All for His Glory :)

Chees in transition...

2010-09-13T22:11:00.007+08:00

I realized that I've kind of lost the inspiration to write after I started working...
There will be times I want to write/journal/blog, yet the tiredness rob me of my energy... I do miss the times I can write freely, think freely and have almost all the time I want to spend with God and friends that matter.

Not that it has been a bad time, the Chees are in the midst of transitions, thus the absence from this space. And the quietness in the household. I've been working for about 2 months and Johnson started his new job as a Primary School teacher today. I've been anxious while I was at work, thinking if he was ok and if he enjoyed his work. Yet another part of me felt sad that we have kind of 'officially' left Campus Crusade, and 'officially' on our own - in some sense, there isn't much community around us as compared to, a few months ago.

Do bear with this empty space for awhile as we cruise through this rocky waves and await for the strong winds to taper down. :) I've kind of expected this transition when we decided to step out and change our jobs a few months ago - but experiencing and going through the transition is sure a whole different ball game.

Life at work for me has been a good one, there are many times I felt that I can do more, and I'm getting the hang of the work, yet there are those rare moments that 'kill' my joy and 'dampen' my spirits. I didn't expect that I will say this, but I think I do enjoy the filing at work, the stress that comes with not knowing how to do things, and the joy that I have finally learned the skill and gained a knowledge. Yet the process from the stress to the joy is... heart wrenching. :p

I cried buckets last Wednesday on my way home from work... First, the thoughts of having doing a presentation that I know nothing about, that I feel unconnected to, that I had to 'pretend' that I know what's going on surely grieved my heart. :\ I didn't know how to expressed what was going through in my heart and mind, and that day ended with several buckets of water. I was confused with the work I had to do, not that there was a lot - but to me it does felt like there was a lot of work especially when I don't know how to do the work. Secondly, I felt really intimidated at times as I didn't know how to speak as well as some staff who was there.. I couldn't write my emails properly, words didn't flow as well as I am writing my blog, and many times my senior staff would come and ask, "Yvonne, I don't really understand what you are saying." and it made me sad, and more disappointed with myself. Writing formal emails and minutes/filenotes/quicknotes can be a challenge especially when my language is deemed weak and it doesn't help when I'm conscious with my language and I take an even longer time to draft and email, and require a third person to vet it :\ sighs. I realised that the more conscious I am with my language, the worse I get... and it's getting worse.

Thirdly, I get frustrated easily when I can't get help when I need it, especially when I have a deadline and I need to get it done to ensure that the bosses get it. And sometimes, it's quite a challenge as I usually ask many clarifying questions before I do my work - and especially more when I am unsure what I have to do. And when that happens, it'll naturally cause other senior staff to slow down in their work as they have to pause for me, and their frustrations will be shown on their face. And that, is what will cause me to retreat back to my own desk... and fiddle with my work - praying that what I am doing will be correct, and that my bosses will not think that I am inefficient. However, several times I realized that I had to re-do and do the work I just did again and again. A test of my patience indeed.. a great lesson to be learned and re-learned many times...

I cried on my way home from work on Thursday and tears just fell uncontrollably when I was in the cab. The taxi uncle saw me crying from his rear mirror, and he seemed quite uncomfortable. I tried to hide my tears, but in vain. The atmosphere in the taxi was quiet and tensed, the taxi uncle drove really fast as if he was telling me, don't worry Uncle will bring u home. And that made me cry more. I don't really know what triggered the tears - the presentation that I didn't know how to do and that I had to present to my CEO and several bosses, the insecurities about my incapability at work, or the part that I miss direct meaningful work. The taxi stopped by a red light, and the uncle turned, "This tissue is clean one, don't worry, can use one." The uncle passed me a pack of new tissue and said, "We are reaching soon ok! Don't worry, it's ok one. It's ok." and more tears fell from my eyes. At that moment, I missed dad. Or being able to share with someone that I had a challenging day at work... and just be comforted, not to be scolded or ignored but to be real and be me. I guess it's just how everything is coming together, the transitions, and reality that I'll be here for a while until God deemed me ready for the next season - which I don't know when... and so for that while I need to be comfortable to be unsure, and insecure, but only be secure in God.

As Johnson started his work today, I felt really happy for him that he is able to impact lives at school. I'm sure he'll do so well. Just circumstantially, right now, I just need to be where I am, doing non-direct work and allow God to lead me in every step of the way. It's challenging, but I am thankful for the little things in life - Johnson, the taxi uncle, the filing satisfaction and nice colleagues and Abba Father.

Till the next post... We'll cruise.

A new beginning in the marketplace

2010-07-19T20:38:00.011+08:00

I am sitting at my desk, at home, at 8:46pm... finally having some time to my own and *Finally* having the mood to journal after the period of roller coaster / transition. My last day of work with Singapore Campus Crusade was on 16 June 2010. And on 17 June 2010, we were declared a single income family, and Johnson became the breadwinner of the family. It was funny though, because Johnson let out a roar, "I ammmmm now the breeeeeaaaaaddddwiiinnnnnneeerrrrrr!" *Faints* He's really a very funny and supportive husband. :)

I started clearing my leave from Campus Crusade since 3 June 2010, and since then I've been resting, meeting up with friends, going out for coffee with girlfriends, looking for the "promised land" that God has prepared for me and waking up at 10am everyday! :) It's been a really good time for me as I finally had time to go for facials, pedicure once with Jennifer, attended 2 friends' weddings, attended a Church camp from 14-17 June in KL, extended our KL trip from 17-20th June to visit Sarah and David, and attended my younger sister's graduation! :)
She's finally graduated! :) so proud of her!
The church camp was a great time of ministry Johnson and I had with God.. we managed some time to pray for our marriage and for Johnson to lead as the head of the household, for our inlaws family issues and our relationship as a married couple. It's been a long journey and tomorrow marks 11 months ever since the boat rocked through the storm for us. We are thankful to God for how He has brought us through the storm, for uniting our hearts, healing our souls and strengthening our bond and love for each other. That said, I am proud to say that we have a stronger marriage as compared to the one 11 months ago. Indeed, "No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it" 1 Cor 10:13

Ever since I tendered my resignation in April (2 months notice), I have sent out more than 20 resumes, went to 6 companies for all in all, 9 interviews. And it has been a journey of faith as I knew what God has wants for me this season in my life, yet I do not know where He wants me to be:
1. To focus on building a Godly Christ centred marriage
2. To find a job that I can tap on my management skills and learn something new
3. To find a job that avoids direct work, so that my emotional reserves can be reserved for my marriage and family this season
4. To love God and love Johnson

After much prayer and wise counsel over the past few months, God has allowed me much wisdom and peace, He spoke clearly to my heart during crunch time, when I had to turn down 2 job offers and risk not having any job in the near future.

God has never been so real to me in my life until when I finally came down to the final 2 job offers... one non direct work and one partially direct work.

"The watchman opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger's voice." John 10:3-5

Jesus reveals Himself to His sheep in such a way that they'll respond... He does not force them to follow Him but they are willing to follow... He's act of revealing Himself and His voice to me, to allow me to recognize Him is solely by His grace. God's effective Grace for me :) On the night before I went to the company (that God knew that it was the place He wants me to be, but I didn't know), I prayed with Johnson to seek His wisdom in accepting the right offer that He has for me. I remembered feeling very anxious after I called up a few friends who worked in that company, as they shared some good and also very challenging things within the company, that I may have to brace myself for a steep learning curve and work if I chose to enter the organization- and I panicked. I haven't worked outside of ministry work for 4 years and surely, going into a management job isn't something that I am totally familiar and confident with, especially I have been working in a direct and empowering work for the past 5 years!! At that juncture I panicked and complained to Johnson that I should have remained in SCCC and said that I will choose the direct work one as I'm more familiar with the work! But Johnson held me down and said, "Ask God for a sign dear, let's pray."

Half way through our prayers, in the most miraclous manner, never had I ever experienced before, God spoke. God spoke the most direct words that I ever needed to hear, from the head of my household. God knew that I needed to be submissive to my husband and I was working on for the longest time. Johnson was dumbstruck, and he paused his prayers and stared at me. He held my hands and said, "God has something for you. Tomorrow you will go into the promised land, do not be afraid of the grasshoppers." "Are you kidding me?" I asked Johnson. We knew it was God, because it was the similar passage that God used to assure us out of the land of Campus Crusade - the passage on the Moses and Aaron bringing the Israelites out of their wilderness (numbers 14). But this time round, God reminded Johnson of the 12 spies that were sent to the promised land in numbers 13. And my friends whom I've called were like the spies that God has placed graciously for me to encourage me, but I became worried and panicked instead, and I began to complain like the Israelites, to God, for bringing them out of the wilderness - when I realized my mistake, I was so gulity of the complaining and the blaming.

We went to the bible to read what God has intended for me through Johnson, the passage on the 12 spies, and found this at the end of numbers 13... "Then Caleb silenced the people before Moses and said, "We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it." But the men who had gone up with him said, "We can't attack those people; they are stronger than we are." And they spread among the Israelites a bad report about the land they had explored. They said, "The land we explored devours those living in it. All the people we saw there are of great size. We saw the Nephilim there (the descendants of Anak come from the Nephilim). We seemed like grasshoppers in our own eyes, and we looked the same to them."" Numbers 13:30-33

I made a cross reference and looked into the study bible to find this:

From Matthew Henry's complete commentary:
v. 33. They spoke as if they were ready to tremble at the mention of them, as they had done at the sight of them. "O these tremendous giants! when we were near them, we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, not only little and weak, but trembling and daunted." Compare Job 39:20, Canst thou make him afraid as a grasshopper? "Nay, and so we were in their sight; they looked upon us with as much scorn and disdain as we did upon them with fear and trembling." So that upon the whole matter they gave it in as their judgment, We are not able to go up against them (v. 31), and therefore must think of taking some other course.

But, though they deserved to be posted for cowards, this was not the worst, the scripture brands them for unbelievers. It was not any human probabilities they were required to depend upon, but, (1.) They had the manifest and sensible tokens of God's presence with them, and the engagement of his power for them. The Canaanites were stronger than Israel; suppose they were, but were they stronger than the God of Israel? We are not able to deal with them, but is not God Almighty able? Have we not him in the midst of us? Does not he go before us? And is any thing too hard for him? Were we as grasshoppers before the giants, and are not they less than grasshoppers before God? Their cities are walled against us, but can they be walled against heaven?

And I was fully humbled by God's immerse love and grace for me to assure me that He is leading me into the Promised Land that has milk and honey, and He'll protect me from his grasshoppers (his people) in that land.
I messaged by pastor and he said that God will surely reveal to me and keep the door for this organization open if this is the place He wants me to be in... and when I was walking to the organization the next day, I came across a land of greens and a train came by, as if I was crossing over to the Promised Land:

and God impressed on my heart with Psalm 127:1 that He has built the house for me, "Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain."

And of course, the organization did offer me the job willingly and granted me a position that I can continue to do my social services, and management work. :)

I started work on 14th July at National Council of Social Service (NCSS) as a Senior Executive in the department of Family Services, and today's my 4th day of work :) Here's a glimpse of my new desk!
It has been a steep learning curve, but God has been gracious to me. He has granted me great understanding colleagues, a wonderful team of supportive young ladies to work with and Spiritual encouragers too! Though the work is challenging and I am learning things afresh, it has been great and I am looking forward to work! :)

Johnson has tendered his resignation and moving on to the Promised Land God has for our family :) He has been offered to be a Primary school PE teacher and will commence on his one year teaching contract before NIE training on 13 September 2010!

It is going to be a major transition and a new ministry for us! We are both excited to see how God will continue to lead us and use us as we enter into the marketplace to be the Light and Salt for Him!

Please continue to pray for Johnson and I as we adjust to our transitions!
Pray for our walk with God and our marriage to persist in His presence and love. :)
Pray that we will be His light and Salt in our workplace!

Thank you all prayer warriors! :) Till the next post! We'll be updating our pray requests here! Please leave your footprints and tags! :)

love you lots!

reflections :)

2010-05-31T09:58:00.010+08:00

I am sitting in the office, alone, at 845am. As I am usually the earliest in the office, but not just that, my team are all on personal retreat today and I had to come to office to pack my stuffs and send in my receipts for final claims. :) No, today's not my last day at work, but tmw is my last working day before I start clearing leave and 16 June will be my last day on staff. As I am seated here, I'm reminded of how the Lord has blessed my journey of growth in this family :)

And it is true, God has been with me these 4 years, and I have not lacked anything. :)

"The LORD your God has blessed you in all the work of your hands. He has watched over your journey through this vast desert. These forty years the LORD your God has been with you, and you have not lacked anything."
Deut 2:7

And I want to engrave this into my heart and mind, and remember His faithfulness - that He will continue to bless me in the work of my hands and watches over my next journey through this new land. :)

A few colleagues came along to ask me how I was feeling... I must say I'm thankful that I am feeling a lot better than I expected! Mixture of sadness and excitement as I look ahead of what I don't know is to come, what God has intended for me. :p

Took a longer glance at the pantry and at the office. I must admit that leaving an organization this time as compared to 4 years ago is a totally different experience. 4 years ago, I was a more timid, rash yet enthusiastic person who seek more of my personal interests than anything else. And when I did left the office, I recalled that I felt lesser of the sadness and memories with the colleagues there. Today, as I prepare for this new season of life, I feel that I've grown to be more mature and courageous, less rash, more clear headed and hopefully still enthusiastic :) I love my job, my colleagues and God because this place is more than a job to me, but a family :)

"The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."
Deut 31:8

"I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name."
Rev 3:8

The desk that I worked on for at least 2 years :) the 2 years before this, I was a campus staff running around at SMU and SIM! :D

The creative wall that was hand drawn by our own staff that brings colors to our mundane office

The wall that has our Creative Communications (Creative Ministry of SCCC) Vision :) that constantly reminds us the reason why God called us to ministry. This shall be my motto in life in the next phase of my ministry at my new workplace too! :)

I know that God is preparing a good place for a new season of growth for me. Looking ahead! :D
These shall be His words of promises and strength as I enter into the Promised land that He has so laid before me :)

"One thing I ask of the LORD,
this is what I seek:
that I may dwell in the house of the LORD
all the days of my life,
to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD
and to seek him in his temple."
Psalm 27:4

"Surely goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever."
Psalm 23:6

:)

Impacting the world with Media, people and books!

2010-05-27T09:46:00.005+08:00

4 more working days and 1 weekend till I go on leave to clear my leaves..
21 more days till I end my term with SCCC.
For hubs, he's still got a longer while till Sep 2010 before he advances to newer grounds! (to be revealed in time)

It's shocking when I realized how fast time passes and how at peace yet at the same time concerned, when I cannot find a job. :p God is still faithful, He's not late, neither early. He's always on time :)

I just finished my final project with WAP; A School short film training and it has been a great exposure for the team and for me to summarize my work here. What's there not to like? Students - I like, Teaching - I like, short films - I like... except that I had to wake up at 615am to reach the school by 830am. :p I had the opportunity to start the session with - Story in Pictures. To get them warmed up and start their brains with pictures and learning to tell stories from random pictures. :) It is engaging and it excites me when the students engages with me :)

Johnson has been busy helping with the Mass Media move from Braddell to Tai Seng! It has been a tiring 2 weeks for the team as they had to use their muscles and heads to pack, move and now unpack the more than 100 boxes of books!!! and shelves and internet and tables etc... *faints*
I'll go over to help once in a while to support Johnson and the team of SCCC Mass Media staff :)

Impacting the world with Media, people and books! :D

Seeking the promised land..

