by Goh Keat Peng
Regardless of the results of the Sibu parliamentary by-elections, the reported “special grants” of RM1.75 million to four Methodist churches on the eve of polling day is very troubling to me as a Christian who attends a Methodist church and I am sure to many other Christians.
It is always troubling when a sitting government, regardless of which party, has to resort to dishing out “special grants” to various sections of the constituency involved in an election for the sole purpose of increasing their votability. Such last-minute attempts to be seen as being sympathetic to the concerns and needs of specific sectors of voters is dishonest, insincere and hypocritical. A sitting government which is genuinely sincere would have had a system in place to gauge issues and needs of the respective voters and to have an orderly, transparent, fair and effective way of allocating adequate budget and plans to resolve problems on the ground. It is difficult to see how large sums of public money could suddenly become available or that the people’s needs could suddenly catch the eyes of the powers that be only when election campaigns are on.
The issues, needs and concerns faced by religious communities, Muslim as well as non-Muslim, are there for all to see. If sincerely, fairly and properly dealt with, they would not become election issues. Likewise, issues facing particular ethnic communities or perennial problems and threats such as floods, road conditions, etc. Therefore, last minute “election goodies” and “special grants” are tacit admissions of lack of proper and honest planning and implementation on the part of a sitting government.
Apart from all this, the matter of offering “special grants” to the four Methodist churches in Sibu on the eve of polling day is especially troubling to me on account of the fact that I am a Christian and a member of the Methodist Church, a denomination which among other things have served the people of this country well before its independence in various social fields including education and especially the education of women one of whom was my own mother.
I was saddened and very concerned about comments that were made regarding these “special grants” by concerned citizens who not only care about Sibu and Malaysia but also about the possibility of how this blatantly desperate episode could also affect the churches’ good name. Here are a few samples of such comments:
Jin Chuah: The worry part is RM1.75 million of Federal
allocation has channeled into 4 Methodist churches in
Sibu resulting those christians who yet to cast their votes
may not turn up.
Tan: god is watching SIBU”, but he is helpless with BN’s goodies.
Abang Adek: Like I said last night, God is nothing compared to money. And the Methodist Churches who took the bribes from the BN only prove again to all, that God is nothing compared to money. You PR guys only hope in miracles. Well, the miracle happening today is the miracle of $$$$$$. Money talks, Money walks…
Fairplay Lee: All christian brothers and sisters do not be cheated and wake up and vote for justice and be guided by the holy spirit.
Disappointed: the RM1.75 million Federal Fund channelled to 4 churches is not BN pocket money but rightfully the rakyat’s money. Dont u think the money comes a bit too late. Think Sibuan b4 casting yr votes.
Aca: santa… gives millions to churches and only RM600 per head to poor Ibans. Next round maybe Ibans get RM6,000 per head and RM600 per church. Wonder whether the pastors can be corrupted by the millions?
Kumar. Pg: Dengan rasuah sebanyak RM1.75m,
adakah orang kristian akan meyerahkan maruah
ugama mereka kepada UMNO?
Anil: If you ask me, I don’t think the churches in Sibu should
have accepted those grants during the election campaign period -
even if their followers can still vote as they please. After all, this is
vote-buying and both the buyer and the recipient need to be
responsible (though one can understand the circumstances of those
who desperately need the money). But I don’t think the churches are
in such desperation. They are called to uphold a higher standard and
should set an example to others by rejecting corruption in all its forms.
It would also be a telling lesson to those who offer them the money -
that there are some things that money just cannot buy.
The spot light rightly or wrongly is therefore very much on the Christian Church in Malaysia regardless of denomination or communion. Malaysians are watching us and wondering aloud or silently, waiting to see what we will do under these circumstances, waiting for a clear word from us. This happened in Sibu but its ramifications will be much wider in scope and depth. It is not even just to do with the Christian community as such but how elections are conducted in the country and how we conduct ourselves during elections and at other times.
I respectfully appeal to the churches directly involved in this episode:
If it isn’t true and it didn’t happen, then please say so.
If it is true, offered and received, give it all back.
WE DON’T WANT SUCH MONEY. Let the church be poor (as a church mouse) but
as the Book of Proverbs say, poor but happy keeping a clear conscience.
I also respectfully appeal to all Malaysian churches through the Christian Federation of Malaysia:
Please let us send a clear, unmistakeable and irrevocable message to the country and the world. As citizens and tax-payers we deserve to practise and observe our religious faith in peaceful and orderly fashion and we should get reasonable amounts of resources to enable us to do so. Any sitting government is welcome to sit down with us, discuss and understand in a timely and civil way our religion and our community’s needs and concerns regarding places of worship, burial grounds and our bibles in Bahasa Malaysia as well as how we will continue to serve all Malaysians in need through our social services. Provide the facilities and resources justly due to us but please don’t give us “special grants” only at the eve of by-elections. WE DON’T TAKE SUCH MONEY. No, thank you. Never under such circumstances.
Otherwise, we will be sending the message to the government, present or future, BN or PR, that the church which bears the name of Christ is ever willing to take money under such circumstances: “Make us an offer, we are open to such funding. We encourage electioneering where money is utilised as a means to win votes. Is there a higher bid?”
The Christian Church preaches moral values and standards in all things to all people. It wants to take the moral high ground. It must therefore be subjected to the same high moral standards which it espouses.
We serve a risen saviour whose birth in human form was in a humble manger because there was no room in the inn for his parents. Let us stay true to our calling.
Source: http://ongohing.wordpress.com/2010/05/17/we-dont-take-such-money/
Monday, May 17, 2010
Thursday, May 13, 2010
马来西亚重拾彩虹国家的特性
今天是513的41周年，这是种族暴动的一天。
这个日期没有什么好纪念的。作为一个基督徒，我为马来西亚求平安。
马来西亚在种族和谐这件事情上，向来都是一个模范国家。但今天它需要主赐予新的触摸。它在1950和60年代曾经是和谐的，直至1969你5月13日。冲突中这个多元种族国家被划上一条疤痕。从此每个种族开始与其他种族保持一段距离。
纵然是种族的差异，我们仍然活在合一里。这样的就是一个彩虹国家的特性。我们必须奋斗把马来西亚带到一个新尺度里。不但要带回已经消逝的荣耀时光，当时不同种族一起吃饭，玩耍及做工，也要差遣人民往普天下去促进和谐。
我们要看到国家所有的财富都公平的在国人当中彼此分享。我们要祝福每个在国内外的人士。在这篇文章里我提供两张今天日历的照片。巧合的，在日历的右边有一则箴言（下图）如此说：“家贫思良妻，国乱思忠臣。”我相信神让我发现此箴言是有一个目的的。在创世以前神已经把它放在此日历上了！
所以现在你看到祈求让好领袖兴起来治理国家是何等重要吗？我们需要那些他们的心是向着国家的领袖，而不是那些是向着私利的领袖。这些就是那些要看到一个更好的马来西亚实现的人士。
Malaysia to Regain the Identity of a Rainbow Nation
Today is the 41st Anniversary of May 13. It was a day of Racial Riots.
There is nothing worth to commemorate on this date. As a Christian I would pray for the peace in Malaysia.
Malaysia was used to be a model country in racial harmony. But today she needs a fresh touch by the Lord. It used to be harmonious in the 1950s and 60s until May 13 in 1969. The conflict marked a scar in this multiracial country. Thence each race began to keep a distance from the other.
Despite of ethnic diversity we could live in unity. Such is an identity of Rainbow Nation. We must struggle to bring Malaysia into a new dimension. Not only to bring back the departed glorious days, when different races ate, played and worked together, but to also mobilize people into the world to promote harmony.
We would want to see all wealth of the country is equally shared among the people in the country. We want to bless everyone both at home and abroad.
In this posting, I have included 2 photos on today's calendar. Coincidentally on the right side of the calendar (se pic below) was a Chinese proverb which reads "Jia pin si liang qi, Guo luan si zhong chen." The first sentence means "When the household is in poverty, you will think of a good wife. And the second one means "When the nation is in havoc, you will think of good officials." I believed God has a purpose to allow me discovered the proverb. Before the foundation of the world God has already put it on this calendar!
