The feeling has officially sunk in

I've been finding it hard to sleep lately, but tonight's reason for sleeplessness is obvious - I'M NERVOUS!! In less than 48 hours, I'll be married to my best friend & it's mind blowing!! I'm trying to doze off but my adrenaline is pumping like mad. I can't recall the last time I've felt this way. There's just so many things running through my head right now, and here's a peek for you:

1. What's the most suitable song to sing as the gang enters into May's house?

2. Will my pants break if I get on my knees too quickly?

3. Should I crack a joke in my speech, or just be very formal?

4. Gosh it's my first time getting married!! I've never done this before!!

5. What type of condoms should I get? & from where?

6. Perhaps I shouldn't sing that Lee Hom song.

7. I hope this pimple will subside.

8. How can you mend a broken heart? How can you stop the rain from falling? How can you stop...

9. I hope the monsoon will stop when we get to Kuantan for our honeymoon.

Can't wait to start a new life with my love...

The 'HE' Ice Breaker

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A fun ice-breaker introduced by Brian Ong

Naturally 7

Galatians 5: 1 - 6

1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free,^[a] and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage. 2 Indeed I, Paul, say to you that if you become circumcised, Christ will profit you nothing. 3 And I testify again to every man who becomes circumcised that he is a debtor to keep the whole law. 4You have become estranged from Christ, you who attempt to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace. 5 For we through the Spirit eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. 6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but faith working through love.

Galatians 5:1-6

If you read in context, the freedom that Paul was talking about is freedom from circumcision, from keeping the law, from being justified by law. Wow!! The audience to whom this letter was adressed somehow had a liberty that isn't really liberty, a freedom that isn't really freedom. It sounds weird, yet many Christians have settled for that sort of 'freedom'. I've been guilty of that myself. That's why the writer had to emphasize on the need to stand fast in the liberty by which Christ has made us free. 

Verse 2 & 3 says that if you try to be justified by fulfilling the law, the sacrifice of Christ would be of no profit to you, & therefore, once again, you become a debtor to keep the whole law. And if in case you didn't notice, no one in the bible could keep the whole law, except Jesus. Even Pharisees come to Jesus to ask for a way to enter into heaven, because they KNOW they can't keep the whole law & calm the warth of God. Wouldn't it be foolish of us, to not accept the free gift of God - eternal life by faith in Jesus - & subject ourselves to the punishment of the law?

Verse 4 is a shocker too. It says if you try to be justified by law again, you would have fallen from grace!! How can anyone fall from grace? Isn't grace unmerited favour - given to those who don't deserve it? How far or deep can a man fall that he would completely severed from grace? Could Paul be saying that judgement will fall upon those who think they can keep the law & fulfill it on their own efforts? 

Friends, our righteousness comes only by faith in Jesus Christ. And in Him, the only thing that matters is faith expressing itself through LOVE. 

More to come...

On Songleading....

Have you heard the phrase 'If you've never been there before, how can you lead people there?'? Well lately God (or maybe it was just me) dropped a thought in my head about that - "Why not just lead them to Jesus?"

By assuming that only the songleader can lead the congregation into a certain familiar 'place' of God's presence, we are in danger of missing out on the Spirit's leading. Perhaps in that corporate time of worship, Jesus wants to take the church to a 'place' that no one - no songleader, no pastor, no prophet, no intercessor - has ever been before. Wouldn't that be so much more awesome?

If I do ever song lead in church again, I'll assume the awesome, significant, totally cool role of AN USHER, leading the congregation towards The Son. I'm sure He's the best tour guide into The Father's House......

oh no......

oh my Lord....... I'm 24??!!


Will be back blogging once I get stable internet connection again.... Till then, cheers.

I'm Engaged

That's right. I popped the question.

Wong Mei Chin (people like to call her Ah May, Mei Mei, May Jie, May Wong) said "yes" on September 20th, 2008, in the presence of our closest friends. You can read the full account here, while I jot down my experience & thoughts here.

I kept waiting for a right moment to ask for May's hand in marriage, hoping for the perfect situation. Things have been rough, you see (that's why I don't blog that often lately). To add to our family's financial instability, my dad & I were released from our jobs under a rather unbelievable situation. It's sad because, I was just starting to find my place in that organization (after an orientation week), & I felt I could really help them for the long run. It was quite devastating, considering that I actually like the job & it was suppose to be my first stable job after 1 year of trying to live a dream.

