Friday HeartSpeaks

Dear Friends, we're happy to bring to you our reflections from our mission experience. Every Friday watch out for HeartSpeaks. (sorry it's late today... we've been at the CHIJ YM campfire! heehee!)

Our 1st HeartSpeaks comes from Mayb, our fulltimer serving in Payatas. This is her reflection of the past week.





I walked down the road with a need to have someone to talk to today. I was wondering if this is another solitary day, where friends are busy doing their own thing, or when my sister is buried with her books or with her own escapades, with no time to even chat.

The enormous need for companionship is knocking, once, twice, thrice and I battled it with the song from Prince of Egypt, Joseph inside the prison sings: “You know better than I, You know the way, I’ve let go the need to know why, I take what answer You supply, You know better than I.”

I walked down the road with a need for someone to talk to today and I met Teacher Jane and Teacher Princess.

“I really wanted to leave my work, said Teacher Princess, “but the day I listened to the children telling their stories, I decided to stay.”

“What did you have for breakfast?”
“Nothing teacher”
“What will you have for dinner?”
“Nothing. I only have what you serve for lunch."

I asked a 5 year old playful boy, “Where is your father?”
He answered, “In the city jail.”

One shy girl shared, “We’re eleven in the family, and I have a twin, my siblings are all working in the dumpsite.”

I walked down the road with a need for someone to talk to today, and I witnessed a smile, a hug, a wondering look, from those who couldn’t even talk.

Non-verbal communication!

“Please help me open my biscuits.” “Let’s sing and dance some more…” “Oh, I need another serving…”

I walked down the road with a need for someone to talk to today, and I saw a young father glancing at his daughter from the window, she’s writing a vowel. He didn’t talk to me but I saw his happy face.

Suddenly, the solitary day becomes a wonderful day. Truly, sometimes, the call is to let go of the need to know why, “I’ll take what answer You supply, You know better than I.”

In the end, God speaks in the many moments of my “today.”

Tim goes to DALAT

Tim leaves tomorrow for a one week exposure to Dalat (East Malaysia). Tag him your best wishes now... he leaves his home just after 10am tomorrow. sigh... sylvester and I are sending him off. To make sure our friend catches his flight at 230pm we have to get going at 1030am. Wah! Why so early? Ya lah.. we got to send him off at Senai Airport in JB. (Air Asia) ok we don't really plan to send him all the way to Senai. Do you know how long that will take us? I have to be in KC (which btw is in Marine Parade at 3pm). Ya so we only plan to drop him off at the bus station near Larkin where he'll catch the airport shuttle to Senai. Hopefully all goes well for my friend (haha we pray he doesnt get distracted at the Dunkin Donuts shop at the airport and miss his flight) Syl and I will then head for City Square and eat a whole tub of Yummy Yoghurt!!! oooh yeah yippy yippy yeah!

At 330pm Tim is expected to touch down in Sibu (Sarawak) and get a cab (dear God please don't let him get lost or conned or kidnapped)that'll take him to the youth centre. The people in Sibu are really nice. I kinda forgot haha to arrange his overnight accommodation in Sibu. But the nice Catechist at the Youth Centre will be able to host him there. If not you know underaged peeps can't check into a hotel room yah so worse come to worse he would have to spend the night on the grounds of the Cathedral.. haha just joking.

The next morning if he can, he'll take the 1st boat (730am) that leaves for Dalat. The river journey will take 2 hours and hopefully he'll see crocs with their mouths wide open lazing on the river banks and monkeys monkeying around in the trees. Tim the last boat to Dalat leaves at 1230pm. Please try to catch the boat before 1230pm. You have 6 days there to try. All the best. And yes tim.. we call the place where you get the boat 'the wharf' not 'the wuff'. and just tell the peeps there you're going to Dalat. They'll direct you to the proper boat.

What is Dalat like? There is Rose always, always around, ready to welcome us. The Church by the River and the 3 priests. The youths and the people of Dalat and they all have boats. Wooden houses resting on stilts dot the river and the river goes on and on. The hospital has no doctor. The policemen are not always at the police station. When you're on the road at night the only thing that lights up the road is the moon and the stars. There's no traffic lights and very few lamp posts. The only road that leads from the town centre to the church (which is in front of the river) looks like the cycling track at East Coast Park.

