We said good-bye to winter wonderland, snow, its minus 30+ degree Celsius weather, and most of all, our dear spiritual family members and numerous friends. As we now “thaw” on sunny island, relaxing and enjoying more modern environment, more comfort, more friends, more and more and more of the supposedly “good” things in life; somehow, somewhat, somewhere deep in my heart, I know I don’t really belong here.
Some might think I am crazy, but I do miss the winter wonderland. Despite its cold and frozen weather, despite its spiritual tension, despite its “stiff” and “numb” working environment, I miss being there! Cos it was there, I grew spiritually whilst serving our Almighty God. It was there, His Word came alive. It was there, I witnessed the wonderful work of saving grace of Jesus upon the lost. It was there, lives change into His image.
This sunny island is progressing and bustling each day. Spectacular skyline. Superlatives. Sophistication. … Souls! Lost souls. I look around, observing the busy thoroughfare, the heavy burden, the demands of daily life … oh, how I wish, people know The Way, The Truth, The Life! … Not mere knowledge, but a total dependence!
As we “thaw” and enjoy the warm love of family and friends on this sunny island, it is my prayer that I don’t get sloppy spiritually, and that I will continue to rejoice, worship, serve and love God wherever I am, even in this sophisticated, “sleepless”, “secured” and “Shiok” city, cos I know He is with me always! May He continue to show Himself strong. May we redeem the time, make His name known and witness His goodness and mercy, each day.
thaw
verb
1. To change from a frozen solid to a liquid by gradual warming.
2. To lose stiffness, numbness, or impermeability by being warmed
3. To become warm enough for snow and ice to melt.
4. To become less formal, aloof, or reserved.
noun.
1. The process of thawing.
2. A period of warm weather during which ice and snow melt.
3. A relaxation of reserve, restraints, or tensions.
Positioning to live within a community – Tim is a tentmaker. For prudent reasons, we cannot divulge his real name or citizenship. He did not go to another country but had to make a cross cultural leap within his own country.
Tim has had a growing burden for the majority people group in his country. In this country, it is against the law for this mainstream people group to… Read More....
A few weeks ago, a co-worker of mine who is married to a Korean Christian worker told me something interesting. She said “Korean missionaries unite around the Gospel but we bring our differences to the mission field and fight over them!”
Koreans are basically a strong militant race. They do not shun a fight. The Korean Christian population is also clearly divided into conservative Presbyterians and exuberant Charismatics. In… Read More.... | 1 Comment
Going back to the Philippines for winter break is something I truly looked forward to. After a not so normal Christmas and New Year/birthday celebration in China, I was more than ready to hibernate and enjoy the sun in my home country alone. But as usual, plans change every minute. As Hudson Taylor said, “ Man proposes, God disposes.” Being at the center of His will though is still the… Read More.... | 1 Comment
My brethren, may you be fully recharge and raring to go once again and run the race to win the coveted prize that our dear Lord have placed before us. I’m sure you can do it, not just do it. We definitely are many, many, many, many times better than nike.