Loving God, Loving People, Loving Life
Hillsong is 25 years old! Loving God, loving people, loving life.
Hillsong Conference 2007 @ Acer Arena, Sydney Olympic Park
Darlene Zschech, a darling @ Hillsong Church. Darling Harbour has a new name from last night - Darlene Harbour :p
I love this shot. Even little ones should give thanks and praise. Jesus loves little children and did say the Kingdom is made up of people such as these.
I can still remember the time when I was anticipating my arrival in Sydney back in Malaysia mid last year. My aunt in Sydney told me that she got me tickets for the Hillsong Conference '07 night rally sessions. It was my first taste of Hillsong and I wept - yes it was the message that I needed to hear and never would I picture myself being in an arena listening to one of the best speakers in the world - Bishop TD Jakes. He spoke about "Changing Seasons", which I thought it hit the right button. And then I got to know about phenomenal speakers like Joel Osteen, John Bevere, Joyce Meyer, Judah Smith, Mike Pilavachi, Louie Giglio, Ed Young and many others. My whole concept of Christianity slowly evolved into something that I couldn't even imagine! Having said that, the bible is still where the foundation of my faith is built and it should be the ultimate reference. Praise and worship have always been a highlight in my walk with God and Hillsong is definitely no stranger in this aspect. Their songs have impacted the lives of many around the world, more notably the "Fruit Cake" story of Ashley that was shared by Louie Giglio is this year's Passion Conference worldwide including Kuala Lumpur and Sydney!
Anak-anak Malaysia! My partial "ang moh" friend, Justin and I.
The Houstons - founders of Hillsong and great visionary leaders!
The floating stage @ dusk
Finale with a bang! Fireworks!
Yesterday was Hillsong's 25th anniversary celebration, which was yet another eye-opener for me. It truly blew me away to see floating platforms @ Cockle Bay, Darling Harbout where the celebration service was held. Thousands of people were there to join in the celebration and these people can be seen standing on the highway flyover cutting across Darling Harbour! It was a church service in the city in the open! "If only such service could be done in Malaysia," said Justin. Hands were in the air coupled with shouts of praises to the King of Heaven and God of the universe. It was a truly remarkable experience and it is something that I would never forget! An instant miracle happened that day where it was actually supposed to rain yesterday evening. The celebration started off well despite the gloomy skies all day long. Towards the second half on the service, it drizzled slightly but truly it was God who commanded the clouds not to release the heavy droplets! Mind you that drizzle in Sydney means delicate and gentle with droplets you can't actually see. This experience reminds me of the Russell Watson concert back in KL. It was also held in the open at Sentul Park organised by the YTL Group. For his last number, Russell delivered "You Raise Me Up" (originally sang by Josh Groban), which turns out to be an impromptu worship moment. The same scenario took place where signs of heavy rain were seen. YTL even included ponchos inside each goodie bag. The Managing Director of YTL - Francis Yeoh is a faithful believer in Christ and he is someone whom I admire. At his concluding speech, he gave thanks and praise to God for prospering YTL (where Francis terms it to be "Yahweh the Lord"). Not surprising, the weather headed for a u-turn and it didn't pour. YTL is notably one of the largest and prominent conglomerates in Malaysia owning controlling stakes at world-class companies such as Wessex Water of the UK.
People everywhere even on top of the flyover!
EYap and Nat - faithful sisters in Christ!
Salvation is free. Jesus loves each and everyone of you!
The floating stage by late evening
L-R: Justin, Ai Vee, Kar Wei, Yuen Han, Esther (EYap), Nat, and Arthur. Kesemuanya rakyat Malaysia :)
Oh wow. I have now entered the fourth paragraph! Truly I am thankful to God for choosing me to be a part of his great mission for the world. Every single one on earth is dear to him and he is the only one who knows them by name. The Lord is good, his faithfulness is eternal and his love endures forever! Thank you Lord for who I am today. Though I may stumble, I will never fall because of your great love, mercy and unmerited and undeserved grace. You watch my every step and guide me by holding me with your right hand. Thank you Abba Father. You're truly awesome and I love you from my heart's very core.
