Joel said Hello!!!!!!!!!!!

Wow!!! I really can't...well, "can't believe" aren't the right words! i mean, Joel is what...2 months old? do babies articulate at 7 weeks? Joel will be 2 months old on the 11th of Dec...

Rena took a video of Joel as she repeated the word, Hello, to him.

And then in the middle of her speaking, he said Hello!

Ok, you can tell the daddy is very excited.  and i know, you think he probably made some sound which we interpreted to be his saying Hello... well, he'd been making sounds for a while now, and we don't mean crying mind you, but sounds like he's trying to have a conversation with us.

So yah... i got interrupted while typing this...

and so now... about 1 hr after Joel said his first word... He's had his first wound... his fingernails have been giving him a lot of grief... as in, whenever his mittens come off, he scratches his face... so we were trying to trim his nails a bit... and well... cut his finger a bit... ;_;

i iced the wound... and then left the blood to clot... ;_;

sigh... what a rollercoaster ride of emotions!

But! Thank God its not serious! and Thank God for Joel's first Word!

Praise the Lord!!!!

On Legalism and Love

During today’s sermon, Rev Mike mentioned a few examples involving the youth ministry. While they were all very valid points and actually good that they were addressed, I think there could be some additional thoughts that can be included.

The thing we want to avoid is Legalism. Whenever there are rules, there is a chance legalism may rear it’s ugly head. However, to claim that we are completely under grace and therefore have no need for rules is equally false. What we always try to achieve is the right balance of Rule and Grace.

For example, Pastor said that he hoped church members would be committed to attending Prayer Meets at least once a month. It can be misunderstood to mean we must all attend prayer meet at least once a month. (I think if we want to be legalistic – missing prayer meet is a SIN!) Yet Pastor said that he wasn’t forcing us to do that because what he really wants is for us to come once, taste and see that Prayer Meet is good and thus come again. Or regularly attend Prayer Meets.

The key is this – we must WANT to come… if we taste and see that Prayer Meet is good, we will WANT to come back again…

Thus what we really hope is – every member of CHS will WANT to come to Prayer Meet.

In the same way, what we really hope is – every Point Com Youth will WANT to go home early, dress sensibly, refrain from drinking alcohol, make friends carefully and date responsibly.

Now, if you DON’T SEE THE VALUE of going home early etc, of course it won’t be easy to abide by the rule. (especially since there doesn’t seem to be any punishment for breaking the rule!)

So, the question is, What is the Value? Where is the Value? Do I get anything out of it? (Ok… Can’t you do something because it is right but doesn’t seem to benefit you? =P but this question is not impt). Why must I do it?

I think that its always hard to follow rules when our focus is on the Sin… 

i.e. The Rules say DON’T DO THIS. 

If you do it, it’s a sin, its wrong etc. Let’s turn it around.

Let’s focus on Love. We all like to talk about Love… feels better… Our focus should be on Love. Love says DO THIS.
Jesus said If you LOVE ME, keep My commandments.

So the question dear youths, dear church members, dear me, is - Do we love Jesus?

“Wah, you win lor Ps Ben. So if I don’t follow the rules means I don’t love Jesus lor…”

Well, the Bible says Honour your Father and Mother… That’s a commandment… do you love Jesus? If you do, you’ll keep this commandment.

Dress sensibly? “Woe to the world for temptations to sin! For it is necessary that temptations come, but woe to the one by whom the temptation comes! – Matthew 18:7
So how? Do you love Jesus?

I was led to this passage during Pastor’s sermon. John 21:15 – 17

The main focus was this question – Do you love Me MORE THAN THESE?

Whenever you fail to see the point of doing something that curbs you, when you have to do something that restricts you and you haven’t seen the point of WHY, remember that Jesus asks this question of all Believers – Do you love Me MORE THAN THESE?

More than what?

Son, do you love Me more than your freedom? That you would choose to go home early and spend time with your parents and family. That you would pray for them that they may come to know Me. That you would do your best to present yourself as a good testimony to My name.

Daughter, do you love Me more than the attention of the boys and men around you? Do you love Me more than the desire to dress sensually? For you are worth far more than an object of desire. Do you know that I love you so much I gave up my dignity and life for you? So do you love me more than these? That you would dress sensibly. That you would dress to impress but not tempt.

Children, do you love Me more than your rights? That you would say alright, for the sake of those younger than me, I will not drink; I will be careful with the way I joke; I will be early; I will practice on my instrument; I will submit first to those You have placed in authority and seek clarification when I cannot understand.

