passion @ uwa

The day of Navapur

Curries curries and more curries! The last meal we had at Udaipur before leaving for Navapur of course came along with curries.

It is interesting that the concept (and design) of buses around the world varies from the usage of it. From the defaulted buses found on the streets of Singapore and Malaysia to the uber high class coach for those wishing to make a 5 hour journey from Singapore to KL or vice versa. The one we boarded for Navapur was of course, custom made for overnight trips. To call it high class was perhaps overhyping it a little while to call it haphazard was to underhype it. Imagine a bus with a little more leg space than normal added with an extra level for several 2 by 1 metre compartments for that extra comfort of being able to lie down for some shut eye. That was our 12 hour journey transport to Navapur.

The ride was rather smooth together with the usual bumps that one would expect from travelling on the road the colours within the bus was however what I would call scintillating, it was almost like a mini party bus (only thing missing is the disco ball) with neon colours of blue, red, yellow and I think there was green as well and with the constant chattering, it was pure vibrancy!

The amount of shut eye time was good. Most of us got ample rest while in our little bus "boxes" which upon reaching Surat (the meeting point where we would be picked up to head into Navapur), we were all ready and raring to go.

Some highlights have been: joining them in worship, acting out a skit called the lifehouse 'everything' skit (for those of you who know it) with Fenny starring as mankind, and Simon as Jesus, and all contributing fantastically (Zee - money guy, Andre- mr suave, Jason - mr death, Esther - too much drink, char - good looking) and our directors Andre, Cindy and Gee, with only 2 hours practice!! Praise God!! people were really encouraged by the skit and hope to use it in their ministry.
The girls also did a dance presentation for all, and a workshop for the college students. Many of us have given devotions with students including Gee and Andre during the evening time.

During the trip to the orphanage in the mountains, we were moved to pray for a little boy who became crippled due to a fall from his cot. As we hugged him, we could just see him breaking into a smile. That melted all our hearts. Even though we didn't see physical healing, both ours and the boy's faith were strengthened through this experience. We know that God is at work in restoring his soul as we commit to continue to pray for him.

It is encouraging that we are able to use Creative Arts (which is a major part of ZION ministries) to minister to the students. Our activities will hopefully equip and empower them to in turn minister to their own people through Creative Arts.

The day of Navapur

Curries curries and more curries! The last meal we had at Udaipur before leaving for Navapur of course came along with curries.

It is interesting that the concept (and design) of buses around the world varies from the usage of it. From the defaulted buses found on the streets of Singapore and Malaysia to the uber high class coach for those wishing to make a 5 hour journey from Singapore to KL or vice versa. The one we boarded for Navapur was of course, custom made for overnight trips. To call it high class was perhaps overhyping it a little while to call it haphazard was to underhype it. Imagine a bus with a little more leg space than normal added with an extra level for several 2 by 1 metre compartments for that extra comfort of being able to lie down for some shut eye. That was our 12 hour journey transport to Navapur.

The ride was rather smooth together with the usual bumps that one would expect from travelling on the road the colours within the bus was however what I would call scintillating, it was almost like a mini party bus (only thing missing is the disco ball) with neon colours of blue, red, yellow and I think there was green as well and with the constant chattering, it was pure vibrancy!

The amount of shut eye time was good. Most of us got ample rest while in our little bus "boxes" which upon reaching Surat (the meeting point where we would be picked up to head into Navapur), we were all ready and raring to go.

Some highlights have been: joining them in worship, acting out a skit called the lifehouse 'everything' skit (for those of you who know it) with Fenny starring as mankind, and Simon as Jesus, and all contributing fantastically (Zee - money guy, Andre- mr suave, Jason - mr death, Esther - too much drink, char - good looking) and our directors Andre, Cindy and Gee, with only 2 hours practice!! Praise God!! people were really encouraged by the skit and hope to use it in their ministry.
The girls also did a dance presentation for all, and a workshop for the college students. Many of us have given devotions with students including Gee and Andre during the evening time.

During the trip to the orphanage in the mountains, we were moved to pray for a little boy who became crippled due to a fall from his cot. As we hugged him, we could just see him breaking into a smile. That melted all our hearts. Even though we didn't see physical healing, both ours and the boy's faith were strengthened through this experience. We know that God is at work in restoring his soul as we commit to continue to pray for him.

It is encouraging that we are able to use Creative Arts (which is a major part of ZION ministries) to minister to the students. Our activities will hopefully equip and empower them to in turn minister to their own people through Creative Arts.

