Monday, December 15, 2008

Back in the day . . .



I used to hear this over the system at the local arcade back in the day . . .

Saturday, December 06, 2008

Traveling with a Same-Sex Spouse


According to the 2008/2009 pamphlet put out by "Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada" entitled "Essential Information for Canadian Travellers" on page 9 is the following:

"Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, they are not recognized in many countries, apart from Belgium, the Netherlands, South Africa, Spain, and the U.S. state of Massachusetts. Same-sex civil unions are more widely recognized, for example, in Denmark, France, Iceland, and the United Kingdom. Attempting to enter another country as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. In addition, homosexual activity is a criminal offense in certain countries and could result in a prison or death sentence. Counsult our Country Travel Reports or the destination country's embassy or consulate in Canada for specific information."

Wow, liberalism does exist within a bubble within the elitist industrialized world. When popped, the liberal emerges to only see that they are not only the minority, but they are in fact on the opposite side of natural law . . . sometimes punishable by death by the majority of the world's nations. Somehow, there is something present even in this federal document that warns against cultural relativism . . . the same type that Obama seemingly embraces in stating "we need to talk and dialogue with Iran, North Korea, etc." Yeah, it's all nice and idealic . . . until you get your a@@ handed to you in a sling.

Friday, December 05, 2008

In Glory with Our Lord Jesus


Remembering all the saints whom I've witnessed pass onto glory over all these years . . .

"And he said, 'Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.'" (Job 1:21 ESV)

"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28 ESV)

"He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away." (Revelation 21:4 ESV)

The grace of God weighs heavily upon all people, Isaiah would remind us that the love of God pursues mankind relentlessly ~ but only for those who repent, will the fullness of God's love and grace be revealed to them. Only for those who repent and have faith in Jesus Christ . . . they will see God.

Saturday, November 08, 2008

The "Historical Drift" Has Begun


Within my denomination (the C&MA), one of our past Canadian presidents - Dr. Arnold Cook - wrote an interesting book entitled "Historical Drift." Needless to say, the book addresses the issue of losing the anchors of biblical doctrine and the results of the shift that occur in the aftermath. Though Dr. Cook had a prophetic word to share, I believe that "drift" has already begun. Here are perhaps a few (bright men to say the least) who may be a sign of the things to come:

David Fitch (pastor/author, "The Great Giveaway" book endorsed by Brian McLaren)
Skye Jethani (pastor/author, "The Divine Commodity" book also endorsed by Brian McLaren)
David Collins (third culture kid turned social concern advocate)
William Young (C&MA dropout turned pomo fiction author, "The Shack" book endorsed by Bart Campolo)

Does "social concern" or the "social gospel" really stand on par with the proclamation of the gospel? Does Christocentric belong in the metaphor/allegorical category or perhaps the type/example category? Is any of this a throwback to liberal theology? Is the C&MA a "friend of emergent" or a "friend of missional" or maybe just "friend of sinners"? Obviously can't be the last one since "pyromaniacs" are freaking Calvinists - prevenient grace won't be out boxed by saving grace in the C&MA. I wonder if anytime soon there will be a need to start a "confessing movement" within the C&MA?

Tuesday, November 04, 2008

The Dawn of a New Age


"Divided we stand, united we fall." The privilege of living in a democratic capitalist society is that liberalism thrives . . . alongside with conservatism (those who are not in the industrialized elite tend to be autocratic, totalitarian, or authoritarian). Tonight was memorable, the first African-American man to be elected president ~ one who repeatedly stated that race was not an issue . . . but then again every other liberal American media outlet is quoting the now infamous "Booker T." invite to the White House. C'mon, would America cared if Obama was a white man? If some young, liberal, urban, social activist, white politician from Chicago with the same credentials ran . . . I don't think anything would have happened. Just to remind us of his stunning credentials of color, Obama (in probably the "dryest" Obama-cliched speech I've ever heard from him up to date) just had to tell the story about Ann Nixon Cooper. Yes, let's not play the race card now. It's one thing to attack the establishment and an entirely different thing to be the establishment. I pray that "president elect" Barack Hussein Obama will consider doing some McLaren-esque "deep shifting" soon . . . because contrary to what the TVoid is telling us, the country has not made some definitive statement on their choice for Congress or President tonight . . . the country is deeply divided.

