Fifteen intellectually disadvantaged young people took part in a dance session at The Riverwalk last month, the first in a series of activities that aim to provide a comfortable avenue of recreation for youths with special needs.

The hour-long event, which saw the youths dancing to High School Musical’s “We’re All In This Together”, was organized by RAYZ, a community arm of City Harvest Community Services Association (CHCSA) that acts as a ray of hope to the intellectually disadvantaged. The participants, together with nine volunteers, were first shown a video clip from the popular movie. Two dance instructors then taught them a simple step-by-step routine.

Besides learning how to dance, the youth also had the opportunity to build new friendships. This was one of the objectives of the event. “We wanted to create an opportunity for youths with special needs to socialize through a fun and engaging activity. The dance session was a trial-event to see the potential of such activities,” explained a representative from RAYZ.

RAYZ is planning similar activities after receiving positive feedback from the participants, some of whom indicated that they were keen to bring their friends for future classes.

Mooi Chin Restaurant —

If you find yourself searching for a little slice of age-old tradition in Singapore’s aggressively progressive food landscape, take respite in Mooi Chin’s comfortingly authentic Hainanese cuisine. Tucked away on the third floor of the Golden Landmark Hotel, the restaurant is said to have been in operation since the 1930s. Fortunately, despite its long-standing existence, the restaurant has been well-maintained, so one can savor its age-old cuisine comfortably in modern comfort.

The restaurant makes its boast in its signature dishes such as its Fried Chicken in Soya Bean Sauce, Pomfret Sambal, as well as the Hainanese Pork Chop.

The Fried Chicken in Soya Bean Sauce is delightfully crispy, and when you break through the first layer of crunchy sweetness, the meat is tender and oozing juicy goodness. The chicken comes coated in an aromatic, mild, sweet soya sauce which leaves a pleasant buttery aftertaste after each bite. A bowl of white rice makes the perfect accompaniment to this flavourful dish.

Another hot favourite with Mooi Chin’s Indonesian guests is their Sambal Pomfret. The crispy deep-fried fish comes smothered in the restaurant’s fiery and flavorful sambal sauce — tantalising! Wash it down with a glass of hot Chinese tea, and you’ll have the perfect experience of Singapore Hainanese cuisine.

Mooi Chin’s more Western menu does not disappoint either. The history of Hainanese cuisine in Singapore is interesting: many Hainanese cooks found their way into the households of the British officers before World War II. They became experts at turning out British cuisine, and some of these recipes, in particular the famous Hainanese Pork Chop, are inspired by English dishes, and have been passed down Hainanese generations and become a mainstay of Hainanese cuisine.

Mooi Chin’s Hainanese Pork Chop comes wonderfully fried and coated in a cream sauce, accompanied with a generous serving of chunky fries. The restaurant claims their particular recipe has been passed down from its ancestors. We’d like to believe it! This dish is highly addictive, and should definitely be included in your order at Mooi Chin.

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First dates can be a nerve-wrecking affair but all of those nerves can be quelled if you follow some of the tips we have for you.

Aim to make your first date a memorable one for all the right reasons, not the wrong ones – we all know how hard it is to forget a disastrous first date.

1. Venue
The chosen venue for any first date is crucial because if you want the relationship to last, it can greatly enhance memories for you and your partner to remember that nice place you went on your first date.

The guy should take the initiative to find out if there’s a particular type of cuisine or restaurant that the girl likes. If the girl doesn’t like spicy food, then no matter how high-class the Indian restaurant is, the food is bound to leave her drinking cold water all night long or worse, starving. If the venue of your choice is an unfamiliar place, make the effort to visit the place before the actual date so you don’t look lost or actually get lost on your way there.

Check if the restaurant takes reservations, then make one and ask for a nice quiet corner, so you have some privacy.

2. Look good, look sharp
Both ladies and men should put in effort to look good on their first date (and on every date after that!). Dress well and dress right.

