Mikayla Asks For A Drink

This is a video of Mikayla when she just turned one. We taught her some sign language and by that time she knew how to sign for milk. However, we did not teach her how to sign for water. Watch as she improvises.

When she finally gets what she wants she enjoys her well earned drink. Smart girl!

Mothers' Day

Kinda late now I know, but I have always maintained that this blog lives for my life and not my life living for my blog. So if there is "living" to do, I'll do that first, my online life takes a backseat to my real life. In case you didn't know, I have a life.

As (almost) all other church, we had a good Mothers' Day celebration. I managed to put together a very nice gift package for the moms in FGC. I'm proud of it and won't mind getting something like that for fathers' day next month, the free movie passes take the cake (*hint hint*). Apart form that there was also a cosmetic voucher from MakeUup. My friend will be bringing some products to FGC one of these weeks and you can all check it out then. Otherwise, check out the site and make your order there. I also want to thank Jackie for her help in getting very nice freebies from Giant/Guardian. The moms were all buzzing about how nice the gifts were.

Pastor Nellie Chan spoke very motherly about mothers and children, and even as a father I felt that I had to apply what was preached to my life. I have to learn to enjoy Mikayla more now. Joash who came along initially as his mom’s driver for the day worship led. Ken Chung came along with him to play the keyboards. Both of them have been inactive in their own worship ministries but they too enjoyed ministering that morning. It was a good time of worship, Joash, Ken Chung and the rest of our worship team did a good job. I hope the atmosphere of worship in our church will continue to build up momentum. I’m looking forward to more vibrant worship sessions. Coming Sunday we will be having a worship team meeting to meet and just discuss briefly about the ministry.

After the service I spent some time jamming with Jay Sern and Jee Hor, and when they left I experienced my first time alone in the church. It felt weird being in my own church and feeling kinda off. Anyway I did some stuff, tidied up and left to spend some time with my mother in-law. I had my lunch at church so I missed the Vietnamese lunch with the family but I was there for cake at sister in-law's place.

When we got home the house phone rang, normally only a few people call our house phone: the bank (or sales people from the bank), various other sales people, my Aunty Kim Mooi’s family (who lives nearby), or my parents calling from Baguio. It was my parents.

This year I decided to do something for my mom even though she’s in Philippines. Previous years we occasionally bought her something, but this year I decided to call up my good friend Brian Lopez in Baguio and ask him to help me buy some flowers for my mom. That was what happened and I heard from my father that my mom was moved to tears because of the flowers. The grandmother (and grandfather) then spent close to an hour, maybe more than that on Skype talking to Mikayla, Melanie, me, and Elroi.

After the Skype session, since it was mothers’ day, I went to make dinner while Melanie went outside to play water with Mikayla. Mikayla really enjoys it. As I was preparing dinner the house phone rang again, this time it was Aunty Kim Mooi, she asked us over to her house for Bah Kut Teh. We packed some of our half cooked stuff and walked over to her house for their mothers’ day dinner. So that was mothers’ day all day.

Here are some sights and sounds of our mothers’ day…

Joash worship leading, I was playing lead guitar which is a first for FGC

Joash using my beautiful guitar, that's why he did such a good job

Worshipping through our giving as well

The kids wishing the moms

Guest speaker: Nellie Chan

Pas. Nellie spoke of how mothers build their children's lives

I heard what was spoken and decided that I too had to put to practice what was preached

The lunch I didn't have, but I'm glad to be able to spend time with the church members

Mikayla unwinding by reading a good book

Mikayla getting wet and dirty before her shower

Ready, aim, fire!

Here's the video of the kids' mothers' day greeting. Could not get camera turned on in time for Nicole and Jonas, but I did get Brighton. I'm waiting for the day when Mikayla I can see Mikayla doing something like this, she's so cute, she'll melt my heart. Yes, I'm biased, But Mikayla is the cutest!

Here is an interesting video I found on Youtube, I would like to dedicate this to my mother, Mikayla's mother, my mother in-law, my step mother in-law, and all the other "mothers" that God has placed in my life... God bless you all.

EduCare & WidowCare Fundraiser

As previously mentioned, here is the post on the Assemblies of God charity dinner.

