E T H N O S

A Gathering for Japan

2010-10-19T00:29:00.002+08:00

An evening of worship, prayer, getting to know one another, sharing stories and visions, seeking God, connecting, networking and mutual inspiring.

Hear past teams share what God has done and revealed through their times in Japan.

Seek God's heart for Japan in 2011 and dream His dreams together.

Sneak preview of the night's sharings:

Social advocacy through photography

Christianity through a Japanese's eyes

Thoughts from a missionary to Japan

Worship and the arts

Songwriting for Japanese youth

27th October, Wednesday

7.00pm

YWAM Base, Lorong 23 Geylang

Tweet Tweet!

2010-10-05T12:19:00.002+08:00

"Sometimes being our authentic selves gives us an excuse to be our worst selves" @erwinmcmanus on speaking in truth without love. @MosaicLA

Sneaks

2010-08-26T03:02:00.000+08:00

Some sneaks from our Japan pictures......

Fooling around with our Japanese girlfriends

Cooking breakfast together

Going up to the clouds in Hakuba (Nagano Winter Olympics ski site)

2010-07-17T00:05:00.000+08:00

Man, sorry for the lack of updates, but my laptop died of old age 3 weeks ago and so until I get back from Japan and get a new lappie, no photos for now.

I have loads to share with you... the trip to Shangri-La, GComm 2010 - where I learnt how to reclaim indigenous music for worship in the church, how to find the heart music of a people... but it'll have to wait till August when I'm back.

This Tuesday we leave for Japan. Our funds came in, in abundance! Thank you one and all who supported in big and small ways. Thank you for your prayers that mattered in this process.

You know, I am so psyched about what God is gonna do in Japan. Really feeling passionate about the truths we're gonna tell the young people... things like how God sees them, and affirming their worth. Pray for open doors for God in this people!

Stay tuned!

2010-07-08T01:56:00.003+08:00

In preparation for Japan.....

Image from here.

This Summer in Japan.....

2010-06-30T11:14:00.000+08:00

ETHNOS has been involved in ministries to the Japanese youth since July 2008, when I went to Tokyo to search for ways to reach out to Japanese youth.

My findings in 2008: God is passionately moving to fill the emptiness in Japanese youth. There on the streets of Tokyo, my team interviewed the young people. We heard confessions of emptiness, purposelessness and rejection from school dropouts, young 'service agents' (pimps, we would call in our district), musicians and students. God is opening the hearts of Japanese youth. Who knows how long this time of open hearts will last? Thus, my sensing for ETHNOS is to minister in Japan as much as we can - NOW is the time.

I thank God for my past teams who have gone with me - Brandon Myles Krause, Suwit 'Tee', Joshua Riordan, Justin Ho, Jachin Pousson, Brian Cheung, Benjamin Wu, Ruth Lee, Charlton Ying, Jasmine Sia - THANK YOU for being part of the vision and work on behalf of Japan, and your sacrifices to make a difference to the young people of Japan through media, music, photography, video, translation, teaching, worship, prayer, testimonies, sports, games, stories. The possibilities for you guys to contribute to world missions are limitless, keep multiplying your talents to disciple the nations.

This 20th July- 8th August, another team of us will be going to Japan to run 3 camps: 1 youth worship training camp, 1 evangelistic youth camp, and 1 evangelistic children's camp. Much of what we will do will focus on imparting truth and kingdom values to youth who need ministry into areas of unworthiness, perfectionism, depression. For the children, we will be focusing on calling out their giftings and abilities.

The team consists of Jasmine Sia, Robin Xu, Khoo Yingnuo, Xiao Qiying, Chia Swee Kit and Joshua Riordan.

After 8th August, I will stay on to follow-up and spend time with the youth.

We're currently trying our best to raise funds, a total of $7,650 to cover airfares, ground fees and ministry costs for the team. If you'd like to bless us, do get in touch with me at regina@ywam.org.sg. The team needs your prayers and support, thank you!

love,

Regina

2010-06-13T23:56:00.001+08:00

I am back. Safe and sound. Was there at the right time and right
place. Thank you for your precious prayers and gifts. Updates again
later!

- Regina

2010-05-20T14:41:00.002+08:00

People in Penang are People-People

2010-05-16T04:21:00.000+08:00

In Penang last week with the best friend, I saw so much of Jesus on the streets we walked.

I walked past a man giving a beggar money - his body language spoke of value and genuine compassion. He patted the beggar on the shoulder as he walked off, with a big brotherly smile.

That simple gesture and smile floored me.

Because it was so genuine, and simple.

It spoke of love and brotherly kindness, to a beggar.

We encountered warm Penangites of all ages, who gave us directions, spare change to take the bus, and appreciative smiles. When a beggar walked down the line at the bus interchange, many people responded to him by giving, not begrudging.

I felt warmed at how these Penangites knew how to live.

On a hot afternoon, we passed by a roadside drink stall (above).

Uncle told us to sit down, enjoy the drink, and pay when we were done.

So we sat there and chatted with him. We had his au naturel soyabean drink, which he proudly proclaimed to be free of chemicals. He told us stories, of Singapore and Malaysia, his life and family.

Somehow, I am drawn to the relational nature of this society.

I almost didn't wanna come back to Singapore.

Goodbye Chos, you will be missed....

2010-05-16T03:57:00.000+08:00

2010-05-16T03:52:00.000+08:00

Spotted at Food For Thought 8Q:

Finally ALMOST through with my series on hearing God's voice at SJSM. I'm beginning to miss my Saturday nights.....

Haven't blogged for a long time, maybe I shall summarize the highlight of my week: I find it so true that when we cease to try to 'fix' people, their characters, or their problems, and just try to love and accept them, our purpose in this world changes completely.

Even if the ones we reach out to never want to accept Jesus, or use and abuse us, what matters is that you were someone there for them no matter what, without conditions or needing to see results.

Failure Is Necessary

2010-05-03T14:37:00.003+08:00

Extract from "Thoughts on Calling" by Tim Morey:

"If we are to live into our calling, failure is necessary.

In God's hand, failure, like a woodworker's lathe, becomes a tool by which he shapes our lives and makes us fit for his purposes. God uses our failures to purify our motives, to equip us with tools we didn't know we needed, to adjust our direction when necessary, and to deepen our convictions on who we are and what we are called to do.

Might things have occurred differently for Moses and his people had he not killed the Egyptian? Very likely yes. But still God was at work. For decades Moses lived and worked in the very wilderness in which he would lead his people in decades to come. Moses didn't know that rescuing his people would require him to have an intimate knowledge of the desert, but God did. Even Moses' failure contributed to the shaping of his call."

I Am Second

2010-04-22T16:39:00.001+08:00

Below excerpt from here.

“Invisible Influence” by Eric Bryant

Awhile back I was introduced to “I Am Second,” a website which includes the stories of athletes, musicians, actors, and other notable people. Some of the stories of spiritual transformation are quite amazing!

Two of the stories I found of interest included Stephen Baldwin from “The Usual Suspects” and Brian Welch of Korn.

In both instances, they mentioned random people unknown to the rest of the world who helped them connect personally to God. For Stephen it was the housekeeper and for Brian it was the real estate broker. The heroes from these stories were Augusta and Eric - invisible yet powerful influences. Random people making a remarkable difference.

We may be surprised with who is already looking for God and who we can influence if we have the courage and humility to serve those around us.

Inspiration

2010-04-22T16:28:00.001+08:00

I used to get quite bummed that I have no ounce of songwriting talent in me. Nothing comes, and there's nowhere I can tap from or connect the experiences I've had to song. It was weird to me, as a musician, and try as I might, no lyrics or tunes ever flowed from me in that Rachel Yamagata way - the bohemian lass plucking her guitar and a song emancipating from the folksy strings. Alas, this bohemian lass has no lovely songs to sing at her gigs.

However, I've realised of late that the way songwriters get inspired for a song - Wave of ideas hits. Furious rush for pen and paper. Impassioned scribbling - is the same way I get my sermons/teachings. It's probably because I just can't stop talking and God knows I'd be better amusing people with my antics.

Everyone has a special anointing and I pray you'll find what you were created to do effortlessly, as waves of inspiration hit you in the sweet-spot He gave you and you start living God's dreams.

The Cost

2010-04-22T13:10:00.003+08:00

I had a meeting with 2 young men yesterday. After the meeting, they began to ask me about YWAM and what life without a salary is like. As I shared my experiences of God's everyday faithfulness and jaw-dropping miracles, I said this to them: "When I heard it from others' mouths, I thought it was so great.... but when it started happening to me and became my own experience, it's different - it's 100 times more amazing and life-changing."

After that I went home and reflected on that conversation. It reminded me of the cost I had to pay to live such a wonderful life that people 'envy'. The privilege of experiencing a life of faith and zero finances is great and something not-so-common in society, but it's not that I'm part of a privileged chosen group to have had that experience. There was a cost involved.

And this morning it reassured me as I stood in front of the bathroom mirror, that I've had such an amazing life with God, and it's because the major downs, pain, laying down rights and jealousy, walking the narrow path, etc, paid the price for a life in the middle of God's will..... I may have sacrificed a marriage relationship, fashion and beauty, a nice house and loads of money to live the life I like, but there's a life and walk with God that money cannot buy and that you need to pay the price for.

And when I saw their faces yesterday, how they were so in awe and envious of the life experiences I had, I knew that price was worth paying.

Unbelief

2010-04-07T23:40:00.001+08:00

Are you dwelling in unbelief?

How hard it can be for some of us to say this in confidence and faith:

"All things work together for the good of those who love Him, who've been called according to His purpose."

