Shout Out: To Pray

Watch the news, read the reports, hear the stories. Crisis.

The current Scene in East Malaysia is a wake-up call for me, for all of us, for the Church in Malaysia. Let us NOT speculate or be cynical about things – there is no time for that – instead, WE MUST PRAY.

Pray with authority, pray with urgency, pray collectively, pray without ceasing, with ONE voice, in ONE spirit to our ONE God. For such a time as this, let us equip ourselves with the full armour of God to stand our ground.

Ephesians 6:10-18 (emphasis added) 
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the FULL ARMOUR of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to STAND. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.

Everyone must know – the urgency, the reality;
Everyone must respond – to pray & to stand;
Everyone must encounter – the love, the mercy, the grace of God;
Everyone must be sure – that God is in all control.
Everyone must stand, united.

Next combined church prayer meeting: 26 March 2013, Tuesday 9 April 2013, Thursday @ DUMC Dreamcentre, 8pm.

Ku berdoa Malaysia akan dipenuhi kemuliaanMu.  

I'm Reading:

Now - can you see how the desires of a man’s heart and the desires of a woman’s heart were at least meant to fit beautifully together? 

A woman in the presence of a good man, a real man, loves being a woman. His strength allows her feminine heart to flourish. His pursuit draws out her beauty. And a man in the presence of a real woman loves being a real man. Her beauty arouses him to play the man; it draws out his strength. She inspires him to be a hero.

--  Captivating

'Tis The Season

“It’s here, it’s here! The SALE is here!”

I am beginning to shift about my chair as I wait for lunch time and after I get off this call with customer service.

“The first thing I’ll do is hunt for the clutch, and then the top.” 

I strut off in my not-so-comfortable heels and head for the shop. I enter and I smile sheepishly to myself. Let it begin.

Half an hour later, I’m done. Feels… good?

Hold it right there.

Am I missing something?

**********

Young adults, what do you look forward to as we approach the year-end?

Vacations, parties, beautiful decorations, carols, year-end sales, bonus, pay rise, spending time with people, etc. Wow!

Am I missing something?

You silly girl.

You’re missing the point.

On Tuesday, we celebrated Christmas.
We celebrate Jesus Christ, the gift of God to us, who redeems us from our imperfections and showers us with His perfect love.

So many distractions, so little time.

Bright Christmas stars shine on high,
Golden stars in the wintry sky,
Christmas candles in windows bright,
Sends greeting into the night,
While in our hearts the Christmas flame,
Glows with love like His who came,
The infant Christ of lowly birth,
To bring hope and peace to earth.

-- Wilson Soo, 2012

I want to celebrate Jesus every day.

#1

Had dinner.

Got pulled aside for questioning prayer – a little bit unexpected.

Blessed. 

Headed home – deep breath, like this.

Nervous. 

He prayed, I prayed.

Let’s do this.

Brought dessert – home made.

I hope they like it. 

Chat.


Chat. 



Chat. 





3-second pause.

Aaanyway,

I have something to say, actually. It’s about – 

& you know the rest of the story anyway. ;)

I pray that this will only ever be a Jesus story.

Strangely,

My heart races --

It really is not about you, neither is it about me; it is about God above it all. The God who designed the universe to its minute detail has designed your life and mine. I believe; and I am still in awe. Beautiful.

That is the reason why I’m so blissful, at peace when I’m with you.

-- every time I look at you looking at me.

21: Unmasked #1: The Brother

[START: Polished version]

Hi everyone.

How are you? You're all wonderfully dressed tonight. Hope you've enjoyed the night so far,and the food.

We all know why we're here, right? To celebrate my one and only beautiful sister's 21st birthday!

She's maturing into a young woman and I've had the privilege of seeing her grow, both spiritually and physically since she returned from Melbourne.

When she was away, it wasn't how I expected it to be. At first I was overjoyed because I can have everything to myself and I will have more 'me' time. But that feeling definitely slowly faded away when we grew closer and closer as brother and sister.

