Silken-voiced veteran songstress Tsai Chin took her fans down memory lane on 23 May at the Singapore Indoor Stadium. She showed more than amply that she is still the legendary Tsai Chin, full of charm and talent.

The 51-year-old Taiwanese songbird is famed for her rich vocals and witty persona. Tsai invited the audience to journey with her through her career, as a multimedia presentation of her albums and photos was shown, marking the milestones of her three-decade-long career.

Tsai Chin 2009: The New Endless Love picked up where her last sold-out concert left off in 2007. A chronicle through song, it traveled from her rise to fame, through her prime in the “80s, to her tough period in the “90s. Some of the songs performed included ‘你的眼神’ (‘Your Eyes’) and ‘被遗忘的时光’ (‘The Forgotten Time’), which was featured in the Hong Kong movie Infernal Affairs.

There were moments during the concert when Tsai choked back her tears, recounting how she found herself being unwanted by record companies.

She said: “The years between 1990 to 2000 was the toughest point in my life. The old singers were ushered out for the younger talents. I was very sad as I thought it was just the beginning for me.”

Tsai’s warmth and personality shone through as she punctuated her songs with personal anecdotes and witty humour throughout the show. It was literally a one-woman show: There were no hosts, no extravagant costumes, no dancers or stunts — it was just her personality and rich vocals that shone through.

She poked fun at herself and had the audience laughing along with her.

“Look at me, I was 17 then, but I looked like 70. My hair was so short that everyone thought I was a boy. That was when I first started out,” laughed Tsai, as she pointed to the screen that showed an unsmiling picture of herself with a boyish crop.

Dressed in a gold dress with her famous coif, she swayed from one end of the stage to the other, and encouraged the audience to clap and sing together. The audience warmed up quickly as she prompted them to wave their hands in the air.

“Nobody is old here! Put your hands up! I know everyone here is mature, but I think we can all clap,” she encouraged.

There was resounding applause and the concert goers sang along to ‘读你’ (‘Reading You’), one of her most popular hits. When the song ended, Tsai clutched a side table trying to catch her breath, and remarked, “Why did I try to act young?”

When things slowed down, as with the simmering ‘不了情’ (‘Never Ending Love’) and ‘新不了情’ (‘New Endless Love’), Tsai seemed in her element. She broke down and shared that before she arrived in Singapore, she was told that she had been nominated for her second Golden Melody award.

“In my marathon singing career, I’ve experienced the industry”s generational changes. It is so thrilling to be able to be on the circuit with singers of various genres, and to allow the new generation to evaluate her performance,” she said.

PHOTOS: Daniel Poh

As the concert drew to a close, the audience refused to leave and continued shouting for an encore, which Tsai obliged happily, closing a great show with the song that catapulted her to fame: ‘恰似你的温柔’ (‘Just Like Your Tenderness’).

IT engineer Lily Yong, 40, enjoyed the concert very much.

“Her songs really brought me back to old times, and her voice was very good. These are the evergreen songs that will never lose their popularity. I believe 20 years down the road, these songs will still be popular,” said Yong, who bought a top-price ticket.

“I like her songs, and I don’t mind paying for a ticket to watch her. It was worth it. There were no special effects but yet she was able to hold everything together.”

Housewife Jenny Kong, 52, agreed that Tsai’s confidence and friendliness was what connected her with the audience.

“She may be popular but she isn”t proud at all. She has this natural ability to excite the crowd. I really like the old songs that she sang. I am very satisfied with the concert,” she said.

Tonight proved that Tsai Chin only gets better with age, just like a good wine — she will remain, for many, a favorite forever. ‘’

Saturday services at City Harvest Church premises at 1 Jurong West St 91 were never quite the same for the past two weeks. Packed with a myriad of activities, the after-service events were a hit among the members of Lee Yi Lun’s zone.

About 180 members and their friends gathered together for the first Newcomers’ Tea on 18 April. The session started off with a mini buffet at the rooftop garden, simply because the best conversations happen over food. Icebreaker games were also played after some refreshments in the Chinese Church Hall.

Excited squeals and laughter were heard as the participants rushed to sit on items of the colours that were called out when the music stopped.

“I’ve never played such a game with so many people before, and you really had to run fast,” said Kelvin Huang, on his first Newcomers’ Tea.

The other highlight of the Newcomers’ Tea was when six men were selected from the audience for an unofficial “manhunt” competition. They had to change into a singlet, do a little dance and strut down the walkway. However, the winner of the competition was not determined by his looks, but rather, the length of his underarm hair!

Gay Beng Chong, 20, a student, was among the six chosen for the “manhunt”. He was unaware of the judging criteria, and only found out during the awards presentation.

“The game had a very fun twist! Now I know why the game masters kept asking us to dance with our arms lifted!” said Gay.

PHOTOS: Sarah Lin

The short tea session ended with a testimony sharing by Samuel Lee, of how his life was changed after receiving Jesus Christ.