Do we really believe this truth:

"He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?"
2008 and 2009 were not a walk in the park for me. I received bumps, cuts, grazes and well, SOME gaping wounds as I started Ethnos. Those times were dark times, disappointments in relationships abounded, and there were enough negative experiences to make me doubt the Word of the Lord upon my life, my friends, this ministry, and the future.
But recently, I discovered a profound truth.
Pain leads to Unbelief. And Unbelief made me doubt that God would never shortchange me. It made me doubt His promises and Words. I couldn't take God seriously sometimes, and confronted Him about His lack of fulfillment.
Then I confronted myself: Can I believe that "All things work together for the good of those who love Him, who've been called according to His purpose?"
I think that's the only way - to believe that.

[ All scriptures from Romans 8. ]

Lost Generation

2010-04-02T05:23:00.001+08:00

Fashion

2010-03-31T00:53:00.002+08:00

I like fashion.

Every since the day I joined the Facebook group, "Just Because I Like Fashion Doesn't Make Me Less Intellectual", I've admitted that I AM into fashion.

I love Project Runway, Instyle, Vogue, The Sartorialist, Marc Jacobs, Zac Posen and Australian indie labels. When I watched fashion documentary The September Issue, one fashionista's lament that "There's a famine of beauty in this place" became my pet phrase. It encompassed pretty much how I feel about my surroundings. I love being in creative environments that are original, organic and push the envelope. I'm sick of seeing the same things day in day out. Tired decor, cliches and cookie-cutter takes on design bore me. And when it comes to the way I dress, I feel like I'm sometimes out of my world.... Many days, I wanna wear a fedora, bright leggings, deconstructed sillhouettes, bohemian maxi dresses, quirky vintage, or exude punk-rock fierceness without eliciting ignorant comments like, "She dresses like an auntie" (re: my vintage dress) or "Are you an aerobics instructor?" (re: coral leggings with white oxfords). There are many reasons why I dress the way I do.... to reflect my tastes, moods and philosophies. To be different from everyone else. To look nice and pretty. To place myself where the world is at.

I love Beauty and want to see it around me. Every time I see a famine of beauty, I feel that I need to do something about it (yes, the activist in me again).

So when I chanced upon Christians doing something about fashion, it rocked my world. Like, finally, someone who understands! Hope In The City is a Christian-run runway show that parks itself alongside LA Fashion Week, with a purpose that those doing or seeing the show may encounter the Living God.

I wish that social enterprises, instead of empowering women to sew those all-too-common cloth bags, would empower them to create fashion with their ethnic touch and re-interpretations of traditional cultural dresses for modern day. Tasteful designs, that cater to modern lifestyle. I'm so into sarees and kebayas! Those textiles and textures! A post on mentoring and fashion.

OK, I have an early morning tomorrow and haven't thought about what to wear yet. Time to scoot.

Karen Carpenter - The Drummer

2010-03-29T11:15:00.001+08:00

True talent...... it makes me cry though, 'cause she was dead from anorexia at age 32.

Team Japan 2010

2010-03-22T01:18:00.005+08:00

We are currently recruiting for Team Japan in July-August 2010.....

Team 1:
Specific skills required (one or more):
Translating Japanese & English
Teaching on Relationships to Youth
Youth Worship Ministry
Sports/Games organising, Craft-making
Children's Ministry: Bible story-telling, activities

Team 2:
Intercessory Prayer & Worship
Street Evangelism
Creative Arts

Interested? Please write in to regina@ywam.org.sg and tell me more about yourself and why you'd like to serve in Japan.

Funnies 2

2010-03-21T23:33:00.001+08:00

Looks like an ordinary t-shirt, eh?

Check out the close-up:

Isn't it quirky-cool?!

That's a mini amplifier in her hands!

Credits: Kyoung Dan and her t-shirt

Funnies

2010-03-18T23:31:00.002+08:00

2010-03-18T11:55:00.002+08:00

"the artist is as important as the art he produces."

Everything Is Spiritual

2010-03-14T21:02:00.000+08:00

This line popped up in my head while in Shangri-la, at our foreign team meeting.

The spiritual climate was rich and we really felt God moving among us all. I saw changes in different ones, growth and God birthing things in their hearts. Funny though, when someone shared about an area of dryness or family not turning to God, a particular line reiterated strongly in my head: "EVERYTHING IS SPIRITUAL."

For example, when we don't start off with prayer and worship, it's not about us lacking spirituality or the absence of the spiritual. It's about what spirit is perpetrated here. The act of not being spiritual is, in itself, spiritual. What we're doing is continuing a dry spiritual climate and not enthroning God to lead us - a spirit of self-sufficiency and lack of intimacy with God.

You not doing your QT is spiritual.

So, it's a matter of discerning what spirit you're engaging in your life, or ministry. A Godly spirit, or an ungodly one? A spirit that gives God the focus and glory, or that gives your flesh or the enemy first place?

Discern and be very careful, guys......

Things That Make me Go "Hee!"

2010-03-14T19:32:00.000+08:00

How to make it here.

God, You Chose Me. And That Blows My Mind.

2010-03-14T15:21:00.002+08:00

One fine winter's day on the recent trip, I was preparing myself for teaching. To do that, I decided to read the ubiquitous Bob Sorge's Exploring Worship to infuse myself with the aroma of a worship-centric spirit, so I would give out that aura during my teaching. (Yes, foolish as it may seem, I try anything to be effective in my ministry ;p)

I came to a section on "Qualifications of A Worship Leader". Sounds mighty meritocratic huh? And then there was this shortest paragraph that in all of 2 sentences merely said,
"The second requirement, which goes hand in hand with the first, is a deep and a proven spiritual walk. We do not need spiritual novices leading our worship services."

I don't know what happened, but within a nanosecond of reading that, I was in tears.

It was a revelation of how far I've come with God, from being the least likely candidate/feeling totally like the last guy in spiritual standing among my peers in church..... and a deep humility that God chose me. Why me, and how much of what I do is me, are unfathomable questions.

The affirmation that I am no longer a spiritual novice, and have a deep and proven spiritual walk, is something I had not fully grasped until this moment.

I'm humbled that God chose me to do this. Terribly, utterly humbled.

Mothers, Daughters and Our World

2010-03-14T14:57:00.000+08:00

I read this in today's Life! section ('Read', pg. 23) of an interview with Chinese author Xue Xinran. Her book, Message From An Unknown Chinese Mother, tells stories of Chinese mothers who had been forced to give up their daughters for adoption and for some, *horrors* murder them by drowning in pails.

As I read this, my heart ached to comprehend issues facing women in our world. In cultures like such, brokenness, questions and pain haunt its inhabitants every day of their lives, for decades. Neither daughter nor mother are spared from dealing with senseless separation, identity diaspora and endless 'whys?'. How far cultures have strayed from kingdom values and Love.

She mentioned some truths that echo the needs of our world:

"My mother never hugged me or celebrated my birthday with me. I never felt like a real daughter."

".... what I write is the truth and

we cannot progress unless we are ready to face up to our past."

The latter states a profound truth that I myself, as a Singaporean, face in tackling issues of my cultural identity. The past year or so, I've been impassionated by a thirst for all facets of our past - positive or negative. I want to know what really happened, outside of the textbooks and dominant discourse we're presented with. I want to know the alternative reality, the strongholds and mistakes, and why we are the way we are. I want to learn from it, not erase the treasure trove of our culture and history. It resonates with one of the strongest beliefs I hold:

We can only know who we are by looking at where we come from.

Kawaii Bentos

2010-03-14T14:34:00.001+08:00

Found while surfing..... inspires you to pack lunch tomorrow?

You can find bento boxes and sushi rice moulds of animal shapes in Daiso for a song!

Shangri-La So Soon

2010-02-24T23:56:00.000+08:00

This is a quick post! Off to Shangri-La again for 2 weeks, pretty hastily put together. I'm actually looking forward to a break from the crazy schedule I have in Singapore.... started 2 programmes at NUS and another school on Monday and it's gonna be a commitment for the year.

On the homefront, Base Worship has been changed to Mondays 8.30am-9.30am. It's a new season of having a new attitude towards meeting as a base, for all staff and students. Been hearing pretty exciting things as the worship team shared their convictions about this new thing with me. Come and join us for a fresh start to the week every Monday, with our dearest God!

See ya later!

2010-02-13T01:54:00.004+08:00

We are not the same persons this year as last; nor are those we love. It is a happy chance if we, changing, continue to love a changed person.

- William Somerset Maugham

50th Anniversary

2010-02-09T00:59:00.001+08:00

YWAM Singapore with the Cunninghams

He Hearts Us

2010-02-09T00:50:00.001+08:00

1 Samuel 16:7

But the LORD said to Samuel,

"Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him.

The LORD does not look at the things man looks at.

Man looks at the outward appearance,

but the LORD looks at the heart."

One thing about being on display in ministry, whether you're a worship leader or just trying to live your life in the light, is that you cannot hide behind your songs, music, or surface things.

It is from the depth of your right standing with God and your character that fruit comes forth.

It takes time and intimacy to build that, to fill your life with God, to deal with impurities and get your attitudes right.

Many times as I stand upfront, I feel such brokenness because I know I'm not there yet. I know I have so far to go in order to move with such anointing. I know I'm not as close as I need to be with God to be overflowing. I know I have not pressed in enough to hear His heart and receive His love for the people around me.

It comes from fasting and prayer, devotion to God alone, time invested to be with Him.

