A Christmas Poem

What If Christmas Never Happen?

What if Christmas never happen?
Would there still be jingle bells and silver bells
Would Frosty still exist?
Would Rudolph be the one we love
Couples linger mistletoes above

Would we get our two front teeth
And Partridges in pear trees.
Would we deck the halls
Or kiss Santa Claus
And still be home for Christmas?

well, probably...


But what if Christmas never happened?
What will we see?
What if God didn't love the world
And the Child never came to be
With the world in sorrow pining
Will hope still sail the seven seas

If Christmas never happened
What glad would tidings be?
Will shepherds still prolong their strains
Will Nations come on bended knees
Will there be rest for merry gentlemen
Had not the Herald Angels sang

In this season that came to be
Silent night of our Savior's birth
Tucked away in a manager
Lies our soul's great worth

So come celebrate the love divine
Join the Angels heard on high
Leave the trample of the Sales
And join the Triumph of the Skies.

- Leonard, written on 12 Dec 2006

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Have a Blessed Christmas!
Leonard & Cassilda

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A Peek at the Crib

A preview of my new home!

The Art of Living

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Recently I acquired a new appreciation for furniture. It started of course, from my purchase of my first house.

Most people would regard furniture as something purely functional. Something I put some part of my body on for a certain task. A chair is for sitting, a table for eating, writing, talking, a shelf is for books and floor is to put my feet on.

Practical. Functional.

But to me, furniture is more than that. Furniture defines the very space we live in. Not only do they allow us to go about our tasks and lives with ease, they have the ability to add beauty and creativity. As human beings, we are very affected by our environment. thats is why places look they way they do. Officers are grey and serious, fast food resturants are bright and cheery, starbucks are warm and plush and shopping malls are spacious and well-lited, clubs are dark and funky, Churches are tall and white.

Environments have the power to shape a human being's perception and well-being. They constantly communicate subconsciously to a person, affecting mood, thinking, judgment, purpose and subsequently well-being and happiness. They have the same effect as food, drink and friends - they can shape us, affect us, persuade us.

Furniture is a huge part of one's environment. We are so surrounded by it that we don't notice them anymore. But they communicate to us none the less. They can add beauty and grace into a home or it can make it ugly and frustrating. Those of us more visual are of course more affected and sensitive to it, others, well, it is doesn't get in the way and I can use it its good enough for me.

For me, furniture goes beyond just function. To me, furniture is like Art. They can make a house beautiful, pleasant, exciting, alluring, comfortable. Why do I pay $7 bucks for coffee in starbucks? Coffee don't cost that much! Its all in the interior and how one feels when one is in it. So I think to myself, why do I want to pay StarBucks $7 bucks for the rest of my life when I can create a alluring environment in the comfort of my own home?

Choosing furniture to me is akin to choosing a sculpture. Art, but functional. We are affected by art. All human beings are. In a sense, we are artistic in nature. We create art and we are affected by it. We can appreciate it and that is a feeling of emptiness when we don't see it. We can tell what is beautiful and what is not. We cry when we see a sunrise, we cry when we see a disaster zone. What we see and appreciate is important to our souls. Art is important to life.

That is why God cloth the flowers that is 'here today and gone tomorrow', that is why He put the Orion and the Eagle Nebular in Space, the purple orange drama that is every sunset. God makes Beauty - He is Beautiful. He is Beauty itself.

A beautiful Home is important to me because I know how it can affect a person. Art moves the soul. A chair can be four-legged wood with back rest but it can also be a piece of art, designed by an artisan and now gracing within the walls of your home. It adds a touch of grace, of beauty, a tinge of excitement of a otherwise mundane existence. It makes coming home a joy. Like how going to Starbucks feels good. But why let Starbucks earn all my money?

It does not, of course, come cheap. Beauty seldom does. Nether do things that are important and valuable. But to me, its worth it. I don't live for it, its not what I'm all about - but it I have can the means, I would. Its like buying art. A nice sofa is better than a ugly sofa. But it doesn't have to cost a lot. You just need to take time to FIND. Buying Art is like that. But once you find something at the right price, its great!

