TEACHERS’ CHRISTIANIn FELLOWSHIP MALAYSIA Step | CONNECTING HEARTS AND MINDS | 2020 VOLUME 32 ISSUES 3 & 4

Waiting...

Psalm 130:6 My soul waits in hope for the Lord More than the watchmen for the morning; Yes, more than the watchmen for the morning. Contents

4 Spotlight on Teacher Warriors 12 TFF: Teachers’ Friend Forever of SPM Bible Knowledge

6 Did You Know?

18 1 Corinthians 13 for Teachers

19 Leaving a Legacy

8 Endings, Waitings, New Beginnings 14 Learning Hebrew During MCO

21 Let All be Done in Love

21 The Last Lap

10 Language Learning and Faith 16 Moved by His Compassion IN STEP 2020 • VOL 32 • ISSUES 3 & 4

EDITORIAL Waiting

020 has been extra challenging with the COVID-19 pandemic and the implementation of the lockdown. While many hope impatiently and desperately for the old normal to return, it is wiser to recognise the pandemic has caused the old 2normal to end. Initially many thought it would be a short wait and everything would go back to normal. We are coming close to the end of 2020 and the waiting for a vaccine will continue for at least a year or more. Is there going to be a new beginning?

While waiting for the pandemic to end, let us learn to wait on the Lord. Let us cast our burdens upon Him and He will sustain us in the challenges we face. While it is true the mode of education has changed drastically this year, the underlying principle of TCF educators stays constant. TCF educators are moved by compassion, love and faithfulness to teach like our Master Teacher. This issue begins by focussing the spotlight on faithful Bible Knowledge warriors who war on so that students can learn Bible Knowledge. Also, enjoy Ms Yin’s stories of educating with compassion.

Online and offline learning on many topics were launched on an unprecedented scale! Many husbands learnt to do grocery shopping alone while mothers learnt to Zoom with their kids. Three retired teachers write of how they learnt a new language via Zoom and WhatsApp from the comfort of their homes. In his article, Michael likens language learning to the Christian faith journey. Tou Boon’s article on ‘ Endings, Waitings, New Beginnings’ teaches us to wait peacefully, allowing the waiting to do its necessary work in our spirits.

We wish our beloved General Secretary Indy a blessed retirement after serving TCF faithfully for 25 years. She has been one mighty blessing not just in Malaysia but also in South East Asia. Gan Swit Peng who has also just retired reflects on how educating with love has made a difference in her career.

Post-retirement is a period for reflecting on how to channel our resources, e.g. experience, expertise and monies, to causes close to our heart. Mr and Mrs Yap Kok Keong are living examples of how people of faith can give to the Lord’s work and charities, and not just will everything to their children. Retirees can continue to learn and flourish. On a personal note, I had a sharp learning curve during my dad’s last lap on planet earth. Have we learnt enough such that the last lap of our life becomes our best lap?  Debbie Yeong In Step 2020 VOLUME 32 ISSUES 3 & 4

Editorial Committee Adviser TCF Office IN STEP is a non-profit Christian Yap Kok Keong Unit C10-00-05, Blk C10, newsletter published four times a Apt Subang Perdana Goodyear year by the Teachers’ Christian Printer Court 3, Jln Kewajipan, USJ 7, Fellowship Malaysia (TCF). It is Percetakan CL Wong Sdn Bhd 47630 Subang Jaya, dedicated to Christian educators (747538-W) Selangor Darul Ehsan and issued FREE to TCF AS81 & AS84, Jln Hang Tuah 4, members. Debbie Yeong Taman Salak Selatan, 03-5637 5623 57100 Kuala Lumpur Views expressed are the writers’ KDN: PQ1780/3509 tcfoffi[email protected] and do not necessarily represent those of TCF. Creative Layout & Design www.tcfmy.org C Cube Print Design All rights reserved. (002423284-P) TCF Malaysia For reprinting purposes, please Lee Sok Yan Liew Nyuk Lan contact TCF. tcfmalaysia 3 IN STEP 2020 • VOL 32 • ISSUES 3 & 4 Spotlight on Teacher Warriors of SPM Bible Knowledge

God’s spotlight is on BK warriors.

Illustration by Justin Nyam

Read their stories below…

Chua Ping Ching, Labuan

Having obtained the Bachelor of Theology (BTH) from Singapore Bible College in 1985 and a short stint as a parish worker in the Diocese of Sabah, she started teaching BK in 2002. She was able to help her own children with BK when they reached Form 5.

In 2005, with her 2-year-old toddler in tow, she brought the first of many batches of students to participate in the National Oral SPM BK Quiz. Her home cake baking business helped to finance her trips to KL together with her students. Often after the quiz, students would say, “Auntie, I need to Chua Ping Ching, Ms Moey Yoke Lai and Kenneth Tham work harder on my BK.” This in itself at the Bible Knowledge conference in Kota Kinabalu made the effort more than worthwhile. From being chaperone teacher, she quizzes in Miri and Kota Kinabalu. training of teachers in various towns went on to serve as chief judge of BK She has responded to requests for e.g. Tawau, Sandakan, K Kinabalu. In 4 IN STEP 2020 • VOL 32 • ISSUES 3 & 4

2010, she opened a class for adults and convinced 3 of them to sit the SPM BK paper in 2011. This resulted in a larger pool of BK teachers! One of her BK graduates went on to become a missionary and another went on to obtain a BTH and many continue to be active in the church. Students who have worked through the two books normally look at the Bible and their faith in a new perspective. This will keep their faith going in the years ahead.

She had the joy of seeing the hand of the Lord in different batches of students especially the weaker ones. A recent student who had an average Ms Moey Yoke Lai and Stella Lau grade all the way to the trials exam scored an A– in SPM. An extra A1 in BK gave her son the opportunity to be even to just one student, she transforming; it needs to be passed on the top student in Labuan in 2008! The influenced every one who would listen to the next generation so that they will extra credit in BK opened the door for and desire to be trained to handle Luke experience its power and in turn pass it one student to study in Taylor’s and Acts. In 2010, she alerted the on to their next generation. If we don’t College, KL when he had to turn back MCSC when her excellent BK student teach it, we may lose the opportunity to from Australia. Eventually, he was able did not get the A+ grade. The student contribute to its continuity as a subject to return to Australia and obtained a asked for a re-mark and was given the in the Malaysian SPM syllabus. Masters degree!  A+. Several students from other towns did the same thing. Their A+ was Some challenges ------restored. “It’s a joy to see the Word of The students are always tired as they God doing a great work in the lives of have to come for an extra class Ai Bee Solomon, Taiping the students – in leadership roles and outside of school hours. Some of my in evangelism,” says Ai Bee.  students actually come from Mrs Ai Bee Solomon is another BK Butterworth to Penang Island. Often Teacher par excellence. After her ------attendance is irregular as students retirement, she quietly taught SPM BK have many other co-curriculum to any willing student. Giving her all Stella Lau, Pulau Pinang activities that compete for their time (Teaching BK, A Personal Reflection) and energy. As a teacher, I have to be patient and creative to keep their Miss Moey taught me Bible Knowledge interest going despite the interruptions. (BK) and I have evidence to show for it. I still have my BK book that is 42 Visible fruits years old! She taught me to love God’s Many of the students are excited when word and apply it. The Word has they hear sermons on Luke and Acts guided me through the turbulence of and they can appreciate them more as the teenage years, challenges of they have background knowledge and adulthood, career, marriage and context now that they have studied the parenthood. I was determined to teach books in depth for SPM. They say the my own children BK which was not Bible makes more sense as they can offered in their school. I started with 2 see the thread that links the mission of students and now, after 15 years, I Paul to the cities/ communities that the have more than 20 students in my epistles are addressed to. Some of the class. students have left Malaysia for further studies and they are growing in the Motivation to teach BK faith because of the grace of God and Mrs Solomon nee Chuah Ai Bee The Word of God is alive and life grounding in the Word. 

