Private Circulation Only

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DIOCESE OF WEST KDN : PP11463/05/2013 (032185) APRIL 2019 Diocesan Theme for 2019 Bringing In The Sheaves

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Coming Events Contents Cover Design • Diocesan Clergy, Deaconesses and family Editorial...... 2 Private Circulation Only retreat at Gambang - 25-27 March 2019 Archbishop’s Message...... 3 Launch of 2019 Diocesan Theme...... 4 • Anglican Care AGM - 5-7 April 2019 MESSENGER Collation and Installation Service...... 5 DIOCESE OF WEST MALAYSIA KDN : PP11463/05/2013 (032185) APRIL 2019 • Good Friday - 19 April 2019 SEA Provincial Gathering 2019...... 6-8 • Easter - 21 April 2019 Diocesan Youth Camp...... 9 CE - Now in BM & Mandarin...... 10 -11 • Cozy Home AGM - 27 April 2019 Diocesan Spiritual Formation...... 12 • Chinese Board AGM - 1 May 2019 Agape Mission School...... 13-15 Diocesan Prayer Gathering...... 16 • 200th Anniversary of St George’s Penang AIM Seminar...... 17 - 11 May 2019 St Chad’s Volunteer...... 18-19 • Tamil Board AGM - 20 May 2019

• Thy Kingdom Come Ascension to Pentecost - 30 May-9 June 2019 Editorial Board • Pentecost - 9 June 2019 Adviser : The world is full of the sheaves of the Lord’s The Most Revd Datuk wheat. How good a job have we done and are doing in fulfilling the Great Commission and • DWC AGM in Cameron Highlands - 21-23 Members : bringing in the harvest? How much of that June 2019 Esther Richards (Editor) harvest is still out there rotting in the streets? James Chee Prakash Mukherjee The church is in the business of saving souls. Benjamin Ong Are the Anglican churches doing enough to The Synod of The Diocese of West The Editorial Board welcomes articles and attract more souls to join it? Are individuals in Malaysia (Anglican Church) photographs that focus on the theme. Please their congregations challenged on a regular 214, Jalan , submit articles in Word document and relevant basis to declare the salvation of the Lord to all 53000 , Malaysia. photographs in JPEG format of about 1 MB in the world? Remember it was the lay people Tel: 03-4024 3213 / 03-4025 3213 each by 30 June 2019 to: preaching the Word wherever they went that Email: [email protected] brought about the rapid expansion of the The Editor, Christian faith and the transformation of the then Anglican Messenger, 2 KDN : PP11463/05/2013 (032185) known pagan world. e-mail to [email protected] Bringing In The Sheaves

by The Most Revd Datuk Ng Moon Hing Archbishop and Primate of the Province of the Anglican Church in South East Asia and Bishop of the Diocese of West Malaysia

his is the ninth year of our Board, which oversees all our Diocesan Theme for the mission schools, manages TDecade of Mission and a scholarship grant for Networking – Mission Challenge: Anglicans who wish to study in One In Christ (2011 – 2020). the field of Education or related The theme for this year 2019 is courses in tertiary colleges. Bringing In the Sheaves. It is time This is to encourage more for us to bring in the fruit and start Christian church members counting the blessings and giving to become teachers or enter thanks to God while not stopping the teaching profession in our in our daily work and ministry. nation. The Diocesan Boards We have been Sowing, Nurturing, and Committees are playing Planting, Guarding, Tending, their part in equipping and Extending, Harvesting and so ministering to the people. on over the last eight years. We For example, the Diocesan thank God for the blessings and Golden Circle reaches out to challenges in church planting, senior citizens, the Diocesan mission, evangelism, relief work, Women’s Committee to the training, teaching and equipping. women and so on. The Diocese has certainly seen much growth over the past 30 Many churches have been years, especially over the last 10 planted over the years. Some years. Archbishop Ng Moon Hing have become Missionary Districts while others have In 1985 the Diocese had about 45 The Lay Readers and Lay Pastors become Parishes. Many churches have churches and less than 30 Priests and Schools have certainly improved and started new language services. Since Parish Assistants. In 2015, we grew brought in a significant number from the 1995, when the BM and Iban services/ to 155 churches with 125 Priests and ‘frozen’ laity to serve in the church. The churches were officially recognised as a Deaconesses and 16 Evangelists. Anglican Institute of Ministry has further part of the Diocese, there are now many Within the 155 churches, there are 255 assisted many in the trail to ordained BM/Iban churches. We have a BM/Iban congregations of various languages. ministry as well as in the deepening of church in all the States of West Malaysia Much of the growth was experienced their knowledge and understanding of while we have yet to see English, Chinese between 1995 and 2015. While on the the Bible, God and theology. Anglican and Tamil speaking churches in all the one hand we are quite happy with the Care, the diocesan body for all social States. One of the aims of the division of increase, on the other hand, there is the and welfare ministries of the churches, dioceses into three is to decentralise for challenge to keep up the pace and make has encouraged many parishioners to Mission. It is our desire to spur growth so sure we harvest the fruits and not allow serve in the arena of caring ministries. that we can bring in more sheaves into them to fall off. There was a season in our Today, Anglican Care has a membership the Kingdom of God i.e. more ministries, history when we could identify with this of 18 Caring Ministries. The Relief workers, members and resources for the fact in our churches – “the people came Emergency And Crisis Help (R.E.A.C.H.) glory of God. in from the front door but left through has reached a stage where it can now the back door.” During those years we operate independently in relief and crisis Let us work together and bring in the prayed and worked very hard to retain work within Malaysia and beyond. The sheaves for His Glory and Honour. the people in the church. Every measure last three places of relief ministries were AM was employed. We praise God that we in Malaysia, Palu in Sulawesi managed to retain some and brought in and Dhading in Nepal. The Diocese, others. through the Anglican Mission School 3 Launch of the 2019 Diocesan Theme by Chan Aik Lian

of gratitude for His goodness The launch also included a short video and for answered prayers. clip in which the Archbishop briefly For us then, what can we offer shared some key pointers with us: God in 2019? The Archbishop pointed out that this must surely • Growing the People: Through church be OUR OWN HEARTS. The planting and evangelism. God who owns all of creation • Building the People: Through does not have our hearts until intentional discipleship. and unless we surrender them to Him. Colossians 3:12-17 calls us • Sending the People: Into mission, as God’s chosen people to have and into ‘care and concern’ hearts that are transformed and ministries. aligned to His Word, turning us from the ways of the world.

