24th December 2006 -- This is one of the most wonderful and meaningful
Christmases for me. The week before, I had been approached by Lai Ming
to prepare a drama script for the Youth. Immediately, I surfed the
Internet for ideas, starting at 12am, and worked on the script till
4am. I got the idea from the drama scripts available in the Internet
about CSI (Christmas Scene Investigation) and from another on a talk
show, but the original scripts were way too American with too much
talking. I also found some scripts that had contemporary Christmas
carols reworded into `more spiritual’ lyrics!
Using these broad themes, I wrote a script for ‘CSI’ (Christmas Scene
Investigation) that was based on a talk show – with a reporter on the
scene reporting how commercialized Christmas has become, that people
get into a whole lot of mess because of over-spending, and expecting
material stuff during this season, resulting in broken relationships
and weakened social mores. Then the talk show continues with the host
(Joel Goh) and the invited guest, the Multimedia University professor
in Christmas studies, played by Chee Meng… and then, the Christmas
story, and ending with narration as well as a We Were the Reason mime.
Well, to sum it up, I was simply amazed! I’d only seen them perform
during the first practice (which was rather pathetic) and I missed the
last practice... hence, I didn’t know much about the details. But at
the actual performance during the service, I saw the script come alive,
with ordinary people doing extraordinary things and with touches of
creativity injected into the script.
Just before the Christmas Eve service, I had an idea to prepare an
opening slide, with a CSI display and also with the cast names, just
like in a normal movie series. I searched the Internet, but failed to
find suitable news broadcast opening song. But praise God, on the way
to church, Kok Meng and I found a song in a Christmas CD that was
upbeat and very suitable as an opening song. I had initially thought of
using Vivaldi’s Four Seasons – the classical orchestra song used by
Jaya Jusco when they close each day, but Kok Meng was of the opinion
that it was not suitable and that CSI should be upbeat and modern,
using perhaps a Christmas song. This addition of the opening slide and
song added to the flavor of the entire drama, setting the scene in a
sophisticated way!
Looking back, I’m just amazed by God’s grace and His goodness in my
life.
I’m thankful that I played a role in contributing towards these young
lives – it is wonderful to see young ones, especially the quiet and
reserved, breaking out of their `normal’ selves, surprising parents and
the crowd.
Joel Goh and Joel Chan – really dramatic transformations... Shirena
mimed very well, with a mixture of gentleness and force. Zhen Bi was
also expressive, and Elisa, who’s quite shy, was confident as a
reporter and with the mime. Ying Yi, who did the mime last year,
actually coached Elisa and Shirena. Sheng Jian, as the director, was
kept busy signaling the PA system operators to play the necessary
music. Khai Jeck helped out with the CDs and with holding the
signboards for the different scenes. Joshua and Jonathan, the Santa,
played their roles in the robber scene… and Chee Meng played the old
Professor who managed to convey the gospel message in a most
interesting way!
I said to myself – WOW! When I wrote the script, I hadn’t visualized it
becoming such an entertaining drama and one that can convey the
Christmas message with such impact. This is truly God’s work, not man’s!
After the church service, I spoke to some parents who were really
pleased by how their children had risen to their potential. Some
parents also expressed their wish to send their children for banner
classes (Sean, Abel and Hui Theng’s brother); as well as Rachel and
Evelyn who came up to me – with eager looks on their faces. I hadn’t
expected to have new students the following year, but praise God!
I can also see that much of what I’d learnt from my Ipoh church, from
PKV (CF in University of Malaya) and from some workshops I’d attended,
have now been transferred and is being transferred to the younger ones.
For example, playing the piano by chords (I’m training Rachel and Ying
Yi to play for church worship), tambourine dance, banner classes, and
miming the song We Were The Reason -- my jiu pai mou (`branded'
performance) – are now passed on to the younger girls. I feel very,
very blessed to be able to train up others and to help them to discover
their potential in the Lord.
Before accepting Christ (I accepted Christ in Form 2), I was very
quiet, diffident and did not know my potential. However, after knowing
Christ and joining the Youth, I changed – my character was shaped into
one who is eager to learn and to serve, and to be a blessing to others
-- I took up active roles and helped out in big or small ways.
I pray that these youths will always remember the goodness of God in
their lives. May their encounter with God and their precious moments
together in the Youth always remain in their hearts, even through all
seasons of life -- especially when they leave school and venture into
the working world, where they will face temptations, tests and
struggles in keeping the faith.
To Nancy, thank God for her patience and impartation of God's Word to
the Youth. May God continue to bless her with strength and inspiration
to further her ministry in the Lord. To Lai Ming, I'm encouraged by her
perseverance and faithfulness to the Youth Ministry. Though she may
have to confront many challenges and struggles, she has remained
faithful and God has been her fortress and her refuge in times of need.
The Stars of Puchong
Last but not least... “Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let
nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord,
because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” (1
Corinthians 15:58). To God be the Glory!
