亲爱的。

Ernest Zacharevic

*There is no right time*

To do something great, or something you have always wanted, there is no right time. 

Go out and just make the time right.

 *Don't wait for the guy next door*

A lot of us don't do much until there is an opportunity. We wait for "the guy next door" to make a move. But sometimes things don't work that way. Get started with something while waiting. Don't wait for inspiration, do something while you wait for it.

*Live wrong*

Maybe wrong has been termed so bad that it became a taboo. But life isn't about living right. It's about doing wrong so many times that you finally get it right. Be daring to make mistake because then you would know where you need to make right.

*No one needs your art*

Art in itself does not benefit anyone. The society does not need your art.

Hence, you don't have to do art for anyone.
Do what you love not because people need it or people expect,
but simply because you really love it.

Maybe, 

our dreams aren't that far away after all

An Article I Wrote For The School Magazine

Great Things Happen When We Believe

It almost felt like a dream, a fantasy that could only happen in lives of the talented and gifted. No, it could not be possible; to be given the luxury of a free plane flight across half the world; to be blessed with an opportunity to do, see, hear and feel things that I have only dreamt about; to be an honorable guest of the one of the world’s most renowned and historical university; to be referred as the representative of “Malaysia” alongside only the finest young speakers of other countries. No, that could not be for real.

My name is Bong Yang. I started college in TARC just like any one of you in 2008. I used to gaze upon the fluently articulated emcees during Mass Call and thought how great it would feel like to be able to speak so wittily to such a big crowd. I admire the seniors that greeted us during our first days of college who shared their success stories, of how possible it could be to both excel in studies and also be champions in other activities. I was truly inspired, but never thought it was possible. Success stories were for a few, I was just another freshman among the thousands of others. Why would I be the successful one?

The years went by as college life molded me to start believing and dreaming big. Even so, I had no idea something bigger than my dreams was coming my way. I was told by Ms. Val, my English lecturer that there was an English examination from Cambridge and the International winner would get an MBA scholarship. I actually broke out in laughter. It sounded so bizarre and farfetched that I thought I should definitely give it a try.

Bizarre indeed it was. Being one of the highest scorers of the examination, I was invited to the “National Level Cambridge English Speaking Competition” that was coincidentally held in that exact hall that I first dreamt of speaking on stage. The winner of the competition would be flown to Cambridge in UK to compete for an MBA scholarship. It was unbelievable. I held on tight to my guts, surrendered the rest to God and enjoyed my brief moment on stage. The next thing I know, they were announcing the winner and I heard my name and went up stage. I didn’t really know what was happening back then, probably looking back now, it was simply too good to be true. Cambridge? Really? Where in the world is Cambridge?

+Photo with the judges after winning  the National Level Cambridge English Speaking Competition in TARCollege

Cambridge is 80km north of London, says Wikipedia. On the 4^th of July, I arrived in London after a 12 hours flight.  A RM500 taxi ride brought me to Cambridge (Cambridge paid the bill) where Isaac Newton and many other scientists that we never bothered memorizing from out text books used to study and do their research.  Cambridge was really a great host, having given a room to myself and abundance of food to enjoy, I was prepared to face the competition!

The competition came swiftly the next day while I was still jet-lagging. The finalists were required to present a speech about “The economic impact of Olympics towards its hosting country”, an impromptu speech and a Q&A Session.  The crowd roared when I ended my speech. Be it out of passionate cheer or plain courtesy, I walked off knowing I gave my best. Before the announcing of the results, many from the crowd came to me and commended on my presentation. It was a little overwhelming as the comments they gave sounded pretty conclusive. However as they announced the winner, my name was not mentioned this time.

+ Presentation during the competition

Although disappointed, I knew winning was not the most important thing. The experience of being in an International competition was fulfilling in itself. Having given the chance to see the world and travel the UK was amazing, especially when you have a passion for photography.

One of the most rewarding experience was the honor to mingle with the finalists from different countries. All of them were champions from their country, fluent in their language, sharp in their thinking and ability in articulating their thoughts. It was indeed satisfying to be competing as well as befriending them.

+New found friends from different parts of the world

We were all like little ambassadors of our country. Through each other we learned of the history, culture, happenings as well as the concerns of the very people of each country that the media would never tell. The differences in values, belief and manner were very tangible but yet through that I learned to honor and respect differences, to embrace unity in diversity and not conformity. Being able to know one another and share thoughts and ideas definitely widen our perspectives that so often bound us to a limited world-view.  The world indeed is much bigger than the one we see through our lenses.

Truly, from a freshman who thinks he would have to helplessly live an ordinary life to one that has been sent overseas to speak on behalf of Malaysia, sounds too good to be true, a fairytale-liked dream that could only happen to the very few gifted and talented. The truth is who says fairytales cannot come true?  Every one of us are gifted in our own ways, we have talent buried inside of us that yearns to show up. The last thing we would want to do is to think small of that God-given potential, much like me when I first joined college, and thank God that He totally ruined my plan of being mediocre an ordinary.