The Archbishop reminded us that our churches are losing their young people to the world. We need to be dedicated like Hannah and Mary and bring our young children to God.

he 2019 Diocesan Theme ‘Bringing In conclusion, the Archbishop stressed In The Sheaves’ was launched that in line with the 2019 Diocesan Theme Tby Archbishop Ng Moon Hing at ‘Bringing In The Sheaves’: Evensong on 30 December 2018 at St Mary’s Cathedral, Kuala Lumpur. It was • The most important thing we can attended by over 160 people. offer to God is our heart; • We are to give our best and our In his message, the Archbishop young to God; challenged the congregation with the Also as part of the launch, a big wooden examples of Hannah in 1 Samuel 2:18-20 • We are to do it NOW lest the cross was set up in front of the church, to and 26, and Mary in Luke 2:41-52. Each pressures of the world deter us from which were attached the 2019 Diocesan gave her own precious child to God, out doing so. Theme bookmarks for the congregation to take for themselves. A fellowship dinner followed the launch.

The 2019 Diocesan Theme may seem a formidable task in the light of our own human limitations and weaknesses. May this cause us to be constantly reminded of the need to draw strength and guidance from God Himself and of the need to work together in unity. May 2019 be a year of the Diocese bearing forth long-lasting fruits to the glory of God. AM

Tan Aik Lian is an administrative staff in Kuala Lumpur and attends the evening service at St 4 Mary’s Cathedral. Video presentation on growth in the Diocese Collation and Installation Service by Andrew Woodliffe

Revd Dato Dr Yeoh Beng, The Ven Stephen Chan Mung Koon and Revd Canon Jacob George John

n Sunday 3rd March, St Mary’s godly and faithful leaders is essential Cathedral hosted a special for the growth and maturity of the Odiocesan service - the collation church. We pray for those licensed and installation of Revd Canon Jacob that they might exemplify holiness in George John as Archdeacon, the life and truth in teaching:- licensing of the Ven Stephen Chan Mung Koon as Archdeacon for the ‘Our loving Heavenly Father, who has Middle Central Archdeaconry and the given to the church the gift of ministers licensing of Revd Dato Dr Yeoh Beng through Your ascended Son, we pray San as Canon Emeritus. that You would bestow upon each of them the healthful Spirit of Your grace, The service was conducted in the that they would truly please You, and presence of the Archbishop The especially, that they might teach and Most Revd Datuk Ng Moon Hing rule in accordance with Your Word so who preached from Luke 9 on the that Your church will be built up. Grant transfiguration of our Lord. The this, O Lord, for the honour of our Archbishop reminded us that some Advocate and Mediator, Jesus Christ. would depart from the faith due to Amen. AM disappointment and disillusionment and that this should be cause for much marriage and children. It was a sombre lamenting. His Grace highlighted reminder of the importance of proclaiming Andrew Woodliffe is a Pastoral Assistant at St examples from his own ministry, where the promises of God alone, lest any are led Mary’s Cathedral. He is married to Michelle, some had renounced their faith because astray by our proclamation of additional and together they have a baby girl, Isla. Prior they had entertained false expectations promises (or, as the Bishop put it, “plus to pastoral ministry, he studied engineering from God in the area of wealth, health, plus.”) For this reason, the appointment of and taught mathematics. 5 ‘Oneness in the Body’ Anglican SEA Provincial Gathering 2019 Lake Toba, Indonesia (18 – 21 February) by A. Annamaney

“I’m 71 years old and I made it!” yelled Nancy Teoh jubilantly from the tree- tops, when she completed her leg of the Obstacle Race. That summarised the excited and happy mood of the participants at the Provincial Gathering of the Anglican Church in South East Asia. Different ages, languages, ethnic groups and different dioceses, all bonded together as one.

As Archbishop Ng Moon Hing said, “This once-in-four years Provincial Gathering is a fantastic occasion for members of our Province to meet and share with one Participants from the Anglican Diocese of West Malaysia another for encouragement, bonding, joint projects and mission of the Lord.” gathering. From West Malaysia there Anglikan Indonesia (a Deanery of the were 63 participants - 18 clergy, 4 Diocese of ). There was in all a total of 270 participants deaconesses and 41 lay persons. from the four Anglican Dioceses – the The four-day programme was a good mix Diocese of , the Diocese of The gathering was well-organised by of physical, social and spiritual activities. , the Diocese of Singapore and Revd Dr Timothy Chong and the helpful The venue was Niagara Hotel, nearly our Diocese of West Malaysia that ‘Men in Black’ (T-shirts) who were 3,000ft above sea-level, overlooking the 6 participated at this year‘s provincial members of the clergy of the Gereja beautiful Lake Toba in Indonesia. The a Durian Eating competition too, but in the end this was done away with and everyone thoroughly enjoyed eating the 700 durians laid out for us! It took us two days to finish eating the durians.

Thanks to our hard-working Sports Coordinator, Revd Matthew Chay, who organised us, we had four enthusiastic teams for the games. These games were held concurrently in different venues within the compound.

The Obstacle Race was run in the part of the compound for the Outward Bound Course. Even Archbishop Moon Hing The Men-in-Black took part in Basketball. Though we tried very hard, and had lots of fun, we did not weather was cool and thankfully, dry, Anglican PSEA Inter-Diocesan win! while we were there. The only setback Challenge Trophy was that the six storey hotel did not have a lift! Several of us had rooms on the 6th floor and we had to trudge down daily to the ground floor for our sessions. Meals were on the 5th floor, so everyone had to either walk up or down! As each day passed, we congratulated ourselves on succeeding in mastering the steps without collapsing!