5 IN STEP 2020 • VOL 32 • ISSUES 3 & 4 Did You Know?

re you familiar with government There was a time prior to 2010 when last year when the new package of circulars that relate to the some SPM students took many subjects available subjects for Kurikulum Ateaching profession? Take the to improve their likelihood of getting Standard Sekolah Menengah (KSSM) following quiz to find out how you fare. government scholarships. This was was announced in Surat Pekeliling frowned upon by the Ministry of Ikhtisas Bil 6/2019. BK seemed to be left Education and they came out with the out in any of the listed subject packages Can government schools circular, Surat Pekeliling Ikhtisas Bil for SPM. Since then, assurance has conduct BK classes in their 3/2009. This circular limited the been given that BK was not listed in this premises? maximum number of subjects that can circular because it is a subject outside be taken for SPM to 10. It was hoped the curriculum, but it will still be offered Can a candidate taking 10 students would then not neglect for SPM. subjects for SPM also sit for BK cocurricular activities and other aspects of their development. This uneasiness was further put to rest as an additional paper? when Surat Siaran Lembaga In this circular, Bible Knowledge was Peperiksaan Bil 4/2020 listed Bible Can parents make requests to listed as one of the subjects that could Knowledge as one of the SPM subjects the school on behalf of their be taken for SPM and was grouped and displayed the new SPM format for children to start a Christian under ‘Kumpulan Mata Pelajaran Di Luar the BK paper. Fellowship? Kurikulum’. However, there was the fear that the number of students taking this School Christian Fellowships Can a Christian teacher apply subject would drop tremendously When I was in school, I attended a for unrecorded leave to because of the limited number of School Christian Fellowship (SCF) and it celebrate Good Friday? subjects that a student could take for helped nurture my Christian growth. SPM. With six core subjects compulsory Today, some SCFs have been closed or for SPM, it was felt many students would have dwindled for reasons sometimes Can non-Muslim teachers apply not choose BK as a possible elective beyond our control. Christian teachers for a one-off seven days of subject. are greatly needed to sustain SCFs unrecorded leave to visit and because you are a shepherd for God’s perform religious rites at sacred Surat Pekeliling Ikhtisas Bil 1/2010 flock in the schools. Our Christian sites anywhere in the country or allayed this fear and allowed for an students need to be taken care of the world? additional 2 subjects to be taken for SPM spiritually that they may not slacken in beginning 2010. The two additional their faith and fall away. subjects can be chosen from among the If you are unsure of your answer to any subjects listed for SPM except the six The government does permit us to open of the above, this article may be of help core subjects. This circular is still valid as SCFs in schools. Surat Pekeliling Ikhtisas to you, especially if you are in of today and no school nor principal can Bil 2/2011 describes how to go about government schools. deny a student from signing up for Bible setting up non-Islamic religious societies Knowledge for SPM. in schools. The authority to approve the Bible Knowledge formation of religious societies like the Bible Knowledge (BK) is an elective The position of BK was further Christian Fellowship lies solely with the subject for Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia strengthened when the government headmaster or principal of the schools (SPM). It is an excellent subject for through Surat Pekeliling Ikhtisas Bil and not with the state education director Christian students as it increases their 4/2011 allowed for the teaching of BK to anymore. The previous Surat Pekeliling understanding of the Bible and hopefully Christian students outside school hours Ikhtisas Bil 20/2000 giving powers to the influences their lives for Christ-like living. in the premises of government-aided director has been rescinded. Instead, the There are committed Christian teachers schools. Students from nearby director has to give blanket approval to offering free BK lessons in their own government schools can even come for school principals and headmasters to spare time. However, as SPM is a BK classes in this particular school. If a form such religious societies upon a gateway for further studies and government-aided school is unavailable request being made. scholarships, some students have (for example, too distant), then a reconsidered taking the subject for fear government school can also conduct BK This circular includes a list of guidelines of jeopardising their chances. classes in its premises on condition that to be followed in the formation of such Nevertheless, others have also placed the school’s PIBG is in agreement. societies. The Fellowship can be formed their full trust in God to determine their as long as there are at least 15 future and not the number of As in SPM. There was some concern at the end of interested students in the school. Even

6 IN STEP 2020 • VOL 32 • ISSUES 3 & 4

by Daniel Gan

parents can make requests to the school also of key importance in preserving the new special religious leave for non- on behalf of their children to start such a character of mission schools. Surat Muslims. Civil servants can apply for a Fellowship. Interested Christian teachers Pekeliling Ikhtisas Bil 1/2013 (abrogates one-off seven days of unrecorded leave who want to set up SCFs can get help Surat Pekeliling Ikhtisas Bil 19/1998 and) to visit and perform religious rites at and materials from Scripture Union and describes the necessary consultation sacred sites anywhere in the country or also from the TCF website. between the education department and the world according to their individual church authorities before a candidate is beliefs. The circular includes a Mission Schools appointed to head a mission school. The suggested list of religious sites that can Mission schools are a blessing to our problem is that there are not many be visited but those are not the only country, with many products of such suitable Christian candidates for places you can go to. Let us use this schools becoming leaders in various principalship. Firstly, not many Christian leave responsibly.  fields including politics, business, law youths are entering the government and education. Mission schools need to teaching service. And secondly, many maintain their identity and ethos if they Christians who are still in the service do are to continue to faithfully abide by the not want to take up administrative posts motivation of the founding bodies. The or choose to retire early. board of governors are the guardians of a mission school. However, when Religious Leave mission schools became government- Good Friday commemorates the aided or full government schools, the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. It has been a board of governors lost some oversight public holiday only in Sabah and powers in running the schools. Sarawak, and Christian teachers in the Peninsular would have to apply for cuti Things looked up for mission schools rehat khas if they wanted the day off. when the government issued Surat However, in a Surat Edaran dated 17 Pekeliling Ikhtisas Bil 1/2011 giving April 2019, the Jabatan Perkhidmatan mission schools a 10% quota in the Awam (JPA) agreed that starting 2019, selection and enrolment of students into Christian civil servants would be given a Year 1 and Form 1. Prior to this, mission day of unrecorded leave (cuti tanpa schools had no say in the intake of rekod) to celebrate Good Friday. Daniel Gan serves on the TCF exco as students. Wonderful! the Publicity Secretary. He heads the editorial committee and is a regular The appointment of suitable principals The JPA also came out with a Pekeliling contributor to In Step. Currently he is PK and headmasters for mission schools is Perkhidmatan Bil 4/2018 announcing HEM of SMK Puchong Batu 14.

7 IN STEP 2020 • VOL 32 • ISSUES 3 & 4 Endings, Waitings, New Beginnings

ndings are everywhere in life; Many fantasise about a return to the old movies end, relationships end, normal of mingling freely with friends in Ecareers end. We live in a world of coffee shops, being able to travel to work endings, and still they often catch us by and school, and travelling overseas. The surprise – because we hardly prepare for waiting for the new beginning to come them. We tend to view endings as some- out of the ending will be unbearably long; thing negative: a loved one dies, a good even an accelerated COVID-19 vaccine teacher retires, a church leader moves will not restore life as it once was. Most away. When endings come, change must of us don’t enjoy waiting. happen. Change is a difficult process for Mary the mother of James, and the many people. It is often viewed as an others with them) told them about the Waiting on God is necessary training for unwelcome interruption to our plans and risen Lord, they did not believe the us as God’s children, who were promised our hopes. The process of navigating women’s “nonsensical” words. (Luke His Kingdom. “Yet the Lord longs to be change, additionally, is often complicated 24:11) gracious to you; therefore he will rise up by the necessity of waiting for a new to show you compassion. For the Lord is beginning to happen. The duration of the waiting, in this a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait instance, was over the Sabbath for him!” (Isaiah 30:18, NIV). Towards the end of our Lord Jesus’ weekend. Then, the new beginning ministry on earth, he went to a place unfolded. On the road to Emmaus, We need to acknowledge that endings called Gethsemane to pray (Matthew Cleopas (Luke 24:18) and his friend and waitings will lead us to new 26:36). He knew that his agony on the encountered the risen Lord, but only beginnings. Endings are disorientating; cross was inexorable; his soul was realised that it was Him when their eyes the disciples of Jesus certainly were overwhelmed with sorrow. To prepare for were opened (Luke 24:31). Jesus then disorientated and perhaps disillusioned his impending death, he poured out his returned to impart some much-needed by the ending they experienced. For our heart to his Heavenly Father and prayed guidance and comfort to his astounded Lord Jesus, that ending He went through, (3 times!) for His Father’s will to be done. disciples. and the waiting, resulted in a glorious new beginning – bringing new life and Our Lord Jesus prepared well for his Amongst the key instructions given to the hope to all of humanity! ending. He knew his mission well. disciples in the new beginning was the Matthew 26:56a “But this has all taken Great Commission: Matthew 28:18-20. Endings and the subsequent wait are place that the writings of the prophets Then Jesus came to them and said, “All therefore essential for our growth and might be fulfilled.” authority in heaven and on earth has maturity in Christ. The new beginnings been given to me. Therefore go and give us an opportunity to connect deeper His disciples, on the other hand, having make disciples of all nations, baptizing with Christ. It gives us the opportunity to been with him for three years, were not them in the name of the Father and of look at the Great Commission afresh and prepared for the end. It was recorded the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and to approach life’s relationships with a that all the disciples deserted him and teaching them to obey everything I have fresh disciple making mindset. fled. (Matthew 26:56b) commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the Our teachers and our students miss the Then, there was the waiting. The chief age.” ways we did teaching and learning during priests and the Pharisees went to Pilate pre-COVID-19 days. The teachers are and warned him about Jesus’ claim that How is the new reality then, at the time of stressed by the challenges of using he would rise again on the third day, an Jesus’ resurrection, applicable to us technology in preparing their lessons. example of proactive action to prevent today? The students are stressed by the fake news from being started by the challenges of doing their school work at disciples. These religious leaders The year 2020 has been challenging for home due to internet connectivity thought that the theft of Jesus’ body from most of us. A Google search on “How difficulties; some were stuck in the the tomb, if it was left unguarded, could would you describe 2020 in one word?” provinces with poor connectivity at the result in the disciples claiming that Jesus produced a torrent of emotions: start of the pandemic. had risen from the dead. Fear. Delete. Re-set. Crisis. Opportunity. Quarantine. Confined. Weird. Boring. Work-from-home (WFH) sounded like a The reality, far from the Pharisees’ Unsettling. Bizarre. Chaotic. great idea to me in the early days of the paranoid imaginings, was that the Unpredictable. Exciting. Depressing. lockdown, but soon I began to feel disciples were mourning Jesus. When Helpless. Isolated. Unknown. Unending. disengaged and disconnected from the ladies (Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Ending. Waiting. Beginning. colleagues and friends.

