SINGAPORE, 30 OCTOBER 2008 — There was a gathering of talented performers at the Riverwalk and Jurong West Auditorium for the Asia Conference talentime competition, the Showtime auditions, which was held over several days last week.

There was a wide array of talents on display, including opera singing, dancing and magic tricks. The various performances were of a very high standard and songs of different genres were performed, ranging from pop songs by the likes of Incubus and the Goo Goo Dolls to oldies and classics like Amazing Grace.

Showtime is a competition where contestants may take part as solo acts or group performances of not more than five members and not exceeding one and a half minutes.

A contestant, 18-year-old Maria Boey who hails from Nanyang Polytechnic, is an avid opera singer who has performed at Esplanade. She says, “I want to bring my performance to the next level. I want to gain more exposure and experience.”

Another contestant, 18-year-old Jazz from the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, also thought this talent contest to be a platform where he could showcase his talents. After his magic show, he said, “I was a little nervous but I felt that I did my best.”

Short-listed contestants will get a chance to vie for the top act at the Grand Finals during the Asia Conference 2008. Contestants will be evaluated on their creativity, technical skills and entertainment value.

PHOTOS: Gay Sen Min

Dangerous plane rides. Being chased by a parang-wielding man. Nearly drowning. These are not scenes from the latest James Bond movie, but real-life experiences of one of City Harvest Church’s (CHC) healing evangelists.

Pastor Stephen Goh, 55, has been going on overseas mission trips for over a decade. Initially a pastor of his own church ministry, Pastor Stephen was encouraged by Pastor Kong Hee to join CHC and be a traveling evangelist in 2005. “I struggled initially because I thought, if I’m not a pastor, what can I do?”, recalled Pastor Stephen. The fear proved to be unfounded as he has since gone on to conduct healing services in countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia, Taiwan and India, where miraculous healings have taken place.

Pastor Stephen recalled a recent trip to Medan, Indonesia where a man who had been paralyzed for 10 years was healed and even threw away his crutches after getting prayed for. In another case, a woman who had breast and womb cancer felt the pain disappear from her body and was healed immediately after prayer. During this mission trip, the number of people who received salvation were “too many to be counted.”

PHOTOS: Pastor Stephen’s Team

However, such trips are often fraught with danger. Last year, Pastor Stephen and his wife experienced a close shave with death when the boat they were in capsized. They spent 45 minutes in the sea without life jackets before they were rescued. During his trips to countries which required him to take domestic flights, some of the planes he traveled on were so ill-maintained, they “almost crashed”.

Despite these near-death experiences as an evangelist, Pastor Stephen claims that he “wouldn’t trade it for the world.” His motivation, he says, is seeing people get saved. “The joy of seeing people set free from bondage and weaknesses is worth the price paid,” he declares. “My motto is winning the lost at any cost — even if it’s going to cost me my life.”

City Harvest Indonesian Church worships weekly at the Jurong West church building on the fourth floor. On 26 October, the church was in for a treat: guest speaker Pastor David Tjakra or Pak David Tjakra, pastor of the 13,000 strong GBI Bandung church in Indonesia had come to preach at the service.

The service kicked off with lively Indonesian praise songs led by the GBI Bandung music team. Song leader Edo Hutabarat brought the house down with songs such as Allah Sanggup (God Can Do Everything). True to the Indonesian culture, the song was filled with nifty dance moves that had the congregation bobbing to the beat. During the time of worship that followed, all hands were lifted toward heaven to worship Jesus, God of all culture and nations.

Pastor David delivered a timely message on ”Fruitfulness.” His sermon was punctuated with inspiring stories and amusing anecdotes that had the congregation laughing and applauding.

He taught about attitudes which barred Christians from being fruitful, and how to abide in God to become fruitful. Judging from the thunderous applause the members gave when asked if they wanted Pastor David Tjakra to come back and preach again, the entire service was a resounding success.

