Muslim extremist in Malaysia threatens to wage war against minority christians of the nation

Muslim extremist in Malaysia threatens to wage holy war/ jihad or crusade against minority christians of the nation...

It is sad that it has been more than 48 hours now since this extremist MP threatens violence against minority christians of the nation...and yet the authority fails to act against this threat of violence...

His threat is based on an unfounded piece article or two.

Meanwhile, Penang Chief Minister, Lim Guan Eng calls for prayers for peace in the nation.

There's nothing much ordinary citizens like myself can do except to speak up for truth, justice, peace, hope and love and to pray.

God bless us all.

Joshua

Protect and defend Christians’ right to use the Alkitab — The Christian Federation of Malaysia

It seemed outdated but the issue has not been resolved and still relevant.

Joshua

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MARCH 30, 2011 — We are grateful to Almighty God for bringing together Christian leaders from across churches in Semenanjung, Sabah and Sarawak to address the current controversy surrounding the impounding of Bahasa Malaysia Bibles, the Alkitab, at Port Klang and Kuching. This decision weighs heavily on us because of the implications not only for Christians but for all Malaysians.

We are united in our reaffirmation of the freedom of religion and worship. Therefore, our position is that there should be no restrictions, proscriptions or prohibitions whatsoever on the bible or the use of the language of our choice in the practice of our religion, as it was in the days before and after the formation of Malaysia.

Christians, like any other Malaysian, are not demanding for anything beyond our constitutional and fundamental human rights as enshrined in Article 11(1) of the Federal Constitution and Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

The current controversy surrounding the Alkitab is just one of many issues that concerns Christians. There has been a systematic and progressive pushing back of the public space to practise, to profess and to express our faith. For example, the wearing and displaying of crosses and other religious symbols, the use of religious words and the construction of places of worship have been restricted.

When Christians express this concern, we do so not just for ourselves but on behalf of all Malaysians. Our faith forms a critical component of our identity as Malaysians in nation-building as enshrined in the first pillar of our nation’s Rukunegara: Belief in God.

As regards the offer made by the government on 22 March 2011, we respectfully state that this does not address the substantive issues. In point of fact, our previous offer made in 2005 to use the term “A Christian Publication” was only honoured in respect of one shipment of the Alkitab. Subsequent shipments were similarly held up and subjected to further arbitrary conditions for release.

In order to move forward, we call on the Government to commit itself once and for all to remove every impediment, whether legal or administrative, to the importation, publication, distribution and use of the Alkitab and indeed to protect and defend our right to use the Alkitab.

This includes revoking all orders made under the Internal Security Act 1960, which have declared the Alkitab as a threat to national security. Neither can the Alkitab be considered a threat to public order under the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984. We categorically reject the characterisation of our Holy Scriptures in this manner.

Instead, we see our Holy Scriptures as providing enlightenment and direction. In the words of the psalmist, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.” (Psalm 119:105). In the New Testament is stated the teaching that we hold dear and true: “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (II Timothy 3:16)

We remain committed to work with the Government for a viable and long- term solution where the detailed processes and procedures are made clear and unequivocal and so long as our fundamental liberties as enshrined in the Federal Constitution are not infringed.
As for the copies of the Alkitab that have been impounded and desecrated, we reiterate our position that the action of the Ministry of Home Affairs (KDN) in stamping the bibles amounts to an act of defacement, disrespect and treating with disdain the holy book of the Christians.

Given the unfortunate experience of KDN’s tendency of taking arbitrary action without consulting affected parties or respecting the religious sensitivities of the Christian community, any decision to collect copies of the Alkitab which have been stamped and serialised would be with a view to prevent the possibility of further arbitrary acts of desecration, disrespect or destruction being committed against the Holy Scripture of the Christians by KDN and its officers.

We have left it to the two importers to decide whether or not to collect the Alkitab, based on their different specific circumstances and level of trust in the authorities and the processes in their local context.

Nevertheless, no matter what their decision is, we remain united in our common stand to uphold the principle of freedom of religion which includes the free availability without hindrance or obstacle of the Alkitab and all sacred scriptures in Malaysia.
We continue to call on all peace-loving Malaysians to pray for a dignified resolution to these critical issues in the life of our nation.

