Memories of Zi On

Knowing Your Place

2011-03-01T06:21:00.000-08:00

My dearest Son Zi On

Missing you everyday! Missing you endlessly!
Today, we just want to share these thoughts by Roy Lessin with you in remembrance of you.

Love you son, forever,
Ma and Pa
1 March 2011

Knowing Your Place

You are seated with Christ at God's right hand...
Nothing is higher than that !
God loves you with an everlasting love...
Nothing is deeper than that !
He invites you to drink from the river of His delights...
Nothing is purer than that !
He shares His heart with you in communion...
Nothing is dearer than that !
He watches over you with tender mercies...
Nothing is kinder that that !
He is with you and will never leave you...
Nothing is nearer than that !
He leads you according to the counsel of His own will...
Nothing is wiser than that !
He faithfully feeds you from His word...
Nothing is truer than that !
He is in you and joined to your spirit...
Nothing is closer than that !
-Roy Lessin

Home Sick

2010-12-05T17:50:00.000-08:00

Here's a song that speaks of the deepest emotions for you bro

http://http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zvhrPMJe8LE

Thank you for watching over me

Zi Lu

Every tear we cry is a diamond in God's hands

2010-08-05T21:05:00.000-07:00

My dear Zi On

Where you are, will you hear this inspirational song with Mama?
It is entitled "Five Loaves and Two Fishes" by Corrine May.
It is about surrendering to the "twinkling eyes of Jesus".

Here is the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lmuWmXX2mCU

Lets listen….

Yes,

"every tear we cry is a diamond in God's hands".

You are a shining diamond in God’s hands.

Like the 2 fishes and 5 loaves, God has used your life for His glory!

Listening with you now, loving you Son, forever,
Ma
6-8-2010

Just to say :

2010-07-01T09:58:00.000-07:00

Zi On, my dear son, just to say:

I love you son!

Ma
1-7-2010

Son, I love you !

2009-12-06T17:34:00.000-08:00

Zi On dear
Ma say to you with a hug, “Son, I love you!”
“Ma, I love you too!” This is your response.
I remember your voice so gentle so true. I hear you say again today.
I hear you say : “Ma how are you?”
“Son, I am fine, but son, I miss you, I miss you, I miss you, I miss you!”

I miss you, son and I love you,
Ma
Remembering you especially on your second anniversary – 5 Dec 2009

We love you forever!

2009-12-06T17:22:00.000-08:00

Zi On

We love you forever!
You will always be in our hearts!

Aunty Jenny, Uncle Lee, Felicity and Ken
On your Second Anniversary 5 Dec 2009

I will not doubt

2009-12-05T09:41:00.000-08:00

In loving memory of Kerk Zi On

Because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day.

2 Timothy 1:12

A Steadfast Anchor in the Storms of Life

I will not doubt, I will believe

I will not doubt, though all my ships at sea
Come drifting home with broken masts and sails;
I will believe the Hand that never fails,
From seeming evil works to good for me.
And though I weep because those sails are tattered,
Still will I cry, while best hopes lie shattered:
“I trust in Thee.”

I will not doubt, though all my prayers return
Unanswered from the still, while realm above;
I will believe it is an all-wise love
That has refused these things for which I yearn;
And though at times I cannot keep from grieving,
Yet the pure passion of my fixed believing
Undimmed will burn.

I will not doubt, though sorrows fall like rain,
And troubles swarm like bees about a hive.
I will believe the heights for which I strive
Are only reached by anguish and by pain;
And though I groan and writhe beneath my crosses,
Yet I will see through my severest losses
The greatest gain.

I will not doubt. Well anchored is this faith,
Like some staunch ship, my soul braves every gale;
So strong its courage that it will not fail
To face the mighty unknown sea of death.

Oh, may I cry, though body leaves the spirit,
“I do not doubt,” so listening worlds may hear it,
With my last breath.

***********

A Steadfast Anchor
In fierce storms we must do one thing, for there is only one way.
Only one course remains: you must put your soul in one position and keep it there.
You must anchor yourself steadfastly upon the Lord.
And then, come what may-whether wind, waves, rough sea, thunder, lighting, jagged rocks, or roaring breakers-
You must lash yourself to the helm, firmly holding your confidence in God’s faithfulness, His covenant promises, and His everlasting love in Christ Jesus.

(Richard Fuller - Streams in the Desert)

In loving memory of Kerk Zi On
on his Second Anniversary – 5 Dec 2009
TI Wesley, together with the Kerk family

Sea Is Stilled

2009-12-05T08:53:00.000-08:00

Dear Zi On

We read your diary again and reflect on your thoughts. You taught us what is faith. Your faith in Jesus has carried you through the storms, the waves, the winds and led you to be with your Saviour from that moment on and forever, safe in His dwelling place. And one day we will see you again.

With much love,
Pa, Ma and Zi Lu on your Second Anniversary
5-12-2009
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
from
KERK ZI ON’S DEVOTIONAL DIARY

Date: 14/8/2007

Reading : Matt. 8: 23-27

“Sea Is Stilled”

“Lord Save us we are perishing!” (v25)
“……Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?” (v26)

He arose & rebuked the winds & the sea, and there was great calm,

“…….. even the winds & sea obey Him!” (v27)

Notes:

Can one ask God to rebuke the elements?
Especially since Jesus said to His disciples,
“why are you fearful, you of little faith”
Implying that there is nothing to fear & we can ask God through prayer to even calm nature.

Or is this lesson from Jesus to his disciples & current believers
to send the message not to fear anything rather the miracle itself, as long as we have Jesus.

Why am I fearful, O me of little faith?
Jesus as I’m with You, be with me now.
(Enlarge my faith)

Zi On

Matt 8:23-27 (NKJV)

23 ¶ Now when He got into a boat, His disciples followed Him.
24 And suddenly a great tempest arose on the sea, so that the boat was covered with the waves. But He was asleep.
25 Then His disciples came to Him and awoke Him, saying, "Lord, save us! We are perishing!"
26 But He said to them, "Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?" Then He arose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm.
27 So the men marveled, saying, "Who can this be, that even the winds and the sea obey Him?"

Time is not measured

2009-12-03T19:04:00.000-08:00

Time is not measured
By the years that you live
But by the deeds that you do
And the joy that you give

And each day that you live
With a smile on your face
You brighten the lives of those around
And make the world a better place

And as the time flies by
Ever closer you draw to God
More and more like Jesus
Your Creator, Saviour and Lord

For life is not measured
By how many years you live
But how you love to the fullest
Your all to God you give

In loving memory of my beloved nephew, Kerk Zi On
Aunty Cho Bee
December 5, 2009

The three little “friends” with a message

2009-12-03T18:25:00.000-08:00

Zi On kept three little hand painted toys, each with a message he believed in and shared with his friends. Now on his second anniversary, as we remember him, we share a glimpse of what he believed in and let these messages encourage our hearts as we go on our life’s journeys.

A Cat with a message of LOVE

Love
Love encourages dreams
It gives each spirit a lift,
More precious than gold
It’s life greatest gift.

A Bear with a message of COMFORT

Comfort
When times are tough
I’ll be here
With a welcoming hug
and a friendly ear.

A Lamb with a message of PRAYER

Prayer
Before you sleep each night,
Tell the Lord goodnight.
He listens to every prayer
and keeps you in his care.

Sharing these thoughts with you to cheer you all the way,
Mrs Cho Tan Kerk
4 Dec 2009

Great Truths

2009-10-05T15:28:00.000-07:00

You who bring tidings to Zion, go up on a high mountain. (Isaiah 40:9)

This morning I read L.B. Cowman’s “Streams in the Desert” and came across these great thoughts about great truths. I want to share with you, my dear son Zi On, and all who remember you and miss you dearly in their hearts as I do every day.

“Toys and trinkets are easily earned, but the most valuable things carry a heavy price. The highest places of power are always bought with blood, and you can attain those pinnacles if you have enough blood to pay. That is the condition of conquering holy heights everywhere.

The story of true heroics is always the story of sacrificial blood.

The greatest values and character in life are not blown randomly across our path by wayward winds, for great souls experience great sorrows.

Great truths are dearly bought, the common truths,
Such as we give and take from day to day,
Come in common walk of easy life,
Blown by the careless wind across our way.

Great truths are greatly won, not found by chance,
Not wafted on the breath of summer dream;
But grasped in the great struggle of our soul,
Hard buffeting with adverse wind and stream.

But in the day of conflict, fear and grief,
When the strong hand of God, put forth in might,
Plow up the subsoil of our stagnant heart,
And bring the imprisoned truth seed to the light.

Wrung from the troubled spirit, in hard hours
Of weakness, solitude, and times of pain,
Truth springs like harvest from the well-plowed field,
And our soul feels it has not wept in vain.

Our capacity for knowing God is enlarged when we are brought by Him into circumstances that cause us to exercise our faith. So when difficulties block our path, may we thank God that He is taking time to deal with us, and then may we lean heavily on Him.”

My dear son Zi On, in your search for your purpose in life, I know like anyone else who is serious about what he really wants to do with his life, you had experienced pain and solitude. You had told me before, “I want to do something different, and dare to be different.” On your graduation day, holding your cert, you said to your father and me, “This is nothing, I’m not proud at all, I want to attain something better!” But at that time and earlier, we never knew and I suppose you never knew either what God’s full plan for your life was, what truly was that something better. Like every parents who pray for their children, do we really know the extent and content of God’s answer?

But Mrs Cowman’s sharing about great truths does shed some light of what we can know:

The most valuable things carry a heavy price.

The story of true heroics is always the story of sacrifice.

To conquer holy heights, one must go up on a high mountain and be prepared to pay a cost.

Great truths are not found by chance but grasped in great struggle of our soul, and are dearly won through adverse wind and stream.

In the day of adversary, fear and grief, God’s mighty hand is at work to stir our heart to see the light of truth.

In times of pain and sorrow, our souls never weep in vain.

I learnt that:
When God leads us into circumstances of His sovereign plan and if we response by exercising our faith in Him, we do see a bigger God, a mightier God; and we can thank Him even for the bitter cup that He wants us to drink.

I choose to believe by faith that that December day in 2007, God’s strong hand did put forth in might to fulfill His beautiful plan for his dear child Zi On. I take comfort in His word in Isaiah 40:10:

See, the Sovereign LORD comes with power, and his arm rules for him. See, his reward is with him, and his recompense accompanies him.

I choose to believe the truths that He has enlightened my soul to see.

I choose to go on by faith in our Sovereign God.

I choose to lean on Him.

With loving and endless memory of you, Zi On
MaMa
5.29a.m. 6-10-2009

The Righteous will Flourish

2009-05-27T17:22:00.000-07:00

The Righteous will Flourish

The righteous will flourish like a palm tree
They will grow like a cedar of Lebanon;
Planted in the house of the Lord,
They will flourish in the courts of our God,
They will flourish in the courts of our God.

They will still bear fruit,
Still bear fruit in old age;
They will stay fresh and green,
Stay fresh and green,
Proclaiming, proclaiming:
“The Lord is upright;
He is my Rock,
He is my Rock,
And there is no wickedness in Him.”

The Righteous will flourish like a palm tree
They will grow like a cedar of Lebanon;
Planted in the house of the Lord,
They will flourish in the courts of our God,
They will flourish in the courts of our God.

(A song of God’s promise. Source: Psalm 92;12-15)

---------------- * ----------------

Psalm 92:12-15.

The righteous will flourish like a palm tree,
They will grow like a cedar of Lebanon;
Planted in the house of the Lord,
They will flourish in the courts of our God.

They will still bear fruit in old age,
They will stay fresh and green,
Proclaiming,
“The Lord is upright;
He is my Rock,
And there is no wickedness in Him.”

This is the promise God has given to me one morning when I was in Tasmania. I was at Arthur Circle, Hobart, Tasmania on 15-Dec-2005.
God spoke to me on that day- just 4 days before my breast cancer surgery in KL, Malaysia.

God assured me that Pa and I will flourish like a palm tree. He assured me that we will still bear fruit in old age, we will stay fresh and green. I know this will be true as we continue to abide in Jesus, walk obediently with Him, and then our lives will be fruitful for Him, for His glory alone.

The Bible says that God’s people are counted as righteous simply because we believe in God by faith.

Palm trees are trees we are both familiar, the Oil Palm trees are a source of healthy edible oil, a source of life. They are common in Malaysia, especially where we stay and work.

That morning on 15 Dec 2005, you had already gone back to Canberra after we attended Zi Lu’s graduation. I told myself that I must go and see Arthur Cirlce one more time before I leave for Malaysia the next day. I went alone with my Bible to enjoy a time of quietness in this park. I read Psalm 92:12-15. God’s word was so alive! God delighted me with His word and His promise on that quiet morning at Arthur Circle. Later I called Pa and Zi Lu to come and join me. I read to them Psalm 92:12-15 and shared with them what God has promised me in His word. Together we prayed sitting on the green grass at the quiet park of Arthur Circle, Tasmania. I will never forget that day, I will never forget God’s promise.

About one and a half months after my Breast cancer surgery and 10 days after my first Chemotherapy, Pa took me for a ride to KL one evening. KL with its evening lights, was surprisingly peaceful and quiet, like a deserted city, because most people had left the city for the Chinese New Year holidays elsewhere. On the way home, a thought came to me: I must compose the music for the promise in Psalm 92 so that it will be a song I will always sing for my family and friends to tell them the goodness of God. By the time, we reached PJ, I had managed to sing Psalm 92:12-15 in a song to praise God, to remember the promise that we will stay fresh and green, proclaiming His goodness.

So it all started in Arthur Circle, this beautiful little park in Tasmania that never fails to delight me. It was like a fairy tale land to me when I first discovered it in 2003 or 2004 when I visited Zi Lu. I remember one evening, I walked home all the way from Hobart city to where Zi Lu was staying in Sandy Bay. I did not know how, but I stood still suddenly, for before me was this fairly-tale looking park. It is a park in a circle like a round about and quite small. What amazed me was that the circle was surrounded by 10 or so little beautiful cottages, each was different in character, each was a lived-in home of some residents there. The park was lined with beautiful blue lavenders and some other flowers, there were some trees whose light green leaves reminded one of life. Nearby at one corner in the park was a playground with a swing for children to play. Between the cottages and the park was a round about road leading to some other roads of Sandy Bay or Hobart. The round about was quite small so that drivers who drive their cars around it to go to other roads nearby do it slowly. I found out that the name of this place was Arthur Circle, the name was inscribed on a wooden notice board at one corner. That evening being summer, the sky was still bright, I sat at the park, alone, soaked in its charming beauty, forgotten that I was still holding in my hand a bag of potato chips which I bought from Hobart harbor water front. Time just stood still. I was like a little girl lost with joy in a fairy-tale land, or “am I in the story land of Charles Dickens?” I mused. Later I lavished the chips on the little birds around. They were happy to share with me and must be thankful that God in His faithfulness had not forgotten their evening meal.

Each time I visit Tasmania, I must go and sit at the park in Arthur Circle, to enjoy a time of quietness. To see that life goes on, but one will capture that special moment when time seems to stand still.

Arthur Circle reminds me of God’s beautiful creation-little flowers, little cottages where his people live, the peace and quietness of a green park, little birds flying in and out to take a rest on the tress, the children who will come now and then to play at the playground. God in His goodness, brought me to this place one evening to enjoy nature and to be close to Him alone, to take a rest in Him. He showed me that he made the little lavenders, he shaped the lives of people, he placed them to live in little cottages built a long time ago, each now carries a unique character shaped by the history of men whom he always delight and longs to have fellowship with, whom he loves with an eternal love and purpose.

In His goodness, he brought me back again and then he showed me a beautiful promise that December day.

I dedicate this song “The Righteous will Flourish” to God, my Creator, to my family and friends.

Today I dedicate this song especially to you Zi On, my dear son, now enjoying the presence of Jesus. I can’t remember if I had ever sung this song to you, I hope I had. But if not, each time I sing, I sing for you too. You will hear it, you will praise God together with us. You will thank God for the His promise that we will flourish like a palm tree, we will stay fresh and green, we will still bear fruit in old age, we will proclaim the goodness of God-our Rock.

To Zi On
With love forever,
Ma
28-05-2009

Hidden Purpose & Resurrection Hope

2009-04-11T10:43:00.000-07:00

Dear Zi On, my dear son!

This is the second time I wish you Blessed Easter in this special way-I let God carry my message to you.

Today 11 April 2009, I realized that I have reached the last day of Meditation for Lent this year. Today’s meditation is titled A Hidden Purpose, based on Mark 15:40-47. The Tenth Station of the Cross: Jesus is taken from the Cross. After the death of Jesus, Joseph of Arimathea, a secret disciple of Jesus, openly and courageously requested Pilate for the body of Jesus. He gave Jesus a proper burial. God had chosen a man who was living a concealed life of discipleship to play a sacred role. Today I am encouraged to come to the Lord Jesus and ask Him to teach me to remain faithful in seasons of hiddenness. After you have gone, son, I realized even more than before that in life, in some parts of our journey, there is a hidden purpose. God may choose to reveal it to us one day!

Son, this afternoon I had the joy of singing with 3 girls at the Sunday School: I am so glad for Easter, Jesus is alive today, Jesus is my special friend, He still lives today.

Later I told them the story of crucifixion. Although they are small, age 5 to 7, I could sense that they were very touched to hear that Jesus suffered so much for the wrongs of men, they were very attentive, trying to understand the crown of thorns, and seemed to feel the pain of what it must have been like-being nailed, how Jesus felt as they nailed him on the cross.

We continued the story- Jesus said forgive them.., the sign on top of the cross reads-Jesus of Nazareth King of the Jews,... the 2 robbers beside Him...what Jesus said to his mother and John who were there...later, the sky turned dark,...the curtain in the temple was torn into two... Jesus said: Father, unto your hands I commit my spirit, and he died,...the burial ...and finally the empty tomb-the victorious climax of the Easter story-Jesus said: I have risen!

I do not know if they understand every part of the story, but one thing I want them to know:

Jesus died for the wrongs of men, he was buried, the third day He rose again.
Jesus lives!

Son, Jesus said that He is the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Him will live even though he dies; and whoever believes in Him will never die. This evening I knelt before the cross and prayed. I remembered you before the Lord, and he reminded me of the Resurrection Hope!

Tomorrow we will celebrate Easter with a sunrise service at church.

Blessed Easter!

Forever loving you, missing you, my dear son!
Your Mama
11 April 2009

Happy Birthday Dearest Zi On - 14 January 2009

2009-01-14T10:53:00.000-08:00

Our dearest Zi On, our loving son, and Ker Ker,

Today is your birthday, you are 27 today!

Ma will never forget your birthday. If you are here with us, you know we will always have a simple celebration. I recall in the past few years, whenever you came back at the end of the year, you would normally stay till end of January or February and we would celebrate your birthday together. Usually we would have a birthday cake.

The last birthday we celebrated as a family was on 14-Jan-2007. I will never forget that day. We were all together in Teluk Intan. It was a Sunday. After church, I cooked a simple birthday lunch of ‘curry mee’. There was a cake, of course. Zi Lu gave you a CD of music which you liked; I only managed to give you an ‘AngPau’- traditional and boring. We took many family photos, photo of yourself, and photo of you with Zi Lu. Never knew then that that would be the last photo of you two brothers together. Never knew then that that would be the last birthday we could celebrate with you.

By the following year, sadness filled our hearts. We lost you at Moreton Island-before we could celebrate another birthday with you, before we could celebrate Christmas… before we could have a chance to kiss you good-bye!

O how Pa and Ma miss you, O how your dear brother misses his big KO, his special and only Ker Ker. O Zi On! Our dear dear On !

Today is your birthday, I just long to celebrate with you. I have been thinking how I can celebrate it. Son, you are so far away... Can you hear if we say HAPPY BIRTHDAY?

This morning, Pa and Ma prayed together after breakfast. We praised God for giving us such a lovely son 27 years ago. We gave thanks to Him for such a special gift from Him. We gave thanks to Him for your life. A beautiful life! A great life! You followed the footsteps of Jesus – you sacrificed and surrendered your life to Him in order to save the life of another. What can we say? How can we stop you? You had to fulfill your life’s mission!

We praise God for your example of love.
You taught us
what is humility,
what is true friendship,
what is empathy,
what is meekness
what is gentleness.
Above all, you taught us
What is love.

Yes, son, you are a man whom God is well pleased, we are sure.
He is pleased with you, with your obedience.
He is pleased with you, that you followed Him till the end.
He is pleased with you, you are a beautiful angel!

Son, we praise God that the promise of Psalm 50v2 from which your name is given has been fulfilled. “Out of Zion, perfect in beauty, God shines forth.”
Truly, out of your life, the beautiful attributes of godliness shine forth.

For your birthday celebration today, ma again cooked ‘curry mee’. We invited Aunty Siew Tin over for lunch (Sheela sent her apology). A simple meal, but we remembered you in our hearts; we celebrated your birthday and your life, in our hearts. .

Your birthday presents -
Ma has a Teddy Bear for you, a CD by David Meece “There I go again”, and Cliff Richard’s “yesterday today forever”. Ma will play these songs and together we will listen, together, son, we will celebrate the love of God, together we will celebrate your birthday, your life!

Ma also ordered a beautiful bouquet of flowers for you – it has 18 yellow roses, bright and sunny, symbols of life, of hope, of joy and of victory. They are for you Zi On, from all of us who love you, who miss you a great deal. And I specially got a red rose too, one single red rose amidst the yellow ones, this is from mama with a big hug for my dear boy.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to you, son and Ker Ker!

Today on your birthday, we want to tell you, “Son, you are our good boy! “
We want to tell you, “ Zi On, we love you!”, “Ko, we will forever miss you!”

With endless love and longings,
Ma, Pa and Zi Lu

14 January 2009

5 Star Champ

2009-01-14T10:44:00.000-08:00

My Brother Zi On’s Anniversary - 5th Dec 2008

5 Star Champ

Another year has passed,
But the memories remain,
Just as it was yesterday.

You are dearly loved and deeply missed….

Despite the distance, I know you are and will be always be there…

You will always be you…
The Loving, Caring Brother.

Always smiling,
Always Supportive,
Always Listening,
Always My Brother.

In Loving memory
By Zi Lu

on Zi On’s Anniversary 5-Dec 2008

In Memory Of You

2009-01-14T10:29:00.000-08:00

In Memory Of You

We want to always remember

The beautiful life you lived

Treasured memories of times spent
And how much to us you meant

We want to always remember

Your love, laughter and warm smile
Your gentle spirit and heart of gold
These are memories we dearly hold

We want to always remember

Your faith and love for God

To Jesus your Saviour and Friend

You were steadfast to the very end

Although we miss you so very much

We know we’ll see you once more

For this is the hope we have in God

That we will be re-united in the Lord

On this day and the days ahead

We want to always remember

And most of all we thank God for you

As we honour the memory of you

≈ John 11:25-26 ≈
In loving memory of my dear & beloved nephew, Kerk Zi On

With much love,
Aunty Cho Bee

December 5, 2008

Today I stand still a minute in memory of Zi On

2008-12-09T17:29:00.000-08:00

He is surrounded by all the angels in heaven

Dear Kerks,

Today I stand still a minute in memory of Zi On. Though he is no longer with us, rest assured he is with his Creator, who loved him most all. He is surrounded by all the angels in heaven, and singing "Alleluia" Praise be the name of Jesus, "Alleluia".

