Ministry Update FebMar 2017

So we have quickly flew past two months into this “new” year. I think many of us are still reeling from New Year or Chinese New Year. Now, entering into the Lent season, churches are gearing up for Easter preparations.

February was pretty busy. With the CNY festivity end Jan/start Feb, the festivity in the air breathes “laziness” into most of us. The ASOD team went into the villages n it was a refreshing “break” for me to commune with the “jungle” at the start of this “new” year. Then we had the Northern Clergy Retreat at a beach hotel in Penang. It was good to be “pampered” in comfort. Getting in touch, networking, n fellowship with fellow ministry workers was refreshing. After the retreat came loads of work!

SAM Penang SP is continuing their first course of the year in Cultural Anthropology. I seized the opportunity to stay at a nearby hotel when the class was held on the eve of the Thaipusam break. Well, it was boring. SP has nothing much to offer. The budget hotel I stayed at was pretty unique actually. Its deco carries the Middle Eastern theme but the wi-fi speed was so slow I didn’t manage to get into the internet at all. Classes will conclude at the close of March.

SAM Ipoh held two classes in February. At the start of the month was a two-weeks nightly class for certificate students n towards the end of the month was the intensive one-week day classes for diploma students.

SAM Penang Prai will begin their academic year with the study on Christian Discipleship tonight (27Feb).

Elsewhere, our signed MoU with STS to offer the Master in Ministry program in BM, also begins our planning towards the first module to be offered in June in Ipoh. Do pray for us as we need a minimum count of 10 students for the class to commence n thus far we hv 7 with a few undecided/pending inquiries.

Prayer items:

1.         Expansion of partnership/networking with other churches/Christian organizations in areas of finance, training, ministry, etc

2.         Expediting process of creating a new bank account accessible by SAM central committee for a more efficient responses in financial matters

3.         SAM leadership: unity, wisdom, perseverance in ministry

Thank you for your partnership in ministry

Ministry Update JanFeb 2017

Festivities, though very much toned down this year, still have an effect to cause laziness in many of us. I am one of those affected. January had been a fast-paced month. It moved so fast n suddenly we have arrived at the close of the first month of the year.

SAM Penang academic year began with a class in the Sungai Petani center. I am teaching there for this first slot. We are studying Cultural Anthropology, which is a subject close to my heart. Why? Because I majored in Anthropology & Sociology for my undergraduate study; graduated without fully understand what anthropology really is; finally in Seminary discovered those undergraduate years were “foundation” years to my current major in Missiology! God orchestrated everything beautifully, as always. As the class in SP is at night, I usually spent the night “camping” in the church n only drive back Penang early the next morning. However, from the start of class this year, a student managed to persuade me to spend the night in her home. Well, it sure is more comfortable – proper bed n no noisy “mickey mouse football match on the roof” or clattering of utensils at odd hours as neighboring shops begin preparing for the next day’s business. Praise God for His providence!

SAM Penang Prai center will only begin its academic year with its first class in Discipleship end of February. I hope the earlier enquiries will translate into actual attendance as majority of the current students will be ready for graduation by end of this year. They may miss this year’s convocation and I am still looking at options and possibilities to enable the accumulation of enough academic credits so they can make it before deadline to graduate this year.

Elsewhere, SAM Ipoh will open with a certificate course of intensive 2-weeks nightly classes at the start of February and an intensive one-week day classes towards the end of February. The courses offered will be “Church Growth” and “Corinthian Letters” respectively. We are also anticipating some new students for the certificate modules this year.

Prayer requests:

1.         Teaching team: travels, preparations, good health

2.         Students: dedicated, teachable, committed

3.         Administrative team: well organized, attentive, focused

4.         Financial matters: task of “transferring” SAM fund from Bagan Jermal Anglican Church Penang into a new bank account that can be easier accessed by other SAM committee in Ipoh/Gopeng. This is on-going n please pray for St Peter’s admin team assisting us in this with the required paper works n liaising with various parties

5.         More OA to thirst to be well-equipped to serve effectively n willing to “sacrifice” comfort, time, convenience to attend classes n complete assignments

6.         This weekend, 3-5Feb, the Anglican School of Disciples (ASOD) participants will be visiting the OA villages. Pray for the participants to learn, enjoy, n be “bitten by the ministry bug” to carry the burden for OA work. Join us to pray for journey mercy, good weather, n fruitful time of ministry in Kampong Sungai Poh/Kampong Kepayang, Kampong Ulu Kampar, and Gereja Shalom Gopeng. Pray that it will be an “eye-opener” for the participants as they experience a different lifestyle from that of urban context

7.         The first class of Bishop Certificate of Ministry for Upper North Archdeaconry to prepare candidates to serve officially as lay ministers in the Anglican Diocese. I’ll be teaching the first module in “Bible Overview” over the 18-19 Feb weekend

8.         The Northern Clergy Retreat in Penang 20-22 Feb: that it will truly be a time to “relax” and fellowship with fellow workers in ministry

Thank you for your partnership in ministry

SBTan

Ministry Update Dec16Jan17

Yes, I noticed. I missed out “one issue” of my monthly ministry update. So sorry for that. It was a busy time to generate annual reports and send to heads of churches/organizations and student sponsors. The reports gave an overview of SAM Northern Centers academic activities and students’ academic progresses. I know that academic materials may not be a very appealing read, but if you are interested to have a copy, kindly advice so I can email you the pdf reports.