Besides the Newcomers’ Tea, badminton and basketball competitions were also held on 25 April to ensure that everyone could participate in something that they liked. There was another option for those who did not like sports — they could literally relax and chill-out over drinks.

With the lights switched off and the lit candles on low tables, the entire atmosphere of the function room at the Jurong Sports Complex was transformed to a cozy one. With a live band performing current hits like ‘This Love’ by Maroon 5 and ‘Fearless’ by Taylor Swift, the audience could also dedicate the songs to their friends while sipping mocktails.

Breakdancers from O School also performed an electrifying number with head spins and back flips, stirring the crowd to cheer and applaud, before the session began.

“I enjoyed the chill-out session very much, and I’m grateful that my friend invited me here. It is a very interesting and new idea. I really liked the whole ambience and the music,” shared Kelly Cheong, 24, a social worker.

The activities do not just end there —  there will be Pilates class, basketball and badminton competition and study group sessions in the weeks to come. Saturdays are never dull again!

As millions of Christians over the world gather to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ over gift giving, caroling and feasting, the City Harvest Dialect Church had a Christmas celebration of a different kind. They held a singing competition for the elderly to showcase their individual gifts and talents.

The festive air swept through the Jurong West Main Auditorium on 21 December, as the oldest members in City Harvest gathered together for the finals of 才艺大比拼 (Cai Yi Da Bi Ping or “Talent Showcase”), after a month of intensive auditions and training sessions for the participants.

“Most of the elderly love singing, but have no opportunity to showcase their talents, and we thought that it would be good to use the Christmas season for them to do just that,” said Lee Meijuan, the zone secretary of the Dialect Church.

Some of the elderly had always dreamed of singing on a stage and when the time came, they eagerly put their best foot forward in the competition. The moments they had on stage, though a short while, were very much cherished for the participants who have worked extremely hard for the final showdown.

More than just giving the elderly an opportunity to fulfill their dreams, the talent competition also put forth the message that age is not a barrier to being creative, enjoying life and achieving one’s goals and purpose. Old age does not mean the end of goals and challenges.

“They may be old, but they are definitely not useless. We want them to know that all of us have gifts and talents. It is just a matter of finding out what they are,” said Lee.

She added: “Through this event, I could really see God working in the lives of the elderly, and the sense of accomplishment they felt through this competition.”

Since the auditions held in November, the shortlisted participants had to attend training sessions, choose appropriate songs, and even plan their outfit for the competition, where they could win trophies and NTUC vouchers.

PHOTOS:Desmond Tan

Averaging at about 600 in the regular congregation, this event was a breakthrough for the Dialect Church, which saw some 1,015 attendees that day, where close to half were first time visitors.

“The whole event was a great success,” shared Lee.

2009 looks set to be an even greater year for the Dialect Church, as they prepare to usher in the Chinese New Year with a musical in February!

Childhood fantasies were recently lived out at a party held at the Riverwalk on 2 November.

The party venue was filled with superheroes, with “Spiderman” and “Sailor Moon” chatting with one another over plates of “roasted bats’ wings” and “decomposed tentacles”.

All these heroes were out in full force for Freak-Out: The Superheroes Party, a get-together organized by a few cell groups in Zone Supervisor’s Lee Yilun’s (LYL) zone.

A spread of fried finger food and noodles were laid out on a long table, serving as the hub for fellowship between members and friends. Meanwhile, in the other room, songs were being dedicated and faces were being painted for fun.

PHOTOS: Calvin Choo

“Before we could enter the room, we had to stick our hands into these wet, dark boxes and pick a ball to stand a chance to either get a little treat or not,” explained Gay Beng Chong, 18. “I had to eat a slice of bitter gourd!”

The entire room was then transformed into a “war zone” — party goers were encouraged to throw powder balls at each other. Many also queued to get stick-on glitter tattoos.

As much fun as it was, the heart of the party happened when all the party goers congregated in the main auditorium for a time of praise and worship. The preacher, Ee Zhen Ying, gave a message on overcoming the fears in life, and letting go of one’s past hurts and emotional baggage. About 20 new friends responded to the altar call and accepted Christ.

“I think it is very important to overcome the fears in our lives because it may be the very thing that is holding us back from doing great things for God,” said Yuliana Goh, 20.

The Superheroes Party ended on a high note, with many of the partygoers lingering around the premises, happily taking photos. After all, it is not every day you get to pose with a whole bunch of superheroes.

SINGAPORE, 22 NOVEMBER 2008 — NOW IS THE time for the church to rise up, said Benny Hinn, and in the months ahead, the world will see some of the greatest miracles ever.

And the church is empowered to bring the light of God in the world as His anointing is rained down on His church. But, he said, there is a price to pay for the anointing of God.