Toi kor Steven + Nat Lim. Both "very patriotic" Malaysians ;)
OCFers: Jack (Macquarie), Arthur (formerly Adelaide now Sydney) and Franz (UNSW)
Alan and Steven. I think they both look quite alike!
At last, dinner @ Superbowl
-That's all folks!-
Where else can such tag line come from if not a church? Hillsong Church is no stranger to Sydney-siders and in fact the world! This church, I believe has touched many lives through all the great works that the people within the church has done. I have always admired by the church's commitment to serve the local community and impact lives. To those who merely just hear about Hillsong often have a preconceived idea for it being a "mega church" that is only interested in increasing membership, funds, fame, etc. It's not like that at all when you truly see the heart of this church for the community at large. It was through Hillsong that brought about many new revelation and transformation in my own life. Despite it not being my primary church, I have always felt a sweet and tangible embrace as I enter the church. This church is all about giving its 110% in all that they do from the graphics to sounds. Hillsong reminded me on how God's heart and eyes are on the church (1 Kings 9:3), not just Hillsong I believe but in every church. Church again has all these while been viewed as a century old building with nuns, parishers and clergies doing their thing. With all due respect I do appreciate the historical aspects on the Christian faith. For Christians and unbelievers alike, we need to grasp the concept that church has always been the people and not anything else. We are the church! He lives in us, for us and through us!
Hillsong is 25 years old! Loving God, loving people, loving life.
Hillsong Conference 2007 @ Acer Arena, Sydney Olympic Park
Darlene Zschech, a darling @ Hillsong Church. Darling Harbour has a new name from last night - Darlene Harbour :p
I love this shot. Even little ones should give thanks and praise. Jesus loves little children and did say the Kingdom is made up of people such as these.
Anak-anak Malaysia! My partial "ang moh" friend, Justin and I.
The Houstons - founders of Hillsong and great visionary leaders!
The floating stage @ dusk
Finale with a bang! Fireworks!Yesterday was Hillsong's 25th anniversary celebration, which was yet another eye-opener for me. It truly blew me away to see floating platforms @ Cockle Bay, Darling Harbout where the celebration service was held. Thousands of people were there to join in the celebration and these people can be seen standing on the highway flyover cutting across Darling Harbour! It was a church service in the city in the open! "If only such service could be done in Malaysia," said Justin. Hands were in the air coupled with shouts of praises to the King of Heaven and God of the universe. It was a truly remarkable experience and it is something that I would never forget! An instant miracle happened that day where it was actually supposed to rain yesterday evening. The celebration started off well despite the gloomy skies all day long. Towards the second half on the service, it drizzled slightly but truly it was God who commanded the clouds not to release the heavy droplets! Mind you that drizzle in Sydney means delicate and gentle with droplets you can't actually see. This experience reminds me of the Russell Watson concert back in KL. It was also held in the open at Sentul Park organised by the YTL Group. For his last number, Russell delivered "You Raise Me Up" (originally sang by Josh Groban), which turns out to be an impromptu worship moment. The same scenario took place where signs of heavy rain were seen. YTL even included ponchos inside each goodie bag. The Managing Director of YTL - Francis Yeoh is a faithful believer in Christ and he is someone whom I admire. At his concluding speech, he gave thanks and praise to God for prospering YTL (where Francis terms it to be "Yahweh the Lord"). Not surprising, the weather headed for a u-turn and it didn't pour. YTL is notably one of the largest and prominent conglomerates in Malaysia owning controlling stakes at world-class companies such as Wessex Water of the UK.
People everywhere even on top of the flyover!
EYap and Nat - faithful sisters in Christ!
Salvation is free. Jesus loves each and everyone of you!
The floating stage by late evening
L-R: Justin, Ai Vee, Kar Wei, Yuen Han, Esther (EYap), Nat, and Arthur. Kesemuanya rakyat Malaysia :)Oh wow. I have now entered the fourth paragraph! Truly I am thankful to God for choosing me to be a part of his great mission for the world. Every single one on earth is dear to him and he is the only one who knows them by name. The Lord is good, his faithfulness is eternal and his love endures forever! Thank you Lord for who I am today. Though I may stumble, I will never fall because of your great love, mercy and unmerited and undeserved grace. You watch my every step and guide me by holding me with your right hand. Thank you Abba Father. You're truly awesome and I love you from my heart's very core.
