Worship Concert

Last evening, a Worship Concert was held at Brother Chai Say's resort in Lundu. About 8 Churches in the surrounding area of Lundu were present to worship with songs. Bethany Church from Kuching was also represented. The crowd numbered around 300 people mostly made up of young adults. Some of our Churches members were there to lend support and to worship with the people. Some foreign fellow Christians were there too,like Africans and Europeans. The venue, equipments and food were kindly provided by Brother Chai Say and some sponsors. Praise God for the worship! Also thank Brother Chai Say & Sister Teck Lan for their generosity and godly hearts for the people in the surroundings of Lundu.

Prayer by a young Pastor

From Concert at Chai Say's Resort

Redifining Success

Many of us subscribed to the world's definition of success eventhough we are Christians. As you know worldly success means material wealth, but Christian success is different. Perhaps it is time for a change of perspective as the current financial turmoil leaves millions in dire situation because they do not know God. Instead they focus on the worldly mammon that do not last, they need to come to God to receive everlasting gift of life and mammon. Read on:

Believers Told to Radically Redefine Success
Saturday, Aug. 29, 2009 Posted: 1:19:03AM HKT

One of the prominent themes of the Covenant Evangelical Free Church theology conference is that people are called to be stewards.

God will not necessarily make believers rich, said The Rev Edmund Chan, the Senior Pastor of the congregation.

The Rev Chan was speaking on the need to recover a God-centered view of Scripture. He cited the example of Psalm 1, which has been used to support the view that God blesses believers with worldly success.

Calling such an interpretation ‘horrendous’, he said: “We need to radically redefine success in a world that is obsessed with being rich.”

The Rev Chan suggested that the message of Psalm 1 is that the approval of God is of 'ultimate' importance in life, because there is a day of accounting. It makes its hearers ask: by what are they approved before a holy God.

God calls believers to be stewards of what He has given them rather than giving any promise of wealth. In the call to stewardship, He may allow them to experience poverty, suffering or invite them to make sacrifices.

There may be cases in which Christians have become rich as a result of their faith. Even so, this is not God’s will for everyone and those who have received a windfall being Christians should not make that experience a normative one.

It is presumptuous for Christians to assume that God will do what they expect Him to as long as they have faith. The pastor gave the example of Jesus Christ who did not try to change God’s difficult will for Him to die on a cross.

The key, rather, is a faith that focuses on the attributes of God and willingly surrenders to Him. In short, it is a question of allegiance.

“No man can serve two masters,” he said.

Furthermore, there are all kinds of superstition in Christianity.

For example, Christians often connect unrelated incidents and think that God is telling them something or the devil is making mischief. But they need to accept that “things just happen”, The Rev Chan said, adding that he never tells his church that he has heard something from God until it is actually fulfilled. In this way, he has guarded against error.

In another instance, they may misinterpret Proverbs 18:21 that says that death and life are in the power of the tongue and claim that words can actually kill someone.

“It is not talking about literal life and death,” he explained. “What this means basically is a figure of speech… If you are not careful in exercising the tongue, a great deal of mischief can come about and hurt or if you use it wisely, a great deal of building up.”
Source: Christianpost, ingapore

Congratulation to Datuk Idris Jala!

Our very own son of Sarawak now a minister in the Prime Minister's office! Hep Hep Huray! And he is a Christian! Praise the Lord! Let us pray for him to do great things for our nation, now that he is in the position. Thank God for Datuk Idris Jala.

Some of you may know that he is the brother in law of a member of our Church. I remember in around 2005 or 2006 his sister and brother in law brought him to attend our Church service. Immediately after that he was appointed as the CEO of MAS. Praise God for this brother!

"Thank you Oh Lord for appointing a capable Christian to the helm of our government, may you glory be declared in this nation, may your work be done and that generations will come to you. Thank you Lord and I pray all these in Jesus Most Precious Name Amen".

Tears of the Saint

The pastor preaching featured in the video is Pastor Johm Piper. He is a champion of mission.

Naturer Healer

Our Church has done the five "F" and one of them is food, and we also reliased that vegetables and fruits are good for us. Even the Bible tell us. According to Dr.Wu his cancer was even "cancelled" by eating alot of vegetable, and fruits! Praise God! He has told us a few thousand years ago in the Bible! I am eating some fruits but not enough,should eat more. Read on.


How Dr Wu rid himself of cancer with a vegetarian diet

Writer: ANJIRA ASSAVANONDA
Published: 7/05/2009 at 12:00 AM
Newspaper section: Mylife

At the age of 30, Chinese doctor Tom Wu was diagnosed with advanced stages of lung cancer, and was told he had only a few months to live.

