Suddenly,
the first month has reached its end n CNY is just around the corner. Events are
unfolding one after another so fast. Then again, there really are so many
events coming up…one after another!
So
there was a meeting in Petaling Jaya recently and the route passed by a famous
landmark…the famous archway of Universiti Malaya. It’s almost 28 years ago when
I left UM and can still vividly recall orientation week at the last week of
June almost 31 years ago! That first year in campus…away from home for the very
first time, meeting new friends, n adopting to college life/study. It brings
back memories of that one evening after dinner when I was walking along Tasik
Varsiti, the still small voice prompting my heart to pursue a route I thought
I’ll never consider. The voice prompted me to pursue a master degree – at a
time when I thought I am done with formal education after I graduate with an
under graduate degree. I mean, I’m not a studious person; I’m not the
“academic” type; it’s just not me! Three years passed too fast n trying to go
my way always had a tugging feeling that pulled me to a certain direction. And
there’s always the echo of that still small voice that spoke to my heart on
that one fine evening beside Tasik Varsiti. I explored various options for a
master degree. Honestly, I was never serious to pursue further studies. I’m
done with formal education n that’s it. Five years on n I could no longer brush
off that tugging feeling and it was also the time the Seminary in Penang
launched its first part-time master program. The rest…as they say, is history.
There were a total of 17 years of pursuing four seminary degrees.
I
stepped into 2019 with much anticipation. I was in a “hiatus” the whole of 2018
adapting to my new environment, ministry, and community. And truly God paved
the way. The number of students is dwindling in Ipoh; the number of students in
Penang is pretty stagnant – Prai is ongoing while SP is temporarily closed.
Ipoh center had an average of 3 students from Ipoh/Gopeng last year. I really
don’t know how to split my time between STM n SAM. I don’t know how to give it
a boost to jumpstart again the SAM ministry. And God opened a door. In fact, He
opened more than just one door: in Tapah, Sibu, n JB. As my position holds two
interests – STM n SAM – I hv to present both options to my prospects. In Tapah,
the SIOA wants to adopt the SAM route n the latest figure I hv on the number of
students who hv registered to pursue a program is 50. Please pray for and with
us. Our first class is in March, followed by May, and September. For next year,
we will plan 4 classes – one in each quarter of the year.
STM
Roadshow in JB in April will also feature meetings with BM churches to explore
the necessary to launch a BM center there. Then a “trial” class in July in Sibu
is planned.
In
the meantime, my doctoral dissertation which had been translated to BM will be
published. SAM is investing from its publication fund into this publication
which will be the third feather in its cap. SAM in the past had also partnered
with other organizations to publish a book on biblical interpretation, then a
commentary on a Pauline epistle. Yes, SAM may be small but we don’t hv to be
big to start significant contributions.
As
we celebrate CNY, I pray for God’s richest blessings for you n your family.
Thank you for your prayer support and partnership in ministry.
TSB
300119
