IBA Unplugged 2010 - His Perspective

After going through many practice sessions, we managed to conduct an interview with the manager of the team, Mr.Chew Kuang Ern, to see things from his perspective towards the event of IBA Unplugged 2010.

Shortly after their sound check in SSGC, we conducted the interview via MSN! Here we go:


1.) Can you kindly update us your full list of members and their roles?

Sure. The members in the band are Alex, Ian, Evelyn, Wen-Li, Jeana Joy, Johnson, Cher Maine and I. Johnson, Evelyn, Cher Maine are the main singers. Ian plays the bass, Wen-Li the acoustic guitar, Alex the drums, Joy the keyboard and I the electric guitar. Ian and Wen-Li do have roles in singing too though.

(From left: Kuang Ern, Ian Fan, Evelyn Tan, Cher Maine & John Khor)

2.) How's the preparations coming along?

The preparations have been coming along pretty smoothly. We have finalized all the songs that we're playing and now we're working to make our songs as tight as possible.

3.) What are your main obstacles or challenges faced in your preparations?

Well the biggest challenge we've faced is to bring out the best in the songs that we're playing. We're given points for creativity so it was a challenge to make the songs as creative as possible without spoiling the song or changing its meaning or message.

How about gathering for practice sessions? As it's during the examination period as well as other commitments?

We've had almost no problems getting the members to meet up. We're blessed to have a committed team of band members who are willing to sacrifice some of their time to attend the practices. And also to practice on their on and being prepared for each practice session.

(Photo: Wen-Li)

4.) When was the last IBA Unplugged our church participated and who won in that year?

The last time our church participated in IBA Unplugged was in 2008. SSGC was the church that won that year. They also were the champions last year as well.

How far would you rate our team compared to theirs in terms of taking champion placing in the year that TTDIGC participated?

Well we gave it our best that year. Many of the competing teams were very good and talented. However, I would say we probably would have placed second that year had there been a second place prize.

5.) How would you think TTDIGC would fare this year's IBA Unplugged then based on your preparations so far? Confident for champion placing?

Well we're all hoping to win this time. There will be four teams participating in IBA Unplugged this year so we're hoping that we either get first or second. I can't be certain we'll be champions but based on our preparations I think we can at least place second.

6.) Any tips for those interested to participate in the next IBA Unplugged from our youth?

Well start practicing your instrument or vocals! Listen to more Christian music as well as contemporary music. IBA Unplugged puts a lot of emphasis on creativity and the 'tightness' of the band. So its good to form a band among your friends and play together so that you get used to your friend's style of playing and he or she likewise gets used to yours. Also listening to Christian music as well as contemporary music gives you ideas on music arrangement which will help a lot as creativity is one of the criterias of the competition. Lastly just have fun! Enjoy what your singing or playing and you will naturally gain confidence and get better.

(From left: Jeana Joy & Alex Tan)

7.) Are there any specific prayer requests and are there any shout outs you would to give to your supporters?

Oh yes. Pray that God will help us in our final preparations that we get the songs done up well. Also that the musicians and singers remain in good health till and even after the competition. Besides that, we will not be nervous on the actual day of the competition itself and lastly we will play and sing to the best of our ability on the competition day. Shout outs? Well firstly, thanks to all the people who have supported us and helped us during practice. Secondly, to all the youth, come and support us for IBA Unplugged 2010!!


Indeed, they'll be needing all the prayers and support to ensure that they stay focused in offering songs of praise and worship due to God, our Father in Heaven. Do pray for the event as well, allowing non-believers to come with a receptive heart and mind, to be able to know our Father personally!

4 days to go. See you there!

God bless,
daryl 's u n d a e' heng

A Sense of Family

Have you ever met someone and found out that that person is related to you? There is a strange bond that suddenly forms. You feel as though you know that person a little even though you have just found out that he or she is related to you. Well, I just had another one of those experiences today. I was looking for something to eat and I came across this meat shop.

So I went in and ordered a sandwich. While waiting for it, the owner of the shop suddenly asked me which church I was from. I was a bit taken back. I guess the cross necklace gave me away. I told him I went to TTDIGC. He said he had been there before and from then on we started talking for a bit. I left that shop, it hit me how simply we got talking to each other just because we found this relation, our relation in Christ.

I have been learning about this sense of family in church the past few weeks in Bible Study. The lesson became so real after today’s happening.

