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.

CA Rocks!!!

Coming to Shah Alam to study is an exciting thing, but it’s also a testing ground of my faith in Jesus Christ. As Christians, we need each other so very much. That’s were Campus Alive comes in. Every Thursday night, the young generation of believers meet in one place, to glorify one God, and to encourage each other to continue living out a life of faith and love.

I knew about CA before I came here (Chieng Loo introduced it to me through a mutual friend). As soon as I visited their blog, I felt drawn to join CA.

So far, CA has had two meetings. One was an introductory meet at Cendana Hostel (what a wonderful place to live in!hmm..) and the other was the first official CA meet in the Atmosphere (the awesome youth gathering room in New Life Church). I can only say one thing: I’m home!

The seniors made us feel welcome from the very first moment we met them at the introductory meeting (Samuel and Chewie!). Soon, we found a group of friendly, caring seniors who brought us into the CA with arms wide open! They really showed God’s love to us.

I especially enjoyed and was refreshed by the singspiration session at the CA meet. Personally, there is nothing for satisfying to me than to lift my voice to praise God! There is a passion in worship that cannot be replaced nor forgotten. And on a by-note, the music was great!

Then we had sharing by Pastor David about stormy times. One verse that he shared reminded me of God’s ultimate love and grace. Romans 8:28 says “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” I was greatly motivated and encouraged by that verse, and I realised that I was here in INTEC, not just to study and make it to an overseas university, but rather, I was here for God. For His will and purpose. No matter what life here will bring my way, I know that God will carry me “on wings like eagles” over the storm.

And after the meeting, we had time to chit-chat awhile alongside refreshments, before it was finally time to say goodnight. Fret not! There’s always next week! The prospect of returning to my family of brothers and sisters in Christ every Thursday is exciting! Thank God for CA and for all the new friends I’ve met there.

Larry;)

Australia, and I'm still growing.

Hi everyone. Hi hi hi. Hello and g'day mates! That's how the Aussies say over here.Ok, before you all scroll down to the bottom and try to see who wrote this post, let me save you some time. I'm Jim by the way. Ya, I'm an Ausmat senior. Very senior. Er..not that senior actually but I was in Ausmat 18, 2007. This year, the Olympic year (woohoo!), I'm doing first year in Engineering in UWA. Ok, let me see, where to start?

Firstly, I want to talk a little bit about UWA(Univetsity of Western Australia) over here and to make a little promo(haha). Then, I shall proceed (briefly) about my life here in the land down under and also how my spiritual life had been .

So, for those confused Ausmatians who will be going to Australia , and for those doing engineering, dentistry or medic, UWA is the place for you. Ya, if you ask me, UWA is the best uni in Western Australia. If you mention about UWA in Western Australia, people will go "wow......!". Perth is a nice place to be. If you are those people who feels a little uncomfortable with the hustle and bustle of city life, like KL, well, Perth is perfect for you. It's not that "kampung" like till you like have nothing to do and all. Perth is still a city and it's just nice. It's less hectic than in Sydney and Melbourne but much alive compared to Adelaide in South Australia. Yup, I guarantee that you will definitely like it here. For those who intends to do pharmacy, choose Curtin. Why? Coz UWA don't have pharmacy..haha. For engineering, there's a catch. UWA forcuses more on theories. It's theories theories theories all the way. That's why, there's a lot of researches done in UWA itself. For Curtin, they focus more on the practical stuff. In other words, it's more hands on. For now, you do not need to worry so much about which uni you want to go. Focus on your Ausmat test first. Then, like one month before your trials, I think that's when you need to decide. Well, pray and ask God to where He wants you to go. Choose wisely I should say. Again, focus on your SSABSA. Don't worry about when you should apply for this and that, haha, no need to kiasu. Intec will tell you when. If you desperately need to know all, go IDP and ask. Then, while applying for unis , you can also start applying for accommodations. It doesn't matter if you are still not enrolled in a uni. Just apply, cause accommodation is a hot topic. Haha, I could actually go on till morning but anymore further questions, e-mail me, genre_log@yahoo.com.

