Sivin Kit's Garden

The "unofficial" Todd Hunter Journey

Todd Hunter has in some "ordinary" and yet "not so ordinary" way been very significant in my own journey as a Christian, a church planter, a pastor, a human ... etc. I've been following his thoughts, reflections and developments pretty closely from this side of the earth. Todd's willingness to RISK (I remember John Wimber spelt Faith that way) and not willing to get stuck in a "box" still gets me off my "status quo" seat! (Excerpts of his thoughts and comments on him by others in BOLD)

I was intrigued by his resignation as the National Director of Vineyard USA and the path he sought to pursue.

In stating his reasons for the change, Hunter (age 44) said, "If someone is to be an authentic follower of Jesus and pursue the 'pearl of great price', they may be called upon to risk it all. My dream is to be a church planting missionary to postmodern generations."

Following his blog was always a delight the opportunity for some of us to enter his head and heart explorations. I really felt sad when there was no more blog activity from him.

Of course, that didn't mean there was nothing going on ... through him I got to know Allelon and get a chance to interact with the content there. Again thanks to the internet, miles away from most of the people there. It's great to get to know Mark Priddy through Todd and Allelon.

the people I most admire and respect in life are not focused on “church” as a place, event or thing. They just quietly participate in non-descript churches and submit themselves to be used by God, to be ambassadors of his Kingdom in those communities of faith…as everywhere else in there their life: no dualisms. That attitude—whole life self-surrender—is rooted in a different kind of life: life from above, eternal life. It is what we must pursue for our selves and those we serve. It will make most models work.

But again this does not mean we abandon our pursuit of better models. It means that models are second; spiritual transformation is first, in community, for the sake of the world.

When he was named the new Alpha president for USA, I was indeed surprised. It was good to have a few email conversations to understand more.

Much of my spiritual history has been rooted in the practice and study of evangelism. My motive for exploring the emerging church scene closely was at least in part an attempt to see if they/we had an alternate answer for what many of us perceive as modernity’s artificial and non human ways of going about it. And, if you could get a bunch of us emerging church types alone and honest, we would have to admit that we ourselves are not doing so well at talking with the lost either.

Thanks to Eric Keck ... we get a more insider update on his journey.

Stephen Shields provides us some links discussing Todd's acceptance of this appointment, here and there.

Here's the "official Todd Hunter press release" supplied by Eric.

Accepting this appointment, Rev. Hunter said, “To my knowledge, Alpha is the most holistic approach to evangelization available to the local churches. While exploring sin, the cross, and resurrection, it also introduces seekers to life in the Kingdom and the Spirit -- in a way that leads naturally to discipleship to Jesus and love for neighbor. The Alpha course, being communal, relational, and full of dialog, is a great tool for reaching postmodern and post-Christian people.”

Some very kind words from people who've also impacted me in some way throught their writings as well as ministry.

Theologian Dallas Willard, commented, “Todd Hunter is a uniquely qualified frontline leader for the kingdom of Christ in the world we now live in and must live in tomorrow. He has the solid substance of mainline creedal Christianity and the character and power of one who moves in the Holy Spirit.”

Author Leonard Sweet, Professor of Evangelism at Drew University, said, “This is great news for the church. He’s one of the most creative leaders in the church today and one that can build on Alpha’s success and take it to higher and deeper dimensions of service. He’s a next-level thinker.”

Jason Clark now has taken an initiative to set up a "you can question Todd Hunter" interview so we can hear from Todd personally.

The journey has not ended ... it's merely moved to another phase ...

thanks for including us in someway to be your companions, Todd. In fact, during a crucial time when you became my companion especially during those "long distance" phone-calls - it really made a difference for me. Have a great adventure with Alpha ... and more so being a Catalyst for the work of HIS Kingdom!

The Koo Family

In my preparation for the "JOB" messages, I couldn't help but think of the late Justus Koo (my uncle - pastor - social worker ... etc). And surprisingly searced through google and found this Chinese article written by my auntie - Grace Koo in the USA.

古 家 -- 古 尤 彩 霞
我 參 加 新 生 命 堂 大 約 有 兩 年 多 。 這是 一 個 非 常 溫 暖 而 充 滿 上 帝 愛 的 屬 靈 大家 庭 。 尤 其 是 有 一 段 時 期 沒 有 牧 師 ， 弟兄 姐 妹 仍 然 分 工 合 作 的 精 神 真 使 我 敬 佩。

在 主 日 崇 拜 的 兒 童 信 息 中 ， 看 見 一 在 基 督 家 庭 生 長 的 可 愛 孩 童 ， 他 們 活潑 快 樂 的 臉 孔 ， 全 神 貫 注 聽 老 師 講 述 神的 話 語 。 我 很 羨 慕 他 們 ， 恨 不 得 能 回 到孩 童 時 代 。 回 想 我 小 時 就 沒 這 福 氣 。 我出 生 在 非 基 督 教 的 貧 苦 家 庭 ， 七 、 八 歲就 須 做 家 務 ， 不 許 到 屋 外 玩 。 所 以 我 從
小 便 很 苦 悶 ， 非 常 悲 觀 甚 至 有 輕 生 念 頭。中 學 畢 業 那 年 ， 有 一 天 一 位 基 督 徒 同 學 告 訴 我 ， 如 果 要 尋 找 快 樂 平 安 ， 就 應到 教 會 去 。 結 果 我 好 奇 地 去 了 ， 而 發 覺 教 會 裏 的 人 真 的 與 眾 不 同 。 他 們 對 人 很 親 切
關 懷 。 後 來 我 也 帶 領 先 父 和 部 份 弟 妹 到 教 會 去 。 但 是母 親 極 力 反 對 ， 任 何 人 在 她 面 前 提 到 福 音 她 就 離 開 。我 惟 有 常 常 默 默 的 為 她 禱 告 了 三 十 六 年 ， 當 中 也 流 了不 少 眼 淚 。

感 謝 神 ， 她 兩 年 多 前 信 了 主 。 上 個 月 她 病重 時 ， 我 再 次 飛 回 馬 來 西 亞 去 探 望 她 。 雖 然 是 短 短 的四 個 星 期 ， 這 是 我 畢 生 難 忘 的 寶 貴 時 光 。 我 與 母 親 並肩 的 握 著 手 一 起 禱 告 。 她 說 她 再 也 不 怕 肉 身 的 死 亡 ，
因 她 相 信 神 已 賜 她 永 生 之 盼 望 。

