Chapter 88: Wagamama Sushi

My sister, Rachel, came to find me and see how I am doing. Entering my room, she immediately saw something on my table. Picking up the 50% voucher and shout “Brother! I want to eat Wagamama Sushi!”

It’s been a long time that me and my sister did not hang out together. Hence, I brought my sister and her friend to go and have dinner in Wagamama Japanese Restaurant.

When we started to order Sushi, she was very excited. She even ordered one of her favorite sushi – the salmon with rice and mayonnaise. I was like…

“Huh? Sushi with mayo?”
“Yeah! You do not know now the sushi got mayo?”

Then I also saw sushi with avocado, sushi with cheese, sushi with whatever…

“With Cheese?”

Rachel and her friend were laughing at me, saying that nowadays sushi is more westernized now. Then I suddenly thought about that now most of the nations are mixed with different cultures. Even food is involved in cultural issues. Chinese food with western style… for example. Everything changes, ya?

I started to think about the church today. Did the doctrine of theology also change due to the cultural issues? There are many changes in Jesus’ teachings in certain churches. There are many extra doctrines which do not even exist in the scriptures. Some people even change the true meaning in the bible. Some introduce certain things which we do not even know whether it is true or not. Some introduce things which cannot be found in bible. All of these have really mixed up the whole system of the church. It affects the whole body of Christ. Many churches are corrupted. There are why many denominations are formed. I was thinking why churches are divided though they all believe in one God.

God, You do not delight in division among the churches. You want all the churches to fulfill one purpose for You – to bring good news to the lost. I wonder Jesus has given us the task on what to do. However, many people tend to mix it up and make Jesus’ teachings even more complicated. They have many disputes and conflicts. God, this should not be. God, have mercy on us sinners.

God, I really do hope to see all different churches will unite as one – the Church of Jesus. People will worship You, together praising Your Holy Name, shouting “Hallelujah!”

God, I know this is what You wanna see. I really wanna do this for You, to unite the churches back. Knowing it is hard because people’s wisdom will block them from listening to the truth.

God, this is my desire. Knowing I am nothing, but a junk! Yet I believe God will not despise and use my life for Your glory! Let this burn in my heart. Use me as Your tool, and glorify Your name.

Ephesians 4:3-6
"Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called— one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all."

Zhen Zhen and RachelAnd the dinner in Wagamama cost me RM113.45.

RACHEL! AHHHH…!!!

Chapter 87: Goodbye, my Buddy

Goodbye my buddy DELL.


I found out the problem of my DELL, the motherboard is spoilt. I was panic about my DELL, as if it has “life” to me. I asked, “Is there any way to repair my DELL? Is it possible to change a new motherboard?”

“I am sorry, Sir. Your DELL model is too old. There is no longer providing a motherboard which can fit in your computer.”

I can feel my tears inside my inner heart. I felt so upset. Not because of my assignments, it is about my relationship with this buddy. I do not know how to explain my feeling.

“Thank you, my dear DELL. You make me proud.” Touching gently on the surface of the old one.


Readers, maybe this is funny to you. What’s wrong with this Jack’s Stuff? Saying “Thank you” and feeling upset for a non-living thing? That sounds retarded.

I wanna say that this DELL is special to me. It is provided by my God. This DELL is my prayer request. God has granted this for me. I thank God for giving me this DELL. This DELL has joined me to fight for six years to serve in God’s kingdom. Because of this DELL, I became who I am today – multimedia and music.

God provided me this gift to let me discover my new talents. Not only that, He sharpened up my skills through this DELL. I can make movie and video, I can compose songs, it is all because this DELL is accompanying me to achieve a higher goal - to serve God in God's greater Glory.

It is sad to say that people nowadays do not know how to take care of their laptop. Their lifespan will only last the longest - three years. Consider this, my DELL is an old assistant which helped me to carry out my task in God’s kingdom for six years. I praise God for His mercy. He provides me a stronger one, a better one. I got a new buddy. And this buddy will continue to fight with me for God’s kingdom. This new buddy is “Joshua”. Welcome to God's ministry, ASUS. Let’s team up in participating in God's glory.


I miss my DELL. It is dead.
I said, “Goodbye, my buddy.”

Ephesians 2:10
"For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."

Chapter 86: Out of the Sudden

Readers must be thinking why my blog is not updated for at least a week. What happened to Jack’s Stuff? This is the story from a week ago.

Bringing my DELL laptop to McDonald, looking for a seat, finding a switch, ordering a Cola drink, promising a friend that I would be online, doing my assignment at the same time, happily opening the lid of the computer, pressing the “ON” button...

