-21T22:48:00.000+08:00

Wow… what a ride!

The past 14 days have been incredible. I get to preach for 11 times, 7 different sermons and teachings, in 2 languages, all in the span of 14 days.

To be honest, I am completed totally spent. If not for God, there is just no way for me to last the whole distance. Only God!

I am also very thankful for Hong Teck for co-preaching with for the last 5 sessions over this 14 days period. It was great help for me. He did so very well in all his sessions. Thank God for co-workers like him.

Most of all, thank God for pulling me through. It baffles me how I was able to last the distance. Indeed, only God!

Love This Pic!

2009-06-12T23:01:00.004+08:00

I want to blog this to keep it!

Keano and King Eric with the then young superheroes to be... much like discipleship...

GM Reinvention Commercial

2009-06-11T12:26:00.003+08:00

I enjoy this commercial very much. I like the honesty and it appeals to the potential consumers.

Will it work? Only time will tell...

BTW, I do not know how to size it to fit the blog page

Check This Out

2009-06-08T15:43:00.000+08:00

http://www.himgc.com/

Good News For Middle-Aged Men!

2009-05-30T01:13:00.000+08:00

There is hope! Check out the article. Get out in the sun more (but not too much) and eat more salmon...

Vitamin D boosts brain power in middle-aged men.

AFP - Thursday, May 21WASHINGTON (AFP) - - Higher levels of vitamin D, synthesized in the skin after being exposed to the sun and found in oily fish, are associated with increased brain power among middle-aged men, according to a new British study.

The link between increased vitamin D and faster information processing "was more significant in men aged over 60 years old, although the biological reasons for this remain unclear," read the report, to appear in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry.

The study, conducted by researchers from the University of Manchester, in collaboration with other European specialists, compared the cognitive performance of more than 3,000 men between the ages of 40 and 79 years.

Men with higher levels of vitamin D "performed consistently better in a simple and sensitive neuropsychological test that assesses an individual's attention and speed of information processing," the study showed.

Resarchers "observed a significant, independent association between a slower information processing speed and lower levels of vitamin D," said lead author David Lee at Manchesters School of Translational Medicine.

The study is based on a large population sample and took into account other possible factors, such as depression, season and levels of physical activity.

The main source of vitamin D is 10 to 15 minutes daily exposure to sunlight. Oily fish are also an excellent source of vitamin D.

A separate 2008 study by researchers in Amsterdam showed that a lack of vitamin D could increase the risk of depression or other psychiatric problems among older people.

Enjoy The Moment!

2009-05-26T08:12:00.004+08:00

Reflect On This...

2009-05-12T22:19:00.000+08:00

Jesus was often alone but never lonely. People are hardly alone but often lonely.

Can you and I be alone and yet not be lonely?

Twitter

2009-05-07T00:06:00.001+08:00

Trying something new to be more connected

Check out...

http://twitter.com/JeffHJChong

Rome... Here We Come!

2009-05-06T09:06:00.000+08:00

NEW SERIES - End Times Revival (starting on the 3 May)

2009-04-27T11:47:00.000+08:00

The Book of Joel- End Times Revival

Sermon Series Write Up

The word "revival" is familiar to most Christ-followers. We are constantly speaking about and praying for a "revival," but do we know what it means? The root word "revive" is from the Latin, and may be interpreted thus to live again, to receive again a life which has almost expired; to rekindle into a flame the vital spark which was nearly extinguished. Revival thus, refers to the bringing back to life something or someone that is on the verge of dying or is already dead.

The truth is that each of us needs to be continually revived in order to function optimally - this we do daily by eating and living healthily. The same can be said of the Church.

In this six-part series, End Times Revival, we will be studying the book of Joel in the context of the end times, a period of not only unprecedented challenges for the church, but also of great opportunities. It will be a journey of discovery as we learn about the end times revival - the signs, conditions and blessings of the revival for the church. This is the trumpet call for us to be the Church that God has called us to be.

Sell Berbatov?

2009-04-21T12:59:00.000+08:00

I was already thinking of blogging this when I read the article below.

Berbatov has really struck me as someone who is too casual and he really does not contribute much to the team. Admittedly, there are flashes of brilliance. But when you pay £30.75million, you expect a more consistent performance rather than flashes of brilliance.

When Everton missed the first spot kick, I thought that we should have the shoot up all wrapped up. But when he causally passed the ball back to Tim Howard, we lost our advantage. And worse still, we boosted the opponent’s confidence and completely deflated ours.

Don’t get me wrong, people do miss penalties. Ferdinand missed his spot kick too. But the way Berbatov went about it was hard to imagine. Not only that, in many games that he played, he was all too casual.

There was also once a player that was very casual in his playing style. His name is Eric Cantona. The difference is that Cantona delivers. Moreover, Monsieur Cantona was has a lot of fire in his belly which seems to be missing in Mr. Berbatov.

Hopefully, Berbatov will pick up and do much better else we may have to...

Anyhow, have your own say in this
____________________________________________________________

Sir Alex Ferguson has leapt to the defence of record signing Dimitar Berbatov, the man who shouldered the majority of the blame for Manchester United's penalty shoot-out defeat in the FA Cup semi-final with Everton.

The critics were out in force again following Berbatov's woeful penalty miss; the Bulgarian's £30.75million transfer fee has been the subject of considerable debate almost since the day he moved north from Tottenham last summer.
Ferguson confirmed the 28-year-old was upset before defending his contribution to the Old Trafford cause.

"He will get criticism because when you pay £30million for a player everyone thinks he should be able to score with a penalty kick," said Ferguson. "He was upset and disappointed, as we all were.

"But I don't see any evidence of Berbatov's season tailing off.
"He has missed a few games and overall yesterday, I thought he did really well."

Why?

2009-04-13T12:12:00.002+08:00

I am known to be preacher with leather lungs. I don’t need to fuss to much over my throat. I may not even need a mic to preach! But from last Tuesday till Friday, it was the first time I had sore throat for such a prolonged period of time. Why?

Knowing that I would be preaching on Easter Sunday, I went to bed early on Saturday night. I intentionally choose to not watch the Sunderland versus Man U game on telly so that I could be rest better for the next day. I went to bed at around 1130pm but I woke up at 1am and I found it hard to get back to sleep. I woke up really tired the next morning. Why?

After such exciting praise and worship and after hearing such an authentic and powerful testimony, I was all prepared to do my part in sharing God’s message. I was shocked to find myself going a little hoarse 5 minutes into the preaching. It got worse and my throat hurt really badly. I had never experienced this before. Some one commented that I sounded like Yoda (from Star Wars) when I was preaching! It was only the first service and I had one more to go. Why?

As I pondered over these stuff, I could sense God saying…

Because I want to let you know how vulnerable you would be without me. If I have wanted to humble you, I only need to take away your voice and there is not much you could do anymore. It is I who put the voice in you to speak on my behalf.

Exodus 4:11-12
The LORD said to him, "Who gave man his mouth? Who makes him deaf or mute? Who gives him sight or makes him blind? Is it not I, the LORD? 12 Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say."

Because it is me who is going to work in spite of your tiredness. It is my message and not yours. You may give the imperfect but I will give the perfect through your imperfection.

Throughout this saga, I felt so blessed to have so many brothers and sisters serving along with me and care for me. I have got enough herbal drink to open a stall at Suntec! I was given up to 10 bottles of herbal drinks. I also got lozenges and cough droplets and honey sweets of all sorts. It was incredible. Even until today, I am still getting drinks from people.

