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

Ministry Update January/February 2016

Woohoo…entering into the second month already! And what hv I accomplished or learnt during the first month of the year?! Don’t put to tomorrow what you can do today. The year opened with tragic news, perhaps an indication of how gloomy the year (s) will be like ahead of us. Tragic fatal motor accidents costing innocent lives, drastic drop in crude oil per barrel, call to get a second job to survive, expected 5-figure unemployment, etc. It sure looks gloomy. But I’d like to believe God is in control. For me, I often find it hard to reconcile what the head knows with how the heart feels. But sure enough is this fact: God is watchful over every event that unfolds n He awaits the right time to put His plans to work.

^{ISA 55:9} "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. ^{ISA 55:10} As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, ^{ISA 55:11} so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.

Isn’t that Isaiah passage a comfort we need in times like now? It comforts me for sure.

First week of January I was in Klang for a 3-day intensive trainers’ training. Was quite an experience staying in the hotel my host put us up. Fanciful name n posh contemporary deco complete with hi-tech security. During the 2 nights stay I moved into 3 rooms! First it was the bathroom door that got jammed (my sister was locked in for 40mins before maintenance came after 3 intercoms); then the second room had water disruption; n the third room has shower options of just super hot n super cold with nothing in between! That aside, the training was an eye-opener n enriching – thanks to J&P.

Second week of January I was in Port Dickson. No, it was not sunshine in the beach. It was a diocesan retreat. I wonder why there weren’t any team-building activities n I observed how cliques formed according to ethnicity. The teaching sessions were basic n I noticed many participants not paying attention – me included. But this one thing I discovered – I now realized how “titles” make a difference. Previously, many fellow colleagues treated me as a “newbie” which indeed I was in the Anglican diocese. Suddenly with a Dr, it’s a different treatment. I was even added into the whatsapp chat group that consists of “high flyers” of the Anglican church! The way people talk to me n acknowledge my presence changed. This one person who used to call me, “hey SB,” now calls me, “doctor,” complete with a respectful nod. Wahloa! No wonder people everywhere seek after “titles.” It really makes a difference!

I seemed to recall another incident (no, this time not the Anglican community) I was introduced as Dr Swee Bee to a group n I immediately responded, “just call me Swee Bee.” The next respond I received was, “oh, that’s very humble of you.” WHAT?!Humble? Me? I am being humble? Well, rather…I am being CHRISTIAN! Hello…? I tend to believe this instead – a deaconess (Dss) title will NOT make me any holier; a doctor (Dr) title will NOT make me any smarter. I am the same person as before n prone to sin as anyone else. And I need partnership from fellow Christian brothers n sisters along this spiritual pilgrimage n transformation into the likeness of Jesus Christ. It looks like “worldly culture” has so permeated into the church n crawling its way to the top leadership, thus influencing them to “impart” worldly-tainted perspectives to the rest of the church!

Third week of January the SAM class in Sungai Petani “branch” started its academic term. I am teaching the Intro to OT class. This is a different crowd with mostly Indonesian contract workers n Indonesians married to local Malaysians. It is interesting that the composition of students in Taman Pelangi (Prai), Sungai Petani (Kedah), n Ipoh are all different n it gives me vast opportunities to learn from the students. Thank you, Lord! The once-a-week class in SP will hv 8 sessions with breaks for CNY n my Feb class in Ipoh. CNY is right around the corner n deco n drumming music is already in the malls. After CNY is a week-long class in Evangelism n Discipleship in Ipoh. This is the first time I am teaching this course n hv to spend more time in its various preparations.

The week after CNY, SAM in Taman Pelangi starts it academic term with a course in Biblical Interpretation. A Korean missionary is teaching this class. In the meantime, I am working with a Christian publisher to publish a “Bible-school worthy” BM book – Basic Guide in Bible Interpretation: Playing by the Rules (or something like that). This book is somewhat a “classic” n hopefully the printed copies can roll out the press before class begins.

Thank you for praying with us n thank you for your partnership in this exciting ministry of vast potential. I pray that for the days ahead in this year, we join our hearts to pray for God’s intervention in our nation, in our world, in this generation so that people everywhere see the glory of Him who loves us all!

Ministry Update Dec15/Jan16

A very blessed New Year to all of you! Thank you for your partnership in ministry that enabled another year of serving God in this challenging nation and time.