I was contacted by the committee earlier in month to come give a testimony during the dinner about how EduCare has helped me. Rev. Jeremiah Kong who contacted me based on a list given to him did not realize that although I applied for the EduCare scholarship for my studies in BCM I did not get the scholarship. I informed Rev Jeremiah that I did not get the help, upon realizing that he apologized profusely. It really wasn't his fault but he felt so embarassed about it. I was already helping Shanti to find some PKs (pastors' kids) to give special numbers during the event, but I volunteered my help in any other way to Rev Jeremiah. He thanked me and apologized one last time before hanging up.

Few days later I got an email from Rev Jeremiah asking me to emcee the event. That was when I kinda regretted opening my big fat mouth. However I thought that if they felt I could contribute in this way I would give my time.

For those of you who are still blur let me inform you. Educare & WidowCare is a fund set up by the Assemblies of God of Malaysia to help our ministers. Many pastors who work in the outskirts do not "earn" enough from their job as a "minister" to support their families. So AG Malaysia wanted to help support some of our workers by helping them with their children's studies and also by taking care of some of the widows that are left behind. I understand that this might not add up for some of you. You might ask why God does not provide "properly" for these people who are working for him. I believe this would be one of the ways that God would use to provide for these servants. There is a general rule an there is always an exception to the rule. God works in different ways with different people.

Anyhow, I believe that Christians should be more sensitive. Keep your eyes opened, take good care of your shepherd so that they can minister effectively without external pressure or duress. Might discuss this more in another post.

Here are the event details:

Date: 22nd September 2008 (Monday)
Time: 7:30pm-10:00pm
Venue: Dewan Sivik, Petaling Jaya
Price: RM100.00 per seat
Estimated Attendance: 600 (60+ tables)
Guest of Honour: Yang Berhormat Teresa Kok

The event was to start at 7:30pm. I was asked to be there by 5:30pm. I met many who were part of the committee when I arrived. We were all there doing last minute preparations. I went over the script with Shanti my "co-host" and made some changes. Some of the people who were giving special presentations (including Juwita Suwito, also a PK) were also there setting up.

I soon realized that it will be an hour since the opening till diner will be served. Taking into account Malaysian's "flexi" time, it will be almost 9pm before anyone had anything to eat. That certainly worried me as I did not want to become the "hate figure" of the dinner. They will be seeing me coming up and making announcements but there will not be food. There would be many hungry (and angry people). I suggested to Shanti that it might be good to adjust the time so that there will be less hungry people. After some consultation, Shanti finally told me that the schedule will be adjusted as the guest of honour would also rather not give a speech to 600 hungry people.

Here's the itinerary for the dinner:

7:15 - Arrival of Guests
7:25 - Arrival of VIPs
7:30 - Opening Ceremony (Hip Hop Dance by Christian Dance Fellowship of Malaysia)
7:35 - Opening Address by hosts (Shanti & Lemuel)
7:40 - Opening Prayer by Rev Ronnie Chin
7:45 - Praise & Worship (Good Tidings, Shah Alam)
8:00 - Song Presentation: "I Surrender All" by Rev Sean Prasad
8:05 - Greetings by Rev Terrence Sinnadurai
8:10 - Speech by Rev Ong Sek Leang
8:15 - Speech by Guest of Honour (YB Teresa Kok)
8:20 - Dinner served
8:20 - Live Band Performance by X4JC
8:40 - Testimonies by
Rev Jeremiah Gan (his son recipient of EduCare fund)
Sis Sharon (recipient of EduCare fund)
Rev Ezra Muthu
9:00 - "My Love Gift" Pledge (Rev Terrence Sinnadurai)
9:10 - Table Lucky Draw
9:20 - Finale by Juwita Suwito

So that was the official plan. But when time came for YB Teresa Kok to give her speech she went on and on about her ISA detention. YB Teresa Kok who is the Member of the Selangor state Assembly for Kinrara, almost did not make it for the event due to her ISA detention. YB Edward Lee, Bukit Gasing State Assemblyman (who I just found out is my BCM classmate's father) was ready to stand in on her behalf. YB Teresa Kok, as we know was released and made it for the dinner. I do feel that it was not right for her to be held for such a long time for such menial issues. She spoke for about her ISA experience and how she felt God had helped her during her time in detention for about 25 minutes but only spoke about 3 minutes on the EduCare & WidowCare fund. The crowd sat and listened intently to her speech. In some ways she is like Malaysia's own Nelson Mandela, but of course Nelson Mandela is a whole other league. She did however pledge RM5,000 to the fund and applaud the efforts of the committee to take care of the pastors and their families.

