Lack of Update

There has been a few people saying, since I come back to London, I have not been updating my blog like I used to be, especially last 2 months, almost every few days! True ... it's because while having holiday back home (also to Aust, Thailand, S'pore) I had the chance to see new things, meet new friends (and old friends), eat all sort of food :D Not saying that London is boring - but when you are back to work, it has been quite routine!

Nevertheless, there have been several events/activities I joined through out these 3 weeks! Btw, I am lack of photos these days because it's either I forgot to bring my camera or I am lazy to take!

I attended worshipcentral on 19 May at Holy Trinity Brompton. It's a seminar for worship team organized by Tim Hughes and Al-Gordon. It's held once every 2 months, and something I look forward to attend every time. Not because there's Tim Hughes, but because of God's presence! It's a whole Saturday event, which 2 session of praise and worship with teaching and 2 workshops, focusing on skill, theology and life application. Will be attending the next one on 17 July! Checkout the site http://www.worshipcentral.org.uk You can go there n listen to some of the new songs and download the chord chart!

Then the following weekend, it was much more interesting. We had our service on Saturday at a new venue, a Swiss church near Covent Garden! Frankly, the location is central, but the assessiblity was terrible! There were no parking allow up until 6.30pm around the area. I did the logistic and it was really unconvenient to look for parking! In the end, I parked the van 20 mins walk from the church. Not only that, the church was built for silent worship (organ and hymm), so with out full worship team (drum, bass, electric guitar, keyboard plus guitar), the sound was horrible! :P That's why, we suggested, if we ever use the venue again, we'll only have a guitar or/and keyboard. AFter the service, suppose to go for the £5 per dish Korean restaurant but it was a long wait for 1 hour, so we decided to go Chinese. Talking about this Korean restaurant, Jacey, Anita and I discovered this 2 weeks ago, and since then, we have visited this restaurant for many many times.

The next day was Pentecost Sunday - and all over the world, churches were gathering to have Global Day of Prayer. In London, it was held at Upton Park (West Ham Utd stadium). We planned to get there by 2pm to join the worship ... but because people were habitually late, plus sudden signal failure or District Line, plus raining ... we were there only at 3.30pm. Missed quite a bit .. but regardless of these, God is really awesome in the midst! Christians of different denominations came to worship and pray! After the event, we jst had dinner at Chop Chop. Here's a video promotion of the GDOP!

The next day was a May Bank holiday! I dunno why May Bank holiday... not celebrating any occassion either. But good to have holiday! Some of us have planned to visit Thorpe Park, a theme park. The weather was really really bad ... it rained whole day! We did not really enjoy ourselves because we did not get to sit on the most thrilling rides .... we ended up feeding the 2p coin machine games. Candy amazingly got herself 2 big soft toys from the crane machine! We were really disappointed when we decided to head home, saying we will not visit this park again, ever! The park gave us a surprise, all of us were given free ticket to come back again! Naturally, you need to do that, because of the rain, most rides were close! haha ... so in probably 2-3 weeks time, i'm going to Thorpe park again!

Last night (Thursday), there was free screening of Swan Lake, a famous ballet performance at Trafalgar Sq in the evening. Met up with Jacey and Kenny to go to Korean restaurant again (yes, the £5 a dish during the trial period). After dinner, met up with Wei Kee and her friend, Joel! Really a nice guy - and will invite him to church!

The ballet is about a prince fall in love with a swan-turn-human-during-daylight-girl who was under the curse of evil spirit. Upon returning to palace, the queen forces the prince to choose one girl to marry - and the evil spirit brought upon her daughter disguise as the swan-turn-human-during-daylight-girl and con the prince to marry her. The prince only found out later he was cheated n rushed to the lake to look for the real swan-turn-human-during-daylight-girl. In the end, the prince and the swan-turn-human-during-daylight-girl sacrifice their life and destroyed the evil spirit. What is interesting is, all these were presented in ballet! I was so clueless in the first 30 minutes, but later found myself enjoying it tremendously. But, i don't think i'll spend £40 to buy a ticket to see the ballet or opera. I rather go football! :D

There are some photos uploaded at http://picasaweb.google.com/EldosThen

Back to London

I'm back in London for almost 2 weeks now. On the flight back, I thought I would be home sick for the first few days. But this time, I did not feel that, because there are many things awaiting me to do/deal/sort it out - mainly church and PhD!

