Grow and Change in FAITH

Campus Alive has always kept my campus life alive. I never regretted for being His servant. In fact, I made a promise, to serve Him forever. (Long story, even before I came to INTEC)

I first heard of Campus Alive during the Minggu Mesra Siswa from my seniors. I couldn’t really recall my first impression to CA.

What kept me going is not so much of the place, or the food, or the people, or the music, or because everything was so new to me, but just the right feeling – the sense of belonging, the comfort that a family could give.

I tried to give my best in serving. I would get frustrated over the small mistakes that I made when I served in praise and worship team, or in Campus Revolution, or in driving because all my skills and talents are not what I deserved, but what I owed God when He gave them to me for free. He could’ve made me a lesser man, but now here I stood, a complete soul, so I always ask for God’s favor to teach me how to utilize what he has given me, even my weaknesses. He humbled me.

What I learned the most from CA is that when God has chosen you, it means you and no one else. Whenever I’m at the brink of giving up, whether it’s in academics, at a tough crossroads, in relationship problems, or any challenges, I will always be reminded of this – why did God put me in that situation in the first place? I was first an activist in voluntary work before He put me in Mission Ministry. But it was not always something that you’re already equipped with. I never really read bible before God put me as the leader for Campus Revolution.

When God chooses you, He said, “Go and I will show”.

During the Torch Run Session on the last CA, I wrote my story and put it in a box, together with others. I remembered this line the most – “Even the darkest darkness cannot put off a single light source.” A light is meant to light up a dark place. I caught this and began living out my principles, even if sometimes I felt like I am the only one. People observe what Christians are doing. Ask my roommates and they’ll tell you that I rarely sleep. As most of my friends have more than enough time to finish their work, I would spend my weekends in church, in volunteering, or in people’s ministry. What kept me going is just the satisfaction of giving. People often ask me, why would I make my life so hard? Well, Jesus didn’t complain that it was hard when He died for me on the cross.

After the Jubilee Torch Run, we were asked to write down things that we couldn’t stand and ways we are going to deal with them. I always have issues with discipline. The guards hated me for that and I can’t stand some of the INTEC rules. Although I was self-righteous about that, I chose to change myself for God, because I’m holding a banner under His name. It would not be fast, but I choose to follow what Jesus would do.

I’m a changed man. I will keep changing to be better, for Christ.

Jasson Shin

Passing the Baton

Nearly two years ago, I stepped into INTEC, as a teenager and a stranger. Little did I know what I would discover there, and how much I would change. The truth is, I was not merely changed.

Yet, I was transformed.

I found myself a second home in Campus Alive, not because of the place itself (delicious Chinese food can be found here), but mainly because of the people and the spirit of unity. Above all, I found God. So real. So good. Two years passed in a blink of eyes. From a member, to a committee member, and to an ex-committee member, I see CA grow and change in its own unique ways. As generations after generations lead and impact CA, I believe CA will grow into a powerful tool for God to reach out to people, in love and in spirit.

Attending the last CA meeting was both an enjoyable and ambivalent thing to do. I would say the last CA went on quite smoothly, with a very energetic praise and worship session together with some special performances and a video presentation. It was indeed, touching to see how people change or are changed through Campus Alive. The last meeting was brought to a greater height with the Jubilee Torch Run conducted by FES Malaysia. Listening to how the torch has been passed and will be passed reminds me of how the “leading torch” is passed from one generation to another. It’s really heartwarming to see how God brings changes to people through people. Reading the different stories from different colleges is like tasting the delicious local food from the different states in Malaysia; you never get enough. And contributing our own stories to the story-containing box is yet another experience. I believe the stories, or rather, the facts and the histories, will bring changes to the people who read them, and they will then continue the stories left untold. And I pray that it goes on and on like a wildfire.

Receiving gifts from the juniors is a joyful thing to do. Who doesn’t like presents? Each of us was given a photo frame with a photo of all the committee members from our batch. The frame will definitely remain standing on my study desk until the day I go home. Although feeling sad that my journey in CA has come to an end, I know that God has a greater journey planned for us in the near future.

Be it trough or crest that we will be going through, His love and His blessings will always be enough.

This faith that I have, will forever be my guide and the light on my path. Glory be to God on high. Amen.

Sing Kiet

Searching for God in Japan

Hey guys. I just wanna share something that happened to me recently and I believe our Lord Jesus had worked in me. =D It was on friday after got back from my class, I somehow had this feeling that i should go for a ride around my place. So I took my bike and ride along the road. While enjoying my sightseeing, a voice told my heart: “let’s find a church”. At that moment I knew it was Jesus who told me. It was my first time riding around the town alone and I took the challenge to find the church on my own. After 20minutes, I came across a beautiful church. It was an old church built of wood having an old-fashioned design.

 

               So I attended the mass on Sunday. It was really good despite the fact that they used Japanese for the entire mass. I was quite shocked when I first entered the church. Everyone including the ALTAR BOY is ‘aged’. It wouldn’t sound nice if I said they’re old. The mums are like 3 or 4 today and I was the only ‘teenager’ there. The ONLY ONE! Well, it was kinda awkward at first, but Lord Jesus had sent the Holy Spirit upon me to continue praying despite my awkward thinking. God sent people to places for His reasons. He has a plan.

 

               There was this father who had just been transfered to this church a week ago. To my dismay, I got to know that he is from Indonesia and he can speak both Japanese and English very well. I was really glad for meeting him, in case if I’m lost, I can just refer to him. Praise God for this.

 

So people, let us not give up on the Lord in any situation.

 

Keep the faith and He’ll truly guide you through.

 

 I have been praying to God that I may find a church in Japan and look, He answered my prayers and He even sent someone there to guide me through everything in Japan, especially in my spiritual walk with Him. Praise the Lord! Keep the faith! =DD

 

Kenneth

God’s Word- Standing on and under the Word

“Grant us a safe journey, Lord,” I prayed in my heart.

