Ministry Update June-July 2021

I have to take time to grieve. My mother left us unexpectedly. It was on a Monday afternoon when I received a call. Events unfold too quickly. My mom had a massive stroke but the clot was removed promptly. However, her frail body had to fight aggressive infections for about 3 weeks. She was showing signs of recovery when her heart decided to stop. I wanted to get angry at God. After 4 years of persuading mom to move south to be nearer us, she had finally agreed. In mid April when I visited, we were happily planning the move in June. Mom was alert as before n could recall phone numbers from memory. But on 3^rd May, the unexpected short-circuit our plans n 3 weeks later mom left us without regaining full consciousness. Yes, I am taking time to grieve. Home is just not home without mom.

 

I’d like to take this opportunity to thank friends and partners in ministry for your prayers and emotional support. I am finally back in Seremban after an unexpected long stay in Penang for 6 weeks. The C19 situation does not look too bright at the moment for us here in Malaysia. But I really hope it will improve soon so I can visit Penang regularly as before. Along my 5-hour drive back Seremban yesterday, I broke down many times. I wanted to get angry at God. I wanted so much to get angry at God. Mom finally agreed to move down south to be near us after 4 years of persuading her. We were supposed to move in June but we were driving back alone… It was hard having to leave the Penang home. The emotional part of me wanted to continue staying to cherish the fond memories n to keep it alive as long as I can. But the rational part of me know I need to move on n return to work and ministry in campus

 

Along the days after the funeral, me n my big sister who was also stranded in Penang hv to attend to my mom’s maid – documentations to transfer her to a new employer. Those were difficult days as we discovered how she pocketed much of my mother’s money through phantom purchases, even claiming expenses to buy herself pots n plants! We thought of sending her to the police when we discovered mom’s gold pendant she stole n kept in her pouch on the day she was to move out. My good-hearted sister decided to give her a chance as she needs to fend for her family back home. After all, she had returned what she stole n promised to refund a minimal sum of money she pocketed. But I believe God is not blind n will judge accordingly. I just feel upset n guilty that my mom’s final months were with a maid who took advantage of her trust n generosity!

 

With FMCO in place, classes continued to be online here in campus. It’s just that being in campus permits me access that I otherwise do not hv being away physically. For one, my students in campus are happy I am back. But I m subjecting myself to a 7-day self-quarantine as precautionary measure.

 

SAM classes scheduled in Temerloh hv to be delayed due to the C19 related restrictions. In the meantime, in Prai, class commence online with TOPAD

 

I will greatly appreciate your continuous prayer partnership in this ministry during this difficult times. It is even more difficult for the OA church n community as they do not hv access to internet facility.

 

Once again, thank you for your partnership in ministry

 

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Ministry Update AprMay 2021

 

First quarter of the year had passed by too quickly while most of us are still hiding in our caves. A lot of events unfolded and pre-COVID norm seemed pretty unattainable still. Travels are still restricted in many ways, even domestic travels.

 April was an eventful month. It opened with a spiritual-encounter of sort that shook the faith of all involved. As we looked back (sorry I am not able to elaborate in detail), it taught us to evaluate our spirituality. I remember walking back to my apartment one day at the peak of this “spiritual shakening” and it impressed upon me, when was the last time I practised my spiritual gifts? Am I being “sucked” into the stiff academic structure I was so careful to avoid? With a heavy load this semester, juggling between study and teaching, ministry in campus and church, it just looked like I have fallen into a “structured spirituality.” What more with the upcoming mission trip we are planning. A quick visit to an OA settlement within Seremban district – no crossing of district or state border. Yet, opposition come to prevent the trip. Yes, I am aware of the rising C19 cases but it is always last minute oppositions that precede a spiritual breakthrough. We have put in place strict SOP and going the extra mile for precautions. Really…April is loaded with “events” of a spiritual kind.

 First semester break is just around the corner. The one month break will hold little meaning as travels are restricted. Classes have concluded and it is marking/exam season now.

 SAM Prai had their online class and Temerloh outreach is starting their first module in early June. If situation does not improvement that first (physical) class needs to be postponed

 I know everyone is praying. Kindly add my prayer request to your prayer list – SAM ministry, STM, and spiritual discernment for the Malaysian church.

 Thank you for your partnership in ministry

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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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