Address by Jonathan Reckford, CEO, Habitat for Humanity International
Delivered to the Biennial U.S. Affiliates Conference, Atlanta, Georgia, January 23 2009
We all remember the story of how Jesus fed over five thousand people with just five loaves and two fish.
We should remember it. It's the only miracle story, apart from the ressurection itself, to appear in all four Gospels. Obviously, this story made a deep impression on the Gospel writers, just as it has resonated among Christians ever since.
The different Gospel accounts agree on the main details. Jesus and his disciples needed a break. They had withdrawn to a remote place to rest. Despite their efforts to keep a low profile, they were recognised. A crowd of over five thousand men, women and children had gathered and followed them.
So Jesus preached to this multitude and healed their sick. As evening approached, the disciples urged Jesus to dismiss the people so this vast assembly could find food. But Jesus replied, 'You give them something to eat.'
Can't you just imagine how the disciples must have felt? 'Really, Master - it's late in the day. We're supposed to be here for a rest. Have a little compassion on us as well as this crowd. We're tired and hungry, too. And we don't even have enough to feed ouselves. We have five loaves - five small barley loaves at that - and two little fish.' They asked Jesus: 'How far will they go among so many?'
That is the question I want us to ponder this morning: 'How far will our resources go among so many?'
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Monday, March 16, 2009
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Eureka!
Try these out:
1)
There are 6 eggs in a basket.
6 people each take 1 egg.
How can it be that 1 egg's left in the basket?
and
2)
The police receive a tip-off that a wanted criminal, John, was at a certain location. They raided the premises and found 4 people sitting around a table playing cards; a carpenter, a truck driver, a mechanic and a fireman. They immediately arrested the fireman, who turned out to be John. How were they so certain that the fireman was who they wanted?
Just some activities from my first lecture of Law and Society. Fascinating right?
Post answers!
1 March 2009, 2315h
So, tomorrow's officially the first day of university for me, and I'll be having my first lecture. What does the day, the semester, the year hold for me? I was praying earlier walking home and I know that they hold God's best for me. I know that, having come so far already with God, I can go all the way for Him, with Him. I know that I'll be His light and His salt here. I know that with Him, I will be the head and not the tail, always above, and not beneath. i know that with Him, I can be exemplary and I can effect positive changes in the lives of those around me. I know that with Him, I can, no I will, speak into the lives around me and develop meaningful, Godly relationships that enrich all involved. I know that with Him, I will learn effectively, understand everything taught, and be an active learner and participator in lessons as well as out. I know that with Him, I will achieve a 1st class honours degree and make the dean's list. I claim that excellence in Jesus' name now, for with God, all things are possible, and it is not by human power or might or strength or intelligence, but by the Holy Spirit and supernatural movement that the extraordinary can become reality.
So, I know that I'll have a great day tomorrow, I'll have the best year my life has ever known here in Brisbane, and I'll have Your life, ahead of me. Thank You Jesus.
1)
There are 6 eggs in a basket.
6 people each take 1 egg.
How can it be that 1 egg's left in the basket?
and
2)
The police receive a tip-off that a wanted criminal, John, was at a certain location. They raided the premises and found 4 people sitting around a table playing cards; a carpenter, a truck driver, a mechanic and a fireman. They immediately arrested the fireman, who turned out to be John. How were they so certain that the fireman was who they wanted?
Just some activities from my first lecture of Law and Society. Fascinating right?
Post answers!
