Business mission trip to Chongqing

God has given me the opportunity to travel to China straight after I finished writing my thesis. Have been telling my friends from China that I would very much like to visit their homeland, but I didn't expect the door to open so soon, 3 days straight after I submitted my thesis! Moreover, I have expressed interest in business and this open door happens to be a rare opportunity for me to join a group of businessmen led by the minister of state for trade and industry, Lee Yi Shyan. Destination is Chongqing, the land of 3 beauties, 'Shan', 'Shui', 'Mei Nu'. I have no doubt this is a divine opportunity.

When I first read the participant booklet, I felt overwhelmed because there were many CEOs and everyone had a wealth of experience. I thank God for this leap out of my comfort zone even before I have completed my Phd. I had no idea what to expect, only remember feeling like a fish out of the water during the first day were a group of 30+ people in suits were exchanging name cards with each other. Guess it was like any other social event, except at a professional level. I felt comfortable being in a suit for a week, guess because everyone else were dressed the same. We had meetings with the government officials from different areas and they shared about their developments and discussions were aimed at facilitating Singapore businesses in China. They treated us to generous helpings of food, it's a belief that it would be shame for the host if the guests left with empty plates on the table.

This is a trip of divine appointments. I had intentions to email Grace from Nottingham to check out for churches, but didn't get around it. I eventually thought I would ask the reception at the hotel. Who knows....on sat night when dad and myself were roaming a street in search for food, we came across this humble dumpling stall. I saw a calender with a cross on the wall and asked them if they were Christians. To the praise of God, they were and gave us the address of the church they go to. It was an awesome service, a simple room with chairs, keyboard and as my eyes were looking at the people in the room, I was greatly touched by how great God is. Another is during the end of a dinner where the minister was present and as he was walking out, I felt an urge to take a video. The moment I started recording, my dad reached out his hand and made contact with the minister. They chatted for a brief moment. My heart was like 'Wah...like that also can...'.

Brought the book 'Practising the presence of God' by Brother Lawrence along. Thin book, but packed with powerful insights. It was a relevant book to read as I was actively applying throughout this trip. To be able to connect with God not just in QT but in the midst of activities and the buzz is essential. Something a brother said which is deeply rooted in my heart, 'When I am not speaking to people, I am speaking to God'. Was memorising Psa 139 also and one thing God has spoken to me clearly throughout the week is of his omni-presence, it's a comfort and a reminder that I better be obedient :)

This is getting to be a pretty long entry. Believe me, I am trying as hard to make it concise already! I will forgive you if you decide to drop out halfway...but the best is yet to come :p Ok lah...make it point form so easier to read :)

The things God opened my heart and eyes to:

1) The people in China.
My precious moments were the times in the coach where I gazed out of the window and saw waves of people in the streets. These are the multitudes and after hearing so much about China, there they are, lost sheep needing a shepherd. Needing a hope which is stored in heaven and revealed through the Word of God.

2) A heart for these business executives.
Perhaps there is a tendency to assume that wealthy businessman tend to be more 'ungodly'. Afterall, business is associated with worldly things and we may automatically assume that these people have climbed up the ladder against the wrong wall. However, we all fall short. A CEO may not necessarily be more self-centered than anyone walking in the streets. In fact, over the past week, I have seen many people helping and looking out for each other as a team. I asked a member of the team whether she came across many Christians in the business world and she said no. No doubt this is a ministry by itself. Imagine what a difference these people could make if they knew the truth about life!

I do not see myself to possess important qualities of a top level executive, particularly in the area of networking where small talk is needed. However, there are things which God has put in my life which may lead me along this path. I am praying to God that if this is one day where He wants me to be, it's through Him, because I know that by myself, I cannot do it. Someone commented that smoking/ktv is an excellent way to network with people, in my mind, I was thinking 'God will provide the divine appointments'. I have to be tactful also though. Towards the end, there was talk about doing 'sexy' business. I literally said 'No way' out loud and I must have looked very serious.

I wonder whether one day I will end up in China, haha, exciting thought. Whatever it is, I must remind myself not to rush and my first job will merely be a stepping stone. Think big, Start small, Build deep. One aspect of building deep at the moment besides God is also improving my Chinese. Again, that's one of my weak areas where I need to depend on God's strength if I were to look to China.

Thank God for this exposure over the past week. Although there wasn't any direct benefits for me, but it's a sign that God provides divine appointments and He is watching over me and you :)

Reflections from Saul

Reading 1 Samuel and many things about Saul struck me. So often, when I think of David and Saul, I see myself as David and would never imagine myself to be like Saul. But upon reading it again, I realise how much of a Saul is there in me.

It's quite amazing how well Saul started out. Samuel annointed him, God changed his heart and turned him into another man (1 Sam 10). He even had the heart to forgive those who did not initially acknowledge his kingship. He acknowledged God in his victory. Similiar to how Israel tried to depend on past victories (1 Sam 4) but were utterly defeated by the Philistines, I cannot assume that I am alright because I see God's hand in my life. When God was displeased with Saul, Saul continued to lead Israel into victories. It's more to do with God's will than ourselves. The only victory which we can count on is the cross. It's a daily renewal of self and continual dependence upon God.

Recently was reminded by a sister, 'When I face a difficult situation, do I instinctly turn to God first or people for counsel?'. It reflects my theology. When Saul started to turn away from God, he made decisions first before the priests reminded him to inquire of God. Many times, I have made my own plans without bringing them before God first. Am not saying I should fast or pray for long hours before making every single decision, but to acknowledge Him in my heart in everything.

Saul put his self-image before obedience to God. He did not totally wipe out the Amalekites because he was afraid of the people and gave in to them (1 Sam 15:24). He even request Samuel to honor him before the elders (1 Sam 15:30). Every single day, I would find myself doing things for the eyes of others. I remember clearly in primary school when I was infatuated with a girl. I walked home everyday while her dad would pick her up and their car would pass by at a point of my journey. I often ran to that junction just so that she could spot me!

Saul thought he could justify his disobedience by taking the best of the plunder and sacrificing them to God. But God does not delight in burnt offerings as much as obedience. A valuable lesson. It's amazing to see God in the things I do whenever I take the small step of obedience and desiring to please Him instead of people.

These are valuable insights to caution me not to finish like Saul did. There are many things at the moment I want to do for God and have to remind myself that obedience is utmost.