Thanks for your tremendous acts of kindness. I appreciate and remember every one of them. Thank you and thank you again.

At the end of the day, God’s message of forgiveness and grace and love rung out so clearly to the people. Why? Because God really loves people!

Tiong Bahru Lor Mee At Bukit Batok?!?

2009-04-07T00:11:00.001+08:00

Don't ask me why! Just eat it!

Although I am not a big Lor Mee fan at all, this one is quite nice. I like it for a few reasons. The garlic is a must. In fact, you should perhaps pay $1 for extra dosage of garlic. It may cause harm to those around you (the smell from your mouth) but it will bring definitely pleasure to your taste bud.

Apparently, this stall is really quite popular that it closes at 1130am. To get good food, you got to be early.

Tiong Bahru Lor Mee
Blk 155A,
Bukit Batok West Ave 8
#01-324
Opening Hours: 5.45am-11.30am

The noodles is really tasty and light on your palate. It looks starchy but it does not leave you bloated. The sauce is really quite unique.

A normal bowl will only set you back $2.50 and with extra ingredient, it will cost $3. That is really quite reasonable.

By the way, do also check out a certain Lor Mee stall in the present Tiong Bahru market that serves Shark Meat (Stall #178). That stall is really quite divine.

Survey shows Singaporeans least optimistic about future

2009-04-03T23:11:00.000+08:00

Channel NewsAsia - Friday, April 3

SINGAPORE: Affluent Singaporeans are the most pessimistic in Asia when it comes to their future, according to a survey by life insurer AXA.

Eight Asian economies — China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand and Singapore — took part in the survey which was conducted between January and February.

The Philippines was ranked as the most upbeat, with a score of 84 on a scale of 100, followed by India’s 83.8 and China’s 66.9.

The survey polled 2,700 mass affluent residents between the ages of 25 and 50 on their views about life over the next five years. The study covered four aspects of life — career, retirement, family and health.

The 300 Singaporeans polled generally had the lowest scores in all four categories.

Angela Lau, head, Branding & Communications, AXA Life Insurance Singapore, said: "They’re not so confident about their health and career, and how they are going to cope with the challenges in life. For the career perspective, they are actually very concerned about job security.

"One in four is worried about whether they will have a job in the next year or so and in the next five years. That’s probably one of the reasons why they are not so optimistic about life at this juncture."

Ironically, Singaporeans also turned out to be the least affected by the economic turmoil, across the markets surveyed.

On how much they were impacted by the current economic crisis, Singaporeans rated six on a scale of one to ten — the lowest figure compared to their Asian counterparts.

The survey also showed that more than half of those polled planned to have children, and three in ten planned to have two or more children.
__________________________________________________________

We need to bring Hope to the poeple. Indeed, those who have more are more afraid to lose out. Perhaps they have began to place their hope in stuff instead of in Him.

It is made even more ironic when Singaporeans are the least hit among those surveyed!

God Sent

2009-03-25T09:02:00.002+08:00

I was so pleasantly surprised when I stepped into the office this morning. I received 2 books as gifts and some very kind and encouraging words. They are indeed God-sent!

I am very blessed by their thoughts and prayers. I can surely use these 2 books fully to help me lead our church forward. Moments like these add much wind to my wings and help take me a little further for the Kingdom.

Thank you God and thank you for the books!

Champion's League Draw

2009-03-21T01:34:00.003+08:00

It seems to be an easier half of the table for Man U. But it has often been the team that had to do it the hard way that got the eventual victory. I must say that the Liverpool and Chelsea clash is very mouth-watering.

Let's see who will emerge as the eventual champion!

The Eagle Has Landed!

2009-03-15T20:08:00.005+08:00

Finally, after staying with my in-laws for 10 weeks, we have finally shifted into our house with my parents (my parents has bought this place after selling their old flat in Bukit Merah). It is really quite good to be staying in your own permanent place.

The new place is really convenient. It is just a stone throw (like 3-4 minutes of really slow walk) away from the bus terminal, shopping mall and upcoming MRT station. This seems like a good place to live in.

The view is quite good as well. Check out the view from my room…

Theatre Of Nightmare!

2009-03-14T23:01:00.000+08:00

We got whipped 1-4 by Liverpool at Old Trafford. We were made to look like school boys...

To be gracious in losing, Liverpool played really well. I only watched the second half but they were certainly the better team. Man U’s defence was bad and forward were not sharp as well.

I got so many sms-es throughout the game. Some were angry with Man U like me for playing so badly. Some just sms to haunt me!

Anyway, well done Liverpool (never thought that I would ever have to write that).

Good thing is that when we are so low, the only way is up!

Chun Ji Wantan Mee

2009-03-10T12:39:00.001+08:00

One of the foods that I have enjoyed greatly over many years in Wantan (wonton noodles).

I like it even more when it is being eaten in some back lane of some dark obscure places when hygienic or rather than lack of it is no issue at all. The picture would have been made even more complete who some brown mix-breed dog lying around the store. I know of many guys who share this same philosophy with me.

I found this place in Stirling Road. The details are as follows…

Block 164 Stirling Road
#01-1200
Operating Hours
Thurs – Tues : 815am – 3pm
(Closed on Wed)

I enjoyed the surrounding very much. The food is cheap and above average. The noodles is quite different (lumpy but tasty) and the char siew is really well done. It costs $2.50 per plate. It washed down really well with a cup of kopi kau.

Though I had tried better Wonton Noodles before, I would go back just for the ambience. It is “ulu” and tucked away in some very old HDB block.

Check it out!

What Can I Do?

2009-03-05T12:19:00.000+08:00

There is this song that I had been listening to on my laptop over and over again. It does wonders to my spirit as the song really touches a very deep chord within my heart. It expresses my exact feeling towards God and His goodness.

I like the verse 1 best! Such poetic lyrics and such truth!

I think most of you would be familiar to this song by Paul Baloche. May it minister to you as much as it does to me.

What Can I Do?

Verse 1:
When I see the beauty of a sunset's glory,
Amazing artistry across the evening sky
When I feel the mystery of a distant galaxy
It awes and humbles me to be loved
By a God so high

Chorus:
What can I do but thank You,
What can I do but give my life to You
Hallelujah, hallelujah
What can I do but praise You,
Everyday make everything I do a hallelujah
A hallelujah, hallelujah

Verse 2:
When I hear the story of a God of mercy
Who shared humanity and suffered by our side
Of the cross they nailed You to, that could not hold You
Now You're making all things new by the power
Of Your risen life

We Are The Champions (Again!)

2009-03-03T22:17:00.001+08:00

Next 3 Sundays (Adults & Family Worship Services)

2009-03-02T14:17:00.002+08:00

Hi leaders (family and adults CLs, ULs, SDLs & DLs)

Greetings from Joo Chiat and welcome to another week with Jesus!

We had just completed our Psalm 23 series and last Sunday, Ps LO celebrated his 12th Wedding Anniversary by preaching a sermon on relationship.

For the next 3 Sundays, we will be covering on Spiritual Habits. We will look at the study of the WOG, Corporate Worship and Fasting & Praying.

This is to further reinforce God’s direction for us to circumcise our hearts (live a life of repentance and righteousness), to celebrate His love (to go deeper in our relationship with Him) and to commit to His leading (to get a clear sense of His leadership in our lives).