The church is also in a funky situation at the moment (yes funky is the right choice of words right now), and the dreams we share as TOUCH are under jeopardy too. So you could imagine how last week's youth service turned out to be the youth service of the year. Anyway, I hope this is enough to tell you how my journey of running with a God-given dream is in a bad spot right now. My 24th birthday is just around the corner too, & that feeling of inadequacy is truly overwhelming.

On Friday May wrote me a letter. She assured me that in spite of it all, she knows that we are meant for each other. And she told me that she wants us to be together through happy and sad moments, be rich / poor together, for the rest of our lives. That's kind of the gist of the letter, of course her words were way better. But reading it really reminded me of God's love. I can imagine the day when I get to heaven & see the Dream-Giver face-to-face, & He'll show me the plans He had designed for me even before I was born. And as I look at that plan I'll be going like "Oh my God, how far have I missed the mark!! All that potential & energy & dreams were so under-utilized!!". But in all that, He calls me to look into His eyes & He'll say:

I love you, My son. Enter My joy.

I cried as that picture was painted in my imagination. May's love pointed me towards God's love, the assurance of that unconditional love that makes you wanna give your everything to love right back!!

Being very Spirit-led, I found the words to say & the courage to pop the question. I'm very grateful for the opportunity to do so in the witness of our closest friends. People say there were many wet eyes. I know there was a lot of clapping & the catch phrase of the day was "Man, that was unreal!!". Their excitement & joy for May & I gives me confidence that as we take this journey towards a new chapter of this God-given dream, they will walk with us all the way - gladly, willingly, & lovingly.

Thanks to all TOUCH people who were present that eventful day. Your generosity of love & encouragement is AMAZING.

Good Old Days

This picture just reminds of the church I once knew.... those were the good old days.


How sad is it when you're a 24-year-old talking about the good old days?

Where I Am

I'm going through a rough patch in my life right now. Never felt so depressed, defeated, useless before - at least not over such a long period of time anyway. People who never took the time of day to know me are placing harsh and cruel judgments upon me; I had those all my life, but this time these are the very ones that I have to convince otherwise. Otherwise, the foundations that I have built for these God-given dreams of mine, I have to rebuild elsewhere. I've  always believed in (& preached on) living life as ONE, but now I'm in this place of my life where, in order for me to live sanely, I have to learn how segregate pieces of my life & cope accordingly.

Deep down my heart cries "I wanna go home. I wanna go home"

I'm learning. I'm learning to count my blessings (so thankful for people who really understands). I'm learning to let go of these dreams & hope in the Dream-Giver alone. I'm learning to accept the things I can't change / affect, & just laugh it off. Maybe I'm learning to really Let Go, & Let God...

Still my heart cries "I wanna go home. I wanna go home"

Let your love be strong
Let your love be strong

Before The Dawn

Been struggle with a lot of things lately, accompanied with sleepless nights. During these nights I've longed to just cry out to God, but somehow I can't. This song is a product of months of being unable to release my inner voice... I want to share with you, in hope that it will bless you.

Back to Work

A year after I left my full time job as a project executive in a big company, I'll be going back to a 9 - 5 job - this time with Habitat for Humanity Malaysia. I've come to know about HFHM setting up its national office through a church member, Aunty Julia. & I'll be joining them as Information Officer. HFHM is a non-profit organization that seeks to eliminate poverty housing and make decent shelter a matter of conscience and action. And since my desire for TOUCH is that in the near future would become an official non-profit organization, this job currently seems like a perfect place to learn and be trained.

I've yet to put pen to paper, but I consider myself to have started work this past Monday. That day, I tagged along to a fishing village settlement far away from the city (because a fishing village has to be by the sea, you see). I wish I could show you some pictures now, but that has to wait until HFHM's involvement in the project is confirmed. You'll have to take my word for it - their houses aren't livable. It feels as if no amount of desperation & effort on their own would get them out of such a situation. Without help from outsiders, they & their future generation will not have the things that you and I have - a decent home, money to spend, education...

After the visit, I just felt overwhelmed by the whole thing, but yet optimistic & glad that I would be able to venture with this tribe on a journey towards wellness & wholeness. These days more & more I am realising that keeping the commandments of Jesus isn't just about not sinning. It's about helping the poor, feeding the hungry, defending the weak... Justice, compassion, righteousness... This is worship, and I am very grateful for my opportunity in HFHM to do just that.

