my life, your calling

2011-02-08T19:26:00.002Z

Updates of me

2008-05-19T14:39:00.003+01:00

I know, 4 months absence from my blog :P I could only blame it on lazy n busy! There were time when I was so busy that I just don't have time for blog - there were time when I was so lazy that I just don't want to blog.

What prompt me to blog now? Well - just wanna to let you all know what have been happening to me recently.

I receive 'pay-rise' in my scholarship. It is a generous rise, that now I can live comfortably in London. I have been 'suffering' from low pay for such a prolong period - now with such increase, I still live as if I only receive £500 per month. Good - i can save quite huge share of scholarship money.
Hope Church Hatfield starts our first Sunday service on 18 May 2008!! We had 28 people attended the service. I preached, and will be preaching almost every Sunday! What an exciting time. We also started planning for the new academic year (2008/2009) which start in September! We want to get a early head-start! 'If you fail to plan, you plan to fail'
I submit an paper to UK:MEC08 (Malaysian engineering Conference) and got accepted. This is quite an encouragement although is more of a general interest conference - but the experience is definitely valuable! It will be held in UCL in July 08!
I'm going travelling in August - Gold Coast, Bangkok, KL, JB, Singapore, HK! Best thing is, when I am in JB end of Aug, I will be attending the Bible Conference - this is not planned but God timing is perfect! I'll be refreshed by the WoG as well as the sharing of Ps. Kwong Lie!

Blogger.com stopped me from uploading photo - say i overquota? Weird... well, maybe need to swicth blog to other place oledi.

Okie okie - all the above sound borings :P I'll start to blog more often.

First 2 Weeks of Jan 2008

2008-01-17T10:14:00.000Z

I have already attended 2 live Arsenal matches at Emirates Stadium - and i'm going to probably another 2 matches in February: Arsenal vs Blackburn (11 Feb) and hopefully Arsenal vs AC Milan (24 Feb). The Arsenal vs AC Milan one is a CL match, so prayerfully I can get a ticket! Oh yea, the Blackburn's match, i'll be seating at the 2nd row behind the goal! Hopefully able to take some good photos of the players as wel as catch some balls! :D

I've already blogged about the West Ham match - so i won't bored you all with that! I went to a even better match on 12 Jan - Arsenal vs Birmingham. The result was 1-1 :P I totally enjoyed the experience this time - even though we drew with a weak team - but the atmosphere in the stadium was really 'great', especially in the 2nd half after Birmingham scored the equaliser. As the gunners were pushing for a winner, the Blues defense hold on. The fans were getting so nervous and frustrated that every actions that Blue players and the referee that caused the game to stop - they jeered at them. It was done in 'unison'! I couldn't help but getting nervous as well, particularly during the last 10 minutes! It was sooo exciting! In the end, although the result was disappointing with a draw, i truly enjoyed the experience!

Emirates Stadium

A sell-out match at Emirates Stadium Players shaking hands before the official kick-off

I was so busy yesterday (16 Jan), sorting out the new church van (2nd hand)! A bigger van - with altogether 6 seats! Finally, after few months of lobbying and requesting - Pom, Herman, Kar Mun, Jessie and Esther do not need to sit behind the small church van as we come back to London from Hatfield. We normally put cushion and up to 5 people will squeeze behind for the 1 hour journey every Friday. Those days are finally over! :D

My journey started at 8.30am. I went to sort out parking permit at Finsbury Park - rush to IC to meet Prof. Duncan - went to Neasden to collect the van, which had to be delayed for few hours because the paint on the body has not dried - went back to Caledonian to cancel the old church van parking permit and renew its road tax - parked the old church van to the sister's ministry house - rushed back to Neasden again to collect the van - fetched Pom and Esther to Hatfield - met Chen Xuan and gang for steamboat dinner - had Hatfield core team meeting - sent Esther and Amanda home ..... reached home around 1am! Very tiring but very fruitful day. At least i do not need another 1/2 day gone jst to sort out these things!

And now, i present to you the new church van - Ford Transit crewvan! It's very very high and huge, compare to the tiny Citroen Berlingo that I've been driving for 3 years! I'm really really glad! :D Let's really pray that God will protect this van - as it was parked along the road. Also pray that this van will be a huge blessing to the church, to Hope IF Hatfield - bringing people to Christ! I am thinking, we should promote our church by putting some designs on the body. At least the church website and contact details, since i'll be travelling quite a fair bit! :D

A Treat from me

2008-01-02T15:19:00.001Z

For those who read my blog and you are in UK ..... I've found McD and BK's voucher from http://www.hotukdeals.com/. This site is introduced to me by KP- my PhD colleagues.

Go to these sites to print the vouchers!

http://www.mcdonalds.co.uk/offers/ (valid till 5 Feb 08)
http://www.garyrip.com/HUKD/bk/evoucher.pdf (valid till 10 Feb 08)

I guess my life will be revolved around BK n McD until 10 Feb! :D

Arsenal vs West Ham

2008-01-02T10:30:00.000Z

I went to watch my first ever Arsenal's Premier league game, LIVE, yesterday! I paid £60+ for the tickets. It was good! Because I am an Arsenal's red member, I can almost get ticket to every home match now - the con is I have to attend alone! Nevertheless, it was good! Haha ....

Eduardo volleyed home at 72 seconds - thank God I was not late into Emirates! Then Adebayor scored the next one at 18 minutes!

"Clichy’s long pass picked out the scampering Adebayor. He nodded the bouncing ball past the onrushing Robert Green and, from the acutest of angles, sidefooted a delicate shot across the goalline, off the far post and into the net. A wonderful finish. "

I thank God that I stay so near to Emirates - just need to walk there 20 minutes before the match! My next Premiership match will be next Saturday - Arsenal vs Birmingham! Pray that is will be a goal fest - for Arsenal! :p

Another year has passed .....

2007-12-31T22:48:00.000Z

Time flies ... one year has passed.

Last year this time, I was bracing myself in the cold at Embankment for New Year countdown (firework at London Eye). This year, I am smarter: stay at home and rest! :D I have been sick throughout the festive period - cold and cough - causing myself to be quite moody as well. Come to think of it, I always sick at this time of the year - when I have nothing to do for church. I rarely sick when I'm busy. Nevertheless, now I am taking times to rest, to reflect, listening to worship songs, enjoying the presence of God - while welcoming 2008!

I have been in UK for 5 years, 3 months. I have been away from home (Kuching) for 9 years 7 months - that time I was still 18 years old bloke. Now I'm almost 30 years old (2 more years). Time flies. These 9 years has been really my 'life defining' period of time. Joined Hope of God movement, received the vision - and now dedicating my life in fulfilling it! I have seen many life transformations; I have also seen lifes been wasted away. I have brought many to cross the line of faith; I have also disappointed many throughout due to my immaturity and pride. I have gained many new skills, talents and giftings - simply being humble and willing. I would never thought of myself doing what I'm doing now when I first joined Hope. Time flies.

My family has grown as well - parents serving God in Hope Kch, Fabian pioneering Hope Gold Coast and getting married next Aug, Nicholas almost finishing his medic course, Oliver jst wrote an amazing email about his life in Cairnes as trainee as well as a person, Daphne jst got her PMR results - straight As - first in the family and Stefanie, going to Lodge school for her secondanry education. My prayer for my family would be God's protection as well as my two sisters attending church and care group.

I mentioned before I love to do new year resolution - this year is no exception. I have done one! The thing about new year resolution is: it is getting easier to do every year. You just need to update your old one with better strategized plans or set bigger goals (if you achive those goals). You can refer to my 2007's resolution here. Things that I have achived -

Here's my 2008 New Year Resolution:

I will have enough sleep and exercise at the same time! :D Well, not forgetting healthy diet - yes, lots of water and fruits.

2008 ... WELCOME! Looking forward to a greater year - to glorify God in a greater way!!

Hope IF Hatfield and Hope IF IC

2007-12-18T18:35:00.000Z

It has been 3 months now since the new term start in University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield and Imperial College (2 weeks later) - also the period of time we have our Hope IF.

Hope IF Hatfield

In Hatfield, with a humble team of 4 people (Eldos, Esther, Jessie and Tom) in the beginning, today we have grown into a centre status of 11 core team members and 35 average attendance every Friday. Everyone was amazed of how God actually grow this group. Since 15 Sept, every week, I need to restrategize the CG plans: from establishing the core team, running the Friday IF (dinner, sound n multimedia setup, visitors, programs, teaching etc.), arranging ppl into newly form CGs .... I am so excited! Even now, even though the uni is officially off for term holiday, but we are still planning follow-up activities and Christmas breakaway trip to Epping Forest (with the objective to build relationship)

For 2008, until the end of term in June, we will try to stabilize the CG (to about 40 average attendance) and bring as many people as possible to cross the line of faith. Our bigger goal will be by end of Dec 2008, we will upgrade our status to a church, where we will be looking to run regular Sunday service - maybe in bilingual!

Hope IF Imperial College

This is my 3rd year in Imperial College - and only now I manage to pioneer a care group! :P

Nevertheless, with the help of Anita and Jacey, we had our very first Hope IF IC care group in the chaplaincy on the 2nd Oct with 12 people attending! Throughout the months, all 3 of us were extremely busy with various responsibilities - we even admit we have not done alot of follow-up and evangelism - but God is faithful. Below is the photo taken at our last care group (11 Dec) and these are the regulars in our Hope IF IC! We so enjoy the company of each other - even though most of them are not Christians yet!

I really hope this Hope IF will continue to grow - more people attending, more salvations! Our goal for the end of the term (June 08) is to grow and contain 15 people! And of course, by the end of Dec 2008, we pray for a strong 5 people core team with 25 attendees! :D

Hope IF UK: London, Bristol, Birmingham

Beside the above 2 Hope IF, I am entrusted to oversee the other Hope IF: London, Bristol and Birmingham! We have Michelle and Sohan from Bristol; Nong, Kyu and Michel from Birmingham; Kenny and Yanti from London (UoL)

Because of time constraint, I am not able to visit every Hope IFs, therefore I organize a monthly Hope IF UK meeting. It is really good, because these brothers and sisters will be able to fellowship and learn from one another.

Big plan for Hope IF. If we work hard and God is with us, by the end of Dec 2008, we will see a total of about 110 people for combine total of Hope IF UK! It can be done and it will be done - with all these mighty men and women of God! :D

All glory to God! :D

December Updates

2007-12-13T11:31:00.000Z

Hi again .. after almost a month missing from blogging! :D

Tickets at Arsenal Matches!

Last night (12 Dec), I went to watch a Champion League match!!! Arsenal vs Steaua Bucharest LIVE at Emirates stadium! Yes, a CL game LIVE! It was another good (not great) experience! The 1st half was very exciting because Arsenal kept on attacking the opposition team; 2nd half was even more 'exciting' because somehow, Arsenal's attacking standard dropped so much that Steaua Bucharest kept on fighting back! In the end, we won: 2-1, scored by Diaby and Bentdner. Btw, it was freezing cold last nite.

Since becoming a red member at Arsenal, I managed to get a lot of match tickets. To date, i've FA Cup, CL's and I also got 2 Premier League ticket - 1st Jan against West Ham and 12th Jan against Birmingham City! Well, it does cost A LOT for the tickets, about £50 each! So, i'm not going to go to all matches ... cause there are my friends who wanna go watch! :D

Nicholas's testimony

Received an email from my brother, Nicholas, who's now in his 4th year medic in Adelaide, Australia! (Click on the following images to enlarge so that you can read the contents)

Congratulation! A year closer to become a doctor! Hopefully I can finish in 2 years as well for my PhD! :D

Freezing Cold weather

Always heard about the term 'freezing cold' weather - well it was really freezing cold last night! Instead of snow, there was ice every where! :D

Nevertheless, just wanna showed some photos of Hyde Park, especially when the ground was covered with icy leaves. This is my cycling route! So whenever I cycle to college, these are the scenary I see! :D

Beowulf in 3-D

2007-11-20T11:00:00.000Z

Last night, despite heavy rain, after college, i cycled to Leicester Square's VUE to watch Beowulf in 3-D. I bought the ticket from http://www.lastminute.com/ which cost only £4.75 (normally is £12), a massive saving to watch movie in West End.

This is my first experience of 3-D long feature movie. I always go to those 3-D or 4-D movies (in Warner Bros village n Sea World in Gold Coast, in Thorpe Park) which lasted only 10 minutes. I sincerely enjoy the experience so much! The movie was really cool as well, staring Anthony Hopkins, Ray Winstone and Angelina Jolie ... all the big casts!

I particularly like one of the movie line: 'Pride is the curse!'. Always in the Bible, the downfall of men and angel (Lucifer) is caused by P-R-I-D-E! I have this weakness as well ... I really pray and try my best to be humble!

"God, please help me! Amen!"

Family - Korea + China Trip

2007-11-13T10:33:00.000Z

Nope, i did not go to Korea and China trip with them .. wish i had. They had so much fun and nice scenary! :D So just wanna post up some photos!

Happy Birthday to ME! :D

2007-11-06T11:58:00.000Z

I'm 28 years old ... older but not necessary more mature or wiser :D (for you to tell me whether i've changed)

I had the most unusual birthday countdown this year - in hospital A&E department! After church meeting, we drove to Homerton Hospital to accompany Twin, who was taken to hospital because she almost fainted on the street. Aaron and I stayed with Twin to wait for her to be examined by the duty doctoc, which too ages! As the clock struct at 12am, we started singing birthday song in Cubicle #2! Some how, I was quite glad a bit ... able to escape the 'sabo' from various 'enemies' i have made through out the years (because I sabo them). Haha ... in the end i got home around 1.30am n slept at 4am to prepare Sunday worship!

Because of facebook has this birthday reminders, i was flooded with wall messages; as well as msn n skype! Thank you very much to all of you :D

So far, i've cut 3 cakes! Ps. PK n Kim had treated me to Vietnamese food on Sunday. Anita will treat me to Nando's later for lunch ... while the 'G-hood family' will treat me Crepe for dinner! Woo-hoo ... time to feast!

Serious stuff now: 28 years old! Reflecting back ... I really thank God that He protects me, blesses me, guides me, teachs me n disicplines me! I've learnt that my ultimate goal in life is to adore God, to love Him with all my heart, strength, mind and soul! Really not so much of the achievements in studies n career ... but my whole life spending with God. Therefore, for my birthday wish, is simply to ask God, to never let go of me!

You Never Let Go (Even Though I Walk)
By: Matt Redman, Beth Redman

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death

Your perfect love is casting out fear

And even when I’m caught in the middle of the storms of this life

I won’t turn back I know You are near

And I will fear no evil

For my God is with me

And if my God is with me

Whom then shall I fear? Whom then shall I fear?

Chorus:

Oh no, You never let go Through the calm and through the storm

Oh no, You never let go In every high and every low

Oh no, You never let go Lord, You never let go of me

And I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on

A glorious light beyond all compare

And there will be an end to these troubles

But until that day comes

We’ll live to know You here on the earth

Bridge:

Yes, I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on

And there will be an end to these troubles

But until that day comes

Still I will praise You, still I will praise You

Various :D

2007-10-23T12:36:00.000+01:00

Time to update myself a bit! :D

PhD - after discussion with Prof. Duncan, realistically, i have another 2 years or less to go (Sep 2009, instead of 2008). If everything goes well, my graduation will be in May 2010. Right now, I need to get my upper human airway model done by end of the year. Then continue with various experimentation for about 9 months to 12 months, follow by 6 months of writing up. Then all sort of corrections on the thesis. Finally a viva! Although 2 years seems still quite a long way to go, but time flies! Pray for me! I want to finish quickly!
Hope IF Imperial College - Jacey, Anita and I started the CG in our college. Last Thursday (18 Oct), I was a bit discourage with the confirmation of people attending the care group, until a point, i told Jacey, "Today might not have alot of people, maybe 8. It's like every week reduce 2 person". Yes, very discouraging! A contact rang, said he's waiting outside, so i went out, and totaly surprise, he brought another 3 friends! In the end, we had 11 people joining the care group. I repented for not trusting in God. Nevertheless, students in IC are intelligent. The discussion has to be really a 'mind-blowing' type! I learnt a lot though.
Hope IF Hatfield - it has been just a month we did our outreach, and now we organize ourselves in 3 care groups! Amazing! Last friday, 37 attended with many visitors bringing new friends. All of them are excited for this Friday because we are organizing cooking competition between the CGs. Pray for us to have wisdom to bring Jesus into their life!
Mission Trip to Bristol - One sister from Hope PJ is now studying in University West England (UWE) for her final year. So i brought Herman and Jessie along for this mission trip, to understand the situation and challenge the people there to start a group. We woke up at 5.30am to catch a early bus .... once on the bus, we totally knocked off, cause we were exhausted from CG the previous night! It was good to be there, challenging people to serve God! Eventually, Michelle and Sohan take a bold step, make a courageous decision to start a CG! :D Pray for them as well, to perserve and grow!
Myself
I've been cycling to college whenever possible, except Thursday when we have care group in IC, cause i need to carry the guitar. Since i'm more familiar to the route, i've cut short the journey time to 40 minutes (time start when i leave the house and end when i sit down in office). I've cycled in the rain twice as well! Body are getting fitter and healthier ... whether i've slimmed down or not, i'm not so sure :D

Finance, since i've started cycling and all the 'lobang' that i've got ... i hope to save more money, so that I can embark on a backpacking Europe trip after my PhD. Still praying for Yayasan S'wak to increase my living allowance, like all other JPA scholars .... very jealous!