Said Edward Cahyono, 19, a full-time student at Nanyang Technological University: “The message encouraged me to aim for a successful and prosperous life. I learned that fruitfulness is not a choice but a necessity.”

In line with City Harvest Church’s focus on the Cultural Mandate and keen attention on both the inward and outward standards of its members, it is not uncommon to find scores of spiffy parishioners worshiping with a zeal at its service locations at Singapore Expo and Jurong West Street 91 on weekends.

Eighty per cent of the churchgoers at the Saturday service at Jurong West are young people. We talk to three smart dressers about how they personalize their dressing, and their motivation for doing so.

	Christabel Seow, 15 Having attended CHC since she was in primary five, Christabel feels that she has gleaned self-confidence and a greater sense of self-esteem through the sermons she has heard in church, and this has translated to the way she carries herself on the outside.She asserts that dressing well is part of being more like God, and that paying attention to the way you groom yourself is in the DNA of the church. She also reveals that her mother goes shopping with her, and mother and daughter offer suggestions to each other on how to improve their appearance.Writer’s notes: You can’t go wrong with black. Christabel’s faux-leather jacket and boots work well with the red-hot micro shorts she sports. She adds a subtle touch of glitter with her necklace and belt. Her outfit is a sure attention-grabber.
	Joshua Liew, 20 A final-year student at Ngee Ann Polytechnic, Joshua firmly believes that dressing smartly brings glory to God, and also helps one boost one’s self-confidence.He also shares that the recent video screened at church, showing the colourful styles of New Life Church members in Taiwan inspired him to dress himself in a finer way.Joshua has found that sprucing up his looks also spurs the rest of his cell group members to do the same.Writer’s notes: Joshua perfects the art of classic casual dressing: blue jeans, black jacket and tee. He goes for simple but expensive-looking pieces: a pewter-grey top emblazoned with a beautiful silver sheen and a black bomber jacket, worn with a pair of well-cut jeans.
	Brendan Tan, 21 Fresh out of the School of Theology (SOT), Brendan is currently pursuing a Business Administration degree at the Singapore Institute of Management.He confidently declares, “The way you carry yourself in your dressing is a reflection of how much you honour God.” Brendan also sees his efforts at grooming as an opportunity to encourage the rest of his cell group members to better their appearances, and hopes to bring positive change in his group in embracing the Cultural Mandate.Writer’s notes: Brendan has great colour co-ordination, and he’s able to carry off a purple jacket — a rare choice for guys. He matches his jacket with a blue sequined tee, and balances the colours with classic white jeans and subtle black shoes. If praying can improve one’s personal style, we all ought to pray more, for it clearly works for Brendan!

A preacher once said, “Christianity is not blind faith.”  Yet, while there are many believers that profess to be Bible-believing and truth-seeking, many simply do not know enough to defend their faith when the need arises. I was one such believer; until I decided to enrol myself into City Harvest Bible Training Center, School of Theology (SOT).

Joshua 3:5 says “Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the LORD will do amazing things among you.” (author’s emphasis) In the year 2006, the Lord assured me that if I were to consecrate my life to Him and give 10 months of my life to study His Word, He would do amazing things in my life in unexpected ways.

Although I was excited and filled with anticipation, it was nonetheless a huge struggle for me to resign from my job to enroll in SOT. I was the sole breadwinner in my family and I had just been promoted to an Assistant Audit Manager in one of the top accounting firms in Singapore. With much prayer and fasting, I took a step of faith to resign from my job and enrol into SOT.

And what an experience these 10 months were for me! My life was daily submerged in the presence of God as the school came together every morning to praise and worship God before lesson time. Throughout the day, we were taught on faith, the Word, principles of living, the nature of God, the history of the Church and many other truths I had never been exposed to. I felt my foundation in God was strengthened and my love for God grew deeper through the course.

