Beauty with a Purpose

Beauty was brought to new heights as the 22 Miss Singapore World finalists took a ride on the iconic Singapore Flyer during a press conference held on the 23 July.

Besides showcasing the finalists, the event was also held in support of the Down Syndrome Association (DSA), which is Miss Singapore World’s chosen organization to collaborate with in continuation of the mandate of “beauty with a purpose”.

The motto was first coined by Julia Morley, the president of the Miss World Organization, who understood the importance of helping those in need, by empowering women to make a real change in society.

Fate brought both the pageant organizers and DSA together. This is the first time both organizations are working together.

“This year we are very privileged to work with DSA and it has actually been a very fruitful event. We organized activities for the girls and both parties have benefitted from them. A lot of awareness was created,” said Lisa Huang, a spokesperson for ERM Singapore, the pageant organizer.

Earlier in July, the finalists had tea with the children from DSA, where they put up talent shows to entertain them. They also performed a dance item and a magic show.

Dr Saba Iqbal, executive director of DSA, believes that by collaborating with Miss Singapore World, they are reaching out to a wider audience and greater awareness is being created for children of special needs.

Miss Singapore World finalist Jiselle Poh said that her perspectives were changed when she interacted with the children.

“I learnt that they are just like you and me. I used to have a different perception of them, but they are normal people,” said the 20-year-old student.

Jiselle’s thoughts were echoed by another finalist, Khym Ong, a student.

“This was a different kind of experience for me and I feel they are just like normal children,” said Khym.

In addition to the visit to DSA, a charity gala, titled “Mystique III” will be held to raise funds for DSA and will also crown the 38th Miss Singapore World, who will represent the nation in the international Miss World Finals in December.

“’Mystique III’ is actually DSA’s main fund raiser event, and since Miss Singapore World approached us, we thought, why not?” added Dr Saba.

Dr Saba also revealed that there will be a dance item and also a pushcart selling items made by the children of DSA. The grand finals will be held on 31 July.

Many of the finalists joined the pageant to build up their self confidence and to improve their social skills.

Huang, who is also Miss Singapore World 2005, believes that the finalists have benefitted from interacting with different organizations.

“They really enjoyed the activities because it is something that you don’t do everyday and to take the courage to just walk into DSA and help out. Most people will not do that. I think we need to teach the girls that, and we can learn a lot of things as well,” said Lisa.

Olivia Lim, 19, an undergraduate, said that she believes everyone should play a part in helping society.

PHOTOS: Jayson Lee

“I believe, with or without status, everyone should play a part in helping society. When I walk down the streets, people just stare at people who may be different from them and comment within themselves, which isn’t the correct thing to do. If I do win the title, I would join events and increase awareness of this, but firstly, I would start with my inner circles first,” said Olivia.

Beauty pageants have not outlived their usefulness. Many pageants are held throughout the year, but only a few continue to be relevant to the needs of the society. The 22 finalists from the Miss Singapore World 2009 epitomized the meaning of true beauty — not just through one’s outward appearance, but caring for others with a heart as well.

Indonesian Service with Jeffrey Rachmat

City Harvest Indonesian Church (CHIC) received a guest speaker on 19 July 2009—Jeffrey Rachmat—at their weekly service. Rachmat, who is the Senior Pastor of Jakarta Praise Community Church, was in town for other speaking engagements. The service began with a vibrant and joyful time of praise, with Indonesian Church member, Gideon Seragih performing a rap. Aries Zulkarnain, pastor in charge of CHIC, introduced Rachmat, who took to the stage and proclaimed the title of his sermon — Seasons. Drawing from the bible passage found in Ecclesiastes 1:1 to 10, he shared that there are seasons in life; that there will be seed time and harvest as long as the earth remains. There is always day and night, regardless of the season we’re in. The day is significant of the time we use to work according to the plan of God in our life; therefore, Christians should give their best to work while it is still day. However, night is when it is time to rest and trust God to work His miracle. Quoting from the book of Matthew, in chapter 11, verse 28, Rachmat read, “… you who labor and I will give you rest,” and reiterated that the condition to receiving rest is to have labored. The 150 people in the service responded periodically with ‘amen’ and clapped their hands in agreement.

PHOTOS: Richard Chong

Rest is a time to trust that God is in charge and Christians are in His safe hands. Rachmat went on to share from Mark 4:35-39, of how Jesus slept through the raging storm, while the disciples who were worried for their lives, stayed awake. Rachmat put forth the challenge to the people that in the darkest hour of their lives, they did not need to despair, rather, to completely trust in God. While the Christian rests, God will bring visions and dreams to the Christian to do His plan and purpose. When Rachmat gave the altar call for the people to respond, many did so, moving forward to receive prayer. While fellowshipping over pizza, Stefan A.Y., 24, said, “I am reminded of what I knew long ago as a young boy, that if I do my best, God will do the rest. Sometimes we tend to forget this truth.” Elvira Usabenny, 30s, “It’s good for those of us who are workaholics. It’s when we rest, that God will give us visions to do the work more effectively.”

