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
No comments:
Post a Comment