Come meet us, King Jesus
Oh wind of change blow through this temple
Sweet Spirit of God, come and mend our hearts
For all we have are songs
Unless You come

Awaken what’s inside of me
Tune my heart to all You are in me
Even though You’re here God come
And may the vision of You
Be the death of me
And even though you’ve given everything
Jesus come

Come free us, King Jesus
It’s the only way that freedom’s given
From You and You alone
In the work You’ve already done
For all we have are songs,
Unless You come

Here we are, Lord
In this place
Crying out for
Your embrace
To hear Your voice
More than songs
Please come
Jesus come

- "Vision Of You", Shane & Shane

The Little Nyonya in Shangri-La

2010-01-18T16:45:00.002+08:00

Guess what they're doing?

Watching 'The Little Nyonya" at work!

Nyonya fever spread so far in Shangri-La that Charlie Zhang, Yueniang, Liu Yidao & Chen Xi became household/cafe names overnight. The locals watched it during work-breaks, mass gatherings at their homes and after church. I have successfully converted them through my Nyonya crusade!

Next time round, I will do a bible study on David and explore Yueniang as a Davidic character in Asian culture, or an in-depth ministry on the unrelenting love of God through the portrayal of Chen Xi's pursuit of Yueniang. I didn't go to Literature class for nothing, you know.

Global Consultation on Music and Missions (GCoMM Asia 2010)

2010-01-18T16:31:00.001+08:00

I'm going for GCoMM Asia this July! Usually held in the US, it's a standout chance to be part of this international consultation since it'll be held in SINGAPORE this year.

There're 6 tracks with altogether 36 modules for missionaries, musicians, creative communicators, creative artists, ethnomusicologists and Chinese ministry. You can take modules interchangeably - across tracks - so that's a plus to me who's into cultural relevance/music/ethnomusicology/arts. Examples of modules read like this.....
"Thinking outside the church box: How can we break out of our musical ruts by looking at a wide range of needs that can be met through song, thus discovering new themes, new purposes, and new contexts for a wider variety of music styles?"

"Cultural redemption: biblical basis for and practical application of cultural redemption in traditional music and dance. Pastor Ed Lapiz and his team will share about spiritual victories with tribal groups of the Philippines..."

"Movies. Stories. God.:Which movie should you invite your friend to watch: The Jesus film, Fireproof, or Batman? WHY? Discover the power of stories through motion pictures (both short and feature-length films), and how you can use them to start and engage in profound spiritual conversations...."

PLUS Dance! Children! Digital & Internet! Check it out for yourself.

More about GCoMM here and here:

The purpose of the Global Consultation on Music and Missions (GCoMM) is to bring together mission and music leaders from around the world to explore how God is drawing the nations to Himself through music and related arts.

In the year 2010, the Consultation will gather for the first time in Asia! To many, Asia is known for its diverse form in both cultural and racial settings. By God's grace, GCoMM Asia 2010 will use this initiative to form friendships and partnerships so as to identify strategies and models as well as to gather resources to meet both the challenges and opportunities present in Asia and beyond.

The theme for the consultation is "Many Tribes, Many Songs, Many Peoples, One Saviour" and we are inviting Christians around the world to come to learn and appreciate the use of culturally appropriate music and creative arts to fulfill God's call to evangelize to every tribe, people and nation.

With more than 30 seminars from which to choose, be prepared for a rewarding and enriching time of learning from one another.

Sign-up and event details here.

Flashes of Shangri-La

2010-01-18T13:07:00.008+08:00

words to sum up my one month with the young people:

equipping

conversations about identity & destiny

modeling

love in action

deep talks on life and whys

doing together

prophetic words

I had the privilege of spending more one-on-one time with the girls than expected....

.....a long walk with XM through half the small town as we went to dinner, seeing her through her time of illness, walking arm-in-arm with her as she shared about her thoughts on someone's passing, sitting beside her to watch a dvd....

....breaking the ice in a frozen sink in the cafe and trying to wash dishes with frozen pipes with MY, having a sharing time during an electricity failure, her rare openness when she tries to learnt the songs she likes and wears her heart on her sleeve when she tells me why it means so much to her....

every girl is so different and i love that.

I love the challenge of meeting each where she is, of breaking down barriers gradually, and of understanding how to reach each one.

I love walking with young people.

Prayer for the Day

2010-01-18T12:53:00.000+08:00

Something gripped me today in the Straits Times report on Sumatra facing annihilation from a possible tsunami in future. I mean, how can I know that an Indonesian neighbouring state is gonna be struck off the face of the earth and not do anything? At least I can pray like King Jehoshaphat did in 2 Chronicles 20 whilst facing impending doom. Pray that Sumatra would be God's and He would be with His people through the coming years of uncertainty.

(My blogpost on my other blog.)

The Bible

2010-01-13T15:28:00.000+08:00

The Jesus Storybook Bible:

Now, some people think the Bible is a book of rules, telling you what you should and shouldn’t do. The Bible certainly does have some rules in it. They show you how life works best. But the Bible isn’t mainly about you and what you should be doing. It’s about God and what he has done.
Other people think the Bible is a book of heroes, showing you people you should copy. The Bible does have some heroes in it, but (as you’ll soon find out) most of the people in the Bible aren’t heroes at all. They make some big mistakes (sometimes on purpose). They get afraid and run away. At times they are downright mean.
No, the Bible isn’t a book of rules, or a book of heroes. The Bible is most of all a Story. It’s an adventure story about a young Hero who comes from a far country to win back his lost treasure. It’s a love story about a brave Prince who leaves his palace, his throne - everything - to rescue the one he loves. It’s like the most wonderful of fairy tales that has come true in real life!
…There are lots of stories in the bible but all the stories are telling one Big Story. The Story of how God loves his children and comes to rescue them.
It takes the whole Bible to tell this Story. And at the center of the Story, there is a baby. Every Story in the Bible whispers his name. He is like the missing piece in a puzzle - the piece that makes all the other pieces fit together; and suddenly you can see a beautiful picture.

You see, God knew, however high they reached, however hard they tried, people could never get back to heaven by themselves. People didn’t need a staircase; they needed a Rescuer. Because the way back to heaven wasn’t a staircase; it was a Person.
People could never reach up to Heaven, so Heaven would have to come down to them.
And, one day, it would.

Many years later, another Son would climb another hill, carrying wood on his back. Like Isaac, he would trust his Father and do what his Father asked. He wouldn’t struggle or run away.
Who was he? God’s Son, his only Son - the Son he loved.
The Lamb of God.

One day, God would send another Prince, a young Prince whose heart would break. Like Joseph, he would leave his home and his Father. His brothers would hate him and want him dead. He would be sold for pieces of silver. He would be punished even though he had done nothing wrong.
But God would use everything that happened to this young Prince - even the bad things - to do something good: to forgive the sins of the whole world.

Anecdotes from the past week

2009-12-06T00:08:00.006+08:00

Part 1

I have to teach about worship for the upcoming trip to Shangri-la and had been kinda edgy about my material for awhile. Few days ago, whilst reading up a book on worship to pump up my material, I heard a clear, loud voice that sounded undoubtedly like GOD.

"Stop reading. Worship is not a theory. Just go out there and enjoy My presence with My people."

I cheered silently and shut my book immediately (honestly, I was sick of trying to absorb material and going through the motions). "Yay," I thought, "I just need to focus on enjoying God's presence." A load was lifted off my shoulders... the load to teach, to present, to do. God wanted me to focus on my being.

How true. Worship is inspired, not taught. It is inspired by who God is, and 'taught' by spending time worshipping, not talking about it. We need to worship more than we teach.... whether it's in worship school, seminars, workshops.... worship can only be understood through a direct encounter with the God we worship.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Part 2

Well, since I didn't have to spend so much time preparing my teaching, I was now free to meet some youths I owed a conversation. *double yay! Starbucks Toffee Nut Latte! Pancakes!* (now, meeting people is also an excuse to satisfy my astronomical gastronomical cravings)

To me, spending quality time with youths is a non-compromise. I mean QUALITY time, not playing-and-laughing-time. The kind of time you offer them where they know they are supposed to ask questions and air their issues.

One girl started talking about her needs - Mentors. Mentors to guide her in her new life as a young person working and discovering a new world that she wants to excel in. An industry where attending a Sunday service is irrelevant because of timing. She told me she couldn't find anyone to talk through these, much less ask about her when she doesn't attend Sunday service. The solution offered to her disappointed her: 1. Form a group of people in the same situation/industry as you; 2. When you reach a higher position in your company 5 or so years later, you'll have enough influence to change things.

Sounds strange to me (disclaimer: these are purely my views and I am a flawed individual) but....
1. Solving a relational problem using a structure: forming a group doesn't mean they'll relate. The issue is how you get people to relate/multiply mentors who pursue relationships
2. OK, how about the present?

I found it strange too that in youth groups we spend most of our time and energy on running events that our leaders (who are sacrificing their time and rights for the good of the ministry) don't have any more energy left for quality time with our young people. And wondered why multiplying mentors and pastors isn't high on the agenda because that is what builds lives.

YWAM Singapore's Revamped Website!

2009-11-24T23:04:00.002+08:00

The YWAM Singapore website's been given a makeover. Check it out.

And here is the Ethnos page.

Thank God and high-fives to Him for always being faithful.... funds for our airfare are in. Please pray along with us for the remaining ground fees. Looks like it's gonna be a packed week ahead before lift-off. We changed our dates to 7th Dec - 7th Jan. Nice and perfect-sounding, eh?

Till then, I'll try to post again before we leave. Adios!

Shangri-La

2009-11-15T23:45:00.006+08:00

We will be away in Shangri-La on a worship training trip from 8th Dec - 5th Jan....

