Sunday, May 25, 2008

Saved to Influence the World

Perhaps it's destiny. Perhaps it's good marketing. Or perhaps it's just me wanting to know more. But the May 12 2008 issue of Time Magazine (Double Issue) is the most inspiring read of the year so far for me. It is good in the one hand to know about the 100 Most Influential Persons of the year (for Time anyway); on the other hand it is comforting to know someone is doing something to make the world a better place (most but not all of the 100, I think).

But is it really enough just to make the world a better place? Yes and no. Before I venture into the answer, I have come to inner consensus that each of us homo sapiens have a inherent duty to make our habitat more "livable", so to speak. And by livable, I don't only mean environmentally livable- but socially livable as well. If everyone on earth could make 5 persons smile and help out 5 persons (just a suggestion, not a rule), then that has to make 6.7 billion in the world tenfold happier(do the math). That, indeed, also is the essence of Love Thy Neighbor - the pillars of my Faith and of our society.

And to Love thy neighbor is only to fulfil one part of the dichotomy of the Christian Faith - the first and foremost being Love the Lord. That, only one person could do among Time's 100 Most Influential.

His name is Kaka. If you can't identify the name, you are not a fan of football, not even a spectator. Named FIFA's footballer of the year 2007, the Brazilian midfielder is a class of his own. His boyish face represents the youthfulness of footballing, his skills represents the finest in the Beautiful Game. But not many will know him as a child of God- in football, the cross is not a good thing (for example, in a penalty shootout - a cross signifies a miss). But after appearing on Time, perhaps many more will know that Kaka's believes in a God that is more graceful than his feet. This is a portion of Casey Keller's testimony for the 26 year-old AC Milan player:

There is, however, more to him than sport. In 2004, Kaka became the UN World Food Program's youngest ambassador. And he is devoted to his faith. An evangelical Christian, Kaka has talked publicly about becoming a minister when he retires from the game. After winning the European Champions League final last year, he took off his jersey to reveal a T shirt that read, I BELONG TO JESUS.

I might question whether soccer stadiums are the right venue for promoting religion, but in an age in which many professional athletes care more about cars, women and controversy, it's refreshing to see one who is committed to having a positive impact on the world around him.

If I ever want to influence the world into a better place (and I do), I want to do it like Kaka. To strive to be the best, to help the poor and needy, and after all that proclaim that I did it through my Lord and Saviour.


I also admire cancer survivor and champion cyclist Lance Armstrong, who taught the world that "...after Lance, no one of us could ever again say it was too hard, the odds stacked against us were too high, the fight already lost" (quoted from Elizabeth Edwards in Time's 100).

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Strength for the Day

10 So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

11 "All who rage against you
will surely be ashamed and disgraced;
those who oppose you
will be as nothing and perish.

12 Though you search for your enemies,
you will not find them.
Those who wage war against you
will be as nothing at all.

13 For I am the LORD, your God,
who takes hold of your right hand
and says to you, Do not fear;
I will help you.

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Quitting PS2


Did you know I have a PS2? I do! In fact I play it very often. Usually only to play one silly football sim game. But not after today. Tomorrow is a new day: time to be serious on CLP (Certificate of Lethal Poison). So, I'll be 'retiring' from PS-ing, for now. Hope to read more... and study more.

Today is the day to make a decision.

Sunday, May 18, 2008

Prayer Points

The world is an increasingly unsettled place with more conflicts and natural disasters. There are "birth pains" as Jesus would call it.

Judgment Day aside, the God of all compassion is looking down and extending His hands of mercy on the people of China and Myanmar and other places where conflict seems to be unending. He is the God of unfailing love and the people who lost their loved ones and those searching for meaning amidst disasters must know that in their hearts. The Messiah saves today!

Pray for:
1. Victims of the earthquake in Sichuan Province, China - and for the authorities to respond with efficiency in the recovery.

2. That the storm victims in Myanmar will get sufficient aid and supplies to survive through the dire conditions after the storm. Pray that the Junta will allow more help to go in to save the helpless children and widows etc.

Thursday, May 15, 2008

A Love Song

I remember singing this song in church several years ago. It's a beautiful song and echoes my soul as well. (The song is embedded on the video bar on your right)
Sing (Your Love)
Hillsong United
It used to be darkness
Without You I lived my life in blindness
But now I'm found
And I'll sing,I sing I love You so
And I'll sing
Because the world can't take away
Your love
You found me in weakness
Broken
You came to me in kindness
And now I live
And I'll sing, sing I love You so
And I'll sing Because the world can't take away Your
love
And I'll sing, sing and I love You soIll sing because the
world can't take away Your love
I give my life for you Lord
For all You've done I'll give my life for You Lord for all
You've done
I'll give my life for You Lord for all You've done
I'll give my life for You Lord for all You've done
I'll give my life for You lord for all You've done
.......

Tuesday, May 06, 2008

God so loved ... Edison Chen ... that He gave his life for him

If you "so happen" bump into my blog, please read the blog post by jaesonma.com also. I have been forwarding it around but our Lord Jesus deserves more "forwarding".Don't you agree?

