Four more days...

As the saying goes...
With just a blink of an eye and here we are
FOUR MORE DAYS TO PHILIPPINES!
After meeting up for the last couple of months
We are soon going to be on our way
Before we embark on this mission, I've asked each of us to write down our personal prayer requests
That all of us may continue to uphold one another in prayer

D-Way

Please pray that God will give me the wisdom and guidance to lead the group. Many months of planning and I believe it's going to be worth while. Pray also as I fine tune the schedule with Ph, they're bit slow on their side but I can show you all the rough schedule this Saturday. Please also pray that I'll have the strength (and also you all) when we're in Ph. Most of all pray against the work of the evil ones. Like Nehemiah faced opposition from outside and inside. I hope I'll not face opposition inward but I'm expecting from outward as whenever we want to do something BIG for God, satan will always want to make it small.

May

Please pray for a focus mind & heart to complete this mission task - need to remember drama roles, rope tricks, action songs, testimony, etc etc..

For new friendships to be built & for current friendships to deepen (amongst team member especially, we'll be staying together for 8 days, 7 nights)

And for sensitivity & obedience to God's voice :)

Thank you!

Noelle
Do keep me in prayer in:
Able to catch deadlines in work so that my boss will release me for long leave in "peace"
Smooth travel & Physically fit (Easily get flight or car sickness then will start dizzy follow by migraine)
Be able to adapt with the local culture and people
Able to control my emotion (Easily touch follow by tears) hahahaha
and lastly, Obedience to God

James
I was shocked to be requested by our team leader to prepare sermon. Never done it in my life and it's my 1st time. I'll be having a hard time for the week ahead, so please pray for wisdom to know and understand what the Lord wants me to speak to the people in Philippines. Starting to have fear of preparing it.

Ping Xin
That i will be spiritually, physically n mentally prepared for d battle up ahead... That i may also have the wisdom to know what and when to say and do when i meet the ppl and street kids there.. Pray too for adaptation to d environment n food there..lastly, to learn what God wants me to learn and continue placing my faith and trust in him no matter the circumstances..

Yong Yong

As for my side, just pray tat I'll still continue to strengthen my amour of God so tat when we all get into the battle field, will not be stumbled down easily...as the days is nearing for our day to fly to Ph, I'm getting anxious and also excited...all i wanna do is to fully trust in HIM and rely in HIM in everything tat i do there...

thanks

Xinn Ee
Pray that once I'm there I will be able to go all out for God and not hold back because of my doubts or fears.
That I will allow God to fully use me when I'm there. May i continue to draw strength from God each day as I prepare. I'm also busy with my assignments and my upcoming exams, so do pray that I will be able to trust God to provide for He knows what's best for me. Pray that i will be well and healthy when the trip begins as I'm also coming down with a flu. Pray that I'll be able to work well with my team and with the people there.

Philippians 4:6-7
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Thank you all for your prayer support and encouragement!
We truly appreciate them all!
God bless!
Signing off, Xinn.

So what have we been really up to?

I probably can tell that just about now

that you guys are wishing this is not another looong post and report of our daily meetings
(dun worry, I'm running out of words too)
So i shall spare you people
and let you have a glimpse of what we did last week in D-way's place

take #1

Something's not right so we revamp!

take #2
looks better but...
hmmm May's hand look like it's in the wrong pla...
nvrm :)
let's just hope ping xin's photoshop skills are good

Those going...
Clockwise(L-R) May, Xinn, D-Way, Yong, Noelle, Ping, James

The whole team
+ (L-R) Laura, Chew Sim, Linda, Timothy

Since our main focus to Philippines is the street kids and teens
we decided it's best to select a main theme verse with them as our focus
So we picked:

Matthew 19:14 Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."
That all our hearts may be such as these.

Here are some videos of the drama
There are more but the file is too big so i can't upload it here

As you can see how ready we are
haha there's another practice
(and probably our last before we head up to Philippines)
So cya people nxt Saturday at 6pm sharp ya!

Signing off, Xinn.

Statues and Benches

Updated Prayer List:
1) Anti-crime group slams shooting of Atenean grad - girl name,Tara Santelices, 23 yrs old was shot in the head by an armed robber while on board a jeepney on August 6 in Cainta, Rizal. Pray for justice upon this case as the police work hard to investigate for the murderer. pray for wisdom upon police there. also pray for peace and comfort the family of Tara Santelices.

2) Unity Among churches in Manila

3) Safety and health for the leader's of the church.

4) Pray that God will supply enough Elementary school to fulfill the needs of the poor children for basic educations.

