What I’ve learned in Singapore (17 September 2009) Tinus

I reckon I have but a few days on tour left to record that which this experience has taught me. Reclining, laptop on my (guess what) lap, I thus continue with Singapore.

I must admit that as soon as I start thinking back at Singapore, I am overtaken with nostalgia. I really enjoyed and profited greatly from my time on that island state. Our sixth floor apartment in Building B of Normanton park, provided a private workplace for all in the family. I remember with great joy my two tables set up around the corner by the window in my bedroom. On those tables I coughed blood! (Figuratively speaking off course...) You see, my grandmothers arrival brought with it my UNISA work. The problem was that exactly 2 weeks after her arrival, 4 of my Math assignments were due. That's a whole terms work I had to do in a fortnight! And, to make things worse, I only learned when she arrived that I needed two textbooks! Well, long story short, I spent a lot of time at those two little tables by the window! (By the grace of God alone did I meet my deadlines, if you're wondering J ) At those two tables and lying in my bed in the same room, I also shared great moments with my God. It was late one night, after a little joyless reading, that the Lord spoke to me about what I'll soon share.

I also remember what went on outside that window I so often looked out of though. For one, it seemed to rain constantly when I was inside (yet strangely enough, rarely when I was outside). That outside I remember fondly. The park adjacent our complex, with its endless paths and many benches. The large swimming pool with water at the perfect temperature. The soccer field where I helped get Charlie ready for his rugby. (P.S. Oom Piet Coetzee. Oom skuld my vir al my sweet, bloed en brakefluid wat van Switserland se bulte tot Phuket se strande en Singapoer se modder in sy fiksheid ingegaan het.) The city and all its subways and sights. The shops of SimLim and the Funan centre where we went tech-shopping. And the list continues...

I really enjoyed Singapore tremendously.

It was also in Singapore that the Lord taught me the one thing that has probably made a larger impact on my life this year than anything else. It is this that I wish to share, both as a reminder to myself and in the hope that it might also provide to someone else even a glimpse of the value it did to me. Ready? Here goes:

Apply your mind.

The Lord has blessed the human race with this incalculably valuable gift and yet we seem to ill use it. Its like receiving a U$10 000 gift certificate (non transferable, not redeemable as cash and valid for a day) for a shopping spree at, say Wal-Mart, and for some reason only buying a pack of peanuts! We don't apply our minds. Or, at least I can speak for myself and confess that I am often too lazy to really think.

Yet, really thinking is what gives birth to understanding. And understanding is the foundation of effective action. Understanding schoolwork leads to good grades. Its not mere talent, but the ability to fully use that talent that sets successful people apart. Utilising greater portions of our potential not only puts food on the table, but a Porsche in the garage. Thinking on (or, to state it in biblical terms, meditating on) the Bible transforms us into Christ-likeness. Applying our mind gets the results we want in our lives. So, why don't I do it more often?!

Well, because it's hard. It's a lot easier to mindlessly memorise a bunch of formulas that understand where they come from. After a year, though, memorised formulas are forgotten, but understood ones, stick. It's easier to play a chess match move for move, but the ones who think ahead, seem to win. Listen to this: It is easier to hear the Word of God from the pulpit than to struggle through that which you fail to comprehend with just the Bible and the Spirit ("with just the Bible and the Spirit" does anyone else see how funny our reasoning often is?) to help you. But it is the latter that produces in you a spirit akin to that of Christ's.

More often than not, however, once I started applying my mind, I realised that it seemed harder than it actually was. What also always holds true, is that the profit gained from the harder road of applying your mind is entirely worth the effort. Christ said we are to count the cost of following Him. It's hard. Yet, He said that His yoke is easy. It's not too hard for you to bear. And finally, His road leads to everlasting life in paradise. The other road land you forever in the pit of burning sulphur!

Secondly, I often do not apply my mind because I do not need to in order to be good enough. In our modern world the definition of good enough has been radically distorted, though. Am I good enough when I make a living? Am I good enough when I can put my kids through university? (Luckily none of my worries yet.) Am I good enough when I am better than everyone else around me? Am I good enough when I am better at one thing than those around me? Am I good enough when enough (or the right) people give me enough credit? At what point can I stop applying my mind because I am good enough?

Ask this question to any sprinter and I believe he'll laugh at you. A sprinter, though he might not be the fastest (and even if he is) will not stop accelerating till he runs flat-out!