However, Dr Wu, who recently spoke with mylife, has already reached 70 years old, and to our surprise, he still looks like a young and healthy man in his 50s.

Not only has he survived, but the doctor has maintained a healthy life. The cancer is all gone, and he said he's never caught a cold or other illness for 40 years. He has stopped going for blood tests.

"My body and feelings tell me I'm well, that I'm truly in good health," says Dr Wu.

His secret lies with the power of natural healing. Dr Wu always says that no wonder drug can cure diseases. But our own internal healing power, our immune system, can. And what can strengthen our immune system are simple foods from Mother Nature, and a healthy lifestyle. In his view, diseases such as cancer, diabetes and heart disease can be overcome by changing their diet.

Dr Wu says people get sick because they eat the wrong foods. Fried food, for example, causes blockage in the arteries, bad circulation, cholesterol, and heart disease.

"Instead of taking a cholesterol lowering drug, I would urge them to stop eating greasy food. My suggestion is to eat clean food, which is high in phytochemicals," he says.

Phytochemicals are natural cleansing agents that will help rid plaque from your arteries. They come from natural foods such as vegetables, fruits with their seeds, and common garden herbs. Phytochemicals will nourish the body's cells so they can fight against any foreign substances that invade your body.

Dr Wu's outstanding contributions to the development of natural medicine have earned him the "World Famous Doctor Award" from the UN in 2001, and the "Best Wellness Doctor of the World" award from India's World Wellness Open University in March.

The secrets of how he won the fight against lung cancer and maintains a healthy body are revealed in his first book, Dr Wu's Principle of Natural Cures, which has recently been translated from its original Chinese version into a Thai edition, Thammachart Chuay Chewit, published by Nanmeebooks Publications. It was launched in Thailand in March.

Dr Wu says what's written in the book is unique and easy to understand because "the author is both the doctor and the patient himself". All the ideas and guidelines suggested in the book come from his own experience as well as what he has learned from his patients.

Dr Wu turns to natural medicine

Dr Wu had first studied Western medicine in France, and then furthered his education in alternative therapy, earning a doctorate degree.

The turning point arrived when he was diagnosed with lung cancer at the age of 30. Modern medicine gave him no hope; it was too late to remove the damaged parts of the lung. The cancer had already spread to other organs, and the doctor told him he had only a few months left.

In his despair, Dr Wu picked up the Bible and prayed to God. Then the Bible fell to the floor, and he read the page it opened to carefully. The chapter talked about the days God created the Earth and everything needed for human beings. Then he created Adam and Eve, and told both of them that plants, vegetables and seeded fruits growing on Earth have been provided for them to eat.

"I thought about what I had eaten in the past - meat, fish, fried and grilled food, sweet cake, but God simply wanted us to eat vegetables and sour fruits. I was confused and doubted whether I would become weak if I ate too many vegetables and less meat," says Dr Wu.

Yet he decided to follow the Bible's guidance. He ate a lot of vegetables and fruits, drank clean water, and completely adjusted his lifestyle - his sleeping, breathing and exercise habits.

Nine months later, he went for a check-up, and surprisingly no cancer cells were detected.

He advised people in his family and in the neighbourhood about his discovery, and studied natural medicine until he received a doctorate degree in naturopathy and nutrition from the US.

Dr Wu has been a frequent speaker at worldwide forums, spreading his knowledge on natural cures and the use of organic food. He advises people to use the most simple foods in the most natural way in order to fight illnesses and maintain good health.

Source: Bangkokpost

Health is Wealth

According to David H. Murdock, founder of Dole Food Company the most healthies foods are vegetables and fish. Add these with exercises and most of us will be alright. I think many people can relate to this statement because people know the benefits of vegetables and fish. The other meats are not so healthy although they have their role in our overall health. "Easy does it", meaning moderation in eating is the key to health. No more excessive indulgence on particular food group!

I remenber talking with Brother Soon King on the way to visit Guruka and he mentioned about arthritis and how eating pineapple can help.

Pineapple
Speeds post-surgery Promotes joint health Reduces asthma inflammation

Source:Huffington Post

Digital Album - Picasa

Recently I took some digital pictures at our Pot Bless and I have shared with our Cell members vis Picasa album. Sister Sarah complimented my efforts after she viewed the photo album, and she said I am "pandai", well not really because all of you can be "pandai" with a little help!

