Ministry Update Oct/Nov 2015

It has been an “eventful” month. Started with the final class of the year in Ipoh, the Dip/MMin class of Indigenous Christian Leadership. It was an interesting class of mutual learning. Following that was a missions conference in Chiangmai. The weather was good there – no haze. I learnt pretty much n would hv enjoyed it a lot if not for some over-rigid team mates that functioned like my personal CCTV! I had to miss the STM Convocation service this year. Moving around so much n an aging mother who is growing dependant meant I need to be more selective of my travels. This is also my worry as ministry is expanding n requiring more n frequent travels. I did not hv much time to prepare for my oral exam that came with a short notice but thanks to someone who had experienced presenting his dissertation, his advices were extremely helpful. So, I finally wrapped up my studies. Though I initially do not plan to attend the convocation, I was strongly persuaded to do so. Therefore, I will again attend yet another graduation mid of next month!

So I hv finally wrapped up my doctoral studies…sent it for another round of proof-reading before submitting the final version n inserting a page I just can’t wait to do: dedicating it to the OA church in Malaysia! Been waiting so long to execute this “prophetic act” that it is almost sur-real. Already there are two Semai leaders in the master program n I m a step closer to “working myself out of my job.”

Tmr, 30 Oct is the Ordination/commissioning Service in Taiping n I will don the white robe, attempting to look “angelic” while in another two weeks, will don the black robe, attempting to look darkly cynical!

Just got back from a weekend in the OA villages. Brought an English lady who intends to teach English to the OA villagers. Over the weekend of getting to know her a bit, I m beginning to have some doubts of her commitment. Perhaps I m a bit “too protective” of my OA friends. Just do not want them to be treated as “a safari of wild people in their natural habitat.”

November n December should be more relaxed…I just realized that I’ve been on a plane once a month since August: to London in August; to Miri in September; to Chiangmai in October; to KL at the start of November. No wonder the air steward in MH commented that I look like a “seasoned traveler.” November n December are also months to prepare endless reports.

Once again, thank you for your partnership in ministry

SweeBee

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Ministry Update Aug/Sept/Oct

Yes, I am aware that I did not post an update last month. There were official travels one after another and before I knew it, it was almost middle of the month! But August was fun, at least the part where I spent 10 days in London. It was truly the Lord’s blessing that I could travel so far for the first time and traveling alone. Well, when I reached Heathrow and waiting in line to pass immigration, I really thought the plane mistakenly landed in India!

Most of the time I was in London, I roamed its narrow streets alone. I pray I have another opportunity to visit this place. One visit is just not enough. I must say, I simply loved the weather – it was between 13-19C most of the time and when it drizzled, the rain was icy cold. The “hottest” day was 21C. Both my nephews were quick to warn me that I will not like winter!

In the midst of my visit, my mother had a fall. Praise God, it was nothing serious. However, she has grown very dependant and I suppose all those who have had an experience living/caring for old people can understand my situation. I have to cut down on my out-station trips so that my mother can be “more secure.” We are still searching for regular (paid) help. Someone who can stay at home to accompany my mom each time I have to go out-station for ministry matters (any other conditions/suggestions are negotiable).

September moved quickly. After the many movements in July/August, I didn’t realize that my three full weeks in Penang is wrapping up. Next week, I have a class in Ipoh. Following that is a short trip to Chiangmai for a missions conference. I have called off the plan to bring our OA graduating students to Seremban for their convocation so I can be home after being away for pretty long. There’s still another trip to the OA villages, probably over a weekend end of Oct before attending the ordination/commissioning service on 30 Oct at All Saints’ Church, Taiping.

Regarding SAM Penang, the “branch” in Sungai Petani had concluded its first class. Because this center began “mid-stream” the next class will only commence at the start of next year. The Prai class is on-going and scheduled to conclude end of October. SAM Ipoh (dip/MMin) module will conclude after next week’s class while I believe the certificate module has another class in November before they wrap up for the year. Then the season for reports will commence…This year we have 5 graduating students: 1 diploma graduate from Penang and 4 certificate graduates from Ipoh.

Once again, I thank you for your partnership in ministry.

SB

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