So can you see now that it is crucial to pray for good leaders to rise up to govern the nation? We need leaders who have a heart for the country instead of selfish gain. These are the people who would want to see a better Malaysia coming to pass.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
张天赐最难做
“赌球合法化”经常在世界杯足球赛开跑前出现传言，但这次是真的了。执照是交给陈志远的成功集团，由成功多多博彩业进行交易。
回教禁止教徒赌博，政府即以只在680个多多博彩站的200多个非回教徒城镇站为由合法化赌球。
近几年，政府持续让几家博彩业增加开彩次数，已经受到人民非议。现在又增加一项赌博的“便利”，将使国家制造许多社会问题。当赌徒满身债时，将导致家破人亡。有不少却选择偷盗，抢劫，欺诈等伤人行为。总之，大家或许都听过不少赌博造成的祸害吧？
自从马华公会由张天赐担任投诉部主管以来，他拼力打击大耳窿，解决因借高利贷而衍生的家庭问题。每逢世界杯足球赛是少不了他的声音的，因为许多人向阿隆借贷赌球而身陷绝境。
张天赐大力抨击赌球行为，但这次世界杯可难为他了！以前没合法管道赌球，现在人们光明正大赌球，肯定不少会冒险向阿隆借贷的。张天赐怎样抨击赌球？他们的确向合法管道买的呀！那么他要抨击赌球，也必须一并抨击政府批准赌球合法化呀！
另者，政府只批准在非回教徒的城镇才有赌球站，难免带有讽刺性。回教徒不可以赌球，难道让非回教徒赌球就应该吗？其实批准博彩业开彩增加天数，已经剥削了人民的生活素质。华人俗语说：“十赌九输”，只有极少人靠赌发达，即那些所谓中了积宝者。
国阵在3.08圣洁大选受挫，下届大选能否收复江山乃未知数。不过，增加博彩业开彩和赌球合法化肯定会被民联用作课题来争取回教徒的票。国阵政府为了从赌博业增加国库税收想必得不偿失呢！赌球合法化是内阁的决定，即等于马华也认同，这项课题看来也成为马华在下届大选的棘手课题。
回教禁止教徒赌博，政府即以只在680个多多博彩站的200多个非回教徒城镇站为由合法化赌球。
近几年，政府持续让几家博彩业增加开彩次数，已经受到人民非议。现在又增加一项赌博的“便利”，将使国家制造许多社会问题。当赌徒满身债时，将导致家破人亡。有不少却选择偷盗，抢劫，欺诈等伤人行为。总之，大家或许都听过不少赌博造成的祸害吧？
自从马华公会由张天赐担任投诉部主管以来，他拼力打击大耳窿，解决因借高利贷而衍生的家庭问题。每逢世界杯足球赛是少不了他的声音的，因为许多人向阿隆借贷赌球而身陷绝境。
张天赐大力抨击赌球行为，但这次世界杯可难为他了！以前没合法管道赌球，现在人们光明正大赌球，肯定不少会冒险向阿隆借贷的。张天赐怎样抨击赌球？他们的确向合法管道买的呀！那么他要抨击赌球，也必须一并抨击政府批准赌球合法化呀！
另者，政府只批准在非回教徒的城镇才有赌球站，难免带有讽刺性。回教徒不可以赌球，难道让非回教徒赌球就应该吗？其实批准博彩业开彩增加天数，已经剥削了人民的生活素质。华人俗语说：“十赌九输”，只有极少人靠赌发达，即那些所谓中了积宝者。
国阵在3.08圣洁大选受挫，下届大选能否收复江山乃未知数。不过，增加博彩业开彩和赌球合法化肯定会被民联用作课题来争取回教徒的票。国阵政府为了从赌博业增加国库税收想必得不偿失呢！赌球合法化是内阁的决定，即等于马华也认同，这项课题看来也成为马华在下届大选的棘手课题。
Sunday, May 9, 2010
柴玲信主了！
张伯笠前言
昨天，柴玲打来电话，兴奋地和我分享她从信主到受洗的每一个细节，在她快速的叙述中找几乎无法插话，但我能感到她从内心涌流出来的喜乐，我感觉到二十年前我在北大校园认识的那个一头短发快乐天真的小丫头又回来了。
二十年前天安门的屠杀改变了我们“天安门一代人”一生的命运，而作为天安门学生运动总指挥的柴玲无疑首当其冲。
她在中国曾艰难地逃亡了十个月的時间，据说中国沿诲城市曾在那段時间抓到了几十个“柴玲”。逃亡对一个二十四岁的女孩子并不轻松, 那不是电影中的惊险片断，而是真实的危险和死亡的威胁。
她逃到美国后首先经历了离婚的痛苦，那是她和我们都不愿意碰的痛，因为我与男女双方都是“战友”。他们离婚不久后我逃到海外，在巴黎的一次相聚中她告诉我她常常想不活了，一个人走不下去了，她内心的痛苦我无法测度。只记得那次的相见整整一盒纸巾都未擦干她的泪水。
离婚不久她受到更大的打击，她做军医的母親和她深爱的祖母在痛苦的思念中相继去世，记得她母親去世那天是柴玲的生日，我从普林斯顿医院逃出来去看她，她哭著说： 妈妈二十五岁生了我，而当我二十五岁生日時她却离开了我，都怪我……那晚突然停电了，她点燃了一只红蜡烛，我们在烛光下泪水中默默地伴她遥祭自己的母親。对于我们这些天安门一代，哪一个人不对家和亲人亏欠和内疚？很多人的親人失去了地位和工作，甚至失去了生命，这重担足够我们担一生的。
这还不够，上世纪九十年代中期，由一个纪录片精心编造的柴玲期待流血，自己逃生的假象引导公众指责，使柴玲心灵受到至命的伤害。海外最大的中、英文报纸开始长篇累牍地讨伐柴玲，把屠杀和死亡的责任推给了柴玲，甚至有些参加了天安门运动的精英也在落井下石，弱小的柴玲一時无法招架，痛苦万分。
我是当时少有的几个站出来为她讲话的人，我认为那种屠杀的责任在学生一方的说法就象是指责一个被奸杀的少女一样：谁叫她反抗了？没看到强奸者手中有刀吗？听话不就没事了吗？…… 这些强盗的理论竞然被视为正常，好像世界历史上只有中国的精英站在政治 操作的层面上指责被污辱被屠杀的人，这是中国知识分子的悲哀，因为他们思想中只有利益沒有正义。这些人不象人！在金钱和权力的诱 惑面前中国知识精英几乎集体犬儒，集体出卖了良知，直到有一个叫邓月娇的女孩子向这种理论说“不”。
其实，在屠杀面前，柴玲和所有广场的同学一样都有求生的愿望和权利，都有孝敬父母恋爱结婚养育子女的梦想，这是人之常情，并没什么错。耶稣在上十字架前也说过：
我的精神很坚强， 但我的肉体很软弱。” “父啊，让若愿意，就把这杯撤去，然而，不要成就我的意思，只要成就你的意思。”( 路加福音 22 ：42) 耶稣说的“杯”，指的是十字架上的苦难和死亡。既然上帝的亲身儿子的真情都从未遭 到过非难，何况柴玲是人不是神，她只是一个23岁的年轻女孩子。我们为什麽要痛斥柴玲的语言哪？
今天信主后的柴玲虽然曾经备受煎熬，但并不怪罪人们对她的痛斥，她认为这是人们不了解历史真相的原因，大多数的人们还是善良公正的。像基督在临行前的另一句话一样，“主啊，原谅他们， 因为他们做的是他们不知道的。” 但是, 我们不能继续容忍无意无知和有意误导。试想一下，如果圣经里面只记载了耶稣先前的挣扎，不记载耶稣战胜恐惧，最后毅然自愿无故，毫无反抗地走上十字架一样，用他自己的受难和死亡去为我们赎罪，完成上帝的旨意，给他挚爱的人类一个永生的机会，那我们对耶稣的认识会是多么的片面。事实上，就像耶稣最后的时刻一样，在5月28号上午柴玲说过那些求生的话，她以为那是她人生最后的一刻，因为她准备离开广场，去从事更危险地劝阻军队的计划。那些日子里，外人不知，广场在媒体和人群的包围下，是最安全的。她希望万一出事之后，世人不会误解我们追求的是死亡。但她下午听到反对的建议，就立即放弃了离开广场的计划，从此始终留在广场，直到6月4号清晨，柴玲跟天安门广场最后的几千名学生一起，自愿地放弃了她求生的愿望，放弃了她对挚爱的父母、年迈的奶奶、幼小的弟妹和年轻的丈夫的眷恋，坦然和坚定地在广场的纪念碑下面对机枪和坦克，准备为热爱的祖国和陌生的同胞的新生和自由献身。 她从没有丢下同学们逃跑，更没有逃进外国大使馆或几天前就逃到了东南沿海等待偷渡。她一直坚持在广场直到6月3号晚上面对机枪坦克，在六四清晨多数同学做出撤离的决定，她才带领同学们在枪口和军队包围中走出广 场，而且她走在第一排，那是最危险的一排，如果军人开枪，她会第一个死。同胞们，这是多么了不起的勇气和献身，这是柴玲和天安门一代，对我们同胞姐妹们奉献的多么大的爱啊！
难道是因为她说出了大家共同的求生愿望我们就任由魔鬼摆布，硬不面对她最后战胜恐惧，勇敢地一直坚持在广场，面对死亡的真相？难道我们堂堂中华儿女，会硬让谎言蒙住我们的双眼，任由人们对柴玲和她代表的的天安门兄妹的勇气和献身抹黑，涂炭？！确实，柴玲和我们都没法解释为什麽很多同胞牺牲，我们却允许生还。尤其是备受磨难的天安门母亲们。这也是她这么多年来一直被深压在生存罪过感的苦海里的原因。作为一个目击者和幸存，我知道6月4日清晨，在硝烟和弹屑中，我们一起最后走出天安门广场，走到北京大学，在我们后面的是肆虐追逐的的坦克，又夺取了十几个同学的生命和身体。柴玲直到把活下来的同学全部带回学校，总指挥的任务结束以后，才开始了走向了她个人后来才知道的在中国大江南北，艰辛逃亡的十月生涯。直到在最后一刻，她被 关在一个船的木箱里4天5夜才死里逃生，历尽艰险逃出生天。所以我认为，她能如此神奇地活下来，只能归功于上帝的恩典。
面对对柴玲的漫骂与指责, 作为七尺男儿，我不忍心让一个在那场运动中失去了家庭失去了母亲奶奶的弱小的女孩儿单独背天安门屠杀的十字架！我只所以站出来说真话，不为别的，只求良心的平静。
柴玲没有邓月娇的修脚刀，她选择了沉默，从那以后，那个小鸟般快乐的小丫头不见了，柴玲从媒体和人们视线中消失了，她不再与任何人联系，也不再相信任何朋友和战友，她将自已裹的严严的，恐怕再一次被所谓的“战友”和 “自由媒体”伤害。连我也十几年未见到她。
当世人把她当做渣滓時，神却高举了她。后来我知道，在那段孤独、失落的日子里，神从未撇下她。神将一位爱主的美国弟兄带到她的身边，他们相爱了，结婚了，生了三个可爱的孩子。后来又办了个软件公司，很蒙上帝的祝福。而我也神学院毕业，成了传道人，思念她時，也不知电话号码，只有常常为她祷告。
去年在华盛顿六四二十周年对死难者的祈祷会上，我看见了柴玲，在《奇异恩典》的歌声中她泪流满面，我从台上走下来和她握手拥抱，那天我按手为她祷告，封锁和其他的几位成为了基督徒的同学们也一起按手在她身上，祈求上帝来引导柴玲的灵魂。那一 刻，圣灵感动我，终有一天她会再被我们心怀无边的神找到，和我们站在一起，成为上帝的儿女。我相信，无论这个世界有多少患难、困苦、逼迫、孤独、冷漠，都不能使我们与 神的爱隔绝。我相信有一天，我们会在基督的国度中聚集！
正象使徒保罗所说的那样：“谁能使我们与基督的爱隔绝呢。难道是患难麽，是困苦麽，是逼迫麽，是饥饿麽，是赤身露体麽，是危险麽，是刀剑麽。…… 然而靠着我们的主，在这一切的事上，已经得胜有馀了。”( 罗马书 8:35-37)。
那次祷告会是2009 年6月4日夜晚，整整六个月过后的2009年12月4日，柴玲的心灵被主的慈悲和恩典感动，决志接受耶稣为主，成为主的女儿。感谢主，神听了我们的祷告。哈利路亚！
昨天，柴玲传来她的见证，那是她为受洗和德州一次中美基督徒聚会中准备的，她当時使用的是英文稿，后由德州的弟兄姐妹译成中文。她告诉我她在刚做完一个牙龈手术后，忍痛一鼓作气，靠神的启示，用了六个小时就写完了这个见证。我今天将这个见证 推荐给弟兄姐妹，让我们为她祷告，让神的爱除去她过去生活中一切的伤害，让神的灵引导她一生爱主、跟随主、事奉主，荣耀主！
“若有人在基督里，他就是一个新造的人，旧事已过，都变成新的了。” 阿门！
2010 年 4 月 28 日华盛顿郊区
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柴玲的见证
我叫柴玲，2010年4月4日，在纪念主耶稣复活的日子里，我在波士顿受洗成为上帝的儿女，主耶稣的门徒。我亲爱的丈夫和孩子们以及众多的主内弟兄姐妹一起见证了这一時刻。当牧师奉圣父、圣子、圣灵的名为我施洗時，主的爱、神的灵立刻充满了我，从未有过的喜乐和释放从我内心涌流。我由衷地对主说：主啊，我感谢你救我脱离罪恶，脱离人世和捆绑而成 为一个新造的人，我愿望一生一世跟随你、事奉你、荣耀你！
一、孤独徬徨的童年
１９６６年，在中国史无前例的文革爆发前夕，我出生在山东省沿海 的一个小渔村里 ，我的父母是一对年轻的中国人民解放军的军医。尽管文革时整个中国到处是混乱和恐怖，成千上万无辜的人被折磨和摧残，我的家庭在部队里基本上躲过了这场风暴。我对童年的记忆就是孤独。父母亲经常被排到穷苦的农村或地震或其他灾区去抢救那些比我们更不幸的人们，像标语里说的那样：“救死扶伤，治病救人，实行革命的人道主义。”小时候生病难过最需要父母在身边的时候，他们经常派遣在外不能在身边照顾我 们。
虽然小孩子的我不全了解父母工作的重要性，但童年的经历使我对他们的献身工作的精神很尊敬，父母的身体力行也使毛主席语录里的教诲在我的幼小心灵里扎根：热爱祖国，热爱人民，随时准备为了一个共产主义的远大理想去牺牲个人的利益甚至包括牺牲个人的生命。那个时候跟很多同龄人一样，我从来没有想到要怀疑伟大领袖对远大理想的定义和说法，也没有真正体会到牺牲的全部含义。虽然现在了解到，想做好事的原因和动机 是上帝与我们同在的表现，但那个时候我们并不认识上帝。那个时候我们是不允许认识上 帝的。记得小时候提及“上帝”的书都被列为 禁书，按列宁的话：“宗教是统治者用来麻醉人民的鸦片”，是资本主义麻醉人民的邪恶工具，“上帝”是一个不可公开传颂的字眼。结果是，一个没有上帝的社会里，很少有爱。在我长大走出的军队营房时，我才了解 到这个社会上到处都有仇恨，怀疑和恐怖，没有想到成人的社会里比幼时更孤独。毛主席去世后，文化大革命终于结束了，新领导人鼓励教育和改革。在短暂的一段时期内，我们国家充满了希望和活力。那个时候，我们家对教育的重视以及孤独的童年使我成为了一个 好学生。昼夜不息的学习和努力使我成了个典型的永远没有安全感总在不断努力的好学生。17岁的时候，我跳级进入中国最好的大学北京大学学习，成为中国极少数的全国三好学生中的一员，实现了父母和祖先“赶考进京，科学救国”的梦想。
二、在北大初遇耶稣
图：北京大学
在北大的时候，是我生命中第一次听到上帝的事情。那是从一个研究生的经历中。他沿着黄河古道的自行车旅行的故事，在北大的学生中悄悄地流传，并给我留下了极其深刻的印象。
一天傍晚，他进到一个很偏远的村子里。这个村子又穷又偏僻，女孩子长大都嫁到 外地去，几十年来还没有一个媳妇娶进来。村里穷得叮当响，连鸟从天上过也不下来歇歇 脚。突然有这么一个大学生骑着自行车闯进来，全村人都惊喜的不得了。村里的长老把大 家召集到一个用土坯和麦梗搭起的草棚里，这个研究生和长老被围在中心，农民很敬畏的把一个用黑色油毡的包裹被送到他的身边。老村长小心地一层一层地打开，生怕弄坏了，原来里面是一本很旧的圣经，已经发黄和破碎，是四十年前解放初期，外国传教士被迫离开中国时留下的。这些年来，历经那些运动，村民们一直冒着生命危险保存着这本圣经。遗憾的是，村里能识字的人或者过世了，或者离开了，这些年来，村民们没有一个人能看书写字，每次礼拜时他们都是用手摸一下包在油毡里的圣经，用手的触摸与上帝的精神进行沟通。现在终于这么一个有知识有学问的大学生从天上掉下来，村民们的祈祷终于被听到了。感觉到上帝听到他们的呼声更加鼓舞了这些贫苦和绝望的人们，他们更殷切地想知道圣经里面都说些什么。那天晚上，这个研究生借着微弱的油灯，读呀，读呀，那些村民们站着望着他，如饥似渴地听着从他嘴里读出的每一个词；他们一动不动地听着，直到窗外破晓。村民们得回田里干活了，他们不情愿地离开了。
为了感谢我的朋友向他们传达上帝的话语，村民们给了他一大袋红薯带回家——这是他们唯一能在村子里找到的礼物。我朋友的旅行漫长而艰难，他必须扔掉许多东西，但是那袋红薯他一直保留到最后。
我那时还是一个在校园里干劲十足试图同时干很多事的年经女大学生，但这个故事让我停了下来。我被他所看到的感动了，吸引那些村民的精神也强烈地吸引了我。因为我们从小到大一直被要求要热爱共产党领导人和毛主席，我看到人们做的一切都是出于害怕或无奈，从来没有看到人们公开表现出的这样一种真诚强烈的忠诚和信仰。同时由于另外 一些我时至今日都不能理解的原因，我的生活已经改变并且慢慢失去控制。
三、1989天安门民主运动
我最终参加了1989年天安门运动，希望有一个更民主，更自由，更美好的中国。
图：1989年天安门
图：当年柴玲
在1989年春天的那50天里，我看到了希望和爱带给人的力量，在一个炎热的夏日，一个贫穷羞涩的男人硬塞进我手里五元钱让我买些水给我的学生们喝，在那一瞬间，我理解了这是他爱的表达。当我把他的爱变成买来的冰棍水的时候，饥渴疲劳游行的同学们也唤起了爱和温暖。同学们的爱和温暖又传进了更多北京人的心里。这份爱和温暖融化了很多年来的仇恨和不理解， 唤起了更多人的爱和温暖，于是，整座北京，整个中国，整个世界都被爱和希望的力量和希望所笼罩，在哪短短的50天里，我们冲破了魔鬼用仇恨，暴力，孤立和恐惧制造的枷锁，真正体会到做自由人的尊严和美好。那个时刻，我们也找到了真相：我们爱人民，人们也同样会爱我们。我们爱祖国，那么祖国和其他许多国家也会爱我们。甚至北京的小偷们也发起了罢工，以停止盗窃来支持我们的运动。天安门事件在世界舆论的帮助下不断地扩展，最终成为全球性事件。这次事件触动了其他文化环境和其他大洲的很多人。这次事件以难以想象的程度改变了我们每个人的生活。
那么执政者方面的真相是怎么样呢？他们能够理解我们的爱心吗？他们会允许人民自由吗？现在我们知道了他们没有。六月三号晚上，最后的时刻来临了，当坦克和军队蜂拥而来的时候，我与最后的5,000名学生从广场撤离。我看到了屠杀后的长安街，空气都迷谩著恐怖和愤怒。在枪与血的惨烈中，我们看到了执政者给我们的回答：当我们付出 爱和和平的时候，他们却回报给我们死亡和屠杀。起初我们没有人能够相信。我怎么能够相信人民解放军会杀死自己的人民？我就是军人的后代。对我来说，他们是叔叔和阿姨，是兄弟和姐姐。我们爱他们，他们怎么会不爱我们，要惨杀我们。
那个晚上，在我们不得不被迫放弃我们指挥部的帐篷时，我抬头望向天空，痛苦地询问：“为什么？为什么？为什么？我们只是想进行对话，而他们为什么却一定要杀死我们？”
尽管我们哭泣，我们不能相信，但死亡还是一步步的朝我们走来了。在那50天里，我不得不克服许多新的情感和考验，从生活简单的研究生到群众运 动的领导者；从一个无忧无虑热爱 跳舞的年轻人到处于现在可能失去 自由；从梦想到美国学习然后开心快乐地生活到可能面对永远失踪的可能，而现在，我们面对的却是毫无疑问的死亡。
图：1989年天安门
从小孤独地在医院周围长大的我总是很害怕死亡。有一次看到死人从太平间里抬出去，我停下玩耍，跑回家里躲避，当晚连做噩 梦，梦到自己掉进一个深不见底的黑洞里，无穷无尽地下坠，我的心都被悬着窒息，每次都在尖叫中醒来。但是在六三的晚上，这不再仅仅是梦了，这次是真真切切的，我不知道怎么去克服对死亡的恐惧，也不知道怎样去征服对父母兄妹和爱人的眷恋。许多想法一起涌上心头：千里之外，如果我不在了，我的家人会变成什么样, 他们该怎么活下去哪？生病的母亲会怎样坚持下去，疲劳心碎的父亲会怎样地生活下去。我的夫婿好年轻，我们曾梦想的家庭和儿女都没有 时间实现…. 如此多的问题，如此短的时间。没有答案。那么，最后的时刻就这个样子了！就这么完了？
作为一名学生，我可以只考虑自己的想法。但是作为一个学生领袖，我不能只沉浸在个人的苦恼中，我必须去看望一下我的同学们。在纪念碑的西北面，在灯光下，我看到他们的表情跟我的感受一样：悲哀，难过，极大的无助，低落，极大的困惑和对死亡无名的恐惧，像是在等待宰割的羊羔一样。那时，所有的豪情壮语都消失了，死亡的威胁象大浪淘沙一般，洗净了所以尘世的浮杂和嘈闹，只剩下了最纯净最真实的感觉: 那是一种多么绝望无奈无助的感觉，就像我运动中一直都不愿面对承认的感觉：有心报国，无力回 天--- 哀！
古人说“人将去矣，其言也善，鸟将去矣，其鸣也哀。”今天，当我们在青春年华，面对死亡最后的一刻时，我们都在心里默默地念着绝食书里的话，对我们生命里最热爱的人们告别，对我们对生命里最珍贵的事物告别，“别了， 同仁， 保重！死者和生者一样地忠诚。别了，爱人，保重！舍不下你，也不得不告终。别了，父母！请原谅，孩子不能忠孝两全。别了，人民！请允许我们以这样不的已的方式报忠。“
这些写在5月13号的话，在6月3号的晚上不幸的印证了。我默默地难过的地看着我亲爱的同学们，在这样生命的最后一刻，在我们不得不做出为了一个更高的理念去舍弃一切人世珍爱的时候，我还能有什么样的语言来安慰他们，我能有什么样的话语再给他们勇气和决心？在那个最后的时候，许久以前的一个蚂蚁的故事突然涌上心头，我温柔地 把她分享给同学们：
