CAN LOVE TURN TO RAGE?

GOLD COAST BEYOND THEME PARKS TIM HUGHES ALBUM REVIEW YOUTH CAMP PHOTOS

活力线
line
MARCH 2008

A Publication by
Aldersgate Methodist Church
MICA (P) 062/08/2007

PLUS!
WE SP

evil
ON Y
PS BER
NARD

IS THERE REALLY SO MUCH

IN TECHNOLOGY?

THE TECHNOLOGY ISSUE

IS GOOGLE GOD?
A DAY WITHOUT TECH. POSSIBLE?
ARE YOU A NARCISSISTIC BLOGGER?
CO
CONTENTS
MAR. TWENTY ZERO EIGHT
ISSUE SEVEN

COVER STORY
LET THE WORD BE
YOUR TECH MANUAL
With easy access to the Internet, many churches
have a powerful online presence. Of course there
are others who are addicted to the Internet
and computer gaming. Pornography too, is so
easily available. How do we make the best out of
technology rather than fighting it?

FEATURES
13 Is Google god?
Alvin Chua embarks on an experiment to find out if
the claims of The Church of Google are true.

15 Who Are You Blogging For?

Gracia Chiang looks at the conundrum Christians
COVER STORY face in the world of the blogosphere.

Stripped - From Technology

23 Fay Yeo journals what it is like to live for a day
PAGE

10
without touching her handphone, iPod or computer.

REGULARS
5 AROUND ALDERSGATE
As we bid farewell to familiar faces in the church,
Technology we also welcome new ones.
can be used
29 LIFE STORIES
to draw us A Chinese member shares about night lessons in
nearer to Trinity Theological College.
God, or it
25 TRAVEL TALES
can lead A look beyond the regular theme parks in Gold
you away Coast Australia.
from God. 31 ALL ACCESS
We suss out restaurants that serve up good ol’
home-cooked food.

Cover Illustrations by MARCUS HUANG

EDITOR’S

FOREWORD 编辑的前言
EDITORIAL TEAM

Advisor

Editor-in-Chief

Editors
Pastor Chiang Ming Shun

Leslie Chiang

Shirley Pee
Andrew Ang
Derrick Ho
Geraldine Ang
LESLIE
ByBy CHIANG
Leslie Chiang Gracia Chiang
Loh Ka Wai
科技－有人对它百般赞扬并无 Rudy Wong
抑制的去追求；有人对它感到畏惧 Teresa Chong
Tiffany Ang
和不信任。在现代的新加坡，我们 Yee Minyi
Technology — some rave about and pursue Yip Poh Lin
都乐意或无奈的接受了一个事实－
it relentlessly; some are fearful and distrust
it. In modern Singapore, whether gladly or
我们 不能 在没 有科 技的 情况 下生 Contributors Pastor Chiang Ming Shun
Alvin Chua
reluctantly, we are resigned to the fact that 活，除非全球暖化问题把人类打回 Eric Chiok
Fay Yeo
unless global warming knocks us back to the 石器时代。 Paulette Khoo
stone age, it is practically impossible to live 我父母和祖父母那一代的生活 Tang Shuk Yee
Tan Jia Rong
without technology. 很大程度上受到收音机、电视和电 Trudy Tay
My grandparents’ and parents’ lives were 话的 影响 。我 那一 代则 是音 乐电 林志刚
叶定
shaped to a large extent by the radio, television 视、录像机和walkman随身听。如 杨正轮
as well as the telephone. My generation had 今这 一代 所拥 有的 新科 技种 类繁 Sub-editor Marcus Huang
MTV, video recorders and the walkman. The 多，是前所未有的。这是属于互联
generation today is unprecedented in terms 网、iPod、 iPhone、影像下载和社
of the vast amount of technology available to
交网络等等的一代。
it. To this generation belongs the Internet,
那科技到底是人类的福
the iPod, the iPhone, on-demand
streaming videos, social networks
星还是祸根呢？就如任
and the list goes on and on.
PLEASE 何工具，若是理解或
So is technology a WRITE TO US AND 使用错误，它将会使 CONTRIBUTION OF
boon or a bane? Like any TELL US HOW YOU 我们生活失去重点、 ARTICLES
tool, if mismanaged or FEEL. E-MAIL US AT 品德和使命感。好 If you have enjoyed reading
‘LiveLine’ and want to
misunderstood, it can rob us of liveline@aldersgate.sg 好使用它，我们将会 contribute a short write-up
our sense of priority, character WE’D LOVE TO HEAR 体验个人和共同的成 on your Bible reflections, your
and mission. Use it well and FROM YOU 长与发展。 Pastoral Care Group (PCG)
activities or even share some
you’ll experience personal and 至于教堂，基督教徒 ‘favourite makan places’ or a
corporate growth and development. 在把不变的佳音带给变幻 great place to shop, do drop
For the church, should technology us an e-mail to let us know.
无常的一代时，应否因科技而改变 We’ll be most happy to liaise
change the way Christians bring the with you for your valued
传教方式？我们该如何管理科技的
unchanging message of the good news to contributions. You can send
this constantly changing generation? How
使用？在这一期的《活力线》，请 your contributions to

should we manage technology? In this issue 阅读牧师对科技的看法，向Gracia liveline@aldersgate.sg

of LiveLine, read Pastor’s view on technology, 学习如何把科技应用于伸延服务，

learn how Gracia uses it for outreach and 和追踪Fay的二十四小时“禁科
track Fay’s 24-hour technology fast. 技”生活实验。 line
If technology has changed you, for better 如果科技改变了你，不论是好
or worse, do share your experience. Or if 是坏，我们欢迎你分享你的经验。
you’ve a different perspective on this topic, 或许你对这个课题有另一番见解， LiveLine is a publication of Aldersgate
email us liveline@aldersgate.sg 请电邮：liveline@aldersgate.sg
Methodist Church, Singapore.
Views expressed in LiveLine are the
contributors’ and do not
necessarily reflect that of the church
or the editorial team. Materials in
LiveLine may only be reproduced with
permission from the editorial team or
the contributors.

Printed by Pica Digital Pte Ltd

MAR 08 liveline 01
GLENN LIM is an inspiring role model and gifted
public speaker. As a young rock musician, he came
close to a life sentence for importing drugs in his
youth. Thankful for his second chance, he has made
good and has since served as an itinerant keynote
speaker, trainer, counsellor and ambassador.
Glenn has been recognised for his efforts in youth
outreach and rehabilitation through his many
diverse creative platforms, working closely with
many government and community agencies.
PASTOR ANDY LOH is a young and dynamic
leader with a passion for children and families.
He heads the Sidang Injil Borneo Kuala Lumpur,
SIBKL’s Children’s Church. Andy began his ministry
years back in Alor Star, Kedah where he served
in Superkids Church under the guidance and
leadership of Pastor Clarine Chun. In the recent
years, God has been using him to impact many
children and children workers throughout the
country with his gift of communicating God’s
Truth.
PASTORAL
REFLECTION

SOME THINGS
the sake of Christ. 8 What is more, I consider everything a loss
compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus
my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them

JUST DON’T
rubbish, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having
a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that
which is through faith in Christ — the righteousness that comes
from God and is by faith. 10 I want to know Christ and the power of

CHANGE We want
every single
his resurrection and the fellowship
of sharing in his sufferings,
becoming like him in his death, 11
and so, somehow, to attain to the
FROM THE DESK OF
PASTOR CHIANG MING SHUN member to resurrection from the dead.
We want every single
What a completely new year this is turning out to be! lead lives member to lead lives worthy of
There are new faces in the office. Not only did Pastor
Bernard leave us, the Chinese preacher Eddie Goh also left. We
worthy of our faith, every single member to
be serving faithfully. Christianity
now have a new Chinese preacher, Mrs Cheryl Chan, and a new our faith, is not a spectator sport!
staff member in charge of Pastoral Care Groups, Mrs Paulette
Khoo. We will also welcome two new student interns in the
every single The sermon topic at our
church anniversary is “Pursue
church office, Ms Joyce Huang and Mr Shawn Ang. member to Righteousness”. Our church
And the theological student we support in Trinity
Theological College, Ms Teresa Wilborn, will graduate to follow
be serving camp’s theme is “Pursue
Righteousness”. All church
God’s direction for ministry. faithfully. committees and ministries will
Plans are also underfoot to renovate the church. We can
look forward to a new office, new rooms and a new paint job!
Christianity be working towards this aim.
How about you?
But our mission and vision remain the same. We aim to is not a Why don’t you join us in this
impact lives, both in church and in our world.
So this year our church theme is, “Pursue Righteousness”.
spectator journey of discovery and growth?
God has so much to offer us in
We take this from Philippians 3:7-11 sport! abundant living, so let’s live for
7
But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for Him!

MAR 08 liveline 03
 Tired? Need rest?
Come to the Fire Place Healing Service.

The quarterly “Our God Heals” service was kicked

off last March. Since then, many have been
healed — physically, emotionally and spiritually.

有些事是
Lives were set free and restored by faith in Jesus’
name.

Isaiah 53:4-5 tells us that “Jesus took up our

infirmities and carried our sorrows” for “He was

永而不变
pierced for our transgressions; He was crushed

fire
for our iniquities…the punishment that brought
us peace was upon Him and by His wounds we
are HEALED.”

If you’re in pain, ill, beset with the difficulties of

life, want release from physical, emotional and
章明舜牧师　

place
relational problems or just tired; come find rest
in Jesus, the Great Physician. Come experience
好个全新的一年！　　
the healing touch of the Lord.
不只是赵伟君牧师走了，华文部的伍显芬传道也走
了，办公室里出现一些新的面孔，华文部来了曾惠良传

fire place
道，新职员王秋英负责牧养关怀小组，还有一个实习生
黄宇欣。
我们资助的三一神学院学生Ms Teresa Wilborn就要
毕业，并将遵循上帝的指引去事工。　　
我们也计划装修教堂，并期待着新的办公室、新的
活动室及新的墙色。不过，我们的宗旨和愿景不变，目 Healing Service
标是在教堂内和社会各个角落影响生命。　　
今年，我们教堂的重点是“追求正义”，它取自腓
立比书3：7－11。
“只是我先前以为与我有益的，我现在因基督都当
作有损的。不但如此，我也将万事当作有损的，因我以
认识我主基督耶稣为至宝。我为祂已经丢弃万事，看作
粪土，为要得着基督。并且得以在祂里面，不是有自己
因律法而得的义，乃是有信基督的义，就是因信神而来
的义。使我认识基督，晓得他复活的大能，并晓得和他
一同受苦，效法他的死。或者我也得以从死里复活。”
我们要每个基督徒凭借信仰，有意义的生活。每个
教会成员都能一心一意侍奉上帝，因为基督徒不能只旁
观而不参与。　　 Our God Heals
我们教堂今年周年纪念的经文主题是“追求正义” Saturday, 5 April 2008
，我们教堂的假日营主题也是“追求正义”。教堂的所
有活动小组和事工，也都会朝这个方向筹划。　　 5 to 7pm
你呢？为什么不和我们一起参与这个发现与成长的 Aldersgate Methodist Church
过程？上帝赐予我们很多，让我们能丰盛的生活，因此
让我们用生命来荣耀主。

04 liveline MAR 08
 “
Respond
to God not just
as an intellectual;
but also as a

AROUND
human being

ALDERSGATE HAPPENINGS IN AND AROUND CHURCH

FREEDOM IN CHRIST SEMINAR

PARKED IN FREEDOM
When it comes to finding freedom in Christ, who better
to address and teach this than Dr. Dave Park. On 29-30 Dec,
in partnership with Campus Crusade for Christ, Aldersgate
Methodist Church hosted Dr. Dave Park, who spent two days
with us teaching on the topic of freedom in Christ and breaking
free from bondage. Having co-authored a number of books
with Neil Anderson on the topic, he greatly blessed us. Our
worshippers were also very ministered through his Sunday
sermon. Besides helping us understand and live victoriously
based upon our identity and inheritance we have as children of
God, Dr. Park also held two separate sessions first with parents
and then with the youth leaders from Youthphoria.
 AROUND
ALDERSGATE

YOUTH CAMP 2007

CONQUERING
CAMELOT
FIVE DAYS. Nine warring houses. 96 brave knights. All in the
Quest for Camelot. Last December, Youthphoria’s annual camp
ended on another high. With a record number of campers
and in an inaugural collaboration between Youthphoria and
the Children School, new friendships were forged and others

ODES
strengthened. Most importantly, theme talk speakers Pastor
Bernard Chao and his wife, Ai Jin, issued a challenge to the
youths to reflect on their identity in Christ and grow deeper
roots of faith. — Gracia Chiang
TO
JOY
The following were
baptised by immersion
on 15 Dec 2007

• Chae Meng Kern

Outdoor activities were not only faith-
• Chua Chong Yuan Alvin
building exercises but opportunities for • Goh Inn Peng
them to encourage one another as they
rooted for their teammates. • Lam Woei Xi, Sarah
Kathleen
• Lim-Chua Sok Hwee
Dragon boating and having to build a raft out of pipes, ropes and barrels sure fostered unity
among the campers. • Liu Li Jia
• Loh Jun Hao
• Loh Jun Ming
• Chung Kim Chuan,
Michael
• Chung-Yap Siew Tin
• Kang Min Rui, Diana
• Goh Ming Hui, Kenneth
• Goh Wei Yi, Joanne
• Yee Minyi, Maegan
• Tung Hui Chung, Dennis
• John Howe
• Chung Yong Xiang
• Chung Zheng Sheng
• Chung Si Yee, Rachel
• Lim Yi En Ian
• Sui Yihao Abraham
• Sui Yijie Alexander
• Yeo Fay
• Yeo Ruth

The main highlight of the camp was finale night where houses huddled around a
campfire, each presenting a short item.

06 liveline MAR 08
 FAREWEL
PASTOR
BERNARD
L
THE GREAT SPY
EXPERIMENT
CALL US kaypoh, but we just needed to know if our ex-
pastor is fitting well into his new environment. Because if
he isn’t, then we might have an excuse to get him back to
us. So LiveLine sent in our paparazzi TIFFANY ANG to find
out how he is coping at Trinity Methodist Church.

ONE MORE TIME

Dear Aldersgate,

Two and a half years have flown by so incredibly quickly, but,

thanks be to God, also fruitfully. It has been an amazing adventure
of faith, grace, and of love.

I thank you all for welcoming my family and me with warmth and
much love. I thank you even more for giving me the permission
to minister with you and to you. Adding to that, you have also
ministered to me. You have helped shaped me as a disciple of
Christ and helped me in my spiritual formation as a pastor. I will
be eternally grateful for that, and for your openness, your spiritual
unity, your humility in the Lord and your patience towards me.

AMC is poised to grow exponentially – both in depth of spirit, and

scope of witness. Don’t blink now! Don’t settle for the mediocre.
Live magnificently! Live as a people who understand and act
according to a faith in a God who will do more than we can ask or Like in Aldersgate, Pastor Bernard has to attend three services, every Sunday,
ending his day of work at 1 pm.
imagine (Ephesians 3:20).

So many people who come to AMC cannot help but experience

your warmth, hospitality and the love of Christ in you, and they
have written and testified to this.

The challenge is to actively bring the aroma of Christ to AMC’s

neighbours - the people living across the road, the thousands of
workers and researchers in Biopolis as well as the offices cropping
up around the Dover area. With many educational institutions in
the vicinity, Aldersgate is well placed and endowed to serve as an
unofficial “university chapel”.

May the Lord amaze you as you take Him at His word – being both
hearers and doers of His Word. Amen!
Before the end of the church service;
Pastor Bernard calls upon the
Pastor Bernard congregation to spend a quiet moment
with God.
“I want to get to know every church
member’s name in the quickest time
possible,” says Pastor Bernard as he
rushes to the door after the church
service ends.

MAR 08 liveline 07
 AROUND
ALDERSGATE

2008年1月20日，主日崇拜结束 信主1-2年的姐妹。一位为教会
后，随之而来的是一张张令人回 流泪的祷告勇士，一个为我们哭
味无穷的照片在荧幕上出现。弟 泣的牧者传道，他的那份爱心是
兄姐妹们嘹亮的歌声以及带着一 日月可鉴的。若问我这6年多，
些眼泪的分享，用以欢送在雅德 在教会里对神有所亏欠的地方，
门卫理公会 - 华文部服事了6年多 肯定少不了此事。
的伍显芬传道伉俪。 “温柔体贴，善解人意”用
让我感恩的是，从弟兄姐妹的分 以形容我们亲爱的传道娘，实不
享中，看出他们明白传道与传道 为过。我想，这是神的恩赐，许
娘对我们教会的那份关爱。当中 多弟兄姐妹（包括本人）极愿意
FAREWEL
L
使我感触极深的，是章明舜牧师 向她倾出心事。记得有一回，一
EDDIE 说到伍传道是位祷告勇士，及振 位弟兄因言有不慎，使小弟我数
GOH 邦兄言到传道的用心良苦。 日来为此事耿耿于怀。传道娘很

一 我 伍显
大约3 - 4年前的一次祷告会， 主动地向我伸出援手，给于安慰
当传道看见教会增长缓慢，弟兄 和祷告。她就像我们的妈妈。对
姐妹们火热欠佳。传道忽然一边 于他们，吾众何其依依不舍。可

位们芬
祈祷，一边哭泣。之后，维忠弟 是，神的道路与意念远胜吾等千
兄带领我们为传道祷告。当时， 万筹；与神国的鸿图大业相比，
只有一个人，是跪在地上为传道 咱们的儿女情长是何等微不足
祷告。她是我们永远怀念的亚毛 道！

极的道
姐。这位姐妹在大约2年前安息 在此，深深祝福伍传道在三一
传 主怀，她虽然才信主1-2年，却 卫理公会的服事。原神继续以祂
是位笑口常开，喜乐满溢的年长 的恩典伴随伍传道及传道娘前面

爱 牧 伉俪
姐妹。在那次祷告会，上帝透过 的事奉道路。在此也求神让我谨
这位姐妹，在属灵上给了我一 记此教诲，希望雅德门卫理公会-
记“重重的耳光”。 华文部的弟兄姐妹，能一样爱戴
一位年事已高的姐妹，竟然愿 及尊重即将来我们华文部服事的

者
意放下身端，跪着为一位比她年 新传道，尽所能给予他最大的支
轻的祷告。而我这位在教会长大 持。
的基督徒，对上帝仆人的那一份
爱戴及尊重竟然远远不如一位才 — 主内 叶定

曾惠良传道自我简介
我来自长老会荣耀堂,就是我的丈夫(陈福长牧师)事奉的教会.
在全时间事奉之前,我在私人机构的人力资源部工作,直到主呼召我.我
就报名进入新加坡神学院接受神学和事奉装备,并在2000年完成道学硕
士课程.
毕业后,神带领我到一间浸信教会担任传道兼教会行政(2000~2003),
协助牧养青少年,妇女以及年长者.之后,我在众圣之家(疗养院)担任院牧
(2004~2007),牧养老弱者及职员,为他们预备每早的聚会及每主日的崇
拜,并与教会义工和神学院学生一起同工,向未信主的住院者及外籍职员
WELCOM 传福音.
E 感谢主引导我到雅德门教会服事祂.深盼神使用我领人跟随主耶稣,借
CHERYL
CHAN 着我赐恩福.