2010-05-19T09:35:00.005+08:00

It's been a while since I've blogged and seriously, I don't really know where to start :p

I never knew that finding a job, seeking God's will and summarizing the work and journey in SCCC that God has led me to 4 years ago all at the same time can be rather challenging. But God has been faithful. I must say, I am enjoying the ups and downs - accompanied with experiencing God's grace and leading during this time. It is great that I finally understood what some of my working friends shared the last time - that it is pressurizing when the "whole world" is applying for a job, when companies value fresh graduates more :p, when many are comparing their pay checks, when fears n uncertainty of the future creeps in. It's not easy! I finally understood what some share that it is never easy leaving your family - and Campus Crusade has been more than just work to me, they are my family. It's seriously a eye-opening and f-a-i-t-h---s-t-r-e-t-c-h-i-n-g journey for me. But I am thankful. Thankful for the firm foundation that God has built in my life to face these uncertainty now :) My God is faithful! :)

I am excited for what the future holds for me. :)

Thankful that Hubby Johnson is still working in Mass Media, Campus Crusade and serving God as I venture out to the marketplace first. Thankful that his job is constant and only mines changing for now. Thankful that our supporters are understanding and are still continuing to support hubby in his work in SCCC even though I'm leaving, thankful that supporters still see his work in SCCC - OUR missionary journey and are supportive. Thankful for loving supporters. :)

Thankful that Hubby's supportive, and his heart is for God's ministries and His kingdom purpose, thankful that Hubby is sensitive to my emotional roller-coaster during this time - as I pack up my 4 years and continue the journey that God has been preparing me during the 4 years. *breathes*

I've sent out about 22 resumes to 22 job postings? And out of 22, 5 rejected, 2 arranged for interviews and 1 offered. So, I went for 1 interview and it turned out that the interviewer wanted to test my threshold for the job and I had a hard time answering some questions and was scolded at some times - but they still offered :) Now, I've just need to pray and seek God by next week Monday, about this place and position for the next 2 years at least. I've got another job interview next week which I am keen to find out - but it's a non-profit organization and probably not a very exciting pay, but with an exciting job scope. How? :)

That's the thing I face right now. Do I apply back into the VWOs and get a lower pay and some do more work, or into the Govt social services? But the Govt ones take pretty a long time (1 mth to 2) to reply... and I'll be officially out of job in exactly one month. exciting ya. :P
Praying for God to open up doors and His wisdom to discern my promise land :)

thanks for praying for us!

Lord You are always here with me

2010-05-15T06:38:00.000+08:00

G
When the trouble comes
Bm7
I trust in You
Em Bm7
For i know You will lead me through
C G
And i know You are faithful
D
till the end

G D
Lord You are always here with me
Em
There is no changing God in Thee
G Am7
You are the same yesterday
Em D
and today and forevermore
G D
Here on your promises i stand
Em7 C
You hold my future in Your hand
Am7
My solid rock
D
Almighty God
G
I worship you

And when the storms are drawing near
When i'm with You i dont have to fear
You're my shepherd on whom i can depend

Em
Through the day
C D
Through the night
Em7 D
I know You're always be by my side

Change is brewing - Wife of Say Chees -

2010-05-10T09:36:00.004+08:00

crossroads

“The Lord is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” Deut 31:8

Since December last year, you will probably know from our monthly updates that change is brewing. Ever since the ‘Jesus and your boat: The Chee family update’ in Sep 09, Johnson and I have been seeking out for God’s will for our marriage and our lives. After much prayers and counsel from family, friends and mentors in church, Johnson and I have decided that I will leave staff come Jun 2010, and Johnson will continue his ministry in Mass Media, Singapore Campus Crusade for Christ (SCCC). The long term goal for me is to return to the social work sector, to fulfill the passion that God had first given me to reach out to the troubled youths and families in Singapore. The short term goal is for me right now is to rest in Him :). As for Johnson, due to the current responsibilities he has with the ministry and leaders, his next step is in discussion with the leadership. As such, the official update of his next step will only be published in June. If you wish to know his next steps, you can email me for direct updates :)

“As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Isa 55:9

(my calling verse from my first newsletter in Jul 2006)

I began my journey with Singapore Campus Crusade for Christ with a step of faith in May 2006. “Wilderness Training” was the phrase that Jesus gave me in Jul 06, and affirmed me that this was a season of training for a greater purpose.

Four years later (present time, quoting one of the many affirmations that God has given me) I was seated in a church sanctuary listening to a sermon on the Book of Numbers. It was on chapter 14, which details the rebellion of the Israelites after the spies were sent out to explore the land of Canaan (the Promised land). The Israelites grumbled against God for bringing them out of the wilderness and refused to enter the Promised land that He prepared for them. Their ungratefulness and disobedience angered God and He forbade the sinful generation from entering the Promised land. But God remained faithful and kept His promise by allowing their children to enter. One of the pastor’s points was that such wilderness training was vital to our spiritual journey with God. God allows us to enter into wilderness training at some point of our lives to refine our skills or bring about a character growth for the next season of our lives; we ought to listen to the voice of God and move into the wilderness, entering obediently into the Promised land when He calls us to.

God revealed to my heart at that juncture, that I was at the end of my wilderness training and it was time that I move into the Promised land.

TRUSTING IN HIM
My understanding of ‘calling’ has deepened over the years. I resonate with what a friend of mine mentioned in her newsletter about the idea of focused ‘calling’. Quoting from her, “I believe that there are some for whom God has a very clearly defined and focused life calling. For example, Mother Theresa, or Hudson Taylor - people who literally do the work that God has called them to their whole life long. I admire them for their tenacity, perseverance and obedience. Then again, I believe that not everyone has that kind of a focused ‘calling’. Instead, God can lead a person from one season of ministry to another at any time - but at just the right time.”

Our ministry is to minister and bring His truth and comfort to anyone that God brings to our paths, and to use our marriage to reflect His holiness and love. Honestly I do not know what has God intended for me in this new season, but I know that He wants me to rest, to realign our marriage to Him and to trust in Him. It is exciting too as I open my heart to explore this new beginning He has for us!

Please pray for me as I venture back into the marketplace to impact the world for Him! :)

Please read on to find out more about updates and news here: Road Less Traveled - By wife of "Say Chees!" Apr-May 2010 update

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A HEART FULL OF THANKSGIVING

I am thankful to God for every friend that I’ve made, every conflict resolved, every obstacle overcame, every opportunity to surrender, every opportunity to witness His miracles and every prayer answered.

I am thankful for every ministry opportunity for me to experience God’s goodness, every growth opportunity to face my weaknesses and to sharpen my character and ministry skills, every failure, success, every gospel seed sown and every soul saved.

I am thankful for You, my faithful and loving supporters, for your partnership in God’s ministry. For every encouragement that you have blessed me with, for every prayer that was offered on my behalf, your sacrifices of love and for believing in the ministry that God has called us this season of our lives. I am thankful that throughout my years on staff, I have received my monthly salary in full, never once did I lack. :)

I am thankful for the ministry of Wide Angle Productions, for my bosses who are always patient with me, who never fail to encourage me and grant me opportunities to learn on the job. Thankful for every person on the team who has spoken into my life in one way or another, shared every success and failure of our projects and laughed at every joke that I’ve made :)

I am thankful for Singapore Campus Crusade for Christ for granting me a platform to serve God wholeheartedly and for equipping me with ministry skills that will last for a lifetime :) Thank you so much for obeying God’s call, for building deeply into the lives of students and encouraging them to be a fruitful disciple of Christ. Thankful for every ministry that is made available to people out there, from campus ministry that reaches out to students, to the marketplace ministry, to the homemakers ministry as well as creative professionals, etc. I know that wherever I go, I will still be able to find support and every opportunity to volunteer in these ministries.

I am thankful for my mentors in Church and in Campus Crusade, for the support that was given, every wise counsel and love that was showered to us. Thank you for being our pillars of hope and encouragement all the time.

Last but not least, I am thankful for Johnson, for taking responsibility as the head of the household, for desiring to grow and lead in our marriage, for encouraging me during emotional times, and for being there for me.

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WIFE OF SAY CHEES' MILESTONES

“...He thus revealed his glory, and his disciples put their faith in him.” (John 2:11) ...and my faith grew in leaps & bounds!

IN 2005, I graduated from NUS and applied for a job as a Social Worker. I went for my first mission trip to Sri Lanka, where God enlarged my heart for His kingdom purpose. God revealed to me that He wanted me to do a ‘new work’ in me. “Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Phil 1:6)

IN 2006, I went for a mission trip to East Asia and God enlarged my perspective of global missions. In May that year, God challenged me to enter into full time ministry to mould my ministry skills, my spiritual foundation and relationship with Him. It was also a test of faith that God intended me to go through. God’s lesson plan for me was:
- To know and trust Him in every aspect of my life
- Character growth
- Loving others
- Serving others
- To build in me a nurturing heart
- To find acceptance and love from the right places - God
- Physical and Spiritual Maturity - in His word
- Build up my ministry skills - at the front line or behind-the-scenes
- Relationship with my peers and leaders
God affirmed His leading for me in this season and provided for my full salary in 2 weeks!

In 2007, I completed SCCC’s School Of LEADership training programme (ministry equipping skills) after a 9-month-stay at the Great Commission Training Centre (GCTC). I had the opportunity to lead and serve a group of SMU and SIM students in discipleship and evangelism with a senior staff. Our leaders challenged me that year to co-lead a mission trip to Tokyo, Japan with a senior staff. God expanded my heart and faith in Him - He showed me that I only needed to obey and that He’ll provide for me. My faith grew abundantly! Johnson also proposed to me that November!

IN 2008, I hopped on to the media ministry of SCCC - Wide Angle Productions (WAP). WAP’s Parable Project and East Asia media training for a group of East Asia staff became my main projects for the next half of the year. In Nov that year, Johnson and I got married! We witnessed how God provided for every aspect of our wedding. He has also answered our prayers and provided us a temporary home to rent for the next 1 year.

IN 2009, God answered our prayers for Johnson’s application for PR! We also witnessed how God paved our way smoothly and answered our prayers for a place to call home. That year, Johnson and I had the opportunity to plan and conduct several evangelistic trainings for students in Student Venture and members of Calvary Baptist Church. God began to stir in my heart to step out of SCCC, and provided leaders, pastors and friends to talk to. Johnson and I began to pray for God to direct our steps.

IN 2010, in answering to our prayers, God brought along several people to affirm God’s word for me, He'll go ahead of me as I enter into the Promised Land.

PRAYERS
1. Do pray for me as I discuss my exit with my leaders in SCCC and in church, and as I plan for my next steps!
2. Pray for Johnson as he continues his ministry with Mass Media, SCCC
3. Pray for Johnson as he discusses with SCCC’s leadership about his responsibilities in SCCC and his decision for his next steps.
4. Pray that supporters will continue to support Johnson, as he remains and completes our missionary journey in SCCC.

--------------------------------------------------
My last day with SCCC is on 16 Jun ‘10. If you’d like to continue supporting us by supporting Johnson, you do not need to do anything. :) You’ll be informed of his decision and next steps come June 2010. However, if you’d like to discontinue your support at the end of June, please inform me via email :)

For supporters who send in Cheques and desire to continue supporting our missionary journey or New Supporters: Please write all cheques to “Campus Crusade Asia Ltd.” and write “Johnson Chee John Son” on the overleaf of the cheque. Send the Cheque to our office (address below)

It is with mixed feelings of sadness and excitement that I conclude my final newsletter as a staff with Singapore Campus Crusade for Christ. But of course, you’ll still be hearing from me FROM HERE! :D and Johnson’s monthly updates!!
This blog is still existent okay! :) Do let me know if you’ll like to be included in my quarterly personal email updates! :) Thank you so much!

Yvonne Tay
johnsonyvonne.blogspot.com

Say Chees! Mar-Apr news!

2010-04-07T23:47:00.002+08:00

Hi friends!

April is finally here! Can't believe that time flew past so fast and it's a quarter of the year 2010 already! *grasps* May the Lord continue to guide your steps and bless you as you bless those around you! :) Let's press on to love those we have around us and continue to serve God faithfully!

We've decided to save some trees this month.. :p so we are sending you via online!! :D
Here's our latest news! (or right click from the right side :) )
http://download.sccc.org.sg/letters/johnson_yvonne-apr10.pdf

Hope it'll bring you encouragement, joy and hope as you read our colorful newsletter inspired by our Lord Jesus! :)

Serving together,
Johnson and Yvonne :)

quotes that sustains... me. :)

2010-04-07T23:40:00.003+08:00

“One of the best wedding gifts God gave you was a full-length mirror called your spouse. Had there been a card attached, it would have said, “Here’s to helping you discover what you’re really like!”

– Gary and Betsy Ricucci

The more you invest in a marriage, the more valuable it becomes.
--Amy Grant

A great marriage is not when the 'perfect couple' come together. It is when an imperfect couple learns to enjoy their differences.
--Dave Meurer

Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God. Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word. That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church: For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church. Nevertheless let everyone of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.
--Ephesians 5:21-33

Journeys and lessons :)

2010-03-04T14:56:00.004+08:00

I was chatting with a dear sister during lunch time, and through the conversation, I came to realize that it's been a really long time since I journaled down thoughts and shared about our lives on our blog. I miss those times that I used to be able to blog and journal freely, and the inspiration to write would come so naturally! Not that I am admitting that I am older and slower now :p but I think the entire sense of laziness and life has overtaken me. *breathed heavily and paddles for a floating plank* :p *grinz*

As most of you would have known, Johnson and I went through a "storm" in the first year of our marriage and we've been paddling and swimming, grabbing hold of planks.. Looking back, we are thankful to God for helping us "cruise" through the storm :) We are alright now, and are trying to figure out what and where God is leading us as a family.

I am thankful for this married journey that God has blessed us and me with, I am thankful for the many lessons that He has granted me to grow. :) Now I finally understood what it means when people (I mean my mom and many aunties, and mentors) reminded us constantly before we were married that "Marriage is hard work" and it is! Though being married to Johnson has brought me also a lot of joy and funny journeys - as some would know him :)

After 1 yr of marriage, here's some interesting things I've learned about him and myself that I knew less before we were married:
(Adding to the list here)
1. He's a morning person and I'm not
2. He likes to wake up early in the morning and not waste his day, whereas I love to sleep
3. He likes to switch on the TV to the news channel every morning first thing when he wakes up, as if to connect to the world and gradually "wake up" :)
4. He loves sitting on our sofa to "wake up" when he wakes up from bed, and when he comes home from work
5. He's an enforcer - once his mind is set on something, he'll make sure he does it diligently. In this case, to wake up early and exercise twice a week before work (running) and twice a week after work to swim (total of 3-4 times of exercise!)
6. He enjoys the food I cook once a week
7. He's a real help to the household chores at home
8. He's an encourager - he speaks forth more words of encouragement and shows affirmation more than I do!
9. He doesn't like to waste time - and I often take my time to prepare in the morning to go to work together, so he gets frustrated when I take my own sweet time = waste time. :p *grinz*
10. He's definitely a breakfast person! I'm not. :p

As I reflect upon what we have forged over the past one year, here are some healthy new routines we have set, to encourage us as we spur to encourage and love one another in the Lord and in our marriage:
1. We say "good morning" to each other first thing when we wake up
2. We welcome each other with hugs in the morning before any activities like preparing for work and breakfast happens
3. We try to leave the house together
4. When either one of us comes home later than the other, the one at home must welcome the other with a big "HELLO!" and come to the door to welcome the other :p
5. We split the household chores and help one another in the chores at home
6. We take 15-30mins each day to share from the book - Night Light by Dr James and Shirley Dobson (a devotional for couples that allows us to share about our growth in marriage and how we think each of us did in our roles etc.)
7. After the devotion, we take time to pray for ourselves and for our friends and family members
8. We say "Goodnight!" to each other before we sleep
9. We try to fix "Thursday" nights as our dating and quality time spending day (Johnson plans for 3 nights out of 4 in a month! :p)
10. I will cook a meal to have at home once a week, if not once fortnightly

It has been really a challenge keeping up to these routines, but because we have seen the benefits it gives to our relationship, we are keeping it up! And when we fail to do it, we'll make it up the following week! ;p try la. :p

Recently, I've been reading a book called, "The Excellent Wife" by Martha Peace (no, not that I want to pursue to be the most excellent wife in this world) recommended by a website that I came across that encourages wives to read this book as it uses Proverbs 31 to provide the biblical perspective of how wives should be... It's a really good book I must say..

