Connect Day 29

An apple a day keeps the doctor away. A carrot on tray keeps the rabbit coming!

Mat 8:1-13 The leper caught Jesus' attention with his humility, and the centurion marvelled Jesus with his faith.

If you want to change a nation very quickly, you have to use something that is dominant in that culture.

And if you want to reach a man's heart, start with the tummy.

Connect Day 28

There are many ways to get famous, other than shooting the president. And you can get paid for it too. For example, the STA Travel grant, who gave money or air ticket to people who want to do something good for the world, and willing to share their experiences.

To make fame more rewarding, we have to focus on the cause. Dying for something doesn't justify the cause well enough. For example, recently a depressed mother hung her 3 children and herself, maybe she thought that she would end the suffering for the whole family, and she did it out of love (or despair). But what she did put an end to her children's hopes and future as well.

Jesus died on the cross to take the punishment for our sins. Now, this is different, because He provided a solution to an eternal problem. In fact, He is the ONLY solution. Not only did he become famous, he also became infamous! So much for rising up again on the third day. To some people, Mother Teresa has got more glory than Jesus. If the gospel is false, then it's just like any other religion that we know, it's good to know but it's best not to get too fanatical. But if the gospel is true, then it's extremely important, because Jesus said, "I am the Way, the Truth and Life. NO ONE comes to the Father but through ME"!

Too often we look at christians' lifestyle and we conclude that the gospel must be false, because there's no evidence of the truth of the gospel. Perhaps the only difference is that they waste their sundays in church. And we forgot that Jesus also knew about it (Mat 7:13-28) and called us to walk in the narrow path that leads to life. Do you know of anyone who is walking that narrow path? Don't you want to be one as well?

Connect Day 27

Matthew 7:7-12

Timeless Principles
We learn here about the principles of give and take. If we want/need something, ask. If someone wants/needs, give.

Exposition
Jesus promised us that God will answer our prayers. Nothing is too difficult for God (Jer 32:17). I believe there is an assumption, that what we ask for is good for us (James1:17).
v12 highlights the value of giving. In Acts 20:35, Paul showed that it is more blessed to give than to receive.

Discipleship
I've been asking God to reveal His plans for my life. I know that everything that happens are in God's control. He has a great plan for me, and He will provide my needs because I know Him.
Recently I've been asking God about the 40 Days of Purpose campaign that will start in about 3 months. I'm believing for a group that will grow to 12 people by the end of the campaign. There's a lot of uncertainties, but I know that God will lead the way.
There are other issues that I ask God as well. I know that God really answers, for example, I asked God to help me get honours in my engineering degree, and God did exactly that.

Devotion
Many times I can identify myself with Elijah in 1 Kings 19. I have excelled (getting distinction) in online tests that measured how suicidal or depressed I was supposed to be, and at that time I was very happy to know that there was still something that I could excel in. Yet during these times, I have no one else to turn to but God. It's really comforting to know that God is in control (psalms 23, 139), and I learn to trust God in even more difficult situations (Pro3:5-6).

Applications
I need to persevere in prayer. I believe that God's timing is perfect (Rom12:1-2). At the moment I'm literally counting days to see God moving in my situations.

Spiritual Experience
Last month I went shopping at Coles with my sister and brother in law. In a moment of pure serendipity, we discovered a coupon that said that we could get 4x free soy milk and 4x free ice creams per household. The only catch is that I have to pay for them first, then submit an entry to redeem the money (which is a little bit more than what I paid for). I took up the challenge. After waiting for a few weeks, I finally got the refund in the mail. The moral of the story is: if I can trust this coupon from a company that I've never visited before, I can trust my God whom I know has been faithful to me, AMEN :D

Connect Day 26

Matthew 7:1-6

Timeless Principles
v1-2 Don't judge others, consider others better than yourself. Note that judging is different from correcting.
v3-5 We can easily look at others' mistakes, but don't neglect your own imperfections.
v6 Be wise with your words. Speak only at a level where you can communicate effectively.

Exposition
Jesus recommends that we deal with the issues in our own lives first because we will be more effective in ministering if we have a good testimony. If we are still struggling in the same sin, the counsel we give may be viewed as hypocritical, even though the message we give is the absolute truth. rom 14:13 exhorts us not to stumble others by living a righteous live.

