Sunday, October 23, 2011

RR Melaka # 1 - 19th Council of Achievement 2011

The recently concluded RR Melaka # 1- 19th Council of Achievement 2011 signalled the end of another wondrous, dynamic and fun-filled year in God's ministry of shaping and moulding lives of young children. This year, I am particularly overwhelmed with joy and admiration for my young leaders for taking the initiative to lead the Royal Rangers Ministry to a whole new level of serving and working along side our Maker in Heaven. I must say without doubt that these leaders had proven time and time again that youthfulness and being young at age is not a matter when it comes to serving the Lord in ministries today. In fact, they have shown us, the "not-so-young leaders" that they are respectful, understanding, capable and hardworking in every aspect of leadership. I am so proud of them and they are Bryan Lee, Stefanie Sim, Stephen Raj, John Ng, Josephine Gan, Bryan Chiew, Foo Shwu Yuen, Paul Raj, Lewis Raj, Mathew Chiam, Malcom Chiam, Jenny Liong and Jocelyn Gan. It really fills my heart with joy and admiration to them for doing a great job in organising the Council of Achievement. I could write pages and pages about these young ones but I just wanted them to know that my heart is so ever thankful to them for really taking a deep interest and care for this ministry. It made me very happy knowing that this ministry would be in good hands of these young leaders. 
The RR emblem in koolam design was actually a wonderful combined effort of so many of these young leaders and it was such a delight to the eyes. It takes creativity, effort and most important of all, patience to get the koolam done in the right RR spirit - Ready for Anything! That started off our Bollywood Night theme on the right track. As preparations were meticulously carried out at the best of our resources and ability, everything seemed to come into place. As parents trickled in at our function as the clock struck 7.00pm, you could sensed a time of great fellowship and a great night in store. We were pleasantly surprised by the presence of our former commanders and friends who are really great supporters of this ministry, Vive, Sathy & Lih Gin. It was a real pleasant surprise for me and our team - thanks to the effort of Comdr. Bryan Lee! I was also very glad and happy to see my son, Joa Wee in his light brown jippa outfit looking dashing and handsome too! (Ah! Like father like son -lar!hahahahaaaa..... ). Their presence really cheered up many of us and we exchanged warm hugs. The opening skit  was then carried out by Discovery & Adventure Rangers with the main lead roles being held by DR Ashley Chia and AR Dave N.Louis. It was their wonderfully choreographed entertaining "Jai Ho" song to accompany the lighting up of the electrically controlled flickering flames. Never mind if there were mis-stepped dance moves or non-uniformity of movements, it was a great effort by these young ones that matters! The night was about honoring the children for their achievement for the year and I could see proud and beaming faces of parents as their children are called up to receive their advancement patches and merits. That's what it is all about -honoring the children and their parents for their commitment, hardwork and passion for the ministry.
We also honored two important recipients in Josephine Gan and Jocelyn Gan in completing their requirements for Silver Medal of Achievement Award and Bronze Medal of Achievement Award. Two fine young leaders in progress. They most certainly deserve their accolades and honor for their completion of advancement merits and trail. 
The closing skit to the tune of " Kuch Kuch Kotahey" was one hilarious and joyful ending to a great night. Again, the fun and innocence of the children are brightly portrayed and the dance moves were hilarious - thanks to the ideas & dance moves of Bollywood debutant directorial brilliance/genius of Comdr. Stefanie Sim! ( clap!clap!clap! Incidentally, she is also in-charge of the opening skit too!  ) It was fun and that's all that matters. As food and drinks ensued at the end of the function, fellowship was the order of the day. Parents, adults, friends and children mingled together in a fun-filled night of laughter, light conversation and bonding.
The clearing up after the function really surprised me. The young leaders and children in their own initiative took responsibility and cleared up the place after the event. It was a real delight seeing them work - systematically! Within minutes, everything was cleared, put back at their respective places, cleaned, stocked up and stashed away in the storeroom. That was really a delightful touch by the children and leaders. 
As the crowd thinned further, the young leaders ( Comdr. Bryan, Comdr. Stefanie, Comdr. Stephen and Comdr. John )  organising team and the older leaders gathered in the room for a short discussion on the event. There were cheers and rounds of applause everywhere for a great job done on the event. A few pointers were forwarded but overall, it was a great effort and truly one successful night. My heart goes out to these young leaders because they are so talented and they are such a delight to work with. Nurtured with care, concern, gentle love and hard facts reality have been impactful to these young lives. I believe with all my heart that all the investment of time, love, concern, hard discipline at times and a lot of caring heart showered by the commanders ( Comdr.Steven, Comdr. Errol, Comdr. Jessica, Comdr. Jason and myself ) had helped a long way.
I must say, THANK YOU to all the young commanders for you people truly deserve all the  glory and honor from the Lord for your wonderful efforts. From the bottom of my heart , THANK YOU SO MUCH for making me so proud of your people. I really felt very blessed by your efforts! Onwards march to another wonderful year in 2012, shall we?

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