1 March 2009, 2315h
So, tomorrow's officially the first day of university for me, and I'll be having my first lecture. What does the day, the semester, the year hold for me? I was praying earlier walking home and I know that they hold God's best for me. I know that, having come so far already with God, I can go all the way for Him, with Him. I know that I'll be His light and His salt here. I know that with Him, I will be the head and not the tail, always above, and not beneath. i know that with Him, I can be exemplary and I can effect positive changes in the lives of those around me. I know that with Him, I can, no I will, speak into the lives around me and develop meaningful, Godly relationships that enrich all involved. I know that with Him, I will learn effectively, understand everything taught, and be an active learner and participator in lessons as well as out. I know that with Him, I will achieve a 1st class honours degree and make the dean's list. I claim that excellence in Jesus' name now, for with God, all things are possible, and it is not by human power or might or strength or intelligence, but by the Holy Spirit and supernatural movement that the extraordinary can become reality.
So, I know that I'll have a great day tomorrow, I'll have the best year my life has ever known here in Brisbane, and I'll have Your life, ahead of me. Thank You Jesus.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
27 February 2009, 1545h, UQ Walter Harrison Law Library
'Specifically - and perhaps paradoxically - critical thinking is the art of thoughtful disobedience. Critical thinking is thinking that is simultaneously independent and disciplined, both free and constrained. It is free in the sense that it is often inconsistent with orthodox thinking, that is, we think for ourselves and form our own views, opinions and conclusions. But it is not unrestrained contrariness, stubbornness or wilful ignorance. Critical thinking is informed thinking, and disciplined thinking, otherwise it is simple criticism, lacking both substance and credibility. The willingness to read a text in a manner inconsistent with th author's intentions, to uncover ideological biases within a discipline or expose injustices within a legal system is essential to the practice of critical thinking... But it is not sufficient. That willingness must be combined with information and expertise in order to ensure that the critical thinking is not only destructive criticism, but also a constructive, credible and even creative contribution to the relevant dialogue.'
- Dr. Nickolas James, Critical Legal Thinking, Chapter 1
'The development of a critical disposition is by far the most challenging aspect of learning to be a critical thinker. It requires us to develop a tendency towards independence, non-conformism and perhaps even social activism. This is something that we have to do ourselves; it cannot be done for us and it cannot be taught. How can we be taught to be independent? How can we be compelled to resist compulsion?'
- Dr. Nickolas James, Critical Legal Thinking, Chapter 1
- Dr. Nickolas James, Critical Legal Thinking, Chapter 1
'The development of a critical disposition is by far the most challenging aspect of learning to be a critical thinker. It requires us to develop a tendency towards independence, non-conformism and perhaps even social activism. This is something that we have to do ourselves; it cannot be done for us and it cannot be taught. How can we be taught to be independent? How can we be compelled to resist compulsion?'
- Dr. Nickolas James, Critical Legal Thinking, Chapter 1
27 February 2009, 0725h, The Coffee Club - Milton
'There is a rawness and a wonder to life. Pursue it. Hunt for it. Sell out to get it. Don't listen to the whines of those who have settled for a second-rate life and want you to do the same so they won't feel guilty. Your goal is not to live long; it is to live.
Jesus says the options are clear. On one side there is the voice of safety. You can build a fire in the hearth, stay inside, and stay warm and dry and safe. You can't get hurt if you never get out, right? You can't be criticised for what you don't try, right? You can't fall if you don't take a stand, right? You can't lose your balance if you never climb, right? So don't try it. Take the safe route. Or you can hear the voice of adventure - God's adventure. Instead of building a fire in your hearth, build a fire in your heart. Follow God's impulses. Adopt the child. Move overseas. Teach the class. Change careers. Run for office. Make a difference. Sure it isn't safe, but what is?'
- Erin Keely Marshall, Navigating Route 20-Something, Chapter 5,
quoting Max Lucado, He Still Moves Stones.
Been sitting here at The Coffee Club for the past half hour waiting for the CCC mens' connect. I seem to have missed them somehow. Are they one of the other groups sitting here? Or am I in the wrong Coffee Club? Or was the meeting canceled altogether?
But no matter. I'll wait a few minutes more. If they're still not here I'll go exploring; make the most of having woke so early.
