Sivin Kit's Garden

Blessed to be a Blessing

My Daddy - Stephen Kit always used this phrase whenever he recalls his Bible Study days with the Bethal Series. As I approach my ordination on Sunday, I couldn't help but overflow with a heart of gratitude towards God and many people whom he has blessed and they've been a blessing to me. None of them are ordained clergy but they are kind of "unsung heros" (ordained by God to bless) who've contributed in very "practical"-down-to-earth ways with a touch of God's joy and kindness!

In no particular order ...

1. The Leongs - Gave me my first proper PC & printer (plus modem) as a gift which later turned into a wonderful tool for me to explore beyond boundaries! And now, again ... my Neo-suit (Vestment) as I call it - my robe (or alb) cincture (the rope thingy around my waist ) and stole (kind of like a tie around my neck) .. . but more than that is some advice and lots of encouragement over the years!

2. The Lims - Uncle Lim just went back to the Lord a couple of weeks ago. But we've know this family since I was born. And if it wasn't for John inviting me to the Setapak Christ Lutheran Church (CLC) Student Fellowship, I wonder how this will all turn out. I told him on Monday of how important that invitation was ... in fact, I met May Chin and got married in CLC. So, you can imagine!

3. The Phangs - Auntie Phang has done a wonderful job with the robe (alb), her personal touch in tailoring and the whole family's friendship to us goes way back with the Leongs and the Lims. In fact they were part of the first CLC youth fellowship!! Uncle Pang's constant smile and kind words has lifted me up I dunno how many times! His quiet faith itself energizes me.

4. The Tans - Blessed BLC with one of their sons - James!! :-) But, in their own way .. behind the scenes they've truly invested in our lives consistently without fail and giving a pat on our backs in their own special way!

5. The Seets - Extras during the STM years really made a difference. Stay-overs, late night sharings, wrestling with issues together, etc. The quiet support personally especially during the STM years took away lots of worries to make space for books as well as openness to grow.

6. The Foongs - Right from my teenage years of transportation until gentle words of advice especially when we were transitioning to BLC they have walked alongside us ..

7. The Maus - Talk about being available when needed ... especially Eric to share God's word with us since our beginnning in BLC. And now, seeing God bless them with their hearts desire is a tremendous joy! Great listeners and cheer leaders ... they lead each other to cheer for us I think!

8. The Tews - Our peers - we go way back from either Form 3 and Form 5 to today! Amazing ... For their unconditional acceptance, patience, and honest feedback, and the honor to be their sons God-parents.

9. Add to the list people - of course there are more ... we're just so blessed!

10. And of course - I must mention the immediate Kit Family and Long Family. It's great to have a safe home where we can be ourselves and know there's always support, correction and guidance from our siblings (walking alongside us) and our parents (who've walked ahead of us and charted a way with their life example, struggles and sharing!)

Mars Light

James Tan sent me some photos ... I liked this one .. which is a glimpse of Mars from his point of view (read camera!) .. thanks for sharing. We were busy eating at Keng Hiong, Brickfields with two LiFe Groups combining for the first time -i.e. Lighthouse & Giving Tree! Interesting isn't it .. while busy eating and talking - something far much bigger was happening "under our nose", I'mean "over our heads"!

Spiritual

Another heavyweight goodie from Kraus:

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Defining the Spiritual

Before this talk about a spiritual God-dimension can be very useful in our service strategy, we will need to define the spiritual dimension. I would identify it as follows:

1. the self-understanding of ourselves and others as children of God in the image of the Creator, namely, that characteristic which makes it worth a Mother Teresa's self-sacrifice to give a fellow human being a meaningful death in a compassionate setting.

2. the personal quality of human beings that opens them to the transcendent dimensions and moral demands of life, namely, submission to and trust in God (faith) which enables them to put compassion and self-sacrifice (love) ahead of their own egocentric (sarx) desires and fears.

3. the intuition of a destiny beyond physical mortality (hope) which leads them to risk death in the pursuit of human value and well being.

4. the self-awareness that humankind's highest self-identity and ultimate meaning is found in solidarity (koinonia) under the loving dominion of the God whom Jesus called Father.

With this understanding of humanity's essential nature, it becomes obvious that the human problem is fundamentally "spiritual." Or to put it negatively, it is not simply technological, political, or economic. But in order to understand what this means we need a new conceptualization of spirit.

The human spirit is not a separate part of our individual being like an arm is part of the body. It is not something distinct from and added to our bodies and minds and somehow more essential than they are. Rather, spirit is a holistic term. Spirit describes the whole human being in his/her wholeness made "in the image of God;" for example, not as an "economic animal," or a "tool-making animal," but as a "spiritual animal." The whole self is more than the sum of the parts. In theological terms, it is a creation of the Spirit of God and shares in that Spirit.

So the spiritual describes the texture of our total being. It is the distinctly human dimension of our being both individually and socially. We might speak of it as both a transcendent and depth dimension which involves us in relationship to God and to each other -- what the Bible calls the "heart," i.e, the personal depth of our being. It expresses itself most clearly in our self-image which is simply the under side of our God-image; in our motivations, our underlying assumptions and rationalizations. It is expressed in our human cultures.

Thus to say that the human problem is fundamentally spiritual does not locate the problem in some religious or mystical realm, but rather, locates the material, the economic, the physiological and psychological dimensions within the context of the larger holistic and transcendent reality. It defines the problem, not in reductionist but in holistic terms, not simply in behavioral patterns but in terms of personal-social dynamics and values.

If the human problem, then, is basically a spiritual problem and we do not deal with it, our relief, development, and mediation work will be superficial. As Luzbetak observes, "technical development by no means implies that a technologically advanced society is necessarily able to deal more successfully with its social problems or that it has a greater capacity to cope with its ideational environment more satisfactorily than a less technologically developed society" (The Church and Cultures, 1988, p. 314). Or as Walter Wink puts it, "Structural change is not enough, the heart and soul must also be freed, forgiven, energized..." (Naming the Powers, 1984, p. 117).

This means that in our goals and strategies we must also deal with the elements of culture which inhibit and defeat the goals of holistic human development (salvation). These are "spiritual" inhibitions -- fatalism, depression of spirit, self-depreciation ("nobodies"), a sense of powerlessness which is the result of internalized oppression, structures and values that create co-dependency, and self-centered anxiety that often justifies or excuses deceitful and manipulative behavior.
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What revolution Are You?

What revolution are You?
Made by altern_active

Passion

Just watched the trailer for Mel Gibson's Movie "Passion" with Kelvin at A Fan Website for Icon Production's "PASSION"

My newly baptized Christian Kelvin said, "hoah! it's so real". I felt ... I had nothing to say. Just a sense of awe.

A comment by Michael Novak says "Gibson's achievement springs not solely, not even mainly, from a cinematographer's art. Whether he intended it this way or not, perhaps because he puts on film the unadorned directness of the gospels, "The Passion" is a meditation and a prayer."

Some say the movie is going to be controversial ... I'll make up my mind after watching it. Now, after the trailer ... I want to spend sometime meditating on Christ's love for me and the whole of humanity again!

Catalyst

More from Kraus ... A Theological Basis for Intervention Ministries

First, then, let me explain what I mean by "catalytic." In chemistry, of which I know very little, a catalytic agent is one that induces change without compounding with and changing the molecular structure of its host elements. "Catalysis," however, is a process of modification, of releasing the host element from inhibitive obstructions and inducing intrinsic changes in it.

Using this as a metaphor I would describe a social catalyst as a change agent that induces desired modifications in the host culture which are integral and intrinsic to its well being. The implication is that although the changes are desirable and desired, there are inhibiting elements that prevent the changes taking place. The catalyst attempts to work respectfully and unintrusively to induce changes that will enhance the host culture.

Bible Boy - My Quest to Understand Scripture

Read this article by C. Norman Kraus

Here's some stuff that caught my attention and needs further digestion:

Worship Gathering Setup

this image is from Dan Kimball's The Emerging Church .. got me thinking as the renovations "knocks off" officially & literally today at the Father's House!
View image

A Picture for "Missional Communities"?

Hmmmm .... I can't wait for the third installment for Lord of the Rings. I think the Trilogy either in movie form (Jackson's interpretation) or original (book form) provides loads of pictures-analogies-metaphors for life, Apprenticeship with Christ and the whole 21-C ministry we're involved in as Ambassadors for God's kingdom.

How interesting it would be when our LiFE Group meetings, and Council Meetings, even pastors' gatherings look like the above ... of course, there's more meaning embedded in and beyond the picture. If you know what I mean ... :-)

The Return of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15)

~ Rembrant(b. July 15, 1606, Leiden, Neth.--d. Oct. 4, 1669, Amsterdam),

Prayer Of An Unknown Confederate Soldier

I asked God for strength that I might achieve,
I was made weak that I might learn humbly to obey.
I asked for health that I might do greater things,
I was given infirmity that I might do better things.
I asked for riches that I might be happy,
I was given poverty that I might be wise.
I asked for power that I might have the praise of men,
I was given weakness that I might feel the need of God.
I asked for all things that I might enjoy life,
I was given life that I might enjoy all things.
I got nothing that I asked for,
-- but everthing I had hoped for.
Almost despite myself,
-- my unspoken prayers were answered.
I am, among all people, most richly blessed.

Cracked Pots

Here's a segment from Scazzero's book "The Emotionally Healthy Church" that energized me and encouraged me as I'm preparing for another phase in my discipleship and ministry. It's very humbling ...

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We constantly remind people that the only kind of people God uses are those who do not depend on their own gifts or resources.

- Moses stuttered.
- David's armor didn't fit.
- John Mark deserted Pail.
- Timothy had ulcers.
- Hosea's wife was a prostitute.
- Amos' only training was farming.
- Jacob was a liar.
- David had an affair, murdered, and abused power.
- Naomi was a widow.
- Paul was a persecutor.
- Moses was a murderer.
- Jonah ran from God's will.
- Gideon and Thomas both doubted.
- Jeremiah was depressed and suicidal.
- Elijah was burned out.
- John the Baptist was a loudmouth.
- Martha was a worry wart.
- Noah got drunk.
- Solomon was too rich, and Jesus was too poor.
- Abraham was too old, and David too young.
- Peter was afraid of death, and Lazarus was dead.
- Moses had a short fuse (so did Peter, Paul, and lots of Bible heroes.)

God has always used cracket pots, to "show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us" (2 Cor. 4:7)

It doesn't mean we encourage people to stay the way they are. Admitting the truth about ourselves, however, is the key starting point for change. My wife and I often remark that the day we admitted we were not loving people was the day we began to be loving toward others. (emphasis mine, p. 124)

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The "Wisdom" Series

I was intrigued by some "insightful" sharing on how The book of Proverbs has impacted some BLC members life lately. I used to have this slogan when I read one chapter a day during my teenage Christian journey, "A Proverb a day, keeps the devil away" (ok .. I know that's stretching it I was young, but at least it does keep foolishness away, that's good enough most of the time!)

This past week, the following proverb kind of put the whole "pursuit of wisdom" thing in perspective. Here goes!

"Forsake your folly and live,
And proceed in the way of understanding." (Proverbs 19:6)

The main focus of this book is actually an encouragement to walk "the way of understanding" and "live" wisely (in contrast to foolish living!). It's about living life asking the right questions more than having all the right simplistic answers to life's complexities. It's about the commitment to use our God-given uncommon "common sense" wisdom personified as an attractive woman in this book. In a world full of ambiguity, Proverbs gives us a path of black and white to walk on. That's where we start .. but is that all?

