05 Nov 1996, 13th Anniversary of GII

Congratulations GII for 13 years of praising and glorifying God thru songs and prayers. 13 years in the music ministry, some say its a lucky number, while others say that its good for them... for me it was and still is an adventure. An adventure of learning, growing and experiencing God's love and power thru your FRIENDS!!!

Ask me why am I still around after so many years and why I'm still so involved... Well the answer is very clear... I don't know!!! Even though the "Pioneers" of the group have left, I still feel a strong attachment to this group, maybe its the fellowship, maybe its the calling (haha), maybe its belonging (Yeah right! To which age group!?), I don't really know. All I know that it is a PLAN!!!

Although GII was formed 13 years ago, the group is still growing, learning ad still finding its identity. I suppose that is why the name "Genesis" was chosen, as it means a new beginning.

Our music was always hip, unboring and adventurous... even to the point of rebellious.

In the early years, I thought that the group was very dynamic and happening, because at that time we were the only youth choir around Holy Family. Our singing was strong and moving, because of our powerful singers, even though there were only 16 of us. Our music was always hip, unboring and adventurous... even to the point of rebellious. We were the first to bring in funny instruments to church. We had instruments like the classic and electric guitars, the bell-lyre, drums, and even had the clarinet and saxophone for occasional masses. Even our percussion was kinda way-out, like the "fish", cabassam tambourine, congo pipes, bongos... whatever instruments that we could get our hands upon, we would use. We first started as a band playing for church, providing our kind of music. Later on, we roped in friends to help with the singing and thus our choir was formed.

We had a lot of activities and concerts, way back in 1985-1986 we were involved in the first Youth Rally for Catholics, did Mass-on-Radio with Fr Johnson, were involved in the concert for "Wonderful Encounter", staged a presentation concert entitled "Our Gifts" and "We are called", all these in addition to our yearly presentation at Holy Family Feast Day, Christmas caroling, our weekly presentation in front of the altar, and not to forget our yearly Easter Vigil presentation which we were soooo proud of. Yeah, we were good back then, but the youths today have even greater capabilities and potential.

Reminiscing is fun and it makes you realise the difference youths can make in society. Way back then, youths like us were only starting the fire.... Today, youths are spreading that fire and making burn brighter and stronger. Even though the older guard of the choir has left due to studies, work and marriage, the fire that was started is still burning very brightly in the group. The Spirit of the Lord is so much stronger in everyone of them. The drive, conviction and determination to wake the rest of the people that are sleeping, to stand up and make known the message that they want to convey.

To the members in the group, keep the spirit in you burning bright. You have done a lot of good with your presence and participation in the group. Though you may not know it yet, ask yourselves... how many teenagers or friends you know would sacrifice their Saturday nights to be in church, spend time to visit homes, take time to teach, impart your faith and experiences with God to the younger members and to the congregation in church, to organise retreats and to attend them.... and to be a true friend to each other.

To the newer members, welcome to the family, I know that you will like i here, never give an excuse of being alone, you just need to open up your heart and be yourself.

To the leaders of the group, great job and keep up the good work. I am very proud of you all especially of the work and task that you have undertaken of your own free will.

Even now, the music and songs that we sing or have sung, still fills my life. Whenever I feel sad, frightened, lonely or seek help, I would link my feelings to a song, and sing. I learnt some time ago that "a song would be just another song, but if sung beautifully to God, it becomes a Hymn; a Hymn sung meaningfully becomes a special prayer to Him." Also, a song is one of the fastest ways to know the Bible as some of the words come from the Bible. Music and songs are the surest and easiest ways to reach out and evangelise, to touch people's hearts and convey God's message to them, to calm the angry and to instill love. Hymns to God should not be screamed or shout out or even forced upon... it should flow out easily through your heart and soul.

I suppose these are some of the reasons as to why I'm still around, even though I'm not as fully involved as before. But I feel proud and contented just to be part of growth. I've seen members grow up and change, leave, or stay on to make a change, to contribute back what they have learned. And its nice to hear the words being echoed, words that were said some time back. But I suppose it was also because of a promise, a promise that was made a long time ago between 3 friends and God at the Pan Pacific Hotel.

So to the new Genesis II, I salute you in all your achievements and will be praying for your continued existence in the church's music ministry.

Happy 13th Anniversary!