Ministry Update Mar-Apr 2021

 

Ok, so the first quarter of the year has completed. I m busy with a loaded timetable and studies/literary research for this semester. Somehow, next semester’s timetable is pretty relaxing which can permit more time to focus on my studies.

 The “inconvenience” of C19 is slowly becoming a norm and the vaccination has been hailed as a breakthrough of humanity in this century. I worry, I fear…not of the vaccine but the attitude of Christians. Some are for the vaccine but some against the vaccine. I only pray that we look beyond the vaccine to see the true healer…Jesus Christ. Especially so this season of Easter and celebration of the Resurrection.

 I pray daily for the C19 situation to improve…with one selfish intention, actually – to cross state border n visit Penang. It is pretty tensed here with frequent “alarms” of close contact cases, something I believe will continue to occur regularly. But one thing I m confident is, God is in control. That is enough, enough to brave through any storm in life.

 SAM Penang has begun its first online class for this academic year. A few may have enough credits to graduate with their diploma end of this year. Pray that things will keep improving for a physical ceremony. In the meantime, the Temerloh centre will start in early June with their first module. Please continue to pray for us. The OA community does not have easy access to the internet and as such the pandemic consequences are causing a heavy toll on them.

 Thank you for your prayers and partnership. As we prepare for the Easter events, may the Resurrection power continue to fill you and fuel you for ministry to glorify God in this generation, in this nation.

 

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Ministry Update Jan-Feb 2021

 

With almost a blink of the eye, here we are in the second month of the “new” year. But what’s new apart from the various versions of MCO in our country. And CNY? Well, just “duduk rumah diam-diam” lah…I believe I’m not alone to not being able to “balik kampong” and at the same time of feeling depressed also feeling good that we will not contribute to the escalating spread of C-19.

 

What else is there apart from fluidity of our plans? Classes are online, travels are restricted, and uncertainties abound. But I’d like to invite you to join me in this marathon of continued prayer for our nation. And beyond that…for the world. What we have read in the tells us about a God of wonders. This is the time God is preparing us to witness a great miracle for this generation. We need to encourage each other to persevere, press on, and progress in intensive prayer and intercession. One more, just one more. And that “one” could be your prayer that tilt the balance to pour down from heaven the greatest deliverance for mankind in this generation. “God is the same yesterday, today, and forever,” and so we say. Therefore, watch Him lead us to experience Him just as how His people in biblical times experienced Him.

 

Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who acts on behalf of those who wait for him. (Isaiah 64:4)

 

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Ministry Update December 2020-January 2021

 

Yes, I realized…I missed out on sending my update last month. After sending SAM Northern Centers Annual Report, I doubt you wanted to hear from me again…

 

We’ve been in and out of various versions of MCO throughout this year and the pattern is showing that we may continue with this, way into the first half of next year. What this means is that physical classes for SAM can only resume after the first half of next year. The urban center, ie, Prai, is able to proceed with online/hybrid classes but the rural centers, ie, Gopeng/Ipoh and Tapah will need to wait till the second half of the year. With the uncertainties of Tapah center (some local issues caused the current venue to be unavailable), the Lord opened the door in Temerloh. So, 2 physical classes are planned for the second half of next year. Therefore, SAM Penang (Prai) will proceed with 4 classes, ie., one at each quarter of the year; SAM Ipoh (Temerloh) will have 2 classes, ie., one at each quarter in the second half of the year. Will greatly appreciate your prayer partnership and support.

 

For myself here in STM, I have relinquished my administrative role in the BM department. I feel this is appropriate as there are vast prospects for the BM theological education but the many red-tapes and personality prevent fast response. This will also prevent a conflict of interest as I pursue SAM ministry. However, STM is exploring to offer a master degree program in BM which will avail advance ministry training for local BM pastors. Hopefully, this can launch in 2022. In the meantime, I have been given the task to be a registrar of the missions program in partnership with a mission organization. Yes, we are slow…in the BM program n in the missions endeavour. Nevertheless, it is the Lord’s timing and I seek your prayer partnership n support in these ministries. I also seek your partnership as I continue my studies, another post-graduate research program, with a seminary in Australia. It is because I am serious to explore the best teaching/learning approach for my indigenous church family to grow spiritually and theologically.

