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Free Community Church (Fcc) - Lgbtq Friendly Church Service In Singapore (compiled)

Guest ahchong

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Guest ahchong

Guest ahchong

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Hi everyone,

I, Chong Lip would like to invite everyone, especially youths to this annual youth event organised by Free Community Church. All is invited, you do not have to believe in any religion to join us for this :)

The event is aptly labelled "Someone Like You", on the basis that everyone is special in God's eyes and there is no condemnation in being who you are, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual or Transgender, Intersex or just plain Queer.

Please check out our facebook page hereand like it.

And enjoy this video we have created to that highlights some of the themes that we will go through. It's our first attempt so we can only improve from here :)

[media=]

Love,

ahchong

Anyway I'm one of the cast in the video, make a guess who it is!

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GachiMuchi Experienced

GachiMuchi

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Chong Lip, I would strongly recommend that you sign up as a member to post your event. Because any guest can post as AhChong and end up posting all kinds of things which may be confusing to those who are keen to join your event.

A member's nick is unique and only that person can login with that nick. So please consider signing up.

Edited by GachiMuchi

http://gachimuchi2008.blogspot.com

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Koh Chong Lip Newbie

Koh Chong Lip

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Chong Lip, I would strongly recommend that you sign up as a member to post your event. Because any guest can post as AhChong and end up posting all kinds of things which may be confusing to those who are keen to join your event.

A member's nick is unique and only that person can login with that nick. So please consider signing up.

Oh thank you. I was having difficulty trying to post using my account, because I haven't validated it yet..

Hahaha...

Anyway the event is on 1 JULY, a day after PINK DOT :)) 10.30AM

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Koh Chong Lip Newbie

Koh Chong Lip

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I am allowing this post on the Main as I had attended a few X'mas Masses and some gatherings and I found Free Community Church has really done a great job in providing a place where GLBTQ can go and worship as well as make friends (as I am not a X'tian) and yet feel safe and welcome.

Thank you G_M for pardoning my reckless posting! I am glad that it has made you feel welcomed and at ease.

Oh. So this was the video I heard that day when I passed by the library.

Haha, yes that was perhaps the raw version of it. Share it with your friends. (I think you were wearing green and with a friend at PPC)

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Koh Chong Lip Newbie

Koh Chong Lip

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well done, acl and fcc! god bless

Thanks dan :)

Nice video...

Thanks. :)

I thought in the past it was just LGBT, and the word Queer is a slang for Gays in general.

Why the new term LGBTQ? Is it the new politically correct terms now?

I used LGBTQ and even possiblly 'I' (intersex) to make it more inclusive as not everyone ascribes to the labels LGBT only. The myriad of human sexualities can be quite dazzling!

Some people are just queer (asexual, pansexual etc) and hopefully I tried to capture that.

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Guest ongwsjackson

Guest ongwsjackson

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It's too early to tell, but I'll probably be going for the service :)

Edited by jacksonongws
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Koh Chong Lip Newbie

Koh Chong Lip

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I have a story to tell, my story:

Somewhere, somehow I've encountered this quote: " Life is a stage." I can't agree more. Much of my life, as I recall, have been really just putting on a show for people to watch. We actually do not have to be Mediacorp actors or actresses to be great performers. and suffice to say, our lives make for a good script for all its drama!

All my life I have been trying to blend in, to be the same like the rest, to conform, to be ordinary, so as to ultimately feel belonged. Someone like you may feel the same way. But somehow or rather, I always stick out like a sore thumb. There's just some inherent 'flaw' in me that prevents me from being like a well oiled cog in the machinery.

In primary school, like Wilsen I was taunted for being sissy etc since primary one. I responded by aggression, getting into fights with people who dared to call me sissy or gay. I was fortunate then that I was bigger sized, and no one really tried to ruffle my feathers . As such, i was shumned by my classmates, save for a few other bullies who became my allies. I guess they were hurt, or insecure in some ways too. I had no true friend to speak of. The ability to Bully others gave me some sense of power and control over my life but Of course, deep down inside I was lonely, and recesses were my most dreaded periods of school. I'll eat alone, wonder off to some deserted area in school or escape to the library, if not I'll be confronted by the next wannabe who wanted to pin me down.. Even back then, I was very wary not to get any scars or bruises on my face, so why not avoid a fight unless you really have to to prove a point.

One Thing did change as I went up to secondary school. Bullying others was no longer viable to protect myself, now that there were other bigger, badder, and older boys. The rest is the same. I was still a misfit! I had hopes that A new environment would allow me to start on a new slate, where I can be liked and loved by at least somebody, im not even asking for everybody's affection here. I joined a cca(softball) and indulged myself in computer games, and food to tide over my loneliness. Everyday was a routine I was so sick and tired of. In secondary, at least I found a friend, who in layman terms, was a 'loser' like me whom will often accompany me for meals during recess. Otherwise the best retreat would be the library for me. And im glad for those days, I've learnt so much random stuff and knowledge in the quiet corners...

When I was 15, I thought I found a solution to my problems- Christianity, in the form of a nicely printed pamplet by Focus on the Family. It promises that God can heal away the gay in me so that I can be normal like someone like you. I'm so glad God didn't then, for He or She had so much in stored for me and I won't be sharing this story today. Anyway, back to the story. I joined a church, and need I say, very soon I was known as the oh so holy boy in church, and from the bully in school, to the teachers' pet. The whole story continues itself in JC, I was trying to be everyone's best friend to be accepted, to be continuously witty, charming and nice to gain acceptance.and in NS as well, where I was nice and was given the toilet IC cleaning role amongst others during my BMT. I seriously thought that NS will man me up, but somehow it only proved to be a fantasy playground. But I showed incredible restraint, even when I was training with my sizzling hot pti trainees. I saw it as a trial and testing from God, that produces long suffering and patience in Him. I had always believed that one day God will fully deliver me from this thorn in my flesh, as Paul so aptly describes, as long as I struggle and trust in Him. Imagine my pain as I recount the countless opportunities wasted!! Yet somehow there will always be people who come up to me and ask if im gay, or comment that im sissy, for being nice and helpful? and it hurts me deeply in spite of my Ernest attempts to change. One notable thing happened while I was in my airbase. This atheist friend/ clerk of mine invited me to FCC to check it out and im addicted to it ever since. There's not enough time here for me to share the gargantuan struggle I had in wrestling with what the Bible reads literally and what my heart and experience tells me. But I'll admit these two things were nagging at the back of my mind. Fear Of punishment by God for being gay and embracing the homosexual lifestyle, and fear of disobeying the official stand on what the Bible says about homosexuality. But no longer, these chains have tied me down long enough.

The remaining of my army days, I got comfortable enough to tell my junior I was gay(also because I was trying to hit on him) and behaved the way I am, Instead of being rigid, predictable and boring. Pretty soon, the whole camp guessed I was gay and they had no issues with that as I discharged my duties well, even clinching the best airman award which I knew not how...

I'm ever so grateful for the flow of people in FCC who have talked to me, spent time with me, laughed and cried with me. Its my home and truly I feel welcomed here. You have helped me cross this bridge of unbelief that God loves me as who I am, no questions asked. And its not even warped theology!

I can't say my troubles are gone, I faced this lonely phase again in University, and you can't have friends with you in school all the time. They have their own lives too! Just last semester, I've begun to gather lgbtq friends into this social group which I call SMU'IM through various platforms. We meet up for study sessions, gatherings, competitions, outings and soon will look to organizing lgbtq friendly info sessions or events for the school. It has been tiring, disappointing and onerous at times, but this is a chapter of my life I relish and enjoy writing ! For those students out there, or bosses or employers, I urge you to do the same if that's your passion. Ignite what stirs your heart, dont let it go wasted.

And once again I end with this quote:" life is a stage" im going to live it fabulously as Jesus commanded in John 10:10 , "Ive come to give you life, and life to the full." no longer will I recycle any material, tolerate mere scribbles or leave anything blank, or tear any more pages in the book of my life. Amen!