Please pray for:

God's deeper work in the locals' hearts, to understand His plans and purposes for their lives
The lovely kids and teenagers who are part of this big family's daily lives
Protection for us all from the enemy's distractions and schemes - over every relationship, communication and physical protection
God's anointing on us as we lead in worship and impart values
An impactful and meaningful Christmas celebration
Finances for our airfare, insurance and expenses

And in the meantime, there's stuff lined up for 2010.... stay tuned and check back soon!

Conscience

2009-10-31T00:01:00.006+08:00

Why Nicole was brave to speak out

Having a conscience matters, says this actress

Samantha Morton
The Guardian, Monday 26 October 2009

Last week Nicole Kidman told the US Congress that Hollywood contributed to violence against women by portraying them as sex objects, and Matt Damon revealed that he turned down scripts if they featured gratuitous violence. How hard is it for actors to make decisions of conscience?

I have a huge issue with Hollywood actors who don't use their power in a way that's really constructive. For example, if they do a big blockbuster action film and they're playing someone violent, yet they don't have a say over the movie's poster and whether they appear naked in it, or with weapons. What does that say to the children who are in the backs of cars being driven around cities?

I do have a say in those things and if people don't want to work with me, then they don't. You want to be proud of all the choices you make and your reasons for making them.

When I receive a script the first thing I ask my agent is: what's it about, who is making it and who is producing it? These considerations are not always straightforward. When, for instance, I was sent the script for Longford (2006), in which I played the part of Myra Hindley, my initial instinct was: no. "It's a very good script," my agent said. "I don't care," I replied.

But I trust my agent, and when I read the script, I felt educated by it. So although that role attracted public dismay as well as critical acclaim, I felt my performance was part of a bigger message.

But not everyone gets it. After I played Iris in Under the Skin (1997), a woman who was harming herself through sex and being very promiscuous as part of a medical condition, I got sent every script going for women who would open their legs at anything. I was reading them thinking: "There's no reason whatsoever for making this film."

Actors can be manipulated. You can think you are involved in something with a message, and it can turn into something else altogether. You are at the mercy of the director, the director is at the mercy of the producer, and the producer is at the mercy of the financier. People can change the script while you're working and they have the right to do so. And you have to cooperate, otherwise you are deemed unsupportive.

A scene can be directed in a way that you had no concept of. A film I made recently, which I thought was about one thing, somehow turned into a different kind of film altogether. I had no idea that was going to happen. I felt abused by it.

I admire Nicole Kidman for speaking out. It was a brave thing to do. For her, the difficulties multiply – it's a different world. You have obligations, you have to respect the studios that keep employing you. You probably have houses all over the world you would like to keep . . . It must be hard at times to keep making conscientious choices – and not everyone does. Some people think they just want to act, and don't care about the broader message.

I'm Not Being Paid To Say This

2009-10-30T23:46:00.002+08:00

Hello. Why, today I experienced the best product aftercare ever in my life and had to come here to rave about it.

It's the X-Mini capsule speaker. I walked away from their office elated, having brought in my 1.5 year old 1st generation X-Mini to exchange its mangled retractable cable which didn't work anymore. Don't get me wrong, I've used and abused my X-Mini in jam sessions, worship practices, cross-country bus trips, (chasing unclean spirits away in) hotel rooms, missionaries' homes, doing open-air dancing, presentations, etc.... Next to my iPod, Bible and trusty notebook, it's one of my most utilized tools and I'm happy with the mileage I've gotten out of it.

And so, it was nice enough of them to offer to replace the cable for free.... but when the guy-in-charge tested my dusty-&-gummy-@-same-time speaker, he discovered it wasn't working - probably from all the sizzling the faulty cable caused it, retreated inside and returned with a BRAND-NEW speaker in its box, tested it and gave it to me! Wow! On top of that, he was extremely flexible (no, he didn't do somersaults in front of me) and didn't ask any questions except how old my X-Mini was. Can you beat that? Such a demonstration that they stand by their products and customers. At the end of the day, their goodwill and generosity simply amazed me, blessed me and made me proud of this Singapore start-up.

I mean, I dig good ethics and integrity. I believe that prosperity in businesses, societies.... right down to your personal life.... is a fruit of applying kingdom principles like generosity or not cutting corners with your customers. And I like what the company represents - constant innovation, a powerful product that delivers effectively, and catching the cutting-edge vibe of this generation.

Well, so I am another satisfied customer and proud that Singapore has produced such an enterprise. I don't buy a lot of 'techie stuff', but I've had enough bloopers with my laptop conglomerate (incidentally, wasn't I talking about 'fruits'?) to know whether a company truly values the consumer or has a kingdom philosophy.

Oh, did I mention that as I left, the guy-in-charge had the glowing grace to turn back, as if remembering something, to say, "Have a good weekend!" genuinely. Another brownie point for them!

I feel so blessed and was thanking God for showing me such goodwill today and reminding me of the kind of person He wants me to be. Plus, I was broke this month but now have a new X-Mini! It's been a great day =)

Quote of the Day

2009-10-30T00:52:00.006+08:00

"A great worship leader does not demand worship but inspires worship."

Do we demand or inspire?

2009-10-23T00:45:00.003+08:00

At a particular vocal class, I learnt that the more I try to please my audience, the less I find. Immediately after that class, I found myself in a meeting where I felt I had to please someone and give her what she wanted. As a result, during that time I was uncomfortable, struggling to flow with God and unable to be who I really am or give fully from my heart.

My trainer said this : "We try so hard to hit the high notes, pulling and forcing and straining, but it's so difficult. Then we take a step back and let our voice find the note naturally, without straining and pushing, and although it sounds uncomfortable and unfamiliar to us, it's right."

As I sieved through today, my questions of whether what I did was good enough or if I did it the way she wanted pressed into my heart. I should have tried to please less, and not allowed myself to let that hang over me. Because in trying so hard, I found less. I was trying to mold my actions into something I felt she wanted, but maybe that wasn't what was really needed. I could only have found it by giving up my right to be protected from judgement and letting the natural take place - in this sense, God showing up.

How often do we stress ourselves up and underperform our potential by trying to live up to people's expectations?

Lord Jesus, I repent of pleasing man instead of You. I choose not to be affected by comments, and turn a blind eye to being judged, that I may find the place of rest and peace in You. No need to perform, no need to force. Amen.

To-Die-For

2009-10-20T21:51:00.002+08:00

I'm dying to make music like this.....

Injustice at our doorstep

2009-10-20T01:23:00.003+08:00

An excerpt from Valerictorian gripped me today:

I was nine.

One afternoon,

a commotion drew me

to the window.

A Chinese man,

highly likely a construction supervisor,

was barking into the face

of an Indian worker.

His words

were

ugly, wicked and inhuman.

As he spluttered on,

the pudgy bully

pounded his

victim's head

with a long, rolled up document.

Heartbreaking.

Anger.

Tears.

I tiptoed,

pressed my face

as much as I could against the window grills

and

yelled,

with all the power in my lungs,

'SHUT UP!'

Then,

I didn't know what else

I could do for the

Indian man.

It happens, at our doorstep.

Stand in the gap.

The Dream Centre

2009-10-07T00:48:00.002+08:00

Last Saturday night, the base went out to do a mooncake distribution to the Chinese ladies in Geylang. Debbie felt the need to do something for these girls as Mooncake Festival is the second-most important festival in China where families celebrate together. Thus they would be feeling great sadness being away from their families.

I ran into a young girl on the busy street just outside the base. She didn't know what I wanted until I spelt out that it was Mooncake Festival and we were Christians wanting to bless her with a mooncake. Her bewildered face gave way to a huge smile and she revealed her vulnerability, saying, "This is the first time that such a thing is happening to me.... the feeling is strange!" And as we walked off, she was left smiling from ear-to-ear and waved goodbye happily, girlishly.

Over the years, YWAM Singapore has been trying to establish a ministry to people in Geylang. Geylang is the hotbed of vice, in all forms. I've had a contact call me late at night and tell me he's in Geylang, helpless, vulnerable and confused after a big argument with his wife about the family's major financial trouble, and he did something he regretted, was full of remorse and needed a friend to set him straight and give some support.

I know of 18-year-olds who hang out in the dark alleys running gambling dens and working with their fathers who do the same. I know my friend's elderly father who goes to Geylang for his fix every day, oblivious to the fact that his family knows and has to endure the humiliation.

You see, I can put faces to the vice. Geylang, to me, is not "a dirty area full of prostitutes, foreign workers and danger".... it is a place where strongholds over people turn them to sin. But ask yourself: if the people there - middle-aged uncles with wives and children at home; choiceless women duped into prostitution; immigrants living in a harsh, loveless environment - if these were people you know, wouldn't you do something for them? Wouldn't you love them and help them?

Lives are going down the drain. About 3 or 4 years ago, I had the privilege of meeting Matthew Barnett of the Dream Centre. The Dream Centre started as a small church in Los Angeles, with this 20-year-old white guy conducting services in a bad, bad neighbourhood. He faced gangsters, shootings, drugs and homeless folk who looked and smelt bad, at the doorsteps of his church. Yet, he persevered in his call to transform the city by letting these gangsters into church services, nervous as he was; feeding the hungry; praying for the insane/hurting/drugged-out/gun-toters as he risked his life. Today, the Dream Centre is my inspiration for what we can sow by laying our lives down and letting God rule.

Matthew Barnett was in Singapore then to speak at a conference, and I had gone specially to hear his keynote message. Like an awe-struck fan, I zipped to his side when he finished his message, introduced myself as a YWAMer and told him we had been trying to minister in a rough neighbourhood, like his.

