Yes, I realized…I missed out on sending my update last month. After sending SAM Northern Centers Annual Report, I doubt you wanted to hear from me again…
We’ve been in and out of various versions of MCO throughout this year and the pattern is showing that we may continue with this, way into the first half of next year. What this means is that physical classes for SAM can only resume after the first half of next year. The urban center, ie, Prai, is able to proceed with online/hybrid classes but the rural centers, ie, Gopeng/Ipoh and Tapah will need to wait till the second half of the year. With the uncertainties of Tapah center (some local issues caused the current venue to be unavailable), the Lord opened the door in Temerloh. So, 2 physical classes are planned for the second half of next year. Therefore, SAM Penang (Prai) will proceed with 4 classes, ie., one at each quarter of the year; SAM Ipoh (Temerloh) will have 2 classes, ie., one at each quarter in the second half of the year. Will greatly appreciate your prayer partnership and support.
For myself here in STM, I have relinquished my administrative role in the BM department. I feel this is appropriate as there are vast prospects for the BM theological education but the many red-tapes and personality prevent fast response. This will also prevent a conflict of interest as I pursue SAM ministry. However, STM is exploring to offer a master degree program in BM which will avail advance ministry training for local BM pastors. Hopefully, this can launch in 2022. In the meantime, I have been given the task to be a registrar of the missions program in partnership with a mission organization. Yes, we are slow…in the BM program n in the missions endeavour. Nevertheless, it is the Lord’s timing and I seek your prayer partnership n support in these ministries. I also seek your partnership as I continue my studies, another post-graduate research program, with a seminary in Australia. It is because I am serious to explore the best teaching/learning approach for my indigenous church family to grow spiritually and theologically.
As we conclude the year n progress to another that holds similar uncertainties, I pray that we continue to be discerning and able to recognise God in the events that unfold locally n globally. I pray that we respond appropriately as the Lord will want us to – for this nation n beyond. I pray that each of us, forming the Body of Christ – will be the difference we are ordained to be in such a time as now and be that catalyst to propel our world to align with God’s will. Once again, I thank you for your partnership in ministry – in 2020 and I am sure for 2021 n beyond.
TSB
29122020
