The not-so-secret diary of Bing (aged 24)
Thursday, March 31, 2005
Marianne at The not so secret diary of ME was doing a chain interview of people who read her blog. Can you see the resemblance in blog name (FYI, she's ethnic chinese as well- freaky huh?) Seeing I’ve never met her, I volunteered. Here’s what she had to ask.
1. Seeing your blog title, for the longest time, I thought your name was Bing. So what is "Bing"?
More of a case of “who” is Bing? I first got the name “Bing” from my sixth form chemistry teacher. My signature is “B. Ng”, which when scribbled fast looks like “Bing”. So for the rest of that spell, and that year for that matter, “Bing” in the onomatopoeic sense became associated with me. I guess it’s kinda stuck, especially as it’s now the title of my blog. There have also been references to Chandler from friends, but I won’t comment on those.
2. You wrote about doing the 40 hour famine recently. What is something you've learnt from the experience?
Well, quiet a lot actually. I learnt that I can go quiet happily on barley sugars and juice for 40 hours. Also that a glass of juice has more calories than your average marshmallow Easter egg, which is why I could go quiet happily for 40 hours with out feeling too hungry. In some ways it’s disappointing that it wasn’t particularly spiritual or even like I achieved something, but that’s how it goes I guess.
3. What are the first 3 things you think of that you're thankful for?
That I’m wearing two pairs of socks (it’s really cold), God’s grace and faithfulness, that the cricket’s finally finished. Actually, that last one’s more merciful relief than thankfulness, um, that I got to do leadership training through church last year. It’s already paying dividends on the group assignment front.
4. You recently moved to Wellington, why?
God knows exactly why. No, really. He kept me awake one morning as I was deciding where to complete my medical degree. We had the options of going to Dunedin, Christchurch or Wellington Hospitals. I chose Wellington because He very convincingly told me to. Partly family, partly I was outgrowing Dunedin, partly because He has some outrageous plans for me while I’m up here. So although it’s primarily about study, I do not believe that I will just be studying medicine while up here.
5. You mentioned that when you were 15, God was just a God of the tough times. How or why did this change?
When I was 15, I figured that God existed, but I didn’t need his help- well except in passing tests that I hadn’t studied for, relationships that never got going etc. Basically He was a magic box. I met God- the being- on the night before lectures started in first year. And he very hurriedly convinced me that he wasn’t a magic box, but a loving caring God. So it’s easier, not to mention right, to love and serve God, than it is to call on him when you need Him. Now, not only do I have the confidence to call on Him in times of trouble, but I am blessed to have Him in all parts of my life.
Thanks for those Marianne, they really made me think about, well, me. Now, the trick is I should now interview 5 other bloggers with 5 questions just as has been done here. Would you like to be interviewed? If so, please comment. It’s a fantastic way to get 6 posts with very minimal effort and it seems a really interesting way to get to know people.
1. Seeing your blog title, for the longest time, I thought your name was Bing. So what is "Bing"?
More of a case of “who” is Bing? I first got the name “Bing” from my sixth form chemistry teacher. My signature is “B. Ng”, which when scribbled fast looks like “Bing”. So for the rest of that spell, and that year for that matter, “Bing” in the onomatopoeic sense became associated with me. I guess it’s kinda stuck, especially as it’s now the title of my blog. There have also been references to Chandler from friends, but I won’t comment on those.
2. You wrote about doing the 40 hour famine recently. What is something you've learnt from the experience?
Well, quiet a lot actually. I learnt that I can go quiet happily on barley sugars and juice for 40 hours. Also that a glass of juice has more calories than your average marshmallow Easter egg, which is why I could go quiet happily for 40 hours with out feeling too hungry. In some ways it’s disappointing that it wasn’t particularly spiritual or even like I achieved something, but that’s how it goes I guess.
3. What are the first 3 things you think of that you're thankful for?
That I’m wearing two pairs of socks (it’s really cold), God’s grace and faithfulness, that the cricket’s finally finished. Actually, that last one’s more merciful relief than thankfulness, um, that I got to do leadership training through church last year. It’s already paying dividends on the group assignment front.
4. You recently moved to Wellington, why?
God knows exactly why. No, really. He kept me awake one morning as I was deciding where to complete my medical degree. We had the options of going to Dunedin, Christchurch or Wellington Hospitals. I chose Wellington because He very convincingly told me to. Partly family, partly I was outgrowing Dunedin, partly because He has some outrageous plans for me while I’m up here. So although it’s primarily about study, I do not believe that I will just be studying medicine while up here.
5. You mentioned that when you were 15, God was just a God of the tough times. How or why did this change?
When I was 15, I figured that God existed, but I didn’t need his help- well except in passing tests that I hadn’t studied for, relationships that never got going etc. Basically He was a magic box. I met God- the being- on the night before lectures started in first year. And he very hurriedly convinced me that he wasn’t a magic box, but a loving caring God. So it’s easier, not to mention right, to love and serve God, than it is to call on him when you need Him. Now, not only do I have the confidence to call on Him in times of trouble, but I am blessed to have Him in all parts of my life.
Thanks for those Marianne, they really made me think about, well, me. Now, the trick is I should now interview 5 other bloggers with 5 questions just as has been done here. Would you like to be interviewed? If so, please comment. It’s a fantastic way to get 6 posts with very minimal effort and it seems a really interesting way to get to know people.
Monday, March 28, 2005
So much to Blog about
Easter has been really weird. I was thinking that it would be a somewhat spiritual experience, but it has been a more social time. This is a long blog, so has been split into several sections
First though…
J seen on TV singing REM
A little bird told me that Mr Jeremy Burgess (AKA J and Sunshine) was spotted on “Headliners” on Good Friday singing REM on national TV at the REM concert in Christchurch. Can anybody confirm this and was he any good?
Easter has been really weird. I was thinking that it would be a somewhat spiritual experience, but it has been a more social time. This is a long blog, so has been split into several sections
First though…
J seen on TV singing REM
A little bird told me that Mr Jeremy Burgess (AKA J and Sunshine) was spotted on “Headliners” on Good Friday singing REM on national TV at the REM concert in Christchurch. Can anybody confirm this and was he any good?
Current events
The Thursday before Good Friday was spent at home. After a stirling quiet time I did some finances until 3. I then went for a visit to the facio-maxillosurgeon. I am having all my wisdom teeth out on may 10. Unfortunately this means I can’t visit Dunedin during May, but I should get this op done while I have free time, and I hope to graduate in August if I can.
After the surgeon, I met a friend for coffee then went to a prayer meeting at church. In the spare 15 minutes between meeting and life group I grabbed some charcoal chicken, not bad for $7, and you don’t feel as bad after eating it. Life group was good, especially hanging out afterwards. There are some pretty cool people in this group, and some very interesting personalities. We ended up going to see “Be cool” at 11:30. It was an entertaining movie for 11:30, but I wouldn’t see it again.
