Sivin Kit’s Garden

all thanks to GrandPa and GrandMa Long (May Chin’s parents) for training this young lad to invest his “stuff” into the potty rather than the pampers.

this boy is jovial and full of joy as his Chinese name “ler” alludes to. he’s pretty gentle as well … he cries when shocked (I thought that was normal) but also when people suddenly make loud noises (whether it’s laughing or shouting).

wow! in the month of October he’s gonna be a one year old boy!

I got an email yesterday that asked me about BLC, as well as some questions on our practices and distinctives. It’s funny, with the “Lutheran” bit tagged on to us that’s an immediate interest in what that means. I admit I appreciate my Lutheran heritage much more nowadays. But, the starting of BLC and I believe the Biblical & theological vision that caught me was based on some pretty deep stuff in a book called “Missional Church” . The funny part was it was based on some serious heavy weight more related to the North American Context. But, there was a lot of resonance on this side of the earth in Malaysia. And when the key verse John 20:21 hit me hard … the rest is still a tough, hard, often uphill history in the making.

The word we use in BLC’s Vision Statement is “Missional Church” & “missional communities”. The BLC Mission statement is also connected to this center. A more theological term would be “missional ecclesiology”. I found a pretty good summary online.

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missional ecclesiology is grounded in the central theme in Jesus’ message — the Reign of God. Jesus proclaimed the Kingdom; all else in his message and ministry demonstrated life inside that Kingdom.

- When he healed the sick, it was to demonstrate that inside the Kingdom there is no more illness.
- When he opened the eyes of the blind, it was to demonstrate that inside the Kingdom everyone can see.
- When he pronounced forgiveness of sins, it was to demonstrate that inside the Kingdom sin and death have no hold upon us.
- When he welcomed the outcasts, it was to demonstrate that inside the Kingdom everyone has a place.

Not only Jesus’ mission, but that of his disciples was centered around the Kingdom. Jesus invited people to “receive and enter” the Kingdom; to live inside the household of God.

In light of Jesus’ own teaching, the church must always seek its definition with the reign of God in Christ as its crucial reference point.

- The church is not to be equated with the reign of God, but it is to be a sign that points away from itself to the Kingdom.

- It is to be an instrument of the reign of God through its deeds of self-giving service, through the way it presents an alternative identity and vision to the world, and through the ways it seeks freedom, peace, and unity for the whole creation.
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When we travel overseas we need a conversion of currency. A house can be converted from one kind of use to another, or the heating system can be converted say from oil to natural gas. There are conversions from one religion to another (as in Acts 15:3). Paul was converted from Pharisaism on the Damascus Road. I was converted from Atheism to Christian faith on October 7, 1947. A member of any religion can experience conversion when a formal faith suddenly grips the heart. In the New Testament baptism is a means of enrolling a disciple to begin learning from a new teacher (as in John 4:1). Jesus said “Unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 18:3). Children love to laugh and play, and be cuddled and loved. They can easily learn half a dozen different languages, and many other new skills, by the age of seven. But becoming like little children can only be produced in us by the Holy Spirit. Which is why in the New Testament conversion is when the person is added to a community of the Spirit (see the contrast in Acts 8:12 and 8:15-17, as explained in 1 Corinthians 12:13). That is when real change begins to occur. ~ Robert Brow

I like Brow’s way of linking ordinary stuff like conversion of currency to what usually is a “Big” RELIGIOUS word. Brings the whole discussion down-to-earth! I was also thinking about “mini-conversions” that actually takes place in our CONVERSATIONS. So often we change our commitments to a particular topic, opinion or issue without even realizing it. And all this happens in the midst of our daily conversations or after the talk when we think about it. That’s why I believe “Conversations” are so important as the Spirit “converts” our hearts to Him. Brian McLaren reminded me that try “counting conversations rather than conversions” for a change and that helped me see the important work of God before a “CONVERSION” takes place.

Christians have been using the “harvest” image frequently when it comes to “evangelising” but before a “harvest” there’s the ploughing, the seed sowing, fertilizing, watering, sun-shining, and of course a period of time. In whatever “harvest” God is doing in our lives, there’s lots going on before than and even after the “harvest” moment!

