So here it is, the final month of 2011 and everyone has more or less geared into the festive mood. Christmas decorations are already everywhere, especially in the shopping malls. Churches have begun their caroling rounds. A series of Christmas dinners will soon begin.
As I looked back the previous month, activities filled just half of November and the other half, I saw myself already pretty restless. I was uninspired to prepare my messages in December and many people are already busy planning for Christmas, which means, I’m too relaxed. But it was a blessed morning when I met an old friend. We were in varsity together and honestly, I could hardly recognize her. Oh…I didn’t tell her that. But it struck me when we were discussing about the OA ministry. We were together in the Anthropology and Sociology (ANSOS) class; every year the ANSOS department organized a trip to the OA village. So, this friend of mine was relating how the trip impacted her and the question came, “You were with us in that trip, right?” Sheepishly I replied, “No, I stayed away from the jungle…as much as I could; until now after God “zapped” me!” Well, that’s the truth…
It’s a relaxing month for me but anxious as I have to wait for my partners to start and confirm activities for the next year. I continue to seek your partnership in prayer as we conclude this year and preparing to greet the new year. Please pray for:
1. Trip to the OA village on 10Dec with GBC’s CG (CL’s group)
2. Bahasa Pastors Fellowship Christmas Dinner on 20Dec
3. Christmas services in churches 24/25Dec, I’ll be
a. Preaching @ JCMC 8am 25Dec
b. Preaching @ FLC 10am 25Dec
4. Sekolah Akitab Malaysia (SAM) partnership with Seminari Teologi Malaysia (administrative procedures)
a. SAM students to diligently attend/complete due assignments
b. Center coordinators to wrap up records of the academic year
5. Plans/meetings for the formation of the first Bahasa Malaysia Seminary in Peninsular Malaysia, in partnership with PMSM and others we intend to invite aboard
Finally, I take this opportunity to thank all of you for your love and support, especially in prayer and encouragement. A very blessed Christmas and Happy New Year to all of you. May each one of us be inspired this Christmas season to fervently serve Him in this nation to bring the glory of our God to shine brightly in this land and beyond.
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Friday, October 28, 2011
Ministry Update October/November
Time sure flies…we are already gearing up for Christmas and soon preparing to greet the new year. I am writing this update in Ringlet, Cameron Highlands; no, I’m not on holiday though today is a public holiday (Deepavali). I am teaching a class in Church Admin and the students have been great. A bit boring here with the constant rain and super poor internet reception; but yesterday we visited an OA settlement in the BOH tea estate nearby. Prospects are good to network with the SIB OA churches here to expand the school. There are about 10 SIB OA churches in this region and the pastor we met was very keen to work with us. I’m trusting God to provide the necessary while I continue to dream big for Him.
A couple of days ago, I was very encouraged to receive an unexpected phone call. The caller wanted to invite me to preach at her daughter’s wedding. She told me that her daughter specially requested for me to preach on her special day. It was such an honor and encouragement to know there’s someone in some church who thinks I’m a good preacher; unfortunately the date was not appropriate. I’m scheduled to be in Medan 1-7 Dec for a preaching circuit in 4 churches to kick-start the Christmas season. And I’m now wandering why 3Dec is such a popular date. So far, I’ve received 4 invites to different events by different groups on this very date.
The BM school is progressing well. The OA pastors pursuing their studies in MBTS have officially transferred to SAM. I’m pretty upset when I received an email from the academic dean with a request to help them correct rumors that the BM dept in MBTS is closing. Upset because they are too sensitive and insecure; upset that they do not know the BM students well. Hanging around with those fellas, I know they always joke, but somebody must have overheard them joking and took it too personally. I’m disappointed that certain insecure individual is still trying to push blame on me for his inability to execute the ministry properly.
We will be meeting with STM personnel early Nov to elaborate on an official MoU. In the meantime, our center in Penang (Bayan Point) will launch its second class, a repeat of the course conducted in Prai earlier this year. If things go well, we will greet 2012 with a center in Prai (mainland) and Bayan Point (island) for SAM Penang; a center in Ringlet, Cameron Highlands and Ipoh for SAM Ipoh. We also hope to begin sending final year students for optional short-term internship practical in Sarawak. Pray for us as we seek to grow this ministry. The church in Malaysia is the responsibility of Malaysian Christians; and we seek to train and raise local ministers to minister to their own people groups. Pray for the Gua Musang center that they will grow strong and stable in their pool of students and teachers.
