It will be a sad farewell to the grand old lady who sailed the seven seas carrying books and teams of enthusiastic OMers.
Floating bookshop's sailing days are over
Peggy Loh (Straits Times online) 2009/12/23
AFTER sailing the seven seas for 32 years bringing "knowledge, help and hope", Doulos, the world's biggest floating bookshop, will bid farewell to the public on New Year's Eve.
The ship has a crew of 290 volunteers from 50 countries, including Malaysia. — Picture by Peggy Loh
Pasir Gudang, which she visited in September and October, was her second last port of call.
The ship is now open to the public for the last time at VivoCity, HarbourFront, Singapore, until Dec 26.
It will be open from 10am to 11pm today and 10am to 3pm on Christmas Eve. It will be closed on Christmas Day and reopen from 10am to 11pm on the last day.
The decision to decommission the ship was reached because it was no longer sea worthy and in need of costly repairs. Early indications are that the repairs would cost over US$14 million (about RM48 million) and take five months to complete.
Built in 1914, the Doulos is recorded in the Guinness Book of World Records as the oldest ocean-going passenger ship. For details, visit www.Doulos-last-Port.com.
I visited Willow Creek Church in South Barrington, a suburb of Chicago and joined in their Saturday 5.30pm service on 9 September 2008 (oops, actually 9 August 2008. Thanks be to friends who pointed this out). Willow Creek Church started in 1975 in the Willow Creek Theater in Palatine with approximately 125 in attendance. Moved to present site (campus) in 1981. According to their information brochure, in April 2008 the church has 6,934 participating members. Average weekend attendance is about 22,200 and average mid week attendance is about 2,900.
Here is a view of one of their carparks. There are 3,817 parking spaces. Man, their carpark is bigger than my church in Johor Bahru!
The campus covers 155 acres. They have their own lake which covers five acres.
View of the entrance to the main building. The building covers 748,940 sq. feet with 345, 940 of it being the main auditorium building.
The stage in the main auditorium building. The main auditorium opened on September 18, 2004 and can seat 7, 095 on three levels.
This is another view of the main auditorium before the service. It filled up rapidly when the service began.
There are two giant screens to show what is going on. It is a big auditorium. The sound system is state of the art and is fantastic.
This is the fellowship hall, compete with their own cafeteria for people to have fellowship after the services. I took this picture from their bookstore which is on their upper level. They have a large bookstore. Of course, I bought some books. How can I resist?
There are 120 ministries in the church. Full time staff numbered 350 and another 150 part time. There are 12,500 volunteers serving on a regular basis!
I visited Willow Creek Church in South Barrington, a suburb of Chicago and joined in their Saturday 5.30pm service on 9 September 2008 (oops, actually 9 August 2008. Thanks be to friends who pointed this out). Willow Creek Church started in 1975 in the Willow Creek Theater in Palatine with approximately 125 in attendance. Moved to present site (campus) in 1981. According to their information brochure, in April 2008 the church has 6,934 participating members. Average weekend attendance is about 22,200 and average mid week attendance is about 2,900.
Here is a view of one of their carparks. There are 3,817 parking spaces. Man, their carpark is bigger than my church in Johor Bahru!
The campus covers 155 acres. They have their own lake which covers five acres.
View of the entrance to the main building. The building covers 748,940 sq. feet with 345, 940 of it being the main auditorium building.
The stage in the main auditorium building. The main auditorium opened on September 18, 2004 and can seat 7, 095 on three levels.
This is another view of the main auditorium before the service. It filled up rapidly when the service began.
There are two giant screens to show what is going on. It is a big auditorium. The sound system is state of the art and is fantastic.
This is the fellowship hall, compete with their own cafeteria for people to have fellowship after the services. I took this picture from their bookstore which is on their upper level. They have a large bookstore. Of course, I bought some books. How can I resist?
There are 120 ministries in the church. Full time staff numbered 350 and another 150 part time. There are 12,500 volunteers serving on a regular basis!
The Micah Mandate is a Christian-based public interest advocacy that seeks a transformation of our nation through justice, mercy and humility (cf. Micah 6:8, The Holy Bible).
We believe that every individual person is made in the image of God and should be held in high esteem regardless of social status, political affiliation, gender, race, creed, or religion.
We subscribe to a participatory constitutional monarchy where fundamental civil liberties and the human rights of every individual are respected and safeguarded.
