Ministry Update: Year End 2014

She walked into the room with a walker, wobbly n unstable. She was 99 years old. Slowly, she helped herself to the nearest chair at the nearest table. Later, I saw her holding a big mug walking wobbly back to her chair. I rushed to her, asking if I could offer any help. “No,” she answered, “I can manage,” sporting a wide grin that seemed to speak her mind that said, “kid, life had been good – I m living to the fullest!” For the first time, I was glad that the blind congregants in BJAC were excited at the prospect of bringing Christmas out from the church confine into a community that we can extend a blessing. When I suggested to them to visit this home for retired Catholic nuns, everyone was excited. Someone said, “wow, I’m sure that’s much we can learn from these who had served God all their lives!” It was meant to be a visit where we serve the nuns who had been serving all their lives – it ended up that they complemented our serving by serving us! Many times I told the nuns, “Sister, please go back to your seat. Let us serve you today.” One of them leaned forward to me n said in a low whisper, “but I’m not yet 80!” And I was thinking, “What? You need to be 80 to be served? My mother should hear this!” It was a wonderful visit.

Every visit to a senior’s home, I leave with the thought – please don’t let me live so long and ended up like them. However, this visit was different. I left with this thought – do I hv the privilege to arrive at where they are? At 93, one nun shared of her joy in serving God, watching the children she cared grew up, got married, have families of their own with children n grand-children. There was joy – despite the apparent lack of material items – there was true joy. This is a community of Godly servants in their twilight years n still bearing the joy that the Light shone n still shines through each one of them. I hope that as you read this, you will share my burden to bring regular blessings to this community – they are little known n quietly tucked in a small corner in Balik Pulau, just a short walk away from the busy laksa stall. And I believe many of us are also “products” of this mission – the Infant Jesus mission (convent schools, la!).

SAM (Northern Centers) reports are sent n I hv till end of the year before beginning a busy schedule to kick-start the “new” year. Yes, I m eagerly anticipating greater things that God will do in our midst. SAM Penang is moving to Prai; SAM Ipoh will begin offering MMin program in partnership with MEC. I’m excited at the prospects of this ministry. The pool of partners is still small n I invite you to come aboard.

A partner suddenly discovered his schedule is too tight n not able to teach a class next year which means I hv an additional load to prepare another course material. And why do I hv to be so ambitious as to partner with another seminary to offer a master program? It only add heavier load on the already small pool of partners in this ministry. Well, the OA ministry is progressing so fast that we as the church in Malaysia cannot possibly sit back n watch their stunted growth. The other language congregations hv advanced to produce doctoral scholars but our (peninsula) OA congregations hv yet to produce even one master graduate. Ok, I admit I’m a bit selfish too bcoz I aim to retire from this ministry n move elsewhere after the OA church can raise their first doctoral scholar. Yet, I’m uncertain if the Lord will grant me this privilege. I’m only a servant, ba…But I’m thrilled to observe how God open opportunities for SAM to develop (in partnership) the BM theological education in Malaysia. Now partnering STM for certificate n diploma and partnering MEC for a master program, SAM is achieving (n maintaining) a standard acceptable to both accreditation bodies (ATESEA n ATA) in Asia. I hv always stressed to my OA friends that we shld not offer any training programs that end with an award of a paper only good to wrap kacang putih. It shld be a paper that represent recognized n accredited training.

Looks like I’m not able to complete my studies by this year. Someone decided to take a break n it’s not me. Anyway, it’s final touches n by the Lord’s grace I will complete it early next year. After all, He determines the times n the seasons n make all things beautiful in its own time. I’m exploring n preparing for the next step n believe that if God so plans to take me further (academically) events will unfold favorable. So, right now, I’m preparing to sit for MAT which is a requirement for admission in a graduate program in US. (Will greatly appreciate advises from anyone of you who have experience sitting for this – the Miller Analogies Test). The final “decision” will be whether I m granted full scholarship, without which I cannot proceed. If God leads me there, He will have to provide every need, sufficiently.

January: a trip to historic Malacca for an orientation abt WEC n hopefully learn where/how I can contribute to this ministry; n a visit to the jungles with an American family. It’s strange how God knits things together. In exploring options/requirements for study in US, I went to MACEE for advice n met the coordinator who had been longing to visit the indigenous community since coming to Malaysia.