So the schedule was screwed beyond recognition. Everything was pushed back, by the time we reached Juwita's part of the schedule there were few people left. Juwita was advised to do just one song, she decided to perform her song "Leading Change". Despite the 40-odd people left in the hall Juwita gave her best. It was like an intimate concert with her fans. Those who stayed behind had a chance to interact intimately with her while she sang. Those who stayed on screamed for more and Juwita duly obliged. By the end of it she sang 3 songs, everyone got into it. It was like a karaoke session with Juwita. I must say her attitude impresses me. She's such a pro, even with so few people she gave her 100% knowing that she was using her talents as God wanted her to.

So that was the EduCare and WidowCare Fundraiser. It is great that the Assemblies of God Malaysia is doing this for their credential members. We have to take care of our ministers. There were some Canaan Church people who were around, I caught a glimpse of Joshua taking some pix of the event. You can read his account of the event on his blog. The better pix here are from his flickr account, the sucky ones are from... "other people". I think I might have to get a camera of my own, can't trust anyone with their cameras. End up with no good pix, as you can see no picture of me hosting the dinner.

Anyway if you would like to contribute towards this fund, speak to your pastor. Or you could also visit the Assemblies of God Malaysia's website for more info.

For the more visually oriented:

Arrival of YB Teresa Kok

The VIP Table

Teresa Kok presenting gifts to some individuals and companies

Mikayla was not left out, she too will soon be a PK

Some PKs that were there. R-L: Shanti, Kenny, Reuben (I assume you know Melanie by now).

Juwita Suwito (center) with X4JC. Watch out for the release of X4JC's album at the end of the year

Mikayla and Shanti. Shanti was recently featured in a newpaper article.

My mother got in the action as well.

My mother wanted a picture with "someone famous"... I think she was talking about me.

Way better pictures from Joshua. Didn't find any of me though...

Singapore and Back

I recently made a trip down to Singapore from 17th August (Sunday) to 22nd August (Friday). Melanie and Mikayla were with me and so were some of our closest friends. Angela, Deborah, Ke Xin, and Keith makes the 7 of us. Keith was there to attend a seminar to upgrade himself, he is a hairstylist, Ke Xin invited us to accompany her. We also wanted to spend some time with Angela and Deborah before they headed off to England to continue their studies.

We were initially planning to stay in my aunty's condominium in Laguna Green but some last minute stuff came up and we ended up crashing in Leon Lim's apartment. Thank God for providing us with accommodations even at the very last minute. I also have Leon to thank for being so generous and hospitable to me and a the group of pretty strangers. I'm sure he enjoyed the company as well.

The trip was very relaxing. We had a very loose schedule. We just hung out together till we felt like going out then we would hit the shopping malls. We basically had no items on our itenerary:

1. Meet with Leon to check out accoustic guitars in view of purchasing in the future


2. Have a meal with David and Nechelle


3. Have a meal with former Canaan Church members (Nancy, Richard, Nico, etc.)

No we did not even bother with Sentosa Island as we found it too expensive and did not find anything worth paying for. Rather go shopping! Shopping is great therapy, just took our minds off whatever was happening back home.

We had so much fun, won't bother writing it all down. However to share my experience in Singapore, here are some pix of the trip.

* I realized that I'm not really a photo kinda guy, will try to get more pix to record the moments.
** I will also need to use some web album to get my pix organized.



On the wobbly Aeroline bus to Singapore. Mikayla (and Angela) makes funny faces whenever a camera is held up.


Mikayla and me in Takashimaya SC after our meal with David and Nechelle Lim.


