The days between Christmas and New Year are often lazy days. Many opt to take leave and go for a holiday. Others go to work without actually being present at work. The anticipation for a new year and the wrapping of the old is an annual affair we encounter yet we always fall into the trap to laze through the week.
Along the lazy days the Lord brought me to reflect upon the year that was and appreciate the many blessings, both seen and unseen. As I pen the final update for the year, allow me to share and thank each one of you for being my friend, my partner, and fellow traveler along this spiritual pilgrimage we share.
It was a year of adaptation for me, leaving an education based institution to begin the new phase of ministry. The Lord gave me a vision and a passion to pursue a ministry of vast potential and I still am overwhelmed by its potentials and prospects. But this only serves to remind me of how inadequate I am apart from God. Entering into the so-called full-time Christian vocation is a complete surrender to the will of God and the anthem is, it’s all about You, Jesus; not about me.
It is a tremendous joy to serve across denominations; meeting and partnering with fellow brothers and sisters from various denominations and church backgrounds. This is the uniqueness of my calling and my pledge of loyalty to the church of Jesus Christ, not to any specific denomination. Denominations, by the way, only serve to divide.
As I reflect upon the past year, I saw the ups and downs, the laughter and the tears, the joy and the sorrow. Yet in all these, I give thanks to a mighty God who works all things for the good of those whom He loves. Allow me to express my gratitude for your partnership and fellowship. Allow me to share with you and return you the blessings you extend to me. Allow me to thank the groups you represent for walking with me through the year, to individuals that have taught me, inspire me, and encourage me.
Living as redeemed sinners we can never achieve perfection at this end of heaven but your partnerships have enriched my spiritual journey in so many ways. To FGA BM, JCMC Youth/Young Adults, FLC that I am regularly in touch and work with – thank you. To individuals that colored my spiritual journey through 2010: from MBTS, PCC, Wesley Methodist Penang, Wesley Methodist Taiping, AOG Ipoh, CGMC, HMB Sabah, HMB Sarawak, FGA Penang, JCMC, FLC, EPCC, GBC, and countless others – thank you.
To my home cell in GBC: you are the only familiar refuge when I needed to return home. I have not been attending GBC Sunday services even at times when my Sunday mornings are available because GBC has grown very distant. Each time I visited, there seemed to be more unfamiliar faces drowning the familiarity I was expecting. It dawned on me that GBC is no longer “home.”
To my partners in the BM ministry, especially the FGA BM pastoral team: you guys are the best. I feel so inadequate each time I stand before you to “teach” knowing that I face an audience who have years of field experience that I ought to learn from. Thank you for accepting me as an “unofficial” team-mate and sharing the retreat, the training, the makan. I greatly appreciate and am honored to learn the ropes of practical ministry together with you guys, something that is not taught in the Seminary. It truly enable me to better formulate a curriculum that is relevant and appropriate for the Bible School ministry I am leading. You are a team that expresses joy in ministry and your partnership birth a deeper love for the BM work in this nation.
To my partners in JCMC: hey, you guys remind me of my previous youth pastorate. The struggle to balance between pleasing the conservative leadership and pursuing a passion for God is nothing new; a little nostalgic to me. Thank you for your friendship and fellowship, not forgetting the fun and makan.
To my almost forgotten family in FLC: though I do not visit often, the times that I do is like returning home to familiar surroundings. The small-knitted-ness among you is so unique and it easily makes one feel at home. Thank you for launching me into active ministry decades ago.
To friends and partners in ministry: in Penang, Taiping, Ipoh, JB, Klang Valley, Sabah, Sarawak, and friends who have migrated to Australia, UK, US; friends I met in Malaysia but from/serving in various countries around the globe – the honor of having known you colored this year brightly and I pray for the coming year that we continue to enrich each other spiritually as we journey together.
As I prepare my first message for 2011, I am reminded of the need to challenge ourselves to expect discipline from God – a discipline that will move us out from our comfort zones, to prevent complacency, and to be always be on our toes. To all my partners in ministry, I thank you and pray that we will continue our partnership into another challenging year tomorrow, anticipating God to work in us and through us to influence a nation that desperately needs to know and experience a loving God.
Friday, December 31, 2010
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Ministry Update 2: December 2010
Cameron Highlands: sitting on the border of two states in Peninsular Malaysia, Perak and Pahang; and home to numerous indigenous tribal people. Recently I was asked how many tribes were there among the indigenous community in Peninsular Malaysia. It was then that I realized I have “lost touch” with my research project; that I’ve left the initial research to sit in my hard disk and focus on the task at hand – interviewing respondents. So my friend, below is the chart categorizing the indigenous community:
Negrito:Kintaq,Lanok,Kensiu,Jahai,Mendriq,Bateq
Senoi:Temiar,Semai,Mah Meri,Che Wong,Ja Hut,Semoq Beri
Malayu Asli:Orang Selatar,Jakum,Orang Kuala,Orang Kanaq,Temuan,Semelai
Most of these people dwell in the interior; mainly in the central region of the Peninsular. Some of you may notice that this is my second update for this month. The earlier update was not sent to everyone in my usual mailing list. Anyway, it’s already December. We have arrived at the close of the year. I had a great and wonderful trip to Ipoh recently, visiting the OA community at both sides of the Camerons hill. I joined R & R’s church team to a Semai village near Tapah and later visited my Semai colleagues at Gopeng. I also had the opportunity to visit Kampar, the Methodist Senoi Workers’ Training Center and tasted the popular curry chicken bread. It was a fantastic trip and there’s much that I learnt and experienced.
