Christmas Update!

I'm sorry it took us almost a week to update about the event, but I guess the dreadful knowledge of school starting drained us out. Anyway, in my point of view, the event was successful. We had a large crowd coming, and though we were not prepared for the number, God was there to sustain us and bring us through the night. We had a few fumbles but the fumbles were so subtle everyone thought it was either a part of the act or did not even notice it. The crowd may not have noticed the mistakes and the whole night may seem to go coincidentally well in spite of the mistakes, but like Geng Yi's personal message in MSN sums it up:

"Coincidence is God's way of remaining anonymous."

I would love to narrate the whole story but then I'm not one of those write-long-long bloggers, so I'll just leave it to the experts. If they deny it's them, then I'll clearly point out that they are Hwei and Chen Li. So update soon ya?

next practice.

date: 21 december 2008 (sunday)
time: 11.30am (after brunch)

Practice will start with #1 - #9.

Then the expressions of the other youth. Important k. Must have great self-control wan.

Lastly, we combine.

The practice will end with a discussion of the next practice. (yep, there has to be a next practice)


Gentle reminder: Hush. =D

URGENT 2: MGC Christmas Thingy

Can start inviting friends d, if not we practice also tak kena tempat.

MGC boleh!

URGENT: MGC Christmas Thingy

Check your emails for news of the thing we're doing for Christmas. Hush hush, as always.

And as usual, reply my email with an email confirming that you received it.

project ahkuaz.

it all happened when juliana said she missed her long hair. she then grab celine's hair and asked me to snap to see how natural it looked. then we decided to try it on the guys. and the outcome is as above. props to those who daringly accepted the challenge.andy is the first and he seems a lil disturb by the geli-ness of the hair. others remained calm.

this is wad we did in camp during free time.

nobody brought camera...

Adrian shared on Giving

The Question

"What is Giving?"

Sharma

"Giving is when you lose something, and someone gains something." (like opportunity cost*)







Hwei

"I would agree with Sharma's definition, except I would add 'voluntarily'. Because if someone steals from you, you're not actually giving to him."

Melissa

"Giving is investing."








Juliana

"Giving can be a lot of things. It depends on whether there is an extraction or subtraction. Giving can also be giving up, giving in, giving out..."






Yen

"Engineers think simple. Giving is giving."

-beberapa saat berlalu-

Layman

"...So what is giving?"

*the cost of giving up something to gain something in return

let's play "guess the profession"

A.S.K. God

That's our theme for 2009.

It started out as a joke. And then it evolved into a real theme.


Sharma: What's our youth theme har? Any ideas?

Everyone thinking hard...I think. Suddenly...

Shuen: Ask God!

Shaun: You asking us to ask God or 'ask God' is the theme??

Everyone lol and making jokes. Then Kah Wei had a brilliant idea.

Shaun: Eh. Kah Wei suggest why not do something with the 'ask'. Make it A.S.K.

Someone: Ask, Seek... and Knock!

Everyone WOW for a moment.

Sharma: Wait wait. Ask God, Seek God and Knock God???! How can!

Everyone LOL again.

Someone else: Ask, Seek and Know!


Everyone agreed! And so a new theme was born that day.


During the meeting some other things were decided as well.


1) Four months make up one season. Therefore, total of 3 seasons in 2009.

2) Each season focus on a specific part of the theme (Ask, Seek and Know)

3) Each season consist of episodes (weekly Saturday meetings)

4) There will be a major event in each season (Easter, outreach & Camp)

5) There will be a project manager for each event

6) Project manager will choose his/her own crews.


Yay! What a fruitful meeting. Thank God!


Pray for:

1) Planning committee as they plan the details of each episodes in a season (Sharma, Yen Mei, Adrian, Shaun, Kah Wei)

2) Project managers (Andy, Juliana, Sharma)

3) Children's Hour graduates joining the youth (Celine and maybe more?)

Updates?

This is Shaun using Hwei's account because Hwei lazy to log off and Shaun lazy to log Hwei off and log himself on. Anyway, don't really have much updates here except for the Youth Camp next week. Pass money to Jessica ya? RM50 only. And Andy has finished his SPM! Sorry it took so long to update the blog, I think everyone still emotional (sob sob) and hyped up (yay yay) over Geng Yi and Grace's wedding. Finally he has become a man and married her! Sounds a bit familiar but never mind.

Gotong royong

We in MGC decided to clean up the church for Geng Yi and Grace's wedding. It was impressive. ALL the youth stayed back for the clean up. Good job man. Semangat sekali. I can still hear Adrian saying ' For Geng Yi I will' as he climbs up the ladder to clean the fans. Ahha.

Betul-betul gotong-royong spirit!

Presenting.....

The mop masters!

Me and Yen racing to the end of the pew with mopping skills and gaya

Shu and Yen mop combat

Awwww. Ain't she graceful? Our 5As Celine with the mop

Also presenting....

The fan masters!

Simon and the blades

Shaun and the... fan cover

Simon and Uncle Tony, the fan fixers. So synchronized.

There were many many many more people. Too bad didn't manage to take everyone's picture cause most of the time I was hard at work you know. Heh. We cleaned up the place till it was squeaky clean. You can lick the floor.

That was a joke. Don't lick the floor.

Wedding's coming. Pom pom pom pom........

Updates!