8 IN STEP 2020 • VOL 32 • ISSUES 3 & 4

by Lim Tou Boon

listening to you and to share his/ her experiences when you ask.

Listen to someone 2 Timothy 1:4 Recalling your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy.

Timothy must have shared some personal struggles in order for Paul to recall his tears. Daily life as we knew it had come to an unexpected, unwelcome end. The wait For the older one, be willing to listen, and Tou Boon having a light moment during for things to go back to the old normal is to listen to understand. Often we listen to class activities in Cambodia. painful. How should we then live? respond, to give advice. Sometimes, what the younger ones need is just May I humbly suggest that we begin by someone to listen to them. Our school buy groceries or to pack a meal could accepting that the old normal has ended. recently conducted a day-long workshop mean so much to someone who is Let's embrace the new beginning by on personal core values, and my stressed out by the demands of life. being intentional about the newness that teachers were amazed at the willingness it brings. One possibility I have found of our students to openly share their Share your story/ Share the story fruitful is that we seek to BLESS those struggles in the small groups. I used to 2 Timothy 3:10 NIV around us. listen to respond, especially with my two You, however, know all about my teenagers at home. Now, I work hard at teaching, my way of life, my purpose, BLESS is an acronym where listening to understand. faith, patience, love, endurance, … B is for Begin with prayer L is for Listen to someone Eat with someone Paul willingly shared his personal stories E is for Eat with someone Having the mentoring process take place and his audience knew much about him. S is for Serve someone over a meal is something we Asians S is for Share your story/ share the story. excel in, the eating part especially. So, 2 Timothy 4:2 NIV invite each other to your homes for a Preach the word; be prepared in season For a start, the BLESS process must be simple meal, or eat out if that's more and out of season; correct, rebuke and intentional, not incidental. appealing. As we talk during the course encourage – with great patience and of the meal, the question “How are you, careful instruction. Begin with prayer really?” usually evokes deep 2 Timothy 1:3 conversations on our personal struggles, Here Paul exhorts us to be diligent in I thank God, whom I serve, as my or joy. Often, we end up praying for our preaching, in proclaiming the word. ancestors did, with a clear conscience, guests, be they believers or even non- as night and day I constantly remember believers. Share your personal story – challenges, you in my prayers. struggles, victories… and how our Lord Serve someone Jesus Christ helped you. Be authentic. To the seniors, while you may be retired 2 Timothy 1:18 As Christians, we are not perfect but we from full-time teaching, your service is May the Lord grant that he [Onesiphorus] are a people blessed by the Lord. The very much needed in His Majesty’s will find mercy from the Lord on that day! focus is on God’s goodness, on His Kingdom. Pray for God to bring to you a You know very well in how many ways he grace and mercy in our lives. People at person or two whom you could walk helped me in Ephesus. school – teachers, students, visitors – alongside with, someone whom you often ask me this question: Why did you could share your life experiences with. Offer to help one another, whether in come to Cambodia? And that opens up Ask God for faithful, available and work-related or personal matters. For wonderful opportunities to share about teachable mentees. example, you can help a teacher who is God's love for the people of Cambodia not familiar with a new responsibility, or and our role as God’s messengers. To the younger ones, may I suggest that to navigate the complexities of your Testify about Jesus. Proclaim the gospel having a spiritual mentor is a great school culture, or simply help a newly to your colleagues, to your students… so blessing. Pray to God and ask Him for a arrived teacher adjust to life in your town that they, in turn, will bless the generation mentor who is willing to spend time or country. The simple act of helping to after them. (cont'd overleaf)

9 IN STEP 2020 • VOL 32 • ISSUES 3 & 4 Language Learning and Faith

(Cont'd from Page 9) e recently lost one of the motivation to learn it is quite low greatest Bible teachers of because they may not see the Wour era and that is David relevance of doing so. To a seven-year- There is much we as God’s Pawson. It was through his ministry that old child, the fact that learning a second ambassadors, Christ's disciples, can do I became a Christian and so am language is important for their future is in this new normal, in this new beginning. eternally grateful that someone gave me entirely irrelevant as all most of them I used to rush into the ‘doing’ until I his tapes that I could learn the Way, the can think about is, how is this any fun learnt, when I was forced to slow down Truth and the Life through his now? Motivation is one of the most during the lockdown period, that God’s preaching. I recall one particular significant influences in success in any priority is for me to die to self (Galatians message which I believe was on the subject and whilst there may be intrinsic 2:20). In dying to self, we are empowered process of Salvation, and he spoke of and extrinsic types – along with many to live the new beginning. Faith and Salvation being a process other terms, the fact is that most will not rather than an instant decision. Both make much progress in the learning May the Lord be gracious to all of us as involve a 3-part process which consists process if they do not see the relevance we let the old normal end, and embark of Mind, Heart and Will. – and fun, of doing it NOW. on the new beginning. We are blessed so that we may be a blessing to others.  With our minds we need to accept that So here is the problem. One of the what we are believing is reasonable – biggest sins of language teaching in that it makes some sort of sense, even schools is that the way that teachers though we may not be able to fully present the language is boring the understand it. Also I need to be children to death. Rote learning, genuinely interested in the subject; memorisation, learning rules is not otherwise, why would I want to pursue exactly stimulating for many pupils. It is it? therefore important that teachers make their lessons much more interesting and Having accepted the viability of the appealing to the learners. In pedagogy, belief we need to move to the next there is a new word which is phase which is being personally ‘edutainment’. This can be seen as a involved. I can know the mechanics of combination of education and faith or salvation, but how does it entertainment. We need to find the right directly affect me – personally. What is balance between being educators and my responsibility and feelings about this yet at the same time not boring our new faith? pupils. This does not mean that the teacher has to be the class clown, but it Having accepted the logic of the faith or does mean that it may take a bit more Lim Tou Boon is the Programme Director salvation, and realising that I have a imagination and creativity to make the of E2STEM Education, a public high responsibility to accept the premises it lesson more interesting than just school project supported and funded by states, then the final stage is to take the following a text book. the Ministry of Education, Youth & step of acceptance and commitment. Sports, Cambodia. Tou Boon moved to One may take a first step of faith and Phnom Penh in 2015 to pursue his have a ‘born again’ experience, but real kingdom mission of equipping young faith and salvation are found when that leaders to transform communities. An decision becomes a reality and you advocate of disruptive innovation, he is start to walk in the way that you have committed to the unleashing of young been taught. talents through an inquiry-based learning approach at E2STEM Education to This same process can also be produce competent Cambodian STEM Illustration by Justin Nyam (Science, Technology, Engineering, recognised when it comes to learning a Mathematics) professionals with 21st second language. Very often we compel century skills. Prior to his move to Phnom our children to study English, or any Penh, Tou Boon was the President of other language with the reason that it is Taylor's College, Malaysia (2009-2015). in the curriculum so it must be taught. Many children will accept this Michael having a conversation in Mandarin responsibility, but the fact is their with a man in the Guangzhou zoo 10 IN STEP 2020 • VOL 32 • ISSUES 3 & 4

Language Learning and Faith by Michael Hughes

The second aspect of faith and the reality is that many may indeed to communicate with others by salvation is to make it personal. So too experience the first two phases, but themselves, develop their conversations with progress in language learning, or many fall at the hurdle of commitment – with more vocabulary and become very as I prefer to call it, language or the will to carry on. I heard that Billy competent users of the language. acquisition. Just memorising the rules Graham actually had a phrase – win 10 and repeating exercises will only lose 9. He was referring to the So, are your classrooms just places to engage pupils so much, so what is responses at his rallies where 10 may provide input or are they places where needed is activities and practice that go forward, but out of those 10, 9 would the children can play with the language involves the pupils using the language fall away very quickly. I can personally and use it for real communication, so for real communication. Role plays, relate to this statistic. But it was worth it that their abilities will grow, hopefully practical task based problems and if to carry on preaching as the one who along with their faith?  available direct communication with carried on would make that full time speakers of the target language makes commitment to know Jesus as their the subject much more personal. Lord and Saviour.