As for girlfriend, currently no time, no money to have one! See how it goes lar! God will provide!

I realise i did not call home for more than a week .... will try tomorrow night! Tonight (Tues)doubt i can cause i'm going to watch Stardust ... a break from my hectic schedule!

Oh Jesus!

2007-10-16T16:02:00.000+01:00

This is very cool (and funny too)! This tune is my era one! :D

Very fun and 'spiritual' week :D

2007-10-15T09:31:00.000+01:00

It has been a very 'spiritual' week for me. I've been so busy for the past week! Attended 3 meetings, 2 CGs, 1 church anniversary, 1 band practice and 3 Sunday services! :D Oh yea... and also spent 1 Friday afternoon shopping for new pairs of jeans and tracksuits.

First, Hope Church London 9th anniversary on Saturday. It's a fancy dress theme, so in order to save cost, we came out with the idea of pirate! And that evening, we won't the best coordinate group in the fancy dress theme! And my make-up as pirate might be a bit too much, but it did cause a lot of attaction when i came in! It was a fun night. Also very glad for Hope IF Hatfield, for the effort in inviting so many visitors to come, as well as getting them dressed up in unison! :D

The next day, although only slept for 4 hous (came home around 2.30am ... coz sent the Hatfield group back to Hatfield n went bck hotel again to pick up the equipment), the Hatfield core team went up to Hatfield again to attend a church service, run by our friend, Keith Mason. It was not bad, lots of singing and a message. Got to know some friends. Later, we went bck to London, to join the 2.30pm service at Hillsong.

Surprise! When the service started, Darlene was on stage worship leading! Then it was Ps. Joseph Prince (from New Creation church, S'pore) who preached. At the end of service, Ps. Gary (senior pastor of Hillsong London) announced that the Houston family (Ps. Brian Houston, senior pastor and founder of Hillsong, and Joel Houston, worship leader of Hillsong United) will be ministering at the 3rd service! Although physically tired, Esther, Herman, Pom, Jessie and I agreed that we'll join the 3rd service as well (since very rarely we were off on Sunday). I was blessed with their messages. For quite a while, I have not listened to some really inspiring preachings, and i've got 2 on Sunday! Thank God! :D

Well .. this week, really need to work hard! 3 more months to complete my simulation model! Am going okie .. but can be better! PRAY FOR ME PLEASE! :D

'Lobang' King of London

2007-10-10T11:29:00.000+01:00

'eldos.com' best in Kuching and JB, now also in London!

Over the years, i've known for knowing all sorts of 'lobang' (holes) in getting good and cheap deals/food/places! Deals range from mobile contract (12 months free line rental on 12 months contract: yes, 100% free with free phone), transport options (i.e. £2.50 return ticket to Scotland) .... some people even just call me to ask for route direction (living A-Z map or tube/bus map). I also engage in 'mystery shopping' assignment, where I get to eat free meal (cheap subway, average pub food to expansive Slug and Lettuce) as well as watch free movie: all I require to do is to observe their service and complete an online report.

I'm so 'passionate' about finding these deals because it's so expansive living in UK! In order to save money and live comfortably. I enjoy myself more in UK actually ... with all these 'lobangs'. I'll continue to search whenever i can .... next 'project' is to find cheap alternative for a week long Christmas break for the student groups (about 15-20 ppl i reckon).

So anything u wanna know ....... email/msn/text/call me! :D

Oh yea, last but not least! International call!! Recently, i've been introduced to his http://www.noodle.co.uk/ ... you get paid to call international call (by using the free minute you have in your mobile contract)! Amazing offer! Just need to register with them thru text, and every minute u call, you'll be paid 2p. Although the money can only be claimed 2 months after you register, it's worth it. Best thing is, there is this referral system, if you register under one person, the person will also get 1p every minute you call! :D

Text 'noodle eldos' to 81025 (this text might cost a bit, but with the money you earn, it's worth it)
You'll then receive 2 texts back. One of them contain the number you'll need to dial to call the free international call. Save that number in your address book.
To check your balance, log on to http://www.noodle.co.uk/ with that number, as well as the pin (which can be found on the same text).
You can also start referring this service to other, by setting up a referral keyword!

Simple as that! Please .. register!! Text 'noodle eldos' to 81025!!! (only valid for Orange UK for now i think, cause O2, T-Mobile and 3 don't provide this number for free).

Cycle in the rain ...

2007-10-09T09:38:00.000+01:00

Today I made a 'bold' decision! Since i've got my bicycle, as well as the rain coat, i have not cycled in the rain before! I finally did it today :D It was really okie to cycle in the rain, if it's not too heavy! I wrapped myself up to be so 'water-proof' that I got wet because i sweat!

Yes, i sweat alot. But how come i dun seem to lose too much weight? Maybe eat too much Haribo and chocolate still :D

Nevertheless, my bicycle is given a complimentary check-up within 3 months of purchase. I'm going to get it done next week. At the same time, get myself some more accessories, i.e: led lights (since now it get dark early) as well as a helmet (think it's safer to wear one).

if I continue to cycle to college (average of 45 mins journey) 3-4 days a week ... i think i can save a lot of money ... which I can use the money i save to eat! Opppsss ....

The Bridge

2007-10-01T13:35:00.000+01:00

I've used "the bridge" illustration before, to communicate how God's sacrifice His Son to die for us. I am so touched and cried after watching this short clips.

For those who are Christian, continue to share His love to people!
For those who are far away or running away from God, please come back!
For those who have not yet known Jesus, come and talk to us!

Updates

2007-09-22T23:11:00.000+01:00

It has been more than a month since i last update (again :P) Anyway .....

I've got myself a bicycle! It's a hybrid bikes, sth combination of a mountain bike and a road bike. It's really good (of course, i paid £169 for it) and comfortable. I paid another £45 for the gigantic lock and cable, £40 for the cycle bad (which normally hook behind the bike). The reason I suddenly had this urge to get on cycling is to save money n to exercise. I realise that in my schedule, I do not have time to exercise. Beside going to Imperial for PhD, at weekday night, i'll be attending meetings and care groups. Some of you might remember me talking about swimming, shy to say that i did not go for quite a while now!

But since my student travelcard is expiring, i might have well use the money i wanna to buy a travelcard to buy a bicycle. Then as i cycle, I'm glad to know that the time i cycle from home to college is very often quicker than I take tube to college! But of course now the con is weather is quite cold! Nevertheless, i will perserve! I wanna be healthy! Good to exercise! Second thing wanna update is: my brother is engaged (to Jocelyn). It at least take the 'get married' pressure from me now! CONGRATULATION to Fabian and Jocelyn (if you both ever read my blog).
3rd interesting thing was, our PhD supervisor, Prof. Duncan's 58th birthday. It was very random that during one lunch time, i asked him when is his birthday. He told me 24 Sep, but unfortunately he will be able in US to attend a conference. After telling Jacey, she proposed to have a surprise for him. We did the surprise a week before he's due to go US. I bought the cake from Chinatown and at noon time, we 'crashed' into his office to sing birthday song n brought the cake to him. He was really happy (obviously) :D We went to Crepe restaurant to had our lunch! Was really good

Student Outreach in Hatfield: earlier of the year, we realise that all the people in Hatfield CG will finish their studies (except 1 or 2). We started to worry abit, whether we will continue on. I encouraged everyone to continue on! We prayed alot about it. After came bck from Euro Convention, Jessie, Esther, Scott and I met twice a week to discuss and prayed even more. We then talked and plan.

God is blessing us so much. We managed to get in touch with the chaplain, Revd. Allan, who really provide so much help and advices, during one divine meeting we purposely requested for. We also met an international student official who was in charge of all the orientation program! She was a Christian, actively working towards bringing students to church. With all the helps, we started our first outreach on 15 Sep, which was a free food night. Then, we went to UH again on 18 Sep (the movie night), 20 Sep (information fair) and 21 Sep (garden party).

And finally on 21 Sep, we had our 'taster' care group. We invited all the contacts to join. With the team that we have (Jessie, Esther, Herman, Pom, Tom and myself), that night, 25 visitors turn up! We had KFC as dinner, then played 3 games (with prizes), sang 3 songs, I shared a short testimony and lastly, splitted into smaller groups to pray! it was really awesome! After the CG, the team sat down and evaluated. We all jst gave thanks to God and really ask God to give us wisdom, patience, perseverance and love towards these people, that they will soon take the step of faith to accept Christ! Pray for us! Our next event is mooncake festival dinner on 25 Sep! Very very excited!

Thorpe Park - Aug 10

2007-08-14T10:52:00.000+01:00

Yanti, Alicia, Ivon, Anita and me went to Thorpe Park. 2 months ago, some of us went, but it was raining cats and dogs that day, so we was given complimentary tickets to come back again. Really praise God that the weather was so sunny the whole day when we revisited Thorpe Park.

We had so much fun riding the roller coaster - Tidal Wave, Rumba-rapid, No Way Out, Colosseus, Nemesis, Stealth, Storm in the Cup ... not all of the girls played everything, except Alicia! It was a fun day - before I need to start work the following week.

Yanti, Alicia, Ivon and me
Tidal Wave - 100% guarantee to get wet sitting in the boat! Really big splash!
Stealth (roller coaster that last only 20 seconds but the most exciting ride among all) in water reflection
Anita - with the 3 soft toys we won thru the 'grabbing machine'. Guess we used about £10+ to get these toys

Euro Convention 2007 - Mission Possible

2007-08-14T10:00:00.000+01:00

About 250 of us from Hope UK, Hope Germany, Hope Czech, Hope Norway, Hope Italy and Hope Switzerland attended this annual Hope Euro Convention, which was held (for the 6th time) in Prague from 1st Aug till 5 Aug! Ps. Jeff from Hope S'pore and Ps. Prakich, our Hope Europe RMC (regional mission coordinator) were the main speakers.

I was really busy during the convention because i was put in charge of the program. As well as conducting workshops and worship leading. So busy until i lost weight, despite all the meals with lots of meats. To date (as in 14 Aug, 1 week after the convention), i've lost about 5 kgs! Hallelujah!!! Haha ... wish they were more conventions in a year to organize :D

Probably because i'm a 'veteran' in Hope family, all the teachings and biblical principles brought out by the speakers were reminders to me! What deeply struck me is the conversation I had with Ps. Prakich during one of the evening - where he revealed to me how Hope Germany works so hard in growing the church. I was further awe-struck when I chatted with Ps. Prakich over breakfast in Cesky Krumlov. The teams in Germany go all out in street evangelism, proclaiming boldly the gospel and truth to the people. Ps. Marcus for one, goes to university campus 2 to 3 times a week just to share the gospel. I ask myself, how many times have i done street evangelism in Imperial College (beside the fresher's week). Their vision for building strong and biblical churches in Germany truly amazed me as well. I sensed so strongly the Hope spirit in them! If we wanna see it happen in Hope London, we need to make a decision to let go of our pride, rights and preference, and work hard toward what God has called us to do!

The other thing God has challenged me is: 'Spend time with people'. Not just the normal 'yum-cha', 'makan' kind of spending time, but true genuine fellowship, 'eyeballs to eyeballs' conversation. I admit that I have been so task-oriented through out my ministry that I overlook the potential of the people under my care. I often shut myself off from people and focus on the things to be done. I find it really really difficult for me ... but I'll really try this time. For those reading this blog, please pray for me :)

So much about what I've received. I also thoroughly enjoy the food in Prague, as well as the infamous 'Cream & Dream' ice-cream. I also enjoy the company of brothers and sisters through out the whole tour in Prague town centre and Cesky Krumlov.

Sad to say that, we will not have Euro Convention next year ... hopefully it will be back in 2 years time! We will work hard and encourage each other in the Hope family with what we have done for God's kingdom.

The Kingdom of God is advancing!

Glad to be back in Praha!

Do we look alike? Anita, Ps. Jeff and me!
The student group in front of the astronomical clock
Hope London worship team - Mission Night
High Praise!
Slideshows - from various cameras.

If you wanna download some of the photos, or have a better view of them, go to http://picasaweb.google.com/eldosthen

Emirates Cup - 28 July

2007-08-14T09:46:00.000+01:00

Sorry for the backlog of entries ..... haha. I guess i'll be very brief for each of the entries.

Emirates Cup!! I've got the tickets 2 months ago and I definitely look forward to see the new-look Arsenal team. By the way, it's called the Emirates Cup because Arsenal's main sponsor and its stadium is Emirates! It's a 2 days tournament where Arsenal, AC Milan, Valencia and Paris St. Germaint will play each other. I went for the 1st day where AC Milan vs Valencia, followed by Arsenal vs. PSG. I went with Ivon, Jennifer and James.

The 1st match between AC and Valencia was quite boring, because people came for Arsenal. It cames to life when the match finished and Arsenal players came out for warm-up! In the end, Arsenal won 2-1, scored by Mathieu Flamini and Nicklas Bendtner.

I'm really looking forward to the Gunners without Thierry Henry. We still have amazing talents such as Robin van Persie, Francesc Fabregas, Theo Walcott, Abou Diaby, Denilson, Tomas Rosicky, Nicklas Bendtner ... etc! Give them some times ... GUNNERS!! :D

Enjoy the slideshows

Transformers (the movie)

2007-07-22T01:20:00.000+01:00

Autobots, ROLL OUT!!!

My childhood favorite cartoon comes to live on big screen! I watched it at the first opportunity i have. The general release date is coming Thursday (27 July), but Odeon is having advance screening this weekend - so I planned this movie trip 2 weeks ago! The 80's baby should all love this film! This is the cartoon that accompany my growth! :D

It does not disappoint me! Optimus Prime is so cool as usual! Bumblebee is so cute as well!!!!

Autobots, TRANSFORM!!!!!

3D2N Belfast Trip

2007-07-22T00:57:00.001+01:00

Finally, something interesting to blog about! I visited Belfast with Ivon and Dadit! The weather was average, cause it rained occasionally. Basically, the city itself was very boring - not much to see! We wondered around the city a few times. Even though it was the city that Titantic was built - the dock itself has not much to offer! :D We visited the City Hall, the waterfront hall .... well... nothing much to see :P It was so bored that me and Dadit decided to take any bus from city centre to go outskirt of Belfast. We ended up in Mossley Hill ...... a very small lake with some houses/shop around! Our hostel for the 1st day was quite average - there will be pipe-hammering sound when people on the 2nd floor shower. Very irritating. Thank God it's only for a day, then we moved to YHA Belfast International Youth Hostel, which was much better condition and cheaper!

Haha .. so many complains! Nevertheless, this trip we met a HK backpacker, Sandy! She's very brave to travel alone in European countries. We met her on the 2nd day while on the day trip to Giant Causeway. She was sitting alone on the bus, so I braced myself to approach her. Chatted with her for the whole trip - she even stayed in the same hostel as well. So we all become good friends these few days - going to places, having meal and 'chor-ti' together!

On the last day - we took a Titanic river tour (about 1 hour ride), a black cab tour - a visit to the infamous Irish war between Catholic and Protestant and lastly, Belfast Castle!

For the whole trip, I spent about £170 .. which is not too bad! I'm going to Prague next week, 1 Aug till 8 Aug! I reckon I will only spent about £200-£250 for the duration of 8 days! It's so much cheaper to travel in Easter European countries :D Till then, i'll blog when there's sth interesting :D

Me, Dadit and Ivon

St Anne Cathedral - the cross was huge and magnificent
I forgot what wall is this, but very impressive work of art!
Me and Sandy - backpacker from HK
Me and Dadit on the Giant Causeway - 40000 interlocking basalt columns resulting from volcanic eruption

08.07.07

2007-07-09T01:49:00.000+01:00

Yesterday(8 July) London was in the world media attention, beside the Tour de France, we also had Wimbledon final (where Federer won his 5th consecutive title), F1 in Silverstone (where Raikkonen of Ferrari won the race instead of Hamilton, the sensational rookie who is currently world No.1 on points) ... and of course the Tour de France (which le Tour de Langkawi of Malaysia so copycat the idea)

I was not sure why, but I did not have any duty in church on this day! I was so glad because I am able to go out! So Jacey and I went all the way to Tower Bridge, one of the place the entourage, caravans and the cyclists will pass through! We departed from our place at 8.40am. Actually we were a bit late .... but still manage to see some floats, the team bus and the car loaded with spare bicycles. Best still .. we got a couple of free gifts! :D

So, we found ourselves a nice spot but had sun over us the whole morning (at the end, i was quite like a cook lobster). We wait for about 1.5 hours ..... we were quite bored! :p At approximately 10.40am .. the cyclists appears! And it lasted for 30 seconds! Yes, 30 seconds of action! Hahaha .. for all the travelling, waiting since 8.40am - 2 hours for a 30 seconds action!
Nevertheless, i can tell people, I was in the Tour de France! :D

We went to St. Paul Cathedral after that - not to attend the mass, but to watch a mountain bike stunt show (Free of Charge!). The stunts were really impressive. The videos are on http://picasaweb.google.com/EldosThen/20070708TourDeFrance

These are the 'fake cyclist' (amateur cyclists to grace the event). I don't have the photos of real Tour de France cyclist, cause i was busy taking video. Check my online photo album for the video.

