Dubai - Heaven On Earth?

The Dubai Short-Term Mission Team (DSTMT) has had a brief taste of the so-called 'Heaven On Earth" for two weeks. Is it really as glamorous as advertized? As my flight touched down at DXB, I immediately marveled at the lavishly designed skyscrapers, competing for the pitch-dark skyline. I noticed that the airport police does not carry any visible weapon or gun. I reasoned that everyone here is so rich that they want for nothing. The crime rate here must have been much much lower than that of L.A. However, on the very next day, I witnessed first-hand the rudeness of a local Arab quarreling over a minor traffic issue. My impression of Dubai as the 'Heaven On Earth' immediately changed. At any rate, I was glad to be in Dubai as a member of the DSTMT, bringing a message of hope and love in Jesus name to the hundreds of foreign Chinese laborers we came into contact. May they all find Jesus as their personal source of faith, hope, and love, especially during today's turbulent time of global financial tsunami.

Young Chinese Professionals in Dubai

These young professionals are only in their 20s, yet they have left China and come to Dubai for better job opportunities. All of them are well-educated college graduates in China, but they are now working in hotels or restaurants as waiters and waitresses. When we played games with them, they are all full of energy. That night, I had the chance to share my personal salvation testimony, and to remind them of the importance of caring for one another, rejoicing in the Lord always, and bonding with unity in Christ. I pray that my spiritual journey can be an encouragement to these young people as they grow up through life. We left the sand dune just a few minutes after mid-night. How I wish that their future will be filled with better opportunities than what they have now in Dubai. More importantly, I pray that they will all grow up spiritually to become stronger and more matured Christian leaders when they return to China some day.

These young people enjoyed singing Amy Sand's song, especially "有一天" (One Day). Here is the lyrics:　(詞曲：盛曉玫One Day music/lyrics: Amy Sand)
有一天, 你若覺得失去勇氣,
有一天, 你若真的想放棄,
有一天, 你若感覺沒人愛你,
有一天, 好像走到谷底.

那一天, 你要振作你的心情,
那一天, 你要珍惜你自己,
那一天, 不要忘記有人愛你,
那一天, 不要輕易說放棄.

這個世界, 真有一位上帝,
祂愛你, 祂願意幫助你,
茫茫人海, 雖然寂寞,
祂愛能溫暖一切冷漠,
這個世界, 真有一位上帝,
祂的雙手, 渴望緊緊擁抱你,
漫漫長夜, 陪你走過,
祂愛你, 伴你一生之久.

Celebrating 2009 New Year Eve in the Sand Dune

The foreign workers work long hours. During their break time, at around 8pm, we met them in the sand dune nearby their workplace. The sand dune location is not marked at all. I am sure I will get lost if I were to go there by myself. You got to have been there a good number of times before you can recognize where exactly it is located. Of course, Pastor Sze knows the way, just like a shepherd who knows his sheep. After walking through the sand for about ten minutes, we finally arrived at our destination in a trough area away from the windward side. There we were greeted by about 30 workers waiting for the program to start. That night, we led the praise time for about 30 minutes, then sister Agnes shared her personal testimony. In the cool of desert night, Paster Sze gave a message of hope right on the New Year Eve of 2009. Then we divided up into small groups to pray for one another. We not only prayed for the future of the foreign workers, but also for the future of their mother land China. May the testimonies of these Christian workers in Dubai shine forth as the light of the world wherever they go.

