The Angel in My Life
Have you ever met an angel? Well, I had…and this is the story about him….
Once upon a time, God gave a baby angel to a young couple. He grew up in a small town called Emerald Bay together with his parents and younger brother.
But little did we know, this boy is an angel! He brought smiles to everyone’s hearts and it was always a joy to see him. When he was growing up, his parents taught him good values so that he may grow up to be a fine young man. And grew up he did! He grew up into a handsome young man. He was always kind, generous, caring, helpful and loving….hmm….and many many more good values…..
Wherever he went, the sun always shone in your face, the flowers bloom and your world becomes a happier place to be in. When he laughs, the stars shine brighter and magically, your heart fills with abundant joy. With his kind heart, he tends to those who are lost, who are worried, who are sad and who are sick. He listens intently with care and parts lovely words that take away their sorrows. He was such a joy to be with!
Then one day, God called upon him and said, “My dear son, it is time for you to come home. But before you do, I have a task for you. I will grant you a pair of beautiful wings for your journey home.” ‘What was the task?’ the angel boy thought. He thought and thought about it in his dreams but he still didn’t know. Actually, God had great plans for him.
Weeks went by and the angel decided to go the beach with his friends. It was a beautiful sunny day and the sea was bright turquoise in colour. If you look closely, you can even see the fishes swimming in the sea! “Wow! What a beautiful sight!” the angel boy thought and he thanked God for blessing this lovely place.
He and his friends went down to the bay and frolicked about in the water. Splish and splash! They were having so much fun!
Suddenly, the sky turned grey and the waves got rough. Two different currents went crashing into the bay and swept everyone out into the open sea. Oh no! Everyone was swimming hard towards the shore. They caught the rocks and pulled their friends one by one onto the rocks. The last two was a young lady and the angel boy himself. As they were swimming towards the rocks, the current was so strong that the young lady had much difficulty reaching them. Without thinking twice, the angel boy performed a most heroic act. He pushed the lady onto the rocks to safety but, he was swept out by the waves.
Then God came to the angel boy and said, “My dear son, I am so proud of you! This was the task I set out for you and you did so well. It is now time to come home.” With that, God gave him a pair of large, white beautiful wings. And God said, “My dear son, do not worry about your family and friends. They are ever so proud of you as I am of you. Because of you, they have and will always be blessed with happiness. Soon, they will reunite with us in My home.” With that, the angel boy flew back home together with God.
The angel’s name is ZiOn Kerk.
Written by our dear cousin, Euying
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Tribute from Jasmine
From: Jesmine Yap (Malaysia/Canberra)
Zi On and I have been friends for 7 years. We started our undergraduate degrees at the ANU in year 2001 and for the first 4 years of our friendship, we were residents of Ursula College and attended Grace Christian Assembly together.
As Zi On and I usually hung out with different groups of friends, we found it interesting (and often joked about) how we somehow managed to stay close friends. We always managed to find time to catch up with what was going on in each other’s lives.
Zi On was a good listener and someone that I considered trustworthy. As such, I felt comfortable talking to him about anything and everything – our day, favourite songs, relationships, religion, studies, disappointments, plans for the future, the best way to cook Bah Kut Teh and Char Koay Teow. Indeed, we spent lots of time doing just that. We talked over cups of coffee or hot chocolate (he really liked the double deck hot chocolate drink at Cream), over meals, in each other’s rooms, in the dining room, after class, on the way to/from church.
Zi On was like a bigger brother. He always looked out for me and was a protective friend. He was always ready to offer a listening ear and advice. He was always ready to offer encouragement and support – be it in the form of kind words, cartoon drawings with thoughtful messages or beautiful hand-make cards.
The first time that I tutored a psychology tutorial, I had expressed to him how nervous I felt. Zi On volunteered to attend my lab so that he could be the familiar face that I could look at to feel more comfortable and confident. It must have been a boring 3 hours for him (especially since he was a Commerce person) but he sat in for the entire thing and even participated in the quiz and discussions!
At the end of my degree in 2004, I was to return to Malaysia for what I thought would be for good at that time. Bad time management resulted in me rushing around trying to tie loose ends before leaving. Zi On stepped in and even adopted my fighting fish, Coca-cola, without any hesitation. My pet could not have been in better hands.
At the start of year 2006, I returned to Canberra to pursue my Masters. We met up for the first time in over a year at Pancake Parlour. To our delight, we could just pick things up from where we left off even though we had only kept in touch with the occasional e-mail and chat on MSN. We talked and laughed as if I had never left.
One difference that I noticed in Zi On during this time was that he was much more reflective about what he was doing now and what he wanted to do in the future. When Zi On informed me that he was intending to apply to Melbourne and Queensland for his Masters, the both of us were hoping that he would get into Melbourne (as chances of me moving to Melbourne after my Masters were a lot higher). Naturally, we were both disappointed that he did not get into Melbourne but were pleased that he would still be able to pursue his Masters in Queensland. We comforted each other by making plans to meet up at Ampang Point (Malaysia) instead.
I last saw Zi On right before he went to Brisbane. He blessed me with some things that he did not want to bring to Brisbane and we had a meal together. Because he was going away to Brisbane (despite the fact that he would still be in the same country), we said our goodbyes. I am glad that we had the opportunity to make explicit what our friendship meant to each other. I am sure that many of these thoughts and sentiments, though as simple as “I really appreciate your friendship”, would have been left unsaid if the both of us continued staying in Canberra. But I highly doubt that any amount of thank you’s would have sufficed for the friend that he had been to me.
While deeply saddened by the incident in Queensland, it came as no surprise at all when I heard about the sacrifice that Zi On had made. It came as no surprise that in such a critical situation, his very first reaction was to go to the aid of someone else.
Nya, you will always remain precious friend to me and your friendship will be so dearly missed. And Nya, you still owe me a reply to my last e-mail.
Zi On and I have been friends for 7 years. We started our undergraduate degrees at the ANU in year 2001 and for the first 4 years of our friendship, we were residents of Ursula College and attended Grace Christian Assembly together.
As Zi On and I usually hung out with different groups of friends, we found it interesting (and often joked about) how we somehow managed to stay close friends. We always managed to find time to catch up with what was going on in each other’s lives.
Zi On was a good listener and someone that I considered trustworthy. As such, I felt comfortable talking to him about anything and everything – our day, favourite songs, relationships, religion, studies, disappointments, plans for the future, the best way to cook Bah Kut Teh and Char Koay Teow. Indeed, we spent lots of time doing just that. We talked over cups of coffee or hot chocolate (he really liked the double deck hot chocolate drink at Cream), over meals, in each other’s rooms, in the dining room, after class, on the way to/from church.
Zi On was like a bigger brother. He always looked out for me and was a protective friend. He was always ready to offer a listening ear and advice. He was always ready to offer encouragement and support – be it in the form of kind words, cartoon drawings with thoughtful messages or beautiful hand-make cards.
The first time that I tutored a psychology tutorial, I had expressed to him how nervous I felt. Zi On volunteered to attend my lab so that he could be the familiar face that I could look at to feel more comfortable and confident. It must have been a boring 3 hours for him (especially since he was a Commerce person) but he sat in for the entire thing and even participated in the quiz and discussions!
At the end of my degree in 2004, I was to return to Malaysia for what I thought would be for good at that time. Bad time management resulted in me rushing around trying to tie loose ends before leaving. Zi On stepped in and even adopted my fighting fish, Coca-cola, without any hesitation. My pet could not have been in better hands.
At the start of year 2006, I returned to Canberra to pursue my Masters. We met up for the first time in over a year at Pancake Parlour. To our delight, we could just pick things up from where we left off even though we had only kept in touch with the occasional e-mail and chat on MSN. We talked and laughed as if I had never left.
One difference that I noticed in Zi On during this time was that he was much more reflective about what he was doing now and what he wanted to do in the future. When Zi On informed me that he was intending to apply to Melbourne and Queensland for his Masters, the both of us were hoping that he would get into Melbourne (as chances of me moving to Melbourne after my Masters were a lot higher). Naturally, we were both disappointed that he did not get into Melbourne but were pleased that he would still be able to pursue his Masters in Queensland. We comforted each other by making plans to meet up at Ampang Point (Malaysia) instead.
I last saw Zi On right before he went to Brisbane. He blessed me with some things that he did not want to bring to Brisbane and we had a meal together. Because he was going away to Brisbane (despite the fact that he would still be in the same country), we said our goodbyes. I am glad that we had the opportunity to make explicit what our friendship meant to each other. I am sure that many of these thoughts and sentiments, though as simple as “I really appreciate your friendship”, would have been left unsaid if the both of us continued staying in Canberra. But I highly doubt that any amount of thank you’s would have sufficed for the friend that he had been to me.
While deeply saddened by the incident in Queensland, it came as no surprise at all when I heard about the sacrifice that Zi On had made. It came as no surprise that in such a critical situation, his very first reaction was to go to the aid of someone else.
Nya, you will always remain precious friend to me and your friendship will be so dearly missed. And Nya, you still owe me a reply to my last e-mail.
Tribute from Aunty Christina
A Tribute to Kerk Zion
The Bible stated in John 15:13, “Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends”. Yes this is Kerk Zion, my nephew an aspiring young man who was just taken into the Lord’s bosom You are a great loss to us all but we believe the Lord loves you more than anyone else. You are my idol nephew, you are a wonderful grandson, a filial son, a warm and cordial cousin and a great friend to all! Dear Zion, my greatest memory of you is your captivating smile and gosh, your good looks ! I am sure God smiles at you and you response with more sweet smiles.
To my dearest sister Cho Tan, my brother-in-law Kerk Choon Keng and Zilu, I am sure you are very proud of this exceptionally fine young man, your loving son and a wonderful brother. No words can bring comfort in your time and grief but God’s love will see you through these painful times as this is His will and as the saying goes, when God closes a door He opens another window. Continue to keep the faith and with God’s loving ways, he will heal your wounds. Zion is safe in the hands of our Almighty Father and that’s the greatest comfort he will bring into your hearts.
Zion, Tua Ee & Tua Teo love you and you will always remain in our hearts, and one day we will all be united with our Creator.
You left us so suddenly, your thoughts unknown, You left us memories, we are proud to love and own.
From: Christina Chong
Tua Ee
Thursday, December 20, 2007
From Eliza Liu (Singapore/Canberra)
Hi, I'm Eliza and I got to know Zi On in my days of being at Ursula College/Hall.
My first impression of him was that he's chatty, sociable and makes friends easily. It was a pity that I did not get to know him better in my first 3 years there.
Strangely enough, on one fateful night, after Valete dinner 2004(the last semi-formal dinner of the year and for both of us since we were leaving), we managed to chat a lot. I don't think we were even sitting at the same table at first, but anyway, we chatted with each other in the dining room until we were chased out of there―dinner was over and they had to lock up. So we had to find another place to chat…in the first floor corridor of Block C. It was funny, we had to stop chatting periodically to let people walk past.
We shared a lot at that time, mainly on relationships and I was also blessed to be able to share with Zi On, my personal testimony of how God worked in my life. It's amazing how that happened within one night, being able to encourage each other, getting to know each other better. I was able to find a great friend in him, good listener, and humourous too.
I was to go to Japan in 2005, so we wouldn't be able to see each other for about one year or so..but as fate would have it..due to unforeseen circumstances, I was back in Canberra for one more semester the next year. We spent some good times catching up and talking about our plans for the future. I've always respected him for pursuing what he wanted and was interested in.
On my last night in Canberra before returning to Singapore, we met again. I remember he had taken a bag of things from my apartment, hence helping me to clear my stuff. In that bag were some stuff like detergent, soy sauce and other groceries. I had put the detergent in a ziploc-like transparent bag..and he was looking at it as though it was a pack of drugs*lol*.. We had a good laugh even over simple household items. He was also joking about having discovered this "Asian grocery store" with free groceries. What a funny guy he was.
Looking back on days at Ursula, there was once this Random Acts of Kindness week―we would have to be nice/kind to our assigned person for a week. Zi On was the person assigned to me, and I thought, "Wow, that's great. A fellow international student whom I also know!" One of the things I did, was to put up a piece of paper on his room door saying "You Rock!!"And yes..Zi On does rock!!I knew he appreciated that statement a lot because he said so himself. That's another great thing about Zi On..He's always frank with how he feels.
I also remember when he performed some dance act with some other students at Ursula during Talent Night. That was impressive! Dancing is just another of his many talents!
I will miss Zi On dearly, but am comforted because I know he is safe in the arms of the Lord. I'll always remember those times spent together, chatting, laughing, and will hold those memories close.
Dear Zi On, we'll always be brother and sister in Christ, once again, thank you for those wonderful times.
You Rock!!!
My first impression of him was that he's chatty, sociable and makes friends easily. It was a pity that I did not get to know him better in my first 3 years there.
Strangely enough, on one fateful night, after Valete dinner 2004(the last semi-formal dinner of the year and for both of us since we were leaving), we managed to chat a lot. I don't think we were even sitting at the same table at first, but anyway, we chatted with each other in the dining room until we were chased out of there―dinner was over and they had to lock up. So we had to find another place to chat…in the first floor corridor of Block C. It was funny, we had to stop chatting periodically to let people walk past.
We shared a lot at that time, mainly on relationships and I was also blessed to be able to share with Zi On, my personal testimony of how God worked in my life. It's amazing how that happened within one night, being able to encourage each other, getting to know each other better. I was able to find a great friend in him, good listener, and humourous too.
I was to go to Japan in 2005, so we wouldn't be able to see each other for about one year or so..but as fate would have it..due to unforeseen circumstances, I was back in Canberra for one more semester the next year. We spent some good times catching up and talking about our plans for the future. I've always respected him for pursuing what he wanted and was interested in.
On my last night in Canberra before returning to Singapore, we met again. I remember he had taken a bag of things from my apartment, hence helping me to clear my stuff. In that bag were some stuff like detergent, soy sauce and other groceries. I had put the detergent in a ziploc-like transparent bag..and he was looking at it as though it was a pack of drugs*lol*.. We had a good laugh even over simple household items. He was also joking about having discovered this "Asian grocery store" with free groceries. What a funny guy he was.
Looking back on days at Ursula, there was once this Random Acts of Kindness week―we would have to be nice/kind to our assigned person for a week. Zi On was the person assigned to me, and I thought, "Wow, that's great. A fellow international student whom I also know!" One of the things I did, was to put up a piece of paper on his room door saying "You Rock!!"And yes..Zi On does rock!!I knew he appreciated that statement a lot because he said so himself. That's another great thing about Zi On..He's always frank with how he feels.
I also remember when he performed some dance act with some other students at Ursula during Talent Night. That was impressive! Dancing is just another of his many talents!
I will miss Zi On dearly, but am comforted because I know he is safe in the arms of the Lord. I'll always remember those times spent together, chatting, laughing, and will hold those memories close.
Dear Zi On, we'll always be brother and sister in Christ, once again, thank you for those wonderful times.
You Rock!!!
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Kor...
To my dearest brother, Kor
I know you love writing and is something I hate….But I guess this is the only way I can think of communicating with you. It has been 13 days since u left, but I still feel your presence around, I hear your voice in my head, and your ever warm greeting:” Yo, Zi lu!” each time I ring you.
I try to get back to my routine so that I can ease the pain of your passing, but there has not been a day I have not thought about you. I wish I could have just 5 minutes to speak to you and to let you know something I had always wanted to say: “ kor, I Love you”. I always thought it was BS when people mentioned heart ache, but it is true as I feel my heart in pain literally from thinking of you.
When we were in kids, everyone referred you as an angel, and me - the devil, you are Day and I am Night. I often thought of the negatives of these remarks but later did I realized in life that we compliment each other. We are literally of different worlds, everything bloody thing is different, heck I don’t even look like you. I remember when we went to kinder, and there was one day I was absent and you got the beating from a dark feller just because I wasn’t there!
You introduced so many things to my life, sharing your thoughts and various interesting aspects. I’ve told Eric to include the song by X-Japan in your page mate, I know you love this band so much and I appreciate it so much when you told me that the X-JAPAN greatest hits DVD I gave you was the greatest birthday gift anyone has given you. I would BUY ALL THE ALBUMS FOR YOU RIGHT NOW!!!!!but I know you have better music up there, and you would have probably met Hide by now, that’s if he believed in God, lol.
You were there for my 1st bodybuilding competition in 2005 and I was so hoping you could be there during my 2nd show this year to see the improvements I have made. I went through my phone and saw that sms u sent me “ all the best for Oct 6”, and wished you were there! I don’t even know whether you saw the photos before you left.
Thank you for always listening and letting me have my bloody way all the time! I took you for granted and now am weeping bitterly for you my only brother. Forgive me as I didn’t had the time for you when u rang me the last few time before you leave!!!!!Forgive me…I wish to dial your number, hoping to at least hear your voice in the voicebox, but the pain is too much to bear.
I put on a strong front all the time so that I can be strong for papa and mama, but deep inside, I am so broken without you as you have always been my stronghold subconsciously. I always had the impression that you could look after the important family issues and have always push the that thought away subconsciously, and now when reality hits my face, who do I turn to?
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE PS2, you didn’t have the money, yet you manage to somehow get it for me. And me? I still owe you that Protein powder and Anthony Robbins book. Thanks to my laziness, I will never have the chance to pass them to you. Every year, without fail, you have gotten me birthday gifts and made cards for me. No one ever does that for me but you, you have always been my big korkor.
Deborah speaks highly of you even only after reading the 2 mails you sent her. I did not have the opportunity to introduce you, but she has been my strong support after you. I always wonder where did the water take you, it must have been so cold, I cannot imagine. People are asking me to throw watermelon into the waters, and I know you will be laughing at me if I did it ;).
I will look after your stuff, I know you don’t like people noosing about your belongings, and I will honor that. Pa and Ma miss you to bits and I just wish I could do something that could ease the pain. Can you do something? Please come look for me once in a while, a voice, dream, vision, whatever ways you can because I am helplessly waiting. I will write to you again, meanwhile enjoy all the angelic services and cotton candy you can eat till u drop, and not to forget to say G’day to the big feller next to you and tell him to give me a bigger portion of the earthly blessing since you don’t need it no more..blek :p
Ok la, I am going to best, got to train tomorrow. See you at the gym with your strength in me.
Love you much,
Zi Lu
I know you love writing and is something I hate….But I guess this is the only way I can think of communicating with you. It has been 13 days since u left, but I still feel your presence around, I hear your voice in my head, and your ever warm greeting:” Yo, Zi lu!” each time I ring you.
I try to get back to my routine so that I can ease the pain of your passing, but there has not been a day I have not thought about you. I wish I could have just 5 minutes to speak to you and to let you know something I had always wanted to say: “ kor, I Love you”. I always thought it was BS when people mentioned heart ache, but it is true as I feel my heart in pain literally from thinking of you.
When we were in kids, everyone referred you as an angel, and me - the devil, you are Day and I am Night. I often thought of the negatives of these remarks but later did I realized in life that we compliment each other. We are literally of different worlds, everything bloody thing is different, heck I don’t even look like you. I remember when we went to kinder, and there was one day I was absent and you got the beating from a dark feller just because I wasn’t there!
You introduced so many things to my life, sharing your thoughts and various interesting aspects. I’ve told Eric to include the song by X-Japan in your page mate, I know you love this band so much and I appreciate it so much when you told me that the X-JAPAN greatest hits DVD I gave you was the greatest birthday gift anyone has given you. I would BUY ALL THE ALBUMS FOR YOU RIGHT NOW!!!!!but I know you have better music up there, and you would have probably met Hide by now, that’s if he believed in God, lol.
You were there for my 1st bodybuilding competition in 2005 and I was so hoping you could be there during my 2nd show this year to see the improvements I have made. I went through my phone and saw that sms u sent me “ all the best for Oct 6”, and wished you were there! I don’t even know whether you saw the photos before you left.
Thank you for always listening and letting me have my bloody way all the time! I took you for granted and now am weeping bitterly for you my only brother. Forgive me as I didn’t had the time for you when u rang me the last few time before you leave!!!!!Forgive me…I wish to dial your number, hoping to at least hear your voice in the voicebox, but the pain is too much to bear.
I put on a strong front all the time so that I can be strong for papa and mama, but deep inside, I am so broken without you as you have always been my stronghold subconsciously. I always had the impression that you could look after the important family issues and have always push the that thought away subconsciously, and now when reality hits my face, who do I turn to?
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE PS2, you didn’t have the money, yet you manage to somehow get it for me. And me? I still owe you that Protein powder and Anthony Robbins book. Thanks to my laziness, I will never have the chance to pass them to you. Every year, without fail, you have gotten me birthday gifts and made cards for me. No one ever does that for me but you, you have always been my big korkor.
Deborah speaks highly of you even only after reading the 2 mails you sent her. I did not have the opportunity to introduce you, but she has been my strong support after you. I always wonder where did the water take you, it must have been so cold, I cannot imagine. People are asking me to throw watermelon into the waters, and I know you will be laughing at me if I did it ;).
I will look after your stuff, I know you don’t like people noosing about your belongings, and I will honor that. Pa and Ma miss you to bits and I just wish I could do something that could ease the pain. Can you do something? Please come look for me once in a while, a voice, dream, vision, whatever ways you can because I am helplessly waiting. I will write to you again, meanwhile enjoy all the angelic services and cotton candy you can eat till u drop, and not to forget to say G’day to the big feller next to you and tell him to give me a bigger portion of the earthly blessing since you don’t need it no more..blek :p
Ok la, I am going to best, got to train tomorrow. See you at the gym with your strength in me.
Love you much,
Zi Lu
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Comments from Shoutbox
Wong Choon Keong Max: Whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved. - Romans 10:13
[21 Dec 07]
KayKay: Trully proud of U...Jesus love U...
[21 Dec 07 05:06:36]
LeeLan: God bless u,malaysian is proud of u!Hope u come back soon
[21 Dec 07 05:00:30]
Willy: 虽然我不认识你,但很佩服你,舍己救人,不是人人都可以的 .希望你平安无事.
[21 Dec 07 04:53:37]
lydia: so proud of you......god loves you....may god bless more and more to the family....
[21 Dec 07 04:37:57]
xuejia: Teluk Intaner..al d best~~
[21 Dec 07 04:11:36]
LQ: God bless Zi On and his family members n friends...
[21 Dec 07 02:19:14]
Vicky: Zi On was my kinder friend from Jenderata Playschool Teluk Intan . Sad to hear this news , even though we lost in touch but memories of those days would be remembered always.
[21 Dec 07 01:03:20]
albee: i hope u can come back!! jia you!! hero!!
[20 Dec 07 23:26:25]
jason: may god bless you.....i am very sad to hear this news.
[20 Dec 07 23:08:14]
erin: zion,we all pray hard n hope that u come back soon!!!zion"s family pls take care ya!!!
[20 Dec 07 22:40:52]
Chi Juan: Zion family take care.Hope zion come back soon.
[20 Dec 07 20:33:23]
Winnie: Zion, read u news in the paper. Pray to hope that you are safe.
[20 Dec 07 19:40:22]
Gurl: Altho i donno you as well, you're so much bravery and amazing. I'll pray for your back, yr families & friends are waiting for you. God bless~
[20 Dec 07 19:33:16]
-Shin-: Althou I donno you, but your bravery really touches me. I'll pray for you. May God bless you. Amen.
[20 Dec 07 16:22:27]
KL Guy: May God bless you. You're so brave. We're all proud of you.
[20 Dec 07 16:21:17]
Yuan He: Hero! Proud of You! May you rest in peace.
[20 Dec 07 11:49:58]
Yuan He: Hero! Proud of You! May you rest in peace.
[20 Dec 07 11:49:28]
Chee How: 雖然我不認識你,但我真的非常佩服你!我覺得您的家人非å ��難過,但他們也為您驕傲!您那大無畏的精神,讓人欽佩.我 不是基督教徒,但我會為您祈禱,希望您能早日回家.願我的 心意,能傳達給主,願主保佑您!
[20 Dec 07 11:48:07]
jess: zion's family, dun give up him. i will pray for him. sure he will come back.. coz we all believe god will save good person..
[20 Dec 07 11:25:55]
jess: to zion family.. i am so sad to read bout tis new.. but believe it, zion still alive.. all of us blessing for him. he is a kind person, god can see it and will bring him back soon
[20 Dec 07 11:23:17]
feiling: 嗯我还没写完，真的很希望你的家人可以过得开心，不要 因为伤心而累坏了身体。不管之后发生什麽事只要笑笑下 事情就很快就过去的。记得噢！要开心。。。不好意思哦 ！因为英文不大好所以写华语。
[20 Dec 07 11:21:09]
feiling: 不好意思噢！我不认识你也不认识你的家人。可是当我看 到报章上所发生的事件后我感到很伤心又很。。。嗯，不 懂要怎样形容我的心情。也会觉得你家人应该会很伤心吧 ！不好意思噢！虽然不认识你不过还是很希望你可以因为 心地善良而受到耶稣的帮助或保佑而平安的回家。虽然我 不是基督教不过我会请求菩萨来来保佑你。我也会帮你祷 告。希望有关当局能够尽快的找到你。也希望你家人不要 那麽难过，开心点
[20 Dec 07 11:10:53]
Seow Hui: I got Zion's news from newspaper..don't be too sad...I hope that he is still alive..may God bless Zion and his family....take care
[20 Dec 07 10:39:00]
mimi: [耶和華是我的牧者、我必不至缺乏。他使我躺臥在青草�œ �上、領我在可安歇的水邊。他使我的靈魂甦醒、為自己�š �名引導我走義路。我雖然行過死蔭的幽谷、也不怕遭害�¼ �因為你與我同在，你的杖、你的竿、都安慰我。在我敵�º �面前、你為我擺設筵席，你用油膏了我的頭、使我的福� �滿溢。我一生一世必有恩惠慈愛隨著我，我且要住在耶�’ �華的殿中、直到永遠。] 希望诗篇23篇能够让你得到主的平安。你会没事的！！
[20 Dec 07 10:22:14]
mimi: To Zion and his family, 我对你的遭遇感到很难过。我是来自大城堡卫理公会的平 凡基督徒，之前我也是在澳洲昆士兰念书的，虽然我并不 认识你，但是你的勇敢让我感到非常敬佩。我会为你祷告 ，也会呼吁全教会弟兄姐妹为你祷告，希望奇迹出现，而 你人平安无事。原上帝永远。。永远都与你同在。不要害 怕，上帝不会离开你。
[20 Dec 07 10:17:09]
KW Ng: we were classmates back in secondary. I regret for not keeping in touch for so many years. May God bless Zion & family. Take care
[20 Dec 07 10:06:06]
Teohau: to Zion family,I feel bad & sad to know this news, i hope he well be come back,Zion family take yourself.
[20 Dec 07 09:51:40]
natsumi: Emmanuel!!!
[20 Dec 07 09:39:57]
jacjsing: May God bless Zion & family... Let faith & courage be wif u. Will keep Zion in prayer. God bless..
[20 Dec 07 09:28:35]
Pat: I'm sorry to know the news too.. I hope he'll be coming back soon! Take care k, Zion's family :)
[20 Dec 07 08:33:35]
natsumi: With faith, we shud believe God and pray for his return. I trust Him. So, be tough!> the kuo's family
[20 Dec 07 08:28:46]
natsumi: This is the first news that i saw this morning. Praise God for letting me read it so that i can pray for him. I'm sorry that this happened.
[20 Dec 07 08:27:29]
friend from Teluk Intan: God bless~~
[20 Dec 07 07:19:24]
Hye Kyung: I hope that my opinion would not offend anyone.. Sorry if what i post here really offend you guys, but this is what i really think..
[20 Dec 07 05:27:41]
Hye Kyung: and i think if we all pray hard for him,he might be still be alive.. Don't give up hope on him.. I would choose to believe that he is still alive.. Be strong.. Don't Give Up on him... God bless...
[20 Dec 07 05:25:59]
Hye Kyung: To the family of Zion, be strong.. I think Zion also wanted you to be stronge about this too.. Don't give up your hopes on him.. Maybe he is somewhere out there still alive..Anything could happen..
[20 Dec 07 05:24:23]
Hye Kyung: I am very sorry to hear about this..
[20 Dec 07 05:21:45]
Danny C: Brian, aka Zi Lu, is that u? I'm Danny, Choo Teng Hon, ur bro's class mate in primary school. I've just got the news from Adrian Tan. I feel bad & sad for wat happened to Zi On. God bless....
[20 Dec 07 04:40:57]
A Friend: Zion's news is out in malaysian chinese newspapers yesterday and today.
[20 Dec 07 04:19:04]
Briankerk: Nope: easy said than done buddy..I love my brother and no human can just let it "pass"!
[20 Dec 07 04:16:44]
Briankerk: yuki, i asume you're Japanese. Thanks for you message. My brother's name is Zion, Kor is what i call him, it means brother in chinese
[20 Dec 07 04:15:57]
yuki: to family kor...take care...don`t be too sad because he will felt sad if he know all of u are not happy because of him...just let it pass
[20 Dec 07 04:00:01]
BIGboy: i see the newspaper, then just know this webpage... may god with all of u ... amen...
[20 Dec 07 03:58:16]
yuki: i hope u will be come back........we waiting for you...kor....
[20 Dec 07 03:56:43]
Nope: not need think too much.. just let it pass..
[20 Dec 07 03:34:26]
Agnes:: GOD always be with you. Dont give up. Take care
[20 Dec 07 02:48:38]
jesse: Dear Zi Lu&Family,muz take gd care urself.ok,Promise!! dont matter what happen,muz be barvely facing the problems n sadness..
[20 Dec 07 02:25:51]
kelz: it's really sad to heard abt dat. such a bravery young man.. don give up k! god wil blessing you!
[20 Dec 07 02:16:40]
ting: dun give up~ ~ ~be strong...ok??
[20 Dec 07 00:18:32]
swen: sorry 2 heard bout tat~~~but don't giv up .plz~~there still hav chance~~~~
[20 Dec 07 00:14:16]
ivy: "so whenever we r in need we should cum bravely b4 the throne of our merciful God.there v will be treated with undeserved kindness,n we will find help" HEBREWS 4:16
[19 Dec 07 21:47:08]
Tsurugi: Feel sorry to hear the news...
[19 Dec 07 21:43:36]
ivy: don't give up..everything just it to God,He will always beside you coz when you fall down he will never let you go ...God will take care your kor ..just believe in faith that he can save your kor life
[19 Dec 07 21:37:02]
jesse: Sorry...Its sad to hear abt that..Its really true sad "Hero" story!! I really feel down..
[19 Dec 07 20:57:12]
JLIM: PLease,never give up and there's always hope !! be strong ~
[19 Dec 07 20:48:27]
Ken: May god be with u...used study at tasmania...i heard from my tassie friend.. even thou i dont know "u" ... but your love with always be with us...
[19 Dec 07 18:34:31]
shakti: i'm so sorry zi lu.i'm still speachless.i don't know what to say
[19 Dec 07 12:22:29]
lily: so sory to hear that!
[19 Dec 07 10:01:12]
Dave P: My thoughts are with you and you're family Brian.
[18 Dec 07 19:37:21]
x-man: has he been found?
[18 Dec 07 09:23:49]
L: My friend posted the link to this page and I am deeply touched, amaze and inspire by the act of this fellow Antonian! Prayer goes to you, Zion and your family. Emmuanel!
[18 Dec 07 08:52:34]
Briankerk: I still can't believe he's gone, its too sudden for me, i feel his presence everywhere, even his voice..
[18 Dec 07 06:23:47]
Abel: An amazing guy with amazing talent and most of all a Very BIG Heart! You will truly be missed
[17 Dec 07 20:04:59]
chee: Great is a man, greater is his heart.. Total solute to his spirit of Love.
[17 Dec 07 02:31:43]
BrianKerk: my heartiest thanks to all of you who have drop by. I still cant read all that has been written as my heart is still heavy for the loss of my dear brother.
[16 Dec 07 20:18:03]
ChiewYean: Zi On.. a musician, comedian, friend and a hero. We will all miss you terribly.
[16 Dec 07 20:14:37]
Arthur Lam: He was a good man. He certainly won't be forgotten. RIP
[16 Dec 07 04:25:40]
Glenn: Inspirational, so much bravery, so much achievement for such a young man. I am sorry I never got to meet you, but I am happy to at least hear of your unbreakable spirit and your bravery. RIP
[16 Dec 07 03:35:06]
Dermot: Great tribute to an amazing young man. The influence of his life and his last act will last far beyond his departure. My prayers are with the family at this time
[16 Dec 07 03:19:29]
Jo: You have demonstrated the greatest love. Indeed a child of God. You will always be remembered!
[15 Dec 07 07:52:59]
Walter Sy: Mr Zi On Kerk December 6, 2007. A hero that will always be remembered. May you Rest In Peace my friend...
[12 Dec 07 12:29:51]
Sammy: Zion, you made a sacrifice that most people wouldn't even dream of making...may you Rest In Peace...you will never be forgotten...
[12 Dec 07 12:29:24]
Darran: Im humbled, for this humble man of God... Not just saved, but a savour. There is no doubt that this Angel amoung men has a place high in Heaven. He has left this man a Legacy... I am humbled God Bless
[15 Dec 07 00:57:53]
Christopher: hey everyone. i was in his care group in brisbane, home now in sg. it really shocked and broke my heart to receive this news. we have all offered words for the album alr. sigh
[14 Dec 07 12:23:29]
[21 Dec 07]
KayKay: Trully proud of U...Jesus love U...
[21 Dec 07 05:06:36]
LeeLan: God bless u,malaysian is proud of u!Hope u come back soon
[21 Dec 07 05:00:30]
Willy: 虽然我不认识你,但很佩服你,舍己救人,不是人人都可以的 .希望你平安无事.
[21 Dec 07 04:53:37]
lydia: so proud of you......god loves you....may god bless more and more to the family....
[21 Dec 07 04:37:57]
xuejia: Teluk Intaner..al d best~~
[21 Dec 07 04:11:36]
LQ: God bless Zi On and his family members n friends...
[21 Dec 07 02:19:14]
Vicky: Zi On was my kinder friend from Jenderata Playschool Teluk Intan . Sad to hear this news , even though we lost in touch but memories of those days would be remembered always.
[21 Dec 07 01:03:20]
albee: i hope u can come back!! jia you!! hero!!
[20 Dec 07 23:26:25]
jason: may god bless you.....i am very sad to hear this news.
[20 Dec 07 23:08:14]
erin: zion,we all pray hard n hope that u come back soon!!!zion"s family pls take care ya!!!
[20 Dec 07 22:40:52]
Chi Juan: Zion family take care.Hope zion come back soon.
[20 Dec 07 20:33:23]
Winnie: Zion, read u news in the paper. Pray to hope that you are safe.
[20 Dec 07 19:40:22]
Gurl: Altho i donno you as well, you're so much bravery and amazing. I'll pray for your back, yr families & friends are waiting for you. God bless~
[20 Dec 07 19:33:16]
-Shin-: Althou I donno you, but your bravery really touches me. I'll pray for you. May God bless you. Amen.
[20 Dec 07 16:22:27]
KL Guy: May God bless you. You're so brave. We're all proud of you.
[20 Dec 07 16:21:17]
Yuan He: Hero! Proud of You! May you rest in peace.
[20 Dec 07 11:49:58]
Yuan He: Hero! Proud of You! May you rest in peace.
[20 Dec 07 11:49:28]
Chee How: 雖然我不認識你,但我真的非常佩服你!我覺得您的家人非å ��難過,但他們也為您驕傲!您那大無畏的精神,讓人欽佩.我 不是基督教徒,但我會為您祈禱,希望您能早日回家.願我的 心意,能傳達給主,願主保佑您!
[20 Dec 07 11:48:07]
jess: zion's family, dun give up him. i will pray for him. sure he will come back.. coz we all believe god will save good person..
[20 Dec 07 11:25:55]
jess: to zion family.. i am so sad to read bout tis new.. but believe it, zion still alive.. all of us blessing for him. he is a kind person, god can see it and will bring him back soon
[20 Dec 07 11:23:17]
feiling: 嗯我还没写完，真的很希望你的家人可以过得开心，不要 因为伤心而累坏了身体。不管之后发生什麽事只要笑笑下 事情就很快就过去的。记得噢！要开心。。。不好意思哦 ！因为英文不大好所以写华语。
[20 Dec 07 11:21:09]
feiling: 不好意思噢！我不认识你也不认识你的家人。可是当我看 到报章上所发生的事件后我感到很伤心又很。。。嗯，不 懂要怎样形容我的心情。也会觉得你家人应该会很伤心吧 ！不好意思噢！虽然不认识你不过还是很希望你可以因为 心地善良而受到耶稣的帮助或保佑而平安的回家。虽然我 不是基督教不过我会请求菩萨来来保佑你。我也会帮你祷 告。希望有关当局能够尽快的找到你。也希望你家人不要 那麽难过，开心点
[20 Dec 07 11:10:53]
Seow Hui: I got Zion's news from newspaper..don't be too sad...I hope that he is still alive..may God bless Zion and his family....take care
[20 Dec 07 10:39:00]
mimi: [耶和華是我的牧者、我必不至缺乏。他使我躺臥在青草�œ �上、領我在可安歇的水邊。他使我的靈魂甦醒、為自己�š �名引導我走義路。我雖然行過死蔭的幽谷、也不怕遭害�¼ �因為你與我同在，你的杖、你的竿、都安慰我。在我敵�º �面前、你為我擺設筵席，你用油膏了我的頭、使我的福� �滿溢。我一生一世必有恩惠慈愛隨著我，我且要住在耶�’ �華的殿中、直到永遠。] 希望诗篇23篇能够让你得到主的平安。你会没事的！！
[20 Dec 07 10:22:14]
mimi: To Zion and his family, 我对你的遭遇感到很难过。我是来自大城堡卫理公会的平 凡基督徒，之前我也是在澳洲昆士兰念书的，虽然我并不 认识你，但是你的勇敢让我感到非常敬佩。我会为你祷告 ，也会呼吁全教会弟兄姐妹为你祷告，希望奇迹出现，而 你人平安无事。原上帝永远。。永远都与你同在。不要害 怕，上帝不会离开你。
[20 Dec 07 10:17:09]
KW Ng: we were classmates back in secondary. I regret for not keeping in touch for so many years. May God bless Zion & family. Take care
[20 Dec 07 10:06:06]
Teohau: to Zion family,I feel bad & sad to know this news, i hope he well be come back,Zion family take yourself.
[20 Dec 07 09:51:40]
natsumi: Emmanuel!!!
[20 Dec 07 09:39:57]
jacjsing: May God bless Zion & family... Let faith & courage be wif u. Will keep Zion in prayer. God bless..
[20 Dec 07 09:28:35]
Pat: I'm sorry to know the news too.. I hope he'll be coming back soon! Take care k, Zion's family :)
[20 Dec 07 08:33:35]
natsumi: With faith, we shud believe God and pray for his return. I trust Him. So, be tough!> the kuo's family
[20 Dec 07 08:28:46]
natsumi: This is the first news that i saw this morning. Praise God for letting me read it so that i can pray for him. I'm sorry that this happened.
[20 Dec 07 08:27:29]
friend from Teluk Intan: God bless~~
[20 Dec 07 07:19:24]
Hye Kyung: I hope that my opinion would not offend anyone.. Sorry if what i post here really offend you guys, but this is what i really think..
[20 Dec 07 05:27:41]
Hye Kyung: and i think if we all pray hard for him,he might be still be alive.. Don't give up hope on him.. I would choose to believe that he is still alive.. Be strong.. Don't Give Up on him... God bless...
[20 Dec 07 05:25:59]
Hye Kyung: To the family of Zion, be strong.. I think Zion also wanted you to be stronge about this too.. Don't give up your hopes on him.. Maybe he is somewhere out there still alive..Anything could happen..
[20 Dec 07 05:24:23]
Hye Kyung: I am very sorry to hear about this..
[20 Dec 07 05:21:45]
Danny C: Brian, aka Zi Lu, is that u? I'm Danny, Choo Teng Hon, ur bro's class mate in primary school. I've just got the news from Adrian Tan. I feel bad & sad for wat happened to Zi On. God bless....
[20 Dec 07 04:40:57]
A Friend: Zion's news is out in malaysian chinese newspapers yesterday and today.
[20 Dec 07 04:19:04]
Briankerk: Nope: easy said than done buddy..I love my brother and no human can just let it "pass"!
[20 Dec 07 04:16:44]
Briankerk: yuki, i asume you're Japanese. Thanks for you message. My brother's name is Zion, Kor is what i call him, it means brother in chinese
[20 Dec 07 04:15:57]
yuki: to family kor...take care...don`t be too sad because he will felt sad if he know all of u are not happy because of him...just let it pass
[20 Dec 07 04:00:01]
BIGboy: i see the newspaper, then just know this webpage... may god with all of u ... amen...
[20 Dec 07 03:58:16]
yuki: i hope u will be come back........we waiting for you...kor....
[20 Dec 07 03:56:43]
Nope: not need think too much.. just let it pass..
[20 Dec 07 03:34:26]
Agnes:: GOD always be with you. Dont give up. Take care
[20 Dec 07 02:48:38]
jesse: Dear Zi Lu&Family,muz take gd care urself.ok,Promise!! dont matter what happen,muz be barvely facing the problems n sadness..
[20 Dec 07 02:25:51]
kelz: it's really sad to heard abt dat. such a bravery young man.. don give up k! god wil blessing you!
[20 Dec 07 02:16:40]
ting: dun give up~ ~ ~be strong...ok??
[20 Dec 07 00:18:32]
swen: sorry 2 heard bout tat~~~but don't giv up .plz~~there still hav chance~~~~
[20 Dec 07 00:14:16]
ivy: "so whenever we r in need we should cum bravely b4 the throne of our merciful God.there v will be treated with undeserved kindness,n we will find help" HEBREWS 4:16
[19 Dec 07 21:47:08]
Tsurugi: Feel sorry to hear the news...
[19 Dec 07 21:43:36]
ivy: don't give up..everything just it to God,He will always beside you coz when you fall down he will never let you go ...God will take care your kor ..just believe in faith that he can save your kor life
[19 Dec 07 21:37:02]
jesse: Sorry...Its sad to hear abt that..Its really true sad "Hero" story!! I really feel down..
[19 Dec 07 20:57:12]
JLIM: PLease,never give up and there's always hope !! be strong ~
[19 Dec 07 20:48:27]
Ken: May god be with u...used study at tasmania...i heard from my tassie friend.. even thou i dont know "u" ... but your love with always be with us...
[19 Dec 07 18:34:31]
shakti: i'm so sorry zi lu.i'm still speachless.i don't know what to say
[19 Dec 07 12:22:29]
lily: so sory to hear that!
[19 Dec 07 10:01:12]
Dave P: My thoughts are with you and you're family Brian.
[18 Dec 07 19:37:21]
x-man: has he been found?
[18 Dec 07 09:23:49]
L: My friend posted the link to this page and I am deeply touched, amaze and inspire by the act of this fellow Antonian! Prayer goes to you, Zion and your family. Emmuanel!
[18 Dec 07 08:52:34]
Briankerk: I still can't believe he's gone, its too sudden for me, i feel his presence everywhere, even his voice..
[18 Dec 07 06:23:47]
Abel: An amazing guy with amazing talent and most of all a Very BIG Heart! You will truly be missed
[17 Dec 07 20:04:59]
chee: Great is a man, greater is his heart.. Total solute to his spirit of Love.
[17 Dec 07 02:31:43]
BrianKerk: my heartiest thanks to all of you who have drop by. I still cant read all that has been written as my heart is still heavy for the loss of my dear brother.
[16 Dec 07 20:18:03]
ChiewYean: Zi On.. a musician, comedian, friend and a hero. We will all miss you terribly.
[16 Dec 07 20:14:37]
Arthur Lam: He was a good man. He certainly won't be forgotten. RIP
[16 Dec 07 04:25:40]
Glenn: Inspirational, so much bravery, so much achievement for such a young man. I am sorry I never got to meet you, but I am happy to at least hear of your unbreakable spirit and your bravery. RIP
[16 Dec 07 03:35:06]
Dermot: Great tribute to an amazing young man. The influence of his life and his last act will last far beyond his departure. My prayers are with the family at this time
[16 Dec 07 03:19:29]
Jo: You have demonstrated the greatest love. Indeed a child of God. You will always be remembered!
[15 Dec 07 07:52:59]
Walter Sy: Mr Zi On Kerk December 6, 2007. A hero that will always be remembered. May you Rest In Peace my friend...
[12 Dec 07 12:29:51]
Sammy: Zion, you made a sacrifice that most people wouldn't even dream of making...may you Rest In Peace...you will never be forgotten...
[12 Dec 07 12:29:24]
Darran: Im humbled, for this humble man of God... Not just saved, but a savour. There is no doubt that this Angel amoung men has a place high in Heaven. He has left this man a Legacy... I am humbled God Bless
[15 Dec 07 00:57:53]
Christopher: hey everyone. i was in his care group in brisbane, home now in sg. it really shocked and broke my heart to receive this news. we have all offered words for the album alr. sigh
[14 Dec 07 12:23:29]
Tan Khai Ching
Hi, I'm Tan Khai Ching.
It's been a huge surprise when i heard the news about Zi On and it was a sudden sad.
Zi On was the great leader that i was working with him in one good team of Boys' Brigade, Saint Anthony's platoon.
He was a really helpful and kind person. And he always share his ideas that we can contribute to the Boys' Brigade. Such as the ideas to increase the members of the company, recruitment's add on ideas, some good skills of playing a mace in the BB Band, and some tips of leadership.
I remember Mrs Kerk always share about him and his faith.
Please further my extend to Zi Lu, Mr & Mrs Kerk. "Be Strong~!", "Emmanuel~!".
Other than these, i'm not sure what other things that i can help.
It's been a huge surprise when i heard the news about Zi On and it was a sudden sad.
Zi On was the great leader that i was working with him in one good team of Boys' Brigade, Saint Anthony's platoon.
He was a really helpful and kind person. And he always share his ideas that we can contribute to the Boys' Brigade. Such as the ideas to increase the members of the company, recruitment's add on ideas, some good skills of playing a mace in the BB Band, and some tips of leadership.
I remember Mrs Kerk always share about him and his faith.
Please further my extend to Zi Lu, Mr & Mrs Kerk. "Be Strong~!", "Emmanuel~!".
Other than these, i'm not sure what other things that i can help.
From Claire Kim (Korea)
Hello,
I'm Claire Kim, Zion's friend from ANU. I spent a year with him as an exchange student in Ursula college, and have kept in contact with him via email ever since. The news of Zion's death has devasted each and every one of us, but I cannot even imagine the pain of what his family is going through. I felt like sharing some of my personal memories with Zion so that we could all cherish the wonderful person he was.
The year I spent in Australia was no doubt the best time of my life, and Zion was the biggest part of it. We'd do everything together - lunch, dinner, movies, bike rides around the lake, fireworks, ski trips, you name it. Zion insisted on taking me to church, so we even went to church together on Sundays.
Zion loved his family. He'd talk alot about his parents, and about his brother studying in tasmania. I'd talk alot about my family too, especially having been homesick at the moment. Once, we stayed up the whole night talking about family. Im sure my story was boring as hell, but he stayed awake and listened to my blabberings. Zion was always a listener, and good company.
Zion didn't like peeling oranges because it left his hands all smelly. I got him an orange peeler, and we sat around in my room trying it out. How we had so much fun peeling a bunch of oranges, i have no idea. He loved it. He appreciated the smallest things.
Zion and I had a chance to travel together through Adelaide during break. we went on this tour to the Kangaroo islands, and by the end of it I got tired and I got really cranky at him. Zion, however, was all smiles and beared with my crankiness.
We once had dinner at an all-you-can-eat pancake place. We snuck in a carton of juice, and took turns drinking it without letting the waitors know. We stuffed ourselves with 5 or 6 pancakes each and walked out feeling like winners.
Once I hurt myself and ended up in the hospital. Zion was the first to come by.
On a Sunday, Zion wanted us to go to church so we could pray for my fast recovery. After the incident, I was depressed and felt like being alone. As I didn't answer his calls, Zion started banging on my dorm room so hard it scared me. A few hours later, he sticked in a card through the door mentioning how sorry he was for banging on the door, and how he couldn't stand the thought of me having a hard time all alone. I cried reading it, and I still do every time I read it.
My mom was in the states with my brother at the time, so once I was back in Korea, I was supposed to live with my dad alone. I told Zion how worried I was about taking care of him, and a few days before my leave, he made me a hand-written cookbook with hundreds of Korean recipes. He'd been stuck in his room with only hours of sleep all along. It was the most thoughful present I received from anybody ever. I still keep it close and think of him from time to time.
At the end of the year, we said our goodbyes in Canberra, but Zion came all the way to Sydney to say his last goodbye. I nearly missed my plane talking to him. While I was as sad as he was, I think I was afraid to show it. I regret not having been like him more, brave and sincere enough to show what I feel.
Now that he is gone, I foolishly realize what an amazing friend he was. I have friends, but I've never had a friend like Zion that loved me and cared for me the way he did. He believed in me more than I believed in myself, and prayed for me more than I prayed for myself. I did nothing for him, and it breaks my heart to realize I have no other chance.
In a letter he wrote, he promised me that he'd be there for me for all the good and bad no matter what. I believe he will keep his promise. From now on, I will thank him for all the good things in life, and rely on him to overcome the bad. I will live my life to the fullest for both of us and make him proud.
Zion and I last talked via email late October. I am sharing his last words with you, I wish it will bring you comfort at mind to know how content with life he was. All in all, I'd like to end my long unorganized bits of thoughts by saying to you, Zion's mom and dad, that I loved your son very much, and I will keep him near and dear to my heart for the rest of my life. Thank you for raising such a wonderful son, I feel blessed to have known him.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Hi Claire,
HOws' things with you of late? Its real good to hear that you've eased into your workplace pretty well, feeling the warm camaraderie of a small bunch of individuals at work, I really think thats brilliant environment to work in, u know like its hard to imagine work can be made into a more comfortable, organic and complementing your life rather than being something you have to sacrifice your time with. Most work is like that, but if work can be at least half as authentic to how you wanna live your life and not being a drag, it really is a blessing.
Yeah i agree with you asking about the meaning of living a working life of the same thing over and over again, does your firm take up suggestions to implement fun/meaningful/life enhancing activities into your current work? Google seems more staff friendly than most others. Well if you feel the need to move elsewhere, you'll always have your current work experience to back you up, I presume Google has quite a wide range of work for you to do, so that'd surely mix in well with what you've experienced, adding to your collection of experiences when u go for a new job. How bout connection? hehe it always helps to know someone somewhere who might be able to intro u to a new job. What do you wish to experience more while at work or a new job? That might make things clearer.
Thanks for the encouragement. When people say nice things, I usually dont believe that it is true, or what i did wasn't as great as they think and does not deserve that accolade, or that i'm not worthy of receiving it. Its a subconscious perpetuation of self loathing and perfectionism. Haha..but i'll take in as much as i can accept. Especially these days when i;ve been going through lotta self doubt. Its hard to find ppl to talk about this, either ppl dont take it seriously and might be less trustworthy, or are not empathetic, or dont have the right things to say.
Excuse me for the ramblings, back to life here in Brisbane, yea, its pretty fantastic, although i've lost a lot of that spirit of everything is new and exciting even though its a new place. But I'm still adjusting life from small ol Canberra. Canberra no matter what ppl say about it is always unique in its own dry, structured little way, dont u think so? Well you're memory is still pretty good, the street beach is still around, tall buildings, and u forgot, murky river, hahaha..that was my first impression. Best of all is the good weather, i really put my hands up on Canberra, couldnt stand it anymore in terms of its weather. A lot of unproductive days can be attributed to that i reckon. Rite here in terms of the weather i am very very happy indeed. Blue skies almost everyday, plenty of sunshine, no cold to bite yer bum throughout winter and spring. hehe...even winter here is pleasant. Best thing of all, the gold coast is only an hour plus ride away. So its real good.
As for my uni life, october has been my most torrid month, no break assignments one after another.. but i guess it comes with the life as a student. Do you miss bit of uni life? ...have you had any trips lately? Last time u told me bout Your US training, anymore recently? You're quite the traveller so i guess for every travel now and then, i think you enjoy it a lot.
Met some friends over here, its lil tough, entering into uni during sem 2 when ppl are already quite settled with their friends, i guess u understand since u came to college during 2nd sem...i know its not as easy. I just look forward to the coming semester when im more settled and able to meet more ppl at the start of the next yr.
I've been doing a lil exploring here and there, been to their chinatown, nothing spectacular, in fact at nite quite a number of drunk and aggressive aboriginals and drugpusher and prostitute looking ppl hanging about, not very nice sight. Quite sad since most chinatowns ive been to, even though they are small and can be at times a little dirty, but the dodgy ppl u dont get them. i found out many asians dont go so much to the chinatown but rather to another suburb called Sunnybank where the food is cheaper, better and more variety. i'm not much fussy about eating asian food, so its not a problem with me. I live in a suburb which is close to chinese sounding suburb called Toowong, haha...there's even a asian food shop that decided to name it Two Wongs.
The place where there's the st beach and other art centres, is called Southbank. Its a great place as it has good sceneries and well kept walkpaths. There was one day when i was there, and wanted to go to a suburb called West End, i got confused as i was rushing, and went around asking ppl ' do you know if theres a bus that goes to West Bank? West Bank anyone? ' only later realising, i got it all mixed up...watched too much TV news!! West Bank and Gaza in the middle east...no wonder no one knew, there was no West Bank in the first place.! Well i remember that pretty well now not to repeat that again..!
Well thats from my side of late. Before i sign off, happy birthday ! Hope it brings you a new lease of meaningful events into your life and a big smile to your face. I have a mug in front of me, which says, "Go confidently in the direction of your dreams! Live the life you've imagined." Thoreau. I think you're living a pretty good life, keep it up!
hugs,
Zi :)
I'm Claire Kim, Zion's friend from ANU. I spent a year with him as an exchange student in Ursula college, and have kept in contact with him via email ever since. The news of Zion's death has devasted each and every one of us, but I cannot even imagine the pain of what his family is going through. I felt like sharing some of my personal memories with Zion so that we could all cherish the wonderful person he was.
The year I spent in Australia was no doubt the best time of my life, and Zion was the biggest part of it. We'd do everything together - lunch, dinner, movies, bike rides around the lake, fireworks, ski trips, you name it. Zion insisted on taking me to church, so we even went to church together on Sundays.
Zion loved his family. He'd talk alot about his parents, and about his brother studying in tasmania. I'd talk alot about my family too, especially having been homesick at the moment. Once, we stayed up the whole night talking about family. Im sure my story was boring as hell, but he stayed awake and listened to my blabberings. Zion was always a listener, and good company.
Zion didn't like peeling oranges because it left his hands all smelly. I got him an orange peeler, and we sat around in my room trying it out. How we had so much fun peeling a bunch of oranges, i have no idea. He loved it. He appreciated the smallest things.
Zion and I had a chance to travel together through Adelaide during break. we went on this tour to the Kangaroo islands, and by the end of it I got tired and I got really cranky at him. Zion, however, was all smiles and beared with my crankiness.
We once had dinner at an all-you-can-eat pancake place. We snuck in a carton of juice, and took turns drinking it without letting the waitors know. We stuffed ourselves with 5 or 6 pancakes each and walked out feeling like winners.
Once I hurt myself and ended up in the hospital. Zion was the first to come by.
On a Sunday, Zion wanted us to go to church so we could pray for my fast recovery. After the incident, I was depressed and felt like being alone. As I didn't answer his calls, Zion started banging on my dorm room so hard it scared me. A few hours later, he sticked in a card through the door mentioning how sorry he was for banging on the door, and how he couldn't stand the thought of me having a hard time all alone. I cried reading it, and I still do every time I read it.
My mom was in the states with my brother at the time, so once I was back in Korea, I was supposed to live with my dad alone. I told Zion how worried I was about taking care of him, and a few days before my leave, he made me a hand-written cookbook with hundreds of Korean recipes. He'd been stuck in his room with only hours of sleep all along. It was the most thoughful present I received from anybody ever. I still keep it close and think of him from time to time.
At the end of the year, we said our goodbyes in Canberra, but Zion came all the way to Sydney to say his last goodbye. I nearly missed my plane talking to him. While I was as sad as he was, I think I was afraid to show it. I regret not having been like him more, brave and sincere enough to show what I feel.
Now that he is gone, I foolishly realize what an amazing friend he was. I have friends, but I've never had a friend like Zion that loved me and cared for me the way he did. He believed in me more than I believed in myself, and prayed for me more than I prayed for myself. I did nothing for him, and it breaks my heart to realize I have no other chance.
In a letter he wrote, he promised me that he'd be there for me for all the good and bad no matter what. I believe he will keep his promise. From now on, I will thank him for all the good things in life, and rely on him to overcome the bad. I will live my life to the fullest for both of us and make him proud.
Zion and I last talked via email late October. I am sharing his last words with you, I wish it will bring you comfort at mind to know how content with life he was. All in all, I'd like to end my long unorganized bits of thoughts by saying to you, Zion's mom and dad, that I loved your son very much, and I will keep him near and dear to my heart for the rest of my life. Thank you for raising such a wonderful son, I feel blessed to have known him.
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Hi Claire,
HOws' things with you of late? Its real good to hear that you've eased into your workplace pretty well, feeling the warm camaraderie of a small bunch of individuals at work, I really think thats brilliant environment to work in, u know like its hard to imagine work can be made into a more comfortable, organic and complementing your life rather than being something you have to sacrifice your time with. Most work is like that, but if work can be at least half as authentic to how you wanna live your life and not being a drag, it really is a blessing.
Yeah i agree with you asking about the meaning of living a working life of the same thing over and over again, does your firm take up suggestions to implement fun/meaningful/life enhancing activities into your current work? Google seems more staff friendly than most others. Well if you feel the need to move elsewhere, you'll always have your current work experience to back you up, I presume Google has quite a wide range of work for you to do, so that'd surely mix in well with what you've experienced, adding to your collection of experiences when u go for a new job. How bout connection? hehe it always helps to know someone somewhere who might be able to intro u to a new job. What do you wish to experience more while at work or a new job? That might make things clearer.
Thanks for the encouragement. When people say nice things, I usually dont believe that it is true, or what i did wasn't as great as they think and does not deserve that accolade, or that i'm not worthy of receiving it. Its a subconscious perpetuation of self loathing and perfectionism. Haha..but i'll take in as much as i can accept. Especially these days when i;ve been going through lotta self doubt. Its hard to find ppl to talk about this, either ppl dont take it seriously and might be less trustworthy, or are not empathetic, or dont have the right things to say.
Excuse me for the ramblings, back to life here in Brisbane, yea, its pretty fantastic, although i've lost a lot of that spirit of everything is new and exciting even though its a new place. But I'm still adjusting life from small ol Canberra. Canberra no matter what ppl say about it is always unique in its own dry, structured little way, dont u think so? Well you're memory is still pretty good, the street beach is still around, tall buildings, and u forgot, murky river, hahaha..that was my first impression. Best of all is the good weather, i really put my hands up on Canberra, couldnt stand it anymore in terms of its weather. A lot of unproductive days can be attributed to that i reckon. Rite here in terms of the weather i am very very happy indeed. Blue skies almost everyday, plenty of sunshine, no cold to bite yer bum throughout winter and spring. hehe...even winter here is pleasant. Best thing of all, the gold coast is only an hour plus ride away. So its real good.
As for my uni life, october has been my most torrid month, no break assignments one after another.. but i guess it comes with the life as a student. Do you miss bit of uni life? ...have you had any trips lately? Last time u told me bout Your US training, anymore recently? You're quite the traveller so i guess for every travel now and then, i think you enjoy it a lot.
Met some friends over here, its lil tough, entering into uni during sem 2 when ppl are already quite settled with their friends, i guess u understand since u came to college during 2nd sem...i know its not as easy. I just look forward to the coming semester when im more settled and able to meet more ppl at the start of the next yr.
I've been doing a lil exploring here and there, been to their chinatown, nothing spectacular, in fact at nite quite a number of drunk and aggressive aboriginals and drugpusher and prostitute looking ppl hanging about, not very nice sight. Quite sad since most chinatowns ive been to, even though they are small and can be at times a little dirty, but the dodgy ppl u dont get them. i found out many asians dont go so much to the chinatown but rather to another suburb called Sunnybank where the food is cheaper, better and more variety. i'm not much fussy about eating asian food, so its not a problem with me. I live in a suburb which is close to chinese sounding suburb called Toowong, haha...there's even a asian food shop that decided to name it Two Wongs.
The place where there's the st beach and other art centres, is called Southbank. Its a great place as it has good sceneries and well kept walkpaths. There was one day when i was there, and wanted to go to a suburb called West End, i got confused as i was rushing, and went around asking ppl ' do you know if theres a bus that goes to West Bank? West Bank anyone? ' only later realising, i got it all mixed up...watched too much TV news!! West Bank and Gaza in the middle east...no wonder no one knew, there was no West Bank in the first place.! Well i remember that pretty well now not to repeat that again..!
Well thats from my side of late. Before i sign off, happy birthday ! Hope it brings you a new lease of meaningful events into your life and a big smile to your face. I have a mug in front of me, which says, "Go confidently in the direction of your dreams! Live the life you've imagined." Thoreau. I think you're living a pretty good life, keep it up!
hugs,
Zi :)
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
A book in memory of Zi On
Zi On's cousin is preparing a book in memory of Zi On for the family.
Photos, stories, and personal tributes for Zi On can be emailed to Euling at the address below.
euling@rogers.com
Or you can also email them to zionkerk07@gmail.com. They will be passed on to Euling, or posted here on request.
Thanks
Photos, stories, and personal tributes for Zi On can be emailed to Euling at the address below.
euling@rogers.com
Or you can also email them to zionkerk07@gmail.com. They will be passed on to Euling, or posted here on request.
Thanks
News about Zi On Kerk
Summary of news articles on the events involving Zi On Kerk, including tibutes from various friends, friends, and/or bloggers can be found here.
http://oldtestamentpassion.blogspot.com/2007/12/further-tributes-to-unsung-malaysian.html
http://oldtestamentpassion.blogspot.com/2007/12/further-tributes-to-unsung-malaysian.html
Initial Post
Please email your thoughts, prayers and/or photos of Zi On to ZionKerk07@gmail.com.
Thanks
Thanks
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