Ministry Update Feb/Mar 2013

Can’t wait to share an interesting “discovery.” There r wild boars in Penang!!! N they r found very near to my office! They’d come “out” from the “wilderness” when it is dark, roaming among the tombs in Mount Erskine Cemetery grounds. So many of them…n in all sizes!!!

My love language is word of encouragement n I’d like to take this opportunity to thank those of u who take time to reply to my monthly updates with ur words of encouragement. Though it may be a little gesture, it encouraged me a lot. Thanks again. Also, thanks for liking n comment my FB wall postings with ur encouragements. It really helped to remind me that I’m not alone in ministry.

Well, someone “aeroplaned” me shortly before CNY n I hv to squeeze 2-3 months preparation into 2 ½ weeks to take over a class in Theology. Theology is my “weak” subject bcoz I can’t remember what I studied in Theology classes in the Seminary, except that after each class, I find myself more confused abt Christian doctrines. So, it’s a real challenge to prepare n to teach a theology class. Strange…I did pray n ask God for more challenges in ministry; lesson – God answers prayer, need to be more careful in prayer (:P)  

The class is progressing well. God indeed is at work as we elaborate n question our doubts over doctrinal issues. But the one thing I really want to bring across to the students is the challenge to self-theologize as we progress towards a mature church in Malaysia.

Next week, I’ll be traveling to KK to attend a meeting in Sabah Theological Seminary (STS) to elaborate on SAM-STS networking n sharing of resources. Plz pray for us. I’ll be traveling with 2 other OA colleagues. We’ll also visit a village (Baptist) church currently pastored by a former student n minister in Protestant Church of Sabah. Another interesting item in this trip is a personal item – I’ll be meeting an old friend from varsity days, someone I’ve not met for over 20 years! I m excited; we were collegians (of Second Residential College, also known as Asrama Menara Budi, then). We’ll be staying a night at her place b4 ministering at her church, the PCS, which I was told has a congregation of Rungus people group except my friend, a Kelantanese girl who “married into the Rungus family.”

The third batch of Academy S.O.S. (Sahabat Orang Sakit) will arrive soon. The graduation of the second batch was held full of formality where I was requested to put on my academic gown (?!) Anyway, this third batch has 8 participants, the largest thus far.

SAM Penang class is put on hold for this week as I teach the class in Theology here in Ipoh n will pause again after Monday’s class as I prepare for our trip to KK. Plz pray for us as we consider another center in Prai. SAM Penang has 2 new intake this year. SAM Ipoh certificate track has 5 new intakes this year while the diploma track has 3 new students. We hv 4 students scheduled to graduate end of this year but there r some hiccup to administrative requirements. Previously SAM was not administered properly n student transcripts were not recorded. So, now STM is requesting student transcripts of basic courses completed at certificate level n we r tasked to search lacking records. Plz pray for us. Also, we hope to soon acquire the “license” to offer programs at the bachelor level. Our team of teachers hv the basic requirements for this, so it is a matter of time for the endorsement. Plz pray for more sponsorship to sponsor the new students. Will greatly appreciate your partnership in spreading the need to the Christian community you are associated with. Thanks.

Holy Week n Easter is just around the corner. The “traditional” churches r in high gear to “celebrate” this important church event. Since I’m “associated” with the “traditional” church I’m inevitably “roped” into it. For the first time, I’ll be sharing a short devotion in a (super n) hyper-high church on Good Friday at its mid-day devotion on the 7 last words of Christ. Though I had participated in such devotion services before (12noon-3pm) but it was never in a hyper-high church (high in tradition). I’m not sure if I can “restrict” my sharing; I’ll probably stand out like a sore thumb with a contemporary approach n risk a heart attack for the pastor who went for a by-pass last year (!?) Plz pray for me. Also, another interesting item is the opportunity to serve as an interpreter (English to BM) in AIMC for a distinguished speaker who is the main speaker for an exciting intercessory seminar which unfortunately, I’m not able to participate – due to the Holy Week engagements.

Once again, I thank you for ur 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.

Ministry Update Jan-Feb 2013

I just blinked my eyes n my calendar is showing February. Well, January had been a slow month; probably because most r still recuperating from the festivities at the end of Dec/early Jan; or perhaps still in a daze that the so-called end of the world prophecy did not happen…

My proof-reader in Singapore is still proof-reading my dissertation. School has started n his pace is slower now that he has to juggle teaching/responsibilities in school n reading a boring academic writing. But I hope he can meet his own set deadline to complete by end of Feb. I hv to target to complete all the needed by mid of the year too. My supervisor is retiring n returning to the States on 1^st Aug. So, it’s really at the final “lap” of a long “academic marathon.”

