Holiday Happenings, New Year Blessing

It's been a busy holiday time for the Nelsons and The Bridge. After our Christmas Day service at church, Jeni, Sarah, and I took off for a few days of vacation to Langkawi, an island off the northwestern coast of Malaysia near Thailand. Meanwhile, Abby has been using her school break to meet up with family in Florida and old friends in Columbia, SC and Dallas, TX (where she saw her first pro basketball game: Dallas Mavericks vs. Atlanta Hawks--she's a Mavs fan).

We had a wonderful gathering with the church on New Year's Eve. We sang praises and gave testimonies; and we watched an inspirational film, Facing the Giants, a movie professionally made and distributed by a Baptist church in Albany, Georgia, USA. Written, directed, and acted by church members, the film is inspiring. And the story behind the making of the film is equally inspirational. On a side note, the comment from many of our church members was, "They all talk like Jeni!" And we explained, "Well, that's the area of the US where she comes from." :-)

Jeni and Sarah started back to school today, so we're back to our weekly routines. We've committed to each other to add a new habit to our schedules. We plan to exercise together on MWF from 4:30 to 5:30 at the high school. We hope to be able to use the weight room and track. (The pool, unfortunately for us, will be in use by the swim team.) But it'll be good to do something like this together as a family. Of the three of us, I need it most.

I have also started a new system for personal organization. Over the holidays, I read the popular book Getting Things Done by David Allen. I've been needing and wanting to get better organized with both my personal and professional life. It's a work in progress, but now I have a loose-leaf binder with several tabs to organize my calendar, to do list, projects list, agenda and minutes from meetings, reading and reference material, etc. The key concept to this system is to get things out of your head and captured in a trustworthy system with specific action steps. Naturally, note-making, lists, and filing are important features of the system. Perhaps in six months, I'll give an update on my progress. Or better, I'll ask Jeni to report here for me. :-)

Yesterday in church I spoke on "Changing, Growing Together in 2008". It is my deep desire and prayer that this year we all will grow closer in intimacy with Jesus, in community with fellow believers, and in influence with "pre-believers" (non-Christians now who will, in the afterlife, confess that Jesus is Lord, but then it will be too late!)

May His grace, guidance, provision, and peace be yours in abundance in 2008.

Christmas Open House at The Bridge Office

On Friday night, Dec 14th, 5:00-8:00, our church hosted an open house for the 7-story building where we have our office, seminar space, and meeting hall. We have five embassies and several businesses as fellow tenants, and we wanted the chance to get acquainted with our neighbors. Here are a few photos from the event. The three men posing with Jeni and me are from the Embassy of Afghanistan. One local staffer with the Finnish Embassy said, "In my ten years here, no one has ever done this. This is great!" We invited all to come: from the ambassadors on "down" to the security guards and the cleaning girls from Indonesia. It was a very nice evening. Thanks to all who helped organize and decorate, especially Ann Jones, Irene Lim, Rachel Sekar, and our own caterer, Seet Wai Song.

A Light-hearted Look at Presidential Politics in the USA

A little political humor from my favorite candidate for president, Mike Huckabee...

Bridge Worship Team Retreat at Kampar

Thirteen members of our Worship Team traveled a couple of hours north Nov 8-10 for a team-building and training retreat. The town, Kampar, is an old tin-mining town near Ipoh known for its lakes and some delicious Malaysian dishes.

We enjoyed the Bible teaching of RT Kendall by video and the worship and music instruction of Paul Baloche and his band, also by video.

We ventured onto the Kampar River for some white water rafting on Friday afternoon. Fourteen rapids going down a swiftly flowing mountain river! (Category 1 thru 3 rapids for enthusiasts who know what that means.) It was enough to give some of the ladies a scare! But no one was hurt, thankfully -- just some bumps, a bruise or two, and sore muscles later for some people from the paddling! BTW, until we get some of Nathan's photos of our time on the river, the tour company's web site photo will have to do. (See above.)

We memorized a verse together, Zephaniah 3:17. The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing. (NIV) It's encouraging to know that, even as we enjoy singing our praise and adoration to Him, He is delighted to love us, take away our shame, and reward our humility and trust. What a gracious God and Savior! It is indeed a joy to praise Him with this dedicated group of musicians and worshipers.