It was a privilege and a cherished experience to be behind the wheel of CA’s infamous sports car for the first time this week. Though the boys from Cendana were late due to several complications on the way, I was grateful to God for our arriving in one piece – figuratively, of course.

Having gobbled down our dinner, we made it to New Life in time to witness the final moments of the icebreaker session.  I was immediately drawn by the cheers and laughter that filled the hall. Forgive my ignorance, for I had no idea what the game was about; it just seemed to be a Pictionary-like game in which three groups scrambled to be the quickest to answer correctly. Nevertheless, I smiled as I watched fellow CA members enthusiastically battling it out with their incessant guessing, one of which was “Adele”.

Campus Alive that evening proceeded with a wonderful session of worship followed by the usual announcements. Next was the message by our guest speaker, Pastor Sam Ong. He commenced with a brief yet humorous introduction, before posing this question:

“What is the Bible to you?” (May not be verbatim, but that’s the gist of it.)

Initially, I thought it was a rhetorical question, but I soon found out that Pastor Ong expected answers.   As I recall, someone said that the Bible is a manual, while someone else believed that it is a collection of God’s plans for us. Pastor Ong then explained how our conceptions of the Bible dictate the way in which we read it, and so it’s important for us to have the right attitude toward the Bible. He referred us to 2 Timothy 3:16-17.

“All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching the truth, rebuking error, correcting faults, and giving instruction for right living.” 2 Timothy 3:16 (GNTD)

Pastor Ong’s message that day was indeed an eye-opener. I learned that having the proper mindset when reading the Bible will make Scripture more meaningful to me.

After all, the Bible that I read on a daily basis contains the invaluable words “breathed out” by the mighty God Himself.

As usual, CA ended with refreshments. Kudos to the refreshments team for preparing the scrumptious curry rolls to top up the evening. After some chitchat with one another, we journeyed back to our respective hostels for a good night’s rest after yet another fulfilling fellowship in CA.

-Ernest

 

Standing On The Word

Hi, all! For the first time I was given the opportunity to write in our CA blog, feeling blessed but also in mixed feelings – it’s always a challenge for me to describe my thoughts and feelings clearly.   May God grant me wisdom, honesty and love.

Thank God that last CA was another amazing one. For this time, I was invited to serve as an usher. Arriving early, I came with some papers in my bag (academic work to-do), besides bible, as I began to feel worry about the upcoming A-level trials which is in the end of February. Yet, I believe that God will remove my worries when I get together with all the brothers and sisters. Recently, I just realized the importance of true fellowship.

Being able to be closer to each other, bringing relationships to the next level.

I realized that it is by supporting each other that the relationship will be strengthened. Brothers and sisters, share out your problems or struggles, if you do, and of course, always pray to God, and the Word of God will truly guide us and show us the right path.

As it is written in Phillippians 4:6-7, God reminded each and everyone of us: ‘Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Trustworthy is an important element in a person whom you will share it. To ourselves, be a trustworthy person, let the love of our Lord grow in us, so that we can really support each other, in prayers, in lending your ears, could be just simple as that.

Well, let’s come back to the topic. Initially, to some of them (our dear student drivers and other committee members), it might be discouraging when one look at the number of people just below our expectation. As for me, yes, number does matter as we always aim for a big gathering especially with non-Christian friends joining—to know God thru CA family and events. But, brothers and sisters, I always think that challenge that what we see with physical eyes is not what it really is. To see beyond, we need to ask God to open our spiritual eyes.  And also, time to remind ourselves, are we ready to be agent of God’s love for His people-regardless of physical appearance, race, and faith? In CA and everywhere else, we should be carrier of God’s love, right? I ask God to pardon my sin when I always find myself fall short of His glory—not giving of my best to the Master. Brothers and sisters, let us help one another, to grow to be a better follower of Christ. Read his words diligently, pray for a deeper understanding, and an open heart, and let his words alive in us.

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind…” the first song in the worship again reminded me, or rather, prompted me with this question: ‘Have I loved the Lord with all my heart, soul, mind, ALL?  There is a small cardboard/banner laid in front of the stage—with the words written: Love God, Love People. Being judge mental is one weakness in myself which I have always been asking God to remove it, because that’s part of reason I find it hard to get along with people. I came to realise that I am sinful and imperfect, yet God still loves me. Well, with that, I think the same I should have done and continue doing to others right? In fact, I asked all brothers and sisters to come back to the basic- love. And let it be pure and simple, without selfish ambitions.

That night itself, Mr Phua delivered the message and shared some inspiring testimonies which I believe, it has spoken to hearts of many. He came to speak about Daniel, a man of good example on standing on God’s words. He challenged us to read the book of Daniel. Daniel, as described, was a man of purpose, a man of principle, a man of perseverance, a man of prayer. Mr Phua also shared the testimonies when he visits prisoners in jail, regularly. When one comes to know and accept God, miracles happen. A life was transformed into a new being, in Jesus Christ. Praise the Lord, God of Almighty. One more thing we can learn from the speaker is his willingness to serve the Lord even he is 66yrs old. I hope that young people including to myself, will be able to serve to the Lord from now on, until the day we’re called to meet Him.

Commitment has no age limit.

Shine on! Light of the world. We are His followers.

Emmanuel.

