W.I Jonah: Mission Accomplished!

As said before, I'll update you people about my recent participation as a FES Graduate Helper in the Wordilicious Investigators (W.I) event hitting primarily the Northern region.
The event was held last week, Monday to be exact, but preparation and planning started since late last year.
Yep, a whole lot of work before the real thing!

Ok ok, before I blabber on, let me just give you a brief explanation on what's W.I is all about..

It's basically an event that encourages students to read and study the Word. In this case, the book of Jonah to be exact.
The event is planned out in such a way that is exciting for students to participate, reflect and apply what's been put forth through worship, drama and the speaker.

Ever since my 4th semester in university, I sort of made a vow to serve in FES Northern region and having given the chance to do so in this first "major" project with them, it was both a privilege and a thrilling experience!
Being a student before, I knew very well how FES events function.
They have a certain trademark "identity" tagged along with them - a certain distinctive style unlike any other.
Having been to camps and events before, I never could really grasp the tireless preparation these dedicated FES staff have to go through to actually pull things together, making them impactful, enjoyable and fulfilling for students.
Being part of W.I. planning committee has opened my eyes to this 'other side' and has indeed deepened my respect for FES and its staff.

Almost 4 months of planning has led us to just a one-day event.
Students started coming in for registration way earlier than expected.

Students all excited and ready to go on a Jonah experience!
:)

I was one of the Programme Coordinators.
Hear ye! Hear ye!
Let this be known to all! - Handling programme is a task too much for a man to manage!
It can be quite a handful to do when you need to oversee the actors and actresses getting in their costumes, making sure they know their cue, keep track of the flow of programme and so on.
Being one who's not very well skilled in multitasking doesn't really make things any easier.

All my talented actors and actresses in costumes.
From left-right: Kevin, Christine, Wai Wai, Timothy & Nic.

For me, it was a great joy to see students making an effort to participate and be part of the event as a whole.
It was important for us to see that students are participating not just in an all-fun manner but deeper than that, to also participate in a one-day event "date" with Him.

A student taking a challenge to participate in a quiz.

The speaker/actress, Brenda Lee, was superb!
Brenda came on stage at different times as an actress and a speaker.
As actress, she was exceptionally talented. She basically played numerous roles as depicted in the book of Jonah and it's been a while since I last saw an energetic actress on stage.
And as a speaker, she hit the nail right on the head. Naturally, she's very energetic and it was an asset to be used on a setting such as this.

Brenda (on stage) monologue'ing her way through the book of Jonah.

During the break, it was pleasant to see students mingling around with one another.
To me, FES has not only been a place for spiritual growth but also a place where I built numerous relationships.
It was through FES that I've crossed path with many friends and priceless relationships.
Most people don't realize that Christian "networking" is not just essential, it's a necessity.

Break Time!
A good time for a breather!

Students mingling around.

Who says studying the Bible is all so boring and no fun?
We not only made it fun through the comical acting and activities in the hall, we even organized a mini carnival for them!
It was really quite something.
Again, this took a lot of preparation and planning.
We organized 10 different games with very "Biblical" title to it...
Don't believe me?
Check it out...

"Hitting Goliath" - Use a 'sumpit' instead of a 'stone'.
Wah, half the time all the Sarawakians hogged this station.
All Ibans! Cheating weiii!! =P

"40 Days in the Wilderness" -
Using a remote controlled car, complete an obstacle course within the given time.
Such a guy station.
=P

There are others like "Hosea's Chase", "Bartimeus's box", etc.
It was really for students to just have fun and let loose. I think they all did have fun!
People screaming in excitement, laughing, cheering.
If there's a carnival, of course there are prizes to be redeemed!
And the prizes were really good stuff too - Study Bibles, books, Cds, journals, shirts!
How I wish I was a student again! =p

Oh, heck!
If I can't be a student again, I'll be WITH the students at least! HAH!
All USM-ers from dinosaurs to the babies unite!

As a helper, nothing beats the satisfaction of seeing students going back with a big smile on their face.
It's not everyday you have a literally "God given opportunity" to be part of an event that not only teaches the word of God but also an event with an opportunity to help shape the young minds, hearts and spirits of future leaders.
A 4 months planning and preparation for a one day event may sound a little wasted.
To me, it's better to plan and prepare even if it takes a year, two years or even three years just for the sake of a one day event if it counts to make an impact that may last a life time -
Better to take years than to lose for all eternity.

To all my fellow graduate helpers,
It was an honour and privilege to have work alongside you, comrades.
Let's continue to march forth and constantly
"changing students for life"!
:)