Discipleship
I enjoy serving in our church ministries because we always commend and honour one another. Even when I know that I have made mistakes, they are still generous with their encouragements. In turn, I learn to see people for who they are, not only what they do.
I always remind myself of the times when I was a new believer, still struggling in a lot of issues. Or the times when I just moved to another city. Don't despise humble beginnings Zec4:10, Job 8:7, but believe that God will make us increase to be the head Deu 28:13.

Devotion
There's a lot of people in our church, so we don't meet up very often. Sometimes I see the person every week, but don't really talk to them. And there are others that I talk to frequently. Sometimes that leads to favouritism, which is not good. I should be more careful not to show favouritism.
James 2 also warns against partiality in obeying the bible. All sins are serious in God's eyes. I acknowledge that I am a sinner, and I have to be alert against all schemes of the devil.

Application
v6 Doesn't mean that you don't preach to others, but don't waste time on those who continually mock the gospel. Yet don't close the door on them.
I need to pray for more grace so that I can see others with more compassion.
What are the planks in my own eyes? I need to control my speech, be more sensitive to other people's feelings.

Spiritual Experience
Today we learn from Habakkuk about how he was transformed from someone who complained to God into someone who was in awe of God's sovereignty. I'm a notorious complainer as well, especially in the areas that I know well. But I need to be quick to listen instead (James 1:19). Even while listening, I have a tendency to lash out my thoughts, but sometimes people just want my ears.

Connect Journal: Day 25

Matthew 6:25-34

Timeless Principles
v25 The word worry comes from the word 'merizo', which means 'to divide into parts'. The word suggests that there is a distraction that preoccupies the mind, and causes anxiety, stress, and pressure. Jesus is saying that it is sinful to let our mind be distracted by the things that we want, or even need, because God looks after our best interests (Rom8:28).
v33 Seek FIRST God's kingdom, and everything WILL be added unto you. Again, the priority is God. Focus on God. Be refined. God knows our needs, He promised that He will provide for you.

Exposition
In 1943, Abraham Maslow came up with the Hierarchy of Needs which shows that in our sinful nature, we tend to seek our own needs first before we can come to God. While there are basic flaws in the theory, there's a major element of truth in what he said. Jesus knew that too, and He knew better (Luke 4:4). We tend to worry about the physical, and neglect the spiritual. But Jesus is saying that we must not neglect the spiritual, and God will take care of the physical instead. Now, that's radical. But God proved to us in Deu 8:2-3 that He does indeed take care of us.

Discipleship
Now, how can we tell whether we are putting God's kingdom first? Look at your bank statement, personal budget, diary, journal, or any other personal records, and see the proportion that you spend on God, in terms of time, money, and other resources. Do we give tithes to God? How much quality time do we spend with God daily? Are you spending any resources that grieves God?

Devotion
This passage is an encouragement for me because I know that God is taking care of me even as I trust Him for daily needs. He has been true and faithful to His words.
Sometimes God stretches our faith over and beyond what we have experienced before, and we start to question God. But true faith (Heb11:1) like that of a child prevails in these circumstances, with the assurance that God has plans to prosper us, not to harm us, but to give us a hope and future (Jer 29:11).

Applications
In the past few weeks, I have been asking God for a lot of basic needs, and getting very anxious about it. But God knows my struggles, and He constantly reminds me that He has already given the provisions. And true enough, day by day I see that God continues to provide. I always have enough. Then I question myself again, since God is taking such good care of me, how should I spend my time? Instead of worrying and trying to fix problems my own way, I can spend this time on other things that will please God! How great is our God!

Spiritual Experience
Today, at worship practice, Jessica shared about God's consuming fire, a fire that refines us and the same fire that brings judgment on sins.
The bible talks about baptism of Holy Spirit, then Baptism of Fire. After we get baptised in HS, then what? This fire is meant to refine our character. We should allow God to have His way in us. When the fire burns, it's hot and painful. But as a result, we will qualify as a radiant bride for God.
Just some quick verses before I sleep:
Daniel 7:9, talking about flaming throne
Isaiah 33:14, consuming fire, judgment, holiness
2 king 6:17 God's protection
Deu 4:24 God's jealousy
Isa 50:10-11 fire that guides men

God desires holiness because He is holy. Do we reflect God? How can the church lead, or have revival, if we are not refined? Is there anything in your life that grieves God?