"By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established;
through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures."
Proverbs 24:3


Leo

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These are the final days of single hood
Life as I know it will forever change.
As I take these steps toward a new Dawn
I recount the blessings that has been.

I am grateful...


1. that God has given me the most beautiful, wisest, devoted and God-loving woman to be my wife, lover and best friend.


2. that He gave us such a long, wonderous and challenging courtship. We have been through so many seasons together and have learn to love each as we discover more and more the beauty and imperfections of each other. I am sure I want to spend the rest of my life with Cassilda.


3. that God gave us an opportunity to spend a year at Hillsongs College, Sydney for a year. Learning to do life together, cook, study, explore, pray, serve, give, suffer and overcome together. Through it all, we have learn much about fighting together and not each other.


4. that we have the most wonderful community in Amplify, whose passion, love, friendship, support and belief has mould us to be who we are today, together. Our community will always be a part of our lives, the air we breathe and on which we mount on wings.


5. that we had the most memorable wedding proposal. One that I have been dreaming about since I was a young boy. One day, I will propose to my girlfriend with a 1000 roses and fill the entire place with it. Iggy, Josie, Linus and Ann helped make that dream come true. and most importantly, she said 'YES!'. and Life was never the same again. I will never forget.


6. that we got our flat sooner exceeding faster than we expected. We did not expect to get a flat until 2010. I had already made plans to move into Cassilda's room after the wedding. Guess what? Last I checked, they have finished installing the doors on our kitchen cabinet - in our very own flat - in Bedok Central.

Every time I step in, I am in awe. I still can't believe God's goodness to us. How can it be? Except that every good and perfect gift comes from our heavenly Father!


7. that we got a english speaking Contractor who so far has done a pretty decent job. We are quite happy with the work so far...and so fast. I think I will be ready before the wedding!


8. that we found a beautiful dining table after searching every corner of Singapore. (serious!) A Restored import piece from Holland. It was love at first sight for the both of us. Can't wait to move it in.


9. that we got our good wedding wine at great prices!


10. that my Father sponsored my air-conditioning and lights.


11. that our caterer is a generous man


12. that we settle our March In music 9 months before the wedding


13. that we found the perfect wedding bands. I absolutely love them! Simple and meaningful. I really can't wait to wear them on Cassilda.


14. that our parents have helped us a great deal in setting up the home.


15. That through it all, these months of intense preparation, I have grown to love and appreciate Cassilda more. We have grown closer and happier as we plan our home together, as we make decisions and faced down suppliers together. She has been so loving and patient with my obsession with every house and furniture detail.


16. And that God, whose mercies are New every morning, never fails to be faithful. Our Jehovah Jireh has given us so much and I can feel his Love from everything that has transpired so far. I can only bow my head in gratefulness for my God who love me and takes care of the both of us.

"Surely goodness and kindness will follow me all the days of my life."

Praise and Glory to You. My God. My All.


Leo

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St. Bartholomew's Church by Qubus Studio

O.M.G...

The priest can preach as long as he wants...



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Reno Rants (4)

Our Home is coming together!


In the midst of a flurry of activities, avalanche of choices and impending decisions tearing at our insanity and the every present gravity of the race towards the Big day, the home is taking shape and form.


Deck the Halls
Rough cement floors are dressed up in (almost) white tiles, slate and laminates. The ceiling is a stage set for various lights to make their brilliant performance by next week. The kitchen foundations are laid, the counter is elected and I can almost smell the pasta cooking. (seafood marinara)

The air-conditioning is being installed even as I am writing this and the painting works will start tomorrow. I did not choose any crazed colours in case anyone is expecting us to. Keeping it simple.

Basically the renovations part of the house is like the backdrop of a stage. It should be a background that sets the context for the drama, not the drama itself. I don't like renovations that scream - "I just had a renovation". It should be functional, consistent and subtle in bringing out the best of the furniture and the stories of life unfolding within its embrace. Too loud and it becomes an end to itself and not a means to an end.


The Shape of Things to come
Next will be Carpentry. Jesus' own forte. The cabinets, the shelfs, the consoles and the cupboards. I'm pretty excited and at the same time nervous about it. Unlike going to a shop where I know exactly what I'm buying - Carpentry works in renos, you don't until its done. what looks good on paper may not look too fantastic when its standing before you. Or, it could look even better than you imagined it to be. Going to leave it in the hands of the Carpenter of Nazareth to cause all things to work out for good. Especially good ABS trimmings.