Geng Yi's wedding is in less than a week's time! Going to have rehearsal this Thursday, so remember to come ya!

Andy still having SPM this week! He has alternate breaks so his next exam would be on Tuesday which is Add. Maths which brings added agony. Thursday would be Chemistry. That's all I know since he told me he only remembered this week's timetable.

Pray for Hwei's Law Nite ya. Pray that it would be successful and wouldn't be a waste of the donators' money (I'm one of them). Pray for safe journey back home on Wednesday as well.

I think that's all for today, God bless wherever you are okay?

SPM!

For those who amazingly still do not know, tomorrow is the SPM examinations! Pray for Andy and the rest of the Christians who are taking the exam that God would bless them, keep them calm and remind them that He is there with them. That's all. Don't think it's much hassle to add one more prayer item right?

ACT II : The Given Gift

MMUCF is proud to present u... A Christmas Musical...
Jeng jeng jengggg.... ACT 2 : The Given Gift...

If u're reading this post... That means, u're invited... ^ ^ Admission is absolutely.. PRICELESS..!!! So, u can't say no money... But ahem... We need sponsors... So, feel free to drop us a couple of notes.. X P

Besides that, I really do hope that U (yeah, i'm talking to you) can make it for this musical... It's kinda like Adrian's First Musical... So, do come and support eh?

It will be on the 11th of december.. Time? I also dunno yet... Venue? Main hall.. I think... Uhm... Admission is free... Wat to expect? AwEsOmEnEsSSSS..!!!! X P So, make sure ur timetable during that time is open and free ar... ^ ^ Thank u... Hope to see u there...

p/s : using authority for wrong purposes... But i really do hope u guys can come.. ^ ^

dear livia,

"you're not my friend, you are my sisters-in-Christ"( ofcourse she meant brothers as well) and because of that phrase we don't have a farewell party with games. anyway, livia, we we're just joking. it's ok...your words says it all. we hope u will miss us because the empty seat will make the bench feel a lil spacious. im not good at writing farewells. hwei shall continue.

Bible Vs Cell Phone

Bible vs. Cell phone

Ever wonder what would happen if we treated our Bible like we treat

our cell phone?

What if we carried it around in our purses or pockets?

What if we flipped through it several time a day?

What if we turned back to go get it if we forgot it?

What if we used it to receive messages from the text?

What if we treated it like we couldn't live without it?

What if we gave it to Kids as gifts?

What if we used it when we traveled?

What if we used it in case of emergency?

This is something to make you go....hmm...where is my Bible?

Oh, and one more thing.
Unlike our cell phone, we don't have to worry about our Bible being
disconnected because Jesus already paid the bill.

Makes you stop and think 'where are my priorities? And no dropped calls!

Just thought it was a good forward mail

Prayers

Kinda left this out, but I think it's important that we pray for them. As most of us know, Dr. Sean suffered a massive heart attack about a couple of weeks ago. He's now recovering but still on dialysis. According to Sharma, the machine takes over the functions of the heart, that is to pump blood to all parts of the body. Not sure whether true or not, he's an accountant. Anyway, pray for his recovery and that God may support Dr. Sherry and Michael.

UPDATES!

Bah... Sorry for not updating this blog over the past few weeks. Had exam to bother me. Anyway, our youth camp will now be held in Melaka Gospel Chapel instead of Lendu already. The reasons given are:

1. Too troublesome to come and go for worship.

2. Saves cost.... A lot of cost.

3. The camp will be much, much more meaningful.

For those who demand explanations:

1. Going and coming back for Sunday Worship would take half the day of our schedule off. This would waste a lot of time.

2. The initial cost per head at Lendu is RM60 per day, so campers would have to pay RM120 altogether. In MGC, only RM50. A head is only worth RM16.66 per day.

3. We're going to have only 2 full days if we're at Lendu. Sunday is pretty much taken off by travelling and Monday we're going back at 12. If at MGC, then we can have at least 2 and a half days, or 3, which makes the camp more meaningful and not merely filling the time.

The guys most probably will be sleeping in the hall, unless the girls are willing to give up the youth room which contains nasty insects and bugs. I know that some think being in a church not much feel or anything, but a youth once said, "It's not the place that matters, but the people." Think about it, all the youths coming back! Wouldn't that be enough to cheer us up? Pray for Sharma, the coordinator, and the commitee that this camp would be planned properly and that God would bless it.

Besides the camp, Wei Jin is working in Malacca already! He got the job and has been working for at least 2 weeks already. What he's doing now is totally not what he learned in MMU, so pray that he may be able to learn the new stuff quickly. For Melissa, pray that she'll be able to be strong while working in KL. She seems to have a bit of problems with her colleagues, so pray that she'll be able to hold on. Isn't it ironic? Melissa who wants to work in Malacca, is now working in KL while Wei Jin who wants to work in KL, is now working in Malacca. Maybe God is telling us that ultimately, it is His will to be done rather than ours. So stay tough ya!

Pray Geng Yi's wedding! Pray that everything will go on smoothly on that day and the performers (the youth especially) won't do mistakes and even if they do, they'll do it in style.

Pray also for Christmas planning! Normally this time is a time where we use this celebration to bring non-Christians to Christ. Mind you, it is a pagan celebration so let's make sure our minds are set straight, that is to bring people to know God. With the camp planning and Christmas as well, it is quite stressful, so pray that we may be able to plan it.