AR Bernard Proclaims Kristos Kai Kosmos in Asia

Dr AR  Bernard once again steps foot into South East Asia and this time, not just in Singapore, but Taiwan, Hong Kong, Jakarta and Malaysia.

It was in the year 1995 when Bernard took hold of the revelation of “Kristos Kai Kosmos” or Christ in Culture, and since then, the message has spread far and wide, with many churches infused in the mindset of engaging the culture.

Bernard’s more than 30,000-strong congregation at Christian Cultural Center in Brooklyn, New York is a living testimony of a church that actively represents Christ in culture and society, while actively portraying its role in the transformation and betterment of people’s lives.

Fulfilling the last stop of his 3-week long journey in South East Asia at City Harvest Church in Singapore, Dr. Bernard continues to establish the church’s role of reconciling the world back to God and restoring God’s original intent for mankind and societies.

Bernard expounded on the primary roles of the Church in society: (1) as a prophet that proclaims the good news of the kingdom of God and declares the truth to the world; (2) as a priest who demonstrates the compassion of God in human society; and (3) as a king that empowers the people for a productive and meaningful life.

PHOTOS: Gary Sim, James Lee, Xavier Tan

He pointed out that the attitude toward nurturing a relationship with God ought to be one of willingness to take on the responsibility of effecting positive change in the world and not simply keeping God to one’s self. The call is for Christians to show their love for God through loving the world unconditionally, sacrificially and “redemptively” (in a way that shows the redeeming nature of God) just like the Good Samaritan in the Bible.

Through Bernard’s life and ministry, churches who have well received the message of “Kristos Kai Kosmos” have seen people who were once unwanted and shunned away by society being welcomed to church and changed by the love of God. Celebrities and talented individuals found a second home in the Church and a place to hone their talents to be used for God’s glory and kingdom-building. This is especially evident in New Life Church in the Chinese music capital of Taiwan where many Christian celebrities shout out the fame of Christ more than their own. In a position of influence, they effectively pass on the life-changing reality of God in their lives to many around them.

Where are all the young people, Yoido Full Gospel Church?

Contributed by Wayne Chan

As the first foreign speaker ever invited to address Yoido Full Gospel Church’s (YFGC) youth members, Kong Hee asked over 20,000 youth at the church’s Holy Spirit Youth Convention in South Korea this question: Where are all the young people today?

Citing United Nations’ (UN) statistics, Kong reminded his young audience that, like most of them, 60 per cent which is more than half of the world’s population today is below 24 years of age. He added that half of this 60 per cent, or one third of the world, is below the age of 10.

Referring to these demographics, Kong asked the audience to think about why most churches do not have young people.

Previously singing, cheering and clapping with all of their might at Seoul’s Olympic indoor stadium, the vibrant sea of Korean youth, uniformly decked out in bright yellow fell silent for a few seconds.

The message was clear. The world’s largest church, with over 830,000 members, urgently needed a youth revival that can impact young people around the world.

To do that, it needed all of its over 20,000 youth members to step up into leadership and step out into the marketplace to win more young people into God’s kingdom.

Kong likened his young audience’s challenges to that faced by prophet Jeremiah, who felt he was too young to be used by God when called upon by the Lord.

Presenting an extensive list of biblical examples including young Joseph’s childhood visions of political greatness and young David’s boyhood slaying of the formidable Goliath, Kong clearly illustrated that God is always looking to raise young people up to achieve the seemingly impossible.

In line with bringing Christ into culture, Kong urged YFGC’s youth to strive to become the best they can be in music, acting, dancing and multimedia technology, so that they can use their talents to change Asia for Jesus.

Praising their opening hip hop dance, electric guitar and beat box performances, Kong told the youth not to be afraid to use the instruments of the world for God’s glory, as long as the message was kept sacred.

Making reference to his own and YFGC founder, David Yonggi Cho’s experience in church building, Kong said that just like how young Mary faced criticism when she anointed the feet of Jesus with costly oil of spikenard and wiped His feet with her hair, so too would the youth face persecution and criticism as they endeavor to do great things for God.

Kong also shared about how he was only a shy, intimidated young man when God asked him to surrender his life to His purpose, and give up both his Oxford University scholarship and his dreams to be a rich businessman.

PHOTOS: Melvin Chen

In closing, Kong challenged YFGC’s youth to hold nothing back in serving God and His purposes, to give Jesus their lives.

Eric Soo, personal assistant to Kong, said, “I could see many youth weeping during the altar call, desiring to live a life sanctified and set apart for God. I was moved just looking at them cry out to God.”

Kong also spoke at two other sessions organized by YFGC for Church Growth International (CGI), an organization founded by Dr Cho and dedicated to teaching the principles of evangelism and church growth to pastors all over the world.

Interestingly, Cho reduced the length of his own sermon to allow Kong more time to deliver his message at YFGC’s Holy Spirit Youth Convention, which was a full day seminar held on 6 June 2009, with four speakers packed back to back from morning to evening without any intermission.

Wheel, Walk or Jog For a Good Cause!

