We are the Lord's Interns!: Day 5th and 6th of our internship =)

Music Training workshop

Hi, this is my first time doing a blog so please forgive me if i did a bad job.. =)
I really don't know what to begin writing. Hahas.. Ok, time to get serious.. I'm writing this blog mainly is to comment about some of my opinions and feelings about the music ministry training workshop. Basically, this is organised by Preacher Rebecca (Yi Xin Chuan Dao) and there were four teachers mentoring the students. Our aim for this training was organised to train new pianists of the next generation to serve the Lord in the music ministry. Through serious discussion, we felt that this training should be conducted by sharing our own music experience and the appreciation of music, that should be the way!! Rather than having it through boring and serious lectures. The training last for three days which include a mini concert or rather named as a repertoire. The duration of each training is about two and a half hours. The training consists of having a short sharing of the teacher's experience, then spliting into four groups of four which undergo about an hour or more of teaching. After which, we ended it with a short performances by the students of what they have learnt.

For the first day of training, i was assigned with a teacher, whom was a Yamaha teacher. We have taught the students chord's knowledge and piano improvisations. I told them basically music is all made up of chords and when we've master it, we can simply apply it in any music we love. Pop, Rock, jazz etc.. Even in Classical music. We can apply the knowledge into any music we love. So everything is all about playing by ear.. This is what makes a true and real musician. I told the students to be sure and familiarise with the melody of the song that they are playing and use ur ears to transfer everything to the piano. So all of them were given a chance to try and play. When they understand it, i moved on to chords knowledge and told them to add chords to their playing. That's basically for the the first day of training. I felt that it's a good experience for both teachers and students, especially me. Through this training, i really gain a lot. People always says that when u're willing to share ur knowledge selflessly, eventually u will also gain much at the same time. And when i'm teaching them, i felt this special feeling. A feeling of joy!! Perhaps this is the joy of teaching.. When i'm watching the students learning and growing, i was really glad and happy. At the same time, i hope that the students can also feel the enjoyment of music and understand what i've told them..

On the second day, our students were separated into two groups, whereby each of us taught different class. I was relieved that there will not be two teachers teaching in a class as both of us will have different opinions and teaching methods, which will result in conflicts between the both of us and affect the student's learning development. (I have no offence towards the Yamaha teacher) I was assigned to teaching two students whom one of them was a student of JiaYing's class. They were attentive in class and obeying my instructions, but i was puzzled whether they understand my teaching as they were nodding consistantly whenever i asked them if they understand.

Finally the training has come to an end, every student was required to perform a song taught by their teacher. This mini concert was held at chapel and the students can invite their parents and friends to watch. Refreshments were provided to increase bondings between church members. There were some time for the teachers to brush up their students playing techniques. Soon after, at around 11.30am the performances begin. The students did a great job in preparing their songs but due to stage fright, they tend to make careless mistakes that i felt can be improved on. The interns did well especially Porlin and Li Ting as i felt that they had put in lots of effort in preparing for their perfomances and they were able to lead the congregation in worship. Timothy had also done an excellent job in his performance and there's still room for improvement. As for Rachel, she has not touched the piano for more than six years but i was surprised that she could meet the expectation of her teacher. Well done to all interns!!!

"Opps I am stepping on the wrong pedal, can I restart again?"

What surprised me for that day was that my students did better than what i've expected as they were able to master what i've taught them. I was really shocked by their vast improvement. Finally, everyone has finished their performance but unexpectedly, the four teachers were requested to perform a song on the spot. I was unable to react immediately but soon overcoming it. Then i chose “我的心你要称颂耶和华” to improvise and perform. But i was rather disappointed by what i'm playing. I admit i did not do a good job on that day.. =(

Overall the training went fine and i felt this is a very good opportunity for everyone to learn and share music together, at the same time praise the Lord.

Children and Adult Evangelism

Right after the music training on the morning, at about one in the afternoon.. Children sunday school organized this evangelism event to spread the gospel to the grandparents of the children. The children came out with a small acting performance of the birth of Jesus Christ which they spent about a month and a half to prepare for it. The children were adorable and cute especially the babies who act as sheep, crawling on the floor and making sound of sheep. Mainly the whole event was the devotion and sharing of gospel by Preacher Meng Xia. Everyone was feeling very happy and enjoying the whole Christmas evangelism. :)

At the night, the adult evangelism conducted by Yishun region fellowship, 古早喜乐 fellowship and adult choir. They invited two oldies singer to present us with a line up of oldies song in various languages and dialects. I'm still able to appreciate chinese oldies when they were singing it but when they started to sing dialect songs, i admit i was really getting tired and i could not understand it and to the stage that i even fell asleep. I'm really sorry for that disrespectful behaviour.. After the singing session, we invited a speaker to preach the word of God to everyone. Our aim is to spead the gospel and preach the real meaning of Christmas. When i was listen, i felt that the speaker was rather energetic when he was preaching important messages. He was really loud, perhaps he wanted to wake those who were sleeping.. But the whole message that he wanted to bring across was really clear cut and meaningful. Seriously, the feedback from the crowd was really well. Many people attended it and brought quite a number of their friends.

In the both Christmas evangelism, it was successful and i believe the committee organizing it has really done a great job. Although everything turned out well, but i was really tired and worn out after the long busy week. I hope i've enough energy and may God give me strength for the days to come especially tomorrow.
Ok it's really very very late now and i've only a few hours to sleep before going to church. Goodbye!!! :)