Love,
Tah Chieh/Tua Ee
5-12-2008

Zi On, Precious child of God

2008-12-09T17:21:00.000-08:00

No tears are shed in heaven
and I know the reason why

Hi Cho and Kerk,

Just penned these words that came to mind and reflect and pray with you in your journey with Zi On...steve

It is a year since you went away
Without a word or smile
a hug or cuddle to lighten my day
Sorrow knows no end
without your presence near
And if only you weren't so far away
I'd hold you close like that first day!
You came into our lives when you were born
and now Zi On you've suddenly gone.

A year has passed and we are a year closer
to seeing each other in our eternal final home.
Knowing you are with God makes it much easier
Oh what comfort to know you're safe and sound.
Rejoicing with the children of heaven in song
with the righteous of Christ where you belong.
I think of you and it still makes me cry
I still long for you and God knows why
It's been a slow year coming this anniversary.

No tears are shed in heaven
and I know the reason why
All the tears are shed down here
and they're rather slow to dry
My arms are empty, my heart -
like a jigsaw has a piece missing
Only you Zi On can
prevent it from breaking.
The thought of you will live on with us
until that day we see you again
and rise into the presence of God
and there you will be patiently waiting
and gently wipe the tears from our eyes.

Then we will rejoice and say together
Hallelujah a million times that
death couldn't keep us asunder
And now we'll always be together -
in the everlasting presence of God
who all his children will soon gather
in Heaven to rejoice
though now I long to hear your voice
and touch you once more
though now I am content with the memory
of your love and the life we had together.
Zi On, Precious child of God -
whom we raised for God
to whom we willingly, humbly surrender.

Steve Oh
on the Anniversary of Zi On
5-12-2008

Kerk Zi On - 1st Anniversary - 5 December 2008

2008-12-05T05:53:00.000-08:00

In loving memory of my great son, Kerk Zi On -
On the 1st anniversary of your glorious departure on 5 Dec 2007

My dearest Zi On,

A year has passed since you left us without a good-bye to your dear papa, mama and brother Zi Lu, without a call, and not a word. But you left us with an forgettable smiling face - that last picture you took with your friends at the beach by the rock, you looked happy and full of life, life of youth at its peak, with a smile that radiates from a heart that is ever full of gentleness and love. You left us without a trace of where you have gone to, without a hint where you could have finally ended. Where are you, son? Silence…more silence. Only God knows.

You ended your earthly journey from that beautiful island Moreton where you bravely rode upon the mighty waves, and eventually and blissfully rested in the deep blue ocean or by the rocky shore, never to look back at what you left behind. But you did leave behind a life – that of another person, which you bravely saved and in the process sacrificially lost your own.

Sudden shock pounded on us. More shock, hard and merciless, swept over us like the mighty waves, followed by utter disbelief. You had gone? Just like that? Our hearts sank into a deep and dark hollow. Then came bewilderment and anguish. “He saved a life. O God, were Your hands too short to save his? Where were You in that hour when we needed You most for our dear son and brother?” We helplessly asked. News broke out – they called you a hero of the Bay! For us it was just the beginning of endless tears, unceasing pain, and deep sorrow and grief inconsolable.

Not a day has since passed without Ma missing you, Zi On. Losing you is a loss that cannot be measured, and nothing can compensate, for nothing is good enough. How could you just go like that, son, my dear son? Ma just could not let you go. I often look into the sky, when I see some beautiful array of clouds in the wee morning, or a bright afternoon or when the sun is going down. I hope to get a glimpse of you in the clouds, imagining heaven is there, where you dwell safely in the arms of Jesus.

Our life over this year is like the live painting of the garden scene outside our house - Dark clouds approaching, hovering above, we hear the winds coming from far, coming near, sending frightened little birds hurriedly seeking shelter, then reaching a crescendo, they powerfully sweep the palms, causing them to sway and bend helplessly in the direction of the force of nature. Then the chief arrived - thundering storms accompanied by flickering lightning, turning into fearless flashes across the dark sky. And the rain continues, like millions of tear drops crying over the land without you, whispering a song of silent grief which grips and penetrates the heart. Ever since you left, the scene of the tropical thundering storm in the late afternoon plays too frequently in front of our house. Yes, the house you left, never to return, leaving your mom often motionless, watching the rain outside the window, and my heart weeps once again. Son, are you Ok in the far away sea? You must be cold?! Yet your loving mom could do nothing.

Rain and sorrow are synonymous to me since you left.

Amidst the pain and endless longing, I searched for the meaning of your sudden departure.

You are the son we prayed for, and God gave by grace, not just a son but an angel of a son. When your name was chosen, we asked that this son would develop godly attributes in his character, and that God would shine through his life:

“Out of Zion, perfect in beauty, God shines forth”. Psalm 50:2

Looking back, I thank God that He molded and shaped you into a person whom He fulfilled that promise given 25 years ago. You have the most gentleness of spirit and a heart full of love. Your humility and meekness made me wonder with what strength you endured the arrogance and selfishness often seen in the world around you. Your ready smile characterized by a gentle spirit of kindness is what you gave to the world and to us. Son, my heart is full of your smiling face with the sweetest remembrance of you.

Son, Ma is now here in Brisbane, the last stop of your earthy journey where your heart was still searching for a brighter future in the horizon, where there were still many dreams you had desired to pursue and aspirations you had longed to fulfill.

Yet you had long decided that your aspiration was to be a man of substance, of courage, of true friendship. God granted your wish. That day, in the far away land, the beautiful Moreton Island, by the Bay surrounded by surging sea, you actually completed your mission on earth. Bravely taking your cross, you followed your Saviour’s footsteps. You gave your life for another person, thus fulfilling the word of the Lord,

“Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.”
John 15:13

And the Lord called you His friend.

“You are my friends if you do what I command.” John 15:14.

And I know there awaited for you in heaven, a crown of glory, which the Lord has bestowed on you as He said “Well done, good and faithful servant…Enter into the joy your Lord.."

I am proud to be your mom, my great son! My dear Zi On, rest peacefully in the bosom of Jesus. And I look forward to the glorious hope that we will meet you again.

On, I love you!

Your loving mom,
5-Dec 2008

2008-08-06T06:56:00.000-07:00

You took it a step further and made a true calling to be a saint indeed!

Dear Zi On,

A friend in need is a friend indeed... You took it a step further and made a true calling to be a saint indeed!

Your courage will echo forever in the hearts of your friends, who all know that you are truly a hero, and that your selflessness is indeed a blessing for all of us, your friends. I am fortunate to be touched by your benevolence...

It is indeed a sad passing but certainly one which has impacted the true value of life. Your have given me a new meaning of life and simultaneously, the true meaning of selflessness. I am humbled by your action and I am certain that you will be in heaven, reading these, knowing that your action has rippled through the hearts of many... I believe many will not be able to contain their sorrows for this very unfortunate passing; but you have just ended one journey, and to begin a new one in the Arms of God.

As for Zi On’s close ones, your grief should be enveloped with pride. Zi On has shown true courage and spirit to do what many will never ever do.

Zi On, you will be missed...!

With heartfelt condolences for the real hero,

Kenny Tan...
April 2008

(for Zi On from a mate in ANU)

It takes an extraordinary person to do what you did

2008-08-06T06:20:00.000-07:00

I wonder how many people one would expect to meet in a lifetime
Even in a single day we encounter hundreds, possibly thousands, of individuals
They pass by us on the streets, they serve us at the checkout
They make our morning coffee, they work with us
They are friends of friends, they join our clubs

And every single person we meet and know will have some impact on our world
Some merely accompany us on this journey called life
They walk with us but do not change our paths
Others accentuate brief moments in time
They make these moments either brighter or darker
Others still spend entire chapters of life being a part of our lives
They influence our choices and see us through dark passages in time
And then there are those whose lives will intertwine with ours intimately
They can change the direction of our journeys entirely
They instill themselves in our hearts, and shape the musing of our minds

I never knew you well Zi On; that is my loss and regret
I read your testimonials and I realise what a fine man God was shaping you to be
You were, my parents' friends' son and our paths crossed only briefly during childhood
Yet, your passing and heroism has left a mark in my life
It has caused me to realise, once again, how fragile life is
How time is a gift from God that we can't claim for ourselves or take for granted
That the time to live life and show love is now, because tomorrow may never come
It has caused me to question how any one of us would have reacted in your shoes
Needless to say, it takes an extraordinary person to do what you did
And for that, I take my hat off to you and thank you

At first I could not understand, why God would allow this to happen
Why someone like you, the kind of man the world needs more of, had to leave
Why someone like you, who had so much to look forward to, had to go so early

But I have realised that God is God, and man is only man
Someone like you, has commanded a tremendous legacy through action and deed
Someone like you, is a testament to the greatest kind of love we could ever know

God's ways are higher than our ways, His thoughts higher than our thoughts

You were, and still are, so many things to so many people Zi On
To some, you were a companion on this sometime rocky earthly journey we walk
To others, you brought an extra smile or sparkle into short snippets in their lives
To others still, you were a confidant and friend, the one who made difficult days bearable
And then to some, you were the guy who coloured their world with rainbows
The one who left an empty hole where your presence, laugh, smile, love, used to be

But Jesus left an empty grave
Some grieved, but others who had revelation knew it meant something better
Not the end, but the beginning of something more incredible

In memory of you, Kerk Zi On.

Love in Christ
Ling Earn Teh, Melbourne Australia.

2008-08-05T20:29:00.000-07:00

Almost anything reminds me of you!

My Dearest Zi On

It is 5 August today, my son, you have left us for 8 months. Still trying to settle down in your new home? How are you my son?

I miss you and I am still missing you. Tears fill my eyes easily as I look around the empty living room, and remember the time you sat at the sofa reading about speed-reading. I remember the time you were here teaching me some physical exercise which you believed was good for our health. I remember you took a picture of the main entrance door, hoping to record the familiar sound when the door is being opened or shut, you said you wanted to capture that sound, that part of your childhood or teenage years. Everything is still the same here in this quiet afternoon. But everything is not same anymore without you!

I just made two cups of coffee-one for me and one for you. A while ago, I was chatting with Hui, your NZ friend and who has become my NZ friend and daughter too. I told her that as I looked out from the big window, outside is a beautiful display of colours with blooming bougainvillea and many shades of green coming from various plants in our not- too-well maintained garden. Then I suggested as we chatted over the Internet, “Why don’t we have coffee, it is very warm here but cold in NZ.” So we did. As I sipped the coffee, I felt your presence in my heart, and Hui and I celebrated your life, the life of a Hero following the footsteps of Jesus, the life of an Angel who lives forever in our hearts.

Son, in 3 more days the world will be watching the Olympic Games. The Beijing Olympics is eagerly expected by everyone. I am sure you were looking forward to watch this world event, where the best of the world are competing with true spirit of sportsmanship and for the glory of Sports. I told Ying over the phone this morning that you don’t even have a chance to watch the 2008 Beijing Olympics. She said, “No he will watch the Games from where he is.” And your Aunt Cho Bee said, “Zi On is getting front row VIP seats watching the Olympics from above!!” I believe so, you will watch it with great enthusiasm. In my mind I can see you smiling away and then eagerly cheering your favourite sportsman or country.

Oh yes, today I read about Tottenham’s 3-0 win over Germany’s Borussia Dortmund in Rotterdam on Sunday to help the Londoners bag the Feyenoord Jubileum Tournament. Zi On, so once again, your favourite team has made you proud. Cheers!

Almost anything reminds me of you!

