Jimmy On The Go!

on October 2, 2009

. 0 Comments

What’s up!

I thought I’d drop a quick line to let you all know that, yes, I’m still alive. I know, I know, you’re right, I’ve done a pretty bad job of updating my site. But! In my defense, I think I must have the worst luck when it comes to getting internet access! Seriously!

In the last month or so I’ve been all over Taiwan and also spent two weeks in Korea. So what would happen is: whenever there was really good interent access, I’d bee too crazy busy to use it. Or, when I did have some free time to use the internet, the internet speeds would be so slow that it was – to borrow a phrase from my cousin Jisoo – “Like a snail eating peanut butter.” Now that’s slow. Or, the third scenario would be that there was good internet in the house or apartment I happen to be staying in but it would be down and not working for some reason!! I kid you not the fact that happened numerous times in numerous locations!

So anyways, I’m back in Taichung City now and working on some sermons for some meetings coming up here in Taiwan and as well, slowly but surely, working on a newsletter to update you all on the past month.

In the mean time, please stop by and say “hi” on skype, facebook, here on my website, or twitter! Just use my full name to find me on any of those sites: Jimmy R. Lee.

Much love,

Jimmy

funniest thing I saw on facebook today:

Published

on July 14, 2009

. 0 Comments

Someone’s status line on facebook today:

“Elizabeth thought Dilemma meant 100 years….”

LOL. Awesome.

Made it to Taiwan!

Published

on July 6, 2009

in Latest News and Photo Album

. 1 Comment

So after a total of 28.5 hours of traveling, I am now in Taiwan! Sit back, relax and follow me now as I take you on a wondrous picture book journey of how it all went down…

Sweet!! I’m on the plane to Taipei from LA, and look! Got the whole row to myself! All three chairs! I tried laying down across all three chairs to sleep, but got the worst neck ache cuz I was too tall. But, these other tiny ah-jum-ma’s [older asian ladies] lucked out cuz they got 4 chairs…puh! They straight sprawled out real comfortable on them too!

As the plane was getting ready to take off, I decided to check my email and facebook one last time. That’s when I found my sister’s facebook status [Jane Lee Hong]. I have the best sister on the entire planet…well, she’s at least in the top 10. HAHAHA. Jusssss kidding Jane. Love you very much.

Very cool. Right as the plane started accelerating to take off, I looked down at my watch and the time was 5:55pm. The number “5″ usually represents “grace” in the Bible. Awesome.

Right away, we were over the water. We flew right over Santa Monica. I forgot how close LAX is to the coast. Pretty cool watching the coast fade away. See ya laterz America!

There was this cute kid up a few seats. Looked like he was just as fascinated at our take as I was. I love seeing kids in “wonder” at the world around them.

Cool. Smooth take-off complete and we’re off! 12 hours and 59 minutes to go. The flight was relatively smooth. Except at one point when we were all asleep we hit some turbulence, but I was too tired to care. But then later, there was an announcement on the plane that a passenger was very sick. They were asking if there was a doctor on board that could help. Yeah…couldn’t help but think…”Swine flu??” But then I prayed for the sick passenger and all the rest of us, and went back to sleep! haha.

Got picked up from the airport by my friend, coordinator, care-taker, and incredible interpreter…RUTH CHANG! This photo was actually taken the next day after I got to Taiwan. We both came out of our rooms and discovered we were dressed the same! Red tops with kahki bottoms. haha. I think we attracted some stares.

So the next day after I got to Taiwan I had my first meal there. Ruth took me to this “sukiyaki” house. They don’t eat sukiyaki the way I’m used to. They put a bowling pot in the middle and throw stuff in and that take stuff out once it’s cooked. Sorta like Koreans do with grilling ghal-bi in the middle of the table. As they say here in Taiwan, “Verrrry taaaaasty!”

