Well, here is one very sporting Penang Idol wannabe singing out of tune a golden oldie love song duet with the pretty and lovely lady singer like Paula Abdul of 916 Entertainment at the Hungry Ghosts Festival at Church Street Ghaut, Penang. Like the panel judges, we the Penang Simons(Simon Fuller the creator of American Idol and Simon Cowell) and local Paula Abdul voted out (XXX) and censored him.
By the way, if you are wondering why the streets name in Penang have so many Ghats which are spelt as Ghaut in English or Gat in the local Malay language such as Macallum Street Ghaut, China Street Ghaut, Acheen Street Ghaut and Chulia Street Ghaut. you can learn from List of Penang Streets Names
So the Ghaut or Gat is actually GHAT as you will know that Penang rich heritage can be traced to the Bengali and Gujarati from Indian Origins who were the early traders and migrants who came to Penang, Malaysia through the port in Penang Island, especially at Port Weld. These Ghats can be mostly found to line across the Weld Quay Road (or the local name Jalan Pengkalan Weld) as these are the steps leading to the seafronts for the disembarkation to the island for the ships and boats that called at the port with their cargoes and spices especially during the merchant East India Company reign in the South East Asian Regions in the 1600s. Below is the little definition of ghat provided by Wikipedia.
As used in many parts of South Asia, the term ghat (Bengali: ঘাট ghaţ, Hindi: घाट "steps") refers to a series of steps leading down to a water body, usually a holy river. In Bengali-speaking regions, this set of stairs can lead down to something as small as a pond or as large as a major river.
For a little bit more of history of British India, I found this blog by Mr Vinay Lal very interesting for your reading pleasure and adventure into the Indian History, Cultures, politics and religions.Thank you Mr Vinay Lal.
So here Bigfoothill set sailed to Penang Island from Bukit Mertajam on the mainland of Malaya(old name for Peninsular Malaysia) and landed out of tune with the singers and sank steps into Church Street Ghat in my automobile driven through the Penang Bridge which was once being one of the longest bridges in South East Asia.
With so many ghosts parties in Penang during this Seventh Lunar Month of the Chinese Calendar, like the one nearby QEII at Church Street Ghaut, let us go to Churches in and around Penang on Sundays to be with the Holy Ghost.
Showing posts with label BMBC. Show all posts
Showing posts with label BMBC. Show all posts
Monday, August 29, 2011
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Sarawak ....Has it change much?
Well, so much time have gone by and I was kept busy with many things. There was this 9.0 Earthquake on Friday 11 March, 2011 and the Tsunami that followed at Japan. We were just leaving KOMTAR Penang tower after making a search on property title at the Land Office which were hampered by computer system that was down and had to leave early and to come back on the next Monday. On the way out at the Ground Floor Shopping complex, we saw a large crowd of people and shoppers gathered in front and at the electrical and home appliances shop watching the live TV news broadcast by NHK, CNN and other channels. It was so tragic and my friend who was mourning her loss recently was deeply shocked as much as others as we watch the killer Tsunami waves destroying the Sendai City and nearby villages. I am sure most of you are still keeping a tab on the news developing at the Fukushima power plant on the latest upgrade to level 7 of the radioactivity detected there.
Oh, please hold on. Let me share this Sarawak story. I am just getting into the local news and catching up on the Sarawak State Election where the voters comprising the registered eligible Sarawak voters who are Malaysians across the South China Sea on the Borneo Island. The current ruling state government is from the coalition parties known as National Front headed by the Chief Minister Peh Moh Taib Mahmud. His hair is really white for an old man his age and full of wisdom. He has been at the helm as the longest serving Chief Minister of a State in Malaysian history surpassing former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Muhammad. I belief he has wisdom to know that the people from Land of the Horn-bills or Sarawak are feeling the Wind Of Change blowing strongly from around the world especially with the Political Change that swept former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak out of office, the Tunisian revolution, the Yemeni people's demonstrations and the Bahrain protests.
I have some friends living in Sarawak now, who were my former schoolmates from Perlis (a smallest and Northern-most State in the Federation of Malaysia)and some from my insurance associates whom I just met once of twice a year during Chartis Malaysia Insurance Berhad's(Formerly AIG General Insurance Company)seminars held in various parts of Malaysia.
Here are some photographs taken at the Damai Beach Resort, Kuching, Sarawak back in January 2007. I was with my group of associates and friends from AIG flying on MAS from KLIA airport. The view from the plane as we were approaching the Kuching airport was unique as it was cloudy and raining. In fact, the three days and two nights stay at Damai Beach Resort were raining dogs and cats. No wonder the Capital is called Kuching or cat in English word for the feline. I was sleepy then and I did not join the other group to venture to the round about tour of the capital for some shopping. The view of the Damai beach was spectacular but it was not a friendly welcome as we saw streaks of lightning,loud thunders and storms with strong gush of winds throwing up waves of choppy sea water. That events have edged in my mind until now.
Of course, I do remember the bumpy ride on the coach from the airport to the Damai Beach Resort and the bumpy and narrow road leading to the seafood restaurant near the river mouth facing the sea. I like the fried fern-leaves shoots in the spicy chilly and shrimp paste. The dance ladies of the night at the award presentation ceremony were young and lovely. Now four years later, I belief they have grown much prettier and wise and need not have their moms and chaperons to accompany them around for the venue. So much of the memory of Kuching. I read the news when I was a young boy and also in my primary school language book about the story of a legendary giant Crocodile named "Bujang Senang" or Easy Bachelor that had terrorized the locals at longest river in Sarawak. Many human lives and live-stocks were its victims. I was not that lucky as a Crocodile Hunter as there was no crocodile in the river when I went there. Most of the crocodiles found here are the saltwater species.