The days were filled with ice-breakers and activities of various kinds including the presentation of hand crafted stoles to the clergy. It is impossible to list down and describe all the activities that were carried out but here are a few to tempt you to attend the next gathering in four years time. The Obstacle Race

One afternoon was devoted to sports for the Anglican Province of South-East Asia Inter- Diocesan Challenge Trophy. Each Diocese formed teams for the Obstacle Race, Minute to Win, mixed team Captain Ball and Basket Ball. There Diocese of Sabah representative receiving the was supposed to be Challenge Trophy from Archbishop Ng The stoles to be presented to the clergy 7 The Challenge Trophy finally went to the Taking us through the book of Haggai, compromise. God’s Word for the Defiled Diocese of Sabah! Although no runner- Revd Yeo shared with us God’s Word for – Look Inside. For the Destined (Chosen), ups were named, we do know that for the Drifted, the Discouraged, the Defiled we are to look beyond our circumstances the Obstacle Race, our team was first, and the Destined. For the Drifted, it was and concerns. Look Beyond – we are completing the race in 37 seconds! a reminder that we are living in the end part of God’s greater plan. Sadly, the basketball match was called times and the Church must not be caught off due to an injury on the court. sleeping. Look Out, lest we drift away. In the last session, there was a service of Discouragement is Satan’s favourite tool re-dedication where we were challenged Social /Fellowship in his toolbox. We are reminded that God to lead and serve the Lord as God’s “chosen, royal, holy people of God” (1 Peter 2: 9-10). As the Holy Spirit moved among us, the people moved forward to be prayed for by Bishops and senior clergy.

Truly, there in Lake Toba, in an invaluable experience, God brought us There were plenty of opportunities to is faithful and Jesus ultimately wins and together and drew us to be One in Him. meet and fellowship with members from is victorious, so Look Up and press on. AM our own and other dioceses. For our For the Defiled - don’t trivalize sin! Never welcome dinner, which was a poolside B-B-Q, we were allocated seats with members of other Dioceses. This gave us a chance to renew old friendships and make new friends. The hotel was fully booked for the gathering, so everywhere we looked, there were friends or potential friends. A cruise on Lake Toba and a tour of Samosir Island was organized on another afternoon. Samosir Island is believed to be the original home of the Batak tribe. Besides sight-seeing, there was also time for souvenir shopping on the island.

Spiritual

But most important of all were the spiritual The re-dedication service sessions held in the mornings and nights. The principal speaker was Revd Tony trivalize what Christ has done for us on A Annamaney is the Chairperson of Anglican Yeo, the Senior Pastor of Covenant the cross. Lessons to learn – learn to Care and the East Asia Faciliator for the Evangelical Free Church, Singapore. disagree, learn to disapprove and never Anglican Alliance. 8 66th Diocesan English Youth Camp

he Diocesan Youth Council should use whatever gift you have received During Fun and Games we had to go organised its 66th Diocesan to serve others, as faithful stewards of around and play as a group to earn points TEnglish Youth Camp (DEYC) from 7 God’s grace in its various forms.’ Tony and my teammates were really helpful. – 10 December 2018 in Chefoo Methodist showed us that we all have different gifts On Fun Night, I had a great time because Centre in Cameron Highlands, Pahang. and we need to use them to serve others, I helped my team to sketch out a skit The theme of the camp was ‘Saved to as faithful stewards of Christ, especially and it turned out well and we had lots of Serve’ and Tony Thavasilan was our through different ministries besides the fun doing it together. Not forgetting the speaker. youth fellowship. Some of the ministries game when all of us had to lose one of we were introduced to were prayer, music, our body parts (I was blind). It was really Valerie write, “ Saved To Serve’ taught me ushering, audio visual, administration, a life-changing game because it made that the reason I am living as a Christian and social work.” me realise how blessed I am being fully is not because of my parents or race but sighted. because of me admitting that I am sinner Rohan continues, “I learnt that God gives who believes in the saving power of the us at least one gift and we must use that In a nutshell, this was definitely one of blood of Christ and confessing that Jesus gift to glorify and serve him. As for me, the greatest camps I have ever attended. is my Saviour. As Christians the gospel I serve the Lord in the music ministry What was important were the fondest should impact every action of our life so by playing the piano in church. The memories I had during the camp and we can live a healthy Christian life.” facilitators gave us a practical session friends whom I will cherish for a lifetime. where we got a chance to try out all of When I got home, my parents were Hannah chimes in: “To summarise all the ministries that we were taught. It was curious to know if I had had a good time. the sessions, I learnt that the moment a blessing to all of us that we had this The only words that came to mind were we miss the gospel, we miss the heart workshop. ‘Can I go again next year?’” of service. To avoid that, I have to hear the Gospel  Admit I am a sinner and We also had fun playing outdoor and Join us at this year’s camp from 6 to 9 need help, Believe in the blood of Jesus, indoor games prepared by the facilitators. December 2019 at Refreshing Springs Confess that Jesus is my Personal In these games, we learnt hard work, team- Resort, Kalumpang, Hulu . AM Saviour  New Heart (Holy Spirit in us building skills, friendship, leadership, and  New identity( Deny ourselves, Elevate teamwork. It was also good for us to have This article was written with contributions Christ, Bear Fruit)  Serve (Fruit, Gift, energetic games by running from one from Hannah Cassandra of St Barnabas Holy Spirit )  Share the Gospel.” station to another.” Church, Klang; Rohan Roy of All Souls Church, Cameron Highlands; Alvin A/L Sandiyavoo of St Mark’s Church, Seremban; Alvin adds “Using the theme verse for Hannah concludes, “This camp helped and Valerie Jesumoney of St Katherine’s the camp from 1 Peter 4:10 ‘Each of you me realise how important teamwork is. Church, Kajang. 9 ‘Christianity Explored’ Now Available in BM & Mandarin By Alexis See Tho Twenty years ago at All Souls Church