Eversince stepping foot in Australia, I felt that I had been growing , spiritually! The first few days here was a little tough though. Ya, I faced a lot of things that troubled me and all. I was having anxiety and I worried like mad. The main one was money. Anyway, as time past, God spoke to me through His word, and through people and finally, I snapped out from that and I was myself again. From that day onwards, God had been teaching me new things. I feel like I'm growing bigger and maturing faster, spiritually. I was attending two churches. Subiaco Church of Christ and Zion Praise Harvest. After prayer, God spoke to me, and I decided to settle down in Zion Praise Harvest. Since then, I made many many new friends. Before that, I do not know anyone here in Perth as there's only like 2 of us from Intec being sent to UWA. A little lonely I am ya...I made super many friends and I felt so at home for the first time in the first few weeks. Things are great! I say it again, things are great over here! Most of my friends are from Singapore. Then, I have Malaysian friends(from taylor's college, Kuching High, UEC, KK..), a Burmise friend, Hong Kong, Sri Lanka, China, haha, lots more. Most of them, 90% are those whom I know from church. I'm so happy that God had blessed me so much. You know, God had put me here in UWA for a reason and I know He put me here to prepare me for something big. Something super big that He had to bring me all the way here to Australia. Yes, and I'm sure that when the time comes, I shall be ready for that 'something big' that God had planned for me. To summarise all the time that I'd been here in Australia, I'm growing each and everyday in Christ. God is teaching me new things, bringing me to new places to let me gain experience, to gain new knowledge. I'm just growing haha, and nothing else. The best thing is, I'm peaceful and joyful in Him, knowing that He'll take care of me no matter what. Psalm 46:10 "Be still, and know that I am God...." . In other words, relax, chill, cause God is in control. Let God be God. Yup.

Haha, guess what, though I might had left Intec, left CA and all, I'm not taking a break unless God tells me too. It doesn't mean that my duty had ended. Nope, it's just the beginning. It's just the beginning. Think that you are a super senior, haha, there's always someone more senior than you. There...the one that you called God. Take CA or Intec as a place where God will train you and mould you , shape you to build up your foundation. When your foundation is strong, then only you can stand firm when the trials of life comes your way when you leave Shah Alam. I tell you, and I tell you boldly. Yes, I jump, I lift my hands up during worship. What will happen 30 years down the road? Will you still continue to do that when you are 50, 60 70? I tell you boldly, I will. Even when I'm 60 or 70, the way I worship my God will not diminish. Will God get bored of you ? Nope, so, I shouldn't too. My passion will still continue to burn stronger eventhough physically and outwardly, I look hagged and old. Nothing will stop me from worshipping my God. What about you?

Yup, I think that's all that I want to say. To all of you , all the best in your tests and exams and some "perjumpaan blok" haha. Oh ya, just want to let you all know. I'm too excited to keep in to myself but ya, I will be attending this year's Hillsong conference 2008 in Sydney. Yes, I'm so excited. God is good right? hehe...take care. God bless.

jim

cheers, from the Land down under

I Want To...

Dearest people of CA. How are you doing? In this time, even as I prepare for my exams, I just felt the Spirit prompting me to just pause and reflect on life. And you know what, the thoughts that came to me from God are just so beautiful. I want to crystalize those thoughts into words as much as I can but truly no words can describe them. So yea, I just want to share them with you guys, hope it gives all of you some inspirations. Here goes...

I want to...

I want to change the world

I want to see joyful souls all around me

I want to see disease, plague and pestilence be purged

I want to see war, strife and turmoil be stilled

I want to see people's hunger for a meaning to life be filled with living bread from the broken body of the Perfect Lamb

I want to see people's thirst for a greater love be quenched by the streams of living water that flow from the fountain of life

I want to see the whole earth join in one chorus with all the heavenly hosts to proclaim the glory of God


I want to be part of God's plans for the world

I want to grasp the promises of God for this earth, to bring life onto this earth which He calls his temple palace

I want to live in adoration of His holiness, the Oneness of His purposes since the beginning of time - to raise up children of God from each generation to rule over creation in relationship with Him

I want to dwell in His presence, the greatest love that has been poured out to mankind, the hope for a better resurrection made possible by His grace, the faith He has empowered me with to stand up against the beasts of this world