In preparation for this week’s message, I’m caught at how this “Conversion” process (or in Brow’s words becoming like a child) continues in our lives and it doesn’t stop. I think Peter in Acts 10-11 is an Apostle & Jewish Christian that needed a “fresh conversion” when part of his mental currency was out of line with God’s kingdom currency. i.e. God includes the Gentiles too … they too can be part of the people of God!

Daily as I allow God’s work to deepen in my life, I find my self converted more and more in line with his Aims and Agenda. Much of it is encapsuled during what I’m calling nowaday my “orchid” times (i.e. Time alone with God with the Scriptures open and a willing heart to listen). Many a times it happens during or after some “conversation” with someone, or a book, or an intensive period of reflection, .. I think there’s a kind of “ongoing” conversion we go through from one stage to another as a human, as a Christian and for me as a pastor …

“We want in fact not so much a father in Heaven as a grandfather in heaven - a senile benevolence who as they say ‘liked to see young people enjoying themselves.’” ~ C.S. Lewis in The Problem of Pain

Had a good time with Gareth a while ago and watched him gradually fall asleep. Resisted all temptations to play with him because it’s time for him to sleep. There’s a time for everything. Gave thanks to God our Father for the joy of being a Father. And with Lewis’ thought tonight, I appreciate the Father Heart of God even more.

Our Father who art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy name ….

Amongst the many chapel speakers that graced STM during my time, Soo Inn ranks up on the list of one of the memorable ones. I saw him once with his notebook at Deli France. Midvalley, “cooking” up something on the keyboard.

It’s wonderful to read good, reflective and practical writing all rolled into one by a Malaysian Christian. My friend mentioned to me an e-commentary Soo Inn wrote, before he forwarded it to me I checked it out on his website. I think his “Making Sense” is also a quality book that’s worth reading! Nuggets of wisdom by a fellow Malaysian just waiting to be devoured.

Malaysia Boleh!

Phew … what a weekend. Sunday was of course nothing out-of-the-ordinary except a bunch of Christ-followers gathering at the Father’s House just to honor HIM in worship (I realize now the fact that we gather itself is a WITNESS to the World of our Father’s love and provision!). Now, we’re all scattered in out respective locations and vocations!

Sunday 4pm onwards, I spent some hours with my Toastmaster buddies … and sat through an EXCO meeting. I’m humbled to be the Sargent at Arms (SAA), and plan to do a better job than last year (because i didn’t know what I got into as a VP Public relations). The club president used the word “Ambassador” at the meeting to describe my role and function. Hmm …. hehehehe

Saturday was a marathon … starting at 2pm with the afternoon taken up by the 1st Asian Youth Ambassador Leadership Institute (AYALI) Board Meeting. One thing for sure, I wasn’t bored! It’s good to hang around people with a sense of vision and mission. It kinds of rubs off on ya!

After that, I almost got lost around 4:30pm at Sunway trying to get to Community Baptist Church Sunway (I’ve just been there once!). God knows what we need and he supplies definately just enough for us. I was kind of feeling a little low at times dues to some not-so-encouraging news which is a common occurance nowadays. One of the youth shared about how letting go of some “unhelpful” pressure actually helped him do his best for his last exams. We talked about it at the youth camp last year. It’s fantastic to see ministry last year bearing fruit this year. I’m so glad he told me.

After speaking, worshipping and praying with the CBC youth (I think about 60 of them), landed at the 4A house about 9pm. Had a nice curry chicken dinner to reward myself.

Glad to spent some time with Gareth and May Chin on Monday. Then the evening was the 50th Anniversary Worship Rehearsal. Don’t know what happened to my right ear? Is it water? or something went in? Disturbing and uncomfortable. Anyway, God’s grace is sufficient for me.

I was reading Exodus this morning and was struck by how God supplied just enough of “heavenly food” when the grumbling people of Israel was in the wilderness. Just enough portion for one day - no more, no less. And I think it’s the same with spiritual energy and resource he gives me these days. Just enough - no more, and no less. It’s not like getting a full tank one day and hope it supplies my need the whole week - or the whole month - surely not long term. Sporadic explosions are great but sporadic. The life in Christ is a daily affair … the ministry & work for His Kingdom is no different.

I am, O God, a jumbled mass of motives.
One moment I am adoring you, and the next I am shaking
my first at you.
I vacillate between mounting hope, and deepening despair.
I am full of faith, and full of doubt.
I want the best for others, and am jealous when they get
it.
Even so, God, I will not run from your presence. Nor will
I pretend to be what I am not. Thank you for accepting me
with all my contradictions.
Amen.

