Fasting & Praying 2009

1st Jan-9th Feb ‘Priority & Process on Family
- 40 days1 meal fast (lunch only 12-2pm)

10th Feb -21st Mar ‘Priority & Process on Ministry
- 40 days 2 meals fast (Breakfast and lunch ends 6pm begins 9pm)

22nd Mar-30 Apr ‘Priority & Process on Submission andForgiveness’
- 40 days fast 3 meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner liquidallowed throughout the day)

1st May-9th Jun ’Priority & Process on My Neighbour
- 40 days 1 meal fast (lunch only 12 -2pm)

10th Jun – 19th Jul ‘Priority & Process on Sharing Resources with the Needy’
- 40days 2 meals fast (breakfast and lunch ends 6pm begins 9pm)

20th Jul-28th August ‘Priority & Process on Clothing the Naked’
- 40 days 3 meals fast (breakfast, lunch and dinner liquid allowed throughout the day)

29th Aug-7th October ‘Priority & Process on ‘Feeding the Hungry’
- 40 days 1 meal fast (lunch only 12 – 2pm)

8th Oct-16th November‘Priority & Process on ‘Giving Shelter to the Homeless’
- 40 days 2 meal fast (breakfast and lunch ends 6pm begins 9pm)

17thNov-26th December‘Priority & Process on Criticizing & Judging’
- 40 days 3 meal fast (breakfast, lunch and dinner, liquid allowed through out the day)

Money & Possession

I. Introduction

There are two economic systems that operate in the world. God’s economy and economies that people invent. Scripture reveals God’s economy to us in great detail. The way most people think and handle money is in sharp contrast to God’s financial principles. The most significant difference between these two economic systems is that in God’s economy, the Lord plays the central role. It is difficult for some people to think of God as being involved with our money and possessions. Because God cares for us, He gave us guide lines for handling money. The Bible contains more tan 2350 verses dealing with money and possessions. Jesus taught more about money than almost any other subject. The Lord said so much about money and possessions for ‘spiritual reasons’ and very ‘practical reasons.’

Spiritual Reasons
A. How we handle money has a big impact on the intimacy of our relationship with Christ.

Luke 16:11 (NASB) If you have not been faithful in the use of worldly wealth, who will entrust the true riches to you? A more intimate relationship with Christ is the “true riches” in life.

Jesus equates how we handle our money with the quality of our spiritual life. This is illustrated in the parable of the talents.

Matthew 25:21 “Well done, good and faithful servant, you were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things. Enter into the joy of your master.”

As we handle money God’s way, we have an opportunity to enter into the joy of a more intimate relationship with our Lord.

B. Money is a primary competitor with Christ for the lordship of our lives.

Matthew 6:24 “No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” It is impossible for us to serve money – even in a small way – and still serve the Lord. The Lord talked so much about money because He knew that much of our lives would centre around its use.

Q1. Is Jesus also the Lord of your money and possessions? Discuss
Q2. Read Isaiah 55:8-9. Based on this passage, do you think God’s financial principles will differ from how most people handle money?
Q3. Read Luke 16:11. What does this verse communicate to you about the importance of managing possessions faithfully?

Practical Reasons
C. Much of live Revolves around the use of money.

The Lord knew we needed wisdom in using money. He revealed in Scripture His principles for
i. working
ii. earning
iii. spending
iv. saving
v. investing
vi. giving
vii. getting out of debt
viii. teaching children how to handle money

In handling money God’s way most people usually have been taught only about “giving.” Although giving is very important, the principles of earning and spending have rarely been taught. THEREFORE, God’s people have managed their money from the world’s perspective rather than God’s. Simply put God has a part and we have a part in our handling of money.

Q4. How does handling money impact our fellowship with the Lord?
Q5. Comment on any personal challenges you felt after learning the three reasons the Bible says so much about money?

II. God’s Responsibilities and Our Responsibilities with Money
1. God’s Responsibilities
A. God is the owner of everything

Psalm 24:1 “The earth is the Lord’s and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.”
i. God owns all the silver and gold.

Haggai 2:8 “The silver is mine and the gold is mine, declares the Lord Almighty.”
ii. God owns all the land.

Leviticus 25:23 “The land must not be sold permanently, because the land is mine.”
iii. God owns all the animals.

Psalm 50:10-12 ‘Every animal of the forest is mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills…the creatures of the field are mine. If I were hungry, I would not tell you, for the world is mine, and all that is in it.”
The Lord created all things, (Genesis 1:1) and He never transferred ownership of His creation to people.

Colossians 1:17 “In Him all things hold together.”
Have we made the choice of allowing Jesus Christ to become LORD of our money and possessions?

Luke 14:33 “None of you can be My disciple who does not give up all his own possessions.” Consistently recognizing God’s ownership can be difficult. Genuinely acknowledging God’s ownership requires nothing less than a new way of THINKING.

Here are some practical suggestions to help you recognize God’s ownership:
For the next 30 days meditate on 1 Chronicles 29:11-12 when you first awake and just before going to sleep.

1 Chronicles 29:11-12 Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendour, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, O Lord is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all. Wealth and honour come from you. You are the ruler of all things. In your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all. Ask the Lord to make you aware of His ownership and make you willing to give up ownership.

Pray for this during the next 30 days. Establish the habit of acknowledging the Lord’s ownership everytime you purchase an item. Recognizing the Lord’s ownership is important in learning contentment. If you believe that you own a particular possession, then the circumstance surrounding that possession will affect your attitude. If it is a favourable situation, you will be happy. If it is a difficult circumstance, you will be discontent. If we are going to be genuine followers of Christ we must transfer ownership of our possessions to the Lord. Be prepared the Lord will test us by asking us to be willing to give up the very possessions that are most important to us.

Psalm 135:6 “The Lord does whatever pleases Him, in the heavens and on the earth.”
Daniel 4:34-35 “I praised the Most High… He does as He pleases with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth. No one can hold back His hand or say to Him, ‘What have you done?” Here is an example in Scripture.
Genesis 22:2 “Take now your son, your only son, whom you love, Isaac… and offer him there as a burnt offering.” When Abraham obeyed, demonstrating his willingness to give up his most valuable possession, God responded
Genesis 22:12 “Do not lay a hand on the boy…. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from Me your son…”

WHEN ACKNOWLEDGE GOD’S OWNERSHIP, EVERY SPENDING DECISION BECOMES A SPIRITUAL DECISION.

- No longer do we ask, “Lord what do you want me to do with MY money?”
- It becomes, “Lord what do you want me to do with YOUR money?”
- The Lord’s ownership also influences how we care for possessions.

B. God is in control.

Besides being Creator and Owner, God is also in control of every event that occurs upon the earth.

Isaiah 45:6-7 “I am the Lord, and there is no other, the One forming light and creating darkness, causing well being and creating calamity, I am the Lord who does all these.”

Romans 8:28 “We know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”

The Lord allows difficult circumstances for three reasons:
i. He accomplishes His intentions This is illustrated in the life of Joseph, who, as a teenager was sold into slavery by his jealous brothers. Joseph understood this and responded to his brothers: Genesis 45:5,8; 50:20 Do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you …… It was not you who sent me here, but God …. You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good, to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.”

ii. He develops our character Godly character, something that is precious in the sight of the Lord, often is developed in trying times.
Romans 5:3-4 “We also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance, perseverance character.”

iii. He disciplines His children
Hebrews 12:6, 10-11 “Those who the Lord loves He disciplines….. He disciplines us for our good, so that we may share His holiness. All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful , but sorrowful, yet those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness.”