As of now, I have all registered OA students sponsored for the course fees of their entire programs. 6 students transferred from MBTS have yet to be sponsored. More students are expected for next year, so our SAM Student Adoption program will continue to invite partnership from individuals and churches. I will soon send out updates to all sponsors; just waiting for the final class of the year to close in November.
My study program is still on hold. The director of Graduate School is still looking for a replacement to supervise my dissertation. But I’m glad to know that plan B is he’ll assume that position if no suitable candidate is found.
A couple of days ago, I was very encouraged to receive an unexpected phone call. The caller wanted to invite me to preach at her daughter’s wedding. She told me that her daughter specially requested for me to preach on her special day. It was such an honor and encouragement to know there’s someone in some church who thinks I’m a good preacher; unfortunately the date was not appropriate. I’m scheduled to be in Medan 1-7 Dec for a preaching circuit in 4 churches to kick-start the Christmas season. And I’m now wandering why 3Dec is such a popular date. So far, I’ve received 4 invites to different events by different groups on this very date.
The BM school is progressing well. The OA pastors pursuing their studies in MBTS have officially transferred to SAM. I’m pretty upset when I received an email from the academic dean with a request to help them correct rumors that the BM dept in MBTS is closing. Upset because they are too sensitive and insecure; upset that they do not know the BM students well. Hanging around with those fellas, I know they always joke, but somebody must have overheard them joking and took it too personally. I’m disappointed that certain insecure individual is still trying to push blame on me for his inability to execute the ministry properly.
We will be meeting with STM personnel early Nov to elaborate on an official MoU. In the meantime, our center in Penang (Bayan Point) will launch its second class, a repeat of the course conducted in Prai earlier this year. If things go well, we will greet 2012 with a center in Prai (mainland) and Bayan Point (island) for SAM Penang; a center in Ringlet, Cameron Highlands and Ipoh for SAM Ipoh. We also hope to begin sending final year students for optional short-term internship practical in Sarawak. Pray for us as we seek to grow this ministry. The church in Malaysia is the responsibility of Malaysian Christians; and we seek to train and raise local ministers to minister to their own people groups. Pray for the Gua Musang center that they will grow strong and stable in their pool of students and teachers.
As of now, I have all registered OA students sponsored for the course fees of their entire programs. 6 students transferred from MBTS have yet to be sponsored. More students are expected for next year, so our SAM Student Adoption program will continue to invite partnership from individuals and churches. I will soon send out updates to all sponsors; just waiting for the final class of the year to close in November.
My study program is still on hold. The director of Graduate School is still looking for a replacement to supervise my dissertation. But I’m glad to know that plan B is he’ll assume that position if no suitable candidate is found.
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Ministry Update Sept/Oct 2011
September opened with a week- long class in Ipoh. I was in YMCA the entire week with little entertainment at night after class. Being unfamiliar with Ipoh town, I stayed in my room and spent most of the time browsing the net. That’s when I picked up another addictive game in FB. The class in Penang center was put on hold for the week while I was in Ipoh and it will come to a close early October.
I was in Kinta Valley area 3x in September and will be repeating that frequency this month. I remember bringing the LOGOS Hope team of three into the OA villages middle of September. It was tiring having to interpret for 3 members and running here and there in between so they were able to converse with the locals. But I remembered how they were sharing about how God had financially provided for the Ship. If I remembered it right, it was previously a ship transporting cars and needed euro 500 million to refurbish in 5 years but God’s intervention changed that into USD 28 million in 2 years. I remembered that while I was interpreting that, at the back of my mind I was struggling, questioning God about His providence. I have experienced His providence in small measures here and there in my life but I’m now in the midst of asking for sponsorship for my OA friends. I have great plans for them, I share it with them, and they are just as excited as I am. Still, we hope together for the day when we can carry out these plans which obviously need financing. That day, I was grumbling in my mind before the Lord. Intellectually, I know God provides, but I have not experience it in any significant manner. The next day when I arrived at my office, there was a letter for the church addressed to me. When I opened it, a cheque fell out. When I saw the amount, I was numbed for awhile. After I pulled myself together, I can only cry. And I cried, and I cried…the letter came from someone I heard about in a church in Penang but I’ve never met this person. The letter stated that the Lord had blessed his family and they would like to share the blessing by sponsoring the OA students. Out of curiosity, how much do you think a stranger can give to a ministry they only know from a brochure; to a person they may have heard of but never met? I leave you to ponder the amount. But it was substantial…it made me cry! My OA students are so blessed and I’m so happy.