We want to encourage a citizen-based brand of journalism whereby individuals and groups of individuals of all walks of life will find space to express their views and concerns and be engaged in a dialogue with others.
We uphold the Rukunegara, or our five canons of nationhood, as our national philosophy:
Belief in God Loyalty to King and Country The Supremacy of our Constitution The Rule of Law Civility and Morality
In pursuit of these aims, we seek to partner like-minded Civil Society groups and individuals to contribute to a transformation of our nation. We believe this is possible when ordinary individuals begin to desire first to be transformed themselves.
The Micah Mandate is a Christian-based public interest advocacy that seeks a transformation of our nation through justice, mercy and humility (cf. Micah 6:8, The Holy Bible).
We believe that every individual person is made in the image of God and should be held in high esteem regardless of social status, political affiliation, gender, race, creed, or religion.
We subscribe to a participatory constitutional monarchy where fundamental civil liberties and the human rights of every individual are respected and safeguarded.
We want to encourage a citizen-based brand of journalism whereby individuals and groups of individuals of all walks of life will find space to express their views and concerns and be engaged in a dialogue with others.
We uphold the Rukunegara, or our five canons of nationhood, as our national philosophy:
Belief in God Loyalty to King and Country The Supremacy of our Constitution The Rule of Law Civility and Morality
In pursuit of these aims, we seek to partner like-minded Civil Society groups and individuals to contribute to a transformation of our nation. We believe this is possible when ordinary individuals begin to desire first to be transformed themselves.
My friend and dear brother in Christ, Paul Juby just sent me his new book, "hot off the press" from Norfolk, United Kingdom.
It is a collection of his cartoons. His cartoons reflects his personality-full of joy and sharp wit! Thanks Paul for the autographed copy. It will have an honoured place on my bookshelves.
Paul Juby came to Malaysia to work when he was twenty years old. Within a few months he was brought to Christ by teenage members of the Penang Methodist Youth Fellowship. Within a few more months he formed a Boys' Brigade Company at the church. Soon afterwards he was sacked by his firm for mixing with Asians and refusing to join an all-European Club.
Paul then found employment as a rubber planter and eventually managed the largest rubber processing company in the world.
He continued to help extend The Boys' Brigade and has seen it grow from 30 members to over 7000 and expanded to the neighbouring countries.
Retired to England, Paul founded a BB Old Boys Association named The Federation of Stedfast Associations, United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland of which he is the National Chairman. He is also the Honorary Vice-president of the Boys' Brigade in Malaysia.
In his mid seventies, Paul is still very active. Every three years he leads a sponsored climb of Mount Kinabalu (14,500 feet) to raise fund for BB Asia. He has been called "Robokop" by the boys and girls because he has two artificial hips.
Paul loves preaching because it gives him an excuse 'to point a finger at "pew sitters"'!
My friend and dear brother in Christ, Paul Juby just sent me his new book, "hot off the press" from Norfolk, United Kingdom.
It is a collection of his cartoons. His cartoons reflects his personality-full of joy and sharp wit! Thanks Paul for the autographed copy. It will have an honoured place on my bookshelves.
Paul Juby came to Malaysia to work when he was twenty years old. Within a few months he was brought to Christ by teenage members of the Penang Methodist Youth Fellowship. Within a few more months he formed a Boys' Brigade Company at the church. Soon afterwards he was sacked by his firm for mixing with Asians and refusing to join an all-European Club.
Paul then found employment as a rubber planter and eventually managed the largest rubber processing company in the world.
He continued to help extend The Boys' Brigade and has seen it grow from 30 members to over 7000 and expanded to the neighbouring countries.
Retired to England, Paul founded a BB Old Boys Association named The Federation of Stedfast Associations, United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland of which he is the National Chairman. He is also the Honorary Vice-president of the Boys' Brigade in Malaysia.
In his mid seventies, Paul is still very active. Every three years he leads a sponsored climb of Mount Kinabalu (14,500 feet) to raise fund for BB Asia. He has been called "Robokop" by the boys and girls because he has two artificial hips.
Paul loves preaching because it gives him an excuse 'to point a finger at "pew sitters"'!
Boys’ Brigade Enrolment Day Service 2007 Topic: You are Special Text: Psalm 139: 13-16
Sunday Sermon 29 April 2007 Holy Light Church
Summary
One of the four pillars in BB of the building of Christian character is self-respect. We have self-respect because we are special. We are special because God has specially created us in the past, God knows who we are now, and God knows whom we will be. And God has a good plan for our lives.