The Ibans are one of the majority ethnic people in Sarawak and living in the longhouses as what I learned in Geography in my school days. They can be further identified as Land and Sea Dayaks. At the longhouses which are built from bamboos and woods, there are many families living together and there is a headman at each longhouse. I saw in my schoolbooks where the pictures shown some human skeletons and especially the skulls were hanged and displayed within the longhouses to signify the success of their tribes in their wars as they got the scalps of their enemies. They are known as Head-Hunters. I was a little disappointed that I did not have the chance to visit the cultural village which was supposed to be an exciting event that have been lined up as part of the program for all the insurance agent participants of the seminar. That trip was canceled due to the heavy rainfall on that day. Another blessing in disguise was that I returned home to Bukit Mertajam, Penang with my head still intact.
About Head-Hunters, these days the Sarawak people are civilized society and no longer practice the head-hunting. Grandmothers and mothers always tell us children not to go out at night when the local bridges were being built or repaired as they warned and said that the builders and contractors would hunt for a head to be placed or buried beneath the bridge so that the bridge would not collapse when under construction. Really scared me and my buddies when we were very young boys. Myth or truth... I leave it to you.
The only time I knew of head-hunting going around hunting heads were when I was working in a leading bank with many branches throughout the nation including Sarawak back in the mid 1980's That era, the economy was in the doldrums and there were stories of the monies of the depositors were used to bail out some ill-shaped government linked investments. The employer hired the Head hunter whom they called "proud-foot" to hunt for the heads to chop off from the bank's payrolls. The unionized employees protested and the headhunters went back to their foreign land of origin. As we all know, there are virgin forests and beautiful beaches and caves in Sarawak. There are so many industries in Sarawak especially the natural gas and petroleum in the towns of Miri and Sibu to boost the economy. There are timber factories which created jobs for the locals.
There are a few things that still bothered me since the day I went to Kuching, Sarawak. First the state is largest in Malaysia and rich in natural resources. Yet I am appalled to note the state of the infrastructures like the small bumpy and narrow roads within 10 kilometers of the metropolitan Kuching town center are so bad and in poor condition than the ones at my little state of Perlis where I used to grow up and lived there some 28 years before being transferred by my employer to Penang. Perlis state is predominantly agricultural land and dependent on the Federal Government to finance its annual budget deficits. Even now, I belief, Perlis have better infrastructure such as roads, electricity, street lamps and water amenities than most small towns and villages in Sarawak. I was back in my former hometown the last two weekends and there was a flash flood that hit Kangar, Perlis. What happened to the treasury and management of the sovereign state of Sarawak? Why such a situation can happen after nearly 50 years of Sarawak in Malaysia. I think my friends in Sarawak better have some good answers for me since he/she have been there for many years after being posted there as teachers.
Perhaps, the previous leaders of the Sarawak state and the leaders at Federal government of Malaysia have overlooked and short-changed my fellow countrymen in Sarawak in terms of basic infrastructures, amenities, human capital, tourism and economic development. There is only one Malaysia. I have been to Kota Kinabalu, Sabah,also in 2007 and the situation there were better than the state of Sarawak slightly. Malaysians leadership have to wake up from the slumber as people are now very intelligent. Where have the natural resources contributions from Sarawak gone to finance what projects in Malaysia that the Sarawak state is still under-developed as compared to other states in the federation, and not at par with Perlis? Why is it so imbalance?
Why is there a restriction on some fellow Malaysians from the Peninsular to visit the Sarawak State? Do we have two countries system within One Malaysia? How to have the Association of South East Asian Nations(ASEAN) model after the EU where its citizens from members countries are mobile and free to travel within its member countries, whilst in our own beloved 1 Malaysia, we have two standards? We may know our enemies from within better than the foreigners which are unknown elements of threats to our country's safety and security. Some foreign illegal workers, migrants or terrorists could be traveling to our country and we failed to monitor and to refuse their entry. Sometimes, we champions the freedoms and rights of leaders like Nobel Peace Prize winner, Madam Aung San Suu Kyi from Myanmar whilst we penalized our own countrymen who are peace and loving people like any other ordinary free Malaysians. Don't know why?
I guess the witch-hunting is all over because there are many Ibans who have converted to Christianity and other religions. There were inter-marriages too among the various ethnics and Malaysians. I have known many church friends from Sarawak, Sabah and some Indonesians worshiping at Bukit Mertajam Baptist Church (BMBC) as most of them have came over or migrated to Peninsular Malaysia for their works and economic reasons. Their steadfast love for God or "Allah' in Holy Bible is bringing them to church here even though they may be far from home and other family members. God's family is one and He loves everyone. So do come to BMBC if you want to join the worship in the Malay language on Sunday Service at 2.30p.m. every Sunday except advance notice of changes by the Pastoral team. If you are from Sarawak and Sabah, we welcome you and family. By the way, my friends are helping to support the Seratok Baptist Church outreach. Anyone wants to offer help?
So come April 16, 2011, the polling day at Sarawak, let us hope the Sarawak voters will choose wisely. May the leaderships chosen by them must change from making the same the past mistakes and hold on to the true love for fellow Malaysians and passionately love the people and to serve the people first. Leaders, do not be predators like the legendary crocodile but be like sacrificial lambs ready to be sacrificed for the Glory of God or Allah and to serve His people. Let everyone know that God is Supreme Head of our government and the King of Kings and He is the God or Allah for all Mankind family whether we live in Sarawak or Sabah or Peninsular Malaysia or in the Spratly Islands of Malaysian jurisdiction.
