Sivin Kit's Garden

Random Thoughts after lots of food!

Nice to have the reunion dinner outside for a change. Both of our mums then didn't have to cook which they have done for years. It was good for the families to get together even though it's a small gathering.

Good to be plunging backinto blogsphere .. making my return. The DSL line is doing better today. Much more stable. I'm still trying to figure out how to get the other desktop connected fully. Later-lah!

Met another Jason on Saturday and Sunday. I enjoyed our extended chat especially yesterday. God's blessings on him ...

We had a really good time after the Sunday Worship gathering ... with a bunch of "remnant" BLCians coming over for lunch (most either are away back to their home towns or have prior family appointments). It was special too as this years first day of Chinese New Year falls on Sunday. :-)

Went to Uncle Caine's place today (this is the new practice since Grandma passed away). As usual it was good food ... less people this year ... good to catch up with relatives ... my brother John as always entertaining the kids and adults with his "magic tricks"... a good cup of wine or two ... a pretty tiring journey home ... had a decent nap.

Thanks to Mike Foong, I'm hoping to finally get something done in the upgraded version of the Emergent Malaysia website.

Had lots of Shandy (beer & lemonade mix) the last two days :-) lots of chips from potatos to Chinese crackers! Yummy ... but who knows what I'll look like by the end of the week.

Read to Gareth a book on Baby Bunny. ... but he slepted when I was reading "Decolonizing Theology in the Caribbean: Prospects for hermeneutical Reconstruction" not to him but to myself.

I enjoyed some solitude and silence when I somehow woke up around 3.30am on Sunday. Now, I'm having some beautiful time alone while everyone is asleep. Strange for an "extrovert" like me ... but then again I've been appreciating this more nowadays.

I know I have a lot to do ... the next few days. But I'm going to enjoy the holidays no matter what!

Random Links 84

Bachelor of Divinity (BD) and Diploma in Theology (University of London External Programme)
I know Alwyn did this in amazing time ... awesome!

Brian McLaren on the Homosexual Question: Finding a Pastoral Response
When i saw the title, I thought .. "I guess he's going to try to reframe the question .. and fireworks are on the way." As a pastor I found these words to be very true .. especially in complicated scenarios ... "I hesitate in answering "the homosexual question" not because I'm a cowardly flip-flopper who wants to tickle ears, but because I am a pastor, and pastors have learned from Jesus that there is more to answering a question than being right or even honest: we must also be . . . pastoral. That means understanding the question beneath the question, the need or fear or hope or assumption that motivates the question." But of course, as always in my experience of reading Brian these past years there's always areas which some will find it hard to swallow or unhappy about or just plainly disagree

Brian McLaren on the Homosexual Question 2: A Blogger's Response
So, we hear from one who diagrees with Brian ...

Brian McLaren on the Homosexual Question 3: A Prologue and Rant by Mark Driscoll
This post now edited by the moderator equally causes a stir.
*Note: I think Andrew Jones' Is the Blogosphere Ready for Mark Driscoll? provides an important context to Mark Driscoll*

*updated* Brian McLaren on the Homosexual Question 4: McLaren's Response
Here's an interesting quote ... "I say all this not expecting to change anybody’s mind, but simply hoping that a few readers will know that there are people who take Scripture seriously, who love Jesus and want to be faithful pastors, who are not “relativistic postmodernists” at all, and yet who don’t find the issue as simple as some people do. We acknowledge the sincerity and good faith of our brothers and sisters who find that this all resolves very simply in black and white and without any shadow of doubt; we only wish they could extend the same grace and not assume or assert things about us that aren’t true."

CHURCH & SOCIETY IN ASIA TODAY
While it's important in this "flat world" to keep in touch with issues like the "Homosexual" Question above, there are also other immediate concerns we need to look into here in Asia. Of course, I think the rhetoric will be different. Hopefully ...

How to have a good, healthy, constructive conversation on a blog
Healthy Blog Conversation Part II
Is ranting christian? - Healthy Blog Conversation III
Jason Clark chips in on how we can talk to and with each other through this strange medium of blogging.

Xin Nien Kuai Le & True Freedom

A special Chinese new Year greeting to all who celebrate it and are included in the joy this season. I was reading these following words in preparation for the message for our Chinese New Year Worship gathering (first time for BLC as this is the first time day one of the Chinese New Year falls on on Sunday). I thought it is worth sharing today :-)

“... to be free does not mean to be great in the world, to be free against our brothers and sisters, to be free against God; but it means to be free from ourselves, from our untruth, in which it seems as if I alone were there, as if I were the center of the world; to be free from the hatred with which I destroy God's creation; to be free from myself in order to be free for others. It directs my attention, bent in on myself, to what is beyond and shows me the other person. And, as it does this, I experience the love and grace of God. It destroys our untruth and creates truth. It destroys hatred and creates love. God's truth is God's love, and God's love frees us from ourselves to be free for others. To be free means nothing else than to be in this love, and to be in this love means nothing else than to be in God's truth.”

