Monday, August 08, 2011
Off the cuff (1)
It was a quiet cold night in Perth that I dropped by a Malaysian restaurant ‘Sri Melaka’ to have dinner. This was way back around 1990 while I was still in medical school. On another table was the late Ghafar Baba whom I instantly recognized and walked over and greeted him. The former deputy PM was friendly, accepted my handshake and quipped that I must return to Malaysia and serve ‘country’, and of course it meant little to me as I left Malaysia after Primary 3.
Went home I did after 16 years in Australia. I remember those days my dad kept reiterating that there are more career opportunities in Malaysia. Back then, most of my peers came back to Malaysia except those who studied medicine. Today many parents are encouraging their children to stay back upon graduation. It is difficult to say whether we would have been better off had we remained in Australia. I certainly had the option.
In recent years I have been saying farewell to quite a number of friends who have migrated in the other direction because of their children’s’ education. Whether the sacrifice they made for the kids will bear fruit, who knows? Even more drastic those whom have the means are sending their kids to private schools in Malaysia, a clear rejection of our education system. Even odder, Malays are sending their kids to vernacular Chinese schools citing better discipline amongst other qualities. So I guess there is nothing for me to lament in missing out on Malaysian education. Dad sent me away at the age of 9.
When I returned to Malaysia with my medical degree I pondered as to which high-security, bank-rolling profession deserved me. I eventually joined the pharmaceutical industry only to find that there was no security in employment in a modern capitalistic environment, rather only ‘employability’ as the MNCs I worked for were always merging or being acquired. To remain employable I had to be on top of my game and be able to add value each day I turned up work. Previous achievements counted for little and my superiors were shifted from one continent to another.
Then my business career began. My dreams of a money-minting business were shattered in the early days after initial failures. I didn’t have anyone to guide or mentor me. All the sermons of imminent success and that I cannot fail because Jesus was my CEO left my thinking. Pastor had preached slogans like ‘minimum effort, maximum return’; ‘thou shall not sweat’; and 100-fold blessing from what we gave. But instead there was nothing but misery, dryness and lots of effort but no return. The only friends I had that did minimal and harvested plentiful were friends doing illegal empat ekor or had fathers who were either multi-millionaires, state EXCO members or cabinet ministers.
Banks only lend money willingly to those in a way don’t need it. Besides money from parents and bank loans with properties as collateral, I got on with business and life despite setbacks. Our applications for grants from bodies like SMIDEC and MARTRADE were not that fruitful. It is not easy to get started any business these days as entry cost and barriers are increasing each year and to say the least so is the competition in any field of business. Each year I find it harder and harder to register products in Malaysia with the MOH and glad that I already have over 20 products registered. To start from the beginning NOW would be daunting and a definite non starter as far as I am concerned in a stagnant market.
I cannot but look objectively where my new wave of excitement will come from and where to live my dreams, yes disciplined dreaming, not just wishful thinking. Without dreams I might as well be dead. The poorest man ain’t the guy with no money, but the one with no dreams, no vision. There can be deep ambitions within, but ones needs an arena to live his dream through planning, building the right foundations, being strategic, and hardworking.
People often gauge the arena of a country by acronyms like PEST, STEER, STEEPLE and the lot. But what can we see of Malaysia for now and the near road ahead?
POLITICS and The ECONOMY
I have gone beyond deep theoretical jargon and analysis of sorts. There may be no perfect form of government to administer a country, though a rhetoric US President may convince you that they have closest to the ideal. But they ought to look at problems in their own backyard with the sluggish economy, and recent near default by the US Federal Treasury. Surely, a nation that is borrowing more and more from the rest of the world cannot have got everything right. It was only a few years ago the Bush administration had to do a massive and unprecedented bailout of the banking and financial system. But I still think that they are the most advanced nation on earth be it technology, management, engineering and the sciences. This is because they use the best of the best talents regardless of race or religion, which has not been the case in Malaysia. I am speaking from my own experience having worked for US companies and seen the head quarters of Abbott in Chicago where it is like a mini-United Nations. We on the other hand have a hemorrhagic brain drain problem and only a dearth of talent coming back despite the efforts of Talent Corp (http://www.talentcorp.com.my).
If America represents democracy in its sublime form, then what is China? Marxism? Communism? I am not entirely sure. When I was back in Grade 8 I had to read the book “Animal Farm”. Yes early days communist China had most of those traits in the satirical fable like corruption, ignorance, indifference, greed and wickedness but its model is evolving. It has its own model which I am still learning. And it is a model that is revolved and keeps adapting to ensure the government remains relevant and deliver to the masses. The ‘Middle kingdom’ was the most advanced, powerful and prosperous nation on earth centuries ago when the West was still infant in much areas. Yes, China today is the world’s most exciting economy, yet there are many aspects of the country that are still wanting. The West condemns its poor human rights record; many of the rural regions are still relatively poor by any standards and sometimes with the smog in my face I can’t help but think that the Pollution Index may have exceeded the Shenzen Composite Index. But what is has going right is that domestic consumption will spur the economy the years ahead. The reported Q2 GDP growth of 9.5% was above forecast. But the Chinese work hard and all desire to be rich. There is definitely ‘fire in the belly’ amongst the young generation.