So, yeap! I’m here in Taiwan chillin and relaxin, jet lagged, waking up at 2am, blogging…and getting ready for India. Thanks guys for all the love and prayer, and thank you Jesus!

Last American meal…

Published

on July 4, 2009

. 1 Comment

…for awhile. It don’t get more “American meal” than McKie D’s, on the Fourth of July, here at the LAX.

Flight number 2 is completed. Waiting for my next flight, “the big one” weighing in at 13 straight hours. Oh Father, please may I be seated with a quiet, nice person and I promise I will be quiet and nice back to them…amen! Haha.

Anyone got any funny stories or any horror stories about flying? I know my bro-in- law does and more recently Grace’s “the mask” escapade is one for the books!

Sent from my iPhone

Landed in San Francisco on lay-over!

Published

on July 4, 2009

. 0 Comments

Completed first of four flights to India! Just landed in San Fran. Flew on Virgin America for the first time. Pretty cool plane: large in- flight entertaiment selection, wi-fi on board, purple lighting, red décor, and even the air-sickness aka “barf bags” were colored in the stylish red.

Next up: lay over in Los Angeles and then on to Taiwan for two days and from there…INDIA!

(Sent on the go.)

best thing to happen to me today:

Published

on July 3, 2009

. 0 Comments

Spending time eating, laughing, praying, and worshipping with family and loved ones right before leaving for Asia.

I missed having J-Dub, the “P.Shin clan”, and some other friends there, but very glad I got talk to some of them over the phone.

All right Asia, I’m ready for ya.

(Sent on the go.)

best thing to happen to me in the last few days:

Published

on July 2, 2009

. 0 Comments

Getting to spend time with loved ones before I head out to Asia.

Got to watch Transformers 2 on IMAX, had Northlake Tavern pizza, and got to eat my favorite burger in the world at Red Mill. But, best of all, got to do it all with some of those whom I love most.

I love you guys!

[sent on the go]

fri, june 26 – cool moment of the day

Published

on June 26, 2009

. 0 Comments

During the sermon at Ecclesia Project, Pastor Che (the speaker) said to turn to James 2:23-24. Without realizing, three of us sitting in a row pulled out our iPhones and looked up the verse!

Cool.

[sent on the go]

fri, june 26 – craziest thing I saw today

Published

on June 26, 2009

. 0 Comments

I was driving along today when a beat-up looking car takes a right turn into my lane. As the car is turning the driver’s side door flings wide open from the momentum of the car!

The door is one of those ones where the seat-belt is attached to the door. The driver’s arm shoots out as he grabs the seatbelt and reels the door closed!

But then you can tell that the door is broke im such a way that it cannot stay closed and that the dude is driving around while having to hold his door closed! He must have lost his grip on the door when he made that turn!

Crazy.

[sent on the go]

the answer is Jesus

Published

on January 28, 2010

. 0 Comments

I thought this was pretty funny. I was watching a webcast of a church service where a pastor was interviewing a girl in front of a congregation as the girl was giving a testimony of having some bumps on her body being miraculously healed. She said that after receiving prayer, she went home and discovered that two out of three of her bumps were gone.

The pastor then asked: How did you know they were gone?

The girl: Because, when I checked, two of them were gone.

The pastor: Where did the bumps go?

The girl: Uh, um…to…Jesus?

It totally reminded me of a story I heard that illustrated how kids in sunday school think that the answer to any question given in Sunday school is supposed to be “Jesus.” A sunday school teacher was playing a game of “Who am I?” She said to the class: “I like to climb tress, I like to eat nuts, I am brown, and I have a bushy tale…who am I?” The teacher was stunned that there was a long period of silence until finally one little boy spoke up an said, “Well, I know the answer is supposed to be ‘Jesus’ but it sure sounds like a squirrel to me!”

365 Days of Love | Jan 27 | Happy Birthday Ruth!

Published

on January 27, 2010

. 0 Comments

Happy Birthday Ruth!

