VOLUME 39, NO. 1 VOLUME 39, NO. 12 DECEMBER 2013 How does the Methodist Church respond to queries about issues facing the church?

n recent times, more than at any other in the history of our nation, Heads of Churches of the member churches. Once the General Sec- calls have been made by many individuals and organisations for retary has consensus from the Heads of Churches, he would release Ithe Church to state its stand on a number of issues confronting the statement to the relevant bodies and to all member churches. our nation. Those in the pews must have certainly wondered and The Methodist Church and all our Annual Conferences are mem- asked themselves “how does the Church and especially the Meth- bers of the Council of Churches and the Bishop and Annual Confer- odist Church in Malaysia respond to these calls”. It is arising out ence Presidents are part of the body called “Heads of Churches”. It of this that this article is written to provide some basic information is also an observed practice that generally speaking, the component as to the avenues through which the Methodist Church does indeed denominations will then not issue individual statements in preserv- respond to such calls when deemed necessary. ing unity of stand and articulation on the said issue. There are three (possible) levels of engagement of response that the A third level is where the MCM may make a statement in its own Methodist Church in Malaysia (MCM) is involved in when it comes capacity as prescribed by two provisions in the Methodist Book of to making public statements. The first level of involvement is at the Discipline (MBOD), namely para 511 and para 357.8 when a par- level of the Christian Federation of Malaysia (CFM). The CFM is ticular issue warrants it. Para 511 states that “No person, no paper, a consultative body and its members are the Council of Churches no organisation has the authority to speak officially for the Method- in Malaysia (CCM, the National Evangelical Churches Fellowship ist Church, this right having been reserved exclusively to the Gen- (NECF) and the Catholic Church (CC).This body represents almost eral Conference under the Constitution.”. the whole of the Christian Community in Malaysia and speaks on behalf of the Malaysian Church on important issues. It is the body Having stated thus, the MBOD also provides for para 357 – “Du- that seeks collectively to engage the Government on issues primar- ties, powers and limitations of the Bishop(s) - 357.8 “To represent ily pertaining to the Christian Community. The CFM makes public and speak on behalf of the Methodist Church in all matters relat- statements on behalf of the community and it has established “a ed to other church bodies or government, in consultation with the code of understanding and practice” to especially ensure unity of Council of Presidents. However the Bishop(s) may not commit the stand and articulation. Methodist Church to any action, stand or policy contrary to the Constitution and Discipline of the Methodist Church”. The latter When an issue concerning Christians, which is of national concern provision does give room for the Episcopal Office to make state- and affecting not only Christians but also all Malaysians is brought ments when necessary, but this is done so with great care and in to its attention, then the process of discerning whether to make a consultation with the college of Annual Conference Presidents and public statement begins. The Executive Secretary is instrumental must be consonant with the provisions in the MBOD. Much wis- in initiating a formal process in arriving at an appropriate decision dom, prayer and consultation is needed in such instances before a by the CFM Council. If the decision is that a statement is needed, statement is released to the press, to relevant organisations, and to then the necessary process and protocols will follow until a final all Annual Conferences, its churches and members. The Bishop will document is crafted in addressing the issue at hand. The approved also report the statement made in his report to the General Confer- statement will then be released to the press, all member churches ence Executive Committee (GCEC) which is also made known to and other interested parties. The Methodist Church in Malaysia is the Annual Conferences. involved in CFM by virtue of being a member of the Council of Churches of Malaysia. It is an agreed principle that the CFM rep- It is my sincere hope that our Sovereign God will continue to guide resents the Christian Community in Malaysia and that it will speak and empower the Church in Malaysia of which the MCM is a part on behalf of them. Generally speaking, the three component bodies - with wisdom, discernment and courage to be a united prophetic (and affiliated denominations) do not make individual statements. voice that will bless our nation at this historic point of time. Let us remember our Malaysian Church leadership in prayer as they But there are times when the CFM Council may decide not to make shoulder this important but far from easy task. a statement and leaves it to the individual component bodies to de- cide whether they want to make a statement on a particular issue. In this instance the Council of Churches in Malaysia (CCM ) may de- ANTHONY ROW cide it wants to make a statement on such an issue. Then the CCM General Secretary General Secretary will initiate the process which will involve all the The Methodist Church in Malaysia

2 Beloved [a disciple-making community with Contents unwavering heart] • Read Colossians 1-2 Pg. Nation [a changed nation for His glory] “Christmas - Hope Beyond Optimism” O LORD, we pray for the affairs of our nation to be governed 04 by Bishop Dr. Ong Hwai Teik by fundamental principles that ensure the welfare of the weak and powerless; that the federal and state governments will Pg. commit to honesty and transparency in all their dealings 06 Sabah Council of Churches Issues: • rising cost of living while majority of the people have yet to Pg. reach the level of high income group The Borneo Post • electricity tariff hikes beginning Jan 1, 2014 08 Issue a betrayal of Malaysia Agreements - ACS • [News]The government’s move to increase electricity tariff starting next year is unjustified, when the high power reserve Pg. margin is never used, said Taiping MP Nga Kor Ming. Nga Methodist Youth Convention said the power reserve margin of 52% was much higher than 10 Rise Up Young Methodist the international standard of 5 to 10%. The power reserve margin is for emergencies but the electricity will be wasted if Pg. not used. The Boys’ Brigade Malaysia • MP for Pandan Rafizi Ramli lambasted the Najib adminis- 11 BBGB Camp tration for protecting cronies including independent power producer firms controlled by tycoons Syed Mokhtar, Ananda Pg. Krishnan, Yeoh Tiong Lai, at the expense of the people. Essay • Government has not shown to have wisely manage public 13 Biography of Rev. Wong Dong Sing funds and putting the money into good use. • pray that Government will reexamine its decision • Corruption is still an issue ° Malaysia scored 50 out of 100 points in the perception index (Number 0 very corrupt, 100 corrupt free). This is a miniscule improvement from 49 points ° Cronysm continues, bribery is still rampant ° Government has not demonstrated its political will to fight graft. ° TI-M president Akhbar Satar said that the government should As the Lord leads..... implement stricter measures to eradicate graft in order to prove to the public that Putrajaya was serious in dealing with The Bible says that God has reconciled us to Himself through corruption. Christ’s death so that we may be holy and blameless as we stand before him (Col 1:22). Paul’s goal in ministry is based on this. In Government should grant more autonomy to the Malaysian verses 28-29, we see how closely Paul links his vocation with God’s Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to probe allegations purpose. In announcing Jesus as Lord, he seeks to admonish and of graft, repeal Section 203A of the Penal Code and plug teach everyone with all wisdom, with a definite goal: to present in loopholes in the Whistleblowers Protection Act, to allow everyone complete in Christ. Paul knows clearly that God’s desire more people to come forward on allegations of graft. is to bring Christians to maturity. For this purpose, he strives with Currently, the Whistleblowers Protection Act only allows an great intensity and effort, as one who competes in games. He intends informer to leak information of an alleged corrupt act to an for everyone to become spiritually mature, conformed to the image enforcement agency. The media is not considered as a valid of Christ. He himself first becomes an example of that maturity. agency to report claims of graft. To achieve this high and holy calling, Paul relies on the power of Remembering Others the Holy Spirit. • Concerning the Syrian refugee camps in Jordan facing harsh Let’s pray for our pastors and preachers: winter LORD, our Father in heaven, may You empower our pastors, lea- ° 120,000 residents, mostly women and children ders and preachers to be examples of spiritual maturity, seeking to ° the camps continue to receive new arrivals present to everyone Your word in its fullness! • Concerning Thai anti-government protests

