A Flashback: UM

It was those days when I cautiously ventured out from my coconut shell home of Penang and headed for the “big world.” My destination: Universiti Malaya. My excuse: tertiary education. That was my ticket to “merdeka” from watchful parental restrictions. Orientation week itself was significant. It was called the “Minggu Haluan Siswa.” My “socially-challenged” personality was suddenly thrust into a community that was to be my “family” for the next three years. Different cultures, family background, and social upbringing were all grouped together in the Second Residential College which was also known as Asrama Menara Budi, which carried the theme of religious spirituality. This College was my “home away from home” for three years during which I forged many great friendships from fellow collegians of different ethnic groups, religion, and social background.

Orientation week: we had activities till past midnight and forced to wake up at 5am; we sang “patriotic” songs as we prepared to compete with other residential colleges in the inter-college games; we explore facilities on campus; discover our faculty and register for courses we (I) had little knowledge of. On one night event for us “freshies” there was a special guest speaker. Everyone in the hall was tired but we were told it was so difficult to engage this individual that it was our privilege that he could come to address us as we began our academic journey in Malaysia’s premier university. Besides, he was an alumnus; an alumni the varsity was so proud of.

We made our way to Dewan Tunku Chanselor, affectionately known as DTC (Dewan Tak Cat). The hall was packed – not only with freshies but with seniors and officials wanting a glimpse of this important person and to hear what he had to say. It was not a long wait. Perhaps, our super-packed schedule made us all extremely tired. Many took the opportunity to nap in the midst of chatterings. Then the announcement came. The VIP had arrived. Everyone was excited. There he was as he walked to the stage and took the mike. I cannot remember what he said that night but the gist of it was he recalled his own varsity years as he looked at us, first year students – he told us how he took part in a student demonstration against the government. But was impressed me was this: there he stood as the Minister of Education in the government and told us to remove all protocol and address him as Saudara Anwar. That impressed me – just call this “big shot” brother!

Fast forward to 2014. Many events occurred in between from those varsity days. Complains are endless about how our local varsity produced graduates who possess no employability qualities. Political landscape had also changed so much. Some of my professors are now active in politics – Zainal Kling, Syed Husin Ali. Some professors who impressed my young mind now raised questionable credibility – Khoo Kay Khim – whose office was like an over-sized ash-tray, impressed me that studying history should come from the heart, but today this authority of Malaysian history can support a “change in history.”

And what has become of that “special guest” who spoke to the first year undergraduates in Dewan Tak Cat that night during orientation week? News abound everyday about this man. He still commands the attention of young people despite his age. He became the catalyst to a reformation that has come, a reformation building up in its waves of influence along the years. Leaders are people who come and go. But it is a vision imparted that will impress and carried to its fulfillment. Years or generations may past but vision or dream will stay alive till its fulfillment.

I can never be as proud of UM students as now to read in the news about the passion they possess to fan the fire of reformation to change this nation and to bring this generation to a higher plane.

I am a UM graduate!

Ministry Update Oct/Nov 2014

A familiar face walked towards me n smiled. Calling my name, she looked thrilled to meet me. But who was she anyway? Was she from the Methodist Church? The Lutheran Church? The Baptist Church? Where hv I seen that familiar face? “Swee Bee, u can’t recognize me? We were in school together” Ooohhh….So, that’s y she looks familiar! I had to ask myself if I’ve been too “caught up with church” n failed to consider things outside the church. After all, the church is only effective outside the church.

This brings me back to another issue I’ve been praying about. I hv missed the deadline to graduate this year. However, I may likely complete the necessary before the end of the year. Somehow, the “formality of convocation” no longer appears attractive. So, I’m praying for my next step. Where to pursue further training? All the while my intension is to develop skills in practical research. In my capacity dealing with theological institutions, I hv discovered there is no authority in research in Malaysian church context. Two options I hv – pursue the research discipline overseas or pursue research out of the church context. Plz pray with me. While we hv loads of theologians n Bible scholars that r capable of arm-chair research, we r lacking, extreme lacking in practical field research, especially in cultural n comparative contexts. Yet, if we look around us, Malaysia is the melting pot of cultures. The church needs to develop in this area. As it is, different ethnic groups within the church r finding it hard to understand each other!

