Reflecting Missions

MISSIONS, I suppose we generally see it as overseas and foreign. Few will actually be even aware of home missions. To some extent, perhaps it is viewed with a little fear because it brings us to confront unknown changes. Through my years in the full time Christian vocation, I have come to view this discipline with much interest.

I suppose it was in the mid 90s in GBC, when Rev TT Quah and his wife came to sow the seeds of missions in this old Baptist church. I must admit that I was just as curious as everyone else wanting to know and get acquainted to the new cultures and experiences as related to us by Ps Quah. My first participation in a mission trip was to Myanmar in November of 1998. Probably that was when the little missions seed took root. But my focus had always been to study the Word in depth. I proceeded to complete my program in Christian Studies in 2000, then started serving in a local church while continue to study till I earn my degree in Divinity. I wanted to continue pursuing the discipline of education. I strongly feel that the contemporary church lack solid foundation of the truth contained in the Word. In fact, I left pastoring the local church to pursue a graduate program in Christian education. Somewhere along the way, I discovered that this is not a discipline I should pursue. It was at the second module of this program that I was forced to confront a difficult truth. Most of us are taught to complete what we’ve started and I am one of these. I have started this program, so, how can I leave without completing it? As I recalled that long journey in NICE bus from Penang to KL for a week long AGST classes in MBS, Klang in May 2005 I was not at peace at all. I remember trying to find comfort in the song “STILL” which played itself countless times in my head till I reached KL. Eventually, I dropped pursuing the education discipline when I found excitement and joy to pursue missiology. About two years later, I completed my graduate program in missiology. And even now, pursuing it further.

Why has missions captivated me these years? It is something I am still discovering. But one thing I do know is that this is one ministry I am destined to pursue. Each time there is a call for missions, there is always a deep conviction and a sense of awesomeness. It brings untold joy to see fellow Christians responding to the call into this particular ministry. It is a feeling of divine joy that Christians are fulfilling the very core of our faith. It is one authentification of the Christian confession. And I was once again brought into such a place yesterday. Never had I witnessed such eager, such crowd, such conviction as the crowd I witnessed yesterday, responding to the call into missions. I thanked God I had the privilege of such witnessing yesterday. It was in a crowded church full of migrant workers, each offering their worship in simplicity, in complete surrender.

It was an experience I pretty much need for now. With one foot planted in a traditional church while the other foot on board a contemporary church. But the confirmation and assurance I very much needed was this: to know that from whichever platform or organization I’m serving from, the goal/objection is still to bring awareness of missions as the very core of every area of ministry God has entrusted to me.

Ministry Update July 2010

With half the year gone, I found myself doing little thus far. I have to move at the pace of my co-workers for one, and need to consult other partners in the ministry. This has resulted in a slow moving pace for the Bahasa Bible School. Yes, I’m a bit frustrated. Not only with the hierarchical structure but the laid-back culture I’m encountering. I’m not born to relax.

A few things come to mind as I look at the June that was. I’m still impacted by the NECF Seminar where Philip Mantofa made the comment that “being a pastor is not about having a position; it is about having the anointing.” I suppose it struck a deep chord of comfort and assurance within me, especially when I observe “ministers” who seem to care more about securing a fanciful title and position, rather than actually doing the work of ministry. It’s all about the anointing and how true this is. Within my short years of serving in ministry, I’ve come across too many Christian ministers possessing a conduct that is so very “unchristian” to the shame of ministry. I think if God is ever going to visit our nation, He will first have to deal with these “rejects.”

July is pretty relaxing for me, with just one speaking engagement and two out-station trips; one to the PADERI conference in Cameron Highlands in the middle of the month (15-18July), another at the end of the month (31Jul-1Aug) with a weekend trip to the OA villages. August will also see two out-station trips to the Klang Valley at the start and end of the month. September also has 2 out-station trips. With a relaxing July will also mean a good opportunity to kick myself into concentrating on revising my research proposal. It is a minor revision this time and I hope to get it right nicely so I can proceed to the actual field research, something I very look forward to.

Been feeling lazy these days. I think it has a lot to do with the gloomy weather. I mean, the cooling rain is so welcoming after a super hot season. But the unpredictable weather also causes me to laze indoor rather than to be outdoor. These days, I find myself buying all the needed food for the day on my way to the office and stay put in the office till time to go home. And with 6 comfortable beds within easy reach, I often opted for a 30 minutes siesta during lunch hour!