Live Out Loud 28 August 2008

Hi!! We will be having our CA gathering on the 28th August 2008.. this CA is in conjunction with our National Independent Day!! Do come and worship together...

Unwrap your gift

WELCOME TO CAMPUS ALIVE!! The gathering kicked off with a warm welcome from our emcees, Samuel from ALM and Yen Mii from AUSMAT programme. Due to the Language Awareness Night which was supposed to be on 14 August, we decided to bring it forward to Monday. However, the L.A Night was then postponed. But still, we decided to keep with the original plan as the flyers were out, and the speaker was informed. Just wanna take this opportunity to apologise to our ALM 7 seniors, although we know it will most probably be your last CA before everyone of you are dispersed too different corner of the world, and Thursday night will be better as all of you are coming back to take your A-Level results on Thursday, but I do hope that you will understand…
In conjunction of the theme on spiritual gifts, all were asked to bring a small gift with them to exchange. Big and small gifts with different shape and colourful wrappers were collected by the ushers and were lining up on the stage. Proceeding to the games session by Melissa and her helpers, Ken and Asaph.
We are divided into four groups according to the shape drawn on the stickers we were given. I personally would love to name the game as ‘snake’ as we are told to take off all the things on us (except our clothes of course! ) and joined the things together into line from one end of the Atmosphere to the other end, and make a u-turn back. The group which was able to make the longest ‘snake’ in five minutes will become the winner and will be given the privilege to choose the presents first. Haha… it’s really fun to see all kind of stuffs on the floor. Let’s see what I had found…

cashes, shoe laces...
student cards, shoes...
passport size photos, name cards...
and socks with holes!!!

things that are not in the photos: identity cards, driving licienses, glasses, Mydin's receipts, Giant's receipts, different kind of cards............

Thank you Larry and Chewie for the photos.

After collecting all the stuffs we ‘donated’ during the games, wearing the socks, tying the shoe laces, it’s time to worship our awesome God. The praise and worship session was led by Shalisha and Dian Han, with the powerful band of God- Samantha on the piano, Andersen on the drums, Billy playing the bass, Chewie playing the lead guitar and backup.

We are very privileged to have Pastor Hock from New Life, PJ to speak on ‘Spiritual Gifts’. I’m sure that everyone who saw him for the first time tonight will have the same question in their hearts ‘He is a pastor? He looks more like a student…’ Yup, and now you see how young he looks. He mentioned in his sharing that when he came to CA for the first time two years ago, our senior asked him to mixed into the group and pretend to be a student from Russian programme. And guess what, no one suspected and everyone was surprised when the emcees invited the ‘the Russian student’ to preach.

Pastor Hock began his sharing with a humility way by saying that being a pastor is not an honour job or position, as he wrote in his blog before that before he became a Christian, any ladies can; when he became a Christian, his cell leader told him that only Christian can; but when he became a cell leader, he was told by his youth leader that only committed Christian can; when he became a youth leader, his pastor told him that only woman with faith can; but when he become a pastor, ‘God, where are the ladies?’

I’m pretty impressed by his sharing with us. He mentioned about the existence of the Christian Fellowship like CA is not only for the Christians, but it is to proclaim to His goodness in the university. We, as a Christian, as a student have to walk as a children of light, to be an ambassador of God that people will see Jesus Christ living in us. Aren’t we more successful than successful if we are able to influences the others to be successful as well?

Another thing that struck me is ‘our God is greater than any exams and results.’ Before pastor became a Christian, he was very curious that why Christian spend so much time in church activity. Despite of the exam, Christians gather to pray, instead of studying at home. Undeniable, even we Christian, tend to get distracted and lose our focus on our Heavenly Father. It was a hectic week for us, especially for the ALM 9 juniors who were having their very first Biology topic test on the next day. I’m very encouraged by all those who turned up tonight, to seek God, to put God first above all else. God is a God that can multiply. In Matthew 8, Jesus fed five thousands by multiplying five loaves and two fish. God will multiply our time, effort and every little thing we give Him. And remember when we seek God first, He will make our paths straight. This is His promise to us. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all things will be given to you as well. (Matthew 6:33) Hold on to His faithfulness to us!

There’s a lot of time, we refuses to follow God’s calling. Like Jonah who went into the opposite direction to get away from the LORD. God hurled a powerful wind over the sea, causing a violent storm that threatened to break the ship apart. God then arranged a big fish to swallow Jonah. And in Jonah 4, God arranged a leafy plant to grow, to provide Jonah shades from the sun as he waited to see what would happen to Nineveh. But, the next morning at dawn, God arranged a worm to eat through the stem of the tree so that it withered away. Why did God spend so time to create a great fish to swallow Jonah? Why did God create a tree and destroy it the next morning? Isn’t it will be easier if He just raise up another prophet who will follow His calling. But, God didn’t. He arranged these to get Jonah’s attention. There are things that God put in our life, and only we can do. Our Father is willing to do anything just to call us back.

