Ministry Update: Aug/Sept 16

It was a historical mile stone for the Anglican DWM when we had the first Regional Assembly to begin the move to divide the West Malaysia diocese into three regions: North, Central-East, n South. Apart from that historical significance was also the start to debate/discuss issues of women ordination for the conservative Anglicans. With many clergy from the Indian community, their deeply rooted cultural perspectives object to the proposal to ordain women. Yet, they never admit to it n tried to hide behind their reasonings of theology. I m amused actually – how do we derive our theology in the first place? Anyway, I’m not bothered with ordination or not. After all, God’s calling n God’s enablement is enough to equip us to serve without the need to have “fanciful titles.”

August had been a very interesting month. The highlight of it was the mini reunion of Second Collegians of Univ. Malaya, the meeting of old friends that shaped n colored the start of my adult life!

The mini reunion in KK was very much anticipated when it was first mooted in June. Although we tried to persuade more collegians to come along, I guess it was just three “curious monkeys” that made it to the land beneath the wind to meet with another three collegians. Arriving from the south, central, n north of the Peninsular, we greeted each other with much joy n excitement at KK airport n spent the short weekend indulging in the exotic local food, the highlight of which was the Kadazandusun traditional dishes.

Returning from Borneo, work resume with classes in SP n Juru. With the class in SP concluding today, I can focus on the class in Juru – both r exploring Church Administration approaches. September will begin the class on Theology in SP. These are concluding classes for SAM Penang – the SP center n the Juru center.

Lower south, for the Ipoh center, they concluded an intensive module in the study on the Book of Ephesus in early August. September is a break for them. Another MMin/Dip module is scheduled for mid October after graduation in STM. We will hv 4 graduates this year in Certificate of Christian Ministry. The MMin/Dip module is on the study of Theology of Persecution n Discipleship. Please pray for n with us as we attempt the course in BM for the first time.

While SAM Penang is wrapping up with its academic year (Church Admin in Juru; Theology 1 in SP), SAM Ipoh will offer its final class in the study of the Gospels for the certificate students in Nov. Please remember us in prayer.

In September, there will be two trips to the OA villages: a medical mission to Kampong Air Denak over the weekend prior to the Hari Raya Haji; a follow-up trip to Kampong Sungai Poh over the Malaysia Day weekend. Again, will very much appreciate your prayer support.

Another area I am forwarding a prayer request is in regard to wisdom in exploring options on how SAM can create our own banking facility to manage our funds. We hv several options n are praying for the best. Pray also for our partnership with other Seminaries, especially in the quest to offer the master programs – MEC in Sarawak n STS in Sabah. Do pray for n with us as we iron out the conditions/hiccups, etc.

I apologize to some of you durian lovers out there that this year, the harvest was not as good as two years ago n I only managed to bring limited fruits to a few of you. In certain parts of Gopeng, it is still in season. For those of you who hv tasted the fruit from the OA kampongs, you’ll know how God loves them bcoz the fruit of their harvest is simply the best! As much as possible, I will bring “jungle produce” to share with you, our partners in ministry as a token of our appreciation. And I believe that as you taste how good these “jungle produce” are, you will be similarly convinced of God’s favor upon the OA church today.

Thank you for your partnership in ministry

SB

310816

Ministry Update July/Aug 2016

Ministry Update July/Aug 2016

290716

It was quite a “stunt” travelling to spend four nights in four different cities one after another. Well, that was fun with one night in PJ, the next in Senawang, the next back in Penang, n the next in SP. July was full of public holidays. But holidays somehow are no longer “appealing” when your work-hours seemed to be pretty “inconsistent.”

There were teaching engagements n regular preaching sessions in July. One significant event in this month came just last night when BJAC opened our chapel for a healing service. The place was filled to the brim – literally! It was an atmosphere of holy anticipation. God worked marvelously. It has been quite awhile since the last time I was attending such meetings n I am grateful for the opportunity to “share” in such a blessed occasion. Later today, I’m bringing a team of foreign (I think all of them r China Chinese student pastors/pastors) students into the OA villages for the weekend. Hopefully there’ll be another “dose” of monkey meat. The aunties in this village are fantastic cooks n I hv no doubt at all that the monkey meat they serve will be A+++ quality in taste. Someone told me that their “secret” of cooking such delicious food is that they “cook from the heart.”

