Another Day, Another Journey

This morning started with Mr. Teh giving us a short word on how we should see our teammates. We then moved on to our core event of the morning, that being teacher training, of course. We were given ideas and shown examples regarding our lessons for the kids. 

I remember the announcement of our Youth 2 Youth meeting. This was shocking because I had no idea what that meant or what to expect. It turned out to be our special event for some of the younger folks from the seminar to be around like-minded Christians and be taught new things about God and themselves.

At 4:00 PM, Youth 2 Youth began. We were taught perspective-opening and mind-blowing ideas! I learned that we can only go as far we let our mindset to be. If I think I am a loser, my subconscious makes that thought a reality; likewise, if I think that I want to be a millionaire, my subconscious will help me get there. This was personally very helpful because I always thought that I couldn't.

After wrapping up Y2Y, my team began to prepare for today only to find out that we had already done all that we could. My team decided that we could use this extra time to lend a helping hand to the staff before I had to go and prepare my lessons for today.

My leader taught the lesson about Jesus as the Good Shepherd, followed by our crafts. To my dismay, I found out too late that we were doing the crafts incorrectly which costed us precious time. Thankfully, we were able to catch up on these things pretty quickly during the next small group, and from there things went on without a hitch.

Lastly, I got picked to play in one the skits for large group. At first I was nervous, but God helped me clam down and I actually had an enjoyable time up there on the stage!

Jason Theos

Team Member

June 9, 2016

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Growing and Growing (in God!)

Although the days seemed to be getting shorter and shorter as CI’s Malaysia week reached its midpoint, the relationships built had grown stronger and deeper and it suddenly felt like the time we had in Malaysia was running out!

Earlier that morning…

After grabbing a quick bite for breakfast, we headed down to the lobby and off to the office where we would have our devotions and teacher training. For devotions, we focused on how God is the ultimate truth and how the realization of that affects us. Brilliant were shared and we were given good, wholesome food for thought.

As this was my first time teaching in CI, I found it extremely helpful that we were shown examples of how we could teach the lessons during the teacher training. The principle for the night was Responsibility and the character quality was Self-Control. We would also be learning how Jesus is the Door (John 10:9).

Shortly after splitting up to plan the lessons and crafts with our teams, we had lunch at a nearby Chinese restaurant. We then walked back to the hotel and were welcomed by a pleasant announcement: we had more than one hour to rest and recharge before heading off to the church!

We had almost 3 hours to prepare for our craft materials, plan our lessons, and have dinner before the children arrived. While it may sound rather dull and boring, I actually found it to be quite therapeutic.

Later that evening…

The children were really responsive and attentive during the lessons and it was a great joy watching them enjoy themselves during the games. They were thoroughly entertained by the funny skits and seemed to enjoy making the crafts (especially the clothespin “monster”). However, I pray that that they won’t just understand the lessons, but that they will remember them and apply them to their daily lives.

It’s amazing how God can teach you through different, unexpected things in your life. For instance, God used the children in my group to teach me patience and obedience on a whole different level from a fresh perspective.

Zacchaeus Skit 

May God continue to teach us, guide us, and use us to do mighty works for His kingdom!

All glory to God!

Melissa Foong

June 8, 2016

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The Birth of an Acting Star

We began the day by splitting up into two groups - boys and girls- for devotions. Jolynn, Eltz, and Krystal brought us girls out to the mall to discuss over a late tea. After devos, we reconvened with the rest of the team and went out for a scrumptious lunch of noodles at a nearby shop before beginning our training! After training, all of us piled into cars and headed to church. Craft materials, lessons, and games were prepared, and then we had... drumroll....PIZZA!!! For dinner :D

Today was also the birthday of Jemima, one of our teachers from CI 2015. There was a mini celebration with cake and a birthday song, before we tromped back downstairs for CI to begin once again!

For the second day of CI, the life principle was Authority. We learnt about how Jesus is the Light of the World and how we, having been shown the light, can show persuasiveness by being a good testimony for Christ.

Team Preparation

It was only the second day of CI, but it was already beginning to get at our energy levels :D However, just in these two short days, I've learnt many lessons, and one of the most significant ones for me is learning to be flexible. The children in my team came rather late these past two days, so my teammates and I had to set our priorities right, and decide which parts we to leave out and which to keep. In addition, just like everyone else, children have personalities and working with them is teaching me that I need to make allowances and not be concerned over habits and things of theirs that won't affect their learning in a major way. I've also learnt that the more confident I am, the more the children are willing to listen to me.

