The compelling true story of two young ladies: one reaching the heights of the world’s tallest peak and the other descending into depths of despair.

Esther Tan, at age 23, took a chance one day that eventually became a four year journey which culminated in her being part of the first women’s team from Singapore to reach the top of Mount Everest. In spite of her inexperience, a relatively small physique and even a congenital heart condition that required surgery in the midst of her training, she persevered to overcome her fears and anxieties, ultimately conquering the Mount Everest of her life.

Esther Mok, at age 23, was just an ordinary girl. One day, upon returning from a holiday in Hong Kong, she suddenly achieved infamy as the first carrier of SARS into Singapore and notoriety as a super-infector, transmitting the disease to over 90 other people. Among those she infected were her parents, her maternal uncle and her pastor, all of whom died from the disease. She survived, but had to live under the shadow of having caused so much pain and grief to those around her. There were a total 206 SARS cases in singapore with 26 deaths. That was in 2003. What really happened? What was her journey like?

The story of two Esthers—illustrating both sides of life—the challenge we choose and the challenges that are thrust into our life. These two extremes—climbing the world’s highest peak and seeing your loved ones pass away through something you inadvertently did are huge.

The two stories are a reminder of the triumph of the human spirit—the potential that God has placed within each of us to accomplish things far beyond what we could not have imagined for ourselves.

The two Esthers should serve as an encouragement to live life to its fullest—that where we are now is only the beginning of the journey—that there are many more fascinating and wonderful things to discover in our lives.

Each Esther was like one of us—living an ordinary life and having no inkling of what would happen in the future. Each Esther was not prepared to take on their challenge at the beginning but God worked to bring each of them to readiness. One Esther was not physically prepared. The other Esther was not emotionally and spiritually prepared. Yet as they initiated the journey, both Esthers changed. The key to the triumph is that both Esthers were willing to allow God and others to transform their lives. Both opened their hearts and God connected with them – speaking in an unmistakable way.

To see and hear Esther Tan articulate how much God empowered her is amazing. We definitely have set our sights too low. Maybe you are like Esther. You need a difficult challenge to draw closer to God.

Where are you in your life’s journey? Do you have a challenge that has been thrust in front of you? Or are you in the process of accomplishing that dream placed within your heart? Or do you need to take the first step in realizing your dream?

The other Esther, Esther Mok did not allow the adverse circumstances to overwhelm her. Though she experienced stunning family tragedy, she was able to seize and hold onto hope. She could have responded in anger and bitterness. Instead Esther drew closer to God. She allowed herself to be transformed by the power of God.

Esther reminds us that we cannot control our circumstances, we can only control our response to the circumstances. Esther shows us that God can take our shame and guilt and use it to help others. Esther shows us that our lives are worth living no matter how difficult or hopeless we might think our circumstances are. Esther shows us that through a step-by-step process we move to higher levels of commitment. Esther shows us that living a life under fear and anxiety does not have to be.

The two Esthers show us that there is no dream too big or tragedy large enough to stop the movement of God. The question is whether we will choose to move with God.

Discussion questions for small groups will be developed to add value to the DVD.

Films directed by Ms Norhaya, available for purchase online :

Ms. Aziz is an award-winning director and a native of Singapore. She received a diploma in Graphic Design and Advertising from the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts. Following, she held positions at McCann Erickson International Advertising Agency and CNBC in Singapore. Ms. Aziz furthered her education in the United States, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Broadcast Design from Oral Roberts University and an MA in Cinema / Television from Regent University.

At Regent University, Ms. Aziz directed and produced numerous award-winning short films, commercials and music videos, including a national public service announcement, which aired on MTV. Among her many honors are two Telly Awards, a Communicator Award and a student Emmy Award presented by the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences and has now become a member of the Academy.

Ms. Aziz also worked for CBN International, where she had the opportunity to fully utilize her multi-cultural experience and skills while working on location in China, Cambodia and North Korea. After being smuggled into a flood-devastated region in China and North Korea, she returned with a news report that the major networks were unable to achieve.

Meter Maid, a short film directed by Ms. Aziz, was selected for screening at the 2001 Milan International Film Festival in Italy, and for the Filmworks Festival in San Francisco. It won an award for Best Short Film in the latter. The following year in 2002, her music video, If this Life is Everlasting won the Houston Worldfest Film Festival, Platinum Award.

She has also produced and directed three films for Billy Graham’s My Hope Singapore project. True Prosperity (Olivia Tay), Never Too Late (Neville Tan) and Starting Over (Kelvin Soh) which won an award at the 43rd Houston Worldfest Film Festive 2010. Her film,
The Deal won the Gold Crown Award at the International Christian Visual Media conference in 2010.

Recently, she had the privilege to be chosen as one of the 10 participants from Singapore in ‘The Reel Experience’—a 12-week training programme sponsored by Salon Films (H.K) Ltd. and The Media Development Authority of Singapore (MDA). Participants were tasked with delivering a factual documentary for terrestrial TV distribution to commemorate 20 years of diplomatic relations between China and Singapore. The aims of the programme were to provide hands-on experience in digital film production, to promote creativity and entrepreneurship, as well as to foster the development of Singapore’s film industry. During the course, she was given the role of co-director, with responsibilities of overseeing the entire documentary, as well as co-directing a segment of the documentary. Being part of ‘The Reel Experience’ has been thoroughly educative and has provided her the opportunity to witness the film production process in China and to network with renowned Chinese filmmakers and co-production officials and partners—experiences which otherwise would not have been possible.

A Tale of Two Esthers tells of the compelling true story of two young ladies: one reaching the very heights of the world’s tallest peak and the other reaching the very depths of despair. We trust that Ms Aziz will again be able to make this into a film that would touch lives.

Summary of Production Cost

Total Cost Needed to complete production  = $124,150 (see table below)

Estimated funds collected as of 1 Oct 2011 = S$40,000

TOTAL COST (A + B)  = $124,150

Estimated funds collected as of 1 Oct 2011 = S$40,000

Greetings in the matchless love of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ!

Our ministry development team at Campus Crusade has undertaken the project of  filming A Tale of Two Esthers. It is based on true life stories and testimonies of two young women of faith whose lives were dramatically impacted by two separate headline events and how their journey with God in overcoming the odds have drawn people to Christ.

We believe this inspirational film will be widely used by churches, organisations and individuals for evangelism and for spiritual encouragement. Through this visual medium, we trust such stories of hope can also motivate and touch lives, especially the younger generation, for His Kingdom.

The production of this film is an undertaking of faith. We would therefore like to seek your prayers and partnership in ensuring the smooth transition in filming these testimonies and the necessary resources to make it happen.

At the time this note is written, the shooting has been completed but due to the shortage of funds, we are not able to proceed with completing the production.

We appreciate your prayer and consideration on supporting the production of this film. Please contact Victor at (65)6356-6063 or victor@crusademedia.com.sg to find out how you can help.

 

May the Lord’s favour be on you and your family!

Warmly in Christ,

Campus Crusade Asia Ltd – Mass Media Ministry