SAM Monthly Ministry Update MayJune18

It’s nearing half of the year. But it’s been a good first half as evident from what transpired early May in Malaysia.

What did I accomplish the first half of 2018? I survived first semester in STM! New culture, new practices, new colleagues, new community to adapt to (in Seremban), not to mention having to lower my standard for food. I think what I like most of my “new” assignment is the opportunity to travel throughout the country to promote the BM theological education ministry. During our semester break I had the opportunity to visit three BM congregations in three different locations in the Northern region: Penang, Taiping, n Ipoh. I also praise God for the privilege to “touch base” with several partners in ministry in Penang. I hope for stronger partnership to continue as we grow to glorify God in this “renewed” land.

While back in the land of good food, I had to depend on public transport to travel within the northern region: around Penang, to Taiping (and back), n Ipoh where concluding the assignment in Ipoh, travel back Seremban. For the first half of the year, I have the experience of travelling via bus, train, n air. It was my first time trying out the ETS train services n I must say, I’m pretty impressed. However, my bus experience travelling south was pretty disappointing. Using public transport also mean I need to allocate more time in waiting, unsure of traffic conditions. So, more time was “wasted” in waiting for bus n train. I could have driven my old Kembara, yet I rather not; although it serves me very well in short distance travels. The Kembara is an excellent companion in OA ministry where I need to travel into rural areas but it’s not too suitable for long-distance capacities with its high n narrow design. So, I’m praying (n will appreciate you joining me) for a new car that is more suited for long-distance travels.

Next week, I’m bringing the BM class to visit OA villages near Kampar. We will travel to Kampar n visit two OA villages in the interior – in the morning n the evening. We plan to “jalan-jalan cari makan” along our drive back. Do pray for us that this short exposure trip will generate further passion n burden for indigenous ministry.

Second semester officially opens 9 June n we begin with a community retreat on Mon 11 June. I’m glad to have a heavier load this coming semester as I was “too free” last semester.

Elsewhere in SAM Northern Centers, it is still slow moving. I hope that next year, things will be better organized as the committee adjust to new roles, me included. Will greatly appreciate your partnership in prayer.

Once again,

Php 1:3-5  I thank my God in all my remembrance of you,  always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. 

Ministry Update AprMay18

I think at this juncture, no news is more popular than GE14 related news. So, I’ll just keep this short.

Thank you for your partnership in ministry and the prayer support in everything. In April there were English TEE class in campus, preaching engagements in Cheras, n preaching/promo engagements in Pasir Gudang. Wrapping up April was the Pastors’ Retreat with Dr Ajith Fernando n a friendly casual dinner with THE man n STM faculty.

First semester is concluding a week earlier so that everyone can balik kampong to vote. With the shift of dates, we have to call off our planned mission trip to Sibu. With the change of plans, I will be in Penang for about three weeks. I have scheduled myself to do some STM BM promo in several churches, beginning from Penang, the next weekend in Taiping, n the following week in Ipoh. Before the close of May, I’ll be back to attend to some academic matters n to prepare for the next semester.

SAM SP has concluded their class but SAM Prai has yet to start its class for the year. SAM Ipoh has also concluded their first class. Kindly join us to pray for willing, capable, qualified teachers to join our teaching team.

Is study week now n students are preparing for exams/writing thesis/researching for term papers. While in this admin/lecturers’ offices block, we are busy preparing reports n for next semester. Will greatly appreciate your continuous prayer support n partnership in ministry.

Monthly Ministry Update MarApr18

Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Easter greetings to all of you, my partners in ministry. This is my first year of observing an important church event away from all familiarity. In fact, I still wonder how I am accommodating the “change” so well. No, I do not miss Penang. Maybe just the food. I guess the Lord has prepared me to take up new assignments elsewhere n that is why I “don’t cry missing Penang n home!”

March was a bit slow in activities. After teaching a BM off campus class in Kampar at the last weekend of Feb n first weekend of March, I attended the Anglican Lecturers n Students retreat in PD. Then the campus students had our first attempt of all-night prayer. We started at 9.30pm n planned to conclude at 8am the next day. However, we only managed to stay till 3am. There were 12 of us n at the first break, 4 left. At the second break, 3 left. The rest were pretty restless, so we decided to call it off at 3am. Nevertheless it was a good attempt n the students were very happy. We prayed for Malaysia – going state by state. The next all-night prayer is planned on August, on the eve of a public holiday. There was quite a hiccup when the all-night prayer was announced. The students had wanted the participation of the lecturers. But then, two lecturers actually opposed the event claiming that it was planned during “study week” meant for students to study n not pray! My reaction was – is this a Seminary or what?!?

Next week, I hv an intensive 3 ½ day English TEE class. Do pray with n for me. I am also forming n planning the first actual mission trip in mid-May (our first semester break). Responses were slow as announcement came late n I think is also because the community here is not used to the idea of mission trips (?!?) Anyway, I hv cut down on my team’s size. Three have confirmed n we are praying n waiting for God to bring another two He has commissioned to be in this team. We will be going to Sibu n minister to long-houses along the Rejang River. Do pray with n for us for our financial needs (expenses for this trip), safety, health, etc.

