Something the Lord has impress upon my heart is to improve their economic situation, through involving the local and at the same time finance the local Church in growth and discipleship, partnering with the local Church and para-church in Singapore.
There are a number of areas:
Church affiliation
Business support
Leadership empowerment
It goes therefore beyond me and unless God further impress on my heart how to go about the work.
It is no longer I work alone to bring the gospel to the local, but the local themselves do it. There are more Christian in China and one Ernest. As such, the best way is to partner a local Church.
A good support is to empower the leaders. This can be done through training, but of course the person who do so must be right with God and right in the heart, besides just knowledge. Basically dicipleship.
Of course, the other aspect is finance. Of course God will provide, but the leaders of the Church should pastor the Chruch more than just concern about money. This is where business come it. Some form of involvement with the local is neededin particular the members of the Church. The business need to be run by the local, because it is the business setup must have a similar multiplication method like the way Jesus train the disciple.
The Church and para-church will help in the first while business man will help the second.
In both cases, it began with an identification with a local chruch and community. And the method of help must be discipleship, because by multiplying, it will free the church 'trainers' and the business man to do more rather than be bog down by a single church.
Likewise, the local church should be able to stand on its own feet, because the start off intention is to make use of the Christain in China to reach out to thmeselves.
Friday, May 30, 2008
28 May 2008
As I was praying for my family, God showed me the areas I scan bless my family.
For Rachael is Undivided time, Present and Surprises and Give affirmation and encouragement
For my children is Guide them, Show them and Teach them
For my father is Concern, Care and Conversation.
For myself is doing the Lord way for the sake of Spiritual growth, for the Organization growth and for Personal Growth.
For something that is good or bad turn out, is something the Lord wants to teach. What is He trying to do to your heart and what is He trying to teach you.
If there is something to learn from the situation, it is something that the Lord wants to do in my heart.
God is more concern that the concern for finishing the work may loses the heart. It is the right heart that finish the work. The work that is unable to finish, God can always raise another one to complete it, but if God loses the heart, He loses the person. Anyway the work is all about people and about their heart.
As such, I am to surrender my Vision, my Immediate family members and Pocessions (wealth, knowlege and experience).
Lord, as you continue to search my heart, let it be right. And as start to surrender to you, you show me how and what is the work you want me to do.
I lift away the vision and any burden. I just make myself ready - my family, my wealth, my knowledge and my experience. I surrender all of them to you and allow you to use them.
For Rachael is Undivided time, Present and Surprises and Give affirmation and encouragement
For my children is Guide them, Show them and Teach them
For my father is Concern, Care and Conversation.
For myself is doing the Lord way for the sake of Spiritual growth, for the Organization growth and for Personal Growth.
For something that is good or bad turn out, is something the Lord wants to teach. What is He trying to do to your heart and what is He trying to teach you.
If there is something to learn from the situation, it is something that the Lord wants to do in my heart.
God is more concern that the concern for finishing the work may loses the heart. It is the right heart that finish the work. The work that is unable to finish, God can always raise another one to complete it, but if God loses the heart, He loses the person. Anyway the work is all about people and about their heart.
As such, I am to surrender my Vision, my Immediate family members and Pocessions (wealth, knowlege and experience).
Lord, as you continue to search my heart, let it be right. And as start to surrender to you, you show me how and what is the work you want me to do.
I lift away the vision and any burden. I just make myself ready - my family, my wealth, my knowledge and my experience. I surrender all of them to you and allow you to use them.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
28 May 2008
I am going a a rural town 800km from Kunming. I do not know what is there, but simple going by faith to pay visit to a local church that has been set up by a missionary years ago. The missionary has not seen the church and we are like Acts, reporting about the growth of this Church.
I pray that the Lord will open my spiritual eyes that I may see what the Lord want my heart to learn. Keep us safe and in any discomfort, let the faith be seen.
I pray that the Lord will open my spiritual eyes that I may see what the Lord want my heart to learn. Keep us safe and in any discomfort, let the faith be seen.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
27 May 2008
I started the day with a morning jog. Rachael has also mentioned about keeping healthy. In a similar confirmation, someone shared about the body is nmber one and wealth are the zeros behind. Without this one, it will all be zero.