I need you to do the following things…

- pray that through this series, God will touch the hearts of the people deeply

- forward this email and also let the people know of this series in the upcoming care group meetings

- come to the worship services with hearts of expectation and faith that God will do a fresh work in our hearts

Jeff Chong

Feed A Flu, Starve A Fever

2009-02-24T00:52:00.000+08:00

While I was having dinner with my family on Sunday, my sister said something very profound (at least to me it is).

She said that the way to curing fever and flu is that we should feed a flu while starve a fever. That is to say that when we are having a flu, we should eat more to get rid of the flu. While we are running a fever, we should not eat so that it would get better.

I told her that this is the first time that I am hearing this but she told me that it was common knowledge.

Anyhow, hope this bring insight for those of you who on my side of the continuum. While those of you who already know it, perhaps you can attest to this truth. But for the most part of it, stay healthy!

And one more thing... it is better to catch a flu than to run a fever as you can at least pig out :)

Photos From WAG

2009-02-18T20:19:00.000+08:00

WAG

2009-02-15T23:29:00.000+08:00

I am now writing this entry from Brisbane. I am here spending time with the working adults getaway (WAG).

I had a really great time with the people. We went through some major focuses for the working adults life station. We had great time of fellowship and talking. Hope to show some photos really soon...

Now, I am just tired and I look forward to flying back to Singapore soon.

Thank God that many people around the world are serving our God and doing our very very best to advance the Kingdom!

218.97

2009-02-12T22:11:00.000+08:00

I came to Manila for a meeting. Part way during the meeting, one of the doctors from our Manila church suggested that we should all go for a blood test. She said that it would be good for us to know how healthy we really are.

Claudia and I signed up. In my mind, I had no doubt that I would pass with flying colours. As I have said before, I only see the doctor no more than once for every 3-5 years. Moreover, the last time I did this test some 3-4 years ago, my health was excellent.

Claudia, on the other hand, might run into some trouble. She does fall sick much more often than I do.

When the results came back, Claudia was the healthiest of the whole bunch! She was even healthier than those who intentionally diet and exercise!

I, on the other hand, ended on the other side of the spectrum. I was the unhealthiest of the whole lot! My bad cholesterol was a whopping 218.97 (the passing mark is around 130). To be honest, I was shocked. The doctor told me that I need to watch my diet and exercise. She also stated that once you cross the 40 (years old) mark, things happen.

Anyhow, here’s the deal. I will have to cut down on fatty food and oily food and seafood and sweets. Please don’t buy me or offer me any more chocolates. I love Jesus but I am not exactly ready to see Him face to face as yet. I still have work to do on planet earth. I am determine to get healthier to love God with all my strength.

The comforting news is that when people find out their health issue at a younger age (and provided that they do something about it), they usually live longer!

SKorean granny fails driving test 771 times

2009-02-05T19:56:00.000+08:00

This is what I call perseverance! Way to go mama!

AFP - Thursday, February 5SEOUL (AFP) - - A dogged South Korean grandmother has failed her driving test 771 times, police said Thursday, but a local newspaper reported she will keep trying.

The 68-year-old, identified only by her last name Cha, has taken the test almost every working day since 2005 in the southwestern city of Jeonju. She failed again Monday for the 771st time.

"It was a record-breaking number here," Choi Yong-Cheol, a police sergeant supervising the test in the city's Deokjingu district, told AFP.

"I wonder if she will try it again for a 772nd time."

The Korea Times said Cha will in fact be back for another attempt.

Choi said that Cha cannot pass the preliminary written section of the test, averaging scores of 30-50 whereas the pass mark is 60 out of 100.

Local media said that Cha sells food and household items door to door at apartment complexes, carrying the items in a handcart, but wants to get a car for her business.

Police estimate she has spent almost five million won (3,600 dollars) to take the written test, with each test costing 6,000 won in addition to other expenses.

"I feel sorry every time I see Cha fail. When she passes, I'll make a commemorative tablet myself and give it to her," one officer was quoted as saying.

Happy Chinese New Year Everyone!

2009-01-24T22:39:00.000+08:00

The festive mood is certainly in the air over in my family. With both set of parents living with us in the same house, the New Year mood has never been stronger.

Food and drinks have already begun to flow since around a week ago. As we march even nearer to the holiday, food and drinks are really aplenty. The only problem is that I do not know where to start and what I should eat and what I should forfeit (opportunity cost as stomach can only store that much food).

Anyhow, here’s wishing everyone a wonderful time with the family. May God helps us influence those around us for His name’s sake.

Gong Xi Gong Xi...

Man U Goes Top!

2009-01-18T18:17:00.002+08:00

Steal this from Hong Teck's blog. No idea where or how he gets this stuff... but this is good!

Corporate Prayer Meeting

2009-01-17T22:06:00.000+08:00

Thanks for being there to pray along with the rest of the church family. I was really blessed to sense your energy and earnestness to seek God together.

From my estimation, more than 2000 of us were there at Suntec Convention Hall. I was also very encouraged by our Mandarin church participation. It was indeed a wonderful family time for our whole church.

We can have confidence from God that many things have already been achieved in spiritual realms. It will become a reality in His perfect timing!

1 John 5:14-15
This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.

Thus far, I have received quite a few good feedbacks of how we can do it even better for the future. Please let me know what was good and more importantly, how we can do even better for this earth-shaking and life-changing meeting.

We will note all your feedback and do our best to implement them when we can and where we deem most effective.

Many thanks in advance.

Leading With Diligence

2009-01-08T09:32:00.004+08:00

Below is the outline of what was taught during the Unit Leaders' Meeting on the 7 January 2009. Hope it is helpful to you.

Romans 12:6-8
if it is leadership, let him govern diligently

Romans 12:8
he that ruleth, with diligence; (KJV)

Romans 12:8
he who leads, with diligence; (NAS)

Romans 12:8
If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. (NLT)

Rom 12:8
If one has the gift of being a leader, he should try hard when he leads. (ICB)

Romans 12:8
If God has given you administrative ability and put you in charge of the work of others, take the responsibility seriously. (TLB)

Romans 12:8
If it is leadership, lead enthusiastically. (GWT)

Romans 12:8
Anyone who has the gift of being a leader should try hard when he leads. (NCV)

Question: Why Lead With Diligence?

Leading Self

1) Because Leaders Must Guard Our Relationship with God Closely

Luke 21:37-38
37Each day Jesus was teaching at the temple, and each evening he went out to spend the night on the hill called the Mount of Olives, 38and all the people came early in the morning to hear him at the temple.

2) Because Leaders Must Be Watchful Of Our Character

Proverbs 4:23
Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.

3) Because Leaders Must Lead By Example

1 Timothy 4:16
Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.

4) Because Leaders Must Be Self-Motivated

Acts 22:4-5 (The Message)
4-5"I went after anyone connected with this 'Way,' went at them hammer and tongs, ready to kill for God. I rounded up men and women right and left and had them thrown in prison. You can ask the Chief Priest or anyone in the High Council to verify this; they all knew me well. Then I went off to our brothers in Damascus, armed with official documents authorizing me to hunt down the followers of Jesus there, arrest them, and bring them back to Jerusalem for sentencing.

Acts 26:11
Many a time I went from one synagogue to another to have them punished, and I tried to force them to blaspheme. In my obsession against them, I even went to foreign cities to persecute them.