~ Dietrich Bonhoeffer,
On Freedom, July 24, 1932
From A Testament to Freedom, p. 206

Random Thoughts before Chinese New Year

Had a very painful and difficult morning today. Now a little better ... Kyrie Eleison...

On a happier note, I've at least started intentionally working on my first module for my masters :-) Had a good talk with Dr. Philip Siew who will be the sage to keep me on track. he was kind enough to say that he'll be more like a fellow student who walks alongside me.

Got the notebook back minus the data files. Fresh new Hard Drive but need to see whether a couple of friends can help me recover as much as I can from the faulty one.

I think my random "return" thoughts would be pretty dialectic .. here. I found some CDs where I ACTUALLY did back up some photos and and other stuff from the notebook. So, at least stuff from 2004 to near the end of 2005 is recovered.

Hope I can get my pictures. .. which are very very precious to me.

Times with Gareth has been pleasant the last two days. Especially the journey to school. I was so happy when I could surprise him and bring him back from school yesterday. He was REaLLY very happy and so was I.

considering perhaps I'd like to delve deeper into Dietrich Bonhoeffer as part of my reflections on the nature and mission of the church. Checking out the site by International Dietrich Bonhoeffer Society is fascinating! so is reading his early thoughts on Reason and Revelation as well as Ecclesiology and eschatology! Phew!

I'm a little tired now ... there's quite a bit I didn't manage to do as much as i would have liked too. Plus, there's quite a number of internal and external interuptions which ... *sigh* drains the energy out of you ... but that's just part of this life huh whether Chinese new year or not?

Might have a chance to catch up with old and new friends the next few days. Hope to get my self emotionally and socially ready.

Glad to get an invite and will await confirmation for an upcoming consultation (once confirmed then the blogs will begin)

Oh yes .. loads of devotionals to write for Lent and for Asian Reflections. whcih translates loads of work in away .. and yet it's more than work... it's ministry .. and yet i's not just ministry it's birthed out of one's walk with God in thinking, feeling and relating!

and now... for some late night reading .. which will help in my sleeping ... :-)

Forced Absence

Sorry for being so quiet for almost a week. My notebook crashed ... the Harddisk was faulty. The Desktop at home had and still has problems with the modem (something to do with not Windows XP compatible) thus hanging all the time. There's lots going on in spite of the silence in this blog. I hope to return soon in full force. But for now, I feel the "forced" absence hard to bear ... Hope to get the notebook back soon and more importantly recover important data files in the previous hard disk ... I was planning ot back it up the the notebook CRASHED on me! :-( Am I feeling lousy? Yes ... but that's life. There are others things I need to do ... and thankfully there's still a desktop to do it (actually I'm borrowing Gareth's desktop at home and now sitting in another pastor's chair using her PC) ... *sigh* and yet grateful to still say something here*

Tim Hughes - Here I Am To Worship

I first heard this song in Malaysia sung by Tim Hughes himself (before it became big). It's stuck on my soundtrack ever since. Still one of my favorites.

Michael Card - El Shaddai

I thought it would be nice to post up the songs which has shaped me or been part of my soundtrack for life thus far. Whether it's older songs or newer ones. It's part and partial of the journey :-) Good song to get ready for Ash Wednesday.

eMo 3-in-1 Meeting

3 in 1 because we didn't have a Christmas party or New Year's Party the last 2 months plus many of us will be away for the Chinese New Year. So let's all gather with tid-bits, food, drinks and frienship old and new and whatever this Saturday. And we'll celebrate all three in one :-) this weekend.

emergent Malaysia "open" (there fore eMo!) Meeting
Date: 21 January 2006, Saturday
Time: 10am to around 12.30 (or 1pm) officially!
Venue: The Father's House (or Bangsar Lutheran Church Premises). Map here

What are we up to? What's happening?
well ...
"This time round we will spend some time reflecting and sharing:
(i) Reflecting on what we've done/where we are as EM
(ii) Sharing ideas, plans, hopes and dreams for EM going forward"

With so much happening the past weeks, I'm looking forward to catch up with friends and get to know new ones and hear ideas and insights tossed around in conversation.

DeLurking Week

Thanks Mark Van S for bringing this up. According to him it's the week on the web to invite Lurkers to come out in the open :-) it's Delurker Week!