Dress code would largely be dependent on the venue chosen. Guys should not turn up at Café Del Mar in Sentosa in a shirt, pants and tie; instead, go for a short-sleeved print shirt with matching pants or jeans. Nor should ladies turn up for a first date at an Italian restaurant in your power suit, instead, put on a knee-length cocktail dress.

Above all, make sure the clothes fit you and provide enough comfort so you’re not fidgeting throughout the evening.

3. Smile
A smile relaxes a person and the person seeing the smile. Go for a simple dental cleaning or polishing before the first date if your last visit to the dentist was more than a year ago.

Without spending hundreds of dollars on whitening, you’ll be surprised how much confidence you get just by knowing you have clean teeth from a regular dental cleaning. If you think you smile awkwardly, which some of us do, practice in front of the mirror.

4. Talk but also listen
First dates are exciting because two different individuals sit down, usually for the first time, and focus on getting to know one another in an intimate setting. Do ask open-ended questions and let the other party talk, then listen intently and make mental notes.

Women like to know that men are listening when they talk. Try not to babble on and on about yourself, there is no need to pour out your entire life story to the other party in one night. Leave some topics for future dates.

5. Part well
Men should send the ladies home after their first date even if she lives in Jurong and his place is in Bedok, and both of you are hanging out at East Coast. This not only reveals the character of the man but it is a kind gesture to let the lady know you care.

After the date, follow up with a thank you SMS or call to let the other party know you appreciate his / her time and that you enjoyed yourself.

These are just some of the many tips we have for you. Putting all or most of them in use would definitely help you on your dating journey. Make it good, make it memorable and most of all, our wish for you is: make it last.

Fashion is a living thing. We each have our personal styles but we are constantly influenced by fashion that surrounds us.

Having stylish and fashionable friends around you affects the way you pull your personal look together, as these four Jurong West CHC members show.

	He operates from a base palette of black and white but 23-year-old NUS student, Wayn Tan is far from boring.His look is effortlessly “rocker”: a black bomber jacket from River Island paired with a simple Agnes b tee. “Other members in church have definitely influenced me in my choice of clothes,” says Wayn.
	Sheena Toh’s gold beaded hair band and spotted heels caught our eye. Her simple outfit of a mini dress and black skinny jeans are pulled together with chic and Sheena’s dazzling smile.As a member of the church choir, the 23-year-old has always loved fashion, and says that her style has evolved dramatically since she came to church.
	Ankle boots can be tricky things to wear, but SIM student Priscilla Ho, 20, rocks this look with opaque leggings and black shorts.The print on her longsleeved top give an edge to her black-white ensemble.Priscilla draws fashion inspiration from the backup vocalists on stage.
PHOTOS: Sarah Lim	“I feel young and confident,” says 50-year-old driver Jonathan Tan, a member of the Chinese church. “Many people say I don’t look my age!” It’s true: Jonathan’s youthful ensemble shaves 20 years off his real age.Jonathan started injecting youth into his wardrobe, changing the way he dressed after observing what people around him in church wore. Most of his clothes are bought from his trips overseas.

Most people get queasy at the sight of blood. But the turnout of nearly 400 people at Expo Hall 8 on 7 September 2008, all queuing to give their blood, defied that convention.

The donors came from various backgrounds — secondary school students to university undergraduates to working adults and even retirees — but all were willing to do their part for City Harvest Community Services Association’s (CHCSA) blood donation drive. The drive ran from 1pm to 7pm, but despite the long wait per person (between 30 to 45 minutes), many gamely stayed in queue.

PHOTOS: Alvin Loh

Every donor had to go through a quick blood test to ensure their blood was suitable. After their donation, each person was given snacks and drinks to replenish their energy, as after giving blood it’s common for donors to feel faint.

Dixon Chan, a three time blood-giver, said, “I feel that blood represents life and I know that every single drop of blood that I give will benefit a person in need.”