Text PS 139:13 For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb.
PS 139:14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
PS 139:15 My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,
PS 139:16 your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.
Introduction William Alexander Smith was born in Thurso, Scotland in 1854. He moved to Glasgow in his teens and became involved in church activities. William was also a lieutenant in the 1st Lanarkshire Rifle Volunteers in 1883 while he was teaching in the North Woodside Mission Sunday School. While working with the children in church, he discovered the need for wholesome activities for children outside school hours. William Smith shared his ideas with his two friends, which later invited boys from North Woodside Mission Sabbath School and formed the first company of The Boys' Brigade, 1st Glasgow Company on 4th of October 1883. It is the world's first uniform organization, even before the Scouts.
William was the first Brigade Secretary in 1887 where he worked towards spreading the Brigade across the world. In 1909, King Edward VII knighted William Smith for his contribution towards youth development. Five years later, Sir William Alexander Smith passed away. Throughout his lifetime, Sir William A. Smith poured out everything he has into BB and he is best remembered as the man who spells Boy with a capital 'B'.
The original object of the Boys' Brigade is the advancement of Christ's Kingdom among Boys and the promotion of habits of obedience, reverence, discipline, self-respect and all that tend towards a true Christian manliness. Christian “manliness” was developed by the use of a semi-military discipline and order, gymnastics, summer camps and religious classes.
Motto SURE & STEDFAST (taken from Hebrews 6:19). The original Old English (King James Version) spelling of "Stedfast" has been retained.
Emblem The emblem is original an anchor. Like the motto it stems from the verse "We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure" (Hebrews 6:19)
Object The Advancement of Christ's Kingdom among members and the promotion of habits of Obedience, Reverence, Discipline, Self-Respect and all that tends towards a true Christian Character.
Imagine a table. A table has four legs. Each of these legs needs to be of equal length or the table may not be stable. So it is like for a Christian character. It has four pillars: obedience, reverence, discipline and self-respect. The BB will teach you how to build these pillars.
Today we shall teach you about developing one good habits of the Boys’ Brigade- Self-respect.
We have self-respect because we are special. We are special because
(1) God specially created us in our past Psalm 139:13, 15 PS 139:13 For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. PS 139:15 My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,
Do you know how special you are? God knows all about you before you are born. In fact, God created you. God made you specially. God made only one of you. We are not custom made like a car, a Proton Gen2 (a made in Malaysian car) in a factory. The case is assembled from identical parts. Each car that leaves the factory is the same. We are not like that. God make each of us different. Some are tall, some short. Some of black, some yellow, some brown and others, white. We have blue eye, brown eyes, green eyes, or black eyes. Some are very smart, good with their brains while others are good with their hands. Each of us is special. Each of us is unique. There is not another one like us in the whole world. There is not another one like you in the whole world and there will never be another.
(2) God is interested is who we are at present. Psalm 130:14-15 PS 139:14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
Who are you? You are you. There no other you. God says you are “fearfully and wonderfully made.” What does this mean? Fearfully does not mean that you are very scary but that those who see you are astonished. “What, that’s special.” Wonderful is because it is so great. You are special because God has made you special. You may not feel very special now. You may not like the pimples on your face. You are not happy that you are so short, so skinny, or too far. Well, at this moment that’s who you are at this moment. You are a work in progress. You are like a caterpillar. You know that hairy, yukky thing. I am sure the caterpillar feels the same. I am a hairy, yukky thing. One day however, it will form a cocoon around itself. And then a beautiful butterfly will emerge.
(3) God knows who we will be in the future. Palm 139:16 PS 139:16 your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.
God who forms you in the past, see you now, also sees you in the future. To God, the past, present and future are like an open book. God can see you in the future and he knows what you will be in the future. That is because you are special. Everything God make is good.
Lessons for us We are special. We have self-respect because we are special. Just because we *do not come from a rich family, *do not have a loving family, *family where our parents are always quarreling, *a father who is in debt to the loan sharks, *a father who left the family, *we are always at the bottom of the class, *our teachers do not like us, *we have to work after school to help the family, *we are always being bullied, do not mean that we are not special. It does not matter what other people thinks of us. It matters what God thinks of us. God thinks you are special. The officers of the BB think you are special. That is why they care about you. That is why they sacrifice their time t look after you. And that is all that matters.