At All Souls Church, Langham Place in London about twenty years ago, CE materials were developed by Rico Tice and team under the ministry of John Stott and Richard Bewes because of a deep conviction that the best way for people to learn about Jesus is through reading the Bible. Tice said on the ministry’s website that his heart’s longing is that every member of the church family, from a 13-year-old to an 87 year-old, will feel that they can open up Mark’s Gospel with a neighbour and be able to share about Jesus. Launch of the Bahasa Malaysia and Mandarin translations on ‘Christianity Explored’. For Revd Iben Arang, priest of the Iban congregation at St. Mary’s Cathedral, “Let us see that we keep God before our week, participants begin with a Bible study CE has been about reaching people in eyes; that we walk in His ways and seek on a portion of the book of Mark, followed their native language. “It all started when to please and glorify Him in everything by a 20-minute video presentation on the we saw the English congregation do great and small. Depend upon it, God’s week’s topic, and a discussion on the it, and it seemed to be very successful. work, done in God’s way, will never lack implications of the passage. We thought ‘Why don’t we translate it God’s supplies.” - James Hudson Taylor, into Bahasa Malaysia?’” he said. His missionary to . The Bahasa Malaysia and Mandarin congregation had been using topical translations of CE materials (participant bible study materials in their cell group A St Mary’s Cathedral and Christianity handbook, leader’s guide and videos) and found it unsystematic and difficult Explored Ministries (UK) collaboration were undertaken by members of the for non-believers to understand. “For to help more people in Asia meet Jesus BM and Mandarin congregations of St non-believers [who] come to the cell, the in the pages of scripture came to fruition Mary’s Cathedral. Video dubbing for the material is too hard for them, like talking on 3 November 2018 when two new BM translation was by Raydwin Robin, a about the Holy Spirit, or the doctrine of translations of the seven week evangelism news anchor at RTM 1, and dubbing for God. But I think CE is just nice, starting course, Christianity Explored (CE) was Mandarin translation was by Matthew from the Good News [and] who Jesus is,” launched. Goh. The project took almost a year. Arang said.

“We exist to serve and support churches “The purpose of the translation project Last year, Revd Andy Ng, priest in their outreach ministries,” said Ian is to make CE materials available in of St Mary’s Cathedral’s Mandarin Roberts, chief executive of London-based non-English versions and at a cost- congregation, similarly felt a need for a Christianity Explored Ministries at the effective price,” said Lee Sue Yee, project more systematic course for evangelism launch. The event was also a day-long director and executive producer of both efforts. But above all, it was the course’s training to help participants understand translation projects. “This will allow utter allegiance to the truth in the gospel the design of the evangelism course churches to purchase and use them in and discussion questions that do not and how bible study leaders and pastors their evangelism efforts in the long run.” shy away from topics of sin and God’s can use the materials in their outreach Christianity Explored Ministries’ formal judgement that won him over. efforts. partnership with St Mary’s Cathedral also means that the church is a licensed “We’re always thinking of how to make The course explores three fundamental translator, producer and distributor of evangelism better, but we were not questions about Christianity – Who is CE materials for local use. Videos of the focused on one tool,” he said. But when Jesus, Why did He come? and What is course are sold online through Christianity he saw the latest edition of CE, he felt our response. The whole course is an Explored Ministries’ publisher in the UK, that the content was easily digestible by 10 exposition of Mark’s gospel, where each the Good Book Company. a non-Christian crowd. “When I saw it, He said: The fears to speak into the world into every age, that we have that and stage and generation. There’s a stops us from confidence [that] when we’re pointing sharing the gospel, people to the Word of God, it’s going to are actually small be relevant,” said Dyer. “We’ve been compared to the thrilled to see how culturally adaptable scale of the problem the material is, and I think the reason for - spiritual blindness. that is that it’s just an exposition of Mark’s So it’s not… Gospel.” evangelism difficult because I find it Christianity Explored materials are used in difficult, it’s difficult more than 110 countries around the world because people and have about 60 translations. “One of Craig Dyer sharing with the participants can’t see what you’re the things [Jesus] said in Mark 13:31 is talking about. The ‘heaven and earth will pass away but my I loved it [but] there wasn’t a Mandarin way we encourage people, is to tackle Word will not pass away.’ There will never version, so I decided to do it,” he said. that massive problem [that] dwarves all be a day that dawns that what He has to of our small problems and then show the say has lost its relevance,’” Dyer said. Fears in sharing the gospel wonder of what God is able to do as His people, as jars of clay with the treasure in “For me, the highlight was when the “What makes sharing the gospel them, speak of Christ. pastors and leaders came forward and challenging?” asked Craig Dyer, prayed together during the conference, Training Director of Christianity Explored “I’ve never attended a CE session” giving thanks to God for the completion Ministries, to a room of 150 participants of the new translations and committing from 55 churches at the training and Two participants at the launch were Brian the resources to Him to be used for His launch day. King and Sharon Ling from BEM Kuching glory,” said Lee, executive producer of the Evangelical Church, and their trial-run of translations. “It was important, because it Fear of rejection and fear of being exposed CE materials last year without any prior witnessed to the fact that this was by no as incompetent are two top reasons exposure to the course is a testament to means a showcase project for anyone’s that Dyer hears whenever he asks the the simplicity of the handbooks. personal glory, but a resource that came question. And there’s a universal nature about thanks to the gifting and efforts of to the answers – he hears them coming “I’ve never attended a CE session, never many individuals, only to be shared with from Christians whether in his home city used it before, never heard of it before,” the rest of the body of Christ, so that in the Glasgow, Uganda or Malaysia. said Ling, who volunteered to do a pilot- end, the gospel is preached and everyone run of CE’s youth version, Soul’d, in her who personally encounter Christ Jesus “It’s self-preservation,” he concluded, home group last year. “But I was struck by through CE will receive the gift of salvation a disposition that doesn’t want to be how clear and simple it is.” and God alone will be glorified.” AM ashamed, whether fearing rejection from friends, family or co-workers, and fear of King, pastor of the Kuching church, looking like a fool for not knowing answers said that when he joined the church, evangelism “had taken a backseat” to questions from skeptical friends. This If you are interested in running a CE course all makes ‘sharing the gospel’ a venture among some of its members. His desire in your church or purchasing CE materials, taken with great care to avoid shame. is simply that the church will be excited contact St Mary’s Cathedral for further again about reaching out to people and details. CE materials will be available at But Christians need to look beyond the to be sure of the message of the gospel. Evangel Bookstore. To find out more, visit smaller issues coming from within and “I wanted the church to have renewed https://www.christianityexplored.org or write understand the larger problem – that confidence in [the] Scriptures,” he said. to [email protected] “the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them If lacking training in CE materials has Alexis is an Associate Editor of a Financial from seeing the light of the gospel of the proven to be a non-issue, what about its Management Magazine. She is a member of glory of Christ,” said Dyer, quoting from 2 adaptability to Malaysia’s culture? “The the Mandarin congregation which meets on Corinthians 4:4. genius of the work of the Holy Spirit is Saturdays at St Mary’s Cathedral. 11 Diocesan Spiritual Formation by Raji Jacob