“从前有个山，山上有很多蚂蚁，大概有13亿吧。一天山上着火了，蚂蚁们必须转移到山脚下才能存活。他们聚成球状，穿过火海，结果外面的蚂蚁被烧死了，但里面蚂蚁却存活下来了。今天晚上，我们就是站在祖国最前线的蚂蚁。因为我们的死亡，会换来一个自由民族的诞生…“ 欢笑鼓舞重新回到我们学生们的脸上，在告别生命的最后时 刻，我们共同找到了自己的牺牲的原因和目的。这个共同的原因和目的给了我们共同地带来了去面对死亡和黑暗的勇气。就在那个时刻，在同学们的鼓舞和掌声中哦，一股巨大的爱的暖流席涌到我的全身，我的眼睛离开了可爱的同学们，移向广场背面那无穷无尽的士 兵和坦克的黑影里，移向天安门背后深远黑暗无边的中南海里，移向那与地面分不开的黑暗的天空里，我多么由衷地感到在我们准备把最宝贵的生命奉献给人民和世界的时候，我们对人民和祖国的爱是多么的强烈啊。我多么希望有一天，那些从没认识过我们的陌生的中国人在享受到我们的鲜血和生命所换来的幸福和自由的时候，他们能够记住我们是曾经多么地热爱着他们；我多希望在中南海里下令开枪的领导人能够感受到我们无限的爱，我多希望在广场长安街上手持屠刀的士兵们能感觉到我们无限的爱！感谢主，奇迹般 地，我活了下来。６月４日清晨，在多数同学决定撤离时，我们指挥部带领着最后5,000名学生中的许多人走出了广场。今天回顾，我相信我奇迹般的生还一定是上帝的作为， 但是我永远我会忘记在生命最后一刻我们对人类的爱的体验，这一定是那些没有能够生还的同胞姐妹们最后的感觉。也是耶稣基督在十字架上最后的感觉。
在大搜捕的日子里，我每天面对著被捕的危险，我也得到了许多有良知的人的帮助。我在中国躲过了十个多月的搜捕，最后，是一群佛教徒冒生命危险救了我。我独自一个人在一只船里的木箱内忍受了4天5夜的完全的黑暗，而这旅程本来只需8小时，终于在1990年复活节的前夕月我成功逃抵香港，再到巴黎，最后抵达美国。
四、生命的破碎
移民的生活并不容易；而像我这样不太会说英语，心中仍想着解放一个她不能够回去的国家的难民来说，生活就更加困难。
来美国不久，我的婚姻破碎，我们这对北大校友；经过“血与火”走出来的“ 患难”夫妻在获得自由后却分手了。儿時的恐惧孤独再一次包围著我。更致命的是我的母親 和祖母相继去世了，我的母親25岁生了我，而当我25岁時她离开了我……家破人亡，我生命中最爱的三个人在短短的几个月内一个个离开了我，而我喜欢的那份工作不愿意因为我而破坏中国区的生意，接着是一些恶意中伤和攻击，每一次黑暗时刻的来临都比前一次更猛烈。这就是我为民主付出的代价。这一切对于我太沉重了，打击象海浪般排山倒海涌来，使我窒息。我害怕黑夜的来临，漫漫长夜中我常不知所措，而神沒有忘记我，当地华人教会的弟兄姐妹常为我祷告，安慰我，帮助我，我的第一部汽车也是当地华人教会的信徒送给我的。尽管我当時还无法接受耶稣作生命的主，但却透过教会感到爱和接纳。感谢主，这十几年来没有放弃我，丢下我，主帮助我拿到普林斯顿大学的国际关系硕士学位和哈佛大学商学硕士学位，使我能胜任政府和非政府组织以及美国公司的工作，神也奇妙地 把一个爱主的美国弟兄带到我的身边，在十年间，我们彼此相爱，我们有了三个可爱的孩子；我们也把家庭扩大到了中国，捐款帮助那里的孤儿；除了家庭我也创了一个软件公司，感谢主，我们现在已有280个雇员，公司正在稳步健康地发展。这些都是神的恩典！去年春天，正值天安门事件20周年纪念，当年天安门事件中的同伴方正来找我，这让我吃了一惊。在广场上，我并不认识方正。我后来了解到在６月4日我们离开天安门广场的时候，我在前面引导队伍前进，而他是走在最后面的。后面的坦克高速驶来，方正，经历了广场上最后一刻那最强烈的爱的洗礼，下意识地在生命最宝贵的几秒钟里，自愿的把旁边的刚认识的年轻女孩推到安全处，而他自己却失去了可以拯救自己的宝贵几秒种，他的双腿被坦克压短，另外几位同学们却活活地被压成肉饼。
因此20年后，我是见到了坐在轮椅里的他。听着天安门事件后他的故事，我想当时如果坦克不是从后面而是从前面驶来，我的生活也可能像他那样。他说随着时间的流逝，越来越多的人从中国的经济发展中受益，也便淡忘了当年的牺牲。 天安门事件的受害者被遗忘了，他们每天都在贫穿和病病中挣扎。
图：方正
方正的到来对我的心灵上带来了很大的震撼。但我在海外民运中备受伤害，不得不把我的心灵紧紧地对世界关闭起来的十二年里，我一直有一个信念：只要有一天，我把公司做大，我就可以建立一个大基金会，那个时候我就会有能力来继续拯救中国。但是方正 的到来把我从自己的隔离中惊醒，使我看到了天安门同胞的挣扎和苦难。我不能在等下去，我必须马上立即打开资源，给他们帮助，解救他们的疾苦，使他们在这样漫长的黑暗 里不要丧失希望。
于是在六四二十周年的日子里，我承诺未来五年捐一大笔款以帮助他们。因为我这个承诺，接下来的夏天成为我生命当中的另一个黑暗期。这次，中国政府代理要求我的家庭成员直接传达给我一个消息，那就是我捐款不会给我以及我的家庭带来任何好处。尽管生活在美国这片自由的土地上，我仍然感受到乌云压迫在我头上。这片乌云时刻笼罩着我。在表面上看，我过着完美的美国式生活：可爱的孩子和丈夫，家庭，公司，私立学 校，假期，但是我感觉到自己被监视和跟踪，我的电话被监听，我们的电脑被侵入，以及导致一些持不同政见者神秘的车祸事件。那么他们有没有做过其他事情？他们下一步要做什么？在这片自由的土地和勇敢者的家园上，我并不觉得安全或自由。
为了天安门运动痛失了许多亲人之后，我对新家庭的爱已超过了一切。我对年少无 知的孩子以及亲爱的丈夫负有责任。我的丈夫是典型的开心善良有正义的美国人，对于另一个黑暗政体的残酷和结果并不知晓，他最爱的消遣方式是看红袜队，爱国者队以及其他 一些他可以抽空看的体育比赛。但是，我是一个辛存者，我有著良心和道义上的责任。我陷入了两难……
方正被安上假肢后，他与他太太第一次跳舞，为了庆祝他重新站立起来，我要坐飞 机去华盛顿。在飞机上，撒旦开始攻击我……半昏迷状态的我醒来感到窒息和眩晕，一种将死和失去控制的感觉。这种黑暗势力的攻击，是我在天安门广场也未曾体验过的。但是这次，我陷在了过去和将来之间，我失去了所有的目标和意识，我丢掉了所有力量。我呼求主耶稣的帮助，攻击才慢慢退去。
这个经历使我终于看清了自己的本相，我意识到，面对一个强权国家自己是多么的渺小。我，一个卑微的个人，如何同拥有大量资源和社会网络的国家相抗衡？我怎么可以参加一个注定要输的战斗，而在战斗的过程中，以牺牲我最爱的人为代价？
五、直面耶稣
在过去的岁月中，许多人已经在传播关于耶稣的信仰。在南卡莱罗纳州开办宗教学院的好朋友杰瑞•亨特（Jariy Hunter）以及科德角（Cape Cod）卫理公会教派牧师都向我介绍耶稣。近来普林斯顿的余英时余师母也鼓励我看一看圣经。
那天晚上，我遇到一位叫小约翰·雷吉（Reggie Littlejohn）的新朋友。她是虔诚的基督徒，并且相信自己领受了上帝的使命来关注中国强制堕胎的野蛮事实。她说她直到自己熬过一场危及生命的疾病之后才真正知道上帝，她还告诉我自那场病后从她从一个诉讼律师改行做人权人士和电影制片人，而现在她把自己的时间用来为服事上帝。
图：小约翰·雷吉
我问她有没有看见过上帝？她说她自己没有，“圣经说：没有人见过上帝，惟有上帝怀里的独生子将他表明出来。”她送给我一本 书，叫《天上的人》。这本书讲述了一个中国年轻农民因为神奇迹般地救活了他病危的父亲而归向耶稣的故事。后来他成了一个牧师。 并且因为把福音书带到中国而多次被送入监狱。一次，他们打断了他的腿，但是在上帝的帮助下，他在众目睽睽之下走出了监狱，而他并没有意识到自己的腿已经被上帝治愈了。在这本书的最后，他问道，“那么你准备好跟随耶稣吗？”
我合上那本书，拿起电话，“雷吉，如果你认为每个读完此书的人都会成为基督徒，那么你肯定是疯了。”我只是在半开玩笑。对我来说，信仰耶稣就等于是回到那些迫 害。我花了20年的时间才刚刚让自己从那里摆脱出来。同时，雷吉给我了一部关于约翰福音书的电影，每次看着电影，听着耶稣的话，我都感觉到自己燃烧的心中有一种难以解释的平静和安宁。几个星期之后，事情一环扣着一环，戏剧化的事件也出现了。雷吉和我参加了美国国会人权委员会对于中国强制堕胎的做法的审判。我觉得，直到听了吴娟的故事，我才真正了解中国。
吴娟在拿到准生证以前就怀孕了，她要隐藏她怀孕的事实希望能保住她的孩子。计划生育部门的官员们殴打折磨她的爸爸，强迫她在父亲和孩子两条生命之间做出选择。她父亲没有泄露一点消息，但是计划生育部门的官员们还是想法找到了她藏身的地方。她被 拖到一个医院强制堕胎。两针打下去，孩子不动了，但是却奇迹般地留在了她体内。那个时刻，年轻无助的妈妈吴娟对她的孩子感到很骄傲，并且鼓励孩子说：“宝宝真强壮，也许宝宝能逃过堕胎针活下来。” 但是第三天，吴娟还没明白怎么一回事，她就被拖进了手术室，剪刀插进了她的身体，把她的孩子剪成了碎片。在她无助的眼泪和哭喊声中，她能听到的只有剪刀的咔嚓声。最后，医生拽出一只婴孩的脚，五个饱满的小脚趾就像玉米粒 似的。这个场面深深地 烙在吴娟的心里。孩子死了，吴娟生命的一部分也离开了。她讲到这里，这个调查庭只有我们和吴娟的流泪和哭泣声。在痛苦和悲伤中，我们的心碎了，因为吴娟和她无助的孩子，为了中国每个妈妈和她们未能出生的孩子。这个时刻让我回想起1989年6月4日那晚的屠杀中我们经历的所有无助和痛苦。那是个那么野蛮的夜晚，但我们没有力量去阻止，世界的其他人也不能。
吴娟的故事只是2005年发生在中国仅一个县里10,000件案例中的一件。在过去的三十年中，中国大约有4亿的生命因为堕胎被野蛮地剥夺；很多是以这种残酷非人道的手术方式进行的，不但结束了婴儿的生命，也使绝望的母亲的心灵遭受了严重的创伤。在强制堕胎之后，吴娟一直挣扎在生死边缘。她是在信仰基督后才活下来的。其他人就没有这么幸运了。在中国，每天有500名妇女自杀。很少有新闻报道过她们过早的死亡。
在极度的惭愧中，我意识到了正在发生的事情。尽管已经过去20年了，没有人能够忘记1989年的天安门大屠杀。但是我们中没有多少人能意识到计划生育政策要比光天化日下发生的天安门屠杀残忍上千倍，百倍，而且每一天这种残忍都在重复。吴娟哭着说，“谁能帮助她们？谁能拯救她们？在中国，计划生育政策和强制堕胎政策已经杀死了几百万的无辜生命。怎样才能制止这种 非人道的犯罪？何时才能制止这种非人道的犯罪？”
六、耶稣慈声的呼唤
吴娟的哭声使我受到了极大的震动。如果有谁可以阻止这种野蛮，那必定是上帝，也只有上帝。因为我曾经努力过，上帝知道我曾经是多么虔诚地努力过，但我们没有成功。再一次，我发现自己在上帝的国门前徘徊，想去相信却有许多问题。首先的问题是：“佛教怎么办呢？我的基督教信仰是否就是对那些曾经救我生命的佛教徒的背叛？“我亲爱的丈夫回答说，“不是的，神爱每一个人。” “如果我请上帝来拯救我，成为我生命中的主人，我的生活会失去控制吗？我会成为归回耶路撒冷运动中的一员吗？对于中东我一无所知，而且我也不知道我的孩子们会不会喜欢他们的食物。”
“上帝会让我们做他已经为我们安排好的事情，一项他专门为我们每个人设计好的任务。”雷吉在我到达终点前的几步里帮了我。“那么上帝给我的计划是什么呢？”我问，这个问题在过去20年一直纠缠我，到现在我已经是一片混乱。“我相信主肯定会用自已的方式使用你。因为你在中国长大，受过极好的教育，也受过许多的苦难，嫁了一个美国丈夫，创办了自己的事业，这么多特别的经历使你更蒙主使用…”
她说话的时候，我心里渐渐变得清晰，许久来我一直不愿打开的记忆之窗开始在脑海里呈现出来，１９８９年中国北京的５０天里充满的希望和爱，以及在６月４日我所刻骨铭心的爱的记忆，我脱口而出：“我多么希望能够把上帝主耶稣的爱带到中国，希望人们能够感觉到上帝的爱心，治愈心灵上的创伤，那么这么多的悲剧就不会永远发生，那时的中国会成为多么美好的地方啊…” “这就是主对你的生命的使命，把它写下来。” 雷吉打断我，“把主耶稣的爱带到中国——这就是上帝给你的计划。” “哇，这是项宏伟 的工作。我该从哪着手呢？”因为我记起了当年对天安门事件的信仰以及随之而来的痛苦 和牺牲，“我还要再一次的经受失去所爱之人的悲痛吗？”
“上帝会安排给我们可以胜任的工作。像科里泰纳布（Corey Tenneboom），她为了保护犹太人而失去了很多她爱的人，然后当她意识到自己不能继续做这种拯救工作了， 上帝便安排给她一项同等重要的工作。”
“那么我的孩子们会怎样？”我几乎感觉到上帝正通过雷吉同我交谈。“上帝是非常仁慈的，他会温柔地指引那些有孩子的人。比如，耶稣基督直到他年幼的弟妹们长大成人才开始传教。”
“那么那些迫害呢？我还要重新经历那些痛苦吗？”
这时候，雷吉的回答变的柔软而温和，“柴玲，鉴于你曾经的经历，你所忍受的痛 苦，上帝会知道你是很认真地信仰他的，以及你准备好为他再做奉献和牺牲，上帝会特别的珍惜你对他的信仰和皈依…”
七、邀请基督进入我的心灵
那是个周五下午，上帝通过雷吉的话深深地打动了我。这么多年来，我为中国的民主事业做出这么大的努力和牺牲，不但没有得到理解，反而遭受世人无情的攻击和诽谤，至到要我对死难的同胞 负罪。我从此不再相信世间有公正，也不相信人间有友情。杀人者可以逍遥法外，被杀幸存者却要被言论封杀唾弃。但是在人间的所有不公正之中，万事清 楚，万事万能的主耶稣基督却完全理解我过去的纯真和献身，因而会格外珍爱我对他的皈依。基督的话使我封闭了２０年的厚重心灵之门第一次被打开了，深藏在里面的那个遍体鳞伤的心终于被上帝的理解和公正被感动了。憋了２０年的终于被理解的感激泪水象开闸的龙头，哗哗地从脸上涌出。生怕雷吉听到我的哭声，我急急放下电话。
在那个时刻，我再也没有任何等待迟疑，急急走到办公室的角落，跪下，衷心地祈祷，“亲爱的天父，親爱的主耶稣基督，我感谢你十字架上为我们的牺牲，你是我的主我的圣主，我现在请你进入我心中做我的救赎主和我唯一的神。请你赦免我所有的罪过，无论是已知的还是未知的，请到我的心里，给我新生命，引导我的生活。我会由衷地追随您，我的圣主，耶稣基督”
这是12月4号星期五，我感到很不好意思，晚饭后过了几个小时才告诉丈夫下午发生的事情。他很开心，为了我，也为了我们家。他是个虔诚的基督徒，从十二年前我们开始约会起，便时不时地带我去教堂，他的爱耐心而完整。现在他很开心。我们度过了一个美好的周末，看了《万王之王》和其他更多的一些电影。这是长期以来第一个我感到完全平静的周末。最终上帝成了我的主人，在他无边无尽的佑护下，我从六四以后一直下意识的颠沛流离，时刻准备迎接攻击伤害的心放下来，第一次真正地进入了甜美安详的梦乡！
八、与战友们在基督里重聚
直到下个周一，我才把这个消息简要地告诉了另外一个天安门事件的朋友周封锁，在20周年纪念的时候，他曾经和我在华盛顿一个古老的長老会教堂里参加了一个很长的祷告会，并且把我的灵魂奉献给上帝等待他的教导和呼召。5个月之后，我成了一名基督徒，他很开心。他有个特别的故事，我愿意在这跟大家分享。他当时与我们都在天安门，像我一样也是在21名通缉犯中。不幸地是，他被抓到，在监狱里呆了几年。十年前，他来到美国时同样很憔悴。他的心里满是复仇和挫败感。就在那时，他皈依了基督教，在上帝的面前放下包袱，重新找回了平静和力量。是他的功劳把方正带出了中国，方正的出来 导致我的决心，由此开始的一连串事件最终引我走进主基督的怀抱。
付希秋（Bob Fu），一位援助中国家庭教会运动的朋友听到了这个消息后，给我发来了封热情洋溢的短讯。他和家人的牺牲和奉献也是世人要记住感激的事情。
还有当时天安门运动中的副总指挥张伯笠，他曾在中国躲避两年的追捕，过著地下生活，他在逃亡的旅途中找到了耶稣，现在在美国做牧师的他给了我许多的帮助，每次通 电话都用主的话鼓励我坚固我，并为我祈祷。
另一位朋友熊焱也是天安门事件中的学生领袖，在监狱里过了几年，现在他作为牧师在美国军队里扮演卓别林的角色，指引美国士兵为保卫自由而战，从伊拉克回来后也给我 发来了愉快的短信。上帝对他的奉献是如此地爱护，一次在伊拉克时，对方的炸弹打到他的帐篷边都不能爆炸。
图：熊焱
我发现，平时共事为中国的妇权和儿童权益奔波的的张菁也是一位虔诚的天主教徒。短短的几天内，我长久失去联系的朋友们 因为我信仰基督教而与我重聚。这次，我们的连结和信任因为共同的信仰而加强了。
最后是引导我冲破终点线的亲爱的姐妹雷吉。当我告诉她的时候，她开心地尖叫了起来。平静下来之后，她给了我更多书和CD，让我继续了解耶稣。在她西部的家里，她 建议我去公园街教堂找一位导师指导我学习圣经。这就是为什么我们今天会在这里；我们遇见了波士顿历史悠久的公园街教堂优秀的主任牧师戈登（Gordon），我们的新朋友钟约翰（Rev.John Chung），以及我祈祷希望找到的圣经思想导师，就是站在我旁边的可爱的塔米（Tammy）。尽管到现在为止只过了五个月，但是我无法全部列举出上帝让我们做出的以及通过我们所做的惊人的改变。
首先，主帮助我们在中国找到了被贩卖的孩子，实现了奇迹般的重聚。这个小女孩在7岁的时候失踪，25年后与她的家人重聚。
主耶稣通过父亲无意的验血过程让父亲防止了突然心脏梗塞死亡的可能。我们得知 父亲患上了白血病。通过圣诞前夜的祷告，神的医治和安慰临到我们，我们了解到上帝已经确保父亲所得的白血病是危害最小的那种，在药物的帮助下有痊愈的机会。主也开始改善我长期以来忽视的健康，我甚至减掉了顽固的婴儿肥。而且神也把我的孩子们召唤到他 身边，孩子们是和我一起受洗的，现在一想到主耶稣会守护着他们，把最好的东西带到他 们生命里，我就觉得很快乐！这也是父母能够给孩子们的最好的礼物。感谢神，赞美主！ 我们的家庭成从没有象这样与主耶稣更近而像现在这样更亲密，快乐，热爱过，我们的婚 姻在主里更加美满幸福。
有趣的是，我们的事业也在改变。在我们事业前进的时候，我们更有目标感和更强 烈的使命感了。我的二十年都不能完成的天安门回忆录在一神奇的速度写成，我相信只有 上帝才能使这项工作这么快的完成。而且我现在融入了有信仰的人组成的新社区，比如其中的塔米（Tammy）就是一个很棒的神学家兼导师。她很大方地抽时间在周末教我学习圣经，教我完成新基督徒要做四个基本步骤。在我的一生中，我一直在一个人挣扎和抵抗， 我从来没有现在这样感觉受到彻底的欢迎，教导和接纳。
圣经说：“所以你们不再做外人和客旅，乃是与圣徒同国，是神家里的人了。”我 终于回到家了。回家真好！
九、上帝和中国
当我回顾中国的时候，我的整个人生终于有了意义。中国家庭教会的发展对我的启 蒙终于导致我走上天安门，天安门屠杀暴露了共产党政权的残暴真相。在过去的20年中，中国同胞完全失掉了对共产主义的信仰饥渴寻找时，上帝靠中国家庭教会的蓬勃发展 把主的福音和救赎传遍中国大地，使一个新的中国在和平的方式中诞生，当今，中国无数 信仰饥渴的人来拥抱耶稣。圣灵的风将耶稣的大爱和他的福音带到了地球上人口最多的国 家。就像当年耶和华从埃及那里将以色列拯救出来一样，上帝现在也正将中国从共产主义 的禁锢和苦难中解救出来。
上帝是如此地仁爱善良，尽管中国曾经对主耶稣和他的信徒做过很多邪恶的事情， 比如在 19 世纪初期杀害传教士和中国基督徒，但上帝都从来没有放弃过中国。虽然在成 长的过程中，我们并不知道上帝，但是上帝在我们生活中无处不在：在我不知道如何做完 美的祷告时，上帝回应了我的祈祷，使我成为一个优秀的学生 来逃离那个小渔村；把六四的同学带回北大，不知道如何逃离的时候，我们得到一本圣经，但是当时愚蠢的我们却说 “圣经难道能帮助我们藏身吗？”即使这样，上帝也没有动怒于我们，他启动一些虔诚的 佛教徒去冒着生命危险来营救我们。
在任何艰难和考验中，上帝并没有阻止坏事的发生，但确保在艰难的旅程中总有不同的天使护行。我们当初开始民主运动的时候，高喊着人人生来平等，但心里总是不敢肯 定。现在我知道我可以自信地说，因为是上帝按着自己的样子创造了我们，所以在神的面 前人人平等。
上帝之爱是如此的广阔。现在，我真切地理解了耶稣被钉在十字架上时为我们付出 的爱，就像当年我们在最后的时刻 ---- 1989年6月3日晚上我们准备好奉献出自己最宝 贵的生命和爱给中国，不同的是那時我们是为了我们所爱的国家和民族，而耶稣在十字架 上奉献出了自己，他为的是全人类的罪人能得自由和永生！因为主耶稣基督的牺牲和受 苦，我们才能与圣父联合，获得永生。皈依主后，主会在我们里面，我们在主里面，我们不仅未来在天堂中获得永恒的生命，而不是孤独地面对永远的黑暗的同時，在地上存活的 時面里也有主每天引导前 行！
上帝的宽恕是如此彻底，即使那个同他一起被钉死的两个罪犯之一，当他对他的罪行忏悔的时候，耶稣承诺会把他带进天堂。要是中国领导人能够听到这样的福音多好呵，不管他们曾经做过什么，只要他们能够忏悔，他们也同样可以得到我们所拥有的神的爱和 宽恕。他们将得到多么大的一件礼物啊？这样他们自己和中国最终都会得到自由！我希望有一天，中国会向南非一样，在曼德拉一样的领导下，通过真相与和解，真正铲除魔鬼通 过人的弱点来制造苦 难的根源，使中国的每一个同胞姐妹，从贫苦到富贵，都真正得到拯 救和平安。
主耶稣的力量是如此伟大，他的胜利是如此的肯定。那就是主复活的意义——那是 我以前不能理解的部分，就像我不能理解上帝分开红海解放以色列的做法。因此在所有的考验和困难中，主耶稣的得胜不是“会不会”的问题，而是他决定“何时”以及“怎样” 去完成宏伟的计划。因我相信主耶稣就是胜利。
感谢赞美上帝，我相信我中国的兄弟姐妹可以自由无惧的信仰耶稣的那天就要 来 了。而中国人民和美国人民一样最终将在基督里得到真正的自由！
感谢你们在这个特殊的日子同我分享我的见证。
Friday, May 7, 2010
Gulf Oil Spill is part of the Bible Prophecies
The Earth is under attack!
