Overdued New Year Post
This is a way overdue post...well some stuff happened during new year's day, so I didn't really settle myself down to write about 2006.Here's it then.
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Year 2006, hmm, has been rather erratic. There were some ups, there were some downs too.
Downs first.
The year started gloomily as sister Tammy left Christ Grace Church. But it wasn't a bad leave. She has to follow her father, so no choice. But the 2nd sister who left is a sad case. Love blinds her and she decided to turn against the faith she used to hold with great testimony. Now she is one whom I cannot recouncil with her previous image. She very different. And she has no testimony to speak of. At least not that I know of. Very sad. Afterall she has been such great sister-in-Christ to me in my beginning years in church. She taught me alot of things - regarding modest dressing, Christian behaviours, and even things on why charistamisn is wrong. These things she herself has turned back on now. Sigh...very sad. And her change came when I was just beginning to open up to her.
The rest of the youth group were affected as well. Because her family plays a large part in the youth group, and her family is also split regarding this incident, the youth group became disunited. Among us also, people started to get busy. Elias and Felicia studying and working at the same time. And attitudes changed as well. Blk 195 work stagnant, and number of children depleting. Church itself also experienced some problems.
Also, good friend Shama changed so much. She is no longer the mature intelligent girl I use to know. Very upsetting.
Good things.
This year is also a year of new experiences. First, teaching in Swiss Cottage. That short 5 months gave me plenty of lessons and experiences, and made me rethink whether I was really fit or into teaching as a career. This is important. If not I would have went into teaching without knowing what to expect. Also, God blocked the way to my receiving the teaching award, since getting it means I have to take English Lit (which is taught in ungodly manner in Uni) and I can't really take modules of my choice.
Also, I thank God for my A level results, of which I am most unworthy. And I thank God He has allowed me to go into NUS, the Uni of my choice. Sem 1 is over, and my exam results were good enough. Again, thank the Lord for His mercy, for I have not done enough to deserve that good a result. Also, I think I've got a direction to go. I am majoring in English Language. =)
Uni is a new experience. As arts student, there are many temptations in terms of philosophies which if we don't subscribe to, we are seen as narrow minded people. For example, feminism, existentialism, questioning the Higher Power up there, etc. If God had not preserved my faith, I would have subscribed to all these beliefs. Also, there are many temptations to behave and dress inappropriately as a Christian, because that's how many dress in Uni Arts fac. But thank God again, He preserves me. Moreover, I got to know another 2 Christians from like-minded church. Really wonderful to know and be with people of the same faith. Joining JSM's Bible study is also a refreshing thing. Everyweek there'll be Bible study with Deacon Kian Lee. This sem is the study on Phillipians. I wonder what next sem's will be.
Also, Sarah's faith and love for God impressed me. She really wants to come to church (a sound one) despite her father's threats. And the reason why her father became angry with her is because she dares to preach the gospel to her relatives and loved ones. This is something that I - as a Christian of about 5 years in a pagan home - has never been able to do. I love my family, but I don't have the courage to tell them the gospel.
By the grace of God I see His mercy and power through year 2006's DVBS as well. While everything we did was last minute, and the youths who could help are few, and the number of children who could come were supposed to be few, God showed us His power. It is in times like these where we are constrained and our work were insufficient that we were forced and compelled to be on our knees to ask God for forgiveness for our slackness and ask God for grace to grant us more children to attend the DVBS. And God answered our prayers - thus showing His mercy to us. I remember 2005's DVBS we have many helpers and many people, but we didn't pray as much as we should, and so the DVBS didn't turn out as well. Lesson learned: prayer always supercede human work. We can do everything and prepare everything, but if we do not pray, we can forget about the work yielding fruit. Thank the Lord!!
Another wonderful thing is the camp. It was really well-needed in the time of spiritual low in 2006. The camp speaks of the glory of God, and it made me realize once again who my Lord God is. While the year's problems engulfs the church, it is a wonderful joy to remember who God is, and how glorious He is, and showing us also our lowly state. It's just beyond words. Most importantly, this camp Felicia Esther and myself had the opportunity to speak with Uncle Joseph, and he told us his burden for the youth group and suggested some directions which we can go. This really stirred our hearts, especially Felicia's regarding the state of the youth group and what we ought to do in 2007 to rectify the situation. So, right now, thank the Lord, we have some directions to go. Mainly, Uncle Joseph and Aunty Rachel will be leading us, and we will be working on the unity of ourselves, the reaching out to the "on the fringe" brethrens, and reaching out to the lost souls. Mostly importantly, we must pray and pray for commitment of the youths to continue the visions that we have today. If not, we will not be able to sustain the work.
Finally, and most happily, year 2006 sees my relationship with my family improving. I have communication problem with my family, because in the days of my growing up I was not yet a Christian, and so I did not make deliberate attempts to talk to my parents and brother in the midst of all our business. So slowly, we grew apart. Until when I came to know God and accept Christ as my Saviour, I realise I need to love them and show them that I love them, because if i call myself a christian and one who has the love of God in me but yet i don't love my parents, that makes me a liar. And I really love them and want to tell them the gospel. So I needed to bridge the wide gap that was formed.
Thank the Lord! Year 2006 saw many improvements in my comunication with them. Last time I could only say surface things, like "not eating at home", "going out later". Now i'm able to say things like my comments on certain issues, asking them about their health, asking my mom how she cooks certain things, and talk about shows that we watch on tv. Really, this is a big step. Thank God!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm really happy for this. Really really joyful!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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I think that's about it. Just a summary of what happened in 2006. 2007 will see the youths trying to revive, as well as the church. Pray that God will send a revival to us. Personally I really want to draw very nigh to God and get to know about spiritual things better. New year resolutions are simple: studies and relationship with family.
Well, here's to 2007. Cheers!!!!!!!!