So ... tell me ... what's your name? where are you from? leave me an email and/or link. Tell me... how long have you been dropping by? what interests you on this blog? and whatever you want to tell me :-)

Candlelight Vigil Update

I got an SMS today in regards to the Candlelight Vigil called by the Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism and Sikhism. which states:

"Dear Supporters of the Candlelight Vigil, pls b infmd that based on advise of all the Senior MCCBHS n Govt leaders n the police the vigil will b suspended till further notice. The vigil has brought very positive results n v need 2 maintain that level n not allow it 2 backfire. The PM has agreed 2 look into this matter seriously. Thank u 4 the great support n v will keep u updated. Pls infm others."

For a nuanced alternative perspective you may follow A Vigil For What?

Of course, in the age of the internet you might want to continue some form of support by lighting a candle here .. which I will.

Random Links 83

The Art of Evangelism
10 useful points to reflect even on the way we do "evangelism".

No wonder atheists are angry: they seem ready to believe anything (via Maggi Dawn)
My mind was drawn to Christian parents who are saying "We don't want to impose our religion on our kids" when I read this... To me especially in a Christian tradition that practises infant baptism, I'm thinking the Christian faith is more about "including" the kids more than "imposing" ... here's what struck me... "His (Dawkins) conclusion is that no children should be exposed to religion until they are old enough to make a choice; anything else is indoctrination. But this is quixotic; how can they ever make any choice without knowledge and how can they ever have knowledge without running into Dawkins's allegation of indoctrination? Furthermore, the concept of a child to be kept a blank slate, free from parental influence, is absurd - or does it just apply to religion, and if so, why? What about the many ways in which parents shape children (so constraining many choices) for both good and ill? Isn't the point that children should be encouraged to develop thoughtful, inquiring minds and a strong ethical framework - and that this is possible both with, or without, religious belief?"

leadership as a contemplative movement
now this is counter-cultural ... "When I intentionally seek quiet and restful space, I encounter the Spirit of God. When we separate ourselves from busyness and distraction, He comes to brood over us. In that place of shared rest I have nothing to prove, no one to influence, no way to "succeed" except to be loved. Restful people become a welcoming place for the Spirit of God, and in turn can offer peace and rest to others."

Vigil Watch : 11 Jan 2006
Nice to see some of my pictures there :-)

Random Links 82

Incarnational Practices
"You are church before you do church. This is one of the fueling insights of the missional church movement. This isn’t a new idea…but it is pretty provocative, especially when one considers its implications. If we take Jesus at his word when he says (as recorded in John 20:21) “as the Father has sent me, I am sending you,” then we realize that our being sent is the basis of our “doing” church. In other words, missiology precedes ecclesiology." well said, and now how can all this work out in practice? I think it requires patience and imagination, plus a couple of friends who will do it together ...

The Effective Pastor: Managing Time, Managing Change (pdf)
I haven't got my hard copy yet ... so download-lah!

The Missional Order
great series here on a variety of topics ... this sentance - "Today we have lots of Apostle figures but few Abbots. " - made me want to read the other posts.

Brain POP (via Rich Melheim)
how studying has changed these days ... then again, I did have my own good times when I was a student ... with some creativity!

Haris Ibrahim interview: What theSun didn't print
Makes me wonder about stuff that was not said or edited out in other print material :-)

Staring at the Sun

Someone from UK noted to me that the Sun -UK they read is quite different from the Sun we read here in Malaysia. That is true.

I get a copy free everyday (I mean the Malaysian Sun paper - You can check out their e-paper.)... and lately I've been enjoying very informative. educational and informative (as well as generative too!).

Fighting legal illiteracy

"You're quite passionate about this need to be aware of constitutional values. Would you say that this position is a result of your years of experience in the courts?

Probably so. It comes from seeing things over the years both in court and out of court. And also, I feel that the awareness of it seems to be declining. And that's worrying. We are becoming more affluent, but the affluence is purely monetary and economic.

...

How important are constitutional values today?

I don't think there is enough awareness of it or of its importance. For example, I think in a simple way people must understand that they have rights belonging to them and that these rights are not given as an indulgence by any government but are recognised as belonging to them by the Federal Constitution.

What are some of these rights?

Freedom of speech, equality of treatment, freedom of religion, freedom of association, right to education, right not to be discriminated in education, and so on and so forth. Right to own property. Gender equality under Article 8, and all that.

So, these are rights written on their behalf in the Federal Constitution which no government or enforcement authority can override except as authorised by the Constitution itself.

Upholding our secular constitution

"Do you think we are facing a constitutional crisis with regards to these contentious cases?