Because you are special you need to build up your self-respect. Your self respect we who you think you are. Here are some of the things you need to do, *take part in all BB activities, *respect and learn from your officers, *build your character (remember what the four pillars of character building: obedience, reverence, discipline, self-esteem), *get to know who God is, *say no to drugs, *say no to smoking, *say no to gambling, *say no premarital sex, *say no to mixing with gangs, *study hard, *take care of your body, because God and all of us are interested in whom you will become. Conclusion The Boys’ Brigade is a special organization because everyone in it is special. Everyone in it is a BB boy or a BB girl. The church is also a special organization. Everyone in it is a saint. To become a saint, you must get to know Jesus Christ. That is your mission. You are special because God has made you special. Jesus Christ is special because he is God. It is your mission as a BB to get to know Jesus Christ. He is your commander in chief. You know your have your officers, your Captain, your General. Well, Jesus Christ is your commander in chief or your chief commander. All you officers, captains, and generals report to him. You are so special that your command in chief died for you. That’s how special you are. It is your mission as BB to get to know him.
Boys’ Brigade Enrolment Day Service 2007 Topic: You are Special Text: Psalm 139: 13-16
Sunday Sermon 29 April 2007 Holy Light Church
Summary
One of the four pillars in BB of the building of Christian character is self-respect. We have self-respect because we are special. We are special because God has specially created us in the past, God knows who we are now, and God knows whom we will be. And God has a good plan for our lives.
Text PS 139:13 For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb.
PS 139:14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
PS 139:15 My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,
PS 139:16 your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.
Introduction William Alexander Smith was born in Thurso, Scotland in 1854. He moved to Glasgow in his teens and became involved in church activities. William was also a lieutenant in the 1st Lanarkshire Rifle Volunteers in 1883 while he was teaching in the North Woodside Mission Sunday School. While working with the children in church, he discovered the need for wholesome activities for children outside school hours. William Smith shared his ideas with his two friends, which later invited boys from North Woodside Mission Sabbath School and formed the first company of The Boys' Brigade, 1st Glasgow Company on 4th of October 1883. It is the world's first uniform organization, even before the Scouts.
William was the first Brigade Secretary in 1887 where he worked towards spreading the Brigade across the world. In 1909, King Edward VII knighted William Smith for his contribution towards youth development. Five years later, Sir William Alexander Smith passed away. Throughout his lifetime, Sir William A. Smith poured out everything he has into BB and he is best remembered as the man who spells Boy with a capital 'B'.
The original object of the Boys' Brigade is the advancement of Christ's Kingdom among Boys and the promotion of habits of obedience, reverence, discipline, self-respect and all that tend towards a true Christian manliness. Christian “manliness” was developed by the use of a semi-military discipline and order, gymnastics, summer camps and religious classes.
Motto SURE & STEDFAST (taken from Hebrews 6:19). The original Old English (King James Version) spelling of "Stedfast" has been retained.
Emblem The emblem is original an anchor. Like the motto it stems from the verse "We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure" (Hebrews 6:19)
Object The Advancement of Christ's Kingdom among members and the promotion of habits of Obedience, Reverence, Discipline, Self-Respect and all that tends towards a true Christian Character.
Imagine a table. A table has four legs. Each of these legs needs to be of equal length or the table may not be stable. So it is like for a Christian character. It has four pillars: obedience, reverence, discipline and self-respect. The BB will teach you how to build these pillars.
Today we shall teach you about developing one good habits of the Boys’ Brigade- Self-respect.
We have self-respect because we are special. We are special because
(1) God specially created us in our past Psalm 139:13, 15 PS 139:13 For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. PS 139:15 My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,
Do you know how special you are? God knows all about you before you are born. In fact, God created you. God made you specially. God made only one of you. We are not custom made like a car, a Proton Gen2 (a made in Malaysian car) in a factory. The case is assembled from identical parts. Each car that leaves the factory is the same. We are not like that. God make each of us different. Some are tall, some short. Some of black, some yellow, some brown and others, white. We have blue eye, brown eyes, green eyes, or black eyes. Some are very smart, good with their brains while others are good with their hands. Each of us is special. Each of us is unique. There is not another one like us in the whole world. There is not another one like you in the whole world and there will never be another.
