Ministry Update AprMay 2016

It was a short-lived luxury…I sank my teeth into its cold, dark skin. With the hot weather, she melted quickly, even in the air-con room. The sinful indulgence took just about 4 minutes, n that’s the best I can pro-long the luxurious treat! Yes, I decided to “pamper” myself with a Magnum Classic as I prepared to conclude the class in Ipoh on Theology 1. But returning to Penang, I will continue with the same course with the Penang students, repeating the syllabus to a different crowd.

This certificate/diploma class in Ipoh has 6 new students. We are expecting another 10 at the next class where my colleague will teach Intro to OT. These 10 are from the Presbyterian church. I was told the pastor engaged to minister to them had returned to Sabah n the Presbyterian church find themselves not in the capacity to continue. So, they asked to “pass” the work to the Anglican church. Next year, we may see another 16 new students from Kampar outreaches.

In the meantime, the class in Sungai Petani has grown to 16 while the one in Taman Pelangi, Juru has “shrunk” a bit to just 7. We are expecting another 4 to graduate this year with their certificate in Christian Ministry. However, if they fail to complete the compulsory courses, we may just have 2 graduates. There is no diploma graduate this year n we probably will not have another diploma graduate for the next 2-3 years. The three master degree students still have to work on submitting the required documents for their application process; n I m pinning my hope for them to complete their master degree end of next year.

After this class (Theology 1) in Ipoh, my next visit to Ipoh is in another 2 weeks’ time where I will teach at the 4Sq Bible School on behalf of SPECS. I don’t know much about this school, nor the 4Square denomination; n this will be one of those rare occasions where I will be teaching in English. Later in May, SAM Penang (Taman Pelangi and Sungai Petani) is visiting the OA villages; each visiting a different village.

Do pray for and with us: we need funds to finance the OA students through their theological education. Once a student is confirmed n agree to continue till completion, I will need to find the funds for him/her. From experience, I am confident that God will provide the necessary because this is the time God is raising the OA in this land to lead the Malaysian church into a season of spiritual awakening. Join us, partner us – in this exciting time to see how God unfolds His plans for this nation through the OA church. Visit us and experience it yourself of how we ought to worship in spirit n in truth, of how we can touch the heart of God in simplicity n sincerity. Come partner this OA ministry…

28Apr2016

Ministry Update Mar/Apr 2016

It was a lazy Saturday morning in the office when I received a phone call from an acquaintance. “Are you still in that small church? Why aren’t you requesting to be transferred to a ‘bigger’ church, given your years of service?” I was surprised with that question. But knowing who it came from, I can understand his perspective. People tend to equate ministry success to pastoring “big” churches. After all, that is how secular mentality had groomed us to think – you worked your years and ought to be rewarded with significant positions. So, I tried to explain to this friend that it is not important to be based in a “big” church but more importantly is that I am found faithful in serving God. Besides, I am happy working with my OA friends in the training ministry, which in some sense, running “under radar” of active ministry.

That short conversation reminds me the state of our church today. Instead of being the salt that influences the world, it has become influenced by the world. Significance appears to come from visible increase of quantity, regardless of quality. In some churches, it has turned to be so corporate that leaders function more as managers, not leaders; they hurt sheep instead of healing wounds. I cringe when I read that “judgment will begin from the house of God,” fearful of the impending judgment upon so-called “fellow pastors” some of whom I know entered ministry for all the wrong reasons.

March was a month of preparations. As the first quarter concluded, the SAM Penang classes in Taman Pelangi and Sungai Petani concluded. Next week will begin the second quarter where I switch location to teach a class in Theology in Taman Pelangi while the other teacher will repeat his class in Sungai Petani. 3^rd/4^th week of April is the one n half week of intensive class for certificate/diploma students in Ipoh.

Will greatly appreciate your partnership in prayer as I “juggle” between three teaching centers in three different locations in three different states: Sungai Petani, Kedah; Taman Pelangi in Juru Auto City Prai, Penang; Ipoh, Perak. We will be initiating partnership with yet another Seminary in Malaysia while forging close ties with STM in Seremban n MEC in Miri

SB

2Apr2016

^{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.