One of the highlights for me yesterday was a skit about a modern day version of the demon-possessed girl of Matthew 15. I acted in my very first CI skit as Madge, the crazy girl! How cool is that?

Despite all the craziness and fun of acting in the skit, I was also struck by something which I feel is very relevant in everyday life. I am not exactly one to go out and show the world how crazy I can be, but when I saw how amused the kids were, I was really encouraged and heartened, and slowly, the nervousness and fear ebbed away, and I was able to better portray my character. This really reminded me that it is not just being a good communicator or a good speaker that matters; it is also how I behave as an audience member that shows the respect and support I have for the person in front.

And as a final note, here's part of a song the kids learnt today!

Let your light so shine before men 
That those who see might praise your Father in heaven.

Let your light so shine before men 
That they may see your good works 
And praise your Father in heaven.

Blessings and much love,
Charis
Team Member


June 7, 2016

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A Veteran Returns

Wow! 2016 Southeast Asia Children’s Institue is here! When I was first praying about returning this year, I was not really quite sure if I would be able to have the opportunity to serve on this year’s SEA CI. I just want to say thank you for everyone’s prayer and support and to praise the Lord for providing the funds for myself and others on this year’s Team.

The theme this year is “The Love of God”.  Monday is the first night of CI, so tonight’s principle was Design.  We taught about how Jesus is the Bread of Life and we also taught about the character quality Tolerance. The skit today, which the kids seemed to enjoy, was Jesus healing the blind man. And finally, the year’s memory verse is Isaiah 12.

Skit team for Jesus and the Blind Man Story

I would just like to ask for continued prayer for the Team, that we would end each of the three CI’s we will be having with the knowledge that we have been a positive influence on all the children, and that we will be able to turn the hearts of the children to God.

Please also be in prayer that we as teachers and staff can grow in our walk with the Lord. Additionally, also pray for the health of the team (I, for one, am getting over a light cold) as each day’s schedule is very tightly packed with different things and are usually very long.

Thank you again for the continued prayers and support!

God Bless,

Erik Fredrickson

Team Member

June 6, 2016

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The Day Before D-Day

It’s Sunday! Today’s the day to meet the full team, but to start the day off we attended church for a wonderful sermon on loving your enemies. Around 1:00 we went to lunch and then headed back to our hotel to meet the rest of the team coming in. How wonderful it was to see some old friends from last year but so exciting to meet all the new team members as well. Once everyone was settled and joined with their roommates, we headed down to an office where we got to introduce ourselves and fellowship among each other.

Dinner Time! It was so nice to break up into our small groups for dinner. Each group had about 7 team members and it was such a blessed time to get to know each other on a more personal and spiritual level. Back to the office!

What a perfect way to end a Sunday with praise and worship to our heavenly Father. With everyone excited about Monday, we head back to the hotel to receive our teaching books, name tags, and t-shirts. Finally, we went back to our rooms for a final charge and lights out at 10:00! I'm so thankful for the amazing staff keeping us all in line.

Adlai Welfel

Team Member

June 5, 2016

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Guess What's Coming Up?!?

IBLP South East Asia would like to invite you to join us for our 2016 Children’s Institute (CI) Trip! This is a unique opportunity to teach children from three diverse countries and cultures, Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia. This year, we are looking for 18 teachers - will you be one of them?

About The Trip:

The South East Asia Children’s Institute Trip is a unique opportunity to work with a like-minded, international team of youth to reach children with the gospel. Children’s Institute training will take place during the trip. On top of teaching Children’s Institutes, there will also be opportunities to reach out to local youth who are attending the Basic Seminar and visit orphanages at each city. You can expect to develop teaching, communication and intercultural skills that will be useful to you in many other aspects of life!

What They Had to Say...

“You might not even want to go on this trip. But I promise, this will change your life! When God shows up, you won’t have a choice!” 

- Nathan Burkhalter, 2011 team

“For me, CI was the push I needed, the wake-up call that I’ve been dying for, the kickstart to really start living life." - Ariel Ma, 2012 team

“The trip in general helped me to grow so much spiritually, when teaching the kids, it felt like I was teaching myself the lesson, it really hit home." 