When we are disobedient you can expect the Lord to discipline us, often through difficult circumstances, to encourage us to abandon our sin and share His holiness. You can be at peace knowing that your loving heavenly Father is in control of every situation that you will ever face, and He intends to use every one for a good purpose.

Q6. Reading the notes above, what information especially interested you?

3rd Externally Focused DLT Meeting

Dennis was the first to arrive at 7pm bringing along with him his mentee Stephen. Dennis says Rick the other mentee will be coming later on his own. By 8.30pm most of the team had come and we began dinner. Felicia brought with her a bowl of ginger chicken which everyone thought was just great. Pamela made a plate of nonya kueh and Glenda brought persimmons which she said she grew in her garden. (She was joking of course). After dinner we settled in to our favorite place in the living room to watch Tim Elmore talk about ‘Pivotal Prayer.’ I had the privilege of meeting with Tim whilst he visited Malaysia to introduce 'Habitudes.' Tim is surely an anointed communicator.
In Pivotal Prayer Tim gave his observations on 'How Leaders Pray.'
1. Effective leaders learn to THINK like God thinks and pray those thoughts.
2. Effective leaders pray from RELATIONSHIP, not just routine.
3. Effective leaders learn pivotal prayer as they MATURE spiritually.
4. Effective leaders recognize CRITICAL moments and pray strategically.
5. Effective leaders learn to pray UNSELFISHLY.
6. Effective leaders don't pursue eloquence, but simply CONNECT with God's heart.
7. Effective leaders learn to pray from MISSION, not maintenance. Now He was telling them a parable to show that at all times they ought to pray and not lose heart.
Luke 18:1 There are times when WHAT we pray and HOW we pray are more critical because of WHEN we pray. The moment introduces an opportunity for significant change. As Paul Hendricks was to return to South Africa on the 29th November we all prayed for him. Paul is a very soft spoken gentleman that came to be with us since April 08. Paul said he really had a great time here in Malaysia where he says his leadership grew by leaps and bounds.
The meeting continued with the other appointments for the DLT.
Growth Champion – Winifred Chin
Bridge Champion – Chris Lim
Connect Champion – Serena Wong
Prayer Leader – Sonya Liew
Men’s Leader – Paul Lau
Women’s Leader – yet to be appointed.
All appointments is valid for the period ending 31st December 2009.
Bridge Champion Report – Chris Lim
Prayer Report - Winifred Chin
The RR-DLT Meetings for December 2008 is on the 14th and 28th December.
The DLT Leaders Meeting is on the 4th December at SJ.
The RR-DLT Leadership Meeting is on the 21st December at RR’s home.

Night Prayer - 31st December 2008

Attendance: Ray Lee, Sharon, Andrew, Paul, Jessica, DJ, Chee Chung, Serena, Beatrice, Sonia, Wini, Chris, Josephine, Kenny, Laurence, Kim Ygau, Victoria and Richard,

Being the last day of 2008 which also happens to fall on Wednesday, we decided to get-together earlier at 8pm for dinner before starting the Praise & Worship session lead by Sonia. Andrew's parents and his 2 sisters joined us for fellowship.

The vision & revelation received during the session are as follows:

Wini
Got Isaiah 58 as a whole but believe that God has promised His blessing if we obey His instructions.
11 The LORD will guide you continually,
And satisfy your soul in drought,
And strengthen your bones;
You shall be like a watered garden,
And like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail.
12 Those from among you
Shall build the old waste places;
You shall raise up the foundations of many generations;
And you shall be called the Repairer of the Breach,
The Restorer of Streets to Dwell In.
13 “If you turn away your foot from the Sabbath,
From doing your pleasure on My holy day,
And call the Sabbath a delight,
The holy day of the LORD honorable,
And shall honor Him, not doing your own ways,
Nor finding your own pleasure,
Nor speaking your own words,
14 Then you shall delight yourself in the LORD;
And I will cause you to ride on the high hills of the earth,
And feed you with the heritage of Jacob your father.
The mouth of the LORD has spoken.”
2) Also got the word Maranatha
According to Ray’s finding, Maranatha (either מרנא תא; maranâ' thâ' or מרן אתא; maran 'athâ')is an Aramaic phrase occurring once only in the New Testament(see Aramaic of Jesus) and also in the Didache which is part of the Apostolic Fathers collection. It is transliterated into Greek letters rather than translated, and is found at the end of Paul's First Epistle to the Corinthians (1 Cor 16:22) as a farewell. The NRSV translates it as: "Our Lord, come!" but notes that it could also be translated as:
"Our Lord has come"; the NIV translates:"Come, O Lord"; the NAB notes:
"As understood here ("O Lord, come!"), it is a prayer for the early return of Christ. If the Aramaic words are divided differently (Maran atha, "Our Lord has come"), it becomes a credal declaration. The former interpretation is supported by what appears to be a Greek equivalent of this acclamation in Rev 22:20 "Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!""

DJ
1) Saw flags, then saw Richard holding the flags on the mountain. It’s like the scene at the graduation dinner where MLC/DLT members are holding flags and waving the flags!
Impression: It’s a Victorious moment!
2) Saw a piece of log, smoke coming up in the middle, log spinning in the air. Impression: CONFUSION..

Jessica
1) Saw some political faces and Sonia's face.
2) Jesus throwing stars to us on the mountain cliff. Impression : Stars of blessings).
3) Also saw arrows on the map of Malaysia. Saw 2009, with the number ‘9” made from the curved shape of the Snake.

Sharon
Psalm 111
1 Praise the LORD!
I will praise the LORD with my whole heart,
In the assembly of the upright and in the congregation.
2 The works of the LORD are great,
Studied by all who have pleasure in them.
3 His work is honorable and glorious,
And His righteousness endures forever.
4 He has made His wonderful works to be remembered;
The LORD is gracious and full of compassion.
5 He has given food to those who fear Him;
He will ever be mindful of His covenant.
6 He has declared to His people the power of His works,
In giving them the heritage of the nations.
7 The works of His hands are verity and justice;
All His precepts are sure.
8 They stand fast forever and ever,
And are done in truth and uprightness.
9 He has sent redemption to His people;
He has commanded His covenant forever:
Holy and awesome is His name.
10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom;
A good understanding have all those who do His commandments.
His praise endures forever.

Both Sharon & Jessica got Psalm 123 - songs of stars of blessings..
1 Unto You I lift up my eyes,
O You who dwell in the heavens.
2 Behold, as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their masters,
As the eyes of a maid to the hand of her mistress,
So our eyes look to the LORD our God,
Until He has mercy on us.
3 Have mercy on us, O LORD, have mercy on us!
For we are exceedingly filled with contempt.
4 Our soul is exceedingly filled
With the scorn of those who are at ease,
With the contempt of the proud.

Sonia
1) Saw a ball of fire coming from the heaven, represent the altar of worship, fire very bright.. we are in the outer court of the holy of holies..
2) Got Isaiah 58:4
4 Indeed you fast for strife and debate,
And to strike with the fist of wickedness.
You will not fast as you do this day,
To make your voice heard on high.
(Simplified version: You even get angry and ready to fight. No wonder God won't listen to your prayers! )
Impression: in 2008, there's lot of shaking & shaking in 2009, expect sons & daughters to do what God says (verse 6 till 14); cross reference Habakuk 3:19 on verse Isaiah 58:14

Ray
1) First vision, saw a tunnel slidepool, sliding down deep to nowhere...The second vision, continues with the sliding down, finally reaching inside a room, that is fully painted in RED.. Red wall, ceiling, carpet, sofa set (with tiger skins-like side lace), floor, etc. Impression : Being TRAPPED.. then suddenly off-shoot (burst-out) from the room roof-top & shoot up to the sky (reaching the 1st heaven) & have peace/calm.