Church on Good Friday was somber, although I’m not sure whether I got anything out of it. The message was on “reflecting on what God did, and how you should respond to it”. After Church I went and hung out at home. Very relaxing, and good times with Greg. Oh, and I bet him at cashflow, much to his dismay : ).
Saturday was spent doing some study, watching the cricket and hanging out with Brent (King). The pathology study of the heart was so tedious, we shall speak of it no more.
The Thursday before Good Friday was spent at home. After a stirling quiet time I did some finances until 3. I then went for a visit to the facio-maxillosurgeon. I am having all my wisdom teeth out on may 10. Unfortunately this means I can’t visit Dunedin during May, but I should get this op done while I have free time, and I hope to graduate in August if I can.
After the surgeon, I met a friend for coffee then went to a prayer meeting at church. In the spare 15 minutes between meeting and life group I grabbed some charcoal chicken, not bad for $7, and you don’t feel as bad after eating it. Life group was good, especially hanging out afterwards. There are some pretty cool people in this group, and some very interesting personalities. We ended up going to see “Be cool” at 11:30. It was an entertaining movie for 11:30, but I wouldn’t see it again.
Church on Good Friday was somber, although I’m not sure whether I got anything out of it. The message was on “reflecting on what God did, and how you should respond to it”. After Church I went and hung out at home. Very relaxing, and good times with Greg. Oh, and I bet him at cashflow, much to his dismay : ).
Saturday was spent doing some study, watching the cricket and hanging out with Brent (King). The pathology study of the heart was so tedious, we shall speak of it no more.
Cricket addict
The cricket looked promising, then got nasty. I figured out that watching cricket was actually a lot like gambling at the pokies. You are attracted by the everlasting hope that something good will happen, so you keep watching. If you appreciate the game, the more things that are good so the longer you watch. Even with NZ bowling, you can watch some good batting, or even the occasional good ball being bowled. This can result in hours, and even days being wasted as you gratify your need of everlasting hope. Sometimes it can get so bad that you listen to it on the radio while you blog and email…
“Hi, my name’s Brendan and I’m addicted to watching cricket…”. Well, not quite that bad yet. Thankfully only 11 more days of test cricket this summer….
The cricket looked promising, then got nasty. I figured out that watching cricket was actually a lot like gambling at the pokies. You are attracted by the everlasting hope that something good will happen, so you keep watching. If you appreciate the game, the more things that are good so the longer you watch. Even with NZ bowling, you can watch some good batting, or even the occasional good ball being bowled. This can result in hours, and even days being wasted as you gratify your need of everlasting hope. Sometimes it can get so bad that you listen to it on the radio while you blog and email…
“Hi, my name’s Brendan and I’m addicted to watching cricket…”. Well, not quite that bad yet. Thankfully only 11 more days of test cricket this summer….
Trying something new
So then Brent arrived from Masterton and we went into town. It was good to catch up with him. It’ll be cool having him just over the hill for the next couple of years. He was commenting on the united Emmirates slogan “When was the last time you did something for the first time”, which pretty much summed up our weekend. Firstly, his friend Jeff was up from Timaru, so we went to a party he was going to on Saturday night. Jeff knew the sister of one of the flatmates where the party was being held. It was weird as most of the people were older (30+), yet they were basically doing the same thing as any other party. It was also really uncomfortable because people were doing weed there and I didn’t really feel like I should be there. So I started talking to people instead of feeling stink that this was out of my comfort zone. Cos they were drunk, they were real friendly, and very amiable. I actually had a great time, drinking my ginger beer and just getting to know people. A lot of them had lost hope, which was real sad. Many smoked even though they knew it was bad for them. The number of times I said I was a med student and that I didn’t know what type of doctor I wanted to be yet, was a little frustrating, but did lead to some interesting and frank discussions. One girl just asked me straight up- “what religion are you?”. So that lead to a great discussion on God and how society works. I remember getting in trouble with Renee (HT from Carrington) cos I was talking to Brent’s cousin about God once at the Ori (For the record, Vicki started it). So although it was weird, I was strangely at peace with it, and would like to do it better next time. I was also tempted to say I that I was an evangelist when someone really drunk asked just to see what their response was, but I couldn’t quite bring myself to do it.
We actually had quite an early one- 11pm. Which was good, because I got up at 5 to help set up the dawn easter service on Mt Vic. My church (Wellington Central-(WC)) was providing a morning tea for the attendees. After setting up I picked up Brent and we went along. I’m not exactly sure how he took hanging out on Mt Vic with a whole lot of crazy Christians (NOT a term I use lightly)- even I was challenged at some points-like the random lady who came up to us both and said “praise God He is risen”. Not so much the content, but the boldness, and forwardness by which it was done. The service was a definite eye-opener for both of us, and a very interesting experience
After the service and dropping some people off at church, we took a drive around Wellington. We went for a look around the Miramar peninsula, which was pretty cool, then we drove around the back of Wellington up to the wind turbine. Normally this is quite a good view, but the fog made it really hard to see the turbine, let alone any views. We then wandered into town to met my folks for yum char, yet another first for Brent, and a great thing to do if you want to do something very different. My brother Greg joined us for the afternoon, and we ended up going to Paraparaumu to play mini-golf. Actually it was more the drive that we did (I was actually real tired and went through a fair whack of ‘V’ and powerade by the time we were done.) We also visited the looly shop at Lindale. To continue the first theme, I was going to drive over the Akatawara’s (a very narrow road) after a powerade, but we were stopped by the weather. So instead, Brent experienced his first traffic jam.
So then Brent arrived from Masterton and we went into town. It was good to catch up with him. It’ll be cool having him just over the hill for the next couple of years. He was commenting on the united Emmirates slogan “When was the last time you did something for the first time”, which pretty much summed up our weekend. Firstly, his friend Jeff was up from Timaru, so we went to a party he was going to on Saturday night. Jeff knew the sister of one of the flatmates where the party was being held. It was weird as most of the people were older (30+), yet they were basically doing the same thing as any other party. It was also really uncomfortable because people were doing weed there and I didn’t really feel like I should be there. So I started talking to people instead of feeling stink that this was out of my comfort zone. Cos they were drunk, they were real friendly, and very amiable. I actually had a great time, drinking my ginger beer and just getting to know people. A lot of them had lost hope, which was real sad. Many smoked even though they knew it was bad for them. The number of times I said I was a med student and that I didn’t know what type of doctor I wanted to be yet, was a little frustrating, but did lead to some interesting and frank discussions. One girl just asked me straight up- “what religion are you?”. So that lead to a great discussion on God and how society works. I remember getting in trouble with Renee (HT from Carrington) cos I was talking to Brent’s cousin about God once at the Ori (For the record, Vicki started it). So although it was weird, I was strangely at peace with it, and would like to do it better next time. I was also tempted to say I that I was an evangelist when someone really drunk asked just to see what their response was, but I couldn’t quite bring myself to do it.