Pelita methodist, publisher, bishop DR. ONG HWAI TEIK; chief editor, bishop DR. ONG HWAI TEIK; executive editor, michael William; editorial board, rev. DR. HII KONG HOCK, rev steward damat mambang, rev khon weng joo, mr wong meng lei, REV LAWRENCE FRANCIS, mr anthony row, PASTOR P.P. ABRAHAM. all correspond- ence and enquiries to be directed to: pelita methodist, 69 jalan 5/31, 46000 petaling jaya, selangor darul ehsan; e-mail, [email protected]; website, www.methodistchurch.org.my; printed by academe art & printing services sdn. bhd. no 7, jalan rajawali 1a, bandar puchong jaya, 47100 selangor darul ehsan.

3 Cover Story “CHRISTMAS - Hope Beyond Optimism” By Bishop Dr. Ong Hwai Teik

have just returned from the double joy of sharing in an event that To the believing Israelite of faith, the mercy of God remains an celebrated the birth of the Saviour of the world, our Lord Jesus unexplained mystery. He personally discovered the reality of this I Christ, and which is done in a truly “beyond mere sloganeering” truth by inference from the astonishing and inexplicable fact that 1 Malaysia reality. such a sinful and continually disobedient nation had not been fi- nally destroyed. For believers today, that mercy remains a mystery, I was privileged to deliver an opening speech at the Gaya Christmas but we can see much further into it than Israel of old, as we see the Celebration 2013 as the Episcopal Head of the Methodist Church in supreme expression of the being of the incomparably loving God in Malaysia. This is in view of the fact that the main organiser from the choosing to be born a man to die on the cross as the ultimate sac- Sabah Council of Churches event this year is our own Sabah Pro- rifice for man’s sins. Advent and Christmas bring this mystery into th visional Annual Conference. I was told that that was the 9 edition sharp focus once again. of the annual event. The whole of Lintasan Deasoka in the centre of Kota Kinabalu was cordoned off for the celebration of Christmas. When we re-visit the old proverb that says “While there is life there The celebration held from 10th to 13th December 2013 in carnival is hope” – we can see its truth because since God is the God of life, like atmosphere, brought together Kadazans, Dusuns, Chinese, Ma- there is always hope. Hence it is not uncommon for us to read the lays, Indians and other bumiputras of the “land below the wind”. refrain of “I cry, I wait” in the book of psalms. The Bible takes the This year the theme is Hope, Peace, Joy and Love. clear and unchanging view that the last word is never with sin and death. There is always hope for restoration and renewal – especial- This fresh experience has again renewed hope for me in dreaming ly when the people of God “humble themselves, seek His face and of a truly 1 Malaysia. Indeed it does not surprise us that the Chris- turn from their wicked ways.” tians in Sarawak and Malaysia have issued strong press statements that categorically remind those in authority and the public that Ma- In Romans 15:13, Paul declares “May the God of hope fill you with laysia is a moderate country in which the freedom of religion is all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with guaranteed and is to be practised freely and without restrictions as hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” It is to be noted that Paul guaranteed by the Malaysian Constitution. It is one thing for our roots the source of hope in the “God of hope”. As such, a distinc- Prime Minister to proclaim to an international audience that Ma- tion can be drawn that our hope as believers is not mere optimism laysia spearheads the global moderate movement where religion is which lives by evidence. Such optimism dies when hard data points concerned, but then the reality in his own backyard does not reflect to defeat. what he professes. (See also the press statements from the Sarawak association of Churches, and Sabah Council of Churches and others Contrary to this, people of hope live by faith, so that their hope lives in this edition). on even after the life-support system of tangible evidence has been cut off. The vital signs of reason are most welcome, but people of As I connect with each of our 6 Annual Conferences and also our hope dig deep into their faith and drink from it when the vital signs Persidangan Missi Sengoi at the Methodist annual conference ses- of reason grow ever faint. Believers are a people of hope because sions in the month of November this year, many in our Method- they are a people of faith. In fact, to have hope we have to have faith ist Church in Malaysia family have expressed great concern and – in the “God of hope”. Because of faith in the God of hope, hope unhappiness with regards to the recent court ruling that prohibits will have a greater staying power than mere optimism. Our hope The Herald of the Catholic Church from using the word “Allah”. powered by the person, presence and power of the Holy Spirit will Some of our members, both young and old, from our Sarawak Iban keep going – even after optimism gives up. Ours is a hope beyond Annual Conference said to me, “Bishop, how can the court say that optimism. the word “Allah” is not integral to our Christian faith and practice; we have always used “Allah Taalla” - even before Malaysia was While there is little in our national landscape to be optimistic about, formed.” the Church in Malaysia during this Yule-tide season is reminded of our God of hope. It is timely that the life of Nelson Mandela As we continue to encounter such challenges to our faith as a Chris- (who died on the 5 December 2013) is celebrated in the season of tian community in our beloved land, let us remember the One in Advent. His life had brought so much hope to a long suffering and whom we have placed our hope. I am reminded of NRS Psalm 130:7 oppressed people – caused by a white supremacist government “O Israel, hope in the LORD! For with the LORD there is stead- which had ruled for a long time in South Africa. He embodied rec- fast love, and with him is great power to redeem. 8 It is he who will onciliation and forgiveness – mirroring the Saviour of whom he had redeem Israel from all its iniquities.” learnt about in his Methodist schooling and own spiritual journey.