The last Sunday of September was another “historic” moment. There was a crowd of about 700 gathered in Gopeng Square where the OA church celebrated their 15th Anniversary. Rain poured and guests came from various places. The church leaders were dressed so smartly while the clergy had their official attire on. It was humid, it was pretty uncomfortable as the formalities of the service stretched longer than anticipated. Hunger caused discomfort, especially when some food was already on the table. But it was a memorable evening. Tiring for me, traveling to Gopeng from Penang and returning to Penang after the service and forced to wake up the next morning to a cool, sleepy day to attend the Upper North Clergy meeting. But it was worth it, it really was.
October has several trips to the OA villages: one with a Methodist group and another with an Anglican group. End of October is another class with the Ipoh students who had it planned as a retreat and we will be meeting in Ringlet. Please pray for us; for a time of mutual learning, fellowship, and outreach.
Most importantly, I request prayer for my studies. My thesis supervisor withdrew as he is undergoing some medical treatment. I know God has appointed a candidate to replace him. Please pray that we find this person soon. I hope to complete my studies by next year in line with my plans to start offering advance degree programs for the BM school. Papers make a difference, what to do? That’s how things work…
Again, thank you for your partnership in ministry.
PS: Praise the Lord, I have a new toy…Asus Eee Pad Transformer, a 10.1’ android pad and I no longer need to print sermon note – save the trees! Got a good deal for it, though I was waiting for someone to bless me with one…
I was in Kinta Valley area 3x in September and will be repeating that frequency this month. I remember bringing the LOGOS Hope team of three into the OA villages middle of September. It was tiring having to interpret for 3 members and running here and there in between so they were able to converse with the locals. But I remembered how they were sharing about how God had financially provided for the Ship. If I remembered it right, it was previously a ship transporting cars and needed euro 500 million to refurbish in 5 years but God’s intervention changed that into USD 28 million in 2 years. I remembered that while I was interpreting that, at the back of my mind I was struggling, questioning God about His providence. I have experienced His providence in small measures here and there in my life but I’m now in the midst of asking for sponsorship for my OA friends. I have great plans for them, I share it with them, and they are just as excited as I am. Still, we hope together for the day when we can carry out these plans which obviously need financing. That day, I was grumbling in my mind before the Lord. Intellectually, I know God provides, but I have not experience it in any significant manner. The next day when I arrived at my office, there was a letter for the church addressed to me. When I opened it, a cheque fell out. When I saw the amount, I was numbed for awhile. After I pulled myself together, I can only cry. And I cried, and I cried…the letter came from someone I heard about in a church in Penang but I’ve never met this person. The letter stated that the Lord had blessed his family and they would like to share the blessing by sponsoring the OA students. Out of curiosity, how much do you think a stranger can give to a ministry they only know from a brochure; to a person they may have heard of but never met? I leave you to ponder the amount. But it was substantial…it made me cry! My OA students are so blessed and I’m so happy.
The last Sunday of September was another “historic” moment. There was a crowd of about 700 gathered in Gopeng Square where the OA church celebrated their 15th Anniversary. Rain poured and guests came from various places. The church leaders were dressed so smartly while the clergy had their official attire on. It was humid, it was pretty uncomfortable as the formalities of the service stretched longer than anticipated. Hunger caused discomfort, especially when some food was already on the table. But it was a memorable evening. Tiring for me, traveling to Gopeng from Penang and returning to Penang after the service and forced to wake up the next morning to a cool, sleepy day to attend the Upper North Clergy meeting. But it was worth it, it really was.
October has several trips to the OA villages: one with a Methodist group and another with an Anglican group. End of October is another class with the Ipoh students who had it planned as a retreat and we will be meeting in Ringlet. Please pray for us; for a time of mutual learning, fellowship, and outreach.
