Blessed Christmas 2012 (Feliz Navidad)

"If God had perceived that our greatest need was economic, He would have sent an economist. If He had perceived that our greatest need was entertainment, He would have sent us a comedian or an artist. If God had perceived that our greatest need was political stability, He would have sent us a politician. If He had perceived that our greatest need was health, He would have sent us a doctor. But He perceived that our greatest need involved our sin, our alienation from him, our profound rebellion, our death; and He sent us a saviour on Christmas."

Officer Cadet School-Service Term

Glory and honour be to Jehovah Rohi for watching me through OCS Service Term at Sierra Wing. The LORD has allowed this fruitful journey to discover more about myself and shape my character. Many defining moments and lifelong brotherhood were forged during the cataclysmal Ex Centipede and amaranthine Ex Scorpion King. Truly, His abounding love and benevolent provision have never failed to astound me. May Jehovah Sabbaoth continue to fight for me as I venture into the unknown of OCS Professional Term (Infantry) and be pruned in Echo Wing for the next 5 months.

Psalm 42:2 says, "My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?"

'No gadget will ever be latest enough, no woman will ever be beautiful enough, no car will ever be cool/fast enough, no food will ever be tasty enough and no house will ever be comfortable enough. Our generation has been fervently searching for purpose and satisfaction in the wrong places. But only in Christ will one be truly joyful and contented.'

2 Corinthians 12:10 says, "...for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong."

On Tuesday, Sierra Wing organized Frisbee for our weekly Sports & Games routine at OCS. Just like any other team sports activities, I will always be a burden to the team. My section mates dared not pass the Frisbee to me because I would only drop it or accidentally pass it to the opposite team after I received it.  Honestly, I tried. I always did. Ever since Secondary 1 when I first participated in my Captain Ball and Soccer games in The Boys' Brigade, I was always highlighted by the rest as the most dreaded player in the team. I can neither catch the ball properly nor kick the ball straight. Nothing more than a burden. I was constantly angry with God and could not comprehend why He wired me this way. I was not begging Him to make me the best player on the field. All I ever wanted was to contribute to every team I was involved in but until today, that prayer never never came true.

 Over the years, I came to accept this weakness of mine and stop blaming God. But the story does not end here. One Saturday afternoon at Woodlands Evangelical Free Church (WEFC), the youths were playing Captain's Ball at the courtyard opposite. Due to the fact that I was much older and physically faster than the majority, the younger youths assumed I was one of the stronger players. They constantly passed the ball to me but little did they noticed that I always almost immediately pass it on to someone else (just to get the ball away from me lest I drop it and disclose my weakness). Being a friendly and non-competitive game, the pace was comfortable and slow. It gave me time to observe my church youths and a chubby Secondary 1 Boy, by the name of Caleb Soh caught my attention. Twenty-minutes into the game, no one on his team ever passed the ball to him. Caleb did not touched the ball even once. My heart sank. It reminded me of one Soccer game I was playing in back in Secondary School. For one entire hour, I did not managed to kick the ball even once. After we reshuffled our teams, I consciously kept Caleb in my radar when the new round began. I intentionally sought opportunities to pass the ball to that young man.

At the end of the game, Caleb came to me, smiled gently and told me, "No one passed the ball to me just now except you. I counted five times!" From then onwards, I realized that God has been preparing me for moments like this where I could sympathize with those who are forsaken. I know the pain that Caleb goes through. That is why I knew exactly what to do to lift his spirit. 

God has reasons and use for our weakness. 

Psalm 73:25 says, "Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you."

Do not count your days, but make your days count. I would rather be hated for who I am than to be loved for who I am not. Write your plans in pencil and give God the eraser. It is said that people complain because they have problems, but after some time, I realize people have problems because they complain.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 say, "Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body."

True Purity Comes From A Radical Commitment To Walk With Christ

Matthew 10:32 says, “Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven."

"Am I a Christian serving the country or a soldier who happens to go to church on a Sunday morning?"

Psalm 139:11-12 proclaim, 'If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,” 12 even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you."

