My dad turns 51 today. Here are pictures of him showing off the gift I gave him. It's a bling with a cross that spins!! He once asked me how should he wear it. I told him to just be himself & that he's the only dad I know who is cool enough to wear it.
I have plenty to write on HUGE 2007. my videography assignment in JB, & our TOUCH Christmas production... But none of that can beat this latest craze...
Mikayla Yee was born to Lemuel & Melanie Yee on December 21st, 2007. May and I were there an hour after her birth, and I must say that it's a privilege to know someone ever since their first day on Planet Earth. It's REALLY REALLY COOL.
Don't know the hospital don't allow videography, but we managed to capture a few precious moments on my video camera (I asked Lemuel if he wants to do a reality show on Mikayla, but there's no answer yet). I would have edited and uploaded the video if I weren't so busy (practicing DOTA). But you can view some videos at the grandpa's website - http://www.thamwan.org/.
Alright, guys. Here are all the HUGE videos that were shown during the camp itself. Come February there will be more coming up. So stay tune to this blog =)
On the way to Menara Star this morning, I keep trying to imagine myself letting out a shout of victory, but I just couldn't. Neither could I imagine myself out of the top 3 placings. For the past 2 weeks I've been getting mix reviews from friends, mostly positive ones. Even so, one can't help but to think about the mistakes we made - we should have done more research & planning before the contest; we shouldn't have wasted almost 2 hours in Rawang; I should have used Adobe Premier Pro for sound mixing; boy we should have had time for Penang food...
It was really nerve-wrecking to wait for the results with May & Freddi. The MC was counting down from 10th place & we kept saying "don't call our name, please don't call our name". Good thing we were told beforehand that we were in the top 5, haha!! But in the end, we were beaten by a worthy opponent, & the results were fair. It's a bittersweet feeling, though, knowing that there was a 50% chance we would get first prize and RM2000 more.
Well, all in all, I'm grateful for the outcome of my first attempt in a video competition and my first taste of fame. Knowing that I could have done so much better with the video, I have confidence moving forward.
My father took me for a walk this evening. A long walk, he said it was going to be. And it took me a really long while to see that we were at the back of the mountain. You know the mountain - that big thing that gets in the way of your vision, your everything. It was nice to see what was going on on the other side of the mountain. For many nights now I've been confused by the noise, the rumble, and the occasional shaking. I could not understand all of it from this side of the mountain. It's so in-your-face, you'd think everything else should be that way too.
I never knew there was a way to the other side of the mountain, but my father did. And it was indeed a long walk. But there I was, watching everything that was going on at the other side of the mountain. A major counstruction was going on. So this is what all the noise was about, I thought. There were a few buildings already up. It wasn't until my dad told me that I realised that the uniqueness of these buildings. It's like nothing I've ever seen. My father of course has seen these designs, but he still talked about them with sincere excitement.
We reach a stream, by a big plain land. The atmosphere was serene and calm. The blue sky accompanied with the formation of the clouds was as beautiful as ever. We just hang out there for a while to just soak everything in. Funny how there's peace and beauty at the other side of the mountain.
On the way back, we found ourselves at a tiny slope. It was steep, but I remember how my brother and I along with some neighbourhood kids would glide down such slopes, back in the day where the trees and wild grasses didn't cover the foot of the mountain. And when there's rain, we would love to just watch water flowing down from the cracks in between. And today I stood there asking myself: Where is the courage that I had when I was a boy? Is it wisdom that stops me from sliding down the slope, or has fear gripped me? I finally decided that the best way to answer the question is to just attempt the slope. The glide was a success, but I couldn't evade the stone that caused a small cut on my shin.
There were no words exchanged when we got home, but I believe both my father and myself knew it was a special long walk. Memory of the walk would be good enough to keep me strong while facing the mountain. And of course the cut would serve as a good reminder too.
It was a really good time. The cheering for one another, the stunts & different styles, the celebration dances.... The only regret I have is that I've learned that I should never play bowling ever ever ever again.
That's right, it's just been a buzz here in TOUCH ministry. First there was Andrew & Daniel, Lim brothers who have been attending Segambut cell for the past 2 Fridays. And even though there wasn't any newcomers in first youth service after the BBQ, I was still very much encouraged by the attendance of the Rooftop BBQ - we can get 54 youth to gather in one place, why not in youth service? Last Saturday we had several newcomers in our youth & there was MUCH REJOICING!! God was faithful & He's telling us that we're still very much in His thoughts.
Right now we must continue to work on the foundation of the youth ministry in order that we'll continue to have growth & fruits from our efforts. We must not just stop & dwell upon this
little success (comparing to what God wants!!), but press forward with greater focus & intensity, knowing the victory that is ahead of us. I believe it was no coincidence that during the week where we were feeling down, God led me to share on Joshua 3, when the Israelites finally crossed over Jordan River & begun their conquest of the Promised Land - how they took 40 years to cover ground that was actually a 2 weeks' walk. It was their unpreparedness that
has caused them that.
My desire is that we would move out from that small hang at the back & into the 2nd floor hall for our youth services - it's within 10 seconds' walk of each other, but are we able to get there by year end? Together, we most certainly can.
I forgot who came up with the brilliant idea of sending snail mail with a photo to all the newcomers who came for the BBQ, but Joseph & Caleb got the stuff printed out and both of them came to my house to finish up the letters... you know, cutting out the letter, putting into the envelope, sticking on the stamp... 
the letter
Check out our envelope with our new logo!! Yes, we can print our very own envelopes!!