Obviously, Christians tend to highlight the "black & white" path of morality, wisdom and way of life. But, life is also full of greys and thus the tension. Because the fact is Life is more complex which many of our simplistic answers cannot help us live "wisely". The tendency is to either find easy answers which gives a false sense of security, or surrender to a higher power through often sincere spiritual efforts and evading the responsibility of working life out personally as well. Jesus our True wisdom is the way forward, Life is not only black & white, or grey ... it's full of "rainbow" colour. In addition to Proverbs, the Old Testament has given us extra gifts!

1. Interestingly, the Wisdom series starts with JOB which deals with suffering and very complex struggles of human life that can't seem to find easy answers. No wonder, many find comfort in reflecting on Job's story and how God works in him when they go through often unexplainable pain.

2. Before Proverbs, 150 PSALMS gives us a vast mosaic of how one prays, and expresses the depths of their hearts to GOD. Praise, thanksgiving, complaints, excitement, frustration and a whole range of human emotion is allowed in authentic faith.

3. ECCLESIATES really wobbles through the greys ... and to me is a must read for those of us who wants a no-hold-bars realistic reflection from a wise old man who still clings on to a living relationship with God. The word translated "meaningless" is to me not as accurate as the word "vapor" or "midst" where the message comes out even stronger. If one puts their trust in anything but God they will be disappointed.

4. The highly charged SONG OF SONGS gives healthy place to human sexuality and earthly passions in a marriage context. Many wonder why is this book there. I'm not surprised. Because humans often mess up our lives with distorted views of sexuality and emotions. Often, how we handle feelings, commitment, and our relationships with our husband and wife is a strong indicator of whether we are "really" walking in understanding or foolishness.

WISDOM is a rare commodity today. And I believe good, down-to-earth, Christ-centred, Spirit-led, godly wisdom involves a whole range of simple (not simplistic) and yet complex (not complicated or confusing) can be a beautiful mark of a Christian in the 21st century.

Off the Map

Sometimes one needs to get off the map to put something like "Evangelism" back on the map of daily life ... the following website and media center has been a great help to me, especially the interviews and talks plus the Ordinary Attempt Guide and the concept of Simple Spirituality.

Off The Map Media Center Brian McLaren's Missional Series is a good start!

Feedback - Food for Champions

That's a "slogan" my fellow Toastmasters always toss around when they're doing evaluation for speeches. Today is a good day with an email, some posts in this blog and reading someone elses blog yesterday. All three are people outside of BLC, two from HELP CF, one is from a youth (now in USA) I got to know years ago at his family camp.

So often pastors like me (and I believe Christians in general who are investing in people's lives) wonder what impact have we on those we serve. If it's not negative impact, we're already thankful. When it's positive and constructive and somehow by the Spirit and grace makes a difference in their lives, I'm struck with the awesomeness(in there such a word? hehe) of God's quiet and long term work!

I'm so glad they wrote and for some wrote back. These words truly become food not just fit for champions but nourishes the human soul and I believe delights the heart of God. They've become "Barnabas'" to me as well ...

At times the feedback we get is for correcting our course of life. In times like this, it's construcing our humanity (i.e. growth as a person) and indirectly contributing to our spirituality (i.e. growth in Christlikeness). We need both, I'm glad I get one more than the other when it's the time I need it most. God is very good with timing ...

some HELP CF camp photos!

For those of you who know how by the grace of God I managed to still make it for HELP CF camp ... here's some photos ...

This is me the man in his thirties with the guitar and the following picture is the HELP CF boys. Obviously, the gaya(style) of the youngsters are more refined :-) Old and new ... it's oklah!

here's two of my roomates for one night after they shaved for some "initiation rite" they invented ...

For more go to CF Camp Photos ....

Honest Unrefined Thoughts

I sent this to my friend (added a little extra stuff for this blog) ...