Generally, the “major milestones” in 2016 were:

1.                  Partnering with a Christian publisher to publish a BM book in Biblical Interpretation

2.                  Three OA students graduated with their Certificate in Christian Ministry from STM in October

3.                  SAM forged partnership with STS to offer the Master in Ministry program in Ipoh

4.                  4 courses were conducted in SAM Penang in both Juru and SP; 3 diploma courses in Ipoh; 2 certificate/diploma courses in Ipoh; 3 certificate courses in Ipoh

Anticipated tasks for 2017:

1.                  Create a bank account for SAM Northern Centers. The process is on-going. Didn’t realize so super many red-tapes in the Anglican church! We are not registered as we do not want to “expose” the sensitive nature of our ministry. So, we are functioning under the coverage of the Anglican church. Therefore, we need a lot of “maneuvering” in this matter. Thus far, we are parking our funds in BJAC current account. We are now in the process of creating a new (second) account under the OA church with signatories from SAM committee. Several factors were considered as we decided to transfer the funds to an account that can be (independently) accessed by the SAM committee.

a.       The funds are collected for (theological) training purposes of the OA church they should rightfully have an access to it. Besides, I gave myself a 10-year span to surrender the leadership to the OA church

b.      As a diocesan staff, I am subject to transfer. Therefore, this matter should be looked into now rather than later. In fact, I am foreseeing a transfer in the next one/two years. It will be good to begin sharing/transferring more leadership responsibilities till I can fully relinquish the leadership reign to the OA church

c.       The mother church of BJAC is creating much fuss in our financial matters. But I suppose, it is just timely

2.                  The Master in Ministry program in partnership with STS requires a minimum of 10 committed students. We are launching the first module in June but thus far we only have 6. Do join us to pray for more students. This is probably the only master program conducted completely in BM on a modular approach. Finance is not a problem. Scholarship aids, church sponsors, and study grants are available

3.                  SAM Penang: the meeting place will move from Juru to Prai while the Sungai Petani center remains at Taman Lagenda. There are several enquiries from prospective students in Prai. Not sure yet if they will turn up for class and commit to the program. Currently we have a regular of 10 in Prai n 11 in SP

4.                  SAM Ipoh: pray for our new administrator, Riboni, who will take on the task to promote student participation and update student academic records. Pray also for the OA/BM church. While many have the heart to serve, many also do not have the “staying power” to discipline themselves to attend class, do assignments, n attend to ministry responsibilities at the same time. I have always stressed to my team that we cannot afford to lower the standard just to meet the needs of the students. Instead, it is the students that need to raise themselves. We do not want graduates who are “below the bar.” Regular students cannot be estimated but it was approximately 5-7 for diploma classes and 3-6 for certificate classes. Registered diploma students are 7 and certificate students are 16. Pray for Fione, our Ipoh coordinator. The Ipoh/Gopeng team needs wisdom to inspire the students to commitment and to promote the ministry of the school in Kinta Valley

5.                  BM book – commentary on the book of Philippians: on-going project. We hope to publish this in partnership with several seminaries in Malaysia. In the meantime, I am also translating my doctoral dissertation into BM so that it can be published to benefit the OA/BM church

6.                  Teaching team: will greatly appreciate continuous partnership of teachers who are qualified, available, and possessing a passion for this BM theological education ministry. Our team is working very hard and guest lecturers received a very small token of love gift. I am praying for SAM financial status to be stable enough to give more

7.                  Adjunct duties: I have recently accepted an additional responsibility to serve as an adjunct lecturer in STM. Thus far, I have not received any teaching schedule. However, as this is a secondment from the diocese, it will need to be prioritized over my adjunct commitment in SPECS teaching team

I take this opportunity to thank you for your partnership and prayers that have sustained this ministry, without which it cannot function. It is “lonely” but writing my monthly updates to you and knowing you are my partners encourages me to keep going. Thank you, from the very bottom of my heart. I wish you God’s richest blessings as we venture into another challenging year to labor for our God and King in this land.

SB

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Ministry Update OctNov 2016

It has been an interesting month. As of now SAM is at the brink of closing its academic year for 2016. For the first time the module of Theology of Persecution and Discipleship (TOPAD) was conducted in BM with SAM students providing the “trial subjects.” It was unfortunate that a miscommunication resulted in just four students attending this very relevant course. We are now preparing course schedule for 2017. Before long year end reports need to be attended to.