我 在 少 女 時 代 夢 想 嫁 給 教 師 ， 因 為 當 時 為 人 師表 者 都 是 品 格 清 高 和 生 活 單 純 。 沒 想 到 上 帝 卻 賜 我 更好 的 一 位 神 的 僕 人 ---古 慕 音 牧 師 作 我 的 終 身 伴 侶 。 婚後 我 們 在 馬 來 西 亞 信 義 會 事 奉 了 十 多 年 。 1976 年 古 牧 師 獨 自 來 美 在 培 城 (Pasadena) 富樂 神 學 院 (Fuller Theological Seminary) 攻 讀 神 學 碩 士 。 第 二 年 我 帶 著 三 個 年 幼 的 孩 子 來 美與 夫 團 聚 ， 且 在 圖 書 館 任 職 支 撐 著 家 計 。 1980 年 來 三 藩 市 加 入 泛 美 信 義 會 (ELCA) 其一 西 人 教 會 (Ebenezer Lutheran Church) 的 事 奉 ， 並 兼 發 展 栽 建 華 人 教 會 的 事 工 。開 荒 工 作 雖 難 ， 但 主 的 靈 卻 與 我 們 同 工 ， 在 我 們 當 中 運 行 彰 顯 。 經 過 四 、五年 的 艱 苦 工 作 ， 中 文 部 有 四 、 五 十 人 參 加 聚 會 。 他 們 是 來 自 中 、 港 、 台 、 越 南 和 東南 亞 的 華 人 ， 也 有 土 生 的 。 可 惜 後 來 因 經 費 不 足 ， 牧 師 只 能 做 半 職 。 他 再 修 讀 社 工碩 士 學 位 ， 後 來 便 作 全 職 社 工 。 不 久 中 文 部 與 西 人 堂 聯 合 ， 牧 師 可 說 是 帶 職 事 奉 。1997 年 2 月 先 夫 因 患 癌 症 離 世 回 天 家 。

感 謝 主 ， 三 個 孩 子 ---老 大 哲 信 (Jusson) ， 老 二 樂 聖 (Lorsen) 和 老 三 一 心 (Eeshin) 自 幼在 教 會 長 大 。 在 主 道 的 培 育 與 引 領 下 ， 他 們 三 個 都 很 愛 主 。 他 們 分 別 在 大 學 畢 業 後都 找 到 自 己 喜 愛 的 事 業 。 並 分 別 居 住 在 三 藩 市 南 部 的 城 市 。

我 初 到 三 藩 市 時 ， 本 來 可 在 圖 書 館 工 作 ， 但 是 我 須 等 待 派 職 。 當 時 先 夫 在 教會 薪 金 微 薄 ， 我 極 須 工 作 來 幫 補 家 用 。 結 果 進 讀 一 年 美 容 美 髮 課 程 ， 考 獲 執 照 便 立刻 有 工 作 。 結 果 一 做 便 二 十 年 ， 近 年 只 做 半 職 。 自 先 夫 去 世 後 ， 很 多 事 情 我 必 須 學習 。 感 謝 父 神 對 祂 兒 女 的 應 許 是 何 等 的 信 實 和 豐 盛 ， 祂 的 恩 惠 慈 愛 常 在 我 們 家 中 顯明 。 雖 經 過 經 濟 困 難 和 其 他 的 壓 力 ， 我 們 卻 經 歷 到 主 恩 實 在 的 奇 異 。 主 在 我 們 艱苦中 是 隨 時 的 幫助 。 雖 然 經 過 困 苦 ， 主 卻 使 我 們 常 有 喜 樂 ； 雖 然 貧 窮 ， 主 卻 使 我 們在 祂 裏 面 富 足 。 對 主 的 大 恩 大 德 ， 我 們 惟 有 獻 上 感 恩 ， 感 恩 再 感 恩 ！

Here's the English Translation:
______________________________

NEW LIFE NEWS
VOLUME 9, ISSUE 6
Family of the Month: Grace Koo
(English Translation by Cindy Chan ... I, Sivin Kit did some minor corrections)
I’ve been part of New Life Chinese Lutheran Church for a little bit more than two years now. New Life is a big family that is full of warmth and God’s love. Especially when we went through the period when we were calling a new pastor, I was touched that all the brothers and sisters worked together faithfully to
keep the church going.

I particularly enjoy the Children’s Message on Sundays. These little children were brought up in Christian families, and when I see their faces shining with joy and happiness and eager to hear the teacher, I think back to my childhood. My own childhood was quite different. I was born in a poor, non-Christian family. I was expected to shoulder heavy responsibilities around the house when I was only 7 or 8 years old, and I wasn’t allowed to play
outside my house. I often felt depressed, pessimistic, and even had suicidal thoughts at a very young age.

In high school, a Christian schoolmate told me that if I really wanted true peace, I had to go to church, so out of curiosity, I went. I discovered that Christian people were different from the general population. They treated people with sincere concern and care. After I became a Christian, I brought my father and siblings to church, but my mother steadfastly opposed going. Whenever people tried to tell my mother about the Gospel, she would just leave. At times the only thing I could do was pray for her quietly. I prayed for her for 36 years. There were times that I cried because of her unbelief. But praises to God, my mother finally accepted Christ two years ago! I went back to Malaysia last month to visit her because of her illness. Even though I stayed for a short four weeks, that period was unforgettable and one of the most precious moments in my life. My mother and I often prayed holding hands. She told me that she was not afraid of physical death because she believed God had already given her the hope of eternal life.

When I was a teenager, I dreamed of marrying a teacher because he would be a person of good character and live a simple lifestyle. God answered my prayers, and he blessed me with a faithful servant of the Lord, my husband, Pastor Justus Koo. After our marriage, we served in Malaysia for over ten years. In 1976, Pastor Koo came to the United States and studied at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, CA for his Master of Divinity degree. I joined him the following year with our three small children. I worked in a library to support the family. We moved to San Francisco in 1980 and joined Ebenezer Lutheran Church, a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA), to start a Chinese mission.