08 liveline MAR 08
tech
no
THE TECHNOLOGY ISSUE

A gift from God or modern day's

evil? In this issue, we explore the
big 'T' word. Whether you're a self-
respecting technophile, or a self-
professed technophobe, one thing's
for sure: There's no running away

logy
from technology and we'd be better
off learning to make the best out of it
rather than fighting it. What does the
Bible say about using technology?
Where can one find Christian
resources on the Internet? Why does
Google claim to be God? These and
more in our tech special.

pg10-28
Illustration by MARCUS HUANG

MAR 08 liveline 09
 COVER
STORY

word
THE TECHNOLOGY ISSUE

let the

be your tech manual

By PASTOR CHIANG MING SHUN

The world has changed beyond imagination since I was a boy.

When I was in school, I was fascinated by Gregor Mendel’s experiments in my biology
textbook. He was an Augustinian monk in 19th century Europe who discovered how genes
worked as he selectively cross-bred pea plants. I was very impressed by Mendel’s attention to
detail and his meticulous recording of data. Twenty years after reading about him, I can still
remember what he did.
Today, Mendel is considered the ‘father of genetics’ and genetic engineering is commonplace.
Scientists have developed a calcium ‘super carrot’. By altering a gene in the carrot, they say that
someone eating the modified carrot will absorb 41 percent more calcium than if they ate an
ordinary carrot. Scientists are also working on broccoli to make it contain more sulforaphane.
This compound may help people ward off cancer.
During my teens, my parents gave my brothers and me a British Sinclair ZX81 computer. It
was a small black box that I had to plug into our black-and-white television. It had no video card
or sound card. It came with a small printer that used only expensive thermal paper. The ZX81’s
RAM was all of a grand 1K. But I was mesmerised. I even learnt how to programme it to play a
ping-pong game.

10 liveline MAR 08

Technology can be
used to draw us nearer
to God, or it can lead
us away from God.
Now, as I sit in front of my friend’s X-BOX 360 playing “Gears
of War” with wireless controllers, I wonder at how technology
has improved. How far we have come!
Our knowledge advances at a break-neck pace. The practical
application of our new knowledge has improved the quality of
life for many and made it very comfortable for those who can
afford it. I say “those who can afford it” because this technology
is not available to all. Living in Singapore, we may be unaware
of how privileged we are.
We are generally well-off in Singapore, compared to many
in the world. There are still a lot of poor and hungry people out
there. Not everybody has benefitted from the knowledge and
technology explosion.
And of course, from the dawn of time, not all technology has
been peaceful. There have been great technological advances
in weaponry and munitions, leading to unprecedented carnage
in war. Yet some argue that these advances have led to other
peaceful inventions and I suppose there is some truth in this.
Technology is neutral - it can be used to
give life, it can be used to kill. I heard of a
woman who had assisted reproduction -
six embryos were implanted in her with the
hope that one or two would develop. All six
developed into foetuses. The doctors said it
would be dangerous or impossible to deliver
all six, so she aborted four babies. How do we
decide such things?
No wonder the late American 5-star
General of the Army Omar Bradley once
said: “The world has achieved brilliance without
wisdom, power without conscience. Ours is a world
of nuclear giants and ethical infants. We know
more about war than we know about peace,
more about killing than we know about living.”
We need standards and values to direct the
use of technology. We need guidance. Where better to get it
than from the Word of God?
Possibly quoting a popular saying of that time, the apostle
Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 6:12-13,“‘Everything is permissible for
me’ - but not everything is beneficial. ‘Everything is permissible
for me’ - but I will not be mastered by anything.”
He came to this point again four chapters later, “‘Everything
is permissible’ - but not everything is beneficial. ‘Everything is
permissible’ - but not everything is constructive.” (1 Corinthians
10:23)
In Chapter 6, Paul was talking about moral values. In Chapter
10, Paul was involved in a debate about whether Christians
should eat food offered to idols. His concern throughout was
our Christian witness.
While Paul was talking about food and culture, we can easily
apply that to technology today. We have to recognise that not
all uses of technology are beneficial and that we should not
be mastered by technology. Technology can enable us to do
many things, but it is there to fit our agenda, not to drag us
along dark unmapped roads. Instead of using technology to
exploit the world and benefit only certain groups of people, we
should use technology to transform the world for good, for the
betterment of all humans.
Technology can be used to draw us nearer to God, or it
can lead us away from God. With easy access to the Internet,
many churches have a powerful online presence. You can hear
sermons or read devotions online. If you want to find out how
a hymn or a song sounds like, the Internet is there to help. If
you want to find out what a full, traditional service sounds like,
online digital radio is just a few clicks away. There are also all
kinds of Bible software available. You can improve your Bible
knowledge, even learn a Biblical language.
Of course there are others who are addicted to the
Internet and computer gaming. Pornography, too, is
so easily available.
Maybe one way out is for parents to exercise
more control over the technology. Children may
be far better at mastering technology, but
parents should guide them in how it should
be used.
We should continually be asking
ourselves, “Is this technology beneficial and
constructive? How can I use it to improve my
walk with God? How can I use it to benefit
others?” As Paul put it in 1 Corinthians 10:33, “For I am
not seeking my own good, but, the good of many, so
that they may be saved.”
Let’s do likewise.
MAR 08 liveline 11
 COVER
STORY

让圣经成为你 物和文化，但我们可以此
类推，用在今日的科技
上。我们必须认识到，不
是所有的科技都有益处，

的科技指南
我们不能受科技辖制。科
技可以促成很多事，但它
的存在是为我们办事，而
不是把我们拖进黑暗无名
的道路。于其用科技开发
章明舜牧师　 世界后，只有少数人受
惠，还不如用科技把世界
当我还是个小孩子的时 记忆容量只有1K的电脑 能的，于是妇女将其中4 改造成一个有益全人类的
候，这个世界的发展就已 迷住，甚至学会如何编写 个堕胎。究竟，我们是如 地方。
经超乎想像。 程序，在电脑上玩乒乓游 何作出决定的？ 科技可以用来拉近我
求学时期，我对生 戏。如今，我已能坐在朋 难怪美国5星上将布拉 们和上帝的距离，也能使
物课本中孟德尔(Gregor 友的X-BOX 360游戏机 德利（Omar Bradley）这 我们远离上帝。由于轻而
Mendel)的实验深感兴 前，用遥控器玩着“Gear 么说：“世界有辉煌的成 易举就能上网，许多教会
趣。这名19世纪的奥地利 of War”，现代科技真是 就，卻沒有智慧；具有能 都有很完善的网站，你可
修士，对不同品种的豌豆 一日千里！ 力，卻失去良心。我们的 以在网上听道或读经。如
进行长期的杂交实验后， 我们正以空前快速的 世界虽是个核子巨人，但 果你想知道某一首圣诗或
发现了遗传定律。我对孟 进度获取知识，新知识的 在道德上却和婴儿无异。 歌曲的旋律，网上就能得
德尔细致入微的观察、记 运用也提升了很多人的生 我們对战争所知的比和平 到帮助。又或者你想知道
录和分析，留下深刻的印 活素质，但不是每个人都 更多，知道残杀更过于生 传统的崇拜是怎样的，网
象，因此阅读他的研究20 可以获得新科技的便利， 命。” 上数码广播在弹指间就能
年后，还是对他的研究， 我们也许没有意识到，住 我们需要一套标准和 给你答案。网上还有各种
记忆犹新。 在新加坡有多么幸福。 价值来指导科技的使用， 软件，让你进一步了解圣
今天，孟德尔被誉 和世界许多地方相 我们需要指引。还有哪 经，甚至学习圣经用语。
为“现代遗传学之父”， 比，新加坡人一般上过得 里，可找到比上帝的话语 当然，也有人因为科
而遗传工程也受到认同。 不错。放眼世界，很多人 更好的指引？ 技而沉迷于网际网路和电
最近就有美国科学家表 仍面对贫困和饥饿的煎 使徒保罗在哥林多前 脑游戏，还有伸手可得色
示，已培育出一种转基因 熬，不是人人有机会接触 书6:12-13中写道：“凡 情照片。也许其中一个办
的超级萝卜，并声称和普 知识和科技。当然，也不 事我都可行，但不都有 法是家长加强管制，就算
通萝卜相比，吃新种萝卜 是所有的科技都会给人类 益处。凡事我都可行，但 孩子是科技上的高手，家
可吸收多41%的钙质。科 带来和平，好比武器开发 无论哪一件，我总不受它 长还是可以指导他们如何
学家也正在研究椰菜花 上的高科技，就在战场上 的辖制。”他在4个章节 正确的使用。
的“改造”，让它含有更 引发空前的杀戮。有人会 之后，再次提醒：“凡 我 们 必 须 不 断 自
多的莱菔硫烷，一种可能 争辩说先进科技也带来有 事都可行，但不都有益 省，“这科技是有益处和
有助预防癌症的化学物 利和平的发明，这确实也 处，凡事都可行，但不都 可造就人的吗？我要如何
质。 有些道理。 造就人。”（哥林多前书 用它来改善和上帝的关
记得少年时期，父母 科技是中立的，可以 10:23） 系？我要如何用它来帮助
给我们兄弟几人一台英国 用来救人，也可用来杀 保罗在第6章谈论了道 他人？”正如保罗在哥林
的Sinclair ZX81电脑，那 人。我听说有个妇女，被 德观，并在第10章对基 多前书10:33中说的：“
是个小小的黑箱，必须驳 植入6个受精卵，本是希 督徒是否应吃祭拜过偶像 我不求自己的益处，只求
接到电视上，它没有视频 望其中一两个能成功，但 的祭品进行辩论。他所关 众人的益处，叫他们得
卡和音效卡，配套的打印 结果6个都成长为胎儿。 注的是我们必须为神作见 救。”
机也只能用昂贵的纸张打 医生认为要让全部生下来 证。 让我们也遵行圣经的
印。然而，我还是被这台 会有危险，或者说是不可 虽然，保罗说的是食 教导。