On holiday everyone is happy... until the crappy food arrives! Malaysia's food is WAY better!


Daddy's cute princess


Yes, that's how Mikayla spent most of her time in Singapore. I feel like a kangaroo.


The (new) Yee Family at Suntec City


The rest of the group. Keith missed out on the shopping attending his course.


Mikayla watching Koi fish in Suntec City's Garden


The fairy bear mooning everyone >.<


Canaan members now residing in Singapore. It makes me so happy to know that they are STILL serving God where they are.

Mikayla's First Fever

Susie our good friend and member of Canaan Church counted 8 months and 12 days. This is the first time Mikayla is getting sick. We were in Angela's car on our way to see Doc. Lim (not to be confused with our friend Doc. David Lim who is practicing in Johor Baru). All the "kai ma" are concerned and wants to be at the clinic, I think more busybody than concerned. She has a fever of 38.5 degrees Celsius and got her first dose of medicine - Paracetamol (a.k.a. Panadol, liquid form of course). Today is day two of Mikayla's fever watch. I'm home with her now. Normally she would be keeping my hands full. But...

Oh... she just O.M.M. (orh mm mm a.k.a. passed motion a.k.a. did her big business... get it yet?)... Time to clean up. Looks like she's still keeping my hands full...

Ok, done. Mikayla is all cleaned up. Yes, normally she would be making noise and I would not be able to take my eyes off her or she might roll off or crawl off the sofa that she spends most of her day on. But due to her fever she is weak and prefers to spend the day just lying still. She just went to sleep. Pray with Melanie and me, we know a fever is a small thing but being first time parents and this is her very first time falling sick, we're both naturally anxious.

God has kept Mikayla in good health so far. My parents told me that by this time my brothers and I would have been sick several times already. Doc. Lim shared the same sentiment. But Melanie has been breastfeeding her so far so it helped keep Mikayla healthy, however we now have no more choice and are transiting her to formula. Job well done to Melanie for keeping it up for over 8 months. Breast milk helps very much to keep babies healthy. Formulas have been said to be "heaty", so maybe this is why Mikayla is not well now.

Pray with us. I doubt anything major will happen, however I have some items on my schedule which I would have to let go if she does not get better. Melanie and I will also be able to sleep better at night. I believe now I can relate with and understand some of the parents out there.

Botanik Family Church Youth Camp

Date: 1-3 June 2008

Venue: Bayu Beach Resort, Port Dickson

Theme: 180 Degrees of Change

The compulsory "Crazy Shot"

Wow it’s taken me about TWO months to get here. My daughter is the one that controls my time now. Want an appointment with me? Check with my daughter first.

Anyway I finally have some time to put to words and onto this blog my very first experience as a youth camp speaker.

Well I was contacted by Billy who was from this church in Botanik Garden, Klang. Very far, I stay in Selayang. They have previously approached me to come to speak to their youths in their family seminar, however I had to decline their kind invitation due to clashes in my schedule. My initial reaction when Billy’s invitation got to me about 2 months ahead of the camp, was one of fear – not nervousness, but fear. Fear was a factor. Thank God he has prepared me in previous occasions to be ready to face this fear. I duly accepted Billy’s invitation. The theme given was 180 degrees of change, something which I have not previously spoken before. This meant I had to prepare from scratch. The messages would be fresh and hot out of the oven.

My sidekicks in action...

The camp was to start on a Sunday evening. So I had the opportunity to attend service in Canaan. Michel Ong the pastor’s kid (PK) was planning to visit me to meet Mikayla, but I had to be at this camp. After checking with Billy, I asked Michel if she wanted to join me in this camp. As they were dropping Michel off for the camp, Michel’s family had the opportunity to attend Canaan’s Sunday worship, which was a pleasant surprise. I have previously asked Michel not only to join the camp but to be ready to contribute something to the camp. So she would be like my other sidekick. The main sidekick roles have already taken by my wife and daughter. I tell you the truth, you will not believe what a cute baby can do to boost your likeability factor! So wife and daughter had to be there. “Other sidekick” role of being the pretty and available chick was assigned to Michel, that should keep the guys tuned in during the duration of the camp. She could also connect with the girls in the camp and tell them what a great guy the speaker is… nothing like hearing it from one of their own.