Some precious lessons that I'll like to share with you:
1. God's will for every Christian wife is that her most important ministry be to her husband (Gen 2:18) After a wife's own personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ, nothing else should have greater priority. Her husband should be the primary benefactor of his wife's time and energy, not the recipent of what may be left over at the end of the day.

2. God is purposefully working in our lives :) God's promises to us all of your life experiences, including any evil that has been done against you, for your good. One example of good that comes from adversity is changes in your character as you become more like the Lord Jesus Christ. (Roms 8:28-19)

3. God wants me to be a joyful and fulfilled wife. (Proverbs 31:13,18,25,28,29)

4. Satan is against everything that God establishes. So, he tries to undermine the home and the wife's role. You are to stand firm against the schemes of the devil by being an obedient Christian. One biblical requirement of your obedience is for you to graciously place yourself and remain under your husband's authority (unless he asks you to sin). God's protection covers you by means of the authority structure God has set up for us as wives. His plan was devised from His perfectly pure heart of love, God does His very best to protect wives. Keep in mind that you will never be what God wants you to be until you place yourself under God's plan by coming under the authority of your husband. If you do not, you have not done everything biblically possible to "stand firm" (Eph 6:13)

5. The Hebrew word "echad", which means "one, alike, altogether, or all at once" which is used in Genesis 2:24 referring to husbands and wives, and in Deuteronomy 6:4 to the Trinity. Men and women are supposed to be a compound unity in marriage just like the Trinity. However, because of our sin nature, this can only happen in Christ. God calls us to be tender, compassionate, and merciful to our spouse. He calls us to love each other sacrificially, putting the other person first, and yielding our rights. He tells us to communicate openly, honestly, and humbly; to understand each other, and be reliable and faithful.

6. The goal of a Christian couple is to have oneness that is characterized by a loving spiritual and physical bond that glorifies God and thereby enhances personal spiritual growth. This is accomplished as each partner helps the other become as much like the Lord Jesus Christ as possible. Galatians 6:1-2 calls us to bear one another's burdens. "Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such a one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." So our responsibility is to be diligent in pursuing oneness with our own husband so that we might bring glory to God.

7. As Christian wives, our goal is to glorify God, and if that is our desire, then we must understand God's perspective on our marriages. Man and woman were created in the image of God, but man was created first because it is his responsibility to rule over the earth. Just as Christ glorified the Father by doing His work, so we are to glorify our husbands by doing our husband's "work." The Trinity is a model for the harmony that we are to have in our home. We see that our husband is like Christ. He is made in the image of God, and glorifies God by doing His work. We are like the Holy Spirit. We are made in the image of God, and we glorify our husbands by being suitable helpers for them.

8. God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him, not most satisfied in our husbands - they cannot become our idols or our desires cannot become our idols. We can have the same love and continual delight in our Lord that we see in the Psalms, like Psalm 119, when we focus on Him and His goodness, and how He is working in our lives to glorify Himself.

More to come as I continue this book...
God is good :)

When I Cry..

2010-02-11T11:50:00.001+08:00

Came across a friend's blog while reflecting on what I have been reading from the book of John, and wondering about the bleakness of my life; it is one of those days when I wondered what my future will be like; one of those days when I recall vividly what happened on that fateful day; Listening to this song, and looking back, this song brings me comfort now, and sums up what I so agree in my heart :)

"When I Cry"
by Gaither Vocal Band
Written by Marshall Hall

Making a list of all of the good things You've done for me
Lord, I've never been one to complain
But right now I'm lost and I can't find my way
My world's come apart and it's breaking my heart
But it helps to know Your heart is breaking too

When I cry, You cry
When I hurt, You hurt
When I've lost someone
It takes a piece of You, too
And when I fall on my face
You fill me with grace
'Cause nothing breaks Your heart
Or tears You apart
Like when I cry

Alone in the dark, face in my hands, crying out to You
Lord, there's never been a time in my life
There's so much at stake, there's so much to lose
But I trust it to You
You'll bring me through
And it helps me to know that I'm not alone

When I cry, You cry
When I hurt, You hurt
When I've lost someone
It takes a piece of You, too
And when I fall on my face
You fill me with grace
'Cause nothing breaks Your heart
Or tears You apart
Like when I cry

You're the one who calmed the raging sea
You're the one who made the blind to see
You looked through all of heaven and eternity
And through it all you saw me...

When I cry, You cry
When I hurt, You hurt
And when I've lost someone it takes a piece of You, too
When I fall on my face, You fill me with grace
Nothing breaks your heart, or tears you apart
Like when I cry

One thing I desire

2010-02-11T08:04:00.000+08:00

The song that I listen to everyday on repeat mode,and the song that kept me going..

One thing
One thing I desire
One thing I seek
To gaze upon Your beauty
Your majesty

In the day of trouble
You cover me
In the secret place of refuge
Lord I will sing

So I pray to You
So I pray to You

Lord Your Name is higher than the heavens
Lord Your Name is higher than all created things
Higher than hope
Higher than dreams
The Name of the Lord

All I want is You
All I want is You
Jesus

Say Chees "FAB"! (Feb10 email update) :)

2010-02-10T15:11:00.013+08:00

It was about 9.30 p.m., Johnson and I were browsing through the channels on one Saturday night and were surprised to come across a scene of a teenage girl playing and singing a Chinese worship song on her guitar on a Channel 8 programme!!! Johnson and I stared back at each other and wondered, "Is this what we think it is? How can this be?" We watched the show in amazement and we were right, it was a short film about a family who lost their only daughter, son-in-law and unborned grandchild in a car accident while they were on a holiday in Australia, and found the strength and peace in our heavenly father to move on in life and testify of the God who was very existent in their daughter's and now in their lives. As the credits were running at the end of the show, Johnson and I were thrilled and felt affirmed that God is opening up opportunities in the area of film and media.

The film we watched is called "Letters to Heaven - 天堂情书" produced by August pictures, on Mediacorp TV Channel 8. It is amazing to know that Singapore media scene is opening up for more avid movie and film makers to enter, allowing more Christian avid film makers to enter into this new arena to influence and impact the changing generation who are sitting before their computers and Television set every other day!! It is even more encouraging that both our ministries in Mass Media and Wide Angle Productions aka Media team are involved in creating such short films! Mass Media's "The Deal" DVD has officially launched! It's a short film about a testimony on Kelvin Soh (a reformed addict)’s wife, Suzzan, on how knowing God helped her to overcome her addiction to gambling. Wide Angle Productions continue to work on the 'Ariel Documentary' film - of a true life story of a man and wife who is faced with the possibility of losing their young toddler daughter, Ariel, in a life-changing liver transplant. In the entire process, God protected the couple, gave them another child, and also provided a suitable liver for Ariel! To date, she has been adapting well with her new liver for more than a year already. We hope to be able to reenact and retell the story of God's grace and love in the lives of the couple and Ariel, to impact and engage our audience minds to ponder about the God Ariel and family knows.

Where are we now?

(Mass Media team at an event)

Over at Mass Media, we (Johnson) just had a planning retreat over 2 days on the 1st and 2nd Feb at YMCA (Steven's Rd). The mission of Winning Souls, Saving Minds remains the core of the Mass Media ministry. This year will see many exciting things coming up, some of which are Christian writers, Philip Yancey and Josh McDowell, being invited to come to Singapore in May to share to different churches and also Ministry of Community Development,Youth and Sports!!

Praise be to God that Mass Media officially started selling the DVD "The Deal" in January. There were a few music rights issues in December 09' because some of the music used in the movie were not approved by their producers, but after much discussion and negotiation, it is settled and now ready for sale! Already a few hundred copies have been snapped by churches to be used for outreach. Pray that this DVD will be able to reach out to Christians and non-Christians alike who are bonded to gambling.

There is also a collaboration with Yeo Hiap Seng, to launch a new book called "The Soy Sauce Towkay". This book features, Yeo Thian In, the founder of Yeo Hiap Seng, on how he build the famous soy sauce enterprise based on his strong belief and values founded on Christ. Pray that as this book is being sold at major shops like Times, Kinokuniya, that non-Christians will know the God behind this successful man.

(WAP at the end of a training)

Wide Angle Productions (The ministry Yvonne's in) are currently searching for suitable talents to act in our on-going 'Ariel documentary'. So far, many have sent in their resumes and our team producer have been busy slotting them in for casting, so that we can select the most suitable ones for the reenactment of the story! It has been exciting seeing how God brings in people from all walks of life, people who are interested in acting in our documentary, into our office and allowing us to interact with them regardless of their age, gender and religion. It's exciting seeing how the details of the making of this documentary comes together, like different pieces of a jigsaw puzzle coming together... I can't wait to see how the end-product looks like! :D Pray with us, that this documentary will be put into good use and that many will be impacted when they see the miracles God brought into the lives of this man, wife and toddler!

Lastly, thanks be to God for Him opening up new doors and may His name be glorified in all the nations.

For details of Mass Media ministry and products: www.ccalmm.com
and purchase of Wide Angle Productions Heart2Heart DVD of 7 short films and film discussion guide: www.wideangle.sg

The Ching Chiang Season!

(Our Chinese New Year goodies from Malaysia,
in preparation for our relatives visitation cum House warming on CNY2 and CNY3!)

In a blink of an eye, January has gone by and it's almost Valentine's Day and Chinese New Year! :) Are you prepared for this year's Chinese New Year? Perhaps you are one who doesn't celebrate - which is fine!, or if you one whose family places great emphasis on Chinese New year celebrations like ours - we're looking at preparing for a loud noisy CNY!! We just got back from Malaysia yesterday and our mom sweetly prepared more than 10 bottles of CNY goodies for us to bring back to Singapore to host our Singaporean relatives (Yvonne's mom and dad's relatives) this CNY - from love letters to pineapple tarts to prawn crackers, we are so ready for CNY! This year's CNY is a different one for us, we've got a new house, and our relatives are coming to our house for CNY cum relatives-family house warming. It's been tough gathering all 40 relatives since we moved in, we thank God that CNY this year has 2 days of Public Holiday (Monday and Tuesday) so, we can host our dad's relatives on Monday and mom's relatives on Tuesday!

How are we doing?

(Photo taken before the solemnization 15.11.2008)

(Photo taken on our wedding day 15.11.2008, Pastor Daven n leaders praying for us.)

Thank God for sustaining our marriage for the past 1 year and 3 months, it has been an exciting journey coming together. As what Proverbs 27:17 says, "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another." Coming together as one is definitely not an easy task, there are times when each of us succumbs to self-centeredness, or laziness, or times when we face conflicts in differing working styles... but we thank God that He continues to remind us in Matthew 23:12 "For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted." and that God has the absolute authority "For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority." Col 2:9-10 Thank God that we are still WORK IN PROGRESS! :D

God's Leading in a New Season of our lives

(Photo taken on our wedding day 15.11.2008, during the vows taking)

As mentioned in our previous email updates, after the intended storm that Christ has cruised through with us, we felt led to come together as a couple to seek God's His purpose for us as husband and wife. We are in the process of confirming God's leading for us. :) Recently we went up to the mountains to seek God and to spend time with Him in silence, with a Malaysia Methodist Church that organizes silent retreats in different parts of Malaysia. It was a three days of silence and soaking ourselves in the presence of God. It was also a good time of spending my (Yvonne) 27th birthday with Jesus. As we have come together, we felt that God is preparing us for a season as husband and wife, and there is a season and time for everything. We ask for your prayers as we continue to confirm His ever presence leading in our lives.

Thank you so much for loving us, being a part our lives and work for the past 4-5 years in SCCC, and being our friends for the past years and the many years to come!
We are thankful for each of you!

p.s. Please feel free to email us any encouragements or anything that you may feel led to share with us, that can help us to piece together God's jigsaw puzzle for us the next season.
Thank you for praying for us,

Serving Christ together with you,
Johnson and Yvonne

(Photo taken on my 27th birthday.

Us at Cameron Highlands during a day tour outside a popular smoke house, after our Silent Retreat.
31 Jan 2010.)

we're one + 3months!

2010-01-27T16:33:00.006+08:00

We've been so busy at work and with the past years activities, that we forgot to post this up! :) We thank God for His grace and mercy as we celebrated our 1st year wedding anniversary on the 15th Nov 2009 last year :) Today, we are married for 1 year and coming 3 months.

Say Chees "New Years" Edition 2010

2010-01-01T00:00:00.001+08:00

Dear friends and supporters,
BLESSED New Year! :D

Time flies and it has been one week since 2010! How has it already been for you? :) Johnson and I have been busy visiting our parents, parent-in-laws and cleaning up our new home! I must say that It takes alot of effort to maintain a house!!! :p As we look back into 2009, we are thankful for God's goodness and His extending of grace and mercy upon our lives and marriage for the past few years.. As of this year, Johnson will be in his 5th year as a staff with Campus Crusade and I will be in my 4th year :) It has been a great time of learning, of growing and seeing God work in many parts of our ministry and life, and it is surely a privilege to be serving God in these years.

In the next few months, we'll be taking sometime to seek God and pray about our direction in regards to work and as a married couple. Pray for us as we spend time reflecting on our 4-5 years of ministry, what we have learnt in this period of time, and if we have achieved what God has been teaching us so far...

Some questions for you too as you join us in our reflections in this new year!! :D

1. What are some lessons that you have learnt in 2009? (It can be spiritual lessons, academic lessons or skills etc.)

2. Have your achieved what God has intended for you or learnt what you wanted to learn or achieve what you wanted to achieve, when you first entered this job? What are some achievements?

3. What are you looking forward to in 2010? / What do you hope to achieve in 2010?

Let us embrace what God has intended for us to learn in this new season, just as God had intended the Israelites to learn lessons in their 40 years wilderness, God has intended for us too, to learn lessons in this season that will prepare us for the next and to know that God is God and we are not :)

Psalm 91:1-2
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust."

We'll like to hear from you too so that we can share our little encouragement and lessons together as a Family of Christ :) If you have anything impressed upon the heart of God that you'll like to encourage us too, do write to us! We love to hear from you :)

Have a Blessed New year! :)

Serving together with you,
His servants,
Johnson and Yvonne

The Path to Fulfillment

2009-11-23T15:19:00.001+08:00

As we studied yesterday, the "Great Commission is not just making converts, but making disciples. The word disciple means "student." It also means "disciplined one." Both apply to our lives in Christ.

When we come to the Lord we become a lifelong student. As we read in I Corinthians 2:10, "... for the Spirit searches all things, even the depths of God." Because this is the Spirit's nature, if the Holy Spirit is leading us we too will always be searching to know the Lord deeper. We will be compelled to know His ways, not just His acts. True Christianity and shallowness are contradictory to each other.

Because the word "disciple" also means "a disciplined one," II Timothy 1:7 declares, "For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline." Few think of discipline as a fruit or gift of the Spirit, but it is very basic to the nature of the Spirit that we have been given. If we live by the Spirit we will be a disciplined people. This denotes controlling ourselves with focus and purpose. That is why "self-control" is listed as a fruit of the Spirit (see Galatians 5:22-24).

