Greetings in the Worthy Name of Our Saviour Jesus

No. 35, March 2011

significantly at this ICGB was the From our International presence from our national councils, President emerging leaders. It was very good and ’cool’ to have the young people in our midst and listen to their contributions. As Dear friends, for those who attended the ICGB for the Greetings in the worthy name of our first time, I am sure it was worth every Saviour Jesus. moment spent. What a pleasure it was for me to meet all The prayer times and worship every day of you including so many of our national brought us together in one accord— and emerging leaders at ICGB, Kuching. raising our voices in praise to our God! To see and interact with many dedicated Under the theme of Cross Over, Move leaders in a single place is always a On, our challenge was and is to ensure highlight for us in Girls’ Brigade. The that we are not standing still after we Kuching ICGB afforded us the opportunity Cross Over, that we move on and be a to share our ministry experiences and blessing to others, that we are inspired to move on to inspire one another for bring God’s Kingdom among girls. I greater ministry once back in our believe that we have continued to reflect particular countries. on the theme since Kuching and trust that we are already incorporating in our Indeed, between 24th and 31st July, programme how we can best express the Kuching was the place to be. To organize theme in our ministry among girls. a conference the size of ICGB calls for a lot of commitment and hard work, and Business sessions were serious, you will agree with me that certainly GB enlightening and interactive giving us an Malaysia deserve whole hearted opportunity to discuss and agree on commendation and a pat on the back. matters pertaining to the future of GBI. We say a big thank you to all our friends As serious as the business was, I believe in GB Malaysia for organizing such a we all found time to experience the rich great conference. The worship, culture of Malaysia and its warm and workshops, recreation and tours exhibited hospitable people. a great commitment and dedication to As you read the stories from the different excellence. Well done GB Malaysia. parts of our Brigade world, my prayer is As this edition of the newsletter is that our ministry among girls is forever dedicated to ICGB, I would like to thank experiencing daily transformation into a the national councils and everyone who relevant Christian youth ministry and a attended ICGB. It is important to note growing in our outreach to many young that everyone in the GB family contributes people, seeking a safe place. May GB be to the success of every ICGB. More the safe place that they come to and 1 eventually find a meaningful relationship seem far from comfortable, when we try to with God, thus making our new vision fathom God and can’t manage it, when we come true: Girls’ lives transformed, need simply to trust Him. God’s world enriched. . Next we were reminded of the May the blessing of God follow you as FOUNDATION of our faith—the un- you seek, serve and follow Christ. surrendering love of God which will uphold us no matter what. Ruth M Chikasa . Then we were directed to hold fast to the FOCUS of our faith, our obedience to Christ’s leading, and we were urged to keep STOP PRESS PRAYER SPOT our eyes fixed on that.

Please remember our International . We were challenged, too, to accept Secretary, Ann Webster at this time. that there would be a personal COST in Having been diagnosed with cancer following, but reminded that it would lead Ann is currently undergoing further ultimately to our Lord's ‘Well Done!’ tests and treatments. Please keep her . On the final morning we were all left and her family in your prayers. with a CHALLENGE—to launch out into the deep and recommit ourselves to the service to which we were called, ready to ICGB WORSHIP TIMES CROSS OVER whatever barriers may be in Cross Over—Move On … that was the theme our path and MOVE ON to the place where for our International Council meetings in God wanted us to be. Kuching. That, too, was the theme for all our CROSS OVER, MOVE ON! That means worship times together in which we were changing! It means moving from one place to privileged to be led by Rev Dr Ong Hwai another! We can’t stay static in our faith as Teik, The President of the Methodist Church individuals, or as an organization. As an in Malaysia and Chaplain for GB Malaysia. organization, we must constantly change in As we worshipped together, we shared the order to be culturally relevant. We are not, of rhythm of our African sisters, listened to the course, to change our principles or our testimony of young people from around the foundation, but the methods we use and the world, engaged with prayer partners from way that we communicate must change. Rev. other fellowships, harmonized as we sang Dr Ong said ‘have faith in Christ and with familiar songs in different languages and confidence in yourself, move on to change!’ explored God’s word. What a privilege it was! Challenging? At the beginning of the conference, Rev. Dr Yes! In fact the whole conference theme was Ong challenged us to realize that we could not challenging—but that is what being a look at our organization without first looking Christian and a Christian organization is all at ourselves. We, as individuals, needed to about! No-one said it would be easy! CROSS OVER and MOVE ON in our own Difficult? journey with God before he could effectively use us within the organization … a challenge Yes, but we can do it in Christ’s strength to all members of our GB family wherever because as we were reminded: they are. Throughout the week, as we shared We are accepted in Christ together, he helped us to explore what we needed to do in order to CROSS OVER AND We are secure in Christ MOVE ON in our personal and spiritual lives. We are valuable in Christ . First we looked at those things that may BLOCK the Spirit of God from moving We are the servants of Christ through us. Those times of difficulty when …….and if we work in unity with him He we don’t understand God, when His ways 2 WILL mandate blessing. GB New Zealand So, together, let’s CROSS OVER and MOVE ON and await his blessing. I was very grateful for the opportunity to attend ICGB in Kuching as a delegate for ‘Put out into deep water and let down the New Zealand. nets for a catch!’ It was a wonderful experience to attend this Luke Ch. 5:4 International Conference and mix with Christian women from all over the world. I Vivienne Aitchison - GB Europe was able to renew old friendships and make many new ones. So often I was reminded of how lucky we are here in New Zealand with ICGB TOURING PARTY our standard of living and the opportunities EXPERIENCES – we have. GB England & Wales I felt the conference was very well organized and congratulations should go to Malaysia for The news that ICGB 2010 was to be held in this. Malaysia sounded very exciting. I had never When the conference discussed changes to the travelled so far from home and probably Vision/Mission Statement we were divided wouldn’t have considered Sarawak as a into small groups to discuss what we felt destination, but I wanted to share that feeling should be included. In my group the of being connected all around the would I had differences between GB cultures in different experienced at ICGB in Northern Ireland. countries were very obvious. We had to make I took the plunge and booked on the Touring a list that included the thing that GB needed Party. Information of what this would involve to retain. It was obvious that different was rather limited, but because it was a GB countries value different things which made it event I had faith that all would be well. impossible to make a list that pleased Several months and injections later I was off, everyone. I really enjoyed the talk our first to Kuala Lumpur, then onto Kuching. International President Ruth Chikasa gave on “Branding”. For many people the things she The schedule was packed, but we were able to talked about would have been new insights. join in the Morning Worship sessions on most Part of the reason why I really enjoyed it was days and the Evening Activities and Vespers. because I had recently gone through the There was also the option of joining the process of branding as a member of the New Delegates Workshops. Zealand Missions team for our new IFG initiative. It was great that Ruth was elected The trips were well organized. Rose, our to a second term as it was obvious that she is guide, brought the country to life for us and a woman with vision for the future of Girls’ we learned a lot. The canoe trip through the Brigade. Rain Forest to visit a Long House was particularly memorable as was seeing There were many highlights - the Welcome Orangutans at quite close quarters and on and Closing Ceremonies and Dinners, their terms! catching up with old friends and making new ones, the visit to the Cultural Village and for I was delighted to re-establish contacts made me one of the biggest highlights was our in Northern Ireland and make new ones. It encounter with the wild Orangutan at was fascinating to hear how God is using GB Semenggoh Reserve. We were very lucky to around the world and I thank Him for the see around 15 Orangutans, many only metres opportunity to share in ICGB once again. from where we were standing. Kathy Hubbard – GBEW Kuching is a relatively clean city. We were lucky that for most of the time the weather was not too hot. The Riverside Majestic ICGB REPORT 2010 – Hotel where we stayed and the Conference 3 was held was very comfortable, right in the To them we were so grateful and they really centre of town and by the river side. After the made our time in Sarawak so special and Conference ended I made good use of the fulfilling. pool. The best place to be when the temperature rose. The adventure of my visit was the visit to the Iban Longhouse on the Lemanak River, which I would recommend attending ICGB to was very close to the Indonesian border. The everyone as it gives you the bigger picture as trip included a 5 hour drive, plus stops in two to what GB is all about. villages along the way, before arriving at the Lemanak River to commence the boat trip to God Bless the longhouses further down the river. I think Charmayne Johnstone we were all quite wary of the canoe boats and the fact that the river was flowing very fast. New Zealand We mustered up our courage and boarded the canoes, trying hard not to fall over and toss ICGB – TOURING PARTY the other 4 occupants into the river. It took EXPERIENCES – about 16 canoes to get us all ferried to the GB Australia longhouses and getting out of the canoe was even harder than getting in. It was all well When I was advised that I would be in the worth it, and the welcome by the occupants of Touring Party during ICGB, I decided that the longhouse made the adventure this was the perfect opportunity to share my worthwhile. I realized it was a privilege to be travels with the girls in my Cadet Group at invited to see how these people lived and the 2nd Maryborough GB Company, in talents they had. To my astonishment I was Queensland, Australia. We commenced the amazed to see that I had mobile phone year by starting their International Award coverage and the Iban people in this “Operation Reachout” and using the material longhouse had electricity, electric fans, Sky in the kit, they learnt much about the lifestyle TV and computers. in Malaysia. I was thrilled to find that I was We were showered with so many love gifts going to visit so many interesting places and and souvenirs during our time at ICGB, and attractions in Sarawak that my Cadets had these also have been great to share with my learnt about during their work for the award. GB members back in Queensland. Now I would be able to bring back photos to Everything we did and the places we visited bring the project to life. were all very interesting, and it was I had been part of the Touring Party at two wonderful to share with my GB members previous ICGB’s, having led the Touring back in Queensland. Everything we did and Party in Australia in 1998, and also being a the places we visited were all very interesting, TP member in Northern Ireland in 2006, so I and it was wonderful to share with leaders knew what to expect and I looked forward to from so many parts of our worldwide GB discovering as much as I could about Sarawak family. I have many special memories of the during the five days of ICGB. Opening and Closing Services, the Malaysian Evening with the beautifully costumed What a great time we had. The bus company dancers and entertainers, the Sarawak Night that was selected to take us touring had very beside the river, the day outing to the Sarawak careful drivers and two very knowledgeable Cultural Village and relaxing at the Damai female guides who were able to give us a Beach Resort and our final night together at great understanding of life in Malaysia. the President’s Dinner. Added to this were the wonderful Malaysian Girls’ Brigade Leaders who came with us to I spent many hours catching up with friends the attractions and were so caring of from past ICGB’s and making new friends. I everyone’s needs and abilities. These