Galatians

I know it's a bit outdated, but after many delay and postponements (due to our ever-conflicting schedules), I met Calvin and Andrew for mentoring at Jurong Point for a change. Finally, we're almost done with the book of Galatians. Somehow, the first ten verses of chapter 6 spoke to me. Of how we're supposed to bear one another's burdens as to fulfill the law of Christ. Of how we shouldn't grow weary of doing good, especially to the family of believers, for in due season we would reap, if we do not lose heart. It's amazing how God's Word can really speak to you, if you'd spend the time and effort to delve deeper, rather than to take it at face value. =)

Indeed, the passage is really relevant. Especially when the lack of time and the lack of interest can threaten to throw the whole idea of mentoring into jeopardy. Especially at a time where taking a group can prove to be tiring at times. These ten verses, along with Andrew's exhortation serve as a reminder to press on. And I'm also encouraged by the course of events that took place after Tuesday's session, as mentioned in the following paragraph...

Met up with Christian for mentoring on Friday, before dinner and lock-in night. Marianne Lee's mentees'll also be coming together for a session this weekend. The group will be belatedly celebrating Lydia's birthday cum class dinner come Saturday. Christian and Tanya both provided feedback on how we could get whole classes involved in the planning and participation of certain events, in order to promote intra-group interaction and cohesion building. Of course, such ideas would have their limitations - such as the individual's willingness to participate and his or her own walk with God that'll ultimately affect their relationship with others around them. But still, such proposed solutions for group bonding are a good start yes.

It's gonna be a long and uphill task, but we also faced the same problem with the previous group at the beginning of last year. It'll definitely take lots of time. But with God, nothing is impossible. =) I earnestly pray that these budding ideas wouldn't just die a natural death, but instead be followed up in due time. And that God would use Marianne Lee and I as His instruments to reach out to this very special group of young people - as a God-given challenge, to nurture the Seventeens not just because we're their mentors, but also as friends and older youths who genuinely care. It's gotta start somewhere, and it's gotta start with the leaders. Yup. Yours truly included. We'll see how things go from now on yes. Things'll get better!

Somehow, I'm really looking forward to the coming weekend. ;)

Sometimes, we need to be still before God - something that I've not done much in recent times... I need to listen more.