Sign and sing

I've noticed for the third week running during Sunday worship that my wife Roseline and another church sister Lucy have joined our hearing impaired couple Victor and Kristy in sign singing! When the lyrics were projected on screen, Joseph the son of Victor and Kristy would use a pointer on the lyrics while the four "singers" perform the song. What a beautiful way to sing to our Lord!

Among the several visitors this morning worshipping at our church were two prayer warriors Ruth and Shirley. They were passing through Miri and returning to Kuala Lumpur after their Ba Kelalan prayer trip. I was delighted to find out that Shirley's hometown is the same as my Mom's - Sitiawan, Perak.

Good synergy

Last night I dropped by Regina's cell group. It was my first time visiting them.

Most of the people present were young professionals. I must admit I was very impressed by their dynamic fellowship.

There were eight guests who were first-time visitors too. Some of them are new to Miri, taking up employment here.


Hwang (in grey and white stripes shirt) played host with warmth and hospitality.



Winston (in black tee) lead in the Praise and Worship. I've never heard of this song they sang - I like it! Watch the clip here. Carol was at the piano.





I also didn't know Mindy (seated, in blue tee) was such a great hostess in games. Everyone had such great fun!

This photo was taken by Hwang.

Towards the end I had the opportunity to promote the 40 DOP campaign that would be launched by my church on June 28.

I'm really proud of Regina and her cell group. Really good synergy! So blessed!

Visitation

The last paragraph of page 143 in my Discipleship class study manual requires the participants to do a special assignment.

Photo credit: James Wong

It states: "Because the commands are clear in Matthew 25, make one visit during the week to one of the following places or persons ... Don't do all the talking; be there to listen ... Go to a situation you have never been before ... Tell your group members next week about your experience and what you learned about yourself."

Rev Law Hui Seng was facilitating my class yesterday when he suggested a visitation to a cancer patient he baptized last month.


We agreed to go this morning as today is a public holiday. The good shepherd was seated in the front passenger seat in our church van with Soh Pei as the driver.

The destination was Tudan, outskirts of Miri. It wasn't easy to find the address had it not been for Soh Pei's help. It was my first trip and I wasn't aware that there were so many houses and artery roads in that area. Yes, it's easy to get lost there especially driving at night.


Taking a group photo upon arrival.


To the house.


We also brought along some food provisions as encouraged by Rev Law earlier.


Our brother-in-Christ was bed-ridden. The signs were not so encouraging either. Rev Law noticed and remarked that Linteng's condition had deteriorated since the last visitation.


But I found strength in the faith of Linteng's wife. Despite of her present circumstances, Selia showed warmth and hospitality in her words and deeds. She also told us that she found much comfort in our Lord now Linteng was baptized.

All of us prayed for the family before we left.

Tonight I will share the tale of my visitation with my family over dinner and then write an email to thank Pastor for today's lesson.


We also stopped by to view the piece of land which Tudan Methodist Church will be built. This church is close to our hearts because it was planted by GMC.


After the visitation I went to Mei Ann Centre where Roseline was attending her Boys' Brigade 2-day E.O.T.C. I managed to take a group photo of them, with the three facilitators seated.

On my way out, I noticed the impressive 40DOP buntings and poster at the church foyer. Later I was even more impressed to find that Mei Ann Church was targeting 1000 participants from their strong congregation of 600 members.

All glory to God!

[Edit 21.05.08] Received news from Rev Law this morning that Linteng was called to the Lord last night around 8:00pm.

Mother's Day

Instead of celebrating Mother's Day, my church used the occasion to honour all parents in our congregation yesterday with every Mom or Dad receiving a gift! (big & small, I mean, xD).

As far as I can remember it has been the tradition in my church to combine the Mother's and Father's Day into one celebration.

Photo credit: James Wong



The youths also gave a performance to honour the parents. It was awesome! Watch the clip here.


The kids also sang their hearts out to their Moms and Dads! Great show! Watch the clip here.

