It has been an interesting month. As of now SAM is at the
brink of closing its academic year for 2016. For the first time the module of
Theology of Persecution and Discipleship (TOPAD) was conducted in BM with SAM
students providing the “trial subjects.” It was unfortunate that a
miscommunication resulted in just four students attending this very relevant
course. We are now preparing course schedule for 2017. Before long year end
reports need to be attended to.
The SAM team was in KK to meet with the leadership team of a
local seminary there to initiate a partnership. It was an interesting trip. We
were there about three years ago to initiate a similar partnership but it did
not progress as expected. In January this year, a chance meeting with one of
its staff “resurrected” the interest to pursue this partnership. Meetings were
proposed but none materialized until Oct (26). This seminary was skeptical in
our proposed partnership to offer a master degree through modular approach as
their program is a full-time program. However, along the time both parties
negotiated a suitable time to meet, other needs arose that the said seminary
adopted the modular approach. It was truly divine timing. The principal even
anticipated a lengthy meeting and allocated a whole two hours to discuss the
necessary. On my end I was a bit “worried” as I do not know what I need to
prepare for the meeting as it looked like as if I only need to be present.
Within the first 30 minutes, the “deal was sealed.” What can I say? God
prepared every heart involved in this matter!
It was also interesting to meet up with other partners in
ministry and former students. In this meeting another partnership possibility
was discussed. With God willing, SAM may establish another “branch” center in
KK. A meet-up with a former second collegian brought further joy into the trip.
It further opened another possibility of partnership. This is to partner a
local church in their swiflet bird nest business. SAM considers this involvement/investment
as it will provide an income-generating resource to finance our expenses
without the need to constantly look for sponsors. Do pray with n for us that we
will move in God’s wisdom.
Next month, the final certificate module in Ipoh will take place and I am scheduled to
teach on the Gospels. The Theology 1 class in SP will also close in Nov. Then
the reports will need to be generated. Christmas programs will begin to unfold.
BJAC plans an outreach to the Holy
Infant Jesus
Home in Balik Pulau, a simple
fellowship meal on the eve of Christmas after our service, n a thanksgiving
service on NY eve. We are also being “ambitious” to plan for an all-night
prayer meeting next year! Well, nothing is impossible because we serve a God
who makes possible everything impossible!
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