“And these signs will follow those who believe” Mark 16:17

Let’s not give up on the dreams that we use to have, or the dreams we do not dare to dream.

Let’s start thinking and dreaming big again, because great things happen when we start to believe!  

Loves,

Bong Yang

Work

I

Work with 3 graphic designers

 Design and be creative

 Drink Coffee

Take photographs

Design websites

Make videos and produce short-films

AND

Facebook

No, facebook IS part of my job.

Not bad,

Not bad at all.

Poster

Like!

My senior pastor Ps. David will be preaching in TARC CF the following two Tuesdays on God's love in the old and new testament. This is going to be significant!

Revival!

Roar!

May we all fall more in love with God! For He was radically in love with us before creation!

Moral & Etika's Powerpoint Slides

What?? This is one Freaking Cool Religion man!!!

Resistance to the proud, grace to the humble

humble and teachable,

these are the traits that I am truly proud of for you.

All the best in your college life, a whole new chapter of becoming a man.

The SWC Room

i found some colored pens with overdue calender...

...in the SWC room...

...two years ago

This familiar room, with occupants that changes seasons every two years.

But yet with that two years, it would be like a second home to many,

A sense of pride, a sense belonging; a sense of importance, a sense of status?

Invariably it starts with intimidating interviews and bossy seniors;

Then comes friendships and character, sweat and tears.

Hectic schedules, stress and of course joy..

Two years passed, and now it just feels altogether distant, far, unrelated; and yet ingrained with a tingling nostalgic feeling.

I guess two years probably is a long time, cause I got chased out from the room by juniors who said: "non-swc" should not be in here =.=

Oh wells, please don't forgot what SWC stands for

Student Welfare Committee

I remember how intense I was in trying to bring this aspect of the student body, making it an available place for those who are in need, or desperate for a lending hand. but i guess, it just didn't happen.

Best wishes to the current occupants of this room! Remember you are here to serve ya!

May you live out the name and its definition that much better this year! :)

What I've done

Sold my hair for that amount

Promised myself to shave this guy's head one day

Studied restlessly, but doing pretty well cause He loves me :)

Prayed with different groups of awesome individuals around college for a great awakening!

and lastly,

learning how to get my hair back, fast!

Happy Exam Days Everyone! :D

Rejoice, Pray Without Ceasing, and in Everything Give Thanks

If there's one word that can best describe what life is to me, it would be "AWESOME"

awesome- adjective

1.inspiring awe

2.showing or characterized by awe

awe- noun

1. an overwhelming feeling of reverence, admiration, fear etc

Therefore, awesome is actually an adjective to describe the feeling of overwhelming with reverence, admiration and fear. Yes! The precious and valuable life that i have been given freely is just so awesome! :D

Its exam period and everyone is in the studying gear with one leg on the accelerator and both hands tight on the steering wheel. The library has been so packed that its almost like a famous restaurant where you gotta wait for seats to be vacant to have yours. Although much of my time in the library hasn't been very productive, with the distraction of the silly yet brilliant gadgets from MACintosh, the monkeys that are sitting around me, and the wonderful temperature in the library that just makes you sleepy :)

Life's been really great! Everything seems to have that much more purpose now, be it studying, friends, family, and even food. I thank God that I am walking in His path right now and to let Him reveal to me bit by bit the awesome things to come, it just makes me wanna jump off my chair and shout loud in praises! :D

Yes! To see people getting to know the one true living God and be transformed by this awesome truth, its just amazing :) God, i know You love Your people, bless them tremendously, provide them growth in You and let them know You more each day and be at awe of your awesome power! :D

Mum's office vacated to PJ so its so much easier to meet up now because my place and her's are of the same train line. She's been offering to wash my laundry every now and then and everytime we see each other, she would inevitably bring fruits for me. Gosh, i'm just in awe! XD,

I do not know what did i do to deserve this, but i just wanna say, thank you for loving me mum :)

I believe, there shouldn't be a categorizing of our lives into good or bad. Life is a gift. When everything is smooth sailing, we rejoice; but when things just happen the opposite way, i choose to say life is still good because the value of my life isn't dependent upon consequences but upon what i believe in :)

(Afterall living a life without much hair currently isn't the best thing to have, but still, life's awesome! :D)

Let me end this brief post with a wonderful saying:

When life throws lemon at you, make lemonade! :)

God bless!

*photo taken in the vicinity of Sydney

True Motivation

Proverbs 3:5 "Trust the Lord your God with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding"

Mathew 6:25-27 Look at the birds!.....for your Heavenly Father knows you need these...

