Alvin Lau

29 03, 2020

The Great “Reset”: making the most of the situation

By Alvin|2020-03-29T03:21:45-04:00March 29th, 2020|Alvin Lau|0 Comments

It’s been two weeks since students have been in their classrooms. Many have spent a LOT of time at home (likely a considerable amount in their rooms). Some go to their default past-time (whether it’s gaming, Netflix binging, Tik Tok videos to name a few), others complain of being bored (despite not being willing to do anything). There is a better way for students to use their time, and for you to encourage your youth in the process. Before we start, a couple of considerations: A person doesn’t need to tackle all 5 areas. Some may overlap. If any

28 03, 2020

5 Tips For Tech in Ministry

By Alvin|2020-03-27T11:41:20-04:00March 28th, 2020|Alvin Lau, best practices|0 Comments

In the past couple weeks, many churches have started using technology (especially streaming and video conferencing) to meet and connect with one another. As this form of connection becomes more familiar to us, here are some tips, ideas and considerations moving forward. DIFFERENT TOOLS FOR DIFFERENT AUDIENCES No one tool will work for everyone, and different tools serve different purposes. Many churches are streaming their services through Facebook Live or YouTube Live. Zoom is the choice for many who need a group discussion setting. Instagram chats,

27 03, 2020

Helping Essential Service Workers

By Alvin|2020-03-29T17:32:36-04:00March 27th, 2020|Alvin Lau|0 Comments

Families that include those who have to go to work (whose jobs are deemed essential services), face a dilemma. Who will care for their children? At the time of this posting, based on the list provided by the Ontario government, individuals may be able to provide home childcare services for fewer than 6 children. Could our members (including youth) help those in their neighbourhoods by providing childcare? A few days ago, CBOQ Kids developed a virtual day camp template. It includes ideas for

23 03, 2020

COVID-19: a few days later

By Alvin|2020-03-23T08:35:33-04:00March 23rd, 2020|Alvin Lau|0 Comments

Yesterday, almost all churches have gone to some kind of digital gathering. In the last 1-1.5 weeks, youth leaders are figuring out what's their best approach in light of social distancing (some have suggested using the term "physical distancing" instead). Some observations I've (Alvin) made (without any too conclusive): The way we approach ministry is shifting dramatically (obvious statement). It's pushed us to lean on more networks of support. I've

18 03, 2020

Prayer Conference Calls

By Alvin|2020-03-19T10:50:25-04:00March 18th, 2020|Alvin Lau|0 Comments

While youth ministries are adjusting to the temporary reality influenced by COVID-19, we are gathering to pray (virtually) on Mondays at 7:00 pm, Wednesdays at 7:00 pm and Fridays at 10:30 am until April 9, 2020. To join, dial in with a number listed at https://www.fongo.com/conference-calling/. Use our CBOQ Youth office # as the pin: 4166202946. Feel free to invite any youth leader, children's ministry leader, next generation leader (or

14 03, 2020

CBOQ Kid’s Virtual Day Camp

By Alvin|2020-03-14T20:46:42-04:00March 14th, 2020|Alvin Lau|0 Comments

With the extended school closure, what will your youth (and the kids in your church and neighbourhood) be doing? While some parents/guardians are able to take that time off (or may be self-isolating as well), others may not have that option. They may be turning to your youth to supervise/babysit those kids. CBOQ Kids has just released a virtual day camp as a resource for your youth (and parents) to

7 03, 2020

Post-Secondary Considerations

By Alvin|2020-03-07T14:41:06-05:00March 7th, 2020|Alvin Lau|0 Comments

Do you have students about to graduate high school this June? What are their next steps? Here are some considerations and options in helping them make their next move. If they’re heading to school in another city, plan a visit to their prospective campus. If you as the youth leader can’t accompany them, encourage the students to visit campus with their parents/guardians. If you have students heading to Ontario universities

1 03, 2020

CBOQ Sunday 2020

By Alvin|2020-03-01T13:14:01-05:00March 1st, 2020|Alvin Lau|0 Comments

Yesterday, many of our CBOQ churches celebrated CBOQ Sunday. I (Alvin) was with Windsor Chinese Baptist Church (WCBC) for the weekend and it reminded me of the many reasons why CBOQ exists. This weekend, I had the honour to leading WCBC's Friday night youth group, facilitating a ministry audit, reviewing some key areas in their English ministry and speaking at their Sunday English service; I even had a chance to

27 01, 2020

Treasuring in the Midst of Busyness

By Alvin|2020-01-26T00:01:40-05:00January 27th, 2020|Alvin Lau|0 Comments

January to March is our high season with five events over 10 weeks. I (Alvin) admit I'm not good at taking a step back to be in the moment with God. Too many times, I'm thinking ahead to what's next. And yet, when I think back to Luke 2, twice the author points out that Mary "treasured" two moments: Jesus' birth along with the jubilant exclamation of the shepherds, and

20 01, 2020

Avalanche 2020 – review

By Alvin|2020-01-20T10:57:50-05:00January 20th, 2020|Alvin Lau|0 Comments

An avalanche came this weekend. Sure, there was a lot of snow. More importantly, the message of Jesus was clearly presented and available for all to consider. Our speaker, Shawn Naylor, talked through our 4 sessions: the projected identity, what's behind the scenes, when it all falls apart and the raw self. He challenged to almost 500 jr. high students and youth leaders to consider who Jesus calls them to