Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Ministry Update Feb/Mar 2013



Can’t wait to share an interesting “discovery.” There r wild boars in Penang!!! N they r found very near to my office! They’d come “out” from the “wilderness” when it is dark, roaming among the tombs in Mount Erskine Cemetery grounds. So many of them…n in all sizes!!!

My love language is word of encouragement n I’d like to take this opportunity to thank those of u who take time to reply to my monthly updates with ur words of encouragement. Though it may be a little gesture, it encouraged me a lot. Thanks again. Also, thanks for liking n comment my FB wall postings with ur encouragements. It really helped to remind me that I’m not alone in ministry.

Well, someone “aeroplaned” me shortly before CNY n I hv to squeeze 2-3 months preparation into 2 ½ weeks to take over a class in Theology. Theology is my “weak” subject bcoz I can’t remember what I studied in Theology classes in the Seminary, except that after each class, I find myself more confused abt Christian doctrines. So, it’s a real challenge to prepare n to teach a theology class. Strange…I did pray n ask God for more challenges in ministry; lesson – God answers prayer, need to be more careful in prayer (:P)  

The class is progressing well. God indeed is at work as we elaborate n question our doubts over doctrinal issues. But the one thing I really want to bring across to the students is the challenge to self-theologize as we progress towards a mature church in Malaysia.

Next week, I’ll be traveling to KK to attend a meeting in Sabah Theological Seminary (STS) to elaborate on SAM-STS networking n sharing of resources. Plz pray for us. I’ll be traveling with 2 other OA colleagues. We’ll also visit a village (Baptist) church currently pastored by a former student n minister in Protestant Church of Sabah. Another interesting item in this trip is a personal item – I’ll be meeting an old friend from varsity days, someone I’ve not met for over 20 years! I m excited; we were collegians (of Second Residential College, also known as Asrama Menara Budi, then). We’ll be staying a night at her place b4 ministering at her church, the PCS, which I was told has a congregation of Rungus people group except my friend, a Kelantanese girl who “married into the Rungus family.”

The third batch of Academy S.O.S. (Sahabat Orang Sakit) will arrive soon. The graduation of the second batch was held full of formality where I was requested to put on my academic gown (?!) Anyway, this third batch has 8 participants, the largest thus far.

SAM Penang class is put on hold for this week as I teach the class in Theology here in Ipoh n will pause again after Monday’s class as I prepare for our trip to KK. Plz pray for us as we consider another center in Prai. SAM Penang has 2 new intake this year. SAM Ipoh certificate track has 5 new intakes this year while the diploma track has 3 new students. We hv 4 students scheduled to graduate end of this year but there r some hiccup to administrative requirements. Previously SAM was not administered properly n student transcripts were not recorded. So, now STM is requesting student transcripts of basic courses completed at certificate level n we r tasked to search lacking records. Plz pray for us. Also, we hope to soon acquire the “license” to offer programs at the bachelor level. Our team of teachers hv the basic requirements for this, so it is a matter of time for the endorsement. Plz pray for more sponsorship to sponsor the new students. Will greatly appreciate your partnership in spreading the need to the Christian community you are associated with. Thanks.

Holy Week n Easter is just around the corner. The “traditional” churches r in high gear to “celebrate” this important church event. Since I’m “associated” with the “traditional” church I’m inevitably “roped” into it. For the first time, I’ll be sharing a short devotion in a (super n) hyper-high church on Good Friday at its mid-day devotion on the 7 last words of Christ. Though I had participated in such devotion services before (12noon-3pm) but it was never in a hyper-high church (high in tradition). I’m not sure if I can “restrict” my sharing; I’ll probably stand out like a sore thumb with a contemporary approach n risk a heart attack for the pastor who went for a by-pass last year (!?) Plz pray for me. Also, another interesting item is the opportunity to serve as an interpreter (English to BM) in AIMC for a distinguished speaker who is the main speaker for an exciting intercessory seminar which unfortunately, I’m not able to participate – due to the Holy Week engagements.

Once again, I thank you for ur 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.

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