You know,now a days if you take pictures, 100% this will be digital pictures taken by digital cameras. Well, after taking them how are you to view your pictures? Simple, you need digital albums. There are many you can get free from the internet. But I find Picasa digital album one of the best. It is created for free by Google. So you can download from the internet free! Oh people say nothing is free! No free lunch! Well, this is your free tit bits! Just go to Google search, type in Picasa, a list of related searches wil come out, pick the one that allows you to down load the software onto your computer. The program is very user friendly. In no time you have your digital album! Wah! beautiful pictures can also be send by emails like what I did in sending photos of our pot bless to you all. If you use the email long enough you know that you cannot send large files or photos. Photos translated to large files, so you need program like Picasa to send a link to your friends and family to view your photos from your Picasa album. But before you can send out the photos, you need to down load your pictures from your camera or memory cards to the Picasa program by using a card reader.

Well, go a head and try downloading this free program and enjoy your digital pictures!

Theories that win Nobel Prize! - Very funny!

This theory will win the Physics Nobel Prize in 2009!

Equation 1

Human = eat + sleep + work + enjoy
Donkey = eat + sleep

Therefore,
Human = Donkey + work + enjoy

Therefore,
Human - enjoy = Donkey + work

In other words,
Human that don't know how to enjoy = Donkey that work
============ ========= ========= ========= ========= ===

Equation 2

Men = eat + sleep + earn money
Donkeys = eat + sleep

Therefore,
Men = Donkeys + earn money

Therefore,
Men - earn money = Donkeys

In other words,
Men that don't earn money = Donkeys
============ ========= ========= ========= ========= ====

Equation 3

Women = eat + sleep + spend
Donkeys = eat + sleep

Therefore,
Women = Donkeys + spend

Therefore,
Women - spend = Donkeys

In other words,
Women that don't spend = Donkeys
============ ========= ========= ========= ========= =====

To Conclude:

From Equation 2 and Equation 3
Men that don't earn money = Women that don't spend.

So, Men earn money not to let women become Donkeys! (Postulate 1)

And, Women spend not to let men become Donkeys! (Postulate 2)

So, we have?
Men + Women = Donkeys + earn money + Donkeys + spend money

Therefore from postulates 1 and 2, we can conclude,
Man + Woman = 2 Donkeys that live happily together!

Contributed by Sister Sarah. Thank you Sister, it is a very funny joke!

Dear Sons, Dear daughters

This video is touching and it is good for young people to watch.

Cell Groups Presentation on Sunday

On Sunday, three Cells presented their work on GAMES Domains. Our Cell for "education" was the first Cell to make the presentation. Brother Alfred presented about "family" and Brother Nic presented on "finance". To drive home the point and to add some fun, he rendered "If I were a rich man" and a Hokkien song "Nah Si Wah wu Chit Pa Ban" (If I have a million dollar)that made the congregation laughed.

Sister Lily presented on prison ministry and the on going work. Uncle Ben,Uncle Kueh, and Brother Song has been on this for 15 years. Recently Brother Steven, Brother Fook Chuing are also involved. Their theme - "reconciliation" for the prisoners and their families.

Brother Julian Yeo presented about work for Habitat for Humanity families. They do not emphased on building but other follow up matters with the families who got houses under Habitat.

Pot Bless

On Saturday,our Cell had a pot bless at Brother Chiew's house. We wanted to celebrate together as a Cell, and pot bless is a good idea. Many of our Cell members turned up with home cooked goodies. We all had a good time fellowshipping after we worshiped and glorify God with prayers. We sang "Give thanks". Some members of our family came for the first time due to various reasons. All in all it was a blessed fellowshipping.

From Pot Bless & Soon King Website launch

Watch the video "Give thanks"

Launch of website - eagleadverts.com

Yesterday our Brother, Soon King formerly launched his new website, eagleadverts.com at Kingwood Inn, Kuching. Many of his friends,business associates, and reporters attended the function. The main objective of the site is to enable advertisers to advertise very cheaply on the internet. His company is offering free advertisement of your businesses from now to 19.9.09, after which you have to pay! Those interested can register on line on the website. Beside business the site also have entertainment sections like videos, music,games,quotes and also community service messages. Incidently, Brother Soon King has put up the "Skating Babies" Evian water advert which was first uploaded on our Cell J blog a while ago. That was an interesting surprise!

Anywhere, Congratulation to Soon King & Sarah for launching the site!

Who says old dogs cannot learn new tricks ? Huh!!! Show them Brother Soon King!

Watch a video

From Pot Bless & Soon King Website launch

Holding on to fundementals will save marriages

According to marriage expert Dr.John Ng in his book "Dim sum for the family".

