Urbana Day 4

Reflections on Day number 4.

We know that we should not stay in the darkness but walk in the light. However, there are so many wounds and issues that we do not want God to touch us and wanna cover up ourselves in the darkness.

Sometimes we are deep in these kinds of situations that even we hear the saving-call from God, but we seems like get stuck in the crowded stadium while you cannot find the exit.

That's me.

But the evening message give us the solutions: Prayer...!

We know how to pray, but sometimes our prayer just repeating the facts that God already know. We just forget what role did God has in our prayers. We forget His power. We forget His almighty. We forget HIM.

Pray with our full heart. Tell Him what is in our heart. Tell Him truly what we would want to ask Him. That is what the prayer is for.

There will only be one exit in the crowded stadium: Pray truly to God.

Urbana Day 3

Coming to day 3, everyone of us feeling tired, and... overwhelming.
So many information regarding mission, so many things about our inner lives, so many things about our future...

Really need time to sit down and digest...

Few things that I need to reflect on today

(1) John 2:11 saying that the miracle of turning water to wine was the first of the signs through which Jesus revealed his glory. If I were Jesus, what kind of changes do I want to become the first sign...?

(2)Since last nite, thru this morning, till this night... "Trust in God's providence" running around my head... Am I trust God enough regarding his providence?

(3)One speaker said, God do not want "helicopter missionary". Yes, I am now involving a few mission projects, but do I really have root in them?

(4)John 15 talking about abiding in God. Learning the word of God without obedience just like knowledge without live. Obedience... A huge hole for me to improve.

(5)Give is always better than get. Speaker today reminding me: Get is not bad, but its all about self-center. Give is something we should learn, experience and put in practice. Am I willing to give without thinking of getting?

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Tomorrow... commitment nite... hmm...

Urbana Day 2

A few questions today which really makes me to reflect on my own spirituality...

First Question, during the morning Bible study on John 1:35-42:
"If you really trusted God's role in bringing your friends to a place of belief, how would it affect the way you think about evangelism? What blocks you from inviting people to 'come & see'?"

Second reflection, during the exposition session on John 1:43-51...
Together with John 1:35-42, Jesus told the two disciples "Come and See" and they can see the Messiah. Philip told Nathanael "Come and See", that turns Nathanael declaring that Jesus is God.
Then, question to myself, am I good/faithful/trust-worthy enough for other to take my "Come and See"...?

Third reflection... for us, as a pastoral leader, our mission road should be like "Transformation -> Covenant -> Mission".
Do I Transform enough so that my testimony can display what God grace has cast upon me? Is my covenant with God a good testimony of my relationship with God? Will my direction of Mission be not in the right focus?

Urbana Day 1

After 15 hours of driving in a mild snow storm, we finally arrived in St. Louis safely.

And... the tiredness did not block the message of God in the very first day, given that its a short one.

First reminder: Despite any expectation of coming to Urbana2009, it won't make any difference unless we allow it to make some difference to us. Yes, I really have to open up my heart in order for His Message to flow thru my mind...

First message from Urbana2009:
John 1:14. God use "Incarnation" to (1) use as a mean to communicate with us (2) sending us a message and (3) be a model for us.

Speaker reminds me that Jesus did not save us by inviting us to his place, but coming to our world instead, a place where not the most comfortable.

My question to myself: Why I am working on campus with students?
Reflection: Simply because campus is the most comfortable place for students.

Yes, that is campus mission...

烏鴉媽媽的故事

森林裡住了烏鴉媽媽, 燕子媽媽和他們的bb
燕子媽媽每天都悉心照顧他的子女,不停餵他們吃東西,用翅膀保護他們,令他們不用受風吹雨打
有一天,燕子媽媽看到烏鴉媽媽不停將自己的子女推出鳥巢,因為烏鴉bb還小,不懂飛,所以一隻一隻掉到地上,他們跌得好痛,好慘,雖然這樣,但烏鴉媽媽沒有放棄,仍然不斷抱他們回巢又不停把他推出去
燕子忍不住就罵烏鴉媽媽狠心,這樣對自己的子女,罵他沒有資格做媽媽


有一日森林大火,烏鴉媽媽的bb因為受到訓練,所以在火未燒到他們的樹之前,他們已經能展翅高飛,
但當燕子bb想飛的時候,因為長期受到媽媽的保護,翅膀未受過訓練,連拍翼的力氣都沒有,所以最後就被火活活燒死,這時燕子媽媽才明白當初烏鴉媽媽的苦心。
那到底是烏鴉媽媽殘忍,還是燕子媽媽有愛心呢?

好人_好報?

為甚麼「寧人負我、莫我負人」的結局是被迫「自動請辭」?

是殘酷的現實... 但是... 公平嗎?

"留下的疤"...?

今日聽pp959內7/28既podcast, 聽到同工余子麟quote以前JJ959一個主持人的一個blog post,提及我地身上既疤痕...

留下的疤

天父爸爸,

有一天, 我到超市買了一支去疤的藥膏. 逛了很久也找不到想買的藥膏, 便跑去問了一問櫃檯的服務員.
他想了一想,然後說「你去化妝品部門」我聽了他的回答後, 我說「我不是要蓋疤, 我希望疤真的可以去掉」
他想了一想, 然後又說「那你去藥房那邊試試看..」

我去到藥房問了一下藥劑師, 她介紹了一支可以「六個禮拜完全去疤」的藥膏
可是她拿起藥膏後, 跟我說「這種藥膏應該不可能完全去疤...我想大概去80%左右..」
我把褲子拉起,讓他看看我之前跌傷的膝蓋. 他說「那你可以買去試試看, 不過那麼大的傷口, 之後的疤應該很久才會消失」

雖然最近都在省錢, 不過為了膝蓋的疤趕快消失, 我決定買下那一支藥膏.
自從之前在加油站被自己的腳絆倒而跌倒受傷後, 我每天都會看著自己的膝蓋, 嘆著氣說自己笨,還不斷的問自己「怎麼那麼大一個人也會這樣的跌倒?我是白癡啊!」
痛是很痛, 尤其自己又是那一種粗心的人, 所以經常不小心磨到傷口, 搞到傷口久久也不好起來..

看到傷口, 我覺得無奈極了.
因為它提醒了我自己的笨, 自己的粗心大意, 還時常提醒著受傷後那幾天洗澡時的痛苦, 走路時也是一柺一柺的..
傷口本來就是會自然的好起來. 人類的構造本來就是可以讓受過的傷口自己的復原, 不過卻因為自己的任性和不自律而讓傷口越來越深. 有時侯還因為手太閒太無聊而去抓本來已經好得七七八八的傷口. 就這樣, 傷口又再流血, 再痛...這樣, 疤就越來越深了...

過了一段時間, 我看著傷口, 開始害怕之後疤會永遠都留在我的膝蓋上, 開始後悔, 開始自責
傷口已經不痛了, 血也沒有再流了. 其實每一次自己把傷口抓到流血, 也都沒有之前一次那麼痛了..而因為這樣, 我才知道我正在痊癒當中..

雖然傷口不痛了, 但我卻很介意留下來的疤痕.
雖然已經不會再影響著我的日常生活, 當沒有仔細留意的時候, 我甚至不會察覺它的存在
但疤卻仍然留著, 每逢當我注意到的時候, 也會提醒了我自己曾經跌倒的一次經歷..又或者在夏天穿裙子的時候, 照著鏡子時總是會覺得很不對勁, 那個疤很礙眼.