The St. John ambulance cyclists also took part!
The video of the real Tour de France cyclists! Don't glimpse .... it happened quickly!

On the river thames, the 'Fire Boat' was spraying water while turning round and round - creating an artificial rainbow! Nice!!!
Jacey and I on the empty street - cause of road closures for the race. We walked in the middle of the road, on a broad daylight, enjoying the view of London!
Just want to show off a bit - ARSENAL STILL RULEZZZ!!!!!

Online photo album - click to view.

2007 07 08 - Tour De France

By the way, Ho Lee Lee and James from Hope Kuching is in London, to start the European Honeymoon tour! Met up with them, together with Jacey (Hope Kch gathering) and had dinner at Wong Kei. I understood how they feel: one meal for RM28?? I politely decline the James' treat - because i know how painful it is to pay RM110++ for a simple meal! Glad to see them!

07.07.07

2007-07-09T01:32:00.000+01:00

Well, wat a day! All over the world, surely lots of couple will choose to get married on this day. Particularly for the guy - no reason to forget the date of the anniversary! I think I should get married around 11.11.11 or 12.12.12 ... can't see myself getting married in the next 3 years! But who knows ....

My sister Stephanie was so serious 'informing' me that Fabian is getting engage on 07.07.07! I was like: 'Really? how come i was never informed?' Then she continued on ... Fabian n Jocelyn will get married on 08.08.08 .... then she continued, that they will get the 1st child on 09.09.09 and their second one on 10.10.10! Then I knew, i was tricked! Nevertheless, can't wait to join Fabian and Jocelyn's wedding next year! At least I won't be pressurized that much after that (or will the pressure get even bigger??)

As a church, we had a prayer meeting in the ministry house to pray for the city of London. It was very powerful, that our prayers must have the effect of 'touching heaven, changing earth and storming the hell'! We worshipped and prayed for about 1 hour ... then Ps. PK led 12 people to have a prayer walk around London. Unfortunately, i did not join, because I was preparing for my preaching at Hope Church Ealing later that day!

I was so blessed everytime to visit Hope Church Ealing to preach there! I always told people that, although now they have about 20 people in attendance (including 5-7 children); when they chair, when they lead worship - they are doing it as if there are 50+ people in the service. Very very encouraging! I am glad i'm part of them - witnessing their faith, perseverance putting into action! Surely God sees their hearts and really soon, the church will multiply!

Will preach in Hope London on 29 Aug! Bigger congregation - a bit more nervous! But I'm sure i'll be fine! :D

Chen Chen's Wedding

2007-07-04T11:03:00.000+01:00

Such a great blessing to be able to attend Chen Chen's wedding. It's a small gathering of relative and friends of Chen Chen and William. Chen Chen is the regular visitor of our Hatfield CG. I think she must have be with us for more than 1 year! When she's around, it's almost certain that we gonna have lots of laughter.

Prior to her wedding yesterday, she had put herself in strict dietary regime. In CG refreshment time, she would just smell the food and that's it! Sometime, if she's really craving, she would just eat one tiny piece! Oh well ... so hard to be a bride-to-be! :D

Me and Esther were invited to attend the wedding registration at the register office in Hatfield. Supposingly William's parent will be the witness, because they don't understand English, so Esther and I were asked to be their witness instead. It has been my 2nd time being a witness for marriage! :D Then, Esther jokingly say that, 'Cannot have 3rd time, if not cannot get married!'

In the evening, we all headed to one of the restaurant in Oriental City to have the dinner. It was really a huge feast - with roasted pork (crispy skin), chicken, fish, lobster, prawn, scallops, abalone, crab meat soup plus 3 desserts! I am sooo full even until this morning! :D Oh yea... i did not take any photos of the food - too excited already!

Chen Chen and William - Happily Married!

The 'Witnesses' + William's parent + the wedded couple
Esther, Chen Chen and Jessie
Me and the bride (not mine)

Hatfield CG BBQ

2007-07-04T10:51:00.000+01:00

Life has been quite routine - PhD, Sunday service, CGs, meeting. But last Friday, Hatfield CG had a wonderful time of BBQ. I really must say, Chinese (from mainland China) has such marvellous way of cooking and eating. Worth to mention, their steamboat sauces and ingredient are 'ichiban'!!

We had roast belly pork, well-marinated chicken wings, lambs, sausages, mushroom, sweet potatoes, sweetcorn and salad! I was so contented eating all those food! :D As well, it's so glad to see everyone from the CG joining! Full-attendance! The 'magic' of food! It always happens when we have steamboat or BBQ.

Everyone at Hatfield CG - plus some housemates of Scott.

Our ladies in the CG
Food ........

"Light Out London"

2007-06-22T00:03:00.000+01:00

Capital London (radio station) initiated this 'Light Out London' campaign on 21 June (summer solstice, the longest daylight of the year), where during 9pm-10pm, most buildings, tourist attractions will turn off their lights for an hour.

After dinner at Spaghetti House at Tufnell Park, Anita and I drove around central London to check out the situation. Coz it was still very bright, so not much different than normal. We drove to Picadilly Circus where they have this infamous neon signboard, which according to people, it has never been switched off since War World II. I guess it's the Sanyo and TDK sign kua .. coz others are digital. Nevertheless, we drove to see Big Ben, London Eye, St Paul Cathedral, Tower Bridge and back to Picadilly Circus again.

Picadilly Circus - all the lights were off at 9pm!

The Big Ben - normally at this time will be shining brightly in yellowish spotlights. Now it's jst so plain
Gerkhin - same as well. Normally with all the office lights on. Now it was all off!

The most exciting part was when we arrived back in Picadilly circus, it was so perfect timing. We witnessed the neon signboard switched back on the light again!! Don't believe, see the video! hahaha

Die Hard 4.0 Premiere at Leicester Sq.

2007-06-21T10:22:00.000+01:00

Well, Ivon said she never attended any more premiere before - so she requested http://www.eldos.com/ to inform her if any one comes up these few weeks. So just happened that Die Hard 4.0, starring Bruce Willis, Justin Long and Maggie Q (HK actress) will hold their premiere in Leicester Square.

Why is it 4.0 not the usual 4?? The villian that John McClane is fighting this time is cyber-terrorist. So to make the movie more 'digital', the producer decide to call Die Hard 4.0!

I was there at 4.30pm and was already very crowded. Ivon came 5+pm ... it was so crowded we only managed to find a spot at the end of red carpet. Though it was bad spot - but it was good! Coz the stars and celebrities will stand there for sometime to wave to fans. Took quite a lot of photos!

At Empire Cinema at Leicester Square

The 'red-carpet'
The closest shot we can get of Bruce Willis
Justin Long (starred in Herby Fully Loaded, Accepted, That's 70 Show)
And the sexy size-zero Maggie Q!

The next movie premiere lining up is Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. I will not attend because people will actually camp there a day before. Me not so crazy lar! :D

'Reunion Dinner'

2007-06-20T00:18:00.000+01:00

So good today, able to once again met up with Marcus, Samantha and 'MIA' Michelle - and of course Soo as well. (pity Rachel wasn't there tonight) We went to Oriental City food court to have dinner! It was really great catching up with them! Michelle, Soo and I, we ordered nasi pattaya, nasi goreng USA and nasi goreng paprik. Beside the usual egg-wrapped nasi pattaya, the other 2 dishes not even near to what I've eaten back in JB! Really disappointed lor! Anyway - i can't finish my food - guess what? Michelle 'single-handed' finished up the nasi pattaya! Surprise!

After that, we helped Michelle to move stuff - from her flat to Rachel's place! I was amazed of how little things Michelle has. Among all the moving houses I have engaged in, she has the least stuff! After moving - we 'cho tai di' at Soo's place. I was very very glad - coz in 6 games we played, i won 5 times! Hahaha .. that's until Penny, Agnes and Ken came n broke my 'monopoly'. We had great fun tonight!

Michelle, Soo (with the funny face) and me

Me, Michelle and M&S (Marcus and Samantha)

2007 06 19 - Dinner at OC

Happy Father's Day!

2007-06-15T12:44:00.001+01:00

Dear Pa,

This Father's Day, although there is no Father's Day dinner; there is no flower; this blog entry might not be as 'grand' as like the Mother's Day ... but our love to you, is the same as to ma!

For me, my life will not be the same if not because of you.

Since small, you have given us all that we want - even though sometime we have been unreasonable/moody - in the end I still get what I want because you love us!

For me personally, you are the big influence how I should live my life. From teaching me how to organize/be discipline, how to care for the family and friend, how to behave - I really thank God for all these! You do all you can to ensure us to receive the best - daily necessities to education! I would not have gone this far to study PhD in Imperial if not because of you. From all the scholarships, bank loan - I was never alone in apply that! What more can I ask? You so concern about my well-being no matter where I am - in JB or in London - always asking whether I have enough money, how am I doing in study and etc. I really pray that you and ma will be healthy always and receive the abundant blessings from God everyday! We'll be home as often as we can! :D

This is what Yin Jin wanna say:
"Happy Father's Day....well....i didn't do well in my exam for thissemester and last pra semester test...i didn't put much effort on itactually....now....quite sad with the result too... i will work harder forthe coming exam and of course.... my PMR>>>the most important....hope i willnot you and everyone disappointed and of course me myself....will try tostart studying...and study well.... that's all...HaPPy FaThEr'S DaY!!! ^_^"

This is what Wan Jin wanna say:
"Happy Father's Day!!! Wish you happy always and smile a lot everyday!!!"

Here's a video clip we would like to dedicate to you, Pa! :D We love you!

2D1N Dublin Trip

2007-06-14T10:50:00.000+01:00

Wow, 2 weeks me no update! Hehe .. coz nothing to update n busy as well! But finally this week sth interesting happened! I went to Dublin :D Courteously of Ryanair (a budget airline), we've (Jacey, Sly, Alicia and Anita) got ourselves 2p return tickets to Dublin a month ago! That's inclusive of tax and airport charge! Super cheap! The whole trip cost me about £75, which is not bad i think.

As usual (of being kiasu), we bought the earliest flight to Dublin and the latest flight back to London the next day. We went to airport at 3am to catch the 6.30am flight. We're so tired though. And the weather forecast said it's gonna have on-and-off shower those 2 days. God is really good, beside the 2nd day it rained, our first day was really cool and sunny!

Our hostel is called Isaac Hostels, which later i found out it's a Catholic run hostel chain. Not bad at all. The facilities was alright in relation to what we paid. The location was just beside the bus stop we alight/depart for airport. Recommended!

Visited many places, the most interesting one would be Guiness Storehouse and Dún Laoghaire's pier. We also ate alot stuff. But it's still near to UK, so the food are similiar! i.e. the full Irish breakfast, is the same full English breakfast as we have in UK ... probably it's prepared by Irish, so it's called Irish breakfast! I can make full Malaysian breakfast as well :D

We walked alot these 2 days, which was really good! We took alot of photos as well - which was really fun! All these photos can be viewed at:

2007 06 12 - Dublin Trip

Gonna be so busy these few weeks: for PhD n for Euro Convention (1st - 8th Aug).

Lack of Update

2007-05-31T14:07:00.000+01:00

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

2007-05-23T17:16:00.000+01:00

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 ...........

2007-05-10T16:37:00.000+01:00

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

2007-05-10T12:41:00.000+01:00

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

2007-05-10T04:42:00.000+01:00

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

2007-05-10T02:28:00.000+01:00

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!!

2007-05-08T09:33:00.000+01:00

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

2007-05-05T16:49:00.000+01:00

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

2007-05-05T08:48:00.000+01:00

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!

2 days of Thai Camp already....

2007-04-29T18:57:00.000+01:00

Before i travelled 6 hours to Khon Kean in the Friday night, Benny and Tor (leader for Impact ministry in the E region) brought me to visit ABAC University. This is the university where P'Pae, Jane, Tu studied in. This is an international university, therefore there have students from China, Korea, Japan and all around the world. Their campus is unbelievabily pretty; even have 2 shopping mall in the campus.

In the evening, met up with some of the international students n their leaders to travel to Rompo Mansion (a place where all hope international delegates will 'transit' before travelling to Khon Kean). While walking from Hope Place, it rained heavily! We were forced to take shelter for an hour. While taking shelter, the thai sisters managed to evangelise to an old lady staying around. So inspiring! :D

Arrived at Rompo, saw many many many familiar faces: Ps. Kwong Lie, Kee Loong, Kar Weng, Tung Chai, Shereen, Connie, Sue Mian .... Hope KL, Hope S'pore, Hope Penang, Hope Kch ... etc! On the way to Khon Kean, I decided to stay with Ps. Kwong Lie and gangs! It was so great to catch up with them!

While at the camp, I spent most of my time with E Region brothers and sisters: Pui, Ju, Tu, Tong, Blue, Eiji, Carrie .... and some of those who only manage to join one day: Rocky, Fairy, Man, Fay etc. I met up with Hope London Alumni, P'Pae and P'Wan! The most surprising would be Jean ... she came all the way right after alighting from Hong Kong to join this round of camp. She had joined 1st round already .. n this round she came to meet me! So touched! :D N I mean Kjell-magne, Usha (my good friend from Hope Oslo) and their baby, Mirna! :D SUrprise surprise

Anyway .. had lots of amazing food! I ate DURIAN at the night market (disappointingly, no smell and not much taste!).

Time to sleep .. before i sleep, i'll upload the photos :P

P'Pae and me

Lunch with Thai brothers and sisters
The lovely E Region ppl - Tong, Blue, Eiji, Carrie, Pui and me
N'Jean - she did not like durian - had supper at the night market
P'Wan - in her doctor robe, her duty as medical doctor in the camp
More photos soon .. if got chance :D

Lovely lovely Bangkok ...... i'm back again!

2007-04-26T17:38:00.000+01:00

It was 4 years ago, the last time I stepped onto the soil of Siam, also for Thai Camp! It is so nice to be back ... the friendliness, the amazing food, the traffic jam ... the language i still dun really understand except a few phrases! :D

OoOo before Bangkok, in LCC airport, I managed to meet up with Susie :D She purposely came early to airport to meet me, (her flight is 4pm in the afternoon). I'm really touched lor!

Susie (in her new hairstyle) and me at LCCT. She treated me McD breakie!

The new Bangkok airport is gigantic! From where the plane embark, we needed to take a bus for 5 minutes to go to immigration counter. The interior is full of steel and concrete. Nevertheless, the airport was good!

I was met by Benny and Pom. These 2 wonderful brother of E Region (P'Pae's region) really go extra mile in taking care of me! I'm so blessed to be the only representative from Hope London. They drove me to Benny's house where I will be spending a night in. Then they treated me lunch at WorldCentre of Thai+Chinese meal! After meal, we walked around the shopping complex. It was way bigger than One Utama! So big until I so tired to walk :P After this, we went to Pantip Plaza, a IT mall, equivalent to SimLim of Singapore or LowYatt of Kuala Lumpur! In the end, it was Benny and Pom who shopped rather than me!

In the evening, I had dinner with Benny's family (mum, brother, sister and his cousin). I was an wonderful dinner - sharing about our testimony. After dinner, i watched 12 Monkeys on HBO, while chatting to Benny more about ministry! After that, here am I, updating my blog while chatting to Ah Sam n Anita on msn :D

This is Pom ... know what! He is a drummer! AND, he's gonna come to London in September this year to study in Mdx Uni in Hendon! Praise God! Prayer answered! :D This is Benny! Staying in his luxurious house in city centre! So blessed!
The lunch that we had - more to come!! :D

Photos in Kuching .. don't DROOL!! :D

2007-04-26T17:24:00.000+01:00

The infamous LAKSA SARAWAK + TEH-C-PENG Special

Another infamous - KOLOMEE + TEH-C-PENG
The 2 leng luis in Kuching
My favourite air tebu campus air kelapa stall - uncle has been there for AGES!
Me in front of my high school - SMK Green Road! I love my school :D

In KL ... (Wed)

2007-04-26T17:01:00.000+01:00

On Wed, I woke up at 4am .... tot of watching the live match of Man U vs Milan, while preparing myself to go to airport at 5am to catch the early AirAsia flight to KL. I was lazy ... so allowed myself to sleep till 4.30am. Good thing that Man U won 3-2. Went to Kch airport at 5am ... apparently i'm the 6th person checked-in. As long as you check in 45 min before departure time, you are safe. No need 2 hours before departure time. In airport, met a long-lost scout friend, Siaw Fong (is a he :p). We chatted alot, especially asking where's everybody! Most of them married liao! Will arrange to meet up when i come back from Thai Camp.