First encounter was the team from an Ipoh church…a Cantonese church. But I discovered soon enough that despite the initial language barrier, hokkien is pretty widely known in Ipoh too. However, I was still pretty lost in a Cantonese worship service. It was a “relief” when I hop to a BM church following that. Is always good to be among something you are familiar with after being “lost in (language) transit.”
On the morning before I returned to Penang, I had breakfast in the hawkers’ center in Gopeng market. Yes, R & R…I just discovered this from the locals. There’s a special noodles stall and another porridge stall which are both very popular. But both were closed that morning. I think your church member was referring to these. Anyway, I sat at the table with a Semai family. The hawker came to serve the food, looked at me, and spoke in Cantonese. I looked at her blankly and asked my Semai friend what she just said (well, my Semai friend understands Cantonese). This hawker asked my Semai friend whether I’m Chinese. So, I replied to her I’m “Cina bukan Cina.”
It’s been a slow year for me, having to adapt to the new system and structure of the Anglican church. I doubt I can fully comprehend the “Anglican sentiments” on certain issues they hold so closely. After all, I pretty much grow up with a universal church mentality, free from the confines of (denomination) traditions.
Ministry wise…well, I have my home (church) CG to thank for helping me break record for 8 consecutive speaking engagements through 7 consecutive weekends, stretching from end of November till mid of January. I’m looking forward to some opportunity where I can break such a record. The BM Bible School had delayed its new curriculum launch. We’ll start in March 2011 instead of the initial January. Kindly join me in prayer for this ministry. We are experiencing some “hiccups” that I’m not comfortable to share in detail yet as it is pending decisions from some board members that can only meet in January. I’m looking forward to the new year with new challenges awaiting. Let’s march on in Jesus’ name to change our nation, our world with the truth of Jesus Christ. A very Merry Christmas to all of you and a very happy New Year too…
Negrito:Kintaq,Lanok,Kensiu,Jahai,Mendriq,Bateq
Senoi:Temiar,Semai,Mah Meri,Che Wong,Ja Hut,Semoq Beri
Malayu Asli:Orang Selatar,Jakum,Orang Kuala,Orang Kanaq,Temuan,Semelai
Most of these people dwell in the interior; mainly in the central region of the Peninsular. Some of you may notice that this is my second update for this month. The earlier update was not sent to everyone in my usual mailing list. Anyway, it’s already December. We have arrived at the close of the year. I had a great and wonderful trip to Ipoh recently, visiting the OA community at both sides of the Camerons hill. I joined R & R’s church team to a Semai village near Tapah and later visited my Semai colleagues at Gopeng. I also had the opportunity to visit Kampar, the Methodist Senoi Workers’ Training Center and tasted the popular curry chicken bread. It was a fantastic trip and there’s much that I learnt and experienced.
First encounter was the team from an Ipoh church…a Cantonese church. But I discovered soon enough that despite the initial language barrier, hokkien is pretty widely known in Ipoh too. However, I was still pretty lost in a Cantonese worship service. It was a “relief” when I hop to a BM church following that. Is always good to be among something you are familiar with after being “lost in (language) transit.”
On the morning before I returned to Penang, I had breakfast in the hawkers’ center in Gopeng market. Yes, R & R…I just discovered this from the locals. There’s a special noodles stall and another porridge stall which are both very popular. But both were closed that morning. I think your church member was referring to these. Anyway, I sat at the table with a Semai family. The hawker came to serve the food, looked at me, and spoke in Cantonese. I looked at her blankly and asked my Semai friend what she just said (well, my Semai friend understands Cantonese). This hawker asked my Semai friend whether I’m Chinese. So, I replied to her I’m “Cina bukan Cina.”
It’s been a slow year for me, having to adapt to the new system and structure of the Anglican church. I doubt I can fully comprehend the “Anglican sentiments” on certain issues they hold so closely. After all, I pretty much grow up with a universal church mentality, free from the confines of (denomination) traditions.