The SOS (Sahabat Orang Sakit) Ministry in Penang recently set up an “Akademi SOS.” This is a “training” school for pastors n (lay) church leaders from all over Indonesia who come to Penang to serve in the hospital ministry. I m among the teaching team n they linked themselves to SAM (Sekolah Alkitab Malaysia) Penang to jointly offer short term training program aimed to equipped participants to better understand the local context of ministry. Though targeting Indonesians seeking treatment in Penang (private) hospitals, there r locals among them n they r seeking the best way to serve these Malaysians. There’s where I come in with missiological perspectives.

Thus far I heard these Indonesian pastors, though here on short term basis, hv returned very revived. I was told they became excited for ministry again when they saw their simple prayers answered for healing. The first batch returned after 3 weeks here n the new batch just arrived. I hv 2 two-hour sessions with each intake n the topics for discussions are confined to just 2: worldview n contextualization. The schedule is classroom discussion in the morning n afternoon is practical ministry – visiting hospitals.

I received a lot of donated stuff for my OA friends. The usual practice was I keep them in my store (in my office) n bring in little by little at my each visit to Ipoh/villages. Recently, the stuff got “too much” till my store room door could hardly close. So, the idea came up that we sell those stuff along with St Nicholas’ Home’s monthly jumble sale. So, yesterday was the day n we managed to sell abt half of the stuff; collected slightly over RM240 within one morning. Though I intended it to be a one-off thing, I’ve been asked to hold this “jumble sale” again. Apparently, the stuff we hv r of better quality than those found at the other “stall.”

End of Feb starts the first class in Ipoh for the Diploma module. Kindly pray for us as we start the new academic year. In the meantime the certificate modules already began in Ipoh since early Jan while Penang began late Jan. Four students r ready to graduate with Diploma in Christian Ministry end of the year. Kindly pray as we prepare for this first graduates in our partnership with STM.

Mid March, me n 2 other OA colleagues will represent SAM to attend a meeting with STS (Sabah Theological Seminary) in KK, Sabah to elaborate on our networking efforts n sharing of resources. Plz pray for us as we strive to expand the ministry of BM Theological education in Malaysia. Join us to pray for partnerships n ministry opportunities with individuals, organizations, churches, etc within n beyond Malaysia. (Personally) I hope to get SAM ready to offer bachelor programs soon – if not this year, then next. I m just praying that STM can be more enthusiastic (or any other Seminaries in Peninsular for this matter) to progress more aggressively for the BM work. True that we shld not simply churn out degree papers but the OA ministry is growing faster than we can train them adequately to lead. It is frustrating that while I can serve “full-time” other concern parties (of decision makers) r not willing to spare more than their “part time” attention!

Join us in praying for this exciting ministry in this year of change. I believe that if Malaysia is ever to experience the next “wave of revival,” it will surely hv something to do with the BM ministry. I’m glad God has called me to be a part of it just as many others; will u come be a part of us too?

Ministry Updates: Year End Briefs

As divinely ordained, the year concluded splendidly. Of course there were busy plannings for the festive occasion, one after another but the last Sunday of the year was appropriately spent worshiping with the church that launched me into active ministry. FLC – u r always family! Not to mention the brief eco-trip to the jungles of Perak. My feet are itching even as I’m penning this, itching from leech bites. Funny that I don’t remember leech bites to itch from my “first time experience.” The first “official” count was 3 successful n 6 attempted bites by jungle leeches. Subsequently I found at least 2 more attempted bites. Attempted, bcoz I managed to see the leeches before they cld suck my precious blood. They r so slimy they easily slipped through my fingers n they come in various sizes too! It was a struggle to pull them apart from their cravings of hot human blood. But God gave them pretty cool movements.

Recalling the jungle visit, it was truly marvelous. We almost gave up but it was a great, fantastic outing; climbing up leech-infested hill with nothing but a rope to support us. I remember reaching the top n looking down I was thinking, “How on earth are we going to get down hill?” There was the rafflesia in full bloom but with some petals torn off by monkeys; there were Rajah Brooke butterflies; the flora n fauna of the mighty jungle…It was even more wonderful bcoz of the company: BC, LI, n ML – thanks, you guys (gals) rock!