Thank you for all the years of love and friendship. You have been such an important reason why I have been able to follow my calling and serve God as I do now. Thank you for all the years of coordinating ministry for me and being such an awesome interpreter. Thank you for being patient with me and being my friend and co-laborer in Christ despite all my faults. I love and appreciate you.

I know that God has His hand upon your life and that He is directing your steps. I pray that during this new year of your of your life you will marvel and witness how God uses all things for your good and His glory! I look forward to being a part of the coming revival in Taiwan together with you!

Your friend,

365 Days of Love | Jan 26 | Small Talk

Published

on January 26, 2010

. 0 Comments

Today, I wanted to share a great testimony I received last night. The timing was awesome since yesterday was the official start of doing the “365 Days of Love.” About three ago, I was staying in Taipei with a friend. Near my friend’s home was a breakfast shop. I enjoyed the food there so I ate there a few times during my short stay.

There were two young ladies who worked there and both were the daughters of the owners. The girls pretty much run the whole thing now. I eventually ended up getting to know them a little. In fact, one day, I ended up spending my entire afternoon there just hanging out, talking and sharing about ourselves. I really just felt God’s blessing on that time. Through our time of hanging out, I found out that both the daughters were not Christian.

Then yesterday, the older daughter, “Claire” instant messaged me on Skype and said “Hi.” I had not heard from her since that time of hanging out a few months ago. Right away she told me, “I want to share you a good thing~”

Claire: first my sister having a baby

Jimmy: oh wow! that is great news!

Claire: Yes a boy

Claire: second good thing is I want to believe in God

Jimmy: wow!! that is great news! very happy or you about these 2 great news!

Claire: Thank you ~ (smily face)

Claire: I try to do do this good thing, now I filled so many joy with my heart~

Jimmy: wow! that is great! how did this happen?

Claire: it’s amazing…every night I prayer…I feel satisfied and happy everyday. I have courage to face my life.

Claire: my type is too slow~

Jimmy: hahaha, don’t worry!

Claire: But I already to read Holy Bible every night. I want to receive baptism.

Claire: Every time I prayer I really want to cry, because I feel God love me and everyone. I feel my dreams will come true. I feel he loves me and my family. He gives me a lot. I really want to share my love for everyone. God, I really love you so much.

Jimmy: haha, I love God too!

Claire: Maybe I met you, and my friend tell me a good sign. God so great.

Jimmy: Yes! I think so!

Claire: Do you go eat dinner?

Jimmy: Haha, no, I did not eat dinner yet!

Claire: Just go eat dinner. Ok

Claire: Thank you so much to talk for me. Thank God let us meet.

Again, during the time I hung out with Claire, I just really felt God’s blessing on our time. But, I didn’t feel a leading or a need to initiate sharing the Gospel, even though we did talk about my faith a bit because they asked things to get to know me and were surprised to find out that I’m a pastor. And yet, Claire felt, in hindsight, that God orchestrated our time together.

It’s truly amazing how God can use all the little things we do to love people – like hanging out and making “small talk” – and make the most unlikely, amazing things happen.

365 Days of Love | Jan 25 | A Cardboard Box

Published

on January 25, 2010

. 1 Comment

Today, I went and did some Costco shopping here in Taichung, Taiwan. I love Costco, don’t you? I bought some stuff and went through the checkout when the clerk tries to ask me something in Mandarin. Since I speak pretty much zero Mandarin, all I could do was say something in English so he could realize that I didn’t speak Mandarin.

After the clerk loaded up my cart, I headed out and then took an elevator down to the basement parking. On my way down I looked into my cart and realized none of the stuff were boxed! It then dawned on me what it was the clerk was trying to ask me: if I wanted a box for the stuff I bought! Well, it was too late to get a box since Costco was closed and I was one of the last customers to leave.

As I contemplated how I was going to carry all the stuff up to my friend’s apartment when I got there without a box, the elevator doors opened and then lo and behold, just a few feet in front of me on the ground, was one single cardboard box just big enough for all the stuff I had.