Now that she's back, my sister works ‘til very late because that's how working life is supposed to be. She’s all the way in kl while we're in Subang. Sometimes I would only get to see her for a few minutes of the day or just before I sleep. But there are other times where we got to spend a whole weekend witheach other, go on road trips, etc etc. Even so, the few moments seeing her at home and knowing she's safe is enough. Rather than not seeing her at all for the half year period when she's in Melbourne, or only seeing her through the computer screen on Skype.

I could never wish for a more kind-hearted-beautiful-caring-composed-intelligent-outgoing-thoughtful-patient-independent sister. ;)

Sometimes I see my friends who hate their sisters and I think to myself: Why can't they get along? It's a war zone between them.
Then I realized that the answer is that their sisters aren’t like mine.

Yes, we've had A LOT of ups and downs, but that doesn't discount the fact that she is my sister and will forever be no matter what.

I remember the good times we had together as a family, where we would just sit in the living room and go through older photos – e.g. when we were babies, during our overseas holidays, etc. To some of you if you see them it might just be just another ordinary photo. But to me, each photo tells a story and shares a memory.

I've been so blessed lately – e.g. surprise birthday party my family planned for me – that I just want to bless them with what I can. So I'd like to hand you something Mummy and I made (mainly Mummy – I helped) and I'd like the birthday girl to come up an receive it!

Photo credits: Victor Yu (click! for album)

You're welcome!! Hoho.

I’m sad that I can’t present my gift to her today, amongst all the other gifts, but it's coming soon! And I hope it'll be as unexpected as what you can imagine.

Hope you have a blast for your 21st, and may God pour his favor upon you.

Blessed 21st birthday, my dearest beloved sister.

Sekian, terima kasih. :3

[END]

21: Unmasked

Credits: Victor Yu (click! for album)

Thank you everyone for making time to come tonight and celebrate this special day with me! I’ll just take two minutes to share a few words with you before we all sing song and cut cake.

********** 

If I were to take a snapshot of my life right now, I’d say that I’ve been blessed with 21 years of God’s faithfulness. As with all of us, there are peaks and troughs in life. But amid these cycles, I believe and have learned that [God’s character] is never contractionary, only expansionary. Perhaps those with Economics background will understand a little bit more, haha.

I am finally turning 21 – finally! Sometimes it feels like it’s been a while, but I’m thrilled. I feel like this is one of those points in life where the page unfolds onto a new chapter, the pause just before the next song plays –  momentous.

So on this journey of faith, I thank God for all that was, is and will be.
Unmasked, I stand before my King in His love, with my praise, and all eagerness.

& For That Reason, I Am Excited

Tough - very - but worthwhile.

14 Days for Jesus:

Day 1: Game On

Day 2: Sneak Peek

Day 3: Recharge

Day 4: Action

Day 5: Please Hold

Day 6: Verbalize

Day 7: Half Full

Day 8: Here I Go Again

Day 9: “It’s Complicated”

Day 10: With Eyes Open

Day 11: Already?

Day 12: Secured

Day 13: An Outlet

Day 14: Practice 

Yesterday: Bliss
Today: Support

#3

"Do you trust me?"

You caught me there, Lord. In that split second, I shot a question at You, "Do I say 'yes', Lord?"

I remember what You said, "Just be yourself and honour God". You had prepared me and You whispered to my heart that it is spiritually necessary. I know what You mean and I should've known what to do. I've been spiritually absent-minded, I know, too clouded by emotion. So to get back on track now is timely - God first, above all else. Puny me to think that all I need to do to honour God is draw some lines here and there! My God is so much more awesome than that and He deserves MY BEST.

And God is so faithful!

I trust you, I do. More importantly, I trust God and I know you do too. 
Game on. 


Song of the weekend:

The Secret Is Out

Just take a deep breath and say it.


“Should I be boldly dramatic or shyly regretful? Laugh it off, maybe?”

