Leaders' Retreat...Kukup !

Having a leaders' retreat for the Royal Rangers leaders is always slated into our yearly calendar program and this year is no exception. I do not expect anyone to understand this need but as far as I am concerned, it helps a lot when you have a leaders' retreat. It is a time of rest, rejuvenation and a time of restoration. This year, RR Melaka # 1 leaders retreat was held in Kukup, Johor. It is momentously significant because we had a lot of young leaders with us this time and it is only proper that we give them a good head & heart start as they begin their journey as young leaders.
Our journey started at about 11.30am and by 2.30pm, we had arrived in Kukup town. Boarding the doorless van which look frightfully dangerous as though the back door may just give way any time, we assembled together at the front section of the Malaysian maritime docks. Then it is off to Mr. Lee Bok Piu sister's place - the very first place Bachang Cell bunked in when we had our first outing. It was fun seeing the young leaders lugging their luggage and their happy faces. For those who had not been here , it was quite an experience for them while for me, this was my 7th Kukup trip with the family! As we arrived at the beautifully renovated brick house on cement stilts, I was amazed with the renovation works and the facilities offered to us. It was later that I met Mr. Lee Bok Piu who was still in his whittish crew cut, same bicycle and the ever-ready smile. We chatted and shared some laughs and we were told that he is hosting another 35 people at his place. What a businessman!

As we settled down, the houseowner, Mdm.Lee told us that our curry chicken and fried bee hoon are ready. A short prayer and a few minutes later, we dug into our first of the many food prepared for us for the day. As it was still blazing hot and humid season, we immediately went into fellowship mode and soon the famous prawn fritters ala Kukup was our next food spread! It tasted good and heavenly, I tell you! Then it's back to the rooms to cool ourselves down with some air-conditioning pampering before getting ready for our sunset boat cruise. There was a time of fun, laughter and great moments especially at the fish kelong or floating fish farms. Anyway, it was still blistering hot eventhough it was evening. We then decided to "tour" Kukup town before heading back to our accomodation for some rest before dinner time. As the kuaci, ice-cream potong, dried fruit stuff and soft drinks rolled in, a good dose of cool breeze stepped in to massage our wet stained bodies. This was followed by lots of laughter and just a time of laid back rest. Then we saw the succulent prawns, the chicken wings, sambal sotong, sting ray and otak-otak in neat aluminium packages plus fish balls, sausages and vegetables delights being prepared. We all knew we are in for a good treat. Sweaty, smelly and still perspiring as the cool breeze died down, we ate, we laughed, we ate, we fellowship and we ate. As our stomach bulged and burped with satisfaction, it was fun seeing the Singaporeans visitors burning their cash by buying ton loads of firecrackers for a night of fireworks display! Afterall, they are kiasu-mah. So, we just allow them to make a fool of themselves and be kiasu-lor, right? But each time, the firecrackers exploded, we would all shout " Huat...arh ! "Anyway, at first it was fun watching the fireworks but at 3.00am, they are still shooting up firecrackers as though they owned the town, it ain't fun anymore! Anyway, if it's good for Kukup economy, why not, right?

The next morning, we started our sharing session and it was really a fun time. Everyone spoke on how the ministry had had an impact on their lives. Many of the young leaders spoke well of the contributions from our beloved past commanders, Comdr. Vive & Comdr. Sathy. As the older leaders spoke on the focus to the well-being of the ministry, I could sense a spirit of commaderie, commitment and passion. Yes, we are truly blessed to have great young & mature leaders in this ministry. It was truly blessed to see them grow in that way and they have indeed lived up to the expectation of a Royal Rangers commander.

As we bid farewell to Kukup that day, I know deep in my heart that God had blessed each and every one of us in His special way. I pray that as the leaders take this experience with them, they will learn and continue this fine tradition of rest, rejuvenate and restore! Thank you every one for making this leaders retreat a great time of love, sharing, caring and a time of fun.~

Woohoo - A barrel of fun!