I hope you can attend the Youth Service with me, more details:

https://www.facebook...46979392103323/

And once again the youtube video we uploaded, it's funny, haha :

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itsaj Newbie

itsaj

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hey guys! thanks for taking time to check this out. we have an array of items prepared for you guys and i'm sure you'll have a memorable time. :)

really, more importantly, this is about people like you and me. Each of us has a story to tell, like Chong Lip above me, and we welcome you as you are without seeking to change you, but rather show you how there is nothing wrong with you being YOU.

so come on down. service starts 1030. hope to see you guys there! :)

https://www.facebook.com/events/146979392103323/

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Koh Chong Lip Newbie

Koh Chong Lip

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The event is happening tomorrow!

Address: Century Technology Building Level 3 (56 Lorong 23 Geylang, 388381)

Nearest MRT in Aljunied, Whe you exit the station, walk straight pass the ANANIAS Cafe and Mr BEAN, and cross over the overhead bridge.

After you cross, walk straight and turn left towards the building with a big MR BEAN advertisement plastered on it.

Hope to see you there, remember it starts at 1030 sharp! :))

Hugs,

Chong Lip

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Koh Chong Lip Newbie

Koh Chong Lip

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Hope everyone enjoyed this year's PINKDOT. It was awesome!!! Carry on the high spirits in the annual church service organized by the Youths in Free community church tomorrow morning at 10.30 am.

Details and instructions on how to get there are mentioned above and the poster is below.

409762_482726378421057_1002849853_n.jpg

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Guest ongwsjackson

Guest ongwsjackson

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Thanks for the time :)

Sorry I had to leave early, had a lunch date with the parents.

Edited by jacksonongws
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Koh Chong Lip Newbie

Koh Chong Lip

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For those who did come, it was a success!! THANK YOU :))

For those who didn't make it, here are some pictures.

555865_483503461676682_1795263728_n.jpg

This will greet you at the entrance, the labour of love by all the youths who wrote down notes of encouragement and love to everyone who comes.

We managed to find a mirror ! SOME ONE LIKE YOU !

Sister Aurora giving the prayer

Joel and Nathan leading worship

John giving us the sermon "God loves someone like you"

After service, some food was catered

252678_483504291676599_789607175_n.jpg

Everyone having a good time catching up and knowing each other

575360_483504381676590_97511656_n.jpg

'Chili' and I

425160_483504478343247_1209436049_n.jpg

Games immediately after lunch to get to know more new friends better!

582673_483504561676572_85683157_n.jpg

Ooooohh pretty cool game

557668_483504905009871_1833361814_n.jpg

Decked in black for the part

561056_483505025009859_685592622_n.jpg

Some happy ones after the game ended.

Hope those who viewed it enjoyed the pictures. Hope to see you for future events :)

Hugs,

Chong Lip

Edited by Koh Chong Lip
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Koh Chong Lip Newbie

Koh Chong Lip

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Yep, I was right, pink was definitely not his color. Brown is. hehehe..

I'll pass him your feedback. And I have to agree too.

This is a shot captured by Yahoo News Singapore when some of our FCC members headed over to support PINK DOT 12.

630Yahoo-dressedinpink-jpg_045816.jpg

(Credits: http://sg.news.yahoo.com/photos/pink-dot-2012-slideshow/pink-dot-dressed-in-pink-2-photo-1341118702.html)

A pity I wasn't inside when they took this. !

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oralb Apprentice

oralb

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I used LGBTQ and even possiblly 'I' (intersex) to make it more inclusive as not everyone ascribes to the labels LGBT only. The myriad of human sexualities can be quite dazzling!

Some people are just queer (asexual, pansexual etc) and hopefully I tried to capture that.

Firstly thank you for the hardwork! It is good to have you contributing to the community.

the new definition for Q in LGBTQ is Questioning - Those that are curious or questioning their identify and orientation.