August is another month of endless activities n I m so looking forward to it. No, not looking forward to the ridiculous new Act restricting us in the guise of national security but looking forward to our 2^nd RC “mini reunion” in KK. But before that there’ll be several travels n I realized all my August weekends r filled. Anyway, who wouldn’t be excited at meeting friends that shaped your adult-life after…25 years?! Yes, it has been that long n thanks to FB n whatsapp we re-connected. 

In August, SAM Ipoh will hv an intensive module for certificate n diploma students. SAM Penang SP center will conclude its current course end of the month while Tmn Pelangi center will begin its next course, the final one for this academic year..

September will be another busy month of travels into the interior with two church teams visiting the villages one weekend after another; well, it’s a month of holidays too!

Do continue to pray with n for us. Thank you for your partnership in ministry.

Ministry Update June/July 2016

We are wrapping up the first half of the year with the conclusion of June 2016. It has been a month of many significant incidents. From the end of the previous month, my (third) aunt was ill and in the ICU. At the first visit, I had a bad feeling of her condition. She was the only Christian among her siblings. I remember that I was suddenly unable to pray for her, overcame by a strong wave of emotion – seeing a glimpse of my mother in her. My aunt went home to be with the Lord early in the morning on Friday 17^th June. The funeral was on Tuesday, 22 June. The whole day I was disappointed with how the pastor conducting the funeral failed to seize the opportunity to deliver a strong evangelistic message to our unbelieving relatives. I was upset at his wrong theology n poor understanding of the Bible. The thought kept reeling in my mind. Even late into the night driving back from a class I visited in Juru. I stopped by a nearby petrol station to get a full fill of petrol n was all set for my class in SP the next day. My mind was pre-occupied n I let down guard. When I reached home, I drove my car into the compound n turned behind to see the auto-gate shut. Just then, a man wearing black jacket n a full-faced helmet rushed in. I immediately pressed on the horn while he started to smash my car window at the passenger side. Then he rushed out just before the auto-gate shut. Turning behind to see him leave, I saw another accomplish running out from my right. Gosh! There was another robber at my right, probably trying to open my side of car door! It was pretty traumatic for me. But praise God for caring CG members who came to calm n advice me. The next day, police report lodged n window repaired. Thank God also for a caring Christian who offered to pay for the repairs. Incident behind but the traumatic healing is still progressing. Nevertheless, I praise n thank God I was not harmed n nothing was lost.

Ministry-wise: there was a brief trip to the OA village with SAM Penang students at the start of the month. Then there was a trip to Seremban to teach in a Seminary there on behalf of SPECS. I had the opportunity to spend some short but precious time with an old friend from 2^nd RC, UM. Next, was an over the weekend trip to OA villages in Kampar with a group of China Chinese pastors from MBTS. I was pretty disappointed that my colleague planned most of the activities to take place in his town church in Kampar itself. We only went for short visits to two different homes in the outskirts.

SAM Ipoh Dip/MMin one-week intensive module is on-going now in Ipoh during this last week of June. Elsewhere, SAM Penang in Taman Pelangi had started their third class of the year with the study on New Testament Survey beginning 2^nd June and will conclude sometime end of July. In the meantime, SAM Penang in Sungai Petani will begin its third class in Church Admin on 29^th June and will continue till end August.

Next month, July will see many public holidays. But in the field I am in, it makes no difference whether it is a work day or public holiday. For me the major difference is the traffic on the road. After the “holiday season” in July, I hv another class to teach in Seremban. Then, another trip to the OA villages with MBTS team. This time, we will visit Gopeng. Please pray for the church in Ulu Groh. We planned to visit this village then, but last week I was told a huge storm struck n a tree was uprooted, falling right on the church, destroying a major portion.

Please pray for SAM administrative wisdom. Our funds were parked in my church (BJAC) accounts all these years but this year our mother church strongly suggested for SAM to move our funds out. We are seeking our Archbishop’s advice to move the funds somewhere that we can be placed under the covering of the Diocese. I will advice all of you once the new account has been created n its details. It will be a joint account consisting of all four SAM Northern Centers committee members.

I am very looking forward to August – in particular a short over the weekend trip to KK for a mini reunion of 2^nd RC collegians. It has been about 25 years since our college days n we are meeting for the first time to see each other, 25 years later!

Thank you for your continuous support and partnership in ministry.

SB

290616

Ministry Update MayJune 2016

It has been a busy month and several times when I woke up in the morning, I was not sure what day it was!

There was no break for “labor’s day” for me. In fact, I kind of “lost track” it was a public holidays. No, I’m not THAT busy. Is just that I’m trying to manage time the best possible with the increasing tasks I need to pay attention to.