And that is exactly what God wants of us. Our very best! And he knows what our best is! (The best way to impress this on you is to ask you to go watch the movie "Facing the Giants". Your very best!)

The third reason I often do not apply my mind or reach my full potential, is because I am unaware of what that is. Without any fancy talk, let me bust this hurdle to complete mind application once and for all. In 1 Corinthians 2:16b the Word clearly states: "We have the mind of Christ!" The mind that envisaged the universe. The mind that conjured up salvation. The mind that keeps everything spinning. That mind is in me!

Now you know your potential. Go reach it.

Apply your mind. Think things through. Keep asking questions (to God and to other people) until you understand. Trust God for the answers. It's your responsibility to understand, not someone else's. Ask the right questions. Determine where your understanding is derailed and attack that curve. Maintain your highest level of concentration. Apply your mind.

P.S. I probably should have applied my mind to furnish this post with a better conclusion, shouldn't I? Or is it that learning to apply your mind is a never ending process? That more of your mind needs to be applied as it is exercised? Maybe this post thus should not have a conclusion?

P.P.S. What do you think about that sort-of-yet-not-conclusion?

P.P.P.S. "And that's all I have to say about that." (In a thick Alabaman accent)

Singapore 27 March 09 (Dawie)

For years now I have had this desire to compare Namibia on a number of selected criteria with a few other countries. In discussions with friends in business, church and government circles we reflected that good comparable countries will be Switzerland, Botswana and Singapore. I have visited Botswana years ago and spent seven weeks in the other two on this trip. Those who know me well, can witness that I am extremely passionate and loyal to Namibia and her people! But…there is so much room for improvement.

In my previous blog, I already suggested that business, government and church leaders can do so much more in our country. I pleaded that we , as leaders, should let more things happen!

In a certain sense this tour is giving me so much hope in what is achievable, but for the first time ever I doubt if my dreams for our country are realistic ...we are, in many instances, just so far behind. (But, as a dear friend recently pointed out, dreams are by definition unrealistic. We only need to make sure they are in line with God's picture of the future.)

As with many challenges the place to start is in a different "way of thinking"

The church should earnestly seek God's presence and His holiness. Fear (reverence) for Him and His righteousness should return…and we, as church, should play a life changing role in the challenges (poverty mindset, passivity, idolatry, immorality, lack of integrity, etc). The market place (government and business) should completely rethink the way in which we are going to create wealth, approach technology, demonstrate our integrity and unity. Yes, I know for many, these will just be empty words, especially if it is not explained in detail with practical accompanied examples. For the time being I think I should leave these "empty words" there and just tell you what I, due to personal experience, appreciated about Singapore.

* Their extremely efficient and professional airport, harbor and public transport system

* Their highly affordable and effective internet connections.

* Their positive approach towards technology , skills and development.

* Their hundreds of well looked after public parks (gardens) and the cleanness of the city

* The way in which they embrace their vast diversity (cultural and religion)

* The way in which government, business and church make lots of money in a country with no natural resources

* Their hunger for more knowledge, professionalism, quality and improvement

* Their high levels of integrity and respect for God, fellow human beings and God's creation

* The high priority they connect to the family as a unit (their families are small because they only have children when they can afford them).

* Their ability to work extremely hard ( long, fast and effective)

* Their good habits ( not addicted to TV, sport, drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, etc.)

* The hundreds of people being saved every Sunday (where after they immediately form part of small discipleship groups)

These are just a few things that I appreciate about Singapore after we stayed here for a month. No wonder the country is prospering...no wonder the whole country is literally been build up and developed in one generation...no wonder Tinus said he would love to come back and study here...no wonder Chrisna is saying that to come and stay here will not even be out of our comfort zone.

So what am I saying...

" I think God called me to go back to Africa"

Ps If there are volunteers who will help with that comparrison study please let me know.

Singapore - 23 March 2009 (Chrisna)

God is good! What a privilege to know Him, to serve Him, to walk my walk with Him. How empty a life without Him will be, a life devoted to things is surely like a dead tree, a stump...

Being on this world tour, has slowed me down. I know I said it before, but I want to confirm that it still is true. Now there is more time to sit at His feet, longer, quieter,open to His voice. I've come to realize once again that the primary purpose for this journey is for what God wants to do IN me. He continues to lift up a mirror, to reveal those parts that does not look like Jesus and kindly take whatever I repent and throw off. He is gracious and slow to anger, He is patient and gentle, full of loving kindness. This however does not mean that I can ignore the truths concerning myself that He shows me, because He also expects obedience, submission and change of behavior. The wonderful thing is also that I get more than enough opportunities to practice whatever choices I made!

