Ministry Update Apr/May 2014

What?! We hv completed the first quarter of 2014??? That was my reaction when I began writing a (late) update last month. The feeling was like meeting red lights at every traffic lights at a time when u r late for an appointment. My graduation was delayed last year n now I’m not sure if I can meet all requirements to graduate this year. I hold myself accountable to the (Anglican) diocese, my OA friends, n all of u who r my ministry partners. And y m I so anxious abt completing my studies? Bcoz I hold a strong conviction that God is sending a revival to Malaysia thru our OA friends n I want to “prepare the fields” n be ready when the harvest comes in. But y I need to do this when our OA friends r only (academically) at the certificate n diploma levels? Bcoz I do not know who will come in among the harvest – it cld very well be intellectuals n me as part of the (OA/BM) church need to be ready to minister to their needs.

I was anxious, worried, n downcast – can I meet the deadline? But Easter taught/remind me a forgotten truth – forgotten bcoz I allowed the flesh to reason. Isn’t this God’s work? Isn’t this His will for me? Isn’t this God’s calling upon my life? My role is to simply be faithful n do my best – n leave the rest to God. Easter re-affirmed me n my week-long stay in MEC re-re-affirmed God’s calling upon my life. I was teaching “Youth Ministry from the Missiological Perspective” thru (night) modular classes. This allowed me time to “work” away from (the Penang) office in the day time. Though I’m used to the schedule to work till midnight, I cannot afford to sleep late as frenz asked to host me for breakfast n at 5.30am, the school rings a (super loud) bell calling students to morning devotion.

It was historic – the management told me it was the very first time that the college had a registration of 50 students in a class. N I told them it was historic for me to teach in a class of 50 students! I was thrilled to know how my friends r doing here in Sarawak. One has become the principal of the Bible college (n I had the privilege to attend his welcoming dinner), the other the newly appointed vice-president of SIB council of Sarawak, n another applying for his DMin in a prestigious seminary in Malang, Indonesia. I really felt so, extremely happy that these friends (students) r impacting the next generation of Christians. In a sense, I felt (so) “proud” of them!

I had so much fun teaching the class – ranges from youth to seniors! Those in youth ministry n those “advising” youth leaders. Students attend class for audit n credit at diploma, bachelor, n master programs. With the little I can offer, they taught me so much more in return – both in n out-side of the classroom. I can say I was totally immersed in the Orang Ulu cluster (LumBawang, Kayan, Kenyah, Kelabit, n many in-betweens). Even met a Penan student. I’m already looking forward to my next trip! Class presentations saw the creative juice flowing with one team rapping a Bible lesson, another thru a skit, two teams came up with reciting poems with background media, while one fiery youth pastor got the class chanting enthusiastically…fantastic! Even had a double blessing of Magnum Gold…and endless treat of local culture, food, n hospitality.

I thank God I had this opportunity. Though planned since late last year, the timing was somehow precisely at a time I needed a “re-boot.” I was having dinner with 2 students – a Chinese local n a Kelabit lady. As we chatted along, this Kelabit lady was describing the few “outsiders” whom they embraced into their community. She was talking n describing that this person gets along very well with the natives, then turned to me n said, “just like you.” Wow! It was a defining moment for me. Here I m with the little I can offer to God n found my “place” in God’s plan for the “natives” of this land. It affirmed my calling n encouraged me tremendously. I was even ready to accept the offer to serve full-time in Miri!

I thank God I was spiritually revived – a class of students from various indigenous people groups who taught me so much, radiate with so fiery a spiritual enthusiasm, hospitality so superb it made me almost embarrassed. And now back in Penang – I believed it was a week I needed to re-boot (spiritually). And yes, my netbook was “sick” n needed a real re-boot too. I hv to send it for repairs/servicing. Still hoping someone can offer to sponsor me an ultrabook (he,he,he…)

Everyone, thanks for ur partnership in ministry

SB

Ministry Update Mar/Apr 2014

We hv completed the first quarter of the year. The months r completing so fast I forgot it’s time to update my prayer partners on my ministry progress.

SAM progress: The diploma class in Ipoh will hold its second class next week. There’s no new intake for this year but we hv 4 prospective graduates. The certificate class in Ipoh is still in the “wilderness” as I’ve yet to hear any progress from my colleague regarding my proposal for her to amend the course schedule to enable prospective graduates to complete all compulsory courses. In Penang, the first class (of the year) is on-going as the teacher is only available to teach on Mondays, therefore class is held only once a week which will stretch all the way to early May.

Plz pray for my one-week class in Malaysian Evangelical College (MEC), scheduled after Easter. This is a SIB Bible School in Miri. I’ll be teaching on Youth Ministry from the Missiological Perspective. I’m still not sure whether the class will be in English or in BM. The main medium in this college is English though they do hv BM classes. But for this class, which will be opened to public (churches), we will hv to consider the majority of registered students. So, the class material is in English but the class may be in BM. Plz pray for me – this is the first time for such a “confusing” state of languages used in a class.

OA ministry: Last weekend the AIMC team went to Sg Poh n Kepayang; the men stayed in Sg Poh to help build/repair drainage beside the church while the ladies climbed a 35mins hike to Kepayang to minister to the church there. At the last minute, we were told the ppl in Kepayang cannot receive us bcoz many villagers were sick – down with fever. However, we simplified our visit by just giving gifts to the children n pray for the sick adults.

My studies: Hope can (finally) graduate this year. It’s been a big adjustment as I do not know my (new) supervisor n do not know what to expect. But we r progressing ok, I suppose. Plz pray for me. I really feel that I owe it to all my students, supporters/sponsor, n ministry partners to complete my studies this year. The next degree can come later I suppose. This completion is way, way over due.

The MI-CPE program is progressing ok. My team consists of 4 other participants n we learn from each other. It’s been good fellowship at each session, thus far, though is pretty tiring – whole day session.

My nephew: Had started home schooling in Kajang. He’s a bit slow n started at a lower level than others his age but is good that he can progress at his own pace. Plz continue to pray for the staff in OneWay Home to minister to him.

Once again, thank you for your partnership in ministry.

SB

4Apr14