Ministry Update Feb/March 2014

Cuz1: Did u know the victim who was buried alive in the lightning arrestor incident along Macalister Road last year was our cousin’s bro-in-law?

Cuz2: Really? He was from Chew Jetty?

SB: No, la…from Lim Jetty

Cuz1: Apparently the story was that there was a big crab that kept entering his house n he chased it away but one day he just decided to catch it, cooked it, n ate it. He won a lottery n on the day he went to collect his winning, it was the day he was buried alive in the incident n the body is not found till today

SB: I think he “transferred” to another dimension

Cuz2: You shld know better what happened. You are a Christian…you people know abt these things…

SB: (thinking) ???

That was a conversation I had earlier today with some cousins. An aunt passed away n it is a time to meet up with relatives. So, I was at this table with some cousins in Batu Gantong Funeral Parlor n we were catching up with events in the family. I was surprised at my cousin’s assumption regarding Christians. I made the remark abt being “transferred to another dimension” merely as a “joke” after all, we r used to watching supernatural shows/movies like X-files n the like; so, maybe there is such a possibility. But do non-Christians really view Christians as “experts” in knowing things of the “after life?” However, this incident tells me one important truth – how important it is for us, as Christians, to be a good testimony/witness for our unbelieving family members. Most of my relatives know I’m a Christian n a few of them know I’m a “pastor;” but I’m not sure how closely I’ve been “watched” as an “ambassador of faith” in my family.

Lately, the Lord is opening ways for me to “share my faith in action” within my family. One such way is my nephew’s case. This is a short update on his progress: he is adapting well in OneWay Home in his “quest” to kick the internet addiction. He has learnt to ride a bicycle, bring the dog out for walk…it’s a German Shepherd. He’s attending follow-up sessions with the psy in HUKM on a monthly basis. The last session, the psychologist found him able to “open up” a bit. There’s little progress; nevertheless, I’m grateful to God n to all of u who pray n support us in this. In the midst of this “family crisis” I was hoping God had created a “re-set” button in us so that the wrong can be undone promptly with just a push of a button. With what we hv available, we can only progress in baby steps, one step at a time – cautiously – n observing his progress/response at each baby step. Will greatly appreciate ur continuous prayer support.

The SAM academic year began with Ipoh certificate module starting their first class in January; SAM Ipoh diploma class starting in mid Feb; SAM Penang class starting in end Feb. We r expected to graduate another 4 diploma students this year – 3 OA n 1 Chinese. The Ipoh certificate track initially told me they hv as many as 7 candidates ready for graduation this year but I only received 4 transcripts. And that too, were incomplete n do not fulfill basic requirements. So, I really do not know if we hv any candidates to graduate with their certificate this year.

There r 4 course materials for me to prepare this year, with the first due in April after Easter. It’s an intensive one-week modular course in youth ministry from a missiological perspective in a SIB Bible College in Miri. The 2^nd was proposed in May for the SAM Ipoh certificate class in Homiletics but there’s still no confirmation to the date n I’m also hoping for a change in the course schedule so the students who r planning to graduate this year will hv a chance to sit for the classes missing in their requirements. After June, I hv 2 more courses to teach – Theology 2 n Animism. I’m looking forward to these classes as I’m planning to apply orality methods in the teaching approach, for the first time. In fact, SAM is the only Bible Sch recognized by an accredited Seminary in Malaysia targeting students from rural/rural ministry, therefore, it is appropriate to consider applying orality approaches as a feature of this School.

I attended the MI-CPE (Malaysian Indigenous Clinical Pastoral Education) orientation recently n will be in this program for abt 7 months, meeting for group sessions every fortnightly. Me, pastoral? Yea, I know I hv no pastoral calling but it’s an opportunity to learn n to improve – so, y not? Still in the midst of editing my doctoral dissertation. Targeting to complete all requirements by June as ministry often picks up at the second half of the year but this year it looks like there’s an exception. I suppose I just need to get back to momentum…after all, the humankind was created to work.

The first “jungle trip” for the year will be at the end of March with the AIMC team to Sg Poh/Kepayang. The team will split to two with one team to build/repair drains beside the church in Sg Poh n another team climbing up to Kepayang for ministry. Plz pray for us.

Once again, as always…thank you for ur partnership in ministry.

2march2014

Ministry Update Jan/Feb 2014

The thrill of receiving “ang pows.” It’s not abt how much is inside but just the thrill of receiving it. Some may be embarrassed taking from younger folks but not me…it’s the same thrill. I can tell older folks that their advice of “study well” still applies to me n “pretend” to be shocked when my niece/nephew (my cousin’s children) handed me the red packet… “I also get? Really?” n they happily said, “Of course, aunty…”

I thank God for the fellowship of friends n relatives; most of these relatives I see them just once a year n I can observe the change, especially as we age. Many of my cousins r already placing great importance in family relations. Something that was missing during younger days when the “in thing” was to chase after career prospects. Perhaps is also bcoz the population of the older generation is getting smaller by the year. I remember attending church prayer meetings n prayer items include praying for sick grand-parents; then it was praying for sick parents; now is praying for sick peers. I remember attending weddings of friends but now I’m invited to weddings of my friends’ children.

