tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71268316927510721702024-03-06T16:34:21.719+08:00Joy in the JourneyThis is the season in our lives where we are called to "go". As we venture into the unknown, we seek to hold on to the God whom we know. Isn't this the essence of eternal life? - that we may know our Father, the only true God, and Jesus Christ (John 17:3). Yes, the journey of life itself is a journey of joy because He promises to be with us to the end of the age (Matthew 28:20)Joseph Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11778133648118133098noreply@blogger.comBlogger28125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7126831692751072170.post-73046763413181928122021-07-27T23:51:00.003+08:002021-07-28T05:11:04.125+08:00The Need to Press More Buttons<p><i>Life moves fast</i>. The word "fast" is often coupled with the "forward" and with all that is going on in this uncertain world, we want life to quickly move past the pain toward future possibilities. However, there are other "buttons" we also need to press every now and then (besides "fast forward"):</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><i><b>Pause </b></i>- Do I take time to get in touch my own thoughts or am I so filled with the voices of external expectations that I am losing track of the "still small voice" within?</li><li><i><b>Stop </b>- </i>Am I taking on more projects, more commitment without dropping that which is no longer essential? Before I take on something new, am I willing to drop something old?</li><li><i><b>Rewind </b>- </i>Those who do not know the lessons of history are apt to repeat them. What God will do in my life is usually an extrapolation of what He has been doing all along (classic example is the narrative of Joseph in the Old Testament). Examine the "history" of your life and may it bring about a spirit of gratefulness - the Lord is faithful.</li><li><i><b>Record </b>- </i>I am glad to start writing in this blog again after a long break. It has been two years since we first touch down here in Charlotte, North Carolina. With two more years to go, this is an opportune time to start recording again the "joy in the journey." Something clicks within when I start to put my thoughts down in writing. </li></ul><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhubEQuFzLKfqd7wU6AgXTHS77k4EtIXD7-LPNnNsGpXC__xlwlKv1vFPWqsdznBiCUTL3m2sT09G0uMUAQ7e9blNKH7EgJlqBP6gt0VS5pCmrVihg_CCitkbU4afMLp8_S72Y7LEfD5cs/s2048/20210710-Wong+Family.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1153" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhubEQuFzLKfqd7wU6AgXTHS77k4EtIXD7-LPNnNsGpXC__xlwlKv1vFPWqsdznBiCUTL3m2sT09G0uMUAQ7e9blNKH7EgJlqBP6gt0VS5pCmrVihg_CCitkbU4afMLp8_S72Y7LEfD5cs/s320/20210710-Wong+Family.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We had a quite a packed Summer, attending two intensive RTS classes - "Exposition of Hebrews" with D.A. Carson in Charlotte and "The Long Road to Sexual Freedom" with Carl Trueman in Washington, DC. Thankful to Albert & Priscilla Wong who hosted us during our time in DC. It was so refreshing catching up with Albert - not only is he a fellow RTS student but also a fellow Malaysian! He got me addicted to drinking Teh-C every morning!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC0760DNH1fwS33U8yKxNvcu_bztn4j6930Z2Tyfc6aUFP3pHBfyerrRmRtU8xfWVSBNhPBWh3pzIjjBM0FpSYcZtYe1KV8bDGtz1A_blDFJPz991zZmjaS66EtbWXRwt-dCeA9GoaBsk/s2048/20210723-Lunch+w+Vickerys.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1153" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC0760DNH1fwS33U8yKxNvcu_bztn4j6930Z2Tyfc6aUFP3pHBfyerrRmRtU8xfWVSBNhPBWh3pzIjjBM0FpSYcZtYe1KV8bDGtz1A_blDFJPz991zZmjaS66EtbWXRwt-dCeA9GoaBsk/s320/20210723-Lunch+w+Vickerys.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">All of my summer assignments was finally completed last week and the Vickerys came to Charlotte just in time to help me celebrate my "merdeka" from the RTS coursework. We thank God for their faithfulness in serving and watching their children grow up is such a delight! CDPC Puchong - I am sure you guys are missing them!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_WHCAD0WbQfWrxqbQdFafucVjIu0FKxvevb9LtelD1cAT650Ukx5taYe4KHbPMlxhzDJNBSY5vYtgOsm7ad4NZidS0bxdPxrzUII16RvJbyZK7br28Qp5axuqrAp5ss8cfB8Yr6vRrmI/s2048/20210529-Strawberry+Picking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1153" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_WHCAD0WbQfWrxqbQdFafucVjIu0FKxvevb9LtelD1cAT650Ukx5taYe4KHbPMlxhzDJNBSY5vYtgOsm7ad4NZidS0bxdPxrzUII16RvJbyZK7br28Qp5axuqrAp5ss8cfB8Yr6vRrmI/s320/20210529-Strawberry+Picking.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Thank you for partnering with us in prayer, in this journey of joy:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Eliza is now in Tokyo, taking pictures as part of the Olympics broadcasting team. Please pray that she will be kept safe in this pandemic situation. We are excited that she is starting her Masters in Photojournalism in George Washington University starting end of next month!</li><li>Eunice will be moving on to her second year at Union University in Jackson, Tennessee, majoring in Creative Writing and Broadcast Journalism. Do pray for her to settle in well - she will be a life-group leader for incoming freshman this year. </li><li>My wife and I will be attending a number of classes this Fall in RTS - do continue to pray that the Lord will help us make the connection between theology and Godly living. There is always the temptation to be "head-heavy" and miss out on the "heart-touch" moments. Do pray for my languages - as I will be taking Hebrews 2 this semester (languages not really my strong point). </li><li>We will be moving out of our current apartment in Concord by end of the year and taking up a new "apartment life" assignment nearer to Charlotte (where we organize social events for the residents in exchange for discounted rent). Pray for the Lord's guidance in this move and for a heart to be reaching out to others.</li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Do let us know how we can pray for you and your family.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Thanks for partnering with us in this journey of joy.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>Joseph, Debra, Eliza & Eunice Tan.</i></div></div>Joseph Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11778133648118133098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7126831692751072170.post-62685994194462804242021-01-19T08:36:00.022+08:002021-01-19T23:43:34.013+08:00Emmaus Heartburn: A Christ-Centered Journey<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzhWRGW_ViSkhnnlqsUKng5olq2hXWjn2fZAY22XE8BO-U0EWkTeXuLG3vx1NlSAg4kPpsq3Xh9p-SWAlyj2w' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Over the past two months, I have been working with Pastor John Sittema of <a href="https://uptownchurch.org/" target="_blank">Uptown Church</a> (where I am currently serving as the adult education intern) to develop a weekly Bible reading program for 2021 based on the mobile app <i><a href="https://www.readscripture.org/" target="_blank">Read Scripture</a>. </i>The above is a sample of the weekly encouragement video to "entice" church members to be diligent in reading through all of Scripture as we allow Jesus to explain to us all things concerning himself in all the Scriptures (Luke 24:27). It is our goal that our hearts will burn within us just like the two disciples on the road to Emmaus as we read of Christ from every page of Scripture. Check out the blog on a weekly basis if you are interested to journey along with us - <a href="https://emmausheartburn.blogspot.com/">https://emmausheartburn.blogspot.com/</a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-G1GEapC63k895oG07Uahg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="553" data-original-width="1385" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGZsDdoi-zp8AAfHVnLWlB2cqBNSmOIrc-DolCFJhs8tMJPPq4qN_VDzIA5kZEzPGeA8n7R-LKxSaPab3MxLE7DVL_Vx7wJADICE2OBGU38wM5_k_5ezk83U32RZ2gSLZ3rzgq3YJYX1w/w400-h160/210118-Emmaus+Heartburn.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This winter season here in Charlotte has been cold and wet, with the coronavirus cases for North Carolina reaching about 674,000 cases. Vaccination is now being rolled out for those who are at least 65 years old. Do pray for the US as not only are we going through a health crisis but the political situation is not improving either - with the upcoming presidential inauguration on Jan 20th, security alert is at an all-time high for potential domestic terrorism and violence. Health-wise, all of us are keeping well (appreciate my wife for building into us the habit of consuming daily supplements!) and we are utilizing this winter break to ready ourselves for the upcoming spring semester starting next month. Had quality catch-up time with Eliza when she was with us last month and Eunice is still with us before heading back to <a href="https://www.uu.edu/" target="_blank">Union University</a> end of January.</div><p>Here are the subjects I will be taking for spring semester (Feb-May 2021).