Deep breath. 

“Should I text or call?”

Deep breath. 

"I cannot mess up."

Deep breath.

"Maybe he doesn't need to know."

Deep breath.

"I can't hide it forever."

Deep breath.

"I have to tell him, lest I regret it!"

Deep breath.

"But what if it's too big of a turn off..."

Cough.

"What if he doesn't say anything and walks away..."

Exhale.

Just take a deep breath and say it. JUST SAY IT, CHRIS.

"I need to tell you something."


I CAN'T CYCLE. :(

Why I Sing What I Sing

The shower – that’s where it all started. Where I would sing only for myself to hear. The pitchy high notes and attempted runs (away from the melody) would echo and I thought I sang quite decently (not real).

At 10, I joined the children’s church choir and learnt to sing from my stomach, not my throat. My first and only form of vocal coaching to date. Other than that, I’ve never been picked to sing or dance with the leaders on stage or even to do the song slides (which I’ve somehow always always wanted to do).

At 11, I led worship for the first time, shockingly nervous as a first timer in a cell of more than 20 people, I guess it didn't go very well. My cell leader told me that she will let me do ice breaker next time. I okayed her but never got my turn.

At 15, He showed me something.

It was dark where I stood. The different colours in the spotlights and smoke made it hard to make out my surroundings. The bass and drum beats rang in my ear, I felt each beat in my chest. Looking past the crowds around me with their hands lifted straight up, I saw the silhouette of a band on stage. To my left and right I heard some voices I recognized. I looked around and many of them were people I knew. It clicked when I caught a glimpse of the expression on their faces – the ones I usually see in church. Worship concert, a massive one.

He stood next to me when I realized that. He smiled and showed me the rest of the arena that was soaked in Worship. I could drown, or melt, into His arms as I took in the thickness of His Presence. I wanted to stay there forever in Worship.

He looked at me and raised His eyebrow slightly, as if asking me “Do you want this?” 
“YES”, I nod.
He nods back, smiles again and looks away. I guess Jesus doesn’t need to say much sometimes.

I opened my eyes, my hands were half lifted. I looked around again, normal people singing normal worship songs in normal lighting at a normal hall. That was it, 10 seconds with Him in that worship ignited a spark in my heart. I need to sing, worship.

Years later, at 20, I served in a worship ministry for the first time, at OCF Melbourne Uni. The same moment of realization I had when I was15 came in Easter Camp ’11 during center sharing time. I was shaking from nervousness when I strummed the first chord. I cleared my throat as I sang.

“I will live to love you, I will live to bring you praise”

The OCF-ers followed my lead almost immediately, singing loudly from the bottom of their hearts. I could tell from the expression on their faces. Eventhough it was loud, everything suddenly became silent in my ears for a few moments. In the first moment I was expecting to hear His Voice, but there was nothing. I closed my eyes to hold in the nerves in the second moment, and I saw the same gentle smile that Jesus gave me after my “YES” when I was 15. Then it felt right, completely right. I just need to sing, worship.

We ended in prayer.

"And 'til I see you face to face and grace amazing takes me home, I'll trust in you"

That was it.

**********

When I joined worship in OCF Melbourne Uni, they asked me why. I said that I can’t help being drawn to wherever there is a worship atmosphere, and I want to be part of the ministry that leads others to experience God’s Presence through that – even if I’m just doing the song slides. They told me that they could see it. And for the two seconds that follow I wonder how they ‘see it’, because I can ‘see it’ in the other worship leaders but I don’t ‘see’ the same things in myself. But I take it anyway, “Thank you”.

Thank you, OCF Melbourne Uni and your leaders who serve wholeheartedly, especially the committee and cell leaders in 2010 because you chose my batch of leaders and groomed us. I became sure of my heart for worship because I was blessed to serve in OCF.

Yesterday I sort of messed up my auditions for the church worship team. I thought I was auditioning for the main team, but it turns out that everyone starts in the choir. I don’t want to “start in the choir”, I am sure of where I want to be and why I want to serve. Pride.