God reminded me of the roast pork that I ate for dinner last night. It was the fat portion. Then God reminded me that all the fat portion belongs to God (Lev 3:16-17). So, don't eat the fat, it's not good for you anyway. I thought that was it. Pretty tough word. But not only that, God also convicted me that I must give the best portions in my life to God. Now, that's very hard! But I know that's the best for me :)

Last night I received a prophecy from a dear brother:

I would like to tell you that God is in the process of
healing you. and after the healing, you will experience the mighty works of the Lord. But in no distance time the healing will be completed and you will see the wonders of the Lord

Amen! Glory to God!!

Connect Journal: Day 24

I've decided to share my spiritual journey using Connect Journal. If you don't have a bible, please check the verses from studylight.org.

Matthew 6:19-24

Timeless Principles
v19-21 Invest (heart, attention, resources) first in the kingdom of God, not in things that perish
v22-23 be alert of your eyes. it can corrupt the whole body.
v24 there is only one way, because God is holy, and God hates sin.

Specific Words
Q1 Don't get distracted with hoarding the things of the world, but focus on God's kingdom. always remember, the thing that can withstand the test of time is souls, not money. we need money, health, family, relationships, etc, but they must not become a priority. let our heart be in the things of God, amen!
Q2 There is a difference between burden and vision. Burden is the things I want to do for God, and vision is what God wants me to do for Him. I may be mixed up between the two, but I believe that God will give me confirmations along the way.
Q3 We have to be careful not to fall into sin, because no matter how small the sin is, the consequence is the lake of fire. I constantly remind myself about fear of the Lord to keep myself in perspective.

Applications
I have to be more disciplined in how I spend my time, not neglecting bible study, QT, worship, etc despite of a busy schedule.
Be alert of the enemy schemes, so that I will not be disqualified.
Pray for repentance from my old ways.

Spiritual Experience
God is good, He is really testing my faith through my very tight financial situation. God brought people to confirm His words in a timely manner. Thank You Lord, for taking me so close to Your side :)

I'm a MAN!

YaHoO!!! I just took a Brain Wiring Test, and my basic score was 30 from a range generally between 0 and 300, which means that.... (drum rolls)...

I AM A MAN!!

High Masculine Brain. You demonstrate strong logical, analytical and verbal skills. You will tend to be disciplined and well-organised. You are probably very good at projecting costs and planning outcomes, being only slightly influenced by emotional considerations.

I knew it anyway. No editing there, just got it on my first try! But I feel that for some questions, the options should be more flexible. So, for those who don't score favourably, don't worry - the results are not 100% accurate. And girls, this is one (lame) excuse if you find that I'm not that accommodating. Please understand!

How Great Is Our God

We had Missions Night this evening. Angus led us in an Indian song, Jesus SuperPower. Very simple, yet very funny.

We played (one of) my favourite song: How Great Is Our God (Key:G).

Verse 1
The splendour of a King, clothed in majesty
Let all the earth rejoice
All the earth rejoice
He wraps himself in Light, and darkness tries to hide
And trembles at His voice
Trembles at His voice

Chorus1
How great is our God, sing with me
How great is our God, and all will see
How great, how great is our God

Verse 2
Age to age He stands
And time is in His hands
Beginning and the end
Beginning and the end
The Godhead Three in One
Father Spirit Son
The Lion and the Lamb
The Lion and the Lamb

Chorus2
Name above all names
Worthy of all praise
My heart will sing
How great is our God

Today we have a guest speaker teaching us how to play this song. Please welcome Chris Tomlin, songwriter of How Great is Our God! (Key:C)



I love this song, and after dinner, I had the privilege to teach this song to my korean friend. He love the song as well, but he did not understand the words.

Lots of positive feedback tonight. Some friends said that I improved. Some said they liked my guitar. Actually, I haven't played guitar for a month, and I couldn't hear the speakers, so I don't know how I improved :P

Guitar Legends on Youtube

I've been back in Melbourne for 3 days. As usual, I'm struggling with jetlag. I used to recuperate very quickly, but I guess age is catching up. And the cold. But it was a pleasant flight, the landing was smooth as silk. I enjoyed the aerial beauty of Melbourne City in 3D, can't compare it with Google Earth.