我希望皮膚可以跟沒有跌倒過一樣
但我知道並不可能..
那我就希望有一天, 自己看到的時候不要再覺得膝蓋很醜...
有著疤的膝蓋也有權利便成讓人驕傲的膝蓋...

我覺得 我慢慢也不太在意了
雖然還是不好看, 看到的時候還是有一點觸景傷情...不過, 已經不太記得發生甚麼事了..
現在我甚至覺得買那一支藥膏很浪費金錢

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反省返自己的生活裡，其實都有好多的疤痕。不單是痕，甚至我有時懷疑我的傷口究竟埋左口未...有時候，我知道我好想去疤，點知其實只係用緊化妝品蓋疤，仲要係裡面已經含濃，自欺欺人地去以為自己已經無事... 點知...

我總以為我並不太在意，但係當其他人係你條疤痕上面灑鹽時，果種"O拿"法，先知道其實自己個傷口原來跟本從未有埋過口...唉...

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親愛的天父啊，求求你，協助我，醫我傷，去我疤，讓我能好好的為你去作鹽作光，不再讓你的名蒙羞...

insights are what our strategies built on

In today's Toronto Star report of Michael Bryant's case, mentioned the Navigator Limited, the smooth public relations firm hired by Bryant.

Although Bryant's case interest me a lot, catching my eyes more is what the reporter describing the PR firm.

Quote: 'Navigator isn't shy on its website: "Clients have praised us for our ability to take an issue that has been looked at, sometimes for years, and radically shift perspective to reveal new insights. These fresh insights are what our strategies are built on."'

As Christians, we always talk about visions. However, not many vision can be translated into a real and practical picture. Many visions die silently because we try to put our vision into our goals and actions. Well, this seems alright, what's wrong with this?

Strategy is the missing link. The same issue, the same goal, different strategies bring different timing, and definitely different outcome.

As in another Toronto Star report "Traffic signs can make streets dangerous" said, "We look to signs to give us instruction – tell us our rights – rather than making decisions based on the actions of other..."

Its not about what strategy used will be the best, but its the willingness to bear the consequence of the strategy one used.

"We defend rights, but what tends to get left out of the equation are any associated responsibilities. We have a right to vote, for instance, but no real sense that we also have a responsibility to make a serious study of the issues at hand." Toronto Star report reminding us.

We have the right to use any strategy we want, good or bad, and no strategy is actually another strategy, agree or not. However, at the same time, we have the responsibility to take whatever outcome from this strategy and face it.

We tends to blame others when things failed, but the Bible clearly teaches us: Don't try to do anything to impress other human but God.

After all, this may be the best strategy for us to learn throughout our lives.

What I learn from the Epistle to the Hebrews

從希伯來書給我的啟滴

聖靈有話說：你們今日若聽他的話，就不可硬著心，像在曠野惹他發怒、試探他的時候一樣。

弟兄們，你們要謹慎，免得你們中間或有人存著不信的惡心，把永生神離棄了。總要趁著還有今日，天天彼此相勸，免得你們中間有人被罪迷惑，心裡就剛硬了。

我們若將起初確實的信心堅持到底，就在基督裡有分了。

我們既然有一位已經升入高天尊榮的大祭司，就是神的兒子耶穌，便當持定所承認的道。

因我們的大祭司並非不能體恤我們的軟弱。他也曾凡事受過試探，與我們一樣，只是他沒有犯罪。所以，我們只管坦然無懼的來到施恩的寶座前，為要得憐恤，蒙恩惠，作隨時的幫助。

他能體諒那愚蒙的和失迷的人，因為他自己也是被軟弱所困。故此，他理當為百姓和自己獻祭贖罪。

這大祭司的尊榮，沒有人自取。惟要蒙神所召，像亞倫一樣。

因為基督並不是進了人手所造的聖所（這不過是真聖所的影像），乃是進了天堂，如今為我們顯在神面前；也不是多次將自己獻上，像那大祭司每年帶著牛羊的血（牛羊的血：原文作不是自己的血）進入聖所，如果這樣，他從創世以來，就必多次受苦了。但如今在這末世顯現一次，把自己獻為祭，好除掉罪。

按著定命，人人都有一死，死後且有審判。

像這樣，基督既然一次被獻，擔當了多人的罪，將來要向那等候他的人第二次顯現，並與罪無關，乃是為拯救他們。

我們憑這旨意，靠耶穌基督，只一次獻上他的身體，就得以成聖。

因為他一次獻祭，便叫那得以成聖的人永遠完全。

聖靈也對我們作見證；因為他既已說過：主說：那些日子以後，我與他們所立的約乃是這樣：我要將我的律法寫在他們心上，又要放在他們的裡面。以後就說：我不再記念他們的罪愆和他們的過犯。
這些罪過既已赦免，就不用再為罪獻祭了。

所以，你們不可丟棄勇敢的心；存這樣的心必得大賞賜。

你們必須忍耐，使你們行完了神的旨意，就可以得著所應許的。

信就是所望之事的實底，是未見之事的確據。

我們因著信，就知道諸世界是藉神話造成的；這樣，所看見的，並不是從顯然之物造出來的。

亞伯拉罕因著信，蒙召的時候就遵命出去，往將來要得為業的地方去；出去的時候，還不知往那裡去。

因著信，連撒拉自己，雖然過了生育的歲數，還能懷孕，因他以為那應許他的是可信的。

亞伯拉罕因著信，被試驗的時候，就把以撒獻上；這便是那歡喜領受應許的，將自己獨生的兒子獻上。

我們既有這許多的見證人，如同雲彩圍著我們，就當放下各樣的重擔，脫去容易纏累我們的罪，存心忍耐，奔那擺在我們前頭的路程，仰望為我們信心創始成終的耶穌（或作：仰望那將真道創始成終的耶穌）。他因那擺在前面的喜樂，就輕看羞辱，忍受了十字架的苦難，便坐在神寶座的右邊。

你們要追求與眾人和睦，並要追求聖潔；非聖潔沒有人能見主。

耶穌基督，昨日、今日、一直到永遠、是一樣的。

我們應當靠著耶穌，常常以頌讚為祭獻給神，這就是那承認主名之人嘴唇的果子。

Trust the next generation - from Christian Times 09.07.05

要信任下一代 - 羅錫為

我們相信下一代嗎？我們有多信任他們？

十年前，我接受一福音機構的聘請回流香港，要把大女兒留在加拿大讀高中最後一年。臨別前，想向她講一番做人道理，她卻對我說︰「爸爸，你對自己從前所說過的話沒信心嗎？」

　　至於小女兒，她則隨我們夫婦回港，在國際學校唸高中。有時夜歸，做父親的我想給她訓導一下。誰知她這樣說︰「爸爸，你不信任我嗎？」

　　我的教會自上一任主任牧師以來，已談到栽培下一代作接棒人。我上任後繼續談這個問題，成立領袖培訓委員會，編寫領袖培練材料，卻未有「新一代」的信徒領袖冒現。為何年青一輩不成器？原因是上一代的領袖對下一代沒信心，也其實是對自己不夠信心。

　　有怎樣的領袖，就有怎樣的追隨者。而追隨者或有一天會當起「領頭羊」。信徒領袖和教牧領袖的交棒過程都一樣，而愈大的教會，愈不放心把責任交給年青人。

　　在大教會裡，不到四十歲，沒有人認為他有資格當執事、值理。今天教會的領袖，多數是在上一個世紀，乘著香港起飛而上位，在位超過四分一世紀。但是，誰是接班人？在老一輩眼中，年青人都「不夠班」，在職場上自顧不暇，人生經驗都大有不如，遑論才幹、靈性、魄力、和事主的熱誠……

