Christmas in Pasir Ris!

We finally moved!! On the eve of Christmas...

We spent the Christmas morning going for a little walk as a family, doing a little 'tour' of our immediate neighbourhood... It was nice cool pleasant morning, and we're so thankful that we're finally here.

It's been a good 6 months or so waiting.. since we 1st laid eyes on this apartment in July, 2008. I can't believe that we're finally here.. and living here.

Our hearts are overflowing with thanksgiving to God for his provision...
tho' the truth is, the house is currently "overflowing" with boxes, and furniture, and stuff... waiting to be sorted out into the right places.

Finally in Indiana...

I'm here. In Indiana. In Fishers, IN to be precise.
Got in last evening... The stop at LA for one nite helped quite a bit to 'break' the jet lag. I even managed to go for a workout at the gym in the hotel while I was there.

The weather here is quite nice, about 10-15 deg C, which is managable. Last nite tho' was a little cold tho'. (I'm sleeping in the basement) Woke up abt 3plus am to turn on the heater fan.. which I'm thankful I have.

Boogii (from the Mongolia music ministry) passed it to me, cos' he didn't need it in his room. He's used to freezing temperatures in his country anyways... =) Last nite we chatted, it's great to see God at work in his ministry (it's now official!) Thankful that we had a part to play in their history through the years. Tho' we all wld have loved to see it grow faster, we recognize that God's timing is the best timing afterall!

The summit starts off this evening with Keynote's Vision Dinner (a key fund-raising event for their ministry) I'll be playing a small part in the program. I think I'll be interviewed, and share about Keynote's partnership with Singapore. And how they helped get us started years ago... 16 years to be exact!

Long long flight...

Going to the airport in 1/2 hours' time... have mixed feelings about the long long flight...
I'm headed to the US... final destination Indianapolis, Indiana. Will be there for a Global Music and Creative Arts Ministry Leaders' Summit, hosted by Keynote (our US counterpart ministry).

On one hand, I know I get to 'rest' a little from the hectic and packed schedule the past 2-3 weeks.. it'd be a little 'breather', where I get a little bit more space for think time etc. Yet on the other hand, I know I'd be confined to a fairly small space for almost 20 hours... (Just few days back I already almost couldn't 'tahan' a 3 hour flight to Macau with Lil!!)

Anyways, I'd appreciate your prayers for me, as I'd be traveling alone this time round. Will be transiting in LA... stay one nite there (to break the journey), and then leave the next morning for Indianapolis. Please also pray for Lil and the kids. I know I'm gonna miss them a lot... considering that it's quite a long trip overall. (Will be back Nov 11th)

My last in-camp training!

Today I received news that I've been quietly hoping for a while. However, it was not a frantic 'If-I-don't-get-it-I'll-die' kinda waiting... I've come to a place of surrender... leaving the whole issue to Him, knowing that He knows what's best for me.

Yes, I've been hoping that this current in-camp training with my army unit, would be my last one. And today, we looked at the MR list and there was a 'Yes' next to my name! I couldn't believe it first... Anyway, MR basically means that we go into Mindef Reserve (in layman terms, it simply means we no longer have the yearly in-camp trainings obligation anymore!)

For most (if not all) men in Singapore, these are the letters they most wish to hear...during their NS days... beside ROD or ORD! =) For me, it's been long time coming... I'm almost hitting 40, and I'm only just finishing my commitment to National Service. Most of my platoon mates are only about 30, and they're done!
(This is mostly due to the fact that I deferred quite a number of times, plus I was studying abroad a good 4 years)

Then in the evening another pleasant surprise. I received my long-service award- which bascially honor servicmen for 10 years of faithful service to the nation. In a nice red box, was a beautiful gold-plated medal, plus a nice Hamilton watch, and little SAF tie pin. I'm no SAF fan per se, but I felt good... and appreciated to receive this gift from them.

Somehow, there's bittersweet feelings... Somehow I felt 'sad' that this could very well be my last time wearing the army uniforms, firing the SAR21 (rifle), going out into the jungle etc. At the same time I'm glad it's all 'over'. Unless there's a real war, those who MR will prob be just civilians from now on...

