In blogging universe, it’s like a life time since my last posting, discounting the pictures. Sorry everyone… In other words, this place is probably considered dead. But I speak new life here and I promise to be diligent in future. Did I hear “famous last words?”

I feel I have grown.

Friends from the old church exclaim that I am looking prosperous. But that is not what I mean. An ex colleague I have not seen for a long time tried to comfort me by saying, “You are not out of shape, coz round is a shape”. I won’t be seeing him for a while.

Seriously; I keep asking Susan to speak of evidence of my growth, hoping to hear her say, “You’re preaching with great anointing and power.” But she deftly side steps my probes, knowing too well my propensity to ask trick or leading questions. However, the last time I preached, she was so sweet to tell me that I was good, (also referring to my efforts to speak without reference to notes), and added, imagine if you had more time to prepare! But to give you the full picture, and on the other hand, two nights ago just as I was drifting off to sleep she says ever so casually (and for me out of the blue), “You seem to be more impatient with me since you taken on additional work.” As you can imagine, sleep took flight. To my credit I refrained from taking up the challenge, not wanting to agitate her at that late hour. Bless her heart for keeping me humble and letting the Lord hear my prayers.

I believe that my “theology” has gotten tighter. “What on earth does he means?” you’ll be thinking. “Less liberal? More serious?” I don’t know. Actually I am thinking in functional, practical terms.

Like how desperately I need you, Father; I won’t make it through the day without you! Thank you for your great promise you’ll never leave me or forsake me. I am your son, and you are my Father God. How wonderful to be able to ask and count on your grace and favor! To hear you speak.

Holy Spirit, come and take charge of my life. Fill me: Pour out the love of my Father; strengthen me with power out of the glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Let it overflow. Work in me to will and to act according to my Father’s purpose.

And dear Lord Jesus, thank you for your finished work on the cross which restores grace and gives me new life. Thank you for entrusting me with your mission to save lives and make disciples. Thank you for teaching me the use of your name (authority). Thank you for your incredibly good news that the Kingdom of God, your sovereign rule, simply, heaven, can breakthrough over my life at any moment. And I can forcefully lay hold of it! Yaaay!

Earlier on the journey (from 2003) did seem so long. But we’ve finally gotten over the leaving of Christ Methodist. And we have truly blessed the people choosing to stay with Vineyard Singapore. New Life Vineyard is lean and fit, united and focused and anxious to see lives saved. Everyone here has the advantage (or suffer from lack of choice) to hear me teach consistently on New Life’s purpose, our values, and of God’s grace at work. Actually, the journey doesn’t seem so long when we hope and wait on the Lord!

Although our fellowship has grown smaller in numbers, I honestly don’t mind it being small. But my hope is for healthy growth in our numbers. My hope is for everyone to know how real God is, how much he loves you; for you to know that you can have a close and intimate relationship with him. And to believe (have faith) in his word and promises.

On being bi-vocational: It does create some tensions. Not just finding the time to do both without “short-changing” anyone. But to be in the market place yet salt and light and not religious, hypocritical or compromising. My biggest struggle, you may laugh, is handling off color jokes and wanting to join in so as to avoid being perceived as a prude and straight laced (say boring).

Finally, on being a church planter and pastor: When I see how everyone has grown, that’s really how I know I have grown! You see we believe that it mainly caught and not just taught, and in Vineyard we call it “modeling”. What a blessing and privilege it is to serve you guys!