Lastly, Livia is leaving! Shucks, more and more youths are being scattered around the world. Pray that she may have safe journey to New Zealand along with Aunty Kim and that she'll be able to get used to the people there. Please don't get the bro slang Jeremy uses now ya?

That's about all. For those scattered and having exams, do not be nervous and scared ya! Like Uncle Anthony said in today's led worship:

May God be with you.

And I'm sure He will.

It feels the same

Exam around the corner, students freaking out, question leaks, everyone grabs a pencil and paper, start jotting them down while you just stay away, doing the right thing that hurts. Wait, isn't that what my sis posted about her experience in university? Well, it's happening to me, the brother. How ironic.

After the last class, one of my friends from the Accounts class shared with us the questions coming out from Sejarah. It seems the teacher went in with the exam paper and as he was flipping the pages, he asked them to study what directly. I was already out of the class when my friend told me about the tips and I went in there to check whether it was true. To be honest, I was tempted to copy as well although I knew the right thing to do was not to but the fear of being one of the lowest in class and the gleeful faces of my friends didn't really help. I took a quick glance and decided to walk out of the classroom while they remained inside copying.

As I was walking out of the school entrance, my classmate bumped into me. He asked me whether it was true that they were copying questions and I nodded my head. Then he said he wanted to copy as well, which was like adding injury to my injury. So I went back without copying. It's really weird, reading about someone's experience and experiencing it yourself. Like Shuen, I felt cheated (I think everyone does) as well but still, the knowledge of greater reward stored up in heaven helped $_$ ! I felt like I made a big sacrifice for God in this matter but that was just stupid thinking, realy stupid (Sorry ya, use this word twice only). I remembered what dad preached in church:

"You may be thinking you sacrificed a lot for God, but remember that God sacrificed much, much more than you could imagine."

And to think that God's reward for sacrificing for us was death. I guess what really helped me to resist the temptation was God constantly telling me it's wrong and big sis' post. So for any of those who are juggling between your exams and doing the right thing, you are not alone. The reason why Shuen and I were able to do it was not because we were brought up in the same family or anything, but it's because we have God.

You too, have the same God, and that is all that really matters.

Camp

As we all know, the camp this time round is a little out of the norm.

Preparations need to be a little out of the norm as well.

It is time to have another meeting this Sunday.

Please come prepared, all you who have responsibilities to execute.

and it's not as mystical as it sounds.

projek spidey

nobody will know it's you.
remember that time we did something with the scarf shulynn brought?*click*
we did it again . but this time with ken's spiderman mask.


click the pic for better view.
this is totally self entertaining. tank you for all the cooperation.

ANNOUNCEMENT...!!

Ladies and Gentlemen... and some lil gentlemen...
We are proud to announce that... on this saturday, we're kinda having a movie outing...
The show is "Penelope" and it's at MBO... 8.15 pm show...
Drop ur names at the comment if u wanna come... Transport.. uhmm... Can call me la...
Let's see if i did miss anything else... Hm....
I think that's all... So, those wanna join, drop ur names there ya? Thank You... ^ ^

Attempts to fit into PJGH

Care Group (CG)

Joined the Jeremiah group in former Contracts tutor's house on Friday with Geng Yi and Grace. Ju couldn't go because she had to study for an exam the following day (after which she cabut-ed back to mlc dengan penuh kebahagiaan *sob*).

It was exactly like Bible study back home, except we didn't watch TV while waiting for the rest to arrive, didn't study the Bible (at all. discussion theme was ironically the Bible though. ah hahah.), there was no fish-head noodle soup or jasmine tea for makan, and we didn't watch American Idol or a badminton match or an old Indiana Jones movie on TV after makan.

Yeah, all that basically sums up the Ayer Keroh area Bible study. Dunno about the other Bible study group. Haha.

The CG is based on the discussion questions at the bottom of the previous Sunday's sermon handout in the bulletin. So no reference to any core verses in the Bible. Kinda like what we're trying to start in youth, eh? And also prolly why they don't call it "Bible study group" the way we do in mlc.

I felt quite at home at the CG, maybe cuz it's supposed to be a group that cares for you. Ah ha. Or maybe it's just too early to tell. I'll continue going anyhow (after Raya hols. *yahoo*).


Sunday

One of the issues concerning worship in MGC is that it quite often seems to be a singing session instead of a worship session. After being in PJGH, I think I can see why.

Here, the first part of worship (before sermon) is either equally balanced between song requests and sharing from the Bible, or Bible sharing > songs.

One thing that's quite noticeable, though, is that the PJGH youth don't stand for much of anything except to play the musical instruments. In that sense, I suppose MGC is a guli-roll ahead.

Met Sam, a former GLO-mate in church today. He's back from his uber-long hols. I can see that I'm setting off on the mix-more-with-young-adults-(or-maybe-non-peers)-than-youth route here. I don't know if it's the right route to go along, but right now, the non-peers are seriously more welcoming than the youth. Plus Lin pointed out that I'm not a youth anymore. -_-


Youth

Sam plans to join the youth this time round. So perhaps I'll go to youth with him once in awhile and see how. Don't feel like serving in the youth ministry though. I mean, c'mon la. The churches here in PJ and KL bukannya kurang manpower or what. In fact, I daresay they've excess manpower. I'm going by intuition a lot these days, so please pray that my woman's intuition is accurate.


