Trials = Praise!

I feel as if I am going to fall sick. I have been sniffing since coming home. I am praying that the Lord will sustain my health as I will be leading worship at the 11.15am service on Sunday. I just took some Vitamin C tablets, hoping to strengthen my immune system.

Anyway, this week has not been a great one for me. Almost everything I did did not turn out well - last week I won a third-generation iPod Nano from some StarHub contest. Yesterday I marked all the songs which I wanted to download onto the gadget. It took me quite a while to filter the two thousand songs in my collection. When I was all set to do the transfer, all the songs I had chosen got unmarked suddenly. That really frustrated me!

This afternoon I went to buy an external hard-disk and a RAM for my sister's notebook. The installation of the RAM was ok but when it came to the hard-disk, a simple process of just plug-and-play became two hours of trying to find where the drive had gone to though it has been detected by the computer and the driver installed. In the end I gave up. I called a brother-in-Christ and after some guidance, the gadget is now working.

On Tuesday, it felt as if the Singapore Bus Service was going against me. After getting some work done with my sister, I accompanied her to the bus-stop so that she could catch a bus home. The first bus came and it was packed. We waited for another 20 minutes and the next bus came. Same thing - it was packed.

I decided that we go to a different stop to catch another bus service. After walking a distant, we arrived at the stop. It was waiting time again - took another 20 minutes for the bus to arrive. My sister boarded while I walked to another location to catch my bus.

I waited and waited and waited and for almost 30 minutes, the bus did not arrive. I checked the information board. It was here I realised that particular bus service stops operation after a certain time of the evening. That almost caused the volcano in me to erupt.

I had no choice but to walk to the next road to catch yet another bus service. Guess what? While walking to the stop, the bus I had in mind zoomed past me. I had to confess I swore out of sheer frustration - not as in vulgarities but still not pleasant words I used.

That evening, it took me two hours to go home from Millennia Walk. :(

On Monday, I took a break from work and went to Malacca with two brothers-in-Christ from the MacRitchie Running Fellowship. We set off as early as 6.30am and we only came back to Singapore past midnight. It was a fun and productive trip as we ate and shopped.

On our way home which was already 9.30pm, I told myself to stay awake throughout the trip so that I could be the extra pair of eyes on the road as it was pitch-dark almost throughout the ride. During dinner time we prayed for journey mercy.

The journey home was ok except towards the end when we were nearing the exit to the Singapore Immigration Point. A Malaysian car overtook us and the brother who was driving just turned his head for a moment to look at that car. The other brother was sleeping in the front seat.

At that short span of time, out of nowhere a lorry came on sight, in front of the car. I shouted for the brother who was behind the wheels to brake. He did and for a distant, the car swerved quite a bit.

Thank God when that happened, there were no cars behind and beside us. I also praise God for the good driving skills of that dear brother of mine who reacted well.

Truly God is good. If not, I would not be able to blog now.

It is tough to focus on what I need to do for this Sunday's service when so many incidents had happened. Anyway, when I was in the train just now, God reminded me that yes, though this week thus far has not been pleasant, it does not mean that it would be so for the next few days. It is a matter of seeing all these as testimonies of how God has pulled me through them. Now I should turn my anger and frustration into praise because I am still here and all the problems I faced earlier have been resolved.

Well, time for me to sleep as I was up watching the Liverpool-Marseille Champions League match from 3.45 to 6.00am. The Reds managed to go into the last 16. Yay!

Good night, everyone!

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance." James 1:2

Stop Being Indifferent; Start Caring

I was just reading the newspapers and found out that an article I wrote to the Forum page regarding the recent mauling of a staff at the Singapore Zoo has been printed. I was pleasantly surprised as it was a spur of the moment decision to bring to everyone's attention that it was not a security lapse which led to the death of the late Mr. Nordin but more so his intention to intrude which led to the tigers' attack.

Every one has been talking about the security aspect when what was missed out is the fact that Mr. Nordin was not referred to the management for counselling when he was behaving erratically on the day of the incident. If his mental state of mind had been dealt with, probably he will still be alive today.

I do not wish to generalise this statement which I am going to make but it is likely that many times we, as humans, choose to mind our business and not care about others who are in desperate need that suicide cases happen.

