Monday, October 3, 2011

A Good Start, Oct 2011

The winds could not stop blowing in HKG. Last week's category 8 typhoon was followed up by a category 3 tropical storm today (3rd). Work was as usual but some schools were canceled. Today was a holiday for me, as for most pastors, so I can spend some time with Wife because it is a public holiday in Macau. The medical report came in today and the doctor said my health was ideal. On the way home I picked up a pound of sesame powder for Wife. With my new schedule, I work Tuesdays to Thursdays currently, and Friday is optional. Despite the winds, everything is good and the month could not be better. USA's Immigration Department informed me all documents for my siblings' file are complete last week. There is nothing more to do but wait for a visa to open up for her. With this done, work and housing resolved in the summer, I am off to a fine start.

There were blessings these last two days despite the rain. When it was drizzling yesterday the seniors at Ma Wan still went for an early 7a swim at the club house pool, which certainly surprised me that none failed to show up. Today (12th) the rain was heavy, a downpour even, but all five seniors were in the pool ahead of me. Altogether there were ten, doubling yesterday's count. Their tenacity and determination remind me of the need for perseverance. A little hardship should not hinder our resolve. I was also delighted that training part three started today with a bang. At least the participants were engrossed. Another thing to be grateful for is finalizing the book title for my new book to be released at the end of the year. It came out of the blue. A present coworker and a former worker, who are unaware of each other's suggestion, suggested the same title the same day, so I am happy for the suggestion and considers it God-sent.

Yesterday (15th) we had a dream day, which included the five S - swimming in the morning, snoozing in the afternoon, studying the Bible with couples later, shopping after study, and strolling/sharing at night. We were thankful for all the blessings we received. Today we finally brought a friend to church after they were not allowed to enter the 1030am service last week when they were over half an hour late. The husband texted: "We have arrived but they said we re 15 mins. late and they do not allow us to enter. We have to join the 12:15 pm section." They learned their lesson and they were on time this time. The husband said earlier, "This time I won't ba late again." They were late by 20 minutes but just because they went to the wrong worship location.

I will be off to Gentleland this Sunday (23rd) after half a year's absence, this time officially with a sponsoring seminary and teaching a Bible course (Numbers and Deuteronomy) instead of preaching. I spent a lot of time in September for the whole month I was off, so I am quite prepared. Let's hope the structural markers would not throw the students off track, that they may enjoy the fruit of Bible study. My present job afforded me the opportunity to help out a young coworker yesterday and today (21st) in sermon preparation. We had a good time studying, fellowship, prayer and eating. Let's hope the presentation is as good as the preparation.