Ministry Update May/June 2015

The month ended in a depressing note. A colleague was admitted to the hospital bcoz of some blood disorder n later discovered it was leukemia. After the 7-day chemo she was receiving, there was an emergency where she was admitted to the ICU n later went into a coma n shortly later, passed away. All within 2 weeks! I vented out my anger at God, unable to understand how these could happen. It also got me thinking if I m prepared to meet God. Hv I done all I could with all He gave me? Honestly, as much as we may hv prepared for it, I think that very crucial moment when we pass on, is a scary moment. We know we will die one day but how n when is not known. Though I do not know this colleague very well, yet I grieve over this loss. It’s too sudden. Just 2 weeks ago I sent her a sms to encourage her n she replied asking me to take care of myself too. It’s hard to accept a quick departure of a comrade in ministry…

The next two weeks are filled with activities. It will begin with the much talked about GoFest Missions Conference. This year, for the first time, there’ll be translation to BM as OA participants from Perak were sponsored to attend the conference. Yes, my OA friends are coming n staying in St Nick’s at various locations. Not sure yet if a few will stay at my vicarage. They may prefer to cramp all 25 in a 5-bedroom bungalow beside my office. That’s what the organizers planned. 25 in a place with 2 bathrooms! I better look into this. After all, some are my “OA anak.” Towards the end of the conference, my guest lecturer n his wife will arrive from Miri for a week-long class in Ipoh the following week. So, the weekend will be quite filled as my colleagues from WEC Partners will also be in town for the GoFest Conference n meeting with some local church leaders.

After the Ipoh class, SAM Penang class will start with me teaching this time. It’s been awhile since I teach in SAM Penang. I usually slot a teaching assignment for myself just once in each center so that I can stand-by to fill any emergencies. But last year I was too tied up to teach a class in Penang. This year, we will even branch out to Sungai Petani with a new center beginning mid-July.

There’s also a weekend trip to the villages. MBTS will send a team of international students to visit the OA villages on the 3^rd weekend.

Progress of my studies? Oh, don’t ask…

July n August are busy months too. I think I’ll be in Penang 3 weeks in June, 2 weeks in July, n 1 week in August. Towards end of July is another trip to the OA village, followed by the Ordination Retreat, followed by my 2 weeks class in Ipoh that spill over to August; then I prepare to go on a “holiday” westward…

Thank you for your partnership in ministry

31.05.15

Ministry Update Apr/May 2015

April was a month of learning n discovery. Some of you may think I missed out last month’s entry but the truth is, after I posted it on my blog, I did not send to various individuals. I thought I wrote something that was only a personal assumption but I later discovered it was not – in fact, it has become a fact. I m disappointed, that a long-time friend could hv conducted so badly in class that several of my OA friends in Ipoh asked me to never, ever invite her back to teach.

On a brighter note, a new milestone was achieved for SAM when we officially signed the MoU to provide an opportunity for peninsular-based BM pastors to pursue a master degree. It was sometime mid of Apr n our team, 3 from Ipoh joined me in Penang n we travel Penang-Miri-Penang while another traveled from KL n met us in Miri. Representing us was our diocesan bishop who, despite his busy schedule, went to Miri. Well, it was a wonderful time – honestly, we were careful to carry ourselves when our bishop was around – but “let down our hair” when he left our team to attend to another official function. Fellowship was good with friends n partnership was strengthened with BEM Sarawak. I feel so at home in the indigenous community.

Immediately upon our return was the Eastern/UpperNorth leaders retreat in BJAC. I did not hv much time to mingle with the other pastors/leaders from the east coast. So happens, I hv to attend to ensuring things r in order. It was an event that passed by very quickly n I was preparing for the next engagement in Ipoh.