In KL, was particularly glad that able to meet up with Leanne, Alicia and Michelle. Leanne has mature alot since she left London, and obviously very pretty now as well. Leanne brought me to SS2 for roti canai, then went over to Salvation bookstore. I grabbed hold of a Strong Concordance, the last one they have! It's big and heavy, but it's cheap! :D Then Leanne and I went over to One Utama ... big big shopping centre! She shopped (i did not) .. while i accompanied her! Met up with Alicia and we went for steamboat :D No photos .. coz there are taken with Alicia's camera.

After parting company with Alicia, we went to Low Yatt to meet up with Michelle! She's slimmer now and prettier! I say this not because she treated me Sushi KinG! ahaha It was a pity only can meet for dinner coz I went on to City Harvest KL to attend a Rob Thomson seminar. The church is seriously YOUNG! I feel really really old in the church. The pastor is only 31 years old .. and i think the average age of the church is 21 years old! Anyway, in the span of 6 years since pioneered, now City Harvest KL is 1000 strong.

After the seminar, went to my aunty's place in USJ to bunk in for a night! So glad to see the whole family.. especially my 2 chubby cousins! Forgot to take photos with them .... the 10 years old cousin weight about 60-70kgs! Heavy ler!

Two leng lui of KL - Leanne and Michelle

Michelle and I

Home in Kuching

2007-04-24T15:55:00.000+01:00

For those in London who faithfully checking my blog .. very sorry that I have not updated it since i come back to Kuching 5 days ago. It's not that the internet is slow at home, nor i'm so busy ... I am just lazy! :D I will not have any photos for this entry ... coz all photos are in my laptop (now using the pc at home).

Anyway ... since I was back last Friday, I have eaten kolomee (3 times), laksa (twice), ice kacang, kueh chap, tomato kueh tiaw, rojak, chicken rice .... haha! Discovered that Kuching has lots of new eating places. In span of 5 days as well, met many friends: high school classmates, church mates, friends; also knew many news: friends got married, going to have kid .. all those married n have kid one are same age as me.

Kuching itself has changed a lot as well ... many many many new vacant shoplots (really wonder who's gonna buy them), drivers are more ruthless (including me), more funky eating places, living expanses are much higher ....

Glad to be home for a while ... coz I'm too free :P

Will be flying to KL tomorrow and follow by Thailand the day after. so will be away for 10 days. High possibility will not be updating my blog! But i'll try to take lots of photos! I've got my digital camera .. it's my dad's camera!~ Also Canon Ixus but better model! Thank God!

Hope you all are well! :D

NOw in KLIA .. again! 20 April

2007-04-20T00:32:00.000+01:00

Woooo, back in Malaysia after a week in Australia! Watched 2 movies on the plane, ate 2 meals (supper and breakfast) and slept most of the time! It was not too bad! Arrived at KLIA at 5.45am, 30 minutes earlier than scheduled

I am now waiting to board the 8.15am flight back to Kuching. Finally i'm going home :D

I am suppose to take the 11.30am flight ... but because of my carelessness, asked my dad to buy the ticket a day earlier. So the ticket is no more valid. I only realise when I was in Brisbane airport last night .. so quickly called my brothers to call home, while i looked for internet connection. Anyway .. everything was sorted. I even can go home few hours earlier!

KOLOMEE, LAKSA, KUEH CHAP, METAHON, SIAW BEE ....... here i come! hahaha
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Just as i thought i'm able to board the plane, we've been informed that the boarding gate has now changed, which is about 5 minutes walk! Fine ... walked and walked ... reached the new gate, saw many people waiting. Then looked closer at the infor board - "Delay to 10.00am" .... can't believe it!! It reverted to the flight I suppose to take. Finger-cross that it will not delay until 11.30am (the flight i booked n flied off without me yesterday). We've got a complimentary (consolation more like it) breakfast of either nasi lemak or Burger King. Of course you all know what I'll go for! :D

1 more hour .... KOLOMEE, LAKSA, KUEH CHAP, METAHON, SIAW BEE ....... here i come! hahahahahahahahahahah

Sea World + CG + Tennis + Wave Surfing

2007-04-19T12:24:00.000+01:00

After the movie world on Tuesday, me and Gemmy went to Sea World on Wednesday. It was not as exciting as Movie World (then later ppl actually say, DreamWorld is much much interesting that all the other theme parks ... grrr). And one of the bad news for me (good news for some people), my digital camera is now officially broken. *sniff* *sniff*. But the good news is, now i can get a new camera! :P

Back to SeaWorld, so 'surprise' to see Tom n Jerry in a world doesn't belong to them :D Saw polar bear, dolphin, seal, sea lion, fish and sharks! The rides were not as exciting as Movie World. But it was a nice trip though! Sorry folks, not many photos from now on :D

After SeaWorld, we went to the beach, thinking of seeing the sun set. But apparently, the sun set at the other direction. So we went home, prepared for the Gold Coast CG. Was really blessed to see so many people of different nationality worship God together! Siang was really so musically-talented! I heard, he's the 2nd best bassist in church. He also is good in keyboard, drum and guitar! I met Ps. Lance and Bel (pastor's wife), who are both really an inspiring figures in Hope Australia! The CG had farewell for 2 sisters, which I think was really sweet and touching! :D Really enjoy the CG - God is good, cause no matter where I go, i'm able to join the church!

At the entrance of SeaWorld

With Tom and Jerry :D
The polar bear
The last photo of my Canon Ixus - Eye of Gold Coast.

The next morning, me and Siang's housemate, Joe went to play tennis! I felt good playing again after 2 years! I'll play more when i go back london! After tennis, we met up with Gemmy to go to beach for wave surfing! The wave in the beach of Gold Coast was so big! We stayed there for 2 hours! I'm really tanned now! hahaha .. will be more tan when i come back from Thai Camp!

I drove down to Brisbane in Siang's car. It took about 50 minutes to get from GC to Brisbane! Then met up with Jocelyn to have dinner at Vietnamese restaurant! I got to know more about my future sister-in-law (more or less confirm liao :D).

Now i'm in Brisbane Airport, preparing to fly back to Malaysia! Only to realise that, for the journey of Kuala Lumpur to Kuching, we bought the wrong date! Nevertheless, thank God for mobile phone, IDD, and internet... i manage to get Siang and Phin to call dad to sort all these out! I suppose to fly at 11.30am ... because of the blunder, now I am flying back earlier at 10.05am! But it is quite a high price to pay - RM334 (£47).

CONCLUSION (of my trip in Australia) - I am truly blessed by the life of my brothers - Siang, Phin and Ching! And I really give thanks to God for He answered my prayer - as for me and my household, we gonna serve the Lord! Really can't wait to hear from them again in near future how the Then's has contributed to the Kingdom of God! :D

Gold Coast - Movie World + Surfer Paradise

2007-04-17T15:21:00.000+01:00

Went with Gemmy, paid AUSD 99 for two theme parks - Movie World and Sea World (will visit tomorrow). We spent 7 hours indulging ourselves in the world of movies and cartoon - Batman, Superman, Looney Tune, Justice League, Shrek, Lethal Weapon, Wild Wild West, Happy Feet etc.. God really blessed us soooo much cause we were able to take photos with so many cartoon characters. We also managed to play the rides twice each. We particularly liked the Superman Escape (0-100kph in 2 secs) and Wild Wild West (get really wet). Shrek 4D was really awesome as well - the effects was amazing! Took quite alot of videos of The Grand Parade (similiar to Disneyland's).

At the Warner Bros. Movie World entrance

Bugs Bunny, me and dunno her name Me and the Justice League superheroes!
It's a pity i covered WonderWoman - she's really sexy
Gemmy and me with Happy Feet characters - it's a pity Mumble not there
Me in front of Looney Tunes Village

Click on the photos below for more photos and videos

2007 04 17 - Australia - Gold Coast - Movie World

Gold Coast - Met with Siang

2007-04-17T14:49:00.000+01:00

I departed from Adelaide at 5.30pm for a 56 minutes journey to Melbourne for transit to Gold Coast (2 hours flight). Because of 1/2 hour time different between Adelaide n Gold Coast, I arrived at Coolangatta airport at 10pm. I had to wait for 30 minute for Gemmy (one of Hope London student who is on 6 months student exchange at Sydney) to arrive. Nevertheless, Siang arrived at 10.30pm as well to fetch both of us! It was for almost 3 years that I did not see him and certainly I was really glad n happy! :D So, we were settled down at the brother's ministry house and sister's ministry house.

This is VirginBlue plane ... the yellow luggage is mine :D
The house Siang stays in is really big! I am really jealous, coz of the rent he pays, I can only afford a tiny box-sized room in London. He has big living room, big kitchen + dining hall, big backyard, big rooms (5 housemates).

Exterior of Siang's house - sharing with 4 other people. The Toyata Camry on the left is his.

Siang's bedroom - he sleeps on top of the bunk while I sleep on the airbed on the floor. The super big dining hall + kitchen

The next morning, Siang brought me to Australia Fair shopping centre to have breakfast. He had a day off because today was Jocelyn's birthday (my another potential future sister-in-law). He let me used his Toyata Camry for my stay in Gold Coast (so blessed) while he will used Jocelyn's for today.

Siang, Jocelyn and me

Adelaide - Monday

2007-04-16T15:51:00.000+01:00

Spent the morning resting at home. Phin came back around 12.30pm from the hospital and then brought me to Cleveland Wildlife Park - to see kangaroos and koala bears! I was very very excited, coz the last time i saw one was 16 years ago! :D

The first batch of kangaroos we saw - we were scared; scare that they will attack us :P
But they are very tamed - felt very ticklish when the kangaroo ate from my palm
Phin was feeding these 3 kangaroos - they were quite greedy
Me and Phin with Hank the Koala! :D

2007 04 16 - Adelaide - Cleveland Wildlife Park
(Click on the photo for the uploaded photos and video of this visit)

Adelaide - Sunday

2007-04-15T16:29:00.000+01:00

Full day at church today! I went to church at 10am ... which is the usual I go to church in Hope London. Service started at 10.30am. Had great praise and worship - especially glad to see Phin was playing the acoustic guitar. He's one of the worship leader in church as well. Then I was given 2 minutes to share a short testimony - i think i did not share well coz i was not compose (it was quite sudden I've been asked to share). Nevertheless, I sent my regards on behalf of Hope UK to the church - exclaiming that we are in the same family - all Hope family have the same spirit and same vision! :D

Ps. Simon preached a great sermon about Paul: An Excellent Volunteer based on Acts 20:17-24. Paul led a radical lifestyle (v18) - he was a tent-maker and was willing to sacrifice all he had. He also possessed the right heart attitudes (v19) - great humility, love and compassion, as well as high perseverance. He fed the Word of God faithfully (v20) - he was eager to preach and to teach, publicly and in homes. He served all nationalities / communities (v21). He was guided by the Holy Spirit (v22-23). Lastly, he completed the race (v24). I wish all my people can hear this powerful message - surely inspiring! I responded to God again and agaiN! After the service, we had lunch in the church, which was prepared by CG (take turn).

After lunch, Ps. Simon met with all those committed people (leaders and visitors) to share about the Core Value of Hope Movement. Again, I was being reminded about what Hope movement is all about! After this sharing, Ps. Simon met with the leaders to continue teaching on the 2nd part of Renewing Vision and Fervour. It lasted until 6.30pm ... and i really thank God for such timely arrangement I'm here in Hope Adelaide to be ministered and challenged!

Went to dinner at a chinese restaurant .... Ps. Simon started sharing again and giving pointers and advices to the leaders about church life! I'm one blessed man!! :D I was so overjoyed in my spirit, listening and learning from this man of God! It went on until 9pm when I needed to leave with Phin.

Phin later fetched Meng Hui (a sister from JB, now doing a double degree in law and accounting, n possibly my future sister-in-law ... Oppss) to have supper with me! Fired up by the vision, I started sharing and challenging them! They might be thinking I was challenging them ... at the same time, i was challenging myself again! There are so many things that I feel like I need to do ... but i'll continue to seek God and committ all these into His hands!

God, here am I, use me!!

Ps. Brandan, Ps. Simon and me after the service

Ps. Brandan celebrating his 45th birthday (he's very funny all the time) Phin, me and Ching .... i'm the shortest! :P

Adelaide - Saturday

2007-04-15T01:13:00.000+01:00

As mentioned, I'm busier here in Hope Adelaide than I was in Hope London for the weekend. Ps. Simon is here to encouraged and challenged the church - and I am being encouraged too.

We had a time of worship and prophesy. And then Ps. Simon shared from Genesis 18:16-33 about how Abraham pleaded 7 times to God for Sodom and Gomorrah. In order to have a powerful and effective prayer (James 5:16), it's important for us to have the right life quality; pray with right interest, right approach and right temperament! It's so inspiring ... inspire me to committ myself in prayer for the nation! I'm really challenged to pray until I weep for London, coz of the compassion and the love for the nation and city! Gee... i've got so much to share! :P

After lunch, Phin brought me, Ps. Simon and Arthur (a young Uganda brother who is so on fire for God) to Glenelg. I really enjoyed the time spent with Ps. Simon n Phin.

We went for street evangelism. Really encouraged by Ps. Brandon, he actually played the guitar and sang on Rundell Mall (equivalent to Oxford St. in London) and we'll be sharing gospel to the passerbys. Thank God for the 'training' I had with Peter Truong, sharing gospel was not as difficult! I was even more excited because one of the brother who was there, did not dare to share; i simply told him that 'it's all about Jesus, not about us!' .. and praise God, he started to share fervently! His leaders was amazed how this brother really took up the courage to share! Hallelujah! Ps. Simon shared as well :D

In the end, had dinner at Dumpling House again, with Ps. Simon n Ben. No photos this time ... but we ate 30 dumplings and 1 bowl of noodles! I tell you ... i'm soooo full! :D

Ps. Simon teaching at the leader's training. He is still very 'active' and 'comical' :D

Phin, Ps. Simon and Arthur and Glenelg
Me and Ps. Simon
Phin 'basking' at Rundell Mall - street evangelism

Meeting with Ps. Simon n Ps. Brandon

2007-04-14T00:57:00.000+01:00

I thought my visit to Adelaide will be a casual one ... touring and having meals with my brothers! God has better plan .... Ps. Simon is here ministering to Hope Adelaide! I was here a day earlier than Ps. Simon and we will be leaving on the same day! A day earlier - so that I can make a brief tour to various attractions!

Me n Phin went to Ps. Brandon's house to meet with the leadership team of Hope Adelaide and Ps. Simon. Really glad that I'm in Hope family because all of us click immediately because we share the same vision and same spirit! Glad to see Paul (who visited Hope London in 2003), Alison (Connie's best friend), Helen (pastor's wife), Dr. Eddy, Joe, Ben, Andy, Alan .... etc. We had wonderful 'chicken-themed' dinner - it was potbless dinner but such was the coincidence that everyone prepare chicken dishes.

We had worship and Nic led. It was really awesome! Then Ps. Simon taught a lesson on "Renewing Vision and Fervour". My prayer for my trip this time is to renew my vision and God is good - immediately I has the opportunity to listen to the man who envisioned me, right from the beginning! He shared on Isaiah 40:28-31 about how we can depend on God and not grow weary, shared about how we can be refreshed in vision through reminding ourselves and live out the vision. I am one blessed guy!

Today, there will be another 3 hours training session, followed by lunch fellowship. After that will be the street evangelism at the high street! Tomorow will be a full day of Sunday program! Hahaha ... no different when I'm in London - weekend is dedicated for God as well! God is good!

By the way - Phin went to work at 5.45am as milkman every Saturday! He slept maximum 6 hours a day everyday - such is a life of a medic student who is fervently serving God in Adelaide! :D

Adelaide Day Tour ....

2007-04-13T09:48:00.000+01:00

Before i start .. all the photos are uploaded at http://picasaweb.google.com/EldosThen/MyTripApril07 Just cut and paste into your browser to view all the photos.

Woke up in the middle of the night ... coz of jetlag! Checked my mail .. was really surprise to see so many mails (15++) after clearing 20+ before i slept. Mostly regarding the PECS - Post-Easter-Camp-Syndrome. Nevertheless, the night here is really hot as well .. i slept in sweat. I believe it's not as bad as when I get home next week - hotter n more humid.

Me, Ching n his friend Tommy went out to the city. I bought a day pass which cost AUSD7.2. We visited Rundell Mall, South Australia Musuem, also University of Adelaide as well as Royal Adealaide Hospital, where Phin is currently doing his placement. We later went to Ting Hao restaurant to 'yam-cha' with Rodger Chan. Apparently he's the agent for most of the S'wakian student in Aust n NZ ... and he makes visit to these students to check their well-being all the time. Thanks to him, got a free lunch and some infor regarding post-doc in Aust.