Leading Others

1) Because Leaders Must Be Change Agents

1 Samuel 17:32
David said to Saul, "Let no one lose heart on account of this Philistine; your servant will go and fight him."

2) Because Leaders Must Disciple People

1 Corinthians 11:1
Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.

3) Because Leaders Must Energise Others Around Them

1 Samuel 17:11
On hearing the Philistine's words, Saul and all the Israelites were dismayed and terrified.

1 Samuel 17:52
Then the men of Israel and Judah surged forward with a shout and pursued the Philistines to the entrance of Gath and to the gates of Ekron.

4) Because Leaders Must Carry The Vision

Habakkuk 2:2
Then the LORD replied: "Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it.

5) Because Leaders Must Be Learners

Ezra 7:10
For Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the LORD, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel.

Under One Roof

2009-01-05T19:31:00.000+08:00

Due to some events, I have to rent out my house. Because of that, I had to shift out in 1.5 days’ notice. That was hard work but we did it. Claudia, my parents and I managed to cleared all of stuff within a very short period of time. That is quite cool.

But the coolest thing is that my parents, Claudia and I will be moving in to my in-laws place! Can you imagine that? My parents, my parents-in-law and us all under one roof. And to get the facts straight, we all do get along really well : ) My parents and my in-laws are rather close. They would actually go out without us (even in the past and now should be even more)

In my wildest dream, I had never though of this being a possibility; definitely not in our modern days Singapore society.

It will only be for around 1.5 months and then we will move again. We have to move because the current house that we are living in is too small for the 4 of us and it is also not friendly for my ageing parents.

Moving is now my new found hobby!

Private Victory Before Public Success

2008-12-30T18:42:00.000+08:00

As I was spending time in my devotion, Luke 21:37-38 struck me greatly.

Luke 21:37-38
Each day Jesus was teaching at the temple, and each evening he went out to spend the night on the hill called the Mount of Olives, and all the people came early in the morning to hear him at the temple.

Jesus was able to be successful in all that God wanted him to do because he spent daily time with His Heavenly Father.

I can imagine Jesus spending the night at the Mount of Olives talking to and listening to God. Jesus would share both his joy and frustration about the daily happening in his life. And he would always leave the Mount of Olives more refreshed, more envisioned and more empowered than when he first arrived.

The secret of Jesus’ success does not lies when he stood in front of the crowd teaching but rather when he spent 1-1 time drawing strength from God.

May we learn to do as Jesus did when he was on planet earth!

Planet Jesus

2008-12-28T17:31:00.001+08:00

This is such a cool way to share about life transformation. I saw this in our youth service on the 27 Dec. Be WOW-ed!

Planet JESUS (Dec 2008) from Y-Hope TV on Vimeo.

Some Christmas Photos From Yong Xin

2008-12-27T09:11:00.003+08:00

Thanks For Making Christmas 2008 So Special

2008-12-25T14:02:00.000+08:00

It was a fantastic celebration party for Jesus. Many many people crossed the line of faith during this season. There are so many people that I need to thank… let me give it my best shot…

Thanks for Jasmine and all the programming heads and stage managers for leading the charge on this. Your leadership and servanthood attitude really hit the roof.

Thanks to the technical people for putting up the MM, the video presentations and the various sounds and lights. I know that it required lots of coordination and planning and timing. You did real good!

Thanks for the dancers, the musicians, the choirs, the singers and the worship leaders. You wow-ed us with the sight and sound that helped us to see God in whole new light. Thanks for high praise & deep worship. Your energy an d zeal inspires us.

Thanks for the ushers who had a challenging job in moving people into the auditorium and then into the Kingdom of God. Your quick response when the auditorium overflows was excellent. Well done people.

Thanks to the image team for helping us looked our best for Jesus. All the hair spray and gel and wax became tools for the work of art under your skilful hands.

Thanks to the décor team for the beautiful backdrop. It mesmerize many as they walked into the auditorium. You got “The Gift” message out loud and clear even before a single word was spoken.

Thanks to those of you who invited your friends to our celebration. It made a such a great impact that you would only fully know in the other side of heaven as we rejoice together for all of eternity!

Thanks, most of all to Jesus, who came to this dusty earth, live a sinless life and then went to the cross for you and I. Thank you Jesus!

FIFA Club World Cup 2008 Champions!

2008-12-22T23:17:00.000+08:00

We are the champions!

Let the pics do the talking...Enjoy

Stories

2008-12-16T08:51:00.000+08:00

Last weekend, the leaders spent quite a fair bit of time praying for different needs as well as for the sick (those that are not well and people in their lives that needed healing). As we prayed, we are trusting God for healing and miracles. Nothing is too hard for our Lord!

I took the time to pray for a few among us. I can still remember clearly their request and I had been praying for them in my hearts throughout the past few days. Their faces, the intensity of their needs and the desperation for God’s deliverance have been forever etched into my mind and heart.

I want to trust God with all of you. Let’s believe God for some miracles in our lives and the lives of the people around us. And do keep your stories coming… I want to be encouraged as well as encourage others with your stories (where appropriate and with your permission).

You can post your stories on this entry or email me your stories at church@hopesingapore.org.sg.... simply attention it to me :)

Let The Search Begin…

2008-12-10T22:49:00.000+08:00

It’s that time of the year again. Not just time for bonus, sales, shopping and holidays; probably not so in view of the global financial situation. It is that time of the year where God has sent us on an all out search for His lost sheep, lost coin and lost son (& daughters).

In Luke 15, the Jesus told us 3 parables to tell us God’s heart towards people who are far from Him. And He would spare no effort in searching for them and when He found them, He would celebrate big time!

We simply have to let people know the reason for this season. It is really about God looking for us and reaching for us with His undying love. In fact, Jesus would rather die than to live without us, literally!

So for the next few weeks, let’s do just that. Let’s pray and ask God to use us on this great adventure with Him.

I will certainly fast and pray along with you as you reach out to your friends, classmates, colleagues, relatives and families.

Friends

2008-12-07T23:38:00.003+08:00

I have just returned after teaching and preaching in the Malaysia National Convention in Kuala Lumpur. The convention hall was really huge. It is the hall located in Putrajaya that the Malaysian government would use for their meeting. It was quite an experience for me and some of the leaders that went along to teach and preach alongside me.

Shirley, Jasmine and Mike did really great in their assigned roles in the convention. They exhibited great servanthood attitude and competence. It is really rewarding to serve and do life with your friends and co-labourers in the Kingdom.

Among many blessings, one of them has also got to be the opportunities to connect with some old pals in the past week.

Firstly, I was really happy to get a comment entry from KT. KT and I went back to the uni days. We share many of our badness and goodness together. We served together in the same care group during our uni days. And to get one of your generation buddies tagged you on your blog is really quite a miracle!

Secondly, while in the MNC, I bump into my old pal George while he stood beside me in the next urinal! No, we did not shake hands or hugged but simply say “hi” while there. I also had the opportunity to pray for George as he came to the altar during one of my preaching. We prayed together that God will open doors for his God endeavour.

Lastly, while I was invited to present prizes for some of the competitions that took place during the convention, one of the winners was Aaron Tan. Aaron and I go back a long long way as we both serve in the same care group back in the early 90s. He was the care group guitarist and boy, can he sing and play the guitar! To present him with the prize is a special moment that I will cherish for a long time.

By the way, while I was walking around the big hall, his young son came to me and offered me a sweet. It made my day!