In I Timothy 4:7-8 we are told to "discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness; for bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come." Nothing of significance has most likely ever been accomplished without discipline. If we will discipline ourselves in Christ we will accomplish things that will bear eternal fruit. If we want to do anything of significance we must seize and apply the great power that is released through discipline.

I have been told a few times by friends who have known me from childhood that they cannot understand how I ever accomplished the things that I have. I understand their perplexity. Many of them are smarter than I am, and much more gifted, yet they languish in jobs they hate while I am doing the kind of things they dream about. Why? Though I was a failure in school, and seemed destined to a life of failure, when I was born again I was given the gift of discipline. Something gripped me so that I knew there was nothing more important or more fulfilling than getting to know the Lord. While others were out having fun, I stayed home and studied for years. To them it looked like I was wasting my life, but now it looks like they are the ones who were wasting their opportunity to do something significant.

It does not matter how old you are, or how many years you may have wasted, it is not too late to change. All discipline will pay off. Our discipline in the Lord will bear eternal fruit. Many would begin to live lives of great fruitfulness and fulfillment if they took just the time they now spend in front of the television and instead spent it in front of the throne of God, seeking to know Him, giving themselves to His service.

The following verses can change lives from one of defeat and discouragement into powerful demonstrations of the kingdom of God. Read them. Ponder them. Pray over them. Obey them.

and you have forgotten the exhortation which is addressed to you as sons, "My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor faint when you are reproved by Him;
For those whom the Lord loves He disciplines, and He scourges every son whom He receives."
It is for discipline that you endure; God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom his father does not discipline?
But if you are without discipline, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate children and not sons.
Furthermore, we had earthly fathers to discipline us, and we respected them; shall we not much rather be subject to the Father of spirits, and live?
For they disciplined us for a short time as seemed best to them, but He disciplines us for our good, that we may share His holiness.
All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness (Hebrews 12:5-11).

Do not waste your trials. They are more precious than gold. As the Lord said in Revelation 3:19: "Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline; be zealous therefore, and repent."

http://www.morningstarministries.org/Groups/1000022226/MorningStar_Ministries/Media/Daily_Devotional/Daily_Devotional.aspx

Peace on Earth

2009-11-07T18:15:00.000+08:00

My eyes are continually toward the LORD, for He will pluck my feet out of the net (Psalm 25:15).

There is no trap the enemy can lay for us that the Lord cannot deliver us from. However, deliverance requires that we look to Him, not man, and not to our own devices.

One cannot live in this world without having difficulties. When the Son of God Himself walked the earth He suffered continual attacks from His enemies. They were constantly trying to trap Him, discredit Him, and even kill Him. We can look at His life and think that He never had any peace, but in fact He was never without peace. He was the Prince of Peace, and peace could not be taken from Him by trials. Neither can the peace that He has given to us be taken by trials, unless we surrender it.

As I am writing this I am watching a bluebird seeking out its breakfast in the grass. What a wonderful existence this bird seems to have, flying around happily enjoying all that God created. However, reality is that every time the bird lands, it has to watch out for a host of creatures that would like to make it their breakfast. Even when it flies, hawks and falcons must constantly be watched.

What's my point? Presently the whole earth is in conflict. As humans we may complain about our "dog eat dog" existence of competition, but the rest of the creatures have to worry about being literally eaten every day. Even so, as Christians we have the greatest promise of all, the promise of a world to come that is greater than any utopia or civilization that even the most optimistic philosophers have been able to envision. A kingdom is coming that will bring peace to the earth. It will bring such peace that the lion will lie down with the lamb, and children will be able to play with cobras. No one will hurt anyone else again on the earth.

It is the goal of the Christian life to live in the age to come now. It is our job to live in it to the degree that we can preach it with conviction, and demonstrate it with power. We are ambassadors of this kingdom that is going to come to earth. Every day we must arise and keep our attention on living in the realm where peace is already available that is beyond comprehension to those who merely live on this earth.

We are called to live every day walking closely with the Prince of Peace Himself. Because He is the Prince of Peace He brings peace wherever He goes. Therefore, if we take Him to work with us we will bring peace to the workplace. When conflict arises, we will not get caught up in it, but rather be peacemakers. Our job now is to help the lions and lambs start lying down together in peace.

It is noteworthy that the apostle said, "And the God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet" (see Romans 16:20). It seems that it would be "the Lord of hosts," which means "Lord of armies," that would crush Satan, but rather it is "the God of peace." The peace of God is an impregnable fortress and irresistible force. The power of God's peace is greater than all of the conflict on this earth.

Do not let anything steal the peace of God that has been given to you. We have this peace by keeping our attention on the One who is above all rule and authority and power. It is our calling to live in His domain, where there is peace, and to carry it forth into this present darkness. Those who live by His peace have the sure promise from the Lord that a better day is coming to this earth. That is the kingdom that He preached, and we too must proclaim by the demonstration of our lives that our peace cannot be shaken by the conflicts of this present age. For this reason the apostles continually gave the salutation, "May the peace of God be with you."

quoted from http://www.morningstarministries.org/

"Say Chees" Oct-No 09 update

2009-10-21T16:21:00.003+08:00

Dear friends!

Time flies and we are almost coming to the end of another month, October! How has October been for you?

Remember the Storm and the boat update that we've sent to you a month ago? We're still in the boat, cruising through the storm with Jesus, but it has kind of slowed down and we are managing and coping really well with the transitions and events. :) How has it been for you at work? For us, it has been a hectic but enjoyable month for us. We have the privilege to teach different churches and students how to use short films to evangelize to our love ones and friends! By His grace, we have been invited to teach twice in one church and a campus, exposing almost 100 over people, young and old to Media Evangelism! We're excited as more churches are approaching us to be trained and equipped to connect with the generation today!...

And we have finally gotten the keys to our own abode! :) Praise God for His perfect timing and grace for us to sustain through the storm.. read more from our Oct-Nov 2009 update!! Click Here --> Oct-Nov09 or on the right side of this site..

We are having a shortfall and are raising our monthly salary... read more in our update :)

We will love to be praying for you. Please let us know how we can be praying together as you are sent out into the marketplace to be a salt and light to the lost around you! We pray that God will give you strength and grace to withstand the storm that is in your life right now, and be able to sense God sailing through with you in your little boat and know that "you're safe. Do not be afraid."

Hear from you soon! Thank you for being so encouraging and supportive in our lives... :)
(Please help us send this newsletter to others whom you think can be encouraged or who would like to be praying for missionaries like us :D Thank you!)

Serving and partnering with you for His kingdom purpose,
Yours Truly,
Johnson and Yvonne
Staff with Singapore Campus Crusade for Christ

I lift my eyes onto the hills where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth

2009-10-21T12:16:00.001+08:00

Praise You in This Storm
words by Mark Hall/music by Mark Hall and Bernie Herms

I was sure by now,God, that You would have reached down
and wiped our tears away,
stepped in and saved the day.
But once again, I say amen
and it's still raining
as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain,
"I'm with you"
and as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise
the God who gives and takes away.

Chorus:
And I'll praise you in this storm
and I will lift my hands
for You are who You are
no matter where I am
and every tear I've cried
You hold in your hand
You never left my side
and though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

I remember when I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry to You
and raised me up again
my strength is almost gone how can I carry on
if I can't find You
and as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
and as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise
the God who gives and takes away

Chorus

I lift my eyes onto the hills
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth
I lift my eyes onto the hills
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth

Chorus

Jesus and your boat: The Chee family update Sept'09

2009-09-04T09:05:00.004+08:00

Dear Friends,

Time really flies. In a blink of an eye, Johnson and I (Yvonne) have been married for almost 10 months. August has passed quickly and September is entering gradually. How has August been for you? A close friend of ours echoed that it has been a tough August and he feels that he is entering into an even more difficult month... Another of my friend shared that she is thankful that August has ended and September is a new fresh season for her and she moves into her very own home with her hubby. Yet some voiced that they are so focused about their work that they didn't even realized that it has been a new month. For me, this August season of our lives have been a rather challenging one, but I would like to echoed that it is still a good faith-stretching one.

Jesus and the storm
The story of Jesus and His disciples stood out strong for me (Yvonne) during this period of time, and gave us strength to "cruise" through the storm. Matthew 8:23-26 "Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. Without warning, a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him, saying, "Lord, save us! We're going to drown!" He replied, "You of little faith, why are you so afraid?" Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm." All these while I have thought that it was all about the faithless disciples and how we should learn to trust Jesus even in our most difficult times. But going through it again this time round, God gave me a new insight. It wasn't ALL about the faithless disciples or our difficult times... It was about a loving God. All the time when the waves hit the boat and swept over the boat, God was in the boat. When the disciples panicked and worry, God was in the boat. When they doubt Jesus not being able to calm the storm, He was there too, silently. God is there even in our most difficult times. God is in the boat with us too - that gave me a lot strength to face anything that was before me. And all I had to do was to "Call out to Jesus. And that He would help me, and calm the storm that is sweeping over my boat".

Intentional Disciple-making Church conference
I would like to think that Johnson and I ended our August well with an IDMC conference 09 from 27-29 Aug. We are privileged to be able to attend this conference in the midst of our challenges to bring us back to the focus of God. The conference is themed: “KNOWING GOD – Theology Made Relevant In Discipleship Today”. It is all about the importance of theology to real life. It is also about raising the alarm on the danger of theological rootlessness in our Christianity and our humble attempt at articulating the way back to basics. As theology is often seen as “too deep”, “not practical” and “for theologians only”, this conference seeks to reverse such a negative mindset and to make a paradigm shift. Throughout the whole conference, we are so inspired to read and know more about the God we know who desires to reveal Himself to us through theology.

Encouragement from the Cunninghams
We are also in a season of reading as we busy ourselves with ministry activities, settling HDB appointments, minor renovations for our new flat and raising support for our salaries as some supporters have pulled out because of unforeseen circumstances. Reading this book by Loren Cunningham called "Is that really You God?" has been an inspiring journey for me to focus on God and to seek out God's heart and leading for my life, to wait upon Him and to hear Him speak. In the book, Loren Cunningham shared about his life as a little boy, how his parents have influenced his beliefs, behavior and life - which inspires me to want to relearn how to listen and hear from God, to be a spiritual wife and mom that glorifies God, and to build a spiritual family like his too, with God's help...

'... Dad announced that he was going to have to be away from home for a few days. He gave me instructions, since I was ten years old, to take care of the family while he was gone. "I'll be in Springfield, Missouri," he said. "That's halfway across the country, but with telephones and all, we won't really be out of touch."

It was through the telephone that we got the bad news. Dad had been stricken with appendicitis. They couldn't operate - peritonitis had probably already set in, and with wartime shortages, there was no penicillin. It was just a matter of time until he would die. Mom put the telephone back on the wall and announced that we needed to pray-hard! I crawled behind the couch and stayed there, praying for hours. Two days passed, and Dad continued about the same. We had to hear something from God-some word to help us hold on. Then an event took place that I would never forget.

Three days after we learned of Dad's attack, a knock came at the door. I watched as Mother opened the door to the chilly brightness of the February morning. There stood a man from the church. He reminded me of a funeral director I had once seen, with his drawn features and doleful eyes. He stood there looking more sober than usual, fingering his felt hat, acting as if he was afraid to speak something that was on his mind.

"What is it?" Mother demanded, never shy. "Sister Cunningham," the gaunt man finally blurred, "God gave me a dream of your husband coming home in a coffin!"

My tongue seemed too big for my mouth as I watched my mom's face. She thought for a moment, then answered him.

"Well, sir," Mom's tone was kindly, but she spoke with a very distinct firmness,
"I do appreciate your coming here to tell me this. Hard as it is, I promise I will ask God if the dream really is from Him. With something this important, He'll tell me Himself, won't He?" It was more of a statement than a question, and with that, mom thanked the gentleman a second time and held open the door. As soon as the man had left, she went to prayer immediately.

"Is that You, God? I promise to try to accept this man's words if they are really from You. Just let me know. That's all I ask."

Mother had such a believing relationship with her heavenly Father that she fully expect Him to answer her on such an important issue in a fatherly-like manner with no shadow or doubt. She left it to God and went to bed. The next morning as we sat down to our breakfast of steaming oatmeal, Mom put Jannie into her highchair, then announced that she had some good news. "I had a dream last night," she said to Phyllis and me. We fell silent. "Well?" "In my dream Dad came home, but it was on a train, and he was wearing his pajamas!" And that's exactly what happened.

... Later Mom pointed out an important aspect of guidance to us. "Getting God's leading for someone else is tricky," Mom said."We can hear a confirming voice through another person. But if God has something important to tell you, He will speak to you directly."'

I pray that you'll be encouraged to know that God is in your boat in whatever seasons of life you are in...And that if God has something important to tell you, He who loves you so much will speak to you directly.

'The LORD came and stood there, calling as at the other times, "Samuel! Samuel!"
Then Samuel said, "Speak, for your servant is listening."'
1 Samuel 3:10

God is good,
God is in-control and
God will bring it (His timing and His will) to pass.

His child and servant,
Yvonne (and Johnson)

A documentary film of a life saved by God

2009-08-27T15:05:00.005+08:00

We had a hectic but a God-faithful week :)

We have a little 3 yr old girl in the midst of our SCCC family who suffers from a rare disease called Biliary atresia since last year and has went through many surgeries and prayer for a liver transplant. Just end of last year, God provided a healthy liver for her without having her mom to sacrifice hers and her health. She is went through a liver transplant, but recently got contracted with H1N1... it was devastating for many of us who knew the family and the little girl. But God proved to be faithful. It has been several months, and she has healed from h1n1 and the liver transplant have been adjusting well in her body! Praise God!

The Film ministry - us, WAP team wanted to capture her life as a documentary show to encourage those we are in the similar situation and we began this shoot yesterday, interviewing their pastor about the entire journey since yrs ago.

Pray for the little girl - Ariel, and her family.

Pray for us, that the shoot will be smooth as it will require alot of time and effort to renact and interview people who are involved... probably will take about 1 yr to shoot the entire journey... and edit.

Pray too that the film produced will be widely used to impact lives and testify God's love and greatness through this 3 yr old. :) Praise God! it will really humbling to be able to hear from the many people who were involved in the life of this little 3 yr old and how God used her life to speak to the adults :)

that all may know that He is God! :)
how have you been touched by God this week? :) share with us! so that we may be encouraged too! :) thanks for journeying with the Chee family!

Some updates

2009-08-03T11:43:00.017+08:00

The past few days has been crazy for both of us, but nonetheless, there was still lots of joy and encouraging moments from God! :D

The soccer team is now in the last 2nd match for the season... and it will end for a break... The new team has been discouraged for some time as they are newly forged, as such it has been tough winning a game in the league. The team manager and supporting staff Ivin and Johnson has been talking to the players to encourage them to continue for one more season, so that we can continue to build deeper friendship with them. Pray for us as we continue in the new season, that the old players whom we have build friendship with, will stay on and newer players will join us too.

