Buddies and Speeches

Written by Charis Chen
Edited by Ranen Chan

1, 2, 3, ROAR!!!

Today’s meeting started with a bang as Speaker Lee Xin led the icebreaker for the very first time! She split us into two teams for a round of Samson and Delilah. We were thrilled to play the game again, as it carried many memories for us-- East Asia events, YSG 2 graduation... the list goes on. But this time, there was a twist! Each team had to elect a leader, who would pick actions for the team during the game. Why? The two teams would face away from each other, and at the count of three, would leap around with their selected action. If a member of the team did the wrong action, the team lost a point! It was a suspenseful game, and we had lots of fun. Through this game, we learnt the importance of collaboration. What an exciting way to do so! But the fun didn’t stop there!

Photo by Coach Choong Ming

"Do you think you have a good memory? Can you tell us what you had for lunch last Monday?"

Photo by Ranen Chan

For our devotions, I led our Chapter in a review of what we had learnt about the Beatitudes and its message. It turns out, our Chapter members have quite a good memory! We talked about how blessing is a description of what someone is, not how they feel. We are blessed because we are in the Kingdom of God. However, this kingdom is neither tangible nor visible to those around us, and that’s why we need our Heavenly Identity Cards! What is this Heavenly Identity Card? It is the way we live our lives. :) In coming to Earth and dying to save our sins, Christ brought us a peace that others might not think of- not physical peace with no wars and conflicts, but the peace of reconciliation with God, and thus citizenship of Heaven.

The devotion was followed by a word from our Sponsor, Coach Joseph, who began his sharing with a shocking statement: "ICC is not about communication." For a moment we were stunned, but he quickly continued, "ICC is not about communication; it’s about conviction." How profound! He went on to share that nothing hurts a parent more than their children succumbing to negative influences and doing things behind their back. 3 John 4 says, "I have no greater joy than to see my children walking in the truth." He ended with a little food for thought: as Communicators for Christ, are we walking in the truth, and do we truly believe what we say?

Coach Choong Ming then taught us a little bit about the P of GOOP-- having respect for property-- by leading us in a pledge to respect and care for the property of our Chapter Sponsor since we use his property as our meeting place.

Photo by Ranen Chan

With that, it was time for... Resurrection time, also known as Practice round 1!

Oh, no, oops! I’ve just been informed that it wasn’t called Resurrection time because we were dead with fright. I apologize for the miscommunication. It was called Resurrection time because many of our YSG 3 speakers ’resurrected’ their YSG 2 scripts to practice for the upcoming tournament! Speaker Ranen resurrected his intriguing ’Cereal Killers,’ Speaker Eunice resurrected ’Two Guaranteed Ways to Kill the Joy of Learning,’ Speaker Jern Yoong resurrected the thought provoking ’Can Blessings be Dangerous?’ Speaker Ian resurrected his well-researched ’Evolution.’ Despite having heard the speeches so many times last year, none of us were bored of listening to them again. In fact, we enjoyed it very much, and to top it off, Speaker Jonique, for her first time, presented to us in her naturally entertaining manner, her YSG 2 Literary Interpretation, ’The True History of Little Golden Hood.’

Last minute prep...

Photos by Ranen Chan

After the hard work, we took a break. Speaker Eunice had an incredibly exciting announcement for us: the implementation of our brand new buddy system, planned by Coach Mei Nee and Speaker Eunice! We are truly delighted and look forward to bonding more with our buddies!

Coach Debra also had another announcement for us! We now have a new Coach in charge of the YCC section-- none other than Coach Lalitha, with Coach Mei Nee as her advisor!

What a lot of changes! We can’t wait to see what the rest of this year holds for us!

We then broke for dinner, during which we spent time with our buddies, combined buddy groups, and played games and answered questions to get to know each other better. It was such an enjoyable time!

After dinner, we gathered back in the living room, where Coach Joseph asked us what it means to be swag or swek. Speaker Jern Yoong enlightened us by explaining how swag is a term used by many young people to mean cool, and that swek is the Malaysianized version of swag.

Having had the definition for our word of the day, we jumped into Practice Round 2. I began with my feeble maiden attempt of a Thematic Religious Reading, but was followed by a line-up of amazing speakers from YSG 1 and YCC! Speakers Jodie and Danelle did their Limited Prep speeches, and despite not being prepared, they spoke with good poise and clarity. Great job! Finally, Speaker Carlson presented his YCC Informative speech about the benefits of eating fruits and vegetables, Lafayette shared with us about the importance of water, and Lee Yuan taught us about what lava is. All of their speeches were both delightful and entertaining, and we look forward to more of those in the future!