Even though starting a new mission was a difficult task, the power of the Holy Spirit was with us. After about five challenging years, the Chinese mission had a regular attendance of 40-50 worshippers every Sunday. The people came from China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Vietnam and other parts of Southeast Asia. Some were American-born Chinese. Unfortunately, due to financial shortage, the mission could only afford a part-time pastor. Because of that, my husband went back to school to study for a Master of Sociology degree. Afterward, he devoted his effort working full-time in social services. Not long after that, the Chinese mission merged with the American congregation. My husband continued to serve the Lord as a pro bono pastor while also working a full-time job in social services. In February 1997, my husband passed away from cancer and went to be with the Lord.

I thank God that my children were given the blessing to be raised under the loving guidance of the church. My eldest son, Jusson, second son, Lorsen, and daughter, Eeshin, found careers that they love after graduation from college. They now live in suburban cities in the South Bay.

When I first came to San Francisco, I planned to continue working in a library. But because I was put on a wait list, and I needed to help the family financially, I took vocational training in cosmetology. After obtaining my license, I quickly found work and have been a cosmetologist for over 20 years. I am currently
working part time.

Since my husband passed away, I had to handle many things that I did not have to handle before, but every challenge showed God’s grace. Give thanks to God our Father for His promise, steadfastness and abundance. Even though my family was financially poor, God gave us wealth in him. Whenever we faced difficulties, we always experienced God’s miracle of grace. God is here to help us, always. It is God who gives us happiness. For all these great blessings, the only thing we can do is give our utmost thanks.

Suspicion & Hope

"There is no hope where suspicion is king." ~ Jacques Ellul

Charles Ringma elaborates a bit more in his reflections found in Resist the Powers with Jacques Ellul (May 28):
"Hope can be born in the seemingly most impossible of situations. But it does not arise in the context of fear and suspicion."

There's a deep desire in me for honesty and realism. And yet, the flip side of this quest sometimes is when one is over-exposed to the reality of human sinfulness, weakness and limitations and the chaotic nature of human life on earth, it's easy to have "hope" for change dampened if not diminished.

When one lives in a world often full of betrayal, mistrust, egoism, and self-serving agendas coached in even "religious"-spiritual lingo, it breeds fear and suspicion and thus paralyses us from "genuine hope". I don't think we can escape facing these realities if we are serious about our calling as Christ-followers and fulfilling our role as his Catalyst for change. For me, right now it's crucial to make sure I'm saturated by "good stuff" in the context of faith and trust - which not not only starts with Christ but also with the church local and global. There has been some taste of that in the past years. May we feast more of it in years to come ...

What African Theologians can teach the Emerging Church

Thanks Geoff Holsclaw for the following posts which I've printed to read. Wonder how the Asian Theologians are doing ... heheh, and I'm in Malaysia ... part of Asia. Anyway, nice to see a North American draw from African contributions. This mutual learning (we read you, you read us, we read ourselves, you read yourselves, all reflect and move forward!) is the way to go.

What African Theologians can teach the Emerging Church
Part One: The question of relevance and identity
Part Two: The Question of Identity: Ancient Parents and African Siblings
Part Three: Indigenous postmodern Faith

Random Thoughts after Hospital Visit

It's strange when the pastor now is the one being visited and prayed for when normally he is the one who does the hospital visitation. I actually got an email from his church staff to stop visitors because he needed the rest and constant "entertaining" of visitors got his blood-pressure shot up! Not good for one who just had a mild stroke.

I was happy to pray for him. And I prayed honestly and hopefully. "No hype no hysteria" (which I learnt after the Y2K scare!). We have just "rest" assured we are in good hands ... God's hands.

This visit brought back many memories on how I used to handle the experience of pain and suffering of others. I thought about the changes I went through in how to "view" pain, the transformed approach in "prayer", the caution in the need to "give some explanation", and much more ... I don't think I believe less (as opposed to some triumphalistic approach), I just feel the "quality" of faith, trust and belief is different - I hope it's more authentic and closer to the heart of Jesus.

I was wondering "Would living and serving in a community/church where there's a miracle healing emphasis make it more pressurizing for someone like him to recover?" (many eyes are watching!).

This build up to my sharing on the book of Job starting this week has sensitized my own perception of pain, protest, suffering, and how how God works in all this. Personally, it has been very real. And then what's happening around me makes it even more so.

I recall a youth (from another church) influenced by a more "positive-enthusiatic" kind of Christianity, telling me we must not dwell in the book of Job (I suspect because he's worried we become a people without faith) as I was sharing how important the book is for Christians. But, reality tells me that a robust-chastised-refined faith is one that goes through the themes/struggles of the book of Job without rushing to the perceived "victorious" end. And I don't think that's being "pessimistic" it's just "realistic" (trying to rhyme here!).

We don't dwell in self-pity (that I agree), but our faith is in God and not the "formulaic", "pre-packaged", "over-rationalized" answers we think may comfort us. For me, the true comfort is I know I am his - no matter what happens!.

Real Live Preacher Revealed

I've been following Real Live Preacher on and off ... one interesting thing about his blog is of course his anonymity and how that's gives him the freedom to say what he wants to say.

But he has decided to come out in the open!

Honestly (a confession coming ...), I tried to start and keep another blog where I had a secret identity but I never continued. It's easier to be myself and less tiring. :-) I'm sticking with the simple Sivin Kit.

Anyway, here's some stuff that caught my attention from his "self-introduction" (the real thing!). I'm glad I decided to forget the three attempts on trying to keep another "secret identity" blog ... I'm happy with just being myself (which has it's tiresome moments too!).
___________________

... I have to say that it’s a huge relief to finally be done with the anonymity. It’s work to stay hidden, and I’m tired of it. I’m tired of never mentioning San Antonio, and I’m tired of changing the names of people and places.

... I suppose that’s all I need to say. Just this once I will sign my own name here, which I think will feel good.

________________________

Die Heretic

I think I've been pretty serious lately, but having a good laugh is so necessary to be human especially when one can laugh at themselves (I think crying is good too but I'm sticking with some merry-ness for now). Thanks Jason Clark for this:
_________________________

I was walking across a bridge one day, and I saw a man standing on the edge, about to jump off. I immediately ran over and said "Stop! Don't do it!"
"Why shouldn't I?" he said.
I said, "Well, there's so much to live for!"
"Like what?"
"Well ... are you religious or atheist?"
"Religious."
"Me too! Are you Christian or Jewish?"
"Christian."
"Me too! Are you Catholic or Protestant?"
"Protestant."
"Me too! Are you Episcopalian or Baptist?"
"Baptist."
"Wow! Me too! Are you Baptist Church of God or Baptist Church of the Lord?"
"Baptist Church of God."
"Me too! Are you Original Baptist Church of God, or are you Reformed Baptist Church of
God?"
"Reformed Baptist Church of God."
"Me too! Are you Reformed Baptist Church of God, reformation of 1879, or Reformed
Baptist Church of God, reformation of 1915?"
"Reformed Baptist Church of God, reformation of 1915!"
To which I said, "Die, you heretic scumbag!" and pushed him off.