　　警告︰這種對年青人的不信任心態，正是領袖「換屆」的最大的窒礙！

　　我們這些老一輩的，要信任，提攜年青人，給他們機會。沒錯，年青人容易犯錯。但誰沒犯過錯？他們確是未夠火喉，但誰生下來就懂得帶領教會？把棒子交給他們，最暢順的方法，是與他們並肩作戰，讓他們跟著去學。摩西就是這樣提拔和栽培了約書亞。

　　可是，約書亞提攜了誰當接班人？可從約書亞記的「續編」士師記學習一個教訓。


第一一四○期.二○○九年七月五日

THEY are different from what you think - from Christian Times 09.07.05

他們不是你想像的他們 - 余子麟

我所服務的加拿大基督使者協會，每年都會為年青人舉辦名為「贖．釋．愛」的戀愛關係研討會。去年，我們設下的題目，不是一般的講講兩性溝通，而是探討戀愛和家庭關係帶來的破碎。其中，我們設下了幾個講及性掙扎的講座。活動舉行前，有家長向我們反映，我們和年青人談性掙扎，不會教壞他們麼？所以她不會讓她十四歲的兒子來參加。我心想，到一天你發現你十四歲的兒子已經知道（或在進行）些甚麼的時候，希望你不要太驚訝。

　　我們常常在報紙上讀到年青人有婚前性行為、濫交、性沉溺等等的報道，但我們總覺得那不會是「我們的」年青人的問題。我想說的是，在報道中的那些一天自慰六次、四年有七個陌生的性伴侶、與十二歲網友進行性交易的人，不一定是你想像中那些讀書不成、黑社會邊青、爛蒲爛玩的壞份子。他們極可能包括讀書成績優異、在校操行良好、在教會做團契職員的「乖乖仔」。

　　在我們接觸的年青人中，沒有所謂邊青，大部分讀大學，成績不算差，家庭背景良好，有穩定教會生活和事奉。但他們背負的問題（當然不是所有人都是這樣），包括性沉溺、一夜情、同居、召妓、未婚懷孕、濫交、援交、同性戀，甚麼都有。但這些事他們在教會中不會說，也不會認；因為如果說穿了，後果嚴重：停事奉、停聖餐，身敗名裂，教內前途不堪設想。所以，就算有多麼困惑，也只有自己躲起來，選擇性無助。

　　近二十年，社會對性的觀念出現了革命性的轉變。教會對性教育的觀念，趕得上嗎？不要忘記，性罪是教會領袖失腳最多，最被撒但攻擊的領域之一。我們要怎樣裝備未來的教會領袖，面對未來的性挑戰？

（作者為加拿大基督使者溫哥華事工總監）


第一一四○期.二○○九年七月五日

Brenda Lo - from Christian Times 09.07.05

盧業瑂
此心安處是吾鄉


"世界上，沒有任何一個完美的城市或國家。你得到此，同時也失去彼，直到在某處感覺舒心勝過擔心，於是就喜歡上它了。充滿喜樂，保持微笑，就是盧業瑂受歡迎的原因。她的笑容放射出幸福感，讓周圍的人都歡欣無比。"


時間，用在對的事上

「我樂於迎接一切到來的時光，儘管我嘗試去避免一些壞事——只要我們努力，剩下的交給上帝。我從小的夢想就是變瘦、變高（盧笑著說）；但是，話說回來，我真的希望我把時間花在正確的事情上，我希望自己是有負責心，能給聽眾帶來正面思考的一個人。如果他們笑了、開心了、放鬆了，那我就滿足了。」


　　盧業瑂在一九九五年移居加拿大，或許像許多人一樣，她不確定香港的未來將會如何，而移民的其中一個主要原因，是她在快節奏的生活和壓力下過了這麼多年，便下定決心要改變原來的生活。

　　盧業瑂早年是香港商業電台的DJ，在寶麗金、CBS Sony和EMI等唱片公司都製作過大量不同的唱片。她也曾數次演出嘉禾及新藝寶等公司出品的電影，還與明星周潤發和鍾楚紅合作演出過《秋天的童話》。

　　現在，盧業瑂是加拿大中文電台溫哥華分部的高級副總裁，還主持週一至週五，早上十一時至下午一時的音樂熱線節目《Brenda點唱機》，播放從六十年代至今的粵語流行音樂。多元文化電台的高級副總裁一職，只是盧業瑂眾多成就中的一個，對她來說，更重要的是尋求工作和娛樂之間的平衡。

　　 「我很開心自己還能為聽眾服務，同時希望能在大家開始新生活的時候帶給他們一些歡樂。有時能在不平的時候呼喚正義……休假的時候，我喜歡在各個季節在加拿大轉轉。我喜歡看日出和日落、藍天、冰覆蓋著的山巒、樹林顏色的變化、草新鋤過的味道。我還喜歡不同的飲食文化。」

　　 憑著決心和努力，盧業瑂克服了適應一個新環境的種種困難。

　　 「祕密就是去學習、接受和實踐。當然這需要時間，時間常常讓我們回憶過去、比較，然後就抱怨當下。但是你要想到開始為甚麼選擇這條路，其中必然有你要追求的東西，我們不能只看到好的就不管壞的了，就像所謂的『一籃子交易』，就這麼簡單，多考慮正反面地生活下去。要快樂，便不要後悔、不要抱怨，因為悔恨和抱怨只會讓你更痛苦。」

共處，學習欣賞與尊重

　　 由於文化的差異和對生活的態度，盧業瑂認為如與香港相比，加拿大的生活讓她輕鬆很多。「這裡的節奏很慢，我花了很長時間去適應。但一旦跟上了它的步伐，便能意識到必須停下來，嗅嗅這裡的玫瑰了。生命很短暫，很多事物我們必須去感覺、去欣賞。那麼有人就會說加拿大跟不上潮流又缺乏競爭力，但加拿大人會說：管它呢！我們這樣很快樂。比如，要是加拿大的銀行體系沒那麼保守和『落後』，那麼現在我們就會遭遇到比香港更嚴重的金融危機。」

　　 「在香港工作，我們通常跟英國人打交道，還有部分美國人、中國人、菲律賓人和印度人，所以都多少要了解一下。在加拿大生活也需要這樣，畢竟這個國家聚集了大量的各國移民。」

　　 「令人驚訝的是，我們真心嘗試共同生活在同一屋簷下，不僅僅是共處，也從其他文化中汲取營養，像希臘人、意大利人、韓國人、印度人、牙買加人、泰國人、菲律賓人、新加坡人、馬來西亞人、港台和內地的中國人、英國人、俄羅斯人、日本人，甚麼都有。每個民族都有他們流傳下來的節日和傳統，所有其他民族的人也可以去享受、欣賞和尊重它們。」

　　盧業瑂相信要消除隔閡，相互溝通和大眾的意願是關鍵。「這需要時間，努力和理解，到最後便會有改觀。」

　　 「當然，我會懷念香港的節奏和效率，他們的專業作風和產業知識。最重要的是，香港民眾持續的心態，積極的態度和對卓著業績的自豪感。」

　　 「我也想念那裡的人。香港人有一種固有的心理，他們有向前進的精力和願望。我還想念很多其他的東西，食品、時尚、科技產品，很多很多，各式各樣，物美價廉。」

放下，體驗新的經歷

　　 盧業瑂建議當你遷往一個新國家時，便須有擱置舊我的準備，以體驗新的經歷。

　　「對那些新到來的香港移民，我的兩點忠告就是：了解自己的優勢和劣勢。接下來，如果可能的話，通過考察和透過當地的朋友，去了解這個國家和文化。」

　　 盧業瑂指出，加拿大的資源相當豐富，只要你知道應該在哪裡切入這個體系，便會有一個很大的服務列表在等待著你，決不要怕去尋求指導和幫助。

　　「有時候，我從兒童那裡學到很多，因為他們對事沒有成見，沒有束縛。他們有鮮明和清晰的觀點。」

　　 「盡量讓自己準備資金、技術、情商、文化差異和思維方式，丟棄那些舊的習慣（有的是惡習），注意紀律和禮貌。」

　　 「欺詐、犯罪和糊塗事到處都有，只要善良和愛充斥著你。此心安處是吾鄉。」她說道。


第一一四○期.二○○九年七月五日

Uneasy dream lines

This morning we walk around 25 mins back to AFC.
Under the sun, its a bit hot, but I think its good for myself to clear up my mind a bit as I don't really have a sleep last nite. I dreamt for the whole night.

