Ok, it’s not yet end of the month n I’m sending another
update? Well, I want to dedicate this post to a special friend. The highlight thus
far in this month was the trip to KK. It was much anticipated as I eagerly
waited for this opportunity to meet an old friend from varsity – a
(residential) college mate that I spent 2 precious years with. Hmmm, is amazing
how within that (just) 2 full years living close to a person can carve deep
into our lives. Thanks to technology, to Facebook in particular, we r able to
meet n rekindle the old times.
The last time I met her was, I think, 1991. For the past 20 over
years we know not what has become of each of us, having gone separate ways upon
graduation. Honestly, my heart pounded anxiously as the day drew near to meet
this old friend with whom I spent many wonderful, live-changing days in the
“old” campus of Univ Mal. Hey, even our (residential) college has been
re-named!
I cannot adequately paint that moment but it was like travelling
back in time for a while. There was this familiar figure walking towards me
along the narrow corridor n I found myself staring at her as if it was just
yesterday that we were playing pranks on our other college mates. It was as if
it was just yesterday that we “poke fun” at Pakcik Jalil in the dining hall;
recalling the “quarrels” with MHS; complained how we were “outcasts” among the
Chinese bcoz we speak no mandarin…yes, those were the days. This is a phrase
old people use to describe days gone by. Never thought I’ll reach this moment
in life but I did n here I am – I’ve even lost count of how old I m after I hit
40!
And there she was, walking towards me with a “replica”
beside her. Once again, I was reminded how those 3 years in campus molded me.
Left home for the first time, yet found “home” n discovered myself. Heard my
“calling” for the first time beside Tasik Varsity yet not knowing that was the
voice of God. Just 3 years, like the 3 years of active ministry on earth n
Jesus turned the world right side up. And within that 3 years, my life took a
different turn – gradually but certainly; pursuing a discipline I know nothing
of except that it will “guarantee” (as I wrongly perceived) I would “never” end
up in the teaching profession. Yet, it is this very discipline that forms the
basis for my present major in missiology n mold my (ministry) adventure in the
Christian (theological) education academics.
The biggest joy, however, is knowing that friends from the
past r now Christians n serving fervently. It is a comfort to know we r in the
“same journey;” a journey that will eventually bring us closer bcoz of the seed
planted years ago by a Divine Being who knows this is how it has been planned
for us…all the while; and that our paths crossed for a purpose more divine than
we can ever know. As I penned this, I also think of other (residential) college
mates (at 2nd RC, UM) n course-mates (ANSOS Dept) sharing the same
adventure of Christian ministry n walking with me in this exciting journey
serving a glorious God.
Ok, back to a “more serious” matter. The trip to KK was to
initiate networking efforts with Sabah Theological Seminary (STS). STS, being
more developed in its BM program, is an obvious good network to work with in
developing our school, the Sekolah Alkitab Malaysia. Having officially
recognized as STM’s TEE BM centers in the Northern Region, we r now geared
towards developing its vast potentials in the Peninsular. STM, also realizing
the demand for BM theological education will launch their own “brand” of BM
program in April. We r partnering n networking to share resources. No point to
re-invent the wheel, esp when the objective is similar. Plz pray for us as we
journey this exciting path.
In KK, we also took the opportunity to visit a village
church, approx 4 hours drive away from the city – Kampong Manggis in Pitas,
pastored by a Tembunuo pastor, Biography Tabangka. Exciting trip – dry season,
little water n we went without shower whole day n night! We did hv the
intension to travel to Lahad Datu but were “prevented” by our local friends;
instead we pray for our friends n colleagues serving in the “front line.” Raw
info came from them pastoring churches in the “affected” village n its
surrounding. Yea, I remember emailing prayer request for these pastors n I know
we find their names a bit strange. I also hv a pastor friend with a surname
Silikon (?!)
Plz join me in prayer for these pastors who r faithfully in
“their post” to pastor churches around the “intrusion crisis.” The latest news
I received was that things r returning to normal although everyone is still
very cautious.
Also, plz pray for my proof-reader in Singapore. He’s
taking longer than anticipated due to his busy schedule as a teacher n the
recent demise of his mother. I hope he can complete the proof-reading soon.
Suddenly, time is running out. I hope to submit n complete every requirement by
middle of this year. Graduation is not until Nov but it is usually after June
that ministry activities pick up at a faster pace.
Next week is Holy Week n I take this opportunity to greet
all of u Happy Easter. The Lord has risen! He has risen, indeed…thank you for
your partnership in ministry.
