AWAKENING is an eye-opening documentary about the Jews in New York City who are passionate about Jesus like never before. It is the beginning of the prophecy of the 144,000 mentioned in the Book of Revelations in the New Testament of the Bible. I am sure this documentary will inspire Jews, Christians, and other people from around the world, with the movement possibly spreading to other major cities with both Jews and Gentiles present. It is about bringing the gospel to the hearts of the people who matter to God most – the Jews as God’s chosen people, as well as to the rest of the world – the Gentiles.

Carefully touching the challenges of evangelism in a cosmopolitan city like New York, the documentary reveals how Jews can be fulfilling the Great Commission in their own bold manner, sometimes in ways not seen in other Christian evangelism efforts. It is a testimony of the love of Christ being poured upon the streets by the children of God who are not ashamed of their identity, their culture, their roots, their race and their Savior. This film certainly answers what it means to be His salt and light in the world, and is a great example to many Christians to follow. The methods should not different; for we are not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of salvation for those who believe (Romans 1:16).

And so we embarked on our long-talked about trip to Mount Kinabalu, thanks to yt who organized everything for us. The AirAsia flight was quite horrible as I experienced the worst turbulence ever, like a roller coaster ride. When we reached the city, we took cabs to Masada Backpackers hostel in Kota Kinabalu city. After checking in, we walked around for dinner. Jr was pushing for KFC (again!) of all things, and I don’t want to eat KFC when you can eat it in Singapore and also in USA, and I don’t want fast food. Fortunately, there was a Malay coffee shop which looked quite decent and enticing. Each of us ordered different varieties of Nasi Ayam and Nasi Goreng. Pretty decent, and my wish of eating as much Asian food as possible is fulfilled.

We slept earlier as we had to wake up at 5am to take the 6am coach to the foot of Mt Kinabalu. However, for some reason, I was too excited and didn’t sleep much as the bed felt warm. The tour bus had to go a huge detour to a ulu resort faraway to fetch two other tourists. Hence we only reached the Park HQ at like close to 9am. We met our 2 guides, Joe and Ronnie, as we were a group of 7. After collecting our permit passes for climbing, and renting hiking poles (10 RM each which were good professional ones) we set off in a mini bus to Mesilau Gate, which was a bumpy 30 min ride. We chose to take the Mesilau trail which is longer and more adventurous, but slightly different terrain with some down slopes in between instead of upwards all the way.

Sadly, upon reaching the gate, it started raining. We had to put on our ponchos and rain covers, and it was quite demoralizing. Fortunately, it stopped raining soon after. Thank God. We could took out our ponchos at our first shelter as it was very stuffy and inconvenient to move in one. Finally now we can enjoy the fresh air and breeze.

For the first part, the terrain was mostly similar to Singapore rain forests: trees, warm, soil, muddy and many steps. However as we progressed in elevation, the air became cooler and fresher, and there was a lot of different algae and moss growing on the ground, making it look like a “coral reef”. We also spotted some interesting flora, such as the Kinabalu Blossom, and some clusters of pitcher plants.

After conquering many different kinds of steps, from rocky to wooden ones, we reached a shelter with a nice view in the clearing. In the distance we could see the rocky cliffs we will be climbing to the summit. But Low’s peak is not viewable from this angle. We also had lunch at another shelter, which includes a ham cheese sandwich, 2 hard boiled eggs, an apple and 2 bananas. It isn’t a really enticing lunch, although I heard if we chose the Via Ferrata package we would get a chicken wing. Lol. At every shelter there is a toilet with a cistern, and pipes with rain water, which the guides drink but we are advised not to. We also spotted a random squirrel near us. However, my right shoe’s sole started to come off, and I had to use gutters and black tape to secure them. The left sole also had to be secured too. Wonder if it’s because I used the shoe alot last time, or because I stored it in the cupboard for too long.

As we continued, the terrain and flora changes to a dryer ground with many cypress trees. It was very beautiful and peaceful as you could see clouds below as well. KC said it’s like a beautiful garden, and I would say it’s probably close to Eden.