(2) God is interested is who we are at present. Psalm 130:14-15 PS 139:14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
Who are you? You are you. There no other you. God says you are “fearfully and wonderfully made.” What does this mean? Fearfully does not mean that you are very scary but that those who see you are astonished. “What, that’s special.” Wonderful is because it is so great. You are special because God has made you special. You may not feel very special now. You may not like the pimples on your face. You are not happy that you are so short, so skinny, or too far. Well, at this moment that’s who you are at this moment. You are a work in progress. You are like a caterpillar. You know that hairy, yukky thing. I am sure the caterpillar feels the same. I am a hairy, yukky thing. One day however, it will form a cocoon around itself. And then a beautiful butterfly will emerge.
(3) God knows who we will be in the future. Palm 139:16 PS 139:16 your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.
God who forms you in the past, see you now, also sees you in the future. To God, the past, present and future are like an open book. God can see you in the future and he knows what you will be in the future. That is because you are special. Everything God make is good.
Lessons for us We are special. We have self-respect because we are special. Just because we *do not come from a rich family, *do not have a loving family, *family where our parents are always quarreling, *a father who is in debt to the loan sharks, *a father who left the family, *we are always at the bottom of the class, *our teachers do not like us, *we have to work after school to help the family, *we are always being bullied, do not mean that we are not special. It does not matter what other people thinks of us. It matters what God thinks of us. God thinks you are special. The officers of the BB think you are special. That is why they care about you. That is why they sacrifice their time t look after you. And that is all that matters.
Because you are special you need to build up your self-respect. Your self respect we who you think you are. Here are some of the things you need to do, *take part in all BB activities, *respect and learn from your officers, *build your character (remember what the four pillars of character building: obedience, reverence, discipline, self-esteem), *get to know who God is, *say no to drugs, *say no to smoking, *say no to gambling, *say no premarital sex, *say no to mixing with gangs, *study hard, *take care of your body, because God and all of us are interested in whom you will become. Conclusion The Boys’ Brigade is a special organization because everyone in it is special. Everyone in it is a BB boy or a BB girl. The church is also a special organization. Everyone in it is a saint. To become a saint, you must get to know Jesus Christ. That is your mission. You are special because God has made you special. Jesus Christ is special because he is God. It is your mission as a BB to get to know Jesus Christ. He is your commander in chief. You know your have your officers, your Captain, your General. Well, Jesus Christ is your commander in chief or your chief commander. All you officers, captains, and generals report to him. You are so special that your command in chief died for you. That’s how special you are. It is your mission as BB to get to know him.
Last night attended the celebration dinner of the 60th anniversary of the Council of Churches of Malaysia(CCM) at Pulai Springs Resort in Johor Bahru. This was held in conjunction with the 12th Triennial General Assembly of CCM which was held from 23-26 April 2007.
It was an interesting event because it was unusual to see so many bishops, archbishops, priests, pastors, and lay leaders from different denominations and traditions together in one room. This is ecumenism at its best.
Council of Churches of Malaysia (CCM) is an ecumenical fellowship of Churches and Christian Organisations in Malaysia. It is one of the three constituent members of the Christian Federation of Malaysia (CFM).
The message "that they may all be one ... that the world may believe" (Jesus' prayer for this followers, from John 17:21)
The task of churches together :
To provide witness to the unity which Christ desires for his people. To share witness together and build wholesome human communities where faith, hope and love are nurtured. To offer prophetic witness for justice, peace and the integrity of God's whole creation. To witness together with other Christian bodies, nationally and internationally, to advance the servant mission of Christ.
Action of churches together :
Heads of Churches Consultations Ecumenical Pastors' Schools Women's Conventions Spiritual formation using ecumenical resources Partnership in Mission Relief aid to the suffering Nurturing creative theological reflection in Malaysian and Asian context Engaging in Faith and Order issues Hosting national and international Consultations, Workshops and Conferences on contemporary issues Holistic evangelism
The CCM is 10 years older than our country, Malaysia! The emphasis last night seems to be on fund raising for a new CCM headquarter building. Unfortunately not much was mentioned about the 60 years history of CCM. It will have been an interesting history that started at preindependent Malaya. I hope some Christian historian will take up the challenge to record the 60 years history. Will be a shame if it is lost and forgotten.
Last night attended the celebration dinner of the 60th anniversary of the Council of Churches of Malaysia(CCM) at Pulai Springs Resort in Johor Bahru. This was held in conjunction with the 12th Triennial General Assembly of CCM which was held from 23-26 April 2007.