The last game was played at Bedok Green Sec and though the team lost, it was the best play that they have ever performed! Team unity and communication! :)

WAP DVD and Training
You have heard of our DVD that was released, now we are into the phase of getting connected with Churches who are interested in equipping their members or leaders with film evangelism, so that they can also use any form of films or media, or movies to connect with the lost! :) it is exciting! Currently I am in-charge of the stock taking of the DVDs in our team, as well as the liasing person with the churches, pray for us, that we'll be able to smoothly arrange for a DVD training tour to various churches from Aug to Dec 09!! :)

Youth discipleship, growth and development
It has been an exciting time with the cell girls. This month, my co-leader and I have decided to begin a new phase of developing our girls to lead the word and to grow in their faith. We are planning to meet up with the girls one by one, once a week (as we have more than 10 of them!), to catch up and equip them with skills on how to lead a cell, and lead the word. Then in the following Sunday, they will have an opportunity to lead an actual cell word with their own cell members. So far, I have the opportunity to coach two young girls - Cleo and Minxian (picture below - they are in the same row as me. Cleo is in light blue t-shirt hair tied back and Minxian is in full black tshirt with her fringe clipped back), to lead cell word and it has been realllly encouraging.

They'll fervently prepare for the cell word, prepare snacks, and prepare the bible study context on the passage that we'll be sharing on. To add on, they'll come to church earlier to take extra notes during the service (as the service is usually on the topic of the cell word) to refresh the cell girls, esp those who missed service.

I was just talking to Amanda that our girls are growing up! And it is really encouraging. Both of us are so proud of them. We are also very honored to be able to be a part of their lives. :) I must say, this is the highlight of the month, to be able to coach and see how the girls multiply what they have taught during the time with me, and see how they are sooo teachable - warms my heart. Jesus thank You for your grace and your love for me and the girls... Thank you for sustaining the cell even when in my human weakness I fail to do so, or model myself rightly...

I am a proud cell leader of my sec 3 cell girls! They are an amazing bunch:)

Baby niece
My baby niece is finally 4 1/2 months old and it has been amazing to see how much she has grown! :) Really love her to bits! :p Her name is Tabitha by the way :p
I just wanted to show a picture of my sisters... Tabitha is my elder sister's (the one in yellow) baby girl. She's an amazing mom to Tabitha, and I hope that I can be like her too when God grants us one :)

What's coming ahead:
Pray for us, as we have lots coming ahead of us! But we are excited too! :p

Aug - Dec 09 WAP Film Training with various Churches

15 Aug 09 - A short documentary film will be shot on this day (on a young girl age less than 4 who suffers from an illness that requires a transplant. We hope to shoot this live documentary show to bless the family who desires to use this story to impact God's glory and life in this little young strong girl)

18 Aug 09 - Our 1st HDB appointment (pray for smooth meeting with the authorities and owners)

27-29 Aug - a conference for all working full time staff "Knowing God" conference

Sept 09 - Shopping for our toilet and kitchen tiles, and home appliances (Pray for wisdom and finances. Thank God for a family who is passing over a new appliance over too us!)

20 Sept 09 - Our 2nd HDB appointment (pray for smooth hand over of keys)

Oct 09 - Our new home minor renovations (pray for smooth communication between the contractors and the designer and us! Pray for finances and wisdom...)

Starting in Sept 09 - Johnson's new leadership in the Youth core team

Oct 09 - Johnson's new leadership in leading the potential youth cell leaders

Oct 09 - WAP possible mission training trip (2 weeks)

Nov 09 - SCCC staff summit (3-4 days)

Beginning Dec 09 - Church youth camp (4 days)

End Dec 09 - SCCC Campus Crusade Metamorphosis camp (3-4 days)

End Dec 09 - Year end mission trip for SV (1 week)

Thanks for praying with us!!! :p

July 09

2009-07-16T11:08:00.001+08:00

Dear friends,

Thank you so much for keeping in tune with our ministry updates and our lives. There can be a lot of things happening around us, in our lives or in the world, we pray that God will strengthen you in the things you may be struggling with, praying about and grant you His love and joy in these changing times. Quoting from Paul (Phil 1:3-6) to share what we feel in our hearts:), "I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."

When I am writing this email, God placed in my heart to encourage you to "Rejoice" :)
"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you."
(Phil 4:4-9)

God was there, is here and is in places that are before you.
If you have any praise items you would like to share with us or any prayer requests we can be praying for you, please let us know.. It is always very encouraging for us to receive emails from you! :)

As promised, our newsletter for JULY 09 is here! It has GREAT news of the home we have been praying about, things that God has surprised us with and we really want to encourage you!! Also, lots of photo of our students and ministry event! We also have our very 1st pre-evangelistic DVD OUT! We are also still raising for our monthly lack of $300 in our salary.

We are not sure if you received a hard copy of our newsletter, but nevertheless heres a more colorful copy from the net!! :)

Download the PDF at http://download.sccc.org.sg/letters/johnson_yvonne-jul09.pdf
or from the right hand corner of this blog!! :)

Cheers!

best MJ tribute

2009-07-11T11:42:00.004+08:00

MJ's songs have been a part of my growing up childhood... how about you? :)
I want to share this video tribute with you... its pretty cool!

LOVE STORY meets VIVA LA VIDA

2009-06-19T07:31:00.001+08:00

A fantastic piece of art
by Jon Schmidt

This arrangement is dedicated to Sarah, his 7 year old daughter who loves the song Love Story by Taylor Swift. Because of a common rhythm element between the tunes, he decided he could mish/mash the two.

NPCCC talk

2009-06-16T17:12:00.004+08:00

Johnson n I are invited to host a BGR talk at NPCCC... honestly, we feel inadequate to share from our lives ourselves, for we are not perfect... we have many falls in our journey as a couple and even as now, husband and wife... but thankful to God for His grace for such opportunity to share about His presence in our many ups and many downs :) We are honored to be able to bless the students there as much as we can as God allows and as He leads. :)

It is exciting for me too, to be able to use media to reach out to our youths in our generation - like this opportunity to use the latest movie "Ghosts of Girlfriends past"

Pray for us! May God be glorified even when we fail :)

updates

2009-06-11T14:26:00.011+08:00

Yes, the man got his PR finally! And we are now beginning our house hunting...
If you have gotten our May newsletter (you can find it on the right corner of our blog -->), you would have read about the trials we went through in getting the PR and passport done... and we are very thankful to be able to be where we are, at this stage.

On that day when we received his blue i/c, Johnson was so happy :) For us, it was like a gift from God and a beginning of another new phase of our lives.

So far, we have visited about 9 HDB Flats, and we are looking for flats that is near my mom's place, so that we can visit her more conveniently, now that she is living alone with my younger sister...
Given that the economy isn't doing so well, we expected that the prices of the housing are expensive too.. and we are right. Nevertheless, we are really thankful for the grants available from the Government as well as the Housing Loan that HDB offers to help newly weds like us who are looking for a home to start their family. For us, it is a time for us to learn to be prudent and pray too, for God to provide a suitable home for us at His best timing. :)

Pray for us! :) That God's wisdom and compassion will be on us as we continue in our house hunting process, and to show His love and image to the owners and agents.

What we have been busying in ministry:
1. (SV) Johnson has been busy with his Student Venture's Evangelistic training for his JC students and leaders.
This workshop was organized to bless, equip and encourage the participants to help in the advancement of the Gospel just like Paul in his days! :) The workshop is on 5th June and 12th June. Tmw's the final day workshop!!

2. Wide Angle Production team(WAP) (that's my team!), we've been attending classes to equip ourselves with the knowledge of Camera and Lighting, so that we can teach other new staff or students who are coming in, and to help ourselves grow in the area of making short films that can connect!
It was a really brain heavy session for the two days 8-9th June, but I must say, I learned a lot about how to make a character look nice on camera, and how to not make my scene look flat! I also learned about setting the right kind of lights for the day and for the night too!

A fun question that i've learnt for all:
"On a bright sunny afternoon, what is the color of your shadow?"
(Answer will be given on the next post)

3. Our 1st DVD production with 7 short films and discussion guide is finally done! it is currently in the process of printing... soon it will be published for sale!! :):) We had a wrap up lunch to celebrate our past one year hard work!

4. Johnson has stepped down from the worship team ministry in Church and taken up a new role as a youth ministry core team leader, to mentor the youth discipleship leaders! So far, he has been visiting cells and selecting leaders for the incoming secondary ones from our church!

5. My cell girls are now sec 3! :)
(Amanda in grey is my other co-cell leader! She helps out when I am unable to, and we work as a team to grow this batch of girls!) from top left to bottom right: Me, Cheryl, Cleo, Minxian, Esther, Gladys, Angel, Amanda, Jenny and Camilia (missing in the picture: Many!)

6. WAP is now working on a "making DVD" manual to help our team work more efficiently and effectively! Once the DVD 1 is out and marketed, we'll be working on our 2nd DVD! :)

In light of the H1N1, we are praying for your health and also for God to protect the nations from the spreading of the virus... please email us on how we can better pray for you:)

thank you, for being a part of our ministry and lives!

48 Hour Film Project Singapore 2009

2009-05-18T15:11:00.005+08:00

Here's something that we've (Wide Angle Productions) been doing:)
We won 'Best Film' and 'Best Directing' for 48HFP Singapore 2009.
Praise God for His grace on our team.

enjoy!

Our entry in the 48 Hour Film Project Singapore 2009.
Produced by Andrew Yu, directed by Siang Yu.
Genre: Comedy
Line: "Is it supposed to look like that?"
Prop: Scissors
Character: Andy or Amy Yeo, Journalist

3 days

2009-05-14T23:54:00.005+08:00

In the past 3 days since Mother's Day, we've been to the highest and also the lowest emotions of our lives.

In the past 3 days, we've been to the Singapore Police Station, the Malaysian Embassy in Singapore, MOM, Malaysia Police Station and Malaysia High Commission in Malaysia.

In the past 3 days, we've been waking up at 5-6am to queue up at the various locations to get things done.

Its been a tough 3 days, and yet still many more weeks and months (hopefully not) to endure.. and it's painful for the both of us. We've been praying and comforting one another.

And as I laid on my bed this night, I just could not fall to sleep... wondering if this was something that God has planned, first a high, than a pit. But we are hopeful still.

as we are figuring out everything that has happened, God reminded me that He is a God who does not contradicts Himself, and He is a faithful God.

And this song came to my mind unknowingly... Thank you Jesus, for your comfort in difficult times...

You'll come
I have decided I have resolved
To wait upon you Lord
My rock and redeemer shield and reward
I'll wait upon you Lord

As surely as the sun will rise
You'll come to us
As certain as the dawn appears

You'll come let your glory fall
As you respond to us
Spirit reign flood into our thirsty hearts again
You'll come
You'll come

We are not shaken we are not moved
We wait upon you Lord
Our Mighty deliverer my triumph and truth
We'll wait upon you Lord

As surely as the sun will rise
You'll come to us
As certain as your Word endures

You'll come let your glory fall
As you respond to us
Spirit reign flood into our thirsty hearts again
You'll come
You'll come

Chains be broken
Lives be healed
Eyes be opened
Christ is revealed

You'll come let your glory fall
As you respond to us
Spirit reign flood into our thirsty hearts again
You'll come

You'll come let your glory fall
As you respond to us
Spirit reign flood into our thirsty hearts again
You'll come
You'll come

An amazing love

2009-05-08T15:06:00.004+08:00

Hosea 11
1 "When Israel was a child, I loved him,
and out of Egypt I called my son.

2 But the more I called Israel,
the further they went from me.
They sacrificed to the Baals
and they burned incense to images.

3 It was I who taught Ephraim to walk,
taking them by the arms;
but they did not realize
it was I who healed them.

4 I led them with cords of human kindness,
with ties of love;
I lifted the yoke from their neck
and bent down to feed them.

5 "Will they not return to Egypt
and will not Assyria rule over them
because they refuse to repent?

6 Swords will flash in their cities,
will destroy the bars of their gates
and put an end to their plans.

7 My people are determined to turn from me.
Even if they call to the Most High,
he will by no means exalt them.

8 "How can I give you up, Ephraim?
How can I hand you over, Israel?
How can I treat you like Admah?
How can I make you like Zeboiim?
My heart is changed within me;
all my compassion is aroused.

9 I will not carry out my fierce anger,
nor will I turn and devastate Ephraim.
For I am God, and not man—
the Holy One among you.
I will not come in wrath.

10 They will follow the LORD;
he will roar like a lion.
When he roars,
his children will come trembling from the west.

11 They will come trembling
like birds from Egypt,
like doves from Assyria.
I will settle them in their homes,"
declares the LORD.

To all the Mom's in the world,

2009-05-06T17:07:00.004+08:00

We need you :)

Happy Mother's Day!

a good buddy

2009-05-02T23:06:00.001+08:00

After being so busy in shooting a video in 4 locations over 2 days - 29 and 30th April in the hot sun and rainy weather at the same time, i finally got to rest on the 1May afternoon with a close buddy...

A good buddy got married this afternoon, and I was privileged to be able to spend the last day of her single-hood with her at Parkway parade to do some girly stuffs to prepare for her wedding today... this was her one day before the wedding...

and us, on the day of her wedding, today!
Johnson and I also had the honor to emcee at her lunch banquet.. seeing her all married and finally crossing the banks to take this faith step, is really encouraging and heart warming for me.. :) Irene! you were great today! I am so proud of you.

There were extra flowers from her wedding and her flower decor team in-charge allowed us to take home some of them to decor our house! :p because it was really fresh and new, and they had no more use of it, its either give us or throw away, so I took pity on the flowers and took some home!! haha... no la, I also love the colors! its great to have flowers in my house!! :) love love love it esp when it fills up the whole vase!!!

We'll be busy with planning camps for the students and upcoming mission trips with the student venture students too! I would be busy with developing and completing the short films compilation dvd for the market and churches to use!!! :P

hear from us soon!! :)

what have the chees been up to?

2009-04-27T16:03:00.022+08:00

Male soccer bonding and training
my hub catching made a good save from a corner kick! :p

I went for location scouting for our corporate video, to be shooting our donors and students who are interviewed on 29th and 30th Apr. 3 locations = orchard, esplanade and NUS
I took sometime to reflect on the life I had, and how I spent my study life in NUS and walked by my hostels... boy it was fun! :) really miss those days where I walk, run, jog down this road with my friends and Johnson. :) here's one of the hostels that I stayed in, in my 3 years of Uni life...
The block that I stayed in in my final year!! :p

Familiar? :pWe went for a movie date, finally after all the busyness at work! and played with a poster nearby! fun! No, we didn't watch handsome suit... we watched 'departures'. It was about a man who finds meaning, acceptance and pride in his life through a series of twists and turns as he soughts out his passion and reality in life, and eventually ends up as an Embalmist. A good meaningful show - 3.5 brownies / 5 brownies
We attended a wedding over the weekend on Saturday... sitting through the service and ceremony really reminds both of us of our vows and our wedding day 5 months ago... indeed, time flies. and we are thankful for how God has brought us through the moments and the joys on that day, and also our adjustments now! :) congrats Karen and Andy!!! May t
funny Johnson... :p
Celebrated hubby's 26th birthday 4 days earlier on Sunday in Malaysia with my in-Laws
Happy early sweet 26th birthday hub!
The boy fell sick.
Down... Now he's at home resting, having sore throat and fever...

Tomorrow we've got World Wide Day of Prayer at Bedok Bethesda Tampines Church from 8am onwards.

On 29th and 30th Apr 09, my team and I have a half day shoot for the corporate video. 29th at town areas - two locations and 30th at NUS, two locations too :)

29th Apr evening got cell at church

30th Apr, the boy's 26th birthday :)

1 May - gathering with friends and meeting up with girlfriend whos getting married on 2May.

Hidden Truths

2009-04-22T11:41:00.004+08:00

A Doorpost Film Project

MOM and BOY run a small fruit stand on the outskirts of Shanghai. Every now and then, MOM writes mysterious messages on the paper used to wrap fruit and hands them to selected customers. MOM’s friend, JACK, asks BOY to make an important delivery to a special customer and return immediately. On the delivery route, BOY is distracted by a friend and the two play late into the evening. The APPLE never gets delivered. When BOY returns to the fruit stand, it is very dark and MOM has disappeared. Scared and hungry, BOY pulls out the apple to eat and sees an address on the wrapper in MOM’s handwriting. BOY rushes to the address and sees for the first time what the “family business” is really about...

