Rider’s Journey

This year i’m reli moodless 2 celebrate CNY!! A strong hatred feeling still buried in my deep heart core!! Few years ago, when i was still a growing kid, i love CNY n i’ll always b d first one 2 asked my dad 2 pay a visit to my relatives!! However, my relatives always welcome my family n i wif a cold shoulder!! Wat did we do 2 them till them treat my family like tat!! This year, i decided not 2 pay a visit 2 their house anymore but working during CNY! My first boss celebrate CNY wif us in d Hock Kwong petrol station!! Wat i’m shocked is my boss spent his New Year time wif me n other staffs!! He aso gave us ‘Ang Pow’!! Besides, he aso brought many snacks from his home 2 shares wif us!! T_T, i feel so warm n happy! Tis year, i’m 18 years old.. Hopefully, watever i do will b blessed by God!!

06/01/09 marked d beginning i work as a staff of Hock Kwong petrol station! My new journey begins from here as i step into d society which was told by my father is the darkest place where many things is beyond our imagination! This job was recommended by one of my old friends when we reunion after long time separate! I did find a job in order 2 spend my holiday time for waiting 2 d SPM result but i failed. I’m reli appreciate n 10ful 2 him as he helped me! I hope i can do my best in my 1st job!

Hmmn…. i reli dun like 2 write tis blog yet i haf da strong feeling 2 do so. BNTS and ANTS, undeniable, have taught many useful things 2 da members of d Boys’ Brigade yet smhow i’m not reli agree wif some of d things tat were taught during da courses. I noe some of da NCOs insist 2 follow it strictly but in d end who r suffeing? D boys r suffering!! Come on guys, u r d NCOs same as me n we r also HUMAN BEINGS not ROBOTs!! We r human beings tat haf BRAIN 2 tink rationally n take d decision which is rite!! I’m here 2 write tis blog jz 2 remind u ppls tat wat we learned from BNTS o ANTS can still b applied 2 da company but smhow we reli nid 2 modify it yet not follow it BLINDLY!! I received many complaints from d boys!! Wat’s going on? I jz take study leave for 5 months onli, d company seens 2 b changing a lot in a negative form!! NCOs, u onli noe 2 scold d boys as u like, issit? Then, i’m a sarge, can i scold u 2 like tat 2? NCOs r special n differs from privates but u ppls showed bad examples 1st!! Now, in d hearts of those boys, they fear NCOs n soon they will left d company!! These is not d caring from NCOs tat those boys wan but a spiritually torturing from u all!! Dun 4get, ROBoTs onli do d tasks as programmes by its inventor!! It will jz follow blindly even if d inventor wan it 2 commit suicide, it sure will follow!! Here r some verses i would like 2 share 2 all of u. “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep ” ~ JOHN 10:11~ NCOs, r u da gud shepherd? or u jz left da sheeps in d field n u urself earning smt 4 ur own benefictial? well, i left tis 2 u all n tink over n over it again!! Shows ur Love n care 2 them. Frankly speaking, tis is wat they reli reli need!!

15 years ago, a cow formed its company. Somehow it feels lonely n feel pity 2wards his 2 brothers (fox and crocodile) who haven’t having any works. So, it decided 2 invites them 2 join d partnership with him. 15 years later, these 2 brothers became evil n try 2 kick this cow out from d partnership. N now, d family of d cow is suffering!

(This story is modified by me n d incident took place is almost d same as occurred in d reality. The characters in this story is described as the animals 2 show their characteristic)

From 15/12/08 - 17/12/08, my company orgainsed a camp in da Army Camp. Well, i din participate it but i chose 2 help my officers in da kitchen. Me, Patrick n Woei Han, Lt Teo, W/O Chieng, W/o Kang, W/O David, Lt Linda, Lt Frankie, S/Sgt Henry n S/Sgt Wong Chek Ing help out in da kitchen.. LOL=X. Feel so fun 2 help officers in da kitchen. Lt Teo n other officers so took care of us!! I learned 2 do many girls’ work like washing dishes, cut da vegetables like cucumber, carrot n etc. Besides, i aso learned 2 cookfrom my Lt Teo. Feel so lucky 2 learn da new knowledges! I would like 2 take da oppoturnity 2 10 Lt Teo 4 teaching me 2 cook. Perhaps, i can cook like her now. Hmmmn… Better try it starting from now onward!! Do call me “CHEF WAN”. LolXD..

