Always there (God is)
When I'm less than I should be
When I just can't face the day
When darkness falls around me
And I just can't find my way
When my eyes don't clearly see
And I stumble through it all
You I lean upon, you keep me strong
And you raise me when I fall
(chorus)
You are there when I most need you
You are there so constantly
You come shining through, you always do
You are always there for me
When life brings me to my knees
When my back's against the wall
You are standing there right with me
Just to keep me standing tall
Though a burden I might be
You don't weary, you don't rest
You are reaching out to carry me
And I know I'm heaven-blessed
(Repeat chorus)
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
God's love
Can we all love like God does?..He poured unconditional, sacrificial love for each one of us. His love is the only kind of love that will never die. We humans have the tendency to love for a moment, pour out our hearts for someone or something we are fond of and then one day we find ourselves not very keen and need a change. How is this possible?. Somebody told me its just the complexity of the human emotions. So the next question which comes in, can we stay faithful to one thing and one thing only?. Humans yearn for new things, once they get bored with something/someone they leave. However our LORD Jesus will never change. He is the same today, yesterday and tomorrow. As faithful as can be he will never forsake us even when we turn away from Him, He will never stop loving us but instead He will wait patiently for us to run back to Him. Dearest Lord you are forever wonderful and I stand in awe of you everytime. Praise your HOLY NAME.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
To be in the likeness of Christ
As we move into a brand new year of 2008, most of us have already planned new year resolutions. There are so many targets and goals that we want to accomplish this year. Some of us hope to get a promotion or a pay rise, and there are some who intend to even find a life partner etc. Setting these goals are essential and vital. It helps to push us to strive harder or make an extra mile in order to achieve the end result. However we tend to get so caught up in achieving the best until we become so busy we start compromising on the Godly things and lifestyle we used to have. This will lead us astray from God and ultimately jeopardize our relationship with him. When we look back at our new year resolutions, most of them are of the world. What about Godly goals? Haven’t we forgotten to include that in? Why do we have so many goals for ourselves but forgot about setting goals to achieve for the LORD?
As children of God we must have Christ kingdom perspective in mind. The ultimate goal for our lives is to be like HIM more and more. We as His disciples must reflect God’s light.
We are called to be the salt and light of the world (Mark 9:50)
- we should remember God’s faithfulness
- we should make a difference in the flavour of the world. (like salt changes meat taste)
- we should counteract with the moral decay in society. (salt preserves food from decay)
Whatever we do, our actions are always being observed by the people around us. Therefore before we decide to respond to a certain situation, we must evaluate and ask God to help us discern if it is appropriate to respond in a particular way and whether or not it is His will. For example, if a person makes us angry, are we going to go berserk and burst out back on the other person or are we going to settle it in a calm and pleasant way. The way we respond will ultimately affect the impression that people have on us. We are God’s ambassadors and royal priesthood therefore we must be watchful of how we bring ourselves, our daily conduct and attitudes because the way we portray ourselves must be glorifying to His name. We wouldn’t want to shame and dishonor His name but instead we want to show the world that JESUS is our LORD and He lives in us.
Some important characteristics of GOD that we are ought to follow.
A) Offer forgiveness and unconditional love.
Our God is ever loving and merciful. Even though how much we sin against Him, he still loved us. He wants us to follow thus very nature of HIM.
Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do. (Luke 23:34)
If God himself forgave who are we to judge other people when we too are sinners. We must first examine our own attitudes and actions.
“Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you
shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.” (Luke 6:37)
He wants us instead to learn to love our neighbors who include family member, friends, husband/wive, or enemies despite of what they have done in our lives. Why he wants us to forgive like He does? Because he wants to set us free and to experience the true joy and blessings of the LORD. He don’t want us to be burden by all those past that have hurt us. It is better to lift it all up to the Lord than to let these negative emotions as a result of unforgiveness to torment us. Our job is to pray for those who hate us. Love them in spite of what they have done to us. The journey towards healing starts with combining both unconditional love and forgiveness. If there is not love, there is no forgiveness or it will be hard to forgive. Both are closely entwined.
Easy as said than done (when it comes to loving your enemy), but you can do it when you strive to see people through the eyes of Jesus full of love and compassion. We also need to turn to God and ask for strength Real love requires all of our efforts and sacrifice. Everything we have to give like money, time, our pride, and personal involvement to help the other person. By putting the other person's needs ahead of our own we walk with a humble attitude. (we let go of our rights to put others first) When we do this, the person that hurt us will be aware that we are different. We are Christ ambassadors and ought to show a Christ like example to people for them to follow. Remember we do all things to glorify His mighty name.
