Many have not heard....

~ 12/6/2014 ~

"50 years ago, I was seeking for spiritual truth. I wanted to go to a church at a nearby town but then…. Now I am a fervent worshipper of ……..” We were visiting this granny at a temporary housing and she was showing us some newspapers published by an organization that she frequently visiting and worshipping at. The above was her reply when I asked her how she became attached to this organization. In return she asked me how I became a Christian and I was able to share my testimony with her. How God revealed His love for me years ago and how He has showered me with His love ever since I accepted Him into my life.

What granny said saddened me! I was thinking if only there was a Christian near her at that time… if only she was brought to church…..if only she was given a chance to hear the Good News….. My mind was crowded with a lot of “if only” and “what if”.

On a similar note, I was chatting with an elderly man after a Christmas Concert last year where the Christmas Story was told. He told me this was the first time he heard the Christmas Story. All these while, he had always treated Christmas as one of the many festivals in Japan and celebrated by buying cakes and giving presents to family members. He was not the only one. Similar comments were heard among those attended the Concert. On that day, many heard the Christmas Story for the first time in their lives……..

Yes, many have not heard, many are seeking but have not found the truth, many are broken and wearied with challenges in life and in need of the truth, many are sick and need healing…..many…...

Romans 10: 14~15 - "How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent?”

As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”

Malaysia. A land for me to love, cherish and pray for....

~ 4/4/2014 ~

For almost a quarter of my life, I have been staying overseas due to various reasons.  Ironically it was during these periods of time when I was physically away from Malaysia that I realized how much I love my country.  It could be as the saying goes, “absence made the heart fonder”.  It could be because of the more frequent I declared “I am a Malaysian” (as I am frequently asked where I come from), the more I felt the patriotism and pride of being a Malaysian.

It is because of this love that I have so many mixed feelings for the past weeks since March 8^th.  Much sadness and grief when I heard about MH370.  Heartfelt gratitude when I heard of the many countries worldwide that raced to assist us in whatever ways to trace the missing plane.  But in the midst of all these, my heart ached every time I read online the accusations and negative comments that were hurled towards my country and fellow countrymen in their handling of the crisis. Especially so, when these criticisms came from my fellow Malaysians.  Isn’t it for such a time as this that we should be united in love and much prayer for our country?

I used to feel slightly discouraged whenever I was asked where Malaysia is, when I have to explain Malaysia is located north of Singapore or located south of Thailand (depends on which country the person knows. But they always seem to know either one of them but not us).  But now, I felt even worst when people’s response to me is “Oh, Malaysian Airlines…” when they heard Malaysia.  We have become famous for the wrong reason and it saddens me.  But it is when my heart ached the most that I re-affirm how much this country means to me. 

Regardless of where God calls me to be in the future, Malaysia will always be my most beloved country.  I thank the Lord for the land of Malaysia and for making me a citizen of this beautiful land during my brief journey on earth.  A land that I can call my own, to love, cherish and pray for.

2 Chronicles 7:14 : “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”

Even to your old age and gray hairs, I will carry you and sustain you.

~ 26/8/2013 ~

"This is the last place that our Heavenly Father has prepared for them. Where they will be taken care of in their last days before being called home to be with the Lord. That's why we named this place 'My Father's Home'." The Coordinator of the nursing home where my aunt is staying, explained to me. What a testimony! Carrying out the mission of God in taking care of the elderly. 

On a similar note, I heard how the residents of a temporary housing in Iwate keep an eye on the well-being of an old lady who was staying alone. They asked her to open the window curtain every morning when she wakes up. This will be a sign to the other residents that she is in good health that day. If the curtain is not opened, they will call on her to check on her status. That's how they keep watch over her without intruding on her privacy.

From the above, I am reminded of God's promise that He will watch over us and sustain us. As we aged and our loved ones are no longer by our side (either by choice or by circumstances), the Lord is always there for us. He promises that He will never leave us nor forsake us.

God's promise is for everyone. Whether we have accepted Him or not, He continues to send people, both believers and pre-believers, to help us. While waiting for us to accept His gift of love and eternal life, He continues to watch over us and sustain us, to our old age and beyond....

We are valuable to God. Fearfully and wonderfully made, we are greatly loved by Him. Let's not forget that. Let's live that out...everyday....

Isaiah 46: 3~4 - "... you whom I have upheld since you were conceived, and have carried since your birth. Even to your old age and gray hairs I am He, I am He who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you. I will sustain you and I will rescue you."

Thank you for "shouting" to me, Lord.

Are we listening?

~ 24/8/2013 ~

It is interesting to hear testimonies from Christian workers in Japan, how God brought each and every one of them to where they are serving now from various parts of Japan and from overseas. God is at work everywhere and inviting us to join Him. I once read in a book that when God reveals His plan for a certain project/place to us, that is His invitation to join Him. Are we too busy to listen?

Many times God speaks to us in His still small voice. His Spirit is gentle. Though He has laid out the best plan for us, He never forces His Will on us. But there are times we are just "not listening". 

I was not listening. And God "had" to use His servant to "shout" across the auditorium to call me to attention. And the Voice that called "Japan! Japan! Someone here in this congregation, God is calling you to go to Japan." is still ringing clearly in my ears and my heart. The Voice that finally penetrated a hardened heart and ears that were tuned to the frequency of this world.

Dear Lord, Thank you for "shouting" to me, for not giving up on me. When there are signs of impaired hearing and heartbeat that is out of rhythm with Yours, Lord, please do not forget to "shout" to me again and again and again....

Isaiah 55:3: "Give ear and come to me; hear me, that your soul may live...."
Luke 11:28: "Blessed rather are those who hear the Word of God and obey it."

My help comes from the Lord. And He is near......

~17/8/2013~

"I lift up my eyes to the hills. From whence does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth." - Psalm 121: 1~2

During my 3-months' stay in Iwate, I was staying at a coastal town surrounded by mountains. Whether I was driving or taking a leisure walk through the town, I always took my time to admire the beauty of those mountains. As I arrived in April (early spring), the mountains were still in a shade of yellowish green with a tint of red here and there. Everyday, the mountains looked different depending on the angle of the sun shining on them. As the spring slowly approached summer, the leaves gradually took a fresher and thicker green shade daily. What a magnificent view!

The view of these mountains always gave me such comfort and encouragement as I was reminded that the Lord is near, really near. I am not alone in this journey and will never be. The Lord is Almighty and I have nothing to fear.

As Psalm 121 continues with Verse 3~8:
"He will not let your foot be moved, He who keeps you will not slumber.
Behold, He who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.
The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade on your right hand.
The sun shall not smite you by day, nor the moon by night.
The Lord will keep you from all evil, He will keep your life.
The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and for evermore."

~ Let everything that breathes praise the Lord! Praise the Lord! ~

A choice for life or death

~ 16/8/2013 ~

"Let's say you are running for your life knowing that the tsunami is coming from behind. Would you stop and help if you see a stranger in need of your help? Do you have the courage to do so when you know that it's a matter of life and death for your own self as well?" I was asked by a friend. 

To my friend, nobody on this earth is willing to face death to help a total stranger. For those that chose to do so, most probably they did not know exactly how dangerous the situation was. Or they did not have time to think rationally because if they take a second to think of themselves or their family, they would not do so. To him, it is a human instinct to strive for own survival.

I have no honest answer for him as I have no idea how I would react when facing death. I told him I pray if and when I need to face such choices, God will grant me the wisdom, courage and strength to do the right thing. 

But I told him that I know there is one Person that is willing to sacrifice Himself for us all.  The One that is willing to leave His glorious place in Heaven, came down to this earth and went to the Cross to die for our sins and to give us eternal life. Jesus chose to face death to give us life. 

We do not need to come face to face with physical death first before we make a decision for life or death. In fact we should not, as it may be too late by then. We can make a choice for life right now at this moment by accepting Jesus as our Lord and Saviour. A choice for abundant life on this earth and eternal life there after. 

And if there comes a day when we need to choose to face physical death in order to help someone, we can know for sure that we have eternal life waiting for us in the arms of our Lord Jesus.

Romans 5:8
But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 

Tribute to a dear teacher...till we meet again

~4/7/2013 ~

Today is a sad day. 

The passing of a teacher. One of the very few teachers that really left an impact in my life. Remember his stern look (but with a hint of a grin at the corner of his lips). Remember his bold and decisive writing, always in capital letters. Remember his effective way in teaching us English. Remember his "not-so-good" drawing when he taught us Lukisan (grin). Remember how he crossed with red ink when he corrected our homework (that image still makes me check my writing at least twice before finalising my work). Remember how he still cared about my English, years after he was no longer my English teacher. Remember how he used to call me "Your Majesty" when there were just two of us. Remember how he tolerated my rebellious attitude (yes, I was once a rebellious girl or am I still one?). 

Remember........ Yes, there were many many fond memories of being with you, my dear Sir. My heartfelt thanks to you for making a difference in my life. Have I ever told you you are my favourite teacher? I guess I have not. But I will do so when I see you in heaven. Till then. Rest in peace and love in the arms of our good Lord Jesus. To my dear Sir, Mr Arthur Henry Row.

You guys must be very rich......

~10/6/2013~

I was chatting with this old gentleman at one of the temporary housings. And suddenly, he said this to me, "You guys who came here as volunteers must be very rich. You must have tons of money. That is why you can afford to stop working and come all the way here to help us." He continued, "Even if I want to do the same thing, I cannot afford to do so. No matter how much I would like to serve as a gratitude for all the assistance that I have received so far, I just don't have the money to do it."

I was caught by surprise with such statements. I never for once thought there could be such view on volunteers. This is entirely opposite from my thinking. In my opinion, those that choose volunteering and social works are normally "not that well-to-do" as they would not be receiving too high a pay. What drive them on is their passion for the course of the work and the satisfaction that come from doing the work itself.

But this provides a good opportunity for me to share God's love with him. I told him that I am not rich at all and I came with financial supports from my Christian friends. That the churches back home are concerned about the well-being of the people in these tsunami-hit areas. That every one in the church can play an important role in helping regardless of whether they are rich or not. That those that can go will go, those that can afford to give will give, and those that cannot go or give, they can pray. In fact, all can pray. That we do all these because of God's love. Love that we have received abundantly from God and which we want to share with them. That God loves them too. That our God is big enough to provide all the love and all we need.

I thank God for the opportunity to share this with him. I pray that this will give him some food for thoughts, deeper thoughts that will lead him to seek the GOD that LOVES and PROVIDES for all.

God is at work

Do your best and let God do the rest

~ 6/6/2013 ~

“Recently, our church had a baptism for three men of 60+ years old. One fine day some time ago, they just walked into our church by themselves when we were having our Sunday worship.” A sister of a nearby church told us excitedly.

We were all over-joyed and deeply encouraged to hear this testimony. People walking into a church by themselves here are rare and unheard of, especially men over 60 years old. They normally go to “pachinko” or drinking places, not to church.

Evangelism is difficult here and some of us at times wonder whether we are doing the right thing being here. But God confirm and renew our conviction by showing us how He is at work and in total control here.

Not be taken away from me again....

~ 14/5/2013 ~

"Thanks. Didn't we look good in this photo?", an old lady said excitedly to me when I gave her a photo of us which was taken some time ago. She looked at it appreciatively. Then she started to take out some photos from her handbag to show me. There were photos of her when she was young. Photos of her children when they were young and when they got married. And also photos of her granddaughter now. All the photos are kept in plastic transparent holders and wrapped in plastic bags. 

I was surprised at why she was carrying all these photos in her bag with her all the time. Normally, we keep these at home in photo albums or in our notebook if digital.  Then suddenly it dawned on me. This lady has survived a terrible tsunami that has swept almost everything from her house. Almost all her precious belongings together with the precious memories that came with it were gone in a split of a second. She must have suffered such terrible losses. 

And who knows, another tsunami may strike again. She may need to run for her life again...and this time, she just wants to make sure all things precious to her are with her, that they would not be taken away from her again....