4 This one man who was willing to lay down his life for the ideals In man, created in the image of God, we see the tangible proof of of equality, freedom, justice and dignity for all in his longsuffering the ability of a human being able to reflect some of his or her Cre- nation sacrificed 27 years of his life in imprisonment. Many of his ator’s attributes. The General Secretary of the Evangelical Alliance generation openly admit that they never dreamt that South Africa of South Africa, Rev Moss Ntlha aptly says: “Madiba is considered would become a free democratic nation, and a reconciled rainbow by many as the father of the nation. He modelled firm confrontation nation at that – in their own life-time! He elicited from the world with evil and injustice, and magnanimity in his triumph over those community acknowledgement of his great achievement of realizing who sought his destruction. His passing calls to mind the prophetic hope, reminding a world that is skeptical and hardened that there tradition of Micah that says: “He has shown you, O mortal, what is is always hope, especially when one is connected to God. This one good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to man who has been quoted as saying, “I am not an optimist, but a love mercy and to walk humbly with your God (Micah 6:8).” great believer of hope”, has been used by God to demonstrate that However, in this season of Christmas, let us remember that though hope (rooted in Him) is greater than mere optimism – in transform- “A great light has gone out of the world” [the tribute to Nelson ing the course and history of a whole nation! Mandela by British PM David Cameron] yet, THE LIGHT of Nelson Mandela had many connections to Methodism throughout lights, the Light of the World that the stars and all of creation his life; being a graduate of a Methodist boarding school, having point to – is with us as we celebrate His BIRTH as many have a Methodist chaplain in prison and he was conferred the World done over twenty centuries. Methodist Council peace award as a “symbol of freedom, justice May this God Who offers such undeserved love to sinners give and peace” in 2000. The South African Embassy has requested the a sense of FRESH HOPE to all who dwell in this beloved land Methodist Church in Malaysia to help organize a Vigil/Memorial of ours, especially His Church in Malaysia, so that we “overflow Service in thanksgiving to God in memory of this great man on with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit”. In Christ Who is the the evening of 13 December 2013. This will be held in the Trinity Light of the world, may we be apostles of hope who say “this Methodist Church, PJ. little light of mine, I’m going to let it shine”. Let us shine as lights S Mapenzauswa and D Dolan of Reuters wrote poignantly of the 10 of hope after that of Nelson Mandela - for this needy nation of December 2013 Memorial celebration of Nelson Mandela’s life in ours is stricken with much darkness of racial and religious polar- Johannesburg, “World leaders from US President Barack Obama to isation. Let us once again resolve with others as the Church in Cuba’s Raul Castro joined thousands of South Africans to honour Malaysia, to be obedient to the injunction of our beloved Saviour, Nelson Mandela on Tuesday in a memorial that will celebrate his to “let your light so shine before men....and glorify your Father gift for uniting enemies across political and racial divides……Oba- in heaven.” ma and Castro, whose nations have been foes for more than half a My prayer for us all in Malaysia this Christmas and the New Year century, are among the designated speakers at the stadium where 23 is “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you years earlier Mandela, newly freed from apartheid jail, was hailed trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power by supporters as the hope of a new South Africa.” of the Holy Spirit”.

