“I am very much disturbed with the incident that happened today. Everything was as usual in the office today. Had a cup of milo, read the news, started working and went for lunch. After we came back from lunch, my colleague noticed that a few Indian boys were loitering on their bicycles outside the office. The next moment, they started to unscrew the shiny tyre tube cap from my colleague’s car. We went outside and asked them to stop. Instead of stopping, they took the caps and make a dash for it. I chased them and caught up with 2 out 3 bicycles. I knew I could catch the 3^rd Bicycles if I wanted to but I didn’t. The kids were horrified when I grabbed their bicycle and forced them to stop. The moment I caught them, I knew they were poor kids from the squatter area nearby and I knew that they wanted the cap for their bicycles. I didn’t know what to do or what to say. All I did was to demand the caps from one of them.

It was the expression of the kids that touched me. I know that they have done something that is wrong. Stealing is never right. However, when I caught them I didn’t know what to do with them. They were so helpless and fearful. I knew that these kids don’t mean harm. All that they ever wanted was something that they do not have. All they wanted was to beautify their own bicycles that have seen better days. I didn’t want to scold them neither do I want to punish them. But I knew that they did something wrong and they must be taught to do the right thing. Moreover it was my first time apprehending kids for doing something wrong. Before I could say anything, a passer-by came and started scolding the kids in Tamil. Before I knew it, he started beating them. He smacked their hands and I knew it wasn’t a hard smack. It was more of wanting to teach them a lesson. My heart jumped each time he hit them and one of the boys almost cried when he tried to smack him. I felt helpless. I wanted to ask him to stop but I didn’t. I wanted to say something, but I can’t speak in Tamil. The boys were so overwhelmed with fear and guilt that he started apologising to me. The uncle took the spanner and the tyre tube cover and gave them to me. The kids fled on their bicycles. After a while, they came back while my colleagues were talking about the incident. I thought the kids will never come back but yet they came back. In fact, the one that came back was the one that I’ve caught earlier. Knowing the danger of being scolded they still come back to return the stolen tube cap and to reclaim their spanner. It was all they had for the bicycles. The spanner. My colleague apprehended him and frightened that she is going to bring him to the police. The boy was almost in tears and I just stood there helpless and speechless. My heart really went out for him. I wanted to let him know; if you really want it I can buy for you as a gift but promise me not to steal again. But I stood there and witness the onslaught of fear upon him. The uncle came back and spoke Tamil to the boy again. Once again, he started smacking him. It was more like a warning smack and he sent the boys away. Perhaps it was a good way to end it, as my colleague was very stern. I hope the kids learn a lesson through this incident. Stealing is never right. To my amazement, the tube cap that was returned was not the same colour as my colleague’s car. This boy, came back and took all the scolding and beating for his cowardice friend that ran away with the tube cap. I guess after all, he came back for the spanner.”

Looking back at it, I truly regret that I didn’t make a stand. I didn’t know how to. My passion goes out to kids like these. The profiles of these kids are all identical. They lack parental love, education, guidance material needs and most of all the care and sympathy. It’s never their choice to be brought up in circumstances such as these and I am very sure it was never their intention to steal. Who would steal if they can afford it? However, if no proper guidance is given to these unfortunate individuals these petty action of stealing may one day escalate to greater heights. Perhaps robbery.

I’ve met kids that come from poor family in Sunday School and I always care for them but the thing is I don’t know how to care for them. I guess the spanner that was in my hand taught me the meaning of acting out what my heart desires for God. Each time, I hold a spanner I will remember this incident and the lesson that I’ve learnt from it. I hope each time you meet someone from such a background you will extend your friendship to them and guide them. I am sure you will meet them. They are closer to you than you know it.

These kids remind me of myself. Sin decides my destination. I was scolded; smacked and rebuked for the time I’ve committed actions that were not right. Pushed to the corner with guilt and regrets. No where to run, No were to hide. Surrounded by giants that taunted me for the errors that I’ve made. In my moments of desperation and despair Jesus came to me. He picked me up, wiped away the grimes and stain on my face. He smiled at me and lifted me up with His hands. He died in my place. He forgave me. He gave me a new direction. A new destination. Homeward bound. Heaven bound.

