Thank you

This is a thank you email I wrote to my team that I took to St Jamestown earlier in August.  We shared with the youth ministry yesterday.  They were awesome!!

Hi everyone,

I just want to thank you for sharing yesterday @ Fluid. I am more reminded and encouraged by how much you are willing to follow Christ and the things you learn from this mission trip.  I learn so much from you guys.  I hope and pray that you will find following Christ a joy...b/c it really is. 

Despite what's going on at church, I am so excited.  It's crazy sometimes.  I can't even sleep.  To look back a few years ago when I really don't care that much about Christian stuff...indeed when He calls...and when you feel His presence..everything changes.

As for me, I really desire to go over seas and serve for 2-3 years.  I want to go to places like Cambodia because there is a lot of darkness there.  I know this sounds very strange but for me there is nothing more challenging, awesome and fulfilling than go after a place where it is totally broken and totally lost.  I long to go after the lost of the lost.  I want to see the Holy Spirit at work.  And so I am disciplining myself in making sure that I strive to live on faith! Let Him provide. Listen to see where He is leading.

I am slowly counting my cost...purposely giving up on things i want...like in the summer i asked God if He wanted..He could take away my tri bike..I would give it to anyone who come across my life in need....(tri bike for me is like my dream car).

Anyways, enough babbling...this is the journey that I am shown and I wanted to pursuit it....this might not be your path.and that's ok...this ain't the only way..and to follow the Lord is a lot of joy and excitement.

I hope you guys all continue to seek the Lord with all your being...trust me, it is definitely worth it. TCM was so much fun...when i was doing the video..it brought back so many good memories... :)

Cliff

Day 2 - Toronto City Mission: Sonshine Kid's Camp

I am currently leading a four day short term mission trip with Toronto City Mission helping out with their Sonshine Day Camp.  The camp is children living in St Jamestown (one of the densest and highest poverty community in Toronto).

There are many first in this mission trip.

It is my first mission trip.

It is the first time I am leading a mission trip.

It is also the first time I am 'baby sitting' kids that are grade 1 to grade 5.

Leading up to this mission trip, I was getting worry with the logistics.  What if my team cannot do this? What if we forget about that?  What if we don't plan enough? What if ....

I stopped and spent last week praying and seeking the Spirit.  After all this is God's Mission and He will provide as necessary.  He definitely did!

I am very thankful for many things.  For church members willing to drive us to subway 6 in the morning and in the evening.  The team members continue contribution to various activities.  I told them that I am not good with kids and they had more experience than I do.  They worked without complain.  They simply wanted to serve.

Where do I start and how do I end this post?  There is so much to talk about.

For this mission trip, I wanted the team to expose to what God is working in St Jamestown.  I wanted them to get a glimpse of poverty, the brokeness and at the same time the HOPE that our GOD offers.  I want them to see that there are Christians that are actively praying and making choices to transform this community.  I wanted them to see a bigger picture of what it means to be a Christian to reach out to love our neighbors (instead of sitting at church every Sun, having fellowship, going to Christian events etc..).

And slowly...really it is just having the desire to follow Christ.  

What caught me by surprise is how much I love playing with the kids. There were two grade 1s which we sat hvaing lunch and started playing a game they called fastshot.  The game consisted of a half hoola hoop and two big balls.  I hold the hoop up and the they would sit on each side kicking or punching the ball to each other.  Whenever the ball passed the person, he lose.  It was so simple. Yet so much fun.  

There was a girl name Mary which is very very active.  She took all our name tags on the first day and put it on her.  Despite her short attention span, she is super bright and smart.  She loved to come behind you and poke you on the side and screamed 'TAZER'.

Today, during swimming pool, I looked over two little boys named Ian and Ali.  Ian is a much better swimmer than Ali.  Ali was bright enough to know that he needed a life jacket.  The best time was when Ian asked me to teach him how to float and had the boys grabbed each of my arm as I dragged them in the water as fast as I could.

Last night after a long day at the camp, I took the team to St Jamestown.  We went to specific area to pray for the community.  I showed them playgrounds which as kids and families were gathering around, these are the same places where drug deals will go on at night. 

