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main events took up the month of May. The first was the Leonard’s Personality
Index (LPI) Trainers’ Training in early May. I enjoyed this as I’ve always
enjoyed studying and analyzing personality n temperaments – a liking I developed
since I learned from Dr J back in Seminary. It’s interesting to learn it from
another perspective to understand personalities. The second exciting event was
the arrival of my much awaited printed books! I have translated (from English
to BM) many books but this was the first time I translated my own writing!
Though I realize the current digital trend but it’s still good to see n feel my
writing in printed form. With God’s grace I hope to write more books.
The
next exciting event was the mission trip to Makassar. It’s been awhile since I
led n participate in an overseas mission trip. Our schedule took us to both
urban n rural ministries. Landing at the airport, we were ushered to the first
ministry point at a rehab center before heading to our hotel. Weekend ministry
began with the youth service in the evening on that Saturday; then Sunday
service lined up with a 7.30am, 10.00am, n 4.00pm services including a
children’s church simultaneously with the 10.00am service. At night we travel
to the highlands – a 8.5-9 hours bus ride to Toraja. The 9pm bus only left the
bus terminal at about 9.40pm n we arrived at our destination at about 6 plus
the next morning. It was another 30 minutes or so car ride to the interior. Our
first kampong visit was Leppan. The Toyota Unser we were in actually drove pass
a small stream – Camel Adventure style! Resting awhile n getting acquainted, we
started preparing for children ministry in the afternoon half, followed by a
“revival meeting.” It rained so super heavy n the village was so super cold. (A
quick check shows it is about 3000 m above sea level). But it touched me so
deeply to discover several who attended the night meeting came from another
village that took them about 2 hours of walk to arrive! Early the next morning
was a 1.5 hours walk/hike to Kanan village. We repeat similar activities here –
children ministry followed by “revival meeting” n it concluded with a feast of
local Toraja delicacies courtesy of some villagers. The next morning we were
greeted by some friends in a small GrandMax mini-van who were on the way back
Makassar. So, 8 persons went into this vehicle n we went sight-seeing Toraja.
Made 2 stops: one was Toraya Maelo to see the view of Tana Toraja n the famed
huge statue of Jesus extending His hands to bless the city. The next stop was a
coffee corner over-looking very fantastic view of the mountains. Returning from
the highlands, we checked into the hotel. There was some mixed-up n we were put
into suites! I opened my hotel room n there was a massage chair in it! After
more than 9 hours ride in a small mini-van, the massage chair was so inviting!
The next morning was a teaching session in a missions school followed by a
visit to an orphanage. After dinner, my team n I met with a friend who treated
us local desserts. The next morning was our final day n after a sumptuous breakfast
of famous chicken porridge, we went souvenir shopping. Our final meal in
Makassar was mi pangsit n we headed for the airport.
The
following weekend, I headed south of the peninsular to JB for a teaching
engagement. I was so pampered by delicious servings of authentic Sarawak Laksa.
The final week of May I’m in campus to attend to class preparations (for next
semester). However, with a quiet campus due to the break, I can’t get much
done. I think it has something to do with the holiday mood in the air.
It’s
the Keamatan/Gawai weekend followed by the Raya festivities. Lining up is the
BM class retreat in PD during the Raya break. Returning for second semester, I
hv an intensive class to teach. I’m excited at this as it is a missions class n
I hardly get to teach on missions. Will greatly appreciate your partnership in
prayer.
SAM
center in Tapah had a class in May the week I was in Makassar. 49 students
attended. Next class will be in September. In the meantime, the next class in
Penang will commence soon.
Once
again, thank you for your partnership in ministry.
