A short video clip on the silky skills of Kaka. Enjoy!
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
Friday, May 04, 2007
Kaka's Testimony
By today, many of us would know that in the last 2 weeks, AC Milan Brazilian attacking midfielder Kaka almost single-handedly caused the exit of Manchester United in this year's Champions League. He scored 3 of AC Milan's 5 goals in the 2-leg semi-final. What many of us may not have heard/read is his testimony and why he always points to the sky when he scores a goal and wears a t-shirt under his jersey with the words I Belong to Jesus. This is an exerpt taken from an interview between Kaka and Athletes of Christ (AOC)-
AOC: Tell us about your conversion.
Kaka: I was born to an evangelical home. My parents were already saved and I grew up in the presence of the Lord. My conversion occurred after my baptism, when I began having a relationship of Father to son with God. When I was baptized in 1994, something supernatural happened to me. I can not explain it, but after that experience I got closer to God, more in-tuned with Him. At that moment I was really born spiritually. I began to know God more in depth, and I've learned that faith works within the limits of the circumstances. With God things are solved at the last moment, and it is faith that decides whether something will happen or not.
AOC: How about one dramatic situation?
Kaka: It happened in October of 2000. I was playing at the Juniors Championship. I had gone to visit my grandparents (my father's side) in Caldas Novas, and there I slipped on a swimming pool slide, on a water-toboggan. When I fell into the water I hit my head on the bottom on the pool and twisted my neck, which caused a fracture on a vertebrae. The doctors said that I was lucky to be able to even walk normally. They were talking about luck and my family was talking about God. Back at home we always thanked God because we knew that it was His hand that had saved and protected me.
This is the commentary upon his return to soccer after his career-threatening injury-
"One year later Kaká made his comeback on the pitch, when he came in as a reserve-substitute in the Tornero Rio Final. His team was down by one goal when the coach decided to put on the reserve, Kaká with 14 minutes left. The commentators were upset and said that there was some possibility that the São Paulo coach was crazy, but after two minutes Kaká had scored two goals and taken his team to a victory. He attributes his recovery to God and has since tithed his income to his church."
I encourage you to read the whole interview by following this link.
AOC: Tell us about your conversion.
Kaka: I was born to an evangelical home. My parents were already saved and I grew up in the presence of the Lord. My conversion occurred after my baptism, when I began having a relationship of Father to son with God. When I was baptized in 1994, something supernatural happened to me. I can not explain it, but after that experience I got closer to God, more in-tuned with Him. At that moment I was really born spiritually. I began to know God more in depth, and I've learned that faith works within the limits of the circumstances. With God things are solved at the last moment, and it is faith that decides whether something will happen or not.
AOC: How about one dramatic situation?
Kaka: It happened in October of 2000. I was playing at the Juniors Championship. I had gone to visit my grandparents (my father's side) in Caldas Novas, and there I slipped on a swimming pool slide, on a water-toboggan. When I fell into the water I hit my head on the bottom on the pool and twisted my neck, which caused a fracture on a vertebrae. The doctors said that I was lucky to be able to even walk normally. They were talking about luck and my family was talking about God. Back at home we always thanked God because we knew that it was His hand that had saved and protected me.
This is the commentary upon his return to soccer after his career-threatening injury-
"One year later Kaká made his comeback on the pitch, when he came in as a reserve-substitute in the Tornero Rio Final. His team was down by one goal when the coach decided to put on the reserve, Kaká with 14 minutes left. The commentators were upset and said that there was some possibility that the São Paulo coach was crazy, but after two minutes Kaká had scored two goals and taken his team to a victory. He attributes his recovery to God and has since tithed his income to his church."
I encourage you to read the whole interview by following this link.
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
Soccer Fellowship [5th May]
Soccer Fellowship is ON this Saturday, 5th May at Springfield Secondary School.
The session will be from 3 - 5 pm.
This week, we are going to team up in a NOVELTY way- according to the months that we were born in! If your birthday falls within the 1st half of the year [Jan - Jun], please come in a BLUE jersey. If your birthday falls within the 2nd half of the year [Jul - Dec], please come in a WHITE jersey. Let's have some fun teaming up with friends we may not have played with before.