______________________

The Education of Bono

Bono's the speech after receiving an honorary doctorate is pretty good stuff for thinking, (thanks to Stephen Shields --> Jordon Cooper --> Si Johnston ... ah! the wonders of blogworld!)

‘My name is Bono and I am a rock star. Don't get me too excited because I use four letter words when I get excited. ~ so that's how he got our attention huh?!

allow me to just pick out stuff that "tugged me", read the full "Because we can, we must" speech for the flow ... there's more to Bono than that opening statement. It's not just the cool shades either!

_________________

... I never went to college, I've slept in some strange places, but the library wasn't one of them. I studied rock and roll and I grew up in Dublin in the '70s, music was an alarm bell for me, it woke me up to the world. I was 17 when I first saw The Clash, and it just sounded like revolution. The Clash were like, "This is a public service announcement--with guitars." I was the kid in the crowd who took it at face value. Later I learned that a lot of the rebels were in it for the T-shirt. They'd wear the boots but they wouldn't march. They'd smash bottles on their heads but they wouldn't go to something more painful like a town hall meeting. By the way I felt like that myself until recently.

... I know idealism is not playing on the radio right now, you don't see it on TV, irony is on heavy rotation, the knowingness, the smirk, the tired joke. I've tried them all out but I'll tell you this, outside this campus--and even inside it--idealism is under siege beset by materialism, narcissism and all the other isms of indifference. Baggism, Shaggism. Raggism. Notism, graduationism, chismism, I don't know. Where's John Lennon when you need him.

_______________________-

Random Thoughts while Gareth is napping

I enjoy this Father-Son bonding we've had these past week and especially today. Just me and my (opps! our) son! I'm a one day HOME ARTIST today (not good at home making), so I suppose my poetic try will somehow emerge into a mini-masterpiece.

May Chin got him a really cool TUB TIME waterproof book (hey! we aren't pressurizing him ... he loves books like his dad!) and he was trying to say "DINO!" which is the dinosaur bathing in the book!

I feel quite an accomplishment everytime I can get him to sleep (twice actually today), both May Chin and I find him to be easily awakened by noise or little disturbances. He needs the sleep ... so do we!

Lunch was fun today, while I dunno how to "make" a meal properly .. the all in one packet May Chin "left behind" (*grin*) was good enough and Gareth enjoyed his meal with his usual smile. Mission accomplished again!

Just came back from a ride actually, visited bookstores , passed back some keys to someone, bought bread back home, ... a full day so far ... time flies.

Gareth woke up! fvbkrbvilebv n nnfnbrnb ... (a bit of panic indicated by the gibberish typing)

no worries .. everything under control!

Why Doesn't God Annihilate All Terrorists This Very Instant??

Another fun one from alwyn and hey! I get included too! wow!

The Devil's Interest

" ... it is in the Devil's interest to make Christians look weird." ~ Richard Lovelace

For the context of this statement it's good to check out the article Do Nigerian Miracle Ministries Discredit the Faith?

The dangers and challenges we face in Asia is not too far removed from our African brothers and sisters.

Vroom ... VROOM!

Thanks Raymond for this photo ... I love it! Gareth loves driving ... he'll go "vroom ... VROOM!", and hit the "horn" (like a good Malaysian), make sure the wiper and signal lights is in good functioning order (before he breaks it!). he's very particular about the air-conditioning :-) ...

For a closer look at the fun Gareth is having View image

Random Thoughts after the Anniversary Dinner

I think there are around 40+ of us from BLC and 30+guests. It was nice to see people at ease around tables (seems to be our current trademark!) enjoying the pretty good buffet I may say! And it was good to see people interacting, I really appreciate John for being there at one table just conversing with three guests (whom I couldn't attend to much). BTW, he was a fantastic MC!

I must admit I was a little sad that some couldn't make it last minute. But, others aldo turned up at the last moment to add their support to the event. My brother John Kit came and I was really glad. I think the kids (both young and adult!) loved his balloon sculptors!

Nice to see Alwyn and David meet face to face. David has some nice things to say here. And Alwyn blogged about Araville.

Su Shen's dance stunned me! First, the song was excellent ... I loved the "belonging" theme. And her intensity to express the song ... moved me as she put her whole heart and soul into it.

The kids as usual tugged the hearts of the crowd. When I saw Adam and Kirsten do their hand motions following the lyrics, it was a very tenderhearted moment. It was a pity their two other young friends fell sick, one with fever another with chicken pox ...

The "open sharing" was the most unorchestrated part of the event .... thus, it came out raw and real ... people grasping for words to express their journey with us. All glory must be given to God for carving the path for each and everyone of them. BLC is merely a vessel I pray can carry them along their quest for authentic Christian living in this chaotic world. So, often I feel so "inadequate" in being their pastor/leader ... many a times, I felt like i didn't do enough or made mistakes, or could have done better.

At times during their sharing I didn't know how to "respond" to kind words of encouragement spoken... I'm still trying to "drink in" and "savour" all that God has done in May Chin, Gareth and my life since we left our home church (where we grew up and got married) for this venture.

I think of the friends that started with us, I wonder how those who aren't with us are doing, I talked with May Chin last night about the friends that have journeyed with us from the beginning, .... the list is endless.

Having a fresh look at where we are now, there's still areas that God is "sculptoring!". Soo-Inn shared on Sunday and prayed for us that we'll keep tenderhearts and openness for God to lead us and speak to us. I agree with a big AMEN.

Looking towards the future ... maybe 4 years or 14years or 40 years ... we'll keep an eye on that, while anchoring ourselves with the realities of today and remembering the lessons of yesterday!

Sculptor

"A thick and shapeless tree trunk would never believe that it could become a statue, admired as a miracle of sculptor, and would never submit itself to the chisel of the sculptor, who sees by her genius what she can make of it." ~ Ignatius, from SacredGateway.