B) Practice Servanthood
We all need to have a heart of a servant. Even our LORD JESUS, a man who is highly exalted served His people. In the bible it tells us that JESUS washed the feet of HIS disciples which show servanthood. His life on earth is more of serving the people He sees everyday (healing, teaching, feeding, blessing) and does not expect anything else for His own benefit in return but only hope that they will hear the gospel and receive salvation form our heavenly Father. It is the command of our Father to be faithful and sensible servants for Him and for His people.
Matt 24:45-47
How to have a heart of a servant?
- lay down our rights at the feet of the cross (rights to anger, certain advantage etc) Let’s say we waited for the waitress to sit us in a restaurant for a rather long time already and finally she gave another person the sit first. Are we going to scream at her and demand for a free meal because it was our rights to get our sits first.
- give rather than receive (offer help to shift house or clean the church or help a brother in a project without asking)
- serving means sacrificing (time-going out for a movie, shopping spree, girls night out, sleep over, pillow talk, energy-help to shift house, give tuition to help out in studies, possessions-treat friends once in a while)
Acts 20:35
It is more blessed to give than to receive
- humble
- obedient to the word of GOD
- doesn’t complain but be submissive (do as told e.g leaders)
- does not wait to be called to do something (clean the church, offer to help without asking)
C) Being and Influencer
1 Timothy 4: 12
Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity.
We all influence people every stage of our lives, whether we recognize it or not. The question is how do we influence? In a good way or a bad way. The best model to follow is JESUS and how His life related to people. (basically how His ministry affected the people) The gospel tells us that Jesus poured His life into a few people, and in turn this small group impacted the world and all of history. We are often encouraged to influence other people with our Christian walk not out of obligation, but because it brings great meaning and joy to our lives (when we see other people get touched by what we say or do, we are delighted because we know that we are walking right with GOD and we are encouraged) and It is a high calling and a part of our pre-designed purpose that He has for our lives.
How and who do we influence?
- not limited to people with ongoing relationship (a person that you have been nurturing or sharing the gospel)
- it can be a one time encounter with a stranger u meet at a bus station or it may be a short message in a greeting card that includes the gospel of JESUS.(God’s calling and commission for us)
“Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation” (Mark 16:15)
- not necessarily from a classroom setting where a speaker will talk about a particular topic (sermon, seminar) which influence or impact their lives.
- We can use everyday events and impacting moments as opportunities to teach or influence. (you see a blind man on the street, how u respond to that scenario, or how u have been praying for a payrise or good results when finally your prayers have been answered.
- Can happen in an informal setting e.g: during a shopping spree with your friends, in uni, workplace or church.
- By story telling (JESUS use parables)
- By showing the heart of compassion to those who are in need. (really moving out from the comfort zone and into the darkest streets, deserted places where beggars and prostitutes live.)
- Giving counsel and practical advice.
- Nurture the potential in others to fulfill their God given purpose. Influence them to have a heart that is passionate about serving by telling them what GOD can do with their lives like what GOD has done to you and how they can play an important role in building the kingdom of GOD. (encouragement) This can be done by looking out for gifts and talents which one can serve in church and affirming that what he/she does is right and in the will of GOD.
Matt 28:19,20
Pray that the LORD will reveal to you the people that He wants us to impact with biblical insights, and encouragement for the journey of life.
D) Steadfast in prayer
Having a prayerful life as a Christian is the utmost important. We all need to pour out our hearts desire and needs to God. Even Jesus prayed to His Father often. No matter how busy He was, Jesus still spent time alone with His Father, praying. After a full, tiring day of ministering to people and healing He still woke up early the next day to spend time with the LORD.
Mark 1:35
Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where He prayed.
Why Pray??
- to receive guidance from God to carry you through the whole day.
- Have faith that God answers
- We have hope in God
- We surrender our lives to God and know that He is in control
- Acknowledging our dependence on God
- Because prayer is powerful (our God is a God of possibilities)
- It is God’s will in our lives
1 Thessalonians 5: 17,18
Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
- Because He is glad when His children come to seek Him in prayer
Proverbs 15:8
He delights in the prayers of the upright.
- We acknowledge that He is God over our lives
- To have an intimate relationship with the LORD ( draw us closer – comm. with the Lord about the ups and downs of our lives)
What do we pray?
- For the nation (peace, good leaders, Christian ministers) - intercessory
- Defeat any hindrances and plans from the evil one
- For the people that we are nurturing
- To soften the hearts of our loved ones and uncover the veil for those who do not know the LORD
- To transform lives
- Blessings and protection
- For Him to reveal the purpose that He has for our lives.
How do we pray?
- with a humble attitude
- with expectancy that God will answer
- with a sincere and pure heart
1 Samuel 16:7
“For the Lord does not see as a man sees, for a man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart”
- in spirit and in truth
Praying is more effective than actually confronting someone to help him/her as prayers are capable of moving mountains.
