Trinity Annual Conference

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A School for youth desiring to experience God
5 Jan – 10 Feb 2010
20 Feb – 28 Feb 2010
Port Dickson Methodist Center

CONTENT
1. Introduction to Jeremiah School
2. Our Foundation
3. Syllabus
4. Who We Are Looking For
5. Weekday Schedule
6. Activities
7. Rules & Regulations During The JS Tenure
8. Testimonies
9. Adult Volunteers – Mentors 

 JEREMIAH SCHOOL
Jeremiah School (JS) has been running since 2003 and we are really amazed at how God worked in the hearts of all those who came. We thank God for the TRAC leaders who conceived this dream and realize it by starting this school. We continue to bring a holistic awareness of God’s ministry to the youths who come for this school. (Form 5/6 school leavers/A-level or college students having a break).
The calling and challenge of the Christian Vocation remains the heart beat of Jeremiah School. With this in mind, the syllabus was developed to challenge the students in their walk with God. The areas include Spiritual Formation, Doctrinal Studies, Bible Studies and Theology, Personal Development, Ministry Skills and Practical Ministry.
Besides all these teachings, the students are also exposed to community living. Living with each other for six weeks is a challenge for them. They sleep, eat, play, learn, work, care and fellowship with one another. This is where character building and relational skill comes in. They need to learn how to relate to one another and not be in an ‘island’ on their own.
Exposure to the different TRAC churches is also a highlight during the weekend visitations. During these visitations they will share their personal testimonies and experience in Jeremiah School to the congregation and learn how to impact and encourage the lives of the youths and even the adults in the churches.
Their practical skills are put to test during mission week where they will go and share God’s word with strangers. They will also plan an evangelistic program during this time. It is indeed hard work for them and we can see how they have grown in the Lord and also in relation with one another by taking ownership of the program.
Jeremiah School is a place for youths who are serious about God and living out their faith in the world. They have to have a desire to learn, develop, grow and be transformed in the Lord. We hope that they will be a generation of God-fearing, faithful, persevering and selfless young leaders who will be of a different spirit.
A total of 147 students and 5 young adult mentors have participated in JS (2003-2009). We had a JS alumni (Year 2005) joining us to be a mentor for Year 2008 students. We also had a certified counselor coming in as a mentor for the last 2 years. We praise God for their dedication and commitment.

Chang Choy Quin
Youth Ministry Coordinator

OUR FOUNDATION :

VISION STATEMENT
To raise a generation of God-fearing, faithful, persevering and selfless young leaders who will be of a different spirit.

SCRIPTURE MODEL
“But because my servant Caleb has a different spirit and follows me wholeheartedly, I will bring him into the land he went to, and his descendants will inherit it.” Numbers 14:24

OBJECTIVES
1. To develop Godly disciplines & habits
2. To facilitate the discovery of God’s Calling
3. To develop basic leadership skills
4. To impart a Vision for the World
5. To develop basic people skills
6. To facilitate a meaningful and personal encounter with God
7. To facilitate an experience of authentic Christian community

SYLLABUS

• Spiritual Disciplines
• Discovering the Love of God
• Knowing God the Father
• The Old & New Testament Survey
• Encountering God : Word & Nature

? Interpreting & Applying the Bible
? Tools in Studying the Bible
? Word Workshop
? Developing Your Prayer Life
? Intercession & Spiritual Warfare
? Worship

? Personal Management
? Personal Testimony
? Nature/ Work of Christ
? Fruit & Gift of the Holy Spirit
? Freedom in Christ

• Evangelism & Witnessing Tools
• Understanding Your Mind & Emotions
• Making Of A Leader
• BGR & Sexuality
• Gender Development & Holiness

? Discerning The Will Of God
? Prayer Profiling
? Understanding Mission
? Exploring God’s Call
? Emotional Quotient Profiling

• Dealing With Conflicts
• Personal Core Values
• Personal Mission Statement
• Understanding Methodism
• Apologetic