5 Current Affairs

SIARAN AKHBAR

PERDANA MENTERI HARUS BERTINDAK UNTUK MENGHALANG SIKAP TIDAK BERTOLERANSI TERHADAP AGAMA

Kami menyeru Perdana Menteri Datuk Sri Najib Tun Razak untuk menentukan agama.” segera mengekang faham pelampau di tengah-tengah kita kerana sikap tidak bertoleransi terhadap agama telah sampai ke tahap ba- Artikel 11 (1) Perlembagaan Persekutuan memberikan jaminan per- haya. lembagaan bahawa setiap orang mempunyai hak untuk menganut dan mengamalkan agamanya dan untuk menyebarluaskannya, dan Kami diingatkan bahawa Perdana Menteri sendiri yang pertama-ta- antara lain, hak untuk mengurus hal-ehwal keagamaannya sendiri. ma membangkitkan idea yang mulia untuk membina “Gerakan Moderat Global” daripada semua agama untuk memulihkan agenda Hak tersebut merangkumi hak orang Kristian untuk menentukan keamanan dan pragmatisme, dan untuk mengetepikan pihak pelam- sendiri perkara-perkara berkaitan dengan terjemahan Alkitab ter- pau, dalam ucapan sulungnya di sesi ke-65 Perhimpunan Agung masuk menterjemah perkataan ‘God’ sebagai ‘Allah’ di dalam Bangsa-Bangsa Bersatu di New York pada September 2010. Alkitab, Kitab Suci kami dalam bahasa Melayu. Tiada kekuasaan negeri atau persekutuan yang mempunyai kuasa atau hak atas kua- Kami juga diingatkan bahawa beliau mengulangi seruan ini hampir sa ekslusif gereja yang hanya dimiliki oleh Gereja di Malaysia se- dua tahun kemudian dalam pembukaan Persidangan Antarabangsa bagaimana yang dijamin oleh Perlembagaan Persekutuan dan di- mengenai Gerakan Moderat Global yang dianjurkan oleh alumni mandatkan oleh Kitab Suci. Universiti Antarabangsa Islam Malaysia. Kami digalakkan oleh ja- minan beliau pada waktu itu bahawa, “masanya sudah tiba untuk Dengan segala hormatnya, kenyataan daripada setiausaha Dewan golongan moderat di semua negara, daripada semua agama untuk Di-raja Selangor, Hanafisah Jais, bahawa penggunaan perkataan mengambil semula pendirian tengah, untuk memulihkan agenda ‘Allah’ dalam Alkitab dan dalam edisi Bahasa Malaysia Katolik untuk keamanan dan pragmatisme, dan untuk mengetepikan pihak Herald dihentikan dengan serta-merta, memerlukan penjelasan pelampau.” segera kerana perkara ini menimbulkan kebimbangan terhadap ja- minan perlembagaan terhadap kebebasan beragama. Dunia telah memperhati mesej daripada Malaysia yang mengambil semula pendirian tengah daripada golongan pelampau. Hanya bulan Hendaklah diingat bahawa penggunaan Alkitab dan perkataan ‘Al- lalu Perdana Menteri Britain David Cameron telah memuji Datuk lah’ adalah perkara di bawah perlembagaan dan undang-undang Seri Najib Tun Razak kerana menyatupadukan golongan moderat persekutuan sedangkan Islam adalah perkara di bawah negeri dan dalam usaha melawan golongan pelampau di Forum Ekonomi Dun- sultan masing-masing. ia Islam (WIEF) yang ke-9 di London dan untuk memberikan in- spirasi kepada orang di seluruh dunia tentang penentangan terhadap Undang-undang negeri dan perintah yang diwartakan oleh Majlis faham pelampau. Agama Islam negeri hanya berlaku untuk orang Muslim di neg- eri-negeri berkenaan dan bukan pada undang-undang persekutuan Bagaimanapun, di tempat sendiri pula kita mengalami tindakan yang atau orang bukan Muslim. keterlaluan terhadap Gereja di Malaysia. Kami mendapati keputu- san Mahkamah Rayuan baru-baru ini sangat tidak munasabah, tidak Sabah tidak sama dengan sembilan negeri Melayu. Kami telah ber- rasional dan amat tidak bersesuaian, oleh itu kami menolaknya. ulang kali menyatakan bahawa di bawah terma 20-perkara dalam Pihak Mahkamah Persekutuan kini perlu melakukan perkara yang Perjanjian Malaysia, Sabah hendaklah terus-menerus menikmati betul. kebebasan beragama selepas pembentukan Malaysia pada 1963. Gereja di Malaysia Timur telah wujud jauh lebih lama daripada Kami bersetuju dengan saudara kami, gereja-gereja di Sarawak da- Malaysia sendiri. lam kenyataan mereka baru-baru ini bahawa, “Kami berpandangan bahawa hakim-hakim telah melampaui batas ketika menentukan ba- Oleh yang demikian, kami mengharapkan pihak lain supaya meng- hawa penggunaan perkataan ‘Allah’ bukan perkara yang perlu dan hormati hak asasi kami dalam kebebasan beragama tanpa sebarang penting dalam iman Kristian. Dengan membuat keputusan demiki- sekatan dalam hal amalan dan penyataan iman kami dan pelaksan- an, hakim-hakim telah mengambil sendiri hak yang tidak dimiliki aan sakramen asas agama kami termasuk liturgi, ibadah dan penga- oleh mana-mana mahkamah undang-undang manusia – hak untuk jaran Kitab Suci kami kepada anak-anak kami.

6 Kami akhiri dengan memberikan jaminan bahawa kami bertekad balu and NECF COSA (National Evangelical Christian Fellowship kuat untuk bersama-sama Perdana Menteri dalam usaha beliau Commission on Sabah Affairs) held at the Basel Christian Church untuk membina Gerakan Moderat Global. Kami juga menolak fa- of Malaysia in Likas, Kota Kinabalu. ham pelampau dalam agama. Oleh itu, kami menyeru beliau untuk memulihkan pendirian tengah bagi toleransi keagamaan dan untuk Mamangkis is associated with the traditional Sumazau dance of the menghormati hak-hak perlembagaan orang bukan Muslim dalam Kadazan, Dusun and Murut (KDM) indigenous people groups in kebebasan beragama dan hak untuk mengurus hal-ehwal mereka Sabah. The pangkis is a shrill shout by the dance leader as a cue sendiri. SEKIAN. for dancers to change the dance pattern. KDM Christians have con- textualised this popular dance as their expression of faith in their BISHOP DATUK DR THOMAS TSEN praise and worship with singing, dancing and joyous shouting us- President, Sabah Council of Churches ing words in Psalms or Biblical songs, hymns, and poetry like in Tarikh: 26 Nov 2013 Kota Kinabalu. Psalm 20:5 “May we shout for joy when we hear of your victory and raise a victory banner in the name of our God. May the LORD This statement is issued in conjunction with the “Mamangkis” cele- answer all your prayers.” (Kami mau bersorak-sorai tentang ke- bration and the Public Forum on the ‘Allah’ issue jointly organised menanganmu dan mengangkat panji-panji demi nama Allah kita; by the Sabah Council of Churches, Pastors’ Fellowship Kota Kina- kiranya TUHAN memenuhi segala permintaanmu).

