1 October marked Children’s Day — 2009 being the 48th year that this occasion is celebrated in Singapore.
At City Harvest Church, thousands of kids flooded auditoriums East and West of Singapore to celebrate Children’s Day in a big way!
Held across two locations (City Harvest Church at Jurong West and Singapore Expo Hall 8), the hugely successful parties hosted by City Harvest Children’s Church attracted 11,027 visitors, the highest ever attendance. What’s more, 6,001 children and parents made a decision for Christ at the altar calls.
Themed “It’s A Small World”, the party began with kids being divided into two clusters, each one screaming their lungs out in this loudest-is-winner marathon. Then J7, Children’s Church’s very own homegrown pop group, stormed the stage with their solid rendition of Miley Cyrus’ popular dance-along hit ‘Hoedown Throwdown’.
The highlights of the day were magician Kyros who captivated the kids with his close-up illusion tricks, and physical comedian Keith Coast. Whether Coast was making a balloon or getting inside one, every child was charmed to the edge of their seats! His art of ballooning left a side-splitting experience no one could forget.
All this led up to the heart of the party. The Kids Band, made up of children like the spirited Joie Teo, 8, proceeded to lead the crowd in a heart-warming time of praise and worship. The Band opened the way for a light-hearted message by Eileen Toh, pastor of Children’s Church. Toh was right to call this the best opportunity to bring friends as Children’s Day is international and neutral.
 |
 |
| PHOTOS: Johnny Wee, Jason Lee and Koh Meng Kwang |
|
Such a great finale would not have been complete without the firework-like spectacle of confetti, balloons and paper streamers as J7 closed with the ever popular ‘Superhero’. Fae, 7, and her sister Zoe, 3, were just two of thousands who thoroughly enjoyed the party, especially the balloon act. Glenda, 10, who keenly followed the program, was very happy and thanked her friend who first invited her to church two years ago.
It might have been a small world, but it certainly was no small feat. More than 400 helpers spent four weeks on event planning and home visitations. The target that Toh and her team had for the event was 10,000 children. It was a journey that this pastor and her faithful helpers embarked on, and savoured the sweet results of.
Toh credited her team members for their tireless effort and endurance. “As these parties were not held consecutively (but split up over two weekends), it was hard for us to keep up the momentum. Personally, I can see that everyone has grown, learned to look after each other’s welfare, played their part and stretched their capacities. This whole event made each us a better person. It was worthwhile.”
What motivated them to do so much so well? Toh gave a befitting summary from her favorite book: “Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father who is in heaven.”