 

Today is OCS Parents Visiting Day and my 19th Birthday (which I forgot).
Two good weeks have passed by in OCS. I truly thank our Abba Father for ordaining me with the grand opportunity to be trained in a professional and world-class military institution. Indubitably a place where I will be thoroughly refined by the flames and forged to become a true servant leader for Christ's sake. Above all, to become a more effective missionary working for the extension of His glorious kingdom on earth. Honestly, I was clouded with fears and was absolutely reluctant to even begin the journey as an Officer Cadet initially. However, by God's grace, the motto of OCS, which states: 'To Lead, to Excel and to Overcome' comforts me as the day goes by. I realized that I have my fellow Cadets and Section Instructor to guide and support me throughout the whole OCS journey.

Furthermore, I had the privilege to meet righteous and steadfast young men like OCT Wilson who are genuinely passionate about serving the country as much as I do. We both allow very similar values (which mine is stemmed from God's word) and perspectives to govern the way we conduct our lives. To us, getting a GOLD for our Individual Physical Proficiency Test (IPPT) is not simply to avoid remedial trainings (RTs) or to get monetary bonuses. We aim to achieve the highest standard of physical fitness so that we can lead our men at the front-lines during a war. And we see the sword as an honor bestowed from heaven and a motivation to strive for excellence while others see it as a medium to impress their social circles. I pray that we may ever stay true to our guiding principles in life and influence our men in the near future.

The Commissioning Parade is not the destination for me, it only marks the beginning of my professional service to the Republic of Singapore. Most are looking at the very last day of the nine-months but I am looking at the nine-months itself and constantly asking, "O LORD, what do you plan to teach me here?"

With a Lion's Heart, Watchman Chow.

Joshua 1:9 says, "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."

Recently, I have been afraid of telling people that I was posted to Officer Cadet School (OCS) because I feared failure and disappointment of not becoming commissioned at the end of the 9 months training. I truly fear the darkness that will be engulfing and tormenting me during the Jungle Confidence Course (JCC), which happened to me during BMTC field camp. Almost every night, I would be woken up for no logical reason, feeling breathless and fearful. By God's grace, Uncle Oliver, Samuel and my BB Brothers in Christ like Joshua Sir and Ming Han Sir have been encouraging me with God's Word. 

In His Word, God commanded Joshua to be courageous. Uncle Oliver pointed out that courage and fears are actually emotions. 'I feel courageous. Or I feel afraid.' But why does God commands us to be courageous or rather, how is it even possible for Christians to be courageous during moments when they literally feel afraid? Because God is with us wherever we go, even if we walk through the valley of the shadow of death. 'I will fear no evil for You are with me, O LORD.' Sometimes, I feel really silly for I have dwelled in the presence of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, why do I still fear men?

With a Lion's Heart, Watchman Chow.

Black And White

Psalm 106:9 says,"He rebuked the Red Sea, and it dried up; he led them through the depths as through a desert."

 

By God's grace, I am selected by the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) to be posted to the Officer Cadet School (Army Wing). I am to report at Safti Military Institute (MI), Warrior's Hall by 0800 on Tuesday (170712) in Smart Green No.4. A new journey has been opened by heaven's door.

Getting Comfortable With The Uncomfortable

Basic Military Training Course (BTMC)

"Thank you O LORD for the past two months of BMTC. From sleeping in the mud to finding battery caps, from firing live rounds to throwing a fragmentation hand-grenade, from getting confinement to doing guard duty, from reading the bible in the toilet to getting caught for praying with other Christians in the bunk and from scrubbing the floor to cleaning pigeons' waste on the glass windows. Today, you gave me the privilege and strength to complete the 24km Route March and to participate in the Passing-Out Parade (POP) on the Marina Bay Platform in front of thousands of parents. Without Your sovereign will and guidance, all these would not have been possible. May I use the Block Leave to count my blessings and to reach out to the Lost Sheep. Amen with a Lion's Heart!"

Carpe Diem With A Lion's Heart

REC Chow Yi Xian Daniel

W2311. BMTC School 3. Whiskey Company. Platoon 2. Section 3. Under the leadership of Section Commander, 3SG Nicholas and Platoon Commander, 2LT Ch'ng Kai Hung, he completed the Standard Obstacle Course, Basic Trainfire Package, Live Hand-Grenade Throwing, Group Battle Course, Individual Field Craft, Situational Test and Individual Physical Proficiency Test. Passing Out Parade (POP) and 24km Route March is coming soon. What should I expect after I have stepped out of Basic Military Training Centre (BMTC) at Pulau Tekong, O LORD?

