Things I remember about Stephen

In Dec 2007, we completed the dry run of Project Timothy in CBC SEA Park. I approached Stephen Choi, the head tutor to express my desire to be a tutor. Kathleen and I were the only ones from the Chinese church. He smiled and said ok. I have been with PT-Asia since. I have gone through 1 complete cycle of PT and I am now in the 2 of 6 semesters of the 2nd round.

Here are some of the things I remember about this friend, mentor, sifu of mine.

• His smile
• His trademark moustache
• His love of God
• His love for the Word of God
• His love for the people of God
• His humour

I always enjoy the PT tutors meeting where Stephen would wait for the others tutors to share their thoughts, and then with a smile, bring up some of the things he observed from the Bible. This is usually followed by dumbfounded silence and a few daring attempts to answer his questions. He'd then share his suggestions. I always enjoy learning from my fellow tutors but Stephen made learning a very interesting and enjoyable experience.

I am very inspired by his faith in God especially during his times of trial. He really kept his eyes on the author and finisher of his faith.

Stephen is now back to be with Jesus. I will miss him very much.

On the 4th day of Chinese New Year ...

Today is the 4th day of Chinese New Year.

I have with me the cough that had been bugging me since 1 week before Chinese New Year. I will go see Dr. Chau (my own doctor) if necessary. The panel clinic doesn't work for me.

I am very thankful for the following:

• Son, Jesse is doing his A-levels in the Methodist College Kuala Lumpur. I hope he gets back his motivation. He can be unstoppable when he is in form. He got 7 As in his UPSR. Perhaps too much success to early. I never really recovered from my 8 A1s in SRP. I got arrogant. I hope he doesn't.
• My dad is free from tube and urine bag. The medicine worked well. He could pass urine just fine. To quote Wei Lymn, the new standard is no long being able to eat and sleep, but also to be able to take in and discharge.
• SOL 1 and SOL 2. Jesse and Kathleen both finished their SOL 1 and they are waiting for me. Due to a mistake in my schedule, I missed out one class for SOL 1 last year. I am going to take it on 11/02/2012 and I can graduate together with them. We have a few group studies to do for SOL 2. All in good time.
• Family - we love and care for one another. Being the eldest, I should go home more often. I will do just that.
• The wonderful people God put in my life. I have said it once, and I will say it again (plagiarized from Eric Bischoff from one episode of Monday Nitro) - you people put a smile on my face and a teas in my eye. Thank you for the hugs too. Wife thinks physical touch is my language of love.

During the few days away, I have been constantly praying for 2 friends in particular. I have regular people I pray for but I pray for these 2 in particular. One has cancer. One has a delayed dust mite allergy.

I am looking forward to a year of promotion as Pastor Daniel said. No, not just in terms of position but in terms of responsibilities. If we are faithful with the little things, God will give us bigger things. At this age, I am really learning to come back to God and no longer think I am very clever. I have been 'clever' for many years and the last few years of 'doing nothing' has humbled me a lot.

I am glad we are in DUMC. I think my dreams will come alive. And my shattered dreams will live again. With so many brothers and sisters to look after me, I will make it. I am counting the blessings of God everyday and I am looking forward to the end of 2012 when I will look back at a great year.

All glory to Jesus.

S2T1: Challenge to Faithful Discipleship #sermon #dumcMY #fb

Pastor Dr. Daniel Ho, 08/01/2012
This is the Anniversary Gift Weekend and we are trusting God for RM4 million.

The sermon is the first in the S2T1 series or Study in Studies in 2 Timothy (S2T): Paul’s Last Words (Discipleship & Leadership Development)


2Ti 2:1-8  You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.  (2)  And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others.  (3)  Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.  (4)  No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs--he wants to please his commanding officer.  (5)  Similarly, if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victor's crown unless he competes according to the rules.  (6)  The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops.  (7)  Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.  (8)  Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel,

2011 has gone so fast. It’s like a toilet roll, the faster we use the faster it goes away. (There’s a new roll once the 2011 roll is gone. ~Loong.) Pastor Daniel said every year is better than the last and the best is yet to come. (I remember one camp speaker during a CBC camp said, 好戏在后头.)

Last year, we lay foundation, we built depth. In 2012, we build distance. There are 3 elements – making disciples, multiply leaders and in a certain kind of culture.

