Christian teens serving the national service programme must balance courage with wisdom when sharing the gospel during their three-month stay in camp.

"Eighteen-year-olds are usually passionate about their beliefs, whatever they may be. An 18-year-old Christian may be so passionate about sharing his faith that he provokes antagonism from other campers. This may affect the image of Christianity at large," said NECF Malaysia Secretary-General Rev Wong Kim Kong after attending a July meeting with Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, Chairman of the Cabinet Committee on National Service.

He advised churches to teach their teens, who are potential participants, to assess situations so that they know when to speak and when to keep silent. Above all, churches must impress on their teens the necessity to ‘walk the talk’ as their lives are the best advertisements, especially when they are going to live with non-believers for three months.

Rev Wong also said that NECF would be submitting to the Defence Minister the Character First programme which has been adopted by some schools in the US and Singapore. The programme, which was developed by Bill Gothard for the Institute of Basic Life Principles, focuses on helping individuals develop good characteristics.

In addition, NECF will also submit a proposal on how to introduce and conduct chaplaincy for Christian participants.

During the meeting, which was attended by representatives from the Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism and Sikhism, Datuk Najib assured that participants would be given time off to attend their weekly worship meetings, and that the committee will even provide transport to the places of worship (such as mosques, churches and temples).

He said that the final draft of the curriculum would be forwarded to the religious groups for their comments before it is officially endorsed.