Issue 38 – Kallos

Washed and Risen

Jiamin Choo — Tue, 24 Mar 2020 04:00:00 +0000

It was a special Sunday in December 2010. My 85-year-old grandma, Ah Po, was onstage in my church sanctuary, taking slow, steady steps toward the baptismal pool, where the pastor was waving her toward him. My family and relatives who had gathered had our eyes fixed on Ah Po, excited at what was to come.

As Ah Po lowered herself into the water, she confessed her faith in Jesus before everyone in the sanctuary. The pastor pronounced, “I baptise you in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.” Then he guided Ah Po backward into the water, and when she was raised up again, the entire congregation burst into song, singing, “Happy day, happy day, when Jesus washed my sins away!”

As the sanctuary resounded with claps and cheers, my eyes glistened with happy tears because Ah Po, who had placed her trust in Jesus a few years before that, was now sealing her faith covenant with God through this act of baptism. And like my family members, and the great cloud of witnesses who had gone before us generation by generation, Ah Po had been baptised into His one body, His one Church.

The act of baptism is not only a powerful symbolism of uniting oneself with Jesus in His death and resurrection, which reminds us of the stories behind Good Friday and Easter. It is also a testimony of commitment to follow Christ for the rest of one’s life. This means choosing to turn away from sin so as to live for His glory, and not thinking, “Now that I am saved in Christ, I can sin whenever I want because He will forgive me anyway.”

This is why in Romans 6, Paul urged the young Christian community not to return to their old sinful ways of living with impure motives and breaking God’s law, but to pursue holy living because of their new identity as Jesus-followers. Paul reminded them that “We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. … For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin — because anyone who has died has been set free from sin” (Romans 6:4–7).

The act of baptism also paints a picture of the glory that is to come. Because Jesus rose from the dead, death no longer has mastery over Him, and so one day those who believe Him will certainly be united with Him in His resurrection (Rom 6:5, 8–9). This is why, as Christians, we no longer need to fear death because we have been promised freedom and abundant life in Jesus.

In April 2018, Ah Po was hospitalised after a fall. She breathed her very last breath on a Friday morning and passed away peacefully. My family gathered by the hospital bed, gazing upon Ah Po’s body. She looked like she was sound asleep, but her heart had stopped beating, and her body was gradually turning cold. Losing Ah Po was painful, but as Christians, we did not grieve as those who have no hope. We have faith that because Ah Po had been united with Christ in His death, she too will one day be united with Him in His resurrection. It was not “Goodbye” but “See you soon”.

PRAYER

Dear God, thank You for the gift of eternal life through Your Son, Jesus, the Risen Saviour. Help me turn away from my old ways, so as to live a new life in Christ, offering myself as an instrument of righteousness for Your glory. Amen.

REFLECTION TIME!

1. What does baptism mean to you? How do you think it reflects one’s commitment to following Jesus?
2. Have you been baptised? If so, what significant changes in your life have taken place since then? If not, what’s hindering you from being baptised?

*Various church denominations may have various modes of baptism (e.g. immersion, pouring, sprinkling). We encourage you to have a chat with your church leaders if you would like to be baptised or to find out more about baptism

DELVE DEEPER

Read and reflect on these passages on “baptism”:
o Matthew 3:11-17
o Acts 2:37-47
o 1 Corinthians 12:13

HANDLES

As the Bible is the Word of God, unlike any other book written by man, one can only understand its deeper truths through the attitude of faith and spiritual discernment. So, pray before you read the Bible, asking the Holy Spirit to prepare your heart to receive and understand God’s Word.

Take The 3 ‘R’s Challenge

Quek Shiwei — Tue, 24 Mar 2020 04:00:00 +0000

CHALLENGE RULES

For 3 weeks, practice the 3Rs intentionally. These are your guidelines:

Reduce: Reduce consumption of resources by not shopping for 3 weeks for non-essential items.

Reuse: Eliminate single-use plastics by using reusable items. Find a way to reuse any waste before deciding to throw or recycle them.

Recycle: Recycle every piece of waste accumulated by you in these 3 weeks.

Challenger: SECK LI-LYN, 20

3 Fun Facts:

1. I am 1.74m tall
2. I cannot speak Chinese
3. I love coffee

INITIAL THOUGHTS

Nonchalance is the biggest factor that prevents me from being eco-friendly. Usually, I don’t care about practicing the 3Rs in my daily life, so I think this challenge would make me more aware of my carbon footprint. I currently stay on campus in University and it is easier to choose convenience. I wonder whether this will prove to be a deterrence in this challenge. We’ll see!

THE CHALLENGE

Week 1

8 Jan: The challenge starts today! I think I’ve prepared myself quite well — I’ve got my reusable bags, reusable cutlery, and tumblers. I decided to dine in today instead of taking out. I realised that just this decision alone saved me so much trash — the plastic bag, the plastic box, and the plastic cup.

11 Jan: I went to Kinokuniya today. When I was at the cashier, I declined a plastic bag and placed the book into my tote bag instead. However, I realised that the book was wrapped in a thin layer of plastic for protection so I guess some plastic waste is inevitable. I decided to get okonomiyaki for lunch but realised too late that it was encased in a styrofoam box. Oh well, I will make a mental note for future purchases.