They are:(1)to nurture shared values, (2)manage differences, (3)affirm each other’s strengths,(4)share pain and gain together,(5) try a little kindness, (6)allow mutual influence, (7)manage around unresolved conflicts,(8) make the spouse the best friend, (9)have an accountability community and (10)take sex life seriously and enjoy.

source: Christian post, singapore.

Two years Old sing Lord's Prayer ...very Cute!!!

Another Credit Card Scam

Received this from a friend in Singapore. I hope this is useful.

Subject: Duped by credit card scam upon check in at Hotel

You arrive at your hotel and check in at the front desk. When checking in, you give the front desk your credit card (for all the charges for your room). You get to your room and settle in. Someone calls the front desk and asked for (example) Room 620 (which happens to be your room).

Your phone rings in your room. You answer and the person on the other end says the following, 'This is the front desk. When checking in, we came across a problem with your charge card information. Please re-read me your credit card number and verify the last 3 digits numbers at the reverse side of your charge card.

Not thinking anything you might give this person your information, since the call seems to come from the front desk. But actually, it is a scam of someone calling from outside the hotel/front desk. They ask for a random
room number. Then, ask you for credit card information and address information.
Sounding so professional that you do think you are talking to the front desk.

If you ever encounter this problem on your vacation, tell the caller that you will be down at the front desk to clear up any problems. Then, go to the front desk and ask if there was a problem. If there was none, inform the manager of the hotel that someone called to scam you of your credit card information acting like a front desk employee.

If you feel that the tips are useful, please forward it to your relatives, friends & colleague.

Church Wars

Oh, I know the pictures look small, please double click on the image to see larger pictures so that you can read the contents.

Internet for Senior Citizens

Whether one likes it or not the internet is here to stay. Many of our seniors may be intimidated by the internet. In the first place many of them are not familiar with the computers. I believe this is the main reason that seniors stay away from the internet. But it is really easy to get access to the internet through a personal computer. Basically if you can get into any search engine, example Internet Explorer, you can get into the “world wide web”. With just a few hand-on practice, you are on your way!

Keeping in Touch

You are able to keep in touch with your lover ones and friends via electronic mails or email in short. If you have a web-cam (web camera), you are able to see the other person on the other side. How marvellous is this technology, seem like magic!

Social Networking

If you are bored, you can connect with friends and acquaintances via social networking sites like Facebook, Myspace and others. Here you can also make new friends.

Looking for Information

Information is at your finger tip. There are all sort of information example free health information, news, entertainment like movies, and music and many others. However, be careful with health advices they cannot replace a doctor.

Entertainment

There are many forms of entertainment available free on the internet. For example movies ( including Christian base ones), gospel music, Christian videos, and you have the ever popular You tube where you can virtually watch all kinds of videos. Also you can play games such as chess or scrabble. In fact, you can even play some games with your grand children on-line!

Get Things Done

Tired of paying your electricity and water bills at the post office? Well, you can pay all your utilities bills on-line. As long as you have an account with a Bank, you can settle your bills without leaving home! What more 24/7 ! Want to send your grand child a birthday gift as she is studying in Australia? No sweat, log into any on-line store like ebay.com make an order and instruct it to be sent to your grand daughter’s address in Australia. Beside these, you can transfer money anywhere once you have a internet banking account with one of the Banks.

Blogging

Blogging is similar to letter writing, just that you are addressing to the world. Any one can read your blog( provided you enable it ). You can blog about anything of interest, perhaps your expertise example in baking or your hobbies or even your life experiences or Church activities. The subjects are endless. This is also one way to keep active for a senior citizen.

Age should not be a barrier. Just check out the many blogs by senior citizens. One good example is Dr.Mahathir’s blog CheDet, he received 20 million hits in 2008!

Well, I promise you an endless fun adventure when you embark on using the internet. So why wait? Get started!

Rare Birds at Bako Buntal Bay

Our God created everything. Man has destroyed much of the land and it is heartenning to read that migratory birds flew thousands of miles to be on our shore. Praise God for this blessing. Some how I feel proud that these birds chose to come here. Read story below:
KUCHING: Two globally-threatened bird species – the Pied Avocet and Eurasian Oystercatcher – have been spotted in the Bako-Buntal Bay near here.

Malaysian Nature Society conservation head Yeap Chin Aik said their discoveries this year and in 2007 by its bird watchers were of historical significance to Malaysia and Borneo.