I worry for our younger generation. Education in Malaysia now big business, with degrees being traded like a commodity, students being processed in many unreputable if not dubious institutions to be given a piece of paper, Even worse is the quality of jobs that awaits them. Without meaningful and good on the work training, how far can they develop? Most SMIs are struggling and investments are heading off-shore, not in-shore. The GLCs are not optimally run and in either case promotion is based along racial lines. Foreign Direct Investments is scarce despite our Mustapha Mohamed saying FDI will exceed RM30 billion in 2011. Some friends are saying it is just illicit political money being channeled back in to beef up those figures. This is plausible for 2 reasons; (1) A report by Washington-based financial watchdog Global Financial Integrity (GFI) found that Malaysia’s ILLICIT outflows tripled from US$22.2 billion in 2002 to a staggering US$68.2 billion in 2008, (2) you don’t see big pages of newspaper advertisements to “CONGRATULATE” new starts up or factories like in the early 90s.
to be continued --- lots on mind but must find time to pen down.
Went home I did after 16 years in Australia. I remember those days my dad kept reiterating that there are more career opportunities in Malaysia. Back then, most of my peers came back to Malaysia except those who studied medicine. Today many parents are encouraging their children to stay back upon graduation. It is difficult to say whether we would have been better off had we remained in Australia. I certainly had the option.
In recent years I have been saying farewell to quite a number of friends who have migrated in the other direction because of their children’s’ education. Whether the sacrifice they made for the kids will bear fruit, who knows? Even more drastic those whom have the means are sending their kids to private schools in Malaysia, a clear rejection of our education system. Even odder, Malays are sending their kids to vernacular Chinese schools citing better discipline amongst other qualities. So I guess there is nothing for me to lament in missing out on Malaysian education. Dad sent me away at the age of 9.
When I returned to Malaysia with my medical degree I pondered as to which high-security, bank-rolling profession deserved me. I eventually joined the pharmaceutical industry only to find that there was no security in employment in a modern capitalistic environment, rather only ‘employability’ as the MNCs I worked for were always merging or being acquired. To remain employable I had to be on top of my game and be able to add value each day I turned up work. Previous achievements counted for little and my superiors were shifted from one continent to another.
Then my business career began. My dreams of a money-minting business were shattered in the early days after initial failures. I didn’t have anyone to guide or mentor me. All the sermons of imminent success and that I cannot fail because Jesus was my CEO left my thinking. Pastor had preached slogans like ‘minimum effort, maximum return’; ‘thou shall not sweat’; and 100-fold blessing from what we gave. But instead there was nothing but misery, dryness and lots of effort but no return. The only friends I had that did minimal and harvested plentiful were friends doing illegal empat ekor or had fathers who were either multi-millionaires, state EXCO members or cabinet ministers.
Banks only lend money willingly to those in a way don’t need it. Besides money from parents and bank loans with properties as collateral, I got on with business and life despite setbacks. Our applications for grants from bodies like SMIDEC and MARTRADE were not that fruitful. It is not easy to get started any business these days as entry cost and barriers are increasing each year and to say the least so is the competition in any field of business. Each year I find it harder and harder to register products in Malaysia with the MOH and glad that I already have over 20 products registered. To start from the beginning NOW would be daunting and a definite non starter as far as I am concerned in a stagnant market.
I cannot but look objectively where my new wave of excitement will come from and where to live my dreams, yes disciplined dreaming, not just wishful thinking. Without dreams I might as well be dead. The poorest man ain’t the guy with no money, but the one with no dreams, no vision. There can be deep ambitions within, but ones needs an arena to live his dream through planning, building the right foundations, being strategic, and hardworking.
People often gauge the arena of a country by acronyms like PEST, STEER, STEEPLE and the lot. But what can we see of Malaysia for now and the near road ahead?
POLITICS and The ECONOMY
I have gone beyond deep theoretical jargon and analysis of sorts. There may be no perfect form of government to administer a country, though a rhetoric US President may convince you that they have closest to the ideal. But they ought to look at problems in their own backyard with the sluggish economy, and recent near default by the US Federal Treasury. Surely, a nation that is borrowing more and more from the rest of the world cannot have got everything right. It was only a few years ago the Bush administration had to do a massive and unprecedented bailout of the banking and financial system. But I still think that they are the most advanced nation on earth be it technology, management, engineering and the sciences. This is because they use the best of the best talents regardless of race or religion, which has not been the case in Malaysia. I am speaking from my own experience having worked for US companies and seen the head quarters of Abbott in Chicago where it is like a mini-United Nations. We on the other hand have a hemorrhagic brain drain problem and only a dearth of talent coming back despite the efforts of Talent Corp (http://www.talentcorp.com.my).