12 Jan: My weekend tradition with my sister is buying bubble tea. It is only today that I realised that we have been mindlessly drinking out of a plastic cup with a plastic straw. I love bubble tea so much that it will be hard to stop drinking it suddenly. The other option would be to use my tumbler. However, I am quite shy by nature. I am afraid my request will cause inconvenience if there is a long queue behind me. I wish that bringing one’s tumbler was more of a norm, so I wouldn’t have to feel shy about this.

13 Jan: Today I managed to recycle 3 plastic bottles, 4 takeaway boxes, and 2 glass bottles from my hostel room. The process of cleaning my room definitely opened my eyes to the extra effort needed to live a sustainable lifestyle. I went shopping today because I figured cooking will help me to save trash as compared to buying take-out meals. I was wrong. Every grocery item I bought was all covered in plastic! If I focus on the amount of waste generated in the production line-up of many everyday items, it amounts to a lot of hidden waste (used by separate items in the production chain). This after-thought made me feel quite dejected; my actions seemed insignificant in comparison to the large amount of waste unknowingly produced daily. But I shall just do what I can!

Week 2

15 Jan: I used my tumbler when I purchased iced milo today. I confess: I dislike washing my tumbler when I am comfortable in bed and have to make a trip to the kitchen. Tossing away a plastic cup will be much more convenient. However, I know that convenience comes at a cost.

16 Jan: I have some friends coming over to my dorm room tonight which means I will be switching on the aircon today. In my attempt to be eco-friendly, I set it to 25 degree Celcius, which is the optimal temperature for being sustainable!

19 Jan: After drinking out of some glass bottles, I decided to upcycle them into flower jars to decorate my room. I bought some dried lilacs for the glass bottles to match with the overall purple aesthetic of my room.

21 Jan: Today was spent rushing to prepare for a school event the next day. All of my friends were using Grabfood delivery to save time. At first, I was hesitant, but I caved in. While the amount of waste was minimal on my end (my meal set had minimal packaging), the peer pressure and the need to maximise time really got to me!

Week 3

22 Jan: The school event was today. Being on the organising team, I wanted to reduce waste but it was pretty impossible. When I saw the massive amount of waste at the end of the day from the food stalls present, I was in shock! Before this challenge, I wouldn’t have thought twice about how much waste such events produce. But being more eco-friendly intentionally has certainly made me more aware of waste accumulation.

25 Jan: I lost my tumbler! It was devastating. I had become attached to it over the course of this challenge. How was I going to get my much-needed coffee in the morning? I decided to buy fewer drinks during the day, and drink from my water bottle instead. I typically don’t like drinking water but this alternative was surprisingly easier than I thought!

26 Jan: This challenge has honestly not been easy. I dislike washing every container that I have used. I dislike having to save my trash till I see the nearest recycling bin. Today, after training, my teammates and I wanted to eat at one of the canteens in the University hall. However, the cold drinks sold were already pre-packaged, so I could not use my new tumbler. In the end, I bought a hot tea to takeaway in my tumbler instead. I would have preferred a cold drink after a gruelling training session but there was no other option available. Sigh.

27 Jan: My impulse online shopping spree on Shopee has come back to bite me. I forgot that items get delivered in multiple layers of plastic. When I was making my online purchases, I was attracted by the flashing signs of “SHOPEE CNY MASSIVE SALE”, “10% CASHBACK” and “FREE SHIPPING”. Honestly, I confess that I cared more about the amount of money I could save from the sale rather than the plastic that came along with my purchases.

FINAL THOUGHTS

It was easy to maintain a sustainable lifestyle over the first few days but proved a challenge when I needed to do it over a prolonged period of time. I felt that there were 2 main problems that hindered me from reducing my carbon footprint:

– Convenience: I realised how much I relied on take-outs. In University, I often feel like I am in a rush. Taking time to wash, dry, and pack utensils daily slowly became a tiring chore since time is precious.

– Peer pressure: I found it difficult to be eco-friendly when my friends are not. I felt bad whenever I needed to wash my utensils while all my friends waited for me.

In spite of these, cultivating a sustainable lifestyle is not entirely impossible. There were some daily choices that were manageable such as bringing my tumbler when I purchased drinks and bringing a tote bag wherever I go as a substitute for plastic bags. I hope that I can continue these new habits even though the challenge has ended and still do my small part to care for creation.

Refugees From The Middle East

Isabel Phua — Tue, 24 Mar 2020 04:00:00 +0000

STATISTICS

70.8 MILLION PEOPLE WORLDWIDE
ARE FORCIBLY DISPLACED

25.9 MILLION REFUGEES
TO DATE

2/3 OF REFUGEES come from just five countries:
Syria, Afghanistan, South Sudan, Myanmar and Somalia

A STORY FROM A REFUGEE (AMIRA*)

Amira is a widow with many children. Living in a foreign place, having fled terrorism and losing contact with two of her children, Amira felt lost. She was desperate to find hope.

One day, Amira responded to a message from an online ministry campaign from a Christian media ministry: “Want to know more about Jesus and his personal love for you?” Amira was intrigued, and went online to find out more. Upon discovering different resources, she was touched by the gospel and filled up a form stating: “I want to study the Bible online. I am not a Christian but I need to know this Christ.”

