Kevin's BIG Day!!!

Last night, I finally was able to baptize Kevin at TCT. He has been in my cell group for almost 2 years. I have seen him grow not just physically (yes, he's taller than me now), but also spiritually and emotionally. I really thank God for his faithfulness.

Here's his baptism testimony:

"Before I receive Christ into my life, I was a very quiet person. I did not like to talk to people and hence, I did not have many friends in school. The only people that I talked to were my own family, especially my sister and my mother. I could talk to them about anything. However, this did not last because when I was about 10 years old, my parents decided to have a divorce. My sister and I disliked our father and even called him names. And because of the divorce, I was very upset and started eating non-stop. I wanted to forget all the bad things through eating a lot. I grew fat rather quickly at that point in time. Then my mum’s friend began to bring me to her Catholic church. However I did not have a relationship with God, and I was still very much bothered by my parents’ divorce. No one seems to be able to understand what I was going through.

Subsequently, when I was about 11 years old, another of my mother’s friend brought my mother and I to FCBC. My mother went for the adult service, whereas I went to the Sunday school. I did not really know why but I decided to accept Jesus into my life when the pastor gave the altar call. Perhaps it was because deep down inside, I wanted God to help me take away the pain and hurts in my life. Coincidentally, my mother also received Christ on the same day. Thank God for it.

After receiving Christ, I began to realize the importance of living a true Christian life. I wanted to change my way of living and looking at things. However, I failed to do it initially. I went back to old ways and didn’t want to talk to anyone and kept over-eating. My cell leader, Nicodemus, told me many times about the things I need to change, however, I refused to listen and shut him out. Finally, towards the end of secondary one, there was once when I felt the Holy Spirit convict my heart to change after Nicodemus talked to me again.

Now, by the grace of God, I stopped my over-eating habits and I started to view life more positively. I also managed to break out of my old self and was able to interact more with others, especially my own cell brothers. I am faithful in attending church and cell activities weekly. In school, my results have improved significantly. However, I recognize that I still have to work on the way I treat my teachers.

My relationship with my mother and sister improved as well. I learned to care and love them better. For instance, I do the housework regularly. I am still in the process of learning how to forgive my dad. The good thing is that I definitely do not dislike him now as much as before. Thank God for all these breakthroughs in my life. Amen!"

Youth Christmas Party 2007

On the afternoon of Christmas Eve, my cell group and a few other cell groups came together to organise a simple party to celebrate Christmas. Thankfully, many of the youths rose to the occassion and helped make this party possible.

Special thanks to Jarrell, Joanne, Yixin, Ben, Melvin, Yingxin, Taishan, Claudia and Joel.

The program was rather simple:
Food, Games, Caroling, Skit, Testimonies Sharing, Message Sharing, Group Discussion and finally Birthday Celebration + Gift Exchange.

Though the party was not run as smoothly as I would have wished for, I am still very thankful for it. This is because I know that everyone has given their best, given the tight time constraints.

More importantly, during the party itself, I could feel God's presence & delight. And I'm quite sure others who were there felt the same too.

Do You Have Enough Rest?

Today I just came back from a church camp. I managed to catch a cab home. But this cab was no ordinary cab. It was a new Eco-Cab.

During the church camp, Pastor Yeang Cherng actually talked about this new Eco-Cab. The thing about the Eco-Cab is this: it runs on gas, not diesel. Gas costs half of what diesel costs.

The catch is this, you can only refuel the Eco-Cab in Jurong Island (which is all the way in the west). When the gas runs dry and you cannot refuel in time, the Eco-Cab will need to run on its batteries. And it's very expensive to do it.

It's kind of analogous to life. For instance, when we work normally, we're using the gas in us. When we rest sufficiently, we can replenish our energy.

However, when we work very hard, and begin to work so hard that we have not time to rest, we will end up using our batteries. If our batteries are used extensively, it will cost us dearly to replenish our energy. This 'cost' may come in the form of burn-outs, sicknesses, losing relationships with our loved ones, etc.

Hebrews 4:11 (NIV)
"Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall by following their example of disobedience. "

Year 2008 = Year of Sabbath in FCBC!

Merry Christmas!

Today, someone from FM 98.5 called to interview me about the volunteering work that I do with TOUCH. One question in particular:

"What does Christmas mean to you personally?"

I told her that as a Christian, Christmas is a very special day whereby we remember and celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. It's really a time of thanksgiving to the Lord.