Saturday evening, like the 3 before, we went to church. What a blessing once again! As we sang together with 8000 Singaporeans, I was overwhelmed by realizing that we are Chinese, Indian, Western people, all with different cultures, worshipping one God, the one and only Living God and that gives purpose and a unifying factor to us. We sang "Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord" and as we sang I sensed the Spirit telling me: "Be Holy, as I am Holy". That is the end result that He wants to see. He wants us to be Holy. He also gives us the Holy Spirit - who is Holy- to live inside of us and help us to be holy. God surely does not want us to play "Christian". He longs to see the fruit (of us being His children) in our lives, in our behavior, in our thoughts and in our words.

God, please help me to be holy as you are holy!

We also sang: God is the giver of life, God is the Healer. That was clear confirmation that God will touch my mother and heal her completely. 5 Days after she returned home from her visit with us, it was discovered that there is cancer in her spine. She started with radiation therapy today.
We praise God for the Peace that is within her heart. We will be praying, waiting and evaluating whether I need to go to her in Windhoek or not. We trust God that He will guide us. Thank you for every person who is helping her and praying with us. God is good and in control!

The 4 Fouries left here, had a special time of prayer last night. There is so many pain and needs out there, but we know that God's ear will hear and His arm is not too short to help!

The time here in Singapore surely is a special time. God is so faithful. He always meets us in our individual place of need. So I want to declare once again: As for me and my family - we will serve the Lord.

The Church is the hope of the world –Singapore - 16 March 09 (Dawie)

When we arrived in Singapore I asked the Lord to direct as to a Spirit led Church. I was tired after two months of travel in Europe only visiting churches as museums and not representatives of the risen Christ. Paul said to Timothy to stay away from those who have "a form of godliness but denying its power" (2 Tim 3:5)

I visited the websites of various different churches, but this story caught my attention:

(I made a copy of it for you from the website…you can read so much more on the website yourselves)

"THE CITY HARVEST STORY

The Call of God In 1989, Kong felt the call of God to enter into full-time Christian service. Kong had, by then, graduated with a degree in Computer Science from the National University of Singapore and was working for a publishing house. Having held several small, but successful, evangelistic campaigns in Singapore, Malaysia and the Philippines, Kong wanted to become an itinerant evangelist to assist the churches in Southeast Asia. In April that year, he left the Anglican church he was attending since he was a child and set out to become a staff evangelist with "Christ for Asia," a Singapore-based missions organization. The Birth of CHC After leaving his local congregation and embarking on a walk of faith in the mission field, a group of young people that Kong had previously ministered to gathered around him. They wanted him to be their shepherd, to pastor and lead them. With the support and encouragement of numerous senior pastors in the city, Kong decided to pioneer a new work, and hence, put aside his desire of becoming a traveling minister. Today, City Harvest Church has more than 25,000 attendees in its weekend services and is still steadily growing. Locally, the church has 36 ministries for its members to volunteer actively in. Overseas, CHC has 27 affiliate churches and 10 Bible schools in the Far East. The Malaysian Harvest Fellowship Kong co-founded has another 17 affiliate churches in East and West Malaysia. In 2001, CHC built a 2,300-seater, titanium-clad church complex in Jurong West Street 91 for S$48,000,000. Apart from that, it has offices and schools in five different locations. CHC is effectively a multi-site church with worship services at multiple sites, conducted at various times. Its main English language services are held every Saturday and Sunday at the 8,100-seater Singapore Expo Hall 8. The Vision of Our Pastor Kong is known throughout Asia as a dynamic speaker, communicating the message of faith in a very relevant and contemporary way. He has a strong vision to train 21st century leaders who would plant strong local churches everywhere in Asia. Each week, his half-hour television program "Harvest Time" is broadcasted many times in 145 countries through 13 television networks. With effect from 1 November 2005, Kong has asked to be taken off the church payroll indefinitely. He is now officially a pastor strictly on an honorary and volunteer basis. These days, he travels around the world as an entrepreneur, educator and conference speaker."