Special thanks, Joseph, Rachel, and Immanuel, for your sacrificial service to us and to the Lord. And thanks to the whole team for your great cooperative attitudes! You're the best!

Musa to Miri :-(

Our young friend, Bridge regular, Worship Team vocalist, Sunday School teacher, and Alpha Course helper, Musa (aka Moses ;), is leaving KL tomorrow night for the town of Miri in Sarawak, East Malaysia. He's planning on doing a course and getting certified in Occupational Health and Safety. We had special prayer for him last Sunday night in our Worship Team meeting and again tonight before the Alpha meeting. Musa, you will be sorely missed! What a fine example you have been of serving any and every way you can. We will keep praying for God's clear direction as you seek first the Kingdom and trust Him for your future vocation. Selfishly we also pray that you can come back and work (and play!) among us, your Bridge family.

God speed, brother! We all love ya! And please keep us posted at your blog. :-) [darrenzeger.blogspot.com]

Happy 50th Birthday, Malaysia!

31 August 1957

August Itinerary

I'm traveling...

• Flying from KL late Friday night, 3 Aug; arriving DFW, TX Saturday morning 9:00am.
• Driving to Delta County, near Paris, TX, Saturday, 4 Aug.
  
• Speaking at East Delta Baptist Church, Delta County, Sunday morning, 5 Aug.
• In Fort Worth for appointments, Tuesday, 7 Aug.
• Flying from DFW Wednesday morning, 8 Aug; arriving Jacksonville, FL Wed afternoon.
• Time with Abby and relatives in Jacksonville.
• Driving from Jax with Abby, arriving Tampa, Friday afternoon, 10 Aug.
• Speaking at Tampa Baptist Church, Sunday morning, 12 Aug.
• Week with Abby getting ready for first year at Southeastern University, Lakeland, FL.
• Parent-Student Orientation at SEU, 18-19 Aug.
• Abby starts classes, 22 Aug.
• Flying from Tampa, Friday morning, 24 Aug, 7:00am; arriving back in Malaysia, 25 Aug, 11:45pm.

Preaching at The Bridge while I'm gone...

05 Aug -- Mr Chris Sekar (counselor)
12 Aug -- Col Hilton Smith (elder)
19 Aug -- Assoc Pastor Lisa Great

As I return...

26 Aug -- Assoc Pastor Lisa Great

Thanks, guys! See ya in about three weeks!

Chow Kit Street Kids

Today in a lunch meeting of our small group leaders, pastors, and elders, a concern came up that we as a church should consider how to focus and mobilize ourselves to meet some social needs in our city -- how to be the hands and feet of Jesus in Kuala Lumpur. A specific example mentioned was the street children of Chow Kit, KL's red light district.

This afternoon later, while browsing news on the internet, I saw a headline, "Helping Malaysia's street children" which linked to the video report below from Al Jazeera. Coincidence? Or God-incident? You tell me.

We will be exploring the possibilities and taking some steps soon, I believe, to follow the Spirit's guidance into the lives of at-risk children in KL. We have the resources. It only remains to be seen whom God will raise up as a leader, and who will follow.

Waxing Nostalgic with "Tammy"

Dear reader, you may think that this is an odd music video for me to link to, but actually it represents an old memory from my childhood -- not the movie, the song. Debbie Reynolds, that icon of Hollywood wholesomeness sings a melancholy love song called, "Tammy". My parents sang it as a lullaby for my sister and me when we very young. Oh, the memories! Back scratches, "Tammy" and "Can I have a glass of water, please?"

The song is from the 1957 movie "Tammy and the Bachelor" starring Debbie Reynolds, Leslie Nielsen, and Walter Brennan. Click here to watch and listen to the song. The lyrics are here.

