Say G'day to Ken, Chloe and April

Kenneth, Chloe & April Chloe & April

Kenneth

1. What do you like to do for leisure?

April: I watch the "Iron Chef"… it’s highly entertaining & “tastes profound”

Kenneth: I like to take a quiet stroll in the park with Chloe, marvelling at the beauty that surrounds...and looking at Chloe marvel at simple things, that we take for granted.

2. If you could be anyone in the world for one day, who would you be and why?

April: I’d like to be Kenneth, just for a day. Just so that I can see the world from his perspective and so be less impatient with him.

Kenneth: Model answer = Jesus. Because he is the perfect man.

3. If you were an animal, what would you be and why?

April: A bird – for the opportunity to view the world from up there and the experience of being free to soar the heights.

Kenneth: A polar bear cub, so I can snuggle up polar bear mum’s warm tummy.

4. Tell us what it was like growing up in Singapore? What do you miss most about Singapore?

April: I absolutely loved my childhood!! I remember playing make-believe (masak-masak) with my neighbour, and meeting up with my cousins every weekend at grandma’s. That’s the bit that I miss so much now – not being able to meet up with members of my extended family.

Kenneth: When I was growing up in Singapore; I would look forward to watching cartoons, especially “Transformers”, in the evenings. In the afternoons however, I would play football and chinese chess with my neighbourhood “gang”. I miss chilling out with my best friends, sipping iced mocha in a café and philosophizing about life...

5. How have you found adjusting to life in Sydney?

April: Surprisingly challenging!! I didn’t think that it would be difficult, given that I had been here several times before, on holidays. But living in a place, is quite different to being a tourist on holidays. Some of the adjustments have been – getting used to shops closing early & on weekends. The other thing, is that many places are only accessible by car.

Kenneth: I enjoy the vast blue skies, generous open spaces and unhurried time, to savour God’s blessings of simple pleasures

6. How did you become a Christian? Share with us your joys and difficulties.

April: It’s a pretty amazing story!! I still marvel at how God reaches even me!! My babysitter is a Christian who had a great influence on my conversion. Despite growing up in a Buddhist family, my mum enrolled me into Christian schools – both kindergaten & primary. My babysitter probably played a big part in that decision. With mum’s permission, I also went to church with my babysitter. It was through those visits to church and through school; that I came to hear the gospel message and decided to take that step of faith when I was aged10.It’s been a joy and privilege to participate in God’s works of miracles. Let me explain. Out of my extended family, only four of my other cousins were Christians (at one point). But even so, we were the minority who attended church.

My Grandpa is a Buddhist, and so is the larger extended family. In the year when my grandma fell very ill, there was a major fallout amongst my mum’s siblings. It was then, that the three of us cousins, decided to meet up to pray for grandma & our family’s salvation.

We continued to meet up during the year, asking God for this one request. That year, my eldest aunt came to know the Lord. It was dramatic, she removed the idols she had in her house and her whole family came to believe. The next year, my other aunt, my mum, grandma, grandpa followed her decision to become Christians.

The year after, another aunt who had been living in Adelaide returned to Singapore for a visit. She saw such a transformation in grandpa’s heart that she attended an Alpha group upon her return to Australia. She too, after a period of investigation and questioning, has come to knowlege and salvation in the Christ. It had been an extraordinary journey of God’s hand, acting upon the little faith of His children!!

Kenneth: Being brought up in a sterile Christian environment, it was not until high school when I realized that there were more non-christians than there were Christians. It was not ‘cool’ to be a Christian in a boys school, there was a stereotype of Christians as ‘squares’. Thankfully, there were a bunch of Christians in class who were not afraid to appear "unkool" by joining the Christian fellowship in school. Reluctantly, I joined them; and through our mutual exploration of life questions, found answers in Christ and grew in our faith together. They are now my life friends who continue to hold me accountable to Christ.

7. What is your day time job?

April: Stay home mum

Kenneth: Business Analyst

Say G'day to Brian & Julie

Brian & Julie

Brian
Julie

1. What do you do for leisure?

Brian: Whenever possible, I catch up on reading; especially biographies.

Julie: I enjoy the theatre,ballet,music performances and gardening

2. If you could be anyone for a day, who would you be and why?

Brian: Richard Branson of Virgin fame. He is always up to something challenging.

Julie: I'd like to be someone brilliant and creative like Steven Spielberg .It would be amazing to be able to make great movies and entertain and touch people.

3. If you could describe yourself as an animal, what would you be and why?

Brian: An Arabian stallion. Strong, disciplined and good looking.