<br /></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Personal Sanctification</li><li>Pauline Epistles</li><li>Poets </li><li>Christology, Soteriology, Eschatology</li><li>Christ, Culture, and Contextualization</li><li>Preaching Lab 1</li></ol>Debra will be taking all of the above classes as well (except Preaching Lab 1) as an audit student - we are truly appreciative to <a href="https://rts.edu/campuses/charlotte/" target="_blank">RTS</a> for offering the opportunity for couples to attend classes together! As of now, classes will still be held in-person and we pray that the situation will continue to be so. Being in a "live class" (with social distancing measures) certainly makes a lot of difference! Praise God for His grace in bringing us through three semester thus far and I am starting to enjoy the studying process (after an initial tough first semester when we first landed here in July of 2019). Have to constantly remind myself to be in conversation with the God of the Word as I study the Word of God. My main area of struggle is studying Greek and Hebrew - one of my new year resolution is to be comfortable in utilizing more software tools towards this end. <p></p><p>I am thankful that for the past three months, there has been an uptake of online corporate <a href="http://www.goodmonday.com/coaching.html" target="_blank">coaching</a> and <a href="http://www.goodmonday.com/" target="_blank">workshops</a> - this has been a timely financial relief for us. Do continue to pray that there will be continuous client interests for the year of 2021. For Debra and myself, pray that we will continue to be in a <i>listening-mode </i>with the Lord - we find that the further along we travel on the path of discipleship, we begin to plan <i>less</i> because we need to make <i>more </i>leeway for the Spirit to direct our steps (Prov 16:9, Gal 5:25).</p><p>Do let us know how we can pray for you and your family.</p><p>Thanks for partnering with us in this journey of joy.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOnmmPrJhjv2h2kDuMLwPsuRUD77U3ZzppjwKAybUSzymB5y-qgN0kD-_LFC6dIhXdRr6qFyjCeKkTTDveSXRuc3HHtffzoLtUjHJY19Vz04NN1DjvMB_DQOcqchVcUwd8s_viVEL7Do4/s908/201224-Christmas+Thankfulness.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="485" data-original-width="908" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOnmmPrJhjv2h2kDuMLwPsuRUD77U3ZzppjwKAybUSzymB5y-qgN0kD-_LFC6dIhXdRr6qFyjCeKkTTDveSXRuc3HHtffzoLtUjHJY19Vz04NN1DjvMB_DQOcqchVcUwd8s_viVEL7Do4/s320/201224-Christmas+Thankfulness.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Joseph, Debra, Eliza & Eunice Tan.</p><p><br /></p>Joseph Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11778133648118133098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7126831692751072170.post-21819734451687725232020-11-26T09:29:00.003+08:002020-11-26T10:17:58.661+08:00Thankful for Thanksgiving<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv_JTLuu5A4frBbO-kslCyk5BJELolB7hxuPbualq2MCZR_eR5Nd6PT59XqE6YIZnPD2tLARpV0Gg_iQuxSDZdiL4RYvGLHgNTi4a2-LSqj197RXPJMHDIyEMQ-B55szIUFKGY6PIfw-M/s2048/20201125-Thanksgiving+at+Georgia.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1153" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv_JTLuu5A4frBbO-kslCyk5BJELolB7hxuPbualq2MCZR_eR5Nd6PT59XqE6YIZnPD2tLARpV0Gg_iQuxSDZdiL4RYvGLHgNTi4a2-LSqj197RXPJMHDIyEMQ-B55szIUFKGY6PIfw-M/w400-h225/20201125-Thanksgiving+at+Georgia.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This is Thanksgiving week here in the US and we are so very thankful that we are able to celebrate it together - all four of us (despite the pandemic .. no worries, we put on our mask as soon as lunch was over!). Eunice is back for her Thanksgiving break from Tennessee and we drove to Georgia to meet up with Eliza. It felt almost like a Chinese New Year Reunion Meal :-) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The classic hymn says, "When upon life's billows you are tempest-tossed, When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost, Count your many blessings; name them one by one, And it will surprise you what the Lord has done." So, here are our blessings, one by one:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>The Lord's guidance in this period of transition for both Eunice and Eliza as both of them graduated this year - one from high school and the other one from university. </li><li>Thankful that Eunice F1 visa issue was resolved just in time (we had to appeal to the North Carolina congressman office for assistance to expediting the application). It was approved just about a week before she entered college!</li><li>Thankful that Eliza found a job and also a suitable place to stay in Georgia.</li><li>We found a cheaper apartment to rent and we have such great help from the guys in church in moving from Charlotte to Concord. As part of the rental reduction, we help to organize monthly social events for the apartment residents. Great deal - ministry of hospitality at the same time!</li><li>Seminary workload is more manageable, now that I am getting used to the study and research routine. Grateful to my wife for her input as to how to improve my study habits!</li><li>Thankful that all the seminary classes are in-person (with social distancing). The interaction is a helpful part of the learning process.</li><li>Thankful also for the opportunity for my wife to join as an audit student for the seminary classes which has deepened our theological roots.</li><li>I look forward to my weekly mentoring session every Monday morning with the interim senior pastor of Uptown, Ps John Sittema who has been the such a refreshing shepherding voice in my spiritual walk with the Lord.</li><li> Thankful for a series of online coaching and training projects from clients in Malaysia which is a testament of the Lord's providence. </li><li>Thankful for the Lord's protection on the health of family members back home, being so far away do concern us and we are grateful for His grace and mercy.</li></ol></div><div>Do let us know how we can pray for you and your family.</div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks for partnering with us in this journey of joy.</div><div><br /></div><div>Joseph & Debra Tan.</div><p></p>Joseph Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11778133648118133098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7126831692751072170.post-46170027720875782182020-09-28T10:24:00.002+08:002020-09-28T10:24:22.646+08:00Honeymoon 2.0 a.k.a. Empty Nest<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5z6Y3gSPTa0wiD2pGluri-w78SpF4dZChs44p1h3SGhcEPxhuM9y-s3-dCtwuvZKh4Aj5PtO1_eYy7zPQ0mZ76wI-i2gcpaEk3oY-lYGqx6rWxYBYFgshJyotQ0xwhCPbPXb9E6F8YHI/s2048/20200811-Sunflower+at+Asheville.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1153" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5z6Y3gSPTa0wiD2pGluri-w78SpF4dZChs44p1h3SGhcEPxhuM9y-s3-dCtwuvZKh4Aj5PtO1_eYy7zPQ0mZ76wI-i2gcpaEk3oY-lYGqx6rWxYBYFgshJyotQ0xwhCPbPXb9E6F8YHI/w225-h400/20200811-Sunflower+at+Asheville.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><p>With Eliza working in Georgia and Eunice studying in Tennessee, the both of us now in North Carolina have officially started our season of <i>Honeymoon 2.0 </i>with mixed emotions - a sense of hopeful anticipation of the days ahead and yet feeling kind of empty-in-a-thankful-sort-of-way. This is so strange, we have always worked towards our daughters' independence and now, that it is here, it is kind of surreal. The saying - <i>letting go and letting God </i>- doesn't seem so cliché anymore.</p><p>Time flies - I started on my 2nd M.Div. year last month and am grateful to the Lord for sustaining me through the last academic year in <a href="https://rts.edu/campuses/charlotte/" target="_blank">RTS</a>. "Morning by morning new mercies I see; all I have needed Thy hand hath provided - Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord unto me". Praise the Lord for providing a number of online coaching projects which gave some measure of financial relief and also kept me in touch with what's going on with my client base back home. I always find it refreshing to talk to people back home (feel so much more relaxed in my Malaysian English accent and jokes!).</p><p>Please pray for the outworking of what it means when Paul instructed Timothy to "fulfill your ministry" (1 Timothy 4:5) especially for both Debra and myself as a couple. We so need to be sensitive to the Lord's guidance so that we are mindful of His holy calling - "not according to our works, <i>but according to His own purpose and grace</i> which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity" (2 Timothy 1:9). Please pray for the outworking of His purpose and for His glory in our lives. More than the honeymoon, we desire the better option - honey-from-the-Rock! (Psalm 81:16). Amen.</p><p>Do let us know how we can pray for you and your family.</p><p>Thanks for partnering with us in this journey of joy.</p><p>Joseph & Debra Tan.</p>Joseph Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11778133648118133098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7126831692751072170.post-39918128349958217472020-05-22T08:46:00.002+08:002020-05-22T08:46:56.210+08:00Merdeka! End of Year 1 @RTS<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn1vve8HjOga9BA4Cs1ItNpLWcD_ds34HkBRijYWZf1z3ts9HA5S3sjg20F416t3D9WBRZl4l0Lsxs0nkt-kCNka-zapwU1bvf5Up5qjWiLSwEf-Nt2KRHsaZXc4c78nA-Y5prDKf7bso/s1600/200521-End+Fall+Semester.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn1vve8HjOga9BA4Cs1ItNpLWcD_ds34HkBRijYWZf1z3ts9HA5S3sjg20F416t3D9WBRZl4l0Lsxs0nkt-kCNka-zapwU1bvf5Up5qjWiLSwEf-Nt2KRHsaZXc4c78nA-Y5prDKf7bso/s320/200521-End+Fall+Semester.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Submitted my final paper yesterday evening, <i>and finally.</i>..today I can spend a free and easy day without the "seminarian guilt" of not reading, writing, memorizing and making 3x5 cards 😅<br />