“The Bako-Buntal Bay is one of Malaysia’s top two migratory waterbird sites (the other is in Selangor). The bay is of international importance for the congregation of migratory winter waterbirds,” he said during a workshop here yesterday. The workshop was organised prior to a conservation study that was to be carried out on the bay.
Special appearance: The discovery of the Eurasian Oystercatcher (left) and Piedavocet at Bako-Buntal Bay in Sarawak is of historical significance to Malaysia and Borneo.

The project is funded by the Darwin Initiative (UK), Keidanren Nature Conservation Fund and the Environment Ministry of Japan.

The bay, located about 40km north-east of the state capital, is an expanse of inter-tidal mudflats fringed with mangrove forests, bordering Santubong mountain and Bako National Park. It is also a component of the state’s first wetland project.

Yeap said the bay was also a critical site for the conservation of wildlife as it supported an increasing population of the proboscis monkeys.

The waters within the bay support at least three species of dolphins and estuarine crocodiles.

Yeap recommended listing the bay as a flyway network site to get international recognition.

Earlier, Sarawak Planning Unit assistant principal director Andrew Tukau Salang said illegal logging and sand dredging activities not only threatened the feeding and breeding grounds of the wildlife but also the sustainability of the Bako-Buntal Bay.

He said foreign non-governmental organisations and bird experts, including those from Australia, had been monitoring the trends of migratory birds at the bay.

Two villages near the bay – Kampung Bako and Kampung Buntal – survive mostly from fishing and tourism-related activities.
Comments on pictures above:
Special appearance: The discovery of the Eurasian Oystercatcher (left) and Piedavocet at Bako-Buntal Bay in Sarawak is of historical significance to Malaysia and Borneo.

RM20 Million Masland Methodist Church

Our cell members from Sibu will probably relate to this story. Read below.
RM20m Masland Methodist Church Complex set to open in Sibu
Stories and photos by PHILIP HII

SIBU: This town is not done with honouring its much loved and revered missionary, the Rev James Matthew Hoover.

It already has a park dedicated to his memory, but tomorrow, Sarawak Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud will declare open the impressive RM20mil Masland Methodist Church Complex, also called the Hoover Project, on Island Road.
Impressive: The funnel at the Hoover memorial.

Together with Chinese missionary Rev Wong Nai Siong, Hoover’s place in Sibu’s history is linked to his role in helping the Foochows, who were instrumental in the growth of the settlement in the early 1900s.

It was Wong, also honoured as one of the town’s founding fathers, who successfully negotiated with the second white Rajah of Sarawak, Sir Charles Brooke, to bring in Chinese immigrants from Fuzhou province to open up the Rajang Delta for agriculture.

Hoover, an American, was sent to Sibu to teach and lead this group of mostly Christian migrants.

Both of them are remembered today with a memorial garden each at the place where they first landed, Sungai Merah, 5km from Sibu town.

The Wong Nai Siong Memorial is part of the Sungai Merah Heritage Walk constructed in 2001 to celebrate the centennial of the arrival of the first batch of Foochow immigrants.

The Rev James Matthew Hoover Memorial Garden was opened in 2007 by Datuk Seri Wong Soon Koh, Sarawak’s Second Finance Minister, and Rev Dr Su Chii Ann, president of the Sarawak Chinese Annual Conference of the Methodist Church in Malaysia.
Hoover: Arrived in Penang in 1899.

“It is the only joint project by a local council and the Methodist Church in Malaysia,” said Daniel Ngieng, Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) deputy chairman.

He explained that the 1.25ha site belonged to the state, and designated as a public park by SMC.

“We are aware that Rev Hoover contributed tremendously to the early stages of Sibu’s development. “So when the church proposed building a memorial park for him, we eagerly played our part in tribute to this outstanding missionary and his wife,” he added.

The Hoover Project comprises the church, a multi-purpose building and an open space called Hoover Square. Construction work began in December 2006.

Hoover built the original Methodist Church in 1905. It was reconstructed to meet the needs of a growing community and renamed as Masland Methodist Church in 1925, in memory of an American widow who donated US$5,000 towards the construction costs.

The interior church’s interior has been massively renovated and installed with a new audio-visual system. It can accommodate about 1,700 people.

The L-shaped, multi-purpose building has 2½ storeys for its car park, three large halls for fellowship and conferences, administrative offices and the Methodist Kindergarten and Methodist Primary School located at the back.

The kindergarten and primary school combined have 1,800 pupils. There are also 10 guest rooms for visiting pastors, outstation members and Christian travellers.

Hoover Square, which can accommodate 1,000 people, is intended for concerts, dances and workshops.

The complex is not fenced, a friendly gesture to make it accessible to the public.

Masland Methodist Church, which employs six pastors and a staff of 15, has 5,000 members who donated RM13mil towards the construction and renovation costs.

The remaining RM7mil was borrowed from the Sarawak Chinese Methodist Annual Conference of the Methodist Church in Malaysia and will be repaid in instalments.
Ground breakers: Students of the first Methodist Anglo-Chinese school set up in 1903 in Sungai Merah, Sibu.

Six Ways to Make Your Marriage Last

By Therese J Borchard

Your often hear that half of all marriages end in divorce. But marriage is actually doing much better than that these days, say Benedict Carey and Tara Parker-Pope. They collaborated on a piece for the New York Times called “Marriage Stands Up for Itself”. They write:
“A compaision of 10-year divorce rates among college-educated men married in the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s shows that divorce is becoming less common,” said Dr.Stevenson, the Wharton researcher. Among men who married in the 1970s for example,about 23 % hand divorced by the 10th year. Men married in the 1990s are doing even better – with a 10-year divorce rate of 16%”.
Christian writer Steven Wickstrom and others say the divorce rate for a Christian couple who actively pray together is less than 1 %.
I kid you not: less than 1 %. What else can you do to improve your odds?
In hi blog post called “5 Secrets to a Succesful Long0Term Relationship or Marriage”, John Grohol, CEO and founder of PsychoCentrel.com, lists five core ingredients to a good marriage or long0term relationship: Compromise. Communicate. Choose your battles carefully. Don’t hide your needs. Don’t underestimate the importance of trust and honesty.
No relationships are perfectly 50-50 arrangements. Usually one person does an extra load of laundry. But for a marriage to thrive, there must be compromise, some give and take. Not just take.
Says Grohol in stressing the importance of communication: “Relationships live and die not by the sword, but by the amount of discussion. If two people can’t find a way to openly and honestly communicate their meeds and feelings to one another, the relationship doesn’t stand much of a chance long-term. Couples must find a way to communicate regularly, openly and directly”.
Choosing your battles carefully eliminates half the fights right there, and it adds value to the disagreements that can’t be avoided.
Many of the psychologists I’ve interviewed for my Beliefnet.com blog “Beyong Blue” say that hiding needs, for example, is precisely why so many marriages fall apart. One or both partners weren’t getting needs net and were afraid or unable to communicate that with the other.
Don’t underestimate the importance of trust and honesty. Writes Grohol, “Different people have different areas of concern, but almost everyone values trust and honesty from their partner above all”.

Becareful with your credit cards

I have just written a message addressed to FBC yahoo group below:

Dear Brothers & Sisters,

I would like to relate an incident that my former colleague ( age 75 yrs) encountered at the General Hospital Kuchng (GH) on 8 th Aug, 2009.

My former colleague went to GH for a check up in the morning, in the process his wallet was picked by someone. After he realized what happened, he reported to the police immediately. By the time he got home around 10.00am the Bank called regarding his credit card and the officer asked whether he has used his card at several petrol stations that morning. He said no, as he has just reported to the Police of his lost. The Bank stopped the card. In fact, the thief has spent around RM600 at Everise, 4 th mile.

Well, this thing happened, but it is good for all of us to be careful with our credit cards. Thieves like to get Senior citizens, so you may want to pass this information along.

Tips about handling Credit cards:

1. If stolen, immediately report to issuing Bank to stop card(s). Important, so that who ever got hold of your card cannot use it like what I related above.

2. Report to the Police in order to secure a formal report for future use with the Bank(s).

3. While in Kuching, just bring along one card only ( if you have several cards ) to reduce your risk.

4. Keep the telephone numbers of the Banks handy so that you can call immediately you experience a card lost. ( Load the number(s) of the Bank(s) in your mobile phone.

5. NEVER keep your PIN numbers with your cards or in your wallet. Memorise the numbers.

These are immediate actions and not exhaustive. What ever it is please be careful.

God bless. Pray that you will never encounter this type of incident.

Brother in Christ,

Alwin

Powerless to pray in the House of God

This is a touching story of our follow Christians Brothers & Sisters in Pahang. They are without electricity. Nonetheless, lets pray for them. Our God is great and He will deliver His people in due time.

By Debra Chong

PUTRAJAYA, Aug 12 — Hope continues to flicker for a small community of Orang Asli Christians in Pahang who have struggled for the past six years for the basic right to worship God.

The Court of Appeal here today granted the Jahut Christians from Kampung Pasu the right to challenge the Temerloh land and district office's refusal to supply water and electricity to their tiny village church, located some 200km from Kuala Lumpur.