There's a Story Behind Each Face

Many Chinese workers lived in the apartment complex nearby the Dragon Mart. Here sister Lo opens her apartment home for gathering. I was told a good number of Chinese workers currently reside at this small apartment. I had a good chat with brother Li Chen, who came from northern China (he is seating by the door in the picture). He told me he accepted Christ about 3 years ago, and he works in the bathroom products business. But due to the economic turmoil in Dubai, he must now return to China. It was a joy listening to his stories about his witnessing to a non-believer friend and his personal testimonies about his overcoming the temptation of greed. Along with many other Chinese transient workers, Li lived at sister Lo's apartment which is full of bunked beds. Just a side note, when I entered her apartment, I met an Indian man who is typing at a computer to access the Internet. Then I realized that sister Lo is also running a home business servicing as an "Internet Bar". To make room for our gathering that night, all of the computer terminals have already been put aside by the walls. Praise God that sister Lo is willing to let Pastor Sze use her place for fellowship and outreach. The Dubai Short Term Mission Team (DSTMT) spent some one-on-one time with every single visitors. Initially, two DSTMT members chatted with one visitor. As more visitors arrived, we divided up into smaller groups. The small room of about 200 square feet was quickly filled with more than ten tenants who just returned from their work in the Dragon Mart. Then, Paster Sze shared some words of encouragement, and publicized about the upcoming baptism a few days later (Jan 2). Praise the Lord, several of sister Lo's tenants came and got baptized right on that day. The wonderful work of God continues in Dubai.

Work on the Knees

All work begins with the words of prayer. God already knew our needs even before we ask Him. Indeed, He loves to hear our prayer. Even Christ Himself listens carefully to our petition so that He can intercede on our behalf. Right after our worship on the Lord's Day (which is on Friday in Dubai), Pastor Sze called for a prayer circle to petition on behalf of a sister (facing out in the picture on right) whose husband is still not a Christian yet. We all kneeled down and prayed fervently for his salvation. There were tears streaming down from her face. And we all look forward to hearing from our sister the good results of our prayer some day.

First Experience of a Home Church in Dubai

On the second last day of our trip, Pastor Sze requested two Dubai Short Term Mission Team (DSTMT) members, with 1 brother and 1 sister, to join him and visit a male worker camp in the suburb. He told us that the dormitory room we planned to visit is not big enough to fit the entire DSTMT team. So, he left it to our own discretion. Except for two members who had to stay behind to plan for the next day, the rest of us (2 brothers and 4 sisters) were able to sign on. Upon our arrival after an hour's drive, I immediately sensed tension in the air at the gate of the compound (see picture). Seeing a few police cars parked outside the gate, Pastor Sze cautioned that we probably shouldn't stay for too long. (We later found out that there had been some incidents within the compound earlier that day caused by some racial disturbance between the Chinese and Indian workers.) At any rate, Pastor Sze led us to a small dormitory room (about 10 feet by 20 feet) occupied by a Christian brother. Within 5 minutes, about 15 brothers showed up. Then, sister Jane shared her testimony to encourage them, and we all sang a few songs, including "有一位神" (There is One God). Then Pastor Sze's shared a brief message about peace. It was such a cozy meeting with no room to spare; everyone was jam-packed shoulder-to-shoulder just like those home churches in China. I sensed God's presence in that little room with His protective arms over-shadowing His sheep. Since it is not proper to bring so many visitors (especially females) into a male worker compound, we did not stay for too long. Right before we departed, we sang for them their most favorite song "我今天為你祝福" (Today I Bless Thee). Its lyrics speak from our hearts: "我今天為你祝福，耶和華必天天看顧， 你在家，在外，你出你入，耶和華必一路保護， 你當除去恐懼的心，因為這不是從神來， 靠著耶穌永不搖動，我們一生蒙了大福。" Trying not to cause any unnecessary trouble to our Christian brothers, we left quietly from the back side. During this quick 30 minutes visit, I witnessed first-hand the harshness faced by our brothers in the dormitory. And I felt really blessed being able to worship freely and comfortably back in the U.S.

A Fortress in the Desert

For two weeks, the Dubai STMT (DSTMT) stayed in this comfortable two-storey house, hosted by a Singapore brother Samuel who has a vision for the gospel and a heart to outreach to the people in Afghanistan and in Dubai. His wife Ling is a wonderful cook. Here in this spiritual fortress in the desert, the DSTMT was fed healthily every morning before we departed for each spiritual battle. In the evening, after we returned from a long day of work, we were always treated with surprises and surprises of delicious dinner. I thank God for their faithful service. May God continue to bless their ministry in Dubai. Interestingly enough, a Moslem mosque is nearby this house. Every morning, the mosque's loudspeakers broadcast its chanting of Islamic prayer call at about 5am and at 7am. God does have a sense of humor; He utilized these chanting calls to keep our work schedule on time. We never needed an alarm clock to wake up.