The other sidekick... Remember this game?

Anyway after Sunday service in church we had the opportunity to have lunch with Melanie’s father and sisters (Bobby is included as one of Melanie’s sisters here). We had some Chinese food in the Gardens… nice! So we headed off to Bayu Beach Resort, P.D.… AGAIN.

By the time we all arrived the campers were already all checked in. While waiting for Billy to come out to meet us and pass us our room keys, we realize that there were so many churches having their camps there. There were another 2 churches that were already there. Later we found out that there were other churches that were also coming in later in that week. Even during my own church camp there were so many churches. Bayu Beach Resort is being blessed by the churches of Malaysia. It is a nice place with a nice beach, and some attractive facilities at a econimical rate. The place is near perfect for church camps, except the place might need a facelift soon (getting a bit old now).

Before the first session in the same hall that Canaan Church used, I met the campers. I was surprised that there were many who were still primary school students. So this meant I would have to adjust my sermons to cater to a younger crowd. Anyway the sessions got underway. The sessions were simple. There was this Italian-Chinese guy by the name of Toefl (yes, like the English exam) who led worship in most of the sessions. Just a guitar and a keyboard, nice and simple. I had the chance to speak in four separate sessions.

To remind the youths in Botanik Family Church, here is a short description of the messages:

1. Life of Peter (Gospels and Acts)

a. Peter the fishermen
i. Faithless Peter
ii. Foolish Peter
iii. Fearful Peter
b. Peter the fisher of men
i. Peter the Leader
ii. Peter the Fearless
iii. Peter the Wise
iv. Peter the Faithful

2. Transformation (Romans 12:1-2)

a. Rebirth: “Living sacrifice”
b. Replace: “Do not conform but be transformed”
c. Renew: “Renewing of your mind”
d. Realize: “What God’s will is”

3. Formula for Renewal (2 Chronicles 7:14)

a. “If my people” – Renewal begins with God’s people
b. “Humble themselves” – Renewal requires a change of heart
c. “Pray” – Renewal is powered by prayer
d. “Seek my face” – Renewal is found in God’s presence
e. “Turn from their wicked ways” – Renewal requires dying to our old self

4. Extreme Makeover (Galatians 5:16-26)

a. Our Problem
b. Our Picture
c. God’s Plan
i. Acknowledge God’s wonderful plan
ii. Believe God is the source of a true makeover
iii. Choose God’s ways always

By the end of the camp new friends were made and new relationships formed. Hopefully there will be more ministry opportunities for me to express myself, at this stage the opportunities also serve to help me grow as well. The experiences and the lessons learnt will be added to my curriculum vitae and will be useful for me in my future ministries.

For more pix from the camp, check out Michel’s album

Church Camp 2008

Date: 17-19 May 2008
Venue: Bayu Beach Resort, Port Dickson.
Speaker: Rev. Christopher Mun (Tabernacle of Worship)
Theme: Building Strong Disciples

So I guess I need some kind of camera, but my handphone's camera really will NOT cut it. So we shall wait till the camp pictures turn up on someone else's blog...

Anyway the camp was shorter than the usual 4D 3N. We were trying to make it easier for all church members to make it to the camp. The camp fees was also relatively low (if compared to previous church camps). However many church members were still unable to afford it. In came the church and some generous church members, they sponsored the others who were not able to afford the RM180 camp fees. However, Rev. Christopher Mun did share about the similar problem in his church camps. Tabernacle of David's solution to the problem is to set a budgeted amount aside to subsidize the camp fees for all church members. There are many ways to skin a cat, so Canaan Church will have to find a way that works for ourselves.

Anyway I led the worship for the first session, followed by Joyce, then Angela, and finally Joshua. Joyce and Angela are first-timers. So in light of that they did well. I think Angela could grow into the role, however she would be leaving for UK around September. She has been part of the worship team for so long, now she's taking vocal lessons to improve herself. I do not think Angela reads my blog, nonetheless, I have decided to conforce (convince-force, a new word coined by the camp committee) her to lead worship in the church. I'm sure after 2 or 3 times, she will become a great worship leader. All she has to do is not talk so fast when she gets nervous...

