Ministry Update May/June 2013

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 2^nd 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 3^rd 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.