Hello From Guangzhou

大家你好，我是陈建成，终于update我自己的blog

I guess I haven't even learnt Internet slangs here, lol

So what's up everyone!

It feels like ages since I wrote my last post, due to a not-so-smooth-internet-connection-here-in-china reason I was unable (more likely lazy) to write a new post.

BUT since it's almost end of 2015, I tried to write some updates about my current life in Guangzhou, China. My exam is coming near (next week, peeps), and that's exactly when the most random ideas of my life usually come to me.

Coming 2-3 weeks late to GZ due to some personal issues, my mom and I arrived safe and sound on 10th of September 2015. While I once strongly believed that I would not have any problem about Chinese foods, they proved me wrong right on the first 3 days here.

Well, on the fourth day, we finally found out the way how to survive here :')

The next weeks, my dad took turn to visit me and brought me to visit our family at 陆丰 (LuFeng), where his parents originally came from and also to visit some family from my mom's side here at Guangzhou.

My 舅公s, from my dad's mom's side

My 舅舅's family, from mom's mom's side

Happy kid is happy to find good meal in China

Short update concerning my learning process here (as many of you doubt it), I was chosen as a 班长 (class rep) in my class and so far I think I managed quite okay for now. Do you know the feeling like you are finally one of the students who can catch up with the lessons after being so left out during your university life? It's okay, I'm talking to myself.

I did well for my class tests and received a second place in 汉字 writing competition even after all those grammatical errors, I believe it's called God's mercy hahahaha.

So for those who've asked about my development in Chinese language proficiency, I can assure you that I manage to speak considerably wonderful with Chinese children (or better, toddlers) without any problem #terussombong.

Our homeroom teacher loves to give presents if you do well in class tests

K上-1班

Pizza Party, y'all

I know some of y'all have been wondering about the church I attend to in China and how on earth did I manage to join them, doing this and doing that in such a short time.

So, before I actually came to China, I did this little research of "what church I should attend to in China", first of all by asking my seniors, which all of them refer to IFGF Guangzhou. I even asked Ko Eddy about IFGF beforehand and last semester I had a chance to talk with Vania Cristine, a youth leader from IFGF Karawaci.

I believe it's the same as how I build my relationship (be it about my future spouse or particularly my inner-circle friends), I met with the senior pastor of IFGF Guangzhou, Pastor Halim and his wife, ci Mimi to have some conversations and tried to understand what the vision and mission of IFGF GZ itself. Short story, through my long prayer since I was in Malaysia, I believed that God had called me to serve and be planted here.

Pastor Halim's Family

The time was really short until I had my first job to coordinate praise and worship for our retreat with Pastor Daniel Alexander, his wife, Tante Louise Alexander and Pastor Rudy. 

With the guest speakers, pardon my tired face

Pastor Halim and Ci Mimi (+ Ko Feiman) joined us

I love letters

The next week, Susuk Hokky and Ie2 Becca paid me a visit all the way from Batam. They went through such a long journey only to see my condition here (just kidding, they had their own business actually). Thank you for coming :)

Ditraktir makan enak, muahaha

According to my photos' date, two weeks later I met my former Monash engineering friend, Leo Sa (and his girlfriend + their friend) from Beijing.

and also my FIRST MENTEE EVER, Ricky Hadap, also from Beijing, who is now preparing himself to fully assist his dad's company. He came to visit the famous Canton Fair, if any of you is thinking about checking the chances and things like that circling around Chinese industrial world, just register yourself to this event.

Ricky si calon Bos Besar Surabaya, amin!

Leo Sa, calon Bos Underground Besar

The next thing I know, my dad and mom came again to GZ and thus we had some family quality time together to Shenzhen. "Splendid China" in Shenzhen is truly splendid, I'mma bring my future spouse here #justsaying. 

I'm too lazy to post all these many pictures, 算了吧。

Akhirnya bokap gua senyum di foto

Dancersnya cantik2, saudara2...

Speaking of which, my passion for futsal is somewhat there and not there, ha! Through some coincidental matches, our Indonesian friends from Jinan Benbu (Main Campus) gave me a chance to play for them in Jinan Uni's mini soccer tournament. 

Come on, the only time I played soccer after I graduated from senior high school was with ISCF, Nabil's team and Diego Michiels last semester. I don't have any preparation other than that, so this was truly reckless, I thought.

Well, turned out that my friends were so good that we ended up winning the tournament

I then came back to Malaysia for my convocation, meeting my old friends and close friends over there. Even received so many thoughtful gifts and words to accompany my journey in China, I feel so loved. 

Anyone close to me can confirm that I really love sincere and meaningful words, that's why I always keep letters/words sent to me. 

Thank you guys for coming to which they say as "one of one's biggest days" of mine.