Pau and I went to a shop to get some tennis ball. I have a feeling of begin cheated. I believe it should be 5 for 3 balls instead of 1 for 5. As such, we bought 4 which cost 20. In my mind, I was going through how to get back. What is the Lord teaching me? I have place again wealth above. The balls are for the game later and the generousity may bring about something good later. This is small money, but I do not like the feeling of being cheated. What is the Lord trying to say to me? Yes if it is my money and it is being stolen, you will feel sour. But look if the money is not yours, you don't feel bad. I have learn how to let go.
Paul say that 4 is enough. I mentioned that the class is big and it will need more balls. Could I have just buy more. Maybe the price put us off in buying more. At the class later, we did not even use the balls because of time constraint. We have use our strength and in doing so, think that we should prepare the very best for the conduct of the lessons. In fact, Jason, bought four, fearing too that we might not have bought them. The Lord in such a process taught me that it is not how much your work, your know how, your preparation. If you have done all these, surely the lessons will be done well - it is your glory. The glory ought to belong to God. In fact the last is a thrid smaller, how much have I believe in what God will do for Himself the work He has to complete.
At the Olive Conection, the owner Steve shared how he started the place and now it has come to past. Again, the vision God gave, He will bring it to past. He will bring it to past - not me. The Lord is interested i your heart more than the work. The engrossment in the work may failed the heart. God wants the heart and not the work. The work, He wil make it come to past.
I thank God, that I am valuable to Him. Despite all that I have depend on myself and think that I am doing it all for God, God still want to bring my heart right, so that He can do a deeper work in me and though me.
Paul shared about the 4 Ps = Power, Pragmatic, Posture, Perspective. Work on the later two, which allow and know what the Lord want you to know, and what the Lord want you to learn. The first who should come later such that ego be put last.
The team was mainly made up of couples. I wish Rachael is here. I want to partner her and I learn so much from them as how they support each other as a couple.
It is not leading in the area you have tread. It will be too long. It is learning from the Lord as He teaches your heart that you know and start to lead in that area. It is a learning process and a willing for the Lord to reach out to the heart. Lord I pray, that you teach me how to lead my family that all of them will be able to see what I see that what you teaches me each day.
I surrender. I acknowledge that you have bless me in abundance and the blessings in wealth, in knowledge, in experience are yours. I will learn and surrender them to you too. My family are precious to me, but they are too on loan, they belong to you and I have therefore surrender them to you, because you will through me teach them and grow them.
All work start with the heart and that speak about surrender - thereby allowing the Lord to act. Faith grow when you know that it is not your work, but it is the Lord who through you, uses you to accomplish what He will come to past. In such a situation, glory will goes back to God, who will be praise.
Romans 4:16 That is why it depends on faith, in order that the promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed to all his offspring—not only to the adherent of the law but also to the one who shares the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all, 17 as it is written, “I have made you the father of many nations”—in the presence of the God in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist.
Psalm 119 9 How can a young man keep his way pure?By guarding it according to your word.10 With my whole heart I seek you;let me not wander from your commandments!11 I have stored up your word in my heart,that I might not sin against you.12 Blessed are you, O Lord;teach me your statutes!13 With my lips I declareall the rules [3] of your mouth.14 In the way of your testimonies I delightas much as in all riches.15 I will meditate on your preceptsand fix my eyes on your ways.16 I will delight in your statutes;I will not forget your word.
These are the text that the Lord gave and let me learn from them.
Pau and I went to a shop to get some tennis ball. I have a feeling of begin cheated. I believe it should be 5 for 3 balls instead of 1 for 5. As such, we bought 4 which cost 20. In my mind, I was going through how to get back. What is the Lord teaching me? I have place again wealth above. The balls are for the game later and the generousity may bring about something good later. This is small money, but I do not like the feeling of being cheated. What is the Lord trying to say to me? Yes if it is my money and it is being stolen, you will feel sour. But look if the money is not yours, you don't feel bad. I have learn how to let go.