I have cap the LGBTQ in the topic plus added in tags for easy classifications

:thumb: When I Think It, I Do It, I Win It! :thumb:

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Koh Chong Lip Newbie

Koh Chong Lip

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Firstly thank you for the hardwork! It is good to have you contributing to the community.

the new definition for Q in LGBTQ is Questioning - Those that are curious or questioning their identify and orientation.

I have cap the LGBTQ in the topic plus added in tags for easy classifications

Thank you OralB for your work in this community too! Haha I guess Queer counts too, after all there's something called Queer Theory! But good point, I'll note that down

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Koh Chong Lip Newbie

Koh Chong Lip

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A very special project "Stonewalled" was birthed last year in June to bless the church and the wider community. And I was honoured to be part of this. Here is the video that I hope you guys will enjoy, and a more detailed description of the Stonewalled Album and what it does.

"STONEWALLED" MUSIC FOR HIV MEDICATION :: The inaugural album of Free Community Church is now available for sale on CD, Amazon and iTunes! "Stonewalled" contains 12 original songs written, performed and produced by a group of volunteers who came to work on this project together.

We firstly want to help raise funds for people living with HIV. The CD is available at S$20 and ALL proceeds from the sale of "Stonewalled" will go to those who can't get access to or can't afford the expensive HIV medication.

We also want to use music to share the truth of God's unconditional love for everyone. In a world where our differences are often used as the reason to reject and judge each other, we want you to know that you have been uniquely and lovingly created by a God who has a plan and purpose for each one of us. Whether you are straight, gay, bisexual, transgendered, poor or rich, black white or brown, HIV+ or negative.

To support this project and download the CD digitally on Amazon.com, please click here (http://www.amazon.co...duct/B005999HRO). All proceeds will go to our HIV medication fund.

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Koh Chong Lip Newbie

Koh Chong Lip

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Hi Chiang, I'm sorry if you have gotten the impression that FCC only accepts Youth. This is incorrect and I think that I'd like to clarify it. I

We accept EVERYONE, regardless of your race, language spoken, gender, sexuality, economic status, age, religion and any other labels that seek to separate one group from another.

Although this is a very hard feat to do, do trust me that we are trying very hard to embrace everyone no matter who they are, just as they are.

We would love to have older people in our midst as well, who have so much more wisdom, life experiences to share and contribute to our church life and work.

So I do hope that you'll come visit us, I'll be more than happy to know you and link you up to more friends in church.

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Koh Chong Lip Newbie

Koh Chong Lip

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I'm very encouraged that people do actually read the postings I make on this forum and that in some ways it educates, encourages and hopefully benefits them.

I was working last night at a hotel and was approached by a slightly older man. He was checking me out(name tag) and asked if I was Chong Lip on Blowing Wind. I was in mild shock and said yes. this opened up conversation in an otherwise stale working environment and made work much more enjoyable.

This incident made me realize how important it is to be visible in society as it wouldn't happen if I was hiding behind an unknown avatar on this forum. There are risks involved in being open but it was a calculated one and it was all worth it. In my opinion, society would be more accepting if they personally knew colleagues, friends, family members, relatives who are LGBTQ and perfectly functioning, contributors of society like them. So I encourage you to take small, little steps and who knows what pleasant surprises await you!

God or fate or destiny or randomness, however you like to call it, seems to have a knack of weaving seemingly disconnected events, forming a beautiful tapestry of life. :)

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Guest ongwsjackson

Guest ongwsjackson

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That I agree!

It's been a long time since I came out to everyone. Times were rough initially, but after a while I'd be constantly getting words on how I changed their perceptions on the LGBT community. Even while serving national service.

So, one perception at a time :)

Edited by jacksonongws
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Koh Chong Lip Newbie

Koh Chong Lip

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That i agree!

It's been a long time since i came out to everyone. Times were rough initially, but after awhile i'd be constantly getting words on how i changed their perceptions on the lgbt community. Even while serving national service.

So, one perception at a time :)

Thank you Jackson for your sharing. It was in National Service (where I thought it was the most homophobic) that I opened up and blossomed towards the end.

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closetedlestroll Newbie

closetedlestroll

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This is pretty cool. One of FCC's pastors officiated this wedding in Australia.