Christmas is also a season of giving. It is always more blessed to give than to receive. This year, I decided that I want to do something different. I want to celebrate Christmas with my family. I wanted to bless each of them with gifts and remind them the meaning of Christmas.

Hence, today, I went shopping with one of my spiritual sons, Kevin at Junction 8. I haven't shopped like that for so many years. I was so exhausted at the end of the shopping spree.

It's good to wish each other "Merry Christmas". But we must not just have "Merry" without the word "Christmas" accompanying it.

Will You Marry Me?

Many people like to get married in the month of Dec. It's no surprise because it's the holidays (convenient for teachers) and there's the festive mood present. I attended 3 weddings this Dec, 1 in particular is my sister's. Yes, I'm so happy for her. =)

Pastor Adrian & Aunna's Wedding



Zheng Qiang (my primary school friend) & Serena's Wedding



Jianhao & My Sister's Wedding

Well, someone once told me that too many couples put all their energy into making their wedding day a great success, and they forgot to prepare well for their marriage. Wedding day is just for a day, but marriage is for a lifetime.

Wedding vows are extremely meaningful and important in a marriage. It's like a covenant that a couple made before God, promising to love and cherish each other, in riches or in poverty, in sickness or in health, till death do them part.

"Commitment" is what that will keep a marriage together.

I just want to bless all the newly wed couples with these 4 words - 死守婚约



More photos on my sister's wedding...

My Life as a Beloved Son

I had quite a blessed and stable childhood. I was surrounded by my parents, grandparents, elder brother and elder sister. I was the youngest and hence, naturally, I was pretty much pampered by everyone in the family.

I knew that my parents love me. It's just that the way they love me might not be exactly the way that I wanted (when I was very young).

My grandparents really love me. My grandma would always leave the best food for me (even now too). My grandpa would always bring me out to play, especially at places like Chinatown.

To provide a better life for my family, my father actually worked overseas for many years. Every year, he would come back home about 6 times, each time staying a few days. As a result, I was not able to spend much time with him.

My mum has all along been a full-time housewife. She takes really good care of the house and she was the one who disciplined me whenever I misbehaved. I know that she love me because she really cares for me. There's a particular incident that I would never forget.

There was this time that we went McDonald's. I think I was about 6 years old or so. I accidentally spilled my coke. I was so upset and I cried. I was also afraid my mum would scold me for being clumsy. But she didn't. She comforted me and helped me clear up the mess and even got a new cup of coke for me. I was really surprised and I just knew that she love me.

Probably because we are more of the traditional Chinese family, my parents seldom spoke words of encouragement and praise to me when I was young. No matter how well I did for my exams, my parents would only say that it was expected of me.

As a result, as I grow up, I realised that I crave for people's approval often. Sometimes, when I don't watch it, even now, I sometimes also care too much for everybody's approval.

No, I'm not trying to complain about my parents. I truly believe that they love me in ways that they themselves experienced when they were young. I'm really thankful for them. It's just that they didn't know the importance of affirmation that teenagers and children need.

Now that I know. I really want to use words to affirm, encourage and praise others - especially my students.

Running the Race

Around 2 weeks ago, I took part in the Standard Chartered Marathon 2007. I went for the 21 km category.

I completed the race in 2 hr 59 min 55 sec. 87% of the participants completed the race before me. But I'm really thankful for the race.

Honestly, right at the start of the event, I was feeling a little nervous. I haven't been training much for the race because of sickness. 21 km. I'm pretty sure it's going to be tough.


I ran the race with my cell group brothers, and my cell leader. Everyone followed my pace because I was the slowest runner. Everyone gave me support.

At the start, the race was pretty okay for me. I kept a slow but steady pace. However, I was only able to sustain it to the 16 km mark. Then, I suddenly have cramps on both of my thighs. I could only limp. But I told myself, either I will run, walk or crawl. I must finish the race. I won't give up.

The amazing thing was that when I told my cell brothers and cell leader to go on without me so that I can walk slowly, they insisted on waiting for me. I was really grateful and thankful them. In the end, I could limp a bit, run a bit and the cycle repeats itself all the way until I finish the race.


Yes. I pressed on and completed the grueling 21 km race. But not just that, I completed the race together with my spiritual family. It was not so lonely when we ran together after all.

You Love Me Just Because You Love Me

I heard this song recently, and I can seem to get it off my head. It's a beautiful song and it sings about God's love. A short and simple song that truly expresses deep feelings.