The picture is of Debbie from the 1950s. And for my younger readers, that is a record player she is sitting next to. [It's for playing music recorded with grooves on double sided vinyl discs -- not for hip-hop groups or DJs to scratch with. :-) ]

Our Current Alpha Group Photo

Click photo for larger view.
Alpha Weekend Away
Awana Resort, Genting Highlands, Malaysia
14-15 April 2007

*Photo credit, Immanuel Dalantau; but actually taken by an unnamed security guard with Immanuel's camera :)

Alpha Weekend Away -- God's Spirit Visits Us

I just returned today from our Alpha Weekend Away in Genting Highlands, Malaysia. In the middle of our eleven-week course, 26 of us went up for a weekend of fellowship, fun, food, and learning. The three teaching sessions were centered on the person and work of the Holy Spirit -- the Spirit of Jesus. And He visited us in wonderful ways today. After the morning session, entitled, “How Can I Be Filled with the Holy Spirit?”, several people made professions of faith in Jesus, and others were convicted by the Word of God causing them to confess and to ask to be forgiven, filled, and empowered by the Spirit of God. And He was faithful to meet with us. There were many tears shed, inner wounds healed, and some prodigals found the love of the Father. Praise His Name!

It was truly an international gathering. Ten countries were represented, including a few from “restricted access” nations. For the sake of their security, I won’t mention names or countries.

I will, however, thank God for our Alpha Team: Derrick (ministry leader), Michelle, Ivy, Chwan Keng, Immanuel, Musa, Ian; and small group leaders/helpers this time: Don, Kurt, Amir, and Mahamoud. Other helpers have been, and were for this weekend, Martin and Irene. Up until recently, our scrumptious dinners were faithfully provided by Wai Song and Christine; now Chris and Winnie are handling the catering. God bless you all!

This is our ninth course in three and a half years. These folks, and others before them, have worked hard and patiently as volunteers for the joy of seeing people come to faith in Jesus and experience the fullness of His Spirit. Several new believers from Alpha have moved on to other countries because of jobs or studies; some have continued to work with us in Alpha as helpers and leaders; and other new believers are serving now at The Bridge in other capacities.

Every time, the weekend away strengthens ties of friendship in the group -- even when some participants do not yet come to faith. We grow closer together, and the Lord keeps working to draw people to Himself. And every Alpha Weekend, He answers our prayers for the pouring out of His Spirit on believers and seekers. What a loving, faithful God we serve!

If you'd like a report on the fun stuff -- the entertainment night -- I bet Immanuel and Musa will have something on their blogs. It was a great time of good, clean fun, MC'd by Mahamoud! :-)

P.S. (16 July) Now Immanuael has a post up, and a photo; but Musa's down with a sore throat. :-( Praying you'll be well soon, brother!

The Occasional Humor in Sacred Ceremonies

Enjoy a few laughs from GodTube!

Tagged -- Five Things I Dig about Jesus

I've been tagged by my friend Sugar Jeffcoat...

The rules are simple:

1. Those tagged will share 5 things they dig about Jesus.
2. Those tagged will tag 5 other bloggers.

Five Things I Dig about Jesus...

1. His intimacy with God: He spoke and acted only according to His Father's directions.
2. His friends: He hung out with sinners.
3. His grace: He never shamed anyone who had already been condemned by the religious crowd.
4. His method: He called and trained very ordinary people as leaders of His movement.
5. His wisdom: He confounded the Pharisees every time they tried to trip Him and trap Him with a question.

And now I tag...

Musa
Immanuel
Cheryl
Gene
Amir (hurry up and get a blog!)

Family Photo

What a Privilege!

This is just a quick post to share a bit of the joy I have been experiencing recently. In the last week, I have had the privilege of sharing some Bible basics with two men in their twenties who are spiritually hungry. They are from two different "restricted access" countries (not Malaysia). One never had a Bible until I gave him one last night. The other had only recently been given a Bible but he has not yet read much of it. They both have been coming to the Alpha Course we offer at The Bridge. In addition to the weekly Alpha Course meetings, we three men will be reading John's Gospel together now once a week, and it is an absolute joy to hear them read and to discuss their questions. Opportunities like this excite me and keep me glad to be serving where I am. Pray for us, please, that there will be a counting of the cost and a joyous determination to follow the Savior and be an ambassador for Him. Maybe I will be able to post some details later; or maybe their stories will be better shared by email with interested inquirers. ;)