“We are one in the bond of love.”

It’s just so encouraging to know that you have brothers and sisters out there. I just want to encourage you to go out there and encourage your family members to stay strong and fight this fight.

Remember that all of us are important in His eyes. So who are we to treat each other any less they ought to be treated.


Just a bit to share with u guys. Keep rocking it out for Christ =)

Alex "c o p h y" Tan

Images taken from:
http://www.thecoffeebrewers.com/
http://www.azltap.org/Zero%20Fatalities/zero_fatalities.htm

Spiritual Warfare

I believe it's true - we don't talk about this topic often, don't we?

Yet, as followers of Christ do we not ought to know who's our real allies and enemies?

Ephesians 6:12-13

"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."

Back then when I was in SMDU (Sekolah Menengah Damansara Utama) & KDU college, I felt that on numerous occasions I was the only one in the battlefield of the spiritual warfare. Trying to glorify God's name and being righteous was wearing me off so quickly and the next thing I knew, I grew weary and burdened.

I was told that there were "allies" on the field but they don't seem to be doing much in the battle and as an injured soldier, I hung my uniform up and decided to go "off duty". They seem to be happy minding their own business after all and that really stumbled me!

Let not the evil one get the best out of - not just you but all of you!

Instead of waiting for others to take first step, let us as the Youth of TTDIGC take the first step instead! May I suggest that you take note of your brothers & sisters in Christ, approach them and encourage one another. If you're unsure where to find them, CF would be a good place to start with. Let them know that they're not alone in this warfare - your united prayers will prove to be your best weapon in this battle!

1 Timothy 4:12

"Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity. "

If you come across believers in your respective academic grounds that does not meet up your expectations, remember that in all that you do, do it in faith.

Galatians 6:8-10

"The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers."


Before I end off this post, during one of the morning service we had in Church, Unc Lay Seng did brought this up - that many of us did not take note of the fine print when we accepted the Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, into our lives.

John 15:20

"Remember the words I spoke to you: ‘No servant is greater than his master. If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also."

If you haven't put on your uniform and join the others in the warfare, why not start now? :) If you're worried that you're not equipped for battle, let us know!

*hint* Prayer is a great start at it!

God bless,
daryl 's u n d a e' heng


Images taken from:

http://www.faithinthefield.com/
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/telegraphchristmasappeal/3545833/Christmas-Charity-Appeal-Combat-Stress-is-giving-troops-a-fighting-chance.html
http://www.freefoto.com/preview/904-30-2081?ffid=904-30-2081

Updates!

First up, for the Recyclables Community Service, we've collected approximately 330KG of newspapers!

Plus, there were only 14 of us so if we divide the total weight of the newspapers evenly, each of us would have brought 23.5KG of newspapers. Imagine if we had 30 of us? :)

Nonetheless, we'll be progressing to the next stage approaching to the TTDI residence. Do start to pile up your papers at home to add on to the total weight (which means let your parents be informed about our activities!)

We want to make an impact to our neighbouring community, so do pray that God would honour that very desire of TTDIGC Youth. Comparing to the small Thessalonian Church during Apostle Paul's time, they made an impact of their faith so strong, it reached as far as 250 miles away!

1 Thessalonians 1:7-8

"And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. The Lord's message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia—your faith in God has become known everywhere.."

Let us strive to put God's name on high!

Next,

for our dear faithful readers of the Youth blog, allow us to introduce our new list of contributors of the blog!

1.) Daryl Heng
2.) Gary Heng
3.) Alex Tan
4.) Xin-Yi
5.) Jo-Yi
6.) Yit Mun
7.) Phoebe Lim
8.) Johnson Khor

We'll be having a fixed "2 posts a week" by this list of contributors but we'll also be posting up updates (such as IBA Unplugged, Recyclables Community Service, etc.) in between the posts. So do check back here often to keep yourselves updated!

That's it for now, do look forward for the upcoming posts this week!

God bless,
The YTM Committee

Love

1 Corinthians 13:4-7

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”

Just the other day on Facebook ,I saw one of my friend posted on her wall saying:

"Love is the reason i keep making my mistakes"

Another goes with

“Love keeps hitting in my face”

I was somewhat offended and in fact pretty upset because when something goes wrong out of feelings, people often blame it on love.