The SAM team was in KK to meet with the leadership team of a local seminary there to initiate a partnership. It was an interesting trip. We were there about three years ago to initiate a similar partnership but it did not progress as expected. In January this year, a chance meeting with one of its staff “resurrected” the interest to pursue this partnership. Meetings were proposed but none materialized until Oct (26). This seminary was skeptical in our proposed partnership to offer a master degree through modular approach as their program is a full-time program. However, along the time both parties negotiated a suitable time to meet, other needs arose that the said seminary adopted the modular approach. It was truly divine timing. The principal even anticipated a lengthy meeting and allocated a whole two hours to discuss the necessary. On my end I was a bit “worried” as I do not know what I need to prepare for the meeting as it looked like as if I only need to be present. Within the first 30 minutes, the “deal was sealed.” What can I say? God prepared every heart involved in this matter!

It was also interesting to meet up with other partners in ministry and former students. In this meeting another partnership possibility was discussed. With God willing, SAM may establish another “branch” center in KK. A meet-up with a former second collegian brought further joy into the trip. It further opened another possibility of partnership. This is to partner a local church in their swiflet bird nest business. SAM considers this involvement/investment as it will provide an income-generating resource to finance our expenses without the need to constantly look for sponsors. Do pray with n for us that we will move in God’s wisdom.

Next month, the final certificate module in Ipoh will take place and I am scheduled to teach on the Gospels. The Theology 1 class in SP will also close in Nov. Then the reports will need to be generated. Christmas programs will begin to unfold. BJAC plans an outreach to the Holy Infant Jesus Home in Balik Pulau, a simple fellowship meal on the eve of Christmas after our service, n a thanksgiving service on NY eve. We are also being “ambitious” to plan for an all-night prayer meeting next year! Well, nothing is impossible because we serve a God who makes possible everything impossible!

Ministry Update Sept/Oct 2016

September was a “fun-filled” month with two visits to two different OA villages on weekends back-to-back.

The short school holidays in September was filled with public holidays too: the Raya Haji break n the Malaysia Day break. It was a much anticipated visit for a local Chinese church to visit this village, off Batu Gajah. Their medical team comprised of both western n eatern medicine complete with nurses. It was about four years ago since I visited this village. It was left off our radar as the pastor is a renal patient n we do not want to burden him with many missions team visits. It has changed. The route to the village was changed to another direction while the route I first took to the village is now almost bare. The palm oil trees that I knew providing a cooling shade was all gone making it scorching hot under the afternoon sun.

The following weekend I was “on the road” again bringing another team into another village. First we were disappointed that at the last minute, another Anglican church decided to visit that same village. The “gate-crashers” team interrupted an otherwise well-planned Friday. Yet, we made the best out of it n saw the brighter side of this incident. Saturday morning n we travelled to a “new outreach” a short distance away. The team did children n youth meetings followed by a simple lunch before returning to the base village. By Saturday afternoon, we had the place “to ourselves” n we were pretty relaxed. We savored the much anticipated delicacies, including the “atas pokok” meat. I am thrilled at the progress of the villagers in partnership with the visiting team who was there the second time. I am excited to observe the bond growing tight in the urban-rural partnership. This is an effort I m looking to establish for the other urban churches too, especially the one above (visit to village off Batu Gajah). Partnership should be focused with a clear objective. The OA villages – they are not locations of “tourism” to visit “touch n go,” instead they are our brothers n sisters together with us growing towards maturity of the Malaysian church as a whole

Please pray for our proposed cottage industry to market a snack product. I am in planning with the local villagers to look into mass producing buah perah n marketing it to the cities as a healthy snack. We plan to offer three flavors – original, spicy, n anchovies. Buah perah is a seasonal nut n we hv quite a bit of time to plan carefully before the next season arrives n production begins. So, what is buah perah as some of you may ask…when it is produced, come grab a pack from me!

October will conclude SAM Taman Pelangi academic year when the current class in Church Admin ends. Elsewhere in SP, the academic year only concludes in Nov when the current Theology 1 class ends. In Ipoh, the diploma module concludes the year after our study in the topic of Theology of Persecution n Discipleship in mid Oct. The certificate module still has another class in Nov before it concludes for this year. We have three graduates in Certificate of Christian Ministry this year. This is perhaps the smallest team, even participating family/friends make up less than 10 in our entourage to Seremban for the Convocation service on 15Oct.

Please pray for SAM Committee team visit to Seminari Theologi Sabah end of Oct. We are exploring partnership to offer MMin program in the Peninsular from SAM Ipoh. You may ask why as we are already in partnership with MEC for the same program. STS shares the same accreditation as STM (ATESEA: Association of Theological Education South East Asia) while MEC receives accreditation from ATA (Asia Theological Association). We want to standardize n streamline our curriculum to be more focused. Besides, our MMin students are now “on-hold” in their studies as requested by MEC who claims they need to iron out a little hiccup – something which I do not know how long it will take!

Join us in prayer too for our next year’s schedule that is in planning. Pray for our regular teaching team – for wisdom, time, n passion – to continue in this ministry. Pray that funds will permit us to attempt related activities for our students to enhance their learning experience. Once again, I thank you for your partnership in this ministry

SB

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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

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Ministry Update July/Aug 2016

Ministry Update July/Aug 2016

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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.