Some of these ministries have influenced me and ministered to me. It is very encouraging to see young people hunger for the Word of God. They are seeking after meat, a relationship and not a religion. I thought I should share them here:
International House of Prayer-Kansas City
They host student Awakening services every Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Watch these live on their webstream.
The Ramp, Hamilton, AL
I met Karen Wheaton at my church in Alabama. She also spoke prophetically over me. I've never been to The RAMP but some of my friends have.
The Basement, Birmingham, AL
This ministry was birthed by a few guys in a basement and has grown to thousands.
Freedom in Christ Ministries, led by Neil Anderson
"Who I am In Christ" - learning your new identity and breaking free from bondage. His resources on ministering to the abused has helped me a lot.
Elijah House Ministries, the Sandfords
Excellent ministry for the hurting and abused. They have great resources for those wanting to learn to minister healing to the wounded.
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Verses for Aug 30
Romans 3:23 For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. (NIV)
1 Timothy 2:5 For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, (NKJV)
Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9not of works, lest anyone should boast. (NKJV)
God’s Love
John 3:16-17
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. (NKJV)
Romans 5:8, 10. But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son. (NLT)
Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. 2For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. (NKJV)
Romans 10:9-10 In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. 10In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. (NKJV)
1 John 4:17 … because as He is, so are we in this world. (NKJV)
1 Timothy 2:5 For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, (NKJV)
Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9not of works, lest anyone should boast. (NKJV)
God’s Love
John 3:16-17
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. (NKJV)
Romans 5:8, 10. But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son. (NLT)
Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. 2For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. (NKJV)
Romans 10:9-10 In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. 10In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. (NKJV)
1 John 4:17 … because as He is, so are we in this world. (NKJV)
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Who CCF is for?
God's heart longs for you to know Him.
If you think the following, CCF is for you:
- I'm worried God is mad at me
- I've done too many bad things
- I've gone too far
- I haven't read my bible/prayed enough
- I don't go to church anymore
- I don't have a place that's safe to go to
If you have these needs in your life, CCF is for you:
- you want to know who Jesus is
- you want someone to pray with you
- you want to know who God says you are
- you want freedom, love, joy & peace
- you are hurting or lonely
- you're looking for small group bible studies
- you just want a group of people to hang out with
My answer to you is, God is NOT mad at you. He loves you. Come and discover the love and freedom that can be yours. Contrary to what you hear, God LOVES sinners. If you professed Jesus as your Savior, He will set you free from all condemnation. That is the context of my first message next week Aug 30 7pm. FCA meets at 9:00 pm so check them out too!
PS I promise no bible bashing, if not, you can hit me with a plank.
If you think the following, CCF is for you:
- I'm worried God is mad at me
- I've done too many bad things
- I've gone too far
- I haven't read my bible/prayed enough
- I don't go to church anymore
- I don't have a place that's safe to go to
If you have these needs in your life, CCF is for you:
- you want to know who Jesus is
- you want someone to pray with you
- you want to know who God says you are
- you want freedom, love, joy & peace
- you are hurting or lonely
- you're looking for small group bible studies
- you just want a group of people to hang out with
My answer to you is, God is NOT mad at you. He loves you. Come and discover the love and freedom that can be yours. Contrary to what you hear, God LOVES sinners. If you professed Jesus as your Savior, He will set you free from all condemnation. That is the context of my first message next week Aug 30 7pm. FCA meets at 9:00 pm so check them out too!
PS I promise no bible bashing, if not, you can hit me with a plank.
Tues, Aug 24
I should have jumped up and danced and sang before the Lord in my living room last night while watching the Collision Conference. There was a joy bubbling inside of me in which my flesh wasn't willing to express.
This evening I finally feel like laughing after weeks of this funk. The student leaders were not content just doing the paperwork but they went to talk to the administration. That's what I call COURAGE!
They found out we can still be registered this year pending SGA approval because of a loophole. Also, that we only need 10 signatures for the petition. If we were not approved, we obtained permission to keep meeting on campus. An email has already been sent out to students who might be interested. Hallelujah! Hallelujah and AMEN!
