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1988-89: Penang
In early 1988, when I was 22 years old, I was back to Penang. I came to realize things have changed so much in my family. My family had moved to an apartment in Mount Pleasure. My dad's business was badly affected by the economy recession. Our family of eleven members was forced to clamp in the new apartment. The apartment had four bedrooms. Dad, mum and my youngest brother slept in the master bedroom. My sister, brother in law and their daughter occupied one room, my eldest and fourth brothers were in another room. My second brother and his wife occupied the fourth room. So, I had to sleep in the living room. Dad was depressed and was extremely careful in the family's expenses. We were forced to spend less, but it did not bother me much as I was used to that kind of lifestyle anyway. In fact, I liked to be at home, it was an improvement to my living environment compared with my life in Sydney. Most importantly, I could feel the family warmth and love at home, something that I lacked and wanted since I was away when I was 15 years old. My family was running a few retail shops in a shopping complex in Georgetown. The retail business was the only source of income to our entire family. I prayed to God for his blessing in my family's business. A few months later, two big shops, 4,000 sqf. on level three, and 10,000 sqf. on level four respectively were offered to my family for rental purchase, which meant we could rent the shops first and purchased them later if we wanted. My family decided to grab that opportunity and gave it a try. My design and planning skills were found helpful. At least, I could contribute something in the business. In 1998, the 10,000 sgf. store on level four was ready to open. I remember, just the night before its grand opening, me, my eldest and my fourth brothers went up to the roof top of the complex to hang an advertising banner. It was late at night, windy on the rooftop, I recall my feeling of brotherly love and my strong hope for the success of the new store. I knew our family has invested so much time and money in the business, hence it was crucial that it had to succeed. I secretly prayed on the rooftop of the shopping complex, for the success of the new store, while my brothers were tiding the banner. God did not disappoint me at all. The official opening of the 10,000 sqf. store was a great success. It was really a good start. Dad's was enlightened and relieved. A few weeks later, the 4,000 sqf. store on level three was officially opened. It was another great success. I praised God for his blessing and was very glad to see the happiness in the family. The unity and love of my family was again realized. Dad assigned the 10,000 sqf. store for me to manage. I was delighted to accept the duty, as I had always wanted to show my capabilities to dad. So, I decided to postpone my studies, so that I can help in the family business. The problem of the retail store was its location on level four. Big shopping crowd was found on level three, but not many patrons wanted to walk up to level four. After the Chinese New Year in 1989, the business slowed down. My dad planned to close down the store. I was sad, as I had put in so much effort in the store. I prayed to God for his blessing. Later, somehow we got the idea of constructing a grand staircase to link level four to level three at the podium area. My skill and architecture background was again made to good use. I did a proposal to the complex management. It was God's miracle again when the management finally approved the staircase proposal. Finally, the grand staircase was constructed. It was really effective to pull in more patrons and customers to our store. The business improved tremendously. I really enjoyed helping in the family's business as I could feel the unity and love in my family. We shared the common goal in business, joy and happiness were shared when success was achieved. That was the feeling and warmth that I missed when studying in Australia. In year 1989, probably I was overjoyed with the success of my family's business. I felt so confident of myself, and became proud and arrogant. The success and high social standing led me to sin against God. "God does not judge us by our wealth or our social status, but by our love for him, and our commitment to avoid sins. No one is perfect, and it is extremely difficult to live a good Christian life, as our hearts can be easily tempted by Satan. But once we have accepted God, he will continue to look after us, and will call us, if we distance ourselves from him." Forewords . 1965-73: Childhood . 1974-75: God's Call . 1976-81: The Relationship Continued . 1982-83: Singapore . 1984: Kuala Lumpur . 1985-87: Sydney . 1988-89: Penang . 1990-1991: Sydney . 1992: Year of Graduation . 1992-95: Working in Architecture Firm, Penang . 1995: Meeting My Wife . 1996: Year of Marriage . 1996-98: Discovering the Purpose of Life . Conclusion . Appendix I: Question & Answer . Appendix II: The Words of Christ |