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As this is the conclusion of my first year in RTS Charlotte (one down and two more to go), it is an opportune time to reflect on God's faithfulness and providence (and what a season it has been!). Ever since we touched down in the US on July 12 last year, it has been a faith journey for my whole family - I still have times when I ask myself - "What am I doing here, thousand of miles away from familiar and stable environments at home, putting the business on hold while squeezing my brain cells as a student after all these years!?" It all seemed so adventurous when we were planning to come to RTS but reality has a way of setting in at various unexpected places.<br />
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With 13 subjects completed in RTS this year, I have picked up certain study skills and tips along the way (with significant help from my wife) - this old dog still need to learn new tricks lah! Yet, I am still working to be more efficient and strategic in my study time management so that my scheduled is more holistic and not just scholastic. On another note, it was interesting that all four of us are attending classes online this semester! (A family that studies together, stays together).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcNkpz6kOaKDvJcIGwgHwb9z7HW3Dib6eu3PYYYxSrt_JryekbzQeNd9xWMYzcU2CwWPzCZo3s7MxhcmLRf5FlB_un9PkpF0mfRLlZOsj1HzFezDGo4iLUhwTH0WQgpsiP-Q46hCRDZCo/s1600/200521-Graduation+%2528Jubilee%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="899" data-original-width="1600" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcNkpz6kOaKDvJcIGwgHwb9z7HW3Dib6eu3PYYYxSrt_JryekbzQeNd9xWMYzcU2CwWPzCZo3s7MxhcmLRf5FlB_un9PkpF0mfRLlZOsj1HzFezDGo4iLUhwTH0WQgpsiP-Q46hCRDZCo/s320/200521-Graduation+%2528Jubilee%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Grateful that both Eliza and Eunice are graduating this year - one from the Asbury University and the other from TPS High School = the graduating class of 2020 is certainly in a unique situation! While Eunice will be graduating virtually, Eliza's session has been postponed to October because the Uni President prefers a physical celebration. Eunice will be starting her freshman year at Union University this Fall in August. <i>The Lord is faithful.</i> Please do pray for Eliza as she seeks for a suitable job here in the US.<br />
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One transition for us this summer is that we will be moving to another apartment - located further away in Concord - for a much reduced rent. In return, we will be working with the apartment management to organize regular social events for the apartment complex to ensure higher lease renewals. This is a great chance for us to "formally" connect with others and practice the second greatest commandment. Do pray for our move and also for God to "move" in our hearts as we embark on this new "apartment ministry". Date of move is June 20.<br />
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This summer is a precious window God has afforded for us to spend time with Eliza and Eunice before one heads off to the working world and the other to college world. Never in my wildest imagining would I have thought that the four of us will be spending summer of 2020 here in North Carolina together under one roof! Do pray for me to play an active role in facilitating meaningful conversations and to "tie heart strings" so that we continue to be open in our communications.<br />
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Thank you for your prayers and support. If it was not for the Lord's presence and His promises, getting through the day (with all the craziness that is happening right now) will be such dry drudgery. "For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, in order that by them you might become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust." (2 Peter 1:4).<br />
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<b>Do let us know how we can also pray for you and your family.</b><br />
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Thank you for partnering with us in this journey of joy.<br />
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Joseph, Debra, Eliza & Eunice.<br />
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<br />Joseph Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11778133648118133098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7126831692751072170.post-1319730850016381502020-04-05T20:25:00.000+08:002020-04-05T20:27:11.552+08:00Thankful for the CDPC Family<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It was our first time joining the CDPC Puchong online worship service yesterday and it was a wonderful reunion as we see familiar faces, all united together despite the present pandemic. Absence do make the heart grow fonder as we have been away from Malaysia for about 8 months now and we desperately miss the three Fs .... Family, Fellowship and ...Food.. (Having Pastor Micah using the <i>curry mee </i>illustration during his sermon certainly reignited my taste buds!).</div>
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I am reminded of the group of pastors, elders and deacons in CDPC who were instrumental in our local church life and the eventual decision to come to RTS here in Charlotte. Thank you for your investment into our lives and the Sunday service yesterday was a precious recollection of our moments of fellowship and service together for the Kingdom. Truly, he who loves Christ will also love the Body of Christ. When individual talents come together for the common cause of the Kingdom (especially in the present trying season), the world will "see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven" (Matthew 5:16). </div>
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CDPC Puchong, you have been a blessing to us and we pray that our covenantal God will work through you all and "in you all the familes of the earth shall be blessed" (Genesis 12:3). </div>
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Thank you for partnering with us in this journey of joy.</div>
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Joseph, Debra, Eliza & Eunice.</div>
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<br />Joseph Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11778133648118133098noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7126831692751072170.post-53852215041777249122020-03-20T21:12:00.000+08:002020-03-21T00:54:16.791+08:00Living on-the-line and online<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Greetings from Charlotte, North Carolina. As part of the seminary spring break, I was looking forward to coming back to KL last week for a client training assignment but my flight was cancelled due to the travel restrictions from the US authorities as the flight had to transit through Seoul, Korea. "Cancellation" is becoming a common byword in this trying season where events come to a standstill and people are forced to be still. In the case of my training session, it was reconverted to become an online one instead - spent the last three days staying up from 9.00pm to 5.00am in order to match the Malaysia time zone!</div>
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When spring break ends this Sunday, all my remaining classes for the semester will be conducted online. Being in the apartment together with my wife and daughter do make learning into a family project! Eliza's final semester in Asbury University has been converted into an online season as well and she is planning to come and stay with us next week, so our apartment here is being converted into the "Tan Family School" where everyone is a student (but who's paying the bills?, haha)! We are grateful that in this time of health crisis, while there is "social distancing", we have the opportunity to stick together as a family. <i>The Lord is faithful.</i></div>
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Our families back home in Malaysia is safe and healthy - we are thankful. During winter, it was about checking the temperature every day but now it is about checking the number of Covid-19 cases and all of what is happening seem so surreal. The community here is taking the situation seriously - the church service in Uptown has gone online and we are now in day 3 of a 14-day national "shut-down" ordered by the government. This common enemy has certainly united the politicians here and it is encouraging to see how the private and public sectors are working together. Eunice recently wrote a blog post about the current Covid-19 situation and what Psalm 1 has to say about it:</div>
<a href="http://toberadical.weebly.com/blog/dont-let-covid-19-take-over-your-life">http://toberadical.weebly.com/blog/dont-let-covid-19-take-over-your-life</a><br />
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Over the past two months we have been busy with Eunice's scholarship interview and competition preparations with 3 different universities and we praise the Lord for the positive results. We are in the midst of finalizing the application/acceptance and look forward to her "new life" starting this fall (August). Eliza, on the other hand is transiting to her "new life" in terms of looking for a job (she will be graduating in May). Debra and myself are looking forward to our "new life" as empty-nesters by then! Do pray for us as we go through these transition periods and be sensitive to the Lord's leading and direction. I can often be caught up with my own schemes that I do not seek the Lord as I ought (Proverbs 3:5-6). </div>
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Do pray also for a strong finish to this semester despite the health crisis situation. I am taking six subjects - Classics of Personal Devotion, Evangelism, Greek Exegesis, History of Christianity II, Christian Thought & Philosophy, Christian Encounter with Islam.</div>
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Thank you for partnering with us in this journey of joy.</div>
