Wednesday, August 27, 2008
On Newspaper!
short-talk:
"Revival occurs when men and women are on fire for God" - John Wesley-
----------------------------------------------------------
It has happened.
I was told by my friends that i'm in today's newspaper! Not only that my face is published, the entire MAD-GEN college peeps that went to Shawn's Convo also published on the newspaper.
Unbelievable? Better believe your eyes.
#tada#
The girls.
Mad Gen college.
Woot! Seems like the Paparazzi is after Shawn. So, it has proven through today's newspaper that Shawn's convocation is so so so important not only to Kuching, but to the Sarawakians. LOL...
Candidly, it's really hard to get ourselves published publicly on the newspaper. What more to say, two groups of ours are displayed in two chinese newspapers! Wow!
Perhaps, we should ask the writer/ photographer to cite our MADGEN signature on the description. hmm...
Still, let us thank God for all things!
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Youth Service Sermon
Date: 23rd August 2008
Preacher: Sis Cynthia Kho
Passage: Mark 1:21-34
Title: The Pattern of Jesus' Ministry
The pattern reveals God's will in our church - we are made BY God and FOR God
1. Preaching and Teaching the Word of God (v21-22)
1.1 Jesus taught God's word in front of His disciples (v21)
- Good shepherd brings sheep along in ministry.
1.2 Jesus taught by starting in the big city (v21a)
1.3 Jesus taught with authority
- Authority in the Christian life does not depend on position, but on obedience and a close relationship with Jesus.
- Walk your talk!!!
2. Casting out Demons (v23-28)
2.1 Evil spirits can possess people and use human voice
- - Mark 8:33
2.2 Evil spirits can come to deceive Christians sitting in the church (v23)
2.3 Demons fear Jesus! (v24)
- - Revelation 20:10
- - Mark 8:31
2.4 Demons are under the authority of Jesus (v24c-25)
- Results: News gets around! (v28)
3. Healing the Sick (v29-31)
3.1 Jesus desires to heal us from our diseases (v31a)
3.2 After being healed, serve God. (v31b)
Sunday Service Sermon
Date: 24th August 2008
Preacher: Pastor Denis Lu
Passage: Matthew 28:16-20
Title: Disciples of All Nations
'Christianity without discipleship is always Christianity without Christ'
- Dietrich Bonhoeffer -
1. Survivors (v16)
2. Obedience (v16)
3. Worship (v17)
4. Connection (v18)
5. Authority (v18)
6. Commission (v19-20)
7. Presence (v20)
Monday, August 25, 2008
The Graduation
short-talk:
"Be careful of how we live our lives, because we might be the only Bible that people read"-----------------------------------------------------------
One of the greatest moments in your life is undoubtedly
The Graduation Ceremony. Not in the way of attending friend's convocation and give them flowers but when it comes to your
own graduation and fellow friends, buddies, families attend yours and give you flowers.
Plus, Graduation Ceremony only occurs once in a blue moon.
Today is truly a memorable happening for Shawn, Meyly and Ah Pio. Whilst the sun almost rises above the tiptop, a few of us quickly went to the Flower Shop, picked some custom made flowers and rushed to DUN.
Red Rose
Pinkish Rose
Purplish Rose
Birds of Paradise.
Orange and
Blue. I just couldn't understand why it's called as Birds of Paradise. Its design doesn't portray any birds appearance eh. Don't you think so?
6 little bears gird a mummy bear.Don't worry people. This bouquet of bears is not for Shawn. It's for Meyly by the Indonesian. I cannot imagine what would Shawn's parents think and comment if he receives this as a gift.
True enough, Ah Wei bought a little Cute Bear and placed it in the bouquet of flower for Shawn.
Comel-nya...
Never knew Ah wei has a sense of cuteness in him.
Yes. Today, Shawn has officially graduated from Swinburne! So does Meyly and Ah Pio.
The hall was fully jammed pack with graduated students, parents and heaps of paparazzi.
Everyone is so excited. All of the graduated students dressed to the best and extra presentably, knowing that this very day is so significant even to both parents. Every parent is feeling overjoyed and proud.
**Smiling with great joy.**
Shawn with the pinkish formal shirt, black regalia, square hat and a red scroll.
Meyly and the Indonesians.
And the girls with Ah Pio, Meyly and Shawn. *wink*
**Smile guys! **I have no idea what are the three ladies looking at.
Hehe..
Surely, both parents of Shawn are still and always proud of their son. Agree, Shawn?
