The 28th Singapore Boys’ Brigade Company Annual Enrolment Day
On 6th April, the 28th Singapore Boys’ Brigade Company held its annual Enrolment Day parade and service. This special day celebrates the Boys’ achievements over the past year, formally enrols new recruits, and rededicates the Company for the year ahead.
We started with the usual parade segment, with Ms Chia Kel-Li, Vice Principal of Yuhua Secondary School, as the Guest of Honour. The absence of our Junior Boys from Shuqun Primary School was still keenly felt, as we had handed over the Juniors Programme to NLBC in early 2024. What made up for the “hole in our hearts” was the presence of many parents and Old Boys who watched the parade from the side.
One by one the Boys marched out to receive their proficiency and attendance awards, and promotions. They mostly looked nervous but must have been excited to finally receive the recognition they had worked so hard for.
After the parade, we adjourned for the traditional Company photo taking (i.e., class photo), where the Boys proudly showed off their new badges and ranks to an excited gaggle of phone-wielding parents.
Then it was upstairs to the Sanctuary for the Enrolment Service. The congregation stood up for Jesus as the Colours marched in. The worship team also sang “Shepherd of My Soul” – a perennial favourite for generations of 28th BB Boys, who apparently know it better than the BB Vesper sung at the end of every BB parade!
During the Act of Enrolment, the declaration “I do with the help of God” was made four times. We identify with the truth that Jesus tasked His Church with making disciples of all nations, a mission the Boys’ Brigade exists to advance by extending Christ’s Kingdom among Boys.
As the Colours marched out, we sang our annual hymn, “We Have an Anchor.” This reminds us that we possess an anchor that keeps our soul steadfast and sure as the billows roll, fastened to the unmovable Rock, grounded firm and deep in the Saviour’s love.
Following the closing parade, we reached the Boys’ most anticipated moment of the day – dismissal. But not before enjoying lunch first where Boys, parents, and officers freely mingled.
Another year, another Enrolment Day. But we always thank God for His faithfulness in sustaining the 28th Company through all its challenges, for 57 years and counting. Thank God also for helping the Company reach its BB Week fundraising target this year, which was made possible with the generous support of JCCians.
Do keep the BB ministry in prayer as we continue our work of sharing the gospel and imparting Christian values to the BB Boys in Yuhua Secondary School.
Samuel Chong
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