Furnishings is a 4-letter Word
IKEA is the name of the game. Every new home owner's savior. The rock on which more expensive and lasting furniture will replace in the near future. The sweet smelling air of swedish affordability and cheap practical brilliance line the walls of the mammoth blue and yellow building, holding out promises to people who hope they don't have to that rich to be clever.

"Buy from Ikea lor" is the mantra. ("Buy from EKia" if you are born before 1975) But seriously, if you take time to study the catalog, which I know sounds kinda strange to you non-house owners, you can pretty much pull off a decent looking house you'll be proud to bring your mother home to.

Furniture, my friend, in the real world, is expensive. I was brought up on a furnishing diet of IKEA in my current home and naively thought that all furniture companies cost like that. They don't. And not all sell great hot dogs and meat balls either. That in itself is pretty sad. What next? That Santa Claus is not real? Sheesh. So sad. Which is how I feel when I look at the price tag on most furniture shops I...erm...fancy.

While you don't have to be rich to be clever, it certain would help a bit if you actually are.

Frankly, I blame my expectations on Interior books with their slick Photoshopped interiors and designer furnitures conveniently placed in the background. I should have seen through it! Come on! there is no way anyone can affort SIX pieces of Philip Starck Ghost Chairs and even if they do, why on earth do they leave it in the grimmey kitchen!


Planting Seats
But I do need to admit something at this point. I've found a new hobby - chairs. I love chairs. I don't know why but these little legged things you put your butt on has captured my heart. After days of pouring over furniture books and websites, I now know the history of at least 15 chairs and can call them by name. Chairs are to the furnishing world what Tee shirts are to the fashion realm. They are the main stay of every home and common as dust. Yet, they can be art pieces - just sittable.

Some of the chairs we take for granted, stack, kick when we are angry or thrown when someone insults our mother (I've seen it.), took years to develop. I know I know. Whats so hard putting 4 legs on something. Well, its the same why Giodano can sell black tees for $10 and Simon Cowl can buy his for $270. (yes, all three hundred of them) Its all in the details. The material. The angles. The finish. the ergonomics.

Okay, I think I better stop here before I sound mildly obsessive, won't want you to think that I really am, although I really am. Ask Cassilda. She will be more than happy to demonstrate some of the most amazing eye-rolling you'll ever see in this part of the world. she has gotten a lot of practice lately.

K. So I'll end here. For you guys reading this and could potentially be invited to our house warming held somewhere between this century and next, better start sourcing for gifts. Appliances, chairs and pillows are welcomed. Sofas, spare beds, lamps are advised. Fridges, 42" LCD Flatscreens, Herman Miller furniture and MacG5s come highly recommended.

Just let us know in advance so we know what to do with all the extra LCD Tvs.

8)

Leo

Standing in my freshly painted Study
with my photoshopped Eames Chair.
Exactly the way our ancestors did it in interior magazines.

God save the milk!



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Reno Rants (3)

I'm pretty excited about how the house is turning out.

After the incredible night in the City on friday, we turned out attention back onto our house and wedding preparations. Saturday morning saw us making a trip down to the Pines to meet our Wedding Banquet manager for a short meeting. After which followed up a meeting with our contractor.

I had expected the meeting to take about 1 hour max. Ended up, we were there for 3 hours. Phew! But it was all good. This is the part where it gets reallllly exciting. Work is scheduled to begin this week with the electrical and lighting parts of the renovations so we had to confirm where our lightings are.

I think our house is brilliant. Like literally. By the time we were through agreeing where and how many lights we wanted for the living area, I think I would need to wear shades at night. Well, at least it looks to me. We will be installing false ceilings and cove lighting, which I so totally love. Lighting is extremely important in the way your house looks, the way it is used will, in fact, change the way you see everything, the presentation of space.

Moving from the ceiling to the flooring was interesting. After long and hard considerations, I finally ceded the idea of duo-material flooring for the living area- much to the relief of the contractor, the interior designer and I think Cassilda as well. In the end, fuss-free maintenance and sheer practicality won the day and homogeneous tiles now would grace the feet of those who enter the house. Oh well, I'm pretty excited about the kitchen tiles.