 

As we conclude the year n progress to another that holds similar uncertainties, I pray that we continue to be discerning and able to recognise God in the events that unfold locally n globally. I pray that we respond appropriately as the Lord will want us to – for this nation n beyond. I pray that each of us, forming the Body of Christ – will be the difference we are ordained to be in such a time as now and be that catalyst to propel our world to align with God’s will. Once again, I thank you for your partnership in ministry – in 2020 and I am sure for 2021 n beyond.

 

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Ministry Update October-November 2020

Academic term concluded in silence as the pandemic challenges pushed towards precautionary measures. October used to be a busy month as everyone in campus rush to complete assignments in the midst of graduation events and its preparations. Then at the peak of it all, the Graduation Day! Unfortunately, the planned events did not take place. All was quiet in campus as the pandemic forced us to cancel those events while we watched helplessly the number of new positive cases escalate each evening when the information was reported. 2020 is reaching the end and it “feels” like a whole year being “wasted” staying indoors, cancelling activities, delaying travels, postponing events, etc.

SAM Northern Centres did not “accomplish” much either. In February, we had a physical class in Tapah attended by over 50 OA pastors and church leaders. Then the pandemic struck and the classes paused. Along the way, glimpses of hope appeared but as precautionary measures no other classes were held. In the meantime, there were some internal issues and Tapah centre had to take a break until a new venue can be identified. We are still unsure if by next year classes can resume in Tapah. It cannot be done online as it is located within the OA village and without internet access. Presently, the villages are taking preventive measures too as there were several COVID positive cases detected in a school nearby.

Elsewhere in Prai, Penang, one physical class took place successfully after the pandemic restrictions were lifted. Following that, two online classes took place. Online classes appear to be a preferred option in Prai which has good internet access and the hassle of travel/traffic can be overcome. For this centre, next year will see a mixture of online, hybrid, and physical classes.

Next year’s plans remain fluid with the pandemic-related uncertainties. There’s just so much that can be planned for the year ahead. In the meantime, the pandemic challenges also delayed the progress of registering SAM as a legal organization. Do join us to pray for God’s timing. For November/December, movements are limited due to preventive measures. But it will be a time to focus on my studies and preparations for the next academic year. There should at least be a trip up North, though. I am preparing SAM’s annual report. So, you should be hearing from me soon on the progress of the school. There’s not much activities due to the lock-down and restrictions. However, it’s precious times to be in the presence of God.

Thank you for your partnership in ministry

Blessings,

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Ministry Update September-October 2020

 We are concluding three quarters of 2020 but since mid-March we have to re-schedule, cancel, or delay many activities. The rest of the year appears pretty “gloomy” with reports of new infection clusters popping up here n there. As I begin planning for next year, I’m also a bit cautious of the situation.

 SAM Ipoh (Tapah) closed after the scheduled February class. Due to COVID 19 n some leadership matters, it has remained closed till end of the year. Please pray that the students can continue at a different centre/kampong next year. In the meantime SAM Ipoh diploma students are attending STM TEE classes in Kampar. Though their sponsor permits fees only for classes conducted by SAM, I am grateful for the local church leadership who had approved sponsoring them for their classes with STM which cost 3x more.

Elsewhere in SAM (Penang) Prai, we had concluded one physical class, one online class, n currently one online class is progressing till next month.

What is in store for next year? For SAM Ipoh (Tapah) we may change venue to another kampong and conduct physical classes 3x in the year. For SAM Penang (Prai) we will continue with online classes 4x in the year. This is the tentative plan n I will greatly appreciate your prayer partnership as I explore possibilities for next year.