Paul say that 4 is enough. I mentioned that the class is big and it will need more balls. Could I have just buy more. Maybe the price put us off in buying more. At the class later, we did not even use the balls because of time constraint. We have use our strength and in doing so, think that we should prepare the very best for the conduct of the lessons. In fact, Jason, bought four, fearing too that we might not have bought them. The Lord in such a process taught me that it is not how much your work, your know how, your preparation. If you have done all these, surely the lessons will be done well - it is your glory. The glory ought to belong to God. In fact the last is a thrid smaller, how much have I believe in what God will do for Himself the work He has to complete.
At the Olive Conection, the owner Steve shared how he started the place and now it has come to past. Again, the vision God gave, He will bring it to past. He will bring it to past - not me. The Lord is interested i your heart more than the work. The engrossment in the work may failed the heart. God wants the heart and not the work. The work, He wil make it come to past.
I thank God, that I am valuable to Him. Despite all that I have depend on myself and think that I am doing it all for God, God still want to bring my heart right, so that He can do a deeper work in me and though me.
Paul shared about the 4 Ps = Power, Pragmatic, Posture, Perspective. Work on the later two, which allow and know what the Lord want you to know, and what the Lord want you to learn. The first who should come later such that ego be put last.
The team was mainly made up of couples. I wish Rachael is here. I want to partner her and I learn so much from them as how they support each other as a couple.
It is not leading in the area you have tread. It will be too long. It is learning from the Lord as He teaches your heart that you know and start to lead in that area. It is a learning process and a willing for the Lord to reach out to the heart. Lord I pray, that you teach me how to lead my family that all of them will be able to see what I see that what you teaches me each day.
I surrender. I acknowledge that you have bless me in abundance and the blessings in wealth, in knowledge, in experience are yours. I will learn and surrender them to you too. My family are precious to me, but they are too on loan, they belong to you and I have therefore surrender them to you, because you will through me teach them and grow them.
All work start with the heart and that speak about surrender - thereby allowing the Lord to act. Faith grow when you know that it is not your work, but it is the Lord who through you, uses you to accomplish what He will come to past. In such a situation, glory will goes back to God, who will be praise.
Romans 4:16 That is why it depends on faith, in order that the promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed to all his offspring—not only to the adherent of the law but also to the one who shares the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all, 17 as it is written, “I have made you the father of many nations”—in the presence of the God in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist.
Psalm 119 9 How can a young man keep his way pure?By guarding it according to your word.10 With my whole heart I seek you;let me not wander from your commandments!11 I have stored up your word in my heart,that I might not sin against you.12 Blessed are you, O Lord;teach me your statutes!13 With my lips I declareall the rules [3] of your mouth.14 In the way of your testimonies I delightas much as in all riches.15 I will meditate on your preceptsand fix my eyes on your ways.16 I will delight in your statutes;I will not forget your word.
These are the text that the Lord gave and let me learn from them.
Monday, May 26, 2008
26 May 2008 Yunnan Trip
The day began at 0900hrs. The team set off to a christian rehab center. The journey took about an hour.
At the rehab center, the pastor shared about the history about the place and how the Lord has blessed the process. It started humbly as a desire by the pastor to put into action instead of prayer for a drug addicted relative. The process of rehab was simple reading, worship and prayer. It was something to learn that it is not the knowledge you know about. Instead not knowing how permit God to do something. It is therefore the surrender to the Lord so that He can start something.
By faith they acquire the land with much disappointment at first. But it was through the disappointment that the Lord teaches the reliance and the continual faith in Him. He will provides.
The presence of the Lord was at the place when we worship. I enjoyed the moment of worship, and can truely see that the people at the center so desire to have the Lord and worship Him.
Paul took the opportunity to share with the driver about God and explained to him, who happen to be the only non Christian. Though he did not accepted Christ, but the presence of God, the love of God he can experience when he witness the worship. Paul shared about Jesus who always happened to be at the least expected place and do the least expected work - when everybody was worshipping, and though he wished he was there, he knew that the presence of God too desired to be with the driver.
After lunch, the next was conducting a English class at Yunnan Finance and Economics University. Jason presented.
I find that he spend too much time selling himself and failed to permit the students to relate with the team. In such a process, I reflected and realise that it is not about me about how much I know and how confidence I am. I need and pray for the surrender of all these myself, so that again the Lord can do a deep work in me.
I played a small role, but I know that I need not be the one who do the significant. I am happy and simply pray during the process.