A media ministry worker began conversing with Amira on Whatsapp. Amira told him, “I do not want to remain ignorant. I want the knowledge that leads to the truth.” She also shared a dream that Mary showed her the Lord laying in a manger. Amira said she didn’t know if it was real but she was trembling inside. The worker told her that none of this was a coincidence, and that the Lord was knocking on the door of her heart. She accepted Christ that very day, and soon three of her children did too. Since then, Amira and her family have met regularly with local believers, growing in their faith. She isn’t sure what the future holds, but knows in her heart that she belongs to the King of Glory.

WHAT IS THE ISSUE?

There are so many refugees and internally displaced peoples across the Middle East. From Syria alone, 13.5 million were identified as displaced and needing humanitarian intervention following the Civil War. Hundreds of thousands have fled with nothing, embarking on dangerous journeys just to try to reach safety. This is especially dangerous for women and children if they are separated from their families and do not have male guardians accompanying them.

HOW CAN WE PRAY?

– Pray for travelling mercies, for basic sustenance, and safety in such dangerous conditions.
– Ask God to comfort them. Children have seen things that they should never have seen. Many women have been left destitute, forced to raise their children and work while living in uncertain conditions.
– Pray for these countries’ authorities, that there would be wisdom, compassion, and a resolve to find peace.
– Pray for Middle Eastern churches to be a witness of light and love as they nourish bodies, souls, and hearts.

Want to find out more?

Visit www.arabworldmedia.org/ or @arabworldmedia on IG for more information.

Say What? Out Of The Heart The Mouth Speaks

Hannah Leung — Tue, 24 Mar 2020 04:00:00 +0000

If you know a little about World War II, you might be familiar with the Little Boy and the Fat Man. These were code names for the two atomic bombs used on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. It was the first time in history that bombs of such destructive power were used. Interestingly, the source of their power came from something so tiny that our naked human eye cannot see it. The atomic bomb was created from the energy released from the splitting of an atom. Just an atom!

Small things can be powerful despite their size. Can you think of something else that is small but powerful? It lives right in the centre of your mouth — the tongue!

THE POWER OF THE TONGUE

In James 3, James likens the tongue to the bit that is placed in a horse’s mouth that allows a rider to control the animal, or to the rudder that is fixed on a ship that allows a pilot to manoeuvre it (Jas 3:3–5a). He goes on to compare the tongue to “a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body (Jas 3:5b–6a)” and asserts that “it corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell” (Jas 3:6b).

Harsh words. James certainly does not water down the truth. He says it for what it is — our tongue is a “world of evil.” As fallen human beings, sin continues to dwell in our hearts, and it shows in our speech.

I’m sure that none of us have to think too far back to remember a moment when we used our words to hurt someone, or when someone used them to hurt us. Either way, we all have our experiences with angry words, gossip, and slander, knowing all too well that the tongue can be used to destroy. The late Sulli, former member of the Korean girl group f(x), shared openly about the verbal and online abuse she had experienced. This abuse contributed to her deep distress and depression, and she died by suicide in 2019. Unfortunately, her story is not unique.

USING WORDS TO GIVE LIFE

While the tongue has the power to destroy, the same power can be used to build others up. Proverbs 15:4 tells us that “The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.” Imagine your words forming a tree that gives shade, nourishment, and beauty to many!

The fruit of the Spirit includes self-control (Gal 5:23), which means that the Holy Spirit can and will help us to control our tongues when we choose to follow Him. Words have great power to build others up, and this has been an enduring truth from ancient days.

WHAT ABOUT US?

From the moment we wake up till the moment we sleep, we need to use words. So, we are constantly using something of great power. Have you paused recently to think about how you have been using your words? And hey, if you think that online speech is excused, think again. Your online activity should be something you seriously think about too. From the birth of social media, words online, whether shared through a tweet, comment, or a post, have generated great distrust and anger among friends, communities, and nations.

IN ORDER FOR THE WAY WE SPEAK TO CHANGE, WHAT NEEDS TO CHANGE IS THE SOURCE OF OUR SPEECH — OUR HEART.

Consider the things you have said or posted online in the past few days. Did your words serve to build up, or tear others down? And don’t think that being anonymous online shields you from blame — God sees everything that exists (Job 28:24).

Sometime ago, a friend shared with me that he was actually quite hurt by a few sarcastic comments I made. I didn’t expect that my words had such a big impact on him! Sometimes, we don’t really mean what we say, but the words we speak can leave a lasting impression on others.

In order for the way we speak to change, what needs to change is the source of our speech — our heart.

OUT OF THE HEART THE MOUTH SPEAKS

The Bible addresses how our words are an expression of what’s in our hearts. Jesus said to the Pharisees that “the mouth speaks what the heart is full of” (Matt 12:34). Often, the words we say show us the condition of our hearts. As complex human beings, all of us have some form of brokenness in our hearts — insecurity, fear, bitterness … the list goes on. This brokenness is a key reason why our words may be careless and even hurtful.