Thank you friends for making my week a most memorable one…

Fasting & Praying

2008-11-23T23:58:00.000+08:00

Claudia and I had our meetings with the Adults leaders today. Among the several things that we spoke about, we also talked about the Christmas harvest.

One of the things that impressed me very greatly is that every group already has their fasting and praying plan in place. Some are starting a 4-week plan while some others are starting a 21 day fast. Some have chain fasting and praying around the clock while some others are fasting from TV, coffee and some activities so that they can devote more time to pray.

All are praying for their personal growth in Christ as well as for the people they want to reach out to with the love of Jesus Christ. We really want to let people know that Jesus is truly the reason for the season. We want to offer hope to people and let them know that Jesus is completely dependent; unlike the economy or any man-made institutions.

Let’s continue to fast so that we can feast on God. Let’s pray for the gospel to be let out and bear fruit in a big way during this perilous time. Let’s pray that we will be better harvester and that more harvesters will be sent to the harvest field too!

Matthew 9:37-38
Then he (Jesus) said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field."

Good Year Local Hainanese Chicken Rice Ball

2008-11-17T08:39:00.000+08:00

I am a Hainanese and so is Claudia. Think Jesus may be one too :)

Unlike the Cantonese, we Hainanese are not famous with many cuisines. However, what we have, we are really good at it. I am obviously referring to the famous chicken rice.

There is this place in Toa Payoh that I have enjoyed a couple of times already. It is located in Block 111, Toa Payoh Lorong 1 #01-366. A full meal for 2 persons would only cost you S$10.50.

The key speciality is the Chicken Rice Ball. My grandma used to make it this way too. Everyone is handmade and it is rather unique.

The chicken is fantastic and the chilly is out of this world. Even as I am writing now, I am salivating. The sauce and the chicken is a perfect combination. They also serve peanut soup as well. It goes really well with the rest of the meal. You must also try the Hainanese Chap Chai too.

It really feels like Chinese New Year at my grandma's place in my growing up years. Wonderful labour of love home-cooked food.

Taste it to believe how good Hainanese food can be!

Stretch Your Fuel With These Tips

2008-11-15T17:47:00.000+08:00

For the drivers, if you have not already known or if you need some reminders.... (do also let us know if you have other tips)

Fri, Nov 14, 2008
AsiaOne

Shell FuelStretch Tips

Fuel matters - Fuel economy is maximised in the engine through a combination of good driving habits and using the right fuel. Shell fuels with Fuel Economy formula are designed to help reduce friction and improve cleanliness in the engine, thereby improving fuel efficiency.

Drive smoothly, drive safely - Aggressive driving can use as much as a third more fuel than safe driving. Also, avoid accelerating or braking too hard and try to keep your steering as smooth as possible.

Avoid over-revving - Change gears carefully when you're accelerating. Never "redline" the rev counter because you unnecessarily waste fuel.

Keep your tyres at the right pressure - Correctly inflated tyres are safer, last longer and drive more efficiently. A tyre that is under-inflated reduces fuel efficiency. An under- or over-inflated tyre is also more susceptible to failing and blow-out.

Avoid high speeds - The faster you go, the more wind resistance you'll encounter and the more fuel your vehicle will consume just to maintain speed. Driving 5mph over the speed limit can affect fuel economy - you'll be shocked!

Tune and service your engine regularly - A well-tuned engine can help improve fuel economy, so change your oil frequently and follow your car manufacturer's recommendation on servicing.

Remove the roof rack - If you're not using your roof rack, then remove it. It affects the aerodynamic efficiency of vehicles and create drag, reducing fuel economy; it all adds up to less mileage.

Avoid carrying excess weight - You may be surprised, but every extra pound or kilogramme matters and affects your fuel efficiency, so keep your boot or back seat clear of unnecessary items that you use once in a while and just add weight to your vehicle (e.g. golf clubs).

Use air conditioning sparingly - Air conditioning puts added strain on the engine and uses fuel to operate; limit its use to particularly hot days. When possible, use the fan instead or simply set the temperature to a comfortable, not cold, setting (about 22-23 °C).

Avoid excess idling - It's obvious, idling gets you nowhere. However, it still burns fuel. Turn the engine off when you're in a queue or waiting for someone for more than two minutes.

Master Crab

2008-11-10T00:29:00.000+08:00

I must confess that I am not exactly big on crabs. I find that it takes too much work to get to the little reward. However, I know of many people around me who are big on crabs and if I may add, rather crappy at times as well!

It was after a meeting that ended at around 11pm. While James, Claudia and I were about to set our way home, we decided to go to this rather famous store to check out some tasty crabs.

James, the crab expert ordered two rather big crabs prepared in salted egg sauce. I have tried this sauce before but it did not leave a big impression on me. Anyhow, I submitted to the expert’s recommendation.

When the dish came and when I had a first taste of it, it was hard to stop. My strategy was to ask some searching ministry questions that would get both Claudia and James engaged so that I could eat more. And it worked!

This is the first time I see myself wolfing down crabs. It was really nice. This store is in Block 19 Ghim Moh Road and you really have to try it to believe it.

As I have been told, there is a few other famous crabs stores in Singapore located in Still Road and AMK…

War Stories

2008-11-04T20:29:00.000+08:00

Nothing floats my boat more than to hear victorious stories that comes from the trenches of ministry and doing life in the power of the Holy Spirit.

Last Friday was our combined adults service. There were more than 70 first-timers in that service! As I could tell, there were at least7 people that crossed the line of faith.

At the end of the service, I went around saying my thank you to all the crew that worked hard for the event. I was doing that to one of the sisters who worked really hard on the MM side of the game. After I was done saying, she said that as great as the MM went, the key thing for her on that night was that her friend, that she had been trying to reach for Jesus for the past 10 years, gave her heart to Jesus.

Even as I am writing now, I can feel a lump building up in my throat. This is just great.

After the combined care group when we got drilled through the ins and outs of outreach, we were more equipped in our hands and more strengthened in our hearts to reach more for Jesus.

Below is one such success stories (permission had been granted to past this). Gavin works in Singapore and he worships in our church. This is his story about how God used him to reach out to his brother in one of his trips back home.

Be inspired…

On 29th Oct 2008, my younger brother Rex said the sinner’s prayer after me as he decided to receive Christ.

This is how it happens…..

Rex drove me to the air port, after he dropped his wife Hui Ling for meeting. When we were entering highway, we were complaining about the distance of the international air port, KLIA being so far from the city. Along the way we didn’t talk much as I was praying that I can share to him about God after sharing to him a family issue which I long to see improvement. Frankly, I was not so sure about what to share to him about God, therefore I also praying. When we were on the highway for quite awhile, I noticed that the petrol indicator light was on, meaning the petrol is low. I told him that and he was telling me that he forgotten to pump in petrol while in the city and hopefully we have enough petrol to last to the next petrol kiosk.

We were quite worried. I started to pray in my heart that God will help us to have enough petrol to last to the air port or the next available petrol kiosk. Rex started to switch off the air-cond and wind down the window a little. Not long after he did that, the car engine stopped and he pulled over to the shoulder of the highway. It was disappointing, Rex maybe thinking he should have pumped in petrol earlier; and for me I was thinking “God, are you kidding, I thought you will help us to get to the air port or the next petrol kiosk? How come the engine finally stopped?” Soon after the car stopped, Rex walked out and head to the front to try to get to the nearest emergency phone along the highway. I sat down, feeling helpless but continue to pray that God to send us help but I wasn’t sure what kind of help, really. After that, I started to get up the seat and look to Rex to think of going with him for the emergency phone. But I felt a very strong urge to continue to pray, so I sat back and prayed. Promptly, the Holy Spirit told me to “Drive”! I got into the driver seat, started the engine, drove towards Rex and ask him to get in to the car; he was so amazed and found it incredible and said “how come the car can be started again?”