What will you be eating there? Bihon goreng for breakfast, Mee goreng for lunch and mee campua for dinner. Very limited choices but every goreng dish is great. The only night life is the Relax Cafe/Corner on the riverbanks built by the church. In Dalat you can consider this nightlife when compared to what else is around.. night safari-night life you know? Because there is no cineplex in Dalat. There is no shopping centre in Dalat. There is only one pool salon there! imagine that?? and the only baker the town had has since moved to Sibu. So if you plan to celebrate you birthday there and you really have to have a cake, byo.

The most excting part of the day is prob 5ish in the evening when the sun stars to set. A great time to jump into the river. ok so the river looks like teh tarih and feels like uhhhhh. but if you're not going to jump into the Singapore River, might as well jump into the Dalat river. Plus this river has no crocodile when compared to the other rivers around!

Peeps have been asking acts29 so what's Tim going to do there? on behalf of acts29 I can say that he's there to find a nice Dalat girl. hahaha.. seriously to meet the people especially the Melanaus, learn more about the Dalat life. No wireless, no cineplex, no gaming.. not even a bakery! Ya Tim no donuts here... But he will be praying the D.O everyday, attending daily Masses, being with the people and youths just like a regular Redemptorist. haha sorry lah but I know his heart is with the Franciscans already.

U know, at St Mary's church where there's a wall that separates the Friar's home (I mean kitchen) from the rest of us lay peeps. A couple of years ago we were walking past and someone was cooking from that blessed kitchen. and my friend Tim, just threw himself against that wall "The smell, the smell... wah" and he froze there for an eternity breathing in every aroma that came out from the kitchen. That was when he gave his heart and whole digestive system to the Franciscans. So I'm pretty sure this one's not going to come back a redemptorist or dominican or carmelite.. he already smells like a fransican. hahaha oh and sorry girls.. :)

Thanks Tim! My Beauty Queen Pic one last time

I want to thank Tim for the effort he's put in to help improve our blog! We hope you like it as much as we do.. btw the pic is authentically acts29.. because I'm such a great photographer hahaha... all our pics are authentic ok? no piracy here hahaha.. ok except for a few..

but there are still more modifications coming up.. as you would have noticed our 'comment' has disappeared.. but we're going to put it up soon.. cos tagging is not as permanent as commenting! so keep all the 'sarcasms'... criticisms... an important stuff for the comment k? we will seriously read all comments.. read only. haha just joking.. as for the tags - keep tagging guys... tell us how much you love us.. ahahaha

We're putting up also our pic for About Us.. sobsob.. they've taken down my beauty queen pic. :( but another better pic is coming up. We're just waiting for it.. cos at 1pm today it leaves still in the Canon EOS 1 camera of Arroyo's photographer..
yes u read rite.. you know Gloria Macapagal Arroya? President of the Philippines? no no. she didnt take our picture. Dope! Her photographer did.. hhmmm.. jay's bro.. kuya jojo aka president's photographer.. yeah they were here over the weekend. and we took Kuya Jojo out (no not the president! just her photographer! dope!)

Being the missioners we are, we wanted to take the poor guy everywhere.. u know to see the country (aka island aka little red dot) show him how small we are compared to their 7110 islands (or 7111 islands during low tide). So we took him from Fullerton (south of singapore) to fisherman's village (east of Singapore). The plan was just to eat in the east.. the poor guy was a little afraid of the beach. He was dressed smart. He was relieved to see our little bit of sand (courtesy of Indonesia)
not enough to get him all sandy. Would you believe it?
Fisherman's village no longer sells food for gluts.. all that's been thrown out. But they have finger foods. Who comes all the way from Philippines (or Fullerton Hotel) for finger foods? Feeling bad... we decided to take him to the best place to eat real good and shiok! Singapore chilli crab (thanks to Sri Lanka): Uncle Leong Blk 233 AMK st 22.. so to the north we went.

The first dish finally came.. but sala (wrongly cooked) fried rice with lots of meat (no meat no meat. take it back pls.. our friend doesnt eat meat)
"Eat lah just take and eat lah.. I'm so hungry.. ! why must change??"
Thanks ah Iggy (the guy doesnt eat meat la)!!!
And there's Kuya Jojo who seriously doesnt care if the food is going to come or not.. cos he's just so so so tired..
"What u slept at 1am ? and woke up at 4am?!!"