Sometimes we tell ourselves, "Nah! I don't think it is that bad though so and so is behaving this way." Well, this assumption at the end of the day will cause the loss of someone's life. It is hard to swallow but those of us who are guilty of being indifferent is partly responsible should there be a case of death.

Anyway, I hope I am not a pot calling a kettle black. I have to practise this in my life as well - basically to let my friends know that I am their friend. In turn, it is also my hope that when I am in need, my friends will help me too.

Today has been a day of mishaps for me - I fell down while climbing a flight of steps. One of my left fingers is slightly injured, around the nail area. Next, while I was taking a short cut across a field, I did not know I stepped on some poo. It was only brought to my attention when I was at a cafe - the stench was unbearable when I sat down with my God-sister. We checked the floor around us but could not see any poo. After a while, it occurred to me that I had some on the sole of my sandals. It took me a while to remove the yucky substance off. Haha.

Well, that sums up my day. Thanks be to God, no matter what. :)

"Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken." Ecclesiastes 4:12

Fire At The Void-Deck

It is 1:17am and I am still wide awake. I am basically recovering from a pretty serious incident which happened about an hour ago at the void-deck of my block. A fire had broken out where some sofas were - those pieces of furniture were placed there for some elderly folks who usually congregate in the day to play Chinese chess.

Before the fire, my brother and I heard some Malay youths playing with sparklers which were making a lot of swooshing noises. We did not really pay much attention to them, thinking that they were just having some fun.

It went on for a while and I got a little more curious as to why these chaps were still up so late in the night. I went to the kitchen and that was when I saw the fire. My brother called the fire service hotline while I ran down to investigate the scene. Two sofa sets were blazing with some home-made chess boxes catching fire as well. The walls and ceiling are covered with soots.

My next concern was my neighbours who live on the second floor especially the apartment which is directly above the fire. I knocked on the door and woke the residents up. One of them ran down with a pail and tried to put out the fire. It took three pails to extinguish the flames.

Not long after, the firemen and police came. While waiting for them, I checked the vicinity and saw several burnt sparkler-rods. I showed them to the investigating officers. After taking down my particulars, I went up to my apartment.

I have some suspects in mind but I am not sure whether they are the ones. I walked around the block and went up to the second level to check whether there were any youths hiding but did not find any. I am sure they are still in the estate - hopefully the police will increase their patrol and bring these arsonists to justice.

My nose and throat are feeling uncomfortable due to the inhalation of smoke but after a quick bath and several gulps of water, they are better now.

The police is still investigating as I type.

Another interesting incident after the last one which I shared about involving some Malay youths breaking fluorescent tubes.

Okie, I think I should try to sleep now.

Thank God there was no injury.

Future Bleak Or Bright - Remember, God Provides!

I have been so busy with work that I do not have time to even blog lately. Though it has been up to my neck doing some research, I thank God that I am still surviving. Praise Him for that!

The economy has not been doing well as we all know by now. There are fears of loss of jobs; a bleak future at least for the next one to two years; salary cut and bonus freeze; etc. As I read the newspapers and listen to the news on the television, one part of me says I should be afraid of the uncertainties ahead but then another part assured me of God's peace - reminding me that no matter how bad situations may be around the world and in my homeland, the Lord will still provide as He has always been doing, even for the birds in the air and the grass of the fields.

Though I have to watch what I spend and not indulge too much in every area of my life, I think life ahead will still be fun and adventurous. In God's time, He will restore everything. I guess it is good sometimes for all to face a little difficulty so that it opens our eyes to see how human we are and how we need to depend on God for our daily needs.

Every morning when I wake up, I thank God that He allowed me to have my three meals the previous day and will do the same in the brand new day ahead.

Lately He has shown me a lot of His faithfulness - be it at what I do daily, at home and even in the ministries I am serving in church.

One very good testimony is that of the Children's Ministry Missions Team. As there will be 10 children and 14 adults going on this trip to minister to the Khmer people and spreading God's love during this Christmas season, one area we needed to work on is in raising a third of the funds needed - that amounts to S$10,000.

It seemed a daunting task especially when the trip is just three weeks away but as God has shown me how He had provided in previous trips, I encouraged the team to pray for this fund. I always tell myself and also the team that if what we are doing is that of God's purpose and for His people, He will surely provide regardless of how short time may be. That said, indeed our Jehoveh Jireh has provided!