Later in this month, I’ll be teaching a class on the topic of Animism in Ipoh for the SAM Ipoh, diploma module. Following that, a group of us will travel to Seremban to attend the STM convocation service. We hv 4 certificate graduates n 4 diploma graduates this year. In the meantime, plz pray for SAM as we pursue a formal partnership with MEC in Miri to offer a master program. This effort is initiated for 2 reasons. (1) STM is not ready to offer master programs in BM n our bishop is not abt to wait (for what seems like forever); (2) to reduce cost/time while enable our peninsular BM ministers pursue further (vertical) training. Pray with us as we begin planning next year’s course schedule. It’s going to be a bit tricky as we r attempting (1) combine classes – certificate/diploma n possibly diploma/master; (2) apply the orality approaches into all the teaching/learning experience. This will take a longer period to be fully implemented as I believe both teachers n students will need time adjusting to this “fairly new” methodology, after being “brain-washed” to use printed western material.

There may be a likely trip to the villages end of the month. I’m still waiting confirmation from the team. It’s buah perah season, so, I’ll hv the opportunity to bring back to the city this unique jungle nut. Most weekends in November r filled with activities with a SAM Day in the calendar. This event is planned for SAM Ipoh. In Penang, class will resume end of Oct with the study of Genesis (Pt 1) by a Korean missionary couple.

Once again, thank you for your partnership in ministry.

Ministry Update Aug/Sept 2014

It was just another status update in the FB but I don’t know why it caused a stir in my heart. A friend serving with a missions organization wrote abt his re-location from his base in HK to Uganda (I think – or some African nation). I paused awhile trying to understand this stirring n suddenly realized it was envy. Why? I wonder. Could it be that I m now ready to move beyond Malaysia to serve God in a larger context? I remember my previous “attempts” to serve in foreign soil. I was still in MBTS n explored 2 options: one was Manado in Northern Sulawesi n the other in Argentina (I think) in South America. Both did not work out. Perhaps, the timing was not right. After the “heart-stirring incident” I began praying to seek God for the right timing n to the right location – beyond Penang, beyond Malaysia – as the Lord so ordains, I m ready.

I’m still in the final touches to complete my dissertation. Hopefully I can re-submit the revised version before deadline – 1^st week Sept., then my next ministry update will include inviting all of u to my graduation. I m also seeking the Lord to lead me to the next phase of my studies. It will be to seek the right seminary to pursue an academic doctorate. Plz pray together with me. The person I was raised made me independent n it took me a long time to “transfer” trust in myself to trusting in the Lord. However, events occurring in ministry hv taught me to trust God more n more. Therefore, I m trusting God to provide all the necessary, even as I dream big – for the ministry I m entrusted n for myself as a vessel in that.

I m in Ipoh now. Attended a diocesan retreat earlier in the week n stayed on to another diocesan function tmr (30Aug) before returning Penang. Tmr is the Clinical Pastoral Education graduation service n I m obligated to attend as I am one of the “graduates.” But I look forward to “celebrating” merdeka service in Penang on Sunday in church.

September has no busy schedule but I hope to complete all requirements for my studies. The Penang SAM class is supposed to commence in late Aug/early Sept but I’m too tight up to offer this class. Looks like I’ll need to cancel it n wait for the next scheduled class in mid-Oct. The OA church anniversary is on the last Sun. of Sept. n I m planning to attend. Staying too long in Penang is pretty boring – so, I’m making this trip, though it’s just an “over a short weekend” thingy. Oct: besides coordinating the class scheduled for SAM Penang in the study of the book of Genesis by a Korean couple, I m teaching Animism to the SAM Ipoh class. Following the class is a trip to Seremban as we hv as many as 8 graduates, ready to graduate in STM (4 certificate n 4 diploma in Christian Ministry). Beyond Oct., everything is slowing down leading towards Christmas preparations.