An Evening of God's Working in Dubai

Under the cover of the night, the remaining 6 Dubai Short-Term Mission Team (DSTMT) members (Janet Suen, Stanley, Janet Lau, Vicky, Wei-Wei, and Victor) held our last rally at the designated worship center which is located about 1 hour's drive away from our residence. Upon our arrival, a crowd of more than 170 foreign Chinese workers had already gathered, eagerly waiting. There the DSTMT praised God with them together and offered our personal testimonies of thanksgiving. Actually, this rally was also a special evening celebrating the 2 year anniversary of the Dubai Ministry started by Pastor Sze and his co-workers. When Pastor Sze asked if there were any born-again Christians who wanted to be baptized, about 25 to 30 people raised their hands (as seen in the picture). Within 30 minutes, all of them (with a couple sisters) were baptized right on the spot. I thank God for the moving of the Holy Spirit. And I could clearly see the genuine smile on their faces. Though the future of these foreign workers may be uncertain, I am confident that they are all in the good care of God's loving hands, guiding them through every single step of their way. Personally, I had never witnessed such an unreserved response to the call for baptism by so many Christians all at the same time. For those Christians who have been contemplating about baptism for over ten or twenty years, perhaps this may prompt them to act more quickly to get baptized.

My Personal Testimony - 我的個人見証

我是張樹德, 從小我的性格都很孤僻, 能夠談上心事的朋友是聊聊可數. 每當有團體的活動都沒有人來邀請我去參加, 我就仿如一個孤島, 無人問津. 我冰冷地喊著說 : 我是一塊石頭, 我是一個孤島.

美國的歌手Paul Simon曾經說:
「我要築起圍牆,
我不需要友誼, 友誼帶來痛苦…
我是一塊石頭, 我是一個孤島.
一塊石頭不會感到痛苦.
一個孤島不會哭泣. 」

在中學最後一年還未進入大學的暑假, 我踏出了離開孤僻的第一步 -- 我主動參加了香港救世軍中心主辦的暑期義工. 在這兩個多月裡, 我結交了一班參加義工的新朋友.我們一起主辦兒童活動, 清潔公園等等. 這經驗讓我初嚐真誠的友誼, 至今仍是瀝瀝在目. 我感覺到友誼所帶來的喜樂.

後來我一個人從香港來到美國中部的一個鄉村小鎮唸大學. 這裡很偏僻, 我這個在都市中長大的香港人,要面對在生活上和言語上很大的挑戰. 我舉目無親, 好像又回到心中的孤島. 第二年, 我結識了一些基督徒的同學. 他們慢慢地幫助我去接觸基督教. 我開始認識這位對我似乎陌生, 但又讓我感覺到衪存在的神.

每當我感到無力, 孤單, 徬徨的時候, 我這個遊子也曾向這位神呼求. 那時,我仍不是基督徒, 但心中有個意念, 就是「若人不能做的事, 這位神一定能夠做得到」. 但是當問題順利解決之後, 我自以為這都是因為自己的努力, 這位我曾經向祂呼求的神,已經被我丟在心中的角落, 被我遺忘了. 相反, 現在回想, 我知道神從來沒有忘記我.

大學畢業前那年的冬天, 我與朋友們第一次來到美國西部的「大峽谷」渡假. 我站在嚴峻的大峽谷邊緣, 心中充滿自信. 我想:「若是我努力不懈地去奮鬥, 我一定有飛黃騰達的一天」. 誰不知, 小小的我, 在宏偉的大峽谷相比之下, 實在太渺小了. 有時, 當我的心靜下來的時候, 我思想到那讓這深達千里的「大峽谷」從無變有的創造主. 我知道我的生命都是在祂指頭的掌管之下. 在那一刻, 神使我感受到祂的存在. 祂回到我空虛的心田裡.

