Jesus Says :

The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few - Matt 9 : 37

God is my planner

For the past weeks, organising and planning for outings and camp is kind of enough to drain my mood away. I need to be in the correct mood if i want to ask ppl out to catch up or rot time away. Normally, its easy to get into that mood but when u r sian, it becomes hard. So in steps God ! The best planner ard !

So for the past few weeks, God has made great gatherings out of nothing. The best of the lot are on the wk ends. A few ppl here and there, and u get some new combo which never happened b4 and everyone can really get to know one another better. There's also the odd one on one which is very nice as well. Really can get to just chill out and discover new things abt another person.

Of course, the ppl ard are playing a part as well. They ask me out instead of the other way rd ! Esp those whom u least expect, one call from them and it's like a miracle from God has happened ! Not so extreme la but somewhere along that line. Anyway, saves me the trouble of asking and thinking where to go, wat to eat and etc. Ah..... hopefully such things last for as long as God deems it to be!

Sometimes, u plan things which don't go according to wat u want so u ask God why? But when God plans the mtg, its always going to be within his plan, don't need to ask why, just need to say thank you Lord ! Its wonderful to have a 24/7 planner !

Slow down, come to a stop, rest and recharge, prepare for the road ahead

The title above sums up my month of Oct. A tiny little tetra amount less things to do apart from mtgs, deadlines and revision, so life hopefully be able to flow in a slightly smoother sense, this i really pray hard for.

One thing is to get back into the mode of a normal sunday. Since the beginning of jul, i've been to youth service once. Feels like some sort of prep so that i wont miss it when we move to sat settings next yr. The challenging part this Oct is to refocus and create a mindset where it becomes a 1 way traffic (receiving) rather than a 2 way traffic while serving(u still receive despite giving). And yet, not becoming too comfortable with it cos Nov is another MIA mth due to serving. {If this part doesnt make sense, just ask me in person}

In a way, not being ard is good in the sense where u don't take cell grp/service for granted that u will be "fed" and will leave with something. Sometimes, u just don't. It makes you more aware that one shld actively seek for feeding rather than rely too heavily on been spoon fed in this sense. Actively doing QT in a disciplined manner, reading, being sensitive when God speaks, observing the things happening ard, sharing with one another, signing up for seminars(someone recommanded this method), are just some of the ways which one can source his/her "feeding" from.

Trying to slow down is a challenge indeed. While there isn't a need to be @ ministry this mth, reports in sch need to be rushed, revisions for exams need to begin soon once all those reports are done with, children camp needs time out as well to plan for games and there are still mtgs to attend that come along in this ministry. On one hand, there is a need to slow down to recharge for the month of Nov and on the other hand, there is a need to pick up pace to gear up for Nov. Balance life style, not as simple as it seems.

Still, every moment can be finding rest if we just pause whenever we can. Managed to find time out the past few days last week to just rot away time. Went to some nearby HDB flats and found some benches and just spend time alone, reading, enjoying the surroundings and catching a quick nap or 2. In conclusion, there isn't a huge need for a major rest. Rather, short and regular breaks are more essential to a healthy Christian life. Its a marathon not a sprint, a journey that lasts till we draw our last breathe.

Children Ministry

Warning - verbal diarrhoea - haha. I didn't expect it to be this long though

23th Sep 2007. That's the date when i 1st step into the room where children service is held. Both pastors gave very different responses. One asked me why i was here, so i explained a bit while the other was like "How come are you here! You must explain clearly cos i need to explain to your pastor!" I'll leave it to you to guess who said which one, haha. Btw, i didn't mental note this date down, it was just nice that the following Sunday, we went Balai for the mission trip so i could find out the exact date.

How did i come to join this ministry ? Personally, i told myself that i won't get involve in any ministry if i couldn't commit to it in the right mindset and drop out after a while. I did mention to someone outside cell in 06 that i might be interested in Children ministry though it wasn't the right timing yet. So in Sep 07, God sort of spoke during prayer mtg. I was thinking about having a look already, but i needed some sort of confirmation. And yup, God spoke, not once but twice that night. If mtg the children pastor was normal during a prayer mtg, then mtg one of the children whom i knew even b4 joining the ministry is called rare. Come to think of it, never did see him or his family come to prayer mtg after that. In-ter-est-ing. And so after taking a look, spending time over there the next few months as 07 came to a close, it was good to witness and trust that if the door is open and God isn't closing it, a step of faith is the next step to take.