Rev Christopher Mun also communicated God's word with passion and some humour. I remember his main ideas throughout the camp:

1. Complete Devotion
2. Complete Trust
3. Complete Service
4. Stand firm
5. Be bold
6. Be strong

I think that's most of it, might have left out 1 or 2.

I was really anticipating Sunday. Jerome Liew my classmate from BCM found out that I will be in PD for church camp and invited us to a friendly futsal game with his church - Glad Tidings Port Dickson. For some reason many of the older youths did not come for the church camp this time, so we were left with a group of younger players. We were playing catch up most of the game, then came Derrick Siow who was playing goal keeper for the first half. Derrick was immediately dubbed our secret weapon as he was goalkeeping for the first half of the game. He was now given the job of marking the opposition's goalkeeper. Then our goals started popping in because Derrick did such a great job of distracting and blocking their goalkeeper's view. Derrick became an even bigger distraction when he tore his pants big time! It was not the usual tear between the groin, it was like the whole front part of his pants was tearing off! Major distraction there. Anyway, we lost the game by a slim 12-10 (we think), nobody knows the score for sure except Chris, so we shall take his word for it.

This camp is the very first for Mikayla. Melanie and I were worried in the weeks leading up to the camp as Mikayla was unhappy and uncomfortable when we were outside of our home. However when she arrived there she was fine with the crowd and with people carrying her.

All in all it was a good camp. The atmosphere in camp was very different from what I have previously experienced. I guess it is a good kind of different. I look forward to the church growing deeper this year as we look to build stronger disciples.

RE: GRM Question #2(B) "All Babies Go To Heaven?"

The question on whether babies go to heaven has been bothering me, tormenting me, eating away at me even. The question holds extra significance to me. Mikayla, my three month old “cutiepie” has been keeping me busy and away from many things. One of the things, among many things I severely miss is – movies. I have even been feeling left out from conversations when people start talking about the latest movies. I can only comment on whether the poster looked good, and the posters mostly looked fantastic! Mikayla is such a gift, she has been learning to make sounds. About two weeks ago she began to say “gooh”, then it was “ang-gooh”. This few days she has been making all kinds of new sounds. Melanie and I are ecstatic. My parents (a.k.a. Mikayla’s grandparents) are missing out on all the action as our internet at my home has been out since the last time they were around (11th March). The combination of baby and limited connectivity has kept me away from the blog. I am now resorting to other means…

As you can clearly see, I have some problems focusing. Back to the question at hand...

Let me just simply explain some of the theories on whether babies (or the mentally handicapped) go to heaven when they die. As far as I understand babies and mentally handicapped people fall into a similar category. There are some differences between the two but I believe, in relation to the question at hand, their lack of judgment and/or ability to think puts them in a similar position. I do not mean to offend anyone here and I sincerely hope that no one will be offended by my stand or by my choice of words. The “politically-correct” language changes by the week, I cannot keep up, however I sincerely mean no disrespect.

To deal with this question we will also have to consider the theology of original sin. “Original sin” simply states that all we are all born sinners, this is particularly clear to me from Psalm 51, among other Bible verses. I agree that we are all sinful from the time we are born. Since Adam and Eve sin has been passed on from generation to generation.

Yes we know well from the Bible that we all are born sinners and God is just in condemning sin. But apart from verses that condemn sin in general, there are no verses in which God deals with the sins of a baby. However, I find that there are verses that suggests God’s grace, love and mercy towards babies.

The Roman Catholic Theory:
Traditionally Roman Catholics believed that anyone, anyone at all – baby or mentally handicapped, has to be baptized in order to go to heaven. Still births, miscarriages, or babies who were too young to be water baptized will go to purgatory. There they are said to enjoy an “eternal state of natural happiness but without being in communion with God”.

Because of the believe that absolutely nobody can get to heaven without first being baptized, the Catholic Church also came up with the ordinance of extreme unction, or the baptism of the dead. This gave believers of the Roman Catholic faith hope for their loved ones, especially babies or the mentally handicapped.