5) Pray that God will soften the hearts of the people in Manila and leading them to the truth regardless of the poor and rich as the populations is growing enormously and sitting at 15 millions now.

6) The spiritual life of each member of A-team going for this mission trip. Also the other preparation and arrangements here in Malaysia and there in Philippines as we liaise with OM. That God will guide us each step of the way and help us carry out this plan of His.

Keep these in your prayers as we fast tomorrow.
"How's your walk with God? Are you guys prepared for the spiritual battle?" - James is reminding us in his email.
We're about 2-3 weeks away from our mission trip. Are we all geared and in shape for this mission?
Well whatever state we are in, right this instant, always keep in mind God is always on our side

Romans 8
v. 31 What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?
v. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, either the present nor the future, nor any powers,
v. 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Last week was another interesting week for us
We started practicing our dramas and managed to cover TWO - The Statue and The Bench
They're very simple to learn, simple to understand, silent dramas

The first was about a statue - rigid and stubborn.
Then along comes a friend who teaches the statue to run, dance and even offers ice-cream
But the statue still refuses to budge!
Finally the friend puts a Bible in the statue's hand and kneels down to pray for him.
Soon the statue comes to life and is intrigued by God's Words,
He alerts his friend who is praying diligently,
For now, the statue is free from the bounds of rigidity.

The second is about a kid who wants to find a friend and sits on a bench waiting for one, who would be willing to play with him.
Many different people walk to this bench - an artist, a reader and even a jogger
Neither of them interested to play with the young child
So the kid decides to do whatever it is that they are doing, but it's just not him (being playful) and soon they are irritated by his animated behavior and leave...
Their rejection crushes the kid's spirit
But, then comes along a friend....exactly like this kid.
They immediately clicked and enjoyed each others' company

Each of these drama may mean different things to different people - up to one's interpretation
So A-team troopers, do try to think whether there is any 'Story of Your Life' that can be connected to the dramas. They'll be good testimonies during our time in the Philippines.
hmmm I should have taken videos and pictures of us practicing
Next week then... we'll be practicing even more in D-Way's house on Sunday at 2-4pm
Those who haven't gave your salvation testimonies, please bring them this week ya!
See you guys then! Can't wait to see May acting again!

Signing off, Xinn.

Heart (hard) Lessons

I must say that throughout all the meetings we had
This would be the most 'impactful' one (to me, at least)
Hence, the title of this post.
But why, you may ask?
Well continue reading then :)
I'm sure those who were there at the meeting might know a little of what I mean

The day started with Linda and Laura's belated salvations testimonies
They're both sisters who grew up in this very church
Linda's the elder one who used to be really mischievous and would lie or steal to get what she wanted. Because of the lack of love and financial support from her family then, she started to feel her self-confidence drifting away and thought herself inferior to do anything. She did accept the Lord at a young age, when she was in a camp. However, she always doubted whether she was truly saved by the Man who died for her sins, considering she never really felt washed away from her sins. It was not an overnight change, she tells us. Gradually, she started to build her relationship to know this Man personally and learn from the good & even the bad experiences. Before her own eyes, her family relationship started to improve. Now she takes God's word seriously and help mentor those in need.

Laura, on the other hand, had always felt rejected amongst her friends during her primary school times and didn't feel that she rightly belonged anywhere. When she started to attend MIF (our church teenage fellowship), the love and sense of belonging she felt there touched her life. She was encouraged to read the Bible which told her that God is in control of all things. She began to serve Him through MIF and still continues to faithfully serve. Now when she feels down, she knows the Lord is always there for her.

After their sharing, D-Way taught us some rope and paper tools that may help us during our trip as we share and evangelize to the children who do have short attention spans.
There's a picture of my 'tearing cross'
and the other was a 'Cut & Restore' rope illustration.
Hope you guys have been practicing and perfecting your 'skills'.

The week before, D-Way asked each of us to bring a favorite piece of clothing or the most expensive piece from our closet.
So each of us obediently brought what we liked best and shared why we chose that piece out of the lot. We had from ManU jerseys to expensive sweaters to even pillow cases (even though it isn't considered clothing...dun worry May people won't know it's you *cough*)
After we talked about our reasons...
D-way said nonchalantly, "Okay can i use that plastic bag?"
You see this plastic bag? We're going to put what we've all brought today and bring it to Phillipines because we're going to give it to the person we think needs it.............
Well the reason why there's so many dots there is because I didn't clearly hear what he said after that.
I'm not sure how hard it was for you guys, but...
To be real and honest, i found it hard to give away that piece of clothing I brought
I never thought it would be this hard, indeed it has hit straight to the heart
Things need to be sorted out with the Lord who was willing to give His only Son away

I guess this is partly what Jesus meant when he said in Luke 9:23-25,

Then he said to them all: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it. What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit his very self?"

