Deepavali, the Festival of Lights, is a traditional celebration that signifies the triumph of good over evil. Yesu Oli, which means Jesus is the Light, brings victory to Hindu families in City Harvest Tamil Service, strengthening them with the light of Christ.

The Tamil Service members were encouraged to focus largely on families in the weeks leading up to Deepavali. They befriended them, met their needs, prayed for them and ultimately invited them to the Deepavali celebrations this year. Yesu Oli took place at City Harvest Church premises at 1, Jurong West Street 91, on 24 October 2009. 276 people, consisting of mostly families, gathered at Rooms 4 to 6 and had the time of their lives. Every attendee was given a Christian DVD as a welcome gift and the congregation had a joyous time with song and dance. The most unique highlight of this year’s celebration was the lighting of lamps by each individual, symbolizing their commitment to shine for Christ in the Indian community.

The Indian Fellowship took this year’s celebration a step further and ministered God’s love to entire families through healing; as a result, 7 families were prayed for and 43 people gave their hearts to Jesus Christ. “The presence of God truly brought about the harvest,” said Gideon Hari, the leader of the Indian Fellowship, “it is indeed a great success!”

PHOTOS: Peter Yue

The vision of this feisty congregation is to grow to 300 members by the end of this year and 1,000 by the end of 2011. Their vision is to touch the entire community, one family at a time.

Beauty paraded and glory shone at the Miss Singapore International 2009 finals held at the Raffles Town Club on 15 August 2009. Ashley Ng, 19, conquered all odds and clinched the Second Runner-Up title.

Those among the crowd who recalled the night of the Grand Finals would mostly agree that Murphy’s Law was evidently at work. “Everything that could possibly go wrong in a pageant went ALL WRONG!” Ng exclaimed in exasperation. Tripping over heels, trampling on other contestants’ gowns, having a typically “only average” walk were just some of the many pageant taboos Ng committed— so this was indeed an unexpected win.

Ng, a student, is also a finalist of Miss Earth Singapore 2009. From heaps of school assignments and examinations to an extremely hectic schedule of rehearsals and community involvement programs, Ng had a grueling time attempting to struggle between both worlds — she was on the verge of giving up. However, the feisty fighter persevered on and her victories today are results of her determination and tenacity.

Ng is training with InQueenz Pte Ltd, an organization set up by Genecia Luo, a former pageant winner (Miss Singapore International 2006), which aims to support women in achieving their dreams and ideals. Ng deems Luo as a great teacher, role model and personal good friend that taught her discipline, focus, right attitudes and how to be equipped with the right skills. Unknown to many, Ng is a simple girl-next-door that transformed into a beauty queen in just 2 months — she was a greenhorn when it came to pageants.

PHOTOS: Ashley Ang Sihui

To Ng, behind her success are greater people that loved and supported her through this tough but exciting journey. She drew a fair bit of courage and comfort from her mentor, Nanz Chong-Komo, a social entrepreneur and author, who encouraged and believed in her. Another one of Ng’s inspirations is international artist Sun Ho, who to her lives out an exemplary lifestyle in the entertainment industry. Ng tells City News that ultimately, her immovable source of strength is her faith in God and she credits God for making her previously impossible successes possible.

Ng is also in the midst of writing a book about her experiences and thoughts during this road to self-discovery — like all the women who’ve inspired her, she hopes to inspire others to pursue their dreams.

The Millennial Orchestra (TMO) was conceptualized through a road of self-discovery, and birthed out of the joint effort of Lee Tat Haur and Leo Chee Keong from City Harvest Church (CHC). The two music enthusiasts, a violinist and a trumpeter respectively, yearned to use their passion for music constructively for the benefit of the church and the community. It all started when CHC’s Children’s Church invited them to conduct a music elective for their attendees in 2006; from a humble 3-member ensemble, TMO has since grown to become a 40-member orchestra. TMO, a name not foreign to CHC’s congregation, made their debut performance in early 2008, featuring the evergreen “Messiah” by renowned GF Hendel. Behind the smart business suits and elegant black gowns, TMO is a collection of ordinary people with ordinary occupations, yet with a common passion for music creation and expression. TMO garners the talents of individuals from all walks of life — the directors of TMO believe that music making is in the heart of every individual member of the orchestra. Since then, they have matured from an orchestra that played simpler pieces in the presence of 7,000, to playing intricate and arduous ones like “Sketches of Singapore” by Dr Kelly Tang, a local composer, in front of an international audience of 10,000 in the inaugural Asia Conference 2008. TMO has also engaged maestro Chan Wei Shing, a reputable cellist with rich musical experience, to become their resident conductor and music director. Chan has since committed himself to refining the technicalities of TMO and inspiring the members’ exploration of creative music expression.

