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.

View more photos

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!

EFC Leadership Training - Graduation Dinner, Kulai

Saturday morning October 11th 2008 found us on the road again, this time heading south to Kulai, Johore. Kulai is located about a half hour's drive from Johor Bahru (JB) and about a 3hour drive from Kuala Lumpur. Arriving in Kulai at 1pm, Pastor Benedict (Chairman of the Pastor's Fellowship Kluang) met us and immediately took us for lunch. Yes it started to rain very heavily as we commenced our lunch. The conversations during lunch centered on the town of Kulai. In case you did not know here is a brief - population about 200k. Mostly they live in Kulai but work in JB or Singapore. The township also borders the Senai Airport. For work, it seems most people wake up as early as 4am to make their way to Singapore and come back at about 8pm daily. What a life!After lunch we checked into a hotel called RJ Hotel at a "Taman." I am told that Kulai also has the most number of "tamans" in Malaysia. After a quick shower, we were off to the St.Andrews Church, Kulai for the pre-graduation conference. Here at the conference we got to meet the 35 people who are graduating after completing Book 1 of the Leadership Curriculum. There were 18 of them from Pontian, mostly teachers and the rest from Kulai. Pontian is about 40 minutes from Kulai, situated at the western tip of Johore. Pontian is a fishing village and "they" are already saying we must come to Pontian for we have the best seafood at Kukup. So Pastor Benedict declared that the Graduation Dinner for Book 2 will be in Pontian.

Night Prayers - 30th September

The 2 Weeks that was 15th - 28th September

It is now Sunday 28th September, it's 1.09pm. The weather is sultry and the music in the background is country gospel. If you prefer country gospel music, let me introduce you to 'King Country' Daingerfield Texas. Click on http://www.kingcountry.org/ and enjoy non-stop country gospel music. At 5pm I will be speaking at the Martoma Church in USJ, so in the midst of preparing for that this posting can be considered a diversion of sorts.
Yesterday, the 27th, was quite relaxing for me. There was just one lunch meeting on the cards, but a very important one. 5 men got together to discuss unity in the body of Christ . Who were these men? Bishop Hwa Yung, KJ John, KJ Abraham, Alex Matthews. KJ tells me two others, Wong Hon Meng and Kong Beng could not make it due to prior engagements. Lunch was at the Overseas Restaurant, Asia Jaya. So in the midst of food and heavy rain, the very spirited conversations on unity flowed.
Tuesday 23rd September began with some sombre news; Simon was not able to join us for the launching of the EFC Leadership Training in Sungei Petani. The morning proceeded with us picking PK Ang from the PJ Hilton at 12 noon. Who is PK Ang? He is the chairman of the pastor's fellowship Sungei Petani. He is the man we have been connecting with for the work in Sungei Petani. PK happened to be in KL on the 23rd, so we drove back together to Sungei Petani. By the way the journey to Sungei Petani takes about 4 hours. During the 4-hour drive, we got to hear PK's journey with Christ. We got to hear his vision and heartbeat regarding the community of Sungei Petani. (For full report of launch in Sungei Petani, please check out http://efccmalaysia.org/)

A tip for food lovers: We stopped at Bidor for the very famous herbal soup duck mee. The very same restaurant also sells the chicken biscuit - the most famous in South East Asia, so they claim. I thought the chicken biscuit, fresh from the oven just a few shops away was much better.
I received very distressing news on the 15th September, Ps Sunther (42) the Chairman of the Pastor's Fellowship Kluang had passed away due to a severe asthma attack while in Malacca. We were told that he had gone to Malacca with some missionary friends from New Zealand. On the morning of the 16th Piek See, Simon and I took the drive down to Kluang for the wake service at 7.30pm and also for the funeral service the next day. I remembered Ps Sunther as a very caring pastor. He was always very concerned for the people. Just a couple days earlier at a meeting with the Eden Community he prayed for me. At the funeral service we heard many moving eulogies from friends and relatives. The tears came a rolling when his wife and his mother came up to give their farewell. Sitting through this very emotional scene it is just impossible without tears and recollections. So with tears I recollected the words of Jordan the Chairman of the Agape Presbyterian Church Kluang, "Kluang has lost 2 senior pastors in just a couple of months." "What is God saying?"

Gracelife Message - 20th Sept 2008

LIFE OWES US NOTHING ( Video )

THE GRATITUDE ATTITUDE
It starts with getting rid of the ‘entitlement attitude’ which puts one’s “rights” ahead of everything else. This is an area full of expectation.