Current Affairs Chinese version of the above statement

STATEMENT 我国首相必须极力抵制宗教极端份子

我们在此要求首相纳吉尽速抵制我国已达到危险边缘的极端 法所保障我们的宗教自由。 份子的行为。 必须提醒的是， 在Alkitab国文圣经里使用‘阿拉’称谓是联 我们清楚记得首相于2010年九月在纽约举办的第65届联合国 邦宪法给予的权限，然而穆斯林的权限仅是受各州属的苏丹 会议首次演说，发表高尚的目标，要施行“全球性温和派和 所保障的权限。 平交流运动”让各个宗教和睦相处，排斥极端份子。 回教宗教协会所设定的州属法令和公报法令应该只运用在州 我们要提醒各界，首相是如此重复地宣传了将近2年，在首届 属的穆斯林身上，而非在联邦法律或非穆斯林身上。 国际会议，由马来西亚国际回教大学主办的全球性温和派和 平交流运动。他如此再次的确认鼓舞了我们，“现在是每个 沙巴不同于其他的九个马来州属。我们已经在成立马来西亚 国家开始和谐相处的时候了，所有宗教找到平衡点，取回和 协议的20条款中屡次表示，1963年成立马来西亚后，沙巴持 谐并排斥极端份子。 续享有宗教自由的权利。东马的教会的历史远远比马来西亚 本身成立的历史更悠久。 马来西亚现已成为全球都关注的极端分子活跃的中心。就上 个月，英国首相戴维.卡梅伦在第九届世界回教经济讲座会 因此，我们期望他人会尊重我们履行我们在信仰的实践与表 （WIFE）盛赞纳吉首相与全球联合抵制极端份子。 达，完全的宗教自由的基本权利。我们可以自由地进行我们 的宗教仪式和礼仪，敬拜方法和对下一代传授我们的圣经。 可惜，回顾我们自己的家园马来西亚却正面对极端分子攻击 教会。 我们总结并保证，坚决响应首相全力推动的全球温和派和平 运动。我们也极力反对宗教的极端份子。因此，我们恳请首 我们认为法庭最近所作出的判断极为不合理，不理性也让人 相重建宗教的平衡点以及尊重非穆斯林在联邦宪法保障下的 反感。因此，我们坚决否定这次裁决。联邦法院该起来作出 宗教自由和管理其宗教事宜的权利。 正确的修正。 会督Datuk Dr Thomas Tsen 敬函 我们完全赞同于我们砂捞越教会最近发表的文告，“我们认 沙巴教会协会 为禁止基督徒使用“阿拉”称谓的法官已经超出了他们权限 日期： 2013年11月26日 范围的裁决。没有任何世间的法律有权对这件事下判决，就 是为宗教下定义的权限。” 以上发表乃配合“ Mamangkis ”的庆祝活动和由沙巴教会 联邦宪法第11章第一条，阐明了宪法保证每个人都有信奉和 协会（SCC），沙巴事务委员（NECF COSA）及亚庇牧者 实行自己的宗教和宣扬以及管理其宗教事宜的权利。 团契会合办的‘阿拉’课题公开座谈会。该活动地点位于里 卡士区的亚庇巴色会。 这个权力包括基督徒可自由决定如何翻译圣经，也包括自由 使用在alkitab，我们的国文圣经中以“阿拉”的称谓”。没 Mamangkis是沙巴原住民卡达山，杜顺和Murut （ KDM ） 有任何州属或联邦的权威有权力裁决马来西亚的教会，因为 的传统Sumazau舞蹈。pangkis是尖锐的呼喊声，透过舞蹈 联邦宪法如此保障我们拥有自由使用的权益。 的带领者，作为一个传统跳舞变动时的呼叫声。原住民呈现 这闻名的舞蹈，以表达他们的信仰。他们在欢乐中用歌唱和 雪兰莪州皇家事务秘书哈娜菲莎 在丝（Hanafisah Jais）最 呼喊声，用歌舞，用诗词编制的歌曲来敬拜、赞美和宣告。 近的发言，表示立即禁止Alkitab国文圣经和天主教先驱报使 如同诗篇20：5 — 我们要因神的救恩夸胜，要奉我们神的名 用’阿拉’的称谓，此事需要立即澄清，因为它已违反了宪 竖立旌旗，愿耶和华成就你一切所求的。

7 Features The Borneo Post dated November 14, 2013 Issue a betrayal of Malaysia Agreements - ACS

Prof Dr Jayum Jawan HUGE TURN-OUT: A section of the forum participants at UNITED WE STAND: (From left) John Ha, Bolly, Steward, the Christian Ecumenical Worship Centre Kuching. Dr Su, Lawrence, Ng and Ambrose.

KUCHING: Churches in Sarawak yesterday Kam Weng – an authority on theology and his- laws that infringed on the rights of non-mus- affirmed in front of about 1,500 forum- par torical perspectives over the use of the word lim Malaysians to practise their religion of ticipants their stand on the recent ban of the ‘Allah’, and Universiti Putra Malaysia politi- choice. word ‘Allah’ in the Catholic weekly bulletin cal science lecturer Prof Dr Jayum Jawan. ‘The Herald’. “In the face of such unreasonableness we can- Bolly said the word ‘Allah’ had been in use not and should not remain silent.” Association of Churches (ACS) in Sarawak long before the birth of Malaysia and it is used chairman Archbishop Datuk Bolly Lapok said in all aspects of the Christian faith and prac- ACS, he said, viewed with grave concern the the Bumiputera Church would continue to use tised by Bahasa Malaysia-speaking Christians re-interpretation of Article 3 of the Federal the word ‘Allah’ as it is fundamental to all in services, prayers, praise and worship liturgy Constitution by the Court of Appeal to mean aspects of their profession and practice of the and religious education. that non-Muslim religions may only be prac- Christian faith. tised in peace and harmony subject to Islam. “As such, it is reasonable to expect that the “We do not believe this was ever the original “Any attempt to forbid the use of the word word also be used in our Christian publica- meaning of Article 3, which simply states that ‘Allah’ by non-Muslims would be most re- tions and multi-media resources.” grettable and wholly unacceptable as it is a other religions may be practised in peace and flagrant disregard and betrayal of the Malay- There are 1.6 million Bumiputra Christians harmony in any part of the Federation.” sia Agreements that guarantee the inalienable in Sarawak and Sabah, and they use Bahasa Bolly said there was a need for a tangible rights of non-Muslims in Sarawak and Sabah Malaysia and their native languages in their commitment from the authorities concerned to complete religious freedom.” worship. to respect and uphold the freedom of religion Bolly, who is also Archbishop of the Province Bolly said it made no sense that only Chris- guaranteed by the Federal Constitution. of South East Asia, Council of Churches Ma- tians in Sarawak and Sabah may use the word He thanked Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul laysia acting president and Christian Federa- ‘Allah’ because Christians from both states Taib Mahmud for recently stating that Allah is tion of Malaysia deputy chairman, said these worked or live all over the country and car- a non-issue in Sarawak. rights must be given its rightful place and that ry with them their Alkitab and other Christian religious bigotry, racism and extremism must materials in the Bahasa Malaysia language. ACS, he added, was also most encouraged to be contained. know that many members of the State Legisla- Even non-natives from the peninsula own and tive Assembly had expressed their dismay and Accompanying Bolly on stage at the Christian read the Alkitab as Bahasa Malaysia is the na- deep disappointment over how the Allah issue Ecumenical Worship Centre here were Catho- tional language, he said. was handled. lic Archbishop Datuk John Ha, Iban Method- ists of Sarawak president Rev Steward Damat, Bolly said: “It is our view that the (appellate Meanwhile, the Catholic Church has filed for Chinese Methodists president Datuk Dr Su court) judges had overstepped their bounda- leave to appeal to the Federal Court against Chii Ann, Seventh Day Adventist Mission ries when they ruled that using the word ‘Al- the Court of Appeal’s decision. The church chief Lawrence Banyie, Salvation Army chief lah’ was not ‘integral to the Christian faith’”. has raised 26 questions of law in the leave ap- Major Francis Ng and ACS secretary-general plication. Ambrose Linang. “It is the fundamental right of every religion to determine its expression and practice of its The forum featured three speakers, comprising own faith. As such, the ‘Allah’ controversy is Source from Mr Churchill Edward of the Bor- constitutional lawyer Lim Heng Seng, Dr Ng about unreasonable government policies and neo Post.

