Daily devotion - Discipline

“You are controlled by your new nature if you have the Spirit of God living in you . . . ”

-Romans 8:9 (TLB)

A harnessed horse contributes much more to life than a wild donkey. Energy out of control is dangerous; energy under control is powerful.
God does not discipline us to subdue us, but to condition us for a life of usefulness and blessedness. In His wisdom He knows that an uncontrolled life is an unhappy life, so He puts reins on our wayward souls that they may be directed into the “paths of righteousness.”
That is what God seeks to do with us; to tame us, to bring us under proper control, to redirect our energies. He does in the spiritual realm what science does in the physical realm. Science takes a Niagara River with its violent turbulence and transforms it into electrical energy to illuminate a million homes and to turn the productive wheels of industry.

Direct all my energy, Father, so that I may be a blessing to others.

4/6/08 - 5/6/08 (last 2 days) 最后两天了

想不到，一转眼，就只剩下两天的时间了。还没离开前，我们在饭店附近走走，想看一看人民的居住环境以及享受一下纯朴的生活方式。
Time and tide wait for no man, how true is that! Before we knew it, it's almost the end of this journey. We were trying to get as much exposure to the life in Guangzhou before we leave.
许老师手上终于握住他的新玩具。哈哈。真为他感到开心。
Jon finally got his new toy! So happy for him.




之后，我们就到碧山湾温泉度假村，真的应该好好享受享受一下下了。
Bishanwan Hotspring Resort, here we come! I think everyone really deserves a break!


大家都带著喜悦的心情，等待着能把这几天累积的疲惫的身心，好好的浸泡在温泉里，好让我们能疏解压力和重新得力。这还是我第一次泡温泉呢。那儿有泡泡温泉，咖啡温泉，米酒温泉，冰火温泉，中药温泉等等。
We were excited about dipping in the hotspring (at least I was excited cos I've never tried it before). Just the thought of draining away the weariness and tiredness brings an air of anticipation of what is to come. There's bubble hotspring, coffee, wine, ice and fire, herbal, steam hotspring etc.
晚上我们到乡下人家吃晚餐，并把握老师们这一次在中国的最后一顿晚餐 。一想到明天我们就要回去了，心里是又开心又难过。
Our last dinner meal in China for this trip. Treasure it while it last. Thoughts about going home the next day brings mixed feelings in my heart.
在温泉后面有一座小山，我们在最后一天还上山去看了一下，可是因为天气实在是太热了，我们没有留太久，反而想去泡最后一次的温泉呢。
We took a short stroll in the woods behind the hotspring resort. But because it was too hot that day, I could only think of dipping myself in the hotspring ONE LAST TIME :P
回去以后，中国之旅将会一直烙印在我的心理，因为她已经成为我的一部份了。好吧！我还会再回来的，你等我吧！
Well, the end of a great and memorable journey, but it will not end there for me as this trip has been imprinted deep in my heart. Looking forward to going there again! China, wait for me!

1/6/08 - 3/6/08 (Day 8 - 10) 第八到十天

离开了温州，一到达了广州，就直接开车到东莞。一放下行礼后，就到一间工厂去事奉。
Well, it's time to leave Wenzhou. We went straight to DongGuan immediately after touch-down at GuangZhou. Then it was a special ministry night at a factory. Sorry, no photos cos we were not allowed to take any. It was there that we heard the testimonies of two brothers and their hometown in SiChuan. Thank God for His grace and mercy!
终于有一天可以放假，我们就乘机到饭店的SPA按摩，哦对了，这也是义恩第一次做按摩，好好玩哦。之后我们就到附近走走逛逛。
Monday was an 'off' day, where we went massaging and shopping :) not that there were anything special to buy, really 'CMI' kind lor :) We saw on the street an interesting T-shirt which we nearly bought - Bonald Buck print on it :P
晚上洪老师请我们吃日本餐，哇！好吃！我们老师们也利用这个时间更深入的互相培养感情。
That night was Chuck's treat to Japs restaurant. Very yummy, very relaxing, a time to fellowship and gel with each other again.
隔天，我们又是开车到广州，晚上到那儿的教会事奉，兄弟姐妹们都很热情的欢迎我们，最重要的是，他们都很期望进入神的当中。
Next day, drove down to GuangZhou & had night service there. The people were very receptive towards the Lord's leading & us. Thank God.
义诺和家人对我们很好。感谢他们。
Us with Enoch and his wife. They, together with their other siblings treated us very warmly. They brought us to dinner before service and supper after that.
聚会过后，又是到了吃的时间了。这次，我们要求要去喝咖啡，他们就带我们到这间有格调的cafe，喝喝咖啡，吃吃蛋糕。我们还试吃了鸭舌头呢！
This was where we went for supper. For once, we went to an 'ang mo' kind of food. We had coffee :) Very classy place :)
It was also there that I tried duck's tongue. Interesting taste, quite nice actually, hehe.