後來, 我來到洛杉磯唸研究院, 主修工商管理和電腦. 當時, 我一心一意要開始我「淘金的美國夢」. 在我剛剛到達洛杉磯的第一天, 雖然人生路不熟, 我卻找到三位室友一同租兩個房間. 誰不知, 他們都是基督徒. 我一再肯定, 神從來沒有離開我.

有一個晚上, 我與我的室友聊天, 我們談天說地, 講到人生, 哲學, 宗教的問題. 他突然問我 : 「你想認識神嗎? 」 我告訴他我對神並不陌生, 而且我曾在天主教的中學唸書, 可是從來未有人向我傳福音和教我如何認識神. 他接著就打開聖經告訴我 : 「因為人犯了罪, 以致與神分開, 但藉著聖子耶穌在十字架上所流的寶血, 就能洗淨我心中的污穢, 只要我願意承認所犯的罪. 神是信實的, 是公義的, 祂必能赦免我的罪, 更成為神的兒女」. 我說我願意悔改, 接受耶穌作我生命的救主. 從那一刻, 我一直以來心中的孤僻和空虛, 就被主耶穌填滿了. 我不再是孤島.

成為基督徒之後, 我仍然努力去完成學業和工作. 但我的人生目標再不是「淘金的美國夢」. 我的價值觀不再是單為自己, 而是要藉著聖經(就是神的話語)去遵守神的教導. 在馬太福音第六章25至29節, 耶穌說 : 「不要為生命憂慮, 喫甚麼, 喝甚麼, 為身體憂慮穿甚麼. 生命不勝於飲食麼. 野地裡的百合花, 怎麼長起來. 它也不勞苦, 也不紡線, 然而我告訴你們, 就是所羅門極榮華的時候, 他所穿戴的還不如這花一朵呢? 」 . 我真正體會到人生的目的和意義.

我新的生命已經從孤島中走出來了. 主耶穌成為了我生命的力量和方向. 每當我感到徬徨的時候, 我可以向我的神禱告, 去尋求衪的幫助和指導. 更重要的是耶穌就是道路, 真理, 生命. 祂讓我能夠走上永生的路. 朋友, 我熱誠的希望你也能夠.

The Pleasures of God

Towards the end of our March 2008 bible study, my small group discussed the importance of living a life to please God. Sometimes, we say we are living to please God, but really, if we looked at the evidence (which never lies), we are frequently living our life to please ourselves.

Pleasing ourselves is what comes natural. It's our default instinct. Perhaps we live our life to please ourselves because we are unaware of what pleases the Lord.

To learn about the Master's Joy, you can either study the Bible, or read John Piper's book "The Pleasures of God".

In that book, Piper condensed down to this: God does just as He pleases. Yet this thesis opens a universe of implications and questions, some of which the author addresses in the book's ten chapters. They are titled:

1. The Pleasure of God in His Son
2. The Pleasure of God in All He Does
3. The Pleasure of God in His Creation
4. The Pleasure of God in His Fame
5. The Pleasure of God in Election
6. The Pleasure of God in Bruising the Son
7. The Pleasure of God in Doing Good to All Who Hope in Him
8. The Pleasure of God in the Prayers of the Upright
9. The Pleasure of God in Personal Obedience and Public Justice, and
10. The Pleasure of God in Concealing Himself from the Wise and Revealing Himself to Infants.

I found that this book stretched not only my mind but my soul. It will take you a while to journey through these 340 thoughtful pages, but it will be a journey you will long remember. Here are some of my additional thoughts, having read through the first 3 chapters so far.

If we love Him, we'll obey Him, right? He says to love Him with all my heart, and we can't do that if we don't want to find out how to live a life that brings Him glory, honor, and the Master's Joy. Sometimes we live to please ourselves even though we are aware that what we are doing is not pleasing to God.

Let's search our heart and invest our time to discover what exactly is the Master's Joy.

Actually, we should simply ask God directly what is pleasing to Him. I'll be interested in learning how you prayed and what you heard from Him.

