Happily Divorced?

Is there such a thing as happily divorced?

It appears so, or at least, it was presented by Rebecca Dana in her article in Newsweek (20th Feb 2012). In the one-page article, Dana showed that there are couples who were successfully and happily divorced.

The couples presented including Demi Moore and Bruce Willis and other well known celebrities.

Although Happy Divorce is much more preferable compared to bitter divorce, but divorce is still divorce and it is not recommended by God.

The article quoted a comment by Andrew Cherlin, a professor at Johns Hopkins, that there will be a possible rise in happy divorces. Why? he explained, where 50 years ago, divorce was so stigmatized only the most miserable left their marriages, now the "moderately unhappy" are getting out too, which might make for some less acrimonious splits.

I do not know whether I want to laugh and cry reading the possibility presented. For me, it presented two serious problems:
1. People are no longer serious in the marriage constitution, they can get divorce even if they are "moderately" unhappy.
2. When people who are "moderately unhappy" become "happily divorced", the family and friends are relieved.

Why go to marriage if you make allowance for divorce even when you are only moderately unhappy? (I am not suggesting that when we are seriously unhappy then it is OK to divorce).
Why must we be happy or relieved, when a happy divorce occured? a divorce is a divorce, what God has united, no man should separate.

As a Pastor, I seriously consider the happy-divorce trend is simply sugar-coating something that is abhored by God. When it is sin, it is still sin, no matter how good you make it to be.

Reflection of 2011

Reflection of 2011

Serving the Lord is never an easy task. And it is more so in the capacity of a church pastor.

In good moments, I can see far ahead and envision what the church can become when all the potentials are properly developed and utilized in place.

In sad moments, I sat back and wonder what went wrong. Why are there so many negative voices whispering behind my back. I know that I have many weaknesses and there are things that I could have done better, but I would appreciate a direct feedback if the person genuinely wants the ministry of the church to improve.

No feedback = No communication = my presence in the church is not needed.

But the Lord is good. He kept reminding me of the purpose of my calling. He reminded me that my purpose here is to build up and strengthen the church. He convicted me that all good works must start with the Word ministry and that is where I have embarked on in 2011.

The pulpit ministry is no longer a haphazard compilation of sermons that is controlled by the multitude of speakers invited by the church. The cell group is restructured so that the entire church can progress through same materials. The pastor’s note and the bulletin have continued to be a channel of communication to the congregation.

Some people may find the pulpit ministry, the pastor’s note and the cell group materials to be simplistic. I remember some scholar who was proud in delivering messages that no one understood, and for that he was proud. It proves that he is not shallow and above all his listeners. My goal is not to be like him, but to be like a Preacher who preached simplistic message to a crowd of listeners years ago, so that all may understand regardless of their education level.

Yes, my goal for 2012 is to be a simple preacher, teacher, pastor and friend. I will continue to serve where my service is felt needed. I will teach those who are willing to be taught. I will preach to those who are willing to listen.

May God who has guided me in 2011 continue to lead His church in 2012

Reflection on Tourism in Indonesia

Indonesia is a big country, rich in natural resources, cultures, and natural wonders.

in one of the slogan seen in Singapore public buses, it is written there that Indonesia has the most varied destinations. The question is, why tourism in Indonesia seems to be confined to Bali and maybe surrounding areas and not to the rest of the region?

My recent trip to Korea taught me a lesson. In order for a place or a country to attract tourist, it takes much more than having the object of attraction, be it an ancient temple (e.g. Borobudur), mountains, lakes with wonderful scenery. All these are essential, but countries without them can fabricate object attraction out of nothing (casino, fake mountain, fake folklore, fake stories) to make the place interesting.

Apart from the objects of attraction, there are other elements required to encourage local tourism:
1. availability of materials/brochures in language understood by tourists (English, Indonesian, Chinese?)
2. availability of clean public toilets
3. accessibility to the places
4. last but not least, security

Indonesia Tourism Board, if there is such a board, should look carefully into those areas if they really want to attract foreign dollars into Indonesia. Indonesia as a whole, need to pump in money into this field, if they want serious income in this area.