WHAT! Why is the light of the power not on? Worrying and looking at the adapter.

Wait! The adapter looked fine. What happened? Trying several times…


Oh no! My DELL lifespan had ended! Oh… My assignments! I had done 5 assignments! And now…

ALL GONE!! OH GOD!!

God, at this time, You play a joke on me? The assignments were almost done! Now what happened? God, this is not funny. Oh God, it is better to be good and back to normal mode. Please God, what happened?

At this time, readers, how would you react? When you are earning your own money, and you were saving for your future, and you are depending on yourself… Unlike students, they can just stretch out their hand and ask money from their parents. Look at my situation, will you feel good to ask your parents for money? Well, my money is not even enough to buy another laptop! If I buy a new one, I will eat nothing (not even maggi) for the rest of this year! This is not funny. What am I going to do?



When you lost your assignments, when you need to redo your whole assignments again, when you have no one to help you, when you are troubled whether you can borrow someone’s laptop to do your assignment, what are you going to do? All the important things which I had kept in my DELL...
Oh man!

Readers, right now, you might not feel it. However, when this happens, remember to seek God first. Tell me what I am going to do in such situation as this. God, have mercy on me.

Ecclesiastes 7:14
"When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider: God has made the one as well as the other. Therefore, a man cannot discover anything about his future."

Chapter 85: 800 more

I am so shocked that 320 cards were all distributed. And the youths were demanding for more. Praise the Lord!

Last Saturday, I went on stage to mobilize the Youth Live Concert again. I raised all the invitation cards and posters and said, "See what we have right now!"

The whole youth rejoiced and shouted "YEAH!"
And then I asked who could help to stick the posters in the school. I brought five copies of posters. Who knows...? Many youths volunteered to put the posters in school. After giving all out, I was short of six copies!! WOW! I was impressed by their enthusiasm. God, Thank You!

And the invitation cards were not enough. 320 pieces were given out only to ASC. What about other churches? There are at least ten other Anglican churches out there! If each one has 50 cards, it will sum up to 500 cards at least!! The ASC Young Adults will take another 50 cards. The Sunday Service Information desks will have 50 tickets. The Children cell will help giving out another 50 cards. The ASC youths still demand for 150 more cards!!

Altogether,
800 more cards!!



God, thank you! I can sense the revival coming! The Youth Ministry will be revived by You once again! Hallelujah!

Though I need to print 100 pieces and cut them into 800 pieces, it is worthy! Though it will consume my time cutting all the cards, it is ok. It is because I know I am doing this for my God, Jesus Christ! I will definitely let this concert happen in a glorious way!

1 Corinthians 8:17
"For Titus not only welcomed our appeal, but he is coming to you with much enthusiasm and on his own initiative."

I was touched by Ian Chhao (like Titus) when he said, "Jack, I am so sorry that I troubled you so much for the extra posters."

I said, "No. I am encouraged. Seeing you all so excited about the concert, has already motivated me to move even stronger."

Chapter 84: Cutting The Cards.

Everyone was preparing for the SOMA conference. I saw the people in the office were doing all sorts of things. I know that it is never easy to host a big event. All different nations will gather in ASC on 13 August 2009. It will be approximately 300 participants.

At that busy moment, the posters of “Youth Live Concert” had arrived. I was filled with joy. I know that the youths are looking forward for the concert. Some even came to me last week, asking me for the posters and the invitation cards. Due to the SOMA conference, I must give the priority to those who were preparing for it. It passed from Monday to Thursday, they had been rushing their work. Therefore, no matter what I must finish printing all the invitation cards by yesterday (Friday). Looking at the time, it showed 5:50PM. I went to ask Michelle, at the same time, feeling sad for her stress and busyness “Michelle, when can I use your computer to print the invitation cards?”

“6PM…” Smiling at me, she said, “I will finish my work at 6PM.”

Naughty Michelle
After printing the invitation cards, it was already 6:30PM. Then I remembered that I promised the youth to give them the cards by today (Saturday). If I start to cut the invitation cards today, it will be too late, because it will clash with the work of Sunday bulletins. I said, “Well, I know everyone will be busy tomorrow. I will do the cutting myself now. It will save everyone trouble and it will edify the whole youth ministry.” (laughing)

I stayed in the office, searching for a penknife and a metal ruler, sitting in front of the table with a glass on top of it. Cutting the cards, thinking in my mind, “God, thank You for letting this concert happened. I can’t wait for it.”


Taking my time, cutting the cards into 320 pieces. I did not know why I felt joyful in my heart. I believe that must be something which I want to do for my God. It is worthwhile for me to do this for the concert. No matter what, I will glorify God in this concert. Glorify Thy Name!

