Ministry Update 2: November 2010

Mid November…and MBTS graduation just over. I had the chance to meet some (ex)students who graduated with their diploma and bachelor degrees. There are no words to adequately describe completion of a long journey of effort sealed with a few mere words on a piece of paper. But there was the joy of accomplishment, a joy of completion. I am still working on my study program, at the research stage after my research proposal had been approved. I am the only Malaysian and the only lady in the PhD program in MBTS and I strive to create another historical entry to be the first PhD graduate from MBTS. The first history was in 2007 when I became the first ThM (Missiology) graduate. But as I observed the graduates and the “aftermath” of the graduation ceremony, the Lord pricked my thoughts to think of something much deeper.

My motivation to achieve a PhD is simply to take the people I lead to higher level. After all, a leader can only lead his/her followers to where he/she had been. Having the highest academic qualification will mean I can take my people higher and further in their academic pursuance. I believe I need to remove the glass ceiling over our indigenous brothers and sisters and empower them to grow as much as God has ordained for them. But recently I realized I had wrongly “adopted” an unhealthy culture of selfishly wanting to create that historical entry, probably for my own pride and satisfaction. It was wrong and I need to re-focus and re-evaluate. The goal of Christian education is transformation of lives, not to churn out degree holders that only take pride in the papers they hold in their hands. We have been too influenced by the world in this manner.

I recall an advice, a warning rather, by my denomination leader to be cautious in running the BM Bible School. That the goal should always be transformation of lives; not a degree mill that churn out degree holders that are no different before and after their education.

It is a good sign when we see an increasing number of graduates each year; whether it is from the religious “industry” or the secular sector. But I really do wonder, (especially for Christian education because this is my main concern) whether as Christian educators we will maintain the standard and quality of education deliverance to the students. Whether the student had adequately learned or merely the teacher had taught. Whether as educators we have adequately contextualize teaching curriculum in such a manner that our students can adequately apply its principles effectively and not merely to copy what was taught in the classroom into their ministry field.

There are some changes to my November schedule. Will be joining a team to Ulu Groh on Tuesday, 16Nov night and returning Wednesday night after a day-long seminar. The next trip to the OA settlements will be with a team from an Ipoh church in early December. I’m still working on the preparations needed as SAM progress in her partnership with STM. There are so many dynamics involved, not to mention complicated “human factors.” In the meantime, Christmas is slowly approaching. It was just last year when I missed being in a pastoral capacity during the busy celebrative season. But suddenly, I am back in this very capacity. I do not know if I will experience any “nostalgic encounters” but I certainly look forward to spending Christmas season with old friends from a church that launched me into active ministry.

Ministry Update November 2010

Since when did “farmasi” become “apotik” in Penang? I was in Medan recently and saw a lot of “apotik” shops and I did not know what “apotik” was. My local hosts explained to me that it is pharmacy. I took my mom for a check-up in LWE. There were 2 pharmacies nearby. What do you know? Below the word pharmacy or the malay version “farmasi” was huge letters A-P-O-T-I-K. Goodness…I thought. Invasion of Indonesia into Malaysian vocabularies. We may be similar but still different. Although I have been to North Sumatra (Medan & Banda Aceh) several times, each visit taught me many new things. This trip, I learnt to sleep with lights on and I don’t mean the regular dim sleeping lights. It’s bright fluorescent lamp! I also learnt to eat rice with instant noodles as its dish together with fried bee-hoon! Goodness me, as I discovered that the local Indonesians must have rice for every meal, regardless of whether it was a super early breakfast or a super late supper. Somehow the rice just appear!

Last month was also the SAM Penang’s first graduation service. It went well despite the small turn-up. True to its principle to be near the students, SAM will set up 2 new centers in Gua Musang, Kelantan to service the east coast and Ulu Tiram/Sri Alam in Johore to service the southern region. Ipoh will remain the strongest center, enjoying a ready supply of prospective students from the OA communities nearby. Penang, on the other hand, will remain the most unstable. The population of BM churches here consists of either East Malaysian students or Indonesian contract workers with a maximum stay of 5 years in Penang. Thus, it is crucial to network with other Bible Schools in East Malaysia/Medan for continuity for the students. This is in progress. Please join me to pray for a strong network.