Music Ministry

Sam very nicely 'let it slip' that I can play the piano, and Geng Yi did the same thing (oh so careless) during CG, so I suppose I might be roped in. Might, because they have a lot of pianists here actually. I also do not feel like being in the music ministry for some reason. Maybe I just want to try something new instead of being stuck in the same ministry my entire life. Not that it's a bad thing. But. Hmm.


Miscellaneous

Was thinking that I should be like the MMU-ians - help out in major events and stuff. PJGH is full of major events, like today's Christianity Explored Conference. Maybe I could volunteer to help in something next time round.

Also, there was a UM visitor today. Was able to kamcheng with her cuz we're both from UM. So I guess maybe I could work with Ms Choong to help welcome UM students.

I think helping people to pour coffee might help too.

Yoh, so desperate for a ministry.

I kept in mind what Uncle Lee Min Choon said last Sunday though:

We always think, "Must come to church and get involved only can do something for God." "Oh! New church! Must faster find ministry to serve in!"

I put this smiley face beside that statement --> =(

True, I'd been fostering that concept ever since I got into PJGH. I shared during CG that after all ties with the Christian world and "church things" have been cut, due to my sudden decrease in church activities, and when my prayer life is in tatters, the Bible has become the only link between me and God. The only reminder to myself that I am a Christian.

No more depending on being crazily involved in every single activity in church to feel like a Christian. No more serving diligently and directly in church to remind me that I am the Lord's servant. No more being involved with church stuff 4 days a week to feel like I'm really attending church. It's ironic to think that I might've even used helping with the dishes to feel like I was doing something in church.

Being in PJGH without a ministry has helped me remember what it is to be a Christian. It's not about serving without end or organizing events or leading Bible studies or nurturing youths. It's about me and God, and me and my Christian family.

Uncle Min Choon helped enforce that in my mind.

All of you back home, I hope that in the midst of all the activities MGC is running, you won't forget why you are a Christian.

You are a Christian because Jesus Christ washed your crimson stains white as snow.

I hope that in the midst of being busy in church on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday, you won't forget why you had to be there.

You are there because Jesus Christ set us apart as a family. A family of royal priesthood.


That's all for updates.

Will be coming (like i'm already there hoho) back to Malacca with sis on Friday afternoon.

See you guys!

Results!

You know the bunch of updates and prayers I talked about? Well, here's the results. Yen Mei did alright for her FYP presentation although she choked, but it was still good. Lai targeted A for the FYP, and according to him, he also did ok, so pray that he will be able to score. For Celine, she's finished her UPSR and became a youth last Sunday! It seems A. Grace quite worried she won't get A for BM because score 75% and she's in chinese school, but should be ok right? For the youths, make our new graduate feel at home ok? Juliana said she did not know how to do a lot for her History paper on English but it was also ok! Daniel had a Management paper today and he said can do, but do not think can score, so ok also! Pray for my big sis ya, she just posted about the temptations and exam, maybe she's feeling a bit of what Jesus was feeling when He was tempted. The upside will be Jesus understands her and will bring her through. Anyway, to conclude, MGC-ians results quite ok wan and everything also ok!

Doing the right thing

I feel alarmingly calm. It's weird but true. The same situation demands the same decision. I choose to obey God.

Two years ago, questions leaked before an exam. I took a glance at the questions before realizing it's wrong. I walked away. Then, I was staying with other course mates. They studied according to the questions. No. They just memorized all the answers.

I did not. I chose to study everything. I chose to be foolish. I chose not to cheat despite the pressure. I chose to do what was right. I chose to obey and honor God.

Obeying God involves sacrifice. That also meant I chose not to do well. I struggled with the questions. I came out of the exam hall feeling un-victorious. I felt cheated. Inside it stings so bad I wanted to cry.

Why do I feel bad doing the right thing.? It's so unfair. It doesn't pay to do the right thing.

That was how I felt.

Today, I am faced with the same situation. Ironically, the same subject. I choose to make the same choice once again. I choose to work harder. One thing is different. I don't feel the pressure anymore. The struggle I once faced is no longer a struggle. I've left this stage of struggle two years ago. I can make the same choice and be alarmingly calm.

I have a confession. I haven't been giving my best lately in my studies. Maybe it's God's way of telling me to work hard. Immigrants work harder.

I am a Christian. I am not of this world. I should work harder.

God works in mysterious way. ^_^

Today, after two years, I feel victorious.

Sharing this as an encouragement. Have a good day!

The Dudes in New Zealand

Hi! Selaku wakil MGC-ians (albeit self-appointed) di luar Melaka dan luar negara , I bring news of Uncle Ivan, Marc and Jerm from New Zealand.

As posted on the cbox on 9 September, Marc started his mid-sem exam on 10 September, and Jerm started his on 9 September itself. And since NZ doesn't recognize Malaysia's driving license, Marc has to take a driving test all over again. We all hate driving tests, don't we? (me, at least) So pray for him!

Also, it is now spring in NZ! Woohoo! Flowers everywhere! (macamlah i kat sana) Winter's over, and that means the rugby season's over as well. I didn't know rugby is a winter sport. You guys didn't either, eh? Uncle Ivan says watching Jerm play was like waiting for a bone to be broken at any second. It's 6 more months before the next season, so Jerm's resting till then. Pray for his healthy and whole bones that they may stay healthy and whole.