was thrilled to see the number of ‘young’ wonderful ladies had taken leave from their leaders taking an active part in leadership employment and busy home duties to see that roles in their countries. I believe that the we were well looked after and did not get lost. future of Girls’ Brigade is in good hands, and with following the vision of “Girls’ lives 4 transformed, God’s world enriched”, we will 21.30: Fellowship meetings were held on see Girls’ Brigade grow and spread in new Tuesday with two time slots allocated for ways as we follow our Motto to Seek, Serve these. This was a time for some and Follow Christ. Fellowships to elect their IVP’s and for all to discuss matters relating to their Nalda Brett Fellowships and GB International. Australia Wednesday 10.20 to 13.00: At the beginning of this business section, a tribute was paid to Masiofo Fetaui Mata’afa from Samoa who dies in 2007. REPORT ON BUSINESS During her term of office as the University of South Pacific’s Pro Chancellor a SESSIONS position she held from 1970 to 1976, Masiofo was Chairman of the Pacific Monday 26th July, 10.20 to 13.00: Fellowship of Girls’ Brigade. After the welcome, apologies, etc. it was straight into business, the first item to be A tribute was also paid to Elizabeth discussed was the Memorandum of Nicoll who had served as a National Articles and Constitutional changes. President of GB Scotland and as an There was quite a bit of discussion on International President from 1983-1988. some of these, but it was a majority vote She died on 5 July 2008. that agreed to: International President Nominations: . The change of the term of office for There were two candidates standing for the International President. An IP now International president, the incumbent has the option of standing for a second Ruth Chikasa from Zambia, and IVP from four-year term. Asia Sally Chew. Ruth was re-elected and thanked everyone for the confidence . The introduction of a vote for the they have placed in her as together we President’s Committee as trustee’s of serve God through GB. GBI. Finance: . The change of the term of office for Four years of accounts were presented the International Treasurer - she can by Joyce Evans, International Treasurer. serve two, four year terms. In presenting her report, Joyce noted that our income was lower in 2009 and this . Plus some legal changes that were was because of the global financial required because of legislation. situation and the fact that we did not These changes came into effect receive as much interest from our immediately. investments during that year. Scotland moved and Jamaica seconded the International President’s Report: adoption of the accounts, agreed This business section concluded with the unanimously. presentation of a very full report from International President Ruth Chikasa, Re-Appointment of International outlining her journey through the last four Treasurer: It was unanimously agreed years as IP which has taken her from that Joyce Evans was re-appointed as Belfast, Ireland in 2006, to Kuching, our International Treasurer for the next Malaysia in 2010. four years. A vote of thanks was passed thanking Joyce for her work,. Note: Each Fellowship had a day allocated to them, when they were on One Chance project launched in 2006: duty, and the Fellowship Reports were Asia IVP Sally Chew gave a presentation presented by them on these days. on the One Chance project in Cambodia and thanked the international family of Tuesday 10.20 to 13.00 and 20.00 to GB for their financial support. 5 International Project 2010 recommendations from the Fellowship GB Europe presented a proposal for the meetings, the President’s Committee put next International Project focusing on the following wording forward. It was Kosovo in Eastern Europe where GB agreed that the new International Girls’ Europe has commenced work in Brigade vision statement will be: partnership with Smile International. It was agreed that this should be the next “ Girl’s lives transformed - God’s International Project which will be called world enriched.” FIZZ. Watch for further details regarding Venue for ICGB 2014: this. It was agreed that the venue for ICGB Patron for Girls’ Brigade: 2014 will be Australia - details regarding This subject was discussed at length - we this will be sent out in due course. currently have Vice Patrons but not a Girls’ Camp in Cape Town, South Patron. After much deliberation it was Africa 2013: agreed that GBI should have two Information was presented regarding the classifications of Vice Patrons: planned girls’ camp in Cape Town in 2013 . Ambassadorial Patrons who would which is being held to celebrate 120 serve for just four years, actively years of GB internationally. The age supporting the work of GBI. The group for girls attending is 14 to 25 years number of such Patrons would be of age. As further details are known, they limited to five at any times. will be distributed to all member countries. . Life Patrons who would be appointed for life, in honour of Jennifer Box – IVP Pacific Fellowship outstanding service to GBI. There would be no limit to the number of Patrons in this category. ICGB 2010 MALAYSIA It was also agreed that Ambassadorial CROSS OVER AND MOVE ON Patrons could become life patrons after FELLOWSHIP INTER-ACTION their term of office. Friday 10.20 to 1.00 The Welcome Branding Session: . Delegates descended into Kuching Ruth did a presentation on branding in (The Cat City), Sarawak from all around relation to Girls’ Brigade. This session the world as early as three days before came about following a workshop held at the arrival date of 24th July, 2010 for the President’s Meeting in July 2009 ICGB 2010. using the “Drucker Self-Assessment” . The arrival for the President’s model which identifies the need to committee marked the highlight of the modernize our mission statement. A arrivals. The President’s committee paper circularized to all member countries arrived in Kuching on 23rd July 2010 for discussion prior to ICGB, but not all from Singapore where they had spent Fellowships had an opportunity to do that. the preceding week in serious business Clarification was given regarding the planning and mapping out the future for difference between a mission and a vision GB International. statement and following further discussion within the Fellowship . The ‘PC’ was welcomed by meetings, it was decided by the beautiful girls wearing colourful President's Committee that for this ICGB traditional beaded outfits. The IP, Mrs we would focus on a new vision Ruth Chikasa, and her team were statement, as mission statements may