I was in STM recently for a meeting regarding the partnership of SAM-STM. It went well. It was a culture shock of sorts for me actually, having been accustomed to MBTS’ way that provides a lot flexibility. Suddenly, I discovered I need to spell out everything as detail as possible. Well, a lot of work for me as we embark on this partnership, but I am very looking forward to the challenges ahead. It’s going to be a learning process and the resubmission of the new SAM-ITC BM prospectus will be like another round of me submitting my research proposal…hahaha.

Middle of the month is a trip to the OA village as I join a few BM pastors to a conference for women and family. Following that, at the end of the month is a BM Bible translation workshop in Klang Valley stretching till early Dec. There are exciting times ahead. In ministry and for our nation. Do join me in prayer as we press on to see God exalted here in Malaysia.

Ministry Update October 2010

With the arrival of October, we have entered into the last quarter of the year. It will not be long before we begin preparations for Christmas and new year to greet the approaching 2011. I have an exciting schedule for next year that takes me to the field all over the country, a task I eagerly look forward to.

This Friday is the SAM (Sekolah Alkitab Malaysia) Penang center’s first graduation service. I’m not familiar with the history of this school but was recently recruited to coordinate the Penang center and provide academic guidance for the whole school that has centers in Ipoh and Johor. Another center in Johor is in our plans. Besides that, we are exploring prospects in Sabah and in Sarawak. It is exciting to see how this ministry develops. More so, to see how God is moving in this land through the BM ministry.

Next week, I’m joining a team of BM pastors to Medan. I hope to be able to establish some form of network with a bible school there in the sharing of resources.

I’ve started the interviewing process with my respondents as part of my field research for my dissertation. It was an interesting affair and I look forward to meeting more respondents.

Kindly keep praying for us. Especially the BM school ministry. Right now, through ITC we can offer certificate and diploma programs but I’m waiting for endorsement from STM to allow us to offer BTh program. I take a step back and see how huge prospects are for this ministry. I often feel overwhelmed at the extent of what needs to be done and what can be done for the BM churches in this country. I’m just not sure how each piece fall into which place. I just know this is huge and I need heaps of prayer support to fulfill this calling. But I know I can keep dreaming big because I serve a big God.

PHP 1:3 I thank my God every time I remember you.

Ministry Update Sept 2010

August comes to an end swiftly enough. The thrill in this month was my dissertation research proposal that was approved and that paved the way for me to proceed to the next phase of my graduate study program – the actual field research. I’ve been looking forward to the field research – the task of meeting people and asking to learn the actual culture and lifestyle being practiced. Following that, the next phase will be the tedious write-up followed by the defense, which is the “final exam.” My topic is “Raising Indigenous Leaders Through Christian Education: A Semai Model.” Upon successful submission, I intend to translate the entire manuscript into Bahasa Malaysia.

August was also a month my former students were here from mainly East Malaysia. It was great having to meet up with them again. And it was good that we had our annual barbeque of monkey meat!

August also saw me attending the annual Anglican Synod for the first time. It gave me a better understanding of its governing structure and also an opportunity to meet fellow workers from other parts of Malaysia. Johor has come into the radar of our BM Bible School, which means more work has to be invested with our co-workers there so we can synchronize our schedule for next year. But I am glad and happy for the progress.

September is another slow month with not much activity except preparing to launch the new curriculum for the School. We will launch it in January, as the new academic year. Right now I’m working on getting confirmation from prospective teachers for the dates and courses to teach in both the Penang and Ipoh centers. A possible date towards the end of the month is targeted for a trip to the jungles. Then early next month is SAM Penang’s first graduation service.

