'an uncommon calling;

We've proved a point today

2009-08-31T00:13:00.005+08:00

Nobody expected us to make it through. But today, we proved a point to the rest. The youth can be powerful. With a strong goal and purpose in mind, nothing is impossible.

Why are we called Feet Washers?
1. We want to shine forth Christ likeness on and off the pitch.
2. No matter how tough circumstances may be, we want to strive to do it (with our best).
3. Feet Washers aren't quitters.

I believe our team has brought across a strong point to the rest throughout this whole HPL. Although it's just soccer, we want to glorify God in all aspect. The blue jersey with silver words isn't just an ordinary jersey anymore... It's the jersey of the Feet Washers.

And it's something to be proud of.

Finally, thank you Jesus for everything you have done for us!

Got this from Ps Jeff's blog

2009-08-09T17:56:00.001+08:00

What a wonderful song... Just a guitar, a microphone and a few people to create such a melody. I'm impressed!

Prayer request

2009-05-26T12:15:00.002+08:00

Lord, as I embark on theis fasting & prayer journey, help me with these few requests:

1. My relationship with you

2. Masquerade ESS

3. Unstoppable Camp

You know my heart requests even before I put them to my mouth... Help me to fufill them, Lord.

Deadlines? Busy? No time?

2009-05-06T22:22:00.002+08:00

It's been a very long time since I've blogged. I think it's mainly due to the lack of time to reflect. And I think that is a very very bad habit.

As my life enters the final stage of Polytechnic life, it seems that time is a rare commodity. Life becomes more hectic and busy, schedules are tighter than usual. It is at this point where reflection seems so less significant to me. With this significant drop in reflections, I sensed the decrement of my spiritual awareness too.

I am melancholic by nature (that means I usually reflect and think a lot). In my first 2 years in Poly, I think a lot. Every time I am on a bus, eating, or even in the school toilet, I would think deeply. And the heaviest part of my reflection is when I am having my bath. For me, bath times are reflection stations.

But in this year, I realized the drop in initiation for my daily reflection. It seems so different when I don't reflect on my daily journey with people around me, and God. Without it, I might even cause myself to sin. I wouldn't want this to happen. I want to be righteous before God. And this is when I decided to do something about it.

Just 2 days ago, I specifically bought a blue journal for my quiet time and for my reflections. This book is meant for penning down my thoughts and feelings over situations in my life. In the first page of the journal, I wrote down the sins that I've committed in that day (It was a long list...). And in the following day, I aim to decrease the number on that list.

Sounds like a good deal to me. I learnt something from this- don't let anything stop you from hindering your spiritual walk with God, even if tight schedules doesn't allow you to. It takes deliberate effort to groom your spiritual walk.

"I aim to be righteous before God..." -Marcus (in a hectic and busy world).

Thanks!

2009-03-31T23:41:00.003+08:00

Hey! It's been a really long time since I've blogged! And I'll take this time to thank God for a couple of things.

I want to thank God for:
1. blessing me in my studies.
2. making the Northeast Shepherd's Retreat a success.
3. giving me an opportunity to sing on stage.

Jesus, thank you so much for blessing me.

To Lead

2009-02-01T01:37:00.002+08:00

"Where do you want the group to be? Where are you at now? How are you going to get there." - PS Jeff

The reason why we are Christians

2009-01-30T16:46:00.001+08:00

Yes we can

2009-01-29T21:52:00.003+08:00

"What do I want the group to become?"
"Where do I want the group to be?"

These questions made me realize the importance of a leader. At the end of the day, who's going to be accountable for the unit? Definitely, the unit leader. On my way home from Serangoon, I gave a serious thought to these questions. Where do I want the group to be in the future? What do I want the group to become? As I pondered through, one sentence reminded me of my ex-school's 'motto'. - "From boys to men; men of grace, wisdom, polish and stature; in favour with God and man."

Now I know where I want to bring my people. Now I know where to lead them. I'm going to nurture a group of boys, to become a group of spiritual men. I want to rise up a generation of God fearing men, ready to serve and ready to lay down their lives for the gospel.

But now the prominent question that comes to mind - How?

Goodbye Part 2

2009-01-15T00:05:00.002+08:00

Reflection: Life is really unpredictable and vulnerable. Our lives here on earth may just pass like dust in the air. The bible describes our lives here on earth as dust being blowed by the wind. And what comes to mind is, "What am I going to do with this life?"

Going through this process of seeing someone pass away really makes me think... How can I impact people with this short span of time? (And by the way, time isn't a constant here. It is an unknown factor)

So think about it, compare this 'time' with eternity. It makes the whole equation seem negligently small. To add on to that, this 'time' is an unknown, a variable, a mystery. With these factors chasing against us, "What am I going to do with this life?"

"Only one life and soon it will pass, but only what's done for Christ will last..."

