The Amazing March pt. 2
Where was I? Owh, Ultimate Frisbee Skill Workshop.
So I had the idea of introducing Ultimate as a sports in my campus even before I enter USM. However, I really lack contacts and strings that can help me to pull this off. So I put this behind my mind after I enter Uni. However, I kinda thought I should have some regular game in campus.
It started really rough as it is something totally new to the students. It started by meeting my Cell Group Leader, Edmond Teo, who learned to play Ultimate as an exchange student to the U.S. before I came in. To learn that I'm passionate about the game excited him and that gave me a little push to initiate regular pick ups in campus. The first few week it's always me alone on the field as I'm only a Year One student, I couldn't have known much people in campus. But thank God, on and off there will always be one or two coming as I try my best to catch attention on Facebook. And when those days people just don't come at all, I'll just spend some time praying in the middle of the field.
I asked God, "Is this really what You want me to do in USM KKJ for You? If this is it, please provide me with everything I need to pull this off. Can't do this without You." And then, there's one week I met Chee Hao, Nilai College student whose hometown is Nibong Tebal. We share the same passion for Ultimate and by God's grace we were suppose to meet again in Penang Hat 2011. =)
And so I was in Penang Hat 2011 where I got my exposure to Ultimate tournaments. I really enjoyed learning for Wai Onn who never run out of patience trying to teach me strategies and skills. That was also when I know Douglas Ladner. Months later during the Mid-Semester break, Michael discussed with me and gave me the encouragement to start Ultimate in USM as a platform to get people connected for the glory of God. He also connected Douglas and I, where Douglas had been a great help in getting the ball rolling.
A new semester started, with the vision to pull off a skill workshop which will definitely build Ultimate's significance in USM KKJ. I did not hesitate to contact Douglas and discuss the details. By week 2 of the new semester, I approached the Student Affair Department to find out how can the University help to do host this significant event.
This is the amazing part of the story, the biggest miracle God worked in my Uni life so far. When I approached the officer in charge of sports, she immediately recognises Ultimate as a sports without me explaining much about it. To my shocking revelation, USM actually intended to introduce Ultimate way before this academic year, where the management allocated budget for this project. However, there was no one to initiate the project and hence the idea was abandoned. I almost cried on the spot for joy as I'm thankful that God prepared the path even before I walk on it, and to my shock, I was so blessed to be chosen by Him to work this out for Him.
Happily I told the good news to Douglas and hence I put my full strength and focus on making it a success. With only 7 weeks for half a semester, Easter Celebration on one hand, endless distraction of other clubs' (It's my honor to be given) invitations to help them out, God really does wonders in such a short time. I also merged the idea of promoting Ultimate to my entrepreneurship project (required by academic) by selling the Flying Disc.
Very soon, half a semester was coming to an end (in fact today is the last day of the first half of 2nd Semester), with workshop only 3 weeks away. (The date was set when Douglas' interns, Andrew and Dan came and discussed with me) There was literally no news at all after the meeting for at least a week. 2 weeks away and I started to worry. So I called up Andrew again (he appointed to meet that week) but he was away to Singapore to settle their visas. And apparently they were so busy, that their discussion with Douglas about the plan had not come to a conclusion.
And then the Easter Celebration week came and I had to focus on that. (I was supposed to start selling Flying Disc by that week as planned.)
Tuesday before Easter Celebration, I decided I can't wait anymore so I get the proposal written and submitted. It was approved the next day. On the same day itself I went to Pusat Pembangunan Siswa (PuMa) to book Dewan Mahasiswa. Now the challenge came. Murphy's First Law said:" Whatever can go wrong, will go wrong." Because of my hesitation (and procrastination). There is no hall left. One major event had the priority to use the hall, which left me no option but to book another place, which is way, way further from the field. What?! Well, that was the first thing En. Fahrul told me, but he had to check. I requested him to call me immediately after he had clarified. With a shivering heart, I headed back to my room, praying in my heart, "O God, please give us that hall, otherwise it will leave us no choice." I made a U-turn and head to the Sports Complex to get the field booked, just in case the same thing happen. I get to know the procedure to book the field, and to my relief, it wasn't a problem. (I submitted the approved booking on Thursday.)