And so, I am humbled because I didn’t sing well, my timing was off, and I couldn’t catch the harmonies. Now, I don’t know if I’ll even get into the choir.

But God is the Master worship leader; me, a mere shower singer. Of course I will go where He takes me. Why? Because someone I want to serve in worship – even if I’m just doing the song slides.

Reggae

You don't find Jesus in the hype and loudness of worship concerts, you find Him in the quiet place in your heart. But He can speak to you anywhere, anytime - you just need to want to listen enough.

He did not die so I can be derailed by my emotions; He has won the victory!

Something beautiful happens when you call on the Name of Jesus.
So I will only cling to you, Jesus.

More Than Arm's Length

We sometimes I often take Grace too lightly. Pride makes me think that with Grace, I can do anything I want and get away with it. This Easter I was humbled yet again. The word God spoke was not “Grace” as I had expected.

The word was Redemption.
To recover, pay off, exchange, compensate for the faults of…

Out of Grace He paid the full price – His life for mine – whilst I paid… nothing really. It certainly wasn’t a peaceful death, He was crucified (and The Passion of Christ was not fictitious).

Easter: because He lives, I can face tomorrow with Victory.
I deserved it, He didn’t. How can you say “No” to Jesus for that? After crying my tears dry during The Passion, I don’t even know what else to do to say “Thank You Jesus”. Except maybe, praise Him every day of my life.

I said THE prayer again on Easter Sunday. It went like this:

“Dear Lord Jesus, I acknowledge that I am not perfect and can never be. Thank you for dying on the cross to redeem me from my sins. I believe that you are my Saviour and I need you in my life. Please come into my heart. I want to learn to love you, pray, read my Bible and live for you. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.” 

I haven’t cried so much this weekend since… last year’s LTC Retreat. Homg it felt so good.

Every sunrise should be an Easter sunrise. Remember the Victory.

My Last Story For You, OCF

Hi OCF! I'm here to share with you what would be one of my most memorable CoffeeMin experience.
Firstly, I want to stress the importance of a few things: expectancy/readiness, prayer, spiritual covering, being ready for spirit-led conversations.

When I served at CoffeeMin last week, I honestly had zero expectations - I only turned up because I was rostered, and nothing really happened for me that night. On Tuesday, I served again and I met this girl whom I managed to share a little bit with as God led me to share about worship. With enthusiasm, I returned the next day and wanted to see if I could continue the conversation, but she didn't turn up. I met this other guy, though, who was open enough to share about his interests etc. Somehow I remembered him from that night because he sounded really smart, and he was blonde. Haha.

Last night, I was rostered again. As I anxiously waited for the same girl from Tuesday to show up, I saw the blonde guy walk out of the library. We chatted for almost the whole night, and this time it was mostly spiritual-God-talk. His ideas were very interesting - he was obviously doing a lot of soul searching.

The only reason I really believe that both these instances were God & spirit-led was because I said things that I normally wouldn't say. e.g. I don't normally tell people I sing in the worship team, or bring up Bible characters. The Holy Spirit does that. He prompts us to say the right things at the right time to the right person -  I wasn't even consciously thinking of what to say for once; I was consciously praying in my head.

Sometimes we need to discern when to speak, retaliate, or correct, and when to listen to the other person. Like with the blonde guy, I trust that God opened his heart to share rather private stories about his family and spiritual experiences. Eventhough I sensed that some off his thoughts weren't biblically sound, it wasn't the time for any Bible-bashing; it was time to listen - and he was thankful that he could share this with someone. There are times we meet people who really need to hear about Jesus, but there are also times where we need to just hear someone out, like how Jesus hears us out all the time.

One last thing, don't downplay the power of prayer. Please pray for spiritual covering at every briefing because we're going out to battle when we do something like CoffeeMin. Pray continuously as a team. Nothing like knowing that your team is right behind you when you're reaching out to someone.