Son, my On, how am I going to continue my life without you? Recently at a church service in Kulim, I heard a very touching testimony from Pastor Albert Simon. His life was almost like Job, filled with real trials whether hardship, poverty, near-death sickness and ill-treatment due to his work for Jesus. Yet God sent “angels” to lift him up at each trial and then at each turn of event, God used him to minister to many people. I was very encouraged by his story. That evening, in Kulim, I was reminded to trust God by learning to be still before Him.

Zi On, Psalm 46:10 says: “Be Still and know that I am God”. When the going is tough, remember to cling to Jesus and be still before Him. I know I need to quiet my spirit and still my soul before our loving Shepherd and know that He is God. Son, that is what I will do, and that is what we will do.

Is everything not the same anymore without you? I ask myself. Our loving God remains the same, He changes not!

Love you forever, miss you every day, our dear Zi On.
Mama with Pa and Zi Lu
05-08-2008

2008-08-05T20:18:00.000-07:00

If there is a way to measure a mother's love

Dear Zi On

Can' t let you go from my thoughts. I owe you billions. If there is a way to measure a mother's love, I owe you billions and billions.

I see a lot of birds around our house, I think of you, you said you wanted to see the birds around Unitata the last time you were back. I look out from the window, I hope you would walk past. I read casually sport news, I think of how much you loved football and had always dreamed of seeing a live UK or world match. I remember you copied many recipes from my cooking recipe books, you had wanted to cook yourself nicer meals when you returned to Australia and had to be on your own. I remember you read seriously "How to improve your reading speed” and eagerly shared the first chapter with me and taught me how to apply it. You always wanted to improve yourself. That afternoon we sat on the two sofas next to each other in our living room, reading about speed-reading. Now I look across and see only the empty sofas, still with the same cushions. I want to write emails to you, if only you can receive and read the tears now in the lines of my words. I call you, “On… On” and I "hear" your usual response, “Ma, Ma, how are you?" That unique voice that belongs to you alone and I privileged alone to hear the gentle calling. I often look at the sky, the morning scene-the promise of a new day, or the evening clouds wrapped in golden rays, I look and look, the sky is never the same, but my wish doesn't change, can I get a glimpse of my dear son up there?...Many ways, I can think of you, many moments, countless, I just long for you.

I know God knows, and I wish you know, your mother just can't stop missing you!

With love
Mama
21 July 2008

Zi On's Story

2008-08-04T02:00:00.000-07:00

Reflection
2008-07-14

Zi On’s Story
by Steve Oh

I was in Teluk Intan recently. While navigating my car through the labyrinth
of jay-walkers I spied a curious-looking structure. Then I remembered about the Malaysian answer to the Leaning Tower of Pisa. I was told it used to be a water tank built by a rich Chinese businessman. It reminded me of the slanted morals of some politicians and how their crooked leanings will eventually make them topple over.

Believe it or not, when I was lost and asked for help, the strangers I had approached stopped someone who turned out to be a teacher at the place where I was supposed to go. Over the years I have grown to know what providence means. My God, Jehovah Jireh, is precisely that: he provides, even in the small things.

“When God is in control, nothing is out of control” is a lesson I learned some time ago. “Fret not at evildoers,” the Psalmist advises. The one who trusts in God will not be in a hurry, will not be flustered, will not be anxious. “Have no anxiety about anything but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God and the peace of God which passes all understanding will keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus,” makes sense when we experience it through habit.

My purpose in visiting Teluk Intan was to be at a memorial service. Zi On had apparently drowned after saving a Korean woman off a beach in Queensland. He was the son of Kerk Choon Keng ( a senior executive of Unitata) and Cho Tan, and the brother of Zi Lu. I learned he was a bright, talented, handsome and godly young man, who was pursuing a Masters Degree and had everything to look forward to, from an exchange of emails with his parents, Navigators alumni whom I’d met in New Zealand as students.

I had felt burdened to write a couple of songs for Zi On whom I had never met. But in the spirit I felt a strong sense of closeness to him because of his commitment to God and struggle to grow in his relationship with his Heavenly Father. Like many young people in their twenties Zi On searched for his purpose in life. Yet he longed not for the success many young and even older people seek but something more substantial. Later, a prayer from his diary which his mother, Cho Tan, sent me enabled me to peer inside Zi On’ s deepest thoughts.

This was Zi On’s Prayer:

Make me a man of substance
Make me a man of courage,
Make me a man of dependability
Make me a man of persistence,
Make me a man of drive
Make me a man of compassion and empathy,
Make me a man of true friendship.

As I pondered the words I caught a glimpse of the soul of the man who could on reflex sacrifice himself so that another could live. Who among us would not be thinking of our own safety when facing such danger? Yet Zi On did something that was second nature to him, assuredly the fruit of his walk with God. His life has always been one of caring concern for others. A Boys Brigade leader, he proved that character was everything as his prayer reveals.

In the noble sacrifice Zi On paid the ultimate price to save another. While Zi On saved one life in a physical way, Jesus saves the world in a spiritual sense. God answered and Zi On personified his own prayer. The world is such a richer place because there are people who think of others before self. Many people die for vain and futile causes but to die to save a life is the supreme act of love.

In Sylvester Stallone’s latest Rambo movie, he made a poignant statement, “It is better to die for something than to live for nothing.” As Jesus himself said, “Greater love has no man than this, that he lay down his life for his friends,” and to die for a stranger is even more amazing.

While many pursue their careers, Zi On reflected on what really matters in life. He was not satisfied with the superficial, he wanted something of substance. “So young and so spiritually mature,” said a friend after Zi On’s memorial service. His maturity must humble us and challenge us not to live by the standards of the world but the holiness of Christ, who taught us not to love the world but to love God and our fellow men.

He came to serve, not to be served, and we lead by serving.

Zi On’s story is a challenge to me. Today he is still listed as a missing person. But I know that he is no longer missing because God has planned something better. “Why do you look for the living among the dead?” Jesus once asked those looking for his missing body they had buried in a tomb. Zi On like Enoch walked with God and has simply walked into his mansion in Heaven. “Though he dies, he will live,” Jesus promised.

At Zi On’s memorial service on Sunday 22 June, almost six hundred thronged the Methodist Centre Church in Teluk Intan to celebrate his life. A musician friend I had brought along to accompany me read the letters and testimonies that his parents had painstakingly pasted on the walls in one of the rooms in the church. He was touched and insisted in paying for some orchids I had bought for Zi On.

As the country is bewildered by the political twists and the political arena becomes bloodied and truth is churned in the cauldron of conspiracy and lies, how then shall we respond? How should Christians in politics behave? No different I guess from one in any other profession.

The truth is those who want to live for righteousness will face persecution whatever they do wherever they are. The honest judge who has to make a just decision against political pressure, the accountant who refuses to sign a cheque to pay off a corrupt supplier, the salesman who refuses to tell lies and so on. Everyone who wants to live an upright life in a crooked society will face perils of one sort or another.

“In this world you will have tribulation, “Jesus said, and he comforts, “but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” We can overcome evil with good because love never fails. In the face of the prevalent evil around us, we are not to repay wrong with wrong but do all in our power to do what is just and good.

It does not make us bimbos, or turn us into passive mats to be trampled on but it makes us act consistently as children of light - truthful, firm and forthright. We should be grateful we do not live in a country where the power of the gun rules. There is hope for reason to prevail. And those who see only the giants in the land of Canaan will never enter the Promise Land and watch God perform exploits.

The challenge is for the younger generation not to be inordinately concerned with careers to the detriment of their spiritual and social responsibilities. But it is also a responsibility for all including older men and women. A few weeks ago a sixty-year old friend divulged he had joined a political party. He related that when he told his wife, she retorted, “What took you so long?” Sitting on the fence is for crows. God’s people are always on the righteous side of the fence. They are not beholden to any who commit and promote wrongdoing but those who do right because righteousness exalts a nation.

Zi On’s story is a challenge to us all especially the young to look for something of substance to build into their lives and to do for others. I hope God’s people will not dress up for battle and then go to bed. This is the problem of heart-warming sermons that send the soldiers home Sunday after Sunday without a plan of action. Sermons are only as good as the practical applications that result. Vain is the preacher who sees the sermon as the end not the means. Changed lives and transformed societies is what church is about.
Help those in need, act and avoid excuses. We are to be those who put our hands to the plough, who are not afraid of anyone or anything because “if God is for us who can be against us?” Many want God on their side but are they on his side? God sides with the humble and just and supports those who help the needy but will punish those who do evil.

From the heart of a father

2008-08-04T01:43:00.000-07:00

Celebration of Life – Kerk Zi On
Tribute Service held on 22 June 2008, at Teluk Intan Wesley Methodist Church, Malaysia

From the heart of a father –
Sharing by Kerk Choon Keng, Zi On’s dad, at the Service

1. Welcome and thank you.
President of Trac Rev. Ong Hwai Teik, all our dear friends and relatives,

Cho Tan, Zi Lu and I are deeply touched by all of you leaving everything just to be with us today. Many of you have to travel long distances from North, South and East of the Malay Peninsula and from Singapore. Some of you have to take special leave and cancel other appointments to travel from Australia, Canada and Mongolia in order to be with us today.

One author beautifully describes what friendship is. He said, “friends are just like stars. You will not see them during your bright day light. However, they will appear when your day turns into dark night.” My dear friends thank you for being the Stars of my life and my family’s lives. Your presence brighten our darken soul.

2. Our feelings
It was a traumatic time for me and my family when the Brisbane Marine Police broke the news about our son Zi On on 5-12- 2007. It was just like the blood stained robe of Joseph brought home to his father Jacob. Ah, like Jacob, it would be better for me the father to go ahead to “sheol” instead of my son.
All of you are saddened and in grief with us over what had happened to our son Zi On. The following words forwarded to us by two of our dear friends would precisely describe the inner feeling for most of us here.

Koay Chee Hoe from Bangladesh wrote:
“I’m sorry it has taken me this long to write to you… not that I have forgotten you… the simple reason is, I didn’t know what to write, where to begin, how to make sense of all this……
“I wept the first time I read your letter, and I still weep every time I read it or the blogs dedicated to Zi On. If for me the tears cannot stop flowing, I can’t imagine how much you’ve already shed.”

Adrian Ding wrote:
“ I sat in silence and share your deep sorrow and pray the Father will cover you with His grace for a time such as this.”

3. Our comfort
In our grief, we found comfort when we discovered Zi On’s devotional diary-through which we are assured of his faith and devotion to God. This also helps us to have a deeper understanding of his inner man.

This Tribute Service is carried out with three purposes:
a. To bring to all our dear friends and relatives first hand information about Zi On’s life, his beliefs and his journey to glory.
b. We have received more than 150 tributes written on Zi On’s life from our friends and Zi On’s friends and relatives. These words of encouragement we want to share with you and hopefully they will bring you comfort as they have brought to us. We know it is difficult for you to go through all of them today; we have recorded the two power-point presentations and most of the tributes into a CD for you to take home. Pastors and various Ministry leaders, if the content of the CD can be an encouragement to the people you are ministering to, you are welcome to use them.
c. That the name of God be glorified through the act of His servant Zi On.
We are just like Mary and Joseph, after Jesus was crucified, nothing else could be done except to return to Galilee. The rest, we leave it to the hand of the almighty God. Only He alone can glorify His holy name.

Lastly, I want to share with you fifty four sentences I have written for Zi On. It took me a long time to complete them as each thought brought grief and pain and I had to stop until I could pick up again. (See below)

Today Is Your Birthday Mama Will Not Cry

2008-08-04T01:34:00.000-07:00

My dear Son, Zi On,

Mama says today is your birthday, she will not cry,
I am not sure I can even if I try.
I keep myself busy whole morning with earthly chore,
living as if everything is normal as before.
Numbing the senses just to ease the wound deep in the core,
Fond memory of you takes no second for the pain to soar.