During these few days, I've been trying to absorb all my experiences in Thailand, and seeking God for life directions. There's a bazillion opportunities for me, yet there's so little time. Jesus is coming back soon!

In the midst of my daily struggle, I've been feasting on what I couldn't access in Thailand.



This is a video of Doyle Dykes playing White Rose for Heidi. I met Doyle Dykes in 2003, at Guitar Garage in Brisbane. It was a free concert. I was an amateur (still am), he showed me what playing guitar is all about, he signed my guitar, and since then he became my personal hero. He is truly blessed in music, a legendary country fingerstyle virtuoso. I think he tickles his guitar more than his wife. Now I'll share a secret that I've kept for many years: If anyone wants to give me a truly appreciated birthday gift, it would be the orange Desert Rose (DDSM), his signature guitar.

On a less personal note, but a legend nevertheless, Tommy Emmanuel is an Australian icon. Just like Doyle Dykes, he has played with Chet Atkins, and in fact, Chet honoured the rare title of "Certified Guitar Player" on TE. For those in Thailand, it's worth crossing the border just to watch this video of TE playing While My Guitar Gently Weeps with Jake Shimabukuro. I found it on Philip Chee's blog. Now, the only common denominator between TE and me is that we both play on Maton.

Take My Breath Away!

Today is Sunday, and just like every good, bible believing, Holy Spirit empowered Christian, I went to church. It was at the carpark beside Royal Benja Hotel, 14th floor. The service was in Thai, but we had english translation. This service was interesting. I mean, I have been to hundreds of church services, but I noticed a few things that I've never seen before.

I've had my name written on sticker as a first time visitor in other churches, but they also gave me a notebook that has the pastor's family portrait on the cover, presented in a paper bag with a welcome message from the pastor. Plus, they gave me a little flower candle in plastic wrap, tied up with paper flower, and a welcome message from the church: Hope of Bangkok Church, Sukhumvit. And the winner: a mini curry puff in airtight plastic wrap. I'm sure you've never had it before. What a way to say that they care about me.

After the preaching was over, I immediately turned my head to the right, and I was surprised to see a table already prepared with food on it, and chairs neatly arranged around it. Apparently some groups would arrange to have lunch in the hall. Someone bought all sorts of local food in bulk and distributed to the groups.

I joined their bible study, with a group who are sold out for World Mission. I happened to sit beside a pastor who will be studying at a bible college in Melbourne, starting in July. Now, that's too much of a coincidence. I've been contemplating whether to go to that bible college, because it's a bit far, and I don't know which course to take. But if someone from Bangkok WANTS to go there, then what's stopping someone from Melbourne?

I ended up joining a second service, designed to train up those who will be involved in world mission, so that they can practice running a service in foreign language. It was a humbling experience, seeing how ordinary people put in their best to serve God.

And of course, God loves to reward His children with great food on Sunday evening. Especially today =D I went to Sam Yan, a restaurant on a market near Chulalongkorn University. Oh boy, it's the climax for my Thai food feasting! No more Tom Yum Goong, but all the 5 stars dishes! If you don't mind some baby roaches crawling on the table occasionally, then I strongly recommend this place!

After dinner, I went to Suan Lum Night Bazaar. Rumours has it that you can't go there in the future cos someone will convert it into condominiums. I like this market, it's much cleaner than Chatuchak market. There's a restaurant offering a puppet show. The market is divided into several building blocks. It looks like a cross between shopping centre and flea market.

I suppose that concludes my adventure in Thailand. I would like to thank everyone in Thailand for making this trip such a memorable and fruitful experience. I love you guys so much that if I don't leave tomorrow, I might consider spending the rest of my life here.

Tomorrow forecast: I will fly to Singapore at 7.45am. I hope I don't miss the flight. I only have 12 hours to spend in Singapore, and there's a lot of things to do!

Weekend Market

I arrived at Kamphaeng Phet MRT station at 3pm, and I couldn't believe my eyes! Chatuchak market is huge, probably the largest market that I've ever been to. Victoria market fades in comparison. I can't stress enough how big this place is - you'd be better off doing a quick search on google.