Anyway, let us listen to some music from singer Anita Sarawak when we relax and wait for the election results.
Oh, please hold on. Let me share this Sarawak story. I am just getting into the local news and catching up on the Sarawak State Election where the voters comprising the registered eligible Sarawak voters who are Malaysians across the South China Sea on the Borneo Island. The current ruling state government is from the coalition parties known as National Front headed by the Chief Minister Peh Moh Taib Mahmud. His hair is really white for an old man his age and full of wisdom. He has been at the helm as the longest serving Chief Minister of a State in Malaysian history surpassing former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Muhammad. I belief he has wisdom to know that the people from Land of the Horn-bills or Sarawak are feeling the Wind Of Change blowing strongly from around the world especially with the Political Change that swept former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak out of office, the Tunisian revolution, the Yemeni people's demonstrations and the Bahrain protests.
I have some friends living in Sarawak now, who were my former schoolmates from Perlis (a smallest and Northern-most State in the Federation of Malaysia)and some from my insurance associates whom I just met once of twice a year during Chartis Malaysia Insurance Berhad's(Formerly AIG General Insurance Company)seminars held in various parts of Malaysia.
Here are some photographs taken at the Damai Beach Resort, Kuching, Sarawak back in January 2007. I was with my group of associates and friends from AIG flying on MAS from KLIA airport. The view from the plane as we were approaching the Kuching airport was unique as it was cloudy and raining. In fact, the three days and two nights stay at Damai Beach Resort were raining dogs and cats. No wonder the Capital is called Kuching or cat in English word for the feline. I was sleepy then and I did not join the other group to venture to the round about tour of the capital for some shopping. The view of the Damai beach was spectacular but it was not a friendly welcome as we saw streaks of lightning,loud thunders and storms with strong gush of winds throwing up waves of choppy sea water. That events have edged in my mind until now.
Of course, I do remember the bumpy ride on the coach from the airport to the Damai Beach Resort and the bumpy and narrow road leading to the seafood restaurant near the river mouth facing the sea. I like the fried fern-leaves shoots in the spicy chilly and shrimp paste. The dance ladies of the night at the award presentation ceremony were young and lovely. Now four years later, I belief they have grown much prettier and wise and need not have their moms and chaperons to accompany them around for the venue. So much of the memory of Kuching. I read the news when I was a young boy and also in my primary school language book about the story of a legendary giant Crocodile named "Bujang Senang" or Easy Bachelor that had terrorized the locals at longest river in Sarawak. Many human lives and live-stocks were its victims. I was not that lucky as a Crocodile Hunter as there was no crocodile in the river when I went there. Most of the crocodiles found here are the saltwater species.
The Ibans are one of the majority ethnic people in Sarawak and living in the longhouses as what I learned in Geography in my school days. They can be further identified as Land and Sea Dayaks. At the longhouses which are built from bamboos and woods, there are many families living together and there is a headman at each longhouse. I saw in my schoolbooks where the pictures shown some human skeletons and especially the skulls were hanged and displayed within the longhouses to signify the success of their tribes in their wars as they got the scalps of their enemies. They are known as Head-Hunters. I was a little disappointed that I did not have the chance to visit the cultural village which was supposed to be an exciting event that have been lined up as part of the program for all the insurance agent participants of the seminar. That trip was canceled due to the heavy rainfall on that day. Another blessing in disguise was that I returned home to Bukit Mertajam, Penang with my head still intact.
About Head-Hunters, these days the Sarawak people are civilized society and no longer practice the head-hunting. Grandmothers and mothers always tell us children not to go out at night when the local bridges were being built or repaired as they warned and said that the builders and contractors would hunt for a head to be placed or buried beneath the bridge so that the bridge would not collapse when under construction. Really scared me and my buddies when we were very young boys. Myth or truth... I leave it to you.
The only time I knew of head-hunting going around hunting heads were when I was working in a leading bank with many branches throughout the nation including Sarawak back in the mid 1980's That era, the economy was in the doldrums and there were stories of the monies of the depositors were used to bail out some ill-shaped government linked investments. The employer hired the Head hunter whom they called "proud-foot" to hunt for the heads to chop off from the bank's payrolls. The unionized employees protested and the headhunters went back to their foreign land of origin. As we all know, there are virgin forests and beautiful beaches and caves in Sarawak. There are so many industries in Sarawak especially the natural gas and petroleum in the towns of Miri and Sibu to boost the economy. There are timber factories which created jobs for the locals.
There are a few things that still bothered me since the day I went to Kuching, Sarawak. First the state is largest in Malaysia and rich in natural resources. Yet I am appalled to note the state of the infrastructures like the small bumpy and narrow roads within 10 kilometers of the metropolitan Kuching town center are so bad and in poor condition than the ones at my little state of Perlis where I used to grow up and lived there some 28 years before being transferred by my employer to Penang. Perlis state is predominantly agricultural land and dependent on the Federal Government to finance its annual budget deficits. Even now, I belief, Perlis have better infrastructure such as roads, electricity, street lamps and water amenities than most small towns and villages in Sarawak. I was back in my former hometown the last two weekends and there was a flash flood that hit Kangar, Perlis. What happened to the treasury and management of the sovereign state of Sarawak? Why such a situation can happen after nearly 50 years of Sarawak in Malaysia. I think my friends in Sarawak better have some good answers for me since he/she have been there for many years after being posted there as teachers.
