Against the Odds

Hi, Daniel Cheong here.

 I am going to share about my past experience last semester {Jan 07 to Apr 07}, when I was taking this infamously tough module called “Linear Algebra {II}”.

 As the name implies, this is a Maths module at Level 2 {meant for Year 02}. People have to first pass the already challenging “Linear Algebra {I}” before taking Part 2. The module has been given the nickname “Mission Impossible”. This is one of those modules that students will not understand easily right from the beginning and will struggle to even start doing the tutorials.

You don’t even need a calculator for this module because it is useless. Proving techniques and complex theorems are what one needs.

To make matters worse, I got a bad lecturer who had very disorganized notes and a tutor who is not at all friendly. The exam and test are closed-book. No helpsheets allowed.

I struggled immensely ealry on but one fine day, I decided to accompany my friend while he is taking his smoking break. And perhaps out of mutual kindness, he decided to lend me an old set of Maths notes.

 Turns out that that is all I need for that module. The work of a stellar Maths lecturer, of whom I have not been grateful to but that is another story.

The test is coming. The records are against me. I had failed 2 out of 4 Maths tests before. And I only got grade “C” for that “Linear Algebra {I}”.

 I actually cried to God on the eve of the test. I was sufficiently prepared {took 1 entire week} but there was still a severe lack of confidence.

Turned out that I passed that test. And did better than many of my peers, including my dear friend, a scholar.

And I went on to get “B+” for that module.

 Isn’t God amazing?

HARROW!

Hello you guys, how’s life been there? Been wanting to drop a post here so you all still know I am alive and kicking. Haha. School has been really busy and disgusting for me. Like today, I got back one of my first assignments and realised that I did not do well for it. I failed by like 2 marks. Was really pissed and depressed then and I began questioning if this is where I am supposed to be. Then I realised how frail I have been, this is my first setback in schoolwork here and I am already giving up the battle before even fighting a front. The good thing was that I could resubmit the paper and I’ve got the break week next week to do it.

Please pray for me ok guys, school has really been a challenge here, the culture, the many stereotypes that the ang mos throw at us Asians, Chinese, more specifically. Pray that I will have the strength to walk this path and lean on God for everything, including my upcoming assignments and groupworks, and pray that I will find favour in my profs’ eyes.

Oh, and I am moving out of hostel next semester to move in with a few friends because rent is increasing to like 20 bucks more a week and I don’t wanna pay that amount. I’m going to move in with 2 other guys and 2 other girls, so pray that we can find a place that we all like and has a reasonable amount of space. We have found one already, but you know, more options is always better! Pray that we would be able to live well with one another as 4 of us are Chinese and my aussie friend is moving in with us.

But there are also things I want to thank God for, for the multiple blessings He has poured out on me, for the friends He has sent into my life. If I were to list them one by one, the list would be endless. But yes, there are times when I am just so grateful to the Lord that I am still amazed of it.

So till the next time then!

Much love from Down Under!

Why QT is important?

“Through daily prayer and reading the Bible, The Almighty God softens a man’s heart, shapes his character, roots out sin in his life and gives him direction and purpose.” -Bill McCartney

What an apt statement! Now you know why I keep on nagging you guys to lead a disciplined devotion life? Heh!

“…keep on praying for all the saints.”

“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.” – Ephesians 6:18

Hi Torch!

For this week, let us continue to pray and show genuine concern for one another in the LG. I know that many of us are going thru alot of stress due to projects, assignments, presentations, exams, and work, so let us not grow weary in praying and encouraging. Many of us had committed ourselves to showing love – the time for talk is over; now action must prevail.

So let’s pray!

1. Pray for Jerrel as he enlists on the 17th of September. Pray that God may show him favor among his officers and sergeants.

2. Pray for Sophia as she leaves for Laos on the 20th to the 30th of September. Pray for a safe trip and that God may sustain her despite her busy schedule.

3. Pray for Weili as he embarks on his new job on the 17th of September.

4. Pray for the university people undergoing their assignments and exams. Stress period lah, must work hard and trust God. =)

5. Pray for the working people, it’s not easy especially for those rushing projects. Pray for strength and wisdom in their jobs.

Lastly I leave you these words:

“You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” – 1 John 4:4

Forging Community together.

“Once more into the breach!”

Dominic.

