Youth Sunday 2009

Hi everyone.. I'm back!!! Sorry for the long absence.. I know I haven't been updating my blog for a very long time, but well, at least I'm here now right?? Well, honestly I didn't really have the time to sit in front of the computer and type my hands off updating my blog.. Form 4 is not as carefree as Form 3.. I'm still looking for that culprit who said that Form 4 is a honeymoon year.. Wait until I find him.. So my sincerest apologies to one and all..

Well, today I would like to talk about Youth Sunday, an annual event held by my church.. It is named Youth Sunday because on this occasion every year, the youths are given the opportunity to conduct the Sunday service.. Every year it will be held in the month of July-August, depending on the church's schedule.. This year's Youth Sunday is a little weeny bit different from the previous ones, as this year the youths are required to wear formal clothing.. So, glad to say that everyone looked handsome and pretty during this year's Youth Sunday..

Being a painstakingly frank,straightforward and honest person (who doesn't know when to shut up at times), I'll tell you how I felt.. This year everything went well on the real day.. It was disastrous during the previous practices and rehearsals, including the final practice last night.. I told myself and those who were willing to hear me, that if I were Sern Wang, Joshua, Gabriel or Joanna, I would lock all the doors of the sanctuary and not let anyone go back until everyone was serious or well-rehearsed.. I'm not blaming anyone in particular, because I myself contributed to the disastrous results.. However my plan did not work as firstly, I'm not in any position of power and secondly I'm not Sern Wang, Joanna, Joshua or Gabriel.. I'm Jonathan.. Just so you know..
At the end of rehearsals last night, Sern Wang said and I quote, "We're putting alot of trust in God this year." I totally agree.. I thought Youth Sunday 2009 will be a disaster because from what I observed during practice, we were rehearsing as if Youth Sunday was months away.. I often shook my head in disappointment when I saw people not singing along, or people forgetting their lines, or people chattering when they were supposed to be singing (I myself am guilty to for some of these things) and I constantly said to myself that Youth Sunday this year was going to be a flop..

How wrong was I.. How terribly, horribly, vegetably wrong.. I didn't realise that when I woke up and prepared myself to go to service this morning.. I was convinced that Youth Sunday was a goner.. So I just prayed a short prayer to God to bless everything and that everything will go well and according to His will, that the youths will perform to honour and glorify His name.. After i prayed, I felt a feeling of confidence and assurance creeping into every vein in my body.. I didn't know if it was because I was looking into the mirror(I seldom get to wear my long-sleeved shirt..) or was it because God was working in me and telling me not to fret..

So slowly I learnt to let go of my anxieties and panics.. Everyone did their respective jobs brilliantly.. Kudos to all!!! Gabriel as the chairman led the service well, Jayn did a good job in worship, the stewards and ushers did their respective jobs well.. Even the choir singers and drama actors sang and acted well.. I specially want to mention a few people here.. They are Yi Ke, Caleen, Jing Yee, Edrik, Ah War and Felicia.. The first five are for perfecting a dance that they have just danced fully the previous night, and Felicia for being able to replace Melvina at such a short notice.. Bro. Joshua delivered a powerful and meaningful (and indeed very "chim") sermon.. All in all, as Sern Wang said, 9.5 out of 10..God was gracious indeed..

Our efforts were not in vain as the youths were treated to Pizza Hut after service.. We waited like crazy for the pizzas to arrive because all stomachs were rumbling, and when they finally arrived, when it barely touched the table, all the plates were gathered beside it.. I know it sounds like we have not eaten for ages, but hey, who doesn't like pizza??? Even petite little Yi Ke took 5 slices.. Unbelievable!! If you have seen her before, you will think that I'm joking, but sadly it's true.. God is great indeed..

Well, when it reached 1.++ pm, it was time to go home.. Everyone was filled up, happy and satisfied.. Indeed, it was a God-blessed day in each and every way possible.. From the weather right up to the delicious, hot and oven-fresh pizzas.. (Poor advisors.. They needed to pay OVER RM500 for the meal..)What I learnt today was God is magnificent beyond words.. Each and everyone of us who were involved in Youth Sunday can testify to that.. If you trust Him and let God lead and guide you through the difficult and doubtful times in life, He will grant us a peaceful mind and a assuring heart.. I know it's true, because I've experienced this miracle today..