After sharing about his life story, Pastor Hock went into the topic of this CA on spiritual gifts. They are to help us to experience God in a greater dimension. Good news!! Our speaker posted the powerpoint here http://youth.my/?p=32. Try the tests that will help you to discover your spiritual gifts! He taught us an interesting way to remember the five ministry (office) gifts using our fingers. Our thumbs represent apostle as it is the only finger that can touch the others; our index fingers represent prophet as it points and gives direction; our middle finger which is the longest within the fingers family symbolize evangelist as it can reach out; our ring fingers represent pastor with a lame but reasonable reason that it’s the finger where we wear our wedding rings, meaning loving people, so pastor is loving; and last but not least, the little finger is teacher which help us to dig our ear wax…

Taking the opportunity of this quite time after a long busy month, reflecting back our journey walked together, hand-in-hand, with our Daddy God, brothers and sisters in Christ, I’m just so amazed by Him. I am so grateful for His faithfulness to us. Just like the verse printed on our CA shirt this year, “For I have plans for you,” declares the Lord. “Plans to prosper you, not to harm you. Plans to give you a hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11) Indeed, God has His plans for us, and we are not an accident. Even before we were born, He has already planned the exact time of our birth and death. He planned where we’d born and where we’d live. He planned for our nationality and race. He planned for our education, the people we are going to meet, the situation we are going to face. You saw me before I was born and scheduled each day of my life before I began to breathe. Every day was recorded in Your book. (Psalm 139:16)

And I believe that God gives us these gifts for a reason. Quote a line in Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren, you were born by His purpose and for His purpose. God knows our potential even when we don’t see it, because it is He who created us. I’m ready to grow in faith that the boundaries of the work God has given me will be extended. Are you with me?

3 generations...
Two pretty ladies from UiTM main campus...

Our 10th CA gathering this year ends with the refreshments prepared by Chieng Loo and Ivan.

Shine for Jesus,
Be.

While God is preparing a place for you, He might just be preparing you for that place as well!

One of the very first questions that I used to ask God after being placed in Intec was, “ Lord, why Intec? Why here? Why here in this place when I’m faced with so much restrictions?” But God...He dint answer me... Or so I thought . Looking back, I really blame it on my impatience, because after awhile of not hearing anything, I stopped asking... I just went on with life-woke up early, went to school, did my homework, went for CA... It was all so routine and regimented! All because I never realised the true importance of knowing the purpose I was there, or why I was doing something...

Well, this is my story of how I’ve learnt how important it is that we, as children, prince and pricesses of the Most High know our purpose of us being here! Let’s look at a simple illustration—Imagine that you are on a mission trip, and you happen to not know what your mission is! Hehe... So take the ‘mission’ out of the ‘mission trip’ and all we get is- A Trip! A trip with no aim or purpose... It might me fun, might be exciting, but there are times when we’ll be faced with troubles, and setbacks, and with nothing to look ahead as our beacon of light ( since we had no aims) we start to complaint, we get upset and depressed, and the trip becomes tiring.

That’s what happened to me. Remember I couldn’t wait long enough for my answer? So I went on with life—my ‘trip’ in Intec. I did my best for my exams, was present for all my classes ( except the occasional moral classes), tried to adhere to their very cacat-ed dress codes, just did everything that I thought was necessary for me as a student. Yup, I had my own fair share of good times, as well as the bad. It’s easy to give thanks to God when things are going well, but when those horrible things came upon me, I began to blame God, I began to ask why those things were happening to me, I began justifying and reasoning with God. And day by day, I just kept all these within me, covered it up with other happier thoughts. Rather than looking at the big picture, I saw all of these as separate events , all because I never knew why God placed me in those situations...

Until the last day of school came. Everybody in college was dying just to get out to go to the movies, to just have fun and be free! But very funnily, instead of basking in that new found freedom, I felt this extremely deep burden to just go home...and pray. Pray about what, I dint know. And I was faced with a choice- Either I ignore this feeling and drown it down with movies, or I take this burden seriously and go before God, after all, our God is a God of choices! Thankfully I chose the second one =) And so there I was, kneeling down before God at my favourite corner of my bed, just being there in prayer... And so amazingly, and so very gently, God asked whether I would like to know why He put me through all these in Intec, why He sent me here. And then I suddenly remembered that question which I used to ask but was never patient enough to wait for the answer! And overwhelmed with a mixture of joy and anticipation, I tearily responded, “ Of course!”

And God graciously revealed it was all to bring me closer to Him!

As cliched and common as it may sound now, when God said this, it was as if my spirit was lifted up! And how true is it! I went through my first break up here in Intec, had loads of sad times, times of loneliness, yet it is also here that i had the best of memories. And God allowed all of these to happen with the sole purpose of bringing me closer to Him. And I knew, oh so clearly, that I left Intec so so much closer to God than when I first entered. Praise God!!

We might be in Intec for 3 months or 2 and a half years, but it really doesn’t matter, because God does everything for His purpose. If I had knew His purpose, I would have asked different questions, I would have reacted differently, and I could have done more with my life here in Intec...I’m learning =) hehe...