It was also in SOT where I encountered the power and anointing of God in a very real way. The pages of the Bible came to life during the one week of deliverance sessions with Rev Mike Connell, where we witnessed many of the students being miraculously delivered and set free in Jesus’ name. We also had many opportunities to practice and sharpen our spiritual gifts, and I found myself learning to step out in faith and to move in the gifts of the Holy Spirit. I applied what I learnt in Bible School during my cell group meetings and was surprised to see how I had became stronger and more sensitive to the Holy Spirit as I moved in the spiritual gifts.

The lessons on Homiletics, the Art of Preaching, were very rewarding too. In this module, we had to prepare our own sermons and preach to our classmates. Although each sermon was only seven minutes long, I had to spend many late nights praying and preparing them. This also helped me to gain confidence in speaking to a group of people.

Even though it was all good, there were also some challenging moments where I struggled financially. I had to take an 80 per cent pay cut and survive through my personal savings and by giving private tuition. I also had to balance my time to complete endless SOT assignments on time, study for exams, lead my cell group and not to mention, spend quality time with my parents at home. But God is indeed faithful and He saw me through these 10 months of Bible school.

After graduation, I continued to experience God’s miracles and His blessings have overflowed in my life even till now. Immediately after my Bible School graduation, I was shortlisted for a job interview with a conglomerate. After the first interview, I was immediately selected for the job without having to go through any subsequent interviews. As I sacrificed to God, He rewarded me by quickly giving me a job with good prospects and remuneration. So far, I have been working in this company for around 1 year and I have just received my year-end performance bonus. God did exceedingly, abundantly more than what I could have asked or imagined. I received a total bonus of 15 months which amounted to more than $55,000. Indeed, God was faithful to the promise He had given me, that He would do amazing things in my life, in unexpected ways.

In the year 2007, I was asked to prepare an opening speech for the Group Finance Director in my company for our Finance Managers’ Conference. This was a first for me and I was unsure how to go about doing it. But I remembered what I had learned in Homiletics and the lesson on sermon preparation helped me a great deal. At the presentation, the Director was impressed and commended me on a job well done.

Looking back, as I made the decision to trust God and sacrifice 10 months of my life to Him, He gave to me more than what I could ask for or imagine. Not only did he prosper me financially, my faith in God is well and truly grounded, and my entire life is changed!

Over the National Day weekend on 9 and 10 August, the Jubilee Hall at Raffles Hotel was packed with a captive audience who were there to catch Special, a musical produced by YoungTalents which aimed to raise awareness of the intellectually disadvantaged.

Special tells of a story of Dawn (played by Lynn Kok), an intellectually disadvantaged girl, who forms an unlikely friendship with Nelly (Natasha Lim), a rebellious teenager.

The audience were entertained by the hour-long musical packed with dance numbers and songs penned by musician KC Gan.  The tale struck an emotional chord with the audience: many were moved to tears by the issues of family acceptance and social rejection.

The quality of the musical impressed Irene Ang, actress and CEO of Fly Entertainment, who commented, “It’s much better than I’ve expected and I’m very impressed with the kids, especially Natasha.”

“The inspiration of the story came from a true account of how an intellectually disadvantaged child brought her family together when she fell very ill,” said scriptwriter Jason Ong, a teacher at the School of the Arts.

Eileen Toh, director of YoungTalents, wanted to put up a musical which would also carry a social message.

PHOTOS: Jim Yong

With three sold-out shows, Special was a smash success. Good news: fans can look forward to another quality musical by YoungTalents next year.

Jahan Loh experienced art at a young age, and he hasn’t turned from it since.

The talented and adventurous artist, who is currently based in Taipei, boasts an array of vibrant and energetic works ranging from paintings and graffiti art to sculpture and 3D animation, and more.

A native Singaporean, he received his Bachelor’s degree from La Salle College of the Arts in Singapore and graduated with a Master’s degree in Design from the University of New South Wales in Australia.

He received the Singapore Press Holdings Fine Arts Scholarship in 1996, and went on to win the first Nokia Arts Award in 1999, as well as the TIAF Taipei Special Award in 2005. He has held a joint exhibition with Crashone at the Esplanade in Singapore, and he has also exhibited in Hong Kong, Beijing, Taipei, Kuala Lumpur and Melbourne.