I immediately felt so thankful and just had a feeling God was showing me some love.

365 Days of Love | Jan 25 | Donation to Haiti

Published

on January 25, 2010

. 0 Comments

Today I made a donation to help support relief work in Haiti. I donated to an organization called “Churches Helping Churches.” God’s answer to the continuation of his work on earth is the Church, and in no other time is God’s kingdom work of love, hope and healing needed more than in times like these.

It is with this firm conviction in God’s plan and strategy that the leaders of “Churches Helping Churches” write:

Both throughout history and following specific tragedies it is often the local church that cares for widows, orphans, and the poor. It is the church who performs the funerals, grief counseling and spiritual follow up with families of victims. Rebuilding local churches helps address the practical and spiritual needs of a country, one person, one neighborhood, and one community at a time.

“Churches Helping Churches” is being headed up by Pastor Mark Driscoll and Pastor James Macdonald. I know and firmly believe every penny that is sent their way will be used in the spirit of bringing God the greatest glory possible through loving and serving Haiti as Christ would.

Please consider making a donation to “Churches Helping Churches” or to some other relief effort today. No matter the amount or effort, great or small, the worst thing would be to do nothing at all, because we have an awesome God who can take the best we can give and multiply the blessings!

365 Days of Love

Published

on January 24, 2010

. 0 Comments

As we were nearing the end of 2009 and coming upon 2010, I found out a friend of mine is taking on a radical challenge to live 365 days of love. The purpose is to not just talk about love but to live love. The challenge is to render 365 acts of kindness – one act of kindness for each day of the year.

Honestly, when I read about it I felt inspired, confirmed, and intimidated all at once! I mean seriously. What an amazing and yet daunting thing to consider and commit yourself to. Then again, I thought, perhaps I’m the one who makes “loving others” out to be something harder than it really needs to be. Some people say, “Go big or not at all.” But, I think sometimes what we need to realize as well is that “a little bit can go a long way.” Sometimes the most seemingly simple or “meaningless” acts of love and kindness God uses to makes some of the most significant impacts. One of the worst things that can ever happen is when we end up doing nothing at all because we think what we could do won’t really matter.

Well, as I contemplated taking on the challenge, I let my friend know that I was thinking about joining him on this venture. He sent a quick reply and encouraged me to “blog it!” So well, that’s what I’m going to try to do! Key word being “try”!

As I was praying about it, I think my journey of “365 Days of Love” is going to be both about giving and receiving love. I hope to share all the incredible love God is pouring into me and through me!

All for Jesus.

on tiger…

Published

on December 16, 2009

. 2 Comments

With regards to Tiger Woods and the scandal surrounding his life and marriage, the word “disappointed” has been used a lot in statements such as: “I am so disappointed with Tiger.” In light of all the people, especially youth, that looked up to him as a role model, I can hardly say that I blame people for feeling this way. But, on a different note, I would have to say that I am disappointed as well, not so much with Tiger as I am with the response of Christian brothers and sisters.

In particular, my disappointment is how slow some of us are to express any desire or hope for repentance, grace, forgiveness, and restoration for this man, and yet we are so quick and fixated on calling him names and saying how much we “never really did like him”, and that he “got what he deserved”, etc.

I wonder, for every Christian that called Tiger a “loser” and a “disappointment” was there also a fervent prayer coming out of these same people’s mouths for his repentance? Was there love-filled, faith-filled, fervent prayer that Tiger could come to know Jesus through the grace and forgiveness our Lord offers to him this very moment? Was there any feeling of hope that this could be redeemed as an opportunity to show the world that Christ truly does change our lives through forgiveness no matter how great our fall or how great our hypocrisy?

Or, will we, as the Body of Christ, show the world that, “Yes, we have nothing to say or offer but ‘disappointment’ like you do”? Can we not, should we not, be different in our reactions and responses than the average person? Doesn’t Jesus have more to offer than that?