garlanded with beautiful beads by the well be expressed differently, in different girls as they arrived at Kuching airport. parts of the world. After collating the 6 . Walking out of the Airport the PC Mrs Ruth Chikasa, made an impact were entertained by a beautiful “Cat when she officially opened the Dance.” Conference by using Explorers to Hit the Gong! Showing all exactly why we . The weather outside was not so are there as leaders - It’s for the Girls! welcoming as it was cold and rainy. But this did not dampen the moral on the delegates and the Host in the bus Inter-Action and Fun at ICGB carrying the President promised “they . Monday 25th July, the conference would call off the rain the following day!” went into Business full swing and the And promised a warm and sunny touring party went off “touring”. weather! . More fun and sharing in the Arrival at the Riverside Majestic evening with the Games night in the evening after a full day of business and . The Riverside Majestic Hotel foyer workshops. was full of screams and shouting as . There was so much laughter in the delegates arrived for the conference Sarawak Chamber as each country and old friends met and hugged. played different games. The delegates . Country displays were put up went around the hall having a go at the showing off various art and craft from all various games and you would think the countries in attendance. room was full of ‘Explorers’! It was relaxing and refreshing and this gave . The International Competition the delegates more time to share and Items were also displayed and showed get to know each other. such a high degree of creativity and initiative on the part of our girls. A lot of Highlights hard work had been put into every piece of artwork displayed. . Touring party had a full packed programme of sight seeing and visits to . In the evening, the Sarawak interesting places in Malaysia including Chamber was live with delegates in the “Traditional Longhouses”. their traditional outfits. It was a time of sharing among old friends and making . An outing to Semenggoh new friends. Orangutan was interesting and delegates had the opportunity to see the . It was a true “Malay night” as Utan. Of course the faint hearted lost delegates enjoyed the various Malay the opportunity once they learnt he Traditional dances and sampled various could be dangerous when upset and traditional dishes. they remained at the gate. Official Opening . The Pottery Factory was . Sunday 25th July was a day of interesting as we watched how the worship in the morning and the National beautiful flower pots, etc. were made. Chaplain for GB Malaysia, Rev. Dr. Ong . A visit to the Cultural Village, Hwai Teik shared with the delegates sampling more traditional dances and from John 5:1-8. Jesus asked the experiencing real life situations of the crippled by Bethsida if he wanted to get various Malay ethnic groups. well having been by the poolside for 38 years? We have talked of wanting to . Every delegate was issued with a change and be relevant for a long time, “passport” as a souvenir to show that are we really committed to change. they had visited the village. This was a good time to mingle and get to know . The afternoon marked the official each other as delegates strolled around opening of the conference with a the village at leisure. service held at the Trinity Methodist Church. The International President, . The “Rooms” made available for 7 delegates after lunch were just what Priscilla P Penny – IVP GB Africa was needed after walking around the village all morning. Resting by the poolside and by the beach was sweet. . No matter where or who you are, Youth View music and dance brings people together. It cuts across cultural From the Emerging Leaders at ICGB boundaries. Everybody joined in the Ever growing—and Folding into Shape Song and Dance night. “Like the Beauty of a Napkin” . Fellowships came together and it Reflections was a memorable night for the delegates. By Isabel Ross, one of New Zealand’ emerging leaders. She has also served as a youth representative on the country’s national Workshops leadership team. Isabel shares some thoughts . The workshops put in place gave on ICGB …. Isabel took the beautiful cover delegates more time to share, outside photo of napkins at ICGB. Her message to us GB Business. ….. . Delegates enjoyed the crafts, Lead They were so beautifully folded that I needed Like Jesus, Leading and Managing to have some record of how they looked Change, Seek, Serve, Follow and before I unfolded them, covered them with HABITUDES! What relevant topics and food that fell from my fork (or chopsticks!), excellent presenters. It was good to be and tossed them next to my plate as I left the able to share as all of us lead the same table, leaving an unappealing scene behind. generation. Of course, they were then washed, folded, and ready to be admired again at the next meal. Isn’t that kind of like what God does for us? Conclusion We can go to Him, messed up and unable to . The highlights of the conference fix ourselves, and ask for forgiveness. He will finally was the President’s Dinner on restore us to righteousness, and we can stand 30th July 2010. The food was excellent, before Him blameless. served in a stylish manner As beautiful in His eyes as an exquisitely (Systematically)!! It seemed like the folded napkin. waiters were on “drill”. Emerging Voice of GB Europe - . ICGB 2010 was well planned and Claire Rush well done to GB Malaysia and Asia Fellowship for putting up such a Claire Rush hails from GB Europe as a true wonderful conference. There was lots pioneer and testament of how GB can inspire of time and opportunity to share and impact young women worldwide - On a experiences and ideas. It was so easy personal level Claire is amicable and easy to go with the flow of the moment during going in nature - but as they always, still entertainment, workshops and even waters run deep because despite her business! unassuming demeanor, Claire has a wealth of talent and passion for Girls’ Brigade which far . ICGB 2010 will be hard to follow. exceeds her years. Good luck to those hosting 2014! But being GB we know every ICGB is I first met Claire at the 2006 ICGB in always special and outstanding. Well Northern Ireland, where I, like many I am done ladies and hoping we have sure, were struck by what appears to be an definitely Moved On and Crossed Over. endless enthusiasm from her to engage her If God is on our side, who can be fellow young leaders in Brigade. against us!! At that time Claire was vying for the GB 8 International Queen’s Award and doing her dined, entertained and accommodated us all to Masters simultaneously, not sure how she was such a level that ‘beauty’ is the only apt doing it all, but from her growth over the past description of their level of service. 