Let's not lose hope and await that someday to happen!

Enjoy "tim and nic's wedding night"

[media=]

read about them on fridae. so cool!

Brian Kinney (Queer as Folk) - There's only two kinds of straight people in this world: The ones that hate you to your face... and the ones that hate you behind your back.

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Koh Chong Lip Newbie

Koh Chong Lip

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I was looking for an LGBT church in Singapore too....does FCC do youth services?

Hi RanLin, your search has not been in vain! FCC is LGBT inclusive, we basically accept EVERYONE, regardless.

FCC does not do youth services per se, but once every July the Youths are empowered to organize a special service by themselves.

We cater for youths through cell groups, where we go through life together. If you are keen, I can arrange a visit ?

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Guest Esjey

Guest Esjey

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Cool. God's love exist in so many forms, with no boundaries! I'd like to attend their service someday, despite my unshaken Catholic faith.

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Koh Chong Lip Newbie

Koh Chong Lip

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Not a X'tain but bumping this topic. Keep up the good work :)

Thanks Gonzo. :)

Cool. God's love exist in so many forms, with no boundaries! I'd like to attend their service someday, despite my unshaken Catholic faith.

Sure,when you do, pm me! I'll be happy to share more about the people and our culture with you. Also,there are amongst FCC a few Catholics as well.

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Guest Esjey

Guest Esjey

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Oh I see. How is the usual service like? Curious to know cos as far as i know, Church service is very different from Church Mass. So, any videos/pages/links to share on FCC? :)

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Koh Chong Lip Newbie

Koh Chong Lip

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Oh I see. How is the usual service like? Curious to know cos as far as i know, Church service is very different from Church Mass. So, any videos/pages/links to share on FCC? :)

Hi Esjey,

There's a big chunk of information on the church website: http://freecomchurch.org/

I feel that there's no clear description of what it's like- to me it ranges from being quite conservative to liberal depending on who is in charge of the worship, prayer, communion and speaker that day, to cater to the diverse theological needs of the congregation. But one thing constant is the continuing questioning of our faith, asking hard questions about God that spur me towards a more robust, or authentic faith with God.

A few things we have done in the past, like the Youth Service, Stonewalled Project are in the earlier posts.

Please feel free to buzz me if you've any questions.

Chong Lip :)

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Koh Chong Lip Newbie

Koh Chong Lip

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Hey all,

There will be a sharing on Substance Abuse this Sunday(16 Sept) at 2pm at Free Community Church, level 3.

The sharing is done by someone who has walked the talk and has overcome this addiction.

I would like to invite all of you who may be struggling with this issue or have friends who are encountering this problem as it would be eye-opening and engaging.

Instructions on how you can get there: http://freecomchurch.org/07-getting.htm

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Koh Chong Lip Newbie

Koh Chong Lip

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On the 25th this Sunday, FCC is commemorating World Aids Day. Do come for our special service and a hearty "Charity Cafe" after service. Volunteers from Zion cell group will be whipping up a feast in the theme "RED" and the funds raised will go into a HIV Medication fund our church runs.

Hope to see you there!

Chong Lip

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Koh Chong Lip Newbie

Koh Chong Lip

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Members of Free Community Church and a few activists in our LGBT community- June, Irene and Vanessa went for the Action For Aids Charity dinner on 8 Dec.

We are really honoured that our Pastoral Advisor Rev Yap Kim Hao has won an award for his more than outstanding service towards the HIV/AIDS cause in Singapore and the region.

It only inspires me to see what I in my capacity I can do to partner this work that he does with Action for Aids.

I would like to share with you some highlights of the night.

Rev Yap receiving the award from Dr Amy Khor and Dr Roy Chan

https://www.facebook...&type=3

Two beautiful ladies and equally charming gentlemen

https://www.facebook...&type=3

Noris and her gals giving their all in this spectacular show

https://www.facebook...&type=3

My lovely FCC family together with these fiercely passionate individuals of our community

https://www.facebook...&type=3

I hope to see you in future events and be inspired!

Edited by Koh Chong Lip
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