Friday, July 2, 2021

Ministry Update June-July 2021

I have to take time to grieve. My mother left us unexpectedly. It was on a Monday afternoon when I received a call. Events unfold too quickly. My mom had a massive stroke but the clot was removed promptly. However, her frail body had to fight aggressive infections for about 3 weeks. She was showing signs of recovery when her heart decided to stop. I wanted to get angry at God. After 4 years of persuading mom to move south to be nearer us, she had finally agreed. In mid April when I visited, we were happily planning the move in June. Mom was alert as before n could recall phone numbers from memory. But on 3rd May, the unexpected short-circuit our plans n 3 weeks later mom left us without regaining full consciousness. Yes, I am taking time to grieve. Home is just not home without mom.

 

I’d like to take this opportunity to thank friends and partners in ministry for your prayers and emotional support. I am finally back in Seremban after an unexpected long stay in Penang for 6 weeks. The C19 situation does not look too bright at the moment for us here in Malaysia. But I really hope it will improve soon so I can visit Penang regularly as before. Along my 5-hour drive back Seremban yesterday, I broke down many times. I wanted to get angry at God. I wanted so much to get angry at God. Mom finally agreed to move down south to be near us after 4 years of persuading her. We were supposed to move in June but we were driving back alone… It was hard having to leave the Penang home. The emotional part of me wanted to continue staying to cherish the fond memories n to keep it alive as long as I can. But the rational part of me know I need to move on n return to work and ministry in campus

 

Along the days after the funeral, me n my big sister who was also stranded in Penang hv to attend to my mom’s maid – documentations to transfer her to a new employer. Those were difficult days as we discovered how she pocketed much of my mother’s money through phantom purchases, even claiming expenses to buy herself pots n plants! We thought of sending her to the police when we discovered mom’s gold pendant she stole n kept in her pouch on the day she was to move out. My good-hearted sister decided to give her a chance as she needs to fend for her family back home. After all, she had returned what she stole n promised to refund a minimal sum of money she pocketed. But I believe God is not blind n will judge accordingly. I just feel upset n guilty that my mom’s final months were with a maid who took advantage of her trust n generosity!

 

With FMCO in place, classes continued to be online here in campus. It’s just that being in campus permits me access that I otherwise do not hv being away physically. For one, my students in campus are happy I am back. But I m subjecting myself to a 7-day self-quarantine as precautionary measure.

 

SAM classes scheduled in Temerloh hv to be delayed due to the C19 related restrictions. In the meantime, in Prai, class commence online with TOPAD

 

I will greatly appreciate your continuous prayer partnership in this ministry during this difficult times. It is even more difficult for the OA church n community as they do not hv access to internet facility.

 

Once again, thank you for your partnership in ministry

 

TSB

02072021

 

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