I continued to drive, exited from the highway. As we stopped at the toll for payment, he was so worry that the car may just stop again. But I felt very calm and peaceful at that time as I know God is with us, so I told him “don’t worry, it wont stop and we will definitely get to the next petrol kiosk.” After passed by the toll and continue to drive for roughly another 2km, we found a petrol kiosk, it was joyful. Soon after I drove into the petrol kiosk, the engine stopped again. In my heart “God, this is must be you!”

After pumped in petrol, full tank, he drove on and I shared with him about the prayer I made after realized the petrol is running low and God spoke to me to “Drive!”, he responded “It is so powerful, I believe it” . I told him that this is not the first time He helped me and shared with him other testimony as well. After checking in at the air port, we managed to have sometime for our dinner at Mac where I started to share with him the family issue, after that the bridge diagram. He believed that there is God as he said that his position is on God’s side in the bridge diagram. I asked him whether he wants to receive Jesus into his life and he said YES. I led him in the sinner’s prayer. Thank God, he is saved.

Denote:
I have a wrong perception about my brother for a very long time. I thought he is very staunch in his believe in other god as he was wearing an idol, quite big in size. After I asked him to take off the idol from his necklace before praying and told him that no more believe in other gods if he decided to accept Jesus, he told me that “In fact all along I did not believe in any gods, I wear it for protection against evil spirits” (he had an evil spirit encounter before). So don’t judge any pre-believers, things might not be true as what we think.

I shared with him a few times before about Jesus & some bible verses. This time, God created opportunity and moves his heart, so trust Him : )

Combined Adults Service (31 October 2008)

2008-10-25T16:45:00.001+08:00

On this coming Friday (31 October), the adults will be having a special service at the Singapore Post Centre.

It will be a great time for us to come together for worship and hear the timely word that God wants to deposit into our hearts during this turbulent time.

It will also be totally wonderful to invite our friends, colleagues and relatives along as well. They will certainly be blessed to know that there is Someone greater than themselves that is in control!

Do pray and come prepared for a refreshing and renewing time.

Hope Johannesburg Video

2008-10-19T01:17:00.000+08:00

This is the church video clip done by our Hope Joburg team on Hope Joburg.

I was deeply moved by the work and their determination to be used by God for their world. When I serve alongside them, their resolve to make their lives count strike a very chord within my heart.

Thanks people for impacting the city of Johannesburg, the country of South Africa, the continent of Africa and all over the whole globe. Thanks even more for impacting me!

Hope Johannesburg

2008-10-14T12:11:00.001+08:00

It is always wonderful to be able to spend time with the team here. Pastor Henry and Lerato have been doing a great job here. As always, we laughed and ate and prayed and ministered together.

The church has grown quite a fair bit since I was here last year. The youth and women groups have developed quite significantly. There was also a concerted effort to reach out to the families too.

We had a seminar on Saturday to explore on the whole topic of being more organised. I taught several lessons with Henry as we spoke honestly and openly about the biblical perspective of being organised down to the details on how we can be organised and well-planned in practical areas like finance and the usage of time.

Being organised is a key foundation that Henry wanted to build strongly into Hope Johannesburg.

I also preached on Sunday on the importance of getting involved in the church. My aim was to mobilise all of our people to get in the game.

In between times, I spent most of my time sharing life and doing life with Henry. It was very enriching as I imparted biblical values and truths.

As the plane landed back in Singapore, I am completely spent on the outside but totally renewed on the inside. Once again, I have a first hand experience on the power and potential of the local church. I am reminded of why Jesus gave his life for His church.

Below is a clip from some of our people who sang at the bible seminar. Like I have said before and shall say again, Africans can really sing!

Good News

2008-10-07T17:46:00.000+08:00

As a Singaporean male, when you receive a letter with the Mindef Singapore Letter Head, it usually caused your heart to stop for a few beats. By the way Mindef means Ministry of Defence which means army and the rest of the marching and national service stuff.

It has been a long time since I received any letter with this Letter Head. But one came today and it brought a big smile on my face!

The letter was about the completion of National Service. It reads…

“ I am pleased to inform you that you have reached the statutory age, and are no longer liable for National Service….”

Other than the best-est news of Christ, this has to be rate as one of the other best-est news. We can surely do with some good news with the economy in such chaotic stage at this moment.

Anyhow, memories of Nee Soon & Stagmont Camps will linger on for a long long time…

Haggai

2008-09-30T22:58:00.001+08:00

We will be starting our Haggai series on the weekend. It would be great if we could read through the whole book of Haggai first. It only has 2 chapters and it's easy reading stuff for all :)

Here's the first eleven verses for you...

Haggai 1:1-11
A Call to Build the House of the LORD
1 In the second year of King Darius, on the first day of the sixth month, the word of the LORD came through the prophet Haggai to Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest:
2 This is what the LORD Almighty says: "These people say, 'The time has not yet come for the LORD's house to be built.' "
3 Then the word of the LORD came through the prophet Haggai: 4 "Is it a time for you yourselves to be living in your paneled houses, while this house remains a ruin?"
5 Now this is what the LORD Almighty says: "Give careful thought to your ways. 6 You have planted much, but have harvested little. You eat, but never have enough. You drink, but never have your fill. You put on clothes, but are not warm. You earn wages, only to put them in a purse with holes in it."
7 This is what the LORD Almighty says: "Give careful thought to your ways. 8 Go up into the mountains and bring down timber and build the house, so that I may take pleasure in it and be honored," says the LORD. 9 "You expected much, but see, it turned out to be little. What you brought home, I blew away. Why?" declares the LORD Almighty. "Because of my house, which remains a ruin, while each of you is busy with his own house. 10 Therefore, because of you the heavens have withheld their dew and the earth its crops. 11 I called for a drought on the fields and the mountains, on the grain, the new wine, the oil and whatever the ground produces, on men and cattle, and on the labor of your hands."

Do also pray that God will do a great work in His church and in our hearts as we study through this entire book! Feel free to share your learnings as well.

Steal From Hong Teck's Blog (F1 Accident!)

2008-09-26T21:28:00.000+08:00

Was checking out Hong Teck's blog (ragsstudio.com) and found this entry!

Singapore is hosting her first Grand Prix night race. All gear up to be at the race tomorrow and really looking forward to it, I was shocked to be forwarded this email from Pastor Jo.

FI has not started but i got first hand news…. !! Yesterday a serious F1 accident happen. This picture is taken by someone who witness it.

OK guys, coming from Ps Jo, should I take it seriously!

F1 Singtel Singapore

2008-09-25T20:19:00.003+08:00

It is finally here! But to be honest, I am not that hyped up about it as I am unable to appreciate it as much. However, I want to learn…

For years now, some of my guy pals around me have been throwing names like Hamilton, Massa, Alonso etc etc. Some of them even have those short sleeves racing shirts that carry lots of advertisements.

I have also watched it on TV before and I do not want is the big deal to simply see cars zooming pass you. It is only exciting when crashes take place but these scenes are better watched on programmes such as “Sports Disasters” rather than F1 racing.

Nonetheless, some have been taking the effort to explain to me the deals with wet and dry weather tires, the amount of fuel to have in the tank, the air pressure beneath the car according to design and the pit stop strategy and some others. These facts have increased my increase somewhat and I have made plans to watched it during the weekend on my tele.

Some have also told me that the thrill comes when we get to hear the roaring sound of the engines as they zoomed pass you at close to 300km/hour. According to him, the sound is reason enough to watch it at live already. One of my friends who lived on the 30 plus floor of the Westin hotel told me that he could even hear it when the car did their rounds months ago!

I hear that one of my friend got a pair of tickets that cost up to $7000 (not sure if it just for one or both) for free! He will be sitting at the VIP seat with dinner and drinks thrown it as the drivers chase down the chequered flag.

Anyhow, enjoy your coming weekend with our first ever F1 race in Singapore and the first ever night race in the world!

My Fave Gift!

2008-09-21T00:12:00.003+08:00

This is my fave gift for my birthday. It is from Claudia and she bought it in Hong Kong.

I SIMPLY LOVE IT!

Thank You People!

2008-09-20T22:23:00.000+08:00

Today during the services, I must have received close to 200 cards and letters for my belated birthday well-wishes! I took the time and read through them. I am really touched by your love and encouragement.

Through my blog is probably the only way where I get to thank as many of you as possible. I cherish every one of your well-wishes and very kind words.

There are also many of you from all over the church who sms-ed me while I was in Hong Kong. Thanks again!

I am very strengthened by your affirmation to serve with me in His purpose. I am also very strengthened when you mentioned specific encounters that we had when God left something in your hearts. That is really cool!

Let’s run this race together for Jesus. Let’s encourage and watch over one another as we seek to finish this race gloriously.

God and I are on your side!

Receiving Bad News by Os Hillman

2008-09-18T16:57:00.000+08:00

Below is a helpful article that I have received in my mail. I am praying that it may help some of you who may be in the midst of receiving some bad news. God is with you!
______________________________________________________

"Also our enemies said, 'Before they know it or see us, we will be right there among them and will kill them and put an end to the work'" (Neh 4:11).

I opened the letter from the attorney and began to read the contents. The more I read, the sicker my stomach felt. I could not believe the words I was reading. I literally felt sick with fear. Perhaps you've had a similar experience. Maybe you got news that you've got cancer. Or someone has had an accident. Or you are being sued.

Nehemiah was rebuilding the wall in Jerusalem. The going was tough. As if things were not tough enough, he got a letter from another corrupt government official threatening to kill anyone involved in rebuilding the wall.

"But when Sanballat, Tobiah, the Arabs, the Ammonites and the men of Ashdod heard that the repairs to Jerusalem's walls had gone ahead and that the gaps were being closed, they were very angry. They all plotted together to come and fight against Jerusalem and stir up trouble against it. But we prayed to our God and posted a guard day and night to meet this threat (Neh 4:7-9).

There is but one response we should have to bad news. Pray to our God and take the necessary steps to defend ourselves against the threat. This was Nehemiah's response.

Once you begin to take these actions avoid projecting what might happen to you in the future. This is a sure-fire first step toward depression.

Ask God's grace for one day at a time only.

"Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?" (Luke 12:24-26).

Turn your bad news over to the Lord. He specializes in turning crises into opportunities.

Memorising & Meditating On God's Word

2008-09-12T23:27:00.000+08:00

Since I was a young believer, I was taught the importance of having a rich repertoire of God’s Word stored in my heart. My leader taught me that it would keep us safe and strong as I seek to walk closely to Jesus. At the appropriate time, the Holy Spirit will birth these truths for the kiaros moment.

I once asked a respected leader who has walked with God for many years if memorizing God’s Word is an old school practice for our time and age. She pushed back rather swiftly to say that God’s Word isn’t old school. She added memorizing God’s Word will hold us steadfast and strong no matter what time and age we may be residing in.

Psalm 119:11
I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.

So here’s a listing of verses that I have given to the Adults Group to memorize and mediate on for the next 6 weeks. Let's aim to memorise the first 8 verses first. The last 8 are for those of you who wants greater challenge.

Experiencing A New Beginning
2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!

Experiencing Intimacy with God
Jeremiah 33:3
'Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.'

Experiencing Supernatural Power
Acts 1:8
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

Experiencing His Truth
2 Timothy 3:16-17
16All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Experience Helping Friends Experiencing God
Matthew 28:19-20
19Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

Experience Community of Another Kind
Hebrews 10:25
Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Experiencing Identification with Christ
Acts 2:38
Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Experiencing the Joy of Giving
Proverbs 11:24-25
24 One man gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty.
25 A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.

The additional 8 verses...

Discover God’s Character
Ephesians 1:13-14
13And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, 14who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession—to the praise of his glory.

Discover How to Worship
John 4:22-23
22You Samaritans worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews. 23Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks.

Discover Victory in God
1 Corinthians 10:13
No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.

Discover Faith in God
Hebrews 11:6
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

Discover the Significance of The Lord’s Supper
1 Corinthians 11:26-28
26For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes.
27Therefore, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. 28A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup.

Discover Why We Obey Leaders
Hebrews 13:17
Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you.

Discover the Basic Principles of Your faith
1 Timothy 4:16
Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.

Discover Why You should Serve in a Church
Ephesians 4:12-13
12to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

Sunny's Sent Off

2008-09-10T23:01:00.003+08:00

After the JUMP Concert on the 22 August, some of us went to the airport at around midnight to send our friend and leader Sunny Kong off to his work in an overseas place.

It was a sad moment for many of us as we bid farewell to our friend and co-laborer in the Kingdom. However, we know that Sunny will be a greater blessing to the new place where God has led him to.

Just this evening, I received an extremely long update of the happenings in his life. Sunny will not only survive but he will certainly thrive in his new environment.

Our hearts and prayers go out to your family and you fully!

My Hong Kong Experience

2008-09-09T02:30:00.000+08:00

Had arrived in Hong Kong since Tuesday. Had spent some tremendous time with some wonderful people. We have walked the street of Hong Kong till dark, tasted some exotic food (like smelly toufu & some spare parts of some animals), laughed our hearts out, visited Macau and ate some more.

I really enjoyed my self very much. Although this is my 4th or 5th trip to Hong Kong, it is the company that made the difference.

I learnt quite a fair bit from th teaching on “An Indigenous Church” as well. The key learning for me was the distinction between contextualization and indigenization. It was helpful to me.

Then on Sunday, I was put in a most unusual position when quite a number of the delegates at the conference celebrated my birthday with me. I was completely caught unaware when the chairperson announced that there was a special segment from the Hope Singapore team. I honestly thought that it was some missions testimony or presentation.

And lo and behold, when a cake was brought forth, I really did not know how to respond. I appreciate the love and the gesture very dearly in my heart. I am really thankful for the many friends that God has placed in my life. I am truly blessed!

On the other hand, I am really not good at such situations. Suddenly, I did not know where to place my hands or how I should be standing or I should even be breathing!

Thanks people for making my day a most memorable one! I appreciate all you well wishes and friendship and partnership in the Kingdom so very greatly!

The evening was spent having dinner with the many of the pastors from all over the world. It was a most refreshing time for me to eat and hear stories from other leaders.

Thank God and thank you all!