I'm in the office before 0700

Dad's appointment with the urologist is rescheduled to Thursday. The urologist's dad passed away (God be with them.) I spoke to boss and move my leave to Thursday.

I dropped Jesse at the Kelana Jaya LRT station (well, technically, I dropped him opposite the LDP). I didn't accompany him. Now that I am in the office, I am thinking I should have gone with him.

He should be ok. I perhaps worry too much. He dressed up so smart today.

I am so early in the office. I will get something done in the quietness of the morning.

Torn ... in many directions

Tomorrow, I am accompanying my dad to see a specialist for his prostrate issue. The appointment is scheduled to be very early to make it for the appointment in Klang. It's 0730! What kind of doctor is so hardworking? A urologist no less. He's a classmate of my sister. That's how. I hope we can find out how to fix it and my dad can be at ease again.

Due to time clash, I cannot accompany Jesse to his first day in college. The first two days will be orientation but still ... I wanted to much to go with him.

At another front, Kathleen has hated me more because I think helping her in her assignment is cheating. I think she is right. If others (read 'other female friends') ask me to help them with their school assignments, would I decline? Even Jesse think I should help.

The one that really tugs at my heart is the year end closing in the company. For the record, my colleagues are more than capable of doing their work on their own - even without me standing by and cheering them on. I was in the office on Saturday and today. But I won't be there on the first official working day of the year with my COMrades. I wonder how many will miss me. I know one may. The others I don't know. To make up for it, I have done what I could. I churned up some data when I came home from dinner plus last minute shopping for Jesse. The lunch arrangement today was a disaster. We have to each went our own way because one particular sandwich joint did not get our order ready and did not remember to call us to tell us.

In DUMC, we are told 2011 was a BETTER year. and 2012 is a year of PROMOTION. I don't care about the title I am given at work. I think I am being promoted to do more. I wish I can do just as much as I was doing 1 decade ago. I don't want to think I am already pass my prime or over the hill.

The best is yet to come! I am a work in progress.

Vision Weekend 2012 - Make disciples … multiply leaders #dumcMY #sermon #fb

Pastor Dr Daniel Ho, New Year 2012
Mat 28:19  Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit
2Ti 2:1-7  You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.  (2)  And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others.  (3)  Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.  (4)  No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs--he wants to please his commanding officer.  (5)  Similarly, if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victor's crown unless he competes according to the rules.  (6)  The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops.  (7)  Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.
This New Year is going to be a great year. It is going to be better than the year before. Tiap-tiap hari, God is good. God is good, tiap-tiap hari.
2011 is about building depth and lay strong foundation to prepare for what is to come. The Word of God continues to be crucial in the foundation.
Forecasts around the world do not paint a pretty picture. We don’t know what the future holds but we know who holds the future. Pastor Daniel challenged us to fast 1 meal a day for the next 14 days. Malaysia badly needs prayer.
2012 is to build distance and to build a structure that lasts.

1. Making disciples
2. Developing leaders
3. Serving a certain kind of culture

The call to make disciples

Character of a disciples

A learner, pupil, a follower

Mar 1:16-18  As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen.  (17)  Come, follow me, Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men."  (18)  At once they left their nets and followed him.
The word disciple and the word discipline came from the same root word. A disciple is a discipline person. To this end, DUMC has designed a few things for us.

Firstly, the CG. Over 200 leaders have been raised up throughout the years. Secondly, the SOL, to train us up as strong follower of Jesus Christ. We also have many conferences, the first being the Miracle Rally with Rev. Dr. Colton in Jan. This year, the ASOL (the Advanced School of Leadership) begins. This is done in partnership with the Malaysian Theological Seminary.

“When Christ calls a man He bids him come and die.” ~ The Cost of Discipleship, Dietrich Bonhoeffer.

The Greek for disciple is μαθητής (mathetes or martyr). For those who want to follow Christ, there is a price to pay.

2012

I just got back from the Watch Night Service at the Dream Centre. This is what I posted on Facebook.

"Just came back from the Watch Night Celebration. It was good. It sent a clear message how everyone can get involved in discipleship, CG and missions. I felt that God reminded me to trust in Him, to count on Him, to live by faith and not by sight. And that's something I want to do in 2012."

It was Søren Kierkegard who said that life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards. I have heard this during sermons in DUMC at least twice. Once by Pastor Daniel on Boxing Day, 2010.