As I mentioned earlier in this entry, Jesus asks these questions of ALL believers, young and old, lay and clergy, leaders and members.
How would YOU respond to Him?

With lots of love,
Ps Ben.

Below is an excerpt from Matthew Henry’s Commentary: John 21:15 – 17

Secondly, Lovest thou me more than these? pleion touton. 1. "Lovest thou me more than thou lovest these, more than thou lovest these persons?" Dost thou love me more than thou dost James or John, thy intimate friends, or Andrew, thy own brother and companion: Those do not love Christ aright that do not love him better than the best friend they have in the world, and make it to appear whenever they stand in comparison or in competition. Or, "more than thou lovest these things, these boats and nets--more than all the pleasure of fishing, which some make a recreation of--more than the gain of fishing, which others make a calling of." Those only love Christ indeed that love him better than all the delights of sense and all the profits of this world. "Lovest thou me more than thou lovest these occupations thou art now employed in? If so, leave them, to employ thyself wholly in feeding my flock." 

So Dr. Whitby. 2. "Lovest thou me more than these love me, more than any of the rest of the disciples love me?" And then the question is intended to upbraid him with his vain-glorious boast, Though all men should deny thee, yet will not I. "Art thou still of the same mind?" Or, to intimate to him that he had now more reason to love him than any of them had, for more had been forgiven to him than to any of them, as much as his sin in denying Christ was greater than theirs in forsaking him. Tell me therefore which of them will love him most? Luke vii. 42. Note, We should all study to excel in our love to Christ. It is no breach of the peace to strive which shall love Christ best; nor any breach of good manners to go before others in this love.

The Beginning of Mirth

I'm supposed to be studying for my New Testament exam... but i have to blog about this...

I've been doing a lot of thinking and pondering about life and belief etc. In part because of what i'm studying now and partly because of the discussions i've been having one on one with a couple of friends.  The consensus is that if we spend too much energy simply focusing on these questions and trying to figure out the answers, we'll go bonkers... which i don't deny... however, i still feel that it is possible to come to that place where we understand clearly, if not fully, what it is we believe about ourselves and God... or the Divine... etc...

But that has got absolutely nothing to with my title... hahaha... what happened was that i was carrying Joel, who was fretting, and i was just patting him but my brain was off thinking lots and lots of stuff - the above paragraph...- and then suddenly, i thought i heard Joel chuckle!

I looked down and saw that he wore the appearance of a smile on his face... his eyes were closed and i thought he'd gone to sleep... but there was this smile and before that, a sound and twitching of his body that sounded like a laugh...

and suddenly i thought... Is that the beginning of mirth? And then he did it again! He chuckled with his mouth opened into wide smile and for longer this time...  my heart was lightened immediately and i went as quickly as possible into the bedroom where Rena was and i told her Joel laughed! then i asked him to do it again.  But he didn't... and i haven't heard him do it since. Neither has Rena reported experiencing something similar...

oh well, i suppose it is apt to call this episode The Beginning of Mirth... since it is only the beginning and i hope that there will be a lot more to come... =)

Almost at the end of 2008...

It's quite hard to imagine that 2008 is coming to a close.  It didn't feel like so long ago that I had just gotten married... today i'm playing with newborn son who is almost a month old and outgrowing his Mamypoko... btw, I'd like to thank all those who bought and donated their share of Mamypoko for Newborns...

the problem seems to be that no matter how tightly we attach the clasp, Mamypoko seems to slip off his bum... i've begun to think that Mamypoko is the hipster version of diapers... either that or the 3 - 5 kg babies they are thinking about are smaller than my last weighed - 3.9kg boy...

the best newborn diapers in my opinion is Pampers! i hear they also cost the most... but those we have were kind gifts.. heh very much appreciated. of course, we've run out of Pampers... at the same time, we've tried Drypers but it fell out of the Newbie diaper race early on.

for now, Mamypoko is in use and we continue to use it coz we have a lot of it and Joel seems to poo and pee a lot... i think that's what babies do... anyway, he's not too tolerant of soiled diapers...(who would?) so we change often...

yes, nappies are cheaper, most breathable, but also most labour intensive... washing poo laden nappies are...well...

moving on, i've come to realize that while i've never liked to clean up after anybody's sh...er...mess aka poop... cleaning Joel up hasn't been repulsive.  of course, i've been squirted by him while changing diapers which is funny...and annoying... funny mostly because Joel seems to put on a :o face when he does it... like he's saying whoopsy, couldn't keep it in...