Yvonne's Film Guide:
Do you think the film portrays a playful child, a loving parent or something else? why?
Why do you think the mom writes mysterious one character Chinese words on selective fruit wrapping papers? What do you think it is for?
What is the mom's real family business about?
What are somethings that you treasure so much that you are willing to sacrifice your time and energy, even at the risk of your life?
How are you using the hidden truth that you have in your heart?

Team Momento [League match 1]

2009-04-20T10:52:00.010+08:00

Remember the soccer ministry that Johnson was involved with another two staffs? They finally had the first ever soccer league match yesterday and it was HOT!

The game started at 3pm, and I realized that I was wrong when I said that half of the team are non Christians and the other Christians. Only about 5 of them are Christians and the others are not. I am excited to see so many of them willing to invest their time with us and play soccer and build friendships!!! :) I am excited and thankful for expanded friendships :) Oh did I mentioned that they are all younger than us and below the age of 22? :p

If you still do not know the team's name, the manager of the team, Ivin - one of our own campus staff decided with the team to call themselves Team Momento! :) Great name I must say!
It was a really exciting game and the team played really well! For a team that has just been formed and trained together for less than 3 months, I really think they are improving in leaps and growing exceptionally fast to form ONENESS!

Heres a pic of them warming up for the game... they are excited too!! :)
Do you see my hero there?? :p Hes playing the goal keeper! They were playing on artificial grass yesterday, thus he was told to wear all long sleeves in case he skids on the grass and gets a grass burn aka rope burn like that. *ouch!*
Team Momento had to play with a team of senior men who had played together in their "blue" team for more than 3 years and it was scary for them at first, but what's growing without challenges? :p

It was a tough to play soccer at 3pm when the sun is hot and scorching! I was perspiring in sweat continually even though I was in the shade!! Poor team! Mylene and I prayed for clouds to come! I must say that it is still a learning curve for me to totally understand what a soccer game is about! definitely beyond a group a men running after a ball.. I had a chance to learn what "off sides" mean, yellow and red cards too, boundaries, penalty kick etc.

And Johnson played so well! The man saved more than 3 goals! woots! I was screaming in joy when it all happened... exciting!
Even though at the end of the day the score was 3-1 and we lost in the game, but the we are so proud of the team!
Hurray for Team Momento!
They have a second match this coming Sunday too at 1st Toa Payoh field! Johnson may not be playing as we have to make a trip back to visit our parents in Malaysia. But I'll keep you in loop of the game!! :)

Please pray for the team
- opportunities to build deeper friendships
- build trust and honesty among them
- help the staffs and us to grow in sensitivity to be there for the boys physically, mentally and spiritually

Rejoicing in sufferings

2009-04-18T13:26:00.002+08:00

A glimpse of Philippians 1-4 for those who have read and are interested:

1) Paul thanks God for the Philippians participation in the gospel, assuring them of future perfection and praying for their growth in love so that they can approve that which is excellent, leading them to being sincere and blameless (1:3-11)

2) Paul’s imprisonment has led to great progress in the gospel, the Praetorian guards having heard and the Roman Christians sharing the Word, leading to Paul’s convictions that this will lead to his deliverance, necessitating his determination to stay in the flesh and continue in his state. (1:12-26)

3) Paul asks the Philippians to stand firm in unity, not being alarmed by oppositions as God has granted us suffering from which we escape if we humble ourselves the way Jesus did and experience the exaltation of God as did Jesus (1:27-2:11)

4) So work out your salvation, with an attitude opposed to grumbling, as God is waking these things in you (2:12-18)

5) Paul sends Timothy, a faithful worker and Epaphroditus who is distress and because they know he was sick and needs to be held in high regard as he almost died doing what the Philippians did not do (2:19-30)

6) Paul tells them to rejoice, avoiding those who have a confidence in the flesh and to count all things loss so that they may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His suffering, leading to participation in His death and resurrection. (3:1-11)

7) Paul says he forgets the past and presses on to maturity, exhorting them to do the same as there are others, enemies of Christ, whose end is destruction, whereas the readers are destined to conformity of their bodies to glory (3:12-21)

8) So stand firm by rejoicing, fore-bearing, praying rather than worrying, and letting your mind dwell on things worthy of praise and the God of peace will be with you (4:1-9)

9) Paul says though he is content and can do without the Philippians contribution, they have blessed themselves and Paul through the gift (4:10-20)

Studying the book of Philippians in much detail in the past one week in a theology class has brought much light to me, what it truly means to rejoice in the Lord. I now see sufferings differently, that it is for us to embrace to grow to reach true perfection when the day arrives.

Surely it takes great art and much effort to truly embrace sufferings with joy and thanksgiving, without grumbling and complains (Phil 2:14-15) as Paul has told the church of Philippi not to. But clearly Paul is a typical example of how one can truly master this art, closest to perfection – and still not perfected [Philippians 3:12] and it is truly humbling for me to know this man through the word of God.

I learned that sufferings aka tribulations are good for our spiritual walk. We should not try to get ourselves out or avoid sufferings, but the only way to get out of our problems is to humble ourselves in all situations. I am amazed at how Paul embraced his imprisonment, how he acknowledges that this is God's will and accepts his imprisonment as beneficial to the advancement of the kingdom of God. And how he readily continues to advance the gospel even in prison - to the Praetorian guard and eventually his household! How humbling it is for a leader of Israel, a Hebrew of Hebrews, a Pharisee to be doing this...

Paul continues to set an example that he has count all things as loss, for he do not want any confidence in the flesh. Paul tells them to rejoice, avoiding those who have confidence in their flesh and to count all things loss so that they may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His suffering, leading to participation in Christ's death and resurrection. (Phil 3:1-11)

I learned that we cannot put our confidence in our flesh, we cannot! We cannot put confidence in ANYTHING that we have done, even if its something I am born with, or something that I had put a lot of efforts in, or even the fruits I see in my disciples. All these are not done by me but by God.

The lecturer Dr Chris from the East School of Theology teaches and I agree with experience, "when we have confidence in our flesh, it will lead us to have a critical spirit and would eventually kill the joy in our spirit and will affect our life and ministry."

The goal is to be faithful, not to get results.
For Faithfulness means being obedient to God and taking the initiative to do things to our best [To conduct ourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel - Phil 1:27], and learning when to say “that’s all. God loves me so much and He’ll take care of it.”

God’s doing it and you’re not. We don’t do anything the Lord doesn’t.

For those who have not read the book of Philippians in depth, I do encourage you to read it and meditate on it.. its a great book to learn from! :)

Trust His heart...

2009-04-18T13:23:00.000+08:00

All things work for our good
though sometimes we can't see how they could
struggles that break our hearts in two
sometimes blinds us to the truth

Our Father knows what's best for us
His ways are not our own
So when your pathway grows dim, and you just can't see Him
Remember you're never alone

God is too wise to be mistaken
God is too good to be unkind
So when you don't understand
When you don't see His plan
When you can't trace His hand
Trust His heart

He sees the master plan
And He holds our future in His hands
So don't live as those who have no hope
All our hope is found in Him

We see the present clearly
But He sees the first and the last
And like a tapestry He's weaving you and me to someday be just like Him

God is too wise to be mistaken
God is too good to be unkind
So when you don't understand
When you don't see His plan
When you can't trace His hand
Trust His heart

He alone is faithful and true
He alone knows what is best for you
So when you don't understand
When you don't see His plan
When you can't trace His hand trust His heart

happenings~

2009-04-16T14:36:00.011+08:00

We had a Meridian Junior College "love, sex and relationships" assembly session - music cum media and interview last week.

We had a Pre-evangelistic and one Evangelistic drama and gospel sharing at Presbyterian High school on the week of good Friday at 6am during their chapel service :) More than 20 students want to know more about Christ and about a few of them want to receive Christ into their lives! YAY!
We went cycling.
Johnson and his SV ministry had their Easter outreach, using the church room at Bishan Zion bible Presbyterian Church - thank you! 53 Students turned up! Praise God! 4 indicated that they want to know more about Christ!

Johnson had his 1st soccer ministry - league friendly match with the soccer team at Aldersgate Church. His soccer team is one of our CCC's soccer's sports ministry initiative:) So far half of the team is made up non-Christians and the other our disciples!
We are going through a week of class on the Book of Philippians from East School of Theology :)
I fell sick.

We are still going through the book of Philippians - with quizzes and homework after every single class! :) one more day!

Sorrow not...

2009-04-06T16:46:00.004+08:00

The redeemed of the Lord shall return, and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy shall be upon their head: they shall obtain gladness and joy; and sorrow and [grief] shall flee away. Isaiah 51:11
(taken from kcm.org, 6th April 09)

Did you know that as a believer you've been redeemed from the curse of grief and sorrow by the blood of Jesus Christ? You don't have to put up with them any more than you have to put up with sin or sickness or disease.

God started teaching me about this personally several months before my mother went home to be with Him in August 1988. Every time He'd show me something about it, I'd put it into practice. (You ought to do that with anything God is teaching you. Start practicing it now, and you can walk in it when the time comes!)

So, eight and a half months before my mother left, I began standing against grief and sorrow. I made a decision to "sorrow not." Immediately the devil began to attack my emotions.

But I'd say, "No. I won't receive that. I take authority over these feelings in Jesus' Name. I've given my body as a sacrifice well-pleasing unto the Lord, and I won't partake of anything but His joy." Then I'd start speaking the Word and praising out loud.

I went through three rugged days of resisting until those sorry spirits were gone.

What I'm telling you is this: You're going to have to stand against grief and sorrow. It doesn't belong to you. It's not from your heavenly Father. You may have to walk the floor all night long. But instead of worrying and crying, walk the floor and quote the Word until that heavy spirit leaves and the joy of the Lord comes.

Remember who you are. You're the one who shall obtain gladness and joy. You're the one sorrow and grief shall flee away from. You are the redeemed!

'how timely..'

*Article taken from kcm.org
Article to be read in context to Isaiah 5:11 :)

The collison of God and sin

2009-04-06T16:32:00.001+08:00

. . . who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree . . . —1 Peter 2:24

The Cross of Christ is the revealed truth of God’s judgment on sin. Never associate the idea of martyrdom with the Cross of Christ. It was the supreme triumph, and it shook the very foundations of hell. There is nothing in time or eternity more absolutely certain and irrefutable than what Jesus Christ accomplished on the Cross— He made it possible for the entire human race to be brought back into a right-standing relationship with God. He made redemption the foundation of human life; that is, He made a way for every person to have fellowship with God.

The Cross was not something that happened to Jesus— He came to die; the Cross was His purpose in coming. He is "the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world" ( Revelation 13:8 ). The incarnation of Christ would have no meaning without the Cross. Beware of separating "God was manifested in the flesh. . ." from ". . . He made Him. . . to be sin for us. . ." ( 1 Timothy 3:16 ; 2 Corinthians 5:21 ). The purpose of the incarnation was redemption. God came in the flesh to take sin away, not to accomplish something for Himself. The Cross is the central event in time and eternity, and the answer to all the problems of both.

The Cross is not the cross of a man, but the Cross of God, and it can never be fully comprehended through human experience. The Cross is God exhibiting His nature. It is the gate through which any and every individual can enter into oneness with God. But it is not a gate we pass right through; it is one where we abide in the life that is found there.

The heart of salvation is the Cross of Christ. The reason salvation is so easy to obtain is that it cost God so much. The Cross was the place where God and sinful man merged with a tremendous collision and where the way to life was opened. But all the cost and pain of the collision was absorbed by the heart of God.

Baptism and Confirmation class

2009-03-23T14:08:00.007+08:00

Yesterday Johnson and I had the privilege to be invited to teach in our youth's baptism and confirmation class at church! It was a great opportunity - Johnson and I got to teach & serve together as husband and wife, we got an opportunity to impact the youths in church and we got a chance to give back to the church together! :)

The class was a total of 3 hours, and we were tasked to teach the following:
1. Repentance
2. Assurance of Salvation
3. Spiritual Warfare

Johnson taught 1 & 3 while I taught 2. Initially, only Johnson was asked to teach but he wanted us to serve together and he needed some support and help, so he got me in.

We had the opportunity to teach using movies too! Though it was tough and challenging to prepare the student notes, the process of teaching was humbling and molding.

In the beginning of the class, both of us were really nervous as we were afraid of not being able to do a good job for God. So I pulled him aside to pray. We asked God to not let us take any credit, and to allow His presence to touch the hearts of the disciples who were there... There after, God took over! And it was just, sweet sailing.

Thank God.

On a side note, but a VERY IMPORTANT note:
we are now official UNCLE and AUNTY!!!
And I am proud to be one! :)

Presenting my elder sister's daughter... MY NIECE!

She's soooooo cute!!! Pray that God will use her to impact the people around her and she'll be a God fearing woman!! Amen!

Tabitha Ng
Born: 21st March 09
Time: 938pm

AWWWWWW!

Thank you for rejoicing with us! :)

Syd Field's Screenwriting masterclass

2009-03-07T22:19:00.008+08:00

I have been busy preparing for my March 09 update as well as working with my media team to compile and master the films for publishing! :)

This weekend, our team is working hard! We are attending a screenwriting class to help our team writing better and work on producing connecting films! A US experienced screenplay writer Syd Field flew to Singapore this time to teach Singaporeans or anyone who is interested to learn how to write screenplays or films :) Though only one day has passed, it has been a fulfilling time for me! I have definitely learned alot!!! And its great to be able to study in a "class" after so long... :)

Here are some photos of our day at the workshop from 9am to 6pm!!

The team! where am i? I am taking the photo! :p

My notes!! am I hardworking? :p

One more class tomorrow!!! I must persevere! new knowledge means better screenplays scripts, means better films, means more can be used for our ministry purpose and to reach more! :) Thanks for praying for us!!

Ministries update :)

2009-02-17T14:50:00.001+08:00

The SV ministry is going to have their 2009 Recruitment Drive next week! :)
23rd, 25th - 26th Feb
2 - 5 pm
Location: contact us to find out! :)

If you happen to be available and desire to be a part of God's ministry in this season's ministry event, please contact Johnson! Pray for the hearts of the Year ones, that they will find God's purposes in their 2 years of College time!
Pray too that God will use our Year two student leaders to impact, grow and inspire the students to love & honor God!

Wide Angle Productions

Our media ministry is currently sorting out the 18 short films that we have. We are busy applying for censorship from the board to approve our films to go into the market, and doing up our DVD cover, mixing the sounds for all the films and adding in subtitles and creating a mini guide for Christian users. Please pray for our team as we sort out the admin parts of the films as the process can be relatively tedious and require us to be very detailed. :)

Thank u!

The husband is away

2009-02-17T13:29:00.007+08:00

The husband is away for a period of 5 days.. He's on a Campus Ministry Summit where all the Campus staff are gathered for a time of planning and strategizing for the year.

Its been weird going back to a quiet home, with no one welcoming me back or hearing any "good morning and good nights" from the hubby.. But I am happy too, to have some space on our own to spend and mediate on our marriage as well :) Mom has been really sweet during this period of time when hubby johnson is away.. She'll call me to ask if I am ok alone, and tells me to be careful when I am alone as my neighborhood is quiet.. Its funny but yet sweet to know that she cares a lot for me :) It is also in times like these that I miss mom and home when I get home, I will surely see mom watching tv and sis on the computer.

