The Boys Brigade. Remembering our Founder. is born. Born on 27 th October 1854 Died on 10 th May 1914

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1 The Boys Brigade is born (Extracted from The Story of The Boys Brigade by Austin E Birch published in 1959) October 4 th, 1883, was the red-letter day. The lads attending the Sunday School had been informed of the new Brigade for Boys, and to their credit they responded to the call. When the doors of North Woodside Mission were thrown open on the first night there were no lack of recruits, Smith and the brothers Hill had a busy evening. Fifty-nine names were taken during the opening weeks, though as it turned out some had come in from curiosity, quite a few perhaps with the idea of ragging this new authority; whilst for others the new doctrine of strict obedience and punctuality was both a novelty and a blow! The Founder was insistent on strict routine. A boy arriving one minute late was not allowed to fall-in on drill parade, and no one was permitted two consecutive absences without good reason. This strictness was indeed a shock to many of the new recruits and some ceased attending. But the method was the right one and it quickly lead to a respect for the Brigade and gave it an importance that could have been won in no other way. When the time came for enrolment, 35 Boys had stayed the pace and The Boys Brigade was in existence. BB Awards in 1926 Remembering our Founder Born on 27 th October 1854 Died on 10 th May 1914 SIR WILLIAM A SMITH was a great Pioneer of Boyhood, Nearly two million Boys have passed through the ranks of The Boys Brigade which he founded, and countless men in all parts of the world hold his name in grateful remembrance His late Majesty King George VI addressing the Boys at a review at Windsor Castle to mark the Diamond Jubilee in 1943, said: When The Boys Brigade was founded sixty years ago your Founder, Sir William A Smith, builded better than he knew, for he started not only a great movement, but one from which all our present wide-spread youth training was destined to spring. I feel sure that the BB will go from strength to strength because it is built upon the twin pillars of religion and discipline, and so is meeting two of the greatest needs of the present time. (Extracted from William A Smith of The Boys Brigade by F P Gibbon published in 1934)

2 My BB Dream SUNNY WU reveals his aspiration for BB. Recently, BB Asia Secretariat sent me a copy of The Story of Heroism - The Story of The Boys Brigade in China. It is a wonderful article. Although, being a member of BB Hong Kong, I am very much aware that the BB work began in Swatow in South China in the early 1900s but when I read this story, it left me a very deep impression in my heart. A desire was pressed upon me to want to revive the BB work there and to see the kindling of the BB fire in the lives of the children and young people. BBHK visit to Sichuan Earthquake victims. This year BB Hong Kong is celebrating her 50 th Anniversary. For this, we have to give our wholehearted gratitude to our Lord for guiding us and helping our movement grow these last fifty years. Looking back at our history, we are most thankful to God for sending us the two BB officers from England fifty years ago for planting the BB ministry in Hong Kong. And in 1985, the BB Hong Kong became the first BB country to extent the ministry to girls. By His Grace, today we have reached a total of 9,600 members. As we celebrate our progress in Hong Kong, it is my personal prayer and hope that our BB work can be extended to the Mainland China. BB Asia Top Brass in serious discussion at meeting in When I see and hear of our BB work being done in Thailand, Indonesia, Philippine and Cambodia, I cannot help but give thanks to God for giving us the many opportunities to extend this special ministry in Asia. Thus I eagerly hope that God, too, will open the door of my own country, China, officially so that we can freely extend the BB work there and share the Gospel among the young people. No doubt, when this happens, imagine how many million young lives we can help make an impact on. Group photo before BBHK Founder s Day Parade in The Story of Heroism has indeed stimulated me to pray that God will revive the BB in China. Thus, giving our next young generation the opportunity to grow up in LOVE and develop a WELL-DISCIPLINED and WORTHY LIFE. My wish is that when BB is revived in China, the many traditions and practices of the BB such as our Logo, Object, Motto and similar uniform will prevail. I know it is wishful thinking and seem like almost an unreachable dream but to our Great God, nothing is impossible. My prayer is LET THY WILL BE DONE! Editor s Note: SUNNY WU is the Vice- President of BB Asia, Vice-Chairman of BB Hong Kong and works as the Executive Secretary of Chinese YMCA Hong Kong. BBHK 50 th Anniversary Calendar of Events 7th November 2009 (Sat) 50th Anniversary Thanks Giving and Joint Dinner 8th November 2009 (Sun) 50th Anniversary Founder's Day Parade & Thanks Giving Service 30th December 2009 (Wed)- 2nd January 2010 (Sat) International Camp and Closing Ceremony of 50th Anniversary Activities 1st January 2010 (Fri) New Pioneering Work on Guinness World Records 1st January 2010 (Fri) Sharity Service (Proceeds go to International Camp) For more details, visit: 2nd BB Asia Executive Committee Meeting The meeting will be held on Saturday, 7 November 2009 at 9am in Hong Kong. This meeting will coincide with BB Hong Kong s 50 th Anniversary Dinner and Founder s Day Parade.