Joel's a good boy. sleeps 3 - 4 hours at a stretch so he wakes up about twice a night between 1 and 6am depending on how much he's had to feed the previous meal.

which is fine coz i wake up to go to school about 5am thereabouts anyway... so usually Rena takes the early shift and i take 4 - 6am one...

I want to Thank God for all that He has done... I have more prayer requests and He knows what they are... These are important to me but sensitive so i cannot post them...(one should NEVER post sensitive issues online... all the wrong ppl get hurt, mis-read your intention, etc... like if i said - those who rant online are stupid! - hahahahahahahaha.... so many people will come and flame me... that's an example only ok? don't take it personally)

Anyway, that's all for now... which is a vast improvement for ME! i usually only post once or twice a YEAR!

It's October 2008!

Ahem... It's 2008.  I blog once a year... almost... and so i have so much to say, i end up not saying anything.... well, i am saying something but it doesn't mean anything...

ok... I'm going to be a Father soon.  it is an honour i thought not of... no marks for guessing where that line comes from... anyway, i am.... somewhere in between excitement and apprehension. ah... a new life... going to be with me (if the Lord wills) for the rest of my life. and so the two that became one are becoming 3... or is it two... since two are already one...

questions questions questions... i'm sure there are those of you out there who wish life was simpler... so do i... Theological studies is challenging to say the least.  At least, it does make you question the foundation upon which you stand. Not that Christianity is wrong or flawed... but the stuff you have been taught or thought you always knew... too much to go into a blog...

yes, some people study theology from an "objective" point of view but i tend to agree with those who say that it is impossible to study the bible and Christian Theology without believing in the God who revealed Himself through Scripture.  Because not taking a stand IS taking a stand.

how far do we have to go before we realize THERE IS NO FENCE... you cannot deny the fact that all people hold on to some kind of religious belief whether it is in the form of the divine or in science. ah... science... is a religion... as in it often requires faith. even Manchester United is a religion... at least, i've seen the banner on tv before... yeah, football is a religion to some people too... the way some teams play... of course FAITH is required! and boy do people pray... especially when they've got money on the teams...

i digress... anyway, so anyone who tries to study God does so with some kind of pre-supposition or other... and Theology is Christians trying to explain what we believe using Terms that other people are familiar with... and the only real way to know what you've understood is correct is if it is tested... like what science does... always calling for proof.  

So you can't profess to understand God until you've actually believed He exists, encountered Him for real and then it all makes sense.  Seldom have i come across people who believe God is real because they were won over by some irrefutable argument alone... everyone experienced God in some way or other.  You can argue that then it is a personal thing, that the experience was right for some and not for others. but then, if you've never tried it, you wouldn't know...?

as for science... well, maybe i'm making a general statement here but - hasn't all of scientific enquiry been the result of someone coming up with a particular theory and then enough people trying it out/experimenting and confirming that the theory holds true?  Well, they'd have to believe it is possible in the 1st place... or if they are detractors, then they set out with the aim to disprove it...

i dunno... sounds like the argument i made for trying out God.

Sometimes i think science answers how things happen... the Bible tells us WHY things happen... is this too general a statement?

One more before i go...

Just want to say that its good to be back on blogger... i'm not really into blogging as you can tell... so maybe i'll just say... see you next year? =P

haha hope not...

but will be away from sg for about two weeks... if have chance to blog in Canada i might...

ok... continue to Desire the Glory people!

=) Below is a comment i posted on Liwei's blog Makan for Thoughts... just in case you're wondering what its all about... you can find out there... =)

My thoughts on Faith n prayer. 1st we know Jesus said whatever we ask for in His name, His Father will give.John 16:23 but examine the context of that verse and its clear Jesus din mean WHATEVER Whatever. James 4:3 is a classic guard agst asking ANYTHING in Jesus name. It has nothing to do with Faith. Whether you believe its already answered or God will answer, if its NOT IN HIS WILL we ask amiss.