Thank you all for your prayers and partnership in this challenging ministry.

SB

Ministry Update August 2010

2Aug10

I came back yesterday from a shot trip to the OA villages. It was amazing. The last time I visited this village was three years ago and they had just one out-of-tune guitar. Today they have a full band – an electric keyboard, three electric guitars/bass guitar, a drum set, complete with a simple PA system! And the flush system in the toilet works! At least in one of the two toilets in the church…It has never failed to amaze me how God works among the simple folks. As usual worship was spectacular and I was once again reminded by God that He prepares the best for me. That is why He wants me to serve in this capacity.

There were 2 groups of approximately ten of us. One team went to the OA villages in Simpang Pulai while the other went to Gopeng region. I was with the team to Ulu Groh in Gopeng. We wanted to see the famous Rajah Brooke butterflies sanctuary. It was either the timing was bad or we were pretty much cheated because we went to the sanctuary and saw just about ten butterflies! And we paid RM15 each for that! I thought I saw bigger ones in Ulu Kampar last year…for free.

The rest of August is pretty relaxing. My former students are here in Penang attending a month long classes n MBTS. I am very looking forward to meeting with them again. And of course, looking forward also to our tradition of barbeque monkey towards the end of their stay here.

I’ve submitted the fourth revision to my research proposal. Still no news from my supervisor. It’s almost a week now and I’m keeping my fingers crossed. This chap is very meticulous, unlike my supervisor for my ThM program where my proposal was approved after just one revision. But I suppose this will ensure higher standard and after all, it is a PhD we are talking about. Until now, I’m still amazed at how the Lord took me thus far academically. From one who often failed or near failing grades in my primary school, then someone who never thought she could pass her SPM, but was eventually sent to UM; who thought a basic bachelor degree is more than enough as long as studies are concerned. My gosh…I’ve gone to earn three masters and the good Lord has given me far more than I dare to dream of the wildest dream. These truly remind me of how undeserving I am of God’s unending goodness and blessings.

Please join me to continue praying for the Bahasa Bible School. At a PADERI conference recently, I had the opportunity to meet and network with various church leaders of various denominations. Prospects are encouraging for this effort. But my partner in the Ipoh center is encountering some hiccups with hierarchy matters that is slowing him. In a way I think the hierarchical structure is pretty much not ready to move as fast as I anticipated. Even with some leaders who are eager to move forward. If only the “old school” is willing to learn/accept new approaches. But this is not an issue with just us, it is found practically everywhere else. Let me end this time with 2 “old favorites” in the Bahasa churches:

ADA SATU SOBATKU
Ada satu sobatku yang setia
Tak pernah Dia tinggalkan diriku
Diwaktu aku susah, waktuku sendirian
Dia selalu menemani diriku

Nama-Nya Yesus, nama-Nya Yesus
Nama Yesus yang menghibur hatiku (2x)

BETAPA HATIKU
Betapa hatiku Tuhan, berterima kasih Yesus
Kau mengasihi ku, Tuhan. Kau memiliki ku.

Hanya ini Tuhan, persembahan ku
Segenap hidupku, jiwa dan raga ku
S’bab tak ku miliki, harta kekayaan
Yang cukup bererti ‘tuk ku persembahkan

Hanya ini Tuhan, permohonan ku
Terimalah Tuhan persembahan ku
Pakailah hidupku, sebagai alatmu
Seumur hidupku.

Reflecting Missions

MISSIONS, I suppose we generally see it as overseas and foreign. Few will actually be even aware of home missions. To some extent, perhaps it is viewed with a little fear because it brings us to confront unknown changes. Through my years in the full time Christian vocation, I have come to view this discipline with much interest.