Friday, October 31, 2008

"Samurai Mike" Rampage

Singletary apparently dropped his drawers during a halftime rampage ~ this is the post-game aftermath. As he showed his backside to the players, Samurai Mike described "It's just sharing my heart with them." Holy Crow! In that case, please don't share anymore anything.



For the record, "a 49ers spokesman clarified how far Singletary actually went with the halftime show, confirming the coach kept his boxers on during the demonstration." Phew, I sure feel better knowing that ~ thank you Chronicle for solid media coverage.

'Zo says: "BTW I'm Voting For McCain / Palin"

Thursday, October 30, 2008

"When does the line between gospel proclamation and a social gospel get blurred?"

Thanks to D.A. Carson's interview with Peter Cha . . . good clarification for us Asian-American reactive types ("what middle? we don't need no freaking middle!").



I think many Asian-American Christian leaders unknowingly/knowingly are being drawn towards either the "emergent/increasingly historical liberal" flavour, the "corporate/attractional" flavour, or the "doctrinal/usually reformed" flavour. Are there safetys or mentors in place to better guide and prophetically navigate the Asian-American Christian landscape? Or do we continue to just drift further into our theological marinades?

Monday, October 20, 2008

Jim Wallis' "Abortion Reduction" Plank


Is a "plank" the same as a "platform"? Or is it a less sturdy version of the latter? Whatever it may be, left-winger Jim Wallis is suggesting that this ought to be apart of Obama's plank to the Democratic platform. Alright, Tony Campolo, Sojourning Wallis, B-Mac (from "A New Kind of Tension" fame) . . . you boys bet the farm on protecting Darfur - which has been witness to genocide and atrocities. Okay, I'm trekking with you this far. But when it comes to abortions . . . "reduction"? Two words - "what the?" According to the CDC, there are an average of 850,000 "legal abortions" carried out each year. To be consistent and beyond reproach would we then suggest a UN "genocide reduction"? What the freak? At one point in time, it seemed quite nice that Brian Mclaren was suggesting a "middle ground" between the liberal fundamentalists and the conservative fundamentalists (yes, I believe they are both "fundies"). But come on B-Mac, you just sold out Costco size to the "leftys" - where's the middle in that? It is equally ridiculous to suggest a "genocide reduction" as it would be to suggest a "abortion reduction" ~ if you are still wondering, I do not believe the "rape victim's" baby is required to pay the penalty of death for the rapist's sins. I firmly believe that Jesus died on the cross for that. Yes we all have a choice . . . "to follow me, pick up the cross and deny yourself" . . . Jesus chose to die for us.

Thursday, October 16, 2008

ICBC to "Gift" Immobilizers to F Series Truck Owners



Now if you own a Ford F-Series truck . . . and you live in the Greater Vancouver Area. You should be receiving a notice in the mail very soon encouraging you to use your $160 ICBC sponsored credit towards the purchase of a electronic auto immobilizer. For those of you unsure of this extraordinary turn of events, refer to the video posted above. According to our evening news broadcaster from Global TV ". . . auto thieves high on crystal meth . . . driving Ford F series vans . . . feel powerful while driving . . ." Note the repititious use of the word "oncoming!" by the crystal meth, Ford lovin', auto thief in the video courtesy of baitcar.com. Click here for the news update.

Thursday, October 02, 2008

Lower Mainland Real Estate Tipping?


Is this the beginning of what "they" (i.e. bankers, mortgage lenders, real estate foolios, developers, etc.) call the "soft landing"? After more than a decade's worth of time spent in this most recent cycle, we are officially preparing to bottom out ~ no thanks to my homies south of the border (props and shout outs to the SEC). According to the official numbers that came out, the Vancouver Real Estate Board has announced that sales have dropped 42% since last year. However, the number of listings have increased since a year ago . . . by 28.8%. Can you say "buyer's market"? Can we say "real estate bubble"? Can we say "about to burst" like a bad appendix?