Kenny
1) Decipher Ray’s vision as RED room representing crisis. Outburst from room means coming out of crisis.
2) Got 2 Samuel, where Samuel carry the Philistine's holy ark...In line with Psalm 123, we are not to mock the mercy of God. If we do, the merciful seat of Jesus Christ will become the Judgement Seat instead.

Serena
Saw a Silver Cross

Josephine
1) Saw a fortress protecting us. Saw a group of us inside the circle, many arrows shooting at us but not coming through because we are praying (it’s like a shield protecting us). Impression: Be ALERT..

Paul
Felt pressure on his head..

Sonia summarised to focus on what Isaiah 58 says - our church is going into a battle nationwide & politically, not at ease..

Richard emphasized and shared further on Isaiah 58 but on verse 6-10 and Psalm 123.
6 “ Is this not the fast that I have chosen:
To loose the bonds of wickedness,
To undo the heavy burdens,
To let the oppressed go free,
And that you break every yoke?
7 Is it not to share your bread with the hungry,
And that you bring to your house the poor who are cast out;
When you see the naked, that you cover him,
And not hide yourself from your own flesh?
8 Then your light shall break forth like the morning,
Your healing shall spring forth speedily,
And your righteousness shall go before you;
The glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard.
9 Then you shall call, and the LORD will answer;
You shall cry, and He will say, ‘Here I am.’
“ If you take away the yoke from your midst,
The pointing of the finger, and speaking wickedness,
10 If you extend your soul to the hungry
And satisfy the afflicted soul,
Then your light shall dawn in the darkness,
And your darkness shall be as the noonday.

Before ending the session at 1am, we were asked to share our PRIORITIES for 2009
1) Wini – Discovering God, Discovering life. Only when we start discovering God, can we truly start discovering life for what it really is.
2) Chris - Love God & Love HIS people..
3) Paul (for Jessica) - Saw Jessica is being oppressed by her current employer; saw Jessica speaking with a lot of people & with authority (Psalm 114)
4) DJ - cut down on activities & be focused & to prioritize...
5) Kenny - start a Children Program company, with a message of David & Goliath - to touch the youth thru the Internet..
6) Jessica (for Paul) - saw a purpose for the children (the orphanage/the needy); be stronger in faith together as a family; to be a role example in men's ministry..

Richard said the Closing Prayer.

2009 Year of Opportunity for Transformation

The fastest way to gain leadership is to solve problems in a spirit of submission. You cannot pursue love and power simultaneously. Choose love and you will have the other also.

Mark 1:15
"The time is fulfilled and the kingdom of God is at hand. REPENT, and BELIEVE in the gospel."

Psalm 37:8b, 18-19, 39b-40
Do not fret, it only causes harm.
The Lord knows the days of the upright,
And their inheritance will be forever.
They shall not be ashamed in the evil time,
And in the days of famine they shall be satisfied.
He is their strength in the time of trouble,
And the Lord shall help them and deliver them.
He shall deliver them from the wicked and save them,
Because they trust in Him.

These are the WORDS the Lord has given us,
WORDS OF LIFE, and LIFE ABUNDANTLY.

Year 2009

Year 2008

Psalm 123:3-4
Have mercy on us, O Lord have mercy on us!
For we are exceedingly filled with contempt,
Our soul is exceedingly filled with the scorn of those who are at ease,
With the contempt of the proud.

We ushered in the New Year in prayer. Prayer began at 10pm and ended at 1am. It was a wonderful time with the Lord. Visions were abound "it is fasting and prayer that pleases God." 2009 will be a year of prayer and fasting. So consistent with the season a 40 day fast is called from the 1st January to 9th February. Details of the fast is as follows:
- 40 day fast lunch only
- fast and prayer will center on 'priority' and 'process' focusing on the family
- a journal is required to be maintained of the 40 day period of fasting and prayer

Here are some THOUGHTS regarding fasting.
The practice of fasting goes much deeper than the act of simply going without food. God not only delights in His people fasting and praying but also in loosing the bonds of wickedness and undoing heavy burdens of those they have oppressed. Fasting is fine and good but to fast while continuing to harbor destructive thoughts and oppressive attitudes does not reflect godly leadership.

Consider what God expects from the "fasted life" as stated in Isaiah 58.

1. Liberate those who are oppressed (v.6)
2. Share resources with the needy (v. 7)
3. Provide shelter to the homeless (v. 7)
4. Supply clothing to the naked (v.7)
5. Stop accusing and judging others (v.9)

THE POWER TO BELIEVE IS ALSO THE POWER TO REPENT

As we enter into 2009 it would be asked 'what kind of leadership is required?'
Jesus' Leadership of course.
Jesus' Leadership differed from all others.
Jesus doesn't merely reform - Jesus TRANSFORMS.
Jesus knew that if He got our heart and spirit right, the rest would follow.
Jesus had a unwavering commitment to speak the truth.
Jesus came into our lives to EMPOWER us.

In Matthew 2:3-18, Matthew tells us that King Herod and all Jerusalem was 'troubled' when they heard that "A King of the Jews" had been born in the town of Bethlehem. As a king, Herod failed to empower anyone. In fact he drained power from people in a continual grab for power. Herod abused power instead of sharing it. Here are some of the ugly symptoms we see in King Herod's leadership that we should avoid:

1. He felt disturbed and threatened when he learned of a coming king (v.3)
2. He leveraged his power against any possible competitor (v.4)
3. He used people to serve his own purposes (v.7,8)
4. He lied in order to project the right image (v.8)
5. He reacted with fury when he didn't get his way (v.16)
6. He concerned himself only with his own benefit (v.16)
7. He sought to destroy any potential threat to his leadership (v.16-18)

KING HEROD FELT THE THREAT OF COMPETITION AND BECAME INSECURE.

Is your 'personal security' able to stand up to the competition in 2009?

Leaders cannot do anything of significance in the kingdom of God until they 'humble themselves' before God and seek His face.
* Spend time alone with God, remove all distractions
* Be hungry for God, receive what God wants for you
* Allow God to break you and change you
* Be honest with God, stop pretending, let God work in your life

A very blessed new year to one and all. Let me leave you with this question for the year 2009.
What is your; mission, message, motive, manner, method, mind and ministry???????

Testimony from Kenny Kong

Blessings from God to all brothers & sisters. I was born in the land of Sarawak, Sibu, where 60% to 70% of the population is Christian. I have 2 elder sisters & I am the only son in my family. I studied in a Roman Catholic primary school & a semi-government secondary school. I came to KL to study graphic design in MIA. Although I didn’t graduate with flying colours; I got my diploma in Illustration & Graphic design.

I got involved with Christianity as a teenager. Together with some friends, we joined a local church because many cute girls attended that church. (Recently, I got to know that some of my friends are still in that church, and have become true Christians. Praise the Lord). I didn’t grow up in a perfect family; My father was deeply addicted to gambling and would disappear for a whole week & not call back at all. My teenage life was lived in sorrow, rebellion & hatred. I had to be the man in the family. Those difficult times made me grow up. However, at that time, my hatred towards my earthly father was increasing tremendously. As a result, I learnt boxing from a few gangster friends, thinking & hoping that one day I would have a chance to stand up against my old man and crushed him so hard and make him pay for what he had done to his family. (But, of course I could not do it because the Lord did not create me with that kind of capability.)

