William Chong

HBC goes to Impact 2009.

On the lookout for more photos to slot into the video, email me if you have some!

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This is a funny one – “Take On Me”, the 1980′s classic by pop group A-ha gets a lyrics overhaul.

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In 2007, one of my goals for the year was to attain my much-delayed ATCL recital diploma for the violin. I made a conscious choice to reduce my final-year university workload in order to practice (lots). This culminated in a November public concert performance prior to a 30-minute assessed recital.

Here are two of the pieces – I’m sure you can spot the many nervous mistakes peppered throughout the performance!

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Cesar Franck – Allegretto poco mosso from Sonata in A

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Fritz Kreisler – Praeludium and Allegro

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“A table, a chair, a bowl of fruit and a violin; what else does a man need to be happy?” – Albert Einstein

MATAMATA, New Zealand – Team Philippi were crowned champions of the inaugural Shield Challenge during the 2008 Howick Baptist Church Family Camp. Held during 12–14th September at Totara Springs Christian Centre in Matamata, Philippi (Blue Team) edged out runners-up Galatia (Orange Team) by just 5 points after a weekend packed with powerful teaching, precious fellowship and lots of exciting activities and events.

The 2008 HBC camp saw over 100 people of all ages and backgrounds come together for a refreshing weekend building one another up in Christ. Pastor Craig Lloyd from Grace Bible Church in Brisbane, Australia crossed the ditch to share a 3-part series on God’s grace as evidenced in the life of Jacob (Gen 27-28). Members of HBC gained useful insights into this Old Testament character, learning lessons from his life still relevant today.

Outside of being invigorated by God’s Word, both kids and adults took part in the wide range of activities offered at Totara Springs. There was something for everyone, with activities including: go-carting, archery, rock-climbing, en-masse soccer and volleyball games, watching the All Blacks clinch the Bledisloe Cup, taking turns on the massive hydroslide and relaxing in the hot pools before bedtime! In addition, the team Shield Challenge gave HBC camp-goers the opportunity to show their “competitive” side, while still providing numerous opportunities to get to know one another better.

A highlight of the camp was “HBC’s Got Talent” – a variety show performance starring HBC members themselves, showcasing the wide range of talents and gifts in the church body. Notable acts included: Kelvin Lomberg’s rendition of Brooke Fraser’s “Hosanna” (with added finger percussion); a strongman challenge from youth pastoral intern Jono MacFarlane; comedy acts and parable re-enactments from the HBC kids; and our very own Psalm-singing duo, “Simon and Scarfunkel”!

Many thanks must go to the HBC camp organising committee: (Ray Scrivener, Geoffrey Downing, Simon Newbould & Calvyn Jonker), for making the event so memorable. Those that went were blessed to grow in the Lord and build each other up in Christian fellowship and unity.

(Some highlights from the most recent Howick Baptist church camp I went to – it was my first time at Totara Springs.)

Hope you’re all doing OK!

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Very cute. In case you didn’t pick it out, Yoo Ye Eun, the 5-year-old on the piano, was born blind and has had no musical training. I think what’s most telling is that at the start of the song, she began in the incorrect key – but her perfect pitch meant that she corrected her accompaniment to Connie Talbot (of Britain’s Got Talent fame) without any help.

Amazing talent, especially compared to a hunt-and-peck struggler on the ivories (read: myself).

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Here’s two Australian ad agencies pitted against each other to see who can make the best case for invading NZ: