Ministry Update March 2012

As we enter the first quarter of 2012, I am slowly crawling back into the momentum attempting the first quarter of my 80,000 words journey. Tedious, but rewarding is how I can describe it thus far. I realized I need to push myself first before I can push anyone else to go further academically. And I’m driven by a strong conviction that the Malaysian church is the responsibility of Malaysian Christians. Not that I’m trying to cultivate a sort of pride in self dependence but more of growing in spiritual maturity. Something I believe can only be achieved when the Malaysian church as a whole is able to write her own theology that is distinctively Malaysian; by Malaysian, for Malaysian, in Malaysian tongue to the glory of God. For this, surely we need to raise the presently lacking OA church. I look forward to completing my studies, motivated by the fact that I can only lead till where I’ve been. Also realizing that I need to “work myself out of my job” so I can proceed to another ministry, I look forward to raising the first OA leader to reach an academic doctoral. Really, I’m not about to remain in this ministry permanently and “out-stay my welcome.” I want to remain a close partner in this ministry. Hey, think of tribulation – we may need to move to the jungle to survive! Or, in my old age – I mean, with my meager income, I really cannot afford to live long after retirement. So, better prepare how I can survive post-retirement ;-)

The year is picking up slowly. Many partners ask to postpone their trip to the OA village to second half of the year. However, by the grace of God my almost empty calendar is slowly filling up and I am excited. March: visit to Kg Pergum with Ipoh AOG; April: visit to Kg Sg Poh with BJAC; May: visit to Kg Merah with FLC; June: visit to Geruntum/Kepayang/Pawong with Methodist Taiping.

Please continue to pray for the BM school. We are experiencing a little hiccup. In Gua Musang, some movement of clergy caused us to lose some teachers. Moreover, the coordinator is left alone when his assistant “disappeared” while having to cope with family issues – his father is sick with cancer. The Ipoh diploma class also experienced the “teacher performing a David Copperfield act.” I scheduled myself to teach just one class but I have to replace a teacher in February. The scheduled teacher in May had an emergency and called off his class and I have to find a replacement. The scheduled teacher in October had suddenly returned to Sabah. I may have to replace the October class but at least I’ve found a possible replacement for May. The certificate class in Ipoh is progressing well, at least as I know it. I’m happy with their schedule this year as most teachers are local OA pastors. There are a few new intakes in the Ipoh center which means I will soon need to go on “sponsorship drive” once I receive their complete applications. These are OA pastors, serving in the interior of Cameron Highlands and receiving little income. My strong conviction is that they should not be denied quality education simply because they cannot afford it. After all, this is for the glory of God; something money carries no value. I’m still holding the fort for the Penang center, though by a thin string.

Will greatly appreciate your partnership in prayer for this ministry of great potential.

Ministry Update February 2012

Someone reasoned that in modern times, there are more activities to attend to, thus, time appears to so-calledly fly…Well, we are into the second month of the year and I praise God, I’m back in action. Last night I received the much anticipated email to confirm my new thesis supervisor and I can now continue with my thesis writing. On to chapter two…

The festivity is still in the air with one public holiday after another. I discovered there’s so much pending work that need to be attended to due to the lazy spell from the continuous festivity. Next Sunday I’ll be traveling to Ipoh for a week-long class with the diploma students. March will start a new class in Bayan Point for the Penang center and I’ll be teaching the class. End of March is a day trip to the OA village.

Please continue to pray for us. The OA ministry has vast prospects and huge potentials. Just waiting for the right resources – both human and finance to move it to fruitation (is there such a word?). Once again, thank you for your partnership in ministry

Ministry Update January 2012

Once again, we ushered in a new year. This year is already so filled with many challenges. On the national scene, everyone is speculating a coming general election and that steer us to uncertainty; with much anticipation for changes.

I was with my sister’s family for the first few days of the new year, seeing my youngest nephew to standard one. He was so excited on the first day but could not wake up for the next two days. In fact, on the second day, he walked into school like a zombie! Entering formal school…that was kind of nostalgic; the carefree days. Life seemed much simpler when you only have one concern – pass your exam!

I look forward to seeing God moving in our nation through the church for the next 51 weeks in 2012. Of course there’s the scare of end-of-the-world “prophecy” from the extinct Mayan civilization; something the church will prove them wrong. Closer home, the maturing Malaysian church needs to be bolder as we arrive at this important stage – what with the changes of political landscape to enter into a new era.

I’m hoping to continue my studies soon. If pause for too long it will lose its momentum. I’m targeting to complete this year, graduating this November.