So uhh ya we took him to see 3 quarters of Singapore (north, south, east).
I sms him "Hi .. hope you had a pleasant stay in Singapore. next time u're back we'll take u to the west"
U know, that was last nite's sms. uhhh still no reply yet. I wonder why...

Anyway back to the pic... the nice guy that Kuya Jojo is still hung out with us at Fullerton for awhile before he hit zzzzzz land. "shall we take a pic?" "sure!"

I passed my little canon Ixus 60 to the staff .. Kuya Jojo looked around for a good backdrop whipped up his pro camera, got us to stand in a line.. and next thing we knew he was snapping away.. wah we felt like super models lah!.. the lady staff who was going to take our group pic was frozen.. ok actually could see her legs wobble..
"Can you do the same thing I ask?" hahaha
"I try I try" she answered nervously..

We looked at the shots the photographer for the President took! Acutally we just wanted to see if he really was good or anyhow one! haha.. oh my...

So ladies and gentlemen!
Look out for our About Us pic.. You wont be seeing four goondusamys, scrawny or messy or ugly people..
With this pic.. we can launch a music album man! hhhmmm someone needs to write a song first..
So we have the cover for an album.. all that's missing is the album...give us a couple of days as we try our very best to retrieve that great album cover (minus the album)

in the meantime here's my Beauty Queen Pic one last time



note:
tag if got good thing to say about the above pic...
comment if you gonna be sarcastic or downright critical..

BALDERDASH at 4am East Coast Park

When you are up at 4am at the ECP playing BALDERDASH with people who can't lie but are trying real hard to.. you definetly will be wide awake even if it's 4am in the morning...

This is how BALDERDASH is played
One player reads out a question to the others. They each write down a made up, but believable answer and hand it to the person who read the question. This person then reads out the REAL answer and all the made up answers, in random order. The others must guess which is actually correct. You score moves on the board for each player who is conned into believing that your made up answer is the real one, as well as for choosing the real and often unbelievable answer. It sounds simple AND IT IS!

Believable answer people.. believable!!!

Category: Initials

D.H.I - Dead Human Inspector
a die-hard CSI fan
"I died today. Before I can get a place in heaven, the D.H.I (Dead Human Inspector) will interview me...
"... DHI (is the inspector) who confirms you really are dead.. and that you are a dead human not a dead animal or dead plant.. you know God needs to have some statistics on the dead (human, animal, plant...)"
"Hi! I inspect humans.. and man, you are so DEAD!"

I.B.R.A - International Business of Ropes Association
Obviously from a boy scout
"Ladies and Gentlemen, I represent IBRA and I've been selling ropes to countries all over the world. Would your country like to buy some rope? How about you Singapore? You can use it at Changi Prison."

N.G.P.P - National Genocide Prevention Policy
"In my country we have a national prevention policy on Genocide. We have many prevention policies, drug prevention, crime prevention, and so on... step 1 of genocide prevention policy: we do not allow insane people to come into power (political/military). Step 2 of genocide prevention policy: we will ensure that every citizen is trained and equipped to defend oneself in case of a genocide threat. hhmmm...what happened to international law.. or domestic law... national prevention?!?

23rd June East Coast Park

This was the master plan of Daryl and Iggy... the birthday cake.. like yah I knew about! haha. Vanessa, the poor girl who had just arrived that day from France, would get me a cake. So she did. What was funny was that they tried to light the candles for the cake behind the table which was only a few feet from me... Hello guys.. a little discretion?

What was funnier was that the wind was too strong and I watched them attempt to light the candles for the birthday cake... hhmmm 5 mins passed. "OK guys.. how about I go into the tent with the girls and I look real surprise about the cake? You can come into the tent and light the candles too?" haha which they did..

This is the bday papparazi...


Note: Sylvester is also in the tent with the girls... Hhhmmmm...

And this is the script in the tent:
"Oh we're so bored sitting in this tent. What shall we do?"
"I wish we had a cake."
"Oh look! (aka haliga tingnan mo!) what's this?"
"This is a cake for you!" says Iggy..
"WOW what a surprise!" I say (as if! haha)


Cute little mango cake


a moment of silence before devouring the cute little mango cake


My Birthday Present... conditioning handwash. Woh.. Didnt know they have that. Hand Cream... uhhh are they trying to tell me my hands are rough?? heehee


For entertainment... kids do not try this at home!


and a low blow by Iggy


Say Cheese!