What I found interesting:
Puppies of exotic breeds for 1400 baht each. A little boy around 4 years old playing traditional musical instrument. Another boy playing musical instrument like bass guitar, but only 3 strings. A teenager playing rock music through a speaker, and pretending to play an electric guitar made of styrofoam. A young girl dancing like Britney Spears. A guy juggling soccer ball in all sorts of positions (raising funds to go to Europe for a competition). Hello kitty ice cream stall (the ice cream girls were wearing hello kitty ears). A guy dressed up as a high school girl, thick white make up, and singing weird songs. Lots of offensive/aggresive T-shirts. Plants and pots, and matching decorations. Beautiful celebrity selling clothes and collecting donations for AIDS victims (the patrons were more interested in taking her pictures than buying from her). Lots of jewelleries, antiques, local delicacies, clothes, home decor, books, toys, mobile phone pouch and accesories, car accesories, Thai ornaments, silk clothes, and many more that I can't explain with words or simply/intentionally forgot (I'm exhausting my vocabulary now).

I've tried feasting at Fuji Restaurant and Zen, so tonight I concluded my Japanese feastathon with buffet at Kuroda. We had countless rounds of fresh salmon sashimi, and I know that many of you are jealous already by now, so I'll just finish by saying that my friends couldn't finish their desserts.

Beach Thing

I didn't think I would ever end up in Bang Poo. What's that? Well, that's a place outside Bangkok. There's a beach, more like a swamp, and there's a restaurant on it. We had superyummilicious seafood, courtesy of brother Nui and his family.

I'm even more touched by the story behind the scene. 17 years ago, there was a boy and a girl who dated in this romantic place. Then they got married. Fast forward to present day. They have 2 daughters, and they never brought them to this place. But Nui and his wife Su happened to sit beside me during Thai Camp, and they just wanted to bless me because they just wanted to. So they chose this place, which they already forgot for a long time. They were not even sure if the place still existed. All they remembered was that seafood restaurant on the beach that would bless me.

Of course, today the place has changed a lot. From the traffic jam caused by the industrial growth on the way there, to the site itself. The original building was demolished, maybe by a mini tsunami. I think they must be affected by global warming, because there's a large flat surface that looks like wet sand. We couldn't go down to the sea.

We still enjoyed sharing our lives throughout the trip. I love the scenery, and seeing so many crabs running around on the sand like Tuk-Tuk.

Today I made another discovery: there's a fruit in Indonesia called duku, it's round, yellow, and the meat is white and sweet. In Thailand, there's a similar variant, but the meat is sour! So amazing, God is so clever :)

Man of Vision

At first I didn't think highly of this brother (Joseph/Ong)who waited for me at the lobby this morning. He was supposed to pick me up and escort me to Ascension University, one of the most glamorous university in Bangkok. Seriously, it looks like another Vatican!

On the way to the uni, we shared about our vision, and guess what? God has brought us together miraculously. He didn't know my vision, and I didn't know any better. I thought that he was just another student leader. But I learnt that God has called him to use business to impact the world through a vision fund.

We spent the whole day in local and international mini church. The idea is to provide persecuted students a church on weekdays, at the same time giving non-believers a taste of sunday church. In between sessions, we shared deeper about the plans that God has laid in our hearts. The result is a refining of our vision, and a refreshing of our call. We talked about practically anything, and we couldn't stop talking. I think we talked like 2 aunties who has not met each other for 20 years, gossipping about everything, non-stop.

God brought me to Sampan, a drummer, a new believer. He is so cool, like my dear brother Billy Simpson in Melbourne. Very talented in music, even though he's young. He loves Sonic Flood, Planet Shakers, and Hillsong. He's got a good artistic nature, especially in story telling and song writing. I love the way he dress up, very relevant for reaching out to the youth.

I was pleasantly surprised to see sister Pern preaching on the international mini church. It was her first time preaching in english.

On the way back, I dropped by a Pad Thai stall outside my hostel, it was supposed to be the best Pad Thai because they won stir frying competition. I knew about them from Google Earth. How convenient :) The food was allright. Worth winning a competition.