Lately I have been dreaming a lot, but unlike the usual me, I cannot remember my dreams when I woke up. I know I have dreamt something but so few that I can remember. And even i can remember some, I don't quite get the meaning of it.

Just like last week, in the dream I saw the news of the death of president of USA IOC (of course, the name in the dream is definitely is not the real name), and I cannot figure out why I have that dream.

And last night, I dream that I was at a custom counter, and the custom office mistakenly send my backpack to re-check-in on transit. He was very nervous. (No way in real life that any custom office will help you, neither they will feel guilty when they find out that they are wrong.) When he was nervously figuring out what to do to fix it, there is a CCF alumni coming over and saying that she can use her authority at the airport to help me find my backpack.

Hmmm.... so strange... so here and there.

Jesus was crucified in weakness, but lives by the power of God.

This is the third time I am coming to you. Every charge must be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. I warned those who sinned before and all the others, and I warn them now while absent, as I did when present on my second visit, that if I come again I will not spare them-- since you seek proof that Christ is speaking in me. He is not weak in dealing with you, but is powerful among you. For he was crucified in weakness, but lives by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but in dealing with you we will live with him by the power of God. Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?--unless indeed you fail to meet the test! I hope you will find out that we have not failed the test. But we pray to God that you may not do wrong--not that we may appear to have met the test, but that you may do what is right, though we may seem to have failed. For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth. For we are glad when we are weak and you are strong. Your restoration is what we pray for. For this reason I write these things while I am away from you, that when I come I may not have to be severe in my use of the authority that the Lord has given me for building up and not for tearing down. Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.
(2Co 13:1-11)

這是我第三次要到你們那裡去。「憑兩三個人的口作見證，句句都要定準。」 我從前說過，如今不在你們那裡又說，正如我第二次見你們的時候所說的一樣，就是對那犯了罪的和其餘的人說：「我若再來，必不寬容。」 你們既然尋求基督在我裡面說話的憑據，我必不寬容。因為，基督在你們身上不是軟弱的，在你們裡面是有大能的。 他因軟弱被釘在十字架上，卻因神的大能仍然活著。我們也是這樣同他軟弱，但因神向你們所顯的大能，也必與他同活。 你們總要自己省察有信心沒有，也要自己試驗。豈不知你們若不是可棄絕的，就有耶穌基督在你們心裡嗎？ 我卻盼望你們曉得，我們不是可棄絕的人。 我們求神，叫你們一件惡事都不做；這不是要顯明我們是蒙悅納的，是要你們行事端正，任憑人看我們是被棄絕的吧！ 我們凡事不能敵擋真理，只能扶助真理。 即使我們軟弱，你們剛強，我們也歡喜；並且我們所求的，就是你們作完全人。 所以，我不在你們那裡的時候，把這話寫給你們，好叫我見你們的時候，不用照主所給我的權柄嚴厲的待你們；這權柄原是為造就人，並不是為敗壞人。 還有末了的話：願弟兄們都喜樂。要作完全人；要受安慰；要同心合意；要彼此和睦。如此，仁愛和平的神必常與你們同在。
(林後 13:1-11)

Google takes aim at Windows

Google takes aim at Windows

Jul 08, 2009 08:12 AM

MICHAEL LIEDTKE
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

SUN VALLEY, IDAHO – Google Inc. is working on a new operating system for inexpensive computers in a daring attempt to wrest away Microsoft Corp.'s long-running control over people's computing experience.

The new operating system, announced late Tuesday night on Google's website, will be based on the company's nine-month-old Web browser, Chrome. Google intends to rely on help from the community of open-source programmers to develop the Chrome operating system, which is expected to begin running computers in the second half of 2010.

The Mountain View, Calif.-based company disclosed its plans for the operating system shortly after an online technology news service, Ars Technica, and The New York Times telegraphed the news on their websites.

Google is designing the operating system primarily for ``netbooks," a lower-cost, less powerful breed of laptop computers that is becoming increasingly popular among budget-conscious consumers primarily interested in surfing the Web.

The operating system represents Google's boldest challenge yet to its biggest nemesis – Microsoft.

A high-stakes duel between the two technology powerhouses has been steadily escalating in recent years as Google's dominance of the Internet's lucrative search market has given it the means to threaten Microsoft in ways that few other companies can.

Google already has rankled Microsoft by luring away some of its top employees and developing an online suite of computer programs that provide an alternative to Microsoft's top-selling word processing, spreadsheet and calendar applications.

Meanwhile, Microsoft has been trying to thwart Google by investing billions of dollars to improve its own Internet search and advertising systems – to little avail so far. In the past month or so, though, Microsoft has been winning positive reviews and picking up more users with the latest upgrade to its search engine, now called "Bing." Microsoft is hailing the makeover with a $100 million (U.S.) marketing campaign.

Now Google is aiming for Microsoft's financial jugular with Chrome its operating system.

Microsoft has drawn much of its power – and profits – from the Windows operating system that has steered most personal computers for the past two decades.

Google's chief executive, Eric Schmidt, and its co-founders, Larry Page and Sergey Brin, have made little attempt to conceal their disdain for Windows in recent years.

Schmidt maintains Microsoft sometimes unfairly rigs its operating system to limit consumer choices – something that Microsoft has consistently denied doing. Google fears Microsoft could limit access to its search engine and other products if Windows is set up to favour Microsoft products in the default settings.

Page and Brin have frequently derided Windows as a clunky operating system susceptible to computer viruses and other security problems.

Google made a veiled reference to Windows' perceived shortcomings in its blog posting.

"We hear a lot from our users and their message is clear – computers need to get better," wrote Sundar Pichai, Google's vice president of product management and Linus Upson, Google's engineering director.

A Microsoft spokesman didn't immediately respond to an e-mail request for comment sent early Wednesday morning.

Schmidt and Brin are expected to discuss Google's new operating system later this week when they appear at a media conference hosted by Allen & Co. at the Sun Valley resort in Idaho.

Despite its own power and prominence, Google won't have an easy time changing the status quo that has governed the personal computing industry for so long.

As an example of how difficult it is to topple a long-established market leader, Google estimates about 30 million people are now using its Chrome browser – a fraction of those that rely on Microsoft's market-leading Internet Explorer. And there have been various attempts to develop open-source software to undermine Microsoft with relatively little effect.

The Chrome operating system will run in a new windowing system on top of a Linux kernel – computer coding that has been the foundation for the open-source software movement for nearly two decades.