8 Notice

9 Features Methodist Youth Convention Rise Up Young Methodist By Michael William

be willing to live radically for the Lord, to be informative and also to be innovative in ministering amongst the new generation of “Rise Up Young Methodist” or “Bangkitlah Program youth. Pemuda-pemudi Methodist” was organized We had various series of talks and activi- by the General Conference Youth Council ties throughout the conference. In the early We also had organized theme building games this year. This long overdue conference was mornings, Bishop Dr. Ong Hwai Teik and and combined prayer meetings. These were a gathering of youth from all the Annual Rev. Herbert John shared on the theme talks. led by the youth from various Annual con- Conferences in Malaysia. A total of 315 Bishop Ong called on the MYFs to follow ferences. It was very exciting to see that the participants ranging from various ethnici- the example of Daniel in making wise and youth led these meetings without much su- ties and languages met from the 2nd to the difficult decisions for the Lord in the midst pervision from the organizing committees. 5th of November 2013 at the Port Dickson of being a minority in this country. Rev. Methodist Centre. We had the Tamils, the Herbert focused on the New Testament - on One of the encouraging features was the Ibans, the Sengoi, the Chinese, the English Jesus and the Holy Spirit in bringing out the participation of the Sengoi youth. There speaking, the Mandarin speaking, the Iban message for our youth to rise up. were 20 youth from 3 districts. Many of our speaking, the Tamil speaking, the Sengoi youth have never interacted and heard the We also had two plenary sessions at nights speaking, teenagers and young adults con- heart and cries of this group of people. It focusing on the call to “Spread Scripture gregating and worshipping our Lord to- was really a joy to hear them voicing up Holiness, Transforming the Nation”. These gether for the first time in many years. The their heart for the gospel and also seeing sessions were led by Rev. Philip Siew. His variety was truly indeed the richness of the them pray and worship the Lord. passion and energy for the young people Methodist Church in Malaysia. were well received. Each Annual Conference also had separate group meetings. Being in their own AC The theme – Rise Up Young Methodist was The theme talks and the plenary sessions a call that the GCYC put across all our MYF groups, they were given opportunities to were the only formal sessions at the confer- share with their own members about les- members to rise above themselves, to grow ence conducted by the traditional speaker/ in the Lord and be a blessing in our coun- sons learnt and suggested follow up from audience method. The rest of the activities this conference. try, Malaysia. We also wanted our young were led by the youth themselves. In the Methodist to know each other from all the later part of the mornings, the participants Looking to the Future conferences. In knowing, we hope that fel- joined together in different small groups It is exciting to see the potential that this lowships and friendships could be built and discussing issues of our country and our conference has given to all the participants. thus, together we could be a light for our church. One highlight of the conference was New friendships have been formed and church and nation. the Methodist Youth Congress - a round ta- everyone has had the opportunity to hear ble meeting where youth from all the Annu- the cries and dreams of all the participants al Conferences were given the opportunity for our fellowships and churches. For once to share their dreams for our church and the call for a unified voice can now be re- their plans to fulfil these dreams. The Meth- alized as the participants have had to the odist Youth are really passionate for the chance to hear and deliberate the call to rise Lord, church and country. Michael William, up together. Hopefully these young Meth- the Executive Youth Director of the Ge- odists would grow to love each other and neral Conference then made the plea for the work together in strengthening and expand- Annual Conference Youth to be initiated, to ing the kingdom of God in Malaysia.

