Ministry Update May/June 2014

Ok, so we are sailing into the sixth month of 2014. I hv vented out my frustrations, even to God; but as expected, God is always right bcoz He is God, ba…I’m still not sure if I can graduate this year but what is more important is knowing that God has His plans n purposes that r always the best. And it is much, much better n wiser to “move in God’s timing” instead of anything else.

My (second) sister n family hv relocated to London for 2 years. Can’t wait to visit them next year…already missing my youngest nephew’s “food creations” each time I visit them.

Recently, I was called to the (Anglican) diocesan office for an interview to be considered for commissioning to be a deaconess. Well, the Anglican church has yet to ordain lady reverends, so the equivalent is deaconess. Coming from a non-Anglican heritage, this holds no significance to me except that I was told it will enable me to further develop the OA training ministry; thus, I’m going for it. Besides, I was told it will place me in a higher “salary package” category. Well, I certainly can use some additional funds, monthly! I was also told there r efforts being initiated to propose ordination of women to reverend-ship. Who knows? Maybe I’ll be the first Anglican lady reverend in Malaysia? Wakakakakakaka…Was a bit “disappointed” that despite the long journey (Penang to KL n from BU to Sentral to Pudu) to reach the diocesan office, the interview took less than 10minutes! Anyway, the commissioning will likely take place next year as I need to prepare a “mini thesis” to be presented and defend it in an ordination retreat.

Will be spending two weeks in Ipoh next month. First week I’ll be teaching theology and second week I’ll be interpreting for the class in Spiritual Warfare. I’m looking forward to this class to initiate the new delivery approach of orality methodology. This is going to be quite a challenge – to use the local indigenous cultural forms to teach n evaluate students’ understanding of Christian doctrines. Plz pray for me. I “tested the waters” in April when I imposed the course requirement to present a biblical lesson using one contemporary youth cultural form in MEC in Miri. The response was truly encouraging. But this time it is the Peninsula indigenous people group n I really m not sure what to expect.

Orality as a teaching methodology is being utilized in several parts of Africa among oral communicators but I believe this will be the first attempt by a BM Bible School in Asia to use this approach – n that by a school formally recognized by a accredited Seminary. I m excited at the prospects. More so at the potentials through this methodology for this school. Plz pray with me.

^{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 Apr/May 2014

What?! We hv completed the first quarter of 2014??? That was my reaction when I began writing a (late) update last month. The feeling was like meeting red lights at every traffic lights at a time when u r late for an appointment. My graduation was delayed last year n now I’m not sure if I can meet all requirements to graduate this year. I hold myself accountable to the (Anglican) diocese, my OA friends, n all of u who r my ministry partners. And y m I so anxious abt completing my studies? Bcoz I hold a strong conviction that God is sending a revival to Malaysia thru our OA friends n I want to “prepare the fields” n be ready when the harvest comes in. But y I need to do this when our OA friends r only (academically) at the certificate n diploma levels? Bcoz I do not know who will come in among the harvest – it cld very well be intellectuals n me as part of the (OA/BM) church need to be ready to minister to their needs.

I was anxious, worried, n downcast – can I meet the deadline? But Easter taught/remind me a forgotten truth – forgotten bcoz I allowed the flesh to reason. Isn’t this God’s work? Isn’t this His will for me? Isn’t this God’s calling upon my life? My role is to simply be faithful n do my best – n leave the rest to God. Easter re-affirmed me n my week-long stay in MEC re-re-affirmed God’s calling upon my life. I was teaching “Youth Ministry from the Missiological Perspective” thru (night) modular classes. This allowed me time to “work” away from (the Penang) office in the day time. Though I’m used to the schedule to work till midnight, I cannot afford to sleep late as frenz asked to host me for breakfast n at 5.30am, the school rings a (super loud) bell calling students to morning devotion.

It was historic – the management told me it was the very first time that the college had a registration of 50 students in a class. N I told them it was historic for me to teach in a class of 50 students! I was thrilled to know how my friends r doing here in Sarawak. One has become the principal of the Bible college (n I had the privilege to attend his welcoming dinner), the other the newly appointed vice-president of SIB council of Sarawak, n another applying for his DMin in a prestigious seminary in Malang, Indonesia. I really felt so, extremely happy that these friends (students) r impacting the next generation of Christians. In a sense, I felt (so) “proud” of them!

