Among our activities in 2007 - NSA Treasure Hunt

NSA was up for another challenge – planning and conducting a treasure hunt for CBN’s Christian Fellowship Society on 27 October 2007.

The event started off in Bukit Kiara with a few simple ice-breakers by getting students and facilitators remember everybody’s name and sending everyone to infect others with their ‘attitude’ and ‘emotion’ by tagging someone. Majority somehow ended up being infected with Daniel’s ‘conquer-the-whole-world-smirking-smile’.

Now, we came to the highlight of the day – the treasure hunt. After having briefed about the hunt, they were divided into two groups with two facilitators each. 20 eager students and facilitators went charging up toward the ‘yellow man’, wanting to be the first group to get to choose the desired path – the tar mac or the dirt road.

Equipped with a map of the chosen path and a bible verse, each group set out to on its course to find the treasure. Little did they know that their chosen paths led them through many decision-making and as well as distractions.

The dirt road was full of mosquitoes and far more challenging compared to the tar mac path. However, the treasures hidden along the dirt road terrain were far more rewarding. Along the way, facilitators challenged students by throwing difficult questions, prompting them to choose wisely. Bible verses found in each checkpoint were supposed to help students to decide which treasure to choose among all other items (distractions) in the bag.

Some scratched their heads thinking which to choose, some complained about the difficult terrain. At times, they tried to forget about the mosquitoes and mud and went on ahead with the dirt road path, convinced that there were better treasures in that path.

One group missed a treasure along the dirt road path. Time wasn’t on their side. They discussed among themselves. Half decided to go back and finish the race while the other half determined to find that last treasure. It was agreed. Their determination was to be admired.

One group won the treasure hunt but everyone had a great blast. In the end, what was far more rewarding was the lesson learnt and not forgetting the delicious fried rice, nuggets and hotdogs among other things that Teacher Wai Teng had prepared.

Life is indeed likened to a narrow road. Only few will choose to go through it. Many a times, it is full of distractions. Only those who are able to keep focus, aligning their lives with the Word of God and not get distracted will be able to emerge victoriously.

Among our activities in 2007 - Conference Themed: The Church Outdoors

At first we only knew of leaves and branches, the trees that formed the forest around us. Then we knew of the valleys and mountains, and other jungles beyond. Before we knew it, our sights were expanded to the vast terrain of highlands and lowland, reaching out to the far flung seas beyond the horizon.

That was what the journey was like, during the 2 day Asia Pacific Adventure Ministry Conference, 23rd – 24th June 2007. Themed “The Church Outdoors”, the conference truly enlarged our vision to see the great extent of ministry and outreach which can be done using outdoor adventure. Mooted with the intent of connecting adventure ministries, the conference saw the coming together of speakers and participants from around the region. Australia, Fiji, Cambodia, Singapore and Malaysia - these were the countries represented by delegates in the conference.

For many of us participants, adventure ministry was something relatively new. We were either just venturing out into the field, or planting a firmer foundation for our freshly established outdoor ministry. Listening to the speakers’ share of their ministries really brought our mindset to a whole new level. Some among us may have initially envisioned our outdoors ministry as impacting just the local scene. However, after knowing of the extensive impact of other ministries, we now saw the potential of our adventure ministry reaching out even to the far flung parts of the world.

Throughout the sessions, each speaker brought new light to the process of starting and growing an outdoor ministry. Their wealth of experience revealed the struggles and victories which may be faced at each stage. It was something we related with and learned from.

The sharing was complemented by the impartation of practical knowledge, particularly on how to design and organize activities. The concept of facilitated outdoor adventure was introduced through hands-on experience. Participants were engaged in facilitated activities, demonstrating how facilitation methods can use each participant’s experience to convey a directed message through open sharing. Ultimately, the venture of outdoor ministry is to challenge people to get out of their comfort zone, where learning takes place.

In bringing the church outdoors, adventure based counseling for sharing the gospel also comes into place. The introduction to behavioral management gave much insight on working with various personalities, especially those who are in crisis or troubled. That knowledge will prove useful in all areas, not just when dealing with people in adventure ministry.

One message rang clear throughout the conference – that lifestyle evangelism is instrumental in sharing Christ, especially in the outdoor adventure ministry. This is particularly so since adventure activities have the unique placement of being a neutral ground for people from all types of background and beliefs to come together. Therefore, it is vital to live Christ out loud. Only then, can we reach out to the unreachable. In all the ministries, we saw that it is essential to establish relationships, in order for impact to be made. In fact, people are saved through the ministry because of much ground work. It involves long term effort, ongoing fervent prayer support and a great amount of follow up.

The conference ended with a powerful message to all. A story was told, of how one could only see a few dirty spots on oneself when surrounded by dimness. However, as one approaches the light, the dirty patches on one is seen more and more clearly. Likewise, the challenge for our lives was this – to have spiritual maturity where we are able to recognize our own sin, even as Christ brings them to light.

