Ministry Update September/October 2017

It really feels that things are moving very fast these days – time, event, n just about everything else. But recently someone said to me that this opinion is due to age as probably the younger people will not share the same view. So, I’d like to ask the younger readers to please share your views with me on whether or not you feel the days are passing by too fast...oh, wait! Even the younger readers in my mailing list are almost reaching my “generation,” oops!

Looks like we have concluded three quarters of 2017. Somehow, Sept appeared pretty “eventful.” The final class for this academic year began in all 3 centers in SP, Prai, n Ipoh. In SP is the class in Theology 2 while I am teaching the class in Academic Writing n Research in Prai. I repeated this class in Ipoh the past two weeks through the intensive approach n I must admit – I was extremely pleased n amazed that most of the Ipoh students were able to make a class presentation extremely well. The manner of them presenting the facts, the confidence, n the calmness to receive comments from their peers were simply fantastic. This has got to be the best “performance” of class presentation I’ve come across n I left class that night in very high spirit – fully “satisfied” at the presentation skills of the students. Well, except one team that simply read from written script n even concluded opposing opinion (from their own written hand-out). Overall, I was n m very pleased with this Ipoh class. They did splendidly well in the class presentation.

The weekend in between classes I went to visit some colleagues in Bidor. This is like a “mission trip” to Chinese/Cantonese ministry. Bidor town n its outreach in a Chinese new village, Kampong Baru Coldstream, were Cantonese congregations. Well, that was the first time I preached in Cantonese churches – ha! No, there were interpretations. I mana tahu Cantonese la!

The second book SAM is preparing for publication has reached its final phase. This is the commentary of Phillipians n will be jointly published with STS. The author of the original book in English has graciously granted us permission to publish it in BM n even supplied the same cover for the BM version. We have also found sponsorship for the cost involved. Will update further when the book is ready.

From the start of the year, the Lord has impressed upon me to expect changes. As the year draws to a close, I realized the changes that are to come are major – for me, the OA ministry, n even for an OA colleague. Will update further when things become clearer as we wait upon the Lord to pave the way. But please remember us in prayer.

We have one SAM student from Prai graduating with his diploma in Christian Studies later this month in STM. The following week, I will teach a class over a weekend in Ipoh for Anglican Institute of Ministry (AIM) n proceed to Kampar for TOPAD training in Emmanuel Praise Anglican Center (EPAC). So, after savouring the best of Bidor in September, I will proceed to savour the best of Kampar in October. No wonder God impressed upon me to fast n pray – if not, I will probably gain so much weight I will look like a soccer ball!

Ministry Update August/Sept 2017

I don’t know about you but it’s pretty “scary” how the days are flying swiftly by. August was a pretty boring month for me. Though I needed it to prepare for my next n final classes for the year in Sept. October’s class in Ipoh has been cancelled as students in Ipoh prefer attending night classes. I must say, I was pretty disappointed at their decision as our day one-week intensive classes will enable me to secure lecturers in specialized disciplines. Night classes need to be stretched over two weeks nightly n lecturers are left with day time in Ipoh with literally nothing to do. Well, the students hv spoken n they are willing to commit upon their proposal...

August: I attended a boring meeting – the Anglican Synod. Yea, yea...thanks for reminding me I’m Anglican, but I’m way to low (short) to be comfortable in a high church setting! My DNA is still Baptist (hahaha...) I came home reeling in disbelief over some discussions from both the so-called “clergy” n “laity” which clearly reflected an extreme lack of missiological insight. I just can’t understand how church leaders zealously hold to tradition as if it is some sacred truth n wanting to keep the status quo as a forever n ever matter. Strange “bed-fellas” to work with!

Well, this is a season to fast n pray for our nation. However, let’s not forget that the state of the church needs much prayer too. I mean, how can we impact others if we ourselves are in such a sorry state? The Lord clearly “rebuked” me recently. It was a hard lesson learnt n I hv repented. This is what happened...

During the days of fasting, many times I was overwhelmed by Godly sorrow, grief, n sadness. It was heavy in my heart n the Lord would tell me to “come, weep before Me.” So, I will be in the chapel, n pour out everything through tears. Why was I crying? Why was that intense sorrow? Why was that deep grief within me? And the Lord spoke to me, “You are crying for the Anglican church because you have no right to criticize the Anglican church if you are not praying for the Anglican church.”