My car battery was a bit weak but I kept delaying replacing it. After all, it was still use-able n as long as I m in Penang, if the battery goes flat, the mechanic is just a phone call away. But then I hv an engagement in Ipoh for a weekend. I was planning to travel to Ipoh on Fri afternoon to accompany an Ipoh team to the OA village on Sat, then travel back on Sun. So, it was risky that if my car battery goes flat on Sun, I will be stranded in Ipoh till the next working day. I decided to go to the workshop to get a new battery. Arriving on Thurs afternoon, I asked the mechanic to also check everything to ensure it is in good shape for long distance drive. It was then that he discovered one of the back absorbers was leaking; n absorbers need to be changed in pair. Then the front absorbers were examined – they were not in good shape either. So, in order to hv a proper balance, the back pair of absorbers n the front pair of absorbers need to be replaced. But that was not all. While examining the back absorbers, the exhaust pipe was seen to be in an extremely bad shape – like a bad tooth half eaten by cavity. So, the back pair of absorbers, the front pair of absorbers, n the exhaust besides the battery needed replacement. It was abt 4pm n the mechanic assured me – in 3 hours, he can replaced all that n I can safely n comfortably drive to Ipoh the next day. The bill? RM1,113.10 (plus labor n GST) but I asked for a discount of 10sen la! Huge sum to pay unexpectedly for car maintenance.

The next morning I was in my office, still reeling from the shocking, sudden departure of hard-earned cash that I posted on my FB wall on this matter. I began my drive to Ipoh at abt 2pm n as usual driving alone I prayed n sang praises to God, not bothered that I sang off-key n wrong lyrics. I began by praying to God asking to send my “claim” to heaven for His consideration. And I told God that He may answer me quickly, slowly, or not answer me at all – yet I will still send my “claim” to heaven. Even if He does not entertain this “claim” I know I hv done the right thing as a good steward in spending such a huge sum to care for a car that rightfully belongs to Him. I reached Ipoh n checked in at YMCA, unpacked a bit, logged in to the internet awhile n dropped on the bed to rest awhile before my dinner appointment. It was then, slightly after 5pm that a Whatsapp message came n the sender asked me how much exactly was the car repair cost n wanted to pay the complete bill! Several minutes later, he sent a picture thru whatsapp the fund transfer slip. 3 hours – the mechanic needed to replace new parts for my car; 3 hours for heaven to “process my claim.” God is good – all the time; all the time – God is good!

May has no out-station travels but I needed time to seriously work on preparing lesson plans for SAM Penang class in June/July n SAM Ipoh class in July/Aug besides starting to chart course materials for SAM Ipoh class in October. June will start busy with the YWAM GoFest Missions Conference. There is already a planned weekend trip for a team to visit OA village in Gopeng; some OA participants may be staying in SNH hostel n some in my vicarage; n WEC Partners (Malaysia) reps will be in town – we hope to meet some pastors/mission leaders in some local church; then my guest lecturer n his wife (from MEC Miri) will be arriving towards the end of the conference n we will travel to Ipoh/Gopeng for a week-long class.

An update regarding my studies? I really don’t know how is my progress. It’s like wondering endlessly in an endless circle in the wilderness. As I complained n complained ceaselessly, the Lord rebuked me. Then I realized that I hv no right to judge nor compare my present thesis supervisor with the previous ones. God made her the way she is just as God made me the way I m. The reason God put us together to work in this season is so that I may learn what I need to. So, I don’t know if I can graduate this year but I hv surrendered to God who determines the times n the seasons.

Once again, thank you for your partnership in ministry

SB

Ministry Update Mar/Apr 15

It has been a hot n humid month but I’m glad the rain has come to cool the weather, even though it was just isolated showers – a little here n a little there. I’m sure many of you are similarly surprised at how we r now concluding the first quarter of the year – already.

After a whole month of being “confined” to Penang in February, I was glad for March n the opportunity to visit the OA villages – accompanying some YWAMers to explore the villages as mission points for the practical sessions of the GoFest Missions Conference in early June. The following week was a week-long class in Ipoh/Gopeng. It was to be our first class in attempt to offer a 3-credit course n a combined class of diploma n master students. However, the students participated were all diploma students due to some administrative hiccup. The class was “moved” to Gopeng – not only were there more students from Gopeng, it was because there was no one with a valid driving license to transport the students to Ipoh. So, the following dip/MMin classes will be held in Gopeng.

An important lesson was learnt by me in a hard way – that those serving in the pastoral ministry in the BM ministry do not necessarily can function teaching in the Bible School capacity; that those able to teach do not necessarily able to function teaching in a BM Bible School context.