To date, we've been married for 3 months and so far, God has been really faithful. Hes been there when we argued or when there are times we were reminded to persist to encourage and affirm one another even when we are in our "comfort zone". There are also times where we had to help one another with the household chores, and it has been a continual exercise to remember to say "thank you for helping me clean this up" or "You're really sweet to remember my birthday" etc.

Though it hasn't been a smooth journey as many who were married often say that the 1st year is always the most challenging year, as two individuals or broken people come together to become one. I am currently reading this fantastic book by Gary Thomas. Sacred Marriage: What If God Designed Marriage to Make Us Holy More Than to Make Us Happy?
and it has been helping me to see our marriage in a different perspective, aim and goal. :) I would encourage you to read it if you are either in a relationship or married, or seeking a relationship :)

In Sacred Marriage, Thomas asks the question "What if God designed marriage to make us holy more than to make us happy?" - and you can probably guess that he believes this is indeed the case. There is some superbly challenging and thought-provoking material in this book, especially for anyone who feels somehow disappointed by their marriage. Thomas really shows how God seeks to work through marriage to shape us more fully into Christ's image.

On a lighter note:
We've asked funny questions to each other, understand one another during this 3 months and here are some for you to laugh with us :)

Question 1: What is one thing that you've found out about me after we are married that you didn't before we were married?

Johnson: The floor will be filled with amazingly a lot a lot of hair each time after you blow dry your hair. But you'll still have so much hair left on your head! I never knew one can drop soo much hair!!

Yvonne: Once I was in the kitchen washing the dishes and heard you let out a scream and was encouraging someone loudly. I rushed out to the living room thinking that you were either on the phone or there was someone at the door. But you were actually watching soccer on TV.

Question 2: What is one most interesting thing that you find about me?

Johnson: You are really really really afraid of sharks, crocodiles and snakes shows.

Yvonne: You have a set of fix routine each day when you reach home from work and interestingly you'll follow through them. Open door, take off shoes, go to study room to put down your bad, go to living room and take out socks, then sit on couch and watch TV for a long while...

Question 3: What is one thing that you enjoyed most being married?

Johnson: To be able to be with me at home, and she is helping me with the chores :p

Yvonne: That I get to see him at home at the end of the day and say good morning and good night to him :)

The Cost of Sanctification

2009-02-08T22:13:00.000+08:00

May the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely . . . —1 Thessalonians 5:23

When we pray, asking God to sanctify us, are we prepared to measure up to what that really means? We take the word sanctification much too lightly. Are we prepared to pay the cost of sanctification? The cost will be a deep restriction of all our earthly concerns, and an extensive cultivation of all our godly concerns. Sanctification means to be intensely focused on God’s point of view. It means to secure and to keep all the strength of our body, soul, and spirit for God’s purpose alone. Are we really prepared for God to perform in us everything for which He separated us? And after He has done His work, are we then prepared to separate ourselves to God just as Jesus did? "For their sakes I sanctify Myself . . ." ( John 17:19 ). The reason some of us have not entered into the experience of sanctification is that we have not realized the meaning of sanctification from God’s perspective. Sanctification means being made one with Jesus so that the nature that controlled Him will control us. Are we really prepared for what that will cost? It will cost absolutely everything in us which is not of God.

Are we prepared to be caught up into the full meaning of Paul’s prayer in this verse? Are we prepared to say, "Lord, make me, a sinner saved by grace, as holy as You can"? Jesus prayed that we might be one with Him, just as He is one with the Father (see John 17:21-23 ). The resounding evidence of the Holy Spirit in a person’s life is the unmistakable family likeness to Jesus Christ, and the freedom from everything which is not like Him. Are we prepared to set ourselves apart for the Holy Spirit’s work in us?

Family

2009-02-06T12:25:00.006+08:00

I was surprised that my WAP ministry team will have prepared a nice cake to celebrate my birthday, even though it was 3 days after my birthday. :) Felt so loved. Thanks WAPPERS and CreaCommers!

Other than celebrating my birthday with my beloved mom, siblings, brother-in-law n hubby, with my church disciples, We also celebrated mom's bdae which was 2 days after mine with Grandma!
Was looking through my wedding photos and I am amazed at this:
our Campus Crusade Singapore ministry staff Team (some absent)
Thanks to everyone who rejoiced with us! :)

26th birthday 31Jan09

2009-02-01T23:47:00.010+08:00

It's something to rejoice when I can celebrate CNY and my 26th Birthday thanking God for the blessings He has given to me - my cell girls. :) Though not all 16 came to our house that day, I was thankful that almost 1/2 of them, and brought their siblings and church mates here to bond and have fun!

Us, having fun and bonding with card games introduced by my cell girl - Cleo and her sister Gayle :) It was really really fun!!!! :p

Best of all, they totally enjoyed the Fruit Lo Hei that my mom taught Johnson and I to do. :)
My dear hubby sliced, diced, chopped with lots of sincerity and hearts! He whipped it up for us and the kids finished them up in mere few minutes! :) yuuummm! It was healthy, colorful and most importantly, I could help some of my youths enjoy and understand why most of our families did this tradition... :) We did explain to them that we are doing this for fun and nothing supersitious at all :)

The stirring for fun! :p

My birthday cakes! One bought by my cell girl Jenny and the other Amanda :)
the best presents? they were all there!!! thanks for coming Nicole, Jenny, Minxian, Cleo, Gayle, Rachel, Rebecca, Sue, Mandy, Camilia and thanks for being around hub!

A Tribute to a faithful servant of Christ

2009-01-16T14:08:00.005+08:00

Yesterday morning I received a great sad news that one of our co-laborer at SCCC who has worked for 38 years as a full time staff, has gone home to our Father. Even though I do not know him much on a personal basis, I did get to have brief chats with him once or twice. It is saddening for many of us on the team to have to bid goodbye to a great man of God that we knew personally...

Nedunghat Sankaran, or otherwise known as Uncle Sank, as we affectionately call him, and his wife Aunty Sally were the first staff of SCCC when SCCC just started all the way back in 1969. Uncle Sank has been serving in Campus Crusade since then and he just retired last year at the age of 82. It was an amazing testimony to see such a modern "Paul" who has fought a good fight while he was around.. Uncle Sank had requested to retire from staff last year because he felt 'bad' about his medical condition (with health issues, backaches, and cancer) that was affecting how much he can contribute to the ministry. But even so, that didn't stop Uncle Sank from loving God and doing His ministry. Uncle Sank had been working on his internet evangelism ministry, and had at times gone tracting with Auntie Sally (his wife for 50+ years) at MRT stations. His faith and proactiveness in learning more about the internet, the growing IT generation and IT skills has lead him to brilliantly set up a website by himself, so that more people can have access to the gospel.

Uncle Sank's legacy lives on through his website at http://discovery.sccc.org.sg and http://www.amazingdiscovery.net/

To date, MANY (numbers up to hundreds) have received Christ through his website and he has still been emailing them and replying the questions these people have, up to the day he went home to the Lord.

A colleague mentioned what resonated in my heart, "What really impressed me about Uncle Sank was his love of the Lord and his tenacity in ministry. Even while suffering from spinal problems which prevented him from sitting down for too long, he continued to update the website and reply to the people who wrote through the website. He hooked up his computer to a large screen LCD TV with a wireless mouse and keyboard so that he could continue to stand and reply to emails."

Sitting in the service last night, I felt a sense of saddness for Aunty Sally and his children, yet I know that Uncle Sank is in good hands with the Lord. I was inspired by his life as his children shared and how his life has impacted his children and up to his grandchildren and friends.. Uncle Sank has truly modelled for us and personally for me, what it means to serve joyfully and faithfully all the way to the end. Uncle Sank is alot like Paul, how he has fought the good fight, "For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing."

Or how the master have praised his servant when he had returned, having taken good care of his given talents while He was away.. "Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!"

Uncle Sank's life was a life well lived for our Lord Jesus Christ. I cannot help but wonder how Uncle Sank and Aunty Sally faithfully served in SCCC for a whole 38 years, 38 years of sharing their needs and having financial supporters for their salaries, housing and for their children... For a 80 years old man still going around sharing his family needs and raising money for his salary and support, for his family... is simply unimaginable for me. But encouraging.

I am only turning 26 at the end of the month, but I am already finding that raising support is a challenging task... I can't help but wonder too how ministry will be like for me when I grow old... or how does God sees our serving time on earth? I know that Uncle Sank has faithfully served God for 38 years even under tough financial circumstances, and he and Aunty Sally is a great role model couple and example for Johnson and I.

Thank you Uncle Sank and Aunty Sally, for your love for God and showing us what how to be living our lives. Thank you.

Have You Ever Been Alone with God?

2009-01-13T22:07:00.000+08:00

When He was alone . . . the twelve asked Him about the parable —Mark 4:10

His Solitude with Us. When God gets us alone through suffering, heartbreak, temptation, disappointment, sickness, or by thwarted desires, a broken friendship, or a new friendship— when He gets us absolutely alone, and we are totally speechless, unable to ask even one question, then He begins to teach us. Notice Jesus Christ’s training of the Twelve. It was the disciples, not the crowd outside, who were confused. His disciples constantly asked Him questions, and He constantly explained things to them, but they didn’t understand until after they received the Holy Spirit (see John 14:26).

As you journey with God, the only thing He intends to be clear is the way He deals with your soul. The sorrows and difficulties in the lives of others will be absolutely confusing to you. We think we understand another person’s struggle until God reveals the same shortcomings in our lives. There are vast areas of stubbornness and ignorance the Holy Spirit has to reveal in each of us, but it can only be done when Jesus gets us alone. Are we alone with Him now? Or are we more concerned with our own ideas, friendships, and cares for our bodies? Jesus cannot teach us anything until we quiet all our intellectual questions and get alone with Him.

Have You Ever Been Alone with God?
I'm trying, in the midst of all the noises around me.

Photos from our wedding :)

2009-01-09T17:03:00.002+08:00

We have two photographers for our wedding days 15 & 16 Nov...
the photos from Jimmy are out! Located on the right hand side of this blog under Our Flickr! :)

Enjoy!
Dan's are soon to come!

Back at work & India film workshop mission!

2009-01-08T16:46:00.007+08:00

I am back at work! As I took a few days of rest to recover, my house is building up in a mess!! Coz both of us are sick and no one has the energy to clean! I must clean tonight eh :)

Currently, my Media ministry team (Wide Angle Productions) are preparing for a last minute Film workshop in India on 9th - 19th January! I will be staying behind in Singapore to help them with the admin part locally. As such, the team consist of 4 males and 2 females.

The exciting part is that the workshop will be held in a slower technology country and it will be a test and moulding growth for our team! Our team will be involved in training about 30 over students in a crash course on making short films. The students are Visual Communications students from five campuses in Bangalore. They are being sent by their universities. They include Christians and non-Christians. The training will end with a screening of the films at a film festival. Both the training and film festival are organized by India Campus Crusade for Christ.

Please pray for our team:
1. for a Servant heart to serve the ministry and students
2. Journey mercy and safety as they travel in India
3. The team will be sensitive to the cultural and social differences there, so that they can connect with the people there!
4. Christianity there is like 10 years behind Singapore. Pray that our team will be able to help build bridges to the staff and students, Christians and non-christians.
5. Pray that there will be open opportunities for our team to share about God's love!

As for me, I would be busy reading and helping myself to begin learning on how to write good short films that can impact the youths of today! If you do have any good stories u want to share w me to inspire my writing of stories, pls do email me and help! Afterall, we are making films for a good purpose, to reach the lost for Christ :) to connect with them too... :)

Pray for the team and us too!
thanks for praying!!

Recuperating

2009-01-06T13:32:00.002+08:00

feeling so lethargic from the medicine.. going to lie down and rest again..
pls pray for us!

Here in my life

2009-01-06T12:09:00.004+08:00

As I am home surfing the net and thinking about my life as a married woman, God reminded me of His faithfulness through our 1 year of wedding preps and how I have came to today... I came across a blog that my friend asked me to visit and there was a song that God has used to minister to my heart a year ago before all the wedding preparations began.. God knew that I was afraid of the difficulties we would face as a missionary couple, and the objections parents will give, the pressures that come along with the traditions in place, and the fears of failure as I came from a broken family.

As I recall back, I totally forgotten this song until a week before the wedding, I was listening to my mp3 (I hardly listen to my mp3) and I came across this song again. There was a total sense of peace and calmness as I listened to this song, and I recalled, tears just kept flowing from my eyes. God knew that I was afraid. I can cover up my fears and anxieties in smiles and jokes, but He knows my heart best.

On the day of the wedding day 15 Nov 2008, on that very morning as I dressed up in my white wedding gown, I looked at myself in the mirror wondering if this is it.. but the hussle and bussle of the gate crashing and tea ceremony tt morning before the wedding service took the space n time I can have time to come face to face with my true emotions.

When all have left my house and I was left with my bridesmaid - sister and personal assistant - Jennifer, I began to slow down. I began to hesitate my every move in the house. Jennifer told me, "dear its time to go down, the bridal car is here.. come, wear ur heels." I replied in hesitation but I guessed Jennifer knew me well enough that I seem to be unconsciously holding all back and I didn't want to go to the car or go to the church so soon. Fears began to creep in. Thankfully Jennifer and my sis helped and I went into the car eventually.

The journey to church was actually about 30mins from my home, but that day, it seemed so fast. In a blink of an eye, I was in front of the church carpark, at the entrance of the church entrance waiting for the sign of the ushers to allow the car to arrive and me to alight. The ushers were all getting ready for me to alight from the car. At that moment I began to tear, n tears kept flowing from my eyes, and this song started from my driver's cd player and I asked if i can listen to this song 1st before I enter the church, and they all agreed. So my driver Andy went down to let the ushers know I needed time, and I listened.

Tears flowed as I took tissues to dap my tears inside my veil. Though there was a veil, Jennifer who was sitting next to me knew that I was crying. She held my hand and asked if we can pray, the song just kept playing as if God was talking to me, that He has always been in my life... And now that I have to enter into a phase of life that I've never been to, a place tt my parents entered and failed. A place that I have to walk on my own like walking on water... But at His word that He has given me assurance, I will walk on oceans even if they r deep coz God is with me. I will always remember how He has found me and assured me this day, and even when I am fearful and my anxieties or failures overwhelmed me, God will still make a way.

I have never walked on water
Felt the waves beneath my feet
But at Your word Lord
I'll receive Your faith to walk on oceans deep
And I remember how You found me
In that very same place
All my failings surely would have drowned me
Still You made a way

You are my freedom
Jesus You're the reason
I'm kneeling again at Your throne
Where would I be without You
Here in my life
Here in my life

You have said that all the heavens
Sing for joy at one who finds the
Way to freedom truth of Jesus
Brought from death into this life
And I remember how You saw me
Through the eyes of Your grace
And though the price was Your beloved for me
Still You made a way

Thank You Jesus. Overwhelmed with His love.

Recuperating

2009-01-05T22:15:00.008+08:00

Happy NEW YEAR everyone!!!!

It has been a long 2.5 weeks and guess what has been causing us to be missing in action? :) Yvonne has been sick! and she has graciously shared the virus with her hubby! :p "I didn't mean to... the virus just flew. and he lost his voice too.." Anyways, this has been the longest time I've been sick and 2nd time I've lost my voice, but STILL the LONGEST time I have lost my voice...

It has been frustrating not being able to talk, sing and even laugh with sound!!! *grinz* A friend was telling a joke at our table and everyone laughed... Johnson was so surprised that I didn't laugh & he turned to me to ask, "You didn't get the joke right?" I looked at him and murmured, "I did! Just no sound... Look, I do let u see." and I tried to laugh... no sound. Its quite funny actually... keke.