Korea, suffered a lot, as many other countries did during the 1998 monetary crisis. While all ministers have nothing to offer, the tourism minister took up the challenge, build up sites, promote korean dramas and movies, in order to attract tourists to come to Korea. And it was a major success!

Can Indonesia do that too?

When I return to my hometown a few years ago, I visited the palace and the tomb of the late King of the Riau Malay Kingdom. There is nothing there except for an oldman smoking in a corner. There are more people coming to Tanjung Pinang for the Vices.

Tourism is a serious business and can offer serious income to Indonesia. With Singapore as a hub, surely Indonesia can think of something to do to attract a fraction of tourists visiting Singapore.

Or even if Indonesia choose not to rely on foreign tourists, the economy can still be greatly increased if local tourism is encouraged. China rely a lot on local tourism as well for their economy. But even if you want to do that, accessibility, security and other conveniences have to be taken care of.

As an Indonesian for the first 30 years of my life, I have to confess, apart from visiting Batam, and other places with escorts of local friends, it has never occurred in my mind to visit places for pure tourism purpose. Why? because of perceived fear, for Indonesia is still regarded as a place not safe for 'outsiders'.

Indonesia has a lot to offer, there are many who wants to take the offer, can the authorities help to establish the link between the two is the key to success.

Give Thanks or Complains

Give Thanks

In one of the advertisement for the TV Show – We Are Singaporean, the host Hossan Leong candidly pointed out, and “double-confirmed” that what most Singaporeans like to do during their spare time is to “complain”

While it is difficult to prove how prevalence is this “complaining” tendencies among Singaporeans, the opposite attitude can be observed: Do we often see people giving thanks for the things that are happening around us? Sometimes, but probably not as many times as we would like to see.

Complaining seems to be part of the human nature, because it is so easy to find negative things to say about anything: the weather is too hot, too wet, too dry; the food is too bland, too salty, too expensive; the park is too quiet, too noisy, too dirty; the mall is too far, too crowded, too small, etc. By being negative, it will be hard for us to give thanks and look at the bright side of this blessed life.

Sometimes we refused to give thanks even when things are going in our favor:
My wife was going for lunch with her colleagues. The sky was dark and the rain seemed ominous, but the rain did not happen until they reached the food court. It would be difficult for a group of 7 to find a seat in the food court during lunch hour, but when they arrived, a big table was cleared to accommodate them. The best part is that when they finished their lunch, and were going to walk back to the office, the rain stopped. Others may take it for granted but she gave thanks to God for these little things.

Coincidences? Maybe. Trivial? Maybe. The thing is this: Paul in 1Thess 5:18 says: “give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.” If we were to give thanks only when God split the Red Sea in our lives, chances are we will never give thanks to Him.

Brothers and Sisters in Christ, if life is difficult and full of stress and challenges, why embitter it with more complaints which do us no good and will only make others unhappy? Why not season your life with more thanksgiving and spread the smiles and love and hope to those around us?

If you have to complain, remember this: The Bible records 75 occurrences of thanksgiving and 25 occurrences of complaints. Before you complaint about anything or anyone, think about three good things to give thanks about. May God bless you.

Let’s Move On …

Let’s Move On …

There is a time for everything, the Teacher in Ecclesiastes 3 says, and by ‘everything’ I believe that there is a time to ‘stay on’ and ‘move on’ also.

Some of us like to stay in status quo, but others may feel the need to change. That’s why we move from house to house, from job to job, and maybe even from relationship to relationship to find one that is better or suit us best.

There is definitely a virtue in “staying” and be contented with what we have, but sometimes we really need to “move on”. When do we need to move on?

There was a Catholic priest who was with his apprentice. As they were about to wade across a river, there was a young lady who wants to cross the river also. The priest then offered to carry the lady across and the lady concurred. The apprentice was dumbfounded, for he was thought by the priest not to touch females. After they waded through the river, the priests and the lady went their separate ways. The young priest’s faced was sour, and after two hours walking, he finally blurted out. “why did you touch the young lady, and did not do as you preach?!” The old priest looked at him and said, ”brother, I have put her down two hours ago, why are you still holding on to her?”*

Brothers and sisters in Christ. All of us have done mistakes in the past. None of us are without fault. However, with regards to faults and mistakes, it is highly recommended that we should move on.