I know that I came on board the Anglican platform to serve in the OA ministry. All through these 7 years, it has always been the OA ministry. But the burden upon me has now gone beyond just one ministry. Plz pray with me n for me.

The class in SAM Penang Prai has concluded with Theology 2 n will commence with its final class to wrap up its academic year next month. Academic Writing Methodology will be its final class for the year n will begin at the start of September. In between in the later part of September, I will repeat this class through an intensive two-weeks nightly approach for SAM Ipoh. Why this class? Because lecturers are complaining our students do not know how to write assignments! Well, we are also not taught how to attempt assignments in our Malaysian school, huh?!

In the meantime, SAM Penang SP will begin their Theology 2 class mid of September. It’s the final quarter of the year n I’ve drafted next year’s schedule. SAM course schedule 2018 is going to be very toned down. I’m still not sure what 2018 has in store...

We hv only two graduates this year: one with Certificate in Christian Ministry from SAM Ipoh n one with Diploma in Christian Ministry from SAM Penang

Our progress: we are still in the process of co-publishing a commentary; networking with a small Bible school in Sabah who wants to come under our fold; laying foundation to establish a BM missions training center; n possibility of establishing SAM Southern Centers

Greatly appreciate your prayer support n partnership

Php 1:3  I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, 

Php 1:4  always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, 

Php 1:5  because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. 

Php 1:6  And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. 

Ministry Update July/Aug 2017

One student asked me recently, considering that I often “poke fun at the Anglican church” will I consider serving elsewhere. Actually, that question caught me by surprise. I didn’t realize it was that obvious that I’ve been “poking fun” or rather being critical of the Anglican Church. My reply? I told her, as long as God wants me here, I will be here till He instructs me elsewhere. Guess what? I was surprised at MY REPLY! I m still reflecting on why I am serving on the platform of the Anglican Church. It’s been seven years. It has ALWAYS been because of the OA ministry. But today I stand at a cross-road – spiritually. I hv been anticipating a change in ministry/spirituality since the start of this year n the waiting has not been easy. Recently, during one Sunday worship when I visited a local church, I was convicted to re-visit the discipline of fasting – huh? This is Penang leh...but I comply. Once a week till the Lord tells me to stop. And I hope He instructs me to stop soon. I so need a certainty of the direction of my ministry. So, why am I in the Anglican Church? I m still waiting – I’m sure it has to be more than the OA ministry. To learn conformity, perhaps? For a born rebel like me who is “obsessed” with doing things differently? But I’m certainly not learning my lesson.

July was a slow month. The class in SAM Pg Prai began with Theology II. The class in SAM Pg SP attempted the intensive approach with the TOPAD study. I “cut-short” my sessions from 5 to 4 days. SP was “boring” for whatever reason, I wasn’t able to work comfortably when not in class. It could be the type of music/environment in the malls where I took “work” to during the day. Food wasn’t as good too. Still have August to prepare September n October classes as it is going to be another pretty monotonous month.

The intensive diploma class in SAM Ipoh in July did not go well. Although 8 registered, only 4 turned up. Please pray for our team as we plan to meet with the OA students to find out what it is that is de-motivating them to commit. It’s been bothering me. In fact, been having  sleepless nights n hyper active thinking over it as I tossed n turned at most nights. To be honest, I’ve been asking the Lord if I’ve “lost it” n ought to consider doing something else. Or am I missing “some thing, some where...”? Is lonely here, terribly lonely...

A small-scale Bible School in Sabah (KK n Pitas) is considering partnering us. SAM South is still in planning. Do pray with us as we explore these two possibilities.

Greatly appreciate your partnership in prayer for us. Thanks

SB

Ministry Update June/July 2017

So we have officially entered into the second half of the year. Time just moved swiftly. There’s so much to do in ministry I don’t understand how some people can find time to meddle in “church politics” n internal strivings! Yea, that do happen...n within the Body of Christ. I’ve always emphasized this: a church that is not looking out will soon hv internal problems. Hey, how long can we tolerate the same environment repeatedly over n over, year after year? Human as we are, we seek “new thrills” n if we are confined to the four walls, sooner or later we find “fault” with each other! So, I lay my case for missions involvement...