that serve You; grant us so to know You that we may truly love You, and so to love You that we may fully serve You, whom to serve is perfect freedom, in Jesus Christ our Lord.’

Rathi had this to say: Praise the Lord! Completed Spiritual Formation at Wellspring Retreat House at Rawang. Everyone should go for this retreat to equip herself to spend time Revd David Cox and the participants with their certificates with God. We thank Revd L to R Raji Jacob, Florence Low, Agnes Christian, Revd David Cox, Angline Tee, David Cox who guided Deaconess Ding Siew Lan and A Annam and taught us on how to spend our quiet time with ‘As we rejoice in the gift of this new day, to have a deeper, closer and intimate God. Spiritual Formation helped me to so may the light of Your presence, O God, walk with God, so when I heard that the sharpen my attentiveness to God. set our hearts on fire with love for You, Diocese was conducting a four session now and forever’ …….. words from our course programme, I decided to sign up. From Florence Low: A very resourceful daily Morning Prayer at Wellspring, our and thought provoking way to learn to Diocesan Retreat House in Rawang. Each session lasted for three days with quieten down before God and to learn to morning, evening, and night prayer. Our meditate upon His word and pray, finally ‘After a few busy weeks of travel and Spiritual Director, Revd David Cox taught to execute it. This programme is in fact work, it was good to get away for a few on people of the bible who had a close a spiritual disciplined journey. It gave us days to complete the Spiritual Formation and intimate walk with God. We then an opportunity to run away from our busy Programme. The daily rhythm of prayer, spent silent time with the Lord meditating schedule for a few days to: quietness and fellowship was much and contemplating on the truths we had needed. We thank God for Revd David learnt and how we could apply them to our 1. be quiet before God, to learn to be Cox who led us in the past year in a time lives. An activity we participated in was a aware of His presence and to listen of reflection and learning. I will definitely Prayer Walk around the taman meditating when He speaks. miss the fellowship of my group as we on God’s goodness and providence to have finished our one year programme. us. On our last day, we saw a tree laden 2. study Bible characters like Abraham, We started in December 2017 and with ripe, red water-jambu and decided to Moses and David. completed in October 2018. We are harvest the fruit for our desert. That was also thankful to the Diocesan Women’s a fruitful walk. 3. learn how we can read, pause, Conference that subsidised half the cost digest and enjoy reading Bible of our programme.’ - This is what A. Below are reflections from members of passages Annam had to say of the Retreat. the group: 4. have a better understanding on how The aim of the Spiritual Formation Angline Tee felt the Lord spoke to her to observe the Lord’s Day programme is to intentionally enter into through the prayer of St. Augustine of a deeper, more intimate relationship with Hippo: Agnes Christian said, “I praise God God through spiritual disciplines. Spiritual that I took the challenge to attend this Formation is not emptying ourselves but ‘Eternal God, who is the light of the minds course. I had no idea what to expect. I filling ourselves with the Word of God to that know You, the joy of the hearts that had not attended a silent retreat before. be in His likeness. I have always desired love You, and the strength of the wills 12 • cont’d on page 15 More than just a refugee school: St Mary’s Agape Mission School by Marianne Liaw

pace, the staff of Agape engage with the families of the students too, often providing basic necessities such as cooking oil, rice and formula milk powder to their families. The Christ-like love and care shown by the staff and volunteers of Agape school have left a deep impact on the students in the school.

“I love coming to school, I love learning,” Janice, a spunky 10-year-old student piped up when asked how she felt about Agape School Group Agape school.