Pray for Edison Chen, Me and the World


Dear Bros and Sis in Christ,

I have a very urgent and special prayer request. For nearly 2 months now I have not announced publicly, even to my prayer team to protect the confidentiality of the fragile situation I am about to tell you. In February the Holy Spirit led me supernaturally to a special young man named "Edison Chen." He is a famous pop star in Hong Kong and China who recently this year was involved in a internet sex scandal that received worldwide attention. My heart broke for this young man when I heard the news. I prayed for him to find the love of God and the forgiveness that is offered through Jesus Christ. I also prayed that God would use this situation for greater good, somehow to redeem and bless the youth and families of Asia. Through a series of divine circumstances in February God brought me to Edison, I shared the Gospel and God's personal prophetic word to him and Edison gave his life to Christ. His heart was genuine, his repentance was true, and I was so happy to see a new brother find God's forgiveness, mercy and grace. God truly loves Edison. The days after, many others in his family and circle of friends came to know Christ. It was a supernatural experience, that only God could orchestrate.

Yesterday night, I found out that one of the largest secular magazines in Hong Kong/Asia had caught wind of Edison's conversion and wrote a front page story on our friendship. I was very much in shock to hear about this because I had not spoken about this publicly for nearly 2 months. I was more surprised when my contact in Hong Kong told me the article was 100% positive, shared about my own conversion experience, my personal ministry and how Edison is starting a new life and new path in Christ. Honestly, when I heard this news knowing that millions all over Asia would read this uplifting article and possibly find Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior, I wept.

I wept with joy for Edison and all the millions in Asia who have been negatively effected by the sin & immorality that was spread. I knew God was restoring Edison, a prodigal son who had returned to his heavenly Father. I wept, because God spoke to me when I met Edison that He would bring greater good from this scandal than evil. That what Satan meant for evil, God would turn for good. I am thankful to God because I know millions who read this magazine will see that God has forgiven Edison Chen and all the victims, showing them His love and mercy. Therefore, those who read this article after realizing that God has forgiven Edison, will also realize that Jesus can forgive their sins and give them hope for a new life in Christ. Please pray that God uses this testimony to bless the masses with the power of the Gospel. Good News is spreading in Asia, Jesus died on the cross and resurrected on the third day so our sins could be forgiven and anyone who believes in Him will not die, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)

Now I ask you for prayer. Edison Chen, the Victims and myself need your prayers more than ever before.

Please pray for Edison Chen and others...

1. Pray for protection from media pressure: There is a lot of pressure with an public article like this to perform as a Christian. Please pray that people realize Edison and others who have become Christian are still a work in progress. As I am a work in progress myself. No one is perfect, we are all human and we all need love and forgiveness. God doesn't expect us to be perfect, but to trust in His mercy and grace. Pray that God would protect this story and situation against gossip, accusation or deception, but only the truth of Jesus Christ would continually be uplifted in the media.

2. Please pray millions of Christians around the world would pray for Edison, his family, the victims to be strengthened in faith, comforted and restored to be a testimony to society in a positive way. Pray that the many victims of this situation would also find faith and forgiveness in Christ.

3. Pray that many who read this article and story would be saved. Pray that those who read this testimony of Edison's repentance and faith in Christ, my own personal testimony will realize that God loves them also, that they can be forgiven of their sins and have a new life in Jesus Christ. Pray as they realize God has forgiven Edison, He will also forgive them.

4. Pray that my family and I would be a great testimony for Christ. Please pray that God would protect and help me and my family in America and Hong Kong to be good witnesses for Christ. I am returning to Hong Kong in May for ministry and I need God's wisdom in how to talk about this story to others so that they see Christ and not me or anyone else. May He keep me, Edison and all others humble, so that we decrease but Christ would increase.

5. Ask God to turn what was meant for evil into good. Pray that through this scandal, that greater good would come out of this than evil. Pray that millions will be inspired, touched and put their faith in Jesus Christ across the world. This scandal was probably one of the biggest news stories in Asia in the last decade, many were adversely affected, but God now can turn the tide and bring hope and healing to all the world and turn tragedy into triumph!

Lastly, I just really want you all to keep this low key and simply "pray" if you read this. Pray for Edison, he is like a brother to me. I love him and he has a good heart. Many people will try to ridicule or doubt what has happened, but it doesn't matter because I know him and he is not only truly repentant, but he is doing his best to become a better man, change his ways, and live for God. He is a good person. We all make mistakes. I urge the public who reads this, judge not or you will be judged as the Bible says. Forgive Edison, the victims and ask God to forgive your own sins, because none of us are perfect and we all need Jesus forgiveness. Edison is a good man, God loves him, knows his heart is truly sorry and will restore him to be a great role model in society. I know it, I have faith not only for him but for all who are affected by this. Pray for Edison's spiritual restoration. Because t's not easy, Edison, his family, his friends and myself are all God's work in progress and we need prayers, patience, mercy and grace from everyone to not point the finger, gossip or anything else, but to simply pray asking God to make us more like Christ each day and to be a testimony for Him in this generation. May God receive all the glory in this.

Below is the magazine article. God is faithful. Please pray right now for God's will to be done. Thank you!

Under the mercy,

JMA

For anyone who read this blog post and you don't know Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior, but you want to know Him. You want to repent and be forgiven of your sins then read what the Good News of Jesus is all about here


... read more of this blog entry here.