Must flag David Watt's (President of the above mentioned "Board") comments:

"Although the economic situation in the United States has affected consumer confidence globally, the consensus view remains that our local housing market is underpinned by solid economic fundamentals . . . After five years of unprecedented increases, housing prices are beginning to realign."

Yes Watts, we've all heard the same blah, blah, blah the past few days. "Canuckians, don't be scared, we have a different regulatory structure in place than the US" (in regards to sub-prime mortgages and the like)! Yeah right, since the entire freakin' US economy is "putz" or headed towards "putz" - right Watts, "underpinned by solid economic fundamentals." What? The same fundamentals that are about to knock you upside the head! Yes, I'll have no local confidence when the global fundamentals are gone. Please let's not invade Iran just to boost consumer spending . . . no more, please?

Thursday, September 25, 2008

"Jesus is My Friend" by Sonseed



Props to "MP" for the ska'lin, ska'listic, ska'frolicious, sounds of the "Sonseed".

Tainted White Rabbit Candy


This is the decade of the "Chinese Food Recall" . . . uh make that, the "Chinese Recall" . . . the collapse of the Chinese Economy. Everything is tainted, the Olympic Opening Ceremony, Thomas the Tank Engine, anything "made in China", and now the "White Rabbit Candy." Question: Why is Western media so surprised by all this breach of ethics from the manufacturing industry of the PRC/Chinese government? Answer: None of the western media giants had parents who remember running from the Communist ["Gung-chaan-dong"] . . . then the Japanese ["yup-boon-jai"] . . . then the Communist ["die-look"]. . . then what? If you're Cantonese you'll understand the phonetics and probably the politcs.

Thursday, September 11, 2008

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

A Response to the Materialism Rant


I found a great article that thoughtfully articulates my anger and frustration towards many Asian-American ministries that I come across . . . including my own temptation to "sell out" to the consumers.

Skye Jethani over at Christianity Today posted a insightful article entitled: "How consumerism undermines our faith and community." This is by far one of the most succint and simple-to-read articles that I have come across to address theologically and critique consumerism within the church thoughtfully.

Click here for the down low.

Friday, August 22, 2008

RIP Kenny

Rest in peace Kenny ~ may the Lord have mercy on your soul. You always a good boy to me.

RANT: The Infatuation with Material & Technique


As an Asian-American/Canadian ~ yes a "dualie" (not the truck kind) ~ I've observed the subtle and obvious changes that have occurred within the North American Asian church over the past decade or so. I can't help but see the connection between our local-born addiction to technology and the lateral movement of it (in a Costco wholesale kind of way) into our spirituality. Is it just me or do local-born Chinese (in particular) still carry issues of identity into the 21st century? For instance, why are we so suspicious of the intentions of others? Why are we either too serious or too slack? Why are we either socially integrated or socially segregated? Why aren't there any "in between" to this madness? (i.e. local-borns either running in boatloads to the right or the left; Wallis liberalism vs. MacArthur fundamentalism). Perhaps, we ~ the benefactors of great wealth passed down to us from our hard working immigrant parents ~ are compensating by repeating the cycle taught to us from previous generations. Love = money, Security = material wealth? I don't know. The reason why I would point out the spirituality thing is that our theology - in particular because we are so affluent - is so similar to the same type of Southern Baptist WASP-ish tendencies that many of us grew up coping with (Chinese call you "gwai", White folk call you "those people"). As Ed Stetzer might ask, "how would we maintain biblical fidelity and faithfulness to the mission of God?" As a North American sub-culture, we are just so market-driven and crazy ~ we've sold out to middle-classism and the Southern Californian lifestyle. I feel like throwing up right about now.

Monday, August 18, 2008

What is required in a presidential candidate?