We are living in perilous times. A massive oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico is bringing disaster to America and the surrounding region.
The Earth has suffered quite a hard blow lately. Climates are getting more abnormal. The Northern Hemisphere was harassed by snowstorms, Perth in Australia by hailstorms, and Chongqing, Guizhou and Hunan in Southern China by rainstorms and hailstorms. It was a great contrast in the Southern part of China 2 months ago. It went through a dry spell in March and April, crippling her agriculture.
Do not forget, since we entered 2010 till now, we witness 3 massive earthquakes, Haiti, Chile and Qinghai China. Then we witness the Iceland volcano eruption which sent massive ash into the European air, crippling the Airline industry worldwide.
Now, Obama is quite helpless as he could not contain the oil spill effectively. According to environment experts, Gulf oil spill threatens 600 animal species. And we are living in End-times which Bible Prophecies are fulfilling. Oil spill is part of the prophecies.
Revelations 8: 8-13
America is setting fire to contain the oil: 8 - The second angel blew his trumpet, and something like a great mountain, burning with fire, was thrown into the sea, and a third of the sea became blood. 9 - A third of the living creatures in the sea died, (and a third of the ships were destroyed - yet to fulfill).
The next disaster: 10 - The third angel blew his trumpet, and a great star fell from heaven, blazing like a torch, and it fell on a third of the rivers and on the springs of water. 11 - The name of the star is Wormwood. A third of the waters became wormwood, and many people died from the water, because it had been made bitter.
Then followed by: 12 - The fourth angel blew his trumpet, and a third of the sun was struck, and a third of the moon, and a third of the stars, so that a third of their light might be darkened, and a third of the day might be kept from shining, and likewise a third of the night.
Disasters are looming large: 13 - Then I looked, and I heard an eagle crying with a loud voice as it flew directly overhead, “Woe, woe, woe to those who dwell on the earth, at the blasts of the other trumpets that the three angels are about to blow!”
--------------------------------------------------
Gulf Oil spill 'threatens 600 animal species'*
May 5, 2010 - 4:19PM
Source: AFP
More than 600 animal species are threatened by the expanding oil slick
in the Gulf of Mexico, officials say.
Louisiana's Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says that the threats
affect some 445 species of fish, 134 birds, 45 mammals, and 32 reptiles
and amphibians.
Among the birds, the biggest fears are for the brown pelican. State
biologists Robert Lover says the graceful state bird of Louisiana lays
eggs on the coastal islands and may be ingesting fish contaminated with oil.
Similar threats may face the piping plover, royal tern and sandpiper.
For amphibians and reptiles, Kemp's Ridley, a severely endangered sea
turtle, is seen as threatened because its migration for the nesting
season, which has begun, is cut off by the oil slick. Alligators, frogs
and sea snakes face threats as well.
Sea mammals in peril include the bottlenose dolphin, manatee and various
whales.
Land mammals including coyotes, raccoons and foxes could also have their
habitat polluted.
Many species of fish and crustaceans also face obvious threats in a
region that has a huge fishing industry. They include the bluefin tuna,
red snapper, tarpon and cobia along with crabs, shrimp and oysters.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Prophetic Message on Israel and the World
by Lance Lambert
Sunday 18 April 2010, Jerusalem Israel
Do not fear neither be dismayed for that which is coming upon the face of the earth, for I am with you, says The Lord. Nevertheless I have a serious controversy with the nations. They are seeking to divide My Land says The Lord, the land that I covenanted to give to Abraham and to his seed after him through Isaac and Jacob, as an everlasting inheritance. This I will not allow without devastating judgment upon those nations who pursue this plan. I have arisen with intense and furious anger and will not back down until I have destroyed their well being. I will cause their economies to fail, and their financial system to break down, and even the climate to fail them! I will turn them upside down and inside out and they will not know what has hit them, whether they be super powers or not. For I am the only One, the Almighty God and besides me there is none to compare.
Do they believe that in their arrogance they can contradict and nullify covenants that I the Almighty have made? Do they believe that they can change what has gone forth from My mouth with impunity? It is My Word and My decree that has gone forth concerning the seed of Abraham. It will not be changed by man. I and I alone am Almighty. Do not fear!
For this reason a new and a far more serious phase of judgment is commencing. Do not fear, it is I who is shaking all things. Remember that in Me you have peace but in the world tribulation. Trust Me! I am shaking all things so that which cannot be shaken may remain. When all your circumstances become abnormal, discover in Me your peace, your rest and your fulfillment.
In this phase the old and powerful nations will become as if they are third world countries, super powers will no longer be super powers but countries such as India and China will arise to take their place. A great company of the redeemed will come out of these two countries. In all this change, do not fear.
I know your weakness and your tendency to fear, but do not be dismayed at these things. In the midst of all this shaking, this turmoil and strife, there are two peoples that lie at it's heart, the true and living church and Israel. I will use these matters, these events, to purify one and to save the other! Do not fear, above the storms, the shaking, and the conflict, I am the Everlasting and Almighty One. In Me you cannot be shaken, you can only lose what is not worth holding!
Source: http://lancelambert.org/prophetic6.html
About Lance Lambert
Lance Lambert is one of the most distinguished Bible scholars and speakers in Israel today and has an itinerant teaching ministry worldwide.
Born in 1931, Lance grew up in Richmond, Surrey and came to know the Lord at twelve years of age. He entered the school of African and Oriental studies at London University to prepare for work in China. He studied Classical Chinese, Mandarin, Oriental Philosophy and Far Eastern History, but the revolution closed the door to European missionaries and his entry into China.
In the early 1950's Lance served in the Royal Air Force in Egypt and later founded Halford House Christian Fellowship in Richmond, England.
Having discovered his Jewish ancestry Lance became an Israeli citizen in 1980 and now has his home next to the Old City of Jerusalem. His father and many members of his family died in the Holocaust.
Lance is noted for his eschatological views, which place him in the tradition of Watchman Nee and T. Austin-Sparks. He produces a widely appreciated quarterly audio recording called the Middle East Update, which gives his unique perspective on current events in the Middle East, in the light of God's Word. He has written numerous books including The Uniqueness of Israel and is presenter of the video production, Jerusalem, the Covenant City.
Sunday 18 April 2010, Jerusalem Israel
Do not fear neither be dismayed for that which is coming upon the face of the earth, for I am with you, says The Lord. Nevertheless I have a serious controversy with the nations. They are seeking to divide My Land says The Lord, the land that I covenanted to give to Abraham and to his seed after him through Isaac and Jacob, as an everlasting inheritance. This I will not allow without devastating judgment upon those nations who pursue this plan. I have arisen with intense and furious anger and will not back down until I have destroyed their well being. I will cause their economies to fail, and their financial system to break down, and even the climate to fail them! I will turn them upside down and inside out and they will not know what has hit them, whether they be super powers or not. For I am the only One, the Almighty God and besides me there is none to compare.
Do they believe that in their arrogance they can contradict and nullify covenants that I the Almighty have made? Do they believe that they can change what has gone forth from My mouth with impunity? It is My Word and My decree that has gone forth concerning the seed of Abraham. It will not be changed by man. I and I alone am Almighty. Do not fear!
For this reason a new and a far more serious phase of judgment is commencing. Do not fear, it is I who is shaking all things. Remember that in Me you have peace but in the world tribulation. Trust Me! I am shaking all things so that which cannot be shaken may remain. When all your circumstances become abnormal, discover in Me your peace, your rest and your fulfillment.
In this phase the old and powerful nations will become as if they are third world countries, super powers will no longer be super powers but countries such as India and China will arise to take their place. A great company of the redeemed will come out of these two countries. In all this change, do not fear.
I know your weakness and your tendency to fear, but do not be dismayed at these things. In the midst of all this shaking, this turmoil and strife, there are two peoples that lie at it's heart, the true and living church and Israel. I will use these matters, these events, to purify one and to save the other! Do not fear, above the storms, the shaking, and the conflict, I am the Everlasting and Almighty One. In Me you cannot be shaken, you can only lose what is not worth holding!
Source: http://lancelambert.org/prophetic6.html
About Lance Lambert
Lance Lambert is one of the most distinguished Bible scholars and speakers in Israel today and has an itinerant teaching ministry worldwide.
Born in 1931, Lance grew up in Richmond, Surrey and came to know the Lord at twelve years of age. He entered the school of African and Oriental studies at London University to prepare for work in China. He studied Classical Chinese, Mandarin, Oriental Philosophy and Far Eastern History, but the revolution closed the door to European missionaries and his entry into China.
In the early 1950's Lance served in the Royal Air Force in Egypt and later founded Halford House Christian Fellowship in Richmond, England.
Having discovered his Jewish ancestry Lance became an Israeli citizen in 1980 and now has his home next to the Old City of Jerusalem. His father and many members of his family died in the Holocaust.
Lance is noted for his eschatological views, which place him in the tradition of Watchman Nee and T. Austin-Sparks. He produces a widely appreciated quarterly audio recording called the Middle East Update, which gives his unique perspective on current events in the Middle East, in the light of God's Word. He has written numerous books including The Uniqueness of Israel and is presenter of the video production, Jerusalem, the Covenant City.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
检讨计票制度
林明华编辑文章“4点感想”第4点，基于选票不再集中一起点算，而是改为依投票箱一个一个计算，质问如此“透明”计票制度是否应该检讨？我认同他。
投票不是所谓“秘密”的吗？那么为什么国人对于投票结果能够分析某某族群支持某某政党的呢？他们又怎样知道多少巴仙的某某族群支持谁呢？原来其中弊病之一就是计票制度。
在计票中心，计票乃按个别投票站票箱计票。基于从选民册我们知道各投票站的种族比率，所以从它的投票结果，可以分析这些族群支持的对象。举例这次乌雪补选以华裔为主的叻思，再益获得四分之三华裔支持他。分析也说，在全部马来人的垦殖民区，民联皆墨。
目前在我国，无论是大选或补选，虽然华印裔是少数族群，但却扮演着举足轻重的角色。华印裔肯定不想被责怪为造成国阵败阵的罪人，尤其在获得选举糖果后，为何依然不投选国阵？目前的计票制度，任何种族都感到太沉重。因为选民不能发挥自由权，因怕秋后算账而违背良心投票。
我认为大马已经独立了52年，在选举制度上应该改革得更公平，民主及透明。既然每个票箱已经在投票结束后被密封，双方也监督运输过程，选委会应该把所有箱子的票都倒在一起，搅杂后才来计票。这般的算票制度，选民才不会顾虑秋后算帐的烦恼。制度改革也会使到政治人物玩弄种族课题的情况减少。他们会减少对这个族群讲一套话，对那个族群讲另一套话的情况。不让政党知道哪个族群投票给哪个阵线，有助于迫使朝野阵线努力服务选区，否则的话就别想获得选民支持。
目前我国政治是以族群为政策。纳吉的“一个马来西亚”理念必须做到决心消灭种族化政治，人民若以’“我们都是马来西亚人”而自豪的话，国家才会兴旺。
选区无论由在朝党或在野党当议员，基于支持哪方的人民都是纳税人，因此双方获得国库拨款发展乃是理所当然的。城镇国人对政治意识越来越成熟了，在选举时才来大派糖果的作法已经在他们当中行不通了。在许多国家，金钱政治经常是民主的致命伤。大马也不例外，我们要成为先进国，必须大刀阔斧地改进国家的选举制度，尤其必须让选委会独立。只有在公平竞争下，赢得选举才是光荣的。
---------------------------------------------
作者：林明华
4点感想
乌鲁雪兰莪补选的结果没有太大的意外，但选战的过程及选举结果所传达出来的讯息和意义，依然值得我们深入思考。
和以往一样，选举过后，各党的焦点，都离不开各族选民的投票倾向。
依初步的观察，和308大选时比较，乌雪选举的基本盘並没有太大的差异，民联的再益虽然败选，但公正党得票增加了95张；国阵的卡玛拉纳登贏了1725票，除了归功於巫印选民回流；另一不可忽视的因素，是国阵成功把弃权票从1466张锐减到731张，间中的差异是735票。如果这 735票都改投给了国阵，则意味著，从民联怀抱回流国阵的巫印选民，其实並不如一般人所想像的那么多。
马来选票和印人选票都有回流国阵趋向，但多达三分之二的华裔选民依然倾情民联，乃是不可否认的事实。
绝大多数的乌雪华裔选民不为国阵在选战期间排山倒海而来的亲民政策所动，毫无疑问，会令国阵非常失望，也可能產生不同的解读，影响未来政局的走向。
以下4点个人的感想，希望能引起各方反思：一、乌雪华裔选民选择民联，与其能简单的解读为反国阵，不如说华裔选民更加反极端、反保守和反种族政策，並且更喜欢一个比较崇尚开明、开放、公平和多元政策的政党。
国阵如果想要贏回华裔选民的心，今后唯有展现更大的改革决心，摒弃极端和保守的政策，並证明她会长期坚定地走改革开放的路，而不是在选举之时才来派糖果而已。
二、如果巫统党內的强硬派和右翼势力想要通过这场补选的结果来证明她的“正当性”，並把巫统导向一个更加极端和保守的方向，那將是她的另一错误的开始。这样的错误，最终会迫使至今仍然心系国阵或对国阵仍存有一线希望的选民也倒戈相向。
三、民联经此一役，应该认真检討，她今后到底是要把目標订在下届大选夺取中央政权，还是务实一点，先整顿好內部，治理好她执政的州属，让民联变得更加强大並且更加让人可信赖，从而巩固好“两线制”的基本盘，才来重拳出击？
四、自从选票不再集中一起点算，而是改为依投票箱一个一个计算之后，不同种族选民的投票倾向已经变得一目了然。这固然有助於各政党依据不同种族的投票倾向而作出政策上和策略上的调整，但这也使到选举的种族色彩愈加浓烈。投票本应是秘密的，如此“透明”的计票制度，是否应该检討？
星洲日报／云淡风轻‧作者：林明华‧2010.04.26
来源：http://opinions.sinchew-i.com/node/14468
投票不是所谓“秘密”的吗？那么为什么国人对于投票结果能够分析某某族群支持某某政党的呢？他们又怎样知道多少巴仙的某某族群支持谁呢？原来其中弊病之一就是计票制度。
在计票中心，计票乃按个别投票站票箱计票。基于从选民册我们知道各投票站的种族比率，所以从它的投票结果，可以分析这些族群支持的对象。举例这次乌雪补选以华裔为主的叻思，再益获得四分之三华裔支持他。分析也说，在全部马来人的垦殖民区，民联皆墨。
目前在我国，无论是大选或补选，虽然华印裔是少数族群，但却扮演着举足轻重的角色。华印裔肯定不想被责怪为造成国阵败阵的罪人，尤其在获得选举糖果后，为何依然不投选国阵？目前的计票制度，任何种族都感到太沉重。因为选民不能发挥自由权，因怕秋后算账而违背良心投票。
我认为大马已经独立了52年，在选举制度上应该改革得更公平，民主及透明。既然每个票箱已经在投票结束后被密封，双方也监督运输过程，选委会应该把所有箱子的票都倒在一起，搅杂后才来计票。这般的算票制度，选民才不会顾虑秋后算帐的烦恼。制度改革也会使到政治人物玩弄种族课题的情况减少。他们会减少对这个族群讲一套话，对那个族群讲另一套话的情况。不让政党知道哪个族群投票给哪个阵线，有助于迫使朝野阵线努力服务选区，否则的话就别想获得选民支持。
目前我国政治是以族群为政策。纳吉的“一个马来西亚”理念必须做到决心消灭种族化政治，人民若以’“我们都是马来西亚人”而自豪的话，国家才会兴旺。
选区无论由在朝党或在野党当议员，基于支持哪方的人民都是纳税人，因此双方获得国库拨款发展乃是理所当然的。城镇国人对政治意识越来越成熟了，在选举时才来大派糖果的作法已经在他们当中行不通了。在许多国家，金钱政治经常是民主的致命伤。大马也不例外，我们要成为先进国，必须大刀阔斧地改进国家的选举制度，尤其必须让选委会独立。只有在公平竞争下，赢得选举才是光荣的。
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作者：林明华
4点感想
乌鲁雪兰莪补选的结果没有太大的意外，但选战的过程及选举结果所传达出来的讯息和意义，依然值得我们深入思考。
和以往一样，选举过后，各党的焦点，都离不开各族选民的投票倾向。
依初步的观察，和308大选时比较，乌雪选举的基本盘並没有太大的差异，民联的再益虽然败选，但公正党得票增加了95张；国阵的卡玛拉纳登贏了1725票，除了归功於巫印选民回流；另一不可忽视的因素，是国阵成功把弃权票从1466张锐减到731张，间中的差异是735票。如果这 735票都改投给了国阵，则意味著，从民联怀抱回流国阵的巫印选民，其实並不如一般人所想像的那么多。
马来选票和印人选票都有回流国阵趋向，但多达三分之二的华裔选民依然倾情民联，乃是不可否认的事实。
绝大多数的乌雪华裔选民不为国阵在选战期间排山倒海而来的亲民政策所动，毫无疑问，会令国阵非常失望，也可能產生不同的解读，影响未来政局的走向。
以下4点个人的感想，希望能引起各方反思：一、乌雪华裔选民选择民联，与其能简单的解读为反国阵，不如说华裔选民更加反极端、反保守和反种族政策，並且更喜欢一个比较崇尚开明、开放、公平和多元政策的政党。
国阵如果想要贏回华裔选民的心，今后唯有展现更大的改革决心，摒弃极端和保守的政策，並证明她会长期坚定地走改革开放的路，而不是在选举之时才来派糖果而已。
二、如果巫统党內的强硬派和右翼势力想要通过这场补选的结果来证明她的“正当性”，並把巫统导向一个更加极端和保守的方向，那將是她的另一错误的开始。这样的错误，最终会迫使至今仍然心系国阵或对国阵仍存有一线希望的选民也倒戈相向。
三、民联经此一役，应该认真检討，她今后到底是要把目標订在下届大选夺取中央政权，还是务实一点，先整顿好內部，治理好她执政的州属，让民联变得更加强大並且更加让人可信赖，从而巩固好“两线制”的基本盘，才来重拳出击？
四、自从选票不再集中一起点算，而是改为依投票箱一个一个计算之后，不同种族选民的投票倾向已经变得一目了然。这固然有助於各政党依据不同种族的投票倾向而作出政策上和策略上的调整，但这也使到选举的种族色彩愈加浓烈。投票本应是秘密的，如此“透明”的计票制度，是否应该检討？
星洲日报／云淡风轻‧作者：林明华‧2010.04.26
来源：http://opinions.sinchew-i.com/node/14468
Monday, April 26, 2010
Barisan Nasional has flouted the Election Law
Though Zaid Ibrahim of PR lost to Kamalanathan of BN, I don't see PR has a dim hope of moving to Putrajaya. I really pitied BN that it has given so much and has gotten so little in return. In the next GE, is BN able to mobilize so much resources again?