I recall many years ago when I was in I suppose this is where the analogy of the military and ‘sent’ to Hong Kong to faith, salvation and language learning learn Chinese. I have to confess that my may be a little tenuous, but I think the initial progress was extremely slow as I analogy can still hold strong as fought daily with the requirement to overcoming the initial stages of memorise hundreds of different words language learning need to give over to a and characters. Although I was in Hong commitment to keep on developing the Kong learning Mandarin, I could not language skills acquired from school, speak it with many people as most the teacher and the odd conversation spoke Cantonese and at that time with a language speaker, to a dedication relations with China were not so close to constantly practise and improve your and no one wanted to speak Mandarin. communicative skills in the new So, there was little opportunity to language. practise outside the classroom. After one year of study, my dedication to I have conducted numerous teacher learning the language was at a new low, training sessions where I have asked so I took the opportunity to take a the participants to give me in the correct Michael Hughes is from England but backpacking holiday to China. To cut a order the three things that you must do has spent over 35 years teaching long story short, I was visiting the zoo in to be successful in acquiring a language English and training teachers in China Guangzhou and talking with a man and I get all sorts of responses until one and Malaysia. He has worked on about the price of Coca-Cola. After a person says ‘practice’. I stop and say teacher training projects in Malaysia few minutes I realised that I was well done, now what is the second. with PPD Hulu Langat and JPN actually having a conversation in Again all sorts of responses, but I stop Kelantan. From January 2011 to Mandarin. Not one that was directed by the activity and say the first is practice. September 2015 he was the project a teacher or text book, but an actual The second is (dramatic pause for manager of the Malaysian Ministry of one to one chat with a zoo keeper in effect) ‘practice’ and the final step most Education mentoring programme which China. It was at that moment that I get straight away, is practice. There is recruited foreign teacher trainers to realised – maybe I might be able to no real substitute for using the language work directly with national schools catch on to this language after all. That for real communication and while at the throughout Malaysia. He was also the 'born again' experience was a turning beginning the progress may be slow, as manager on the ProELT project phase 3 point in my studies where the language they use the language it always gets which was directly involved in helping became personal and real. Chinese is better. English teachers improve their English not so difficult after all. abilities. He went on to be employed as As dedicated Christians we should a Senior Teaching Fellow specialising in The final part refers to the will. The will never stop learning and practising our English for Specific Purposes at to carry on the good work that has been faith. So too with language learners who Sunway University. Now he is retired, started. I mentioned earlier about falling need to see that learning another but still has a passion for developing away at the first hurdle when challenged language makes sense and that they new materials for English language about my response to the gospel and have the capacity and ability to be able teaching. 11 IN STEP 2020 • VOL 32 • ISSUES 3 & 4

TFF: Teachers’ Friend Forever

A collation of tributes celebrating Indy’s retirement on 19 July 2020

Indy retired after 25 years serving in TCF as staff worker and then General Secretary

“l am the Lord’s servant” ‒ Luke 1:38

Your hard work is an inspiration When lndy answered God’s call to become staff worker for TCF, she became the Lord’s servant to and your achievements motivate the Chrisan teachers of Malaysia. us to give our best at work. From teacher trainee to the most senior teacher, she had them on her heart and mind. And she would travel miles across land and sea, Love climb mountains and cross valleys to reach a lonely teacher in need of Chrisan fellowship and Grace Yang bring joy to that teacher.

Moey Yoke Lai Thank you for being there for me Your sacrificial service for the from the very beginning of my call to be Lord in TCF has been inspiring. a teacher… way back while still in USM.

You have positively impacted me. I will You've been a friend forever value and treasure everything who cares with compassion & that you have helped me learn and loving kindness hope to pass your legacy on to others in the teaching profession. who cheers with your humour & who is ever ready to go the May God continue to pour His blessings extra mile. unto your life that we may continue to rejoice to hear of all your good works.

Yew Thau & Yoke See Love You So Much Indy! Teorene

Your passion for the teachers has brought many to serve alongside you in the ministry of TCF with great joy.

Personally, I thank you for all the years of guidance, encouragement, love and care in many little ways in my Thank you for dedicating your life to journey in the ministry of TCF. building up Christian teachers in Malaysia.

Hui Kim Mei Yee IN STEP 2020 • VOL 32 • ISSUES 3 & 4

Indy is the TCFer's friend and support. She is the “brother born tor adversity.” Prov 17:7 who is a “friend who sticks closer than a brother.” Prov 18: 24

She has provided professional, emotional and spiritual support tor them by organizing educational talks, courses, local and overseas visits, spiritual retreats in Malaysia, Singapore and the Holy Land and just by being a listening ear. Ms Yin Kam Yoke

Thank you Indy for 25 years of faithful and dedicated service From a student in UPSI to a You are indeed an amazing teacher in Sabah, you have Gen-Sec cum friend. Busy as seen me grow from a young you are, you have never ever man to a not so young man. failed to listen, pray and give me wise and good advice. Thank you so much for the I am forever grateful to you love and care all these years. and count it a special blessing to have known you. ANDREW WONG

Mabel

INDY’S GIFTS Thank you so much for your kindness, wisdom and positivity in serving TCF M'sia all these years. Hospitality An Open Home and an Open Heart you welcome, I salute your commitment and passion—connecting listen & encourage one and all; each leaves but a teachers around the region and inspiring many young ones lifetime friendship forged. to be sure and steadfast in our calling as educators. Helping Going the extra mile, you give of your time and Matthew 5:16 boundless energy to see to the needs of others. Let your light so shine before men, Humour that they may see your GOOD WORKS and glorify your Father in heaven. Your sense of humour, jokes and anecdotes are great stress-relievers for the weary and tired! KONG NGUK LIM Vern Hau

Blessed Retirement My Kawan Indy

Your friendship has been a great blessing to many and to me. May God continue to bless you and help you to be an Audrey Lui inspiration to many. Yoon Poh We are grateful for your years of partnership and Indy; a teacher’s friend, indeed! fellowship with TCF Singapore. Especially so, for the support and organisation of Asian Christian Teachers Conference, with Throughout the seasons, you have always the overwhelming support of TCF Malaysian Teachers. brought me nuggets of gold: Ÿ Conferences and webinars to build and help me professionally Ÿ Retreats (silent and not-so-silent ones) for sanity Ÿ A roof in Camerons & “Dream” Wedding Ÿ And all the extra gifts from PoPo Lucy, Irene & Ee Yuing TCF Singapore Thank you Mama Indy! Jan Lyn & her girls