Mama says today I have to write something for you.
Twenty six years ago our baby Zi On arrived with the midnight dew,
Simmering joyful excitement and knitting hope in our soul.
What name shall we give our son?
“Out of Zion, perfect in beauty, God shines forth.”
Psalms 50:2 is our dream your life will one day surge for.

Oh, Moreton, Moreton, a perfect spot wrinkles into soul chilling grill,
Sweet surfing sea suddenly ruptures into life searching field.
“Joseph’s blood-stained robe brought home to Jacob” * 1
Was the Brisbane Police’s breaking news for the soul to choke.
Fanning worldwide prayer support to seek God’s alternate plan,
Ah, like Jacob, it would be better for dad to Sheol if it can.

No one can serve two Masters, you have chosen the best,
Seeking the Lord’s molding hands shaping your life to fit His chest.
“Make me a man of courage and substance,
Make me a man of drive and persistence,
Make me a man of compassion and empathy,
Make me a man of true friendship and dependability. a*

“Greater love has no one than this that a man lay down his life for his friends”,
“You are my friends if you do what I command”, for the heart of God is love and not frail.
The surging sea and crushing waves witness two strangers in distress,
I will do what I can to relieve the pain of the mothers of the drowning guests.
“Why am I fearful, O me of little faith? Jesus as I’m with You, be with me now.”a*
“For unto Thee I surrender my life”, show me the beauty of your wonderful how!

The bravery in the blood swells,
When the drowning girls yell.
Sure and Steadfast the motto built to last,
The courage of Brigade Sergeant did not lose its cast.
Dashing forward against the mounting waves,
Pushing the distressed to safety before succumbing to the potent sway.

Were You there, when the sea turned ugly?
Were You there, when our son in dire need?
Can a mother forget the baby at her breast ? *2
Ah, wantonly we had deserted you when you cried for aids!
Pain and grief overwhelmed our sky dark,
Valley of sorrow our heavenly Father trailing with us.

O my God, why is Psalm 22:1-6 instead of Psalm 23:1-6 my soul dwell,
The Lord sits enthroned over the flood that swell, *3
For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither my ways your ways
As heavens are higher, so are my ways and thoughts higher.*4
How preciously guarded is the name of the Lord’s Holy hill,
“Out of Zion, perfect in beauty, God shines forth” shall remain still.

O dear Zi On, proud you hang on to faith in God,
Absolutely make us feel little when you walk our talk.
Beauty of your spirit shall continue to radiate the eternal light,
Brighten up the path for all who tread on the dark side.
Assured you will sit with the martyrs when we see you on The Day,
Today is your birthday, she will not cry, Mama says.

With love and endless memories
Papa
14-Jan-2008

Note:
*1 - Genesis 37: 5-35
*2 - Isaiah 49:15
*3 - Psalm 29:10
*4 - Isaiah 55:8-9
a* - Extracts from Zi On’s diary

Celebration of Life - Kerk Zi On

2008-06-29T22:58:00.000-07:00

Our Dearest Zi On

Today, 22nd June 2008, Papa, Mama and Zi Lu together with nearly 600 friends and relatives gathered at T.I. Wesley Methodist Church to celebrate your life - a great life, full of meaning and purpose! Our dear son and brother, we honour you today in the presence of God, and together with our friends and your friends, and relatives, we give God the glory for your life.

We love you, son!
I love you, Kor!

Pa, Ma and Zi Lu.

2008-06-29T22:30:00.000-07:00

“From Zion, perfect in beauty,
God shines forth” Psalm50:2

Celebration of Life

Kerk Zi On

Promoted to Glory in the Presence of the Lord
on 5.12.2007.

Because Jesus lives, Zi On lives also!

Tribute Service
22nd June 2008
Wesley Methodist Church, Teluk Intan

TO GOD BE THE GLORY !

They called him a hero, I called him My friend

2008-05-09T21:01:00.000-07:00

On that day,
when he entered the sea to save the girl in peril,
He entered with a sense of true friendship.
Seeing only someone in need, even a stranger in danger,
His heart was stirred with compassion and empathy.
Against the roaring seas and the tumultuous waves,
he dashed in with a spirit of drive and courage,
Thinking only of the safety of others and not his own.
With persistence and determination he set out to do his task.
Ensured that the person in danger was brought safely to the rocks,
he finished what he set out to do, completely dependable !
From where did he marshal the strength,
for he himself was only of thin frame ?
Who would believe it? Who would expect it?
He saved someone’s life but in the process, lost his own.
And they called him a hero.
That courage, that bravery and that love
can only come from You, our Creator in heaven-
Your endowments that made him truly a man of substance.
And in that moment of gallantry that none could ever imagine;
and by that noble act of love that few would dare to attempt,
He glorified Your Name!
Truly, on that day, God fulfilled his aspiration :
“I believe that I was born for something big in this world.”
For he obeyed the call of Jesus :
“Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.”
And he became a friend of Jesus, as the Lord said:
“You are my friend if you do what I command.”

Cho Tan
5-5-2008

(Remembering you today, remembering you every day.
We truly miss you, our dearest son, Zi On.
With much love from Ma together with Pa and Zi Lu)

Your smiling face

2008-04-07T03:55:00.000-07:00

Our dearest Zi On,

Another month has just gone by. During these 30 days or so, my mind was filled with your memories -

Your smiling face, so full of life, your gentle demeanor, your hearty laugh, your readiness to help - be it a simple household chore or driving me home after my hospital visit, that courteous greeting to each person you meet, be it your friends or ours, your unassuming attitude, as how Aunt Jen described, “he never exerts any self-importance”, your willingness to listen to someone’s boring complaints about life or old stories from a lonely heart, and many more endearing memories.

That is you, son, how can I ever forget that beautiful person who enriched the lives of so many of us!

We viewed again the CD Han gave us. It is a precious glimpse of your short and happy time with the Judah8 life group of Hope Church, UQ. We are so grateful that they kept records of the activities of the group. We read again the testimonies your friends wrote about you; what kind of person you are to them and how in that short time, you had left a lasting impact in their lives.

But as Chris Yong wrote:

“Zi breezed into our lives, and just as quickly, as is likely the case, left in a jiffy.”

Son, though you are gone, you will never be forgotten; you will always live in our hearts!

Papa has just completed a PowerPoint presentation about you - story of the 1st Teluk Intan BB Company Sergeant, for the Malaysian BB National Conference to be held in Kuching next week.

He worked tirelessly for a few nights. As we reviewed it together, we said to ourselves, if only you were here with us to see this yourself. You would be so encouraged to hear the many affirmative words your friends said about you; words that touched our hearts, but this is because you had first touched their lives! As we continued the viewing, I suddenly realized that Papa’s eyes were filled with tears, he was silently sobbing. Son, I know Pa loves you! Zi On, you left us so suddenly and mysteriously, leaving us with anguish questions that only God has the answers!

For us, our life has reached a stage where the only choice we have is to continue to trust God and believe in His sovereignty. This needs courage, plenty of it; this needs faith, unwavering faith; this needs God, we are thankful that He exists!

Love you always,
Mom together with dad and Zi Lu
6-April-2008

HAPPY EASTER !

2008-03-23T03:47:00.000-07:00

The dawn has come.

The Lord has risen! Christ the Lord is risen today!

We remember our Lord Jesus Christ as the risen Saviour today.
By His resurrection, He has conquered death.

Jesus said:
“I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and whoever lives and believes in me shall never die.” John 11:25-26

He lives forever for you and us and all mankind.
He lives that we may live with Him forever!

HAPPY EASTER! dear Zi On.

Love you always,
Pa, Ma and Zi Lu

23 March 2008

Remember you, Remember our nation

2008-03-05T09:40:00.000-08:00

My Dearest Son Zi On,

Today is 5th March 2008. I suppose you never realized that you would miss 2008, another year of challenges both in your personal life and in the world around you.

Yes, you were looking forward to the country’s coming election. I remember you told me that you wanted to cast your rightful vote as a citizen for the first time! Somehow you seemed to know that the General Election would be held this year and you talked to me eagerly about it. Son, you were right, our country’s 12th General Election will be just 3 days from now. It is the day every citizen decides, and it is every citizen’s responsibility to cast his or her vote wisely, choosing a government formed by righteous, wise, caring, responsible and capable leaders. Son, you will be happy to know that this year there are many new and young faces, aspiring to take the baton to lead and bring our country to greater heights, aiming for a prosperous, just and peaceful nation and to meet the challenges of the new era. I am sure you want to see our country thriving under the sun as a country that every citizen is proud to belong, living life, pursuing dreams and moving forward with gratitude for the past and courage to face the challenges that life itself brings. This may have to start with every individual whether we are leaders or those being led, whether we are old or young, whether we are endowed with natural or trained capabilities or just quite ordinary, to be a person of substance, of courage, of persistence, of dependability, of drive, of compassion and empathy, and of true friendship. These are the qualities you aspired to be as you wrote in your journal. If every individual aspires and pursues these traits in his or her character development, I believe our nation will be one that every citizen is truly proud to belong.

I read this Psalm two days ago (Ps 33v12):
“Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people he chose for his inheritance.”

So I prayed for Malaysia, our beloved country. It is good to pray for our nation not only now as the people are going to the polls to choose their leaders who will wisely lead our nation and who will serve the people with integrity. It is also important to pray that we will be a nation whose people know and honour God as God. Son, I also prayed for two other countries which are very dear to me: Australia and New Zealand, and you certainly know why they are so dear to me besides our own country.

Son, if you can see us from where you are, I covet your special prayers for Malaysia on the 8 of March, 2008. By the way I have checked and confirmed that your name is in the national voting Register and a serial No. had been assigned to you. I truly hope that there is ballot box in heaven for you to cast your vote; and if there is, I know son, you will do it truthfully, wisely, and with a smile, for this is the first time you are exercising your right, and you believe that every vote counts!

I remember you, my hero son! I remember you at this time of significance for our nation.

Miss you so much, son! Miss you so much, my dear Zi On!
Love forever,
Ma together with Pa and your dear brother Brian,
5 March 2008

Tribute by Pastor Christopher

2008-02-15T05:37:00.001-08:00

I had the privilege of knowing Zi On Kerk during his stay in Melbourne for his foundation studies. I first met Zi On at the International Student Fellowship (ISF) of Swanston Street Church of Christ (now know as CrossCulture). As many of those who knew him would attest, Zi On was a very humble, genuine and compassionate person.

It was my joy to be able to meet Zi On regularly for Bible Studies. In our exploration of Scripture and sharing of lives, it became evident that Zi On was really hungry and serious for God. At that time, I knew that Zi On had come from a family well known for their commitment and service to God. But Zi On would not rest on the laurels of his family’s reputation. He wanted a strong personal relationship with God himself. So, we would spend hours taking about Jesus, the purpose of life, and our joys and struggles together.

There is a season for everything under the sun. And our spiritual journey with the Lord is a process. It became clear that the next few years after leaving Melbourne would prove a testing time for Zi On’s faith.

But praise be to God who renews and refreshes all things in His perfect timing. I was very encouraged to hear that Zi On’s persistence in the pursuit of God and holiness had paid off! With a renewed vigour, purpose and hope in the Lord, Zi On blossomed greatly in his relationship with God and with brothers and sisters-in-Christ during his postgraduate studies in Brisbane.

I have no doubt that the instinct Zi On had to jump into the sea to save the young woman came from the peace he experienced in his relationship with God. Zi On’s search was finally over. He had finally accomplished and achieved what he had wanted so much years ago in Melbourne. He now had a strong personal relationship with the Lord God! And our Lord, in His infinite wisdom, decided that day that it was time for Zi On to come home and experience the Lord’s Sabbath Rest.

Zi On is a hero. And not just because of his bravery. He is a hero because he did not let anything get in the way of his pursuit of God. God had already found Zi On many years ago, even before his time in Melbourne; but God had allowed Zi On to pursue Him wholeheartedly in his time in Australia. The goal of the Christian life is to know intimately our Lord Jesus Christ. Even though Zi On’s life may seem short to us, but he had achieved his goal.

I pray and wish that all his friends, including myself, throughout Australia and Malaysia, will learn from Zi On’s example. Zi On showed us the better way of love in Christ. May we have the courage to lay down our lives for Jesus and others if the Lord should so desire for us to do so.

We at ISF are proud to have known Zi On. Zi On epitomizes what it means to deny ourselves, take up the Cross and follow Jesus. Thank you Lord for making our lives more meaningful by allowing us to cross paths with your dear son. And thank you Lord for the encouragement that we will meet Zi On again on that special day when you return. We are sad but not in despair for we have hope that will not fail us. Give us your strength to live victoriously and joyously for you each day. In Jesus’ precious name we pray, Amen.

Christopher Ngo

Associate Pastor, International Student Ministry

CrossCulture Church of Christ, Melbourne, Australia

We Must Dare To Live - We remember you today, Zi On

2008-02-05T09:00:00.000-08:00

Dearest Zi On,

Today is 5 Feb 2008; you have left us two months already! During these two months, there has not been a day that we have not thought about you, talked about you and missed you. We miss you so much dear son, we miss you!

This morning I remember you, I want to begin today by going to God and hear what He says. Let me share with you what the Lord says in Psalm 65: 1-8. I am reminded that:

God our Saviour is the hope of all the ends of the earth
and of the farthest seas.
Praise awaits Him!

Son, what I hear from Psalm 65 is so beautiful!

O God Our Saviour, Praise Awaits You!
(1)
O God our Saviour,
The hope of all the ends of the earth
and of the farthest seas.

Praise awaits you!

O You who hear prayer,
To You all men will come.
You answer us with awesome deeds of righteousness.

(2)
O God our Saviour,
The hope of all the ends of the earth
and of the farthest seas.

Praise awaits you!

Who formed the mountains by Your power,
Who stilled the roaring of the seas,
The roaring of their waves.

(3)
O God our Saviour,
The hope of all the ends of the earth
and of the farthest seas.

Praise awaits you!

Those living far away fear your wonders;
Where morning dawns and evening fades
You call forth songs of joy.

(4)
O God our Saviour,
The hope of all the ends of the earth
and of the farthest seas.

Praise awaits you!