For the past two weeks we had the privilege to visit the City Harvest Church, three times, here in Singapore. Let me just highlight a few aspects we have learned from the church: Kong Hee founded the church with a few youngsters in 1989 Their current membership is more than 25 000 people Just less than a 1 000 active small groups are functional On weekends up to 50 000 people attend their services Their yearly income from donations are more than N$200 million They have more than N$180 million in the bank They spend more than 50% of their total income on ministries "to the outside" More than 1000 people are in the process of signing up for their yearly Bible School (extensive discipleship training) In 2008 they recorded more than 10 000 new (from the street) salvations They currently focus (as I see it) on spirit led weekend services, small group participation, strong families, discipleship, leadership development, cultural diversity, being relevant in a recession and a technical world, being involved in the need around them and to fulfill the great commission Their weekend services are well planned, transferring lots of biblical knowledge and the application thereof, strongly supported by drama, music, technical (audio, video, DVD), worship and fellowship. What can I add? They are not playing church. They ARE church..and they are changing lives and impacting their city and country.To Jesus all honour and glory. Bill Hybels said: "there is nothing like the local church ,if the local church is working right!" But then the local church should work right! Paul said in 1 Cor 4:20 "For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power" Leadership and to see God's glory shine in Namibia and Africa is my passion, but every time when I see the local church that is working well (or not),something strange is happening in my deep inner being…some day , maybe some day….

Amazing Singapore - 16/3/09 (Dawie J)

Singapore is probably one of the nicest places we've been so far.Why I say this: The people are kind and it feels as if your'e in a rainforest. Also because Ouma came to visit.

We go to swim everyday, because there is a big pool near our apartment. Even my mother swims!

With all the sightseeing and mall-crawling, it is a very nice place to be. Ouma went everywhere we went. Although I do not like shopping, walking in all the different malls is quite an experience.

We've also been to Sentosa. It is an island attached to Singapore. We went there by cable car, even my grandmother.(the last time she went on a cable car, was when she was in grade 5, and she is now 72!) Me and my 2 brothers went on the Sentosa luges, it was great fun! We also visited the beach and ate Singaporean food. I liked the food very much. We also went to the Merlion. We went back by train.

2 Other places we visited were China Town and Little India. It is different than the rest of Singapore: it is dirty and there is small, cheap shops.

We live on the 6th floor of a 23 storey apartment building. The treetops are higher than our windows! It rains a lot! Without Singapores good water drainage system, it would have been flooded many years ago.

It was sad when Charlie and Ouma left us. It was really nice to see Ouma again.

One big choice I have made recently, was to give thanks in everything. Also to buy a book, instead of a controller(for a computer game) I read often.

Singapore - 15 March 2009 (Chrisna)

It's 2 weeks since we've arrived in Singapore. It was a blessed 2 weeks.

Singapore is for sure the cleanest, and I think safest city/country there is. This is the result of a government implementing rules and regulations, fines and education on not littering and keeping crime at the lowest possible rate. Even chewing gum is against the law. The wonderful site of NO moving, chewing jaws ! (I know of a few Namibians that will suffer not being able to do the futile chewing passtime!) I realized once again that we must put more effort in educating our people in not littering, it is not something that comes naturally for many people.

This is also a city, like London and Paris, where one gets along easily with public transport (buses, trains and taxis). The only difference here is that it is clean. We are pro's by now by knowing the best routes to almost any place in this city, which is also the country. A big benefit of this transport is that we have to walk a lot. The departure point is never from your front door step! We really follow the rule of healthy living by "adding steps to your day". We also excercize daily by walking in the park next to our apartment building(block of flats) . During such an outing one loses at least 1 litre of sweat, not because the excercize was so vigorous, but because of the heat.
After the walk , we take a refreshing swim, even me(who almost never swims back home).

The city planners took a lot of effort to create open spaces, parks and playfields, which is wonderful as there are thousands of apartment buildings everywhere. There are also more malls in Singapore than churches in Rehoboth- and you know how many there are!! People shop as a way of living, shopaholics originated here. Everything is also very expensive, except for eating out at the local foodcourts. These are big halls where there are different foodstalls (all with local food) and tables and chairs to sit and eat. Singaporeans eat out as a way of life, because these places are so cheap. We are brave and comfortable in eating (some) of the local food, which is RICE /noodles with something on top of it. I must admit that we have not tried the pig intestines yet!