arianne Liaw, a member of St Agape school for nearly two years. But Another student, Jacob (15 years old) who Mary’s Anglican Cathedral, KL Agape is much more than just a centre has been attending Agape for two years Mand a youth ministry worker with for educating the Chin refugee and said that being in the school, as well as Scripture Union Semenanjung Malaysia asylum seeker community, many of them being in Malaysia has made him wiser had the privilege of meeting and speaking coming from underprivileged homes. and has opened his eyes to things he had with the staff, volunteers and students of St “We used to get students from far away never known before. He has been able to Mary’s Agape Mission School. The school (a good distance away from the school), experience things he never imagined he has been under the care of St Mary’s whose parents wanted their children to would have experienced when he was Cathedral for the past six years, and have a good foundation in the faith,” back in his homeland, the Chin state in comprises mainly students from the Chin explained Dr Mei Tan, the Director of Myanmar. community, who are refugees or asylum Operations and Administration who has seekers in Malaysia. The Chins have fled been overseeing the running of Agape Nau Nem, a quiet and thoughtful 14-year- their homeland in Myanmar because of for the past six years. old has also benefited much from being a ethnic and religious persecution and have student of the school. In fact, she takes sought refuge in Malaysia. The school currently has 62 students, part in the Lametna project (Lametna with a significant number whose parents means “Hope” in the Chin language). 1. Much more than just a refugee cannot afford their school fees. Dr Mei school and Sian Lek both explained to me that Agape school started the Lametna project the school does not turn students away, with the aim of helping mothers of the “I want them to know Jesus, because life even those who do not have the financial students to earn extra income by making is uncertain. Every morning, I can teach capacity to pay the monthly school fees. beautiful crocheted handicrafts for sale. the children how to be safe in Christ. I’m Instead, efforts are made to go the In fact, Dr Mei Tan explained that the so happy to be able to do so.” These were extra mile in raising funds or looking for demand for these crocheted handicrafts Sian Lek’s words when I asked her what sponsors for these students so that they is very high, and mothers (and students) her greatest joy as the principal of Agape can continue to attend school. who are part of the project are able to school was. Having lived in Malaysia for earn extra income to help support their seven years as a Chin asylum seeker, Aside from running the ACE program families. Sian Lek has served as a teacher with which helps students learn at their own 13 • cont’d on page 14 • cont’d from page 13 St Mary’s Agape Mission School

The school has also begun teaching life in Malaysia with threats of physical harm reports by other international bodies, skills to the students, equipping them with and injury if they did not comply. citing documented cases of military basic computer and book-keeping skills violence, forced labour, poverty and ethnic which will come in handy for the students The safety of being a citizen of this land, and religious persecution. (See report by when they go out to look for work in the the ability to work legally and further Chin Human Rights Organization: http:// future. one’s education are gifts in life that we www.chro.ca/images/CHRO_Stable-and- Malaysians often take for granted. But Secure-report-2018.pdf ) However, this 2. Hope amidst hardships they are the very things that the Chin decision has had a vast and devastating community really crave for when living impact on the 30,000 strong Chin Life as a Chin refugee or asylum seeker as aliens in this country. However, Agape community in Malaysia. Many were driven in Malaysia is hard. This sad and painful school strives to continue offering the into depression and felt a great sense of truth is expressed repeatedly in one way chance for education and support to the hopelessness. by all who were spoken to at the school. students and families whom God brings The Chin students and teachers of Agape their way. At that point of time, when asked what the live in constant fear of being arrested, plan was for this school in the light of this detained and deported back to their 3. Tragedy turns to joy decision, Dr Mei Tan said that the school home land. They face harassment from staff and volunteer team, together with corrupt people who demand that they pay On 13 June 2018, last year, things took the school board comprising members of bribes in order to avoid being arrested. a turn for the worse when UNHCR the Cathedral are committed to continue When Janice was asked what Malaysians announced that it would completely running for the sake of the students and could do to help the Chin community, she cease giving protection to the Chin their families until the very last day that innocently and candidly replied, “Don’t community on the grounds that the Chin they are permitted to by the laws of the catch us.” She was referring to incidents state is now safe and stable to return to. land. of arrest by local authorities. (See news link: https://www.thestar.com. my/news/nation/2018/06/29/unhcr-chin- However, by God grace what was “I hope that people will stop taking money refugees-no-longer-need-un-protection- foreseen to be an impending tragedy has from us (by force),” another student as-myanmars-chin-state-now-stable/. turn into joy! UNHCR recently announced commented, referring to instances where See also R.AGE The Star’s Documentary, that it has reviewed its cessation decision they were extorted for money by petty “Refugees No More” - https://www.rage. and based on new official reports of criminals who took advantage of their lack com.my/refugeesnomore-chin/) This increasing instability in the Chin state, of status as refugees and asylum seekers claim has been refuted by various official will now maintain giving refuge protection to the Chin community worldwide. (see newslink: https://www.unhcr.org/news/ press/2019/35c8a31984/unhcr-says- ethnic-chin-refugees-required-continued- international-protection.html

All who are apart of Agape school rejoice and thank God for His grace in answering the prayer of His peoples. “Now, we will continue to move forward with our aim of providing competitive christian education for the students in our school,” Dr Mei Said.

4. How can we help? When the question of how Malaysian Christians could be of help and support to refugee schools like Agape and to the wider Chin community was raised, these helpful requests and suggestions were Sian Lek, principal of St Mary’s Agape School with students and Marianne 14 put forward: • cont’d from page 12 Diocesan Spiritual Formation

Pray: Thank God for UNHCR What I learnt made me think deeper reversing its cessation decision. about myself, my relationship with God Pray that the safety and welfare of and what God is saying to me. It was a the Chin community in Malaysia very personal walk with God, exploring will contiue to be upheld and my inner being and opening my mind safeguarded. Pray also that the and heart to understand the heart of my Chin will hold fast to their faith in beloved God. Christ. Deaconess Ding Siew Lan says, “The Volunteer: If you have a certain Spiritual Formation Programme has skill that may be of use and helped me to experience Abba Father in benefit to the Chin community, a unique way! The prayer of St. Francis volunteer yourself at any Chin of Assisi, ‘Lord, make me an instrument community school or centre of your peace’ reminded me to be and express your availability to God’s channel of blessings to sow love, provide training. faith, joy, pardon and light to those in darkness. The programme is scheduled Support: If you can afford to in a way where I can commune with donate basic necessy items God in quietness, solely spending time such as food (i.e. cooking oil, focusing on Him in daily prayer (morning, rice, baby milk powder) to a Chin evening, night), personal quiet time, community school like Agape meditating on the bible characters and or a community centre, please prayer walk around the garden. To me do so. This will help ease the Students packing up after school SFP is a holistic experience because financial burden of the Chin spiritually the experience of first love to community and allow them to God is being renewed, recharged and save and prepare for the uncertain (and family. This then means that the Chins refreshed. in all appearances, bleak) future that who profess faith in Christ are our brothers they will be facing. If you can sponsor an and sisters in Christ as well. A special thanks to Revd David Cox for underprivileged Chin student whose family his teaching and guiding us to become cannot afford to send him to school, that When speaking of the students in Agape, ‘a person after God’s own heart.’ Thanks would be a great blessing too. For schools Dr Mei Tan said, “These students are just to the Diocesan Women’s Conference like Agape which are running projects like like our children. We love them. And while for encouraging women to attend by Lametna, support the students and their we are not sure what the future holds, we sponsoring half the fees and thanks to families by purchasing these carefully and can only pray and trust that God has a the Diocese for having such a programme delicately made handicrafts. plan for thems.” where we can again get a touch from the Lord and renew our first love. AM Share: Please help to create awareness As a family in Christ it should rightly be about the Chin community and the our duty and joy to reach out to our Chin struggles they face living as refugees and brothers and sisters who are in need, to *Dear ladies, if you wish to attend, do contact as silent seekers in this land. An increase encourage and support them, in Agape the president of your church Women’s of public awareness will greatly help the school and beyond. This is the right Fellowship. social work which is being carried out on response of those who have been saved behalf of the Chin community in Malaysia. by grace through faith in Christ.