Once again I thank you for ur partnership in ministry

SB (29082014)

Ministry Update July/August 2014

The days are passing by fast. I managed to submit my dissertation before the deadline of 1^st July n 3 weeks later received comments to do some more corrections which may take up quite a bit of time. I hv approx. a month to attempt all those. As the days draw close to wrapping up this program, I m as tensed as before. Perhaps even more. Intellectually, I hv the confidence that God is in control n I hv nothing to worry. Yet, sometimes n this is one of those sometimes…the distance between the head n the heart is so far. But facts r facts, God is truly in control n that is enough to comfort my worrisome soul. In fact, I sort-of pretty looking forward to the sleepless/long nights or even to go without sleep as I did last month, trying to meet the deadline. Reminds me of college days n the “joy” of writing my first thesis on socio-criminogenesis. Ahhh…those were the days of Second College. Nothing much hv changed. I still hv music in the background at all times, only different songs/singers.

July was full of holidays for Penang. The SAM Meet the Sponsor meeting went well. Though not all students came from Gopeng, not all sponsors from Penang were available too. Despite that, it was a good meeting as both parties meet each other without having to go through me.

End of July was a trip to the OA villages – a visit that took the team through 3 villages before settling down in a village for the night. It was durian harvest n the team members who enjoyed durians had a feast. No, I’m not crazy over durians n the look at the amount of available durians was more than enough n almost made me sick. It’s been a while since I visited the village where we stayed the night. There were some changes – a new building was erected next to the church n I was told it was hurriedly built with limited budget to accommodate (almost 200) participants in a youth camp quite some time ago. With a bit more budget, it cld be a comfortable hostel for visiting teams to the village, especially when the village is now planning a re-wiring for electrical supply. It’ll be a fantastic place for anyone wanting a closer walk with nature n listening to God speaking in the still soft voice of rushing river n cool blowing breeze.

August will hv several travellings. The SAM class in Aug will commence on the second week, the diocesan evangelists retreat on the fourth week, n the MI-CPE graduation on the final weekend of the month. Yes, finally, the CPE program is ending – so looking forward to that. It’s been a distraction since the start when I discovered it’s not as I hv anticipated – not very indigenous n definitely not contextualized as claimed. Adding to the hiccups of my dissertation draft, it’s been a constant distraction of my focus on the dissertation n course materials for SAM classes. So, there’s gonna be 3 trips to Ipoh but I’m planning for it in a way that it’ll only hv to be 2.

Plz pray for me. I need to complete my studies this year. It’s been pretty long with one hiccup after another since I started it in 2009. The next phase, I’m taking it elsewhere n I also pray that you discern together with me on this matter regarding the next doctoral program. SAM has a lot of potential especially with its focus on the OA community. However, I seek ur partnership to pray for this ministry n the focus to raise OA church leaders. I seek ur partnership to join us in prayer for wisdom to manage this school the best possible. I seek ur partnership to walk with me through this exciting journey ordained by God to bring glory to His Name in this generation in this nation.

Ministry Update June/July 2014

It has been a roller-coster ride of sorts these past few months. Since the turn of the new year, two major issues constantly fill my mind n I simply lack the peace to relax. Instead, it was constant anxiety. Some of u who r aware of my nephew’s condition know that he is now in a rehab to kick his internet addiction. Yesterday (29June) afternoon, I received a surprise call from him (happily) informing me he has received Jesus n is now a Christian, faithfully attending cell group meetings in FGA KL! I was so thrilled I can only cry for quite awhile bcoz I know when Jesus is in the center of his life, everything will fall in place as God ordains it – n God always hv the best for His children. Experience affirms this…praise the Lord. When I posted this exciting news on my FB, many friends share my joy without knowing the bigger significance of the event. But close friends know this – this is exactly what he needs to turn around, to the glory of God.