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

CRITERIA FOR APPLICATION
• 17 – 20 years old
• Belong to a youth ministry in TRAC (BB/GB/MYF/Sunday School)
• Submissive to authority
• Have a teachable heart
• Serious about seeking God
• Willing to participate in community life and service
• Endorsed by the Youth Counselor & Pastor
• Successful applicant must complete the entire course
• Willing to commit to grow post JS by keeping the spiritual disciplines
• Have identified a potential adult mentor in the church who’d be willing to mentor the student post JS

PROCEDURE FOR APPLICATION
1. For students, kindly express your desire to your Youth Counselor for further action and go through the proper interviews with your church.
2. For parents, kindly approach your youth counselors and Pastor and check with them if your children are eligible.
3. For Youth Counselors/Pastors, kindly pray and identify the youths who’d benefit the most from JS. Encourage them to attend JS.
4. All applications will be processed & successful applicants will be notified by 5th December 2009.

WEEKDAY SCHEDULE

* On Tuesdays & Thursdays, chapel time will take place from 8.00 pm – 9.30 pm

ACTIVITIES
Personal & group devotion
Silent retreat
Journaling
Small group dynamics
Chapel Time
Rest & Recreation
Engaging Video Shows
Field Education
Mission Trip
Community Living
Team Building Sessions
Workshops
Mentoring
Preaching opportunities
Evangelism
Weekly Quiz

RULES & REGULATIONS DURING THE JS TENURE
1. Spaghetti straps, short skirts, sleeveless & tight-fitting clothes are not allowed for girls. Showing of midriff is strictly prohibited. Proper attire for the purpose of games is allowed but must be decent.
2. Sleeveless t-shirts are not allowed for boys during sessions. Showing of underwear is strictly prohibited. Proper attire for the purpose of games is allowed but must be decent.
3. Boy-Girl relationships or the appearance of exclusive relationship are not allowed.
4. JS students are not to be allowed any visitors without prior permission from the Director of the School.
5. Handphones are not allowed to be used during weekdays. However, the students will be allowed to use them during the weekends.
6. Students are expected to wash, dry and iron their own clothes. Laundry services are not provided.
7. Students will follow a duty roster for various duties (i.e, kitchen duty, table clearing after meals, toilet cleaning, dorm cleaning, chapel duty, clearing rubbish, ‘gotong-royong’, etc.)
8. All card games & computer games are not allowed in JS.
9. Internet services are not provided.
10. No opposite gender visits to the dorm allowed.
11. Going out to town is not allowed without the prior permission of the School’s Director.
12. Journaling must be completed and submitted to the respective mentors weekly.
13. Lights-out are to be strictly observed.

TESTIMONIES
TESTIMONY 1
I, Daniel Chiam am a proud student of Jeremiah School.
For this period of schooling I have picked up a number of valuable lessons that will be useful and have great impact in my life. I have learnt to trust people more as I pour my heart out to my mentor and friends. I also learnt to depend more on others during weekend trips to churches and also learnt to listen and discern the voice of God. We had a lesson on discerning the will of God for our lives and He spoke to me. I learnt that men are to be leaders led by God and women to support, for God intended it to be His way.
Before I came to Jeremiah school, I was confused and lonely. I was empty and felt Christianity was a deception. God proved me wrong. He spoke to me in His way during a quiet retreat. He explained to me how He created this world and how He loved me. I personally also felt His love in my time in JS through His personal touch and the companionship of my fellow school mates. What I said mattered and what I am apart mattered, I felt I belonged to this group of brothers and sisters. Now I am more confident of myself because I have grown with them through my mentors also. I have matured and no longer empty because I know I can trust in these people.
After JS, it has been hard for me to adapt but it was easier with the re-entry. I am committed now to serve God and to trust in His will each day even though sometimes it may seem hard to follow. I am committed to build my youths, teaching them to be a community of love and of God so that in everything God will be glorified. I will fulfill His will for my life.

