Celebrating Pastor Tony’s Birthday
I was reminded lately how emotional I can get at times. I was pretty "emo" the as I prepared myself to attend the surprise birthday party held at Hon Yau’s place last week. ("Emo" a term coined by a friend and is often used by him and my sister to refer to those or situations where emotions flare and the occurrence of the "touchy-feely" and "weepy" situations.)
Back to the blog…
Last Friday, I was asked to give a short speech at Pastor Tony’s 50th Birthday Bash. Somehow, I was compelled to write out my speech this time. (Well, many of you out there know that I hardly write things down when asked to speak. They just come out of my head and heart, and jump straight out of my mouth.) Maybe I was reminded sub-consciously after my talk with Matthew over the phone on Wednesday and a joke Hon Yau made on Thursday.
Anyways…
I have been thinking of what to say to and about this pastor of mine who I have known since I stepped into the doors of Emmanuel EFC. He has been there for me all these while, helping me grow in faith, listening to my rantings as a teenager, personally baptizing my family and I, and sending me on my way to TCU. I was thinking about it all Friday and finally started to write it out on my mobile phone as I waited for mom to pick me up after work.
As I was "writing," I was overwhelmed by the feeling of love, care and concern that tears welled-up and kept flowing. Mom asked me whether I caught a cold and I said "No." It took me sometime to compose my thoughts and finish the speech. I was glad that I did take the time to write it out for I would be a mess of snot and tears in front of a large crowd of guest unprepared.
Keeping my speech simple, short, and sweet (as much as possible), I wished Pastor Tony the happiest of birthdays and thanking him for everything he has done for me.
"Everyone enjoys birthdays. They are celebrated with cakes and candles, gifts and parties. All of these bring joy and makes the star of the day feel special and loved. As I grow, my attitude towards celebrating birthdays has changed. Birthdays are much more than well wishes, picking out the right gift, or even finding time to attend the event or function.
Today, I celebrate Pastor Tony’s birthday thinking God for his existence in my life, my family’s and those who have been touched by him.
I started attending Emmanuel about 10 years ago (not too long after the Lim’s moved to serve Emmanuel) and Pastor Tony’s sharing at YA (Youth Alive) and church are always mind engaging. I enjoy every talk and time spent at the Lim’s for College Care Group on Fridays. All these meetings and discussions were and still are blessings to me.
My adolescent years were not a smooth ride, but having a pastor who truly cared made a whole lot of a difference. I always wondered what it was that made him to take sincere interest in me. I found out that it was reflection of my faith through Pastor Tony and his ministry that made me grow stronger in my faith. I found an adult who is not only wise and authoritative, but understanding and patient as well. He was one I could trust and be myself with no need to have a mask to hide behind. He always has time to listen when I needed counsel.
He played important roles in the most significant times of my life–my baptism, going through the rough patches in my relationship with mom, and growing out of my teenage years as a child of a broken family. However, I thank God for him most when he gave me the opportunity to study in the country I love, allowing my mind and passion to develop, and exposing me to limitless grace. A brochure to TCU he passed to me the day I was worrying about my future as a law student changed my life. I dare say, that even today, Pastor Tony knows what my passion and desires are, that even my family does not know or understand. He is always encouraging and supportive with his prayers and advice.
I thank God for Pastor Tony, the opportunity that our paths crossed, and the blessings that flowed.
I thank God for the chance to know Aunt Teresa, Lukas and Tabbitha, where witty conversations and wonderful memories were made.
You are not just my pastor, my counsel, but also like a father, and a trusted friend.
HAPPY 50th BIRTHDAY, Pastor Tony."