In a short span of three weeks, we have raised about S$14,000! Through appeals on the pulpit, selling simple stuff like chocolates brought back from Frankfurt and some photographs which I took over the years as a photographer.

It is comforting to know how God provided us with more especially when a recent need was brought to our attention that some dwellers in a slum need help financially. Now this extra money can be used to feed these hungry souls and provide them some training in sewing skills so that they can make a living for themselves.

Hallelujah and all thanks and praise to God for His goodness! :)

Just now, my family celebrated our Australian Silky Terrier's second birthday! I have to confess that we all forgot about it until my God-sister reminded me. Hee. I felt bad after that and I decided to get my doggy some treats - Sasha had a main course of some turkey and lamb sausages plus some jellos for desserts.

She is now all bloated and satisfied - sleeping under the dining table. I shall play 'fetch' with her later so that she can burn off some of the food she had. Haha

Well, time to go!

God is light and He will brighten up our day always! When discouraged, do not shut your eyes in despair. Keep them open, look up and you will see Jesus - submit to Him your needs and if you have asked anything accordingly to His will, He will provide! :)

"This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us — whatever we ask — we know that we have what we asked of him." 1 John 5:14-15

"And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen." Philippians 4:19-20

Once Bitten, Twice Shy

The National Environmental Agency (NEA) just sent me a notice to attend court on 23 December 2008 at 6.00pm to answer a charge of mosquito-breeding or have the offence compounded by paying a fine of S$200 before the date of hearing.

Early last month, a staff from NEA found some lavae on one of the plates holding grandma's flower-pots. As I was the only one at home then, I gave the gentleman my particulars. I did not know that the case is so serious that I have to be summoned to court.

After talking to my lawyer-friend about the options available, I decided to write a letter of appeal to NEA for them to reconsider the charge made. During the period when the offence was committed, grandma was recovering from a bout of asthmatic attack. As she was weak, she was unable to take care of the plants which she has all these while been faithful in doing so.

I hope with this reason, NEA will be lenient enough to let the family off with a warning since this is our first offence committed.

I have to admit that it is a scary thought to be served with a court order. I can picture myself standing before the judge (perspiring profusely) having to defend myself against the charge. An even scarier picture is that of Andy Chew fumbling while being queried and in the end given a more serious charge and sentence.

Well, this incident has taught the family a lesson that it should be a shared responsibility of every one at home to ensure that there are no mosquito-breeding grounds in the vicinity. I guess this is a "once bitten, twice shy" lesson for us. No pun intended.

Oh yah, it just dawned upon me about the earlier picture I gave of me standing before the judge, that one day I would have to stand before another JUDGE and account to Him everything that I have done here on earth. It is my prayer that I live my life in accordance to what God requires so that when I stand before His judgment seat, I would be able to account everything to Him confidently.

Thanks be to God for this reminder.

Okie, time for me to get back to my work.

Praise the Lord for this encounter. May He be merciful and gracious to me.

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7

"Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. Earth and sky fled from his presence, and there was no place for them. And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books. The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each person was judged according to what he had done." Revelation 20:11-13

Every Experience That God Gives Us, He Also Provides

Just now I was feeling very burdened over some matters concerning my family. It was so overwhelming that I had to speak to the Lord about these concerns. In the midst of my quietness before God, there was a complaining spirit in me - blabbing that life is bad! Life is full of problems! Life is no life at all!

I guess today is one day when I find it hard to be still before the Lord because of all these noises crying out for attention. Anyway, I am still thankful that I was able to resolve that life is still not bad.

So what are these matters I was talking about? Well, mum went for a check-up this morning and the doctor has confirmed that her kidneys are weak due to her diabetic condition. More tests were carried out and the results will be out next week to ascertain the kind of treatment needed.

Then a few days ago, grandma fell when she went out marketing. Thank God she is okay except for a few sores on her back. On top of that she has been troubled by mum's condition and also my cousin's hernia operation. Sometimes it is tough to stay at home and hear her keep mumbling that the family is full of problems. Though it is good for her to release her frustrations but it does not help me when I have concerns of my own concerning everything at home. Who is going to listen to my frustrations?