The meeting then closed with some rules & regulations of what to bring and not bring on the trip
As well as an encouragement from D-Way to come back from Philippines without our luggages and only with the things on our backs!
God always gives us more than what we've bargained for, doesn't He?

Signing off, Xinn

What is our heart's desire?

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Saturday at the Nursery

We had our meeting on a Saturday, last week, since Sunday was Youth Sunday and some of us were tight down.

Considering Timothy was unable to join our previous meetings, he shared his personal salvation testimony. He, too, was from a Christian home but was more involved outside church walls and with friends that could not help him develop his faith in Christ, instead led him to be more interested in sinning than pleasing God. But when he was in Form 5, a friend of his became terminally ill and Tim would follow his dad to pray for that friend. He witness how he's friend still had the motivation to seek God even in times like these and how the father came to know Christ even when his son was leaving soon. Soon after Tim's friend passed away, Tim confirmed his decision to turn to God away from his own selfish ways.

After Timothy shared, D-way post a question to know what is our perception on missions?
We all had our own answer to that question...
James - Showing Christ love not just by words but by action,
Tim - Being a testimony to show that God has the power to change lives and bring joy
Yong - Being compassionate to the needy
Ping - Reaching out to touch lives
Xinn - Bringing the hope of salvation and love to anyone that doesn't know Christ
D-way - Not just about going to 'kampungs' to share or help but missions has evolved into so many different ministries that enable the sharing of God's words

D-Way continued to share two portions of the Bible that impacted him about missions
1) Luke 16:19-31 (The Rich man and Lazarus)
Firstly, He pointed out that our riches should be build in Heaven and not in the world . This simple parable depicts what is pleasing in God's eyes and what isn't.
The reality of hell is all so surreal but the burning truth nonetheless. We need to ask ourselves, "Do I want to see people go to such a place as this?". So think again, how important is missions to you?

2) Rev 5:11
"Then i looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders. In a loud voice they sang,...."
The picturesque thought of the vast number praising God is magnificent. The many believers worshiping the true God, in the end days, is such an encouragement to bring more to Christ that'll form the crowd.

It is true that we still face struggles in our walk with God. As we shared our own individual struggles in setting aside time for God, it became clear that preparing ourselves for this mission trip has not made us immune to trials and temptation. Whether it is work or studies or the excuse of "so much to do, so little time", it is this time that we need to be strong in our foundation of God! Like what Rev. Yeo shared few weeks back, we all must have an assured goal and not run aimlessly. Each of us were given our own notebook to journalize our experiences with God each day as we prepare to set out for Him.

James suggested that we should fast every Friday together to pray for our team as a whole and this mission that we will be taking on. Do feel free to join us in this time of fasting as we petition our prayers and requests to our Father in Heaven.

Next Meeting: 17 Aug (Sunday) 10am - Pr. Maggie's Time
Homework for us : Find any information about Philippines to share with the group and refine our salvation testimony
Homework for Ping: Prepare the salvation testimony and mission testimony paper
Homework for Laura: Prepare Salvation Testimony and re-Charge her walk with God
See you guys then!

Hebrews 12:1-2

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus. the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Signing off, Xinn.

Mission Interview

Last week... Each of us had a taste of what a mission interview is like with Bro. Voon Horn and Sis. Suat Lian (one of our YM advisers and his wife)

The interview might have been a little behind schedule but it managed to flow smoothly.
They both made the atmosphere so approachable.
There is no right or wrong answer, just a time to get to know our reasons, expectations, limitations, preparations and of course, our prayer requests.
This interview was not only out of formality,
it was also important as a reinforcement to each of us that we are all accountable to God, His people (our church and the people in Manila) and our teammates when we go on this mission.
It is a mission where we youth can gain experience and exposure,
but it is also "Putting yourself in the front line," as Bro. Voon Horn said.
"And that requires the Armor of God and the Sword of the Spirit," Sis. Suat Lian ensures.

Personally, I feel that this interview was essential.
We may have our own thoughts and reasons, for this mission to Manila, all figured out in our heads
But having the chance to share it out made those things even clearer,
And hopefully making our commitment towards our preparation and voyage even stronger.
You know... more black and white, more ascertained...

I may not know what was said or heard in each interview
But I do hope that even through an interview,
God has assured us the glorious plan He has in stored for each of our lives

"For even a long, dangerous journey can be faced confidently when God is leading the expedition."
Signing off, Xinn.

P.S I'm having trouble attaching our preparation schedule to this post. Will continue to figure it out.