12 liveline MAR 08
THE TECHNOLOGY ISSUE

IS GOOGLE
GOD?MAYBE.
Can Google be god? Matt MacPherson thinks so. In fact, he is so
convinced that he started the Church of Google. I, on the other
hand, beg to differ.
On its official website, there are nine assertions about Google’s
divinity. “We at the Church of Google believe the search engine
Google is the closest humankind has ever come to directly expe-
riencing an actual God”, are the introductory words on its homep-
age.
Let’s begin with the most intriguing assertion, which professes
that Google answers prayers. “Ask Google and She will show you
the way”, the website declares. Ask any question and Google will
furnish you with a list of websites that might contain the informa-
tion you are looking for.
Taking up the challenge, I googled “healing for my sprained
knee”. Short of expecting a miraculous healing of my knee, I was
hopeful for at least possible or constructive suggestions. The top
result was a blog entry about a sprained knee. At least I know I’m
not the only person with a sprained knee. Not quite an answer to
my prayers though. I then googled “I need rest and peace” which
listed morbid answers such as “rest in peace” because of its inabil-
ity to process conjunctions such as ‘and’. All these go to show that
if we ask for something more specific, Google cannot help.
I’m thankful that our God works differently. Google merely
points at possible answers without knowing our true desires but
God meets our deepest needs. He doesn’t simply answer any of
our whimsical prayers. As once pointed out by Pastor Ming Shun,
God gives us what we should have prayed for. When we pray for

by ALVIN CHUA
patience, God gives us opportunities to cultivate our patience
instead of patience itself, a prime example of our almighty God
working in our lives..
The website also asserts that Google is the closest thing to an
omniscient entity. There is some truth in this, but knowing all facts
on the Internet does not make one omniscient. To be omniscient
means to know all that happened in the past, all that is happening
now and all that will happen in the future. While Google might
know the past and present, it can hardly predict the next person to
turn up on MSN, much less shape the future of every single person
on earth.
A next claim attempts to prove that Google is omnipresent.
However, it does admit that Google will only be omnipresent
when Wi-Fi networks enable all people to access the search engine
from anywhere on earth. Fortunately for us Christians, our God is
contactable from all locations, all the time. All you need is a prayer,
no equipment required.
Yet another claim states that Google is potentially immortal
because “she cannot be considered a physical being”. Because it is
spread across countless servers and its damaged servers can be re-
placed by another, Google will never die. How ironic. Having to be
so reliant on mortal employees to maintain one’s immortality is
quite unbecoming of a god. On the other hand, our God is eternal.
Isaiah 26:4 says, “Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord, is
the Rock eternal.”
Finally, Matt and other believers argue that Google exists and
the amount of evidence that proves its existence is far more sub-
14 liveline MAR 08
stantial than that which proves the existence of any other God
worshipped today. Seeing is believing, no faith required, it says. If
only it were as easy to lay claim to divinity. Jesus said in John 20:29,
“Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those
who have not seen and yet have believed.”
For all its claims, the Church of Google is not affiliated with
Google Inc, the company that maintains the search engine. Isn’t
it sad that the entity that you worship does not acknowledge your
existence? Like an illegitimate child with no share of the father’s
inheritance, is there hope in worshiping a search engine that can-
not do more for you beyond a network signal? My faith stems from
a personal relationship with the Son of God. I am a child of God.
CAN GOOGLE MATCH UP
WITH GOD?YOU DECIDE
Here are some of the claims on
thechurchofgoogle.org website that argues why
Google is God
Google is potentially immortal. She cannot be considered a
physical being such as ourselves. Her algorithms are spread out
across many servers; if any of which were taken down or dam-
aged, another would undoubtedly take its place. Google can
theoretically last forever.
Google remembers all. Google caches webpages regularly
and stores them on its massive servers. In fact, by uploading
your thoughts and opinions to the internet, you will forever
live on in Google’s cache, even after you die, in a sort of “Google
Afterlife”.
Google can “do no evil” (Omnibenevolent). Part of Google’s
corporate philosophy is the belief that a company can make
money without being evil.
According to Google trends, the term “Google” is searched for
more than the terms “God”, “Jesus”, “Allah”, “Buddha”, “Chris-
tianity”, “Islam”, “Buddhism” and “Judaism” combined. God is
thought to be an entity in which we mortals can turn to when
in a time of need. Google clearly fulfils this to a much larger
degree than traditional “gods”.
Evidence of Google’s existence is abundant. There is more
evidence for the existence of Google than any other God wor-
shiped today. Surf over to www.google.com and experience
for yourself Google’s awesome power. No faith required.
 THE TECHNOLOGY ISSUE

WHO
AREYOUSELF By GRACIA CHIANG

BLOGGINGMINISTRY
OBSESSION OR

FOR? PLATFORM

I
It is not just e-mail accounts that need passwords nowadays. I
have at least two friends who have “locked up” their blogs in an
attempt to screen eyeballs, only revealing the secret key to those
whom they want reading their most intimate thoughts. That is
certainly one way of approaching blogs, but I choose to go down
a different road.
So when I set up my second one a year later, I set a clearer vision
this time. It is a site where I look at the world through the lenses
of a Christian. I love to write — so blogging fits perfectly as an
evangelism tool. Yet I don’t want to alienate non-Christian readers,
so I keep the religious epiphanies minimal. I believe that if you
pique the interest of your readers with common ground, they will
While I don’t go around waving my URL in strangers’ faces, I am be more willing to listen to your nuggets of Christian perspective
more than happy to share it with anyone who asks. Knowing that in small doses.
I am reaching out to a wider audience than just my friends helps My blog is an archive of experiences. There, I chronicle my
me to be accountable for what I write. It reminds me to be thankful ups and downs through pictures, jokes, travel stories and more,
for the smallest of blessings that have come my
way in the past week. It reminds me not to throw I know people whose blog exists to feed
a pity party because that is not what a victorious their narcissist desires with photo after
Christian life is about. It reminds me to use it as a photo of themselves from every angle
platform to affirm and encourage those I love.
Yet I have friends whose blogs are emotional
possible.
outlets for spewing vulgarities because typing isn’t
as bad as uttering them. I’ve come across blogs with rants that can throwing in, every now and then, how God has been faithful.
go three page-long. I know people whose blog exists to feed their This shows that Christians have fun too! I try to be honest and
narcissistic desires with photo after photo of themselves from candid about my feelings. I want to illustrate how Christians are
every possible angle. still humans and will go through moments of pain, stress and
The conundrum for Christians with a blog really, is what kind loneliness like everyone else.
of content to put onto the blogosphere. Post lengthy paragraphs But what I am careful to do is share how God is present with
about why others should know Christ and the label of ‘Holy Joe’ me in the midst of all that. Yes, I struggle in life but I find joy and
will stick, with no one ever taking a second glance at your blog. strength in God, my comforter.
Talk about your life without the mention of God, and you are no Striking the right balance in content is no easy task, but at least
different from the sea of secular blogs out there. I know what direction I’m headed in. I will never put the chains on
It all boils down to what you want to achieve on your blog. my blog because that will defeat its raison d'etre. It is my shot at
My first blog in 2004 ended up being a whiny soapbox where using new media for witness and outreach.
I lamented about school, my tuition kid and other responsibilities. What will you use your blog for?

