Yo beloveds!
Our last DARE service was loaded with many highlights! Server’s Recruitment, Most Improvement Award, and Pastor Keith!!!
Firstly, we had Server’s Recruitment - where the youths could ask questions about serving and about the various departments. Serving is an honor, privilege and blessing. When we give out of what He has graciously given us (time, talents, effort, etc), He multiplies them back to us much more!
Secondly, we had our Most Improvement Award ceremony where we celebrated youths who had made great improvements in their scores – a testimony of His abounding favors. They were given an ipod Nano 8G!! Some key highlights: a Sec 4 youth had a 23 pt difference from her Prelims and O levels; a Sec 2 youth jumped from NA to Express stream; a Sec 3 youth improved his overall average by 16.9%, thats from a D7 to B4! And these are youths who attend DARE regularly, you can read more about their testimonies on the website.
Last but not the least, we had Pastor Keith to share with us! He amazed and inspired us with his recent mission trip stories, and especially on how God turned around his failures in school. He had only 2 O level passes, but by God’s favor and his praying mother, doors were opened to him. He started to excel in his studies, got promoted to university, and did not just achieve average results, but graduated at the top 5% in America with honors!! Of course, this doesnt mean we dont study, but it means that ’it aint over yet’, and God’s grace can cause us to excel!
Pastor Keith also shared that we should not have a negative mindset towards studies, but an attitude of REST, that is to have REST in our mentality, and to magnify God in our lives. A prosperous spirit sees what you have and give thanks for it. He expounded on Ps 110:1-4, that we dont need to wait for the challenges to be over, but we rest in the midst of our enemies (e.g. difficult subjects), and rule in the midst! Pastor also encouraged us to serve – in verse 3, a sign that we are resting is that we serve. Show up, and God will show you! Serve and you will see His power work through you. Indeed, it is a year of Restful Increase to overflowing … =)
Be blessed! See you at the next DARE!!