We also met two Christians from MoveIn Ministry.  They lived in St Jamestown to transform the community by loving their neighbors.  Their testimony and sharing was awesome...

There is a lot more to share..a lot of laughters and fun.  

The team members are tired and so am I.  Everyday I get up at 5:30 and we don't go home till 7-8 pm.

Going to bed now :)

The team.  I was sharing to the congregation why we are going to St Jamestown.

The kids laughed at the hair on the girl as we walked to the swimming pool.

Team leaders (us and other volunteers) looked over two kids as we took the subway to the pool.

A mural the kids painted yesterday. Today we went out to the park to pick up flowers and leafs to stick it on. Tomorrow, we will draw animals and put them on.

Yesterday, we split the kids up into three groups and each team member gave a show and tell (aka testimony sharing).

Quiet Front

In preparing for the mission trip next week, I need to spend more quiet time..

This blog will probably be quiet for a while..

Mission team

Spent tonight planning out the logistics, activities for St Jamestown Mission trip...the one that I will be leading in two weeks.

Time sure pass by fast...here are the members of my team...truly awesome :)

Published with Blogger-droid v1.4.8

Motivation

Yesterday, I had a grandma asked me how to motivate the youths to be more mission minded while we were folding bulletins.

I pause for moment.

What a great question.  One that I ask over and over again.

I replied:

There is a way and that is to live it out.

Yesterday afternoon, I held the first training for the mission trip I will be leading in August.

I led a study on the Good Samaritan and discussed Jesus' standard of a neighbor.  It was an awesome time.

I decided to skip my plan and shared how after reading that passage, I was challenged to go downtown and hang out with the homeless.  I shared about some of the times I acted more like a Levite or a priest, lack of mercy and lack of compassion.

I asked a sister to share her love for the kids in Cambodia.  I heard her sharing many times before.  And every time I had to hold back the tears because it just hurts to hear kids being sold to brothels.

This morning, I was sharing to a brother that we don't need great speakers or extra teaching.  The majority of the members in the mission team are highschool and university kids.  They are young (younger than me!) and in their young age, they already know all they need to know about loving our neighbors.

The greatest motivation is to see someone lives out what Jesus teaches and obey Him.

I can listen to a great sermon or read a good book.  But to hear someone counted his/her cost to follow the Cross, in tears, in exertion in seeking the Holy Spirit..the longing to see His Kingdom coming down......that's all the motivation I need.

So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God— even as I try to please everybody in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved.

Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.

1 Corinthians 10:31 - 11:1

St Jamestown Training Powerhouse

J:  getting excited for your training on sun :)


whos there as adults? I know j1, e - is j2?

Me: j2 is the guest speaker


e and j1 will join me


I think I am an adult....sometimes...

J: wow - POWERHOUSE!  thanks man - we should like record this :) EPIC!

C: WE SHOULD...let me set up a hidden web cam :P..j/k!

...

I should be excited as well.  This Sun training shall be awesome!

TCM St Jamestown Update: Training this Sun

Leading my first mission trip....

First, God answers with many helpers willing to come to this mission trip.  It's going to be full.  Praise the Lord.

Second, just reading some of the applications, I am encouraged how God works in wonderful and marvelous ways in each of the applicants' life.

Blasted this email out before I head to bed last night...

Hello everyone,

You are receiving this email because you are interested in the TCM St James Town mission trip.  I want to say thanks for your interest in serving Jesus and serving those who you haven't met in your life.  

This is my first mission trip and I am excited and nervous.  Excited because I have a passion to serve the least of the least in our society.  Nervous, (you can laugh at this one) b/c i don't think i am that good with kids..I read each of your application forms and you all have more experiences running kids camp than me :O.  I ain't that creative nor artsy.  Muhaha..I guess this is how great God is because He can use someone like me to lead the Toronto City Mission's Day camp. 

I just want to give you guys a head up.  

There is a training this Sun, July 25th, from 1 pm till 3 pm at church in Room 102.   