It’s a lazy few weeks with one festival after another. So, let me greet all of you a very happy and prosperous Chinese New Year 2012 which is in about 2 weeks’ time. Please continue to join me in prayer for the OA/teaching ministry:

1.                  The proposed meeting to initiate formation of the first BM Bible Seminary in Peninsular Malaysia is on hold, pending response from our Methodist partner

2.                  Kem Pelajar-pelajar Kristian Borneo 26-28Jan: a camp for trainee teachers from the Maktab Perguruan. The CF advisor planned this camp because East Malaysian students are not returning home for the CNY holidays. The camp will be held in CCC, Batu Ferringhi and open to all trainee teachers from all Maktab Perguruan in the northern states. I’m teaching 3 sessions on Thursday, 26Jan while Ps Lee Mei Lee is teaching 2 sessions the next day on Spiritual Warfare

3.                  SAM Ipoh Diploma class will start this year with me teaching on Missions Strategy 6 till 10Feb. I didn’t realize it’s a week with public holidays  along it (5 & 7), thus, traffic will probably be heavy along the North-South Highway

4.                  March will be the first trip of the year to the OA village and I’m bring in the team from Emmanuel Harvest Center for a day trip

5.                  April/May: planning to bring teams into the OA village – from a Lutheran church and an Anglican Church

6.                  End of May is the Youth Camp Cum Mission Trip for Wesley Methodist Taiping. Please pray for this trip. It’s the first time we’re doing this and a few churches are waiting to see how it goes as they are also keen on such an idea

7.                  June: I’ll be teaching an ATC class on Intro to NT; I’ve allocated March till May for the 4-module course in Anglicanism and assigned Anglican pastors to teach (because I’m not too “Anglican”)

8.                  August: the first time SAM is trying a 2-week diploma class and this year we are holding it in Penang (at Anglican Training Center, Penang) for 2 consecutive weeks – Ps Sam Surendran teaching one class followed by myself the following week

9.                  September: planning for a teaching trip to Makassar

10.              November: planning for another teaching trip, but this time to Sabah

11.              December: festive season – slow down…

Thus far, that’s the tentative bird’s view of this year’s calendar. It will fill up with much more activities and I’m looking forward to the challenges ahead. Join me once again this year as we press on to attempt great things for God and expect great things from God.

Phil 1: 3-6 (KJV) I thank my God upon every remembrance of you,  Always in every

prayer of mine for you  all making request with joy,  For your fellowship in the gospel

from the first day until now; Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun

a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:

Ministry Update Dec 2011

So here it is, the final month of 2011 and everyone has more or less geared into the festive mood. Christmas decorations are already everywhere, especially in the shopping malls. Churches have begun their caroling rounds. A series of Christmas dinners will soon begin.

As I looked back the previous month, activities filled just half of November and the other half, I saw myself already pretty restless. I was uninspired to prepare my messages in December and many people are already busy planning for Christmas, which means, I’m too relaxed. But it was a blessed morning when I met an old friend. We were in varsity together and honestly, I could hardly recognize her. Oh…I didn’t tell her that. But it struck me when we were discussing about the OA ministry. We were together in the Anthropology and Sociology (ANSOS) class; every year the ANSOS department organized a trip to the OA village. So, this friend of mine was relating how the trip impacted her and the question came, “You were with us in that trip, right?” Sheepishly I replied, “No, I stayed away from the jungle…as much as I could; until now after God “zapped” me!” Well, that’s the truth…

It’s a relaxing month for me but anxious as I have to wait for my partners to start and confirm activities for the next year. I continue to seek your partnership in prayer as we conclude this year and preparing to greet the new year. Please pray for:
1. Trip to the OA village on 10Dec with GBC’s CG (CL’s group)
2. Bahasa Pastors Fellowship Christmas Dinner on 20Dec
3. Christmas services in churches 24/25Dec, I’ll be
a. Preaching @ JCMC 8am 25Dec
b. Preaching @ FLC 10am 25Dec
4. Sekolah Akitab Malaysia (SAM) partnership with Seminari Teologi Malaysia (administrative procedures)
a. SAM students to diligently attend/complete due assignments
b. Center coordinators to wrap up records of the academic year
5. Plans/meetings for the formation of the first Bahasa Malaysia Seminary in Peninsular Malaysia, in partnership with PMSM and others we intend to invite aboard

Finally, I take this opportunity to thank all of you for your love and support, especially in prayer and encouragement. A very blessed Christmas and Happy New Year to all of you. May each one of us be inspired this Christmas season to fervently serve Him in this nation to bring the glory of our God to shine brightly in this land and beyond.