This is a Public Awareness Notice on the Safety of Swimming...
If you are planning to swim in one of the "seas" of Singapore which has seen one too many a drowning... and if you can't swim! like this friend of ours... this is what could happen to you.

Guest Blogger: acts29 Full time volunteer from the Philippines

Hi! I’m Maylene Grace G. Batol. My close friends call me Mayb. So, maybe now you’ll not forget my name. 

I am amazed to have met Singaporeans and Japanese youths who are willing to share their energies, time, talents and resources for the many children and families living in Payatas. Their presence in the dumpsite and in Paaralang Pantao will always be an inspiration. For a few years, I served there as a volunteer teacher and animator.

I believe my desire to be a missionary was deepened in the experiences of faith and community in Payatas. In 2003, I entered the Mercedarian Missionaries of Berriz. For 3 years, I was nourished by the faith and charism of the congregation. Sadly, a year ago I need to leave the Novitiate to take care of my then sick mother.

After a year of discerning which road to take, I finally decided to volunteer as a full time mission partner in Paaralang Pantao Payatas with acts29. At times, I feel overwhelmed; the challenges, where to begin and where aid is most needed. Yet after a month of immersion, I feel God’s call to trust and be more open to what He has already prepared.

So let me tell you some of my experiences in Paaralang Pantao, ERAP and Payatas.

Early this month I visited the homes of some of the families in ERAP. Most of the mothers there are unemployed. Fathers work part-time and earn very little as vendors, jeepney or tricycle drivers, carpenters, plumbers and so on. Some of them are unsure if they can afford to send their children to formal school. In Payatas, most of the parents work in the dumpsite.

It is a joy to see the children coming to school. That wasn’t the case during the first weeks,  like every new kid in school we experienced the typical cries and tantrums. Now it seems to be more manageable. Meal times are the most anticipated moment. It’s a joy to see the children enjoying their meals, even asking for more than 1 serving.

At this point I would like to help the teachers in exploring more creative ways in teaching. Currently, we’re working on the school’s year plan and also looking at the curriculum. Classroom management is also a big concern. We’re all anticipating the upcoming teacher’s workshop this July.  Likewise, we’re looking at the possibilities of enhancing the curriculum by introducing some clubs like, sports, singing/dancing and arts clubs.

What inspires me most is the childlike wonder in the eyes of the children as they listen to a story, as they learn a new word, a new song, a prayer. So many potentials are truly waiting to be unearthed.

I am happy to be a part of Acts29. And I wish to serve in anyway I can. Like what I shared, this has been a new beginning for me, yet my heart is at home; I thank the Lord for this opportunity to serve in Paaralang Pantao with acts29.

So, mutual prayers and I thank you all for the encouragements, witnessing and warm welcome. Here’s Mayb signing in the mission of Love!

Angel Network: recruitment going on...

329: St. Augustine says: "'Angel' is the name of their office, not of their nature. If you seek the name of their nature, it is 'spirit'; if you seek the name of their office, it is 'angel': from what they are, 'spirit', from what they do, 'angel.'"188 With their whole beings the angels are servants and messengers of God. Because they "always behold the face of my Father who is in heaven" they are the "mighty ones who do his word, hearkening to the voice of his word".189 (Catechism of the Catholic Church)

330: As purely spiritual creatures angels have intelligence and will: they are personal and immortal creatures, surpassing in perfection all visible creatures, as the splendor of their glory bears witness.190 (CCC)

331 Christ is the center of the angelic world. They are his angels: "When the Son of man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him. . "191 They belong to him because they were created through and for him: "for in him all things were created in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or authorities - all things were created through him and for him."192 They belong to him still more because he has made them messengers of his saving plan: "Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to serve, for the sake of those who are to obtain salvation?"193 (CCC)

334 In the meantime, the whole life of the Church benefits from the mysterious and powerful help of angels.201 (CCC)

336 From its beginning until death, human life is surrounded by their watchful care and intercession.202 "Beside each believer stands an angel as protector and shepherd leading him to life."203 Already here on earth the Christian life shares by faith in the blessed company of angels and men united in God. (CCC)

Acts29's Angel Network started operating in Hougang Blk 3 (1 room rental flats) on the 3rd Sat of June (16th June). We split up into groups. Each group had 1 dialect speaking youth. We brought with us foodstuff to give anyone who was in need. And boy! there were many in need!

At the 1st home we came to, an old Chinese woman asked, "Why are you doing this?" so we said, "Just to make friends with old people." Her eyes welled up. She poured out to us her troubles, sickness, poverty and loneliness.

Then an uncle who had spotted us earlier managed to locate us. He too asked for something and then he asked for money to drink coffee. My group invited him to the nearby kopitiam for coffee which he gladly accepted. He rushed back to his flat to keep the foodstuff we had given him and joined us back after a couple of minutes. When we got to the kopitiam, we noticed that the people there were staring at him, some scowling. One of the ladies selling kopi approached him as we took our seat and asked for her money back in Hokkien. He seemed embarrased and told her he could not today.
This uncle was about 55 years old. He lives with a friend in the rental flat. "My mother comes once every 2 weeks. She's going to come again on 30th June. Everytime she comes, she gives me $70 for food." He spoke English quite well but we noticed he had speech difficulty. "My mother is 83 years old. She lives with my brother."

"Uncle where did you live before this?"
"I used to stay at Tanglin Road, Admiral Hill. Then one day when I was 20, the policemen just came and arrested me. I didnt do anything wrong. They put me in Woodbridge. I stayed there for 30 years."
I thought I misheard him. "Sorry how many years uncle?"
"30 years".
Hhmmm maybe I didn't hear him well enough. Tim and Faith thought they had misheard too.
"So when did you move in here?"
"1 and a half years ago."
We were deep in thought..5-4-3-2-1. The Maths had been worked out.. 20+ years old.. 30 years in woodbridge... 1 and a half years at hougang.
WAT? 30 years Woodbridge?!?

Jaws dropped. Eyes widened. What did this guy do? Kill someone?
We continued to talk.
After the coffee, the uncle left with these words, "Come and see my friend and I anytime. I don't need a lot of money. Just $10 is ok. If not, $2 also can. Just to buy coffee to drink. I'm a good guy. I didn't do anything wrong."
"Ok uncle see you again! Next time we'll have more coffee."

On one of the floors we went to, we found an old lady living along the corridor. This was the same old lady we had met on our CNY outreach. This time she was too frail and too weak to move. But still talked alot! :) This old lady speaks Hokkien and Teochew. At first I was not too confident of my dialect.. me BABA girl.. who got U for Chinese??? We gathered around her. I turned to the expert on teochew (who taught me words like "muah muah", "lao pok pok", "mai luan luan lai" and many more).

"Tim ask her - do you have a daughter?"
Tim got into action! "AUNTY DO YOU HAVE A DAUGHTER??"
Oh man!!! we had a long day ahead... "OI TEOCHEW LAH!!!"
"Orh orh!"
But the old lady got the message (even if it was in English) "Ooh Ooh. (have have) wo oohh low koon ( i have DOCTOR)"

"Tiiiimmmmmm?????"
"Aunty oooh za bor kia bo?"

Yes she has a daughter.. a crazy one.

"Where is your doctor from?"
"Lee Kuan Yew. He's Kee Kuan Yew". hhhmm a little senility or dementia? If Mr LKY is reading this maybe he could clarify if there is any truth! heehee...

"Why are you sitting here, aunty?"
"Doctor told me not to go in."
"Why?"
"He says I'll commit suicide..."

Apparently the old lady had not eaten for awhile.. but we don't know for how long. We got her some food from the same kopitiam and she was as happy as could be. However, she had dirtied herself but was oblivious to it. Before we left, she cried.

So this was the 1st day of Angel Network. We are planning to "adopt" the 10 flats we got in touch with.

Why is this called Angel Network? Because we believe that angels will be at hand to help us touch the hearts and lives of the residents at Block 3. We need human partners for this outreach. But it will be so difficult for us to bring hope to hearts that have only despair. The work is quite beyond us. But with our network of angels... our guardian angels, angels who will protect, shepherd, help, heal, bring messages of hope... the work is much more possible.