I want to be changed by Him

I want to show love for the world and for the people around me, just as the Creator has loved His creation with unending love

I want to have faith to stand in this world, to stand firm in the midst of the storms and persecutions in life, just as the Son stood firm against all the evil that tried to uproot Him

I want to be filled with hope for this earth and for a better resurrection, trusting in the Spirit who resurrected the Son to breathe new life into this world and into all those who believe in Him


I want to be free

I want to be all that I am created to be

I want to stand firm against the systems of this world that want to enslave me and tear at me like wild beasts, I want to have faith to rise up above them all

I want to approach His throne boldly without guilt or shame, for Christ's sacrifice has set me free from all my sins and iniquities

I want to daily lift up my hands in worship of the One who created me, to gaze into His beauty and to be awed by His majesty

I want to be led by the Spirit, by the one who can liberate me from the broad pathway to destruction on to the narrow road to peace, love and joy

I want to be renewed each day, not dwelling in the past sins and guilt that chain me down, but to be filled with His love and grace that shatter every bondage

I want to stand on the zenith of my tower of achievements, I want to climb up to the peak of my pride, I want to ascend to the pinnacle of my insecurities...I want to close my eyes...and throw myself down from there

And I want to trust that God will carry me in the palm of His hands, and I will soar in the greatness of God


I want to believe all things are possible

I want to believe that nothing is impossible with faith

I want to dare to dream of bigger possibilities for this world and for myself

I want to believe that my God is a BIG God, and I want to pray BIGGER prayers

I want to believe that changing this world is possible, I want to take that step of faith


I want to believe in a better resurrection

I want to believe that, when the time has come for me to rest, it's not the end

I want to believe that one day God will call me up again and I will be with Him forevermore

I want to believe that one day God will grant me the crown of righteousness that He has promised me

I want to believe that even in the midst of all this chaos, the preparations for it have already begun

I want to be able to hear the trumpets sounding, to prepare myself for the Holy war ahead

I want to prepare oil for my lamp, that when the Lord returns, I shall be ready to greet Him

I want to fully utilize the talents He has given me, that when He returns, I shall be called the good and faithful servant

Most importantly, I truly want to believe that I am part of all this...that no matter what, He loves me deeply...and I love Him too

--

Blessings guys!

Brian Chee

Broken Watch

I've been managing this blog for almost a year now. In that one year span, my friends and I have submitted quite a few posts into this blog. However, if you check at the labels, you can see an overwhelming number of message compare to the amount of testimonies. It kept me pondering for days, "How could it be that the messages are more than the testimonies?" In a church, there are alway finite amount of messages that a pastor can preach but there is an infinite number of testimonies that people can share. Because of that, I've decided to put down my testimony here and I strongly encourage all of you to share with others too. Just email anyone of the staff here and we'll post it for you.

This is my story.

I have a broken watch with me. It had not been working properly since December. Because it is an automatic watch, there is no way to fix it except to open it and fix the spring in it. I do not have the capacity to do it. Hence I will have to adjust the watch every morning when I wake up to make sure I have the correct time for the day. Often, it will only last about a day (max) before the inaccuracy kicks in slowly. That have been the case since December 2007 until now. I was frustrated but nonetheless pleased with my broken watch. After all, it had served me well from 2004 to December 2007. I absolutely love the fact that I do not have to change the battery in my watch because there is none. O__O

I was having finals earlier this week. Guess what, my watch never slowed down. It never stopped (like every other time) and the time was surely accurate. I did not pay attention to it at first but after I finished my exam, my watch started to go back to its old habit of breaking down. Only then did I realize the miracle that just happened on the past few days.

An old broken watch that cannot be fixed unless you fix the anatomy of it was working perfectly for about 5 days during my finals week. Who could fix the watch ? I tried to find a few reasons to it. Hmmm... perhaps the weather was doing the trick. Honestly speaking, it was kind of warm (not warm, but at least warmer than winter) for the past few days but then again, once my finals was over (but the warmth was not over), my watch went back to its old self again. Lol... It can't be the weather.

Anyway, I believe it is God and even though I did not pray specifically for my watch to get healed for my finals week, I guessed God must have heard a little anxiety in my heart about the fear of getting late to class for finals and must have decided to do something for me.