Julie: I'd like to be a migratory bird of any sort so that I can escape the winter of the hemispheres!

4. How did you come to Cornerstone @ North? Any comments about our church?

Brian: Through the Marr family. Cornerstone@north is a warm and friendly church. The preaching and teaching is great, and the leadership is also great. I would like to see abit more passion during the worship in songs.

Julie: Through Luan and Wayne's invitation from time to time.I'm still getting used to the worship in songs and the congregation but am really enjoying the preaching so far.

5. How did you come to faith in Christ? Or if you are still searching...how far have you come in your investigation/search of the truth of the gospel?

Brian: I was born into a Roman Catholic family, but was "born again" 25 years ago, through the witness of some friends who showed through their lives; the true meaning of having a relationship with Jesus.

Julie: I was saved in a Methodist church as a teenager in Penang.

6. Who is a big influence in your life and why?

Brian: God is my biggest influence, for sure. His love for the world and for me in particular. He’s a great God.

Julie: My mother was a single mum who sacrificed a lot for her children. She inspired me to aim high and rise above our circumstances .She allowed me to attend church even though she was a Buddhist. She had a vision of Christ shortly before she died. It wd be fabulous if i see her again in heaven!

7. What are the challenges you face each day (if any) How can we pray for you?

Brian: Running and developing my business and keeping a close knit family.

Q 8. Were you born in Sydney or Australia? If not, where were you born and what do you miss most about your homeland?

Brian: I was born in Malaysia, and I miss my family, in particular; my siblings and cousins.

Julie: I was born in Penang,Malaysia. I migrated to Sydney 21 years ago and do not particularly miss anything, as I don't particularly agree with the politics in Malaysia. However, I do miss my old friends and relatives

Q 9. What do you think are people's perception of you?

Brian: I’d like to think I’m an open and friendly person but its probably exactly the opposite.

Julie: I haven't got a clue what people's perception of me is, but hopefully; I am likeable enough, so that people would want to get t to know me on a deeper level.

Welcoming Lunch & Snap shots for the day (Parts 1-5) 20th May 2007

Kenneth & Justin, getting to know each other
A wonderful meal of Chicken Curry, Satays, Beef Rendang, Chicken Wings, Vegetables, Bread Rolls and Rice
Yummy food, Cosy house, sweet fellowship...Perfect!

The welcoming committee, under the leadership of Wayne, held a welcoming lunch for the newcomers to
Cornerstone@north on 20th May 2007, at Robert & Sharon's (after our church service)

Praise God for the turn out! Forty people turned up, consisting of both new comers and members of the committee.
We had a little "icebreaker" before lunch, where we had to form a circle, in order of age (really Wayne!!...we know you're a golden oldie! ha..) and we were to find out three things about a person we didn't know.

We shared a scrumptious lunch of curry chicken, satays, chicken wings (provided by Shirley) and Beef Rendang cooked by Wayne (his very first attempt)!! It was such a great effort, I scored it an 8 out of 10! The food was delicious!! Afterwards we were treated to delectable desserts of egg tarts, little mini custard tarts, fruit, sponge and butter cake and chocolate mousse cake!! YUM!

People gathered in groups to chat, sit back, relax, have a go at table tennis & football, or strum on the guitar. It was a lovely time of sweet fellowship!! We trust that the newcomers felt welcomed and comfortable, "hanging" with us; and being part of our family at Cornerstone@north.

It was a wonderful day and we praise God for His grace and faithfulness!! Without the love of Christ and the purposes that He has called us for, we would be doing this, and everything else, in vain. We are also grateful to everyone who contributed in one way or another.

(PLEASR SCROLL DOWN FOR MANY MORE SNAP SHOTS OF THE DAY)

Snap shots from "Welcoming" Lunch (Continued) 20th May 2007

May Hsin, Sunny & Jane
Roger, Charis & Robert
Erica, Tina & Rachel
Gar & Beth (Aw..don't they look like sisters?)
Luan, Julianna, Ken & Chloe

Snap shots from "Welcoming" Lunch (Continued) 20th May 2007

Beth, Sarah, Rachel
Hehe...let's see who can pull the silliest face!!



Brendan and Mitch "looking cool"
The elder and the minister "trying" to look kool!

