What is the true meaning of Easter? This was the lesson gleaned by the children of Harvest Kidz.
CN PHOTOS: Jo Chan.
“I am excited to interact with the kids this Easter even though I don’t know what to expect,” said Bryan Goh, a first-time volunteer with Harvest Kidz.
He was one of an army of volunteers who attended Harvest Kidz’ Easter celebration over the weekend of Apr 18-20. Shouts of exhilaration filled the auditorium—Suntec Singapore, Hall 606—as the children ran and chased each other before the service began. The service was entitled “Easter Scramble” and was a full-on gamut of games, music and message. Harvest Kidz also held several services in CHC’s Jurong West premises over that weekend.
“5…4…3…2…” The countdown for the celebration began, heightening the excitement in the room. The game masters worked the crowd with a series of action-packed games. “Find The Easter Egg” saw the little ones assuming roles of soldiers, spiders and detectives as they set off in groups, with some crawling, in search of the divine egg. The winner, Priya, walked away with a brand new bicycle.
Donning a distinctive lab coat and “geek-ish” spectacles, a “Mad Scientist” made his appearance. With a notebook full of experiments, the scientist threw out questions for the children. In reply, the children shouted out different answers–most of which could not be heard over the din. “If you don’t know the answer, say, ‘let’s find out’!” encouraged the scientist. This got the kids to quiet down, listen and learn with attentiveness.
The service continued with a time of praise and worship. A young boy in the arms of his mother tried to lift his hands in praise, and was supported by his mother. It was a moving sight to see many children lifting their little hands in worship.
The highlight of the day was the drama, featuring a talented bunny with a beautiful voice. However, instead of being popular, she was mocked at by her bunny friends for singing badly. While she felt very sad, she did not doubt herself because of what they said. The story taught the children that it does not matter what others say about you; even if they put you down, the most important thing is that you believe in yourself. The bunny eventually stepped out in faith and sang to her teacher. At the end of the story, she was selected to be the official Easter bunny to sing at the school’s assembly.
Following the heartfelt drama, Connie Yong, a teacher in Harvest Kidz, went on stage to share her testimony. Yong suffered from eczema since she was young; when she came to know God, she learned that He would never forsake her. She started to pray for healing. Indeed, God healed her and she grew up to be a woman who loves God wholeheartedly.
As she shared, children and parents alike leaned forward and were engrossed in her story. The love of God touched their hearts as she shared, “Jesus died for our sins, even little sins.” Some of them even bowed their heads in tears.
“I like the singing by the bunnies” said 10 year old Gabriella Devasagayam. “Easter is not about presents, is about Jesus who died on the cross.”
The children shouted ‘No!’ loudly and frowned when Yong asked, “Is Jesus still in the tomb?” In unity, they shouted, “Jesus is alive!”
When the altar call for salvation was given, many families gathered in front of the stage, ready to give their hearts to Jesus. A total of 1,847 children and parents received salvation over the Easter weekend. The teachers also gave an altar call for those who were sick and many received healing and deliverance from fear.
The love of God flooded the hall and an atmosphere of faith swept through as the service end with thanksgiving. Nine year old Darlene Ong, summarised the spirit of Easter in one simple sentence, “Easter is about God giving us His love.”