It has been quite an eventful month. In August I officially began my studies for a research PhD with a seminary in Australia. Funds expected to arrive were delayed due to the global pandemic and I was asked to raise funds to pay my fees. It was indeed a humbling experience. I have raised funds for my OA friends but this was the very first time I have to raise funds for myself! Though I know intellectually that God will surely provide, the heart somehow still worried. I asked for a delay to make payment and a few days later the request was granted. I asked for financial aid and the Seminary graciously waived my fees for this one semester due to the pandemic. Then I was told the expected funding came in….thus, the letters n requests that had gone out will greatly help us further to grow the missions department here in STM, not to mention other miscellaneous expenses related to the studies apart from tuition fees. I hv also applied for a scholarship from Langham. Please join me to pray for a favourable outcome.

The month concludes with major church events – the DWM Extraordinary Synod to nominate the next diocesan bishop, followed by the ordination service. Next month will also be full of events. As we gear up to end the academic year, there will be the graduation events – a very toned-down affair. This will be followed by the annual faculty consultation meetings. It is after that, that the phase will slow down with assignments grading n preparation for the next academic year.

I will greatly appreciate your prayers too for an upcoming webinar on inter-faith discourse on 9 Oct. (https://stm.edu.my/news-events/the-inclusive-and-exclusive-nature-of-the-gospel-faith-and-inter-faith-concerns-and-challenges-in-malaysia-a-zoom-webinar-organized-by-the-stm-center-for-religion-and-society-crs/)

 Once again, thank you for your partnership in ministry

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Ministry Update August/September 2020

 

One year short of thirty I have been in the workforce with twenty years in fulltime ministry. In the eyes of the world, I am pretty much a “failure” because I finally own a new car. That too is no fancy vehicle but a simple Axia (with a Penang number plate). No, I am happy the way life is right now. I am happy I can be confident I am in God’s will. And I am happy that each turn of event is ordained by God. It has been an adventure walking with God and I have no regrets that I “missed out” on certain luxuries/comforts of the world. If there is any regret, it is the regret that I have not entered ministry much earlier. Yes, ministry is no bed of roses but through it all, God’s hand makes all things beautiful in its time. I have entered half a century old but that is just some chronological calculation. And I have made a new commitment to continue to pursue further training to better equip myself to train God’s people. So, I have begun my second doctoral studies which is completely research-based with a seminary in Australia. While the Seminary is sponsoring my studies, they have also asked if I can chip in, in partnership. As such, I would like to appeal for financial partnership. The total cost is AUS$51,840 but I would like to attempt in raising about one third of it. With the current exchange rate, it is equivalent to MYR 158,188. If God so moved you and I sincerely pray God will (to some or most of you), please send your contribution to

 

Seminari Theoloji Malaysia Public Bank Account No. 3-0647599-00; RHB Bank Account No. 2-14389-0006441-9

 

…indicating the fund is for my doctoral studies. And why am I pursuing a second doctorate? To replace my fellow colleagues with PhD who are retiring one after another. The number of PhD holders must be met in order to qualify for ATESEA accreditation for our Seminary degrees. (Btw, if you are wondering why I am pursuing another doctorate: My first doctorate is Doctor of Missiology and it is a professional doctorate while a PhD is an academic doctorate. That is how the academic circle defines doctorates)

 

SAM updates:

SAM Ipoh (Tapah) has taken a break. As mentioned earlier there are some leadership issues with the denomination leaders and I’m waiting for further updates on where/how to re-start the teaching point in that area.

 

SAM Penang (Prai) had completed two classes: one is the physical weekly class, the other an intensive zoom class. Next week, they are embarking on the third class, ie., weekly zoom class. Thus far, things are progressing well there. We are learning to use zoom n may continue to adopt a hybrid approach beyond 2020.

 

I am hoping to raise more local teachers into the teaching team n also to provide a platform for young ministers to build their teaching skills through SAM. This year I have managed to recruit some new names. COVID has delayed n changed many plans but I invite you to join me in praying for this ministry and opportunities to enlarge its capacity to train indigenous local leaders, either as teacher or as student.

 

Once again, thank you for your partnership in ministry

 

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