It was an interesting event because it was unusual to see so many bishops, archbishops, priests, pastors, and lay leaders from different denominations and traditions together in one room. This is ecumenism at its best.
Council of Churches of Malaysia (CCM) is an ecumenical fellowship of Churches and Christian Organisations in Malaysia. It is one of the three constituent members of the Christian Federation of Malaysia (CFM).
The message "that they may all be one ... that the world may believe" (Jesus' prayer for this followers, from John 17:21)
The task of churches together :
To provide witness to the unity which Christ desires for his people. To share witness together and build wholesome human communities where faith, hope and love are nurtured. To offer prophetic witness for justice, peace and the integrity of God's whole creation. To witness together with other Christian bodies, nationally and internationally, to advance the servant mission of Christ.
Action of churches together :
Heads of Churches Consultations Ecumenical Pastors' Schools Women's Conventions Spiritual formation using ecumenical resources Partnership in Mission Relief aid to the suffering Nurturing creative theological reflection in Malaysian and Asian context Engaging in Faith and Order issues Hosting national and international Consultations, Workshops and Conferences on contemporary issues Holistic evangelism
The CCM is 10 years older than our country, Malaysia! The emphasis last night seems to be on fund raising for a new CCM headquarter building. Unfortunately not much was mentioned about the 60 years history of CCM. It will have been an interesting history that started at preindependent Malaya. I hope some Christian historian will take up the challenge to record the 60 years history. Will be a shame if it is lost and forgotten.
William Alexander Smith was born in Thurso, Scotland in 1854. He moved to Glasgow in his teens and became involved in church activities. William was also a lieutenant in the 1st Lanarkshire Rifle Volunteers in 1883 while he was teaching in the North Woodside Mission Sunday School. While working with the children in church, he discovered the need for wholesome activities for children outside school hours. William Smith shared his ideas with his two friends, which later invited boys from North Woodside Mission Sabbath School and formed the first company of The Boys' Brigade, 1st Glasgow Company on 4th of October 1883. It is the world's first uniform organization, even before the Scouts.
William was the first Brigade Secretary in 1887 where he worked towards spreading the Brigade across the world. In 1909, King Edward VII knighted William Smith for his contribution towards youth development. Five years later, Sir William Alexander Smith passed away. Throughout his lifetime, Sir William A. Smith poured out all that he has into BB and he is best remembered as the man who spells Boy with a capital 'B'.
The original object of the Boys' Brigade is the advancement of Christ's Kingdom among Boys and the promotion of habits of obedience, reverence, discipline, self-respect and all that tend towards a true Christian manliness. Christian “manliness” was developed by the use of a semi-military discipline and order, gymnastics, summer camps and religious services and classes. Christian manliness was changed to Christian character when girls were admitted to the BB.
However, the BB did not appear in the Asian scene until 1915 when the first Company was founded in the Chinese city of Swatow by the Rev Guthrie Gamble (the famous Swatow BB was to become a legend in later years in China) The BB came to South East Asia in 1930 with the founding of the 1st Singapore Company by Mr James Fraser.
The Boys’ Brigade did not come to Malaya until the after the second World War. A British soldier by the name of Robert Davis (former Captain of 6th Birkenhead Company at the Tranmere Freehold Methodist Church and later Tranmere United Reformed Church) gave the idea of The Boys’ Brigade to one of Penang’s great educationist, the late Mr Geh Hun Kheng, who accepted the challenge becoming the first BB Captain in Malaya. Mr Geh realised that he had to do his "small share" to win the Boys over from the various subversive groups that were so rife after the Pacific War. The first meeting of 20 Boys was held in the Methodist Church in Madras Lane on a Sunday in September 1946. Penang thus became the springboard from which Companies were started first in Kuala Lumpur and then in other parts of the country. When Malaysia achieved independence on 31 August 1957, The Boys’ Brigade was given the honour of being invited to take part in the Merdeka Parade (Independence Day Parade).