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Joseph & Debra.</div>
Joseph Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11778133648118133098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7126831692751072170.post-30810426335145002302020-01-08T10:23:00.000+08:002020-01-08T10:23:34.104+08:00First Sermon at Uptown Church<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Thank you for praying concerning my sermon preparation last month at Uptown Church. It was the concluding part of our series on the Book of Jonah and it was a great learning experience. I am especially grateful to my wife for assisting me by providing insightful feedback during the preparation process (revised the sermon outline twice based on her input). She is such a special gift!<br />
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Here's is the audio link to the sermon:<br />
<a href="https://www.uptownchurch.org/sermons/the-mission-and-the-missionary/">https://www.uptownchurch.org/sermons/the-mission-and-the-missionary/</a><br />
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Thank you for partnering with us in this journey of joy.<br />
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Joseph and Debra.Joseph Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11778133648118133098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7126831692751072170.post-80736765902863258122020-01-04T06:42:00.000+08:002020-01-04T06:42:16.872+08:00The Already and The Not YetWith the dawn of each new year, we get a step closer to the "not yet" - this world is not our home, but one day it will be. We live out our days in this sad world eagerly awaiting the new heaven and new earth - although Christmas is a reminder that the Kingdom of God is <i>already </i>inaugurated with the coming of Jesus Christ, the start of the new year is a yearning for the eventual consummation (the not yet).<br />
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What should our attitude be in this inter-advent period between the first coming of Jesus and the soon second coming? The apostle Paul in Romans 12:12 (ESV) has three precise exhortation:<br />
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<b><u>"Rejoice in hope"</u></b><br />
During the holiday season, joy and merry-making marks the atmosphere (and with Chinese New Year around the corner, it will also exude the same feelings too!). Yet, what is the source of our joy? Joy must be fueled with a source that is external to ourselves, a source that causes us to yearn for an eventual delightful outcome. In other words, repeated experiences of joy is rooted in a hope that is secure. That is the reason why Paul could trumpet confidently, "Rejoice in the Lord always, again I will say rejoice! (Philippians 4:4) - this despite the fact, he was writing from a prison cell.<br />
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When there is a lack of joy, do not ask - "Why am I sad?"- instead, reflect - "Where is my hope?". With each passing year, we who are Christ followers, have hope in that eventual reunion of all reunions in that blessed marriage supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19:9). My hope is in Jesus Christ who is the same yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews 13:8) This gives me reason to rejoice indeed!<br />
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<b><u>"Be patient in tribulation"</u></b><br />
One thing is for sure - there will be trouble in 2020. Despite all the well-intention wishes, difficulty and stress will come your way, for sure. The challenge of living in this "already and not yet" period of history is that God does not act according to my timetable and my milestones on how things should work out the way I expect it to work out! In fact, my period of testing and suffering seem to lengthen with each passing year. How can I be patient if I cannot see the light at the end of my tunnel?<br />
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When you are impatient, do not ask - "When is God going to fix this?" - instead, reflect - "What is God saying through all this?". It is not figuring out what God is doing but <i>what is He saying. </i>In every tribulation, we exercise patience not by gritting our teeth in a stoic posture but by removing all distractions that clogs up our spiritual ears. "God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pains" - C.S. Lewis. Do not underestimate the Lord's personal message to you in times of personal pain. He is patiently working out His will in your life (Philippians 2:13) - be patient and allow Him to continue constructing your character to the likeness of His Son (Romans 8:29).<br />
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<b><u>"Be constant in prayer"</u></b><br />
Prayer is one of those subjects that we talk so much about and yet act so little upon. I find it instructive that Paul here talks about <i>consistency </i>in praying rather than intensity in praying. Personally, I find it easier to attend an all-night prayer meeting (hoping to stock up my spiritual reserves for the year) compared to consistently praying and interceding for 30 minutes each day. Think about it - why does our new year joy fizzle out quickly and we become impatient at the first sign of impending tribulation? - could it be that we have neglected the devotion of prayer?<br />
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When the apostles were faced with increased leadership workload of the new church, their leadership decision was not to attend a time management course so that they can do more! On the contrary, they re-committed themselves to the basics and refuse to be distracted (even by worthwhile tasks). Instead of attempting to do more, the apostles wisely appointed seven deacons to take care of the pressing needs of the congregation while "we devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word" (Acts 6:4).<br />
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In your area of responsibilities, do not ask - "What can I do more of?" - instead, reflect - "How and who can I pray more for?" Your public life of ministry is only as strong as the private life of your prayers.<br />
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Trust that the exhortation from Paul to "rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation and be constant in prayer" will be a set of helpful watchwords for you as it has been for me.<br />
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Thanks for partnering with us in this journey of joy.<br />
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Joseph, Debra, Eliza & Eunice.Joseph Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11778133648118133098noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7126831692751072170.post-75886945473357358772019-12-16T01:48:00.000+08:002019-12-16T01:48:22.327+08:00Fall Semester is Done and Dusted!Whew! The final exams for the Fall semester ended 9.00pm, Dec 10th and it was a huge relief at the end of an arduous trek of reading assignments, theological papers, quizzes and written exams which started since August. Yet, this is only 1/6th of my journey here in RTS and there is more to come! However, I thank God for His daily sustenance and the opportunity to "be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth." (2 Timothy 2:15, NASB).<br />
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The day after the finals, we had a sumptuous Taiwanese lunch in the home of a couple who are our fellow RTS students. It was a delightful day of fellowship, playing games and sharing seminary studying tips. </div>
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Yesterday, we drove to Atlanta and reunited with Eliza at Grace Church where she helped conduct a workshop on cultural diversity - it is wonderful to be complete as a family again (she also just completed her exams!) and we will be taking the next few weeks to travel, visit friends, chill and be touristy. We are thankful for the connections Eliza made during her internship in Atlanta last summer.<br />
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Over the weekend here in Atlanta, we are staying in the home of Tom and Marilyn Reese - our long time friends through AiG (Anwers in Genesis - <a href="http://www.answersingenesis.org/">www.answersingenesis.org</a>). They hosted Eliza for her first Thanksgiving here in the US three years ago when she was a freshman - we are grateful for their heart of ministry and commitment to Kingdom building. </div>
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<b><u>Please pray for us</u></b></div>
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We will be on the road for the next week or so. Do pray for safety and favorable weather as we travel. In the midst of having fun, we are also seeking the Lord's direction for Eliza and Eunice as next year, one will graduate and the other entering college.</div>
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I have been given the opportunity to preach in Uptown Church on Dec 29th on Jonah 4:5-11. Please pray for my period of preparation that I may exegete true to the meaning of the text and be relevant in the application. </div>
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Will be taking three classes during the Winter break starting Jan 6th.</div>
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Thanks for partnering with us in this journey of joy.</div>
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Joseph, Debra, Eliza & Eunice. </div>
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Joseph Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11778133648118133098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7126831692751072170.post-17805122602196633512019-12-05T10:54:00.000+08:002019-12-05T11:06:42.713+08:00When God Wants to Drill a ManWhen God wants to drill a man<br />
