JA 2009

this post might be a little late, but i was just clearing my smses and this particular one from cmdr wen kang really made me wanna blog abt it.

junior academy 2009 was a new experience for me. from the beginning when jonathan took on the task to plan for and execute it, it felt like stepping into foreign territory, trying to conquer obstacles that we didn't even know.

trying to distill an entire JLTA's worth of training into 2 hours was no mean feat. we really had to pray for God's guidance as we decided which topics should be focused on. in the end we did, and then came the matter of how the lessons should be approached and presented.

i have to admit i wasn't ready at any point to stand up in front of a group of young adults/adult leaders to teach them on stuff i think they already know. not having ntc is something that's hung over my head for years, and though we may joke about it, it's actually something that i really regret and that has hindered me from taking that step forward. this JA was a step in overcoming that, although i still wanna go for ntc.

throughout the whole process, it was truly a blessing to have input and support from all the mature commanders, to the point where they actually sat in during the JA, though they obviously did not have to. the whole thing wasn't perfect- far from it! but by God's grace, i hope we've set something in motion for future JAs.

it's also wonderful to see our dynamics at work through this event as well. in giving in and stepping forth as and when required, it was heartwarming to know that our bonds have grown in spite of our serving in different capacities in the ministry. a particular moment that stood out in memory was on the morning of the JA itself, when the 3 of them took the effort to wake early to meet and rehearse in Church, because i had a test in the late morning. i really thank God for wonderful brothers and buddies like these!

oh, and there is this thing that i really really love about rangers- u're appreciated for what u do, and any mistakes are corrected in love. having gone thru 2 decades of life has enabled me to appreciate that little fact. wen kang's msg and uncle chong's dinner was a clear statement of appreciation and love. (:

smile, all!