Growing Pains

“I walked a mile with pleasure, she chatted all the way.

But left me none the wiser, for all she had to say. 

I walked a mile with sorrow and not a word said she. 

But oh the things I learned from her, when sorrow walked with me.”

We seldom grow in good times. The times I've grown much in the Lord are during those trying, tumultuous and often terrible times of trials, trouble, sorrow, pressure, defeat and despair. That is why we call them growing pains.

HI NLS in Klang 25-30 July 2014

1 Timothy 1:12 (NIV)  "I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service."

Yesterday I returned from Klang and I rejoice over the opportunity that God had given me to facilitate at my first HI leadership seminar. Garnering a massive prayer support, I can say that by the grace of God, I did not do too badly for a freshie. 

At first I thought that I would be intimidated by all experienced leaders attending the seminar but PTL! I was not the least nervous at all. In fact I felt calmer than those times when I give announcements or share in church! It was as if God carried me on eagle's wings. 

The veteran facilitators were so generous with their encouragement and that is the great strength of the HI community. We are always ready to share our knowledge and give each other a helping hand. To top it off, I was privileged to have my trainer Pauline to sit in and offer me some very good tips from her observation of my session. 

A thank you note from the Organising Committee

And here are the participants so I'll be able to remember when I look back later.