You Love Me Just Because You Love Me

You love me just because You love me
You love me for eternity
All the time we have toge - ther
O Lord is just not e - nough

My first love
My heart’s de - sire
My life of wor - ship
Is on - ly You

Combined-Cell Chalet

Over the last weekend, I had a combined cell group chalet at Aloha Changi. Besides the youths in our church, we also had quite a number of friends that came down for our BBQ and stayed over.

It was a good time of bonding. We played world-domination games like RISK, and others like Taboo and Bang (great card game).

We also celebrated Dun Lin's, Gavin's, Dennis', Kenneth Chong's and Jarrell's birthdays. =)

Amazing Life!!

EXTRAORDINARY is what others see in Nick Vujicic. Born limbless, Nick faces far greater life struggles than most. Yet, today, he has blessed over 1,000,000 hearts worldwide with his remarkable life story. Come and be inspired by this 25-year-old Australian-born motivational speaker who has been a tremendous source of hope and strength to others. - FCBC Website

The Way of the Wild Heart

I've just finished reading this book called "The Way of the Wild Heart: A Map for The Masculine Journey" by John Eldredge. Many of the things mentioned really spoke to my heart, as I thought about my growth as a man till date.

Here's a brief summary of the book, extracted from this website.

"This is a book about how a boy - and a man - becomes a man.

It's a guide to the process of masculine initiation - that ancient path every boy and man must take if they would become the man they long to be. The path whereby they come to know they are a man and are able to live and love from a deep, centered strength.

We live in a time where most men (and boys) are essentially fatherless. Whatever their circumstance, they have no man actually taking them through the many adventures, trials, battles, and experiences they need to shape a masculine heart within them. They find themselves on their own to figure life out, and that is a lonely place to be. Their fears, anger, boredom, and their many addictions all come out of this fatherless place within them--a fundamental uncertainty in the core of their being.

But there is a way."

According to John Eldredge, there're 6 stages to a man's growth. Omitting any of the stage may have consequences at the later part of life.

Stages Involved:
1. Beloved Son
2. Cowboy
3. Warrior
4. Lover
5. King
6. Sage

Beloved Son (0 to about 12 years old)
It's a time of wonder and exploration. It's also a time whereby he needs to know that he is loved, valued and adored by a father. His need for affirmation and love is of utmost importance at this stage.



Cowboy (13 to about early 20s)
It's a time of adventures and testing. The young man has a craving for something dangerous, fun and exciting. The question that he centres his life among is "Do I have what it takes?"



Warrior (early 20s to late 30s)
This is a time for the fighting spirit in man be awakened. There is a need to find a cause to fight for. It can be for the military or for the university degree that he so much wants. The inner resolution and many disciplines in life have to be acquired at this stage. He needs to live in courage and be ready to fight any time.








Lover (Overlap with previous stage)
This is a time whereby a man awakens to beauty in life. He finds himself getting intensely passionate about a girl. The romantic feelings in him begins to stir and stir. And not just this, the man begins to find a connection to his own heart.




King (early 40s to 60s)
Now, the man is in key leadership position. He 'rules' over a domain with authority, and that includes his family as well. He is at the most powerful stage of his life. And he is not alone. He leads a company of young warriors and is a living example of courage and compassion.


Sage (60s and beyond)
This is really a stage whereby gray hair and wrinkles are obvious. Along with it comes wisdom. The wealth of knowledge and experience of a sage is of great value to the younger kings and warriors. Though a sage may not say much, his presence and influence is great beyond measure.

More on RI Basketball KL Trip 2007..

It's really amazing how unique each batch of basketball boys is. Every batch has its own set of strengths and weaknesses. However, together, they make up and define what RI Basketball Team is all about.

Yes, even if you are not part of the starting 12, the whole team will still be incomplete without your contributions.

Dream. Team. Fight. Win.

Don't give up dreaming, lads. We'll be there one day.

RI Basketball KL Trip 2007

Last week, the basketball coach, Yeang Cherng and I brought 30 RI basketball boys down for some friendly matches at KL. Here's the link to some of the photos.


RI Basketball Trip 2007 Album


Enjoy the slide show!

Emotional Outburst...

Today, I had an emotional outburst. No kidding.

I went for Higher Chinese 'O' level invigilation at Hwa Chong Institution (formely known as The Chinese High School). Well, I was assigned to invigilate class 4B for around 30 mins in all.

