JUSTBLOG=Jonathan and Mary Tan

Manna Church First Chinese Encounter Camp

2010-03-15T23:53:00.003+08:00

Praise be to the Lord God Almighty! We just had the first ever Chinese Camp for the Men.

All of them had been delivered and freed from bandages and wonderfully filled with the Holy Spirit.

Thank God that I, as the lone instructor was able to communicate the truths of God across. Praise God for His grace and enabling.

Please click for more pictures:
http://picasaweb.google.com/jonathan.tls/ManaChurchFirstMenChineseEncounterCamp#

Pineapple attacked

2010-02-03T12:06:00.004+08:00

Our beautiful pineapple growing for one year was attacked by the long-tailed.

What is more important is not to allow our precious souls snatched away by the enemy Satan.

Work out then our salvation in fear and trembling!
woo---hooo---! Waht a sad day! "The devil came to steal and to kill, The Son of Man came that we may have life and have it more abundantly!" ----Jesus in John 10:10

Christmas is here again! 2009

2009-12-16T22:25:00.006+08:00

Ho, Ho, Ho, it’s another fruitful year and soon Christmas. It is time to brief you on what blessings that The Almighty God has showered on us this last year 2009.

On December 1 this year, Jonathan graduated with a Master of Ministry degree from the Bible College of Malaysia. With the convocation, he has the calling to the mission fields in Kunming and Kuala Lumpur. Press on!

Last year, we saw Zoe graduated from the University of Toronto with a B. A. in Business Management.

Now, we are waiting for Joel to graduate in 2011 from The Imperial College, London in Mechanical Engineering.

Dr. Pauleon is working in the General Hospital Singapore and studying to be a surgeon!

Mary is counting down to retirement in 21 months.

Blessings to all of you on Christmas and all throughout the New Year!

From all of us: Jonathan, Mary, Pauleon, Zoe, and Joel

TAN

Email:jonathan.tls@gmail.com

Graduation from BCM

2009-12-16T21:59:00.004+08:00

Congratulation, my darling!
Wow, what a crowd! Never had so many flowers and so many pictures taken before!

Walking out from the Convocation, walking into the harvest fields!

Dec 1st,2009 was my graduation day. Thank God for His grace to be able to obtain a Master Degree at this age! Almost 60. Still young as compared to Moses, called at the age of 80. I heard 2 Macedonian calls, one in Kunming; another one in Kuala Lumpur.

石林Stone jungle

2009-11-25T22:19:00.003+08:00

Look, a jungle of stones!!!

The sword-peaked stone jungle pond.

Stone Jungle here we come with Bro. Wang and Sis. Xuemei

The whole jungle of stones!

The natives waiting for the dance!

The happy couple among the stones!

Bro. Chu's village!

2009-11-25T22:08:00.001+08:00

Cooking inside the house

Lunch time.

A simple house

More of the Kunming pictures

2009-11-25T22:00:00.001+08:00

Ready to dig in!

Breakfast time!

Trip to Kunming

2009-11-25T21:46:00.001+08:00

My wife, Mary and I went to Kunming on an exploratory trip to sense God's leading for my future service.

God has wonderfully provided this inexpensive Hotel room, kind favor of Bob.

The restaurant here allows you to see and choose whatever dishes from the rack.

See the big array of dishes to choose from.

Mission to Sg. Besar and Hutan Melintang

2009-08-25T16:31:00.003+08:00

I and Mary and the two full time workers, Sister Lim Swee Too and Sister Ng Mue Chu.
The lady that was healed in the centre

Preaching from my heart out!
What a wonderful worship leader! Sis. Lim Swee Too

On 15 August 2009, my dear wife, Mary and I went to Sungei besar and Hutan Melintang for a short mission. The map provided by the church only leads us up to Sg. Besar. After settled down at FGA, Sg. Besar, we went to a nearby cafe for dinner. In the cafe, two men were sitting at the next table. From their slang, I knew they are Teochew. So I got up to ask one of them whether he knew how to get to Hutan Melintan. He, without any hesitation answered imediately, "I am from there, when do you want to go, just follow me." We told him we just ordered food, we shall depart once we finished our dinner. He said, "Just let me know when you are ready to go." He then asked why we were going there. we said we were going there to preach at the church. he said he knew there is a church. After dinner, he not only led us to Hutan Melintang, but also right to the front door of FGA, Hutan Melintang. All praise and glory to God, He sent angel to guide us!
The evening service was wonderful and full of God's glory. During the worship, the full time worker there---Sis. Lim Swee Too, was very good at worship. I got a word of knowledge from the Lord that someone had stomach ache for a few days and could not get well. So just before the sermon, I said to the congregation that God has a word for them. Several hands went up instead of just one. I saw a Chinese sister walked over to an Indian lady and told her: "you, you!" Immediately after I prayed a prayer for healing, the Indian sister shouted: "I am healed, No more pain!" Hallelujah and glory be to God the Almighty healer!
The next morning we had trhe service at FGA Sg. Besar. The service was more organised and had more participants rather than one-man show. I ahd the sense that the response was much better at the Hutan Melintang church.
After the service, one brother Khoo took us to Pasir Penambang, where we found a lttle restaurant for lunch. There the crabs and fish were alive and fersh! Really excuisite!

IT IS A DONE DEAL

2009-06-18T21:45:00.005+08:00

What a beautiful view! Relaxing by the beach!
At the dinner overlooking the sea!
Cendul with bubur.
Laksa Power!
Cable car.
Gokarting.
Here comes the little brother!

We went to Pulau Langkawi with Joel, Pauleon and Cailing last weekend. Pauleon proposed at the seaside dinner and Cailing accepted. So Wedding Bells will be ringing sooooooooooooon!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

BCM DAY 2009

2009-05-04T10:33:00.003+08:00

The BCM OPEN DAY 2009 is very different; more people, more stores, more blessed!
Mary made some muffins, chiffon cakes and cup cakes too! All sold like hot cakes!
All in we collected coupons RM495 in value!

Latest from our banana tree

2009-03-14T20:27:00.006+08:00

Now it is ready for harvest!
Wow! What a bunch!Growing by the day!
Wow, see how it's grown! Taken on Monday 16 March 2009

growing,

growing,....

growing bigger n bigger!

wow, what a bunch of bananas!!!!

Banana Tree

2009-03-05T21:04:00.008+08:00

After many moons, finally, the banana tree outside our house is going to bring forth fruits. Praise the Lord!

Can you see the tiny bananas, they are so cute!

These are the young banana trees beside the mother tree.

Christmas 2008

2008-12-14T20:26:00.007+08:00

Angel announcing the good news that Jesus is born Christ at Bethlehem!

16, Jalan Sri Petaling 15,

Bandar Baru Seri Petaling,

57000 Kuala Lumpur,

Malaysia.

jonathan.tls@gmail.com

December 2008

To our beloved friends,

Sending you here warmest Christmas greetings from the Tan family!

2008 is a year full of God’s blessings!

Family: Joel (19), Zoe (24) and Pauleon (26),

Jonathan and Mary.

Zoe’s convocation at the University of Toronto, Canada in June 2008. She works as an Equity Analyst, Morning Star, Chicago while the brother Pauleon is working as a medical officer at the Singapore General Hospital.

The happy boy Joel is in his 2nd year, Mechanical Engineering at Imperial College, London.

Mary, will be working at iPerintis for another 3 years. Relax for a bowl of healthy soup at lunch!

****************

Jonathan is studying at the Bible College of Malaysia for Master in Ministry.

Joshua Lai's Wedding

2008-12-01T23:14:00.003+08:00

The Wedding took place at my Home Town Church Wesley Methodist Church, Kuantan on 22nd November 2008, which happened to be my second sister's 33rd Wedding Anniversary as well. What a blessing!

Met many old friends, some I have forgotten and some I remembered very well!

The best part was I was able to catch up with my disciples who are growing strong in the Lord.

Enjoy the slideshow!

On Monday 24, Mary had a official meeting in Kerteh, so we drove up to Kerteh on Sunday afternoon. Stayed at PAKA Residence, an old hotel, the sea was too rough for swimming. On the way home we bought Lemang and Keropok Lekor!
then in Kuantan we had steamed Devil Fish(Stingray) and stir-fried shark. Nice!

Reached home almost midnight on Monday!

Children at Joshua Lai's Wedding

2008-12-01T22:50:00.004+08:00

Chubby, chubby!
De-eng & Eunice

Qing Song and baby!

Ah Man's wife and new baby

Mary's Birthday 22 Sep 2008

2008-09-25T23:05:00.003+08:00

On September 22, it was Mary's Birthday, we had a simple dinner at the "Da Chang Jing" Korean Restaurant in Sri Petaling. I always enjoy their myriad of side dishes. The main dishes were so so only. Nothing compares to the "Sun Taufoo " in toronto eh!

The Reversal

2008-07-04T12:49:00.006+08:00

Zoe's Convocation at Toronto University

Pauleon and the rented car!

Walking the street of Quebec City

Niagara we come!

A good view of New York!

Mary and I having our Anniversary Dinner at AUSTIN restaurant in new Jersey! So much to eatlah!
*************************************************************************

When we went to the States and Canda in June 2008, suddenly I realised something has really changed between us and the children.

Before:Children, Where shall we go? Shall we visit the China Town in New York?
Now: Daddy, no, we must see the best part of New York like the Times Square, Brooklyn Bridge, Central Park.

Before: Son, shall we go for Chinese?
Now: No, Daddy, we must go for the best steak place in New York.

Before: Daddy will treat you for dinner
Now: Daddy, don't worry, I'll pay for the dinner.

Before: son, what shows do you want to see.
Now: no, daddy, we must experience opera in the Broadway!

Before: what can I buy for you.
Now: daddy, I buy that coffee for you!
Daddy: nolah, expensive!
Pauleon: nvm, must buy the best mah, Jamaica Blue Mountain!

In fact, Pauleon paid for all our expenses in the states and Zoe paid for all our expenses in Canada! What a blessing!

Now for the pictures in Canada and USA, please click below

for USA photos:
http://picasaweb.google.com/jonathan.tls/USATRIP200802

For Canada photos:
http://picasaweb.google.com/jonathan.tls/CanadaTrip2008

For Zoe's Convo, pls click
http://webcast.streamlogics.com/audience/index.asp?eventid=75879

It's BCM DAY May 1st 2008!

2008-05-01T18:29:00.003+08:00

This is a joyful and funfilled day. Thank god for the good weather and good crowd!

As usual, Mary and I have a stall selling spaghetti and muffins.

We had good support from church members and Mary's colleagues.

For more pics, click http://www.flickr.com/photos/jonathantan/

We went to a wedding

2008-03-16T21:39:00.003+08:00

We went to a wedding dinner on Saturday evening at the Equatorial KL. Andrew and Kimberly. Kimberly is the daughter of Teck Sing and Kwi Wah, who is mum's roommate at the University of Malaya. How the children have grown. What touched me was the speech of the Bridegroom, Andrew. Both the bride and groom have sngle mums since their parents are separated or divorced. Andrew said he was encouraged to see many uncles and aunties at the dinner who are still going strong in their marriage. Quoting from 1 Corinthians 13, he said marrige can succeed one. Pray their marriage will be a blessed one since he knows God's words.

Western Food

2008-03-08T21:00:00.004+08:00

Roast rib eye of beef
salad

Yorkshire Pudding
Mary had picked up some recipes from the "Clove" section of the Thursday Star Newspaper and decided to have a go at it. Guess what, it becomes a treat for us on Saturday night. Gorgest food!

It's Christmas time!

2007-12-10T21:22:00.000+08:00

Dear family and friends,

The House of Cherith,

16, Jalan Sri Petaling 15,

Bandar Baru Seri Petaling,

57000 Kuala Lumpur,

Malaysia.

email:jonathan.tls@gmail.com

web sites: http://tanjohnsonblog.blogspot.com/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jonahtan/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jonathantan/

http://nateoz.blogspot.com/

http://noeluap.blogspot.com/

http://lejoant.blogspot.com/

This past year, we witnessed God’s blessings and grace in our lives and also in our children’s lives. Please catch more of our news at the websites above. We blog and update regularly.

We witnessed the commencement of our elder son, Pauleon into the medical profession as he graduated from the Medical School of the National University of Singapore (NUS) in July.

Our daughter Zoe, will be finishing her tertiary studies at the University of Toronto, Canada by mid December and God has graciously blessed her with a job. Praise and thank God for He is good! He is our Jehovah Jireh!

Our younger son, Joel has just enrolled at the Imperial College of London for an Engineering course. He is also adjusting and settling down well since arriving in London late September.

Jonathan is progressing well in his Biblical studies at the Bible College of Malaysia (BCM). In August , we joined the BCM team to Cambodia for a short Mission trip. Very Enriching! In November, Mary attended a conference in Chiang Mai, Northern Thailand and Jonathan accompanied her and both had a wonderful vacation after the conference. We had a chance to visit the hill tribes there and even went to visit the golden triangle (Thailand/Myanmar/Laos). Mary shall work for another few years before she retires in Sept 2011.

In Christ’s love,

Jonathan and Mary Tan

Chiang Mai-Mary went there for Conference, Jonathan went for vacation!

2007-11-28T21:21:00.000+08:00

Wow, the "大笨象” are actually so clever as you can see, they can also paint beautiful art.

The orchids are sooooooooo beautiful. Please visit my flikr page to see some of them.http://www.flickr.com/photos/jonathantan/

We went at the opportune time when Chiang Mai is celebrating the Loi Krathon Festival or called the Festival of lights . It is also called "Yee Ping" in the northern Thailand. It fell on 24th November this year. It is celebrated in conjunction with the king's 80th Birthday this year!

They made small floats out of banana trunk and flowers and float them in the Mae Ping river to ask for forgiveness from the river goddess for using and abusing the river. They also light up paper lanterns like hot-air balloons that float away in the sky. You must see the whole sky is dotted with thousands of these balloons. What a wonderful, awsome sight!!! With each balloon, they are supposed to send their troubles and worries away, not knowing that only Jesus could take away their troubles and burden. Only the balloons floated away in this case! The houses and temples were also decorated with beautiful lanterns. On the second day, 25th November this year, decorated floats took part in a procession that competed for the best float. There was also beautiful queen contest, usually among the university students.

We also visited the long-neck village where the women folks lengthen their necks with copper coils, for beauty and for protection when they live in th jungle!

New Lifestyle after Joel left for London

2007-11-12T09:28:00.000+08:00

What is life after Joel left for study in London? For one thing, we have leftover food more often. the house is quiet. thank God for Good TV, that provides for some sound in the house, otherwise, CNN!

Good TV has provided a new way of cooking, using stainless steel pots. One can grill, stir fry, steam and even bake or toast with less salt, less water and fat. Just use the natural, original taste in the ingredients, for example, for sweetness, use carrot. The natural vege and fish contain an enormous amount of calcium, potassium, sodium and fish oil that can help reduce HBP. Garlic and onions have been generously added. The food actually taste better; surprise, surprise! For example, I learn to cook Mongolian stir fry in the pot without having to add large amount of oil and sauces. Just a sprinkle of salt and pepper. natural flavor!

Last night, we had wild rice and German sausage and string beans. Healthy? And no leftover!

BCM Cambodia Mission Trip

2007-08-22T16:32:00.000+08:00

Sou Suodai(Halo in Khmer language)! I and Mary joined the Bible College of Malaysia Mission Trip to Cambodia from August 3 to 12, 2007. The team consisits of the team leader, Ps. Peter Wong and 6 other students. FGA sponsored I and my wife, Mary. The sipiritual atmosphere is very free and the people generally are receptive to the gospel. It was arranged for us to conduct seminars in the satellite and outreach churches. I spoke on "Cell Church leadership" in two places. the other seminar was on "Chiristian living" and it was held at the Saang church, two and a half hours journey from Phnom Penh and had to cross the Mekong river. There is growing persecution in restricting Chrisitian activities from the authorities. Please pray to keep the gospel door open for the Kampuchean people.

The Commencement(Graduation) Ceremony of Dr. Pauleon Tan

2007-07-07T23:11:00.000+08:00

On 5 July 2007 at 8.00 pm we attended Dr. Tan Enjiu, Pauleon's Commencement in the National University of Singpaore. After five long years of studying, it finally pays off by receiving the Bachelor of Medicine and the Bachelor of Surgery Degrees. He is already working as a houseman doctor at the Singapore General Hospital. He works eight hours a day, at times for a stretch of 36 hours with a short snap in between!!!

On the next day, we celebrated with him at a Tong Lok restaurant in Central, Eu Tong Seng's road, with his girl friend and family. Present also were his aunt and family. It was a really happy occasion to remember God's kindness and grace.

We praise and thank God that he is joining many who serve mankind in the medical profession. May God use him as He seems fit!

Please click on this title to view more pictures.

Their cards make my day!

2007-06-17T21:47:00.000+08:00

Left:Joel's card Right:Zoe's card

Blessed Father's Day to all the fathers!

My children sent me really cool cards that speak very loudly. Praise the Lord that we have really good relationship with the children.

May God continue to bless and guide my children to a full and rich life ahead!

Our Wedding Anniversary

2007-05-31T08:29:00.000+08:00

We were married as the first couple at the Full Gospel Assembly on 30th May 1981 when it moved to the Majestic Hotel opposite the old Malaysian railway station.
After 26 years of blissful marriage;
we can thank and praise God for His grace and faithfulness.
There may be times of disagreement, but more often than not, it was harmony;
We especially want to thank God for the blessed gifts-3 properly grown children;
God has also supplied all our needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

Hallelujah,glory to God!

God's grace is sufficient for us!

2007-05-13T18:34:00.000+08:00

"Oh no!" was Zoe's comments when she heard about the small accident. On Friday night, after we have gone for marching prayer; Mary was bringing the Kelisa car into our porch, out of a sudden, she froze and the foot was kept on the accelerator, unable to move over to the brake. The car crashed into the house. the front part of the car was badly damaged.

In all this, thank God she was protected. She only has some minor bruishes and some pain in the upper lips and slight pain on the back of the neck. God is always protecting us although the evil one is always trying to cause trouble to us!

BCM DAY 2007!

2007-05-02T12:39:00.000+08:00

Yesterday, May 1st, 2007, was BCM Open Day. Mary and I cooked something different this time, Johor laksa. It is different because it uses spahetti for the noodles and the gravy is made up of fish. The condiments for garnishing are made up of Bombay onions, bean sprouts, shredded cucumber sambal and balsam leaves. Lots of work for the day before and Mary baked 10 chiffon cakes as well. they were gone pretty fast. One Indian brother bought 4 of the cakes!
Fun but tired.

Blessed Birthday Joel!

2007-04-18T08:49:00.000+08:00

Joel is 18 years old on 17th April 2007. We had a movie, Japanese lunch and then a cake for him from Secret Recipe!

May God bless Joel with many years of God's blessing and be with you all the days of your life !

Psalm 23 (New Living Translation)

A psalm of David.

1 The Lord is my shepherd;
I have all that I need.
2 He lets me rest in green meadows;
he leads me beside peaceful streams.
3 He renews my strength.
He guides me along right paths,
bringing honor to his name.
4 Even when I walk
through the darkest valley,[a]
I will not be afraid,
for you are close beside me.
Your rod and your staff
protect and comfort me.
5 You prepare a feast for me
in the presence of my enemies.
You honor me by anointing my head with oil.
My cup overflows with blessings.
6 Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me
all the days of my life,
and I will live in the house of the Lord
forever.

Of Accident and G12 Conference

2007-04-11T11:44:00.000+08:00

I did not blog for some time, this is my first post after the accident.

On the fateful morning of 1 March 2007, I was going to PJ to post a document at the DHL office, near the traffic lights of Union Garden , I decided to turn right in the last minute and a car from behind rammed into my scooter, I was sprawled on the floor. When I managed to get up, my left hand was dripping with blood! Suddenly I had a glimpse of the image of Christ as portrayed in Mel Gibson's passion of the Christ...the excruciating pain caused numbness in my palm and fingers. Multiply that by a hundred and thousand times; that was what the lord had suffered for us! The palm was swollen, the wedding ring needed to be cut, otherwise the blood could not flow and I might lose the finger. I called my spiritual son Alex on the phone, he took me to his friend in Balakong to have the ring cut and removed. In the evening, Alex took me to the Chinese sinseh who applied herbal wine on my injured legs and hands. He also gave me half a cup of the wine to drink to clear any blood clot internally. When the doctor took an x-ray of my palm that morning, he said after looking at the x-ray, there was no fracture. Just as the scripture said in Psalm 34:20 [NIV] "He protects all his bones,not one of them will be broken."

Thank God that I was able to walk with a limp when I went to the G12 Conference in Singapore with Mary from 15 to 18 March 2007. God is so gracious. Pastor Lawrence Tan put us up in his apartment and transferred us to the venue to and fro, that's a great help. G12 and indeed Christianity is about relationship. By attending the G12 Conference together, our relationship as husband and wife had greatly enhanced and although she did not attend the encounter weekend, I wished she did. I benefited greatly from it.

2007-02-10T23:39:00.000+08:00

Blessed Chinese New Year!

恭喜新年快乐!

Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers . (3 John 1:2 NKJV) .

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

2006-11-30T22:37:00.000+08:00

The House of Cherith,

16, Jalan Sri Petaling 15,

Bandar Baru Seri Petaling,

57000 Kuala Lumpur,

Malaysia.

email: jonathan.tls@gmail.com

Dearly Beloved,

It’s that joyous time of the year again. This is reporting time for news and information about our family.

Jonathan (formerly known as Johnson): is officially retired from his job as a Meteorologist after 29 years in the government service. He is now enrolled in the Bible College of Malaysia for a Master in Ministry Degree Course. He is enjoying it. He likes to make some disciples in the meantime.

Mary: still working in the oil and gas sector in a company privatized but still serving the former company of PETRONAS.

Pauleon: in his final year of medical course in National University of Singapore and graduating in June 2007.

Zoe: will be doing her final year in Business Administration and Management at the University of Toronto, Canada next year.

Joel: will be finishing his “A” Level next year and wondering what university he is going to.

May this Christmas find you in the best of health as your soul prospers; all the best for the coming year of 2007!

With love,

P/S: For pictures: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jonahtan/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jonathantan/

亲爱的

又是一年一度的喜庆圣诞佳节，想您一切都如经上所说：「愿您凡事兴盛，身体健壮，正如你的灵魂兴盛一样。」

俊生自从在今年八月退休后，就在马来西亚圣经学院读硕士。他读到津津有味。

梅燕继续在国油公司的私有化电脑公司做工。

恩就明年就要在新大读完医科，我们都等着要参加他的毕业典礼。

恩恩在多伦多大学再读一年经济管理学，也要在2008年毕业了。

恩远在明年就考完高级文凭，要进那一间大学呢？请带祷。

陈俊生全家恭祝

圣诞快乐，新年蒙恩!

2006 年冬

若要写电邮：jonathan.tls@gmail.com

若要看我们家的照片：请看http://www.flickr.com/photos/jonahtan

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jonathantan/

EXAM OVER, HA, HA, HA!

2006-11-28T08:27:00.000+08:00

Now that my last examination on New Testament Survey is over (sat for it last night), I can get down to my preaparation for my sermon "Hope for New Earth and New Heaven, Isaiah 65). Also I can start sending out Christmas cards to those having no computer and internet, go and meet my sipiritual children, do some follow-up, do some shopping....

It sounds like Jubilee!

Looking forward to see Zoe back home soon.

I can see God's finger!

2006-11-21T22:04:00.000+08:00

While trying to start the follow-up work in my church, I can read God's finger in the events occuring. For instance, while trying to source for follow-up materials, a brother just turned up in the Church Committee meeting with two books for new believers (from FCBC) and persuaded the Committee to adopt it.

While watching the 2006 G12 DVDs on the way to Kuantan, I was so impressed that my discipleshipmaking and training should follow the G12 system. During the Hari Raya holidays, some brothers and sisters (mostly leaders from the church) decided to invite me to be their "teacher" at Cameron Highlands! I showed them a DVD from the G12 talking about the need for a revelation of the cross. Since then, I have been meeting these brothers and motivating them and encouraging them.

Some of the results:"I have not been like this for a long time. I felt a stirring in my spirit again."; "I want to fast for something for 3 days after Ps. Cheng shared on Sunday." This particular brother brought his father to church last Sunday and his father accepted the Lord! When these two brothers shared God's Word during the House Fellowship, another brother was touched and stirred in his spirit! In my own House Group, the Assistant House Leader wanted to see his four Christian brothers grow up sipiritual. I can see the dawn breaking at the horizon!

While all these are happening, I felt one particular group of people in the church has been missed out. They are the young people and the teenagers. I kept thinking how to reach them. Then during last Saturday's church comm. meeting, the youth leader asked whether some matured leaders can follow up the youth. "Hurray!" God answers prayer. This is the request I am waiting for. That is what I mean when I say I can see God's leading in all these!

I am getting more and more excited!

On my Bible College's study, the last courses that I attended, God blessed me with excellent grades. For "Acts of Apostles", Grade A (above 93 marks); A also for "Evidence for the Christian Faith". As for my course on "Life of Christ", I only have a A minus (90-92 marks).

We went to a wedding!

2006-11-01T00:09:00.000+08:00

On Saturday 28th October 2006 we went down to "Singapore. Mary's nephew, Addie has his wedding on Sunday 29 October 2006. The wedding dinner was at night.

For photographs, please visit my flickrpage at http://www.flickr.com/photos/jonathantan/

The Beginning Of a New Dawn!

2006-10-26T07:06:00.000+08:00

Just come back from a short retreat in the Cameron Highlands.

A few brothers and sisters from teh church invited me and Mary to Cameron Highlands to "teach" them discipleship. There were 4 families and the two of us.

We had a wonderful time of refreshing in the spirit. We had very uplifting times singing the Taiwan songs with a strong missionary falvour. At night I showed them a DVD of the 2006 G12 Conference in Singapore FCBC March this year. Ps. Lawrence preached on teh 12 CORE VALUES of G12. The first value is "Revelation of Cross". After which, we all came to the Cross of the Lord and prayed. The Holy Spirit was evident; soem were touched, still others were in tears. I strongly believe everyone must come to the cross in order to have a clear experience of hi/her salvation.

I shared with them some more spiritual principles on discipleship.

We had food, drink and table talk. Feel like we are in Acts.

A NEW DAWN IS BREAKING!!!

More shots from Mary's Birthday Celebration

2006-09-12T11:03:00.000+08:00

A bouquet of flowers from Joel, cutting the cake, some cheerful children and .....

The Family at Mary's 50th Birthday Celebration

2006-09-12T10:39:00.000+08:00

The Family
Originally uploaded by 約拿单俊生.

On 9th September we had a Celebration for Mary's 50th Birthday which will fall on 22nd September. At the same time we also celebrated Pauleon's Birthday which falls on 24th september; Jonathan's Retirement from the Government service and belated birhtda on 10th August and Jonathan's enrollment in the Bible college of Malaysia. It is as if Five Happiness (五喜临门）happening at the same time!

For more photos, please click my flickr page:

http://www.flikr.com/photos/jonahtan/241171009/

There's a Jap in our house!

2006-08-15T16:18:00.000+08:00

Minami みなみ（美奈美） Harada はらだ (原田) is a Youth Exchange student sponsored by the Lions Club. She came to our house on 3rd August and over a spat of one week, our relationship has grown to the state that she began to refer to our family as her "My Family" and calling me "dad" and Mary "mum"! That really makes us feel soooo happy. We know also Zoe misses home and we miss her too. Somehow Minami reminds us of Zoe.

Visiting places.

Showing off Japanese tea ceremony.

AT the Youth Exchange camp in Perak.

A.M.N. Conferred by The Yang Dipertuan Agong (King)

2006-07-25T21:28:00.000+08:00

Today, I and 240 others were conferred the honorary titles at the National Palace by the King in conjunction with His Highness Birthday on 3rd Jun 2006. I was given the title "Ahli Mangku Negara" in short A.M.N. (See the medal pinned on top of my left pocket). We were given certificates too. These titles are conferred by the king to those people who have contributed to the country. As for me, this means a medal for man but glory and honour for God Who was with me all these years while I was in the government service in the Meteorological Department of Malaysia. Without God, I would have walked out many times. He was my strength, my ever help, adviser and counselor.

On the right is a picture of the "singgahsana", the throne where the king and queen sit. During the ceremony he will rise and stand in front to give out the medals.

It was a ceremony steeped in culture and customs.

Responses

2006-07-22T22:08:00.000+08:00

陈先生:您好!

在中国广州开会刚回来,获悉您光荣退休,不知您下一步如何安排和打算?祝您身体健康!万事如意!

福建杨林

Dear Bro Jonathan, Jul 14

Your name reminds me of a great brother and a great
friend, despite of danger, still support his friend
and brother..

Thank God for such a great figure like you who have
encouraged so many, inspired and touched the lives of
people around you with the blessings. May the LORD
keep you strong as you continue to minister to HIS
children.

Thank you for your faithfulness and great example you
have shown us.. Indeed you have touched my life
deeply.

I'm encouraged to move on, inspired to persist,
touched to continue to minister .. just because you
have been a living testimony

God bless. Wish you the best in whatever God has
planned for you to do and to be.

Andrew Tan

Dear Jonathan,

Congratulations!

Wishing a happy and wonderful retirement!

With Best Wishes from,

John Mak

Congratulations dear Jonathan and I join you in
thanking the Lord for seeing you through this far, as
he pardons all your mistakes. May He continue to keep
you in His way as you conclude your remaining stay
here so that you can earn His eternal reward, Amen. My
regards to your lovely wife.
Pray for us too to leave successfully and honourably,
Regards

Julie Ukeje

Kb Chan Jul 15

Hi, HAPPY GRACIOUS RETIREMENT. From the service of the world to the
service of God, Welcome Levites of God. Bye, KB.

Jonathan

Congratulations from England. A fantastic achievement. Isn't God Good.

Theres no excuse now to visit us with Mary in the near future.

I too am retiring from the Police service next year, just 10 months to go!!

With love as always

Linda and Steve

呵呵！

祝贺你啊！光荣的退休！

心里是不是有一点点不舍啊？呵呵！很为你高兴。

愿神一直祝福你！

Jiarui han Jul 14

My, my, what a momentous change! It has been wonderful knowing and working with you, Jonathan.
Best wishes for the future.
Tom

Thomas C. Peterson, Ph.D.NOAA's National Climatic Data Center

Hello Mr Tan Lee Seng,

Thank you for your mail. I am sure you have had a very reach carrier although Mauritius is absent from the list of countries visited.

Allow me, on behalf of my wife Suzanne and in my own name, to wish many more fruitful days and well deserved rest.

Hope we meet again sometime again as we enjoyed meeting you last time in Beijing and KL.

Y Boodhoo.

Finally….

Bula vinaka Mr. Tan,

Oh! I’m sure MMS will definitely miss your valuable services and not only MMS but to us who have met and worked with you…esp. CLICOM/DATA RESCUE team.

I was really fortunate to meet and get to know you more (Melb and twice MMS) and also work with you. You have been of great help to me (personally) and also to FMS. Will really miss your smiling face and jokes and of course your spiritual advices.

Mr. Tan, I wish you all the best and I won’t be surprised if you decide to open a restaurant somewhere in KL or PJ (knowing how much you enjoy cooking) and speciliase in Green Tea with Moon Cake …what say you Rod???

Anyway, I know Rod will be following soon…(no offence meant!!!!!!) but once again, wish you all the best and hope to be in touch with you always…God bless you and your family.

Take care and may god’s blessings with you always.

Rgds.

Vara.

Tuan,

Selamat Bersara dan Selamat Maju Jaya
Bersara dengan MMD masih di takat koma,,,
BerBakti ke akhir hayat itu titik noktah...
Biar apa anda lakukan, semuga sukses selalu Bye....

Best regards, rakan selapangan.

ABDUL RAZAK BIN ABDUL MALEK
PENGARAH,
PEJABAT KAJICUACA KUANTAN,
BATU 9, JALAN GAMBANG,
26070 KUANTAN
PAHANG DARUL MAKMUR

En. Tan Lee Seng,

Semuga kejayaan selalu diperolehi oleh tuan.

Iklas,

Mohd Rosaidi bin Che Abas

Mr. Tan,

Best wishes for a long & happy retirement. Have great fun and happiness now that
you'll have time to do things you want to do.

radzi

Retirement

2006-07-13T16:52:00.001+08:00

Friday 14th July 2006 is my last day at work, I wrote the following to my colleagues.

Goodbye Malaysian Meteorological Department,

Twenty years and nine, three moons later;

Not long, not short.

I lived through typhoons and monsoons;

But not hurricanes or seasons;

Not too exciting, neither too dull;

Not always right, but far from wrong;

Life’s like that, later is strong!

No great mark on the national met service;

Not so elsewhere and everywhere:

Myanmar, Philippines, Nepal, PNG, Solomons, Vanuatu, Fiji and Australia,

Niue, Maldives, Tonga, Samoa, China, N. Korea and Mongolia;

From the Great Socialist People’s Libyan Arab Jamahiriya to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan; even Kyrgyzstan, Vietnam and Laos;

They remember and cherish climate data management on the desktop (CLICOM);

Even climate data rescue they forget not!

To be great, one must go far……..…

For time has come to leave behind;

Sweet memories but not for brag;

Lo, greater waves are coming for I must go. Take care!

Tan Lee Seng

12^th July 2006

Outing with Mary

2006-07-03T16:24:00.000+08:00

It must be ages that we had done this, I mean only my wife and I doing something together. I had two vouchers for high tea at the Cititel at Mid-Valley and also two movie vouchers for the GSC. So we decided to go for a movie "Runaway Vacation" on Saturday and then to the high tea at 2 p.m. after.

