Ministry Update AprMay 2021

 

First quarter of the year had passed by too quickly while most of us are still hiding in our caves. A lot of events unfolded and pre-COVID norm seemed pretty unattainable still. Travels are still restricted in many ways, even domestic travels.

 April was an eventful month. It opened with a spiritual-encounter of sort that shook the faith of all involved. As we looked back (sorry I am not able to elaborate in detail), it taught us to evaluate our spirituality. I remember walking back to my apartment one day at the peak of this “spiritual shakening” and it impressed upon me, when was the last time I practised my spiritual gifts? Am I being “sucked” into the stiff academic structure I was so careful to avoid? With a heavy load this semester, juggling between study and teaching, ministry in campus and church, it just looked like I have fallen into a “structured spirituality.” What more with the upcoming mission trip we are planning. A quick visit to an OA settlement within Seremban district – no crossing of district or state border. Yet, opposition come to prevent the trip. Yes, I am aware of the rising C19 cases but it is always last minute oppositions that precede a spiritual breakthrough. We have put in place strict SOP and going the extra mile for precautions. Really…April is loaded with “events” of a spiritual kind.

 First semester break is just around the corner. The one month break will hold little meaning as travels are restricted. Classes have concluded and it is marking/exam season now.

 SAM Prai had their online class and Temerloh outreach is starting their first module in early June. If situation does not improvement that first (physical) class needs to be postponed

 I know everyone is praying. Kindly add my prayer request to your prayer list – SAM ministry, STM, and spiritual discernment for the Malaysian church.

 Thank you for your partnership in ministry

 TSB

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Ministry Update Mar-Apr 2021

 

Ok, so the first quarter of the year has completed. I m busy with a loaded timetable and studies/literary research for this semester. Somehow, next semester’s timetable is pretty relaxing which can permit more time to focus on my studies.

 The “inconvenience” of C19 is slowly becoming a norm and the vaccination has been hailed as a breakthrough of humanity in this century. I worry, I fear…not of the vaccine but the attitude of Christians. Some are for the vaccine but some against the vaccine. I only pray that we look beyond the vaccine to see the true healer…Jesus Christ. Especially so this season of Easter and celebration of the Resurrection.

 I pray daily for the C19 situation to improve…with one selfish intention, actually – to cross state border n visit Penang. It is pretty tensed here with frequent “alarms” of close contact cases, something I believe will continue to occur regularly. But one thing I m confident is, God is in control. That is enough, enough to brave through any storm in life.

 SAM Penang has begun its first online class for this academic year. A few may have enough credits to graduate with their diploma end of this year. Pray that things will keep improving for a physical ceremony. In the meantime, the Temerloh centre will start in early June with their first module. Please continue to pray for us. The OA community does not have easy access to the internet and as such the pandemic consequences are causing a heavy toll on them.

 Thank you for your prayers and partnership. As we prepare for the Easter events, may the Resurrection power continue to fill you and fuel you for ministry to glorify God in this generation, in this nation.

 

TSB

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Ministry Update Jan-Feb 2021

 

With almost a blink of the eye, here we are in the second month of the “new” year. But what’s new apart from the various versions of MCO in our country. And CNY? Well, just “duduk rumah diam-diam” lah…I believe I’m not alone to not being able to “balik kampong” and at the same time of feeling depressed also feeling good that we will not contribute to the escalating spread of C-19.

 

What else is there apart from fluidity of our plans? Classes are online, travels are restricted, and uncertainties abound. But I’d like to invite you to join me in this marathon of continued prayer for our nation. And beyond that…for the world. What we have read in the tells us about a God of wonders. This is the time God is preparing us to witness a great miracle for this generation. We need to encourage each other to persevere, press on, and progress in intensive prayer and intercession. One more, just one more. And that “one” could be your prayer that tilt the balance to pour down from heaven the greatest deliverance for mankind in this generation. “God is the same yesterday, today, and forever,” and so we say. Therefore, watch Him lead us to experience Him just as how His people in biblical times experienced Him.

 

Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who acts on behalf of those who wait for him. (Isaiah 64:4)

 

TSB

020221

Ministry Update December 2020-January 2021

 

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

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Ministry Update October-November 2020

Academic term concluded in silence as the pandemic challenges pushed towards precautionary measures. October used to be a busy month as everyone in campus rush to complete assignments in the midst of graduation events and its preparations. Then at the peak of it all, the Graduation Day! Unfortunately, the planned events did not take place. All was quiet in campus as the pandemic forced us to cancel those events while we watched helplessly the number of new positive cases escalate each evening when the information was reported. 2020 is reaching the end and it “feels” like a whole year being “wasted” staying indoors, cancelling activities, delaying travels, postponing events, etc.

SAM Northern Centres did not “accomplish” much either. In February, we had a physical class in Tapah attended by over 50 OA pastors and church leaders. Then the pandemic struck and the classes paused. Along the way, glimpses of hope appeared but as precautionary measures no other classes were held. In the meantime, there were some internal issues and Tapah centre had to take a break until a new venue can be identified. We are still unsure if by next year classes can resume in Tapah. It cannot be done online as it is located within the OA village and without internet access. Presently, the villages are taking preventive measures too as there were several COVID positive cases detected in a school nearby.

Elsewhere in Prai, Penang, one physical class took place successfully after the pandemic restrictions were lifted. Following that, two online classes took place. Online classes appear to be a preferred option in Prai which has good internet access and the hassle of travel/traffic can be overcome. For this centre, next year will see a mixture of online, hybrid, and physical classes.

Next year’s plans remain fluid with the pandemic-related uncertainties. There’s just so much that can be planned for the year ahead. In the meantime, the pandemic challenges also delayed the progress of registering SAM as a legal organization. Do join us to pray for God’s timing. For November/December, movements are limited due to preventive measures. But it will be a time to focus on my studies and preparations for the next academic year. There should at least be a trip up North, though. I am preparing SAM’s annual report. So, you should be hearing from me soon on the progress of the school. There’s not much activities due to the lock-down and restrictions. However, it’s precious times to be in the presence of God.

Thank you for your partnership in ministry

Blessings,

TSB 29102020