MAR 08 liveline 15
 the
devil
THE TECHNOLOGY ISSUE

IS IN THE EMAIL
byTANG SHUK YEE

16 liveline MAR 08

If the devil ever
had favourite
haunts, they
have got to be:
one, behind the
wheels and two, in
cyberspace.
The former is an open and well-known
fact and requires no further elaboration.
Every regular Singaporean driver, including
godly Christians, had his day of cursing and
swearing at those take-your-own-sweet-
time pedestrians, the cut-into-my lane
taxi uncle and the don’t-know-what-she’s-
trying-to-do lady driver.
The angel-turned-devil syndrome is,
however, not unique to drivers. With the
convenience of email and SMS (short
messaging system), human relationships
have increasingly been reduced to virtual,
impersonal and frequent exchanges of
bits and bytes, culminating in a unique
phenomenon of global connectivity, yet
local disconnectedness.
A grand academic discourse? This is but
an encapsulation of what is being played
out every day in our homes and offices.
Recently, the Sunday Times hunted
down two sisters who represent a new
generation of cyber socialites, whose KPI
(Key Performance Indicator) is popularity,
measured by the number of friends
collected on their Friendster, Multiply,
MSN, or other online networking sites. In
the case of these two sisters, who are mere
teenagers, they have a combined collection
of 16,000 friends, and new ones are being
added every day.
Global connectivity alright, but auld
lang syne to the good ol’ soulmate. And
if this example seems dramatic, we can
look closer to the way we have used email
and sms to replace phone calls, meetings
and walking over to a fellow colleague’s
workplace. If you find yourself emailing a
colleague who sits right next to you, you
know you have caught the bug.
As human interactions are increasingly
conducted with ease over the distant and
aloof cyber-world, observers bemoan the
rise of flaming in written communications.
Flaming occurs when one user sends
another an angry and/or antagonistic
message. While talking in person or over
the phone discourages exaggerated
hostility or impolite outbursts, typing an
unhappy message to another person is far
easier. That is probably when the evil one
will smirk and say, “Gotcha!”
Christians are called to love thy
neighbour as thyself. I believe this message
is as relevant in days of horse-drawn
carts as it is in today’s world of gigabytes
and intel chips. Yet, how often have we
fallen into the email trap, deceived by the
seemingly emotionless and anonymity of
the tool, and in the process losing all grace
and love?
I have personally received countless
cold and even curt-sounding emails from
good people, Christians and non-Christians.
What went wrong? Perhaps, they thought
emails do not carry emotions. Perhaps,
they prefer to keep emails emotionless. Or
yet, perhaps, they thought one ‘shouldn’t
read too much into it’. I beg to differ. I know
many friends who have agonised over
seemingly cold or nasty emails and SMSes
from people they love or care about. In
James 1:26, James exhorted us to “control
our tongues”. In the context of new
communications, perhaps we can extend
this to typewritten text as well.
As a community, we can practise
graciousness and love toward each other,
giving glory and honour to our Lord Jesus
even in the virtual realm.
Is godly email possible? Can
one convey grace and love
through SMS? Here are 10
suggestions to increase the
graciousness index in our
cyber communications:
Never reply a SMS or email in your
anger. Once sent, like words spoken,
they are irreversible. Mending the hurt
later is akin to gluing pieces of a broken
mirror.
Try to address the person by ‘Dear/ Hi
XXX’, using his/her name as much as
possible, especially in the first email/
SMS.
Be diplomatic and tactful in your choice
of words. Words like ‘may’ and ‘could’
are useful in softening a negative tone.
Phrases like ‘you may want to consider…’
are especially helpful when giving com-
ments or suggestions.
Picture your recipient when typing
a SMS or email. By having a face to
it, it reduces the likelihood of your
degeneration into cold and impersonal
sentences.
Always affirm the good in the email or
SMS. Say something like: “Your proposal
is very concise and clear. Perhaps you
may want to consider some fine-tuning
here…”
Typing ‘sorry’, ‘please’ and ‘thanks’ never
hurt anyone.
Avoid single action words such as ‘Re-
ply.’, ‘Explain.’, ‘Respond.’ as they sound
commanding.
Pay attention to the use of punctuation.
A ‘…’ tends to tone down a comment
while a ‘!’, not to mention ‘!!!’ accentu-
ates it.
For informal emails, try using simple
emoticons to convey emotions. Adding
a ‘:)’, ‘;)’ or ‘:P’ immediately uplifts the
mood of the email or SMS.
Put in some ‘energy’ in your emails/
SMSes. Consider ‘Thanks.’ and ‘Thanks!’
Which seems more thankful?
This article was first published in the December
issue of Faithlink, a magazine of Faith
Methodist Church.
MAR 08 liveline 17
 wo
THE TECHNOLOGY ISSUE

基督徒与
科技的反思林志刚

18 liveline MAR 08
现
听听讲道录音，让自己每日与主 舟”，同样的道理身为基督徒的
同行。 我们要晓得凡事都能做但不都有
在科技日新月 在这个标榜个人主义的“i” 益处。有家庭的弟兄姐妹不妨试
异，几乎每天都 世代，人们变得越来越自 一试在主日崇拜结束后，回家不
有新的科技产品 我。iPhone, iPod, 卖得满堂 看电视，孩子不玩电脑，我相信
推出。身为基督徒的我们，也无 红是因为广告无形中传达了拥 一家人肯定
可避免的被卷入这一潮流当中。 有“i”让自己更加出色、与众 有更多的时
科技标榜着让人们可以活得更舒 不同。结果在这日新月异的科技 间坐在一起
适、更方便。不论是个人、环境 之下，人与人之间的距离确实被 来沟通，一
或社会，科技都起了相当大的影 拉近了，但更多的人单单顾念自 来能促进彼
响力。现在，让我们来反思科技 己的事，凡事以自我为中心。正 此间的关
如何促进我们基督徒的生活以及 如提摩太后书3章2节所说“因 系，也可以
其中的一些陷阱。 为那时人要专顾自己 、贪爱钱 跟神建立更
电视可以说是现代家庭中一 财、 自夸 、狂傲 、谤渎 、违背 密切的关
件非常普遍的电器。很多小孩子 父母 、忘恩负义、心不圣洁” 系。
在很小的时候就与它为伍。现代 。我们都要时时警惕这些末世的 我们不
的父母有时为了方便起见，就把 征兆。还有，我想提醒各位弟兄 能只沉迷于
自己的子女“交托”给电视。而 姐妹们应该更有智慧的使用神所 科技。须知
孩子往往都被电视中色彩缤纷， 赐的金钱，并不是为了炫耀才冲 道科技只能
夸张渲染的卡通人物给吸引住。 动买下。很多人都爱花钱买这些 回答“能”
年纪小小的孩童并不能分辨这些 科技产品，但他们都没有想想自 与“不能”
卡通片中所传达的信息是否是正 己到底需不需要。 的问题，从
确。如果他们花太多的时间看电 现代人一旦有点闲空时间， 来不问是否
视，将会影响视力，也会影响头 就会打开电视、电脑、游戏机 可以或不可
脑的发育（因为脑袋缺乏思考） 来“轻松”自己。适量的娱乐可 以，或者应
，再加上通常卡通片的画面都很 以为生活增添一些乐趣，但物极 不应该。比
快，这将导致儿童将来在学习上 必反。看太多电视，头脑会变得 如说进行“
面对不能集中的问题。不论是做 不灵活，因为大多数的电视节目 人与兽的结
事或读书，现代的儿童在集中力 都不需要用脑袋来思考，久而久 合”的研
方面比上一代儿童差了许多。我 之我们就变得迟钝了。电脑，游 究，在科技
想这跟电视媒体有很大的关系。 戏机，电视等，都让我们忙得“ 上也许办得
所以父母在选择电视节目方面就 不亦乐乎”，一不小心我们与主 到， 但是
得非常谨慎了，如果在孩子年幼 亲近的时间就越来越少了，这也 在道德、原
的时候让他观看圣经卡通故事节 是现代科技产品对我们基督徒日 则方面其实
目，我想可以让他建立信仰的基 常生活的负面影响。现代人每天 是违反了创造主的自然原则。所
础，也能灌输他正确的价值观。 一大早到公司就得面对一个小框 以将来如果遇到这些情况，身为
手机带给我们很多的便利， 框 - 电脑。不论你是上班一族或 基督徒的我们要清楚表明我们的
让我们可以随时随地与他人取得 是在籍学生，电脑已成为我们生 看法和原则。
联系。现在的手机功能越来越 活的一部分。虽说网际网络让我 可以预见的是，将来科技与
多：上网、听歌、看戏，样样都 们掌握了通往知识的大门，但是 我们的日常生活将会更加的密
能，将来肯定更先进。如果善用 我们最后得到的到底是有用的资 切。我们应当像罗马书12章2节
手机可以让我们过得更美好，传 讯还是垃圾呢？因为网络里资讯 所说的一样“不要效法这个世
一封关怀的讯息给身边的朋友， 爆炸，若不谨慎分辨，到最后， 界，只要心意更新而变化、叫你
一句鼓励的话也能让别人拥有好 我们只浪费了更多的时间阅读一 们察验何为上帝的善良、纯全可
心情，何乐而不为呢？此外，一 些无聊的八卦新闻或游览色情网 喜悦的旨意。”不论科技如何进
些手机可以安装圣经软件，在等 页等，那我们与不信的人，又有 步，我们应当晓得如何有智慧的
车、上班或上学途中可以思考圣 什么差别呢？ 使用，而不要沦为科技产品的奴
经中的话语并得着智慧，也可以 俗语说“水能载舟亦能覆 隶。