He recently exhibited his works at ARTSingapore 2008, an art fair held from 10 to 13 October at Suntec City , which showcased art from all over the world.

Jahan shares with City News his inspiration and the evolution of his art over time.

When and how did you start painting?
I started drawing when I was two years old with crayons and paints, so I guess that was the start.

What forms of art do you specialize in, other than painting? Which do you prefer the most and can you tell us why?
I do art in many different mediums, as I do not believe that we should restrict our expression to just acrylic, crayons and watercolor. In this modern day and age, media such as computer animation also serve as contemporary tools for our expression.

What or who is your art influenced and inspired by?
My art back then was driven by a lot of negative energies, but recently in August, after an exhibition at the 8Q (Singapore Art Museum), I was hard hit by God. Through my walk of finding God, my inspiration came through visions and prayers, and all the negativity that drove my art was changed.

How has your art evolved over time?
I guess every series of paintings that I do reflects my mental or spiritual state. Energies get transferred to the canvas when I paint, and I think more positive messages are coming through.

What are you working on currently and where are you based at the moment?
I have been based in Taipei for almost six years, and I am hoping to relocate back to Singapore next year. I am working on a few projects, one of them being the cover for the ‘Asia for Jesus’ magazine, and a new series of paintings and sculptures called ‘Babylonian Dreaming’, for my first solo art show in the ‘798 Art Space’ in Beijing.

PHOTOS: Jahan Loh

What is the meaning behind the image you created for the ‘Asia for Jesus’ magazine?
That image is a walk with God. Often along the way, even though we know the path, the road is not easy and smooth as the devil has laid many traps and temptations designed to bring us down. I drew that image the way I did because [it is] at ground level [where] you can have a perspective of how truly high and mighty God is, and he is symbolized in that drawing as the Holy Trinity.

What are some of the more notable companies and figures you have worked with? What about the exhibitions you have held around the world?
I worked with companies like: Vans, Nike, Adidas, New Balance, Vestax, Sony and several Asian entertainers like Vanness Wu, Machi, JJ Lin, Edison Chen. I [have] exhibited in New Zealand, Australia, Hong Kong, Taipei, Thailand, Beijing, Glasgow, Taipei, Korea and Singapore.

Tell us more about the exhibition of your works recently showcased at ARTSingapore 2008. How is it different from your previous works?
The art I showed at ARTSingapore was done after a very life-changing experience this September in Taipei. I was baptized in the spirit by Pastor Johnathan Chow, Pastor Philip Mantofa and Pastor Jaeson Ma after I was possessed by an evil spirit. After this experience, I had visions and a new kind of energy which took over my expression. Everything from themes, expression, concepts in these new pieces was a breakthrough from my older art. I think you can see my past art in the 8Q museum which will run till 2009.

What is the one outstanding experience or project you have encountered which left a deep impression on you and why is this so?
I think the experience I had in Taipei, as I think my eyes were really opened.

What is your motive and vision in painting? What do you aim to accomplish through it?
I think there are many different messages in my art, but most of it is how I grew as a person, and I hope that my art will inspire the people who see it and set them thinking.

Who do you attribute your success to?
God. He has been watching over me and keeping me out of harm’s way even when I did not know it.

What are some of the challenges you face as an artist and how do you overcome them?
I think that a main challenge is getting out of institutions like schools and museums and getting my art into the marketplace. Whether my art is good or bad is subjected to the demands of the art market and it’s a real challenge to get people to believe and appreciate my art. I think the main thing is to persevere.

How do you feel about the arts scene in Singapore and in what areas do we still have room to grow in, compared to the global arts scene?
Singapore is a very young nation and we are still searching for what defines our cultural identity as a nation. I think that we are slowly getting there as long as there continues to be support for the local art scene.