Most importantly, I request prayer for my studies. My thesis supervisor withdrew as he is undergoing some medical treatment. I know God has appointed a candidate to replace him. Please pray that we find this person soon. I hope to complete my studies by next year in line with my plans to start offering advance degree programs for the BM school. Papers make a difference, what to do? That’s how things work…
Again, thank you for your partnership in ministry.
PS: Praise the Lord, I have a new toy…Asus Eee Pad Transformer, a 10.1’ android pad and I no longer need to print sermon note – save the trees! Got a good deal for it, though I was waiting for someone to bless me with one…
Friday, September 2, 2011
Ministry Update Aug/Sept 2011
1Sept2011
September…it is similar with August where my schedule was full even before entering into the month. But I’m thrilled to see how my days are fully utilized for His glory. I just got back from a youth camp in Tanjong Bungah. When I stepped into the dorm, I suddenly wondered to myself why I turned down a speaking engagement at a family camp in Lake Toba…I mean, I could have been putting up in a fancy hotel, overlooking the volcanic lake in the cool of the day but instead, I was forced to patiently wait for each meal while running under the scorching sun beside dirty Penang beaches and waiting in line to use the shower. Well, it was a youth camp…enough said. But I do realize that I will readily accept ministering in English, rather than in Malay (Bahasa Malaysia or Bahasa Indonesia). Perhaps, it is because I find myself not fluent enough to pray efficiently in Malay. Besides, the nature of what I do really requires me to juggle between the two languages.
The Sekolah Alkitab Malaysia (SAM) Penang center has started a class in Bayan Point, apart from the earlier one in Prai. This class sees more Indonesian students and I am caught between Bahasa Malaysia and Bahasa Indonesia…who says the two languages is similar? It’s big enough the difference that I have to be extra cautious of its terms and vocabulary. Nevertheless, this is indeed a learning experience.
Next week 5-9Sept, I have a class in Ipoh. Here, have to revert back to Bahasa Malaysia. After a week-long of classes, there may be a meeting of SAM council in JB which, I’m still contemplating of whether to participate. This is considering my tight schedule. Apart from classes on Monday and Wednesday nights for the 9 sessions class in Bayan Point, with breaks for the long holiday and my Ipoh class insert, there are trips to the OA villages with one just upon my return from Ipoh with the LOGOS team. No, I’ve not visited the ship, and I doubt if I will ever have time for that, what with class preparations, etc. I do not have any preaching engagements in BJAC but have several in other churches in Penang. Good break for me, really…But I must admit that last Sunday, 28Aug was an interesting Sunday where I preached in SIB Georgetown. Yes, there is a SIB church in town and the members are all from Sarawak…well, the church was started by a former student who has graduated and returned to Sarawak. After the service, I proceeded to preach in Christ Church BM Service, where the members are from Sabah…well, the person in charge is from Sabah.
Please pray with me, especially for my studies. I’ve started chapter one of my 80, 000 words dissertation. In fact, I’ve sent the draft of chapter one to my supervisor and awaiting his comments before proceeding further. However, I just found out that he is now undergoing treatment for a re-lapse in his cancer illness. So, I’m now caught – what should I do? My second supervisor is back in the US and busy playing grandfather to his twins grandchildren. Hope he gets back soon to advice me how to proceed. If my second supervisor decides to “take over” the supervision process, it’s going to be a lot easier because he’s based in MBTS while my main supervisor is based in Singapore.
Please pray with me too, for the OA student pastors/leaders of SAM Gua Musang and Ipoh who need financial aid to pursue their basic Christian/theological education. Responses are coming in but not enough to see all through their programs.
Please pray with me for October. It is still too relax and I need to fill it up with activities. Thus far I only have activities in 4 of its 5 weekends besides a week long class in Ipoh at the last week of October.
Once again, thank you for your partnership in ministry…
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.