Uncle gives a wide smile! =D
A session where every parent will fly to attend their children convocation no matter what. Neither the far distance of the place nor the flight fee could hinder their attendance.
Pastor attended too! "Winning never gets old". A gift from Melvin to Shawn.
Ms. Pastor attended too!
So MAD GEN students, let's study hard and smart and pursue our studies excellently and one day, one day you will be one of these ....
graduated students ......
Once again, congratulation to Shawn. You are officially not a University Degree Student anymore. **wuahaha** Working lo....
Chao!
Saturday, August 23, 2008
The Fall
short-talk:
"Vision is caught, not taught."-------------------------------------------------------
Perhaps many of you might, or might not come across to the latest shocking news of the fall of Pastor Mike Gugliemucci. For those who don't know who is this pastor, he's one of the pastors from Planetshakers church.
Earlier this year, Mike composed a song, healer which has featured in Hillsong's latest album that inspired many of his battle against terminal cancer.
True enough, this song, healer has become the anthem faith song for many believers who are battling against terminal illness and praying for miracle to happen. With 300,000 hits on Youtube, this song debuted on No.2 on chart.
However, the shocking news is, Mike's self-claim illness is actually a "FRAUD". Yes, unbelievable? I, myself was shocked too when i read this news a few days ago. I couldn't believe what i have just read. But, fact is still the fact.
Mike confessed to Australian Christian Church that his terminal cancer is actually "untrue". It's still unclear about the reason behind all this. Yet, this unexpected news might have hurt many of the people's trust. People who trust their appointed leaders by God, and when this happens, it will definitely leaves a deep and very painful wound that will always leave a scar to the members.
However, let's not let this news to hinder us. But allow this happening to be a lesson to learn for all of us. Plus, we are not to judge Mike too. Why? Simple because thinking about it, I have also told lies. Everyone has also told lies. I have also deceived others. Everyone has also deceived others. We, either way have fallen short of the glory of God at all times. We are imperfect beings.
Perhaps, it maybe not to such a large degree, by this world's standards. Like what Pastor Denis has always reminded us over and over again; "To God, 'small' and 'big' sins are still sins, there is no difference". How true it is.
Its like putting a drop of cyanide versus ten drops of cyanide into a cup of water. Both ways bring death to the drinker either.
Thus, let us once again check our hearts and make sure our foundation is rooted firmly in His First Love. The covenant relationship between you personally and God Himself.
Let's take this shock wave of earthquake to lead us into better “construction methods” in the structures of church leadership, designed to make sure that our accountability is still and always covenanted to our Creator -Jesus Christ-
Amen.
Half Night Prayer Meeting
It was the quarterly Half Night Prayer Meeting. Just got back a moment ago. I am feeling physically exhausted owing to my busy schedule of the whole day in campus yet i am currently spiritually refreshed after attending the prayer meeting! It's refreshing! Both sections were indeed moving.
In the first section, Pastor shared about
consistency and
accountability.
We should treat the Bible as the love letter from Jesus. And when knowing that its the love letter, we will certainly read it daily. Yes. Consistency in reading and studying the bible.
When it comes to accountability, we should also know that church leaders are God's appointed spiritual authorities and overseers over us. Therefore, we should not let our leaders' work be a burden but be a joy. Submit. That's only a small part of accountability.
In the second section, Pastor Denis shared from the book of Matthew 12:25-28.
a)
Unity
-Unity is God's principle. And through unity, the people of God will receive blessings.
-Unity is not united through uniformity.
b)
Spirit of God
-The spirit of God will help us to fight against the evil spirit.
c)
Tie the devil-As the children of Light, we should not let the devil take a foothold in our decisions and lives, hence we should get a rope and tie the devils up in order to not let them influence our mind.
-Thus, the sword of truth is not any sharp knife or hard wood stick but only the
Word of God. Not any sharp knife or hard wood stick.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
When i reckon upon the previous phrase, i think that it's so true that if we are not mindful of keeping prayer as part of our daily habit, we have definitely missed out God's divine power through prayer.
I have entered into the guy's washroom for years and years and i have reading this paper that sticks on the door everytime. And just now i purposely took a snapshot of it.
And it shows:
How true it is.
"The renewal of the church will depend on the renewal of OUR prayer life". Say to yourself again, OUR. Let's really buck up and pray more daily.