If America represents democracy in its sublime form, then what is China? Marxism? Communism? I am not entirely sure. When I was back in Grade 8 I had to read the book “Animal Farm”. Yes early days communist China had most of those traits in the satirical fable like corruption, ignorance, indifference, greed and wickedness but its model is evolving. It has its own model which I am still learning. And it is a model that is revolved and keeps adapting to ensure the government remains relevant and deliver to the masses. The ‘Middle kingdom’ was the most advanced, powerful and prosperous nation on earth centuries ago when the West was still infant in much areas. Yes, China today is the world’s most exciting economy, yet there are many aspects of the country that are still wanting. The West condemns its poor human rights record; many of the rural regions are still relatively poor by any standards and sometimes with the smog in my face I can’t help but think that the Pollution Index may have exceeded the Shenzen Composite Index. But what is has going right is that domestic consumption will spur the economy the years ahead. The reported Q2 GDP growth of 9.5% was above forecast. But the Chinese work hard and all desire to be rich. There is definitely ‘fire in the belly’ amongst the young generation.
I worry for our younger generation. Education in Malaysia now big business, with degrees being traded like a commodity, students being processed in many unreputable if not dubious institutions to be given a piece of paper, Even worse is the quality of jobs that awaits them. Without meaningful and good on the work training, how far can they develop? Most SMIs are struggling and investments are heading off-shore, not in-shore. The GLCs are not optimally run and in either case promotion is based along racial lines. Foreign Direct Investments is scarce despite our Mustapha Mohamed saying FDI will exceed RM30 billion in 2011. Some friends are saying it is just illicit political money being channeled back in to beef up those figures. This is plausible for 2 reasons; (1) A report by Washington-based financial watchdog Global Financial Integrity (GFI) found that Malaysia’s ILLICIT outflows tripled from US$22.2 billion in 2002 to a staggering US$68.2 billion in 2008, (2) you don’t see big pages of newspaper advertisements to “CONGRATULATE” new starts up or factories like in the early 90s.
to be continued --- lots on mind but must find time to pen down.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Reject attempts by Utusan Malaysia to instil fear and spread falsehood
Press Release
Reject attempts by Utusan Malaysia to instil fear and spread falsehood
The Malaysian Bar is deeply concerned about the report that appeared on the front page of Utusan Malaysia on Saturday, 7 May 2011, entitled “Malaysia negara Kristian?”
Without offering any evidence save references to postings by bloggers, which do not appear to have been separately and independently verified, Utusan Malaysia saw fit to publish this story. Given the highly controversial nature of the alleged story, it is incumbent on any self-respecting newspaper to ensure that its reporting is fact-checked. To have printed such a story without checking with the subjects of the alleged incidents is highly irresponsible on the part of Utusan Malaysia, and is nothing short of gutter journalism.
What concerns the Malaysian Bar further is the fact that Utusan Malaysia appears to be able to offer such so-called journalism in a climate of impunity. Instead of questioning Utusan Malaysia’s journalistic conduct and ethics, the immediate responses from the Ministers in charge of home affairs and communications were to order investigations into the alleged incidents themselves.
It appears that it is enough for the police to launch an investigation once a report has been made, without first investigating the veracity of such reports themselves. The whole process of making police reports has thus been turned into an avenue to invade the privacy of dinner parties and closed-door meetings, without first asking whether the maker of such reports has ulterior motives. People are then being made to respond to police investigations launched on the flimsiest of reasons and to defend their freedom of assembly and speech. This is a mockery of the principle of justice that someone who is accused of wrongdoing is innocent until proven guilty. This is clearly a dangerous erosion of the fundamental liberties enshrined in our Federal Constitution, and must be stopped.
By immediately investigating the alleged incidents rather than those who made the reports, the authorities have shown favoured irresponsible parties how they can wantonly instil fear and religious disharmony in the country. All they have to do now is to make unproven and unsubstantiated allegations in any compliant national newspaper and the law enforcement authorities will do the rest. In this way, the authorities are gullibly assisting those who seek to play up lies and falsehoods in order to artificially create religious conflict.
In creating and/or highlighting this “non-news” item, these irresponsible parties seek to manoeuvre and manipulate current events so as to give the impression that certain elements within a particular community are working to cause disunity and perpetrate treasonous activities.