It was a leisurely walk for some and a leap for faith for others, but the ‘25th Wheel, Walk or Jog 2009’ (WWJ 2009) brought both the disabled and the able-bodied together for a worthy cause. Held on Sunday, 5 July 2009 at HortPark, off Alexandra Road, the event featured a 1.6km walk as its main highlight and was organized by the Handicaps Welfare Association (HWA) as one of its major fund-raising events for the year. As the participants of the walk were flagged off by Guest-of-Honor, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr George Yeo, it was certainly a sight to behold as some 200 disabled members from HWA set off, most in a wheelchair or sporting a prosthetic leg. Accompanying them were 150 dedicated and enthusiastic volunteers, many of whom helped to push the wheelchair-bound participants along the entire route, hence, enabling everyone to take part. Held annually, WWJ 2009 is not only a fund-raising event, but also an opportunity for the members and volunteers of HWA to come together to enjoy themselves and bond together. Following the walk, the participants proceeded to enjoy some refreshment and games, as well as a lucky draw. Many returned looking triumphant and elated to have completed the challenge. Not all found it trying, however, such as Mohammed Shariff, a marathon runner with a prosthetic leg, who found it almost effortless.

PHOTOS: Cassandra Gayle A.

Said Jack Lie, a wheelchair-bound member of HWA who actively takes part in sports events like basketball and bowling, “This event is good because the morning walk perks us up. We hope that more Singaporeans will come and support our events by joining us.” HWA was set up in 1969 by 23 members to promote self-help and provide mutual support among the disabled in Singapore. It is an organization run by people with disabilities, for people with disabilities. Since then, HWA has expanded to a 1,800-strong membership today, with more than 200 regular volunteers, offering services such as rehabilitation, transportation for the disabled and a befrienders service, among others. This year, HWA aims to raise at least S$300,000 from WWJ 2009 to further expand and improve the quality of services provided to its members. Some of HWA’s longtime volunteers were also present at WWJ 2009, including Dennis Khoo, who is 72 years old this year and has been volunteering with HWA for 28 years. Said Roger Tan, a volunteer with HWA for 30 years, “I have an inner satisfaction when I treat the members as my friends and help them. You must have the heart to help others; this has been my motivation all the time. The mindset of Singaporeans today towards volunteering could do with the same motivation!”

Jace’s Make-Up Magic: Foundation

Foundation is, as its name suggests, the base upon which you build a perfect face. The purpose of applying foundation is to create flawless and natural-looking skin. Get a perfect match, and you’ll look like you have perfect skin. The last thing you want is to look like you are wearing makeup — so stay away from tones such as pink and peach which look artificial on Asian skin.

Foundation is made up of oil, water and pigments, and fall into two primary types:

• Oil-based foundations (cream, solid and tinted): These have more oil than water; are better for dry and normal skin. These foundations have more sheen and blend easily.

• Water-based foundations (liquid, mousse and gel): These have more water than oil, and work better for oily skin. These foundations look matte and are more difficult to blend. Apply and blend well with a slightly dampened sponge.

How to buy a matching foundation

1 When choosing a foundation, always test the color by rubbing a small amount on a patch of clean skin along your jaw line. Don’t test foundation on your wrist or cheek, as skin here is of a different shade and texture from your face.

2 Ensure that you do not create a “tidemark” effect between the foundation on your face and the bare skin on your neck.

3. You should always give foundation time to settle, as some can change colour due to oxidation to the environment, particularly on oily skin.

4. If possible, check the color under natural daylight. Artificial lighting can alter color quite dramatically so you may be walking away from the counter with a foundation that doesn’t suit you.

5. With foundation, less is more. Remember this rule of thumb: The better the natural condition of skin, the less need there is for foundation.

How to wear liquid foundation

1. Shake bottle gently before applying five dots on the face

2. Use fingers to spread foundation outwards

3. Always use a latex sponge or foundation sponge to blend. This also helps to wipe away any extra foundation.

How to wear eye foundation

1. Given the delicate skin around the eye area, always use an eye primer base for the eyes.

2. Apply onto upper eye area to cover veins and dark eye circles. It helps to even out the skin tone around the eye, and provides a good base for eye makeup, keeping your eyeshadow from creasing, and making it last longer.

 

YOUR QUICK GUIDE TO PICKING A FOUNDATION

Types of Foundation	Texture	Suitable Skin Type	Best For	Application
Liquid Foundation	Fine texture with medium coverage	Normal / Combination	All Occasions	Dot on face and blend with fingers or latex sponge
Cream Foundation	Heavier Consistency	Dry	Night wear	Mist face and blend in with foam sponge
Solid Foundation	Wax-based with very good coverage. Mostly water proof	All	For concealing and on special occasion	Dot on face with fingers or concealing brush and blend
Two-way Cake	Powder foundation	All	Anytime. Dry for day, wet for more coverage at night	Latex sponge or foam sponge
Tinted Cream Foundation	Moisturizer with color pigments for sheer coverage	Healthy good skin	Day wear	Dot on face and blend
Mousse Foundation	Light, higher balance of water to oil (higher water content)	Oily	Day Wear	Blend with fingertips
Gel Foundation	Lights weight base with gel texture	Oily and combination	Day wear	Blend with finger tips or a dry latex sponge

 

 

Next Page »