On my way back to hostel from Sports Complex with a heavy heart, En. Fahrul gave me a call when I was passing by PuMa. I rushed to my revelation that he made a mistake and there is a slot available on 4 April 5pm to 7pm. But, there is a but. IEM was supposed to use the hall at 8pm, which En. Fahrul wanted me to check if they would need the hall earlier for decoration. This goes without saying, God is our provider, turned out everything was fine and YES WE GOT THE PLACE!!!!
Easter Celebration morning, I received a call from Douglas. What a relief when he called. He clarified a few things with me and approved to bring me new discs for sales. When Easter Celebration ended, it was a total relief for me (Thank God for that). Now the next thing, with only 6 days left for it, is to get all preparation done.
On Thursday I made a deal with cafe auntie and order 100 over cans of 100plus (CHILLED!!!) sponsored by Student Representatives Council (before that I talked to Wong Xin Xin about hosting the event under their sponsorship and their name). So FREE FLOW 100plus during workshop! This, too thank God for providing. I was thinking to get 100plus company to sponsor us, but with MPP's help I don't have to worry about that.
Everything was set for that day. Except, for that day itself.
I had sleepless nights before the event because my mind keeps playing things that could go wrong. 4 April itself, I skipped tutorial class (this one I confessed to God and forgiven, I know I'm lazy =P) and went back to hostel for rest. My body desperately need recharge but my mind just won't stop picturing. My roommates were not in room, so I finally had some alone-time with God, and I prayed. I asked God for a peaceful mind and rest for my body and also asked God for a faith to trust that He will provide so that everything will go smoothly. I had 3 hours before the event, but I could only nap for 20min with the rest of the time eyes big wide. But of all possible things I pictured could go wrong, I really did not picture THIS will happen. 3:50pm I sent a text message to Andrew to notify me when they arrive by the toll. Andrew called back with a stunning news. They were stuck on PLUS Highway with Barney (the name for their van, ask them why Barney?) broke down. My big drop of cold sweat dripped on my hand and shivered all the way to my spine (exaggerated). They were trying to work out a way with Douglas.
20 minutes later, Andrew returned call. There's nothing else they could do about the break down and need some maintenance on the gear box. Andrew asked if I could come pick up Dan in the middle of (don't know where) on the highway. I panicked for a moment. Satan has a way to interfere the work of God. I calmed down, for I know God will bring good out of this trouble, I have faith in Him that He will. This time, God really challenged me to the max, just to teach me to trust others (will deal on this at the end of this post). In desperation, I called up Edmond (who offered his hand when I need, in this event, big thank you for him), but he was in class. So I quickly pleaded Ernest. He has a car and he knows the way. I thank Ernest, without any hesitation, he picked up his car keys, with Dean, not knowing where to pick Dan up, and off he goes for the rescue. Andrew and Dan stopped at Bukit Tambun toll, so I quickly notified Ernest. This, took me a lot of courage. In my heart was playing:" What if Ernest couldn't find Dan? What if Ernest car broke down too? What if Ernest give up looking for Dan?" (Sorry dude to have such thoughts) But, I'll learn to trust.
So, what am I gonna do next? There's nothing else that I'm in control except for getting the place ready before Dan comes and pray with hope that he can make it. Now, the plan was to "ask" Barney to bring the drinks over, but I need another driver since Barney couldn't make it in time. I called up the sleeping Joshua. (Christian Fellowship people are crazily awesome). Also without hesitation, Joshua woke up from his precious nap, get himself done nicely (in 10min WHAO!) and drove his car over to cafe. He also helped me to load the drinks and get the drinks chilled at PuMa. Big thank you to him for staying there just to help me set up the PA and the place. I was walking around the hall in panic and the best thing he told me was:" I'll stay here and help you-lah, don't worry!" Edmond gave me an encouraging call (at this moment while writing, I wanna cry) asking if everything is okay and he's on his way to the workshop. I asked him to pray for me, that's what I really needed most.