5. One Family in Christ “If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you “We are blessed that God has chosen us says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed to be His people,” said Sian Lek, referring and filled,” without giving them the things to the Chin community. And God’s people needed for the body, what good is that? Raji Jacob is on the committee of the Diocesan they are indeed, for all who trust in Jesus So also faith by itself, if it does not have Prayer Ministry and is the Chairperson of the as Saviour and King are part of God’s works, is dead.” – James 2:15-17 AM Prayer Ministry in St Paul’s Church, PJ. 15 Diocesan Prayer Gathering 2019 by Edna David

On 9 February 2019, the second prayer gathering was held at St James Church, Kuala Lumpur. About 43 people attended this gathering.

Prayer gathering in St James Church

Revd David Rajiah Chairperson of the Diocesan Prayer Ministry On 9 March, 33 people gathered at St Paul’s Church, Petaling Jaya to pray. It ave you heard of the Diocesan at the outcome of the GE14 results. Truly, was truly a wonderful time praising and Prayer Ministry (DPM)? Every God answers prayers. worshipping God in the English, Bahasa Hmonth this ministry sends out the and Tamil languages. Diocesan Prayer Diary prepared by Revd From here was born the Diocesan Prayer David Rajiah, chairperson of the DPM Gathering which began with a small which contains prayer points, to every committee. The committee decided church to pray for the Anglican Diocese to hold monthly prayer gatherings of West Malaysia and the nation. in different churches to encourage members to attend.The main aim was In 2017, there was talk that the next to gather the Anglican churches in all general election, GE14 was going to be languages to come together to pray for a crucial one for the nation. An urgent the Diocese and for the Nation. appeal was made to all churches to mobilize their members to pray for a Prayer gathering in St Paul’s Church clean government. That same year, the DPM committee organized the Diocesan The Diocesan Prayer Gathering will meet Prayer Day at the Diocesan Chapel on next on: 29 May from 9.00am – 4.00pm. Different churches in the Klang Valley came for a 30 March - Emmanuel Centre Seremban time of fasting and prayer for the nation. - Lower Central Churches The following year churches began - 5pm - 7.30pm organizing Prayer Vigils, Prayer Days and Prayer Gatherings. The Prayer Ministry 11 May - St Katherine’s Church, encouraged all churches in the Diocese Kajang - 10 am - 1pm to pray intensively for the election and in Prayer gathering in St Mary’s Cathedral particular that God would raise up men Please join us. Prayer is the heartbeat of and women of integrity to lead the nation. Praise the Lord ! The first prayer gathering God and it is vital that we do everything On 8 April 2018, a combined prayer for the year was held in the Upper Central by prayer. Come, pray and see a gathering was held in the Diocesan Archdeaconry on 12th January 2019 transformation in our churches. AM chapel from 9am to 3pm. The ministry at St Mary’s Cathedral when 23 people was encouraged to see how fervently the gathered for a time of praise and prayer. Edna David is the wife of Revd David Rajiah people prayed, beseeching God to act at We praise God for the wonderful time and worships with her husband in Emmanuel 16 such a time as this. The nation rejoiced spent praying together. Centre Seremban.

