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)

Ministry Update Nov n Dec 14

I walked towards a computer accessory shop and saw two customers there talking to one of the shop-keepers. As I entered the shop, one of the customers turned to look at me. Well, that was a familiar face. To break the uncomfortable stare, I asked her, “Fettes Park?” and she replied, “yes, and you are from GBC!” Well, it looks like we are known by our “church labels.” I was thinking about this incident in the evening while sitting in the car waiting for the traffic lights to turn green so I can turn into Island Glades. Suddenly, I realized the car in front of me. It was a Toyota LE bearing the registration plate PBB 2027. That was familiar…it was my first car! I was so tempted to run out n thank the present driver for taking good care of my “first car” but decided against it. I think the driver would be shocked that this cranky person came to approach him while queue-ing for the traffic lights to turn green.

I appreciate my old car – my first car – which faithfully served me. It taught me proper “car-care” bcoz of the need to ensure it is always in good condition. (Old car needs more care) Lessons are learnt in each n every situation – sometimes positive but sometimes negative – nevertheless, there is always a learning opportunity. Not too long ago, I was in Ipoh for the Malam SAM event. Since we ceased partnership with MBS which only licensed us to conduct certificate programs, SAM has been in partnership with STM to offer both certificate n diploma programs. Students who completed program requirements participate in the full convocation service in STM campus in Seremban. To me, that was the highlight of achievement – to wear graduation gown n receiving formal recognition for achieving an accredited academic award. So, I never quite understand the need to hv another ceremony, a smaller n exclusive one, solely to “honor” SAM graduates. But soon, I discovered why it was held. It was a time for the local church to appreciate the students’ efforts by giving them a token gift. Though it was a simple ceremony with not much formality, it was a night to exhibit appreciation and affirmation by the local church to the graduated students. A simple gesture, no doubt, but it nevertheless affirms the partnership of the local church with each n every student in their quest of being equipped to be effective ministers of the Gospel. Is a lesson learnt – for me. And today, the “label” of SAM student is slowly gaining respect. In one of the SAM classes, one student shared how “outsiders” now – upon knowing they r SAM students pursuing theological training – will “tabik” (or showing respect, la…) them!

Year end reports r piling, but I’m attending to everyone of it. The frustrating part is waiting for data from my OA colleagues. Also, I’m waiting for our Sarawak partner to confirm details of MEC-SAM partnership. Hv sent the email 3x but for whatever reason, it got lost while traveling across the ocean n Sarawak did not receive the mail. Maybe there’s some spiritual warfare involved here! I’m still working on the final phases of refining my dissertation. Hope to complete the necessary before the year ends. What happens next? I’m praying n seeking the Lord’s direction as I explore options in both England n the US. Will greatly appreciate ur partnership in prayer n discernment.

December: there will be a day trip to visit an OA village. Then, the rest r Christmas events. It surprised me – no – it shocked me when an OA colleague recently shared with me the progress of the OA village work. When I joint the Anglican church, there were 5 village churches in Gopeng n 4 in Simpang Pulai. Today, abt 4 years later, there are 5 new outreaches. I don’t know how vast the outreach in Gua Musang (Kelantan) has grown among the Temiar. All these under the leadership of Gereja Shalom, Gopeng. The Kampar OA work, headed by St Peter’s BM church, which was just starting when I heard abt it some 4 years ago, today has 9 service centers!

I invite all of u to join me in this ministry. God is moving mightily in the indigenous community. Join us in this exciting work for such a time as now n join God in His blessings for Malaysia.

   ^{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.

SB

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Ministry Update Oct n Nov 14

October had been pretty eventful. The highlight of it was the graduation of eight SAM students in STM campus in Seremban – 6 OA, 1 Indonesian PR, 1 local Chinese – all in the BM/OA ministry. The excitement of the weekend trip to Seremban for me was meeting a collegian from UM – after 23 years! 4 certificate graduates will continue to pursue their diploma while 2 diploma graduates will continue with their undergraduate studies in STM. With this, I renew my fund-raising effort for the 4 new diploma students. In the meantime, I thank God for 2 angels whom God impressed to partner us through their willingness to sponsor our 2 OA friends through their BTh program.

The author of Ecclesiastes was right to conclude that God makes all things beautiful in its own time. All events in life will unfold to fulfill His purpose within its ordained season. I recalled myself as task/action oriented n this is a “habit” difficult to overcome. I still find myself unable n to a certain extent, unwilling “to let go n let God” take charge of all things. I landed in the land of hornbills with one sole mission – to finalize the SAM-MEC partnership. I tried very hard to keep calm n comply to the “local culture” of “sealing the deal over teh tarik” approach. I only know I’m meeting the Vice President of SIB Sarawak on Tues to discuss abt the partnership but I do not know what time I shld meet him. Bcoz Airasia only fly once a day on odd days direct to Miri, I travelled on Mon n returned on Wed. As I reached MEC campus, my first reaction was to see the Principal n politely but eager asked, …so when m I meeting the VP? The same answer…the next day, maybe morning after breakfast. “But let’s hv dinner tonight…” After dinner, “let’s meet for breakfast the next morning, then I’ll send u to the Pusat.” The next morning I had breakfast with the Principal n we returned to campus and he showed me to the Pusat. Everyone (in the SIB HQ) was having their daily devotion then, so I waited in the lobby n browse through some magazines. It was abt 20mins later a team emerged n the VP invited me to breakfast. “But I’ve had breakfast.” The answer was, “But I hv not…come let’s go breakfast.” So, breakfast round two. We reached a nearby coffee shop at abt 9am n shortly later a lay leader came to join us n talked endlessly till abt 11.30am. My heart was pounding as I kept looking at the wall clock. It’s almost noon n I’ve not gotten “down to business” – the very purpose of my trip! It was noon when we returned to campus. Then, finally we “got down to serious business.” The VP looked through the draft MoU, asked one question n said, “ok, let’s go ahead with this partnership.” “Ah…would u like to know anything further?” “No need la…we know u well enough.” So, I spent almost RM300 for my flight tickets n abt 3 days to attend a meeting that lasted approx 15mins! What did I learn? It was an expensive lesson no doubt but it drilled into me the importance of relationship. So, it’s now on…the SAM-MEC partnership to offer Master in Ministry program to interested students in the Peninsular in BM medium.

Though it was a brief trip to Miri, it was a very fruitful trip in terms of “work” n fellowship. I realized one drastic difference between the Semai n the Orang Ulu. I visit Semai villages so often but can never recall a single incident where a Semai pastor specifically brings his wife to meet me. Somehow, they just “assumed” I know who their wife is. Tuesday night was the SIB (Miri) district pre-Christmas dinner for all pastors. (Somehow I seemed to come to Miri at all the “right” time – the last time was the welcoming dinner for the new principal) So, there was big makan n I met two pastor friends I met once upon a time. Both immediately bring their wives to meet me!

The rest of November will be pretty mundane. One trip to Ipoh towards the end of the month for SAM Day to promote its ministry; n for me to meet with “key” players to formalize n finalize next year’s schedule. Plz join me to pray for this ministry. Oh yes, another additional task for me as I take a new step in a missions organization – WEC, the Worldwide Evangelization for Christ, founded by the famous CT Studd. I wonder if I can soon be a WECer (whacker)!?!

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