Mark 9:29
This kind can come out only through prayer
However there are times when our prayers seem to be not answered but don’t fret because in His due time it will be but maybe not in ways that we want it to be but in His will because He knows what is best for us. Therefore we must never give up praying but instead be steadfast and persevere in prayer.
Galatians 4:4
But when the time had fully come, God sent His son, born under law.
God sees the heart and how much faith that we have to know that God hears our prayers and that something has already been taking place in the spiritual realm.
Yours truly,
Sabrina Lee 2008
RUN WITH FREEDOM
Hey there GEPC folks...Christina here..Just wanna share with u guys something that God has taught me these few days...
Recently I have been jogging in this park near my house for a few times. The path was about 3 km long.. It is not easy to run such a long distance, especially when the finish line seems so far ahead..First few times I'm able to jog until the finish line without stopping. One evening I decided to carry these two dumbells in my hand and jog the whole park. Halfway I was feeling so so tired, my hands and thighs are aching thanks to the weight I bear in my hands. I was practically out of breath..I felt like quitting! I don't feel like running anymore becox I beh tahan ady. The tiredness from the weight was overwhelming...it had stop me from continuing the jog.
So the question is do you want to run this race FREELY without any guilt or fear troubling you?? Then it's time to COMPLETELY drop off all these sampah saraps of sins.
Hebrews 12:1 says " Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us"...
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith!!
Recently I have been jogging in this park near my house for a few times. The path was about 3 km long.. It is not easy to run such a long distance, especially when the finish line seems so far ahead..First few times I'm able to jog until the finish line without stopping. One evening I decided to carry these two dumbells in my hand and jog the whole park. Halfway I was feeling so so tired, my hands and thighs are aching thanks to the weight I bear in my hands. I was practically out of breath..I felt like quitting! I don't feel like running anymore becox I beh tahan ady. The tiredness from the weight was overwhelming...it had stop me from continuing the jog.
This was an illustration of the race we are running in our Christian life. So many times we felt so tired and overwhelming because of the burdens we carry ( like the dumbells mentioned). Burdens of our past, guilt, unforgiveness, hatred, fear, worries and so on....had pulled us down, preventing us from moving forward. But God wants us to finish the race..and He wants to us to RUN WITH FREEDOM!!!
Not only that that Jesus had asked all of us who are tired and weary to go to Him, so that He can give us REST from ALL the BURDENS that is struggling us. He is willing to exhange His light burdens for our heavy ones....See how good God is.
So the question is do you want to run this race FREELY without any guilt or fear troubling you?? Then it's time to COMPLETELY drop off all these sampah saraps of sins.
Hebrews 12:1 says " Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us"...
We can't carry two things at the same time. See how overwhelming the weight is?? Throw the burdens off your back!! Then you can continue to run without any struggle anymore.
God wants us to leave our past, and look forward towards the future cox He had great plans for us!!! AMEN!!
So brothers and sisters, let us continue to run without struggling with our oldselves, for whoever is in Christ we are renewed in our minds and our spirits and ALL OUR OLD WAYS and OLDSELVES are GONE!!! All sins had been forgiven through the blood of Jesus Christ and it is through this blood, CHRIST HAD SET US FREE!!!
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith!!
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Holy Spirit Part III
Ephesian 5:18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.
This scripture is not optional but rather a command to all of us.
Are you BEING FILLED with the Holy Spirit ?
We need to be filled with Holy Spirit CONSISTENTLY. If not, we're in rebellion to God.
How do we being filled with the Holy Spirit consistently ?
Ephesian 5:19 Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord.
We sing spiritual songs and hymns not only during worship service but every moment that we can no matter whether we're doing house chores, resting, driving etc.
Regarding our life partner, it's good for us to get a spirit-filled partner as your wife/husband would not submit to you unless he/she is spirit-filled.
Eph 5:22 Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord.
Regarding our workplace, it's good for us to use the same enthusiasm we have for God to serve our boss. Do not work like the worldly people where they work as little as possible but hope to get as much as they can when it comes to bonus. Remember, our actions and working attitude are always the best testimonial for Him.
Regarding spiritual warfare, bible says that the evil ones are roaring lion and ready to prowl on its victim. They're more powerful than us BUT Jesus has given us the authority to win this warfare. Thus, be ready and BE ATTACHED to the Holy Spirit.
Spirit of love
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."
What does the church need today ? Finance ? conferences ? in-depth training ? modern technologies ? numbers of people ? Not at all, but the spirit of love.
Lacking spirit of love = source of problem
It's not a secret ingredients that we need to hunt for but it's mentioned a lot of time in the bible. It's because of our cold hearts and self-centredness that bring problem to the church.
Therefore, love one another as we receive His love freely and we shall give it to others freely.
This scripture is not optional but rather a command to all of us.
Are you BEING FILLED with the Holy Spirit ?