Looking back, I thanked the Lord for those difficult days. If I haven't tasted the bitterness, I would not have known the mercy & love of my heavenly Father when the time came. After I’ve graduated, I remained in KL & worked in an advertising firm. I put all my efforts to work hard & learn and within one year, I’ve become the expert designer in using Photoshop in my company (at that time there were not many artists who can master that software). Those senior colleagues that initially looked down on me when I first came to work, began to seek me out and paid me attention.

In about 3 years’, I got a position as an Art Director in a small advertising firm. I was so proud of myself (As I am I’m typing this testimony, I feel so weird, the old me reminds me of the fallen angels in the Bible). I carried my boastful character everywhere I went. I hurt many people that worked with me. I lived a life that followed the lust of my flesh; I indulged myself going to pubs & discos, getting drunk from time to time. I often unleashed my anger towards my love one (the person who is now my wife. I thank God that she never left me when I was such a wretch.)

In 1997, I was retrenched from my job and was jobless for 1 year plus. Since then, I was not able to get back to the status that I once had. I tried all kinds of job & businesses, but none of them worked. As a result, the entire financial burden had fall on the shoulder of my wife. God took away my pride. In my desperate state, I started to pray to God, but each time I prayed, the situation got worse. I then concluded that Christianity was useless and to only put the trust on myself.

In 2002, I receive a bad news. My father (whom I disliked) had a stroke and was admitted to hospital. I flew back to Sibu. When my father saw me, tears broke out from his eyes. I finally realized that he did love me. I then got out of the hospital’s room & pray to God, asking God to spare my father’s life. I promised God, I will go to church if He does so. The Lord spared my father’s life and I forgot my promise. I lived the same old way, the only boastful life that I only knew how to live. The Lord turns his face away from me. I was jobless again and this time for 2 years plus. I got bitter again. I could not sleep well. I would smoked heavily in the middle of the night, trying to think of a way out, but there wasn’t any.

In the year 2003, I had begotten my daughter, Jeslina Kong. She was also not a very healthy child. My wife and I had no way to turn, and we started to worship all kinds of idols in order for our daughter to get healthy. God was merciful towards my daughter and she got better. But in my limited human mind, I thought it was the particular idol working, and went to find one to buy. The idol shop introduced me to a taoist master (he is the supporter of One World religion. He even admitted that his daughter is a Christian, and that both he & his daughter worship different gods under one roof. On one side they hung the picture of our Lord Jesus, and on the other side, the taoism idol). I was so amazed by this man. I offered to interview him & make his life into a comic book. In my heart I thought, “never has there been a comic of such kind being published, and I can make a great fortune by using this master as a reference”. At the same time, evil spirits started to speak to me. I could hear their voices in the night, in my mind telling me: “It’s easy, just kill your wife, your daughter & then yourself, and you shall worry no more. It’s easy, you can end this jobless life so easily, it’s just like clicking your fingers.” I started to think of an easy way to end my whole family’s life. I thank God that I did not have the courage to do it. But deep down in my heart, I knew I had a real big problem, that I may be mentally ill.

One day, just after the interview with the Taoist master, and before I could make anything of what I had noted down, I got a call from my nephew, Gavin. He asked me if I was interested to freelance for the company that he was working & I said, yes (I was still jobless at that time). I came the very day and worked as a freelancer for Sister Wini. One afternoon, sister Wini came in to the studio, she sat beside me and started to talk to me. I was touched by her gentle spirit; I start to tell her all my problems. She then prayed for me. This is the 1st time in my life I heard someone speak in tongue. She laid her hands on me & prayed for me. Something wonderful happened that night; I was able to sleep so well, something which I was unable to do in past 2 years plus. Few days later, Almighty God gave me the ability to pray in tongue as well. I have become a new man, and have tasted the heavenly gift of the Holy Spirit. I have tasted the Good News of God. I started to learn the word of God madly. I was so hungry for His Word. I looked for an anointed man of God to follow, and to learn as much as I could about God. Everything that I had lost, God has restored them back to me, and even more.

In the year 2006, me, my Mom & my Dad were baptized. In year 2008, my wife was also baptized! This is how my family got baptized. One day in the beginning of the year 2008, I brought home some of my office work. I was suppose to deliver the job the next morning before 10.30am, but I was too tired that day. I decided to wake up the next day, 2 hours earlier to finish the job. I set my alarm clock and went to sleep. The next morning I got up in time & started the work. As my finger pressed the computer’s keyboard, I heard a voice saying in my mind, “lay hands on your mom and pray for her”. But I thought, “I don’t have time for that. I’ll pray for her tonight when I come back from work.” I continue to work but the voice said again, “lay hand on your mom & pray for her.” I ignored the voice in my mind & continued to work on the computer saying to myself, that time is running out and I should finish the job ASAP. For the 3rd time, the voice came to my mind. Although the voice was still very gentle but was in an insistent tone. I simply couldn't ignore it anymore. I went to the balcony, and said to my mom: “Mom, can you please come in, I need to talk to you.” Immediately my mom sense the seriousness in my voice. She stopped hanging the clothes and we sat at the edge of my bed. I told her: “Mom, God wants to give you a gift.” As I told her this, I wondered in my mind why did I say that? What gift? Without hesitation, I laid hands on her and prayed for her. However, I was still worried about my job’s dateline. After I prayed for her, I asked: “Did you feel anything, mom?” She said “No”. I then replied: “Sorry, mom, maybe it’s just my imagination. I need to go back to continue my work, I’m seriously way behind my time now.” I then went back to my computer room and start to work. As soon as I sat down in front of my computer, my mom came in and said: “Son, after you prayed for me, the moment I step out to the balcony, strange words came to my mind, and I don’t know what that means.” I ask her to say it, and the word was "Halleluiah!" She can now speak in tongues.

In July 2007, my elder sister was involved in a car accident in Sarawak (she was just promoted as headmistress of a primary school). She had serious internal bleeding. The nurse told her that it’s a miracle that she is still alive. She was a Roman Catholic at that time. A few months later, she came to KL to visit my mom & me for almost 2 weeks. (Thinking back now, it amazes me how fast she recovered from her injury). I took the opportunity to teach her the Gospel. Two or three days before she flew back to Sarawak, in afternoon about 3 or 4pm, a voice said to me: “Baptized your elder sister.” In my heart I felt a bit of panic. I thought “I’m not a pastor nor have I ever baptized anyone before. The most important thing is, I don’t know how to do it.” The voice came to me and said: “Just baptized her in my name.” I took a moment to settle down my panic heart, and started to teach her about the meaning of true Christian baptism. At this point, I’m regretted that I did not pay full attention on baptism lesson when I got baptized. After I taught my elder sister about the true meaning of baptism, I ask her whether she would like to be baptized? Surprisingly she say “yes”. So I baptized her in my condo’s swimming pool in the name of Lord Jesus Christ. Sometime later in 2008, she came to visit us again, and this time she told me, she’s a Prayer Warrior.
Praise The Lord!