"Oh you're from YWAM!" His eyes lit up, like something clicked. "You guys are doing such a great job!" Wow, I was floored. My 'idol' knew about us and thought we were doing something worthy. He actually gave me his mobile number and asked me to call him while he was in Singapore if I wanted to meet up. I kept that mobile number in my phone for a good number of years.... I never called him because.... well, sheepishly, I didn't feel that I could sustain enough conversation about what we had done. Truth is, I felt alone in my cause. I wasn't sure if it amounted to anything because there were so few of us championing this.

So I'm glad we went out to the streets last Saturday in droves. I'm glad Debbie isn't alone, and I really hope you heard my heart and God's as you read this. I'm glad this seems like a new season for our base, one of unity and deeper relationships, and a corporate call to the unreached.

More Than Words

2009-09-23T12:54:00.001+08:00

"It's annoying, but Justice and Equality are mates..... Justice always wants to hang out with Equality, and Equality is a pain in the a**....."

"A number of years ago, I met a wise man who changed my life. In countless ways, large and small, I was always seeking the Lord's blessing. I was saying, you know, I have a new song, look after it… I have a family, please look after them… I have this crazy idea…And this wise man asked me to stop. He said, stop asking God to bless what you're doing.... Get involved in what God is doing—because it's already blessed."

- Bono

Love

2009-09-20T23:17:00.002+08:00

We all need some reminders every now and then ;)

Hari Raya!

2009-09-20T21:19:00.001+08:00

Today is Hari Raya Puasa in Singapore, a festival that marks the end of the Muslim fasting month. Families of Muslims in their baju were all over town in a celebratory mood, especially in the housing estates.... Awhile ago, I was walking around my town's bus interchange, when the sight of families decked out in their Hari Raya finery reminded me of the day I was in Japan during a cultural festival. Here on my island, we were having a festive day that echoed a similar sentiment.

The things we take for granted. I stood around and soaked in the cultural sights and sounds of the day, appreciating the solidarity of national dress and traditional festival.

And I was glad to live on an island with a wealth of cultural heritages to behold.

Cold Blood

2009-09-19T16:17:00.005+08:00

Reading the newspapers on an eventful day is, for me, quite a poignant experience.

My compassion and grief get stirred up pretty easily, and all it takes is a line or two of descriptive words for me to find meaning and conviction.

Today:
The story of terrorist mastermind Noordin Top's death. It was headlined as a violent end, yet smirking with a heroic and satisfied tone. I wondered why the papers painted this cold-blooded shoot-down as though it was a great victory to be lauded and celebrated. Sure, his elimination is significant, yet does who he is and what he did warrant the kill? As I read how he was shot, with details of his bodily wounds and shattered head from explosives, I paused and thought: HOW SAVAGE. HOW COLD-BLOODED. Did anyone deserve that? Did he deserve to die such a violent, merciless death? It was done in cold blood. It reminded me of Che Guevara's bloody murder in Bolivia and how he was hunted down, gunned down.

And I was brought back to the time when I was preparing lesson plans for the topic of capital punishment during my General Paper teaching days. I had a graphic video that documented those controversial capital punishments done in various nations - stoning of women in the Middle East, ethnic slayings in Indonesia.... all captured on video for my eyes to witness. It was gory, stomach-churning, and disturbing. When you see a real-life taking of a life - whether it was that of an innocent or guilty man/woman.... you will know that nothing qualifies another human to take the life of another. What one has to summon, or grow cold to, in order to kill.... is unimaginable.

At the end of the video was a scene of a gun squad executing a murderer in a Southeast Asian country. It was done in the forest, with many witnesses. As I saw bullet after bullet enter this man's body, limbs, face, nose.... slowly, one-by-one, as he lay on the grass ebbing away...... it didn't matter that he killed someone else in whatever manner. It mattered how numbed I had become to the frequency of reports, the media, the existence of the human soul and spirit, and the commonness of such suffering. When the scene was done, a line from the Bible flashed across the screen - "Let he who has no sin cast the first stone." And I finally understood what Jesus was talking about. The reality of God's heart on violence, murder and humanity had been imparted to me.

Yes, I showed it to my students.

Now, my thoughts turn to Afghanistan, Pakistan, Israel and Palestine, where recently, BBC reports of war killings have gripped me. Detailed pictures of death scenes, violent acts and what bodies looked like have reached my eyes and ears. It is no longer a statistic or report. This is real. Heads sliced off. Bodies cut in half - bodies of children, who were at home in the day when the soldiers came in to finish them off. There is cold-blooded murder going on in droves. We are in the throes of a media-fatigued world emblazoning war violence in the ambiguities. Where is our sensitivity to violence and torture?

And my question is, ARE WE INTERCEDING ON BEHALF OF THE OPPRESSED?
Is there no better way to resolve conflict than petty perpetration, bullying and intimidation that escalates in gruesome murder?
What kind of people/world have we become?
Where is forgiveness and laying down of rights?
Where is our trust in God's sovereignty over conflict situations, that enables us to lay down our power and control?

Shake Your Bon-Bon In Singapore

2009-08-31T01:29:00.000+08:00

We found a Japanese Summer Festival to go to last weekend, right here in the Tiny Red Dot! Justin drove us to a private estate in Changi, where he and Jasmine wore their supermarket-bought yukatas and took a long stroll in full Nihon glory to the Japanese Primary School.... to relive our bon-bon days in Matsumoto!

Actually, we have a video of us doing the bon-bon to the ponyo theme song, but I can't seem to download it from Facebook. Oh well.....

Macho Men

2009-08-28T23:15:00.001+08:00

Japan: The Fantastic Food

2009-08-28T23:04:00.003+08:00

What's a Japan post without the food???

Crepe-y junkies

Mamma mia! Those were the best peaches I've ever tasted!

Japan: The Dream Team

2009-08-28T22:43:00.001+08:00

My tribute to an amazing team:

Charlton Ying

Justin Ho

Joshua Riordan

Ruth Lee

Jasmine Sia

The Wonder Boys & Girls

With our hosts, Glynis & Judith

Japan: The Children

2009-08-28T22:24:00.004+08:00

Photo credits: Joshua Riordan

Japan: The Rising Generation

2009-08-28T22:10:00.002+08:00

These are the children and youth we met and ministered to in the worship camp. For each of them, God has a perfect will for their lives and wants them to know Him more.

We had the privilege of igniting a fire in these youths' lives - through worshipping together, telling them our life stories, and teaching about our identity in Christ. Most of them grew up in church and saw Christianity as a tradition. Many had yet to encounter God in a personal way. But on the last day of camp, we got to pray for them during a power-packed time of ministry that took us by surprise. God touched both them and us significantly, as we prophesied and declared God's purposes over their individual lives.

Just today, I received a testimony from the pastor's wife, as she told us what God had done through this camp.

"I got some words from God in worship time. God spoke to me that He deeply loved everyone of us and really wanted to give His love. Everyone is a very precious existence and His child. So, let them draw near.

After getting those words, God showed me a picture; Mako who was a very shy girl was standing at the front holding a mike. And God spoke to me again,

“I am weak, but I am strong,” That was exactly same words as that Justin shared with us.

Next day, I noticed Mako was standing at front and singing with my daughter Eimie. This was very surprising happening because Mako was never did such a big thing. Her mother also was surprised and said to me, “I’ve never seen that she stood before everyone holding a mike. She was to do that too shy.”

Mako (far right) with Eimie during a worship practice.

Japan: The Scenery

2009-08-28T12:26:00.006+08:00

Here's the first installation of our photos. Sorry for the delay, Blogger's been acting up.

This is Azumino city in Nagano Prefecture, where we stayed to run a youth camp and children's camp. Lovely, isn't it?

Our house

Photos: Joshua Riordan

CULTURESHOCK CULTURESHOCK CULTURESHOCK!!

2009-08-15T21:43:00.003+08:00

I've been suffering from re-entry since returning from Japan 2 weeks ago. Been managing to bear with rude, inconsiderate behaviour, bad service and lack of graces. But TODAY! *blood boiling*... TODAY takes the cake for the awfulness of re-entry from a gracious society to an ungracious one.

I was already tripped up from a day of being bumped, pushed and almost-ran-into by members of the public who weren't very conscious of their environment (ie. laughing and joking with companions, stepping on my white shoes, etc), and mildly irritated with being back here. But when I went to withdraw money at Bras Brasah, the culture shock level hit "Cardiac Arrest"..... You know there're 2 ATMs at Bras Brasah, and I was waiting in between them, trying to get money to pay for my books from the second-hand bookstore which was closing already. When the first ATM was available, this middle-aged uncle comes from nowhere and steps into my path, ignoring me! I thought, maybe he didn't see me, and stepped up to tell him I was queuing up. The nerve of the man.... without looking at me, and without the grace to apologise or ask nicely, he says his motorbike is waiting at the road. Now, if he had graciously acknowledged my presence, or asked if he could go first, I would have let him.... but how rude!

I UNGRACIOUSLY muttered under my breath, "You are so rude...." Unbelievable.

I'm having trouble adapting from a gracious society to this. Especially since I try so hard to have a gracious spirit nowadays - to be nice, polite, go out of my way, give way, give up rights, etc. But it bugs me that our people have societal norms that eschew COMMON SENSE. It's common sense that when someone is holding her ATM card, standing beside the ATM, she's waiting to use the ATM. And common sense tells you that you should at least ask if she's gonna use it before entitling yourself to it just because she wasn't positioned directly behind the queue.

Maybe I have too high expectations, or possibly I have to learn to be gracious to the ungracious - like loving the unlovable, turning the other cheek, and giving up even more rights. Gaaaahhhh.

HA! THIS ROCKS!!!

2009-08-11T23:59:00.000+08:00

Omigosh, this is just too good!!