3 Life after BB Academy TIM ROGERS shares his testimony cities and communities. When not visiting companies, I also had the opportunity to teach English classes and share about Australia. I also participated in church programs including the Rangsit Methodist Church s yearly outreach ministry Cross Camp. I praise and thank God for the opportunity to undertake such a journey. He provided for me financially, emotionally and spiritually. I have made many friendships and plan to visit South East Asia again in the not so distant future. This trip also had the added benefit of answering a lot of questions I had been asking about BB and my own ministry. From April through to June of this year, I had the opportunity to spend nine weeks working and visiting The Boys Brigade in Thailand and Cambodia. After attending the 2 nd Asia Academy in Indonesia last year, I was keen to get involved with the great work that BB Asia is doing in developing nations. I started to think about ways that BB in Australia can help contribute and encourage BB in these nations and simultaneously develop a mission mentality among our boys and officers back home. Visit to BB Company in Korat. While in Thailand, I had the opportunity to stay and work at the BB HQ in Bangkok. From here I had the opportunity to visit nearly every active company and also visit numerous churches all across Thailand. I was encouraged by the officers and leaders and was (hopefully) able to give some comments and suggestions that will encourage them to pursue working with God s ministry in their local At BBLC in Cambodia After spending 8 weeks in Thailand, I visited Cambodia for one week. I visited World Vision Aid projects and met with Den, a student I have been sponsoring for nearly 8 years through World Vision Child Sponsorship program! It was an amazing experience and one I will never forget. While in Siem Reap, I visited the Boys Brigade Learning Centre and witnessed the awesome ministry that they are providing to the local community through English classes and hosting regular mission teams from BB and GB Singapore. The trip didn t end once I left Thailand and Cambodia. On my way back to Australia I had a 24hour stopover in Kuala Lumpur and was invited to visit the 3 rd Kuala Lumpur Company at the YMCA and share with them. Photo with Lawrence of BB Asia and Tony of BB Malaysia Sharing a game with Khon Kaen BB Boys. In the future I hope to organize a program whereby Australian BB members participate in cross-cultural mission trips through The Boys Brigade. If any company or country believes that their BB, school or church ministry could benefit from such trip, I would encourage you to get into contact with BB Asia Executive Secretary, who can put you into contact with me. I will be bringing a contingent from Australia to the BBHK 50years camp so please come and say Hi. I also want to invite everyone to the Pan Australian Camp in Ulverstone, Tasmania in I hope to see you all there! Editor s Note: TIM ROGERS is a BB officer with the 46 th Brisbane Company and was a 2 nd BB Asia Academy participant. If you are true to God, you won t be false to others.