Due to the lateness of the STPM results, Marc has to start with Term 2, and is currently doing terms 1 and 2 in one term. Kinda heavy, and bone-breaking as well.

Dr Sean, Dr Sherry and Michael went to visit last week, and they had a great time catching up. Uncle Ivan says it feels different yakking in a cafe instead of a mamak stall though (Uncle Ivan: I miss Melaka!). I can relate. I miss mamak stalling as well here in UM. All I have is this thing called KFC (Kafeteria First College), which is kinda slow in delivery. I.e. 45 minutes. *pengsan*

The MGC-ians in NZ are hoping to come back for the holidays next year! The boys have to work to save up for the airfare. *terharu* Pray for them as they work ya.

We'll be waiting in anticipation! Non-stop mamak-stalling throughout the holidays!



p/s: marc and jerm got to experience the high-class version of Genting Snow World. Ish! Unc Ivan said winter was terrible tho.

Updates and Prayers

Alright! Today is Melissa's birthday! So if you're reading this, remember to wish her ya? The youths planned a surprise for her during badminton..... and it worked! Most successful yet, in terms of touching the heart! You cried, but Mel, your tears touched us! With Hwei's absence, no one thought of taking pictures of the birthday girl and the cake, but luckily I remembered so pictures will be up here as soon as I bluetooth to a computer.

Now to updates! Melissa should be working most probably next week in EY (Ring any bell, shuen?) not in accounts though, but admin. Wei Jin, on the other hand, is still looking for a job. The job interview he went for was not successful as they have not called him even after the deadline so pray that as he continues to search for a job, God will bless him and give him the right one. Pray that he won't be lazy in reading Bible also :P .Moving on, Chen Li will be going back to TOA along with her brother tomorrow, so pray for safe journey. Juliana should be back at KL already, but you left so fast none of us had a chance to say bye. Next time any MGC-ians going back make grand farewell okie? *update*Juliana has her History paper on English, so pray that she won't be bored to death but study.

Pray for Chen Li's sister's friend, Wan Yi. She is having third stage cancer now, so pray that God's healing hands would be on her and others who need it as well. Besides that, pray for Lai and Yen Mei, one of the MMU survivors left. They are very busy doing their FYP and assignments, so pray that God will give them the discipline and wisdom to do their work. Lai and Yen, you can do it! Celine got UPSR tomorrow!!! Pray that she won't panic and she may be able to do well! For small fry, I got Moral folio to do so pray that I will be able to stick my butt to the chair and do it.

Not forgetting those outside Malacca, it would be too much to name all of you, but we still remember you guys! Marcus, Jeremy and Unc Ivan, we know you're reading this, so flood the chatbox with messages ya? I heard from Aunty Kim that Marcus is having holiday for one week and then exam the next, so pray that he may study and honour God with his results. As for Jeremy and Unc Ivan, they are still good, except that Jeremy starts calling everyone bro already. Don't worry, we taking care of Livia very well. From the 2 subjects given, she scored 2 A's for PMR trials already, good start! Continue to study ya! For Daniel, he seems pretty stressed over Probability and assignments, so pray that he may persevere in Sabah! *update* Tse Hwei like quite free wan, can set up friends for Flirty at 10.30 some more, but then actually busy, until msn status also put busy. Got exam and assignments so she's not that busy anymore. Pray for Shuen too, who is in final year, so very very busy. I think Gary is in final year too. Ah Zheng, didn't get much updates about you, but I overheard a bit from Unc Kian Boon that your boss or someone likes you and you're doing well, so continue to do well!

We going to have Ice Cream Day (not Night) on 13 September. It is by the kids, so maybe that's why is day, not night. The SU team will be helping out so pray for good number and the patience and ability to handle the monst... I mean kids. SU having a meeting at Wesley Church in the morning so all MGC-ians can come!

Oh yeah, this is one important update: The youth is going to have a Youth Camp! Most probably it will be in December 6-8 where most of the universitians will come back. The venue is at Lendu, the El Sanctuary place. There will be non-Christians as well, so I think the topics will be more to the evangelical side, not so sure. We have not set a theme yet, so youths who are reading this, please think of a theme and a verse most probably that goes with the theme, and tell us ya? Also, we do not have a speaker yet, so pray that God will provide one for us. That's about all. Continue to grow in God and do your quiet time (hehe) regularly ya!

juice night + sports day.

HAPPY MERDEKA ya'll~!!!

*happy*

*sweet*

*sunny* the teams and team leaders+ assistant

*reminiscience*

No Barriers.

Average people label and stereotype.

They name their inventions and thus confine them to the functions they have invented for them.

We, in MGC, are different.

We transcend barriers.

(wait for video to load before scrolling down)
























because we believe we can do all sorts of things with the veil. even make a video out of it. =P

one more.

jess didn't want to do her "towel-ing" gimic with the veil

Worthy is the Lamb

I felt what Kah Wei and dad shared on Sunday really good. The theme on that day was Jesus being the worthy lamb to be sacrificed. Kah Wei shared on a part of Job where God asked him to consider the great creature God created. He read Job 41 and then verse 27; He regards iron as straw, and bronze as rotten wood. I might not get it entirely right, but Kah Wei said something like this,

"This creature that God created was so great that iron was like straw to him and bronze like rotten wood. But Jesus came down and was crucified to a cross made of wood and nails made of iron."