Apostolic Businessman

In 2003, God called me to be an apostolic businesssman. He gave me the calling to use businesses as a way to help missionaries gain access to other countries and fund their mission and church planting work. Some businesses will be used to fund community work, such as orphanage, senior homes, community centres and hospitals.

In the past few weeks, God has refreshed this vision. I visited a language school at Sri Sa Ket, set up by a foundation to finance orphanages in Thailand. In the last few weeks, I've read a book about the efficiency of financing native missionaries. Today I visited a businessmen care group near my hotel. Some members own a business, some are managers, some have business background, but may be serving in church or at home full time. They told me about their regular activities. Now the pieces are starting to make sense.

By the way, I had some inside information that if your church wants to be effective in Vietnam, you can consider having a native english speaking pastor. They will love you.

Another central theme for today: The end of the world is very near. You don't only learn about this from movies, but also from the signs of the end times. Many pastors are confident of reaching every nation by 2050, and even 2015. I hope that you will catch the urgency of the hour.

Holiday in Disguise

In the past 2 days, I've been out sightseeing, shopping, and eating. There's not much to elaborate, nothing too exciting about going to temples, grand palace, boat museum, scattered markets, chinatown, and a few restaurants such as MK Restaurant. I've had yet another REAL Thai massage. The technique is a bit different in every place. Yesterday I visited the prayer meeting for working group, tomorrow I'll visit a care group.

I have taken every type of transportation available in Bangkok, and possibly in Thailand. Boat, land transport (Tuk-tuk, bus, underground train, sky train, ute, sedan), and domestic flight. There is a common attribute in all the transport systems: they seem to be very effective. Somewhat efficient. They are willing to trade the law to complete the job.

I've made a few friends at the HoStel. They are very interesting people, mostly angmoh. And I've been attracting more insect bites.

This trip to Thailand is very meaningful. There's a lot of things that I have to digest when I get back to Melbourne. God is faithful, He will provide everything that I need.

Back to Bangkok

This morning we had 2 services at Hope of Ubon Church. The kids loved me so much, they didn't wanna let me go. I had a chance to share with the worship team as well. They have a 17 yrs old music genius, a cat playing drums, and good leadership. They are good discipler of worship teams in daughter churches too. Tonight they are going to the church at Surin to teach them how to play instruments.

Hope Ubon really left a big fingerprint in my heart. They are so loving, this mission trip feels like holiday for a king. I hope that they are blessed too. They gave me a sash that looks like Laos design and many uncountable blessings. I survived with lots of insect bite marks on my hands. I sat at the back of a ute a few times, and Ubon drivers are not the most law abiding. But it's well worth it. If I stay for another 2 weeks, I may end up staying forever. I already felt like at home. It was so easy to assimilate to the church.

Took a flight with Air Asia to Bangkok. I dunno why, the pilot doesn't know how to land properly. Felt nauseous. I've taken dozens of flights, this one ranks as one of the worst.

But the suffering ends there. I was greeted by 2 lovely angels who took me out for dinner and sent me to a hotel with capital S, a.k.a. hoStel. Yeah, no glamour in that. But it's better than my previous nights. I got cheaper rates because Hope Bangkok blessed me. I share the room with 7 others, but they have lockers, laundry, and unlimited internet. They have shared cold shower bathroom and toilet. The sign says Gents, but girls went in there too.

Tomorrrow's forecast: Grand Palace :)

Relaxing At Ubon

In the morning we went to a coffeeshop to have breakfast. We ordered eggs with lup cheong and pork shreds. It's very fragrant, and they serve with chinese dough. And guess what, they have Bandung - rose syrup milk! I've never imagined they would have it here too!

We visited a local park for a light walk. It was beautiful, they had a statue of an important person posing like Raffles in Singapore, but he's got a sword, and he's surrounded with large decorated worms (serpents), horse and elephant statues. And he's got cute miniature animals as well. Unlike Raffles, he receives daily honour of flower rings.

It's so amazing! 2 hrs Full Body Thai Massage for 200Baht! Feels like heaven on earth! You only can get it at Ubon :) Just another blessing from Hope Ubon. To top it all, we had a luxurious welcome lunch after a good round of massage. It was so good, we couldn't ask for more ;)

In the afternoon we went to a nearby park. It was raining heavily, and we prayed for the rain to stop. It did stop just before we went there. But when we arrived, under shelter, it started pouring again. This time, we knew what to do. We shared to everybody who took shelter with us. It was such an enjoyable time, singing songs, sharing the gospel, giving out tracts, and fellowshipping with our Ubon family.