So yes, let's learn to love and plant the seed together as we continue serving in our own way not just in CoffeeMin or OCF, but wherever God places us. Amen!

-- Christina, 11 November 2011.

Immersed

Okay, I'll admit it. I forgot that it was Thanksgiving yesterday.

In just one week, I have been so busy free that I became complacent in my walk with Jesus. Once, I penned down, "Lord, it's good to be back in Melbourne; at least my routine is predictable enough to spend time with You". Well, there is no more Melbourne. Change.

Lord, but, I already made plans where you first placed me. It was exciting. I thought I had caught on to something you started in my heart; a hidden desire to serve alongside in encouragement. The timing seemed right and the situation was emergent. Ideas were shared, approved, and put into action. Then everything... changed.

Lord, I question it, "Really?"

He said;

Your heart may not understand it, but your spirit will catch it.

Now all I need to do is respond to His voice; worship.
Speaking of which, I am missing being on a worship team!

So I will take You for Your word, Jesus.
This is going to be GOOD!

Jesus, be my 2012.

Just Fork It

Matthew 25:14-30

It was my turn. He bent down and looked at me - it wasn't intimidating; more like an affectionate kind of look. He placed them in my hands and said, "These I entrust to you; do what you think is right." And he drove off.

I looked at them, slightly baffled at what they were and what I was expected to do with them. We had a chat about what we planned to do with the talents and why we had different amounts. Maybe it became a little tensed because of that, I don't know - I'm the sort who wouldn't really notice. As we headed home, I was still thinking up an 'action plan' for these talents, then someone caught up to me, "Hey, what's up! Thought of what to do yet?"

Interesting conversation; it felt as if he was testing me. So I subtly retaliated, "Yeah, I have a few plausible considerations. What're you going to do?"

Almost immediately, he enthusiastically started sharing the grand plans he thought up to grow his talents, which were bigger than mine, by the way.
I guess I asked a good question.

"Anyway, back to you."

So I shared my rough ideas with an obvious tone of I'm-not-sure-I'm-still-thinking-ness because I wanted to continue the conversation. He seemed like he was listening rather attentively. To cut the long, awkward, walk home short, I managed to get a few real action plans from that encounter. I should think about them more, pray about it. I did.

**********

We all walk the road that God has paved for us, learning to trust and not lean on our own understanding. For some, He lights their paths and makes them straight; others, not yet. He deserves more than just acknowledgement, though. He deserves full emphasis.

Eventually, I arrived at a fork in the road. I tugged at His shirt, "Pa, what now?" It came down to two options: to stay where I am and watch the talents steadily grow, or take a more drastic, 'make or break' approach. To my surprise, He led me towards the riskier path. It was an inaudible whisper, one that came with clarity, peace, assurance. I heard, I understood. I chose the latter option - after all, it's no risk, no return.

Now, I think I know what to do with the talents.

By His grace and for His glory, they will mature and multiply.
So that when He returns, He will be pleased and say "Well done, good and faithful servant!"

I will be returning to Malaysia next year with a heavy heart as I leave the lovely city of Melbourne.
Surprise! Yeah, it was for me, too.

But first, I must finish this leg of the race well before taking on that change.
Excel, I will! For YOU, Jesus.


           

Spring Break: Turning Twenty

Random facts:
This year, I turned twenty, and I feel like so much more is expected of me.
I'm studying in Melbourne, living with someone who perfectly complements my weirdness.
I do my own groceries, laundry, cleaning, boil my own soup, watch my own diet, pay my own bills, keep my own curfew.

I was born on 23rd September 1991, at 11:54am.
On the day I was born, Chinese families celebrated the Mid-Autumn Harvest Festival -i.e. lanterns and mooncakes.
That night, the moon was at its brightest.
And it was the autumn equinox, with more sun during the day.