Google has already introduced an operating system for mobile devices, called Android, that vies against various other systems, including ones made by Microsoft and Apple Inc.

The Android system worked well enough to entice some computer makers to begin developing netbooks that will eventually run on it.

Google, though, apparently believes a Chrome-based system will be better suited for running applications in netbooks.

"We believe choice will drive innovation for the benefit of everyone, including Google," wrote Pichai and Upson.

Funeral - Chinese

Little imperfections make Perfect couples...
Beautifully Imperfect...

Shame??? What is the reflection behind it???

This past weekend, when I saw the news of Pride Parade, my heart really fell off. Especially when I saw David Miller shout proudly,"I am really proud of our city, Toronto". I really don't know how proud will that be when SIN is being allow to march across the heart of your city.

When the high-profile-seeking politicians claiming this parade is a "celebration of diversity", do they really understand what is the word "diversity" means? Upcoming "Jesus in the City Parade" on September 19, will they carry the same smile, marching together and shouting the same wordings proudly? Thanks God that among the three main Canada political parties (PC, Lib, NDP), our PM Stephen Harper was not in the parade. This may be the only thing I feel glad about this year Pride Parade.

When NDP Leader Jack Layton saying that this is the way of showing human rights, then my question may be: Where is my right to insist my believe of same sex marriage and premarital sex is wrong? When my religious freedom, freedom of speech are part of my human right, then why will I be classified as "discrimiation" when I declare my objection to those SINs in the public?

I have to clarify, I don't hate those gays and lesbians. I do love them and accept them, making friends with them, eat and play with them, however I would also love to see them turning away from their sin at the same time.

When we talk about human rights, we are at all talking about our "rights as human". Then where is the right for the one who create human? This make me think about the Bible story of "Tower of Babel". We want ourselves to rule the world, but where will God be then? Where is God? or are we trying to prove HIS absence?

Hopefully, as Christians, we should step up and be united. Feel pride to parade for Jesus...!

Good reflection material...

No matter you agree with the author or not, this article from the Toronto Star should giving us something to really think about what is happening to Toronto, our home.

Toronto making me mad as hell

You've heard of road rage, air rage, cubicle rage, retail rage and even gym rage. But is it possible to suffer from city rage?

On Sunday, I returned home from a barbecue to an unpleasant discovery: A fiend had smashed into my locked shed and absconded with my lawn mower.

"Can you believe this?" I asked my wife, who seemed more concerned with the length of our grass than the actual theft. "Our Lawnhog was abducted in broad daylight. What is happening to this city?"

As I stood in the crime scene, examining the shed's mangled door frame, my blood boiled. It wasn't just the electric mower or the oversized black urns (stolen last year) or the fact someone had once squeezed through our kitchen window while we were sleeping, swiping a few household items, including the keys to our car.

No, as I walked toward the front porch, across a slab of sidewalk spray-painted with graffiti, my anger went beyond property theft.

These days, admittedly, everything about Toronto is making me mad: Construction, dirty parks, appalling customer service, endless fees, abysmal leadership, dysfunctional council, inept urban planning, potholes, expensive goods, dilapidated neighbourhoods, aggressive panhandlers, the ongoing futility of our hockey squad.

Toronto the Good has become Toronto the Enraging.

The other night, after ordering sushi, I glanced at the bill and noticed I had been charged for the plastic bag in which our food was delivered. Granted, five cents is no big deal. Still, as I choked down sashimi, I could feel a bad case of city rage burning in my mouth like wasabi.

It wasn't the money. It was the principle.

"Can you believe this?" I asked my wife. "What are we supposed to do? Courier a canvas bag to the restaurant before we order? Next time, maybe I'll ask if the poor delivery guy can balance our miso soup on his head instead of using a bag."

Then there's the municipal strike, which started yesterday. Whether this labour action is short-lived or long lasting, one thing is clear: Once again, honest, hardworking, law-abiding taxpayers are being held hostage by a system that always puts them last.

That should be Toronto's new motto: Where Citizens Are Taken For Granted.

A disruption to garbage pickup after we just started paying new fees for garbage pickup?

Charging residents with "illegal dumping" after they left bags outside a designated transfer station yesterday because pickets had blocked their access?

Sometimes I wonder if we wouldn't be better off if a crime syndicate took over our waste removal system.

Thug: "How much are you throwing out this week, bub?"

Citizen: "Ah, let's see, two bags and a box of recycling."

Thug: "That'll be three bucks. And don't worry about it. You'll never see this stuff again, if you know what I mean."

As it stands now, we do all the work – recycling, reusing, sorting, hauling freakishly big bins to the curb – and keep getting told that we're not doing enough. We pay a lot of protection money for not a lot of protection.

The shuttering of daycare centres is also galling. Shouldn't "taking care of children" be deemed an essential service in a civil society? Believe me, young parents are already struggling with a raft of recessionary realities.

That's right, I forgot, "reality" is never a factor in a municipal strike.

And let's not get started on the cancellation of island ferry service, parks maintenance or summer camps. Why, it's enough to make a person drink – assuming, that is, LCBO workers aren't also on strike tomorrow morning.

What is happening to this city? It is making us furious.

L.O.V.E.

昨天<同事三分親>問了一條問題：究竟甚麼是愛情？

陸哲話係犧牲，珠珠表妹覺得係等待，明亮的答案最現實 ─ 「愛情是現在，活在當下，總之要珍惜眼前人。」

可是最痛苦的莫過於有些人好似李公子一樣，覺得愛情是其中一方需要妥協、要讓步，在於比較誰愛另一方多一點，認為喜歡對方比較多的一個，多數是處於下風。

其實我就覺得Vincent的一個問題很好：誰佔上風有甚麼關係？喜歡一個人，不是要令那個人開心，自己就開心了嗎？
唉!好坦白講，「所愛的人開心你就開心」這句話講就易，試問世上又有幾多人可以做到無怨無求呀？

我自己就覺得如果一個人可以愛對方多於對方愛你，其實都係一件好事。其實可以去到一個不求回報的愛情，實在有太多東西可以在當中的過程中學習。

得與失其實是很難衡量的。

Money can influence economy, but not our Hearts

明報新聞網

20年了，即使中國經濟騰飛，港人始終沒有忘記平反六四的心願。15萬人或坐或站，迫爆維園球場與草地，以15萬點燭光悼念六四死難者，爭取民主中國；維園場外，支聯會聲稱約5萬人未能入場，在外圍參與晚會。首次在港出席悼念晚會的學運領袖熊焱，見證港人的堅持，大為感歎，形容香港是全中國、全世界的驕傲。

15萬燭光 港人驕傲 維園爆滿5萬人未能入場

新一代發言致悼辭 平反六四薪火相傳

近半人獻出第一點光 明報民調 出席原因﹕四分一人憂下一代遺忘

「很壯觀，很有感染力！」Y世代對六四事件印象模糊，匯知中學教師昨晚帶同30名學生來到六四燭光晚會，有多年來對六四毫無認識的中六學生參加晚會後，才發現港人對平反六四有很大的決心。

17歲學生：參與可能有助平反

六四出生 左派之後﹕一日不平反 一日不慶祝

Song of My Heart

作曲：謝國維 填詞：黃偉文 編曲：謝國維 監製：伍樂城

劉：大眾也喜歡珠光寶氣
　　沒有空完全明白你的美
謝：只得我　望見你　關起了心扉
　　猶如合上　貝殼的傳奇
　　若世間疏忽　從未細味

劉：讓那些蠢人　庸人嫌棄你
合：切莫讓人　影響了你　信仰你的真理

＊謝：如滄海深處　埋藏著遺珠（劉：埋藏著遺珠）
　　　其實你好處　個個也不知
　劉：唯獨我先可以　明白上帝構思
　合：於沙礫裡　找到　璀璨珍珠

　劉：人家冤枉你　平凡悶孩子（謝：如像孩子）
　　　但是你心事　我不信　
　合：無聊沒意思
　謝：沒有人識得欣賞　
　合：但天知　誰可以＊

　劉：大概這種　非一般的美
　謝：慧眼太少　旁人未賞識你
　劉：因再　極客氣　差點算謙卑
　謝：從來沒對　愛　有所預期

　謝：若世界疏忽　從未細味
　劉：讓那些蠢人　庸人忘記你
　合：要是別人　都不愛你　有我這邊等你

REPEAT＊

　謝：你是誰你是誰　
　劉：可有地方發亮
　合：旁人忙著誇獎色相
　劉：沒有空管你的修養　
　合：唯獨我　留下拍掌

　劉：如滄海深處　埋藏著遺珠
　謝：其實你好處　個個也不知
　　　唯獨我先可以　明白上帝構思
　劉：於沙礫裡　　　合：找到　璀璨珍珠

　劉：人家冤枉你　平凡悶孩子
　　　但是你心事　我不信　
　合：無聊沒意思
　劉：就算誰都不欣賞　
　謝：但偏偏　　合：我可以

What is faith?

For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. For what does the Scripture say? "Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness." Now to the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due. And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness, just as David also speaks of the blessing of the one to whom God counts righteousness apart from works: "Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered; blessed is the man against whom the Lord will not count his sin."
(Rom 4:2-8)

Attack of the Killer Rabbits

A counselor at church camp told of his experience with a nine-year-old boy who started to cry when they turned out the cabin lights the first night. "Was he afraid of the dark?" the counselor asked. "No," the boy replied; "he just didn't want to be attacked by the 'killer rabbits.'" Some older kids at home had told him that there were "killer rabbits" who would come out at night and attack the campers.

Jesus was constantly reassuring the disciples with the words, "Fear not." Their fears betrayed their lack of faith. When one traces these words and their usage throughout the Bible, it seems that one of man's constant needs is to be reassured of the presence and comfort of God almighty. Christians can draw on this presence to find comfort and destroy their fears.

Watch out for "killer rabbits!" They can destroy your peace of mind at camp and throughout life.

Why We Chinese still don't want to face our SIN?

圖則證川校豆腐渣 鋼筋幼石屎劣 專家揭六大問題 2009年5月12日

【明報專訊】今天是四川大地震一周年，四川當局過去一直否認有人死於「豆腐渣」工程，但本報取得活埋逾千師生的北川中學的施工圖則，發現教學樓的建築質量最少出現6個問題，包括圖則不專業、部分鋼筋太幼，以及鋼筋交接的駁位太短等，全都削弱了大樓的抗震能力。3名工程師分析後，均直言學校建造質素差，更有工程師指大樓只可抵受3至4級地震。

四川大地震一周年，四川多個地區有紀念活動。據了解，國家主席胡錦濤和國務院副總理李克強會到震央映秀鎮出席紀念活動。而今午2時28分的一年前大地震發生時刻，全市會鳴笛3分鐘向死難者致哀。

料只可禦三四級地震

川震傷亡慘重，「豆腐渣」工程被視為「元兇」之一。兩名曾多次到災區察看的資深工程師，將北川中學施工圖則與現場廢墟比較，直言該圖設計不良，施工現場亦存在鋼筋過幼、間距過寬、樑柱接駁鬆散等嚴重問題，其中一人指出﹕「某些學校鋼筋都沒有，1級地震都會倒下，北川中學仍有鋼筋，但勉強只可抵受3至4級地震，與當地7級防震標準相差太遠。」

這名不願透露姓名的工程師呼籲﹕「中央必須以理性來正視普遍存在的豆腐渣問題……核心意義是展望未來，防止中國再發生同類事件。特別是上海等接近地震帶的大城市，有必要作建築質量普查，並修訂條例，嚴格檢測施工質量。」

北川中學原有4幢大樓，其中於2003年落成的北川中學教學樓，在5．12地震中粉碎性倒塌，活埋1300人。本報記者5月初於現場所見，教學樓外，另外3幢大樓損並不嚴重，如旁邊一幢1999年完工的舊校舍只有天花脫落，另一邊於70年代落成的老式建築更完好無缺。

家長得圖 公安恐嚇泄機密

學生家長母勇賢早前冒險取得教學樓施工圖，比對現場瓦礫展開調查，發現工程嚴重偷工減料。維權人士王笑冬憶述﹕「母勇賢將施工圖複印本交到四川省公安廳，第二天綿陽市公安局來了幾個警察，把他帶到賓館以『泄露國家機密』罪名威脅他。」

至於王笑冬自己則千方百計，欲將圖則交給中紀委，但其間不斷被監控及收到死亡恐嚇，3月起被迫流亡。內地媒體有關圖則的報道則被徹底封殺。

本報取得此施工圖，印有「北川建築勘察設計所」字樣、簽名等資料。今年元旦曾到過北川中學的港大建築系助理教授朱濤，看過施工圖後，認為圖則是真的。

他對照過施工圖和家長調查時於廢墟現場拍得的照片，認為家長的調查，反映中學實際施工情嚴重不符合施工圖則，如當地規定組成混凝土的「石頭子」的直徑不能大過2厘米，「但從現場的照片所見，竟有10厘米的石頭，是很嚴重的錯誤！」他解釋，石粒過大，土內空間便擴大，鋼筋等建材無法抓緊，強度下降易老化，結構便不安全。

他再指出建築物的多個問題，如用於樑柱的鋼筋數量減少、位置不對，部分鋼筋亦太幼，這些均嚴重影響該校結構，「若該調查結果是真的……便可確定是豆腐渣工程」。但他指家長的調查只反映學校的局部情，且多次餘震後，塌下的物料亦需逐一仔細查看，「要政府詳細調查才可下結論」。

朱濤補充說，90年代的建築物皆需接受質量檢查和提交檢查報告，「若詳細調查確定與施工圖嚴重不符合的範圍，那個施工隊、現場監工的人為什麼看不到問題？質量檢查的人為何發現不到問題？施工工人是否有倒賣材料？這些人都在，可逐一查出」。

朱濤表示，完全根據施工圖施工，北川中學應可抵受去年的地震，「只會出現裂痕，但不會整幢塌下來」。

對於官方對北川中學變成「廢墟」的說法，是認為教學樓的選址問題，朱濤指可透過挖開土壤探察了解這說法是否屬實。

無國界工程師召集人黎廣德認為，當局應設立類似香港的死因聆訊，公開資料及分析建築倒塌的原因，從中汲取教訓，防悲劇重演。

明報記者

Panama Mission Trip Recap

感謝神於今年二月至三月份，給予我及兩位於福音千里行作領袖事奉的弟兄姊妹一個到巴拿馬作短宣學習的機會。今次我們有兩個使命：(一)參與第九屆巴拿馬中西文青少年營及(二)參與巴拿馬華人基督教會(巴京堂)的青年事工。

