I clearly remember the day I accepted the position to chair REVIVE 2018. I was at church camp when I received a message from the previous chairperson, asking if I’d take over the position to lead the annual worship event that started in 2016.

At that point of time, I did not understand what taking up that role meant nor how significant it would be – not until the day itself, June 29, 2018. I just replied, “Okay, sure!” without missing a beat.

This year’s REVIVE theme was “Amazing Love”, taken from 1 John 4:7-8.

“Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.” (1 John 4:7-8)

This year, we focussed on the theme of God’s amazing love, especially the love He shows us in our high-pressured Singaporean life, be it in studies or even in our jobs. 

I must admit, however, that not everything went as smoothly as I’d hoped. At first, planning started off well; we met up as a student committee to worship and pray before each meeting. But as the days stretched on and the weight of the responsibility grew, I could see everyone’s perseverance fraying.

Watching the team struggle to work together sat heavy on my heart, especially as we made mistakes such as getting publicity out too late – which meant we did not expect as many people to come this time round. But we pressed on in faith nevertheless.

Despite the slight hiccups along the way, even on the day itself, imagine our surprise to see members of the public strolling in at 7pm! Perhaps it was going to turn out alright after all.

Little did I know then, but God had many other surprises in store for us that night.

After an incredible worship led by our very own students, old ACS Barker boys as well as students from other schools took to the stage to share their testimonies. Several of them actually came forth on the spot (we hadn’t planned for that many!) as God led them to share their stories.

And when the pastor-in-charge of REVIVE, Pastor Benjamin Lee, made a call of salvation for those who wanted to accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour, a group of more than 40 people – the size of a whole class – came forward!

As there were more people than we’d expected, the altar call team had to minister to the growing crowd in groups, and even I had to step forward to help pray with people. And when Pastor Benjamin made the call for those who wanted to rededicate their lives to Jesus, even more people started filling up the front of the stage to be prayed for!

Call my faith little, but I was astounded by the number of people who were stepping up to give their lives to Jesus afresh. By the end of the altar call, there were three long rows of people lined up in front, waiting for their turn. What a powerful sight it was, seeing God’s hand move.

I couldn’t help but think, long after the event ended, how precious it was to have been a part of this work of God. Who would have guessed what God could do with a small bunch of secondary school students?

A small bunch of secondary school kids who used their holiday time to rehearse for worship, make promotional videos, have early morning prayer meetings and just be great support to each other. And even though REVIVE has ended for another year, I believe revival has been kindled in our school – and beyond.

“But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvellous light …” (1 Peter 2:9)

Ethan Cheah is a student at ACS Barker Road. He invites all other ACS Barker Road students to meet at the Bleachers for daily 7AM prayer meetings.