June had passed by fast. Returning from the UK end of May got me still “reeling” over the wonders n fantastic weather of end Spring/early Summer. Still can’t quite get over the “coziness” of Edinburgh! Well, God...when You are “done” with me in the OA ministry here, send me to “re-evangelize” UK! ;)

There was a meeting in the SPECS office at the start of June n got the opportunity to meet some old friends n colleagues in ministry. It was a fruitful time to strengthen networks. Almost immediately was an exploratory visit to the OA village as this team wants to start preparing for their medical-themed visit in late August. Then we had our very first Master in Ministry class, in partnership with STS in YMCA, Ipoh. Total expenditure was a bit high but it is worth it to “invest” in the upgrading of our BM counter-parts. Besides, God will provide all the necessary. That...I am fully convinced. I was in Ipoh briefly to attend to the necessary n the students had a fruitful time of learning. We needed a minimum of 10 students but eight registered while three pulled out at the last minute. Please pray that God will bring a minimum of another five students or the program cannot continue as STS needs to justify their cost of sending their lecturer here. The current five students are committed n eager; it won’t be fair to deny them the opportunity to continue. Do pray with n for us in this.

The Raya break weekend saw a visit to the OA village. As always, visits to the OA villages are a super wonderful time to connect with nature, people, n of course...food! Different types of food. This trip, the spread covered wild boar, venison, n monkey meat besides my all time favourite of wild bamboo shoots.

As July began, so I need to begin preparing for the next classes. In Prai, the Anthropology class will be concluding soon. The next class will be Theology II. In SP, the Discipleship class concluded n the next class is a “trial run” of intensive module – two full weeks of daily night classes on TOPAD. The second week of July begins the class nightly Mon-Fri n continued on the fourth week, nightly Mon-Fri.

The final classes in SAM Penang will be “Academic Writing” in Prai n Theology II in SP for the fourth quarter to conclude the academic year of 2017. Elsewhere in Ipoh, we will hv an intensive 3-day classes, 9am-5pm on “Dangerous Faith” end of July; a two-weeks nightly intensive class in Biblical Interpretation in Aug; a two-weeks nightly intensive class in Academic Writing in September. And that conclude the academic year for 2017.

We will only hv two graduates this year – one from SAM Ipoh for Certificate in Christian Ministry n one from SAM Penang for Diploma in Christian Ministry. Do continue to pray with n for us in this ministry n thank you once again for your partnership.

020717

Monthly Ministry Update MayJune 2017

Well, it has been quite a month! May opened with an important meeting of the SAM Network. Is not often that we come together – is only on “special” occasions. The last time (my first time) attending such meetings was when I first entered the Anglican Church n “grafted” into SAM in 2010. So, it was a meeting to “rekindle” ministry bonds under the SAM name. We hv the northern centers (Penang n Ipoh), KL, n JB. As usual, after such meetings n collaborating on our strengths, plans were conceived n possibilities open doors for more ministry opportunities. Do pray for us n with us.

I had a holiday which I never thought will ever happen. After my first visit to London in 2015, I asked God to send me back there. Though I was never quite sure if I will visit again, in faith I started preparing for the trip. By the grace of God, I visited London again. To some it may be too short a trip but to me, it is sufficient – 8 days. An added bonus was a brief visit to Edinburgh, the capital city of bagpipes! I spent so much time researching n planning for the Edinburgh visit that I did not plan much for the rest of the time in London, except to visit an English friend base in Kent n a Malaysian couple who partner me closely in ministry who is staying with her daughter/son-in-law in Reading till July (well, they missed Malaysian food after 3 months in UK n we ended up in a Malaysian restaurant for lunch over char koay teow, nasi lemak, n roti canai!).  Besides that I volunteered for my nephew’s school fund-raising event – Party for the Planet. I can only thank God for making this wonderful visit possible. I was carefully budgeting my expenses as every price tag I mentally x5.5. However, after the trip I realized I spent less than GBP300! God is good. Somehow, everything is sufficient n adequate. One important lesson I learnt however, is Godly dependence. I remember preparing to rely on the internet to find my way around Edinburgh. I figured that once I arrived in London, I only need to get a local SIM card n rely on the internet to bring me to wherever I want to go. Suddenly, my handphone began giving problems (maybe jet-lag) n I couldn’t get online! I remember getting off the train from Edinburgh Waverly Station, stepping on the streets of Edinburgh n suddenly realized I don’t know where to go. But God’s Holy Spirit assured me n I relaxed in His presence n comfort. Even without getting online, being aligned to God is all that matters!