(p. 6, Prayers from the Heart by Richard Foster)

Spent half a day at STM, Seremban yesterday. I enjoyed walking through the library and browsing through books on the shelf. Regretted withdrawing my deposits and membership, so paid RM75 to re-activate membership for two books. Anyway, I’ll be coming more frequently if the plans for my Masters works out. Picked up a book on “Ordained” ministry (better get a clear picture of what it means) and “Ecclesiology” (a possible area of interest I might focus on for post-grad work).

Experienced an IONA worship liturgy during the chapel service which was refreshing. The music part kind of distracted it a little (it’s ok, more of inexperience - anyway, nevermind), the message was good though bit too long. In fact, I think it was kind of three mini-messages weaved into one based on Matthew 4 (The tempation of Christ) or the three points can be single messages in themself (maybe my attention span is growing shorter - does that mean I’m growing younger? hehe). I found the feeding each other with a bun after the blessing funny and couldn’t help laughing. It was good to see some old seminary mates (now turned pastors). We were feeding each other while bubbling with smiles and giggles.

Talked to a couple of people. Got two forms for application one for Augy and another for me. It’s good to know, friends can embark on a journey of life-long learning together. It’s kind of like we’re the two fellas on the road to Emmaus. So, I’m looking forward for our eyes to be open to see the Lord’s revelations. We need that so much in times like this, when we’re tempted to take our eyes off that which matters most..

As we learn together, we’re also seeing things in a new light personally. I’ll be doing the text on Saul in Acts 9:1-31 this week. I love the “scales falling off” description. We’ve got lots of scales that need falling off … today’s visit reminded me of that.

Morality raises in a good many people’s minds: something that interferes, something that stops you having a good time. In reality, moral rules are directions for running the human machine. Every moral rule is there to prevent a breakdown, or a strain, or a friction, in the running of that machine. That is why these rules at first seem to be constantly interfering with our natural inclinations. When you are being taught how to use any machine, the instructor keeps on saying, “No, don’t do it like that,” because, of course, there are all sorts of things that look all right and seem to you the natural way of treating the machine, but don’t really work.

- C.S. Lewis (p. 69, Mere Christianity)

The first time I heard of the name Lewis Smedes was after a leadership seminar organized at my previous church probably just after my form five. I asked one of the speakers who left a deep impression - Peter Chao from Eagles Communication - how did he learn how to speak with such depth and insight.

From then on I searched every Christian bookstore and bought almost all the books Lewis Smedes wrote. The landmark book according to many is Forgive and Forget - surprisingly I got my first copy at Fuller Theological Seminary bookstore, Pasadena, CA. USA. after I graduated from seminary about 6 years ago.

Smedes was able to combine down-to-earth realism with heavenly grace that’s empowering. Many of his writings set me free to appreciate God’s grace and down-to-earth Christian living. On a delicate subject like Forgiveness, he says:

“The act of forgiving, by itself, is a wonderfully simple act; but it always happens inside a storm of complex emotions. It is the hardest trick in the whole bag of personal relationships.” (p. 2, Forgive & Forget: Healing the Hurts we don’t deserve)

And it’s so so true … I see in my own life. And I see it in those who wrestle with inner battles and daily emotional storms when it comes to Forgiveness. It’s a word we use so lightly at times and lose the “life-changing” truth it offers us. And we linger on in hurts and pains and drift further away from the road to healing and freedom.

At times I’m frustrated because people use the word “forgiveness” when they are actually “excusing” the wrong doing. Others use the word in a way as if we can wipe out every single memory of pain - when we will never forget (unless we push it deep into our subconscious) - we can remember the wrong doing in a new light - with new eyes (cf. Smedes tells a beautiful fable on “the Magic Eyes” in his book).

Simple act — hardest trick … what a description. More and more I find clear thinking on muddled subjects like this is so necessary for true freedom to be experienced here and now. If not, we’re tagging along with baggage and pain which we could have left behind earlier than expected.

But then, the fact is emotions are powerful. More and more of us find it hard to handle our emotions, somehow emotions and feelings have taken a center stage in our lives. When our life choices are determined more by feelings and emotional comfort, I think we miss out on the clear (often common sense) wise apporach provided by truth, reason and trust in God (who definately knows better) and others (who are often more objective).