Every year when we start our youth meetings, I would introduce myself and tell everyone NOT to call me auntie. But each year, there will always be those who do call me that and this year it's no different. It's always those who are not familiar with me and of course, all our parents taught us to be respectful to those older than us, and I am older than you, it's a fact. But should you, for some weird reason after reading this post want to call me auntie, don't you even dare, especially for those who already call me by name! Haha.. call and see if I answer you or not lah!
Anyway, I was talking with a friend just now about ministry and she wondered where I get the patience around you guys. Hehe. She said she won't be able to stand it. That got me thinking about how I came into the youth ministry so many years ago. I can only say God gave me this burden to be in this ministry, that I enjoy being with you all, serving alongside together. I know sometimes I lose my patience (I think each group of youths that come along would have seen me lose my temper at least once or twice) but I know, it is God who sustains me in this ministry. We were just learning last week about how, when we want to achieve great things for God, we need a partnership with God. We also need a personal commitment, and partnership with God's people.
These three things are required when we serve in any ministry and it's also a reminder on why and who we serve. Sometimes as we serve, we lose focus and lose track of what's important. We must always look to the cross and be reminded that the reward of serving our Lord far outweighs the sweat and tears.
There will be events coming up soon that will definitely challenge us in many ways, but we are assured that God will always be with us, and that He only wants good things for us, not to harm us. If you are going through difficulties in life, know that God is in control even in the midst of difficulties. He knows and he cares for you. That is a promise! Praise the Lord.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Monday, April 19, 2010
Our God is Faithful
I am sure many of us have stories to tell of God's faithfulness in our lives. Let me share one of my experience with you. Last year many opportunities came along my way to serve God not just in the youth ministry, but in church events and even on a diocesan level. One of the church events was of course our 40th Anniversary celebrations where I was directing the drama for the dinner. The drama was challenging to say the least because it had to involve people from the 3 congregations and most of them were adults. So I had to learn to direct adults and it was a different experience than directing youths. And just when things were going well, some friction happened that threw me offtrack. I must admit that I almost gave up on the drama, I almost quit. But thank God we managed to pull through and things went well.
After that came the diocesan opportunity; to learn new things and work with different people. But it came almost immediately after the church event, and with the drama 'episode' still fresh on my mind, I turned it down. I felt I cannot do justice to what I had to be responsible for, in truth, I probably was being rebellious and fearful. These happened last year. So anyway, about 2 weeks ago, I was on my way to work when I told God I was sorry I didn't take up this diocesan ministry because of my fears and reluctance. I told him I was sorry I didn't get to serve him in that capacity, and how sad I felt. After all God has done for me, I was only thinking of myself and my comfort, I couldn't even do this for him...
Fast forward one week, I got a call from Pastor Moses about a big event that will be happening in September for the youths, by the youths. When he was speaking, I kept thinking of my prayer last week, how sad I felt for not taking up that responsibility, and here was God giving me another chance to serve him! How faithful is he? Awesome faithful! I do not deny this will be a challenge, and already I can feel the immense pressure, but I am also looking forward to it, of learning new things and experiences. There will always be opportunities for us to serve God wherever we are, in our schools, at home, in church, everywhere. All it takes is our willing hearts to go ahead and do it for God. So let's rise up and seize the day!
After that came the diocesan opportunity; to learn new things and work with different people. But it came almost immediately after the church event, and with the drama 'episode' still fresh on my mind, I turned it down. I felt I cannot do justice to what I had to be responsible for, in truth, I probably was being rebellious and fearful. These happened last year. So anyway, about 2 weeks ago, I was on my way to work when I told God I was sorry I didn't take up this diocesan ministry because of my fears and reluctance. I told him I was sorry I didn't get to serve him in that capacity, and how sad I felt. After all God has done for me, I was only thinking of myself and my comfort, I couldn't even do this for him...
Fast forward one week, I got a call from Pastor Moses about a big event that will be happening in September for the youths, by the youths. When he was speaking, I kept thinking of my prayer last week, how sad I felt for not taking up that responsibility, and here was God giving me another chance to serve him! How faithful is he? Awesome faithful! I do not deny this will be a challenge, and already I can feel the immense pressure, but I am also looking forward to it, of learning new things and experiences. There will always be opportunities for us to serve God wherever we are, in our schools, at home, in church, everywhere. All it takes is our willing hearts to go ahead and do it for God. So let's rise up and seize the day!
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Prayers
Prayers, aren't they a funny thing? You just say them words, anywhere, any language, and it reaches Jesus. We know prayers work, but we don't say them enough, I think. It's powerful, yet sometimes we don't have enough faith to believe that prayers actually work. I mean.. just say a sentence and then things are going to be all right? Seriously? Ah.. but that's the beauty of it, that's faith! Being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
There are a few prayer points listed on the right hand side box, do spend some time in prayer for our friends who are in need, either personally or their family and loved ones.
Vanessa has been working in Kota Marudu for about 1 1/2 years now, and each Fri evening or Saturday morning, she drives 1 1/2 hours down to KK. She has been faithfully serving in the youth ministry and now, she's going to submit her transfer form, to be transferred down to KK. So let's pray that she will be working in KK very soon.
Aaron L's grandad fell unconscious about 2 weeks ago and is now still in the hospital in KL. He's still being fed through tubes but he's been progressing well that doctors are considering taking the tubes out so he can eat by himself. Do pray that he will continue to recover fast. Pray for his family members as they take care of him, for good health and positive outlook.
Adriel's grandad fell sick while he was on holiday in China, but he's now back home and has recovered. Continue to pray for good health for his grandad, that he will regain his strength physically and mentally.
I have seen both Jenny and Moses in Tawau and Penang respectively and while both of them are fine, continue to remember them in prayers, because it's never easy away from your family, especially if you're very attached to them in the first place. Pray for protection and wisdom as they handle life away from home. And you know there are many of our friends who are also away studying, say a prayer for them too, ok?
There are a few prayer points listed on the right hand side box, do spend some time in prayer for our friends who are in need, either personally or their family and loved ones.
Vanessa has been working in Kota Marudu for about 1 1/2 years now, and each Fri evening or Saturday morning, she drives 1 1/2 hours down to KK. She has been faithfully serving in the youth ministry and now, she's going to submit her transfer form, to be transferred down to KK. So let's pray that she will be working in KK very soon.
Aaron L's grandad fell unconscious about 2 weeks ago and is now still in the hospital in KL. He's still being fed through tubes but he's been progressing well that doctors are considering taking the tubes out so he can eat by himself. Do pray that he will continue to recover fast. Pray for his family members as they take care of him, for good health and positive outlook.
Adriel's grandad fell sick while he was on holiday in China, but he's now back home and has recovered. Continue to pray for good health for his grandad, that he will regain his strength physically and mentally.
I have seen both Jenny and Moses in Tawau and Penang respectively and while both of them are fine, continue to remember them in prayers, because it's never easy away from your family, especially if you're very attached to them in the first place. Pray for protection and wisdom as they handle life away from home. And you know there are many of our friends who are also away studying, say a prayer for them too, ok?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)