I told the students to go all out, invite everyone and don't leave anyone out. God was right when He convicted me when I moped that people were standing in the way of His plan. He showed me very lovingly that I was the one standing in His way.
No turning back! No turning back! - even if I want to, I can't!
This evening I finally feel like laughing after weeks of this funk. The student leaders were not content just doing the paperwork but they went to talk to the administration. That's what I call COURAGE!
They found out we can still be registered this year pending SGA approval because of a loophole. Also, that we only need 10 signatures for the petition. If we were not approved, we obtained permission to keep meeting on campus. An email has already been sent out to students who might be interested. Hallelujah! Hallelujah and AMEN!
I told the students to go all out, invite everyone and don't leave anyone out. God was right when He convicted me when I moped that people were standing in the way of His plan. He showed me very lovingly that I was the one standing in His way.
No turning back! No turning back! - even if I want to, I can't!
Monday, Aug 23
As of Monday 3:00pm, Campus Christian Fellowship (the unofficial) was talked about. We have 9 faculty and staff willing to support the group by their presence and hosting three bible studies.
Yes, we met at 7:00pm. There were 12 of us and another faculty member. It was a blessed time of worship for me and everyone there. The words from this song came to me while I was praying before the meeting.
"I have decided to follow Jesus, ... The world behind me, the cross before me, ... Though none go with me, still I will follow, ... No turning back, No turning back!"
Here it is, taking the big leap and making a big decision. I participated in the meeting but I watched the work of the Holy Spirit drawing the students to Himself. They were more excited and courageous than I was, already thinking of ways to advertise the group and preach the gospel. I told them all they had to do is tell me where to sign.
They would start a signature petition. They wanted to meet next Monday. They want to put on a skit for the lip sync contest. They want to do this, they want to do that.. wow! They WANT the group! It humbles me.
The wheels are turning and they keep turning...
Yes, we met at 7:00pm. There were 12 of us and another faculty member. It was a blessed time of worship for me and everyone there. The words from this song came to me while I was praying before the meeting.
"I have decided to follow Jesus, ... The world behind me, the cross before me, ... Though none go with me, still I will follow, ... No turning back, No turning back!"
Here it is, taking the big leap and making a big decision. I participated in the meeting but I watched the work of the Holy Spirit drawing the students to Himself. They were more excited and courageous than I was, already thinking of ways to advertise the group and preach the gospel. I told them all they had to do is tell me where to sign.
They would start a signature petition. They wanted to meet next Monday. They want to put on a skit for the lip sync contest. They want to do this, they want to do that.. wow! They WANT the group! It humbles me.
The wheels are turning and they keep turning...
Weekend of Faith Building
I prayed about what to say to the FCA sponsor. I have no intentions of offending him. I prayed that night that God would give me the words and He did. In the early hours of Saturday morning, I had a dream? vision? impression? I was writing this email and all the words came to me. I knew that was the way it was to be done. I fought this too. When I send the email, I would reach the point of no return. No turning back, no turning back!
I spoke to a few mentors in ministry that weekend and their word was to obey and proceed. If God be for you, who can be against you? It is not people that God is coming against, it is a stronghold that is going to be torn down. Unless the Lord builds the house, the laborers labor in vain. Every door I have approached has opened.
The more the task got clearer the more doubts I had. OK, no one has even taught me how to plan a sermon. Holy Spirit and I are in this together now. No books, no teachers except the bible and Him.
I sat down Sunday night and wrote the email. Someone else had to "hold my hand" via cyberspace on facebook to encourage me to hit the "send" button. I did it, had peace and went to bed. Monday would arrive soon.
I spoke to a few mentors in ministry that weekend and their word was to obey and proceed. If God be for you, who can be against you? It is not people that God is coming against, it is a stronghold that is going to be torn down. Unless the Lord builds the house, the laborers labor in vain. Every door I have approached has opened.
The more the task got clearer the more doubts I had. OK, no one has even taught me how to plan a sermon. Holy Spirit and I are in this together now. No books, no teachers except the bible and Him.