There's so much to be "shaped", some stuff needing to be chopped off, other areas just some refinement, a little artistic touch here and there, alll under the loving strokes of the heavenly chisel artist. At times, it's scary because one doesn't really know what's going on (usually we'll find out in hindsight).

After last night's 4th anniversary dinner, with much focus on us as a church (a people gathered ultimately by the Spirit) and celebrating the milestones we've walked through, it's actually a very personal journey as well for each and everyone of us. For me, there have been many surprises of joy indeed, and there have been much sorrow and pain. Often, things didn't work out as I imagined, at other times, waves of challenges just come again and again personally and painfully especially when it involves people close to us. And then when you least expect it, God pops up with gifts beyond our planning or comprehension. His no.1 love is his creation and he's the one who builds the church ... he's the one who's "re-making us!"

As I meditate on these words this morning ..."It is not for you to know the times or periods that the Father has set by his own authority" (From Acts 1) I realize like the early disciples we can be impatient with the Father and insist (even though in a cunning way) that "let's get all this over with!" (often based on terms set my our own agenda) but Jesus is clearly saying we focus on what's on earth and what's within our authority and responsibility (while keeping our future hope in mind). It's not that understanding the "times" & "periods" are unimportant ... I suppose, the Spirit will guide us into all truth! It's more of not getting preoccupied with that speculative exercise and not get on with what's really important ... being WITNESSES of Jesus. And for that we need Spirit-Power ... his "re-shaping" is crucial, and the Holy Spirit comes indeed. have your own way, Lord!

Worship Today

"We have to make worship out of the things of our lives – while subverting the gods of our age." ~ From PoMoMuSiNgs

I must say Adam Cleaveland's coverage of the Emergent convention in Nashville is simple fantastic. I'm also looking forward to read DJ Chuang's coverage side by side maybe tomorrow and allow some "generative thoughts" to emerge (which always energizes me!)

Looking Back 3 - Break in!

when May Chin & I just decided to pay the Father's House a friendly visit on that day (3rd June 2001), we were totally shocked when the front grill was TORN DOWN (as you can see in the 2 pictures)!

The was the first of actually two "break-ins" we have experienced in our four year journey. I was almost devastated with what happened. Let's face it we're a young church and stuff like this though is part and parcal of our chaotic world, but still "shakes up" the most "composed" person!

Anyway, the first round it was suprising, we lost NOTHING not a single thing ... the power mixer was rapped in a cloth (seemiingly ready to go!), the little equipment we had were still in place. We were all shocked and surprised at the same time.

Unfortunately, the second break in ( acouple of months later) though not as dramatic, more mysterious actually ... (i.e. no torn down grill!) - resulted in us losing our Bass Amp and my personal "second wife" (as I called her) Ovation cloned guitar (the first guitar I ever bought with my own salary!) OUCH! that was painful ... the insurance covered the Bass Amp loss ... but I lost my guitar forever (sob!).

Sin, Death and the Devil .... steals, destroys, kills much of the best life has to offer - Especially the God kind of life ... a life of wholeness, focus, joy and direction. Jesus who has been our guide and guardian the past four years has constantly injected "Life in all it's fulness & fulfilment" into our chaotic broken world. I know we live in a kind of "now and not yet" tension ... I'm hanging on to the truth that we're all being drawn towards the "final" chapter where "there won't be any more tears to wipe away!"

For now, I'm watchful of ANYTHING, or ANY CIRCUMSTANCE which might "break in" into my life and bring death, destruction, emptiness and insecurity. I submit myself once again the the ONE who's the source of life, security and abundance. That's what I pray for BLC as individuals and a corporate body as well ... may we continue to "break out" from ANY POTENTIAL or REAL THREATS inside us and outside of us that pushes us away from the path we are meant to walk!

Looking Back 2 - Second Chance

Rev. Robert Neff (a missionary from the USA) was the founder of the original BLC in the 60's. By the time I arrived in the year 2000, the church had passed through a couple of pastors and was technically "dead" (no members, no activities, no anything ... kaput!) . But I love the phrase from Robert Farrar Capon, "The prerequisite for resurrection is death!" Oh I thought "death is swallowed up in victory" (cf. 1 Corintians 15:54b-55) indeed!

God gave BLC a second chance ... we took it! He offers all a "second" chance to respond to him even if we think it's hopeless, now that's good news.

Random Thoughts after "Open Doors"

Four years ago when we re-started BLC, I've always wanted us to play some part in participating in actitivities around BLC. So, I joined Toastmasters Bangsar (I'm still their member and still actively do speeches), visited a couple of Bangsar Rotaract Club (couldn't continue because hey I'm but one person with limited time), and with a few others managed to sit in a number of MPH Midvalley Youth Forums - "Open Doors" (this is one I even hoped to facilitate a session!).

My one desire was simply to "be present" as a Christian and a pastor in what's "happening" around our geographical area. We couldn't organize stuff because the reality is we lack the resources and the human power :-) So "why don't we just join others?" I thought ... furthermore, I really wanted to get in touch back again with people who normally would not step into a church premises! Who knows what could "happen"?!

I must admit the only thing I could consistently be part of was Toastmasters and some friendships have developed there. And yesterday, the mini-dream to facilitate a youth forum was fulfilled :-)

The participants were more "open" and "vocal" then I expected. In fact, the discussion was even more lively then some our LiFE Group sessions (maybe we're trying to be too serious!).

I was impressed by a whole Malay family who came Father, Mom, Son and Daughter. They gave us the whole family flavour on what turned out to be a discussion on Youth-Parent relationships ... the original title was "How to talk with your mom without losing your mind!"

I was delighted because we also had a 17 year old join us as well (2 actually with Ben Ong coming to say Hi!). I enjoyed both these young men's contribution.

Of course, BLC had John Cheah and Su Shen coming to support which was a surprise actually! May Chin came later but restraining Gareth because when he sees me he'll yell "Papa!" (and that would be distracting!)

All in all I was totally "energized" by the interaction and was encouraged when one lady said, she's thinking about her mom (kind of like missing!) after as we talked about problems and possibilities when one relates to our parents (and vice versa)

Having IreneQ was at first a potential panic button scenario with a tape recorder and cameraman taking a few shots. I knew I'm not a "perfect" son or even parent (never graduated from learning how to relate to them), so I facilitated not as an expert but as a fellow pilgrim. I later became more relaxed and just had fun with everyone. And yet, I was hoping to evoke our awareness to higher values of unconditional love, forgiveness, and reconciliation at the end. It's more than just methods ...