Of Cyber Cafes & PC games...

Lately parents are very concerned with their kids spending too much time on the PC, in cyber cafes, playing games with friends... & some are talking about how the devil is stealing away our youths through this means & are calling cyber cafes evil. I would like to address this issue here.

First of all, let me say that I'm now blogging from a cyber cafe near my house. The glass doors are so dark that you can't see anything from the outside; the lights inside are rather dim too, the only things bright enough are the computer screens. This cyber cafe uses headphones, so the only noise come mostly from the gamers shouting to each other - sure they are shouting profanities at one another, but I hate the sub-woffers & high volume speakers more.

The absence of internet connection from my house is causing me to make frequent trips to this particular cyber cafe. I see students coming in right after school to play their favourite games. I hear them shout profanities at each other, it's part of their daily lingo - that's really troubling. It's almost as if they don't have parents, so it's ok to say those things they say. & of course the fact that they spend so much time & money on playing in a cyber cafe is no doubt worrying.

But suppose there is no cyber cafe anymore - where would these youths be? A mamak stall, karaoke, a pub, or maybe a back alley somewhere? So we remove all these things just so that they stay home - will they stay home? If a kid spends too much time alone in the room, shall we remove his / her room? Suppose you remove all distractions, will they stay at home? & even so, will they be turn out good, or okay? The fact is that moral decline in our world has always existed - way before there were video games & mamak stalls. To pin this on where your kid spends most time in or what he does is to be totally missing the mark. Cyber cafe, like most things, money for example, are neutral things. It's what you do with these things that separate good from evil.

Oh, have you ever noticed how many people die from road accidents every year? Cars are EVIL. No Christian should ever use a car. EVER. Walk to the nearest church & attend there. Quit your job & work for the bookshop near your house. So many people die of accidents, so surely we must remove cars...

I think what parents want from their children are simple. Obedience, spend more time at home, make effort in their studies, have more healthy activities... Don't fight something negative with a negative action. You're only making things worse. Go to the root & make positive changes, don't just touch the surface & think you can solve everything.

Will write more (and better) after more thought...

As Malaysians Pray

You could notice how Malaysians' concern towards our nation's political scene by how fast newspaper are being snatched up in the local 7-11. More & more, people are shedding away apathy & beginning to form opinions & eventually, take sides. As price hikes continue to trouble the middle - low income citizens, it's pretty apparent that Barisan National is losing its supporters & Pakatan Rakyat is getting stronger.

As most of the nation (I think) are banking on the new Pakatan Rakyat to save the day, I want to remind Christians to place our hope & faith only in God & God alone. No matter what political opinions you have, this sticks. No matter which political party you think will run the country better, pray that God's will be done in Malaysia. And continue to pray for the current government. Pray for wisdom, fear of God, compassion, justice & righteousness to be upon them.

Recap: Parents' Appreciation Day

Well Parents' Appreciation Day has come & gone. Apparently the food wasn't great, not up to the parents' standard lah. It's a good thing that several families didn't make it, because we had shortages!! Apart from that, the event went quite well, surprisingly. The planning was rather slow, then hectic at the end, so I didn't know what to expect on the day itself. I discovered one leadership key through this: Do all your worrying & rushing at the planning stage. Once the day comes, just relax & ENJOY. Note down all mistakes made, & make sure they are rectified for the next event.

 

We kicked off with 2 games, in which the parents just went crazy!! Some of the youth gave feedback that they never thought their parents or the adults in church were capable of such madness... Watching them have fun & let loose was a lot of fun. Haha. Daniel & Anndrea did pretty well as master of ceremony. Once the food came out of the kitchen, the performances began. Daniel & Ben Soo sang their self composed song. "Always There". Ben Soo also sang "Daughters" by John Mayer (with Jezreel & Jason), he did so well someone commented that he reminded him of John... John Denver... Haha.
 
I thought the speeches were amazing. Jean & Sabrina gave sweet & touching speeches. Then Samuel, Chi Wing, Brian Ong helped lighten up the mood with their humour. I felt they set the tone for the evening lah. Jason, on work & holiday back here in Malaysia after 9 months in London, spoke about being away from family & understanding the weight of a parent's responsibility. Finally I took the stage, addressing the parents as youth leader. All those that spoke before me really gave me confidence, considering that it's my first time addressing the church from a pulpit (well, half of the church anyway). I think I did pretty well. Sadly, Joseph didn't bother to get a second tape, so he recorded only half of my speech. Sad sad... We ended by getting all the families together, I prayed for them & then we took group & family photos.
 
