The snow is here!

Finally after much of anticipation, the snow is here. It was rather late this year for the snow to fall. I really enjoyed myself playing in the snow just now (12 December 2009). It was really cool. I behaved like a kid, throwing snow at my friends and running here and there for fun. I felt that I was 10 years younger just now. Had so much of fun. Here are some pictures....

1st Year....

Today was the first day that I began my actual first year course classes. For the past 2 months, I was going through the intensive period. During the intensive period, we only had Russian and Chemistry classes. We had 5 hours and 50 minutes of Russian classes almost everyday except for Sunday. In my old timetable, the only thing that you can see repeatedly is Russian, Russian, Russian and a little of Chemistry and that’s it.

In our new timetable, there are several new subjects introduced. The new subjects are Physics, Informatics, Biology, Latin, Physical Training, History and Anatomy. Among the new subjects introduced the subject that it new for me is Latin, Anatomy and Informatics. Life is going to become more hectic as I have to travel further for classes.

Previously, I only need to travel from my hostel (Hiroshima) and to Kim’s Hostel for Russian classes and to University for Chemistry. Now I have to travel to the Morphological building, to Kim’s Hostel, University and to the Informatics Building. Therefore, now I have a little feeling that I am a student.

With that, I attach the picture of my old timetable and new timetable.

The old timetable..... (my group number 38)

The new timetable the highlighted one is my group.....

Obama after using fair and lovely....

Bye autumn..... Hai winter.....

The blog title has surely described what I am going to blog about.
Yes, winter is about to come and this is my first time experience. Really cant wait for it because its something cool and interesting. But sometimes it might be troublesome too. Im trying to look at things in a more positive way, therefore I am going to enjoy this years winter. Last year, the temperature went down as low as -23 degrees. The weather here fluctuates very soon. Suddenly its sunny and when its windy, its extremely cold. From the news reports that I get through the internet, it says that on Monday (2/11/2009) there will be slight snowing.

Wassup making new friends….....

I was waiting eagerly for this program since I came to Volgograd, Russian one month ago. Every night in our prayer fellowship, we were earnestly praying for this program. This program’s motive was actually to make new friends and to know your friends deeper that you have already made. We wanted the participants to get acquainted with the Russian and other nationalities. By God’s grace, the program turned out to be a wonderful success. Many students who came had a lot of fun and made a lot of new friends. There were many prizes that were won by the students. One of my friends won an ipod shuffle by just sending a text message. I won a t-shirt which I really wanted. Finally was the dinner fellowship. We had spaghetti and it was one of the best that I have ever tasted. Everything was really GEMPAK!!!!!!

I really thank God for sending me to Volgograd, Russia because this place really rocks.

Autumn in Russia......

This is the first time in my life experiencing autumn. It is really great, and the weather here is really unpredictable. Yesterday it might have been really warm then, today it would be really cold that the temperature might be as low as 5 or 6 degree Celsius and tomorrow might be warm again. But I think that I have already adapted myself here. Today (Sunday, October 25, 2009) it was announced that the time will change. I really don’t know how to make you guys to understand this. For example, If the time now is 6pm, it will be 5pm from October 25, 2009. So that means, that the difference of time between Malaysia and Volgograd will not be 4hours back, but 5 hours back due to the season change. The day they announced this, that evening at 5pm itself it was already dark as if it was 8pm at night. The weather is changing and winter is coming soon. I’m so excited for winter to come.

PRAYER REQUEST LIST FOR CHRISTMAS RALLY 2009

PRAYER REQUEST LIST FOR CHRISTMAS RALLY 2009

1. Pray for God’s special direction and leading for the organizing team.

2. Pray for oneness of heart and mind as we plan for this special program.

3. Pray that we will find favor in the eyes of government officials in order to obtain permits and necessary approvals.

4. Pray for good weather on the day of the event.

5. Pray for each item that will be presented. Pray that the people will be reached by the message of Christmas

6. Pray that God will grant good health for those who are presenting items so that they will be inspired to give their utmost best for the Lord on this day.

7. Pray for the Master of Ceremony (Rev. Herbert John). Pray for God’s divine inspiration to guide him to emcee this program.

8. Pray for a large number of non-Christians to attend this program. Pray that the Holy Sprit will touch and minister to them in a very special way.