I think we shouldn't be satisfied just because people turn up in our Christian meetings. The first ... more important question is ... what is God doing in our lives? and how we can keep that focus (the meetings are a beginning but there's more than meets the eye). I think by being so "clear" about this ... there's no room for other agendas ... which is actually the right way to go. Now, we can know clearly, where one's location is and begin to seriously pray and act in a way that may help clarify possible directions for one to take to the destination we believe we should be.

Second, I still think an honest talk with people on faith issues is needed. If not, much is swept under the carpet or they can still hide under that yuppie outlook (which is quite common nowadays for young adults)

Third, have a realistic expectation on how one will respond. being a little religious is easy for people. Talking and sharing on the surface is kacang putih. Now, I'm praying people will come to a place of humility and see that GOD is not only for those who have a psycological need, but even for those who think they are capable.

Lastly, more on us so called "Christians"... personally, I've shifted into a version of Christianity which I believe can not only survive the 21-C but also thrive and grow (cf. McLaren's two books "New Kind of Christian and its sequel give a good picture of this shift). It practically saved my faith (i think).

Much of what the version of Christianity my contacts (and many others like them) perceive, won't do the job . why? Because ...

1. A lot of it starts on the wrong ground, e.g. how can this help me in my life? how does this Christianity fit into MY LIFE (a few "I"-type of talk already) and if it starts on a self-centered ground. GOD is already on the losing end.

2. Too much of it is "chicken soup" stuff .. peppered with some Scriptures and not rooted in the STORY we explored some time ago (cf. Christian bookstores have load of junk and a little good stuff). And many Christians I've come across are growing on this.

"chicken soup" as a diet doesn't produce healthy people not mentioning healthy Christians. A healthy diet is actually what we are trying hard (conciously and unconsciously) what we are doing in BLC through LG and worship and classes. That goes against us being in the driver's seat, and training us to learn submission to the Spirit.

3. The world around us is changing ... no doubt, and many of us are living a version of Christianity we remember maybe in the 80's (as teenagers) or what's usually portrayed overseas (usually USA). A different world requires a different "version" of Christianity (Christ's truth doesn't change but the way we think and live it does). You witnessed a new version of evangelism by McLaren, that's just the tip of the ice berg. After three years of allowing much unecessary stuff to die, and letting God work on what really matters, I realized God is overhauling many of us for a true work of his kingdom. Pain is bound to be there, but new birth really happens (I remember when Gareth was born and the whole experience of pain and new birth). if that's how it works in the natural, how much more in matters we can't see. I've learnt to expect nothing less.

11 more days to Robe!

Ordination Day on the 31st August 2003 Sunday at 11am. It'll be a "robe-ful" experience for me who's been so used to casual smart dress for Sundays or anywhere I go for ministry with my little green burmese bag!

Emotional Health

Picked up The Emotionally Healthy Church by Peter Scazzero at the Glad Sounds sales yesterday.

I was caught red handed by May Chin once again for another book purchase. She was graceful and gracious this time. Probably because she sees that this aspect of "Emotional health" is crucial for us personally as well as corporately in BLC.

I'm at p. 73 now of the 223page book.

I feel Scazzero is highlighting a very important point about the link between spiritual maturity and emotional health. Leighton Ford's foreword mentioned about the "Fact - Faith - Feeling" model we use to keep feelings in check. I agree fully with Ford that " ... we should not rely on feelings because they are unreliable, secondart, and trust worthy. ... but while our emotions may be changable, they are not unimportant."

Just 73 pages of the book has honestly brought myself to an awareness of the need to monitor and watch my emotional health. The change starts with me and then now I also look at some of the present issues around me with a fresh lens. Though I'm sure many of our struggles and problems involve a variety of factors. But, this one definately is one of the key factors we need to address.

And there are too many of us, ignoring or not taking sufficient time to grow emotionally and keep growing healthily.. Some of our internal as well as external conflicts to spring from this broken part of our interior life. I think there's a great need now for us to learn how to handle our emotions, moods, anger, depression and feelings. We have been ignoring this and sweeping things under the carpet for too long.