At 5.10pm, so far, only Doron, Anuar and Naim came as helper. Thanks to them for helping me to set up the chairs. I guess I was having too much expectation when I asked them to arrange 2 separate rectangles, with 8 column times 4 rows each. But I guess I gave a poor instruction, or probably God's way of saying, "This will be enough.", they set up 2 rectangles of 4x4 (which fulfilled my instruction of 8x4, but I did not clearly mention "each rectangle"). By 5.15pm, my roommate, Eddie came with Chun Chang. So I played some songs to get the mood started. by 5.25pm people started to come, there were roughly 10-12 people. I remembered that I download a highlight of Ultimate, so I played it while waiting for Dan.
*A band of angels singing in background* "You got yourself a nice video there, Jo!" I jumped in joy when I heard Dan's voice. Now, everything is going to be AWESOME! The awesome moment when your faith bears fruit and all that kinda suspense built up just to give you enormous joy.
I couldn't praise God more for everything. He used something that was troubling me to teach me to be humble and to have faith in Him who will make everything good. I guess my prayer was answered in a strange way on the very same day itself when I asked God:" Increase my faith in You." Well, He taught me to have faith, if you get what I mean. God did not just make me to trust Him more, He gave me an actual scenario which I can act on it. And by His grace, even with my lack of faith, He helped me through.
I had an inflated ambition of having a crowd of 50 or more. Turned out that day, only half of what I expected. I was a bit beaten down by that. But while on my way back from supper (oppss!), Joshua said:" Today-ah, 26 people came, although little-ah, but just nice you know. If more people-ah, I don't think Dan can handle-lah. Like this ngam ngam (a colloquial for being just enough), everyone can get the chance to play and learn. Nice-ah!", which Dan also mentioned that he couldn't have handled if the crowd was bigger.
After all, I guess God is the wiser one. He want it, JUST NICE! And when He do it, it's awesome and you know it! His way is always greater and wiser. And that, totally humbled me.
I have trouble trusting others to carry out my vision and plans. If you have noticed, I had been getting everything done by myself. From getting contact, initiating plans, executing plans, preparation, paperwork to the actual day, I was doing everything by myself. I don't mean this to boast my capability, but instead I wanna admit that I have a weakness in trusting others. I can't stand the thought of someone else's failure to carry out what I want. And if I want it in control, I have to do it myself. But things just went out of control and cornered me into pleading for help in humility. God allowed such things to happened, it was bad, but He is so awesome, He used something bad for His glory. He used such out-of-control incidents to teach me to trust and to have faith. Now I completely trust Him, for any further ideas for His glory, I will try trust others.
Now my prayer, is that God will do the same thing again, as in use the bad in me, transform me and use me for His glory. And this God who changes my heart, is Jesus Christ, my Lord and my Saviour. Today, He is nailed on a cross, sacrificed Himself to pay for my sin, so that I may be reconciled to Him, because of His great love for me. Today, my sins are forgiven, my weaknesses will be my strength, and my shame will be His glory. What amazing grace, would save a wretch like me. As broken as I am, He wants to save me, love me, and use me for His glory.
Jesus Christ loves you too. He died on the cross not just for me, but for all mankind. John 3:16-17 "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. " There's nothing you have done that cannot be forgiven, there's nothing you can do by hard, good work that you can earn His forgiveness; there's nothing you can do to make Him love you less, there's nothing you can do to make Him love you more. This salvation is by grace and grace alone. God offers you a gift of life through Jesus Christ, do you want to receive this gift of life? If you have a moving heart, feel free to talk to me.
By the way, did I mention that I had test on the very same day? LOL, that's one thing I was worrying about too. But you know what, by His grace, I was the first to complete the English Reading Comprehension test, in 15min. 2 Corinthians 10:17 "But, “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.”" I boast in the Lord that even that I was focusing on the workshop, He gave me strength, wisdom and knowledge to do the test. I care nothing about the result, but I must mention that He gave me a peaceful mind to face the test. Praise the Lord Almighty!
Buddy, I'm waiting for your call and decision. Happy Good Friday and Happy Easter! May God continue to be with us!
