Prayer Points

Here are a few things that the group would like to pray about.

Our Thanksgivings
-Thank God for providing us with enough funds. At the moment our entire Thai trip (minus the cost of actually getting there) has been covered. So although we were looking to just be helped, God poured down, and boosted.

-Thank God that so far the team is getting along well, with little-or-no hiccups along the way.

-Thank God that Ray and Leigh had a fantastic time on their honeymoon in Brisbane.

-Thank God that Adeline has finished her Thesis.

Our Requests
-Pray for Leigh, who is trying to get leave to go on the trip. Previously she only had leave for just her honeymoon, so now trying to procure leave from her new job will be hard. Pray that her manager or HR guy will be understanding, and that Leigh will be able to come along.

-Rays attendance on the Thai trip is dependant on Leigh's ability to get leave because of the ball and chai... ring around his finger, so pray for Ray too.

-Pray for those sitting for exams, and those who are still doing their assignments, and those who really should get down to their literature reviews, and data collection.

-Pray for Adeline and her sister Geraldine, who are going on holiday to Brisband and Sydney. Pray that God will keep them safe along the way.

-And as before, continue praying for Vut, that his parents will let him join us in spreading God's Gospel.

Soli Deo Gloria
Amen.

People Profile - Vinsant

-Vinsant's photo could not be uploaded after repeated tries, the author believes it's a good thing. Blogspot must not like how I look, and I think I agree-

Name: Vinsant Huang Yen Khai
Also known as: Vinsant, Vins, Khai, Oi!

My name is Vinsant, or Khai; surname Huang – from Miri on the East coast of Malaysia. Currently in first year BDes – Games Graphics Programming and worshipping at Lygon St. Church of Christ and actively attending OCF Carlton and participating in the music ministry as a guitarist, bassist, drummer, and general tech guy.

I speak English, Chinese and Malay reasonably fluently, and I’ve had a hand in trying to learn French, Spanish, Thai and several Chinese dialects (all of these I can only remember and understand a very limited amount of.

My passion is God, and am interested in Photography (stills and moving images) I believe in the supremacy of film (positives and negatives), but have acquired a respect for digital images all the same. I enjoy Music, and writing – as well as a variety of sports. I have also been known to be a reasonable actor, and have also been trained to an extent as a Public Relations officer, which is handy because although I'm none too good at it, I want to be able to relate to others, and understand the various cultures around me.

Vinsant is the photography and video coordinator of the group, and also maintains this weblog, which apparently isn't too fond of him.

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So that ends the people profiles. But look out, there may be another one soon.

People Profile - Ming

Name: Ong Doen Ming
Otherwise known as: Mingy, Doen Doen, Ming

I’m a 3^rd year medical student at Melbourne University from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. I attend Lygon Street Christian Chapel. In church, I join the music ministry, help to follow-up newcomers, especially students. I’m also involved in the Overseas Christian Fellowship (OCF). This is my 2^nd year helping to co-lead or lead a bible study group as well as being on the committee. I’ve been involved in the music ministry, in organising events with others, going out on university campuses in pairs to share the gospel, and other miscellaneous things within OCF. I speak fluent English and Malay, but not-so-fluent Mandarin, Cantonese and Hokkien. My interests are quite wide. I’ve always been interested in areas involving outdoor fieldwork and wanted to understand people. I love music, chinese tea and playing sports with good company.

Ming is the First Aid woman, and Prayer and Devotions coordinator for the group.

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Yes, I'm getting around to it, although I've left the least interesting till last. After the 4th, I might flood this blog torrentially, but at the moment, it'll continue slogging onwards at this pace.

Much Love.
V

Special People Profile

Name: Nathavut Wongvilaikul
Otherwise known as: Vut, Nut, Nat Wong, That Thai guy

My name is Nathavut Wongvilaikul and I come from Thailand. I am currently doing my final year in Mechatronics and Computer Science. I join Lygon Street Christian Chapel every sunday. I am serving as an evangelistic officer with OCF and a kitchen hand for Church. I can speak Thai and English. My hobbies are Soccer, Table tennis, basketball, badminton, and most of the sports. I like to sing but I can't sing. My passion is to be a professional soccer player.

Vut is our culture guy, and fashion police. He has also been teaching us Thai.

