Saturday, September 26, 2009

SUPERNATURAL BLOG

I am so encouraged to receive Alex's testimony of how he came to know Christ by reading my blog. His life was transformed by the love of Christ. I pray that you will be inspired through reading this story and allow God to use you to touch someone's life for eternity.

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

[My Australian friends]

[My Thai friends]

[My African friends]

SUPERNATURAL BLOG

I am Alex from PJ, Kuala Lumpur. I am a third year medical student. In less than three weeks, I will be flying off to Southampton, United Kingdom to complete my studies.I am really happy to be here today, indeed it is a privilege to share about God’s love and how I came to know God.

This year in January, I finished my phase one at IMU, Bukit Jalil. I applied for an exchange program and I chose Australia as my destination. However, I was matched to the United Kingdom instead. Now I know God moved behind the scenes in my exchange program for me to get to know him. If I had been successful and studied in Australia instead, I would have missed my chance learning about God and Christianity.

It all started one day in March. My cousin and a few of her church friends visited my family. They prayed for us as my mum was suffering from depression. From that day onward, I had an instinct I cannot describe, a desire to know more about their God, who they claimed to be mighty and righteous. I knew I had to do something.

So the next day, I googled “churches in PJ” and somehow ended up at Peter Truong’s blog. Peter Truong is an evangelist from Hope Brisbane and he travels all over the world. I was amazed by his blog post entitled “Supernatural Sunday in Hope PJ”. It was all about the miracles in his healing ministry. I was so amazed that I actually emailed Peter Truong on Wednesday, March 4, to ask for more information about his church. Peter Truong applied instantly. In an amazing coincidence, he was in Malaysia for a Bible Conference that weekend. He invited me to Hope PJ the following Saturday to meet him. I told myself, “Wow, this is truly amazing; God planned all of this in his perfect timing.”

I remember that Saturday. When I entered the church hall during praise and worship, I could sense an atmosphere that was so reassuring and calming. I felt God’s presence. One song that really touched me and spoke to me that morning was “Open the Eyes of My Heart”. The day after (Sunday), on March 8, I accepted Christ. When Joshua shared about the gospel and asked me whether I wanted to receive Jesus as my personal Saviour, there was a voice in my heart saying yes, it is time. I was really moved by God and I knew that I made one of the best decisions in my life.

On that Saturday, I was introduced to Joshua. He has been a really caring and inspiring mentor. I really thank God for leading me to Hope PJ and blessing me with a great shepherd to help me build a strong foundation in Him before I leave for Southampton.

During these few months of walking with Jesus, I want to testify of his greatness. One of the reasons I sought God was for Him to help my mum with her depression which was diagnosed a few years ago. After praying this week, she started to take her medication. And I know Jesus, Jehovah Rapha, will answer my prayer in his own timing.

Friday, September 18, 2009

THE STORM CALMER

I really love the variety of food in Malaysia. I went to the "Dessert's bar" for supper with Ps Sow Fong. I also had noodles with some friends KL. The last two photos were at another eating place where I ordered mango pudding with ice. I took a photo of it before I ate it. (See photos)


THE STORM CALMER

Are you experiencing storms in your life? Has something unexpected happened with your job, family, ministry or all three? There are many things that will burden our hearts and steal our joy. Let’s take comfort in the fact that as believers in Jesus Christ, we have the “Storm Calmer”.

Luke 8:22-25 (New International Version)

Jesus Calms the Storm

22One day Jesus said to his disciples, "Let's go over to the other side of the lake." So they got into a boat and set out. 23As they sailed, he fell asleep. A squall came down on the lake, so that the boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger. 24The disciples went and woke him, saying, "Master, Master, we're going to drown!" He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm. 25"Where is your faith?" he asked his disciples. In fear and amazement they asked one another, "Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him."

I would like to share three things about how Jesus can calm the storms in our lives.

Follow Jesus' plans

In verse 22, Jesus told the disciples "Let's us go over to the other side of the lake". This is a key verse because it stated the plan and purpose of God for the disciples at that moment of time. We need to know God's plan and purpose for our lives. What is God calling us to do in our job, family and ministry? Whatever God's calling us to do, He will enable us to succeed and complete the task. God would never call us to do something without providing us His empowerment and provision. He loves us too much to simply set us up for failure in life.

Expect some storms in life

We will all face storms because we live in a fallen world. The spiritual enemy will try to hinder or put obstacles in our way, to stop us from fulfilling God’s will for us. The Bible tells us that the big storm threatened to drown all the disciples in the boat. The disciples went and woke him, saying, "Master, Master, we're going to drown!" Luke 8:24a. The disciples were frightened for their lives, fearing they would not make it to the other side as Jesus had declared earlier. We should not be surprised or discouraged by the challenges in life. We can expect some storms to come our way as we serve God.

Don't panic; Keep trusting

Jesus was not deterred by the storm. He quickly rebuked the wind and the raging waters. He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm. Luke 28:24b. Jesus demonstrated His power and authority over nature by calming the raging storm. In the stormy times, we should learn not to panic but to keep trusting in the plan and power of God. Jesus encouraged the disciples not to worry and put their faith in Him. 25"Where is your faith?" he asked his disciples. Luke 8:25a. In the time of storms, we need to keep our faith strong in Jesus' words and promises. We can trust God because He is faithful to the end. Indeed, Jesus is our "Storm Calmer" because through him we can reach the destination He has for us.


Sunday, September 13, 2009

JESSICA'S HEALING TESTIMONY

I am so blessed to receive Jessica's healing testimony from Malaysia. I remember praying for Jessica with her friends last year because she had ear pain and hearing problem. We just spoke God's Word in faith and claimed the promises of God. I went back to Australia and forgot about the whole matter. Then, Jessica told me of her miraculous healing on Facebook. Jessica was healed by Jesus after five years of pain in her ear. Glory to God!

As you go, preach this message: 'The kingdom of heaven is near.' 8Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received, freely give. Matthew 10:7-8

Indeed, the kingdom of God is near! His healing power is available to all who cry out to Him. Don't give up believing God for divine healing because God is near. Reach out to Jesus today.


Healing Testimony by Jessica Garan

I had a hearing problem in my left ear since May, 2004. The cause was unknown. I lost around 8-10% of my hearing in my ear. Every night, I needed to make sure I slept in the right position because if I slept on my left side, I will suffer a headache for all of next day. I had difficulties during high school and when I was a journalist for a few months because my hearing ability was limited.

My parents brought me to many doctors and specialists but nothing changed. According to my doctors, there was nothing wrong with my ear. At the end of 2008, it worsened and I lost 10% of my hearing and I suffered headaches almost every day.

On January 2009, I went to see doctor at Hospital Nur Zahirah Kuala Terengganu. The doctor arranged an appointment for me to meet the ENT specialist on June 15, 2009.

On June 2009, Peter Troung came to Kuala Terengganu for his healing ministry and prayed for me. During the time of prayer I felt something came out from my left ear and I felt released. That night after the healing meeting, God give me His word on Mark 8:22-26 on how Jesus healed the blind man at Bethsaida. It taught me to really have determination and faith to be healed by Jesus.

My hearing ability has been restored by Jesus one week before my appointment with ENT doctor. During my hearing test, the doctor said that my hearing was back to normal. Thank God for healing my ear after five years. Praise the Lord! I’ve been heal by Jesus!

Written by Jessica Garan


Sunday, September 6, 2009

THE FAITH RELEASERS

I met many friends in Singapore during my two weeks stay. One of the highlights was a visit to the "Night Safari". There were so many wildlife animals to see as we traveled through the park on the tram.

Information about the Night Safari on the website

Come and experience the night life with a difference!

The world's first wildlife park built for visits at night, the Night Safari is not like any ordinary zoo illuminated by the night or a modern version of nocturnal houses found in many zoos around the globe.

Nestled in 40 hectares of lush secondary forest, the Night Safari offers guests the unique experience of exploring wildlife in a tropical jungle at night. Through the use of subtle lighting technique, guests are able to view over 1,000 nocturnal animals of 100 species in vast naturalistic habitats.

The birth of the Night Safari is a result of a combination of factors. The overwhelming response to night tours conducted at the Zoo in the late 1980s indicated a demand for wholesome night entertainment. Displaying tropical animals at night seemed ideal since 90% of them are nocturnal and, therefore, most active after dusk. Moreover, Singapore is blessed with sunset taking place punctually at 7.30pm, dependably cool nights and little rainfall. These operational advantages make outdoor night attraction perfect.

Below are photos of my friends in Singapore

THE FAITH RELEASERS

Recently, I saw a book entitled "The Dream Releasers" by Wayne Cordeiro. This phrase really inspired me. I believe God wants us to be "The Faith Releasers" too. God desires us to be full of faith and expectation for the awesome things He can do. Too often, we walk in fear, doubt and unbelief because we lack faith in God. There are three things I would like to share about being "Faith Releasers" based on the story of blind Bartimaeus receiving his sight.

Mark 10:46-52 Blind Bartimaeus Receives His Sight Then they came to Jericho. As Jesus and his disciples, together with a large crowd, were leaving the city, a blind man, Bartimaeus (that is, the Son of Timaeus), was sitting by the roadside begging. When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, "Son of David, have mercy on me!" Jesus stopped and said, "Call him." So they called to the blind man, "Cheer up! On your feet! He's calling you." Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus. "What do you want me to do for you?" Jesus asked him. The blind man said, "Rabbi, I want to see." "Go," said Jesus, "your faith has healed you." Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.

Faith Releasers call upon Christ

When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me. Mark 10:47

Who we trust can determine the outcome and direction in life. This blind man knew he could not trust in himself to restore his sight. There was nothing he could do and the doctors could not help his blindness. He decided to put his trust in someone greater than himself. He placed his trust in the promise of God in Jesus Christ. God promised to the world in Genesis that He would send His Son to the Jewish people. The Messiah would come from the line of King David. The Messiah would be able to help the people and perform signs and wonders. The blind man believed in the promises of God. He believed that Jesus was not just a carpenter, a teacher or a good person but the Son of God. His faith was based on what He heard from others.

God wants us to place our trust in Him because He is perfect. We ourselves can fail, people can fail us but God never fails us. When we trust God, we will see the goodness of God.

Faith Releasers PUSH (Pray Until Something Happens)

Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more,"Son of David, have mercy on me!" Mark 10:48

Sometimes our trust in God diminished when we encounter challenges or obstacles. This blind man faced some big obstacles. There were too many people crowded around Jesus; he was blind and unable to reach to Jesus. He did not give up but shouted even louder than before to get Jesus’ attention. Don’t give up when things don’t go as smooth as you desire. God wants to help us overcome the obstacles we faced in life. What are your current obstacles for God to help you overcome?

Faith Releasers believe before seeing

The blind man said, “Rabbi, I want to see.” Mark 10:51b


This blind man asked Jesus for a miracle. He asked Jesus to do the impossible: open his blinded eyes. What Jesus has done for others, Jesus could do for him. Do you have faith for God to see great miracles in your life, family and businesses? Can you believe in God before seeing the result? This man received his sight after Jesus prayed for him.

Let us be a "Faith Releaser" so we can see more God's blessings in our lives.