Yes, if you noticed, I used the word “feelings”, you might want to read back the previous line I just wrote just in case you missed it out by speed reading.

You might want to reason with yourself, “But love IS just a feeling! Well yes, only according to the worldly ways of thinking. Let me explain to you why, here are 2 examples:

A guy met a girl at college for 2 months, for some reason she appears to be so dreamy in his eyes. His heart won’t stop thumping away when she’s around and he can’t wait for the next day to come just to get another glance of her, just one more time!

But when his friend asked him “Do you even know anything about her? Her family background? Her secrets or even dark secrets? Why not just be friends first?”

All he replied was “Does it matter? She's pretty, hot and smart..and all it matters is that i love her!"



All of a sudden, we can see this guy’s facebook is filled with romantic quotes like “Your eyes are as beautiful as the moon”..”I would die for you”..”I’ll write you songs after songs”

After some weeks later, he decided it was time to be a man, he took a deep breath, walked up to her and say “Hey, I really like you, would you like to be my girl friend?”

Here comes the typical drama..She'll reply with a cold and silent whisper “I’m sorry but I guess it’s better we be just friends”

And yup, there you go on the facebook posts like “Love is stupid”..”Go breaking my heart..”..”Love is not worth it” ( Just like the facebook posts earlier )



Yet here’s another example:

“When I got home that night as my wife served dinner, I held her hand and said, I've got something to tell you. She sat down and ate quietly. Again I observed the hurt in her eyes.

Suddenly I didn't know how to open my mouth. But I had to let her know what I was thinking. I want a divorce. I raised the topic calmly.

She didn't seem to be annoyed by my words, instead she asked me softly, why?

I avoided her question. This made her angry. She threw away the chopsticks and shouted at me, you are not a man! That night, we didn't talk to each other. She was weeping. I knew she wanted to find out what had happened to our marriage. But I could hardly give her a satisfactory answer; she had lost my heart to Jane. I didn't love her anymore. I just pitied her!

With a deep sense of guilt, I drafted a divorce agreement which stated that she could own our house, our car, and 30% stake of my company.



She glanced at it and then tore it into pieces. The woman who had spent ten years of her life with me had become a stranger. I felt sorry for her wasted time, resources and energy but I could not take back what I had said for I loved Jane so dearly. Finally she cried loudly in front of me, which was what I had expected to see. To me her cry was actually a kind of release. The idea of divorce which had obsessed me for several weeks seemed to be firmer and clearer now.

The next day, I came back home very late and found her writing something at the table. I didn't have supper but went straight to sleep and fell asleep very fast because I was tired after an eventful day with Jane.

When I woke up, she was still there at the table writing. I just did not care so I turned over and was asleep again.

In the morning she presented her divorce conditions: she didn't want anything from me, but needed a month's notice before the divorce. She requested that in that one month we both struggle to live as normal a life as possible. Her reasons were simple: our son had his exams in a month's time and she didn't want to disrupt him with our broken marriage.



This was agreeable to me. But she had something more, she asked me to recall how I had carried her into out bridal room on our wedding day.

She requested that every day for the month's duration I carry her out of our bedroom to the front door ever morning. I thought she was going crazy. Just to make our last days together bearable I accepted her odd request.

I told Jane about my wife's divorce conditions. . She laughed loudly and thought it was absurd. No matter what tricks she applies, she has to face the divorce, she said scornfully.

My wife and I hadn't had any body contact since my divorce intention was explicitly expressed. So when I carried her out on the first day, we both appeared clumsy. Our son clapped behind us, daddy is holding mommy in his arms. His words brought me a sense of pain. From the bedroom to the sitting room, then to the door, I walked over ten meters with her in my arms. She closed her eyes and said softly; don't tell our son about the divorce. I nodded, feeling somewhat upset. I put her down outside the door. She went to wait for the bus to work. I drove alone to the office.



On the second day, both of us acted much more easily. She leaned on my chest. I could smell the fragrance of her blouse. I realized that I hadn't looked at this woman carefully for a long time. I realized she was not young any more. There were fine wrinkles on her face, her hair was graying! Our marriage had taken its toll on her. For a minute I wondered what I had done to her.

On the fourth day, when I lifted her up, I felt a sense of intimacy returning. This was the woman who had given ten years of her life to me.