10 The Boys’ Brigade Malaysia. Features This story was first published at gmc.org.my on Nov 28.

she explained the lesson learned from the BBGB Camp game played. Abel Tan was the coach in the second By James TC Wong session, “Overcoming the fear of Public Speaking”. “Public speaking or communication is fear- ed by many people,” said the 32-year-old MNC Petroleum Engineer and member of the Toastmasters Club Miri. Drawing examples from the Bible, Tan reit- erated that Moses too struggled when God wanted him to confront the Pharaoh. “Moses gave the excuse that he did not have the gift of the gab. But God rebuked him because Moses was focusing on his ability rather than focusing on what God can do,” he said. MIRI - 4th Miri recently organized a camp unique rhythm by hitting plastic cups on the to mark the end of its many character-build- floor in a synchronized pattern. Tan encouraged the Seniors to trust God in the area of public speaking and communi- ing activities carried out in the past eleven To everyone’s delight, the campers per- months. cation. “Even if we are poor in communi- formed “Cups” splendidly during the camp cation and have bad experiences in public More than 30 members from the Boys’ and closing. speaking, we can become better if we trust Girls’ Brigade participated in the 2D/1N A video testimony on how God has trans- God to help us in this area,” he added. camp from Nov 15-16 at Grace Methodist, formed ex-drug addict Singaporean Kelvin While the Seniors were busy with their their sponsoring church. Soh was shown to the campers, followed by morning sessions, the Juniors were given a an active open floor discussion led by the By 7:00 pm, the campers had completed hands-on learning bakery lesson by the BB BB Captain. their registration. BB Captain Roseline Lee Captain who was assisted by GB Captain led in the opening prayer followed by the In the following morning, the first session Eunice Ho and other Officers. announcement of ground rules and singspi- for the Seniors started at 8:30 with a talk After three hours, the Juniors were all ration. by GMC Sunday School Superintendent smiles as their carrot cup cakes turned out Vivien Lim. Four teams were formed consisting of to be satisfactory. Pre-Juniors, Juniors and Seniors. The camp- Entitled “Friends”, the one-hour talk essen- ers were quick to settle down to name their tially covers the aspects of friendship expe- Other highlights of the camp included a own team leaders. rienced by teenagers. Bible “Word Search” and a Station Game organized by the Seniors. For the ice-breaker, BB Helper Abel Wong The Seniors were also invited to play a rope introduced “Cups”, the latest percussion game to demonstrate the power of a team’s Before the camp closed, the BB Captain beat popularized by the movie, Pitch Per- ability to solve complex problems when presented a Commendation Letter to Pte Jo- fect. they collaborated. nah Lau Li Xuan who had saved his friend from a drowning incident on Nov 3, 2013. The game contains the elements of “When you are in a tight spot and don’t team-building and unity with the inten- know what to do, you should seek help from “We commend Pte Lau for his initiative and tion to teach the participants to perform an people whom you can trust,” said Lim as quick action in responding to a life-threat- ening situation. His bravery and civic-mind- edness are exemplary to every Boy in our Company, hence making us very proud of him. May Pte Lau continue to glorify God in his future endeavours for the advance- ment of His Kingdom,” said Lee before presenting the letter to him. With the announcement that Team C emerg- ing as champions, food packets were dis- tributed to every participating team. The camp drew to an end with the singing of the BB Vesper.

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One Year at the Cross Devotional by Chris Tiegreen

A Reconciling View His love enables me to call every country my country, and every wants us to go. They see people in terms of the kingdom man my brother. (Daniel Wheeler) of this world, not in terms of the Kingdom of God.

According to God, there are two kinds of people in the IN WORD: world; those who are in Christ and those who are not. You size people up. We all do. We make snap judgments Those who are in Christ are one with us – no distinctions of about people’s attitudes and personalities based on language, economy, race, gender, or heritage. We are what they wear, the expression on their faces, the look united in a common Saviour. Those who are not in Christ in their eyes, the social groups they come from, or any are sought by God. And if they are sought by God, they other criteria we can get a handle on. ought to be sought by God’s ministers of reconciliation.

Most of our efforts are aimed at putting people in cat- egories we can easily understand. There’s no shame in IN DEED: that; it’s how our minds work. The problem is that our cat- If you are a Christian, then you are a minister of rec- egories are not God’s. When we use our own judgments, onciliation. It is your calling to go to the people God we end up associating with people who are a lot like us seeks. There are no biblical distinctions between them. in terms of skin colour, economic status, political opin- Jew, Greek, black, white, male, female, rich, poor – all ions, religious views, etc. We are most comfortable with are sought by God. You may be more effective among similar people because we are most familiar with their some, but all are potential believers. God wants recon- characteristics. We have a lot in common with them – at ciliation with everyone. And God’s point of view is to be least on the surface. ours.

But such associations don’t spring exclusively from the “From now on, we regard no one from a worldly point love of Christ. They don’t take us on an adventure of of view.” reconciliation. They don’t always lead us to where God 2 Corinthians 5:16 DEVOTION

12 Hari Ini Dalam Sejarah Methodist Essay Pelita is beginning a new series of rediscovering some of our Methodist roots and history. Biography Of

Rev Wong Dong Sing Preacher without a “Dog Collar”