September…it is similar with August where my schedule was full even before entering into the month. But I’m thrilled to see how my days are fully utilized for His glory. I just got back from a youth camp in Tanjong Bungah. When I stepped into the dorm, I suddenly wondered to myself why I turned down a speaking engagement at a family camp in Lake Toba…I mean, I could have been putting up in a fancy hotel, overlooking the volcanic lake in the cool of the day but instead, I was forced to patiently wait for each meal while running under the scorching sun beside dirty Penang beaches and waiting in line to use the shower. Well, it was a youth camp…enough said. But I do realize that I will readily accept ministering in English, rather than in Malay (Bahasa Malaysia or Bahasa Indonesia). Perhaps, it is because I find myself not fluent enough to pray efficiently in Malay. Besides, the nature of what I do really requires me to juggle between the two languages.
The Sekolah Alkitab Malaysia (SAM) Penang center has started a class in Bayan Point, apart from the earlier one in Prai. This class sees more Indonesian students and I am caught between Bahasa Malaysia and Bahasa Indonesia…who says the two languages is similar? It’s big enough the difference that I have to be extra cautious of its terms and vocabulary. Nevertheless, this is indeed a learning experience.
Next week 5-9Sept, I have a class in Ipoh. Here, have to revert back to Bahasa Malaysia. After a week-long of classes, there may be a meeting of SAM council in JB which, I’m still contemplating of whether to participate. This is considering my tight schedule. Apart from classes on Monday and Wednesday nights for the 9 sessions class in Bayan Point, with breaks for the long holiday and my Ipoh class insert, there are trips to the OA villages with one just upon my return from Ipoh with the LOGOS team. No, I’ve not visited the ship, and I doubt if I will ever have time for that, what with class preparations, etc. I do not have any preaching engagements in BJAC but have several in other churches in Penang. Good break for me, really…But I must admit that last Sunday, 28Aug was an interesting Sunday where I preached in SIB Georgetown. Yes, there is a SIB church in town and the members are all from Sarawak…well, the church was started by a former student who has graduated and returned to Sarawak. After the service, I proceeded to preach in Christ Church BM Service, where the members are from Sabah…well, the person in charge is from Sabah.
Please pray with me, especially for my studies. I’ve started chapter one of my 80, 000 words dissertation. In fact, I’ve sent the draft of chapter one to my supervisor and awaiting his comments before proceeding further. However, I just found out that he is now undergoing treatment for a re-lapse in his cancer illness. So, I’m now caught – what should I do? My second supervisor is back in the US and busy playing grandfather to his twins grandchildren. Hope he gets back soon to advice me how to proceed. If my second supervisor decides to “take over” the supervision process, it’s going to be a lot easier because he’s based in MBTS while my main supervisor is based in Singapore.
Please pray with me too, for the OA student pastors/leaders of SAM Gua Musang and Ipoh who need financial aid to pursue their basic Christian/theological education. Responses are coming in but not enough to see all through their programs.
Please pray with me for October. It is still too relax and I need to fill it up with activities. Thus far I only have activities in 4 of its 5 weekends besides a week long class in Ipoh at the last week of October.
Once again, thank you for your partnership in ministry…
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.
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Ministry Update July/August 2011
I just emailed my first draft of chapter one to my thesis supervisor yesterday. It is exciting and anxious, to be taking this step towards a long, tedious effort of an 80,000 words journey. And I have to constantly remind myself why I’m doing this – I can only lead people till where I have been and if I have high hopes for them, then I better know how far I myself am capable.
The partnership of SAM-STM is progressing well. Despite its slow momentum but I believe God works matters in a pace He knows best for all involved. The Anglican Training Center is also slowly falling in place. The official opening is scheduled to be on 13August and classes are starting. Actually, just one – and with one student. But, let’s not despise humble beginnings. A 2-day seminar is also planned for September. The Chinese and Tamil modules have yet to start while the BM module is still contemplating when to begin, this month or the next. But then again, the BM module had a head-start because it comes under the “management” of SAM.
Due to a postponement of class in Ipoh, I only have one outstation trip in August – to Kampar for the Synod. I never liked change of schedules, especially last minute changes. Yet, I must “force” myself to accommodate the working style of different people in my team. So, August appears pretty relaxing (enough) for awhile. But things do pop up and sometimes at the last minute. I’m ready for the 3 overlapping/continuous classes of English/BM classes in Penang/Ipoh in these 3 months (July, August, September). With the start of my dissertation write-up, I will need to factor in time for this too. Then, the Bible Society’s translation work. The team just completed the first draft of Luke. Everyone seems every enthusiastic and they work so fast. I have to discipline myself to keep up with their pace. In the process, I’ve been delaying my editing work for ICM’s BM module. Due to all these, I’m too glad to offer LOGOS Hope team to come to preach/share on my speaking date to relieve me in September.