So this is my last in-camp training.. and quite a relax one at that.
Today is Day 2, and even though I failed my 2.4k run (by only 3 seconds), my spirits are high.
It was cool also to be able to re-connect with some friends, and trust God for PDA encounters. I'm praying for more of those...

Frantic packing... Yieeeks!

One more day, and the movers are coming!! Yieeks... we've not finished packing!

Despite all our efforts, (and my wife has worked SOOO hard! Thank u darling...) we've yet to finish up packing up all our stuff. It's amazing to see how much stuff we really have in the house! And how much stuff we don't really need. We've taken this opportunity to de-clutter... but I must admit that it's not been easy.

I get really stressed when I have to pack my things. I'm really bad at decided whether I should keep things or throw them. I get too sentimental when I begin lookin all my things (some dating back to Poly days...) But today's packing, I was literally throwing things. If I paused for an extra second or so, I might have decided to keep it!

Actually, I'd much prefer if Lil packed it for me, that way I don't see what she's throwin away. hehe....

Car accident

On Tuesday nite, we were involved in a rather serious car accident...

We're just very thankful that in spite of the seriousness of the accident (it was a 4 car pile up; we were the 2nd car, and we were hit twice from behind)... we didn't sustain any injuries.

In fact, moments before the accident I (Simon) remember turning back to the kids, and asking Zach to put his seat belt properly. And Josh's lap belt, which is usually kept quite loose, was properly tightened this time! Praise God for his watch care and protection over our lives.

We were quite shaken up initially (kids were crying for about 5 mins after the accident) but then when we calmed down, we were quite relieved that everyone was ok. And that the main cabin of the car was still intact, and no broken glass etc.

By his grace, we're all doing fine. Lil and I went to see the doctor the next day, our necks were slightly strained, got headaches off and on. Doc says to just monitor..., but overall seems ok. In the morning God provided a doctor friend fr church (a pediatrician actually!) who came over to our house to check up on our kids. She says they look fine too. In fact, today the kids went out with with Pat and family (and some others) to East Coast in the afternoon. Zach had a fall, and had to go to NUH A+E, but he was alright, just a big bruise on his forehead and near his left eye.

Anyway, do pray that as the accident repairs get sorted out, cos' in a chain collision like that, it's quite complicated, and the lawyers of various car workshops would have to 'fight it out' to figure out who to 'blame' etc. What's worse is that last car in the chain is a malaysian vehicle (which is sometimes impossible to make a claim from)

Thanks to many for your concerns and prayers...

Terrible F1 accident!!

I just got news from a friend... that there was a terrible F1 accident!!

Bad News

The recent financial meltdown, and the uncertainties that come with it reminded me of this short-film that our ministry recently did.

The film is aptly titled 'Bad News'.

It's less than 5 minutes long, so go on and watch it, and feel free to leave a comment.

The secret to growth: 'Die'

1 Corinthians 15:36b 'When you put a seed into the ground, it doesn't grow into a plant unless it dies first'

Such a paradox. How to die when actually your intention is to live and grow? How can you grow when you're supposed to die? Somehow it doesn't make sense, and yet it does make sense. Well, a paradox is basically two seemingly contradictory statements or expressions... that actually reveals a compelling truth!

This cannot be more true in real life experience, I desire the growth, but don't want the 1st process required: 'death'. Dying to myself, dying to sin and flesh... Yet I know that's what God is calling me to. His requirement for true discipleship is clear 'If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.' (Luke 9:23)

In the same passage (in 1 Cor 15) God opened my eyes to v.43 'our bodies are buried in brokenness but they will be raised in glory. They are buried in weakness but will be raised in strength.'

A reminder yet again (and a very timely one) that: 'I'm not perfect, I'm not complete.. and He's not done with me yet...'

Thank you Lord, for not giving up on me....

Zachary opened his heart to Jesus!!

Yesterday, when I got back in the night, Zachary run up to me and said...'Daddy, daddy, today I prayed to Jesus, and asked him to come into my heart.. and so now He's in my heart...' (He went on to tell me other things but I was so excited to hear this I didn't pay much attention to it....

So I immediately checked with Lil what happened... As it turned out, sometime in the evening, while Lil was making apple cider vinegar for the kids, Zach was singing 'I have decided to follow Jesus'... Lil seized the moment, and asked him if he wanted to follow Jesus, then went on to explain what it means to have Jesus in his heart etc. Then Lil asked him if he wants to have Jesus as your God. And he said 'Yes!'