At the end of it, parents came to me to thank me for my leadership - that's how touched they were!! give me hugs some more... But honestly, for once I really felt that I didn't deserve credit at all. Credit should go to every other person who contributed to the event. It was a group effort. The kitchen staff were organized, disciplined & had good response. Ushers were great too. Everybody did their job & they did well lah. I'm proud of what the youth have done that day.

 

I believe this event will be a great starting point for partnership between parents & youth workers to better serve the youths - which only means better things are ahead...

The 2 Songs

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Here are the 2 songs written by Benjamin & Daniel Soo. Performed during Fathers' Day. This low quality recording is served as a teaser only. Hope we can make an MTV soon. Hehehe.

Samuel's flip

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Samuel's flip.... An episode from the archives...

New Things

Almost half a year has passed, & looking back I can see God's hand bringing forth new things in TOUCH. It has to be God, because I can't pin-point a single factor, an incident, or an individual that created all these amazing things for us to experience. We had our Brothers' & Sisters' Day that has created a greater bond, respect, appreciation, & sense of belonging among us. Then for Teachers' Day we connected (1 way or another) with the teachers of SMK Raja Ali. Fathers' Day was Now we're only a week away from another huge landmark - TOUCH's first ever Parents' Appreciation Day.

It's more than the events, really. It's the process of creativity & individuality brought together to make ONE THING happen - there were the cooks, the poets, the songs, the artists... Few years ago there were 2 people (in the same night) who told me that TOUCH will produce an album - as in self-written & produced songs, recorded into a cassett (it was so long ago that CDs weren't common yet!!). At that time I was very skeptical. We had good musicians, singers with good voices - but together we were never convincing. We did a concert or 2, which we thought we did pretty well until we watched the tape recording (VCR!!). Let's just say we've never organized a concert ever since... But our very own Soo Brothers (Ben & Daniel) have written 2 songs thus far & they're really really good. They turned me into a believer - we just might produce an album.

This song-writing duo is but 1 example of the many possibilities for God-glorifying & people-touching that this amazing Dream-Giver is showing us - and I believe He'll continue to open our eyes to the things that He has deposited in our lives. Our part is to be open, available, & really listen closely.

Parents' Appreciation Day Ad

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An advertisement for Parents' Appreciation Day, which will be held on June 28.

Back to My Roots

warning: incoherrent mumblings...

I've been doing much reflecting lately, choosing not to blog or write or email until I came to a conclusion, or at least an understanding which I'll be temporarily satisfied with. I'm grateful for God's timely intervention in our church camp. I dare not say that I have fully comprehended the things God is trying to say to us, hence the much reflecting.

Still, as the youth leader, I felt compelled to take on the leadership role in helping the youth to move forward in their personal journey, as well as TOUCH's direction. That gave me a greater urgency to study about brokenness, God's presence... Amazingly, even with my limited understanding of the hand of God right now & me feeling inadequet everytime I raise my voice (no pulpit or microphone at youth service) to preach, I sense God helping me through the sermon - as though God was using me to TEACH ME!! At the end of the service, I feel like I'm the one who has gained the most. Haha. Amazing. Yes, God is still speaking. God is still speaking to me.

On a more personal level, I have gained a little headway on what / how God wants me to move forward. I've spent the past week editting the Fathers' Day skit script, which was written by Daniel & team. The storyline is really good, & the script had a lot of good stuff in it. Being able to chip in my ideas into the script just made me feel great to be part of something awesome. Our first practices went really really well too. The talents are truly impressive. I think you'll agree when Fathers' Day come... (or when the video is uploaded to our TOUCH Pictures).

May and I were discussing about this. & it really got me thinking about how before all the videos & dreams of film-making, my passion was really for script-writing. "You think I should start inOCrea again?" - I posted that question to May. Her answer gave me an assurance & put a smile on my face. I think I'm gonna do it.

the rocks

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a community project in conjunction with Teachers' Day.