Jesus says the options are clear. On one side there is the voice of safety. You can build a fire in the hearth, stay inside, and stay warm and dry and safe. You can't get hurt if you never get out, right? You can't be criticised for what you don't try, right? You can't fall if you don't take a stand, right? You can't lose your balance if you never climb, right? So don't try it. Take the safe route. Or you can hear the voice of adventure - God's adventure. Instead of building a fire in your hearth, build a fire in your heart. Follow God's impulses. Adopt the child. Move overseas. Teach the class. Change careers. Run for office. Make a difference. Sure it isn't safe, but what is?'
- Erin Keely Marshall, Navigating Route 20-Something, Chapter 5,
quoting Max Lucado, He Still Moves Stones.
Been sitting here at The Coffee Club for the past half hour waiting for the CCC mens' connect. I seem to have missed them somehow. Are they one of the other groups sitting here? Or am I in the wrong Coffee Club? Or was the meeting canceled altogether?
But no matter. I'll wait a few minutes more. If they're still not here I'll go exploring; make the most of having woke so early.
26 February 2009, 2220h
Just got home after a whole day out and oh what a day it was! It got off on a slow start; after waking I went to the UQ gymnasium on the complimentary pass from Orientation. I was slightly disappointed. The machines were well worn and the overall condition and quality of the facilities was second rate, which just makes me appreciate the SSC gyms back in Singapore so much more. Started light; ran 1km, cycled 5km and rowed 1km in the cardiovascular gym, and did a few sets in the weights gym. They have these huge weight training areas in the weights gym with huge blocks and planks of wood and huge weights that seem to me more suited for buffaloes than for humans, but oh well, who am I to comment; I'm just a small Asian. =P The people are generally nice though.
Went home from there, and went with Yuling and Candice to Sizzler Toowong to submit our job applications. Visited the Commonwealth Bank too to complain about them misprinting my name on my debit card, then headed over to Indooroopilly Shopping Centre for lunch. Registered for my Brisbane City Council library membership, signed up for a Responsible Service of Alcohol certification course at the Irish Club in the city this Saturday, checked out the city directories, and gave my contact to a Taiwanese family for tuition.
Bought some Arnotts - Shapes there before meeting Dorothy and heading over to CCC Indooroopilly church office, which is a house opposite the school where they hold their weekly services. Met Hannah there, and took the church minibus with some others to The Fishmonger's Wife, a restaurant where I had battered cod with beer battered chips for $10.25 before heading to Kangaroo Point with Chantelle and the rest.
Kangaroo Point is a park with rock climbing cliffs alongside the river in East Brisbane overlooking the city and 2 bridges. The cliffs here have rock faces about 5 storeys high, are lighted at night, and have many climbers scaling them till the wee hours; certainly a sight one won't see in Singapore. Took lots of pictures (see FB), got a few contacts, and got a lift back to Toowong, where we chanced upon none other than a Toga Party! It's some social event where everyone's dressed in togas, which are sort of like Greecian robes, at a pub in Toowong, and it's probably organised by the student colleges of UQ. Managed to get a couple of pictures of them; would surely intrigue the folks back home...
Went home from there, and went with Yuling and Candice to Sizzler Toowong to submit our job applications. Visited the Commonwealth Bank too to complain about them misprinting my name on my debit card, then headed over to Indooroopilly Shopping Centre for lunch. Registered for my Brisbane City Council library membership, signed up for a Responsible Service of Alcohol certification course at the Irish Club in the city this Saturday, checked out the city directories, and gave my contact to a Taiwanese family for tuition.
Bought some Arnotts - Shapes there before meeting Dorothy and heading over to CCC Indooroopilly church office, which is a house opposite the school where they hold their weekly services. Met Hannah there, and took the church minibus with some others to The Fishmonger's Wife, a restaurant where I had battered cod with beer battered chips for $10.25 before heading to Kangaroo Point with Chantelle and the rest.