Shu Ying

A Love Story

Prologue: I was asked to do a write up on the last CA meeting of 2010 (yes, last year was also me! But it was somehow not posted, haha~), so basically I did one blog post the day I started as a CA leader. One year later, I was asked to do the same. And Beatrice suggested, “Why not do a reflection of the past 1.5 years? What had you learnt in both as CA leader and INTEC as a whole? What is God doing in your life?” So yeah, this came out. I try to merge all experiences of an ordinary INTEC student’s life and the extraordinary encounters of a CA leader into one song, and so maybe some scenes are fictional. But allow me to journey you through the ups and downs of this amazing phase of life. So here goes…

 

We were all young when I first saw them
I close my eyes
And the flashback starts
I walked in there
In an Atmosphere of smart alecks

“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55: 8-9)

The flashback naturally started, and my very first CA meeting surfaced in my memories. Oh, I sure can recall that night very much! The people, the food, and the atmosphere in the Atmosphere. The seniors were performing a skit, and it’s about this guy who finds no friends in INTEC, yet in CA he has a family. Yes, a family is very much what we all need when we step foot in this foreign land, especially for those who came all the way from East Malaysia. I hope that you Juniors felt this way too when you first walked amongst us. And I hope the many generations of Juniors to come will always feel that warmth too. As for myself, I dreaded coming to INTEC. Those who knew me well these 1.5 years will know that I missed INTI so much! I had fun there, was just chosen to be part of the INTI Christian Fellowship (ICF) committee, and life was just about to get even more interesting when I received my JPA offer. I was like: “INTEC? Where on earth is that?” Friends were giving all kinds of rumours, wishing me luck coping with a completely Malay culture with very bad food. Really, at that moment, I would die to reject the very offer so many people would “die” for. I asked God, “Why!? Now what!?” That’s all I could ask. I’m not even sure what to ask for…

See the lights
See the party disco ball
The ushers make their way through the crowd
And say hello, oh I wished I knew

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart. (Jeremiah 29: 11-13)

We try to figure out God’s mind, cracking up our brains to guess what may be in store. But God made it crystal clear that He has plans, as what was stated in the Scriptures above. Too often we use this segment out of context, and we forgot that God also say that we will find Him when we seek Him with all our heart. In those relatively devastating moments of my life, I guess I just have to submit. Through ICF, I met Huey Huey, who over time I realized were good friends of Jan and Grace. So in 2 separate events organized by ICF, I met Jan, Jien Lee, Philip, and a few more INTEC seniors. This gave me something to look forward to, because though adventurous I may be, fear of the unknown still grips the curious heart. They were in a sense the very first ushers of both CA and INTEC. We become ushers of God’s Kingdom when we stretch out those hands of love! So when I walked into the Atmosphere filled with scholars of all kinds, I kind of asked God again, “Why? Now what?” But this time the tone and attitude was different. During my childhood, I was trained through a church program called Royal Rangers to be “Ready for Anything”, but who can be ready when our God is just not a tame and boring God? Oh I really wished I knew what was coming…

That this is CA, they were children of God
And my buddies said stay away idiots
And I was crying in my exams
Begging it “Let me go!”, and I prayed

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline. (Proverbs 1: 7)

Very quickly we were entangled with assignments and examinations which basically took up all free time for entertainment and relaxation. And here comes the struggle once in a while we all face. “I want to go to CA, but I got a test coming up on Friday, and 3 more reports due this week! How? Haiz…” Well, my friends never objected me coming to CA, but we know all too often when Christian youths leave home, enter college, or started working, we backslide. I didn’t want to be like that. We all don’t want to be like that. Claim all we want, but how sure are we? It’s only when circumstances piles up against us that we are put to trial. Well, I learnt that when it comes to dilemmas like this, we should always remember what our main priority is. We were created for God’s glory (Isaiah 43: 6b-7), and as students, we give glory to God by excelling in our studies. Yes, keep the core, mainly going to church, daily quiet time, prayer, reading the Bible, and personal time of worship. Of course try to engage as much as possible in camps, seminars, activities, etc. to equip yourself for the work of the Kingdom. But do not equate any of these with God. He should be our one and only focus. So if going to CA is too taxing on your studies, no worries, take a break! Talk to your leaders to examine what went wrong (This once again points out the importance of having mature and godly people that more than eager surround you with wise counsel). Realign your self-management. But trust me, put God first, and He will put you first…

“Dear Father take me somewhere we can be alone
I am waiting for someone to let me breathe
You’ll be my Guide and I’ll gladly follow
It’s a love story Jesus please say ‘Yes!’ ”

“But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” (Matthew 6: 6)

Growing up ain’t easy, increasing responsibility, rising expectations, unforgiving odds, and much more. Jesus grew up and went through all of that too. He may not have studied in college, but his life was not any easier. It must be a so agonizing to know that your mission is to die. It’s not like you go into a battle, and if you are lucky you come out alive, maybe a few scratches here and there; if not so fortunate a broken limb or two, and worst case scenario a paralyzed body. Hello, people! Jesus fought a huge part of the spiritual warfare here, and a major victory can be stamped in history IF AND ONLY IF He was pronounced dead (of course He needs to resurrect, and fortunate for all of us, He did). How did He manage to remain sane knowing what was to come? The Bible tells us that He was not alone, because He always find time to be alone with the Father (Google “and Jesus prayed”, read up on how, when, where, and why Jesus prayed). It was during those silent moments between all the hectic ministries when He gets to catch His breath. If Jesus needs that, what makes us different? Don’t get me wrong here, Jesus did pray aloud and in groups sometimes, but what I’m trying to say here is why not amidst our classes, go to a secluded corner in the library to pray? God made communicating with Him so much easier when He tore the temple veil, but yet we are hesitant to just basked ourselves in His light. So instead of rushing to write your name and ID on your next exam cover page, let me suggest shutting your eyes…

So I picked up the phone when Jien Lee called
We kept quiet ’cause we’re dead if we chose wrong
I close my eyes
Escape this truth for a little while

He urged them to plead for mercy from the God of heaven concerning this mystery, so that he and his friends might not be executed with the rest of the wise men of Babylon. (Daniel 2: 18)

