My Journey Through CMTP (Years 1 & 2)

My first experience was in 2001, when I was two years old as a Christian, just water-baptized, and only after a year’s serving in Sunday School. A sister waylaid me one Sunday in church with a form to sign up for the course. In a split second, I asked ‘What? When? Where?’ As an obedient Christian, I had not even thought of ‘Why?’ Through her encouragement, and the Pastor’s approval, I signed up. I felt let down when later, this sister changed her mind about going. On reflection, I think God ‘tricked’ me into making this commitment as He knew it was what I needed.

In Year One, as I sat at the Lord’s feet, He ministered to me. The syllabus was eye opening as I observed and learnt from the various classes of differing ages in FGA’s Sunday School. I did well in the written test of ten memory verses as God had endowed me with good memory. My biggest hurdle was the tons of visuals to be made without help from anyone besides the Holy Spirit. I did receive my certificate and shared my testimony at the Thanksgiving and Graduation ceremony. I knew I had to put into practice all I learnt before I went for the Year Two program.

In 2004, I had a prompting to go for another ‘thrilling ride.’ Because I had no partner to go with me, I left it until 2006. When Sister Suzie Lo approached me to join her for Year Two, I knew it was time. I encouraged Sister Gillian to join us while Brother Alvyn (from my Shepherd Group) signed up for Year One. Praise God.

Every Tuesday, from March to September, we attended worship and lectures at 7.30 p.m. God disciplined me as I learned to walk ‘in His steps.’ The assignments were more on spending time with the Lord, and I enjoyed the devotions. For memory verses, on top of the ten for Year One, we had ten new and loner verses to memorize. By faith, I surrendered my mind to God and He came through again for me.

The Lord drew me to complete the CMTP program in 2007. Prior to this, I went through a very difficult time with the passing away of my husband, and undergoing spiritual warfare in my neighborhood. Despite of the depression I went through, the Tuesday classes brought the presence of the Lord in my life during the worship and lecture sessions. Psalms 37 became so precious to me. I surrendered humbly to the Lord and He delivered and vindicated me from the evil one. I shared amazing testimonies with my ‘oikos’ (neighbors) who were all ears!

By April, the Lord raised my spirit and faith to another level. My second ‘roller coaster ride’ was definitely more thrilling than my first. I continue to stand in awe of our mighty God.

Each year, I encourage more children’s ministers in CBC to experience CMTP. From my observation, those who went are still teaching, some for over 20 years now. Truly, it is an honor and privilege to serve in this ministry.

“Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:29-30.

In His service,
Sister Helen Tan,
Children’s Ministry, SEA Park Center.