Miracles – that was what the CG was discussing just now. Our
CG leader concluded that our salvation itself is a miracle. I suppose often we
define miracles as lightning n thunder sort of experience, something that is
drastic n dramatic. Yet, as I ponder on this topic, I see miracles, subtle
miracles in our daily lives each day. And yes, it does increase one’s faith.
Yes, it also strengthens one’s faith.
So I’m at the last lap of a “5-year marathon.” And it is
nothing short of a miracle in itself. I admit feeling anxious, nervous,
excited, overwhelmed n just can’t wait to share my testimony of God’s goodness
n faithfulness. I did not come from a Christian home n my schooling days r
hidden from my church family. You’ve just got to take my word for it as I
honestly revealed that I’ve never been a good student in school – faring
average to below average grades n I still hv my report book as proof. Yet, here
I am – waiting to officially hold that “coveted” paper of the highest academic
achievement. Truly, it is purely n solely by God’s grace. A miracle of sorts.
I began this “marathon” in early 2009 n planned to complete
it within 3 years. Yet, circumstances did not allow that. End of 2009 I left
MBTS n subsequently joined the Anglican DWM in early 2010. In order to qualify
for the DWM study grant, I was requested to delay completion of my study as I
can only apply for the grant after 3 years of service. Then, another delay came
about when my initial supervisor fell sick n returned to the US. Thus, another 9 months put on
hold. Because of these delays I “lost” the privilege to be the sole graduate n
hv to “share” the honor with an IMB missionary who did his study almost
full-time. We’ll be the first PhD batch to graduate from MBTS in partnership
with Southern Seminary in Louieville,
Kentucky for the Missiology
major.
The last 2 weeks were frustrating as I seek out suppliers
for the doctoral graduation robe. The Academic Office in MBTS was no help at
all. Apart from providing pictures of how the robe n hood shld be, I’m on my
own. Importing from US will cost approx. RM1300 without customs tax. So, I’m
hoping to secure a set locally. Thus far, the suppliers I contacted – most r
familiar with UK robes n the
US
robes need to be tailor-made n costing RM1800! Still waiting for several
suppliers n hopeful for a quote within RM1000 for a complete package of robe,
hood, n tam. Is not cheap to graduate!!! There’s still printing n binding of
the dissertation n I hv to make 4 copies of over 300 pages of it!
May ended with an interesting note. I accompanied an
Anglican church to the OA village. Yes, this is something to shout about bcoz
the Anglican church here almost has no sense of missions at all! In my (about)
4 years of service in the Anglican DWM, I tried to instill some “missions
sense” n success is very, very minimal. Thus far, I managed to bring BJAC to
the OA village 2x, another is going for the 2nd time this weekend
(woohoo…), n last weekend was the first time for this small outreach from
Relau. In July, I’m scheduled to bring another Anglican church (in the
mainland) into the village. Looks like things r slowly picking up, huh?!
BJAC also began partnering with HKBP church. They will use
our facility for Batak/Indonesia services every Sunday at 11am. This is the
only Indonesian church in Georgetown
to conduct regular services on Sunday morning. HKBP is Lutheran-based n has the
largest membership in Indonesia.
They r even more conservative than BJAC! Do pray for this young church. This is
their 3rd outreach in Malaysia, after Ulu Tiram in Johore
n Klang in Selangor.
SAM Northern Centers is progressing well. We had a meeting
recently to decide on a standard policy regarding wise use of funds. Is bcoz
our trip to Seremban last April, 2 participants pulled out at the last minute n
we “lost” abt RM250 which was already paid for the travel, accommodation, n
food expenses. In June we hv another trip to Seremban. This time our class will
be in STM campus n the students will hv an opportunity to experience “campus
life” of our “mother school.” Plz pray for us. We r also, slowly but sturdily,
progressing to upgrade our academic performances, ie, computerize assignments n
using standard academic writing format. It will be a challenge for the students,
especially the older ones to learn to use computers. I hv managed to secure
some funds to purchase computers n a printer to be placed in the OA church for
the students. Class is also growing; SAM Ipoh Dip track now has 14 students;
SAM Ipoh Cert track now has 24 students; SAM Penang has 10 students. We r now
expanding our networking with various training (n missions) institutions to
give bigger credibility to the school. I covet ur prayer support to continue in this
challenging yet exciting ministry of vast potential.
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.