And thrill a man<br />
And skill a man,<br />
When God wants to mold a man<br />
To play the noblest part;<br />
When He yearns with all His Heart<br />
To create so great and bold a man<br />
That all the world shall be amazed,<br />
Watch His methods, watch His ways!<br />
How He ruthlessly perfects<br />
Whom He royally elects!<br />
How He hammers him and hurts him,<br />
And with mighty blows converts him<br />
Into trial shapes of clay which<br />
Only God understands;<br />
While his tortured heart is crying<br />
And he lifts beseeching hands!<br />
How He bends but never breaks<br />
When his good He undertakes;<br />
How He uses whom He chooses<br />
And with every purpose fuses him;<br />
By every act induces him<br />
To try His splendour out -<br />
God knows what He's about!<br />
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(Author Unknown)Joseph Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11778133648118133098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7126831692751072170.post-80764327279599054622019-11-30T09:08:00.000+08:002019-11-30T09:08:29.535+08:00A List of Thanksgiving<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We had a wonderful time of Thanksgiving lunch fellowship yesterday with friends from Eunice's speech and debate club. Besides the sumptuous array of food (turkey, ham, chocolate turtle cheesecake, pumpkin pie, etc), we also enjoyed the conversation, the short hike around the neighborhood and opinions about American politics! We are truly the recipients of refreshing Christian hospitality, for this we are grateful (especially after a sustained period of studies and paper preparation!).<br />
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Since landing in Charlotte on July 12, we certainly have a lot to be thankful for:<br />
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<li>Friendship with Tommy Fuller who helped us to settle down in the first two weeks.</li>
<li>The band of brothers from Uptown Church who helped us with the move (heavy duty lifting up to the apartment). Also, for the gifts of household items and furniture to get us started.</li>
<li>The flexibility provided by RTS in allowing for my wife to audit the classes - it is such a wonderful blessing to have her as my classmate!</li>
<li>Eunice was really diligent in her preparation for SAT exam here in the US. Praise God for her good scores.</li>
<li>Opportunity to meet up with Eliza and connecting with her friends at Asbury University.</li>
<li>We have a car on loan to us for use till March next year.</li>
<li>Men/women mentoring groups at Uptown Church for my wife and I.</li>
<li>Uptown Church women bible study group for my wife.</li>
<li>A like-minded speech and debate student community for Eunice. </li>
<li>Opportunity for a corporate training program in KL. I now have one online coaching client.</li>
<li>Learning community and culture in RTS - have helped deepen my love for Word of God and the God of the Word.</li>
<li>Studying here in the US together with the family is fun! Can't imagine having to attend seminary on my own. The presence of my wife and daughter here is precious!</li>
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<b><u>Please pray for us</u></b><div>
I am now in the final two seeks of the Fall semester - that means paper submissions, reading assignments and exams! Feel like running in the last leg of the marathon, tired but looking forward to crossing the finishing line. Please pray for endurance, good health (lost my voice a week ago) and a sound mind.</div>
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We will be doing a few campus visits with Eunice next month. Do pray for wisdom in selecting the right university for her to attend next year. </div>
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Thank you for partnering with us in this journey of joy.</div>
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Joseph, Debra & Eunice.</div>
Joseph Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11778133648118133098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7126831692751072170.post-17101643419801603192019-10-30T10:11:00.000+08:002019-10-30T10:11:22.379+08:00Dr. Bill Mounce - Teacher & Translator<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Bill Mounce today who is a teacher and translator extraordinaire:</div>
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<li>He is the author of my Greek textbook in RTS.</li>
<li>He is the founder and president of <a href="http://biblicaltraining.org/">biblicaltraining.org</a></li>
<li>He is on the committee of Bible translation (NIV)</li>
<li>He was the New Testament chair of the ESV translation.</li>
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Yet, he spoke with the humility, like the heart of a shepherd who cares for his flock to be grazing on the words of truth and life. He challenged us - "<i>why are you in seminary?</i>" - your goal should be that when you leave seminary, <i>you have a deeper love for Jesus Christ. </i>I like how he summed up the outcome of seminary studies - it should lead me to have an <u>informed love</u> - growing to love the Lord with all of my heart, soul, strength and <u>mind</u>. (By the way, be sure to check out the FREE <a href="http://biblicaltraining.org/">biblicaltraining.org</a> website - it is a fantastic teaching resource!)<br />
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After speaking at the RTS Chapel, Dr. Mounce went on to share deeper insights on his role as a Bible translator. That left me with a greater appreciation for the various English translations out there and the different philosophy of translation (formal, function or natural). It is an amazing demonstration of how God inspires His Word through the means of using real people with real language and cultural context. Managed to be "thick-skinned" enough to raise my hand for a free copy of a personal sized Bible for my wife!</div>
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<b><u>Please pray for us</u></b></div>
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Thank you for praying for Eunice - we are pleased and thankful for her results. She just submitted her university applications and we plan to go on a campus visit road trip soon. Do continue to pray for wisdom in selecting the right university with the right environment for her to grow not only intellectually but more importantly in her faith and worldview.</div>
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The month of November is the last lap of this semester for me with a pile of research papers to write and exams to prepare for. Please pray for this <i>51-year-old-long-time-no-study-type-brain</i> to be able to rise up to the occasion and do my best not to compete but to complete it for God's glory and because I want to <u>love Him</u> with all of my mind!</div>
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Do pray for all three of us to be in good health as the cooler season approaches. We miss the warm fellowship with you guys at home!</div>
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Thank you for partnering with us in this journey of joy.</div>
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Joseph, Debra & Eunice.</div>
<br />Joseph Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11778133648118133098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7126831692751072170.post-74667051397525001102019-10-16T08:54:00.000+08:002019-10-16T08:54:23.192+08:00Grateful for Window of Providence<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We are grateful to God for His providence in supplying a three-day corporate training opportunity for me to return to Malaysia last week during the seminary fall break. The only setback was that I came home alone and had to leave my wife and daughter behind in Charlotte. On the other hand, it was also a wonderful journey for me to "cari makan" (find food) and stock up memories of mesmerizing meals before heading back to the books here in the US!<br />
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It was good to connect with people in the marketplace and although it was not direct Gospel preaching, I thoroughly enjoyed communicating truth principles in matters of communication, engagement and relationship. Ephesians 2:10 - "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared <u>beforehand</u> so that we would <u>walk</u> in them". God's sovereignty is such a reassuring truth that as I come to Him in my present moment, I can worship Him in perfect confidence that He knows what He is doing and has a plan at work. God is more actively involved in your life than you know! May we walk holding the Hand of Him who is already prepared beforehand.<br />
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<b><u>Please pray for us</u></b><br />
Thanks for praying for Eunice's SAT - she was happy with her US-experience. The next milestone is visiting several prospective universities and deciding the "good work" which the Lord had prepared for her. May we be sensitive to the Holy Spirit's guidance for Eunice.<br />
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This second part of the Fall Semester is filled with exams and research papers submission! Please pray for my wife and I as we prepare towards it. Time management and the discipline to study in a systematic and focused way is certainly needful.<br />
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Thank you for partnering with us in this journey of joy.<br />