9. Pray for the ushering team - that the presence of God will use them to minister to those who come.

10. Pray for the stage arrangements and the backdrop – the appearance itself would draw the attention of the people.

11. Pray for the PA system, lighting system, music instruments and every electrical and mechanical equipments used for the event – pray against any fault and disruption of service.

12. Pray for the Music Band – that the anointing of the Lord will rest upon them as they prepare and perform on this event.

13. Pray for the party packs and salvation packs that will be distributed – pray that the tracts and the CD’s will minister to them.

14. Pray for sufficient food packs that will be distributed on the day.

There will be a grand Christmas celebration that will be on the 20/12/2009 (Sunday) in the IRC Field. The theme for this year's Christmas Rally is JESUS MY HOPE! Our main aim is to tell what Christmas is all about and to reach the non-believers (To send the message of Salvation). The Program include carol singing, songs, dance, drama, children items and many more. The committee has already gathered and started planning. So all those who read this blog post please continue to pray for this event and you are most welcomed to join and celebrate the birth of Christ.

Praise God!

God is great!
Im really glad that God has brought me to Volgograd Russia to study medicine. Im really enjoying my life here. The most best part of being a student here is that you become more closer to God. What I meant was that, every night at 10pm a small group of students come together and pray. Kelvin Yii our Boss, will lead us in prayer and give us some new information on what is going around us.
There was one student name Hansley, who came with us who was doing Pre- Medicine was diagnosed with influenza AH1N1. He was suspected of having the flu and was hospitalized for about 1 week. He could not attend classes and not only that, all his classmates were also quarantined for a short period of time too. Every night as we pray together, Kelvin gives new updates about Hansley. We prayed without fail every night for him. Yesterday (5/10/2009), Kelvin said that he was confirmed of influenza AH1N1. But we still prayed without fail that night.
The next day (6/10/2009), Kelvin went to the hospital to visit him and to his surpise the doctors told him that they misdiagnosed Hansley for influenza AH1N1. Its actually virus H1 and nothing serious.
God is great. Im sure that it was not a misdiagnosis as God has really healed him.
God has been really doing many things here in Volgograd, Russia.
Praise God!

New groups......

Before we enter into our university in Russia, we had to sit for an entrance exam in order to be separated into groups. English exam passed. A very simple exam. 10 objective questions on grammar and 1 text question where we have to give summary to the lecturer personally. It was fun doing that where I was crapping all the way through about what I know. The next day(yesterday) was our Chemistry exam. It was turf but we managed to do it. Today will be Biology, but guess what we have already got our groups. Usually in a group there will be 8 students. The group that I was in consists of all my friends. I was really happy. All my room mates are in one group and some of my other friends are in my group too. Really thank God for giving me such a good group.

GEMPAK experiece....

We discovered many new things as we travel around. Each and everyday is a new experience. One of the most GEMPAK experience that we as a group of friends in Russia underwent was buying our winter boots. It was like a pasar malam kind of shop near my hostel. So we saw the boots and it looked appealing. We decided to stop and ask for the price. 'Skolka stoi eta', means how much is this in Russian language and he said 250 roubles (RM25). We were surprised to hear the price as most of our seniors said that we can only get it for about 1000 roubles or more. We immediately decided to buy it. I could not get a right size for me as the shoes that the shop keeper had were all too big in size. Suffian and Syamil, decided to buy and the got the right size for them. Suffiamn wanted to pay immediately, but I stopped him as I wanted to bargain the price. I do not know much Russian nor my friends are that good too, but we managed to reduce the price to 200 roubles each. I told him 400 for 2 shoes and we were talking ROJAK RUSSIAN-ENGLISH-MALAY to him and he managed to understand and I told him that we were students for Malaysia and finally he agreed. It was amazing how we could blend our linguistic skills and bargain stuffs. Now the shopkeeper is one of my first Russian friend.

Life in Russia.....

After a long time doing nothing now my future planning begins. Now Im in Volgograd, Russia. Will be here for the next 6 years. Let me be brief. Life here is cool. The temperature here is getting cooler. We have to cook to survive, but our seniors are so good that they always cook us. Hope so today I will cook with all my friends. Lectures, begin 2nd October. Tomorrow entrance exam. Wonderful seniors. Really cool, best word to describe them is GEMPAK!!!!!!!