So the Key is in the words: His Will. What's in the Father's will?
If I ask for a Ferrari (item A?) and i believe He's already answered, does that mean i WILL get it? Do i know that it is in His Will for my life to own a ferrari? or if i work hard and save money to buy, or enter a draw and get it... is that answered prayer? if i don't get it at all, does it imply lack of faith?

what about Healing? ferrari is obviously personal gratification. but healing? for self or others? Surely that's in God's Will. i believe that it is. that's why whenever someone is sick, i first pray for healing. but we also do know that some sickness Jesus healed by forgiving their sin. they are sick coz they have a particular sin that needs to be cleansed. so then you can pray for healing but healing may not come. if you ask by Faith, SHOW ME WHAT'S UP Lord! I believe that one God will answer 100%. If you ask, Lord PRAY THROUGH ME SO I KNOW WHAT TO PRAY FOR, I believe God will answer 100%. Thus FAITH is not the thing we use to 'twist God's arm'...if i have super faith, God sure answer. He is still SOVEREIGN, He gets last say.

"There is no limit to the power that God will cause to come upon those who cry out to Him in Faith. God is rich to all who will call upon Him... Christ is the root and source of our faith. When He is in what we believe for, it will come to pass." Smith Wigglesworth.

Christ needs to be the centre of what we are asking for BY FAITH. If it does not glorify God or its for personal desire, my understanding is that its 50% answer. Or 33% - Yes, No, Wait!

But if you say, God i want to be able to preach your Word! i want to know You! i want to understand Your Word! then its 100%

Faith in such prayer simply means I AWAIT the answer. I anticipate it happening. I know it will take place. means, i will practice prepping sermons, reading the Bible so that i can get the understanding i asked for by Faith...

God is outside of time. its not a matter of whether He has answered immediately or He will answer in His time.

That difference is in WHEN WE RECEIVE it... =) For all we know, God may answer every prayer instantly... its just how long before we RECEIVE it.

So in due time, the answer REACHES us. But God already answered... Daniel 10:12 - 14.

pictures

notice the people in the foreground are sharper in focus - rena...

some pics... observe the expressions...

I'm finally back!

For a long long time, I hadn't blogged! Cos I forgot my password and couldn't log in! So, now that I''m back, I just want to say:

IT'S ALIVE!!!! it's back from the dead! Rejoice for the blog that was once lost is now found!

Come and find me on facebook! ;)

Actually it is rena who is typing now... cos pastor ben is happily lying down on his bed and "sleeping". Anyway she is typing while i am dictating.

Thank Papa God for the prep camp, for moving in our midst. I'm sure everyone was ministered to by God and some were able to take home something. This was one of the most relaxed and "rubber time" camp i've ever done. still we managed to get things done without being stressed or too stressed.

Want to thank rena for being a strong support throughout the camp. Want to thank GLOW and Sam for worship leading. They did very well, tho GLOW needs to work on his giving of directions. Think Fabian did a good job on the guitar too. He needs to play in a band in order to improve. So Fabian, you need to decide when you can commit to coming down for jams.

And Gerald Boon and Aaron for taking care of the kids. And Aaron for playing the guitar cos my thumb was bleeding. din know how i got cut.

All in all it is alot of testimonies. Will blog more...

It's Alive!

this blog is still alive! wow... busy busy busy...
bought a new workhorse guitar... synchronium... haha... made from some kind of laminate wood... oh well... sounds good enough unplugged and isn't too bad when plugged in... at least, i hope not to feel so heartbroken if it gets dropped!

hmmm... speaking of APXs... i went to Yamaha Tampines to check out the new APX-500 & 700. Made in Indonesia and Taiwan respectively... according to Yamaha specs the tag claims...

well... i don't know if its because they both use NATO wood... instead of the usual Maple, Mahogany, Spruce... the sound is absolutely... BLEAH! =P

by that i mean, unplugged... when you play them without plugging them into the amp, YUCKS! sounds like the cheap guitars that should cost u only $100-200... maybe less...

in fact, in my opinion... my synchronium sounds BETTER than those two unplugged...

however, if you're going to be plugged in most of the time, then the APXs are good... they give almost the same tone as i remember... well... memory can be fickle hey?

i miss my APX-8C and they don't make it anymore... y'know... i'm not as knowledgable about guitars as Justinho... but seriously, mentioning these numbers kind of remind of Takumi and Co. y'know, talking about 86s and FCs and FRs...

btw, i've been recognizing some of these cars on our roads... sylvia, skylines (r32 or 34) haha... been quite fun...

anyway, back to guitars... i've yet to try the APX-900 which i remember is solid spruce? or maple all round and NO nato wood...

oh, btw, i did go to City Music to check out the Custom Acoustics on sale... somehow, didn't quite like the sound of those on display... one fellow said what's on display was all they had... but another staff had told me earlier they may have a couple more pieces in storage! ha! but its ok lah... i doubt they would go bring out a new one jsut because i wanna try...