The Story of Hagar and Ishmael

Recently, I was on the verge of signing-on with the Singapore Armed Forces under the Enhanced Officer Scheme (EOS). My human intention was practical and all I wanted was financial security and a scholarship to cover the cost for my undergraduate studies. In the midst of being enslaved and entangled by what the world offered me, I almost forgot about the Great Commision and Matthew 6:33. The LORD has taught me that I was seeking security in the wrong place. God promises me not only earthly stability, but eternal guarantee in His heavenly courts. Just like Abraham and Sarah, time and time again God assured them that He would fulfill His covenant with Abraham through his own son, Issac. However, Abraham still made a wrong decision by going for an alternative/detour by laying with Sarah's Egyptian maidservant, Hagar and resulted in the birth of Ishmael (though still within the control of God's sovereign plan). By His great mercy, God pulled me back quickly from signing the SAF contract and I am resolved to entrust my one life to serve Him.

Proverbs 23:23 says, "Buy the truth and do not sell it—wisdom, instruction and insight as well."

The Ironman is one of my favourite movies and I like how Tony Stark upgrades his armor suit from time to time. Imagine how walking with God can be even more dynamic and exciting as God brings us through each new season and discover more about Him and ourselves.

1 Thessalonians 4:4 says,"that each of you should learn to control his own body in a way that is holy and honorable,"

True love exists when a gentleman is willing to die for the woman he loves. I disagree. Dying is simple. Living is hard. True love only exists when a gentleman is willing to live honourably for the woman he loves.

Daniel 6:4b says, "They could find no corruption in him (Daniel), because he was trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent."

One day, three Boys were talking about how great their Dads were. The first one said this, "My Dad knows the Mayor of this town. In response, the second replied, "My Dad knows the Governor of this town." Finally, the third Boy exclaimed with gentle confidence, "My Dad knows God!"
I hope some day my son (or daughter) would be able to tell others that his father knows the Maker of the Heavens and the Earth. He who fears God fears no man.

Psalm 121:2 says, "My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth."

"Each day in the army, I start to discover more and more about about myself. But recently I realized how little I am discovering about God in BMT."

Matthew 9:37 says, "Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few."

"Every heart with Christ is a missionary and every heart 
without Christ is a mission field." By Oswald J. Smith

2 Timothy 4:2 says, "Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage —with great patience and careful instruction."

Completed my Go Extra Mile 2012 organized by OMP. Here are some personal lessons I have picked up from the trip:

Spiritual Calling: Isaiah 6:8 proclaims, “Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!” Now I will seriously pray and think twice before I boldly declare to others that I want to be a missionary after I have seen the amount of physical, emotional, mental, social and spiritual costs that need to be paid. If it is God’s will (which I will gladly surrender and obey the call), I want the LORD Jesus Christ to prepare and send me to the frontline of the mission field to seek and save the Lost Sheep. 

Spiritual Contentment: Philippians 4:11-13 says, “I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” 

Time with King/Kingdom: I used to presume that missionaries can and will easily have extended and quality time with God every day since their career is to serve God full-time. However, I realised it is very easy and dangerous to be caught up with the work of the kingdom and have little or no time for the King himself. Truth #1: Our ministries do not compensate for our daily, personal and intimate walk with the LORD. 

Master/Mission/Mate: Through Go Extra Mile 2012, God has shown me the reality and price that I must be ready to pay to cross the globe to reach the Lost Sheep. Therefore, I need to prayerfully find a Proverbs 31 woman who has a heart for missions. She must be prepared to give up everything (Luke 9:23 + Luke 14:26), to live simply and to allow me to lead the household as I follow Jesus closely. 

Servant Leadership: Mark 10:45 says, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” God has impressed upon my heart on many occasions to serve my teammates and the Lost Sheep in Alfonso Lista. I now understand the need and rejoice in sacrificing my own hygiene, energy and time to serve others by giving up my seat to the elderly, unclogging the trench, washing the dishes, sweeping the floor, picking up the litters, carrying heavy bags, refilling their water bottles etc. 

Prayer and Mission Alliance: Need to start supporting both local and foreign missionaries consistently in terms of prayer, encouragement and financial coverage. 