As I was standing in class 4B at the clock tower block, I was overwhelmed with emotions. 10 years ago, I was in this same exact classroom taking some of my 'O' level exams (I took the rest in the school hall).

How time flies. 10 years ago, I was a student. Now, I'm a teacher doing invigilation. I could almost feel tears in my eyes.

After doing invigilation, I managed to meet up with my ex-Sec. 4 Chinese teacher, Mr. Tan Yew Keng for lunch. It's really amazing how much he can still remember about my class. He taught me in 1997. And now, he can still remember who is my form teacher, and who are my other subject teachers.

He told me, "Shijiang, when you teach students, you need to teach them with your heart."

Yes, I will do my best and teach my students with my heart, and not just upload infomation into them.

"Above all, teach them moral values. Teach them character.", Mr. Tan went on.

I realised that I really believe in what he says (even before he told me today). I don't want to bring up students who are successful in society, but are filled with character flaws and have no integrity.

Come on, some of you may think that Mr. Tan is some super-old teacher or something. No. He's not. He's only in his late 30s.

I thank God for placing me in The Chinese High School when I was young. He allowed me to meet great teachers who have shaped my life - Mr. Tan and Miss Mok (my ex-form and Chemistry teacher).

And after speaking to Mr. Tan, it has further affirmed me that I need to continue to be firm & strict with my students in RI. I'm not teaching Physics. I'm teaching students. Future leaders who are going to shape the nation.

I must dare to be unpopular at times.

My Life Journey Part 5 - 98S33

After considering VJC (20 min away from my home) and HCJC (45 min), I eventually settled for the more obvious choice. I decided to go to a place where all my friends are. I chose with my heart and not my mind.

Hwa Chong JC is a very different place from The Chinese High. One obvious reason would be that there are girls around. Having being in a boys' school for 4 years, surprisingly, I can still get along with my female classmates.

Being a more Science than Arts person, I chose double maths (C.Maths & F.Maths) and double science (Physics & Chemistry).

98S33. That's my class.

We had a Orientation Camp right at the start of school. It was organised by the Students' Council. The camp was fantastic. Though we were hit with mud and ketchup, dirty beyond reason, my class bonded together really well. And hence, we were quite close. We even had class outings within a short span of time.

After the camp, I made an important decision. I decided to serve the school as a Students' Councillor. To do that, I had to go for elections. My JC classmates helped me come up with simple tokens to get the students to vote for me. My ex-classmates from The Chinese High did a banner with me. My slogan was "No one is more willing to serve you than me."

Yes, I made it. I was elected. But I know that I wouldn't have made it if not for my JC classmates and ex-classmates. I'm really thankful for them. They have made a difference in my election campaign.

And hence, my life in JC totally changed after I was elected.

Always be thankful for your friends. Especially those that stood by you in times of need. You can also choose to stand by your friends when they need you. I think there's more joy in the latter case.

Do You Have a Life?

About a week ago or two, my cell group brothers and I came together and played the "Game of Life". It's a rather interesting boardgame.

Features of the game:

1) You have to get a job.

2) You have to get married.

3) You have to buy a house.


Here are our photos..

My Life Journey Part 4 - The Hidden Side

When I was in secondary school, I have a side of me that not many people know. Except my NPCC-mates.

I think it all started when I'm Sec 2. Every time, after NPCC training on Fridays or Saturdays, my squadmates and I would go to the usual MacDonald's at KAP (King Albert's Park - the biggest Mac in S'pore) to have dinner. Or if we're tight on money, we will go to the the hawker centre at Beauty World.

After dinner, many of us would automatically make our way to the arcade centre either at Bukit Timah Plaza (the preferred one) or Beauty World. Then we would spend tokens and time and money at the machines. For me, I liked to play fighting games.

Almost every time, without fail, I would spend all my pocketmoney at the machines. Yes, literally down to the last cent.

These are the games that got me crazy (and addicted).

Marvel Super Heroes





X-men VS Streetfighter





Marvel Super Heroes VS Street Fighter





Marvel Super Heroes VS Capcom






Marvel Super Heroes VS Capcom 2






Super Puzzle Fighter 2 Turbo

But seriously, I really don't know how much money and time I've wasted over arcade games. Every week, at least once or twice or even thrice, for a total of about 3 years.

Time is something that once you have wasted, it will never come back. I have wasted a significant part of my youth on arcade games.

Are you wasting your time doing something not worthwhile? Like addicted to online games such as Maple Story or DOTA?