Chinese Whispers

A to B : Simon fell into the drain yesterday.
B to C : A told me that Simon fell into the river yesterday.
C to D : B told me that Simon's car fell into the river yesterday.
D to E : C told me that Simon's car fell into the lake the 2 days ago.

That's called Chinese Whispers phenomenon.
In this world where gossiping is a common thing, it is not surprising to find people misinterpreting messages and gossips. In the process, all these miscommunication and misinterpretation have done a lot of damages to other people's reputation, life, relationship, and many more.

I was taught in a camp that we can assume but we have to test out our assumption to make sure that it is true. A lot of people tend to jump to their conclusion once they assume something.

For example,
"Hey, I heard that Christian cheated in exam." A told B.
B jumped to conclusion and labeled the poor guy as someone bad because he never bothered to check out the truth from the person.

I had this experience in my own unique way today and for those who are hurt/disturbed, my sincere apologies to all of you.

This is how it goes:

I went to get a Hepatitis B(hep B) immunization jab this morning just to get myself immune to this disease. Immunization is basically a technique of inserting weaken bacteria?virus?(doctors, correct me) into a person's body. This act will then enable the body to recognize the weaken bad cells and to fight them off while they are still weak. So, for that short moment of time while you are being shot for an immunization shot, I take that it is safe to say that you HAVE the disease for a short while.

Excited about contracting hepatitis B (which is dumb), I texted a very good friend of mine to tell the "good" news that I had hep B(which was partially true due to the immunization). Of course, not knowing the full truth, my friend assumed that I had the disease and soon, it became known to others that I had hep B when in the real situation, I was given an immunization shot.

Not knowing of the damages done by my little joke, I went on my life as usual only to find my another good friend contacting me, and asking me about hep B. That was when I realized how serious the matter had become and how out of hand it had gone to.

It was a joke; but misinterpretation and miscommunication make it look serious and a joke is no longer a joke. Of course, I managed to clear everything up at the end but I did learn something.

Moral of the story:
You can assume, you can joke, you can listen to gossip. However, it is your responsibility to test out your assumption before you draw to your own conclusion.

I once played this chinese whispers game before. The instruction was easy enough: pass the message and the last person would report back the message. The team that got the most accurate message wins.

A told B, B told C...............so on....until finally, Z got a totally different message from what M got.

This was what the facilitator said,
"There is no rules saying that Z cannot ask A about the message. So why do you pass the message around without checking the truth? Z can just go ask A about the truth and settle with it."

Get the point?

Back to the story of Simon falling into the drain,
if E would have just asked A about the real truth, he wouldn't have gotten the twisted story and jumped to the wrong conclusion.

Same thing in our life, if we are not sure about the "truth", ASK.
If you THINK that someone is doing something wrong, go to the person, ask him/her about the real truth and sort things up. Do not go around punishing yourself and that someone by condemning/hating/cursing that someone. If you HEARD something bad about someone from others, same thing. You go to the "target"(even though it might be hard sometimes), and ask for the real truth. Do not jump to your own conclusion because it is not wise to do so.

And of course, when you joke, know your limits and try to think carefully what others might think about your joke. A joke can be harmful when it is not treated/responded well by the one(s) you played on. Remember the boy who call wolf? You can easily lose your credibility when you joke about something serious (like hep B >__<). At least, that is what I learned from this little chinese whispers experience I had today.

Well, it is my fault to joke about something that serious anyway. *knocks head*

Ciao.

Guilty as charged,
Leen

Just A Little Something For Independence Day

I think that by now, most of us must have known that the Taliban will be releasing all the remaining South Korean hostages in Afghanistan. In fact, they have released 12 out of 19 hostages. That of course is a good news for everyone, especially the people in Korean. While we rejoice and feel relieved over the release of the hostages, let us take a look at something else that is currently happening in New Orleans, US.

This whole news is taken from CNN News. If you hate the place you live in, give it another thought. ^____^ Sometimes we just need a reminder once in a while about how fortunate we are living in our country; that includes me. Leaving to US makes me think a lot more on this country. So, for this Independence Day, let's take a look at this news and be grateful that at least, we still have peace in our place.

NEW ORLEANS, Louisiana (CNN) -- Father Bill Terry of St. Anna's Episcopal Church in New Orleans wants everyone to know what's happening in New Orleans: too many murders with too few people held accountable.