Snap shots from "Welcoming" Lunch (Continued) 20th May 2007

Mitch and Brendan..."let the good times roll!"
Ivor and Wayne, relaxed and contented after a beautiful lunch
"Spectators" to the table tennis games :P
April and Sharon

Jane, Sunny, Grace, Florianna (sharing a joke)

Snap shots from "Welcoming" Lunch (Continued) 20th May 2007

Gar being challenged to table tennis, with CS "coaching" on the side!
Sidney with his "magic" moves
Justin in a contemplative mood, waiting for a ball to be thrown at him
Mitch, Jared and Brendan "chilling"
Sarah ready to take on Beth!

Spotlight on David Lam

David Lam

Crossed-eyed David :P

1. What do you do for leisure?

I am a big tennis fan, as most may not know, I like to have a hit of it with my friends when I have time and I follow all the main tournaments. I am also a big soccer fan, but I only watch the matches nowadays, I haven’t played soccer since high school. Ever since arriving in Australia, I have developed an interest in exploring new places, but having been here for 3.5 years now, I think I’ve been to most places around Sydney already.

2. If you could be anyone for a day, who would you be and why?

I would be Roger Federer (for those who may not know him, he’s probably the all-time best tennis player in the world) I guess it's related to my interest in tennis again. I reckon that doing something you like as a professional is really great. Besides, as a professional tennis player, there are many opportunities to travel to many places around the world, competing in different tournaments.

3. If you could describe yourself as an animal, what would you be and why?

I don’t know, maybe I would be a horse, I think the picture of a horse running on the green green grass and with a clear blue sky as the background is very beautiful, it also gives me a sense of freedom.

4. Were you born in Australia? If not, where were you born and what do you miss most about your homeland?

I was born in Hong Kong and have lived there for all my life, before coming to Australia. I think I miss the shops most, the large variety of shops and department stores. Besides they close late every night.

5. What do you think are people's perception of you?

I think people generally think that I’m quiet (I hope others don’t find me too boring!), especially in Australia, after all, English is not my native language. For those who know me well, they would probably think that I’m easy going, reliable and a good listener. Many of my friends feel comfortable sharing with me more about their personal issues.

6. How did you come to Cornerstone @ North? Any comments about our church?

Believe it or not, I saw the banner (from my bedroom window) and walked straight in, without anyone introducing it to me. That was when the church had not come up with its new name yet and was at the old site in North Ryde (which was just opposite where I’ve been living now).

I feel that our church is a really warm and welcoming church, especially more so, when I first came to the church, (when the size of the church was less than half of the size of it is now). I was really impressed by the willingness of some people in the church to reach out to get to know me. Personally I feel that it would greatly impact people's decisions to come back again, as they feel welcomed.

7. How did you come to faith in Christ? Or if you are still searching...how far have you come in your investigation/search of the truth of the gospel?

My mum is a Christian, and so I was baptized when I was a baby. However, Christ wasn't the main part of my life, until I came Cornerstone@north. I would say it’s a gradual process though, after the ‘Introducing God’ series and some individual studies with Sidney, I decided to accept Christ into my life. I’m glad that I did go to a Christian primary school, from which I learned of the miraculous things that Jesus Christ did on earth. Morever, I had visited several churches on and off, in the past; and hearing the gospel again, made alot more sense.

8. Who is a big influence in your life and why?

I think different people played different roles in the different stages of my life, so I can’t pick anyone in particular. Perhaps my parents, because I spent more time with them, than anyone else. They are both hard workers and I think I imitate them unconsciously. Spiritually, my mum may not be the best example to follow as a Christian, nonetheless, she often encourages me through her prayers for me and continues to encourage me to be dependent on God.

9. What are the challenges you face each day (if any) How can we pray for you?

The challenges I face each day, especially for this year, is to balance my studies and part-time work, (because my parents are no longer able to subsidise my living expenses here); while still be able to find time to spend with God in the reading of His word and in prayer.

Spotlight on Tina Yang

Tina Yang

1. What do you do for leisure?

I love reading, shopping with my girlfriends andwatching movies.

2. If you could be anyone for a day, who would you be and why?

I would still be myself because from the day God chose me, I have been very thankful that I am who I am, although sometimes I do things which did not please God, but I am trying each day to be more and more the person that He wants me to be.

3. If you could describe yourself as an animal, whatwould you be and why?

I would say a sheep, I was born in the Year of the Sheep, and I think that I am a quiet and gentle person.

4. Were you born in Australia? If not, where were youborn and what do you miss most about your homeland?

I was born in Northeast China. There are so many things that I miss:

I miss my mum's cooking and gathering with all my family, and the thing I miss the most, are the freezing winters..mainly because I haven't been back during winter for almost 3 years now.

5. What do you think are people's perception of you?

I am not exactly sure, but I believe most of my friends think of me as an easy-going person.