I think I have shared this before - it is tough to have to take care of three elderly family members.

How then is life still good? Well, for mum's case, at least there is an efficient medical facility in Singapore to take care of her health issues. I guess I just have to trust God to use the doctor who is treating my mum to advise her as to the best treatment she needs to overcome her weak kidneys.

As for grandma, yes, she had a fall but at least she is alright. Yes, she is complaining but if I am not there for her, who would? I guess releasing her burdens to me is better than not doing it at all - at least now I know how else to pray for her.

Many times I told God that it is tough for me to handle three old persons but as I look back, these are the three individuals who took care of me from infancy to what I am now. I guess it is my turn to repay their kindness and love.

God also assured me this when I was trying to be as quiet as I could - since He has preserved the lives of grandma, mum and dad till this age of theirs, surely He would also provide accordingly to meet their needs.

Well, I guess it is more beneficial to approach life's inconveniences with joy rather than being moody about it.

Oh yah, God also reminded me that I need not go through this alone. Having that in mind, I messaged my accountability group members about the above-mentioned so that they can pray with and for me. :)

I shall key off now.

All glory to God!

"Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens." Psalm 68:19

My Apologies

When I wrote my previous blog I knew I would have caused some friends to be offended by what I shared because I seemed to be judgmental. Part of me says I need not explain myself further but the other part does not wish to create any rifts or misunderstandings.

All I have to say is there are pockets of friends, who instead of affirming and encouraging, mocked me outrightly when I shared with them about what I have been doing for the people around me.

What I shared in my blog is what I am going through in my life's journey. It is not meant to judge (may the Lord forgive me if I had). Instead it is to cause the readers and myself to ponder on those thoughts jotted down.

I may have done it on someone else and for me, it is an evaluation and a decision I have to take to stop this once and for all, lest I hurt another person by my insensitivity.

That said, I apologised to those who have taken offence in what I published especially the part which I seemed to have generalised "a supposed like-minded company."

The past few days of reflection on this have caused me to make this statement - "Just because I do not practise what others are doing which may be out of ordinary, it does not give me the right to mock them. Instead I should learn from them."

Well, I guess I am going to sleep with a heavy heart tonight but I trust that God will help me through this.

Being A Weirdo For Christ!

Ever had this experience where you shared with your friends what you did for someone which may be out of the ordinary and in return you get this "are-you-sure?" reaction? It is a lousy feeling, I have to say, especially when you are with a supposed like-minded company.

Since last year, I resolved to live my life in a manner where I would want to involve myself in being a light to the people around me. That sometimes means being a weirdo in the sight of strangers especially when you start talking to them about the harmful effects of smoking; about the consequence in selling pirated DVDs; about informing and warning shops not to sell cigarettes to individuals below the age of 18; about encouraging youths not to drink alcohol at void-decks; etc.

In my growing up years I have been taught by my parents to always mind my own business and not get myself into unnecessary problems especially involving myself in other people's lives.

Well, then I was not a Christian but now being one who has known Jesus for more than 20 years, I feel that it is my responsibility to make a difference in this world. As an individual I may not be able to change the whole world but if I can bit by bit, person-by-person, minister as much as I can, then I should.

The results in attempting to transform lives are never encouraging. Out of ten persons you reach out to, probably only two will heed your advice and change. To me, it is better than not doing anything at all and obtain zero returns.

If even one life can be nurtured, thanks be to God for that!

Anyway, I am going to continue to live as a 'weirdo.' Not easy especially when I want to be accepted by the people around me. I guess I shall not be too bothered by this and let God use me accordingly.

It has been a tiring day for me, having made a foolish decision to stay up at 1:30 this morning to watch the Liverpool-Tottenham match. I only slept at 3:30am and had to wake up by 7am so that I could be in church by 8am.

No matter how exhausted I was, I am thankful for having gone through this day of adventure in church.

Okie, I have to go now as my eyes are shutting real soon.

Good night and have a blessed week ahead!

"As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to him — you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. For in Scripture it says: "See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame." Now to you who believe, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe, "The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone," and, "A stone that causes men to stumble and a rock that makes them fall." They stumble because they disobey the message—which is also what they were destined for. But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us." 1 Peter 2:4-12