I thought what he said was really good. Jesus came down as a person so low, that he became lower than the creatures he had created. Then my dad preached on John 21:1-25. When he came to verse 19, he said that the 'Follow Me' meant following Jesus until his death. He said this as well.

"Brothers and sisters in Christ, when you look back at all the things you have sacrificed for Jesus to follow Him, always remember that Jesus sacrificed much more than you; He left His glory above, came down to be rejected, and died on the cross for you and me."

To be honest, I never really looked at it that way before, where Jesus actually DID sacrificed much more than us, even His life. Yes, He did know that He would be raised up to life again, but it's just like doing something wrong and having the fear to own up to it. He felt afraid too. So thank you, Lord, for your amazing sacrifice and love to us all. Worthy is the Lamb. Amen.

MGC Sports Day

Happy Independence Day! Okay, to be honest, I’m not too much into Merdeka mood this year. Almost every year I tak rasa that semangat. Nothing much to look forward to especially with all those jams and human-packed streets. Anyway, I am going to blog about yesterday’s MGC Sports Day.

So we started the day very early. Melissa, Juliana, Auntie Tina and I reached Mrs. Chua's place at around 7.30AM. A few kids were at the field already. And we had them registered. They were quite semangat la. And most of them ended up in Juliana’s group. Slowly, people started coming in. Children, parents, helpers. So it got pretty crowded. We have like 60++ children. And we haven’t even include the adults and youths yet. Uncle Rodney was the main organizer I think. The judges were Auntie Kim, Auntie Kiat Tin, Sister YuMing, Raymond and Auntie Judy. (Correct me if I am wrong guys). The group leaders and asst.leaders are:

White : Juliana & ShuLynn
Yellow : Kah Wai & Sin Yee
Purple : Yen Mei & Shaun
Red : Chen Li & Andy
Blue : Adrian & Livia

Photographers were Federick and Darel and also the random people who had cameras such as Sin Lan and Sharma. Melissa was in charge of registration. Sharma was the gamemaster. Mrs. Chua, Auntie Grace, Uncle Kian Boon, Auntie Tina, Mr. Chua and Auntie Nancy were helping out with the most important aspect of all… food& drinks and gifts! Oh, not to forget, Simon helped Uncle Rodney with the games too. Ehehehe… Many other church members were there too. Sorry if I missed out any names. I am so not good with names.

Anyway, thank God for the good weather and great response. Yes, it was pretty scorching hot that day, still, it was all fun nonetheless. There were a lot of kids. I am not sure of other groups lah but for my team red, I have a few small kiddos that play the games according to their likings one. SO if they don’t like the games, they so totally don’t want to listen to me or Andy. It was frustrating at certain point la but kids are kids. You can’t really do much. They drove me crazy. And the sports day this year drew a lot of different races kids together. And most of them could speak Chinese. Since my team was lacking of members (with all the kids scattering around), I had to recruit new member. She watched us from the side. So I asked her if she wants to join us. She asked if she could. Of course can la. I sponsored her 3 bucks. And she had fun. I am so glad. Her name was Nur Adilah.

Anyway, the games were generally easy…for us youths. But not the kids. You know, sometimes it’s quite hard to go down to kids level and try to understand how much they can do. But come to think of it… it’s not that easy la. Haha. Anyway, I couldn’t remember the proper placing for the end result. I think it’s like this:

1st : Yellow
2nd : Purple
3rd : White
4th : Blue
5th : Red

I think so la… I asked Ju and she couldn’t remember also. Haha. Well, placing doesn’t matter la. It’s the spirit! After the games, we had the children clean up the mess they made. Hehe. And bonus point will be given. Hoho. Then we had the prize-giving session. After that we had lunch. The chicken rice was so spicy but very sedap. Anyway, the kid I “recruited”, shown an interest in our future programmes. But I forgot to ask her for her contact number. But she stays nearby to Dineshwary. So I guess I could reach Adilah through her.

After the makan and all, we cleared everything up. And then we went back to Mrs. Chua’s place. She cooked some light lunch for us. Sarah and Jasmine so lawak la. Sharma kena marah from Sarah for playing with Jasmine. Hehe.

All in all, it was a truly successful day. Thank God for keeping each and everyone safe, for the good response, good weather, and helps given by each and everyone who came for this event. Thanks to the working committee for planning everything so well and proper.

Oh, btw… I didn’t manage to take everyone’s pictures. I wasn’t the one with my camera. Handed it to Sharma. And my T20 is sick. Couldn’t stop vibrating. So for those people not in the photos, so sorry ok. Most of the photos are with Federick. If I get them, I will post it up yea.

I guess that’s all for the update on MGC Sports Day, from my part. Hopefully next year will be even better. ^^
Enjoy the photos!


















-chen-
[3.46PM]

J.U.I.C.E Nite Skit

Thanks to Geng Yi, we can now watch the skit from J.U.I.C.E Night. :) Photos still with Federick. But some of them taken by Geng Yi can be seen here.