Later on, at the 6km mark, the trail merges with Timphoon, the main trail, and we have another 2km of horizontal distance to go before reaching Laban Rata, our “base camp”.

The initial part of the Timphoon trail was mostly normal rocky stones, from orange ones to grey ones. As we got higher, the last part we could feel the air starting to get thinner and colder, with some chilly winds blowing at about 10 degrees Celsius, and Vic had difficulty as he was getting a slight headache. I had to wear my gloves as my hands were getting numb. We slowed down our pace slightly, and the view was also amazing as we were above the clouds. We could also see the sunset in the horizons, with the open heaven rays effect! The steps seemed never ending, I was singing to myself randomly some worship songs, mediating some verses such as I can do all things through Christ and Psalm 91. Phil had some muscle cramps and they were lagging behind us pretty far away. At last, at about 6.15pm, we reached Laban Rata. Joe joked with us that we can play volleyball to stay warm, and indeed there’s a volleyball court. Lol.

We rushed into the dining area, where we finally we sit down properly and have a nice buffet dinner. Originally our dorms were supposed to be separate hut some steps and distance away, but Joe helped us to rearrange another dorm that could fit all of us!

After our dinner, Phil and yt finally arrived under the moonlight. Temperature was probably around 5-10 deg, reminds me of California and Santa Cruz. It was a full moon with some stars, quite nice. There was no hot water hence some of us couldn’t bathe. I tried to splash the freezing cold water on my body and managed to wash my hair. After that my fingers became cold and numb. At about 8pm, all of us settled into our heated but cold beds and went to rest. This time, I managed to sleep a few hours although the pillow was hard, and shoulders aching from the weight of my backpack (but I like the fact that my Deuter backpack pushes the weight on the hip straps so that it is less straining on the shoulders. Maybe it was because I strapped my camera bag to my front chest belt for easy access).

We woke up just few hours later at 1.30am, ate some fried bee hoon and eggs for breakfast, before setting off for the summit at 2.30am. We used our headlights and climbed the initial part which was mostly steps, again. After about 800m, the ropes portion began. The first part of the rope portion was quite shocking and scary to me as the rocks were about 70 degrees steep and I had to pull myself up with two hands on the rope together with my hiking pole in my hand. After a while, our guide kindly took the poles for us so that we could concentrate our both hands on the ropes. Some parts I have to use certain rocks to pull myself up too. It was quite scary as one lost grip and you could stumble down. I kept mediating Psalm 91 to myself along the way, the angels shall bear me up lest I strike my foot against a stone. Further up, the gradient became gentler. Although the rocks were still about 50 degrees steep, we could still walk normally without using the robe and just our hiking sticks. It became harder and harder to breathe, as the air became thinner. We were advised not to rush in case we cannot catch our breath and get climate sickness. I had to stop to pant every 20 steps or so, as one gets out of breath very easily. It was also cold with the winds blowing at 0 degrees or so. A hoodie or beanie is very useful now. Slow and steady, the last shall be first. Zhan was surprisingly fast at the front and didn’t seem to have any breathing problems. I was like, I can so all things through Christ, and when I am weak, then I am strong. Keeping hydrated is also important even though one doesn’t feel thirsty, as it helps in acclimatization. It seems like we never reach the edge of the ridge, as we pass one ridge, there’s like 2 more above it with lights indicative of people in front.

Halfway through we reached the checkpoint, where we had to show our passes, and also where the last toilet is located. They checked our names and we continued. It was slightly flatter and easier as we were less than 1km from the summit. Finally we could see a peak where a cluster of lights gathered, and we knew we were pretty close! However, for some reason, we also saw many people coming down, for the fear of rain. At the very last rocky climb to the summit, it started to drizzle. No reason to give up now. So we quickly made our way up, and soon after 100m, we reached! Praise the Lord. At this time at about 6.30am, the sun is rising but it was too cloudy to see anything. We took some photos with the summit sign and sat around to admire the view. It was a small piece of rock and a lot of people crowding around. But the view is magnificent with all the clouds below you, the mist around, and the “desolate wasteland” of the different rocky peaks of the mountain.

