Official Newsletter of Teachers in Sandals Fellowship
April 2011
THE FIRST TEACHING NIGHT Teachers in Sandals Fellowship held its first Teaching Night on April 8, 2011 at the Meeting Room of the Newman Hall, Waterloo Quadrant, Auckland City. All the five participants had their hands full taking the various tasks to a fun and learning hour of delivering speeches, intent listening and constructive evaluation. Bro Mel B Libre, Lead Servant, acted as the programme minister, explaining the purpose of each part. Bro Shawn Yap led in the opening prayer emphasizing that participants came not just to speak, but most importantly to listen to the talks to be shared. The group recited together the Core Values of Teachers in Sandals Fellowship that was followed immediately by amusing anecdotes of Bro Andrew Quirke in Smilines. The highlights of the evening were the delivery of the first speech projects in the ministry – Speech Project 1 “I Am” by Bro Darrow Benito and Bro Andrew. Bro Denis Tutaka, as quiz master, (who also acted as photographer) engaged the participants to a series of questions on their knowledge of the Bible in BQQ (Bible Quotient Quiz) with Bro Shawn declared as the winner. During the Evaluation Time, Bro Mel observed that the two speakers had good command of the English language and delivered their speeches in a conversational and friendly manner. He also made suggestions for the student teachers on points they could improve on in future speech projects. Prior to the closing prayer, the group agreed to meet for the second Teaching Night on May 6, 2012. The 3-week break is to allow members to fully utilize their university break. Bro Mel encouraged the participants to be active in inviting brethren to join in the activity of fun, fellowship and faith.
What is Speech Project 1? The speech project is described as the “I Am” speech. It allows the speaker to give a brief self-introduction. Time allotment is 3- 5 minutes Objectives: 1. To introduce one’s self to an audience The easiest topic to talk about by an individual is one’s self. Nobody knows better about a person than the person himself/herself. Some people may know something about you; but only you know the person that you are – your family background, your experiences, your likes and dislikes, etc. Everything is generally at the top of your head. 2. To talk in front of people While there are those who speak before a group of people like they are talking to a friend, there are many who find the task rather difficult. But one must realize that if one has to move forward in life, speaking before more than two people, if not hundreds of people may be a requisite. As a follower of Christ, it is our individual mission to spread His teachings, and one of the most effective ways is to talk to those who care to listen. Teachers in Sandals allow one to talk in front of people who have the best interest for you to grow as a fellow believer. 3. To start the journey towards becoming a teacher in sandals. Speech project No. 1 is the starting point in pursuing the mission of spreading God’s Word through teaching and other acts of love. We are like the fishermen who were called by Christ to become His disciples, who were at first hesitant and doubtful, but through the teachings and examples of Jesus, they became apostles who spread the Word of God to where the Holy Spirit sent them for the glory of His Name. TIPS 1. You are not expected to deliver the best speech of your life. You are simply to talk about yourself, like you were asked by a potential employer to describe yourself briefly. 2. Other than stating one’s name, you can talk about one aspect of your life, not your entire life story. You will have other speech projects when you can deal on other aspects of your life. Just concentrate on the most important that makes you unique as a person. 3. You are not expected to deliver your speech from memory. You may bring notes or an outline, but it is important that you have at least made preparations prior to doing the assignment. 4. Just remember that you are with brethren who are interested about you and would want you to develop into a teacher in sandals. 5. Think positive. You do not need to apologize for a glitches through your speech (it’s your first speech project, remember). But do give it your best shot.
TEACHERS IN SANDALS Vision: Dedicated volunteers spreading God’s Word through teachings and through example Mission: To carry on the command of Jesus Christ to spread the Gospel to all peoples of the world Scriptural Guides: “And thou shalt speak unto him, and put words in his mouth: and I will be with thy mouth, and with his mouth, and will teach you what ye shall do.” (Exodus 4:15) “Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus” (Colossians 1:28)
JOIN THE TEACHING NIGHT ON FRIDAY, 6 MAY 2011, 6PM AT THE NEWMAN HALL, 16 Waterloo Quadrant, Auckland OPEN FOR STUDENTS AND PROFESSIONALS