After attending 8th Penang's Enrolment Service in the morning, I adjourned to another Penang company in the afternoon. The company in reference was the 1st Penang Company, the first and oldest BB company in Malaysia. Based at the Trinity Methodist Church Penang, a church under the Trinity Annual Conference (TRAC), which is one of the main reasons why I singled out a visit to this company instead of the dozen others around. This year, I was appoint the BB rep by TRAC.. so basically was trying to know the BB companies in TRAC better.
It's a regular BB parade for 1st Penang. They meet on Sundays from 3pm to after 6pm. Some of their members come from as far as Kulim, Kedah. What dedication!
I wasn't used to Sunday parades. I always thought it'd be better to sleep after church before a long week at work (or school, for those still studying). So the fact these kids and officers come back and put in a long Sunday (remember, they attend church in the morning) is really something to marvel upon.
Mr Wan Chang Da, captain of 1st Penang Company
I joined their opening parade, singspiration, Christian Education and drill program. It was great to note that despite being a relatively smaller company, there were no cutting of corners - uniform inspection was thoroughly done and attendance scrutinized. Came singspiration, the LCD projector went dead, so it was back to the old school hymn book which worked out pretty well. Dr Khoo was sharing on the values of discipline during devotions.
Dr Khoo, Honorary Captain
1st Penang was the faced several complications as members of TRAC, which has a ruling that no girls be allowed to join the BB (except Primers). Also, The Girls' Brigade shares the same first company.. but 8 years earlier, which is why GBM is desperate to reestablish 1st Penang GB. However, manpower issues have traditionally plagued this church.. affecting both the BB and GB. For this reason, the GB has revived and closed at least twice in the last decade. There is no clear solution to this (apart from Star Wars style cloning) as most ministries anywhere (unless you are a "cool" megachurch) are experiencing the same problem - lack of people willing to serve. Even 1st Penang BB is limited to only three officers. However, I believe given time and perseverance the situation will improve and the Brigade ministries will flourish once more in 1st Penang.
After hearing much about 1st Penang (how could I not, we need to teach 1st Penang.. founded in 1946 at Madras Lane Chinese Methodist Church, founded by Mr Robert G Davis and Mr Geh Hun Kheng at least twice every year), it was great to be finally be meeting the whole company on it's home grounds.
The Senior Drill Team preparing for Penang State Council Drill Competitions
The Junior are also sending the team.. apparently the only Junior team participating. They will be going head to head with the Seniors
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