Because it's nearly summer (officially not yet), I felt like everybody in the college is slowly slacking off. I've been unproductive up until now ... really pray that I will gear up, work quickly and smart, so that I can finish my PhD asap! FYI, postgraduate ceremony always fall in May. So realisticly, my convocation would now probably be in 2010. Anyway ... will try do my very best! Because after my 3rd year, if Yayasan S'wak do not agree to extend the sponsorship, might need to ask for FaM funding! Never heard of it? It's 'Father-and-Mother' funding! :D

Church, has been great! Can feel the momentum moving forward - in quantity and quality! For me, beside leading the student ministry, I am assigned to Church Growth and Spiritual Growth department. In order to be most effective and not overloaded, I've identified people to assist me in various sub-dept! Student CGs, most of them having exams, and after exam, go home for 3 months! So we'll be preparing a new raid for freshers! Prayerfully, we'll be more powerful than this school term! Beside, I worship-led last Sunday - sth that I really enjoy doing so much nowsaday. Because i have not been playing guitar for a month, i slightly sprained my right shoulder muscle. It has recovered now after being massaged and applied deep-heat lotion.

In these few months, there are so many interesting events/trips for me!

• 27 May - Global Day of Prayer at West Ham Stadium (Upton Park)
• 28 May - trip to Thorpe Park (a theme park)
• 12-13 June - 2 days leisure trip to Dublin! (Ryanair gave out 1p ticket, all inclusive of tax and charge). So the whole trip might just cost £30-40 only
• 28 July - 2 football matches at Emirates Stadium. Inter Milan vs Hamburg and Arsenal vs Paris St Germain. Ticket is only £32!
• 1-8 Aug - Euro Convention at Prague. After camp, will go to Cesky Krumlov again!
• Sept - might go Brussel to visit my 3 cousins there! Also courteousy of Ryanair for 1p ticket. If not Brussel, maybe Milan.

God is good! He blessed me so much!

Last but not least ...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to you, Ah Phin!!

2nd Week of May ...........

Dear ma,

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!

This 'project' has been going on for a while, gathering and scanning photos, getting the wishes/messages from those down under. Since most of us not around, this is what we wanna say to you: (all these messages are unedited, truly original!)

From Eldos,

"Like both of you (pa n ma) said before: even small little gestures that i made, you can tell what am I thinking oledi. Even though I have been out to study for more than 8 years, all these while, I know there are always someone who always worry about us and continously praying for us. Just last month, when I was sick (you knew it thru my blog), immediately you asked me to call back to listen to my voice, to check whether i'm alright. Wan Jin poked fun, saying that, no matter how old I am, in you and pa's eye, I am always your little child. And i totally agree with that. Thank you for everything, even though sometime I might not give the right respond (ignorant, raise my voice). I love you both, Ma n Pa!"

From Fabian,

" As far as I can remember, mum is the one who over the years had tirelessly been putting food on the table, cleaning up the house, keeping things in proper order and washing up after us. She has sacrificed tremendously as she would have as our mum. Now that most of us are out in other parts of the world, mum's love proved to be more precious than ever as I always remember how tiring it is to organise my own life. Thank you ma and happy mother's day. You're still the best mum we can ever have. Praise God."

From Nicholas,

"Ma HOw r u going? Haven't heard from you since the late April. And now it's the special time of the yr again... to remember the one (or two) who's been there all along since the day we're born (technically it's since the day two cells joined to become one), to remind ourselves of the one who's never fail to love and persevere, to allow opportunity me to express how much i appreciate all your effort, cherish the time spent together, all your unfailing undying passion to raise us up to be who we are today. All these... i speak from my heart...to you mum (+and not forgetting dad). Happy MOther's day! Love you lots.

**I'm fine here.Eating well, drinking lots, trying to sleep lots, eating fruits and vege.Thanx for all your concern! HUGSSS"

From Oliver,

"Happy Mother's Day!"

From Daphne,

"erm...mom...Happy Mother's Day!!! what should i say.... wish that you willbe very happy and surprised when you saw what we all have given you.... myexams coming soon... so maybe you will find out that i will do lesshousework....or my temper become worse...haha...but this all is juz for 2weeks.... this will only happen about twice or three times a year...so dunworry...haha... i'll try to help you to do housework moreautomatically....like what i said...i'll try.... so dun blame me if i stilldidn't change....so....i think that's all....if i still want sayanything....i think i will say it juz in front of you....tata...."

From Stefanie,

"A special day for a special mother.........Mum,i just want to tell you that you are the best mother is the world,we all love you!!Wish you a very Happy Mother's Day........smile and laugh everyday,remember ah....."