Will greatly appreciate your continuous prayers n partnership. I realized this ministry places me in the “high risk” group as BM is the medium of instruction/conversation with the indigenous community. Then again, we are living in dangerous yet exciting times in Malaysia! Air travel that supposedly is the safest form of travel is apparently not so if it is associated to Malaysia. We need prayers more than ever before for a country that is experiencing one disaster after another with practically no chance to get up on its feet. The blows just come one after another as if to totally knock us out completely…

A very Merry Christmas n blessed New Year to all of you…I’m not sure how 2014 had been for you. Someone may hv offended you n u were upset; well, I learnt this from a wise pastor – certain battles r not worth the fight. Let it go – as how Demi Lovato sang for Frozen theme, let it go…Someone may hv blessed you n u r extremely grateful, pass it on. As the old chorus sang, “I’ll shout it from the mountaintop, the Lord of love has come to me and I want to pass it on…” There probably are some ups n some downs but we can be assured this – God makes all things beautiful in its own time (Ecc 3:11)

Ministry Update Nov n Dec 14

I walked towards a computer accessory shop and saw two customers there talking to one of the shop-keepers. As I entered the shop, one of the customers turned to look at me. Well, that was a familiar face. To break the uncomfortable stare, I asked her, “Fettes Park?” and she replied, “yes, and you are from GBC!” Well, it looks like we are known by our “church labels.” I was thinking about this incident in the evening while sitting in the car waiting for the traffic lights to turn green so I can turn into Island Glades. Suddenly, I realized the car in front of me. It was a Toyota LE bearing the registration plate PBB 2027. That was familiar…it was my first car! I was so tempted to run out n thank the present driver for taking good care of my “first car” but decided against it. I think the driver would be shocked that this cranky person came to approach him while queue-ing for the traffic lights to turn green.

I appreciate my old car – my first car – which faithfully served me. It taught me proper “car-care” bcoz of the need to ensure it is always in good condition. (Old car needs more care) Lessons are learnt in each n every situation – sometimes positive but sometimes negative – nevertheless, there is always a learning opportunity. Not too long ago, I was in Ipoh for the Malam SAM event. Since we ceased partnership with MBS which only licensed us to conduct certificate programs, SAM has been in partnership with STM to offer both certificate n diploma programs. Students who completed program requirements participate in the full convocation service in STM campus in Seremban. To me, that was the highlight of achievement – to wear graduation gown n receiving formal recognition for achieving an accredited academic award. So, I never quite understand the need to hv another ceremony, a smaller n exclusive one, solely to “honor” SAM graduates. But soon, I discovered why it was held. It was a time for the local church to appreciate the students’ efforts by giving them a token gift. Though it was a simple ceremony with not much formality, it was a night to exhibit appreciation and affirmation by the local church to the graduated students. A simple gesture, no doubt, but it nevertheless affirms the partnership of the local church with each n every student in their quest of being equipped to be effective ministers of the Gospel. Is a lesson learnt – for me. And today, the “label” of SAM student is slowly gaining respect. In one of the SAM classes, one student shared how “outsiders” now – upon knowing they r SAM students pursuing theological training – will “tabik” (or showing respect, la…) them!

Year end reports r piling, but I’m attending to everyone of it. The frustrating part is waiting for data from my OA colleagues. Also, I’m waiting for our Sarawak partner to confirm details of MEC-SAM partnership. Hv sent the email 3x but for whatever reason, it got lost while traveling across the ocean n Sarawak did not receive the mail. Maybe there’s some spiritual warfare involved here! I’m still working on the final phases of refining my dissertation. Hope to complete the necessary before the year ends. What happens next? I’m praying n seeking the Lord’s direction as I explore options in both England n the US. Will greatly appreciate ur partnership in prayer n discernment.

December: there will be a day trip to visit an OA village. Then, the rest r Christmas events. It surprised me – no – it shocked me when an OA colleague recently shared with me the progress of the OA village work. When I joint the Anglican church, there were 5 village churches in Gopeng n 4 in Simpang Pulai. Today, abt 4 years later, there are 5 new outreaches. I don’t know how vast the outreach in Gua Musang (Kelantan) has grown among the Temiar. All these under the leadership of Gereja Shalom, Gopeng. The Kampar OA work, headed by St Peter’s BM church, which was just starting when I heard abt it some 4 years ago, today has 9 service centers!

I invite all of u to join me in this ministry. God is moving mightily in the indigenous community. Join us in this exciting work for such a time as now n join God in His blessings for Malaysia.

   ^{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.

SB

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Ministry Update Oct n Nov 14

October had been pretty eventful. The highlight of it was the graduation of eight SAM students in STM campus in Seremban – 6 OA, 1 Indonesian PR, 1 local Chinese – all in the BM/OA ministry. The excitement of the weekend trip to Seremban for me was meeting a collegian from UM – after 23 years! 4 certificate graduates will continue to pursue their diploma while 2 diploma graduates will continue with their undergraduate studies in STM. With this, I renew my fund-raising effort for the 4 new diploma students. In the meantime, I thank God for 2 angels whom God impressed to partner us through their willingness to sponsor our 2 OA friends through their BTh program.

The author of Ecclesiastes was right to conclude that God makes all things beautiful in its own time. All events in life will unfold to fulfill His purpose within its ordained season. I recalled myself as task/action oriented n this is a “habit” difficult to overcome. I still find myself unable n to a certain extent, unwilling “to let go n let God” take charge of all things. I landed in the land of hornbills with one sole mission – to finalize the SAM-MEC partnership. I tried very hard to keep calm n comply to the “local culture” of “sealing the deal over teh tarik” approach. I only know I’m meeting the Vice President of SIB Sarawak on Tues to discuss abt the partnership but I do not know what time I shld meet him. Bcoz Airasia only fly once a day on odd days direct to Miri, I travelled on Mon n returned on Wed. As I reached MEC campus, my first reaction was to see the Principal n politely but eager asked, …so when m I meeting the VP? The same answer…the next day, maybe morning after breakfast. “But let’s hv dinner tonight…” After dinner, “let’s meet for breakfast the next morning, then I’ll send u to the Pusat.” The next morning I had breakfast with the Principal n we returned to campus and he showed me to the Pusat. Everyone (in the SIB HQ) was having their daily devotion then, so I waited in the lobby n browse through some magazines. It was abt 20mins later a team emerged n the VP invited me to breakfast. “But I’ve had breakfast.” The answer was, “But I hv not…come let’s go breakfast.” So, breakfast round two. We reached a nearby coffee shop at abt 9am n shortly later a lay leader came to join us n talked endlessly till abt 11.30am. My heart was pounding as I kept looking at the wall clock. It’s almost noon n I’ve not gotten “down to business” – the very purpose of my trip! It was noon when we returned to campus. Then, finally we “got down to serious business.” The VP looked through the draft MoU, asked one question n said, “ok, let’s go ahead with this partnership.” “Ah…would u like to know anything further?” “No need la…we know u well enough.” So, I spent almost RM300 for my flight tickets n abt 3 days to attend a meeting that lasted approx 15mins! What did I learn? It was an expensive lesson no doubt but it drilled into me the importance of relationship. So, it’s now on…the SAM-MEC partnership to offer Master in Ministry program to interested students in the Peninsular in BM medium.

Though it was a brief trip to Miri, it was a very fruitful trip in terms of “work” n fellowship. I realized one drastic difference between the Semai n the Orang Ulu. I visit Semai villages so often but can never recall a single incident where a Semai pastor specifically brings his wife to meet me. Somehow, they just “assumed” I know who their wife is. Tuesday night was the SIB (Miri) district pre-Christmas dinner for all pastors. (Somehow I seemed to come to Miri at all the “right” time – the last time was the welcoming dinner for the new principal) So, there was big makan n I met two pastor friends I met once upon a time. Both immediately bring their wives to meet me!

The rest of November will be pretty mundane. One trip to Ipoh towards the end of the month for SAM Day to promote its ministry; n for me to meet with “key” players to formalize n finalize next year’s schedule. Plz join me to pray for this ministry. Oh yes, another additional task for me as I take a new step in a missions organization – WEC, the Worldwide Evangelization for Christ, founded by the famous CT Studd. I wonder if I can soon be a WECer (whacker)!?!