It was rarely that I watch Malaysian-made movies but when I was told of the great & rave reviews received for the Malaysian Chinese movie " Woohoo", I simply couldn't miss watching this movie. I must say that I am truly impressed with the movie. Very.......Malaysian indeed. I guess, this movie captures the essence of the Malaysian Chinese folks lifestyle both in the urban and the outskirts of Malaysian towns. Nice, actually. I was really impressed with the beautiful and scenic views of Kuantan beaches.
The story line revolves around 'Woohoo' (tiger dance) which is a tradition practiced in a small village (Beserah, Kuantan) during a prayer ceremony every 60 years. As the only elder who knows "Woohoo" can no longer perform, his filial granddaughter put up a misleading advertisement which in turn attracts five youngsters from different backgrounds - bad-tempered bank security man Ah Beng, indecisive Char Kuey Teow hawker Ah Huat, effeminate designer Rain, university student Bobby and smart alec Alan - to be trained as 'woohoo' players. After some tough training, they finally look like a formidable team. However, few days before the anticipated festival day, the only 'tiger head' is accidentally destroyed and soon, with great teamwork and dedication, they managed to successfully carry out the proud tradiition.

All in all,this is truly an entertaining Malaysian movie I really enjoyed watching with the family. Plenty of laughs if you understand Mandarin, Cantonese, Hokkien and "caplang" language all bundled up to bring this movie to a very Malaysian feel. There is a little of Ah Beng, Ah Huat, Rain, Bobby and Alan in all of us. That's what makes us special, I guess. BTW, the Kuantanites friends of mine would be able to identify the places where the movie was shot and would be jumping with joy as salted fish, birds nest and other dried seafood products sales would be boosted up for sure! Truly beautiful places - rustic, pleasing and fun. All in all, go and see the movie or get a DVD, man. Take it from me -You won't be dissapointed! Like I said, it's a barrel of laughter and fun!~

Good ol' times...

The previous weeks had been nostalgic weeks for me. It all started while attending a funeral sit-in Klebang whereby we paid our last respects to Puay Cheng's mother who was called home up in paradise. I met up with Cheng's brother-in-law, Benny who turned out to be on the opposing side of the hockey team that beat my school team during the semi-finals. It brought back a good flood of memories of the game in which my team lost 2-1 with the winning goal being scored by Benny. Together with Cheng's siblings, Bro Kuna, Vive, Sathy, BA and Jessy, we had a good time chatting up on the good ol' days and the fellowship at Cheng's family home was good. Then I met up with Leo & Shanta and some hockey friends at the stadium. Again, it was an adrenaline rush as good memories flooded in. Yes...yes... I miss the game and one night, I even asked SLing if she thinks I could make it out there in the hockey field again probably in the veterans team. [ Sigh! can't compete with the young ones so, go to the older group - face reality-lor! Hahahahahahaha! ] She just turned to me and said, " Just go to sleep, will ya? " I just laughed my head off by her remarks. That's typical of SLing! So much for support from her.
Then I contacted one of my former students from Sabah through the FB and soon, many others ensued. I was really glad to be able to get in contact with my former students who used to be in my class , the athletics team or even the hockey team. Well, needless to say, mostly all of them have become educators/teachers. I was speechless as one after another came out to tell me that they are serving this part and that part of Sabah. I was so blessed by this. I must confessed that I wasn't a good teacher then and so, I sincerely want to apologise to all my former students for this inadequacies that was a part of me. Yup, confession is good for the soul and I just want to apologise for this. No need to hide and be truthful about it. I just did what I could to inspire the students but I was really into sports. That's the only place I knew how to inspire the students. I was blessed when I got to know that my former students had gone international namely they had served in various countries like Ireland, Singapore, UK and many others. I guess, for a former teacher like me, it gives me a great satisfaction knowing that these students had done well in their lives. Many had married, have children, having some more children and changed so much physically.