Live Up To Your Potential

2009-08-11T01:37:00.006+08:00

Gideon.
Joseph.
David.
Jeremiah.

Do you feel like either of these young men right now? Has God put something in your heart but you're left feeling limited to do it? Are you clueless about how things are going to happen for your Godly intentions?

My question is, are you going to ignore/put off the call to missions, ministry or a specific role much longer?

Lately, I've been feeling that I'm not living up to my fullest potential. Strange coming from me, as I've always tried to fulfill my life purpose intentionally. But lately, I've felt that there is more... there's a higher level that requires more faith and seeking from me, a level that once again brings me to the region of not-knowing-what's-next. It's called being in the discomfort zone.

At the children's camp in Japan, we acted out Bible stories of the abovementioned characters. Each story carried this truth: Even though you feel small and inadequate, God wants to, and will, use you to accomplish greater things.

How apt that we should be like little children receiving that timeless truth in our struggles regarding obedience and our individual call. I challenge you to live up to your potential. It's regretful if you don't.

Happy National Day!

2009-08-09T21:50:00.002+08:00

Home from Nicole Then on Vimeo.

Found a lovely video of Nicole Then from Cherry Magazine singing "Home". Fresh after watching the National Day Parade, I realised that the good ol' National Day songs really strike a chord in me, especially after they've been updated and remixed. Pretty nice, to find my heart language....

What song is Singapore singing?
What song have You given us to sing, Jesus?

Addicted to Onsen

2009-08-08T17:22:00.008+08:00

I am in agony.

Agony from suffering major 'onsen' withdrawal symptoms.... Allow me to introduce another very enticing reason to visit Japan: The onsen. Now, the onsen is the Japanese public bath where you get to soak in hot tubs containing volcanic mineral water that's good for you. It leaves your skin smooth and soft, and apparently has healing properties.
We went to the onsen twice on the trip, such nice dips they were! Man, it's soooooooo relaxing.... it's soooooo addictive....
For the uninitiated, here's how the onsen works -
1. You check in, pay and leave your shoes in a locker.
2. Enter the onsen - separated into mens' and ladies sections
3. Once inside the locker room, prepare for a cross-cultural shocker: Everyone's walking around without clothes! For the shy types, after the initial giggling/hemming/hawwing, you can discreetly remove your clothes and make a dash for the wet area. Personally, I've got really thick-skin so I am as Japanese as that gets!
4. Enter the wet area and head for the showers (pic below) to scrub yourself down real good.
5. After you've scrubbed yourself squeaky-clean, you're all set for THE HOT TUBS!!!

Ooooo, this is the BEST part of the onsen.... you have a few tubs to choose to dip yourself into - indoor tubs, outdoor tubs under the moonlight, jacuzzis, milky mineral tubs, outdoor tubs with reclining seats to star-gaze at night, quaint little personal tubs with cute flowing taps, all filled with enriched mineral salts. *HEAVEN* Plus, there're mist-showers, saunas, pressure showers and waterfall seats to try out! One onsen even had a dimmed meditation room (which was really too hot to sit on and didn't give me any peace-of-mind at all). But yea, you get the heavenly idea. It winds you down and purifies your clogged pores.... Oooooooo........

I keep feeling my arms just to get a sense of how soft it's made my skin! Oooo! Man, I could just go back to Nagano for the onsen.

I just had to talk about it to deal with my addiction.

We Are Back!

2009-08-05T23:07:00.000+08:00

Hi hi! We are back from Japan and had an amazing trip.... there was depression when we had to pack up and get on that train :( The onsen (hot tub under the stars) made my skin so smooth. Sigh! I miss Japan. More tales coming up when I've gotten the others' photos....

Reg

Breaking News

2009-07-20T11:58:00.003+08:00

Hi! Quick update: Joshua's funds have been coming in, by the hour in fact! Last 24 hours saw S$1167 come in for him, as the team spoke to supporters and gave from their own pockets. Thank you God and all those who gave!

This is a huge lesson in faithfulness for us, especially for Joshua. He is so excited and so are we!

We fly in less than 48 hours!

What Song Is The Earth Singing?

2009-07-17T23:58:00.008+08:00

Suicide bombs in Indonesia.
The Euphrates drying up.
Swine flu.
Climate change.
Myanmar, North Korea, Iraq, Pakistan, Israel.
Lies, gossip and malice in the media.

The earth is singing a sad, sad song.

A famous local musician once told me, music has its origins in the natural sounds and rhythms of the earth. All nicely put together by God - birds chirping, heartbeats, wind, rain and thunder, crackling of fire, waterfalls, waves. These soundscapes are imitated to produce tones and rhythms of music.

Rhythms also come from the peoples of the earth. In Africa, when you see the dancing, the beats they come alive to... it sings a song about creation and culture.... it tells you what song God has given them to sing.

{Image from here.}

When I look at where I live, and the places I travel to - China, Japan, Timor, Thailand, Indonesia, Tibet, Vietnam, Cambodia- I ask, what song are they singing? What is their cry, or their rejoicing? I listen to the sounds of the land, and the songs they sing. Sadly, many are sorrowful songs of pain, injustice and suffering. Songs of a marred past and a cry for a better life.

Like, the song of Timor:

And then I stop and ask, what song should they be singing?
What song has God given them to sing?
And how do we remind them of such a song, such a song of worship to our Creator King?
A song that sings of what they and their land were created to be, a dance that moves to the rhythm of the land God has placed them in.

And to you I throw this question too - WHAT SONG ARE YOU SINGING?

Update on Japan

2009-07-12T21:28:00.002+08:00

Hi guys,

We're on our last week & half to departure. Honestly, it's been a bit unsettling as our funds aren't in yet, and Joshua doesn't seem to have anything come in. He wrote today to tell me that it's likely he'll have to forgo the trip as finances are very tight... I didn't wanna conclude anything yet, but there was still a little tinge of disappointment in my heart after reading his email. We'll just have to soldier on and see what God does.

Another little challenge is, we have no bass or drum player with us for the worship camp, and the pastor wrote to say there're people waiting to learn those instruments... I think he wants me or Justin to teach bass and drums, somehow.... it's something we need to work out. Please pray for us please.

2009-07-09T23:06:00.000+08:00

Newsflash!

2009-07-03T14:32:00.000+08:00

(Click image to zoom)

It's 3 weeks to Japan and we're still praying for the fees needed to come in. Please be praying with us!

When we took on the children's camp with YWAM Nagano few weeks ago, it was only me and Justin on the team. YWAM Nagano had requested for a team of 6, but we agreed in faith, knowing God wants us to help them. Then we confirmed Charlton and Ruth, then Joshua had a surge of faith in spite of not having his funds, and 3 days ago, Jasmine signed up. Ta-dah, SIX!!!

Thank God and we're preparing now. Lots of teaching and song-planning to do for the worship camp, lots of logistics and games/activity-planning for the children's camp, lots of money to raise, lots of prayers to be prayed, but also lots of rest and excitement, seeing the fingerprints of God all over this trip!

Goodbye, MJ

2009-07-02T20:56:00.006+08:00

This video of the MTV 10th Anniversary shows one of my favourite productions of his... he created a lovely 'spiritual' environment to interpret the questions and cries of this song. Keep watching till the end, that's the best part, and when he speaks, the emotion in his voice just kills me (just like Bono when he does a narrative in his shows). An angel finally brings a spirit of comfort to him - pure poetry. Meltdown. Ok I shall stop raving, you go see for yourself.

On a more mellow note, it was a sad, contemplative and regretful week for me, pondering what I knew of him. It was kinda a mini-event for me, looking through some videos and I even bought Time's commemorative edition of MJ (hey, this is a historical moment in pop culture!).

I am deeply appreciative of his life, his work, his pain and his journey. It is something I learn from, an artist identifying with a greater artist - an awareness of the complexities of human life, circumstance, and dark issues of the soul, and where the Father heart is so key to healing. Where the approach must be to stand on his side and be there for him, like the millions revering him in death are doing now. Too bad he isn't around anymore to hear those words of adoration, the precise things he needed to hear in his declining years. Celebrity, homosexual or what-not, God did not send his Son to this world to condemn it, but to save it. (John 3:17)

I guess knowing pain in my own life from being judged, misunderstood and gossipped about helped me identify with him. Knowing how in my darkest hours, I needed someone to stand on my side and not criticize me the way I had been criticised my whole life; someone who understood my emotions and need for validation, and my fragility. Thank God there were people who did, and God Himself.

And my sadness and pain for MJ is probably a fraction of God's pain for him, coz He knew his heart. I hope God and him had a good, long conversation as they stood at the throne giving account.

Urgent Prayer Request!

2009-06-22T00:04:00.003+08:00

Hi everyone, could I ask you to say a prayer for one of our potential team members going to Japan? He was on my team to Tokyo last year and was our translator as he's half-Japanese. Anyway he's in the US now and waiting for funds to come in so he can join us in Nagano in July. The recession situation in the US isn't good and he's been affected by it... but is really really trusting God to bring him to Japan with us, and really really wants to continue what we started there last year!

He's found a good airfare deal but will need to pay by next week. Will you please stand with us in prayer? For his airfare and ground fees to be raised and released from God's overflowing recession-proof treasure chest!

There're currently 5 of us on the team and all of us trusting God for our funds. Thank you for your prayers!

- Regina

Fun in the Sun

2009-06-19T12:08:00.002+08:00

Actually, after looking at the breakdown of the kids' camp - telematches, running around, passing blocks of ice, frolicking in the park - I'm looking forward to a nice wild time of play in Nagano. Things here have been too emotionally stressful and I vow to play all I can with the kids!

