We couldn't make our mission to the Tanjung Pinang Asrama Putra Boys' Home this year due to scheduling issues with the boys' year end examinations. Still I felt our youth at STYG and myself have been blessed with way more then we could ever ask for throughout the year.
City District Youth Day (January)
STYG Lenten Play 2008 (April)
Planet Shaker's Concert (April)
World Youth Day Sydney, Australia 2008 (July)
Arise Amazing Race (September)
STYG Youth Camp 2008 (November) (Part 1) & (Part 2)
And a whole bunch of other activities such as Confirmation Camp, Feast Day Celebrations, Archdiocese Youth Day, Kid's Camp...
I always say this - cause time and again... it has come true; "When God gives, HE gives in abundance". It amazes me every time I come to realise God's generosity. In big things and in small. More often then not, I let so many blessings pass by without truly giving thanks.
So when I came to realise we wouldn't be making our annual trip to Tanjung Pinang about a month back, I wrote to Iwan if we should do something else for our youth to give back a little. Being in the spirit of Christmas, I suggested visiting a home to spread a little joy around. When Iwan got my email, he thanked me for the affirmation, cause he was thinking along the same lines. Plans were made to help out at the Missionaries of Charity Home (along Thomson Road) where the sisters from the same order as Mother Teresa of Calcutta organising a Christmas Celebration.
Missionaries of Charity Home
Tent and stage setup for the Christmas Celebration
The 200 strong crowd
About 200 elderly, poor and destitute were invited to share the morning with Mass (served by Fr. Eugene Vaz), a program consisting of stage performances, games, lucky draws followed by lunch. Even Santa was there to spread some festive cheers. Before leaving, many collected ration packs and food vouchers.
The young and the strong
Our group was designated to serve drinks. And when the ration packs were issued, muscle power were rendered to ensure the old folkies made it up to their respective transport. Some our us hailed cabs from the main road while I ushered those who came in buses to the right vehicle.
Ration packs piled up in the background
It was crazy how heavy those ration packs were. It contained a 1 litre bottle of cooking oil, coffee mix, instant noodles, a roll of ham and a whole bunch of other goodies. Some of these old folkies could hardly walk straight, let alone carry a huge bag that weighed around 5kg! A few complained why they weren't issued an Ang Bao hand out!!! Cannot please everybody.
Still many left with a broad smile. Many children took home toys and gifts. I could see their appreciation for the effort and alms giving.
Rachel had the chance to see her maternal grandpa at the home. They haven't met for about a year. Her grandpa initially couldn't recognise her and I could hear the happiness in her voice when she shared on having the chance to see him again.
Dennis doing a pole dancing no. to amuse us while we wait around
Yet again, I am left feeling very proud of the hardwork the youth have put in; even if it was only for a morning. And for this morning, they have shared Jesus with so many.
"We can do no great things, only small things with great love." — Mother Teresa
More Missionaries of Charity Christmas Celebration Photos
City District Youth Day (January)
STYG Lenten Play 2008 (April)
Planet Shaker's Concert (April)
World Youth Day Sydney, Australia 2008 (July)
Arise Amazing Race (September)
STYG Youth Camp 2008 (November) (Part 1) & (Part 2)
And a whole bunch of other activities such as Confirmation Camp, Feast Day Celebrations, Archdiocese Youth Day, Kid's Camp...
I always say this - cause time and again... it has come true; "When God gives, HE gives in abundance". It amazes me every time I come to realise God's generosity. In big things and in small. More often then not, I let so many blessings pass by without truly giving thanks.
So when I came to realise we wouldn't be making our annual trip to Tanjung Pinang about a month back, I wrote to Iwan if we should do something else for our youth to give back a little. Being in the spirit of Christmas, I suggested visiting a home to spread a little joy around. When Iwan got my email, he thanked me for the affirmation, cause he was thinking along the same lines. Plans were made to help out at the Missionaries of Charity Home (along Thomson Road) where the sisters from the same order as Mother Teresa of Calcutta organising a Christmas Celebration.
Missionaries of Charity Home
Tent and stage setup for the Christmas Celebration
The 200 strong crowd
About 200 elderly, poor and destitute were invited to share the morning with Mass (served by Fr. Eugene Vaz), a program consisting of stage performances, games, lucky draws followed by lunch. Even Santa was there to spread some festive cheers. Before leaving, many collected ration packs and food vouchers.
The young and the strong
Our group was designated to serve drinks. And when the ration packs were issued, muscle power were rendered to ensure the old folkies made it up to their respective transport. Some our us hailed cabs from the main road while I ushered those who came in buses to the right vehicle.
Ration packs piled up in the background
It was crazy how heavy those ration packs were. It contained a 1 litre bottle of cooking oil, coffee mix, instant noodles, a roll of ham and a whole bunch of other goodies. Some of these old folkies could hardly walk straight, let alone carry a huge bag that weighed around 5kg! A few complained why they weren't issued an Ang Bao hand out!!! Cannot please everybody.
Still many left with a broad smile. Many children took home toys and gifts. I could see their appreciation for the effort and alms giving.
Rachel had the chance to see her maternal grandpa at the home. They haven't met for about a year. Her grandpa initially couldn't recognise her and I could hear the happiness in her voice when she shared on having the chance to see him again.
Dennis doing a pole dancing no. to amuse us while we wait around
Yet again, I am left feeling very proud of the hardwork the youth have put in; even if it was only for a morning. And for this morning, they have shared Jesus with so many.
"We can do no great things, only small things with great love." — Mother Teresa
More Missionaries of Charity Christmas Celebration Photos
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