On Christmas Day a group on Zionites met at my house at about 11:30am to prepare for an afternoon of carolling at the Bentley Park nursing home. About 15 people decided to give up some of their day to bring some joy to the residents of the nursing home who weren't able to visit family or friends at Christmas but instead stayed at Bentley Park. After the carol sheets were passed out Genesis and the team started selecting the favourite songs and we had a great time practicing and getting ready to head over to the nursing home.



There was a great mixed group of African, Asian and Caucasian brothers and sisters (with some amazing singing talent) but we decided that a guitar by itself wasn't enough accompaniment so we made some egg-shakers from containers of rice. Pia had prepared individual gifts for around 60 residents who were expected to remain at the nursing home on Christmas day and had also come ready with a large package of chocolates for the staff who were working. Each year the staff provide a big cooked Christmas lunch for the residents (with pre-mashed vegetables of course) and last year we had entertained them with around 10 Christmas carols before they headed into the dining room for lunch. This year we decided that we would sing to them after lunch so we headed over the Bentley Park at 1pm.

On arrival we found out that most of the residents have a nap after lunch and had already gone to their individual rooms to rest. But this wasn't going to be enough to curb the carollers enthusiasm. We gathered the remaining residents and sang a few carols to them before setting out on an expedition through the centre. Bentley Park has 5 floors so we started at the top floor and one of the staff members went from room to room checking in on the residents and asking if they would like to hear some carols. The carollers stood in small groups outside the doors enthusiastically singing before meeting each of the residents and offering our gifts. Two and a half hours later we had visited all 5 floors, handed out every one of the 60 gifts, brought some joy into the life of some oldies and had a great time doing it! Next year we plan to do the same thing again so if you are in Perth please join us :-)

(photo taken after 2.5 hrs of carolling- look at all the smiles)

Looking forward to seeing you all back in Perth soon.
God bless,

Peter

On Christmas Day a group on Zionites met at my house at about 11:30am to prepare for an afternoon of carolling at the Bentley Park nursing home. About 15 people decided to give up some of their day to bring some joy to the residents of the nursing home who weren't able to visit family or friends at Christmas but instead stayed at Bentley Park. After the carol sheets were passed out Genesis and the team started selecting the favourite songs and we had a great time practicing and getting ready to head over to the nursing home.



There was a great mixed group of African, Asian and Caucasian brothers and sisters (with some amazing singing talent) but we decided that a guitar by itself wasn't enough accompaniment so we made some egg-shakers from containers of rice. Pia had prepared individual gifts for around 60 residents who were expected to remain at the nursing home on Christmas day and had also come ready with a large package of chocolates for the staff who were working. Each year the staff provide a big cooked Christmas lunch for the residents (with pre-mashed vegetables of course) and last year we had entertained them with around 10 Christmas carols before they headed into the dining room for lunch. This year we decided that we would sing to them after lunch so we headed over the Bentley Park at 1pm.

On arrival we found out that most of the residents have a nap after lunch and had already gone to their individual rooms to rest. But this wasn't going to be enough to curb the carollers enthusiasm. We gathered the remaining residents and sang a few carols to them before setting out on an expedition through the centre. Bentley Park has 5 floors so we started at the top floor and one of the staff members went from room to room checking in on the residents and asking if they would like to hear some carols. The carollers stood in small groups outside the doors enthusiastically singing before meeting each of the residents and offering our gifts. Two and a half hours later we had visited all 5 floors, handed out every one of the 60 gifts, brought some joy into the life of some oldies and had a great time doing it! Next year we plan to do the same thing again so if you are in Perth please join us :-)

(photo taken after 2.5 hrs of carolling- look at all the smiles)

Looking forward to seeing you all back in Perth soon.
God bless,

Peter

Day 1
The awaited time of the India missions trip had finally arrived. 7 months of preparation, heaps of prayers and countless meetings later, we were stepping off the plane in Dehli international airport staring into the endless queues and queues of people with the marauding crowd shoving their way towards the customs point it was almost akin to a stempede.

Road dividers were obviously a non existant item within India as cars (and the taxi we were travelling in) were crossing each other with the constant "I'm coming through" beep of the horn as the usual saying in Perth goes, "if you can survive driving in KL you can drive anywhere" after the life shortening experience in the Indian traffic, I reckon the word KL should be changed to India. But all was good (thank God) we survived the ride, though thoroughly shaken by "roller taxi" ride we had.