-chen-

When you come back to me again

I think this is a lovely song. :)

"When You Come Back To Me Again" (Garth Brooks)

There's a ship out
On the ocean
At the mercy of the sea
It's been tossed about
Lost and broken
Wandering aimlessly
And God somehow
You know that ship is me
'Cause there's a lighthouse
In the harbour
Shining faithfully
Pouring its light out
Across the water
For this sinking soul to see
That someone out there
Still believes in me

On a prayer, in a song
I hear your voice and
It keeps me hanging on
Raining down
Against the wind
I'm reaching out till
We reach the circle's end
When you come
Back to me again

There's a moment
We all come to
In our own time and
Our own space
Where all that we've done
We can undo
If our heart's
In the right place

On a prayer, in a song
I hear your voice and
It keeps me hanging on
Raining down
Against the wind
I'm reaching out till
We reach the circle's end
When you come
Back to me again
And again I see
My yesterday's in front of me
Unfolding like a mystery
You're changing all that is
And used to be

On a prayer, in a song
I hear your voice and
It keeps me hanging on
Raining down
Against the wind
I'm reaching out till
We reach the circle's end
When you come
Back to me again

When you come
Back to me again

-chen-

J.U.I.C.E Nite

It takes months to plan an event. It takes just one night to end it.

But it was good. Good I tell you.

Let me quote Hancock,

Ehem, ehem...


Good job

:p


The skit was excellent. Actors/Actresses were fantastic. The script was real. So real because it reflects our current state.


Many of us (beautiful/macho MGCian) left Melaka and are scattered all over the place. Speaking for those beautiful and macho, I believe at some point of our lives, we felt what Jessica felt.

I had so much fun back there before I left...

These people are nothing like my old friends..


And to some point, we did what Jess did. We compared and put up a defensive wall around ourselves. We rid ourselves of opportunities to know others and to be known by them.


Maybe that's why we can't blend in the new churches. Maybe that's why we don't feel at home in new churches. Maybe that's why we're not serving with zeal and enthusiasm in new churches.

The skit echoes,

Make friends just like Jesus did.



A challenge for those who have left and for those leaving sooner or later. May we be able to say,

So what if they are different

and make room in our hearts for our new found family wherever we are. The more the merrier! Heh.

For those who's thinking kenot lar....Kenot one!!!!! I small heart, no more space.


My uncle used to say,

'Mind over matter. Mind over matter.

If you don't mind, it doesn't matter.'


By the way,

A very happy belated birthday to Yen and Shaun

Wakakakaka.

Geng Yi multitasking. Shake Yen Mei's hand and wish Shaun.

Congratulations people. A job well done.

*shake hand, shake hand*

Finishing the Race

Today in church, Uncle Rodney gave us the Sunday sermon. It was about Olympian. Weird topic for a sermon right? But it's related to "finishing the race" as a Christian. So I've learned that finishing the race is more important than being number one. It's more important than being the gold medalist. It's "to will one thing" and go forward to achieve the goal. We sang a new hymn this morning. There was a verse in the lyric that goes, Will Jesus said "Well down" or "Go away"? I pondered upon this verse when I did my Quiet Time just now. I feel guilty for sliding away so far you know. I used to read the Bible every single day and I will write down the verses that struck me most and tried to understand what it means and also write down my thoughts in my spiritual diary. But after I came to college, I stopped doing so. I even stopped reading the Bible. I read it when I feel like I want to. It's gotten pretty bad because I feel so spiritually stagnant. I used to make sure that I have my faith at the right place but even that didn't stay. Sad isn't it? I used to think I might end up doing Orang Asli ministry one of these days but where did the will go? I don't know. I also used to think I can be of some help in Children Ministry, and that didn't go as well too. I've been travelling back and forth from Malacca to KL. I don't even stay in KL church long enough to know people around me well. I told a friend from BSGC I feel lonely. He said, "Yeah... So anti-social". I guess I am not a social bug even though I can pretty hyped up in event but only with people I really know. Ask me to talk to a stranger. And I can tell you I can hold a melting candle longer than I can hold the conversation. I really cannot bring myself to talk to visitors that come to our church. I suspect Ah Hwei can do better than me. This is one area I have to work on and also to finish the race.YES! WE MUST FINISH THE RACE!

Anyway, back to the sermon. Well... I've always liked Uncle Rodney's messages because it inspired me. And as mentioned, I tend to stay awake in MGC rather than BSGC. It's such a big church and I always take the back seat. And today Uncle Rodney said something that triggered me to think. He said, "You can never feel the sense of belonging in a church if you come every Sunday, warm the seat and leave after that." Something along this line. I guess I am like that when I go BSGC. I feel very very overwhelmingly lonely that I just want to leave asap. It's not that the youths are not friendly. It's just that we don't really have a common topic to talk about that can keep us in a long conversation. If I go for Bible Study, then I tend to speak a lot more because we have a common topic.

Okay, back to the sermon. So Uncle Rodney told us a story before he closed in prayer. I will really love to share them with you.

There is this boy who asked his dad, "Dad, let's join the marathon." The dad, already aging and having heart condition agreed with him because he couldn't bring himself to say no. So they practiced together. And they went for the marathon. They finished second to last. Then after the first marathon, the son asked for more and his dad never said no despite his age and heart condition. Then one day, he said to his dad, "Dad, let's join the Iron Man Triathlon." For those who don't know, Iron Man Triathlon is a very gruelling race consisting of ocean swim, cycling and running. It takes a lot of energy and stamina to finish the race. But his father said yes. Below is the videoclip of the actual triathlon that they took part in. I will let it end my story. And the message I want to share here will be at the end of the video.

-chen-
[12.36AM]

To the Dudette In Malacca

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

All Da Best With Ur Paper Tmw...