What projects and plans do you have coming up in the future?
The art show in the ‘798 Art Space’ in Beijing and revamping my website www.ja-han.com

Over the months of September and October this year, City Harvest Church (CHC) School of Theology’s Academic Dean Tan Kim Hock embarked on mission trips to the Indonesian city of Surabaya. Working with Pastor Franklin and Nina Lumoindong of GPdI Elohim in Sidoajo, Kim Hock taught in the Bible School at Surabaya and preached at the church’s weekend services.

The objective of the week-long trips (8-15 September; 17-21 October ) was to complete the Bible Study courses such as Foundational Truths One and Two with the students at the Bible School, and also to help out CHC’s affiliated church during its weekend services.

PHOTOS: Melvin Chen

Despite having gone on numerous mission trips before, Kim Hock is still amazed by the hunger for God’s Word overseas. Particularly on these trips to Surabaya, Kim Hock was touched by the students’ thirst for knowledge as they asked many questions and remained completely engaged during lessons.

GPdI Elohim in Sidoarjo recently broke through with 1,000 attendees for the weekend service which Kim Hock preached in, and has been growing from strength to strength, continuing this high attendance for several weeks now.

CHC is committed to help in the Bible Study Program in Surabaya, in the hope that many other churches will be similarly blessed as the program expands. Kim Hock is “looking forward to do his part in seeing the progress of (CHC’s) work in and through this church.”

Famously known as the Festival of Lights and a time of reconciliation, Deepavali would not be complete without the light of one Man in the household.

That is the message Gideon Hari, the leader of the City Harvest Indian Fellowship, brought to the Tamil Church.

A breakthrough attendance of 350 people gathered in Rooms 1 to 3 in the Jurong West church premises for Yesu Oli, a Deepavali celebration organized by the Indian Fellowship. It was a night of smiles and laughter as three celebrities from the local Vasantham channel put up song and drama performances, which the congregation participated in.

“This is the first big outreach we have held, and the focus of this event was really fellowship,” shared Anish John, 32, an IT specialist. He explained that although the Indian Fellowship started some four years ago, it was only officially recognized in July 2008.

In 2004, Gideon started the fellowship with only 13 members, but it has since grown to an average of 150 members. Many visitations to families were done weekly, and these visits have paid off.

“I enjoy being here, and my whole family is here,” said Rohan Lars, 19, a student, pointing to his parents who were sitting in front of him.

“I am hoping for an average of 400 members by this Christmas, and 1,000 by June next year.” said Gideon.

About a third of the congregation during the Yesu Oli event were visiting church for the first time, and 50 of them gave their hearts to Jesus that day!

And what is a celebration without festive apparel? Many came dressed for the occasion and the room was filled with a myriad of colours. Candles were lined along the aisles, and when lit, were indeed a sight to behold.

PHOTOS: Daniel Poh

The year is not over for the Indian Fellowship. A family camp is on the cards, and there are ongoing preparations for a dance item during the upcoming Asia Conference. Without a doubt, the light of the Indian Fellowship is set to shine brighter and brighter in the months to come.

On 21 September, Pastor Kenneth Sim’s (KS) Zone held their very first bowling tournament at the Orchid Bowl, SAFRA Tampines. The tournament was not just for bowling enthusiasts, but also for cell groups to come together for a time of fellowship and bonding.

It was an opportunity for members in the zone to reach out to unchurched friends in a fun fashion. Close to 100 members and friends packed the bowling alleys that afternoon, filling it with much laughter.

PHOTOS: Lawrence Kong

The bowlers, rookies and experts alike, gave their all in their bid to capture the top team prize, with friends and teammates cheering them on vociferously.

Teamwork and strategic planning were needed, as the top prize was to be awarded to the team with the highest average pinfalls per individual in the team.

Pastor Kenneth was impressed with the enthusiasm of the teams. Commenting on the success of the event, he said that the zone is constantly looking for more talent to groom and train, and would like to one day form a competitive team to take on other zones in the future.

With the “Harvest Football League” coming this November, it shouldn’t be too long before the ”Harvest Bowling League” is formed. Bowling enthusiasts, stay tuned!