What is the Lord trying to teach me? What is the Lord speaking to me?
I depends too much on myself and the Lord cannot do anything in me unless I surrender to Him.
I have to surrender my vision, my knowledge, my experience, my confidence, my wealth. The Lord taught me that it was not about the work, but it it was about the heart.
At the rehab center, the pastor shared about the history about the place and how the Lord has blessed the process. It started humbly as a desire by the pastor to put into action instead of prayer for a drug addicted relative. The process of rehab was simple reading, worship and prayer. It was something to learn that it is not the knowledge you know about. Instead not knowing how permit God to do something. It is therefore the surrender to the Lord so that He can start something.
By faith they acquire the land with much disappointment at first. But it was through the disappointment that the Lord teaches the reliance and the continual faith in Him. He will provides.
The presence of the Lord was at the place when we worship. I enjoyed the moment of worship, and can truely see that the people at the center so desire to have the Lord and worship Him.
Paul took the opportunity to share with the driver about God and explained to him, who happen to be the only non Christian. Though he did not accepted Christ, but the presence of God, the love of God he can experience when he witness the worship. Paul shared about Jesus who always happened to be at the least expected place and do the least expected work - when everybody was worshipping, and though he wished he was there, he knew that the presence of God too desired to be with the driver.
After lunch, the next was conducting a English class at Yunnan Finance and Economics University. Jason presented.
I find that he spend too much time selling himself and failed to permit the students to relate with the team. In such a process, I reflected and realise that it is not about me about how much I know and how confidence I am. I need and pray for the surrender of all these myself, so that again the Lord can do a deep work in me.
I played a small role, but I know that I need not be the one who do the significant. I am happy and simply pray during the process.
What is the Lord trying to teach me? What is the Lord speaking to me?
I depends too much on myself and the Lord cannot do anything in me unless I surrender to Him.
I have to surrender my vision, my knowledge, my experience, my confidence, my wealth. The Lord taught me that it was not about the work, but it it was about the heart.
25 May 2008 Yunnan Trip
The day started early at 0630hrs.
I spend time with God before heading for breakfast at 0730hrs. Breakfast was plain and simple - some noodles, porridge with some salted and spicy meat and vegetables. And fried eggs.
We we then ferried to an official church. A big Church - five storeys high and for each floor of seating, there must be at least a 1000 people if not 800. The seating capacity spilled over to the adjacent corridor. One reason for so is probably the number of growing belivers but not enough Church.
Ther service is very routine - singing hymns after hymns. You need a song book, which was not provided in order to sing along with them.
The preacher spoke about Abraham faith - a faith in a god that can raise the dead (that's is why he dared to scarifice Issac) and a faith in a god that provides (that is why he left Cannan).
In the preacher own testimony, it revealed to me that we have not been living a life based on faith - probably we had abundance and need not to have His providence and neither have we see the dead raise. But Abraham did not see the dead raise and did not have anything yet, but he believe and that is faith - not seen not hear but believe and when God call obey. A life of surrender that leads to abundance.
The preacher had few pocessions and few money, but when God call for him to gave up his last 400yuan, he did. God provided him the rest and that saw his faith raises. Pastor Edmond also did mentioned about this, obeying God even to the extend on giving up what you think that you need most - money. But God provides.
We went for lunch at Cui Hu for noodles - so so. But I have the chance to speak with a local who is a Christian help in Project Yunnan. I spoke to him about woking in Yunnan and the possiblity of setting up a business here. He too share on how he came to know Christ and his work.
After lunch we went to a rehab center in a run down neighbour. As the place was crowded, I wnet around praying and taking photos of the children in the neighbour. Compare with the level of hygiene, Singapore is a heaven.
The seesions saw a convert. The people were open and they shared openly. I sit in with the singles group and shared about my waiting for Rachael and how is it to wait on the Lord. I too share about Step who choose not to marry someone of different faith. I ended with how God has bless her with two kids Jo and Deb, as her "own".
I managed to pray with some with the un-smooth chinese and was encouraged by the faith of these people and their desires for their love one to come to know Christ. The Lord has therefore confirm the words from my sis about not giving up, but continue to pray for your love ones.