We go to Block 3 every 3rd Sat of the month. But more visits can be made during the month. We will be setting up an organized structure soon (at least more organized than "ok who speaks teochew/hokkien? ah ok thanks.. u can lead...")
If you can speak a dialect, if you can't speak a dialect, if you've got an angel who can help out :) Tag this blog... or email enquiry@acts29mission.org

to Mrs Brown the 15.5 million dollar woman

Dear Mrs Brown,
i've read your email and if this is not the usual con job which so
commonly happens on the internet then it is really wonderful to know that
there are rich kind people in the world who would actually want to make a
difference in the lives of the suffering poor. Should all this be genuine,
I will then ensure that 100% of the money is used for the poor in terms of
school buildings and education. I do not need the 30% which you have so
kindly offered. I am sorry I cannot accept the 30% because it's not in my
moral conscious and I know personally of 1 person who died, went to hell
and saw people in great pain. Many had taken money from the poor or
cheated on others. This man actually rose from the dead! and lived to tell
his true story. I thought this was a joke till I met this man personally.
His body still smelt of embalming liquid.

I'll be more than happy for one of our mission partners to get in touch
with you personally. We have partners everywhere on the globe so it is not
too much or a trouble to meet you. Please give me your info, contact and
where our rep can meet you. Thank you and God bless

Someone wants to give us 15.5million dollars ... NOT

I am pretty sure that the following email that was sent to us is a scam thought up by evil people. Are these con artists so desperate to make a quick buck out of anyone, living or dead,... to the point of selling their soul? Don't these scammers realise that the more they cheat the more cursed their lives will be? They will never be happy cos money cannot buy happiness!

We would love to have $10 000 to finish up the 3rd floor of the school at Erap City. But we are not going to take money from people we don't know...or break the law... and we are not going to naively follow along with the email below.


anyone wants to give advice to Mrs Brown? susanbrown61@myway.com

Dear Beloved Friend,

Let me first of all inform you, I got your email address from a mail Directory in
my late husband's private library and decided to mail you for a permission to go
ahead.

I am Mrs. Susan Brown from Holland. I am married to Dr. John Das Brown an London
who worked with a construction company in Asia for twenty years before he died in
the tsunami disasters, we were married but without Any children.Since his death I
decided not to re-marry and presently I am 61 Years old.

When my late husband was Alive he deposited the sum of 15.5 million dollars (Fifteen
Million Five Hundred Thousand Dollars) with a finance firm meant for his business
purposes.Presently this money is still with the finance firm and the. management
just Wrote me as the beneficiary to come forward to receive the money or rather
Issue a letter of authorization to somebody to receiveit on my behalf if I cannot
come over.

I am presently in a hospital where I have been undergoing treatment for Cancer of
the lung, I have since lost my ability To talk and my doctors have told me that I
have only a few months to Live.I want a person that is trustworthy that will utilize
70% of this money to fund churches, orphanages and widows around the world but in my
name Mrs. Susan Brown". and 30% will be for your assistance to make sure that this
funds is secured.

As soon as I receive your reply I shall give you the contact of the Finance firm, I
will also issue you a letter of authority that will prove you as The new beneficiary
of this fund.

Please assure me that you will act accordingly as I stated herein and Keep this
contact confidential till such a time this funds get to your Custody, this is to
ensure that nothing jeopardizes my last wish on Earth.

PLEASE REPLY TO MY PRIVATE EMAIL ADDRESS: susanbrown61@myway.com this same email id.
I await your urgent reply.
Regards,

Mother Susan Brown,

God Bless You.



And Another Scam... Enjoy!

VITTORIO FONDAZIONE.
Corso
Ercole I d'Este 44,
Ferrara 44100 -
Italy
Foundation's Officer,
Fondazion Di Vittorio,
ITALY
http://www.fondazionedivittorio.it

Concern.

The Foundazion di Vittorio, would like to notify you
that you have been chosen by the board of trustees as one of the final
recipients of a cash Grant/Donation for your own personal, educational, and
business development. The Fondazione Di Vittorio, established 1977 by the
Multi-Million groups and now supported by the Economic Community for West
African States (ECOWAS), United Nations Organization (UNO) and the European Union
(EU) was conceived with the objective of human growth, educational, and
community development.

To celebrate the 28th anniversary program, The
Vittorio Foundation in conjunction with the Economic Community for West African
States (ECOWAS), United Nations Organization (UNO) and the European Union
(EU) is giving out a yearly donation of US$245,000.00 (Two Hundred And Forty
Five Thousand United States Dollars) to 100
lucky recipients. These specific Donations/Grants will be awarded to 100 lucky
international recipients worldwide; in different categories for their personal
business development and enhancement of their educational plans. At least 15% of
the awarded funds should be used by you to develop a part of your environment.
This is a yearly program, which is a measure of universal development
strategy.