**********

Year after year, I quietly prayed for Him to put people in my life whom I could love and who would love me back. I never really had a best friend, mentor, or accountability partner like many do. There were those who made me stronger through the different seasons of my life, and I appreciate that. He has taught me to first love as He loves, if I want others to love me - and I did. The result: priceless.

I'm blessed with an amazing bunch of girlfriends and bros who spur me on, cell members who are accepting and encourage excellence (we bring out the ego in each other, haha) and lastly, a family who supports me in real time.

This year, I had my first real surprise party, courtesy of Cheng Hong, YY, and everyone else who made the effort to come and wait an hour for my late arrival. Haha. The sequence of events is as follows:

"Let's go shopping and then for a nice dinner."
"Hey Chris, let's wear our new clothes!"
"Oh, do you mind if I stop by my friend's place first."
"Eh isn't this Jia Sheen's place? Maybe not."
"Wait, this is Jia Sheen's place." *looks suspiciously at YY as she puts on her classic haha-got-you grin
SURPRISE! YOU'RE LATE!
"Thanks guys, sorry I'm late!"

Click here and here for the full albums!

Veli epi!

And there were surprises at connect group and cell night too!
And from home :)

Click again for pictures!

Sho epi!
Sho nais, all de keks!

Now, here's 20 embarrassing things you may not have known about Christina.
Only because I felt so so loved this year. And also, because I'm very thankful that there was no sabo-ing involved, thus I was not embarrassed in any way.

1. I am naturally shy. Really.
2. I can't speak Mandarin and I speak Cantonese like an angmohlang.
3. I don't like sour foods, but I have a sweet tooth.
4. Europe would be a good place for a honeymoon, probably Italy.
5. Seafood is yum!
6. Too bad I can't dance.
7. I have entomophobia.
8. Most of the time, my being late for something is caused by either waking up late or not knowing what to wear.
9. Unfortunately, I don't have the habit of replying texts or messages instantly.
10. My favourite colour is yellow and my favourite flower is the sunflower.
11. I want mustard yellow pants.
12. My favourite season of the year is autumn.
13. I miss being a Science student.
14. Apparently, I look funny when I eat ice cream.
15. I have a short attention span.
16. I wish I could sing better!
17. To some extent, I'm quite siu jie.
18. My first paycheck will go back to my parents after paying tithes.
19. I want to be there for my brother as he grows up.
20. I played Neopets until I was 17, and I recently thought about reviving my account. Haha.


So there you have it.
Thank you everyone who made my 20th birthday one of the most memorable! :)
Wonder what presents await me at home, haha.


                   

Convinced by Christ?

To the MUOCF Committee 2012, the outgoing committee, the leaders, the LTC participants, the members, you who go to church, you who call on Jesus as your Saviour, you who love God;

**********

August 30.
Luke 10:20 

"However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you..."

Jesus said, in effect, don't rejoice in successful service.
The snare in the Christian definition of 'serving' is to rejoice in successful service, to rejoice in the fact that God has used you. And the tendency today is to put emphasis in service.


"... but rejoice that your names are written in Heaven."

But, rejoice because you have established that you are rightly related to Him.
You can never measure what God will do through you if you are in the position of being rightly related to Him. Once you are in that position by salvation and sanctification, remember that you are put into your circumstances by God Himself.

It is in the beauty of the reactions of your life to those circumstances that you will fulfill God's purpose, and find that He is pouring rivers of living water through you. It is by His mercy that He does not let you know it.


Beware of making your usefulness to Christ the selling point of your Christian walk. It is the work that God orchestrates through us that counts, not our estimated usefulness. At the end of the day, all that He wanted was one who would bring a relationship of worth to the table.

Hence, remember that service flows out of our heart and is secondary. The primary is the existence of our relationship with the Father.