I had so much fun teaching the class – ranges from youth to seniors! Those in youth ministry n those “advising” youth leaders. Students attend class for audit n credit at diploma, bachelor, n master programs. With the little I can offer, they taught me so much more in return – both in n out-side of the classroom. I can say I was totally immersed in the Orang Ulu cluster (LumBawang, Kayan, Kenyah, Kelabit, n many in-betweens). Even met a Penan student. I’m already looking forward to my next trip! Class presentations saw the creative juice flowing with one team rapping a Bible lesson, another thru a skit, two teams came up with reciting poems with background media, while one fiery youth pastor got the class chanting enthusiastically…fantastic! Even had a double blessing of Magnum Gold…and endless treat of local culture, food, n hospitality.

I thank God I had this opportunity. Though planned since late last year, the timing was somehow precisely at a time I needed a “re-boot.” I was having dinner with 2 students – a Chinese local n a Kelabit lady. As we chatted along, this Kelabit lady was describing the few “outsiders” whom they embraced into their community. She was talking n describing that this person gets along very well with the natives, then turned to me n said, “just like you.” Wow! It was a defining moment for me. Here I m with the little I can offer to God n found my “place” in God’s plan for the “natives” of this land. It affirmed my calling n encouraged me tremendously. I was even ready to accept the offer to serve full-time in Miri!

I thank God I was spiritually revived – a class of students from various indigenous people groups who taught me so much, radiate with so fiery a spiritual enthusiasm, hospitality so superb it made me almost embarrassed. And now back in Penang – I believed it was a week I needed to re-boot (spiritually). And yes, my netbook was “sick” n needed a real re-boot too. I hv to send it for repairs/servicing. Still hoping someone can offer to sponsor me an ultrabook (he,he,he…)

Everyone, thanks for ur partnership in ministry

SB

Ministry Update Mar/Apr 2014

We hv completed the first quarter of the year. The months r completing so fast I forgot it’s time to update my prayer partners on my ministry progress.

SAM progress: The diploma class in Ipoh will hold its second class next week. There’s no new intake for this year but we hv 4 prospective graduates. The certificate class in Ipoh is still in the “wilderness” as I’ve yet to hear any progress from my colleague regarding my proposal for her to amend the course schedule to enable prospective graduates to complete all compulsory courses. In Penang, the first class (of the year) is on-going as the teacher is only available to teach on Mondays, therefore class is held only once a week which will stretch all the way to early May.

Plz pray for my one-week class in Malaysian Evangelical College (MEC), scheduled after Easter. This is a SIB Bible School in Miri. I’ll be teaching on Youth Ministry from the Missiological Perspective. I’m still not sure whether the class will be in English or in BM. The main medium in this college is English though they do hv BM classes. But for this class, which will be opened to public (churches), we will hv to consider the majority of registered students. So, the class material is in English but the class may be in BM. Plz pray for me – this is the first time for such a “confusing” state of languages used in a class.

OA ministry: Last weekend the AIMC team went to Sg Poh n Kepayang; the men stayed in Sg Poh to help build/repair drainage beside the church while the ladies climbed a 35mins hike to Kepayang to minister to the church there. At the last minute, we were told the ppl in Kepayang cannot receive us bcoz many villagers were sick – down with fever. However, we simplified our visit by just giving gifts to the children n pray for the sick adults.

My studies: Hope can (finally) graduate this year. It’s been a big adjustment as I do not know my (new) supervisor n do not know what to expect. But we r progressing ok, I suppose. Plz pray for me. I really feel that I owe it to all my students, supporters/sponsor, n ministry partners to complete my studies this year. The next degree can come later I suppose. This completion is way, way over due.

The MI-CPE program is progressing ok. My team consists of 4 other participants n we learn from each other. It’s been good fellowship at each session, thus far, though is pretty tiring – whole day session.

My nephew: Had started home schooling in Kajang. He’s a bit slow n started at a lower level than others his age but is good that he can progress at his own pace. Plz continue to pray for the staff in OneWay Home to minister to him.

Once again, thank you for your partnership in ministry.

SB

4Apr14

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…