I believe the youths will receive the posters and cards with excitement and joy today. Just by wondering how their expression will be, it has already motivated me more to cut all the cards.

When I finished all the work, it was about 8PM.

Colossians 1:11
"being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully"

Chapter 83: Affirmation

I would like to introduce my worship song: Affirmation. It will be performed in the Youth Live Concert on 12 September 2009.

How does this song come?

It happened when I was serving in Church of Our Holy Savior, Labuan. I remembered I was really down at that time. I picked up my guitar and start to do the tabbing. My emotion was very hurt and sorrowful, as I was playing guitar. Then God showed me how wonderful He is in my life. He even showed me how much He had done for me. His love, His grace, His guidance and His comfort showed me that God indeed raised me up as His own child. He lets my heart be still. He makes me secured whenever I was facing problems. The most important thing is that He lets me remember that He is my God.

COHS, Labuan
In times of hardship and sorrow, God will reveal to us who He is. He is the Great Lord God Almighty. Slowly, I began to know how great my God is. Suddenly, at that moment, He gave me melodies and lyrics, and I started to sing out a new song. Once again, He affirmed my faith and hope in Him, telling me that He will be always with me in whatever I do. Therefore, I named this song "Affirmation".

He even remind me of my goal: Searching for the Greater Glory of God. That is to live for Jesus Christ, and witness Jesus Christ! Support my worship song, and give me the best encouragement. Therefore, I will continue to move forward for my God, my Savior!

Isaiah 42:10
"Sing to the LORD a new song, his praise from the ends of the earth, you who go down to the sea, and all that is in it, you islands, and all who live in them"

Affirmation 奇妙神
Melody and Lyrics composed by: Jack's Stuff

Verse:
Jesus, Lord with great miracles
耶稣，行神迹的真神
You reveal Your grace, Your love draws us near
你恩典彰显，你爱吸引着我
Jesus, Wonderful Counselor
耶稣，伟大奇妙策士
Your love never fail, You fill our heart with joy
你爱永不改变，喜乐充满我心

Pre Chorus:
O, Lord, You let my heart be still
哦, 你坚定了我的心
I feel so secured in You
让我对你毫无疑虑
And I thank You for all Your grace
我要感谢你的恩典
For what you’ve done in my life
你为我所做的一切

Chorus:
You are God, You are King
奇妙神，大君王
You are Emmanuel, Jesus
名称以马内利，耶稣
Forever You are my heart desire
你永远是我，一生最渴慕
Living for You
愿为你活
Forever I’ll worship You
我要永远敬拜你

Chapter 82: Youth Live Concert

I am organizing a worship concert:
Youth Live Concert

It will be held at Hosanna Hall, ASC, on Saturday, 12 September 2009. This may be my last concert for this year. Hence, I wanna put the full force in this concert. People may think I am too confident about this event. They were shocked when I said my target is at least 600 people. I do not know how it will be, but I believe God will not put me to shame. It is because what I will do in this event, will only bring Glory to His name. I wanna lift Jesus up and high.

Even though all the worship team will be from ASC, all Anglican KK Churches will attend this event together. This is going to be an excellent night. We wanna show KK Sabah that Christian Youth Ministry needs to have a revival. We believe God will bless this event. AMEN!


I myself have written two worship songs: “Affirmation” and “Forever You Reign”. These two songs will be played in the concert. “Forever You Reign” will be the main theme for this Youth Live Concert. I really hope people will support my worship songs. Do give me the best encouragement. If it was recorded, I promise to upload to the YouTube.

I am a person who loves to write new songs. I believe God inspires me to write as many songs as possible. I know God will make this day happen. God, You are so faithful and just. You make my day bright. I wanna do the best for You. I put my faith and hope in You. I know You will stir up all Anglican KK Churches to come and attend. No jealousy, no comparison, no competition, no bitterness, no despise, yet a strong unity of God’s love which binds all of us together. Anglicans, remember we are one family. Do not fight against each other and compare who is better. Remember that! All Glory to God in what we have done for Him. There is no glory for us.


All Christians (including all different denominations: Basel, SIB, RC…etc), you are most welcomed to join as one family and stir up the revival together. Though it is an English event, we welcome Chinese and BM youths too. I wanna say this to you. We are only focusing on one purpose though we are different; that is to give Glory to God and let God’s love shine throughout the nations.

Here is our chance. Be united as one! Let’s us not be divided! Therefore, invite all your friends to join this concert. It will be awesome!

Christians, let’s do it.

Haggai 2:7
"I will shake all nations, and the desired of all nations will come, and I will fill this house with glory,' says the LORD Almighty."

