In this morning’s ELC chapel service, representatives from the PK2 class led the pledges, O Canada and the Lord’s Prayer. Then, Ms. Lin led a time of musical worship with three songs – “Do Not Give Up”, “Every Move I Make” and “Show Me Your Ways”.
Ms. Lin’s message centred around the theme of never giving up. She started by sharing that she had participated in three Toronto Half Marathons and four Terry Fox Runs since her move to Canada in 2022. She showed the students some of her medals and favourite t-shirts from the various events. She also talked about her race in May of 2024. It was a cold day, about 10ºC, and it began to rain at the starting line. Her clothes and shoes were soaked by the time she started the race. Despite the circumstances, she kept going and she heard the Lord’s voice telling her to persevere and focus on each step. At the one kilometre mark, the sun came out! By the 6 km mark, Ms. Lin’s feet were full of blisters and she felt weak. However, she put on her ear buds and listened to worship music, especially “You Lift Me Up”, to help her keep going and finish the race.
Ms. Lin also explained that everyone has their own race to run. Toddlers have to learn to be comfortable away from their parents. PK’s have to learn their letters and write their names. JK’s have to learn phonics. SK’s have to learn cursive writing, math and writing sentences. Ms. Lin also asked if students were learning other difficult tasks such as swimming, skating, piano and violin. Many hands were raised and students nodded to acknowledge they experienced challenges. Ms. Lin then shared that when we feel tired, weak or want to give up because things are difficult, we can pray and ask God to give us strength – step by step, kilometre by kilometre.
Next, Ms. Lin shared a very inspirational video about British Olympic sprinter, Derek Redmond, who pulled a hamstring during the 400 metre race at the 1992 Barcelona Summer Olympics. Despite the pain, he limped to finish one lap, with the support of his dad. The song, “You Lift Me Up”, played as the video shared the difficult steps and roaring support of the audience in the stands.
After the video, Ms. Lin shared 2 Chronicles 15:7 . She also asked Mrs. Michelle to pray for the students. She asked God to help us persevere to cross the finish line. She also thanked Him for taking care of us when we are weak and for being such a Good Good Father.
To conclude, Ms. Lin showed another video of a children’s choir singing “You Lift Me Up” . The staff and students sang along with it, reflecting with thankful hearts for God’s grace and strength that He gives us each day.