We need to be filled with Holy Spirit CONSISTENTLY. If not, we're in rebellion to God.
How do we being filled with the Holy Spirit consistently ?
Ephesian 5:19 Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord.
We sing spiritual songs and hymns not only during worship service but every moment that we can no matter whether we're doing house chores, resting, driving etc.
Regarding our life partner, it's good for us to get a spirit-filled partner as your wife/husband would not submit to you unless he/she is spirit-filled.
Eph 5:22 Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord.
Regarding our workplace, it's good for us to use the same enthusiasm we have for God to serve our boss. Do not work like the worldly people where they work as little as possible but hope to get as much as they can when it comes to bonus. Remember, our actions and working attitude are always the best testimonial for Him.
Regarding spiritual warfare, bible says that the evil ones are roaring lion and ready to prowl on its victim. They're more powerful than us BUT Jesus has given us the authority to win this warfare. Thus, be ready and BE ATTACHED to the Holy Spirit.
Spirit of love
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."
What does the church need today ? Finance ? conferences ? in-depth training ? modern technologies ? numbers of people ? Not at all, but the spirit of love.
Lacking spirit of love = source of problem
It's not a secret ingredients that we need to hunt for but it's mentioned a lot of time in the bible. It's because of our cold hearts and self-centredness that bring problem to the church.
Therefore, love one another as we receive His love freely and we shall give it to others freely.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Cambodia Mission trip - Island team (Part 2)
Good morning guys~ Rachel here at your service again! First thing first, i'm very sorry for being this late to update part 2. Paisei lar Hehe...But lets keep up the mission fever, shall we~? ;)
But before i begin, i just want to share a bit of what had happened recently that impacted me...
Bet you all have read and heard about the catastrophes landed upon Myanmar and Sichuan (china). These events made me ponder many questions towards God...
Why does God allow these...?
The cries of the broken-hearted mothers.
I cannot imagine the devastating pain of the parents who lost their chilren unexpectedly.
Nobody can hold back their tears after seeing this.
I'm sorry guys. I didn't mean to start your day with sadness. But i just can't help asking God, why? why? why? 14,000++ victims...they were not believers yet...the gospel has not reach to them yet... and now its too late.
I keep wondering what is God trying to tell us here... I have found my answers. Have you?
Unspeakable grief. I think the person who understands the most is God. He knows the sorrow of a grave, He buried his own son. He saw how his beloved son was crushed.
Isaiah 49:13 - The LORD comforts his people and will have pity on those who suffer.
Nothing can change who God is...He is still a Father in heaven who mourns over his children sufferings. He still loves the world.
But if God so love the world, why so many orphans and widows...?
i think God is trying to tell us....Time is running out. We are approaching end times. Jesus is coming soon. But, there are still millions of people who haven't hear the gospel. God is giving us a sign that we need to do something before more devastating catastrophes occur.
If we give our lives to Jesus, death will no longer be an eternal separation. We shall be reunited with God in heaven, together with our perished loved ones.
So brothers and sisters, before its too late...let's start saving lives while we still can.
I know your heart grieves together with them. So this is the time for us to send hope, care and help to China and Myanmar. Are we still sleeping at our comfort zone? Before its too late, what about now?
James 1:27 - Religion that God accepts as pure and without fault is this: caring for orphans and widows who need help, ad keeping yourself free from the world's evil influence.
The I heart Revolustion CD cover wrote this:
"...also challenges us all to live the worship life that goes beyond just the confession of our lips and would direct us toward action - reaching out to the lost and the broken, heling the poor and oppressed and pursuing justice and fairness for all people..."
Let us all start pray and ask God to build us up as his frontier armies and go to the ends of the world for Him.
I John 3:16 - This is how we know what LOVE is. Jesus Christ laid down His life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.
Okay let's continue for where i'd left behind. Hehe. Day 2 is not over yet. After our visit to the first village, we spent another 1 hour to arrive the second village, the famous FIREY FURNACE.
Oh yeah, thanks for logging into gepc blogspot again. I know maybe some of u are busy doing assignments, or maybe doing quotation for your companies, or maybe some other business stuffs...But since you're here...why not take a short break, put aside your workload and relax? ;) Get some biscuits and a cup of tea, have a sabbath hour~
The church
No wonder it is called FIREY FURNACE. Everything is 'hangus' one. Serious~~ The leaves and the trees looked very "Chau Da". And the heat is microwavable. Though we were excited to see the villagers, the hot weather had discouraged us a lot.
Thus, the villagers earned our respect. They are strong and tough to be able to work under the hot sun for long hours without complains. If we had to live here, the first thing we'll do is crying for our mums.
Some of the children's hair also gold/yellowish.
Even the cow is colourless.
