Amazing weekend

I was away from work for 6 days since Malaysia day holiday last week, and those 6 days had been really amazing and fruitful. Here's a summary of things (and joy) worth sharing...

Segi CF camp at Genting Peace Haven

Follow Ps Shawn and Alex, with Ruth to minister for the CF camp. Had really great time, just connecting with people, get to know a few new friends, praying for students and having fun. And most important of all, a student that we've been reaching out to finally received Christ during the camp. Nothing else more important and worth rejoicing than seeing a soul saved in heaven!

Spike Asia 10 @ Singapore 

My first time really attending a regional advertising festival. Honestly, I wasn't really excited or having any expectation when I went, I actually looked at it as just part of my job anyway... However, it turned out to be a really mind blowing experience...

My first surprise came on the first day. It was sunday and we reached there in the afternoon. I was walking alone in Suntec Mall before the conference started, and in my mind, I was telling God that I don't want this to be just another business trip, please show me a sign that You've brought me here for a purpose, or at least show me your presence here. 

Lo and behold, as I was walking aimlessly in the mall, I actually came across a section which looked quite happening, with people walking in and out, and some people standing outside welcoming people... So out of curiosity, I just approached someone and asked him what's happening. Guess what, he told me that it's a church service going on there and they've just started. So I just walked in for the service without even knowing the name of the church, and later only realised that it's the New Creation Church and on this week they were showing a video of Ps Joseph Prince preaching in Hillsong Conference. 

What's so significant about this is that I was actually checking out New Creation Church and Ps Joseph Prince on the internet a few weeks ago since I've heard Melvin talking so much about him. And the sermon that day really spoke so strongly and straight to my heart...

Next, the conference. It surprised me to realise that there actually a similar theme in most of the sessions by different speakers. Advertising now has evolve into giving back to the society, brands are coming out with ideas that not just make money and sell product, they need to do something good to the society in order for consumers to love them. 

And it actually answered one of my main skeptical view about advertising, that it's just promoting consumerism and greed. But now, I actually believe that advertising can really make the world a better place... And it sparked an idea in my mind that I think it could really change the world if it's able to take off... (more details on that some other time)

And the most amazing part of the conference was that they actually invited Cyril Takayama to talk about the similarity between advertising and magic. Can you imagine seeing the world most awesome magician standing right in front of you demonstrating magic tricks? (we grabbed the seats at the 1st row) That's the coolest experience ever...

Besides the conference, I also took time to visit the Marina Bay Sands. Paid $20 to go up the Skypark on top of it and had a magnificent view of Singapore. The view is really not cheap, but I think it's worth it for the experience. Went into the casino also, since it's free for tourist. It looks bigger and more classy that Genting casino, but surprisingly there's actually not much crowd there.

Came back to work on Wednesday fully inspired, and had a new dream to fight for.