Written by: Yong San
“Do you intend to have an activity for the children in the coming September school holidays?” Desmond started the ball rolling around two months ago. And, so, the planning for the Sep 8 event began. After some discussion, we settled on a games day organised by our church Youths at East Coast Park.
The final two weeks leading up to the event were very encouraging, with responses that exceeded our expectations. Our church kids were very earnest in inviting their friends, and 25 of them accepted– one of the biggest turnouts we have had, by God’s grace.
Being a small church, the number was stretching us logistically, but this was a happy problem. There was no lack in offers of help from the brothers and sisters of Shaddai. A shout-out to Kelvin for arranging an 18-seater bus to help transport the easties.
Pre-event, the church had come together to pray for the visitors, preparations, and especially the weather.
The Day arrived. After a sunny morning, dark clouds started to gather. The westies were reporting heavy rain in their region. At East Coast Park, the weather looked threatening, with dark clouds and strong winds. Amazingly, the rains were kept away from East Coast Park, and instead we were blessed with cool weather, perfect for an outdoor activity! What Providence!
Our Shaddai youths sprang into action. I was impressed that they had managed to re-create the Angry Bird game, similar to the one played on mobile phones! It was a challenge to organise games to suit children from 6 years of age to those preparing for PSLE, but the youths managed to make it fun for all of them. With the perfect cool weather, the laughter of children filled the park.
Desmond shared with the children about the exams they will face in schools, at work, as well as life’s final exam: when one faces God in judgment. Some children raised their hands in response to Desmond’s invitation of anyone who wished to know more about God. That was such a heartening moment. Lifang and I had the opportunity to share the Gospel with them. May the seed of the Gospel grow in their hearts.
Dinner was lovingly put together by the ladies. There were children’s favourites: pizza, fish balls, chicken wings, cupcakes, and sandwiches. The yam cakes made sure that the adults were not neglected. Feeding the big group was not easy, but everyone was blessed by the sumptuous spread.
I am awed by God’s grace and glad to have the privilege to experience it. I am sure my fellow saints attest to that with me.
I believe that this event will spur us to organize more events for the children. I look forward to more opportunities to come, where more children can experience the love of Christ through His Church, and where we can plant little seeds of the Gospel message in their little hearts. As our Lord Jesus Christ says, “Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 19:14)
Even a small church like ours can do this, with a big heart, and the fervent prayers of His faithful saints – but only because our God is so big.
Praise Him!
Click the link below to view the other photos:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/FciDGBHcJYcxDCDs1
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