Pastor Robert's turn to share the word. The church was no bigger than the first one. It was built mainly with zinc tiles and wood. Therefore, the temperature in the church was higher than outside because of the trapped heat.
Oh yeah, the church has only 1 small window for air ventilation.
We experienced a whole new culture of worship which is so different from our malaysian churches that are so comfortable. Okay, allow me to explain more.
You see, though its so hot, all the villagers put aside their daily chores to attend the service. They would rather use the time to worship God than to earn another few hundred riels for a meal.
What about us? Our churches have everything. Fully air-conditioned, nice chairs and carpets, wonderful music instruments and equipments...sometimes its just not enough to convince us to go to church because of assignments and exams...
Pastor Sawut and the church members.
One thing sad to know about this church is that...there are no local pastors to nurture it. Pastor Sawut, Pastor vutti and Pastor Sara have to take turns to come here and preach. Furthermore, it takes 90 minutes to reach here. To us, its not a problem but for them, they can hardly afford the expensive petrol.
Money can't buy everything. But you can't buy anything without money. *confused*
Therefore, the church is quite poor. They don't have music instruments except this drum. So we started the worship with a drum. Yet, people still sing joyfully. Its like they have been waiting for a moment like this after 6 days of work. Water, for their dried soul.
Pastor Sara, never let go of the chance to candid. *pengsan*
This man, stood up for testimony and sharing. A few days ago, he was selling some crops in the city. But he was fined by a policeman for no reasons. He had to pay 60,000 riels which later on was "discounted" to 20,000 riels (10USD). It is considered "normal" in Cambodia because policemen wants to drink kopi o. So they bullied the poor and uneducated villagers.
However, he was not discouraged and continue to praise God without worries. I don't know how is he going to pay the fine but i know somehow he will get through it because of his faith.
So after worship, we went out to welcome the children.
Sophoan is teaching the children some songs.
This village has more children than the first one.
Sabrina. Som tiek die~ (Please clap your hands)
After praise and worship, its time for ART class~~ hehe.
The best colouring of the day~
Alright, see the second boy from the left? He is so good in colouring. And he is the only boy who 'smiles' among the children. We almost wanted to give him crayons and coloring book for free but at the end we decided not to. Because we don't want him to be bullied by other children after we're gone.
There are no schools and teachers nearby. So children who are below 12 years old have to help their mothers with housechores or babysitting their younger brothers and sisters. For children who are above 12 years old, they have no choice but to start working at the fields.
See how bright is his smile? Can you believe he is 14 years old? Oh yeah, his left eye is blind because of his work that require prolong exposure to the sun. He was rewarded for a wonderful coloring but he gave to his little brother. I really pray that God will continue to bless him and his family.
Thought of the day: The needs in both villages are tremendous. The children holds the key to change Cambodia's future. Yet, without proper education, where is their future going to be? Who will go and bring hope to their land?
Day 3
How do u feel if u are pulled out from bed early morning at 6am? Here, I present to you a Malaysian Pigs in Cambodia. Hehe.
Hahaha. Hey u have to understand la. Day 2 was so tiring for us already and somemore have to wake up 6am on the next morning. It takes 6 hours to Koh kong city u know~ (and Rach keeps on Yada yada yada....)
Here's some photos snapped during the road trip. I'm bored ma. :P
KohKong is a smaller city than Phnom Penh. Pastor Anba said that it is a main illegal transit to transport Cambodian girls to Thailand for prostitution. So why are we going to Koh kong? Because we will be traveling to the islands from the jetty there.
Awww...what's with the faces?
To Koh Kong, we need to go through two rivers which require "ferry services". Oh don't get me wrong, its not like the one in penang...
Pengsan or not? Like that can call ferry ar?????
This is the only motor that drives the ferry.
We're not allowed to wait inside the van so later we have to kumpul here.
So after the cars finished loading, its our turn to find ourselves a spot to stand.
No time to jaga reputation liaw.
Shiaoyong and Pastor Chin tried to smile but too busy trying to not to fall into the water.
So we reached to the other side safely. But it's not over yet. Very soon we reached the second ferry service. So while waiting for our turn, we visited the local marketplace.
Can see cannot eat.
Aloysius paid 500 riels for the toilet. Kena marah by Amanda because too expensive. Hahaha.
Oh here, this you gotta see... Their mangosteens and langsat are superb~~ sweet!!
At last, we reached Koh Kong city. The first thing to do....MAKAN~~~
We paid a price for the lunch you know....53USD~~~!!!! for only 6 small dishes~~~!!!!!!!!
Amanda, our treasurer tried to put a smile with sweats around her forehead. Sigh...pengsan...
Then Pastor Chin tried to cheer us up...
Pastor Chin: There is a way not to pay the lunch money. Just get someone to go to the jail for us
and I will bail him/her out with 5 USD. Rachel, will you sacrifice for God?