Please pray for good weather! See you there.
*Please bring along both colours of jerseys just in case teams are really uneven!
The session will be from 3 - 5 pm.
This week, we are going to team up in a NOVELTY way- according to the months that we were born in! If your birthday falls within the 1st half of the year [Jan - Jun], please come in a BLUE jersey. If your birthday falls within the 2nd half of the year [Jul - Dec], please come in a WHITE jersey. Let's have some fun teaming up with friends we may not have played with before.
Please pray for good weather! See you there.
*Please bring along both colours of jerseys just in case teams are really uneven!
Monday, April 30, 2007
Calendar of Events [May 2007]
5 May - Soccer Fellowship @ Springfield Secondary, 3 - 5 pm
12 May - NO Soccer! 'Take a break' week...
19 May - Soccer Fellowship @ Springfield Secondary, 3 - 5 pm
26 May - Soccer Team Training @ Tampines Open Field, 4 - 6 pm
27 May - PMC 75th Anniversary Service & Lunch @ PMC, 10 am
30 May - PMC Fund-raising Dinner- Ring Church Office for details!
31 May - Soccer-for-Bibles Tournament @ Farrer Park, 9am - 5pm.
Please register by sending email to PMCSoccer@gmail.com for more details and if interested to participate.
12 May - NO Soccer! 'Take a break' week...
19 May - Soccer Fellowship @ Springfield Secondary, 3 - 5 pm
26 May - Soccer Team Training @ Tampines Open Field, 4 - 6 pm
27 May - PMC 75th Anniversary Service & Lunch @ PMC, 10 am
30 May - PMC Fund-raising Dinner- Ring Church Office for details!
31 May - Soccer-for-Bibles Tournament @ Farrer Park, 9am - 5pm.
Please register by sending email to PMCSoccer@gmail.com for more details and if interested to participate.
Friendly Match Report [28th April]
It rained earlier in the day, but by match time, the rain had cleared and the good weather on display throughout the game equaled the performance of the Pentecost Reds in their match against ECG.
In the first 15 minutes of the match, attack after attack was made on ECG’s half. From kick-off, the hunger shown by the Pentecost Reds for that elusive first goal was made all the more evident as there was hardly a foray made into Pentecost penalty box during this period. The defensive four of Samuel, Adrian and Mark, marshaled by Jimmy made sure of this from the word go!
From a throw-in by Damien in the early minutes, Glenn dummied the defender marking him, but alas also skied his shot with only the keeper and post to beat. A shot from Daniel also trickled wide of the left post after some very impressive moves from the defenders to their forwards. A free-kick from Glenn, which was won by Damien, also saw the first yellow card given to James (who along with Kevin & Gabriel, were playing for their ECG team). Unfortunately, the free kick was cleared to safety by the opposition. A free kick minutes later by Timothy had the keeper beaten all the way, but was unfortunate to hit the woodwork and bounce away to safety.
Midway through the first half, ECG slowly started to get their game plan together and made a few attacks into the Pentecost half. Two ECG free-kicks put pressure on the Pentecost Reds, one placed over the bar, and the other blocked by the defensive wall. However, none of the attacks really troubled Pentecost keeper Jeremy too much. Several careless and mistimed tackles made by both sides raised a few eyebrows and harsh words, but these were quickly checked by a very able and competent referee, who did not stand for any nonsense or dissident shown. Stout defending from ECG and Pentecost Reds throughout the half also ensured that the goals were not forthcoming and that the score would remain 0-0 at half time.
The second half started with both teams evenly matched as they tried figuring out ways to breach the defensive wall put in place by both set of defenders. The ECG full-backs Daniel and Shaokang kept the Reds wingers well in check throughout the match. It was a fortunate minute that turned the game in favour of the Pentecost Reds. A corner from Timothy had bounced off an ECG player and appeared to trickle into the ECG net, but the referee did not award the goal, but another corner instead. This resulted in the opener when Timothy placed an in-swinging corner straight into the ECG goal to put PMC 1-0. This was exactly what was needed to open the game up. After the restart, a further setback for ECG was to take place when during a cross, their keeper Steven, was injured and had to be carried off after trying to bravely prevent a shot taken by Choon Heng after a neat cross from John. ECG had restarted the match looking to pull the game level, only to find James having to play in goal and received another rude shock when they conceded a 2nd goal through the head of their defender Darren after an aggressive attack down their right flank.