Ministry-wise is slow…it’s the festive season. Nov-Dec-Jan r usually “lazy” months with one festival after another. The SAM Penang is starting its class end of Feb; SAM Ipoh (Dip) is starting its class in mid-Feb; SAM Ipoh (cert) has started its class but I’ve yet to receive its details for the rest of the year. I’m still learning to work at the pace of my OA friends n honestly, sometimes I feel like kicking them in the butt so they can move a bit faster. There will be a pretty big group graduating from STM this year; 4 diploma n 7 certificate, though I’ve yet to receive their detailed transcripts.

Study-wise, I’m in the midst of “re-editing” my dissertation. Everything shld complete by mid of the year though graduation is not till Nov. In the mean-time I can continue further analysis for the second degree n be sure of graduation (again) the next year.

It’s still CNY season, so here’s a big KONG XI FA CAI to all partners in ministry.

SB

Ministry Update Dec13/Jan14

It was an eventful close to 2013. A family crisis topped all activities till we welcome the new year. The Christmas festivities was not felt; in fact it was like a “duty” to oblige as I was carrying the burden that seemed to grow heavy each day. But I praise God that as we clocked down to the close of 2013, He graciously led us to unload the heavier part of the burden n the highest hurdle was crossed.

2014 I believe, will be adventurous for us as the church. The moment we crossed the threshold to the new year, new challenges came through the BSM incident. Is a reminder to all of us that we shld never let down guard.

SAM schedule topped the activities of the year – both the Penang n Ipoh centers. Then there’s the MICPE (Malaysian Indigenous Clinical Pastoral Education) that I’m obligated to participate. Yeah I know…I’m not much of a “pastor” but is a learning opportunity. It will stretch through about 7 months with a full day class held fortnightly. I’m still in the midst of editing my dissertation. After the hiccup last year, I’m on course to complete the professional doctorate this year n the academic doctorate next year. Everything shld complete by middle of the year though. And I m targeting that bcoz ministry activities usually pick up at the second half of the year.

I thank God that financially, SAM is pretty stable now. All our OA students r sponsored to complete the study program they signed up for. I m also beginning to impose stricter conditions for sponsorship. Really…I do not want them to sign up simply bcoz there is financial aid for them. They need to “own” their own training n be both responsible n accountable. There will be another 4 diploma graduates this year. 3 of them OA leaders/lay pastors. For the certificate program, I think there’ll be another 4 also. Plz continue to pray for us n with us as we progress to make a difference in holistic training for the OA church.

SB

  ^{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 Nov/Dec 2013

I remember reading somewhere where an author attempted to explain why time seems to pass by faster these days. The rationale was because there are more things to attend to, therefore time appears to be “too little” and insufficient for all the many things that need our attention. Well, that could be one reason why we find ourselves already in the first week of the last month of the year.

I’ve been wondering these last few days over several things that are happening of late. It has been 4 times in 3 weeks that I dreamt of going back to college, seeing myself unpacking in a residential hostel on campus and comparing the room to mine in 2^nd RC in UM. Ahhh, those college days…those carefree days where the only concern was to pass exams n graduate. Still remember how I’d attempt just about anything to avoid being in the teaching profession n was an urban freak who kept my distance from anything “rural.” My most “rural” encounter then was weekend visits to Klang – re-visited that town last month n discovered it is even more urban than Ipoh today!

I was asked if I’d like to apply to be a deaconess. What is that? My first reaction was almost that – what for? A good friend commented that my DNA is Baptist, so all these “fanciful titles” do not attract me a single bit. But I’ve learnt to seek advice from seniors in the field n not rely solely on my own perceptions. Both persons I consulted advised me to proceed. Apparently, it can help me develop the OA training ministry further. Exactly how, I don’t know but let’s see how the Lord leads.

My dissertation is undergoing some re-construction. The focus of research is the same but the title is now changed to “Raising Semai Leaders through Holistic Christian Training.” While the re-construction is expected to complete in a few short months, graduation is just once a year, thus, I hv to wait a whole year for graduation in Nov next year. This will lead to the professional n some additional research is required before I proceed further to the academic degree. Sounds so complicated! But what I m looking forward to is the opportunity to dedicate the highest academic award to a people group who is among the “original peoples” of this land and the “key” to the spiritual awakening the church in Malaysia is so anticipating.