those on display didn't look very good... and din seem to sound very good either...
btw, i tried the CA-900 and CA-901... scratches and worn out portions...

anyway, i went back to Parklane coz that's where i parked... hmmm... park lane... anyway, i passed by that corner music shop run by a fellow - uncle david. its just next to macs and opp the arcade and pool place... yeah, so i just wandered in coz i saw a slim body guitar...

ah... synchronium... never heard of this brand before... guitar's light coz as i found out, laminate wood... man, i don't even know what kind of wood... but it felt good and sounded good too...

anyway, the other staff, edwin said they have a studio we can use for jamming...i think its cheap... but i'm not sure if i should like post the price online! hahahahahahahaha...

but its in parklane lah...

anyway, that's all for now... just a brief expose of everydayness...

where's God?

i believe He was involved in the purchases... =) good deals. i got an amp with the guitar... or maybe i got the guitar thrown in with the amp...

So remember y'all, keep God involved in your everyday life and experience Him. then your worship will be REAL. =)

Peace.

Ben out.

God showed up yesterday.. did you? =)

Hello and hello again…

It’s been a few months! Again! Hahahaahha I’m really not very up to date with my blog updates… oh well!

Had to reformat my hard disk etc etc… aiyah… the hassle of reinstalling everything…
Ok I think I’ve complained enough…

But I do have good things to blog about.

Y’see, in the past few weeks, there’s been more changes going on in the youth ministry. First things first… we are not punkt.com anymore… well, we’ve kinda dropped the shortform of POINT COMMUNITY in favour of our full name.

WHY? Because the church is returning to the building we left about 40 months ago… yeah, it’s time to RETURN!

So as Chapel of the Holy Spirit returns to its home, Point Community is also coming home and we are expecting great things from God.

And God has been showing up at youth service these past weeks.

Take yesterday for example, we kinda turned our order of service around where we had our pre-service prayer and preparation song but went into a time of teaching about the Tabernacle of Moses and the picture of worship it represents.

We learnt that it is imperative we enter into the Holy of Holies to meet up with God whenever we come together to worship. Sometimes we lose sight of what it means to gather together as a congregation for a worship service. The whole works from the opening prayer, through the praise and worship, the reading and sharing of God’s Word, to our response, ministry time, closing song – everything happens so that we can meet up with God.

We gather and prepare for service – through repentance and cleansing = Outer Courts where the Bronze Altar and Bronze Laver are.
We praise, worship, prayer, (read the Word –sometimes)= the Holy Place where the Golden Lamp Stand, Table of Shewbread, Altar of Incense are.
Then we enter the Holy of Holies = when we go into High Praise or ‘free worship’ and wait upon God to speak, and when we listen to the Word of God preached to us.

Well, with that in mind, we practiced entering into God’s presence through Praise and Worship.

Sam Tan was the worship leader with Rena co-leading on the keys. We had Justin on lead guitar and Cindy on rhythm. I was on drums. (heh, we need to pray more drummers into serving – ok ok… they’re on their way)

Things started slowly (ok that’s a bit of a contradiction coz we start with Praise songs eh?) but I mean in a spiritual sense. Sure there was singing and clapping and lifting of hands but nope, we weren’t really getting in the flow of the Spirit.

But then after a while, we kinda broke through. Y’know its been said (and its true) a bunch of experienced musicians can manufacture a feeling of flow and euphoria but we gotta learn to differentiate between a good feeling and a real sense of the Spirit’s flow.

So yeah, I didn’t even feel a musician’s flow at first. But well, going into the Holy of Holies is a journey eh? We keep pressing in.

The congregation was asked to stand on the steps toward the back of the L.T. instead of at their seats. Then they were encouraged to sing praise and as they gave their praise to God, to move forward down the steps toward the front. And as they felt led, slowly people started moving to the front until we had a breakthrough and some people came right up to the front signifying they have entered in.

And as we went through worship and high praise and went on to songs not on the song list, we just worshipped and worshipped. And then I felt the Lord say that He was going to do ministry to the people and I told them that. And God ministered to them without me laying hands on them. And God moved people to pray for each other. Cool!

So we just let God do His thing.