Good night and God bless.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Melting Aerobic
short-talk:
"If you are strangers to prayer you are strangers to power." -Billy Sunday----------------------------------------------------------
I couldn't recall when was the last time Secondary and College group had a care group combine. Last night was
the night. Such a rare yet great opportunity for both groups to gather under one roof.
Melting Aerobic!"Do you still remember the last time you did a proper warm up or stretching before playing any sports?" I mean,
proper warm up eh...
You don't? That's the purpose! Knowing that most of the young people these days have almost neglected the importance of basic aerobics, we purposely get Aunty Alice to re-teach us the rudiments of warming up.
"Turn your head to the left, people." 1 and 2 and 3 and....
"Stretch out your leg and start curve your body downwards..."
Ah Wei
This snapshot somehow reminds me clearly of dead that ancient warrior, Wong Fey Hung..hmm..
"Ahh...painful painful..."
Not to forget also our aerobic tutor,
Aunty Alice.
hehe..
Yes, mad genians. We should somehow feel a little abashed of being senile and acting old at times. Take a look, even Aunty Alice herself appears to be much more youthful and energetic compares to most of us, young people. tsk tsk..
**aduh aduh** ...Repent repent.
Surely, the evening was filled with lots of fun and fellowship. Like what we always stated, it's wonderful to see new friends and visitors joining us in making every Care group a memorable happening.
"Don't you think so?"Announcement: Coming Friday,
Half Night Prayer meeting.
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Sunday Service Sermon
Date: 17 August 2008
Preacher: Ps. Denis Lu
Passage: 1 Corinthians 9:24-27
Title: Champion Qualities
1. Run to win (v24)
2. Strict training (v25)
a) Diet
b) Discipline
3. Self-control (v26-27)
Goal --> Strategy --> Action
Youth Service Sermon
Date: 16 August 2008
Preacher: Bro Daniel Lee
Passage: Galatians 5:1,13-14
Title: Break free!!!
1. Break free from slavery to sin (v1)
--John 8:34-36
2. We are called to be free (v13)
2.1 Our calling
--1 Peter 2:9-10
2.2 Our freedom
--Romans 6:13
3. Result of freedom (v14)
3.1 Service to one another
--Matthew 20:25-28
3.2 Loving one another
Friday, August 15, 2008
4 Salvations! -Asian Halloween Night-
short-talk:
"If your Gospel isn't touching others, it hasn't touched you!" --Curry R. Blake--
--------------------------------------------------------
It's absolutely a month filled with heaps of excitement and creativity. Every single function and programme organised flow beyond our expectation. Last Wednesday we had our Kuching Festival outing. 44 people attended. Just last Sunday, we had our Bako Trip outing. 41 homo sapiens participated. Yes, God is involved!
And just last night, thursday night, our care group theme's about "Asian Halloween Night". Scary, as it sounds like yea? Nonetheless, with the boldness and courageous t0 invite our new friends to understand and learn more about biblical comprehension relating to what does the Word of God explain about spirit/ghost.
Awesome! We invited our very own lovely Aunty Ann to explain to us and answer all of our doubtful questions about hantu. It's great! Around 30 members plus visitors joined last night's cg. 10 new visitors!! woot! Praise the Lord...!!
In fact after last night's teaching, everyone came to once again realize that heaven and hell are real. Demons, evil spirits and fallen angels are also real. But still, God is greater and powerful than all these. For it says in:
~*1 John 4:4*~
"You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world."
Yes people of God, let's not be fearful of hantu hantu. But strengthen our faith and trust in the Lord. For it reads in :
~*Romans 16:19-20*~
"Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I am full of joy over you; but I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil.
The God of peace will soon crush satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you." Amen!
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
After the teaching, Aunty Ann gave an alter call for the new friends to accept Jesus as their personal Savior and Lord. And ...*drum rolls*
Four new souls enter into the Kingdom of God! WOW! It's utterly amazing. From left to right, Will from Kuching, Karsun from Sri lanka, Vivien from miri and Qian Chen from Beijing accepted the Lord! The angels in heaven are rejoicing and celebrating!
Yes people, this is what it is all about. Seeing youthful lives come to experience the love of God and the Good News in this BIG family of God. **well done**
Still, the work is not done yet. More to come.
Let's therefore buck up, get even more ready, revise back the 18 lessons ans Samuel's lessons, recite the sinner's prayer and reap the harvest!
In another words, CHIONG ARRR.....!!!
Till then, see you tonight!
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Bako Trip Review
short-talk:
"If you want to be successful, you must focus on what you can do, not what you can't." -----------------------------------------------------
We are back!
