It was an eventful close to 2013. A family crisis topped all
activities till we welcome the new year. The Christmas festivities was not
felt; in fact it was like a “duty” to oblige as I was carrying the burden that
seemed to grow heavy each day. But I praise God that as we clocked down to the
close of 2013, He graciously led us to unload the heavier part of the burden n
the highest hurdle was crossed.
2014 I believe, will be adventurous for us as the church.
The moment we crossed the threshold to the new year, new challenges came
through the BSM incident. Is a reminder to all of us that we shld never let
down guard.
SAM schedule topped the activities of the year – both the
Penang n Ipoh
centers. Then there’s the MICPE (Malaysian Indigenous Clinical Pastoral
Education) that I’m obligated to participate. Yeah I know…I’m not much of a
“pastor” but is a learning opportunity. It will stretch through about 7 months
with a full day class held fortnightly. I’m still in the midst of editing my
dissertation. After the hiccup last year, I’m on course to complete the
professional doctorate this year n the academic doctorate next year. Everything
shld complete by middle of the year though. And I m targeting that bcoz
ministry activities usually pick up at the second half of the year.
I thank God that financially, SAM is pretty stable now. All
our OA students r sponsored to complete the study program they signed up for. I
m also beginning to impose stricter conditions for sponsorship. Really…I do not
want them to sign up simply bcoz there is financial aid for them. They need to
“own” their own training n be both responsible n accountable. There will be
another 4 diploma graduates this year. 3 of them OA leaders/lay pastors. For
the certificate program, I think there’ll be another 4 also. Plz continue to
pray for us n with us as we progress to make a difference in holistic training
for the OA church.
SB
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.