We actually had quite an early one- 11pm. Which was good, because I got up at 5 to help set up the dawn easter service on Mt Vic. My church (Wellington Central-(WC)) was providing a morning tea for the attendees. After setting up I picked up Brent and we went along. I’m not exactly sure how he took hanging out on Mt Vic with a whole lot of crazy Christians (NOT a term I use lightly)- even I was challenged at some points-like the random lady who came up to us both and said “praise God He is risen”. Not so much the content, but the boldness, and forwardness by which it was done. The service was a definite eye-opener for both of us, and a very interesting experience
After the service and dropping some people off at church, we took a drive around Wellington. We went for a look around the Miramar peninsula, which was pretty cool, then we drove around the back of Wellington up to the wind turbine. Normally this is quite a good view, but the fog made it really hard to see the turbine, let alone any views. We then wandered into town to met my folks for yum char, yet another first for Brent, and a great thing to do if you want to do something very different. My brother Greg joined us for the afternoon, and we ended up going to Paraparaumu to play mini-golf. Actually it was more the drive that we did (I was actually real tired and went through a fair whack of ‘V’ and powerade by the time we were done.) We also visited the looly shop at Lindale. To continue the first theme, I was going to drive over the Akatawara’s (a very narrow road) after a powerade, but we were stopped by the weather. So instead, Brent experienced his first traffic jam.
Cheeserolls
This morning we made cheeserolls. This was not a domestic choice, although we did enjoy the extra paste. We ended up making cheeserolls because I owed someone a dozen. My friend Colleen was amazed that north islanders didn’t know what cheeserolls were. I said I hadn’t heard of them until Dunedin. I also said they were in the Edmonds cookbook. She didn’t believe me, so she put a wager on to find it in there. After searching for my Edmonds books everywhere round home on Friday I couldn’t find them. So I went into Dymocks and looked casually at the index. It was in the “food for flatters” book, not the “original” Edmond’s cookbook. So, 2 crème eggs and a dozen cheeserolls are now ready for delivery. Bother. Although we did have the rest for lunch with Uncle Des, and finished off with “Backpackers cuisine” rehydrated Strawberry icecream. The cheeserolls were good, but the icecream was definitely a once only!
Oh, and for those of you who know him, I also caught up with Cameron later on today. He was down from Hamilton for Easter. Still, doing well though.
This morning we made cheeserolls. This was not a domestic choice, although we did enjoy the extra paste. We ended up making cheeserolls because I owed someone a dozen. My friend Colleen was amazed that north islanders didn’t know what cheeserolls were. I said I hadn’t heard of them until Dunedin. I also said they were in the Edmonds cookbook. She didn’t believe me, so she put a wager on to find it in there. After searching for my Edmonds books everywhere round home on Friday I couldn’t find them. So I went into Dymocks and looked casually at the index. It was in the “food for flatters” book, not the “original” Edmond’s cookbook. So, 2 crème eggs and a dozen cheeserolls are now ready for delivery. Bother. Although we did have the rest for lunch with Uncle Des, and finished off with “Backpackers cuisine” rehydrated Strawberry icecream. The cheeserolls were good, but the icecream was definitely a once only!
Oh, and for those of you who know him, I also caught up with Cameron later on today. He was down from Hamilton for Easter. Still, doing well though.
Wednesday, March 23, 2005
Bebo
I'm sure you've all received the "I'm updating my address book emails" from Bebo and Ringo. I've even signed up to both just so people can have my details. Anyway, I was reading the capital times today, (a newspaper of fair repute- prob several notches up on the ODT) which suggests that Bebo is actually a "spirus" (a spyware virus- clever huh? No, I don't think so either). A spirus gains info from your computer, in this case all your email addy's.
http://dan.hersam.com/archives/2005/02/02/bebos-central-address-book has an interesting discussion board on it. And I was wondering have any of you fine readers have received emails allegedly from me saying that I had joined Bebo and would like to get your contact details? Cos I haven't sent any. Or alternatively, restore the reputation of what seems to be an unnecessary, but otherwise harmless service.
Thanks
I'm sure you've all received the "I'm updating my address book emails" from Bebo and Ringo. I've even signed up to both just so people can have my details. Anyway, I was reading the capital times today, (a newspaper of fair repute- prob several notches up on the ODT) which suggests that Bebo is actually a "spirus" (a spyware virus- clever huh? No, I don't think so either). A spirus gains info from your computer, in this case all your email addy's.
http://dan.hersam.com/archives/2005/02/02/bebos-central-address-book has an interesting discussion board on it. And I was wondering have any of you fine readers have received emails allegedly from me saying that I had joined Bebo and would like to get your contact details? Cos I haven't sent any. Or alternatively, restore the reputation of what seems to be an unnecessary, but otherwise harmless service.
Thanks
Monday, March 21, 2005
Names
A funny complaint about haloscan- everytime I open it, it has my name as "kristy". This is kinda weird, especially seeing that Kristy has used my computer a whole ONE time to read blogs. As much as I like and respect Kristy, I think she does a far better job at being her than I could. If anyone knows how to fix it that would be cool.
In other news:
Famine has been achieved! yay. I hung out heaps with Colleen and Irene from church. Saw aviator- cringed when he just passed up the steak. But a very good movie none the less. We then went and hung out at church with the youth group. Oh yeah, and irene wasn't talking for 40 hours, so that provided hours of amusement. It was funny because everyone- including the kids were starting to patronise her.
So at the church, we made cardboard huts which we slept in. Irene's photo's can be seen here . There were some very cool huts there. The one I ended up sleeping in was a collaboration between an engineer, a design student, a builder, a lawyer and me. We had helped the kids get theirs up so wewe used the left over cardboard to make an igloo-like thing. it was fun. There were also the usual games of sardines, and some DVD's. "Raising Helen" which was surprisingly enjoyable, and "Shark tale" which was ok. The night was uneventful, and playing boardgames with the kids before church was pretty cool. I think the highlight of the weekend was getting to know people a bit better- especially some of the youth leaders.
Something that I'm being really challenged on at the moment is something that Nick Hornby (the writer of contemporary fiction) often touches on. I'm not entirely sure how to describe it, but it seems to be involved with a) excellence, b) reaching out, c) medicine maybe a very consuming career, but I still am a christian first, and a (trainee) medic second. I'll write more as I can articulate it better.
P.S. I'm going out on a ambulance tonight! :)
A funny complaint about haloscan- everytime I open it, it has my name as "kristy". This is kinda weird, especially seeing that Kristy has used my computer a whole ONE time to read blogs. As much as I like and respect Kristy, I think she does a far better job at being her than I could. If anyone knows how to fix it that would be cool.
In other news:
Famine has been achieved! yay. I hung out heaps with Colleen and Irene from church. Saw aviator- cringed when he just passed up the steak. But a very good movie none the less. We then went and hung out at church with the youth group. Oh yeah, and irene wasn't talking for 40 hours, so that provided hours of amusement. It was funny because everyone- including the kids were starting to patronise her.