Scazzero says ... "it takes work, energy, inconvenience, time, courage, solitude, and a solid understanding of the grace of God in the Gospel to grow into Christlikeness. This further contributes, I believe, to why the frontier of emotional health has largely been ignored in most discipleship, spiritual formation, and mentoring models in our churches and seminaries. For this we are paying the heavy price of stunted growth and shallow disciples in our churches." (p. 55-56, emphasis mine)

Wonder

by Steve Erspamer

The Cross ... Thank You for Saving me

VERSE 1:
Thank You for saving me;
what can I say?
You are my every-thing,
I will sing Your praise.

You shed Your blood for me; what can I say?
You took my sin and shame,
a sinner called by name

CHORUS:
Great is the Lord.
Great is the Lord.
For we know Your truth has set us free;
You've set Your hope in me.

VERSE 2:
Mercy and grace are mine, forgiven is my sin;
Jesus, my only hope,
the Saviour of the world.

"Great is the Lord," we cry;
"God, let Your kingdom come."
Your word has set me free,
thank You for saving me.

(special appreciation to Delirious for writing this beautiful song that blessed me so much yesterday and James Tan for this photo)

It's important to center life on what really matters!

Grace that's Sufficient

well, this past week has been quite eventful. first, I was flat on my back sick with flu-fever & coughing. Then Gareth propably caught it from me and had a serious run with the same stuff combined with vomiting (because babies don't know how to cough their phelgm). May Chin played a dual mother role here .. one to Gareth naturally, then big baby me as well. It'a amazing how she managed.

By Friday morning, my fever was still there at about 38.1 degrees celsius. Thankfully, Dr. Lam gave Gareth medication to relieve him a little. I found out his fever shot up to 40 degrees celsius yesterday. Lord have mercy! Thankfully, he's doing better now and getting back to normal.

I arrived safely at Peace Haven, genting for HELP's CF camp. God is gracious indeed. Somehow, my temperature was getting back to normal (I think the cool weather and clearer air helped too). And then I managed to do a session last night, a two part session this morning and head back after lunch. All in all, I believe a fruitful time of ministry and sharing. It was good to talk with a number of HELP CFers personally and get a pulse of what's running in the minds of some college youth today. I'm glad tomorrow's last session will be taken by the CF president himself and apparently what the Lord laied upon his heart to share is along the lines of some of my concluding statements today. Obviously, the great event-designer himself the Holy Spirit has ideas up his sleeve how he wants to lead his people. I'm glad to have a part to play.

It was also wonderful to spend sometime with Michael Foong and Peik Khin (two old friends defined as adults with me at the camp) and to witness how they've grown as people and as Christians. That was a unexpected bonus which a gracious God always gives his kids ... especially those recovering a weak physical state. I was humbled indeed by how weak one can be and how God's Grace is sufficient for strong times as well as weak ones too.

Down but not out!

I've been confined to the bed and the 4A house for almost three days now. Headache, fever, flu, sore throat (still sore now) .... and I'm due for a college camp speaking engagement tomorrow at Genting Highlands. I'm taking at least two days and leaving the last one for a fired up young speaker. I believe this partnership will be fruitful because he is an insider as the president of the CF and I believe the Spirit may stirr stuff that needs to be stirred from his angle. As for me, a guest (well quite a frequent guest)- I may be used by the Spirit to add on to what is already happening in their midst. I enjoy these dual or triple speaker arrangements. It adds flavour to the whole camp exercise!

Hmm .... I'm wondering is the overdose of pills and antibiotics getting to me ... hope to get my final rest today. Get back a little into rhythm. I'm down physically but I'm definately not out!

Monday musing ...

