The Lord reminded me of this today:
For the vision is yet for the appointed time;
It hastens toward the goal and it will not fail.
Though it tarries, wait for it;
For it will certainly come, it will not delay.
Habakkuk 2:3 (NASB)
I’ve got a vision I’ve kept in my heart for a long time. That vision has changed over the years, especially in the last year or two, to incorporate a number of other things that God has been teaching me along the way. I’m extremely thankful for what He’s done in me, in Singapore and what He is doing all over the world.
This last September break, I had the awesome opportunity to be a part of the new move in world missions: the 4/14 Generation! The third 4/14 Window Global Summit was held right here in Singapore, at our very own VFC Sembawang Building! We hosted a whole bunch of fabulous delegates from all over the globe!
Here’s the happy bunch of on Day 1 at the opening of the conference, waiting for worship to begin. Our building was totally decked out!
Everyone came all the way for one purpose: to hear the heartbeat of God for the children in world missions. Adults mostly, who are willing to change their mindset and approach towards the little ones and to see what God can do in them and through them.
Our kids at item rehearsal. Jabez and Vanessa looking as pleased as punch!
The conference was headed by a steering committee made up of key people in world missions from all over. I wouldn’t say I know every single one of them (I’m not well read I’m afraid), but one thing that struck me was their heart for missions.
Chairman of the steering committee, Dr Bambung, sharing with us in the Missiology Track.
I have never been in the midst of such bunch of people before. People who use their talents and gifts to plan and strategize for world missions. The intellectual debate during some parts were so overwhelming, but I thank God for the ability to understand what was being said and that I could make a contribution! God is good! He uses us wherever we’re at!
Here are two professors Dr Siga Arles from India (left) and Dr Nico Botha from South Africa (right). Their intellectual exchanges were mind boggling in the beginning!
At the end of all the discussions during the conference, there were conference papers to be written! I’ve been part of secular conferences and have contributed to a few papers regarding education before. However, this is the first time I’m experiencing it in such a context and frankly, it excited me! The richness of the exchange in the Missiology Track was staggering! There were folks like me from Singapore, a whole bunch from India and then there were others from the UK, Philippines, Brazil, Korea, Canada, etc. Each came from a different context and with different views. It was such a blessing to listen to each one and to serve them as part of the host church.
From the Philippines, Dr Jojo sacrificed many nights summarizing stuff we talked about the day before.
I loved particularly my exchanges with Dr Jojo, who was such an encourager and Dr Botha who enjoyed jesting. They took the time to listen and to share their own experiences, which was so enriching for a little S.G. bumpkin like me.
Throughout the conference, I had frequent little exchanges with Dr Ramses from Egypt. Yep, Egypt! He came up to me on the first day and talked a little about worship (I was playing in the band that morning, so somehow he gravitated towards me). He shared a lot about his family (two musical sons) and what the situation was like in his country. He’s got such a heart of worship and is super enthusiastic about the Lord. He said to pray for Egypt whenever I think of them. I’d love to visit one day!
That brings to mind God-appointments, which is really the main theme of this post. Every single person I met was a divine appointment from God. I shall explain this later.
The East Asia folks were fantastic. Countries represented were: Korea (in full force, those guys!), Taiwan, Macau, Hong Kong, China, Mongolia (!!) and Japan. They were so helpful and kept giving me materials and their contact numbers. I’ve never related with people from China in such a manner before and I’m glad God is breaking down that communication barrier and my erroneous misconceptions! (God forgive me!) And the Koreans! They are so warm. They’re just so delightfully friendly and so open with sharing about their families and countries and what they think! So enriching, despite the language barrier. They tried, I tried.
God has certainly changed my perspective on the cultures of different people. I’m beginning to see the church as a collective global force to touch the nations. I felt so united with this bunch.
Sadly, there were no pastors from Japan, but I did get connected to Cina Silva of One Hope! She was looking for someone from Taiwan or Japan to share her materials with and she almost left the room to join some other regional consultation group, but in the end she stayed because I shared a few of my thoughts with her. I’m so glad I got to hear about what’s really going on in Japan and how the people are truly crying out for help. The pastors were all so busy with the events after the tsunami that they couldn’t make it down. Even right now when I think about it, I can’t help but be touched by what God is doing, slowly removing everything that they can cling to, bringing the church together in unity to reach the entire nation. This vision has yet to come, but wait for it, it will surely come! Can’t wait to head over the end of the year to spread some Christmas cheer and to share God’s Word while shoveling muck!
I’m CRAZY EXCITED!
Looking back, I can see what God has done and is doing. When I entered the teaching profession, I simply said, “I might like to do this, so Lord, open the door if it’s where You’d like me to be”. After the 4/14 conference and scrutinizing the path my life has taken, I’m beginning to see where I’m meant to be and what He has called me to. I used to have reservations, but now I know without a shadow of a doubt. I couldn’t be more convinced of where God has placed me and I’m truly humbled to know this.
Man’s steps are ordained by the Lord,
How then can man understand his way?
Proverbs 20:27 (NASB)
Sometimes, it’s not about understanding but about obeying and trusting. I’m learning that this season.
A selection of photos.
Felt really secure with the youth security team!
Missiology Track. I spent tons of time with them. In the end, we were relating with such camaraderie! God connects!
The kids came by with Dr?Pastor?Bro? Mario (doesn’t he look like a Mario?) to pray for God’s wisdom upon us as we deliberated. They’re so sweet.
In regional consultation with East Asia! With Dr John Hur from Korea who’s so humble that he doesn’t even like the sound of his own voice on the PA system.
These two Korean gentlemen reached out and gave me information about who I could connect with!
Even Bro Lit uses a Macbook. Times have changed! One guy from the China group came up to tell me that Bro Lit told them all he knew me since I was a kid and God bless me for sticking with Him. That was entertaining! I received some free materials and DVDs from Sis Constance too. Bro Allan Lit is my inspiration.
Dr John who pulled late nights, three in a row, to edit the conference writeup. Guess since he was the only Brit present, he had the best English among all of us. Poor dude. I’m fairly sure he did hit Hard Rock before he flew off.
Constant live translation into Spanish. Si si.
Flickr Set 4/14 Global Summit III Singapore 2011