According to Singapore Red Cross Society, 1.5 percent of Singaporeans are regular blood donors. In comparison to the daily demand of 200 to 250 packets of blood, the amount collected is only but a drop in the ocean. In face of this huge need, CHCSA holds three to four blood donation drives yearly, encouraging people to contribute for this cause. Year after year, more than 2,400 people come forward to show their support by donating their blood. With such courageous people, the next Blood Donation Drive will certainly be yet another success.

PHOTOS: Kenneth Xavier Tan

The Jurong West church auditorium buzzed with excitement on 26 September  – it was the first The Edge service organized by the youth in church, for youth.

Hours before the service started, hordes of young people thronged the lobby, queuing to go in for the service.

The name “EDGE” is derived from the four principles, “Engaging pop culture”, “Driven for culture”, “Godly” and “Expressing creativity”.

The auditorium was transformed for the event. Chairs from the floor were cleared to create standing room, lights were dimmed and the multi-colored spotlights came into full force. The fashionable attendees looked like they were on their way to a rock concert.

The event kicked off with a high-tempo performance by talented 16-year-old duo BY2, who added to the charged-up atmosphere with their infectious tunes and groovy moves.

Following the performance, a video clip on Taiwan’s New Life Church was screened. New Life Church’s effervescent attitude toward winning the lost through music, fashion, film, art, drama — basically, pop culture, with the aid of many Taiwanese celebrities – injected adrenaline into the audience. This video inspired many to think outside the box, about how to engage culture effectively and reach out to their friends in creative ways.

Pastor Wu Yu Zhuang shared a word about the exciting things that we, as the next generation, can do for God now. It is not just about the future, it is about the Now. Our motto should be carpe diem, to seize the moment while we are young, and to live our lives literally “on the edge” for God, every moment.

In a recent episode of Get Real on Channel Newsasia, City Harvest Community Services Association (CHCSA) was featured as one of the non-profit organizations which provides financial assistance to needy students.

The episode entitled “Making Do” showed how circumstances can either make or break the future of students from low income families. In the program, Darryl Loh, general manager of CHCSA, highlighted the eligibility criteria for students seeking financial assistance and bursaries.

Among those featured was a top PSLE student currently studying at Raffles Girls School. Despite coming from a low income family and being unable to afford tuition, she still maintained an air of positivity. Motivated by a desire to make her parents proud, she worked hard to achieve good results in her studies.

While a top student managed to rise above her disadvantaged background, there were others living in the shadow of their circumstances.

Haikal Firdaus, a secondary school student from a low income family, could not afford tuition despite his below average grades. Having parents who were not highly educated, Haikal did not have resources at hand.  When asked about his future education, he said that he has never dreamed of going to university because of his poor results and his family’s financial situation. Instead, he wanted to work as soon as he could to share his parents’ burden of supporting the education of his younger siblings.

Along with government organizations such as Social Development Council and Mendaki, CHCSA provides a helping hand to under-privileged students by giving them equal opportunities to pursue their dreams.

A diverse group of missionaries, aged between 17 and 35, went on a mission trip to Surabaya and Malang, Indonesia from 1 to 7 September 2008. The group was united by one common goal: to increase the resident churches’ knowledge of God and the Bible.

Multiple meetings were held throughout the trip, of which a noteworthy one was the service on the first night at Geraja Bethel Church in Dampit, a small town in Malang.

The atmosphere was electrifying: the Indonesian believers were actively engaged in worship, and fully tuned into the preaching from the pulpit.

Janelle Tan, who had the honor of sharing a message that night, reflected, “Watching the young and old worshiping God together was truly touching.”

PHOTOS: Janelle Tan

The attendees expressed that they were especially touched by the testimony of an ex-drug peddler who received salvation and had his life changed in a dramatic way.

The team also participated in a variety of activities, which included recording sermon videos to teach Bible lessons to the Indonesians in a practical way.