Prayer Night - 24th December 2008

Prayer started off at 9pm being the eve of Christmas due to the traffic jam and road block.. We started the session with Laurence leading us in worship. During the prayer time, Ray received the following verses. 2 Corinthians 3: 11-14 2 if that which has been done away was glorious, much more that which remains is glorious. 2Co 3:12 Then since we have such hope, we use great plainness of speech. And we are not like Moses, who put a veil over his face so that the sons of Israel could not steadfastly look to the end of the thing being done away. (But their thoughts were blinded; for until the present the same veil remains on the reading of the old covenant, not taken away.) But this veil has been done away in Christ. Hebrews 12:2 looking to Jesus the Author and Finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and sat down at the right of the throne of God. Hebrews 2:11-12 For both He who sanctifies and they who are sanctified are all of One, for which cause He is not ashamed to call them brothers, "I will declare Your name to My brothers; in the midst of the assembly I will sing praise to You.we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Richard shared that a message of war and a message of preparation are 2 different messages. For 5 years we had message of preparation. Preparing the people for war. The next 5 years the message will be of war. For people who have not prepared when they hear the message of war they will be confused and will be wondering what God is trying to say etc. Those who have come into this season prepared will be able to receive the words.. Christ said, the words that God gave to me I have given to my disciples..From God, He gives you words. For example, if you want something from God, God gives you in the form of words. As we prepare for war in the second 5 years, God gives us the weapon in the form of words to enter into a period of war (next level). The first thing that would be affected will be you as you will be transformed first in order for you to come to war. The words that God give to you is to change you, to transformed you, to let you see. The Bible says, God open their eyes..Your eyes will be opened to see many things that you never see before. It's okay if you undeIt is not necessary for you to understand. Some of the miracles that God will do for His people is to open their eyes to see many things that they never see before. He will lift the veil from many people eyes. Many of us have a lot of experiences, knowledge, teaching but somehow our eyes still cannot see. In 2009, the Lord will lift the veil for those who have prepared, to see many things. It will not be like in the desert where Moses gave the word but their eyes were still veiled and they still wanted to do what the Eygyptians did.. Because you are in Christ Jesus you will see many things. To many it will be a miracle. It was not necessary for you to see earlier because of the timing..that it was not necessary for you to see before. Kim Au confirmed the sharing by Richard as she saw an eye that was very dark, without the light of God but it grew brighter and brighter. She further stressed that next year with the "coming crisis" we should come before the Lord in repentance and to pray. Wini shared that in the first vision she saw, was three shiny balls with difference colors. The first one was blue color, the second, bright silver and third one too sure.. Then saw a hand that was twirling the three balls.. Isaiah 63 - talks about God's judgement and loving kindness and the need for us to repent.And two scenes..first a stream but in a very dark setting with glimpses of light. The second scene was also a stream but this time it had a peaceful and calm feeling and the water was flowing through a tunnel or canal... Victoria shares that God is warning her (and I believe it also mean all of us) to repent and be faithful. Wini ended the session with a closing prayer and we proceed to cut the cake that Kim Au brought..and it was delicious!

DLT Trip to Gohtong Jaya - 21st Dec 2008

Click on picture to view larger imageWini's brother Edwin has this lovely three room condo at Gohtong Jaya, which he has so graciously invited us to use. Gohtong Jaya is located halfway up the Genting Highlands. We left KL at 9.30am for the 45 minutes journey to Gohtong Jaya. As there was thirteen in all, we went up in three cars. Arriving at 10.30am, I met with Edwin at the condo and was introduced to his lovely wife and two children. Edwin talked about his work at Talam Bhd, the economy and about how things will be in 2009. Meanwhile his wife introduced us to the fine art of drinking chinese tea.
By 11.30am the rest of the group had arrived and assembled at "Restaurant 28" for an early lunch. Restaurant 28 is operated by a Christian owner and serves perhaps the best Chinese food there. We ordered one of their top dishes "clay pot fish head curry" and it certainly lived up to its reputation. Highly recommended as a stop over on your way to the top.
While waiting for the food to be served we had the opportunity to hear Ray, Lawrence, Dennis, Chee Chung and Serena tells us about how they have changed in 2008.
After lunch we proceeded to the 'next stop,' 'food also?' You are right, this time it is dessert, the famous 'durian bomb tarts.' You have to ask Wini to give you a description as I did not eat any.
Moving on down the road we came across a local chocolate shop 'chocolate galleria'. If you love chocolates then a must stop also.
By 1.30pm we are all back at the condo. Everyone seemed restless and wanted to see more of the sights. So off we went again walking of course, to recce the area directly around the condo. It was great as the weather was cooling. We looked at the flowers, the insects and Paul came back with pine cones. Wini was clicking her camera all the way shooting almost everything. It is now 3pm and we are back again at the condo. Settling in we began to worship the Lord with song. In between songs we continued to ask those present how the Lord has changed them in 2008. Praise and worship continued to 6.30pm and it seems hunger has set in again. The cold weather really makes you hungry fast.
Dinner is to be at 'Chuan Kie' also in the same location as Restaurant 28. But the food did not turn out as good as Restaurant 28. Directly after dinner it started to rain very heavily. Only four of us stayed on while the rest returned home.

4th RR-DLT Meeting -14th December 2008

The DLT leadership team agreed to come at 6.30pm to discuss and plan the proposed RR-DLT New Year Party on the 28th December. Discussions began promptly and we had time to discuss other issues as well. As for the New Year Party the following was agreed:
1. Each member of the DLT can invite two friends for the event.
2. Each member is to bring a dish of food. Those bringing food to inform Serena.
3. Party will begin at 6.30m
The DLT Leadership Team will be going to Gohtong Jaya on the 21st December for a day of prayer. Those who are interested to come along please inform Serena accordingly. We will meet at 9.30am at RR's house on the 21st December. There are 3 rooms available to those who intend to stay the night.
The discussions had to be halted at 9pm as Chris informed us that all were hungry. After a quick dinner we were all back to our seats to continue the discussions.
Prayer Time for the DLT is now as follows;
1. 2 Wednesdays per month 8pm sharp to 10pm.
2. 2 Sundays per month 6.30pm sharp to 8pm
Schedules for January will be out shortly.
Also open for discussions is the functioning of Gracelife TA. Most had no objection to it being jointly operated by the 3 DLT's.
Serena baked a wonderful coffee cheese cake for Chris's birthday which falls on the 16th December. We all sang her a birthday song and there was hugs and kisses all round, although none of the men took to the task. Did I mention that Chris is also our 'Bridge Champion'? Well she is, Chris is really passionate about community work. I will get her to say a word here, keep a look out.
Welcome Kenny who joined us for the first time. Kenny said he will bring his wife and little daughter for the next DLT meeting. It was Wini who reached out to Kenny to encourage him to come join us at the DLT. So Wini tell us a little about Kenny ...............maybe even get Kenny to say a word or two.

Read a testimony of Kenny Kong

The Day That Was - 6th December 2008

Justin & Kelly's wedding at Hotel Nikko, KL
Click to view larger image..Gracelife Service @ Menara TA, 6pm.
Message : How Leaders Pray (Download the notes)

1st Gracelife - DLT Leader's Meeting - 4th December 2008

Gracelife is an externally focused discipleship church. Consistent with the new direction Gracelife is taking that is to be externally focused, the 'church' is made up of DLTs (Discipling Life Teams). As such there is currently 3 DLTs in operation at Gracelife. The leaders of the Externally Focused DLTs are:

1. RR-DLT: Leader - RM Richard, Growth Champion - Winifred Chin
2. PS-DLT: Leader - Ooi Piek See, Growth Champion - Joanne Sern
3. JN-DLT: Leader - Jasmine Ng, Growth Champion - Johnson Oei

The DLT Leaders and the Growth Champions will meet once a month to discus all matters concerning the Church and the DLTs. The first of such meetings will be held on the 4th December 2008 at Subang Jaya. The Elder's Team at Gracelife is automatically invited to participate in these meetings.
On the agenda for the meeting tonight was just 2 items -
i. The functioning of the DLTs and EFSGs (Externally Focused Small Groups)
ii. The functioning of Gracelife TA

From the meeting these items were discussed and agreed for implementation:
1. That all DLTs maintain a blog.
2. DLT meetings will be held a minimum of twice per month and reported in their respective blogs.
3. DLT Prayer to be held weekly which also need to be blogged.
4. DLT Leader's Meetings and DLT Leadership Meetings to be held once a month.

