The Shanghai Tan

You are reading Joey’s honest-to-goodness account of his adventures in Shanghai, which coincidentally commenced on his fourth 21st birthday on earth.

He turns a year older every 21st October, and is of the opinion that while his adolescence is drawing to a close, it is still not quite over. He is convinced that his puberty is perpetual.

Joey loves God, loves His Word and loves His people. He has served the young people in the world’s greatest youth ministry – R-age – since 1997 and his heart will continue to bleed for the youths until God says it is time to move on.

Baptised as Asher, which means “blessed, joyful, happy”, on Christmas Eve 2005, has been called to lead worship for God since he was 15-years-old and has done so actively at Grace Assembly of God.

He has also reigned as Captain of the world’s most fantastic soccer team and his family outside of home – TeamR-age, from January 2000 to September 2007, leaving behind a legacy that is only surpassed by the outstanding memories that he cherishes and holds dear to his heart.

Lieutenant Joey is a commissioned Armour Officer of the SAF, had fantastic memories as a Tank Platoon Commander and is now thrilled to be an NSMan.

He thrives in the limelight, revels in taking the centre-stage and is privileged to be the lead vocals of the countless bands and music projects that he has participated in. He enjoys song-writing and comes alive when he performs.

The true epitome of a Sanguine, Joey believes that he is someone who can be unpretentiously described as “what you see is what you get”, a believer of people and what God can do through them, an energetic leader under work circumstances, restless and lively in social settings but is also a closet Melancholic.

He is thrilled about being eventually married to the woman of his dreams, after he wins her heart, and the subsequent parenthood, knowing he’ll be the father his dad never was and he’ll do the most excellent job at raising his children – Damon Jude, Skye Ezra, Natasha Ruth and Scarlett Eve.

Joey is proud to declare that he has the world’s greatest mother and sister. There could be none other.

His life verse is John 15:5, and he swears by the statement, “Apart from Jesus, I can do nothing. I am absolutely nothing without Christ.” Joey’s redemption and who he is today is a product of God’s grace.

Joey has embarked on a new chapter in his life and you are reading the living continuation of his unpublished autobiography, written as this exciting next phase unfolds.