Undoubtedly, it's definitely one of the best outing trips we have ever organized. Everything was just so exciting, enjoying, memorable and well-planned. Glad to announce, 80% of the people got sunburn and the other 20% didn't 'cos they used thick suncream. Hmm...
6.30 am.
Such early morning before the sun appeared above the horizon, most of the people had already prepared their belongings and rushed themselves to Siang Siang Cafe and gathered. Absolutely not even sleepiness nor hesitation could stop us from going to Bako! Weee~~~
A total of 44 people from College group and Indon Group had signed up! Even so, only 4-5 people have actually been to Bako while it's the first time for the other 40. As we have prayed for new comers/friends, our prayers were answered! We had new friends joining us.
When everyone gathered as whole, I, Johnson the Camp Commander ... gave some briefings, arranging transportations and off we departed!
o.O
Don't laugh and don't ask me what happen. I'm not supposed to look like this at all times. It's just so happened that my face accidentally evolved into this odd looking facial and Christian quickly took a snapshot of my weird look. >.<
And we reached safely.
Assembly!
Lai lai, student ID.... Do i look like a Tax Collector indirectly? LOL!
Refreshment.
Thanks to Lina, Ah yieng, Chan Ting & Ah Wei for sacrificing their comfort sleep in preparing these food. Savoury meal indeed! For sure God looks at the sacrificial heart and everyone was blessed with the simple made burger and sausage.
Sampan.
Franky, the one that's holding the guitar was our entertainer of the day.
Bako, here we come!
Say cheese!
Arriving Bako Park.
Gathered! Last briefing.
While i was busying giving some briefings to the people .... I had some unexpected guests paying attention to my announcement too...
Not only one monkey .....
.... few monkeys??
Couple?? huh...
I have never encountered monkeys THAT close in distance. 1 meter away!!!! We stumbled upon a grandpa monkey who's so so fierce and standing right in front of us and trying to block our way of entering into Bako.
Nonetheless, thank God for our superhero, Mr. Shawn. Filled with heaps of bravery, he tried to use his towel and wwe with that grandpa monkey. And the monkey fled instantly. Perhaps, it's due to the stinky sweat in Shawn's towel that swayed away the monkey. haha..
A huge rock that we saw.
Green snake!
"Pig is really pig..." zzZZZzzzz
Whenever i see this wild boar mingling around the field, i think of BBQ pork and Chao Sao Fan. hmm ....
"Find me if you can!"
Soon as everyone was ready for jungle trekking, we headed to the second shortest route which was Teluk Sapi.
Jungle trekking
The Jungle Trekking looks easy yea. But actually it's rather exhausting and tough than we expected. Tiny staircases and huge rocks covered with green alga and fungus had certainly added on the toughness for us to do trekking.
It's challenging.
Climb climb!
And finally! We reached our second destination, Teluk Paku! Thank God!
Indeed, brown sands and not-so-blueish sea. Plus the super dazzling hot sun, everyone was sunburned at that very noon. To cut the wonderful story short, we had some mini games.
40 people were divided into 4 teams with the names of: Orange, Banana, Apple and watermelon.
I should say everyone had really contributed their 100% energy and enthusiasm in making the games a success. A time where even the new friends enjoyed much with our craziness.
The team..
Melvin does look like James Bond wannabe. Hmmm ....
Okay and this was the super laughable moment.
When Nish shouted, "Sound off!".. the group members then shouted "One Two one two...." and they marched as in they were marching around the War of Jericho... wait for the video uploaded!! LOL!
Orange orange!
Banana!!
Penalty kick.
Nish looked cool with that gesture, but the football looked rather childish instead..with some cartoons character on it, mickey mouse and donald duck .... (-__-")
Who bought that red ball? **Everyone points at Johnson now...**
Little mermaid on the rock.
Visitors and members.
Phang and Yong.
Say cheese!!
Group picture
To conclude, i should give a thumb up to everyone involved. It's truly an unforgettable moment and trip for both members and visitors to participate. Everyone enjoyed themselves heaps.
Yet not to forget, 100% credits will always go to our heavenly Father whom watches over us throughout the trip. Thank Him for the wonderful and comfortable weather. Thank Him for the safety and fruitful voyage. Thank Him for the opportunity to meet up new faces.
Therefore MAD GEN college armies, let's polish up our follow-up and fellowship. God has given us the fishes and let's reap them now! Amen!!