We could not stay for too long as the drizzle threatened to pour. Yt and Phil managed to catch up with us in the end. We were one of the last few groups to walk down the mountain. By the time we reached the checkpoint, it became a downpour. We had to slide down some of the rocks, or walk backwards like abseiling. It is quite amazing as the terrain looks slightly different in daytime and you wonder how did you manage to climb those rocks which you are going down. The rain made matters worse by causing the rocks to be slippery and the paths to become streams and rivers. The cliffs become more dangerous, and my waterproof ski gloves from wintertime were apparently not waterproof. I could squeeze water out of them!

It was a long way down as each step became painful for us due to exhaustion, and the rain did not help. We reached the base camp at 9.30am, finally have some hot drinks and breakfast, packed up and began our descent. Thank God the rain stopped, and it was a nice leisurely walk. The first part was quite nice, with the water flowing through the stones like a Chinese garden waterfall. However as we continued, each step became more and more painful, as our thigh, calf and ankle muscles get stretched and have to withstand our body weight and our backpack. The hiking pole helped a bit, but soon I struggled through every step, and it seems like forever to reach the next resting hut.

Halfway down we were walking through the mist along the timphoon trail. Visibility was low, like <100m but it was a nice cooling weather. We saw many spider webs spun very nicely, like a colony of spiders. There were also some random birds, earthworm, squirrel, and houseflies? The mist is like we are walking through the clouds. When we reached closer to the bottom, it sounded as if the lower elevation areas were raining or showering, but we are still in the mist. Fortunately, we didn’t meet the rain at all. Each kilometre seems to take forever. It doesn’t help that my shoes and socks are wet, and my soles are not very secure. Some portions have 50cm high steep steps, and soon I joined the slower ones to form a trio with yt and Phil. Haha.

Finally, we reached the last 1.5 km or so, in which we persevered till the end without any rest. We saw a waterfall, and the last 100m was another long flight of steps, this time upwards. It feels weird to climb upwards after going down so many thousand steps! Every step is a chore, but we finally made it to the end of Timphoon Gate! YAY!!!

I received a few revelations during the trip. Because every step was painful, I kept mediating on the Word of God and singing songs to myself. Psalm 91 literally came alive at the rock face, as the angels will lift me up, lest I dash my foot against a stone. I was quite afraid of losing my grip. Also, I was thinking, since we have dominion over all the earth, we will have dominion over the mountain! No climate sickness or pain show reign over me because I will reign in life. I was also reminded of “Walk As If”, and that I shall walk as if I am healed, without any pain or blisters.

It’s amazing how You can speak right to my heart
With our Daddy’s Word, we can light up the dark
Triumphs are made, I could never explain
The width of Your love and the depth of Your grace

The smile on Your face lets me know that You love me
There’s a truth in Your eyes saying You’d never leave me
The touch of Your hand says You’ll catch me if ever I fall
You gave Your best when I did nothing at all

All alone we could never speak for ourselves
That’s why You came & took our sins upon Yourself
You died on the Cross and You rose from the grave
You’ve set us on high, by Your grace at Your side

The smile on Your face lets me know that You love me
There’s a truth in Your eyes saying You’d never leave me
The touch of Your hand says You’ll catch me if ever I fall
You gave Your best when I did nothing at all

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10150414048688673

Last week was an awesome week. Before the Dare camp, I was helping to edit Like Fish trailer.

The first day of camp was Amazing Race style around Singapore. I was hopping around different groups. I think the kids are very cute and impressionable, even though I only meet them for a while, they remember my name and will always say hi to me for the rest of the camp!

It rained alot in this camp, on the first day afternoon it rained and we had to cancel the afternoon games. The next day, it rained again while they were playing waterbomb, or rather, before they got wet haha. But the activity still continued and everyone had fun being drenched, while the photographers and I have to run for shelter. And then it stopped raining, and the committee thought we can proceed with the next activity in the sea/beach, but it was cat 1. So we started to walk back. Then it stopped, then we walked back to the beach. Then it started to shower. Then we walk back to campsite =(

The nightwalk was pretty good until there was a cat 1 and half of the groups didn’t walk through the confidence walk, in which they had to walk through a muddy path in the forest in pure darkness. pretty fun!