13 IN STEP 2020 • VOL 32 • ISSUES 3 & 4 Learning Hebrew during MCO

020 is regarded a ‘lost’ year by many learn from the teachers’ comments. This Shalom Chaverim! (Peace & Hello Friend) because of the COVID pandemic exercise was most effective for the 2and the ravages it has brought on teaching-learning process. hen the opportunity to learn our lives, health care systems and basic Hebrew via Zoom arose, I economies. Without trivialising the The second lesson was on Niqqud, a Wseized it. The question many hardships and heartbreaks faced by so system of dots and dashes to indicate posed to me was, “Why study Hebrew?”. many resulting from the pandemic and the vowels. We were then taught how to read My spontaneous reply, “Oh, my son-in-law variations of lockdowns that many countries Hebrew. The assignment was to is an American Jew and I have a Jewish- have had to put in place, one major benefit transliterate one verse a day from Genesis Chinese granddaughter.” Besides, I that has come out of these surreal times 1:1-5. As with learning any new language frequently listen to worship songs in must be the abundance of webinars and or skill, practice is key. This is what we Hebrew e.g. “Aaronic Blessings” and courses made available online. It is one of teachers have been drumming into our “Kadosh” to start off my morning devotion. the things I will look back on with gratitude students' heads, and it was time to practice With ample time during the MCO period, I and that has helped me not to ‘waste’ the what I preach! By the end of the second felt the strong urge to study Hebrew pandemic. week, I was able to read Hebrew, albeit at a mainly to learn how to speak a new snail’s pace! I also looked up the meaning language, to be able to read the Bible in its One of the courses I signed up for was a of each word that I had transliterated. Of original language and to have a deeper ‘Learning Very Basic Hebrew’ online class. course, I was clueless in decoding the understanding of the Old Testament. What motivated me? I think it was a mix of Hebrew grammar pattern in those Bible curiosity and wanting to read the Old verses. Well, I had just completed a short So began my Hebrew learning journey. We Testament in the original language. Yes, course for Learning Very Basic Hebrew! were told that we could complete basic Hebrew is one of the original Biblical Hebrew in just two sessions: one on languages but to learn it at a level that The two lessons were just the beginning of learning Hebrew consonants and another helps in exegesis of the Bible is a very long a language learning journey. I am not sure on Niqqud (vowels). In Lesson 1, we were and arduous journey and I was definitely where this small beginning will lead to, but taught the 22 consonants, their meanings not thinking in that direction. Upon it was fun learning very basic Hebrew with and gematria (numerical values) and checking, I was both pleased and a little a little work put in!  pronunciation. We had to diligently practise sceptical that it would be a weekly class for writing the consonants with the follow-up only two weeks. Lee Sok Yan submission of our written homework. We were provided with many learning In the first lesson using Zoom, the two resources like Hebrew learning teachers, one from Malaysia and the other PowerPoints, videos, audio downloads of from India taught us Alephbet, the Hebrew the Tanakh and etc. alphabet. The Hebrew alphabet is named after the first two letters, Aleph and Bet. Lesson 2 covered vowels (Niqqud) and the The Hebrew alphabet consists of 22 rules pertaining to some vowels when it consonants, written from right to left. We comes to the transliteration. I was lost in learnt the sounds and symbols of the translation in this lesson! Next we were alphabet and how to write each letter. After given instructions on how to do our written the lesson, we were asked to submit assignments based on verses from practice writing of 5 to 6 letters every day Genesis Chapter 1:1-15. We continued to and were given feedback on our writing. All submit our assignments by writing the this was done in the WhatsApp group. We could look at each other’s work and also

Sok Yan retired in 2019 from SMK Damansara Utama and is a firm believer in lifelong learning.

Do you see the dots and dashes around the consonants? They indicate the vowels. 14 IN STEP 2020 • VOL 32 • ISSUES 3 & 4

transliteration form of each word of the because I did not want this opportunity to verse. We had completed our very basic pass me by. The thought of being able to Hebrew lessons and were able to read read the Hebrew Bible gave me the some Hebrew words. impetus to say “Yes”, especially since the original language of the Old Testament was Those who stayed on to further improve in Hebrew. their Hebrew joined the Bible reading sessions based on Genesis, Psalms and As someone who has been in the field of Proverbs each week. Practice makes education for my whole career, if I embark perfect. There is also the need to learn on any new learning, I want to learn it well. I vocabulary, prefixes and suffixes, and the want the neurons in my brain to start Teacher Pari from India corrected our work grammar. All in all, my Hebrew learning multiplying again. Since I am also a strong painstakingly through WhatsApp. was both fulfilling and insightful.  believer in life-long learning and self- improvement, I told Debbie that I will take Toda Raba Chaverim up the challenge of learning Hebrew. “O, our Master, how majestic is your Name (Thank you, Friends) on all the Earth, who have displayed all Helena Tong I went to the Internet to survey the various your Splendour above”. sites which taught Hebrew. Doubts flooded my mind because the Hebrew characters look like Greek to me. Debbie told me to be patient, take baby steps and assured me Confucius said: “Each journey of a 1,000 that I would be able to read and write the miles starts with a single step”. I have taken language in about 3 weeks. that first step, and whether the journey is going to be smooth or arduous, I am not I found out that there were about 40-50 one to give up. I believe that God, who has students in my group, many from Asia and formed me in my mother's womb, has not one even from the United Kingdom. There finished the tapestry which He is weaving were about 6 other groups of students. All for me. I look upon my life with amazement of us began at different levels of learning at God’s unfolding actions. If He wants me but I began from ground zero. to learn Hebrew, He will lead the way and I will make sure that I learn it properly. Hebrew words are made up of 22 consonants with 5 more derived from the I conclude by saying that learning is always original which are called soffit (final a joy for me, what more learning Hebrew consonants). Our first assignment was just which is the original language of the Old Helena taught English and Mathematics to write the consonants 30-50 times with Testament. I certainly encourage all of you until 1979 and then served as a fulltime the correct strokes. These consonants are to take up this challenge as well.  school counsellor until she retired in 2015 vocalised only when accompanied by from SMK Taman Connaught. “niqquds” (vowels). These vowels, though Angie Chia Loy Tian known to us, English speakers as “A,E,I,O,U” are represented by dots and od’s timing is always right for the dashes, arranged in specific ways to signify things He has in store for us. whether they are long or short vowels. GWhen the COVID-19 pandemic Initially, I found them most confusing, and Movement Control Order (MCO) started, a certainly felt like a kindergarten or Year 1 dear friend, Debbie Yeong, asked me if I student, making strange sounds as I tried was interested to learn Hebrew via Zoom. to read to the best of my ability. It has been Questions raced through my mind: Can I? nearly 2 months of learning the language Is it an easy language to learn? Who is now, and I am slowly learning to like it and teaching? Do I have to go for classes? even view it as a beautiful language! One Where? How? After much thought and example of a beautiful Old Testament Bible prayer, I gave the affirmative to Debbie verse is Psalm 8:1,

What makes for an effective teaching-learning experience using online learning platforms? Based on our learning basic Hebrew via Zoom sessions and Angie retired from government service in WhatsApp groups, we found that what works for in-person classroom teaching- Jan 2010 as the Principal of SMK (P) learning applies to the online environment as well. The added advantage is the Methodist KL. She then served as Principal opportunity now reaches a bigger group not limited by geography. Designate, Wesley Methodist School, KL until she retired in June 2017. 15 IN STEP 2020 • VOL 32 • ISSUES 3 & 4 Moved by His Compassion

s the second child in a large principal to say such words to them. I classroom. They could draw on this family of 7 siblings, my role elaborated that they would not always memory bank later in life. Awas always to mediate, remain 17 or 18 all their lives. They reconcile and support. This helped to would grow up, get jobs, they would In SMK Kampar, amongst other things, shape the basic guiding principles in meet girls, they would get married and we had treasure hunts which they my teaching career. become fathers. And what sort of jobs never had before, camping in school did they want to have? Not just helping and painting their classrooms. And in 1. Motivate children to realise their their fathers at the market, selling class, start from where they are and potential things. Most aspired to go to what they like to do. I found out they No child remains small and static Singapore. Therefore they should liked to role play scenes of buying and forever. The child grows up to take his improve their command of the English selling in their dream target city – place in society. I can visualise what language and if they passed the SPM Singapore! the child in front of me will be like in examinations they could get better the future and help him realise this by jobs, not only in Singapore but in It was easier in SMK (P) Methodist enabling him to work diligently and Malaysia. Ipoh to widen horizons and enrich holistically to realise that future. student experiences because of the Again I reminded them, they were boys school’s richer and older traditions but When I became principal of SMK who would become heads of families – sometimes a tradition can be wrong Kampar, Kampar, the school opposite they would not remain boys forever and demoralising and should be a graveyard beside the main trunk road with boyish playthings but grow up to discarded. These were public from Kuala Lumpur to Penang, the be men, shouldering their punishments for student pass rate for the SPM examination in responsibilities. I urged them to take misdemeanours during the Monday 1987 was 38 per cent. In other words, charge of their future by taking charge school assemblies. I believed that the 6 out of 10 SPM students were likely to of their studies and I promised them assemblies should make the school fail the crucial examination. These that their teachers and I would work start the week on a positive note and were children of new villagers, from the hard to see that they were well public punishments definitely lower socio-economic class, most of prepared to sit for the SPM demoralised spirits and led to whom did not aspire to be doctors or examination. discouragement and negativity. engineers but to be traders, workmen, Happiness and positivism should those in the support industries. Their With teachers too bucking up and pervade the air. Also smiles and praise parents had no time for them for they increasing the number of English and make learning fun and easy to swallow. were busy putting food on the table. Bahasa Malaysia essays the students After all, teachers are denominators of Most of the teachers, sad to say, were would have to write, they were indeed class mood and class experiences. not interested in them, either. A few prepared and that year, 1988, the pass had the audacity to tell me, “Their rate for the SPM examination was 67.8 3. Love and care for your students parents don’t care for them, therefore per cent. (A cadet reporter from the When I was a teacher trainer, I was we too should not care for them.” My school interviewed me for the Sin once put in charge of the College answer to them, “All the more we Chew newspaper.) Some students in when the top Malay staff went home should care for them.” that cohort went on to become for the Hari Raya holidays. An journalists, engineers, teachers and emergency situation arose when a Among the strategic actions I took was doctors. So since every child grows, teacher trainee gave birth to a stillborn to make the students motivated and help them to grow confident and baby boy in the toilet. Because the aspire to pass the SPM examination to rooted. baby was stillborn, the 19-year-old achieve their life ambitions. I spoke to student had to be rushed to hospital the boys and girls separately and 2. Create happy learning and a post-mortem done on the baby. made them sit on benches in front of environments me while I addressed them. “Boys, you Childhood comes but once. Help Somehow an opportunistic journalist are going to be husbands and fathers!” students enjoy their school days by got hold of the story and the next day, Some of the boys fell off their benches, making beautiful memories, whether in the story hit the headlines. I decided shocked. They never expected their the classroom or outside the the girl must be protected and helped