The next one is Aug 8th. Same time and same location.

Since there are only two trainings before we go, it is extremely important for you to attend.

Lunch will NOT be provided.  If you want to get some take out, just bring few bucks with you and I can do a Wendy's drive thru.

We will be doing some sharing, talk about who are our neighbours (Luke 10, Parable of the Good Samaritan), guest speaker sharing her passion for her neighbours, pray and prepare activities for the day camp.

Some of you haven't submit me the application form and a check ($25 to MCAC), please do so this Sun. 

If you need anything or have any questions, you can email me or give me a shout.

cheers,

Cliff

Time for rest....this week will be a busy busy week.

St James Town Mission Update: Due date reminder

Hey everyone,

I just want to say thank you for your interested on the St James Town Mission trip. Just a quick reminder that there is a deadline for the registration. It is on July 11th. Sorry guys for not stating this earlier.

This is what I need...

- filled out the TCM Registration form
- if you are under 18, have your parents and/or guardian fill the STM parental consent form
- include a check, 25 dollars to MCAC (this is to take care of taking the subway)

....

If you receive the older info package, we changed the plans. Instead of staying over night in downtown, we are going to commute instead. We will meet every morning at Kipling station and take the subway down. This will keep the cost low.

We also like for each of you to pack your own lunch and dinner. Please keep it simple. The idea is that as St James Town is one of poorest neighborhood in Toronto...as such we as short term missionaries should strive to live like them. A sandwich, juice box, a fruit and some light snacks will do.

The cool part is that we will be hanging out and play with the kids. I am sure you will love them. Afterwards, we will spend the evening roam around Toronto, experience difference cultures and atmospheres..and pray for the people there..

I made a promo video last Sun and didn't have time to show it in the Service. You can find it here:

If you have any questions, please free to let me know. Also, if you have friends that you think might enjoy this mission experience. Let me know or just forward this email to them (it includes the info package).

What's next?

We are to have two trainings before the camp. The trainings will be held on Sun after Sun School. We will have lunch and then spend 2 hours discussing about missions, pray and prepare activities for the kids.

Alright, this is quite a long email...

DONE :)

cheers,
Cliff

St James Town Mission Update: Promo Video

This morning service went over time and we didn't have time to play this.....

Though one kid did approach me afterwards and asked me for an info package :D

St James Town Mission Update: When God Provides

It is always helpful to us to fix our attention on the God-ward aspect of Christian work; to realize that the work of God does not mean so much man‘s work for God, as God‘s own work through man.

Hudson Taylor - A Retrospect

One of the fears I had with leading the St James Town Mission in August is that no one will show volunteered.  God, as always, surprised me.  For the past few weeks, there were a number of people in my congregation came and asked me for this mission trip.

To be honest, I haven't advertise as much as I should.  I had a lot of temptation to ask others to join.  Though I do not want to guilt trip them into coming.  This is God's mission...granted we all should partake in it...Great Commission...at the same time, one's heart should be right..and come from a clear calling from Him.

I was thinking of making a video and showing it before the congregation.  Among many things, I was rushing and trying to get done.  I remembered one Fri night I was so tired.  Instead, I just pray for God to provide workers.

Two Sundays ago, after service, an aunty came over and asked me about the mission trip.  She told me that her son was interested.  After introducing me to her son, we exchanged contact and I passed him an info package.  It was great.  I don't even know who he is.  

I am most happy to see the youth with such an eager to serve.  That's very encouraging. 

I read Hudson Taylor's book last Friday.  I transfered the PDF version into my phone and read it while I was out.  I finished the book in one day. It is only 100 pages.  Quite a short read.

What was amazing is how much faith Hudson Taylor has in God.  The two things that strike out is his dependence on God to provide and his prayer life.  

Hudson Taylor was one of the first missionary to go to China to shared the gospel in the late 1800s to early 1900s.  He had such a heart for Chinese and for the lost.  In order to train himself to be a missionary, he would voluntarily live in the poor neighborhood to train him to have faith and rely on Him.  