I find this theory very leaky and Roman Catholic church is trying to plug the holes in their stand. I do not believe in “purgatory”. Firstly it was not mentioned in the Bible, but mostly because the concept of purgatory (or limbo) distinctly contrasts with the teachings of the Bible. Christianity is a religion of love and grace, the idea of purgatory tells me that I need to work for my salvation. As far as I understand, purgatory is a place for people who God cannot decide whether to send to heaven or hell. I would be very disappointed if God made me go through purgatory. It would be as though God’s grace was not sufficient to save us. And if God’s grace was indeed sufficient, then it would seem to me that God is simply just being mean. Jesus came all the way, became flesh, died a bloody death, and after all that told me it was all for nothing. It is as if a person traveled a great distance to visit, but refused take the final step to come into the house.

I believe water baptism is merely a symbolic act. The act means nothing in itself unless we understand the meaning behind the symbolic act. But water baptism becomes meaningful when we understand we that we were once dead but now we live through Christ’s death. If someone goes through the act of water baptism but does not understand the meaning behind the symbolic act, it does nothing for the person. So would a baby understand what water baptism means?

The Roman Catholic church is a great church, however not perfect (yet). I believe the Roman Catholic church are on the brink of a reform. One of the changes that might be made would be on this theory. For more please see: http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2007/04/20/limbo-in-limbo.html. Also see http://www.newadvent.org for more on the Catholic faith.

Rejection Theory
This other theory holds a baby will go to heaven because a baby, or a mentally handicapped person has no ability to reject God. There are people who believe that in order for a person to deserve hell, this person must reject God outright. The verse normally cited to support this view is John 3:18A baby is not able to choose to accept God but at the same time also has no ability to reject God, therefore, a baby who cannot reject God will not go to hell and instead go to heaven.

There are also some who believe that babies are not capable of committing sins that “deserve hell”. Sins like those mentioned in John 16:9 and 2 Thessalonians 1:8-9. Revelations 20:11-15 tells us that on judgment day we will all be judged according to our works that are recorded. Again a baby would not have been responsible for his/her actions and incapable of committing a sin. A factor of “the age of accountability” also normally comes into play. The “age of accountability” is like juveniles who are judged by different standards than those of an adult. This term is not found in the Bible itself but it refers to the age when a person is able to understand the Gospel. The age of accountability is subjective an differs from person to person depending on their individual mental development.

Believing Parent Theory
Based on 1 Corinthians 7:14, it reads: For the believing husband has been sanctified through his wife, and the unbelieving wife has been sanctified through her believing husband. Otherwise your children would be unclean, but as it is, they are holy.

This theory would mean that not all babies would be saved, except only those who are children of a believing parent. The first part of the verse is hard to understand and explain, however the latter part of the verse is clear enough.

I think this stand is not unreasonable. Some might think that if God were like this it would not be fair to other “innocent babies”. In this world of “political correctness” we might have become too politically correct for our own good. I believe nothing is fair, when Jesus who was sinless had to bear the sins of the world, I do not think anything in this world can ever be said to be fair (or unfair) anymore. If God were to be “fair” we being sinners would all be in hell, end of story. Instead, God chose grace and mercy over “fairness”.

Willful Transgression Theory
As you can read from the funky names of the different theories you would know by now that I am making names up for different theories that already exist. This theory is mainly based in Deuteronomy 24:16 which reads: “The fathers shall not be put to death for the children, neither shall the children be put to death for the fathers: every man shall be put to death for his own sin".

This verse acknowledges the theology of original sin but puts it in the backseat. The Bible deals with men as reasonable, responsible, and accountable beings. Instead of judging men’s original sin, the Bible seems to indicate that “every man shall be put to death for his own sin”. Only those who have willfully sinned against God will be judged and punished.

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I believe there are many more arguments for as well as against babies going to heaven. However I believe I have enough evidence to reasonably and rationally believe that my little baby Mikayla will be in heaven if she dies before the “age of accountability”. I am definitely satisfied with what I have found, although it is by no means comprehensive, it is sufficient.

