Lucy Wong

Wow, it’s been a while since I last blogged! I must say, I’m getting pretty bad at this. I really do admire those very faithful bloggers such as Justin, Lauranne, Chris…and sometimes Mei. Whenever I click on my feeds for blogs, I always look straight to these few names knowing that they will very likely be highlighted in bold =) Good work guys. You inspire me to be more open about what’s happening in my life! Thanks thanks

Well, my mind works best in point form, so I’ll try my best to explain everything in that way. (Yes, that’s what happens when you’re an administrative Melancholic/Choleric who likes structure, order and organisational charts.

UPDATES

1. Am praying very hard right now for this person to get better ASAP!

As most of you would have heard by now, Nick has been extremely sick for the past few months and we discovered recently that he has Hyper-Thyroidism. This has caused his immune system to drop and so as a result he unfortunately developed the Shingles. So yes, if you have never had the chicken pox before and would like to get it soon, go see Nick.

Praise God Nick is now on his way to recovery, however it will be a few months until he will be fully back on his feet and into the swing of the usual routine. Due to his low immune system and the treatment which he will be needing to take, the doctor has advised for him to stay away from people as much as possible for the next 6-8 weeks. 

It has personally been quite challenging without Nick around; especially for all the high school champs and leaders. I think with Nick being out of action, it’s brought a lot of new lessons and thoughts to our attention. Firstly- I think we’ve re-realised even more of how much we really appreciate and value Nick’s leadership. Sad to say but we don’t seem to realise how important someone is until they’re not around. Secondly - we’ve been challenged to find our own confidence in God and to not rely on the knowledge that our leaders will always be there for us to “fall back on” if we cannot do something. It’s challenged us to rise up and to take full ownership and responsibility over what God has entrusted us with. This is not just our leaders thing, but it’s “OUR”thing!  Thirdly - it’s brought the high schoolers together in prayer, and to realise that we so need God. We’re not going to experience break through by our fancy programs and efforts, but it will be through the power of the Holy Spirit, moving in response to the cry of His people calling upon the name of the Lord. We’re realising once again of how weak we are if without God’s leadership over us. We REALLY need Him. I thank God for this humbling process.

Although it has been a challenge holding the fort, and terrible to see a good friend and valued leader be so ill, I am at the same time so blessed to see what God is doing in the midst of all this. I’m overwhelmed with joy to see various individuals rise up and flourish in what God has anointed them to do! It’s like a new season has just arrived and God has birthed these new upcoming leaders, filled with something fresh from God and confidently proclaiming those revelations. The past few weeks, we’ve seen young men and women coming down to the front at service during worship to share a word that God has laid upon their hearts. We’ve never had this before!!!!! GOD IS DOING SOMETHING!

So despite what seems devastating with our own human eyes, through God’s lenses I see His purposes and plans taking place. Praise Him all the way! I’m determined to fix my eyes on God, and to remain prayerful on all occassions, knowing that I cannot do anything without Him. If you’re reading this, do please keep Nick in prayer as well, and pray for the high school group as we continue to hold the fort together.

 2. Totally in love with these people

I love VS. I love each and every one of their unique quirks, unique giftings and their super duper inspiring hearts for God and commitment to one another. Today before life group, I was feeling troubled by a few things, but the moment I stepped into the presence of these guys my spirit was lifted up and I felt so overjoyed. I’m super blessed to have been able to witness the incredible growth journey of these wonderful young men and women. Right here in this picture are the leaders of the next generation. Yep that’s right, every one of them in their high pants and sneakers. =) God has chosen them. 

My prayer for these guys is that they will rise up to become STRONG leaders- not just in their capacity to manage and do many things, but in their stability and firmness in faith. I pray that they will be planted deep in God’s word, and absolutely certain with all their hearts that Jesus is the way. I pray that each and every one of them will be Christ followers for the rest of their lives, running the race until the very end. I pray that every one of them will hear the words “Well done good and faithful servant!” This has been something ringing in my heart the past few weeks; of REALLY wanting to see every high schooler built STRONG in their faith, such that they will be unmovable in every season of their life. In Jesus’ name!!!

3. Personal learning lessons

Lesson 1.One thing which God has convicted me about recently is about my involvement in the lives of those around me. Torch preached 2 weeks ago about “A Church for everyone” and he shared about the need for us to plugged in with one another. I was so, so challenged and realised that I had been running with an independent spirit. Through out the week, it’s just me and God- and then on Friday it’s a brief catch up with people, and Sunday another brief catch up. I realised that I wasn’t fully in the know of how the people around me were going, and after attempting a few “How well do you know…” quizzes on facebook, I realised that my knowledge of people was pathetic.

So I have been trying to make more of an effort to go on Msn, (because that seems to be where everyone is), and making a conscience effort to get myself familiar with the various interests of those around me. Trust me, it’s been a very interesting learning curb. Going back on msn was weird, but I really do want to be available for people, because God has never failed to be available for me. I’ve realised that I’ve been too caught up in busying myself with the operational matters of Ministry, whilse all along the most important thing really is PEOPLE. I’m finding myself learning this lesson over and over again. Much needed for the task orientated choleric =)

Lesson 2.PURITY & HUMILITY. God has been speaking to me a lot about the purity and humility of my heart. Purity in my determination and commitment to be set apart and different; not swaying into doing what is popular or seemingly okay and acceptable (even to other believers), but standing firm in what I know is right and pleasing before God. God has also been speaking to me about HUMILITY- about my willingness to be wrong when I honestly am- and my willingness to be moulded and changed. I think to sum it all up, I’ve been stirred to just be completely emptied out of everything that is me, emptied of what I feel like is my right, emptied of what I want, emptied of how I feel I should be treated, emptied of everything that I WANT, and filled with everything that HE WANTS. I really want nothing within me to get in the way of God’s plan. I don’t want my impurity or pride and stubbornness of heart to get in God’s way. This has been my second major personal learning lesson.

In light of purity and humility- I have been stirred to see the church fully function as God’s mirror of glory; because this is what we’re called to be! Mark spoke a word to the church 2 weeks ago, “Purify your hearts, for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders”.I so want to see that the church is different, and that we don’t in any way blend in with the world or look anything like them! We’re called to look and to be different in how we act, how we think, how we live, how we speak– we are called to look totally different! My prayer is that we would never be a church that knows how to lift up our hands and sing praises to God on Friday night, but then on another night spill words that do not edify others or bless God’s heart. I always wonder- Jesus, if you were sitting at the table with us at our outings, what would you be thinking? Would you be proud to call us your church? Would you take part in this conversation that we’re having? I pray that as a whole church, we would reflect God’s glory! yeah sure we’re called to be relevant to the world, but we’re not called to look like them! I pray that we would run with purity and humility so that God can truly set us apart for His purposes.

So yes…. a long update on what’s been happening in Lucy’s world. Plenty more other things but that can wait another time. Praying you are all drawing closer and closer to God!