Daily devotion sharing: Leadership

We have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us.

-Romans 12:6 (NRSV)

What comes to mind when you think of leadership? Do you think of great leaders from the past? Or do you think of certain characteristics that you feel a good leader should possess - qualities like vision, self-confidence, communication skills, decisiveness? In the Christian setting, many of us hesitate to lead when asked. Perhaps we don't feel we possess the skills needed to be a good leader.

Jesus' leadership was not about leading in the business sense but rather about doing what God had called him to do. Likewise, we have unique talents and gifts from God, and we are called to use those gifts for serving, for building up the Body of Christ. (See Eph. 4:12.) At times we may pretend we don't hear God calling us to serve, or we may rationalize that we are too busy. We may even try to convince ourselves that we are not capable because someone else is more qualified. However, God doesn't call the qualified; God qualifies those called.

The heroes of the Bible were ordinary people with typical human flaws and weaknesses. They show us that when it comes to serving in God's kingdom, we don't have to be spectacular - just available. Spiritual leaders are ordinary people, called and enabled by God.

O God, give us the courage to serve as faithful disciples in the world around us. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.
Life is about letting God use each of us for a purpose.

Feeling alone?

have u ever felt strangely alone all of a sudden?


i have.


in fact, this strange feeling came weirdly. out of the blue. juz happened.
i found myself needing space, needing time out, needing somebody to talk to, needing an outlet to release. i felt weird, strange, lost.
but i know it's also a good season cos i found myself talking to God so much more, whenever i need space, need time out, need someone to talk to and He's my outlet to release. in Him, i can find strength, peace, hope and love, He is the One who can hear not only my voice, but also my heart. i'm so glad that He is my Father, my God, my Saviour.
i ever told someone that 'pressure does not come from without, but from within', well, now i'm saying this to myself :) it's time for me to let go and let God！
Psalm 91:11-12 (NIV) For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.
We always link this portion of the scripture to protection against the enemy, warfare etc. but today, i saw this in a different way. His angels are lifting me up in their hands - I am safe in God, so that I will not strike my foot against the stone: the cares and worries of this world! Amen!

hehe, just trying to 发牢骚 la！

30/5/08 - 31/5/08 (Day 6 & 7)

大家都在学习， 为了星期五晚上加油。Every team is practicing very hard for their 'show time' on Friday night.




这就是敬拜！This is the symbol of worship!






星期五晚上，我们跟学生们道别了。 虽然是依依不舍，但天下无不散之宴席，只好把眼泪往里吞。下山后，还是吃东西。We had to part with our students and go down the mountains. What else but supper (again?) after settling down!

当我们到这间教会事奉时，我看到了这不止感动了我的心，更感动了我的灵的一目。
We went to this church on Saturday night, with the choir to minister. But this was a sight that not only caught my eyes, but also my heart.

唱诗班。他们是我的骄傲！
The choir :) They were wonderful! My pride and my joy!





会所很早就已经坐满了。大家都是为了慈爱的神而来。
The hall was packed FULL half an hour before the service started. Wow! I had a wonderful time worshiping with them.


过后，又是吃东西，不把我们养胖是假的呢 ：)
After that, what did we do? Make a guess. SUPPER!!! Again!