The objective is to make a notable change in the
standard of living of people all around the Universe (From America to Europe,
Asia to Africa
and all around). The Vittorio Foundation has been assured of highest
organization standard courtesy of the United Nations.
It is our belief that we can achieve a great positive change in the general
welfare of the universe through this program. That is why the foundation is
doing everything possible to get all recipients notified of their donation.


Note that your country is not the only country that is
benefiting from this donation. Beneficiaries have been chosen from countries
from all continents. The idea of this donation is that within ten years from
now, there will be notable richness among many unusual people around the world.
This will give many people the opportunity to get their lives to a stage where
they had always wanted.

Based on the random selection exercise of internet
websites and millions of supermarket cash invoices worldwide, you were selected
among the lucky recipients to receive the award sum of US$245,000.00 (Two
Hundred And Forty Five Thousand United States
Dollars) as charity donations/aid from the Vittorio Foundation, ECOWAS, EU and
the UNO in accordance with the enabling act of Parliament. (Note that all
beneficiaries email addresses were selected randomly from over 100,000 internet
websites or a shop's cash invoice around your area in which you might have
purchased something from).


You are required to fill the form below and email it
to our?Executive Secretary below for qualification documentation and processing
of your claims. After contacting our office with the requested data, you will be
given your donation pin number, which you will use in collecting the funds.
Please endeavor to quote your Qualification numbers (N-222-6747, E-900-56) in
all discussions.

FULL
NAMES:__________________________________
ADDRESS: _________________________________________________
STATE:__________________________________ ZIP: ______________
COUNTRY________________________________
SEX:_______________
AGE:__________________
OCCUPATION:________________________
E-MAIL
ADDRESS:_____________________________
TELEPHONE
NUMBER:____________________


Executive Secretary-Fabio
Giovanni

Email: fabio.fondazionedivittorio01@yahoo.it

All information is strictly confidential and will only
be used for the purpose to which it is been requested.

Finally, all funds should be claimed by their
respective beneficiaries, no later than 15 days after notification. Failure to
do so will mean cancellation of that beneficiary and its donation will then be
reserved for next year's recipients.
On behalf of the Board kindly, accept our warmest
congratulations.

Regards.
Mr. Sparo Malcom
(Foundation Officer)

Catholic Youths Speak to the World

Last year, Sylvester, Iggy and I faithfully attended several sessions on Gaudium et Spes.. Gau what? Gaudium et spes means the Joys and the Hopes... aka the Pastoral Constitution On the Church in the Modern World.

I know some of you are already lost... haha... so what exactly did we learn from the workshop? In youth lingo.. Yo Wats Up World? Catholic Youths Speak to the World. Communicate to the World.. because you can.. because you should...

There were many much older people at the workshop and maybe some of them wondered what were we young punks doing at a course like this? maybe... maybe.. we would be able "to catch the ball" . And "catch the ball" we did! so WATS UP WORLD!

On 27th July, 3rd Aug, 10th Aug, 17th Aug, 24th Aug, 31st Aug aka 6 fridays...
730pm-930pm.. CANA Waterloo Street 2nd floor. Make it a date with acts29 for ...
Catholic Youths Speak to the World.

Have you ever met a Spaniard? Have you ever met a Moral Theologian (what's dat?)? Have you ever met a Dominican priest? If you havent, you will. Our speaker for the whole workshop is none other than Fr David Garcia, a Spaniard - Moral Theologian - Dominican priest O.P. (Order of Preachers NOT Ocean Pacific).

This wise Dominican is going revolutionise a large part of our Singaporeaness lah. While 18 year old boys curse National Service under their breath, he will tell you that NS is actually mission (Church's mission). While you slurp on your treasured frap mocha, he will ask you when was the last time you borrowed sugar from your neigbour. And for all you working youths, who are saving money for your room entertainment system etc... he will remind you that we work to support our family so switch to home entertainment system instead. As much as we want to grumble that the Church should not bother about how we live our lives, how we serve NS (for the males) and what we do with our money, the Church does have a point. Each friday evening, I'm sure you'll go home with more to ponder and reflect on. Because that was what I did!