Church Directory 2008

Yes, the new directory is ready for release tomorrow!


There are 35 pages (as compared to last year's 27 pages) with bigger font and different layout orientation for members' details.


Due consideration is also given to our hearing impaired couple Victor and Kristy. There is a remark that mentions Victor communicates via text messages.


One notable addition is the posting of blog addresses as more members start to pen their thoughts online. This is encouraging as it shows that we are up-to-date and relevant.


I applaud Wong Sing Ngii, Jessy Yong and Wendy Tiong for the many tireless hours of effort in delivering such a quality job.

All glory to God as we constantly strive to improve!

Christian movie: End of the Spear

My cell group will be watching a movie that came highly recommended by Rev Law Hui Seng. I did some homework and read the review from Christianity Today. The story is about five missionaries who were killed while on a mission trip to Ecuador. Unknown to me, this story has been told in Christian circles for the past 50 years.

One point that intrigued me was the killers later became Christians!

Tonight we shall see how good the movie is.

Youth Sunday

My church celebrated Youth Sunday yesterday. As expected the youths presented an outstanding Praise and Worship. Here's the video clip of one of the beautiful songs.


This was a dance presentation by the youths. You can watch the video clip here.


Aaron Yung, the 2008 Youth President giving a speech. Aaron is such a fine young man from a family that serves GMC faithfully for many years. We are extremely proud of his parents Teck Chung and Vivien, and siblings Ezra and Elisabeth.

GMC 40 DOP blog!

My church's blog on 40 days of purpose is launched today!

Do visit us to find out more information on the 40 days of purpose at this site.

I really like the photo used as the blog's header. It was taken by my cell group leader William Ting. The location is at Baram, overlooking the South China Sea.

Charis Methodist Church Singapore

My sis Ruth, Roseline and I visited Charis Methodist Church in Singapore last Sunday.

The Pastor, Rev. Tan-Yeo Lay Suan is a good preacher. I enjoyed her sermon on Servanthood and picked up points on Consumer Christians and Partnership Christians. You can watch a short clip of Pastor's sermon here.

It was a very pleasant visit. The people at Charis were very warm and friendly; we felt much at home.


I was told that interior of the church was renovated a couple of years ago. The natural wood finishings and lightings make the sanctuary warm and holy. The acoustics are fantastic.

I found Charis online last month while surfing for more information on the 40DOP. With a scheduled trip to Singapore planned earlier, I emailed the good church and asked to be referred to someone whom I could enquire more on the 40DOP campaign that they undertook last August.

On Saturday I was able to meet up with Charles Loh, the Campaign Director. I didn't expect Charles to share so much without any reservations; clearly he was a brother lending a helping hand wholeheartedly.


Here is the photo taken after Sunday service with Charles (in tie) and Khoon Hock Yun (in charge of 40DOP Communications).


I also received great tips on Ministry Fair from Charis LCEC Chairman Kho Hai Theng (far left).


This is an awesome 40DOP tee specially designed for the campaign; there are two types - I love this papaya orange version for youths and kids!

I'm so grateful to Charis and all the people for sharing their 40DOP experiences and resource materials. I want to thank and praise God for them.

True in every sense, Charis is a people after God's heart.

Wesley Sibu 40DOP campaign

Wesley Methodist Church Sibu is starting their 40DOP campaign on July 6 according to the latest updates from this very useful site by my blogger friend, Yan. My church Grace Methodist is launching the same Christian programmme on June 28, starting with the Simulcast by Rick Warren.

This is fantastic news as there will be awesome synergy and momentum when Wesley and Grace share, learn and encourage each other during the campaign.

[Edit] 40DOP advisory - visit regularly Wesley's site for the latest updates.

Bishop Rev. Dr. Hwa Yung

Bishop Rev. Hwa Yung visited my church yesterday.

It was a first for me hearing his sermon.

And yes, he delivered a great one!

Roseline and I enjoyed it very much. So did Aaron and Abel.