Thanks Emma from MPH who gave me a chance (surprisingly Gareth allowed her to carry him at the end... must be mom's training after these few days!) ... and I'm still looking forward to do the topic on "media literacy" ... :-)

Looking Back 1 - abandoned?

We're celebrating our 4th Anniversary this sunday because we didn't want it too close to Easter (it's suppose to be on 1st April ... yes, BLC was resurrected on April fools day and I remember I spoke on "being fool's for Christ!").

This is a picture of the Father's House when I first saw it before our 1st renovation and clean up. The place was abandoned for many years but in the year 2000 God had other plans and it's still in progress :-)

Top Ten Most Profound Movies?

Well, I've watched almost all that's mentioned in Fitzpatrick's list. I'm still waiting for a change to watch Luther (I saw the preview and reviews which says good stuff! and I am a Lutheran!*grin*) and The Passion of Christ (yes! I haven't watched it yet!). Never saw High Fidelity though.

Formed by His Grace

"There are few people who realize what God would make of them if they abandoned themselves into His hands, and let themselves be formed by His Grace." ~ Ignatius

These were beautiful words that set the tone for my in-front-of-computer sacredgateway time. This morning it was harder to get beyond page one of my prayer journaling time because Gareth was climbing unto my lap and grabbing the red pen. He knew Grandma Kit was coming so ... there was some struggle :-)

So turned out, I just had about 15minutes of solitude a while ago in the thinking room at the Father's House, which a time I hunger for God's intimacy. The slowing down, the reading, the conversation, the responding time is healing to my soul. And true enough there's a "sensation" of being formed by His grace.

We live in a world full on ungrace (I remember Lewis Smedes used that phrase or Philip Yancey in their books). I've been in situations and in touch with people that seem to ooze ungrace even though it's suppose to be full of God's grace. Words, attitudes, actions, thinking, ... the whole environment. And it's easy to just keep on reacting to this "ungrace".

But, I'm glad for the 15minutes window into a different reality ... a reality where the God of Grace reaches out into a finite, sinful, work-in-progress being to form him again ... and again ... and again ... His hands are not destructive but constructive, His ways are not condemning but compassionate, He is firm and not flimsy, ... the list goes on.

In His hands I feel "safe" to abandon myself and just let Him ...

Why should we ask God for anything?

with the recent episodes we're going through personally and as a church ... this little take from alwyn is a good dose of humor and medicine! Actually, I felt a good call for action too!

here's his 5 views on Why we should ask God for anything?

I miss snow ...

The weather is burning hot the past weeks ... phew! Give me some snow!

This picture brings back a lot of sweet memories I had as a kid in Leicester, England. I think the "playfulness" is still is in me ... ah that cheeky smile!

Shine in the Darkness

After my whole "Sabbath" turned upside down meeting "important" people and talking to "relevant" advisors, I just hunger to be at "peace" in the security of God's life and love. When all is said and done, I'm drawn to the Light ... for I know only the Light can shine and the darkness can't overcome it!

Food United ... the Eating

Thanks David and James for the pictures. As usual, the pictures of people attract me more than the food. Food is the platform just to get us together, it's the "fellowship" (i.e. genuine interactions, conversations, and relating to one another) that's the real deal. But click here for a look at the food! I had my taste with May Chin this afternoon ... one word: awesome!

Wish we could been there fully for the "fellowship" ... then it'll be two words: Double Awesome!

Food United

Well thanks David Berry for opening your kitchen for these "young apprentices" to learn for the Wizard from Oz!

ForMinistry

my friend DJ Chuang will be starting a new eQuip blog next week ... we had a good chat a while ago on some interesting issues and possibilities.

LRT ride home ...

Noticed a "Christian" during my trip back after worship rehearsal using the LRT. She kept on talking and talking about the Bible, about "trusting" the Lord, and rambling on and on. Two guys were standing with her. Have to listen (I think they are fellow workers going home.) Though the word sounded "spiritual" and seemingly right ... there was a sense that there wasn't stillness in her heart (I may be wrong). But, basically the whole atmosphere was "aggressiveness", "trying to be positive", "lots of statements", the list goes on.

When people look at us Christian, wouldn't it be nice if they would see not only healthy "initiative" but also a deep "inner security". Not only the ability to articulate our thoughts but actually listen and allow wise words to flow naturally (in dialogue rather than monologue). And of course, having genuine hope towards the future without a forced "positiveness" but with one eye on reality while another eye on what is truly possible. And out of that we begin to share about the "good news" ....

Random Thoughts at SS14 Starbucks

The past three weeks has been been full of unexpected challenges and demanding situations.

- Mom had a scare (now she's on medication al things in control). May Chin admitted in hospital (now she's alright). Gareth crying his lungs out because of the switch in who's taking care of him (this is his third day and I trust he's doing better).

- My health not fully back to optimum ... (thankfully today is better)

- The letter from the authorities yesterday about our use of the Father's House for "religious" activities (I will be going back to the Headquarters to dig out some history and call BLC's previous pastor).

- and of course, other mini or major crises knocking on the door ... and temptations lurking somewhere ready to pounce on me if I'm not careful.

And yet in the midst of that ....

- friends have been praying and supporting me personally, the family and BLC from all over the world as well as nearby.

- his grace has been especially "extra" when i almost couldn't cope with this season of unexpected troubles.

- seeing God at work in the lives of individuals which just surprises me and delights me at the same time.

- getting some needed rest today and coming before God and center on what really matters!

BLOG TOOLS ROUNDUP

I know Jordon Cooper is the right guy to write this article. Check it out especially those who would like to start a blog but are baffled with where to start and what to do. We present ...

THEOOZE ANNUAL BLOG TOOLS ROUNDUP

There's Life on Earth!

Thanks Moh Foong for getting this done in less than 1 hour! This is our series from May to June hopefully covering the main themes in the wisdom books of the Old Testament .... ancient wisdom for today (where we find it so hard to cope!)

Church of Fools

Welcome to Church of Fools, the UK's first web-based, 3D church.

cool opening line ....

The house rules are pretty cool too ... read it might do some good for ourselves!

Submergence

Karen Ward was actually one of the first (if not maybe she is the first) who encouraged me to blog a couple of years ago. I followed her previous blog deep dirt for a long time (as long as waiting for Todd Hunter to resume blogging).

