Dear friend,
Events have always been one of the platforms SYFC uses to reach young people but without a team of hardworking staff and volunteers, it would be impossible to run these events. Here are some examples of what went on behind the scenes in two events that different ministries ran during the June holidays.
NETFIX was organised by the Secondary and Junior College Ministry (SJM) and the objective of the event was to rescue a character called Annette who was stuck in the virtual world because the system could not handle her relationship and self-esteem problems. In the weeks leading up to 16 June, staff and volunteers tirelessly went to different youth hangouts to publicise and invite students to the event. Finally, 37 students attended NETFIX although only a very small number of them came because of street publicity. SJM acknowledged that it is getting more difficult to stop and engage students on the streets, but its staff and volunteers were also greatly encouraged that God brought students whom they hardly know to hear the gospel.
The day before NETFIX, staff and volunteers stayed until late at night to set up the place. One of the volunteers who was leading the planning committee shared that he was so heartened by the staff’s servanthood attitude and help in designing the rooms, climbing up and down to put up all the decoration, and setting up tables and chairs. A male young staff had to overcome his fear of heights to climb up a ladder to put up a banner for the event. With him was a senior male staff who did likewise. Neither of them complained about having to do so.
ITE Ministry and Youth Guidance Ministry co-organised the This-Connected Carnival to tap on young people’s love for activities such as Nintendo Switch, virtual reality (VR) and mobile games, basketball free throw, and rock climbing. During one of the game rehearsals before the actual event, a staff tested out the VR sports boxing game and unintentionally threw a punch on a volunteer’s face when the game started. Fortunately, the volunteer was not hurt and the two of them had a good laugh over the volunteer’s “suffering” for the ministry.
Group hosts in both events gave feedback that the games were engaging and allowed them to get to know the students better. They also appreciated the handles given to them to share the gospel. These are testimonies to the hard work and thought put in by the two committees.
Although the events have ended, we are now following up with about 40 students who have responded positively to the gospel. Please continue to pray for the staff and volunteers as they arrange to meet these students for bible study.
God be our Helper.
All Glory To God,
Richard Tan
National Director