16 IN STEP 2020 • VOL 32 • ISSUES 3 & 4

by Yin Kam Yoke

not allowing pregnant or married problems. I once discovered a girl had teacher trainees to continue with their gastric problems because she hardly training. ate during recess time and thus could advise her mother to provide her with But for the girl, I advised her to home cooked food. Illustration by Justin Nyam by Illustration undergo her post-natal examination in Temerloh and take care of her health Students are also touched when and that even though she had made a teachers pray for them. I once stopped mistake, she had other options. She a Malay girl as she was wheeling out could get further qualifications as a her bicycle and asked whether I could stenographer or the culinary arts or pray for protection for her. I saw the she could take up temporary teaching. delight on her face as she nodded. Her father came into the room with a cane and Her life was not over but just beginning The next thing I knew, I received a wanted to whip her but she hid behind me. and she must not give up hope. She package in the post inviting me to be a could write her life story again. As to Muslim! what happened to her after she left the as much as possible. She had been hospital, I do not know but she did When teachers love and care for their rushed to hospital with almost nothing leave happy with her father who students, their students love them with her. So the basic necessities of a supported her. As an optimist, I believe back. I often used to encourage the toothbrush, toothpaste, face towel, she made her life count. girls to make their teachers happy so bath towel, sarung, flask and mug had that their teachers would enjoy to be sent to her. The girl was in a For those teaching in schools, there teaching them and doing extra work for state of shock and so I spoke gently are so many ways that we can them for I told them a secret that when and comforted her. I made her a glass acknowledge our students. Those who I was a teacher, I did not work extra of Milo and just waited with her, like teach languages find that as they hard because the principal asked me Job’s friends waited with him for seven correct their students’ essays, they will to but because the students were in days, though we did not have the get to know the students and their need and loving. Love begets love. luxury of seven days. I did not question characters and it would be good to  or interrogate her. But soon her father, write a few positive comments on their a wizened Felda Scheme settler came ideas. As school principal, I would take into her room, with a cane. He wanted the children’s books not only to check to sebat (whip) her because, he on the teachers’ work but also to look explained to me, she was the eldest at the children’s work. I remember I child in the family, had passed her made some very happy when I SPM examination, was training to be a commented on their beautiful teacher and expected to bring much handwriting. I had a “write cursive” needed income to the family but now campaign for our Form One girls she had brought shame to the family. because I believed good, clear and He stood up and wanted to beat her up beautiful handwriting influenced but the girl hid behind me. Thus I had examiners for the SPM subjects to be to tell the father, “Pakcik, jangan pukul generous with their marks. dia. Nasi sudah jadi bubur. Boleh tulis surat rayuan supaya dia dapat Of course, teachers have so many dikekalkan sebagai guru pelatih.” practical ways to show love and care to their students like going over their I helped him write the letter of appeal school work to improve it, praising but to no avail because the girl them for work well done, admonishing Yin Kam Yoke is a retired school admitted to me she had consensual them when they do wrong. Teachers principal [SMK(P) Methodist, Ipoh (8 sex with her boyfriend. Anyway, the who go around the school during Sept 1988 – 23 May 1998) and SMK Teacher Training Division of the recess time would find out who the Kampar (15 Mar – 7 Sept 1988)] Ministry of Education had a policy of loners are and those with digestive 17 IN STEP 2020 • VOL 32 • ISSUES 3 & 4

1 Corinthians 13 for Teachers by Jim Fowler

If I teach with the best educational techniques, providing stimulating and motivational lessons, but have not love, I am but a time-wasting information processor.

If I spend hours preparing my lesson plans with the clearest instructional objectives, but have not love, I am just an over-organized ideologue.

If I utilize the most eye-catching visual aids and the latest classroom technology, but have not love, I am just a high-tech visionary. A loving teacher is kind and patient with every student, regards each student as an important individual, and treats their personal problems with confidence.

A loving teacher does not merely talk at, but relates to, the students, and provides a exemplary model of life to those in the classroom.

A teacher’s love is not condescending, does not play favorites, does not gossip, does not publicly humiliate, is not easily agitated or discouraged, and does not blow-up or give-up on misbehaving students.

A teacher’s love bears the responsibility of instruction, Believes that student’s minds should not be wasted, Hopes that every student will achieve their potential, and endures all disturbances in the process.

The latest text-books will soon be out-of-date. Contemporary teaching methods will become outmoded. Educational technology is obsolete before we know it, Teachers, you are like a spray of fresh flowers for your students. but a loving teacher can affect a student’s life forever. Now abideth preparation, instruction, and love, But the greatest of these is a teacher’s love that seeks the highest good of the students. Happy students make happy teachers and vice versa!

18 IN STEP 2020 • VOL 32 • ISSUES 3 & 4

Leaving a Legacy by Lim Boon Chye

Testimony of my silent mentor, Mr Yap Kok more and more. Where and to whom will our Keong, church leader and educator legacy go to?

iscipleship is easier ‘caught’ than 2. Raising the Esteem of his Successor ‘taught’. Observing a believer ‘Walk After helming the chairmanship of Teachers’ Dthe talk’ can have a lasting Christian Fellowship Malaysia for 17 years, impression upon one’s life. Acts of sacrifice he passed the position over to me in 1995. like the believers selling all their possessions When I took over the leadership, I was young and giving to the poor (Acts 4:32-35) and inexperienced. He was already very well become real and doable if there are otherwise leave behind is – while we are still known professionally and in Christian circles. examples for us to follow. mentally able to decide, we will give away or Stepping into such big shoes was not easy. leave behind to continue to touch lives in My Christian walk has been shaped by Bro missions or causes that we care for rather What he did was amazing. He continued to Yap in many ways, not so much as being than to leave it to others to decide.” So, they be there at each AGM to support me and he actively mentored by him, but by just decided to will their little apartment to their would say good things about me publicly. He observing his life and actions. He has been six grandchildren to show they care while the would seek out and say what leadership gifts a friend and mentor for the past 35 years. At rest of what they have in their joint account God has blessed me with that he doesn't 50, he took early retirement at the peak of would be equally divided between them to have; although he has much much more his career as a superscale school principal, use for the Lord’s work and charities that are than me. Some people may want to project not because he did not enjoy his work but close to their heart. This they find most how great they are, but this man knows how because he wanted to give the best part of liberating and enables them to respond to to raise the profile and esteem of his his life to the Lord. Today at the age of 78, needs more readily. successor. he is still serving the Lord ‘in mission through education’ as preacher and missionary I then asked him about their daily living At certain AGMs, he would deliberately come motivator – through education in Cambodia, expenses and the increasing health costs as much later so that I could learn to find my Myanmar and Nepal. He is still an active they grow older. He said their monthly footing in leading the organisation. Even at advisor to the TCF, the Federation of pension is more than enough and being the last AGM in March 2020, he continued to Christian Mission Schools Malaysia retired civil servants there is the government say good things about me when I had (FCMSM), and Malayan Christian Mission hospital to go to should they require any already stepped down from leadership upon Schools' Council (MCSC) – Christian NGOs treatment. Their simple faith is that the Lord my retirement from the civil service. He is a where he had been their past Chairman. will take care of them. Period. No more ‘what man who knows how to ‘count others better ifs’. than himself’. He is my silent mentor. Both he and his wife Lily, a retired graduate teacher, live in a small apartment in Kuala Today, the tendency is to worry too much When I talked to him over the phone to Lumpur. about the future. We continue to invest and check some facts before writing this article, insure to hedge against health issues and he attributed whatever good he has done to Two things I have learned from this man: inflation. Many only believe in the head that the example of a British missionary Anthony God will provide and that this life is only Norris Groves. Anthony Norris Groves, a 1. Principle of Giving – Inheritance and temporal; that God can take care of the dentist by profession, sold and gave away all Legacy sparrows and the lilies of the field, but not us his inheritance to the Lord's work before he His motto is ‘Work hard, consume little, give His children. So, we continue to accumulate set sail to Baghdad as a missionary together much, and all for the Lord.’ It is so natural to with his wife and young children. Anthony will our possessions to our children. Here is Norris Groves lived by faith. Living by faith is a man who knows how to balance this with a good model for us in Christian service to Acts 4 of the Bible. He told me that God has follow. blessed his three children with good jobs and they are able to care for their own families. Kok Keong learned from the many good examples of God’s servants. We can also Bro Yap and Lily have decided to take the learn from him.  more difficult path of trusting God for whatever needs which may arise for the Boon Chye, retired from teaching in 2015. He remaining part of their lives. What to do with and his wife Lai Wah have 3 grown up the little money or saving that they still have? daughters. Boon Chye and Lai Wah In their own words, “the time to make Mr and Mrs Yap Kok Keong leaves a rich volunteer as tutors in a Children's Home in decisions on the little we have and would legacy in the hearts of many. Penang.