Next stop will be carpentry. This includes our kitchen cabinets, living area storage, TV Console, bookshelves and wardrobe. Our kitchen is kinda tiny and choosing to hack down a wall and installing a oven isn't making the situation any better. Space is a premium in our tiny kitchenette and figuring out our configurations of drawers and shelves is a bit like playing the last level of Tetris.

Personally, I'm kinda excited about my living room cantilever storage and Tv Console. The Tv Console design that the designer showed me was kinda freaky. I had mentioned the week before to the interior designer that I saw one (well, a few) from AIR that I liked. I wanted to send him a picture during the course of the week but had been too busy to. Saturday morning, Cassilda and I decided to go to one of the AIR outlets at Park Mall to grab a catalog to show the designer. There, we saw the actual console that I had been eyeing and it cost a whopping $5000. I nearly died when I saw the tag.

But I took the catalog anyway. When the designer showed me the design he had gone ahead to proposed, without my input, I nearly fell off my chair. I pulled out the AIR catalog to show him and it was similar to the one I had wanted! And maybe a bit nicer! WOW! By now, I was sufficient impressed and freaked out at the same time.

At this point I must praise God and say that I'm rather happy with the contractor we have picked. Besides mind-reading, his quotes, professionalism and the 'un-contactorish' command of the english language is making this whole process quite pleasant. Left to see is his workmanship. I pray to God that He will make the following 6-8 weeks wonderful and that He watches every tile, paint, pipe, drill and wire.

Thank you Jesus. I know you will cause all things to work together for the good of all who love you and are called according to your purpose. Cassilda and I entrust our home to you - both to delight and receive the desire of our hearts.

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Tonight was Amplify In the City.

What started out as a dream and an idea a week or two after the last YISS, saw it gave birth to an awesome night! I cannot thank God enough for the amazing grace He has shown us all tonight and the months leading up to it.

I especially want to thank the leaders of Amplify for their courage in taking a big dream and making it into reality. I know for a fact a lot of effort- emotion, spiritual and mental has gone into this. I know many of them has sacrificed weekends, weekdays, sleep and play time to put this night together and splendidly at that. Josie, Lydia, AnnMarie, Don, Adrian, Ignatius, Flo, Larris, Kieth, Eunice, Rachael, Marissa, Kevin, Evan and Justin. I honor all of you and you have my deepest respect and gratitude for the passion and dedication put in. What you sow, you will reap many times over!

The 70-over strong volunteers force we had tonight, every young man and woman who came forward and gave of themselves so freely and wonderfully, is one of the BEST volunteers team I have ever been privileged to be a part of. I am amazed at the level of joy, of enthusiasm, of passion, responsibility, initiative and what-ever-it-takes attitude everyone extrude. I know how much effort was put into put together the Slide show for God in the city. I am very blown away by the love put in the painting of all the glass candle holders, by hand - all 550 of them. And for transforming Raffles Place into a tunnel of Love!

I am very encourage and moved by all the volunteers, you guys are absolute stars! Thank you for being so incredibly wonderful and showing us what it means to 'serve the Lord with gladness, with all of your heart and soul and strength.' You made all the difference in the world tonight and I want all of you to know that you are an inspiration to me.

The worship tonight was wonderful. There was such a atmosphere of honesty and earnesty in seeking God. The hunger clearly seen, cannot be faked or performed - can only come from people who have genuinely tasted the goodness of God's presence and are hungy for more. Your hunger has made us whet our appetites for God. Thank you Worship team for taking us into God's presence and leading the way in the passionate, unashamed, amplifed pursuit of God.

The crowd tonight, the gathering of the emerging generation was amazing. When we did this, we had no clue who was coming and how many - we only know, God's fame has to be spread - so we just find the biggest most affordable place we can find and let God call His people.

And come did they. It was such an inspiring sight to see the emerging generation worshipping God with such abandonment and listening to His word with such attentiveness and hunger. It was such a joy to share! I believe in the vision that Cassilda cast for us tonight - that we be a generation that is marked by our love for others, looking beyond our own wants and needs and being a blessing to others. I so believe this vision is possible in this generation, to whom is given much - much is expected. I believe we will see more and more, this vision come to pass.