So, for our words to change, our hearts need to change. As fallen creatures, we’re unable to change ourselves. The good news for us is that God never leaves us alone in our brokenness. Thankfully, God is an expert at transforming hearts. Paul encouraged the Roman church to “be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Rom 12:2). This tells us that transformation is possible! God heals and changes us, by filling our hearts and minds with love, hope, and faith. As the source of our speech — our hearts — is transformed, our words will change too, to form a “tree of life”.

While we are powerless to change on our own, God is more than able. And not only is he more than able, He is also more than willing to help us grow. When we surrender our lives to God, trust in His promises, and obey his words, God actively works His miracle of transformation in our hearts.

This week, ask God to fill your heart with love, and resolve to speak life-giving words. Practise doing one of the following:
– Affirm a parent, friend, or leader
– Thank a teacher (especially one that you may not be so fond of!)
– Apologise to someone you’ve hurt
– Say a kind word to a helper or cleaner

This list is not exhaustive. There are many ways to build someone up! If you catch yourself sharing words that can tear others down, run quickly to God and ask Him to change your heart. As you pay attention to your words, may your friends, family, and even teachers know you by the way your speech glows with a Christ-like love.

May we wield our words well, such that every time we speak, the love and tenderness of Christ will bring life to even the hardest of hearts.

I Became An Orphan at 22, But Found God

Joylynn Ng — Tue, 24 Mar 2020 04:00:00 +0000

In early 2004, my dad complained of chest pains after church on a Sunday and headed home earlier for some rest. That was the last I ever saw of him. He passed away of a sudden heart attack that day. In the months that followed, my maternal grandpa passed away of old age while my paternal grandma was diagnosed with terminal stomach cancer and passed away soon after. I was only 12 years old, lost and angry about the losses I had to deal with.

The following years were worse – I had to watch helplessly as my mum struggled financially and emotionally. I hated God and couldn’t understand how He could take away three lives from a family that loved and worshipped Him.

I drifted away from God, and stopped going to church. I rebelled against my mum, refusing to go with her to church, and choosing to party through late nights instead. Through it all, my mum’s faith in God never wavered. Week after week, she went to church, attended cell group and prayed for me.

In May 2014 after I graduated from school, I became a flight stewardess. This gave me the freedom and means to do whatever I wanted. It was the dream job many women have as little girls, and it had been mine for as long as I could remember. I enjoyed places and food everywhere — breakfast in Hong Kong one day, lunch in USA the next. I seemed to have it all.

With a salary higher than all my peers, I could afford the luxury bags I had never dared to dream of owning. But I was soaked in an environment where God couldn’t be seen or heard. Nights overseas with my colleagues were mostly spent drinking in the hotel rooms, or watching them smoke, gossiping, or talking about which branded bag they were going to buy next. After all, they’d been to these countries so often they would rather stay in the hotel and chill. None of my conversations were glorifying to God. Instead, they probably made Him sad and disappointed.

I drifted so far away from God that when asked about my faith, I would deny being a Christian. I vividly remember a lull period onboard a flight to Sydney. Somehow the conversation was about religion. When another stewardess mentioned that she was a Christian, she was laughed at. The others said things like “Oh no, we can’t talk about sex here now! She must be a virgin like Mary. Let’s not talk to her since we can’t use profanities either.”

When it came to my turn to be questioned about my religion, I said, “I don’t believe in a God.” I said it in fear of being ostracized and being left out. I was shocked at myself for denying God despite knowing His existence. But right there and then I knew — I was no longer fit to be known as a Christian.

I DRIFTED SO FAR AWAY FROM GOD THAT WHEN ASKED ABOUT MY FAITH, I WOULD DENY BEING A CHRISTIAN.

As a stewardess, I felt expected to put work first, regardless of any situation. I missed out on countless festivities and celebrations with family and friends. And of course, church. I completely stopped attending church services and this job gave me the perfect excuse not to. But this job also gave me the opportunity to meet people and passengers from all walks of life and it was a blessing to be able to work with a different set of colleagues each flight. It gave me the chance to explore different cities with colleagues I could click with and forge lasting friendships with them even till today. The only regret I have is that I wasn’t rooted in Christ enough to be the salt and light to the people I met from all over the world.

In December, after touching down in Milan, I was informed by the pilot that mum was in the ICU and I was to fly back immediately. The hours after were a blur — but at the end of it, I lost my best friend and my everything to a sudden brain aneurysm.

I was devastated.

There I was — orphaned at the age of 22. During my mum’s funeral, I had a strange peace in my heart. I can’t explain it — I was heartbroken and blamed myself for everything. But I felt at peace knowing she was home with God, in a place without tears or suffering. As I packed my mum’s belongings, I chanced upon her Bible reading material and started becoming curious to know how and why my mum could keep her faith despite all that she had been through. I went back to church, yearning for answers.

I attended my church-wide Bible study on Genesis, and felt God speaking to me. In Genesis, we learnt about Jacob who lived a life filled with trials and pain. While he wrestled with God, his faith remained strong even till his time of death. He left behind a legacy worth following, an inheritance worth more than all of the riches of the world. Jacob’s legacy of faith in God reminded me of how my mum left me with an eternal legacy to follow. She lived a life of faith and led by example. Up till the moment she was reunited with God, she was my testimony of faith in God. It felt like a big wake-up call for me to follow this legacy laid out for me. With the help of my sisters-in-Christ during the Bible study, I came to know my heavenly Father once again.