This dastardly deed by such reckless parties must be seen for what it is – a naked and blatant act of deliberate provocation. The aim appears to be to cause fear through the creation of false news. The lodging of police reports throughout the country seeks to invite the police to investigate a particular community, thus heightening emotions. This then conveniently provides the authorities with a false justification to tighten control of blogs and other forms of electronic media, thereby muzzling free speech, open dialogue and informed discussions.
Any independent observer of the mass media would reach the conclusion that Utusan Malaysia is beyond the reach of the law. Although the Malaysian Bar opposes the use of oppressive laws, including the Sedition Act 1948 and the Printing Press and Publications Act 1984, the Government threatens to wield such laws against those who voice dissent, hence acting in what is perceived as an arbitrary, or even biased, manner.
The Malaysian Bar is concerned that no action has been taken against Utusan Malaysia although it has persistently published intemperate and wild accusations, written in inflammatory language, which threaten Malaysia’s social fabric. Utusan Malaysia continues to act with impunity, and thus appears to enjoy a status that is above the law.
We call on the authorities to instead investigate the Utusan Malaysia journalists and editors responsible for perpetrating such repeated attempts to instil fear and spread falsehood.
Lim Chee Wee
President
Malaysian Bar
9 May 2011
Reject attempts by Utusan Malaysia to instil fear and spread falsehood
The Malaysian Bar is deeply concerned about the report that appeared on the front page of Utusan Malaysia on Saturday, 7 May 2011, entitled “Malaysia negara Kristian?”
Without offering any evidence save references to postings by bloggers, which do not appear to have been separately and independently verified, Utusan Malaysia saw fit to publish this story. Given the highly controversial nature of the alleged story, it is incumbent on any self-respecting newspaper to ensure that its reporting is fact-checked. To have printed such a story without checking with the subjects of the alleged incidents is highly irresponsible on the part of Utusan Malaysia, and is nothing short of gutter journalism.
What concerns the Malaysian Bar further is the fact that Utusan Malaysia appears to be able to offer such so-called journalism in a climate of impunity. Instead of questioning Utusan Malaysia’s journalistic conduct and ethics, the immediate responses from the Ministers in charge of home affairs and communications were to order investigations into the alleged incidents themselves.
It appears that it is enough for the police to launch an investigation once a report has been made, without first investigating the veracity of such reports themselves. The whole process of making police reports has thus been turned into an avenue to invade the privacy of dinner parties and closed-door meetings, without first asking whether the maker of such reports has ulterior motives. People are then being made to respond to police investigations launched on the flimsiest of reasons and to defend their freedom of assembly and speech. This is a mockery of the principle of justice that someone who is accused of wrongdoing is innocent until proven guilty. This is clearly a dangerous erosion of the fundamental liberties enshrined in our Federal Constitution, and must be stopped.
By immediately investigating the alleged incidents rather than those who made the reports, the authorities have shown favoured irresponsible parties how they can wantonly instil fear and religious disharmony in the country. All they have to do now is to make unproven and unsubstantiated allegations in any compliant national newspaper and the law enforcement authorities will do the rest. In this way, the authorities are gullibly assisting those who seek to play up lies and falsehoods in order to artificially create religious conflict.
In creating and/or highlighting this “non-news” item, these irresponsible parties seek to manoeuvre and manipulate current events so as to give the impression that certain elements within a particular community are working to cause disunity and perpetrate treasonous activities.
This dastardly deed by such reckless parties must be seen for what it is – a naked and blatant act of deliberate provocation. The aim appears to be to cause fear through the creation of false news. The lodging of police reports throughout the country seeks to invite the police to investigate a particular community, thus heightening emotions. This then conveniently provides the authorities with a false justification to tighten control of blogs and other forms of electronic media, thereby muzzling free speech, open dialogue and informed discussions.
Any independent observer of the mass media would reach the conclusion that Utusan Malaysia is beyond the reach of the law. Although the Malaysian Bar opposes the use of oppressive laws, including the Sedition Act 1948 and the Printing Press and Publications Act 1984, the Government threatens to wield such laws against those who voice dissent, hence acting in what is perceived as an arbitrary, or even biased, manner.
The Malaysian Bar is concerned that no action has been taken against Utusan Malaysia although it has persistently published intemperate and wild accusations, written in inflammatory language, which threaten Malaysia’s social fabric. Utusan Malaysia continues to act with impunity, and thus appears to enjoy a status that is above the law.
We call on the authorities to instead investigate the Utusan Malaysia journalists and editors responsible for perpetrating such repeated attempts to instil fear and spread falsehood.
Lim Chee Wee
President
Malaysian Bar
9 May 2011
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Our faith is in the Lord
I see many in church always needing reassurance about the position and how God views them. God loves us and sees us as He sees Jesus our burnt offering.
All we need to know is that God does not condemn us, and does not see us a sinful.