Even though I believe babies will most likely go to heaven when they die, this does not mean babies who are alive are regenerated. I do not fully understand the matter at hand and cannot reconcile this contradiction. What I have discovered evinces that babies who die most likely go to heaven. However, I doubt there will be anyone who can comprehensively answer and satisfy everyone on this subject. Like many age-old questions, all we can do, until we meet God, is to just trust that Our God is just and he will do what is right (Genesis 18:25).

Further readings? Go to:-

For reasons and verses, for and against babies going to heaven. Recommended for the easy point form reading format. Read and judge for yourselves.
http://www.barr-family.com/godsword/babys.htm

A transcript of John F. MacArthur’s sermon on the subject at hand.
http://www.ondoctrine.com/2mac0142.htm

An article on the same subject.
http://www.all4god.net/when_babies_die.htm

"Gifts From God"

That is exactly what she is, a "gift from God". Just look at her. Mikayla Yee Rencai 余仁采 was born to Melanie and I at 11:22 on the 21st of December 2007. As of today she is a grand ol' 34 days old!

Incidentally, today is Elroi's birthday. Happy Birthday Elroi! No gift for you, you're too far away. Elroi has taken many beautiful pictures of Mikayla on his Nikon D80. The pictures above were taken and editted by Elroi himself. The pictures are beautiful mainly because Mikayla is such a beautiful model.

At the moment Elroi is enjoying his birthday in the cool breeze of Baguio with Anne. What a way to spend one's birthday. My parents are totally elated that Anne has finally made the trip to visit them in the Philippines. We (Melanie, Mikayla & Lemuel) will also be going over to visit the new grandparents sometime around Chinese New Year. Melanie's family will also be joining us on this trip. It's going to be fun! The grandparents in Philippines have already bought many gifts for little Mikayla's trip. She will have no shortage of sweaters.

Naturally, my parents miss their 34-day old granddaughter more than they miss their 26-year old son. They really miss her a lot. It is part of the price and sacrifice that they make in serving Jesus. They have missed, and will miss many events in Mikayla's life. This is also a price and sacrifice that Melanie and I pay, and so will Mikayla. But nothing beats being part of a family who are in the will of God. The greatest gift is to know God and to share it with others.

Mikayla has already celebrated her full moon with her immediate family members on the 18th of January 2008. Even Mikayla's Great Uncle Yee Tham Fuan

(http://themekongmission.blogspot.com) and Aunty Danica (http://danicayee.blogspot.com) were in attendance. They were passing by KL on their way back to Australia from their missions trip in South Asia. Yes! Even my uncles, aunties and cousins love Jesus with all their hearts, and serve him wherever they are called. What a gift to have an entire family serving God and being in his will. The full moon was a typical noisy hakkah affair. Mikayla was splashed with gifts, and angpaus. Seriously, she is richer than me now.

Mikayla has been showered with so many gifts from friends and family that we are totally overwhelmed. You really will not believe it. Just let me illustrate: at the moment we have THREE matress, pillows, and bolsters sets; THREE bottles of D.O.M. health wines; THREE car seats; and so much clothes that Mikayla would be able to wear most of them only three times before she out grows them! We practically did not have to buy anything ourselves. We really thank God for giving us so many friends.

Mikayla is now initiated into the Yee Family proper. However, there are still so many friends who have yet to meet our little gift from God. Especially the members of Faith Charismatic Center, BCM students, and the PKs (Pastors' Kids). We really want to share this gift with all of you, so even though it is a bit of a hassle, a grander full moon party is in the pipeline. Here are the details:

Date: 3rd February 2008 (Sunday)
Time: 7pm - Mikayla's bedtime
Venue: Our home - B104 Casa Mila, Bukit Idaman, Selayang, 68100 Selangor (pool side)
RSVP: ASAP

Food?: of course!

Map: Right here...

Please come if you would like to see Mikayla Yee and her proud parents. Many of the BCM students and PKs also have never set foot into the northern areas of KL. As many churches are located towards the south - PJ and Subang areas. This would be the perfect opportunity for you Southsiders to get a taste of the Northside.

Lemuel, Melanie & Mikayla are all looking forward to seeing you at the party. Please remember to RSVP.