It took me some time to find my way back to God. But I was home again, no longer an orphan, for I had found a Father in heaven. I was like the prodigal son, except it took me almost half my life to find my way back to God. I was also like Peter who denied Him again and again, yet He took me into his family despite of all my shortcomings and gave me a new life. I still feel the loss of my loved ones every day, and I know I may go through many other trials in future.

However, I know “God will never give his people trials in which he will not sustain them and bring them through to everlasting glory (John Piper).”

I can’t wait for the day I get to meet my parents and grandparents in heaven again!

Spotlight: Audris Quek of Paradigm Shift Label

Quek Shiwei — Tue, 24 Mar 2020 04:00:00 +0000

In today’s society where instant gratification is all the rage, Audris, founder of Paradigm Shift Label (PSL) has chosen to challenge this norm. As we chatted, one thing was apparent to me — she strongly believes in producing ethical products because God loves the makers behind these products. Instead of choosing products solely based on low cost and convenience, she chooses to re-examine the supply chain and question the origins of products. Now 25, Audris is set on shifting the paradigms of consumers, one dress at a time.

Hi Audris! What does PSL stand for?

PSL is an ethical fashion label and its vision is to clothe people with strength and dignity — whether they are the makers of the products or the consumers. I hope that people will associate themselves with the ‘Paradigm Shift Lady’: she breaks social norms, carries powerful influence, and evokes positive change. Beyond fashion, the brand is about people and empowering the makers and consumers to be catalysts for change.

What does fashion mean to you?

When I was younger, I used to think that fashion was just about chasing trends and dressing to look good. The way I used to dress would say something like “Hey, look at me! I’m fashionable. I know what’s in and what’s not.”

But really, fashion can become one’s identity and people use fashion to make a statement. So, to me, fashion is an expression of yourself and your identity.

Fashion today promotes wearing shorter and tighter clothes, and to show more skin. In birthing PSL, God impressed the word “modesty” upon my heart. I gradually realised that fashion has subtly stolen many young women’s identities. Fashion “dictates” us to dress in accordance with what’s in-trend or gets more attention. I hope the apparel from PSL can clothe women in styles that are modest, modern, and enable them to feel confident and contented. What we wear can “beautify” us, but beauty truly comes from within! Our body is a temple of God and we should glorify Him with it.

Could you share how you started PSL?

When I was 14, my class was asked, “What is your dream?” I wrote down three things: to design my own products (clothing), have my own business, and use the money to help the less fortunate. However, I completely forgot about this dream till I was 22. I left my job in the events industry due to burn-out. All I had was just a diploma in events management; there was not much else that I could really branch into. Out of desperation, I asked God,

“Where can I go from here?” I had a call for missions and I wondered, “God, is the time now?” I heard nothing.

I then asked myself, “Audris, if there are no limitations in the world, what would you want to do?” I was reminded of my dream at 14, but I discounted it as an unreachable dream since I had no background in fashion or arts. But I sensed that the Holy Spirit said, “Who do you think put that dream in you?” I was shocked; I always thought that fashion is a worldly thing and that dream came from my flesh. I realised that God cared about fashion!

Within two weeks, the Lord opened the door for me to step into the fashion industry to learn the ropes of how to manage a fashion business. A month later, while chilling in my room on a weekend, the Holy Spirit dropped the words “paradigm shift” into my mind. I thought, “Have I been very prideful, and there’s something He wants me to see differently?” But God’s response was, “That will be the fashion label we will start in the future.” I found it hard to believe.

I WAS ASKING GOD, “I THOUGHT I WAS MEANT TO BE A MISSIONARY. WHY AM I DOING THIS BUSINESS THING? ” AND I FELT GOD SAID TO ME, “THIS IS BUSINESS AS MISSIONS.”

After nine months, I felt like God had given me the business’s blueprint and even inspired me with the products’ design! God challenged me to take a leap of faith to leave my job and to start PSL. But I told him, “God, why now? I don’t have enough funds.” He replied that He needed to start the fashion label when I had nothing, so that when people looked at the brand, they would know it was God who started it, because only God could make something out of nothing.

In the next two to three months, God also introduced the idea of building a kickstarter campaign, and I headed to Nepal for a recce trip. On the plane, I was asking God, “I thought I was meant to be a missionary. Why am I doing this business thing?” And I felt God said to me, “This is business as missions.”

Once back from Nepal, I praise God that PSL managed to raise almost $13,000 in 40 days from 155 backers. I finally had enough funds to move into production. And the rest is history.

What have been some of the highs and lows of PSL thus far?

Apart from supporting the makers, hearing stories from consumers about how PSL’s products have changed their perceptions of fashion and how they are now more aware of modest dressing also warms my heart. Another high was when I was able to pay myself with the profits from PSL. Starting PSL was uncertain in the beginning, so it was very fulfilling to be able to pay myself!

The lows would be about managing differing expectations from people. There are days when I would spiral into this hole of thinking, “I’m not doing enough” or “I’m not good enough,” and question if I am the right steward to run PSL. Thankfully, God assures and comforts me. He sends people to remind me that He wants me to steward PSL and press on. It is so important to not get caught up with what everyone says but to ask Him for creative solutions and plans.

