On the 25-31 May 2011, I had the chance to go for EARC (East Asia Regional Conference) that was held in NUS, Singapore. EARC is a Christian student conference, held once every 3 years. Many Christian students from over East-Asia came for the conference. The theme was 'Wake Up and Dream - The Time is Now!'
Before I tell you about the conference, I want to thank God for giving me the opportunity to go. Actually my attachment period clash with the conference and I was sad thinking I couldn't go anymore. But one of my tutor, Ms. Choong asked me and encouraged me to go for it. She said I should not let the attachment be an excuse and instead she suggested that I ask for a one week leave from my attachment. I did as requested and both my course coordinator and supervisor gave me the green light! ^_^ But by then, I realised that the date of registration was already closed. I quickly contact the FES staff and behold, she said there are still places left and I could join. Praise the Lord!
And there I was taking a train together with 81 other Malaysian students and 7 FES staffs to Singapore. The journey took about 7-8 hours but time passes by very quickly because we had ice-breaking and slept. During the opening ceremony, we were told to wear our JAM(Jambatan Anak Malaysia) t-shirt and also a scarf on our head. Not surprisingly, we were the only country which did that. It was a breathtaking sight seeing so many people (about 600) gathering in one place from different nations praising God. The opening ceremony was nothing but boring. We even did the Great Singapore workout! After that, we were divided into our groups. My group have 9 people (me, a girl from Hong Kong, a girl from Japan, two girls from Singapore, a guy from Country B, two guys from Indonesia, and my group leader also from Malaysia.)
I really like my group members, we bond instantly in the first day itself! The Japanese girl could not understand English and we had to have an interpreter with us most of the time. The first three days were packed with Bible expo, plenary sessions and workshops. What was interesting was the country sharing. Each country will take turns to share about their Christian movement from each country and a representative from other country will pray for them. When it was Japan's turn for sharing, they actually bowed down on their knees! I was touched when they shared. Many people cried not only because the person sharing was crying but also because of the devastation of the recent tsunami. If you are a Christian and even if you are not, please pray for Japan!
On the fourth day, we went on a urban hunt. Each group had different places and my group went to little India. The funny thing was their food is almost the same as in Malaysia. I didn't know what to choose and I finally settled for Nasi Briyani with mutton. We had some tasks to do along the way like interviewing foreign workers and taking pictures at a Hindu temple.
On the fifth day, we continue our plenary session and we had student concert!!! Malaysia performed dikir barat =) Then we also went to a Methodist church called St. Margaret Church for communion.
On the sixth day, which is the last day,we gather for a movement meeting within our countries. All of us shared about our experiences in EARC. We were sad that we had to leave the next day. After dinner, everyone gather together for the closing ceremony with traditional clothes. I wore an Indian Kurtha shirt. To me the Japanese and Korean girls are the most cutest with their yukatas and hanboks. >_< After that, me and my group members hung out till 3am enjoying our last time together and sharing each other's local food/snacks.
On the seventh day, we left for our own country =( It is sad to return back to the realities of life (especially working) but I was truly blessed from this conference. I learned to wake up and dream for God once more. =)
Enjoy the Pics!
People from every country worshiping together
The place where we have our plenary sessions and Bible expo
Dining hall of Temasik Hall
St. Margaret Church
The female members in my group
Yup, Singapore is a 'fine' country!
Japan movement sharing
My group members
Me and a 'kawaii' Japanese girl
My group did henna art on each others hand to remind us of EARC =)