The answer is an emphatic “yes.”

Now, in no way do I condone or gloss over what Tiger has done. For a man to cheat on his wife is a terrible, terrible thing. There is no excuse for it for any man. Such men are rightly called “losers” and many other colorful adjectives. But with that said, I also want to say that each time I see or hear about Tiger and this scandal, to my best ability, I will take the opportunity to cry out – even if quietly – in the depths of my soul for the redemption and healing for him and his family.

For…

I believe in the Gospel of my beloved Friend, Lord and Savior Jesus. I believe it has the power to save anyone – no matter how rich, or not rich, famous, or not famous. [Rom 1:16]

I believe we all – apart from Christ – are “losers” just like Tiger. I believe every man and woman – no matter how rich or not rich, famous or not famous – will go to hell because of sin if they do not put their trust in the saving grace of Jesus Christ. For we all “fall short of the glory of God” and “not one of us is righteous” since even our “righteousness” is like filthy rags before God. [Rom 3:23, Rom 3:10, Isa 64:6]

As well, I believe that Jesus died for every single man and woman – no matter how rich or not rich, famous or not famous – because we all equally needed His work of grace, atonement, and redemption…just like Tiger. [Isa 53:6, John 3:16]

I believe that every man and woman – no matter how rich, or not rich famous, or not famous – though they be strangers or even an enemy to us, should be cared for with Christ’s love in their hour of reckoning as compassionately and freely as we would any other loved one since this is what Christ would do. [Luke 6:27, Matt. 10:8, Ezek 33:10-11, James 5:20, 1 Peter 4:8]

For, I believe that every person – no matter how rich or not rich, famous or not famous – who genuinely repents and humbly seeks his grace can and will be fully forgiven, restored, and their story redeemed all to His glory. [1 John 1:9, Rom 3:24, Eph 1:7, Col 1:14, Heb 9:12 ]

This is my hope and prayer for all people, and without exception, it is my hope and prayer for Tiger Woods and his family. I hope that you would prayerfully consider making it yours as well.

“when I fall…” micah 7:8

Published

on November 19, 2009

. 0 Comments

Rejoice not over me, O my enemy; when I fall, I shall rise; when I sit in darkness,the LORD will be a light to me. Micah 7:8 [esv]

It is so encouraging to reflect on the fact that God affirms through His Word that He knows we are “only human.” He knows our short-comings, our weaknesses, our faulty tendencies. As in Micah 7:8, God affirms throughout Scriptures that He understands that we are not perfect, that we fall short of His glory, that we stumble, we struggle, we come up short, we suffer defeat, and that we “fall and sit in darkness.” God is not in denial of this fact and so we should not be either. This is the love and grace of God!

But, far from being an excuse or “clause” for us to remain defeated, lost, or unchanged in our sinful habits or displaced from God’s plan for our lives, the fruit of God’s love, grace and comfort is: confidence, perseverance, victory and holiness. God’s grace is not an “end” but rather a “means” to His end.

If Micah 7:8 were the plot of a short story, the climatic end is not when our protagonist finds himself “fallen and sitting in darkness.” Rather, the story rises and pushes forward as “The Great Hero”[God] enters into the plot, saves our narrator, and lifts this main character [you & I] to the ultimate end which is a state of shared triumphant glory with The Great Hero Himself.

Here are some practical applications of how Micah 7:8, and similar verses, can and should impact our lives:

ONE. More confidence to draw near to God.

TWO. More love and praise for God.

THREE. More joy in Christ.

FOUR. More victory through Christ.

FIVE. More perseverance

SIX. More hope to fulfill our calling & destiny

So if you are among those desiring to live faithful to God because you’re in love in with HIm, take courage and comfort today! Now matter how many times you “fall” or you find yourself “sitting in darkness” His grace abounds all the more!

free ebook: A Hunger for God by John Piper

Published

on October 19, 2009

. 0 Comments

GO HERE TO DOWNLOAD: “A Hunger for God” by John Piper

The following is a brief rundown on what the book is about. This excerpt is taken from DesiringGod.org.