Yes. If you look at the Constitution, the whole idea of it is to level the playing field as best you can. And then the Constitution also provides for arbiters in the game. That arbiter is the judge. You've got a goalkeeper to make sure - and again the judge is calling the shots here - that the state doesn't take potshots at fundamental liberties. It appears to me that the referee has disappeared to the terrace, nowhere to be seen. The linesman is not observing the off-side goals, and the state is just picking away at the fundamental liberties that we have willy-nilly! That's a constitutional crisis!

And there doesn't seem to be anything to stop this from happening?

I think there's one thing that can. The public. Up till now, there's been apathy. 'If it hasn't inflicted my family, I don't care.' All right. Look at what happened in Terengganu, Kampung Batu 13 [Ayah Pin's commune]. An entire kampung decimated whilst [there was] a High Court order [for a stay]. To me, that day, the state authorities took the law into their own hands. But, gauge the public reaction to that! And then, fault me for saying apathy prevails in this country.

[Apathy is] tantamount to giving the authorities a blank cheque. 'Do what you will. Doesn't affect my family. I don't care.' If Moorthy's case doesn't wake the public up to what's happening, God help this country.

[But] I don't see why God will bother if we ourselves won't bother.

But, yes, we do have a [constitutional] crisis. Unfortunately, we only react openly when it's an economic crisis. "

There's a lot to chew on just on these two conversation pieces.

Luther Village

Started this blog (while waiting for the main denomination (i.e. Lutheran Church in Malaysia & Singapore) website to be done properly). It's main purpose is more of "spreading the word" on events and courses organized by the education commitee I'm chairing. But, who knows maybe it will also be a place for resource sharing or evolve into a space for more conversations? Well ... Blog first, fear later!

Random Photos 2: Excitement

Excitement is contagious when you're with a child who has no inhibitation to express it. I enjoy every precious moment I can spend with children, they connect me to God my creator, and humanity my creaturliness :-)

The Vigil - My Third

*Update: My previous blog title might have given the impression the Vigil is over - that was not my intention to communicate that. I apologize if that is the impression I had given ..

according the offical website -- > " The vigil, will be held nightly from 8.00 pm - 9.00pm until 31 January 2006, is to express the non-Muslim community’s concern over having no legal recourse to challenge Syariah Court decisions."*

From what I heard the vigil were joined by at least more than 500 people on Wednesday night January 11, 2006. There was one point when there weren't even enough candles. And for some of us who needed a "refill" we had to wait.

It's interested to note that some came prepared with umbrellas (perhaps because some actually braved the rain a number of nights). There was at least two ladies equipped with candle holders made of paper. There were some who came with their own.

This night was not only the biggest group thus far but the most diverse in composition. I was amused when someone told me that this vigil was organized by another group ... I think credit needs to be given where it's due that this vigil from day one has been and is called by the Malaysian Consultative Council for Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism & Sikhism ...

I've heard various comments about the Vigil ...
- an immediate strange one was that those who are part of this are hypocrites and are merely for their own political ends. I wonder whether those who easily blurt out these words truly understand the issues at hand, and even more do they seek to understand the people who actually got off the butt, took some effort to ACTUALLY be at the vigil (some daily whether rain or moonshine!)
- some think it's a waste of time and efforts should be on the intellectual end rather than merely physical protest - according to Article 121(1A) – A Jurisdictional Nightmare there has been efforts in this aspect. From Article 121(1A) and Islamic Family Law - have two parliamentary select committees there seems to be some welcomed progress. I think the vigil is achieving it's goal of to attract the attention of the authorities and hoping that the situation could be remedied.
- some don't know what all this is about ... for beginners ... you can start here:
--> more personal stuff here The Vigil and The Vigil - my sequel (please have a helpful read here At the Barricades
--> Lots of links here in The 'devil' in Federal Constitution Article 121 (1A)
and Moorthy and Malaysia's pitiful story

More detailed comments for those who REALLY want to delve deeper into the issues please check the following:
--> A Tale of Two Justice
--> Should we amend the Constitution?

To me there is a need to approach our concerns with head (the intellectual engagement), heart (our genuine concerns) and hands (practical possibilities) and this would involved addressing the issues from all possible angles and apporaches. The vigil serves the purpose for creating awareness and conversation (and indirectly deepening relationships, creating new links, forging old links etc.) Furthermore, anyone can hold a candle for one hour!

There will be those engaged at different levels of dialogue, and discussion - some who are in positions to even effect change at the highest level.

In short, we're all in this together ... and together we can go far for the benefit of ALL!

A couple of guys got a little creative of how they could hold the candles but I'd like to "redeem" this creativity to highlight firstly, this whole vigil was PEACEFUL , INTELLIGENT and GENUINE. There was nothing fancy, no shouting! no lectures! no fanfare ... it was calm and composed yet with conviction that what is Right needs to be done. Would any one hear and see the concerns raised? and would their be appropriate action carried out?