MAR 08 liveline 19
PLUGGING INTO
GOD’S POWER ONTHE INTERNET
ACCOUNTABILITY XXXCHURCH.COM
Pornography is a major issue in today’s sex-crazed world and
xxxchurch.com wants to tackle that. Dubbed the “#1 Christian
porn site”, this tongue-in-cheek website provides an open door
for porn addicts to get help for their addiction and also to come
to the knowledge of the saving work of Jesus Christ. Check out
“Pure Online”, a 30-day online recovery workshop complete with
streaming video and study materials. Perhaps one of the best
resources that this site offers is the really cool X3watch, a software
available for free download on both PC and Mac. When installed
in one’s computer, it acts as an accountability buddy that records
the date and time when you access a questionable site. An
accountability partner of your choice will receive a notification
email containing all questionable sites that you visited. This
information is meant to encourage open and honest conversation
between friends and help you in being accountable to another
brother or sister for your online exploits.
20 liveline MAR 08
THE TECHNOLOGY ISSUE
Think the Internet is full of ungodly trash? Think
again. Our editor-in-chief, Leslie Chiang, trawls
through the Web and unearths some of these gems
that Christians can cash in on.
EVANGELISM RENSHISHEN.COM
For those of us who have a hard time locating a gospel site in Chinese,
this site is a god-send. If you still haven’t figured out, its name
comes from the Mandarin translation of its English counterpart,
www.lookingforgod.com. Renshishen is an attractively designed
site that provides a clear presentation of the gospel for Mandarin-
speaking pre-believers. One of the main attention-grabbers is the
personal testimonies of popular artistes like Taiwanese singer-
songwriter David Tao and Hong Kong TVB actress Ada Choi. If
you’re like me who ends up tongue-tied whenever it comes to
sharing the gospel in Mandarin or dialect, a possible solution is to
refer that friend to a site like this and follow up by asking what he
or she thought about the site.
LIFESTYLE CHRISTIANITYTODAY.COM
This website is chock-full with Christian resources. From Christian-
centric topics like leadership in church and faith in the workplace, to
more general ones like music, parenting, global warming and even
the US presidential elections. What I especially like is the movie
review section. My favourite part comes at the end of each review
where the writer throws out discussion questions in relation to
the movie. I find these questions really good for pondering over
and they serve as excellent conversation starters among those
who have watched the show.
WORSHIP 955thefish.com
This is my favourite source of contemporary Christian music when
I get tired of my MP3 collection. Perfect if you need some music
as you work on your computer. Available round-the-clock, enjoy
familiar favourites from artists like Mercy Me, Casting Crowns and
Stacie Orrico.
PRAYER ECHOPRAYER.COM
Ever promised someone that you’ll pray for him and then realised
much later that you’ve forgotten all about it? You will find
echoprayer.com very helpful. The Echo Prayer Manager is a web
tool that allows you to key in prayer requests and set reminders
for them. Registration is free and you’ll be given a virtual prayer
organiser. For example, if you have committed to pray for a certain
item every Wednesday, setting a reminder will prompt Echo to send
you an e-mail every Wednesday with the prayer item you have listed.
There is also a built-in journal that allows you to record answered
prayers. Prayer items you indicate as ‘Answered’ will automatically
be captured in the journal. The developers have plans to include
a new feature that will allow you to send prayer requests to your
friends via e-mail — very useful for prayer coordinators!
MAR 08 liveline 21
 Who says you can’t fast from technology? We, the sadistic LiveLine

Stripped
team, challenged FAY YEO to go cold turkey for one day.

THE TECHNOLOGY ISSUE

22 liveline MAR 08
January 20th
18:09
00:00
Just heard the clock strike twelve. It’s going
to be a miserable day; I’ve agreed not to use
my phone, computer or iPod. Imagine...24
Okay, maybe something good will come out of
this. First, I actually did my homework. Then
I left my Captain Ball’s game earlier than I
Fay says:
would normally have since my family will have
whole hours :( Hmm...maybe I can make the no way to inform me of dinner plans.
day shorter by fast forwarding every clock
I see by an hour or two; or maybe five. This
When I got home, I almost turned on my What an experience.
computer to load pictures from my camera Who would have thought I’d have so
reminds me, since I don’t have my phone but stopped myself just in the nick of time! I
I will have to constantly ask people for the much trouble just staying away from
didn’t use my camera at all today either.
time and I won’t have my phone’s six snooze technology? But it’s doing things like this
alarms to wake me up for church.
18:30 that help people do a stock take of what
they’ve been spending their time on.
00:15 OH NO! Just realised I’m watching TV!!
AHHHH...JUST KILLED MY TECHNOLOGY The computer can be highly beneficial
I’m bored already!! And I have
this urge to listen to my music.
FAST DAY!!!!!!!!!! if you’re surfing for educational purposes.
Sigh...a lousy alternative would What makes it “bad” is the constant usage
be to sing to myself and hope- 19:55 of the computer even when we’re not
fully not wake my brother and Valentine’s Day is around the corner
doing anything.Maybe we’d say something
sisters who are sleeping in the and I’ve decided to start hunting
for presents this week. I think it’s like “I’ve got my social life to think
same room : (
easier to fast when I’m out. Next of” but how much time do
09:15 time I should plan a whole you spend talking to your
day’s worth of activities so friends online? And is it
Apparently I fell asleep after I’d be so busy I wouldn’t have
writing that smiley. But hey, always those who are
time to miss anything. I am still
I’m feeling ok! No urge to use Fay is a 15-year old online that win the
feeling very disturbed that I
my phone or anything else for whom God has Ms. or Mr. Popularity
broke my fast…
now. Awesome! Ok, the truth is, blessed with many
award? Who counts
I actually miss my computer. I favours and talents. 22:07
wonder how many people noticed Like those in her the hours you are
Am really missing my music. online? You might just seem
I wasn’t online or that I haven’t generation, she I’m being driven to madness!
responded to their SMSes. WHAT lives and breathes Now I’ve to resort to enjoying like someone who has got nothing else
IF NO ONE WANTS TO TALK TO ME technology; so better to do. I always have people telling
my own singing :( My
ANYMORE?! much so that even handphone is already by my me: “I always see you online” or “What else
she realises the side; ready to be switched on. do you do other than going online?” What
09:45 need to re-focus. Maybe my handphone misses an insult!
I was late for an appointment
This challenge will me too. Didn’t realise how
As for my mobile phone, I’ve got a
because I had NO PHONE to much I use it normally until
certainly test her will
remind me. today. habit of having it beside me even when
to the limits.
I’m doing my Quiet Time, and sometimes
11:00 23:00 I even reply a message! But that’s gone -
I CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH I just heard the clock strike now I either keep my phone on silent or
CHRIST WHO STRENGTHENS ME! 11pm! 1 MORE HOUR! leave it in another room. Spending time
I can hardly contain my
13:30 with God must go undisturbed! Otherwise,
excitement!
I saw a friend using her phone and it didn’t how will we ever be able to hear what
feel good. I miss my music! CAN’T STUDY 23:30 He has for us?
WITHOUT IT. A friend complained about not Half an hour more! Oh For technology addicts: Use the
receiving my reply to her SMS; I’m usually the the joy of being able to time usually spent on the computer or
first to reply to her messages. touch my phone again. phone, reading a book. Or spend time with
My fingers are really
God, take a walk, breathe in the fresh air,
14:00 itchiiinng!
appreciate His creation.
This is bad. I’ve resorted to
doing my homework to get 00:00 (Next Day) One day I will go on another fast like
distracted...but...but..but…I YESSSSSSSSSSSSSS! Check it out! 11 new this and, this time, make sure I don’t break
NEED my music! messages! Wonder who messaged to say it. Maybe we should all have a day or two
they’ve missed me. Time to reply! of technology fasting as a church!

MAR 08 liveline 23
 SHOUT
OUT

TO JUST Read
& let live?
By TRUDY TAY

It’s always nice to relax with the papers and a cuppa in the
morning to catch up on world news and local happenings.
Since I don’t have the luxury of time, I often end up scanning
headlines and it’s pretty much the same issues over and over
again.
Globally, people grapple
with rising living costs,
threat of recession, flood
and famine, terrorism, war How do the
between neighbouring
countries, environmental
news affect
deterioration, etc. our lives, our
At home, we worry about faith and our
our children’s education,
retirement, rising transport
beliefs? How
and medical costs. And read can we make
with glee, the development the difference
of juicier news like the
spat between quarrelsome
through
neighbours, the high-flying prayer?
professional who stole and
the infidelity of a married
man that led to violence and
death, etc.
So how should we, as Christians, respond? Finish up our
coffee and start the brand new day in the usual way?
Read the papers with the Bible in your other hand. Read
the news with a sensitive heart to the things that happen
around us. It is no coincidence that during the week when will not be influenced by the opinions of the world. Apostle
AMC anchored 24.7, our five speakers echoed one same point Paul wrote in Romans 12:2 “Do not be conformed any longer to
—“know what dwells in God’s heart”. the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing
How do the news affect our lives, our faith and our beliefs? of your mind. Then, you will be able to test and approve what
How can we make the difference through prayer? What is our God’s will is.”
stand on contentious issues? Do we pray for God’s people to The one thing that came out strongly for me during the
be bold and good witnesses? Pray for the church to make a prayer week is that “Ordinary people can do extraordinary
difference in the community? things through prayer. (James 5:17) Pray deep. Pray persistently
Seek the Lord for spiritual discernment as we read what’s and unceasingly. Pray what is in God’s heart. Don’t look at
published in the news and pray; enquire of the Lord so that we people; seek and keep watch of the Lord.”