Finals week was awesome and it went on smoothly. Praise God.


In His service,
Leen

History in the Making

How CA came into existence in my world...

Part 1- At AUSMAT Cafe
Anna: (in Mandarin) Amy, want to go CA?
Amy: (in very broken Mandarin) Huh? What’s that?
Anna: Don’t know. Campus Alive, some Christian gathering I think. Joshua invited me to go.
(Along comes Joshua, blur as usual)
Anna: Joshua! Can you explain more about CA to us?
Joshua: Er....it is our Christian fellowship in INTEC. Er...wait ha. I’ll ask him to explain to you (turns around and talks to a guy half eating)
(Guy half eating stands up half chewing his unfinished rice about to open his mouth)
Amy: Hie, “him” *laughs at lame joke*
Jim: Huh? How did you know my name?
Amy: Huh? What name? Your name is really Him? Finish chewing your food first.
Jim: (finished chewing food) Huh? Never mind. Never mind. Anyonghasaeyo. That’s most probably the only thing I know how to say in Korean. Hie. I’m Jim from the AUSMAT Programme. CA stands for Campus Alive. It is where we gather once every two weeks to worship and have fellowship with God’s people. Do come. It is very nice.
Amy: Oh ok.....

Part 2- During ICS Week
Eugene: Join CATS!
Amy: Ah....what do you guys do?
(Eugene explains. After finishing, he pauses)
Eugene: Ah, I see you are wearing a cross. Christian?
Amy: Uh-huh
Eugene: Do come to CA tomorrow. It is our Christian Fellowship. It’s going to be fun! It’s my last CA though. *frowns*
Amy: Oh......

I came to INTEC, as a believer who was losing her faith. Question, doubts, fear haunted my thoughts day and night. Lost and not connected to a church at that time, inevitably, I backslid. Fortunately, thank God, He sent people to tell me about CA. It was there that God chose to bless my life with people who got me back on track. People who inspired me when I looked at their faith. Joash, Erin, Jim, Calvin..... Back then I could barely comprehend how did they manage to get such faith, but as I continue my walk with Jesus and as He ministers through CA to me, I learnt. Slow but steady. Baby steps.

This year, God used CA as a platform again to launch me further into my Christian life! This time, discipleship. Truly, one cannot really experience Him fully until they start to serve. Last year, Yen Mii asked me whether I wanted to be in the committee. I contemplated, not knowing what I can actually contribute. Somehow, I was moved to take up the offer. So, I did. And from then on, I was made game master. A job I enjoyed. When I first got it, as usual, I wondered was I up to it. A lot of what ifs came up. But God remained faithful. When the first CA came about and I did the games, I knew, it was a job God tailor-made for me.

First CA of the year was a success. There were 3 generations of Intecians gathered together to kick off the year. I was nerve wrecked. Super seniors, seniors and juniors. But, God’s presence was strong and we went home victorious, honouring Him. The second CA was simply a blast! Elder Kien Yiak shared about loneliness, and taught us how to wait upon God, something which I felt helped further equip us as students who will further their studies in a foreign land.

I prayed hard for an unforgettable CA when it struck me that CA is something that I will never forget. It was where Jesus set my feet on solid ground. He replanted the seed that fell on the rocks on good soil. That night, i truly understood why Eugene had a frown on his face when he told me about his last CA, for now I will tell you with a frown that 13/02/2008 CA was my last. Though short lived, being game master has taught me the concept committing something greater than myself to Him first before I do anything.

CA Committee before 2007, thank you for making CA happen and keeping it Alive. CA Committee 2007, thank you for introducing me to CA and putting me into place. CA Committee 2008, thank you for making me part of the team, keep up the GREAT work and continue to burn for Jesus! CA Committee to come, keep the fire BURNING! We would never know how many lives has been, is being and will be touched through CA, only God knows, and I’m here as one of the many testimonies. Continue to make CA a miracle and blessing for the many to come.

Hallelujah! Praise the Lord!

*CHEERS*

-Amy-

Making a difference in Malaysia

On the 12^th of October, a group of us from IMU set off to Peaceheaven for the first ever Professionals of Tomorrow (POTs) conference. I guess for me, the major attraction POTs held for me were the exposition talks on the book of Nehemiah (and moreover by Bishop Hwa Yung at that).