A Hunger for God

Desiring God Through Fasting and Prayer

A Hunger For God was written to help Christians understand the Biblical nature and purpose of fasting and prayer.

In this book, John Piper looks at the phenomena of religious, political, and health-based fasting, which occur around the world, and explains what makes Christian fasting unique. He then discusses the reasons and ways the Bible commends fasting to us. Ultimately, Piper asserts, fasting is a way of expressing to God that he is the supreme hunger of our hearts—that we are starving for him.

a grace seeker

Published

on October 16, 2009

. 2 Comments

I CAME ACROSS THIS GREAT PICTURE AND QUOTE ON SOMEGIRLWITHA.COM‘S PAGE. You should check out her “100 Things About Me”, it’s awesome.

The quote reminded me of a message I had heard a little while ago. The pastor admonished us all to be “grace seekers.” He said something to the effect that God delights in giving and showing us His grace, and if we were to ask, “God, help me to see your grace in my life today,” He would be absolutely thrilled to do just that.

KNOWING JESUS = SUFFERING AND GLORY

For a moment, allow me to pin a note here and mention that I’m not exactly down with the whole “positive talk” message that seems to be the only thing that comes out of some preacher’s mouths these days. I am not entirely against some of it’s message & the true fruit it effects. But bottom line is that I believe that the true Gospel entails true joy that embraces sharing in Christ’s sufferings. So, “no”, I don’t believe that if I just have enough faith, speak faith, and speak only positive Scriptures over myself that life will be devoid of all troubles, suffering, and pain. But, with that said, I am equally resistant to a Gospel message that is devoid of joy, victory, and God’s glory amidst, through and despite adversity! Hallelujah.

MY GRACE MOMENT

Just recently I had a great “God-moment” as fruit of being a “grace seeker.” It was a few weeks ago. I was in Taiwan and was near the last leg of, what was for me, a “preaching marathon.” In the course of about three weeks, I had preached almost 20 messages, including two back-to-back big conferences that required me to preach almost day and night non-stop. The most preaching I had ever done in such a short time span.

The “grace moment” came as I was waiting backstage for my time to preach. I was tired. Totally exhausted mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. All I could do was just be real with God and say, “I’m so tired right now. I don’t feel like going out there. But, please. Give the strength to serve you and these people well. Because if you don’t…I don’t know how I’m going to go on!” Right as I finished praying that brief prayer, I opened up my eyes and instantly a young boy walked up to me as I sat on the ground. The boy’s name was Jedidiah.

Jedidiah has been in a fight for his life. He was born with an abnormal heart [tricuspid atresia] that has required several surgeries. Even to this day, his heart is not normalized and the doctor’s are talking about another surgery much to the heartbreak of his parents. I had the chance to pray for him when he was just an infant. But in this moment, Jedidiah just looked straight at me and smiled. He then lifted up a toy puzzle he had been working on. Since we did not speak the same language, he gestured to it proudly. He simply and happily wanted to show me he had finished it. He then sat right next to me and began working on a new puzzle.

It made me happy.

It was so subtle that I almost missed it. Here was a quick answer to my prayer. Here was some grace that I needed.

IT’S NOT EASY TO SEE A MUSTARD SEED

What is so amazing is that Jesus said that the kingdom of God is like a mustard seed. His kingdom is grand in scale, lavish in grace, immense in glory and yet, if we do not “seek it” we can just as easily miss it in our lives the way we might not notice a tiny, tiny mustard seed on the ground.

RELATED PASSAGES FOR MEDITATION

2 Peter 3:18 (English Standard Version)

¹⁸But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.

Ephesians 1:7-8 (English Standard Version)

⁷ In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, ⁸which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight

Ephesians 1:16-19 (English Standard Version)

¹⁶I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, ¹⁷that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, ¹⁸ having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, ¹⁹and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might

Matthew 6:33 (English Standard Version)

³³But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

.

tae-kwon-do

Published

on January 31, 2010

. 0 Comments

making the bed

Published

on January 28, 2010

. 0 Comments

“My wife asked me the other day, ‘Why don’t you ever make the bed?’

‘For the same reason I don’t re-tie my shoes after I take them off.’”

- Jim Gaffigan

it’s finally here…

Published

on January 27, 2010

. 0 Comments

The funniest quote I saw in reaction to the launch of Apple’s new iPad came from Gizmodo.com:

“Apple just tried to assassinate laptops.”

LOL. ah man, that gets me every time…[wipe tear from eye]

just one…more…day…

Published

on January 26, 2010

. 0 Comments

crazy dunk

Published

on January 24, 2010

. 0 Comments

Oh man. You have GOT to check out this guys 360 dunk at around 7 seconds into the video, where he dribbles up and then just LAUNCHES into the air bring the ball and then slams it home one-handed. He gets up incredibly, incredibly high.

For those of you who didn’t know, I heart basketball, and I especially heart dunking.

And yes, back in the day I was able to dunk one-handed on a regulation rim. Not all the time, but sometimes! [Hey, not hating! I was a five foot ten inch tall Korean American kid with a 37 inch vertical leap, so that's not bad! haha.]

My dream is that in heaven I will get to dunk two-handed like a monster. I seriously do have dreams of this happening. Thank you Jesus.

Jaeson Ma’s New Single: “LOVE”

Published

on August 28, 2009

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=73kZ6wBoqTk&feature=related

. 2 Comments

This is awesome.

Fellow pastor and friend Jaeson Ma has his single “Love” out on iTunes from his JMA-sitting-edit2 upcoming debut album. Over the last few years, Jaeson has been spreading the Gospel all over the world to thousands of young people. But, when he was 15 his sister gave him a prophetic word about being used by God to both preach to thousands as well as make music to reach the masses with God’s message.

After I heard about the upcoming release of “Love” I couldn’t wait to hear it. When I finally got a hold of the single it turned out to be entirely inspiring. It is totally Jesus, Gospel centered. Or, like the theologians like to put it: “It is the retelling of the old, old story” but set to a new electrifying sound!

I hope that you can all hear it, download it, be blessed by it, inspired by it and take the time to “spread the Love.” This is more than just about supporting a great brother in the Lord, it’s about spreading the Gospel in every way and with every effort.

You can find the song on iTunes or on YouTube at this link:

Also, here is an excerpt from his blog recounting how God put it all together. It really is an awesome testimony so I hope you can take the time to read the whole thing and be encouraged. [You can read the whole story on Jaeson's website by clicking here.]

“In early 2008, when I met Carl Choi (manager of Far East Movement & Jin the MC) he heard my music and saw its potential. When we met, it was a divine encounter. I led him back to God & he led me back into my passion to make music. He then introduced me to Kevnish (Far East Movement) and Jin the MC. By God’s grace, I had the honor to help bring them both to faith in Christ and be baptized in water. I still remember that day when Carl, Kevnish and Jin were baptized at Carl’s apartment, God’s light was shining all around us. We could feel His peace and joy. At the same time, we knew God had called us on a mission to make music that would change the world.