I was hoping to “enlarge” the teaching team n I suppose in that quest, I failed to discern properly. First I had a new teacher who does not seem to care abt the commitment made to almost 20 students n simply “disappeared” on one session n didn’t bother to explain the “disappearance” the next session. Second I had a major disappointment that came from some long-time friends. In fact, I m beginning to feel foolish that at one time I had actually “looked up” to this couple as they r more senior in ministry, in age, n as Christians. So this person moved to Ipoh n kept insisting that I give her a teaching schedule, readily offered to teach day or night. However, as the day draws near to the class – a date she herself committed – she began giving “unreasonable” requests, among others, insisting on holding her class at a time impossible for the students to attend, thus defeating the very purpose of a night class. There were also some harsh remarks insulting the intelligence n economic status of my OA friends. I was so very disappointed – how can someone in ministry behave in such a way? She seemed to hv lost interest in a commitment she eagerly sought; probably bcoz after awhile in a new place she had found something that can give her better n wider recognition? I almost wanted to say that to her bcoz my patience was wearing thin n I almost wanted to cancel the class.

Looks like I am back to square one – definitely cannot keep these two new teachers in the teaching team. On the lighter side, we will finally sign the official MoU with BEM Sarawak next month. Praise the Lord that we can find a time where both the heads of denomination are available for this occasion. When I was discussing the terms of our MoU with the person in charge in Miri late last year, we felt that it’ll be near impossible to find a time where both our bosses can be free at the same time. Praise the Lord, He made possible the impossible. A team of us from Penang/Ipoh n KL will travel to Miri for this formal occasion where our bishop representing us will sign the MoU where SAM Northern Centers will partner MEC to offer Master in Ministry program in BM to ministers functioning in the BM language here in Peninsular. Besides reducing costs n time, this will be an opportunity for our BM/OA pastors to upgrade to the master level academically. After the Miri trip, is immediately the Eastern/Upper North Archdeaconry Retreat in SNH/BJAC. In later part of Apr is a proposed day trip to the OA village in Simpang Pulai with AOG Ipoh.

Regarding my studies, yes, it is moving slow…I m praying that I will complete the necessary for completion by this year so I can dedicate a doctoral degree to my OA friends. I m eager to “perform this prophetic act” n I hope you will join me to anticipate this spiritual act so our friends can “breakthrough” n rise to their potentials, even academically. I m also thankful to God for partners in ministry offering assistance of various kinds to our OA friends. This is indeed an exciting ministry n greater things God is about to do in our midst through the indigenous church. Will you join me in my walk with them to experience God in tangible ways?

Ministry Update February/March 2015

I realized that the end/beginning of the year are lazy months. When December comes, preparations began towards Christmas and the New Year. The festive mood did not quite fade when January arrives, as preparations are geared up towards Chinese New Year. If it falls on January, February picks up but when it falls on February, festivity drags on till February ends. So, it’s only in March that “serious work” picks up. And this February? It was a lazy month, all blamed at the festivity.

It was not much of a festivity for me. My second sister n family is in London and CNY was quiet without the two noisy nephews. My eldest sister n family only came home on the 3^rd day. I had a good time of fellowship, though – with my nephew who is a 6 months old Christian – in fact, he had so much to ask, we chatted till morning for two consecutive days!

The CNY break allowed me to work n complete the two project papers (though the Diocese termed it as “mini thesis”) for the Ordination Retreat in July. The deadline is end of May but the CNY break is long enough a break for me to complete those two papers! My final touches to the doctoral dissertation are on-going. I’m sort of “dependant” on the other end who seems to be taking it slow.

SAM Penang Prai began its class in early February with a new intake of 15 (certificate) students. With 2 diploma students and one auditing student, we have a class of 18. A good start for the year. I’ve yet to hear from SAM Ipoh (certificate) on their attendance but I’m sure it’s around that figure or slightly more. There’s a request to launch another SAM Penang class, to be held on the island – a proposal still under consideration. Then, there’s another proposal to start SAM SP in Sungai Petani. This will really stretch me in addition to the diploma classes in Ipoh. We are combining the diploma class in Ipoh with MMin (Master in Ministry) class this year n the first class is scheduled to be held next month, March. Some of our prospective students hv been requested to delay their participation in the MMin program in order to complete the 8-month MICPE program (compulsory for Diocesan staff). In the meantime, the administrative matters are still on-going towards the official signing of MoU between SAM Northern Centers (from the platform of Anglican DWM) and BEM Sarawak theological schools. SIB now prefers to be known as BEM – Borneo Evangelical Missions. Once this official partnership is sealed, SAM Northern Centers will need to maintain a standard and quality that comply to the requirements of both accreditation bodies in Asia (ATESEA – Association of Theological Education South East Asia and ATA – Asia Theological Association).