- What do you think your spouse owes you? Financial support? Emotional support?

- Is your spouse the one who is supposed to make you happy for the rest of your life?

- Your spouse owes you nothing. “When demands begin, love departs"

We live in a society that feeds an entitlement attitude. The entitlement attitude says, “life owes me a living,” or “people owes me something,” or “God owes me something.”

- Truth is; the entitlement attitude leaves you constantly feeling angry, resentful, or frustrated.

- Truth is; “Entitlement” is a lie it’s a perversion of reality.

- Truth is; there is nothing in the universe that states, “you deserve to live a long, happy and successful life.”

- Truth is; everything good we do get must be looked at as a gift.

UNDERSTANDING THAT EVERYTHING WE HAVE IS A GIFT FORMS THE BASIS OF OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD.

- Neither God, nor anyone else owes us anything.

- Do you believe this is true?

- Truth is; any kindness we receive from others is always a gift.

- Eliminating entitlement from your life and embracing gratitude is spiritually and psychologically liberating. Gratitude is the recognition that life owes me nothing and all the good I have is a gift.

- My eyes are gifts, my wife is a gift, my job is a gift, so is my breath.

- Recognizing that everything good in life is a gift is a fundamental truth of reality.

- Seeing everything good we have as gifts, leads us to confront the reality of a Giver and Source of all this good. GOD.

Gratitude is when we begin to experience God in a powerfully personal way.

- "Thank you" is the simplest, most powerful prayer a person can say. Everything we have is on loan. Everything is a loan that is given as a gift.

- My ears are on loan, my health is on loan, and my children is on loan. What have we done that we could claim we earned – life, health, financial success, or children?

How freeing to live with a sense that everything good is on loan. Once we understand that everything is a gift, we can begin to feel gratitude towards God and grow closer to Him in an authentic and joyful way.

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Gracelife Message 13 Sept 2008

WHOSE LIFE IS IT ANYWAY?

Proverbs 23:7
For as a man thinks in his heart, so is he.

Q1. What are you thinking in your heart?

Ephesians 6:12
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the power of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

You are in a war both spiritually and physically.

Q2. Are you feeling tired, confused, depressed, used and kicked around?

Q3. Do you despise your spiritual calling?

1 John 2:15-17
Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the prides of life is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world is passing away and the lust of it, but he who does the will of the God abides forever.

Lust of the flesh – ‘passions’ wanting only your feel good lifestyle
Seek instead to influence with integrity.

Lust of the eyes – ‘possessions’ what I see I want
Seek instead to be generous with compassion.

Pride of life – ‘position’ wanting always power and to control
Seek instead to be humble and contrite.

2 Corinthians 10:4-5
For the weapons of our warfare are not physical, but they are mighty before God for the overthrow and destruction of strongholds, refute arguments, and theories and reasoning and every proud and lofty thing that sets itself up against the knowledge of God and we lead every thought and purpose away captive into the obedience of God.

Q4. Do you recognize the words of God or the voice of God?

ARE YOU READY TO MAKE A STAND?

Download/Listen to the complete audio
of Saturday's message, by clicking HERE

10th September - Birthday Party at Jakes

It's the eve of my birthday and I have been invited by the Discipling Life Team that comes to my home, for dinner at Jakes. I arrive at 7.30pm at Jakes to find DJ walking in at the same time. We were directed upstairs where the rest of the group were already enjoying the fellowship of one another. For a Wednesday night we were quite surprise to find Jakes fully patronized.Felicia who had just come back from Hong Kong the night before joined us as well, together with her mom. So the evening proceeded with the four mothers and their daughters, Pamela and Felicia, Josephine and Wini, Eileen and Sonya and Serena and Beatrice.

There was no father and son... Paul tells me that Jakes belongs to his uncle and aunt. Paul and Jessica soon to be married looked the perfect couple already.
Jessica ordered the lamb shank. Wow! And she's not the only one. Sharon and Chris also had lamb. What's the big deal you may ask? Well its because most Chinese don't eat lamb because of the smell. The highlight of the evening was not the cake cutting ceremony but when each one present took turns to testify how their lives have changed.

