Reaching out by teaching guitar – GLASS Outreach, Kampar

7 March 2014 by Mindy Oon CM-

 

What is GLASS?

Started on the 18th of June 2013 by a group of students – Chan Joon Yang, Sean Lim and Jonathan Chan –GLASS is the short form for Guitar Class. GLASS aims to impact the community and the students from UTAR and KTAR in Kampar. With little resources in their pocket, but a similar vision set in their heart, the group of students took a step of faith and God has been faithful in providing for everything that was needed.

GLASS is now carried out in Generation One Church, an outreach of FGA Ipoh, and as of December 2013, there are 10 teachers and 60 regular students who come every Thursday to learn how to play the guitar. Apart from guitar chords, GLASS aims to inspire, and to impart life lessons during the 90 minute period. Amazing Christian songs such as ‘How Great Is Our God’, ‘Forever Reign’, and ‘From The Inside Out’ are taught to the students. From these classes, students learn the reality of God through the songs, lives have been changed, and below are three testimonies from students who have attended GLASS.

 

GLASS in progress
GLASS in progress

 

Vanessa Tan’s Testimony

Through GLASS, I found my long-lost adoration for guitars that died a few years ago. GLASS has helped me regain my interest in learning how to play the guitar again. Other than that, I’ve also picked up many friends that I now treasure dearly along the way through my experience in GLASS. I realized that I didn’t only gain guitar skills, but I’ve also met many great people.

GLASS has really affected my campus life. Without its existence, I would be stuck in my room on Thursday nights merely watching other people on YouTube playing their guitar and doing their covers of amazing songs. It is because of GLASS that I am able to be able to do so well. With GLASS, I have grown so much and GLASS has helped me all the way through that process.

 

Lau Gerl Jane’s Testimony

I have always wanted to learn to play the guitar, so when I came to know about GLASS I was delighted. GLASS helped me to pick up guitar skills, and I also gained valuable friends and mentors along the way. I am able to grow as an individual with the help of the wonderful people back at GLASS.

From GLASS, I proceeded to play for the KTAR Christian Fellowship Society praise and worship. It was an eye-opening experience for me as it was the first time I had to play and lead people into praise and worship.

 

Joon Yang in coat, Vanessa Tan (2nd row, 3rd from left), Sean Lim (2nd row, 1st from left) after UTAR Christmas performance 2013
Joon Yang in coat, Vanessa Tan (2nd row, 3rd from left), Sean Lim (2nd row, 1st from left) after UTAR Christmas performance 2013

 

Justin Chan’s Testimony

I started playing my guitar last semester and realized that I couldn’t go further not could I improve without exposing myself to a new environment. So I volunteered to play for my monthly church gathering, my church BM service and my church youth group. I played for the gathering on Saturday night and BM service the next day. And last month, I played for the youth service and got to experience what it is like to be in an actual band. It felt great, like 3 thumbs up! Playing for others has really brightened my life, and it all started with GLASS. GLASS took me to the next level in playing the guitar. Not only did I learn about guitar, but also many more other things which will help me in the future.

Each one of us has been given certain talents and skills. 1 Peter 4:10-11 says

Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all this God may be praised through Jesus Christ.

 

Group Picture of GLASS class
Group Picture of GLASS class

 

Some of us are musically inclined, while others are talented in different areas. What is important is we use what God has given to us for His glory and His Kingdom. Do not be afraid to step out in faith to do what God has put in our hearts, whether it is to start a guitar class, or something else; as God can use us as long as we are willing. GLASS in on every Thursday night at 8.30pm at Generation One Church, Kampar. For those who are interested in joining, contact Joon Yang at 016 531 6306.

 

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