What is Perspectives Cards, and how to use it?

What was supposed to be a 20-30 min ‘survey’ turned into a 90 min conversation about God and how he relates to us. Ameer used the cards he picked to describe his beliefs, and shared passionately about what he felt about morality and the source of truth. He later even told me about his desire to see change in his country that according to him has been ravaged by corruption and poor leadership. He tells me coyly that he hopes to someday to be in the country’s top leadership, so that he can somehow effect change for the better. I can’t help thinking… how cool it’d be for God to raise up a generation of young Saudis who are committed to Him, who would eventually return to their countries to make a difference!

For that day, Ameer doesn’t seem quite ready (to make any decision for Christ). But his questions, and his openness tells me God is at work in him. And only God knows the timing… for him to turn to Christ fully.

I know it was ultimately God who had prepared (in advance) for Ameer to engage in this spiritual conversation. But what surprised me was how a deck of cards can readily open up a frank open discussion with a Muslim without the usual ‘fears’ or ‘inhibitions’. I actually enjoyed listening to Ameer share about his worldview, which enabled me to better share more thoughtfully to where he is. The Perspectives Cards proved useful in outlining clearly what worldviews he has, perhaps something he’s not even thought about seriously (apart what he’s learned growing up as a Muslim). It also helped surface some inconsistency in his own beliefs. Finally it provided the opportunity for me to share briefly (without offense) from my biblical worldview, what that means, and why it matters. I thank God for this unique opportunity. And I would heartily recommend this tool for your consideration in your personal evangelism.

UPDATES: Since the time I met Ameer, Gary has had a follow-up meeting with Ahmed (his brother who was also there when we spoke). He’s been expressing a keen interest to know more about Jesus, and he wants to come to church this Sunday! He chatted with me on FaceBook today. I hope to re-connect with him together with Gary. Pls pray.

Perspectives Cards

The Lord will guide you always;
he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land
and will strengthen your frame.
You will be like a well-watered garden,
like a spring whose waters never fail.”

Isaiah 58:11 (NIV)

Yes we are finally leaving for the USA… today, July 13th! And we know we will certainly miss many of you!!

When you remember or think about us, would you take a moment to pray for us?

You can use this simple ACE guide =)

A – Adjustment; to the new culture, environment, roles. Please pray especially for the children – adjustment to new school (they have been homeschooled here in Singapore.)

C – Community. That the Lord will provide good friends for all 5 of us, and a community that can provide support and encouragement during our term there. Also that the Lord will lead us to the right church for us

E – Enriched. That this will be a year of deep growth for each of us, in our relationship with God, with each other, and with others. We are excited as well as scared because of the unknown ahead of us, but we know our God is faithful, and we will cling on tightly to His hand.

We will have many days of travel ahead of us, so please pray for protection and journey mercies too. Here’s a quick summary of our itinerary:

• July 13th, 5.50pm. SQ 2.    Depart from Singapore. Arrive in San Francisco.
• July 15 – 18.    Drive from SF to Colorado.
• July 18-26.      US Staff Conference in Ft. Collins, Colorado.
• July 27 – Aug 5. Drive from Colorado to Orlando, Florida. (visiting some friends & supporters along the way)

We are thankful that the Lord has provided all of our one-time financial needs, through the giving of many of you.

Thank you so much for praying! We appreciate you!

The Lord bless and watch over each of you, till we meet again!

Much Love,

Lillian, on behalf of the family

Follow us on our adventure on Facebook  - http://on.fb.me/gr8adventure

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Here’s an excerpt that explains what LEAF is?

Leadership Evaluation and Formation  is a specially designed senior staff development opportunity. We offer LEAF to senior leaders within the 4C Area of Affairs who have shown both commitment and excellence for a number of years. LEAF takes a concentrated look at who God has uniquely made you and gifted you to help you discern the pathway for your next 10-20 years of ministry. We feel this week could be one of the most significant weeks of your life; it certainly was for mine and many others.

LEAF is a essentially a week-long intensive work session for leadership development (conducted by some of our American staff that our divisional office is specially bringing in; it’s actually based on LEAD that is offered in Dallas Theological Seminary). There are only 3 couples invited to attend this program.

The LEAF program is designed to help us evaluate our growth as servant leaders. The goal of the program is to provide us with :

(1)        greater self-awareness,

(2)        greater clarity of our long-term goals and direction for us in work,

(3)        identification of core abilities and core hindrances, and

(4)        a game plan to outline the developmental steps we need to take to improve in long-term leadership effectiveness in our work.

Lil and I have already each put in about 20-30 hours of work to prepare for this coming program. Phew! We are really looking forward to what God will show us, and how He will grow us, thru this LEAF.

And we are truly thankful for this opportunity. Would you join in praying that God will meet us and bring about the ‘formation’ in us, first as His followers, then as leaders wherever God might place us. Thanks! =)

Do pray along with us also for his provision of USD$1,200 needed (per participant) for this leadership development program.

What a fruitful life he lived! A man said to be ‘one of the most brilliant architects of our country‘.

Praise God for faithful men like him.. if not Singapore would not be where she is today!

Being a Dad with 3 young kids – 9, 6 and 5 years old, it’s not always easy to find a family activity that all can participate and enjoy together. But I’ve found one that not only promises lots of fun and bonding, it costs only 60 cents and gets my car cleaned! =)

I must admit I’m more of a spontaneous kind of Dad. I don’t have a meticulous plan for weekly family outings or activities. I prefer to integrate the daily things we have to do with the time I spend with my kids. Often I would take one child along when I run an errand.

My child and I would enjoy the time alone with each other while getting the task done which gives us an interesting topic to talk about.

So back to our weekend activity. I enjoy taking all my 3 kids out to go get the car washed! They go crazy when I tell them “Let’s go for a carwash with Daddy!” They simply love it! And I must confess they’ve helped me enjoy what was previously a chore too!

I love to see them go wild as they do their best to ‘help’ me wet the car, soap the car, rinse it off etc. The truth is, it’s Daddy who really gets the car sparkling but I delight in seeing them have so much fun. I will never forget the time when my youngest son lifted the quarter-filled pail of clean water over his head, while flashing me with a broad grin. At the end of the day, the task of getting the car washed is not as important as simply hanging out with the kids, going through life together.

Sure the car is not as clean as it would have been had I driven it to the carwash, but the rewards of connecting with my kids, enjoying them, and at the same time teaching them life lessons along the way is totally worth it. Try it. All it takes is a little pocket change for the water, a little courage, lots of love, and the willingness to ‘get wet’ with the kids. =)

Original article here