I can still clearly remember the August day right after the Sunday morning service in Grace Church (located at Jalan Sekinchan, Pandamaran 25 years years ago) when Albert Ong invited me to join a group of youth (approx. 20 young bachelors) for a photo session with our Senior Pastor to kick-off the 1st Royal Rangers Outpost in Malaysia. I never could have imagined how much Royal Rangers have impacted my life all through the 25 years since that day.
There were great excitement amongst us as we started to digest and understand the purpose and objectives why Royal Rangers had started and how successful it had been in reaching out to young souls and subsequently teaching them the wholesome biblical values they will apply in their adult life (career, family & ministry). I take this opportunity to thank the RR Leaders from Australia and Singapore who have given us the necessary support in terms of training and material supply. But most importantly their enthusiasm in the RR program and love for the children have inspired me to want to learn more and contribute my effort in making RR ministry a success in Grace Church.
I was the Assistant Superintendent in the Sunday School Dept. (another successful tool in reaching the youth) at the time Royal Rangers started in Grace Church. However, the excitement and conviction towards the RR program was so great that I decided to give up the Asst. Superintendent post and concentrate fully in the RR program. After reflecting 25 years of service thus far, I believed that the Master Ranger have guided me in making the right choice.
With hardly any experience in outdoor skills, I had to learn the basic camping skills while teaching them to the Rangers. However, the eagerness on the eyes of each Ranger that I am leading gives the encouragement to me to learn more about the RR program. Gradually I begin to understand the whole concept of RR and how it can benefit the youth (age 10-15 years, the 1st 2 outpost we started were Pioneers and TrailBlazers, thereafter Buckaroos & TrailRangers only started a few years later) in the course of their growing years to adulthood.
I can still clearly remember the 1st year Anniversary (held on August 1983) celebration since RR started in Grace Church. Ten of the leaders (including yours truly) completed the Section 1 of the Leader Training Course (To attain the Leaders’ Medal of Achievement requires one to complete all 5 sections). All the frequent night gathering at Albert Ong’s office in Port Klang discussing and planning all related RR matters (training, researching, planning & organizing) seems to unite the leaders together and encouraging one another to commit and serve in this wonderful & unique program.
Also during the 1st year of RR ministry in Grace Church, I started my first job in a steel manufacturing company in Shah Alam and I also obtain my driver’s license and most interestingly it is also the year I started dating my girlfriend, Susan (who is now my wife). I truly believed that God is blessing me (all through the 25 years) as I allowed Him to guide me and use me as a vessel that will reach out to the young ones and teaching them to be useful people in their adult life. The number of rangers who have grown up and who are now serving as pastors and leaders in their respective churches is testament to the effectiveness of the RR program in Grace Church.
I can also clearly remember the 1st major responsibility I taken up as Camp Commander during the 1st Selangor Pow Wow held in 1984 which was attended by 2 outpost (Grace Church, Klang & Bethel Assembly, Kepong). That is start of my involvement as a staff member in numerous Camps (Pow Wows, Camporamas, NTCs, ANTCs, JLTCs, LTC classes & many more outpost activities). The greatest satisfaction I get from having participated in the activities is to see the Leaders/Rangers dedicating their lives to the Lord and having more young souls added to the Kingdom of God.
The one ‘major’ event that has impacted my life greatly as far as inspiring me to serve in the RR ministry was the National Training Camp held in Pulau Tekong, Singapore in 1986. 12 Leaders from Grace Church participated in the camp as trainees. The Camp Staff comprised of the top-notch leaders from USA, Australia & Singapore (Namely; i) Rev. Johnnie Barnes, Founder of RR & USA National Commander, ii) Fred Deaver, USA FCF President, iii) Will Thorne, Australia National Commander, iv) Ian Phillips, Australia FCF President, v) Steven Teo, Singapore National Commander & a few other national staff from USA, Australia & Singapore).
I observed that these great leaders are very committed in their assignments/tasks and at the same time they are humble & approachable. Their openness and good-natured impressed me a lot. Throughout the 4-day training in the deserted island, I can feel that God is in control over the camp as the Holy Spirit begins to work on our individual lives. I personally received a spiritual anointing during the special night ceremony when the Camp Commander challenged us to rededicate our lives to the Lord and go forth to carry out the Great Commission. I also begin to understand the actual concept of RR purpose and objectives which was beautifully conducted & presented by the respective camp staff during the various activities we participated in throughout the camp.
From then forth I realized that it is not only the content of the program/activities that will attract and inspire the participants. It is the attitude and enthusiasm shown by the trainer/staff member during the course of the activities and their humbleness to serve that will greatly motivate and challenge the participants to excel in the lives.
When I reflected over the last 25 years of my involvement in RR, I do have the satisfaction and confidence to say that I have given my best in terms of my services & relating well with all those I have the opportunity to serve as their Leader, Camp Staff or Trainer. The transition of numerous Rangers who are now Pastors, Commanders and leaders in their respective churches is testament to the commitment of Leaders who have serve unconditionally for the last 25 years.
In the next 25 years of the blessed RR ministry in Grace Church, I believed that God have very special plan that the Leaders, Rangers, related families & members of the church will be able to witness and experience. I anticipate that the RR ministry in Grace Church (Klang & PJ) will grow in numbers and in stature and we will continue to be the shining light in Malaysia supporting and encouraging Leaders & Rangers alike from the various outposts. My prayer is that my twins (Sabrina & Wilson) will continue to grow loving the Lord & excelling in all areas of personal development the way God intends through this unique ministry.
As for me, I will serve the Lord in whatever capacity He deems fit (as long as I am able) for the extension of His Kingdom. Amen!
To God be the glory!
Councilman William See
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Oh yeah, to those doing their SPM exam papers starting today... ALL THE BEST!!! Here's a prayer that you could use...
Dear Lord,
Open my mind to Your grace, O Lord,
As i begin my study/exam today,
You are the source of all wisdom and truth,
So guide me along the right path that i may presevere in my studies,
May I learn what i need to know,
May I understand what i need to learn,
May I remember what i need to explain,
Give me a sharp sense of understanding,
A retentive memory and the ability to grasp things correctly and fundamentally,
Give me the talent of being exact in my explanation,
And the ability to express myself with thoroughness and charm,
Point out the beginning, direct the process and help in completion.
In Jesus' name, I pray
Amen
Our prayers to all who are going through exams. YOU CAN DO IT!!!