Tactical Revolution: Start taking initiative in learning and mastering survival/tangible tools like first-aiding, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), driving a car/lorry/motorbike, marketing, cooking, tent-pitching, plumbering, memorising of Christian chords and lyrics, tuning and playing of guitar/drums/bag pipes etc.  

Operationally-Ready Disciple (O.R.D): Be always ready to share the gospel (1 Peter 3:15) and preach the Word of God (2 Timothy 4:2). If I cannot even do these confidently in my home country, how can I expect myself to practice them in a foreign land (where furthermore, interpretation would be required)?

To Be A Man of God In The Military Camp

I will be enlisting into the National Service tomorrow. I have been waiting for this day for far too long. May the LORD empower me to put on the full armor of God daily and to pray in all occasions.

Matthew 10:6 says, "Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel."

Invited Yu Jie, Sen Ree, Alex, Gary, Zoel and Aaron to the Passover Experience at Trinity Christian Centre @ Paya Lebar on Good Friday. By the grace of God, Alex and Gary came to accept Jesus Christ as their LORD and Savior after Aaron (who has the Spiritual Gift of Evangelism) shared Two Ways To Live with them.

Hebrews 6:19 says, "We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure."

 

The Object of The Boys' Brigade shall be the advancement of Christ's Kingdom among Boys and the promotion of habits of Obedience, Reverence, Discipline, Self-Respect and all that tends towards a true Christian Manliness. Today is my final day serving as a Senior Cadet Lieutenant (SCL) in The Boys' Brigade 11th Singapore Company.

John 13:35 says, "By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

Phenomenal T-Junction Outing with my younger BB Brothers yesterday. Went to Muthu's Curry restaurant for lunch, followed by Xbox and table Soccer and before we settled down to have our Youth Spiritual Gift Test. In the evening, we had our comic frenzy at the National Library and Kinokuniya bookstore.

Philippians 4:6 says,"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."

Today, I had the privilege to invigilate for the Social Studies common test paper at Class 3E4. For the past 12 years of my education, I’ve been always been the one seating down, waiting for the examination script to be passed down and for the chief examiner to say the word. The sudden paradigm shift has now placed me in the examiner’s shoe. I am now the one giving out the scripts to the students and seeing their faces – some confident while others frightened. Yu Jie’s action caught my attention and moved me into intercession. This young gentleman’s pen ink was desiccated within 10 minutes after the common test commenced. Not only was he calm, he gently putted both hands together and started praying to the LORD. By God’s grace, the ink eventually started to flow again and Yu Jie managed to complete the paper.

Someday I Am Gonna Be In That Photograph

11th Coy Bag Pipe Band Contingent

Last Saturday, I went for my very first Pipe Band session. I am planning to pick up Bag Pipe as my main instrument. Pray that I will be patient and diligent as I practice. I dream of performing with my BB Boys in future and march during a National Day Parade.

Psalm 91:2 says, "I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”

Conducted Bible Study with Sen Ree and Yu Jie on Friday. By God's divine appointment, Jerome and Joshua came too. I managed to go through the Spiritual Goal mind map and several Casting Crown music videos with them. Pray that (if it is His will) James, Jerome and Joshua may some day join the fellowship of the BS and grow as a Disciple of Jesus Christ.

For the past two months, I have been working with Joshua, James and Jerome in BB, church and school. By God's grace, I have been able to witness their spiritual growth and maturity. Joshua has taken a step of faith to lead in Morning Worship and Devotions (singing) in BB. James is nominated as the AQ Captain for this year's BB Blaze competition.Jerome became the Food I/C for LTC II Camp and led in Devotions (guitar) in BB too.

They have demonstrated good faith and it is my prayer that these three will let God use them for the extension of His kingdom to reach the Lost Sheep.

BB Appreciation Tea

Met Mr.Nathan at the BB Appreciation Tea recently. He has been our BB Patron for two terms as President of Singapore. We had the honor and pleasure of his presence on numerous occasions. Also, it was also Mr.Nathan who had graciously approved the BB President's Award and its ceremony to be held at the Istana building. To show our appreciation for his many years of fervent support, we invited him to this event to thank him.