So at the church, we made cardboard huts which we slept in. Irene's photo's can be seen here . There were some very cool huts there. The one I ended up sleeping in was a collaboration between an engineer, a design student, a builder, a lawyer and me. We had helped the kids get theirs up so wewe used the left over cardboard to make an igloo-like thing. it was fun. There were also the usual games of sardines, and some DVD's. "Raising Helen" which was surprisingly enjoyable, and "Shark tale" which was ok. The night was uneventful, and playing boardgames with the kids before church was pretty cool. I think the highlight of the weekend was getting to know people a bit better- especially some of the youth leaders.
Something that I'm being really challenged on at the moment is something that Nick Hornby (the writer of contemporary fiction) often touches on. I'm not entirely sure how to describe it, but it seems to be involved with a) excellence, b) reaching out, c) medicine maybe a very consuming career, but I still am a christian first, and a (trainee) medic second. I'll write more as I can articulate it better.
P.S. I'm going out on a ambulance tonight! :)
Wednesday, March 16, 2005
Good Evening.
You know, I’ve started so many emails with ‘hello’ as the subject header over the years. It’s kinda funny really. It’s so … pragmatic. I’d love to come up with witty, styley headings, you know, the type that makes people laugh, look twice, or even learn something about the contents. But alas it’s not to be.
Went out with the OAC on Friday night. OAC is the Open Air Campaign- basically street preaching in Manners Mall. I’m not entirely sure what I think of it really. It was good to do something so direct, and did expose me to a very different side of Wellington. But so much turmoil inside me while I was doing it. And I was only handing out flyers. The guy who organises it is pretty cool, and could teach me a lot, especially in the areas in humility and serving.
Saw I ‘love’ Huckabees on Saturday night with Uncle Des. It was a very weird movie, in an artsy sort of way. Basically hands on psychiatry/philosophy for the post-modern man. Worth a look, if not for the stellar cast of Jude Law, Dustin Hoffman, Naomi Watts, Lily Tomilin and Mark Wahlberg. Just don’t try think too much while watching it.
Currently listening to my new Fat Boy Slim albums. Well, they’re actually his old ones (You’ve come a long way baby, and halfway between the gutter and the stars) Once you get rid of the songs with foul language, it’s pretty good. Its techno, so it’s not just swearing once, but many times over- not that that should make a difference. Oh, “Praise you” has just come on. It’s nice to bounce and type. (guess who’s not in a public place!)
Was in ED on Monday night. It is now very nice at Wellington Hospital. When I was there in 6th form with my broken nose, it was like a dingy old third world place with orange curtains and windows right at the top of the walls because it was in the basement. Now it’s nice, spacious and very modern. I also got to put a line into my first patient. It was very exciting.
I went to a money planning course last night. (I know, I am such a capitalist!). It was pretty impressive, not because of the hype, but because of the lack of it. The speaker talked about good common sense investing, and having to put in the hard yards. I might see if I can get under him (well pay him) as an education in money would be useful. Especially now while I don’t have any, but knowing that in a couple of years time I’ll be able to get going pretty rapidly.
Instead of studying yesterday afternoon (who am I, and what have I done with the real Bing?!) I watched ‘Chariots of Fire’. It was one of those I’d like to see kinda movies, so I’m glad I saw it. Probably the most inspirational scene was the climax (well duh!). Ok, so that’s the entire point, but just what happened. Eric Liddell, who was a Christian form Scotland, had refused to run in his specialty event, the 100m because the heat was on a Sunday. So through a myriad of events, and despite great opposition from his Great Britain superiors, he ends up running in the 400m instead. As he takes his mark, one of the American sprinters hands him a note. “It says in the good book that He who honors me, I will honor him.” And so he goes on, runs his heart out and wins the race. On reflection of the character of Eric Liddell, here was a man who honoured God. From evangelizing prior to races, to being committed to the race that was set before him, He trained knowing that God was his boss. Made me feel slightly stink for watching the movie, but more for being quiet slack in study at the mo. Just a thought.
You know, I’ve started so many emails with ‘hello’ as the subject header over the years. It’s kinda funny really. It’s so … pragmatic. I’d love to come up with witty, styley headings, you know, the type that makes people laugh, look twice, or even learn something about the contents. But alas it’s not to be.
Went out with the OAC on Friday night. OAC is the Open Air Campaign- basically street preaching in Manners Mall. I’m not entirely sure what I think of it really. It was good to do something so direct, and did expose me to a very different side of Wellington. But so much turmoil inside me while I was doing it. And I was only handing out flyers. The guy who organises it is pretty cool, and could teach me a lot, especially in the areas in humility and serving.
Saw I ‘love’ Huckabees on Saturday night with Uncle Des. It was a very weird movie, in an artsy sort of way. Basically hands on psychiatry/philosophy for the post-modern man. Worth a look, if not for the stellar cast of Jude Law, Dustin Hoffman, Naomi Watts, Lily Tomilin and Mark Wahlberg. Just don’t try think too much while watching it.
Currently listening to my new Fat Boy Slim albums. Well, they’re actually his old ones (You’ve come a long way baby, and halfway between the gutter and the stars) Once you get rid of the songs with foul language, it’s pretty good. Its techno, so it’s not just swearing once, but many times over- not that that should make a difference. Oh, “Praise you” has just come on. It’s nice to bounce and type. (guess who’s not in a public place!)
Was in ED on Monday night. It is now very nice at Wellington Hospital. When I was there in 6th form with my broken nose, it was like a dingy old third world place with orange curtains and windows right at the top of the walls because it was in the basement. Now it’s nice, spacious and very modern. I also got to put a line into my first patient. It was very exciting.
I went to a money planning course last night. (I know, I am such a capitalist!). It was pretty impressive, not because of the hype, but because of the lack of it. The speaker talked about good common sense investing, and having to put in the hard yards. I might see if I can get under him (well pay him) as an education in money would be useful. Especially now while I don’t have any, but knowing that in a couple of years time I’ll be able to get going pretty rapidly.
Instead of studying yesterday afternoon (who am I, and what have I done with the real Bing?!) I watched ‘Chariots of Fire’. It was one of those I’d like to see kinda movies, so I’m glad I saw it. Probably the most inspirational scene was the climax (well duh!). Ok, so that’s the entire point, but just what happened. Eric Liddell, who was a Christian form Scotland, had refused to run in his specialty event, the 100m because the heat was on a Sunday. So through a myriad of events, and despite great opposition from his Great Britain superiors, he ends up running in the 400m instead. As he takes his mark, one of the American sprinters hands him a note. “It says in the good book that He who honors me, I will honor him.” And so he goes on, runs his heart out and wins the race. On reflection of the character of Eric Liddell, here was a man who honoured God. From evangelizing prior to races, to being committed to the race that was set before him, He trained knowing that God was his boss. Made me feel slightly stink for watching the movie, but more for being quiet slack in study at the mo. Just a thought.