So I had the idea of introducing Ultimate as a sports in my campus even before I enter USM. However, I really lack contacts and strings that can help me to pull this off. So I put this behind my mind after I enter Uni. However, I kinda thought I should have some regular game in campus.
It started really rough as it is something totally new to the students. It started by meeting my Cell Group Leader, Edmond Teo, who learned to play Ultimate as an exchange student to the U.S. before I came in. To learn that I'm passionate about the game excited him and that gave me a little push to initiate regular pick ups in campus. The first few week it's always me alone on the field as I'm only a Year One student, I couldn't have known much people in campus. But thank God, on and off there will always be one or two coming as I try my best to catch attention on Facebook. And when those days people just don't come at all, I'll just spend some time praying in the middle of the field.
I asked God, "Is this really what You want me to do in USM KKJ for You? If this is it, please provide me with everything I need to pull this off. Can't do this without You." And then, there's one week I met Chee Hao, Nilai College student whose hometown is Nibong Tebal. We share the same passion for Ultimate and by God's grace we were suppose to meet again in Penang Hat 2011. =)
And so I was in Penang Hat 2011 where I got my exposure to Ultimate tournaments. I really enjoyed learning for Wai Onn who never run out of patience trying to teach me strategies and skills. That was also when I know Douglas Ladner. Months later during the Mid-Semester break, Michael discussed with me and gave me the encouragement to start Ultimate in USM as a platform to get people connected for the glory of God. He also connected Douglas and I, where Douglas had been a great help in getting the ball rolling.
A new semester started, with the vision to pull off a skill workshop which will definitely build Ultimate's significance in USM KKJ. I did not hesitate to contact Douglas and discuss the details. By week 2 of the new semester, I approached the Student Affair Department to find out how can the University help to do host this significant event.
This is the amazing part of the story, the biggest miracle God worked in my Uni life so far. When I approached the officer in charge of sports, she immediately recognises Ultimate as a sports without me explaining much about it. To my shocking revelation, USM actually intended to introduce Ultimate way before this academic year, where the management allocated budget for this project. However, there was no one to initiate the project and hence the idea was abandoned. I almost cried on the spot for joy as I'm thankful that God prepared the path even before I walk on it, and to my shock, I was so blessed to be chosen by Him to work this out for Him.
Happily I told the good news to Douglas and hence I put my full strength and focus on making it a success. With only 7 weeks for half a semester, Easter Celebration on one hand, endless distraction of other clubs' (It's my honor to be given) invitations to help them out, God really does wonders in such a short time. I also merged the idea of promoting Ultimate to my entrepreneurship project (required by academic) by selling the Flying Disc.
Very soon, half a semester was coming to an end (in fact today is the last day of the first half of 2nd Semester), with workshop only 3 weeks away. (The date was set when Douglas' interns, Andrew and Dan came and discussed with me) There was literally no news at all after the meeting for at least a week. 2 weeks away and I started to worry. So I called up Andrew again (he appointed to meet that week) but he was away to Singapore to settle their visas. And apparently they were so busy, that their discussion with Douglas about the plan had not come to a conclusion.
And then the Easter Celebration week came and I had to focus on that. (I was supposed to start selling Flying Disc by that week as planned.)
Tuesday before Easter Celebration, I decided I can't wait anymore so I get the proposal written and submitted. It was approved the next day. On the same day itself I went to Pusat Pembangunan Siswa (PuMa) to book Dewan Mahasiswa. Now the challenge came. Murphy's First Law said:" Whatever can go wrong, will go wrong." Because of my hesitation (and procrastination). There is no hall left. One major event had the priority to use the hall, which left me no option but to book another place, which is way, way further from the field. What?! Well, that was the first thing En. Fahrul told me, but he had to check. I requested him to call me immediately after he had clarified. With a shivering heart, I headed back to my room, praying in my heart, "O God, please give us that hall, otherwise it will leave us no choice." I made a U-turn and head to the Sports Complex to get the field booked, just in case the same thing happen. I get to know the procedure to book the field, and to my relief, it wasn't a problem. (I submitted the approved booking on Thursday.)