And so, its been an eventful 10 months of journeying thus far in 08. Just 2 months more ! In fact, only 1 more lessons to teach only, woohoo ! For those who don't know, the children pastor printed out a piece of paper, sort of like a contract, and made everyone sign on it to indicate our commitment for a year to this ministry. Does any other ministry do that? Unlike most ministries where you sort of only know when you are on duty every 3 months, down here, its a standard serve 1 and then rest 1 month rotation. That said, i estimate that this year itself, i will have miss up to 7 months of youth service. Nevertheless, I'm thankful that there are so many other sources to gain "feeding" from other than just going for services.

As I recall the past 1 year, its been lots of fun and learning despite the busyness and energy draining things @ times. My class started off with 12 kids and atm its down to 8 kids, since 4 moved to another church, so it's kind of good to not have too big a group especially now where they are at an age in which they have tons of questions to ask and are trying to seek more personal freedom. As much as you feel that you are giving to the kids in a one way traffic, the kids are in fact giving back to you as well. Their childlike faith in believing, their ability to remember God and his promises and many other qualities helps to remind me to continue to seek God the way the children are doing. It also forces me to have to dig even more during QT and memorise verses as well. At least can give better and more accurate answers when they ask their questions. And ya, if u ask them to memorise things, one must also know it yourself by heart.

One of the huge challenges in this ministry is bible study. Not so much about the preparation but more about the need to get the most out of a limited amount of time and trying to help the kids understand things at their level. Two hours a week, where you have maybe a maximum amount of 30 mins class time isn't a lot, on top of which their attention span is very short. The girls are either listening or asking questions if not their mini chit-chatting sessions starts. The boys are either in their own world or having mini fights, haha. Despite all these, at least they are all willing to keep asking questions, seeking answers and share about their lives.

It's bad enough that i sometimes don't apply what i was taught in regards to preparing for class. We are suppose to prepare from Monday to Friday, setting aside time along side QT to do so and then leave Saturday to pray even more for Sunday. I just wonder for those who do word during cell, do u at times or most of the time leave it till the last min or are you consistent on your preparation ?

Another challenge is the Powder-ful arrows the ahem... children pastor shoots out. Telling u last min what you've been tasked to do is bad enough, its even more "wonderful" when you find out the arrows only when u look at the papers printed out with your name on it and the task to do beside. BOOM ! Why must church leaders at times be so similar with the leaders in the outside world in regards to their working style one, haha. Oh well, a challenge is there to be overcome anyway, hehe. BUT, that doesn't mean those who are leaders out there who are reading this blog shoot any arrow they like any time !

One very unique thing about this ministry is the forever shortage of manpower, especially in terms of guys. Interesting fact: 9/10 of the ladies here are full time mums, don't all the ladies out there aspire to be one next time, haha, then u can consider now to join this ministry in future! Back to the topic, lack of ppl = more work one needs to do = less chance to siam arrow = very sad = thinking of saying bye bye ? (Def not at this point anyway, haha. We serve by one year commitments down here, i will review again in 2010). Nah, this thought hasn't surface yet, hopefully not now.

But, it does give one the chance to learn and do practically everything. If u are interested to try out welcome ministry, we do it here as well, lining up and greeting the kids. Sound ministry? Yup, you are on the console esp when the feet washers need help. Worship ? I already turn it down in terms of leading and playing. Media ? Projector or laptop decides to pull up a tantrum, you have to think of a solution + helping to operate it during teaching as well. So if u don't know which ministry God is putting you into, u can give this one a trial period to get some confirmation. Just don't ever mention that i gave anyone of you this idea!

If you think that's all, not quite. Children ministry presents to you an opportunity to become not only a teacher/leader but a mentor as well to the kids. At this stage of life, many of us at our age have or are seeking a spiritual mentor to advice us on matters. Instead of just seeking a mentor, why not become a mentor yourself? A ministry that goes beyond just serving but impacting the next generation of God people that will shine for him. Ever thought of leaving a legacy and maybe later when you're a grandparent yourself, regret that you could have done more for the younger ones. Why not start now and leave behind your way of living life that will inspire the generations to want to follow that is also pleasing in God sight.

So right now, its the cross roads for me. Saturday or Sunday ? Which day to serve in since our sections are going to move to sat service next yr and there is going to be a children ministry for our new service. Lots of factors to consider. After clearing the initial stage of whether to continue serving in this ministry, its another new stage to go through. Both days are good choices but only one of them will be God best choice. Which one? I've absolutely no idea at the moment. Hopefully things will become clearer before the year draws to a close.