The Church in China is open - very open as compare to many years ago. Bibles are everywhere and the people worhsip freely - but of course - too much agression and provokation in converting others is not allow. I believe in discipleship as the next course of empowering these people. They are hungry. By the sheer number and by their passion, they will carry the gospel to the remote regions of China. We just need to train them. As such, I pray for such work and for such opportunity to be able to pour my live into a few good people.
Dinner was at the rehab and I don't really fancy the chicken rice. The meat was tough, but still eat for appreciation.
We had a debrief, before going out to roam the street. Paul and Clifford brought us to a message - 30 yuan for an hour. I went super with Paul, Samuel and Celiean before home sweet home.
Generally relax and the much is about what God can do through us and in us. Amen
I spend time with God before heading for breakfast at 0730hrs. Breakfast was plain and simple - some noodles, porridge with some salted and spicy meat and vegetables. And fried eggs.
We we then ferried to an official church. A big Church - five storeys high and for each floor of seating, there must be at least a 1000 people if not 800. The seating capacity spilled over to the adjacent corridor. One reason for so is probably the number of growing belivers but not enough Church.
Ther service is very routine - singing hymns after hymns. You need a song book, which was not provided in order to sing along with them.
The preacher spoke about Abraham faith - a faith in a god that can raise the dead (that's is why he dared to scarifice Issac) and a faith in a god that provides (that is why he left Cannan).
In the preacher own testimony, it revealed to me that we have not been living a life based on faith - probably we had abundance and need not to have His providence and neither have we see the dead raise. But Abraham did not see the dead raise and did not have anything yet, but he believe and that is faith - not seen not hear but believe and when God call obey. A life of surrender that leads to abundance.
The preacher had few pocessions and few money, but when God call for him to gave up his last 400yuan, he did. God provided him the rest and that saw his faith raises. Pastor Edmond also did mentioned about this, obeying God even to the extend on giving up what you think that you need most - money. But God provides.
We went for lunch at Cui Hu for noodles - so so. But I have the chance to speak with a local who is a Christian help in Project Yunnan. I spoke to him about woking in Yunnan and the possiblity of setting up a business here. He too share on how he came to know Christ and his work.
After lunch we went to a rehab center in a run down neighbour. As the place was crowded, I wnet around praying and taking photos of the children in the neighbour. Compare with the level of hygiene, Singapore is a heaven.
The seesions saw a convert. The people were open and they shared openly. I sit in with the singles group and shared about my waiting for Rachael and how is it to wait on the Lord. I too share about Step who choose not to marry someone of different faith. I ended with how God has bless her with two kids Jo and Deb, as her "own".
I managed to pray with some with the un-smooth chinese and was encouraged by the faith of these people and their desires for their love one to come to know Christ. The Lord has therefore confirm the words from my sis about not giving up, but continue to pray for your love ones.
The Church in China is open - very open as compare to many years ago. Bibles are everywhere and the people worhsip freely - but of course - too much agression and provokation in converting others is not allow. I believe in discipleship as the next course of empowering these people. They are hungry. By the sheer number and by their passion, they will carry the gospel to the remote regions of China. We just need to train them. As such, I pray for such work and for such opportunity to be able to pour my live into a few good people.
Dinner was at the rehab and I don't really fancy the chicken rice. The meat was tough, but still eat for appreciation.
We had a debrief, before going out to roam the street. Paul and Clifford brought us to a message - 30 yuan for an hour. I went super with Paul, Samuel and Celiean before home sweet home.
Generally relax and the much is about what God can do through us and in us. Amen
Sunday, May 25, 2008
24 May 2008
Morning being early at 0500hrs, with Rachael sending me to the airport.
The first flight took off at 0740 to Bangkok, where we made our transit to Yunnan.
By far it has been lesiure. Everyone was well taken care off. A bus was catered for us to fetch us to the hotel, dinner was catered. It look more like a holiday.
The group of people that I travel with was jovious. Many or in the majority of them were couples with grown up teens.
I came prepared for a rough journey, but so far it has not been so. We had a rest time in the afternoon, after checking into a simle furnish Yunnan University Hotel. I spend my time in the hotel - reading, praying and surfing the net.
After dinner was prayer. The group really engaged God. They seek the Lord with words. I am wrong about them and forgive me. In my mine, they are very relax, but the way they are serious when it come to God matters really changed my image on them. I have much to learn. They are real.