I guess, this old heart of mine had been at rest knowing that my beloved former students are doing okay in their lives. I know, it is really a small consolation for me to know that somehow I had made a very small contribution to their lives. That gives me a lot of joy in my heart. BTW, I treasure the times and the love I had shared in Sabah. The people I have met , lived with , cared for and ate with are very close to my heart. I feel it is the most beautiful place on earth if you are a nature lover like me. So, to everyone who was associated in my life while I was in Sabah during my teaching career, thank you for the memories! I meant it from the bottom of my heart!~

Anyway, SLing told me the other night that I could actually do what I want if I put my heart and soul to it and that she would support me all the way. Now, that's my woman !~

Fullback Special ~

Today I had the chance to spend some time with friends of mine whom I have not seen for ages and I am really glad to have met them. Mr. Leo Vincey was my college days hockey fullback partner while his wife, Shanta Devi was the college ladies hockey player. Thanks to FB, I was able to contact Shanta and then we communicated. So, when Shanta wrote to me saying that they would be down in Melaka together with their SUKMA hockey team for some training sessions, I was really glad. With CNY celebrations and all that, I soon forgot of their arrival in Melaka. Well, age is catching up and I ain't no spring chicken-lar ! Brain cells gets electrocuted and zapped more as you grow older!
Anyway, I made it a point to go to the Bukit Serindit Hockey Stadium to give them a surprise visit. As I walked into the stadium, my mind was flooded with memories from my playing days and it brought so much wonderful memories playing alongside this wonderful person, Leo. When I saw him coaching intensely with the ladies team, my heart was lifted up coz' he was doing a great job coaching them. I could see his love, his intensity and his passion for the game. To me, he looked the same except for some extra "muscles" here and there but he's alright. That's important. As I stood at the sides, I saw his young ladies giving it all during training sessions. Wow! Memories really flooded in and I was really.......nostalgic. Then I made my way to the field and it was so nice to feel the turf again. Gosh! It was really nice to feel the turf again - the wetness, the smell, the smoothness of the turf and the intensity of the game. Yes!Yes!Yes! I miss the game a lot! [ Bbrrrrrrrrrr.......finally got it off my chest! ] I lifted up my hands and called out to my friend, Leo and then I saw Shanta walking across the turf. We just hugged each other for such a long time and it was great to meet my friends, Leo and Shanta. Then one small fella, nudged my legs and said, " Hi, I'm Davin!" This small fella was Leo & Shanta's son. Talkative, expressive and active fella indeed! I told Leo to carry on with his sessions while Shanta and I catch up on our lives. It was really exciting and fun being able to meet them. We also exchanged news on friends and it was really good being able to talk. I guess, I marvelled at what both of them had gone through and how they have turned a loser's team to one of the top ladies team in the country. I guess, when you start your team from scratch and at a young age, they would soon develop and be great players. What dynamic planning and future foresight indeed! Well, like all success, they come with heartaches too but I am really proud they both had weathered it and come out stronger.

As Leo closed up the training session for the day, we all had lunch together, talked about the good times and what he had achieved together with Shanta and so on. It wasn't boasting or any of that sort. It was pure hardwork, humbleness and an achievement for this couple. I can identify with what they had to go through and the amount of work in devising game plan, conditioning and strategy for games. I am really proud of what they are doing for the game and the way they motivate their young ladies in the team. It was just great meeting up old friends!~

So, Leo & Shanta - all the best and God bless you both always!~

Yearly Salutation!~

To all my friends, readers & supporters, far or near,

Blessed Chinese New Year and be blessed always!~

Walking the Talk...