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A Flashback: UM

It was those days when I cautiously ventured out from my coconut shell home of Penang and headed for the “big world.” My destination: Universiti Malaya. My excuse: tertiary education. That was my ticket to “merdeka” from watchful parental restrictions. Orientation week itself was significant. It was called the “Minggu Haluan Siswa.” My “socially-challenged” personality was suddenly thrust into a community that was to be my “family” for the next three years. Different cultures, family background, and social upbringing were all grouped together in the Second Residential College which was also known as Asrama Menara Budi, which carried the theme of religious spirituality. This College was my “home away from home” for three years during which I forged many great friendships from fellow collegians of different ethnic groups, religion, and social background.

Orientation week: we had activities till past midnight and forced to wake up at 5am; we sang “patriotic” songs as we prepared to compete with other residential colleges in the inter-college games; we explore facilities on campus; discover our faculty and register for courses we (I) had little knowledge of. On one night event for us “freshies” there was a special guest speaker. Everyone in the hall was tired but we were told it was so difficult to engage this individual that it was our privilege that he could come to address us as we began our academic journey in Malaysia’s premier university. Besides, he was an alumnus; an alumni the varsity was so proud of.

We made our way to Dewan Tunku Chanselor, affectionately known as DTC (Dewan Tak Cat). The hall was packed – not only with freshies but with seniors and officials wanting a glimpse of this important person and to hear what he had to say. It was not a long wait. Perhaps, our super-packed schedule made us all extremely tired. Many took the opportunity to nap in the midst of chatterings. Then the announcement came. The VIP had arrived. Everyone was excited. There he was as he walked to the stage and took the mike. I cannot remember what he said that night but the gist of it was he recalled his own varsity years as he looked at us, first year students – he told us how he took part in a student demonstration against the government. But was impressed me was this: there he stood as the Minister of Education in the government and told us to remove all protocol and address him as Saudara Anwar. That impressed me – just call this “big shot” brother!

Fast forward to 2014. Many events occurred in between from those varsity days. Complains are endless about how our local varsity produced graduates who possess no employability qualities. Political landscape had also changed so much. Some of my professors are now active in politics – Zainal Kling, Syed Husin Ali. Some professors who impressed my young mind now raised questionable credibility – Khoo Kay Khim – whose office was like an over-sized ash-tray, impressed me that studying history should come from the heart, but today this authority of Malaysian history can support a “change in history.”

And what has become of that “special guest” who spoke to the first year undergraduates in Dewan Tak Cat that night during orientation week? News abound everyday about this man. He still commands the attention of young people despite his age. He became the catalyst to a reformation that has come, a reformation building up in its waves of influence along the years. Leaders are people who come and go. But it is a vision imparted that will impress and carried to its fulfillment. Years or generations may past but vision or dream will stay alive till its fulfillment.

I can never be as proud of UM students as now to read in the news about the passion they possess to fan the fire of reformation to change this nation and to bring this generation to a higher plane.

I am a UM graduate!

Ministry Update Oct/Nov 2014

A familiar face walked towards me n smiled. Calling my name, she looked thrilled to meet me. But who was she anyway? Was she from the Methodist Church? The Lutheran Church? The Baptist Church? Where hv I seen that familiar face? “Swee Bee, u can’t recognize me? We were in school together” Ooohhh….So, that’s y she looks familiar! I had to ask myself if I’ve been too “caught up with church” n failed to consider things outside the church. After all, the church is only effective outside the church.

This brings me back to another issue I’ve been praying about. I hv missed the deadline to graduate this year. However, I may likely complete the necessary before the end of the year. Somehow, the “formality of convocation” no longer appears attractive. So, I’m praying for my next step. Where to pursue further training? All the while my intension is to develop skills in practical research. In my capacity dealing with theological institutions, I hv discovered there is no authority in research in Malaysian church context. Two options I hv – pursue the research discipline overseas or pursue research out of the church context. Plz pray with me. While we hv loads of theologians n Bible scholars that r capable of arm-chair research, we r lacking, extreme lacking in practical field research, especially in cultural n comparative contexts. Yet, if we look around us, Malaysia is the melting pot of cultures. The church needs to develop in this area. As it is, different ethnic groups within the church r finding it hard to understand each other!