We took 3 taxis to the train station for the next leg of the journey to Udaipur. By the time we boarded the train, it was well past 6.30 p.m. The train was going to be an overnight trip arriving between 8 a.m and 9 a.m. The train itself wasn't that bad, we had a time of worship and prayer before calling it a night and going to sleep (lots couldn't sleep and the other passengers were snoring!). The next morning, tired and sore, we had finally arrived at Udaipur. Our friends picked us up and away we went to the Bible school. It was a Sunday morning, we freshened up, had a light breakfast and then it was time for church! It was such an experience to be having attending church on the first Sunday of the year in India. Worship was great, although we didn't know the language for the songs, the message from Pastor Finny and Pastor Paul was awesome, ask anyone of us when we're back. From the message, we moved on to a special time in the service, Holy Communion! How cool is that? Having our first Communion of the year in India! Soon after, we ended with a few more worship songs (sounds familiar anyone?) before concluding the service. And since it was the first Sunday,the church prepared lunch for the whole congregation, thats 500 - 600 people! And lunch was good! Take it from Esther who's never, NEVER had Indian food.

After lunch, we showered and took some time to rest. The girls took this time to prepare for their dance which was going to be performed on Monday. In the evening, we joined the Bible college students in their evening devotions. We as a team lead in praise and worship and generally the whole devotion session. Ziech shared to the students about "knowing Jesus" as a relationship rather than "knowing about Him."

After the devotion session, We had a meeting with Pastor Finny to discuss what we're going to do or what we can do while in Udaipur. Following that meeting, we were served dinner. This time we had dinner with Pastor Paul and Pastor Michael from Florida, another guest at the college. After dinner, we had a bit of free time, the girls again practiced for the dance in the guys room while Jason and Andre went to the men's dormitory for some fellowship. It was really a good time of fellowship, getting to know the students better, sharing our knowledge and getting to know their heart and desires. Each and everyone of the students already has such an amazing testimony and their passion for God and to serve Him really encouraged us. It was 10 p.m by the time we left the dorm to get some sleep and there is the morning devotions at 5.30 a.m tomorrow.

Day 2
The guys got up at 5.20 and were ready to share for the morning devotion but we were told there would be no morning devotions for today because most of the students arrived back at the college last night or early in the morning. So off to bed again for a few more hours of sleep. We got up again around 7 and went down for breakfast. After breakfast, it was time for morning chapel. It started at 9.45 and it was basically a mini service run by the students. The girls then presented their dance after the message and it was well received. Students were excited to see what we were doing for them and for the church, it was something new. It's usually the little girls who dance during worship on Sundays but to watch a worship dance by our young women, it inspired the young women who are studying at the college. Then we announced that Cindy and Fenny would be conducting a workshop for the dance and we'll also be conducting a drama workshop the next day after performing a ZPH drama.

After chapel we frantically got ready to take a "45 minute" journey to one of their missions in the field where our friends run an English school and a orphanage for about a 60 children. Ziech just told us it was in the mountains ... which is somewhat undescriptive!

The ride up to the mountian was a bumpy one leaving a few of us with rather weak stomachs. The view of the mountains were however breathtaking! The children were glad to meet with us and definitely, the feeling was mutual. We sang songs, did a short skit on the story of Noah's Ark and taught them how to fold an origami boat! Taking photos of the kids was a delight as they rushed to Andre each time he previewed a photo to them on his camera.

2 days are over! But what an experience already. It feels like its been a week. From the comfort of Singapore and Perth, to the masses of Delhi, to the riviting traffic and dreadfully long train ride. Our next stop would be Navapur where we would be spending time and living in an ophanage and children's home!

PS: Chai is really really good tea!

Esther

Day 1
The awaited time of the India missions trip had finally arrived. 7 months of preparation, heaps of prayers and countless meetings later, we were stepping off the plane in Dehli international airport staring into the endless queues and queues of people with the marauding crowd shoving their way towards the customs point it was almost akin to a stempede.

Road dividers were obviously a non existant item within India as cars (and the taxi we were travelling in) were crossing each other with the constant "I'm coming through" beep of the horn as the usual saying in Perth goes, "if you can survive driving in KL you can drive anywhere" after the life shortening experience in the Indian traffic, I reckon the word KL should be changed to India. But all was good (thank God) we survived the ride, though thoroughly shaken by "roller taxi" ride we had.

We took 3 taxis to the train station for the next leg of the journey to Udaipur. By the time we boarded the train, it was well past 6.30 p.m. The train was going to be an overnight trip arriving between 8 a.m and 9 a.m. The train itself wasn't that bad, we had a time of worship and prayer before calling it a night and going to sleep (lots couldn't sleep and the other passengers were snoring!). The next morning, tired and sore, we had finally arrived at Udaipur. Our friends picked us up and away we went to the Bible school. It was a Sunday morning, we freshened up, had a light breakfast and then it was time for church! It was such an experience to be having attending church on the first Sunday of the year in India. Worship was great, although we didn't know the language for the songs, the message from Pastor Finny and Pastor Paul was awesome, ask anyone of us when we're back. From the message, we moved on to a special time in the service, Holy Communion! How cool is that? Having our first Communion of the year in India! Soon after, we ended with a few more worship songs (sounds familiar anyone?) before concluding the service. And since it was the first Sunday,the church prepared lunch for the whole congregation, thats 500 - 600 people! And lunch was good! Take it from Esther who's never, NEVER had Indian food.