Monday, March 14, 2005
The Famine
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Hi
Just wanted to let you know that I'm doing the World Vision 40 Hour Famine this
year. I'm helping children in crisis around the world by taking part but I need
your help
Please sponsor me to take part in the Famine. It will make a big difference to
children's lives around the world.
You could sponsor me in person or also online at http://www.famine.org.nz/bing
through my own online Famine Book. It's as easy as clicking the link and
providing your details. The Famine website is secure and accepts all major
credit cards.
If you'd like to know more about how World Vision uses the money I raise through
the 40 Hour Famine click on this link to find out what your dollars will provide
http://www.famine.org.nz/money_animate.aspx
Thank you for considering sponsoring me and helping children in crisis.
On a more personal note, the reason I'm doing this was because I was challenged by the faith of a couple of 11 year old girls at church. They are personally trying to raise $150 to free a child from bonded labour, and I think they'll do it, because of their faith and determination. So, some friends and I are doing it with them to encourage them and help them out. Please get in behind them.
============================================================
Please sponsor me today!
============================================================
Hi
Just wanted to let you know that I'm doing the World Vision 40 Hour Famine this
year. I'm helping children in crisis around the world by taking part but I need
your help
Please sponsor me to take part in the Famine. It will make a big difference to
children's lives around the world.
You could sponsor me in person or also online at http://www.famine.org.nz/bing
through my own online Famine Book. It's as easy as clicking the link and
providing your details. The Famine website is secure and accepts all major
credit cards.
If you'd like to know more about how World Vision uses the money I raise through
the 40 Hour Famine click on this link to find out what your dollars will provide
http://www.famine.org.nz/money_animate.aspx
Thank you for considering sponsoring me and helping children in crisis.
On a more personal note, the reason I'm doing this was because I was challenged by the faith of a couple of 11 year old girls at church. They are personally trying to raise $150 to free a child from bonded labour, and I think they'll do it, because of their faith and determination. So, some friends and I are doing it with them to encourage them and help them out. Please get in behind them.
Old Skool
I went home on the weekend. It was nice to lax out in suburbia for a bit. One thing that I came away with was an old tape that I had recorded off the radio just before I went to Japan in 5th form. (I know- do you remember tapes!!!) It’s dated 14/9/98. It’s one of those “Hot 20” countdown shows with a guy named Willy McAllister. It’s a pity I only got part of it, and can’t remember where everything fitted, but here goes
20 Ghetto Superstar- Pras Michael and Maya
19 Perfect- Smashing Pumpkins
18 Save Tonight- Eagle Eye Cherry
17Hey now now
16Polyester girl- Silver chair
15 I’ll never break your heart- Backstreet boys
14 Lah de dee, Lah de da-
13 Music Sounds Better With You- daftPunk
12 Dope Show- Marilyn Manson
11 Viva Forever- Spice Girls
10One Week- Bare naked Ladies
“Fame it or flame it”: No Matter What- Boyzone
9 Stand by Me- unknown (Originally ?)
8 If You Got The Feeling- Five
7 Venus- The Feelers
NEW Millennium- Robbie Williams
6 Intergalactic- Beastie Boys
5 Young American- Unknown (originally David Bowie)
4 Horny- Moose T vs ?
3 Coconuts- unknown
2 Another one bites the dust- Wyclef Jean and Freddie Mercury (post humorously)
1 Don’t Want To Miss A Thing- Aerosmith
Rnadom one on the end: Zoot Suit Riot
Now you know you are old if you can remember when these songs were cool. Some still are. Others aren’t. What I can’t get over is the fact that these songs were what I grew up with. I also thought that these songs would last forever. They’re now 6 years old. That is a long time to be around. I hardly think that 6 years counts as “modern” any more.
Still the tape brings back a lot of memories, what I was like as a 15 year old, what was important, what is still important, and what’s fallen away. Wow 15 was like prior to my first girlfriend, I had yet to fail an exam or test, and I thought I was invincible. I was one of the brightest in the school, and involved in hockey, drama, just finished scouts and a whole heap of other stuff. God was just a distant thought- especially for “times of trouble”. How things change- not least my taste in music. And how bad certain radio stations have gotten over the past 6 years. Or maybe it’s just me…
P.S. If anybody knows who the “unknown” artists are, or if any of the artists are wrong it would be much appreciated if you could fill in the gaps. Thanks.
I went home on the weekend. It was nice to lax out in suburbia for a bit. One thing that I came away with was an old tape that I had recorded off the radio just before I went to Japan in 5th form. (I know- do you remember tapes!!!) It’s dated 14/9/98. It’s one of those “Hot 20” countdown shows with a guy named Willy McAllister. It’s a pity I only got part of it, and can’t remember where everything fitted, but here goes
20 Ghetto Superstar- Pras Michael and Maya
19 Perfect- Smashing Pumpkins
18 Save Tonight- Eagle Eye Cherry
17Hey now now
16Polyester girl- Silver chair
15 I’ll never break your heart- Backstreet boys
14 Lah de dee, Lah de da-
13 Music Sounds Better With You- daftPunk
12 Dope Show- Marilyn Manson
11 Viva Forever- Spice Girls
10One Week- Bare naked Ladies
“Fame it or flame it”: No Matter What- Boyzone
9 Stand by Me- unknown (Originally ?)
8 If You Got The Feeling- Five
7 Venus- The Feelers
NEW Millennium- Robbie Williams
6 Intergalactic- Beastie Boys
5 Young American- Unknown (originally David Bowie)
4 Horny- Moose T vs ?
3 Coconuts- unknown
2 Another one bites the dust- Wyclef Jean and Freddie Mercury (post humorously)
1 Don’t Want To Miss A Thing- Aerosmith
Rnadom one on the end: Zoot Suit Riot
Now you know you are old if you can remember when these songs were cool. Some still are. Others aren’t. What I can’t get over is the fact that these songs were what I grew up with. I also thought that these songs would last forever. They’re now 6 years old. That is a long time to be around. I hardly think that 6 years counts as “modern” any more.
Still the tape brings back a lot of memories, what I was like as a 15 year old, what was important, what is still important, and what’s fallen away. Wow 15 was like prior to my first girlfriend, I had yet to fail an exam or test, and I thought I was invincible. I was one of the brightest in the school, and involved in hockey, drama, just finished scouts and a whole heap of other stuff. God was just a distant thought- especially for “times of trouble”. How things change- not least my taste in music. And how bad certain radio stations have gotten over the past 6 years. Or maybe it’s just me…
P.S. If anybody knows who the “unknown” artists are, or if any of the artists are wrong it would be much appreciated if you could fill in the gaps. Thanks.