In the morning we had to go to Joel's college to get his exam result, quite good but with room for improvement. We spent quite a lot of time talking to the lecturers, when we realised, it was 11:45 already and our show was going to start at 12:05 noon. When we arrived at the Cinema in the Megamall, we were fortunate that there were still some tickets left and when we sat down, only trailers were being shown.

The high tea was good but not as high quality and a spread as the Legend. Can't complain 'coz it's free!

Retirement Dinner

2006-06-26T15:55:00.000+08:00

On 24 June 2006, a few of my colleagues invited us for a dinner at the Overseas Restaurant in AMCORP MALL, PJ. My retirement officially starts on August 10, 2006. With my leave, my last day at the office is 11th July 2006.

Preaching on Father's Day 2006

2006-06-21T08:59:00.000+08:00

Preaching for the first time at FGA, Serdang. See below for details.

Father's Day's Message

2006-06-20T14:41:00.000+08:00

On Father's Day which falls on June 18 this year, I preached the Father's Day message to the Chinese congregation at FGA, Serdang and began with this top of the world chart song "Daddy You're My Hero" by Pastor KBChan. You may listen to it at this web site:

http://www.soundclick.com/pro/view/01/default.cfm?bandid=494547&content=main&songid=0

The lyrics are:

爹地你是我的英雄（父亲节的歌）
Daddy You're My Hero (Father's Day Song) (KB Chan)

爸爸，你是最好，我喜悦，
Father You're the best, my delight
爸爸，你是甜蜜
Father You're sweet
比磐石蜜糖更甘甜
Sweeter than honey on the rocks
爸爸，你是夜晚的亮光
Father You're the light in the night
爸爸，你是我力量，我永远的朋友
Father You're my strength and my forever friend
阿爸父亲，你是我的英雄
Abba Father You're my Hero
我需要，你就在那里
You're there when I need You
你赐最伟大爱的礼物
You sent the greatest gift of love
进入我生命。。2X
Into my life ...2x
爹地，你是最好，你属于我
Daddy You're the best, and You're mine
爹地，你是甜蜜
Daddy You're so sweet
甜蜜过任何遇过的人
Sweeter than anyone I've met
爹地，你是夜晚的歌声
Daddy You're my song in the night
爹地，我力量
Daddy You're my strength
我永远的朋友
And my forever friend

爹地，爹地，你是我英雄
Daddy，Daddy， You're my Hero
我需要，你就在那里
You're there when I need You
你是最伟大的礼物
You're the greatest gift
我一生所接受。。。2X
I've received in my life ...2x

The title of my sermon was "THREE FATHERS"
•三个父亲
•经文： Scripture
•以赛亚　九：６ Isaiah.9:6
•加拉太書 4:5-6 Galatian 4:5-6
•林前四:14-16 I Corinthians 4:14-16

•生父 Earthly Father
•属灵父亲 Spiritual Father
•天父 Heavenly Father

Our Wedding Silver Jubilee!

2006-05-29T15:31:00.000+08:00

Twenty five years! Wow! How the Lord guided our marriage through storms and weather and we are grateful that we survived. Without the Lord we are just tossed to and fro by the wind and waves of life.

We joined the FGA Serdang 7th Anniversary celebration on 29th May though our actual wedding annivearsary falls on 30th May. It's "双喜临门＂． The church gave a buffet lunch. As you can see we also ordered a large heart-shaped cake. Of course its strawberry eating time as well!

Later in the evening we had a dinner at Janbo with my sister and cousin sister and their family.

Thank you Lord!

For more pictures: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jonathantan/?saved=1

Lik Xiang's Birthday

2006-05-29T15:26:00.000+08:00

It's Lik Xiang's Birthday celebration at Janbo. His actual BD falls on 26th May though.

BCM OPEN DAY

2006-05-22T15:42:00.000+08:00

On May 12, Bible College of Malaysia had an Open Day with Jumble Sale and Food and Funfare. Mary baked some chiffon cakes and I cooked spghetti, my signature cooking. It was fun though we were really tired in the afternoon after the sale. Though the Open Day was supposed to be from 9:00 a.m. to 2.00 p.m. All the cakes and spaghetti were sold out at noon.

SOLITUDE

2006-05-17T16:12:00.000+08:00

My son, Pauleon wrote in his blog:

"i dunno.. i just enjoy being alone sometimes. yet, i recharge with being talkative and boisterous, being the centre of attention in a group. in fact, sometimes i crave alone time if i spend too much time with people around. like, the fact i prefer to have my own room to do my own things at night. kinda also a "recharging time" back home... yet, i also crave to just hang and chill with people, talk talk talk. hehh was thinking who else is like this and quanwei came to mind. "

This is absolutely our spiritual yearning. It is in quietness and alone that God can recharge us! The Lord Jesus practised this often. He often withdrew from the crowd to be alone with God the Father. (Mk. 1:35; Lk. 4:42; Mk. 6:31-32, 46) We all need this time of solitude! While we are alone, not to idle our minds but to contemplate and think about God and His goodness, and perhaps also what He would like us to do.

Friends from faraway land!

2006-04-24T15:19:00.000+08:00

有　客　远　方　来　！
Mdm. Wang Liping and Dr. Yang Lin came from China to attend the Symposium on the North East Monsoon in April 2006.

The Symposium was held at the Sheraton Imperial Hotel, Kuala Lumpur.

Golden years!

2006-04-14T16:35:00.000+08:00

Lately, the Lord has been showing me some verses on the golden years!

Psalm 92:14 "They will still bear fruit in old age; they shall be fresh and flourishing."

What a comforting thought!

And then I read about King David's prayer to God:

Psalm 71:
v.9 "Do not cast me off in the time of old age; do not forsake me when my strength fails.
v.18 "Now also when I am old and grayheaded, O God, do not forsake me, until I declare Your strength to this generation, your power to everyone who is to come."

This prayer really speaks my heart! I still have unfinished work that I need to do!

Jakarta!

2006-03-21T13:18:00.000+08:00

Ah, here at Jakarta. Did not know that it is soooo near the sea! On the last day 10th March 2006, we went to a beach called Achor! Apart form being the Moderator for two key note addresses at the Workshop, I have no more duty. Just visiting shops. Notice how congested Jakarta is!!!

(For more photos and information, please visit Zoe's BLOG:
http://nateoz.blogspot.com/)

Bukittinggi, West Sumatra, Indonesia

2006-03-21T12:38:00.000+08:00

I went to Bukittinggi, West Sumatra, Indonesia for a WMO RA V Meeting on Agrometeorology. Mary decided to come along. Interesting places like the tunnel left by the Japanese and interesting Padang rice. The best were Ayam Pop and Deng Deng!

Giant Chilies

2006-03-21T11:57:00.000+08:00

These giant chilies were bought from the Malaysian Agriculture Research and Development Institute. They measured up to 10 inches. So I stuffed them with fish paste and others I made them into pickles stuffed with green papaya!

Fancy preaching on CNY 1st night.

2006-02-08T16:15:00.000+08:00

Dad preaching.
Originally uploaded by Noeluap.

My son Pauleon wrote in his flickr:

Dad was invited to give a sermon on Chinese New Year's day which coincided with Sunday. Here he is decked out in traditional Chinese shirt. cool.

Blessed New Year!

2006-01-05T08:33:00.000+08:00

Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers . (3 John 1:2 NKJV) .

Drama on Christmas

2005-12-28T15:40:00.000+08:00

We had very interesting programs on Christmas Day service.

Hand signs by the Children Church, singing couples, conflict by the youth, testimony by Peter, drama "Mother and Daughter" by the House Fellowships.

It was so touching that people cried! Hope that the Spirit of God really touched those hearts!

Simple Christmas dinner

2005-12-28T09:02:00.000+08:00

Christmas dinner at home. Had been cooking for others, it's time for us to sit down and have our own. Mary invited her ex-boss James and family.

Dinner consisted of homecooked mushroom soup, roast beef, ceasar salad, broccoli, garlic bread, chestnut-stuffed Christmas chicken. Drink for the kids was KL Virgin mocktail and sparkling wine for the grown-ups.

Simple yet sumptuos!

IT'S CHRISTMAS!

2005-12-19T09:19:00.000+08:00

Last week was full of festive activities. On Friday night, our home fellowship had a Christmas celebration at a member's son's tuition centre and more than 100 ppl turned up! I cooked this turkey for them! On Saturday the youth group had a Christmas cum birthday party at our house in Sri Petaling! We were pleasantly surprised with a group of carollers from the St. Xavier's Catholic Church afterwards!