Blessed are those you choose
And bring near to live in your courts,
Who are filled with the good things of your house.

~~~~~
O God Our Saviour,
Praise awaits You!

_________________

From Psalm 65:1-8
_________________

Yes, God is our hope and He awaits our praise. In times like these, can we still praise Him? Yes, in sorrow, we can still come to Him with our praises. We praise Him even with our tears, for He is our hope, the anchor of our souls.

But son, I also want to remember you with joy! You are such a beautiful person! Though you might not realize it, you had touched so many people. Many of our friends in UP and in Unitata, and in T.I. Wesley share our pain, they cry our cry, they grieve our grief, but they also share our hope and our joy. They are all proud of you. Aunty Siew Tin said that she is honoured to have known you.

Aunty Shela could not stop her tears when she talks about you.
After you were born, we took you back from the KL hospital to Unitata. It was Aunty Shela who helped us to carry our precious baby as we traveled home. And she continued to help us to take care of you for nearly 6 years. She is one of the very few people we know who is always gracious, gentle and kind, respectful and dedicated in carrying out her duties. I can’t remember if I had told you that I gathered a few friends in Unitata and celebrated her 50th birthday in Aug 2006 in our home. It was an honour to celebrate her special day in our home. Son, remember you told me not too long ago that that you wanted to buy a gift for Aunty Shela? Well son, Ma had fulfilled your wish on your behalf. I bought her a brooch. It is a beautiful Angel of Mercy with a message -
This “thoughtful” little angel has a little
wisdom to impart,
About those very rare souls that step quietly
into our heart,
Truly Angels of Mercy, special people sent
by God above,
With special reserves of strength and
Dedication tempered with love.

This message speaks of her, I am sure you agree. We are always thankful that God had sent such kind people to our lives, and son, I know that you are forever grateful to her, as we are. (Shela came just now, and I presented this gift to her on your behalf with your love.)

The world is beautiful because there are people who believe in LOVE. Son, you believe in love and your life is a story of love. Though you are still so young, you showed us what true love is. We are humbled by your example and we will continue to emulate you. Yes, we remember this is what Jesus said, “A new commandment I give to you that you love one another, by this all men will know that you are my disciples”.

Zi On, life is never the same without you! Papa, Zi Lu and I try to go on with our lives. But every corner of our house reminds us of you. The little teddy bear which you bought for me at the Fight Cancer campaign is your reminder that I should continue to battle against breast cancer with courage and determination. Though you are not here to cheer me in person any more, son, I must continue the race with victory as my goal.

Your loss brought a sudden and inconsolable pain to all of us. I find myself often thrown into a turmoil of two opposite swings of emotions. At times, there is a strong sense of courage to go on as I remember the legacy you left behind. Sometimes just as I thought I am managing my grief, uncontrollably, tears would fill my eyes, as memory of your sudden departure hit me hard with unimaginable helplessness.

Tough it may be, and tougher it may get, but to quote your dear Uncle Kuan (your Ah Koo): “We must get on with what is both the simplest and the most awesome of tasks: we must dare to live.”

Yes, Zi On, we must dare to live!

I love you, Son,
Ma together with Pa and Zi Lu
5-2-2008

That little action is what the world needs more - A Tribute to my cousin, Zi On

2008-01-18T19:12:00.000-08:00

I was at OCF Convention Camp 2007 when I heard the news from my parents. The line was bad due to the fact that I was in the outback. But the words that rang through my ears were loud and clear.

"Zi On… your cousin, is lost at sea.... They haven't found him yet ….presuming the worst."
The words echoed through my head.

In camp, the BS group that I was in, prayed for him, and those from WA, during discussions and prayer sessions, linked hands and prayed for him and the family.

That night at camp, as I lay my head down on my pillow, I could not help but wonder - how could an Almighty God whom so many look to as their Saviour allow such a person to be taken in such a manner especially when he saved another person through his actions? I guess during such times, many would have asked the same question.

Humanly speaking, I've no idea why. No reason or logic would be able to explain it. Theologically, one can only say, God knows what is best and we have to trust Him. To tie a knot between the spiritual realm and the physical realm is almost impossible. Even now as I type this, I'm sure that many of my family members are still grieving and even we who are Christians and have that hope in Christ, still find ourselves struggling with this reality. Until the second coming of Christ, I guess we will forever be tied to this physical realm and never be able to experience the fullness of this understanding. I do not wish to debate on theology or humanity but just to share some of my thoughts about Zi On.

During my quiet time in the past few nights, I’ve been thinking very hard about this whole issue. And here are a few words I have penned out. This is not a poem….just my thoughts.

Many will see us differently
Many will describe us differently.

Yet in many ways, we are similar
The quietness with certain friends
Or even the sanguine jokes we tell others.

We share a common love you and I
For music and football
Although I’m an MU fan
And you a Tottenham Hotspur guy

I've seen you,
For who you are.
The few words exchanged
The simple actions you did
Adequately identified you.

The pool at Unitata was where it began
Where my dad played the “bad monster”
Splashing
and chasing us around.

We were scatteringI was the last one out
But I slipped and fell back in.
You looked back
You ran back and pulled me up
Saving me from the approaching “monster”.

But what you showed me that day
That simple action
Which few would even consider an option
You stood out from the rest.

You showed me
To make that difference…
just to turn back in a simple way
to give that hand and risk that “life”

That childhood pool day was enough to show
That you just stood out And I’m not surprised
That you did it again.
To risk your life to save another.

And as much as it was child’s play
I saw that you were different.
The power of one’s action
May it be big or small
Or light as a butterfly’s touch
Has a lasting effect.

And though I can no longer see you anymore
I’m sure those that you have left behind
Were very grateful that they have crossed paths with you.
That effect
That smile
That little action
Is what the world needs more.

It’s a privilege to have known you
To have tasted your goodness
To have shared some special moments with you
I’m proud to have you as my cousin.

So to Zi On, may your soul rest in peace.

With love from your cousin,
Lemuel
16 Jan. 2008

Unitata’s swimming pool in Teluk Intan - April 1988
(From left : Lemuel, Zi On & Zi Lu)

To My dearest Nephew Zi On

2008-01-17T20:31:00.000-08:00

Remember that your loss is shared
By many dear ones who care
You’re always in our thoughts and hearts
And in our every prayer.

May you find the courage to face tomorrow
In the love that surrounds today.
At this time,
May the love of family and friends
Be a comfort to you.

At this time of pain
May these truths sustain you……
Your loved ones will always be as close as a memory.
And the God of all love and comfort
Will always surround you.

It will be the little things that you will remember,
The quiet moments, the smiles, the laughter
Though it may seem hard right now
It will remain a memory of these little things
That help to push away the pain
And bring our smiles back again !

From: Tuah Ee Christina,
I always love you.

Happy Birthday Dearest Zi On,

2008-01-14T00:48:00.000-08:00

Today would have been your 26th birthday.
The day you were born, you brought happiness and pride to all of us.
We are all so very happy and proud to have you in our lives.
Though your Earthly journey was short, you have touched many lives.

Remember the time we spent together in Melbourne?
Though short, I treasured every moment of it,
to have you and Ying with me for a year.
I was supposed to be your elder sister, to guide and protect you,
but instead, you guided and taught me.

In my worst moments, you were there.
You went looking for me but I was not ready to be found.
I needed that space and time to find my own path and strength.
And you understood, in that tender age of 18.
You taught me that it is okay to feel my emotions, no doubt incomprehensible at that time.
You did not pass any judgment.
You gave me time and space to find my own journey.
Your sentiments were so pure and sincere.
Your words of comfort and love were felt.

There is a saying, “To love for the sake of being loved is human, but to love for the sake of loving is angelic.”

And Zi On, you love for the sake of loving.
You taught us “Love is a better way”.
In your selfless act, you taught us what
love,
compassion,
strength,
courage and
bravery meant.

Zi On, you are a person who did not seek glory
and yet in your own ways
you have glorified many, touched many lives and
helped many become more fully who they were meant to be.

Though we missed you so very much,
You have also helped us understand that these painful moments in our lives are sacred.
I am privileged and honored that you are in my life.

Zi On, you are loved. You are missed.
You are indeed an Angelic Hero.

Thank you On, for your enlightenment.

Love always,

Euling Che Che
14 January 2008

Today is your birthday

2008-01-14T00:21:00.000-08:00

Dearest Zi On,

Today is your birthday -- 14-01-2008.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY ! SON, MY DEAR SON.
You are 26 today! We celebrate your life!

On, Happy Birthday! I love you, mama loves you, Pa loves you,
Zi Lu loves you.

The Lord Jesus loves you! Yes, God, our Heavenly Father, He who created you, He loves you.

I praise God because you are fearfully and wonderfully made. You are a unique individual, specially created for a special purpose. You are highly valued by God.

After papa and I were married in 1979, I began to pray that God would give us a son. Yes papa and I prayed to God for you.

Yes, I remember I asked God like Hannah did that God would give me a son, I specifically asked for a son. And I also told the Lord that my son would be given to Him for His use – that his life would be useful to Him.

As I look back now, yes, the Lord has indeed heard my prayers.
God gave you to us, and God used you.

‘What name shall we give our son?’ we asked when you were born.
When we looked into the Bible for inspiration and guidance,
Psalm 50:2 stood out:

Out of Zion, perfect in beauty,
God shines forth.

We know Zion refers to God, His holy mountain, the mountain which symbolizes God, His righteousness and His total attributes of His holiness and perfection. It was our prayers and desires that this gift from God, this son of ours would develop the attributes of godliness and that God would shine forth in his life.

In order to retain the Chinese identity, we had broken the word Zion into 2 parts Zi On and to add another meaning to his name. ie.
Zi On is made up of 2 Chinese characters. Zi in Chinese means fulfilled, On is grace. So the second meaning of your name is by the grace of God, our wish (for a son) is fulfilled.

Son, for many years, I know that you had been searching for your purpose in life.

I had frequently shared with you of my purpose in life. I shared with you that from young I searched for a meaningful life. To me it is so important that I live a meaningful life. When I found Christ and finally committed my life to Him, I already found the answer to my quest – A meaningful life is to have Jesus.

“To know Christ and to make Him known” is my aspired life vision. I told you that there is no other vision better than this for me. For papa it is the same. Together, when we were married, we also entrusted our lives to God with this goal and claimed this great promise of God in Matthew 6:33 “But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be yours as well.” (all the things we need for this life God will provide)

Son, you know that this is for us. But you said you wanted to know God not through our faith. You wanted to experience God yourself and find your life purpose yourself.

Remember we shared this together?

Some wandered in desert wastelands,
finding no way to a city where they could settle.
They were hungry and thirsty,
and their lives ebbed away.
Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble,
and he delivered them from their distress.

He led them by a straight way
to a city where they could settle.
Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love
and his wonderful deeds for men,
for he satisfies the thirsty
and fills the hungry with good things.

Ps 107:4-9

And I thank the Lord for He has heard your cry and my cry.

You had finally come to Jesus and not through our faith, but your own. You surrendered all your burdens to Him as you recorded in your journal:
“I surrender to Jesus- my poverty replace with His rich treasures, all challenging situations with patience and encouragement through God’s love and patience, place my burdens on God’s shoulders, acknowledge His power in my life.”

To me, this is one of the greatest joys for any parents who know Jesus and want their children to know Him, too.

But this is only part of your story, though an important one.

Yours is also a story of love.
You teach us that love is a better way.

You teach us that love is a better way,
not success as men of the world want to see;
not achievements, though many strive with no end;
not riches if you have to toil all your life and miss it;
not praises from men, for God understands what is in a
man.

You teach us that love is a better way-
To love is to love now,
not till your task is over
nor later for an appointment that cannot be missed;
to love is to give now,
not when you have made more;
to love is share now when someone has a need,
not when you are free with no commitments to meet;
to love is to listen now,
no story or dream of another is too boring;
to love is to pass no judgment,
but a word of encouragement;
to love is to be kind and gentle to anyone who comes your
way,
no one is too small or undeserved;
to love is to forgive though sometimes you hurt the most;
to love is to pray for someone who has a pain,
be it a wounded finger, or an unspoken fear;
to love is to share good times and broken dreams;
to love is to enjoy with each other
both the sunshine and the rain,
music of others and your own;
to love is to share your time with people you love -
family or friends,
a meal, a chat, a call, a game, an occasion to celebrate
or just an ordinary day;
to love is to laugh or cry together
over a joke or a hurt that no one seems to understand.
And
again to love is to love now,
when someone is in danger and you to give a helping
hand not counting what it costs;
to love is to give of yourself for the life of others,
by instinct, even to sacrifice your own.
And love has no end.

My dearest son, Zi On, that is you. You have taught us what is
love. And God shines forth in your life because you love.

Today, we celebrate your birthday. We celebrate your life-
a great life -
with sweet remembrance of you, memories, countless and
precious; and with our hearts humbled and touched.

Yes, mama promises: I don’t want to cry today.
It is your birthday and we want to celebrate with joy and thankfulness to God for His special gift to us, a son and brother to cherish and hold; and when it is time God wants to use you, we surrender to His sovereign will.

And we know today, in the presence of God, the angels in heaven celebrate your birthday with you with joyful singing.

HAPPY BRITHDAY Zi On !

Love forever,
Mama together with papa and Zi Lu
14-01-2008

Today is your birthday

2008-01-13T23:46:00.000-08:00

Dearest Zi On,

Today is your birthday -- 14-01-2008.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY ! SON, MY DEAR SON.
You are 26 today! We celebrate your life!

On, Happy Birthday! I love you, mama loves you, Pa loves you,
Zi Lu loves you.

The Lord Jesus loves you! Yes, God, our Heavenly Father, He who created you, He loves you.

I praise God because you are fearfully and wonderfully made. You are a unique individual, specially created for a special purpose. You are highly valued by God.

After papa and I were married in 1979, I began to pray that God would give us a son. Yes papa and I prayed to God for you.

Yes, I remember I asked God like Hannah did that God would give me a son, I specifically asked for a son. And I also told the Lord that my son would be given to Him for His use – that his life would be useful to Him.

As I look back now, yes, the Lord has indeed heard my prayers.
God gave you to us, and God used you.

‘What name shall we give our son?’ we asked when you were born.
When we looked into the Bible for inspiration and guidance
Psalm 50:2 stood out:

Out of Zion, perfect in beauty,
God shines forth.

We know Zion refers to God, His holy mountain, the mountain which symbolizes God, His righteousness and His total attributes of His holiness and perfection. It was our prayers and desires that this gift from God, this son of ours would develop the attributes of godliness and that God would shine forth in his life.

In order to retain the Chinese identity, we had broken the word Zion into 2 parts Zi On and to add another meaning to his name. ie.
Zi On is made up of 2 Chinese characters. Zi in Chinese means fulfilled, On is grace. So the second meaning of your name is by the grace of God, our wish (for a son) is fulfilled.

Son, for many years, I know that you had been searching for your purpose in life.

I had frequently shared with you of my purpose in life. I shared with you that from young I searched for a meaningful life. To me it is so important that I live a meaningful life. When I found Christ and finally committed my life to Him, I already found the answer to my quest – A meaningful life is to have Jesus.

“To know Christ and to make Him known” is my aspired life vision. I told you that there is no other vision better than this for me. For papa it is the same. Together, when we were married, we also entrusted our lives to God with this goal and claimed this great promise of God in Matthew 6:33 “But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be yours as well.” (all the things we need for this life God will provide)

Son, you know that this is for us. But you said you wanted to know God not through our faith. You wanted to experience God yourself and find your life purpose yourself.

Remember we shared this together?

Some wandered in desert wastelands,
finding no way to a city where they could settle.
They were hungry and thirsty,
and their lives ebbed away.
Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble,
and he delivered them from their distress.

He led them by a straight way
to a city where they could settle.
Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love
and his wonderful deeds for men,
for he satisfies the thirsty
and fills the hungry with good things.

Ps 107:4-9

And I thank the Lord for He has heard your cry and my cry.

You had finally come to Jesus and not through our faith, but your own. You surrendered all your burdens to Him as you recorded in your journal:
“I surrender to Jesus- my poverty replace with His rich treasures, all challenging situations with patience and encouragement through God’s love and patience, place my burdens on God’s shoulders, acknowledge His power in my life.”

