Pastorpher's Adventures!!!

Labels: Word

Last weekend, i was in Segamat ministering at Wesley Methodist Church, Segamat. One thing that took placed during the service was the baptism of this down syndrome boy who suffered from leukemia. As we began the service, i was reminded of James 5: 14 - 15. So, i asked my fellow Pastor to get some olive oil ready.

The time came when this boy came out to the front to be baptised. He said several loud "I do" to the questioned addressed in his baptism. Then, i baptised him in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. After that, i asked the church leaders to come to the front and lay their hands on him; and church members to stand up to pray for him.

Immediately, this boy lifted up both of his hands in prayer to God. As we prayed together, i felt the Holy Spirit moving and he 'fell in the Presence of God'. As i anointed him with oil, we prayed for God's healing to flow into his life. It was an incredible experience and i believe that God had done something significant in his life.

Later on in the Youth Fellowship Meeting i was reminded that God had used this boy to teach an important lesson to us (who seem to be 'normal'). Unless we come as children before God (as this boy did), we cannot enter the Kingdom of God.

Labels: Testimony

Our 3rd Youth Prayer Conference was held in Penang from 10 - 13 March. The theme: Crossing Over. This phrase was taken from Joshua chapter 1 when God asked the Israelites to Cross the Jordan River in order to get into the promise land. To me this theme, which was first adopted by the organising comittee (Joshua House @ Penang Wesley) reflected God's intention for his young people to Cross over from where they presently are to inherit God's promises. It was a challenge for His people to respond to the Father's love in receiving what God has already intented to give them.

I believe that God has specific purpose for His people from different generation. In a way there is a generational agenda in the heart of God. In the story of the Isrealites, one generation was not able to inherit God's promise to enter the promise land. Due to unbelief and a heart that is still set on Egypt they were not able to move forward. ('They went backward, and not forward - Jer. 7:24).

Is it possible for us to miss God's generational agenda in our business to do God's ministry?

God is constantly working at prepare an entire generation to fulfill His purposes. But this fulfillment is not possible without the Joshuas and Calebs. Often times, we refer to Joshuas and Calebs as the 'younger generation'. But we must not forget that Joshua was already about 40 when we led an army to cross the Jordan. In other words, this work of crossing over does need a slightly older and matured person in leadership.

Last year as i was preparing to speak at a Prayer Conference, I stumbled over an eye-opening truth. Gideon, who represented a "younger generation" was asked by God to tear down an altar that his father had built (see Judges 6:5). As i reflected on this truth, i realise that every generation is capable of either fulfilling or ignoring God's generational agenda.

As we become serious and committed at fulfilling God's generational agenda, it is also important for us not to become too over critical of the older generation. History constantly teaches us that each generation, is capable of falling away from God. If not of God's grace which constantly keeps us in line with God's Will, we would not be able to fulfill what is in the heart of God for our generation.

Btw, Gideon did eventually fall. His idol became his success in his ministry (see Judges 8:27). This is a solemn warning for us that we are no better than our forefathers.

Labels: Spirituality

May i introduce you to our latest addition? This is Yohanen Chael Rao. He was born on 11 December 2006. The first time when i heard about his arrival, I was reminded that he belongs to God. At the time of his birth, the Doctor told us that he is going to come out via "C-Section". Then we prayed and that night itself God answered our prayer. He came out through natural birth. When i first held him in my arms, i was reminded of incredible love of God which held us first close to Him even before we knew Him.



It has been about 3 months now since he first came into our lives. Things have never been the same ever since. Nowdays, he is learning to make noises and trying to communicate to us. Yesterday, he "talked" for about 1 hour. I think he is learning to be a preacher.



Its truly a joy to have Yohanen in our lives. I can never tell you how wonderful the entire experience has been. Before he was born we often heard how difficult parenting can be. Although this is true (sleepless nights, frustration of not knowing why he is crying, seeing him suffering as a result of Colic) the thing that they haven't shared was the "love factor". When you attend to child with love in your hearts, it makes a world of difference. Love makes a world of difference!

Labels: Yohanen