4 BB Indonesia s ERIC VICTOR Officer Junior I was one of the organising committee members. Throughout our work we experienced mixed feelings of joy, worry, exhaustion, disappointment and sometimes, sad because of the many obstacles we have to overcome. But as I looked back, I thank God, for the experiences we gained. Overall, there was lots of fun, friendship and great teamwork. Hope the friendship will stay forever. Unitl the next camp, God bless The Boys Brigade. BBActivitiesinJakarta After two years, District Sumbagut finally organised the long-awaited Camp Bersama which was on August The Camp took place at Gelora Kasih, Sibolangit. There were almost 300 participants making this year s is largestattended camp. On first day, the camp began with all participants setting up their own tents, followed by the opening ceremony, indoor games and devotion. The second day was most tiring because of all the outdoor activities, photo session and group competitions. The final was the saddest day because we had to bid farewell. It is started with devotion and closing ceremony. Most of the participants enjoyed the camp. Here are some comments from the participants. RODERICK First Year Senior Member Through this camp I have learnt to be more disciplined, brave, punctual, independence and work as a team. The most memorable incident was when our tents got flooded due to heavy rain. All my company members worked together to save our tents. CINDY Corporal Member (NCO Serda) I was very excited to attend this camp because it is different. I was able to meet and do activities with BB members from other companies. Although the outdoor activities were exhausting but it was enjoyable when working in a team. Drill Camp 68 BB Members and Officers from four Companies in Jakarta attended this exciting camp held on 1-3 May 2009 at Athalia School in Serpong. Adventure Camp On September 2009, 98 BB Members and Officers from the Jakarta BB Companies assembled at Pasir Mukti in Bogor for lots of outdoor adventure activities.

5 32 nd BBHK Company Visits BB Malaysia 3-10 August 2009 PHYLLIS CHEUNG Gives her account of experience. After the unplanned participation of Pesta 2006 in Kuala Lumpur, I told myself that I must one day bring my members out of Hong Kong to widen their BB experience. So in 2007, while planning our company s 25 th anniversary celebration and after some consultation, we decided to make a trip to Malaysia. Our 8-day adventure included relaxing on the sunny island of Langkawi, fellowship with Penang & KL companies and a visit to the BB Malaysia Headquarters. Fellowship with Penang Companies I am very impressed with all of you because you are really very nice. I felt uncomfortable at first because our members back home are quite cold compared to your warmness. Anyway, I got used to it minutes later. We can see and feel the BB passion in your members and in the officers. The members have good discipline which ours members should have. The Boys got down and did "push-up" together at the same beat which impressed me a lot. In the afternoon, we visited the 3 rd KL. I appreciated the Band very much. The Boys are talented and I can see the effort they put into the band and also the BB. It is so good to visit BB around the world. It really encourages me to serve our Boys since I can see that how much BB could change the teens to help them walk on the right path. Hi there! I am Chloe, sergeant of 32 nd BBHK. Before this trip, I knew nothing about Malaysia BB but after these eight days, a lot of unforgettable moments, people and experiences filled my life. What impressed me most was the 3 rd KL Sergeant on duty during our visit. His confidence, maturity and leadership are things that even, I, need to learn and to remember. After visiting the three companies, I m amazed at how great the devotion of the Members to BB. Powerful and cheerful in their worship, firm and discipline as they march under the sun and doing Push-up obediently together at the same beat. As I reflect back I now realise that there is a difference between the life patterns of the children in Hong Kong and in Malaysia. Despite the difference, our boys should sill learn this discipline and have this devotion to BB. All in all, it was great to have the opportunity to visit BB Malaysia, It really made me proud to be a member in BB and will continue the BB s tenet, enlarge the kingdom of God and lead the boys and girls to be in His strong army. Editor s Note: PHYLLIS CHEUNG is a BB officer with the 32nd Company of The Boys Brigade in Hong Kong and was the team leaders for their trip to Malaysia. A visit to BBM Hq Here are two of my team members impression of the trip. Hello, I m KANG, staff sergeant of 32 nd BBHK. This trip to Malaysia was the most valuable activity for my whole summer holidays and I have no regrets ending the holidays with this trip.. I ll skip the our water fun part and just talk about what we did with BB Malaysia. A photo moment with 3 rd KL