"I went to church with my grandparents sometimes and I loved it. It slaked my thirst. But I pretended to think it was foolish, because that pleased my father. I lived for him. He was my first god." ~ Anne Lamont (p. 8, Traveling Mercies)

This little paragraph grabbed me moments ago. We all live for something or someone. And that something or someone becomes our god. During my shower it dawned on me again. Worship wars is not musical styles or liturgical renewal, it's a battle of the core of our existence, i.e. Who or What are we living for?

Sobering for a monday afternoon.

Stuff that keeps me Walking on lately!

From Lesslie Newbigin ...

"The person of Jesus Christ is that ultimate reality whom I am finally committed with a commitment which is not negotiable."
I think it was Todd Hunter who reminded me last year in a phone conversation that some issues are more about my own discipleship than leadership. Yeah ... I'm first a follower of Christ before I'm a leader of anyone!

"For me, what you become depends on what you attend to. I treasure the time spent first thing each morning really listening to the Bible and reflecting on it. We must allow the Bible to shape our minds."
Our minds are much more involved that some of us are willing to admit. It's so easy to be distracted and attend to what's immediate or what's most troubling. Again and again listening to the Bible and reflecting on it has pulled me out of the pits ... as well as straigthen out my thinking.

"Witness is not primarily something that we decide to do; it is something which happens when the Holy Spirit is in control."
This one came just in time as I'm working through ACTS which one of my Council rightly reminded his LiFE Group is the main character of the book of Acts. And I believe the main character in my personal & BLC's witness right now!

"The minister's leadership of the congregation in its mission to the world will be first and foremost in the area of his or her own discipleship, in that life of prayer and daily consecration which remains hidden from the world but which is the place where the essential battles are either won or lost"
Spot on! Bulls eyes! Laser Focus!

And a prayer to wrap things up ...
"Oh Lord Jesus Christ, my Savior, Friend and Brother, let me know you more clearly, love you more dearly, follow you more nearly day by day." ~ Prayer of St. Richard of Chichester

Nourished & Nurtured by Newbigin

The first time I was exposed to Lesslie Newbigin (1909-1998) was through Rev. Hwa Yung's Christian Theology & Asian Theology classes. His book "Proper Confidence" really helped me gain proper confidence in my Christian discipleship. And now, loads of his writings are available for personal theological "nourishment" and missiological "nurture" at Newbigin.net.

Suddenly I'm filled with gratitude for missionaries like him who gave their lives for the work of the Gospel in foreign lands. So often, we lack appreciation for their good work, and dwell on missionary mistakes. My Dad was impacted by an American missionary-pastor Henri Bishop, and it was good to meet BLC founding missionary-pastor Robert Neff when BLC got resurrected.

I don't know what Newbigin means but it does look like a combination of "New Beginning" which was the theme for BLC when we started. At this stage, I feel "New beginnings" don't end ... they just keep coming back again and again. Because the Gospels' implication of "Radical Newness" is still at work in me, my family and my local faith community.

What a ride!

It's so interesting what one can go through in a day. It's like riding a roller coaster at times. You start slow and unexciting, then suddenly you're lifted to heights you didn't imagine would come. Surprise! The Spirit at work and takes over for God's Glory and purpose. You just get out of the way or go with the flow.

After that, a cool nourishing time of acquisition of combined wisdom of a Malaysian, an American and a pool of resource people. Lots to munch in due time ....

A good morning and afternoon of "visioning" and preliminary "stewardship". Some emails in and out. Opps .... a phone call to shake one back to reality!

A slight rush before going for "looking forward" to gathering of believers ... blessed. Drive home and then back to the ground again.

So, now ... getting back where I started ... a recognition of one's humanness (with a realization of human brokenness as well) - a slow and easy start, with a slow and easy end for today.

Just read an encouraging mail which allowed me to have a softer landing tonight, such grace!

What a ride!

After KLIA Brunch for Thought ...