*All of us were speechless*
It was evening when we reached Koh Kong. The weather was very cooling probably because Koh Kong is situated near the seaside. It takes 10 to 15 minutes to reach Thailand from here.
We visited a local church and met the pastor there. a few years ago, missionaries from Finland answered God's calling and build a church here in KohKong. They did a good job nurturing the people there and successfully produced pastors.
Then they left after the church is able to run its own and strong to be independent. The mother church has done a real good job in planting churches in different islands (which we are going to visit tomorrow) and building strong youth and adult fellowships.
We are very thankful to the work done here. If only every churches are like this.
Can you see the person behind us? The Candid king...~
Indeed, Aloysius the 'Information centre'
Because it was monday, the church members were either working or studying. So we didn't managed to meet up with them. Sigh, I was actually hoping to interact with the youths. I heard that they are very very passionate for God.
The man who wears green colour shirt is the local pastor of the mother church. The pastors were discussing about the churches in the islands and what we can do for them.
Cannot tahan pastor sara la.... have u met any pastors like to act cute one?
The mother church has built a english tuition center for the students to help improve their english commands. The Cambodia goverment schools do not teach english so the students have to learn outside the classrooms.
On that night, we transformed into "Bonsai"s.... (Teachers).
Meet bonsai Tan, Bonsai Da, Bonsai Yong, Bonsai lee and Bonsai Aloy.
The students laugh at aloy because in Cambodia, Aloy means "Handsome". Alui means "Money".
So what do you think? Aloy is handsome or money-face? Cast your votes~
We need to teach 2 sessions. First session is mainly teaching grammar and making sentences. Our students are mostly teenagers, 16 to 18 years old.
Unlike the students in Malaysia who are forever 'paisei' and 'shy', Cambodia students are so hungry to learn and initiative.
When we told them to ask us anything they would like to know about malaysia, they are not hesitate to stand and ask, which u can hardly see among Malaysian students. One thing that really amaze me is that....their seriousness and attitude towards studies. They have great ambitions and dreams and they know they have to work really hard to achieve it. As compared to malaysian students who take their studies for granted...sigh...shame shame...
1 session only takes 1 hour, enough for them to appreciate the chance to learn. They come for classes everyday, some students even travel from other villages.
We interviewed them about their names, families, ambitions and many more. We tried to help them to speak proper english sentences and correct their mistakes. We had a lot of fun. I am really blessed by their cheerful attitudes and their hearts to learn.
If i have them as my students, i don't mind staying at Koh Kong for long term.
Then we played some games, such as hang man, guess the alphabets and etc...
After one hour, the next session begins. The second session is mainly teaching ABC, spelling and simple vocabulary. The students are mostly primary students. The classroom was flooded with people very quickly because the first session students did not want to leave yet. They loved talking to us and wished to learn more from us.
Thought of the day: Appreciate what we have right now because many people dreamed to become like us yet couldn't. Though we belong to different countries, we still share a lot in common. We, who has the power and blessings given by God, should share with them, who are also children of God... After all, we all belong to the same family of God, we are each other's brethrens. Help us O God, how to help my brothers and sisters...
But before i begin, i just want to share a bit of what had happened recently that impacted me...
Bet you all have read and heard about the catastrophes landed upon Myanmar and Sichuan (china). These events made me ponder many questions towards God...
Why does God allow these...?
The cries of the broken-hearted mothers.
I cannot imagine the devastating pain of the parents who lost their chilren unexpectedly.
Nobody can hold back their tears after seeing this.I'm sorry guys. I didn't mean to start your day with sadness. But i just can't help asking God, why? why? why? 14,000++ victims...they were not believers yet...the gospel has not reach to them yet... and now its too late.
I keep wondering what is God trying to tell us here... I have found my answers. Have you?
Unspeakable grief. I think the person who understands the most is God. He knows the sorrow of a grave, He buried his own son. He saw how his beloved son was crushed.
Isaiah 49:13 - The LORD comforts his people and will have pity on those who suffer.
Nothing can change who God is...He is still a Father in heaven who mourns over his children sufferings. He still loves the world.
But if God so love the world, why so many orphans and widows...?
i think God is trying to tell us....Time is running out. We are approaching end times. Jesus is coming soon. But, there are still millions of people who haven't hear the gospel. God is giving us a sign that we need to do something before more devastating catastrophes occur.
If we give our lives to Jesus, death will no longer be an eternal separation. We shall be reunited with God in heaven, together with our perished loved ones.
So brothers and sisters, before its too late...let's start saving lives while we still can.
I know your heart grieves together with them. So this is the time for us to send hope, care and help to China and Myanmar. Are we still sleeping at our comfort zone? Before its too late, what about now?James 1:27 - Religion that God accepts as pure and without fault is this: caring for orphans and widows who need help, ad keeping yourself free from the world's evil influence.