#akhirnyalulusjuga

Happy Three Friends

Team Air Jordan, featuring Ko Crist

Ko Eddy Chang is preaching at Fresh Youth

非常感谢你们

Pipinya Charis jadi alasan utama mau diculik ke GZ sama Uncle Indra

I was also privileged to endorse Ozz Vampo's new customized jersey (Black and Green Camo Jersey) here in China, check out my aunt's shots, LOL! #terimakasihieie

Taken at 宝墨园, 广州

My first attempt to be a koko galak yang difoto model

Oh yeah, anyway, IFGF Guangzhou has just celebrated Christmas through a celebration called The Manger. Again, I was privileged to lead the team as the project manager and worship leader (whereas people mistook me for the preacher several times).

I love the team, I love their creativities, I'm inspired by how they give their all, in spite of the lack of sleeps that we had, but more importantly how we cover for each others.

Even Pastor Raymond confirmed our spirit of unity, which I always thank God for.

Kevin Stefano is the man behind this good-looking poster

Our DIY Christmas Tree that fascinated Pastor Raymond

Pastor Raymond from IFGF Surabaya

The Team

IFGF Guangzhou's Christmas Celebration: The Manger

My life here is so exciting, even though it does feel lonely without my close friends, while I believe that there is no better chance to build and enjoy my personal fellowship with Jesus even more, I remembered the past more than I usually did in Malaysia. All of those joyful, sour, bitter, happy, fun, exciting and even heartbreaking experiences.

Sometimes I still wonder why God led me to do some things that I hadn't even found a good reason behind them until now.

I wonder what if that time I made up my mind to believe the facts more than what God had convinced to me, I know it is not something I would be proud of myself doing, but I still think it would've spared me from heartaches and the drama. I would prefer to skip all those mundane and pointless waiting seasons.

And the moment I was about to publish this writing was when Pastor Steven posted something on his Facebook. God really uses this Moncks Corner preacher to bless my life tremendously.

I thought, I wondered, I struggled and many time I'm lost into my deep thoughts, yet thank to God, I don't live my life based on my wondering process, I live based on God's Word. So rest assured, I do not change even with so many question marks I carry until this day. 

Basically, I'm still doing what I have been doing since a long time ago, holding onto the truth, principles and values I've showed to some of you in many different occasions. I keep on keeping on even more devotedly.

Even if I'm going to be hated even more

Even if I'm accused for sharing corrupted values

Even if I'm standing alone

Greatness is always preceded by separation - Steven Furtick

Certainly, I will keep improving, stay humble to admit my mistakes and let people rebuke me, but I'm more determined than ever to finish whatever God has called me to do.

Thanks for staying updated with my news through my IG, Path, Facebook or messaging apps. Appreciate all your care and love.

Until then, guys :)

22, Single, Greater

Hola everyone, it's been my usual tradition to post something after my birthday just to say, "yes it's been a week, and you might've missed it". I come from a family that doesn't celebrate birthdays much, so my birthday was pretty much the same as my normal days. (the last time  my sister and I tried to organise a surprise birthday party for mom, it almost put me into an argument with dad *true story)

I've posted on my path, but...
I thank y'all for your words of encouragement, your thoughts and even for your gifts that soon to be delivered *muahahaha (assuming they were sincere).
I don't know why I thanked you sarcastically, but maybe it's because now I'm in Palembang right now where people talk like this all the time.

Arriving in Palembang right before Christmas 2014 gave me a chance to join Gereja Mawar Sharon (Rose of Sharon Church) Lighthouse's Christmas Celebration: Precious Moment.
The lead Pastor, ko Maxi Eduard Lonta, who spoke as that day's preacher ministered a really anti-mainstream message of Jesus Christ.

Rather than speaking the typical 'heart-warming' message of Christmas, he spoke the message of repentance continued with the message of salvation through Jesus Christ.
I saw this preacher got so fired up and shared the gospel, so I was like "preach on, pastor" almost all the time. I can say one thing for sure, this guy preached what God put in his heart.
I said, "I want to see how God uses this church, which is pastored by someone brave enough to speak out the message of repentance boldly" and I pray for it, I really do.

I'm grateful to meet someone who isn't sugar-coating the Word of God at my community.
This opportunity is really helping me to keep holding onto what I believe, as well as to find my own greater calling.
Currently I withdrew myself from my social medias (I'm still using some though, ain't gonna be a shut-in), which resulted me to have more self-control, more time for other useful activities, and even enabled me to reach serenity in living my life, HA!
But seriously, because I check on my news feed less, I become more spiritually and mentally fit when meeting my friends or having a one-on-one session. I think, being absorbed too much into these medias will only cause us to lose our Spirit-driven self control.

Especially when I was struggling in deciding my future career. If I were given a chance to do anything (without any consideration, it is), I would like to answer: "a pastor" or "a preacher".
Coming near to the end of my study in Malaysia, I struggled even harder.
My dad is a businessman and I'm the first child in my family.
It means my parents kinda have an expectation on me to own a business.
After months of praying, finally in January, I let go of my own ego.
Ego, you said?
Yes, because as I said, me being a pastor (in my own version) is egoistic.

Only right after I said to God, "If there is something I learn by not running away from what my parents told me, so be it, God", I saw where God wants to lead me to.
What if there is strength that I need to embrace along my journey?
What if there is a specific advantage God wants me to have by following this plan?
What if God's plan A is something I always refused to even consider?