Photos by Ranen Chan

With that, we called it a day. Thank you for taking the time to join us on this meeting! Au revoir! See you soon!

Practice makes Perfect

Written by Danelle Tan
Edited by Charis Chen

Photo by Coach Choong Ming

Hello! To start off today's meeting, held at Coach Choong Ming's home, the icebreaker session (the best part of any meeting :D ), was led by the exuberant speaker, Jern Ling!  
              
The game was called the Number Sequence. The group had to stand in a circle facing outwards with our eyes closed. There were 21 of us, and each person had to call out a number. The goal was to go from 1-21 without any skipped or repeated numbers, and with only one person speaking at a time. Each person could only call out one number. 

We all thought it an enjoyable game!

Photo by Ranen Chan

Next, we had Ian lead our devotion. He began by asking who wanted an ang pow. Then, we read Matthew 5:3-10 as a chapter, and he helped us identify the key words which were: 

Beatitudes - Blessed 

Messiah - Chosen for a special purpose. Jesus was the True Messiah.

Kingdom - A territory. The ticket to God's Kingdom of Peace is to Repent and Believe.

Peace - Generally thought of as unity, harmony, and absence of conflict. It is, however, not the absence of conflict, but the presence of God!  

Jesus is the Prince of Peace because He is the only way for us to have peace with God.

Community - ICC is an example of a community. A community has a common mission and goal. 

Photo by Ranen Chan

With the devotion over, we then had a word from Assistant Sponsor, Coach Choong Ming. He talked about the Solomon Asch Conformity Experiment which was conducted "to investigate the extent to which social pressure from a majority group could affect a person to conform." ( http://www.simplypsychology.org/asch-conformity.html)

A video of the experiment is embedded below if you're interested in further information on the subject:
                                         


Coach Choong Ming reminded us of how one day, we will experience different situations where we will be required to make a stand. Will we compromise our stand or maintain our beliefs? It is our decision which will set us apart and be our testimony for Christ- to stand alone in the test of life when everyone else chooses to conform.

Romans 12:2: "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." 

Photo by Ranen Chan

Then came the session for YSG speakers to give their presentations, starting off with Jern Yoong, who gave his computer aided presentation (CAP) about the advantages and disadvantages of social media.

Photo by Ranen Chan

He was followed by Jodie, who gave her 'My Favourite Bible Verse' speech and Charis, who shared with us about the pros and cons of dating in her CAP.

Photo by Ian Chan

 Then came my turn; I presented 'My Favourite Bible Verse' speech as well.

Photo by Danelle Tan

Next was Lee Xin, who finished off the session by telling us a story about a mother with only one eye who raised a spoilt and unloving child.

After all the stress (kidding!), we had dinner break, the best part of the meeting for me! Jonique and I ran off to the playground with our dinner while the adults discussed serious matters.

Time flew quickly, and upon finding out we were late, we raced back to the house and climbed over the gate in time for...

Limited Prep!!

Jodie began by telling us about how sadness isn't always bad. She was a natural! Her ideas flowed smoothly together and she appeared quite confident during her speeches. Lee Xin shared about how teamwork is better than working alone. Soon after, she was done with her L.P. Speaker Lee Rui took her place at the center of the room. Despite her nervousness (as we all were too!),  it was great to see her improving!

In my opinion, for people who are really shy, we have to learn not to give them too much negative feedback and provide more encouragement instead. For shy speakers like me, parents help by spending more time helping us practice at home.    

After Lee Xin and I were done with our limited prep, we concluded that limited prep is linked to nervousness and profuse sweating. We asked each other, 'Is it just me or is it warm in here?'

Photo from Pinterest

When will we get acclimated to the art of limited prep?

Photo by Ranen Chan

Once the meeting was over, the parents chatted and the student leaders had their discussions, while other YSGers stretched in relief.

That’s it for today. It's great to have you drop by to read! Come back soon for more updates!

Changes, Changes, and More Changes

Written by Jonique Chan

Edited by Charis Chen and Ranen Chan

Photo by Ranen Chan 

Greetings!!!

Welcome to our FIRST ICC chapter meeting of the year!!! We started off with an icebreaker led by Speaker Jern Yoong called The Money Game. In this game, the speakers each had a value of RM 5, while the coaches were worth RM 10. Speaker Jern Yoong would shout out a sum of money, and we had to form groups that equaled that amount. Through this game we didn't learn about money, but rather, about teamwork and community. 

