Ministry Update May/June 2015

The month ended in a depressing note. A colleague was admitted to the hospital bcoz of some blood disorder n later discovered it was leukemia. After the 7-day chemo she was receiving, there was an emergency where she was admitted to the ICU n later went into a coma n shortly later, passed away. All within 2 weeks! I vented out my anger at God, unable to understand how these could happen. It also got me thinking if I m prepared to meet God. Hv I done all I could with all He gave me? Honestly, as much as we may hv prepared for it, I think that very crucial moment when we pass on, is a scary moment. We know we will die one day but how n when is not known. Though I do not know this colleague very well, yet I grieve over this loss. It’s too sudden. Just 2 weeks ago I sent her a sms to encourage her n she replied asking me to take care of myself too. It’s hard to accept a quick departure of a comrade in ministry…

The next two weeks are filled with activities. It will begin with the much talked about GoFest Missions Conference. This year, for the first time, there’ll be translation to BM as OA participants from Perak were sponsored to attend the conference. Yes, my OA friends are coming n staying in St Nick’s at various locations. Not sure yet if a few will stay at my vicarage. They may prefer to cramp all 25 in a 5-bedroom bungalow beside my office. That’s what the organizers planned. 25 in a place with 2 bathrooms! I better look into this. After all, some are my “OA anak.” Towards the end of the conference, my guest lecturer n his wife will arrive from Miri for a week-long class in Ipoh the following week. So, the weekend will be quite filled as my colleagues from WEC Partners will also be in town for the GoFest Conference n meeting with some local church leaders.

After the Ipoh class, SAM Penang class will start with me teaching this time. It’s been awhile since I teach in SAM Penang. I usually slot a teaching assignment for myself just once in each center so that I can stand-by to fill any emergencies. But last year I was too tied up to teach a class in Penang. This year, we will even branch out to Sungai Petani with a new center beginning mid-July.

There’s also a weekend trip to the villages. MBTS will send a team of international students to visit the OA villages on the 3^rd weekend.

Progress of my studies? Oh, don’t ask…

July n August are busy months too. I think I’ll be in Penang 3 weeks in June, 2 weeks in July, n 1 week in August. Towards end of July is another trip to the OA village, followed by the Ordination Retreat, followed by my 2 weeks class in Ipoh that spill over to August; then I prepare to go on a “holiday” westward…

Thank you for your partnership in ministry

31.05.15