Then we took a tram to Glenelg, a pretty beach! I have not been to beach for such a long time, so i was quite estatic while being there! Went home, took a shower, now waiting for Phin to go and attend a dinner with Ps. Simon n the Hope Adelaide leadership team.

At the monument with Ching - he's so much taller than me.

In front of University of Adelaide
The main entrance of Royal Adelaide Hospital, where Phin is studying.
At the Glenelg jetty ... the water was so clear! And yes, I look FAT! :D
At the town centre of Glenelg, where the kids were playing at the fountains.

Now in Adelaide - Part 2

2007-04-13T01:00:00.000+01:00

Waited for Phin to come home so that we can go to Adelaide Airport to fetch Ching. But before we went to the airport, we visited the jubilee hall where there were many books, cds and dvds for sale ... majority very old stocks, that's why can sell cheaply! In the end, bought nothing.

Reached airport at the right time when Ching and his friend Tommy came out from departure lounge waiting for their luggage. Then we went to Chinatown's Dumpling house for dinner. It was quite big, cause I always consider London's Chinatown is quite small, only 2 streets of shops. We had so much food - 30 dumpling, 3 bowls of noodles (炸酱面，担担面，云吞面). Ching can't finish his 担担面 because it's too spicy! The price was really cheap AUSD6.8 for a bowl of noodle! Normal price would be AUSD10. No wonder Phin says he always go there to eat.

After dinner, we went up to a hill, called Windy Point, to see the nice view of Adelaide. The view was prettier than Hamstead Heath in London. The lighting was quite magnificent and you can notice that the streets were quite straight! Stayed there for 15 minutes then we came back because Phin has early shift at 6am in the morning. Me too, was quite tired still, jetlag, so came home and slept.

Phin's Toyata Corolla

Phin and Ching's Flat (one of the unit)
炸酱面
Dumplings - we ordered 2 type, steamed and fried.

Now in Adelaide ....

2007-04-12T06:19:00.000+01:00

After another 6.5 hours of flight, I finally arrived in Adelaide, Australia at 6.20pm local time! It was after 16 years, I set foot on Aussie soil again. Adelaide airport is quite small, about the size of Kuching airport. The immigration was tedious! I think they are more concern of 'contaimination' rather than terrorist (in the case of UK), coz their checking procedures are about the quarantine stuff. And their 'quarantine it' means 'throw it away'! :D

Once i was out, knowing that i needed to wait for at least 1/2 hour, I went to change my currency. Then found a Hudson Cafe to have my hot chocolate. While sitting down, my nose got quite irritated so I used a tissue to kinda dig it ... n i was bleeding! Thank God it's jst minor bleeding, maybe I'm just too exhausted! Nevertheless, Nicholas came soon after in his Toyota Corolla. Din know he has a fairly new car here. Will post a photo when got chance. Chatted with Nic on the way, about church, about life, about the plan next few days.

Arrived at my brothers' flat (Nic n Oliver). Oliver will only be back tonight from Brisbane. I was shown around, it was quite a cosy house! It was 8.30am ... after shower, I slept! Slept for 6 hours, now awake, cooked Indo mee, took photo of the house n updating my blog! :D
By the way, the weather is sooooo hot here, even though it's so-called autumn! Now wearing shorts n sandal n my sunglasses, going out around this area to explore! More to come tomorrow! :D

The living room + kitchen + my bedroom (on the futon)

Oliver's room - quite tidy .. for now. That's his Man Utd shirt he asked me to buy
Nic's room - usual medic student room, full of diagrams
The dining table + my Indo Mee! :D

In KLIA now ....

2007-04-11T11:50:00.000+01:00

First feeling I got when I got off the plane was: "SOOOOO HOTTTTT!!!!!" Really .. i'm sweating even in the air-conned terminal building!

Anyway, bought a phone card, called dad. Anita called and said will come and meet me in KLIA! Happy ... at least i no need to rush to Sentral to meet her! And more happy, found out that KLIA provides free WiFi access! So here am i now, sitting in McD, drinking my milkshake, chatting on msn, updating my blog and waiting for Anita!

Flight is 9.50pm to Adelaide, another 8 hours of flight! OooOo on the London-KL flight, i watched Charlotte's Web, Corpse Bride (on iPod), Simpsons, Jericho, as well as Mr. 3-minute (cantonese). I had chicken briyani rice for supper and lamb curry for breakfast! I thought of ordering more, but too full oledi! hahaha

Met with Anita .... and we are at Asian Cafe, eating Nasi Lemak SPECIAL with Teh Tarik! Attached are the photos!

In Heathrow now

2007-04-10T20:22:00.000+01:00

I'm now in Heathrow airport ... boarding the plane in an hour time!

Super kiasu ... arrived at the airport at 6pm, 4 hours ahead of flight time :D Anyway .. found a wireless hotspot to go online, hence this blog!

C u all soon! :D

Recovering ......

2007-03-31T22:23:00.000+01:00

I'm still recovering ... so much better compare to my condition during mid-week. I was having viral infection and now only cold and cough. Thank God for Twin, Som for cooking the porridge and the home-made lemon+honey drink! Thank God for other housemates who showed their concerns. Thank God for all brothers n sisters in Hatfield CG, who really were well-stocked with all sorts of medicine! I jst started taking their flu pills and cough syrup last night, I felt so much better for my cough already.

5 more days to Easter Camp ... 10 more days to fly! I'm getting so excited now!

When I was sick, these are the movies I watched:

I like Con Air so much, every time I watched until the scene when Nicholas Cage finally met his daughter Casey, I'll shed tears. Very original plot! Wish there are more movies like Con Air.

Finally able to watch The Pursuit of Happyness. Honestly, it was really an touching and inspiring movie, talking about Chris Gardner (click here for more biography of this guy) and his son.
When I decided to watch The Queen, I was merely being sceptical and just wanna see how good the performance of Dame Helen Mirren is. I was instantly hooked to the plot, about the Queen's reaction/responses towards Princess Diana's death. Highly recommended to watch!
Lastly, I watched the Adam Sandler's Click! The movie was really great! It was more than a comedy. Teach us about life ... treasure every single moment!

Sick .....

2007-03-27T20:55:00.000+01:00

I started to feel uncomfortable during Sunday service ..... so yesterday I stayed at home trying to recover. I tot I was fine this morning so went to college .. mana tau it get worse!

Nevertheless, went to sauna in sport centre to get some sweat out. And after that went to Oxford St to get a shirt and a pair of jeans, while looking for MU jersey for Ah Ching.

Me, terrible sore throat, headache, feel cold and body aching. Well .. weather change, n my body is heaty i guess .. so will drink plenty of water!

Pray for me i'll get well!

worshipcentral seminar

2007-03-25T00:01:00.000Z

Today me and a few church mates attended the worshipcentral seminar, hosted by Tim Hughes and Al Gordon of Holy Trinity Brompton (the church who pioneer the infamous Alpha Course). It was a bi-monthly event where worship leaders and musicians will gather on one Saturday to worship God. Tickets were sold out 1 month before the actual conference for this time event. The previous conferences, tickets will still be available during the day itself!

The other thing we notice, people here in UK is 'kiasu' as well ... coz registration starts at 10am and conference starts at 11am, by 9.50am, the queue is super long already! People excited about God! :D Thru out the day, I've been reminded of a few things, especially the sharing of Mike Pilavachi. One particularly lesson is: we worship (or lead worship) for the audience of ONE! No matter where i'm leading worship: in CG or convention, I only perform for the one and only audience - God! The other lesson I have learnt is: deal with myself NOW (characters, sins), before it's too late!

God is great! :D

Side note: BST change NOW! So the time difference with Malaysia is 7 hours!

Movies I watched this week ......

2007-03-23T00:43:00.000Z

After my transfer presentation, I watched The Curse of Golden Flower (I din know Jay Chou starred in it) and 300! Both are beautifully shot movies with amazing mass fighting scenes! You know the 'rain of arrows' scene in Hero (starring Jet Li, Maggie Cheung) .... it has been used in both of these movies ... *sigh* .. something like the Matrix's slow motion scene - can be seen in most action movie! So overuse!

I was particularly impressed by 300, because it reminds me of Gideon's 300 men who rescued their country. Although in this movie, the 300 spartans led by their king died, it unite the country together. Where as in The Curse of Golden Flower - the villain (Chow Yun Fatt) still alive at the end of the movie - it caused the kingdom to fall. Similiar story lines, one set in Greece and one set in China!

Hahaha - anyway i'm so looking forward to Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (starting tomorrow), Spiderman 3, Shrek 3!

I've passed my transfer :D

2007-03-23T00:38:00.000Z

Dear all, thank you for your prayer and encouragement! I've passed my transfer - from MPhil to PhD. Although it's just a milestone, I really thank God that He has guided me step by step up until now - constantly gives me strength and wisdom!

I'm looking forward for the following 1 1/2 years to the completion of my PhD! It will not happen if God is not with me!

All thanksgiving, glory and honour to my God! :D

Day Trip to Bruge, Belgium

2007-03-22T23:47:00.000Z

Thank God for student hall ... thank God for friend who works as sub-warden in student hall as well! Got the 'lobang' to go oversea (cross the channel to mainland Europe) for a mere £13, to Bruge, Belgium! It was a beautiful town, more beautiful than Cambrige! :D

Woke up at 4.30am, then walked to Picadilly Court (10 minutes walk) with Adeline and Sarah in the cold Saturday morning! There were about 60+ people and the most enjoyable trip would be trip with friends. So thank God for Jacey, Sly, Anita, Adeline, Sarah, Zia and others - who accompany me. We were 'treated' to the Simpson all the way of our journey until I got quite sick and tired of Homer! So I took my nap. I brought along transfer report, intended to prepare (transfer presentation on following Tues) ... but it never happen! :D All my life as student, always tot of bringing books/text/papers to revise while going on trips, and always failed miserably! Moral learnt: study hard, play hard! :D

Bruge, a town that is filled with medieval buildings ... by the way .. Bruge is added to the UNESCO's Heritage List on 2000, so it's a 'protected' town! For more introduction and history of the town, click here and here. Upon arrival, Zia brought us for a stroll ... but most of us were hungry. After 30 minutes, few of us left and sniffed our way to the town centre for F-O-O-D! And guess what we found - chips with mayo and hotdogs! Hahaha ... it was really nice! After our lunch, we went for a boat trip on the canal! Took lots of photo! After the boat trip, we went to buy the famous Belgium chocolate .... i did not buy though, although i really love chocolate!
After that, went for a quite expensive dinner - 20 euro for a main course of mussels. Come to think of it, a bit 'sim tia' now :D And that's about what we did in the short span of 4 hours.

On our way back, they stopover at Carrefour, so called hypermarket. For me who inhabited in JB for 4 years, hypermarket is nothing new to me already (Giant, Carrefour, Macro). But one things that amazed me, is the varieties of alcohol and spirit! Need few aisles to display all! So it's great for those who like to drink. I only bought so french bun and 3 packs of Fisherman (can't find in UK).

While on the ferry, strong wind blew and the huge ferry was really shaky! Result: many of them threw out! The vessel was really up and down, just reminded me that when I was young, I always had to travel in speed boat along Rajang river from Kapit to Sibu - same feeling, boat move up and down violently! So poor thing when I saw them one by one going to toilet to throw out! The effect did hit me, cause when I arrived home and slept, i could feel the bed swaying left and right! :P

Just a lil testimony to share on behalf of Anita: While on the ferry, she was out on the open deck alone. Some how, she just felt that she needed to get into the boat, and she did. Few seconds after she came in, the super wave struck the vessel! Thank God she got in, if not, we believed she'll be washed overboard!

Enough of the story - enjoy the photos! :D

From left: Adeline, Jacey, Anita, Sly and Sarah

While on the way, Jacey already sea-sick. Me in the town centre! This building reminds me of Prague ... going there again in Aug!
Carl, Stella and me - and that's Anita's fingers!
The 20 euro a pot mussel in white wine!

2007 03 17 - Bruge

Arsenal 1 - 0 Man Utd (FA Youth Cup)

2007-03-15T00:57:00.000Z

Great night! Brought 17 people to watch Gunners jr defeating the Red Devils jr. It was £3 well-spent! Yes, one adult ticket price is only £3!! Even though there's only ONE goal (which was score at the other end of the pitch, so i can't really see clearly), but the atmosphere was great! The stadium was about 65% full (38,187 in attendance) ..... even just for a FA youth cup semi-final! You can read the full match report by clicking here.

I bought myself an Arsenal scarf, which was really pretty, not to mention very warm as well. It was fully utilized thru out the night when everyone wanted to take photo with it :D

Kim promoting the Arsenal program booklet Miao Sin, me and Kian Ping - my IC colleagues
London Student CG - bonding thru football
Soo and me - Emirates logo (really pretty ... the logo!)
Jacey (the Blues supporter - why is she doing in Emirates stadium?) took photo in front of Emirates Stadium :D

2007 03 14 - Arsenal vs Man Utd (FA Youth Cup)

Farewell Gemmy ... for 6 mths

2007-03-09T00:03:00.000Z

This petite girl will be leaving for Sydney later for 6 months, as exchange student in University Technology Sydney. It was really a blessing to me, knowing her. It was during last year FIFA World Cup, the Korea vs France match that we first met. After that match, I did not see her until September, when she came to join one of mooncake festival dinner! Since then, she has been a regular in our CG n Sunday!

In so many years of leading CG, I hardly come across someone like her, very curious about church and God! Although many times I forgot to pass the bilingual bible to her, she'll remind me! One time, we asked her to come church because there was many delicious food, she replied that she din come to church for food but to fellowship with us and to meet God!

I sincerely pray that for her short stay in Australia, she'll be able to grow even more in Christ! Until she comes back in September, we're going to have another co-worker in outreaching to the new students!

We'll miss you ... Gemmy! Keep in touch ... MSN!!

Gemmy with the CG

Gemmy with the 'hunky guys' Gemmy with the ladies

Two weeks has gone .....

2007-03-06T08:35:00.000Z

Since the last post, it has been 2 weeks I did not update anything. Am I busy? It's as usual ... with church and PhD. Nothing to write? Chinese New Year, Chap Goh Mei ... some gatherings with friends ...

Time really flies, in about a month time i'll be flying back home. It's even more frightening when you just realised 3 months had gone. It scared me to death now thinking I'm in my 18th month of my PhD (scare because I don't think I have achieved alot).

There are a few PhD students now in CGs, and everyone of us are just hoping that it will be over soon! I feel the same, not saying that our God can't help us, but the feeling of helplessness, directionless always linger around our research. If you are reading this now, please pray for us! My transfer presentation is coming soon (not sure when), and I'm preparing it now. Desktop in college decided to 'strike' and showed me 'blue screen' since Saturday. Thank God I still have laptop to work on.

Attended IC's Malaysia Night last Sat. It was a spectacular performance by the Malaysians in IC, although it's really too long (3 hours). The dances, the actings, the scripts, the effects .... there are so many talents! I heard they'd spent so much time and efforts in making this the best M-Night in UK (coz most university's Malaysian Societies will organize M-Night). A comment from one friend was particularly interesting: if all these talents (science, art, business, etc.) all go back to serve in Malaysia ... Malaysia will be so much different. Get the cue? Well ... you can view the video clips on YouTube i heard. And these are the photos we took with 'Rosie' .. opps.. Anita! :P

Next Wednesday, will go to Emirates Stadium to watch FA Youth Cup, Arsenal vs Man Utd! :D So looking forward to it! Finger-cross Arsenal will beat PSV this Wed by 2 goals to advance to the next level of CL! I've become Red Members of Arsenal, so have better chance in getting EPL, FA Cup and Carling Cup tickets next season! Football .... why people is crazy about a sport when 22 people chasing after a ball :D

Petronas CNY Ad 07

2007-02-20T18:31:00.000Z

Beside the few Petronas CNY ads that i've posted last week (click here if you have not seen them), this is the 2007's.

I will go home soon ......

Arsenal vs Cardiff City (FA Youth Cup) QF

2007-02-19T23:13:00.000Z

Remember a few weeks ago, I blogged that I would have the chance to go to Emirates Stadium to watch a match (if you can't remember, click here), be it Arsenal vs Tottenham or Brazil vs Portugal, which I really look forward to it. Unfortunately, I did not go for the two matches mentioned. For the first match against Tottenham, no left over ticket for general sales (rightly so cause it's the North London derby match). Then the 2nd one, international friendly, i was asked not to go to attend meeting. *sigh* ... n since then i did not blog about it in any entries, in order to save 'face', since i've proclaimed so 'loudly' that I will make it to one of the match :P

As i continue to wait, and do what I usually do, I will click on www.arsenal.com once every few days, to see any tickets on general sale. Lo and behold, Arsenal vs Cardiff City (FA Youth Cup) quarter final match will be held in Emirate Stadium and each ticket only cost £3! Yes, you see it right ... 3 pounds! At once, I started to send out news and invitation for people who is interested! Alas, just now, 5 of us went to the match: Harry (my loyal Arsenal companion), Jacey (although she's my "enemy" who support the Blues, she won't miss the chance to visit other stadium), Rudy ("deflected" Red Devils fan ...slowly converting to be the Gunner, finger-cross) and Candy (who sole mission at the match was to look at cute guys).