On the fifth and sixth day, I realized that our sense of intimacy was growing again. I didn't tell Jane about this. It became easier to carry her as the month slipped by. Perhaps the everyday workout made me stronger.

She was choosing what to wear one morning. She tried on quite a few dresses but could not find a suitable one. Then she sighed, all my dresses have grown bigger. I suddenly realized that she had grown so thin, that was the reason why I could carry her more easily.

Suddenly it hit me... she had buried so much pain and bitterness in her heart. Subconsciously I reached out and touched her head.

Our son came in at the moment and said, Dad, it's time to carry mom out. To him, seeing his father carrying his mother out had become an essential part of his life. My wife gestured to our son to come closer and hugged him tightly. I turned my face away because I was afraid I might change my mind at this last minute. I then held her in my arms, walking from the bedroom, through the sitting room, to the hallway. Her hand surrounded my neck softly and naturally. I held her body tightly; it was just like our wedding day.

But her much lighter weight made me sad. On the last day, when I held her in my arms I could hardly move a step. Our son had gone to school. I held her tightly and said, I hadn't noticed that our life lacked intimacy.



I drove to office.... jumped out of the car swiftly without locking the door. I was afraid any delay would make me change my mind...I walked upstairs. Jane opened the door and I said to her, Sorry, Jane, I do not want the divorce anymore.

She looked at me, astonished, and then touched my forehead. Do you have a fever? She said. I moved her hand off my head. Sorry, Jane, I said, I won't divorce. My marriage life was boring probably because she and I didn't value the details of our lives, not because we didn't love each other anymore. Now I realize that since I carried her into my home on our wedding day I am supposed to hold her until death do us apart.

Jane seemed to suddenly wake up. She gave me a loud slap and then slammed the door and burst into tears. I walked downstairs and drove away.

At the floral shop on the way, I ordered a bouquet of flowers for my wife. The salesgirl asked me what to write on the card. I smiled and wrote, "I'll carry you out every morning until death do us apart."



That evening I arrived home, flowers in my hands, a smile on my face, I run up stairs, only to find my wife in the bed - dead.

My wife had been fighting CANCER for months and I was so busy with Jane to even notice. She knew that she would die soon and she wanted to save me from the whatever negative reaction from our son, in case we push through with the divorce.-- At least, in the eyes of our son--- I'm a loving husband....”




In courtesy of Itoro ‘Ausafik’ Okon

Which do you think is love to you?

For some reason, the second example seem to move your heart, really, really a lot right?

If love is really just a feeling (Be it family, friends or even in a romantic sense), then how do you know when God decides to just abandon you just because He don’t feel like loving you anymore?

Let’s not go as far as God, let’s say your own parents. If your parents only loved you because only at the moment they feel lovely, do you honestly feel loved?

What about couples today? Don’t you hear the common favourite break up lines of all times? “I’m sorry but the feeling has faded away, I think its best we split” Why do you think divorce happens so often now? (Just like the second example above)

The reason the world is falling apart so badly is because of this:

They think that love IS just a feeling.

But what about the dreamy eyes and the heart thumping away, isn’t that love?

No, that is what you call a mere infatuation. Now that IS just a feeling! ( I won’t start on this one yet)

If you want to know what love really is, listen and obey what 1 Corinthians 13: 4-7 tells you to do. Yes, not to just the girl/guy you are targeting but to anyone and everyone. Even your enemies.

Yes, especially when you don’t feel like it.

Huh? Enemies? But WHY!?



Do you think that the person you care can never turn out to be your enemy? So just because the person you care decides to hurt you by backstabbing, gossiping about you or just simply being extremely cold to you, you wouldn’t love the person anymore? If you find yourself having a hard time doing that, then my friend, you have a lot more to learn about love! (That also means you shouldn't be thinking about getting a life partner anytime soon yet)

Quoting from Joshua Harris from his famous book "I kissed date goodbye"

Love is about commitment, sincerity and purity.

(Do read it btw)

But how is it possible? I am only human!

Exactly, why do you think God tells us that without Him, we are nothing? (John 15:5) There is no way you can love people unconditionally and committedly (especially your life partner) without God’s daily providence to our spiritual walk with Him. I’m not going to pretend that I’m doing a good job with it and I’ve fell so many times and hurt people who I try so hard to love.