Financial-wise, SAM Northern Centers is stable – thanks to the continuous support from all of you. But do continue to pray for us. Though we may hv forged formal partnerships with STM (ATESEA accreditation) and MEC (through BEM Sarawak with ATA accreditation), it is a big challenge to maintain the standard to consistently offer our training at that level of acceptance. We are probably the only BM Bible School in Peninsular Malaysia, recognized by accredited seminaries and it is overwhelming how the Lord is leading us to be better. After all, with the Lord leading us, we can really expect really big things to happen!         

Ministry Update Jan/Feb 2015

The “new” year – what is so new, anyway? Suddenly it’s already end of the first month! Events unfold quickly that I did not hv time to realize we r entering into the second month of the year but it’s been a fun-filled month with exciting ministry opportunities.

I thought it was the start of Jan when I took some days off to clear the unused annual leaves to attend an orientation in Malacca. Then the following weekend I was bringing a team into the “jungles” followed by the next week attending some meetings in Ipoh. The Thaipusam “stalls” along Western Road leading to my office was quickly set up within (I think) the second week of Jan itself! And so, Jan wraps up, promptly – just like the way it came in lightning speed from Dec.

I m excited n anticipate great things that God is slowly unfolding in our nation. I m excited at how He is revealing His plans through various aspects of church ministry. I feel privileged that right now I hv the capacity to extend service beyond local missions. Still waiting for His directions how/where I can venture further. Having said that I m anxious to complete my studies as soon as possible – except that at the other end, it’s moving slllooowww…

Plz join me to pray for SAM as we begin partnership with BEM Sarawak to offer a master program. It has unfortunately clashed with the launch of the diocesan program of MICPE (BM) n the prospective students may hv to delay their official application into the MMin (Master in Minister) program. Our diploma program will take a slightly different twist – combining with the master n certificate classes, thus, offering both day n night format of class approach. The certificate program is progressing well n hv already begun their first class. In Penang, we will begin our class in Tmn Pelangi, Prai for both certificate/diploma next month. Scheduled to hv 4 classes – one in each quarter of the year – we hope to develop as well as the Ipoh center.

I’d like to thank all of u who had been praying n assisting in material means to my OA friends, especially those in Gua Musang, Kelantan who are still recovering from the devastating flood end of last year. Thank you for your partnership in helping to raise our OA friends who had been side-lined by the authorities. I greatly appreciate your partnership n look forward to ur continuous support as we walk together in this path the Lord ordains for the local church to impact changes in our nation for such a time as NOW.

  ^{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.

Kong Xi Fa Cai to everyone!

Ministry Update: Year End 2014

She walked into the room with a walker, wobbly n unstable. She was 99 years old. Slowly, she helped herself to the nearest chair at the nearest table. Later, I saw her holding a big mug walking wobbly back to her chair. I rushed to her, asking if I could offer any help. “No,” she answered, “I can manage,” sporting a wide grin that seemed to speak her mind that said, “kid, life had been good – I m living to the fullest!” For the first time, I was glad that the blind congregants in BJAC were excited at the prospect of bringing Christmas out from the church confine into a community that we can extend a blessing. When I suggested to them to visit this home for retired Catholic nuns, everyone was excited. Someone said, “wow, I’m sure that’s much we can learn from these who had served God all their lives!” It was meant to be a visit where we serve the nuns who had been serving all their lives – it ended up that they complemented our serving by serving us! Many times I told the nuns, “Sister, please go back to your seat. Let us serve you today.” One of them leaned forward to me n said in a low whisper, “but I’m not yet 80!” And I was thinking, “What? You need to be 80 to be served? My mother should hear this!” It was a wonderful visit.