6 BB Asia 3-year Plan Series YOUTH EXCHANGE & MISSION DEVELOPMENT This 5th area of our 3-year development plan is Youth Exchange and Mission Development. Under the capable leadership of Mr Sunny Wu, the committee is moving forward to provide opportunities for our youths to face the challenges of faith, and gain an experience of a lifetime. The focus of this area will be as follows. To promote and coordinate youth exchange among member countries To build up commitment to missions To encourage partnerships among churches and BB units The President & Executive Members of BB Asia would like to wish everyone a very HAPPY BB Day! We believe that the BB ministry is worthwhile and God-inspired for our young people in Asia. Let s be a blessing to them and make a difference to their lives TODAY! Therefore we would like to appeal to the generosity of each and every one of you reading this newsletter to support our cause by making a personal pledge or contribution. encouraging as many friends as possible to support. speaking to your church leadership to consider BB as one of their mission pledges. introducing corporate or commercial companies who might give regularly as part of their social commitment. To make our plans a reality WE NEED TO RAISE SGD 491,000 For more details, please visit our website at or contact the BB Asia Secretariat. We will be most happy to hear from you. INTERNATIONAL CAMPS coming your way 2009 BB HONG KONG 50th Anniversary International Camp Date: 30/12/09-02/01/10 Venue: Wu Kwai Sha Youth Village & Pak Tam Chung Holiday Camp Cost: USD100 per person (excluding external transfer) For more details, visit: BB MALAYSIA June - 18 th National Pesta, Penang BB SINGAPORE December 80 th Anniversary Camp Temasek V 2011 BB AUSTRALIA Catch The Spirit 17 th Pan Australian Camp will be held at Ulverstone in Tasmania from 6 th to 15 th January For more details visit http//:boys.brigadeaustralia.org. BB ASIA 1 st Full-Time Workers Conference It is proposed that the conference be held end April in Malaysia. This conference is opened to all full-time staff of BB Member countries. 3 rd BB Asia Academy It is proposed that the academy to be held end December. This academy is opened to all BB members and officers 18 years and above. BB INDONESIA International Camp Bersama In celebration of BBI s 25 th Anniversary. ( Bersama means together.)

7 0 PRAYER POINTS Pray for BB Asia that God will bless the office-bearers with wisdom as they stir the entire ministry to a greater height. the 3-year development plan of the BB Asia. the coming 2 nd Executive Committee meeting in Hong Kong on 6 November continue to unite and strengthen the bond of the Member Countries. our ministry with generous financial contribution to support work that being done. their endeavors to raise SGD491,000 to support the ministry for the next three years. the work of the Secretariat in fulfilling its responsibilities. for the travels of ES with protection, good health and fruitful effort. Pray for our BB Asia Member Countries. Brunei PRAY for sustenance and continuing support from their church because of the political structure, they are only allowed to form one company. Singapore PRAY that God will continue to bless the BB work and that He will grant them strength as they face many challenges ahead. Hong Kong PRAY for the exchange program with Sichuan students this coming summer holiday. PRAY for their target to reach 10,000 BB members by the end of PRAY for the final preparation of their 50 th Anniversary program which consists of mainly the International Camp, Founder s Day Parade and Thanksgiving Service. Indonesia PRAY for the success of the registration of BB Indonesia as an organisation which is now in the final stages. PRAY for a new company that will be opened this year 1 st Bandung. PRAY for their employment of new staff for Jawa. Macau PRAY that God will continue to bless the BB work and for their new leadership. Malaysia PRAY that God will continue to bless the BB work carried out by the newly elected executive. That there will be cooperation and team spirit. Philippines (Associate Member) PRAY that their full membership will be resolved soon PRAY for Baguio people as they had experienced the typhoon Pepeng for more than a week. The