Dear brothers, sisters and friends!
As we look into the coming year we look at a block of time. We see 12
months, 52 weeks, 365 days, 8,760 hours, 525,600 minutes, 31,536,000
seconds. And all this is a gift from God. We have done nothing to deserve it,
earn it, or purchased it. Like the air we breathe, time comes to us as a
part of life. The gift of time is not ours alone. It is given equally to
each person. Rich and poor, educated and ignorant, strong and weak - every
man, woman and child has the same twenty-four hours every day.
Another important thing about time is that you cannot stop it. There is no
way to slow it down, turn it off, or adjust it. Time marches on. And you
cannot bring back time. Once it is gone, it is gone. Yesterday is lost
forever. If yesterday is lost, tomorrow is uncertain. We may look ahead at
a full year's block of time, but we really have no guarantee that we will
experience any of it.Obviously, time is one of our most precious possessions.
We can waste it.We can worry over it. We can spend it on ourselves.
Or, as good stewards,we can invest it in the kingdom of God.
The new year is full of time. As the seconds tick away, will you be
tossing time out the window, or will you make every minute count?
Be a wise steward of time in the coming year 2008! Appreciate every moment
given to you by God and use it for His glory!
Have a blessed New Year!
Den Katkov
Sunday 30 December 2007
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Sunday 23 December 2007
On the event day, it wasn’t long before the hall was already filled with people, all beautifully and wonderfully dressed. Many of the guests present weren’t first timers and were actually looking forward to the party since it was announced weeks ago. The program kicked of with a solo performance of the hymn Oh holy night which ushered in a choir by the students. Among the songs sang were Silent Night, Mary’s boy child and Joy to the world. Rather than a perfect score these students delivered a joyous and heart-felt performance which brought about the spirit of Christmas.
Throughout the night, our guest (and members as well) were entertained and astounded by a variety or dances by students from different parts of the world. Our Nigerian friends danced to a hip-hop beat while our sisters from India did a contemporary to the song -love above-. Last but not least was a modern dance from the LIFE dance ministry of our local church. The Impressions Of God drama team did indeed leave the crowd with the idea of how Christmas should be. The drama tells of a news reporter who interviewed different people from different walks of life to hear what they have to say about Christmas.The response he received was rather unexpected, it even resulted in him being beaten! Finally someone made the difference by sharing the true message of love.
Midway through the party, we had the pleasure of our pastor, Bishop Alexey rudenky share about the love of God and the forgiveness of sin through the coming of Christ on Christmas day. He also took the chance to welcome us international students and prayed for God’s favor and blessing to be upon our lives.
We also got our friends to take part in some whacky games. From passing rubber bands with straws which became a battle of the sexes, we made our guest seek out similarities in their belongings as compared to others. These games turned out to be simple but hilarious. In short, the aim is to get everyone involved and to be a part of the event.
Next was a combination of a mime and ballet dance while the choir sang the song we are the reason dressed in white with glittery gold sashes, the dance was beautiful and nonetheless grand. The final performance was one which simply depicts God’s sacrifice. Acting to the song Everything . This simple skid with neither words nor props shows that we can’t find satisfaction in money or alcohol and anything for that matter but in Christ alone. It left many of our guests in awe of God's love and sacrifice
The menu this year was burgers and salad with mash potatoes. Dinner was served rather timely as our guest were getting hungry but not before a short session of free-style and break-dancing. To build the appetite perhaps.
An unexpected treat which was prepared for our friends this year was an award for Mr and Ms Christmas. Throughout the event, our organizers secretly picked out a few nominees, This group of charming ladies and gentlemen were later required to dance, sing and even cat-walk to win the crowd over.
A highlight for this year’s Christmas bash was a live band. It was the 1st time that we had a band performance. Nevertheless the musicians manage to hype up the atmosphere with songs of praise. Before long everyone was shouting and cheering as the musicians play and sing.
The only thing that could be said about this year’s Xmas bash was that it ended too soon. God was indeed “in da house”. Everyone left rather reluctantly as it drew late into the night and we had to start unplugging and cleaning.
On a personal note,
One can only stand in wonder as we see how the event came unfold especially when we started of with nothing. Indeed all praise and glory goes to You, Abba father, God of heaven and the earth
By xunjin
Saturday 1 December 2007
kudos , to all the JE members who were involved in the curry-puff fund raiser for xmas bash 2007.To our friends who help out: thank you, indeed what would we haveachieved without your support? Over the two weekends we manage to come up with approximately 600 pieces. It was good fun and fellowship as well. Above all we thank God for wisdom , and guidance.