Kiddy Land

2009-06-18T13:10:00.002+08:00

Yeeeks.

Just got the brief for the children's camp we're doing in Nagano. It's 4 of us, getting all hyped and jumpy for 5 consecutive days of hardcore kiddy fun. Am I gonna survive this??

Monday - Gym Sports or Outdoor Fun Day
Tuesday - Swimming & Pool Games Day
Wednesday - Art & Craft Day
Thursday - Treasure Hunt & Picnic Day
Friday - Cooking Day

Plus, telling Bible stories, logistics, worship and singing, bringing them to the 7-11, cheering and rah-rah-ing.... my bones!

Seriously, whoever's reading this, you've gotta pray for us.

We leave 22 July to help Pastor Nori with his youth worship camp, then this kids' camp (all non-Christian kids), and return on 3 August. Sign-up, anyone?

My Eclectic Musical Tastes

2009-06-15T00:38:00.008+08:00

Aside from the daily fix of worship songs, these have been looping on my playlist recently:
1. 楓 - Jay Chou
2. Home - Above & Beyond
3. Now We Are Free - Lisa Gerrard, Hans Zimmer

Shocking to see Jay Chou on my list but I think he's a hit! Eh the guy uses counterpoint (Bach's trademark technique) to compose, how can you not say he's talented?

As for Above & Beyond, sorry to purists but I have this affinity for dance music. I'm a keyboardist - I create weird sounds on a synth, what do ya expect?? :) Here, some videos I sneaked at their recent gig with my phone....

In the beginning... a bit blah

After warm-up: slightly better

Honestly, it was a bit of a let-down, felt they're better on CD than live. Or maybe I was too faraway from the action.

As for the ethereal, grandiose track (No. 3), I fell in love with it at last year's Night Festival at the National Museum. It was the track for a dancer swiveling in a gigantic ambient-lit sphere.... gorgeous. I went back the next day to catch the performance again coz I was so in awe of the water dancing and fluttering through the sky. Truly world-class.

God's Word To Us

2009-06-13T13:33:00.005+08:00

Justin and I went to share about Ethnos at DTS yesterday. Word from a DTS student for us:

2 Chronicles 20:1-30

It's Jehoshaphat inquiring of the Lord during his crisis.
The people came together to seek God.
Prophecy was released: Do not be afraid or discouraged, the battle is not yours but God's!
The people worshipped God, the Levites stood up and praised God with a very loud voice.
Men sang of the splendour of His holiness, giving thanks for His faithful love.
And as they sang, God set ambushes for the invaders.
Victory! They returned with joy, singing and playing their instruments.

Jo Ee & Co @ Treehouse SMU 11 May '09

2009-06-13T02:48:00.004+08:00

Trying to play catch-up now from the weeks of inactivity. Been busy lah.

I don't have pics of the band in action coz I was helping Jo Ee take videos of her performance. But they did very very very well and we were impressed! Must say I enjoy walking through the journey with people and projecting a greater call to them.

Oh well, all I have is the band at the parking lot with their gear. Better than nothing.... (hats off to Justin Boon for dismantling his own drum set and bringing it all the way down to Treehouse!)

Touched by the Stans

2009-06-13T01:24:00.013+08:00

I was away on assignment to teach on a DTS in an anonymous area (the base would call it "East Asia"). This has gotta be one of the most touching trips in recent years. Look what the students gave me at the end of the week:

Totally unexpected... they don't own much yet dug into their possessions to produce things like: a travel set of fork/spoon/chopsticks; a notebook with verses written inside; Khyrgystan memorabilia that evoked my own memories of a past trip; bracelets, mirror, and most touchingly - a watch given by a father to a daughter, her 'jia chan' (family inheritance); even a staff hurriedly passed me a new blouse she had bought just before she left for a trip. *sniff*

Oh man, I didn't know how to react... I felt so bad, yet moved at the same time.

Also, I was very grateful to the YWAMers for coming alongside me to help me out with my airfare. In 2 hours, my entire airfare was covered after various ones came by to stuff notes into my palms. My pocket was full of money when I walked out out the lounge! Plus, money kept coming in, because I had to book my Japan air ticket! I could use the abundance of blessings for my next trip =)

I guess it's people who live by faith who give the most, who are the richest.

Here's the most exciting day of the trip - going with CM and Jane to visit the migrant people.
In we go!

We had to go through a tunnel, and weave through narrow, dusty, uneven paths to get there.... CM and Jane cracked me up in their heeled shoes (looking like local women!) and chanting "xi(2) guan(4) le(3)" (used to it already). Really localised already, those two!
Negotiating the tunnel.
When is it gonna end???
Eeks, watch your head ahead....
Finally, reached! Happy man welcomes us. He's a junk collector by profession, and has a family to feed.

Our purpose in going to this home was to find out what the teenage son's dreams and interests are, so they could find a course to enrol him in. As he's been cutting school, he needs to be equipped with a skill for his future. True enough, he told us he enjoys repairing appliances. The team is gonna put in money for his skills training, which counts as a big help to his family who lacks funds for his schooling.

Wow, this is what I call, Championing Young People. Helping them realise their worth and destiny. It's what we were created By God to do on this earth.
Funny things spotted on the way out: chicken backsides being fanned by an electric "fly-disperser"!
Street scene at migrant community. Bah Bah Sheep...
At K&V's cafe, V teaching the staff how to make healthy smoothies. Note Ken's new Terminator haircut. Very sexy.

2009-05-04T01:02:00.000+08:00

Here I Am - PlanetShakers

Something in my heart
Burning like a fire
I want to live for You

Need Your touch right now
Fill me with Your power
Power to live for You my God

I will not be moved
I will stand for You

I will go where You send me
Jesus take me now I am Yours
I am Yours
Lay my life on the altar
Everything I give to You alone
Here I am
Here I am
Here I am send me

2009-04-20T11:00:00.002+08:00

This sounds like a true Japanese worship song.... I can just see them singing this at the Throne.

2009-04-20T01:30:00.002+08:00

Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.

Proverbs 13:12

School Pics

2009-04-15T13:35:00.002+08:00

From that day at Paya Lebar MGS....

Thought Of Da Day

2009-04-14T01:39:00.002+08:00

"It takes years for God to fashion a heart and produce a testimony that gives life."

Be patient with yourself, with God and live in the present. Bless you all my friends going through uncertain times now... all I can say is, dying to yourself is the only way. (I am preaching this to myself too!)

Prayer Blog

2009-04-14T00:45:00.002+08:00

I've set up a blog to get us interceding: Save The World Through Prayer.

It's easy - read, hear God and pray. Short as it may be, it counts. Click on and pray at your work desk. In-between breaks. The internet cafe.

Spread the word for us!

PLMGS

2009-04-10T00:38:00.006+08:00

Team:
Irene, Eleana, Tee, Justin, Eddie, Ian Wong, Andrew Kwa, May Pang, Regina

More pics to come soon....

Old School

2009-04-06T00:11:00.003+08:00

Some of us took a walkaround at lunch last week, and stumbled upon this retro traditional candy shop near Aljunied MRT. The greedy one among us couldn't resist buying old school sweets that bring nostalgic tears to her eyes.

While we were at it, we took a little tour of the back kitchen, and found 2 uncles industriously moulding tao-sar piah by hand, what a rare sighting! They looked so cute and hardworking! 20 years later, you'd have to pay admission to see something like this, if any of these shops survive at all.

Art Therapy

2009-04-05T23:55:00.004+08:00

We had a very productive 'art therapy' session last week at the base, coz we had to make bookmarks for the half of the 1500 girls we're meeting this coming week in a school. Was faster than we thought though! Thanks to Irene swishing her brushes around like a loony artist....

Swish, swish, swish, go the girls!

Making use of our lovely lawn...

Ta-Dah! Tear tear tear and it's bookmarks galore!

The final product, God bring it into the right girls' hands please!

Thanks for the handy help, everyone! Good examples, heh....

It's Out

2009-03-04T01:00:00.005+08:00

U2's new album. Listen to the whole CD for free.

As with most of U2's albums, the second listen is better than the first.

Time for a Commercial Break!

2009-02-18T15:31:00.004+08:00

YWAM Singapore embarks on a new marketing campaign:

Thai boy revamps the "Gateway to Asia" brochure, trying to attract more YWAMers from Amsterdam by looking like a leprechaun

Asian-American trying too hard to go Dutch (Bali-bought singlet does not help)

Even base director tries to look the part, but Thai boy's tummy steals his thunder (very sneaky)

OK, we're just kidding, in case you didn't know....

A Magazine Review: Asian Geographic

2009-02-18T15:30:00.000+08:00

If you're wanting to hear God regarding the nations in our region, read Asian Geographic. Covering social issues, cultural profiles and the challenges facing different tribes in the modern world, it's a pretty amazing resource. For photo buffs, it contains seriously cool images of people groups in action.

Profiles of the Long Horn Miao tribe...

... and Sapa Hill Tribes in Vietnam

The Padung from Thailand

Surfacing the hidden faces: Transsexuals in Pakistan

Highlighting the drug problem in Kabul

A commentary on Mongolia's ethnic clothing and its evolution

The story that fixated me was one about the vanishing ancient script of Philippines' Tagbanua people, and how the tribe tries to preserve it under the threat of, guess what? - Cell phones. Banana leaves vs text messaging. How to fight??

Asian Geographic is readily available for loan at the National Library and various branches.

Slumdog Millionaire & The Little Nyonya

2009-02-17T10:35:00.016+08:00

Caught Slumdog Millionaire last night... loved it! So this is what I've been burying my eyes and ears in... Anyone with an interest in missions and the changing world should catch some good movies, magazines or books to keep themselves on the cutting-edge.

