MG Retreat 2025

The beginning of January traditionally begins with a Mentoring Group Retreat for the EAST Community and this year was no different, except the location has shifted from Changi Village or Katong to Loyang, still in the eastern part of Singapore. The retreat was held at the Center for Performance Transformation (CPT) Training and Camp Centre. The surroundings were lush with greenery and it was by the seaside, a perfect location where one could spend an afternoon of personal reflection time and worship with God.

The meat of the retreat was having Rev Dr Chua Chung Kai share from his heart with the EAST Community. The theme was “Returning to the Way of the Master” and on the first day, he spoke on “Searching for Greatness”. He shared from the text of Mark 10:35-45 where Jesus’ disciples had argued with one another about who was the greatest, It is a natural desire in all of us to want to be somebody and there is nothing wrong with that, as every single one of us is made in the image of Jesus, made in the image of God. However, Asians tend to be less straightforward about acknowledging it as opposed to the Westerners.  Often, we have both the wrong ideas about greatness and wrong indicators for greatness. How we measure greatness may not be how the Lord measure it.

Dr Chung Kai gave two quotes for us to consider,

“There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self.” – Ernest Hemingway

“If you depend on people to determine whether you are somebody, you will always be deeply insecure. Because you’ll end up trying to be somebody to everybody and end up being nobody to anybody.”

He also gave these questions for us to reflect upon, “What has God called me to be? Am I doing that well?” He said, “We all want to be great, but don’t compare.” The important question is, “What has God designed us for?”

He ended the sharing with a sobering prayer below:

“Father, we are grateful for the retreat here. We are grateful that You have given us Your life that we may be great for You. You have designed us to desire that greatness to want to be somebody. But this afternoon, remind ourselves that You have already made us somebody – Your sons, Your daughters – we are deeply loved by You. Thank you, Lord. And I pray out of that gratitude, grant to us godly ambitions to be all that You want us to be. Not just Your sons and daughters but also Lord, Your servant – whatever that may mean. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen. ”

The students were also able to have Q&A sessions with Dr Chung Kai over various ministry related issues which greatly encouraged and edified many of them as he shared candidly from his life experiences. There was a good time of learning, fellowship, fun and games but also an afternoon set aside for personal time with God. The annual Mentoring Group Retreat is organised by the Office of Mentoring helmed by Mrs Josephine Goh, assisted by Mrs Lut Go and Mrs Sophie Lo.