Young Adults Hi-Tea

By: Joanne Tey

Date: 6 June 2009

Location: Holland Village

                                                             ‘Ice’-melting Time

The Hi-tea event marked the first get-together/chill-out session for the young adults of our church and their friends. The event kicked off by starting with the food first (but of course!), and indeed, there was a sumptuous spread to feast on, prepared and contributed by kind volunteers as well as the young adult cells themselves. Over the course of the delicious food, we were able to catch up with people from the different cells, an opportunity that seldom presents itself in the rush of church on Sundays. It was also a good time of meeting new people and letting or pre-believer friends get to know the cell groups on a more personal level.

                                   Just WHACK! Time

Following the food and a round of games to work off those calories, we also had a wonderful time of worship. With the 40+ young adults worshipping God together in the function room, it was almost like a mini-young adult service. It was very encouraging to see our friends participate not just in the food and games, but also being so open during the time of worship. All in all, it was definitely a great time of eating, fellowshipping and worshipping together

                                                                                                                                                      Soaking Time           

Kelong Trip

Shu En’s Reflection

Date: 12-13 September 2009

                                                                                                               

The only bad things about our weekend on the kelong  were that two days were too short and that I had a hard time staying awake during service on Sunday. Sharon was not particularly fond of the toilets and the beds, but I would argue that those were an essential part of the entire experience and ‘kids’ like us who have lived in a modern city all our lives ought to go back to basics once in a while. (The two youngest ones were squeamish about showering intially but after her first dose of cold bath water, Charissa declared, “Hey pal, it’s quite nice actually!”)

It was a good time of bonding among the cell group — Jo and I made everyone play stupid games and I particularly loved Hannah’s enactment of a ‘fridge’! We also got to know some very interesting things about the three new friends (Francis Ng’s colleagues-  Tan Heng Ai, Chan Mei Mei & Tango Chan) that joined us.

But more so, it was a great time spent with God. It’s hard to ignore Him when you are surrounded by the beauty and splendour of His creations (and when you don’t have the tv or Facebook to distract you).

Testimony

Contributed By: Justin Lim (Cell Leader of Braddell’s Cell)

Blessed and Encouraged

More often than not we hear stories about people falling away due to their hectic schedules, be it at work or in their personal lives. As I write this testimonial, I reflect on the truth that is brought even more so clearly in the lives of my cell. Change happens frequently in our daily lives. We, however, as young people, fall prey more so to the rapid changes in our lives than the rest. It could be due to many reasons, such as the increase in responsibilities we face as we walk this path into adulthood, or the need to handle more relationships from all aspects of life which just seem to overwhelm us. Much as we think we are able to handle this effectively, we find that we fall prey easily to the temptations of the outside world.

The Braddell Y.A. Cell was formed in March 2009 after some changes to the Young Adult Ministry. It comprises of some members from the old Bright Ones that used to be held at Bright Hill Drive (henceforth the old name), as well as some of the younger ones from a youth cell that just moved up. For a few times in a month on Fridays, we meet up, talk about life, and try to be pillars of encouragement and support for one another.

I must say I have had my concerns when asked to lead this cell. The dynamics arising from the difference in the age group was one main concern of mine, as well as several others, including the day and time we were to meet up weekly. It was indeed a step of faith that I had to take to see what God had in store for me, and of course the cell.

Now, six months down the road, I can stand and say that I am proud of this cell of mine. Sure, I’ve had my fair share of ups and downs with this cell, but what’s encouraging is that we’ve grown from a state of ambiguity to a state of certainty.

Personally, the transition from university life into the working world was one hard nut to crack. Sure, we’ve all heard of problems at workplaces, watched them on TV or in the movies, or even experienced it personally during one or two holiday stints. Who would’ve thought that it would be so different when you experience it yourself in your career? For the rest of us, we face problems such as project management in the polytechnics, dealing with tough coworkers or bosses, or even challenges at work! Boring as it may sound to everyone else, you get your airtime to a crowd of faithful listeners who are genuinely concerned about you, sometimes offer solutions to you, and even pray for you! Their testimonies or sharing about the week uplift you because you finally hear something positive after a terrible week, or even provide an outlet for you to vent within those four walls where nothing gets out.

I’m grateful for this cell group that has brought me through one tough transition in my life. The support and encouragement has helped me make better decisions in my life. I trust that God has great plans for each and every one of the cell group, and thank God for the level of trust and intimacy shared in the cell group today. May God continue to grow and bless this cell to draw deeper to Him. All glory be to God.

Tune in with us again in 2 weeks’ time!

Till we meet again, God bless!