Monday, October 24, 2005
As I read today's issue of Today, I was greatly heartened to know that City Harvest church has started a school for dropouts to have a second chance.
Now when you read the above sentence, which point catches your attention - City Harvest or a school for dropouts?
I know many have their own view with regards to City Harvest, even I myself do not totally agree with all their practices, however I am very encouraged that they took the step forward to help school dropouts. Many join street corner gangs as they do not get the attention they need at home or at school, due to the increase in number of dual income families. Even though there may be a number who wish to get back to school after a period of rebellion, there used to be no such option for them. Thus with this school, we are not only preventing teenagers from joining gangs, we are also giving these teenagers a chance to break free of the vicious poverty cycle. Majority of the families in the low income bracket are those whose breadwinners have little education. Although one need not obtain a degree to become a successful businessman, an education does go a long way. And let's face it, Singapore is a place where a piece paper weighs a lot.
I am currently attending a conservative church whose preachers sometimes directly or indirectly hit at mega churches such as City Harvest. There are times I feel that it is just sour grapes because their membership is only a fraction of the mega churches and their members seem less fervent. Having been to various churches of different denominations, I have learnt to respect all of them. Actually, all Christians are the same, regardless of whether you are an Anglican, Methodist, Baptist or Lutheran, so long as you have Christ in your heart. There is no one true denomination or a perfect church, although I believe some churches like to believe they are.
It is indeed extremely sad that we have allowed the devil to split us up when we ought to rally together against him. Perhaps it will take a catastrophe to bind all Christians together, like how the earthquake has separated the ground but glued 2 enemies, India and Pakistan together. However, why should we wait for disaster to strike? Why can't we take the steps to break down those man-made theological issues that separate us and be bound by Christ's love through His that was shed for us all?
Thursday, October 20, 2005
Hi ppl,
As you all know, I am organising this carolling event, by Singapore Youth for Christ and we need conductors to teach students (ages 12-21) how to sing some carols. We will provide you with the minus-one tracks that the students will sing along to. All all you have to do is to teach them some vocal techniques, the songs in 1 part and some simple choreo.
We will require you to keep 14,18, 21,25,and 28 Nov and/or 12,14,16 Dec, 10am-230pm free for the practices. We are hoping that thru this event, Christian students will be able to share the gospel to their non-Christian friends that they invited to this event. We really really need conductors so if any of your kind souls can offer your help pls call/sms me. Thanks!
Updated 23 Oct: Conductor's briefing postponed till further notice. So if you have friends who can help pls pls refer them to me k?
Friday, October 14, 2005
Been planning to blog about the following, but as my brother has been hogging the computer, claiming a 2000-word essay he has to hand in, and with the 'computer-crashed' scare I had(we prayed and thank God nothing was lost, in fact, nothing was wrong!), I only just managed to find the time now to write down my thoughts.
I once asked a friend of mine, who is a free-thinker, why doesn't she seriously think about religion? Her reply was, that she has not come to a point where she sees the need to. I believe there are many others out there who think the same way, not just youths but adults as well. If I am not wrong, a lot of people receive Christ on their deathbed, minutes before they breathe their last. This is not because that is the first time they are hearing the gospel, but rather, they have known all along that Christ is the Way, the Truth and the Light. The only thing is that they refuse to admit it until the very last minute, fearing that if they do not, they will end up in h***.
Now why don't they accept Christ as their Saviour the moment they know He is real? Let's just say, human beings are really greedy, wanting the cake and eat it. They figure that as long as you repent and ask God for forgiveness, doesn't matter when, you will be given an entry ticket to heaven. That is true, but sadly, they miss out on alot, thinking they managed to beat the system of not having to abide by the rules but still coming out as winners. However, they have lived a life without God's guidance and love, the only Light in the darkness. Many a time, I would have drowned in despair had not God been carrying me on His shoulders. If you ask me, I have been very blessed to have known Him since young, with Him to hold my hand all the way. His rules are what keep me safe yet not keeping me from having fun. If you think God as a spoilsport, you cannot be more wrong.