Next, Coach Joseph reminded us that memories are very precious, so we watched a short video bringing back memories from our journeys through YCC/BPS and YSG. This awesome video was brought to us from our Media Coordinators, Speakers Charis and Ranen. Great job guys!! 

Photo by Ranen Chan

After laughing and reminiscing, we were separated into two groups where we discussed what we can improve on and change in the chapter this year.  

Photo by Ranen Chan

Things to improve:

•  Faster updates on recent happenings and decisions made  

•  More activities   

•  A buddy program for speakers        

•  More time for everyone to present their speeches in chapter 

Photo by Ranen Chan

Then we had a BIG change. What was it? Well, we now have a new Assistant Chapter Sponsor!!! Please welcome (drumroll)... Coach Choong Ming, along with his wife, Coach Honey!!! 

Photos by Ranen Chan 

Coach Choong Ming explained the new changes we would be implementing for Words ALIVE, such as having assigned Coaches and Speakers to give feedback, so that we will be able to maximise practice time. 

Photo by Ranen Chan

Next, Speaker Charis presented her speech about dating. She shared with us the pros and cons of dating, as well as the Golden Rule in dating.  

After Charis' speech, Speaker Jern Yoong talked to us about procrastination. Did you know that there was a good side to procrastinating? Bet you didn't!

Speaker Jern Ling then presented a speech about colors. She told us about what colors mean, etc. Great work!!   

After Speaker Jern Ling's colorful speech, Eunice shared with us on the topic of Feminine or Feminist, Speaker Ranen talked about abortion, and last but not least, Ian presented his speech about genetic engineering.  

    

 Attentive audiences :)

Photos by Ranen Chan

Good job, Speakers!!!

Photo by Ranen Chan

Til' we meet again!

Ferries and Chinese and Crabs, Oh My!

Written by Eunice Tan
Edited by Charis Chen and Ranen Chan

One small step for man. A giant leap for our chapter!
Taking a seemingly "small" step into the waiting ferry, we had embarked on a memorable experience of learning and unforgettable, amazing events!

Pulau Ketam, here we come!

Photos by Coach Martha

Enjoying the refreshing, strong wind, we couldn't help but just sit back and enjoy ourselves, anticipating the wondrous day to come! It certainly was a momentous ferry ride. Thank God for the safe journey!

But we weren’t just going to spend time with the children at Pulau Ketam; this day wasn't just any day... It was Speaker Ranen's 14th birthday! As a result, we planned a surprise celebration for him in the form of a mini treasure hunt! 

Photo by Coach Debra

Ranen diligently decodes his birthday challenge message...

Swiftly solving it, Ranen discovered his challenge: "Sing Jesus Loves Me aloud right now." Oooooo..... With great energy, he did it wholeheartedly, much to our great amusement!

Photo by Coach Martha

He even beatboxed while singing! 

Finally, the ferry arrived at PK, and we disembarked. We couldn't wait to meet the kids at the center!

Photo by Coach Martha

After much preparation,  Coach Joseph and his enthusiastic translator, Coach Wai Hong, introduced our group to the local students.

Photos by Coach Martha

Speakers getting to know the students:

Photos by Coach Martha

Following the cheerful welcome, we divided into two groups to which we would teach English: primary and secondary. Some speakers taught the "little" kids (primary school), while others (exercising their impromptu skills!) instructed the secondary school pupils. 

Primary section:

Photos by Coach Martha

Photo by Coach Debra

Secondary Section:

Photos by Coach Martha

In the primary group, Coach Michelle and Speaker Jern Ling led the children in a time of songs! It helped break the ice and hype up the kids. Thanks, Coach Michelle and Jern Ling!

Speaker Ranen, who taught in the primary class, has this to say about our experience as teachers:

"While our chapter was in Pulau Ketam to present our chapter presentation, I, along with other students in our chapter, had the opportunity to teach some of the children in the community center English. Most of the children could only speak Mandarin, so in order to communicate with them, I had to speak to them in Mandarin. This made me step out of my comfort zone, as I was used to speaking and teaching in English. On the whole, I enjoyed the experience and I look forward to going back there again!"

Yep! This event definitely pushed us to use our Chinese more!

We loved bonding with the children and shedding new light on their lessons.

As the secondary teaching was a last minute decision, those of us who volunteered to do so had to leaf through a textbook we had never seen before and teach a lesson from it to the students (some of whom were older than me! :s). At first, I was a little scared, but after a while, I relaxed and actually enjoyed myself. Honestly, it was great using Chinese! The students were so willing to learn and participate! 