The “festive mood” was however not present…for one, 2 very sweet old ladies went home to be with the Lord prior to Christmas. But for whatever reason, the “mood” was just not present. Maybe it’s bcoz…I really don’t know. Even at New Year’s eve, there was not much of a celebration. Just a short while of fireworks in Island Park; usual movies on TV; nothing spectacular…many churches do not hold watch night service. And it’s not the same to attend watch night service of another church – one where we hardly know all its members. I know however, that I m anticipating new challenges for the year ahead. I m anxious, I m excited at the prospect of finally concluding “formal” education. I m overwhelmed at the prospects of ministry but at the same time excited at the privilege God had entrusted me.

SAM is progressing well, slowly. Knowing the temperaments of my colleagues, especially those in the SAM team truly “force” me to slow down to their pace. At times I wanted to scream at their slowness n kick them in the butt to move faster. Perhaps that is y I m faithfully playing Mafia Wars in FB as a “de-stressing” channel. Btw, I’ve exceeded level 1300 – shows how stressful I m, huh?

Well, there’s a crucial GE around the corner. Malaysia is in its cross-road n the church determines its destiny. Let’s press on to pray into existence the promise of God for our land. Thank you for ur partnership in 2012 n I trust in ur continuing partnership in 2013.

Ministry Update Nov/Dec 2012

I needed a new pair of glasses n I went to enquire at an optical shop. It cost RM800 just for a pair of multi-focal lenses! It looked like I needed to budget RM1k for a new pair of glasses. Rumors had it that by age 24, our short-sightedness shld be more or less stable. It was, for a short while until I began spending more n more time in front of the computer screen. After I completed the first draft of my dissertation, I needed stronger reading glasses. But to spend a thousand? I was hesitating; each time I planned to walk into the optical shop, a still small voice told me to wait a little longer. Then the day came n I knew why I ought to delay; bcoz someone blessed me with RM1k! Just the budget needed for a new pair of glasses! But a blessing is not a blessing until n unless it is shared, right? My OA frenz needed RM400 for their youth Christmas program n so I parted RM400 to my OA fren. I went to make a new pair of glasses n before I went to collect the new pair…someone blessed me with the amount almost as much as what I gave to my OA fren! Ha…fantastic! Praise the Lord…

The first day of the last month of the year was spent in the OA village with a CG team. We spent abt 12 hours of the day for the trip with only abt 2 and half hour in the village itself! Actually for most part, we were stranded in the village church as it was pouring heavily n there were leaking spots in the church building. Nevertheless, it was a good time of fellowship that day. Trips are fun depending on travel mates. In fact, a trip to the best place in the world can never be good if travel companions r not. Yet, a simple trip can be magnificent if travel companions r great travel mates.

In a few days’ time is another trip to the interior. This time is an overnight trip to the OA villages with SAM Penang students. After hearing so much abt the indigenous community, the students were pestering me to bring them in the OA village. Though timing is quite tight, this Thurs/Fri is the best possible option for one final trip before wrapping up the year. Plz pray for us. There will be 10 of us visiting 2 villages. We will climb for abt an hour to minister to a church on higher ground before returning to the base for another time of ministry before zzzzzzzzzzzzzz for the night. The next morning we return to Penang.

I’m late in preparing SAM annual report as time is much taken up by a series of activities recently. Towards the end of November, a group of 15 OA youth together with their pastors came to Penang for a mission trip in the city. Preparing n hosting them took quite a bit of my time besides the Christ Church Community Christmas where I was co-opted to coordinate the entire event to reach out to the community. The event is on 15Dec n I can’t wait for it to be over so I can concentrate on my pending reports. So, sponsors plz accept my apologies for the late report. In fact, certificate classes are only wrapping up with their final classes in early Dec.

I’m waiting to usher in the new year with new challenges ahead. N I’m pretty sure many of us r too; especially for us, the church as we anticipate the next GE n how the church shld play a significant role in steering the destiny of our land. Finally, allow me to greet all of you a very merry Christmas n a Happy New n challenging Year ahead.

Ministry Update Oct/Nov 2012

The first day of the second last month of the year…wow, it feels like just yesterday that we entered a “new year” n now we r gearing up for another new year. I hv next year to look forward to as I (hope) to graduate n thus (to finally) conclude my formal education (hopefully). It’s been 17 years in the Seminary for me! I first stepped into MBTS on 26Dec 1995 n officially enrolled into the January 1996 intake. Since then I’ve been in the Seminary pursuing one program after another n even serving in various capacity.

