*+_Praise † Grace_+*

A preacher was given two village church to shepherd and to grow. He's given a place to stay near village A and frequently minister to the church. Because of the distance he has to travel to village B, he could only visit and minister to village B twice a month. Years later, he realized that village church B grew bigger and healthier than village church A. This is strange because the preacher spent more time ministering to village church A. Finally, he realized, because he spent less time ministering to village church B, he spent more time praying for them; and because he was always there in village A, he prayed less for them! When Pastor Mark Mah shared this illustration during his sermon today, it struck a chord with me. Maybe the church is not growing because I spent more time planning than praying. Maybe the church is not growing because I spent more time doing than waiting for God to work in us. Even at this moment, I feel like my whole world falling into pieces. In all m

New Job Starter Kit So, I've got a new job! 6 months after my last and most read post. It pays better and reset my working pace again. A lot to learn on the job. Same title, but a much broader job scope. Liking the challenge though. Well, one nice thing I really like about my new job is that super good lunch I get. For a fix amount of RM3, I get a buffet lunch: bottomless rice, dishes, vegetables, chicken and fish. My plate is always full, sometimes too much. Too Much On My Plate I was on the phone with mom, updating her on some of my taxation matter. I made some mistake and was fined for it. I had been careless in my income declaration. Mom went on to comment on my lack of focus because I was having too much going on my schedule. I got a little impatient and asked to end the conversation. I didn't like the nag I was getting from her. I refuse to believe that I am too busy. Too Much To Do, Too Little Time I'm 27 this year, 2.75 years more to hit my 30-

Reflecting my past two and a half years in Li Xin Baptist Church, I can't help but wonder what would happened if I had walked away. It was an easy choice to make, LXBC was at her low point: members leaving the church, some considering to leave, worship team was in a mess, the spirit of worship was nowhere to be found, suspicion among members. I was new in town and working across the bridge. It would have been much easier if I had chosen to attend a church nearer to where I stay and easier for me to practice my faith. Pastor Matthew and Ai Hua at my graduation Yet I stayed. In hindsight, I don't think I made that choice on my own. God placed me here and I somehow had the heart and courage to say: this is where I will stay. While I'm glad I did, but it would have saved me from so much trouble and discomfort. My First Mission to Thailand with LXBC But if I had walked away, I think... 1. I would have missed the opportunity to allow God to mold me in my charact