Source/Author: By Ms Tay Choon Neo - The Organising Chairperson of the GBM 75th Anniversary

The Girls’ Brigade Malaysia

2013! This year will stand out in the Girls’ Brigade Malaysia history for many reasons.

Firstly, we celebrate 75 years of the existence of the Girls’ Brigade in Malaysia. This wonderful organization for girls arrived on our shores in Penang as the Girls’ Life Brigade. In 1968, three girls’ organizations – the Girls’ Brigade from Ireland, the Girls’ Guildry from Scotland and the Girls’ Life Brigade from England – merged to form what we now know as the Girls’ Brigade. Through the years, the lives of women, young and old, have been touched not only by its wholesome programme, but by the love and care that resulted through relationships forged by the common bond of Brigade.

To proclaim God’s goodness and faithfulness, several programmes have been planned.

GBM Thanksgiving Service for 75 years of God Before Me. A thousand girls, officers, parents, alumni, church members and friends congregated in Wesley Methodist Church Kuala Lumpur Legacy Centre to celebrate God’s blessings on 27th July. The young worship team that led the congregation in Worship and Thanksgiving testifies to how the Lord is using the young people in this generation. The variety in the programme and its participants testifies to how God is reaching to a diverse people and yet with one voice we serve Him.

GBM 75th Anniversary Dinner at Pik Wah Restaurant followed the Thanksgiving Service with an enjoyable evening of fellowship as we celebrate the joy of God Before Me.

Prior to the celebrations, GBM hosted the GB International President’s Committee (IPC) meetings for the first time in Malaysia, 21-27 July. GBM also hosted the GB Asia Fellowship meetings in Kuala Lumpur on the 26-27 July. How wonderful to have the International GB community come and celebrate with us. The IPC paid a courtesy call to the Deputy Education Minister, YB Datuk Mary Yap in Putrajaya on 23 July, discussing with her how the GB can play a greater role as a uniformed body in school and the community.

Another significant event was the publication of the GBM Book of 75 stories. It is an excellent witness to the impact of GB on the lives of girls and women through the years.

As if to culminate the celebrations in Kuala Lumpur, the GBM 56th Annual General Meeting was held on the 28th of July. This AGM saw a record number of officers present, having come from all over the country for the celebrations the day before. Bishop Dr Ong Hwai Teik, the National Chaplain of GBM, was present with us throughout the events and celebrations. He reminded us of our role as handmaidens, like the slave girl of leprous Naaman, insignificant though she may be in status, but the impact of her witness was great.

On the 14th of September, the celebrations move to Sibu, Sarawak for the Dedication of the newly-purchased GBM Sarawak Centre.

GBM Vision
Impacting Lives, Touching Families, Building the Nation, Blessing the World

May the God who has led us over 75 years through difficult times and happy times always go before us and guide our path. Glory to God!