V - the story of: The weekend just gone.
Wednesday, September 05, 2007

« The weekend just gone. »

Although it has been 3 days since the weekend ended, I want to just let people know how my weekend went.

On Saturday, I finally had my opticians appointment that was due a while ago. Finally got around to booking it and attended in Bury at Specsavers. Then I met up with Tomps and we visited the Malaysian crew in New Samsi. We took a whole bunch of silly photos, but the aim was to say goodbye to Stephanie Chan, who left back to Malaysia on Monday, because she couldn't find a job in Manchester and she's finished her course.

After that, I bought the baptism cards and Look To You, an awesome Hillsong United album, as well as Chris Tomlin's See The Morning.

The night was spent preparing for the next day.

The Sunday morning was spent getting up at 6am, leaving the house at 7am, getting the train to Liverpool and somehow finding myself in Liverpool Chinese Gospel Church. I attended an awesome service, where I saw my sister, Susan, and my brothers (in Christ) Victor and Chris get baptised and declare their love and faith for the Lord. Theirs is similar to MCCC's; similar format, worship styles, people, enthusiasm. I LOVE Pastor David Seiboth. Although it's the first time I've met him properly, he's such a decent, gentle and good natured person, despite not being youthful (as modern society would define!). I was so blessed by him and his teachings. A heart for Christ indeed! On entering the church...I was really nervous. I wouldn't say I wasn't welcomed. I was so glad to be there. Yet, I felt so isolated and out of place. I could feel a network of friendship link from person to person, all going AROUND me, rather actually connecting with me. Dislocation.

I went to a youth group session. That was awesome. We had Guan-Wei lead us into worship, which was so powerful (never knew he was a worship leader!) Then had a sharing session for people who wanted to reveal what they've learnt since the retreat, or needed to share due to lack of time at the retreat. After much open, heart poured confessions and encouragement, we prayed for each other and the people who needed our prayers. Especially Henri, who is in HK with her very ill grandad, and Jess Mak. The youth group session was so inspiring. The voice of an army projected from the hearts of a few. There were even people from the local neighborhood coming in and getting involved, seeing what was happening. A fire is burning in Look Up. And it's scorching all within its grasp.

There was a crazy baptism party at Uncle Kay Kay's house (who I hadn't met before). It was such a HUGE house! But...there was almost a ring around me, sort of bouncing people away from me. I didn't know anyone. The isolation stayed for a bit. Found a place next to Susan and made myself as compact as possible, placing myself on half a chair next to her and having a Heart to Heart discussion. Very fruitful. Managed to meet a new brother in Christ, by the name of Nick. He's of black origin; I can't remember which African nation he's from. Regardless, I'm so blessed we're under the same banner, that we serve the same Lord. I love him. He's so cheerful and built in the foundation of God. Although he's 45, he understands youth very well. I learnt a few things from him that day...praise God. Slowly though, people began to let me in on their fellowship. They have a lot of energy. People were tearing through the house, screaming, giggling, scared, hyper, colliding off the walls and each other indefinitely; in a word, exuberance. After the Chelsea match (where they got their butts kicked due to lack of organisation), Look Up had the late night worship they never finished from their last night of their retreat to do with the Survival Kit. Also, there was some sharing and hardcore prayer about visions and planning for the upcoming year for Look Up. First rebuking - Becky asked me if I had any visions as such. I said that I loved the energy and unity that their youth had and hoped to bring the same to ours. Very carelessly, I bigged them up, but confessed they were better than 6:13. It was like a lion upon its prey. Whooping and cheering all around. And my heart sank. What had I done? Where were my words to build up my youth, as well as to encourage others? Without a chance to explain, I put my trust in the Lord to sort things out.

I crashed at Tom Liu's. His house is HUGE as well. Danny Wong stayed over with us. It was a fun time... just three guys chilling, being silly, watching funny Youtube videos. To me, it was quite a touching time. I know what you're thinking...guys farting, laughing at stupid things, snacking, playing poker and Big 2 late into the night...giggling away. Touching might be *slightly* incongruent...but only slightly...The reason is simply...I've never known who Danny Wong and Tom Liu were like. When I first met Danny at NEEC 5/6 years ago and stayed in the same room as him, Danny used to be quite aggressive and would push people away. He had his own group of friends (which consisted of 4/5 guys who he still keeps in contact with today) However...after a stupid incident where I spilled soup over his brother, Chris, but denied the charges, we put a hard wall between us for the next 5/6 years (or I did, anyway). The result of that? We have never spoken once since that incident. Till this year's NEEC, I swallowed my pride and approached him. What a changed person he is through JC...

Even better with Tom Liu...I have NEVER known him. I have no recollection of when we first met and crossed paths (probably same time as Danny Wong) but I don't think we ever spoke properly until a few years ago when we managed to get each others Msn addresses...and I guess it was like building a brand new relationship with someone I've never known. There was nothing spiritual, no hardcore prayer, or deep discussions into our lives and the branching paths the Lord has for us. Just 3 guys being silly. And that time was so precious to me.

The next day found me going back home with about 15 Liverpool youths. Me, Tom and Danny drove to Matt Coulson's place to meet up with Chris Mellen. After parking, we went into town to meet up with liverpool youths who were with the 6:13 youth. After some dossing, we went to Church for some worship. It was cool. Second rebuking - have your eyes open, for God, but ALSO to the people. Lose yourself in worship, but lead the people as well. I knackered everyone out by the last song. Didn't need to do it, but I felt like doing it. I guess I need to pray for more discernment next time! Thanks Chris. Needed that lesson.

Then we went to town to eat in food court. That was funny. Lots of messing around again. Quite intimidating, seeing a gang/bunch/accumulation of Chinese young people going crazy on the street.

Third rebuking - think about the environment around you. People were shying away because the guys were so intimidating...and yes, I was an instigator of the chaos. I was attracted by the energy and the playful nature. But what happens if someone needed prayer? What happens if someone wasn't feeling like it? Does it mean continue in the same fashion and just leave them in the dust if they don't join in? Where's the brotherly love in that? Like Romans 12:10 - "Honour one another above yourselves." Verse 15 says "Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn." Yet, how will I know when I'm so self-centred?
Lots of lessons which I take to heart gently. As Tomps said on Monday night, "It's a good thing. We say these things to encourage you, not to shoot you down."

I'm still running.

V

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