There are enquiries but yet to receive actual contributions to the SAM school’s student adoption project. This is a fund-raising project, aimed to raise funds as scholarships to enable the indigenous student pastors/church leaders acquire quality Christian/theological education. These students are mainly small-scale farmers in the interior earning meager cash income. The BM churches/outreaches are growing so fast, there’s a lack of funds to finance (even) the ministry. And they are very eager to partner with urban churches to develop their community, both church and non-church community.
Please pray with me for the development of the OA/BM work; for the Lord of Harvest to raise good workers to be trained into exceptional workers; for the Lord of Providence to provide every necessary resources – financial and human resources – as we grow the School.
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.
The partnership of SAM-STM is progressing well. Despite its slow momentum but I believe God works matters in a pace He knows best for all involved. The Anglican Training Center is also slowly falling in place. The official opening is scheduled to be on 13August and classes are starting. Actually, just one – and with one student. But, let’s not despise humble beginnings. A 2-day seminar is also planned for September. The Chinese and Tamil modules have yet to start while the BM module is still contemplating when to begin, this month or the next. But then again, the BM module had a head-start because it comes under the “management” of SAM.
Due to a postponement of class in Ipoh, I only have one outstation trip in August – to Kampar for the Synod. I never liked change of schedules, especially last minute changes. Yet, I must “force” myself to accommodate the working style of different people in my team. So, August appears pretty relaxing (enough) for awhile. But things do pop up and sometimes at the last minute. I’m ready for the 3 overlapping/continuous classes of English/BM classes in Penang/Ipoh in these 3 months (July, August, September). With the start of my dissertation write-up, I will need to factor in time for this too. Then, the Bible Society’s translation work. The team just completed the first draft of Luke. Everyone seems every enthusiastic and they work so fast. I have to discipline myself to keep up with their pace. In the process, I’ve been delaying my editing work for ICM’s BM module. Due to all these, I’m too glad to offer LOGOS Hope team to come to preach/share on my speaking date to relieve me in September.
There are enquiries but yet to receive actual contributions to the SAM school’s student adoption project. This is a fund-raising project, aimed to raise funds as scholarships to enable the indigenous student pastors/church leaders acquire quality Christian/theological education. These students are mainly small-scale farmers in the interior earning meager cash income. The BM churches/outreaches are growing so fast, there’s a lack of funds to finance (even) the ministry. And they are very eager to partner with urban churches to develop their community, both church and non-church community.
Please pray with me for the development of the OA/BM work; for the Lord of Harvest to raise good workers to be trained into exceptional workers; for the Lord of Providence to provide every necessary resources – financial and human resources – as we grow the School.
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.
Friday, July 1, 2011
Ministry Update June/July 2011
So it’s official, we have crossed the first half of the year. Things are picking up and I am excited. As I looked at my schedule, I must admit I had a great month of learning and discovery. It started with the youth visit to the OA villages, followed by the Bible Translation workshop, with a week in Ipoh full of activities, and the final week of June filled with meetings.
I had especially learned much from the translation workshop; especially, in rediscovering my Malaysian identity. I did not realized how much we’ve been influenced by Indonesian culture, even indirectly through our usage of the Indonesian Bible which is readily available as compared to the Malaysian version. It is a privilege to be a part of this project to embark on the effort to produce a new Bahasa Malaysia version of the Bible. Even with the little I can afford and offer, I feel very honored to contribute a little to this spectacular project. More so, when I hold in my hands the “stamped” Bible – stamped by KDN & serial-numbered. I believe for us who use English Bibles, this hold little significance. For me, as a missiologist taught to function in just about any version, what matters is contextualizing the message to the target audience in a manner most understood by them. But as I minister among the malay speaking churches (here I mean Bahasa Indonesia and Bahasa Malaysia) I realize, as Malaysian Christians, we really need a version to reflect our identity.