Daniel Chiam
Wesley Methodist Church, Alor Setar


TESTIMONY 2
It is common and natural that parents worry about their growing teenage children. Worries can come in many forms and some of which can lead to fear and worse when they dig deep into your emotions and causes unbearable stress! Have you ever thought of seeking and committing all your worries to God – I mean physically surrendering your child to God? That’s what we did.
Three of our children Annie, Joseph and Shaun attended Jeremiah School and one after another returned, full of praises and increased in their spiritual walk with God. As parents we cannot breach all our children’s needs, especially in areas of spiritual growth, thus, we have to surrender them to God to His teachings, counseling, guidance and also pruning. We need to show them this deep love of Christ and I am very glad to say that they have found this in Jeremiah School.
They were able to utilize the skills acquired both in and outside Church activities. We have received some feedbacks from Church friends on how they were able to interact and perform certain things that we knew we have not taught them and we knew it came from the JS training. We saw the transformation in the way each of my children grew up with God being the centre of their lives and will continue to pray and hope that this trend will mature in them that they will find their purpose in their lives and in the process, they too may also touch others as well. Psalm 128:3 - “Your children (shall be) like olives plants all around your table.”
As a family, we wanted to thank the Lord for JS and also appointed all the people there who have initiated tireless efforts, sacrifices, their love and patience and in bringing the Good News to His children.

Dr Yeoh Gim Chye
Trinity Methodist Church, Penang


TESTIMONY 3
Finally, on the 5th of January, I hop into the church van. I was very afraid. I kept praying to God that He would give me wonderful and friendly friends. He answered my prayer. He put superior people around me throughout JS. I’ve learnt a lot from them. Each one of them moulds me into the person I am today. Interacting and living together with them for 6 weeks really help me develop my social skills. I’ve become more patient and learnt how to be a listener. Thank God for all these fantastic experiences I have in JS. I hope I am able to deal with conflicts more effectively.
Daily we are on a battle with Satan. He tries very hard to deceive us and dampen our spirits and passion for God. In JS, I rediscovered the authority I possess as the child of God. I prayed more and developed more spiritual disciplines. I learnt to rely on Him and surrender all my hurts to Him. JS indeed has met my own expectations. It has helped build a strong foundation before I start to build a skyscraper building.
I believe coming to JS was not an accident but rather God’s destiny and purpose. A very big thank you to the 4 mentors who sacrificed a lot for us out of their love for God. Thanks to my parents and church who support me financially. Thank you brothers and sisters whom I met in JS. Thank you for showing me love when my grandfather passed away on 2nd week of JS. Thanks so much for praying for my mom and I. Finally, thank God for placing me in JS.

Poh Tze Phei
Wesley Methodist Church, Sitiawan

ADULT VOLUNTEERS-MENTORS
INFORMATION
Jeremiah School is staffed by officials from the TRAC Board of Youth Work. They oversee the running of the school, the development of curriculum and is actively involved in intentional mentoring of the JS students throughout the school term. Ever since JS started in 2003, we have found that some of the best learning and growing happens when mentoring takes place. In view of this, we need more adult volunteers to wear the shoes of a mentor and walk along side the students. If you love youths and are available for 6 weeks, we’d like to encourage you to prayerfully consider this opportunity to serve.

BASIC QUALIFICATION
1. Minimum 2 year-old baptized Christian from TRAC Churches
2. 21 years old and above
3. Love young people
4. Recommendation from TRAC Pastor/youth counselor/church leader
5. Some ministry experience
6. Teachable & submissive to authority
7. Strong in word & prayer
8. Friendly and willing to sacrifice time.
9. Driving skills and possession of a car would be an advantage


TRAINING
1. Successful Applicants will be required to attend Mentor Training.
2. The training will cover the objectives and introduction to the teaching modules of the school.
3. Mentors will be required to read ‘Mentoring’ by Tim Elmore.
4. Mentors will be equipped with the Youth version of ‘Freedom In Christ’ sessions.
5. Mentors will be trained in the Development Tracking Record of the students assigned to them.
6. Mentors will also undergo a teaching segment on how to build relationships with youth.
7. As part of the ongoing mentoring development, mentors will be assessed and will be given more coaching skills as and when needed.

Kindly submit your application to be a mentor to [email protected] before 30th November 2009.

Potential applicants will be interviewed by JS staff. Successful applicants will then be notified.

JEREMIAH SCHOOL 2010
CHANG CHOY QUIN
c/o TRAC, 2 Jalan 5/39 46000 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Tel : 03-7954 2836
Fax : 03-7954 2837
Email : [email protected]
URL : www.trac.org.my

Click here to download Registration FORM