My sense of self-worth and sense of security is in God, not what others think, not even what the elders and pastor thinks (of course respect them). Once you get this right, you don't need feel condemned, inadequate and unworthy. We care and love those dear to our hearts, those that care for us and have us 'truly' at heart.
All we need to know is that God does not condemn us, and does not see us a sinful.
My sense of self-worth and sense of security is in God, not what others think, not even what the elders and pastor thinks (of course respect them). Once you get this right, you don't need feel condemned, inadequate and unworthy. We care and love those dear to our hearts, those that care for us and have us 'truly' at heart.
Friday, May 06, 2011
Many things in between
Last night I went out with friends who introduced me to this girl. I guess it is not what I want but I never mislead or waste anyone's time. Friends did it out of heart.
Over the years, I have not wavered like a tree and simply dated girls but concentrated on my career and personal growth. I remain focused on the big picture and prepare myself to be the right person rather than to look for the right person.
I must say I only ever had interest in one girl in church before. She had a non-Xtian boyfriend then, married him and to date the guy still has not come to the Lord after 10 years. We were good friends then, we are friend now and I never made a move for her coz she had a boyfriend.
The other thing I find strange is people in church introducing me non-Christians including many of their beauticians. The message they send me is that I have no brains and the Christian ones in church are not available :-).
Nor do I need to go to church to be spiritual. The standard answer why we must go to church is that we must go there to learn spiritual truths etc which I can read from sermons online and spend time with family. My needs as a single guy, with a biz and parents to take care are different from just going there to listen to sermons.
Over the years, I have not wavered like a tree and simply dated girls but concentrated on my career and personal growth. I remain focused on the big picture and prepare myself to be the right person rather than to look for the right person.
I must say I only ever had interest in one girl in church before. She had a non-Xtian boyfriend then, married him and to date the guy still has not come to the Lord after 10 years. We were good friends then, we are friend now and I never made a move for her coz she had a boyfriend.
The other thing I find strange is people in church introducing me non-Christians including many of their beauticians. The message they send me is that I have no brains and the Christian ones in church are not available :-).
Nor do I need to go to church to be spiritual. The standard answer why we must go to church is that we must go there to learn spiritual truths etc which I can read from sermons online and spend time with family. My needs as a single guy, with a biz and parents to take care are different from just going there to listen to sermons.
Thursday, May 05, 2011
Moms of the Great Faith
Mom's have always played a vital role in our lives, and Mother's Day is a great chance remember and give thanks to moms. Over the centuries, Moms have been given jobs of great faith.
Mother of Moses
Jochebed was the wife of Amram and the mother of Moses. We learn about her the most in Exodus 2. Pharaoh commanded the mid-wives to kill all boy Hebrew babies. The mid-wives feared God more and Moses was born anyway. Mothers and fathers have often feared over the future of their children.
Imagine Jochebed's fears! Moses was born into a super hostile world. Eventually she placed her baby boy in a basket and let him float down the river. He was found by Pharaoh's daughter and spared. Who knows if Jochebed placed him on the river strategically close to Pharaoh's daughter or not.
However, her heart had to have broke as he him floated away from her. Pharaoh's daughter saw a beautiful child and needed some one to nurse him. Jochebed was the woman hired to perform this task. Moses was taught about God during this time. No matter how hostile the environment a godly woman can teach her children about God.
Mother of Samuel
Hannah was the wife of Elkanah, but she was barren, 1 Samuel 1. She prayed to God for a child.
"O Lord of hosts, if You will indeed look on the affliction of Your maidservant and remember me, and not forget Your maidservant, but will give Your maidservant a male child, then I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life, and no razor shall come upon his head" (1 Samuel 1:11).
This woman dedicated her son to the Lord. After he grew she weaned him and took him to Eli. There is no definite age, however we do know this child was very young. "Moreover his mother used to make him a little robe, and bring it to him year by year when she came up with her husband to offer the yearly sacrifice" (1 Samuel 2:19).
Mother of Isaac
The changing of Sarah's name was more than a play with words. Sarah meant mother of nations. Every time someone called Sarah or anytime she introduced herself to someone she was making a statement of faith, calling herself the mother of many nations even before she had a child. By this time she was already 90 years old.
GEN 18:10 "Then the LORD said, 'I will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah your wife will have a son.'"
Sarah eventually gave birth to Isaac.
Mother of Jesus
Mary the mother of Jesus, although a virgin and promised to marry to Joseph, was with child. She was not asked how she felt about this situation.
God chose Mary and she had to accept what happened.
This was durring a time where young unmarried pregnant women at that time were stoned.
She was going to have the Savior of the world. During her life she would get to see him grow (Luke 2:52), perform miracles (John 2:1-11), gather large crowds (John 6), and God's Word.