The good news is that I still make most of our meals, although it is challenging. This time we do not have an oven. We have a rice steamer, a gas stove and microwave. The supermarkets also do not have many "western" food. We eat rice with chicken,noodles with chicken and if we want variety: potato with chicken!
(a note for any one back home who want to treat Charlie: give him MEAT, not chicken!)

This is also the first place on our tour where we go to church and God is there!(we went to many churches -where God went in with us, where people go just to see what the inside look like, but here people enter to have a meeting with God.) Oh what a blessing it's been to attend a service, praise and worship with fellow believers and get a very good Wordbased message. Also a blessing to see it is people who look different, who has a different culture and habits, but we are one body, brothers and sisters because we worship One Living God. Our housechurch was always very special, but this is God really spoiling us. We attend the City Harvest Church together with 9000 other people in 1 service. They have 4 such services on a week end.

My blog is getting too long now, but I do not have the computor often,so while I have, I'm using it! Feel free to continue reading later.

Last Sunday was a very special day. It was Charlie's 15 birthday and My mom arrived the previous evening for a short visit and We were invited to a barbeque with the Prins's and other friends of theirs and We ate lamb for the first time since 30 December. It was a special day!

The braai was in a public park next to the seaside. The sun was shining and a breeze helped to break the heat. The people we met are wonderful people living in Singapore, all Christians. It always amazes me that although we are strangers,we start on the same page because we have the same Father! A blessing for the children was ... a rugbyball! They had great fun playing rugby with teams of all shapes and sizes. Charlie, being the birthday boy, had a Singaporean party! They sang to him in English and Mandarin. We all really enjoyed the day and say "Thank you" to our special friends. It was great!!

Back home we had our own celebration with Charlie. Dawie J baked a chocolate cake and we had chips and cookies. We prayed for Charlie and praised God for his life. 13,5 years ago he drowned and was dead, but God gave him back to us. We will continue to praise God for that and are grateful that Charlie's life glorifies God!

On Wednesday Charlie flew back to Windhoek for 2 months. This was what God showed Charlie during October 2008. It was hard to say goodbey to him, but we know God has a plan. We also know that no pain is wasted pain for the Lord. We all must just be faithful during these 2 months of seperation and God's Goodness and bigger plan will unfold.

My mom's visit of 1 week was also a true blessing. You can imagine how she spoiled us all. There were sweets and cake to eat, there were cooldrink to drink and we even visited Pizza Hut for pizzas! We went all over to do site seeing, that way not only us, but Ouma and Charlie could experience Singapore with us. We, Ouma included,walked many kilometres . We did a lot of talking and sharing, enjoying being together. She left yesterday. Praise God that she had a mission leaving us: to take care of Charlie for the next 2 months.

We've sent 35kg of clothing and books back to Windhoek with the 2 of them. It is all our winterclothes and even summer clothes as well. We realized that we do not need that many clothes. We actually need so much less than what we have...

And then there were 4... That is where we are now. But the 4 of us are 100% sure that it is not time to go back yet, not time to end this journey. We will miss them, but go full out,listening and following where God is taking us. Learning what He wants to teach us. Enjoying, knowing how blessed we are.

Leadership lessons - 9 March - Dawie

The African Leadership Institute asked me to comment on what this trip has taught me thus far in its most recent newsletter. This was my reply…

What the Founder learns about leadership while travelling the world.

I am grateful towards my board who allows my family and me to travel the world. We saw and experienced London, France, Switzerland, Germany, Phuket and Singapore.

We visited churches, businesses, museums, resource centers, leaders and local citizens...asked questions, observed, read, prayed and meditated.

What have I learned so far? So much, but let me try to summarise:

• Great things take time, deliberate planning, focus, courage and endurance
  
• Expertise and sound finances are needed to make a difference
  
• Without good leadership and hard work, worthwhile legacies will not be created
  
• Following Jesus' example and character was prosperous for many nations
  
• A healthy family foundation remains non-negotiable for any country
  
• Working together in teams speeds up development
  
• Political stability is a precious necessity for growth
  

The world is in a growing recession and times are changing very quickly. Therefore, more well equipped and integrous leaders are necessary. I was amazed and blessed to realise that our curriculum is timely and relevant to equip leaders to transform Africa.

Lastly, I encourage you all to appreciate and pray for our government. There is so much about them to be thankful for. But, I wish to boldly state that we as leaders in Namibian (government, business and church) should let much more happen to ensure ongoing growth and the fulfillment of the great commission.