Chrisa's Cafe
(health science, art, writing, socio-emotional, math lesson at play)

The happy "customers" waiting to be served
(the yummy food came from mum's kitchen - sausages, cookies, juice, milk, tea, etc. The "boss" happily collected real money and "ting", dropped them in the cash register)

The Word of the Lord came...
The year of waiting...
The months of preparation...
The weeks of excitement...(also with some anxiety)

...we humbly present the Gateway City Church before God as we dedicated the new work to Him and rejoiced together with fellow saints as we gathered on 27 Jan 2008 evening. It was a significant moment as many came to witness the dedication, prayed and partnered with us as we seek to Empower the Generations, and Impact the Nations. Continue to dream big with us in this awesome assignment!

Bro. Chin Aik's words of encouragement was surely empowering and affirming. We are so grateful for his service and the partnership of MAPLINK. Our thanksgiving to God who made all things possible and city pastors, family and friends who walked this mile with us. Also for many who couldn't make it personally but showed their support in different ways. A big thank you!


For more information later http://www.gatewaycity.com.my

The call was to "be still" (Ex. 14:13-14) and watch the Mighty Hand of God moved as He already issued the command for consecration. "Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you." (Joshua 3:5)

"Tomorrow" is here.

We wait with anticipation as the good Lord unfolds the mystery of His doing.

As I trace the timeline of our journey, my heart is grateful for the year 2007. The call to be the modern "Joshuas" has a price to pay. It is His governing Presence that compelled us to move out from our position and followed the way that has never been walked before (Joshua 3:3-4). Armed with ambivalence, we crossed the year 2007 from 2006 full with uncertainties. Excitement married with anxiety, we only have the loving Father's Hands to hold and His promises to cling on. I scribbled on a little piece of paper as I run through the plans of 2007 and showed Ed. He glanced through and nodded in agreement what we hoped to accomplish. Yet we know it needed miraculous intervention of the Father. It did seem a long year ahead with so much planned and nothing to depend. Or at least within the limitation of the human mind.

It was a year of rest from the field and eat from our field of faith. We had to constantly and deliberately shut our ears from the voice of the world that injected doubt. Instead we had to discipline and proclaim the Father's promises to feed our faith. I thanked Him for giving me a man who was willing to walk this journey knowing that it was not going to be easy as a driven person and the sole breadwinner - to watch the year go by and supposedly rest, trusting divine provision every moment. It wasn't even daily but every moment. That spells "HUMILITY".

Those who fear the Lord lack nothing; in fact, lacks no good thing (Ps.34:9-10). What an assurance! The reality - the path is narrow. It is never meant to be easy but is purposed to quicken our spirit and awaken His grace. Some days were filled with interesting surprises. Others seemed hopeless and empty. It is never always easy to understand His doing and timing. Yet the Lord is our hope when we awoke in the morning and He is our song at night. There were tears of anxiety in the waiting but also tears of joy in overcoming.

The year passed quicker than we thought. Almost all the plans scribbled on the tiny piece of paper in the beginning of the year were endorsed and accomplished divinely. Together with the children we gathered on our bed an hour prior we bidded goodbye to 2007, we gave thanks to God who made it possible for us. Each of us shared some of the best happenings - the people, places, programmes, plans, protection, and above all else His Provision and Peace. Smiles, giggles and laughter filled the air as we talked and recalled the great times of the year. Woah! We realized we've done so much as a family. Experienced new things together. Entered a new horizon of faith.

The biblical Joshua and the Israelites laid 12 stones taken from the middle of Jordan when God parted the waters so they could cross on dry land. The 12 stones served as a memorial for them. This year we saw the miraculous act of our "sea" being parted too. Memories were created and cherished. A "monument" erected in our hearts and will be a memorial for the coming days. We echo the commitment of Joshua, "...as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord." (Joshua 24:15)

The year is drawing to the close in 12 hours'. I had trouble penning any concrete words past weeks and asked God if "waiting has truly enlarges my spirit?" I definitely learnt many lessons in this faith module but how has my spirit grow?! PTL He answered me recently as I took up my pen to begin jotting down some random thoughts.