28/5/2008 - 29/5/2008 (day 4 and 5)

接下来的两天，我们是加紧把握所有时间来上课跟练习，因为星期五晚上每个团队都要上台示范， 所以大家都会找机会练习。而老师们在休息时间会到附近的小溪散散心，拍拍照。Day after day, all we need is more time, but seemingly, it's always not enough :) whenever we have time, we would juz walk over to the little stream for a time of relaxation, a time to be part of nature, to breathe in the air of freshness.
看到温州兄弟姐妹们敬拜，有时会让我感动，眼泪也会不听使唤的掉下来。Worship - in the eyes of the brothers and sisters there in Wenzhou, somehow the meaning is so different.


华强老师分享了一段非常感人肺腑的讯息，谢谢你把神要说的都传达出来。Jon shared a message on Thursday night that I think is truly God-given, thought provoking and inspiring.


当然，蛋挞是我们的压轴罗。Then came the highlight of the night. Well, it came timely too because on Wednesday night, we actually had no water to bathe, to even brush our teeth. We then went down the mountain for supper (which was very heavy, more like dinner), dry clean ourselves before heading back up the mountains. But for egg tart, it was worth it :)

When I am down, You are always there,
When I am lost, You will always find me,
When I am afraid, You gave me peace,
When life is not a bed of roses,
You comfort me.
When there seems to be no hope,
You light shines through!
Let me shine for You Lord,
Let me shine like You do!

27/5/2008 (Day 3) 第三天 - 课程正式开始

这是我们女老师的睡房， 也是老师们每天早上一起祷告的地方。This is the girl's room, also where all the teachers meet for daily devotion and prayer. We usually hang out in the boy's room.

梁伟强老师，我最喜欢他所弹的键盘二，特别是萨克斯管， 好好听哦。I've never met anyone blowing into his synth, until now (I know I'm a bit suaku). His saxophone 'blowing' was great!


许华强老师，一位附有爱心和非常善良的人。Jonathan Koh, multi talented, even though he's got an impressive background in the past, he's very humble, with a gentle and kind heart.


林义恩老师，我们最年轻，最帅的贝斯老师！Well, youngest and most 'handsomestest' (ahum, cough) bassist!







杨少伟 老师，我很喜欢和他聊天，因为每每与他说话以后，自己的心情也会好起来。Jeremy, talented and fun guy to hang around with. He brought lots of laughter into the group. Thanks Jeremy!

秋云老师，一位我非常敬佩的人。 她的才华是有目共睹的。CY, what can I say? You've always been an inspiration to many people around you. It's God's gift to you. I'm so glad that you've been blessing the Kingdom of God. Thank you!

当然，不要忘记我们的灵魂人物，洪启元老师和阿Hum老师。洪老师不止要领唱，还要教导学生们如何带领大家进入崇拜。阿Hum老师把音响系统管理的十全十美。他不愧是我合作过最好的调音师。哇！大家都很专业。Not forgetting, Chuck Hong and Ah Hum. Chuck was the leader of the team, not only planning the schedule, but also leading the people into songs and teaching them to lead others into worship too. Ah Hum, the BEST sound personal I've ever worked with, very professional, very detailed, very precise.

学生们正在学习如何唱歌。大家都很用功。Singing lesson begins. Students learning how to sing, and feeling the sensation of 'head' tone. I even made them bark like a dog :)


键盘一课正在如火如荼的进行着。That's the keyboard class. Everyone is so eager to learn. Wow, what a sight!




午餐时间到了！老师们可以趁机休息，也可以讨论学生们的进展。这可是我们老师们最宝贵的时间之一。Lunch Time!!! We use this time to eat, rest, prepare for next session, discuss about the progress of students etc. This is precious time!

又到了一天最期盼的时刻了，那就是蛋挞时间！虽然我一直听到其他老师们谈起，说蛋挞多好吃，可是当我咬下它第一口时，哇！真的是好好吃哦！好！我们一定要每天都吃到它！I've heard them talking about egg tart egg tart, what is so nice about it? Well, it was only until I sink my teeth into one of this, then I understood how nice it was. Yes! It was decided that we'll find every opportunity to grab a few of these whenever we can! Egg tart...... here we come!!!!