For us who committed the sins. Let us move on, and try to be a better person. Do not dwell and feel sorry about the mistakes done. What is done cannot be undone.

For us who witnessed the sins. Let us confront it and move on. Give the person a chance to move on too. What is the benefit of binding the person with the chains that Christ has already broken?

King David said in Psalms 51: “Against you only have I sinned” It is the Lord who is the offended party, not us. Why do we hold grudges over our erring brothers and sisters in Christ?

There is a time for everything, and now is time to move on, my friends.


*story adapted popular folklore

How to Clean Leafy Greens - for my wifey

Green leafy vegetables such as kale, chard, collards and mustard greens are rich in vitamins C and A and also fiber and antioxidants. They are tasty and nutritious. Don't let the cleaning process stop you from purchasing and cooking these healthy vegetables. It may take a little work, but once you clean and cook them you'll be pleased with the results.

Instruction

1. • Remove the greens from the stalk. Green leafy vegetables usually come on stalks where much of the dirt and grit hide. Removing the leaves makes it easier to clean them.

   • Fill the sink with cold water. Don't use warm water because it begins to cook the vegetables. Green leafy vegetables such as spinach react quickly to heat.

   • Place all greens into the sink. If you purchased a large batch of greens, you might not be able to fit them all in the sink at once. Fit as much as you can and let them soak for 5 to 10 minutes. Swish them around periodically to dislodge any dirt or sand tucked in the leaves.

   • Drain the water and feel the bottom of the sink for sand and grit. If there is a lot of dirt or grit, clean out the sink and repeat the process. Continue the process until the bottom of the sink is free from debris.

   • Check the greens for dirt one more time. Once you are comfortable they are clean, dry them and prepare your favorite recipe.

Tips & Warnings

• Some fruit and vegetable washes on the market purportedly remove pesticides from the vegetable. Research any claims thoroughly before use.

• Many vegetables are sold as "pre-washed." Although they may remove the majority of the dirt, wash them at least once to make sure all of the dirt is gone.

• Fresh vegetables from a farmer's market tend to have more dirt or grit than vegetables from a grocery store.

Chinese New Year and God’s Blessings

Chinese New Year is just around the corner, soon the year of Tiger will pass and the year of Rabbit will be ushered in. Hey… wait a minute, why is Pastor writing about Chinese Zodiac? Shouldn‟t we Christian leave all those behind?
Please do not get me wrong.

I do not believe in horoscope, whether it is western or eastern horoscope. To me, the Chinese zodiac system is just one way to calculate and compare how old or young we are. If you are using the zodiac in this manner, it is no problem at all. After all, Chinese zodiac is something very deeply rooted in our culture and community.

However, if you start to read those predictions about which zodiac will be better or worse off in the new Rabbit year; and/or what should you do in order to be better or to avoid some mishaps; what is your lucky number, lucky color, etc., then it is definitely a wrong thing to do.

As Christians, our source of blessing is God and our greatest gift is the life bought by the blood of Christ. Rather than putting our trusts in those far-fetched predictions of some unproven geomancer, we should put our trusts in God‟s word which grants us eternal life.
As we celebrate the Chinese New Year, others may wish us a new year full of good luck, prosperity and wealth. Let us wish them a blessed new year where they may be truly blessed by the only true God. Let us pray that we will be used as the instrument to tell them the good news – the Gospel of Life!

Home Coming 2011

What is home actually? Home is not simply a house where you can come in and rest from the day’s work. Home is not simply a shelter for you to hide from the storms of the world. Home is where your heart is.

I used to think that Home-Coming is a concept that is widely embraced by the Chinese or Asians only. That is why every year we see millions of Chinese nationals travels across thousands of miles in order to get back to their hometown. This year, it is expected that 700 million Chinese nationals will be travelling during this Spring Festival to get home for a moment of reunion with their family.

The concept of home during the Chinese New Year is truly felt during this period of time. The movie “HomeComing” tells about what it really means to go home, and one can expect a lot of laughter from that New Year Comedy.

But is homecoming is always about laughter? Or does 落叶归根simply means you got to go back and rest in peace at your birthplace? This short story below may help you to see things in the right perspective.