But by His grace, I would humbly bow at His feet and pray to God every night:

“I’m only but your servant, forgive me for my frailty and my weaknesses. May You bless me with a new morning, ready to be more forgiving, more patient and more selfless that I may glorify You and to obey You with all that i have so that the world may be able to experience Your love in me, Amen"



I hope this post has helped you look in a different perspective of what love is.

God bless.
Gary Heng.

Introduction to Recyclables Community Service!

After taking in your feedback and suggestions, on this coming Saturday’s YTM, we’re having an Introduction of

PIC (people in charge):
1. Gregory Ho
2. Xin-Yi
3. Alex Tan
4. Ian Fan

Objectives & Goals
• To raise awareness in the communities of the TTDI, relating the core problems which led to the need for running such a social organisation in the first place.
• To help our affiliated shelter home by gathering the money collected from the recycle and channelling it to them.



• To understand the importance of recycling and how much of an impact it could make to the world if we do our part.

What to do?
Please ask your immediate neighbours, classmates or even friends for their old newspaper (Please do bring your home’s newspaper also)

What to wear?
Do wear sporty outfit as we’re gonna sweat it out with all that carrying of loads and loads of newspaper!

Please come and participate!
Over time, depending on the feedback/response/money generated, we shall expand our collection channels to circling around the neighbourhoods of TTDI in proper stages namely, Athinapan, Zaaba, Datuk Sulaiman, Abang Haji Openg, Amminudin Baki and Rahim Kajai respectively,but to be scaled according to the capacity of our youth labour force.

FAQs

1. I don’t have transport!
Please contact the PIC above and they will arrange the tranportation for you =)

2. I can’t find anyone who is willing to give their newspaper and my home don’t have much old newspaper also.
It’s okay, we will always need the extra hands in any ways possible so don’t feel discouraged if you think you are not contributing by not getting any old newspaper.

3. My parents disapprove because they lack understanding of the activity and I’m not sure how to explain it to them.
Do contact Uncle Lay Seng, Uncle Vincent or Uncle Chee Kong and they will contact your parents regarding their insecurities with the activity. If you don’t have their numbers, contact Alex or Gregory for it.

4. I don’t feel like going .. How?
We can’t force you to come but let us encourage you that serving others can be real joy! After all as Christians we are told by Mark in God’s Word, Mark 10:45 :

“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

And we are to follow Him as He is an example to all of us on what it means to live life on this sinful world!

God bless and see you this Saturday!
The YTM Commitee

Youth Interest Survey Results!

After compiling the data provided by you guys from the survey disseminated quite a while back, here are the results! :)

A total of 26 youths participated in this survey.
* Generally Speaking numbers are not divided among the other categories.

Movies

Generally Speaking - 4


Thriller - 3


Comedy - 10


Horror - 5


Action - 8

MTV


Generally Speaking - 2


Books/Novels

Generally Speaking - 2

Nature/Outdoor

Generally Speaking - 4


Mountain Climbing - 2


Sunway Lagoon - 1

Music/Bands

Generally Speaking - 8


Rock - 1


Pop - 1


Lyrical - 1


Muse - 2


Maroon 5 - 1


Simple Plan - 1

Career

Generally Speaking - 1


Business - 1


Rubbish Man - 1

Games/Sports

Generally Speaking - 7


Basketball - 1


Football - 8


Computer - 1


Badminton - 3


Captain Ball - 1

Environment


Generally Speaking - 1

Fashion

Generally Speaking - 1


Converse - 1


Casual - 1

Manga/Anime

Generally Speaking - 2


Yugioh - 1


One Piece - 1


Naruto - 2

IT/Gadgets

Generally Speaking - 3

NOS - 1


Phones - 2


Computers - 2

Relationship


Friends - 1

Festivals/Cultures


Generally Speaking - 1

Art/Design


Generally Speaking - 2

Photograph


Generally Speaking - 3

Dancing


Generally Speaking - 1

"Survey? What survey?"

Fret not, if you haven't get the chance to fill in the survey, let us know via Facebook/E-mail!

The committee is currently picking the top 3 suggestions as well and will be announcing them this coming Sunday! As mentioned, the winners will be getting themselves some goodies! :D

All images in this post(Youth Interest Survey Results!) are taken from various sources through Google. TTDIGCYTM does not claim any ownership over the images used in this post.


God bless,
daryl 's u n d a e' heng