Mother of Timothy
Lois was the mother of Eunich, 2 Timothy 1:5. Often we read of her grandson, Timothy. However, Timothy's mother was Eunich.
We also know that Timothy's father was a gentile, Acts 16:1. We also know Timothy learned the Holy Scriptures while growing up, "from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures" (2 Timothy 3:15a). Lois and Eunich worked as a team in teaching Timothy.
Mother of Moses
Jochebed was the wife of Amram and the mother of Moses. We learn about her the most in Exodus 2. Pharaoh commanded the mid-wives to kill all boy Hebrew babies. The mid-wives feared God more and Moses was born anyway. Mothers and fathers have often feared over the future of their children.
Imagine Jochebed's fears! Moses was born into a super hostile world. Eventually she placed her baby boy in a basket and let him float down the river. He was found by Pharaoh's daughter and spared. Who knows if Jochebed placed him on the river strategically close to Pharaoh's daughter or not.
However, her heart had to have broke as he him floated away from her. Pharaoh's daughter saw a beautiful child and needed some one to nurse him. Jochebed was the woman hired to perform this task. Moses was taught about God during this time. No matter how hostile the environment a godly woman can teach her children about God.
Mother of Samuel
Hannah was the wife of Elkanah, but she was barren, 1 Samuel 1. She prayed to God for a child.
"O Lord of hosts, if You will indeed look on the affliction of Your maidservant and remember me, and not forget Your maidservant, but will give Your maidservant a male child, then I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life, and no razor shall come upon his head" (1 Samuel 1:11).
This woman dedicated her son to the Lord. After he grew she weaned him and took him to Eli. There is no definite age, however we do know this child was very young. "Moreover his mother used to make him a little robe, and bring it to him year by year when she came up with her husband to offer the yearly sacrifice" (1 Samuel 2:19).
Mother of Isaac
The changing of Sarah's name was more than a play with words. Sarah meant mother of nations. Every time someone called Sarah or anytime she introduced herself to someone she was making a statement of faith, calling herself the mother of many nations even before she had a child. By this time she was already 90 years old.
GEN 18:10 "Then the LORD said, 'I will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah your wife will have a son.'"
Sarah eventually gave birth to Isaac.
Mother of Jesus
Mary the mother of Jesus, although a virgin and promised to marry to Joseph, was with child. She was not asked how she felt about this situation.
God chose Mary and she had to accept what happened.
This was durring a time where young unmarried pregnant women at that time were stoned.
She was going to have the Savior of the world. During her life she would get to see him grow (Luke 2:52), perform miracles (John 2:1-11), gather large crowds (John 6), and God's Word.
Mother of Timothy
Lois was the mother of Eunich, 2 Timothy 1:5. Often we read of her grandson, Timothy. However, Timothy's mother was Eunich.
We also know that Timothy's father was a gentile, Acts 16:1. We also know Timothy learned the Holy Scriptures while growing up, "from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures" (2 Timothy 3:15a). Lois and Eunich worked as a team in teaching Timothy.
Tuesday, May 03, 2011
The devil's plan
God has a plan for Malaysia and the world, but then so has the devil. The devil's plan is to steal, kill and destroy by whatever means. The devil plans terrorism, murders, mass destruction etc. Would a God of love plan to drive a plane through buildings and kill thousands of civilians? Even our PM Najib in today's paper says it is not the way to portray Islam.
In the name of Jesus we must bind and break every spirit of destruction, evil and terrorism. We take control of the spiritual realms around the corners of the world by spiritual warfare with our prayers and loose the ministering angels to protect the world. We must do it at midnight onwards to 1am as that is when the devil is on the prowl. Midnight is the high point of the night. It is the time of intense activity. It is the time of the most serious spiritual activity and intense spiritual programming. It is a time whereby the satanic generals are released by the kingdom of darkness for warfare (unfortunately it is the lowest point of intercession for the church).
Those churches with a bless me, bless me attitude will never understand the importance of this call for intercession.
In the name of Jesus we must bind and break every spirit of destruction, evil and terrorism. We take control of the spiritual realms around the corners of the world by spiritual warfare with our prayers and loose the ministering angels to protect the world. We must do it at midnight onwards to 1am as that is when the devil is on the prowl. Midnight is the high point of the night. It is the time of intense activity. It is the time of the most serious spiritual activity and intense spiritual programming. It is a time whereby the satanic generals are released by the kingdom of darkness for warfare (unfortunately it is the lowest point of intercession for the church).
Those churches with a bless me, bless me attitude will never understand the importance of this call for intercession.