Well, that's that on a summarised version of a one year journey of serving in Children ministry. Of course can't compare to the many great servants out there who have been serving for years le, but serving is fun and a joy to be part of. It's something that i remind myself every Sunday before i see the kids. Because, if the true purpose and meaning of serving God is lost and things become a routine, what's the point of serving when your heart isn't in it anymore. It'll just become like working, dreading about it already from Mon to Fri, still want to dread about a different kind of work on week end ? No way !

- Maybe God's best present ever to us is the hope he gives in the future generations to come that will do his work and bring him glory. That we too take up the challenge to nurture and protect these young ones till they can stand up on their own.

Billy Graham - The Early Years

Giving pain for the sake of love

Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed. (Prov 15:22). This I need to constantly remember and u can too esp if u have lots of plans coming up, big or small. Although the truth can @ times hurt, "Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses." (Prov 27:6), just got to bear with it alright, so that smooth sailing can occur(hopefully).

Therefore, its good to also as a friend note when a friend is starting to stray off course to remind him or her about the dangers they are getting themselves into. "My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins" (James 5:19-20)

If we cant even stand hearing words of rebuke from friends who know us well and really care about our well being, how then can we even say that we can hear God's inner voice speaking to us. "If anyone says, "I love God," yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen." (1 John 4:20)

So sharpen those arrows and get ready to shoot, of course bearing in mind what exactly you are doing and being sensitive about it as well.

- summaried and extracted from "Wasting Time with God"

His outcome

How little or how much planning can go into something, how little or how much effort can go into something, how little or how much time can go into something, in the end, the outcome will be set by God and God alone. His outcome is always the best in his sight even when at times, the mind cannot fully comprehend the results. Thanks nevertheless for making it pleasant for your people on Sunday.

Channel it out to him

Imagine a volcano that remained quiet for years and years and suddenly it explodes out all the lava, steam and ashes. In the same way, our lives can be looked upon in similar aspects to that of a volcano. Why? That happens when many choose to keep all the negative feelings and thoughts inside of them, not even revealing it to close friends or God. And one day, when they can no longer contain all the built up stress over the years, they let it all out in 1 huge blow. The end result is these people suffer break downs and at the same time, those around them suffer as well due to the effects of their explosion (imagine all the hot lava chasing after you and the ashes that damage your health when you breathe them in).

So what does the world do to prevent these from happening if they do know a volcano is on the verge of exploding. Of course the most wise choice is to leave the area till the volcano calms down. But they'll live in constant fear from then on, not knowing when this disaster might happen again. Another method is to blow up the surrounding rocks and try to force the lava to flow into a different direction, out of harm way.

What about us Christians ? What do we do in these sort of situtions ? If you are the volcano, will you be willing to open up to close ones to allow them to help you through tough times. Or will you want to stick it up alone, believeing that your abilities will pull you through ? Sadly, most times, those who go at it alone, end up suffering the most. But does that mean brothers and sisters in Christ are the best options you have in terms of a living presence? Yes, they are concern for you and in trying times, you will finally know who are those who do care about you. (much like the ppl who blow away the rocks to help channel the lava to a different direction) No, in lots of cases, when one really needs the support, many choose to distant themselves away. (Why ? Well, they might be like the residents of the area near the volcano, living in fear of the next explosion that will drag them into things that causes them to lose things that are precious to them)

So are friends really dependable? Not totally. After all, everyone is a sinner, made from the earth and in which we'll return as earth when our time is up. As much as we hope that friends can be there for us in all times, they can't. That's the reality that we must live with. It is in this manner that God is allowed to be in control of our lives. When we no longer look to man but to Him, the Lord will assure us that he will carry us through all things. That unlike human beings, He is the only one who is always with us, in good and bad times.

Jer17:5 states that "This is what the LORD says: "Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who depends on flesh for his strength and whose heart turns away from the LORD." Have we placed too much trust and hope in man that we have diminish God to a smaller role ? This has happen in many situations and God has to let us go through the trials of this life in order for us to place our trust in him and him alone. Remember this well, man will forsake you but God will never leave your side so channel your problems to him and release your burdens for you are not running this race on your own. God is beside you, running with you, if only you pause and sense his sweet presence.