Be careful what you ask God for, because you may never be able to turn back! Daniel’s request was simple, for God to reveal to him the dreams of King Nebuchadnezzar, so that he and his friends will not be literally “dead” like all the wise men who failed to interpret it. Another remarkable young man did not think much when he asked to be freed from jail as he was wrongly accused, a logical and fair request too. It was not recorded that he prayed, but in imprisonment I think that would most probably be his plea to God. (Genesis 40: 14-15, 23)  May it be few days or 2 years, what a great surprise it must have been for them when God finally played his next step of chess! 2 things to talk about over here. First, I believe most of us will at least “consult” God regarding major decisions of our lives, but what happens when someone comes to us for consultation? Do we jump into straight into bombarding our friends with load of advices? We may be a blind person leading another blind to their death, just because of an impulsive suggestion that led to a poorly-made decision. Secondly, I was in INTI for a short 6 months, and I always wonder why did God allowed me to go there. What was his idea of doing so? God put me in the ICF committee for 2 months, and then took me away, put me in INTEC. Did I learnt or achieved whatever lesson or purpose God intended for me? I thought maybe these 1.5 years will be a quieter one for me. So I prayed that I will be given chance to serve God anywhere He would put me, with no personal ambitions of high positions or dreams of exhilarating adrenaline rush. Hmn, what a prayer, and what a phone call from Jien Lee…

‘Cause he said “Lead CA”, I was a JPA scholar
And my parents said stay away from distractions
But this is everything to me
I was begging him “Give me time…”, and I prayed

“These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.” (Deuteronomy 6: 6-9)

There are two Bible verses that I had considered putting here, the other one being John 21: 17 which will appear down there later. I finally settled for this over here, let me explain why. Jesus told Peter to “Feed my lambs”, Take care of my sheep”, and “Feed my sheep”. Peter was a seasoned fisherman, but “fishers of men” may sound like E=mc² to him. That pretty much sounded like “Lead CA”, and although being involve with so many leadership roles previously, leading a Christian group was completely uncharted waters for me. Stakes were high, as some will worry. Shouldering this responsibility means stepping out of comfort zones and putting myself under unnecessary spotlight or more pressure. But the most “intimidating” task was to do what the Scriptures above say, which is to help the “sheep” in CA grow spiritually (not to mention that the committee will have to grow even faster, haha~). No, my parents were not against it, but nevertheless I have no idea if I was ready. Junior committee, did you felt the same? But there is one very comforting and reassuring truth, God don’t always call the qualified, He qualifies the called! Just look at Abraham, the father of faith. There were times he had to lie to Pharaoh to keep his head, but God didn’t want him to use his own secular shrewdness to go about life. To be the father of many nations, Abraham needed to set an example for generations to come. And so through many hardships, God slowly moulded Abram to live up to his new name, Abraham. Think of life as a role-playing video game. Every new obstacle you overcome, a new skill is unlocked, preparing you for the next mission…

“Dear Father is this somewhere You want me to be
I’ll be willing all there’s left to do is go
You’ll be my King and I’ll gladly obey
It’s a love story Jesus please say ‘Yes!’ ”

So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the Lord came upon David in power. (1 Samuel 16: 13)

In the course of time, David inquired of the Lord. “Shall I go up to one of the towns of Judah?” he asked. The Lord said, “Go up.” David asked, “Where shall I go?” “To Hebron,” the Lord answered. (2 Samuel 2: 1)

It took approximately 15 chapters from his anointing until his coronation, all the while knowing that he is king sooner or later but constantly living under the pursuit of King Saul. Yet, when finally King Saul was killed in action, David did not immediately summon up his loyal followers and crown himself king. He knows that no king on earth stands tall without the supreme authority given from the King above. He is also not sure whether the Israelites were ready to welcome him. His was a well-known warrior, but there was not yet any heartfelt connection between the people. Thus he begins his leadership by example, by asking God where He wants him to be. I have to admit, I can’t remember what happened during my entire Sem 1 CA gatherings! When the senior committee introduced each of us junior committee during our first meeting, that was the first time I saw most of them, and definitely the first time I saw Shu Yoong (speaking of David meeting Jonathan only after he killed Goliath). We were super blur on what to do, we had no sense of directions, and we our hometowns are way apart for any possible face-to-face discussions with either Beatrice or Joash (our first few meetings were redundant Skype calls during the holidays). Seriously, the only thing we can do is ask God whether this or that is the course He wants us to go, and pray that the committee will be one in spirit. In Sem 1, CA and I was obviously a Me & Them relationship…

“Dear Father save me, they try to tell me what to do
This love is difficult, but it’s REAL”
“Don’t be afraid, I’ll lift you out of this mess”
It’s a love story Jesus did say “Yes!”
Oh oh

The third time He said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.” (John 21: 17)

I initially wanted to put this Bible verse at the “Lead CA” paragraph, but after some thought it fits this context more. I had also thought of putting Deuteronomy 6: 6-9 here too, because just right before that, in verse 5, God said, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.” Ah, a real love, a REAL-ly DIFFICULT love, isn’t it? But let’s focus with Jesus and Peter over here. Peter really loved Jesus. And you know why it’s a difficult love? Because you love an “internationally-wanted, high-profile terrorist cum criminal”! Jesus warned that the world will hate you because of Him, and note that all 4 Gospels have this reminder (Matthew 10: 21-22, Mark 13: 12-13, Luke 21: 16-19, John 15: 18-25). In Sem 2, Shu Yoong will always say, “Gosh! I don’t know what to do!” And it’s true. We just came back from the R.I.U.T. National Conference, ideas were flooding our minds, everybody from inside and outside was giving suggestions on what we can do. But friends (especially our junior committee), there are many things to be done for the expansion of the Kingdom, but not everything should be done by us! We have to focus on what God wants us to do! (1 Kings 8: 17-19, Acts 6: 1-7, and I strongly recommend studying the entire book of Nehemiah to see how he served in his assigned ministry) Yes, be concerned of what others are doing, so that you can catch a glimpse of the big picture of God’s hands at work, but don’t get carried away. So as the committee quieted down in the chaos to listen to God’s orders for us, we got closer to each other, we trusted each other, we reaffirmed each other. God ministered to us, and we to our “sheep”. It’s now Me & You…