I think Ps Daniel is very nice and talented (since he can preach+sing+compose+dance+many more), and has a heart for the kids. He would encourage them, level by level, during the waterbomb game, so that they will not be demoralised. At the start of the confidence walk, he would encourage each and every single DG and tell them good things, and say that they can do great exploits (Daniel 11:32), and he’d meet everyone on the the side. He’s so edifying. And he wanted to have praise and worship under the stars on the beach, but because of cat1, it was cancelled and we had to have it in the carpark instead. But it was still good.

I proposed to Coach to edit a highlights video on the last day, since there’s no activities in the morning. And so, I managed to edit a 5-minute music video-style montage in 3-4 hours. It was fun! And everyone enjoyed watching it, as they cheered for their friends who featured in the video and laughed at the humorous moments.

I feel very blessed to be able to serve in this camp. Even though I was a videographer, I was still able to impact the kids in a small way. One of them actually came to me and ranted about the camp before a meal. Some of them hugged and say bye to me at the end of the camp after the praise and worship. And they said hi to me again at the extended praise and worship on Saturday.

Ps Daniel sang a few wonderful songs at the end of the praise and worship: When I did nothing at all, Friends are friends forever, and My Heart overflows. It was so nice that he came up to sing again at both extended praise and worship services. It felt like camp all over again!

Showers of blessings = unmerited favour =)

There has been lots of undeserved grace for FYP. Before my presentation, I was preparing by researching on the presentation style of Steve Jobs, reading some articles, watching YouTube and getting inspired. Beside that, I was a little worried that my work done in my project was not substantial and convincing enough, even though it is only a one semester work.

And so I prepared my presentation in a slightly different way. The report helped to formulate most of the points for the presentation. I wrote out a rough script then created my slides for it, instead of creating the slides first. And this is the first time I practiced so many times (despite having another SS test on Monday), so much that after 5 times or so, you don’t need to refer to the notes anymore.

However on the day itself, I was still nervous. Who wouldn’t be? But if God is for us, [which evaluator] can be against me? I remember singing that just the Sunday before. I asked God for crowned goodness, took holy communion, and anointed myself with oil. My friend who presented before me was attacked quite badly by the evaluators, and me and the others who were presenting next were quite stunned. We were like looking at one another whenever the first person was questioned. And then my turn came.

My evaluators were Dr. Zhao and Dr. Steven Halim. Although they stopped me intermittently throughout the presentation, they were mostly satisfied. Dr. Zhao’s questions were answered in my presentation, and he was happy with my arguments and thought it was a good presentation, although he was not fully convinced by some of my ideas. As for Dr. Halim, he was asking more standard questions, like why didn’t I include this and that in the report, and also about my technical accomplishment, of which I demo-ed the Etherpad. He said that my case would be stronger if I have a working prototype of my interface proposal, but since it is only 1 semester’s work, it is good.

After the presentation, not 1, not 2, but 3 industry people actually mentioned that I presented well! Praise God! When I came out of the classroom, a few industry people sitting at the bench talked to me for a while. Later, the founder emailed me to invite me to present at their company next Monday. I also heard from my professor that they are trying to get IDA funding to develop my product. Wow! The second industry person is from a startup company, and asked me if I am interested to work for them as their UI/UX designer, because they saw that I have a good eye for design and user interface. So unexpected. And the last person, a lady, just passed by and said she thought it was good, my arguments were sound, and asked me if I am looking for a job, which I said I was not.

And one more thing, my professor requested me to convert my report into a conference paper to submit to HCI India too.

Thank God for all his providence and paths that are dripping with abundance. Finally, it is all over.