Looks positive ... for now based on Pak Lah: There must be no confusion in religious matters where our prime minister "Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has made it clear that matters concerning religious conversion needed to be spelt out plainly in the Federal Constitution and other laws to prevent confusion among Malaysians. " and Groups laud Pak Lah’s stand on conversion where " CCM secretary-general Dr Herman Shastri said serious consideration should be given to Article 121 (1) A of the Constitution, which had blurred the lines of jurisdiction between the Civil and Syariah courts in its present interpretation.

“Civil courts should be seen to protect and uphold justice of citizens with regard to fundamental liberties guaranteed by the Federal Constitution. In no way should a judge abdicate responsibility in hearing the case of one who seeks to exercise the right to be heard in court,” said Dr Shastri."

Another guy got creative with three candles ... perhaps without knowing it it became an encouragement to me (because I decided to at least come three times) - as one whom probably not too long ago would just be "commenting" from the sidelines or coffeshops or cafes or wherever... I too have been asking Why did I join the vigil (leh)

The vigil may mean many things to many people - for me (apart from the more "macro" reasons) I find myself seeing this vigil as a possible "space" to create a better awareness on the issues at hand (where one can do the research and reflection from the internet), to relate my faith to concrete realities beyond the walls of the church (which is important to me), to allow my spirituality to have legs (links to my ongoing quest for right motivations with right thinking with right practice), to encounter people whom I'd probably wouldn't have and how that face to face meeting catalyzes needed change in perception (and in a number of cases increasing respect - it's more than about principles or even ideas - it's ultimately about people!) .. so while it's about seeing "change" for the better for the society and the country ... one also "changes" in the process .. hopefully for the better too!

No. 100 - Islamic Family Law Petition

I just got the email that linked me to the Islamic Family Laws Petition.

Read Cabinet puts on hold gazetting of controversial Islamic Family Law Act for some mainstream info.

I signed and then found out I was No. 100. If you are a Malaysian, please go to the link and make up your mind to do something - whatever that may be. The year 2006 has started for me as a bridge towards having legs on my ideas or learning to walk my talk or in more Christian terms - to live out my faith in the concrete realities and concerns of every day life!

Caim for stilling our hearts

(a "caim" is a Celtic "circle prayer")

"Encircle me, O God,
Keep faith within,
Keep pride without.

Encircle me, O God,
Keep hope within,
Keep despair out.

Encircle me, O God,
Keep love within,
Keep fear without."
~ Adapted from David Adam's, The Cry of the Deer,p.11ff
via The Practice of Prayer by Robert Warren

The Vigil - my sequel

I came with two friends. Good to see some familiar faces ... and as time progressed quickly for the hour relationships deepened and other new conversations emerged as well. Of course, these are more of the side benefits.

This CandleLight Vigil in Front of KL High Court was not meant just for us to hang out with friends old and new but to reflect our concern that awareness, attention and action must be for the Protection of rights of all citizens equally . I suspect many here tonight would resonate with what is conveyed here in Keep the word on justice, fairness" and say yes to "As a Malaysian, I would like to see my government and the courts act in ways which promote justice, equality and fairness for all."

There's is no denying the very personal dimension of this story that keeps us anchored to some very human realities especially in the midst of tragedy.

And yet, this personal story has brought to our attention what affects our common journey together as a Malaysians. ALL of us and not just some of us.

For me ... it has helped me dig deeper into what it means to be a Malaysian. Words like rights and responsibilities are floating around in my head very consciously since the first visit. And as one who follows Christ ... I also intentionally connect my faith with the location where I live my faith in and the history that I am part of here and now.

My heart is open for God to challenge my "comfort zone" and "status quo". My mind is actively asking questions and seeking answers with the abundant resources available through the Scriptures, Christian wisdom past and present and interaction with insights from concerned partners & neighbours. My hand and body is ready to do what is right rather than using the energies in mere complaining ... in fact, the interplay of silence and conversations (while standing holding a candle) has done me much good. Keeps things on the level of praxis before I'm off on an abstract and distant tangen of mere words.

Does holding a candle with a group of friends and strangers (who become new friends) drawn together with a concern make a difference?

According to Mr. R whom I got to know today - He REALLY believes the vigil has raised awareness and created a sense of urgency (and perhaps more). I found my conversations with him enlightening.

I remember an older man that I saw during my first participation and discovered he's been here every evening since day one. Whether rain or no rain. I can see this is Important to him.

"God - our creator, redeemer and life-giver ... thank you for Malaysia and the precious independence that we have as a nation from our colonial past. Thank you that we live in a relatively peaceful country and different people of race, religion and political persuasions co-exist together in harmony. Thank you for all the good we've experienced thus far together.