He who is unable to live in society, or who has no need because he is sufficient for himself, must be either a beast or a god - Aristotle

Is it so bad, then, to be misunderstood? Pythagoras was misunderstood, and Socrates, and Jesus, and Luther, and Copernicus, and Galileo, and Newton, and every pure and wise spirit that ever took flesh. To be great is to be misunderstood - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Life is a daring adventure or nothing - Helen Keller

Imagination is more important than intellect - Albert Einstein

A lot of people now find belief in God immature, and eventually a lot of people may find realism immature - Richard Rorty

You will never know God is all you need until God is all you have - Mother Theresa

Welcome Home .. James Tan

"Let us fully break the silence," said James Tan of Malaysia. "Let us make prevention a priority." ~ from Press release 24: LWF Youth Delegates Push for Open Dialogue on HIV/AIDS

These is our very own BLC James Tan's contribution to the Lutheran World Federation Assembly ... I'm sure it's more than that ... I'mean he did more than that. I'm looking forward to hear more from James who spoke out!

Micah

I wonder why I can't sleep. It must be the hot weather ... phew! Or maybe it's overdosing my mind with the papers I managed to print before a consultation by tomorrow at a Hotel - Lots of words ... wah! lots of words ... sentences ... paragraphs ... thoughts ... opinions ... wah! I'm a small fry in all this.

Peterson's the Message does a cool job with MICAH can causes me to affirm the power of WORDS .. Words (in this case from the prophetic angle) that can rebuke as well as renew and bring change in the current state of affairs faced head on by Micah!

When we choose a either/or approach with regards to Silence and Speech we're headed into a dead end street - No fun! Silence and Speech ... Hmmm? Silence over-glorified is abuse, silence often does come before or even after speech. Speech rightly administered can be a potent force ... for change.

Scribbled down some "potent" stuff that knocked sense into me ... Here's a sampling:

From chapter 2:7b-8a - a solid dose of REALISM.
Isn't he on the side of good people?
Doesn't he help those who help themselves?"

"What do you mean, "good people'!

From chapter 5:8 - reminded me about the imaginary island I worked out with BLC kids ... now this island is about us!
Yes, the purged and select company of Jacob will be
like an island in the sea of peoples,

From chapter 6:8 - Now the simplicity of this verse made my world stand still for a significant while.
But he's already made it plain how to live, what to do,
what GOD is looking for in men and women.
It's quite simple: Do what is fair and just to your neighbor,
be compassionate and loyal in your love,
And don't take yourself too seriously--
take God seriously.

From chapter 7:7 - this made my time at the HouSE of PRaYeR so much more precious. It injected life into my desire for Intercession. It gave me hope ...
But me, I'm not giving up.
I'm sticking around to see what GOD will do.
I'm waiting for God to make things right.
I'm counting on God to listen to me.

Personal Retreat Day - Blog No. 100

Tonight it's HouSE of PrAyER for BLC. For me, it's kind of a climax where we gather as a community focused on "Prayer". The process starts right now. Got a decent breakfast and I'm ready for the Holy Spirit to ...

1. Refresh me ...
2. Rejuvenate me ...
3. Re-source me ...

I'm "retreating" in order to "re-engage" back into action and ministry. It's the "Rhythm" led by the Spirit so the Self doesn't get in the way of the Savior, but rather Serves Him out of Spiritual Power!

How is this gonna happen?
- Get a haircut to freshen up (cf. it's symbolic too!)
- Participate "virtually" at the Vineyard USA 2003 Leadership Conference - they have gems that needs to be heard, digested and adapted in my own life and ministry. This following picture is cool - the national vineyard director standing on a whale!! (I can't imagine my Bishop doing this ...). The picture of riding on a whale on the waves is an astonishing metaphor for leadership ... cool!

- Have an extended one day tending-garden "Orchid Time" (cf. Personal silence & solitude with Spirit & Scripture)
- Refocusing & Refining Personal Vision: Look back and look forward while being open to Spirit-leadership (cf. if possible write a letter)

A closing prayer I got from ALLELON which has now become my prayer ...
+++help us to be hospitable to those we come in contact with, teach us to equip more effectively and shape us into the people you wish us to be+++