Grace Intermediate - 28th Nov - Last Class @ Damansara Perdana

It has been a year since we have been meeting every Friday 12.30pm to 2.30pm at Felicia's office at Damansara Perdana. Since January 2008 we have been learning the word of God through the lens of 'grace.'
Every Friday about 12-15 people show up, full of expectation of God's grace. Even on the last Friday at Damansara Perdana, DJ introduces Janet to me, a friend she brought for our farewell lunch. Janet was nodding in agreement at many of the things said.
Change being the only constant in life, we were told that Felicia is giving up the office and moving to another location. So come January 16th 2009, we will also be in a new location at Section 17 Petaling Jaya. Going to the new location is not the only change that will happen. The group will now be called an Externally Focused Small Group (EFSG Section 17). The accountability of this EFSG is to RR's Discipling Life Team. So what does all this mean? The subjects taught will now include leadership. Wini, Chris and DJ will be the key leadership trainers. There will also be community projects, food, fellowship ..... we are all in for a great 2009. All are welcome. Simply contact Wini, Chris or Serena for more details.


The key leaders for EFSG Section 17 is - Wini Growth Champion, Chris Bridge Champion, Serena Connect Champion. The other positions of men leader, women leader, and prayer leader, will be named later.

3rd RR-DLT Meeting - 23rd Nov 2008

Dennis was the first to arrive at 7pm bringing along with him his mentee Stephen. Dennis says Rick the other mentee will be coming later on his own. By 8.30pm most of the team had come and we began dinner. Felicia brought with her a bowl of ginger chicken which everyone thought was just great. Pamela made a plate of nonya kueh and Glenda brought persimmons which she said she grew in her garden. (She was joking of course). After dinner we settled in to our favorite place in the living room to watch Tim Elmore talk about ‘Pivotal Prayer.’ I had the privilege of meeting with Tim whilst he visited Malaysia to introduce 'Habitudes.' Tim is surely an anointed communicator. In Pivotal Prayer Tim gave his observations on 'How Leaders Pray.'

1. Effective leaders learn to THINK like God thinks and pray those thoughts.
2. Effective leaders pray from RELATIONSHIP, not just routine.
3. Effective leaders learn pivotal prayer as they MATURE spiritually.
4. Effective leaders recognize CRITICAL moments and pray strategically.
5. Effective leaders learn to pray UNSELFISHLY.
6. Effective leaders don't pursue eloquence, but simply CONNECT with God's heart.
7. Effective leaders learn to pray from MISSION, not maintenance.

Now He was telling them a parable to show that at all times they ought to pray and not lose heart. Luke 18:1

There are times when WHAT we pray and HOW we pray are more critical because of WHEN we pray. The moment introduces an opportunity for significant change.

As Paul Hendricks was to return to South Africa on the 29th November we all prayed for him. Paul is a very soft spoken gentleman that came to be with us since April 08. Paul said he really had a great time here in Malaysia where he says his leadership grew by leaps and bounds.

The meeting continued with the other appointments for the DLT.
Growth Champion – Winifred Chin
Bridge Champion – Chris Lim
Connect Champion – Serena Wong

Prayer Leader – Sonya Liew
Men’s Leader – Paul Lau
Women’s Leader – yet to be appointed

All appointments is valid for the period ending 31st December 2009.

Bridge Champion Report – Chris Lim
Prayer Report - Winifred Chin

The RR-DLT Meetings for December 2008 is on the 14th and 28th December.
The DLT Leaders Meeting is on the 4th December at SJ.
The RR-DLT Leadership Meeting is on the 21st December at RR’s home.

2nd RR-DLT Meeting - 9th November 2008

November is an eventful month. Our three children was born in the month of November and also we were married on the 20th November 1976. So we took the opportunity to celebrate birthdays and wedding anniversaries. After 32 years of marriage here is my take - "the safest thing you can do always feels risky and the riskiest thing you can do is play it safe."

In the last (20th Oct) DLT gathering, we listened to Doug Carter talk on ‘Attitude’ and Chris Hodges on ‘The Leader’s Inner Circle.’ This time we were going to listen to Beau on "The Life you were Meant to Live". So after dinner, we all found our favourite place in the living room and settled in to watch the DVD. Beau began by telling us how to "Discover your God-given Mission in Life".

Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of the prize yet;
but one thing I do; forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward
to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. (Phil. 3:13-14)

5 Biblical Foundations
1. We all have been given a PURPOSE for our lives.
2. We are most FULFILLED when we are fulfilling our purpose.
3. Not everyone UNCOVERS their God given purpose.
4. Our purpose is BUILT from our personal inward design.
5. We will be JUDGED on our obedience to our God given calling in life.

Goals and Objectives
List the areas of your life (spiritual, family, professional, social) that are important to your purpose.
List specific goals that will enable you to turn a lofty purpose statement into a practical 'to do' list that you can begin to implement.

* Lifetime goals: What do you want to do over your lifetime?
* Five year goals: What do you want to see happen in three to five years?
* One year goals: What do you want to do in the next year?
* 90 day goals: What will you do in the next three months?
* Next steps: What steps will you take now in order to get started?

Click to view pictures:

http://picasaweb.google.com/rmrichard08/DisciplingLifeTeam#

The Passing of a Great Man in my life - MY DAD

Life came with a word and so when life leaves it will also be with words. To construct the words of a life well lived is both easy and difficult. Easy because there is so many good words to say, difficult because the words will be final here on this earth.So here are the words that make up the story of my dad's life.
Once upon a time born to a Christian family of 4 brothers and 1 sister was a baby boy. They named the baby boy Samuel Divirajoo. The year was 1924 and the place was Malaya.

My Dad, Divirajoo

The Days that were 28th, 29th, 30th, 31st Oct & 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th Nov 2008

Psalms 90: 12,17
So teach us to number our days, that we gain a heart of wisdom.
And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us,
And establish the work of our hands for us,
Yes, establish the work of our hands.

The next 7 days beginning with the 28th Oct was going to be very eventful and hectic. Resting upon the wisdom of the Lord we set about the task before us.

28th Oct - EFC Leadership training at Lighthouse Charismatic Christian Assembly, Sungei Petani
29th Oct - EFC Leadership Induction at Wesley Methodist Church, Burma Road, Penang
31st Oct - EFC Conference at Vineyard Church, Johore Baru
01st Nov - EFC Conference at EFC Church, USJ, Petaling Jaya, Selangor
02nd Nov - EFC Conference at Fettes Park Baptist Church, Penang
03rd Nov - EFC working visit to Kuching, Sarawak

28th Oct - We (Piek See, Simon, Wini & myself) set off from PJ at about 1pm heading north to the very-fast-growing town of SP (Sungei Petani). SP is located 35 minutes by car from Penang and 1hour by car from Alor Star. Reaching SP, Simon dropped us at Sonny Tneoh's house. Simon proceeded on to Alor Star for his leadership class there. During dinner, Sonny who is also an elder at Lighthouse Charismatic Christian Assembly told us the town of SP is populated with quite a large number of Indians. Accordingly there are several Indian churches in SP. Sonny also gave us a rundown of the unity situation among the churches in SP.


