Convocation

From 8-10 August, it was a time of celebration for many graduates in UTHM. Among those who graduated, Melissa, Adrian, Gideon and Graig. As a CG, we celebrated this special occassion with them (though Graig was not able to return for the convo), to congratulate and appreciate them for what they've labored in the past years.

As I looked back, I really thank God for each of their lives. This convocation was very special to me since 3 of my sheep (Adrian, Gideon, Graig) graduated at the same time. Seeing them graduate reminds me of a father finally letting his children go after they grow up. The 3 of them were in fact the 3 sheep that I "brought up" personally. Of course, it's God who was at work. What I'm saying is that I truly have deep thoughts and feelings as I "watched" them grow up and then graduate.

I believe that none of them would have ever thought they'd be where they are today. They would have never thought that entering UTHM in 2005, they'd be in God's BEST plan - in His vision. Most people graduate with only a certificate and some memorable experiences. I believe you all graduated not only with these but also with a vision and have made a diff in so many people's lives!


Adrian

I could remember exactly the very first time you joined us, during an outing to Punggor for BBQ. It was Graig who invited you. As you continued to join us, I believe you had a tough time, especially with me being your shepherd. I could remember clearly the whole event when I went to your house on a Fri afternoon to discuss about certain issues. It must have been tough for you when I "chased" you off. There were also other occassions where we ended our conversation in a not so good manner. I thank God that you hung on. Indeed His grace is always sufficient. I believe it was during those times that you really trusted God and seeked Him. Else I don't think I'd be seeing you here today.

Thank you very much for your life. Thanks for making a difference not only in my life, but in others as well... the core team, Jingzu, Kok Chen and many others.

I've grown a lot through shepherding you. I hope that those memorable experiences will help you to continue to move forward to fulfil God's vision.


Gideon

You wouldn't have imagined at all being where you are today. You would have never dreamed of becoming a Christian when entering UTHM. Indeed God has a great plan for you.

With a simple visitation to your hostel by Bro John, today you are fulfilling God's vision, even in KK. I could remember how Bro John followed up on you without fail and later when he grad, I took over his job. You were the very first person that I followed up who accepted Christ! It was a very touching moment to see you accept Christ during Hope BP's 10th anniversary and later in 31 Aug 2006, you were baptised. As I continue to shepherd you, it was really like bringing up a child, from infant to adult....(as if I've got experience...haha). Wathcing you grow spiritually from a new believer to becoming involve in ministry and then in the core team and later be a shepherd was wonderful. Through the years, I grow up a lot as well. I remember how you were so hungry for God's Word and asked me so many questions. I hope that the fire and passion in you only keep on increasing.

Thanks for being a great encouragement to me. I'm always thankful to God whenever I think of you. Your life truly help me to see that this vision is so REAL! Life impart life. I believe that your life will continue to make a difference in other lives, no matter where you go! Be faithful to fulfil God's vision til the very end.


Graig

My very first Bumi sheep. I could remember exactly the very first time I met you as well. We met up at Arked for breakfast. I was so excited, knowing that you're from Hope. Indeed God had such a great plan for you.

I was very encouraged to see how you responded to this vision. You were the very frist from your batch to do so, though you're not a Chinese but in a majority Chinese church. You paved the way for more Bumi students to come in. Your willingness to learn and go beyond boundaries have in fact helped you grown a lot. Not only so, I saw how God raised you up from being a follow upper to a shepherd and later a CL. It must have been quite challenging for you but you overcame all those and I see how you made a difference in so many of our lives in the CG. One of the most obvious one is Alix. Till now, he keeps mentioning about you once in a while.

Time past so fast. Now you're already working. I hope that you'd remain faithful to this vision till the very end. Know that God will lead you and guide you. Let nothing hinder you from fulfiling God's vision and plans. Whatever that you've gone through in the past - successes and failures - God is preparing you for a greater task for the future. As long as you hold on to Him and His promises, He'll lead you to the right path.


Lastly for all of you, be like Paul who was obedient to the vision given to him by God, for he said, "So then, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the vision from heaven." Ac 26:19


SuNnY