I went to 3 doctors in total. The first doctor 2 weeks ago, 2nd last week and 3rd today. The doctor today give me a total of about 8 medicine to take as he said, since the 2nd doctor gave such powerful medicine I still didn't recover, he had to give more! Talk about spending... total costs about S$120 on my medicine for the 3 visits.. :(

But thank God Johnson dragged me to the doctor at 730am this morning to see our dear Dr CK - the kindest doctor I know! As I ran out of medication and finished all the ones tt the two doctors gave and I was still unwell... at the clinic, I was immediately treated with ventolin as he assessed that I had asthma and breathing difficulties...
Johnson was then given about 6 medication too and was ordered to rest and not spread the virus like I did... :p Pray for us as we recuperate these two days and that we'll be back in action!
Thank God for the nice doctor CK and now I can breathe better! :)

Praise Him! :) We'll be back!!

Blessed Christmas!!

2008-12-24T19:23:00.003+08:00

Dear beloved friends!
Blessed Christmas!!!~ Our latest Chee times update is finally here!
Click here to download it! :) Enjoy!! :)

We are 5 more hours away to Christmas!! Are you excited? :) Johnson and I are excited as this is our first Christmas together as husband and wife! It has been a great humbling journey for us as God molds us in our strengths and weaknesses as we live together under one roof! As we have united as one, our life feed updates (about our lives and ministries in Church and Campus Crusade full time) will be updated regularly on http://johnsonyvonne.blogspot.com instead of my (Yvonne) previous godlittleangelvonz link :)

As we approach Christmas, we remember of God's love for us when He sent His son to die for our sins, so that we may live and rejoice as His children... As I journal this entry of our newsletter update, I stumbled across a verse that blessed me much and I will like it to be a little blessing to you who will be reading this! :)

"And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work...you will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous n every occasion..." (2 Cor. 9:8, 11)

May you have a blessed Christmas as you continue to persevere to share His love and your hope to all that is around u!

Lots of Loves,
Johnson and Yvonne
December 2008

The Chees that tried their 1st 'REAL' cooking

2008-12-16T17:43:00.005+08:00

Just last Sunday, I had a small gathering with my girly accountability group (we meet once a month!) from church at one of their homes. We decided to meet to give thanks and pray for one another as the year comes to an end... Diana decided that we should potluck and I was thrilled about it, for this means that 'I CAN COOK!' or actually it really means that I can 'TRY TO COOK' and 'TRY to be the 'housewives' I see on TV who can REALLY cook.

It was depressing at first coz i duno what to buy, i cant even understand what some ingredients in the recipe book are! and worse, I can't read some of them! :\ faints right?? Yeah, I told u so!

And Johnson at that particular day, had to itchness to cook! He cantonese ma! :) As his parents cook alot, Johnson had the habit of having meals at home too...but he hardly cooks too, only SEE his parents cook... and so, he was determined to whip up a dish for me to bring over for my gathering and also he can have his dinner with it too :) alrights, and so the verdict??? :) did we succeed??
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My 1st dish that I mastered during my EA mission trip 3 years ago... potato pork! or I like to call it 'Mei Mei Pork' dish.
My 2nd dish - marinated chicken fillet! marinated for 5 mins leh... :p wahahah.
After 45mins of cooking, it was Mr Chee's turn to show who's boss.
His all set ingredients and recipe laid in a line for them to enter the pot...
The boss is panicking abit. "hmmm... what should I do next?"
"okok... the meat goes in... and..."
TADA!!!!! of course got alot of other steps but I didn't take photos... :p but... TADA!!!!
The boss just had to taste...
YES! Yummy!
What did I do all these time??? I helped to stir lor! ;p
hee... SUCCESS!!! BOY it was fun! :) Thank God for the little joy and fun times like this we can treasure and make mess! :p

Our first home invitation to students! :)

2008-12-16T17:16:00.010+08:00

We had two SV disciples over at our house to spend some quality time with, and so we decided to cook some simple food to bless them!! :) it was a great time spending and playing with them at our rented nest in Seng Kang! :) For me, it was like a dream come true.. to be able to invite disciples and be a host to them :) It was so fulfilling too when I see their smiles (and the food all eaten up too!) to know that they enjoyed our company and that they had a good time at our humble home too!
it was a really simple meal cause it was just for a few of us.. :)
TADA!
and the happy eaters... :p it was heart warming to be able to see Geraldine (the other SV staff) and Johnson in action as they listen and hear the students share about their lives in school and at home... I am sure the students are really happy too! Look at their smiles on their faces! :p
thank God the food went ok... it was just oven cooking and boiling pasta! ;p waha :) neh, if Yan can cook, so can we! :) and off they went to play some card games while i do the washing in the kitchen! :)
and of course, a picture of us to remember by! :)
YAY!

We made it home! :)

2008-12-03T16:57:00.004+08:00

Thank God for the good time spent experiencing His love and joy in Phuket and Bangkok... We enjoyed the cheap food and the welcoming energy from the Thailand citizens! Even though we faced a jammed and some crisis as we returned home - due to the seizure of the airport by the PAD people of Thailand leading to the closure of the airport... we are both extremely thankful that God brought both of us home safely.

Overall, we thoroughly enjoyed being able to spend more quiet time with God and one another, and recalling the special moments on our wedding day with each of you... :) for now, we do not have the wedding day pics yet, but if u have any 1st, u can email them to us! :)

now, we are gradually adjusting back to our work, learning to work as one for God :) Coming up, Crea comm is having a fund raising dinner on 11th Dec and we are hoping to raise some good funds and tithings to allow this creative ministry to run, to serve God and to reach more for Christ. :) Pray for us as the ministry gears up for the event! 2nd last rehearsal is tonight!

The SV ministry's youth camp for the JC students on 1-3Dec fell through as there were few students who signed up for the camp as many have family trips or CCA events.. It was a disappointing time for the team, however that did not deter them from continuing to trust God for this group of students they have! Pray for God's peace and encouragement to be with the team!

we'll continue to update our ministries and lives from here!
thank u for reading and being involved in our lives!

Post wedding entry

2008-12-01T20:55:00.001+08:00

Hi everyone!

Thank you so much for coming for our wedding! We hope that u have enjoyed the wedding as much as we have, and your presence truly blessed the both of us! :)

We apologize for the delay in updating about our post wedding and you must be eager to ask us how is it like being married?? :) We just got back from our honeymoon at Phuket and Bangkok this morning... and if u have been following the news, yes, we were two of the many thousands stranded there... shall update more soon when we are feeling better... as of now, we are both just thankful that God sent us back safely via Thai airlines from the U-Taopao airport to KL last night.. and managed to take the earliest flight today to Singapore.. :)

We took some photos too of the jam there... but till then, we're settling back into our new rented place and informing our parents of our safety... pray for us as we go through the post-traumatic stress that we had to go through at thailand.

Loves!

Counting down!! :)

2008-11-06T00:27:00.001+08:00

The man's side of the story

2008-09-29T16:36:00.004+08:00

As the story goes, there is always 2 sides to the story and 2 sides to a coin. So after much coaxing, here is my side of the story.

I have always wanted to be attached. It has something to do with me being in Chinese High for 4 years. Girl deprived, they say. But up until I met Yvonne, I have never had a girlfriend before. Many crushes here and there but no relationship. So my first girlfriend is also my last and she will be my wife. :)

When i first met Yvonne, I didn't see her as a potential for my girlfriend. She was attached that time. And as for me, I was recovering from a rejection from another girl, and so was in a sort of "i want to be a single for God' state. Not really interested in any relationship. I told God, "God, i'm tired of all the struggles, if you want, you just bring a girl to me, if not, i just remain a single for you." Which was what God did, but i wasn't really interested at first.

Nothing happened for about a one year.

The next i knew, Yvonne switched major to Social Work. So suddenly, there was this loud but jovial girl whom i saw almost everyday. Her presence was felt whenever she entered the classroom. It was just electrifying. She was also a fun-loving person and that was something i could connect with. i called her everytime i saw her in the class and she would respond. It was however a purely platonic friendship.

Then i learnt the other side of Yvonne - she had came out of her one year plus relationship with her ex-boyfriend and it was a pretty tough time for her. Beneath that smiles and laughter, there was a side she hid from most people. So whenever possible, i tried to be there for her when she needed someone to listen to. Pretty soon, she managed to move on from the hurts in that relationship. We became good friends after that and would often hung out often with a group of friends.

We studied together, played together, ate together, but because both of us stayed in the hostel so we spent more time together. However, through my time with her, I realised that her walk with God wasn't very close and decided to ask her one night what her relationship with God was. God opened the door for me to help her to draw closer to God. I went through the "Satisfied booklet" by Campus Crusade and told her it was important to spend time with God and stuff like that. From then on, I would try to get her to join the Crusade activities also to get her to be part of a Christian community.

In Dec 2004, I invited her to the annual Metamorphosis camp by Campus Crusade and she came. Though we were in different groups, but every night, I would meet her to catch up and see how she was doing. During one of the nights, she revealed she 'admired' me - which I think means I liked you. I was quite taken aback, because at that time, I wasn't interested in her. And so i replied, "thank you, i admired you too, as a friend." For Yvonne, she wasn't actually wanting to get into a relationship but she saw me more than a friend. For me, i saw her as just a good friend.

But after that encounter, I went back to ask God if she was really the one for me. For the next few months, though I began to develop a liking for her, I decided that we should just remain as friends. I didn't want to rush into a relationship as I firmly believe that if I were to enter a relationship, it must be more than just trying it out or just an emotional feeling, God must show me if she was the one. It was especially tough for me to explain to Yvonne and even more for her to understand as outwardly I had displayed that I do like her.

I also struggle with the fact that it was her who told me she liked me first. I think its a man's ego thing. But looking back, i think it is pretty foolish to think of it that way.

Eventually God showed me a passage in Proverbs 31 about Solomon's wife. I told God if i could find 3 qualities that Yvonne had, it would mean I could go ahead. Of course I found 3. Even so, I had no peace. It was not until God told me that love is not just about who asking who first but after getting attached what it would mean to both of us. Would i just treat her badly? Would I honour God first and foremost in my life? Would I be committed to her no matter what? It was a sombre thought. Almost like a marriage vow. But it was that serious, and i think every relationship should be. I told God yes, I would be committed to love her no matter what. And I would put God first in our relationship. With that, we entered the relationship. It has been difficult upholding to being committed to love Yvonne no matter what happens, especially when we quarrel or disagree or when we are tired or we insists on doing things "our" way, but i guess that is the real test of love, not just in the beginning where she expressed her feelings to me, but how we can recover and reconcile even after we quarrel or disagree. Without knowing God as my personal Lord and Saviour, I think I would not be able to love Yvonne the way I do now. But because i do, God always guided me and prompted me to love her no matter what. So with that, we have been together for 3 years 4 months and 25 days and 20mins (the mins is fake one la), and we'll get married soon. I thank God for the most beautiful woman in life and my beautiful bride to be.. I love you always. :)

The woman's side of the story

2008-08-22T15:56:00.002+08:00

Johnson and I met through a friend (Samuel) during our University days. I remembered that particular night when I was looking for Samuel to ask him about some questions I have with my Psychology major assignment. I took a walk over from my Hostel (then Temasek Hall) to the USP (University Scholars Program) Building with my books, to find Samuel with his 3 other friends. I did not take notice of any of his friends but as focused on talking to Samuel, I recalled. After a short time with Samuel and his friends, Sam offered to give his friends and I a ride back to our hostels. At that time, Johnson was staying at Eusoff Hall. As such, Sam gave both of us a ride back and he dropped us off at an intersection of the carpark between Temasek and Eusoff hall and both of us took a short walk back to our halls... It was then we began our 1st conversation together, and what connected us was our "not so glorious" grades at school... Then we both left after a 3mins conversation.

Many months later, I decided to make a switch in my majors. I made a switch from Psychology major to Social Work major in mid 2004. Because of such a change and Social Work major always has a small cohort group, Johnson and I began meeting each other more regularly than we expected. Once I remembered entering my 1st Social Work core major class - I think it was Dr Alex Lee's class on Counseling theories... I entered from the back door and saw Johnson entering from the front door all dressed in his shorts, big tee-shirt, flops and his messy uncut hair, he jumped and shouted "HEY! U R HERE!" and I replied "ya man! really suay!" and we laughed. But we didn't sit together as I wasn't exactly comfortable to sit in front and I didn't want too much attention.

So I sat behind with my good friend - Anna who will always bring a smile to my face, and will always remind me of God's faithfulness and love to me. :) Johnson will always deliberately shaking his head a lot and move left to right to distract me - as I was sitting behind. And I remembered sending him an sms "OIE! Stop moving your body and head... very distracting! Pay attention in class eh! haa.." and He would KEEP moving.

Since then, Johnson and I met each other very regularly as the modules available were limited. As I had to clear most of my core modules, out of 5 modules each semester, I would be taking 4 social work modules - and out of the 4 mods, Johnson will also be in 3 or 4 of the classes. So we ended up meeting in class many times a week, and as both of us stayed in hostels, we eventually studied together at the AS6 so called ARTS crusade corner.

I wasn't in Campus Crusade then, but Johnson was. And he was always busy with his crusade activities, I recalled once reprimanding him for taking up so much time away from his studies... hehe. But I also recalled once Johnson going through the "satisfied" booklet - to assure my salvation and walk with God then... We also spent a lot of time studying together with our friends - Sarah and David, Li-en and hansel, Eeleen and Clydia etc.. Most of the time, Johnson and I would stay the latest in school to mug through the night during exams period.

And when Johnson is bored, he will always bring out games from the crusade locker. ONCE we played funny JENGA at 3am in the morning, where there are forfeits on each brick that is on the Jenga block. I recalled he had to do a belly dancing - with his clothes on la! coz it was part of the forfeit and he also had to "sit on someone's lap". So instinctively he took a piece of paper, wrote "someone's lap" and sat on the paper... ... ...

I recalled during the Meta camp 2004, God spoke to me about Johnson and I was so afraid. I was fearful of anymore failed relationships and battled with the Lord even of the possibility of liking him. As Johnson wasn't the kind of guy that I will naturally fall for, God knew the best for His creation (me) even better than I know myself. As the time flew by I realized that our friendship got a lot closer. Soon, I decided to bring this issue to surface to redraw our lines and friendship, so that I could guard my heart and he could guard his.

During that conversation we had, we were clear of our friendship and that we would not go into any relationship as back then Johnson had another girl in mind (but the girl didn't like him). And so we continued our platonic friendship and surely in God's guidance it grew stronger and we are like best friends to each other. In the next few months, Johnson began asking me out more frequent than ever. He would call me up early in the morning at 7am to ask me to meet him at the backdoor of my hostel, to pass me my favorite breakfast - Chee Kuay where he bought from Clementi for me. Soon enough, many people around asked us if there was anything going on between us. And I would always say, "no way man. We are best friends!" and I really meant it. People will always joke that "if you two really get together, you'll probably be the noisiest laughing couple"

Just one evening while we were walking back from the ARTS library, while we were crossing the road, Johnson ran over and grabbed my hands. We talked about our hearts and decided to take 2 weeks to pray and seek God on the matter. On 4 April 2005, Johnson and I met up again to talk and we decided to enter into a relationship...

Greetings!~

2008-08-22T11:29:00.007+08:00

No, you are not at the wrong website.

This is Johnson & Yvonne's Ministry and Life e-nest! Thank you for taking time to visit our small humble e-nest which we have set up! :) We hope to stay connected you as well as with our friends and supporters who are overseas! Thank you so much for being a part of our lives. Johnson and I really appreciate you for giving your time and your life to us as we begin on this journey of building our lives together as two unique individuals becoming one!