Every visit to a senior’s home, I leave with the thought – please don’t let me live so long and ended up like them. However, this visit was different. I left with this thought – do I hv the privilege to arrive at where they are? At 93, one nun shared of her joy in serving God, watching the children she cared grew up, got married, have families of their own with children n grand-children. There was joy – despite the apparent lack of material items – there was true joy. This is a community of Godly servants in their twilight years n still bearing the joy that the Light shone n still shines through each one of them. I hope that as you read this, you will share my burden to bring regular blessings to this community – they are little known n quietly tucked in a small corner in Balik Pulau, just a short walk away from the busy laksa stall. And I believe many of us are also “products” of this mission – the Infant Jesus mission (convent schools, la!).

SAM (Northern Centers) reports are sent n I hv till end of the year before beginning a busy schedule to kick-start the “new” year. Yes, I m eagerly anticipating greater things that God will do in our midst. SAM Penang is moving to Prai; SAM Ipoh will begin offering MMin program in partnership with MEC. I’m excited at the prospects of this ministry. The pool of partners is still small n I invite you to come aboard.

A partner suddenly discovered his schedule is too tight n not able to teach a class next year which means I hv an additional load to prepare another course material. And why do I hv to be so ambitious as to partner with another seminary to offer a master program? It only add heavier load on the already small pool of partners in this ministry. Well, the OA ministry is progressing so fast that we as the church in Malaysia cannot possibly sit back n watch their stunted growth. The other language congregations hv advanced to produce doctoral scholars but our (peninsula) OA congregations hv yet to produce even one master graduate. Ok, I admit I’m a bit selfish too bcoz I aim to retire from this ministry n move elsewhere after the OA church can raise their first doctoral scholar. Yet, I’m uncertain if the Lord will grant me this privilege. I’m only a servant, ba…But I’m thrilled to observe how God open opportunities for SAM to develop (in partnership) the BM theological education in Malaysia. Now partnering STM for certificate n diploma and partnering MEC for a master program, SAM is achieving (n maintaining) a standard acceptable to both accreditation bodies (ATESEA n ATA) in Asia. I hv always stressed to my OA friends that we shld not offer any training programs that end with an award of a paper only good to wrap kacang putih. It shld be a paper that represent recognized n accredited training.

Looks like I’m not able to complete my studies by this year. Someone decided to take a break n it’s not me. Anyway, it’s final touches n by the Lord’s grace I will complete it early next year. After all, He determines the times n the seasons n make all things beautiful in its own time. I’m exploring n preparing for the next step n believe that if God so plans to take me further (academically) events will unfold favorable. So, right now, I’m preparing to sit for MAT which is a requirement for admission in a graduate program in US. (Will greatly appreciate advises from anyone of you who have experience sitting for this – the Miller Analogies Test). The final “decision” will be whether I m granted full scholarship, without which I cannot proceed. If God leads me there, He will have to provide every need, sufficiently.

January: a trip to historic Malacca for an orientation abt WEC n hopefully learn where/how I can contribute to this ministry; n a visit to the jungles with an American family. It’s strange how God knits things together. In exploring options/requirements for study in US, I went to MACEE for advice n met the coordinator who had been longing to visit the indigenous community since coming to Malaysia.

Will greatly appreciate your continuous prayers n partnership. I realized this ministry places me in the “high risk” group as BM is the medium of instruction/conversation with the indigenous community. Then again, we are living in dangerous yet exciting times in Malaysia! Air travel that supposedly is the safest form of travel is apparently not so if it is associated to Malaysia. We need prayers more than ever before for a country that is experiencing one disaster after another with practically no chance to get up on its feet. The blows just come one after another as if to totally knock us out completely…

A very Merry Christmas n blessed New Year to all of you…I’m not sure how 2014 had been for you. Someone may hv offended you n u were upset; well, I learnt this from a wise pastor – certain battles r not worth the fight. Let it go – as how Demi Lovato sang for Frozen theme, let it go…Someone may hv blessed you n u r extremely grateful, pass it on. As the old chorus sang, “I’ll shout it from the mountaintop, the Lord of love has come to me and I want to pass it on…” There probably are some ups n some downs but we can be assured this – God makes all things beautiful in its own time (Ecc 3:11)