The I heart Revolustion CD cover wrote this:
"...also challenges us all to live the worship life that goes beyond just the confession of our lips and would direct us toward action - reaching out to the lost and the broken, heling the poor and oppressed and pursuing justice and fairness for all people..."
Let us all start pray and ask God to build us up as his frontier armies and go to the ends of the world for Him.
I John 3:16 - This is how we know what LOVE is. Jesus Christ laid down His life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.
Okay let's continue for where i'd left behind. Hehe. Day 2 is not over yet. After our visit to the first village, we spent another 1 hour to arrive the second village, the famous FIREY FURNACE.
Oh yeah, thanks for logging into gepc blogspot again. I know maybe some of u are busy doing assignments, or maybe doing quotation for your companies, or maybe some other business stuffs...But since you're here...why not take a short break, put aside your workload and relax? ;) Get some biscuits and a cup of tea, have a sabbath hour~
The church
No wonder it is called FIREY FURNACE. Everything is 'hangus' one. Serious~~ The leaves and the trees looked very "Chau Da". And the heat is microwavable. Though we were excited to see the villagers, the hot weather had discouraged us a lot.Thus, the villagers earned our respect. They are strong and tough to be able to work under the hot sun for long hours without complains. If we had to live here, the first thing we'll do is crying for our mums.
Some of the children's hair also gold/yellowish.
Even the cow is colourless.
Pastor Robert's turn to share the word. The church was no bigger than the first one. It was built mainly with zinc tiles and wood. Therefore, the temperature in the church was higher than outside because of the trapped heat.
Oh yeah, the church has only 1 small window for air ventilation.
We experienced a whole new culture of worship which is so different from our malaysian churches that are so comfortable. Okay, allow me to explain more.
You see, though its so hot, all the villagers put aside their daily chores to attend the service. They would rather use the time to worship God than to earn another few hundred riels for a meal.
What about us? Our churches have everything. Fully air-conditioned, nice chairs and carpets, wonderful music instruments and equipments...sometimes its just not enough to convince us to go to church because of assignments and exams...
Pastor Sawut and the church members.One thing sad to know about this church is that...there are no local pastors to nurture it. Pastor Sawut, Pastor vutti and Pastor Sara have to take turns to come here and preach. Furthermore, it takes 90 minutes to reach here. To us, its not a problem but for them, they can hardly afford the expensive petrol.
Money can't buy everything. But you can't buy anything without money. *confused*
Therefore, the church is quite poor. They don't have music instruments except this drum. So we started the worship with a drum. Yet, people still sing joyfully. Its like they have been waiting for a moment like this after 6 days of work. Water, for their dried soul.And now, let the weak say I am strong. Let the poor say I am rich because of what the Lord has done for us.
Pastor Sara, never let go of the chance to candid. *pengsan*
This man, stood up for testimony and sharing. A few days ago, he was selling some crops in the city. But he was fined by a policeman for no reasons. He had to pay 60,000 riels which later on was "discounted" to 20,000 riels (10USD). It is considered "normal" in Cambodia because policemen wants to drink kopi o. So they bullied the poor and uneducated villagers.However, he was not discouraged and continue to praise God without worries. I don't know how is he going to pay the fine but i know somehow he will get through it because of his faith.
So after worship, we went out to welcome the children.
Sophoan is teaching the children some songs.
This village has more children than the first one.
Sabrina. Som tiek die~ (Please clap your hands)
After praise and worship, its time for ART class~~ hehe.
The best colouring of the day~
Alright, see the second boy from the left? He is so good in colouring. And he is the only boy who 'smiles' among the children. We almost wanted to give him crayons and coloring book for free but at the end we decided not to. Because we don't want him to be bullied by other children after we're gone.
There are no schools and teachers nearby. So children who are below 12 years old have to help their mothers with housechores or babysitting their younger brothers and sisters. For children who are above 12 years old, they have no choice but to start working at the fields.
See how bright is his smile? Can you believe he is 14 years old? Oh yeah, his left eye is blind because of his work that require prolong exposure to the sun. He was rewarded for a wonderful coloring but he gave to his little brother. I really pray that God will continue to bless him and his family.
Thought of the day: The needs in both villages are tremendous. The children holds the key to change Cambodia's future. Yet, without proper education, where is their future going to be? Who will go and bring hope to their land?Day 3
How do u feel if u are pulled out from bed early morning at 6am? Here, I present to you a Malaysian Pigs in Cambodia. Hehe.
Hahaha. Hey u have to understand la. Day 2 was so tiring for us already and somemore have to wake up 6am on the next morning. It takes 6 hours to Koh kong city u know~ (and Rach keeps on Yada yada yada....)Here's some photos snapped during the road trip. I'm bored ma. :P
KohKong is a smaller city than Phnom Penh. Pastor Anba said that it is a main illegal transit to transport Cambodian girls to Thailand for prostitution. So why are we going to Koh kong? Because we will be traveling to the islands from the jetty there.Awww...what's with the faces?