29th Oct finds us on the lovely island of Penang, "the pearl of the orient." The opportunity of being able to conduct the leadership training in Penang is nothing short of a miracle. We tried several times to conduct the leadership training in Penang but we were turned away by the 'gatekeepers.' Finally after 2 years the opportunity came through the invitation of Rev Hwa Gen of the Wesley Methodist Church. So here we are on this lovely Wednesday night at the very historical Wesley Methodist Church conducting the induction for the leadership training. Incidently Hwa Gen tells me that the church is the oldest church on the island being more than a hundred years old. 12 people showed up for the induction, certainly a very humble beginning. The group may be small but the passions weren't. With full enthusiasm and passion the induction was completed. The 2nd induction will be held on the 12th November.

30th Nov - Breakfast is at the Sister's Char Kway Teow at Macalister Road. Is chicken egg or duck egg better with the char kway teow? The million ringgit question. Well going by the fact that when we arrived at the coffee shop 'the sister' who does the frying of the kway teow was reading newspapers..... Now what could be the reason for that? Yup! she stopped using duck eggs and now frys her legendary char kway teow with chicken eggs. I hope someone who reads this and has influence with her would tell her to switch back to duck eggs only. If not I can't imagine what the ending will be. Nonetheless still worth a stop while you are in Penang to try her char kway teow. The drive back to KL also required another 'must stop' at Rawang. Arriving at Rawang at about 1pm was just perfect for the 'perfectly steamed tilipia fish'. Simply a must for anyone traveling along this north/south highway. It is turning out to be a wonderful day, breakfast at Sisters, lunch at Rawang and dinner later in the evening at Anna's Kitchen in JB. After Rawang our next destination is KLIA to take the flight to Senai.

Psalm 48:12-14
Walk about Zion, and go all around her,
Count her towers; mark well her bulwarks; consider her palaces,
That you may TELL IT TO THE GENERATION FOLLOWING.
For this is God, our God for ever and ever;
He will be our guide even to death.

From KLIA we flew into Senai Airport Johore at 7pm. We were met at the airport by Bruce and Cathy a wonderful and faithful couple who worships at Pastor Thomas Fann's church. They drove us to this quaint little restaurant in JB where we are to meet with Eric Swanson and Tom Shirk. Eric came to Malaysia earlier this year in May. He was here then with Sam Williams and they conducted the EFC Conferences in Kluang, KL, Kuantan and Alor Star. This time Eric together with Tom will be going to JB, USJ-PJ, Penang and Kuching. Anna was there waiting for us at her restaurant together with the rest of the invited guests. Eric and Tom arrived minutes later and we all sat down to what was to be a superb dinner. There was smoked duck salad for starters, very tender ostrich meat, chilled aussie beef, mutton soup, char kway teow, spanish styled fried rice, calamari and of course desserts. Our compliments to the chef! And we discovered that the chef was none other than Anna herself. I know you will enjoy the photos of the food.

31st Oct - 4th Nov EXTERNALLY FOCUSED CHURCH CONFERENCE

31st Oct - It is the morning after that wonderful dinner at Anna's Kitchen. Ps Thomas Fann is playing host for this EFC Conference which is held at the Vineyard Church JB. All of us were filled with excitement as we arrived at Vineyard. Ps Tay Wah Seng, the Senior Pastor of Vineyard welcomed us and the conference commenced with Derik leading us in worship. We were really happy with the turn out as fifteen of the 40 attendees were pastors. Eric came on after worship and began his presentation on "Becoming An Externally Focused Church." He raised the mind boggling question "It is not how big your church is but what impact your church has in the community? Here are some of the other items in his presentation -
1. Christians don't grow until they begin serving.
2. Understanding the power of service.
3. Good deeds create good will which open the door to good news.
4. Churches partner around purpose.

Pastor Tom Shirk the senior pastor at Calvary Bible Church in Boulder Colorado was next. Eric told the participants that Sam was unable to come and he invited Tom, who is also Eric' s pastor to take his place. We are all very happy that Tom accepted the invitation. Tom's presentation was on "What does it mean to be an Externally Focused church?"
1. To have a vision to reach your community with truth and grace.
2. To seek the welfare of your community.
3. To force your gaze outside the four walls of your church.
4. To let your light shine before men that they may see your good works.

8 Strategic Principles
1. Their communities can't be healthy without the church.
2. Christians don't grow as they should unless they are serving.
3. Serving together helps build strong families.
4. The threshold of service does not have to be very high.
5. Servants can go anywhere.
6. Problems in a city create opportunities for the church.
7. Partnerships with other entities create greater effectiveness.
8. Mechanisms turn intuitions into actions.

By the time Tom finished his presentation the first half of the day had expired and it was time for lunch. All were in agreement on the relevance and richness of the content. So lunch was the perfect break for the conversations to form from the material presented. After lunch the participants were divided up into 7 groups to discuss the following questions:
1. If you were an externally focused church what would be the three audacious goals for your city bearing in mind that resources are not an issue?
2. What are the possible projects that can be done in 2009 in JB assuming the churches come together?
3. What are the anticipated obstacles for the church to transit to become an externally focused church?

The groups dived into the questions and the discussions were certainly enthusiastic and tense at times.

These are some of the responses from the groups to the questions:
Group 1 presented by Andrew Loh - their audacious goals is enhancing education by giving tuition in english and computer literacy.

Group 2 presented by Sau Voon - 3 audacious goals are a crime free city, elimination of delinquency and debt free community from loan sharks.

Group 3 Timothy Lam said - crime free city, clean city, corruption free city.
For question 3 Timothy commented that the obstacles are laggards leading the church, internal needs of the church and not all the churches are the same.

Group 4 Desmond Leong - 3 audacious goals 0 loan sharks, 0 crime rate, 0 divorce rate. For question 3 he said the obstacles were lack of finance, manpower and leaders, denomination barriers, and internal activities of the church.

Group 5 presented by Cassie - The 3 audacious goals were the Causeway, 0 crime in JB, 0 corruption.

Group 6 presented by Ps Joshua - 3 audacious goals 0 crime rate, free from Ah Longs, free from smoking. For question 2 the possible projects for 2009, he answered stop condemning the police, start supporting them, education through talks, anti smoking programs.

Finally group 7 was presented by the youngest participant Markus Fann - 3 audacious goals 24/7 prayer among churches, 0 crime rate. For question 2 that is possible projects in 2009, disaster relief training, creating an environment team, education. Markus said that the obstacles were small mindedness and inward looking churches and government policy.

Although it was in the midst of the afternoon and eyelids are struggling to keep open, Tom spurred by the responses of the participants presented his final paper "Preparing your church."
1. Pray for your city and your city leaders.
2. Change the language you use.
3. Assess the needs of your city.
4. Look for where God is working.
5. Find the best place of intersection.
6. Emphasize contribution without recognition.
7. Pursue partnerships not replications.
8. Offer your facility as a community resource.

I believe "new friendships, new thoughts, new partnerships" were formed during the course of the conference. It was time for Eric to present the final paper for the conference aptly named "Getting Started." There are those who prefer to say 'yes' and there are those who prefer to say 'no.' Those who say 'yes' are rewarded with the adventures they have and those who say 'no' are rewarded with the safety they attain. There are far more no sayers than yes sayers.