Things that were shared:

The River of Life was flowing and we needed to get in the flow. 3 people confirmed this.
Time of refreshing was there for us, we needed to get right with God and let go of our burdens. This word from the Lord was confirmed too, through scripture like Romans 8
Jesus is the Vine and we are the branches, we have to remain connected, rooted, plugged into Him so that we are continually fed, continually recharged – John 15

Many times its when we feel inadequate and like we cannot make it that God steps in and does the ministry. The idea is to prepare ourselves but submit to His leading. Sometimes what we plan isn’t what God wants to do exactly so we have to go with the flow!

It’s really an experience serving God in this way. Exciting! Last week, I prayed over the people who were at the front and actually I was led to pray for everyone present and I felt a kind of electricity around my hand… wah, something new really…

I really pray that you guys will continue to grow and experience God in real ways. So that your worship will truly be in Spirit and in Truth – in the reality of your lives. One day, each one will find your place in God’s plan and you’ll be used mightily by God. And you’ll have your own stories about electric current flowing through you and other exciting events that take place when you surrender to God and let Him lead your steps in life.

Of course, I am committed to praying for and raising as many of you to the place where you can serve the church wherever the need may be.

Let’s look forward and come with an expectation every week to meet up with God and hear from Him. And I hope those who weren't at the service yesterday will be down at the next one coz i'd really hate for you to miss out on what God is doing!

Point Community – you are a great buncha youth and don’t let the devil or anyone else tell you different. =)

(btw, in case any of you don’t know, this Saturday 26th August, we’re going out to play! So we won’t be meeting in school. Check with your cell leaders for details!)

Till the next time I blog…(I dunno when!) God bless and keep walking with Him!

Youth Outing to East Coast 

Well, my last entry was in August 2005. that’s really quite long ago huh?

But then I’ve never really been into this kind of stuff… anyhow… after much persuasion I’ve decided I should blog after all. I dunno how many people have actually linked me and practically given up coming over to see if there’s anything new to read…

Well, many things have happened since my last post.

I dunno where to start. It’s always like this when you’ve not shared about yourself or things going on for a long time and suddenly, there’s too much to tell.

Suffice to say, there’ve been a lot of change going on. Both in church and in my life.

Let’s talk church. Since Revd Titus left us for further studies, things haven’t quite been the same. There seems to be a lack of impetus on the part of the people who are left behind in church. Like, the wave of momentum has died out and now only a few people seem to be actively doing stuff in church.

Actually, my last statement is a bit off the mark. Last Saturday, May 13, there was a prayer meeting at YCDC premises. I think there were at least 20? If not more people who gathered to worship and pray from 2 pm to 5.45pm… in fact, they went on past 5.45pm. And from what I heard, they had a good time there.

As for myself and the youth, we were having youth service. I thank the Lord God Almighty for visiting us and doing a work in us. We were praising and worshipping but there came a point where it just didn’t seem to be breaking through… As if there was an invisible ceiling we just couldn’t break through.

Nat was leading and although she was moving her hand in the build up signal, neither guitar nor keyboard seemed to go any louder. I was on drums and I tried to raise my volume but it just didn’t seem to go.

Just as things were hanging, Rena came forward to encourage the people to press in. And we sang in tongues and prayed in tongues and just persevered until we broke through.

The congregation was invited to come forward. And everyone presented themselves before the Lord. We broke out into new song and worshipped.

Until I felt a leading from the Lord to get out of my seat and pray for the people. So, taking a step of faith, I stood up and prayed for the people to my left and right, slowly making my way down the line.

I spied Rena praying for the worship team members as Stephen took over playing the keys. I didn’t check back with the people I prayed for after service. Perhaps I should have. I know I prayed some things prophetically. And I really pray they come to pass.

Pastor Benny Ho once said that he writes down, or tries to write down the things that he prays over a church so that he can re-visit them as the years go by. If anything, it just serves to remind him or highlight to him, the prayers that have been answered.

I tried to scribble down as much as I could remember but I don’t have everything that I spoke for every one that I prayed for… =P

Oh well, Youth Ministry has been focusing on Community building these last few services. For many, perhaps it is like re-starting. As if we never seem to get off the ground.

Yet, I’ve come to realise that for the last 3 years, we’ve merely been adapting to changes and fighting fires and happenings that break upon us like waves upon the shore, one after another. Well, of all the preaching I’ve heard in the last few weeks, I’m convinced we are headed in the right direction.

Because now, we are making it clear to all just what PUNKT.COM is all about. Now, we have settled our Youth Committee and have confirmed our commitment to building this ministry in the Lord.