Kangaroo Point is a park with rock climbing cliffs alongside the river in East Brisbane overlooking the city and 2 bridges. The cliffs here have rock faces about 5 storeys high, are lighted at night, and have many climbers scaling them till the wee hours; certainly a sight one won't see in Singapore. Took lots of pictures (see FB), got a few contacts, and got a lift back to Toowong, where we chanced upon none other than a Toga Party! It's some social event where everyone's dressed in togas, which are sort of like Greecian robes, at a pub in Toowong, and it's probably organised by the student colleges of UQ. Managed to get a couple of pictures of them; would surely intrigue the folks back home...
25 February 2009, ->0900h
Yesterday was Day 3 of 'O' Week and Market Day. The school was really vibrant and people thronged for freebies galore. Met Kim and Daniel and bought paintball passes with them. Also saw many exhibits set up by companies and student societies, and collected lots of stuff like free popcorn, a water bottle, and drinks before heading for the Law faculty welcome session.
The first thing that struck me was the sheer size of the incoming law cohort. Including exchange students, postgraduates and dual degree students, i think i can place the size of this cohort to be around 800 students; and that's way more than NUS or SMU will ever have. Everyone here's a high achiever, and I'll practically need to get a perfect-7 for all courses from day 1 to get a 1st class. God, I'll need Your help...
'One thing we'll do in my course is to examine whether the film Legally Blonde has any intellectual merit' - Dr Nickolas James
=) I think I'll enjoy law school.
Had complimentary pizza for lunch, hung around the Great Court where there were more stalls set up, stiltwalkers, clowns, bagpipe troupes and the like, met Ria and Hari, and had lunch sitting on the lawn with Daniel and David.
I was struck by the level of openness and yes, vibrancy, here, levels that certainly can't be found back in Singapore. There was a socialist movement with a billboard of sorts that proclaimed 'Un-F**k the World! Join Resistance!'. There was a Secular Freethinkers' Society that did up a model apple tree called the Tree of Knowledge, labeled 'Eating from the tree will set you free', with quotes on apples like, 'Man must not check reason by tradition, but contrariwise, must check tradition by reason', by Leo Toltstoy, and others. There was also an Indonesian Students' Society that brought along their ethnic musical instruments and let anyone who took a fancy to them try, with a student representative leading in song.
The Singaporean Students' Society was tame in comparison though...
Joined the UQ Law Society, the Justice and the Law society, Campus Christian Movement, and the chess club. Looking to also join the Australian Legal Philosophy Students' Association.
Headed to the Law Library to register for the library training sessions for LAWS1111 with Daniel, and went for the UQ Art Museum - Richard Bell: Provocateur Exhibition. It was an interview with aboriginal artist Richard Bell about issues of discrimination, anger and humour, and his work. I couldn't really catch much due to his rather strong accent though. Chatted with a girl from China at the reception and had a complimentary beer and sandwiches with her.
Went to the Dorothy Hill Physical Sciences and Engineering Library to chat with Zhinian online till 7pm, and came home to sort out the 2 huge bags of flyers accumulated.
Heard Zhinian's songs; they're really touching...
The first thing that struck me was the sheer size of the incoming law cohort. Including exchange students, postgraduates and dual degree students, i think i can place the size of this cohort to be around 800 students; and that's way more than NUS or SMU will ever have. Everyone here's a high achiever, and I'll practically need to get a perfect-7 for all courses from day 1 to get a 1st class. God, I'll need Your help...
'One thing we'll do in my course is to examine whether the film Legally Blonde has any intellectual merit' - Dr Nickolas James
=) I think I'll enjoy law school.
Had complimentary pizza for lunch, hung around the Great Court where there were more stalls set up, stiltwalkers, clowns, bagpipe troupes and the like, met Ria and Hari, and had lunch sitting on the lawn with Daniel and David.