Tuesday, March 08, 2005
One of those days… yet I’m still laughing
I woke up at 8am this morning… for an 8am ward round. Groan. I was out the door by 8:05, and drove in, but yuk! I didn’t get in too much trouble, but I felt pretty stink. I finished about 3pm, remembering that I had to collect the car. Unfortunately, I couldn’t find it on the “right street”. Did I have the right street? Had I parked in a resident’s car park, and my car was now impounded? No, I just had the wrong block. Finally, I had a conference on money management tonight. I even drove down early to find exactly where it was. I was even good and asked for directions. I found the place and waited for 5 minutes. For a big advertised conference, there were very few people. I pulled out the ad. Gee Brendan, today’s only the 8th, not the 15th of March!!!
Bother.
But… I’m still smiling, in fact positively laughing about it. God is so good that I’m not going to let something so small get me down. I think it’s due to the increased time I’ve been spending in prayer lately, especially the commitment to it. I don’t feel any stronger spiritually, but some pretty cool stuff has happened…
Tales of his goodness.
I have a church. I decided on Wellington Central Church. I like the people, and everyone is really friendly, although I do feel a little out of my depth in terms of “trendy Wellington styles”. Think left-leaning, tree hugging, hippy, like.
But remember my prayer- “God show me where you want me to be by showing up” (or something to that effect). After walking into church 20 min late due to traffic, I found in the newsletter an ad for a yr 13 chemistry tutor. Ok, so its not Biology, but I have an A in bursary chem, and an A+ in first year chemistry, so I’m not exactly a mug with the old chemical formulae. I called later and got the job.
God then showed up in the speaker. His name was David Pierce, and he tours the punk rock/death metal circuit in Europe and South America telling people about Jesus. His biography can be found here . he had a real powerful and message of making God more of your reality, and that the answer isn’t in plans or strategy, but knowing Jesus. It was very cool, and I’ll comment more later.
Thirdly, one of my old teachers goes there, and apparently some people form school who I never new went to church- well I didn’t either back then.
Finally, cell group. A small and ecclectic bunch of individuals who are ably lead by Colleen and David. One of the other guys is actually from Heretaunga College too, although I’d never come across him. I should check my old Panuis (school magazines). They seem cool, and it excites me what God will do in the group this year.
I went along to the Street on Sunday night, even though I decided to commit to WCC. The speaker was a missionary who’s talk was entitled “Outreach through Jesus’ eyes”. Now the chances of receiving two sermons in one day are pretty high, especially if you go to a church. But I guess God really spoke to me through them. I’d been praying for a mentor in this area- or at least some practical training. So I’m looking forward to where this ends up. I’m meeting up with the guy later on in the week to have a chat, and we’ll see what happens.
I’m also trying a life group at the Street (OK, so Abbey, your idea maybe right…) just for a change. Their young adult life groups are actually run by older people, say in their first or second year of working- something that is a noticeable difference for CE, where the leaders are only a few years older than the group. I’m not sure whether this reflects the population in Wellington or another difference.
Apart from the punctuality aberration, school’s going well. I got to scrub up on Friday night in theatre and help with a hip replacement. It was sooo cool, and everybody keeps asking me about it. As a fourth year, I didn’t think I’d be getting that as an experience, so that was amazing. If that’s not a year highlight, then I’m not sure what will be. I’ve also started both of my group assignments, so I’m feeling a bit better about those
Man, He is good.
I woke up at 8am this morning… for an 8am ward round. Groan. I was out the door by 8:05, and drove in, but yuk! I didn’t get in too much trouble, but I felt pretty stink. I finished about 3pm, remembering that I had to collect the car. Unfortunately, I couldn’t find it on the “right street”. Did I have the right street? Had I parked in a resident’s car park, and my car was now impounded? No, I just had the wrong block. Finally, I had a conference on money management tonight. I even drove down early to find exactly where it was. I was even good and asked for directions. I found the place and waited for 5 minutes. For a big advertised conference, there were very few people. I pulled out the ad. Gee Brendan, today’s only the 8th, not the 15th of March!!!
Bother.
But… I’m still smiling, in fact positively laughing about it. God is so good that I’m not going to let something so small get me down. I think it’s due to the increased time I’ve been spending in prayer lately, especially the commitment to it. I don’t feel any stronger spiritually, but some pretty cool stuff has happened…
Tales of his goodness.
I have a church. I decided on Wellington Central Church. I like the people, and everyone is really friendly, although I do feel a little out of my depth in terms of “trendy Wellington styles”. Think left-leaning, tree hugging, hippy, like.
But remember my prayer- “God show me where you want me to be by showing up” (or something to that effect). After walking into church 20 min late due to traffic, I found in the newsletter an ad for a yr 13 chemistry tutor. Ok, so its not Biology, but I have an A in bursary chem, and an A+ in first year chemistry, so I’m not exactly a mug with the old chemical formulae. I called later and got the job.
God then showed up in the speaker. His name was David Pierce, and he tours the punk rock/death metal circuit in Europe and South America telling people about Jesus. His biography can be found here . he had a real powerful and message of making God more of your reality, and that the answer isn’t in plans or strategy, but knowing Jesus. It was very cool, and I’ll comment more later.
Thirdly, one of my old teachers goes there, and apparently some people form school who I never new went to church- well I didn’t either back then.
Finally, cell group. A small and ecclectic bunch of individuals who are ably lead by Colleen and David. One of the other guys is actually from Heretaunga College too, although I’d never come across him. I should check my old Panuis (school magazines). They seem cool, and it excites me what God will do in the group this year.
I went along to the Street on Sunday night, even though I decided to commit to WCC. The speaker was a missionary who’s talk was entitled “Outreach through Jesus’ eyes”. Now the chances of receiving two sermons in one day are pretty high, especially if you go to a church. But I guess God really spoke to me through them. I’d been praying for a mentor in this area- or at least some practical training. So I’m looking forward to where this ends up. I’m meeting up with the guy later on in the week to have a chat, and we’ll see what happens.
I’m also trying a life group at the Street (OK, so Abbey, your idea maybe right…) just for a change. Their young adult life groups are actually run by older people, say in their first or second year of working- something that is a noticeable difference for CE, where the leaders are only a few years older than the group. I’m not sure whether this reflects the population in Wellington or another difference.
Apart from the punctuality aberration, school’s going well. I got to scrub up on Friday night in theatre and help with a hip replacement. It was sooo cool, and everybody keeps asking me about it. As a fourth year, I didn’t think I’d be getting that as an experience, so that was amazing. If that’s not a year highlight, then I’m not sure what will be. I’ve also started both of my group assignments, so I’m feeling a bit better about those
Man, He is good.
Saturday, March 05, 2005
Cool stuff
I joined the Wellington public library system the other day. I got this book out called Twitch and Shout by Lowell Handler. It is an autobiography on this guy with Tourette's syndrome. It is really well written, and very real. I'm not sure whether I'll ever come across a person with Tourette's, (although I may have without knowing). But if I do, hopefully I can recommend them this book.