Toi kor Steven + Nat Lim. Both "very patriotic" Malaysians ;)
OCFers: Jack (Macquarie), Arthur (formerly Adelaide now Sydney) and Franz (UNSW)
Alan and Steven. I think they both look quite alike!
At last, dinner @ Superbowl-That's all folks!-
Labels: Christian Faith
Jesus My Number 1
There's none like you Jesus
Your name is above every name
You alone are sovereign and almighty
To you alone I give you all my praise
No matter how I try to put you first
I still struggle to keep up with it
Yet you did not give up on me
Leading me to your way of everlasting
Lord! You delight in bringing me delight
All good things come from you from heaven above
The cattle on a thousand hills belong to you
Withholding nothing from me for I share in your riches
Oh how easily swayed I can be
By the things that surround me
Seems to be that in an instant
I have been overwhelmed and consumed
Help me to focus on the cross
Where I can find joy and peace
And meet with you face to face
Drawing strength and courage
Is it so hard to put you first?
I pray that I will not lose heart
And seek first your Kingdom
Where all other things shall be added
Your name is above every name
You alone are sovereign and almighty
To you alone I give you all my praise
No matter how I try to put you first
I still struggle to keep up with it
Yet you did not give up on me
Leading me to your way of everlasting
Lord! You delight in bringing me delight
All good things come from you from heaven above
The cattle on a thousand hills belong to you
Withholding nothing from me for I share in your riches
Oh how easily swayed I can be
By the things that surround me
Seems to be that in an instant
I have been overwhelmed and consumed
Help me to focus on the cross
Where I can find joy and peace
And meet with you face to face
Drawing strength and courage
Is it so hard to put you first?
I pray that I will not lose heart
And seek first your Kingdom
Where all other things shall be added
Labels: Poetic
The Things I Like (Part 1)
Ever since returning from a long hiatus, I did mention that there will be some changes in my blogging style. No longer will it just contain pictures with not-so-meaningful captions as well as lack of content. This new mountain will be a fresh new gateway for me to show you who I really am and also for me to discover my own self! Haha. It sure sounds that I am eager to flaunt the real me! We shall do this with the newly improved Jack-style incorporating pictures with more self-expression this time. Be warned! This is just part one of the many many many things I like! Lol. Here goes...
Swensens - I simply love their desserts! I look forward to Earthquake Tuesdays where its in-house specialty is half the usual price! I am not sure if they are still present in KL. I heard they closed down a couple of branches lately.
Sunway Lagoon - One of the best theme parks I've ever been! Not that I've been to a lot of them but I am impressed with what Sunway has to offer. I was reminded of this lame joke from a friend. "Which is the brightest way?" he asked. Yes! You guessed it...SUN way! Hahaha :)
Catwalk - I enjoy seeing models parading the latest in fashion! Just so you know, no, I am not a pervert who looks too in detail. You get what I mean :)
Blue skies - O Lord! Your faithfulness reaches beyond the clouds as says in the book of Psalms. I actually love Sydney too! It's beautiful in its own ways. It's definitely a blessing to be here :)
Public transport - in KL mind you! Haha. Believe or not I enjoy taking public transport! Cheap, reliable and sometimes(very rarely) fast.
Petronas Twin Towers - the pride of the nation! I love myself but Shaz? He just so happen to be standing next to me! Lol. Just joking. You're one awesome dude Shazzy :)
Auntie Anne's - I am craving for this even as I type! Oh Mak Cik Anne: no one else does pretzels like you do!
Marshmallows - Marsheys!! An all-time favourite snack! Best when BBQ-ed
Taboo! - Ah this needs no further introduction. Everybody loves a game such as this!
Pavilion KL - KL's latest darling mall in the shopping foray. I also admire the developer of Starhill Gallery (opp Pavilion). It's non other than the YTL Group!
A&W - Gag me! I miss their root beer and waffles!! Not forgetting their Coney Dog too! Ahhhh!