Penang AIM Seminar on Comparative Religions by Pastor Ang Joo Tat

here was once a king, who, in order to explain Tthe relationship between different religions, commanded his people to bring an elephant to his garden. He had a few of his people blindfolded, then asked them to examine the item in the garden and make a report. One man, feeling the trunk, said, “This is a rope.” Another feeling the elephant’s leg said with confidence, “This is a tree.” All the blindfolded people had their own opinions Participants with the Roman Catholic Bishop of Penang Father Sebastian Francis about the mysterious subject. All of them argued with confidence, insisting that they were races, these topics are worth our because all humans are searching for the correct. Only when their blindfolds were reflection. The Penang Anglican Institute meaning of life. If we are not searching for removed did they realize how foolish they of Ministry in its attempt to help its the meaning of life then all we would be had been. Said the king, “All religions people understand their faith in relation doing is merely existing and working to are only part of the truth. Any one that to other faiths organized a seminar on make a living. - Joshua Ooi calls itself the ‘only true one’ is just like Comparative Religions. Below is the one of these blindfolded people, calling feedback received from some of the Although each religion has its own god, themselves right.” (Gavin D’Costa ‘Is participants. all of them teach people the need to One Religion as Good as Another’, The display kindness and have strong moral Incorporated Catholic Truth Society 1985 Feedback from Students: values. However, I believe we need to pages 1-2) find the God of creation in order to live a AIM Comparative Religion served to meaningful life. Throughout the lessons, Though this is an analogy we are discuss what religion is, why humans what I found interesting was the visit reminded through it that as Christians, need religion and the differences between to the Sifu or the Master of different we are facing a critical problem today various religions. Besides lessons on religions to learn about their respective – the relationship between Christianity Christianity, we were given sessions on religions in an in-depth manner. The and other religions and the theological Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, Sikhism, most challenging part of this course conflicts that arise. While Christianity Judaism and Roman Catholicism. This was to know that I need to respect other recognises that there are fine things in all was the first time I compared Christianity religions even though their adherents do religions, Christianity is not one religion with other religions in an objective not belong to Christ. – Ko Woon Hui among others, it is in a category all by manner. The purpose of this seminar was itself. No other world faith can claim that not to prove that one religion was superior While doing my assignment, I came its founder is God incarnate. However to another but to find out, objectively, how across terms such as exclusivism, questions have arisen, ‘Is it true that each religion answers this question: Why inclusivism, pluralism and others. I can Christians believe that their faith is the do humans need religion? The focus of sympathize with inclusivism. If other only faith while other faiths do not hold our course this time was the interview with religions accept salvation, then many any element of truth? Is it right that other religious leaders that was carefully people will be saved, and that makes salvation can only be gained through arranged by the speaker. This was a it fair, and Christians will be rid of their Jesus Christ? Can religions be compared very refreshing approach and we spent salvation privilege. While we sympathize to one another? How should Christians a total of two Saturdays meeting with two with our non-Christian friends, what they treat people of other beliefs?’ different religious leaders, a Buddhist need to do is to come before God in and a Roman Catholic. After these humility, and allow Him to remind them Living in a country that is made up of interviews, I came to the conclusion that 17 multi-cultures, multi-beliefs and multi- the reason why humans need religion is • cont’d on page 19 My 1-year as a St. Chad’s Volunteer by Peter Ooi

hile waiting at Birmingham 2. People and Culture No matter where I went I was constantly Airport for my check-in desk to Meeting the British gave me an in-depth discovering local delights and cuisines. Wbe shown on screen a friend knowledge of the practicalities of the Sharing recipes with people I met and asked me what my top five experiences English culture. One that I experienced especially with my host family was a were throughout my one-year St Chad’s and cultivated readily was politeness. I delight. Through this experience, I came Volunteer Programme (SCVP). Here they don’t think I have ever used more “please” to enjoy and love Sunday roast, lemon are: and “thank you” in my daily conversations drizzles and banoffee pie. My host family this one year than I have in my lifetime. on the other hand loved my prawn noodles. 1. His unfailing guidance I realise I have become more polite and

With the senior citizens and the youths

The first undoubtedly was my role as a patient in dealing with the various aspects 4. Travel and Hiking youth leader. At the very first meeting with of my life. Whenever I ventured out, each journey the Vicar Of Bayston Hill, I I made was unique. Whether it was was told that there was a need for a youth Secondly, I learned to kick off conversations the mountains or the lowland, each leader to start a cell group for youngsters. with strangers regarding topics related was an experience in itself and each It was a surprise and of concern to me as I to our daily life (weather, Brexit, football broadened my knowledge on the history was in the middle of settling in the church. and anything and everything regarding and culture of the region. One of my In my fears and doubts I turned to the Lord our surroundings). I valued these greatest experiences was hiking up Mount and throughout this year, He journeyed opportunities for conversations, because Snowdon, the highest mountain in Wales. with me all the time. While seeking for I used them to share the gospel. The joy and excitement of reaching the inspiration and creativity I experienced His leadership and guidance. 3. Food

I thank God for answering my prayers for the youngsters from Christ Church, Wrockwardine Deanery and Shrewsbury Youth for Christ. I was desperate to see their lives being touched by God’s love and so it was really exciting and encouraging to hear how the youngsters had encountered and experienced His unfailing love and kindness through the dramatisation of The Prodigal Son & Rend Enjoying Sunday roast lamb and prawn noodles Collective Concert. 18 • cont’d from page 17 Penang AIM Seminar on Comparative Religions

that salvation is gained through God’s grace alone. – Michelle Wong

summit were indescribable. Furthermore, Furthermore, I was invited to attend hiking under the typical British weather the National Youth Ministry Weekend (wet and misty) was quite an exciting (NYMW) in 2017. I was extremely experience. encouraged by the worship leaders and inspirational leaders’ testimonies. Insights Other participants at the AIM seminar I have gained listening to them will go a long way to make me an effective youth Throughout this course, we not only learnt leader when I return home and lead in the about the history of the various religions ministries assigned to me. and doctrines, we also got to interview the Sifu, the Master of other religions in order My one-year experience as a St. Chad’s to have our questions answered. These volunteer has broadened my horizon interviews allowed us to see their views on and impacted my life radically. At the Christianity. From the AIM course I have same time, I have become prouder of the learnt that I cannot focus on myself. I need to carry out Christ’s great commission to Wet and misty day for hiking beauty, colour and variety of Malaysia’s (or Southeast-Asia’s) culture. I thank God go and make disciples. When we focus for such an exciting year. AM on our faith and not show compassion for 5. Conferences another’s beliefs and preach the gospel “brutally”, it will cause people to turn away from us. We need to know our audience in order to speak to them better! Once we have captured their confidence, we will be able to rebuild their trust in us to listen to us when we bring the gospel to them. – Gene Loh

The blindfolded men’s responses in the analogy of the elephant represent the different religions. Everyone views another’s religion differently so we need to learn to listen and understand the others point of view. However, as Christians, we believe that there is only one God, and He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Without Christ, we will not be able to get to our Heavenly Father. – Ko See Lang AM

Attending Worship Central Conference Peter Ooi works in Client Servicing at Times Pastor Ang Joo Tat is a full time pastor in St 2017 and Leadership Conference Media Sdn Bhd. He currently worships at Paul’s Church, Penang under the tutelage of Holy Trinity Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur. the Venerable Dr Stephen Soe. 2018 were a ‘dream come true’ for me. 19 Printed by: Triple Triangle Trading. No. 91, Jalan Taming 6, Taman Taming Jaya, 43300 Balakong, Selangor.