Saturday, September 22, 2007

Explainations and Salutations

I knew my house could fit 50 people easily, see? No sweat what so ever!

Random Though: It's funny how people come together for a night, hanging out and talking with one another... then go home, back to their own seperate lives... to briefly intersect with one another for but a moment, and then flitter back off onto their path.

Anyway.

So I had a going away party... although I really don't know what date I'm heading off yet (a rather frustrating place to be, let me tell you!) and it was quite big... around 50 people turned up (which was strangely the number of people I predicted...) and had a great time of food, fellowship and listening to Josh speak as he was getting consistantly heckled.

In case you missed it, I had my going away party now because I originally thought that I would be heading off tomorrow night. However due to Visa issues, I can't. So I changed the purpose of the night to explain why I'm going and answer some questions. Thus telling everyone all at once what's happening. Also it was good to see some people who I haven't seen for quite some time.

It was really amazing the feelings that your friends elicit when you know that you don't have that much longer with them... the strength of what you normally feel is magnified. If I could encapsulate and materialize the emotions that each and every one of my friends stir in my heart, it would be a substance that could bring World Peace and end poverty. I guess it's a pretty crazy feeling. Just being in a house filled with people I love and who I know love me; it was really awesome... beyond cool... fully sick... uber l33t. Whatever culture or vernacular that you follow, it was good.

So all in all it was a really great night. Lots of good byes ... on the more then likely chance that I wouldn't have a good oppurtunity to say a proper farewell in the months ahead. More then anything I pray that I would be able to leave soon... tho in God's timing... but it will still be sad to leave my friends behind. I don't think I realized until tonight just how hard it would be... especially to leave those that are closest to my heart and life.

I guess... as I told one of my LG members a couples days ago... God puts friends in your life for a season or for seasons... to grow you... to impart into you... and for you impart into them. Friends come and go... but never base your own self worth... your value in God... your own ability... or your faith... on your friends or those around you.

To all of you from Melbourne... I will miss you heaps; more then I could or would ever say or show being an Asian guy. I love you all. God bless.

And yes... I will still be around for at least another 2 weeks... probably for another month lol.

Tuesday, September 18, 2007

A bit of my testimony

The Elders in HK asked for a bit of my testimony. Since I couldn't give everything, I thought 2 pages would suffice. Once I wrote it, I decided to share it here, in my chronicles of this stage of my life.

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My Childhood and Salvation

I was born into a Christian family, my father (Michael) having been a deacon, elder, pastor and even a priest in the years that I’ve known him; while my mother (Gwen) has faithfully served in a whole heap of ministries, the latest being Alpha, of which she is state advisor in Victoria. I gave my life to Jesus when I was three years old and that act kept me on a straight and narrow path during my childhood and teen years. Oh and I was baptised when I was five in the spa of someone’s house by my dad.

However it was only when I turned 16 and had returned to Australia when I truly accepted Christ as my Lord and Saviour, not because of my parents, but on my own accord. That is when my faith truly became my own.

I was at a massive evangelistic youth event held by my church. The speaker was a man named Tom Papania, a former mafia boss who had been radically converted by God’s grace, who now went around the world as an evangelist. I don’t remember much about what he said… to be honest his testimony was a riveting testimony, but it didn’t really apply to me. I just remember at the end he asked everyone to stand. Then he asked those were totally sure of their faith and of their salvation to sit down. I was tempted… but in my heart I felt something urge me to remain standing. I re-dedicated that night.

A few months later I was baptised in the Holy Spirit, and God began to stir my heart for ministry and leadership in the church. However, because I was Chinese, with Chinese parents, I had to finish school first. Strangely it was only after I was filled with the Holy Spirit that I really was able to talk to people. Most people who know me now, having met me after this radical transformation, never believe that part. It’s true none the less.

Past Ministry

I have been involved in a variety of ministries in my life. I developed a love of kids’ church and working with younger kids from very young and that continues to this day. I started doing crèche and sound for church when I was in grade 8, albeit without any formal training.

In 2004 I became a youth small group leader when I graduated from High school, leading a group of 15 young men, all from ages 16-18 for a year and a half while attending Young Adults (18-25). In 2006 I became a YA small group leader when my previous group graduated from High school and moved up.

I also am active in my church’s thriving Kid’s ministry, which sees about 600 children every week. Because I was so heavily involved in Youth and then YA, I chose to stick with a younger group, who are no less important, but require a little less time and brain power when dealing with the children.

I almost burnt myself out during 2005, when attending YA, leading in Youth and leading every week in Kid’s church meant that I would be at church as often as 5 times a week, plus a full time Job (for a 6 months industry work placement). God taught me a valuable lesson in balance during that time, and I decided to step down from Youth Leadership, for a variety of reasons.