I was so proud of my stadium. Maybe it's new, right from the outlook, box office, the Armoury (Arsenal shop), to the turnstile, toilet, gates, even the seat (with cushion) impressed me alot! I can just imagine when the stadium is 100% full with football enthusiast, cheering on the team. No wonder football industry is a big business in UK! I also think of the scene when the stadium is filled with people praising and worshipping God in unison! How awesome and magnificent that would be! :D

Although it was only a FA Youth Cup quarter-final match, the football atmosphere was really there. Many parents take the opportunity to bring their kids to the match (£1 for kids). I witnessed a rather amusing scene, when a young Gunner junior actually sang the supporters song to the opposition supporters. Indeed, a very impressive "football education" to the next generation.

The players for both teams, really fought well to win. These young guns who one day will shine in the big games and become a big gun! I was particularly glad that I was able to see a penalty being saved by the keeper!

The final score of the match was 3-2. We've paid £3 for the ticket ... so each goal is worth 60p! Really a very good deal we've got this time (instead of £20 a goal for Chelsea match, which Jacey n Henry watched few weeks ago).

If you are interested of watching football, (of course i'm gonna source for cheap ticket), please keep in touch with me! You'll not regret it! :D

ARSENAL RULEZZZZZZ!!!

2007 02 19 - Arsenal vs Cardiff (FA Youth Cup)

Valentine + Chinese New Year!

2007-02-19T10:59:00.000Z

Although today is the 2nd day of Chinese New Year, i'm back in college to continue my work already. Nevertheless, last week was really a great week, celebrating Valentine day as well as Chinese New Year! Most of us felt that this year Valentine and CNY are much better than previous years while in UK :D

We had our Romantic CG on valentine day itself. Was surprise that many people turn up :P We had candle-light dinner .... and we instantly understand why couple like to have candle-light dinner, coz in the dim surroundings, you can't really see each other so clearly, meaning all the pimples, 'defect' can't be seen easily! We then split into 2 teams, guys and ladies, for games. Because it's valentine and the guys are so gentlemen, so we let the ladies won the games ......

We then discussed abt the characteristics of our Mr and Mrs Right. Some of the characteristics of Mr Right that the ladies listed out are: God-fearing, same wave-length, caring, understanding, loyal .... which are quite common! For our Mrs Right, we want them to be: low maintenance, high output, can do housework and cook, good mother ... which also sterotype into looking a full-time housewives :P Most importantly, for all those seeking your 'ideal' partner out there, be patient!! Don't rush into relationship (word for an 'old' and 'experienced' me) :D We ended the CG with chocolate foundue ..... left over chocolate from Sunday's Valentine service.

2007 02 14 - Romantic CG

Chinese New Year, my 3rd CNY not spent at home! Don't really feel the CNY atmosphere here actually prior to it .... but really felt so good during the steamboat dinner on Saturday! On Friday, the Hatfield CG and me, we bought so much ingredients from the chinese store and ASDA, even invested in a big steamboat ... in order to feed 25 people! :P Oh, by the way, the CG on that night in Hatfield was good .... where we spent more than 1 hour playing a 'share-your-experience-based-on-the-card-shape' game! Good game to dig out lots of secret :D

Saturday, was in the mood to do spring cleaning of the house ... alas housemates were not really keen, so ended up doing it myself. Anyway, felt satisfied though. People started streamining in around 4pm. Hatfield CG proved themselve to be superior when come to food, especially steamboat! They cut the garlic, sliced the meat ... they are just so pro! By 7pm, most people arrived and hence the feast started! People chatted, joked and enjoyed themselves! For 3 hours, we ate and ate and ate! We then setup the karaoke machine to sing ... when i started singing 'As Long As You Love Me' by 'budak-di-belakang-lorong', all the people in the room playing games suddenly dashed out to see who's singing! Hahah ... so proud actually! My singing can draw people's attention :P

As promised, I sent the Hatfield CG people home. These people were just so high and excited (they didn't have any alcohol). In the van, they were singing on top of their voice, all the way from my house to their house! I was really glad that these people were enjoying each other company and they really looking forward to come every Friday for CG! I am really glad for what God is doing in Hatfield! :D

2007 02 17 - CNY Dinner

And last night, after church service, we went to Chinatown to have dinner! Again, we were having so much food and fun! Had so much food, even now i feel so full :P

2007 02 18 - CNY Dinner at Chinatown

I'm already looking forward to Chap Goh Mei ... where we plan to have another steamboat dinner! haha ....

Touching CNY ad from Petronas

2007-02-14T18:36:00.000Z

Today while having my break, I search youtube for CNY ad from home. I am really glad that Petronas did some great, touching advertisement! Almost wanna cry after watching them :D

Although this for Hari Raya, but the message is the same: Be good to our parents! :D

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, WAN JIN!

2007-02-13T00:27:00.000Z

Today is my youngest sister, Stefanie Then Wan Jin's 12th birthday! She had a huge birthday party at home, where 30++ people 'give face' and attended, including her tuition teachers. And apparently the theme of the birthday was 'The Princess Party' (i think), even her birthday cake got a picture of one of the princess in Disney cartoon (Cinderella if i'm not mistaken)

Anyway .... HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Remember, I sang birthday song to you just now already yea! :P

Looking at the pictures, guess what i miss the most?? F-O-O-D!!! Got satay, fried chicken, pizza, red-coloured eggs, icy-cake (you can't imagine how nice the cake in Kuching is) ..... i'll be home soon .... *swallowing all my saliva*

Valentine Sunday

2007-02-12T12:00:00.000Z

This is our monthly combine service with Hope Ealing Fellowship, as well as our evangelistic Sunday. The place was beautifully decorated! The ice-breaker was refreshing: 10 secs of one song will be played and you need to call in to the mobile number displayed on the screen (which the chairperson had prepared)! The response was 'overwhelming' .... very fun looking at the congregation all dialing in. I led the worship, but feel quite disappointed with the sound. It was really messy ..... will improve on that, especially for the PA man!

The highlights of the events were the photo booth (photos were taken using Polaroid camera) and the chocolate fountain! Ah Sun and I were standing at the chocolate fountain dipping marshmallow, fruits into the chocolate! So happy ... so happy until i forgot to snap the photo on the refreshment time :P Nevertheless, the chocolate fountain things are at my house now, gonna do it for our Valentine CG this Wednesday! Will take some photos for those who might not know how does it look like!

After the service, we went to the chinese takeaway shop to have our dinner! Really enjoy the fellowship with one another! Glad to see Harry back from Vietname as well! :D

Ah Sun, Yanti and Kenny preparation the decoration of the stage

The polaroid photos of US!
'Family Photo' of G-hood
And for the rest of the photos, please check out this online photo album

2007 02 11 - Valentine Sunday

Lee Valley Outing + Valentine Sunday

2007-02-12T11:16:00.000Z

Last Friday, Kenny, Esther, Candy, Scott, Jessie, Guo Jing and I went to Lee Valley for an outing! We're forced to go again at this odd time because we overbooked the previous time (Lee Valley Outing Dec 06) so we have some unused balance left. And comically, the poor management of YHA never informed us regarding the validity of the carried-forward amount until I made an inquiry. Nevertheless, now it has been settled, but we're left with quite a big sum of loss.

However, it was a really pleasant trip. We had care group, played UNO stacko (this is addictive) and monopoly! We watched movies (X-Men and Apocalypto) until 3am in the morning! We went cycling as well! Guo Jing and Scott, who were supposingly not feeling well due to fever, recovered fully without taking any medication and went on cycling for an hour with the rest of us! God is good! It only rained when we cycled back to the hostel, so none of us were drenched!

By the way, I've increased the storage of my online photo gallery at http://picasaweb.google.com/EldosThen to 6GB, so most of my photos can be viewed there!

2007 02 10 - Lee Valley Outing

A video clip when Guo Jie taught us how to act cute :P

Another video clip, moment after Candy fell off the bike! Thank God it's just a light fall! No medical attention needed!

Convert, Mission Trip n Birthday

2007-02-08T12:05:00.000Z

Hatfield CG Convert

Last Friday, at Hatfield CG, God's work was soooo amazing! As usual, we started CG with some 'Hi, how's your week?' talk, but somehow it went into an Q&A session then later a teaching session! Without using the teaching i've prepared, I started to share while more questions were asked. You just have to experience this, cause when God is with us, the answer n sharing that I gave that night, surprised myself as well. We went on for almost an hour in the teaching. Praise n worship was really great as well. So before we wanna end the CG, we going to have communion.

God just prompted me to ask Guo Jing (a new visitors who join us for abt a month), 'Do you wanna have this communion with us? It simply means you want to commit your life to Jesus; in another word, to be a Christian!'. Without hestitation, she said 'YES'. At that moment, not only the angels in heaven are celebrating, the whole CG was filled with joy! Yes, it has been a while seen we have any convert! We prayed the sinner's prayer, we blessed her, we had communion together ... n we keep singing the song 认识你真好 (It's good to know You) from 赞美之泉. It just become soooo meaningful to everyone that night! God is good!

by the way, she shares the same birthday (6th Nov) as me .. but of course she few years younger than me! :)

Nottingham Mission Trip

The next day (3 Feb), Kenny, Candy and me, we went to Nottingham for a short mission trip! I always like mission trip, not only we can bless the brothers n sisters who are pioneering at the land, we ourselves will be so blessed as well. No exception for this trip. I was just sooo blessed! Upon arriving at Nottingham, we met up with Sin Li (Hope BP) and Lamia (Hope Labuan), got our lunch (takeaway fried chicken), then proceed to the so-called 'Robin Hood Castle'. We went there because it's a high place so that we can pray over the city! Powerful prayer, really wanna conquer the city for God! Then we had lunch ..... Kenny and I had 4 1/2 pieces of fried chicken (big one okie) while the 3 girls has only 5 pieces combine!

Next, we went to Beeston to meet up with Ariel, a Taiwanese sister who seriously wanna plant churches for God in Nottingham! We went in groups of two to street evangelise! I was so blessed that they took the initiative to make invitation cards, which prove so useful in approaching people on the street! We managed to know many new contacts, who willingly gave us their contact detail.

After street evax, we proceeded to the chapel at the university to prepare for our CG. Although it's only 6 of us, but the atmosphere was good! They are such a good team. Again, I have the priviledge to share the WoG. It was so awesome how God is able to use me to encourage everyone! Frankly, I think I was the one who got encouraged the most! We ended our day with delicious chinese food! God really take care of us so well .. the food was fantastic n the price was cheap (£5.20) each! :D We got home in London around 12am! A truly fruitful trip!

Little note here: Candy (who was saved 2 years ago), i truly see her transformation, particularly after this trip! She has the opportunity to witness the pioneering work n this just inspire her. Hey .... involve everyone in mission trip!!

Yan Yee's Birthday

God is amazing! Another 'soon-to-be' sister in Christ, Yan Yee was so surprise that we actually remember her birthday! She was kinda 'on and off' in attending CG previously, but in her birthday wish, she actually pray that she will now join CG as often as she could!

You can also view the album by clicking on the photo below.

2007 02 07 - Yan Yee's Birthday

CG is just so powerful when everyone is able to show forth love n care to everyone! I shared in CG about Galatian 6:1-2, that we must bear each other burdens and look after each other (physically, emotionally, spiritually). It should be our first priority as leaders to ensure this happen in our CG! If not, work for it, pray for it! Every life is a miracle! Guo Jing is one, Yan Yee another .... so do Kenny, Yanti, Yoppy, Harry, Anita, Candy, Gemmy, Louise, Wilson, Adeline, Ah Sun, Nat, Mengshi, Samson, Tommy, Ivon, Janet, Yong Wei, Hui Ping, Wee Kee ... Esther, Scott, Jessie, Tom, Bill, Chen Chen, Wang Wei, Annie! Thank you, Lord! I'm so blessed!

SNOW!!!!

2007-02-08T11:57:00.000Z

2 weeks ago, there was the snow, which excited me so much! Today, it was a heavier snow!!! hehe! Again, those back home for holiday (Yoppy, Adeline, Harry, Alicia) and those who already go back for good (Wina, Leanne, Peishan, CN, KK), and those yet to experience snow .... I'll be 'kind' enough to post up some photos for you to see! If you wanna feel how snow is like, go to the ABC or metahon store, ask the uncle to make u some ice flake! It's exactly the same!

Just click on the photo below, and it will bring you to the photo album! I was with Jacey, on our way to the college, so we decided to talk a longer route, by going through Hyde Park! Hence, all these photos! We'll leave college early today, to have hot food (so cold actually) then go home to change our socks (wet feet now), and might drive around to Hamstead Heath or outside London to see more snow view!

Don't be jealous! :P

2007 02 08 - Snow in London

Imperial College Centenary

2007-01-30T16:58:00.000Z

It's 100 years now for Imperial College! Today we have this Centenary Launch day! First thing I arrived in the morning at 9am, was the tower bell ringing! It rang for 1 hour :P At first, it sounded nice .... but later i found it too annoying! Nevertheless, the bell will only ring on special occassion, i.e. convocation! Few years from now, it will ring because I graduate! :D

Then the next thing was the prize draw! The college generously ditch out quite a big sum of prizes, such as: video iPod containing Imperial vodcasts (i'll delete the vodcast immediately if i win the iPod), £100 travel vouchers, £100 book tokens, £100 of membership at Ethos (IC Sports Centre), 100 chocolate bar (i'm not sure whether it's for 100 people or for 1 person), 100 free cups of coffee (again ... 100 people or 100 cups for 1 person), 10 bottles of IC Centenary wine, centenary USB sticks (i wonder how big is the capacity). Nevertheless, all you need to do it email centenary@imperial.ac.uk with your name n you are in for the draw! I wonder how many emails 1 is allowed to send.

Next one up was the one i most interested in! FOOD!! :P They are selling the main course plus a dessert for a mere £1.50 (equivalent to 30 shillings in 1907) and a glass of wine for £1.05 (equivalent to a guinea in 1907). I'm soooo excited about this! I tot of even going to have my lunch alone, since Jacey and Kian Ping were not in college today (they really missed it big time). But thank God met Mustafa, Rashed and his wife. We had a great lunch! I wish i had bigger appetite to consume another meal since it's sooo cheap!

Here's the menu:
Starters
Mixed Hors doeuvre (salami, mortadella, russian salad, stuffed tomato)
Bruniose of winter vegetables & barley in a seafood bisque
Devilled Whitebait with fresh tartare sauce

Main
Sautee of Guinea fowl on a petite pois a la francais base
Lamb Canon served on toasted brioche with sprigs rosemary & redcurrant with a red wine jus
Grilled Darne of Salmon with a cream of Lobster sauce
Roasted Chicken breast with watercress
Bean and Lentil cassoulet

Vegetables
Roasted Mushroom & Tomatoes
A selection of rustic winter honey vegetables
Chateau Potatoes
Parsley Potatoes

Dessert
Apricot Condes
Vanilla ice cream topped with maccarons
Lemon & Orange sorbet sprinkled with kirsch

I had the grilled darne salmon as main and apricot condes as dessert! Besides that, the college also gave out free cakes to everyone! I personally consume another 5 small slices of cake. I took 2 pieces for Prof Duncan! Oh .. had a nice meeting today, because i managed to finish most of my report! Seriously, thank God for this transfer report due, coz it forced me to read n really understand my research problem n think of way to tackle! It's tough though! Anyway ......

HAPPY 100th BIRTHDAY

IMPERIAL COLLEGE!!!!!

SNOW!!!

2007-01-24T12:30:00.000Z

Finally snowing in London .. no wonder last 2 days the temperature was really really low! I even need to wear 4 layers of cloth :P Yes, u read it right! So cold until i need to wear 4 layers of cloth. Hope it will snow for the next few days, so that we can have thicker snow, to play snowball fightung and build snowman :D

Updates for Jan 07 ...

2007-01-23T23:09:00.000Z

Often find it quite hard to think of a blog entry title. Probably because I'm really just wanna do a quick update. No story to tell. Probably do it in point form, easier n more chronological :P

I've passed my 2 years driving probabtion on 20 Jan 2007!!! Thank God here in UK, we do not need to stick up the big uply 'P' sign like in M'sia. The different here is, compare to normal 15 points driving deduction, the new drivers only get 6 points. Meaning: just 2 driving offenses, i.e. red lights, speeding, talk on mobile phone while driving; if you get caught, immediately license disqualify and need to redo everything. In UK, one of the most notorious thing is the huge amount of speed cameras, it's almost every where. Just around my house, there's already 5 speed cameras. I've been flashed 3 three times and really thank God, i've not received any parking fines (with come with point deduction). It makes me a more careful driver :D
I'm now doing my MPhil to PhD transfer report. It was suppose to be done at 18th months but maybe because Imperial College will no longer be under University of London starting April, IC senate introduce the changes (i think so). I'm half way thru now in preparing. 2 more chapters to go. Hope to finish one chapter by this week n another by next Wednesday, so that i can prepare for the transfer presentation. Thank God for this transfer, cause I can think deeper on my research problem and methodologies to solve it. Although it is still very very tough ... but by God's grace and His strength, i can go thru it! PRAY FOR ME!! Oh yea ... when pray for me, can 'tumpang' pray for Jacey (doing transfer as well), Adeline (2nd year PhD in pharmacy) and Janet (3rd year PhD in food tech).
ARSENAL BEAT MAN UTD ... 2-1!!!! How can i miss out to blog about this! How great it is! The match was on Sunday 4pm and we had service from 4.30pm-6.30pm, so i missed the whole match (i worship led that day, so need to prepare before service). When i came off stage and sat down, I heard a loud cheer outside the hall, where the residents of YMCA were watching the match, I was sooooo nervous coz i was not sure who they support! Few minutes later ... another loud cheer! Totally nerve-wrecking! Only after service, i was able to check the result! It was such a great day!!!! GUNNERS defeated the devil!!! For once, chelski fans like Henry n Jacey were rejoiced as well :P
I've bought my ticket back home already! YESSS!! Going home soon! Here's my itinerary:
10 April - fly from London to Adelaide, transit in KL for 2 hours.
12 April until 19 April - will arrive Adelaide at 6+am. My stay there will be arrange by my brothers there. So will go to Brisbane, Gold Coast ... maybe make a day trip to Melbourne or Canberra.
19 April - 26 April - Home sweet home! I will eat till i 'explode'! Hahaha
26 April - 4/5 May - Will attend the Thai Camp. Also will meet all the ex-Hope London ppl from Thai (Pae, Pom, Jane, Tum, Jean, Kul). Then will go to KL, JB n S'pore for few days before heading home to Kch.
4/5 May - 12 May - Will stay in Kch ... n probably visit Betong (my grandma) n some friends!

For those in KL, JB, S'pore, Kch ...who r reading this blog now .. u can book me! Well .. do hope to see most of you actually!

That's currently about it! Btw, lately, i get tired quite easily! My back get sore easily as well ... maybe lack of exercise :P

I REALLY lost my wallet .........

2007-01-12T15:04:00.000Z

After the two experience of misplacing my Osyter Card, seems like I have not learnt! And now ... i seriously have lost my wallets!!

Surprisingly, I'm not so upset about it, but do feel disappointed of my carelessness though.

Things that are in my wallet:

£40 - which Jacey has jst passed to me the day before, the surplus of money my father passed to her to buy my laptop (RM280+)
HSBC debit card and mastercard - already cancelled. I've planned to renew them anyway.
UK Driving licence - I need to reapply for a duplicate one, which cost me £19
UK Blood donor card
Subway token card - one more token then I can upgrade to a full foot sub)
Cafe Nero - 2 more stamps i think then can get a free drink
A booklet of 1st class stamps -probably about 10 stamps left, so about £3.5o loss
Oyster Card - it's a spare one. Probably a few pence left inside. Deposit is £3.
Telco IDD Card - so thank God that i have a habit to store the pin in my mobile.
2 guitar picks - my favorite! Now need to get new one... troublesome!

Well, this lesson I learnt cost me about £70. I'll be really really careful from now on.

In fact, now everytime i get off tube or bus or leave any place, i'll check whether i have 5 important things - 1 whole bunch of keys (house's, college's, IC's ID and van key), Oyster card, wallet and 2 mobile phones :p

ARSENAL! ARSENAL! ARSENAL! I'm going to Emirates Stadium soon!!

2007-01-10T15:18:00.000Z

For those Blues or Reds or even the KOPs.... go far far away!!!!

It's just so unbelievable .... Gunners thrashed the KOP TWICE in FOUR days ... and by two different Arsenal teams (the first team and the second-string).

Anyway .... I might be able to get tickets to the 2nd-leg of Carling Cup semi-final against our arch-rival Hotspur on the 31 Jan! If really happen, it will be my first trip to Emirates Stadium! Don't worry .. will take tonnes of photos n upload later!

Well .. if possible, maybe i'll go to the 1st-leg of Carling Cup semi-final at White Hart Lane as well on 24 Jan.

Actually, I've got a chance to see Brazil vs Portugal (the likes of Ronaldino, Kaka, Ronaldo C., Deco ....) on 6 Feb, but can't take a day off from church meeting. Anyway ... rather save money to watch the Gunners in action!

For those in UK ... do contact me if you are interested in either of the matches!

24 Jan - White Hart Lane (Tottenham vs Arsenal) £30 max
31 Jan - Emirates Stadium (Arsenal vs Tottenham) £30 max
6 Feb - Emirates Stadium (Brazil vs Portugal) £35-40.

For those not in UK ...... wait for my photos yea! :D

'Kad Tiram' once was lost, but now am FOUND! - Part 2

2007-01-10T15:01:00.000Z

Still remember few weeks ago .... how i lost my 'Kad Tiram' n how it was miracously found?. It happens again .... *sigh* .... must be getting old n clumsy.

Today I was happily in college, trying to find out information about the flight information for my trip back home (London-KL-Bangkok-Khon Kaen-Bangkok-KL-Brisbane-Gold Coast-Adelaide-KL-Kch-JB-KL-London) as well as the free airasia tickets (cun cun available the time i go backhome). Then I was teasing Jacey she came over to ask me for lunch. So we went out to BK because I have the discount voucher of BK (for those in M'sia .. BK stands for Burger King). This 1 month, i most probably gonna survive on burgers cause at the same time, McD n BK are giving out discount vouchers.

We ordered our food - i had Whopper - go large (30p more only, to upgrade from medium meal to large meal). We chatted about church, worship team, ministry house n PhD! 1 hour gone ... so came back to office. Checked my email .......

Hi Sze,

I have been handed in your travel card. I'm situated in room 370 Huxley (just along from you). I tried looking in your office but you wasn't there.

Regards,

I was stunned! I lost my 'Kad Tiram' again????? But this time even worse, I don't realise I lost it! Anyway ... it was found by one of the lecturer opposite my office and he recognizes my face. So he handed it to the student admin office! One year worth of travel card!! Thank God for His protection, even on my possession! :D

I guess i need to put a rubber band or chain to tie the 'Kad Tiram' to my jeans next time .....

2007 New Year Resolution

2007-01-05T09:34:00.000Z

I really love to do new year resolution! After I reflect what I've achieve in the past year, I can again rethink what is the goal I want to achieve this year! Last night in CG, I taught from Mark 1:35-37, when Jesus got up early in the morning to pray, to commit what He is doing to God before the day breaks. The same principle applies to our life - commit ourselves into God's hand at the very beginning.

Comparatively, my 2007 resolution is almost identical to 2006's as my circumstances have not change much. But I really want to have more consistent devotional time with God this year. As well, wanna make sure I'm in good health by exercising more often (swim and tennis). Recently, I can feel the strain at my shoulder n hips easily.

Many many things ..... hereby I attached my 2007 New Year Resolution! Please help me to monitor myself yea! :D

Family photo .... except the eldest monkey

2007-01-03T17:56:00.000Z

This is soooooooo creative!! :D

The photo was taken in New Zealand last month ..... wish i were there! :P

Lee Valley ... New Year .....

2007-01-01T19:02:00.000Z

Lee Valley Getaway Trip

We went to Lee Valley on the 27-29 Dec. After so many days of slacking, I was thinking: 'Okie, few more days of more slacking, then i really need to work hard hard!'

Indeed, Lee Valley was really a very very nice place to be in for retreat! Enjoyed so much about the fellowship, movies (although I only watched 1 among many many dozen the others have watched), food (1st night steamboat, 2nd night dumpling) as well as the cycling expedition! Played Polar Bear (to know how the game goes, talk to Yoppy. He's so addicted to it now), Monopoly, Big-2 (chor dai ti), various card games and etc. Din get much sleep ... coz stayed up really late but woke up early to catch the breakfast. Nevertheless, it was a good trip! So we've already planned for our next trip early Feb.

Borough Market

On Saturday, we went to Borough Market, one of my favourite place at all time, simply for one reason: FOOD! :P Lamia n I ordered this steak fab (burger), and it was like the size of Lamia's face! Big ler! But it is really delicious! If you are thick-skinned, you can always ask for food-tasting! :P God is good ... coz when we were about to leave, it rained a bit! Thank God it doesn't rain while we're still strolling around the market!

New Year Eve

31 Dec, New Year eve. As it was a Sunday, as usual ... loaded the equipment to van, drove to church, unloaded, set up, sound-checked ... prayer meeting and Celebration Service! Finished service, packed up, wished Happy New Year to everyone, drove home .. n waited for Mariani, Hedya, Amber and Doris (from Cardiff) to arrive, before the 6 of us headed to Chinatown to meet up with others from our group. Had dinner at Wong Kei n finally at 10pm, met up with others of the group. All in all, there's 20 of us going to countdown! (Kenny, Yanti, Yoppy, Ah Sun, Candy, Ivon, Joshua, Hui Ping, Shawn, Pei Ying, Max, Matthew, Mariani, Hedya, Amber, Doris, Andy, Olivia, Yong Wei, Gemmy).

Knowing the size of our big group, it was really difficult to move everyone from Chinatown to Embankment. Yoppy played an instrumental role in getting everyone organized ... as I led, he made sure ppl follow! God is good! We got into Embankment, directly in front of the London Eye. We're so blessed, because not long after we got into the area, the organizer closed the entrance cause it reached its capicity! We're there around 10.20pm. Praise God! Din take any photos cause it was dark. If u wanna see the fireworks, go to youtube n do a search :P It was good to usher away 2006 and welcome 2007 with so many people!

Getting home was far better than last year ... although involve lots of pushing n squeezing. After all those, when we got on the tube, surprisingly, the it was quite empty. I really wonder .... wat's all the pushing and squeezing about .. where there's no ppl on the tube! Nevertheless, we all got home safely! :) Another sleepless night ... everyone came to our house and we played games.(Yoppy was estatic abt Polar Bear again, but since it require quite some thinking n talking, ppl was quick to show boredom :P). We played this 'Pick-a-card-Put-on-Forehead-and-DARE' game. It was sooo fun! Manage to sabo a few ppl, especially Kenny, who ironically drank twice the 'special' drink i've made (chili sauce + fish sauce + water). Everyone go home around 4.30am.

New Year Parade

Slept for 3 hours, woke up around 8am. Immediately, had a short counselling session with a friend in the church office (she turned up at our door, which was a surprise for me, cause i jst woke up). Showered and dragged myself to Picadilly Circus where I met up with Ivon, to watch the parade! I was quite sceptical because I watched The Lord Mayor's Show last year, which was quite boring! This parade is so much better than i expected, especially the marching bands from US (10++ of them, all self-funded to come here to join the parade), and the cheerleaders who performed right in front of us (jst cun-cun stop at our spot). It was really overwhelmed with new year atmosphere!

Christmas .....

2006-12-26T11:01:00.000Z

Well .. another slack Christmas :D

It's 26 Dec, the second time in this year that i'm able to sleep past 8 hours mark (1st time when I was sick 3 mths ago, so not counted huh :P) Later will go out to meet Sin Li, Lamia and Chiuan Chorng for lunch; go boxing day shopping (Target: 1 pair of jeans, 1 sweater, 1 pair of shoes); and follow by dinner with M&S (not Mark & Spencer, but Marcus and Samantha).

Tomorrow we'll be off to Lee Valley for another really 'Food-Fun-Filled' 3-days getaway trip! We're going to have steamboat on the first night and dumpling on the 2nd night. Of course, lots of movies, games, sleep ... probably a bit of nature-walk around the lake area (pending how cold it is)

Really looking forward for New Year eve countdown though, not because of the countdown (I tell you, it is really SPECTACULAR. The firework display ON London Eye, is to me like the time machine thing on Stargate. And of course the 'people mountain people sea' scene!) but because i'm friends from Cardiff, Glasgow is joining us for dinner n countdown. I'm so NOT looking forward to the journey home though! Although Natwest 'proudly' sponsors the free transport on that night, again the 'people mountain people sea' crowd is really freaking me out! Last year, we spend 2 1/2 hours just to go home, a journey normally 40 mins! God will make a way ... where there seems to be no way :P

After all these, everything will be back to normal! Need to finish up my transfer report ASAP! Pls pray for me: able to pass the transfer (from MPhil to PhD) with flying colour!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

Happy Birthday, Pa n Ma!! :D

2006-12-21T01:46:00.000Z

Today is my dad's birthday (21 Dec) .. n tomorrow is my mum's (22 Dec)! Since young, we're glad that we only need to buy a cake to celebrate their birthday! Just wanna take this opportunity here, on my blog, to wish them:

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!

I'm so glad i'm a THEN!! hehe

'Kad Tiram' once was lost, but now am FOUND!

2006-12-21T01:31:00.000Z

Kad tiram (Oyster Card) is a smartcard which Londoners use in our daily commute. Something like 'Touch n Go" in Malaysia or "Octopus" in Hong Kong - just touch in and touch out.

And as typical chinese, i'm super kiasu n always finding ways to save money. If you are a student, if you apply for a Student Kad Tiram, you are entitled to 30% discount if you purchase a season travelcard. Normal people will probably buy on monthly basis. But after comparing the price of annual travelcard and month travelcard .. the money that i could save is £95. So, i bought an annual travelcard! So now, my kad tiram is worth the value of £620!

I am always very careful with it, realising how much I would lose if i lost it. No matter how careful you are .... it will happen! And it happen tonight ....

It was 10pm, after CG, preparing to sent visitors home using the church van. It was so cold that ice was formed on the windscreen, so I drove the van to the back of the house, to get some hot water to melt the ice. After that, began the journey of sending Ah Sun to Old Street, Candy and Gemmy to Bank station, Ivon to her City Uni hall n the long journey up north to Kenton for Louise. It was on the way to Kenton, I touched my pocket n realise my Kad Tiram was gone! calmed myself, praying in my heart, hoping that I put it in my bag at home

The panic came when I reached home n checked my bag! No kad tiram! Check the living room! No kad tiram! Check the rubbish bin! No kad tiraM! This is really really bad! It was more than 2 hours if i accidentally drop it on the street, n by then it will be gone! Fear for the worst (actually not that bad, coz i'm able to get replacement card n maybe lose some money over the waiting period), I went outside the house to start looking!

My first place to search was behind the house, where I melted the ice on the windscreen. And IT WAS ON THE FLOOR!!! To me, it was really a MIRACLE! After 2 hours plus, it was still on the floor! No one actually pick it up!

Kad Tiram .... once was lost, but now am found! :D

Updates since ... my last post! :P

2006-12-16T15:09:00.000Z

Wahhh ... my last blog entry was 23 November! I can be this slack huh! Anyway ... after the church anniversary last month, i've been busy 3 things: church and PhD.

Church: CGs has been doing great, with more n more new people joining us! Prayed for 10 new Christians to join us early October n now, we already seen 9! (Anita, Harry, Gemmy, Louise, Ivon, Wilson, Adeline, Tommy, Nejuma)! Hatfield CG will be regarded as a mission field (since it's outside M25 <-- normally being regarded as the border of London) at the start of 2007. Nottingham CG, Sin Li n Lamia are surviving. Hope I can help them more in the coming years! Recently, i really enjoy leading worship in church ... coz after attending worshipcentral seminar, I really long for spirit-led worship. For past weeks, Holy Spirit is really moving among the congregationg! Thank God! Last night, the hatfield CG went for a mandarin-spoken Christian musical, called Here With Me! It was so awesome! The story, the music! Really enjoy it very much! Currently we're all busy organizing Christmas activities for church n CG (am about to leave soon, coz I am late for caroling on the street at King's Cross :P). Tmr will have Christmas service in King's Cross Baptist Church (which we aim to hit 200 attendance) then follow by a Christmas dinner at my house! It's gonna be another 'sell-out' .. coz estimate about 30+ ppl will 'squeeze' into the humble ministry house! :D

PhD: Just 3 weeks ago, we received an email from our PhD tutor, saying that all the 2nd year PhD students have to do our transfer (from MPhil to PhD) earlier .. which is NOW! Shock of our life ... but yea.. now all of us will not have such a relaxing holiday! Even now today is Saturday, i am now back in college, hope to get some works done .... but end up doing nothing! Anyway, it is really good for me, cause since my 9th month progress report (6 months ago), I've managed to done some FE modeling with ANSYS! Getting a better grip on it now, but still need to work hard! Also manage to use VPN (Virtual Private Network), which I can simply access my PC in IC by log on to the VPN by remote desktop! (don't worry if u don't understand). What it means is, i can work from home! :D So pray for me yea ... i'll have my transfer presentation end of JaN!