Perhaps, the previous leaders of the Sarawak state and the leaders at Federal government of Malaysia have overlooked and short-changed my fellow countrymen in Sarawak in terms of basic infrastructures, amenities, human capital, tourism and economic development. There is only one Malaysia. I have been to Kota Kinabalu, Sabah,also in 2007 and the situation there were better than the state of Sarawak slightly. Malaysians leadership have to wake up from the slumber as people are now very intelligent. Where have the natural resources contributions from Sarawak gone to finance what projects in Malaysia that the Sarawak state is still under-developed as compared to other states in the federation, and not at par with Perlis? Why is it so imbalance?
Why is there a restriction on some fellow Malaysians from the Peninsular to visit the Sarawak State? Do we have two countries system within One Malaysia? How to have the Association of South East Asian Nations(ASEAN) model after the EU where its citizens from members countries are mobile and free to travel within its member countries, whilst in our own beloved 1 Malaysia, we have two standards? We may know our enemies from within better than the foreigners which are unknown elements of threats to our country's safety and security. Some foreign illegal workers, migrants or terrorists could be traveling to our country and we failed to monitor and to refuse their entry. Sometimes, we champions the freedoms and rights of leaders like Nobel Peace Prize winner, Madam Aung San Suu Kyi from Myanmar whilst we penalized our own countrymen who are peace and loving people like any other ordinary free Malaysians. Don't know why?
I guess the witch-hunting is all over because there are many Ibans who have converted to Christianity and other religions. There were inter-marriages too among the various ethnics and Malaysians. I have known many church friends from Sarawak, Sabah and some Indonesians worshiping at Bukit Mertajam Baptist Church (BMBC) as most of them have came over or migrated to Peninsular Malaysia for their works and economic reasons. Their steadfast love for God or "Allah' in Holy Bible is bringing them to church here even though they may be far from home and other family members. God's family is one and He loves everyone. So do come to BMBC if you want to join the worship in the Malay language on Sunday Service at 2.30p.m. every Sunday except advance notice of changes by the Pastoral team. If you are from Sarawak and Sabah, we welcome you and family. By the way, my friends are helping to support the Seratok Baptist Church outreach. Anyone wants to offer help?
So come April 16, 2011, the polling day at Sarawak, let us hope the Sarawak voters will choose wisely. May the leaderships chosen by them must change from making the same the past mistakes and hold on to the true love for fellow Malaysians and passionately love the people and to serve the people first. Leaders, do not be predators like the legendary crocodile but be like sacrificial lambs ready to be sacrificed for the Glory of God or Allah and to serve His people. Let everyone know that God is Supreme Head of our government and the King of Kings and He is the God or Allah for all Mankind family whether we live in Sarawak or Sabah or Peninsular Malaysia or in the Spratly Islands of Malaysian jurisdiction.
Anyway, let us listen to some music from singer Anita Sarawak when we relax and wait for the election results.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
The Chinese Valentine's day -The Final Day Celebration of Chinese New Year of the Rabbit
It is a second chance to date your Valentine in a week as Thursday February 17, 2011 coincided with the fifteenth day of Chinese New Year of the Rabbit. In the Chinese calendar, it is an auspicious day for the singles to make a wish to marry a good spouse by throwing a orange into the sea off the Esplanade. If you are in Penang, it the time again to go to Georgetown at the Esplanade near the spot where Captain Francis Light landed in Penang, and old British fortress known as Fort Cornwallis and City Council building are located.
View Larger Map
There will be live concerts and stalls selling goodies which you may want to bring your family, friends and your love one to join you to have fun and carry on the tradition of throwing some oranges into the sea to wish for a good husband in the year of Rabbit , especially for the single ladies. Single guys, here are your opportunity to survey who is available and who is hot.
For the married couples, save the oranges for yourselves as you cannot throw away what you already found and caught in your hands.
Here are the highlights of the happenings found at the Visit Penang. The Fireworks will be let off there later in the evening. So bring your cameras to shoot the scenery and displays of colorful fireworks.
View Larger Map
There will be live concerts and stalls selling goodies which you may want to bring your family, friends and your love one to join you to have fun and carry on the tradition of throwing some oranges into the sea to wish for a good husband in the year of Rabbit , especially for the single ladies. Single guys, here are your opportunity to survey who is available and who is hot.
For the married couples, save the oranges for yourselves as you cannot throw away what you already found and caught in your hands.
Here are the highlights of the happenings found at the Visit Penang. The Fireworks will be let off there later in the evening. So bring your cameras to shoot the scenery and displays of colorful fireworks.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Chinese New Year 2011 welcomes Year of Rabbit with Red Lanterns
Welcome the Zodiac Calendar Year of Rabbit. Wishing You A Very Happy and Prosperous Chinese New Year. After family Reunion Lunch at Bukit Minyak, Bukit Mertajam in the afternoon, Bigoofthill went for Family Reunion Dinner at Butterworth on New Year's Eve Wednesday February 2, 2011. On the way back to Bukit Mertajam on the Stroke of Chinese New Year's Day of the Year of Rabbit, we turned into Jalan Raja Uda and saw the beautiful sky lit up with fireworks while the street is decorated with red lanterns. It is on the mainland of Penang State and is considered the heart of Chinatown at Butterworth. There is a Chinese temple for vegetarians which is frequented by worshipers offering prayers for good lucks and great wealth during the Year of the Rabbit.
Bigfoothill worships at BMBC and the Holy Bible teaches us, " Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life." ( 1Timothy 6:17-19 NIV).
May God bless you richly in His Grace.
Bigfoothill worships at BMBC and the Holy Bible teaches us, " Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life." ( 1Timothy 6:17-19 NIV).
May God bless you richly in His Grace.
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Christmas Service at Bukit Mertajam Baptist Church with Africans and Christmas Countdown at Auto City Juru
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| The Pastors cum Musicians and back-up singers at BMBC |
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| A section of congregation in prayers |
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| Another section of BMBC congregation and worshippers |
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| The Chairman of BMBC leading the congregation |
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| In Prayer |
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| BMBC for Africa |
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| Parit Buntar Baptist Church presentation |
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| Africans singing worship songs at BMBC to celebrate Christmas |
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| The Christmas Countdown Street Party at Autocity Juru |
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| Renewal Church Youth singing Christmas carols at Autocity Juru |
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| Shop at the park |
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| A light up bridge similar to the shape of Penang Bridge at Autocity Juru |
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| Elephant shaped light at the garden |
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| Giraffe from Africa? |
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| Raindeers at the bridge |
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| Shop-in D' Park |
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| Lover's Bridge |
John 3:16 says. " For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
It was fun time and busy week in this world. Wow.. BMBC is global now. Not only the bank that never sleep is global. World Cup in South Africa in 2010. Now Christmas with Africans in Bukit Mertajam Baptist Church. So here are the belated post to share with you. It is wonderful to see your smiles again. Let us begin with Bigfoothill's journey to Christmas Service at BMBC here.
Then you go inside BMBC through this link
Appreciations and credits go to 1) Biblos.com for the reference on the Holy Bible verses and
2) the link and to BMBC. Here is BMBC blog url : http://bukitmertajambaptistchurch.blogspot.com/
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Christmas and New Year 2011 Celebration by Residents of Taman Bukit , Bukit Mertajam, Pulau Pinang
Hello New Year 2011. I was with the BMBC members of the AGAPE cell group at the Christmas Celebration cum New Year 2011 Celebration organized by the RT or Residents Community of Taman Bukit, Bukit Mertajam, A few of our friends are residents there and they volunteered to help in preparation for the presentation and highlights of the twin celebrations.
The residents comprising young children, adults and senior citizens were very excited about the yearly events that were celebrated whenever there were festivals being celebrated by the Malaysians of various ethnics and cultures and religious faiths.
The AGAPE cell group from Bukit Mertajam Baptist Church started the show with singing some Christmas Carols to the residents after the opening speeches by the chairman and VIP. and followed by the buffet styled dinner. Afterward, AGAPE members shared the true meaning of Christmas by having a Christmas Story telling time. It was told in English language and translated in to Mandarin while using the pictorial animations on a white board to illustrate the Nativity Story. So, the folks here now know that Christmas is not just about commercials shopping and partying, Christmas Trees and decorations or Santa Claus or Santa Rina.
This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.
But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph son of David not to be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins. All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel" which means, "God with us"
When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he had no union with her until she gave birth to a son,. And he gave him the name Jesus. (Matthew 1:18-23)
The story also told about after Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, "Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him" (Matthew2:1-2) and that when the three Wise men from the Easts saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh. to the new born King.
After the story ended. the Agape cell group members then bade farewell to the community with some sing along Christmas carol. The celebration continued with a group of Christmas carolers from St Anne's Church strolled in and sang Christmas songs and Santa Claus and Santa Rina danced with the children and presented them with goodies. There were plenty of foods, fun and laughter. Thank you to the organizer for holding such and event to foster neighborliness and caring community for residents living in that area.
Later, I went to another function and on the way home, I dropped by to replenish his favorite beverage Milo which was on one day anniversary sale as Kim Far shop where singer Wasabe was performing live.
More video clips coming soon.
The residents comprising young children, adults and senior citizens were very excited about the yearly events that were celebrated whenever there were festivals being celebrated by the Malaysians of various ethnics and cultures and religious faiths.
The AGAPE cell group from Bukit Mertajam Baptist Church started the show with singing some Christmas Carols to the residents after the opening speeches by the chairman and VIP. and followed by the buffet styled dinner. Afterward, AGAPE members shared the true meaning of Christmas by having a Christmas Story telling time. It was told in English language and translated in to Mandarin while using the pictorial animations on a white board to illustrate the Nativity Story. So, the folks here now know that Christmas is not just about commercials shopping and partying, Christmas Trees and decorations or Santa Claus or Santa Rina.
This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.
But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph son of David not to be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins. All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel" which means, "God with us"
When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he had no union with her until she gave birth to a son,. And he gave him the name Jesus. (Matthew 1:18-23)
The story also told about after Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, "Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him" (Matthew2:1-2) and that when the three Wise men from the Easts saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh. to the new born King.
After the story ended. the Agape cell group members then bade farewell to the community with some sing along Christmas carol. The celebration continued with a group of Christmas carolers from St Anne's Church strolled in and sang Christmas songs and Santa Claus and Santa Rina danced with the children and presented them with goodies. There were plenty of foods, fun and laughter. Thank you to the organizer for holding such and event to foster neighborliness and caring community for residents living in that area.
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| RT Taman Bukit Hall |
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| Story of Christmas |
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| The BMBC Agape distributing the lyrics for the community to sing along the Christmas carols |
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| The young children were enjoying the story telling time |
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| Part of the BMBC's Agape cell group members singing Christmas carols |
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| The RT Chairman speaking to the residents |
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| The carolers from St Anne's Church |
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| Santa from St Anne's Church group of carolers dancing with the kids |
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| Santa Rina also dancing with the kids |
More video clips coming soon.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
A Traditional Chinese Medical Treatment for Nasal Health and Sinus by Chinese Sinseh at Kim San Chi Trading , Bukit Mertajam, Penang
New Year 2011 is new but at Bukit Mertajam or Big Foothill, a renowned Traditional Chinese Medical treatment for Nasal health and sinus infections is very old. It is a family healing business that has been passed from generations to generations over the pass four hundred years originated from China which initially was free for the community there. Even the Penang Chief Minister, YB Mr Lim Guan Eng is glad to be associated with Uncle Teo's achievements.
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| Uncle Teo with Penang Chief Minister, YB Mr Lim Guan Eng |
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| Newspaper report |
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| Highlights in newspaper |
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| A stream of patients queuing |
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| Newspaper cuttings |
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| The table of consultation fee and services |
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| Registration |
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| Sample of "nose dragon" |
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| Another Sample of "Nose Dragon" |
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| Sample of Nose "Snake" or the worms |
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| The advertisement |
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| The Front View Of Kim San Chi Trading |
I only came to know about this great Traditional Chinese healer and his traditional Chinese medical treatment trade after a friend asked about it as I am a resident here. On checking from the net, I found a blog mentioning about the treatment. So, here is my exploration as I was passing through town near my usual favorite fruit stall near the Main market.
I was there with my Sony handy cam and Sony DSLR camera to record the story. Adult and children patients coming for consultation will register their name, He will asked the patient their conditions and then place his fingers on the nose area to diagnose. He can tell them their state of health and the treatment. He then prepare them to be be seated at a little room.
His son is helping him. They will heat the small pieces of metal plate until it turned red hot. The red hot metal is then place on to the a flower pot than has been turned upside down at its base in the middle. He will put the herbal powder on top of the red hot metal and sprinkled a few drops of oil(their owned formula ointment) over the herbal powder. As the smokes come on, he will quickly cover it with a half coconut shell with a straw-like piping sticking out for the patient to blow into it. (Please do not suck). After blowing continuously about two minute or so, he will take away the coconut shell cover with piping to remove the metal that has cooled down and clear away ashes of the herbal powder. If you are a little "unlucky" or rather "unhealthy", the little white-colored worms which looked like maggots will be sticking on the underneath of the coconut shell or burnt or crawling on the rim of the flower pot base. The process is usually repeated for another three times. I was fortunate as there were stream of patients coming for treatments that I got the opportunity to record it.
You can also get other medical ointments and herbal preparation from the shop. The business hour is open from Tuesday to Sunday at time from 8.00am to 5.00pm (Monday closed). According to him, he will take a rest and be with his family members during the upcoming festive holidays. The business will be closed on the coming Chinese New Year Eve and reopen again after the Fourth day of Chinese New Year. The office number is 04-5386495.
I hope the above sharing is helpful to you.
Let us dance with Singer Wasabe
Here is the final segment of Wasabe's final performance at the local Kim Far Anniversary celebration recently. The audience were really sporting as they enjoy dancing with her. The manager asked her to go back to the stage before someone kidnap her since she was so hot and popular with the audience.
Hope Wasabe enjoyed the show and she would make a comeback soon. By the way, there is another show coming up on Sunday January 9,2011 at 8.30pm at another Kim Far outlet. Hopefully they invite her again and see you there.
Hope Wasabe enjoyed the show and she would make a comeback soon. By the way, there is another show coming up on Sunday January 9,2011 at 8.30pm at another Kim Far outlet. Hopefully they invite her again and see you there.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
New Year 2011 Countdown Fireworks at Sunway Carnival, Penang
Finally, I got this clip uploaded for you to watch it here or at You Tube. As a little child, my daddy and mommy and elder sisters used to tell me to go and watch the fireworks and would bring me there whenever there were fireworks to be let off at night especially during the special occasions in the small Royal Town of Arau, Perlis such as when His Royal Highness (HRH) the Late King or "Raja" Tuanku Syed Putra Ibni Jamalulail was celebrating his birthdays or the special celebration like his installation as the Third King of Malaysia. My late daddy whom I called Pa and my mommy used to get invitations for the Royal Banquets at the Royal Palace in Arau, Perlis near the Arau Railway station and opposite the Police Station. Now this little royal village boy has moved to Big Foot Hill or Bukit Mertajam in Seberang Perai or Province Wellesley on the mainland side of Penang State.
Those days, little children used to light their own fireworks or fire crackers during festivals like Muslim celebrates Eid-ul-Fitr the end of Ramadan and Eid al-Adha celebrations start after the Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia by Muslims worldwide or Chinese Lunar New Year or Hindu's Deepavali or Christmas and New Year. Now fire cracker is banned in Malaysia and Singapore. Pity my nieces and nephews here and there and our present day kids as they cannot play with fire crackers as we did in the good old days.
Now that there is no royalty or royal palace at Bigfoothill or Bukit Mertajam or Penang State as we only have the Governor in state of Pulau Pinang, Bigfoothill took every opportunity to rekindle the sweet memories of the excitements that I enjoyed watching fireworks being let off at every celebrations held around here in Bukit Mertajam and nearby areas. One thing for sure as the bible tell us so, Jesus is King of Kings and Lord of Lords. So the fireworks were set-off at Auto City Juru during recent Christmas Eve Countdown to celebrate the arrival of Christmas or the birth of the Royal Baby born in the manger, Jesus. Now it is time again to rejoice in the King of Kings during this New Year 2011 for me and family.
As for you and others, you have many other reasons to celebrate the New Year 2011 as you could be promoted on your career or you boss is giving you a raise or giving you a fat bonus recently or a fat red packet in the coming Chinese Lunar Year of the Rabbit. Bye bye Tiger..soon. maybe, some of you are proposing to your girlfriend and planned to get married in 2011. Do invite me to your wedding reception or dinner. I could then capture your precious moments in life live on my Sony Handy cam DCR-SR47 model. Whatever cause you are celebrating, I wish you all the best wishes and may you find 2011 a blessed year and God with Us, Immanuel (Isaiah 7:14 NIV). You can refer bible verses through this link here to BibleGateway.com http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah%207:14&version=NIV1984.
Immanuel is spell as Emmanuel especially in Espanol, French or other languages.
Here is an interesting sermon on Isiah 7:14 from Rev. Adrian Dieleman form the Trinity United Reformed Church, Visalia, California , USA preached on December 25, 2001 which you can click on this link http://www.trinitycrc.org/sermons/is07v14.html
Credit goes to BibleGateway.com for their bible references and resources.
Credit goes the Pastor and Trinity United Reformed Church for the resources on Emmanuel, God with us.
Hope you enjoy the fireworks here for those who did not catch it earlier at the Countdown to New Year 2011.
Those days, little children used to light their own fireworks or fire crackers during festivals like Muslim celebrates Eid-ul-Fitr the end of Ramadan and Eid al-Adha celebrations start after the Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia by Muslims worldwide or Chinese Lunar New Year or Hindu's Deepavali or Christmas and New Year. Now fire cracker is banned in Malaysia and Singapore. Pity my nieces and nephews here and there and our present day kids as they cannot play with fire crackers as we did in the good old days.
Now that there is no royalty or royal palace at Bigfoothill or Bukit Mertajam or Penang State as we only have the Governor in state of Pulau Pinang, Bigfoothill took every opportunity to rekindle the sweet memories of the excitements that I enjoyed watching fireworks being let off at every celebrations held around here in Bukit Mertajam and nearby areas. One thing for sure as the bible tell us so, Jesus is King of Kings and Lord of Lords. So the fireworks were set-off at Auto City Juru during recent Christmas Eve Countdown to celebrate the arrival of Christmas or the birth of the Royal Baby born in the manger, Jesus. Now it is time again to rejoice in the King of Kings during this New Year 2011 for me and family.
As for you and others, you have many other reasons to celebrate the New Year 2011 as you could be promoted on your career or you boss is giving you a raise or giving you a fat bonus recently or a fat red packet in the coming Chinese Lunar Year of the Rabbit. Bye bye Tiger..soon. maybe, some of you are proposing to your girlfriend and planned to get married in 2011. Do invite me to your wedding reception or dinner. I could then capture your precious moments in life live on my Sony Handy cam DCR-SR47 model. Whatever cause you are celebrating, I wish you all the best wishes and may you find 2011 a blessed year and God with Us, Immanuel (Isaiah 7:14 NIV). You can refer bible verses through this link here to BibleGateway.com http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah%207:14&version=NIV1984.
Immanuel is spell as Emmanuel especially in Espanol, French or other languages.
Here is an interesting sermon on Isiah 7:14 from Rev. Adrian Dieleman form the Trinity United Reformed Church, Visalia, California , USA preached on December 25, 2001 which you can click on this link http://www.trinitycrc.org/sermons/is07v14.html
Credit goes to BibleGateway.com for their bible references and resources.
Credit goes the Pastor and Trinity United Reformed Church for the resources on Emmanuel, God with us.
Hope you enjoy the fireworks here for those who did not catch it earlier at the Countdown to New Year 2011.
A Walk Along Bukit Mertajam or BM Railway Track with Bigfoothill
A walk along Bukit Mertajam or BM railway track with Bigfoothill was inspired by the railway tracks that crossed the roads leading to BM town. It was the track running parallel with the Jalan Sungai Rambai and Jalan Permatang Rawa and between both roads starting from the Gate at Jalan Sungai Rambai near the OCBC Bank and ending at the little lane near a village in front of Kim Far supermarket. These pictures were taken on Monday December 13, 2010 when Bigfoothill went back to the railway track to look for my missing Sony camera cover which had inadvertently dropped from my bag and was found near a big culvert. Bigfoothill had on Sunday December 12, 2010 walked along the track.
I have used the collection of pictures to make into a movie with a background music ripped from the title School Boy from the Album - Journey Home by Roger Wang whom Bigfoothill personally met in Kota Kinabalu or KK in Sabah a few years ago at a company function where he played live music with his guitar at a renowned hotel for us that evening. We were entertained and thrilled by his guitar playing skills and jazz music. We ordered for copies of his two albums. He personally delivered the albums the next morning and autographed the cover for me and another friend.
You can follow him at his official blog by clicking the link here http://rogerwang.wordpress.com/
Roger, thank you. I am glad to know that you have produced new albums. Wishing you Happy New Year 2011 and may God Bless you abundantly. Will be looking forward to your album collections. The floating guitar at the railway track on your homepage is special.
I have used the collection of pictures to make into a movie with a background music ripped from the title School Boy from the Album - Journey Home by Roger Wang whom Bigfoothill personally met in Kota Kinabalu or KK in Sabah a few years ago at a company function where he played live music with his guitar at a renowned hotel for us that evening. We were entertained and thrilled by his guitar playing skills and jazz music. We ordered for copies of his two albums. He personally delivered the albums the next morning and autographed the cover for me and another friend.
You can follow him at his official blog by clicking the link here http://rogerwang.wordpress.com/
Roger, thank you. I am glad to know that you have produced new albums. Wishing you Happy New Year 2011 and may God Bless you abundantly. Will be looking forward to your album collections. The floating guitar at the railway track on your homepage is special.