Most of all, thank you Holy Spirit. For showing up and doing what our best efforts can never do - allowing us to encounter the God of the Universe revealed in the dear Person of Jesus in whom we offer the entire night to. May you be pleased with this offering and that tonight brings a smile to your already joyous Face.

Thank you for meeting us at our wells, thank you for your relentless tenderness and Your unbelievable inclination to use incredibly flawed people to bring about something that is nothing sort of magnificence.

Not to us, O Lord, Not to us, but to your Name be all the Glory, for your Love and Faithfulness. Ps 115:1

Amen.

Monday. Friday is Amp In the City. 4 days.

I'm pretty nervous about it. This will be the first time I'm speaking in a setting like this. Although I know that one day this was going to happen, God had already given me sense prior, it doesn't make my stomach any less queasy.

Now? What about when I'm more ready and less all-over-the-shop?

As I type this, I'm reminded in the spirit, of the bible-study that the teaching team did about 2 weeks ago. 'Be ready, in season and out season, when it convenient and when its not.' BE READY.

How does one be ready? I suppose being 'ready' is not the same as 'not nervous'. Again, I'm reminded that nervousness is a Gift from God. It helps me as a speaker to desire to do well - as long as the feeling don't get to me. Handled, it becomes a motivation to put in the effort needed.

I feel on friday, I'm not there to share an abstract theological lesson rather its introducing my listeners to someone who changed my life. It is deeply personal and relational. I pray that they catch the love, the begging, the assurance, the intimacy in my voice and thoughts as I share about Jesus. May there be tears in my voice - Know Him! Love Him! Serve Him!

There is nothing else more compelling, more meaningful, more beautiful, more worthy of my life than to follow Jesus. I was once lost. But now am found. Was blind but now I see.

I'm not the best of all person. I'm a sinner, if you could open up my mind, dissect my intentions and question how I spend my time- you will know I'm not always who I project myself to be. I'm mean, unloving, selfish and sinful. Countless time I've repented, countless time I've fallen again.

Yet. God continues to love and forgive me. He keeps saving, interventing and blessing. I don't understanding. He fills my life with light, with good friends, with a mission, with love - exceedingly abundantly more than I could ever ask or imagined. Or even come close to deserving.

Amazing Grace. My God who found me love me lifted me.

I talk about the Woman At the Well, not because it such a great story but because its a personal story. Its the story of my life. He found me when I least expected. And I've never been the same since.

Reno Rants (2)

I think we are just about ready to start our renos.

After about two months of planning, drawing, meeting contractors and combing through quotations, we will be taking the plunge in making one of our biggest purchase of our lives, second only to the actually flat.

It is truly an exciting time albeit crazy-busy. Dreaming about our home and finally seeing it taking its first baby steps towards reality is amazing. I am excited! Cassilda is elated. I pray and hope that everything works out well. And at a affordable price.

The contractor we will be awarding to seem professional enough compared to some we have seen. His quotes are pretty affordable which leaves us room for a bit of fancy designs. And his office is pretty near our home, present and future, so it will be good. I could show up in his office in my running shorts to ask why my air-con leaking, only that I don't actually do any running, then again seeing how the stadium is nearer to my new house, the above scenario could actually happen.

But I've been learning a great deal about putting a house together. what color schemes go well with what, what are the 3000 types of wood in the world and that the position of the sun has a direct impact on interiors. I must say I pretty enjoy the whole process. It is one thing to design a layout for a Ad or a brochure, quite another to design a layout for a house. about 1000 times more exciting. I mean you actually get to design something you can touch, feel, open, see, smell and interact for as long as it last. It doesn't get kept in some file somewhere or some website, its real, solid and takes up space. It cannot be ignored. It touches our lives and greet us when we wake up, its the last thing we see before the lights go off.

Its very cool.

Well, for all the young people reading this. I know one day you wish to get your own house too. Just want to let you know: enjoy the process. Cass and I have heaps of fun through this all, it has been an absolute joy building our new home (Love Nest) together. It has brought us closer and taught us to appreciate the strengths of each other so much more.