So, what’s next? I asked myself…pursue another post, post graduate program? I m praying for more ministry opportunities n trust that they will come at the right time, in the right manner. I so look forward to new challenges as I encounter this “closure” next year. My dissertation supervisor is now busy playing grand-dad. Twin grand-daughters in the US n now twin grand-sons in Makassar. He’ll be retiring next year; so, I really need to complete my studies by next year. Should he decide to leave n return to the US, there leaves a “void” to train another (local) missiologist. Perhaps, I m privileged to be the sole person?! I shld be able to complete all the necessary (the latest) by the first half of next year. Therefore, I’m seeking new challenges to fill in the “void.”

October began with the final class of SAM Ipoh Dip track. Going to Kinta Valley a day earlier enabled me to also attend the OA Church Anniversary. There was a spread of OA delicacy for the “VIP” guests. Rebung (bamboo shoots) were presented in two dishes: spicy n non-spicy. It was at this meal that I was “introduced” to buah perah a.k.a. buah hutan. A jungle nut that taste like a cross between cashew n almond. It is amazing how the jungle can provide the best for these “hidden people” n God simply provides the best; something we, urban folks r not aware. I was reminded of an old hymn n I re-wrote its lyrics:

I stand amaze in the presence

Of Jesus the Nazarene

And wonder how He could call me

A true urban freak like me

How marvelous, how wonderful

And my song shall ever be

How marvelous, how wonderful

Is the jungle call to me

SAM Academic term is concluding. In both Penang n Ipoh, the certificate module through evening classes r on-going. I will soon be expediting reports to compile to all sponsors. I m now in the midst of preparing next year’s schedule n promotional materials.

October ended marvelously with a trip into the interior with AIMC team. As I shared over FB, I seldom encounter such a beautiful togetherness between a visiting team, visiting the OA village for the first time n the local OA community. I was very much encouraged, edified, n truly blessed. The Lord revealed to me that it is the spirituality element that binds us together. When both r praying, passionate, humble servants of God seeking to please Him, it matters not the color of our skin nor the language we speak. The Spirit of God in us is awaken to recognize the Spirit of God in the other person n that forms the spiritual unity; a true Body of Christ, a family of God.

Thank you for your partnership in ministry. Join me to pray for the establishment of an authentic indigenous Malaysian church.

SB

Ministry Update Sept/Oct 2012

Recently I experienced the “Elijah Syndrome,” falling from a spiritual high to an all time spiritual low – almost instantly. I remembered that it was Malaysia Day n I delivered a good message in church; there were those who braved the heavy rain to come to church bcoz I was speaking, there were many “thumb-ups” n hand-shakes. I was on a (spiritual) mountain top, feeling real good that the message was strong n challenging (Christian) Malaysians to stay put in this nation to steer the destiny of our land. So (spiritually) high was I that even after the evening rally, I cld not sleep n began chatting online. That was when a friend told me she’s planning to go overseas the following month to look for a job. What?! That was my immediate reaction. Although I m not particularly close to this person, the significance of the matter knocked me down from my spiritual high to an all time spiritual low. I was not so much angry at her; rather at myself for taking this so seriously n personally. I suppose it was the timing that was just “too fantastic.” For about 3 days n 3 nights I was at the spiritual low n suddenly just snapped out of it, almost as instant as when I fell. Following that was this devotion I subscribed to that has often spoken to me strongly. Again this piece came so timely:

Sometimes we are on top of the world, higher than the highest mountain. But other times, we fall flat on our faces. For every mountain, there is a valley. But these ups and downs are what gives meaning to our lives.

We are here to learn and to grow. What would we learn in a predictable world? Why would we grow if everything came easy? Next time you find yourself feeling small or dark, look at the moon in the sky. Remember: In the times that it is smallest, it is reborn. The darkest parts of the cycle lead to the times of fullness and light.

Holy Land Moments Daily Devotional [Devotional@HolyLandMoments.org]

I felt the Lord speaking to me n comforting me in those words. Even more so was the Bible passage I read following that which was exhorting patience.

That was the “highlight” in September n now I m in Ipoh for a week-long class in OT Survey. Last Sunday was the OA church anniversary n it was fun to join them in their celebrations. Confirmation candidates totaled 34 n this is “abnormally” fantastic! Thought I missed the luncheon of asli food but it turned out that there were several late arrivals n we had dinner instead. It was prepared single-handedly by a church member who was a former SB police personnel. He is such a great cook – cooked rebung (bamboo shoots) in 2 different ways n an array of asli delicacies. It was simply delicious.

Looking forward to my next trip to the jungles: end of Oct with AIMC team to UK (Ulu Kampar); day trips at the end of Nov with Christ Church Penang; early Dec with GBC CG; n probably another trip following that to a new outreach post.