"We can change, yes, we can change" ~ crazy words of inspiration. But, is the character of a candidate revealed in their policy-making? Or lack thereof? Are we so commercialized as to believe that candidates have no "personal voice" of their own? Are they so "spun" that they are just the byproduct of the US Democratic Market-criven political machine? Today, we've got two candidates who are either consistently liberal OR consistently "inconsistent". One candidate is awe-inspiring, youthful and hopeful - but underneath, questionable values when looking at their political record. The other candidate is experienced, has tenure & the temper to go with it, but not someone I would trust to teach Sunday school to my kids (and in all fairness, the younger guy with his idealistic views probably wouldn't qualify as a teacher either). What is required nowadays in a presidential candidate? Does it matter whether or not a guy can hold done a marriage and really prove his toughness (which apparently can break even the hardness former Vietnam POW; the former POW returned to a loving wife who survived a life-threatening car wreck that left her "less than" perfect)? What about adulterous tendencies? Do we care about things like that? Do we sell out and choose the lesser of two evils? Does it really matter that a potential leader of a global superpower care about the right of a woman to abort a child growing within her womb? Or for that matter, care about the rights of unborn children?

I'm sorry Obama, "we can change, yes we can change" (McCain, you too) - the only changing that we must experience is sanctification.

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

What is Multi-Level Marketing?

Otherwise known as "MLM" or "Network Marketing", what is "Multi-level Marketing" anyways? I have heard it described as "the business concept: burn friends for business partners." Recently I found a insightful article revealing the "gospel-like" qualities of MLM and it's practitioners.

Four issues (called "problems") are dealt with:

- Market Saturation
- Pyramid Structure
- Morality and Ethics
- Relationship Issues

Click here for the "deal on the schpeal."


Why am I giving airtime to MLM? Simply because there is an increasing number of those from within my social network who are now double dipping their wage earning potential by hobby horsing on the side as MLM disciples. This grieves me deeply . . . 12 Gauge deep, not the Cheney bird shot type . . . I'm dreaming "slugs".

Friday, July 11, 2008

Obama ~ Jackson



I am so frustrated with this whack, try-hard, political b@$#&%$t! Okay, as an Asian Christian man trying to understand what the Rev. Jesse Jackson is trying to pull . . . now first of all, if he belonged to any Christian denomination of repute, he would have already lost his title "Rev." He also recieved his M.Div back in 2000 after years of putting it off - I wonder, what the hell did he learn in seminary? Come on already, has everyone already forgotten Karin Stanford, the former Rainbow/PUSH Coalition staffer who had an affair with the Rev. Jackson - the result of which was a daughter?

Let me get this straight Rev. - do you really think that Obama is speaking down to black people? Or do you think that he's speaking down to you? Or are you just so overwhelmed with guilt and depravity that you cannot even own up and "man up" to you own vices? Is this transference of denial in the form of anger projected upon another man? Perhaps, a good man (Obama) who actually cares about making good solid moral decisions and choices as a black man. Perhaps, because Obama experienced life without a Daddy - a young black man who grew up fatherless, raised by his white grandmother, only to end up as a strong black man deeply rooted in his faith (a black liberation theology kind - unfortunately, not the biblical Jesus kind).

I appreciate how the NY Times quoted the Rev. "In a statement, Mr. Jackson said, 'My appeal was for the moral content of his message to not only deal with the personal and moral responsibility of black males, but to deal with the collective moral responsibility of government and the public policy which would be a corrective action for the lack of good choices that often led to their irresponsibility.'" Click here for the NY Times post. Yes, it's "Mister" rather than "Rev" - thank you NY Times. Also, note how Mr. Jackson would like to further perpetuate the racist power structure by giving the responsibility back over to government and public policy VERSUS "young black males just need to 'man up'!" (paraphrase from Obama speech).

Why is it, that when a good black man, who (so far, up to this point . . . we'll see) makes good choices, makes a successful run at a race that no other black man has ever succeeded at, gets this close . . . brother just don't got no support from the higher ups. Is this what "black-on-black crime" looks like in the upper echelon? I am so sick of this, it's like a throwback to the East versus West Coast crap back in the day (ala. Biggie Smalls & Tupac). Can't we all just get along?

