Nathan Connelly

Sekolah Menengah Pertama Kristen Petra 1, Attended 1995 - 1998, Class of 1998
Sekolah Menengah Atas Kristen Petra 1, Attended 1998 - 2001, Class of 2001

James Cook University, Attended 2006 - Present, Class of 2007, Master's Degree, Business Administration
Universitas Kristen Petra, Attended 2001 - 2006, Class of 2006, Bachelor's Degree, Computer Science

Managing Director

GKA Gloria Pacar, GKA Gloria Kota Satelit, Christ Mercy Center (CMC), Gereja Presbyterian Orchard (KP GPO, Vocal Group KP), IGCF Singapore

Christianity, Bible, Music, Blogging, Writing, Novels, Science Fiction, Japan, Asia, Chatting, Technology, Cars, Driving, Racing, Sleeping, Eating, Computers, Internet, Anime, Manga

Blade of the Immortal, Vagabond, Hellsing, Gantz, Death Note, Naruto, Shaman King, Bleach, Black Cat, Yakitate! Japan, Eyeshield 21, Impeccable TWINS, Shanaou Yoshitsune, Ryuroden, One Piece, School Detective Q, RAVE

The Passion of the Christ, Dragonheart, Braveheart, The Last Samurai, Final Fantasy VII Advent Children, Lord of the Rings, Pirates of the Carribean, The Fast and The Furious, Star Wars, V For Vendetta, Cinderella Man, Crash, Cars, DEATH NOTE

Sarah Brightman, Enya, Third Day, Casting Crowns, Sonicflood, Caedmon's Call, Stephen Curtis Chapman, Rebecca St. James, Michael W. Smith, Jaci Velasquez, Mark Schultz, Brian Litrell, Kutless, Watermark, Selah

Samurai Champloo, Trinity Blood, DEATH NOTE, English Premier League & Champions League

I am a simple 24-years old male, living in Surabaya, Indonesia. Currently I am working as the Managing Director of Mitra Bintang Utama, the Authorized Master Dealer of DELL for Surabaya and East Java, also serving as a chairperson of the GKA Gloria Fong Shien Youth. I graduated as a Bachelor of IT from Petra Christian University Surabaya in 2005, and then directly continued my studies in James Cook University Singapore in 2006, where I got my Master of Business Administration degree in 2007.

About Nickname:
Tell me, is there any Star Wars fan out there who haven't heard of the name Obi-Wan Kenobi? According to an article I found some time ago, the components of this name have such meanings: Obi = Heart (Nigerian), Wan = Gentle (Chinese), Ken = Strong (Japanese). So basically Obi-Wan Kenobi can be taken to mean "gentle heart, strong heart". If you've watched the movies, you'll know that Obi-Wan is a wise man, a great master and an excellent negotiator. He prefers diplomacy to aggression when facing problems, which earns him the nickname "The Negotiator".

In my life, I've always relied on brawn rather than brain, quickly resorting to agression than seeking for a peaceful resolution. Taking this name inspires me to always seek for wisdom from above, to always have compassion, mercy and kindness for others. If you ask the people around me about me, then you'll find that the two words "gentle" and "loving" are so far away from me. Yet as a follower of Christ, it is actually what I must do. Difficult, yes, but one day I aspire to be one as great as the Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi.

About My Company:
I am working at Mitra Bintang Utama in Darmo Park I Blok 3c No. 12, Jl. Mayjend Sungkono, Surabaya 60256. It is an IT solutions company that is currently focused on selling DELL products and solutions. Right now we are the Authorized Master Dealer for DELL covering Surabaya and East Java. Our DELL exclusive showroom will be opening soon in September 2008 on Hi-Tech Mall Surabaya, while for now all retail sales are being handled by our own showroom Branded Store in Hi-Tech Mall Ground Floor E8 (031-5471515) or IT Plasa BG Junction B49-B51 (031-5312858). For projects and distributions you can call me or Yohanes on 031-5674727. Our working hours is Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm and Saturday 9am - 3pm.

About My Churches:
My first church was the GKA Gloria Presbyterian Church in Surabaya. I joined this church since I was in Sunday School until I finished my bachelor's degree on Petra Christian University on 2005. I joined the Agape Choir under the tutelage of Ms. Lincie Yang in 2004, which in turn led me to ministering in the music ministry for almost two years. My most memorable times with Agape Choir was in Easter 2004, where I found the real meaning of a musical ministry and found a new passion and fervor to serve God. This was also where I was baptized in 2001.

I left GKA Gloria Presbyterian on 2006 when I had to left for Singapore to pursue my MBA degree. There, after being churchless for half a year, finally I joined the Orchard Presbyterian Church on September 2006. This is the church I regard as my home church, as I found my true family in the GPO Youth Community (KP GPO). I then ministered with the GPO Youth Choir from September 2006 to March 2007. I finished my studies in February 2007 and started looking for a job, but after becoming jobless for several months, finally in June 2007 I made a decision to return to Indonesia. And with a heavy heart, I left GPO Presbyterian, leaving behind a lot of memories, knowing that this was the place of my family, and this was the starting point of it all, my vision and mission.

In September 2007, I joined Christ Mercy Center church in Ruko Panji Makmur, Panjang Jiwo, Surabaya, in order to work out the vision and mission I received in Singapore to spread the Gospel through mentoring and educating the youth to spread the Gospel among their friends and families, wherever they are. By doing this, in one way, I am imparting my mission and vision to these youths, so that God can use them mightily. Thus I spent my time here ministering to the youth of Surabaya University (Ubaya) that forms the major part of CMC congregation. Here I took some part in the radio ministry, the young professionals ministry and the youth mentoring and counselling ministry (although I am being mentored and counselled to at the moment).

Because of my work schedule, I left CMC and went to join GKA Gloria Pacar, my beloved's church. There I joined the Fong Shien youth group and later I was invited to be a part of the board member for 2008-2010. I accepted this role and thus my ministry began in this place as of September 2008. I hope that this place will finally be my final destination to fulfill God's purposes in my life.

Blog Address:
The Forerunner Times (www.frtimes.co.nr)

Fellow brothers and sisters in Christ that share the same faith, or those who seek to know more about God, His love and His salvation for mankind. Also old friends from SD/SMP/SMU Petra I, UK Petra, JCU Singapore, Komisi Pemuda GPO, GKA Gloria Kota Satelit, GKA Gloria Pacar and new friends from Christ Mercy Center, please add me. Especially if you are getting married soon, please do invite me ;)

Currently Listening To:
* Christ Mercy Center Radio @ 107.80 FM
* Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots OST
* Brian Doerksen - Today / Father's House
* Music Inspired By The Chronicles of Narnia
* Casting Crowns - The Altar and The Door
* Top 25 (actually 30) Accoustic Worship Songs
* Bethany Dillon - Modern Hymns of Worship
* Hillsong United - With Hearts As One
* The Bee Gees - Love Songs
* DJ Sammy - Rise Again
* Paul Van Dyk - Reflection

Currently Playing:
Just got my XBOX 360 recently so I'm playing all these games now...
* Mass Effect
* Bioshock
* Lost Odyssey
* Burnout Paradise

And I'm also waiting for...
* Tales of Vesperia
* Infinite Undiscovery
* Last Remnant
* Star Wars: The Force Unleashed
* Fable II
* Fallout 3

Hot Movies Recommendations:
* The Dark Knight
* Red Cliff: Part I
* Wanted
* Iron Man
* The Incredible Hulk
* Wall-E

Recommended Freewares To Use:
* Mozilla Firefox 3
* Mozilla Thunderbird 2
* MediaMonkey 3
* Pidgin 2.4.3
* K-Lite Codec + Media Player Classic
* QuickTime Lite/Alternative

Recommended Books To Read:
* Yesus Salesman Terbesar Sepanjang Masa - Enos Justin
* Gary Chapman - Lima Bahasa Kasih (HIGHLY RECOMMENDED)
* Andrew E.B. Tani - Get Real!
* Sun Tzu - The Art of War
* Financial Revolution - Tung Desem Waringin
* Ordering Your Private World - Gordon MacDonald (thanks RitaKus!)
* NIV Archaeological Study Bible (good for collection)
* NIV Life Application Study Bible (good for teaching and study)

Goals for 2008:
1. Become a professional marketing in my job field as an IT solution provider in my company.
2. Have a better health by finding some time to do some sports and self-exercise.
3. Have a better control of my bad temper and my changing moods that have led to problems.
4. Be consistent in my prayer times and devotional times. Have a REAL relationship with God.
5. Improve my leadership qualities being the managing director of Mitra Bintang Utama.

Accomplished Goals for 2008:
1. Start a parent-approved relationship (especially her parents) with my dearly beloved.
2. Bought a Nokia E71 Grey Steel.
3. Aid my beloved to reach a B+ grade for her thesis and attain a final GPA of 3.00++.
4. Ministry in Fong Shien GKA Gloria Pacar as a chairperson.

Current Ministries:
1. Board Member of Fong Shien Youth, GKA Gloria Pacar.
2. Song leader in Fong Shien Youth, GKA Gloria Pacar.
3. Backing vocals in Sunday Services, GKA Gloria Pacar.

Verses of the Moment:
The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure. (1 Corinthians 10:13, NLT)

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. (Proverbs 3:5-6, NLT)

Blessed are all who fear the LORD,
who walk in his ways.
You will eat the fruit of your labor,
blessings and prosperity will be yours.
Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house.
Your sons will be like olive shoots around your table.
Thus is the man blessed who fears the LORD.
May the LORD bless you from Zion all the days of your life.
May you see the prosperity of Jerusalem,
and may you live to see your children's children.
Peace be upon Israel. (Psalms 128, NIV)