Many of us are too exhausted physically and emotionally for our loved ones after a hectic day at work. Everyone is busy due to the mounting commitments in life such that time with our family and friends is often compromised.

To help people develop deeper and richer relationships with families, especially children, and friends, Calvary Family Church has been organising its 40-day programme on an annual basis.

The ‘40 Days Programme’ is based on every important thing that happened in the Bible and it was initially started in the United States and then adopted by the Calvary Family Church where they found that it was the only way to bring families closer.

This year the programme is given the theme ‘Building Richer Relationships’ and it is divided into three stages. The objective is to bring parents and children together. Since parents are busy people, this is the only way for them to spend time with their children.

The first stage was conducted from April 13 to 27. The second is on going, from July 13 to 27 while the last stage will be held from Dec 5 to 14.

The first stage of the programme, a beach carnival, was held at Pasir Pandak and included several activities like a sand castle building competition.

A fishing competition was also held at the Fishing Pond at Kampung Semaba.

The second part of the programme was held yesterday at MBKS Stadium entitled ‘Fancy Fun Fair’ where family members including parents dressed up in fancy attire like night gowns, as Cleopatra, pharaohs and so on.

There were activities such as quizzes, balloon pop, line dancing and a clown and magic show. There was also a ‘live’ band performance.

The 40-day programme also included a ‘Creative Photo Competition’, seen as the best gift to the family as it is meant to capture a moment of togetherness.

The competition was open to all families. The rule is one photo per family and all entries must be submitted to Calvary Family Church Office by 5pm on Dec 9 at Lot 8954, Jalan Sekama 93300 (behind Fujisan Bakery).

Another activity under the 40 Days Programme is the Family Charity Project where families express their love to underprivileged children by giving them a ‘Box of Gifts’ each.

The Calvary Family church is also organising a Compassion Character Camp at Tadika Rhema, but this will only be held next May 23 to 24 to teach children the value of compassion in a fun-filled activity-based camp.

Those interested in sending their children to the camp may contact Lilian Phua at 082-3420999 or Benny Wong at 019-8177571.

The third stage of the programme will be held at Kenyalang Traffic Garden on July 26 from 5pm to 9pm entitled ‘Lantern Making Competition’.

The last part of the programme is entitled ‘Discovery Race’ which will be held on Dec 7 from 2pm to 6pm starting and ending at Civic Centre.

The competition is open to all families and friends where a Discovery Race Questionaire will be handed out.

The closing date for registration is Nov 30.

For those who are interested, call Dalen Chang at 012-8998196 or Lim Chee Huat at 013-8045578.

The last event of the year, slated for Dec 14, is entitled ‘Music and Dance through the years’ which will be from 6pm to 9.30pm at the Civic Centre.

For this, contact Alphonouses Tony at 012-8879923 or Yvonne Kho at 016-5250265.