Another issue is my dissertation. I hv always enjoyed my learning experience in the seminary the past 17 years but at this last lap of the race, it has been extremely intense as I come close to completing my doctoral degree. Hiccups after hiccups n events that led me to conclude it is time to wrap up my studies in MBTS n move elsewhere. Plz pray for me. I know God is in control n I’ve done all I can on my part. It is God who gave me this passion, this vision, n even this challenge n He has to help me accomplish this for His glory. I know I hv never been a good student in school n I don’t think anything has changed for me academically. However, this doctoral degree is not mine to selfishly claim. As the Lord convicted me n led me to this position, I cannot afford to be so selfish. If I m, I know He will raise someone else to “do the job.” But I do not want to miss out on the blessing of the moment. The degree will be dedicated to the OA church in Malaysia n shared with my OA friends – all of us, as a team, play a part in this degree. All of us hv a share to claim in this degree n it will break the glass ceiling for the OA church to realize their potentials n be at par with the other language congregations in the Malaysian church. As I come close to the moment to be able to execute this significant (prophetic) gesture, several hindrances added to the intensity. By God’s grace, I m walking thru it all – thanks to ur prayers n ur partnership in ministry.

The Orality Methodology has been implemented in SAM. I’ll need to receive further feedback from the students. I’ll also be preparing a complete “orientation guide” for the teaching team so that from next year we can fully hv the teaching/learning approach using this methodology. I’m very excited with this approach as it brings out n preserve the unique indigenous culture in Christian training n thus help keep the indigenous identity within the Christian context.

In July, we hv the “meet the sponsors” day n our OA friends r coming from Gopeng/Simpang Pulai for a simple meeting to appreciate ur partnership in this ministry. I hope many of u r able to attend. Will send official email invites/reminder to all of u.

Once again, thank you that u r with me in this exciting journey.

Ministry Update May/June 2014

Ok, so we are sailing into the sixth month of 2014. I hv vented out my frustrations, even to God; but as expected, God is always right bcoz He is God, ba…I’m still not sure if I can graduate this year but what is more important is knowing that God has His plans n purposes that r always the best. And it is much, much better n wiser to “move in God’s timing” instead of anything else.

My (second) sister n family hv relocated to London for 2 years. Can’t wait to visit them next year…already missing my youngest nephew’s “food creations” each time I visit them.

Recently, I was called to the (Anglican) diocesan office for an interview to be considered for commissioning to be a deaconess. Well, the Anglican church has yet to ordain lady reverends, so the equivalent is deaconess. Coming from a non-Anglican heritage, this holds no significance to me except that I was told it will enable me to further develop the OA training ministry; thus, I’m going for it. Besides, I was told it will place me in a higher “salary package” category. Well, I certainly can use some additional funds, monthly! I was also told there r efforts being initiated to propose ordination of women to reverend-ship. Who knows? Maybe I’ll be the first Anglican lady reverend in Malaysia? Wakakakakakaka…Was a bit “disappointed” that despite the long journey (Penang to KL n from BU to Sentral to Pudu) to reach the diocesan office, the interview took less than 10minutes! Anyway, the commissioning will likely take place next year as I need to prepare a “mini thesis” to be presented and defend it in an ordination retreat.

Will be spending two weeks in Ipoh next month. First week I’ll be teaching theology and second week I’ll be interpreting for the class in Spiritual Warfare. I’m looking forward to this class to initiate the new delivery approach of orality methodology. This is going to be quite a challenge – to use the local indigenous cultural forms to teach n evaluate students’ understanding of Christian doctrines. Plz pray for me. I “tested the waters” in April when I imposed the course requirement to present a biblical lesson using one contemporary youth cultural form in MEC in Miri. The response was truly encouraging. But this time it is the Peninsula indigenous people group n I really m not sure what to expect.

Orality as a teaching methodology is being utilized in several parts of Africa among oral communicators but I believe this will be the first attempt by a BM Bible School in Asia to use this approach – n that by a school formally recognized by a accredited Seminary. I m excited at the prospects. More so at the potentials through this methodology for this school. Plz pray with me.

^{PHP 1:3} I thank my God every time I remember you. ⁴ In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy ⁵ because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, ⁶ being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.