To Koh Kong, we need to go through two rivers which require "ferry services". Oh don't get me wrong, its not like the one in penang...
Pengsan or not? Like that can call ferry ar????? 
This is the only motor that drives the ferry.We're not allowed to wait inside the van so later we have to kumpul here.
So after the cars finished loading, its our turn to find ourselves a spot to stand.
No time to jaga reputation liaw.
Shiaoyong and Pastor Chin tried to smile but too busy trying to not to fall into the water.So we reached to the other side safely. But it's not over yet. Very soon we reached the second ferry service. So while waiting for our turn, we visited the local marketplace.
Can see cannot eat.
Aloysius paid 500 riels for the toilet. Kena marah by Amanda because too expensive. Hahaha.
Oh here, this you gotta see... Their mangosteens and langsat are superb~~ sweet!!
Ah....here comes our ferry~~
At last, we reached Koh Kong city. The first thing to do....MAKAN~~~
We paid a price for the lunch you know....53USD~~~!!!! for only 6 small dishes~~~!!!!!!!!Amanda, our treasurer tried to put a smile with sweats around her forehead. Sigh...pengsan...
Then Pastor Chin tried to cheer us up...Pastor Chin: There is a way not to pay the lunch money. Just get someone to go to the jail for us
and I will bail him/her out with 5 USD. Rachel, will you sacrifice for God?
*All of us were speechless*
NOT FUNNY, PASTOR...! >.<
It was evening when we reached Koh Kong. The weather was very cooling probably because Koh Kong is situated near the seaside. It takes 10 to 15 minutes to reach Thailand from here.
We visited a local church and met the pastor there. a few years ago, missionaries from Finland answered God's calling and build a church here in KohKong. They did a good job nurturing the people there and successfully produced pastors.
Then they left after the church is able to run its own and strong to be independent. The mother church has done a real good job in planting churches in different islands (which we are going to visit tomorrow) and building strong youth and adult fellowships.
The church. Well equipped and beautiful.
We are very thankful to the work done here. If only every churches are like this.
Can you see the person behind us? The Candid king...~
Time to goof around~
Indeed, Aloysius the 'Information centre'
Because it was monday, the church members were either working or studying. So we didn't managed to meet up with them. Sigh, I was actually hoping to interact with the youths. I heard that they are very very passionate for God.
The man who wears green colour shirt is the local pastor of the mother church. The pastors were discussing about the churches in the islands and what we can do for them.
Cannot tahan pastor sara la.... have u met any pastors like to act cute one?The mother church has built a english tuition center for the students to help improve their english commands. The Cambodia goverment schools do not teach english so the students have to learn outside the classrooms.
On that night, we transformed into "Bonsai"s.... (Teachers).
Meet bonsai Tan, Bonsai Da, Bonsai Yong, Bonsai lee and Bonsai Aloy.The students laugh at aloy because in Cambodia, Aloy means "Handsome". Alui means "Money".
So what do you think? Aloy is handsome or money-face? Cast your votes~
We need to teach 2 sessions. First session is mainly teaching grammar and making sentences. Our students are mostly teenagers, 16 to 18 years old.
Unlike the students in Malaysia who are forever 'paisei' and 'shy', Cambodia students are so hungry to learn and initiative.
When we told them to ask us anything they would like to know about malaysia, they are not hesitate to stand and ask, which u can hardly see among Malaysian students. One thing that really amaze me is that....their seriousness and attitude towards studies. They have great ambitions and dreams and they know they have to work really hard to achieve it. As compared to malaysian students who take their studies for granted...sigh...shame shame...1 session only takes 1 hour, enough for them to appreciate the chance to learn. They come for classes everyday, some students even travel from other villages.
We interviewed them about their names, families, ambitions and many more. We tried to help them to speak proper english sentences and correct their mistakes. We had a lot of fun. I am really blessed by their cheerful attitudes and their hearts to learn.
If i have them as my students, i don't mind staying at Koh Kong for long term.
Then we played some games, such as hang man, guess the alphabets and etc...
After one hour, the next session begins. The second session is mainly teaching ABC, spelling and simple vocabulary. The students are mostly primary students. The classroom was flooded with people very quickly because the first session students did not want to leave yet. They loved talking to us and wished to learn more from us.Thought of the day: Appreciate what we have right now because many people dreamed to become like us yet couldn't. Though we belong to different countries, we still share a lot in common. We, who has the power and blessings given by God, should share with them, who are also children of God... After all, we all belong to the same family of God, we are each other's brethrens. Help us O God, how to help my brothers and sisters...
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