- Rachel Roets, 2012 team

“This trip got me away from all things familiar and challenged my walk with the Lord like I had never known.” - Kristin Baine, 2013 team

“I learnt that teaching isn’t about telling the kids about facts and concepts. It is about conveying a blessing, a message or an experience that God has given you!" - Rainanda Badudu, 2013 team

“I can think of no other trip that has influenced me more as a person. Each CI trip, I learn invaluable life lessons about God, myself, and working with others.” - Jolynn Tan, 2015 team

“CI was a tool God used to bring my relationship and understanding of Him to a whole new level. I have learnt many, many unforgettable lessons.”  

- Krystal Ling, 2015 team

Here's a little trip promo video to whet your appetite!

Trip Details:

Dates: 3 June -  29 June 2016

Location: Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and Jakarta

Cost: 

The IBLP South East Asia Office is subsidizing 55% of the total cost. The following is what teachers from each respective country will pay after the subsidy.

Americans - USD$1300

Singaporeans/Australians - SGD$1400

Malaysians - RM$2900

Indonesians - SGD$1400

Cost covers meals, lodging and travels between the 3 countries.

Cost is not inclusive of the round-trip flight between your country of origin and Singapore.

Closing Date: 15 April 2016

(date may be earlier - once we have 18 teachers)

Requirements:

Minimum age: 16 years

ATII Student (required for Singaporeans, Malaysians and Indonesians only)

Journey to the Heart (required for Americans only)

Basic Seminar Alumnus

Questions? Please email Mr. Teh (tteh@sg.iblp.org) or the CI Staff (southeastasiaci@gmail.com) or click here to download the application form! 

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Post-Trip Reflections, Part 2 (Eltz)

CI Staff Reflections

19 June 2015

       Can't believe another year of CI has come to an end. As I'm reflecting back on today in Jakarta, Indonesia I can see God's love poured out all over our last day of CI. Please allow me to share with you how God showed us His love.

        God cares about the smallest desires of my heart. Knowing this was my last CI for the year I thought to myself how much fun it would be to be in one more skit. I did not mentioned my desire to anyone but not even the smallest desire can be hidden from God. I was almost out the door to the staff room to begin Large Group when Victor asked me to be Miss Frizzle the school teacher in "The Magic School Bus" skit. Needless to say I agreed and enjoyed acting in the skit. I saw God’s love though knowing and answering the small desires of my heart just to say... I’m with you and love you!

The Magic School Bus Skit!

        As I walked around and observed the small groups I couldn’t help but thank the Lord for the children He had brought this week. And the teachers God had brought to touch the kids lives in ways only God had planned for each of them. To say there was energy in CI is an understatement, each teacher tired but so determined to finish strong as they taught their final lesson to the kids on their team, and brought their enthusiasm to large group in skits, songs, and verses. We may never see all the fruit God will bring in the lives of the kids in days, weeks, and years to come from this week of CI. But sometimes God gives us a glimpse of lives touched through the tears of a child clinging to his teacher telling his parents he doesn’t want to leave CI.

Large Group in Jakarta

        In moments of excitement and joy the enemy is still seeking who he may devour. I was faced with my fears leading songs and verses for parent presentation. The place prepared for me to lead singing was a platform in the back of the room. Doesn’t sounds bad except heights are not my best friend and I didn’t have my glasses on so the kids were fuzzy. I also don’t like to know how many people are watching parent presentation until after we are done (less intimidating that way. :)) today the audience sat in front of me. And the cherry on top, I could see someone recording me out of the corner of my eye. The enemy didn’t miss his opportunity immediately sending thoughts.... you’re going to forget the words or hand-motions to one of the songs. But God never fails to speak truth, I’m right here with you! I immediately began praying for wisdom to remember everything and to do each song and verse for God’s glory alone. As the kids, teachers, and translators sang with all of their hearts and exploding with enthusiasm as they did each hand-motion. At the end of each song and quoting Psalm 98 I could only say thank you Jesus for always being with me and answering in time of need. It truly was a special parent presentation for me because through my weakness God was strong.

Parent Presentation in Jakarta

        Today was just another day in God’s workshop. Zooming out and looking back on  this trip, it has been nothing short of God showing His love to me as I open my heart to Him, sometimes it’s painful seeing who I really am but He is a good God and shows me who I want to be, more like Christ through loving the Lord with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength, giving me the courage to die to myself. My prayer for each of us as we are separated by distance is we won’t stop letting God do the uncomfortable in us, abandoning ourselves our dreams, desires, and motives and without hesitation saying yes Lord to anyone He calls us to disciple because we truly love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength.



Because He first loved me,
Elizabeth (Eltz) Shoemaker :)

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