6. How did you come to Cornerstone @ North? Do you have any comments about our church?

I came to Cornerstone @ North with Stephen Liew. My first impression of this church was a small, but warm church; much like a family. Now, as I know more and have grown in fellowship with the people here, I have found that it is a really great place for me to grow in Christ as a new Christian.

7. How did you come to faith in Christ? Or if you arestill searching...how far have you come in yourinvestigation/search of the truth of the gospel?

When I arrived in Australia, I had the chance to listen to the gospel, and to know and understand, that God loves us unconditionally. What He did for me in providing Jesus as my Saviour, also impacted me greatly.

As an international student with family far away, it gets quite lonely at times. I know the feeling of not having someone around to talk to, or to seek advice or help from. God is the only one who is around me, carrying my burdens and loving me 24 hours a day and 7 days a week.

However, the people whom I have met in the church and the way they live their lives and the great joy they have; made me ask questions and I started searching. When I realised that God is really the only true God who loves me, I made my decision to trust in Him, and to put my life in His hands. After nearly three years since I took that step of faith, I have found that becoming a Chrisitian is the best decision I have ever made in my life, and I will never regret it.

8. Who is a big influence in your life and why?

More than one particular person has influenced my life.My dad, who never gives up, even though he faces many difficulties in his life; my mum who has been sacrificially supporting dad's work and my studies; Lyn, who loves God and sacrifices time discipling people; and our God and Saviour who has shown me the real meaning of my life here in the world.

9. What are the challenges you face each day (if any)How can we pray for you?

The quiet times that I should reserve for God everyday. I struggle at times because of my laziness.Sometimes, I do things which I know do not please God and have to ask for God's forgiveness. Please pray that I will do less and less of these things that displease God.

Please pray for my spiritual walk with God and also pray for my family who are still lost. Please pray for opportunities to talk about the gospel and wisdom for the right words to say.

Rev Ying Yee on discipleship

Rev Ying Yee being interviewed
Some candid shots of Ying Yee

Ying Yee and CS

Reverend Ying Yee of Chinese Christian Church was the guest speaker at Cornerstone@north today (13th May 2007~ Mother's day). He spoke on discipleship and based his talk on Colossians 1:24-29.

It was a really powerful exhortation on discipleship and here are some excerpts to his talk:

Rev.Ying Yee quoted Winston Churchhill:

"The main thing is that the main thing remains the main thing"

What are the main things for us? What is the main thing that drives us, motivates us, and is our goal and priority?

"We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. To this end I labour, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me" (v 28-29)

Paul's priority was to present people perfect in Christ. He would not be content, short of seeing people becoming more and more perfect in Christ. Neither should we, as individuals, and as a church.

Perfection in Christ is not defined by culture, personality, circumstance nor experience. It is defined by God Himself. Perfection and growth are to be defined in Jesus Christ.

So often, culture or the work place, can take precedence over Christ. It is dangerous to define ourselves by our work, before our status before God. Instead, we should have a godly discontentment, if we are not like Christ, or in Christ.
We should be ministering to one another, regardless of who we are or where we are. Growth in Christ-likeness is not individualistic, but corporate (ref Ephesians 4: 11-13).

We are to "prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ"

This vision is God's. He want us to be "conformed to the likeness of His Son" (Romans 8:28). In the ultimate grand scheme of things, God is constructing a nation for Himself, so that Christ can be the head. Proclaiming Christ, is the key to perfecting people in Him. Christianity is about Jesus from beginning to end. All the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are bound up in Jesus.

We are to "admonish" each other. To call people to transformation and repentance. Admonishing is hard to do and requires great courage, as there is always a danger of losing relationships. We are also called to "teach". We are to instruct with much wisdom, to be wise in the way we apply scripture. (1 Timothy 5:1)

Presenting each other perfect in Christ is by no means an easy task. The mind set and value system of the world has infected the church and Christian ministry. So many "good things" can distract us from the Best thing! Sometimes, achieving our best can become idolatrous. We look for ministries where we will be valued, honoured, recognised.

However, ministry should be difficult, tortuous and hard work. Everything that Paul does and struggles with, is brought together, and synchronised, to bring people perfect in Christ..."to this end I labour"...and "I rejoice in what was suffered for you". Paul was in prison countless times! It takes much energy to present someone perfect in Christ.

We need to pray for ourselves and each other to endure the hardships, for strength to stay focused and to trust in the One who is the reason why we do all things.

The main thing, that is the main thing...is therefore to labour and strive with all of our energies, to present each other perfect in Christ, for the glory of God!