(Clockwise: Christmas cake, drawing of mother and child, Hainanese Gospel Center, roast turkey)

Merry Christmas and Blessed New Year!

2005-12-09T14:34:00.000+08:00

圣诞 快乐新年 蒙恩

and Blessed New Year 2006!

from

（Back row left) Joel, the happy and enjoying guy.Just finished his Form Five Exam!

(Back row centre) Zoe, maturing lady, majoring in Economics and Business Management at
The University of Toronto, Canada.

(Back row right) Pauleon, MD to be! 4th year at the National University of Singapore .

(Left)Jonathan (formerly known as Johnson). Looking forward to retirement next August!

(Right)Mary, lovingly supporting with her role as mother, wife and manager in iPerintis Co. Ltd.

Email:jonathan.tls@gmail.com
For more info: please read our blogs: http://tanjohnsonblog.blogspot.com/, http://noeluap.blogspot.com/, http://nateoz.blogspot.com/, http://lejoant.blogspot.com/
and for photographs: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jonahtan/,
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jonathantan/

Mission Trip to Kuantan

2005-12-06T14:10:00.000+08:00

I was invited by the Hainanese Gospel Centre in Kuantan to preach on the topic "Blessings, Curses and Deliverance". I based my talk on a book by Pastor Derek Prince. After I told my friend that I cannot possibly cover the topic in one hour, he kindly arranged another session on Saturday night. Apart from those members from the church, the rest of the audience came from the Methodist Church, the Assembly of God and the Presbyterian Church. There was hunger and much spiritual need.

The trip was fruitful. I had an opportunity to counsel a couple who are close friends. They had problems with their pastor and we had a cordial time talking things over. The introductory course on counselling we had just attended put us on the right track.

God is opening up doors for ministry but I need to prayerfully seek His direction.

Thank God we had the wonderful opportunity to catch up with old friends (some I have not met for more than 30 years!) and met new ones. Due to their overwhelming hospitality, we were taken to various places with yummy food including "Nasi Dagang", an east coast delicacy which I cannot find in Kuala Lumpur!

Here is also a picture of my niece, Sook Moi and her youngest son, Dick En.

For more pictures, please click on the post title above.

Mary in Beijing

2005-11-28T17:13:00.000+08:00

Mary had a blessed time in Beijing from 31 October to 11 November 2005. She had seen places, met friends and eaten marvelous food.

Most of all, we had impressed some people and one girl actually went to attend a church service after we talked with her! PTL!

2005-11-28T13:02:00.000+08:00

Writing, writing is everywhere! the man was writing Mary's name in Chinese on the floor with both hands!

Very sadly to note that calligraphy and Chinese painting are on the decline in China according to a report in the China Daily on 10th November 2005 that I read before we left Beijing.

今非昔比，往事只能回味！

多写多画吧！中华文化不可没灭！

Tea n things

2005-11-28T09:24:00.000+08:00

The green tea I brought back from Beijing. It looks wonderful in the pots and after brewing, the tea leaves themselves look gorgeous! Besides, we have some cucumber and tomatoes.

Trip to Beijing

2005-11-14T21:23:00.000+08:00

Clockwise from top left: Forbidden City; Mary at the square down from the Great Wall; Beijing Zoo; Sunrise from my window in the hotel

Clockwise from top left: Mary climbing the Great Wall; Outside the Great Wall; Beijing's modern buildings (above subway); Calligraphy (Mary's name)

I went to Beijing to attend the 14th Session of the WMO Commission for Climatology (CCl) that was preceded by a technical conference on "Climatology as A Natural Resource" from 1st to 10th November 2005. Mary went with me and she proved to be a wonderful companion not only to me but also to the spouses of other dignitaries and delegates. She visited many interesting places like Forbiddeb City, Tiananmen Square, the Summer Palace, Bei Hai Park, Hutong, The Ming Tomb and of course the Great Wall. 不到长城不是好汉(Bu Dao Chang Chen Bu Shi Hao Han) which means you are not a hero unless you have been to the Great Wall of China!

Thought it will be cold so we packed plenty of winter clothing but the weather played trick on us and the weather was not cold but warm! It ranged from 20 deg to 14 deg maximum daily temp! the locals told us usually by this time of the year it would snow!

Food, food, food and more glorious food and it was so cheap! Once I had RMB 1.50 for a bowl of Won Ton soup for lunch!

Clockwise from top left: Making xiao lung pao; Lotus root cold dish; bai cai with fishballs; Beef for Korean BBQ

For more interesting photos from Beijing, please visit my flickr pages:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jonahTan/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jonathantan/

The Old and the New

2005-10-18T14:50:00.000+08:00

This panoramic shot was taken while I was riding on the Light Rail Transit (LRT). You can see the old building beside the newer building of the Telecom Malaysia.

Many people ask me why I change my name to Jonathan. The old name Johnson represents my old man and is the pronunciation of my Chinese name Junsheng (俊生) that means the handsome guy.

The new name represents 3 very noble characters in the Old Testament of the Bible. They are Jonathan, Jonah and Nathan. 3 in 1. May God grant to me their good characters.

"Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away, behold; all things have become new." (II Corinthians 5:17) NKJV

“昨日种种，有如今日死；
明日种种，就如今日生。”

"Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him."
(Colossians 3:9-10)

Testimony from a client!

2005-10-17T13:25:00.000+08:00

It is very gratifying when you find your work had been appreciated. When I received this letter of appreciation, I thank God that my work is not totally a waste of time but it actually helps someone in his plantation of pomeloes!

I hope more farmers will benefit from our work!

Click on image to have a bigger view.

Rising Sun

2005-09-29T10:57:00.000+08:00

Sunrise as seen from my office.

I like sunrise especially when the sky is beautiful too. It signals the beginning of a bright day just like the Bible says:

Malachi 4:2 (NIV)
But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings. And you will go out and leap like calves released from the stall.

What a wonderful thought to begin the day with!

It's her birthday!

2005-09-23T12:07:00.000+08:00

Yesterday was Mary's birthday and we had to attend a house fellowship leaders get-together at the house of the leader, Robert Cheah. So we thought we may not be able to have a birthday dinner with Mary. However, as it turned out that it was also Robert's birthday, Michael Ho's birthday and birthday for another sister from the main church!

Robert catered food (including a NZ roast lamb) and orderd a large birthday cake!

So Mary got more food and friends than she would have celebrated her birthday at home! God moves in a mysterious way!

When we came home, we had this baked cheese cake I bought for Mary!

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow those celebrated birthday yesterday all the days of their
lives!

A Thing of Beauty, a Joy Forever!

2005-09-21T15:05:00.000+08:00

Look at this beautiful flower, I think it's lily.

My wife planted it long ago, it only flowered two days ago!

Life is like that, wait for it, it will surely come.

My wife and I are attending a night class in the Bible College of Malaysia on "Introduction to Christian Counselling". We are really blessed to know that we are in a big family and everyone of us are like building blocks in a building and Christ being the cornerstone.

1 Peter 2:5-7 (NKJV)

5 you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6 Therefore it is also contained in the Scripture, “ Behold, I lay in Zion A chief cornerstone, elect, precious, And he who believes on Him will by no means be put to shame.” 7 Therefore, to you who believe, He is precious; but to those who are disobedient, “ The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief cornerstone,”

As members of the big family, we are to support one another by encouragement, comforting, bearing one another's burden. This is the basis on which we can together grow into Christ's image, to be holy.

Ephesians 4:15 "but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— 16 from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love."

What a beautiful picture! If all of us can join together like that, the Lord Jesus shall be very pleased when He shall come for His Bride one day for the Church is His Bride!

We can start from ourselves! When we want others to be nice to us, we have first to be nice to others!

Happy Mid_Autumn Festival

2005-09-19T12:08:00.000+08:00

You may see more photos on my side bar OR
you may see all my photos in http://www.flickr.com/photos/jonahtan/
Njoy!!!

Poem by Russell Kelfer

2005-09-08T15:53:00.000+08:00

I found this poem to be very apt, do you ?

You are who you are for a reason.
You're part of an intricate plan,
You're precious and perfect unique design,
Called God's special woman or man.

You look like you look for a reason.
Our God made no mistake.
He knit you together within the womb,
You're just what he wanted to make.

The parents you had were the ones he chose,
And no matter how you may feel,
They were custom-designed with God's plan in mind,
And they bear the Master's seal.