W/o David told me tat we would find sm way out when we r facing sm problems. However, i nid 2 find it carefully as sm of da ways r small enough tat we might not c it through our naked eyes!! Now, my company is so big tat so many problems have exised!! Methodist boys And Sacred Heart boys haf 2 run their own activites although we r from d same company! Smhow i was so negatively minded till i din realise thr’s a way 4 me prepared by God!! Perhaps tis is da thoughest training i have ever had 2 change my company although i need a lots of effort n time!! Hopefully, God’ll continue 2 pour his blessings towards tis company n help all da officers and ncos 2 do their part as well as da members 2 participate in all da programmes organize by da company!

Well, just now I had a dinner with W/O David, company’s new officer n Lai. I had a fun time with them 2nite. I feel so great chit chatting with them. We also went 2 watched a movie namely “The Day the Earth Stood Still”. Cool man, the movie was so great n got hidden message 2!! I feel better after telling W/O David regarding my problems and he guided me so much. Perhaps, this is the person that God has assigned 2 me 2 tell me what I need n what I should do!! N I realized that he has many common characteristics as mine 2!! LOLXD. It’s a truth that I once again lost my way again after SPM n so empty that I don’t know what should I do after SPM examination. Hmm. Honestly, I had a dream one weeks ago, I think that’s a sign or a message that God wants me 2 do. He wants me 2 go back 2 company n serve Him. I’m not 2 sure at first but decided 2 go back and try first. Tat’s it I went back 2 company last Saturday although I promised not to do so. That day, I was stunned when Rev Tiong shared something with all of the boys but I just really feel like God speaking with me. The words “If u want 2 shines, then shines through BB” and“God is our greatest officer not the officers in our company” waked me up to understand that He, The Almighty God wants me 2 go back!! T_T, but I still doubting if that’s just an accident. That night I watched a movie namely “Kung Fu Panda”. Through the movie,God sending me 2 messages. “Master Wu Gui Telling Master Xifu tat there’s no accident that panda was chosen 2 b Dragon Warrior” and “Master Wu Gui also telling panda that yesterday is a history, tomorrow is a mystery and today is a gift”!! I was so touched and realized that that was a sign from God!! I want 2 go back 2 BB and continue to serve but I’m now facing 2 many obstacles. I can’t go back as I need 2 works for 2 month next year from January and February. Then, I need 2 go National Service from March till June. If want to go back, maybe will be the next year’s mid of June. I’m now still struggling 2 overcome those obstacles. My problems seen 2 be increasing from day 2 day. I hid my problems and I don’t like 2 shares with my friends too. All these things change when W/O brought me 2 had a dinner just now. I realized that he was facing the problems just like me. Like William Shakespeare once wrote “To be or not to be”. Now, depends on me how m I going 2 face it, only myself can help myself. I believe so. He also told me 2 keep praying and keep asking God for guidance as we, a human being r weak and only through God, we will see hope and having salvation. Besides, he also asked me 2 be patience as the company will b changing soon. True speaking, this is d another officer who understands what we teenagers really need after Lt Hu. Tomorrow will have a meeting at W/O Kang’s office. HAIZZZ,,,,, I feel scare 2 go lah as I heard Captain will b presents 2!! I know I have to face it although I don’t want to. I will do this for my Heavenly Father, the King!! Once again, I hope I can through here and “THANKs” W/O David for taking me n Lai go out as well as the food’s bill and his guidance. I also want 2 take this opportunity to “THANKS” God for guiding me although sometimes I don’t really realized it.

I love this company so much yet I’m watching its destruction!! I panned 2 resign again yet U calling me back 2 serve U through my dream. God, I’m weak and I lack of confident 2 do what U wan me 2 do!! How m I going 2 shine through BB like what was told by Rev Tiong? U called me and I’ll listening 2 u, my beloved Father. I know I dun have 2 worry but I’m so frustrated and empty minded!! God, plz speak 2 me o jz send some hint 2 me! I’m crying 4 ur help Lord, dun turn away from me, Thy servant! This company already celebrated 40^th anniversary few months ago yet how long would it continue 2 stay? This company is “sick”, Lord plz heal it!!

Although SPM is over, i’m still busy searching 4 some informations about Christian-Lutheran!! After reading da informations, i decided  2 “transfer” 2 Christians-Lutheran. Below r some informations tat i would like 2 share wif u guys..

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“Portrait of Martin Luther”

November 10, 1483 - February 18, 1546

Martin Luther, one of the most notable theologians in Christian history, is responsible for initiating the Protestant Reformation. To some sixteenth century Christians he was hailed as a pioneering defender of truth and religious freedoms, to others he was charged as a heretic leader of a religious revolt. Today most Christians would agree that he influenced the shape of Protestant Christianity more than any other person. The Lutheran denomination was named after Martin Luther.

Luther’s Young Life

Martin Luther was born into Roman Catholicism in the small town of Eisleben, near modern Berlin in Germany. His parents were Hans and Margarethe Luther, middle-class peasant laborers. His father, a miner, worked hard to ensure a proper education for his son, and by age 21 Martin Luther held a Master of Arts degree from the University of Erfurt. Following Hans’ dream for his son to become a lawyer, in 1505 Martin began to study law. But later that year, while traveling through a terrible thunderstorm, Martin had an experience that would change the course of his future. Fearing for his life when a lightening strike narrowly missed him, Martin cried out a vow to God. If he lived he promised to become a monk. And so he did! To the strong disappointment of his parents, Luther entered the Augustinian Monastery at Erfurt in less than a month’s time.

Some speculate that Luther’s decision to pursue a life of religious devotion was not as sudden as history suggests, but that his spiritual quest had been in development for some time, for he entered the monastic life with great fervor. He was driven by fears of hell, God’s wrath, and a need to gain the assurance of his own salvation. Even after his ordination in 1507 he was haunted with insecurity over his eternal fate, and disillusioned by the immorality and corruption he witnessed among the Catholic priests he had visited in Rome. In an effort to shift his focus from the spiritual state of his troubled soul, in 1511 Luther moved to Wittenburg to earn his Doctorate of Theology.

The Birth of the Reformation

As Martin Luther immersed himself deeply in the study of Scripture, especially the letters written by the Apostle Paul, God’s truth broke through and Luther came to the overwhelming knowledge that he was “saved by grace through faith alone” (Ephesians 2:8). When he began to teach as a professor of biblical theology at the University of Wittenburg, his new found enthusiasm began to spill over into his lectures and discussions with staff and faculty. He spoke passionately about Christ’s role as the only mediator between God and man, and that by grace alone are men justified and forgiven of sin. Salvation, Luther now felt with all assurance, was God’s free gift. It didn’t take long for his radical ideas to get noticed. For not only did these revelations of God’s truth change Luther’s life, they would forever change the direction of church history.

Ninety-Five Thesis

In 1514 Luther began to serve as a priest for Wittenburg’s Castle Church, and people flocked to hear God’s Word preached like never before. During this time Luther learned of the Catholic Church’s unbiblical practice of selling indulgences. The Pope, according to his discretion from the “treasury of merits from the saints,” sold religious merits in exchange for building funds. Those who purchased these indulgence documents were promised a reduced punishment for their sins, for the sins of departed loved ones, and in some cases, total forgiveness from all sin. Luther publicly objected to this dishonest practice and abuse of church power.