Why should a young Catholic like yourself attend this workshop? Because we (me included) have to admit that often we are not the best witnesses of God's love. Has anyone come up to you and said, "I am going to be a Catholic because I have experienced Christ through your words and deeds." or "I know what the Church is all about because you have shown it to me."

acts29 wants to make a date with youths 17-23 years old. (if you're slightly older, you can still register). We are calling out especially to young Catechists and youth leaders and those new to the faith. Know what the Church is saying and pass it on.

24 Hour FAST

Fasting is not a new thing.. we know it's been around for ages.. World Vision and many other organizations/groups have also done fasting as an outreach. When Sylvester and I were in Brunei, we learnt a thing or two about the 30hour Famine which they had organised.

I was really touched by the eagerness of the youths as young as 13 years old coming together to fast for a cause. We started the fast at 9 in the morning. I remember that at 10pm during the prayers of Taize session, I was already thinking about chewing on one of the candles! haha.

The teens didn't seem tired or hungry. There was great solidarity and energy in the hall. You would not have guessed that at 3 pm the following afternoon, all these teens had not taken a single bite, not even a drop of milk. I was impressed. Especially at the size of the turnout. Some teens say this is their 3rd Famine and they'll be back again. .

Sylvester and I talked about what we had seen, heard and experienced at our 1st Famine. "Maybe we could have it in Singapore?" Well, you know what? We are working hard at making that a reality this 18th to 19th August!

So we're inviting you to our first
24 Hour FAST (For Asia, Solidarity Together)


Why are we having FAST? Maybe it's because it's a novelty so youths will come (or that's what we assume). Maybe it's because this is a good way of getting youths together and then see them all go hungry??? (muah hahaha). Myabe it's because this is a good way to raise funds for our Payatas Food Project!??

Well our reasons go beyond all the above... acts29 recognises:
1) the vast continent of Asia and her presence in the world
2) that Christianity has a minority status in the Asian population of billions of people where Hinduism, Taoism, Buddhism, Islam are widely practised.
3) That many Asians continue to live in abject poverty and oppression.

Through this 24 hour FAST, youths will learn how they can play a role to eradicate poverty in Asia and be witnesses of Christ's love.

Thus we FAST (For Asia Solidarity Together)

For registration and more info check out our website: www.acts29mission.org

Missions in June

On Sat 9th June, Iggy and Andrina took off at midnight on a Cebu Pacific flight bound for Manila. According to reliable sources, the pair arrived safely and were picked up by our full-time volunteer Mayb and friend of acts29, Alan Levi Farinas.
We've not heard from the pair since then. They are due to return at midnight this Sat 16th June should there be no flight delay, cancellation, coup or typhoon in sight.

They have been spending the 1st week of school at Paaralang Pantao helping the new enrolees to settle down to school work through orientation programs and games. They will also be conducting Children's Liturgy for the students.

We can expect their reflections of their mission trip to be blogged down here next week.


In the meantime, Timothy Ho is preparing for his 1 week exposure-immersion with the Church by the River at Dalat. We are grateful that Fr Patrick Massang is taking him in and we hope that Tim will fill Dalat with as much joy and laughter as he has done for acts29. Tim leaves on 28th June from Senai Airport Johor Bahru. He will spend a night in Sibu (dunno how! haha) catch a 2 hour boat ride to Dalat right to the Church by the River aka Church of St Bernard.Tim returns on 5th July through the same route.

acts29 Full Time Volunteer

acts29 is happy to announce that we now have a full-time volunteer serving in Payatas. Our full-time volunteer is Maylene Grace Batol(Mayb). Mayb will serve in Paaralang Pantao (Payatas and Erap City) for a year. She will see to the running of the food project, teaching and sharing her faith with the children.

In a couple of days, Mayb will blog here and introduce herself to the acts29 community. So on behalf of the acts29 community we welcome Mayb on board!

Sarawak Kuching

I just came back from Kuching. Was helping out in a program there. But let's not talk about that. haha. Let's talk about the recreational activity instead. I was able to visit Bako, a nature reserve. Here is a little friend I made while I was there.



Then I met naughty macques.



Never show your teeth to an agressive monkey. I did and this is what he did.. Help!! run! run!


I thought I was risking my life chasing after this wild boar.


But I was wrong. See how tame he is. Here he crosses my path.


a peaceful pathway on Bako





At the Sarawak Culture Village, an old Bidayuh man teaches me how to use a blow pipe



Juicy millipede... anyone?



This rock formation looks like a cobra's head!


Hey Rock Face!







Overall Kuching is a rather sleepy town