ULTIMATELY, I BELIEVE THAT WE SHOULD NEITHER EXPLOIT PEOPLE NOR OUR PLANET. IF WE CARE ABOUT PEOPLE, SURELY WE MUST CARE FOR OUR PLANET TOO!

Since PSL's heart is about being an ethical fashion label, how has that changed your buying patterns?

Ever since becoming an advocate for ethical brands, I have learned how to be a more responsible and thoughtful consumer. I used to think that if a product is cheap and convenient, I would buy it. Our generation goes for instant gratification, but being more aware of ethics and the people behind products has helped me to slow down and rethink my buying patterns. Now, I ask “Where was it made?”, “Who made it?”, and “How was it made?” I give more thought to the supply chain and not just the instant gratification of the purchase itself.

PSL started out with the aim of being purely an ethical label. However, I now see the importance of caring for our planet too and PSL is gradually moving towards becoming a sustainable brand too. At the start, we used natural material like cotton, linen, and biodegradable plastic as much as possible, but it was not a priority. However, I am now very intentional in the materials we use!

Our signature “Long Black” is made using an upcycled fabric from Nepal’s local market. That has really helped set the tone for moving into being sustainable. Ultimately, I believe that we should neither exploit people nor our planet. If we care about people, surely we must care for our planet too.

What do you think God is calling you to do with PSL in the near future?

One of the things God spoke to me clearly about is that PSL will bridge the gap between the developed and developing world. It has a part to play in alleviating poverty and to speak up for the defenceless. PSL will be used to shift paradigms in different areas — whether it’s shifting the mindset of a consumer who may have a certain view of trendy fashion to what modest fashion looks like, or the minds of people in the manufacturing scene as to how they view the makers of products.

PSL also aims to help the makers stand on their own two feet through job provisions and stable income. PSL is doing that now in small measures by partnering certain manufacturers but in the long run, we hope to effect greater change. All of this sounds overwhelming and idealistic at times, but I believe that if He is leading PSL there, He will provide every step of the way.

Why We Should Care About Climate Change

Kang Li — Tue, 24 Mar 2020 04:00:00 +0000

Do you feel in despair or grateful when you think of the world? With recent events like the Australian bush fire crisis and the Covid-19 outbreak, I have sometimes been tempted to give up hoping that things can be better on earth. I forget that, despite distressing problems, this earth was created by God, who still cares for it. Some of us may say, “This earth will not remain when Christ returns, so why should we be concerned about the state of the earth?” We may all have different views about the earth we live on — but how does God see it now?

JOY OF THE CREATOR

Genesis 1 describes how God feels about the heavens and the earth — that is, everything — He created. After each day’s work, God surveyed what He made and judged that it was “good” — and this declaration was repeated seven times! His deep satisfaction and joy in creation is also evident from Job 38–41. God reveals to Job that as He laid the foundations of the earth, “the morning stars sang together, and all the angels shouted for joy” (Job 38:7). He then talks about His creation with a kind of tender pride, such as when He describes Himself fathering rain and dew (38:28), and paying loving attention when His creatures give birth (39:1–2).

Can you relate to how God delights in the things on earth? I personally enjoy escaping the city to beautiful nature spots. I am sure there is some aspect of creation that each of us delights in, be it a bright sunny day, a vast ocean, or even things made from natural resources like great food and pretty clothes. As our loving Father, God would surely delight in us enjoying His creation. However, with the onslaught of man-made disasters that have worldwide impact, the consequences of human sin, which puts all creation under bondage (Rom 8:20), are evident and painfully felt.

CONNECTING TO THE CREATOR

“The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it” (Ps 24:1). This verse comes to mind as I reflect on why I love the earth and care for its health. I still remember magical moments of standing amidst majestic mountains and seeing wild horses gallop through the rolling plains of Mongolia. These moments were all the more glorious because I felt connected in a new way to my Creator who has created such beauty. Back home, whenever I am stressed at work, I would take a walk down a road lined with rain trees. I’d look up to see the sturdy trees against warm sunlight, and my heart would calm down. These trees provide perspective to my problems: as they have stood firm for years through the storms, so too will God stand by me and help me to overcome all things. All these connections with nature and God grow my appreciation for His creation and His character.

EVERYTHING ON EARTH BELONGS TO GOD, AND NOTHING BELONGS TO US.

KEEPERS OF THE EARTH

As I meditate on Psalm 24:1, I am reminded of this beautiful truth: Everything on earth belongs to God, and nothing belongs to us. And yet, God has given humankind the responsibility of stewardship over everything He has created (Gen 1:28). Like a gardener given the task of keeping his employer’s garden, we are given the responsibility to watch over our Creator’s earth. As keepers of the earth, we are to manage all these resources on earth in a way that shows our love for both God and His creation. This begins with an attitude of gratitude and appreciation for the things that sustain and enrich our lives, from the food that keeps us alive, to the technology that we use every day. This will help us to treasure and use these things with care, going against the exploitative and throwaway culture that is so prevalent today.