Further fatigue and injuries to the different players made substitutions necessary and as the teams started tiring. This was when ECG sensed the opportunity to get back into the match. Midfielder Per weaved his way through the Reds midfield and brilliantly laid on a defence-splitting pass to Xianglong, who made no mistake by firing a stiff shot into the Pentecost Reds net. With the score 2-1 in the dying minutes, ECG pressed on to find the equaliser, but to no avail. The Pentecost Reds held on to make their 2-1 victory something to savour.
In the first 15 minutes of the match, attack after attack was made on ECG’s half. From kick-off, the hunger shown by the Pentecost Reds for that elusive first goal was made all the more evident as there was hardly a foray made into Pentecost penalty box during this period. The defensive four of Samuel, Adrian and Mark, marshaled by Jimmy made sure of this from the word go!
From a throw-in by Damien in the early minutes, Glenn dummied the defender marking him, but alas also skied his shot with only the keeper and post to beat. A shot from Daniel also trickled wide of the left post after some very impressive moves from the defenders to their forwards. A free-kick from Glenn, which was won by Damien, also saw the first yellow card given to James (who along with Kevin & Gabriel, were playing for their ECG team). Unfortunately, the free kick was cleared to safety by the opposition. A free kick minutes later by Timothy had the keeper beaten all the way, but was unfortunate to hit the woodwork and bounce away to safety.
Midway through the first half, ECG slowly started to get their game plan together and made a few attacks into the Pentecost half. Two ECG free-kicks put pressure on the Pentecost Reds, one placed over the bar, and the other blocked by the defensive wall. However, none of the attacks really troubled Pentecost keeper Jeremy too much. Several careless and mistimed tackles made by both sides raised a few eyebrows and harsh words, but these were quickly checked by a very able and competent referee, who did not stand for any nonsense or dissident shown. Stout defending from ECG and Pentecost Reds throughout the half also ensured that the goals were not forthcoming and that the score would remain 0-0 at half time.
The second half started with both teams evenly matched as they tried figuring out ways to breach the defensive wall put in place by both set of defenders. The ECG full-backs Daniel and Shaokang kept the Reds wingers well in check throughout the match. It was a fortunate minute that turned the game in favour of the Pentecost Reds. A corner from Timothy had bounced off an ECG player and appeared to trickle into the ECG net, but the referee did not award the goal, but another corner instead. This resulted in the opener when Timothy placed an in-swinging corner straight into the ECG goal to put PMC 1-0. This was exactly what was needed to open the game up. After the restart, a further setback for ECG was to take place when during a cross, their keeper Steven, was injured and had to be carried off after trying to bravely prevent a shot taken by Choon Heng after a neat cross from John. ECG had restarted the match looking to pull the game level, only to find James having to play in goal and received another rude shock when they conceded a 2nd goal through the head of their defender Darren after an aggressive attack down their right flank.
Further fatigue and injuries to the different players made substitutions necessary and as the teams started tiring. This was when ECG sensed the opportunity to get back into the match. Midfielder Per weaved his way through the Reds midfield and brilliantly laid on a defence-splitting pass to Xianglong, who made no mistake by firing a stiff shot into the Pentecost Reds net. With the score 2-1 in the dying minutes, ECG pressed on to find the equaliser, but to no avail. The Pentecost Reds held on to make their 2-1 victory something to savour.
Pentecost Reds 2
[Scorers- Timothy Loke & Darren (o.g.)]