May saw the letters & said that she wished she was a newcomer. I share the same feeling =)
Last Friday (28/09) I went to Subang cell meeting. May was suppose to come with me, but she was ill. Being alone & quiet in the train brought back a lot of memories. I don't remember what was before, but I remember Barbara was the one who felt the need to start the Subang youth cell. I joined her in starting up the cell group & when she left, I continued serving with Debbie. I remember coming with Joseph and also with May - I believe that was 5 years ago.
Now another cell leader has left (Jason) and that night was the first time I see the new leadership in place. I reminded them of the significance of the moment - that now is the time to make the necessary changes. Re-evaluate - take the good, throw the bad, & FOCUS. At the end of the night, I felt that they too sense the importance of the moment. And I believe that they would rise to the occasion & be an example to all the other youth cell groups of our church.
Take them flying, Ben & Jac!! Hebrews 12:1-2
Fion is May's colleague. She arrived in KL in April from Kuantan & doesn't have many friends in KL. Last Saturday was her birthday, so May and I took her for her first Japanese meal. We spent 2 hours together, and after that time I was really grateful to have known a new friend such as Fion. Hope we'll have many more good times together.
May says she can be a part time model. What do you think? =)
Was fortunate enough to get in touch with Ken Chung the moment he arrived home. We met up with him after our cell meeting (which was a really good one). 4 months away in US, working as a lifeguard, Ken Chung looks entire different. But he was still as wacky as before, as he shared his experiences in the US with my cell group.
Good to have you back, Ken!! Looking forward to many adventures ahead!!
15 years and more, our church drum set has surpassed the services of Andy & Gabriel. On Thursday, Caleb, our current drummer, was taken out for a real treat - to buy a brand new drumset.
I think the new drum set would set off a big buzz in our church, even though this is only 1 step out of a series of events that is & will be taking place. The new drum set would be the most shiny piece of equipment up on stage, which now has a new arrangement to create the optimum sound. And these are only the things that people see when they step into the church. There are still many more movements in the backgrounds.
Personally it's helping me to take myself more seriously: the vision I have for the youth, the goals that we set together. I mean, things are being done to ensure that we have the space & capacity to run with these dreams that God has given, so I've got to prepare myself for the marathon ahead. I believe the beginning stages would require a lot of getting-out-of-the-box initiatives, but once we gain momentum, we're really gonna enjoy this run - especially when we run together. And oh, we might get a new drummer too... How about that?
Rachel and Alexa: Presidents of Food Busters
I think youth ministries should start clubs as such in their neighbourhood. Something as neutral, harmless, fun, interactive as football, food, & music can bridge gaps & break walls. I wonder what would gather the youth of Jalan Ipoh... Hmm, I can't wait to find out.
Yvonne will be the first to tell you that she has this strange notion of doing what she knows is wrong, & not following through with the conclusion "ya I need to stop doing that". She doesn't realise that she has managed to come to a realisation that many has not - we knowingly, repeatingly, willingly & foolishly, plunge into the same pile of shit. The next question we have to ask ourselves is WHY, but why bother? There's no reasonable answer to justify our unreasonable behaviour. We should just stop it. God help us all.
Yvonne tells me that she likes talking to me because we don't just talk about currents issues or the weather, & there's always some truths to be pondered upon. Well, as much as I enjoy saying things that provoke minds into deep reflection, I love to have such conversations with 'un-churched' people, because I too benefit from those moments. Her honesty about her own life has driven me to look into my very soul & do some... well... soul-searching.
And out of the much reflections lately, this one is a lesson learnt - that when we really humble ourselves & not be judgemental, the people around us - churched or not - can serve a mirror for our souls. And if we are willing to listen, we'll come to our senses & take steps to get ourselves out of that pile of shit...
Yvonne, thanks for sharing & thanks for listening.
On 9/11, the world remembers the tragedy that befell US 6 years ago. But my desktop calendar reminded of the fact that Jason was on his way to London... He got a scholarship from Astro, and he will be spending the next 3 years in London, studying graphic designs or something like that.
He has been a blessing to me & our youth ministry over the many years, but I really want to appreciate him for 2 things: 1, his involvement in my first movie & 2, for leading the Subang youth cell. Of the many dreams I have, I'm so glad to have him be involved in the 1 dream I managed to fulfill - making my first movie. It was a blast. And God used him (and Jacklyn) to impact great things into the Subang youth cell. Now that Benjamin (thank you for training him) is carrying the torch, I believe Subang youth cell will be moving further onwards.
Here are Jason's parting words for TOUCH:
We started here, and the bond is so strong that we don't want to settle for meeting once in 2 years. Our first PK Gathering 1 was held at Or~Ju, Metro Prima, Kepong, on 11 August 2007. And I'm so glad to finally get the video done!! WOHOO!!
Another big event has gone by, signifying of yet another set of videos for me to work on. It's going to be challenging, but it's great to know that I had 2 excellent cameraman capturing the moments - Brian & Rachel.
I also want to say a big thank you to all those who helped with the interviews & silly what-nots in between the services: Daniel, Joseph, Jason, May & the rest of the youth who bring so much more onto the screen. Creativity comes so naturally for you guys
Rabeeka getting into the reading groove...
Doing what girls do...
It was great fun being host to Phoebe. Big thanks to Justin (yea he was with us too) & Rabeeka for coming along.