Next academic year, I’ve challenged myself to implement orality approaches into the teaching/learning experience in SAM Ipoh diploma class. I’ve been meditating on how I can approach this. How m I to teach theology – doctrines of Christology n eschatology – thru story telling? Then the Lord impressed on me that someone has done that before – CS Lewis. So, I m re-reading the Chronicles of Narnia – The Last Battle – to tell the story of the end times n maybe also the doctrine of the church. The Lion, the Witch, n the Wardrobe – to tell the story of Christology n maybe also salvation. My next move will be to contextualize n translate those stories, then draw out the principles n doctrinal truths for discussion. It sounds both complicated n radical, huh? Well, I’m just trying to impress u bcoz, I really don’t know how I’m going to do that!

A very Merry Christmas n Happy New Year to all of you…

Ministry Update Oct/Nov 2013

“We harvested a special kind of bamboo shoots n r keeping it for ur visit to our village bcoz u usually visit us end of the year.” Those words warmed my heart n I cld feel it melting like wax next to a fire. Indeed those words warmed my heart deeply n made every “sacrifice” worthwhile.

It was a long drive from Gopeng to Seremban as 15 of us made our way through the wet weather to attend the 31^st Convocation service of STM. Another 3 joined us at Dengkil RnR. Four of our OA friends graduated with their Diploma in Christian Ministry. In conferring their certificates, the Academic Dean rightly announced that it was a historic moment as it was the first time that SAM-STM partnership yielded the first BM graduates. In fact, more than this is that SAM is the first BM Bible School endorsed by an accredited seminary while practicing a contextualized curriculum specializing in indigenous holistic Christian training in Asia. Perhaps, also the only BM Bible School to consider applying the orality approaches into our teaching/learning experience.

I’m just glad that our good Lord called me to this ministry n I hv both the honor n privilege to play a small little role in raising the indigenous leaders in such a time as now. The OA church is very excited at the spiritual awakening that is rippling among the various indigenous people groups, especially what happened during the recent Perhimpunan Anak Negeri (PAN) conference. I had originally planned to attend the conference but due to the back-to-back travels, I decided to give it a miss. I was told there were participants representing 16 nations. Worship was just 3 songs n everyone was led to “free worship.” One particular session, worship was led by a group of OA orphans between 7-9 years old. Apparently everyone wept tears of worship when they observed the innocence of sincere worship; more buckets of tears when the participants were told the children fasted 40 days in preparing to lead worship for that very session. I was also told YB Teresa Kok attended the conference too.

SAM academic year had ended for both certificate n diploma modules, in both Ipoh n Penang. I’m in the process of drawing up the schedule for next year as some invited teachers can only confirm their availability after Oct. I’m glad to hv the opportunity to teach the certificate class in Ipoh at the last week of Oct. They r really a fun batch. I’m also glad that we hv sufficient sponsors for all students: both certificate n diploma modules. Praise the Lord! Next year, if all progress well, we will hv 4 certificate graduates n 4 diploma graduates at STM Convocation.

Thank you all for ur partnership in ministry. Ur support in prayer n finance is what made all these possible. One OA student mooted the idea of “meet the sponsor” meeting. I’ll be discussing this with the other coordinators. The students want to express their gratitude to the sponsors who had made it possible for them to pursue their studies. It may also be an opportunity for u, sponsors, to meet the students u only know by name. Do send me ur suggestions.

October closed with much stress. For a few nights I lie wide awake not knowing what to do. Usually, crisis happens to others not us but I cannot deny the reality that it happened to my family. My nephew had a mental break-down. Is probably bcoz being the only child he was “super n over pampered” n was given too much freedom. Both parents r too occupied with their jobs n paid little attention to him. Eventually he got addicted to online games, mostly RPG, n played thru the night till early hours of the morning n cannot wake up on time to attend school. So, the school expelled him n the parents got angry n took away his hphone n computer. That’s when he “snapped.” The incident “woke” the parents to the need to spend more time with him n though he’s at home now, he still needs to go to the hospital for follow-up psychiatric treatment.

I suppose in every crisis, there is a learning opportunity there. I’m sure God has a purpose in allowing things to happen the way it did. I’m also glad I hv to delay graduation to next year. Looks like God, in His fore-knowledge knew this incident would happen at this time of the year. My delayed graduation “frees” me to quickly pack up n travel down south to help with the situation. I hv nothing to offer, in fact, I too felt lost. However, prayer helped n God led me to individuals who offered help. I feel so blessed to be in the family of God. We decided to keep this from our aging mother so she need not worry abt her much favored daughter n much more favored grandson. Thus, it was very upsetting when someone who heard from a secondary source called me up n weaved her way into ask abt my nephew. I told her my mother was in the room where the land-line is located but she even had the nerve to ask me to tell her “the story” in code-language! Extremely tactless n insensitive to the core!