於青少年營內，作為講員的我，抱著既興奮、又緊張的心情，一半因為過去幾次於營內多是參與遊戲或總務的角色，作講員時心情卻有點不同的感覺。另一半則是預備工作上所遇到凡困難，比較於預備加拿大的營會時多；不單是年齡領域上較大 (參加者由十一至二十歲不等) ，成長背景亦有很大的差異。可是神的恩典卻是大於我們的所想所求，我在當中所學習的亦較我想像的多。是次令會以「導向人生」為主題，在預備其中一天的資料時，神感動我應以「彼此相愛」為題，不知為何卡我內心深處卻存有很大的疑慮，可是我仍抱著信心的去分享。在最後一晚營火會內的分享時間，出乎我意料之外的，是大部份的分享都是圍繞在「彼此相愛」對他們的影響，神的意念真是較我們的意念為高。

更令人感到雀躍的是，藉著訊息、查經、遊戲、話劇、電影及各導師組長的引導，營內約五十名未信主的年青人，有三十九名決志信主，於全營會120人內，亦有18人願意奉獻作全時間的事奉的立志，請為這些巴拿馬的青少年人禱告，求神堅定他們對神的信心。

在青少年營之後，我們藉著「潑水節」假日，與巴京堂青年團契的弟兄姊妹一同到巴拿馬城以外約個半小時車程的El Valley旅行。藉著與他們在行山、游水等節目與他們多點時間相處，更深入了解他們的生活及掙扎，從而能在之後兩星期的訓練之中，給予更適合的訊息。

感謝神於這次短宣之中，讓我們學習到更多對宣教的認識，對使者福音千里行事工亦能作出適當的改善，藉此給予加拿大的學生一個更多學習的宣教體驗。

馮耀宗
多倫多學生事工助理統籌

「Short Short 地」

「Short Short 地」獨立短片網簡介 有更多短片：www.shortshortday.org

永遠懷念戴紹曾牧師

我們敬愛的戴紹曾博士（Dr. James H. Taylor III，譯名：泰樂博士）

主忠心的僕人
於2009年3月20日安息主懷，榮歸天家。

謹獻上最深的謝意與敬意，感謝戴紹曾博士一生盡忠職守，不但活出僕人忠心謙卑的樣式，更以生命的見證與經歷使無數人終生受益。

戴紹曾博士生於中國開封，為人柔和謙卑，勤懇簡樸，誠信待人，是我們學習的好榜樣。他熱愛中國文化，一生委身服侍中國人，以死在中國為榮。他真正實現他曾祖父戴德生當年所說：「假使我有千條性命，決不留下一條不給中國！」

戴紹曾牧師是創辦「中國內地會」的戴德生曾孫，1929年8月12日生於中國開封，少年時代曾有近三年在山東濰坊集中營度過，長大後赴美國接受教育。1955年攜妻子戴賴恩到臺灣開始服事，三個子女（戴美琳、美溪和繼宗）也在臺灣出生。他在60-70年任高雄「聖光神學院」院長，先後在台灣及中國大陸創辦「中華福音神學院」和「國際專業服務機構」，2007年4月獲四川省昭覺縣頒「榮譽市民」，他自稱是外白裡黃的「熟雞蛋」，是蒙恩的罪人，生在戴家完全是神的恩典。他為人柔和謙卑，忠心侍主，誠信待人，熱愛中國文化，精通中國文學和歷史，一生服侍中國人，也準備死在中國。他真正實現戴德生當年所說：「假使我有千條性命，決不留下一條不給中國！」

香港地區將於4月4日上午10時在九龍城浸信會舉行安息禮拜。

(original post from 「真証傳播」之 戴紹曾牧師紀念冊 )

nightmare...

I just have had a bad dream.

I was begging, crying, urging...
still, not able to make any changes...
I was being left out in the dark...
feeling lonely, feeling lost...

God, please don't let it happen...
please don't

2 down, one to go?

Thanks God, with His guidance, Junior TC and Chinese TC are very successful. The Gospel flow through the hearts of more than 700 students. May TC be only their first step in experiencing God.

Today is the first of two days Senior TC, please keep all the students in your prayer.

港男．講女 @ 星期日檔案 2009-03-08

港女本來是大眾傳媒用來形容香港女性的簡稱，但近年在網上開始流 行，將"港女"來形容集中了某些特質的香港女性，無論在網絡，抑 或現實生活，亦開展了一場港男港女大罵戰。

Kelvin's Panama Updates

Dear all,
Time flies so fast, here we come to the last seven days for my five-weeks mission trip.

Thank you for His opportunity, He let all of us who are in the youth camp learn a lot within those five days, serving or participating, including myself. Among the 112 participants, almost 50 of them are first-time comers. And almost 50 of these teens are non-Christians. The topic: Look for your purpose of life – Trust in the Lord, with the theme verse Proverbs 3:5-6, helping everyone of us to know more about our real meaning of life, especially how to love one another. With the guidance of the Holy Spirit, 39 decide to become Christians, 96 (obviously including some recent converts) dedicate their daily lives to God, and 18 among all willing to commit for full-time ministry if that is the willing of God. Praise the Lord. Please keep praying for these teens. You can see their pictures here: http://stupidxteam.blogspot.com/2009/02/photos-in-panama.html

We were then able to visit el Valley, a dead volcano turned village, to have some fun for four days. We spend 5 hours to conquer a 900m-high mountain (the name of the mountain: sleeping princess), and we also spend a few hours at the beach (the water is really salty). You can go to my photos at http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=68902&id=514761224&l=7c07e and http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=68906&l=d3c07&id=514761224. We had a wonderful trip as we all learnt together how to support each other during difficult times, especially when we are walking up the hill. Also because of some miscommunication, some of us have to head back to Panama City before our trip ends, but that miscommunication also teaches every one of us how to care about brothers and sisters around us.

These events also help the short term mission team to ease up some of the tension among the youth fellowship which due to the rapid growth. The fellowship has now 40 people compares to the 20-25 last year. Please pray for the fellowship. Pray that God will give them strength and wisdom so that everyone in the fellowship can enjoy a healthy spiritual grow.

Also have to give thanks to God despite the snow storm in US kept them from return to Canada for a day due to flight cancellation, they are now safely back home. Please keep praying for me, as I will have two trainings on Thursday and Friday night, while having a workshop during Saturday fellowship. And pray for me for a safe trip back on Tuesday night.

Again, thank you for your prayer support.
Kelvin in Panama

This... is what Honda feels like

What a wonderful ad...!

Photos for Compañerismo Daniel

#1 Valentine's Day (Feb 14, 2009)
#2 8th Anniversary (Feb 21, 2009)
#3a Fellowship Outing #1 (Feb 28, 2009)
#3b Fellowship Outing #2 (Feb 28, 2009)

Photos for Campamento 2009

Camp Photo #1
Camp Photo #2
Camp Photo #3

"O you of little faith, why did you doubt?"

"O you of little faith, why did you doubt?"
This verse best describe my most needed learning during the trip.

Just like Saturday. Thirty minutes before my first of nine message in eight days (yes, add Sunday school before my Sunday Service message), Satan definitely want to remind me that he will not let any opportunity to beat me to slip away.

It was when my laptop was being "flood" by an accident during the fellowship dinner. It was nobody fault. However, we found out that my laptop was not able to turn on after that. To be honest, at that moment, I am really desperate. Someone whispered to me, do you need a prayer? I don't know what to answer. The only thing I am talking to God... What? No...!!!

However, God really showing to the fellowship, He prepares. One of the brothers eventually bring a small screwdriver with him, and the most important, he knows how to fix a laptop. Within three hours, my laptop was being restored, backup and ready to go.