Chinese New Year 2012

Visited Malaysia last Friday to celebrate Chinese New Year with my family. Went up to Genting Highlands (have not been there since I was a kid). I was really impressed and captivated by the variety and extensive details of the Genting Casino. Ate incredible meals such as the Iranian Naan, Turkish desserts, herbal Bak Ku Teh, Ah Yat Abalone and Indian spice. Though I was quite reluctant to leave Singapore initially, I gotta admit that I did enjoyed the trip with my family. Praise the LORD!

Joshua 24:15c says, "But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.”

Watched Courageous with my Dad alone this evening. Truly, it's a God-orchestrated evening and miracle to witness this Father & Son film with my earthly father. Though it was rather awkward as I seldom watch a movie or walk to CWP alone with him, I know God spoke to him throughout the evening (and plus, he wiped his eyes at the end of the film). "O LORD, don't come back so quickly. Give me that 5 more minutes to bring the message of salvation into my family."

Four men, one calling: To serve and protect. As law enforcement officers, they are confident and focused, standing up to the worst the streets can offer. Yet at the end of the day, they face a challenge they're ill prepared to tackle: fatherhood. When tragedy strikes home, these men are left wrestling with their hopes, their fears, their faith, and their fathering. Sherwood Pictures, creators of Fireproof, returns with this heartfelt, action-packed story. Protecting the streets is second nature to these law enforcement officers. Raising their children in a God-honoring way? That takes courage.

Galatians 5:16 says, “So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.”

Completed Kayaking Star 2 Course with my BBHQ buddies (Christopher, Lim Pin, Loisa) today after 2 lessons and one 8km expeditions from Sembawang Water Venture to Seletar Island back and forth. Despite the tiredness and sunburns, it was worthwhile to invest my two weekends in learning new stuff and to have fellowship with these AWEsome bunch.

[Secretly thinking of going for Star 3 and Instructor Course]

2 Chronicles 25;2 says, "He did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, but not wholeheartedly."

7th consecutive year of attending a BB Day Ceremony.
May the good LORD generously bless and pour His spirit onto 11th Singapore Company for another year ahead.

Daniel 1:8a says, "But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine"

Started my Relief Teaching Attachment with Christ Church Secondary School recently. Great exposure to what being a MOE teacher's like. Had the opportunity to see how the other teachers work in the staffroom a.k.a behind the scenes. I must concede that teachers are possibly the most stressful creatures in this Solar System.

I relieved Class 3E2 and 1E3 for the past few days. For the the latter, I walked into the class and explained to them that their Math Tutor met an accident in the morning. And guess what, they whole class lifted up their hands high into the air and exclaimed, "YEAH!" I was like -.- And oh boy, our kids these days are quite well-informed, intelligent and confident speakers (but aggressive). I received questions like, "Aiyo, why u so stupid? Why you go Innova and not ACJC? Do you have a girlfriend? Can we play Taboo instead of Pictionary, please?" Pray that I may learn much in the next 3 months.

New Year Goal: Proskuneo (Obey You Only)

Blessed New Year 2012 to God's people and may the LORD continue to pour out His spirit and fill the hearts of men daily this new year. Just got back from China on Wednesday night after 15 days of extended time with my family. The best moment was when I got to celebrate CHRISTmas service with my Dad in a small church in Zhangzhou (and he was the one who initiated it!). It's amazing how God orchestrated everything during this trip. I'm still praying for my Dad's salvation that he may come to know Jesus as His own LORD and Saviour one day.

After I got back, I have heard that countless things have been happening to my friends in LIFE/Innova, brothers in BB and church mates. I pray that as we start the new year, may we learn to trust and obey God more this year and lean on His strength as we face each new storm that knocks on our door.

I Wanted To Quit

Today, I had Kayaking Star 2 Course with Ms.Loisa, Lim Pin, Christopher and other BB Boys from 33rd Company. For Star 2, we are required to use the Dancer instead of the Bandit Kayak, which has a really small cockpit (making it extremely difficult to enter the Kayak). The first hour I got into my Kayak, I already told myself, "I want to go home now." Coach Eugene made us do tons of Capsizing-prone exercises and as a result, we kept capsizing like nobody's business. The Sembawang seawater was ultra turbulent and really scary (I never knew I would be so afraid of the sea).

But thank God we managed to pray for the weather and commit the day to the LORD together before we sank. It really makes a difference when we put our faith in God when we feel so insecure and fearful. At the end of the day, I became more confident with the capsizing and do look forward to the Expedition and Lesson II next weekend : )