The three-man Bench led by Datuk Zainun Ali unanimously overturned the Temerloh High Court's decision last year, clearing the path for the aboriginal Christians to get water and power supplied to their humble dirt-floor church, which also doubles up as a community hall for the villagers.

Zainun also ordered the land and district office to pay RM5,000 in costs to village elder Wet Ket, 59, and his son Yaman Wet, 33, who filed the suit against the local authorities for blocking them from getting the most basic amenities supplied to the church built in their own backyard.

The land and district office, in a letter dated Oct 8, 2007, explained that the church should not be given water and electricity because it is an illegal structure built on ungazetted land and the church had not been given formal approval from the state government to be built, as is required under state law for non-Muslim places of worship.

Senior federal counsel Kamal Azira, who represented the Temerloh land and district office, maintained the same position in court today.

[Former live-in pastor, Jamin Singa was forced to move to Mentakab after authorities refused to supply water and electricity. He returns every weekend to lead the villagers in prayer, putting up with kerosene lamps, bathing in an open air outhouse, stifling heat and mosquito attacks at night.]

Former live-in pastor, Jamin Singa was forced to move to Mentakab after authorities refused to supply water and electricity. He returns every weekend to lead the villagers in prayer, putting up with kerosene lamps, bathing in an open air outhouse, stifling heat and mosquito attacks at night.
But lawyers for the Jahut Christians, Lee Swee Seng and Annou Xavier, convinced the judges that the Aboriginal Peoples Act 1954 did not require the Orang Asli to first get permission from the state or local government for any building on their native land.

“The purpose of the 1954 Act was to 'protect and uplift’ the First People of this country. It is therefore fundamentally a human right statute. It acquires a quasi-constititional status giving it a pre-eminence over ordinary legislation. It must therefore receive a broad and liberal interpretation,” Xavier said, citing a judgment from an earlier case upholding Orang Asli rights, in reply to a question `from the judges who wanted to know if the law clearly outlines the “rights” of the Orang Asli.

The ethnic Jahut have faced much government red tape in carrying out their religious worship since embracing Christianity in 2000.

[Despite the many trials and tribulations, the Jahut Christians in Kampung Pasu keep a cheery outlook for the future of their sunny-coloured church. To the right is village elder Wet Ket's ancestral home.]

Despite the many trials and tribulations, the Jahut Christians in Kampung Pasu keep a cheery outlook for the future of their sunny-coloured church. To the right is village elder Wet Ket's ancestral home.
Their first church, costing RM25,000, was torn down by the local land and district office in 2003, just a few weeks before the villagers, mostly farmers and labourers, planned to celebrate their first Sunday service in the building.

It was only after repeated petitions to the prime minister that the federal government awarded RM35,000 to the villagers to rebuild their church, leading them to believe that they had finally gained the green light to worship in peace and comfort.

But when The Malaysian Insider visited the Evangelical Church of Borneo outpost — better known by its Malay initials SIB (Sidang Injil Borneo) — in Kampung Pasu last year, Wet related how they were barred from pulling power from his house to the church less than five metres away, for evening services.

He had been warned by officers from the land and district office that his own electricity would be cut off if he did not immediately remove the extension cords, Wet added.

To date, the villagers carry out their worship by candlelight. Water flows from an outdoor public tap nearby but not from the ones inside the church, built to house their live-in pastor.

While the Court of Appeal's decision today cleared the first stage, it did not grant their request for their church to be supplied with water and electricity while waiting for the Temerloh High Court's final decision.

The Jahut Christians from Kampung Pasu are still powerless to pray in the house of God which they built.
Top picture: Pastor Jamin Singa
Bottom picture: The Church, also double as community Hall
Source: Malaysian Insider

People Happier as they aged

According to the Bible a better definition of happiness is contentment. Paul said "No matter what circumstances I find myself in, I've learned to be content" (Phil. 4:11)

...according to a review of the available studies on emotions and ageing. Dr Laura Carstensen, a psychology professor at Stanford University found that mental well-being generally improved with age, except for people with dementia-related ill health.

She asked volunteers ranging in age from 18 to mid-90s to take part in various experiments and keep diaries of their emotional state.

She found the older people were far less likely than the younger to experience persistent negative moods and were more resilient to hearing personal criticism.

They were also much better at controlling and balancing their emotions - a skill that appeared to improve the older they became. It would appear that older people are increasingly aware that the time they have left in life is growing shorter.

“They want to make the best of it so they avoid engaging in situations that will make them unhappy.

“They have also had more time to learn and understand the intentions of others which helps them to avoid these stressful situations.”