Philippians 4:6 "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God..And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Enough of bible verses, let's allow the words to really pierce in our hearts and may the peace that surpasses all understanding to guard our hearts :)

*from the streets of Melaka

Picture Language

It's December already! The month has been very packed, rushed, nourished and yet satisfying. With so many things in hand sometimes it goes beyond the capabilities of what 24hours can do, but thankfully, everything fell just into its perfect place, just as if there was a mastermind behind making sure all the jumbled up puzzle pieces fits.

or maybe there is :)

It's December! And its Christmas! This year is a very different yet significant one. Christmas to me, use to be following my Christians relatives to the Cathedral where the roads jammed up and you barely can find any car park. Multitudes of people with their family would bee into the majestic Catholic Church where the song of organs filled the air. A large cross would hung in the air with Jesus hanging on it while the priest with the altar boys are things that my Christmas cannot miss. I would be singing with the church choir accompanying while making funny faces with my brothers on the wooden chairs with hymn books. And as the service end, we would stay overnight at our relatives' place and expect to be given presents the next morning. That was how Christmas was to me :)

But ever since I grew up and came to World Harvest, Christmas was very different. There isn't as much festivity and Christmas trees with the ever so familiar baby Jesus in a manger with mother Mary and Joseph beside. No more Santa Clause outside the church giving sweets to kids or car parking jams.

Well, i've learned that Christmas though celebrated in December, means more than a festival. And with all the years put in, I am still on my way to understand how much Christmas really means to me, to the Christians, the non-Christians, and the population as a whole.

For the pass 3 years, I've celebrated Christmas in KL with this church through staging up Christmas events to tell the world about the true meaning of Christmas. They may not be jolly carol-lings, but there is worship songs, real life testimonies, and sharing of Jesus.

I myself went up on stage to give my testimony of how wonderful the true meaning of Christmas really is 3 years ago. The true meaning of Christmas comes from Jesus Christ, and the first Christmas was when He was born to this Earth through a virgin birth as a God-man, to let us know God isn't someone that sits in the clouds waiting for us to do wrong, but is a God that understands our weaknesses, our inabilities and came to this Earth to die for our inabilities and imperfection.

I shared of how God blessed my life and blessed others through me. And non of this could have happen if Christ did not come and die to make me whole and perfect in His eyes.

I give thanks that the past two years after, more people went up and gave their life testimonies. And Christmas to me then changed its definition once and for all. It wasn't a one year thing for me to go to church and enjoy the festivity anymore. Christmas was a time for me to share the good news that Jesus loves us, and die for us. This year i was involved in two Christmas organizing, one in college and the other in my local church.

Despite the long hours and the time management, I understand it was a privilege to be able to give others a good Christmas experience, the give them something better than the most expensive Christmas presents, to let them know the true meaning of Christmas :)

16th December, 630pm, Canteen 1 TARCollege. 500 students gather in a confined area with a light up stage and a few musicians and actors. Above all that, God was there because when two or three are gather in His name, He is in our midst. That night, many heard of the meaning of Christmas, a few teared, and a handful accepted the Reason of Christmas into their lives.

19th December, was our church's Christmas Celebration. It was the first time that we used such a hotel and I knew this year was gonna be a different one.

I served in the worship team, helped up in the sketch team as well as the decoration team. I have no plans to write about how tough juggling these different roles are because it was such a great honor to be used in which ever area that i can be involved and help up in.

The church might be undergoing some challenging times but I am truly amazed by God to see how He strengthens and unite His people to run the race and labor for His kingdom despite the challenges. For all energy invested, even if one life could be change and transform, i would say it was totally worth it.

But that day, people didn't just felt peace in their hearts, they didn't just have a revelation of what Christmas is, they weren't just touched by the staged up programs; people gave their life to Jesus, i saw people in pain and hurts restored by the Lord right in front of my eyes, i saw people with physical illness and pain instantly healed by the Lord, i saw people went under the power of God, and above it all, i felt God myself.

Its December! And its amazing how everything changes once your heart comprehend on something greater than yourself. Even though the year is coming to and end, i don't feel the momentum going any slower. Things are working out pretty fine :) Even in hard situations or in broken heartache times :)

It's December! And my brothers are having their school holidays. I have two brothers by the way, one ran away to Taiwan for his youth exchange program after he finished his SPM, and the other who is one year younger seem to be stuck in KL.

I brought him around, malls, public transport, Uniqlo as the picture above, Chilis, my college, my class, my classmates, my room... but he doesn't seem to know what to look forward to. Well, he's still 16 so i guess it ain't wrong to be blur.

Oh, i guess something slightly more interesting to him (which he was still giving the "slamba" face) was the charity haircut in college. His older brother was asked to bald his head if the charity amount could reached RM1500 in a week's time :)

However the amount only reached RM272 that afternoon at 12am and it was 3 hours to the closing hour. Seeing this i bought two tickets to cut my hair and my brother's in the event and i ended up looking like this

I was quite happy with it, what a new look for Christmas i thought :) and so happily i went to KLCC for a movie. But right before the i bought the movie tickets, the charity event person called and say, they've reached RM1500 and i were to come back immediately to get my head shaved =.=

*The shavee list.....

And hence, i am officially a bald guy for next few months.

It's alright, for charity its worth it even if it means getting weird stares or wrong impression of being dangerous or a pervert, which i do get =.= Oh wells! Hair grows!

With a great year behind, a bald head and a great God, I am ready to face the new year 2011 with great boldness and faith!

Are you ready!