Now we say to those who are consistently with us, let’s press on in faith and sink our roots deep in Christ. Let’s make a difference in our lives! Let’s be willing to change and let God change us to be a loving community just as He commands us.

Now we say to those who used to be consistently attending service with us, come back! Join in! Let’s catch the common vision that God has called this ministry to be.

Point Community – We are community that points people to Jesus Christ, consisting of disciples who make disciples, a community committed to loving God and each other; committed to touching the world with God’s love.

I really pray that the youth who read this blog will fall down on their knees before God and build an altar of worship to God. Many of us have given our attention to every other thing.

We “serve” God by doing a lot of things for Him… but we don’t actually spend time WITH HIM.

So even as we build a community that is earnest in worship, let us all desire to first have His presence dwell in our lives. How? By offering our lives to Him, by giving Him full control. By walking in obedience. Amen!!!


Some announcements… of sorts… come June, we will be having a new addition to our church. He is not our vicar. We still dunno who our Vicar will be. But he comes in to help in the area of Chaplaincy work… that means school ministry. Still, there’s a chance he might be involved with the Youth ministry but we’ll know more when he finally arrives.

So let’s all keep Revd Michael Teh in prayer. That God’s will may be advanced in our church and ministry.

Hmm…. That’s about all… there is a YCDC and PUNKT combined chalet in June, 23-24… but PUNKT youths may stay till 25th morning… but that means we have to check out early on 25th to make it for Sunday Main service.

Oh, an IMPORTANT announcement – if there are any CHS youths reading this blog, pls make yourself present on 27 May. It is an important service and I pray everyone who has been a part of us join in. =)

Ok! That’s all I have time for… I will try to blog more often… instead of leaving months in between… hahaha… God bless you…!

August le...

Well, its August... time flies doesn't it? I'm 30! hahaha... It's a good 30 becoz i had a great party on Saturday, the night b4 my birthday. Surprise party at that... never done before... so happy! =D

hmmm... I wish i could say more... but right now... my brain is not really working... so maybe i'll come back again later...

Youth Sunday... this should've come first!

Here's punkt.com's Youth Sunday Photo!

Ok, its a new week...

Hello again, its a new week and yes, i'm blogging... and blogging about nothing again i suppose... well, i'm at work now and today's usually my offday... but then due to some changes in the workplace, i now take my offs on mondays and work on tuesdays... anyways that is supposed to be the correct way... coz pastoral staff always get mondays off...

anyway, i met up with some of my tung ling friends over the weekend... for the uninitiated Tung Ling = Tung Ling Bible College... I brought Rena along so my missions 'family' could meet her... my TLBC family comprises Lao Diare (y spelt like that? coz in hanyupinyin it would be lao die!), Dajie, myself, then Ern-ern and Ah girl... hmm... i should add photo in here... (L-R: Dajie, Ah Girl, Lao Diare, Ern-ern, Rena)

yup it was a good time we had... started out a bit slow... then when ah girl arrived things kicked up a bit as usual... the live wire wat.... but when dajie arrived we could start... we gathered around lao diare's digital piano and i used his classical guitar (with plug in!) and sang songs of praise and worship... Ern-ern played the piano... then later Rena took over... it was great! we had such a good time of praise and worship... wah, then when we go accapella... even better...

sigh... really miss hearing voices like that singing... we sang like that while we were on a mission trip to Sarawak... travelling on a hot day along the Pako River in an Iban longboat (prahu panjai)
our voices reverberated across the waters as the motor boat skimmed along...

mission trips are quite fun y'know? Anybody interested in going on one?

There's a mission trip planned for the september hols... check out the church bulletin for more details!

Wah... so fast one week oredi!

Hello again... its quite amazing how time flies... well, i must say that this week been most exciting... ok... maybe exciting isn't quite the word since i don't exactly feel chipper about it... but its been kind of like a rollercoaster ride... ups and downs a plenty... not to mention a few twists...

But God is the only constant we have y'know? And that's how we can ride the rollercoaster and not derail! Heard the song that goes - "Life is a Rollercoaster- you just gotta ride it..." what assurance do you have that in the wild ride life takes you on, you won't derail?

Well, u need a safety device that won't fail... His name is Jesus. So many times we ride rollercoasters and other park rides without really considering the risks...but something as simple as a car key or coin fallen out of a pocket into a delicate part of the machinery and you have a tragedy waiting to happen.