And now, for a little something we have prepared for you and pa! :D Click on the image to get a bigger and clearer version!

The 'Process': from you kids to us kids

Pa n Ma - You care and love us; always give us the best

As always, we are proud to be the Then's!

Something to show off to the world: Ma's flowers at our house!

For more photos, please click on one of the album.

Mother's Day Presentation

Parent's OLD Photos

Then's Siblings

Mum's Plant

Thai Camp - Part 4

This should be the last post for Thai Camp 2007! :D And it will be about Hope Game!
Seriously, I am really impressed with how the Hope Game was organized. I totally don't feel bored at all ... and most importantly, I did not feel hot! Why? Because it was held at night! :) Since I was from oversea, so all international delegates will join the IF group, which our team colour was white!

There were many regions, each with their own backdrops, cheerleader teams and even the members dressed the same! It can be noticed that they have prepared their cheers, hand movement (for those seated), and cheerleading routine for quite sometime! As for us (IF group), though we only had 2 cheers, we totally enjoyed ourselves while looking at the carnival atmosphere around the stadium!

The games were organized in such a way, that 2 small groups of helpers (dressed in identical outstanding clothing) will demostrate how the game will be played while another big group of helpers (dressed in identical clothing as well but more dull colour) set up the ground! It was done within 5 minutes! I was impressed with the efficiency! Each region leaders as well have been given instructions weeks before the Hope Game, therefore volunteer gamers were chosen in no time! I participated one game, which was tossing the ballon filled with water from front to end thru each members. Unfortunately, maybe my strength was too great, 2 balloons burst when my subsequent team member tried to catch. He was soaking wet :P

It was followed by football game! It was the Hope Bangkok Pastor team vs Other region pastor team. Ps. PN was with the Hope BKK team and we jokingly said, if anyone dare to block him, he will received double-shepherding from Ps. PN. In the end, the Hope BKK pastor team won! :D

It was a great night .. coz after the Hope Game, Pui, Ju and gang brought me to night market and had supper!

IF Group Banner - welcoming the international delegates

P'Wan as the head of cheerleaders for P region
The beautiful backdrop
The gaming team member of IF group
The Hope Bangkok Pastor football team - they won 1-0

Thai Camp - Part 3

Praise and worship during the Thai Camp was good, especially the musician! But frankly, i did not enjoy as much as I suppose to be though, because most of the songs are in Thai. I 'mai kau cai' most of the time. Nevertheless, whenever I dunno the songs, I would just clap hands and rejoice with the people .... because we were worshipping our God!

We'll continue to improve in our skill and worship our God in spirit and in truth!

Orchestra worship concert

Congregation was invited on stage to praise God together with worship team
Ps. Prayuht (worship pastor of Hope Bangkok) leading worship
The brass and woodwind section of worship team!
I met Kjell-magne, Uscha and their baby Mirna.

Thai Camp - Part 2

I had a wonderful camp cause it was after almost 5 years (the last Thai Camp I joined was in 2002), I finally come to visit my 'grandmother' church again! Why grandmother? Because I consider Hope JB my mother church mah! haha

Because I have been in Hope movement for quite sometime and was so blessed always able to be imparted the biblical principles and our Vision & Philosophy, the teachings and preachings were really great reminder and reflection of my life and action! There's nothing new, but it was so refreshing listen to our elders and leaders sharings!

I couldn't be more amazed by the quality of the camp. From children church, performances, worship team, hospitality, multimedia (Hope TV) and even Hope Games. It has gone up several notches .... that's why I mentioned to Ps. Prakich, that for our Euro Convention, we need to strive for excellence in every aspects! The opening ceremony and the 'Mission Possible' night was spectacular. Their costumes, the backdrops, the music arrangement, the singing, the story plots, the lightings .... wish you were all there to see all those!

Some of the impacting and inspiring quotes to me this camp are:

• being peace-filled means it is not the absence of problem, but it is the presence of God
• if we don't want to trust God fully, don't trust at all
• Many people want the peace of God, joy of God, wisdom of God, but they don't want the God of joy, God of peace and God of wisdom.
• God's mission will not be a hard burden if we have heart burden
• Faith turns dreams into reality

Self-introduction at the International Delegates Welcome meeting Opening ceremony - grand and beautiful
Mission Possible perfomance - the Egyptian dance was dynamic
Ps. PN with the flag-holders - the year Hope Thailand is focusing on Africa
Praying for healing

7 years ago, I broke my leg!!