KFC Malaysia - undoubtedly the best, beating other KFCs around the world! Did you know that there's close to 400 KFC outlets in Malaysia making it the largest fast-food chain operator in the country?
EasyWay - popular pearl milk tea franchise from Taiwan. Envy me Samuel Yim if you're reading this! Muahahaha. Boo Adelaide!!
Baskin Robbins Cafe - debuted in KL late last year. One of the firsts in the world :)
-End of episode one-
Ever since returning from a long hiatus, I did mention that there will be some changes in my blogging style. No longer will it just contain pictures with not-so-meaningful captions as well as lack of content. This new mountain will be a fresh new gateway for me to show you who I really am and also for me to discover my own self! Haha. It sure sounds that I am eager to flaunt the real me! We shall do this with the newly improved Jack-style incorporating pictures with more self-expression this time. Be warned! This is just part one of the many many many things I like! Lol. Here goes...
Swensens - I simply love their desserts! I look forward to Earthquake Tuesdays where its in-house specialty is half the usual price! I am not sure if they are still present in KL. I heard they closed down a couple of branches lately.
Sunway Lagoon - One of the best theme parks I've ever been! Not that I've been to a lot of them but I am impressed with what Sunway has to offer. I was reminded of this lame joke from a friend. "Which is the brightest way?" he asked. Yes! You guessed it...SUN way! Hahaha :)
Catwalk - I enjoy seeing models parading the latest in fashion! Just so you know, no, I am not a pervert who looks too in detail. You get what I mean :)
Blue skies - O Lord! Your faithfulness reaches beyond the clouds as says in the book of Psalms. I actually love Sydney too! It's beautiful in its own ways. It's definitely a blessing to be here :)
Public transport - in KL mind you! Haha. Believe or not I enjoy taking public transport! Cheap, reliable and sometimes(very rarely) fast.
Petronas Twin Towers - the pride of the nation! I love myself but Shaz? He just so happen to be standing next to me! Lol. Just joking. You're one awesome dude Shazzy :)
Auntie Anne's - I am craving for this even as I type! Oh Mak Cik Anne: no one else does pretzels like you do!
Marshmallows - Marsheys!! An all-time favourite snack! Best when BBQ-ed
Taboo! - Ah this needs no further introduction. Everybody loves a game such as this!
Pavilion KL - KL's latest darling mall in the shopping foray. I also admire the developer of Starhill Gallery (opp Pavilion). It's non other than the YTL Group!
A&W - Gag me! I miss their root beer and waffles!! Not forgetting their Coney Dog too! Ahhhh!
KFC Malaysia - undoubtedly the best, beating other KFCs around the world! Did you know that there's close to 400 KFC outlets in Malaysia making it the largest fast-food chain operator in the country?
EasyWay - popular pearl milk tea franchise from Taiwan. Envy me Samuel Yim if you're reading this! Muahahaha. Boo Adelaide!!
Baskin Robbins Cafe - debuted in KL late last year. One of the firsts in the world :)-End of episode one-
Labels: Favourites
Ohana = Family
As I was searching for the right title for tonight's blog post, "Lilo & Stitch" came to my mind and Ohana was the word! As a free giveaway even from the title itself, ohana means family in the Hawaiian language I think. People always ask if I suffer from the "middle child syndrome" whenever I mention that I'm the middle child. For years I have denied such a tag being labelled onto me. Having thought about it, perhaps I actually did and I was in a state of denial when I said I wasn't. Well, I wouldn't say that I was terribly affected by it. As I reflect back on my earlier days of growing up, I must say that I have been a very naughty and mischievous kid to begin with. Was I seeking attention? Or did I feel not loved enough? Honestly, I can't remember! Is there a ever reason to be a little rascal? Don't we just miss the days when we were kids? Just being carefree and not knowing the consequences due to external happenings.