ECG 1
[Scorer- Xianglong]
Pentecost Reds Team
1. Jeremy Tan 4. Mark Leong 6. Maurice Lim 8. Justin Luo 12. John Chia 13. Samuel Eyo 14. Glenn See Toh 17. Damien Chua 18. Raymond Chang 19. Adrian Phuah 20. Michael Chua 23. Jimmy Phuah 24. Timothy Loke 25.Choo Jingzhong 26. Rusydi 27.Daniel Low 28. Peh Choon Heng -. Joel Tan
1. Jeremy Tan 4. Mark Leong 6. Maurice Lim 8. Justin Luo 12. John Chia 13. Samuel Eyo 14. Glenn See Toh 17. Damien Chua 18. Raymond Chang 19. Adrian Phuah 20. Michael Chua 23. Jimmy Phuah 24. Timothy Loke 25.Choo Jingzhong 26. Rusydi 27.Daniel Low 28. Peh Choon Heng -. Joel Tan
Pentecost Reds Captain, Glenn See Toh & Timothy Loke
Monday, April 23, 2007
Soccer Team Friendly Match [28th April]
The Soccer Team will be having a friendly match this Saturday, 3 - 5 pm @ Springfield Secondary School.
For those who have registered to play, please come in your team kit [RED jersey, white shorts and RED socks]. For those who do not have the kit, please bring a red top just in case there are not enough spare jerseys to go round.
We are NOT be able to use the school car park and entrance this Saturday as the BB Officers are out on their retreat. Hence, we can only enter the field from the public gate, which is next to block 888 (please see map below). If you are driving, please use the HDB Public Car Park in-between blocks 888A and 888 and park there. The access to the Car Park is from Tampines Avenue 3.
Supporters are more than welcome to come and join the excitement! Please pray for good weather! See all of you on Saturday!
Refer to this map if you are unsure how to get to the public gate to the field or the HDB car park-
For those who have registered to play, please come in your team kit [RED jersey, white shorts and RED socks]. For those who do not have the kit, please bring a red top just in case there are not enough spare jerseys to go round.
We are NOT be able to use the school car park and entrance this Saturday as the BB Officers are out on their retreat. Hence, we can only enter the field from the public gate, which is next to block 888 (please see map below). If you are driving, please use the HDB Public Car Park in-between blocks 888A and 888 and park there. The access to the Car Park is from Tampines Avenue 3.
Supporters are more than welcome to come and join the excitement! Please pray for good weather! See all of you on Saturday!
Refer to this map if you are unsure how to get to the public gate to the field or the HDB car park-
Sunday, April 22, 2007
Soccer Fellowship Report [21st April]
The session started off with devotion led by Glenn See Toh. Glenn shared on the power of praying in faith.
Bangshi and Kevin proceeded to captain the Youthful Blues and Veteran Whites respectively. 29 players had turned up for this match and eagerly anticipated the kick-off. The match started off with a bang. A long through ball put Jeremy Tan through on goal and he made no error by firing the ball into the top corner of the net. The Veterans had taken a very early 1-0 lead. Using their experience and a straight-forward long-ball game, the Veterans tried time and again to beat the Blues' offside trap to put their forwards through. Soon, it was 2-0, another long ball found its way to Glenn, who calmly slotted the ball pass Blues' keeper Teck Hui. Controlling the ball from their own half of the field and clearning the dangerous runs of the speedy Blues' wingers, the Veterans raced to a 3-0 lead mid-way through the first half when another through ball found Glenn who chipped the ball into the net with the outside of his right foot. It was then that the Youthful Blues upped the pace of the match and attacked relentlessly. With speedy players Choo Heng, Daniel, Jingzhong and Damien, the Blues left many Veteran players in their wake, but could not find a way pass the defence, led ably by Jimmy Phuah. However, just before half-time, a cross was not well cleared by the Whites' defence and Damien was on hand to fire a very stiff shot into the net. The Blues had pulled a goal back before half-time.
The 2nd half started off with the Blues determined to get the goals to even the match. They attacked with speed and thrust, being marshalled well by their captain Bangshi. It wasn't long before the ball fell nicely to Jingzhong who shot pass the Whites' keeper, Kelvin Tham. The Blues were now determined to level the match and continued to attack down the wings. A few key substitutions also helped and when a through ball found its way to Isaac Chia, he made no mistake by firing the ball into the net to bring the match to 3-3. The Blues were really on the ascendency and were now looking for the winner with time ticking away. The Whites were happy to sit back and hit on the break, Jeremy coming close to putting the Whites back in front but his effort was just wide of the vertical. The long-ball game paid dividends again when Glenn managed to find his way through to steer the goal pass the keeper to complete his hat-trick and give the Veteran Whites a well-deserved 4-3 win. What a game!