Hope KL Uni Camp

2008-09-01T19:39:00.000+08:00

The past 3 days was spent with Joshua and the University group in Hope Kuala Lumpur. It was a fulfilling time as I watched Joshua soared to greater heights in helping and serving the university students there.

It was also a fun time of networking with the next generation of leaders for me. Needless to say, we ate a lot along the way too.

It was positioned to be a boot camp for the students. There were plenty of physical activities coupled with the usual teaching and praise & worship. They even had a countdown as Malaysia celebrated their 51st year of independence. There was a flag raising ceremony as they belted out their national anthem in full voice.

It is indeed wonderful to serve Jesus in this global movement.

More Pics Of JUMP

2008-08-27T12:07:00.004+08:00

Here are more pics through Simon Chan's lens :) Thanks Simon...

JUMP

2008-08-25T16:27:00.004+08:00

It was a night of praise & worship under the star-studded sky for the star of the day, Jesus!

I was told that there were close to 2500 people at the event. At around 6 pm, we were praying for the rain to stop and the sky to clear up. As the worship team worshipped, the sky started to clear.

After we started on the first set of praise and progressed into worship, the atmosphere was lifted up. The presence of God was very tangible. We lifted up our hands and our lives to the one whose name we bore!

I was overwhelmed!

Below are some pictures captured through Merv’s camera lens. A picture does indeed paint a thousand words. Beautiful pics for a marvellous God!

Adults Care Leaders' Celebration

2008-08-24T20:59:00.005+08:00

There are so many things that have happened over the past week. Let me blog the Adults CL celebration first.

As a whole region, we gathered all the adults CLs, ULs & DLs to remember and thank God for the wonderful things that he had done in the Adults group over the past 4 ½ months.

We started the whole adults charge of growing from the month of April till August. We were hovering around 700 people in our service attendance in April. We prayed and trusted God that every one of our care groups will grow.

Since then, more than 60% of the care groups have grown. Our service attendance is now averaging above 750 people. When we set our goals and trust God in prayer and hard work, God showed up big time!

I have heard of groups that have not seen any new friend crossing the ling of faith for the past 3 years experiencing conversion in their group! Incredible stories of faith were heard everywhere.

Not only has the adults group grown, our family and Hope Kids ministries advanced the Kingdom at their ends as well. The family connected more than 20 people in our services while the Hope Kids grown by over 20 kids too.

We did our adults celebration at the Chiang Mai Palace at Far East Square. There were around 100 of us there. Thank you people for taking God’s dream for our church one step closer to reality!

9.69 & 19.30

2008-08-20T23:21:00.004+08:00

I must simply blog this as a tribute to perhaps the greatest sprinter till date, Usain Bolt. He broke both the 100m and 200m sprints!

In the past, my heart was broken by Ben Johnson who broke the world record then but was founded to have taken banned substance.

But for this round, Bolt broke the 100m world record and with room to spare. He began to celebrate at the 80m mark after knowing that he has won. God only knows what the record would be if he had sprinted all the way to the tape.

I have just watched the 200m finals. This time, he sprinted all the way and broke Michael Johnson’s previous world record of 19.32 seconds. As I understand from the commentator, Johnson had commented that his world record will not be broken!

Well done Bolt… let’s do the Jamaican reggae over some rum man!

Time With Pastor Simon & Hai Eng

2008-08-19T21:46:00.008+08:00

It was a wonderful start to the week for many of our staff team. Pastor Simon and Hai Eng visited us in Singapore.

Pastor Simon, our international elder, came to visit us after his meeting in Johor Bahru. Hai Eng, who is overseeing all the department works at the Movement level, came along as well.

Doing what Singapore does best, we took them out for a food trail. We had a wonderful lunch at a Japanese restaurant. It was filled with food and laughter. Mike was the obvious horse face and he really cracked all of us up big time!

I ordered some noodles and when it came, I was really embarrassed. I had no idea that Japanese served noodles in basin! I expected bowls but it was not to be : (

After lunch, we went for some Durian. We went all out for the very best ones who were going at S$20/kg. It was money well spent! The final verdict is that Mountain Cat still top D24 anytime!

We were too engrossed with the Mountain Cat that no one volunteered to take any snapshots...

In between meals, we discussed much about church and were challenged to advance the Kingdom greatly too. It was a very enriching time for all of us.

JUMP 2008

2008-08-07T09:43:00.000+08:00

JUMP (Jesus U Must Praise) 2008

Imagine yourself in Nexus, jumping and grooving along to the praise and worship. Now, take away the green and blue chairs, the carpet flooring, and oh, the roof of Nexus Auditorium, and replace them with grass, trees and fluffy clouds instead!

Come August 22nd, from 7.30pm to 9.30pm, join us at Fort Canning Green for our first-ever evangelistic worship concert under the stars!

Don't miss this chance to invite pre-believing friends, and don't forget to grab the limited edition JUMP fun pack and badges!

There will be only 500 Jump packs up for grabs!!!

The Jump Pack is only going for $20 each, ONLY IF you order before 16th August @ the JUMP BOOTH.

For more details, proceed to the Jump Booth outside after your worship service on the weekend.

Hope Kids Video

2008-08-06T17:49:00.000+08:00

This is a video that Hong Teck did for Hope Kids. He was asking me to share about the importance of Kids Ministry in our church and Movement.

Below is the advert for the next 3 weeks for Hope Kids Live! Let's do our part to build the future of our church!

Are you lost? Sam’s new dog Rebel is. Curl up and listen to our story of sin, separation, and redemption in two settings—a boy and his dog, and our loving God and his beloved mankind.

This 3 part series doesn’t just tell the stories in the Bible—it’s the story of the Bible. As we share in the adventures of Sam, Rebel, and the villainous Miss Chievous and her sidekick Ace, we’ll begin to uncover a parallel story that we all star in—God’s amazing plan to rescue each of us from being lost.

“Lost” Part 1-3 will be shown in HopeKids LIVE! on the 10th, 17th and 24th of August.

Bring your friends aged 7-12 to these outreach services.

Hong Teck, Hiew

18.029km

2008-08-03T20:48:00.000+08:00

18.029km…that was the reading on my pedometer after my 3 preaching on Saturday!

I attended all the 3 services and preached in the 3 services as well. I was pleasantly surprised that I covered so much ground. I have heard research stating that one preaching is equivalent to 9 hours of work in the office in terms of the mental and emotional energy required. But I have never seen or read any statistics in terms of the distance covered during preaching.

My guess is that it depends on the preacher too. For me, I do walk around quite a fair bit and that explains for the distance covered. No wonder I always look forward to a foot massage after a whole weekend of preaching.

So the conclusion is that when you preach, you do more than just exercise your spiritual gifts. You exercise your body as well!

No wonder the bible says in Romans 10:15…

How beautiful are the feet (and legs) of those who bring good news!

Henderson Wave

2008-08-02T09:02:00.000+08:00

Recently, during one of our day off, Claudia and I went for a little walk at the Henderson Wave. We have seen it being featured on the television and it looked really nice. So, we decided to take a little walk for some relaxation and exercise.

Wow! The view was really quite magnificent. The architecture and design are really world class. I am so envious of the residents that live near there. Their property price and their quality life should really improve with this new development.

It is windy, has unblocked view and has scenery that promises to soothe the most savage of beast.

If you have the time, do take the time to just walk around this place. It’s really beautiful.

By the way, for all you courting couples, you may want to pop the question in this place too : )

Check it out!