Rekindle Our Smoldering Fire Inside

Recently I led a bible study on 2 Tim Chapter 1. Here are the answers to a few raised questions, as well as a reminder to practice discipleship during the next few weeks:

(1) Symbol of the Fish - The fish symbol was created using the Greek letters which spell out ICTHUS : Jesus Christ God's Son Saviour. ICTHUS also means fish - so the fish symbol was used when the early church was being persecuted. This was a secret sign scratched on the walls of buildings or drawn on the floor in the sand, to tell people where a Christian meeting was being held. It is still frequently used today.

(2) Life of Paul - Paul was born in Tarsus around 4 AD, and died in Rome around 68 AD.

(3) Laying Hands - This concerns the right of ordination, which is an official ceremony of 'commissioning' a pastor or other officer of the church as an act by which the responsibility of an office is passed on to an individual, affirming that his/her spiritual gifts are a good fit for the office.

(4) Rediscovery of the Strength of Our Spiritual Gift - As Paul reminded Timothy to apply the strength of his gifts to overcome his timidity, we too have the power from the Holy Spirit to exercise our clear conscience and sincere faith in God. Let us think of 10 items that we can act on to disciple a spiritually younger Christian. Pick the 1st priority item, and act on it everyday for the entire week. Then pick the 2nd priority item for the next week, and so on. If we can do that, I guarantee that our love and faith will grow substantially. I have selected a discipleship target. Have you?

Come Before Winter

The City of Franklin of Indiana was where I first had a close encounter of the white stuff from heaven. Though the winter was cold, the feeling was all the more cozy and warm - like holding a cup of hot apple cider in your hands under the nose. God's love has been keeping my heart warm. He left His Heart in me, just as I left mine in Franklin. One of these days, I'll return to this little town of priceless memory. God was good.

A Taste for Peace on Dec 22

Feeling special - leaving no one alone

Feeling hopeful - receiving a sincere blessing

Feeling plentiful - enjoying a sumptuous dinner

Feeling peaceful - sensing Jesus in the room

This Peace Unto You - What more can we ask for?

2008 New Year Resolution

May the Holy Spirit rekindle the smoldering fire from within our heart during 2008.

Make it count.

Make it happen.

Amen.

Words of Peace

Law (Ps. 119:165) - 愛 你 律 法 的 人 有 大 平 安 ， 甚 麼 都 不 能 使 他 們 絆 腳 。

Security (Ps. 4:8) - 我 必 安 然 躺 下 睡 覺 ， 因 為 獨 有 你 ─ 耶 和 華 使 我 安 然 居 住 。

Contentment (Is. 26:3) - 堅 心 倚 賴 你 的 ， 你 必 保 守 他 十 分 平 安 ， 因 為 他 倚 靠 你 。

Prosperity (Ps. 122:6-7) - 你 們 要 為 耶 路 撒 冷 求 平 安 ！ 耶 路 撒 冷 啊 ， 愛 你 的 人 必 然 興 旺 ！ 願 你 城 中 平 安 ！ 願 你 宮 內 興 旺 ！

Civility (1 Sam. 7:14) - 非 利 士 人 所 取 以 色 列 人 的 城 邑 ， 從 以 革 倫 直 到 迦 特 ， 都 歸 以 色 列 人 了 。 屬 這 些 城 的 四 境 ， 以 色 列 人 也 從 非 利 士 人 手 下 收 回 。 那 時 以 色 列 人 與 亞 摩 利 人 和 好 。

Messiah (Is. 9:6-7) - 因 有 一 嬰 孩 為 我 們 而 生 ； 有 一 子 賜 給 我 們 。 政 權 必 擔 在 他 的 肩 頭 上 ； 他 名 稱 為 奇 妙 策 士 、 全 能 的 神 、 永 在 的 父 、 和 平 的 君 。 他 的 政 權 與 平 安 必 加 增 無 窮 。 他 必 在 大 衛 的 寶 座 上 治 理 他 的 國 ， 以 公 平 公 義 使 國 堅 定 穩 固 ， 從 今 直 到 永 遠 。 萬 軍 之 耶 和 華 的 熱 心 必 成 就 這 事 。