Last week, while having lunch at a nearby shop, good friends of mine, Errol & Jessica shared how they had spoken with the concerned widow and learned her plight. I was moved by what I heard and my heart was burdened. I have not had this burdened feeling for a long time and when it did come, I know I have a task ahead of me. I just didn't know what it was. Upon completion of the "Widow" article which I wrote on 31st Jan, I was really challenged in my heart to "walk the talk". I felt so burdened by what I heard & felt that I sought for God's direction. Like I said many times, I ain't no pious nor super spiritual person but I do understand what obedience is all about. It wasn't easy for me to do what I need to do while I wasn't actually jumping with joy with all the support I needed this time because hearts had become so hardened. I was visibly upset at times but I knew what it meant to persevere in the midst of all the difficult surroundings. I kept telling myself that there is no harder road than the ones which had been taken by the Lord. So, I kept my faith and I worked at it.
To make the story short, I started out aid fund called Widow Aid to help out this widow. At first I had no idea at all of what can be done and what cannot be done. I just trusted God and try to put things together. It was difficult initially that even my staunchiest supporter thought I was way out of line or lost my mind. I fully understood what was being said but I thanked God that being my defender, He made all things well for me. The fund grew steadily and as updates are given, it rose significantly. Then, I decided to cut short the day for giving to a day earlier as I had to prepare the monies and get things done. As I wrote my final update, while the amount was alright but it didn't actually hit the target that I was expecting. So, I left for home yesterday after work and halfway thru home, I received an SMS from a good friend telling me that I have cut short one day and that he would like to donate a certain amount of money for this cause. I was dumbstrucked. I parked the car on the road verge and I wept. Gosh! I wept because the amount that this person gave come to the total that I had expected to garner. This is no coincidence and only the Lord knew what I had in mind and it was an odd amount. I was so thankful that He hears our prayers and He knows! I am so grateful too to the people who had given their best to this widow. As explained in my updates to the blessers, it is not about the amount that they gave. It is about their heart of blessing. Thank you for taking the opportunity to bless this person and I am humbled by your support and love. By this experience, I am humbled that there are many out there who really care and want to make a difference to lives of others. I take comfort that the Lord knew too and He blesses the blessers!

To me, I have walked the talk in my own way. You, too , can walk your talk by starting your own ways to help the poor and the needy. Make a start and make a change!
Change, we must!~

Yes and Amen!~

Today, I received the Project HOSE report from my good friend and coordinator, Vive. I have never felt so blessed, humbled while a sense of awe just overwhelmed me. For the benefit of the sceptics, quitters and shoe-shine ego polishers of our little faith empire today, I want to say to you that it doesn't take much to start a project such as this. It only takes faith, courage and right motives. Let me start from the beginning, shall we?
Project HOSE simply means "Help On School Expenses". It took my good friend, Vive, to have that prompting in his heart one evening and then he shared this idea with his three friends namely BA, John and me and the rest is history! The project time line was for 3 months and to cut the matter short, this project raised RM 5,800.00. Praise be to God! A total of 38 school-going children in Pahang, Perak and Penang went to school in January, 2010 in new uniform clothes, shoes and bags while their parents can be at ease. That, my friends, is faith in action. Action speaking louder than words. I am definitely not boasting about this project but this is a parallel example of doing His work without fuss and without hesitation. We saw the need and we worked towards that need. The response from the people who gave for this project was tremendous. No if, no but, no murmur of how it would erode our financial accounts unlike our little empire. Sometimes, the retarded mentality of "pray about it" does hinder our perspective horizon and smudge our God-given intelligence!

My heart is truly blessed when I went through the photographs of the recipients of this project. In my tiny heart , I just wish we could have blessed more children, bring joy and celebrate the true meaning of blessing. Yunno, God made it all happen. God put the seed of compassion in the hearts of the coordinator and the blessers. Oh ! How blessed are we to attend to that seed of compassion and need! It pains my heart to know that the little faith empires we built in our churches today are turning the other cheek and pretend that everything is well and good or better still, rob the limelight when all things are done. They started the "blame game"and shift blame to others but never on themselves. If I am not mistaken, my Bible call such leaders, Pharisees! Hmmmmmnnnnnnn........interesting, huh?

BTW, I really don't blame the people for hardening their hearts in giving for a such a cause. Yes, I must admit that initially, it wasn't easy to get the people to give but with God's grace, people began to understand and gave when they realised the genuinity of the cause. Like I said, if you work for and with God, the results would be spiritually rewarding. The people have hardened their hearts simply because they have been pushed to give to every event, meetings and services till they can't differentiate what is genuine and what is not anymore. That's the bloody honest truth. I am not going to hide and say sweeteners just for some over-blown egos and pompous pride.

To the donors , supporters, helpers and all those who had helped in one way or another in bringing this project to reality and making the children and parents to smile again - THANK YOU SO MUCH!~ Your contribution, encouragement, support and help made it all a worthwhile effort!