After lunch, we showered and took some time to rest. The girls took this time to prepare for their dance which was going to be performed on Monday. In the evening, we joined the Bible college students in their evening devotions. We as a team lead in praise and worship and generally the whole devotion session. Ziech shared to the students about "knowing Jesus" as a relationship rather than "knowing about Him."

After the devotion session, We had a meeting with Pastor Finny to discuss what we're going to do or what we can do while in Udaipur. Following that meeting, we were served dinner. This time we had dinner with Pastor Paul and Pastor Michael from Florida, another guest at the college. After dinner, we had a bit of free time, the girls again practiced for the dance in the guys room while Jason and Andre went to the men's dormitory for some fellowship. It was really a good time of fellowship, getting to know the students better, sharing our knowledge and getting to know their heart and desires. Each and everyone of the students already has such an amazing testimony and their passion for God and to serve Him really encouraged us. It was 10 p.m by the time we left the dorm to get some sleep and there is the morning devotions at 5.30 a.m tomorrow.

Day 2
The guys got up at 5.20 and were ready to share for the morning devotion but we were told there would be no morning devotions for today because most of the students arrived back at the college last night or early in the morning. So off to bed again for a few more hours of sleep. We got up again around 7 and went down for breakfast. After breakfast, it was time for morning chapel. It started at 9.45 and it was basically a mini service run by the students. The girls then presented their dance after the message and it was well received. Students were excited to see what we were doing for them and for the church, it was something new. It's usually the little girls who dance during worship on Sundays but to watch a worship dance by our young women, it inspired the young women who are studying at the college. Then we announced that Cindy and Fenny would be conducting a workshop for the dance and we'll also be conducting a drama workshop the next day after performing a ZPH drama.

After chapel we frantically got ready to take a "45 minute" journey to one of their missions in the field where our friends run an English school and a orphanage for about a 60 children. Ziech just told us it was in the mountains ... which is somewhat undescriptive!

The ride up to the mountian was a bumpy one leaving a few of us with rather weak stomachs. The view of the mountains were however breathtaking! The children were glad to meet with us and definitely, the feeling was mutual. We sang songs, did a short skit on the story of Noah's Ark and taught them how to fold an origami boat! Taking photos of the kids was a delight as they rushed to Andre each time he previewed a photo to them on his camera.

2 days are over! But what an experience already. It feels like its been a week. From the comfort of Singapore and Perth, to the masses of Delhi, to the riviting traffic and dreadfully long train ride. Our next stop would be Navapur where we would be spending time and living in an ophanage and children's home!

PS: Chai is really really good tea!

Esther

For all those who already left us to go home for the Holidays ...

THIS IS WHAT YOU MISSED!!!

On Christmas night, the few of us brave survivors left here in Perth organized a Christmas party to shake the blues of being ‘left behind’ and to suitably celebrate the importance of the event we call the birth of our Saviour. This awesome party, of course, was held at the one place big enough to house all of us and still look spacious enough at the same time – Mr. Cheng Ho Yan’s house (that's Zion if you didn't already know).

In terms of food, this party was an absolute bomb. Turkey, Ham, Potato Salad… Even Campbell’s Mushroom soup found its way into the menu. Not to mention the Butterscotch date pudding that followed after (I feel fat already).

Apart from the food, this party was actually really going places. I mean, which mini Christmas party had its own poolside entertainment in the form of music through very professional looking speakers and mixer. AND to top it off, a Christmas (somewhat) movie being shown on through a projector on a rented wide screen (Eat your heart out all you Plasma ‘wide-screen’ TVs) very aptly named the Holiday.

Indeed, we strived to provide every possible aspect in the party to cater to the needs of our people, including the one couple! We had lit candles floating around in the pool, Peter’s doing of course that hopeless romantic.

On a nice ending note, our little party even had a nice gift exchange session to top it off whereby some of us got really nice gifts and some of us got, well, chocolate WHICH was also awesome!

Certainly, while Christmas Day did bring about laughter, gaiety, friendships and fun, what came first and foremost to our minds was that on this day, God sent his son to die for our salvation so that we might have a reason to gather and celebrate a la mini party style and because of him, we are what we are, that is of course, Christians having a blast on Christmas Day =).

Wish you were here all you peoples back in your native homelands!

Best wishes from Anonymous_writer via Max's account.