I was asked to form a new group when I moved to YA in 2006, and I did so starting with just 4 members, one who was my intern. By God’s grace… and the power of the Holy Spirit, my group grew to about 12 regulars +/- 4 visitors, with 5 of my members eventually becoming interns (future leaders), 2 in other groups. I love my guys and girls heaps and pray that God will bless them with fresh vision and fire as my 3 current interns step up to take over from me.

Future Vision

God has given me two visions for my life. Ones that I have prayed about, thought through and talked about with my leaders and pastors.

The 1st is to be a motivational speaker/preacher who will travel the world talking about a variety of topics. The four biggest that sit on my heart at the moment are:

­ - Strengthening the masculinity and God drive of young men.
­ - Growing and nurturing the self-esteem of young women.
­ - The value and process of Discipling young people.
­ - That God takes ALL things and works them out for your good.

You might notice a bit of a theme in the audience to which my speaking is generally directed. I’m not sure if that’s because I’ve been in generation ministries for so long, or if my passion for these topics has moved me towards these areas. One topic that I’d really love to talk about, but I don’t feel quite qualified yet, is about how fathers in this day and age are increasingly becoming less physically or emotionally present around their children, often leading to problems in the first two areas I mentioned before.

The 2nd of my visions is to plant an orphanage/primary school in China, which will then hopefully become a High School and even a University. God has given me some serious vision for this dream… including a picture of the place, how it’ll all be set up. This is the legacy that I hope to leave.

Anyone who looks at my future vision would immediately see that I’m a bit of a dreamer. However I don’t see that as a problem. Joseph was a dreamer, and while it landed him in some hot water, eventually God used him greatly. I serve a mighty, all powerful God who is far larger then my mind can even conceive. I believe that God has placed a special call on my life, to serve and lead his people wherever I am. I am lead by him, and I seek to follow his Will.

Thursday, September 13, 2007

Complications and Setbacks

Unlike the average Eddings book, not every story has a straight forward plot or obstacle free road. This path, the one of destiny and adventure, is often fraught with danger, uncertainty, challenges and setbacks. As the Japanese seem fond of seeing... this is reality. However not to stress... certainly not on my account, for greater is he who is living in me then he who is in the world. Remember that God works all things for the good of those who love him and who are called to his plans and purposes. So basically... if you're following his plan, you have nothing to fear.

As of this moment, my initial plan to leave on the 23rd has been officially scrapped for reasons pertaining to Visa procurement. Australians ARE allowed 90 days in HK without a visa for strictly tourist reasons. I was hoping to use that time to get used to the city and the church while my visa was being processed. After all... this is a complete change of lifestyle, support networks, church, friends, social status... and even of location, language and culture. A big shift.

However it was not to be... and on the inside I agree with the decision handed down. As Christians we must strive to uphold and obey the law... and if I went to a country without a visa and even once worked there... it would compromise my faith. Not in a big way... but there are no "Little" sins... sin is still sin. Plus, it's entirely possible that I might have gone and been "caught" (although I was planning NOT to work during that time) and thus had my visa denied... or my visa could simply have taken too long and in the end have cost more money.

The short version is that I'm not going yet. Nor do I know when exactly I will head off (this feels familiar). However I am confident in my God... who is watching over me and guiding this part of my life. There is obviously some important reason why this is happening... and he knows what it is, that is good enough for me.

So for the next month (probably anyway) I'll be back where I was... waiting.

It will be a bit strange telling everyone that I haven't left yet. However, I trust that there is a greater purpose behind this.

If anyong reading this has a good idea of what I should do for the next month... let me know.

Wednesday, September 12, 2007

Next Phase?

Shall I start at the beginning?

It was towards the end of June and I had just completed my final University exam. Before me stretched out a long and winding road that was completely obscured by the mist of uncertainty. I had no clue what I was doing next in life. Earlier that month I had been denied several job positions, received 10 demerit points on my drivers license and been through a rather severe change in personality (good thing). Now I had graduated, gotten my marks proclaiming my passing (with a Distinction average I think) and yet still... I had no where to head.

So I began to explore my options. I started applying for jobs, asking for help, calling agencies, talking to people. Then one day an interesting conversation caused me to re-think my goals. What was it that I wanted to do in life? What was I CALLED to do? What is my God given destiny and purpose? I have had an idea since early in High School... to start an orphanage in one particular nation, and to become a motivational speaker who would talk to both Christian and Non-Christian youth and young people about a whole range of topics which I believe God wishes to voice in this day and age.

But I was missing something... confidence, assurance... confirmation from the Most High... and what to do at this moment.

So I began to pray... and God confirmed these visions in my heart. He showed me a picture of what this orphanage would look like, an idea of the structure and various other things.

However it was a few days later, when I felt God stirring something within me… why couldn’t I go now? After all I was free, unattached, single and had just graduated. Maybe God had kept a corporate job away from me for a reason. After all, during that time I always had asked him to “Let his will be done,” not once had I thought to ask for the job itself.