No,that trauma you faced was not easy.
And God wept that it hurts you so;
But it was allowed to shape your heart
So that into his likeness you'd grow.

You are who you are for a reason,
You've been formed by the Master's rod.
You are who you are, beloved,
Because there is a God.

Today is my Birthday

2005-08-10T12:27:00.000+08:00

Today is my birthday, 55 years have passed. There were good times and bad times. As I look back, it is God Who made everything wonderful for me. Gratitude and thanksgiving do not suffice unless I do what Romans 12:1-2 say:” I…present my body as a living sacrifice…., holy, acceptable to God…”

The first half century I cannot do anything about, however, I pray to God to help me live a fruitful life for the next half century! As what I write in Chinese:-

走过半个世纪 As I cross half the century
过去已不属我 The past no longer belongs to me
前面半个世纪 The next half century
求主幇我惜过 May the Lord help me to tread carefully

The Lord will guide you continually, watering your life when you are dry and keeping you healthy, too.

Isaiah 58:11 NLT

Guide me, O Thou great Jehovah,
Pilgrim through this barren land;
I am weak, but Thou art mighty;
Hold me with Thy powerful hand;
Bread of heaven,
Feed me till I want no more,
Feed me till I want no more.

William Williams

There were many people in my life that helped me. Most of all, the Lord Jesus Whom I met in 1965 has been my constant Friend, Helper, Comforter, Supplier …. My parents who have given me my physical life and who have brought me up. My dear wife who has been my persistent helpmeet. (See the beautiful black forest cake she baked for my birthday!) My three most wonderful children who won many praises from friends and relatives of being very GUAI (well behaved). They have matured a lot of late.
My wonderful cousin sister Boey Chew and her Family---the Soo Tots. They have been my constant comfort and encouragement.

Others like the OMF missionary Miss June Lindfield, who has guided me earlier in my walk with the Lord. The Australian missionary couple, Mr. and Mrs. John Timms from Perth, they were my mentors and tutors. John even paid for my correspondence course! Dr. and Mrs. Leong who not only guided me in my spiritual life but also were models for me to follow. Of course the Christian headmaster Mr. Lian who helped me in the school. Numerous others had crossed my path and gave me a hand. These were the angels that God sent on my path to help me.

Well, today is my birthday and I should not be “lo sor” long-winded.

Thank You LORD and help me for the next half!

BSC (Bond Servant of Christ)

What I learnt from teaching O.T. Bible characters

2005-08-02T08:55:00.000+08:00

It must be a long while since I last wrote in my blog.

While preparing to teach the Bible class on Old Testament characters, I came across this fact which makes me wonder.

Samuel was a faithful, righteous and prayerful prophet, judge and priest. However, in his old age, both his sons were not like him. They were found to deal unrighteously with the people.

The worst was after he spent almost 20 years in bringing the people back to God, the people asked for a king instead even though he judged them righteously. The Israelites suffered defeat after defeat from the enemies until Samuel prayed for them and taught them to repent before God did they had some victory over the enemies. Then, they rejected Samuel and asked for a king instead. God told Samuel: "They did not reject you, they are rejecting me."

In our service to God, some times we have to face the same thing. Even Paul has to face the same thing, all the churches that he planted, nurtured and grown finally rejected him.

So, I have learnt one thing, not to expect anything from men but wait for acceptance from God rather than men. No wonder the Lord Jesus also did not place his trust in men. One day God may say: "You are my faithful servant, you have done well!"

Family Camp

2005-06-14T14:20:00.000+08:00

Just came back from the family camp in the nice cool Genting Highlands, far from the hot and sticky KL weather. The speaker is from Taiwan. Just imagine that He actually started some businesses----opened restaurant, factory for the exconvicts to work in!

What I was touched was about encouraging people and not trying to correct them. He told of a church just opposite his church. When he sent one of his young pastor over there to be pastor, after each sermon, one of the elderly man would come and tell him what was wrong with his sermon and that he must preach like Ps. Cho Yonggi and so on and so forth. Thinking that I have done that myself made me shudder!

May God give me the courage and wisdom to be more encouraging and less critical of others!

How to kill boredom

2005-05-11T12:44:00.000+08:00

Bored, bored, bored! Seem like everybody is talking about it. How fortunate these ppl! We are talking about having not sufficient time.

Really looking forward to retirement.

Lying on the beach somewhere; reading a book. Once in a while whisper to the swallows that fly by. Maybe count how many waves break before reaching the shore. Maybe sit on a swing between 2 coconut trees sipping coconut water.

More productive maybe to rearrange my investment portfolio so that it can bring me more returns.

Even more productive, go out and make some disciples for Christ!

Make my life fruitful and productive, bring some joy to others makes my life more worth living!

Try out a new recipe, that may enrich my family's diet.

There is countless things to do and I think I need to live to 120 to finish all those tasks.

Bye, try my recipe and see!

2005-04-29T11:31:00.000+08:00

Super Power of Charcoal

Charcoal, wonderful charcoal!!!

2005-04-27T08:24:00.000+08:00

It is interesting to note new uses for charcoal. Apart from being used as fuel for cooking nice Chinese dishes, it can also be put in the rice while cooking. It makes the rice fluffy and nice. It also add minerals and energy to the rice! If it is put in the drinking water, it can restore bad water into good, balanced and minerals-enriched water. It can be used for clearing up bad environment by neutralizing the bad radiation and magnetic field around us, it can also restore and preserve our cells and bodies!

The best charcoal is the hard type, processed to 1000 deg Centigrade! Most of it is imported from China. Japan is a big importer of such charcoal.

Prov. 31:10 Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies.

He who finds a good husband finds a good thing, for he is better than "charcoal"!

Bye and be in good health!

THE CROSS AND OUR EATING HABITS

2005-04-20T16:06:00.000+08:00

Why I blog about eating because when the Chinese meet each other, the invariable greeting is “Have you eaten?”

Remember what our Lord Jesus said in Luke 9:23 (NKJV)
Then He said to them all, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.”

We are to deny ourselves and follow Him in everything we do. One of the areas we fail and fail miserably is the area of eating. In our affluent society, it is not the lack of food but the over-abundant of it. Every time when we go to the eating stores, we are just spoilt for choice!

A disciple of Christ is a disciplined person. When the Bible talks about self-control, many people think it is only in the area of fleshly desires. But fleshly desires also include the desire to eat. No wonder the Chinese sage Confucius equated eating and sex”Eating and sex are habitual.”食色性也” People like to eat what is tasty, not nutritious! Professor Luke Lin of Taiwan says:” Tasty food is not Healthy, Healthy food is not Tasty!” One of the fruit of the Spirit is self-control. (Gal. 5:24) Why many have fallen sick? One of the main reasons is because they do not exercise self-control in what they eat and how much they eat. If we deny ourselves of all the favourite foods like fries, burgers, KFC, big Mac, coke, Maggie mee but eat the healthy fruits, vegetables and grains, we shall be healthier!

Have you noticed whenever there is a buffet lunch or dinner? How the people took a mountain full of the delicious food leaving nothing for others and how they gobble up the food like they had not eaten in a month! You think this only happen in the civil setting? Sad to say I have also noticed this in the church functions! Gluttony is a sin like idolatry!

What to eat is healthy? As a person who denies himself and takes up his cross daily to follow Christ, it is natural to follow what the Bible says about what to eat.

Genesis 1:29 (New International Version)
29 Then God said, "I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food. "

Every vegetable with seed and every fruit with seed is our food of choice. Do not eat any of the genetically modified food; you do not know what will happen to you. Neither do you eat the fruits without seed; these are only for the lazy people! The Bible says the seed of the fruits and vegetables is life as blood is to the animals. Do not eat fruit and vegetable that have no seed because they have no life. No wonder when we start to eat more fruits and vegetables instead of meat, we become more healthy! Many modern day terminal sicknesses are caused by eating meat. These include cancer, heart diseases, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and obesity. I am NOT a vegetarian, but the less meat we eat the better!