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Joseph, Debra & Eunice.Joseph Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11778133648118133098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7126831692751072170.post-13525093524140024152019-09-28T12:35:00.000+08:002019-09-28T12:35:21.827+08:00From Theology to DoxologyIn the midst of quizzes, exams and research papers, it is easy to focus on completion rather than contemplation, work rather than worship. Am I stretched with the academic load here in RTS? Of course! However, the deeper question is - Are my studies leading me to a closer relationship with what I am studying or with <u>Who</u> I am studying? There is the temptation that since what I am reading is largely theological in nature, then I should be in good spiritual shape, right? Wrong.<br />
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<i>But his delight is in the law of the Lord</i> .. (Psalm 1:2). <i>In your presence, there is fullness of joy </i>(Psalm 16:11). Recently, I sense a real tug in my heart to begin delighting in the presence of my Creator, my Savior, my Comforter. Yes, there are the deadlines and assignments but am I operating from a position of rested joyfulness or restless juggling? When delight gives way to duty, then the books will feel heavy indeed. I am thankful that the professors here in RTS do make a conscientious effort to ask the "so what?" question and remind us about the WHO behind the what we are studying. Oh, how I need to regular remind myself about the state of my heart before the Lord and the temptation to run on empty, relying on my own strength and effort.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGzOWO3Xq5VapxQbH-n_GpZcYp6GXRJK0V7hC0J1e2Htx9GmN6N7iF-vO7rW0n7jG3NH8yYwhyyi_vrjRVRl8GncZHT1k1HttmVOVUPp1szb9480RfFu6vNjXnldZVbIcrRed11rCV950/s1600/190921-Panera+Study+Lunch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="558" data-original-width="992" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGzOWO3Xq5VapxQbH-n_GpZcYp6GXRJK0V7hC0J1e2Htx9GmN6N7iF-vO7rW0n7jG3NH8yYwhyyi_vrjRVRl8GncZHT1k1HttmVOVUPp1szb9480RfFu6vNjXnldZVbIcrRed11rCV950/s320/190921-Panera+Study+Lunch.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
During the weekend, we love to hunt for a place where we can brunch and then spend hours at the table catching up with our studies. We are in this amazing season in our lives where three of us are all students at the same time (and we enjoy the fellowship of this "suffering"). Of course, coffee, tea and regular snacks along the way helps too :-)<br />
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<b><u>Please pray for us</u></b><br />
Next week signals the start of the mid-term exams and also the start of research paper submission deadlines. Please pray that we will diligently steward the hours of the day and study systematically to cover the required essentials. Writing theological research papers is a new experience for me but I am looking forward to the challenge.<br />
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Eunice's SAT is next Saturday 5th Oct - please pray for her to be in good health and mental clarity. Please also pray for a new tenant for our house in Bandar Utama - we had an unreliable tenant who just moved out this month and we need a new one as soon as possible in order to lighten the load of our living expenses here in the US. Do let me know should you have anyone interested.<br />
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Thank you for partnering with us in this journey of joy.<br />
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Joseph, Debra & Eunice.Joseph Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11778133648118133098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7126831692751072170.post-83232788088541402942019-09-15T20:00:00.000+08:002019-12-02T20:50:11.814+08:00My Student Prayer Script<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Have started my internship duties at <a href="http://www.uptownchurch.org/">Uptown Church</a> focusing in the area of mercy ministry. The picture above is the internship-lunch-teaching session led by Ps Tom Hawkes and Ps Dave Kulp. The rest of us are the interns (of which I am obviously the oldest one ...). The lesson for us that day was - "What is a theologically-driven ministry?".<br />
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On a personal note, I have crafted a <b>prayer script</b> for myself to keep the main thing the main thing as I study in <a href="https://rts.edu/campuses/charlotte/">seminary</a> and not lose sight of the larger perspective. Hope it will be a blessing to you as well.<br />
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<i>O Lord, thank You for calling me to a life of ministry to serve you with the special gift granted through Your manifold grace (1 Pet 4:10). I am a servant of my Lord before I am a student of the institution (Ro 1:1). Before duty, is devotion. Before work, is worship. </i><br />
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<i>Renew a steadfast spirit within me (Ps 51:10) and grant me wisdom to complete (not compete) with endurance (Jam 1:4-5). Holy Spirit, use my assignments to create a thirst for the Presence of the Living God, a holy panting! (Ps 42:1-2). Unite my heart and guard me from distractions that I may fear Your Name (Ps 86:11). I cast my burden of anxious providence upon You (Ps 55:22) because You will grant me all things I need to abound in every good work (2 Cor 9:8). I rest in Your Faithfulness to bring to pass that which you have called me to (1 Thes 5:24). For our loved ones at home, we entrust them unto Your loving care.</i><br />
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<i>While I am here, I make every effort to present myself before God as a proven worker who has no need to be ashamed, but keeps the message of truth on a straight path (2 Tim 2:15).</i><br />
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<i>Fill me, O Spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding, in knowledge, and in excellence that I may fulfill the good work set aside for me in Jesus Christ (Ex 31:3, Eph 2:10).</i><br />
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<i>I serve You with the strength You supply so that my Lord Jesus Christ gets the glory (1 Pet 4:11). May I study not with the weariness of duty but with the wisdom of fearing You and obeying Your commandments (Ecc 12:12-13). Bless me with a mind for truth, a heart for God and a life of ministry. Be exalted, Lord Jesus Christ, My Beloved, My First Love.</i><br />
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- Revised Nov 30, 2019<br />
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<b><u>Please pray for us</u></b><br />
Eunice will be sitting for her SAT next month - please pray for her preparations in the midst of her school work that she will be able to rightly divide her time. Also, we will be making the university decision very soon as she is in her senior year at high school. Please pray for wisdom and clarity of direction.<br />
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During the Fall Break (Oct 7-11), I will be coming home to Malaysia to conduct a corporate client training session. Thank God for this providential opportunity in terms of easing our financial need. Please pray for me to be diligent in completing my seminary assignments/exams ahead of this training so that I will be in the right state of mind (mentally and physically) to deliver the content.<br />
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Thank you for partnering with us in this journey of joy.<br />
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Joseph, Debra & Eunice.Joseph Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11778133648118133098noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7126831692751072170.post-69243713238954497012019-09-01T20:32:00.000+08:002019-09-02T06:16:53.365+08:00Responding to God's Will"<i>For you have need of <u>endurance</u>, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised</i>" (<i>Hebrews 10:36</i>)<br />
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Often I have an image of blessed bliss when I think about being in the center of God's will. The author of Hebrews think otherwise - the will of God is not something that "happens to me", it requires my participation, it shapes my character, it molds my mindset. So, when I think about God's will for my life, I ought to consider in what areas are God wanting me to practice endurance, that which I should persist in doing and not give up? Sometimes, people may use the "will of God" to try something new or as an excuse to get out of something which is very troublesome. But the need for endurance could be the very thing the Doctor ordered!<br />
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"<i>And let endurance have its <u>perfect result</u>, that you many be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing</i>" (<i>James 1:4</i>)<br />
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We visited the Billy Graham Library about two weeks ago and written on Ruth Bell Graham's gravestone are these words - <i>End of Construction - Thanks for your patience".</i><br />
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Ruth saw this notice when she drove past an actual construction site and thought that this is such a precious reminder that God is still working in us while we are on this side of eternity. His will to shape us never stops - so, she immediately wanted this "signage" to be posted on her gravestone to mark the completion of God's work in her life (and His patience in shaping her)!<br />