Later in this month, I’ll be teaching a class on the topic of Animism in Ipoh for the SAM Ipoh, diploma module. Following that, a group of us will travel to Seremban to attend the STM convocation service. We hv 4 certificate graduates n 4 diploma graduates this year. In the meantime, plz pray for SAM as we pursue a formal partnership with MEC in Miri to offer a master program. This effort is initiated for 2 reasons. (1) STM is not ready to offer master programs in BM n our bishop is not abt to wait (for what seems like forever); (2) to reduce cost/time while enable our peninsular BM ministers pursue further (vertical) training. Pray with us as we begin planning next year’s course schedule. It’s going to be a bit tricky as we r attempting (1) combine classes – certificate/diploma n possibly diploma/master; (2) apply the orality approaches into all the teaching/learning experience. This will take a longer period to be fully implemented as I believe both teachers n students will need time adjusting to this “fairly new” methodology, after being “brain-washed” to use printed western material.

There may be a likely trip to the villages end of the month. I’m still waiting confirmation from the team. It’s buah perah season, so, I’ll hv the opportunity to bring back to the city this unique jungle nut. Most weekends in November r filled with activities with a SAM Day in the calendar. This event is planned for SAM Ipoh. In Penang, class will resume end of Oct with the study of Genesis (Pt 1) by a Korean missionary couple.

Once again, thank you for your partnership in ministry.

Ministry Update Aug/Sept 2014

It was just another status update in the FB but I don’t know why it caused a stir in my heart. A friend serving with a missions organization wrote abt his re-location from his base in HK to Uganda (I think – or some African nation). I paused awhile trying to understand this stirring n suddenly realized it was envy. Why? I wonder. Could it be that I m now ready to move beyond Malaysia to serve God in a larger context? I remember my previous “attempts” to serve in foreign soil. I was still in MBTS n explored 2 options: one was Manado in Northern Sulawesi n the other in Argentina (I think) in South America. Both did not work out. Perhaps, the timing was not right. After the “heart-stirring incident” I began praying to seek God for the right timing n to the right location – beyond Penang, beyond Malaysia – as the Lord so ordains, I m ready.

I’m still in the final touches to complete my dissertation. Hopefully I can re-submit the revised version before deadline – 1^st week Sept., then my next ministry update will include inviting all of u to my graduation. I m also seeking the Lord to lead me to the next phase of my studies. It will be to seek the right seminary to pursue an academic doctorate. Plz pray together with me. The person I was raised made me independent n it took me a long time to “transfer” trust in myself to trusting in the Lord. However, events occurring in ministry hv taught me to trust God more n more. Therefore, I m trusting God to provide all the necessary, even as I dream big – for the ministry I m entrusted n for myself as a vessel in that.

I m in Ipoh now. Attended a diocesan retreat earlier in the week n stayed on to another diocesan function tmr (30Aug) before returning Penang. Tmr is the Clinical Pastoral Education graduation service n I m obligated to attend as I am one of the “graduates.” But I look forward to “celebrating” merdeka service in Penang on Sunday in church.

September has no busy schedule but I hope to complete all requirements for my studies. The Penang SAM class is supposed to commence in late Aug/early Sept but I’m too tight up to offer this class. Looks like I’ll need to cancel it n wait for the next scheduled class in mid-Oct. The OA church anniversary is on the last Sun. of Sept. n I m planning to attend. Staying too long in Penang is pretty boring – so, I’m making this trip, though it’s just an “over a short weekend” thingy. Oct: besides coordinating the class scheduled for SAM Penang in the study of the book of Genesis by a Korean couple, I m teaching Animism to the SAM Ipoh class. Following the class is a trip to Seremban as we hv as many as 8 graduates, ready to graduate in STM (4 certificate n 4 diploma in Christian Ministry). Beyond Oct., everything is slowing down leading towards Christmas preparations.

Once again I thank you for ur partnership in ministry

SB (29082014)