To me, this is one of the greatest joys for any parents who know Jesus and want their children to know Him, too.

But this is only part of your story, though an important one.

Yours is also a story of love.
You teach us that love is a better way.

You teach us that love is a better way,
not success as men of the world want to see;
not achievements, though many strive with no end;
not riches if you have to toil all your life and miss it;
not praises from men, for God understands what is in a
man.

You teach us that love is a better way-
To love is to love now,
not till your task is over
nor later for an appointment that cannot be missed;
to love is to give now,
not when you have made more;
to love is share now when someone has a need,
not when you are free with no commitments to meet;
to love is to listen now,
no story or dream of another is too boring;
to love is to pass no judgment,
but a word of encouragement;
to love is to be kind and gentle to anyone who comes your
way,
no one is too small or undeserved;
to love is to forgive though sometimes you hurt the most;
to love is to pray for someone who has a pain,
be it a wounded finger, or an unspoken fear;
to love is to share good times and broken dreams;
to love is to enjoy with each other
both the sunshine and the rain,
music of others and your own;
to love is to share your time with people you love -
family or friends,
a meal, a chat, a call, a game, an occasion to celebrate
or just an ordinary day;
to love is to laugh or cry together
over a joke or a hurt that no one seems to understand.

And
again to love is to love now,
when someone is in danger and you to give a helping
hand not counting what it costs;
to love is to give of yourself for the life of others,
by instinct, even to sacrifice your own.
And love has no end.

My dearest son, Zi On, that is you. You have taught us what is
love. And God shines forth in your life because you love.

Today, we celebrate your birthday. We celebrate your life-
a great life -
with sweet remembrance of you, memories, countless and
precious; and with our hearts humbled and touched.

Yes, mama promises: I don’t want to cry today.
It is your birthday and we want to celebrate with joy and thankfulness to God for His special gift to us, a son and brother to cherish and hold; and when it is time God wants to use you, we surrender to His sovereign will.

And we know today, in the presence of God, the angels in heaven celebrate your birthday with you with joyful singing.

HAPPY BRITHDAY Zi On !

Love forever,
Mama together with papa and Zi Lu
14-01-2008

“One who pleased God”

2008-01-11T05:46:00.000-08:00

Zi On’s life has been a life that is full of purpose. Even at such a young age of 26, he has learned a life of sacrificial love. He has role modeled to be like Christ and sacrificed his life to save an unknown Korean girl. Zi On lived in Brisbane for just 6 months, yet he has impacted so many people’s lives with such a noble act. It is just like what the Bible has said, that when one grain drops to the ground, it will grow in numbers. Zi On’s life has demonstrated that. Even though his body was not found, His recent profound thoughts of God’s words have shown his faith in Christ and understanding of his purpose in life. It’s true of what is written in the book of Hebrews 11:5-6, “By faith Enoch has been this life, so that he did not experience death. He could not be found, because God has taken him away. Before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God, because anyone who comes to Him, must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.” Zi On’s body may not be found, but we by faith believe that Zi On has pleased God by demonstrating such sacrificial love.

Enoch’s life was 365 when he was taken. Average 900 years old. Enoch (Hebrew: חֲנוֹךְ; Tiberian: Ḥănōḵ, Standard: Ḥanokh, Arabic:إدريس) is a name occurring twice in the generations of Adam. In one, he is described as having had a city named after him, but it is the other occurrence for which the name is famous. Despite the fame, the second mention of the name merely says that Enoch walked with God, and was not, for God took him, that he lived 365 years, and that he was the great-grandfather of Noah. (Genesis 5:22-29)

Zi On was taken at 26. Average age of a person is 80 years.

A Tribute to Zi On from J’Remy Chua
10-1-2008 Melbourne

A Tribute to Zi On

2008-01-09T16:44:00.000-08:00

I’ve known Zi for five months in Brisbane. I first met him at the life group which was on Friday 20 or 27 July 2007. We had a party called ‘Christmas in July’ because it was winter. At the first point I met him, I didn’t talk much to him. I just noticed that he was a new visitor who joined the party.

Next Friday we had a regular activity for the life group. I remembered that he came along with the bright smile whereas other new visitors from last week didn’t show up. I didn’t know that he was a Christian at that time, so I was impressed so much how enthusiastic he needed to know God. During the dinner we had a chat and he said that he was impressed with a warm and lively relationship we had in this group, so he decided to become a member of this group.

He consistently joined the life group. One thing I clearly remembered about him was during the bible discussion he always took notes for some interesting points so that he can ponder about it later. And he shared that he knew very little about God, so he would like to learn as much as he can. He amazed me a lot.

Indeed, I’ve not become close to him during the first two or three months. However, I met him sometimes in the university and had a chat. He always smiled and made me comfortable to talk to him. He was very good at making new friends. I used to share with him about how terrible my study was going, he then encouraged me to keep going on. He always encouraged me.

I also noticed that he was a very hard working student. Though he was worried about his study, he tried to smile and bring happiness to others all the time. He shared that he really wanted to get a part time job during the summer break though he had a few weeks left before departure.

I was glad to know that he would go to Moreton Island with us. We had a great time together there. I remembered that he had a bit burning sensation at his nose, so I made a joke to him that he forgot to apply sunscreen lotion on it. After lunch, we went swimming at a fresh water lake called ‘Blue Lagoon’. It was a very nice place to swim. I noticed that he was very happy to swim and have a great time.

I’m so grateful to know him and especially after I know him more from uncle and auntie. I thank God for his life that has left a great impact to my life. I’ve learnt to be humble from him. He easily makes people comfortable.

I’m not able to explain how sorrowful I am to lose him but I’m convinced that wherever he is now, God is taking care of him and that brings me comfort.

Uncle and auntie when you are reading this letter, please know that I’m really grateful to your life. You have set an example of what Christians should deal with the tough situation and you did it very well. I thank God for your life and pray that God’s comfort and peace will fill in your life and mind. Pray that your heavy burden will be lifted up and replaced by God’s love and joy.

Thank you so much for everything you have shared and done for me and Zi’s friends. All of us are so grateful to you.

May God bless you. I will pray for you and Zi Lu as well.

God’s grace be with you,

Chim (Mr.Katachai Laosrimongkol)
21 December 2007
Brisbane

To our dearest Son, Zi On – Tribute from Mama

2008-01-08T04:00:00.000-08:00

To our dearest Son, Zi On

Today is 5 January 2008. Yes it has been a month already. Zi On has left us a month ago on this day. Yet as it is still morning about 8a.m now, he must have just locked his apartment, took his bag and started the journey to Moreton Island. His heart must be happy as he was going to see this beautiful island with some of his good friends. It was a happy day for him. His best friend Ramesh recalled, “It was a happy day for him, and for all of us too.”

This happy day was also the day he made a brave decision, by instinct, to truly follow the example of Jesus, to lay down his life for others.

Son, my dear son, you did not even say good-bye to us. You did not say good-bye to your friends. You gave yourself and surrendered to Jesus your life, your body and everything. And the Lord was there to receive you and happily you put your hands in His hands and said, “Here I come, Lord Jesus, I am not fearful.” And just as you wrote in your diary on 14-8-2007, “Jesus as I am with you, be with me now.” We know, the Lord was there to lovingly receive you and said to you, “My dear child, I love you, welcome to your new home. You and I are going to take a new journey where there are no more tears, no more fears, no more pain, no more struggles, no more poverty, no more loneliness, no more rejection, no more sorrows. From this moment, yes now, I am with you always. You will only find true happiness, real joy, lasting peace and the everlasting presence of God and His love.” You always loved angels, now you will see the beautiful angels singing and welcoming you to your heavenly Father’s home. And the Lord said to you, “My child you will be glorified with me as I promised to all my children who believe in Me.”

Your dear papa said, “You ended your earthly life with a high note.” Yes, son, you did a gallant act, yes, a noble one, you are so brave! So brave, son, and papa, mama and Zi Lu, your little brother, are so proud of you.

You said, “I believe I am born for greater things than this.”
Yes, you left us with a triumphant act and fulfilled God’s purpose for your life. Son, we are so proud of you! We also know, the Lord Jesus said to you as He received you, “Well done, my good and faithful servant!”

You said and recorded in your journal, you asked God when you were learning about Fasting and Powers to claim:

“Make me a man of substance,
Make me a man of courage,
Make me a man of dependability,
Make me a man of persistence,
Make me a man of drive,
Make me a man of compassion and empathy,
Make me a man of true friendship”.

Yes son, you have fulfilled all these aspirations, such high and noble aspirations, and we are so very proud of you.

We humbly surrender you and return this special gift, our loving son and brother, to Jesus our Lord. We give all praises to God and all glory to Him, our Heavenly Father. Praise the Lord!

I love you, son, I love you my dearest Zi On.

From
Your mom, love you forever,
Mama
5-1-2008

2008-01-08T03:33:00.000-08:00

Gosh where do I begin. When I heard the news a week before Christmas. Both Kaelin and I were in utter shock and disbelief. Yet, I knew then that this is exactly the kind of heroic action that Zi On would do for another human being...that thought, nevertheless, did not make it any easier for us to digest the news.
I have known Zi On since he was a little baby and watched him grown into a fine young man. He was always the careful one, the steady one. Zi Lu was absolutely right their polar personalities. But they complement each other so well. In my mind they are the perfect duo in the Kerk's family!
Ta Ge, Ta Sau, Zi Lu, I know this is difficult time for you. Nothing I say will make the pain go away any quicker, nor is that my intention. Grieving is a messy process. Time is the only cure. Although I am not a Christian, I believe in higher power. God will take good care of Zi On. What He needs you to do is take good care of yourselves.

Uncle Leon & aunty Kaelin in Portland Oregon USA

Allan's Words..

2008-01-06T18:57:00.000-08:00

Tall and lanky,
Never cranky,
Always with a smile,
Up to a mile,
Outrageously colored hair,
Oh, so full of flair,
Laughing loudly,
Walking proudly,
As son, brother, cousin, friend,
Always there with a helping hand,
With a swim and a dive,
Touching hearts and saving lives,
Model of heroism,
Paradigm of altruism,
Heart of gold,
Ever so bold,
Kind and giving,
Loving and caring,
So much we can learn,
From the life of Kerk Zi On
I will always remember the kittens and the cats (White Tiger for one).
I will always remember you playing with the drums and toy guns.
I will always remember us playing football and video games.
I will always remember your laughter, smiles and optimism.
I will always remember you, my cousin.

A Loving Tribute to Zi On

2008-01-06T01:21:00.000-08:00

Just like that, he was taken from our midst without even a goodbye, leaving a void in each of our hearts. Even as we mourn our loss, we also celebrate his life for we know God has given him as a precious gift to us. In our own way, we will always cherish and treasure the time spent with him. He has been a truly wonderful son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend to all of us who have been given the privilege to know and love him.

In the Bible it is stated in John 15:13, “Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends”. In laying down his own life for 2 persons, one of whom was a total stranger, Zi On has taken this love to a higher and deeper level. As Christians, we are often referred to in the Bible as “soldiers of Christ”. Zi On has proven that he is indeed a TRUE and WORTHY soldier of Christ. Surely, the Lord Jesus Christ Himself will present him a beautiful crown and lovingly place it on his head.

We commend our sister Cho Tan and brother-in-law Kerk Choon Keng for having brought up such an exceptionally fine young man. He is truly a son to be proud of. And to Zi Lu, you must be proud to have such an amazing brother.

We take comfort in knowing Zi On is with his Creator God and in the loving arms of his Heavenly Father and we look forward to the day when we can all be reunited in heaven.

Zi On, you will always remain in our hearts and we will always love you.

With love,

Aunty Cho Bee & family

20^th Dec. 2007

From Emily Flahive.

2008-01-01T06:57:00.000-08:00

Zion and I had a Korean class together at ANU. We were both beginners, filling in units to complete our degrees. Zion was always happy and very friendly. We had lots of group activities in our class, and one day I asked Zion where he came from (in bad Korean!) We then got talking about Malaysia, and he was interested in the fact that my parents were in Malaysia working at Bethany Home. At the end of the university semester I went to visit my parents in Malaysia. Whilst there, some friends of theirs (the Kerks) invited us to visit their palm plantation. After the tour Mr Kerk offered us some cold drinks and we got talking about his family and he mentioned he had a son at ANU. I was very surprised to find that his son was Zion who I had been studying with!! I didn’t see Zion again until the end of the year after we had both graduated. I met up briefly with Zion and his parents as my family wished to congratulate Zion on his graduation and I dropped off a bottle of champagne at the hotel where they were staying.
My encounters with Zion were brief, but memorable. It was a shock to hear the tragic news about him, and my heart goes out to his family and friends.
- Emily Flahive.

For Zi On- who lived as a blessing to so many (Delphine Tan)

2008-01-01T06:52:00.000-08:00

I remember his smile. I remember his laugh. It had been two years since I had heard from Zi On. The next thing I know, he has saved a life and in the process, lost his own. When I first heard the news, the search for him was still continuing. These searches have ended today.
This verse has since entered my mind:

GREATER LOVE HATH NO MAN THAN THIS, THAT A MAN LAY DOWN HIS LIFE FOR HIS FRIENDS-Jn 15:13.
I find great comfort in the fact that he has left us because of his innately good nature. He had a choice and he chose to show love and compassion. I hope that Uncle and Aunty Kerk will find comfort in the fact that this is a mere temporary seperation and they are bound to be reunited in due course.

I hope that none of us will regret anything that may have transpired throughout the time Zi On was here with us on earth, especially his loving family. Things that may seem to have been "mistakes" may be blessings. Zi On would not have become the man we all know if those "mistakes" had not occurred. We have to trust that our God is a mighty one and everything has come to pass according to His plans and not due to our fallibililty. God’s ways are higher than our ways and His plans are perfect for us.

I truly hope that the girl, whose life was saved will turn to Jesus and come to know him.
I know he will find peace and joy in heaven. May his act of love bring many to the Lord.

John 3:16
For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in Him, should not perish, but have eternal life.
My prayer is that many will hear of his story will realise that like that girl, they will drown unless they are willing to rely on Jesus who, out of love, died for them.
Below is a devotional from the RBC that I hope may encourage you:

December 12, 2007

Grief Is Messy
READ: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. —1 Thessalonians 4:13
The film We Are Marshall tells of the November 14, 1970, plane crash that took the lives of most of the Marshall University football team, the coaching staff, and many community leaders of Huntington, West Virginia. Seventy-five lives were lost in the crash, which devastated the university and the community. Through the composite characters of Paul Griffen and Annie Cantrell, the film dramatizes the aftermath of the crash. Their stories intertwine because Griffen’s son, Chris, was Annie’s fiancé. When Chris died, their lives were plunged into a year of pain that seemed unbearable. Why? Because, as Paul told Annie, "Grief is messy."
He was right, grief is messy. All of us grieve at one time or another—including those of us who are Christ-followers. For the believer, however, there is something beyond the tears, pain, and loss. There is hope.
Writing to a church family who had seen loved ones taken in death, Paul acknowledged the reality of grief. But he challenged them not to "sorrow as others who have no hope" (1 Thess. 4:13). Loss and death are part of life, but believers can face them, knowing that Christians never say goodbye for the last time. We can comfort one another (v.18) with the hope of the resurrection and a future reunion.
—Bill Crowder

The Lord has promised to prepare
A place in heaven above—
A home where we will always be
With Him and those we love. —Sper
Because Christ lives, death is not tragedy but triumph.

Angelic Zi On

2007-12-27T20:42:00.000-08:00

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

Tribute from Jasmine

2007-12-27T19:57:00.001-08:00

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.

Tribute from Aunty Christina

2007-12-27T19:55:00.000-08:00

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

From Eliza Liu (Singapore/Canberra)

2007-12-20T01:20:00.000-08:00

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!!!

Kor...

2007-12-18T04:11:00.000-08:00

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

Comments from Shoutbox

2007-12-15T06:58:00.000-08:00

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]

Tan Khai Ching

2007-12-15T05:45:00.000-08:00

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.

From Claire Kim (Korea)

2007-12-15T05:42:00.000-08:00

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 :)

A book in memory of Zi On

2007-12-12T23:50:00.000-08:00

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

News about Zi On Kerk

2007-12-12T10:36:00.000-08:00

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

Initial Post

2007-12-12T02:04:00.000-08:00

Please email your thoughts, prayers and/or photos of Zi On to ZionKerk07@gmail.com.
Thanks