To all my dear friends, who are now comfortably seating in their chairs, enjoying the nice, cosy life they have made, let us remember the Chechen rebels, those stuck in the rubble in Pakistan and India, the Indonesians picking up the pieces after the Bali bomb blasts, Americans whose homes are still submerged under water no thanks to Hurricane Katrina or those struggling to get back to a life of normalcy in Aceh. For those who have been struck by dengue or know of people who are sick, isn't it obvious that life is so fragile? We can plan, buy insurance, do everything we can to lead a long life, but can we determine when and how we die? We cannot, we all die anyway, and if you are already sickened by all the violence and deaths surrounding us, I promise you there is more to come. If now is not the time to seriously think about your life, then when?
You may say I am being paranoid or fanatical, but can you say you do not fear death? I know I can, because Jesus Christ, my Saviour, defeated death when He rose again, and still lives - this I am sure because He hears and answers my prayers. I have no wish to control your lives or coerce you all into accepting my faith, but do know that when I go to heaven, I wish to see you all there. Everytime I am with those who do not know the Lord, my heart aches at what you all are missing and my own cowardice, for not having the courage to say it out. I care for each and everyone of you, but not as much as Jesus cares for you, because unlike Him, I do not think I can give my life in exchange for yours. You may stop being my friend after this, but perhaps you would like to consider Jesus as your only true friend, for He endured the worst kind of death and humilation for you and even when you stop being friends with Him, He will not give up on you. I may not always be by your side but He can. Is it that difficult to accept a God who loves you more than you love yourself?
Friday, October 07, 2005
I called the lady from DIRC today and she informed me that all that is required of me is whenever they go to schools to give talks, they would like me to go along and share my experience as a volunteer. I left my contact details with her and let her know that I would only be available from now till January, before I leave Singapore. So I guess, that is about it. I probably will not actually give a talk in the end, since the school term is ending soon. That is fine with me though, I am just glad people took notice of my letter. Even my GP tutor smsed me to praise me for speaking up for what I believe in. To all you bloggers, I hope you too will speak up for what matters to you, but please be careful with what you say, else you will find the police knocking on your door. Remember, the moment you abuse the right to freedom of speech, you forfeit the right to use it.
Thursday, October 06, 2005
Hi!
Looks like we do have a response to your article Lydea...
I got a call from Cynthia from DIRC (Disability Information and Referral Centre). MCYS had called her and asked her to invite you to be their Resource Rep (or something like that...sorry forgot the name...). Anyways, what they would like you to do is to give talks in schools about sharing your volunteering experience interacting with the disabled. This is really an expected offer! This shows that they were pretty impressed with your article! How? You interested?
Just received this email from the volunteer coordinator at SCAS. Really did not expect it. All I did was give my 2 cents worth and now MCYS wants me to be a Resource Rep? Sounds like an awful lot of work! Ha. But since I am free these days, why not? Hopefully they will give me an allowance if I am supposed to travel around Singapore, transport is so expensive~ Or better still, a salary! I wish. They probably want free labour. =P However, since now I have an excuse to air my views, I should not waste it right? Perhaps, I might even meet someone who is willing to sponsor my studies!
Im getting a little too optimistic, and gearing off tangent, but seriously, I do not think I am doing or have done anything noble. To put it plainly, I am volunteering because I cannot think of a better way to spend my time. I mean, taking up a new hobby or taking up a course is expensive and well, you all know I am very careful with my money, especially now that I am supporting myself. Lazing around at home will cause love handles to attach themselves to me. I probably should not be so honest when I give the talks, before I end up giving students the wrong idea about volunteering. Horrors!
If you think you won't be offended, please go to this website to have a good laugh - http://museum-of-twits.blogspot.com. If you think you will get offended, please take a look as well to see what others are laughing about. Ever wondered what the terms, bewy, acbc and qute means? Dun worry, there is a twitionary to answer all your questions about them. Cheers!
Wednesday, October 05, 2005
I am so happy today! =) I think the last time I was in such high spirits was probably on the day I received my A level results, which was eons ago.