Ministry Update October/November

Time sure flies…we are already gearing up for Christmas and soon preparing to greet the new year. I am writing this update in Ringlet, Cameron Highlands; no, I’m not on holiday though today is a public holiday (Deepavali). I am teaching a class in Church Admin and the students have been great. A bit boring here with the constant rain and super poor internet reception; but yesterday we visited an OA settlement in the BOH tea estate nearby. Prospects are good to network with the SIB OA churches here to expand the school. There are about 10 SIB OA churches in this region and the pastor we met was very keen to work with us. I’m trusting God to provide the necessary while I continue to dream big for Him.

A couple of days ago, I was very encouraged to receive an unexpected phone call. The caller wanted to invite me to preach at her daughter’s wedding. She told me that her daughter specially requested for me to preach on her special day. It was such an honor and encouragement to know there’s someone in some church who thinks I’m a good preacher; unfortunately the date was not appropriate. I’m scheduled to be in Medan 1-7 Dec for a preaching circuit in 4 churches to kick-start the Christmas season. And I’m now wandering why 3Dec is such a popular date. So far, I’ve received 4 invites to different events by different groups on this very date.

The BM school is progressing well. The OA pastors pursuing their studies in MBTS have officially transferred to SAM. I’m pretty upset when I received an email from the academic dean with a request to help them correct rumors that the BM dept in MBTS is closing. Upset because they are too sensitive and insecure; upset that they do not know the BM students well. Hanging around with those fellas, I know they always joke, but somebody must have overheard them joking and took it too personally. I’m disappointed that certain insecure individual is still trying to push blame on me for his inability to execute the ministry properly.

We will be meeting with STM personnel early Nov to elaborate on an official MoU. In the meantime, our center in Penang (Bayan Point) will launch its second class, a repeat of the course conducted in Prai earlier this year. If things go well, we will greet 2012 with a center in Prai (mainland) and Bayan Point (island) for SAM Penang; a center in Ringlet, Cameron Highlands and Ipoh for SAM Ipoh. We also hope to begin sending final year students for optional short-term internship practical in Sarawak. Pray for us as we seek to grow this ministry. The church in Malaysia is the responsibility of Malaysian Christians; and we seek to train and raise local ministers to minister to their own people groups. Pray for the Gua Musang center that they will grow strong and stable in their pool of students and teachers.

As of now, I have all registered OA students sponsored for the course fees of their entire programs. 6 students transferred from MBTS have yet to be sponsored. More students are expected for next year, so our SAM Student Adoption program will continue to invite partnership from individuals and churches. I will soon send out updates to all sponsors; just waiting for the final class of the year to close in November.

My study program is still on hold. The director of Graduate School is still looking for a replacement to supervise my dissertation. But I’m glad to know that plan B is he’ll assume that position if no suitable candidate is found.

Ministry Update Sept/Oct 2011

September opened with a week- long class in Ipoh. I was in YMCA the entire week with little entertainment at night after class. Being unfamiliar with Ipoh town, I stayed in my room and spent most of the time browsing the net. That’s when I picked up another addictive game in FB. The class in Penang center was put on hold for the week while I was in Ipoh and it will come to a close early October.

I was in Kinta Valley area 3x in September and will be repeating that frequency this month. I remember bringing the LOGOS Hope team of three into the OA villages middle of September. It was tiring having to interpret for 3 members and running here and there in between so they were able to converse with the locals. But I remembered how they were sharing about how God had financially provided for the Ship. If I remembered it right, it was previously a ship transporting cars and needed euro 500 million to refurbish in 5 years but God’s intervention changed that into USD 28 million in 2 years. I remembered that while I was interpreting that, at the back of my mind I was struggling, questioning God about His providence. I have experienced His providence in small measures here and there in my life but I’m now in the midst of asking for sponsorship for my OA friends. I have great plans for them, I share it with them, and they are just as excited as I am. Still, we hope together for the day when we can carry out these plans which obviously need financing. That day, I was grumbling in my mind before the Lord. Intellectually, I know God provides, but I have not experience it in any significant manner. The next day when I arrived at my office, there was a letter for the church addressed to me. When I opened it, a cheque fell out. When I saw the amount, I was numbed for awhile. After I pulled myself together, I can only cry. And I cried, and I cried…the letter came from someone I heard about in a church in Penang but I’ve never met this person. The letter stated that the Lord had blessed his family and they would like to share the blessing by sponsoring the OA students. Out of curiosity, how much do you think a stranger can give to a ministry they only know from a brochure; to a person they may have heard of but never met? I leave you to ponder the amount. But it was substantial…it made me cry! My OA students are so blessed and I’m so happy.