SAM Penang (Prai) is continuing its study in Cultural Anthropology while SAM Penang (SP) is continuing with its study in Discipleship. The first STS-SAM partnership to offer the MMin (BM) program will commence next month in Ipoh. Do pray for the 8 students attending n pray for more students to seize this opportunity to upgrade themselves with quality theological education at affordable rates while conveniently base in Peninsular. Next month I am traveling to Klang Valley to attend a meeting n perhaps begin preparing for next year’s course schedule. Please pray with n for our SAM Northern Centers team – both the admin n teaching team. Will appreciate your discernment with me if it is the right time to begin empowering our OA friends beyond the church. Do pray also for the proof-reading of our commentary (Phillipians) in BM where we are partnering other seminaries for publication. June also has several visits to the OA villages n possible partnerships between the urban-rural churches.

Thank you once again for your partnership n ministry.

Ministry Report Apr/May 2017

Entering into the second quarter, things are picking up. After all, the season for festivities has, sort of, ended. I’m in Ipoh for a two-week class in Cultural Anthropology. We meet in the evenings from Mon-Thurs and permit me to return Penang over the weekend in between. Holding classes of similar topics lessen me the time of preparations. As of today, the syllabus has concluded for the Ipoh certificate/diploma module and tonight is the final session where students will be sitting for the test. There are ten students in attendance: one certificate and nine diploma students. Two inactive diploma students came back to revive their academic journey. A total of two certificate graduates are upgrading to their diploma which means additional funding will need to be sourced for them (RM1500 x 1; RM1800 x 1 [one student upgrade from STM Certificate of Christian Ministry n one student upgrading from MBS Certificate in Bible Studies])

Elsewhere in Penang, class ended for the Discipleship course in Prai and SP just begun this class. The enrolment for SP class increased to 19 students.

One of the co-founders of SAM will be in town next month. The entire SAM network will try to meet each time he is in this part of the world. Thus, there will be a meeting in Cameron Highlands early next month for this purpose – update of SAM ministry. Besides us, SAM Northern Centers, there are SAM networks in Klang Valley and JB.

In the meantime, SAM Northern Centers has been consulted in a proposal to begin SAM Southern Centers. Further details have yet to be finalized. We are also in the process of proof-reading of a commentary where its completion will see the joint publication with other seminaries in Malaysia. A big thank you to our sponsors who share the burden to develop the BM theological education ministry in Malaysia.

In June, we will launch the first Master in Ministry module in partnership with Seminari Teologi Sabah (STS). STS will be sending their lecturer to teach our students, consisting of BM pastors base in Peninsular. While some are able to claim their course fees from their sending churches, we have a small pool of funds for a few who need scholarship. However, we do welcome more contribution to ease the pastors’ expenses as they seek to upgrade theologically. Classes will be held in Ipoh at St Peter’s Church. Thus far we have eight students but still short of two as STS requested a minimum of ten students to justify the cost of sending their lecturers here. Do pray with us for BM pastors/church leaders to be convicted in this capacity. This STS-SAM partnership will greatly reduce time/expenses while ensuring quality theological education to our BM counterparts.

Apart from classroom activities, we are also seeking partnership between urban and rural churches. Thus far, we have two possible partnerships and both (Chinese) churches in Penang have planned their visit to the rural locations for further exposure, understanding, and planning. We hope to establish more long-term partnerships. Do join us to pray for more such partnerships. I am exploring one possibility with a church in Ipoh. Let me know if you’d like more details on this matter.

Again, I greatly appreciate your partnership in this exciting ministry. There are huge challenges but they appear small because I am confident of God’s hand upon us through each one of you who prays for us, encourages us, and supports us. Should you need further information to be more involved, feel free to drop me a line or two.

SB 270417