You'll never walk alone...

I can't believe it has been two and half years since the first day I step into INTEC main gate to register myself for ALG programme. And it was during the same week I got my first invitation to INTEC's CF (at that time I didn't know tat it was Campus Alive) and the theme was 'Laughter's Night' dated 5th July 2006, the day that my life took a turn completely. I was introduced to some very excited seniors and from there I realise that I was actually being brought to CA over some series of event by God. Only when I look back I realise that God has been so real to me during my time here in INTEC. I vaguely remembered a beautiful girl who was with me on the train back to Shah Alam. She approached me asking whether I was new and started to invite me to CA. And that officially started off my whole journey of CA.

Personally, CA has been such a huge blessing. I had the privilege to serve in the committee together with passionate people from different programmes led by two visionaries and revolutionists (hey, my boss is Joash, so go figure how our meetings were like.haha) I served in the transport team and from there I really learned a lot about the 'behind-the-scenes' because I get to transport the worship team to their practice. During these practices, I had the chance see CA as not just what we see in front of our naked eyes, people really sacrifice a lot just to make one meeting full of God and full of joy. So whenever I felt weary because of serving, the thought of this instantly woke me up. I know that I am not alone in this journey that I walked, I am surrounded by people who is equally tired but they still press on, knowing the eternal reward towards the end. I will never walk alone.

Another thing that encourages me a lot through out my journey with CA is the seniors. They really played a big part of my life during my first year because as cloud of witnesses, they encouraged us to throw off everything that hinders us and let us run with perseverences the race marked out for us, as what Hebrews 12 : 1 says. They cared for us not out of obligations but out of love. I still remember during my MMS (orientation week) I was freaked out when I was not provided with a spoon or fork to eat my meals and the facilitators didn't seem to care, so I have to go around asking for spoons or simply eat with my hands. However, I notice some seniors who went around smiling and talking to people so I joined in. That was when I got my first CA flyer and an invitation to a church I intended to join. Looking back, indeed God's hand was at work to provided me with a 'home' when I was so far away from my hometown.

When the seniors graduated one by one and they left INTEC, leaving us a bunch of juniors whom we can left a legacy to, just like how our seniors did. Being the only batch with 5 semesters, I see how my juniors and super-juniors grow. They went from being totally confused about everything in INTEC till they become men and women after God's own heart. Sometimes I do feel like they grow so much faster than me and I was always reminded again and again that I must do some catching up. Every batch of CA has their own unique style of handling every CA meeting. And I really enjoy every meeting because I know the effort they put in every CA, from transport to praise and worship, flyering to refreshment, ushering to decoration, mc-ing to games etc etc and all these I believe will be turn into lives. So dearest juniors, do not give up when difficulties come but commit to the Lord whatever you do and your plans will succeed.

I really don't know what God has prepared for me after I left INTEC, but I trust that God will prepare my way. Every CA has been such a wonderful time in INTEC, it's probably the only thing that I enjoyed doing in the past two and half years. But now, it's time to let go of CA and expect more from God in the future. CA has really been a stepping stone in my journey of faith and I can't always hold on to the experience with CA until I get stuck in my spiritual growth. I must step out of this comfort zone that has been such a blessing for me and prepare to have more CAs to come in Germany!


Lots of love from your dearest super senior
(guess you should know who am I)

V-Day: Barack Obama, The 1st African-American President of the USA

My friends will tell you that I stay at home most of the time and I don't join any events. That's partially true (hey, I don't even have a facebook) but in reality, I don't join those events because they are trivial stuff. If important things are happening around me, I make it a point to show up.

This is exactly the scenario today. While some people study for the coming exams and whatnot, I went to witness the most historic day of US, the 2008 election day. I was there since the beginning, when Sen. John McCain won Kentucky and Sen. Barack Obama won Vermont. Once Obama was announced as the projected winner, I, like many other people around me in the dining hall, cheered loudly.

Why do I care when I am not even a US citizen? Why do I go to this event when others choose to study at home? This is because I believe in a change. I believe in miracle. I believe that America is the land of opportunity. Sen. Obama proves to me today that miracle can still happens. African-Americans, who were once denied equal treatment, fought their way through and today, we have our first African-American president.

It opens my eyes to the opportunities lying in my country. Yes, we are minorities. Yes, inequality is everywhere. But we can make a change. Yes, We Can. It is such a touching moment to see everyone (literally) from all colors gather in Grant Park, Chicago cheering and hugging one another for Sen. Obama. It is such a privilege to encounter so many white people who rejoice over an African-American's winning.

Will the same thing happen in our country in the near future? America takes 222 years for an African-American to become a president? How long will we have to wait for our country to elect a Chinese or Indian Prime Minister?

No matter what the answer is, today is still a historic day of mankind. It is an inspiration and a miracle.

Friends, we shall pray hard for our country. UMNO just had their party nomination. MCA just chose their new leaders. PKR leader is pressing into the government. Who is right? Who is wrong? Let us not be ignorant toward our country and start praying for God anointed leader now. Prayerfully, He will extend His grace and perhaps one day, we will see miracle in our land too.

God bless America.... and Malaysia.


P/S: I do realize that in the near future, my opinion toward this guy will change but for now, he is still making history. ^___^

Is Gossiping A Sin?

This is an interesting excerpt I got from "Doubt", a play by John Patrick Shanley.

A woman was gossiping with a friend about a man she hardly knew - I know none of you have ever done this - and that night she had a dream. A great hand appeared over her and pointed down at her. She was immediately seized with an overwhelming sense of guilt. The next day she went to confession. She got the old parish priest, Father O'Rouke, and she told him the whole thing, "Is gossiping a sin?" she asked the old man. "Was that the Hand of God Almighty pointing a finger at me? Should I be asking your absolution? Father, tell me, have I done something wrong?" (Irish brogue) "Yes!" Father O'Rouke answered her. "Yes, you ignorant, badly brought-up female! You have borne false witness against your neighbor, you have plated fast and loose with his reputation, and you should be heartily ashamed!" So the woman said she was sorry and asked for forgiveness. "Not so fast!" says O'Rouke. "I want you to go home, take a pillow up on your roof, cut it open with a knife, and return here to me!" So she went home, took the pillow off her bed, a knife from the drawer, went up the fire escapte to the roof, and stabbed the pillow. Then she went back to the old priest as instructed. "Did you gut the pillow with the knife?" he says. "Yes, Father." "And what was the result?" "Feathers," she said. "Feathers"? he repeated. "Feathers everywhere, Father!" "Now I want you to go back and gather up every last feather that flew out on the wind!" "Well," she says, "it can't be done. I don't know where they went. The wind took them all over." "And that," said Father O'Rouke, "is a gossip!" In the name of the Father, Son and the Holy Ghost, Amen.


It is clear from the play that it is very much influenced by the Catholicism (the practice of confession and the end prayer). It's a very interesting play, for those who are interested.

Race of Faith

LOOKING FORWARD TO THE JOURNEY BEYOND
On the 23rd of October 2008, CA was held for the last time in year 2008. This special meeting was highlighted by the presence of many ex-CA committee members, including Joash, Erin, Mandy and Si Han.

The emcees of the night, Jonathan Wong and Elsha Liew introduced themselves and warmly welcomed many newcomers who were present. After the opening prayer, Miriam led the people into a fun-filled time of games. The people were grouped into different numbers and tagged with different colours which indicate their respective monetary values. The mechanism of the game is that the members had to form certain values indicated by the games master in the shortest time.

After a bustling atmosphere of fun, an inspiring and heart-warming worship session ensued. The worship team comprised of an all-senior team of 11 people. They were Bryan and Pei Ling ( worship leaders),Amanda and Shalisha( keyboardists), Dian Han (bassist), Anderson (drummer), Ming Joun( guitarist), Chewie( electric guitarist), Steffie, Betty, and Eliza( backup singers).The worship team led the people into the awesome presence of God .





Special programmes were arranged for the night, including a time of testimony from two very special people, Yen Mii and Helen. They basically shared about their experiences in CA and how the hand of God has helped them through the many stormy days when serving in CA. All in all, they inspired us to believe and trust that God will honour His servants who faithfully serve Him. Yen Mii and Helen, we salute you for your step of faith which encouraged the many people who are serving in CA. Above all, we salute Jesus Christ who is behind your beautiful testimonies!






Then, the moment of shock has arrived. Three very comical clowns stepped into the hall with outrageous costumes and make-ups. What a start for a humorous drama! This drama was directed by Eliza and involved a total of 19 people, who were Sam, Steffie, Ken, Dian Han, Larry, Zoe, Nicole, Pei Ling, Bryan, Mary, Rachel, Ji Yi,Andersen, Chieng Loo, Chewie, Derrick, Shalisha and Betty. After a jaw-dropping moment of seeing Bryan wearing a short skirt and singlet, a song entitled “Sing of Your Love” was presented. This drama spoke of the many challenges that Christians face while running the race. Nevertheless, the unshakable Rock of our faith has never ceased to see us those seasons. For the seniors who are leaving soon, let us be reminded that wherever we may be, The Potter’s plan for our lives will never change. He is going to bring us into new territories, where He can use us to touch lives and change hearts. Let’s expect great things, for HE IS GREAT.










Soon after, another unexpected treat came up. Without introduction, the ever-enthusiastic speaker strode purposefully to the front and started to share on the verse Hebrews 12:2.

“Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame and has sat down at the right hand of God."

He was none other than the very familiar Joash Tan. The core of his message centred on the fact that each of us had a race and journey to run. The race we run will be the story of our lives. What story or legacy do we want to leave behind? He highlighted the example of Jesus Christ, who has the greatest faith of all; faith to bring heaven down on earth and to accomplish God’s will, even though this cost Him everything, including His life. That brings up the question of the choices we make in our lives. Are we choosing to run a race of faith, or are we choosing other things like FAME instead? Secondly, in this race, we have to put our faith into action. The Bible says “Faith without action is dead”. Lastly, he talked about the rewards that we will reap in heaven, just as Jesus sat down on the right hand of God’s throne after accomplishing His mission on earth.





Then, he opened up the altar and invited those who had regrets over the race they had run for the past years. Many people stepped forward and was ministered to by the presence of God. Sam also invited the speaker to pray for the Ausmat and IMU express class seniors who are going to leave soon.

The meeting ended with people fellowshipping over sandwiches and drinks, which were prepared by J-cyn and Siaw Hui.

Many left with smiles that day, including me. Above all, I smiled because I know God did.

“ Bless the Lord, o my soul, all that is within me, Bless His holy name!”



In His service.

Samantha

Race of Faith 23rd Oct 2008

hi!! we will be having the last CA 4 this sem on this coming thursday =( unfortunately this will also be the last for the ausmatians. therefore the title Race of Faith was chosen as the topic to encourage us to finish the race with HIM no matter where we are... this flyer is done by the junoir as well, Chee huat. thanks man for the wonderful job!! continue running and finish the race in Christ!! hope 2 see u all this thursday =)

CAN YOU HEAR ME?

A CA was held last Thursday right after everyone had a wonderful Raya break. We were first ushered in with radiant smiles from the adorable Ee Heng and Cassandra. CA then kicked off with emcees Joanne and MJ which humored us with their small banter on stage. A newcomer was introduced, before we led into an opening prayer by MJ.
Games soon followed, and Li Sia made us get into a big circle to be easily divided into two groups. The two groups then settled in a long line facing one another, and we held one another’s hand. The game resembled an electric current and one was supposed to squeeze the person on their left’s hand once they felt the squeeze from the person on their right. The first person from each line can only start squeezing after a coin was flipped. The last person of the line must then dash to grab the bottle placed between the two groups before the other group. After seven rounds, it was announced that Group 2 had won.

Praise and worship was then co-led by Zoe and Larry (guitar). The rest of the team members were Dian Han on the drums, Samantha on the piano, and Nicole and Elsha as the backup singers. Chewie played bass for one song, “One Way”. The songs included in the worship were “I’ve Got The Joy”, “One Way”, “Through It All” and “Above All”. Siew Wee was in charge of the projector.

It was a really inspirational time as the worship team was all set on fire for Jesus, and Zoe really led us to Him with her spirit and passion. It was her first time leading and she gave it her all. The rest of the team had given it their best to the Lord as well, and everyone could feel their fire.

After the worship session, it was time for a testimony from Samantha and Elsha. It was about the recent annual debate competition held by INTEC. (Battle of Minds). Sam and Elsha were the champions for this year's competition and they felt the need to share with us their experience with God through debate. Sam said that God brought them through it as both Elsha and Sam have had bad experiences with debate during high school. God gave them a chance to heal and to have strong faith in Him that He will bring them through it, through this debate competition.

It is amazing how God works, and as He is an amazing God, just as Elsha had said, He brought them both to victory, for they had done their very best for Him and held His name up high through debate.

Afterwards, we had a sermon by Pastor Joshua entitled Listening To God. The first step to listening to God, as Pastor Joshua said, is that we must prepare our heart. Before we can hear Him, we must be ready to listen. We wouldn’t be able to hear Him if we are not prepared to listen to Him just yet.

Pastor Joshua shared with us a story of his personal experience of listening to God in a particular garden that he had been with his son before. He told us that when he was bogged down with troubles about his job, he had went to that exact same spot where he had heard God speak in order to listen to Him again, and true enough, God did speak to him. Pastor Joshua was given another job just two days after God spoke to Him. Though, Pastor Joshua mentioned that the same problems occurred and after a year, he went to the same spot again in order to speak to God and to hear Him speak.

He said to God, “Lord, You promised, and You never break Your promises”. And God did speak to him yet again for God does not break His promises, and true enough, Pastor Joshua finally had a job in which he was happy in. Pastor Joshua said that we can only listen to Him, if we are prepared to listen to Him speak. For he waited for the Lord to speak, and true enough, the Lord did speak to him.

To be able to listen to Him as well, we must read the bible. This is the second step to listening to Him as the bible is His written Word.

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
– John 1:1

Pastor Joshua also shared with us a touching story about how his girlfriend who eventually got back together with him after a period of being apart. (His girlfriend eventually became his wife, and they lived happily ever after!) They both heard God speak, in different ways. He told us that God speaks, most of the time in a still voice that we have to strain to listen, and rarely does He speak in an audible voice. This is why we must always open our hearts to listen to Him and to learn His Word.

The third step to listening to Him is to check our motives. We have to know why we want to hear Him. Pastor Joshua shared with us a little story, that there were two people in Petaling Street but one of them actually heard a cricket sing. His friend did not believe him but he then parted the leaves of a nearby plant and actually found the cricket.

His friend then said, “How can you hear the cricket over all this noise?” The point is, when we strain to listen, we will hear something beyond the noise. The world around us is always filled with noise, and so, we must take that time off to actually still our mind and listen to God.

The story doesn’t just end there, the boy then rolled coins down the street, and everyone actually stopped and searched for those coins. Pastor Joshua then also mentioned that when we focus on something, we will then be able to listen to it. These people have set their motives on money, and as such, they were able to listen to the clinks of the coins over the noise.

If we focus on Him, and set our motives right, to listen to Him, we will be able to listen to Him.

Speaking first is the fourth step to listening. We must first begin, by saying, “Hello.” Pastor Joshua told us to pray to Him and to ask for confirmation for Him to speak. We must begin the conversation, and we must then be patient and listen.

And lastly, we must rely on the Holy Spirit. In John (16:7, 12-13), Jesus Christ said,

“Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you.”
– John 16:7

“I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.”
- John 16: 12-13

Pastor Joshua then begin praying for those who lifted up their hands, wanting to be able to listen to God, those who had not been able to listen to him, or even those who had fallen out momentarily but wished to listen to Him once more.

Afterwards, Pastor Joshua also urged those with examinations coming up to step forward for him to pray for them to be given the wisdom and strength by the Lord to get through it. However, due to the large number of people who stepped up, Pastor Joshua then told them to form small groups to pray for each other.
A small worship session was then held, and everyone had a really great time singing along to the songs and worshipping God. After the small closing worship session, it was then time for fellowship and we adjourned to the next room for refreshments prepared by Jonathan Chua, Pei Ling and Chewie who helped. They served us soup, with hard bread, and even banana cake.
One thing about this CA that was really touching was the fact that everyone had the passion to serve, and to worship Him. God really multiplied our time, and everyone felt that things concluded early and just in time for everything. Another great thing was that so many people turned up for this CA, and we were all encouraged by all the small little events that occurred during CA this time.

In His service,
Nicole.

Can you hear Me? 9 October 2008

really... sorry for the late update. we will have CA this Thursday as usual. as you can see, this flyer is done by a junior, Jonathan. there will be a number of juniors serving in various ministry as well. do come and join to serve the Lord together. see u there..