Ministry Update SeptemberOctober 2018

Final quarter of the year and classes are wrapping up. September had been an interesting month with loads of public holidays. Despite that, I was on “working holidays” and it was not quite of a “holiday.”

With three consecutive long weekends, it’s exciting as one program ends n immediate preparation attended to for the next. It was hectically fun! From last weekend of August with a trip to Miri to attend a friend’s wedding cum preaching engagement; then the Merdeka weekend having to chauffer a guest lecturer to Kampar then proceed to CH for a short break n later a meeting with SAM Ipoh committee meeting; followed by a teaching trip to Lawas via Miri; and finally ending the Malaysia Day weekend with a BBQ dinner with the first year students. An unexpected trip to Penang took place after my return from Lawas. My aunt passed away n I travelled back Penang briefly to pay my last respects.

Though it was a brief teaching assignment in Lawas, it was fun. First time travelling to Lawas n by MasWing 18-seater aircraft, it sure was an adventure. Once again n as usual, I feel so at home amongst the indigenous people group. This time with the LunBawang people group. Upon my return transiting Miri, I hv approx. 4 hours before boarding the flight back  KL. These hours were filled by going out briefly to meet friends in Miri

Next week (first weekend of Oct) I hv a teaching engagement in Penang n that allows me to briefly return for another dose of authentic Penang food. The second week of Oct is convocation weekend n activities are peaking in campus. While classes are concluding, student assignments are pouring in. With the close of 2018 academic year, reports need to be prepared. In the meantime there are preaching/teaching engagements, retreats, n OA visits in Nov/Dec.

I’m thrilled that SAM Penang has 11 students graduating this year with certificate of Christian Ministry. Several of them will be upgrading to diploma. With a slow start, SAM Penang Prai held one class n one is on-going while another is planned. This means there will be 3 classes, stretching till early Dec before our academic year concludes n annual report generated.

Elsewhere in SAM Ipoh, we only managed to hold 2 classes. Even that, we hv very poor attendance. The committee met n decided to alternate class venue between Ipoh n Gopeng in our quest to meet the needs of the students.

Will greatly appreciate your prayer partnership:

1.      SAM Northern Centers – Penang (Prai) n Ipoh

a.       More suitable/qualified teaching personnel

b.      Dedicated n committed students

c.       Focus n commitment of committee

2.      STM BM program

a.       More to hear of this program n will consider coming here to be trained adequately

b.      In-campus/full-time students adjusting to community life

THANK YOU

SBTAN 280918