Monday, May 02, 2011
Korea exposure trip (August 19 – 27, 2004)
It was a maiden trip to Korea for a lot of us, and for some it was the first time in experiencing what God has done in South Korea. The nation is widely regarded as a Christian country with 14 million Christians in a population of over 40 million inhabitants, and over 5,000 souls are added to God’s kingdom each day in South Korea. God has clearly established this nation to be a spiritual influence and outreach to its neighbors – Japan, North Korea and China.
The world’s largest church
Our first visit began with Friday all-night prayer meeting in Yoido Full Gospel Church in Seoul located near the Han River. The whole stadium with a seating capacity of over 12,000 was full even before the service began. The church began humbly in 1958 in the aftermath of the Korean War which devastated the country. Overcoming all odds and obstacles, the Holy Spirit guided Pastor David Cho and built this mega-church with global mission outreach, a social welfare town, having 2 universities and a theological institute under its wings. It also owns the Kukmin daily which is a daily secular newspaper but with a section for the gospel.
As of the year 2002, Yoido Full Gospel Church had a membership of over 840,000 members. Current statistics include 600 pastors, 1500 elders and around 20,000 home cell leaders. SIMPLY GINORMOUS! That is not all. We were taken on a tour of their premises in downtown Seoul. The main sanctuary is in a building on its own. It is roughly the size of Stadium Negara. Each Sunday it holds seven services and if you are 15 minutes early, you are LATE!
Along the same strip is four other buildings owned by the Yoido Full Gospel Church. A 13 storey building is totally dedicated to Sunday school. AMAZING! An adjacent building houses the Kukmin daily, while other buildings are offices for its wide-ranging ministries such as World Mission Center, Church Growth International and David Cho Evangelistic Ministries. A sixth building, a high storey apartment block was previously owned by the church, but now the individual units have been given to its various pastoral staff. All these on prime real estate land. It is as if RLC owns 5 buildings along Jalan Sultan Ismail. JUST IMAGINE! If the Lord can do it for the Koreans, He can do it for us too. Amen to that!!! Jalan 221 isn’t too far being off being Lorong RLC, he! he!
International Fasting Prayer Mountain
We stayed in Osanri Choi Ja-shil Memorial Fasting Prayer Mountain for 3 nights which is an hour’s drive north of Seoul. This place is another ministry of Yoido Full Gospel Church. Over 200 individual prayer grottoes are available and it has several chapels with services everyday. More grottoes are currently being built as well as chapels and additional lodging facilities. Thousands of Christians have fasted and prayed there since it was founded in 1973, and the spiritual atmosphere is simply awesome. One can sense the presence of the Holy Spirit immensely and it is easy to enter the spiritual realm rapidly.
Each night, all 78 of us from RLC would meet to worship the Lord and Pastor Joshua will share God’s word with us. Then each of us took turns to share our individual testimonies. The moments of fellowship were very warm, touching and really brought us together as a loving family. In the mornings we broke up into groups of seven to eight people to pray for each other, for RLC, for Pastor Joshua and his family, the RLC staff, the unification of Korea and also for Malaysia and our leaders.
Fervency of prayers
One thing we noticed was that the Koreans are real mighty prayer warriors. They pray deep and long prayers. It is through such prayers that South Korea has become an economic power in Asia after the ruins following the Korean War. It is also these fervent prayers that are keeping any imminent North Korean attacks at bay.
Many poorer Koreans with ailments and other needs camped in the main chapel for weeks, having only bare essentials with them such as a pillow and a mat. They were there to cry out to the Lord. Many will fast and pray, and will not leave until the Lord has answered their prayer or healed them.
Indeed, prayer is essential to our spiritual being in as much as breathing is to our human life. This is what a lot of us take back with us. We now have a deeper revelation of the need and importance of prayer. I now find it such a joy to pray each morning whereas previously it was a struggle. Praise God! I now enjoy being in His presence and just want to savor each intimate moment with Him. I can now feel His love much deeper and feel His presence more tangibly.
The cemetery
On our last night a small group of us went to a hilltop on the adjacent Christian cemetery. In the night a lot of Koreans usually cry out to the Lord there. We went there to simply worship and praise the Lord. We sat in a circle and sang and sang love songs to Jesus; we worshipped Him with songs as the Spirit led and rejoiced in Him in our hearts. It was such a magical moment that no words could ever describe. We tasted heaven.
Then the Lord appeared in a glory of light in the midst of us. He was in a white gown and was pleased with us. Immediately we could nothing but just kneel down before Him. We cried, praised and thanked the Lord Jesus as tears flowed down our faces. It was so beautiful. He even distributed gifts to us individually.
As we gather may Your Spirit dwell within us
As we gather may we glorify Your name
Knowing well that as our hearts began to worship
We’ll be blessed because we came,
We’ll be blessed because we came.
Earlier we had sung these words, that “we’ll be blessed because we came”. We came to Korea to seek the Lord in a greater way. We went to hilltop with no shopping list, but just to praise Him. And as we gathered, He showered us with His love, and we were truly blessed because we came.
