Joel Kindiak's Birthday Weekend 2015

Joel Kindiak’s Birthday Weekend 2015

On the 29 April 2015, Joel Kindiak officially turns 18. He is finally legal to participate in long-anticipated activity like alcohol consumption, 4D–betting and being effectively an adult. Yet, these do not seem to attract me much. Rather, I celebrated by 18th with a Birthday Jam.

To be fair, I did have a H3 Linear Algebra Final Exam to take first, of which I’m trusting God for the Distinction that would looks beautiful on my A Level report card. After the exam, I returned home to rest and prepare myself for Birthday Jam 2015.

I first met Alvin at Starbucks while Phyllis and Faith came about ten minutes later. We went to get food and went over to chill and makan for a while at my palace first, following by jamming to our songs. We sang “Our God” by Chris Tomlin and a medley of “Holy Spirit” by Bethel Music and “Your Presence is Heaven” by Israel and New Breed. The video for Our God, in fact, has been loaded up; here’s the link if you want to check it out: http://youtu.be/gQialVMxs0Q

We filmed at my place then braved rain and storm to the Southern Ridges, where we filmed even more there. It was humbling to see my friends sacrifice their comfort to bring me the best birthday I’ve ever had in 18 years. They exemplified God’s agape love, a self-sacrificial love, one that the world desperately needs.

Two days later, on Labour Day, I was recovering from a healing crisis (i.e. immune system crash) on Thursday, but had the honour of hosting my life group at home. It was an awesome moment to see everyone sharing vulnerably about how they are all going through tough times, similar in essence but varying widely in form. We are holding on to one another in this SALG (St. Andrew’s Life Group) and we will be there for one another. This is what family is for. And they rewarded me with a dau–sa–pao cake and cards and affirmations…boosting every joy I have had this 18th birthday so far.

On Saturday, I decided to pop by Megalife to see how things are doing. Catching up with Crystal and Tamara made me realise the wave of rigidity that Megalife was going through for the past few months, draining the life out of many members. Yet, today’s service was a strong reminder for Megalife to return to their roots, to repent to dependency on God instead of smarts, plans or self-effort. I had the honour of witnessing this ministerial repentance. And I had nice brief catch–up sessions, ones that I hope to prolong in the future, with Marcus, Samuel, Rachel, Ming Sheng, Vanessa, Yvonne and Justina. Alvin isn’t in the list cos’ we’ll be meeting once every two weeks anyway.

Over the weekend, I’ve seen and felt God’s love and favour for me, amidst my horrible sickness, in many ways. Firstly, I realise that the people of God still care for me, that they love me even though I am not physically present most of the time, and that truly I am welcome by God’s people everywhere I go. Secondly, I realise that God has used my life as a testimony of faith and hope, to keep the faith despite prolonged sickness, and making me realise that the people around me are indeed encouraged and affirmed to press on when they see me trusting God amidst persistent eczema, to continue trusting in God’s sovereignty and His hand amidst the trial and tribulation. Thirdly, I have learnt that my prayers have power. I am the righteous child of God bearing His overcoming power, and my words have power to release souls from distress. I hope that God will open my eyes to see more opportunities to pray for believers and non-believers alike that they may receive God’s power in their lives. 

All in all, this 18th birthday was a truly blessed one. From Wednesday’s Birthday Jam to an impromptu Birthday Weekend, I truly am greatly blessed, highly favoured and deeply loved by my Abba in heaven. A blessed 18th birthday and a blessed 19th year it shall be for Joel Kindiak!