Allow me to introduce Submergence (her new blog). And I'm sure we'll be looking forward to hear more from her!

Blogger

For those who might want to check out the re-launch of www.blogger.com and start bloggin, it looks pretty inviting.

Random Thoughts at Internet Cafe Initiation

Gun-shots in the air, blasting away coupled with reloads. Some kind of chinese music too .. I turned around oh it's a chinese strategy game.

Mostly young fellas here at this time, except me:-) no phone line at mom's place, no wi-fi equipped cafe nearby, thus... the Internet Cafe (which has no coffee actually ... dunno what to call it then) is the only choice.

Still not in tip top health.

Delighted that a close friend jumped into Blogworld. Will ask permission before linking him ... because it feels pretty secretive... haha!

Gareth is learning how to be taken care with by my Mum (Grandma Kit), it's a learning curve and I'm just standing by. Yesterday was the first round at P.J. Today is round 2 at Ampang.

Need to get back into Rhythm ... it's not easy but necessary.

Looking forward to BLC's 4th Anniversary dinner on the 23rd May 2004 Sunday 6.30pm.

I've been jolted back into seriously thinking how Evangelism works out after the news of Todd Hunter taking up the leadership of AlphaUSA and some email interactions with him. Some ideas bubbling around the word & metaphor "gateway".

Bubble Wrap Popping

Thanks Jonny Baker for this therapeutic tool for stressful troubled Malaysians!

Whose Religion is Christianity?

After more thinking since my email reply to Hwa Yung, I skimmed through some this book by Prof. Lamin Sanneh whom I heard last year and was more impressed by his interaction with the questions than his presentation. You can get a taste of what I mean here.

Allow me to just post some stuff that caught my attention so far from my quick glancing:

Responding to whether the growth and renewal in World Christianity (with specific reference to Africa for example) have been all gain and no loss ...

"... on the gain side the churches have grown: membership has increased, in many cases exponentially; and communities of hope have come into being in areas of strife and despair . But on the loss side, false prophets have appeared, schisms have spread, the simple and ignorant have been taken advantage of, ethical standards have slipped with political corruption. ..." (p. 32)

On a succint & precise definition of "conversion" ...

"Conversion is the turning of ourselves to God, and that means all of ourselves without leaving anything behind or outside. But that also means not replacing what is there with something else. Conversion is a refocusing of the mental life and its cultural/social underpinning and of our feelings, affections, and instincts, in the light of what God has done in Jesus." (p.44)

How to Talk to Your Mother without Losing Your Mind

From MPH Malaysia ...
______________________

Open Doors - A Forum for Youths.
Topic: "How to Talk to Your Mother without Losing Your Mind" Facilitator: Sivin Kit, Pastor of Bangsar Lutheran Church and a member of Toastmaster's Bangsar
- Do you have problems talking to you mum? Or would you like to
improve your relationship with her? If you'd like to know more, join Sivin.
- Participants will receive a voucher for one cup of coffee or tea and a 15% discount coupon on one book purchase
_______________________

ok ... i'm not joking. I actually wanted to do something on media literacy ( a personal favorite). But since it's Mother's Day month ... Mother's day is this Sunday, I agreed to this topic. Feel free to come ... coffee is free and those discount vouchers ... a-ha! :-)

And to all Mom's (a number of mom's to be) ... Happy Mama's day!

Random thoughts with Flu

Got a suprising email from my seminary teacher Dr. Hwa Yung (whose the present director for the Centre for the study of Christianity in Asia) whom I highly respect, and a load of other replies earlier which I felt sharpened my thinking in the areas of Postmodernism, Asian Christianity, my interaction with those in Emergent or the emerging church conversation.

I wonder whether it was the right decision to decline the scholarship offer to study in Singapore (while shuttling back to Malaysia during weekends for 10 months!). But then again, timing is crucial.

Physically weaker nowadays with this flu still lingering ... I think my mind and heart have been active but the rest of the body hasn't been well taken care of. If i'm gonna do this in the long run, I better do something about it. For now ... sleep earlier! And drink more water ... hmmm as for Potatos .. a-hem ... or chips to be precise.

Glad the Asian Lutheran Leadershp conference responsibilities is sorted out more on paper, and it's how it'll work in practice.

Not too happy that I had to miss my appointment with someone whom I'm gearing up to "coach" or "mentor" or "encourage" ... but I'll make up for it somehow.

Off to pick up Gareth and have some fathe and son time ... while figuring out how am I gonna survive this weekend ... finishe part two of the message on proverbs, do a session on See through the scriptures, translate from 9am-12.30pm for a church management seminar (phew!), wedding dinner tomorrow night ... maybe another dinner on Sunday (might have to decline that one), I'm only human ...:-)

The End of Christendom

[This paper is taken from Stuart's book: 'Post-Christendom: Church and Mission in a Strange New World']

Here's some stuff that caught my glance ... will think about it more.

____________________________________

Post-Christendom is not the experience of all Christians. It is the experience of Christians in Western Europe and other societies with roots in this culture. The term ‘post-Christendom’ is less familiar in some places than others, but once understood is widely accepted as a framework for explaining changes many have perceived but not analysed and interpreting strong but confusing feelings. Using this language on recent visits to Australia, New Zealand, Canada and several European nations has provoked vigorous nods of confirmation from those already aware of the issues and excited or tearful responses from others who can suddenly understand their context. Historical, socio-political and cultural differences have produced different forms of Christendom in different nations and have resulted in variations in the pace of its demise and the shape of the emerging post-Christendom. But transition to post-Christendom is the shared experience of most Christians in western culture.

It is not, however, the experience of Christians in many other societies. Some belong to ancient churches in regions where there was no Christendom era. Early Christian missionaries went east as well as west, planting churches across central Asia and reaching India and China. In the medieval period there were probably more Christians in Asia than in Europe. But, because church history is usually told from a Eurocentric perspective, only recently has the story of Asian Christianity become better known. Asian Christianity spread, flourished and struggled in a different environment, facing not ageing European paganism but major religious alternatives – Zoroastrianism in Persia, Hinduism in India, Buddhism in China and Islam in the Middle East and Central Asia. It never experienced Christendom (although on occasions this suddenly seemed possible). The history of Asian Christianity may offer insights to Christians in post-Christendom faced with a plural religious context for which Christendom has not prepared us.