26/5/08 (Day 2) 星期一，在温州的第二天

今天早上起得很早，不到五点就天亮了，很自然就会把眼睛睁开。温州山上的景色非常的美，人也美，空气又好。我也精神了很多。下午开始彩排，第一次与其他的老师们合作，感觉非常幸福， 好神奇哦！晚上跟学生们第一次接触，觉得大家都好好哦。很快的，美好的一天又过了。
Woke up very early this morning, although very tired, but cant really sleep well. Maybe it's because the sun rises earlier here, at about 5am :)
Breakfast greeted us this morning, very interesting, warm, different. The students bought for us KFC porridge, with fried dough (you tiao 油条), hash brown and coffee/tea. The team had a good time sharing what we think this trip should be like. We agreed to have daily devotion and prayer esp for this trip, so that we'll depend on the Lord for wisdom, strength and guidance. After breakfast, we went for a walk as the students get the instruments and equipments ready. As we arrived late last night, I didn't know that we were really situated in the midst of mountains. Very beautiful!!!
After that was rehearsal. First time singing/playing with the team, how do I feel? G-R-E-A-T!!! They were awesome. Each member knows what is their role, each one complimenting the other, very smooth, very in-tune with each other. Although I do not know most of the songs, it was still a wonderful and enriching experience.
Evening was when all the students started to stream in. We had an evening service, where each of us were introduced and was given some time to interact with our students. I was overwhelmed as the students were very welcoming and friendly. They made me feel so at home.
Well, that's the end of day 2 - Tiring day!

25/5/08 (Day 1) - Arrived in Wenzhou 温州，我们来了！

双脚终于踏上了温州的土地，也与其他老师们会合了。看到学生们以笑脸欢迎老师们的时候，心中充满了期盼，好想在一瞬间就与大家打成一片。他们也把我们照顾得非常好，带我们去吃晚餐 （一间非常附有格调的餐厅），还把我们送到家门口， 我相信，虽然老师们都很累，可是我们都很很感动。好了，也已经是凌晨12点了，快睡吧，为明天冲刺吧！Arrived in Wenzhou (after a dramatic delay on the domestic flight fr Guangzhou to Wenzhou) at about 5-ish, met up with Chuck & the others, we finally made our way to dinner, then drive up the mountains for another hour where we stayed for the next few days. Reached our destination at around mid-night. What a tiring day! Although we still do not know each other very well yet, I had a good feeling that we'll just hit off very well.

中国 - 我心会永远在你那里

直从我们从中国回来以后，我每几句话都会提起温州，广州。我想，我已经把我一部分的心留在那里了吧 :)
如果你是我在那里的学生，又刚好在看我的部落格，那我要跟你说：你们把我给害惨了:( 哈哈
我好想你们啊！
我第一次在中国侍奉，把我的所有都摆上，看到每一个学生都好用功，我的心也感到很安慰，很感动，知道我这一次没有白来。
有时跟Joncon (晓敏）MSN 时，心里一直挂念着大家，好希望我们又可以再碰面。
在那里认识了一群好伙伴，好朋友，好姐妹，好弟兄，一家人。
我还是那一句话：想念，开心，感恩，盼望，期待。
除了感谢神以外，还是要感谢他。

China photos

Some photos from Wenzhou. If you wanna know more, ask me, I'll gladly tell you. In fact, I'm in the midst of writing everything down as a journal so that I can remember it by.

我们回来了！I'm Back :)

Hey frenz,
I'm back from China! Wow! What an experience. I've totally enjoyed my stay there, meeting the Chinese folks, working with superb and excellent musicians from different background, different culture, different churches, but worshiping the same God, with the same passion and love.
I've gained a lot of beautiful memories and also made wonderful life-long relationships with some of the greatest people I know. I thank God for CY ('mostest betterest' piano player and a great friend), Jonathan ('more betterestest' Electric guitar player and the bestest heart), Sean (more 'mostest wonderfulest' bassist friend I can ever ask for), Steve (most 'betterestest' synth 'blower' and very cixiang), Chuck (most thankfulest for you and for all that you've done), Ah Hum (most professional sound personal I've ever worked with), Jeremy (more 'mostest funnest' person, you made me laugh!!!), Joncon and RongLei, BingRong, LiYong, Enoch, Meimei etc. God is good!!!
Will upload some photos later.
Thank you all for keeping us in prayer.
Cheers!