After Merdeka (Independence), The Boys’ Brigade began to spread rapidly as a result of the formation of the Malayan Council of The Boys’ Brigade under the initiative of Mr Khoo Oon Soo. More and more Companies were founded in every major town in Malaya. Even small rural towns began to have BB Companies functioning efficiently. By this time firm and friendly contact had been made with the BB in Singapore which helped in the supply and sale of equipment and with the founding of the first Company in Borneo in 1959, the 1st Kuching Company. In 1962, the BB in Malaya became a member of the Pacific Regional Fellowship (subsequently joined the East Asia Regional Fellowship when it was formed later) and the first Pacific camp was held with the co-operation of the Singapore Battalion in Port Dickson in December 1963.
On 5 December 1964, the former Federation of Malaya Council of The Boys’ Brigade, the Singapore Battalion and the 1st Kuching Company merged into The Boys’ Brigade in Malaysia. With the political separation of Singapore from Malaysia, The Boys’ Brigade in Singapore ceased to be a component District of The Boys’ Brigade in Malaysia as on 19 August 1965. With Malaysia a reality the National Council began to establish Companies in Sabah and Sarawak, maintaining friendly ties with the BB in Singapore.
The development of The Boys’ Brigade in Malaysia took a revolutionary turn when it invited girls to be members. It was first introduced in 1989 and debated for a few years before experimental measures were approved in 1992. The move received favourable response and strong support from churches and individuals. Starting of the girls’ wing was to cater for the girls in a locality where a Girls’ Brigade Company did not exist. Today, more than 20 companies in the BBM have girls on their membership roll, and many girls have been appointed NCOs, and they have proven to be capable in adapting well to the activities of the BB.
Since 1992, The Boys’ Brigade in Malaysia has also begun to play significant role in the extension of BB work in the East Asia Regional Fellowship, including conducting training and support BB works in Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines.
Today, there are over 70 Companies spread throughout the length and breadth of Malaysia. Ever since the setting up of a BBHQ in 1989, a permanent building has been purchased, and currently staffed by a team of 5 able full-time personnel.
The Boys’ Brigade in Malaysia has come a long way since 1946. Many things have since changed, many had come and gone with many new developments taken place. Throughout all these years, the BBM has been able to hold on to its object and continue in serving the youth of Malaysia. As the nation is fast moving towards greater heights in development, it is believed that the BB shall be called on to play an even greater role in the development and training of the Malaysian youths.
The BB is recognised by Kementerian Belia dan Sukan Malaysia as a youth body and by Kementerian Pendidikan Malaysia as a school's extra co-curricular activity. This means BB is the only formally recognized uniformed Christian youth organization recognized by the government and allowed to be part of the schools extra co-curricular activities. BB is also an affliated member of Majlis Belia Malaysia and Council of Churches of Malaysia
Object The Advancement of Christ's Kingdom among members and the promotion of habits of Obedience, Reverence, Discipline, Self-Respect and all that tends towards a true Christian Character.
Motto SURE & STEDFAST (taken from Hebrews 6:19). The original Old English (King James Version) spelling of "Stedfast" has been retained.
Emblem The emblem is original an anchor. Like the motto it stems from the verse "We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure" (Hebrews 6:19)
Please support the Boys' Brigade by praying for them, getting your children to join them and get involved with them.
William Alexander Smith was born in Thurso, Scotland in 1854. He moved to Glasgow in his teens and became involved in church activities. William was also a lieutenant in the 1st Lanarkshire Rifle Volunteers in 1883 while he was teaching in the North Woodside Mission Sunday School. While working with the children in church, he discovered the need for wholesome activities for children outside school hours. William Smith shared his ideas with his two friends, which later invited boys from North Woodside Mission Sabbath School and formed the first company of The Boys' Brigade, 1st Glasgow Company on 4th of October 1883. It is the world's first uniform organization, even before the Scouts.
William was the first Brigade Secretary in 1887 where he worked towards spreading the Brigade across the world. In 1909, King Edward VII knighted William Smith for his contribution towards youth development. Five years later, Sir William Alexander Smith passed away. Throughout his lifetime, Sir William A. Smith poured out all that he has into BB and he is best remembered as the man who spells Boy with a capital 'B'.
The original object of the Boys' Brigade is the advancement of Christ's Kingdom among Boys and the promotion of habits of obedience, reverence, discipline, self-respect and all that tend towards a true Christian manliness. Christian “manliness” was developed by the use of a semi-military discipline and order, gymnastics, summer camps and religious services and classes. Christian manliness was changed to Christian character when girls were admitted to the BB.