“You will again have compassion on us; you will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea.” – Micah 7:19

From Duck to Swan
Signing out at 8.53 am – 24^th October 2007

“It was a stormy day, at the streets of Sri Lanka. The clouds were gloomy and dark. Reverend Rajoo has just finished a long day of work ministering to the people. As he was walking home, a passing car splashed water from a puddle unto him. Reverend Rajoo was shocked with the rude surprise as his white shirt was drenched with muddy rain water. He could only see some tiny spots of mud on his white shirt and he thought it was ok. As he walked towards the street lamp down the street, he realised that it was more than tiny spots of mud had dirtied his shirt. He discovered bigger spots and as he drew near to the street lamp. When he was under the street lamp, he realised that his whole white shirt has turn into a brown muddy shirt.”

- Adapted from Reverend Rajoo of Sri Lanka in his sermon

This short testimony given by Reverend Rajoo has given a new insight to me on what Christianity is all about. We often have the misconception that the ultimate objective of a Christian is “just” to be perfect and to be Christ-like. However, being a Christian is more than that. I would like to emphasize that being a Christian doesn’t make us SINLESS but it does helps us to SIN-Less.

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." - John 8 : 12

The spots and blemishes become clearer as we walk closer towards Jesus. Things that were ought to be okay in the past may no longer be okay to us as we draw near to Him. As we draw near towards Jesus, His light reveals to us our spots and blemishes. Let us walk with Him and allow Him to renew our minds and our hearts as His light shines through.

“Lord, I come to your awesome presence
From the shadows into your radiance
By the blood I may enter your brightness
Search me, try me, consume all my darkness
Shine on me, shine on me” – adapted from Graham Kendrick
Copyright © 1987 Make Way Music

- I would give all that I have
Just to have a closer walk with Thee -

From Duck to Swan

Signing out at 12.50am – 23rd July 2007

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

At The Foot of the Cross
At the foot of the cross
Where grace and suffering meet
You have shown me Your love
Through the judgment You received
And You've won my heart
And You've won my heart

Now I can..
Trade these ashes in for beauty
And wear forgiveness like a crown
Coming to kiss the feet of mercy
I lay every burden down
At the foot of the cross

At the foot of the cross
Where I am made complete
You have given me life
Through the death you bore for me
And You've won my heart
And You've won my heart

Now I can..
I lay every burden down
At the foot of the cross

From Duck to Swan
Signing out at 3.23pm at 6th April 2007

Do you ever wonder why we often face trials and difficulties in our life? Not a single man is able to escape from the plague of problems and worries. None can ever say that everything is smooth sailing, I am perfectly happy with my life. The poor has their worries and the rich has theirs too. If you disagree with me that none is able to escape from this plague, then I invite you to reason it out with me.

The journey of life is characterized by the ups and downs that we face. Some may have more ups and some may have more downs but nevertheless they are still in the same category. The question is this; how do we react or respond whenever we face difficulties in life? We basically have two options to it, either to take it positively or negatively. Let me recommend to you a third option.

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” – James 1:2-4

Pure joy!? Are you telling me to be joyful without any ill feelings whenever I face trials in life? Come on, if you are in my shoes you wouldn’t be telling me this. Yes! Pure Joy! It is something hard to grasp whenever we are in the perils of the raging storm but let me remind you again, that our Captain is in-charge and this SHIP that we are on can never sink!

The Apostle Paul sums it up in 2 Corinthians;

“For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweights them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” – 2 Corinthians 4:17-18

Sometimes we fail to see what’s more worthwhile when we are in the midst of the storm. Whenever everything fails, turn to Jesus. He’s there. I know He’s there. Fix our eyes on Jesus He’s the author and the perfecter of our faith.

From Duck to Swan
Signing out at 9.11pm – 4^th April 2007

On the 24^th March 2007, Mr. Eric Kirton a loving father and grandpa, a humble servant of God, a missionary to the people in Kuantan, a preacher teacher, and the Evangel bookman returned home to the Lord. In the memorial service, I was deeply touched by his life as old friends, fellow workers and leaders of the church gave their testimonies about him and his life. Here is a man who laid down his life in total submission and obedience to the cross of Christ. You can read about his bibliography at http://www.ekirton.com.