He keeps track of the slayings on what he calls the "murder board," a plastic board that hangs outside his church. He started listing murder victims earlier this year to humanize the headlines.

At first, the names were neatly typed by a printer. But as the killings continued at a rampant pace, he says, he resorted to adding victims' names by hand with permanent marker.

"Numbers are very easy to deal with emotionally. When it becomes a human being, then we start to personalize and it's harder to deal with. I want people to squirm. I want people to feel uncomfortable about the murders going on in the city," Father Bill told CNN.

In the first 29 days of this month alone, the city witnessed 27 killings, according to the New Orleans Police Department. So far in 2007, police say 137 people have been killed. That puts the city on pace for roughly 200 slayings this year.

Last year, New Orleans had 161 murders, which translates into a murder rate of roughly 70 homicides per 100,000 people, the highest in the country, according to FBI crime statistics and population data. Gary, Indiana, was the next most deadly city, with 48 murders per 100,000 people.

By comparison, New York City's murder rate in 2006 was 7.3 per 100,000 people, according to FBI statistics.

"You have these cities you assume to be violent, and New Orleans is two or three times worse," said Peter Scharf, director of the Center for Society, Law and Justice at the University of New Orleans.

Scharf said the widespread notion that Hurricane Katrina somehow caused the murder rate to spike in New Orleans is not the full story. "Before the hurricane, the murder rate was ascending. The wheels were coming off at that point," he said.

Like many cities across the United States, New Orleans' murder rate peaked in the late 1980s and early 1990s. It hit a low in 1999, but since then, the murder rate has more than doubled, according to Scharf.

Every week, Father Bill updates the "murder board": date, name, age, gender and manner of death. "Murder Victims, 2007," it says at the top, along with a quote from Psalm 46: "God is our hope and strength, a very present help in trouble."

The church sits in a neighborhood called Treme on the edge of the French Quarter; it's a highly visible location that is heavily trafficked by pedestrians and cars. Father Bill said the board makes a strong impression on those who pass by it.

"There's a moment of silence; there's a sense of awe; there's almost an epiphany experience for most people that see it. They look at the 'murder board' and you can see crystallizing ... the realization that these are human beings and that we are literally in a holocaust, we are slaughtering human beings. It's very transforming," he said.

Father Bill hopes his message reaches the city's leaders, too. Every Monday, Father Bill has red roses delivered to Mayor Ray Nagin and Police Chief Warren Riley -- a single rose for each death that weekend.

"He sends those roses I guess as a reminder," Riley said. "Certainly I can appreciate him doing that, but I'm more aware of our crime problem than anyone in the city."

Riley said he believes you can't police your way out of crime. The city's youth need to get out of the mindset that violence is the only way to solve a dispute, he said. Back in January, Nagin promised to make lowering the murder rate a top priority. In the face of ongoing violence, Nagin told CNN recently he is doing all he can.

"Everything is being done, from more resources, more dollars, more manpower, more police officers. We've got the federal government involved," he said.

Despite these efforts, violence in New Orleans shows no sign of slowing down. Scharf, the criminologist, believes city leaders should shoulder some blame for not stopping violent crimes.

"It's the capacity of the police and the district attorney and the courts. They are not in the mainstream of their professions. Even worse, they don't work together. They pee on each other's legs," he said.

Although the city has witnessed hundreds of murders over the two years since Katrina, the district attorney's office has won just three murder convictions since January of 2006. This is partly because murder convictions in New Orleans take two years on average, according to the DA's office.

"I am not going to take the blame for all the sins of the criminal justice system," District Attorney Eddie Jordan told CNN last month. "Certainly we have our shortcomings, but we're working on our shortcomings."

Before Father Bill became a minister, he worked in the insurance industry. But 10 years ago, he suffered an unbearable loss that forced him to take stock of his life. His 18-year-old daughter, Tonya, committed suicide. She had been diagnosed bipolar but was not taking medication. A neighbor called to tell him Tonya had shot herself.

"Because of the loss of my daughter, there is an affinity for loss, especially for younger people. As a parent, I grieve with parents who lost their children," he says.

