TEAM POWER!

As I led a team to Cambodia recently, we had such a great time together! First of all, definitely it was God! All glory to Him! But there was this element of a great team!

Some of the traits which associate with team power...

1. Humility - We know we needed God and each other to make it!

2. Communication - We were clear on our tasks and everyone connected

3. Unselfishness - We looked out for each other.

4. Positive vibes - No faults finding with each other. There was mutual encouragement.

5. Collaboration - We just fitted into our tasks!

6. Clarity - Everyone knew what to do and we just did it!

7. Emo control - Everyone controlled their emotion well.

With this kind of a team, God can do great things!

CAMBODIA - IT'S HARVEST TIME!

Everywhere we went, we see paddy fields, ripe unto harvest! That's Cambodia at this moment! God is doing great and wonderful works there! The Son is shining brightly everywhere we went and even government and village heads were impressed with the works of the Christians! We went to a house of a certain village head and he gladly allowed Christians to operate English classes for the villagers!

We go there with the intention of blessing them, instead we are tremendously blessed by them. Happy faces welcomed all of us when we visited homes and there was no dusting off of our shoes! Children were simple and adoring and loved everything that we did (nothing extraordinary that we had done)!

I was told that a certain village we visited was initially rejected the Christians and the church. Things began to change when one young girl was set free from demon oppression!

Another leader who took charge of children's home told us about how street children were fewer today compared to years ago! This was because the children were helped and they now have the opportunity to live in a great environment!

I have been to Cambodia about 7 times but this time, I felt different! I felt like Jesus was embracing the Cambodians there in their own humble and simple ways in a greater measure!

God opposes the proud and gives grace to the humble!

God bless Cambodia! May the latter rain pour and rain on the whole country with God's grace and power! Truly it's harvest time in Cambodia!

KATY PERRY - GOD STILL LOVES YOU!

Few of us gathered in the cell last night. It was supposedly cancelled but we went ahead with prayer and worship. After watching a touching video, we quickly got into prayer, led by the Holy Spirit. I strongly felt the urge to pray for Katy Perry.

Katy Perry is the daughter of Keith and Mary Hudson, Assemblies of God pastors. She grew up in the church and her parents were very strict with her. The more she was pressed, the more she rebelled. And the rebellion overflowed when she became a pop star. But everything went wild recently when she married Russell Brand, an English comedian and actor. They got married in India in a Hindu ceremony. In other words, she either renounced Christ as her Saviour or she has not even received Christ in the first place.

I don't know why she purposely wanting to hurt her parents or to send them a message that, "I am free to do what I want and you will never able to stop me".

Katy Perry is just like so many young people today who are angry at adults in their strict and seemingly unwavering hold on them. Even in the early years, there were already signs of rebellion, like asking "Why can't I watch Smuff?" or "Why can't I dress like that" or "Why can't I kiss a girl even though I like it?"

To all these young people out there, God still loves you. You are never too screwed up for God to embrace you! His grace is simply overwhelming.

Yes, Katy Perry's parents are heartbroken to the core but Katy, it is not about your parents but about your life! Jesus Christ is the only answer to life's fulfilllment. Your fame will not satisfy you. Neither are your money, husband, marriage!

Come back to God while there is still time!

HAVE U GOT ENOUGH?

13-16th DECEMBER! Yes! Those are the dates for HUGE Camp 2010!

Every year, almost, for the last seven years, HUGE has played a tremendous part in the growth of Christian young people in Malaysia. Some of them practically grew up in Youth Alive of Malaysia's various programmes. I remember the first time I (as a youth pastor) went to join as a participant in a program many years ago and have never turned away since. I eventually ended up joining them as a committee member.

As a result of the long haul commitment of the Committee, today we could see great improvements as far as youth Ministries are concerned. I often wonder what would be the next big thing up the sleeve of God for the next generation! I believe it is going to be huge! My vision for revival amongst the young people has never diminished even a little! Instead, my anticipation has grown!

If we have a puny God, we will have puny goal. But if we have a huge GOD, then we will have huge GOAL!