Then our cute little Zach (still in the kitchen) squatted down, bent over, closed his eyes, and repeated after mommy the simple prayer to receive Jesus into his heart!

After hearing all that, I sat down and chatted with Zach somemore, and went thru an assurance of salvation, as simply as I could. (but found out later that Lil had done it too!) haha... we're all Crusade trained lor...

Thank you Lord for loving Zach, and for stirring his little heart to respond to your love!
Zach is turning 4 end of next month. And so, he's received Christ even earlier than Josh and Emily. I led Josh to pray after watching 'Finding Nemo', when he was 5. I can't remember exactly when Em prayed.. hehe....but I think it's when she was about 4+

Workshop went quite well

Thanks all who took time to sms and asked about the workshop we conducted at GO Forth. =) And thank u especially to many of you who prayed. It made a difference!

It went on quite smoothly! I was very thankful to my team, who played various roles to make it a success. There were about 80 people who attended our session. At the end of it, about 50 filled up comment cards, and about 90% of them said it met their expectations, and that it helped them in one way or another.

For a workshop like that that catered to such a wide spectrum of people (from lay people or anyone with interest in missions, to practioners and pastors) with various needs and interests, the response we got was considered quite encouraging! We of course did get some constructive comments, and hope to improve for the next time we teach/present something like that.

Personally, I was just thankful that I had the opportunity to bless others with what God has been depositing in my heart all this while. I can only trust that whatever I've shared (and what my colleagues have shared) has inspired them, and challenged them to take another step in the direction God wants them to take!

A opportunity to teach and train...

Tomorrow, I'll be leading a small team from my ministry to share, present and teach at a workshop which is part of the GO Forth National Missions Conference- The topic we've been given is called 'Reaching Generation NeXt: Youth, Media and Missions'.

Then next week (25,26th July), the whole CreaComm team will be part of the Hearts Aflame Evangelism Conference . We'll be conducting altogether 3 different workshops. ('The Gospel Through Music', 'Stories of the Heart (Using short-film for outreach), 'Making the Gospel Click' (Internet Ministry)).

These two opportunities, I believe, are truly God-given. Yet, the honest truth is that I feel quite out of my depth (particularly for the parts that I'm supposed to teach/present). It will only be by his grace that I 'make it'...

I'm treasuring the opportunity, as I prepare, to gather my thoughts and to share with others what God has been laying upon my heart.

It's our prayer that those who attend these session be truly inspired by God, and more passionate about going out there to be more effective for Him in 'reaching the changing generations'.

I'm coveting your prayers for me, and also for my team that is doing some of the presentation with me. =)

Thanks so much, I will share more in the next entry

18 viewings over two weekends... and finally a deal!

After 18 apartment viewings, from 5-Room to EA (Executive Apartment) to EM (Executive Mansionette) we finally signed and made the deal... for a 149 sqm EA!

How we ended with this deal was nothing short of amazing!

First off, we were actually looking for a 5-Room flat. But many friends advised us to seriously consider leveraging on the HDB concessionary loan (which would mean that we needed to upgrade to EA or EM, cos' of HDB's condition for using this special loan) After doing our sums, we felt that this might be a wiser move.

By the 10th or 11th viewing, we actually found something we really like, but it was a little over our original budget. It was a EM in the area we preferred, and we quite liked it cos' it was very well designed and done up. We had very little to fix up if we got this place. Key concerns tho' was that it was not as spacious, and had few storage places.

After praying that nite, we made an initial offer... but hesitated to jump at the 1st counter offer from the owner. On Thursday, I was thinking that I might be quite happy to make a final offer of $505k, and we were quite ready to go it!

Interestingly, that very day we decided to view 2 more units.

The very last unit we viewed was at Block 249. Up to this point, we've been concentrating on blocks in the 600 or 700 series. This particular ad (which was online) caught my attention, and I decided to check it out. What stood out about this unit was that it was valued at $392k! (Most EA units were valued at at least 450 - 470k).

As we took the lift up to the unit on 5th floor, I reminded Lil that we should probably 'manage our expectations'. We can't really expect 'much' from a unit that is valued so 'low'.

True enough, it was no designer house... but it was really well-kept. It was awfully spacious...
3 bedrooms, plus 1 large study room, 1 kitchen, and 1 huge living room. Best part is- they were asking for $425k... Needless to say, we 'fell in love with it'!

It was a fairly quiet neighbourhood, very windy, and surprises of surprises, the block is right next to the Multi-Storey carpark. This was originally one of my key requirements! which I had forgotten, but God didn't forget!

So that night we talked and prayed as a family when we got back... and made the offer of 18k COV (Cash over valuation). After a few rounds of negotiation between Peter (our housing agent) and the other agent, we finally agreed on $418k!

The very next day (Friday nite, 8pm), we went down again to ink the deal!

The owner had requested to move out later (cos' it's exams time in end October; and their girl goes to a nearby Primary school). We were quite reluctant as first, but God prompted me to be gracious to the their request.

It turned out that b'cos they were open to contra (which was Lil's hope+prayer all along) we're actually getting this flat earlier, otherwise it'd be easily another 1-3 months more because we'd have to wait for the 1st deal (the sale of our current house) to go thru 1st, before we can proceed with this purchase.

So if all goes well, we'll be in our new house (after some fixing and renovation) by end 2008!
We're truly blessed....

House sold!! And the lesson of praying expectantly...

In less than 2 months after we decided to sell our apartment... it's now officially SOLD!! =)

After the valuation of the flat was done in May (which by God's grace was a good valuation!) our housing agent, Peter put up ads in the Classifieds. It garnered very little response... I was kinda disappointed. Many calls, but few viewings. (The only viewing was fr the sister-in-law of my Malay neighbour. She really liked it, but they didn't have enough cash to buy)

Undaunted, I decided to put up some online ads and put up pretty pictures of my house, in hopes that it'd draw some attention. I even went around the estate putting up 'FOR SALE' posters. I think I put up close to 20 posters at the neighbouring blocks, but the next day I noticed they were ALL torn down! Who would do something like that? I was so upset... =(

Anyway, someone eventually did respond to one of the online ads. And this someone was this girl called Ashley (her husband and her are professionals fr China, workin here in S'pore). And one really interested person was enough...

Long story short... this girl really liked the apartment! She told us later than she fell in love with it just by looking at the pictures I posted! And it was the only unit she saw (believe it or not!) She had done her homework in terms of price etc. But this was the only apartment she had viewed in her house search. She came with her parents once, and a second time with her husband. The very next day, she made an offer!!

And abt a week later, after several rounds of negotiation...we closed the deal!! Just like that!
I remembered asking CCO (my office team) to pray that we can sell our flat soon, so that we can take our next step of looking for a place in Pasir Ris.

Me of little faith, I didn't expect God to answer this prayer soooo quickly!!
(Why should I expect God to answer... when I pray? Why pray then, if I didn't expect him to answer??) It so delights God to answer our prayers. Much like the joy and delight we feel as parents when we bring something special back for our kids, or give them or take them to someplace they had requested for a while. It brings a smile to them, and to us too!

Our heavenly Father was all too happy to answer our request that day!

Anyway, Lil and I are really thankful...
The kids have mixed feelings... They are feeling kinda sad that we'll have to move soon.
Josh wld frown and say, "But I like our Choa Chu Kang house... ".
Truth is, it's kinda weird feeling for us too, we're have a bittersweet feeling too.. esp. when we accepted the $5k deposit, and signed the papers... this was it, this is literally signing 'away' our lovely home for the past 6+ years...

Moving East!!

That's right... we are planning to move.
It's been on our minds for a while now, but up until March/April this year, we had no time to work on it, and fully explore it.

But after lots of discussion, thinking thru all the possibilities we've decided that we want to move to Pasir Ris!! Lotsa of you who knew about out last decision (abt 6 years back) when we decided to find our home in Choa Chu Kang (way out there in Northwest) would surely be wondering why the 'big move'... and now to the NorthEast! =)

Well here are the key reasons.
1. It's in the East (well sorta... but older towns like Bedok or ChaiChee don't appeal to us; Tampines is way too complicated/croweded, Marine Parade is too ex etc.)
2. It's 15 mins or less from all our activities (work, church, family (both Lil's mom, and my parents)
3. It's very near our homeschool group! Most of the homeschool friends+families that are part of that group live in that town or nearby. There's good support overall.

This last reason is key 'selling point' for us. Of course it helps that Pasir Ris is known as the 'Resort' town of Singapore. Many park connectors, and much much greenery everywhere! Great for us as a family for more outdoors activities as a family!

So starting from April, we had put our house up for sale...
(more updates to follow)

Pondering His goodness...

Psalm 111:1-4

I will thank the LORD with all my heart
as I meet with his godly people

How amazing are the deeds of the LORD!
All who delight in him should ponder them.

Everything he does reveals his glory and majesty
His righteousness never fails.

He causes us to remember his wonderful works
How gracious and merciful is our LORD!

Project Chengdu

SCCC is working on with our contacts in China to help with relief work there.
You can pray about being a part....Feel free also to forward the email to your pastors, or any doctors or medical professionals in your church, or others who want to play a part.

Any enquires can be sent to missions@sccc.org.sg

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Greetings from Singapore Campus Crusade for Christ.

You are receiving this email from a staff or friend of Singapore Campus Crusade for Christ. We are appealing to you to participate in the relief work for the earthquake victims in ChengDu. Several towns had been wiped out in the earthquake with at least 40,000 lives lost. The casualty numbers continue to escalate.

Besides praying for these victims, we hope to do more. We will be working closely with the medical teams that will be sent out from Missions Medical Clinic headed by Dr Leong Choon Kit, an associate of SCCC.

The following are ways that you could help:

1. BE PART OF A DISASTER RELIEF TEAM.
Being part of the medical teams to bring in medical and logistical supplies to Chengdu as well as help the relatives of the victims (Briefing on post-trauma counseling will be conducted). All participants are required to pay for the total cost of the trip. (estimated cost per pax is $ 1,500). There will also be a pre-trip briefing for each team.

Team details are as follows:
Team 1 - 21st May to 29th May, Dr Ong Lay Siang
Team 2 - 31st May to 7th June, Dr Ho See Yunn
Team 3 - 8th June to 16th June, (Doctor to be finalised)
Team 4 - 15th June to 23rd June, Dr Joshua Wong

2. CONNECT US TO DOCTORS & MEDICAL PERSONNEL
We are also looking for doctors and nurses who could be part of the team. Please refer them to our office at missions@sccc.org.sg.

3. MANPOWER SUPPORT TO HELP PACK SUPPLIES
Packing will commence on the evening of 15 May at 24 Lim Tua Tow Road (near Serangoon MRT). It is expected to continue for the next few days. If you can avail yourself to help, please call the clinic staff Tony @ 97850234 or Khai Liang @ 90223156.

4. CONTRIBUTE MEDICAL SUPPLIES
If you would like to contribute medicine or supplies, please refer to the attached file and liaise with Missions Medical Clinic staff, Tony @ 97850234 or call the clinic @ 62892100.

5. GIVE FINANCIALLY TO THE WORK
Crossed and make your cheques payable to 'Campus Crusade Asia Limited'. On the reverse side, please indicate that it is designated for “Disaster, Crisis Relief Fund”

If you have further questions, please feel to contact us at missions@sccc.org.sg

One highlight from Thailand...

Yep, I'm back.. didn't realize how tired I was... Last nite I slept at abt 8plus in the nite, thot I could get up early...yet struggled out of bed even at 8am!

Last wk, during the conference, I was up by 6am almost every day, so as to spend some time in the word, hurry to breakfast, and head down to the hall to get ready to lead worship. Each day's session starts at 8am! =)

One highlight of this trip for me was interacting with the Pakistan national leadership team. A few of us in the SCCC NLT (national leadership team) had the opportunity to sit with them to hear them share about their leadership dreams, the challenges they face, and the joys of seeing people coming to the Lord. For me, it was quite a blessed time, to hear of the work in Pakistan, which is 93% muslim. Yet in spite of all the persecutions and difficulties, I could see the joy in their faces as they talk about how many need to come to saving knowledge of Jesus.

In this picture, on my left is the National Director of Pakistan. He's got 3 kids too! And guess what, he's same age as me! The handsome guy on my right is only 28! Currently leading the Training Center, he'll be the next Operations Director in August.