Carl told Kevnish and Jin that he wanted to help produce my next rap album. They all heard a few of my old songs and Jin said, “This is cool. But I feel like rap constricts you bro, your preaching and prayers are so powerful, there’s got to be a way where you can take the same way you preached and prayed over us and put it over beats!” Carl agreed and told me to think about how I could take my best sermons and messages, one-liners and put them into songs made for the radio. I told them this is what I always dreamed of doing, talking or preaching over music, but I didn’t know how to do it. Carl told me to keep working and praying on it…

A few days later, one night at the office, Kevnish from Far East Movement (my producer) and I had a brainstorming meeting on the production and direction of my artistry and music. He asked me, “So what do you want to do? How do you want the public to perceive you? What audience do you want to reach? Cause if you want to reach the urban market you got to become black and change your dress and swagger. If you want to reach the Latin market than you got to dress this way. Or if you want to reach mainstream White America you will have to approach it another certain way!” After hearing all that, I told him I just want to be myself, I want to speak the truth from my heart and do what God has called me to do to preach, but in a new way, not through a pulpit, but through music.

Then something divine happened. Kevnish was a bit stumped on my response, but then he asked, “Hey, do you have any of your sermons on youtube?” I told him of course. He then said, “Why don’t you take that beat your friend sent to you and play one of your youtube sermons over it at the same time?” I did as he asked me to do. When I played the beat and then pressed play on my youtube sermon, something supernatural happened, it was as if heaven touched earth as my preaching landed perfectly over the melodic beat. Somehow the cadence of my preaching would coincide with the music being played perfectly. It was powerful. It was a new kind of sermon. It was the new new. Kevnish was completely shocked. He said, “Oh SH**, that is crazy! I feel goose bumps! Can you see my hairs standing up on my arm right now? This is the craziest thing I’ve ever heard! It’s more than rap it’s beyond rap. You just created a whole new category of music! This will transcend genres, cultures, you don’t need to cater to White, Black, Brown or Yellow you can just be you and preach over beats, over anything. I can see you rocking stadiums with this style, you just preach over the verses and then I’ll create top 40 hooks that the crowds can sing along to. It will be an outer body, spiritual experience…this is going to change the game.”
I was totally amazed myself when Kevnish was saying all this to me. I didn’t believe myself completely. Would people really listen to me preaching over beats? Would this approach really work to reach the masses with the message God had put upon my heart?

Kevnish then asked me if I could freestyle a sermon over the beat on the spot. I told him, “Of course I can, I’ve been preaching for 10 years, I can pull a sermon out whenever, at any given moment and preach from my spirit!” So we played the beat (a special beat which is the music for my first single LOVE given to me by Charles Jones a friend of mine who when making the beat felt from God it was to be given to me to rap over)… as the beat played I asked Kev if there was a topic or theme he wanted me to preach on, he said, “How about love?” …. The rest is history… I started with the first line that came out of my spirit at that very moment saying, “Now Hollywood wants to make you think they know what love is, but I’m going to tell you what true love is…” Kevnish was shocked again. At that moment we knew we had discovered something precious and powerful. This new sound would touch and change the hearts of many around the world… we were about to change histories for eternity.”

VIDEO | Tron: Legacy, FX Test Footage

Published

on August 1, 2009

. 0 Comments

When Tron first came out as a kid it was the biggest thing ever…[at least to us boys]. The Tron arcade game had lines of kids waiting to play it. I remember being too young to understand how to play it and a little too short to see the whole video game screen!

I can’t wait for this movie to come out.

VIDEO-everything is amazing

Published

on June 30, 2009

. 0 Comments

I got this video from my friend Hedge’s site. I don’t know who this guy is, but he just made too much sense. Very funny and observant.

CLIPS | hamburger fail

Published

on June 9, 2009

in Off-Road and clips

. 0 Comments

[this clip is from failblog.org]

CLIPS | bowl of cereal

Published

on May 29, 2009

in Off-Road and clips

. 2 Comments

“It’s espresso for kids” = LOL.

Yeah, man…this is so true. mmMMmm…cereal. By the way, the right way to put together a bowl of cereal is you put the cereal in FIRST and THEN the milk. ”Milk-first” people are freaks.

I kid, I kid.

No, but seriously…you guys are freaks.

[the clip is from 1000awesomethings.com]

Missions Update: Aug 10,2009

Published