Today, I was looking through the old photo albums that my parents kept for literally every single occasion since we are born. I am surprise to find the photo when my parent n Yin Jin came all the way to JB to visit me, because I broke my leg!

How did i break my right leg? I remembered clearly, it was my 1st visitation together with Tze Hing (my coursemates) during my second year. I used to go with senior like Kok Chai (shepherd) or Jau Chai (CGL) or Yee Kan (ACGL). But that night, me and Tze Hing really wanna go visit on our own. It was the first time we did so. So he brought me on his motorcycle, and went in to Kolej 3 (where we stayed during our first year). After we visited several juniors and presummably a fruitful night, we decided to call it a day. Just as I tried to ascend a small cliff (about 1 meter tall), i slipped and my leg hit the ground. The pain was intense, I couldn't even stand up for few minutes. Eventually, when I was better, Tze Hing sent me home. When i reached the doorstep, I just lied there for 1 hour cause it was too painful to move, until my housemates came back. Immediately, they brought me to a chinese "tukang urut" where he rubbed my ankle with such strength until I cried.

Nevertheless, after that, i thought it was gonna be alright. For a week, the pain was there still. So went back to tukang urut again: rubbeb, pain and cried. It continue for another week, then I cannot stand and dad advised me to go visit a specialist. Lo n behold, the specialist told me that my ankle bone had fracture and I had to be operated immediately. Panic, I called my dad to ask what to do ... he said just go ahead with the operation and he would come over to JB from Kch immediately to sort out the payment. I was all alone in the hospital then ... so I called my CG and told them I would be operated now! It was a shocking news to all. But they said they would be praying for me.

I was pushed in the operation theatre and ............. when I woke up, I saw brothers and sisters from CG came and visited me! Followed by my parents and sister! I was soooo soooo touched! Since then I know, beside my natural family, I had my spiritual family who care for me as well! I stayed in hospital for 1 nights and I was discharged. Received lots of care and corcerns during the period of time!

Just some side notes:

• A screw (15cm) and a metal (25cm) were put inside my right leg to secure the bones
• I was on plaster for 3 months. The screw and metal remaind for another 3 months.
• On the third month, I started driving again while on plaster n clutches.
  

With plaster n clutches. It was during my 2nd year in UTM, so i was quite slim in size!

My lovely car - JFE9869 The bedroom of ministry house. The bed sheet n pillow case is still being used in London ministry house!
My study area! I really miss the space :D

Hope London Alumni

Hope London had the priviledge to disciple many students throughout these years. But, because of the difficulty in securing a job that provide you with work permit, most of them have to leave UK to go back home. Nevertheless, the advancement in internet really pull us together even more ... the world is getting so much smaller!

This time round, beside meeting Michelle and Susie (last time Hope Glasgow) in KL; Leanne (Hope London student group - came to London few months later than me), in Thai Camp, i manage to meet up with P'Pae, P'Wan, Jean and Tu. It is always a joy able to see each other again after a period of time! Oh yeaa ... i met Connie and Shereen (last time Hope Glasgow) during Thai Camp as well.

In Singapore, CN, Yi Ting, Ai Ai and KK were the usual suspect I meet when visiting there. Of all surprise, Yoppy came as well! Upon looking at him ... again it proved there's a 'myth' of 'like shepherd like sheep'. I can't believe that how Yoppy has ballooned up (the other cases were Kenny and Yanjie). All those who are slim and light, come to me for I'll give you fat! hahahah

Tu, P'Pae, me and Jean

Ai Ai, Yoppy, Yi Ting, CN and me
KK and me
Yoppy and me. He gained weight rite??

Thai Camp - Part 1

I'm now back in Kuching .... after Thai Camp, Singapore (1 night) and JB (1 night). There's so many things I can share, but i'll do it slowly in blog!

Lots of photos as well .... Let me start with the famous 'delicary' of Thailand! Don't misunderstand, Thai people don't really eat these .... it's just some minority who eat these and tourists. I can't tell you what are these ... it's just gross and disgusting :P






After looking at the above ugly photos, let me show you some nice photos with handsome and pretty people! :D

with brothers and sisters of Hope JB

with Blue and Eiji

with Ps. PN (at backstage)

with n' Jean

with n' Pui with n' Ju (aka n'moo)
with Tu

This Thai Camp, beside of its theme of 'Peace-Filled church', i really enjoyed a fun-filled camp as well together with all brothers n sisters in Christ! I also really so blessed to be in 'An Eating Church', where we would just eat and fellowship!