Traveling again...

Oh boy, it's been long long time since my last post...

Yep, I'm going on another work trip. A conference in Pattaya, Thailand.
This is actually the East Asia Leadership Conference for Campus Crusade.

I'll be leading worship (with another colleague), plus just networking, meeting various folks from different countries. =)

Have mixed feelings about leaving yet again. I know that this is privilege, (to serve God, to meet others, to learn and to grow) but I feel the 'pain' of leaving my family yet again. Yet I'm sorta looking forward to a slightly different pace and environment. The past weeks have been quite hectic, moving into our new office. (We're now at 152, Paya Lebar Road! Come visit sometime!)

Would appreciate ur prayers for Lil+kids. For a fruitful time learning and growing etc.

Gotta go, they'll calling for us to board now... =)

It's snowing!!

On our way back to the hotel, right after we got off the subway (we commute every day for 40min to the conference site), it began to snow! Well actually, more like snow flurries.. However, according to weather forecast it's gonna get heavier (2 inches of snow). Actually, as I write this now, it's gotten heavier, the cars outside, on the street are now blanketed with a thin layer of snow... sweet!

For those of you who didn't know, I'm here in New York to attend both a conference and a meeting. The conference/gathering is about how artists (and creative people) can make a significant impact on our society. It's organized by IAM- International Artists Movement Right after this conference, about 50 Crusade staff (from various ministries) will meet (for 1 1/2 days) to talk about how to encourage the hearts of Creatives in our ministries.

The past few sessions have been rather interesting & thot-provoking.... but I'm now too jet-lagged to go on with this blog. But would appreciate your prayers for me as I continue to process the stuff I've heard, so that I can learn and grow, specifically to know how I can better lead the bunch of Creatives that God has placed in my ministry.

Freezing in New York...

I'm now in New York... here for a conference and meeting.
this is quick blog.. so can't explain much abt it. Those who r interested can't read it up here www.iamny.org

It's freezing here tho'!! -5 degres yesterday

But while checkin my mail I read Lil's blog.. which really encouraged me...
Thot u might like to read it too - "God is not in the house" http://lilcoolmom.multiply.com/journal/item/9/God_is_not_in_our_house..

I'll update more tonite! =)

Getting Naked...

Our Campus Ministry has just launched the “Naked i” campaign. It’s an integrated campaign to reach 150,000 students in the universities, polys and JCs on to topics of love, sex and relationships.

The 'Naked i' magazine, as I write, is being distributed to the various campuses this whole season... and our ministry (Creative Communications) is 'getting into the action' with them through various events and programs.

Soul2Soul, a band of ForeRunner (our music ministry kicks off this evening with a music café at NUS, where the band will play songs about love and relationships. As part of their program, they'll also screen one of our short films (produced by our short-film ministry, Wide Angle Productions) to start the people talking about their lives.

This is quite a significant partnership, as it is also our first major outreach as an integrated ministry. Pray along with us....

If you interested to find out more abt the gigs, or about the 'Naked i' campaign click here.

Soul2Soul going 'on the road'

Coverage 2008 - The Naked I Campaign

This huge Campus-wide campaign I've been sharing so much about has finally been LAUNCHED! As we speak, many University campuses in Singapore have started massive distribution of the magazine, Naked I, as the first pre-evangelistic strategy to engage people in talking about love, sex and relationships.

Following that are other multiple media strategies on campuses like lunch time talks on various relevant topics, screening of locally produced short films on related topics, cafe/pub events and even a evangelistic website called everystudent.com which will feature articles on relationships, love, sex and Christianity. All of these are NOT out to make a stand about sex, but more meant to serve as multiple platforms to people to talk and dialogue about relevant life issues and, God willing, share about their spiritual journeys. I am very VERY EXCITED because this is, by far, the most integrated set of ministry strategies that I have ever seen us come up with!