I sat down Sunday night and wrote the email. Someone else had to "hold my hand" via cyberspace on facebook to encourage me to hit the "send" button. I did it, had peace and went to bed. Monday would arrive soon.
Thursday Aug 19 - First day of classes
What an exhausting day! I had to go back in the evening for the club/activities fair because I am co-sponsoring SHADE, a multi-cultural club. After that, my student helped me take some things back to my office and I shared my heart with her. I am terrified of stepping out. There are many hurts I'm dealing with and it is difficult.
Thanks to the faith of this young lady, I received the encouragement from the Lord to take another step. To encourage = to put courage in where there is none. She suggested that we should just call a meeting and spread the word, see how many students come and see what they want. If they want it, then we will proceed. We spent a little time in prayer and songs. I slept very well that night.
On Friday morning, we met in my office and came up with a list of 40 names between the two of us. WHOA! I didn't want to hit the send button before talking to FCA. I'm not competing with them. Ministry is never a competition. There is too little being done on campus and there is so much MORE to be done. So we decided we'll go on the down low and just have a small group come together on Monday night Aug 23 at 7:00 pm.
Later on Friday afternoon, I obtained permission to use the band room. You think this would be an all-clear signal too right? No, I was still hesitating.
Thanks to the faith of this young lady, I received the encouragement from the Lord to take another step. To encourage = to put courage in where there is none. She suggested that we should just call a meeting and spread the word, see how many students come and see what they want. If they want it, then we will proceed. We spent a little time in prayer and songs. I slept very well that night.
On Friday morning, we met in my office and came up with a list of 40 names between the two of us. WHOA! I didn't want to hit the send button before talking to FCA. I'm not competing with them. Ministry is never a competition. There is too little being done on campus and there is so much MORE to be done. So we decided we'll go on the down low and just have a small group come together on Monday night Aug 23 at 7:00 pm.
Later on Friday afternoon, I obtained permission to use the band room. You think this would be an all-clear signal too right? No, I was still hesitating.
Wed, Aug 18 - Church Fair
I wanted to go to the church fair and meet the different pastors & representatives from the area churches. I hear a common theme and one that rings loudly in my ears "We would love to have a college group."
"We're thinking of starting a college group."
I did not tell them of the things I know are in store but here are some of the offers I received. How could I not proceed further with these?
"Is there anything we can do on campus for you?"
"Call us if you need anything."
"Whatever you need, we will help."
There is a great likelihood of a pre-Thanksgiving international dinner on Wednesday night. My house is too small to host it. Just think of pigging out twice or more that week except this would be all international food.
"We're thinking of starting a college group."
I did not tell them of the things I know are in store but here are some of the offers I received. How could I not proceed further with these?
"Is there anything we can do on campus for you?"
"Call us if you need anything."
"Whatever you need, we will help."
There is a great likelihood of a pre-Thanksgiving international dinner on Wednesday night. My house is too small to host it. Just think of pigging out twice or more that week except this would be all international food.
Friday the 13th, A Turning Point
It was the day of my colleague's husband's funeral. I mourned privately for them and it took every ounce of strength to attend that funeral. I ended the last academic year with a student's funeral. I really didn't want this year to start with one. I prayed for a word from God that morning.
The pastor read from John 11 about the raising of Lazarus. I had just heard a sermon on it that the message still sat with me. Then he read from Psalm 103, one of my favorites. As he read it, I couldn't help but speak it along. He preached a salvation message and I needed that assurance and encouragement that morning.
After the service, my comments to a colleague revealed my identity which I had kept quiet about for the first year. The wheels became set in motion. This led to me talking to another faculty member. I told her about the word given about Cowley and she said, "We need to pray for you. (!)" What an encouragement! With this, I also knew that God had set many things in place already. He doesn't leave details out.
The following week six of us gathered in my office to pray for the campus ministry. I was given the courage to move forward despite feeling very lonely in Ark City and battling thoughts of quitting. After this, my phone starts ringing and other people are offering to partner with us. WOW!