 I got tired of struggling
Wondering if He was ever hearing me out
My faith in Him was fading
When I met Him at the foot of His cross, and I prayed

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me, Your rod and staff, they comfort me. (Psalms 23: 4)

Psalms 23, a beautiful passage, reminding us that our concerns and well-being are in the Shepherd’s hand, and there is no cause for alarm. Christ the Good Shepherd was always there for us. He prepares a feast for us in the presence of our enemies, and goodness will follow us forever, as long as we are willing to dwell in His house. But you see, as Beatrice once told me, sometimes we have all these knowledge about God, but it stays in the brain. And when problems arise, when tremendous waves came crashing down, we get anxious and struggle because we think that our prayers go unheard, and slowly the faith that once held on so strongly started to fade away. No, dear brothers and sisters, merely knowing God is not enough. We need to meet Him, taste Him (Psalms 34: 8), experience Him, encounter Him. Allow Him to take us deeper in love with Him, deeper to the depths of our hearts. God isn’t looking for scholars to debate on tough theological issues to prove that they walk with God (the Pharisees and Sadducees were experts in this arena), but He is looking for people who will humbly and simply surrender to Him (Mark 10: 14-15). Those who went for the tour on Logos Hope, you remember that the captain never steer the helm? Someone else does it, but the captain gives instructions on where to go. God trusted us with our lives, He trusted the committee with the CA ship and all the crew onboard, but it’s not our CA, it’s His! He never expected us to scramble around looking for directions; all He asked for is to obediently wait upon Him, and be at peace. Let Him show us wonders, let Him take us on His magical carpet ride (imagine God as Aladdin singing “A Whole New World” and we as Jasmine, LOL~). Be filled with awe no matter at His cross, His throne, His house, or His battlefield…

“Dear Father save me I’ve been feeling so alone
I keep waiting for You but You never come
Is this in my head? I don’t know what to think”
He knelt to the ground and stretched out His arms

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1: 9)

Finally it was Sem 3. AUSMATians were buzzing around with their trials and finals, ALMers start to feel the heat of pounding stress, ADFPians are full fledge ACTP freshman year degree students, seniors had all left us, Beatrice was busy and she couldn’t make it to our 2^nd committee retreat. We were alone! But we were one. Oh yeah, I can say that again. We were one! It’s no longer  Me & Them, it’s no longer Me & You, it was Us. One for all, all for one. You saw it in the video I made, “A Tribute to The CA 2011 Committee~”. I thank God for the wonderful bonds of friendship that He had blessed us with. And it is also such communion we should long to have with our Best Friend. The toughest time I can remember the committee endured together in Sem 3 was that 5 mind-boggling hours of meeting to decide who shall be our “successors”, plus all the intentional hanging out for meals to dig into the juniors darkest secrets. We cracked our heads to analyze each character; we were shifting people here and there to ensure that the dynamics of the committee will be functional. It really seemed like we kept waiting but God “never came”. Who said so? If we were like King Saul who went ahead to offer the sacrifice, God will definitely be unpleased. Maybe He just wanted to wait until we are in the midst of despair and frustration, when all earthly means have been dealt out, only then He comes over, kneel down, stretch His arms, and say, “Come!” Imagine that joy when our eyes lit up upon hearing His call. I guess we all had that experience before. After school or tuition, we chatted and laughed with friends, and one by one their parents came to pick them up. The numbers dwindled, 100, 50, 25, 10, 5, 3, 2… Then you were alone. You sat at the stairway throwing pebbles (like Romeo, LOL~), chased the cat or dog that occasionally came by, smiled at the passing cleaner or stranger, finally began mumbling to yourself. The sky was growing dark, and a flock of birds flew you over your head to their nests. Then just as you dropped your head in boredom and sighed, a familiar engine sound, and your dad or mum pulls up…

And said, “Rest in me Zhong Xiang
You never was or be alone
I love you and that’s all you need to know
I talked to My Dad, go pick out a Uni”
It’s a love story Jesus just said “Yes!”

“Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11: 28)

I have to admit, this was the hardest stanza to edit, especially the second-last sentence. So I think I will share tiny little bit on my *er hem* study life here. I did 2 sems of ACTP in INTI, and so coming to INTEC means going back to Pre-U, which is of course intellectually less demanding but much more physically and emotionally draining. I had passion in pursuing my dreams, but drawing energy by believing in that dream is another story altogether. To be honest, I doubt that I ever picked up momentum; and being someone who enjoys reading and learning (as far as my memory dates back), this was the only period which I will describe as “endured the gruelling torment of academic suffering.” But God was gracious, and through many faces and colours He added into these 1.5 years of INTEC life, He had sustained me thus far. Assignments, lab experiment and reports, issue investigations, group projects, research papers, presentations, interviews, quizzes, tests, end of sem exams, trials, SACE finals, they all came and went, but Hallelujah, for Jehovah Jireh, Jehovah Rapha, Jehovah Nissi, Jehovah Shalom, Jehovah Rohi, Jehovah Mekoddishkem, Jehovah Tsidkenu, Jehovah Shammah, Jehovah Sabaoth, He never budged a single inch (Matthew 24: 35, Luke 21: 33). At this point of writing this post, I am still awaiting my conditional offer from my first choice, University of Queensland. But once again, whichever paths He sets me on, I will surely embark….