Dinner was unbelievable! I've never seen this before - steamboat and hotplate combination on charcoal! Instead of using gas, they have holes in the middle of the table to fit a bucket of coal. Then they put a curved hotplate on it. So we barbecue meat in the middle, and soup for vegetables around it. The food was quite normal, but I was amused by the concept. Had to order fried rice to survive.

At night, we went to night market opposite a large shopping centre. The guys watched soccer while the girls went shopping. That's a brilliant combination! We were tired, but we had a fruitful day. Praise God!

I'll be flying to Bangkok tomorrow after church service. FYI, Connect Journal on the book of Matthew is out now. Get it while stock lasts. The last round, the book on Proverbs, ran out very quickly. Many people couldn't get their hands on it.

Thai Borders

Today is a very special day. We went to Chong Mek, also known as Laos Border. I found the oldest Hope member: 98 years old lady, she had cancer in her mouth, and God healed her. Now she's a fervent evangelist. The church there has about 10 members. We distributed tracts in that area. They sell a lot of cheap fruits and clothes. 10baht for 1 kg of mangosteen, where else can you find it?

We visited a dam nearby. Ps Sumet from Hope Ubon claimed that he usually stayed there for 20% of RRP, cos the director is his good friend. It's really a luxury place!

In the evening, we visited Hope Sri Sa Ket, then we went to english schools run by our members: JS English Center and Thai American School. Thai American School is run by House of Mercy Foundation, who use the profits from the learning centre to fund orphanages in Thailand. I know why God brought me to this place, to see that it's so possible to use business to bless the nations directly, just as He had revealed to me.

The Thai hosts always cook up a banquet for us. Tonight is no exception, and I really enjoyed the dinner. Thai green curry. Local vege dish. Cakes and fried dough. Pineapples, rambutans and mangosteen.

I learnt that Ps Sumet is a genius. He contributes a lot of ideas to the government. He planted 14 churches out of 25 districts in Ubon in the last 16 years. The main church has 3 services, total about 200. He also has 14 churches out of 22 districts in Sri Sa Ket, 6 out of 17 in Surin, and 3 out of 7 in Amnad. Altogether 37 churches out of 71districts in 4 provinces of Northeast Thailand. Thailand has 76 provinces. He shared that once a church reaches 30 members, it would start to plant a daughter church. Isn't that awesome?

Eugene shared that Hope Singapore has just paid off their debt in 5.5 years! They started fundraising in 2001, in 3 stages, and God has provided. I believe that Hope Melbourne City Centre will be blessed too, because God has laid the seed of faith in us :)

Warming up in Ubon

This morning we had local breakfast, then we visited Jum, a local Thai sister who can speak english. Then we went to another sister's house to encourage her relative to rededicate his life to God.

We attended a funeral. Great authentic Thai lunch, and I had the privilege to meet a believer who received Christ when she was 18, now she's 87. Talk about persevering in faith!

At night, we attended a local care group. Again, more home cooked meals. At first I thought it was stew pig, but later on I noticed that it was actually chicken porks. We had an interesting time of sharing and overcoming language barrier. Our team led a praise song, then Robert and I gave a testimony to encourage them.

Arrive at Ubolratchatani

I got bitten by bed bugs! so itchy, cannot make it already.... must be the bed at Bussarakam hotel room 334!

Today we finally cleared the last day of Thai Camp: A Peace Filled Church. I learnt a lot from the organisers. Everything is so excellent. The worship team is so energetic, and the worshippers really give glory to God with all they have!

Arrived at Hope of Ubon church. Ps Sumet picked us up form the bus station. The church is 4km away from the station. His wife welcomed us with 8 course dinner. Well, there's eggs, pork spare ribs and vege soup, and beef vege dish. Plus fruits. But still a lot. We barely managed to finish all the dishes, couldn't touch the fruits.

Seems like we only have cold water. And the toilet facilities are a bit lacking. We'll see how we can overcome these few days.