I also had the opportunity to spend a few days with my other nephews in BU. I really don’t know y I hv no nieces…but it’s cool. My youngest nephew always “cooks” for me n always wants to “fatten” me at my every visit to their home. This time, he “cooked” his special hotdog. Strangely, he does not even like sausages n I thought all children like sausages…anyway, his favorite is chicken rice; y? in his own word, “bcoz I’m a Malaysian boy!”

SB

^{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 Sept/Oct 2013

I was preaching in a church in Taiping last Sunday. After the service, an old lady came to shake hands n she said to me, “You looked just like a little girl!” Well, I literally felt my jaw dropped…

September had been an eventful month. First week, the chairman of SAM passed away following a heart surgery. Second week, a friend’s mother passed away at a ripe old age. Third week, another friend’s brother passed away. Fourth week, a (Anglican) church friend discovered he has 6 months till a year to live bcoz of a brain tumor.

Ministry wise, I was speaking on the OA ministry at the start n end of the month. Pray with me that the seed of passion for OA ministry will take root in a wider circle of the Christian faith community. I m very convinced that the OA church is indeed the key to the spiritual revival that the Malaysian church is so anticipating.

October has a busy schedule. Will be traveling twice to the Kinta Valley. The first trip is to attend to the administrative matters of the week-long SAM Ipoh diploma class (which I’m not teaching) n it’s a short trip. The second trip will be much longer n is much anticipated. The first batch of SAM-STM students will graduate with their diploma. Unlike MBTS that opens the hall to everyone during convocation service, STM holds its convocation in campus n due to its limited seating capacity in the chapel, they allow each graduating student to only bring in 4 family/friends. This is my first time attending their convocation n their logistics sounds “serious;” but I m “seminary guest” n can walk right in to the chapel. So, I’ll be going to Gopeng to join the OA team. There’ll be 19 of us traveling in 2 vans to Seremban, to STM campus n meeting another smaller team of 5 from Subang. Returning from Seremban, I’ll stay on in Ipoh for a week-long (night) classes with the SAM Ipoh certificate module class. This will be my first time teaching the class n meeting the students. Plz pray for us.

I don’t normally look forward to holidays, especially public holidays but it’s thrilling to see there is a public holiday in Oct n at the start of Nov, a long weekend break – the deepavali n awal muharam public holidays – back to back. Woohoo…I think it must hv come with the aging process – the thrill to anticipate holidays (?!)

30Sept 2013

Ministry Update July/Aug 2013

Finished but not completed…that’s a dilemma. It has been 5 years of “toiling” effort but I know it’s worth it. I’m dedicating it all to a people group worthy of that much effort. I’ve had the privilege to learn from one of the most renowned missiologists of our time n he managed to conclude all requirements for graduation before he retired n return to the States. Then as the “completed” dissertation was submitted for graduation, I was made aware that there are “seemingly additional requirements” before graduation can be granted. Hmmm…it was frustrating n I’ll still trying to get over that frustration – when u hv finished a hard-earned work only to be informed that it’s not quite over yet. I do agree with the rationale presented that:

1.      This will be the first time the Seminary is conferring the highest academic award n there’s bound to be hiccups when we do things the first time

2.      Endorsement from wider academic community will certainly strengthen the credibility of the degree

And this is the “price” for being the first! Honestly, I m still harboring a hope, even if there is the slightest of it, to graduate this year – the Jubilee year for our nation. It will be spiritually significant as a breakthrough for a maturing indigenous Malaysian church. So, as I’ve been made aware, there will be another “round” of evaluation for the submitted n approved dissertation by my initial supervisor. It will be reviewed by scholars in various (academic) disciplines involved in the research of my dissertation “Raising Indigenous Leaders through Christian Education: A Semai Model.” There may be further corrections n amendments; perhaps also another round of oral defense. It really feels like enrolling in a whole new program!

I’m in Ipoh for a week-long class with my OA friends. It’s been interesting, as always, to mutually learn from each other. August is a packed month filled with activities. There are preaching engagements but I’m glad bcoz it gives me an opportunity to share about the OA work n an attempt to impart the passion for this ministry. September is also a packed month with almost all weekends “booked” for speaking engagements. But I hope in between, I can attend to any necessary “corrections” required for my “approved dissertation” to qualify it for graduation. I’m in a dilemma – should I proceed to purchase the doctoral graduation robe? If I drop the idea, what if I manage to complete the necessary in time for graduation this year? If I proceed to buy the robe, what if I cannot complete the necessary n hv to delay graduation to next year? Then I can only “dream” of putting on the doctoral robe for a whole year! This is a humorous situation. The truth is, I fully support the need for further evaluation of my dissertation so that it gives stronger credibility to the degree. Bcoz, the truth is, the rumor is true – it is easy to earn a degree in MBTS!

Plz pray for me n the OA ministry. Thank you.