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

That’s a great question! To be frank, it’s not something that I can easily explain in 1 or 2 sentences. But if I’d to do it briefly, it’d be using this new document that we recently put together.

VLM Vision Map v1.2 December 2011

This provides an outline to some of the broad strokes stuff that I’ve been engaged with in one way or another.
The Global Coalition team that I’ve been part of help crafted this ‘Vision Map’, to express what VLM needs to be about.

These 4 priorities (Offer, Lead, Help, Collaborate) all drive towards the goals of ‘Connecting People‘, “Sharing Learning‘, ‘Increased Evangelism‘ and ‘Increased Discipleship‘.

Btw, ‘VLM’ = ‘Virtually-led Movements’.

It’s our ministry’s lingo to refer to various creative, digital (online/mobile) strategies to engage & connect with our changing generation, to essentially ‘win-build-send’ christ-centered multiplying followers of Christ to launch spiritual movements everywhere.

Here’s wishing all our dear family & friends around the world a God-blessed Christmas season. We’ve been so blessed to celebrate our first Christmas in the U.S. Our 4 months here in Orlando has been nothing short of amazing.. in light of God’s grace & mercy. It’s taught us time and again what it means to ‘lean into Him’ to depend more on Him each day. We’re thankful for the prayers of the saints (back home in Singapore) as well as many others around the world who love us, and care for us. We are indeed so blessed. So thank you dear ones who are reading this. =)
Enjoying God’s blessings through family and friends.

Yet I still belong to you;

You hold my right hand.

You guide me with your counsel,

Leading me to a glorious destiny.

Whom have I in heaven but you?

I desire you more than anything on earth.

My health may fail, and my spirit grow weak,

but God remains the strength of my heart;

He is mine forever.

What comforting words these are last Wednesday morning… as I found myself still feeling the tears and pain of Bataraa’s son passing. It was rather strange…but as I pulled into the gas station to put gas, tears welled up in my eyes. I thought about what they might be going thru right now in Mongolia. I feel like writing him, but I don’t know what to say.

I listened to Tim Keller’s podcast on ‘Worship‘, on my way back (from dropping the kids off at school) I was reminded that it’s really in times like these when it reveals our true worship.

Psalm 95 shows how the psalmist chose to ‘give worth’ to God even in spite of his external circumstances. Which made me ask, how do I grow to see (or make) God bigger in my life? Instead of being caught up with all the twists and turns this life offers.

We all worship something. For me, I’ve been worshipping ‘settling down well’. That’s been my (primary) focus, not God. I can justify it all I want…with good reasons for all I’m doing etc. but the fact remains the as I examine my heart, plus look at the way I’ve been orienting my activities, getting adjusted & comfortable has been my god.

About 2900 miles traveled so far. It’s been quite a trip, with many precious memories for our whole family.

Apart from the 10 days we were in Colorado (for the US Staff Conference), we’ve been living out of the luggage for the most part… so we’re quite lookin’ fwd to settling down in Orlando (finally!) =)

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

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Posted via email from muffyn’s posterous

I just came across a very thought provoking video from TED talks, by Eli Pariser

What if all we’re getting from the web is merely highly filtered ‘information junk food’, and not the kind of information diet you should be getting.

Watch it. It is sure to set you thinking about how you use your web, and what shapes our thinking….

Online Filter Bubbles

Yes, our Seow’s Great Adventure (the journey of following & serving Jesus) is going into the next lap.

God-willing, we’re headed as a family to our CCC World Headquarters in Orlando, Florida USA.

We’ll be involved in a 1-year program called the Lake Hart Stint, LHS  (There’s a big lake next to our HQ, called… u guessed it! Lake Hart!)  It is a special leadership & personal development opportunity for senior staff of Campus Crusade, and we’re blessed to be accepted for this. We’ll more about LHS in a future blog post.

Meanwhile, please read more about our journey & the story God’s writing in our lives in our latest newsletter.

Dowload here: The Great Adventure – April ’11