Acts 4:32-36 The Believers Share Their Possessions (NLT) All the believers were united in heart and mind. And they felt that what they owned was not their own, so they shared everything they had. The apostles testified powerfully to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and God's great blessing was upon them all. There were no needy people among them, because those who owned land or houses would sell them and bring the money to the apostles to give to those in need.

19 IN STEP 2020 • VOL 32 • ISSUES 3 & 4

Let All be Done in Love by Gan Swit Ping

would like to thank God for His amazing grace. Throughout my career Ias a teacher, there were many situations where I could have avoided taking on new responsibilities. However upon looking back, each new challenge overcome prepares us for a bigger one. This is how we can grow as an individual and in our trust in the Lord. I had the joy of working together with my teachers to see the day when we had the best CGPA for STPM (2017) in the state. Good teachers impact their students for life.

My biggest challenge was when I had to relate to teachers who were more senior than me. I think objective data (e.g. academic achievements of class, school, state, nation) collected over the years was very helpful for me to discuss in a professional way to move the respective departments forward. It averted the Gan Swit Peng being chauffeured away at her retirement ceremony. situation of personally targeting anyone. From this, all the departments kept a good record of data for comparison after every ideas were better or could produce results another, even as God for Christ’s sake has exam to analyse for improvement. This faster. We need to be humble to learn forgiven you.  encouraged accountability. from others too.

Sometimes, in the quest of improving Although we only met twice a week, our results, some teachers may feel teachers’ prayer meetings were a unappreciated and feelings can be hurt. tremendous help and encouragement to We need to move as a team. Taking care me. Collectively, we have seen God of each other's needs and being sensitive answer our prayers. For where two or is very important. One thing I learnt is to three gather in my name, there am I with always appreciate in public and admonish them. (Matthew 18:20) in private. Living in a beautiful multi-racial country Be genuinely happy if someone has like ours, I note that it is good that we beaten our records. I feel so glad when practise inclusiveness. In all our they can do so because our records are programmes wherever possible, there was getting more and more difficult to break. a conscious effort to ensure that students Love is patient, love is kind. It does not and teachers from all races, religious envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is backgrounds and both genders be not rude, it is not self-seeking. (1 included. Corinthians 13:1) Looking back, I wish I had been more We have been blessed with so many patient with myself, my teachers and my godly principals in MBSSKL. Each was students. It is important to learn from our sent to the school for a purpose and at the mistakes and to move on. To be guilt Gan Swit Ping retired on 11 September right time. They have taught me much and ridden is not to understand God’s 2020 after having taught in Methodist I also learnt that no one is indispensable. forgiveness. It can also hinder us from Boys' Secondary School, KL (MBSSKL) Over the years, I learnt to sit down with taking on new responsibilities and for the last 32 years! She served as the the teachers and guide them and give therefore not grow in our walk with the Senior Assistant of Student Affairs, them the freedom to suggest changes to Lord. afternoon supervisor, Head of the programmes we organise. It never Mathematics Department and from 2008 failed to amaze me to see how creative Ephesians 4:32 And be you kind one to onwards as the Senior Assistant of Form and innovative they were. Often their another, tender-hearted, forgiving one 6. 20 IN STEP 2020 • VOL 32 • ISSUES 3 & 4

erminally ill! Dad had aggressive Two days after the grim diagnosis, Dad had incurable liver cancer. The doctors very intense pain at about midnight. He told Tgave him 5 months at the most! The the family he did not want to live anymore if The Last Lap news hit our family like a bomb. We had no he had to deal with this intense pain. It took idea what to do. some time before the painkiller took effect. It was traumatic for us to see Dad in pain. I I share this journey with the hope that you can asked the Yeong family to pray that Dad and be better equipped to make a loved one’s last mum would consider palliative care at the lap to be their best lap. It is my desire that government Selayang Hospital instead of our through this record, readers will be better family usual preference for private hospitals. prepared to help loved ones through a terminal journey. Since we did not know how to manage if Dad had another pain attack that weekend, I Cheng Yee, a church friend and retired head intended to persuade Dad to try SPCU. Mum matron from UK, suggested that the Selayang immediately stopped me, saying Dad would Palliative Care Unit (SPCU) could be very never consider going to a government helpful in this final journey with Dad based on hospital. To my surprise, after I had told Dad her experience with other cases. That night, I about the calls and texts from my doctor researched on palliative care in Malaysia and friends and my research on Dr Richard Lim, found out that indeed the key trainer for Dad agreed to go. palliative care in Malaysia and South East Asia, Dr Richard Lim, is based in Selayang At the hospital, a Dr Loke spoke to Dad in Hospital. Mandarin and examined him while another doctor keyed in notes and information from the medical letters. Later Dr Richard Lim also examined Dad and put him at ease by speaking in Hokkien. We received the medication and instructions on how to care for dad. We reached home in time for lunch that day. The same day, I received a call from by Debbie Yeong Hospice Malaysia in Cheras (HMC). They made an appointment to visit dad. At this point, we had not disclosed the actual terminal situation to him.

That first visit to register ahead with SPCU is important. This allows the doctors to key in all the data about dad's medical condition based on physical assessment, medical reports and scans from his earlier doctors. Registering meant I could call their Careline during working hours and speak to a doctor and ask for medical advice. In the 7 weeks, I called the palliative team more than 25 times. Each time I spoke directly to doctors and received immediate competent advice. Registering also allowed Dad immediate access to the palliative day care during office hours without the long queues associated with most government hospitals.

Cheng Yee visited our family at home in Setapak. She taught our whole family how to handle dad’s medication. We made careful handwritten notes on the notes printed for every sibling and main caregiver. A duty Every caregiver had the printed sheet of roster was prepared so someone was there medications used by Dad and they annotated it for Dad every day. with careful handwritten notes with photographs of each medication. 21 IN STEP 2020 • VOL 32 • ISSUES 3 & 4

the crucial moment. Finally, after dinner Dad began reaching out to reconcile with that Friday evening, my brother and I sat many family members. I have never seen Dad down at his office table and finally Dad (the big boss) apologise to anyone but broke the news. What was Dad’s during this period, dad’s heart was tender response? and he apologised and forgave. The emotional reconciliation and the He announced he wanted us to take family forgiveness was the most beautiful part of photos and he instructed me to put them our painful journey. And Dad told us painful up on his favourite media – Facebook. He stories of his childhood – stories he had announced he wanted to have a family dim kept to himself for 87 years. Emotional sum breakfast on early Saturday morning. healing came to him and us as he shared The Selayang Hospital Palliative Care Unit team doctors would call me to check on Dad Normally I would shy away from early dim these stories. when I didn't call them as I usually did. Dad sum breakfast in Setapak due to the was amazed he could have world class distance from Cyberjaya but under the Over the next few weeks, the swelling in medical treatment FOC even though he was at current circumstances, I quickly agreed Dad’s feet and urination issues reduced home. and rallied the extended Tan family to join gradually, but his phlegm got thick and the breakfast. We also re-started our family sticky. Hospice nurse, Bazilah, Dad’s major pain episodes reduced ritual of Sunday dinners that weekend. recommended using a nebuliser, kindly significantly after that first visit. We were loaned to us by hospice. We learned how taught to always ask him what his pain to use it effectively. Dad told us very clearly level was and to administer painkiller at Why do we have to tell the patient he is he did not want to die in hospital alone and level 5 as it would take some time for the terminal? Can we ignore the elephant we were to nurse him at home as long as painkiller to take effect. Dad’s energy level in the room? Why not? The doctors’ possible. So getting medical support and improved and his earlier breathlessness medication can ease physical pain but equipment was part of our preparation for disappeared. there is no medication to ease this. emotional pain. Often patients who The following week, dad's feet began to have not yet resolved emotional issues My siblings rallied around Dad, taking turns swell and he had urination issues as well. I hold painfully on to life. They lived on to monitor temperature, blood pressure, called SPCU Careline and spoke to Dr in misery (both them and their family bowel movement, sleep patterns and Cindy Teoh. She taught me how to give the members) even though their bodies reporting in our siblings’ chat group. I necessary medication to reduce the cannot function anymore. keyed in the data in my excel sheet. If there swelling but told me it would take some days before the swelling would go down. However, the swelling got worse and we

decided we had to take Dad to the hospital rd to resolve the urination issue. To all at Hospice Malaysia, 3 September 2020