PHOTOS: Samantha Tay, Daniel Poh & Gary Sim

Before the miracle filled meeting started, the 9,000-seat hall gathered for a prayer meeting. Fifteen minutes was all it took for Singapore Expo Hall 8 to get filled up, with some attendees queuing as early as 7am this morning.

The crowd did not seem to deter some.

“I feel great, and I hope I can bring something back for the church in Indonesia,” said Johan Supit, from the GPDI movement in Sumatra.

“Although we queued for a long time, it was worth it to get a seat here, and to be part of what’s going on,” said Soon Sze Yin, 23, pointing to her seat in the hall.

Palpable anticipation hung in the air as churchgoers wheeled their friends and relatives in, who came expecting a miracle of healing.

Debts Canceled, Miracles Revealed

Throughout the four-and-a-half hour service, the congregation sat riveted, listening intently to Hinn as he shared his revelations. Hundreds also filled the aisles to respond to his altar call for those believing for debt cancellation.

One of the highlights of the session was when Hinn challenged the congregation to give S$1,500 as an offering amount to get a return harvest in a week, something that he has experienced every single time he gives a breakthrough offering amount of US$1,000.

As the givers wrote the phrase “debt cancellation” on the offering envelopes, Hinn also encouraged the congregation to believe for a debt-free life in 12 months.

“It’s not the amount that God responds to,” Hinn emphasized, “God responds to faith.”

Truly, without faith, it is impossible to please God, and healing testimonies soon ensued after Hinn called out for healings. Deaf ears were opened, fractured ankles and knees were completely healed. These were some of the miracles that changed the lives of many.

Signs and wonders would be commonplace in the months ahead, said Hinn. He also encouraged the congregation, especially the pastors, to be willing to pay the price for the anointing of God to carry out these miracles.

“There are times God will test our faith,” he said.

This eighth session of Asia Conference ended on a high. Angela Teo, 18, shared: “I was really encouraged by the sermon by Benny. I really believe God is raising up a new generation of believers and I am just so honoured to be involved in the end time harvest.”

While it is true that the well known saying that “less is more” can be applied to most areas of our lives, in fashion, it is almost necessary. Simplicity is the best fashion statement, as three City Harvest churchgoers illustrate.

Evangeline Ong, 20, took a simple electric blue tube top, and paired it with her fringed scarf and red soled ankle boots to create an outfit that epitomizes simple, classy chic. As far as fashion goes, comfort is the biggest defining factor, says Evangeline.

Backpacks are no longer just for toting books around: they have evolved into fashion statements. Polytechnic student Gay Beng Chong shows that his navy striped backpack can be both functional and fashionable! He loves the preppy look of a short sleeved collared shirt and impeccably white canvas sneakers.

Yves Saint Laurent once said: “I have often said that I wish I had invented blue jeans: the most spectacular, the most practical, the most relaxed and nonchalant.” Today, jeans are the most versatile item in one’s wardrobe, from super casual denim shorts to dark denim tuxedo pants that can be worn even to formal dos. Style Book loves 25-year-old Liang Zhipeng’s pink graphic tee paired with his black bomber jacket presents his adventurous nature and comfortable sense of style.

Eileen Toh, Pastor of the Children’s Church at City Harvest Church (CHC) was invited by the Joshua Generation Kids’ Church GBI Praise Revival for Jesus in Indonesia to be a guest speaker at the Indo Fest 2008 event held in Integrity Convention Centre (ICC), Kemayoran to train workers and teachers in children’s ministry.

From 11 to 16 September, her 16-member mission team demonstrated how to conduct a children’s church service, and shared their experiences to a 200-strong crowd from. Pastor Eileen was also invited to preach in four sessions. Praise and worship sessions coupled with workshops were conducted by the team to empower the ministry workers.

What struck Madeline Teo, a member of the mission team, was the influence of CHC on one of the churches there.

“I was pleasantly surprised when I saw the registration booth, the stage decoration and the dressing of the teachers; the entire lesson, right down to the props used, were exactly the same as CHC Singapore! I was delighted to see how blessed the little ones were,” said Eileen.

PHOTOS: Gabriel Seow

It was a visit to CHC by Pastor Daniel Martono that left such a lasting impression on him. He purposed to bring the same experience back to his church in Jakarta.

“They are an ordinary church doing extraordinary things for the glory of God,” said Madeline.

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.

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.

It may have been a short trip, but it was one that impacted zone supervisor, Jeremy Choy, strongly.

A small team consisting of 9 people was invited as guests for the opening of a new 11,000 seater auditorium in Sentul City, Indonesia, from 7 September to 9 September 2008. The auditorium was the result of the vision of Pastor Nico Njotorahardjo, pastor of the GBI movement in Indonesia.

Jeremy was awestruck when he saw the stadium. Faith rose within him to believe God to do the same for City Harvest Church as well.

Rev. Kong Hee was invited to bless the building and he preached a powerful message that strengthened the Indonesian churches.