Jesse, please retire, go home, find another job in another line of work, you embarrassing your peoples. Find another job and support that extra-marital affair daughter of yours . . . get yours and get some child support sent to Cali. Quit hating and perpetuating fatherlessness. Please, just be a good black man (whatever that may mean nowadays).

Fortunately, the son is wiser than the father.

Friday, June 27, 2008

The Emergent Rock of Orthodoxy


"assurgent, convergent, divergent, emergent, resurgent . . . detergent, insurgent, preemergent" . . . current and future names of cool "pomo" or "po-pomo" or "po-po-pomo" movements. "Yee-ahh boyeee" (ala Flava Flav). Epic, just remember I thought of it . . . second.

Currently Playing on the Sansa E260

Each day I drive an average of 70 km (43.5 miles) round trip to church. Because of the side streets and location of our home to the highway, the average one way drive lasts 45 minutes. As a result, I have taken the opportunity to pack my MP3 player with tons of material for the drive (gargabe in, garbage out). I've spent an average of 36 hrs./month on the road or sitting in traffic ~ as a result, my richest learning so far in life has occurred.

Here's a shortlist of what's gone down so far:

- "The History of Christianity I" taught by Dr. Frank James III of Reformed Theological Seminary (33 classes)
- "Humanity, Christ, and Redemption" taught by Dr. Robert Peterson of Covenant Theological Seminary (38 classes)
- Various talks gathered from Together for the Gospel, Acts 29 Church Planting Network, Desiring God Conferences, etc.

Most recently and currently playing on the Sansa E260:

- "Old Testament History" taught by Dr. V. Philips Long (36 classes), formerly of Covenant Theological Seminary and currently at Regent College in Vancouver, BC
- One of the most incredible sermons on "the Holiness of God" that I have heard yet, preached by C.J. Mahaney ~ kudos to Adrian Warnock for reposting "old sermons" (though I sure don't think it's that old)
- Maria Kliegel playing J.S. Bach's Cello Suite No.1 in G Major (BWV 1007)

My Sansa's my new best friend . . . until my FM transmitter begins to act up.

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

NT Wright on the Colbert Report

Bishop Wright of Durham was talking new heaven and new earth with Stephen Colbert (6/18/08), click here.

"I'll see you in the afterlife and we'll settle it there . . ." (Colbert on Wright).

Saturday, June 14, 2008

Signs & Wonders: John Piper Style


Back in the 80s, during my high school days, my sister - who was at Biola University at the time - had to attend worship services of differing styles for a class she was enrolled in. So we decided to go down to Anaheim Vineyard for an evening service one Sunday. All I remember was the Kansas City prophet Paul Cain - strange & weird (apparently, Cain has since been booted by Mike Bickle and Jack Deere). Don't know which was weirder, the testimonies themselves or the fact that 2,000 or so people sat through it with me. He shared about how Jesus showed up in his bedroom of his second story home - which was surrounded by a chain linked fence that was high enough to prevent climbing. Jesus showed up and sat down by his bed and the weight of the second person of the Trinity caused Cain to turn over in bed. Yep, we sang a few of the Vineyard classics that night too . . . feeling weird just thinking about it (80s Praise & Worship Charismatic EMO?).


There were the Kansas City Prophets, the Toronto Blessing, the Brownsville Revival, and now the Lakeland Revival (the last two being from Florida). I admit I had that one weird experience that I just can't shake . . . especially when I hear people sing "I Believe in Jesus" or "Refiner's Fire". But for real, how on earth am I to celebrate with the entire body of Christ?

I'm glad you are with me this far, 'cuz I gots to give props to Pastor John Piper for his opening prayer back in February of 1990 (not too long after my Vineyard experience).

"Oh, Lord, if there is a wind of true, biblical, spiritual power blowing in our day with signs and wonders and healing and prophecy, forbid that I should stand in the way! Don't pass Bethlehem by. Make me the leader you want me to be for the greatest blessing of this church, and the greatest missionary effectiveness. But then, on the other hand I pray, Oh, Lord, forbid that we should lose our biblical bearings; forbid that we become trendy or faddish and begin to substitute the sand of experience for the rock of revealed truth. Show us the fullness of the power of the gospel, Lord, and keep us from preoccupation with secondary things, no matter how spectacular."