I've made up my mind. Whoever is still on this earth (family, friends, etc), I will give my best to serve them, and to show them the Way. I'm going to spread the love of Christ to them.

Goodbye Part 1

2009-01-14T23:02:00.002+08:00

As the wooden coffin slide past the doors, our heart was overwhelmed with all the last goodbyes filled with heart-wrenching emotions of wanting him to stay longer. Every second, the wooden 'case' slides further and further away. Until a point when our hearts couldn't take it anymore. Tears streamed down our faces...

"Goodbye..."

It was truly a difficult moment for me to savor because I grew up together with him. Since young, I stayed at his house for days! He'd always bring us to the airport to have fun. And now, he's taken a step ahead. I'd really love to have him at my wedding in the future. I'd really love to have him raise my children. But all these wishes couldn't be fulfilled anymore...

But as I'm reflecting on these 5 days spent with him while he's in the wooden 'case', I felt God's peace, assurance and His heart for mankind. Throughout this whole experience, God has brought the Loke family closer together. Like yeast in a batch of dough, God is molding the family to become fine, sweet bread. I'm really very amazed by how God works. Whenever God wants to use someone powerfully, He'd always demolishes our ego, pride and self-esteem. Once through with that, He would raise us up on eagle's wings. One example, my dad.

To cut the whole story short, I felt that God is going to do a great work in this family! My father's heart was softened by the encouragement and the support he received from the church. (There's nothing like the church, when the church is working right. - Bill Hybels) I really do hope that one day, he will come into the sheep pen too.

And surely, at the end of the day, I can boldy declare, "me and my household will serve the Lord!"

Nothing even comes close.

2008-12-30T23:24:00.002+08:00

When I read this cartoon, I was reminded once again by one of the Bill Hybels' video I watched not too long ago. Bill Hybels said this - "Nothing beats the church when the church is functioning right!" Indeed, that's really true.

I really admire his conviction for God. I recall clearly what he said - "If you could find anything, anything in the world that can be more fulfilling and life promising than the church, please tell me and I will join you! But if you can't, better give your best to the church."

It's really true. Nothing else beats the church when the church is functioning right!

Imagine the church helpng the poor. Imagine the church at her best. Nothing would even come close to it!

The Power of Believing

2008-12-04T23:40:00.003+08:00

Just yesterday, I was once again in awe of God's characteristics - His patience, love, trust and believe. When I was thinking of all the evil that humans all over the world are doing, I am simply amazed by God's hope in all of us. No matter what we do, God is always believing in us; He is always having a heart of hope towards us. He never gave up on us. He never even thought of our failures. But instead, He chose to look at our strengths. And indeed, we can exclaim how 'great is our God!'

And this made me wonder... How am I treating my people/sheep/friends around me? Am I trusting/believing in them the way God sees them as? Am I taking up the courage to love them to the best? Am I the shepherd who looks at their flaws rather than their strengths? Or am I the shepherd that God called me to be - the one who believes and persevere in those in his hands... These are the few questions that came to mind.

It took me a while to think and reflect on my past mistakes, errors and 'boo-boos' that I've made before. And I've came to the conclusion that I will never ever give up on anyone under my care. No matter what background they may come from, no matter what they have done, no matter how lousy they are, I will never stop believing in them! Although God's standard of trust towards us is limitless, I will still, with my limited heart and strength, will find the courage in God to believe, to hope, and to trust those under me. If I'm a pianist, I wouldn't care much about the croud's applause. But I would want to hear the affirmation from my teacher... If I'm a soldier, I would want to hear praises from my commander... If I'm a sportsman, I would want to hear words of encouragement from my coach...

And surely, at the end of the day, I hope to hear praises from my Master - "Well done, good and faithful servant..."

CLASSIC FACE WARPS!

2008-11-19T22:54:00.005+08:00

Cheehwee.
Me.
Me.
Sunny.
Chantel.
Gideon. (Oh my...)
Ruiyong.
Sunny.

These pictures are a classic! The moment I look at these photos, I can't help but to giggle and to snigger.

"How badly do you want to be..."

2008-11-16T11:41:00.002+08:00

Nike - "How badly do you want to be a footballer?"
Us - "How badly do you want to be a history maker?"

Help!

2008-11-11T19:37:00.002+08:00

Well, my blog can be for advertisements too right?

I'm having a module called Events Management, and we're supposed to organize an event to PASS this module. So I'll be needing all the help I can get. All the information is shown in the picture above. And if you're interested, please drop me an SMS, email etc. Thanks!

My email is: marcusloke175@hotmail.com

Impressive!

2008-11-09T12:17:00.006+08:00

Before

After

Presenting to you, Lumpy!

Back to my post, I'm seriously very impressed by God. While eating dinner with Lumpy and a few others yesterday, we came upon a topic that couldn't be brought up with essence, without the person that had gone through it together with you - your childhood in church.

