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.