Please pray:
a) for continued favour from authorities to distribute the magazines freely
b) that God prepare the hearts of non-believers we come into contact with
c) for us to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit and discern how God wants us to minister to various people as we intentionally interact with non-believers on each of these platforms
d) for divine appointments (both one-on-one and community-level interactions) where people interact at a heart level, feel safe enough to share in their life/spiritual journeys and that people are drawn to Christ in the process
e) for unity within and between various ministries involved in this campaign

Soul2soul in Naked I:

My band, Soul2soul, will be anchoring some of the upcoming Cafe events by playing secular music and sharing a few stories from our personal lives and spiritual journeys. These are meant to be pre-evangelistic, non-threatening events when students can gather, hang out and just talk about whatever the songs or stories trigger in them. There will be a little bit of something for everyone, no matter where they are at in their spiritual journey. In the course of the conversations which take place at the event, some might be talking about relationship issues, some may ask tough questions about how Christianity relate to life issues, some may even be desiring to know what it is to have a personal relationship with Jesus. The beauty of the Cafe idea is all those scenarios can be played out at the same time and all can be ministered to in some way, because the ministering takes place amongst the people there (band included cos we're going to be mingling with them in between song sets), one-on-one, in those private conversations, rather than just limited to whatever is happening on the platform with the band! How cool is that?! :) This is a pretty new idea that we're trying out but we're trusting God to show us how He can use this as a means to drawing more people closer to Himself. :)

Our Prep so far:
Soul2soul has been practising since January and our last practice was just yesterday on the eve of Chinese New Year! The face of the band has changed a bit. Some old familiars like Suyin and Jason reprise their roles while we have quite a few fresh faces like Danny, Matt and James. What do I love about this bunch? They work hard, they laugh even harder and they don't take themselves too seriously! :) Mind you, they are VERY good at what they do so I especially appreciate their hearts of excellence in their God-given craft. And their easy-going natures have been a good foil to my more kan-cheong spirit! :) I think maybe they don't 'feel the heat' yet. :P

You can check us out at our websites. There's info on where we will be performing, some profile on each of the members, etc:
http://s2sonline.multiply.com/
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=9844621855

Do try and come for our acoustic gig on Feb 27, Wed, 7.45pm at Singapore Arts Cafe, Esplanade! It's the only performance open to public so it will be a great chance to see what I've been sharing about. :) But, FYI, this cannot be too overtly Christian because it's a public arena.

Given our constraints, our band is prepared as best as we can. :P And although the 'harsh task-master' in me is concerned that we're not as prepared as we should be, I'm really praying that God's grace will cover over our inadequacies and that His Spirit will really move in a powerful way.

This time round, aside from me, there are other members in the band who will be sharing stories from their lives as part of the program. I am incredibly excited about this because I've realized that the diversity of our life journeys enables us to minister to a wider spectrum of people. But with more people, comes more coordination (and so more headache!) and I'm sorry to say that I haven't done a really good job in helping them prepare. :( But even so, I'm praying that somehow God is going to help us pull through and share what needs to be shared. :)

Some additional complications are that, although our repertoire of songs are the same for all the gigs,
1) Some cafes are full band and others are acoustic (due to venue constraints) so effectively we almost had DOUBLE the number of songs to prepare!
2) Each Campus potentially has a different sequence of songs and different set of stories from the band because each one has a different focus!
The second complication is actually a happy problem because it is teaching us to learn how to develop the flexibility to flow with the Holy Spirit and serve the needs of our partnering ministries more effectively. But boy, is it a whole lot tougher!

Please pray for:
a) us to be strong in the Spirit so that we will be able to flow with all these different scenarios and walk in step with God as we minister.
b) the skill to play well and draw the audiences in to what we have to share
c) anointing as various ones of us share what God has been doing in our lives so that people will be ministered to and hunger to know Christ more
d) spiritual protection against any evil schemes of the devil
e) God's presence to really flood every single venue we perform at!

God bless,

Sha
ForeRunner, Music + Mission
A Creative Communications Ministry
Singapore Campus Crusade for Christ
Email: sharonmah@forerunner.org.sg

Breaking the silence...

wow.. it's been so long since I blogged..
Soooo much has happened! Mostly good stuff.. tho' a bunch of growing opportunities as well!

So I dunno where to begin...
Hmmm.. guess I'll but just 'breaking the blog silence' haha...

While I think thru wat I'm going to update.. if u r interested, please check out our new website
www.creativecommunications.sg! And feel free to give me any comments, suggestions etc.