If you would allow me to quote from the book ‘The Purpose Driven Life’ by Rick Warren. “The purpose of our life is far greater than our own personal fulfillment, our peace of mind, or even our happiness. Its far greater than our family, our future career, or even our wildest dreams and ambition. If we want to know why we are placed on this planet, we must begin with God.”

And guys, we discover our identity and purpose through a relationship with Christ Jesus! Right now, I’m intent to ask God to reveal what His plans and purposes are for my life, even if I’m on holiday now! And trust me, He has been opening countless doors! Praise God =)

I hope that we all would come to know the divine purpose of us being here, and in the process, grow and mature in the image of Christ.

While God is preparing a place for you, He might just be preparing you for that place as well!

Ephesians 1:11-12
In Him we were also chosen, having been predentined according to the plan of Him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of His will, in order that we, who were first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of His glory.


Eve.

Next CA-Unwrap Yout Gift 11/8/2008 (Monday)

hey everyone!!! Please be informed that we will have our next CA on the 11th August 2008, that is on MONDAY, not the usual Thursday. As there will be quite a number of people involved in the language awareness night, we have decided to shift this CA on this date. One more thing!! please bring along a gift (RM 2-10). we are going to have gift exchange..... see you there..

Heart of Worship

JESUS, THE MAN!!!

Romans 12:1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God- this is your spiritual act of worship.

‘Heart of Worship’ first came to me as an important theme, a theme we looked forward to and yet a worry: of causing a disappointment to such an inspiring theme. Praise the Lord Almighty that He never fails to surprise us in CA as it has been another fabulous night for us with our bubbly Pastor Sandra from ACTS church.

It was just 7.45pm where the Atmosphere had already been filled with laughter, chattering, and smiles. Ushers with their warm little greetings had made all the difference; it felt just like home once again. Steffie and Yi Ern, our emcees for the night, in bright red, summons us to the front, stirring up even more excitement as CA began for real.

We proceeded with games led by Betty. Betty divided us into groups of different colours. Then, we were supposed to imitate the action exactly as portrayed on the screen. First was to imitate professional ballerinas with graceful long stretched arms and a leg high up in the air. It was followed by 9 different faces by Calvin from Calvin & Hobbes, lyrical dancers and lastly, to imitate a caterpillar crawling from one end to the other. There was non-stop laughter looking at one another being silly and simply letting down our hair enjoying each others company.

Praise and worship was then led by Bryan and his team, Timothy, Billy, Ah Han, Larry (junior), Shalisha, Eliza, Remina and Nicole. We had an awesome round of worship truly for the Almighty King with several songs entitled I’m Running after You, Now that You’re Near, Unto You, You are My World and Here I am to Worship.

CA continued with a little change this time. The committee prepared a multimedia presentation to invite everyone to serve in the various ministries in CA such transportation, emcee, usher, musician, refreshment, PA system and many more. The purpose of CA is definitely not solely for fun and laughter, but also for us to serve upon our Lord. Let not the committee to serve alone. Everyone should play a part or another for the glory of His work. For the night as well, we were very happy to have a few of our super seniors from ALM7 to be with us. Evelyn, one of them, gave a short testimony; very much of an encouragement for fellow CA members to come to serve Him and find our purpose in CA.

Yi Ern introduced us to our speaker for the night, Pastor Sandra. She started with a statement that we are all not born automatically a Christian. We need to make the choice to be daughters and sons of Christ. We need to choose to invite Him into our life and take control, lead, and mould and guide us as our personal saviour. In Ecclesiastes chapter 3, everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does that so that men will revere Him. In fact, the word ‘worship’ is first used in the book of Genesis chapter 22. Abraham brought Isaac to worship God. ‘Worship’ as to come close to God, postulate in humbleness as we meet God the Almighty, and have a relationship with God.

Brothers and sisters, at many times, we long so much of a great worship, very often with great songs and music. We’ve often complained that we could not fit in a church because the church is so different from our homes’. We could not worship as the worship leader did not lead well. We could not worship as the band was messy. We could not worship because people were noisy. We have forgotten that the true heart of worship is our attitude towards God and for God alone. We worship Him because He is our God, the ‘MAN!!’. He is great. He is holy. We worship to celebrate His greatness. We will give Him the best of our worship. We will not squeak for proclaiming His glory but shout, clap and exalt Him on high for He is worthy to be praise. We might be self conscious at times during worship on how people might judge us, we might be quiet just to fit in the church; but God says in Luke 19: 40 that if we refuse to worship Him, the stones will cry out to worship Him. We need not to be pretentious because God sees us through our hearts. Worship is for Him alone and not to please others.

Our God is omnipresent. He is standing right in front of us, waiting for us to open the door of our heart. A great time of worship is where God is right in our hearts, openly, sincerely and all out for Him alone. We will never be changed unless by the spirit of God; so do the worthy of worship unless there is the presence of God in our heart. Be still and He still hears our great heart of worship.

CA ended with a little birthday celebration for the August babies and refreshments by Ken Lee, a guy for a change.

CA has once again brought our hearts back to the presence of God. A great worship is about the attitude we put in. God sees our heart and hears our prayer. Be still and He simply brings peace into our heart.


In His service,
Blessed child.