I was struck by the level of openness and yes, vibrancy, here, levels that certainly can't be found back in Singapore. There was a socialist movement with a billboard of sorts that proclaimed 'Un-F**k the World! Join Resistance!'. There was a Secular Freethinkers' Society that did up a model apple tree called the Tree of Knowledge, labeled 'Eating from the tree will set you free', with quotes on apples like, 'Man must not check reason by tradition, but contrariwise, must check tradition by reason', by Leo Toltstoy, and others. There was also an Indonesian Students' Society that brought along their ethnic musical instruments and let anyone who took a fancy to them try, with a student representative leading in song.
The Singaporean Students' Society was tame in comparison though...
Joined the UQ Law Society, the Justice and the Law society, Campus Christian Movement, and the chess club. Looking to also join the Australian Legal Philosophy Students' Association.
Headed to the Law Library to register for the library training sessions for LAWS1111 with Daniel, and went for the UQ Art Museum - Richard Bell: Provocateur Exhibition. It was an interview with aboriginal artist Richard Bell about issues of discrimination, anger and humour, and his work. I couldn't really catch much due to his rather strong accent though. Chatted with a girl from China at the reception and had a complimentary beer and sandwiches with her.
Went to the Dorothy Hill Physical Sciences and Engineering Library to chat with Zhinian online till 7pm, and came home to sort out the 2 huge bags of flyers accumulated.
Heard Zhinian's songs; they're really touching...
23 February 2009, 2325h
Orientation Week Day 1 was good. From a slightly hesitant start milling about the entrance to the UQ Centre in the morning I'd got to meet Arron from the States, Cristal from Hong Kong, and Rachael from Texas. The International Students' Welcome was most engaging, and the short talk on Australian culture was very well done in my opinion; I enjoyed it. Saw Daniel and David and some other Singaporeans and had lunch with them at the Pizza Cafe. Went for the Walter Harrison Law Library tour after that, the BEL Faculty welcome session, and the law academin advising session, where I met some of my coursemates: Ria, from ACS (International) back home, here with her family, 3 scholars from Malaysia (Chinese scholars from Malaysia!), and a guy from Brunei, among others...
Apparently, I botched a download and it did count against my download quota, so i bought a 30GB block for $50. Shall be using more of the library facilities in school.
It's late... Here's to tomorrow!
Apparently, I botched a download and it did count against my download quota, so i bought a 30GB block for $50. Shall be using more of the library facilities in school.
It's late... Here's to tomorrow!
22 February 2009, 2345h
'I'm not going to preach a message as such, but I'm just going to interview a number of people and just ask them a simple question, "What has God done in your life?' Because a good question to ask this morning is what is church? What is a church all about? Most of us have an impression or a thought or a concept in our minds of what church is and that could vary depending on our experiences and on what sort of involvement we've had with church but the reality is, from the Bible perspective, the church is a place, number one, that God starts, number two, a place that God moves in, and number three, a place that God accomplishes His purposes and His plans for the world.'
- Pastor Andrew McLennan, CCC Indooroopilly, 4th Anniversary Service
- Pastor Andrew McLennan, CCC Indooroopilly, 4th Anniversary Service
21 February 2009, 0110h
'As I meandered through the Land of Retrospect, it occurred to me that the receptionist may have been facing some real concerns. I'll never know what a smiling face could have done for her. I could have been a thermostat instead of a thermometer, setting a pleasant temperature for her day instead of reacting to the unwelcome cloud I saw in my own - a cloud that actually held a refreshing shower, not the dreary downpour i felt at the moment.'
- Erin Keeley Marshall, Navigating Route 20-Something, Chapter 3
- Erin Keeley Marshall, Navigating Route 20-Something, Chapter 3
19 Feburary - Departure
19 February 2009, 0110h (Singapore time), 2000 miles from Brisbane (3200km), 11277m above sea level, 881km/h, Aboard QF52, Seat 31K
I’m about halfway now between Singapore and Brisbane, 2000 miles from my dream either way, getting closer, closer, to one yet further, further, from the other.