Another cool thing is from Rodney's site. It's called the mindset list, and is a great way to have a laugh about how old (or young) you are. It's american, so the lists are based on the year you graduate. Although I'm doing a 7 year degree, officially I'm in the class of 2004. I think I got about half of the references.
I joined the Wellington public library system the other day. I got this book out called Twitch and Shout by Lowell Handler. It is an autobiography on this guy with Tourette's syndrome. It is really well written, and very real. I'm not sure whether I'll ever come across a person with Tourette's, (although I may have without knowing). But if I do, hopefully I can recommend them this book.
Another cool thing is from Rodney's site. It's called the mindset list, and is a great way to have a laugh about how old (or young) you are. It's american, so the lists are based on the year you graduate. Although I'm doing a 7 year degree, officially I'm in the class of 2004. I think I got about half of the references.
Thursday, March 03, 2005
So what makes a good church part 2?
Thanks everyone for their good ideas and comments. Most of the comments weren't new, but useful because they highlighted certain issues over others.I was tempted to call this post "sifting crap" but that seems a little crude, and probably gives the wrong impression.
I guess I'll reply to the comments so far, and give my thoughts as to where they've lead me.
Gus: You will be giving advice on decision making all your life, and I hope that you never have to choose between a C-section or natural birth for yourself. You are/will become an experienced decision maker and advisor, so don't be afraid to use it. And yes, you do make a good point about it being a more long term church, which will probably have to meet different needs.
Abs: Thanks for the reminder about patience. Admittedly it is harder to apply than spell! I guess I would be uncomfortable being involved with two churches. One Church and one para-church organisation sure, but yeah, I guess it would be a bit double minded of me. I met someone at IWT last year, who was doing that, it although he enjoyed it, I felt really uncomfortable about it. But good suggestion anyways.
Becs: Fair enough (FYI, I only use those tactics to try get a particular response, usually something rash to cash in on). And did you ever go looking for DCBC in Dunners only to find they really didn't speak english. And yeah, I had considered trying more churches, but I think I'll get more of the same, which will probably add more problems at the mo. but I am leaving my options open. I was helping Andrew choose a laptop the other week, andwe found that it was better to limit your selection at a certain timepoint, rather than keep adding options to the confuzzlement.
Kristy: Yeah, I realised after I wrote that blog that I was comparing a lot of stuff to Elim, which wasn't very smart.
Sam: What can I say? I guess its just another thing to walk through.
Mum: thanks, I'll keep the fact that Wellington is different in mind.
Thanks heaps for the advice guys. Actually I was looking through my old journals from last year, and all the thoughts that I had about Wellington. About how it was like going on mission there, and having to pray for the city (which I haven't done... yet). I also found an "old" word from a boys prayer about how I will feel lonely at times, but that's just God pulling me closer.
Now that puts a smile on the dial :).
Thanks everyone for their good ideas and comments. Most of the comments weren't new, but useful because they highlighted certain issues over others.I was tempted to call this post "sifting crap" but that seems a little crude, and probably gives the wrong impression.
I guess I'll reply to the comments so far, and give my thoughts as to where they've lead me.
Gus: You will be giving advice on decision making all your life, and I hope that you never have to choose between a C-section or natural birth for yourself. You are/will become an experienced decision maker and advisor, so don't be afraid to use it. And yes, you do make a good point about it being a more long term church, which will probably have to meet different needs.
Abs: Thanks for the reminder about patience. Admittedly it is harder to apply than spell! I guess I would be uncomfortable being involved with two churches. One Church and one para-church organisation sure, but yeah, I guess it would be a bit double minded of me. I met someone at IWT last year, who was doing that, it although he enjoyed it, I felt really uncomfortable about it. But good suggestion anyways.
Becs: Fair enough (FYI, I only use those tactics to try get a particular response, usually something rash to cash in on). And did you ever go looking for DCBC in Dunners only to find they really didn't speak english. And yeah, I had considered trying more churches, but I think I'll get more of the same, which will probably add more problems at the mo. but I am leaving my options open. I was helping Andrew choose a laptop the other week, andwe found that it was better to limit your selection at a certain timepoint, rather than keep adding options to the confuzzlement.
Kristy: Yeah, I realised after I wrote that blog that I was comparing a lot of stuff to Elim, which wasn't very smart.
Sam: What can I say? I guess its just another thing to walk through.
Mum: thanks, I'll keep the fact that Wellington is different in mind.
Thanks heaps for the advice guys. Actually I was looking through my old journals from last year, and all the thoughts that I had about Wellington. About how it was like going on mission there, and having to pray for the city (which I haven't done... yet). I also found an "old" word from a boys prayer about how I will feel lonely at times, but that's just God pulling me closer.
Now that puts a smile on the dial :).
Tuesday, March 01, 2005
So what makes a good church anyway?
I have, I guess, a delightful problem on my hands. I have visited a total of four churches in the past two weekends and all have been good. In an amazingly uncunning scheme to get comments, I’d like to describe each of them in an attempt to get advice, and sort them out in my own mind. But seriously, any advice would be appreciated.
I’ll start by detailing where I’m at. I came to Wellington fairly open to trying most of the churches around. I was like “God, I trust you to tell me which church is right”, assuming that whichever one I found him at, I’d stay at. Thing is I’m pretty much finding Him everywhere. This is good, because that means there are many spirit-filled churches in Wellington, but bad because there is not an easy answer. I enquired of the Lord about this, and really got the feeling to think about it, and decide for myself. That using the grey (and white) matter between my ears would be a good idea. But what do I want from a church?
With this indecision in mind, and a lot of prayer going into it in the background, I shall try sort out the pros and cons of each church.
I first went to “The Powerhouse” in Kilbirnie. What I liked about it was that it was a real community church, multi-ethnic, yet all trying to serve the local community. It was also quiet family orientated. I also think that I was lead there by the Spirit in my first week there. Worship was OK, and the preaching was good. These guys also had some interesting cells, and if I wanted to get some good mentoring from older guys, this would be the place. However, being a family church there is nobody else there my age. By a long way. In fact, the 20-30 age group is distinctly missing. That didn’t really bother me at St John’s, but for some reason bothers me here. Also I don’t think that there were people going through the same things as myself there. Thirdly, the study that we did last Wednesday was on ‘Making decisions’ in which God spoke very clearly about double mindedness and faith. So although a good church, and very lovely people, I think I was lead there for a season that is now over.