The Rocks

In conjunction with Teachers' Day & in our attempt to be a blessing to the secondary schools around Jalan Ipoh, TOUCH will be giving gifts to 120 teachers in SMK Raja Ali. We chose Raja Ali because it's the nearest school from our church., & we chose to bless the teachers because... what better way to penetrate into a school than to first touch the hearts of teachers, right?



Yesterday (Thursday) a bunch of helpful volunteers came over to my humble room to make beautiful paperweights. It took us (9 people if you include Rebecca & I, missing from the picture) 4 hours to complete 52 paperweights, simply because we (by that, I mean they) put our hearts & souls into each one - we want every teacher to be blessed by this small little gift. Tomorrow, we'll hope to finish another 68 more paperweights, while making another 120 handcrafted bookmarks. I hope that tomorrow's bunch will be able to give as much passion & enthusiasm as those yesterday.

Oh, in order to fund this community project & also others to come, we've started selling car stickers with our (new!!) TOUCH logo & our blip.tv link on them. Hopefully as we document our God-given ventures, www.touchpictures.blip.tv will create awareness towards our cause. I've recorded yesterday's paperweight-producing moments, that video will be up soon.

Many thanks to those who have given to help out in this endeavour - your talents, money, time, petrol are well-invested. THANK YOU.

Pleasant Surprise

Woke up to a pleasant surprise this morning - it was Rabeeka saying "hi" on msn. Turns out National Service is giving them a 1-week holiday, so she's staying at a friend's place. Great thing about it is that there's even a webcam there!! That's why I was able to take a picture of her. She says she has gain weight, apparently they only feed the NS trainees once - once a day, everyday, all day long. Well I say she's lovely as ever.

If you have msn / Skype, do contact her. I'm sure she wants to do some catching up. Oh, try to get her before night falls, better connection during the day wo... Even better if you have webcam, she'll be delighted to see you.

I'm itching...

Man this picture sure brings back memories... I want to do another one!! Better one!!

LET'S MAKE A MOVIE!!

Community

Last Saturday I had an interesting & refreshing encounter. I forgot when was the last time I invited some of the youths to stay over at my place. We watched a bit of football, played Boggle, & then settled down in my room (which amazingly can still host 4 people!!). Very intentionally, I kicked off the conversation, trying to make the most of the night. But I found out that they were much more eager to use that time to be involved in a meaningful conversation. And boy, I really admire the openness, transparency, & honesty of those young men. I've never been as opened as they were with my youth leader or in a group. And I don't think it's because I've presented myself as an approachable guy (I try to though). I believe it's a work that God is doing in our young people in FCC. Among many things, we talked about girls, salvation for friends, disappointments, frustrations, hope, heaven, death, dreams & ambitions...

Oh, last Friday's cell meeting was quite cool as well. We celebrated April birthdays with Anna, Chi Wing & Michelle (who wasn't there). Everyone had to think of a question to ask both Anna & Chi Wing, & boy the questions were really interesting & smart. In that time of Q&A, we've really got to know the birthday boy & girl in greater measure - and I felt that it was a really beautiful time.

I really treasure that few hours we connected on a deeper level. I believe God showed us a glimpse of true communion in the fellowship of the body of Christ. & I love this community God has created me in.

Simple Melody

Just want to share with everyone this simple melody I came up with when I was experimenting with F# key. Give it a try, seriously. Start simple by playing the bass line for F# & G#minor, while hitting any black keys with your right hand. =)

Video was recorded by May with a digital camera, at the Yap residence.

TOUCH Service 29 March 2008

Always wanted somebody, or even a group, who can document youth service sermons. Thanks again, Phoebe.

Earth Hour 2008

TOUCH Service 15 March 2008

Sermon notes courtesy of Phoebe Matthews...

Hands & Feet

Having a week long holiday from JB, I had no more excuses to not get my jogging shoes. My dad introduced me to this particular shop, he even told a particular salesperson that his son will visit the shop soon!! Haha, such confidence he has that I would take his recommendation!! Anyway, I've been wanting a jogging shoe for a very long time now, but I couldn't never find the pair I liked, until now. These bad boys will accompany on my journey of losing weight...


Another thing I bought this week is this wrist brace. My wrist has been hurting for the past 2 weeks, due to the strain of constantly using the video camera & the mouse (added by the fact that the table we have is lousy). Didn't know full time videography can be hazardous. Haha.

Missing Rabeeka

Rabeeka has become a very close friend to May & I. She will be leaving for National Service tonight & it's extremely heartbreaking, knowing that we won't be sensing her presence for the next 3 months.