PHOTOS: James Lee, Michael Chan

TMO’s first public concert to be held at the Victoria Concert Hall, 23 August 2009, is set to draw the audience into the enchanted realm of classical music. The night will feature special performances by CHC’s Adult Choir, opera singers and delectable symphonies. A great motivation for TMO is an upcoming national music program in Venezuela, “El Sistema”, that aims to reach out to children of poorer regions, using music to transform the community. “The classical repertoire is huge… it is how we make the right music for the right people,” keenly put by Chan. TMO’s ultimate vision is, hence, to educate and to empower, touching the masses with excellent music, hoping to effect positive change in the society.

Teo Yu Hao beat all odds to become the Manhunt champion this year.

Amidst cheering and camera flashes at the central podium of The Heeren, Teo Yu Hao, 21, a Nanyang Technological University undergraduate, strutted his way to glory as he emerged as the champion of Manhunt Singapore 2009.

Teo was a surprise win — he was, in fact, a replacement for a contestant who withdrew at the eleventh hour. But despite the odds, Teo smiled and strided his way into the judges’ hearts and clinched the sought-after title. He will be participating in Manhunt International held in South Korea, later in August this year.

“I didn’t participate to win; I just wanted the experience,” Teo told City News matter-of-factly. This statement is no surprise to many of his close friends, who describe him as “unassuming and an extremely nice guy”.

From his evenly tanned body and his sinewy physique, one can safely conclude that Teo is a lover of sports. Basketball, marathon running, and soccer were ones of the many that he eagerly participated since he was in secondary school. “He is really a superb (soccer) player,” comments members of his soccer team, De Royale.

Teo is a seasoned pageant participator and Prom King during his junior college days.

What may surprise many is the fact that Teo is also a trained Chinese opera singer, who made his debut performance when he was only 15. He is very family-oriented and places high importance on filial piety; he is constantly stereotyped as the “very good boy” among his peers. His portrayal depicts the quintessence of any girl’s Mr Right: Teo Yu Hao, the tall, dark, handsome, sensitive family man.

When asked what his motivation in life was, Teo shared a shocking near-death experience he had during his national service. Teo was an officer and a naval diver, and during one of his routine training sessions, he fainted while running and was left unconscious for three hours. He later found out from the doctors that he had suffered a heat stroke and almost lost his life. Teo states, “I have become more determined than ever to live life to the fullest! I can’t waste my talents and skills… I have to use them for the glory of God!”

PHOTOS: Daniel Poh and Wayne Tan

Good looks are a gift Teo uses well. His ardent fans would tell you that it is his million-dollar smile that melted the hearts of everyone present, in every competition he has taken part in.

This confirms his motto in life, “Smile, for it makes the world go round!”

Christianity in Taiwan, especially among the youth, was in a rather dismal state in 1997. The church population was aging and many were growing weary serving the ministry. The leaders’ relentless efforts to reach out to the youth saw no results and they lacked the faith and the direction to effectively build relationships and evangelize the un-churched.

1997 was also the year when Taipei New Life Church (TNLC) got to know about City Harvest Church (CHC), Singapore, through an International Pastor’s Conference hosted by CHC. Abraham Ku, the founder and senior pastor of TNLC, came with a heart full of expectancy for a new vision and longed for the spirit of revival that CHC has been experiencing.

He was overwhelmed when he witnessed confident, young people loving God and serving Him passionately, bearing the spirit of excellence in all they do — particularly in their dressing! He was tremendously impacted during the Conference and hungered for a mighty move of God in his home country.

PHOTOS: Melvin Chen

CHC and TNLC soon started to forge an inextricable relationship with each other. CHC sent their key leaders to train and build up their pastors and church workers regularly and aided them to host many exciting youth events, like Taiwan Emerge.

Through the mentorship of Kong Hee, Ku drew on the discipleship values learnt and sought to establish strong relationships with the un-churched through secular and creative methods. He recognized that relationships are the avenues to influence and impact, sustaining a long lasting transformation in the young people.

TNLC actively reached out to celebrities and many were saved and set on fire for the Lord through their ministry. These celebrities then pulled their talents and resources together birthing forth creative programmes, such as the Rainbow Connection and producing a secular music album of faith, hope and love, to penetrate into the schools in a secular method, but conveying the sacred message of the Gospel.

TNLC is in the midst of a huge wave of youth revival in Taiwan, growing from 11 in 1997 to 450 high school and university students. To date, they are averaging 2,500 people on a regular weekend service. Indeed, TNLC fully lives out the Cultural Mandate; transforming not only their church, but their society as well!

Heaven was truly rejoicing at City Harvest Church’s recent water baptism services, held on February 28 and March 1. The sun blazed over the roof garden and rooftop pool of the church at Jurong West Street 91, as 227 candidates decked in white were water-baptized — making a powerful and symbolic gesture of dying to their old ways, and becoming a new creation in Christ.