This is a Special People Profile because it would be good to pray for him, because his place in the Thailand Mission trip is not set yet, because his parents are still a bit reluctant. Please pray that his parents will see why Vut wants to go, and learn to support that. Pray that Vut will understand why if he doesnt' go, and thank God that he has taught us so much as is.

We really thank God for you Vut, and we wish you all the best.

Another Interuption, and a Public Service Announcement

Well, not much of one really.

I just did a bit of thinking, some people will immediatly think of poor, often black, children in third world countries, slaving away, thin and misreable, and in need of food and aid. While this is the case, and surely a cause for concern in the circles we travel, we forget whats close to home.

Never forget that the people around you are just as important to God, as those in other countries, third world or no. Inter-nation mission is surely important, but so is backyard evangelism. It may, in fact, be a bit harder too.

This is especially so in Australia and possibly in America, where Christianity is a given. We can safely assume that most of these people profess that Jesus Christ is their Lord, and that they are Christians, but take a look at their lives. While true that not all of them are hypocritical Sunday Christians, it's also true that these "Christians" exist in far more forms than just hypocritical Sunday Christians. There are those who think God's wrath is theirs to wield, there are those who listen to the parts they like, and discard what they don't, there are... well, many others.

So some of these people have a bit of a direction problem. They think the label is going to get them to heaven.

Truth is, it won't.

So while you pray for us, as we go to the ends of the earth (even though, technically, the earth has no ends, being a smooth contour n=infinity polygon), remember to pray that we'd be a witness to those around us as well, whether they realize they need it or not.

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I will continue posting people profiles when I'm able.

And yes, I was once a big fan of Eminem.

People Profile - Raymond

Name: Raymond Chen
Otherwise known as: Seymour, Homer, Raymond-Seymour, Homer's Seymour Raymond, Super Cereal Killer, David Walter (under an alias), ...

My name is Raymond Chen and I am currently working for bread and butter. I am from Taiwan originally, but migrated to New Zealand 14 years ago. I attend Auckland Christian Mandarine Campus Church and I am working as IT consultant. I've been doing this since I graduated from Melb uni back in late 2002. I am a teacher at the youth fellowship of my church. I also give messages at children sunday school.

I can speak English, mandarine, Cantonese, some Danish and German. I enjoy playing rugby, rock climbing, travelling, and sports in general.

Raymond shares the same responsibilites as Leigh, rightfully, as they will wed tomorrow (Oct 22nd). Congratulations Raymond and Leigh, may the Lord bless your marriage and the fellowship you shall share till the end of your days.

People Profile - Leigh

Name: Leigh Chan (pronounced Lee, not Lay-h, if you were wondering)
Otherwise known as: Hot Honey Lemon

My name is Leigh Chan and I’m from Hong Kong and I migrated to New Zealand in 1996 with my family. I was 16 when I came here. I finished study and have already worked for 2 years. I’m 26 this year.

I did Geography in the university of Auckland and I’m now working as a geospatial analyst at the defence force in new Zealand. I’ve been to Fiji for a very short termed (11 days) mission trip backed in 2001.I attend Auckland Christian Mandarin Campus Church in New Zealand and am also a youth teacher at the Living Water Fellowship (LWF). I’m currently the secretary of LWF.

Apart from youth ministry, I’ve been involved in the children ministry in our church for a few years now. I’m one of the song leaders in the worship team, and I deliver the message for the children, once a month.

I speak Cantonese, Mandarin and English, Cantonese is my mother tongue.I love music, hiking and tae po, I learned how to play the piano back in college but not very good at it… I love travelling too.

Leigh is in charge of the Childens Ministry, and in the organization of programs.

People Profile - Louis

Name: Louis Tay
Also known as: Lou, that corny guy, cornea, ze frog.

I am an honours year student studying Psychology at the University of Melbourne. I come from Singapore and attend Bethesda Katong Church back home. In Melbourne, the church which I go to is Lygon Street Christian Chapel. I've been involved in youth ministry, Bible study leading, street-evangelism, worship leading and preaching. During my course at National University of Singapore, I have also helped organise a Campus Crusade camp/conference. The languages I am fluent in are English and Mandarin. I also understand a little Teochew and Hainanese. My main passion is to make the Word of God known to others. It is also exciting to be able to sing and worship lead. Something I particularly enjoy is speaking to people from different cultures and learning about them. Additionally, I like to read to gain knowledge.