I met her on Saturday styling a brand new (accidental) hairdo. But she looks as lovely as ever, doesn't she? Gosh I think I need a haircut too. And a new face & body. Maybe get a life too...

Will be missing you greatly, Rabeeka!! Will be praying for your safety & welfare as you have a blast in Sabah. Hope you'll find direction & purpose too.

How was worship?!

"How was worship today?"

Worship is not meant for us. It's meant for God. Hello?? Wake up!! It doesn't matter what we think of the musicians & singers' performance or skill; what matters is that we worship God in spirit & in truth. If you're talking about the music or the songleader's leading, be more specific. Be careful that you don't limit WORSHIP to music & song.

In spirit & in truth - that means worship is not the singing session of Sunday service, nor is it the slow songs. It's pouring devotion unto God, in all areas of our lives - work, serving, giving, playing, etc.

Quick Update on TOUCH

Sisters' Day has come & gone. Thanks to all the people who helped out in the kitchen, preparation & serving of food & the performances... Josephine documented the whole event on her blog. For videos, you'll have to wait... But you sure can look forward to our next big event:

There are about 40 guys in FCC, but we only have an average of 15 per youth service. Hopefully all of them can come & be a part of our first ever Brothers' Day!!

Perhaps this video will encourage you to come...

Justice, Mercy, Faith

My mind has been stuck onto this verse in Matthew 23:23 for a long time now... JUSTICE, Mercy, FAITH - Jesus calls them the weightier matters of the law. & a month later I'm beginning to make sense of it all... Here are my thoughts...

Now, justice & mercy. Justice is giving what one deserves, while mercy gives what one doesn't deserve. Perhaps the only way to practise both elements is to do it unto others. Fight for the weak & the ones without voice, champion their cause & stand for their rights; give mercy to those who hurt you, & forgive those who have done you wrong. Faith, is knowing & believing that as we follow God's way of justice & mercy - by forgoing our own - He'll carry us through with His endless supply of love & compassion towards us. Selah...

My desire is to be able to practise justice, mercy, & faith all throughout my life & still have JOY everyday... I pray that God will teach & guide me each step of the way.

I shared this verse with the youth (where I emphasized on Faith) & dear Phoebe was jotting down notes...

Click picture for bigger view

Invitation: Sisters' Day

For the very first time, TOUCH will be having special events in appreciation of brothers & sisters in this wonderful family we have. First up is Sisters' Day, where the guys will work together to give a memorable evening for the lovely girls of TOUCH. There are some really cool programmes arranged for that special event & I'm really excited. I can't wait to see the smiles on their face. It's going to be amazing.

Girls, you're gonna love us... MUAHAHA....

TOUCH Channel

Out of random inspiration I've decided that TOUCH should have a youtube channel of its own. Now with http://www.youtube.com/user/touchpictures, our friends who are now overseas can have a glimpse of home. It's just a great way to keep everybody connected lah, you know?

Anyway, this is May's recording (from her digital camera) of 1 part of our youth service, plus some editing from me. This video just shows how much fun we do have in TOUCH (and how sporting Samuel Young is).

Christmas Skit 2007

Kudos & congratulations to everyone of the production team. It was a great effort, & hopefully time will let us record everything VIDEO - that would be really cool.

Mountain Hiking

Mountain hiking is an interesting experience. My dad was the one who took me up there for the first time, & it was not a pleasant trip. First, we climbed up to a hilltop where a pylon was situated. And just when I thought we have reached our destination, my dad pointed to the next pylon & it sure looked like a much difficult hike. I almost puked & thankfully I lived to tell the tale.

The 2nd time I hiked up this route was with my 2 tuition students & their younger brother. It was much more easier for me that time, but the kids always looked like they were never going to make it half way. The eldest was constantly expressing his intention to give up, & I could totally relate to him. But I know the hike was achievable & I so desperately want them to experience the victory I felt. These boys had so much gone wrong in their lives, they badly needed a win here.

Now, I'm so proud to say that Clyde & Keith overcame the mountain & they can't wait to go up there again. I believe the key to their success was making small goals & taking it 1 step at a time. & I think it's good advice when making our new year resolutions - small goals, step by
step.

Below are pictures taken when I took my cell group (& 2 proteges) up that mountain on the last morning of 2007.

Happy New Year