Thanking God…part 2

Today, September 11 is especially hectic for me. I did not even realize the significance of this day. As all should know, 6 years ago on this very day, about 3000 people were killed as planes smashed into and collapsed the WTC twin towers. Peace to one and all…

 But we can still thank God! anytime!

so for today:

(1) I thank God that I made it back home safe and sound. I was exercising with my running club around the “MediaCorp” hilly circuit. Thank God that everyone was safe {cars were coming towards us on narrow roads}.

(2) I thank God for reminding me to mind my manners. Hurting relationships due to bad manners is not worth it.

Oh yeah, about “Love is in the air”, don’t forget romantic love too. Afterall, it is the source of why we physically exist in this world.

Love is in the air.

Harlow Torch!

I shared two points regarding loving one another in Torch on Saturday, and here am I with a copy of it so that you guys can copy/paste/study it/read it multiple times/hang on your toilet walls/set it as your screen saver/read it upside down/memorize it till you can preach it etc Haha.

Love is simply an amazing thing, and it is the centerpiece of our faith. For without love, our faith would just be another religion, a vicious cycle of ritual and appeasement to “the god/gods”.

No, love is the cornerstone of our faith. For it was love that made Jesus walk the hills of Calvary.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” – John 3:16

Love cannot be forced; it must flow out of a relationship with God. So safely to speak, those who do not know God cannot truly love, because they do not know the One who is love! The love we talk about here is not the kind of “conditional love” that the world demands. I’ve read stories on how “pre-nuptials agreements” are becoming the latest fad among couples, especially in the celebrity circles. Instead of “in sickness and in health, in riches and in poverty”, it has mutated into “If you do this or get into this situation, it’s goodbye”. The way the world loves is conditional. We are not to live this way!

Listen to what Paul’s gotta say about love:

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.” – 1 Cor 13:4-8

Love is more than words or deeds. It must become an attitude in our daily lives. It must be formed out from a close relationship with our God.

Love is something that is shown in all aspects of our lives – in thought, in words, in attitude, and in deeds. Thoughts of this spiritual family must be on your minds!

When was the last time you encouraged a fellow LG member?

When was the last time you remembered in prayer your brother who is struggling?

When was the last time you lend your shoulder to a fellow sister to cry on?

When was the last time you actually were concerned with the spiritual health of your LG?

These are just some questions for you to think about.

Compassion is the prerequisite of love. In the Word of God, Jesus always had compassion on those in need of God.

“When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things.” – Mark 6:34

He embraced the sinner, because Jesus knew where they came from. He dined with tax collectors, rescued the adulterous woman, embraced the leper, made friends with the “untouchables” – the Samaritans. Jesus was compassionate.

Compassion is to understand a person beyond his exterior, into the very heart of who the person is. Compassion enables us to look beyond the ugliness into a heart that may have suffered and is broken. Compassion enables us to love the unlovable, as God has commanded, and as Jesus has shown to us all.

Compassion reminds us that we’re no different sometimes from the proud/arrogant/childish people that we come across, it makes us look at ourselves to see who we really are.

Are there some people in the Lifegroup that you’re unwilling to be associated with?

Is there someone in the LG that you can’t forgive?

Do you feel someone is simply irritating, and will never be able to change?

Let the love of God to rule our hearts and minds, instead of having a judgmental and self-righteous spirit.

Don’t forget the words of Jesus!

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” – Matthew 5:43-48

Torch, you guys are constantly on my mind, and I’m not ashamed to say that I love you people lots with absolute sincerity and purity. For one day God will take me into account of what I’ve done with this Lifegroup, with the lives of those whom He has entrusted to me. (That’s why sometimes you find me nagging alot! Heh.) “Dom says he loves us? That doesn’t sound very manly of him!” Haha! It takes guts to make such a statement of love to you guys and gals, but hey I take my cue from the Man of men and His words seriously:

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” – John 13:34

Follow my example, as I follow Christ’s example. Love one another in TORCH, we are family.

“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.” – Romans 12:9-11

Once more into the breach!

Dominic.

Thanking God….always

I was thinking about what I can do for Torch. Many things have been said about us. Both the good and the bad. Many have felt inadequate in their contribution here. Yet many have not taken the initiative.

 Today, I will contribute for our good. Today, I will take the initiative.

 And everyone can participate.

 You just have to remember to thank God. For the simple things. For the big things.

You can thank God everyday. For some order and control, lets just thank Him for 3 things He has allowed in your life. 3 sentences at most for each thing.

 Everyday, every week, don’t bother….also can.