7th September - Kuala Lumpur

While in KL, Brad and Glen were treated to stay at the Trader's Hotel. Their room faced the Twin Towers, and Brad slept facing the Towers. The next seminar was scheduled for Sunday, so Saturday gave them a day to soak in the sights and do some shopping. Glen conducted communion at GraceLife Church and met the folks there. Spaghetti and Domino pizzas was served. We then headed for Petaling Street as they wanted to buy some gifts for their wives. So what did they get for their wives ......it was the latest Prada handbag. With the shopping done, we decided to call it a night.
The next day lunch was at "Saisaki," Brad and Glen enjoyed the vast array of food. Simon and Ratna joined us and met them for the first time.
The seminar began with worship by the GraceLife team. Two songs later, Brad was away with his final presentation. About 100 people sat through the seminar. By 10pm most of them that were at the seminar looked tired and ready to go. Pastor Malcolm closed the seminar in prayer and the crowd quickly dispersed. Pastor Thomas Fann very kindly offered to drive them all the way to Singapore directly after the seminar. They arrived safely at Changi Airport, Singapore at 4.50am.

5th September - Alor Star

It's the morning after the seminar in Kuantan. Our next seminar is on the 5th September in Alor Star. We assembled at the coffee house to have breakfast at the Hyatt Kuantan. The coffee house has a splendid view of the beach. Glen says he must find a way to bring his wife Julie here, as she loves the seaside. Having conducted the seminar in three locations, we conversed on how we could do it better at the remaining two locations, Alor Star and KL. Lunch was Glen and Brad scheduled with the Pastor's Fellowship Kuantan. Interacted with them on a wide variety of issues, the first being "What do you think about Barrack Obama?" With that question the conversations just flowed...........there was no stopping. Alas it was 2.30pm and it was time to continue on our journey to KL to catch the 7.55pm flight to Alor Star. All and any goodbyes being difficult, we proceeded on the 3-hour drive to the KL International Airport in Sepang.
Was it raining? Yes it was and really heavy too, all the way to Sepang. Arriving promptly at 6pm at the LCT Sepang, it seems our "GPS" made a mistake as to the flight. We were at the wrong airport! Men being men, we immediately swung into action to rectify the situation without much fuss. We sped off to the right airport, with just 40 minutes to flight time. Did we make the flight? Fortunately for us we did.
Pastor Kuilan Chairman of the Pastor's Fellowship Alor Star met us at the Alor Star Airport. After all the introductions we went to Jitra for the very famous Thai food, for dinner. Glen and Brad loved the food immensely. Funny, just as we finished dinner we all began to feel really tired. It has indeed been a long long day. It was just a 20 minute drive to our hotel and we retired early for the night.
We were given a very warm Alor Star welcome at the Trinity Baptist Church, the venue for the seminar. TBC is located at the well known "Holy Street" where the three other churches are also located. The worship team set the mood for the seminar with their very lively songs. Everyone was singing and clapping! I must say that Brad and Glen gave their best delivery here in TBC. Did the lively worship have anything to do with it? You tell me. Pastor Kuilan invited us to supper as we were kind of hungry, and he also wanted to show off the local cuisine. The team proceeded to Deejays, an Indian restaurant. The food was excellent. Brad and Glen had a taste of "Naans, tandoori chicken, roti bomb and beef curry." Many friendships were sealed at the dinner table.
The next morning Piek See tells me that there was drama at the airport. All their bookings for the flight were cancelled. Who was it that cancelled the bookings? No one knows! I had stayed behind to attend the dedication of the Wesley Church by the Bishop Hwa Yung. An sms sent later, by Piek See, informed me that they managed to get on the flight nonetheless.

3 Sept 2008 : EFCC Kuantan

Finishing breakfast at Kuantan Railway Cafe (KRC) we now have a four-hour drive to Kuantan via the Mersing way. Looking at the time it was 9am which means we will be in Kuantan by 1pm.

An earlier discussion of how we were going to get to Kuantan was really funny. We had never been to Kuantan using this road. Up to now our GPS (Global Positioning System) is Mdm Ooi Piek See, so we turn to her for directions to go there. She brings out a scrap of paper with a map of sorts drawn out. With that map on a scrap of paper we set off to Kuantan. Our GPS did quite well as we made only one wrong turn throughout the journey.

We stopped at Mersing because Kok Hwee recommended us this coffee shop which is a "must try if in Mersing." First impressions being really important we thought the coffee, nasi lemak and half-boiled eggs were much better at KRC, except of course our "GPS" who thought the coffee was good.
The drive was very scenic, we passed through virgin jungle, the seaside, rivers, God's country is awesome. I highly recommend this trip as a family outing. Finally we made our way into Kuantan at approximately 1.30pm, about half-an-hour off schedule. A quick lunch at Sherwood, and we headed for the Kuantan Baptist Church.
Brad and Glen had about adjusted to the time difference and the jet lag. The long drive was great for me as I had a chance to talk to both of them. I learned a lot about "house churches" from Brad, and many of the inside stories from Glen on their transition from being internally-focused to externally-focused. The seminar started at 3.30pm after a time of worship. Pastor Richard Ong welcomed the speakers. The seminar was very well participated with about 10 pastors and many other church leaders. In total we had about 70 people. Pastor Richard Ong (Chairman of the Pastor's Fellowship Kuantan) and his team did a great job of putting together this seminar.

