13th Dec 2012, by Adeline Lum CM-
Fifty members of B&P (Business and Professionals) came to SJK (C) Balakong to bring the Christmas cheer to 14 poor families whose children studied in the school.
Louis and Weng Kiat as a couple started this Christmas event two years ago under the wings of Business and Professionals (B&P). Their child who studied among the poor children in SMJKC Balakong brought to their parents’ attention of their poor friends’ plight. At the same time, B&P was also praying to serve the poor. How awesome that God met that prayer with an opportunity to serve!
“We wanted a longer-term relationship with these families than just fulfilling their financial needs such as giving books, food and money,” Peter Ng, president of B&P, said.
Broad smiles and loving pats were given to each other on the floor of the school gymnasium, as the event started at 5:30 pm.
Lisa Ping, Winson Phua and Wang Xin, energetic emcees onstage led a series of fun ice-breaking games, competed between groups of eight who sit in the same table.
The competition compared groups with the most women, most children, longest lip, longest eyebrow, number of people born in August and number of pockets. One table had a record-breaking of 48 pockets in eight members! And at another time, the crowd abuzz as they scratched their heads to find a representative with the highest added numbers of birth dates. At the end, three groups tied with the same total points. But no fret; the group with the longest pinky finger won! How fun!
Next, Jessy from Muse lifted up the Christmas spirits by singing Christmas classics, such as Joy to the world, we wished you a Merry Christmas, and Silent Night.
Children were not left out from the fun too! About 40 children gathered into groups to have drama and performance led by youth leaders. Parents, on the other hand, nestled in the gymnasium to hear the testimony of a husband and wife, Alex and Melissa Chew.
Before Melissa met Christ, her relationship with husband was very cold with many arguments. But seven years ago, she encountered the warmth of Brother K. H. Tan and Brother David Wong, members of B&P, who persistently visited her to do Bible studies. And the marriage lives of these brothers inspired, changed and touched her heart. At one time, the couple even accepted Christ in one bible study. And now, their relationship as husband and wife has grown much closer.
Next, Jessy came onstage to share her testimony through a song. When she was young, she was intimidated by her father who rarely smiled; a smile so rare that only striking a lottery would warrant one.Her home was never at peace and pierced with many quarrels. In fact, the family hadn’t been taking a family picture for nine years!
When she grew older, her interest in music led her to join a music band, much to her mother’s disapproval. Her mother was also upset that she was rarely at home, which further strained the relationship. However, around that time also, she was invited to church, after which, she regularly joined a life group. And eventually in one visit, she accepted Christ as her personal Lord and Savior.
Nevertheless, her relationship with her mother was still strained. Once, she felt that her home situation was so hopeless that she ran away from home for three days. But on the third day, her father called her to return home because her mother had been crying for her unceasingly for three days… She realized her mother’s love for her.
“God showed me how prideful I am in my heart,” said Jessy. “I realized that although my mother scolded me, she showed love to me by ironing my clothes and doing things for me.”
Jessy and her mother’s relationship improved since then. What a touching reconciliation story between a mother and a daughter, through the grace of God!
After the testimony sharing, the guests helped themselves with a scrumptious buffet-style dinner. Everyone sat together like a family- lip smacking, eating, laughing and joking with one another. Children were running around the gymnasium, as mothers with babies clustered together to share Mummy stories. Men, on the other hand, stood by their wives while they shared a private joke with one another before bursting into fits of laughter.
Now, this is what I called as a merry, merry Christmas. I saw Luke 14:12-14 came to live!
When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or sisters, your relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous. – Luke 14:12-14 (NIV)
May the holiday cheers be with you and a friend in need too!
Merry Christmas everyone!
Dear Viewers in Christ, if you find this article edifying to you, please share with your friends or loved ones by using the social media plugs (Share, Email to this article). The Lord will surely bless you as you bless others. May the Lord’s peace and love be with you. Amen.
Information about B&P ministries:
Started in 1994, Businessmen and Professionals (B&P) ministry was created to help businessmen and professionals walk the talk of faith in their workplace.
Please go to the website below for more information:
References for pictures:
Pictures were contributed by B&P
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