We really have a cool Christian Fellowship here. Every night at 10pm we gather in a room and have a small praise and worship session and pray for our studies. Went to church yesterday, really nice worship service.

A short testimony.

I really needed some clothes hanger because I did not bring enough from Malaysia. Then at 10.30am Sunday we had Mega Sales of winter clothing, but I had to go to church at the same time. I had to choose between of going to church or Mega Sale. I choose to go to church. During the service, the message was about, God knows what you want even before you ask it. After that I went back to my room and then went back to the same church for an orientation program. They had a small quiz sessions after some information given to us, and I answered a question. They gave me a small gift for that, and I was shocked to receive 4 clothe hanger. I realize that how true God is to us and the sermon that I listen came to life. I made a choice between God and Mega Sale. And God really showed his greatness on me.Praise Be All To God Alone!

Superb day......

On the 21st September, was the day that I really could not forget. That was the last day in 2009 where me and my friends met. We usually have a simple schedule, which is to go out and watch a movie, then we will go for bowling later we will be going to the cyber cafe to play Counter Strike (our favorite game). This time we went for a new Tamil movie; Unnai pol Oruvan. It was one of the best Tamil movie that I have ever watched. Then we went for bowling. This is the first time that so many of us played at once. 12 of us played bowling that day.
Then we played CS.....
After that was one of the most irritating moment in my life. One of my friend Nadarajan was trying to kidnap me by not telling where they were going. I knew they had something in mind but he didnt tell me where and what. And the worst part was that, whenever I asked him that where are we going, his answer was always LONDON. I really don't know where on earth did he ever got that idea of telling the word LONDON and it really irritated me at first.
After that he brought me to Ipoh town and we were wandering around as if he had no plans. As there were 8 of us, 4 of us came in my car and the other four went with Kumaran. Kumaran and the rest had already reaced the place where they had already planned. And then Nadarajan brought me and the others there too. It was actually to Pizza Hut. Earlier they told me that we will be going to the mamak shop nearby, but to my surprise, they brought me to Pizza Hut.
It was in Pizza Hut that i got my surprise. They bought me a birthday cake and sang birthday song for me, and we ate until all of our stomach merely burst.
And as all of guys know, when friends meet up after a long time, the amount of jokes and comedy that we make has no limitations. I had such a great day that day.
After that my friends were so determined to buy me a small gift and we went to The Store and they bought me a very expansive pen and a superb notebook.
I really thank God for giving me such great friends who were with me in all situations. I'm really going to miss them very much.

These are some photos that the memories cannot be vanished ever from my life.....

Thanksgiving Sunday 2009

This years thanksgiving Sunday was really special to me, as it would be the last for the next 6 years. I will not be in Malaysia to celebrate thanksgiving. Every year, thanksgiving service just gets greater than the previous years. This was what happen last year ( click the below URL to proceed)

http://jonahseeni.blogspot.com/2008/09/thanksgiving-sundaypart-2.html

This year the auction was splendid. There were many new items yet to be auctioned this year. The new items was a cow, fishes (ikan haruan), vegetables and a white turkey. Usually the items that were auctioned are food stuffs, clothing, pottery, goat and chicken. This year, the auction amount increased by about RM7900 compared to last year bringing it as an offering to church for an amount of RM 21,420. That is really a very big amount for just about an hour. God is really great and he has really blessed his people although the world economy is still unstable conditions.

GOD, THANK YOU FOR BLESSING YOUR PEOPLE SO MUCH!!!!!!!

here are some pictures taken during the auction.....

One of my dream came true.....

I always wanted to meet singers from India, especially those gospel song singers. They are really great. One of the person that I always wanted to see is Pastor. Jacob Koshy. He conducts continous praise and worship for 1 hour and releases it in CD's. So far he has released 6 albums. All the songs were really cool.

I heard that he was coming to Ipoh for a 100 hours praise and worship here in a church. Immediately I made a decision to go for it. I was really luck that I got to meet him. Although I didn't meet him in person as to talk and share, but at least I could worship with him once. It was really cool. I thank God for giving me such a great opportunity that day.....

South Indian actors look alike Obama.....

6 more weeks.....