Take this with a pinch of salt as it was shot from an outsider's (Danny Boyle, Englishman) point of view. However, having been to India myself, and spent daily time at the slums and orphanages for 2 months, I would say those depictions of slum happenings do strike a chord in my memories. More so, I loved how the social commentary on India's poverty, racial tension, child exploitation and abuse panned out. On another note, the glimpses of violence upon unprotected children and cheap attitude towards life called out justice and compassion from my heart.

But what echoed my concern was Slumdog's accurate portrayal of today's breakneck speed of globalisation. It touches an issue I've been grappling with - the changing face of missions and our world. In what I do, the quinessential principle is to be "culturally relevant". When I tried my hand at ethnomusiciology*, it became more amorphous guessing the tastes and hearts of this generation... they prefer to let traditions go, because of their irrelevance to life today.

It's kinda like Peranakan culture here, or our own attitudes towards our Cantonese/Hokkien/Teochew roots... the younger generation doesn't appreciate old pantuns (traditional Peranakan Malay songs) or making kueh/ayam buah keluak. What happened with 'The Little Nyonya' was a deliberate attempt by media to resurrect interest and Singapore being a befitting environment for the wave of revival to flourish. What does this say about the youth of today, and the youth of each different ethnic group? What do they value - nostalgia, roots, passing on a culture, family pride? ...Or new-fangled innovations, fresh ideas and modernity? Even I never valued the wealth of Cantonese recipes my mother harboured until recently confronted with its possible demise in my hands, and asked her to teach me some of her signature dishes.

Guess when it comes to young people, whichever culture they're from, it's always wise to suss out their existing values and ask why they exist. And to make sure you're engaged with the moment they find themselves in. I'm finding it flying past me faster than I know it.... It's nice to know God is in the moment and on top of it too. So I'd keep asking Him and finding those anwers as I pray for this world and generation.

Any thoughts, anyone?

* Ethnomusicology (adapted from Jeff Todd Titon): the study of "people making music." Ethnomusicologists are as interested in the people making the music as in the sounds of music they are making; the whole process and contexts through and within which music is imagined, discussed and made, not just the musical sound structures themselves; what music means to particular groups of people - what part it plays in their lives.

- blythe doll in kebaya image from http://www.jooli.com

Gig at Screme, SMU

2009-02-12T17:02:00.009+08:00

Here're snapshots of the bands that night... thanks to those who came to support! Stay tuned for the next one, most likely in April....

Jackie & Lionel

Jo Ee, Selwyn, Samuel

Prayer with performers before the night starts

Sam Cho from a well-calculated angle

Drummer boy Jachin and Noelle - Ethnos band

Ze Crowd

Uncle Peter & Auntie Linda... Our guest performer for the night

Ethnos band (l-r: Jachin, Justin, Ben, Regina)

In this journey of life.....

2009-02-06T00:31:00.001+08:00

How I wish to have

His passion my passion,
His victory my victory,
His vision my vision,
His wisdom my wisdom.
His thoughts my thoughts,
His words my words,
His heart my heart.

Technicalities

2009-02-03T16:26:00.004+08:00

Sometimes, we dream dreams, get into the thick of living them, and then like a cartoon moment in a movie, screech to a halt because the engine doesn't run/reality bites.

I can't imagine how hard it is to find a soundman. Are all soundmen in Singapore not free next Tuesday night??? This is an SOS!

Just like in Japan - I had 2 students staring at me with 2 hours on their hands, ready to learn that afternoon.... and I had no translator. There were 4 groups and only 3 translators. What a regret.

Missions is a team effort, and if God's given you a part to play, be available! You may not know how important your role is to a team in need.

Gig at Screme, SMU

2009-01-24T01:15:00.003+08:00

Hello world! There'll be a gig for our young musicians to showcase their songs this February. Get ready for some surprises too! The good folk at Screme serve hotdogs, pizzas, pasta, so come early for dinner and then stick around for the gig! The Ethnos band will be having some fun on that day too, hope to see you there! We may sing any Chinese New Year song, if we get enough requests on this blog =)

THE JUST-FOR-FUN GIG
Date: 10 Feb Tuesday
Time: 7.30 pm
Venue: Screme Cafe (Singapore Management University)
B1-62, 70 Stamford Road (Basement of School of Information Systems)
* From the Mr Tea outlet at the ground level, take the escalator down. Screme is beside the florist.
* ADMISSION IS FREE!

Giving Us Courage

2009-01-03T03:06:00.004+08:00

Hi guys,

Since it's the new year, thought of putting up a little passage from a fellow blogger to give you strength and vision for the big stuff ahead in your life. May the holy spirit warm your heart and give you courage.

His eyes look to and fro the
face of the earth
in search of a person whose heart
is committed,

There are ones who never fail to
catch his attention.

Ever since he placed eternity in their hearts,
they live a different destiny.

They perservere
even when it's convenient to give up.

They love
even when they feel unappreciated.

They give
even when they're in lack.

They encourage
even in times of discouragement.

They believe in others
even in the midst of doubting themselves.

They sing
even when life seems bleak.

Everytime they fall,
they stir themselves up and stand again
even when they feel like staying down.

It may have been a weather beaten year
but in their brokenness,
they refuse to succumb to the strongest storms

they humble themselves and
draw strength from above.

They run on
and conquer every season.

And he says,
because they've set their hearts on him, their foot will never be caught. They are set on high grounds. They will call on him and he will hear and answer them. They will be with them in trouble. He will honour them. He will be forever theirs as they are forever his.

We're back....

2009-01-03T02:23:00.002+08:00

While the trip report is churning itself out, I'll share a joke/warning/ghastly news... My keyboard weighed 17KG at check-in - a shocker since the actual weight is only 8kg - may be the pedal, adaptor and flight case. Anyway, the boys helped me lug it to Tokyo over escalators, trains and stairs, apart from carrying their own luggage and gear. Quite a nightmare. The best part: when we tried to use it, it didn't work. Turns out the voltage in Japan is way below Singapore's, so a converter won't work. You'd need a transformer for that, and it costs in Japan.

And so, I brought 17kg over those thousands of miles FOR NOTHING.

Somebody punch me.

Reg

Countdown to Tokyo

2008-12-12T13:29:00.002+08:00

The Japan team leaves next Friday morning til 31 Dec. We'll countdown to New Year's Day on the plane, let's hope there's free champagne flowing, as part of the airline perks!

For your prayer notes, here's our schedule:

19th Arrive & settle into winter climate
20th Performance/Worship at youth group - a secular band will be performing alongside this Christmas party
21st Church service & rehearsals
22nd Rehearsals with Dan (local guy doing vocals for us)
23rd Christmas musical
24-25th Rehearsals/busking/hanging out
26th Performance/Worship at Kings Kids Christmas party
Performance at cafe - opening for a local bossanova artiste
27th Music Clinic at a church youth group - teaching worship dynamics and instrument playing
28-31st anything we're game for... hit the freezing streets to meet people! prayer walk!

Yup yup, we wanna feel God's heart and know what He's doing, pray that we'll pick that up!
Also, team unity and patience with one another.....
Understanding of Japanese culture, what the people need, sensitivity and a non-judgemental spirit......
Protection from the spiritual strongholds: distraction, frenzy, lust, discouragement
We need to be spiritually attuned!

Thank God also, our funds have all come in! PHEW! *clap clap! to Daddy!* The yen has gone up but we're covered still....

Thank you for your support!

Time Flies

2008-12-04T02:06:00.002+08:00

In the turn of an eye (old Chinese expression).....

Even before I could chart the chronicles of the last trip, I am swarmed with prep for The Next Big Trip.

I haven't been tired like this for awhile. Maybe I'm getting old... or maybe letting something grow organically - like human chemistry - is a process that can't be compromised. It takes effort - time-wise, physically, emotionally - to work together, understand personalities and figure out where everyone is coming from.

It's the beauty of building a team. And something that I value very much.

People matter. And processes are important. Good night.

我会讲华语

2008-11-05T01:04:00.004+08:00

各位，

我已经从中国回来了！我的华语说地不错，应为一个月多的时间已经训练我的言语本事。。。虽然我的词语不太广，但我能跟你分享许多不平凡的词，比如：

调 (diao) - key
大调 (da diao) - major
小调 (xiao diao) - minor
节拍 (jie pai) - rhythm
节奏 (jie zhou) - timing
音符 (yin fu) - note
和玄 (he xuan) - chord
副歌 (fu ge) - chorus
开头 (kai tou) - intro
手势 (shou shi) - hang signals
玄卤 (xuan lu) - melody

Ok folks, that typing in Chinese is taking its toll on me.... anyway, what I said above was: I can speak Chinese! I'm back from China. My spoken Chinese is not bad due to the month-long immersion that boosted my linguistic ability. Although my vocabulary isn't too impressive, I can tell you some impressive terms, like..... (above list).

On top of that, I learnt how to counsel in broken Chinese (how do you say 'soul tie' in Chinese? We're still searching!) and pray fluently in an inspired moment.

This language thing really takes you places with people. I'll share more soon, and i'm not too glad to be back coz I wish I was still there! Booohooo!!

Newsflash

2008-09-26T01:55:00.005+08:00

Brazil CEIFA team at the Esplanade. Making friends in the background

Practising with Dan who flew in from Japan

The team learning J-pop songs for December's Tokyo trip (l-r: Brian, Justin, Dan, Regina, Clarence, Jachin; and Ben is missing)

Praying together, different cultures united for the glory of God

I will be away for a month in the mountains, and in the meantime Justin will hold the fort. Please direct all queries, complaints and rantings to him, thanks! Be good!

Regina