However, the BB did not appear in the Asian scene until 1915 when the first Company was founded in the Chinese city of Swatow by the Rev Guthrie Gamble (the famous Swatow BB was to become a legend in later years in China) The BB came to South East Asia in 1930 with the founding of the 1st Singapore Company by Mr James Fraser.
The Boys’ Brigade did not come to Malaya until the after the second World War. A British soldier by the name of Robert Davis (former Captain of 6th Birkenhead Company at the Tranmere Freehold Methodist Church and later Tranmere United Reformed Church) gave the idea of The Boys’ Brigade to one of Penang’s great educationist, the late Mr Geh Hun Kheng, who accepted the challenge becoming the first BB Captain in Malaya. Mr Geh realised that he had to do his "small share" to win the Boys over from the various subversive groups that were so rife after the Pacific War. The first meeting of 20 Boys was held in the Methodist Church in Madras Lane on a Sunday in September 1946. Penang thus became the springboard from which Companies were started first in Kuala Lumpur and then in other parts of the country. When Malaysia achieved independence on 31 August 1957, The Boys’ Brigade was given the honour of being invited to take part in the Merdeka Parade (Independence Day Parade).
After Merdeka (Independence), The Boys’ Brigade began to spread rapidly as a result of the formation of the Malayan Council of The Boys’ Brigade under the initiative of Mr Khoo Oon Soo. More and more Companies were founded in every major town in Malaya. Even small rural towns began to have BB Companies functioning efficiently. By this time firm and friendly contact had been made with the BB in Singapore which helped in the supply and sale of equipment and with the founding of the first Company in Borneo in 1959, the 1st Kuching Company. In 1962, the BB in Malaya became a member of the Pacific Regional Fellowship (subsequently joined the East Asia Regional Fellowship when it was formed later) and the first Pacific camp was held with the co-operation of the Singapore Battalion in Port Dickson in December 1963.
On 5 December 1964, the former Federation of Malaya Council of The Boys’ Brigade, the Singapore Battalion and the 1st Kuching Company merged into The Boys’ Brigade in Malaysia. With the political separation of Singapore from Malaysia, The Boys’ Brigade in Singapore ceased to be a component District of The Boys’ Brigade in Malaysia as on 19 August 1965. With Malaysia a reality the National Council began to establish Companies in Sabah and Sarawak, maintaining friendly ties with the BB in Singapore.
The development of The Boys’ Brigade in Malaysia took a revolutionary turn when it invited girls to be members. It was first introduced in 1989 and debated for a few years before experimental measures were approved in 1992. The move received favourable response and strong support from churches and individuals. Starting of the girls’ wing was to cater for the girls in a locality where a Girls’ Brigade Company did not exist. Today, more than 20 companies in the BBM have girls on their membership roll, and many girls have been appointed NCOs, and they have proven to be capable in adapting well to the activities of the BB.
Since 1992, The Boys’ Brigade in Malaysia has also begun to play significant role in the extension of BB work in the East Asia Regional Fellowship, including conducting training and support BB works in Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines.
Today, there are over 70 Companies spread throughout the length and breadth of Malaysia. Ever since the setting up of a BBHQ in 1989, a permanent building has been purchased, and currently staffed by a team of 5 able full-time personnel.
The Boys’ Brigade in Malaysia has come a long way since 1946. Many things have since changed, many had come and gone with many new developments taken place. Throughout all these years, the BBM has been able to hold on to its object and continue in serving the youth of Malaysia. As the nation is fast moving towards greater heights in development, it is believed that the BB shall be called on to play an even greater role in the development and training of the Malaysian youths.
The BB is recognised by Kementerian Belia dan Sukan Malaysia as a youth body and by Kementerian Pendidikan Malaysia as a school's extra co-curricular activity. This means BB is the only formally recognized uniformed Christian youth organization recognized by the government and allowed to be part of the schools extra co-curricular activities. BB is also an affliated member of Majlis Belia Malaysia and Council of Churches of Malaysia
Object The Advancement of Christ's Kingdom among members and the promotion of habits of Obedience, Reverence, Discipline, Self-Respect and all that tends towards a true Christian Character.
Motto SURE & STEDFAST (taken from Hebrews 6:19). The original Old English (King James Version) spelling of "Stedfast" has been retained.
Emblem The emblem is original an anchor. Like the motto it stems from the verse "We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure" (Hebrews 6:19)
Please support the Boys' Brigade by praying for them, getting your children to join them and get involved with them.