What about meat? In Genesis 1:29, God did not say to eat meat. Then when did God allow men to eat meat? Not in Acts of Apostles as popularly believed. It is in Deuteronomy 12:20 "When the LORD your God enlarges your border as He has promised you, and you say, "Let me eat meat, 'because you long to eat meat, you may eat as much meat as your heart desires.'" Notice that it is man’s desire to eat meat that God allowed them to eat! It was only after Noah had left the Ark that God allowed man to eat meat. “Every moving thing that lives shall be food for you. I have given you all things, even as the green herbs.” Genesis 9:3 (NKJV) This was the first time man was allowed to eat meat! Do you notice that animals are also to eat vegetables and fruits? Don’t believe? Please read Genesis 1:30 “Also, to every beast of the earth, to every bird of the air, and to everything that creeps on the earth, in which there is life, I have given every green herb for food"; and it was so.” See, every living thing (animals and birds) were given green herb (vegetables) for food! The animals that eat meat are very fierce and easily agitated. Those animals that eat only grass are more tame and gentle. Many times in the Bible, I read about the lions and tigers lying together with the lambs and do not harm them. I have also read about the man of God, Sanda Sunder Singh in India. Many times the poisonous snakes, tigers and lions will come and sit beside him! This was the picture in the garden of Eden until man sinned! The day will come that animals and man no longer eat meat and all will stay in peaceful coexistence, heaven on earth (Revelation 21:1-2). That will be so when Christ returns. Come, O Lord, Please come quickly!

I have one concern though. If I do not eat meat, do not drink milk or eat dairy products and eggs, where do I get my protein? When I read Professor Luke Lin’s book on 21 days to a toxic-free body, then do I realize that some vegetables like celery, sea weed actually contain more calcium and protein than milk! I did not realize until now that the proteins in cow milk actually turn into something bad for the body when pasteurized! The only milk we can drink is mother’s milk! Or the closest is maybe goat milk, but then you have to keep a mother goat in your house.
The other things to do for health are also Bible-based. Drink good water without chlorine and boiling. Don’t drink reverse osmosis or distilled water. Many times the Bible compared water to life! "And it shall be that every living thing that moves, wherever the rivers go, will live." Ezekiel 47:9 (NKJV) "So you shall serve the LORD your God, and He will bless your bread and your water. And I will take sickness away from the midst of you." Exodus 23:25 (NKJV)

Pray and you shall have peace, and this peace shall bring you health. Isaiah 26:3 "You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You." When we have a cheerful heart, it does good like medicine! Proverbs 17:22 "A merry heart does good, like medicine, but a broken spirit dries the bones." Cast all your worries, troubles and heartaches to Jesus and you shall have peace. “Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” I Peter 5:7 (NKJV)

Confess your sins. You sin because you are a sinner. You are not a sinner because you sin. Many Christians are not truly Christians because they have not really confessed their sins and repented. "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." I John 1:9 Many cancers are caused by people harbouring hatred against others. In New York, while praying for a middle-aged woman in the Methodist Church, the Holy Spirit showed me that she has arthritis in the fingers because she harboured hatred against her elder sister. I asked her to go and make up with her sister if she wants to be healed of her arthritis.

2005-04-19T13:20:00.002+08:00

The 3 Birthday kids

2005-04-19T13:20:00.001+08:00

Birthday cakes

2005-04-19T13:20:00.000+08:00

Lik Xiong and Lik Xiang

Joel's Birthday

2005-04-19T12:44:00.000+08:00

Hey, its birthday time again! Joel---April 17, Boey Chew---April 15, Soo Tot---April 11.
Click to see the picutres in MSN The Cherith Family Web site!

http://www.msnusers.com/TheCherithFamily

THE CROSS AND THE INTELLIGENT INVESTOR

2005-04-12T12:45:00.000+08:00

It is strange! What has investment to do with the cross? Not only in the area of investment, but also in other areas like nutrition and health; the pattern is strikingly similar. When you pursue a certain subject to its pure form; you will find few that agrees, much fewer are those that follow! No wonder the LORD Jesus says: 13"Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. 14Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it. (Matthew 7:12-14) New King James Version.

The way of the cross is not easy. For the LORD Jesus says in Luke Chapter 9: 23”Then He said to them all, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. 24For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it. 25For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and is himself destroyed or lost?”

John Mak:” To be an intelligent investor, you need to be disciplined and capitalize on the folly of the speculators.” In other words, we do not follow the crowd that goes on the wide and broad popular road of speculation.

Similarly, a disciple of Christ who goes on the way of the cross cannot follow the trends and fashions of the world but choose the long and narrow way of being ridiculed, misunderstood, persecuted, scorned and finally enter into the narrow gate of eternal life!

The consolation is finally both attain victory eventually!

Warren Buffett: “When the tide subsides, then we know who has been swimming in the nude.” Referring to those who habitually speculates and occasionally makes a quick buck here and there but the final finishing line is the one that determines who are the champions!

Another similarity between the cross and the intelligent investor is contained in an email I wrote to the investment guru John Mak:

Dear John,

Thank you for your insights as contained in your latest book and emails to me. It strengthened once again the “intelligent investor” that is in me.

It reminded me of what Jesus did:”All these things Jesus spoke to them in parables; and without a parable He did not speak to them.” (Matthew 13:34)

For the disciples He explained everything to them but for others He spoke in parables so that hearing they may hear but shall not understand, seeing but will not perceive. What you are saying is the same exactly.

To the “intelligent investors”, what you say in your books could be understood easily, and the other readers may just condemn you or just throw your books away.

Remaining as investor,
Your Loyal Reader.

You see, how strikingly similar the way of the cross and the way of the intelligent investing.

I shall blog my thoughts on the similarity of the cross and nutrition in another post.

EGGBLOG

2005-04-11T15:52:00.000+08:00

When think of eggs, many people think of birthdays. Funny that eggs are also associated with Easter! In fact, it should be. Resurrection is greater than Birth, so Easter should rightly be more important than Christmas; strange some churches don't even celebrate Easter!

Remember the Apostle Paul remarked:"For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified." (I Cor. 2:2) It is so important that some religion denies Jesus's death. Paul further said:" And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty. And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile, you are still in your sins!" (I Cor. 15:14,17)

Read this following message from Dayspring:

The Cross — Understanding Your True Worth

Jesus walked on many roads during his brief time on earth. The roads He walked on led Him through valleys and over hilltops, they brought Him through crowded city streets and quiet villages, they guided Him to people’s homes and festive celebrations, but the road that led Him to the place of crucifixion was the one He was born to travel.
The Father watched from heaven as His Son, beaten and bruised, staggered under the weight of the cross on His way to a place called Golgotha. Jesus knew that this road was the only way that His love could find a place in our hearts. If God would have set a roadblock on this road and said to His Son, “Road closed,” we would never have found our way to Him.

It is Jesus’ journey to the cross and His crucifixion upon Golgotha’s hill that opens our understanding to the meaning of love at its deepest level. Salvation is our free gift that cost Jesus everything—His brokenness means that we can be made whole; His sorrow means that we can have fullness of joy; His rejection means that we can be accepted; His pain means that we can be healed; His death means that we can have life everlasting.
The devil has convinced so many people that they are worthless. Each of us needs to stop and remember the cross—at the cross we will discover our true value— for it is here that we discover the price God was willing to pay for us, the depth of His love, and how much we are worth to Him.
—Roy Lessin, Co-founder DaySpring Cards

"and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power, which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, " (Eph. 1:19-21)

And now this resurrection power is in those who acknowledge Him as Lord ans Saviour!

The mystery of the Gospel is:"Which is Christ in you, the hope of glory!" (Col. 1:27)

May you also discover what I discover as the mystery of the Gospel that the power that raised Christ from the dead is now in you and me, working to bring us to completion at the day of Jesus Christ! (Phil.1:6)

Wow, what an explosive power. There is power in you! This is Easter power!

2005-04-05T14:04:00.000+08:00

Wedding of my niece Cass Lai

Tis the season to be jolly,tra-la-la-la-la, Merry Christmas, Happy New Year!

2004-12-23T07:43:00.000+08:00

What Christmas if there is no Christ in it! I used to wonder what Christmas is about when I heard "Silent Night, Holy Night!"

It was a holy night alright but not too silent with the heavenly hosts singing to the shepherds in the field!

Truly it should be "Glory to God in the Highest and Peace on earth!" but the earth is not too peaceful at the moment and not too many people are giving glory to God. Let's return to Bethlehem on that wonderful night when the baby Jesus was born and pray that peace returns to mankind and men and women giving glory to God and not the things of the world!

When you invite the Lord Jesus into your heart, then you shall enjoy His Peace and you can truly give glory to God. This was how I felt at the first Christmas I celebrated in 1965!

Wish that all of you out there have a truly peaceful and joyful Christmas and plenty of blessings in the coming new year of 2005!!!!!

2004-12-22T17:00:00.000+08:00

Just me in the office

2004-12-22T15:32:00.000+08:00

I can start saving when I get through the pile!

2004-12-22T14:32:00.000+08:00

Snow in Bishkek, April 2003

2004-12-22T14:29:00.000+08:00

Johnson Tan at an International Data Rescue Meeting in KL