Sunday, October 09, 2005

Welcome Evening

A marathon day for me, even though it looks quite short and fast the day passed. Why do I put it this way? Simply because this is the busiest and is one of the most important day in my life. This is the day which I need to prepare myself for the Welcome Evening Sketch and at the same time I need to attend my lectures, which was timed from 11am till 4pm. Frankly, I was not really well-prepared for the role of the sketch which I need to play. I was not really paying any attention to what the lecturers have been talking about through out the lectures. Well guess what, surprises are always within God. I really want to praise Lord for a thing that He has offered me – more time. My lecture was supposed to end 4pm. like I just said. But something happened to the laboratory assistant that caused the lab class to be cancelled straight for that afternoon. For this, I earned more than enough time for me to memorise the bits of sketch dialogue which I could hardly squeeze into my brain.

First part of the events was quite smooth. Ice-breakers have done a significant purpose to bring the unfamiliar faces together. Some of the new-comers were too into the games, until eventually when the hosts need to stop the games, they were still busily involved in the games. Or should I say, they are too focused. The games really put all the participants in a good laugh. Praise Lord for that.

Unexpected chaos moved in when we found out that people who were having the back seats were not really paying their attentions to the messages delivered, as the view was being blocked by the chapel door. Immediate changes were carried out to allow the direction of the chairs change from one direction to another. The stage was changed as well, from the chapel room to the centre room of the chaplaincy. Slight alterations have caused a huge trouble to the PA systems and projector’s allocation. Knowing that my electronic notebook needed to be connected to both the PA systems and projector to produce the visual and audio effects in the sketch, I had to force myself to troubleshoot for the best way to get both the video and audio systems to work at the same time. In the midst of confusion, I suddenly came out with a trick. In less than a minute, I copied the video file into a pen drive and sent it straight to Hao Ern’s computer for the play of the audio’s amplification. My electronic notebook will only serve as a medium to transfer the magnified visual signals on the projector slide. Thank God, it worked perfectly as it was premeditated. Although it was quite worrying for that particular moment, as we didn’t have much time to think of the solution towards the problem, but the Grace of God has saved us once more.

Left: My role in the sketch as theTalk Show Host, "Bruce Wayne". The show is named "Tonight Show". It is quite a challenging role and I like it so much. Thanks to Andrew Chong for giving me this chance to try out something that I have never done before, as a Talk Show Host.
"Ladies and fellow gentlemen, welcome to the Tonight Show. I am Bruce Wayne, your host for tonight..."
"...That's all for tonight. Join me next week for more exciting interviews. Till then I am Bruce Wayne, have a pleasent evening."

After sorting out the visual and audio systems problem, I thought everything was settled. I couldn’t believe my eyes that my electronic notebook malfunctions in an abrupt. This added worries that were previously in me. God has led me into a few spontaneous acts on the sketch. It is still incredible when I recall the scenario. I couldn’t have done that without the help of God. Jean experienced the same thing when Hao Ern’s computer which was supposed to play some themes, was stalled out of nothing. Although the sketch was not really that successful, but we did earn credits and support from the audience. Praise Lord again for that.

Seeing Lord bringing so many people to the Welcome Evening, I am touched. At least what we have done for the past 4 days is not wasted. With all the fun and wonderful moments spent with the stage crew to come out with the sketch and video (the first video produced by me), I want to extend my gratitude to all of those who have taken part for making this happened. One thing I realise that night is, God’s gift is never ending. Thank you Lord for giving me this talent and wisdom, allowing me to serve you, Lord. This night will be a memorable night for me as I truly experienced the true love of God, which has showered each and every one of us in the chaplaincy. And lastly, I want to pray to Father Lord that He will lead His own creation one by one, back to His heavenly kingdom. May the lost souls be saved and may sins committed be forgiven. Come and take hold of our lives, Lord and may your name be glorified. Amen!