——

Update: One week day, I went to a small company, which develops a similar e-learning product, to present my project to the developers there, with an intent to collaborate with me/us. This was the feedback from the founder:

With your strength in UI and interface design , I believe that the route that you are currently heading will entrench great potential for your future. Another talent that i have identify in you is your communication skills. It is definitely crucial to continuously hone these skills that you have. I believe you will be a powerful tech player / entrepreneur in no time.

Unmerited favour! But due to my limited time left here in Singapore,they were not able to engage me this time. Maybe next time!

The past week has been a rough one. Firstly my boss was rushing for a deadline on Friday to apply for a grant, hence we had to work extra hard everyday. On Thursday I worked for more than 12 hours till 11pm, skipping dinner even lol. I had to do many mockups of webpages and some infographics, HTML, CSS and video editing. It was also tough as in hectic times one gets worked up and hence causes minor arguements. But it was all good.

And then my arm old injury started to act up again. Can’t remember how I aggravated it, probably while stretching for exercise I think. and maybe because sitting too long at a computer is also not very good. Thus it kept getting twisted and I have to twist the muscle back. For two mornings it tormented me like a torn in the flesh. I woke up feeling dizzy on Thursday morning, as if I was very weak and my eyes couldn’t open. On Friday morning, my involuntary stretching while waking up twisted it while I was still lying on the bed, and it took me a while to twist is back. I was like speaking in tongues and trying to twist back my incapacitated arm for a long while. Felt like I was helpless and my right arm glued to the bed. All my blood and energy is like flowing to my arm and I was trembling…Finally I managed to twist it back. Praise God. But it acted up again while I was jumping from one pavement to another, and even while opening a heavy door! Argh. Jesus was bruised, cracked his arms on the cross, and by his stripes, I AM HEALED. His grace is sufficient in my weakness.

And on Saturday, my friend and I checked out Flushing for the alternative Chinatown and saw so many Chinese people, supermarkets, bubble tea and street food along the main street. They look out of place in a city like New York, but I felt right in place there. We went to eat a Chinese buffet with seafood at this restaurant called East Buffet. I ate two or three plates and I felt very full unusually. Then I went to the restroom, I thought I wanted to pee, then before I knew it, I had diarrhoea! It was disgusting…I think it was the lobsters or the crabs which were not fresh, cos usually I’m not allergic to anything. The bad thing was it cost $32 and I almost wanted to complain and ask for a refund, but I didn’t.

And another thing that happened was that my watch’s display cracked slightly. Grr. And I lost my laundry net at the Laundromat…usually I leave it there on top of the washing machine and it was fine, but this time someone took it! Argh.

But no weapon formed against me shall prosper! The enemy has been defeated! We are victorious!

At the same time everything else was happening, on Saturday NYC time, which is Sunday in Singapore, our rag and flag documentary was featured in The Sunday Times. It was really unmerited favour as I do not know how the reporters found out about it. Even though they did not quote my email interview and did not put our link, it was still good publicity. More to come! On Sunday, it was another awesome weekend of “Jesus be the center” at HillsongNYC!

Time flies, one more week and I’m back home. Although I still have a long list of things to do, I can’t wait to be back too.

[This is a fairly morbid post for this time]

Yesterday, I attended the funeral of a cousin. Even though I was not very close with her, it is definitely still saddening. Worse, all the memories kept flooding back, just as if it only happened yesterday. The wake, the possession, the mandai, the people, the horrible scenes, the tear-wrenching place. I could even remember what an elderly relative said 3 years ago as she strolled past one last time, and then comparing with what she said now. The irony is that the people who passed on are much younger than she.

The only consoling thing was the people and pastors of Faith AG did a pretty good job. However, I feel sad for the family and the two brothers. I was in their shoes and I know exactly how it is like. The only thing is I am not very close to them, and hence I could not offer much words of comfort. I can only be there as an extended family member. It is so awkward when one catches up with the extended family only at such occasions.

It is also very awkward when two sisters of the extended family asked me some usual questions like where am I studying now etc. That’s fine, the only thing is I forgot who they are. Well, I only meet them once a year during Chinese New Year, or even less, depends.

One day I should make a film about awkward moments such as these.