Faith was written in my heart when I walked in the spiritual storm in 1998 and spiritual desert in 1999. The breakthrough came when Nathalynn was born the same year.

2007 - Spiritual winter is almost over. Welcoming spring...a season of life and renewal. Maybe I am afraid, anxious what spring entails. The season of hibernation - a mixture of emotions. Somewhat a spiritual "hold" - its called "REST". In my term - Rejoice, Enjoy, Sing, Trust (in the Lord). The long awaited rest wasn't as easy when we are constantly challenged in a post-modern era to be productive. Taking a rest is a challenge to the inner man just as much from the external elements. Yet winter gives some kind of security. I am shielded from the harsh weather as long as I stay in.

A natural cycle in any season - at the end of winter, spring comes; and flowers bloom, birds sing and colours splash in. The new has come. The old has gone. I can't stay in any longer. Time to explore. Rest was created by God so we recharge and recreate. Recreation leads to reproduction. Reproduction is a process. Pain is inevitable. Memories of the labour room kept flashing back. After bearing 3 children and now expecting the 4th doesn't discount the fear of childbearing pain. I can see it. I can feel it. But the pain though remains in the memory bank is a phantom pain. For it is gone. The fruit has been enjoyed. The joy soothed it all. The pain was temporal. The joy everlasting.

I am reminded every breakthrough begins with a conception. Conception requires courage. Courage to bear forth. Conception takes time to grow. The process may seems long, uncomfortable and painful. The future is uncertain though I know I am spiritually and biologically pregnant. I feel heavy yet I have to endure. NO short cuts. I take a rest if I must, cried to the Lord, "Have mercy" and my journey continues...I look ahead to the day that I'll definitely see - the fruit of my "womb" I shall receive, because when the pain was at its highest intensity - I endure, I "PUSH" - because of God's promises I believe.

"Conceive, Believe, Recieve" (T.D.Jakes) in his book "Reposition Yourself" reminds me to keep pushing till there's a breakthrough. I welcome a new season. Winter is almost over, spring is here. I've so much to anticipate in my spiritual and biological pregnancies. I shall see my babies.

I believe in the beauty of womanhood and motherhood. God taught me what it means to continue believing after conceiving. And I certainly will receive if I learn to push when the pain is at the highest. Thank God for the gift of pain. No pain, no gain - the famous saying goes.

I am learning to grasp the deeper meaning of feminity. A beautiful woman is to bear forth the fruit of her "womb".
It calls for courage, consistency, composure and creativity.
It demands tenacity and toil.
She is one who is gentle outside and tough inside.
She is called "GEM": God-Empowered Maiden.
The Father calls her "precious and honoured in his sight...and he loves her" (Is.43:4)

I am a GEM in the Potter's House - continuosly in the remoulding and reshaping process. And I have three GEMs entrusted in my hands - in the making. Alongside there are also many GEMs in my life, together we will bear forth the fruit in our "womb" and the world shall taste and say it is good.

Through the years Christmas carries different meanings as I journey into different seasons. As a young child I looked forward to Christmas for it is a time of holiday. The shopping malls though not as sophisticated as this era were still brightly litted and one could hear the merry ringing of carols and Santa Claus' bells. I loved the days when we would gathered at my uncle's house to celebrate with lots of food and presents. The carolers would be there to grace the occassion. I remembered one year, I was about 12, my uncle asked me to be the MC for the party. I had my speech scripted, and above me was a banner in his house that printed, "Jesus is Lord". I guessed I did pretty well as a preteen MC but I could not bring myself to proclaim the inscription on the banner.

My girl guiding days were great. Every year we went carolling with the scouts. Much practice and effort were put in to perfect our songs and "getting business". One year I was the Santarina. One year I was the Manager - administering the business and mapping out locations and schedule. Well, lots of hard work but definitely learnt a great deal as a teen. That season were loaded with unending fun and laughter with good friends and made good memories. I still smile when I recall those wonderful teenage years.