When I saw him fixing it, the only wordings in my mind, was the sermon I am going to preach Sunday morning. 'When Peter saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, "Lord, save me." Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?" '

I ask myself, Kelvin, why are you having so little faith?
I feel shame of myself, I should have know that even though the laptop cannot be recovered, my messages is still on. Why bother on the little computer?
Sorry God, I fell into Satan's trap again, I almost failed.
Thankyou for bailed me out, as the message went well Saturday night(at least this is what I believe).

師母D餸好好食

Photos for my first weekend in Panama

Click here to see the whole album...

Camp preparation day

Saturday is really a camp preparation day. Meeting in the morning and training at night.

It's really amazing that the brothers and sisters can cook good food despite having no water supply at the church. For us in North America, I am pretty sure we will have take out already. Fight against adversity, this is really what we should learn.

First two days in Panama

The first two days are pretty peaceful. Wake up a bit late in the morning for a little bit rest, and working on the youth camp materials during the day time. Finally they are all done Friday night.

Thanks for pastor Wilson for having me a big papaya, its much better than the 6-inches subway in Canada. Sweet and cool... taking some heat off my body.

Have to take some good rest tonight, as it will be meeting Saturday morning and training in the evening...

Please pray for my health and the youth camp.

Struggles to start – A Spiritual Warfare

Its really tough to start your mission trip with a day of spiritual warfare, however, God does not allow me to give up.

First, due to some reason named this and that, I have no sleep at all last night. Well, I don't feel sleepy, but clearly I am not well functioned.

Second, I keep asking myself this morning, what have I left not yet packed? I think, I think and I think. Nothing, should not be anything. At the airport: it's the Bible…! What? Yes, going mission trip without carrying your Bible. What a shame…!

Money, this is my fault actually, I forget to go buy US dollars, thus have to rush to the bank to get some. Thanks God, just a small line up, but the rate has gone up today.

Then, Hwy 401 got an accident, a huge parking lot. What a normal thing to happen on your not normal day. Thanks God, there is hwy 407, although its toll.

At the check in counter I was bumped up from 1240 flight to 1130. Messing my plan of having a peaceful lunch at the airport, as I was told only 15 minutes for custom and boarding. But finally the flight is delayed for another 30 minutes without notice. I am ok, as God already practice me with no lunch on Tuesday. Wow, how amazing the arrangement is…!

A phone call to Bell customer service shock me with the news of outgoing txt msg in US cost 60cents, it used to be included in my plan…!!! Well, the phone company never tells you that they secretly increase their charges in your already expensive phone bill. But thanks God for reminding me to call Bell before I am in US stupidly thinking that everything is free when its is fee.

Emotions build up during the wait for the flight. All my low self-esteem, lack of self-confidence, worry to fail… all suddenly build up during that waiting period. What a big spiritual warfare. Thanks God for cooling me down, as I have to walk outdoor to aboard the plane under the -20 windchill.

The struggles seems not wanting to end after leaving Toronto, and a good 90 minutes of sleep during the flight.

At Newark Airport, I was already deadly hungry, yes, the airline now cut cost to the point not even give nuts or water to u…! The terminal map clearly stated that A&W is there… the only food store that interest me. However, what I saw when I arrived is a big renovation wall. Sigh… okie, I try find something for me interest to eat, and I finally found this store with "Loaded Fries", fries with cheese and bacon, yummy…! But fat tummy…!

Emotional struggles come up again during the three hours wait. I keep asking God, why its me? Is that always me who has the problem? Why always not being correctly understood, or being misunderstood or not even not willing to understand me… Why it has to be me who is wrong every time? Am I look so bad that not worthy to be trusted? Why I cannot be myself? Why its wrong for me to choose? Why? Why? And Why? These are questions I know that I should not have asked. But there they are. Faith, where is my faith to God? Hope, where is my hope to God? Love, where is my love to God? Hey Kelvin, wake up, stand up, keep fighting… its battle time…! I know I have to fight, but I need to regroup myself. I got five hours up high in the sky (closer to God??) for me to do that, God, thank you for these five hours. I really need that very much.

During those five hours, a lot of turbulence, real turbulence, however, always peaceful after going thru it. Like my emotions, turbulence, but peaceful after all.

 

Last but not least have to thank all the brothers and sister for their hospitality.

 

Faith is all I am asking for...

Its all about the ironic feeling in your heart, but after all, its all about your faith to believe.

Its ironic that I know God is giving me the best, but I don't think I am having the best now. I need faith to believe the God has already given me the best, its just I have yet to understand it.

Its ironic as I want to understand so many "Why?"s in my mind, but I also understand that there are so may "Why?"s are not able to understand. I need faith to believe that God has His reason to allow all those "Why?"s to happen.

Its ironic that I want to see my future, but on the other hand, everyone know that you will never know your future except I am convinced that I am going to Heaven after death. I need faith to believe that God is taking good care of my future.

Its ironic that I know that I should not have to worry, but I always worry about this and that. I need faith to believe that God is in control and I really have nothing to worry.

Its ironic that I know that I should follow the Will of God, however, I always feel pain occurs when doing that. I need faith to believe that following His will is the most enjoyable one, and no pain really no gain.

Its ironic that you know that Satan is going to attack you so that you don't have faith to serve Him, but I always fall into Satan's temptations. I need a lot of faith to believe that I can fight as long as I am walking with God, even though sometime I might fall.

Life is full of irony. But FAITH TO BELIEVE will always overruled these ironies.

God, please, let me have more FAITH so that I can BELIEVE.

She asked, "Why do you love me?"

小說中的一段...

...

這晚怎樣變得特別地可愛?
一個沒有球賽的晚上。
他下了結論了。
不論是她低頭，她欲語還休，她說話時的懶音，不完整的句子，用詞不當，甚至只是焦慮地等待著甜品到會的神情，她依舊是那麼討人喜歡。
總之，她的可愛已掩蓋了一切。
而當一個男人，看上一個女人時，無非也是在於覺得她可愛吧。

...

那麼，妳喜歡他甚麼呢?
我也曾問他: 你為什麼會喜歡我呢?
他說: 喜歡上一個人，很多時候，是基於無知。
這是甚麼意思?
我也不明白，但是他接著說，就是對妳知得不夠多，就是不太認識妳，我也愛妳，那麼，我是注定要愛著妳的了。

...

是小說，還是現實中的心聲?

Goal 2009

Monday night, little wordings, trigger my emotions. Although nothing harmfully done, I know I hurt someone in someway. This deeply ensure myself that my IQ is ok normal, but my EQ is really not. Self-control, something I really have to learn.

God told me two weeks ago, and remind me again today.

During the sunday school two weeks ago, God gave me my theme scriptures for the year.

For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
(2Pe 1:5-8)
正因這緣故，你們要分外的殷勤；有了信心，又要加上德行；有了德行，又要加上知識；有了知識，又要加上節制；有了節制，又要加上忍耐；有了忍耐，又要加上虔敬；有了虔敬，又要加上愛弟兄的心；有了愛弟兄的心，又要加上愛眾人的心；你們若充充足足的有這幾樣，就必使你們在認識我們的主耶穌基督上不至於閒懶不結果子了。
(彼得後書 1:5-8)

I do have faith, and I believe myself are trying my best for goodness. Knowledge, I trust myself will not be lower than a certain standard. However, when reaching self-control... sigh.

Not matter how much knowledge, if I do not have self-control, knowledge really means nothing. Not to mention the steadfastness and things coming after that.

KNOWLEDGE WITH SELF-CONTROL... MY GOAL FOR 2009.

A New Year, A New Page

7 days into the new year...

What's new for 2009?

Simple.

A New Page.

Pray that I can change my bad habits, so that I can have a closer relationship with God in 2009.