BINTULU – Seventy-two officers and delegates from 33 Coys in Sarawak attended the 2017 Sarawak State Council AGM of The Boys’ Brigade in Malaysia at Eng Kwang Methodist Church from Feb 24-25.
On Feb 25, retiring BB Sarawak State Chaplain Rev. George Wong Hin Hung commenced the AGM with an opening prayer. Following that, Rev. George gave his exhortation guided by Philippians 3:13-14 (NIV): “Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
The good shepherd mentioned that while the members worked hard to earn their awards, officers and helpers hardly gained any recognition. Rev. George encouraged the latter not to lose heart because of the promise of rewards awaiting in Jesus Christ. He also thanked the EXCO members and fellow officers for their love and congenial support during his eight-year tenure as State Chaplain. He added that he would be taking a sabbatical and wished the BB Ministry the best in their endeavors.
With much appreciation, outgoing Commissioner Hon. Capt. Lo Hoi Fook presented a BB logo clock to Rev. George.
In his opening message, Hon. Capt. Lo welcomed all the officers and delegates. He extended his heartfelt thanks to the host church for the use of its excellent venue and facilities.
Hon. Capt. Lo began his address by indicating his intention to step down, adding that he had already planned the move a few years ago for a change in leadership.
He continued by professing that it was neither a hard or easy decision for him to make knowing that God is in control and God will raise a more capable person to lead the BB to HIS glory.
Hon. Capt. Lo also affirmed that becoming volunteers in the BB ministry is one’s own choice. In doing so, the volunteer has to commit his or her talents, time and money. As such, there are no material or earthly gains for the volunteer except experiencing peace and joy in serving Christ Jesus.
He attested that not only in Malaysia that Sarawak is a model state for the BB ministry but also internationally. “Sarawak is operating our own depot well, blessed with a committed FTO for 12+ years, and our own HQ building. We have achieved much not because of our strength but because Sarawak BB is very united,” he explained. “We also need to support BB Malaysia, especially at a time when they are facing various challenges. We should put God first, BBM second, and BB Sarawak third. Likewise, EXCO should put benefits to local Coys first, Sarawak second and lastly, EXCO.”
He asked all present to be wise to know what is best for BBM; to stay humble and submissive to the leading of His Spirit.
In conclusion, the outgoing Commissioner reminded all the delegates of their leadership responsibilities by putting ministry above self-interests.
Reports were also received from the Presidents of the three respective regions; Southern, Central and Northern.
Other important reports included:
State Secretary’s Report – by Capt. Roseline Lee, 4th Miri
State Treasurer’s Report – by Lt. Linda Ting, 1st Sibu
State Training Chairman’s Report – by Lt. Aaron Tieng, 1st Sibu
State Extension Works Chairman’s Report – by Hon. Capt. Hii King Ong, 7th Kuching
State Competition Chairman’s Report – Capt. Wong Chek Ing, 2nd Bintulu
The date and venue of the 2018 AGM were proposed and accepted to be in Sibu, March 16-18.
State Executive Council 2015/2016 was dissolved smoothly, followed by the election of the new State Commissioner. Nominations Chairman Rev. George Wong announced that Hon. Capt. Hii King Ong was the only candidate to receive more than three nominations to qualify for the post. Hence, Hon. Capt. Hii was unanimously elected as the new State Commissioner for 2017/2018.
Appointment of State Executive Council 2017/2018
Commissioner – Hon. Capt. Hii King Ong
Honorary Commissioner – Hon. Capt. Joseph Tin Kiew Seng, Hon. Capt. Lo Hoi Fook
Deputy Commissioner – Capt. Edmund Wong, 7th Kuching (Southern Region), Hon. Capt. Guang Chin Tung, 10th Sibu (Central Region), Hon. Capt. Lawrence Wong, 1st Limbang (Northern Region)
Secretary – Capt. Roseline Lee, 4th Miri
Treasurer – Lt. Linda Ting, 1st Sibu
Training Chairman – Lt. Aaron Tieng, 1st Sibu
State Extension Chairman – Hon. Capt. Lawrence Wong, 1st Limbang
State Chaplain – TBA
Message by new State Commissioner
In his acceptance speech as the newly-elected State Commissioner, Hon. Capt. Hii thanked God for the opportunity to serve in BB ministry. He also thanked the retiring State Chaplain who had served eight years and the former State Commissioner (serving 16 years) for their great effort in leading the BB ministry in Sarawak.
Hon. Capt. Hii conceded that he had struggled for the past year to seek God’s will whether he was ready for the top post after the former State Commissioner dropped him a hint.
“I decided to fast once a week to seek His will. Perhaps God will speak to me with encouraging words through close friends or during Bible-reading in my quiet time. Amazingly, God told me to have a willing heart to serve Him!” he declared. “God chooses volunteers and gives us amazing jobs to do. I believe He will help me for He is my constant companion.”
The new State Commissioner recalled in one of the sermons preached by his Pastor on how God prepared Elisha to become a leader (2 Kings 2:1-14). Knowing the heavy responsibilities that lay ahead, Hon. Capt. Hii prayed to God to equip him just as what Elisha asked Elijah for a double portion of the latter’s spirit (2 Kings 2:9).
“Lastly, l pray every officer will give me his and her full support through prayer. Together we continue the advancement of the Kingdom of Christ. Amen!” he said.
State Training Workshop
A good number of delegates arrived on Feb 24 to attend the State Training Workshop by Penang-based Rev. Lawrence Toh Kim Seng.
The four sessions in the Workshop were: Serve Like Jesus, Calling And Purpose of Life, To See What The Lord Has Seen, To do What The Lord Has Commanded.
Newly-appointed Capt. Hii Ting Ik of 6th Kuching said he was glad to attend the AGM. “The self-development training by Rev. Lawrence was very good. It awakened me and I believe other Officers felt the same. We need to refresh our relationship with God from time to time to ensure that we are serving HIM happily,” he recounted.
“Thank God for the opportunity to attend this AGM. The training has inspired me how to lead my Coy and myself with the right attitude. May God bless the Boys’ Brigade,” expressed Siung Wen Loon, another newly-appointed Captain of 6th Sibu.
The highlight of the AGM was the celebration of the 15th Anniversary of 1st Bintulu held in the sanctuary of the hosting church. Prior to that, all the delegates and invited guests were treated to a scrumptious buffet dinner served in the church premises, followed by wonderful performances by the Boys of 1st Bintulu.
By James Tc Wong, 4th Miri
(This story was first published at jameswong.wordpress.com)