There was one time his boss forgot to pay him.  He purposely not remind his boss and chose to pray instead.  He had one last coin left and would have nothing left for next day's lunch.  He even gave it away to a family with a dying mother.  And God provided.  This is examples of someone who fully depended on God.  A lesson which I had to learn myself.

Time and time again, lessons like these would be the corner stone of him relying on God.  When I read his writing, I can see his gentleness and care for Chinese, a group of people he had nothing in common.  Not only that, he was sensitive to their culture and lifestyle.  He wore their clothes, learnt their language and even change his hair to match them.  From his book, there was only one focus.  Shared the gospel!!

He later started China Inland Mission (CIM).  China Inland Mission became Overseas Missionary Fellowship (OMF).

...

After reading about Hudson Taylor,  I realized I need to train myself to have more faith and rely on Him.  This St James Mission trip will be a good starting point.  In situation where I can choose to say more or do more, I will choose to pray instead.....

God's work done in God's way will never lack God's supply.

Hudson Taylor - A Retrospect

Mission Trip Open Letter

Just finish preparing all the info package for the mission trip I will be leading in August (Toronto City Mission's St James Town Sonshine Day Camp).

As I pour over the info, the plan, the logistics, I cannot help but to feel overwhelm.  There is simply so much info and so much to consider.  I tend to be selfish in that I rather do it myself because it is much easier.  I don't have to worry if someone is going to get lost and tell them how much to budget.  I can always adapt and think on the fly (I plan very loosely and just act accordingly).  This is not a solo expedition.  The goal is not just to run the day camp.  It is to open the eyes and the heart of my congregation so that they have a desire for God's mission...at the very least they will have a clear understanding of what is God's mission (redeem the world..redeem the lost etc.)

I am also feeling joyful.  The fact that I am leading a team for the first time. I already spoke with a few church groups doing mission work there and very excited to hear a few reply.  Since I am leading, I get to choose and pick what we will be doing.  To hear a number of people interested in this makes me feel excited.  I thought I was the only one :)))

This is the opening letter with attachment to the info package I will be giving to a few interested in the mission tomorrow.


Dear recipient,


Though I wasn't on the mission trip to St James Town last year, I had the privilege of joining them in a prayer walk in the city of Toronto. It was also the first time I visited St James Town. Upon research, it is heart breaking to see this is one of the poorest neighborhoods in Toronto. I tend to think that poverty is often not in my reach. I later realize that this neighborhood is not too far from where I use to go for school, Ryerson University.


The second commandment given by Jesus is that we should love our neighbor as ourselves. Jesus define neighbor as anyone and anybody who needs our help. It is with this calling in my heart that I decided to lead this year's trip to St James Town. We will be partnering with Toronto City Missions and help organize Sonshine Day Camp. The kids range from 6 to 12 years old. Our task will be providing and supervising activities such as crafts, sports, singing, drama and Bible based stories. The camp will last for four days from August 16 to 19.


In the evening, weather permitting, we will be conducting prayer walk in Toronto and explore the city. The goal is to allow the Holy Spirit to open our eyes and our hearts to see our neighbors. We also pray for God to continue to work mightily in the city to save the lost.


As Christians, Jesus called us to share the gospel to Jerusalem, to Samaria and to the ends of the world (Acts 1:3). St James Town might not be the end of the world but it is an area in need of Christ. The English Congregation and the Fluid ministry from MCAC, will work together to share Christ to children so that they will hear Jesus and have their hope on Him as they live among poverty, domestic abuses, homelessness and other social issues.


If you are interested, please provide the following:
- review the Volunteer Information Package
- Pray and seek the Holy Spirit for guidance
- Return the Application Form with references by June 27th (Sun)
- Attend the Orientation (It will be on a weeknight. Tentative in July and early August)


Note: If you are under 18, please speak with your parents and have their approval before filling the form. If needed, I am also available to speak to them in person.


In Christ,
Cliff Tam

St Jamestown Statistics Reflection - more than just numbers

It's late and I had been reading over St Jamestown.  There are so many facts and statistics about this little pocket of community.