All in all, we were amazed by the work of God. “Climbing for Christ” shared of how climbing trips lead to the building of a church in a remote African village. The Indonesian team shared of how they had 90% of participants accepting Christ in their outdoor camps. Now, if that is possible, imagine the extent of revival our own ministry can bring?

Mount Stong State Park (22 -25 Oct 2006)

The rugged landscape of Kelantan’s interiors offers many exciting adventures for anyone who loves the great outdoors. From limestone hills to rushing rapids, from thick tropical jungles to cool cavernous caves, Kelantan is a pleasure to experience.
The best way to enter the interiors of Kelantan and, at the same time, get a first-hand look at the typical village life, is to take the KTM train – once romantically known as the Jungle Train in the spirit of adventure and exploration – right through the state. One of the stops along the way is in the quaint village of Dabong, about 155 kilometers from Kota Bharu, the state capital. Dabong lies in the area dedicated as Mt.Stong State Park (formerly called Jelawang Jungle) and is situated on the fringes of Malaysia’s massive Titiwangsa range. The mountainous backdrop there is made up of a chain of majestic peaks

One of the main attractions at the state park is Gunung Stong (1,422 meters), a dome-shaped granite complex more than 500 million years old. Here, the seven-tiered Stong Waterfalls, reputed to be the highest in Southeast Asia, drops from a height of about 990 metres. Reaching the peak of the falls takes two hours of trekking for about one kilometer on steep inclines of between 60 to 90 degrees.

Here's the schedule we have planned.






** This schedule is subject to changes and adjustments.
** Estimated cost RM 150 - 200 per pax
** Most of the meals are self cooked ala camping style.

Some photos you might one to check out (Not ours though)!
Stong
More of Stong

So do let us know by e-mail before 18th October 2006 if you are joining.

Open Water Diving Snapshot (12-15 Aug 06)

[More photos on our Photo Blog!]

Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon 2006

To the runners out there, here's a much awaited event to mark on your calendar.

[Details of the marathon HERE!]

Some excellent training programs can be found on www.runnersworld.com

SO get your passports out, sign up for the marathon and we will see you on 3rd December 2006 in Singapore.

Note: Closing date is 31st August 2006

NSA Snorkelling/ Refresher/ Advanced Diving 12-15 August 2006

For the light hearted who wants to join the snorkelling instead or the "karat" who needs a refresher or the "gung ho" who wants to do the advanced course or simply for your spouse to join us.



** Snorkelling package includes 3 snorkelling trips.
** Refresher & Advanced includes 4 dives only (would need to pay for equipment, see below).
** Refresher & Advanced Package includes tanks (without air) and weights.
** Refresher Participants may choose to join any of the pool sessions as per Open Water (Cost Below).
** Advanced would have to complete 5 dives (including one deep dive & one night dive).
** All packages includes return boat transfer, accommodation & full board meals.
** Accommodation in standard room with air- condition & hot shower.





Confirmation upon full payment of Redang Beach Package before 16th July 2006.

Disclaimer: NSA reserves the right to make changes/adjustments where necessary due to unforseen circumstances.

Participants are required to fill up the membership form before coming (Check out our download section). Not necessary if you had previously filled up one.

NSA Diving (Open Water Course) 12 - 15 August 2006

As mentioned earlier, here are the details folks. Lots of excitement packed into it…



** Theory session is cumpulsory for all. You will be placed into groups and are not encouraged to swap between Group 1 & 2 (Keep both weeks free to be safe)
** All diving equipment and other necessary cost has been included into the package.
** Purchace of mask, snorkel and fin is on your own (RM 300++). Personal use items. However instructor may be able to obtain it for you if required (Limited numbers).
** Lunch and LRT to PJ is on your own..



** The package includes a 3 day 2 night full board stay in Redang Beach resort, including boat rides.
** Accommodation in standard room with air- condition & hot shower.
** Included for the diving course are 4 Certification dives (shore & boat dives) of 1 hour each, and all equipment.
** Certification and registration fees with PADI upon completion of course included.
** 1 Night accomodation in Kuala Terengganu is not included. KT Beach Resort/ Hotel Seri Malaysia (More details at a later date).
** Transport cost to Merang jetty by car or by whatever means is not included.

Total cost for the entire course is only RM 1,000 and you will be a certified open water diver.
Requires a minimum of 6 pax.



First come first serve basis so do let us know quick... Confirmation upon payment of RM 500 before 16th July 2006.

Disclaimer: NSA reserves the right to make changes/adjustments where necessary due to unforseen circumstances.

Participants are required to fill up the membership form before coming (Check out our download section). Not necessary if you had previously filled up one.