Lord in your mercy (hear our prayer)

And yet, there are times when our human systems are inadequate. Often, cracks are present in how we relate to each other. There are times when righteousness and justice and even genuine compassion especially for the weak and poor are neglected.

We admit that many a times we are apathetic to many issues concerning the good for all. We have failed in many ways in fulfilling our responsibilites as humans created in your image. Loving Lord, we seek your forgiveness for the mess we make or the mess we ignore. We ask for empowerment to rise up and do what is right and in the process allow your Spirit to transform our ugliness and turn it into beauty that blesses all around us.

Lord in your mercy (hear our prayer)

Help us recognize the other person who is different from us. Help us respect the differences and appreciate each others uniqueness. Help us STOP and relate to each other face to face which perhaps would allow for heart to heart encounters. help us have clear minds to understand what is most important and what requires change and adjustment. Help us create structures that will make it possible for all possible intercessions to be heard. Help us to either find space or create space where life on earth may flourish ...

Lord in your mercy (hear our prayer).

may your kingdom come here on earth as it is in heaven ...

May your kingdom come here where we are ...

Give us a foretaste of the best that's coming from the future.

Amen.

Random Links 81

Time's Best Photos of the Year 2005
powerful images ... mostly tragic, at times redemptive.

Crash course in learning theory (via Rich Melheim)
A consistent side interest of mine ...

Manual for consensus procedures
the word "consensus" is one I seek to understand better and practice more.

The churches and the church: Why ecclesiology matters
This closing story and comment struck me, "... an elderly parishioner in Ghana, whose village was fed by the priest of a neighbouring village during a famine. When the famine was over, she went to the neighbouring village to thank the people there for what they had done.

"Ecclesiology" is about the churches doing "what is right". It is about the churches being "what is right", being the one church, confessing, worshipping, witnessing and serving together with one heart. "

Strategic Planning for Missional Churches
One thing I noticed about myself is the temptation to "over-react" to anything that smells "corporate" and company-like. After 5 years of planting and pastoring BLC, I can see better where we've done well (esp. in trying to emphasize the family and community accent of church), but I also realize that we may have missed out of being more effective due to a lack of focus and "strategic thinking" processes together. Thus, I agree with Pat here, "I’m still committed to leading a community of faith through a model that is emphatically not the corporate, CEO-driven style. I believe a church could be run this way, focusing on market share and sales techniques and leader-inspired vision. In fact, many churches in the last century were lead this way; many continue to be. I also don’t think it’s the best model for church leadership; I don’t see Jesus as a CEO but as a foot-washer and cross-carrier.

So I find myself in two worlds - seeing this tool set as incredibly helpful for the corporate world; and seeing the tool set also as translatable, with a good deal of effort and systematic prayer and contextualization, into the world of Kingdom leadership. "

Gazelles Strategic Planning Resources (via Pat Loughery)
Useful tools ...

What does a pastor, minister, vicar do?
On one hand I might say I'm just praying and playing (useful metaphorically), but on the other hand the reality is it's more than that.

Random Links 80

What is a faithmap?
Thanks Stephen for this timely reminder for the new year ... "a faithmap marks certain things we know, leaves much for future exploration, and is used for traveling.

One does not study a map just to have a better understanding of a map. In the same way a faithmap is useless if it's not teleological. "

The 'devil' in Federal Constitution Article 121 (1A)
This is one thing that we are watching closely here in Malaysia.

WITTGENSTEIN ON: QUARRELS AND THE MEANING OF WORDS
From the sage that first introduced me to this great philosopher.

Real Change
Food for thought: "If an organization makes only minor adjustments, it will get minor change. An organization needs to change itself by at least 20% in order to get real change. Otherwise, people will just work harder, become more frustrated, and will get the same sad results."

Delirous? in Malaysia!
main motivation to go is curiosity :-)

One Page Year B Calendar-pdf (via textweek blog)
I found the season after Pentecost it follows the read-through-OT-books options rather than the themed options worth consideration.

Servant Leadership: Who are you serving and what's on the menu?
Here's the opening paragraph: "Corporate Malaysia seems to have bought into a new buzzword, heavily influenced no doubt by the personal leadership characteristics of our Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi." Let's see how all this works out in practice. I think it's going to be tough.

A Prayer for Those in Ministry
I NEED this prayer ... as much as anyone else. Especially this part, "We cannot do everything, and there is a sense of liberation in realizing that. This enables us to do something, and to do it very well. It may be incomplete, but it is a beginning, a step along the way, an opportunity for the Lord’s grace to enter and do the rest."