So I began to research going to a particular country for the medium term. After all I would be going there for a short term trip in a few weeks, it would be a good time to hear God’s voice on the matter.

Fast forward a few weeks and I had returned. On that trip, God had spoken to me rather specifically. Do not go to a certain city and join up with other people from your church like I had originally intended. It had come across loud and clear… and so I thought it would mean that I would work in Australia for a while, then maybe go over later.


I arrived home on a Sunday morning, around 8 am. Feeling tired, but still missing my friends and my home church, I managed to make it for the 11:15 service, after a decent shower and a good breakfast. That morning one of the pastors asked all those looking for jobs to stand and be prayed over. As I had just decided that I was in this category, I also received prayer.

That evening, after an arvo with my friends, I returned home. I turned on my computer to check for e-mails, and lo I received a MSN message from the Youth Pastor of a Church in Hong Kong, one whom I had met on my trip.

It pretty much went like this “Do you wanna come over and be a Youth Intern of our youth group for 1 year.”

To say that I was shocked was an understatement… but almost immediately a lot of things began to fall into place. God had been preparing me for this, allowing me to be able and willing to take this step. To be perfectly candid I wanted to agree right then... but a verse stuck in my head “plans fail for lack for counsel, but with many advisors they succeed.” Also, I didn’t want to rush into probably the biggest decision of my life so far. I tell you, reading Proverbs every day is a good idea.

So I began to pray, to research, to seek advice and to ask my closest friends and leaders for opinions. Hearing the voice of God comes in six forms, Word, People, Circumstance, Still Soft Voice, Prophecy, and Miraculous. Five of those were telling to go, and it’s not every day that the audible voice of God is heard. So a week later, I had made MY decision.

However there were still a lot of obstacles. The board of Elders were away on holidays with their families. Later there would be concerns about accommodation, budget, Visa and a whole lot of other things. Honestly, if I hadn’t had the childhood that I did… I would be a nervous wreck atm. Thankfully God had prepared me for this. After all, I had left Malaysia with only 3 days warning... it was just the waiting sorta grated.

So now people ask me lots of questions.

WHY are you going?

There are three main reasons.

The first, is that I believe this fits in with the direction and call of God on my life. I want to learn to preach, I want to learn Chinese… both to serve one of the main purposes that I am called to complete. Thus this ties in perfectly.

2ndly, I believe that this is God’s will for my life. Through other people telling me to go for it as they can see me doing really well, through Mottie’s prophecy that God would call me to do something crazy this year, through my strange desire to jot down verses that I could use in sermons even before all of this… God has been speaking to me. He wants me to go, and even if I didn’t see why, that alone would be enough.

3rdly. I want a change in life. This might not seem like a valid reason to some… but trust me, it is. I’m 21, single, male and completely free. I want an adventure, an opportunity to go out and change the world! To SEE the world… to follow my wild heart. Australia’s great, but I was brought here to be born again properly, to be a baby so to speak. Now I need to leave the nest and strengthen my wings, to sharpen my skills and grow my gifts. This is my next step. This is me stepping out in faith.

WHAT will you be doing?

Well my job description is that of a Youth Intern. I could attach the 2 page list of expectations… but I won’t cause this blog is long enough. Suffice to say that I’ll be doing admin, pastoral, preaching, leading and also discipling type things. So in essence, everything from photo copying to preaching to the youth service to running a small group. If you're from CLC... it's pretty much a mix of what any of our Interns are doing (cept I get paid... score) with Ben's job tacked on.

WHERE are you going?

It’s a little church called HKMBC. It’s got an adult congregation of about 400 and a youth group of about 70-90. They have a website.
www.hkmbc.org.hk/youth. I don’t know where I personally will be living for the moment, but the church is on the island itself.

HOW will it all work out practically?

Well I will be getting paid, if not that much. D and G (Youth Director and his wife) are currently looking into accommodation for me (which my salary sorta covers). At this point I’m not stressed, cause I know God is looking out for me. However if for some reason you feel lead to donate or help me out… my Asianess finds the idea a bit weird, but this is sort of the beginnings of a ministry, so let me know and we’ll work something out.

As for Visas and Insurance, Banking and Mobiles, Cards, IDs, Taxes, Furnishings and a billion other things that I need to be thinking about… just pray that I don’t forget anything important. That’s really important …

WHEN will all this take place?

Well currently I’m not sure when I’m flying out. I thought I knew… but Visa stuff might need to change that date. It will probably be from Late Sept/Early Oct till Aug08.


Anyway,

That’s my blog for the day. Let me know if you’ve got any questions.

Yet another new beginning

I suppose when you start something new, normally the first question that needs to be answered is the purpose, or the reason behind this change from the norm. Thus, in this next phase of my life, I thought it would be helpful and informative to start a new blog to detail the goings on that are happening in my life. Plus, it'll save me having to write the same few things a million times in various e-mails.

For those of you who don't know, the next big phase of my life is about to begin.