The essence of Christmas took a turn when at 19 I came to know Jesus as my Lord and Saviour. I still join the carollers, I still feast on good food, I still have gift-exchanges, I still busied myself with Christmas projects in church - choir, dance, musical dramas. With kids at home now, we decorate Christmas tree. All these were still part of my life but they were done with a different spirit. The season is about joy than mere fun. It is about His Presence rather than the presents. It is about the celebration of the Giver instead of the commercialized giving. Since then, God gradually unfold the revelation of His glory and grace of Christmas to me. Christmas is a gift of love - for Emmanuel has come!

This year carved a change. We deliberately wanted to sip and savour the flavour of the season in a quiet mood away from the crowds. It was just a simple family dinner, some singing, bible reading and prayers at the confine of our own nest. My thoughts are still savouring Isaiah 9:6-7.
The prophet Isaiah proclaimed,
"For unto us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulder.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of his government and peace
there will be no end."

Truly in Him, there will be no end. This special child was born, so that He may die in order we may live eternally. He is all. He is the Everlasting, the ultimate Prince of Peace; indeed there is no end. I receive His wisdom, rule, care, love and peace from the divine reservoir endlessly. And now with just a few days away to a new year, I am still savouring this portion of scripture...for in Him, there is no end.

The mention of dance never fails to cause the Lynns' hearts to beat faster. Despite the busy week, they decided to sign up for the dance competition organized by Sunshine Square in conjunction of the Christmas season. With just a week away, they came up with a pretty good piece and had limited time of practice. Daddy and Mummy were taking a youth camp and so they used siesta to run through. They pestered Mummy to help refine it. Pregnant Mummy was too tired to oblige. One day, God sent an angel. A new friend, Aunty Siat Peng helped to improve the dance piece. Oh yes, they were so glad.

Did they expect to win amongst 24 other solo/teams? During the announcement of results, Ash was all ready to be called but reserved Nat didn't have any expectation at all. After a long wait...Tadaa...the second place goes to Ashlynn and Nathalynn Lim with their fusion piece (a combo of ballet, gymnastic, jazz, creative moves)! Nat instantly lit up and a wide smile spreaded.

Chrisa insisted to hold the trophy:)

The triumphant pose!

The book of Joshua has been very personal and meaningful. Its significance was deepen when we had to walk the talk as we embraced the depth of its teaching. It was not meant to be a personal call only but to challenge the young generation to arise to C2C - Consecrate to Conquer: Emulating the Joshua Generation...that's the theme of the Bangsar Youth Camp held in Stella Maris, Penang on 19-23 Dec.

It was a privilege to serve the youth of Bangsar once again in camp for the third time. Certainly the trumpet call for the contemporary Joshua is blasting. Have we heard? Have we obeyed? The seriousness of consecration; being set apart for the purposes of the Most High. The urgent need to arise and stand up for a worthy cause. The extraordinary boldness to make God famous. Do we hear His heartbeat of compassion for the lost? Do we feel the grief of the Holy Spirit for this depraved world?

The comforts and competitiveness of our generation have pushed the core human needs to the hiding. The self-actualization is measured by the achievement of financial and social status. Education and entertainment have squeezed their way through the decades into cultures to reach the climax in our society today. We are living in a loud world. Tonnes of destructive elements are screaming at us. Real values are lost. Hope misplaced. Love distorted. Life fragmented. Someone has to pick up the pieces and fix them back. Not to condemn but to restore. The 'someone' is the contemporary Joshua generation!

One day, Chrisa wanted to play games with me. She couldn't decide what to play. So I threw some suggestions, one of them was puzzle. My lil' girl was quick to answer, "We can't a play puzzle. We fix it." Yes, indeed we can't play around. We have to fix the fragmented pieces. Fixing needs analyzing, strategizing, focus and concentration to enjoy the final beautiful whole picture.

The cost to emulate the Joshua generation is extremely high. It requires our ALL. It requires the tenacity of the spirit to press in and press through for victory. It is impossible to achieve in a single camp. Its a life-long pursuit of divine exchanges. Through imparting in the camp, the call is further reinforced in our own life and served as a timely reminder and affirmation of our role and responsibility to challenge and empower the generation entrusted to us.