A week filled with meetings flows into the next month. I have many things to prepare. The Anglican Training Center will hold its first English class on 18th where I’ll be teaching on the Introduction to the OT. Then I also need to prepare for its official opening 13th Aug. Following that is a BM class in Ipoh in mid Aug where I’ll be teaching. The weekend after the week in Ipoh is a short period of rest before departing to Kampar for the Synod meeting. Looks like it’ll be 3 days of sleeping with my eyes open through the boring speeches and endless debates. I think I’ll bring my netbook or tablet pc along to work silently.
Enough of diocesan matters, I’m looking forward to another trip into the jungles next weekend with another youth group…on the weekend Bersih 2.0 is planned. I hope I don’t miss exciting news while dwelling among the trees…no, it’s not THAT bad. Preaching engagements are lined up. It’s another marathon-like schedule. Thought of accepting a “working holiday” speaking in a church camp in Lake Toba end of Aug, but it clashed with another engagement I had earlier committed. Aise…but do pray with me for:
1. The training center and its programs (endorsed by STM) in all 4 languages but I’m only dealing with English & BM
2. The fund-raising project (SAM Student Adoption Program) I just launched in an effort to raise funds to help the OA church pastors/leaders to be equipped theologically. Plz pray for the BM program and wisdom to do a better planning job next year for all centers (Gua Musang, Penang (island & mainland), Ipoh)
3. The speaking engagements in various churches
4. The OA visits and various teams/churches to partner our OA work
5. The Christmas speaking engagement – this, I’m praying. It came unexpectedly and being one attracted to challenge, I have sort of, agreed to it. It’ll be a 7-day speaking circuit through North Sumatra as a prelude to Christmas programs for the North Sumatra churches
6. The dissertation write-up. I’m starting this next phase for my study program. Kindly pray alongside me
7. Discipline – that in the midst of all busyness, I will always remember the reason for each task and be well-disciplined to put Him first and above all
Once again, I thank you for your partnership in ministry.
SB
I had especially learned much from the translation workshop; especially, in rediscovering my Malaysian identity. I did not realized how much we’ve been influenced by Indonesian culture, even indirectly through our usage of the Indonesian Bible which is readily available as compared to the Malaysian version. It is a privilege to be a part of this project to embark on the effort to produce a new Bahasa Malaysia version of the Bible. Even with the little I can afford and offer, I feel very honored to contribute a little to this spectacular project. More so, when I hold in my hands the “stamped” Bible – stamped by KDN & serial-numbered. I believe for us who use English Bibles, this hold little significance. For me, as a missiologist taught to function in just about any version, what matters is contextualizing the message to the target audience in a manner most understood by them. But as I minister among the malay speaking churches (here I mean Bahasa Indonesia and Bahasa Malaysia) I realize, as Malaysian Christians, we really need a version to reflect our identity.
A week filled with meetings flows into the next month. I have many things to prepare. The Anglican Training Center will hold its first English class on 18th where I’ll be teaching on the Introduction to the OT. Then I also need to prepare for its official opening 13th Aug. Following that is a BM class in Ipoh in mid Aug where I’ll be teaching. The weekend after the week in Ipoh is a short period of rest before departing to Kampar for the Synod meeting. Looks like it’ll be 3 days of sleeping with my eyes open through the boring speeches and endless debates. I think I’ll bring my netbook or tablet pc along to work silently.
Enough of diocesan matters, I’m looking forward to another trip into the jungles next weekend with another youth group…on the weekend Bersih 2.0 is planned. I hope I don’t miss exciting news while dwelling among the trees…no, it’s not THAT bad. Preaching engagements are lined up. It’s another marathon-like schedule. Thought of accepting a “working holiday” speaking in a church camp in Lake Toba end of Aug, but it clashed with another engagement I had earlier committed. Aise…but do pray with me for:
1. The training center and its programs (endorsed by STM) in all 4 languages but I’m only dealing with English & BM
2. The fund-raising project (SAM Student Adoption Program) I just launched in an effort to raise funds to help the OA church pastors/leaders to be equipped theologically. Plz pray for the BM program and wisdom to do a better planning job next year for all centers (Gua Musang, Penang (island & mainland), Ipoh)
3. The speaking engagements in various churches
4. The OA visits and various teams/churches to partner our OA work
5. The Christmas speaking engagement – this, I’m praying. It came unexpectedly and being one attracted to challenge, I have sort of, agreed to it. It’ll be a 7-day speaking circuit through North Sumatra as a prelude to Christmas programs for the North Sumatra churches
6. The dissertation write-up. I’m starting this next phase for my study program. Kindly pray alongside me
7. Discipline – that in the midst of all busyness, I will always remember the reason for each task and be well-disciplined to put Him first and above all
Once again, I thank you for your partnership in ministry.