Most of them I got from MoveIn.to (a movement to encourage young Christians to move and live in poorer neighborhoods to bring Jesus to the community).

• 64% of residents are immigrants − 74% arrived in Canada between 1991 and 2006

My family came to Canada in 1988.   When I look that most arrive between 1991 to 2006, most of the people there are quite new immigrants.  When a family first come to Canada from foriegn country, they will settle down temporarily, get a job, get income, then move on to a permanent (probably better) home.  When we see that 74% moved in and stayed in St Jamestown, we see that most are probably too poor to move out and struggling to make a living.

• 55% of residents over age 15 have a post-secondary certificate, diploma or degree − 59% received their degree outside Canada

Coming from Mississauga, a suburb, I can say all of my friends have post-secondary certificate. My social circle and myself is that I am quite well off.  When we see 55% of those over 15 lack a post secondary education, basically most just had a highschool education.  This hampers any job with a decent income especially in today when everyone has a secondary degree (question..if 55% do not have post secondary, is it my stereotype to assume everyone?!?).  Most will work for low income and labor-intensive jobs.  This is hard on the family from health wise (less money to spend on grocery to get healthy food) to their future (secondary education is not cheap, retirement is slim when living paycheck to paycheck).

• In 2006, 51% of residents were considered to have low, before-tax incomes as compared with 18% in the rest of Toronto, making this a high-poverty neighbourhood

This is perhaps the saddest statistics.  St Jamestown is not only poorer. It is poorer of the poor.  A comparison of 18% to 51% is huge.  It is a strong contrast.  It is not just 1 out of 5 families are poor but 1 out of 2 families are struggling to provide adequate necessities.  This is bad in many manners. First, no one wants to live in a poor neighborhood.  Those who can make it out will leave once they have more money.  Second, local economic drainage, low income areas = less money to spend in local business.  Those who own the little shops, like the convenience store or the supermarket or the hair dresser or the clothing store probably live in the same neighborhood as well.  So when no one spends, they suffer as well.   This is one of the reason why the poorer gets poorer.  Third, I think it is harder...by nature for people to spend money in a poorer neighborhood.  Take my own experience, when I go to Toronto, I don't go to the poorer neighborhoods.  I go to the place to shop, to have fun etc.  I stayed away from the poorer neighborhoods because there is nothing to do there.  This further makes it harder for the poor to make a living.

...better head to bed..but lots of prayer tonight.....

Quiet front

Amidst planning for a mission trip, preparing my trip for Boston (leaving this afternoon), and other few things (had a fender bender last week, sorted out this week, took my fellowship to Open Door to help out, chores)...I had been quiet on this blogging front.

I am looking forward to this weekend heading to Boston to visit my previous English Pastor.

He started to pastor my church just when I started attending.  He was there when I was baptist and invited me to the English Ministry Committee (deacon overseeing the English Congregation).  He is very positive, always laughing and encouraging.

There is one thing I always look upon him is that he always has time for me.  Even when he is pastoring another church.  I joke that even if he run away to Boston we still go and stalk him :)

On Tues, my friend and I went to St Jamestown to walk around and pray for the people.

Here's a short video I took.  St Jamestown is one of the most densely populated area in Toronto.  I will be taking a team later this summer to set up a children camp.

Announcement

This will be posted in my church's bulletin on Sun.


Last year, B led a mission team to St James Town to organize a day camp for the kids. By partnering with Toronto City Mission (TCM), the team shared Christ to many children who never heard of our Savior for the first time. With the Lord's blessing, it was a great success.


Seeing the need of the gospel among the poverty and to give an opportunity for the English Congregation to reach out to the lost, again we are privilege to hold a joint mission with Fluid this summer with TCM's sunshine day camp on August 16-19.  Our goal is to maintain the relationship to the kids we witness last year and extend the love of Christ to them by providing activities such as crafts, sports, singing, drama and Bible based stories to children (6 to 12 years old).


If you have the heart for mission and interested in extending God's Kingdom, please contact Cliff Tam at cliff.tam@gmail.com.