The first flight took off at 0740 to Bangkok, where we made our transit to Yunnan.
By far it has been lesiure. Everyone was well taken care off. A bus was catered for us to fetch us to the hotel, dinner was catered. It look more like a holiday.
The group of people that I travel with was jovious. Many or in the majority of them were couples with grown up teens.
I came prepared for a rough journey, but so far it has not been so. We had a rest time in the afternoon, after checking into a simle furnish Yunnan University Hotel. I spend my time in the hotel - reading, praying and surfing the net.
After dinner was prayer. The group really engaged God. They seek the Lord with words. I am wrong about them and forgive me. In my mine, they are very relax, but the way they are serious when it come to God matters really changed my image on them. I have much to learn. They are real.
Saturday, May 24, 2008
24 May 2008
Trip to Yunnan (Day 1)
I am now at the airporrt and for the next 7 days I will be at Yunnan, mainly in Kunming.
I leave with a good spirit, nowing that the Lord will guide and lead.
Of course there are still unsettle matters, like the repair work for my house.
I pray that you will also be with Rachael and the family.
I pray that during this trip you will show me - a good encounter with you and that you will further direct my path. If there is things I still need to change - let it be so.
I am now at the airporrt and for the next 7 days I will be at Yunnan, mainly in Kunming.
I leave with a good spirit, nowing that the Lord will guide and lead.
Of course there are still unsettle matters, like the repair work for my house.
I pray that you will also be with Rachael and the family.
I pray that during this trip you will show me - a good encounter with you and that you will further direct my path. If there is things I still need to change - let it be so.
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Many changes
A number of transition took place.
The major one is my father was diagnosed with 4th stage of cancer and is currently of chemotherophy at home. But because of the tonxic drugs, I pray that the other family members will be keep safe from it, especially my little children.
We have shifted into father's house. This was after we sold our 414 flat. The 329 flat is small which is OK. But with the recent development, the small house make it easier for any virus spread. I pray that in the event, such as now, when the children are sick, they will not spread the germs to father. Chemotherophy make him weak and easily infected.
Rachael has resigned. She is currently on part time assginment with 2 universities. I pray that she will adjust well to her timing. I pray that she may have more time with the children.
The shifting house, and all the event, coouple with more workload, I found myself short of concentration in my forex business. It need to grow and I need someone whom I can trust to take over. I pray for that someone that is capable of taking over this business and run it well. I want to spend sometime growing the other area on training, education and soliciting for more resources.
The house still need repair before hand over I pray that the contractor will do a good job and I pray that the response be prompt. We have shift house earlier to make the repair easier.
I am also making a trip to China. It will be a good time to witness the work of God. I pray for humility and to allow God work in my heart. I do not know how God will lead, but I pray that He will show me what further work I can do there. send the people whom I will meet.
Yes all these transition, but God is still my Lord. In Him I can trust that has bless the works of my hand.
The major one is my father was diagnosed with 4th stage of cancer and is currently of chemotherophy at home. But because of the tonxic drugs, I pray that the other family members will be keep safe from it, especially my little children.
We have shifted into father's house. This was after we sold our 414 flat. The 329 flat is small which is OK. But with the recent development, the small house make it easier for any virus spread. I pray that in the event, such as now, when the children are sick, they will not spread the germs to father. Chemotherophy make him weak and easily infected.
Rachael has resigned. She is currently on part time assginment with 2 universities. I pray that she will adjust well to her timing. I pray that she may have more time with the children.
The shifting house, and all the event, coouple with more workload, I found myself short of concentration in my forex business. It need to grow and I need someone whom I can trust to take over. I pray for that someone that is capable of taking over this business and run it well. I want to spend sometime growing the other area on training, education and soliciting for more resources.
The house still need repair before hand over I pray that the contractor will do a good job and I pray that the response be prompt. We have shift house earlier to make the repair easier.
I am also making a trip to China. It will be a good time to witness the work of God. I pray for humility and to allow God work in my heart. I do not know how God will lead, but I pray that He will show me what further work I can do there. send the people whom I will meet.
Yes all these transition, but God is still my Lord. In Him I can trust that has bless the works of my hand.
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