It is exhilarating seeing something you wrote in print, on a newspaper, circulated nationwide. Gives you a rush of adrenaline. Now I have a little idea of how some writers feel. But the important point is whether this letter of mine will make a difference. I guess for that we will just have to wait and see. Anyway, an old friend of mine, whom I haven't spoken to in years (Ernest, for those who know), smsed me, to congratulate me on my letter. I was so surprised he read it, and I am pleased to know someone whom I didn't tell about the letter being published, noticed that I wrote something in the newspaper. Ok, I know I am having somewhat of an ego trip here, but just bear with me, because this happens like once in a green moon!
Oh, and the second thing that I am rejoicing over is that I bought my brown bolero! Woohoo! Just when I despaired of ever finding it, I finally found one at the right shade of brown, design and price! Soo soo happy! Gosh, I think I have too much endorphins (you know those feel good hormones?) in my head now, without eating a single chocolate.
Alrite, I better stop here, before some of your start rolling your eyes in front of the screen. =P
Tuesday, October 04, 2005
I emailed Today and Straits Times not too long ago. Just got the call from Today, they asked whether I was a teacher, what is my occupation, and they told me that my letter will be published in tomorrow's paper, I Say column. So everyone, please look out for it! =)
Saturday, October 01, 2005
I intend to send the letter below to the Straits Times forum page. Those with comments/suggestions, please post them on my tagboard. Thanks and God Bless!
Today is the 1st of October, more fondly known as Children’s Day. It is a day to remember the children in our midst, who represent our future, our hope. Parents, or parents-to-be, worldwide, all share the same basic dream for their children and that is for them to be healthy and happy. No responsible parent would wish pain and suffering on their child. Unfortunately, not everyone has a fair chance.
It has been years since I last celebrated Children’s Day, complete with a school holiday, and I barely remember what happened then. However, yesterday as I spent the day of celebration at Cerebral Palsy Centre, I was forced to realize how different I am from the students there.
In lieu of the celebrations, floats, game stalls, and amusement park rides were set up round the school. The children were each given a large goodie pack as well as a jacket from MOE. This resulted in a comment by one of the volunteers, who was there on a one time basis, that these children were so ‘lucky’. Although it is true that those of us who attend mainstream schools never had such fanfare on Children’s Day, let us not forget that the students of this school are special. With half of the student population bound to a wheelchair for the rest of their life, they will probably never get a chance to visit a real amusement park and sit on a rollercoaster. Unlike normal children, these children are not able to play on a playground without an adult constantly right by their side. Considering these and more, are they really ‘lucky’? Although they are compensated with a special curriculum and rooms that cost more than a few normal classrooms to stimulate them, of all that they are deprived of on a daily basis, is a day in which they are given more attention than others, too much to ask?
A volunteer also said that if they were to see these special children on the streets, they would feel uncomfortable around them, and told the teacher that they should educate the public, so as to raise awareness. Even though special education teachers should let others understand their students better, I believe that the onus should be on us, the public, to make an effort to know more about the less fortunate and not simply donate money during charity shows.
What was really preposterous was the message the principal had to read to the school at the start of the celebrations. The message, which I presumed was written for all the primary schools in Singapore by some MP/secretary, mentioned issues like how proud he/she is over the achievements of the children, namely more gold, silver and bronze medals being given out at the Singapore Youth Festival (SYF), as well as the increased involvement in CCA, etc. If I was in a mainstream school, I would have been pleased, however as I glanced over at my charges, all of whom are non-verbal, and at the age of 15-18, still have to be fed and cleaned like an infant, I wonder at the ludicrousness of it all. These children probably do not understand simple mathematical equations such as 1 + 1 = 2, and maybe never will. The idea of SYF is also as foreign as the alphabets S, Y, F, to them. I seriously would like to know how the principal felt as she read out the ‘important’ message, knowing full well, nothing in that message applies to her students. What about the parents who attended the celebrations? How do they feel about being reminded about the things normal children can do but their own child cannot even dream about?
It is sad that on such a happy occasion, it is marred by the insensitivity of some. Although it is much more convenient to write a message addressed to all children, I believe that writing a separate message for all these special children or another paragraph just for them is the least one can do. Placed in the shoes of the children in all the special schools and their parents, the comfort from knowing others acknowledge their effort and difficulty in living life to the best of their abilities, will definitely make their journey less arduous.
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