Dated this day 30th March 2011

Bishop Ng Moon Hing
Chairman and the Executive Committee
The Christian Federation of Malaysia

Natural Disasters in Japan, Myanmar

In a very short period of several months into the year of 2011, scores of natural disasters and socio-political unrests in the middle east have tainted the hope of a peaceful and a good year for humanity.

Japan's earthquake has killed more than 10,000 and the death toll is expected to reach beyond 20,000. Hundreds of billions dollars are lost due to the quake. Nuclear reactor woe in Fukushima plant has only further worsen the properous nation of Japan. While kind and generous individuals and charitable organizations across the globe raise funds and provide aides, what kind of aide / help have we heard from huge profit-making multinational giant company like Toyota, Honda, Sony...etc? The only news I heard from the profit giants were only delays of reopening manucfacturing plants in Japan and minimizes loses due to the quake.

These corporate companies making billions of dollars a year have not pledge publicly how they would contribute to the disaster, while leaving the task of humanitarian aide and help of a leading role to charitable organisations struggling to raise a million or two dollars from ordinary and kind individuals in response to this much bigger than expected disaster in Japan.

All of us should not give up hope, live daily by thanking God, treasuring the blessings He bestowed on us daily as well as the friends and family that love us dearly. Make beautiful memories and build genuine relationships as we put selfishness, greed, wealth and power in a lesser priority in our life.

After what use if a person gain the entire world and lost his soul? as mentioned in the Bible. Therefore, live a fruitful life, a life for God and others. For those who doesnt believe in the existence of God, live a life for others...

That's all I have to say this time.

Joshua

Christchurch holds prayers for quake victims

Christchurch holds prayers for quake victims

As the residents of Christchurch and the citizens of New Zealand continue to mourn the loss and the path of destruction that the recent earthquake has brought, the people around the world must realize that life is so fragile and unpredictable. Therefore, we are reminded once again to live life to the fullest and treasure today because it is a gift, the reason why it is also called the present.

Let us live each day as our last, to love and to be loved. Remember God and those who are less fortunate than us. Christchurch as its' name will rise again.

Know that God loves you today and always...

Joshua

In Everlasting Loving Memory of Terry Gallagher

Terry Gallagher, 48 years was called home to be with the Lord on 27th January 2011. He was a great husband, a great father, a great son, a great coach, a great friend who has fought the good fight, kept the faith and finished the race. Now what is in store for him is a crown of righteousness. He has inspired thousands throughout his life and many many more to come...

Disease, suffering and cancer seem to have win the battle but it has lost war because Terry is now in a perfect place where love, life and good reigns forever and ever.

Terry left behind a great family wife (Mimi), Meghan and Rose (Daugthers) and Tommy (Son), brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, friends...

Visit the following websites for updates and his incredible journey and battle for the past 3 years...and be inspired.

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/terrygallagher/journal

As Terry's wife, Mimi always end:

"Hug your loved ones today and everyday. Let those you love know how you feel about them. Count your blessings. Know that God loves you today and always no matter what."

Joshua

Aung San Suu Kyi

Aung San Suu Kyi (ASSK) -A world symbol of struggle against oppression, has recently been released from house arrest. Democracy in Myanmar (Burma) is reignited with the release of the much beloved and honoured 1991 Nobel Peace Prize winner from an unjust, oppressive detention.

The military-ruled Myanmar government must take concrete step in providing utmost security to the ASSK. In addition, restoration of a democratic process, returning the right of the people to decide who governs them. It's a long overdue time that the Burmese people should enjoy their country rich and abundant resources.

The government must initiate talks with ASSK and recognised her contribution to the country and restore democracy without any further delay.

The world rejoices with such an icon against oppression! Bravo! Aung San Suu Kyi! You're a gift from heaven!

Joshua

Months have gone by...

Over the past few months, life has been very eventful...wish I could keep the blog updated as often as I can...but one thing for sure...I'll be back really soon.

Joshua