After serving for decades, a couple of old missionaries finally returned home. They were on board the same flight with a sport star who has just won a gold medal. While walking through the red carpet the sportsman received deafening applause. The old couple received none and was saddened. After years of laboring for the Lord, they were not even welcomed home. As they look up to the clear blue sky, their eyes were brighten. They smiled and realized the truth.

They were not home yet.

Moving

I hate moving. There are so many things that you have to do, packing, unpacking and all the dusts involved… my nose is extremely sensitive to the dust and before long the sinus infection will kick in.

Like hermit crabs, we move to bigger and better houses as we grow older, or sometimes we move into smaller houses because we are forced to (by bigger and stronger crabs). We move from one job to another that pays more. We may move from one relationship to another relationship to find one that can give us more. We live in a society and time that moving has become a necessity for most if not all.

There are many reasons behind the decision to move, but regardless of whether it is house, career, or relationship moving, one thing remains the same: there is something that you leave behind.

Did you leave behind tons of rubbish waiting for the next occupant to clean them up? Did you leave wonderful legacy for others to follow? Did you leave sweet memories for the people cherish? Will people remember you as a godly person, or simply a kind person, or will the very thought of you bring forth a nightmare?

Brothers and sisters, if moving is a thing that we must do, let us be a good testimony wherever we stay, so that when we move, the footsteps we leave behind will bring glory, praise and honor to God and not otherwise.

Pain – The Body’s Natural Alarm

Most normal people do not like to be in pain. Pain, however, can be regarded as one of the gifts from God, not in a negative sense. In his book, “The Gift of Pain”, Philip Yancey and co-author Dr. Paul Brand discussed at length about the function of pain in our body.

Having read the book years ago, now I fully understand what Yancey and Dr. Brand explained, not just in theory, but in real life experience.

About 3 months ago, I started to feel pain on my left heel. The pain did not go away, and I have to wear sandals with soft insoles even in the house. Recently, I got a brochure for free body pain analysis, and after emptying my wallet and bringing only my EZ-Link card and my IC (to avoid signing up for something that I will regret later), I went to get the free service.

The analysis was quite simple and logical. The physiotherapist took my pictures: front, back, left, right, in front of a wall with square brackets. The result was astounding. Under my ‘normal’ standing position, my whole body was (is) slanted to the right. As a result, my right feet arc collapses, right knee misaligned, right hipbones and right shoulder are significantly lower than left.

I remembered my sermon last month: “what we are familiar with may not be correct” I said. I always carry my bags on my right side, and perhaps the way I sit, I stand and I sleep is wrong, but because I was familiar or used to the same “incorrect” posture, slowly but surely, damage started to appear.

I thank God for allowing the pain in my heel as an alarm to me. I have signed up for Pilate in a CC, and pray to God that through it my problem can be resolved.

Brothers and sisters in Christ, is there anything that you have been doing in your life that is equally “normal”, but may not be exactly right with God? or are you “hurting” in certain kind of relationship, but do not know why, because you simply do the things that you always do? Those are perhaps alarm for you to get a “check up.”

My advice: Dial Up to God. He is available 24/7. You can use Direct-Call (prayer) to reach Him or alternatively you can contact Him through FaithBook (the Bible). If you still feel unsure, the pastoral contact details are available in page 5 of this bulletin. We are here for you.

Blessing in Disguise - 塞翁失马，焉知非福

塞翁失马，焉知非福
(sai4 weng1 shi1 ma3, yan1 zhi1 fei1 fu2)

Literally, this classic Chinese idiom means: Although Sai Weng (name of the person) lost a horse, but who knows it is not for his own blessing?

This classic idiom comes to my mind, as I was reflecting my new year with H1N1 in the previous article.

The idiom is by itself a summary of the story that goes like this:
　　以前在北边的边塞地方有一个人善于推测人事吉凶祸福的人，大家都叫他塞翁，有一天，塞翁的马从马厩里逃跑了，越过边境一路跑进了胡人居住的地方，邻居们知道这个消息都赶来慰问塞翁不要太难过，塞翁一点都不难过，反而笑笑说：“我的马虽然走失了，但这说不定是件好事呢？” 　　

Long time ago, at the northern border of China, lived an old wise man who goes by the name of 塞翁 (Sai Weng). One day, his horse ran away from the stable, crossed the border and entered the region or the barbarians. Knowing this, all his relatives and friends came over and comforted him. But he wasn't worried, instead he laughed and said,"Although my horse is gone, how do we know that it is not a good thing?"

过了几个月，这匹马自己跑回来了，而且还跟来了一匹胡地的骏马，邻居们听说这个事情之后，又纷纷跑到塞翁家来道贺，塞翁这回反而皱起眉头对大家说：“白白得来这匹骏马恐怕不是什么好事喔！” 　　

A few months has passed, the lost horse suddenly returned. Not only that, it brought another great barbarian horse with it. When the neighbors heard about this, they came over and congratulated him. But SaiWeng frowned and said,"I gain this great stead for nothing, it may not be a good thing at all!"

塞 翁有个儿子很喜欢骑马，他有一天就骑着这匹胡地来的骏马出外游玩，结果一不小心从马背上摔了下来跌断了腿，邻居们知道了这件意外又赶来塞翁家，慰问塞翁， 劝他不要太伤心，没想到塞翁并不怎么太难过、伤心，反而淡淡的对大家说：“我的儿子虽然摔断了腿，但是说不定是件好事呢！” 　　邻居每个人都莫名 其妙，他们认为塞翁肯定是伤心过头，脑筋都糊涂了。

SaiWeng has a son who loved horse-riding. One day, he rode this barbarian horse to go out for a tour. Unfortunately, because of his carelessness, he fell from the horse and broke his leg. When the neighbors heard about this, they came over to SaiWeng's house to comfort him, and asked him not to be sad. Shockingly, the old man was not sad, but plainly replied to the visitors,"though my son has broken his leg, but it may still be a good thing, you know!" The neighbors were puzzled, they thought that the old man was too saddened and could not think clearly.

过了不久，胡人大举入侵，所有的青年男子都徵调去当兵，但是胡人非常的剽悍，所以大部分的年轻男子都战 死沙场，塞翁的儿子因为摔断了腿不用当兵，反而因此保全了性命，这个时候邻居们才体悟到，当初塞翁所说的那些话里头所隐含的智慧。

Not long after that, the northern barbarians started to invade the border. All able-bodied man were drafted for military service. But because the barbarians were too strong, most of the young men died in the battle. SaiWeng's son could not join the army because of his broken leg, and because of that, he kept his life. Only then the neighbors realized the wisdom hidden in the word spoken by this wiseman.

===

Whether it is blessing in disguise or not, as human being, we are so limited and finite that we can never foresee what will happen in the future. We can only trust in the One who is infinite, in control, and know about the future... and that is God.

Blessings - may come in material form, may come in terms of promotion, perks, money and so on.. but it may not be so all the time. Sometimes, disaster and sickness can be a form of blessings too.

So, what should we do now? should we doubt every good thing that happens to us? or should we always look at the dark and gloomy thing to praise God? There are three things that we can do:
1. Giving thanks to the Lord always for all the good things and the bad things that is happening around us,
2. trusting Him that He is in control
3. knowing that He loves us

God bless

Year 2011 that Begins with H1N1

I was supposed to preach on the Beatitudes today, about the true meaning of being blessed. But God has another plan, that forced me to stay in my bed - by allowing me to contract the H1N1 swine flu virus.

Diagnosed with H1N1

It all began since Christmas event of the church, when I started to feel unwell. After the event, and the next day's Sunday Service, I started to have a high fever. It started with 37.7, and slowly climbed up to 38.3. The paracetamol helped to lower the temperature to slightly below 38, but it did not last long. On Monday, I went to my family doctor, and she prescribed me with standard flu medication.

Because the temperature persists, on Wednesday I returned to the clinic again. To my surprise, the doctor say, since the Christmas (3 days past) she got 4 patients with high fever above 38, and 3 of which were confirmed with H1N1. By her wisdom and experience, she did a swab test on me, and we will wait for the result in the next 24-48 hours.

On Thursday, my temperature started to drop and stabilized below 37 degree, which is pretty much normal. I happily get myself prepared for the ministry I am supposed to participate on 31st December and 2nd January. I mailed the church leaders to announce that I have no problem at all (it's the fourth days I took MC - and they are worried).