2 Sept 2008 : EFCC - Kluang

We had breakfast with Josephine together with Glen and Brad the next morning. We talked about the seminar the day before at City Community Church, and reflected on how the seminar could be done better in Kluang, the place we are headed for next. Josephine runs the Agape Center, a non-profit organization offering services to the aged, single mothers and abused women.

After breakfast, we took some time to visit some famous sights in Malacca.

Brad wanted to see the Christchurch as he had heard about its history from Phillip and Carol. We took some photos and we were off to Kluang, arriving about 12.45pm. Lunch was at Barney's, together with the key leaders. Again it was raining as we arrived at Agape Presbyterian Church for the seminar. People were coming in about 2.50pm and we started the seminar at about 3.15pm. Brad was now more confident of his presentation. Glen also seemed more relaxed and gave a very warm report.
Was it raining when the seminar ended? Yes it was, so we skipped supper as all were tired as it was quite a hectic day.

The next morning, before going on to Kuantan,
we had breakfast at the Kluang Rail Cafe.

Jit Tong (in blue t-shirt), one of the owners, tells me that the cafe's history goes back 50 years. Eric Swanson had requested for the coffee from this place. A must try if you do come to Kluang!

1 Sept 2008 : EFCC Melaka

The Ladies, led by Josephine, invited us to have lunch at a Chinese restaurant. We had a wonderful lunch. Brad was amazed (I would say "shocked") to see me eating the fish head. We were pleasantly surprised when Pastor Richard Toh and wife Pat joined us for lunch. The conversation soon became very spirited when Phillip and Carol began to talk on the "mission schools." Brad and Glen were able to hear, the conversations of the passions of those present, for themselves.

After lunch we proceeded to the City Community Church for the Seminar. Brad began by talking about the definition of church.
But his revelations about home churches left the people in sort of a shock. Glen came on after dinner. Glen spoke about the transition of his church Chase Oaks Church, in Dallas Texas, from being internally-focused to being externally-focused.

The Seminar ended promptly at 10.30pm.

For more happenings on the conference, check out the website http://efccmalaysia.org/

Brad and Glen in Malaysia

When Eric and Sam left in May after doing the Externally Focused Church Conference, they promised to send Brad and Glen to follow up on the work here in Malaysia. Several e-mails and many months later,
we are heading to Singapore to pick them from Changi Airport.

Before meeting up with Brad and Glen, we met up with Pauline (Edison's sister) and Anthony who also happens to live in Singapore. We had dinner together at their lovely condo located very near to Changi Airport. Anthony cooked us grain fed beef steak, pumpkin and garlic. Pauline brought back some bread and salad from Amsterdam. Li Hong joins us halfway through dinner and now the conversation moves up a notch!

We picked Brad and Glen at about 10am and proceeded to brunch with Geoff and Diane at Pete's. Diane says this restaurant serves the best spagetti meatball in the world. After brunch, we continued our journey across the Causeway to Malacca. It rained cats and dogs all the way but it was fine weather in Malacca. The traffic in Malacca was really heavy due to it being Sunday and also Merdeka Day! Checked into the Mahkota Hotel at about 6pm.

Farewell Dinner for Edison, Emily & Family

It was a wet Sunday, it kept raining all afternoon till about 8pm. At about 8.15pm I made my way to the home of Madam Ooi Piek See for the farewell dinner of Edison (Piek See's nephew). Whats interesting about the trip to Piek See's place was that the streets were deserted. Why you may ask? The closing ceremony of the Beijing Olympics was on. I very quickly discovered upon arriving that there are many other mini celebrations going on as well. It seems we were also celebrating the entry of Junie into the cake-baking business. More about her cakes later! Then there is the promotion of Bernard Chen to managing director. Also the belated marriage celebrations of Mike and Mei-I. We were in for a great evening!

I had the most wonderful barbecue beef, lamb and chicken for dinner. (Sorry no pictures of the meal to show you.) Then came the highlight of the evening "Junie's cakes." She brought out her chocolate brownie cake which she said was her best seller. Indeed it tasted really good.