Hahaha... ^ ^

To the chap in New Zealand

BLESSED BIRTHDAY!


Still waiting for you, Marcus and Uncle Ivan to come back after the 2 years.

T_T

Come back a grown man!

Reunion in KL (edits in red)

Date: 9 August 2008, Saturday

Time: 5.30pm
Venue: Midvalley - Rak Thai & McDonald's

Attendees (alphabetical order):

1. Aaron
   
2. Gary
   
3. Geng Yi
4. Grace
5. Juliana
   
6. Li Lian
   
7. Sherene
   
8. Sin Lan
   
9. Sin Yee
10. Stephen
    
11. Timothy
12. Tse Hwei
13. Wei Jin
    
14. Yik How

Absentees:

1. Chen Li
   
2. CK
3. Jun Yi
   
4. Kevin
5. Sharonne
   
6. Tse Shuen

Aaron's currently very into photography. He even has a photoblog (2 entries only la but still!). He was pick-pocketed on the way back from the gathering via KTM. He lost his phone. =( Go check out his blog ya.

Contrary to popular belief... Gary has not graduated. Ah ha. He's decided to do his Masters in Cyberjaya instead.

eh ownself take or i took wan?
looks like camwhoring. =P

Geng Yi still hasn't found a job, actually. He's freelancing at the moment.

still the same,
but i guess you guys knew d la.

kereta still quite bergaya

There's a picture of Grace on Aaron's blog. It's watermarked so I shall not attempt to steal. Heh. Geng Yi and Grace have taken their wedding photos. Can't wait for the wedding!

Juliana and I are staying in PJGH and I think we're getting along alright with the church peeps. I think la. 3rd week only. =P

always beside food =P

Picture of Li Lian also in Aaron's blog, in the same link as the one with Grace. Li Lian's still at Inti College in Nilai, doing Marketing. Her hair is still very nice. T_T

Sherene is still doing her ACCA in Inti College in Nilai . Read her blog to be updated ya. ACCA is a really tough course, so she needs our prayers and support. She's currently attending Nilai GC, where the youth don't turn up for youth because they help out in Sunday School. So she goes for the Bible Study instead. Well done!

eh?

sorry, stephen. focus is on sherene. =P

Sin Lan is graduating from Food Science and Nutrition next year. Still in Cheras, and still with we-know-who. =D Sin Lan's having her finals this week. So pray for her.

Sin Yee is... eh you guys should know better la! Anyway, she came up to get formal clothes from Sin Lan for her upcoming convo this month. Coming down to see you soon! Hang in there and don't get bogged down by the stress of the lack of manpower!

Timothy is currently doing his IT course internship in KL. His superiors don't trust the interns with the programming work. "So what do you do at work?" "Play Solitaire." You get the idea. He's not jumping with joy over the work, so pray for him. Been there 2 months. 2 more months to go!

I still remember that family picnic where he did all sorts of goofy things. I think that was the moment it was placed in our hearts that we would never forget Timothy Keong.

hair and all changed d

tim's sweeping-coin-off-table-to-make-it-disappear-trick

audience that looks more amused than amazed


tim's make-a-coin-appear-out-of-nowhere-trick
*note lilian's expression*


cukup! cukup! tolong berhenti!
*note lilian's expression*

Isn't it great how some things just don't change? =D

Wei Jin officially became a fresh grad on Saturday! He's now looking for a job in KL because the telecommunications job is not available in Malacca. He'll be fetching Daniel from the airport next week. =)

wei jin yang selamba

Yik How was also here although he was supposed to be in Malacca. Ah ha. Geng Yi said: "Seeing you two here makes me think I'm in Malacca." Yeah, it does. =)

As usual, we had to end the gathering with something out of the norm.

There was a sudden craze (by Sin Lan) to snap a photo of everybody's student card.

yik how offered his IC but was rejected cuz tak cukup umur

Then somehow Sin Lan and Sherene got infected by my disgusting eating habits and started to do something cool with the icecream sundae someone left behind (so wasteful).

added water.

Chen Li didn't come because.... SHE WAS IN MALACCA! ISH FROM ALL OF US! ...and then... *sob* =(

I didn't ask CK to come because he might be busy with work these days, and if he did want to come, I didn't want him to be feeling guilty or regretful if he couldn't make it due to fatigue. Sorry, CK! It's for your own good. T_T

Jun Yi couldn't come because he was having some friends over. He's free every other weekend though. Hurrah! He has to travel quite a distance to work, and so he has to wake up really early everyday. Pray for him.

Kevin had to bring his parents for a tour around KL because they were here for his convo on Sunday. "Aiyo... timing so bad wan..." said Kevin.

Sharonne... well... ask me personally. Ah ha.

Tse Shuen - er - ask me personally also. =P She has an exam this Thursday, and an assignment to hand in. Er actually she has a test and an assignment to hand in EVERY WEEK. Plus she has a thesis to complete. Pray for her.

You know what? Excluding Sin Yee, Wei Jin and Yik How, and including the absentees, we actually have 17 of us here in KL. We can really start a weekly Bible study in Geng Yi's house or something. =P

Malacca doesn't feel so far away with 1/3 of the Malaccan church here in KL. ^_^"

But then it must be hard on the "remnants" back home.

We're coming home this 23rd.

Kita serbu Melaka.

Wait for it!