And I regret to say, whatever BN has given out to Ulu Selangor, they are in fact the money from the treasury. It is the money of all Malaysians. How can Najib use it as a machinery for BN campaign? A horrendous sum of RM160 million should come out from BN's funds itself. However you are not justified with that, because you have indeed flouted the Election Law by buying votes. BN has made Malaysia's rating of Election Transparency drop.
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The Hulu Selangor by-election debacle: Is it worth it, Najib?
The single event that impacted most on the electoral outcome was perhaps the occasion of Najib himself handing over RM5 million cash to 100 Felda settlers in a highly trumpeted ceremony two days before polling. These settlers were among victims of a failed project committed to a private developer 15 years ago.
by Kim Quek
Prime Minister Najib Razak might have won the electoral battle at Hulu Selangor, but he sure has made a giant step of retreat in the defence of Putrajaya against the relentless advance of Pakatan Rakyat (PR).
The orgy of election bribery indulged over those few days leading up to Polling Day on April 25 would have put any other pseudo-democracy to shame when comparing election excesses.
To induce votes, Najib and his colleagues made innumerable on-the-spot grants of cash and promises of goodies (many were conditional upon a Barisan Nasional win) that run easily to hundreds of million of ringgit during that compact campaign period. These include the construction of a university and several schools, an expressway interchange and many other infrastructures, several low cost housing projects, upgrading of mosques and temples, grants to community guilds and associations, cash payments to individuals, etc. These election goodies were so many and so large that I doubt Najib and his deputy, Muhyiddeen Yassin, could keep track of their numbers or total costs involved.
The single event that impacted most on the electoral outcome was perhaps the occasion of Najib himself handing over RM5 million cash to 100 Felda settlers in a highly trumpeted ceremony two days before polling. These settlers were among victims of a failed project committed to a private developer 15 years ago.
The greatest irony was that amidst this election bribery spree, Najib made an impassioned last-minute plea to the electorate through an open letter bearing his signature, asking the electorate to give him another chance to institute ‘change’ in his administration so as to redeem Barisan Nasional’s past mistakes. But was Najib not aware that this endless stream of impromptu election goodies constitute serious offences under our Election Offences Act 1954 (Section 10)? By committing these acts of corruption to such an unprecedented scale while simultaneously articulating his ‘change’ agenda, he was in effect telling the world: “This is what I mean by ‘change’ – I will not hesitate to escalate corrupted activities and damn the laws, if my political interests so demand.”
Reflecting on Najib’s rule since taking effective control of the country in early 2009, this philosophy of ‘the end justifies the means’ as exemplified by his conduct in the Hulu Selangor by-election seems to aptly explain the series of scandals that illustrated the ruling power’s contempt for the Constitution and the rule of law. These include the unconstitutional power grab in Perak, the continuing persecution of Anwar Ibrahim via the universally condemned phoney sodomy 2 trial, the awkward attempt to hide the real culprits in the show trial of Altantuya’s grisly murder, and the tragic death of Teoh Beng Hock under custody of MACC and the subsequent dubious inquest.
In the aftermath of this sordid by-election, Najib and his cohorts have expectedly hailed this disgraceful victory as the nation’s endorsement of Najib’s new policy and the shifting of support to Barisan Nasional (BN). However, removing the thin veneer of this pyrrhic victory, we find that the contrary is true. In fact, a cursory review of this by-election (many prefer to call it ‘buy-election’) has revealed trends and phenomena that should cause BN to get worried, very worried.
First, winning by a majority of 1,700 votes does not necessarily indicate an increase of support. On the contrary, it could mean a substantial drop of support, if we consider the fact that in the last general election in March 2008, BN’s combined majority of the three state constituencies that made up the parliamentary constituency of Hulu Selangor was 6,300 votes.
If UMNO can secure only a marginal victory (24,997 vs. 23,272) after such heavy abuses of public funds and politically manipulated institutions, there is not the slightest chance that the same can be repeated in a general election, during which, Hulu Selangor will surely fall back to PR, just as Ijok did previously.
Second, judging from the response of the electorate during the election campaign, Najib’s ‘1Malaysia’ advocacy has failed to take root among BN’s supporters. This was prominently reflected in the respective finale of the two protagonists’ election campaign on the eve of polling. While the BN rally, estimated at 3,000, was attended almost exclusively by Malays, with a sprinkling of Indians, the 15,000-strong PR rally was a colourful display of multi-racialism with a healthy proportion of the three races of Malays, Chinese and Indians. It left one with the unmistakable impression that the coalition that has really succeeded in realising ‘1Malaysia’ is PR, not BN.
Third, the Chinese support to BN has dwindled to an even smaller minority (less than one third) despite the many carrots dangling in their faces – particularly Najib’s personal promise to grant a RM3 million grant to a Chinese school the very next day of polling, conditioned upon a BN win. This indicates that the Chinese electorate has politically matured to the point that they are relatively immune to BN’s election bribery. For them, nothing short of real reforms would do.
As UMNO is not capable of instituting real reforms, this naturally spells the end of the political life span of the Chinese racial party MCA, and by corollary, that of Gerakan. With the Indian racial party MIC also having lost the support of Indians, the isolation of UMNO in Peninsular Malaysia is complete, since these three parties are UMNO’s only major partners in the Peninsula. Considering that they had been the bulwark of support to UMNO in past elections, their present eclipses mean that UMNO’s political wings in Peninsula are clipped.
Hence, UMNO’s final grasp at power is now hinged to its relationship with the BN component parties in Sabah and Sarawak, which unfortunately are not in the best of terms with the UMNO-dominated Federal government.
Known for their strong regionalism and thrust to their king-maker position by the political tsunami of the 2008 general elections, Sabah and Sarawak are now a hive of discontent and resentment against the exploitation and short-changing of their autonomous rights under the autocratic UMNO dominated BN leadership.
With a maimed UMNO in the Peninsula, and a surging Pakatan Rakyat offering a just deal and restoration of autonomy to these two states, the people there for the first time have the real option of clinching the best political deal since the formation of Malaysia almost five decades ago.
Since the people in Sabah and Sarawak are less race-conscious than their Peninsular counterparts and in fact rather irritated by the heavy racism practiced by UMNO, for how long can UMNO’s race politics withstand the challenge for influence by the multi-racial Pakatan Rakyat in these two territories, and by extension the political power over the entire country?
The Hulu Selangor by-election has given us a pointer, and it ain’t looking good for UMNO.
Source: http://malaysia-today.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=31463:the-hulu-selangor-by-election-debacle-is-it-worth-it-najib&catid=17:guest-columnists&Itemid=100130
And I regret to say, whatever BN has given out to Ulu Selangor, they are in fact the money from the treasury. It is the money of all Malaysians. How can Najib use it as a machinery for BN campaign? A horrendous sum of RM160 million should come out from BN's funds itself. However you are not justified with that, because you have indeed flouted the Election Law by buying votes. BN has made Malaysia's rating of Election Transparency drop.
----------------------------------------------------
The Hulu Selangor by-election debacle: Is it worth it, Najib?
The single event that impacted most on the electoral outcome was perhaps the occasion of Najib himself handing over RM5 million cash to 100 Felda settlers in a highly trumpeted ceremony two days before polling. These settlers were among victims of a failed project committed to a private developer 15 years ago.
by Kim Quek
Prime Minister Najib Razak might have won the electoral battle at Hulu Selangor, but he sure has made a giant step of retreat in the defence of Putrajaya against the relentless advance of Pakatan Rakyat (PR).
The orgy of election bribery indulged over those few days leading up to Polling Day on April 25 would have put any other pseudo-democracy to shame when comparing election excesses.
To induce votes, Najib and his colleagues made innumerable on-the-spot grants of cash and promises of goodies (many were conditional upon a Barisan Nasional win) that run easily to hundreds of million of ringgit during that compact campaign period. These include the construction of a university and several schools, an expressway interchange and many other infrastructures, several low cost housing projects, upgrading of mosques and temples, grants to community guilds and associations, cash payments to individuals, etc. These election goodies were so many and so large that I doubt Najib and his deputy, Muhyiddeen Yassin, could keep track of their numbers or total costs involved.
The single event that impacted most on the electoral outcome was perhaps the occasion of Najib himself handing over RM5 million cash to 100 Felda settlers in a highly trumpeted ceremony two days before polling. These settlers were among victims of a failed project committed to a private developer 15 years ago.
The greatest irony was that amidst this election bribery spree, Najib made an impassioned last-minute plea to the electorate through an open letter bearing his signature, asking the electorate to give him another chance to institute ‘change’ in his administration so as to redeem Barisan Nasional’s past mistakes. But was Najib not aware that this endless stream of impromptu election goodies constitute serious offences under our Election Offences Act 1954 (Section 10)? By committing these acts of corruption to such an unprecedented scale while simultaneously articulating his ‘change’ agenda, he was in effect telling the world: “This is what I mean by ‘change’ – I will not hesitate to escalate corrupted activities and damn the laws, if my political interests so demand.”
Reflecting on Najib’s rule since taking effective control of the country in early 2009, this philosophy of ‘the end justifies the means’ as exemplified by his conduct in the Hulu Selangor by-election seems to aptly explain the series of scandals that illustrated the ruling power’s contempt for the Constitution and the rule of law. These include the unconstitutional power grab in Perak, the continuing persecution of Anwar Ibrahim via the universally condemned phoney sodomy 2 trial, the awkward attempt to hide the real culprits in the show trial of Altantuya’s grisly murder, and the tragic death of Teoh Beng Hock under custody of MACC and the subsequent dubious inquest.
In the aftermath of this sordid by-election, Najib and his cohorts have expectedly hailed this disgraceful victory as the nation’s endorsement of Najib’s new policy and the shifting of support to Barisan Nasional (BN). However, removing the thin veneer of this pyrrhic victory, we find that the contrary is true. In fact, a cursory review of this by-election (many prefer to call it ‘buy-election’) has revealed trends and phenomena that should cause BN to get worried, very worried.
First, winning by a majority of 1,700 votes does not necessarily indicate an increase of support. On the contrary, it could mean a substantial drop of support, if we consider the fact that in the last general election in March 2008, BN’s combined majority of the three state constituencies that made up the parliamentary constituency of Hulu Selangor was 6,300 votes.
If UMNO can secure only a marginal victory (24,997 vs. 23,272) after such heavy abuses of public funds and politically manipulated institutions, there is not the slightest chance that the same can be repeated in a general election, during which, Hulu Selangor will surely fall back to PR, just as Ijok did previously.
Second, judging from the response of the electorate during the election campaign, Najib’s ‘1Malaysia’ advocacy has failed to take root among BN’s supporters. This was prominently reflected in the respective finale of the two protagonists’ election campaign on the eve of polling. While the BN rally, estimated at 3,000, was attended almost exclusively by Malays, with a sprinkling of Indians, the 15,000-strong PR rally was a colourful display of multi-racialism with a healthy proportion of the three races of Malays, Chinese and Indians. It left one with the unmistakable impression that the coalition that has really succeeded in realising ‘1Malaysia’ is PR, not BN.
Third, the Chinese support to BN has dwindled to an even smaller minority (less than one third) despite the many carrots dangling in their faces – particularly Najib’s personal promise to grant a RM3 million grant to a Chinese school the very next day of polling, conditioned upon a BN win. This indicates that the Chinese electorate has politically matured to the point that they are relatively immune to BN’s election bribery. For them, nothing short of real reforms would do.
As UMNO is not capable of instituting real reforms, this naturally spells the end of the political life span of the Chinese racial party MCA, and by corollary, that of Gerakan. With the Indian racial party MIC also having lost the support of Indians, the isolation of UMNO in Peninsular Malaysia is complete, since these three parties are UMNO’s only major partners in the Peninsula. Considering that they had been the bulwark of support to UMNO in past elections, their present eclipses mean that UMNO’s political wings in Peninsula are clipped.
Hence, UMNO’s final grasp at power is now hinged to its relationship with the BN component parties in Sabah and Sarawak, which unfortunately are not in the best of terms with the UMNO-dominated Federal government.
Known for their strong regionalism and thrust to their king-maker position by the political tsunami of the 2008 general elections, Sabah and Sarawak are now a hive of discontent and resentment against the exploitation and short-changing of their autonomous rights under the autocratic UMNO dominated BN leadership.
With a maimed UMNO in the Peninsula, and a surging Pakatan Rakyat offering a just deal and restoration of autonomy to these two states, the people there for the first time have the real option of clinching the best political deal since the formation of Malaysia almost five decades ago.
Since the people in Sabah and Sarawak are less race-conscious than their Peninsular counterparts and in fact rather irritated by the heavy racism practiced by UMNO, for how long can UMNO’s race politics withstand the challenge for influence by the multi-racial Pakatan Rakyat in these two territories, and by extension the political power over the entire country?
The Hulu Selangor by-election has given us a pointer, and it ain’t looking good for UMNO.
Source: http://malaysia-today.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=31463:the-hulu-selangor-by-election-debacle-is-it-worth-it-najib&catid=17:guest-columnists&Itemid=100130
Saturday, April 24, 2010
The Psalmist's Cry becomes Mine
I who dwell in the shelter of the Most High
will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say to the LORD, “My refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust.”
For You will deliver me from the snare of the fowler
and from the deadly pestilence.
You will cover me with Your pinions,
and under Your wings I will find refuge;
Your faithfulness is a shield and buckler.
I will not fear the authority terror of the night,
nor the arrow of plot that flies by day,
nor the pestilence of corruption that stalks in darkness,
nor the destruction of media lies that wastes at noonday.
A thousand may fall at my side,
ten thousand at my right hand,
but it will not come near me.
I will only look with my eyes
and see the recompense of the wicked.
Because I have made the LORD my dwelling place—
the Most High, who is my refuge—
no evil of charges shall be allowed to befall me,
no plague of authority stooges come near my tent.