I praise God for the three days training in the 4square church in Ipoh. They are very nice people and I’m glad to have established network with this denomination. It was a good time of mutual learning; one of those super few times I teach in English…gosh, there was an instant I actually asked the class for the English version of a BM word!

The class in Taman Pelangi concluded their study of a 3-credit Theology course. At the same time, Sungai Petani also concluded their study in Biblical Interpretation. On 31 May – 1 June, the SAM Penang – Taman Pelangi and Sungai Petani – have jointly organized a visit to the OA village of Ulu Kampar for practical ministry. Do pray for us – for journey mercy, good time of fellowship (SAM Ipoh – SAM Penang and villagers), being a blessing, and being blessed.

June will open with the study of NT Survey in Taman Pelangi and Church Administration in Sungai Petani. Join us again in praying for a time of mutual learning and encouragement.

I am also partnering with several Christian training institutions to jointly publish a BM book. The commentary on the Epistle to the Philippian church was translated years ago but it never got published due to “exhaustion” of funds for the BM department. Well, I was serving on the platform of an institution that has no passion for the BM ministry. Anyway, I initiated this effort realizing the extreme shortage of BM resources that can cater to students at Bible School/Seminary level. I had previously partnered a Christian publisher to publish the book in Biblical Interpretation. There was only 500 copies printed with 200 copies sent to us, SAM, while the rest have been shipped to Sabah/Sarawak for the “market” there.

I am now partnering STS in Sabah and we have roped in MBTS. Now we are waiting STM to come aboard. SAM Northern Centers, actually has no fund/budget for this publication work. However, I am stepping out in faith, trusting the fund will come in somehow. Partnering with these seminaries, it will reduce the publication cost besides giving wider credibility to the book.

At a recent Anglican function, the Diocesan Women’s Conference, I somehow felt led to stand up at our dinner table and spoke to those at the table, consisting of Anglican pastors from various Anglican churches – challenging them to partner me through SAM in this effort to publish this book. I praise God, someone responded positively. This I will follow-up. I just hope many more will share the passion in response to our Archbishop’s call for the church to “wake up” in these challenging times in Malaysia.

Do pray for us and with us in the OA/BM ministry. There are so many needs and many of it requires financial assistance. Two OA evangelists are serving without any allowance. Though I have found two sponsors, both are committing to provide half of our request. Please continue to pray for further aid for them. All of our ministries need your prayer support. Remember us during your quiet times as you bring your petitions to God. We are only able to do great exploits for God because you have been praying for us.

Once again, thank you for your partnership in ministry

SB

29May2016

Ministry Update AprMay 2016

It was a short-lived luxury…I sank my teeth into its cold, dark skin. With the hot weather, she melted quickly, even in the air-con room. The sinful indulgence took just about 4 minutes, n that’s the best I can pro-long the luxurious treat! Yes, I decided to “pamper” myself with a Magnum Classic as I prepared to conclude the class in Ipoh on Theology 1. But returning to Penang, I will continue with the same course with the Penang students, repeating the syllabus to a different crowd.

This certificate/diploma class in Ipoh has 6 new students. We are expecting another 10 at the next class where my colleague will teach Intro to OT. These 10 are from the Presbyterian church. I was told the pastor engaged to minister to them had returned to Sabah n the Presbyterian church find themselves not in the capacity to continue. So, they asked to “pass” the work to the Anglican church. Next year, we may see another 16 new students from Kampar outreaches.

In the meantime, the class in Sungai Petani has grown to 16 while the one in Taman Pelangi, Juru has “shrunk” a bit to just 7. We are expecting another 4 to graduate this year with their certificate in Christian Ministry. However, if they fail to complete the compulsory courses, we may just have 2 graduates. There is no diploma graduate this year n we probably will not have another diploma graduate for the next 2-3 years. The three master degree students still have to work on submitting the required documents for their application process; n I m pinning my hope for them to complete their master degree end of next year.

After this class (Theology 1) in Ipoh, my next visit to Ipoh is in another 2 weeks’ time where I will teach at the 4Sq Bible School on behalf of SPECS. I don’t know much about this school, nor the 4Square denomination; n this will be one of those rare occasions where I will be teaching in English. Later in May, SAM Penang (Taman Pelangi and Sungai Petani) is visiting the OA villages; each visiting a different village.

