01 Oct 2007

Sept/Oct 2007 - TRAC Boys’ Brigade & Girls’ Brigade Consultation
The Board of Youth Work, Trinity Annual Conference, held its first ever BB/GB consultation from 17-19 August 2007, Port Dickson Methodist Centre.

This brought together 36 officers from eight GB and seven BB companies of TRAC churches, with some others, to look at this important but often unappreciated outreach ministry to the youth, especially in the schools.

Rev. Ong Hwai Teik, President of TRAC, opened the consultation with the Keynote Address. He reminded us that each person is made in the image of God (Gn.1:26-27) and therefore has dignity and worthy of our honouring God in them by our love. We are not to underestimate our impact as officers for the ripples we cause in the lives of the boys and girls can go a very long way. We were exhorted to “see to it that you complete the work you have received in the Lord” (Col.4:17).

Participants were excited by the various opportunities in schools and the recognition of the Ministry of Youth and Sports for the uniform groups. The Ministry of Education gives a 10% evaluation marks for cocurriculum.
These were seen as a wave of God’s moving, and participants wanted pastors to “ride the wave” to prioritize the GB and BB work. This is especially so for churches with a mission school in the compound or neighbourhood.

Ms. Yin Kam Yoke, Education Secretary of the Council of Education, told the consultation that the Brigade ministry with its interesting and holistic activities for leadership development was poised for growth at this time and we should leverage on the current situation in the country. The Brigades can enhance the Christian ethos in the mission schools, with the church providing the backing and the school Principals and Christian teachers playing an important part.

Indeed, other speakers also reinforced the important contribution the Brigades have made. Ms Kathryn Tan, the Honourary. Secretary of GBM, told of how GB impacted the girls of Malaysia. She highlighted the participation of the GB at all levels of the Ministry’s programme, even at national and international programmes. The Ministry of Youth and Sports has given renewed support and the GB is selected for Youth Exchange programmes overseas as well.

Mr Eric Tan, the Executive Secretary of BBM spoke on ways the BB improved the situation of youths today, in building character, respect, inner strength and skills; and in developing leadership in the social and academic spheres.

Rev Christopher Rao, the National Youth Director of TRAC spoke on Youth Trends today and the relevance of GB and BB today in ministering to the youths of today.

There were some issues that needed ironing out, notably the existence of the girls’ wing in the Boys’ Brigade. Nevertheless, we realize that this is Kingdom ministry and the important thing is to sow the seeds of the Gospel. We are to help each other in this ministry.

The Consultation ended with the formulation of a paper that is to be presented to TRAC.

Tay Choon Neo
TRAC Board of Youth Work