Oh well, we humans grow up and that's a reality! I must say that I have always been a mummy's boy from young and even till today! I always felt secured and loved being the only son in the family. I can still remember the times where I always (most of the time) get away with trouble easily and my older sister would have to swallow my wrongdoings. Looking back I feel awful and regret for being such a lousy young brother. I wouldn't say that I was the best role model for my younger sister either. I used to throw things at her, say things that are not very nice, etc. Oh boy, I really was a notorious kid! As an adolescent in my teens, I was a lot more problematic. It sure does sound as if I was one hard case to crack. I wouldn't say that I was being rebellious but I felt quite estranged from my family in some ways. At that time I was a boy of few words at home and often put on a cold shoulder towards my siblings. Embarrassingly enough, I have to admit that I was ashamed being still very attached to my mum during my teen years - which is extremely outlandish standing at my current point of view as a young adult. I used to care about how and what people especially my friends thought about me. In other words, I was being an angel on the outside and a little devil back home. This might have sounded quite extreme but I actually don't recall it being that serious. Haha.
Anyhow, my family didn't give up on me and it was during the later stage of my high school days that I found Christ, which was absolutely a turning point for me. Of course I didn't experience an overnight change instead I was being reshaped little by little. I thank God for placing me in a home with wonderful parents and siblings. It is true that a family will go through thick and thin together without leaving anyone behind. "At the end of the day, it is your family that would never leave you nor forsake you," says mummy dearest. I now feel like giving my mum a big hug - in fact it should be my whole family! Despite me being a few thousand miles apart from my loved ones, I am thankful for their constant checkups on me and also receive updates from everyone back home in return. It was just yesterday I received two separate calls back to back from my older sister and then mum in the midst of studying for an exam this morning. It is always a joy to hear from them! Thank you from the very bottom of my heart dad, mum, jie jie and mui. I heart each of you to bits! - And no I am not ashamed anymore!
As I was searching for the right title for tonight's blog post, "Lilo & Stitch" came to my mind and Ohana was the word! As a free giveaway even from the title itself, ohana means family in the Hawaiian language I think. People always ask if I suffer from the "middle child syndrome" whenever I mention that I'm the middle child. For years I have denied such a tag being labelled onto me. Having thought about it, perhaps I actually did and I was in a state of denial when I said I wasn't. Well, I wouldn't say that I was terribly affected by it. As I reflect back on my earlier days of growing up, I must say that I have been a very naughty and mischievous kid to begin with. Was I seeking attention? Or did I feel not loved enough? Honestly, I can't remember! Is there a ever reason to be a little rascal? Don't we just miss the days when we were kids? Just being carefree and not knowing the consequences due to external happenings.
Oh well, we humans grow up and that's a reality! I must say that I have always been a mummy's boy from young and even till today! I always felt secured and loved being the only son in the family. I can still remember the times where I always (most of the time) get away with trouble easily and my older sister would have to swallow my wrongdoings. Looking back I feel awful and regret for being such a lousy young brother. I wouldn't say that I was the best role model for my younger sister either. I used to throw things at her, say things that are not very nice, etc. Oh boy, I really was a notorious kid! As an adolescent in my teens, I was a lot more problematic. It sure does sound as if I was one hard case to crack. I wouldn't say that I was being rebellious but I felt quite estranged from my family in some ways. At that time I was a boy of few words at home and often put on a cold shoulder towards my siblings. Embarrassingly enough, I have to admit that I was ashamed being still very attached to my mum during my teen years - which is extremely outlandish standing at my current point of view as a young adult. I used to care about how and what people especially my friends thought about me. In other words, I was being an angel on the outside and a little devil back home. This might have sounded quite extreme but I actually don't recall it being that serious. Haha.
Anyhow, my family didn't give up on me and it was during the later stage of my high school days that I found Christ, which was absolutely a turning point for me. Of course I didn't experience an overnight change instead I was being reshaped little by little. I thank God for placing me in a home with wonderful parents and siblings. It is true that a family will go through thick and thin together without leaving anyone behind. "At the end of the day, it is your family that would never leave you nor forsake you," says mummy dearest. I now feel like giving my mum a big hug - in fact it should be my whole family! Despite me being a few thousand miles apart from my loved ones, I am thankful for their constant checkups on me and also receive updates from everyone back home in return. It was just yesterday I received two separate calls back to back from my older sister and then mum in the midst of studying for an exam this morning. It is always a joy to hear from them! Thank you from the very bottom of my heart dad, mum, jie jie and mui. I heart each of you to bits! - And no I am not ashamed anymore!
Labels: Family