The services began with rousing praise and worship by those to be baptized and their supporters. The candidates were then led through a declaration of their faith, which they proclaimed with sincerity of heart.

Finally, the baptism pastor stepped into the pool and one by one, the new Christians entered the pool. Loud cheers and applause filled the air as supporters witnessed their family and friends being immersed into the water, and emerging again as a victorious man!

This important rite of passage in every Christian’s life is one worthy of great celebration — and celebrate these new Christians did.

As the freshly-baptized exited the pool, they made their way to a circle of proud cell group members for the next step of the City Harvest water baptism tradition. The candidates held lit candles and jars of salt, some even swallowing a huge dash of it, signifying that they are now the salt and light of the earth. They were presented with an apple, which symbolized their position as the apple of God’s eye. Then they were challenged to eat their apple in record time!

Radiant smiles and laughter marked a new beginning and inconceivable hope for these new Christians. Stephanie Liu, 14, cried jubilantly, “I feel so relieved and refreshed…a huge burden in my heart has left me!”

Sherry Ong said, her face glowing, “I believe this day is the first step towards my family’s salvation!”

It was also a star-studded baptism ceremony. Among the new Christians were former singer-songwriter Allan Moo, the brother of Eric Moo (巫启贤), Miss Singapore International 2006 Genecia Luo, and actress Foyce Le Xuan. It appears God is doing a tremendous work in the entertainment industry!

PHOTOS: Daniel Poh, Jason Lee & Irene Sunaryo Lie

The act of changing this world and redeeming it for God happens one person at a time, one family at a time, through the various sectors of the marketplace. Every new creation is now rid of past sins and defeat, and shines like a light in the darkness of this world.

To all those newly baptized, congratulations from the City News team!

Passion 99, a church situated in Taiwan, was greatly inspired by the level of faith and spirituality of the youth in City Harvest Church (CHC), Singapore.

The youth in this church experienced little breakthroughs and had many problems previously. Despite hard work and prayers, the people were disheartened when they did not see the fruits of their labor.

PHOTOS: Passion 99

Their breakthrough came when Sophie Hsiung, founder and senior pastor of this church, enrolled herself to the Fast Track Pastor’s Course that was hosted by CHC Singapore in 2004. Hsiung was extremely challenged and moved by the hearts and passion of the youth as they served God and people wholeheartedly.

With the encouragement of Kong Hee, she was motivated to build a vibrant and dynamic church for God. She assimilated the strong discipleship values that Kong strongly emphasized, and duplicated them in her church.

She also implemented effective home cell group systems and focused on building relationships with the youth in Taiwan. Hsiung made a decision to break out of the traditional mindsets of reaching out to youth, and transformed her church to become colorful and creative.

Within four years, Passion 99 witnessed exponential growth from 12 youth to an astounding 110! The breakthoughs kept happening and they started a new church in 2008. Passion 99 is set to transform more lives for Jesus as Taiwan experiences a tremendous wave of revival!

The morning was made perfect with the magnificent sun in all its glory over the island of Sentosa.

On 29 October, the boisterous beach hunks and babes of City Harvest’s YK, KS and VIC zones thronged to the sunbathed island to take a break from their busy schedules. They were in for a day of exhilaration, twists and surprises.

The day began at 10 in the morning, with the cell group and connect group leaders streaming towards Siloso Beach, chatting nineteen to a dozen in anticipation of a time of friendship and fun. Classic games like Dog-and-Bone and Captain’s Ball created the mood, but the creative organizers of the event, namely the YK leaders had much more in store.

Pig’s tongues and ears, raw chicken meat, and other peculiar objects, were used as props for the games; the women were apprehensive but determined to triumph, while color just ran from the faces of the men.

The sportsmanship of Goh Yock Kiang, Kenneth Sim, and Victor Wong (the heads of the three respective zones) was evident through a series of sun-and-sea sports. Relentless attacks, tireless diving into the sand and soaking in the sea — all was endured in the name of victory under the blazing sun.

PHOTOS: Sarah Teo

At midday, a sumptuous beach buffet spread of savories and desserts was laid out on a picnic mat. Everyone ate to their hearts’ content, as chatter and laughter resonated. “I had a great time getting to know the other leaders on a more personal level,” said Angel Teh, a cell group leader of YK Zone.

As the day came to a close, charred and exhausted bodies made their way home, genuinely grateful for a day well spent away from their hectic schedules. Indeed, the three zones, consisting of more than 70 leaders, forged inextricable, close-knit ties this crazy, fun-filled day.

In the words of cell group leader Howard Kuay, “There was great food, fun games, great weather and the wonderful company of friends! What more could one ask for?”