Monday, March 15, 2010

Remembering Nepal

"...nothing so liberalizes a man and expands the kindly instincts that nature put in him as travel and contact with many kinds of people."
- Mark Twain

Nepal. The mention of this country makes some people think of the majestic Himalayan mountain range, some of Buddhism pilgrimages and the origin of a big group of migrant workers in Malaysia. No matter how much you can presume Nepal to be, you have to experience Nepal for yourself, especially to see and know God's heart for this beautiful country.

This week last year I was in Nepal for a mission trip. An experience I can never forget- I could almost remember what happened in bits from the day I left home to the day I got home.

The trip was very special because it was my first time boarding a plane.


My first flight ticket.

I remember not being able to sleep before the night before flying, though I forced myself to. Exited to go on the plane, exited to see what Nepal like and excited to see God at work in that nation!


Took this shot while on air. It was early in the morning at about 7:30am and the moon is still visible.

The moment we touched down, I remembered having all my five senses engaged all at once. The air felt cool on my skin, the air smelled different, the buildings looked significantly different as well as the language that I hear every one is speaking- completely foreign.






One of the first ministries the team get to do was some children's ministry at a ladies conference.

The women, young and old worshiped God with much enthusiasm and zeal through the expression of dancing and singing. With hands lifted high, undignified. Something I find very lacking in our churches in urban Malaysia. Sometimes we're so conscious about what others might think about us if we worship with such passion and losing ourselves completely in the Lord. Face problem still remains as a huge issue, unfortunately. But seeing these women, I was really blessed. I wanna be like them.

There was also the slum school ministry. Yes.





Watching Slumdog Millionaire is one thing, experiencing one is another. The team had a real taste of it when we were lead in by local leaders into the slum villages inhabited by migrants from India, hoping to find a living through child labour and by collecting recyclable materials to sell.

And the children, ever so eager to learn, participate and make a connection with us.


Despite their tough living environments, they are happy.

After, there was also ministry at a Bible school. Where students are learning deeper into the word of God, in training to be pastor and church leaders.

Earnestly seeking the Lord.

Lastly, we went on a short holiday.


The place we had our holiday gave us the chance to enjoy the absolutely stunning, breath-taking view of the mountains and lush landscapes.


We caught the sunrise at 7200ft above sea level. Just amazing!





It's amazing when we witness these amazing creations of God, it often makes us feel insignificant. Becuase truly God is really great and we're absolutely nothing! Yet, His love for us is higher than than tallest mountain, deeper then the the deepest sea.

As I remember this week last year I was in Nepal, I will take this week to remember God's work in the nation of Nepal. God bless Nepal.

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Passion 2010

In 2008 when Passion World Tour came to Malaysia they promoted Passion 2010. Having been really blessed while the team was in Malaysia, I really wanted to go for Passion 2010. The only problem is- Passion 2010 was going to be held in Atlanta, Georgia.

Obviously I was not able to go. Considering the costs and trouble might leave me filling for bankruptcy by the end of it, y'know. But with the wonders of the Internet, I found the sermons at Passion 2010 uploaded on Vimeo!

So here are some I wanna share with you. They have touched my heart and brought be a new awakening. Hope it does the same to you.

Louie Giglio - Main Session 1 - Passion 2010 from Jacob Marlowe on Vimeo.



Beth Moore - Passion 2010 Main Session Talk from Jacob Marlowe on Vimeo.



Andy Stanley - Passion 2010 Main Session Talk- It is Always a Mistake To Decide What You Do Before You Decide Who You Want To Be from Jacob Marlowe on Vimeo.


John Piper - Passion 2010 Main Session Talk - "Is Jesus An Egomaniac?" from Jacob Marlowe on Vimeo.



Louie Giglio - Main Session Talk 2 - Passion 2010 from Jacob Marlowe on Vimeo.



Francis Chan Talk - Passion 2010 from Jacob Marlowe on Vimeo.



Special thanks to Jacob Marlowe for sharing the videos!

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Dreamin' Big


There was a time I wanted to be a press photographer. I wanted go out there, take photos and tell a story. Like how journalists do, but in photographs instead.

I changed my mind along the way, however. Now, I wonder if there is such a profession called a missions photographer. One who goes out to the world to work with mission teams/organizations, takes photos and brings them back to bring an awareness, and even to stir hearts to be actively part of God's great commission.

It really seems great as I have a heart for missions, I love people and I love photography. Also, it was what I told God I would do when I was deciding on getting the DSLR.

Now I am praying. Praying, praying, praying for His direction in this area.

Pray with me, will you?


Monday, March 8, 2010

Owh, SNAP!

If there's one thing you should know about me...



You should know that I love Crocs.

Feast Your Eyes

Since the end of last year, I haven't been very inspired to do any photography. I brought my camera everywhere but I don't seem to want to take it out to shoot anything at all because there's nothing really interesting to shoot and when I shoot with this attitude, my photos will turn out below satisfactory. That will further discourage me.

It's like a writer's block. Except this is the case for photography.

So I spent this off day of mine to edit my photos. Saving the few shots that are worth saving and experiment with new settings. With my vision all blurred and tired by afternoon, I find satisfaction in only a handful of photos.

And so to make this place look more cheery, I shall put them up.







Photos were taken on 28th of Feb 2010.

Saturday, March 6, 2010

Sea Urchins are Pretty

I learnt that often humour comes from absolutely random things.

I shall experiment.

Straight-Forward Simplicity

This blog has been very depressing with the picture of the pair of shoes and my sad, sad entries. I think monkeys can cry reading this. I apologize.

Just a random thought. Only recently I realize that I am actually very straight-forward in my thinking. Simple-minded and naive.

I noticed this through conversations I have with my friends who are in the political scene as journalists or directly involved with politicians.

You see, I often take comments and statements as it is. Whether the person may have a different connotation or that he/she insults indirectly, I'll not get it. I don't seem to be able to twist and turn what was said and analyzing it right at the spot. Even if I do, it confuses me or I simply dismisses it.

That's why I often find myself in situations where I am caught unaware and sometimes being manipulated.

I guess that's why I find the working world out there, especially office politics so very confusing, wicked and cunning. Something I am not able to bring myself to face because I am simply too simple.

Another thought that comes with this thought- As Christians, we are in the world and not of the world, are we also to understand and read conversations between the lines and manoeuver our way to success? What does it takes to out-smart such situations?

Is this all part of growing up and growing out of straight-forward simplicity of life?