Chapter 81: The Most Foolish Thing

When I woke up in the morning,
suddenly I recalled this incident…
It was about 4 months ago…

During the night, someone called me
“Jack, this is the most foolish thing which I had ever done.”

When he came to me, he was about to cry. I calmed him down, encouraging “Hey! Bro! What’s going on? Relax. Tell me slowly. I will listen.”


He was weeping. I could see the tears in his eyes. He said “I broke up with my girlfriend.”
“Oh… Ok. Don’t feel sad. You will be fine! Be strong.”

“No, Jack. This is not the point. After the breakup, she finds me back. I said I do not want to see her anymore. Then she even asks my mother, my friends, her friends to find me.”
“Well, this is the consequence which she needed to face when she dumped you.”

“I still love her. However, I just could not forgive her because she broke up with me for no reason.”
“Well, now, do you wanna give her a chance to meet her? You still can…”

Before I finished my sentence, he interrupted

“Jack, she is dead.” Then he burst into tears.

“WHAT! When is this?”
“This afternoon…”

I did not know what to do during that time. I just sat down there and listen to his cry. I knew what he meant by “the most foolish thing”. He lost his chance to see his ex girlfriend. At that time, he still loved her. Due to the breakup, he created hatred in his heart and refuse to meet her. When he found out that she was dead, her parents actually explained to him, saying that the reason why they broke up may be laid in this fact. He sorrowfully said “Now I know why we broke up… I really regret! I really regret!!”


Readers, the reason he regretted is because of his unforgiving attitude. Forgiveness is really needed in everyone’s life. Learn to cherish opportunity which can create new miracle between you and your friends. God forgives us our sins; He even gives us a new life. Since God forgives us, we must forgive one another. Jesus Christ came to die for our sins, because He had forgiven us. He loves us. Though you are hurt by others, you still need to forgive them. Learn to face your enemies with a smile every day. Learn to reconcile with them and forgive them wrongdoing against you. Do not regret if anything happens out of your expectations. Remember this verse below...

Matthew 6:14-15
"For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins."

The last sentence he said
“If she is still alive now, I will…”

It’s too late.

Chapter 80: A Conversation about Courtship

“Jack, I feel very confused and frustrated now. I wanna smash something.”

“Ha ha… I guess there are three possibilities that you feel like that.”

At that time, I was sending a boy back to his house. Then this conversation started to arouse.

I continued “Well, you are 13 years old. These are the three issues which you will probably face now: Friends, Family, and Girls. I guess you are bothered about ‘Girls’.”

He, shockingly, said “Huh? Jack, how do you know?”

“You are a person with many friends. How can it be peer pressure? Your family will never bring you headache. They are too lovely. You never mention anything about girls before. I believe there must be something to do with girls which bring you confusion.”

“Hmm…” Feeling shy.
“Ok, now I know you like someone now.”


“Jack, what can I do in order to win a girl’s heart? I do not know what to do now.”

“Before you think of chasing this girl, let me ask you this. What is the motive of having this girl as your girlfriend?”

He kept quiet for a moment, shuddering…
“See! You do not even know what you want.”
I laughed loudly.

Then we decided to have supper in Damai together. After sitting down, I continued “My brother, you must seriously think about this. If she really turns out to be your girlfriend, you sure you will be happy? She is too young to think about commitment. Surely you will break up because both of you do not understand what life is all about.

What about your parents? You gonna hide this until they found out? You will lose their trust. Do you think it is worthy? Remember your parents love you very much.


It is not wrong to like someone. It is not a sin. But do not be too lustfully obsessed because it is a sin. Your first courtship is very important. You wanna give you first courtship to a girl who can only be committed to you for less than a year? ”

He shook his head, meaning disagreed.
“Yeah! Boy! It should be FOREVER! Save this for your best beloved one, that is your wife. Holding hands, hugging and doing everything with her are your FIRST time. Isn’t it romantic? Why waste it? Do not follow my step. I regretted for what I had done.

Now you may be thinking that it is too early to think about marriage and commitment. Therefore, do not even think about it. Do what you supposed to do now: study hard, build friendship, and be a good example to others.”

He nodded his head, then I challenged him.
“My dear brother, I know you are a smart guy. You are not stupid. I know you understand what I am saying. This choice is in your hand. I know you will choose it rightly. You are THE MAN.”

“Jack, thanks very much. I know what I should do now. Actually you also know this girl whom I like. But I just don’t dare to tell you her name.”

Smiling back to him, I replied “My dear brother, knowing her name is not important. The most important thing is…

To enjoy your “13 years old” life.”

Galatians 5:16
"So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature."