Summer

Summer was over 3 days ago, and I'll just put up a very short post about the very memorable summer break i've had. It's divided into 3 seasons: the first is the Ministry season, CM camp and Cambodia '09 where I really received a time of refreshing from God. The second is the season of my law internship and learning. The third is the short season of fellowship, growing with brothers and sisters, struggles and minor trials over the CNY days and my final days in Singapore.

Ministry
Ministry would be blogged separately from here. Dedicated posts on CM Camp and Cambodia.

Internship
Just some things to blog about my internship... Besides it being a very good exposure and valuable experience, there were other things going on in my life concurrently that made those 6 weeks extremely memorable to me.

There were some very moving cases which contain sensitive info and I can't blog em, but i'm sure some of you have heard from me. The Schizophrenia case, the diamorphine case, the hit-and-run cases, the divorce, the faked injuries case, assault etc.

Very good experience working under Mr Rama, who's been in practise for 43 years. He's 79 this year. Subhas Anandan has been in prac for 39 years. Loads of invaluable experience, and very respectable. Although he gets impatient, bossy and very assertive, he's also filled with very developed wisdom and his mind is sharp despite his age. In 2008 he received the Public Service Medal for doing over 100 pro-bono cases with the Legal Aid Bureau at the expense of his cashflow.

Also learnt a lot about humbling myself and submitting to a boss. Even though there were times when I felt I had a better way of doing things, I learned that to fit in with Mr Rama's method was best because to go my own way would kink the overall picture. Also had to be very patient to let him slowly understand the work I presented to him. He said I was doing a very good job, hope he really meant it!

Getting exposed to all those pro-bono cases also gave me insight into a lawyer's (ideal) role as a guardian of justice, a chivalrous defender of rights and one in power to do many things to improve the lives of the oppressed. All the more strengthening of the reason why I want to study Law.

Aside from the internship I faced lessons on pride... To be kept private. Just to know that it takes a lot of revelation to a proud person before he is changed. No man can change him, only God through revelation, circumstances, and a very powerful tool - truth.

I faced issues of injustice towards me... Also keeping them private. What Zhang Wei shared with me was that God is our righteous judge, our vindicator. When faced with injustice, we need not defend outselves. When we are wrong, defense is weak and easily undermined. When we are right, there is no need for defence. This was a whole new reminder to the meaning of my own name. Dan-i-El. God is my Vindicator.

Fellowship
This season saw a lot of observation of those around me, really getting into their shoes and understanding their minds and intentions, really seeing the areas they needed growth it, and seeking the Spirit's guidance in the best way to help them.

"Do not hate your brother in your heart. Rebuke your neighbour frankly so you will not share in his guilt." Lev19:17

I learned that a lot of times it's best to stay watchfully silent and continue collecting wisdom and information until God reveals the best method to us, and to execute the most effective action with the right words, right circumstances, right setting with tact, kindness and love. "...and how good is a timely word!" - Prov15:23

"The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways..." Prov 14:8

"Whoever corrects a mocker invites insult; whoever rebukes a wicked man incurs abuse. Do not rebuke a mocker or he will hate you; rebuke a wise man and he will love you. Instruct a wise man and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man and he will add to his learning" Prov 9:7-9

"Let a righteous man strike me - it is a kindness; let him rebuke me - it is oil on my head. My head will not refuse it." - Psalm 141:5

Other minor trials I'd best not put up here. However, God has been very faithful, and he's been teaching me a lot about trusting Him and trusting in Him.

What a wonderful summer break, and it's only my first one! With renewed strength, direction and blessings, I face the second year of law school.


Just to remember how much God does for us.
"I will not enter my house or go to my bed - 
I will allow no sleep to my eyes, no slumber to my eyelids,
till I find a place for the Lord,
a dwelling for the Mighty One of Jacob." - Psalm 132:3-5