For You will command Your angels concerning me
to guard me in all my ways.
On their hands they will bear me up,
lest I strike my foot against a stone.
I will tread on the lion which devours and the adder which deceives;
the young lion and the serpent I will trample underfoot.
Because I hold fast to You in love, You will deliver me;
You will protect me, because I know Your name.
When I call to You, You will answer me;
You will be with me in trouble;
You will rescue me and honor me.
With long life of sound body-soul-spirit You will satisfy me
and show me Your salvation.”
Source: Psalm 91: 1-16
will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say to the LORD, “My refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust.”
For You will deliver me from the snare of the fowler
and from the deadly pestilence.
You will cover me with Your pinions,
and under Your wings I will find refuge;
Your faithfulness is a shield and buckler.
I will not fear the authority terror of the night,
nor the arrow of plot that flies by day,
nor the pestilence of corruption that stalks in darkness,
nor the destruction of media lies that wastes at noonday.
A thousand may fall at my side,
ten thousand at my right hand,
but it will not come near me.
I will only look with my eyes
and see the recompense of the wicked.
Because I have made the LORD my dwelling place—
the Most High, who is my refuge—
no evil of charges shall be allowed to befall me,
no plague of authority stooges come near my tent.
For You will command Your angels concerning me
to guard me in all my ways.
On their hands they will bear me up,
lest I strike my foot against a stone.
I will tread on the lion which devours and the adder which deceives;
the young lion and the serpent I will trample underfoot.
Because I hold fast to You in love, You will deliver me;
You will protect me, because I know Your name.
When I call to You, You will answer me;
You will be with me in trouble;
You will rescue me and honor me.
With long life of sound body-soul-spirit You will satisfy me
and show me Your salvation.”
Source: Psalm 91: 1-16
Begin to pray for the 13th General Elections
Today at Andrew Wong's monthly gathering at his house in Kota Kemuning, I was privileged to meet Elder Goh Keat Peng.
I heard of him and read his blog, but today was the first time I met this man of God. He put in lots of effort to fight for a better Malaysia. We are on the same boat. Let us continue to cause a 2-Party System establish in our country. The next General Elections will be very crucial for the fate of Malaysia. Therefore, let us begin to pray diligently.
1. God, Your plans are firm, faithful and forever. The purposes of Your heart prevail through all the generations. Let Your mighty, perfect will bring about a better Malaysia. (Psalm 33:11)
2. Lord, bring righteous people who fear You to be elected. Establish godly leaders who glorify You as they lead, and let their tenure be as welcome as the light of morning at sunrise and like the brightness after rain that brings green grass to the earth. (2 Samuel 23:3)
3. Lord, grant that wicked and evil influences will be weak and impotent in their efforts at bringing down the candidates for election. Usher into authority those who are committed to leading with righteousness. (Proverbs 25:5)
4. Heavenly Father, You promised to bless us with rejoicing when righteous leaders are in charge. So we ask You for godly, good leaders who will bring joy to those they lead. Do not allow any wicked persons to gain public office, but only those who will honor You. (Proverbs 29:2)
5. Lord, You value so deeply the qualities of good judgment and discernment, but it is easy for us to lose sight of them. Guide all those who will vote a sense of discernment and sound judgment, and let that discernment in turn bring discerning leaders into office. (Proverbs 3:21)
6. Lord God, during election time it is easy to get wrapped up in the negative, in fault-finding, criticism and contentiousness. Cause our hearts to be sweet and pure, obediently acting as You want Your children to act, so no one can find fault. In this way, we can shine for you in our darkened world. (Philippians 2:14-15)
7. Mighty God, we look to You for protection and safe keeping, especially during the days leading up to the next General Elections. Keep the candidates, the public rallies and the media safe from every kind of harm, O Lord, and deliver us from any evil plots that have been arranged. Let no weapon that is formed against our nation or the leaders prosper. (Psalm 32:7, Isaiah 54:17)
8. Father God, You love truth and are displeased with lies. Grant a spirit of truthfulness in the elections, particularly on the part of all media. Grant a spirit of fairness and honesty in the reports created by all members of the media, and give discernment and wisdom to citizens as they seek information from the media. (Proverbs 12:22)
9. God, You are actively involved in every part of Your creation at every moment. Grant to all Malaysians a willingness to get involved in the upcoming General Elections, resisting complacency and passivity, especially for Christians to rise to intercede fervently. Let each one know the value of his or her vote, and let each one exercise their privilege with diligence and faith. (Amos 6:1)
I heard of him and read his blog, but today was the first time I met this man of God. He put in lots of effort to fight for a better Malaysia. We are on the same boat. Let us continue to cause a 2-Party System establish in our country. The next General Elections will be very crucial for the fate of Malaysia. Therefore, let us begin to pray diligently.
1. God, Your plans are firm, faithful and forever. The purposes of Your heart prevail through all the generations. Let Your mighty, perfect will bring about a better Malaysia. (Psalm 33:11)
2. Lord, bring righteous people who fear You to be elected. Establish godly leaders who glorify You as they lead, and let their tenure be as welcome as the light of morning at sunrise and like the brightness after rain that brings green grass to the earth. (2 Samuel 23:3)
3. Lord, grant that wicked and evil influences will be weak and impotent in their efforts at bringing down the candidates for election. Usher into authority those who are committed to leading with righteousness. (Proverbs 25:5)
4. Heavenly Father, You promised to bless us with rejoicing when righteous leaders are in charge. So we ask You for godly, good leaders who will bring joy to those they lead. Do not allow any wicked persons to gain public office, but only those who will honor You. (Proverbs 29:2)
5. Lord, You value so deeply the qualities of good judgment and discernment, but it is easy for us to lose sight of them. Guide all those who will vote a sense of discernment and sound judgment, and let that discernment in turn bring discerning leaders into office. (Proverbs 3:21)
6. Lord God, during election time it is easy to get wrapped up in the negative, in fault-finding, criticism and contentiousness. Cause our hearts to be sweet and pure, obediently acting as You want Your children to act, so no one can find fault. In this way, we can shine for you in our darkened world. (Philippians 2:14-15)
7. Mighty God, we look to You for protection and safe keeping, especially during the days leading up to the next General Elections. Keep the candidates, the public rallies and the media safe from every kind of harm, O Lord, and deliver us from any evil plots that have been arranged. Let no weapon that is formed against our nation or the leaders prosper. (Psalm 32:7, Isaiah 54:17)
8. Father God, You love truth and are displeased with lies. Grant a spirit of truthfulness in the elections, particularly on the part of all media. Grant a spirit of fairness and honesty in the reports created by all members of the media, and give discernment and wisdom to citizens as they seek information from the media. (Proverbs 12:22)
9. God, You are actively involved in every part of Your creation at every moment. Grant to all Malaysians a willingness to get involved in the upcoming General Elections, resisting complacency and passivity, especially for Christians to rise to intercede fervently. Let each one know the value of his or her vote, and let each one exercise their privilege with diligence and faith. (Amos 6:1)
Friday, April 23, 2010
David's Song of Thanks becomes Mine
I give thanks to You my LORD, call upon Your name. I make known Your deeds among the peoples!
I sing to You, sing praises to You. I tell of all Your wondrous works.
Glory in Your holy name. The heart of mine who seek You my LORD rejoice!
I seek You my LORD and Your strength. I seek Your presence continually!
I remember the wondrous works of delivering me that You my LORD have done, Your miracles of pronouncing the so-called seditious case void, and the judgments on the puppets of ruling forces You uttered.
O me Allen, an offspring of Israel Your servant, son of Jacob, Your chosen one!
You are the LORD my God. Your judgments are in all the earth.
I remember Your covenant of salvation forever, the word that You commanded, for a thousand generations,
the covenant that You the LORD made with Abraham, Your sworn promise to Isaac,
which You the LORD confirmed as a statute to Jacob, as an everlasting covenant to Israel,
saying, “To you, Allen, I will give the land of Canaan, as your portion for an inheritance.”
When Christians, including me, were few in number, and of little account, and sojourners in it,
wandering from nation to nation, from one kingdom to another people,
You allowed no one to oppress us. You rebuked kings, prime ministers, presidents on their account,
saying, “Touch not my anointed ones, do my prophets, pastors, ministers no harm!”
All the earth and I sing to You the LORD. I tell of Your salvation from day to day.
I declare Your glory among the nations, Your marvelous works among all the peoples!
For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised, and You the LORD are to be held in awe above all gods.
For all the gods of the peoples are idols, but You the LORD made the heavens.
Splendor and majesty are before You the LORD; strength and joy are in Your place.
I ascribe to You my LORD, ascribe to You my LORD glory and strength!
I ascribe to You my LORD the glory due Your name; bring an offering and come before You my LORD! I worship You my LORD in the splendor of holiness.
All the earth and I shall tremble before You the LORD, yes, the world is established; it shall never be moved.
Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice, and let them say among the nations, and say among Malaysian authorities, “The LORD reigns!”
Let the sea roar, and all that fills it; let the field exult, and everything in it!
Then shall the trees of the forest sing for joy before You the LORD, for You the LORD comes to judge the earth.
Oh all the earth and I give thanks to You the LORD, for You the LORD are good; for Your steadfast love endures forever!
All the earth and I say also: “Save us, O God of our salvation, and gather and deliver us from among the nations, that we may give thanks to Your holy name, and glory in Your praise.
Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, and the God of Malaysia from everlasting to everlasting!”
And all the people in Malaysia and in all over the world shall say, “Amen!” and praise You the LORD.
Source: 1 Chronicles 16: 8-36
I sing to You, sing praises to You. I tell of all Your wondrous works.
Glory in Your holy name. The heart of mine who seek You my LORD rejoice!
I seek You my LORD and Your strength. I seek Your presence continually!
I remember the wondrous works of delivering me that You my LORD have done, Your miracles of pronouncing the so-called seditious case void, and the judgments on the puppets of ruling forces You uttered.
O me Allen, an offspring of Israel Your servant, son of Jacob, Your chosen one!
You are the LORD my God. Your judgments are in all the earth.
I remember Your covenant of salvation forever, the word that You commanded, for a thousand generations,
the covenant that You the LORD made with Abraham, Your sworn promise to Isaac,
which You the LORD confirmed as a statute to Jacob, as an everlasting covenant to Israel,
saying, “To you, Allen, I will give the land of Canaan, as your portion for an inheritance.”
When Christians, including me, were few in number, and of little account, and sojourners in it,
wandering from nation to nation, from one kingdom to another people,
You allowed no one to oppress us. You rebuked kings, prime ministers, presidents on their account,
saying, “Touch not my anointed ones, do my prophets, pastors, ministers no harm!”
All the earth and I sing to You the LORD. I tell of Your salvation from day to day.
I declare Your glory among the nations, Your marvelous works among all the peoples!
For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised, and You the LORD are to be held in awe above all gods.
For all the gods of the peoples are idols, but You the LORD made the heavens.
Splendor and majesty are before You the LORD; strength and joy are in Your place.
I ascribe to You my LORD, ascribe to You my LORD glory and strength!
I ascribe to You my LORD the glory due Your name; bring an offering and come before You my LORD! I worship You my LORD in the splendor of holiness.
All the earth and I shall tremble before You the LORD, yes, the world is established; it shall never be moved.
Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice, and let them say among the nations, and say among Malaysian authorities, “The LORD reigns!”
Let the sea roar, and all that fills it; let the field exult, and everything in it!
Then shall the trees of the forest sing for joy before You the LORD, for You the LORD comes to judge the earth.
Oh all the earth and I give thanks to You the LORD, for You the LORD are good; for Your steadfast love endures forever!
All the earth and I say also: “Save us, O God of our salvation, and gather and deliver us from among the nations, that we may give thanks to Your holy name, and glory in Your praise.
Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, and the God of Malaysia from everlasting to everlasting!”
And all the people in Malaysia and in all over the world shall say, “Amen!” and praise You the LORD.
Source: 1 Chronicles 16: 8-36
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Earth Day Has Pentecostal Roots
Tuesday, 20 April 2010 01:28 PM EDT
The man who coined the name Earth Day was a Pentecostal minister who thought the observance would help promote peace and unity.
According to the Assemblies of God (AG) Heritage magazine, 95-year-old John McConnell Jr., a longtime Pentecostal and peace activist, first proposed the idea for Earth Day in 1969. His plan was to mark the day in late March at the start of spring to promote peace and justice as a prerequisite for ecological preservation.
But McConnell also was motivated by his faith. "We love God ... [and therefore should] have an appreciation for His creation," McConnell told AG Heritage, which is published by the Flower Pentecostal Heritage Center.
McConnell submitted his proposal for Earth Day to San Francisco city officials on Oct. 3, 1969, and the first governmental recognition of Earth Day was held March 21, 1970. The event gained support from Congress and the United Nations, which McConnell hoped Earth Day supporters would partner with in protecting the environment.
Yet the original Earth Day was quickly overshadowed. McConnell said Sen. Gaylord Nelson, D-Wis., wanted to move Earth Day to April 22, when he had scheduled a political protest called Environmental Teach-In Day. Nelson wanted to change the name of the teach-in to Earth Day, but McConnell would not agree to the idea.
"I said, ‘Absolutely not," McConnell told AG Heritage. "Earth Day on nature's event is too important for this global occasion. So the next thing I knew they stole my name Earth Day and they used it for April 22. I was urged to sue, but I didn't. I didn't believe in suing.
"San Francisco kicked it off and later on we had the United Nations. The Secretary General ... thought Earth Day was a great idea, and the United Nations [still] celebrates Earth Day on the March equinox."
McConnell's biographer, Robert Weir, said Nelson admitted that he got the idea for Earth Day from others, but he did not specify from whom. In time, Nelson began to publicly claim full credit for founding Earth Day, which he wanted to use to protest pollution.
McConnell says the current Earth Day observance is too political, though he appreciates its goals of improving environmental stewardship. He notes that April 22 is also the birthday of communist leader Vladimir Lenin, one of several reasons he continues to mark Earth Day in March, during the spring equinox.
McConnell comes from a strong Pentecostal lineage. His grandfather was at the Azusa Street revival in 1906 and his parents were founding members of the AG in 1914. Although McConnell's father was an ordained minister in the AG for a time, and McConnell himself became a preacher, both men were strongly independent thinkers.
The elder McConnell's ministry credentials were not renewed in 1929 because AG leaders struggled to pin down his positions on doctrinal issues. And he took a strong pacifist position, which the AG endorsed until 1967, believing Christians were not supposed to kill even in war.
The younger McConnell adopted his father's view. After being drafted into World War II, he asked for an exemption as a conscientious objector but was refused. While participating in target practice during basic training, he kept seeing an image of Jesus flash through his mind whenever he prepared to shoot a target. He refused to shoot and ended up in solitary confinement, eventually escaping the military base and fleeing the country with his wife.
McConnell began ministering off the coast of British Honduras and was eventually discovered by the FBI, which decided to leave him and his wife alone because they were not engaged in subversive activities, according to AG Heritage.
McConnell later became a peace activist and organized the Star of Hope and Minute for Peace movements. The first encouraged the U.S. to launch a satellite as a symbol of peace, and the latter urged people to spend a minute in prayer each day. The first Minute for Peace was held Dec. 22, 1963, a month after President John F. Kennedy was assassinated, and short Minute for Peace radio messages have been read by heads of state and United Nations officials.
McConnell says all of his work, including his push for an Earth Day observance, sprang from his Christian faith. "If there had been no Christian experience in my life there would be no Earth Day - or at least I would not have initiated it," he told AG Heritage. "I'm a peacemaker, and part of the reason was my father, who was, without question, the greatest influence in my life."
Though he says April 22 is not Earth Day, he sees the observance as an opportunity for Christians to be a witness. "While Earth Day is non-sectarian and non-political," he said, "it provides a great opportunity for Christians to show the power of prayer, the validity of their charity and their practical concern for Earth's life and people."
Resource: http://www.charismamag.com/index.php/news/28103-earth-day-has-pentecostal-root-#ixzz0lnnA9FcS
Friday, April 16, 2010
Najib should issue an invoice to Mahathir
Mr. Mahathir, now you know how hurtful you are when Nazri had dumped all the nasty bill into your account. When you made USA Malaysians' enemy, the country lost tonnes of job opportunities.
Unfortunately, Najib, the PM whom you strongly pushed up, has sailed on your faults, and managed to secure a hand-shake with Obama, the US President. But the stupid move has cost the national treasury RM76.82 million. He probably did not know this was an enormous sum. Maybe comparably with the cost of submarines he purchased, the "meet-up fees" is insignificant to him.
Dr. M, the logic is, since the Najib admin put a blamed on you for ruining the Malaysia-US tie, so they should issue you with an invoice. Najib is answerable to all Malaysians. There are still thousands of Malaysian folks only survived from hand-to mouth. But yet an 40 minutes' meeting with Obama has made Najib squander an 8-figure sum.
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Source: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/index.php/malaysia/60162-dr-m-dont-put-apco-bill-on-my-tab
Dr M: Don’t put APCO bill on my tab
By Debra Chong
[Dr Mahathir said the US had never shown displeasure at his administration. — file pic]
Dr Mahathir said the US had never shown displeasure at his administration. — file pic
KUALA LUMPUR, April 16 — Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said today he disagrees with the Najib administration for spending a whopping RM76 million to arrange a meeting between the prime minister and US President Barack Obama earlier this week.
“Meeting is good but to say this money is spent because of what happened in the past, I don’t think is good,” the former premier said, rubbishing claims the government needed to spend the enormous sum of money.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz had disclosed this week the amount paid to global public relations firm, APCO Worldwide, and claimed it was necessary to “repair” Malaysia-US ties strained during his 22-year rule from 1981 to 2003.
“I don’t care,” Dr Mahathir said, when asked to comment on Nazri’s charge.
“Whether the ties are good or bad, the fact is the US has not done anything that would show they were offended by us,” he added, citing the absence of official US complaints lodged with his administration.
Dr Mahathir also pointed out that investments from the US continued to flow into Malaysia.