Bangshi and Kevin proceeded to captain the Youthful Blues and Veteran Whites respectively. 29 players had turned up for this match and eagerly anticipated the kick-off. The match started off with a bang. A long through ball put Jeremy Tan through on goal and he made no error by firing the ball into the top corner of the net. The Veterans had taken a very early 1-0 lead. Using their experience and a straight-forward long-ball game, the Veterans tried time and again to beat the Blues' offside trap to put their forwards through. Soon, it was 2-0, another long ball found its way to Glenn, who calmly slotted the ball pass Blues' keeper Teck Hui. Controlling the ball from their own half of the field and clearning the dangerous runs of the speedy Blues' wingers, the Veterans raced to a 3-0 lead mid-way through the first half when another through ball found Glenn who chipped the ball into the net with the outside of his right foot. It was then that the Youthful Blues upped the pace of the match and attacked relentlessly. With speedy players Choo Heng, Daniel, Jingzhong and Damien, the Blues left many Veteran players in their wake, but could not find a way pass the defence, led ably by Jimmy Phuah. However, just before half-time, a cross was not well cleared by the Whites' defence and Damien was on hand to fire a very stiff shot into the net. The Blues had pulled a goal back before half-time.
The 2nd half started off with the Blues determined to get the goals to even the match. They attacked with speed and thrust, being marshalled well by their captain Bangshi. It wasn't long before the ball fell nicely to Jingzhong who shot pass the Whites' keeper, Kelvin Tham. The Blues were now determined to level the match and continued to attack down the wings. A few key substitutions also helped and when a through ball found its way to Isaac Chia, he made no mistake by firing the ball into the net to bring the match to 3-3. The Blues were really on the ascendency and were now looking for the winner with time ticking away. The Whites were happy to sit back and hit on the break, Jeremy coming close to putting the Whites back in front but his effort was just wide of the vertical. The long-ball game paid dividends again when Glenn managed to find his way through to steer the goal pass the keeper to complete his hat-trick and give the Veteran Whites a well-deserved 4-3 win. What a game!
Veteran Whites 4
[Scorers- Jeremy & Glenn(3)]
Youthful Blues 3
[Scorers- Damien, Jingzhong & Isaac]
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Soccer Fellowship [21st April]
Soccer Fellowship is ON this Saturday, 21st April at Springfield Secondary School.
The session will be from 3 - 5 pm.
This week, we are going to try something NEW in anticipation of this year's Church Cup- the Youth are going to play against the Veterans! If you are 25 years old and BELOW, please come in a BLUE jersey. If you are ABOVE 25 years of age, please come in a WHITE jersey. Let's come to have fun and play with others in the same age group (relatively).
Please pray for good weather! See you there.
The session will be from 3 - 5 pm.
This week, we are going to try something NEW in anticipation of this year's Church Cup- the Youth are going to play against the Veterans! If you are 25 years old and BELOW, please come in a BLUE jersey. If you are ABOVE 25 years of age, please come in a WHITE jersey. Let's come to have fun and play with others in the same age group (relatively).
Please pray for good weather! See you there.
Monday, April 09, 2007
Soccer Fellowship Report [7th April]
The session started off with devotion led by Maurice. Maurice shared on the true meaning of Easter, which was not about Easter Eggs, the Easter Bunny or about finding chocolates and nice things that we like. Easter is really about Jesus' resurrection and His victory over sin and death that allows us to have eternal life when we accept Him as our Lord and Saviour. Maurice encouraged everyone to reflect on the deeper meaning of Easter and consider making Jesus Christ the Lord of our lives.