Nor is post-Christendom the experience of Christians in nations, especially in Africa, Asia and Latin America, where Christianity is growing exponentially in cultures that can be described as pre-Christendom or still-Christendom. The decline of Christianity in western societies is more than matched by its expansion in these areas. Christians in post-Christendom are abnormal: our wealth, whiteness, declining numbers, experience of secularisation and postmodernity, weariness and struggle to adjust to marginality are exceptional within the global church. During the twentieth century Christianity’s centre of gravity moved south, even if our denominational and institutional structures have not yet acknowledged this. If post-Christendom does spell the virtual extinction of Christianity in Europe, this will not be terminal for God’s global mission – any more than God’s mission was thwarted by similar geographical shifts in previous generations. Indeed, missionaries from the former ‘mission fields’ of Asia, Africa and Latin America are arriving in Europe in increasing numbers to evangelise the former ‘sending nations’: their impact on post-Christendom culture may be as significant as any response western churches make.

But, as we celebrate the extraordinary growth of the global church and redefine mission as ‘from everywhere to everywhere’, we should heed some notes of caution. Missionaries from Christendom exported their culture, assumptions and structures as they preached the gospel in Africa, Latin America and Asia. New Christendoms may be established in these continents, with consequences that are scarcely imaginable but may be profoundly disturbing. Can painful stories from European Christendom be shared, humbly but urgently, with these emerging ‘Christian societies’ before they are repeated with devastating consequences? Furthermore, adopting southern hemisphere patterns of church or mission for post-Christendom, hoping missionaries from these regions will re-evangelise Europe and tailoring our expectations to growth rates in other cultures will exacerbate the crisis we face. Partnership and mutual learning across different cultures offers more than dependence or plagiarism.

___________________________________________

May the Conversations begin!

It took me some time, but I managed to try to organize the discussion forums for at least three books that will guide some of our thinking the next few months. All are catalyzed (is there such a word?) by real people who desire to learn together and see what could happen next!

1. A bunch of us who are the BLC council members decided to buy a book each and reflect together on the Emerging Church.

2. I suppose if those of us who are trying to get the Emergent Malaysia off the ground, we can surely begin with the "Godfather's" thoughts from The Church on the Other Side. (And my first ever book review for Kairos Magazine was on this book, so ... )

3. And finally, something more personal which three of us part of the "Next Up!" spiritual friendship group that got kick started in strange circumstances on Courage and Calling.

Sabbath Peek

Here's a peak at the Sabbath-Retreat-2-Kung Fu disciples ... with Kirsten posing a Matrix-shades look!

Of course, this was more of a entry level intro kind of retreat so we still talked a lot with good Mangoes courtesy of mama Phoebe.

David has some martial arts-flavoured comments here (look for the Van-Damme high kick picture).

John's initiation to handle children is absolutely authentic & amusing. Click here.

SACRED GATEWAY

I've used Sacred Space before and found the site especially helpful. This more tech-advanced version brings a different flavour to the prayer time in front of the computer (which I do spend substantial time on).

I'm seriously thinking about what Dr. Voon said during her recent BLC worship gathering message about developing a kind of "Rule of Life" for myself. I'll start first (like how I started blogging, and loads of other stuff) and I pray others would find this lifestyle attractive, healthy and nourishing!

Random Thoughts after 2nd Sabbath Retreat

Thanks to Jordon Cooper I've got a chance to try out Gmail. 1000MB worth of coolness :-) That was a nice goodie to get after a hot afternoon coming back from the retreat.

I learnt that it was harder for our new friends (who have not been connected to church or Christian life as many of us know it) to enter in the practice of centering prayer and lectio divina. But, I'm glad this entry level retreat still had space for other more "humanly" interactive activities like cooking together or more like eating together plus just hanging out in the apartment that I think was easier to "enter in to".

Interesting that this round there were different dynamics at work. How does one practice all this in the midst of the realities of an upset tummy, unsettledness due to worry, taking care of a toddler, etc.?

One day & one night is a good intro ... but somehow it's just touching the surface. And for people as busy, driven, and accostomed to noise as us, the "cold turkey" part needed to help us appreciate silence was too short. hmmm ... mind set in motion for upgrades! :-)

Checked the net and have other models to learn from. The An Unexpected Breakfast with Jesus gives a Youth Specialities example. Click here for another sample.

I was encouraged by th 10 participants "nicknamed" feedback slip where generally I could hear that God has indeed spoken to many of them and the introduction to silence has still been beneficial. The bonus as always is getting to know new people and of course David 's excellent breakfast (this man can cook!). I was also thoroughly surpised by the fun John and Su Shen had with their practical training in handling a toddler!

Oh yes! one more delightful time or two actually were with the 2 couples planning to get married in October and December. Both were very different in personality as well as phase in their spiritual journey. But, if one were to take note carefully ... you can't miss God's grace at work in them.

So all in all that's a wrap up for now ... I'm off to another "fun time"! :-)

Losing and Gaining Our Lives

"The great paradox of life is that those who lose their lives will gain them. This paradox becomes visible in very ordinary situations. If we cling to our friends, we may lose them, but when we are nonpossessive in our relationships, we will make many friends. When fame is what we seek and desire, it often vanishes as soon as we acquire it, but when we have no need to be known, we might be remembered long after our deaths. When we want to be in the center, we easily end up on the margins, but when we are free enough to be wherever we must be, we find ourselves often in the center.

Giving away our lives for others is the greatest of all human arts. This will gain us our lives." ~ Henri Nouwen via The Inner Journey

I was thinking about a recent scholarship offer to go to Singapore for studies (which so far I've decided to decline). And the way I've somehow been led to where I am today, and the values I feel God is shaping in me through the past four years (especially choosing a road less travelled while still connected to the mainstream a little bit). There has been a growing sense of "true freedom" as a human being, a Christ-follower and one whom seeks to serve him in my calling. At times, I wobble because of the demands others have on me ... BLC however has been very kind in this dimension, but being part of a denominational system has its little quirks and strangeness. And of course, being open to partner with others brings along a different set of adjustments.

At another deeper level, the past few days I haven't set aside time to consider our "loss" the past week. I know the Spirit is leading me into that the next couple of days to contemplate God's presence in our present journey. During this time, many have somehow played a part in giving their lives to us as friends and family. Very often by just giving some "space" and assurance of prayer. Again and again, God keeps pressing in deeper the truth of what really matters in our lives is relationships to God, and the people around us, and how we relate to the different events of our lives.