Blessing (Luke 2:14) - 在 至 高 之 處 榮 耀 歸 與 神 ！ 在 地 上 平 安 歸 與 他 所 喜 悅 的 人 。

Beattitude (Matt. 5:9) - 使 人 和 睦 的 人 有 福 了 ！ 因 為 他 們 必 稱 為 神 的 兒 子 。

Assurance (John 14:27) - 我 留 下 平 安 給 你 們 ； 我 將 我 的 平 安 賜 給 你 們 。 我 所 賜 的 ， 不 像 世 人 所 賜 的 。 你 們 心 裡 不 要 憂 愁 ， 也 不 要 膽 怯 。

Faith (Rom 5:1) - 我 們 既 因 信 稱 義 ， 就 藉 著 我 們 的 主 耶 穌 基 督 得 與 神 相 和 。

Peace Defined in the Bible

Peace is a word with different meanings in the bible.

In the Old Testament, peace means completeness, soundness, and well-being of the total person. This peace was considered God-given, obtained by following the Law (Ps. 119:165). Sometimes, peace had a physical meaning, suggesting security (Ps. 4:8), contentment (Is. 26:3), prosperity (Ps. 122:6-7) and the absence of war (1 Sam. 7:14). The traditional Jewish greeting, shalom, was a wish for peace.

In the New Testament, peace often refers to the inner tranquility and poise of the Christian whose trust is in God through Christ. This understanding was originally expressed in the Old Testament writings about the coming MESSIAH (Is. 9:6-7). The peace that Jesus Christ spoke of was a combination of hope, trust, and quiet in the mind and soul, brought about by a reconciliation with God. Such peace was proclaimed by the host of angels at Christ's birth (Luke 2:14), and by Christ Himself in His SERMON ON THE MOUNT (Matt. 5:9) and during His ministry. He also taught about this kind of peace at the Lord's Supper, shortly before His death (John 14:27).

The apostle Paul later wrote that such peace and spiritual blessedness was a direct result of faith in Christ (Rom 5:1).

(Source: Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Thomas Nelson Publishers, New York, P. 813)

Answer Time on Peace

[1] What in your mind defines peace?
Ans - Blessed assurance and the absence of conflicts.

[2] What aspect in your life would you need peace the most?
Ans - While things like personal relationship, work pressure, financial decisions could no doubt steal my joy and peace, I learned that God will eventually work things out for me. I simply trust and obey, and I shall do my best in the meantime.

[3] How would you live peacefully and sleep well?
Ans - I sleep well most of the time, as I learn to trust in Jesus, knowing that my life is always under God's perfect control. For instance, immediately after I survived a life-threatening auto-accident 15 years ago, I truly felt the tranquility and assurance in God's protection. I sensed that my life is not done yet on this earth. And God will take care of me with my best interest.

Thank You Lord

So I thank you Lord ...

I thank you Lord for Your GREAT LOVE !!!

The Unspeakable Gift of Peace

Some people give gifts because they don't need the items anymore, we call those gifts: unwanted gifts.

Some people give gifts to people they loved, we call those gifts: ordinary gift.

Some people give special gifts that require a lot of sacrifices, we call those gifts: extraordinary gifts.

But God has given man, a very special gift, the "unspeakable" gift of Peace, too wonderful to be phrased in words.

On Christmas, Baby Jesus was given to us, and He has brought us Peace with God - a reconciled life in eternity.

My Alma Mater, Franklin College

The front lawn of old Main Building is where I spent my first English 101 class at Franklin College of Indiana, my alma mater. Seems like yesterday, the smell of newly mowed grass and the warmth of beaming sun in early autumn are still fresh in my mind. I won't forget the dedicated effort of my English professor, Mrs. Kathy Carlson, who had tutored my broken English after class at her house. Miraculously, I improved my grade from D to A- by the end of my first semester. Without a doubt, I know God was behind all these good things. Thank you Lord!