These are one of the last words of the Apostle Paul;

“For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day – and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” – 2 Timothy 4:2

May we all end the race that was marked out for us like the Apostle Paul and Mr. Eric Kirton. That all who comes behind us find us faithful. You have left a legacy behind and footprints for us to follow. Thank You Mr. Eric Kirton.

“Special thanks to Mr. Eric Kirton for answering his call to be a missionary. He traveled to Malaysia and began his work enthusiastically to spread the gospel to many and bringing them to the saving grace and knowledge of the LORD JESUS CHRIST! He has definitely blessed many and also myself. His sermons and messages are truly inspiring. May The Lord bless him as Eric Kirton is now back in His arms at 5am 24th March. He's done his part on earth and now enjoys an everlasting relationship with our LORD JESUS. And I know my redeemer lives to conquer death and to raise us up again to be with HIM in heaven. You will be deeply missed by family members, team Kirton mission team, brothers and sisters in Christ on earth. This song is specially dedicated to You, Mr. Eric Kirton. God Bless U and Thank You for everything!! (24th MARCH 2007)” – noobshit a.k.a Leong Eng

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith,” – Hebrews 12:1,2a

I’ll let the lyrics of the song that were sung in the memorial service speak to you.

- Find Us Faithful -

We're pilgrims on the journey
Of the narrow road
And those who've gone before us line the way
Cheering on the faithful, encouraging the weary
Their lives a stirring testament to God's sustaining grace

Surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses
Let us run the race not only for the prize
But as those who've gone before us
Let us leave to those behind us
The heritage of faithfulness passed on through godly lives

After all our hopes and dreams have come and gone
And our children sift through all we've left behind
May the clues that they discover and the memories they uncover
Become the light that leads them to the road we each must find

Oh may all who come behind us find us faithful
May the fire of our devotion light their way
May the footprints that we leave
Lead them to believe
And the lives we live inspire them to obey
Oh may all who come behind us find us faithful

From Duck to Swan
Signing out at 2.09am – 26^th March 2007

I’ve recently watched the movie 300 that replayed the scenario of the historical battle of Thermopylae. The Greeks (Spartans) fought a valiant battle against the vast Persians armies that numbered like the sands of the beach. 300 brave Spartans laid down their lives for their King Leonidas and their beloved country Sparta from the cruel invasion of the Persians. The Spartans are men of valor that is proud of their origin, their country and most of all their King. I was deeply touched by their loyalty and love to the King and to the country. They are more than willing to lay down their lives for the sake of their King. They fought alongside with him and died alongside with him. Men of the distant past seem to place great honour to the sovereignty of their King and his kingdom.

There is a great contrast between man of the past and man of the present. The modern society and culture have shaped each person to honour himself/herself ahead of others. The value of honour is questionable in today’s society. Everyone is for themselves. The capital “I” has become the center of everything. “I” should be the first, “I” am the best, and “I” lead my life the way “I” want it to be. Well, in the middle of it all it is “I” and in the problem that lead to this capital “I” syndrome is in the disease known as s”I”n. It’s a common disease that strikes every person on this surface of the earth. However it is a fatal disease that could cause serious damage to a person’s life and eventually leading to death.

Fear not for the cure has been found. There is a man that has the immunity to this disease in His blood. However, the only way to make the cure is by using His blood. The antibody serum can only be made with one condition. It requires all of His blood. He has to die in our stead so that we might have the cure for the fatal disease.

“This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” – Matthew 26:26

But yet sometimes we fail to see that we are so absorbed into the culture of the world that teaches that every man is for themselves. Taking up the main symptom of the disease of s”I”n even when we had been cured of it - Trust no-one but trust yourself.

Do we honour our King? Do we even acknowledge our King? Or the disease that once brought condemnation to us has clouded our minds and boosted our self-ego? Do we trust ourselves more than we trust the King? King Leonidas’ men trusted in him and willingly lay down their lives for him. None of them deserted the cause although they knew the outcome that is facing them, – death. Oh what honour these men possessed. Do we have the same valor and honour for our King? The King that willingly lay down His life so that we might live.

Think about it.

Where does your honour lies?

In yourself or In your King.

From Duck to Swan
Signing out at 1.50pm – 23^rd March 2007