By Titus Wong

On June 8, 2024, This Connected Carnival (TCC) Respawned brought young people together over two time slots for a gaming-themed evangelistic event at Bartley Christian Church. Participants played games to accumulate points, then redeemed them for prizes like keyboards, Universal Studios Singapore tickets, plushies and snacks.

Building on the appeal of casual gaming and social interaction, this second edition of TCC featured various “Worlds” of games and activities, namely the Worlds of Technology, Strength, Agility, and Kindness. These “Worlds” linked to our anchoring verses on how Jesus chose to empty Himself in humility for our sake, choosing not to pursue things of this world, but only God’s purpose (Philippians 2:5-8).

TCC Respawned aimed to create a vibrant community for young people, provide a safe space for enjoyment, and share the gospel truth with them. Through the games and activities, while ensuring every young person was part of a small group led by a group host, the first two goals were reached. The last goal was achieved through our group hosts and guest speakers. Group hosts befriended the youths and facilitated interaction, while David Gil (motivational speaker) and Charlie Goh (actor) shared at the first and second slots respectively, about their own previous worldly pursuits and achievements, and how all that changed since knowing the truth of what Jesus came to do for us.

Alvin Lim, who led the TCC Respawned planning team, reflected on his myriad of emotions throughout the nine-month preparation. Highlighting his anxiety and joy, he revealed, “It was a humbling experience… I felt the organising of TCC was a sanctification process for me, and allowed me to see how broken I was inside and how much I needed God.”

Tensed and nervous in the lead up to event day, Alvin spent many late nights worrying about securing the venue, number of signups, content of the speakers’ sharing and more. In the midst, the Lord brought Philippians 4:6-7 to mind. Preoccupied and anxious late in the night, he could talk only to the Lord. He prayed but still felt anxious. When he did not pray, he felt more troubled. So he kept praying and learnt to constantly present his requests to the Lord with thanksgiving for whatever the end result, knowing it is in His hands. Through this exercise of faith, God’s Word re-shaped his thinking, God’s peace guarded his heart and mind, and he slept better at night.

The late Chinese evangelist John Sung wrote, “In the past I deemed evangelism the most important work, but now I see that prayer is more important than anything.” * Alvin’s experience paralleled John Sung’s revelation. The Lord kept Alvin turning to Him prayerfully as he worked on the many tasks. We responsibly give our best to facilitate the planting of the seed of the gospel, and we do it on our knees, knowing the Spirit will grow this seed in His time.

While packing up at the end, Alvin faced unforeseen problems and differing opinions. He felt disappointed and angry, momentarily losing hold of the joy of sharing the gospel with the 200 over young people who came, including 137 pre-believers. As he paused, in God’s mercy, the command to “rejoice in the Lord” came to mind (Philippians 3:1). “Why can’t I rejoice?” He realised he was focused on his circumstances and not God. Knowing that “rejoice” in Greek shares the same root word as grace, he was reminded to take joy not in his circumstances, but because he has experienced God’s grace for himself. Glad for grace, Alvin could then cope with the difficulties that surfaced.

In the end, TCC Respawned was a testament to God’s power seen in community, prayer, and perseverance. God graciously does His work in His servants and in the young people who came. It is a significant milestone in the spiritual journey of the 81 who responded positively and the 52 Christians who desired to stay connected! The event has concluded but the work of the gospel continues through ongoing follow-up sessions, small group meetings, and future initiatives. Do uphold us in prayer, for our labor, combined with God’s grace is never in vain.

* The Diaries of John Sung: An Autobiography, Translated by Stephen L. Sheng and Luke H. Sheng, p.205