This role as keepers of the earth is not just a responsibility, but also a privilege for us as God’s beloved daughters. We are part of His grand purpose to redeem and restore shalom to humankind and creation. Shalom refers to more than just peace. It is a state of well-being and fruitfulness in which God, humans and all the rest of creation live in loving harmony, with concern for the good of every single creature. We can think of it as God saying to us: “You have experienced the shalom of being reconciled with me. Would you now partner with me to extend this shalom throughout the world?”

As I sought to love God more, I grew in my conviction that I need to be a better steward of the resources given to me. I have become more intentional in my consumption, trying to use only what I need. For example, I have switched to buying pre-loved or BNIB (Brand New in Box) apparel, and only when needed. I can afford to buy new clothes, but in seeking to honour my Creator, I want to be more thoughtful in what I buy, so that I can reduce the environmental impact caused by fast fashion. For me, this means that I can look good and also feel good in my new outfits!

MY NEIGHBOUR'S KEEPER

Apart from loving God through caring for His creation, being keepers of the earth is also about keeping the second greatest commandment — to love our neighbours as ourselves (Mark 12:29–31). My heart aches when I see photos of East African mothers holding their malnourished babies. How helpless it must feel to see the life of your children ebbing away because you’re not able to provide for them! Climate change is one of the main reasons that hunger is the norm for one in five people in the whole of Africa. I feel awful knowing that this is mainly because they have taken the brunt of the actions of developed countries. Those of us who live in advanced economies have the means to shield ourselves against the effects of climate change. In contrast, those of our neighbours who have fewer resources suffer from the impact of the unsustainable devouring of the earth’s resources, largely driven by the demands of the affluent.

WE ARE PART OF HIS GRAND PURPOSE TO REDEEM AND RESTORE SHALOM TO HUMANKIND AND CREATION.

In seeking shalom, I realized that being my brother or sister’s keeper means remembering how my choices can affect my neighbours across the world who seem distant, but are very close to God’s heart. In practical terms, I ask myself the difficult question of whether I really want that cup of bubble tea, or can I give it a miss to reduce plastic waste? I also consider carefully how much to travel, given that air travel accounts for a significant proportion of carbon dioxide emissions that contribute to global warming. How can we live in, use and enjoy creation as keepers of the earth? I believe that it is good for us to enjoy the pleasures of God’s creation, but to do so wisely (like having bubble tea when one is stressed, but in a reusable cup). We have the responsibility to steward carefully what is given to us. Guided by the love for God and our neighbour, let us reflect and pursue the beautiful shalom that our Father has brought us into, so that others may glorify God as well.

Want to learn more about creation care?

Check out these books!
1. Saying Yes to Life by Ruth Valerio
2. Planetwise: Dare to Care for God’s World by Dave Bookless
3. Bible and Ecology: Rediscovering the Community of Creation by Richard Bauckham

Dig Deeper: Is It OK To Doubt God?

Riley Sewell — Tue, 24 Mar 2020 04:00:00 +0000

First, let me confess something. I have doubted my faith. I have doubted what is said in the Bible. I have doubted God. Not only have I doubted, but I DO doubt.

Have you ever doubted God? My guess is, you already do.

Though all of us probably doubt God at some point, it is rarely talked about openly. And when it is, often I hear doubt talked about negatively. You shouldn’t doubt. You can’t question that. You know what the Bible says is true.

Are faith and doubt opposites?

Faith and doubt seem like two opposites that cannot coexist. But that’s a misconception — faith and doubt are a package deal. Wrestling with doubt is part of the process of building faith. In other words, doubt is often the labour pains accompanying the birth of faith, new or renewed. Paul Tillich, who was an influential 20th-century German-American theologian and philosopher, put it this way, “Doubt is not the opposite of faith; it is one element of faith.”

The antithesis of faith is not doubt but indifference. Put differently, the danger is not in doubting, but in the movement toward apathy. Doubting enters the ‘danger zone’ when its effect diminishes your desire to engage with God. As such, you may allow doubt to visit your mind but be sure to ban it from becoming its ruler.

Where should we bring our doubts to?

The place to which we carry our unresolved doubts is more important than whether or not we have doubts. You have the choice to take your doubts to the world or to God. God’s love will embrace our doubts, but the world only tends to multiply doubts and misguide us. Our God is not insecure. He’s not scared or shocked by our questions or misconceptions.

I want to encourage you to confess to God all your doubts in prayer, journalling or conversations with your trusted Christian friends. Write them all down or say them out loud, then wait. God will find clever ways to slowly, or maybe rapidly, use life to answer your questions and doubts. He will use Scripture that jumps out on the page, a passing comment from a friend, the content in your pastor’s sermon, or a signpost you see on the train to school. Also, God will work through logic and reason as you may find answers in history, science or apologetics books.

Thomas: the doubting saint

The story of Thomas, also known as the Doubting Saint, is a great example of how God engages with our doubts. A few days after Jesus’ death and burial, the disciples were gathered together when their resurrected teacher showed up. But Thomas was not present to witness it. When the others recounted the event, Thomas baulked: “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe” (John 20:25). A week later, the disciples were again gathered together, only this time Thomas was with them. The doors of their house were shut, but somehow Jesus appeared to them a second time. He invited Thomas to put his fingers to his wounds, and the doubting disciple finally believed that Jesus was alive — his Lord and his God.

