Start
of second semester swiftly led to the mid of it already. July quickly led to
the first Deaconnesses n Pastors’ Wives Retreat in Port Dickson. It was the
first time the Diocese had such a retreat n it was the first time I met many
pastors’ wives who were “hiding” behind their husband’s identity. It was a
short retreat n it was shorter still for me who had to return campus early for
a seminary event – official photo taking for the seminary community. The month
had many other “happenings,” probably because for two weekends I was teaching
the BM TEE class in the KL center. STM BM TEE in KL center is based in KL Wesley
Methodist Church, which is almost next door to KL’s famous China Town, Petaling
Street. It is really not a good place to hold a class over weekends – because the
location is too tempting for us to eat, eat, n eat ceaselessly! The class I
taught was a small class n we quickly were able to bond fondly. After almost 30
years, I was strolling Petaling Street n Central Market with the students after
dinner – a place I used to “roam” during my uni days in the early 1990s.
Another
memorable “event” in July was receiving an invitation from an editor of a “new
concept” publishing house asking if I’d consider publishing my doctoral
dissertation through them. I was thrilled! But not wanting to do anything that
I will regret later, I did a little investigating n asking around. Apparently,
established authors have some doubts over the credibility of the publisher n I
decided to pause in this publishing plan. God has His time n I want to move in
His time with His blessings. So, it’s back to the drawing board n pray while
waiting for the right timing to publish my writings.
However,
I have an article published recently. It is a local webpage n a project
initiated by some students. Do access it here https://awthentic.asia/articles/47-outreach/236-semai-in-my-heart
and advise me what you think.
Next
weekend, my pastoral group will be going for a retreat. Our plans take us to
Pangkor, Gopeng, n Ipoh on a 4 days n 3 nights trip. Do pray for us – that it
will be a good time of fellowship, bonding, n sharing.
SAM
Penang has as many as 11 students ready to graduate with their Certificate of
Christian Ministry in October. 5 of them still need their final 3 credits n
they are currently pursuing the final class in the Prai center. Do pray for
them that they can fully pass with the required assignments n ready with all
the necessary by end of August.
Two
weddings are coming up in August. One, of a current student in Melaka n the
other one of a former student in Miri. Travelling to Miri, I’m also taking the
opportunity to share about the STM BM theological education ministry in a SIB
church. Will appreciate your partnership in prayer.
Once
again, I close with this passage as I thank you for your partnership in
ministry…
Php 1:3 I thank my God in all my remembrance
of you,
Php 1:4 always in every prayer of mine for
you all making my prayer with joy,
Php 1:5 because of your partnership in the
gospel from the first day until now.