Being the hands and feet of Jesus

This is just some rough thoughts in my head. Just throwing some ideas around.

I was at prayer meeting tonight and next week we have a number of people going to Short Term Mission to Jamestown. I never know where Jamestown was until I looked in the map.

My heart sank at the thought of that place. If you like to know more info about Jamestown, please read here.

I am reminded of me going to Ryerson University. I remember one of the corner is call Hooker Harvey because that's where prostituions hang out. The neighbourhood is filled with drug dealers and suffered one of the worst crime rates in Toronto.

....

By the grace of God, I started to notice little difference between being the hands and feed for Jesus than just volunteering or doing good works. Granted, the latter is a noble cause (at least beat doing nothing!).

Allow me to explain...I would say the first and foremost is humility of oneself. When I shared a hot dog with people in Nathan Philip Square or helped out in Open Doors, I tried as hard as I can to treat those who I am serving as equal. I am reminded I am no better than them b/c of my education or my career or the stuff that I have. God simply blessed me more and as such it is my responsiblity to share (stewardship one??). I feel so easy to look at someone distinctly different than you (social status, ethnicity, age, gender etc.) and throw off an arrogance that I have more or I know more or I am better simply I am more 'successful' in life. This is foremost something I pray to God to humble me down. I asked God to crack and break my hard ego and cold heart.

The focus in serving is not for self gratification. I am not here to get praise. Though I am joyful when I know the work I am doing is joyful in His sight. This means that sometimes things might not go as expected. What if the person I am serving is rude to me? Do I go and rebuke that person? Of course not. Who am I to go rebuke them? Even if I do, it usually a sign of my ego-centric and prideful nature. Only when I let that go, do I consider denying myself, take up my cross and follow Him (Mark 8:34-38). So either scrubbing the toilet (where is rarely seen) or doing mundane task (rarely get praise for). It really ain't about me. It is about extending God's Kingdom.

To serve is not simply to use money to resolve a problem. Like buying lots of food for those who are hungry or buy things for those who are homeless. Serving, (I dare to say) is joining those who are oppress and who are suffering. In a way, we serve as Jesus serves. Jesus come to earth, born in a manger, and give up all His throne to dwell among us (in a world full of sin).

I don't go in with all my fancy gadgets and my material goods. First, this attitude hurts those who we are trying to help (take a look at DeYoung's blog post on this topic). Second, it only shows me of my own self indulgence and my own materialistic habit. Third, we are to love those who do not have hope and share the love that Jesus gave to us. This has a missional component to it. If money do really serve all the problem, we can simply donate and community will be restored and people will be free. However, it is neither this simple nor viable. Lastly, God extending His Kingdom not with worldly riches. Often Holy Spirit works among the most 'trying' times.

The last point which I am becoming ever more intrigue is the idea of sacrifice. For example, I can go for a sandwich run and buy the cheapest bread and meat that is about to expire and feed it to the needy. Yet, I will then go to a buffet and stuff myself. Is that serving? Jesus numerous consider that it is good to give the best to those who cannot get it themselves (Luke 14:15-23). Or better yet, those who don't deserve it. It is quite a reminder as we don't deserve the grace that God dwell upon us freely through the blood of His Son. Perhaps another way is to sacrifice the buffet I had and use that money to buy better sandwiches.

When I look at the last point, I asked myself, why am I hoarding all I have for me and nickel and dime for those who need it. Really, where is my heart at? When I ask this question and look at my hands, I feel dirty. I am ashame. I have become the man who see my barn is getting full and ask why not build a bigger one so I can enjoy it (Luke 12:13-21 The parable of the rich fool).

Lastly, and more importantly, we are there to share the Gospel. By living it out (actions and kind deeds [James 2:14-26]) and by words (gotta know the doctrine [1 Peter 3:15-16]). It is only the Gospel that saves. What we do on earth is all but temporary. Everything fades away. As Christian, our treasure lies in heaven (Luke 12:32-34) . If that's the case, we might as well throw everything (including the temproary, kitchen sink) for it. Everything for the Gospel. One focus.