Do pray for and with us: we need funds to finance the OA students through their theological education. Once a student is confirmed n agree to continue till completion, I will need to find the funds for him/her. From experience, I am confident that God will provide the necessary because this is the time God is raising the OA in this land to lead the Malaysian church into a season of spiritual awakening. Join us, partner us – in this exciting time to see how God unfolds His plans for this nation through the OA church. Visit us and experience it yourself of how we ought to worship in spirit n in truth, of how we can touch the heart of God in simplicity n sincerity. Come partner this OA ministry…

28Apr2016

Ministry Update Mar/Apr 2016

It was a lazy Saturday morning in the office when I received a phone call from an acquaintance. “Are you still in that small church? Why aren’t you requesting to be transferred to a ‘bigger’ church, given your years of service?” I was surprised with that question. But knowing who it came from, I can understand his perspective. People tend to equate ministry success to pastoring “big” churches. After all, that is how secular mentality had groomed us to think – you worked your years and ought to be rewarded with significant positions. So, I tried to explain to this friend that it is not important to be based in a “big” church but more importantly is that I am found faithful in serving God. Besides, I am happy working with my OA friends in the training ministry, which in some sense, running “under radar” of active ministry.

That short conversation reminds me the state of our church today. Instead of being the salt that influences the world, it has become influenced by the world. Significance appears to come from visible increase of quantity, regardless of quality. In some churches, it has turned to be so corporate that leaders function more as managers, not leaders; they hurt sheep instead of healing wounds. I cringe when I read that “judgment will begin from the house of God,” fearful of the impending judgment upon so-called “fellow pastors” some of whom I know entered ministry for all the wrong reasons.

March was a month of preparations. As the first quarter concluded, the SAM Penang classes in Taman Pelangi and Sungai Petani concluded. Next week will begin the second quarter where I switch location to teach a class in Theology in Taman Pelangi while the other teacher will repeat his class in Sungai Petani. 3^rd/4^th week of April is the one n half week of intensive class for certificate/diploma students in Ipoh.

Will greatly appreciate your partnership in prayer as I “juggle” between three teaching centers in three different locations in three different states: Sungai Petani, Kedah; Taman Pelangi in Juru Auto City Prai, Penang; Ipoh, Perak. We will be initiating partnership with yet another Seminary in Malaysia while forging close ties with STM in Seremban n MEC in Miri

SB

2Apr2016

^{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 Feb/Mar2016

Sorry for the delay in updating you the progress of ministry. There are so many class preparations and student assignments to grade. Besides that is the juggling of schedule among 3 teachers in 2 SAM Penang centers in Prai and Sungai Petani to ensure it both do not clash and also meet the schedule of each individual teacher. The classes in Ipoh are pretty straight-forward as it involve intensive one-week or one-and a half-week of classes. The Penang centers are weekly classes that also need to consider students working on shifts, especially the Sungai Petani center where many are Indonesian contract workers in the factories. Additionally, there is a request to increase the load of the courses from 2 to 3 credits so that the program can be completed sooner. It is in consideration of the contract workers who have limited time here in Malaysia.

Additionally, being in the team to teach TOPAD at various other Bible Schools, I also need to juggle other teaching engagements. Thus far, the scheduling alone had taken so much time that I hardly have time to translate my dissertation into BM beyond chapter one!

Student assignments are slow to come in and some do not meet the required standard when they attempt the short cut approach to “cut n paste” from internet articles. Here we are, assuming Bible School students are church leaders and pastors who ought to know better in matters of honesty and integrity. If the “cut n paste” comes with referencing or footnote it is not as serious. But, in these few cases, there were no such referencing whatsoever. It is both frustrating and upsetting that church leaders/pastors can resort to that!

I hv also begun grading assignments for our first batch of master program students. The application procedure finally began with them submitting the necessary documents to MEC for acceptance into the program. Even at this initial stage, the prospective students were slow in submitting the necessary documents while exhibiting a lack of responsibility in expediting the necessary documents from the right individuals. There’s just so much I can help and in fact, I am beginning to wonder if these prospective master program students are really master-material! I am questioning myself if I am moving too fast for my OA friends to catch up, or have over-estimated their readiness??!!?? The first master-level assignment I received was not at all master-level quality. It was just diploma level but lengthened.

I seek your prayer support for Godly wisdom. Truly I believe, it is only by God’s grace that I can hold all things together. March consists of regular teaching classes in SP besides getting ready for Good Friday/Easter. BJAC, for the first time will hold a Good Friday Devotional service, participated fully by our own members. April will continue with teaching schedules in both SAM Penang and Ipoh.

Thank you for your partnership in ministry