Yup, coming to the end, it’s time for the long list of THANK YOUs again. A heartfelt gratitude to supportive Pastor David & kind Aunty Phebe, humourous Pastor Joshua, helpful Pastor Liew, trusty Uncle Yong, generous Pastor Ryan, talented Joash & shy May, wonderful Beatrice, cute Melvin, wise Xiu Ying, efficient Huey Fern, random Shin, caring Yoke Ping, charismatic John, cool Suyen, goody-goody Luke, cheeky Shiau Xian, charming Sing Kiet, loving Tricia, sexy Matthew, blur Jayn, artsy Bell, lady-like Caryn, angelic Jane, nerdy Alan, amazing Simren, awesome Kenneth, CA’s very own ecstatic Shu Yoong, all the speakers invited to share in CA, every “sheep” else who made this a dream come true, and especially our Daddy in Heaven! The committee wouldn’t have done it if not for you guys, and in fact I even have thought of doing it if not for you guys~ It was a roller coaster year full of thrill, and we indeed have all grown… Do I still miss INTI? Yes I do, very much. Do I miss INTEC? Be rest assured that I do too, very much more. This is one place I will never regret coming to, and if given a chance to live life once more, I definitely want to replay this scene. So yeah, may all of you grow from strength to strength (Psalams 84: 7) to soar on wings like eagles (Isaiah 40: 31), be hinds’ feet on high places (Habakkuk 3 :19), and let CAMPUS ALIVE continue to shine for Jesus! Don’t stop sharing the Faith, Hope, Love, Joy, and Peace, for His is the Kingdom and the Power and the Glory forever, AMEN~

He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s people. Amen. (Revelation 22: 20-21)

Oh, oh, oh, oh
‘Cause we have all grown when I wrote this blog

 Epilogue: Finally, it’s all over! And by this I mean both INTEC days and this long post. What has God done to me through INTEC and Campus Alive? A Love Story, that’s what. I don’t write much, my language is so-so, my grammar was kept in history books, and I believe both Medic students or not can diagnose that I suffer from severe “Vocabularia Deficiency” (thanks for your unending patience to swallow and digest this blog). It was tough trying to be serious meanwhile retaining my signature lameness. I dug out my previous post on last year’s last CA, I’m not sure if the junior committee will upload it, but if they do, checkout another fun-packed day of CA gathering at our blog post titled “The Junior Committee First Self-run CA (14 Oct 2010)”. And to myself, go in peace, and come back in one piece~ See you when I see you …

Zhong Xiang

The Junior Committee’s First Self-run CA (14 Oct 2010)

It was 25 September 2010, a normal, uneventful Saturday morning, when my phone rang. “Hello, Zhong Xiang, I have something VERY important to ask you…” Jien Lee’s voice echoed in my head throughout the whole weekend, it still does now. So here I am standing before God and man, my first trial. Haha! Dramatically exaggerating…

Coordinating the 1^st CA event as a leader surely has its challenges. Not only me, but everyone in the new committee. And how did it turn out? I shall say that it was quite an adventure indeed. It started with a couple of meetings, many phone calls, and much more confusion, excitement, anticipation, suspense and comedy, but God was there for us!

“No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:5, 9)

Yes, God saw us through it.

Even before the clock struck 6pm, scholars start gathering from far and wide (Hallelujah!) at the famous Akasia bus stop, and so the “human trafficking” began. All went well until Jayn told me that one of the vans was not available so soon, and I went: “WHAT!?” It is last CA of the month/semester/year, we’re expecting higher attendance, people are flowing in, and now she tells me this? Not long later, Jan called me to say that a MSU guy who wants to go to CA was stranded in Seksyen 2 McD, the Cendana van was suppose to pick him up. And worse of all, we lost contact with Matthew (the other transport coordinator, who so happen to be the one fetching the Cendana boys). But thanks to God’s grace, the last shuttle left about 7:15pm.

Arriving at New Life, I was greeted by the sight of Matthew struggling to park his van (it kind of went too close to the other car, 5cm max). I explained to the growing bunch of uncles that it was not that easy, as that van had some problems with the gear. Yet they tried to be smart, “interrogate” us if we even had license, gave a lot of suggestions but sneered at each other’s comments by calling them fools, and one even took the wheel, he failed to help too.

 “He mocks proud mockers, but gives grace to the humble.” (Proverbs 3:34)

In the end, with much anxiety, perspiration, and of course prayer, we got that settled on our own too. Talk about God being an AWESOME Father…

I spend some time trying to shoo people upstairs (I understand that it is very difficult when we have to say goodbye to good food). Praise God that there were quite a large number of newcomers, but Tricia, Sing Kiet, and the ushers quickly looked into that with those broad smiles on their face. While Simren and her team were bustling around the kitchen, Veronica was conducting some AMUSING ice-breaking game which ended up with people walking around with each other’s shoe high up in the air. Worship was simply amazing, thanks to the Senior band and Alan who handled the PA. Just when I was about to heave a sigh of relieve, a few pretty ladies walked up to me with another shocking news… (the frown which immediately surfaced on my forehead even fogged my memory of who those girls are)

“Pastor David will be here only after 20 minutes, think of a way to stall them!” I quickly dived into my mental entertainment database and thank God that he gave me enough resources to pull through. I got Philip to conduct his trademark Pictionary game, and was glad to see the crowd had a really stress-free time trying to express their imagination and creativity. A few moments later, someone told me that Pastor had arrived, and right after the MCs, Royston and Rachel announced his arrival, another person told me that Pastor went to the restroom. “Oh no, you gotta be kidding me!” Well, this time Shu Yoong was quick enough to suggest that we celebrate the October, November and December birthdays first, so that was it.

Pastor shared on “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” based on Matthew 6: 25-34. Next on the list was the farewell for the AUSMAT and ALG seniors. The seniors shot an undeniably Hollywood-standard video titled “The Last Run” starring the Oscar-winning Royston and a senior Broadway cast, voice by Luke and XXX (didn’t get to see who the other guy was). Then there was a short presentation of Mark Harris’ “Find Your Wings” (or Cari Kepak Kau) by both the senior and junior committees. The atmospheres fluctuated around laughter and tears when the outgoing seniors shared their “final words”.