Personal life: Have watched a number of movies recently: Casino Royale, The Holidays and The Myth (jackie chan's). Also celebrated several birthday: Twin's, Soo's and Anita's! Went for 2 'swim-car-river' during the nights, which was pretty refreshing! Now family are all in NZ touring! Wish i were there, but thank God i'm not .. coz if i were, i'll surely panic for my transfer!

Well .. GOD IS GOOD!! I'm enjoying His presence!

Hope Church London 8th Anniversary

2006-11-23T17:01:00.000Z

It was a great evening celebrating the 8th Anniversary of Hope Church London in a 'Ball and Dance' style. Had lots of fun with praise n worship, drama skit, song presentations, testimonies and the food! I even won a prize at the raffles draw, which I did not recall I won anything before! I also got a hydro-towel, from the church as thanksgiving appreciation!.

We'll be doing this again next year! It is gonna be even greater n more exciting!

Just click on one of the pictures. It will link you to the photo albums - one is the official church photograph and one is my personal one (which doesn't have alot)

Hope Church London 8th Anniversary - Official Camera

Hope Church London 8th Anniversary

Doraemon Movie 2006

2006-11-23T13:33:00.000Z

You can call me obsessed ... but that's not gonna stop me to post up the Doraemon Movie 2006 video clips i found on youtube! :D

I know Wan Jin will love it sooooo sooo much! Same as Nyik San! :D

Go from clip by clip, okie? There'a altogether 11 of them. (Tips: If you have slow connection, you can click the play button of all the clips and pause it immediately. This will download the clips while u watch the 1st clip)

Enjoy! :D

Birthday Dinner ... (a week later)

2006-11-12T00:09:00.000Z

Remember the birthday dinner I had with Soo and Rachel at Spagetti House in Tufnell Park, today I went there again, with another two sisters, Twin and Esther! Since the last dinner which was so nice and cheap, I really looked forward for tonight! Some more, it was the treat from Twin and Esther (but i truly feel a bit 'heart-ache' for their money that need to spend for this meal). I was really really thankful for them though!

This time, I really snapped some pictures to show all of you what we had consumed! :D

Starter:

This is Bruschetta, olive and chopped tomato on toasted bread! This is amazingly delicious!

Escagot! For those who dunno ... it's SNAIL! A French cuisine. I wonder how come French cuisine can end up in Spagetti House, Italian restaurant.

Mussel on cream sauce! According to Esther, this is the best mussel she has ever eaten! To me, this was the best I had eaten as well :P

Then we had the main course:

First, this is the 'Grilled Halibut' - a kind of fish. It's only 3/4 cause after ate a few pieces, I forgot to take the photo :P

Then this the 'Steak Au Poive' (in English, pepper steak). The meat was really tender and juicy!Such a wonderful life! :P

Last but not least, the dessert! It was suppose to be a 'surprise' - where I suppose to go to toilet to wash my hands, and they suppsoe to quickly get the cake out of the bag, and I suppose to come back to my seat, and I suppose to be very surprise and touched! :P Haha .... the plot had been used last week, so couldn't be carried out! So in the end ....

The chocolate gateau with one candle lit! Only 1 years old ;)

Twin, Esther and Eldos! Thank you very very much! Was really so bless to have you two as my sisters in Christ!

If you have not got enough of me .... Eldos with the birthday cake! (have i gained weight? look 'different'?)

This should mark the end of my birthday feasting! :D

p/s Tomorrow will be Hope Church London's 8th Anniversary, celebrating it in a Ball and Dance style! I will be worship leading! So excited now ......

WELL DONE, Yin Jin!

2006-11-10T10:33:00.000Z

WELL DONE!!!

Received an email from my dad (he's so good at keeping all of us in the family informed what is happening in our life, especially our achievements), telling us that Yin Jin has improved tremendously in her term exams. She rose 4 places from 14th to 10th! Not easy, especially in the 'cream of the creams' class.

Our youngest sister did well as well in her exams (I heard). She was very delighted of her achievements (I heard as well :P

The picture abit too small ... but lots of As and only 2 Bs!

A Visit to Stamford Bridge!

2006-11-09T09:59:00.000Z

Well ... Stamford Bridge; those who don't follow the football will just assume that I went to visit a bridge, cause there's so many bridges in London: Tower bridge, London Bridge, Battersea Bridge, Waterloo Bridge ...... But this 'bridge' that I visited is in fact one of the most expansive 'bridge' in the world, the home of Chelsea FC! I wonder why they called their stadium Stamford Bridge, where no where around the stadium i can see any bridge.

And I will call it a visit ... coz i'm not a fan of Chelsea FC! I went to a fourth round Carling Cup match, between Chelsea and Aston Villa last night. The match was pretty exciting! What do u expect, a team which is assembled by money! In my heart, I always want the opposition team to win Chelsea, to show them that money is not the key to trophies, as we all can now witness in Real Madrid. Haha ... you are reading a blog of a Gunners :p

Nevertheless, I went to the match with Jacey, Anita, Henry, Yoppy, Gao Min, Carl and Anthony. We got the tickets for £21.50 each, so I was jokingly saying, since Chelsea scored 4 goals, each goal is worth about £5.40! By the way, Anthony is from Southend, the team which is 43 league place below Manchester United, which beaten Man Utd 1-0!!

Was quite delighted though, able to be in another stadium. So far, I have visited Old Trafford and Highbury, twice each! My next destination of course in our Emirates Stadium, which is just half a mile from where i'm staying. Near right! :D

Able to see most of the Chelsea star, except John Terry (one match suspension) and Ashley Cole (the deflected Gunners). The goals scored by Lampard, Shevchenko, Essien and Drogba were equally impressive! Will not elaborate alot here ... can always visit Jacey's, Anita's blog for the more detailed, more excited version of the visit! :P

Oh yea, I was surrounded by the 'true Blues fan' and for the whole night, my ears were filled with the 'F' word as well as their super loud noise while cheering! I hope one day, we can hear this kind of cheering for God and His people in church! :D

I'm looking forward for the Carling Cup draw on Saturday. Prayerfully Arsenal and Chelsea will not play against each other yet, but both will play at home ground, so that I am able to watch another few matches! That's the only chance I get to watch live football! To sign off ... here's two photos. Din manage to snap alot of picture, coz not interested! hahahaa

One last thing .... I promise, My Testimony - Part 2 will be up soon! :P

My Testimony - Part 2

2006-11-08T00:31:00.000Z

While being trained in campus crusade, I also attend church service, mainly the methodist church. Initially I attended the one in BDC (which i forgot the name) but later I joined the one in Hui Sing Garden (English service of Holy Trinity). Nevertheless, even though I was active in organizing events for Campus Crusada (a parachuch organization, meaning the co-workers there all attended their own chuch), I was super-active in scout!

Because of peer pressure, 2 months after my conversion (my conversion date was 20+ September 1995, it was 11 years ago!), my best friend match-made me with his girlfriend's best friend. I was going into form 3 while my girlfriend is in form 1. All of us actually joined the same scout troop. I felt like I was living a double life. In front of people, I was so 'kind and helpful', while inside of me, I was a hypocrite and liar. I always denied to my friends and family I had a girlfriend, which cannot be hidden cause it was so obvious. I could talk on the phone for few hours as well as went out very often just to go 'paktou', with the convenient reason: "Go scouting!". Mind you, I was still very active participating in campus crusade meeting (a big event every month), ISCF (a Christian club which hold gathering on Friday noon time), church youth meeting and Sunday service PLUS my usual scout activities on weekends.

Fast forward: the relationship with my first girlfriend lasted for almost a year. I was so selfish at that time; the reason I wanna broke up with her because her result was not as good as mine. I did not even tell her face to face that I wanna broke up, i just wrote a letter and posted to her house. Unreasonable right? That's how hypocrite I was!

Back to my study: at the same time with all the 'happenings', I was okie with my study. In fact, the teachers had 'marked out' some students who they were very sure could get straight As in PMR. I was one of them. I prayed and studied hard at the same time! I was so confident that I could get straight As. When result was release, 6As and 2Bs. NO straight As!! That time, i felt as if the world was collapsing! I was so disappointed and depressed. Eventually, this turn to anger to God, of His failure to answer my prayer! I chose a drastic step, to totally ignore God, by not praying and not reading the Bible any more. I found reasons not to attend youth meeting and church services. I could not escape much though from campus crusade, which I reluctantly continue to help.

Because I got only 6As and 2Bs, I couldn't get into the first science class. So I got into 4H with some grudges. Little did I realise that it would such a blessing in disguise by not getting into first science class. Among all the schooling time that I have (even until now in Imperial College), I spent the most fun time in form 4 and form 5. Our class won the interclass sport day; our class were well-liked by most teachers (1st sci class ppl was always quite geeky and nerdy); most importantly, we did not have the pressure of expectation as those in the 1st sci class. In fact, I still manage to get 1st in class for 2 terms in form 4 and 1st term in form 5 (2nd term, i got 3rd, because i spent most time mIRCing and ICQing, the start of the internet era :P)

Hehe, I wanna boast a bit about my achievements in those two years. In Green Road Secondary School (GRSS), some of the big clubs and societies are like koperasi, library, radio club and of course the 'hated' prefect board! I hold the portfolios of all the highest position a form 4 student could ever get to. Vice-chairman of Koperasi, vice-president of library, group leader of radio club and assistant head prefect. I was at that time, the troop leader of my scout troop and the assistant drum major of the scout band. Okie, all these were history! :p

With all the above mentioned results and achievements in form 4 and form 5, I was the only one from my school being awarded the most sought after scholarship, the Shell Scholarship. It happened because God has His plan for me. He did not answer my prayer of getting straight As, but He gave me something even better!

To be continue .... next part about me and Hope JB

p/s I think I left out really a lot of stuff about my life (sinful one) in secondary school. I am afraid to bored you all to death. Probably one day will post a detailed one!

Birthday Dinner with G-hoodies

2006-11-08T00:05:00.000Z

Today the G-hood family finally able to meet up for a proper meal, at Nando's Chicken restaurant, to celebrate my birthday!

G-hood (God's brotherhood), consists of Sugar Daddy (Aaron), Extremely Big Mamma (Jennifer), Handsome (Hason, the son) and me (I was called SEBBU, according to EBM, it's abbreviation of Superman (given by SD) Extremely Big (follow EBM) Baby (babyeldos) Udon (someone miscalled my name). It all started when 4 of us start to email each other during our break. It was a bit overdo when at a point of time, I received 100++ emails from this G-hood in 1 day! Nevertheless, we forge a fellowship among the four of us. We try to encourage and inspire each other in our emails!

So, went to Nando's, ordered a jumbo platter (2 whole chicken, 2 sides, chips) plus 2 plates of salad! The food was wonderful! The time spent was fabulous! Cracking so much jokes over the dinner table! It was a really great night!

Oh yea, today i also received my birthday present, a G-Shock Waveceptor watch! It was a gift from Twin, Esther, Vincent and Aaron. Beside the watch, for the past few days, I have received a book from Ps. PK and Kim, entitled "The 8th Habit: From Effectiveness to Greatness". I really like reading this kind of book, that equip me in my service to God. I also received 5 boxes of chocolates from different friends, a cute gingerbread man, Mark & Spencer vouchers and many many cards! Thank you everyone! :D

Oh oh .... the present that really surprise me the most is http://www.eldosthen.com Thanks Harry! :D

My Testimony - Part 1

2006-11-06T10:54:00.000Z

Today is my day, so I have decided to take things simple; do some reflections and planning. While praying this morning, I was inspired to write a entry about my Christian walk! I don't think many people know in detail :D

Early days .....

My exposure to Jesus Christ started when I was 5 years old. In kindergarden in Kapit (a division in Sarawak), a colleague of my mum, who was a Sunday school teacher in a RC church asked whether we (Fabian and I) were interested to join their activities. We joined, but I forgot how long we lasted. The only vivid memory I had was the sweets and goodies we received during Christmas!

Journey to know Christ continue when I was in primary 5 in SRB St. Paul, Kuching. All of us probably remember we need to take Moral Education class since primary 1 up until Form 5! But in that school, if you are a Christian, you'll be exempted from moral class and attend a Bible Class instead. My good friends were all in the Bible Class, still an unbeliever, I told my moral teacher that I am a Christian! Although we were causing havoc in the class, but the story of Jesus sank in my heart. I continue to attend the bible class till Primary 6.

Secondary School .....

Form 1, our form teacher, Ms Grace Wee was a devoted Christian! She literally preached gospel to us everyday. We were so noisy and naughty, until one day she cried in front of the class. Again, Christ is knocking on the door on my heart! Yet again, I kinda ignore and continue to lead a playful life!

Form 2, i think I reach adolescene earlier than other peer. I started to thinking of get myself a girlfriend (Eh, wait ... actually the thought of having a gf occur when I was in primary 4 .. haha!) Anyway, I was particular close to this girl (Due to privacy issue, name will not be mentioned :P). We really spent lots of time doing things together .. until one day she kinda hinted to me that she did not want to 'friend me anymore' (later in the years, I discovered that it is a misunderstanding. What she meant is let's concentrate more on study and play less!)

I got very sad and depressed. I still remember I would just cried when I listened to those chinese romantic songs (Yes, very embarrasing to think of it even now!) Nevertheless, my good friend, Siew Chee (who got married few years ago! Geee, i feel so old now!) who was a devoted Christian, actively serving in church can't 'bear' the sight of me 'giving up on life'. So he introduced me to Tee, a co-worker of Campus Crusade. There, she used the Four Spiritual Laws and shared to me the full gospel. I was paying much attention to what she said but only can remember: "God LOVES you .... ". In my mind, 'since nobody loves me, and this God loves me ... fine! I'll accept Him and He'll love me!' So, I made the sinner's prayer and accepted Jesus as my Lord and Saviour!

As that time was near the second term exam, I've decided to 'turn my sorrow into prayer and hardwork' :P Everytime before I start my revision, I'll pray to ask for wisdom and strength. I even did schedule and chart to monitor my revision progress! That time, I was an average result student, always lingering at the 15th-20th position in class. But that term, I managed to break to 2nd in class (heard that it's 2nd in whole form as well). Few years later, as I opened the report card again, I observed that my results were still the same as 1st term, just that all my classmates did not maintain their result (except the one who got 1st in class :P)

Thank God for campus crusade, I was being care for and being trained as student leaders and evangelist, by organizing evangelistic events for secondary school students. This actually path the way for my ministry in God's kingdom!

T0 be continue ......

My 27th Birthday Celebrations

2006-11-05T01:06:00.000Z

Back to blogging. This is motivated by Harry, who wants to give me a domain name as my birthday present! Soon, all you need to do it just type in www.eldosthen.com Thanks Harry! :D

Notice that the word "celebration" end with S (plural, not the other 'S' you are thinking about). It started on Tuesday, when I had dinner with Rachel and Soo at the Spaghetti House at Tufnell Park. The food was so good and most importantly cheap. We had lasagne, risotto, 1/4 roast chicken, then we ordered starter (toasted bread with herbs and olives; and yes, the sequence of our dinner was wrong, cause we were tempted by the starter our neighbour had); we also had mussels, a huge plate! All these only cost us £21.50! We already planning our next trip to try the melon platers, escagot and steamed fish! Well, this time, both of them successfully pull of a surprise: a birthday cake! Seriously, I was really touched! Thank you so so much, Rachel and Soo!

On Friday, I had a wonderful time at Hatfield CG, where we celebrated 5 persons' birthday, namely Scott, Bill, Jessie, Tom and mine! I always wonder, why there are so many people born in November. So a simple theory come to mind: 9 month pregnancy period, so babies are conceived around Jan or Feb ... normally our Chinese New Year! So maybe during festive holiday, nothing else to do ....... Anyway, everyone in CG cooked and the meal was really delicious! We played games: 'Big wind blow', 'pass the message' and 'musical parcel'. It was really an enjoyable time. Of course, we can't miss out the birthday cake! :D

Then, came Saturday, the birthday dinner in London! We invited all the people who attended the Mooncake Festival Dinner last month, and most of them came! To name them (no order of preference, k): Renee, Tian Tian, Cherie, Qi Ji, Ryusuku, Gemmi, Su, Tomin, Leon, Janet, Yan Yee, Wilson, Carl, Erin, Nejuma, Stella, Ivon, Tommy, Jenny; of course not forgetting Kenny, Yanti, Yoppy, Jacey, Nat and Ah Sun. I received many birthday cards n chocolatess! As usual, after dinner, we played some games. The last game, which only involve me, need to be blind-folded and walked in the room full of eggs (which suppose to be the mine). At the end, when I removed my blindfold, it was a birthday cake, with those 'magic candles' on! (magic as in the candle will ignite itself when u blow it out). I made a wish, which i can reveal here, that is: For every non-believers friends to accept Jesus; for believers to love Jesus more and more!! I also took the opportunites to share about the blessings that God has bestowed unto my life and my family! In the end, I prayed for everyone :)

Mighty to Save (Video)

2006-08-30T09:56:00.000+01:00

Our God is mighty to save!

Spanish version!