We dug up, and brought up many wonderful, funny, and scary things that happened long ago in our time under Sunny Leow (he was only a CL then). There was once when Jun Hong, s***-ed in his pants, there was once when Sunny scolded everyone in worship, once when we played soccer in RC and spoilt the wooden lamp... (Sunny and Lumpy did it! I was JUST WATCHING! XD)

Actually, apart from all these funny moments, I've seen the transformation power of Jesus in the lives of many in the group. Many of us were jokers and slackers before, but now we are serious about the Kingdom, and are going to be more serious in the future!

CG08! We can't give up! A little more to go!

P.S. Don't you think Donavan looks great with the new makeover?

Now I know

2008-10-20T00:52:00.002+08:00

After a series of making tough choices, I now realize what I must grow in - Courage.

All these while, I thought I was courageous. But I wasn't. I was very afraid of failures. I knew of this only when I was told to lead this year's camp games. When I received news that I was supposed to lead it, my first reaction was, "Oh man..." And instantly, I knew what were my growth points...

To be truthful, leading games was like a chore. But during the church prayer meeting on Friday, God reminded me of courage. And on Saturday, Gideon taught us about the attitude of Nehemiah. Being bombarded by these truths from God, how can I not be moved?

And now, the conclusive question remains - Will I take the plunge?

Barack Obama - "Yes, WE CAN!"

Marcus Loke - "Yes, I WILL!"

Overview of Hong Kong Trip

2008-10-08T10:04:00.012+08:00

Hong Kong Trip - Relaxation.

Back in Singapore - Back in the game!

Hong Kong Holiday

2008-10-01T22:13:00.002+08:00

Bye everyone! I'll be leaving tomorrow at 7a.m. Please take care of yourselves and behave! (especially Nigel Chia! HAHAHAHA!)

See you on Tuesday!

Northeast B's Blog!

2008-09-30T23:47:00.003+08:00

Finally! The NEB blog is up! It's at

http://boystomen-neb.blogspot.com

2008 Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix

2008-09-29T01:16:00.003+08:00

The adrenaline was pumping, and the sound of the Formula 1 engines revving as the 5 red lights illuminates... And here we are, the first ever night race in history!

Thank God! (phew...)

2008-09-28T09:47:00.004+08:00

During the HK LC, the 4 of us (Daryl, Gabriel, Randy and me) missed our flight back to Singapore. Imagine with me; 4 brothers, below the age of 18, not enough cash with us, the only batch of Y-Hope left in HK, and the climax - missed our flight. Would you be afraid?

We were...

But our first instinct for SOS was to pray. (and I'm so thankful we prayed! I'll elaborate)

After praying, we called up the airline company for the next available flight back. The next flight was at 8.15 p.m. and we are only allowed after 3 p.m. to book over the phone. (book 6 hours before a flight?)

So I prayed and hoped for available seats. And we were granted of our request!

But here's the amazing part. When we boarded the plane, it looked full. but there were exactly 2 rows of empty seats waiting for us. And that was exactly what we were praying for.

See how much prayer works? I'm glad I prayed.

We are serious about it!

2008-09-19T01:32:00.003+08:00

"Widen your horizon! Widen your perspective! Widen your thinking! We can do it because we have a big God! One day, Y-Hope is going to be able to occupy the Singapore Indoor Stadium!" - This was what I challenged the group on wednesday.

Actually, we've come to the last segment of the caregroup - ending praise. We were singing, jumping, clapping and praising! The guys were crazy! I remembered playing a couple of praise songs before I came to a halt in strumming...

And this was when God spoke in the most of awkward situations.

I saw a picture of the Indoor Stadium. And clearly, I saw people; youths; Y-Hope praising and worshiping! As the worship leaders started to sing the verse, the people followed in unison. Not long after, the chorus was sung, and the people convicted. Convicted of what? - Missions! Church Planting! I'm sure this is God's heart cry and desire.

Now I see the power of dreams. I can imagine how much more God can do in this world! I see the power of faith and expectation! I see a generation, rising up to take their place in the society! I see people, moving into deeper waters! I see people, going for the big catch!

I see the youths changing the world!

And to achieve this dream, it starts with everyone's individual effort. If you want to change the world, first change your nation. If you want to change you nation, first change the people. If you want to change the people, first change the youths. If you want to change the youths, first change yourself. All in all, it all comes down to our small little effort in contributing to the bigger goal. (Think global, act local!)

That is my dream...

Thank You!

2008-09-14T22:17:00.003+08:00

Thanks to Gideon, Sunny, Freedy, Ruiyong and Chantel for the dinner, the gift and the affirmations! Personally, I treasured the affirmations more than the rest.

Hong Kong LC 2008

2008-09-09T21:30:00.067+08:00

In Hong Kong from 3 Sep - 8 Sep '08.

Something shocking happened! We missed our flight back to Singapore!