After the wonderful sushi refreshment, Matthew, Jerald, and Jessica started sending the kids home. After witnessing Kenneth single-double-triple-quadruple-quintuple-check that all switches are off and there floor is dust-free, I went down to drive the last shuttle to Cemara. It was near 11:45pm when we arrived, the gate was closed, and we went: “Whoops~” But as the Psalmist say: “Before a word is on my tongue, you know it completely, O Lord. You hem me in – behind and before; you have laid your hand upon me.” (Psalm 139:4-5) The gracious Lord only allowed the guard to “torture” Melvin a little by asking him to sing “UiTM Di Hatiku” because forgot his student ID.

Well, all is over now, and I drove back to New Life, expecting to have a good night sleep and sweet dreams soon. But to my “dismay and HORROR”, Jessica didn’t know that she was supposed to come back for one more round to pick up the drivers! (actually there were another 7 Cendana boys with us) So there we stood, 10 pathetic scholars left in the cold and dark street, so hungry, so lonely… At that moment, Pastor David came by to pick us up! Apparently, someone got in touch with him to inform him about our terrible predicament. And so when the car pulled up the driveway in front of the Cendana guardhouse, the time was way pass 12:30am. We walked in to our respective rooms, and amazingly, the guard didn’t even look up!

This is how I shall end my brief account of the rather turbulent 14 Oct 2010 CA (will be able to write a book if I was to go into every detail). But the conclusion is: Mountains may tremble, oceans may roar; but no matter what happens, don’t worry, trust it to God in prayer, and be happy.

 “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33)

Thank you once again to Shu Yoong, Xiu Ying, Melvin, Sing Kiet, Tricia, Kenneth, Yoke Ping, Alan, Shiau Xian, Bell, Caryn, Simren, John, Jayn, Matthew, Huey Fern, Luke, and the SENIORS for making this CA a huge success.

Zhong Xiang

The Cobbler and His Shoes

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. (Psalms 139:14)

Early evening, the student left home with a pair of new shoes. Not brand new, but it was on his feet for the first time. No sense of pride, but just hope that the previous pair had held on a little longer. Rain trickled down the windows of the bus; he shuts his eyes to catch a wink or two.

But at last, no sooner after he hops off the bus, the sole gave way! Irked, disappointment and frustration filled him, maybe even slight anger. He asked around, he searched around, he walked around. And there he was, the Cobbler, lonely, skillfully mending his shoes. His customers’ shoes, treated with such care, just like his own shoes.

The student skips across a puddle, treaded towards the Cobbler. The shoe can be mended, he was relieved. He sat down, observing. The Cobbler was quick, his hands darting here and there. Shoes and soles, brushes and glue, needles and strings. Cars zoomed by, people walked by, rats dashed by, cockroaches scrambled by, time slipped by. The world was busy, the Cobblers hand was busy. Nothing slowed down, everything was fast. Yet there was silence. And peace.

Had a chat with the Cobbler. He was happy. His life was simple. He left Aceh in 2007, to find a job here. His family was affected by the 2004 tsunami. But the huge waves did not sweep his passion away. Neither did it sweep his character away. Caring and considerate, he was thankful that he has been given the second chance.

Late evening, the Cobbler had worked over time. Darkened sky, lit city. The job was done, the Cobbler packed. The student paid the fare, bought him dinner. The money was worth seeing the smile and gratitude on the Cobbler’s face. Back in hostel, the student wonders if he will meet the Cobbler again.

The Cobbler love his work, he is gentle with his shoes. Wear and tear of life may wear them away, but he knows what to do with them; he knows how to mend them. They are his masterpiece. The Father in Heaven is no different. The Cobbler is His masterpiece. Wear and tear in life had worn him out, but He knows what is best for him, He knows how to mend him. He loves His work, He is gentle with him. The Father is the Cobbler’s COBBLER.

As for the student, he wonders no more. Meet the Cobbler or not, he knows that He watches over him. In Him the Cobbler will find rest. And PEACE.

Psalm 139

¹ You have searched me, LORD,
and you know me.
² You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar.
³ You discern my going out and my lying down;
you are familiar with all my ways.
⁴ Before a word is on my tongue
you, LORD, know it completely.
⁵ You hem me in behind and before,
and you lay your hand upon me.
⁶ Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too lofty for me to attain.

⁷ Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?
⁸ If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
⁹ If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
if I settle on the far side of the sea,
¹⁰ even there your hand will guide me,
your right hand will hold me fast.
¹¹ If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me
and the light become night around me,”
¹² even the darkness will not be dark to you;
the night will shine like the day,
for darkness is as light to you.

¹³ For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
¹⁴ I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
¹⁵ My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place,
when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.
¹⁶ Your eyes saw my unformed body;
all the days ordained for me were written in your book
before one of them came to be.
¹⁷ How precious to me are your thoughts, God!
How vast is the sum of them!
¹⁸ Were I to count them,
they would outnumber the grains of sand—
when I awake, I am still with you.

¹⁹ If only you, God, would slay the wicked!
Away from me, you who are bloodthirsty!
²⁰ They speak of you with evil intent;
your adversaries misuse your name.
²¹ Do I not hate those who hate you, LORD,
and abhor those who are in rebellion against you?
²² I have nothing but hatred for them;
I count them my enemies.
²³ Search me, God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
²⁴ See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.

Zhong Xiang

Proud to be a Christian

Hey guys, I haven’t actually done this before but I just felt the urge to after everything that has happened yesterday. Anyway, here goes my testimony:

Fear. Over the past 2 months, I have been under an incredible amount of stress, and I don’t mean just in academics. With finals just around the corner and the mounting pressure of doing the best I can in my assignments, the additional stress from across the miles that I was facing surely did not help. I was constantly distracted and worried.

While I succeeded in keeping it all to myself earlier in the months, it became evident later on that I wasn’t doing a very good job at it. I was fearful of my CGPA for this semester, considering the fact that I did not do well in one of my pre-calculus tests and was still struggling to even get a satisfactory score afterwards. I did practices but I could see only minimal improvement, if there was even any. My self-esteem was so low at that moment it was to the extent where I felt trapped in my own fears and self-pity. There were moments when I felt as though I was too caught up in my worries, I forgot about God. I attended services on Sundays but I tend to be unfocused during preachings, always thinking about the problems I thought would never be resolved. I started drowning gradually as the days went by.

