Ministry Update October 2009

It has been a time of waiting and as a norm for many urbanites, it is also a very trying season. Because we are simply impatient creatures. So, this is my situation right now. Yet, prospects are promising. There had been both positive and negative responses to the new work I am initiating with a team of OA pastors. And right now is to know when to do what at the right “kairos” moment. Sounds exciting? Well, it is also pretty “fearful” for me as I need to know how and when to walk on the delicate steps of uncharted waters. I am happy for the many brothers and sisters that the Lord had bought into my path to offer input and partnership. The Malay proverbial saying is true; tak kenal maka tak cinta. Because unless one truly love and is burdened for the OA community, every effort will only be a possible failure. But if you are burdened, then every effort is a possibility to success. I know many good-intentioned advices that served as a precaution, yet, the truth is still this: ministry requires risks. If we dare not take the risk, we exhibit our lack of trust in the God who called us.

Last week was a week of class with 8 students ministering to the OA community. Some of them are based in the interior while some in the big cities. When I was preparing the course, cross-cultural ministry, I was a bit skeptical on how relevant the course is to the students. But after a whole week, I can confidently conclude that it is. Bringing it against the background context of our nation, the course was designed for every minister to go beyond racial lines and the understanding of cultures for an effective ministry is important. A lot was exchanged in the classroom. Knowledge, culture, understanding, dreams, prospects, etc. Also discussed was the forbidden hushed-hushed topic of church governance and politics. Well, I did say there was an exchange of many sorts! But this is relevant to me as I liaise with the various church/denominations to consolidate efforts in ministry to the OA community around the Cameron Highlands region.

There are not much activities planned in October. I’ve been asked to sit in a class my dissertation supervisor will be teaching in late October. Apart from that is grading of papers and planning for PLK. Also a lot of prayers to discern the next steps. I am a bit sad recently when I heard of some brewing problems in a local church. Sadder still to know that there is a possibility that the whole congregation may dissolve. Well, God has His ways to churn out faithful disciples. Often, we cannot comprehend it.

I have two preaching engagements in November (in a Methodist church and in a Lutheran church) besides a weekend class at PLK in Gopeng. Funny, as I observe. I am indeed moving mainly in the traditional church circles! Then December will approach before we prepare to bid farewell to 2009. Join me in prayer as we partner each other to be effective in what we do to honor God in Malaysia. Once again, I thank you for your partnership in ministry.