Fast Forwarded Summary

Yes, it has been a long time since I was here...So much thoughts, just didn't make the time to really jot them down here. Well, its gotta start somewhere I guess. Been a long break since the last time. Done so much, seen so much. Here's the summary of what has happened...(really random, will add in details later if possible)

Went to Jakarta for AYPAC Conference...20th - 25th June 2007

• Had no idea what to expect and almost didn't know most of the people that I was with but was a good experience.
• Highlight #1 for the whole trip there...our group of escorts! Or should I say our personal bodyguards. They were all younger then us but despite that, they did their best to make sure we had a great time in Jakarta. Cute girls, nice people and very HOSPITABLE indeed. Really taught us to be humble by observing how they did their best to serve during the conference itself. Wondered if the same where to happen here in Malaysia would we be able to be as hospitable as them? Good thought to think about, eh? :) We extended our stay after the conference and the bodyguards where so helpful. They made sure everything was taken care of for us even till the very last moment we stepped into the airport.
• Needless to say, when it comes to singing and music, the Indons are almost like naturally born with the skills and talents. Who says it only happens with the Aussie, British or American? Asia Boleh!
• One particular speaker that somehow caught my attention was a guy named Jim Yost who was originally from the US. I don't know why but somehow when I heard about his ministry, I was interested to listen more and learn from his workshop session which was "Impact City & Nation."Jim has been living in Indonesia for many years. He and his family has lived in the interior areas of Indonesia, carrying out the Great Commision of the Gospel to the many people with different community backgrounds. In the workshop, Jim shared about his ministry in these areas, how it impacted lives of the different people. He was one very direct & radical speaker. One of the point that he made was quite interesting. Jim said it is sad how sometimes the church comes together to celebrate anniversaries after anniversaries but never realise that the thing that they need to do was to kick the people out to start another work somewhere else. If the church just continues celebrating year after year without growing then we are defeating the purpose of a church. He did emphasise alot on not staying in the comfort zone for long but 'kicking the people out' to start new works. Bought his workshop session CD. Thought was a good session.

Had a last minute company trip to Bangkok...8th-10th Aug 2007

• Woa! 2nd overseas trip in a year & so close to the last trip to Jakarta. Seldom happen to me but thank God for the opportunity. Only was informed about it almost a week before we left for the trip.
• It was more of a dine and explore trip. Had the privilege to dine in a few of the most expensive/famous restaurants namely; Celadon @ Sukhothai Hotel, Basil @ The Sheraton Hotel, Benjarom @ Dusit Thani Hotel and my favourite; we visited the rooftop restaurant and bar Sirocco @ The Dome at State Tower (supposingly the tallest skyscraper in Bangkok). Did I forgot to mention that Sirocco was on the rooftop - at least 60 floors high! You can see a great view of the almost the whole city from there. Simply breathtaking! This is what I'm talking about >>> http://www.thedomebkk.com/web/sirc_home.html
• Really amazed by the sky train system here. Just take the train to wherever you want and it will bring you right to the doorstep of that particular building without needing to cross roads or climb too many steps. No idea why people here still would want to drive and get stuck in more then 2 hours jam if they could get such convenient public transport.
• Right where I was staying, it was congested with so many shopping centres. It was till the point that I had no idea when did I enter or come out from one. They all seems to be connected so closely.
• The King and Queen of Thailand photographs can be found almost everywhere. They seemed to be more famous then any other music or movie artistes. Photos of them can be seen hanging from any building, anywhere. The people here are also very religious in a way. Almost every corner you turn, whether its a 5-star hotel or shopping centre, there would sure be an altar set up for their god. No wonder this nation has so much spiritual stuff going on. The enemies' seems to have a strong influence in their lives. We should really pray for the people and country of Thailand.

G.RACE - GRYP Youth Retreat...31st August - 2nd September 2007

• Finally it's hapenning. Our so called very first retreat. You'll know why I say first if you're in some of our shoes.
• Kind of stressed at first with some details especially it was our first retreat but thank God, things got better later.
• All in all, it couldn't have happen better if God was not upholding us and helping us with the whole retreat. For those who were praying for us throughout the camp, thank you, you guys were doing a great job!
• God really worked through the speaker, Pastor Eddie and his wife, Pastor Adelyn. First session, they challenged us to go deeper into the Spirit by practising it more and also to keep focusing on Jesus. He challenged each of us to really have a vision or dream. I believe that one thing that we all needed, whether it was a reminder or something new. In a way, it also got me thinking of what my vision or dreams and focus was. I knew what I wanted to do but never really gave a very serious thought what I trully would want to achieve. Workshop was about Self-Worth & Influence. A good reminder what Self-Worth is really made of and somehow it was a boost of encouragement to many (will include the formula another day, next time go for retreat! :P).
• The games session was not bad. We had something like a Amazing Race and surprisingly it worked out quite well. We can see everyone doing things that we would never expect them to do. The amazing courage and determination was really 'amazing' for the race. Though my group did not win, I did realise alot of things. GRYP, if we really wanted to something, with the right focus, we could achieve anything as a group. The fact that everyone was so supportive of each other, team mates pushing on for their teams because they do not want their team to disqualify because of them, the cooperation, the spirit during the games...We are all equipped. It is how we would want to use them to go further for GRYP''s sake, for Jesus' sake. it's all up to us. There's no excuse we don't know how to but DO WE WANT TO take up the vision or dream for GRYP. Then only we will be able to finish the race strong together.