Alright, so CGPA was one thing. Then came SAT which was drawing nearer. Aware of my lack of practice, no wait, my NON-EXISTENT effort, I was sick to my stomach already fearing the worst. I had intended to get myself well-prepared for SAT since I decided to take it in Nov but nooooo, I ended up occupying my time with other assignments and test preparations. The week before the finals and the SAT day, I was beyond tensed, tired and was on the verge of giving up. I even did, at some points. But with constant encouragement from a friend I hold close to my heart, I turned back each time I did and attempted to do better, although I am still not sure until today if I actually made any progress. :)

That weekend, I decided to leave my worries for one night and just give my all to God at the Planetshakers concert. Little did I know, that night was all it took for me to snap out of my reverie and sort out my priorities. I could feel God’s spirits as we sang worship songs but nothing could make me feel the warmth of God’s love and His power as what I was able to witness after. Touched by God’s love for us, a dear friend of mine who was a non-believer, gave her life to Him there that very night. And that was a wake-up call for me.

I came to fully realize and remember that our God is truly an awesome God and that He would never forsake us.

I went back that weekend, strong in my faith in Him. I prayed, I started reading my Bible every night no matter how busy I was in my final preparation for the exams. I put complete faith in Him that He would be there with me as I walk into the exam hall. I was no longer afraid of my results after, I told myself that I will be grateful for whatever God gives me because it is what He knows is best for me. Although I was concerned and worried about SAT that weekend knowing I should have put in more effort, I still left it all to God and kept Him close even as I was answering the questions. Yesterday was the moment of truth. PRAISE THE LORD for I was overwhelmed when I received my scores for SAT and also my CGPA for my finals. I was overjoyed with my CGPA and my Pre-calculus GPA, both of which had exceeded my expectations. And when I received my SAT scores, I KNEW God had heard me and I knew it was He who had made all that possible. It may not have been the most amazing score, but it certainly wasn’t a bad one either. He had rid me of my worries and had given me the strength I needed to do my best in all that I was most fearful of. For that I am grateful.

I am not here to testify that God will bless you with things you hope for but may not have worked for as hard as you should have to attain, but I am here to testify, as many others have, that God listens and that He knows our desires and dreams. He is always here for us, even when we sometimes forget that He’s there. I can only say to all to always have faith in Him.

Never once doubt Him, never once push Him aside, and never once forget Him because our God never doubts us, never pushes us aside and most definitely NEVER forgets us.

All glory be to God for the wonders he has done for me this semester and will continue to do in my journey ahead as a proud Christian.

Karen Ho

Experience Being Lost and Found

Everyone has had the experience of losing a precious item. Once we discover that it is lost, the next thing is hormone adrenaline will turn our mind into a confused state. We will be frantically searching for it high and low till we find it. However, if you find yourself lost in a cross road, how many times will the degree of fear in us rise especially for a person who gets panic easily like me.

Miraculously, I didn’t let panic triumph on that day neither did I break down. Surprisingly, I calmly controlled the steering as I drove in the heavy downpour at twilight.  The downpour started after I dropped the future drivers at cendana and its intensity reached its peak during the moment when I was lost. Maybe due to the poor vision I turned into a wrong direction. Alone in the van, with my stiff and icing-cold fingers, I drove carefully searching for the words ‘shah alam’ on every sign board that I came across though. The words ‘shah alam’ became my newfound hope. The battery in my handphone was running low. I don’t know who to turn to. Millions of thoughts ran through my mind : fail to attend the homes on that night is the first one, unable to make it to kolej akasia is the next and more importantly was ethics final test paper on next morning.

 The only thing that I could do is to turn to Jesus Christ, who has His cellphone that will never have battery running low and who is an alert shepherd who knows when his sheep goes missing and where to find it before lions or wolves able to engulf it. 

It was really on cue for the CA old van to break down in front of kolej akasia at the beginning of the first driving lesson for the future drivers . The van stalled and refused to start again in front of the side gate of kolej akasia before making a U-turn.  I was shouldered with responsibility to send the future drivers back while the seniors dealt the van with a mechanic.

I believed this was the longest period of driving I ever had.  I miscounted how many times I turned as one road led me to another road to Shah Alam. My biggest fear was that I’m no longer in Shah Alam region. Once I turned wrongly into a road which had only one way but could lead me to another main road. The wheels of the van went up the shoulder of the triangular separation. The impulse when the van went down sprang me from the driver’s seat a moment. Another fear rose up in my mind : what if I met an accident, being called to heaven is considered lucky but what if I survived and had to suffer from long-lasting injuries…. Though its only lasted for a few seconds, the shock from it lasted till now.  When I finally made into the main road, my sufferings had not ended. The main road was so congested with cars that it was a slim chance for me to slip in between the cars.  The extreme situation forced me to be daring and went in between the cars regardless of how the drivers had blasted their horns.  My only wish during the period was to get back to Shah Alam and despite of the accumulated fears, deep in my heart, I knew that Jesus will fulfill it and death is not in the hands of Satan but in the hands of our savior who had died and resurrected.

All praises and glory be unto God.  While approaching a Petronas station, I could sense that the Lord’s Spirit was instructing me to stop there. After halting the van, I used my handphone with limited battery supply to call one of my seniors. According to his instruction, I sought the address of the petrol station and was so relieved to realize that I was still in Shah Alam region. Thanks God for sending two ‘angels’ whereby one of them is a living GPS to bring me back to Kolej Akasia without any harm.

Whenever I recalled this situation, I truly believed that God’s hands were in control of it.  Usually when I lost something, I would become frustrated, panic and occasionally broke down without able to do other things. I’m so surprised under that situation I was able to drive calmly. Everything is God’s doings.

Sharon Tan