On Friday morning 10 am, I received a call from the family doctor, announcing that I am confirmed with H1N1 swine flu. I am required to go to the clinic immediately. I arrived there, and the doctor checked, and was surprised that I show no sign of fever or flu at all. I still have some cough and muscle pain, but it all seem manageable.

She did not prescribe me with any new medication, no tamiflu or what.. she just gave me another 3 days mc, for within this period I may still pass the virus to others. She said, I cannot go to the church for the watchnight service, or the Sunday service.

Blessing in Disguise

I was sad - am still sad - for missing the first service in the New Year of the church. And yet, as I ponder on the Scripture on which I am supposed to preach on, my eyes began to open and see.

I thank God!! for averting a disaster from happening to the church through me. I am supposed to be the channel of blessing to God, by preaching His message, but without His intervention, I may have brought a disaster to the church.

You see, if the doctor - who is a Christian also - did not do a test on me, and the result did not come back on Friday morning, all would think that I have recovered from my flu, and I would be in the Church for both the Watchnight Service as well as the New Year Sunday Service.

There will be tonnes of interactions with the old folks in the Chinese congregation, and mingling with the younger ones in the English congregation; Out of the 120 Chinese congregation, about half are well above 50. Should I pass the virus to these old folks, or the younger ones, I would not know what will happen. Perhaps I will never forgive myself if something bad really happen.

As such, I feel that I am truly blessed by God, for He has prevent such things from happening. I give thank to the Lord for this New Year present, for the H1N1, and especially for reminding me... when something bad happened to you.. it may not be really a bad thing... always look to the cross and God will give you the light to see His purpose in all that is happening around you..

God bless

The Christian, the MOE staff, and the McDonald's staff

How do people recognize your identity? Is it by your uniform, your name tag, or your behavior? Below are separate encounters that set me thinking, that as Christians, we need to do more if we want to let the world know about the love of Christ.

The Unexpected Gesture by a McDonald Staff

I was traveling by the MRT train to work as usual. Part of the journey would involve transferring at the ever-crowded Jurong East Interchange. Regardless of all the video clips on courtesy and all the PA announcing the need to allow people to come out first, people from all age range simply refused to heed the advice. People are so thick-skinned when they queue in front of you, or simply directly in front of the train door.

It was just my day, that I ended up in a cabin without working AC. The weather was hot, but inside the cabin, it was like Sauna. People started to complain, all are sweating because of the rising temperature, some are cursing the SMRT for taking the people's money but never do a proper job in maintaining the system.

When we reached the next stop, an elderly gentleman walked in aided by a walking stick. He moved rather slowly, but was graciously given a seat by a young lady who happened to sit on the priority seat. Priority seat is designated for the elderly, pregnant ladies, small children and those with handicapped. Despite the educational videos, many do not give up their seats to those rightful persons, and so the act done by this young lady is still plausible.

The gentleman sat down, and smiled to the passenger seated next to him. She smiled back. And so the journey continued on. I was standing right in front of them.

As the journey progresses, the gentleman started to sweat profusely due to the temperature. It was at this moment, that I saw an unexpected gesture of kindness displayed by the passenger seated next to him.

She opened up her briefcase, and took out a sheet of plastic file. And then she started to fan the elderly gentleman.

I was shocked. I never saw someone did something like that in my 15 years taking MRT in Singapore. Giving up seat is fine, passing up tissue paper is okay, but fanning a stranger who is sweating... I have to admit, that this thought never crossed my mind.

The gentleman appreciated the kindness of the young lady, and asked her to stop. Probably he was shy. After a while, the lady put back the file back in her briefcase.

I observed the lady carefully, and noticed there is a logo sewn at her collar. The world famous 'm' logo symbolizes the fastfood chain 'McDonald'. When I reached my station at Sembawang, the lady get off the train too, and I noticed that she works at the McDonald branch at Sun Plaza. I made a mental note to thank her and commend her for her acts.


The Unexpected Act by an MOE Staff

Littering and smoking are two 'minor' problems that are so prevalent in Singapore. You've seen littering everywhere. Rubbish on the floor, rubbish in the lift (including pee and saliva sometimes), rubbish in the bus (and saliva too, yuck!). Despite the fact that rubbish bin are everywhere, and as we would like to boast, most Singaporeans are 'educated'. But educated and learned are certainly two different things altogether.

As for smoking, despite the fact that the governments have passed on laws to curb down smoking in many places: lifts, public waiting area, tunnels, bus shelters, covered walkway, hawker center, but because most of the laws are for 'deterring' purpose, there are basically nothing we can do to stop people from smoking in the places that they should not.

Some of the smokers hid their cigarettes as they crossed the tunnel. But many simply could not care less about the no-smoking sign pasted on the wall. Some even forcefully took down the signage, and nothing is being done to replace. Some are with tattoos (makes you think twice if you want to stand up and talk to them).

Last week, as I was going for a conference, I walked towards the bus shelter just outside block 43 Commonwealth ave west. The time was almost 2 pm, after lunch hour. There were three benches along the bus shelter, which is used to serve public buses as well as shuttle buses to nearby MOE and Fusionopolis.

When I was approaching the bus shelter, at 30m away, I saw a solitary figure sitting at the bench closes to me, and he was smoking. The other two benches are full of people, apparently they were avoiding the smoke from this elderly gentleman. He was around the age of 50 years old, a bit fat, wearing a short sleeve-purple ironed shirt.

I noticed there was a name tag hanging directly on his chest. Curious, I walked closer, pretending that I was moving towards the other benches, but at the same time focusing my eyes on the name tag. I thought maybe he is a man with special need. Why else would you display such a tag, in such a prominent location?

I was wrong. The name tag says that it is by Ministry of Education. And nicely printed below was his name. Mr CKL. He is a staff with MOE but I could not be sure of his title or position.

As I was observing him, and pondering what should I do towards him, I started to take out my handphone. I thought, this would be a nice picture to send to STOMP. (An Officer of MOE Smoking at Public Bus Shelter, featuring the man - in mozaic - with the smoldering cigarettes).

However, when I looked at him again, split seconds later, his cigarette was no longer there. I looked around, and saw he threw the half-burned cigarette on the floor just behind his seat. The smoke was still rising, and it is apparent that he did not intend to put it off. It was infuriating, because the the nearest rubbish bin was just two meters away from his current position, and yet he did not even bother to bin it.

I looked at him, and looked at the cigarette on the floor, and because the way I do it was probably too obvious, he noticed. He turned back his head, and look at the cigarette that he just threw, then he looked at me. Fearing that I may take a picture of him (it did cross my mind), he stood up, and moved away to the first bench, without bothering to pick up or put off the cigarette that he threw away.

Shortly, a shuttle bus arrive at the bus shelter. This bus is designated to bring people back to the nearby MOE building after the lunch hour. This elderly gentleman boarded the bus and left me and the smoldering cigarette behind.


The Response of a Christian

As I meditate on these two encounters, I wonder: Have I live up to my identity as a Christian? Have I been a faithful pastor, not just for the sake of my congregation members who can see me, but also for others, and ultimately for God whom I cannot hide from?

The McDonald staff's identity is shown by her uniform. Because of her kind gesture, it makes me admire her personality, and perhaps think that that is the McDonald culture.

The MOE staff's identity is shown clearly by his name tag. His inconsiderate behavior in littering and smoking at the bus shelter sends a totally different message. If the people working in MOE, the ministry supposed to educate the future citizens of Singapore, are not obeying the law, then what for are we obeying the law. Of course, this is over-generalization and not true, because not all the staff are like that.

These two events set me thinking. If I am representing a group, organization or company, I need to behave according to the culture or philosophy of respective group I belong to. If not, it is better for me to go out without identity, for I will not harm anyone when I do wrong. It is also better, if people want to find out about who I am, because of what I do or say.

As Christians, we bear the name of 'Christ', which literally meant: we are little Christ. Have we been living like Christ, by way of what we speak, what we think and what we act? Do we tell people that we are Christians, and yet foul and swear words keep coming out of our mouths? or cheats in our business dealings? that all the people can see our hypocrisy? If we are doing so, it is better for us not to say that we are Christian! For not only will we pollute the name of Christianity, but we disgraced Christ whose Name we are using.

I am not saying that we should hide our identity, so that we can do whatever we want without smearing the religion or our God. No!

I am saying that we should prove our being - as a Christian, with our action - as a Christian. Let people know that we are Christians, from what we say, we think, we do in the society. Let people know that we care, and we love them, genuinely, not just in the act, but also in our heart.

If Christ really lives in us, it should not be that heart to be good and kind to people around us. If McDonald's staff is identified by her uniform, and the MOE staff by his name tag, by what should a Christian be identified? May I suggest, by our Act of Random Kindness (ARK).

Let us try to perform Acts of Random Kindness, wherever we go, wherever we are. Let us go the extra-mile with our ARK, trusting that with our ARK, we can get more people to come to know Him and be saved.

Do you know that sometimes Preachers or Pastors feel envious toward worship team?

Do you know that sometimes Preachers or Pastors feel envious toward worship team?

They feel envious, because a lot of times, the members of the church including church leaders, forget about the Sermon, almost immediately after the service, yet they remember the songs or the music during the service.

and why is that so?

Sermon, is a rather 'left-brain' activity, filled with information, which sometimes goes unaccompanied by good illustrations, colors, dynamycs (right brain stimuli), failed to get retained in the recipient's brain.

Worship Songs (note: the entire service and even outside service is Worship), on the other hand conveys a combination of right brain and left brain information. That is the word or the message (left brain), the tunes, rhythm, dynamycs (right brain) and together, they are easier to get retained in the brain. Because that is how the brain should function, using both the left brain and right brain together.

What should the Worship team does to make the entire worship service better?

The worship team should choose songs that will reinforce the message of the sermon. While our human brains may fail to retain all the information passed on by the preacher, the right song will help the congregation to remember the sermon. This will then help to transform the church, because the preached word will dwell in our hearts (read: brain), longer for us to consider, reflect and apply.

Sunday Service should not and must not be a competition between the Worship Team (Worship Ministry) and the Preacher (Word Ministry), it is ONE ministry to glorify God and both the preacher and the worship teams are the facilitators for the worship of God.

The Passing of a 'Great' Man

Two things are certain in the world, that is death and taxes.

Though many youths denies or never experienced what is taxes, they do understand about death. And if death is understood universally by people of all age, what should we do to make our lives worth living for?

To some people, those with leadership straits in the character. They will want to be a legend, to be remembered for what they did on earth. When they reached a considerable age, they will want to 'really' do something worthwhile.

The sportsmen (and women) will try to give their best years, when their physics can them, to attain as many gold medals as possible.

The scientists will try to find as many breakthrough as possible, or rather, as significant a breakthrough as possible, that will benefit the mankind or the science.

Merchants or business man tries to accummulate wealth.

Military man tries to attain more power.

And so on...

Power, wealth, honor, fame and glory... are all these worth living for? Let us pause for a moment and rethink, in the midst of the accummulation of wealth, honor and power, have we become more of a blessing to others or rather, a curse?

The passing of a great man (or the spouse), if the person is of great importance, will bring many reports and headlines in the newspaper for many days. Even words spoken by one's grandchildren will be given a huge page in the newspaper - at the expense of other news.

But as the time passes, will anyone still remember such a person? No... I think even the full name of the deceased will be forgotten.

But the passing of one who touches many lives, not because of his or her money, power, or charisma, will be felt deeply. Even if his or her name will be forgotten, the fruit of the works done and the lives touched will last for a much longer period of time...

One such person is Jesus Christ, and our main tasks on earth is to imitate Him. We can never attain a likeness that is identical to Him, but we can always try to be better.

Today, I would like us to remember the passing of Dr. Vernon Grounds, a faithful writer for Our Daily Bread, who died on 12th September at the age of 96. Many would have read his articles, but perhaps few remember who wrote them, nevertheless, the lives touched by him and those who were touched through the people touched by his articles, are perhaps ... immeasurable.

Let us strive, not become a great person. Let us strive to become a person who touches lives and influences them to become a better person for the Lord. Let us strive, so that when the time come we should pass, we will be known not as a 'great' person, but as one who transforms lives.

http://www.denverseminary.edu/news/passing-of-dr-vernon-grounds/