Church-wise: I’ve been assigned to serve in Emmanuel Anglican Church, Cheras. I will be serving in the teaching/preaching capacity. However, I am only committing to attend twice a month as I am also assigned to promote the BM program to BM churches throughout Peninsular Malaysia. Do join me in praying for this BM theological education ministry. In April, I hv a weekend in Pasir Gudang scheduled to share in two BM congregations. In May (end), will be in Ipoh for a similar assignment. Will probably return Penang for two weeks in May after the Sibu trip before coming back south to visit BM churches. Do remember me in your prayers

SAM Northern Centers are progressing slow. The SP center started its class since January. Ipoh center had its two-weeks class in March. However, Prai center is still on hold as the scheduled teacher is having some health issues. Do join us to pray for his speedy recovery.

To all Penang partners, I’m still extending you my invite to visit Seremban. There’s really not much here but if you want a short break in a nothing-really-happening-place, then Seremban is such a place.

Ministry Update Feb/Mar 2018

Hey, wait a minute…two months into 2018 already?! CNY was brief but a moment to savour good food of Penang was heavenly. Oh, wait…is still “officially” CNY. Ah, you know what I meant. Thanks, Penang buddies…

I’m slowly getting the hang of it in Seremban – ministry, surrounding, n food. Besides ministry in Seminary, HQ assigned me serve in a church located in Cheras about an hour away. I don’t know why most mainline churches hold their services so super early on Sunday morning, thus I hv to leave as early as 7am to attend church. However, I am glad enough to hv the liberty to visit churches in Klang Valley to promote the BM ministry – something I very much want to do since day one I stepped into this ministry.

Last weekend I was in Kampar n this weekend is another session to conclude the TEE class. The class is a different crowd, nevertheless I am pretty “at home” with the indigenous people groups. We hv a week of “reading week” next week. This is my first year in campus n still learning what all these “really” mean – reading week, outing day, fasting day, etc…Does “fasting” day requires everyone to actually fast? What type of fast? I think I’ll fast TV – ok, ok…there’s no TV in my apartment, so it’s easy. Then, there’s the “compulsory” Anglican students’ retreat to attend…apart from that March is pretty slow moving.

We hv a small intercessory prayer group in campus meeting on Tuesday n Thursday nights, n we are probably the first inter-denominational prayer meeting here. Please pray for us as we are proposing our first all-night prayer for Malaysia n for our personal (spiritual) revival

Meanwhile in SAM: In SP, the class in the study of Ruth has begun. In Prai, we hv yet to begin as our scheduled teacher fell sick. In Ipoh, class begins next week. Elsewhere, the MMin class in partnership with STS is still in planning. Do pray for n with us to acquire the minimum of 10 committed students.

I covet your prayer support as we progress in the BM ministry. We need ministry partners to grow the BM work, thus I greatly appreciate all of you n trusting God for more to join us in this ministry of vast potential.

Php 1:3  I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, 

Php 1:4  always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, 

Php 1:5  because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. 

Php 1:6  And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. 

Ministry Update JanFeb18

It’s been a month since I moved south to Seremban. Friends here keep telling me that this is a small town but I’m still exploring the place…very slowly, especially with the new ministry n schedule to juggle – I hardly hv time to go out of campus, actually.

I recalled 30 years ago (yes, it’s THAT long ago) when I first left home for tertiary studies in UM. It was a similar feeling…well, I’m back in campus. There’s a lot of getting used to n the one tough challenge is the food which is way below a Penangite’s expectation.

The past two years I’ve been a “deaconess” with the Anglican DWM, I have never worn my deaconess robe more than I have worn them in two weeks here! Thus, begins my process of being “Anglicanized.” A first year student told me that her friend “complained” of having to attend chapel services twice a week in the seminary she is studying at. But guess how many times of chapel services we have to attend here – 6! Three seminary chapel services n three Anglican chapel services!

So what’s going to happen in SAM Penang (SP n Prai) n SAM Ipoh? Well, this year’s schedule has reduced classes. To be on the safe side, I’ve scheduled my classes during semester breaks while I observe the “culture” of this new place. I hope by next year SAM can get back on its feet. There was a reduction of student participation in classes in 2017, especially from Gopeng/Ipoh. Well, there was a little “crisis” there for awhile…Please pray for us. Classes begin end of Jan in SP; after CNY in Prai; early March in Ipoh. Apart from that, some one or two days of popping up to ensure things proceed as planned is in the plan throughout the year.

Besides in campus classes, I will also teach at off campus extension classes. So, it’s really not THAT boring being confined solely to the small campus in a small town. I’m following the first year students to visit various churches of various denominations. Thus far, there’s the two extremes of super traditional n super free n easy.

In the meantime, I’m continuing the task of establishing urban-rural partnership n exploring possible visits with teams into the OA villages. Will appreciate your continuous support n prayer for:

1.      Adjusting/juggling of new schedule/ministry commitments

a.       New work culture/environment

b.      Getting acquainted to the Christian community in campus n off campus

2.      SAM (Penang n Ipoh) centers (teachers n students)

a.       God will enable those coordinating n will raise an individual to co-oversee the ministry – eventually take over

b.      Students n teachers are focussed n teachable

Php 1:3  I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, 

Php 1:4  always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, 

Php 1:5  because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. 

Php 1:6  And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.