I then went to “The Street” with Brent. This church is a big student church with a very slick professional service. It is heaps bigger than Elim, or at least appears so due to layout. They have life groups which run on a similar basis to Cutting Edge- Yogs said Shelley and him talked to these guys, not sure of the result. One of my friends from Med also goes there. However, the worship did drag on (and here I am from a Pentecostal background!) and I’m not entirely sure how to describe the preaching. I am waiting to hear about life groups before I make up my mind, because I can see that I could do a lot of good here, and it looks like a fun kind of church. But should I go to a church on the basis of what I can do for it, what it can do for me, or some symbiotic relationship thingy of the two. It is also a lot like Dunedin Elim, and I’m not sure if that’s what I want- or that it’s time for a change (how, I’m not sure)
This Sunday, I went to Wellington Central Church (where Convergence was held). That was ok. It was similar in size to The Powerhouse, but also had a few students. It was also nice to see Colleen again. It would be cool to stay involved with Cutting Edge, and the pastors seem really nice. The pastor's wife is also a GP in Newton. What they are very big on is reaching out to the post-modern world, which is a line of thought I was lead on with Commpact. It would be very exciting to explore that. In saying that, “Post-modern” also is a different crowd than what I’m used to running in, and do feel a little uncomfortable with. Everybody also seemed a bit more “trendy” (I’m really not sure if that’s the right word), than me. Life groups are on Sunday afternoons, which I’m also not sure about.
Sunday night at Elim was alright. At least it was familiar. The worship was excellent- one of the many bands that they have, and the preaching was OK. Again it felt a bit big, although their magazine/newsletter detailed a lot of their vision and ideas. They seem very cool. What would give me concern would be “professional worship”- I think I mean I could get lost in a place like that (although that’s probably a pretty stupid idea.)
Actually, I went up for prayer there- and God gave the guy praying for me a word about shifting a stone up a hill. This stone was there to make me stronger, to improve my faith, and take me to the next level with God. Which sounds pretty true on reflection. My quiet times are slowly becoming more regular, and I’m seeking God on more and more stuff. A lot of my music is actually starting to feel a bit old, so I’m attempting to worship using scripture and my words rather than music. I’m starting to pray more for other people, and do something with those that God puts on my heart. I’m also listening to Radio Rhema, which is very weird, but still better than most of the other stuff around.
In short, I really don’t know. I have been to four likeable churches, and the criticisms of them are more what I like/don’t like. I’m not sure what God would think of them in terms of ‘Revelation thinking”, and that may help in making a decision. I know that what I’m going through is good, but is kinda frustrating. I think patience is another key (I think I’ve already alluded to that). I think I’ll probably recheck out the Street and Wellington Central Church. If you guys have any suggestions, spotted some silly thoughts or stories about finding churches, I’d really appreciate them. Ditto for emails and prayer.
Sorry this has been so long.
Yours confused,
Bing
I have, I guess, a delightful problem on my hands. I have visited a total of four churches in the past two weekends and all have been good. In an amazingly uncunning scheme to get comments, I’d like to describe each of them in an attempt to get advice, and sort them out in my own mind. But seriously, any advice would be appreciated.
I’ll start by detailing where I’m at. I came to Wellington fairly open to trying most of the churches around. I was like “God, I trust you to tell me which church is right”, assuming that whichever one I found him at, I’d stay at. Thing is I’m pretty much finding Him everywhere. This is good, because that means there are many spirit-filled churches in Wellington, but bad because there is not an easy answer. I enquired of the Lord about this, and really got the feeling to think about it, and decide for myself. That using the grey (and white) matter between my ears would be a good idea. But what do I want from a church?
With this indecision in mind, and a lot of prayer going into it in the background, I shall try sort out the pros and cons of each church.
I first went to “The Powerhouse” in Kilbirnie. What I liked about it was that it was a real community church, multi-ethnic, yet all trying to serve the local community. It was also quiet family orientated. I also think that I was lead there by the Spirit in my first week there. Worship was OK, and the preaching was good. These guys also had some interesting cells, and if I wanted to get some good mentoring from older guys, this would be the place. However, being a family church there is nobody else there my age. By a long way. In fact, the 20-30 age group is distinctly missing. That didn’t really bother me at St John’s, but for some reason bothers me here. Also I don’t think that there were people going through the same things as myself there. Thirdly, the study that we did last Wednesday was on ‘Making decisions’ in which God spoke very clearly about double mindedness and faith. So although a good church, and very lovely people, I think I was lead there for a season that is now over.
I then went to “The Street” with Brent. This church is a big student church with a very slick professional service. It is heaps bigger than Elim, or at least appears so due to layout. They have life groups which run on a similar basis to Cutting Edge- Yogs said Shelley and him talked to these guys, not sure of the result. One of my friends from Med also goes there. However, the worship did drag on (and here I am from a Pentecostal background!) and I’m not entirely sure how to describe the preaching. I am waiting to hear about life groups before I make up my mind, because I can see that I could do a lot of good here, and it looks like a fun kind of church. But should I go to a church on the basis of what I can do for it, what it can do for me, or some symbiotic relationship thingy of the two. It is also a lot like Dunedin Elim, and I’m not sure if that’s what I want- or that it’s time for a change (how, I’m not sure)
This Sunday, I went to Wellington Central Church (where Convergence was held). That was ok. It was similar in size to The Powerhouse, but also had a few students. It was also nice to see Colleen again. It would be cool to stay involved with Cutting Edge, and the pastors seem really nice. The pastor's wife is also a GP in Newton. What they are very big on is reaching out to the post-modern world, which is a line of thought I was lead on with Commpact. It would be very exciting to explore that. In saying that, “Post-modern” also is a different crowd than what I’m used to running in, and do feel a little uncomfortable with. Everybody also seemed a bit more “trendy” (I’m really not sure if that’s the right word), than me. Life groups are on Sunday afternoons, which I’m also not sure about.
Sunday night at Elim was alright. At least it was familiar. The worship was excellent- one of the many bands that they have, and the preaching was OK. Again it felt a bit big, although their magazine/newsletter detailed a lot of their vision and ideas. They seem very cool. What would give me concern would be “professional worship”- I think I mean I could get lost in a place like that (although that’s probably a pretty stupid idea.)
Actually, I went up for prayer there- and God gave the guy praying for me a word about shifting a stone up a hill. This stone was there to make me stronger, to improve my faith, and take me to the next level with God. Which sounds pretty true on reflection. My quiet times are slowly becoming more regular, and I’m seeking God on more and more stuff. A lot of my music is actually starting to feel a bit old, so I’m attempting to worship using scripture and my words rather than music. I’m starting to pray more for other people, and do something with those that God puts on my heart. I’m also listening to Radio Rhema, which is very weird, but still better than most of the other stuff around.
In short, I really don’t know. I have been to four likeable churches, and the criticisms of them are more what I like/don’t like. I’m not sure what God would think of them in terms of ‘Revelation thinking”, and that may help in making a decision. I know that what I’m going through is good, but is kinda frustrating. I think patience is another key (I think I’ve already alluded to that). I think I’ll probably recheck out the Street and Wellington Central Church. If you guys have any suggestions, spotted some silly thoughts or stories about finding churches, I’d really appreciate them. Ditto for emails and prayer.
Sorry this has been so long.
Yours confused,
Bing
