The Seventh Day: May 2008

Saturday, May 31, 2008

Examinations & Assignments

Dear students,

The coming weeks are going to be intense especially when we are entering the month of exams and assignments. Remember to share your exam dates with fellow mates for prayers.

All the best for another mile stone of 2008. Cheers ;-)

Here's a clip to relax your mind a little bit...

Sunday, May 25, 2008

Yes... let's pray for them!

I'm not sure how much do all of you know about the China worst-hit earthquake and Myanmar cyclone. I'm going to tell a little bit about these 2 disasters and hope that together we can pray for them.

China's earthquake death toll has risen to 60,560 with another 26,221 people missing and 353,290 injured. The death toll could rise to 80,000 or more . Nearly every building in Yingxiu (one of the worst-hit town) was destroyed and no residents remain there. About half of the town's 18,000 residents are either dead or missing and most survivors left on foot, leaving behind a ghost town (see pictures here: http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/gallery/2008/may/20/china.chinaearthquake?picture=334257550 ). When the earthquake happened, it was school time so lots of children were killed. A lot of them are the only child in the family. Lots of children lost their parents too and some of them are still very young. Imagine, they must be so devastated and helpless.

Because some of the roads are destroyed, the army got to walk few hours to reach those towns. Some of the soldiers were dehydrated while carrying the injured people out and some died. Lots of helpers take care of the victims w/o sleep days and nights and one of them died of heart attack!

Sichuan is home to the world's largest water project, this earthquake has scarred nearly 70 dams and they might be in danger of bursting. It has also caused new lakes to be formed. That's not all, it was reported that the raining season is coming soon. The huge amount of water might burst the dam and cause flood. This can bring more damage and cost more lives. Also, millions of them are homeless, where are they going to hide from the heavy rain?

As for Myanmar cyclone, news were not reported as much as China earthquake. However, it's definitely as serious as the earthquake. It was reported that until now Myanmar has blocked significant amounts of aid and refused visas to foreign specialists. 3 weeks after the cyclone, it is estimated that 134,000 people were killed and leaving millions homeless. I really don't know how these people survive without sufficient help. The UN chief has tried very hard to ask the ruling junta to let the international aids to go into Myanmar especially the worst-hit delta. You can read more from the website ( http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article3994628.ece ) Anyway, let's not talk about politics, I just pray that God will soften the heart of these rulers so that lives can be saved.

As we live so comfortably in these safe countries, worrying not about food for tomorrow and shelter over our head. Let's remember those who are suffering now. Though we can't be there to help them, except for donation, I think we as Christians can definitely help by praying for them. God has taught us to always support those in need in prayers, let's not forget about what God has asked us to do.

So please do remember them in prayer!

Monday, May 19, 2008

Let's Pray

We have heard the news, we have seen the images.
How can our hearts not be moved, how can we stay silent?

Let's pray for God to move among the grieving parents, the orphans, and homelessness
that they will find comfort and hope and strength

Let's pray that God will soften the hearts of the leaders and give them wisdom
that they will do what is right

Let's pray for God's protection over the workers
that they will have the strength and perseverance

Let's pray against those who are evil
that they will not steal, rob or murder amidst the crisis

Let's not be bothered by what the media is telling us.
The news may be wrong, the images may be misleading.
It doesn't matter whether it's Burma or China.
We know God's children are suffering.
He hears their cries and their pleas.

Let's listen to His heartbeat for the suffering.
Let's feel the pain of the suffering.
And pray. Pray like we have not done before.
For miracles to happen. For hope to carry on. For doors to be opened.

Remember the faces of those whom you are praying for.

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

He never leaves

Hi boys and girls,

Today's (13/5) daily bread message is quite comforting (http://www.rbc.org/devotionals/our-daily-bread/2008/05/13/devotion.aspx). Go and have a read. It reminds us that God never leaves us when we feel good, bad, happy, sad, down, helpless, lost, disappointed or whatever. He's always watching us.

Other than that, it also gives me another feeling. It reminds me to always go back to God, to check if I'm close enough to Him. Did I walk too fast and leave Him behind? Always check... always go back to God. I feel safe when I'm with Him. He has all that I need... the peace, comfort, rest, strength, courage, love, hope and many more.

Have you checked today?

Saturday, May 10, 2008

Finding Security in God

I cried to him, "O my God, who lives forever,
don't take my life while I am so young!
Long ago you laid the foundation of earth
and made the heavens with your hands.
They will perish, but you remain forever;
they will wear out like old clothing.
You will change them like a garment
and discard them.
But you are always the same;
you will live forever.
The children of your people will
live in security."

Psalm 102:24-28