Do you notice how Jesus responded to Thomas’s doubts? He met Thomas and showed him more than enough evidence to put his doubts to rest. God will meet you in the chaos and confusion of your doubts if you ask. He will provide an opportunity for your doubts to be addressed through the truth of who He is. We do not get to see Jesus as Thomas did (and Jesus said we are blessed because we have not seen Him yet we believe! (see John 20:29)). However, just as Thomas touched the wounds of Jesus, it is in intimacy with the very real love and truth of God as seen in the marks of His resurrection that we find a resolution.

As a practical step, observe what Thomas did with his doubts — he admitted his disbelief to his close Christian friends who had real encounters with God. Thomas’s story teaches us to express, not deny, hide or fear, our doubts, and to do so with trustworthy followers of Christ.

If wrestling with doubt is inevitable, sometimes even beneficial, in our faith journeys, then what we do with our doubts is one of the most influential factors in deepening our faith. My hope is that you take your doubt to God. With open hands, He will receive and respond to them with truth and love.

Dear Kallos: My Parents Banned Me From Talking To My Guy Friend

Alina Teo — Tue, 24 Mar 2020 04:00:00 +0000

My parents have banned me from talking to a close guy friend because he used to be in a gang and has a lot of vices. I think I am in love with him and feel depressed. I pray and believe that God will change him. What should I do? — In Love and Confused

dear In Love and Confused,

It is great to hear that you are believing God to change your close guy friend to be more Christ-like and you have been praying for him. However, it is important to remember that only God can change a person.

Being open to someone changing doesn’t mean trying to take things into your own hands and to make things better for him. Rather, it is about trusting God to change the person in His own time and way. Only God can. Are you willing to take a back seat and trust God to work in his life?

God always wants us to walk in the light, but He also gives us the freedom to make our own choices. He does not force us to do things we don’t want to. However, our choices may end up hurting us or others, and make Him sad. Your friend has to choose for himself the kind of life he wants to lead. If he chooses not to change his current lifestyle, remember that God may still be working in ways you cannot see.

You mentioned that you feel in love with him. Sometimes, emotions can sway us without us realising. Perhaps you can take a step back and re-evaluate your priorities. Is this friendship a healthy one? Is he helping you become more Christ-like?

Although it feels like your parents may be overly restrictive at times, know that they love you and are looking out for you. Often, can’t tell if we are being influenced in a positive or negative way. The people around us are the ones who can see our blind spots and guide us. Seeking counsel from your trusted friends and a counsellor can give you new perspective. Keep sharing your life so that these people can walk alongside you!

Remember: when we pray, we are choosing to surrender and commit our all to God. He is sovereign in all things, which means that all things are possible to Him. Consider asking God to help you surrender this situation to Him, obey your parents, and walk in His perfect ways and will.

Review: To All the Boys (P.S. I Still Love You); Worth The Time?

Hannah Leung — Tue, 24 Mar 2020 04:00:00 +0000

WARNING: SPOILER ALERT!

YAY: Learning to Reconcile

Lara Jean is insecure because of her boyfriend Peter’s past relationship with Gen. She is shaken to the core when she finds out that Peter met Gen to help her go through her parents’ separation. She calls off the relationship in a moment of frustration.

When we think about dealing with insecurities, we often turn to self- love, self-affirmation and self-validation. However, Lara Jean fended off her insecurity by reaching out to Gen and seeking reconciliation. As their hearts softened towards one another, the animosity she felt towards Gen disappeared, leaving her room to see Gen not as a threat, but a friend. Respect, girl! (Though if your boyfriend is constantly keep close to his ex, you probably need to have some healthy conversations about it!)

YAY: Forgive, forgive, forgive

Peter and Lara Jean exchanged many careless words in their moments of anger, but one thing they did well was to forgive. Lara Jean forgave Peter for coming half a day late to their coffee date (that is truly respectable patience!), while Peter forgave Lara Jean for her incoherent rant after their awkward treehouse reunion.

In the last scene as Lara Jean and Peter reconcile at the steps of Belleview, they exchanged “I love you”s. While simple, their words were weighty, because in saying “I love you,” they were really saying “I forgive you for all that you have done to me, and for all that you made me feel. I choose to leave the past behind and build up the love that we presently share.”

One of my favourite relationship advice is by Ruth Graham Bell, who said that “A happy marriage is the union of two good forgivers.” Forgiving involves putting the other above yourself. Is not Jesus’ ultimate act of love on the cross one of forgiveness?

NAY: The Source of Wisdom

Toward the end, Stormy drops a quotable quote as Lara Jean admits that she kissed John Ambrose while confused about her relationship with Peter. Stormy assures Lara Jean that “sometimes you have to kiss the wrong man to know what’s right.” It sounds assuring at first, but take note; her advice seems to justify trying out different relationships simultaneously to “know what is right”. While experience is a good teacher, it is not the source of wisdom that enables us to choose wisely. So if you’ve never had experience in dating, take heart! God guides us in all things, including how we date, and eventually who we may marry. While Stormy is charming, her words — not so much. Tune your ears to the Holy Spirit instead!