Louis is the Treasurer, and Fund-raising coordinator of this Thailand Mission Trip group.

People Profile - Adeline

-before we go into Adeline's profile. A short apology from the web editor, who has been busy with his project. It seems his group is going through countless trials, and is past due date (with extension from the lecturer). He apologizes for being caught up with what needs to be done, and has no excuses. He gladly allows himself to be put to rest in the gallows.

Did I say gallows? I meant Meadows. For the Lord is his shepard, he shan't be in want. The Lord lays him down in Meadows of Green, in all of the Lord's perfect comfort and strength.


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Name: Adeline Tan
Otherwise known as: Ade (Eh-Duh), Lin, Lin-ade

Adeline is an honours student in the department of Physiology in the university of Melbourne, and received her Bachelor of Biomedical Science in 2004. She has lived most of her life in Singapore, the land of the giant lawn ornament, I mean, the merlion, but has lived in various other places around Australia for a number of years.

She attends Faith Methodist Church in Singapore, and Lygon Street Church of Christ here in Melbourne, and serves in the childrens ministry.

She speaks fluent english and mandarin, and has a passion for children, musical instruments, arts and crafts, sports, and a number of outdoor activities.

Adeline will serve as Childrens Ministry coordinator, and the music coordinator on the Thailand Mission Trip.

We interrupt this people profile...

... just because we don't want people screaming in superstition.

Yep, it's the thirteenth post, so who knows what may happen? eh? =)

The presentation yesterday went rather well, and we do hope you'll continue to pray for us, and perhaps consider missions yourself, short-term or long. I know I'm considering it.

People Profile - Aaron

Name: Aaron Wong
Otherwise known as: Wonderboy, Aaron, Aa, Ron

Aaron is currently studying Medicine at the University of Melbourne and is currently in his second year. He originates from Kuching, Sarawak.

He currently serves at OCF Carlton and Lygon Street Church of Christ on the music team as a drummer, singer and the occasional guitar job. He also involves himself in the making of videos for purposes ranging from birthday celebrations, Camp Promotions, etc. He also serves as the editor for 2:7, OCF Carltons tri-quarterly magazine. He has served as an events planner on a number of occasions and has co-lead a bible study group.

He speaks English, Malay, Hokkien, and Foochow. Aaron enjoys spending his time playing music and sports, watching movies, reading books, and doing the shake, rattle and roll.

Aaron is in charge of Logistics, and will assist and work with Vinsant on Videography, and Photography, whilst on the trip.

People Profile - Dorothy

Name: Dorothy Chan Wai Lin
Otherwise known as: Pi-Dot, Cik Titik, Dothority, Dot.

My name is Dorothy Chan Wai Lin and I’m a 4^th year medical student in Melbourne University. I’m from Malaysia and I attend Klang Chinese Methodist Church (KCMC) back home. Currently, I’m attending Lygon Church of Christ in Melbourne. In KCMC, I served as a Praise and Worship leader in Sunday school and was involved in Youth Ministry. In Lygon COC, I’m involved in dramas, welcome ministry, and am the mission coordinator for my bible study group in OCF Carlton. I speak English and Mandarin fluently. Besides that, I do speak Malay, Hokkien, Cantonese, and Hock Chiew when I'm needed to. I’m currently learning Thai and hope to master it well before the mission trip!

I have a great interest in sports and do play basketball, netball, badminton, soccer, squash, table tennis, and captain ball fairly well. I enjoy dancing (especially Latin and Modern dances), traveling, shopping and cooking. My passion is to be a missionary doctor in future.

Dot is the leader of the Thailand Mission trip, and oversees everything, and is in charge of the arranging of events.

Missions Training Weekend

I know. I have been neglecting this blog for awhile. If it's any consolation at all I've been neglecting my own. Goes to show how busy I am, doesn't it?

We went to Forest Edge (down East off the border of greater Melbourne as we know it), a campsite with a tendency to rain heavily (just for that weekend perhaps), and met some OMF people like Roger Drew and Magnus Linder, and other mission trips that focus on different places (and a couple of groups share the same destination as us, just at different dates). It was an enlightening time of learning, sharing, and oddball fun. We all enjoyed ourselves and learned things, and got to know our teammates better.

This Friday we'll be presenting ourselves (in a sense) to OCF Carlton, so thats something to look out for.