SAM is ready with a challenging schedule to serve through equipping workers in the BM ministry. We are in partnership with various Christian organizations to be better in this new year in a holistic manner; expecting new vibrant students and an exciting journey ahead. The Penang centers will begin its academic term in January for the SP center and in February for its Prai center. Down south in Ipoh, we are starting night classes for the certificate class in January itself while the combined diploma/MMin class will kick off the academic year after CNY in February. With partners like STM (for certificate and diploma) and MEC (for MMin) it is sure a challenge to balance the demands of standard that both ATESEA and ATA require of these programs. I am charting ahead for SAM to be better recognized and positioning it as the premier BM Bible School in Peninsular Malaysia that is both relevant and contemporary for its targeted students. Do pray with us and for us as we seek the Lord to go further with our teaching team and students. Also, we greatly appreciate your prayer partnership to “recruit” more volunteers/workers to play a role so that we can impact and grow further. As it is, we lack a lot of materials (print or oral) in our local Bahasa Malaysia – our “national” language.  

(Note: Association for Theological Education South East Asia (ATESEA) is the accreditation body for STM and Asia Theological Association (ATA) is the accreditation body for MEC. These are the two accreditation agencies for theological education in Asia)

For the whole of this year, I hope to fully focus on developing this ministry while waiting on the Lord to make certain the next phase of equipping after completing the Doctor of Missiology program last October/November. There’s going to be quite a bit of travels starting from next week where I’ll be attending the trainers’ training in Open Doors (M) office in Klang Valley. This is quickly followed by the compulsory diocesan retreat the next week in Port Dickson. I’m still working on class notes/material for the dip/MMin class in Feb., being the first time teaching the class in Evangelism & Discipleship. Somehow, the festivity does have an effect to make us lazy, huh?! In order to break the “mental block” I hv gone to watch the latest Star Wars movie. If I encounter another mental block (due to the festivities) maybe I’ll go watch Peanuts!? Yes, just blame it on the festivities when the head says “work,” but the heart says “play.”

Once again I wish you an exciting year of ministry in 2016. It may not look too bright here in Malaysia but I am confident that as the Light of God shines through each of us, the brightness of the Hope will prevail in this nation. Thank you for your partnership in ministry.

Ministry Update Nov/Dec 2015

In two weeks, I was “granted” two “titles” I don’t want to use. It amused me why some people take much delight in “exhibiting” fanciful titles before n (abbreviations) after their names. But that is the way of the world; that is the way people are. So, I amused myself with the “white robe” n the “black robe” dilemma.

End of Oct I was commissioned as a deaconess in the Anglican DWM and mid of Nov I “graduated” with the Doctor of Missiology degree. At least, one testimony I can claim is that this “stupid kid” hv got her doctorate! Ok, ok, I may exaggerate a little bit but I still keep my secondary school report book as proof that I was never a straight A’s student n was a bit below average as how teachers would “classify” someone like me.

Nov closed excitingly with a day trip to the OA village with a CG group from GBC. It was fun, as how all visits to the OA villages are.

Dec will open soon n I m getting anxious to prepare all the needed annual/year end reports. I need to wait for data from my colleagues n they need some (much) “pushing” before I can acquire the needed details which is pretty frustrating, actually. But Dec is also a month to sort-of “relax” a bit with the festivities. BJAC will again go out for their Christmas outreach. This year to another Old Folks Home. Do pray for us.

SAM 2016 schedule is almost complete; just missing the certificate part. Plz pray for us as we embark on another year to equip our OA friends towards acquiring their formal theological training at certificate, diploma, n master levels. Students upgrading n new students recruited will mean additional funds needed. But I am confident that God will provide sufficiently n adequately. Another aspect that needs funding is the publication of Bible-school-worthy type of BM books. I am partnering with Wawasan Penabur to publish a BM book on biblical interpretation. RM4000 is required n thus far I hv raised RM1000 with another RM3000 to go. If any of you would like to help towards this effort, kindly contact me. BM books/material are extremely, extremely limited. Please help us to produce more of them. People like me, teaching in the BM Bible School hv to be fluent in both English n BM bcoz we prepare our materials from English material n then translate them into BM. Reference books are very, very limited. Most reading references hv to be translated too before being made available to the students. Or, we use books from Indonesia. But this is one option we would like NOT to resort to as much as possible. I look forward to your further partnership.

THANK YOU