So it is with life... Many times we ride on this rollercoaster but we don't think about safety. and often times, it is the small things that trip us up... we may not steal from a shop but we tell a lie... we don't murder someone but we gossip... and these things come back to haunt us. something small that falls out of our pockets can lead to disaster.

We need to have our Life checked by the best maintenance guy around... Jesus Christ. Coz He wrote the book... Your particular ride was designed by Him. He knows your tracks better than you do.

Often our problem is, we don't let Him do maintenance on our lives. We just keep right on living the way we have and sweating the near derailings and thank whatever lucky stars or gods for the near miss. Other times we get derailed and hurt badly and we curse at the heavens...

Why do we have to suffer like that? All because we do not carry, everything to God in prayer...

God can and will do a check up on our lives. If we will let Him. Sometimes maintenance can be difficult and painful... loose screws have to be tightened... =) parts have to be removed and changed... sometimes it feels like we are being ripped apart.... but know this - When the Master is done with you, you be running better than you did before. That is a promise.

So to all you out there who are going thru a tough time... make a pit stop... Look for the maintenance guy... His name is Jesus. Call out His name and ask Him to do a check up and tune up on you. He will. And it'll be the best decision you would have made...

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Ok, I finished reading this book "the five people you meet in Heaven" by Mitch Albom... It's really quite inspiring... its a story of this maintenance guy... haha, so you see where the idea came from... BUT... Jesus is not like Eddie Maintenance of course... still, Eddie's story is good food for thought. The book is a very light read really... I finished it in one night... couldn't put it down... =P

Anyway, i don't own the copy. It was lent to me by a new friend, Stanley. Well, he mentioned that he might wanna come check out our youth ministry and main service... so i'm praying for him...

alright... Cheers, reader!

I'm sleepy

Ok, here's a little something personal... went for a swim just now... friday... should have known it'd be crowded... anyhow, managed 30 laps... next time, i'll try not to stop so much in between. but its kinda tough trying to avoid swimmers going perpendicular to you...

hmm... I should say God is good! School is settling down somewhat and though there are many events slowly taking place, things dun feel so out of hand... hmm... one thing i feel still needs to be done is... i need to arrange my time properly... so that i can meet up with those youths whom i'm supposed to kinda buddy and mentor... =P

ok... the truth is, i'm actually very tired as i'm typing this... i need to sleep le... well, God bless you, reader, for spending a bit of time here... Good night!

1st Photo post

Hmmm this post is the one where i try to insert photos... haha... medium sized... picutre of youths... =) hmmm... there's just this thing about spiritual parenting... it really is something that adults should aspire to... anyway, that's my opinion and i believe it would result in churches growing as a family as opposed to just the youth ministries growing...

wah, my 3rd post

Ok, here's my 3rd post. not bad eh, i'm actually using my blog... that's quite cool... hahaha self praise... hmm.. i think i should get a bit serious right? hmm... what should i talk about today...

oh, well, let's talk about today's calendar reading...

"Your words were heard, and I have come in response to them" - Daniel 10:12

"you do not need to fear when your unanswered prayers are piling up, for soon not only will your answers flow through, but they will also be accompanied by new blessings."

Well, the scripture refer's to the angel's explanation to Daniel on why he was kinda late with Daniel's reply. Sometimes it does take a while for God to answer our prayers.

Some answers take years before they come. That does not mean that God hasn't heard us all these years nor does it mean that God has got so much prayers piled up in His Inbox that it took Him THAT long to reach us.

It does mean that God knows when the best time is for us to receive our answers. It also means that we have to be faithful. When we ask for something or ask something of God, do we just pray and then forget about it? Or do we wait patiently for God to answer?

Daniel prayed 21 days before he heard his answer. But the angel said God had replied the moment Daniel had prayed.

So we must fast and prayer and remain faithful. It is imperative that we believe and do not doubt. ok? DO NOT DOUBT... and then we will receive.

Ok, I gotta go for lessons le... more later... or tmr... or... nvm...

Cheers! God is with you! =D

Ah... English again

Ok, thanks to Liwei, i know why i was displaying stuff in HK chinese... the weird thing is IE says its displaying Chinese SG... which is like Singapore right? so.... why is singapore chinese displayed in 'fan2 ti3' and the way the words are used sound more cantonese than mandarin... but then this kind of stuff is done by Microsoft right? so they can't really be blamed if they think all chinese is the same right?

Ah.... Arial font... that's better...
anyway, that's all for now... gonna have chapel lessons in a while... that is, i teach... not attend... hahaha