4 years all can see that her sacrifices were indeed worth it. In 2006 she began as a Youth As an International delegate, I must take this Delegate for Northern Ireland and quickly opportunity to express our sincere thanks, became an Executive Member of GB appreciation and congratulations to GB Northern Ireland, acting as their Youth Malaysia for the stellar performance at ICGB. Coordinator until her departure for greater They made their hard work and dedication paths in June this last year. Fortunately for look effortless and that takes great skill, GB, Claire is now England & Wales Esther preparation and poise. Well done to you all Project Coordinator and Youth Coordinator and to organizing committee. for GB Europe and already serving mightily. That is where Mee Ting comes in, as Vice As GB Youth coordinator, she is responsible Organizing Chairman for ICGB 2010 the for developing youth project and world host was synonymous with the word communication strategies. That she has done, “Mee Ting.” She was there for virtually every over the past months Claire has joined the event, gave endless briefings to her team of youths in the FIZZ outreach project in organizing team, delegates and to members of Kosovo and a delegation of volunteers in the Presidential Committee. She kept us Cambodia. In between all of that, she still informed, up to date and on schedule. If there found capacity to develop the “CONNECT” were questions on protocol Mee Ting had the blog, which served as a great source of answers, on the press, she was there, on information and inspiration to young women Conference events and scheduling, she was and readers from all over Europe and the there. She was even there assisting in the world on the feelings and happening within leading of one of the Conference Services, at GB especially for those attending ICGB 2010 a local Malaysian church and as you see from and the GB Europe outreach missions. this picture, she was in the midst of As I said, Claire is truly easy going, loves preparations long before delegates arrived. movies, animals (cute dogs especially), eating Mee Ting, along with the then GB Malaysia garlic mayonnaise and dreaming about the conference director Tnay Yong Hua and future of GB, especially the Kosovo mission. Organizing chairperson Evelyn Chew, were She reminds us through her own testimony key players in preparing our stellar hosts in that she, like many uf us (yours truly their flawless gift of hospitality to us all. So included), received Christ through Girls’ when we congratulate GB Malaysia we must Brigade and with that she holds Girls’ Brigade also congratulate one of its brightest and very close to her heart. What is Claire’s emerging young leaders in the unassuming message to us? To us she says: “As GB but always energetic Lau Mee Ting. Well reaches its 120th anniversary in 2013, I’m done, you did us proud. Her message to us excited about the potential that it has to virtually every day, was “come all folks, impact more girls for Christ. But to stay we’re rearing to go.” Who could say no to an relevant, dynamic and exciting the voice of enthusiast like that? more of our younger members needs to be heard and acted on.” Tracy Rankine of GB Caribbean & Americas – A Leader of Quiet GB Asia’s Emerging & on the Job Resolve Leader - Lau Mee Ting Like so many dedicated emerging leaders, Perhaps it is apt that we see a picture of Mee Tracy joined Brigade in her home country the Ting right in the fray of things. That’s her in Cayman Islands, from very young and never true essence. Lau Mee Ting is a vibrant left (at the age of 6 actually). I see a pattern emerging leader from host of ICGB 2010, there, Explorer teachers of the past and today Girls’ Brigade Malaysia. Here she is “way to go – keep doing what you are doing.” preparing the excellently tuned team of Tracy shared her story in depth and honestly. Malaysia volunteers for ICGB 2010 who 9 She shared something rather simple, but yet years of steel pan musical practices to attend very profound – her struggle even in the best Girls’ Brigade. She even found that her of environment and ultimately her triumphs. drifting between Brigade and Guides had some benefit, because it was through the Many ministers’ kids, children of Guides/Scouts she was able to gain a higher missionaries and spiritual leaders like us are level drilling exposure and in later years the often bewildered when children, who are Scouts actually tried to recruit her as an seemingly in the perfect homes do not officer. That offer made her realise that it automatically follow the same paths. was time to commit to Girls’ Brigade, as she However, if we are ever honest for ourselves, put it ‘I declined, because if I am to lead I am many of today’s spiritual leaders have rather supposed to be commissioned as a Girls’ similar stories to Tracy’s. If we, like her, Brigade officer. ‘This year she leaves her could stand up and share candidly it could home college and travels to university abroad. work wonders in letting youth and emerging She observes that many emerging leaders leaders know that they are not alone, we have have been lost after their departure, but ‘I’m also walked where they have. She shared, not letting that happen, I made connections on that because of her childhood struggle with a the first day –Thanks Zoe’ she says. ‘I have Spiritual connection to God, she explored a stayed in Brigade not because someone wants lot. Throughout her childhood and teen years me to, or because I should do it since I’ve she moved between the Girls’ Brigade and done it so long...It is because I want to help Girl Guides, but for some reason her loyalty girls develop in spirit, character and give back to the Girls’ Brigade never waned. She to their community shared that she lost a close elderly relative at the age of 12, who was never a church person, The ICGB Medal of Courage (if but received Christ in his last weeks of life there was one) – goes to – and was baptized in the hospital that same Australian Emerging Leader night. On the heels of this, she had to cope Alison Margetts with being uprooted from her home, due to the severe effects of the devastating hurricane I recall meeting Alison in the Singapore Ivan and a strong earthquake. However, Airport, as she had apparently arrived from a despite those tragedies, she was able to see trip to Cambodia as a part of her quest for how through them she was CROSSING cultural exchange. She spoke fondly of her OVER & MOVING ON: first, she was journeys abroad and how fascinating it all blessed to find a thriving Brigade company in was, what struck me most was her enthusiasm her new neighbourhood, with many girls her for reaching out to the people she met along age. Secondly, by that time she had gained a strong sense of self (‘I could make my own the way and sharing Christ with them. In choices’ as she put it) so that when other teens listening to her you would never imagine that started dropping out, Brigade had taught her Alison had suffered a serious fracture to her ‘sometimes you are the only one – and that’s left leg shortly before her flight. Even in her alright.’ So she stayed and in her words: ‘I picture her broad smile does not betray the was right, because the support I got from my cast on her left leg, suffered whilst on her way Church and Brigade’ helped me just decide to to ICGB. However, did she turn back and become a confirmed member of the Church. go home, in view of her injury? Within weeks of her confirmation, she was further strengthened in attending the 2007 No, she championed on, came to ICGB on Caribbean & Americas Fellowship Camp in one leg (if you will) and enjoyed every Antigua, because in sharing with others she moment of it. Half way through ICGB she saw that she was not alone in her struggles, suffered yet another challenge, as she and issues that hindered her were not issues at received a mysterious insect bite giving her all. Even when Tracey started College she feverish symptoms and a swollen left eye – had so many options before her, but she she was experiencing this by the time of her nonetheless decided to remain faithful to picture above, but you would not know that. Girls’ Brigade, even if it meant skipping 2 It was only after Alison shared her story early 10 in ICGB that it all clicked. She was young women are on the rise and ‘it will not introduced to Girls’ Brigade as an explorer do for us to keep quiet and pretend all is well. (around 7) and simply never left, even when We must, as women, be courageous enough to her family asked her as a young woman, why stand up and strongly speak against such vices can’t you forget about Brigade, settle down as the trafficking of women and poverty. As and have a family like “normal people.” You women, we hold the key to our own see what many misunderstand is that someone problems.’ who truly experiences the joy of Girls’ That call came in July 2009, in following the Brigade Fellowship, no longer has a “family” entire story, I now appreciate that her call confined to ones’ home base, but it extends to gave such a profound message for things to a sisterhood of believers worldwide. She come. Helen Hopkins, Deputy Chairperson shared that she met Christ in GB and of the African Fellowship summed it up well, ultimately gave her life to him at one of our the story that she shared on the GBConnect ICGB Youth Conferences. Like Claire, blog of an emerging leader named Sarah, Alison shared that with her personal demonstrates how GB can have a positive experiences in the Brigade she has come to impact on the lives of girls in even the most love and treasure Girls’ Brigade and what it difficult of situations …. The conference was stands for. She serves in her home town as a part of a series girls’ camps under the same not only a Registered Nurse, but also as a theme. Among those who attended the camps Brigade Officer. Seasoned officers, continue was a young teen named Sarah. Her life has to stand in the gap and support the Alison’s in not been sort of its share of difficulties, your own countries and companies - every because 5 years ago she had plastic country has them - be the “Wind Beneath reconstructive surgery on her cheek and jaw Their Wings” and they will soar like Eagles. and was scheduled to undergo further surgery in 2010 as she turned 16 this year. This is to correct her jaw, which is still locked. After GB Africa - Is keeping it Teal with the 2009 camp, she went back to her village Emerging Leaders exited about her experiences there,, with new In preparing the Africa feature, by divine confidence and stronger in her faith as one providence I now can see that this is the who is indeed ‘more precious than rubies’ as perfect story which shows how Girls’ Brigade the theme of our camp reminded us all. This can be the ‘Wind Beneath the Wings’ of our is her last year of school, so it was good future leaders. The Zambia Post reported in timing for her surgery on completion of her 2009 that the All Africa “More than Rubies” exams. It was devastating , however, to go conference was held at the Queenshill Hotel out to her village in November 2009 and in 2009 with participants from Nigeria, discover that she was pregnant. According to Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Malawi, South Africa the law of Tanzania, the young boy involved and Zambia. could be jailed for 30 years, but he was a visitor in the village and is now nowhere to be The conference began in July 2009 with a seen. Now her life has taken an unplanned passionate call from the Zambia First Lady, direction and Sara felt ashamed and Thandiwe Banda: she commended Girls’ distressed. She has been very courageous and Brigade for working tirelessly in the completed her Standard 7 exams (last year of empowerment of young women from girl to school). She gave birth to a beautiful baby, girl and explained that the focus of the Juliana, in July 2010. Helen Hopkins visited Conference was ‘a call for a vigorous fight her in February 2010 and she cried, but Helen against women trafficking and gender-based and Brigade officers were able to encourage violence.’ She warned that those who prey on her that she is still ‘more precious than 11 rubies’. She had to postpone her surgery to Brigade and Sunday School Leader. correct her jaw and any further studies until When I was 6 years old I began Girls’ Brigade Juliana is a bit older. They encouraged her to and have continued through Girls’ Brigade as go back to church and Girls’ Brigade where a girl and now a leader, with various roles she can learn more of Jesus’ love for her and along the way. As a small enthusiastic girl I how he can help her even in such a difficult wore my uniform with pride and learnt our time. Her life has taken a different turn, but motto ‘Seek, Serve and Follow Christ’ off by Jesus is still in control. You see, the message heart. I grew up going to church and Girls; coming out of GB Africa is that there is no Brigade learning about Jesus Christ—bit I didn’t really understand what our motto point in burying our face in the sand, as First meant and it has not been till much later in Lady Thandiwe Banda urged, we are the key my life that I have realized the real meaning to the empowerment of young women around of it, and understood how to really follow it. I us. We have many budding emerging leaders think as a young person going through life it world-wide who face very real and rather can be hard at times. There is so much of life difficult situations, but as leaders if we are to experience that doesn’t fully fit with able to reach deeper and reach them wherever Christian beliefs or values. When I was younger life got in the way a bit of my walk they are and let them know, as Helen did with with God, but it was Girls’ Brigade that put Sarah, that Brigade continues to welcome me on track and my relationship with God has them as God has a divine purpose for their strengthened and I am now seeking guidance lives. That is why God says in Proverbs from God and my life. 31:15, young women and emerging leaders: Over the past few years I have begun to “you are more precious than rubies…” understand that prayer is an essential part of Remember, rubies like diamonds, pearls and seeking Christ and obeying him is the only most precious gems are created out of the way I will get to His kingdom. I am not sure what the plans are that God has for my life, harshest of conditions. Experienced jewelers but I am seeking, and serving Him the best I will tell you that the best gems are those can and at times the journey is pretty which have been burned, crushed and put amazing. through the roughest process. Our future lies with real young women, some of whom might I have two stories of God’s greatness that has built my faith that I want to share. not take the expected paths. However, our role is to let them know that they are precious In 2008 a good friend of mine (who is not a to us and that to God they are ‘more precious Christian) was struggling to fall pregnant after than rubies’, diamonds or gold. many painful years of trying. As a Christian I began to quietly pray for her and her husband. Keep the Faith Girls! One day I sensed God saying that 2008 will May God Richly Bless You be her year to fall pregnant. So I continued to By Hazelann Hannaway Boreland pray with excitement. But as the year went on there was still no news of a baby. At the IVP, Caribbean & Americas end of 2008, still no baby on the way, I was disappointed that I had got it wrong and all REFLECTIONS FROM ICGB the praying was for nothing. In March of 2009 I got baptized, I invited my friend to the EMERGING LEADERS – service but she couldn’t make it so we caught GB Australia up the day before. On this day she told me that she was 3 months pregnant and that she My name is Janine and I am from found out she was pregnant a few days before Invercargill, a small town at the bottom of 2008 came to an end. This was amazing, it New Zealand. I am 29 years old and the showed that God doesn’t let you down when second oldest of four sisters. I am a he promises something. You have to be secondary school teacher as well as a Girls’ patient even though that can be hard and you 12 have to keep seeking, serving and following love. The following week I had a call to say Him even in a situation that seems like there that Shontae had felt something different in is no hope left. her legs and was walking unaided around her house—free from crutches and the leg braces. My second story is about being obedient. As And from that moment on she has continued I said I am a school teacher and I work in a going from strength to strength. Now you Catholic School, but as a Christian I would never know that she was confined to a fellowship at a very lively new life church. wheelchair and crutches for three years. Last year we had a preacher come to our church to do a series of healing services. We I wanted to share this story with you all as were asked in advance to think of people to you never know when it is your turn for God invite. But I didn’t really know anyone and I to use you for something amazing, even if it wasn’t really brave enough to ask anyone to doesn’t happen instantly. If I hadn’t obeyed come along. So off I went to the first service God and invited her that day, would she be alone. During the worship—God spoke to me walking today—who knows, but the point is I and said the name ‘Shontae’. did obey Him and along with many other prayers she was healed. Let me tell you about Shontae. She is a student at my school. Four years ago, as an So you have to obey Him in all you do. Our 11 year old, she got a disease that ate away at motto ‘Seek , Serve and Follow Christ’ can be her muscles in her legs confining her to a hard to do at times, we all know that but I wheelchair, being unable to walk. The future urge all of you to really live out this motto in did not look bright. But she comes from a your lives, and let others see it shine from strong catholic family with a strong faith and you. they never gave up hope. Shontae never lost her smile or her positive attitude. At the So seek him with all you have, Serve him beginning of 2009 she regained some strength with all you have, and Follow him with all in her legs, just enough to allow her to stand. you have, and you might just be surprised by She wore leg braces and used her crutches to the journey God will take you on. swing each leg along in attempts to walk. God Bless. Anyway, God told me I had to invite Shontae to a healing service. My dilemma was how do you invite one of your students from ALLIE’S STORY – school who is a traditional catholic to a full on GB Australia healing service in a lively new life church? Best approach I thought was to write a letter, then I don’t have to talk to them and it won’t As a young child I grew up knowing that be awkward. It took me four days to write the when Sunday came round Mum would letter inviting them. take me and my siblings off to church, so I grew up learning about God and stories When I got home from work that day I had a from the bible but I didn’t know God, it phone call to say that yes, they wanted to didn’t mean anything personal to me. come. I was so excited that they said yes and even more excited that miracles and healings My mum learnt about GB when I was 11 were taking place and I really wanted a so every Wednesday night my sister and I miracle to happen for Shontae. The opening were sent along. Over the years I learnt line of the preacher was ‘that sometimes more about God and I thought of myself miracles don’t happen instantly’. At that exact as a Christian because I went to church moment I knew that it wasn’t going