I just hope and pray now that we will make it in time for our wedding date on the 15th of Nov, 2008.

God, you who created and furbish the Universe, you said in your word- 'Wisdom builds a house, Understanding establishes it, Knowledge fills it with wonderful things.' Ps 24 Guide us, grant us wisdom, understanding and knowledge of what it takes to build a House that glorifies you and blesses others. May you guide the heart, imagination and integrity of our Contractor and guide the hands of our sub-cons, fill them with a spirit of excellence, honesty and diligence. May we do a work and offer you a place worthy of your Majesty and Excellence.

Cass and I thank You, for all you have done, your faithfulness and how you have guided us every step of the way. We trust in you and know you will cause all things to work together for our Good. thank you Heavenly Father. In Jesus Name, Amen.

leo

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Getting to Amplify In the City (NTUC Centre)

By MRT- Raffles Place Interchange
(Follow the exit F sign and take the Lau Pa Sat exit at end of underground passage)

By Bus- Collyer Quay / Clifford Centre
(Service Nos: 10, 70, 97, 100, 107, 130, 131, 162, 196)

By Car- Drivers can park their cars in the cash-card operated multi-storey car park besides the building.


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Not to be missed series!

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Sabbatical

Today marks the first day that I'm not the coordinator of Amplify ministry.

After yesterday's exco meeting, Cass and myself have stepped down from our current roles in the community to focus on our wedding preparation and house renovations. Its has been something of a long overdue and as our preparation phase enters into a crucial 3 more months, we have decided it is time. So, we will be on a Sabbatical break until the end of the year and then we will resume our roles. If the community will still have us lead, that it. 8)

In my place, Josie will will take over the helm as the interim Coordinator of Amplify.

so, today marks the first day that I'm not the coordinator of Amplify ministry.

It feels kinda strange. Yesterday for the first time in years, I said the words, 'I'm no more the coordinator, ask Josie.' It felt strange saying them, but I guess I'll be saying it a lot more from now on. Its strange to be in charge and then, suddenly, no more.

Before you think me as some power-hungry-loves-to-be-in-charge person, the honest truth is my role as coordinator has been one of the greatest undeserved joy and privileges of my life. I cannot tell you how much of a joy it has been leading the kind of awesome people we have in Amplify. My leaders, team-mates, the volunteers, the community serve and live with such passion, dedication, love, humor and honesty that they make my work an absolute joy. I don't know how many times I'll prayed in gratefulness for this undeserved blessing and how humbled I feel by it.

Sure there have been plenty of times where it has been a struggle. The issues that come up in a 70 strong community can be overwhelming, heart-trenching, time-consuming and burdensome. In the words of St. Paul, 'we were pressed from every side.' BUT. Never impossible. Together, the Team always gets through no matter how big the challeneg. We will encourage each other, shoulder each other burdens, we will pray for each other, talk to one another, brainstorm ideas, have difficult conversations when need be and we always pull through by the grace of God. It is amazing!

I know I'm bias, but I really think I have one of the best teams and communities in the world! And I cannot think of a better people I want to do my life with. Amplify is my family.

So it is with great joy and excitement that I hand over to Josie, not because I'm feel relieve of this burden, because its not. I'm excited because I don't know if she knows what awesome people she will be leading. I'm excited to share the joy that has been my privilege the past three years and unleash this wonderful community to her leadership.

I have a deep confidence in Josie. Her leadership is a wonderful combination of a strong set of conviction, a deep compassion for people, the character to keep those in balance and the courage to live them out. I hold her in deep respect. Her earnestly before God and her disarming sincerity is underlined with a inspiring what-ever-it-takes attitude and love for people. I've seen her make difficult but necessary decision and stick by them. This reveals to me a strong consistent set of internalized biblical values which is essential for Godly leadership - the kind people will gladly entrust their lives with.

The kind I will entrust the community to.

I want to thank my Community, Josie and her leadership team for releasing Cass and myself to focus on entering the next phase of our lives. We are so closely knitted as a team I know when we leave it will take a bit of adjustment but I know we will pull through and like always - emerge stronger! I love all of you and I'll be praying everyday for the good work you are doing for the young people of Singapore and for the Renown of our glorious God!

