Story by Donna Uning
11-year olds Benecia Tan and Deandra Unting looked over a folded piece of paper with Benecia’s dad to confirm their weekend activities for the school holidays. The two girls had prepared a two-page program and had sent invitation to friends at church in the morning to come over to Benecia’s house next weekend.
Fresh off their church camp, the two girls could not get enough of having close friends for another fellowship. “The idea comes from my daughter to invite her friends for a friendship party,” said Benecia’s father, Bro. Billy Tan. He also said that the two girls had prepared all the programs, bringing over some of their Sunday School friends.
“Having a family Christian program is something that is needed for the school holidays,” explained Bro. Billy Tan. He believed that in the future, many will open their homes for “house camps” for their children, especially to provide a safe environment for children to have friends over. “At church, children do not have much time to hang out with each other, they have quick meetings and go home,” he added. We believe for a good time for sharing and playing.
The weekend started late Friday morning with praise and worship, with messages from both girls’ parents for the sharing. Both of Benecia’s parents took the day off to help organize their daughter’s party and watch over the children. Six girls, ages between 6-11 and two boys, Deandra’s younger brother and friend, both eight, also came in for the day.
Bro. Billy Tan shared from 1 Samuel 18:1-4, which talked about the relationship between David and Jonathan. He explained how David and Jonathan became friends the moment they met. “Their friendship is one of the deepest and closest ever recorded in the Bible,” he said in the message. He also added that their relationship is bound in love because of the Holy Spirit.
After the message, Deandra’s mother, Sis. Froline Moriah, shared with the children about her childhood experiences. Her message about celebrity crushes was more about reaching out to the young girls. “Celebrities come and go. It is okay to admire celebrities, but we must remind ourselves to focus on God,” she said. God comes and stay in our lives. Celebrities will come and go; in time, we will remember them as memories.
Sis. Froline Moriah mentioned to the children that as parents, “We were young once too. Any problems, confusions, especially in your teen years, you should not hesitate to come and seek our advice.” I know you see us as older people. That was how we saw our parents and we know what you went through. “Everywhere you go, in good times or in bad times, Jesus is with you,” she ended.
Bro. Billy Tan also said that sharing was part of the program. “When our children made plans, we have to support them or it won’t come to pass,” he told. When our children know how to organize these programs, they are future leaders. One parent was so joyful that he opened his home for the holidays.
After lunch, the children made costumes and presented them to parents. They also played water games. The younger girls and boys left the premise after dinner. The next day program includes sio bee making and more water games. After playing at the park nearby, the long day ended with a dinner outing with parents and children. Benecia made door gifts for her friends with a card that read:
“Let us love one another, for love comes from God.” 1 John 4:7
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