One unanticipated outcome of the "murder board" is that Father Bill now finds himself counseling the parents of those who've been killed. One mother, he says, called him to thank him for remembering her son. She told him she thought nobody cared.

"This was a particularly humbling experience," he says. "For someone to trust you enough to say you remembered my son is daunting at the very least. ... It's by the grace of God that we just have conversation."

Father Bill doesn't have any faith the killing will end anytime soon. He is already making plans to hang another "murder board" next year.

Happy Independence Day.

Photos for last CA

The emcees...

Warming up...

The girls...

The boys...

CA Bond Free Report By Kong C.I.

Despite the test that nearly drove most of the Intec’s students crazy, it did not dampen our spirit to go to the last CA service before the mid-sem break. CA was changed to Wednesday instead of Thursday because many of us will go back to the hometown that we miss so much. Starting from 5.30 pm, Erin was at the bus-stop already ushering both juniors and seniors. The transport was smoothly arranged as more people are willing to serve in transportation. Praise God for answering our prayer! Sadly the Chinese restaurant that we all used to go was closed that day as they had a meeting for all the hawkers there. (I peeped inside so I knew about it!) So, without much choice, Joanne, Pat, Eunice, two juniors and I went to Kalz.

CA started a bit late that day; around 7.45pm. Evelyn and Yi En were the ushers. This was the second time Yi En ushering during CA. I could sense that he enjoys serving the Lord. There is no one greater to be served than our Lord Jesus Christ. Guess who is the game master for that day? *drum roll* Billy!!! Personally, I found it was very encouraging when I saw him starts serving in CA. Before any games, we were asked to do some exercise which was a creative idea since it had never been done before. Then, we were divided into two groups. We had to choose a person to represent each group with the given criteria then with the tools given that person had to act so that we can guess what the item is. Basically, we enjoyed ourselves and the games did warm us up. Then, it was the section that I love the most – praise and worship time! It was led by Grace Ham and juniors were taking over this time. Let me introduce them to you guys! Andersen Kang was the drummer, Gareth played the bass, new pianist – Mark and Hui Ting were the back-up singer. The songs were superb and we had a fantastic worship! One of the songs was “I want to know you more!” by Sonicflood. I love the part – “ I want to know u, I want to hear your voice, I want to touch you , I want to see your face!” I was on fire for God again when I sang this song. Save the best for the last. We all could sense the presence of Holy Spirit when we sang the last song. The words “ Who am I in this world if without YOU!” made me think of the greatness of our awesome God. God created man in His own image!

Pastor Wong from NLRC Damansara Utama gave the sermon entitled “Bond Free!”. Real life sets in as we enter university life. It is expensive, ugly and competitive. We feel stressed, inadequate and somehow not quite as good as our peers. We feel poorer, less successful and less together. We are chained by our own conflicts which are haunting our minds all the time. Our personal life is in turmoil. Even though sometimes we think that we are free and happy after achieving something or after sharing your problems with someone, that’s not the true joy! We do not overcome the true fears in us, we do not release our true spirits, we are still so caught up in frenetic pace of life which left us breathless. However, everlasting joy can be found in Jesus Christ as He is the only one truly understand us. Why we want to carry around those sticky burden? God knows our burden and crosses. Those things that hurt, our trials and losses, He cares for every soul that cries, and wipes the tears from weeping eyes. We all are His beloved children and surely He has the best plan for us. Look up to the sky after rain; there is always a rainbow which symbolize the promise of God. God will help us to deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes. So, don’t get tired, discouraged, and give up! Don’t worry about anything, instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, what you want and thank Him for all he has done in your colorful life. If you do this, you will experience God’s peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His name will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Jesus Christ. Have faith in everything you do and find back your first love for God! Have the desire that u used to have when u first make the decision to give your life for Jesus Christ. The sermon was ended with prayer time by Pastor Wong to pray for those who want to break free!

Refreshment time! Surprise!!! William was in charged of the refreshment this time! of course with the help from Pat and Yi En! There were “tao sa pia” , wafer sticks and the syrup with lychee. It was simple but good enough as we all indulged ourselves in d wafer sticks. I drank countless cups of syrup as they overestimated the number of people who turned out that day which was my fault too. Pat, Jason and some other guys also helped in finishing the drinks. Learn a lesson!!