Ministry wise…well, I have my home (church) CG to thank for helping me break record for 8 consecutive speaking engagements through 7 consecutive weekends, stretching from end of November till mid of January. I’m looking forward to some opportunity where I can break such a record. The BM Bible School had delayed its new curriculum launch. We’ll start in March 2011 instead of the initial January. Kindly join me in prayer for this ministry. We are experiencing some “hiccups” that I’m not comfortable to share in detail yet as it is pending decisions from some board members that can only meet in January. I’m looking forward to the new year with new challenges awaiting. Let’s march on in Jesus’ name to change our nation, our world with the truth of Jesus Christ. A very Merry Christmas to all of you and a very happy New Year too…
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Ministry Update December 2010
It seems like yesterday when we welcome 2010. We have arrived at the last month of the year and busy preparing to greet another new year. I suppose this is another season for new year resolutions that we never bother to keep. Christmas is just around the corner and the festivities are already in the air in shopping malls.
As I take a glance back at the year it was, I realized that it was a slow year for me. Transition times are slow I suppose, something a work-oriented person like me will regard as redundant times. But I am grateful to the Lord that those times enabled me to think, to plan, to organize. I am still amazed and overwhelmed by the vast potentials of the BM ministry in this country. I am grateful to the Lord for the networks and opportunities prevailing to explore and develop the work. It feels like staring at a 2000 jigsaw puzzle pieces in front of me without knowing how and where each piece belongs and how they can come together. But I am trusting the Lord and His perfect timing for the big picture to come into place.
The BM School ministry hit a “crisis” and we are at a pause right now. There are 2 possible outcomes. First, we break away from SAM network and it will mean no foreign funding and more work for me in raising funds. But this is something I am prepared for. Second option is a more popular possibility, which is to go independent and work in partnership with various seminaries and Bible Schools. I am not familiar with the history and background of this School but discovered that it was originally planned to be the Peninsular Malaysia arm for CTC, a foreign training ministry which has a base in Kuching. Apparently, CTC has affiliate itself with an American university. If SAM re-connect to its roots and original purpose, I suppose the (Peninsular Malaysia) School will also be endorsed by the university. The second option will be a better option for the growth of the School. However, it sort of contradicts my “contract” with the Anglican diocese. I’m not worried; only anxious at how God will direct this ministry. And I’m trusting Him to lead us to the best option where He will best effectively affect the potentials of this work.
I am in the field research part of my graduate studies. I’m having a lot of fun meeting and interviewing my respondents. But I’m about to conclude meeting the Christian population. Next, I’ll need to meet non-Christian respondents and I’m not sure how it will go. I’m trusting it to be just as interesting.
As expected, December is a busy month. The last weekend of November marked the first of my 7 consecutive weeks of preaching engagements at different locations…all the way till the second week in January. Christmas dinners and events are coming one after another. And just let me greet all of you a very merry and blessed Christmas, a happy and prosperous New Year. Once again,
PHP 1:3 I thank my God every time I remember you
As I take a glance back at the year it was, I realized that it was a slow year for me. Transition times are slow I suppose, something a work-oriented person like me will regard as redundant times. But I am grateful to the Lord that those times enabled me to think, to plan, to organize. I am still amazed and overwhelmed by the vast potentials of the BM ministry in this country. I am grateful to the Lord for the networks and opportunities prevailing to explore and develop the work. It feels like staring at a 2000 jigsaw puzzle pieces in front of me without knowing how and where each piece belongs and how they can come together. But I am trusting the Lord and His perfect timing for the big picture to come into place.
The BM School ministry hit a “crisis” and we are at a pause right now. There are 2 possible outcomes. First, we break away from SAM network and it will mean no foreign funding and more work for me in raising funds. But this is something I am prepared for. Second option is a more popular possibility, which is to go independent and work in partnership with various seminaries and Bible Schools. I am not familiar with the history and background of this School but discovered that it was originally planned to be the Peninsular Malaysia arm for CTC, a foreign training ministry which has a base in Kuching. Apparently, CTC has affiliate itself with an American university. If SAM re-connect to its roots and original purpose, I suppose the (Peninsular Malaysia) School will also be endorsed by the university. The second option will be a better option for the growth of the School. However, it sort of contradicts my “contract” with the Anglican diocese. I’m not worried; only anxious at how God will direct this ministry. And I’m trusting Him to lead us to the best option where He will best effectively affect the potentials of this work.
I am in the field research part of my graduate studies. I’m having a lot of fun meeting and interviewing my respondents. But I’m about to conclude meeting the Christian population. Next, I’ll need to meet non-Christian respondents and I’m not sure how it will go. I’m trusting it to be just as interesting.
As expected, December is a busy month. The last weekend of November marked the first of my 7 consecutive weeks of preaching engagements at different locations…all the way till the second week in January. Christmas dinners and events are coming one after another. And just let me greet all of you a very merry and blessed Christmas, a happy and prosperous New Year. Once again,
PHP 1:3 I thank my God every time I remember you
Monday, November 15, 2010
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.
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.
Friday, November 5, 2010
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.
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.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
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.
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.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
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
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
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