Leo

Passion KL Days

Just got back from KL, went to the Passion World Tour with about 26 friends from the Amplify community. Just the sheer number of people going for a trip like this and you know you’re are guaranteed an unforgettable experience and truly it was.


Day 1 - Singapore to KL

We left for KL at about 8 in the morning, departing from LeMeridien Hotel. Half the bus was occupied by us so you can imagine the racket we were making for a whole Singapore leg of the trip. Well, they don't call us 'Amplify' for nothing.

So after we made across the Causeway, the Bus Captain decided to show mercy on the rest of the passengers by injecting a sedating device commonly known as ‘inflight entertainment’ into all onboard. Even Stefan himself was eventually subdued. Why they call it 'inflight' when our wheels were on the ground, at least when my eyes were opened, is anybody's guess.

We arrived at the Crown Princess, Kuala Lumpur at about 2pm Malaysian Time. Every one amassed into the lobby that was to become our assembly hall for the next three days. While dealing with the usual Malaysian efficiency, we sardined into Josie/Iggy/Don's room for a short briefing and prayer. Everyone was excited, full of energy and anticipation. It was great!

First destination was Bukit Bintan, KL's shopping tour de force. I was with Stefan, West, Cassie and a random taxi driver in Convoy 1. First, was lunch at Nandos. Obviously they did not anticipate 20 hungry young people from Singapore appearing at the doorsteps of their fine establishment. So settling in, ordering and waiting for the food was quite a drag. And finally when the food did come, I have to say it wasn't fantastic. Bernard of course made a big deal about it, which I secretly agree but I do remember it being a lot better when I ate it in Sydney. I’m guessing maybe it’s the water they use to wash the chicken. Yah. That’s must be it.

Thus begin the Great-Malaysian-shop-till-your-kneecaps-give-way-and-your-toenails-scream- for-mercy-spree. It would have been totally worth it, considering they have excellent medical therapies these days for serious leg injuries if not for the fact that I basically ended up not buy anything! Well, two T-shirts at the last minute so that I could get rid of some loose change. That was about it.

So I decided that I was going to redeem the experience by having us a great dinner at the roadside stalls in ChinaTown. And boy did we! We had 'Loklok', which was basically raw food on sticks in steamboat marinated in carbon monoxide courtesy of passing cars. It was awesome! Accompanied by Char-BBQ seafood, Fruit juice and hearty company, the day ended on a great note with a short behind-the-scene look at Night Market evacuation procedures.



Oh, we also were treated to a Laser show before heading back to the Princess performed none other by the Amazing LaserPen Becky That was pretty cool. Free some more. Malaysia Boleh!




Day 2 - St John's Church to Sunway Convention

I can't believe its already Sunday. So after a rather hurried Hotel breakfast with Stefan, Poon and West who obviously wasn't in the hurry having been eating since 7:30am, we convoyed over to St. John's Church.

Attending mass there was like WYD - Africans, Caucasians, Philippinos, Malaysians, Philippinos, Singapore and did I mentioned some folks from Philippines? The Sermon was good. The priest actually looked like he prepared it. The church was vibrant and noisy - the way I like it. Like it says people matter here. Like people is why we have and are church. Like it pleases God the Father when people talk to each other and share lives. and food. and cab fares. Love it!

After lunch at Lot 10, which is not at CCK, and incidentally also where I found the cheapest best tasting coffee-in-a-bottle for an amazing price of 1RM, (=50cents sing) we set off in two MAXI-cabs and a normal red one to SUNWAY CONVENTION!

Passion, meet Amplify. Amplify, meet Passion.




The KL Passion World Tour

Sunway Convention Centre turned out to be like an inland Sentosa Resort-style place and descended upon by hoards of Middle Eastern Tourists. M.E.Ts. I just made that up.

Like good Singaporeans, we were there four hours early. Which meant we could get free stuff like Passion Posters and flyers. (yes, Malaysians... watch and learn, its all not just about getting front row seats...its about the free goodie bag as well..) So we had the chance to...do more shopping. Weeey.