It was Eunice’s 18th birthday that nite! So, people don’t ever treat Eunice as small kid anymore because she is an adult now. Evelyn who was the project manager that night asked us to gather near block 9 after coming back from CA. More than 20 people turned up to give a surprise to Eunice including her Malay classmates. She was upset (according to Evelyn) for the whole day because we purposely pretend that we didn’t remember it was her birthday that day. We didn’t even announce it during CA. she must be heart broken. Poor Eunice! *evil grin*Everyone was excited. After confirming with Pat that Eunice was taking her bath, we all silently climbed up to the fourth floor. Sad case. We didn’t get the right timing. She was in her room when we burst into pat’s humble room. She was surprised but happy (could tell from the sweet smile on her face). After singing the birthday song, me and Eve had a hard time cutting the cake for more than 20 ppl. Surprisingly, it was more than enough. What a memorable birthday celebration for Eunice.

Can’t wait to have another CA where we all can not only gather together to worship God and listen to the words of God, but also a place to refresh ourselves.

Prepared by
Kong C. I.

CA Service: Bond Free

The name's Bond. James Bond.

That's the last line of Casino Royale, the latest James Bond movie (21st movie to be exact).

Ahem, we are not planning to talk about James Bond, but rather the spiritual freedom from bondages. If you have no idea what spiritual freedom we are going to talk about, come to CA. Hey, why don't you invite a friend or two just to pack up the place? We have excellent drivers ready to pick you up on time. If you have a car, invite others to join you on a car pool. We really like to see everyone show up in this CA service. See you then!


In His Service,
Leen

1 Corinthians 4 (NIV)

¹So then, men ought to regard us as servants of Christ and as those entrusted with the secret things of God. ²Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful. ³I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court; indeed, I do not even judge myself. ⁴My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me. ⁵Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait till the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men's hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God.

⁶Now, brothers, I have applied these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, so that you may learn from us the meaning of the saying, "Do not go beyond what is written." Then you will not take pride in one man over against another. ⁷For who makes you different from anyone else? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?

⁸Already you have all you want! Already you have become rich! You have become kings—and that without us! How I wish that you really had become kings so that we might be kings with you! ⁹For it seems to me that God has put us apostles on display at the end of the procession, like men condemned to die in the arena. We have been made a spectacle to the whole universe, to angels as well as to men. ¹⁰We are fools for Christ, but you are so wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are strong! You are honored, we are dishonored! ¹¹To this very hour we go hungry and thirsty, we are in rags, we are brutally treated, we are homeless. ¹²We work hard with our own hands. When we are cursed, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it; ¹³when we are slandered, we answer kindly. Up to this moment we have become the scum of the earth, the refuse of the world.

¹⁴I am not writing this to shame you, but to warn you, as my dear children. ¹⁵Even though you have ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel. ¹⁶Therefore I urge you to imitate me. ¹⁷For this reason I am sending to you Timothy, my son whom I love, who is faithful in the Lord. He will remind you of my way of life in Christ Jesus, which agrees with what I teach everywhere in every church.

¹⁸Some of you have become arrogant, as if I were not coming to you. ¹⁹But I will come to you very soon, if the Lord is willing, and then I will find out not only how these arrogant people are talking, but what power they have. ²⁰For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power. ²¹What do you prefer? Shall I come to you with a whip, or in love and with a gentle spirit?

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Let's just ponder upon the chapter for a moment. Let it be a reminder and a lesson to all of us in all that we do.

Tell Us How We Can Improve CA Service

You will be able to see a poll at the left side of the blog like the one below. Take just a few seconds to check the boxes(you can choose more than one) and make a difference. If there are other ways we can improve besides from the one listed on the poll, please email them to any of the blogmasters. Thank you for your co-operation.

Leen

Back To Business

Some of you might have been wondering for the past few days the reason we abruptly closed down the blog without any notice in advance. We were going through a "cooling-off period" but now, we are back to business. Hopefully, this time we will be able to come out with better, more-mature posts for the betterment of everyone. Apologies I bid for any inconvenience caused by the "cooling-off period".

One verse caught my attention this afternoon.

But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found. ~Luke 15:32

We were "dead" but we are "alive" again. A big thank you for all your continuous support toward our blog.

In His Service,
Leen