For the entire sermon, click here.

Apparently, this guy was in Anaheim that night too. Gheesh, go figure?

Thursday, June 05, 2008

What is good theology?


"Being God-centered in one's life is essential to being God-centered in one's thoughts. This God centeredness is the 'sine qua non' of good theology, for, without it, it is impossible to think our thoughts after God, which is what defines good theology."

Taken from the essay, "The Nature & Function of Theology" by Dr. David F. Wells

Good theology versus bad theology is a theocentric approach versus a anthropocentric approach to God, His Word (Scripture), Salvation (therapy/technique versus "gospel power"), Jesus (good teacher or 2nd person of the Triune godhead), etc. If Jesus Christ is not front and center in "the church", who the hell then is that guy we see every week?

"A church without theology and a theology without God are simply not options for the Christian faith. One can have religion without God or theology, but one cannot have Christianity without them." (R.C. Sproul quoting David Wells who in turn quoted Ian Ramsey)

"For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with words of eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power . . ." (The apostle Paul)

Thursday, April 03, 2008

WOW! I sure feel good.

Pastor John Piper said "If I tried to be like him [Mark Driscoll] . . . I would spiritually evaporate . . . I read slow, if I tried to read as many books as you [Mark Driscoll] did, I wouldn't be able to read the Bible . . . [in regards to being relevant] work real hard to feel this [Bible]."

Click here for the actual blurb.

I read real slow.

Thursday, March 27, 2008

Thursday, March 13, 2008

"I am Republican!"

And guess what? Brothers got my supports ~ subports ~ sub-worts! Ahem, yes, I am well aware that pastors ought not to be political ~ "we can change, yes we can." Peace. Honestly, I like him solely becuase he is black . . . not because he is not qualified, nor because of his differing values and theological convictions . . . I just like him because he's a brother. Is that really fair?



Postscript: Another video was made by will.i.am & company . . . "we are the ones" ~ google this video and you'll find an incredibly wide spectrum of opposing responses.



The last president who spoke like this was JFK ~ charismatic, a master "wordsmith". I wanna see where Obama takes us (think "Obamanation"). Unfortunately, someone who would rather speak and open "more" dialogue with the likes of Iran and North Korea might end up bringing it down to the line. I think that's what happen when JFK "talked" to the Soviets . . . we had nukes parked offshore from Florida. Yeah I know, that was a different time . . . but it sure feels the same today. Am I the only one who recognizes that liberalism flourishes in the industrialized nations? How then would the Obama negotiate with the fundamentalist regimes of N. Korea and Iran . . . with his liberal rhetoric? Supporting Obama is like supporting the slow death of our nation . . . "go ahead wit'cho selves."

Men Who Have Made a Profound Impact on Me

I have spent a considerable time the past year wondering "how in the heck did I come to be this way?" Well, with some reflection and thought, I felt that it would be good for me to put forth a short list (I hope) of names that I find myself either quoting or referencing (i.e. benchmarking or compare/contrasting and against/from):

- Rev. Bob Wiebe (retired, pre-Charter RCMP 25-year veteran, 2nd career minister with the C&MA, worked "homicide" among the toughest Indian Reserves in Canada, my mentor and former regional developer of the Western Canadian District of the C&MA, the toughest man I know)

- My Father (an old school Chinese church planter/pastor who "walks slowly and carries a big stick", God-fearing, well-versed in the old ways of the motherland, grew up fatherless, attended Alliance Bible Seminary in HK; Canadian Theological Seminary in Regina, SK, currently running with the name "Ambrose Seminary"; Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando, FL; International Theological Seminary in Los Angeles, CA)

- Uncle Jack Yee (my god-father, a "man's man", taught me to "roll with the punches", self-made, self-taught, from GED to University he pushed himself, from sweat shop to one of the "O.G." supers at BART, taught me the ways of the Giants and Niners, a pillar at SFCAC - deacon for life, though we don't see each other as often now when we do there is always "the nod of acknowledgement")