Then the durian cake was brought out. Wow the durian cake was a treat!

I for one will be making my year-end order of cakes with Junie.
Check out Junie's Delights.

With the eating all over we began to hear the good reports of Edison. Here's what Piek See had to say about him....."we rejoice with Edison and Emily together with the three lovely daughters whose names also begin with an E, Elizabeth, Esther and Engratia over the promotion of being made the Trade Commissioner of Hong Kong for Malaysia starting on September 1st. We take delight that he being the first batch of MLC graduates of Million Leaders Mandate has come a long way from being a college counselor to where he is, a clear leader. Of course we will miss the growing family as he has expressed desire for 6-7 children. GraceLife Church will definitely not be the same again without the Choongs' presence." Edison a brother with such a wonderful spirit of servitude has certainly matured. I am so happy for him and his family on this opportunity of being the Malaysian Trade Commissioner in Hong Kong.

Bernard also gave a wonderful account of the transformation in Jasmine. We were all so encouraged to see the change also in Bernard. Praise the Lord!
The evening moved along with lots of photos being taken. Tiek Hock tells me you can see all the photos in Junie's facebook. Curious? Go in and enjoy.

Night Prayer - July 2008

Our newly weds, Eddie and Sharon, had their marriage registered on a very special day, 080808! Our heartiest congratulations to them, and may they multiply and reap the blessings that the Lord has in store for them!

Before the prayer session, the following were shared:

1. A short update on what Transformed Ministry is doing and the projects they are currently handling.

2. Richard announced that MLC will launch Gracelife as a registered local discipleship Church, in Menara TA on 1st November 2008. Both Eric Swanson and Sam William , who will be in Malaysia for the EFC Conference, have been invited to officiate the launch at 5pm.

3. Updates on the EFCC Conference by Brad Fieldhouse and Glen Brechner.

4. Men's Ministry - “Authentic Manhood” will be launched in Kluang’s Agape Church on 30thNovember, 2008. Compulsory for all men from the Marketplace Leadership Ministry to attend the training which will be conducted by Geoff Gorsuch.

5. There will be a Marriage Enrichment Course for those who are married, planning to get married as well as singles. Classes are tentatively scheduled to start from September and will run until December. The classes will be conducted by Ailin and Vincent Goh.

Prayers started at 11.10pm after Praise & Worship - Calvary Cowboy style following which we all partook Holy Communion.

After an hour of worshipping in tongues, the following visions and words were received:

1. A word ‘Go’. Matthew 28:19, says to make a difference in the marketplace.

2. People busy working in the vineyard, some were trimming the branches, some attending to the fruits.

3. Worship in heaven, very happy.

4. Psalms 11 In the LORD I take refuge.
How then can you say to me: "Flee like a bird to your mountain.
For look, the wicked bend their bows; they set their arrows against the strings to shoot from the shadows at the upright in heart.
When the foundations are being destroyed, what can the righteous do ?"
The LORD is in his holy temple; the LORD is on his heavenly throne. He observes the sons of men; his eyes examine them.
The LORD examines the righteous, but the wicked and those who love violence his soul hates.
On the wicked he will rain fiery coals and burning sulfur; a scorching wind will be their lot.
For the LORD is righteous, he loves justice; upright men will see his face.

Psalms 119:13
With my lips I recountall the laws that come from your mouth

Hebrews 11:1
Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.

5. Blue sky with white cloud, Road to Damacus, A room with ray of light, felt a heavy pressure on the chest

6. Isaiah 60:4

Lift up your eyes and look about you: All assemble and come to you; your sons come from afar, and your daughters are carried on the arm.

7. Sam Williams walking around

8. Walking in the dark, door opened and saw Jesus walking in with light

Psalm 91
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust."
Surely he will save you from the fowler's snare and from the deadly pestilence.
He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday.
A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked.
If you make the Most High your dwelling— even the LORD, who is my refuge-
then no harm will befall you, no disaster will come near your tent.
For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways;
they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.
You will tread upon the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent.
"Because he loves me," says the LORD, "I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.
He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him.
With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation."

Richard concluded that Jesus has set us free from all our bondages. Therefore, we are to live our life and not be caught up with superstitions and deception. The coming year will see the "Breaking of religious walls as mentioned in Psalms 91." Do not let anyone deceive or condemn you. Always reply with "Jesus has set us free!"

Wini closed with prayers at 12.25am.

(Minutes taken by Serena Kam)