roads going there and coming down are not passable. And now running out of food and fuel. Not only did this incident happen in Baguio but also other parts of Northern Luzon, are still flooded until now and lots of road still not passable due to broken down bridges or landslide. Thailand PRAY that God will continue to grant the National Executive wisdom and guidance as they take steps to develop the ministry and to improve relationships. PRAY for every company that they will produce capable leaders with the right heart and spirit to lead the company. Also that they will continue to work well with other companies and with the national executive. PRAY for Tum and May, as they serve as full-time staff. PRAY for their preparation of 15 th Anniversary Appreciation Day (31 October) and Leadership Camp in (19-21 October.) Cambodia (not a member country yet.) PRAY for our full-time team at the BB Learning Centre. PRAY for a potential BB company in a Methodist School. The group is already meeting but lack experienced leaders. pray for each other (James 5:16) God may deny our request but will never disappoint our trust

8 Valuing Others The Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost. Luke 19:10 As a young person, Robert had many things working against him-poverty, a broken home, a violent neighbourhood. He skipped school often and was difficult to handle. But when a friend was shot to death, he considered it a wake-up call. Determined to change his life, Robert worked hard to bring his grades from failing to top marks. Yet the school counselor did not believe him and told him that no college would accept him. But Robert proved him wrong. He graduated from college and pursued a career in education. He chose that career because, as he says, Teachers saw me as a non-entity - a person of little value. He didn t want that to happen to others. Jesus views everyone as significant. Zacchaeus was a dishonest tax collector (Luke 19:1-10). Jesus could have ignored him, but He saw him in the tree and called him by name. It s important that Christians acknowledge others as people with value. Brennan Manning writes, A Christian who doesn t merely see but looks at another communicates to that person that he is being recognized as a human being in an impersonal world of objects. Do the people we interact with know that we view them as valuable to us and to God? Love people and not things Use things and not people. (Taken from Our Daily Bread, January 2007.) Executive Secretary s D I A R Y September /09-4/10 ES on 2009 Annual Leave October Medan, Indonesia BBI Exco meeting BOTC for School in Medan 12 th Company 15 th Anniversary Bangkok, Thailand BBT Exco meeting BB Promotion in Bangkok Training the HQ Staff Appreciation Day November Hong Kong BB Asia 2 nd Executive Meeting BBHK s 50 th Anniversary Dinner & Parade Jakarta, Indonesia BOTC Enrolment of 1 st Bandung Junior Section Camp December 2009 No travel January Jakarta, Indonesia LDC Disclamation: Views expressed in this newsletter are not necessarily those of The Boys Brigade Asia. BB ASIA Purpose BB Asia has been formed out of a desire to maintain the unity, purpose and specific character of The Boys Brigade everywhere. It came into being to give The Boys Brigade an international organisation which would advance its growth, interest and cause. Objects The objects of BB Asia are: to promote the development and extension of The Boys' Brigade to new fields and territories. to strengthen the work of The Boys' Brigade internationally and within each member country to help its members to develop and adapt their respective programmes to the needs arising out of the conditions in which young people live and work to develop sympathy, understanding, and cooperation among all its members. BB Asia Executive Committee Mr Michael Moorthy (President) Mr Sunny Wu (Vice-President I) Mr Tan Kok Heng (Vice-President II) Mr Lim K Tham (General Secretary) Mr Albert Ching (Asst. General Secretary) Mr Tye Yew Meng (Treasurer) Ms Eva Kong (Executive Member) Ms Resien Chiu (Executive Member) Mr Samuel Choo (Executive Member) Mr Ong Teong Hoon (Executive Member) Rev Dr Li Ping-Kwong (Chaplain) Rev Richard Tok (Asst. Chaplain) BB Asia Secretariat Mr Lawrence Tay (Executive Secretary) CONTACT US AT bb.across.asia@gmail.com. If you wish to receive or send Across Asia to a friend or friends, just drop us an stating the individual s name and address. We gladly welcome comments, news, announcements, prayer items, articles, photographs etc. (Kindly note that we reserve the right to edit or not to publish any contribution deemed unsuitable.)