Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it. (Proverbs 22:6)
The Bible charges the church to raise children in the knowledge and love of God. At St Mary’s, this involves ministering to the Alice Smith School Christian Fellowship (CF) and the 6th Kuala Lumpur (KL) Girls’ Brigade Company at St Mary’s Secondary School. Keith Tan talks with Judi Cheah and Marianne Liaw to find out more about these ministries.
The Alice Smith School was started in 1946 by Alice Fairfield Smith for the children of British expatriates in colonial Malaya. It has since become a leading academic institution in Kuala Lumpur (KL) for locals and expats alike. The School’s Council of Governors includes Ms. Joyce Simson, while Mrs. Judi Cheah leads the Secondary School’s Christian Fellowship (CF) at its campus in Equine Park.
Founded in 1912 by the Anglican Diocese of Singapore, St Mary’s Secondary School is now supported by the Anglican Diocese of West Malaysia, with Dato’ Stanley Isaacs as chairman of the School’s Board of Governors. The 6th KL Girls’ Brigade Company was founded in 2005. Its first captain was Ms. Elizabeth Periathamby. Ms. Marianne Liaw took over as captain in 2009, and continues to lead the Company today.
We asked Judi Cheah and Marianne Liaw to tell us a bit about the ministries that they are involved in.
Judi: This is currently my fourth year leading the Alice Smith School Christian Fellowship. Right now we have 12 regular members that meet together every Tuesday at lunchtime. Most come from Christian families and attend church, but one or two do not, making the CF their one source of Christian teaching and fellowship. We’ve also been very fortunate to have one of the school teachers join us this year.
Marianne: Our 300-strong Girls’ Brigade Company meets at the school in Selayang every Wednesday afternoon, during which the girls are separated into different age groups. The meetings consist of singing, games, Bible study and activities based on the Girls’ Brigade syllabus.
Our ministry team comprises teachers from the school, Scripture Union partners, church volunteers and the company chaplain, Tim Nicholls. We also have student leaders who help out with many aspects of this ministry. Almost 85% or more of the girls are non-Christians, though many have become Christians through hearing the Gospel and studying the Bible. Several members of 6th KL also serve actively in the school’s Christian Fellowship.
What are some events of note that have recently taken place?
Judi: For Bible studies this year, we’ve studied the introduction to Hebrews, the visit of the Magi from St Matthew’s Gospel, various aspects of what Jesus achieved on the cross, and the first book of Thessalonians.
In addition, the students wrote and performed a play for the school's Christmas assembly and prepared a video presentation for the Easter assembly. In light of that, we are really thankful to have such great opportunities to present the meaning of Christmas and Easter each year.
Given that we only meet for about 25 minutes each week, we’ve actually accomplished quite a lot!
Marianne: 6th KL recently took part in the Selangor & Federal Territory Drill Competition, and we finished 2nd Runner-Up. The university students from the Engage KL mission team also came to conduct a session with the girls during their time here in January.
But the biggest highlight for our Company thus far was the Annual Enrolment Service held on 4 May 2016, in which both old and new members were enrolled into the Company. This was the first time 6th KL included students from the neighbouring primary school of SK St Mary in its membership and activities. Considering that efforts in previous years had been stymied, this is a breakthrough for us.
How can we help these ministries as a church, both prayerfully and practically?
Judi: If anyone would like to join me, it would be a great help. I know the campus of the Primary School at Jalan Bellamy can always use more helpers too.
Please pray for the students to keep growing in their knowledge and love of God, and that they will continue to meet together for mutual encouragement. Pray that new students coming to the school in September may also find their way to us.
Pray for us leaders, that we will teach God's Word in ways that are faithful and engaging and for more Christian teachers in the school to actively support the CF.
Finally, give thanks to God for the freedom and support we enjoy from the school, and that more and more will respond to the message of Jesus.
Marianne: It is becoming a great challenge for our ministry team to take care of the increasingly large number of girls in 6th KL. Therefore please pray that more people will volunteer to serve in this ministry. Meanwhile, pray for wisdom and perseverance for the leaders as they plan the meetings for the girls each week.
Finally, please pray for the non-Christian girls who’ve joined the Girls’ Brigade; that they will come to trust in Jesus as Saviour and Lord. And pray that those who are Christian will continue to grow in their knowledge and love of Him.