The pastor read from John 11 about the raising of Lazarus. I had just heard a sermon on it that the message still sat with me. Then he read from Psalm 103, one of my favorites. As he read it, I couldn't help but speak it along. He preached a salvation message and I needed that assurance and encouragement that morning.
After the service, my comments to a colleague revealed my identity which I had kept quiet about for the first year. The wheels became set in motion. This led to me talking to another faculty member. I told her about the word given about Cowley and she said, "We need to pray for you. (!)" What an encouragement! With this, I also knew that God had set many things in place already. He doesn't leave details out.
The following week six of us gathered in my office to pray for the campus ministry. I was given the courage to move forward despite feeling very lonely in Ark City and battling thoughts of quitting. After this, my phone starts ringing and other people are offering to partner with us. WOW!
Fast Forward - Summer 2010
Timeline of events:
June -
I received my H1-B US work visa approval.
July -
Returned to Beijing to see friends.
Returned to Malaysia to finish visa approval, incomplete because of glitch in system.
Obtained a multiple entry visa to China. YAY!
Family reunion with parents and all my siblings present. Visited Guangdong province to see relatives and ancestral homes.
August -
Went back to Malaysia. Got my US visa processed two days before I returned.
Arrived on Aug 11. Received word of someone's passing.
Aug 13 - Day of the funeral
June -
I received my H1-B US work visa approval.
July -
Returned to Beijing to see friends.
Returned to Malaysia to finish visa approval, incomplete because of glitch in system.
Obtained a multiple entry visa to China. YAY!
Family reunion with parents and all my siblings present. Visited Guangdong province to see relatives and ancestral homes.
August -
Went back to Malaysia. Got my US visa processed two days before I returned.
Arrived on Aug 11. Received word of someone's passing.
Aug 13 - Day of the funeral
Joshua 1 - The Plan
I wondered the next few days what I was to do. I've no formal ministry training but I've served with many different teams. There were always lessons to learn in those. Thanks Southwestern College! I learned a LOT in the outreach teams and chapel.
On the last morning we were there (Thurs, May 20), I heard a voice calling out loudly at around 7:30 am. "Hey! Hey! Hey you! Listen ... The Law shall not depart from you, Meditate on it day and night. This is the word of the Lord for you." No one else was awake in that room. I looked at the student who said it and called her. She was totally sound asleep and when she woke up, she had no recollection of anything. I knew deep down that it was for me.
We began to try to figure out where the verse came from. Someone suggested Joshua 1:11 and I read it but it wasn't the right verse so I brushed it off. My eyes fell on Joshua 1:8 and it was exactly the verse. The road map of the plan. "This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success." (NKJV)
On our way home to Ark City, my student suggested we look at Joshua 1:11 again. This verse is even more telling of our mission for Cowley College. She read it out loud this way: “Pass through the camp and command the people, saying, ‘Prepare provisions for yourselves, for within three days you will cross over this Jordan, to go in to possess the land which the LORD your God is giving you to possess.’ (NKJV)Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, three days and Cowley fell!”
The campus is the Lord's!
On the last morning we were there (Thurs, May 20), I heard a voice calling out loudly at around 7:30 am. "Hey! Hey! Hey you! Listen ... The Law shall not depart from you, Meditate on it day and night. This is the word of the Lord for you." No one else was awake in that room. I looked at the student who said it and called her. She was totally sound asleep and when she woke up, she had no recollection of anything. I knew deep down that it was for me.
We began to try to figure out where the verse came from. Someone suggested Joshua 1:11 and I read it but it wasn't the right verse so I brushed it off. My eyes fell on Joshua 1:8 and it was exactly the verse. The road map of the plan. "This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success." (NKJV)
On our way home to Ark City, my student suggested we look at Joshua 1:11 again. This verse is even more telling of our mission for Cowley College. She read it out loud this way: “Pass through the camp and command the people, saying, ‘Prepare provisions for yourselves, for within three days you will cross over this Jordan, to go in to possess the land which the LORD your God is giving you to possess.’ (NKJV)Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, three days and Cowley fell!”
The campus is the Lord's!