Read more: http://theplusesofbeing50plus.blogspot.com/#ixzz0Nx7jqaOd

Don't Worry

Post it God

City water at critical level

It is reported on the Borneo Post today that due to the dry seasons and no rain for past two weeks the water level at our reserviors are running low. Just do our best to conserve water, otherwise we may face water rationing soon.

Pray to receive rain from the prevailing typhoon Morakot originating in Taiwan. Pray for those who suffered the wrath of this typhoon in Taiwan and the surrounding regions.

read..http://www.theborneopost.com

Tyhoon Morakot caused havoc in Taiwan & China, picture above showed a hotel fell into the river.

Brother Malcolm's sermon on Sunday

On Sunday 9 th Aug Brother Malcolm lectured on Book of Ephesian. Understand that he started his series last Sunday ( we were away visiting Guruka in Lachau). The title of his sermon was "We got it all"

Spiritual Blessings
Choosen and Holy - Ephesian 1:4
Adoption as sons - Ephesian 1:5
Redemption & forgiveness - Ephesian 1:7,14
Headship - Ephesian 1:10
Inheritance - Ephesian 1:11,14
Guarantee - Ephesian 1:14

The gist of the message is that God has given us all the blessings, do not ask Him to list down the details! Brother Mal related a story about a government department that is willing to cover all the cost of a project as stated in their contract. The receiving department asked for a list down of the details. Brother Mal called that department and ask whether a blank cheque is better or a list of items, they could not answer him. Obviously a "blank cheque" is better! Well, we are sometimes blinded and ask God for details of blessings. Like the title of the sermon "We got it all" said it clearly, it is not necessary to ask for details.

Personally I feel bless to listen to Brother Malcolm's message, he presented it in a clear and easy to listen ways. Praise God! Thank you Brother Malcolm.

Cell Meeting - Fri 7.8.09

We discussed at length the problems facing Guruka Ita. Meanwhile, we have given her some provisions and these should last about 2 months.(She is staying alone) We have asked Pastor Pelli to get a quote to repair her roof, once in we will get it done. Her main problem is health and financial. Health is taken care by the hospital. We are looking to help her find financial solutions. This is an on going matter for our cell to handle.

The discussion on family relationship was lively, in particular how couples in difficulties can get help, and where this can be obtained. Although the Church does not have a formal structure for this we have many seniors who has been through alot and are able to share. Our Cell can look into setting up a formal one for our Church.

The famous saying by a Brother (my opinion) is "After all these years of marriage there are some scratches, but no scars" That says alot about this Brother's marriage. Thank you for your encouragement! Certainly he can share with our young couples about walking the bumpy road of marriage. Than vroooom.....! smooth sailing!

A man fell in a hole

Widow Guruka Ita

On Sunday 2 nd Aug, 2009 Brother Alfred, Sister Gloria, Brother James, Sister Lina, Brother Soon King and Brother Alwin together with Pastor Peli & his wife Nensa called on widow Guruka Ita at her hut. Her kampong was located at Lachau about 180 Km from Kuching. We were there before noon and spent about 2 hours interviewing Guruka as well as checking her place. Her house is just a small hut, about 20 feet by 20 feet the most, there was no electricity or running water. People in the kampung used their own generators. Guruka's generator is out of order, when we asked whether it can be fixed she said she did not need one. She used candles instead in order to save money on petrol for the gen set. There was practically no furniture in her hut except for a small shelve.

Guruka has poor health. She suffered from diabetes (under control), heart ailment that she seek treatment at general hospital Kuching, a growth on her right stomach,and also her right eye cannot see well. Because of her condition she cannot work,except for a little of vegetable growing in her back yard.

Beside the sundries goods that our cell members gave to her, we also passed her some cash so that she can use when ever she goes to the hospital. Transport by van cost to/fro General Hospital Kuching RM50 both ways.

During Gawai recently the people tried to climbed into her hut from the roof as there were gaps up there. Brother Alfred has asked Pastor Peli to get a person who know how to fit it for a quotation so that we can fit it.
Picture 1 (top)Nensa, Guruka & Pastor Peli
Picture 2 Brother Alfred hand over cash to Guruka
Picture 3 Guruka
Picture 4 Soon King, Alfred, Pastor Peli outside the hut
Picture 5 James and Lina getting into the hut

Condolence to Dr.Howe Tung & Chuei Lian

We are sad to hear of the demise of Dr.Howe Tung's father. Our deepest condolence to Dr.Wong, sister Chuei Lian and their children in this difficult time.