"Getting Started"
Micah 6:8
Hear O man, for what does the Lord require of you,
But to love mercy, to do justice and to walk humbly with your God.

1. What should we do? What could we do?
2. Small groups are great for serving the community.
3. Giving everyone the opportunity. People don't serve twice until they serve once.
4. Create systems for what you value.
* Must think 'kingdom' not church
* Preach and teach externally focused ministry
* Good friends turn good intention int good deeds
5. Where do you sense is your first entry point into your community?

Eric indeed finished the conference well. Everyone left with a sense of mission to their community. We headed for the airport after saying all our goodbyes to catch the 8.30pm flight to Kuala Lumpur from Senai Airport. Our next assignment was at the EFC Church USJ about 30 minutes from Kuala Lumpur.

My Sunday Morning at Charis Christian Centre - Cheras

Charis Christian Centre is an amazing church with an amazing pastor and amazing leaders. I had the privilege of speaking at Charis this morning at both of their English Worship Services at 8.45am and 11.15am. Charis is situated in a predominantly Chinese area of the city of Kuala Lumpur called Cheras. Occupying 5 shop houses in Taman Billion Cheras, Charis is about 22 years old. They have 7 different services every Sunday and have about 1200 people in attendance at these services. Coming to speak at Charis also brought back many memories for me as I grew up in this area. I attended Primary school at La Salle Peel Road and also stayed at Lorong Shahbandar, Peel Road for a couple of years. Later we moved to Taman Cuepacs Cheras, also stayed there for a couple of years.

The community work that Charis does is really something to shout about. I am so encouraged to learn of the good works that they do through:
RUMAH SAYANGAN - A home for underprivileged, abused, abandoned and orphaned children.
CHARIS - NKF DIALYSIS CENTRE - Providing affordable dialysis to the needy.
Started in 1997 currently 129 patients are receiving regular dialysis 3 times per week at the centre.
KID'S KINGDOM - Teaches children to read, write and speak English. Classes are held on Saturday mornings with 150 children in attendance.
S.A.F.E - reaches out to exploited women. (This morning I heard the story of how they rescued a woman from Sichuan China who came to Malaysia to work as a social escort. The woman has since returned to China baptized. Praise the Lord!)

Ps Clarissa Giam their Social Concern Pastor is quite a woman. She would definitely be one of the amazing leaders at Charis. She had a fall recently that fractured her left hand. She says that it has not stopped her in any way but recognizes that she need to slow down a bit. Clarissa's passion in her work is certainly contagious. 2 weeks ago I was in Penang and Mrs Chong from Fettes Park Baptist Church related to me a story of a team of people that came from KL to help them clean up the flats at Rifle Range. They also helped with the repainting of the walls. With much excitement they recounted how they scrubbed the dirt off the walls before painting. As I listened to Mrs Chong I began to see the heart of the team from KL and their spirit of excellence.

Today at Charis I got to meet the team of 11 people that went to Penang for that mission work. Yes they are from Charis Christian Centre. The people at Charis Christian Centre truly live out their mission statement "A heart for God and a hand for man." If you live in the Cheras area and is looking to find a church to serve in I strongly recommend Charis.

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For more information on Charis please check out their website: charis.org.my

Our 1st Externally Focused DLT Meeting

16th October 2008, is historic for us, as we had our first Externally Focused Discipling Life Team meeting. We gathered at my place at 8pm, and we sat down to a meal of beef rendang, and bergadil. Everyone was in very good spirits although it was raining and the conversations were with excitement of what was to unfold for the evening. Immediately after dinner we watched 2 videos; one by Doug Carter (Vice President EQUIP), and the other by Pastor Chris Hodges (sits on the Board of EQUIP).

In the video by Doug, he spoke on "Leadership Begins with an Attitude, and that leaders think and perceive the world differently than followers do." Doug continued by sharing the biblical principles about attitude;
1. My attitude as I begin a task will affect its OUTCOME more than anything else.
2. My attitude towards OTHERS will determine their attitude towards ME.
3. My attitude is the major difference between SUCCESS and FAILURE.
4. My attitude can turn my PROBLEMS into BLESSINGS.
5. My attitude can give me an uncommon PERSPECTIVE on life.
6. My attitude is my best FRIEND or my worst ENEMY.
7. My attitude, not my ACHIEVEMENTS, will give me happiness.
8. My attitude will change when I CHOOSE to change it.
9. My attitude needs continual ADJUSTMENT.
10. My attitude is CONTAGIOUS.

When Doug finished, the living room was in dead silence. Discerning that nothing more was needed to be said about "attitude", we proceeded to watch the 2nd video. Chris Hodges came on to talk about "The Leader's Inner Circle."

Chris stressed on the relationships we all need;

* God (your heavenly Father)
* Family (your spouse and children)
* A Mentor (a Paul)
* An Accountability Partner (a Barnabas)
* An Apprentice Disciple who follows you (a Timothy)

Why are these relationships especially crucial for a leader?

1. Every leader has weaknesses.
2. Leaders are on the front line of the spiritual battle and
__are vulnerable to attack.
3. Leaders are to set a higher standard for themselves than their followers.
4. Leaders can be blended to the temptations of power and popularity.
5. Leaders can get so busy that their spiritual lives suffer more than anything else.
6. Leaders often merely react to needs and forget to train others for the future.

Chris ended with some alarm bells for leaders;

1. Is my personal walk with God up to date?
2. Am I keeping my priorities straight?
3. Am I asking myself the hard questions?
4. Am I accountable to someone in authority?
5. Am I listening to what God is saying to the whole body of Christ?
6. Am I over concerned with building my own image?
7. Am I overly impressed by either criticism or flattery?
8. Am I a "loner" in my ministry?
9. Am I aware of my weaknesses?
10. Is my calling constantly before me?

I proceeded to explain the set up of the new DLT (Discipling Life Team) structure. I could sense the excitement within the room.

The Growth Champion - is responsible for the overall spiritual growth of the team. The Growth Champion is the one asking the questions about how people are growing in their relationship with God. The Growth Champion is aware of the resources available to the team and usually is the one who enjoys and shares some of the teaching element of the DLT.

The Bridge Champion - is the one who desires to lead the DLT in making a difference in the community.

The Connect Champion - leads the team in meeting each other's needs. They also help to make new people feel welcomed and connected.

Then of course there is the Prayer Leader, Men's Leader and Women's Leader.

You can see that now instead of just 1 leader, there are 6 other leaders to help the DLT Leader in his mission of leading the DLT. Then there are the all-important Team Members. Just what do they do? I believe everyone has a role in a DLT. Everyone must be released into the ministry of serving.

Team Members - begin their "DLT journey" together by making a list of 10 friends or relatives who are yet to know Christ, and start to pray for them daily. They also meet up with one member of the team once a week for 1-2 hours to ask character-based questions of each other. These sessions are gender-based. They will also meet with one of their friends and relatives, whom they are praying for, once a week for 1-2 hours, to have "life transforming conversations."

Of course, every single team member is committed to the EFC Leadership Training. On the curriculum is:
Relationship
Leadership
Stewardship
Breaking Strongholds in the Mind
Grace - My grace is sufficient
Ministry Internship

I proceeded with the DLT session by announcing the leaders selected.
Growth Champion - Winifred Chin
Bridge Champion - Chris Lim
Prayer Leader - Sonya Liew (Sonya now has her prayer sessions with the team members every Wednesday at 8.30pm. The location of the prayer sessions will move among the team members' homes)

All were indeed refreshed with the new direction taken to be externally focused.

Praise the Lord!