On my way back to hostel from Sports Complex with a heavy heart, En. Fahrul gave me a call when I was passing by PuMa. I rushed to my revelation that he made a mistake and there is a slot available on 4 April 5pm to 7pm. But, there is a but. IEM was supposed to use the hall at 8pm, which En. Fahrul wanted me to check if they would need the hall earlier for decoration. This goes without saying, God is our provider, turned out everything was fine and YES WE GOT THE PLACE!!!!
Easter Celebration morning, I received a call from Douglas. What a relief when he called. He clarified a few things with me and approved to bring me new discs for sales. When Easter Celebration ended, it was a total relief for me (Thank God for that). Now the next thing, with only 6 days left for it, is to get all preparation done.
On Thursday I made a deal with cafe auntie and order 100 over cans of 100plus (CHILLED!!!) sponsored by Student Representatives Council (before that I talked to Wong Xin Xin about hosting the event under their sponsorship and their name). So FREE FLOW 100plus during workshop! This, too thank God for providing. I was thinking to get 100plus company to sponsor us, but with MPP's help I don't have to worry about that.
Everything was set for that day. Except, for that day itself.
I had sleepless nights before the event because my mind keeps playing things that could go wrong. 4 April itself, I skipped tutorial class (this one I confessed to God and forgiven, I know I'm lazy =P) and went back to hostel for rest. My body desperately need recharge but my mind just won't stop picturing. My roommates were not in room, so I finally had some alone-time with God, and I prayed. I asked God for a peaceful mind and rest for my body and also asked God for a faith to trust that He will provide so that everything will go smoothly. I had 3 hours before the event, but I could only nap for 20min with the rest of the time eyes big wide. But of all possible things I pictured could go wrong, I really did not picture THIS will happen. 3:50pm I sent a text message to Andrew to notify me when they arrive by the toll. Andrew called back with a stunning news. They were stuck on PLUS Highway with Barney (the name for their van, ask them why Barney?) broke down. My big drop of cold sweat dripped on my hand and shivered all the way to my spine (exaggerated). They were trying to work out a way with Douglas.
20 minutes later, Andrew returned call. There's nothing else they could do about the break down and need some maintenance on the gear box. Andrew asked if I could come pick up Dan in the middle of (don't know where) on the highway. I panicked for a moment. Satan has a way to interfere the work of God. I calmed down, for I know God will bring good out of this trouble, I have faith in Him that He will. This time, God really challenged me to the max, just to teach me to trust others (will deal on this at the end of this post). In desperation, I called up Edmond (who offered his hand when I need, in this event, big thank you for him), but he was in class. So I quickly pleaded Ernest. He has a car and he knows the way. I thank Ernest, without any hesitation, he picked up his car keys, with Dean, not knowing where to pick Dan up, and off he goes for the rescue. Andrew and Dan stopped at Bukit Tambun toll, so I quickly notified Ernest. This, took me a lot of courage. In my heart was playing:" What if Ernest couldn't find Dan? What if Ernest car broke down too? What if Ernest give up looking for Dan?" (Sorry dude to have such thoughts) But, I'll learn to trust.
So, what am I gonna do next? There's nothing else that I'm in control except for getting the place ready before Dan comes and pray with hope that he can make it. Now, the plan was to "ask" Barney to bring the drinks over, but I need another driver since Barney couldn't make it in time. I called up the sleeping Joshua. (Christian Fellowship people are crazily awesome). Also without hesitation, Joshua woke up from his precious nap, get himself done nicely (in 10min WHAO!) and drove his car over to cafe. He also helped me to load the drinks and get the drinks chilled at PuMa. Big thank you to him for staying there just to help me set up the PA and the place. I was walking around the hall in panic and the best thing he told me was:" I'll stay here and help you-lah, don't worry!" Edmond gave me an encouraging call (at this moment while writing, I wanna cry) asking if everything is okay and he's on his way to the workshop. I asked him to pray for me, that's what I really needed most.