- Rev. "Uncle" Louie Mar (my 2nd Dad, retired ATF special agent, 2nd career minister/missionary/church planter, taught me to love people and repent, showed me the value of transparency in leadership and accountability, softened my heart to see things "with the eyes of Jesus")

- Brian McLaren (helped me re-locate Jesus and re-imagine my journey with Jesus, gave me words to articulate my frustration, taught me the value of existing and embracing liminal space, introduced me to systems thinking)

- Dr. Stanley Grenz (rescued me from the Gen-X confusion and exposed the seismic postmodern shift in culture, connected with me using Star Trek Next-Gen speak, taught me to graciously appreciate different theological positions, introduced me to theological thinking, passed on the mantle of "post-everthings" to me ~ Leslie Newbigen, Frost & Hirsch)

- Dr. Tim Keller (taught me the gospel and the pastoral task of finding Jesus in everything, introduced me to biblical theology, passed on the wisdom of Dr. Martyn Lloyd Jones to me, taught me "generous humility", taught me how to preach)

- Dr. John Piper (taught me God's sovereign grace, passed on the wisdom ~ "religious affecftions" ~ Jonathan Edwards and the Puritans to me, taught me pastoral authority and pastoral humility in ministry, taught me why I should preach)

- Dr. R.C. Sproul (taught me to think deeper theologically - systematically and biblically, connected me with the early church fathers, taught me the importance of doctrine and orthodoxy, taught me weird Latin terms, made me passionate about "doctrine and life", taught me the weight of a sermon, passed on the wisdom of Augustinian Orthodoxy, John Calvin and the reformers to me)

- Dr. John C. Maxwell (taught me that Wesleyan-Ariminians do truly love Jesus, set the standard and bones of organizational management and leadership, the ebb and flow of trajectory-oriented leadership, the art of "keeping it together", passed on the wisdom of UCLA's Coach John Wooden to me)

- Mark Driscoll & Company (taught me to love the Bible, to love Jesus, to love my wife, to love my family, to love the people Jesus would love, to love the handful of "!@#$%*@#$@s" at my previous church, contextualized pastoral boldness and prophetic ministry, taught me the spirituality of the UFC ~ which I've always been acutely aware of, gave me clarity and direction in the ambiguity and blur that the Pacific Northwest culture is so fond of embracing and espousing)

There are definately other names that I could add to this list: my current senior pastor (a leadership guru), Rev. Daniel Cheung (my sifu/mentor/guide/Yoda figure), Dr. David Wells (who taught me the difference between technique and theology), Dr. Samuel Ling (who clarified my Chinese/American confusion), Rev. Jack To (my homeboy and sounding board currently in San Diego), and Mr. Chuck Johnson (my grade 8 social studies, softball coach, and pro "tough love" advocate).

Canada's 10 most dangerous cities include 5 in B.C., says Maclean's

Maclean's has come up with a list of the 10 most dangerous cities in Canada (pop. 50,000 or more) based on 2006 per capita crime rates. It might surprise you. Five of the top 10 cities are in B.C., although Vancouver comes in at a surprisingly low No. 9. The others are Prince George (4), New Westminster (6), Chilliwack (7) and Victoria (8). Regina tops the list, although it was in a virtual dead heat with Saskatoon and Winnipeg. Only one eastern city, Halifax, made the top 10. The study took into account six types of crimes: murder, sexual assault, aggravated assault, robbery, breaking and entering, and auto theft. According to Maclean's, the break-and-enter rates in Chilliwack and Victoria would put them among the top 10 per cent of all American cities.

What? No mention of Surrey? Gheesh! Actually, I must admit that Surrey is quite the pleasant place to live ~ currently the reigning "Culture Capital of Canada."

Here's the top 10:

1. Regina
2. Saskatoon
3. Winnipeg
4. Prince George
5. Edmonton
6. New Westminster
7. Chilliwack
8. Victoria
9. Vancouver
10. Halifax

What do you think?

The summary of the article is here and the orginal Maclean's link is here.