New Year 2011 Countdown with Singer Wana singing Mercy at Sunway Carnival, Penang
Ho Ho Ho..here comes Singer Wana to town to celebrate the New Year 2011 Countdown with shoppers and revelers at Sunway Carnival, Penang. Singer Wana was so sporting and friendly with the crowds especially the brother with the hairs standing up..ha..ha..ha..it is me. Those brothers really have to thank their lucky stars as she invited them to do Traditional Malay Folk dance a little like the Latin dance Cha Cha with her but that brother wanted to do another dance.
Here watch and enjoy the video recorded live.
Here watch and enjoy the video recorded live.
Teen Idol Singing Competition at Sunway Carnival, Penang
Since Friday December 31, 2010 is a public holiday because Malaysia football team has won the Asean Football Federation (AFF) Suzuki Cup for the first time. Thanks to the Malaysia football team and Prime Minister. I took this opportunity to rest and reflect on year 2010 and looking forward to the countdown for New Year 2011 in Penang Island. As the traffic was heavy almost everywhere in Penang, Bigfoothill decided to head for dinner and then proceeded to Sunway Carnival on the mainland to shop for the new dairy for New Year 2011 at the Popular Bookstore.
There was a slight drizzle and by the time I went into the Sunway Carnival Shopping mall, the main lobby was full of people and shoppers. There was a Teen Idol Singing Competition held at the stage specially decorated for the Christmas and New Year Celebrations.
The teenage contestants came from all over Peninsular Malaysia for the competitions dressed in the glittering dresses and suites. Here are some of the songs and videos captured by Bigfoothill which I would like to share with you. I salute the competitors for their talents and participation in the contest and for allowing me to capture live recording of their show and sharing it worldwide with you. So here is a little sweet memorable moments in the final hours of year 2010 for us to reflect back and to countdown to New Year 2011. Here are my favorites teen idol finalists.
There was a slight drizzle and by the time I went into the Sunway Carnival Shopping mall, the main lobby was full of people and shoppers. There was a Teen Idol Singing Competition held at the stage specially decorated for the Christmas and New Year Celebrations.
The teenage contestants came from all over Peninsular Malaysia for the competitions dressed in the glittering dresses and suites. Here are some of the songs and videos captured by Bigfoothill which I would like to share with you. I salute the competitors for their talents and participation in the contest and for allowing me to capture live recording of their show and sharing it worldwide with you. So here is a little sweet memorable moments in the final hours of year 2010 for us to reflect back and to countdown to New Year 2011. Here are my favorites teen idol finalists.
Friday, December 24, 2010
Wishing You Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas to you and family. It is time of the year again to be celebrating birthday of Jesus. For many, it is shopping time or holiday time or party time and be merry. Here are some highlights to share with you. Go to your local Church this Christmas and find the true meaning of Christmas and meet Jesus and his big family. You are always welcome to BMBC as you can see even the Nigerians are here.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Christmas Celebration Showtime at Sunway Carnival, Penang
Merry Christmas and May God Bless You. After the Sunday Worship Service at Bukit Mertajam Baptist Church or BMBC last Sunday December 19, 2010, Me and family had gone for lunch and went to the Penang State Library before dropping by the Sunway Carnival Shopping Mall at Seberang Jaya for some light refreshments and window shopping. The shopping mall was busy with Christmas Celebration and Malaysia Year End Sales Carnival. I was about to look for a corner to rest when suddenly the special Merry Christmas & New Year Celebration entertainment program came to live at the main stage of the shopping lobby. Thank goodness, I brought along my Sony Video handy camera and ready to capture this dance performance by the local artists. Watch these beautiful and lovely ladies and handsome guys perform the two numbers, All That Jazz and All I Want For Christmas Is You. Hope you have a wonderful time watching the show although the clips are shaky due to zooming with the handy camera.
If you are looking forward to celebrate a Blessed and a Joyous Christmas with Jesus, let me invite you to BMBC or Bukit Mertajam Baptist Church located at address no. 2209, Jalan Kulim, 14000 BUKIT MERTAJAM, SEBERANG PERAI, PULAU PINANG for a Christmas Eve's Dinner and Worship Service at the Church on Friday December 24, 2010 at 6.30pm if you are to visit Big Foot Hill or BM or Bukit Mertajam in Penang, Malaysia.
View Larger Map
By the way, another acronym for BMBC is which when translated from Malay language to English is "Eat A Lot, Talk A Lot"...so come to BMBC and find out...friends.
You can also join BMBC Facebook by the link here
Oh yes... you can meet what a friend we have in Jesus on this Special Christmas day when our BMBC Malay language Congregation is having their Christmas' Day Celebration and Worship Service on Saturday December 25, 2010 at the same Church premises. Please call 04-5391854 for Pastor Jack or Brother Jeff for the details.
If you are looking forward to celebrate a Blessed and a Joyous Christmas with Jesus, let me invite you to BMBC or Bukit Mertajam Baptist Church located at address no. 2209, Jalan Kulim, 14000 BUKIT MERTAJAM, SEBERANG PERAI, PULAU PINANG for a Christmas Eve's Dinner and Worship Service at the Church on Friday December 24, 2010 at 6.30pm if you are to visit Big Foot Hill or BM or Bukit Mertajam in Penang, Malaysia.
View Larger Map
By the way, another acronym for BMBC is which when translated from Malay language to English is "Eat A Lot, Talk A Lot"...so come to BMBC and find out...friends.
You can also join BMBC Facebook by the link here
Oh yes... you can meet what a friend we have in Jesus on this Special Christmas day when our BMBC Malay language Congregation is having their Christmas' Day Celebration and Worship Service on Saturday December 25, 2010 at the same Church premises. Please call 04-5391854 for Pastor Jack or Brother Jeff for the details.
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