 How does this work? It’s really simple. See my sample.

——————————————————————————————

(1) I would like to thank God that He has built a stronger relationship between me and my youngest and only sister, Eunice. She used to be a pain to even talk to. But we are alright now.

(2) I thank God that I have found a new and less crowded route to go to school (NUS)! I just have to take Bus # 97, 197 or 198. from Jurong East MRT Station.

(3) I thank God for Dominic. I believe that he will be a strong leader for the young men and women in Torch.

——————————————————————————————

Daniel Cheong

New Season.

Hi Brothers and Sisters of TORCH!

After some adjustment and playing around with the controls, I’ve finally figured out how to use WordPress (or at least I know how to post now! Heh)

And it’s the same with the new LG! =) I know that it’s not exactly something new for most of you guys and gals in Torch, but with the recent changes and the merging of Torch and Kingsmen, I believe a new season awaits all of us in such exciting times.

As I was praying for TORCH a few weeks ago, God showed me a vision of a desert place, and all of us travelling in a old school bus across barren lands in search of a water source. I believe that God wants to make TORCH into an Oasis. An Oasis of His Word; a place of rest and restoration (R&R). Heh.

I believe that not only are we called to be a community, but a living organism, a “Body” as the Bible says, with Christ as our head. Check out what Paul said:

“The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. Now the body is not made up of one part but of many. If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. If they were all one part, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, but one body. The eye cannot say to the hand, “I don’t need you!” And the head cannot say to the feet, “I don’t need you!” On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has combined the members of the body and has given greater honor to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.

Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.”

– 1 Cor 12:12 – 27

Sorry for the “messy” passage, but hey the beautiful part of it all is in our diversity! We are all very different and unique, but are united because of Jesus. It will take effort from everyone to make TORCH a homely place that welcomes all. All of us must learn to open up and care for one another not only with words, but by our deeds. Remember the question I asked 4 weeks ago?

“As a Body, do we feel responsible for the other parts of the Body?”

I hope you guys have been thinking about this question, because this is vital to uniting the Lifegroup.

We are united when we show GENUINE concern and SINCERE love for one (1 Tim 1:5).

We are united when we look beyond one another’s flaw and highlight one another’s strength (Phil 2:2-3).

We are united when our own selfish demand for our own rights and pleasures to be fulfilled lie crushed as we seek to honour one another above ourselves (Phil 2:4).

We are united when we let love, not hate, flow freely in our Lifegroup as a Community of Saints. (Col 3:13-15)

As we travel across the dry places, may we find a shelter from the sun and heat of day in TORCH. And let us carry one another’s burden, so that Christ may be glorified in our acts of love.

I also make a personal plea for all your support. To tell you the truth, it’s not easy having the burden of the entire Lifegroup upon one’s shoulder. As God teaches me how to shepherd this “great people of God”, I pray I will not stand alone in this endeavour. Let’s put our hands to the plow together, for when we are united, we stand; divided, we fall.

May God be honoured, and may His love and light shine forth in us and from us!

“Once more into the breach!”

Shalom,

Dominic.

Hello from Perth!

Hello guys!!! I’m already in Perth, in case any of you haven’t realised. The weather here is really cold. But I am beginning to enjoy it, except when it rains or when the wind gets too strong. I don’t really sweat much, and I don’t really see the need to shower, but I DO SHOWER OK! Like twice daily still. Haha. The shops close at a disgustingly early time of 5pm except for like Thursday for the surburbs and Friday for the city area.

School’s going to be slack, I’ve only got classes on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, how fun eh? Aren’t you Uni people envious???Haha, I’ve got a DVD player today and am going to rent a TV from the school tomorrow for my hostel. Oh speaking of hostel, I really wanna Thank God. Reall, I see His hands moving in my life now.

I’ve got pushed up from a Single Room to a Deluxe Single in the hostel. This means I only have to share a house with 4 other people instead of the initial 7. And to make matters even better, all my housemates are girls!!! Double yay! I’ve got 2 Malaysians, 1 German, and an Australian as my housemates.

There’s so many things I wanna Thank Him for, like I almost lost one of my luggages (but that’s a story for another day). Meanwhile, I shall enjoy myself down here and you guys, do pray for me ok, I am still church hunting!

Glenn’s Grandma

Guys

 Lets keep Glen’s grandma in prayer. she is in hospital and suffering from a pretty severe illness. Pray also that God will grant him strength in his hour of deepest need