Striving to Do Something that Lasts

It is all about brisking through something without leaving footprints or giving it all for something and create a permanent impact that lasts a life time. There is such saying, "100 years from now, it will not matter what my bank account was, the sort of house I lived in, or the kind of car I drove. But the world may be different because I ws important in the life of someone." True indeed. It is not about what we have done but the impact resulted by what we have done that counts.

The class was to decide on whether to take part in a community service or a community project. Some of you may think that there is no differences between the two. However, you are wrong. A community service is basically doing something with doesn't involve the direct interaction among the beneficiaries. It is something like a flag day, beach-cleaning or the painting of a hospital's wall. However, A community project is all about people. It is about visiting homes and having activities with the children, teenagers or old folks.

Initially, majority of the class voted for the community service. Although a service may be what the majority wants, I stood firm with the decision of a project. However, as usual, majority-wins-rule still applies nowadays. I was made the person-in-charge over this, contacting the organisations and et cetera. My emotions were badly shakened during the whole lecture and I guess that the lecturer knew what I was thinking. Hence, she kept emphasising that we should try something more meaningful and challenging rather than just a typical service.

It was at the end of the lecture. The lecturer asked me to discuss with the class on the organisation. I was reluctant. Then the lecturer told me, "Why don't you explain your stand to the class?" I decided to try, thinking that it will not make any differences.

I told them my stand and my reasons. I want to do something that will last. Unlike painting a wall, which the paint will fade off after some time. However, if I were to contribute to people directly, which means interacting with them, I would be leaving a footprint in their lives which is permanent. Something that lasts. Majority of the class eventually changed their vote and perhaps that made my day.

I went to the National Volunteer & Philantropy Centre's website to check out the organisation like I always did. I found a few before one came to my mind. We-sharecare Children's Society which has now re-named as We-sharecare Society for Children & Youth. Since the class prefers children, this shall be a good place. The founder of this organisation is actually mum's god-mother's son. You may want to check out the website at http://www.we-sharecare.org.sg.

Tomorrow will be my first foundation class ever since I returned to Emmaus. I hope that God will really speak to my heart and prepare me for the class. Please pray for the following:

1. Use a new perspective
2. Focus on God
3. Know my purpose

Mission. By Faith.

The staff from Campus Crusades invited me to join them for mission trips next year. He passed me a brochure indicating the costs.

Students to Students
1. East Asia (30 days) - $2300
2. Australia (19 days) - $1600
3. Malaysia (15 days) - $700

Love Across Borders

1. Global Village - Thailand (14 days) - $1500

2. Operation Blessing - Cambodia (10 days) - $1200

Local Blessings

1. Charis Student Care (12 days) - $350

2. Bethany Methodist Nursing Home (12 days) - $350

3. Pioneering Campuses (12 days) - $350

I am keen for the Cambodia one. However, I have raised only $50 at the moment. This means that I need to raise another $1150 within the next 3 months. This takes great Faith. An alternative is to go for the Local Blessings which I am sure I can raise sufficient funds. The third option is to save all the funds I have and wait for the next round.

Cambodia? Singapore? Please pray for me.

Remember, they do not know God

"Remember, they do not know God." This statement really hit right at the centre of my heart. Tears nearly flowed across my face. Have you ever experience such encounter when you really find your parents unreasonable? I did. They nag and scold at almost anything and like to find faults with me. I started to feel my freedom being taken away from me. If I happen to stay out, Dad would call and asked me where and why I was out. And after my explanation, he would say, "Is that reasonable?" If I stay home, they wouldn't be pleased either. Mum would really offer me with abundant of naggings and scoldings (even if I did nothing wrong). I really couldn't take it anymore. If I did not react to the naggings, they complained that I ignore them. If I did, they would complained that I talk-back to them. Their standard is really unachieveable.

I complained to Khai Ying about this and he gave me that statement. And yes, perhaps it is because they do not know the Lord. Perhaps it is not me who can't meet their standards but I am viewing them with another standard that non-believers will never be able to achieve.

Sometimes I really feel that I couldn't consider myself a Christian. In another word, I have failed as a Christian. And I am fully responsible for their ignorance of the existence of God. If I were really a Christian that does the Father's will, my life would surely and clearly reflect Christ-likeness to the people around me. They would therefore smell th aroma of Christ around me. Which means a positive change of perspectives and attitudes towards all things. Everything starts at home. My behaviour as a son, as a brother really matters. Even through minor chores such as washing the dishes, it is already a positive change.

People Need the Lord

Everyday they pass me by,
I can see it in their eyes.
Empty people filled with care,
Headed who knows where?
On they go through private pain, living fear to fear.
Laughter hides their silent cries,
Only Jesus hears.

People need the Lord,
people need the Lord.
At the end of broken dreams,
He's the Open Door
People need the Lord,
people need the Lord.
When will we realize
people need the Lord?

We are called to take His light,
To a world where wrong seems right.
What would be too great a cost for sharing life with one who's lost?
Through His love our hearts can feel all the grief they bear.
They must hear the words of life
only we can share.

People need the Lord,
people need the Lord
At the end of broken dreams,
He's the open door.
People need the Lord,
people need the Lord.
When will we realize
that we must give our lives,
For people need the Lord.
People need the Lord

New prayer requests at the left column.