Glenn and John proceeded to captain the Whites and Blues respectively, picking the available players one at a time. Even though only 19 players turned up, we still played 10 (Whites) versus 9 (Blues) on the big field. The match started off with quite a fast pace. Everyone realised that there was more space since there were less players on the field. There was also a lot more running to do if passes were not made efficiently. The first goal came when Jingzhong sped past the Whites defence to slot the ball pass the keeper, Maurice. He is surely making a habit of scoring goals with his speed and accurate shot placement. However, over the course of the 1st half, it was the Whites that attacked more fiercely, especially done the flanks with the powerful and speedy running of Daniel and Damien. It wasn't long before the equaliser came and then another goal to take the Blues up by 2-1. The score would have been more for the Blues if not for some timely tackles and intervention by Kevin.
The 2nd half started off with the Blues going straight for the equaliser and this came quite quickly when the ball fortuitously appeared to stick to the feet of Samuel Eyo as he waltzed pass the whole White defence and the keeper to put the Blues level 2-2. The match was truly being played in competitive style with both teams going for the win. Unfortunately for the Blues, Kevin's touch let him down when he was playing the ball out of defence. Bangshi, intercepting Kevin's heavy touch, sped through the middle of the defence and drove the ball hard against the horizontal and into the goal. The Blues had to fight back again, and with Jingzhong in fine form, he single handedly pulled the Blues back with another goal to bring the scores to 3-3. However, this was as far as the Blues got. As the match wore on and with the Blues' players tiring and miscommunicating, Glenn and Damien were able to put the Whites up by 5-3. Worse was to come for the Blues when immediately after they kicked off, the ball was intercepted in defence by the Whites, who scored again, making the final score 6-3. The Blues had capitulated late in the game and the Whites patience and persistence paid off. Well done Whites!
Glenn and John proceeded to captain the Whites and Blues respectively, picking the available players one at a time. Even though only 19 players turned up, we still played 10 (Whites) versus 9 (Blues) on the big field. The match started off with quite a fast pace. Everyone realised that there was more space since there were less players on the field. There was also a lot more running to do if passes were not made efficiently. The first goal came when Jingzhong sped past the Whites defence to slot the ball pass the keeper, Maurice. He is surely making a habit of scoring goals with his speed and accurate shot placement. However, over the course of the 1st half, it was the Whites that attacked more fiercely, especially done the flanks with the powerful and speedy running of Daniel and Damien. It wasn't long before the equaliser came and then another goal to take the Blues up by 2-1. The score would have been more for the Blues if not for some timely tackles and intervention by Kevin.
The 2nd half started off with the Blues going straight for the equaliser and this came quite quickly when the ball fortuitously appeared to stick to the feet of Samuel Eyo as he waltzed pass the whole White defence and the keeper to put the Blues level 2-2. The match was truly being played in competitive style with both teams going for the win. Unfortunately for the Blues, Kevin's touch let him down when he was playing the ball out of defence. Bangshi, intercepting Kevin's heavy touch, sped through the middle of the defence and drove the ball hard against the horizontal and into the goal. The Blues had to fight back again, and with Jingzhong in fine form, he single handedly pulled the Blues back with another goal to bring the scores to 3-3. However, this was as far as the Blues got. As the match wore on and with the Blues' players tiring and miscommunicating, Glenn and Damien were able to put the Whites up by 5-3. Worse was to come for the Blues when immediately after they kicked off, the ball was intercepted in defence by the Whites, who scored again, making the final score 6-3. The Blues had capitulated late in the game and the Whites patience and persistence paid off. Well done Whites!
Blues 6
[Scorers- Damien, Daniel, Bangshi & Glenn]
Whites 3
[Scorers- Jingzhong & Samuel Eyo]
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
Soccer Fellowship [7th April]
Soccer Fellowship is ON this Saturday, 7th April at Springfield Secondary School.
The session will be from 3 - 5 pm. For team identification this week, please bring / wear a BLUE AND WHITE jersey, so that we can split the teams evenly on Saturday itself.
Please pray for good weather! See you there.
p/s: For those who borrowed the Soccer Team jerseys for last Saturday's match, please return them to Kevin this Saturday. Thanks.
The session will be from 3 - 5 pm. For team identification this week, please bring / wear a BLUE AND WHITE jersey, so that we can split the teams evenly on Saturday itself.
Please pray for good weather! See you there.
p/s: For those who borrowed the Soccer Team jerseys for last Saturday's match, please return them to Kevin this Saturday. Thanks.
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