The countdown has begin.....
6 more weeks for my flight to Russia, to be exact another 44 more days to go......

Flight schedule:

23 September 2009
- Penang to Singapore
23 September & 24 September 2009
- Singapore to Moscow
24 September 2009
- Moscow to Volgograd.

Next year tentative flight schedule:
7 July 2010 to 8 July 2010
- Moscow to Singapore
8 July 2010
- Singapore to Penang

-Penang to IPOH!!!!

Russian class....

I never expected this in my life at all! Learning a new language, and is was Russian. As in my previous post, now I have to learn how to read, write and speak Russian language in 90 hours.

WOW!

But I really managed to at least get some of the words right by the first week already. I really have to thank my lecturer, Miss.Victoria, who really pushed to learn the language. My classmates were also very supporting to me and we helped each other very much. Here is the whole gang.....

Same passion, new destination......

I have been posting a few post about my future plans which was to complete my degree in Indonesia and hence fulfill my ambition. But, there was something else that God has already preplanned for me ahead. After completing my entrance exam for University Sumatera Utara (USU), I was eagerly waiting for my results as I know that I had performed well. Then one Friday, I received a call (July 3rd) from Indonesia telling that my seat is not confirmed. My agent have been telling me since December after my SAM results that my seat is confirmed as my results were pleasing and I already got my Non-Objection Certificate (NOC- A letter from Ministry of Higher Education). His justification was that because of the recent Indonesian maid issue, the Indon government was reducing the seats for all Malaysian students, and one of it affected was me.

I really couldnt accept the fact at that moment as I was preparing myself almost in all situations about going to USU. Immediately on that day itself my father begin to search more information on Russian Universities as the next most best option. I was really discouraged at that moment. My father really made fast decision. Immediately the next day, my father contacted some of my fathers friends children who are in Russia and then went to their house and collect some information about studying in Russia. One of my cousin sister, is also studying in Russia. She really convinced us on going to Russia. I was still not in a good mood and was still puzzled.

But then , on the next Monday my father planned to meet the agent who is stationed in Penang. Monday morning at 11.30 am we took the bus to Penang and then met Mr. Ng the program coordinator for Russian Resources (the agent) gave more explanation and we decided to go to Volgograd. This is where my cousin sister is studying too. I was told that there is a compulsory Russian language class that just begin ed that Monday. I was really lucky enough to get into the class and fit in as I missed that first day of class. The university that now I am going to is to Volgograd State Medical University (VSMU). After going to classes and talking to many other, now I realize that God gives us the best and he will never let us down. Now I feel more confident and happy of to where that I am going to go. THANK YOU JESUS!

Chrisitan Education Sunday.

This was one of the day that I was waiting for quite a long time. As in my previous post I have told you guys that I wrote 4 songs and my first song was not launched. This was the day that my first ever song was launched. It was on the 12 July 2009. Preparations for the song was going quite well but I couldn't teach the song completely because of certain reason that I will post in my later postings. Therefore the Sunday came.
I was terrified as because it was something of a new kind of music composed by me. The tune is as if it is a country song and this time we only used the keyboard and the bass guitar. The beat and accompany was all done by the keyboard. It was not easy to do such a thing as if the singers timing runs out we have to stop the whole music or we have to wait and continue the beat, which many singer are not so confident in. But everything was put in prayer.
And finally Praise God! Everything went on fine as what we have planned. The music came out well, the singers sand the song well, and the words of the song were so meaningful for Rev. Victor Vethamani's sermon. Even he praised about the song twice in the sermon as for the words were so meaningful. I really thank God that he have given me such a talent and that I can write something and sing something for God.
That was also one happy moment as many of my church members came up and praised me too. Praise be all to Jesus alone!

In KL....

After many months now its here already, my entrance exam. Its on the 26 June 2009 in University Malaya. My agent told me that there is a briefing from 2 to 6pm in the agents office and I have to be there. Now as I'm here, the briefing just took me less than 20 minutes. It was a thing that i didn't expect. I should have come later i guess. I really am alone here in KL and don't know where to go. Tired of studying. Huh... I guess have to just wait and waste my time here....
Luckily I found a Cyber Cafe here..... Filing my time here then of to the university... the CC here is really bad.... smokers and the system is not updated at all... but luckily the internet is quite fast.....

