Words A.L.I.V.E. (ICC Chapter Malaysia): Clarifying Our Calling (July 6, 2014)

Written by Eunice Tan
Edited by Eliza Tan

Wow, time passes by really fast! This is our sixth meeting! We had a meaningful time of fellowship and learned a lot from each other. There is no doubt that we learned many more things about how to become an effective communicator for Christ.

Starting off the meeting with a humorous icebreaker, Jemima asked for three volunteers: Ian, Ranen, and me. The rest of the people was divided into four sections. Together, we all acted out a drama, with the three of us as main actors while the rest made sounds of rain, thunder, lightning, and howling wind as special sound effects. It certainly made the story the three of us acted out more theatrical!

Photo by Eliza Tan

Photo by Nathanael Chong

Photos by Eliza Tan

After the enjoyable icebreaker, we had a wonderful time of worship as we sang the song 'Speak O Lord' by Keith and Kristyn Getty. The words are truly meaningful and applicable to Christian's walk with Christ. We truly need the Holy Spirit to plant the truth deep in us and help us to remain faithful.

During our devotion, Coach Joseph spoke on how each of us have a purpose in life. He spoke with much passion and relevance. Explaining how important knowing our purpose was, he shared 2 Timothy 1:9, "... who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of His own purpose and grace, which He gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began." We certainly were inspired!

Photo by Eliza Tan

Breaking up into two groups, the speakers went through a worthwhile exercise of writing what we are good at on the whiteboard. Meanwhile, the parents discussed about the importance of helping their children discover their calling in life.

Photos by Eliza Tan

Photo by Eliza Tan

Hee hee... I think I know what I'm good at!

Photo by Nathanael Chong

Photo by Eliza Tan

Coach James Sia shared to us how he had helped his son find his purpose in life. He encouraged the rest of us to do the same also.

Photo by Eliza Tan

We truly had an inspiring and valuable devotion together!

When the BPSers left to have their own session, we YSGers had another energetic and enthusiastic teaching session from Coach Alfred!

Photo by Eliza Tan

Photos by Eliza Tan

Photo by Eliza Tan

Coach Choong Ming tenderly admiring his wife :)

Photo by Eliza Tan

Jemima diligently taking notes.

We were taught about how our tone can immensely affect the message of our words. For example, Coach Alfred guided us through an exercise which involved us saying the word 'well' in different kinds of emotions. It truly made a big difference!

Photo by Eliza Tan

He also made some of the speakers and parents dramatically say the words of Julius Caesar:

"I came. I saw. I conquered."

Reactions to some hilariously dramatic portrayals:

Photos by Eliza Tan

Photo by Eliza Tan

Also, we realized the importance of a pause in speeches and everyday conversations. Mark Twain mentioned the importance of a pause in this quote:

Photo by Eliza Tan

Photos by Eliza Tan

Meanwhile, the BPSers presented their impromptu speeches. I am amazed that at such a young age they are able to give impromptu speeches. They did a great job!

Photo by Eliza Tan

Following the fantastic YSG teaching session, we had our second round of limited preparation speeches!

Photo by Eliza Tan

Jern Ling had a very interesting introduction to her presentation and thoughtful conclusion. She also gave very relevant examples.

Photo by Eliza Tan

Ranen spoke fluently and had very suitable transition words. He spoke confidently, and there were not many pauses.

Photo by Eliza Tan

Jern Yoong spoke loudly with clarity and gave his opinion on what he was speaking on. His definition of courage was very clear and true.

Photo by Debra Yeoh (Coach)

Ian had excellent eye contact and gave very suiting Bible verses to support the topic 'God is love.' He also had good examples and related to the audience very well.

Photo by Debra Yeoh (Coach)

Jaeriel did an excellent job in bringing in Bible verses to support his topic and he definitely presented with courage.

All the presentations were truly enjoyable and delivered with confidence! Everyone showed huge improvement! Great job, YSGers!

Photo by Debra Yeoh (Coach)

Coach Joseph then taught us a technique on how we could have more engaging limited preparation speeches. We recognized that we should start by relating our speech topic to the culture and what is happening out there. Secondly, we should share and connect to our audience by giving examples that support our topic. Finally we should end strongly with the truth, our belief, and our conviction.

After all the hard work, it was time to eat!

Photo by Eliza Tan

We had 'bao' and nutella banana popiah! (I have a hand in making the popiah)

Since Coach Dicky was away, my sister, Eliza, led the choir practice :)

Photo by Debra Yeoh (Coach)

In the beginning, we were struggling and found it extremely difficult to sing the correct notes. But with the guidance of Aunty Michelle, my sister, and other dedicated and hard working coaches, we met success! We mastered singing the first two phrases of the song 'I Stand in Awe of You!' We were overjoyed that we were making progress. Yay!