The SAM-STM partnership has been formalized; now I’m pursuing a networking with STS in Sabah. I hv a meeting with its rep in Nov n perhaps also plan a visit to STS to explore their campus facility n further liaison efforts.

By next month, Nov, our classes wld hv concluded for this academic year. Kindly pray with us n for us as we wrap up the academic year of 2012 n prepare for academic year 2013.

BJAC is partnering some churches in the SOS (Sahabt Orang Sakit) Ministry. Launched on Sat 22Sept, this ministry is anchored by New Destiny Fellowship International, an AOG Church in Singapore in partnership with a network of several local churches – AIMC, FGAC Bahasa, n BJAC. This ministry is focused on ministering to the Indonesians in Penang seeking medical attention. The services r on Sat 2-4pm n it is actually healing services for the sick. Though conducted wholly in Bahasa Indonesia, it contains live testimonies which r very encouraging. Come visit us sometime.

A BIG thank you to Chew GH for proof-reading my dissertation now...

Ministry Update Aug/Sept 2012

August closed interestingly with a significant, activity-filled day. So it was the Merdeka holiday, but it was a day I gladly woke up early to join the rest of my friends for a relaxing time at Monkey Beach. I don’t know how in the world it was called that; I saw no monkeys around n perhaps the Sarawakians came earlier to hunt down the last of the monkeys available n bbq-ed them! Ahhh…I missed bbq monkey meat!!!

I was glad that there is a “spiritual home” I can return to each time I need to be in a company of people who know me just as I am; with people who share the same passion to grow spiritually; people who share the same desire to progress in kingdom matters. It is especially significant for me who is in a ministry that is pretty much in its pioneering stage. And as with any other pioneering work, it can be pretty “lonely” physically n spiritually. I can appreciate the jungle; but I’m not sure if the jungle can appreciate me. I can hug a tree; but it definitely can’t hug me back. Thus, I am glad n truly glad of the church family that the Lord blessed me with. I think my “membership” is still in FLC n GBC; though technically the “active” one should be in the Anglican DWM. However, what is most important is to know I m a part of the Christian faith community – in both the universal n local church.

August was a full month of activities: SAM classes in both Penang n Ipoh, followed by the annual Anglican Synod which led me to nod, nod, nod n z z z……..But I had a few days break to spend with my sister n her family. The highlight was our trip to Wet World in Shah Alam. I also had a wonderful time of fellowship with old friends; varsity course-mates who are now new believers. One of whom encouraged me so much with her fierce passion for the Lord n the other searching curiously. I also discovered we had a course-mate who is now tent-making in China with her family. And I’m so looking forward to meeting her next year!

I turned in the complete second drafts of my dissertation n hv received a chapter back. There’s some formatting error n apart from that it was satisfactorily viewed by my supervisor. Two more super long chapters for him to read n comment. Plz join me to pray for him; it’s not easy having to read “an assignment of almost 100 pages.” And it’s not him who approved the initial proposal; he just “inherited” the task. I’m hoping that the rest of the process will complete by middle of next year. (Church “work” somehow picks up at the second half of the year) There’s still two readers to comment on the write-up before the oral defense n the final approved draft. My supervisor reminded me that the dissertation will be filed in seminary libraries n will be public domain, thus I need to be careful to write in a manner that is “suitable for public consumption.” The title is “Raising Indigenous Leaders through Christian Education: A Semai Model.” A completely academic writing; all 310 pages of it n that means it will come in handy for those finding it difficult to sleep at night. Academic writings are almost a guarantee to lullaby u to a deep sleep…

The SAM-STM formal partnership has been finally approved. While waiting for official letters of formality, I will hv to start planning to launch an active promotion of the School for the next academic year in 2013. In the meantime, SAM Penang n Ipoh are progressing well with our certificate n diploma tracks; both the intensive modules n night classes. SAM Gua Musang, however, is experiencing some hiccups n we hv not found a workable solution yet. Plz pray for us.

September has many meetings besides a night class module at FGA BP; but I’ll be in Penang till month end before traveling to Ipoh for the last course of the academic year for SAM Ipoh diploma track in early October. I’m already drafting next year’s schedule, gearing up to heavily promote the school next year. Though I look forward to a planned visit to Sabah in November – both official n social; it looks like I may delay the trip if GE is scheduled in November. It’s a more urgent matter to pray n watch the development of our beloved nation. End of October is a trip to the interior with AIMC; end of Nov with CCP; start of Dec with GBC CG; but I hope to plan more trips into the interior as we gear up towards Christmas 2012. And wow…it’s so fast that we r reaching end of 2012 already!

Thank you for your partnership in ministry.

SB

3Sept2012