By KWOK AIE BEE

WHAT a joy it was to meet so many similar-minded people from various countries, deeply passionate about the DISCIPLE Bible Study programme. From the first day, when I registered and entered the room where Mr George Grizzle and his wife Wini were conducting the Orientation session for "new" trainers, I knew that this workshop would speak volumes to me.


The smiles and warm hospitality from the organising team immediately made us feel right at home.


My heart was strangely warmed throughout the five days of workshops. This despite Mrs Grizzle's relentless push for proper and efficient coverage of the six Bible Study programmes and careful time management. She was charming, gracious, but absolutely focused on getting us all ship-shape on time.


I was surprised, delighted and truly enjoyed the two celebrations that were held - one was the Official Opening Dinner graced by Bishop Dr Robert Solomon and leaders of The Methodist Church in Singapore, and the other was the Closing Event and Worship evening.


The worship, sharings, messages, and words of encouragement for the DISCIPLE effort touched me. I was particularly excited by the sharings and reports from the representatives of the various countries, describing how DISCIPLE has grown and multiplied, and how the DISCIPLE trainers have taken the initiative to take it further through translations, creative applications, etc. There is so much joy and enthusiasm for doing the Lord's work.


We were all so delighted to know that through DISCIPLE, the Holy Spirit has transformed lives mightily. This certainly encouraged all of us to stay the course.


Through all the days, we delighted in participating in the DISCIPLE modular exercises around our tables. We grumbled and mumbled that Mrs Grizzle did not give us more time to share at greater length, yet we still wanted to go deeper into the discussions.


And we got to know our group-mates quite well, enjoyed their company, and shared jokes with them.


What did we learn? All the non-negotiables in the DISCIPLE Process - be clearer about staying true and faithful to the design and trusting the process - be reminded that we are "clay jars" relying on the Holy Spirit to work in our groups - that however exhausted we are, the good Lord will enable us to stay up late each night to complete our reading assignments before we meet Mrs Grizzle the next morning.


This workshop was most timely, helpful and re-energising for me, and I am sure, for most others as well. We look forward to the DISCIPLE Agency getting the Disciples together more often - to celebrate, to encourage and to share how our Lord has worked mightily in more countries through the DISCIPLE Bible Study programme.

Kwok Aie Bee is a member of Barker Road Methodist Church.