           

Demi Tanah Airku, Malaysia

Keranamu Malaysia,
Tegakkan nusa, gagahkan bangsa,
Susunlah seribu langkah, menuju ke hadapan.
Bersama mensesah pekat malam,
Menerjah gelombang, berlari mengejar cahaya.
Walau berdepan sejuta rintangan,
Sekali pun jatuh di medan perjuangan,
Namun tetap meredah, mencapai wawasan

Alangkah damainya negeriku ini
Dilimpahi rahmat, kemakmuran dikurniai
Bangsa bersatu, berjiwa waja
Semangat patriotik kian membara.
Penghormatan kini menjadi nyata
Tiada penindasan, tiada penghinaan
Kemerdekaan terus terpelihara
Demi tanah airku, Malaysia


--Disadur dari 'Sajak Keranamu Malaysia'


                   

Famine Feedback

In the middle of OCF, I waited impatiently for my clock to strike 8pm so that I can start counting down the hours due. I had a really late lunch and a cup of coffee after, so I was full from 4pm onwards. I listened to Wen Yi as she shared the Gospel in 5 minutes whilst I planned my activities for the next 40 hours. I thought of how many hours I will spend sleeping, how I would keep myself indoors to conserve energy, how to lock away the Milo or hot chocolate so I could say that I survived on water alone, etc.

Then 8pm came and OCF ended. We split into cells for Bible Study and later on went for supper. I joined the cell at Pancake Parlour, only to sit quietly in the corner and watch everyone devour a short stack each. It was fun to see the look in their faces as they poured the maple syrup over their pancakes. They happily enjoyed their supper, and a few of them proceeded to order another round.

Questions started coming during the meal itself.

"Why are you starving yourself for 40 hours?"
"Have you done this before?"
"What're you going to do? How do you not eat for 40 hours!"
"What is the purpose of this Famine? I don't see why people need to starve."
... dll.

Of course I answered them all, haha.

Anyway, to cut the long story short, Saturday evening was definitely the hardest time. Eventhough I went to get groceries at the market in the afternoon and discussed the menu for Wai Yee's 21st, I thought the Famine went well until 9pm came.

I sat down, tidied up my desk, took out my textbook and notes to catch up on Corporate Finance. It was a complete failure of an attempt. I took forever to complete one lecture and ended up not learning anything from it. I barely did anything for the second lecture. After twiddling my pen for a while, I just leaned back in my chair and stared blankly at the uninteresting wall in front of me. I stayed in the position for quite a while and counted that I had 14 hours to go. Every 2 minutes I contemplated of just cutting back to 30 hours instead of 40 - the Malaysians were doing 30 only anyway!

But I'm proud to say I persisted! Low on brain fuel, I packed up my study materials and climbed into my bed after talking to Mum. Did some browsing, then slept at 1am.

Fortunately, the last 8 hours weren't as tough. Went to church for Worship Weekend and said "Hi" to God as He came into my heart again. Then went for lunch after church.

That's it. This round was way better than the 30 hours in Monash! Almost died for that one. -.-

Perhaps it was easy to get away with fasting from food. You could distract yourself from the hunger, or sometimes your stomach just stops complaining after a certain point. But the lack of nutrients even for one day drained my energy. I couldn't think intellectually, felt cold easily and was constantly lethargic. I basically got nothing done, because of the low brain fuel.

I thought of the children. I wondered how they could run around enjoying the breeze, free-spirited and without worry like the children we know, if they were constantly deprived on such basic necessity such as clean food. How would they have the energy to do children-y things? What about children who are forced to work hard labour or something - what do they survive on? Do they know about what they need - food, water, shelter, etc. What is their perception of those needs - do they perceive?

Fasting was a participatory event for us, but for them it's kind of compulsory. It was a glimpse into their lives, even though it's just for 40 hours. Feeling thankful for His blessings is one thing, taking an active step is another. I took the 40-hour Famine challenge to raise others' awareness of global hunger, as well as my own. It reminded me of a small spark He lit in my heart for people - my neighbours. Gotta get into action! 

Thank you all for supporting the 40-hour Famine movement here in Melbourne! To those who chipped in, thank you so much for your encouragement. Next year, do the 40-hour Famine!

Let's go do something real.