At the hospital, Dr Cindy talked to me at length about the importance of letting Dad I want to express deep appreciation to all at Hospice Malaysia Cheras for know that his condition is terminal while he their kind committed and competent care of my late father Mr Tan Giap was still lucid enough to decide what he Swee from July 2020 until 22nd August 2020. The appreciation gifts, letter wanted to do to put his affairs in order. She and cheque are on behalf of me Madam Tan Tee Hwa (Debbie) and my said he (with his big boss mentality) in family for your support during our painful journey. particular would be absolutely frustrated to find out his condition is terminal when it is In particular, I want to express special thanks to Nurse Bazilah for her too late for his body and mind to do many visits, advice and care. Thank you for going out of your way to visit anything. Dad when he had emergencies. Nurse Stephanie, thank you for calmly advising me how to handle Dad when I called you 4 times on his last day. Earlier that week, we had tried several We want to let you know Dad sang 9 of his favourite songs about 3 hours times to tell Dad, but we chickened out at before he passed away and that created a happy window on a difficult day. Dad passed away with my brother feeling his pulse on his left hand, my sis feeling his pulse on his right hand while my hand was on his heart. His pulse had stopped but when Mum sobbed, Dad’s pulse beat on momentarily again. Thank you for giving him and us moments to treasure even on his dying day.

Dad reminded me to say you all have given him world class medical treatment voluntarily and FOC – something we have not experienced. Keep doing your wonderful work and calling with dedication. You all are a great blessing.

Cheng Yee, the retired matron teaching the family how to administer Dad’s medication Our family letter of thanks to Hospice Malaysia Cheras.

22 IN STEP 2020 • VOL 32 • ISSUES 3 & 4

was a new issue that we did not know how to address, I would call both SPCU and also HMC. The tremendous competent medical support available through phone calls was a great relief to me and my family. When the swelling on his feet was gone, Dad regained balance and mobility and started exercising at the balcony daily. We were quite cheered by the improvement. Dad sang praises of the doctors at SPCU who used the right medication and reduced the swelling in 2.5 weeks. He was amazed as that same swelling had troubled him for more than 7 months since December 2019.

On 23rd July 2020, I found out that Dad had fallen on the floor in the night while trying to go to the toilet by himself. He was in great pain and was so miserable. I asked him if I could pray for him and he said yes desperately – please pray for me. I laid Dad kissed Mum publically many times and declared his love aloud for her. Emotional wholeness hands on him and prayed aloud for the pain and reconciliation is very important both for the dying patient and for the family left behind. to reduce and for wisdom on what to do. I asked Dad what we should do and which improved significantly after visits he medication available for many issues and hospital he wanted to go to. He asked me enjoyed, especially visits filled with plenty of we can make the patient as comfortable to decide. So I called SPCU and consulted singing, dancing and laughter. Our weekly and as happy as possible even though he with the doctor. I expressed my concern yummy and delicious family dinners were is dying. The tagline “Die with Dignity” about his pain especially if he had to wait a very happy times. We learned some new became real for me for the first time. long time for treatment and pain relief. I was songs as both Dad and mum sang their nd assured I could wheel Dad straight in for favourite songs solo. Family members and On 22 August 2020, upon hearing Dad’s treatment. The doctor also taught us to friends celebrated Dad's birthday several raspy breathing, we called the emergency administer the first dosage of a stronger times. Dad was like a little boy at his first hospice careline. We were taught how to painkiller at home and to bring more birthday party – totally enthralled with the help Dad. His breathing improved so much medication along. I also texted my church décor of balloons and lights, fiesta and fun. that we sang 9 songs together and Dad to pray. actually stretched out his hands wide to The hospice nurse Bazilah visited regularly. conduct one song! The robust song session At SPCU, Dr Loke was there, ready to There were clear signs that the disease was just 3 hours before Dad slipped away assist Dad and treat him immediately. She was progressing. There were 2 weekends peacefully with the whole family at his made him comfortable. How thankful we when Dad had unexpected pain episodes. I bedside.  were that Dad had no fractures or broken called the emergency hospice line and they bones. Dad was full of praises for the taught me clearly over the phone exactly doctors who had treated him so promptly. A how to relieve Dad. Towards the end, we few days later, I sent flowers, fruits, and a were concerned that Dad would have TQ letter to SPCU for their outstanding another pain episode when he could no prompt care of dad. longer swallow the liquid painkiller. The hospice nurse fitted Dad with a patch to Laughter is very good medicine even administer the painkiller and Dad was also during this terminal journey! I noted that fitted out with a port so we could inject Dad's blood pressure and heartbeat medication in the event he could no longer intake medication orally.

I am truly grateful for the support of the SPCU. On the days I didn’t call them, the doctors would try to contact me to check if Dad was okay and that we were medically prepared for weekends. Dad had different issues from time to time for example, not being able to read, hard stools, Thanking the hospice nurse and staff for their hallucinations etc. I found out there was dedicated care throughout Dad's last lap Singing, dancing and joy are great medicine! Dad's blood pressure and other readings For more details, please visit the blog post. improved drastically when we celebrated https://musingsdebbie.blogspot.com/2020/10/medical-support-for-last-lap.html together with him. 23 IN STEP 2020 • VOL 32 • ISSUES 3 & 4

n Exodus 31 we read how the Lord the Lord who brings forth the In chose Bezalel and Oholiab to make deliverance (Prov.21:31). Unless the Lord builds the house, the labourer Partnership Ithe sacred tent and its furnishings. The Lord fills them with His Spirit, labours in vain... (Ps.127:1). It is God anoints them with wisdom and gave who begins the good work in us and them skills, ability and knowledge to He will bring it to completion (Phil.1:6). make everything as He has commanded Moses. Retirement in many ways is a short pause in life for us to reflect on the The Lord is the Architect who designs years gone by and to refocus on the the sacred tent, He also gives Moses remaining years ahead. Like most the specifications to build the sacred people, I was longing for days where I tent. The Lord instructs Moses to could just be free and just do nothing! gather from the people all the materials In my waiting upon God I realised that I that are needed to build the sacred am wired quite differently and that God tent. To crown it all, the Lord even has already placed His call upon my appoints two master craftsmen and life – to be a teacher. The plan was fills them with His Spirit, anoints them clear and the landscape was set. God with wisdom and enables them with was giving me another chance but this skills, abilities and knowledge to time, He was allowing me to hold the masterfully craft the sacred tent. steering wheel. For more than 36 years I had to play second fiddle and it As I retired and waited on the Lord for was frustrating most of the time as I His leading and directions for my new had so much passion, convictions and phase in life, I was made conscious of drive to improve the school but could this reality and truth – that God is to be not as I could not call the shots. This in absolute control over my life. He is time around it will be different as I am the Architect and He knows what is given the opportunity to set my own best for me in my new season in life. goals, dream my own dreams and As I spent hours each day waiting on build the campus the way He has Him and hearing from His Word, I architectured it for me. I just need to be began to realise how much I needed to yielded and obediently follow His learn to be yielded to Him and His plans. Plans for me. One season has gone Beginning Afresh and now dawns a new season which is This is better than retirement per se. I a second chance for me to get to enjoy what I have always know and do His Will. Many longed to do; to be free to do verses came to mind during what God is laying on my these days when I waited heart for the school and He after Ending Officially on Him. We can prepare is blessing and blessing me by the horse for battle but it is all the way!  Cheli Tamilselvam

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