24 liveline MAR 08
TRAVEL
TALES

Gold
beyond
Coast Mention Gold Coast in Brisbane, Australia, and chances are Dreamworld, Movie
World, Sea World and Surfers’ Paradise quickly come to mind. Last December,

theme
my family and I spent an enjoyable one-week vacation at this popular holiday
destination and discovered there was more to see and do than just the sun, sea and
theme parks.

parks
Yes, the theme parks were great and the rides were awesome, at least for Beverly,
Natalie and I. We had the thrill of our lives going ballistic on the likes of Superman
Escape – the 5-star rated rollercoaster that propels you from zero to 100 km/h faster
than you can say “Up, up and away” – and Lethal Weapon, the ultimate hell-raiser
By ANDREW ANG that provides a lethal dose of adrenalin rush with its gut-spilling dives, bends, roll-
overs, side-winders, double-spins, loops and plunges. My wife Geraldine, who’d
rather have her feet firmly on the ground all the time, preferred to get her share of
thrills observing the different forms of social behaviour on public display, such as
that of a young Chinese couple whose happy outing turned sour with a sudden and
dramatic outpour of yelling, blame, invective, derision and sobs. Interestingly, the
spark that ignited the fireworks was one partner’s unhappiness over a photograph
taken by the other.

MAR 08 liveline 25
 TRAVEL
TALES
Desert experience: Laying foot on a seemingly
infinite expanse of fine, soft sand.
Up close
with dunes
and
dolphines
Beyond the theme parks, we
found other thrills and spills
at Tangalooma Wild Dolphins
Resort on Moreton Island, a
short catamaran ride away
from Brisbane. During the day,
a sand safari tour took us to
Tangalooma desert where we
were greeted by a seemingly
infinite expanse of fine, soft
sand. Our girls were thrilled
about walking on a real sand
dune for the first time. Sand
tobogganing was a load of
fun even though you might
get a healthy dose of fine sand
26 liveline MAR 08
Quad bike: Biking is loads of
fun on Moreton Island.
in your mouth if you forget
to zip it in the midst of your
excitement.
In the evening, the resort
was abuzz with activities as
tourists gathered and queued
to get up close and personal
with a group of bottlenose Toboganning: Also known
dolphins. These wild dolphins, as sandboarding, it requires
keeping one’s mouth shut
much larger than those at our even when screaming.
Sentosa Resort, apparently
come to shore regularly every Wild dolphins: Up close and
personal with a bottlenose
evening for their usual feed. dolphin named Bobo.
In an orderly fashion, each of
us was handed a fish which
we then offered to one of the
dolphins in exchange for a rare
photo opportunity. Although
we were strictly prohibited
to touch them, such a close-
proximity encounter with
these friendly mammals was a
unique experience for us all.
 Going for
glow in
the worms
Back in Brisbane, we joined
a night tour to Springbrook
National Park in search of glow
worms. To me, this was one
good educational tour. Armed
with pencil-light torches, we
trekked for more than an hour
along a well-worn path in the
dark of the rainforest, led by
our guide who pointed out
to us the many spots where
we could find these unique
insects. The glow worms, or
more precisely, maggots of
a mosquito-like fly, give off a
bluish-green bioluminescence
to lure their prey. The highlight
(no pun intended) of the
evening was the amazing
Macadamia nut: Need to
conquer the super-hard
shell before you get to enjoy
the delicious meat.
spectacle that awaited us
upon our descent to a rocky
overhang behind a small
waterfall. There, in the pitch
darkness of the small cavern,
we witnessed a beautiful Milky
Way of sorts, for all around
us, on the ceilings and walls
of the cavern, was a galaxy of
tiny bluish-green lights. Glow
worms thrive on darkness,
oxygen and moisture, and
that cavern was their perfect
breeding ground. During the
trek, we caught sight of some
nocturnal rainforest creatures,
and also learned from the
guide that tree vines twist in
a clockwise direction in the
northern hemisphere and
anti-clockwise direction in the
southern hemisphere because
of the earth’s spin. I have yet
to verify the accuracy of this Photo By Phillie Casablanca
information though.
Touch, taste and learn at
tropical fruits paradise
I always thought macadamia nuts originated from Hawaii till
I visited Tropical Fruit World, a 45 minutes’ drive from Surfers’
Paradise. This is home to the world’s largest variety of tropical
fruits, including the Macadamia which is native to Australia and
introduced into Hawaii around 1881. After understanding more
about the macadamia nuts, we were given the opportunity to
pick up the nuts that had dropped from the trees and taste them
raw after conquering the incredibly hard shells with the aid of
nutcrackers.
Tropical Fruit World was both interesting and educational.
After a brief introduction to a range of tropical fruits in season,
visitors were encouraged to sample the freshly cut fruits before
boarding a tractor coach to tour the vast plantation and orchards.
Other activities like a “jungle river cruise,” miniature train ride and
a stopover to feed farm animals were also part of the package.
MAR 08 liveline 27
 TRAVEL
TALES

Chopper ride: An eagle-eye

view of the land masses
and water bodies around
Gold Coast.

Above and
beyond
Dreamworld
It was at Dreamworld that Geraldine and
the girls had one of their dreams fulfilled,
which is the experience of an eagle-view
ride in a helicopter. It was not my first time
in a chopper, but all the same, the bird’s eye
view of the Brisbane landscape with her
pockets of land masses and water bodies
was breathtaking and educational
Five days were all we had in Brisbane,
and all too soon, it was time to head back
to our daily grind. Gerry, Bev, Nat and I had a
most enjoyable and hassle-free vacation at
the Gold Coast, and we thank God sincerely
for this wonderful time of family bonding
and sharing.

28 liveline MAR 08
LIFE
STORIES

新修
事工、布道学等。
在这两个学期里，我共修读
了四个科目，分别为旧约信息精

神读
华（二）、小组动力、研经法及
基督教教育概论。我第一次速读
《新译本》从旧约信息精华（
二）开始，旧约信息精华（二）

基心 帮助我更了解智慧书和大小先知
书的背景和神学思想。小组动力
为我的小组事奉注入强心剂，让

督得 我学习更多样化地带领小组，帮
助组员更健全地成长。研经法的
两大内容为归纳式查经法和字义

教杨
研轮正 “
究 我也透过这个科
目和其它教会的
文 弟兄姐妹交流，
扩大我的视野 。
凭 十多年的事奉生涯，酸甜苦 研究，感恩的是，我能应用所学
在修读了两个 辣都有。神的恩典够我用，让我 的于主日学教材；同时，学生们
学期的《基督 在修读了两 仍然以热诚的心去事奉。我一直 也能明白并接受我的教学。基督
个学期的《 有这样的心愿，希望能在神学 教教育周期是基督教教育概论的
教研究文凭》 基督教研究 院参与夜校课程，提升我的事奉 课程内容，包括圣经的引导、年
，感触良多。 文凭》，感 素质。很感恩在我的朋友的鼓励 龄特征、目标与目的、课程与节
希望在这里能 触良多。希 下，我报名了新加坡神学院的 目、教材与教法、行政与管理及
和大家分享我 望在这里能 《基督教研究文凭》。 课程评估。我也透过这个科目和
和大家分 此课程原则上是为新加坡本 其它教会的弟兄姐妹交流，扩大
心中的话。
Graphic by Magdalena Tworkowska | istockphoto.com

享我心中 地教会的长执／领袖而设，目的 我的视野。由于篇幅有限，我不

的话。 为提供此等信徒领袖完整及高水 能详述这个课程给我的帮助和影
我的事奉生涯从我中学生活 平的训练，使他们有机会接受类 响。
开始：曾经在自己的教会、学 似教牧同工们所接受的装备，以 现在知识水平普遍提升，时
校、年议会少年团契担任不同的 促使教会的领导层能够更顺畅地 代的考验严峻。我们需要更全面
事奉，包括副主席、财政、灵修 与教牧同工配搭、更有效率地推 的属灵装备来抵挡魔鬼的诡计。
组组长等。在大学期间参与小组 动教会事工，进而使神学训练更 神学院的平信徒神学教育对事奉
组长的事奉，也委身于雅德门的 加普及化。课程内容包括圣经概 多年的弟兄姐妹是一个提升灵命
小组组长、主日学老师、主日崇 论、神学概论、门徒训练、基督 的平台。希望我的分享能鼓励弟
拜事奉等。 教教育、研经法、释经法、讲坛 兄姐妹对信仰有进一步的反省。