The last Sunday of September was another “historic” moment. There was a crowd of about 700 gathered in Gopeng Square where the OA church celebrated their 15th Anniversary. Rain poured and guests came from various places. The church leaders were dressed so smartly while the clergy had their official attire on. It was humid, it was pretty uncomfortable as the formalities of the service stretched longer than anticipated. Hunger caused discomfort, especially when some food was already on the table. But it was a memorable evening. Tiring for me, traveling to Gopeng from Penang and returning to Penang after the service and forced to wake up the next morning to a cool, sleepy day to attend the Upper North Clergy meeting. But it was worth it, it really was.

October has several trips to the OA villages: one with a Methodist group and another with an Anglican group. End of October is another class with the Ipoh students who had it planned as a retreat and we will be meeting in Ringlet. Please pray for us; for a time of mutual learning, fellowship, and outreach.

Most importantly, I request prayer for my studies. My thesis supervisor withdrew as he is undergoing some medical treatment. I know God has appointed a candidate to replace him. Please pray that we find this person soon. I hope to complete my studies by next year in line with my plans to start offering advance degree programs for the BM school. Papers make a difference, what to do? That’s how things work…

Again, thank you for your partnership in ministry.

PS: Praise the Lord, I have a new toy…Asus Eee Pad Transformer, a 10.1’ android pad and I no longer need to print sermon note – save the trees! Got a good deal for it, though I was waiting for someone to bless me with one…

Ministry Update Aug/Sept 2011

1Sept2011

September…it is similar with August where my schedule was full even before entering into the month. But I’m thrilled to see how my days are fully utilized for His glory. I just got back from a youth camp in Tanjong Bungah. When I stepped into the dorm, I suddenly wondered to myself why I turned down a speaking engagement at a family camp in Lake Toba…I mean, I could have been putting up in a fancy hotel, overlooking the volcanic lake in the cool of the day but instead, I was forced to patiently wait for each meal while running under the scorching sun beside dirty Penang beaches and waiting in line to use the shower. Well, it was a youth camp…enough said. But I do realize that I will readily accept ministering in English, rather than in Malay (Bahasa Malaysia or Bahasa Indonesia). Perhaps, it is because I find myself not fluent enough to pray efficiently in Malay. Besides, the nature of what I do really requires me to juggle between the two languages.

The Sekolah Alkitab Malaysia (SAM) Penang center has started a class in Bayan Point, apart from the earlier one in Prai. This class sees more Indonesian students and I am caught between Bahasa Malaysia and Bahasa Indonesia…who says the two languages is similar? It’s big enough the difference that I have to be extra cautious of its terms and vocabulary. Nevertheless, this is indeed a learning experience.

Next week 5-9Sept, I have a class in Ipoh. Here, have to revert back to Bahasa Malaysia. After a week-long of classes, there may be a meeting of SAM council in JB which, I’m still contemplating of whether to participate. This is considering my tight schedule. Apart from classes on Monday and Wednesday nights for the 9 sessions class in Bayan Point, with breaks for the long holiday and my Ipoh class insert, there are trips to the OA villages with one just upon my return from Ipoh with the LOGOS team. No, I’ve not visited the ship, and I doubt if I will ever have time for that, what with class preparations, etc. I do not have any preaching engagements in BJAC but have several in other churches in Penang. Good break for me, really…But I must admit that last Sunday, 28Aug was an interesting Sunday where I preached in SIB Georgetown. Yes, there is a SIB church in town and the members are all from Sarawak…well, the church was started by a former student who has graduated and returned to Sarawak. After the service, I proceeded to preach in Christ Church BM Service, where the members are from Sabah…well, the person in charge is from Sabah.

Please pray with me, especially for my studies. I’ve started chapter one of my 80, 000 words dissertation. In fact, I’ve sent the draft of chapter one to my supervisor and awaiting his comments before proceeding further. However, I just found out that he is now undergoing treatment for a re-lapse in his cancer illness. So, I’m now caught – what should I do? My second supervisor is back in the US and busy playing grandfather to his twins grandchildren. Hope he gets back soon to advice me how to proceed. If my second supervisor decides to “take over” the supervision process, it’s going to be a lot easier because he’s based in MBTS while my main supervisor is based in Singapore.

Please pray with me too, for the OA student pastors/leaders of SAM Gua Musang and Ipoh who need financial aid to pursue their basic Christian/theological education. Responses are coming in but not enough to see all through their programs.

Please pray with me for October. It is still too relax and I need to fill it up with activities. Thus far I only have activities in 4 of its 5 weekends besides a week long class in Ipoh at the last week of October.

Once again, thank you for your partnership in ministry…

PHP 1:3 I thank my God every time I remember you. 4 In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.