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL 2009- JESUS MY HOPE

The first day started with many joy and gladness. At 7.30am, children already began to register themselves at the registration counters. The teachers gathered at the prayer room for their morning devotion, which was conducted by the pastor. At 8.00am, the praise and worship session began. Ms. Nancy Laurence, started with a few songs begin the day. Shortly after that, I was called in front to teach the Theme Song. I was really grateful to my God as he has given such a great talent. Me, with my guitar and 11 people whom I taught them the Theme Song beforehand (so that it would be easier for the children to learn the song) came in front to teach the new song for them. Not bad, the children were able to catch the song up very fast. The theme song lyrics are as such:-

Chorus

Yesuveh naan ummai nambuvein

Yesuveh naan ummai nesippen

Yesuveh naan ummil vaaluvein

Yenthan yesuveh nambuvein

Rap

Yesuveh naan ini nambuvein

Ini yentha kavalaiyum illaiyeh

Yesuveh naan ini nesippen

Avar ennai endrum nesippar

Yen yesu, Naan ini NAMBUVEIN!

After that it was the opening ceremony. The opening ceremony was carried out outside the church. There was the balloon cutting ceremony. Aftermath, breakfast was served. Lessons began after breakfast. About 361 children attended VBS the first day (3 years-18 years). Lesson 1 and 2 was conducted on the first day. I had a great time going from class to class and helping the classes that were in need. After the lessons were carried out, it was time for department’s devotion. Rev. David Rasaphandy took charge on the primary children, Pas. Paul Mani the juniors and Rev. Steven Abbarow conducted the devotion for the intermediate and senior children. The session was carried out for about 1 hour and the lunch was given and the program ends for that day.

The second days program begins at 8.00am. This time the praise and worship session was carried out by Bro. Dennis Johnson. It has been quite a long time he had conducted praise and worship for the children in Sunday school. At first he really didn’t want to conduct praise and worship as he has lost touch for many years, but I insisted that he should conduct it. He really conducted well. I’m sure all the children would have enjoyed praising God especially through the song “I Love you Jesus”. He began calling all those who did not do the action to the front and this made everyone to do action for the song.

Then later on it was the photography session. This year all those who participated VBS gets a t-shirt. A big group photo was taken. There should be around 430 people in the photograph. As usual, breakfast was served after the photography session and then lessons begin as usual. Today there will be 2 lessons carried out. I was given a special responsibility on that day which is to go around each and every class and take the class attendance. I calculated and said that on that days total was 380, but the number does not tele with the actual account taken by each department heads which totals up to 382. But I was sure of my answer. I told the VBS coordinator that I am sure of my answer and I will go and take account again for the primary department as that department was the one which had shortage. Finally, my calculations were the right one.

After the 2 lessons was the departments devotion and then lunch was served. Another special thing for this years VBS was that the committee found some sponsors and managed to call up Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) to come to our church and conduct games for the children. The program was carried out at the church car park. Everyone enjoyed the games. After the program, I had to rush for tuition as I am a temporary teacher now; I cannot skip class a student does. I had to rush in the tiredness too….

Although I really felt so tired, but there is a satisfaction and joy in the tiredness too. The next day (final day) is where we had to wrap up many things. The final lesson was carried out. This lesson was about Salvation and the teachers were urged to pray for their children in order to bring them into Salvation during class hours. After that the devotion was carried out in church. This time all the children were called up to the church and the devotion was carried out by Rev. Herbert John (Perak District Superintendent). He is really a great pastor. He managed to capture the attention of all the children who were present there. He is really a cool pastor. The song “One Way” really made those who do not sing to sing, dance and praise God amazingly. Another special item was done on the last day. They ordered a large cake and made all the non Christians who came for the VBS to cut the cake. It was a really great acknowledgment for them. And pastors laid hands on them and prayed for each and every non- Christian who came on that day. It was really special for them as the were honored on that day. At last we sang the theme song and dismissed. It was really a wonderful 3 day experience that I got before leaving to Indonesia.

registration

teachers devotion...

Theme song team...

praise and worship....

opening ceremony.....

balloons....

group photo.....

KFC conducted the games....

junior devotion.....

intermediate and senior department devotion....