SB
Friday, June 3, 2011
Ministry Update May/June 2011
Ahhh…a blink of an eye and we have almost conclude the first half of 2011. May had been a busy month, but was filled with exciting activities till I got my appointments mixed up. End of May was a trip to Kg Pergum in Simpang Pulai with Ipoh AOG Cantonese Church and about a week later was a trip to Kg Geruntum and Kg Kepayang in Gopeng with Jubilee Outreach, Penang Youth Group. It was also another round of preaching marathon with 11 speaking engagements through 7 weekends.
June sees 2 outstation trips. One is to a Bible Translation Workshop in KL on the first week and to Ipoh on the third week, bringing a teacher to teach a diploma class for SAM. That will allow me to do some admin work for the Ipoh center while visiting the OA villages and meet OA friends to interview them for my dissertation. The last week is scheduled for the first BM class in Anglican Training Center (ATC). I’ve yet to start actively publicize this class as I’ve been busy. Besides, I’m still chasing my printer for the brochures. It feels so lonely with no one sharing the similar burden and passion for this BM teaching ministry. Inquiries come but not translated to actual registration. But the English class will start in mid July after the Mandarin class in early July. Tamil is scheduled to start its first class in early September.
July will see another trip to the OA villages with another youth group. I’m hoping to start my dissertation write-up in July itself or I’ll be behind schedule. I’m planning to complete my study by end of next year. August is another busy month. ATC official opening has been re-scheduled to 13 August.
The highlight in May/June was obviously the OA village visits. Managed to visit Kg Kepayang, the much anticipated kampong visit. I think it is these visits that bring joy and excitement, besides the satisfaction and gladness in an otherwise monotonous ministry. Watching people grow in the Lord, escalating passion for ministry, and excitement in church related work…these are moments to cherish. The grocery store in the village is doing extremely well. I met with the coordinator recently and he told me he is considering re-stocking 4x a week, instead of 3x a week because business is good. I’m still looking into helping a local pastor with his kampong chicken project. At least to lighten his livelihood burden so he can focus on his studies and ministry.
I have photos of the recent OA visits posted on my facebook. Hope you take sometime to browse through them to see how exciting home missions is…
PHP 1:3 I thank my God every time I remember you.
June sees 2 outstation trips. One is to a Bible Translation Workshop in KL on the first week and to Ipoh on the third week, bringing a teacher to teach a diploma class for SAM. That will allow me to do some admin work for the Ipoh center while visiting the OA villages and meet OA friends to interview them for my dissertation. The last week is scheduled for the first BM class in Anglican Training Center (ATC). I’ve yet to start actively publicize this class as I’ve been busy. Besides, I’m still chasing my printer for the brochures. It feels so lonely with no one sharing the similar burden and passion for this BM teaching ministry. Inquiries come but not translated to actual registration. But the English class will start in mid July after the Mandarin class in early July. Tamil is scheduled to start its first class in early September.
July will see another trip to the OA villages with another youth group. I’m hoping to start my dissertation write-up in July itself or I’ll be behind schedule. I’m planning to complete my study by end of next year. August is another busy month. ATC official opening has been re-scheduled to 13 August.
The highlight in May/June was obviously the OA village visits. Managed to visit Kg Kepayang, the much anticipated kampong visit. I think it is these visits that bring joy and excitement, besides the satisfaction and gladness in an otherwise monotonous ministry. Watching people grow in the Lord, escalating passion for ministry, and excitement in church related work…these are moments to cherish. The grocery store in the village is doing extremely well. I met with the coordinator recently and he told me he is considering re-stocking 4x a week, instead of 3x a week because business is good. I’m still looking into helping a local pastor with his kampong chicken project. At least to lighten his livelihood burden so he can focus on his studies and ministry.
I have photos of the recent OA visits posted on my facebook. Hope you take sometime to browse through them to see how exciting home missions is…
PHP 1:3 I thank my God every time I remember you.
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