In Surabaya, the team put up a skit to entertain the children, and assisted at a Sunday School teachers’ conference, where a wide range of enrichment classes were being held. What particularly moved the mission team was seeing elderly teachers in their 50s and 60s who had an intense passion for their God and the children they were taking care of.

The trip to Indonesia was a most fulfilling one. The team felt entirely at ease and served to their best abilities despite being in a foreign land. Janelle mused, “No matter where you are, as long as you believe in the same God, it feels like home.”

This trip, the 14 missionaries found a home away from home.

PHOTOS: Daniel Poh

More than 7,400 children and parents packed the halls of Expo and Jurong West Street 91 to celebrate Children’s Day with City Harvest Church.

As part of a wide effort to reach out to the young and their parents, the Children’s Church lined up a variety of exciting programs for the Children’s Day celebration service.

The show kicked off with a high-octane song and a dance segment by popular children’s singing group, J7, which got the crowd all warmed up and energized.

Renowned illusionist, Jeremy Pei, mesmerized them with his unique brand of sleight-of-hand that wove in elements of storytelling, leaving the crowd in awe.

But it was probably Pepper Zero who brought the house down with his hilarious and engaging antics. The Japanese clown had the crowd roaring with laughter as he juggled hats, apples and other objects, while sneaking in a clever joke or two in between acts.

J7 took the stage again and led the crowd in a time of praise and worship. It was heartwarming to see children of all ages lifting up little hands to heaven, praising and worshiping Jesus. Once the praise and worship ended, the children settled into their seats to listen to the Children’s Church teachers tell a story about the wonderful nature of God and His love.

The service hit its climax as Pastor Eileen Toh went up on stage and gave the altar call. All over the hall, many children came forward to the altar area and received Christ into their lives.

As the service ended with a resounding cheer of praise to God, a loud crack rang across the hall as streamers went off, signaling the end of the event. Helpers and teachers distributed presents to all the children. It was a great time of fun and a real encounter with the presence of God.

Nine-year-old Cheryl Chua said, “I really enjoyed the magic show and the stories about God.”

Parent Scenthil, who brought his son Sendep to the event, was very impressed. “The show was really good and very well-organized. We had a great time learning more about God as well.” For the teachers and helpers, all the hard work was worth it.

Song leader, Veroy Chua, said, “When I heard the children sing the song ‘Sweet Jesus,’ it really touched my heart that even the youngest of children can experience the presence of God.”

He added, “It’s truly as God says, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.’”

Teacher Lingual Tan said, “As a team, everyone prepared for the event and prayed over it. Even though there were so many things to do, there was a sense of ease because all of us were led by the Holy Spirit.”

She added,”We invited a lot of organizations like after-school care centers and we spoke to a lot of parents. To see them here today was very rewarding. God is putting us in a strategic place to impact not just children, but entire families as well.”

PHOTOS: Melvin Chan

On 22 September, Pastor Wu Yuzhuang went on mission to two churches in Japan: Fukuoka Harvest Church and Kumamoto Harvest Church. It was a fruitful four-day trip during which the churches learned the Qualities of Leadership and the Cell Group system.

Not only were they taught about the 5Ws (Welcome, Worship, Warmth, Word, Work) of a cell group meeting, a workshop was also conducted where a mock cell group meeting were demonstrated by some of their church members and SOT graduates.

Pastor Yuzhuang also shared from Exodus 17 that in leadership, “it’s not the program but the person.”

“But Moses’ hands became heavy; so they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it. And Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun.” -Exodus 17:12

Pastor Yuzhuang explained, “Why did Aaron and Hur have to support Moses’ hands? Why couldn’t Aaron raise his own hands while Moses’ take a break? The example aptly describes how the leader plays a key role. It’s not just a system; not everyone can do what Moses did and achieve the same results. The power lies in man, not the method.” With this message, Pastor Yuzhuang emphasized the importance of having strong leaders in the church.

This inspiring message stirred up the hearts of the people — perhaps we will soon see a new generation of leaders in these Japanese churches!