I suppose it was in the mid 90s in GBC, when Rev TT Quah and his wife came to sow the seeds of missions in this old Baptist church. I must admit that I was just as curious as everyone else wanting to know and get acquainted to the new cultures and experiences as related to us by Ps Quah. My first participation in a mission trip was to Myanmar in November of 1998. Probably that was when the little missions seed took root. But my focus had always been to study the Word in depth. I proceeded to complete my program in Christian Studies in 2000, then started serving in a local church while continue to study till I earn my degree in Divinity. I wanted to continue pursuing the discipline of education. I strongly feel that the contemporary church lack solid foundation of the truth contained in the Word. In fact, I left pastoring the local church to pursue a graduate program in Christian education. Somewhere along the way, I discovered that this is not a discipline I should pursue. It was at the second module of this program that I was forced to confront a difficult truth. Most of us are taught to complete what we’ve started and I am one of these. I have started this program, so, how can I leave without completing it? As I recalled that long journey in NICE bus from Penang to KL for a week long AGST classes in MBS, Klang in May 2005 I was not at peace at all. I remember trying to find comfort in the song “STILL” which played itself countless times in my head till I reached KL. Eventually, I dropped pursuing the education discipline when I found excitement and joy to pursue missiology. About two years later, I completed my graduate program in missiology. And even now, pursuing it further.

Why has missions captivated me these years? It is something I am still discovering. But one thing I do know is that this is one ministry I am destined to pursue. Each time there is a call for missions, there is always a deep conviction and a sense of awesomeness. It brings untold joy to see fellow Christians responding to the call into this particular ministry. It is a feeling of divine joy that Christians are fulfilling the very core of our faith. It is one authentification of the Christian confession. And I was once again brought into such a place yesterday. Never had I witnessed such eager, such crowd, such conviction as the crowd I witnessed yesterday, responding to the call into missions. I thanked God I had the privilege of such witnessing yesterday. It was in a crowded church full of migrant workers, each offering their worship in simplicity, in complete surrender.

It was an experience I pretty much need for now. With one foot planted in a traditional church while the other foot on board a contemporary church. But the confirmation and assurance I very much needed was this: to know that from whichever platform or organization I’m serving from, the goal/objection is still to bring awareness of missions as the very core of every area of ministry God has entrusted to me.

Ministry Update July 2010

With half the year gone, I found myself doing little thus far. I have to move at the pace of my co-workers for one, and need to consult other partners in the ministry. This has resulted in a slow moving pace for the Bahasa Bible School. Yes, I’m a bit frustrated. Not only with the hierarchical structure but the laid-back culture I’m encountering. I’m not born to relax.

A few things come to mind as I look at the June that was. I’m still impacted by the NECF Seminar where Philip Mantofa made the comment that “being a pastor is not about having a position; it is about having the anointing.” I suppose it struck a deep chord of comfort and assurance within me, especially when I observe “ministers” who seem to care more about securing a fanciful title and position, rather than actually doing the work of ministry. It’s all about the anointing and how true this is. Within my short years of serving in ministry, I’ve come across too many Christian ministers possessing a conduct that is so very “unchristian” to the shame of ministry. I think if God is ever going to visit our nation, He will first have to deal with these “rejects.”

July is pretty relaxing for me, with just one speaking engagement and two out-station trips; one to the PADERI conference in Cameron Highlands in the middle of the month (15-18July), another at the end of the month (31Jul-1Aug) with a weekend trip to the OA villages. August will also see two out-station trips to the Klang Valley at the start and end of the month. September also has 2 out-station trips. With a relaxing July will also mean a good opportunity to kick myself into concentrating on revising my research proposal. It is a minor revision this time and I hope to get it right nicely so I can proceed to the actual field research, something I very look forward to.

Been feeling lazy these days. I think it has a lot to do with the gloomy weather. I mean, the cooling rain is so welcoming after a super hot season. But the unpredictable weather also causes me to laze indoor rather than to be outdoor. These days, I find myself buying all the needed food for the day on my way to the office and stay put in the office till time to go home. And with 6 comfortable beds within easy reach, I often opted for a 30 minutes siesta during lunch hour!