It has always been my dream for this day, this moment, to come, and against all odds it has finally arrived; against all obstacles and roadblocks, it is finally here…
My journal entry from 28 December 2008 went:
‘…I can see myself applying for the student visa. I can see myself going for the health checkup and clearing it. I can see all the arrangements being made nicely. I can see myself ORD-ing in peace. I can see myself packing my things. I can see myself heading down to Changi Airport on the 18th of February 2009 to fly with my parents, Yuling and Candice. I can see my closer friends coming to see me off..... I can see myself boarding the plane, for a good flight to Brisbane. I can see myself getting a ride to 5/52 Warren St. with the rest. I can see myself settling in, exploring the city, playing host to Darius. I can see myself doing well in school, making many lifelong friends, having no financial difficulties, and ultimately scoring a first class law degree.
I can see all that, and I claim all that I see, all of the above, in Jesus’ most mighty name. I loose all of these in heaven, holding to the promise that they will be loosed on earth too. I hold on to Your vision given to me, for I know that with God, all things are possible. And I believe, I know, that God, You will make a way, and be the light that dispels the darkness in my life.
This is my prayer for tonight. Thank you God.’
It’s so amazing how things turned out, how God works. Back then things were so uncertain; all I held on to was a mustard seed of faith, of hope, now, this is reality. It is coming to pass and God, I’ve you to thank for it. I thank my mum too, and God, for working Your way about her, and through my circumstances… Let this entry stand as a constant reminder to me over the next 4 years of Your miracle, Your provision, Your grace, Your love.
Thank You God; may I do You proud.
I’m about halfway now between Singapore and Brisbane, 2000 miles from my dream either way, getting closer, closer, to one yet further, further, from the other.
It has always been my dream for this day, this moment, to come, and against all odds it has finally arrived; against all obstacles and roadblocks, it is finally here…
My journal entry from 28 December 2008 went:
‘…I can see myself applying for the student visa. I can see myself going for the health checkup and clearing it. I can see all the arrangements being made nicely. I can see myself ORD-ing in peace. I can see myself packing my things. I can see myself heading down to Changi Airport on the 18th of February 2009 to fly with my parents, Yuling and Candice. I can see my closer friends coming to see me off..... I can see myself boarding the plane, for a good flight to Brisbane. I can see myself getting a ride to 5/52 Warren St. with the rest. I can see myself settling in, exploring the city, playing host to Darius. I can see myself doing well in school, making many lifelong friends, having no financial difficulties, and ultimately scoring a first class law degree.
I can see all that, and I claim all that I see, all of the above, in Jesus’ most mighty name. I loose all of these in heaven, holding to the promise that they will be loosed on earth too. I hold on to Your vision given to me, for I know that with God, all things are possible. And I believe, I know, that God, You will make a way, and be the light that dispels the darkness in my life.
This is my prayer for tonight. Thank you God.’
It’s so amazing how things turned out, how God works. Back then things were so uncertain; all I held on to was a mustard seed of faith, of hope, now, this is reality. It is coming to pass and God, I’ve you to thank for it. I thank my mum too, and God, for working Your way about her, and through my circumstances… Let this entry stand as a constant reminder to me over the next 4 years of Your miracle, Your provision, Your grace, Your love.
Thank You God; may I do You proud.
Genesis
Dear all
I'm setting up this blog for anyone back in Singapore who'd like to keep abreast of my life and to chart my intellectual and spiritual journey while I'm over studying in Brisbane, Australia.
I'll be posting selected excerpts from my written journal here.
Enjoy! And do feel free to comment or tag!
I'm setting up this blog for anyone back in Singapore who'd like to keep abreast of my life and to chart my intellectual and spiritual journey while I'm over studying in Brisbane, Australia.
I'll be posting selected excerpts from my written journal here.
Enjoy! And do feel free to comment or tag!
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