It was definitely the most memorable camp I’ve ever gone for, because for the first time, it wasn’t just a time of fellowship and sermons, we were also confronted with very real issues and challenges of being a future professional in Malaysia .

What lingered on my mind was the issue of missing Christian voices in Malaysia, as evidenced by the report that the majority of citizens who emigrate are Christians, also of the fifty years of Islamization and how we’re being increasingly pushed aside, and the fact that government service is shunned by most Christians (And yet, it is in the government sector that our voices are needed the most). They are all very hard truths. Not forgetting the issue of missing grace, where love is lacking in race relations in Malaysia , when we know that Jesus came for them too, just as He came for you and me.

Many questions abound: Will we write off the situation here in Malaysia as being hopeless and pack our bags and leave? (Many would say it’s the sensible thing to do) Will we keep on being silent, when we see injustice and inequality? Will we shun government service, because we’ll so obviously be discriminated against (and what more the low pay)? Will we choose to be absent, or present in restoration in Malaysia ? Never before had I realized the gravity of the need for Christian presence in Malaysia . If there’s one thing to be taken home from POTs, it’s that one thing – that God has placed us in Malaysia for a reason.

I remember vividly singing Negaraku in POTs, and also the contrast with how I sang Negaraku in secondary school. A song that never used to make any sense (land where my blood is spilt??) suddenly made total sense to me.

My country, land where my blood was spilt,
The people live united and in progress,
Blessings of happiness God grants,
Our King reigns in peace.
Blessings of happiness God grants,
Our King reigns in peace.

Yes, I believe that one day it will be the blood of Christians (because I believe revival=persecution ) and I do want to see my King (Jesus) reign in the hearts of all people. Well, perhaps I will not be the one to spill my blood, but by the sweat of my brow I’ll choose to be present in restoration, to claim this land and its people for my King.

Are we facing a task that seems too big? Learning from Nehemiah, our God is BIGGER still. We need a fresh understanding of His GREATNESS. Also, we must learn to fight our battles incrementally, not always looking for quick fixes and giving up when we don’t see things coming to pass. Will Malaysia be changed in a day? No, but it would not happen at all, if not for certain individuals who chose to make a difference in Malaysia, and still continue making a difference, no matter how small, till this very day.

With that said, coming back from the conference, I took back with me more than just the heart of Nehemiah. I took back the hearts of Christian professionals who went before us, men and women who had ran the good race and fought the good fight. Can you hear the call to join them? I do.

Linda Chew @ Melbourne, ex-ALM4

God's Valentines...

Siew Fong:
"Same as others that is the first worship and also the last worship for me. Thank you for the Lord as giving me this chance and it will be a memorable CA for me no matter when will I be in the future. Beside, it gave the feeling of family, a big and united family. I feel the love of God from there"

Amy:
"God made it the best CA ever!"

Anna:
"That is my first worship and also the last worship for me in CA. The worship is great, I don't know how to describe it. When I'm in the worship, I have the feeling as David said,"I will praise God's name in song ans glorify Him with thanksgiving. This will please the LORD!"


"For He will order His angels to protect you wherever you go."
-Psalm 91:11

From The "Scene"

Appeared in: Scene
Front cover artist : Eunice Ding
Written by: Joash Tan-Loh
Requested by: Keropok Lekor

Living and studying in a Malay-predominated college made me see the tears and the hidden cries of many who have not known the Lord, and yet standing by the side, unable to effectively evangelize to them due to the laws and restrictions from the authorities.

I realized that as a Christian trying to be a friend that imitates Christ takes more than just listening to them and be there for them when they are sad. Many friends that I have – irrespective of whether they’re Muslims or non-Muslims, Christians or not – have sad stories that scarred their life so badly that they’re unable to look at themselves in the mirror of their soul, and what we are supposed to do is to help them realize that those scars can be testimonies of God’s goodness and grace in their lives, if they allow God to come into their hearts.

The calling of the Christians in my college, is to rise up to the challenge of being a blessing to each other. Putting aside the differences in religion, we as the Lighthouse and salt of INTEC UiTM have to stand together and move into the harvest field, equipped with nothing but the Word and the Love that we have experiences in Christ, and show it to the people around us.

Yet more has to be done, and it can only be done if we pray together to move the hearts and minds of those in authority to grant themselves opportunities to hear the Word and experience His love.

Report From The States

Just a little bit of story-telling before the long-awaited CA report actually comes out.

Report from United States:

2 days before I boarded a plane to US, I received 400 dollars voucher. Unable to use them up, I thought of ways to exchange vouchers for cash instead. Pat was kind enough to exchange 50 dollars. Thanks, Pat!!! 350 left. What to do? I went to the bookstore to look for people who would be kind enough to exchange voucher for money. Not known to me, I bumped into the bookstore's manager and he gave me 350 dollars for all my vouchers. Wow, God was already helping me even before I reach the States.

2 days after I reached the States, I lost my passport. I was "smart" enough to leave my passport in the bank and I didn't realize anything wrong until 3 days later. Thank God, the bank was honest enough to keep my passport and return it to me when I went to the bank a couple of days later.

The day I checked in to my dorm, I received 12 packets of stuff from Pastor Ha (my former pastor back in hometown). Those stuff are essential stuff for me in order to let me survive my time here in Chicago. I got comforters, bedsheets, pillows, lamps, pens, radio, subwoofer, mugs, cups, plates, shampoo, hangers, other stationeries, files, blank DVDs, a camera (2-megapixel), bath robe, lots of winter clothing, winter boots, and a lot more. Wonderful. God kept giving me stuff that I had to share with my roommate because I just couldn't use them all.

The following week, I took my fitness test and swimming test. I passed both of them successfully. Praise be to God. He saw me through despite me being doubtful of myself.

This is the second week I am in the States. God has just been so faithful to me and has blessed me with so many things. School starts tomorrow, and again, I believe He will guide me through my studies in the States.

Yep, that's a summary of my United States report. God is good and I'll make sure I keep that in mind all the time.

Shivering in the windy weather,
Leen

Final Library Trip: A Choice

If you read my previous post on INTEC's library, you will know that something happened today that inspired me to write a post on the library in INTEC. Indeed something happened this morning.

As a standard procedure of INTEC, students are required to "check out" of INTEC after their graduation. After some procrastination, I managed to drag my heavy body up this morning and went to school to check out. One of the steps required me to go to the library and to clear all my records from the library.

When the librarian scanned my card, it was found that I still owed the library two books. Frankly speaking, I do not know how the system in the library works. The screen showed that I borrowed two books somewhere in November and I was supposed to return them on 6th January 2007. Then the screen showed that I had returned the books on the 8th January but I had not paid my 40 cents fine (1 day late 10 cents for 1 book). I didn't feel like arguing so I was ready to pay that 40 cents. After all, it was just 40 cents. Then, the librarian told me that because the books were still recorded under my name, I needed to present them with that two books. Only then could they clear my record.

I was stunned. I had returned the books. I was ready to pay that 40 cents for nothing. And now they wanted me to show them these two books. "How can I find these two books? What if someone had borrowed them?" A lot of "what-ifs" ran into my mind. I tried to argue with the librarian that I didn't mind paying 40 cents but I did not want to look for that two books in the midst of thousand other books. My blood was boiling at that moment, but I wasn't angry. Instead, if I wasn't mistaken, I was still smiling and laughing though I spoke with a stern voice to the librarian. My friend told me that the librarian was trying to bully me and that I shouldn't be bullied. Hence, the argument.

After arguing without coming to a solution, I agreed to find the books. He gave me the codes for the two books and I started "googling" in the library. Knowing how the books in the library were mess up and did not go according to the codes sometimes, I felt like I did not have any chance to recover those two books. My friend told me, "Pray," before she left to do other things. I prayed. "God, I need to find these two books. I believe you will show me where they are." There they were, right in front of my eyes. Both books! Side by side! Before that, I couldn't find a single book and now, after praying, they were there. Again, recalling my previous post on coincidence. How many of you here believe that it was a coincidence? =D

Happily, I went over to the counter again to settle the mess. The librarian scanned those two books. I went O__o''' The screen showed RM16.80 fine for each book. (Remember? I was suppose to return this book on 6th January, and it is 2nd July) That was RM33.60 for two books. My mind was racing again. "Do I have to pay for something I don't deserve? God, help me." After looking at me, the librarian took out a piece of paper. This was what he wrote on the paper.

"Buku dijumpai di rak. Denda dibatalkan. Signature."

Praise the Lord. I did not have to pay that RM33.60. Still, he told me that I still had to pay 40 cents. Fine fine. I took out a dollar and passed it to the librarian. Being a novice in math (I guess), he returned me 70 cents. Now, I had the fullest rights to keep that extra 10 cents after what happened to me. I had every rights to claim that 10 cents as compensation for mental damages. Or like a certain scholar said, "as compensation for using up the prayer credit". But I remembered something my pastor said two weeks ago,

"Christians do not live by chance. If you were sick, that was your best chance to be moody and angry the whole day. In fact, you have the right to do so. People will understand, and they will even pray for you. But Christians do not live by chance. Christians live by choice. Even in our worst moments, we can still choose to be happy, to be joyful, to let our inner man(our spiritual body) takes control instead of letting out outer man(physical body) takes control."

Those words rang in my mind and I decided to return back the 10 cents. If you guys out there know me well, you will know that I am very careful about money. I won't let loose every single cent. I will keep every cents well. I had a choice to let my anger took control and took that 10 cents for myself. After all, it was just 10 cents. However, I believed that God did not care about the value of the money. He cared more about the choice that I made at that time. The choice to still be joyful and honest, or the choice to be angry and greedy.

Finally, I returned back the extra 10 cents to the librarian. We exchanged smiles and I walked out of the library, for the last time. God taught me something precious today. He still answers prayer if I truly needs something. He gives me joy all the time, and I should not let anything(not even money) corrupt my mind and then do something that dishonor Him.

Choices. They are yours to make. Every morning we have choice to wake up or to continue our sleep. We have to choice to give thanks to God first or just go to work. We have choices in our life. What is your choice today?


Choosing,
Leen

Why Do I Pick Christianity Over Atheism?

Why do I pick Christianity over Atheism?

Disclaimer: This post does not mean to offend anyone. It is just an honest opinion from a Christian perspective.

One day, I decided to take a good look at my own level of intimacy with God and how I have been close/far to Him over the past few months. There are of course ways to improve our relationships, but what really got to me that one afternoon was the reason I chose Christianity at the first place. I (maybe God) asked myself, “Why do I want to be a Christian? Why don’t I break free from the norm of a religion and just be another free thinker or an atheist?” That question left me blank for a few days. I searched for answers all day and finally I came to these conclusions.

Unlike Atheism, Christianity gives me the sense of belonging.

Christianity tells me that I belong to God. It tells me that I am not a nobody. It also affirms my status as a child of God and if I receive the salvation, I am guaranteed a place in the heaven. Christianity mentions that I am the salt and the light of the world. It gives me a place to belong to and a dignity to live on. On the other hand, Atheism does not offer me the same assuring claims. If I were an atheist, I will make myself my own God. However, we all know that human cannot control all things in the world and thus, it makes no sense to make myself as my own God. That is because I am never powerful, strong, and wise enough to be a God. Atheism will only make me feel proud of myself but yet, I have no way to belong too. Atheism does not answer the question, “Where will my soul go to when I leave this world one day?” Neither does atheism answers my other question, “Who am I in this world?” If we are looking for peace and happiness in life, atheism will not be able to provide it because it tells us that we have control over our own life and doings. However, the fact is, we don’t. There are just things in this world that we have no control over. Atheism cannot explain those out-of-human-control situations, but Christianity often provides an answer to its believers. At the end of the day, it is not the so much of the security (like going to heaven after my death) that matters, but it is the pleasure of knowing that there is still someone up there looking down to you and say, “Good job, my good and faithful servant.” I just won’t get the same satisfaction in Atheism.

Christianity offers hope to the world, while Atheism teaches its followers to be authors.

Christian missionaries around the world preach the gospel to the most remote areas of this globe. They plant churches, schools, hospitals, and so on in the places that God send them to. By doing all these things, not only do people get saved spiritually, people also get saved physically. Hospitals help patients to recover, schools teach people how to be a better person in the society. Conversely, atheism does not promote good deeds. Atheism exists to defy the existence of any deity, and hence it does not believe in doing any good deed to earn karma as some other religions do (Buddhism and Hindu mainly). It also does not encourage the doing of good works for the benefit of the brothers and sisters in the world and for the delight of God in heaven. Atheism stands on the single purpose of defying any omnipresent, omnipotent being in this world. For that reason, many “successful” atheists are authors of best-selling book in defying the existence of God and reasoning out the “deception” and “errors” in the bible. Even if the world really did come from a single cell, or a single dot in this universe and that God never exists, what is next? It still does not make any differences nor does it contribute anything to the betterment of the world. The children in Africa are still dying from tuberculosis, AIDS, and other diseases. Hospitals and schools will still be a rare gem in remote areas of Madagascar. People are still dying; people are still illiterate. So what good exactly does atheism bring to this world even if God really does not exist? Christianity makes a difference in the world, a good one, while Atheism offers zero sense of hope to the community of people.

The act of atheism in defying Christianity proves that it recognizes Christianity as having a true God.

There are thousands of religions, cultures, occult, and spiritual practices in this world that are doubtful to be true at all. Still, atheism goes against the presence of God, especially God in Christianity, way more strongly compare to its refutation against other religions in this world? Why is that so? Given an example of a second best student in class who only goes against the best student in class because he only recognizes the ability of the best student, and not the rest of the class, a similar pattern can be observed between Christianity and atheism. The fact that Atheism opposes so strongly to Christianity further proves the point that Atheism only recognizes Christianity as a real threat, not any other religions. If you know that you only have to beat one more person to be the champion and that the rest of the field is way behind you, will you care for the rest of the field or will you concentrate on defeating the champion on top? Of course, any sane people will pick the latter route for obvious reason. Atheism is just like the second best student in the class thirsting for a taste of an undisputed champion while Christianity is like the champion on the podium because Christianity has already won through the blood of Jesus on the cross. It means that Christianity is the only truth out there that Atheism has to deal with. It also means that Christianity if the only religion that Atheism is most worried about. Therefore, it can be concluded that Christianity does indeed hold a certain degree of truth in it, if not all the truth in the world. If not, Atheism will never go against it to being with.

Christianity answers questions while Atheism results in more questions.

People tend to resort to a divine being in explaining supernatural happenings around them. When Atheism teaches people to get hold of their own life and to see themselves as the only “God” they can depend on, it ultimately denies the existence of any supernatural incidents in the world. If I had been a God, then tsunami would have been started by me. If atheists slap back the claim saying, “It’s the nature that had caused the tsunami,” then the next immediate question will be, “Who then create nature?” Is it human that first created nature? No. The questions of “why”, “when”, “who”, “how”, “which”, “what” and “where” will never cease as long as Atheists still refuse to recognize the existence of God. God is the only answer that can please human’s curiosity in exploring the truth of the universe. Christians can seek out peace in God’s presence knowing that He is in control but Atheists live in constant uncertainty because no one can tell them, “It’s all right. Everything is under control,” since human does not hold the key to the happenings of the world. Also, Atheism will never be able to explain the creation of universe without any intervention from God. Where does that singular common ancestor come from if we come from that one common ancestor? Science cannot provide all these answers but religions can. By putting God into the picture, the mist clears away instantly. God created the world. God is in control. God allows tsunami to happen to a reason. God gives us life. “God” is the only answer that people ever need, and Atheism is snatching that only answer away from everyone.

After a lot of revelations, praying, and thinking, I feel the peace at heart knowing that I am on the right side of the track. Indeed Atheism is not an all-bad-and-no-good occult; it still let people take control of their own life, take their own path without restricting themselves to any set of rules and regulations given out by a religion. It is just that Christianity makes so much more sense to me than Atheism does. Knowing that He created me in His image, He controls everything, and that He loves me, I can proudly proclaim that my faith lies in Christianity and Christianity alone. While other similar Semitic religions, Judaism and Islam offer almost the same assurance and promises, Christianity stands up as the most relatable, practical and true practice to me. Therefore, Christianity is the only way to go for me.