Random Thoughts after Potato Chips

For once I think I ended the year and started it by being a good boy and used the voucher for my blood test, urine test and ECG test.

wow! I'm 175.7cm (did I grow 0.7cm?) but the weight is 76.7Kg. Someone told me that's an ok weight but others have commented on my less than ideal shape :-)

It's been a pretty good week ... much has been accomplished even though the start of the year was bumpy. And yet, I still miss some items. That's alright.

Had some really good noodles tonight for dinner ... rewarding. The restaurant in Taman Seputeh is surprising good for our purposes so far. I'm learning how good things are often hidden in some unknown corner.

Good to see my brother in the worship gathering today.

Looking forward to some form of decent "Sabbath" tomorrow.

Glad to see Gareth go for a swim with May Chin ... I think that's so precious. And Elysia slept well in the afternoon.

Appreciate a pastor friend who managed to get me for lunch last week. It's been some time since we've met. I'm happy he persisted and initiated this round. In our "busy" lifestyle in Kuala Lumpur, this kind of persistence and initiative is so crucial to keep frienships long term.

Surprised to read about Robert Brow here in Go and Make Learners - A Free Book. My mind was bought back to those email conversations we had with each other and how they kept me in the pastoral ministry and laid some groundwork for what i'm doing now.

Time travels so fast nowadays ... and it takes a lot of effort to slow down, to pause long enough to "capture" some moments and "pace" oneself better.

BLC Website 2006

After some years using the free tripod site here, we've moved to http://blc.net.my/ and already have a simple new design (thanks to Moh Foong) with gradual improvements in progress.

Postcards at the edge ...

Thanks to Steve Taylor for compiling, organizing and posting all these up.

Here's the short & quick "answers" I wrote in response to the questions:

How were you as an emerging community birthed? We were birthed five years ago, on April 1 2000 in my home. About 15 of us were part of the core to restart a Lutheran church that closed down for many years.

What do you as an emerging community value? Allegiance to the Lordship of Christ; Living by Gods Grace; Godly Servant Leadership; Biblical Preaching and Teaching; Authenticity; Passionate Worship; Loving Community; A Heart for People; Prayer; Life in the Spirit; Kingdom Lifestyle; Telling the STORY.

I don't think we "lived" out the values equally. In my view I think we've been stronger in some and weaker in others.

What music track sums up your year? Walk On by U2

What was your best mission moment in 05? Working with another Methodist Church to "do something" for the Tsunami Victims (for more go here). Coming up to close second would be a couple of events during the Christmas season.

The Vigil

It was a nice peaceful evening ... which set the scene for a peaceful lighting of candles for a vigil ...

The context is this ... High Court declines to intervene - "The Appellate and Special Powers High Court has ruled that it will not disturb the declaration that Everest climber L/Kpl M. Moorthy was a Muslim because the matter was under the jurisdiction of the Syariah Court.

“This court can only allow the widow’s application to declare herself the wife of Moorthy,’’ Justice Md Raus Sharif said, when rejecting all the other declarations sought by Moorthy’s 30-year-old widow S. Kaliammal. "

A more corporate response from Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism and Sikhism stated here Group: Amend Constitution to cure grave legal defect is ... "We call on the Government to urgently cure this grave defect in our legal system by making the necessary amendments to the Federal Constitution and all other legislation so that jurisdiction to determine the validity of conversions into and out of Islam are vested in the High Court where all Malaysians can be parties and have equal rights as witnesses"

A more personal response from Why did I join the vigil? is ... "It was my privilege to be there, and hopefully my two youngest will understand why daddy had to suddenly run off to attend an urgent call to a "peaceful protest".

Now, why did I do it? The SB officer also asked me the same question of a 30-year ex-government servant who drove all the way from PJ to get there for the 15-minute vigil. I said, "for the sake of my children and grandchildren!""

Why did I go? ... partly because I got emails informing me about it, partly because I sense I'm growing in my love for Malaysia ... partly because I didn't want to start the year with mere "thoughts" or "talk ... partly because "orthopraxis" is important ... partly due to curiosity ... partly to see a friend (and inspired by his sons!) ... partly I'm asking "What is the Gospel?" lately and how does it relate to ALL of life .. including matters as important as this ... partly because I felt a "nudge" (from the Spirit?) ...

Today's latest in the news Moorthy’s widow to get all benefits

... but from the more macro perspective of Court ‘should have probed law’, " Human Rights Commission chairman Tan Sri Abu Talib Othman said the civil court should not have avoided the issue by merely ruling that L/Kpl Moorthy’s conversion to Islam came under the jurisdiction of the Syariah court.