MAR 08 liveline 29
 LIFE
STORIES
HOW CAN
LOVE TURN
INTO RAGE?
By TAN JIA RONG
Nervousness, fear
and a peculiar self-
My heart misses a beat consciousness grips
as she takes the seat me as I ponder my
two places away from interaction with her.
Should I tell that joke
me. Blood rushes to my Bert told me last
head as I anticipate her week? Nah…she will
presence. think I am trying too
hard to impress. How
about asking her about her family? Then again… oh my gosh, she’s
looking at me!! Oops! I hope I wasn’t staring. Maybe she knows I
like her. Maybe she noticed me too…
Yes, I have fallen in love with her. Truly, madly, deeply. Although
my feelings are unknown to her and I don’t know how she feels
about me, I think of her constantly. I dream up romantic moments
and think about how we could be spending time together.
For all of my life, I’ve avoided being ‘emo’ (emotional), taking
pride at being rational and task-oriented.Yet, my feelings for her had
completely torn my rational self to shreds; I would have plucked a
star for her if she’d asked. Since doing that is impossible, I have had
to be satisfied with doing sweet things for her like offering to carry
her bag or driving her home.
My mind goes strangely berserk and a sudden jealous rage
overwhelms me whenever I see her talk to another guy — I
30 liveline MAR 08
Graphic by Dean Murray | istockphoto.com
envision doing a chokehold on him. Even if it was my best friend
she was talking to, jealousy and suspicion would still cloud my
heart. Quiet times with God seem to
focus on finding out if she is “THE ONE”
(God, give me a sign!) I desperately try
to focus my thoughts on God during
Just as
worship and not steal glances at her.
Does love require so much
emotional and mental anguish?
How should I as a Christian respond
Christ loves
us and died
for us ‘while
to these love sick emotions that are we were
obviously interfering with my life? yet sinners’,
After much thought and prayer, I
realised that the key response is Love.
we need to
Love that is patient, kind, does not show love
envy, does not boast, is not proud, is too.
not rude, not self-seeking, not easily
angered, keeps no record of wrongs.
Love, that does not delight in evil but rejoices with truth. Love that
always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Admittedly, it is easier said than done. I just cannot seem to act
normally around her or even grunt a ‘hi’ to my suspected love rivals.
Yet, true love requires me to put on these attributes towards God,
her and others. If I truly love, I know that I should not envy when
she picks up a conversation or hangs out with others.
I believe that Love is an act of the will. Just as Christ loves us
and died for us ‘while we were yet sinners’, we need to show love
too. Yes, even to wish her well in her relationships. I try to guard my
heart and ‘take every thought captive to Christ’, to ensure that my
thoughts about her are godly and honouring of a sister-in-Christ.
I’m learning to rejoice in ‘the joy of (my) salvation’ and be thankful
for what God has blessed me with. I trust that God has a plan for
me and already has ‘The One’ in store for me.
Even if we may never become a couple, I put my faith in God
who knows better and cares for all my needs. After all, who loves
me more than God?
ALL
ACCESS

CD REVIEWS
BOOK REVIEWS

SOMETHING FOR
By SKS BOOKS WAREHOUSE

EVERYONE By ERIC CHIOK

This mega church’s children’s ministry team has

remixed most of the tracks so as to make it more
relevant to the kids of today. Even the classic song,
“My Redeemer Lives”, has been given a complete
make-over, with a strong pop/dance accent. I can’t
help but draw a direct comparison to popular kids
show Hi-Five. However, the track, “God So Loved”,
based on the famous verse John 3:16, easily became
my favourite because of its clean and simple acoustic
guitar sounds. Coupled with the children’s choir in the The Big Questions
Hillsongs Kids background, it’s not hard to sense the simplicity and Jonathan Hill
sincerity of the children’s worship. A brilliant book that presents
TELL THE WORLD
arguments both for and against
some of the perennial issues that
have provoked theologians and
Desperation Band features the trio of Jon Egan, Jared philosophers for ages. In very simple
Anderson and Lenn Packiam, who brought us worship language, philosopher Jonathan
Hill’s work will appeal to readers
songs such as “Amazed” and “I Am Free”. However, who want to engage with the great
this album stands above their previous productions minds and think the issues through
because this album was written and recorded in the for themselves.
midst of a difficult time and the raw passion and
sincere lyrics really brings out the heart of the band
and you can easily see why the album was titled
“Everyone Overcome”. On a sour note, most of the

All books are available at SKS Books Warehouse Tel: 6227-9700

tracks sound a little too much like ‘Hillsong United’
and did not feel fresh musically. However, there was The Desperation Band
one track, “Counting on God,” that is a delightful
EVERYONE OVERCOME
surprise, with its Indie-rock beat and an infectious
melody that will have you singing that song in your
head for days.

This is the third album from Tim Hughes, who also

wrote classic worship songs such as “Here I am to
worship” and “Consuming Fire”. Hughes has musical
influences from bands like U2 and their signature rock
style defines the sound of this album. Two songs that
really stood out for me are “Happy Day”, an infectious
rock tune, and “Justice of God”, that speaks about the
ERIC’S church’s responsibility to remember the less fortunate.
CHOICE I don’t think we will be hearing much from this album
being sung at our services here, but, it is a great album
Tim Hughes to have nonetheless and if you are a fan of bands like
HOLDING NOTHING BACK Delirious!, you should definitely own a copy of this.
PREPARE FOR RAIN
Michael Catt
Sherwood Baptist Church has already
challenged Hollywood with their two
ground breaking movies - Flywheel
and Facing the Giants. This is the
book that tells the story of the two
brothers armed with the passion to
make God-glorifying movies.

MAR 08 liveline 31
 ALL
ACCESS

LOBANG CORNER

NOTHING BEATS
HOME-COOKED FOOD
For this issue, after all the feasting during Chinese New Year, we bring you two great family
restaurant-finds for the simple home-cooked food that our grandmothers used to cook up.
Our food investigator GERALDINE ANG checks them out.

MOOI CHIN PALACE RESTAURANT

Mooi Chin was established on April 15, 1935. For those of us
who can remember the restaurant’s humble beginnings, it
was located at the corner of North Bridge Road and Purvis
Street back then.

It is now located at 390 Victoria Street, #03-12A. Since its

establishment in 1935, Mooi Chin is now in the hands of a
second generation owner Mr. Michael Wong. The restaurant
specialises in Hainanese cuisine. The chefs cook with flat
pans instead of woks. This, together with careful control of
the flames, distinguishes Hainanese cuisine from the rest.

All the old time favourites are still on the menu — Pomfret
Sambal, Hainanese Pork Chop, Chicken with Soya Bean
Sauce, Ox-Tongue Stew, Hainanese Mutton Soup, and
390 Victoria Street Fried Fish Maw with Cabbage. Best part of the meal is the
#03-12A restaurant bill. While you cannot expect much in terms of
Golden Landmark Hotel decor and ambience, their value cannot be rivalled. For $10,
Tel: 6392 1600 you get a decent size plate of Hainanese pork chop. For $14,
/ 6339 7766 you get the fried fish maw. Overall, a meal for eight people
Operating Hours: costs below $100!
Daily: 11am - 10.30pm

Salt ‘N’ Pepper Café

We shift gears from Victoria Street to a quiet housing estate
off Upper Thomson Road. Meandering down estate roads
like Munshi Abdullah and Kalidasa Avenue, we find a humble
café within the Singapore Teacher’s Union building serving up
authentic home-cooked fare from tasty fish head curry, chunky
fish-filled otak, fragrant chye poh egg, sedap sambal kang kong Salt ‘N’ Pepper Café
and the best fried bronzed chicken wings you can get in the
162 Tagore Avenue
neighbourhood. Entering the café is like walking into a 1970s
swimming pool café setting. While the décor and ambience is
Tel: 6452 3415
nothing to shout about, you have to sink your teeth into the
home-cooked fare that they dish up to appreciate the fuss!

32 liveline MAR 08
UPCOMING
EVENTS
APR.
TWENTY ZERO EIGHT
16 & 30 May
PCG Visitation

18 MAY
APR to SEPT WSCS Sunday
Companions in
Christ Course 19 to 24 May
Aldersgate
5 APRIL Convention
Fire Place
Healing Service
5pm 24 MAY
AMC Sanctuary Aldersgate
Service
11 & 18 APRIL A Vision of
Pastoral Care Worship
Group
Visitation Speaker:
Rev Dr Ben
19 APRIL Witherington, III //THU & FRI, 10 & 11 APRIL 2008 // 730 PM
Family Life Outing @ THE SINGAPORE
7.30pm to 9.30pm //THE MAX PAVILLION EXPO HALL 10
Wesley Methodist
Inaugural Senior’s Church
Gathering // INTRODUCING YOUTH ALPHA

JUN.
TWENTY ZERO EIGHT
25 to 26 APRIL
PCG Leaders’
Training (I)

27 APRIL 7 to 10 JUNE FREE ADMISSION

Missions Sunday AMC Church Camp seats are available on a
first-come-first-served basis

MAY.
TWENTY ZERO EIGHT 13 & 20 JUNE
PCG Visitation
REGISTER NOW
for priority entrance
15 JUNE
4 May Father’s Day
29th Church http://www.alpha.org.sg/wcps/
Anniversary 23 JUNE
Speaker: Rev Dr PCG Leaders’
Wee Boon Hup Quarterly Meeting

11 May 28 JUNE
Mother’s Day Fire Place
Healing Service
14 May
LCEC Meeting TRAC Laity Seminar
 Aldersgate Methodist Church
雅德门卫理公会
98 Dover Road Singapore 139647
tel: 6773 1964 • email: liveline@aldersgate.sg
www.aldersgate.sg