I was reminded greatly, especially by GMS's fasting movement with the tagline "humility comes before honor".
"Humble yourself, Indra", I told myself.
I'm finding out God's purpose for my life in more specific ways and I would like to write a post about it when it becomes clearer.

Then I started 2015 with a unique circumstance, where we 'celebrated' our New Year in SGH Hospital, as my twin sister collapsed due to partying too much *yea right
We love this girl so much, to the extent that one of us wore a Stitch costume for her.

Jadi ceritanya gua ga ke Batam sendirian.
Anyway, muka Bri sangat menghibur di sini.

Mission Accomplished ya kawan2 :D

Hate me as you want, I'm posting it anyway.
Wellney 15:13 Greater love has no one than this, that a brother put on a Stitch onesie for his sister 

Entering the age of 22, I felt like thanking Vedo Irawan for the first Leonis FC jersey he gave to me last year. Same number, eh?

Thank You, Jesus for my 22 years.
I know I've made the best possible choice to believe in You and trust You with my whole life.

One of the most often wishes I got recently was "cepet dapet jodoh ya" while I'm like "nah, not so soon, dude" hahaha.
Not that I don't support the gift of marriage, really, I'm all in for a godly marriage, but I don't agree with how most of us see the gift of singleness.

Truth be told, single is underrated.
There is this trend, or pattern, occur among us to treat singleness as a disability - an incomplete state of life - or even a problem.

"I'm just joking about it"
Okay, it's cool
But doesn't it still treat the gift of singleness wrongly?
It affects our perspective about singleness, much.

1 Corinthians 7:25-27 (ESV)

25 Now concerning the betrothed, I have no command from the Lord, but I give my judgment as one who by the Lord's mercy is trustworthy. 

26 I think that in view of the present distress it is good for a person to remain as he is.

27 Are you bound to a wife? Do not seek to be free. Are you free from a wife? Do not seek a wife.

Does it sound like Apostle Paul was against the idea of marriage?

Nah, verse 28,

28 But if you do marry, you have not sinned, and if a betrothed woman marries, she has not sinned. Yet those who marry will have worldly troubles, and I would spare you that.

So...

It's good with your dream of marrying someone, but don't you know that it's good that you are single too?

Many things have happened to me, but I remain the same on my standpoint about this matter.
I may not be a suitable person to talk about relationships, marriages and stuffs, but let me talk from my own experience in the efforts of setting myself apart for God: Singleness is not a disease. Singleness is gold.
(you may see my 22 years without having dated anyone as my advantage or my disadvantage, your call)

Greater life doesn't occur only when "two become one", there is greater purpose when "one stays as one" as well.

When we say "Christ is enough", then in ALL seasons in our life, He never ceases to be enough, whether you are single or married.

Isn't it the best choice you've ever made to stay single rather than to marry wrong person?
The Bible said it best:

Better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife - Proverbs 25:24

But y'know what? Rather than marrying wrong person, it is worse to be a wrong person to get married to.
So don't be that kind of person, period.
Become someone whom you want to marry wants to marry.

I know this ain't gonna eliminate your question "when" or "who".

Having this kind of faith - that trusts what God speaks about singleness - won't make all your questions go away.

I believe that faith is not eliminating all the questions that might come up, it is trusting your questions to Someone with the highest authority.

The opposite of faith is not doubt, it’s certainty. - Anne Lamott

Nevertheless, as Pastor Steven declared: It's gonna be worth your while!

So even if there were times I asked "oh really, God?", I ain't rushing, no matter how many people that came and told me to do so (true story). Instead, I'm kind of able to figure out how my older friends feel during this situation.
To remain sanctified, complete in God's love and pure before God, should be our main concern.

I don't want to skip my current season, I'm embracing my season!

Ecclesiastes 3:1

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:

Merry Christmas to You, J!

Hey Jesus, merry christmas and happy birthday
It's not like You'll be getting any older or younger anyway, since You live out of the time

I want to thank You for everything, every single thing You've done for us and for me

Even though I don't really know when the exact date you were born, as some people try to figure out
or even though I don't really call You according to Your Hebrew name or so-called ' more proper' name, because I'm sure that You know our limitation and variety of languages, as I myself don't really care how I'm called by my closest friends (In, Dra, Tan, Coi, Dul, Fuwa, Kafuwa etc), You are wise.

Thank You for staying with me all the times, even when there are times when I don't feel You nearby, when I can't hear Your voice, when You don't speak anything to me, when I felt as if my world crumbled down or my sky fell down. Never for once You leave me or forsake me
When You're standing in front of me, You say: Follow me, I'm gonna lead your way
When You're standing beside me, You say: I'm always with you
When You're standing behind me, You say: I got your back

As for now, I still struggle to rest myself in You wholly in every situation, but I choose to trust You.
I don't understand why You called me to some places, but I'mma trust You anyway.
I can't see the finish line nor the logical explanation about many things, but I'll follow You anyway.

This is not much, but I hope my life may be a pleasant offering to You
Happy birthday, J!