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So, what do we do when the going gets tough - pray that God will give the wisdom to discern between the need for endurance and our inclination to look for excuses! Discover the Hand of the Great Constructor who is at work and you will be surprised at the long-term results He desires for you.<br />
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<b><u>Please pray for us</u></b><br />
Debra and myself need to be practicing endurance as we go through the rudiments of classes, assignments, research papers, etc. Although we are "soaking in" all the good learning stuff of seminary but we need to continuously be on guard to have the mindset of a "excellent completer", not just an "enthusiastic starter".<br />
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Also, this week I plan to put a diligent effort to kick-start (and maintain) my online coaching services. This is a needed effort as this will help to offset our living expenses here in the US. Please pray for God's wisdom and guidance so that I will rightly divide my time between studies, internship and also this online coaching service.<br />
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Thank you for partnering with us in this journey of joy.<br />
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Joseph, Debra & Eunice.Joseph Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11778133648118133098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7126831692751072170.post-58894605290836445312019-08-17T23:57:00.000+08:002019-08-17T23:57:59.899+08:00To Thrust and Trust<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Well, the day finally came! - the final day of my grueling three week long Greek summer class. The above is the picture of how the class looked like before the final test paper was handed out. Reading the New Testament in its original language has heightened my appreciation of what it means to "rightly divide" the Word of God - not according to my own preference, but in the context by which it was first written.</div>
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On another note, we are so, so happy to meet up with Eliza, our eldest who came to visit us after her summer internship - indeed the joy of reunion is quite indescribable! This is an amazing season in our lives where the four of us are all students at the same time (Debra will be attending a few classes as well)! This is such a God-given opportunity - especially for my wife and I - to deepen our roots in Scripture which is profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:17). We took a drive from Charlotte to Wilmore, Kentucky on Friday to send Eliza back to Asbury University where she will begin her fourth and final year. Praise God for His faithfulness!</div>
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<b><u>Please pray for us</u></b></div>
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We are now quite settled down in our apartment here in Strawberry Hill, Charlotte and am starting to get used to the US-life routine. Thanks for praying for us.</div>
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Do pray for us in the area of regular financial support - we have a tenant who will be moving out end of this month and thereafter, the rental income will stop. Also, my online coaching project is not kicking off as expected. Hence, the cash flow visibility is not as clear as we planned initially. As we thrust ahead with fulfilling God's calling for us, we also aim to trust Him with all our hearts, leaning not on our own understanding but to acknowledge Him in all of our ways (Proverbs 3:5,6). </div>
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Classes will begin 21 August and there are many more subjects to look forward to!</div>
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Thank you for partnering with us in this journey of joy. </div>
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Joseph, Debra & Eunice.</div>
Joseph Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11778133648118133098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7126831692751072170.post-32400276449796225692019-08-04T20:39:00.002+08:002019-08-05T04:56:44.593+08:00Pressing the "Reset"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We have just completed 3 weeks here in Charlotte, North Carolina and it feels like 3 months! Starting life from scratch - things which we take for granted back home like home furnishings, utilities, stationeries, vehicle, business income, driver's license, etc - are now basically reset to start all over again. In fact, my wife and I feel like a newly married couple :-)<br />
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We are thankful for the many helps received from brothers and sisters at <a href="https://www.uptownchurch.org/">Uptown Church</a>, we have now lived one week in our rented apartment which is about 6-7 minutes drive away from the seminary. Here is our address and contact:<br />
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5142 Strawberry Hill Drive, Apartment B<br />
Charlotte NC 28211<br />
Mobile : 980.337.0058 (Joseph) <br />
Mobile : 980.365.1615 (Debra)<br />
We are still contactable via our usual WhatsApp numbers in Malaysia.<br />
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Major accomplishment this week - completed my GREEK 1 class!! This is an intense summer class which kicks off my 3-year M.Div program and I have never felt so helpless before in a class - learning all the basics of a new language (a huge "reset" for me!) - nominative, genitive, dative, accusative, grammar, transliteration, translation, etc...To keep us on our toes, there are the daily quizzes, weekly exams and research assignment - everyday of the week from July 29 to August 15. The official Fall term starts August 21.<br />
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On another note, we are extremely proud of Eunice who is making personal effort to settle into a new place, new environment, new friends ... and also with a <u><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VZpfNlhvBIs">new song</a></u> which she wrote to capture here "feelings of transition" and "memories" as she moves from Kota Kemuning to Charlotte. Click her YouTube video below for an "open-mic" event that she herself signed up for and perform live in a public food market place.<br />
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I need to stay strong for week-2 of GREEK 1 (yes, there is also GREEK 2 and GREEK Exegesis coming up later on). Pray that while there are the vocabularies, grammar, declensions, etc to memorize, I will keep the big picture in mind as to <b>why </b>I am doing what I am doing. It is easy to get overwhelmed with the details and forgetting the direction.</div>
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"Resetting" life again requires the careful management of finances (we are thankful for the used things that we have received from friends and also the availability of thrift stores). Please pray that we will be wise in terms of stewarding our expenses. Have yet to purchase a used car - thankful that we currently have a vehicle on loan to us from an elder at Uptown Church. Oh yes, praise God that I now finally have my official North Carolina driver's license yesterday (after some immigration paperwork problem).</div>
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Please pray also that we will settle into a life-routine soon (everyday, there seem to be something missing in the house that we need to buy, etc) and moving from a business to a student mindset is not as straightforward as I thought :-)</div>
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Thank you for partnering with us in this journey of joy. </div>
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Joseph, Debra & Eunice.Joseph Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11778133648118133098noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7126831692751072170.post-47205985885097228922019-07-14T20:30:00.001+08:002019-07-15T07:53:04.864+08:00Going Growing..Glowing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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After close to 3 hours delay at JFK (plus another 2 hours being questioned at immigration on details of our study programs), we arrived 10.30pm, Friday 12 July in Charlotte. Having Tommy Fuller and Daniel McNamee from Uptown to meet us at the airport was certainly a welcoming sight! <b>As we go</b>, we are thankful that <b>we can also grow</b> into relationships to be formed here, not only just in the seminary but also with the church community.<br />
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Thanks to those who came to send us off at KLIA, we are grateful for your encouragement, wishes and prayers.<br />
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Thank also to the CDPC community who gave us a hearty send-off last Sunday - a precious reminder that we are part of the Body of Christ and <b>as we go and grow, we are to also glow</b> in service unto Christ who is the Head of the Church. Amen.</div>
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<b><u>Please pray for us</u></b></div>
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We visited a few apartments yesterday near the seminary and found one that we like. May make a decision to go for that one - please pray that we will have the insights to consider all relevant factors and take the right steps going forward.</div>