“We did not get anything from the US,” he claimed, but was quick to make an exception that the world military superpower had given “one million US dollars” (RM3.2 million at current rates) to Malaysia “for the training of our armed forces”.
“They want it back? We have one million US dollars,” he quipped.
Dr Mahathir was speaking to reporters after delivering a keynote speech here, in conjunction with the 44th anniversary celebration of Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara), a government agency formed to aid the indigenous community.
He appeared disinterested in continuing the subject, noting that he was no longer in power. He noted that the Najib administration had the authority to do as it sees fit with federal funds.
“If I’m in power, I have my own way of doing things,” he said with a smile, capping the subject.
Unfortunately, Najib, the PM whom you strongly pushed up, has sailed on your faults, and managed to secure a hand-shake with Obama, the US President. But the stupid move has cost the national treasury RM76.82 million. He probably did not know this was an enormous sum. Maybe comparably with the cost of submarines he purchased, the "meet-up fees" is insignificant to him.
Dr. M, the logic is, since the Najib admin put a blamed on you for ruining the Malaysia-US tie, so they should issue you with an invoice. Najib is answerable to all Malaysians. There are still thousands of Malaysian folks only survived from hand-to mouth. But yet an 40 minutes' meeting with Obama has made Najib squander an 8-figure sum.
-----------------------------------------
Source: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/index.php/malaysia/60162-dr-m-dont-put-apco-bill-on-my-tab
Dr M: Don’t put APCO bill on my tab
By Debra Chong
[Dr Mahathir said the US had never shown displeasure at his administration. — file pic]
Dr Mahathir said the US had never shown displeasure at his administration. — file pic
KUALA LUMPUR, April 16 — Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said today he disagrees with the Najib administration for spending a whopping RM76 million to arrange a meeting between the prime minister and US President Barack Obama earlier this week.
“Meeting is good but to say this money is spent because of what happened in the past, I don’t think is good,” the former premier said, rubbishing claims the government needed to spend the enormous sum of money.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz had disclosed this week the amount paid to global public relations firm, APCO Worldwide, and claimed it was necessary to “repair” Malaysia-US ties strained during his 22-year rule from 1981 to 2003.
“I don’t care,” Dr Mahathir said, when asked to comment on Nazri’s charge.
“Whether the ties are good or bad, the fact is the US has not done anything that would show they were offended by us,” he added, citing the absence of official US complaints lodged with his administration.
Dr Mahathir also pointed out that investments from the US continued to flow into Malaysia.
“We did not get anything from the US,” he claimed, but was quick to make an exception that the world military superpower had given “one million US dollars” (RM3.2 million at current rates) to Malaysia “for the training of our armed forces”.
“They want it back? We have one million US dollars,” he quipped.
Dr Mahathir was speaking to reporters after delivering a keynote speech here, in conjunction with the 44th anniversary celebration of Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara), a government agency formed to aid the indigenous community.
He appeared disinterested in continuing the subject, noting that he was no longer in power. He noted that the Najib administration had the authority to do as it sees fit with federal funds.
“If I’m in power, I have my own way of doing things,” he said with a smile, capping the subject.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
灾难与人为伍
中国又发生地震，四川大地震仍然记忆犹新，这次在青海省，令人心痛。进入2010年，地震显明变得比往年频繁。海地和智利地震较为严重外，一些轻微的地震发生在印尼、日本、希腊、台湾等。
不但地震威胁人类生存，各种天灾侵袭人类越来越凶猛。观看中国历史，它其实是一个灾难国。本来中国在三、四月间，陆地春寒跟海面热风交叉，导致多雨，尤其在中国南部。除此华人熟悉的杜牧《清明》诗，“清明时节雨纷纷……”朗朗上口，历年印证这时节是很湿的时候。其实在这个时期，东南亚一带也是多雨时期的，所以大马人都经历“清明时节雨纷纷”的真实情景。但今年却反常，除了中马外，其他地区（尤其东马）都干旱。
杜牧已经是1200-1150年前的人物了，隔开这么多年，今天和以前的气候是否还相同，看来无从考证。不过近十年来人们都见证气候发生显著的异常变化。今年的清明节，中国不再雨纷纷了。中国南部干旱仍然还未结束，人类和动植物都挣扎求存！
近30年中国迅速发展，到今天中国已经成为世界排放废气最高的国家了。中国，美国和欧洲的工业大国，发展和环保难以兼顾。两天前读到中国各地竞相扩建高铁将酿成恶果的新闻。基于中国大规模建设高铁令电力和煤炭需求急剧加大，因此专家说：“高铁建设也已经进入一个只要发展不要环境的时期了。”
不久前北半球的雪暴，中国北京和13个省份的沙尘暴，及柏斯的冰雹，说明了地球的剧烈变化。工业大国追求舒服生活的享受，不惜破坏地球的环境生态，连累大多数无辜的国家也跟它们付上代价。富强国不带头作大部分的牺牲，贫穷和发展中国家最遭殃。
地球人几时才同心解决地球问题呢？去年12月哥本哈根地球气候峰会只落得一个“讲”字，因为没有一个富强国愿意承诺削减废气，真的是个败笔！若不争取时间救地球的话，看来灾难就与人为伍也！既此，每当天灾发生时，灾黎诉苦连天，其他人除了同情捐款外还能作什么呢？看到别人受灾，才发觉人类是何等脆弱的。原来我们人类夸口的“人定胜天”言论是不堪一击的！地球暖化带来的灾难有骨牌效应的，譬如中国这次旱灾导致农作物歉收，下来的日子，亚洲肯定面对粮食涨价问题。若旱灾和地震等灾难在许多地方频繁发生，最坏的情况是饥荒。所以，人类为了生存，是否必须摒弃自私的生活习惯而保护地球吗？
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
纳吉见美国总统，国家破财7千682万
呜呼哀哉，纳兹里啊，纳兹里！呜呼哀哉，国阵啊，国阵！请你们不要花人民的钱好像花水一样呀！
其实我看雇用APCO乃是想提高纳吉的身分，想在下届大选让国阵胜出这一个理由而已。
国阵要胜出大选，不应该使用国库的钱。它们是属于全国人民的。国阵应该用自己的钱来提升形象，若你们这样作，人民可不必理会。
难怪国库钱不够用了，所以才会说要实行销售税（GST），要停止燃油津贴，学校的拨款削减，发售债券，增加这个那个领域的税务等。你知道7千682万令吉水多少吗？执政者不心痛我们心痛呀！
说也奇怪，马来西亚是一个在世界地图的弹丸小国，人口只有区区的2千700万。美国总统奥巴马对这么多的大国总统，首相和总理不见，反而见我国首相纳吉？奥巴马这么繁忙，他本来应该有更重要的事要作。无他，现在美国已经变穷了，它乃是目前全世界欠债排行榜首的国家。所以，有国家愿意出钱来见总统的话，真的谢天谢地呢！
美国总统真的很重要吗？非见他不可吗？
纳兹里说前首相马哈迪搞坏马、美关系。我要质问国家领导层说，就是一个领袖的不智行为，却要全国人民付代价？我认为，马哈迪应该出这笔钱，以向全体马来西亚人请罪。
-------------------------------------
以纳吉成功会美正副总统为例
纳兹里辩称天价聘请安可值得
首相署部长纳兹里今日继续为政府以7682万令吉聘用安可国际公司（APCO）的决定辩护，声称这项天价合约旨在改善马美两国关系，最明显的例子就是首相纳吉的访美行，成功与美国总统奥巴马会面。
他也解释，本身早前即场回答媒体的访问，所以才会误以为政府聘用安可公司的费用是2800万令吉。
他说，经过查证后，有关聘用费确实是7682余万令吉，但并这不代表这笔钱花得不值。
指马哈迪导致马美关系成冰
他傍晚在国会办公室接受媒体访问时，解释为何政府迫切需要聘请安可公司，而不能单靠本地公司来改善我国的国际形象。
他强调，经过前首相马哈迪的22年领导后，马美两国的关系已陷冰点，就算是第5任首相阿都拉上任后，也没采用特别亲美的外交政策。
“两任首相总共执政了28年，你以为我们可以不需花钱，就可改善马美关系？”
盛赞安可表现标青改善关系
NONE纳兹里盛赞安可公司的表现标青，所以奥巴马才会在百忙中抽空接见纳吉。
“奥巴马也有接见中国国家主席胡锦涛。胡锦涛不要提啦，因为中国是个大国，但马来西亚却是个小国，如果我们不对美国好，美国不会理睬我们。”
他也进一步举例，纳吉在访美行程中，除了会见奥巴马外，还与副总统拜登共进午餐，在在显示安可公司的表现，确实改善了马美的关系。
“我本身的2月份访美行程中，也见到了我要见的人。首相访美时，成功会见奥巴马，与拜登共进午餐。”
“我认为安可的表现标青，你也可以自己做出评价。”
称纳吉为国家利益聘用安可
至于为何必定要选择安可公司，而不能聘用本地公司，纳兹里解释，这是因为美国流行“游说文化”，而安可公司是其中的佼佼者。
他反问记者：“难道你认为本地公司可以为马来西亚做游说方面的工作？”
他也强调，我国有必要亲近美国，因为美国是一个大国，马美交好将能改善两国的双边贸易。
他声称，纳吉选择聘用安可公司，并非只是为了本身着想，反之是为了举国的利益。
来源：http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/129078
其实我看雇用APCO乃是想提高纳吉的身分，想在下届大选让国阵胜出这一个理由而已。
国阵要胜出大选，不应该使用国库的钱。它们是属于全国人民的。国阵应该用自己的钱来提升形象，若你们这样作，人民可不必理会。
难怪国库钱不够用了，所以才会说要实行销售税（GST），要停止燃油津贴，学校的拨款削减，发售债券，增加这个那个领域的税务等。你知道7千682万令吉水多少吗？执政者不心痛我们心痛呀！
说也奇怪，马来西亚是一个在世界地图的弹丸小国，人口只有区区的2千700万。美国总统奥巴马对这么多的大国总统，首相和总理不见，反而见我国首相纳吉？奥巴马这么繁忙，他本来应该有更重要的事要作。无他，现在美国已经变穷了，它乃是目前全世界欠债排行榜首的国家。所以，有国家愿意出钱来见总统的话，真的谢天谢地呢！
美国总统真的很重要吗？非见他不可吗？
纳兹里说前首相马哈迪搞坏马、美关系。我要质问国家领导层说，就是一个领袖的不智行为，却要全国人民付代价？我认为，马哈迪应该出这笔钱，以向全体马来西亚人请罪。
-------------------------------------
以纳吉成功会美正副总统为例
纳兹里辩称天价聘请安可值得
首相署部长纳兹里今日继续为政府以7682万令吉聘用安可国际公司（APCO）的决定辩护，声称这项天价合约旨在改善马美两国关系，最明显的例子就是首相纳吉的访美行，成功与美国总统奥巴马会面。
他也解释，本身早前即场回答媒体的访问，所以才会误以为政府聘用安可公司的费用是2800万令吉。
他说，经过查证后，有关聘用费确实是7682余万令吉，但并这不代表这笔钱花得不值。
指马哈迪导致马美关系成冰
他傍晚在国会办公室接受媒体访问时，解释为何政府迫切需要聘请安可公司，而不能单靠本地公司来改善我国的国际形象。
他强调，经过前首相马哈迪的22年领导后，马美两国的关系已陷冰点，就算是第5任首相阿都拉上任后，也没采用特别亲美的外交政策。
“两任首相总共执政了28年，你以为我们可以不需花钱，就可改善马美关系？”
盛赞安可表现标青改善关系
NONE纳兹里盛赞安可公司的表现标青，所以奥巴马才会在百忙中抽空接见纳吉。
“奥巴马也有接见中国国家主席胡锦涛。胡锦涛不要提啦，因为中国是个大国，但马来西亚却是个小国，如果我们不对美国好，美国不会理睬我们。”
他也进一步举例，纳吉在访美行程中，除了会见奥巴马外，还与副总统拜登共进午餐，在在显示安可公司的表现，确实改善了马美的关系。
“我本身的2月份访美行程中，也见到了我要见的人。首相访美时，成功会见奥巴马，与拜登共进午餐。”
“我认为安可的表现标青，你也可以自己做出评价。”
称纳吉为国家利益聘用安可
至于为何必定要选择安可公司，而不能聘用本地公司，纳兹里解释，这是因为美国流行“游说文化”，而安可公司是其中的佼佼者。
他反问记者：“难道你认为本地公司可以为马来西亚做游说方面的工作？”
他也强调，我国有必要亲近美国，因为美国是一个大国，马美交好将能改善两国的双边贸易。
他声称，纳吉选择聘用安可公司，并非只是为了本身着想，反之是为了举国的利益。
来源：http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/129078
安可国际公关费一年耗7682万 蔡添强：若加一个大马达到1亿
安可国际公关费一年耗7682万
蔡添强：若加一个大马达到1亿
经过在野党长时间的穷追猛打后，首相署终于公布政府聘用安可国际公关公司（APCO）的费用详情，短短1 年的总费用竟达到惊人的7600余万令吉，远远超出媒体早前报道的2800万令吉。
根据首相署部长纳兹里发给人民公正党峇都国会议员蔡添强的书面回答，政府聘用安可公司负责公共及通讯工作的费用，1年竟然达到美金2420万7158元。
根据3.1至3.2之间的外汇兑率，蔡添强计算这笔聘用费高达7682万563令吉。
缴付给Mind Teams掀争议
书面回答说，政府把这笔聘用费缴付给一家Mind Teams有限公司，并声称有关公司是安可国际的子公司。
不过，国会反对党领袖安华曾经指称，在安可国际于马来西亚设立分公司前，其前身正是Mind Teams有限公司。
书面回答指出，安可只向我国提供媒体专业及通讯服务，这可分为两类，即“公共事务及政府事务服务”和“策略传播、公共关系及媒体宣传”。
总共4份合约，半年一续
以下是首相署针对这两项服务，所列出的聘用详情：
（一）公共事务及政府事务服务
合约长度：2009年7月15日至2010年1月15日
合约价格：美金42万元
其他费用：美金12万元
续约合约长度：2010年1月 16日至2010年7月15日
续约合约价格：美金42万元
其他费用：美金12万元
（二）策略传播、公共关系及媒体宣传
合约长度：2009年6月3日至2009年12月2日
合约价格：美金927万3579元
其他费用：美金258万元
续约合约长度：2009年12月3日至2010年6月4日
续约合约价格：美金927万3579元
其他费用：美金200万元
蔡添强声称或达到1亿
azlan针对这份书面回答，蔡添强今午在国会走廊召开记者会，质疑政府聘用安可公司的费用，是否只值7600余万令吉。
他声称，若把政府聘用安可公司负责推广“一个马来西亚”概念的费用计算在内，整笔费用将近1亿令吉。
无论如何，首相署已经多次强调，政府聘用安可公司，只是负责通讯及公关工作，没有涉及任何“一个大马”的创造或推广工作。
首相署部长纳兹里曾经表示，政府聘用安可公司的费用是2800万令吉。蔡添强针对此曾多番在议事厅内质问纳兹里，为何不敢正式发表声明，列明有关费用的详情。
质问为何不选聘本地公司
在获得纳兹里口头答应公布详情后，蔡添强正式以书面向首相署询问，并在今午获得这份书面回答。
他揶揄纳兹里，早前把有关费用误指为2800万令吉，是否纳兹里使用不同的外汇兑率。
“我不知道纳兹里是否懂得算术。可能他以为马币很强劲，1 对1兑换美元。”
他也质问政府，是否确需要安可公司来负责通讯及公关工作，毕竟许多本地公司也可提供类似的服务。
“这是一项很大笔的预算，更何况聘用安可公司，将侵害我国的国家安全。”
来源：http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/129064
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
廿四节令鼓可续发扬光大
读了廿四节令鼓在美国职业篮球联盟（NBA）登场表演，我对于这项海外发扬鼓艺乍喜还忧。已故陈徽崇与陈再藩创立的廿四节令鼓已二十多年，但普及化只是近十年的事情。
既然廿四节令鼓是国家文化艺术，无论海内外的演出，务必确保严密根据正规技巧演出。这样的话，就必须有一个总会，或许由陈再藩组织起来，然后任何要设立鼓队的团体都必须向总会注册，即此可以监督会员的素质。
譬如在NBA表演的队伍，是由几个国家的人士组成，从照片看到在结束的那一刹那，各人举起的手势就有点尴尬，有人举右手，有人举左手，有人手臂下垂且弯曲。这样的高潮令人眼花缭乱，这显明是指导的失误和排练的不足。击鼓的姿势和跳舞的姿势乃一致的，必须讲求以整齐和美感作为出击点。
目前，大马到处的廿四节令鼓鼓队各自为政且一盘散沙，各自训练鼓队，表演水准不高却没有一个可向它交代的总会。在两个月前的春节，我在某购物广场碰巧有机会观赏廿四节令鼓表演，旁边的一个马来少女问我为什么只有十八个鼓，因为节目介绍说廿四节令鼓，而我也不知怎样回答她。可见这项艺术表演必须名副其实，因为常有十鼓，十二鼓等形式呈现。而当天鼓队来时匆匆，去也匆匆，为了到别处赶场，这样恐怕日后不少鼓队变成一种商业利润为出发点，罔顾素质和国家声誉，必久而久之造成伤害。
任何的组织，面对的困境通常是经费问题。看到奥克拉荷马大学愿意资助鼓队和购买廿四个鼓，我感到喜悦。不过，大马留学生必须确保鼓艺维持大马本色，不因外国人出资而妥协校方的不利条件。基于美国人以为廿四节令鼓是源自中国或香港，大马人罗永强等，更须大力宣传，或许在鼓身上除了印上节令外，不妨也印上大马国旗。
基于廿四节令鼓是国家艺术，我呼吁国家文化部和旅游部能够拨款支持成立廿四节令鼓总会。总会的工作是维护国家资产的声誉，它们是借着提供技术训练和监督，让廿四节令鼓在国内外发扬光大。我建议在每项表演，分发介绍廿四节令鼓的历史和意义的传单。政府和总会若能配搭，就能把大马文化推广到国际，对于增加旅游外汇必有帮助。
24节令鼓登场表演‧NBA观眾大开眼界
奥克拉荷马州立大学24节令鼓队让24节令鼓，在美国土地上萌芽、扎根。
（柔佛‧新山）24节令鼓的隆隆鼓声，上週日（4月5日）响彻美国奥克拉荷马州福特中心球馆，强劲的擂鼓节奏一次次地撞击观眾心房，让观眾大开眼界。
由4名马来西亚留学生联合创办的奥克拉荷马州立大学24节令鼓队，早前在美国职业篮球联盟（NBA）球队雷霆队和木狼队的比赛中粉墨登场。
鼓队在比赛的中场休息时间登场。当第一声鼓声响起，即刻吸引观眾目光，同时摒住呼吸，专注地欣赏队员擂鼓的英姿。
工作人员更利用摄影机，把队员的表演画面，转播至球场上方的看板上，让身处球场不同位置的观眾都可以欣赏这场难得的表演。
罗永强：鼓队获资助
建议向中国买鼓
另一方面，鼓队创办人之一罗永强表示，当初选择继续留在奥克拉荷马州立大学深造，是因为奥克拉荷马州立大学拥有最佳的航空航天课程，並有提供研究助理奖学金。
他说：“奖学金和研究是我留下来最大的原因！”
他表示，自鼓队获得校方资助后，鼓队便向校方提议向中国买鼓的可行性。
他说：“当时，我不肯定是否留下来修读我的博士学位，因为我在大学已约5年了。我也觉得若无人领导鼓队，向中国买鼓也只是浪费钱而已。”
“不过，在我决定修读博士学位后，购鼓的计划就变得坚定了。决定修读博士学位和购鼓恰好发生在同一个时间，这是很难得的机会！”
星洲日报‧2010.04.06
来源：http://www.sinchew.com.my/node/155804?tid=1
既然廿四节令鼓是国家文化艺术，无论海内外的演出，务必确保严密根据正规技巧演出。这样的话，就必须有一个总会，或许由陈再藩组织起来，然后任何要设立鼓队的团体都必须向总会注册，即此可以监督会员的素质。
譬如在NBA表演的队伍，是由几个国家的人士组成，从照片看到在结束的那一刹那，各人举起的手势就有点尴尬，有人举右手，有人举左手，有人手臂下垂且弯曲。这样的高潮令人眼花缭乱，这显明是指导的失误和排练的不足。击鼓的姿势和跳舞的姿势乃一致的，必须讲求以整齐和美感作为出击点。
目前，大马到处的廿四节令鼓鼓队各自为政且一盘散沙，各自训练鼓队，表演水准不高却没有一个可向它交代的总会。在两个月前的春节，我在某购物广场碰巧有机会观赏廿四节令鼓表演，旁边的一个马来少女问我为什么只有十八个鼓，因为节目介绍说廿四节令鼓，而我也不知怎样回答她。可见这项艺术表演必须名副其实，因为常有十鼓，十二鼓等形式呈现。而当天鼓队来时匆匆，去也匆匆，为了到别处赶场，这样恐怕日后不少鼓队变成一种商业利润为出发点，罔顾素质和国家声誉，必久而久之造成伤害。
任何的组织，面对的困境通常是经费问题。看到奥克拉荷马大学愿意资助鼓队和购买廿四个鼓，我感到喜悦。不过，大马留学生必须确保鼓艺维持大马本色，不因外国人出资而妥协校方的不利条件。基于美国人以为廿四节令鼓是源自中国或香港，大马人罗永强等，更须大力宣传，或许在鼓身上除了印上节令外，不妨也印上大马国旗。
基于廿四节令鼓是国家艺术，我呼吁国家文化部和旅游部能够拨款支持成立廿四节令鼓总会。总会的工作是维护国家资产的声誉，它们是借着提供技术训练和监督，让廿四节令鼓在国内外发扬光大。我建议在每项表演，分发介绍廿四节令鼓的历史和意义的传单。政府和总会若能配搭，就能把大马文化推广到国际，对于增加旅游外汇必有帮助。
24节令鼓登场表演‧NBA观眾大开眼界
奥克拉荷马州立大学24节令鼓队让24节令鼓，在美国土地上萌芽、扎根。
（柔佛‧新山）24节令鼓的隆隆鼓声，上週日（4月5日）响彻美国奥克拉荷马州福特中心球馆，强劲的擂鼓节奏一次次地撞击观眾心房，让观眾大开眼界。
由4名马来西亚留学生联合创办的奥克拉荷马州立大学24节令鼓队，早前在美国职业篮球联盟（NBA）球队雷霆队和木狼队的比赛中粉墨登场。