I hate the devil. Why do such awkward moments arise out of pain, suffering and tears? I hate when the scenes reoccur in my mind. I can’t control myself but cry. And I hate the last part when the casket goes into the furnace. Capture that on film, it is an epic sad moment.

Life is transient. The body is temporal. Relationships are to be treasured. Heaven is eternal.

Thank you Jesus for conquering the grave.

Is faith believing that your deceased loved one will appreciate your cup of coffee at the altar?

Is faith remembering the birthdays and anniversaries of your deceased loved ones or ancestors and hoping that they will appreciate?

What is in a ‘birthday’? Is there something as ‘deathday’? Does a birthday matter after ‘deathday’?

Is faith asking your ancestors for 4D and Toto numbers?

I’m just thinking aloud.

Jesus didn’t come into the world just so that you remember him only on Christmas or Easter.

Jesus didn’t come into the world just so that you have to travel all the way to Israel to visit the Garden Tomb or Jerusalem to worship or know him.

Jesus doesn’t need your ‘sacrifices’ because he has already sacrificed himself for you.

Jesus doesn’t need your time either.

Faith is believing without seeing.

Faith is believing despite your circumstances.

If your circumstances doesn’t prove your faith, does that make your faith void?

If God is real => God heals. Logic says that if God does not heal => God is not real. But the original statement is still true. If God is real but does not heal, then the original statement is false. In all other cases, the original statement is true.

But Faith is not Logic or Reason.

You can’t reason out faith.

Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.

Recently, I’ve been thinking about some stuff which I’ve been thinking why I haven’t thought of it earlier? After struggling through various vector-based algorithms in game programming, I realised that I’m okay with coding,  just that when there is some form of math involved, it kind of turns me off. And then I thought that maybe I should be studying in a creative school, or studying film somewhere overseas, and why did I torture myself in NUS? Why didn’t I just stick with NTU? Or why didn’t I make an effort to apply to some overseas university earlier in JC? What if I am somewhere else now instead of studying a science-based degree? Perhaps I will excel better? I like to study something else other than computing that I’m actually taking 3 arts module now. Am I not maximising myself? Would I be happier elsewhere? And it doesn’t seem to be fulfilling the purpose and destiny that God called me to – to use film and media for His Kingdom.

And then, last last Sunday, pastor preached a sermon about hope, a confident and joyful expectation of good. One of the things he mentioned was that, don’t dance in the “what if” or “if only”: God say NOW, today is the day of salvation (2 Cor 6:2). Why am I thinking so much? I’m not satisfied, and I don’t seem to be doing anything about it. But God says to hope in the future, He has seen it, and it is so bright and good. That’s the only thing I can trust in.

Reminded me of another teaching about being at the right place at the right time:

The race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, nor bread to the wise, nor riches to men of understanding, nor favor to men of skill; but time and chance happen to them all. - Ecclesiastes 9:11

Happen (קָרָה: qarah) means to bring about, to send good speed. God certainly can bring me to the right place and and the right time, and I trust that he has the best of my interests in His heart, and my next 7 years will be AWESOME. (Come to think of it, 7 years is a long time.) I’m still trying to believe and #walkasif I already have it. And they say God will not put you in some place which you do not need Him.

If God has not brought me to the right place at the right time, then I would not be in NUS, I would not be in church, I would not know the friends that I know that I have now, and I would not have such friends in my facebook now, and come to think of it, I would not have such a hope that I have now.

Serving in ministry has been awesome, learning how to program the light console is really like a dream come true. I always wanted to play with gobos and effects, and now finally I have the chance to do it, instead of just playing with a slideshow on a projector! And I like how I can apply my theatre and film knowledge in this area. And I just did my first interview video, it was really fun and exciting. Can’t wait to work on more projects with other exciting beloved people!

—

On a side note, sometimes we may be actually focusing too much on ourselves without us realising it, and sometimes, in sermons, too. “Believe that I have receive, walking as if I already have”, seems very self-centered. What is more important, I think, is that, we walk, not for ourselves, but for Him.