Victor Chen
September 3, 2004
The world’s largest church
Our first visit began with Friday all-night prayer meeting in Yoido Full Gospel Church in Seoul located near the Han River. The whole stadium with a seating capacity of over 12,000 was full even before the service began. The church began humbly in 1958 in the aftermath of the Korean War which devastated the country. Overcoming all odds and obstacles, the Holy Spirit guided Pastor David Cho and built this mega-church with global mission outreach, a social welfare town, having 2 universities and a theological institute under its wings. It also owns the Kukmin daily which is a daily secular newspaper but with a section for the gospel.
As of the year 2002, Yoido Full Gospel Church had a membership of over 840,000 members. Current statistics include 600 pastors, 1500 elders and around 20,000 home cell leaders. SIMPLY GINORMOUS! That is not all. We were taken on a tour of their premises in downtown Seoul. The main sanctuary is in a building on its own. It is roughly the size of Stadium Negara. Each Sunday it holds seven services and if you are 15 minutes early, you are LATE!
Along the same strip is four other buildings owned by the Yoido Full Gospel Church. A 13 storey building is totally dedicated to Sunday school. AMAZING! An adjacent building houses the Kukmin daily, while other buildings are offices for its wide-ranging ministries such as World Mission Center, Church Growth International and David Cho Evangelistic Ministries. A sixth building, a high storey apartment block was previously owned by the church, but now the individual units have been given to its various pastoral staff. All these on prime real estate land. It is as if RLC owns 5 buildings along Jalan Sultan Ismail. JUST IMAGINE! If the Lord can do it for the Koreans, He can do it for us too. Amen to that!!! Jalan 221 isn’t too far being off being Lorong RLC, he! he!
International Fasting Prayer Mountain
We stayed in Osanri Choi Ja-shil Memorial Fasting Prayer Mountain for 3 nights which is an hour’s drive north of Seoul. This place is another ministry of Yoido Full Gospel Church. Over 200 individual prayer grottoes are available and it has several chapels with services everyday. More grottoes are currently being built as well as chapels and additional lodging facilities. Thousands of Christians have fasted and prayed there since it was founded in 1973, and the spiritual atmosphere is simply awesome. One can sense the presence of the Holy Spirit immensely and it is easy to enter the spiritual realm rapidly.
Each night, all 78 of us from RLC would meet to worship the Lord and Pastor Joshua will share God’s word with us. Then each of us took turns to share our individual testimonies. The moments of fellowship were very warm, touching and really brought us together as a loving family. In the mornings we broke up into groups of seven to eight people to pray for each other, for RLC, for Pastor Joshua and his family, the RLC staff, the unification of Korea and also for Malaysia and our leaders.
Fervency of prayers
One thing we noticed was that the Koreans are real mighty prayer warriors. They pray deep and long prayers. It is through such prayers that South Korea has become an economic power in Asia after the ruins following the Korean War. It is also these fervent prayers that are keeping any imminent North Korean attacks at bay.
Many poorer Koreans with ailments and other needs camped in the main chapel for weeks, having only bare essentials with them such as a pillow and a mat. They were there to cry out to the Lord. Many will fast and pray, and will not leave until the Lord has answered their prayer or healed them.
Indeed, prayer is essential to our spiritual being in as much as breathing is to our human life. This is what a lot of us take back with us. We now have a deeper revelation of the need and importance of prayer. I now find it such a joy to pray each morning whereas previously it was a struggle. Praise God! I now enjoy being in His presence and just want to savor each intimate moment with Him. I can now feel His love much deeper and feel His presence more tangibly.
The cemetery
On our last night a small group of us went to a hilltop on the adjacent Christian cemetery. In the night a lot of Koreans usually cry out to the Lord there. We went there to simply worship and praise the Lord. We sat in a circle and sang and sang love songs to Jesus; we worshipped Him with songs as the Spirit led and rejoiced in Him in our hearts. It was such a magical moment that no words could ever describe. We tasted heaven.
Then the Lord appeared in a glory of light in the midst of us. He was in a white gown and was pleased with us. Immediately we could nothing but just kneel down before Him. We cried, praised and thanked the Lord Jesus as tears flowed down our faces. It was so beautiful. He even distributed gifts to us individually.
As we gather may Your Spirit dwell within us
As we gather may we glorify Your name
Knowing well that as our hearts began to worship
We’ll be blessed because we came,
We’ll be blessed because we came.
Earlier we had sung these words, that “we’ll be blessed because we came”. We came to Korea to seek the Lord in a greater way. We went to hilltop with no shopping list, but just to praise Him. And as we gathered, He showered us with His love, and we were truly blessed because we came.
Victor Chen
September 3, 2004
