A Bonsai tree is meant to be a big tree.  It is put into smaller pots so that it’s growth is stunted to fit into a decorative pot … and look pretty.

In life its useless to be manipulated pretty.  We are not to be like bonsais (or poodles?) where there’s a limit to growth.  Rather we are to be strong and courageous like a big oak tree where the potential to grow is as big and majestic as it possibly can to provide food and shelter to many.

True growing accompanied by the development of inner character is a great way of live as there’s no greater pursuit that that towards personal holiness. So don’t go complacent but look to the potential you have in Him. Keep growing as God has placed no ceiling to it. Surely you’ll have a ball of a time doing it.

Ripple Conference 2012 is “Go Connect”

Rob Bradbury flew in from Melbourne to Singapore for 3 days and created a storm at Ripple Conference 2012. It was great as we only ask for a ripple.

“What have you done” is how adults see God

“Come” is how kids see Him

Wow. That kind of “Imagination” is just one of dozens I learned from him as a leader.

I also learned about friendship with God, tasting how good God is, deliberate blunders, larger than life character creation, secret hand shake and truly making something out of absolutely nothing at all.

Beyond everything, its the spirit of God that made the conference a spirit filled time. Love it not just during conference but the spaces before, after and in between it. Now that the conference is behind us, we will allow God to move and build His kids church, His way.

 Sharing ART with our New Team of ULs @ Artease in Esplanade

A – A New Thing

See, I am doing a new thing! 
   Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? 
I am making a way in the wilderness 
   and streams in the wasteland.  - Isaiah 43:19

Don’t miss it but perceive the new thing that God is doing in your life.

Delegate ministry to others as ministry is not just our own. …. (the people I formed for myself  that they may proclaim my praise – Isaiah 43:21)

Bus are Life Groups, Bus Captains are mobile Life Group leaders.

Roles of Talent leaders  (TLs) is to “learn”.

Roles of Ownership Leaders (OLs)  is to “make a way in the wilderness & streams in the wasteland”
1. LGL (Life Group Leaders)
- Visit weekly to pray for kids/family
- Own 3-8 kids
- Multiply LGs as it reach 8 kids
2. UL (Unit Leaders)
- Coach LGLs for the above

Role of Staff to be active outside the office to pave the way

R – Relational

Be available to lead groups relationally.

As the group grows bigger, we have to grow smaller.

God sent His son not to establish a religion but for a new relationship with us.

All ULs to learn and read a leadership book a month.

Use technology, Twitter, Facebook etc.

T – Thankful Heart

Only way to grow not by our effort but by the spirit living in us.

Keep a prayer/gratitude journal and give thanks in all circumstance.

Use Apps.

Was at an old LP record shop at Adelphi. The shop inside was organized, clean and I can tell kept with great attention. The LPs sold there were carefully cleaned and wrapped up. All of them cost a bomb that I could not find anything with a $30 budget. The same record I bought just a month ago for $7 in the discount bin of another shop can cost $170 here.

I realize there’s always much greater value in stuff we carefully take care of.

Didn’t stay long but had a great conversation with Boshari the owner of Vinyl Lucky at Adelphi about music and faith. We shared our love for music and favourite bands since young. We also shared about our faith where I learned very interesting things about his life as a Muslim and he did the same about mine as a Christian. I shared what’s different about Christianity and why I chose to go into it.

I left without buying anything but I gained a friend. I’m so glad I did because relationships are one of the most worthwhile things to take care of on earth. Keep taking care of your marriage, friendships or whatever are important relationships in your life.