About 3pm, the whole lot of us did the Singaporeans thing and started queuing up at the stairwell leading to the Auditorium entrance. Playing cards, entertaining ourselves. Half way thru, Kevin Kong started jumping up and down and squeaking like a girl. I turned to see what was the commotion about and saw Charlie Hall walking by, probably doing something totally glamorous like looking for the toilet.

The gates opened at 4 and the whole gang basically ran like mad groupies to the auditorium doors. It was fun, Lydia later reported that it was the best workout she had in months. Bern said he never moved so swiftly in his life!

In the Singapore Army, we have a saying, "Rush to wait, wait to Rush." It seems like our Malaysian counterparts have a similar concept except they also added, 'Stand to wait, wait to stand." So apparently after all that Olympic-standard athletic showcase, the doors of the auditorium would not be opening until 6:20! So we had to continue to stand outside. We were however strategically located at the front of the line. Oh, there were like..8 other lines.

Then at 6:20pm, the running started again.



6:20pm (Malaysia Time) - 10:00pm (Singapore Time)

Semi-dark, lighted stage, huge cool Passion screen-saver going on...(got to get me one of those)...rows and rows of seats. those were filling up fast. I was pleasantly surprised to discover other youth groups from Singapore that made the trip as well. Youth Arise, Living Stones, Zion's joy...so it was like attending a class reunion. It’s very cool.

I also met Adrian from Lifeline KL and his fellow Lifeliners who apparently coming to Singapore last December for ‘Illuminate’ learnt more than just ministry when they were here. They were last seen dashing in a rather un-Malaysian way to the front row. *sigh..what have we done?

The entire night was simply awesome. Chris Tomlin lead a great worship, the video loops were kinda cool and Charlie Hall, was kinda..well..taught us a new tune to "Christ has died, Christ is Risen, Christ will come again."

Louie Giglio.. (*jump around like a Kevin Kong).. well, he was amazing as usual. Awe us all with God's grace. The reading of Ashley's diary was a real home run for an incredible message. I was really turned on by God's unbelievable grace and was reminded once more of living life for the only one worth living for: My God.

Praise God for the evening and the encounter with God through Passion. It was an eye and heart opener for me. During worship, I peek around to my community - I know God was touching them too. I can't wait to hear about it next Saturday when we meet to share.

Oh, Kevin and Sharon had to leave early to catch the bus, but I was glad they stayed till the second last song so they didn't miss much after that. well, except for the totally amazing photo-taking in front of the stage consisting of all the catholic youths from Singapore, only to learn that they had turn off the screen-saver and we were asked to take photos outside instead because we were getting in the way of the bump out. Other than that, not much.

Josie, Iggy, Cassie and Andrew had to leave to go back Singapore at about 11pm. So after that, we made our convoy back to the hotel where I had a scrumptious feast of KFC whip potato and 3 strands of cup noodle.



Day 3 - Hotel lobby to KLCC to Singapore

Woke up in the morning. Don had shifted into my room together with Jem Tan. He was afraid to sleep alone. (just kiddin..) We had stayed up a while talking about books and break-ups... you know, the usual guy talk.

There was the slight confusion over the waiting time in the morning and so we ended up waiting for about an hour plus before we finally left for KLCC. Cass and I decided to take our chances at Bukit Bintan for some authentic street food. We had the best chicken rice, and then circled back to KLCC in a bus.

By that time, I was already exhusted, shopped and worn out from watching out for 26 people. But my heart was full and I was very happy to be on this trip with my community. Learned a bit more about myself, discovered new things about others. In all, it was a very rich experience. Praise God for this opportunity!

Was glad to have the bus come pick us up at the hotel and drive us back to Singapore bringing a close to an unforgettable trip with an unforgettable community.





Thank you Jesus.

Leo

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“A bruised reed he will not break”
Isa 42:3

Bruised but not broken
Where suddenly, violently torn,
Now His fingers finds purchase
The gentle hands of the Savior
Holds forever
Slowly, patiently
He sits, He waits
Eyes never leaving
Faithfully holding
The Savior attends
Till the season changes
And time and love restores
The reed once bruised and broken
Now stands tall and whole once more...



-leo-

written for those whose hearts are broken.
The Savior is holding your pieces together, He will never let you go.

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