An End & A Beginning

Well the Year 6 have finally been released from their obligations to the 12th and the pioneer Primers Programme has reached its final conclusion.

Looking at these bunch of Year 6s, one cannot but feel the years which have passed by. When they entered in 2003 as Sec 1s, I too had just returned to the Company following my Seniors' years in ACJC as and when I could with my NS commitments.

The camps and hikes of those initial years. Oh how I wish I was so much wiser back then. That someone had sat me down and explained the mission of the 12th. Someone who would have walked me through and guided my faith. I never understood the purpose of BB and of the ministry of service in the 12th during those first few years. Looking back, I regret the immaturity of my faith and of not having the conscientiousness and mindfulness to truly reach out and understand them. To tell them about God and the wonderful things He has done. To support Ivan during those tough times.

And so now, as some consider BB life after Primers, the mission must be laid clear before them. Their faith must be strengthened and matured through mentorship, the reading of the Word and by prayer. The mistakes of the past cannot be repeated again. Just as no Boy enters BB by chance, no Officer or Instructor serves in the 12th by chance, for all have been assigned and designated by God.

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As I count down my days of service in the 12th, and consider the Year 4s that the Lord had placed under me, there were so many things that I could, and should, have done better. My weaknesses and failures remain so glaring in my life. My inability to push through policies, to communicate properly with the Year 4s or to practice what I preach, my readiness to compromise on values, my tendency to idle.

And that is why TA Camp 2008 is so special. For I finally came to the realization that if there is anything I should boast in, I will boast in the Lord.