On October 31, 1517 Luther nailed his famous 95-Thesis to the University’s bulletin board—the Castle Church door, formally challenging church leaders on the practice of selling indulgences and outlining the biblical doctrine of justification by grace alone. This act of nailing his Thesis to the church door has become a defining moment in Christian history, symbolic of the birth of the Protestant Reformation.

Luther’s vocal criticisms of the church were seen as a threat to papal authority, and he was warned by the Cardinals of Rome to recant his position. But Luther refused to change his stand unless someone could point him to scriptural evidence for any other attitude.

Excommunication and Diet of Worms

In January of 1521, Luther was officially excommunicated by the Pope. Two months later, he was ordered to appear before Emperor Charles V in Worms, Germany for a general assembly of the Holy Roman Empire, a convention known as the “Diet of Worms” (pronounced “dee-it of Vorms”). On trial before the highest Roman officials of the Church and State, again Martin Luther was asked to renounce his views. And just as before, with no one able to refute the truth of God’s Word, Luther stood his ground. As a result, Martin Luther was issued the Edict of Worms, banning his writings and declaring him a “convicted heretic.” Luther escaped in a planned “kidnapping” to Wartburg Castle where he was kept protected by friends for almost a year.

Translating the Truth

During his seclusion, Luther translated the New Testament into the German language, giving ordinary lay people the opportunity to read God’s Word for themselves and distribute Bibles among the German people for the first time ever. Although one of the brightest moments in Bible history, this was a dark time of depression in Luther’s life. He is reported to have been deeply troubled by evil spirits and demons as he penned the Bible into German. Perhaps this explains Luther’s statement at the time, that he had “driven the devil away with ink.”

Beliefs and Practices

Martin Luther’s major departures from Roman Catholic doctrine were based on these beliefs:

• Baptism - Although Luther retained that Baptism was necessary for spiritual regeneration, no specific form was stipulated. Today Lutherans practice both infant baptism and baptism of believing adults.
• Individual Access to God - Luther believed that each individual has the right to reach God through Scripture with responsibility to God alone. It is not necessary for a priest to mediate.
• The Lord’s Supper - Luther also retained the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper, but the doctrine of transubstantiation was rejected.
• Sacraments - Luther believed the sacraments were valid only as aids to faith (initiating and feeding faith), thus giving grace to those who participate in them.
• Salvation by Grace through Faith - Luther maintained that salvation comes by grace through faith alone; not by works and sacraments.
• Salvation for All - Luther believed that salvation is available to all humans through the redeeming work of Christ.
• Scripture - Luther believed the Scriptures contained the one necessary guide to truth.
• Worship - As to the manner of worship, Luther chose to retain altars and vestments and prepare an order of liturgical service, but with the understanding that no church was bound to follow any set order. As a result, there is today no uniform liturgy belonging to all branches of the Lutheran body. However, an important place is given to preaching and congregational singing.

1st trial reli means a lot 2 me.. I have done a wonderful job in it and scored well tis time. my results haf a lot of improvement wif my average increased from 60.9% to 72.09%!! Glory is the lord who guided me n blessed me a lot!! I still remember a month before the exam, i was suffered and worried about my study!! Luckily, i joined a camp organized by MY center in June!! They invited a teacher namely Mr Shi 2 have a theme talk “拿出自信，突发自我”！Well, through tis camp, i learned 2 study smart yet not 2 study hard!! LOL.. I found out a way 2 memorize things especially for History subject!! I also successfully manage my weak subjects especially Chemistry and Physic.. 1st trial have proved my strategy works well!! Now, i onli left out Biology and MT.. In a nutshell, i onli used up 65% 2 face my 1st trial!! SPM will be 100% of my hard work in order 2 scores straight A1!!!