Joseph Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11778133648118133098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7126831692751072170.post-88627981201326946522019-07-08T16:47:00.000+08:002019-07-08T16:56:13.114+08:00Plurality of Leadership<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Serving is fun when we serve together! One leadership culture in CDPC is the plurality of leadership where there is no one dominant voice that "superstars" the church but an active listening and deliberation that honors one another as a fellow members of the Body of Christ. That means we only have One Head - Jesus Christ Himself. I will certainly miss those "arm-wrestling" and "planking" moments when we were not only busy planning but also mindful to have fun as well!<br />
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It is true - you cannot love Jesus Christ without also loving His Bride, the Church - the Body of believers of whom He gave His life for. To the pastors, elders and deacons - you are indeed our glory and our joy!<br />
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<b><u>Please pray for us</u></b><br />
We are only days away from 11 July - all this seems so unreal, we are so busy packing and prepping that we don't even have much time to even feel what's going on! Please pray for my time of internship at Uptown Church (assigned to be part of the mercy ministry team) that the Lord will further clarify His calling for my wife and I as to how we can best fit to serve in the Body of Christ. Also we hope to be able to quickly locate a suitable apartment to rent (near the seminary) when we touch down on 12 July.<br />
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Joseph & Debra.</div>
<br />Joseph Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11778133648118133098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7126831692751072170.post-44056784004746641912019-07-02T09:14:00.001+08:002019-07-02T09:14:31.053+08:00Internship at Uptown Church<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We are blessed to be in fellowship with Pastor Micah and Blair who gave us helpful insights into life in Charlotte and more importantly, what it means to be part of the local church community. Specifically, I am looking forward being on staff at <a href="https://www.uptownchurch.org/">Uptown Church</a> as an intern - serving in the mercy ministry. To me, studying in <a href="https://rts.edu/campuses/charlotte/">RTS</a> is more than just sticking my nose into piles of books and lecture notes but getting involved in the lives of people - the members of the Body of Christ.</div>
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We thank you for Pastor Micah and Blair who has gone before us in that journey and we look to them as our guides even when we are in the US. We are grateful for our family-to-family fellowship and bonding!</div>
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Pray for us to be intentional in connecting with the local church community in Uptown as we find our fit in the Body of Christ. We would certainly like to serve in our area of gifting and yet at the same time be open for exposure to learn from a wider perspective of ministry as well.</div>
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Oh yes, we are only about a week away from departure - 11 July, 8.50pm. Pray for energy and wisdom as we tie the "loose ends' and pack the boxes!</div>
<br />Joseph Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11778133648118133098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7126831692751072170.post-10812879747285081802019-06-24T23:25:00.000+08:002019-06-24T23:25:01.277+08:00Grateful for Connection (and Tips)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We met up with Hann Yang and his wife Hazel on 19 June - a wonderful time of fellowship as Hann Yang is a RTS alumni who did his M.Div a few years ago. In addition, he went to RTS together with his wife and four children - so, they definitely had a lot of tips for us (which includes where to eat, how to order real Chinese food and satisfy our Asian cravings!). Also, we found out that there are "past year papers" to study in order to prepare for the driving test in North Carolina :-)</div>
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As we get closer to catching our flight to Charlotte (17 more days to go), we certainly appreciate the divine appointments and connections along the way. This brief meet-up is a wonderful reminder that to travel far, we must travel together as a community. </div>
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<b><u>Please pray for us</u></b></div>
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This is a crucial week for me as I focus on transiting some of the business that I do from off-line to on-line (since I will not be able to conduct my coaching and training sessions in person anymore). We are also sorting out what to pack and what <u>not</u> to pack, so plenty of deliberating (and also discovery of things we never though we had!) - certainly need to stay focus and make sure that the we bring along only what is essential.</div>
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Thanks for partnering with us in the work of the Gospel.</div>
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Joseph & Debra.</div>
<br />Joseph Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11778133648118133098noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7126831692751072170.post-53585176004146167112019-06-16T06:59:00.000+08:002019-06-16T06:59:30.385+08:00Going and Trusting<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I remember when my parents saw me off to study in Singapore - they were worried about my welfare. Now, the roles are reversed - my wife and I now are concerned about our parents' welfare as we go overseas for studies the second time. We thank the Lord for caring for us through our parents and how the amazing grace of God works all things for the good of accomplishing His purpose in our lives.<br />
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While we "go", there will also be the tug in our hearts towards home and when that tug is strong, that is when the "trust" needs to come in. Trusting that the Lord will continue to protect and preserve our parents, to turn their hearts towards the Lord Jesus Christ, the author and perfecter of our faith.<br />
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<b><u>Please pray for our parents</u></b><br />
My mom is a believer while Debra's parents have yet to know the Lord. Please pray first and foremost that the message of the Gospel will continue to be deposited in their heart of hearts, that the Holy Spirit will regenerate them towards repentance. We are thankful to God that there are no major health issues, yet we do not want to be presumptuous but continue to be vigilant in praying for God's preserving grace to be upon them.<br />
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We appreciate your partnership & support.<br />
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Joseph & Debra.Joseph Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11778133648118133098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7126831692751072170.post-82805584633589270462019-06-09T22:39:00.000+08:002019-06-09T22:39:08.711+08:00Relocation and Refreshment<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwKqrN0UcfBNNlbNJEa4BOAYvVTX4Am7cBJ-GpaCFeX-GQRRh0PQyI424sGloLqakP7hV1Ta-0h_DHA8hKF183AtnmkJKqzRvjsHCD0VipBTupbKXh0qWMFGBEyzv1OvZl1ohszRZjbe4/s1600/190609-Skipper+Handover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwKqrN0UcfBNNlbNJEa4BOAYvVTX4Am7cBJ-GpaCFeX-GQRRh0PQyI424sGloLqakP7hV1Ta-0h_DHA8hKF183AtnmkJKqzRvjsHCD0VipBTupbKXh0qWMFGBEyzv1OvZl1ohszRZjbe4/s320/190609-Skipper+Handover.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgle2yR370KHdI5AT4dwLdoy3fIokTBtVr_y3hKfDhdeoZRT0S9JK8EfT0HLisZYRhJKOWbG6GhViCYFTE6BLlqIdXd1oTSaFXqOFHBqVABzKuBXUphv7zWAbRb_UhDxx2-TIE6SNGWd5E/s1600/190609-Skipper+New+Home.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="744" data-original-width="992" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgle2yR370KHdI5AT4dwLdoy3fIokTBtVr_y3hKfDhdeoZRT0S9JK8EfT0HLisZYRhJKOWbG6GhViCYFTE6BLlqIdXd1oTSaFXqOFHBqVABzKuBXUphv7zWAbRb_UhDxx2-TIE6SNGWd5E/s320/190609-Skipper+New+Home.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This time of transition involves even the life of our dog of 9 years - Skipper - who has been with us every since he was a pup. Initially, we were skeptical whether if anyone would want to adopt an old dog but after my wife placed the online ad, two calls came on the same day and with seven more inquiry the next five days or so!</div>
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We had the joy of handing over Skipper to a family from Batu Pahat with four young children who recently lost their family dog and Skipper came in just at the right time to fill up the void. What is a relocation for us becomes a refreshing blessing for another!</div>
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<b><u>Please pray for us</u></b></div>
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We are now about 30 days away from the 11th July departure to Charlotte, North Carolina. We sure do hope that our relocation will be a refreshing blessing to the people and families we meet! We are thankful that we have a place to stay (with a deacon from Uptown Church) for a month when we arrive. Do pray for the Lord's favor as we look for an apartment to rent near the seminary. Our budget is tight - so, every little bit counts!</div>
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Once again, we appreciate your partnership in our joyous journey ahead!</div>
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Joseph & Debra.</div>
<br />Joseph Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11778133648118133098noreply@blogger.com0