to be the and GB, and tried to do what was right. night that Shontae walked freely. It was a It wasn’t until I attended the Australian reminder from God, it’s all in His time and National Fonomarae in 1998 that things not my time. between me and God changed for the We prayed for Shontae and God was better. There I was encouraged and definitely present and they left that evening challenged to have a personal the same as they came but blessed by Gods relationship with our Lord and for the first 13 time I knew what it felt like to have the It’s something I struggle with setting Lord as my saviour. A verse from Fono priorities so that God comes first no that stuck with me and is my favourite matter what. verse is: Isaiah 40:31. “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. Also, our interactions with our friends and They will soar on wings like eagles, they families can make it hard not to will run and not grow weary, they will walk compromise our beliefs and God’s laws. and not be faint.” Personally, I find my workmates and family don’t understand what I do or why I What an awesome promise. When I do them. For instance, my father doesn’t hope in the Lord, trusting in His promise understand and thinks I waste my time and timing I will soar above difficulties going to bible study and has also told me and reduce the turbulence and manage I’ll never find a guy in GB. My my energy so I can run and not grow grandmother believes I should quit GB, weary, walk and not feel faint through the get married and have children. life God leads me. Yet here I am. I’m still not married nor do My passion for GB stems from what it has I have any children but I’m where God done in my life. Not only did I grow to wants me to be and that’s what matters. know Christ as a personal friend but I I’m not perfect, just an ordinary girl who’s also grew in confidence and am no longer soaring with God attempting to grow in the shy quiet girl I once was. Through grace and godliness. knowing and trusting in Christ I am able to do things that this crazy world throws Alison Margetts at me. Tasmania, Australia We as Christians are called to be in the world but not of the world. It’s like a boat, when a boat is in water it doesn’t sink, but when water is in the boat this is what TO LIVE WITH causes it to sink. This is like life; at times it is hard not to compromise our UNDERSTANDING AND Christianity to the world. Take my life last COMPASSION – year for instance, I was struggling with GB Singapore time. I was working; studying at uni; I had GB commitments; Church commitments “ Living with Understanding and and family needs. I was struggling to fit Compassion” is GB Singapore’s theme everything into my life. My faith was for 2011-2012. The theme requires us to being compromised, I had let the define our focus in the face of all that is busyness of the world effect my calling for our attention, our involvement, relationship with God. My quiet time with our time and our finances. Mark 12: 30- God was something I would get to later, 31 being our theme verse. once this assignment was done, after this shift at work, after GB, it was all later, yet Over the 2 years, GBS will intentionally later didn’t happen like it should. I was design activities and programmes around spiritually in a hole with a world that kept the theme with the purpose of helping demanding more and more of me. I felt officers and girls relate firstly to that God was miles away, but yet, he themselves, then their family, neighbours hadn’t moved, I had. God reminded me and the communities at large. of Martha in Luke 10:38-42. I was like Martha, I was so caught up in living and The bigger purpose of this is to “Bring GB working that I found it hard to stop and be back to the Heartlands”. The Heartland is quiet. It’s so easy to put other things first a place that matters to us, a place that in this world and to be so busy running has impacted our lives and where we around doing things that I tend to forget grew up, a community and that all God wants is my heart and time. neighbourhood that brings back sweet 14 childhood memories. Why the small percentage of church goers (7%) in Heartland? We believe that as we go the UK are in their 20s. This is quite a back to the roots, “water, fertilize and worrying statistic. But isn’t it amazing that prune”, GB presence in Singapore will there are currently just over one thousand grow stronger, wider and deeper. 18-30s serving as leaders in GBEW? A quick statistical tally of our database It is our prayer that GB ministry in shows that this age group composes over Singapore will penetrate more schools, 30% of our leaders. This is definitely one churches and communities. Currently, we trend that we’re very happy to contradict!’ are also exploring ministry in the prison, among the elderly, foreign students, etc. The initiative includes: It is GB Singapore’s hope that every girl and officer in the Brigade will be seen as . A group of young women meeting useful individuals and leaders in their together at every GBEW Council respective neighbourhoods - serving the meeting (three times a year) to help needs of the communities and being the finalise a vision, goal and a strategy for light and hope where we have been the future of the project. They also planted. meet via phone conferencing to pray together every other month. This Evelyn Yip Sook Lai vibrant and enthusiastic group of young women are known as the Establish First Brigade Commissioner, Steps team. The Girls’ Brigade Singapore . GBEW also organizes a number of Establish days out which are social get- togethers for the 18-30s. Previously the groups have visited London and the RAISING UP AN ESTHER Christmas markets in Birmingham and there are trips in the pipeline for a GENERATION – pampering spa session in Sheffield and GB England & Wales some fashion retail therapy at the Clothes Show Live. GB England & Wales has been . A fortnightly e-news sent to the 18- intentionally developing an initiative for 30’s containing news of upcoming mentoring and encouraging 18to 30s. events and a little dose of inspiration. The Establish project was formed to help GB England & Wales empower, equip, resource and connect this age group within GB with the vision of raising up a generation of Esthers - young women who are bold and confident in Christ and not afraid to be Our vision: countercultural. Claire Rush, Esther Generation Project Girls’ Lives Facilitator, says ‘A recent report from the Evangelical Alliance stated that the 18- Transformed 30s are a missing generation in our churches today. Currently, only a very God’s World Enriched