“But in this case, the civil court should have considered the constitutionality of the amendment to the Federal Constitution, which was presented by the Government and passed by Parliament, and decide whether it is constitutional or not. Because in the matter of constitutionality, the civil court is competent,” he said here yesterday. "

So, with calmness and peacefulness ... with the help of a candle, and the encouragement of old and new friends ... many whom probably wouldn't have crossed path in normal circumstances ... we stand together for an hour or so ... there were some introductions, little conversations here and there, helping each other re-light candles when it's extinguished by the breeze, giggles when people honk, interest when our pictures were taken ... Many have done so for the last few days .. one guy holding the banner said maybe the next 30 days ...

I read these words by my friend in an e-commentary, "Let me make it very clear that I am a novice in such matters. Many others have understood the social implications of discipleship long before me and some have paid heavily
for their convictions.

Last night was my first baby step, and I am a very small baby. I am so much more at home in the world of ideas and words. But there are times when ideas must find feet."

Somehow for this post, I find myself struggling with words to express myself. He says it so much better than I could have. On Tuesday night, I told myself ... make the necessary arrangements, get on the LRT train, walk over the bridge to the venue, wait for the appointed time, take a candle (change another one when it's finished), "freeze" time to pause and ponder, talk with people, understand, reflect, consider, pray, take pictures, smile when people take pictures of you (from mobile phones across the street).. stand, hold the banner, listen ... be open for changes to happen in history (as well as one's own story in progress).

I found myself entering 2006 with very little "fireworks" ... I found the flickering "candle light" so much more meaningful. Somehow the words I read during Christmas day keeps ringing in my ear ... "The light shines through the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it."

Random Thoughts on the 2nd Day

It's been a while since I've punched in some random thoughts.

It's the year of the FIFA World Cup at Germany. June and early July will have many sleepy people at work. I'll probably wake up and watch some matches :-)

Didn't manage to do some stuff "I resolved" to do in the last week of the year 2005. Many factors ... but it doesn't mean I won't do them this week.

The last week was quite eventful though ... May Chin and Gareth falling ill (now recovered), I wasn't feeling too good. Elysia sleeping very little and extra energetic. Two nice dinners which included a special engagement.

We missed our trip to Taipeng which was a disappointment. Took one day to visit the Aquaria KLCC. Overpriced, underdelivered but Gareth had some fun moments here and there. And it was really crowded. A little surprise bonus was to see an "old" friend.

So, the last week was supposed to be holiday in Taipeng for 3 days (but that turned into "holiday" at home with Gareth vomitting here and there - sqeezed a little time for the Aquaria KLCC trip), then was hoping to have some "uninterupted" time for reflection (but the other 2 days May Chin was frequenting toilet, I was feeling strange while Elysia was challenging), the new year eve had a pretty good children's ministry meeting (but was cut short due to unforseen circumstances), then an unpleasant episode just before the fireworks shot up in the sky for the new year 2006 (thankfully God I believe is reworking and redeeming this episode). Pretty bumby when I was hoping for something smooth sailing.

Little "grace" sparks here and there.

Elysia's giggles brightened up my evening when I was shooting Gareth's mini-basketball into the mini-basket sitting down.

Gareth scored a few baskets himself!!!

A surprise present ... which landed in our car boot. Santa works overtime! wow! (thanks mate!)

Readjusted Gareth's new bed to extend it - he seems happy.

an "old" BLC member returns for Sunday worship ... a delightful "welcome back!"

A new baby added to the church family ... :-) on new years day .. congrats Keat Lim and Wan Ching (and Mynn)

Good to read an article I wrote for the Fellowship of Evangelical Students (more like May Chin reading it out loud in the car!) which was "good" for me as well. Stuff I needed to hear ... even now.

Looking forward to meet one of the LiFE Groups tonight at my place. Desiring to witness the Spirit move.

Read Newsweek with coffee while Gareth ate his cereal which is a pleasure for both of us.

It was also delightful to spend some time with "old" friends during the new year's day afternoon. Physically tired but good times.

I think these thoughts so far are pretty random ... and while the week didn't turned out as planned (isn't life often like that?), some plans still went through (thank God!), the surprises were definately precious! In the midst of randomness in thoughts and feelings, and of course, in some events, like a detective it's still possible to trace the movement of God and his vibrations of grace somewhere.

A New Chapter ...

Happy New Year ... another new chapter ... more sober ... more peaceful ... less hype ... some quietness ... more depth ... steadier pace ... wiser? ... chastised ... discerning ... suprised ... persevere ... space ... reality ... eyes open ... hearts softer ... minds sharper ... body need work ... respect ... lots of blanks to fill ... listening ... reading ... contemplating ... unending ... unfinished ... human ... humor ... patience ... grace ... letting go ... not giving up ... discipline ... need to eat now. :-) Bumpy start but start nonetheless ..