At 5.10pm, so far, only Doron, Anuar and Naim came as helper. Thanks to them for helping me to set up the chairs. I guess I was having too much expectation when I asked them to arrange 2 separate rectangles, with 8 column times 4 rows each. But I guess I gave a poor instruction, or probably God's way of saying, "This will be enough.", they set up 2 rectangles of 4x4 (which fulfilled my instruction of 8x4, but I did not clearly mention "each rectangle"). By 5.15pm, my roommate, Eddie came with Chun Chang. So I played some songs to get the mood started. by 5.25pm people started to come, there were roughly 10-12 people. I remembered that I download a highlight of Ultimate, so I played it while waiting for Dan.
*A band of angels singing in background* "You got yourself a nice video there, Jo!" I jumped in joy when I heard Dan's voice. Now, everything is going to be AWESOME! The awesome moment when your faith bears fruit and all that kinda suspense built up just to give you enormous joy.
I couldn't praise God more for everything. He used something that was troubling me to teach me to be humble and to have faith in Him who will make everything good. I guess my prayer was answered in a strange way on the very same day itself when I asked God:" Increase my faith in You." Well, He taught me to have faith, if you get what I mean. God did not just make me to trust Him more, He gave me an actual scenario which I can act on it. And by His grace, even with my lack of faith, He helped me through.
I had an inflated ambition of having a crowd of 50 or more. Turned out that day, only half of what I expected. I was a bit beaten down by that. But while on my way back from supper (oppss!), Joshua said:" Today-ah, 26 people came, although little-ah, but just nice you know. If more people-ah, I don't think Dan can handle-lah. Like this ngam ngam (a colloquial for being just enough), everyone can get the chance to play and learn. Nice-ah!", which Dan also mentioned that he couldn't have handled if the crowd was bigger.
After all, I guess God is the wiser one. He want it, JUST NICE! And when He do it, it's awesome and you know it! His way is always greater and wiser. And that, totally humbled me.
I have trouble trusting others to carry out my vision and plans. If you have noticed, I had been getting everything done by myself. From getting contact, initiating plans, executing plans, preparation, paperwork to the actual day, I was doing everything by myself. I don't mean this to boast my capability, but instead I wanna admit that I have a weakness in trusting others. I can't stand the thought of someone else's failure to carry out what I want. And if I want it in control, I have to do it myself. But things just went out of control and cornered me into pleading for help in humility. God allowed such things to happened, it was bad, but He is so awesome, He used something bad for His glory. He used such out-of-control incidents to teach me to trust and to have faith. Now I completely trust Him, for any further ideas for His glory, I will try trust others.
Now my prayer, is that God will do the same thing again, as in use the bad in me, transform me and use me for His glory. And this God who changes my heart, is Jesus Christ, my Lord and my Saviour. Today, He is nailed on a cross, sacrificed Himself to pay for my sin, so that I may be reconciled to Him, because of His great love for me. Today, my sins are forgiven, my weaknesses will be my strength, and my shame will be His glory. What amazing grace, would save a wretch like me. As broken as I am, He wants to save me, love me, and use me for His glory.
Jesus Christ loves you too. He died on the cross not just for me, but for all mankind. John 3:16-17 "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. " There's nothing you have done that cannot be forgiven, there's nothing you can do by hard, good work that you can earn His forgiveness; there's nothing you can do to make Him love you less, there's nothing you can do to make Him love you more. This salvation is by grace and grace alone. God offers you a gift of life through Jesus Christ, do you want to receive this gift of life? If you have a moving heart, feel free to talk to me.
By the way, did I mention that I had test on the very same day? LOL, that's one thing I was worrying about too. But you know what, by His grace, I was the first to complete the English Reading Comprehension test, in 15min. 2 Corinthians 10:17 "But, “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.”" I boast in the Lord that even that I was focusing on the workshop, He gave me strength, wisdom and knowledge to do the test. I care nothing about the result, but I must mention that He gave me a peaceful mind to face the test. Praise the Lord Almighty!
Buddy, I'm waiting for your call and decision. Happy Good Friday and Happy Easter! May God continue to be with us!
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