A Specific Task without Specifics
When God puts plans together, He does not leave out details. Ten people is a lot of people to feed and house for my budget, so I emailed the host pastor (Willie & Alicia Galvan) whether they could help us out. They so kindly offered to feed us breakfast and dinner every day. That was the confirmation I needed! What a blessing!
I expected to be at a small church but when we arrived, I felt we had known the pastors and the members for a long time. There was such a kindred spirit. I was very happy to see my students receive from the Lord what they needed and what they wanted on the first night of the revival. I didn't go forward for prayer myself but was at the altar to support my students who did.
As I turned to leave the service that night, Pastor Willie stopped me and gave me a specific word regarding Cowley College and what I was sent there to do. That was given to me in private. God said I though 8 students was a lot, and that I can't imagine how many more will come. Tough call but I am prepared to obey and carry His plan out. If I did not hear it clearly enough the first night, the second night the same words were spoken to me in public. When the voice of the Lord is so loud and clear, I know the task ahead is difficult. Hence, here starts ministry training.
I expected to be at a small church but when we arrived, I felt we had known the pastors and the members for a long time. There was such a kindred spirit. I was very happy to see my students receive from the Lord what they needed and what they wanted on the first night of the revival. I didn't go forward for prayer myself but was at the altar to support my students who did.
As I turned to leave the service that night, Pastor Willie stopped me and gave me a specific word regarding Cowley College and what I was sent there to do. That was given to me in private. God said I though 8 students was a lot, and that I can't imagine how many more will come. Tough call but I am prepared to obey and carry His plan out. If I did not hear it clearly enough the first night, the second night the same words were spoken to me in public. When the voice of the Lord is so loud and clear, I know the task ahead is difficult. Hence, here starts ministry training.
Spilling the Beans ... Planting the Seeds
I am working at Cowley College and this is my second year there. If you don't already know, I love cooking and throwing parties. I enjoy it. It isn't a chore. I invite students over especially those whom I know have no kitchen or would just need a good meal. An-An, my cat does the entertaining with chasing the laser pointer and youtube videos provide background music for lip syncing. These parties have allowed me to get to know a lot of different students, since they bring different friends each time.
I committed to eating at the cafeteria at least once a week. It didn't do good things for my weight (Yes, you think I'm skinny but in Asia, they think I'm fat. XXL clothing proves it. Ok got it out), but I got to know so many students and enjoy the silliest conversations. I have not been innocent either, causing at least two students to duck under the table from sheer embarrassment. :)
I asked about the campus ministry but I never really got involved with it. Little did I know, I was already planting the seeds and didn't realize it. I visited FCA on campus towards the end of the academic year and just became burdened with the needs that were present. There remains a need for the Word of God to be taught and preached to the students. I remember when I was a college student and I thought I knew something about Jesus, but I didn't. I didn't really know Him then but we have a much better relationship now.
At the end of my first year there, I took 7 students and some of their family members to a revival down in Midwest City, OK. There were many things shared to me that I knew needed more prayer ministry than I felt comfortable. I wanted to see Hansie Steyn and his family again, just to say hi. I wasn't seeking to be ministered to myself but God had more in store for me than I imagined.
I committed to eating at the cafeteria at least once a week. It didn't do good things for my weight (Yes, you think I'm skinny but in Asia, they think I'm fat. XXL clothing proves it. Ok got it out), but I got to know so many students and enjoy the silliest conversations. I have not been innocent either, causing at least two students to duck under the table from sheer embarrassment. :)
I asked about the campus ministry but I never really got involved with it. Little did I know, I was already planting the seeds and didn't realize it. I visited FCA on campus towards the end of the academic year and just became burdened with the needs that were present. There remains a need for the Word of God to be taught and preached to the students. I remember when I was a college student and I thought I knew something about Jesus, but I didn't. I didn't really know Him then but we have a much better relationship now.
At the end of my first year there, I took 7 students and some of their family members to a revival down in Midwest City, OK. There were many things shared to me that I knew needed more prayer ministry than I felt comfortable. I wanted to see Hansie Steyn and his family again, just to say hi. I wasn't seeking to be ministered to myself but God had more in store for me than I imagined.
The call
I returned from my 6 months away from the USA in January 2009. It would be a hectic year which explains why my other blog was so quiet. On my 29th birthday, God began pestering me about something and after 3 long days of arguing with Him, I gave in and said yes.
A couple weeks after that, a visiting preacher came to my church. Ever since I made the decision to obey God with what He wanted from me, I battled nightmares every night. I went forward for prayer and was expecting a prayer, not a commission.
It was that night that I received a big piece of the puzzle which put many things into perspective. I am not releasing all the details of the prophetic words spoken to me that evening. To say the least, my eyes became VERY big and I was speechless. There was no hint this was coming. I was also relieved to find out that I will not always be a piano professor. With this prophecy, I was encouraged and given the determination to finish my doctorate asap, no matter what it took.
A couple weeks after that, a visiting preacher came to my church. Ever since I made the decision to obey God with what He wanted from me, I battled nightmares every night. I went forward for prayer and was expecting a prayer, not a commission.
It was that night that I received a big piece of the puzzle which put many things into perspective. I am not releasing all the details of the prophetic words spoken to me that evening. To say the least, my eyes became VERY big and I was speechless. There was no hint this was coming. I was also relieved to find out that I will not always be a piano professor. With this prophecy, I was encouraged and given the determination to finish my doctorate asap, no matter what it took.
The beginning
With a new blog, there comes many decisions of what to share and what not to share here. I wonder should I post my testimony but I have so many. Where does one begin and where does one stop?
I created this blog mainly for friends who are following my growth and my walk with the Lord that has led me into ministry. There are those of us who didn't "choose" to be doing "ministry" but who obey His commandment to preach the gospel and make disciples of all men.
Let's put it this way: I stumbled on my ministry calling. You read in my profile that I never went to seminary. My first "sermon" was on the spot, unexpected and unplanned. I also had to give it in a language I wasn't fluent in - Cantonese. I preached at a church in Shiqi, Guangdong to a group of pianists who had gathered for a masterclass. I remember what I preached from - Psalm 33:1-3. We play because He loved us and He accepts our playing no matter how many mistakes and no matter how many criticisms we receive. There is no condemnation for us. We are in the forefront of the battle so we must remember our role in warfare. This was in June 2008.
I went to Beijing in the fall of 2008 and many things happened there too. Two events made a big impact on me. Firstly, I stumbled upon a house church there. I will not give details here. It has led me to join a house church here in the USA too. Secondly, my classmate gave me a book on being a missionary in Asia as a farewell present. It was my only wrapped Christmas present that year (I had many other gifts - time with my family and close friends). I read it and wondered why that book was given to me. I could understand the missionaries' struggles of language, culture and climate very well - and thought, I don't have those problems. You must be thinking, just you wait.
I created this blog mainly for friends who are following my growth and my walk with the Lord that has led me into ministry. There are those of us who didn't "choose" to be doing "ministry" but who obey His commandment to preach the gospel and make disciples of all men.
Let's put it this way: I stumbled on my ministry calling. You read in my profile that I never went to seminary. My first "sermon" was on the spot, unexpected and unplanned. I also had to give it in a language I wasn't fluent in - Cantonese. I preached at a church in Shiqi, Guangdong to a group of pianists who had gathered for a masterclass. I remember what I preached from - Psalm 33:1-3. We play because He loved us and He accepts our playing no matter how many mistakes and no matter how many criticisms we receive. There is no condemnation for us. We are in the forefront of the battle so we must remember our role in warfare. This was in June 2008.
I went to Beijing in the fall of 2008 and many things happened there too. Two events made a big impact on me. Firstly, I stumbled upon a house church there. I will not give details here. It has led me to join a house church here in the USA too. Secondly, my classmate gave me a book on being a missionary in Asia as a farewell present. It was my only wrapped Christmas present that year (I had many other gifts - time with my family and close friends). I read it and wondered why that book was given to me. I could understand the missionaries' struggles of language, culture and climate very well - and thought, I don't have those problems. You must be thinking, just you wait.
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