he death of Rev Wong Dong Sing, Father’s first appointment after graduation laya, found the land strange and cruel dur- on 26th July 1971 marked the close was to a little village called Ou Chien near ing those dark days and returned to China Tof a chapter in the history of the Foochow city. Here at the age of 27, he with bitter disappointment. Father, who Methodist mission among the early Chinese married mother, Lee Sook Ging, a graduate was serving as a pastor in a small village, settlers who had migrated to Malaysia from of Hwa Nan College who helped him with Simpang Tiga (now called Pekan Gurney) Fukien province, China at the beginning of the ministry to the women-folk. Father and stayed on with those who remained to share this century. His forty-five years of minis- mother realized at the very beginning that their hunger and sufferings. try stretched from days when snakes glid- to convey effectively the Christian gospel ed from the rafters of the attap huts of the to those poor, farmers, they must first set an Problems were plentiful and as a pastor, fa- rice farmers newly turned to rubber tappers, example of true Christian love and concern. ther did his best to solve them for his church to the present day when the decendents of Apart from the pulpit, father fought against menbers. Helping trap and shoot tigers these settlers use modern tractors and disc deep-seated prejudices and fears and sought which had been marauding isolated rubber plows to do the work which would other- to introduce modern methods to improve estates, settling quarrels between one Foo- wise have taken them many backbreaking the farmer’s lot. Until he introduced the first chow migrant and another was part of his days to complete with a changkul. engine-driven rice milling machines in the daily routine. Being one of those few peo- villages, the farmers’ wives had to carry ple in Simpang Tiga who could speak some Father was born in the home of an Anglican rice slung at the ends of bamboo poles to English in those days, he was looked to by priest, Wong Jing Sing, some 76 years ago. a town several miles away to get their rice the members to help them overcome gov- Left a widow, when father was 5 years old, dehusked! ernment red tape in applying for new land, grandmother Chiew Sook Ting struggled to planting grants and even getting admissions bring up her only son and two daughters on into hospitals. It was not until better times her meagre income. Determined that her son SUFFERING returned that father was able to muster suf- should serve God as her husband had done, As near famine conditions continued in ficient funds to build the first church and grandmother made tremendous sacrifices to Southern China, the call of Rev James parsonage in Simpang Tiga. send father to the Methodist Anglo-Chinese Hoover for Christian Foochow settlers in College in Foochow city and later to Shih the fertile valley along the Rejang River in Sarawak met with good response. Sibu, the ENTHUSIASM Ho Theological College to prepare him for In 1935 father was transferred to Serem- the Christian ministry. chief town along the Rejang River was pop- ulated by so many Foochow migrants that it ban—a predominantly Hokkien-speaking IMPRESSION was soon known as the New Foochow. As area—and he had to learn a new dialect. The beginning of the 20th Century saw more and more of his friends and church Despite his Foochow accented Hokkien great suffering in southern China particu- members moved southwards to “Nanyang” he soon won the hearts of the Seremban larly in the Fukien province. There along father decided to follow. Through the as- people. His forte was his enthusiasm and the Min River the farmers eked out a bare sistance of two of his very good friends self-sacrificial love for his flock. Preaching existence from crowded farms which were Mr Ling Siu Hua and Mr Ling Siu Pi, in Seremban on Sunday mornings he con- subdivided far too small to benefit from father brought mother and grandmother to ducted as well worship services in nearby economies of scale. Sitiawan, Perak—another district where Mantin, Jelebu and Kuala Pilah on Sun- large numbers of Foochows had migrated day afternoons in rotation. The parsonage The suffering and poverty in his own home in 1926. which father helped to build in 1937 was and that of his neighbours must have made as busy as a lodging house. All were wel- an indelible impression on father so that The Great Depression of 1929 brought in- come there and weary members were urged during his high school days in Foochow he tense suffering and hardship to the new to have a bath and a cup of tea or a hot meal took an exceptional interest in science and Foochow immigrants in Sitiawan as to the before changing buses to return to homes engineering to find ways and means to less- people of other parts of Malaya. Many in outlying districts. Those who were late en his peoples’ burdens. who left China to seek a better life in Ma- for the last bus stayed overnight. Then there

13 were the not too infrequent visitors who ings the pastors got to know each other bet- His last church was built and his life work stayed for days at the parsonage whilst their ter and often changes in appointments were was done. Father finally retired some five relatives were at the hospital. Each morning openly discussed and subsequently imple- years ago and lived with mother in a little and evening they would take food prepared mented with minimum inconvenience and plank house built by the sea at Teluk Muroh at the parsonage to the hospitals for the sick. heartache. near Lumut. Father stayed by himself with To us young children these visitors were mother as he did not want to be burden to somewhat a nuisance, as we had to surren- Father and mother were dearly loved by the his children. He also loved the sea. As a der our beds and sleep on the floor in the people in Sarawak. When he and mother young man in China he had enjoyed hunting hall or verandah. But father truly welcomed left to return to Malaya after his retirement and fishing in his native hills and streams. them and thanked God for the opportunity in 1960, the farewell functions held in his After the long years of interruption caused of being of service to his fellowmen. honour were well attended. by his work, he had hoped to pick up again the joys of youth. But it was not to be. He Father was appointed by Bishop Edwin F. Despite his age, father simply could not suffered from a stroke soon after retirement Lee in 1941 as District Superintendent in stop working for God. Appointed as a sup- and was partially paralysed on the right Sibu. He was stranded in Malaya however ply pastor to Ayer Tawar, Sitiawan father side. Active outdoor life was out. He could during the Japanese War when bombs fell put in his final great spurt as life drew to a no longer go dashing about on his tiny mo- just as he reached Singapore in December close. Although nearing 70 years he pushed tor bike visiting sick or needy members. It 1941 for the Annual Conference. himself very hard, dashing about on his 50 was their turn to visit him. cc motorcycle visiting members and reviv- HIS FORTE ing the church. He had a few acres of rub- Immediately after the end of the War in ber plantation belonging to the church re- RETIREMENT 1945 father returned to serve as District planted to produce a steady income for the To this little hut by the sea therefore came Superintendent for the Lower Rejang Dis- Church. Unlike the depression years. Ayer a constant stream of visitors. They came to trict. It was in these years that father dis- Tawar was in the 1960’s fairly well off, with cheer up their old pastor, now bedridden played his organising skill. With the help of rubber maintaining a fair price. Father was and brought him little gifts to express their Rev Ling Kai Cheng and others he made at last in a position to realize his cherished gratitude for his past kindnesses. Some still significant changes in the Church organi- dream—to build the first air-conditioned came with their problems—work, marriage sation. Modern audio-visual aid methods church in Malaysia. This he fulfilled de- money—to seek advice from one whom were introduced. Finances were centrally spite much opposition. His critics pointed they had long trusted and respected, and to pooled and pastors were paid according to out that it was absurd and a waste of money find a Christian solution. Thus to the end of a fixed salary scheme rather than on the fi- to build an air-conditioned church in a little his days, father was able to be with is peo- nancial strength of the church to which he town like Ayer Tawar, when even none of ple to share with them their joys and sor- was attached. Another fascinating event in the large churches in Singapore and Kuala rows and to help them in what little way he his time, was the annual pastors’ school or Lumpur were air-conditioned. But father could. God in his mercy granted him this, retreat. Experienced church leaders like Dr insisted that there must be progress and that his last wish. H.B. Amstutz, who later became bishop, was the reason why the Ayer Tawar Church By the Rev. Wong Hoon Hee were invited to conduct refresher courses, should have air-conditioning to cut off the Methodist Message including family planning! At these meet- traffic noises on the main road nearby. October 1971

I will extol the Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips. Psalm 34:1

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