Some young students even rewarded us with a little dance performance!

Photo by Coach Martha

After the wonderful lessons, Chapter Chair Jern Yoong introduced the speakers individually and once again, our chapter and our joy to be with them and bless them.

Next, we presented our chapter presentation on the story of Ping to the children. The speakers had worked arduously on and been extremely dedicated to the chapter presentation, for which Charis and I are ever grateful for! Below is a summary of our play (Photos by Coach Martha):

"Wait... Baby ah?? Really?"

"YES!!!"

"Yeeee.... why is your son blind??"

"Why does he always fail in school?"

"Dear God, help me to look to you..."

The two pat pohs

"My daughter's nose and grades are so much better than your son's!"

Ping: "Bye Mom and Dad..."

Parents: "Wahh.... take care, son!"

"Haiya, he's going to kill himself in the army!"

"Ready, aim, fire!"

"But Ping gave the food to the wrong man!"

The spy!

Ping: "I smell something!"

Spy: "Keep what you smell to yourself, guard!"

Ping: "Assassin! Assassin!"

Sultan: "AAaaaahhh....." *faints*

"Well done, Ping. I knew there was something special in you."

"Don't give up! Even if you are different, God has a special purpose for your life, just like Ping!"

What fun it was to present our play to the children and share the important message of self-purpose and calling with them! Thank you so much for your hard work, fellow speakers! Awesome job!

Immediately afterwards, Coach Joseph, with his ever energetic translator Coach Wai Hong, gave a short inspirational and heartfelt talk about the message of the play, reinforcing the truth that our true identity and purpose is found in Christ, and no one ever needs to miss out on God's amazing plans for them!

Photo by Coach Martha

Charis and I then asked the children several comprehension questions concerning the story of Ping to test how attentive they were and confirm the story's message. We gave prizes to the respective participants who answered correctly! It was encouraging to hear their thoughtful answers! Good job, kids!

And, of course, the Malaysians had to enjoy a mandatory time of makan.....

Photo by Coach Martha

With all the children pumped up, we facilitated a round of games! We played Cat and Mouse and Pepsi Cola!

Photos by Coach Martha

We could not have enough of the fantastic time of bonding and upbeat enjoyment! All praise to God for the one-of-a-kind experience with these special children!

After this, we had to say goodbye to our new friends and went on a leisurely stroll around PK. Oh, and we also had to fill our stomachs... of course!

The Three Stooges.

Photos by Coach Martha

The ballerina!

Here is a snippet of our adventures following our time at the center recounted by Speaker Ian:

"After our scrumptious seafood lunch, we departed from the restaurant for a little tour around the island. During the tour, we had a great time of fellowship. We noticed the amount of rubbish under where we were walking and thankfully it did not smell. After some walking, we bumped into some of the children we taught back at the community center. One of them invited us to his house to meet his parents and wanted us to stay awhile, but we couldn't due to the lack of time. After the visitation, we headed back to the community center to collect our bags and had a feedback session. Then we boarded the ferry back to mainland."

Man oh man, the classic crab meat we had during lunch was so delicious! As Roald Dahl would say it, the dish was simply scrumdiddlyumptious!

As Ian mentioned, we were greatly blessed by the young man's generosity and hospitality shown through his willingness to invite us to his very own home, despite the fact that he just met us! Actually, this boy was rather resistant and reserved, after the event, he changed and started to enjoy himself and take a liking to us. Praise the Lord! We talked a while with his mother and met his younger brothers, getting a touch of the culture in PK and cherishing its unique people! Thank God for such big, loving hearts!

As the end of the day drew near, we boarded the ferry once again, heading back home. What a day it was to remember! A day of getting to know new people, a day of sharing our faith and essential message of purpose, and a day of God's great providence and blessing! What a day!

But one thing remains, lurking within our minds: When will we go back? :D

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~More momentous shots!~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Wefies galore:

Photo by Eunice Tan

Photo by Coach Martha

Photo by Eunice Tan

Photo by Eunice Tan

Ranen vs. Coach Wai Hong in an epic battle of kungfu (or is it wrestling?):

Photos by Coach Martha

Jonique admires the art in PK:

Photo by Coach Martha

Just chilling with the kids:

Photo by Coach Martha

Photo by Coach Debra

Au revoir! God is faithful! What a blessing it is to be an instrument of glory for His name!