February arrived swiftly enough but I have no complaints. I’m too eager to get started on active ministry. And February kick-started it with a meeting with OA church leaders in Gopeng. It was a fruitful meeting but still requires follow-up with other denominational reps. I have been to Gopeng several times and traveling there is no problem as I am familiar with the route. But I have planned visits to friends in Ipoh and Taiping. For the first time, I was driving alone along unfamiliar roads with nothing but a GPS to take me to my destinations. I do admit that I was both anxious and nervous. Just how much can I trust the GPS anyway? Besides, what if I suddenly lost satellite signal? But it was an experience epitomizing my spiritual journey right now.
I do not consider myself a spiritual giant. Instead, I lack so much faith to attempt what the Lord impressed upon my heart. So, this step of faith that I’ve taken to walk on uncharted waters, into a ministry of vast potential and huge challenges, I’m not hiding the fact that I’m entering it with much fear and trembling. And I have nothing except the voice of God to take me to its destinations. I have nothing except the prompting of God’s Holy Spirit to direct me at each step.
Sometimes I still wonder if I’ve made the right decision. After all, uncertainties are still lurking in the corners. I wanted so much to take the offer to serve as missions pastor with a vibrant church. I mean, I’ve been with the traditional church for so long. But ministry is not about what I want, it’s about what He wants. And considering the ministry, I took the option to serve from the platform of a traditional church. In fact, the three main traditional denominations form the largest group of the OA community I’m serving. It’s only logical to start a training ministry along the established groups.
February is a month of festivities. I mean, hey, CNY mood is in the air. My mom had put up CNY deco everywhere in the house. The shopping malls and streets are exhaling festivities into the atmosphere. People are slowing down as they gear towards CNY. Later this week will see a lot of travels and for a whole next week, CNY theme will dominate almost every aspect of our lifestyle.
For me, I only have a full calendar for the first and last week of February. The two weeks in between is CNY. I submitted my revised research proposal last week. It will take some time before my supervisor return it for further revision. In the meantime, I can indulge in Facebook (again). Pray for me as I juggle with several hats: the training ministry among the OA, pastoral ministry in BJAC, PhD student. But these are roles I very much look forward to with much excitement and anticipation. For most of you who know me well enough, my strength is in teaching and not pastoral. So, it’s going to be quite a challenge to pull off the pastoral aspect of my portfolio. Do remember me in prayer and thank you for your partnership in ministry. A very Kong Xi Fa Cai to all of you and God’s richest blessings for a prosperous new year.
PS:
Robert & Ruth: thanks for a wonderful time in Ipoh. More so for your fellowship, friendship, and partnership in ministry. I do believe the Lord is preparing you both for a greater purpose
Lynette: thanks for being a wonderful friend all these years; especially those times in 2nd RC, UM “harassing” me to attend church. At a time when I was prompted to stray, the Lord brought you to make sure I stay true to Him so that He can make me who I am for such a time as now to fulfill His purpose
PHP 1:3 I thank my God every time I remember you.
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