鼓队在比赛的中场休息时间登场。当第一声鼓声响起，即刻吸引观眾目光，同时摒住呼吸，专注地欣赏队员擂鼓的英姿。
工作人员更利用摄影机，把队员的表演画面，转播至球场上方的看板上，让身处球场不同位置的观眾都可以欣赏这场难得的表演。
罗永强：鼓队获资助
建议向中国买鼓
另一方面，鼓队创办人之一罗永强表示，当初选择继续留在奥克拉荷马州立大学深造，是因为奥克拉荷马州立大学拥有最佳的航空航天课程，並有提供研究助理奖学金。
他说：“奖学金和研究是我留下来最大的原因！”
他表示，自鼓队获得校方资助后，鼓队便向校方提议向中国买鼓的可行性。
他说：“当时，我不肯定是否留下来修读我的博士学位，因为我在大学已约5年了。我也觉得若无人领导鼓队，向中国买鼓也只是浪费钱而已。”
“不过，在我决定修读博士学位后，购鼓的计划就变得坚定了。决定修读博士学位和购鼓恰好发生在同一个时间，这是很难得的机会！”
星洲日报‧2010.04.06
来源：http://www.sinchew.com.my/node/155804?tid=1
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
DAP wants EPF, MRCB probed for insider trading
By Asrul Hadi Abdullah Sani
KUALA LUMPUR, April 6 — The DAP’s Tony Pua demanded today that the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) be investigated for alleged insider trading of Malaysian Resources Corporation Bhd (MRCB) shares following the government’s announcement last week that 3,000 acres of land in Sungai Buloh would be developed into a new hub for the Klang Valley.
MRCB is likely to be appointed master developer of the Sungai Buloh project which Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak last week said would be a joint venture between EPF and the government.
Pua (picture), who is Petaling Jaya Utara MP and DAP economic strategist, claimed today that the EPF and MRCB appeared to have engineered the fund’s control of 33.7 per cent of the company’s shares during its recent rights issue exercise.
Following the rights issue, EPF made a general offer to buy the rest of the company’s shares at RM1.50 each.
Pua said that EPF was already in control of more than 41.5 per cent of MRCB shares on March 29, a day before Najib announced the project.
“At the point of EPF’s rights issue on 4 December 2009, EPF had a 30.6 per cent stake in MRCB. Since the rights issue was oversubscribed by 1.74 times, as disclosed, EPF should have at best maintained its percentage ownership of MRCB with a 30.6 per cent allocation of rights issues.
“However, EPF was, for one reason or another, allocated a disproportionately higher percentage of rights issued. which was 171.47 million of 455.39 million, or 37.7 per cent of the rights issued, resulting in EPF owning 33.78 per cent of MRCB,” he said.
Pua said that under takeover rules, the investor must make an offer to buy the remaining shares once it has more than 33 per cent of a listed company.
“EPF was forced to make a general offer to purchase all shares of MRCB at the price of RM1.50 per share on 4 March 2010. EPF had in fact continued to actively purchase shares from the open market since and has increased their stake in MRCB to approximately 41.5 per cent as of 29 March 2010.
“It is hence clear now that the rights issue has been an exercise intended and engineered to allow EPF to increase its stakes in MRCB, including via the general offer which was made.
“While the above may appear above board under the normal circumstances, the fact that the Prime Minister announced the 3,000 acres mega-development joint venture project with EPF, which is touted to appoint MRCB as the developer on the 30 March 2010, throws up the very obvious question of insider trading on the part of EPF in the entire exercise above,” he said.
Pua said that it was “completely ridiculous” if EPF now claims that they did not know of the project.
“Discussions on the above joint venture must have been concluded well before 30 March, for the rumours of the project being awarded to EPF and MRCB had been circulating in financial circles since the end of 2009.”
Pua said that EPF and MRCB should be investigated under the Capital Market and Services Act (CMSA) 2007. Those found guilty of an offence under the law can be punished by imprisonment not exceeding 10 years or a fine of not less than RM1 million.
“The failure of the Securities Commission to investigate the above transactions will seriously jeopardize our efforts in promoting confidence and trust in Malaysia’s capital market and in helping the market to function efficiently based on adherence to internationally-benchmarked principles of corporate governance,” he said.
Source: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/index.php/malaysia/58844-dap-wants-epf-mrcb-probed-for-insider-trading
Monday, April 5, 2010
人意不可取代《圣经》
作者：陈淑芳
读了一连串关于同性恋课题争辩，想表达个人看法。基于欧阳文风身份特殊，既是一个牧师也是一个同性恋者，总难免让一些人士以为同性恋是基督教和天主教所准许的。
其实同性恋并不是近代的，在圣经头一本书几千年前的创世记已经记载了，当时该书已经记载男男性交的可恶，结果导致所多玛和蛾摩拉灭城。换句话说，对于犹太教，基督教和天主教禁止同性恋乃一开始就是圣经的训示。信徒和非信徒可以用人意辩驳这样的行为，但人意却不可能取代圣经的。
因此同性恋者近代争取“平反”，乃是人意，并不因此改变圣经的一点一划。他们可以改变法律，但不可以改变经训。在一些国家，同性恋已经正式合法化了。美国已经有一些州合法化了，并且其他州将迅速一一地沦陷。
我有一个马来西亚朋友在加拿大做牧师，加拿大几年前同性恋合法化。他说牧师们担心的是同性恋者要求他们主持婚礼，因为如果你拒绝的话，你就是违反法律。这岂不是喧宾夺主吗？自有教会以来牧师和神父都不主持这样的婚礼的，立法维护同性恋者之权利，却剥夺了一个为了要遵守圣经者之权利？
坦白说，坚守圣经的牧师们不少已经表态万一发生这样的事情，宁愿丢饭碗也不会妥协去主持婚礼的。在许多回教国家，除了有民事法庭外，也有回教法庭。对于基督教而言，并不需要来到一个地步增设基督教法庭，为那些欲遵守经训者利益而打官司。公道自在上面那个大法官的心，信徒只需循规过生活就好了。
所以，即使欧阳文风带领他的教会有自己的一套形式，他有自己一套的神学，他可以高举理性胜过圣经，他可以软化某些经训为寓意，但希望他无须经常抨击那些因按圣经讲真理的信徒（他常说的“基督教原教旨主义信徒”）为压迫同性恋者。
到目前为止，没有一项权威的研究说同性恋是先天的。世界各地的基督教组织设立了许多协助同性恋者治疗的事工。他们大多数都成功扭转过来，被治疗好了的人士可见证同性恋并非是先天性的。
读了一连串关于同性恋课题争辩，想表达个人看法。基于欧阳文风身份特殊，既是一个牧师也是一个同性恋者，总难免让一些人士以为同性恋是基督教和天主教所准许的。
其实同性恋并不是近代的，在圣经头一本书几千年前的创世记已经记载了，当时该书已经记载男男性交的可恶，结果导致所多玛和蛾摩拉灭城。换句话说，对于犹太教，基督教和天主教禁止同性恋乃一开始就是圣经的训示。信徒和非信徒可以用人意辩驳这样的行为，但人意却不可能取代圣经的。
因此同性恋者近代争取“平反”，乃是人意，并不因此改变圣经的一点一划。他们可以改变法律，但不可以改变经训。在一些国家，同性恋已经正式合法化了。美国已经有一些州合法化了，并且其他州将迅速一一地沦陷。
我有一个马来西亚朋友在加拿大做牧师，加拿大几年前同性恋合法化。他说牧师们担心的是同性恋者要求他们主持婚礼，因为如果你拒绝的话，你就是违反法律。这岂不是喧宾夺主吗？自有教会以来牧师和神父都不主持这样的婚礼的，立法维护同性恋者之权利，却剥夺了一个为了要遵守圣经者之权利？
坦白说，坚守圣经的牧师们不少已经表态万一发生这样的事情，宁愿丢饭碗也不会妥协去主持婚礼的。在许多回教国家，除了有民事法庭外，也有回教法庭。对于基督教而言，并不需要来到一个地步增设基督教法庭，为那些欲遵守经训者利益而打官司。公道自在上面那个大法官的心，信徒只需循规过生活就好了。
所以，即使欧阳文风带领他的教会有自己的一套形式，他有自己一套的神学，他可以高举理性胜过圣经，他可以软化某些经训为寓意，但希望他无须经常抨击那些因按圣经讲真理的信徒（他常说的“基督教原教旨主义信徒”）为压迫同性恋者。
到目前为止，没有一项权威的研究说同性恋是先天的。世界各地的基督教组织设立了许多协助同性恋者治疗的事工。他们大多数都成功扭转过来，被治疗好了的人士可见证同性恋并非是先天性的。
Friday, April 2, 2010
Charismatic Renewal Marks 50 Years
Left: Dennis Bennett
by Troy Anderson
Wednesday, 17 March 2010 11:59 AM EDT
April 3 marks the golden anniversary of the day Dennis Bennett told his church he’d had a ‘personal Pentecost’
This month marks the 50th anniversary of what many consider to be the origins of the modern charismatic movement.
On April 3, 1960, the late Father Dennis Bennett told his 2,600-member Episcopal congregation at St. Mark’s church in Van Nuys, Calif., that he had experienced a “personal Pentecost.” While attending a prayer meeting, the Britain-born minister had been baptized in the Holy Spirit and began to speak in an unknown language.
“My tongue tripped, just as it might when you are trying to recite a tongue twister, and I began to speak in a new language,” Bennett recalled. “Right away I recognized several things. First it was not some kind of psychological trick or compulsion. There was nothing compulsive about it. ... It was a new language, not some kind of ‘baby talk.’ It had grammar and syntax, it had inflection and expression—and it was rather beautiful.”
The revelation angered some church leaders, who eventually asked Bennett to resign. “His experience was explosive because the Episcopal Church is known to be a very proper, intellectual and historic church,” said Rita Bennett, the rector’s widow and president of the Christian Renewal Association in Edmonds, Wash. “Some people were happy and said they wanted to be prayed over too. But others were not happy at all. They didn’t understand.”
Rather than fight about charismatic renewal, Bennett stepped down and was soon invited to “bring the fire” to St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Seattle. He served as the pastor of St. Luke’s for two decades, ran Holy Spirit workshops and wrote the best-selling book, Nine O’clock in the Morning, in which Bennett shares his testimony and tells of how the charismatic movement spread throughout the nation.
Although Bennett wasn’t the first mainline denominational pastor to experience the baptism in the Holy Spirit, he was the first to openly share his testimony. The news of Bennett’s Pentecostal experience even made the newspapers and wire services, and was featured in Time and Newsweek magazines.
The membership at St. Luke’s quadrupled as renewal began to spread across the U.S. Within just a few years, people in virtually every major Protestant tradition—Baptists, Lutherans, Mennonites, Methodists, Presbyterians—were receiving the baptism in the Holy Spirit.
Charismatic renewal has since swept the globe, though Pentecostal scholars say its growth has slowed in the U.S. “The movement began to wane in America by the mid-1990s, but it continued to grow all over the world tremendously, especially Africa, Asia and South America,” said Pentecostal historian Vinson Synan, dean emeritus of the Regent University School of Divinity. “Today there are 640 million Pentecostals and charismatics. It’s still the fastest-growing part of Christianity.”
Stanley M. Burgess, a professor of Christian history at Regent University and editor of The Encyclopedia of Pentecostal and Charismatic Christianity, says one-third of the world’s 2 billion Christians are charismatic or Pentecostal. “The greatest explosion is now occurring in China,” Burgess said. “It’s a combination of Pentecostal and charismatic. Within 10 years, we expect that China will be the most Christian nation on Earth, and that’s just stunning.”
This year, several events are being planned to celebrate Bennett’s legacy and the 50th anniversary of the movement, including Empowered21: Global Congress on Holy Spirit Empowerment in the 21st Century, which is being held April 8-10 in Tulsa, Okla. The Rev. Billy Wilson, executive director of the International Center for Spiritual Renewal and chair of Empowered21, says the event will explore what’s on the horizon for the “Spirit-empowered” movement.
Wilson said charismatic leaders worldwide have told him there is a growing need for authentic leaders with integrity. Pastors also say there is a huge need to teach younger generations about the gifts of the Holy Spirit and to answer their “heart cry” for spiritual fathers and mothers, Wilson noted.
“They have a huge desire for what I call primitive Christianity—New Testament Christianity in its purest form,” Wilson said. “They want the miraculous. They want the gifts of the Spirit, but they don’t want to make a show of it. I think this generation is positioned to not only see the movement grow, but really experience the Holy Spirit in a totally new dimension.”
In early March, the Regent University School of Divinity planned to celebrate Bennett’s legacy by archiving his papers in their library. Meanwhile, St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Seattle will honor Bennett, who died in 1991, with a series of events July 26-31, marking the month when Bennett was assigned to the Seattle church. Rita Bennett, author of You Can Be Emotionally Free, also will honor her husband’s legacy during her annual Emotionally Free seminar July 19-24.
Bennett said she recently found some of her husband’s unpublished papers that shed light on how he learned to “pray from the Spirit.” She said the message is still relevant. “The reason for speaking and praying in the Spirit as often as possible is to keep in touch with your Friend, not just to fulfill a process,” the late Episcopal minister wrote. “The experiencing of gifts fulfilled is very important, but the feeling of fellowship with Jesus is far more so.”
Source: http://www.charismamag.com/index.php/component/content/article/1079/26550
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