I always believe in long haul effort and not blow hot and cold. I have seen enough of young people who dropped out of God's best for them because they weren't committed enough. Just wouldn't stick long enough!

So, I will be anticipating HUGE 2010 to have huge impact to all the campers and also the YAM committee.

Sign up today! For more info., log on to http://www.youthalivemsia.org/

WANG LEE HOM - YOU'RE THE MAN!

Wang Lee Hom, I am impressed! This guy earned a fortune but would not live luxuriously. I am thrilled when he said he helped the needy, working with World Vision! This is exactly what the Bible is saying about money! Nothing belongs to us and when we have loads, it must be used wisely and meaningfully for society.

But I am still grasping the way he lived, why he chose to live like an ordinary man - I feel for him but I am happy he looks beyond money.

Major Chinese dailies reported that Mandopop star Leehom Wang would not spend his hard earned money on material things.

“Buying sports car ... I think it’s meaningless. “There are many people who need our help. I work with World Vision and every year, I want to help the needy more.”Although Wang, who is also an actor and film director, has made a fortune, he has spent his money wisely.

The artiste is currently driving a second-hand car, worth NT$60,000 (RM6,075). It was a present he gave to himself on his 33rd birthday last year. Also, his house has only a bed, a computer and some music equipment. To save the environment, Wang had not bought any new clothes for the last 15 years. During the interview, he showed the pair of socks he was wearing and said it was a present from Jackie Chan.

Other superstars have a collection of cars in Hong Kong and Taiwan. Among them, Cantopop star Aaron Kwok has 13 luxury vehicles worth over RM100mil including five Ferraris, two Lamborghinis and a Mercedes Benz SL-class. Jay Chou’s collection included a Mercedes Benz SLR722 (about RM3.8mil) and some antiques.

(From Star Paper this morning)

ROY IS NO JOY!

When I saw Liverpool this season, I was reminded of Leeds United. I started my love for football with Leeds United and how I adored them. Now they are languishing in third tier in English football league. I fear for Liverpool which I have supported for more than 30 years.

Before the premier league began, I was full of hope when Roy Hodgson came in as coach. I was overwhelmed with anticipation when he retained Torres. Now, I began actually to miss Benitez! Roy is no joy for Liverpool!

Some MU fans have started to give names to Liverpool - LiverBoo; Liver pool of tears; etc.

I think Liverpool needed a coach who can "kick" some buttocks! I know it sounds evil, we actually need a person like Alex Ferguson!

So, Roy, if you want Liverpool to be on top four, be tough!

LEE KUAN YEW AND KWA GEOK CHOO

I have to be frank with everyone. I dislike politics for their twists and turns and politicians have to often side step their principles for public acceptance. Maybe I have seen and heard too much of bad politics here in Malaysia. But just across the causeway, a country almost birthed at the same time as us tells a different story. A story I came to admire. Of course I heard of many Singaporeans looking down on Malaysians and there will not always be perfection yet I salute these two Singaporean icons.

Just few days ago, the beautiful wife of Singapore founding leader Lee Kuan Yew passed away to the sadness of most Singaporeans and many Malaysians as well. I read many things said about her and I found nothing negative about this towering woman. Surely a life well lived!

I received an email from one of my church members, Peter Kuan and I liked what he said. Here it goes....

Hi everyone, For 1 leader to change the habits and behaviour of so many people, making professionals out of gangsters and hooligans all in a matter of a few decades is a miracle. Singapore went from being a backward society with almost zero natural resources to an advance society with per capita income comparable to the most advanced societies in the world, with almost 90% of its population owning their own house is no small feat. That 1 leader is Lee Kuan Yew whom I always admired and respect. My respect now extend to this man seen not only as a great leader but also as a wonderful and dedicated loving husband.Though LKY is not a Christian, but like Christian who swear before God in their marriage vow; LKY took his wife in sickness and in happiness and until death do they part.Personally I think I have learnt from LKY and I still have a lot more to learn from him.

Peter Kuan

I pray for you, Lee Kuan Yew, to soldier on not only for Singapore but for the good of the whole world.