Church Camp 2009 - Additional Photos

Another sampling of our church camp photos. I think the girls really enjoyed themselves!

Birthday Journal - August 10th

The whole nation celebrated my birthday in a sense when they were given a day off (public holiday). My girls and I went to visit Jul's grave in the morning.

This was followed with a small family gathering with some of our extended family members at William & Rachel's new place!

We celebrated four birthdays in one! Tony's, Jessie's, Miranda's and mine's. All our birthdays fall in the month of August. What joy to thank God for another year of health and blessings!

To borrow the words of Keith & Kristyn Getty's song, "May the Peace of God (Benediction)", I want to give my profound thanks to Him who made and saved us:

May the peace of God our heavenly Father

And the grace of Christ the risen Son

And the fellowship of God the Spirit

Keep our hearts and minds within His love.

And to Him be praise for His glorious reign

From the depths of the the earth to the heights of heaven

We declare the name of the Lamb once slain

Christ eternal the King of kings.

May the peace whic passes understanding

And this grace which makes us what we are

And this fellowship of His communion

Makes us one in spirit and in heart.

(c) 2005 Thankyou Music

There is a hope by Stuart Townend

I have been again blessed - now by the lyrics of a recent hymn written by the modern British hymn writer, Stuart Townend. I found the lyrics both spiritually and theologically rich. Here they are:

THERE IS A HOPE
by Stuart Townend and Mark Edwards
Copyright (c) 2007 Thankyou Music.

There is a hope that burns within my heart,
That gives me strength for ev'ry passing day;
a glimpse of glory now revealed in meager part,
Yet drives all doubt away:
I stand in Christ, with sins forgiv'n;
and Christ in me, the hope of heav'n!
My highest calling and my deepest joy,
to make His will my home.

There is a hope that lifts my weary head,
A consolation strong against despair,
That when the world has plunged me in its deepest pit,
I find the Savior there!
Through present sufferings, future's fear,
He whispers, "Courage!" in my ear.
For I am safe in everlasting arms,
And they will lead me home.

There is a hope that stands the test of time,
That lifts my eyes beyond the beckoning grave,
To see the matchless beauty of a day divine
When I behold His face!
When sufferings cease and sorrows die,
and every longing satisfied,
then joy unspeakable
will flood my soul,
For I am truly home.

May my life be always defined by a hope that is rooted firmly in the truth of Your glorious resurrection. May my current sufferings remind me that though I am in this world, I am called by You to embody a vision of life as You would have it. May I always look ahead, knowing that by Your grace alone, You will indeed lead me safely home.

Here's the link if you want to hear & watch it on youtube - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qyMWBx6vvJo

Zion Church Camp 2009

As promised, here are the camp photos (selected ones only!)

Miranda, the turtle?

Miranda rehearshing her steps for talent night

Talent night...

Melissa...

Me... in jest!

The discussion group I was in...

Was trying to take a shot but got shot instead!

Dr Chris Gnanakan expositing from the Book of Haggai

Workshop on Creation Care

More from Dr Gnanakan...

The children's group had a separate programme

All adult campers posing for the memories

Melissa wearing the jester hat!

Still, my soul be still

Heard this new song by Keith & Kristyn Getty. I found the lyrics meaningful and the song ministered to me. I hope it would minister to you, those of you who are going through trials, temptations or suffering in your life.

You can listen to a portion of it here: http://www.gettymusic.com/usa/lyrics.asp?id=174

Still, my soul be still
And do not fear
Though winds of change may rage tomorrow
God is at your side
No longer dread
The fires of unexpected sorrow

God, You are my God
And I will trust in You and not be shaken
Lord of peace renew
A steadfast spirit within me
To rest in You alone

Still, my soul be still
Do not be moved
By lesser lights and fleeting shadows
Hold onto His ways
With shield of faith
Against temptations flaming arrows

Still, my soul be still
Do not forsake
The Truth you learned in the beginning
Wait upon the Lord
And hope will rise As stars appear when day is dimming

Death does not have the final word - life does

Just this 22nd, Elder Chou Choon King went to be with the Lord. Despite his infirmities, Elder Chou was a man who care deeply for others. Many have testified to that from the number who came up to give him the tributes. Each time I met him in church, he would never fail to enquire about my family and I. He was genuinely concerned for Juliana's health. I remembered him calling up and talking with me on the phone when Juliana was called home. Among the many things he said for which I was straining to make out, he apologised for not being able to come and visit me and said he'll pray for the comfort of God to be on me. That touched me deeply for one who himself is coping with his own illnesses. Well, I'm glad that Elder Chou is now free from all ills and sufferings and is enjoying eternal peace with God!

This just reminded me again on what Sittser said in one of his chapters: "...we live in the present, which is often full of sorrow and pain. Suffering engenders a certain degree of ambivalence in those of us who believe in the resurrection. We feel the pain of our present circumstances, which reminds us of what we have lost; yet we hope for future release and victory. We doubt, yet try to believe; we suffer, yet long for real healing; we inch hesitantly toward death, yet see death as the door to resurrection. ...We are creatures made of dust; yet we know we were made for something more. A sense of eternity resides in our hearts. Living with this ambivalence is both difficult and vital. It stretches our souls, challenging us to acknowledge our mortality and yet to continue to hope for final victory -- the victory Jesus won for us in His death and resurrection, a victory that awaits us only on the other side of the grave."

Like Sittser, my soul increases its capacity for hope as well as for sadness. I end up believing with greater depth and joy than I had before, even in my sorrow!

More on Bill Stuntz...

For those who would like to read what else did Bill Stuntz say, here is the rest of his sermon. Bill is not writing academically here although he's a Harvard law professor. He writes from the depths of his heart. Read on, and you'll know that he has been through much suffering himself! Here's the link: http://intervarsity.org/gfm/resource/three-lessons-on-suffering I do hope it will minister to those who are suffering.